Bobby Engram has a point. And so do the Seattle Seahawks. And that’s what makes this a tricky situation. That said, there are certainly ways to resolve the dispute between the team and its best wide receiver, and Engram will be on the field when the Seahawks open the season in Buffalo on Sept. 7.Engram argues that he deserves to be paid better than he currently is in light of the fact that he had a career year in 2007. As injuries depleted the Seahawks’ receiving corps, Engram bounced back from a thyroid condition that had cost him most of the 2006 Reebok Indianapolis Colts 18 Peyton Manning Realtree camo Jersey
season and he proceeded to set the team record with 94 receptions in 2007. Although he is 35, Engram remains the team’s top receiver. Deion Branch, who missed much of last season with injuries, will be out for at least half of the 2008 campaign. D.J. Hackett, who also was mostly a non-factor in 2007, is no longer with the team. That means Engram and Nate Burleson will be counted on to lead an otherwise very inexperienced receiving corps.Engram knows how important he is to the offense – he long has been quarterback Matt Hasselbeck’s security blanket. He also knows that a once strong position has been weakened through attrition and that his absence would certainly hurt the offense even more. At $1.7 million, Engram is scheduled to make about half of what Branch ($3.5 million) and Burleson ($3.25 million) will net in 2008. This also is the final year of the two-year deal he signed in 2007, and he feels like he can play for another three seasons. Add it all up, and Engram doesn’t plan to report to camp until the Seahawks have given him a raise and contract extension. He has asked for a two-year renewal through 2010. As he told the Seattle P-I last week, “I have clearly outplayed that contract [signed in 2006]. Do they have to extend my contract? No. Should they? Yes.”The Seahawks have valid arguments against it. Obviously Engram was one of their top three offensive players last season (behind Hasselbeck and left tackle Walter Jones), but the fact remains that he just turned 35 in January and still has not played a full season as a starter since joining the Reebok Minnesota Vikings 28 Adrian Peterson Realtree camo Jersey
Seahawks in 2001. He missed three games with broken ribs in 2005 and nine games with the thyroid condition in 2006. President Tim Ruskell is understandably hesitant to invest much money in an aging receiver, even if that player had his best season at age 34. Ruskell reportedly is willing to consider only one year at a time, and he doesn’t want to capitulate to a player who is holding out because it would set a bad precedent. In addition, the Seahawks don’t have much room under the salary cap and couldn’t offer Engram much extra money this year even if they wanted to.As coach Mike Holmgren told reporters last week, “This isn’t the first time something like this has happened. There are business decisions to be made.”Here’s a business decision that could work for both parties: Give Engram the extension he wants using an option bonus that the team could activate next March if he performs well enough in 2008 for the Seahawks to want him back. Make it a $2 million option bonus that would activate two more years (2009 and 2010), with salaries of $2 million each. Basically, the option bonus would serve as a reward if Engram had another outstanding season, and he effectively would have made $3.7 million in 2008 and have an extension at a reasonable price for a guy who will be 36 in January 2009. Of course, if Engram is thinking he should receive $4 million or more per year or in bonus money, he should think again. No team is going to give him that. But it doesn’t seem like he’s trying to break the bank. It just seems like he wants to be paid on par with the teammates he has outperformed. That should be easy enough to fix if he’s willing to wait for the extra money.Of course, until this is settled, the Seahawks won’t see Engram. He’ll sit out the June minicamps and probably even training camp. But, heck, that’s good for everyone. Engram saves his 35-year-old body from a needless preseason pounding while the Seahawks get to see what the younger receivers – Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, Logan Payne and Jordan Kent – can Reebok Minnesota Vikings #4 Brett Favre Realtree camo Jersey
do.Engram knows the offense inside-out, and if Hasselbeck isn’t concerned, no one should be.“I feel like I can throw to Bobby with my eyes closed,” the quarterback told reporters last week. “When Bobby comes back, he’ll be the same Bobby we know and love. We know he works hard when he’s not here. He’ll be a playmaker for us like he was last year.”As long as Engram and the Seahawks agree they both have valid points and must settle on the best option for player and team.
2011年1月13日星期四
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 1/13/09 Bucket of Links!
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesRoy is on the MVP list and Martell is on the MIP list over at ESPN .The Blazers are having another tweet up tonight , head over to the Ford display at 6:15. Casey and Dan put on a nice event!Is everyone aware that Martell Webster and perhaps some of his PR people, are on twitter? Follow him here .Ben from Blazer's Edge has Execution Breakdowns ; defensive, offensive, and life breakdowns.Sean from Oregon Live has video and quotes from yesterday's practice.Wendell Maxey of Beyond Reebok New England Patriots #12 Tom Brady Realtree camo Jersey
the Beat has a great little piece on Andre Miller .Brian T. Smith of the Columbian says Rudy is chomping at the bit to return to game action.Rudy himself also chimes in on the situation .Dwight Jaynes Talking about the Blazers making deals , or not making deals.Ezra Caraeff of the newly assembled Portland Roundball Society: I think I'll enjoy this feature, island of misfit Blazers toys featuring Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje.Jason Quick of Oregon Live says Andre Miller is finding his comfort zone .Kellex from Blaze of Love has a comparison of Kobe and LeBron from our weekend of star power.It looks like Blake Griffin is out for the season , not a good feeling for Clippers' fans. We know your pain.
the Beat has a great little piece on Andre Miller .Brian T. Smith of the Columbian says Rudy is chomping at the bit to return to game action.Rudy himself also chimes in on the situation .Dwight Jaynes Talking about the Blazers making deals , or not making deals.Ezra Caraeff of the newly assembled Portland Roundball Society: I think I'll enjoy this feature, island of misfit Blazers toys featuring Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje.Jason Quick of Oregon Live says Andre Miller is finding his comfort zone .Kellex from Blaze of Love has a comparison of Kobe and LeBron from our weekend of star power.It looks like Blake Griffin is out for the season , not a good feeling for Clippers' fans. We know your pain.
12 Jan 11 Give 'Em Wil Or Gallo!
Al Bello/Getty ImagesIn the wake of David Lee's latest All-Star snub, a couple of things might have become apparent to Knicks fans. First, Lee's stats really are somewhat inflated and he's not an All-Star calibre player. Second, the Knicks truly are thatbad if their star can average almost 20 and 11, receive the endorsement of future hall of famer Kobe Bryant among others, and still be passed over for a reserve spot.The reality is probably a combination of the two. It has been a joy to watch Lee develop over the past few years. He's transformed from a hustling reserve Minnesota Vikings
to a solid all-around player who could start for some of the NBA's top teams. He is also, however, an undersized center who regularly gets bullied by stronger, more athletic big men (being outplayed by Drew Gooden set the tone for the Knicks' disastrous Sunday loss to Dallas).At the same time, I have a feeling that Lee's defense suffers, in large part, because the Knicks ask too much of him on offense. He will never be a terrific interior defender, he isn't built for that, but I can't help but feel that if he had some consistent help on the other end of the floor, he might improve as a defender in the same way he learned how to become an excellent midrange shooter.This season, Lee has been the centerpiece of the offense with his shooting and playmaking abilities. There are only a handful of players who match great offensive production with impressive defense and 2 of them are serenaded with MVP chants everywhere they play.The solution: get some more offensive weapons to take some of the weight off of Lee's shoulders. Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, and Al HarringtonNew England Patriots jersey
just haven't been getting it done consistently. Although I like Chandler and Gallo, I'm not sold on the Knicks' youth movement (as I'm sure this summer's top free agents aren't). To make a real play for two free agents this summer, the Knicks will have to move Jefferies' awful contract. To make Jefferies' contract palatable to another the team, the Knicks will have to include either Gallo or Chandler in a package. I prefer Chandler because he possesses top-tier athleticism and would fill more needs as a role player on a better Knicks team, but I'm sure most other teams prefer him over Gallo too. Both players essentially occupy the same position, so bidding farewell to either one would be a small price to pay for the financial maneuverability moving Jefferies would allow. With Jefferies gone, the Knicks would have more of New Orleans Saints jersey
a shot at paying for 2 max contracts this summer. Without an All-Star berth, David Lee's free agent stock is definitely not as high as it would have been had he made the team. This is great news for the Knicks. Even with 2 max contracts, they might be able to get Lee to sign on for the fun as well at a price that would not break the bank.
to a solid all-around player who could start for some of the NBA's top teams. He is also, however, an undersized center who regularly gets bullied by stronger, more athletic big men (being outplayed by Drew Gooden set the tone for the Knicks' disastrous Sunday loss to Dallas).At the same time, I have a feeling that Lee's defense suffers, in large part, because the Knicks ask too much of him on offense. He will never be a terrific interior defender, he isn't built for that, but I can't help but feel that if he had some consistent help on the other end of the floor, he might improve as a defender in the same way he learned how to become an excellent midrange shooter.This season, Lee has been the centerpiece of the offense with his shooting and playmaking abilities. There are only a handful of players who match great offensive production with impressive defense and 2 of them are serenaded with MVP chants everywhere they play.The solution: get some more offensive weapons to take some of the weight off of Lee's shoulders. Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, and Al HarringtonNew England Patriots jersey
just haven't been getting it done consistently. Although I like Chandler and Gallo, I'm not sold on the Knicks' youth movement (as I'm sure this summer's top free agents aren't). To make a real play for two free agents this summer, the Knicks will have to move Jefferies' awful contract. To make Jefferies' contract palatable to another the team, the Knicks will have to include either Gallo or Chandler in a package. I prefer Chandler because he possesses top-tier athleticism and would fill more needs as a role player on a better Knicks team, but I'm sure most other teams prefer him over Gallo too. Both players essentially occupy the same position, so bidding farewell to either one would be a small price to pay for the financial maneuverability moving Jefferies would allow. With Jefferies gone, the Knicks would have more of New Orleans Saints jersey
a shot at paying for 2 max contracts this summer. Without an All-Star berth, David Lee's free agent stock is definitely not as high as it would have been had he made the team. This is great news for the Knicks. Even with 2 max contracts, they might be able to get Lee to sign on for the fun as well at a price that would not break the bank.
12 Jan 11 Tornoto Raptors Antoine Wright: Burning Down The Doghouse!
Nick Laham/Getty ImagesBryan Colangelo spent this past summer accumulating some players he believed would help the Raptors shed their image of being a non-athletic group of bad defenders.Players like Reggie Evans, Antoine Wright, and Jarrett Jack were acquired to provide some toughness and defense while players like Sonny Weems, Amir Johnson, and Marco Belinelli were acquired to gain speed and athleticism.At the start of the season, some might have questioned if any of these moves were going to actually pan out. But things have changed.One of Colangelo key acquisitions, Antoine Wright, landed in Toronto as the defensive specialist from Dallas who unexpectedly started in 53 regular season and five playoff games for a very good Mavericks team. But,Dallas used Wright in limited minutes last season, even when he started. The Raptors best case scenario is likely to do the same. Until Wright can demonstrate that he has improved both his shooting stroke and his turnovers, it will be a challenge for coaches to keep him on the floor for extended periods.The Case for Antoine WrightAnd despite Jay Triano glowing reviews about Wright ability to learn his defensive schemes in training camp, Wright remained an unproven acquisition.Wright immediately became a big part of Jay Triano rotation, averaging over 20 minutes per game to start the season. But as the season progressed, Wright minutes declined.Jay Triano relied on Wright far more than his 'success' with Dallas warranted and Wright rewarded Triano by shooting a career low 33.6% from the field. Wright making an offensive play could almost be equated with a turnover.However, the Raptors could probably live with Wright less than helpful offensive game if he was providing the defense everyone had anticipated. Sadly, he has not.Antoine Wright is deep in Jay Triano doghouse!After mid-December, Sonny Weems began to get Wright minutes in the rotation and Sonny provided athleticism and excitement that is not part of Wright game.Fortunately for Wright, Jay Triano must have seen what Wright could bring to the team. Or maybe it was just that Weems couldn keep up that exceptionally hot shooting he brought to his first few games in the rotation. But, by the end of December, Wright was getting his chance again.Antoine Wright has played in all 13 Raptors' games in January coming into last night's game against the Knicks, averaging 16 minutes and making solid contributions on the floor.Wright discovered that shooting less equals more floor time for him, as he has averaged less than four shots per game. And shooting less has helped boost his hit rate to a respectable 44.9 percent from the field. Wright is no longer a liability on offense.But perhaps the exclamation point on Wright January play was the 11 minute, 0-0 shooting, one rebound effort against the LA Lakers. Jay Triano re-inserted Wright into the line-up for 3.9 seconds with 15.3 seconds to go and again with 1.2 seconds left to guard Kobe Bryant. And Kobe misses two three-point attempts to preserve a Raptors victory.Then in the Raptors' last two games against the Heat and Knicks, Wright took that December doghouse he was in and burned it to the ground.In the past two games, Wright has scored 22 points, collected 10 boards, and made 8-of-12 shots, including 4-5 from three-point range.After a rough December, Antoine Wright has earned his time back in the Raptors' rotation.
2011年1月10日星期一
10 Jan 11 Rebuilding Through The Draft Doesnt Work
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesThis article shows why building through draft never works, so forget about John Hall or whoever else in this year's draft and forget about tanking the season.Quick history lesson about building through draft and young playersT-Wolves case2009 draft: Jonny Flynn, Wayne Ellington2008 draft: Kevin Love2007 draft: Corey BrewerYoung players from KG trade: Al Jefferson, Ryan GomesReason for rebuilding: Departure of franchise player Kevin GarnettVerdict: No franchise-altering force out of all of them. They have been rebuilding since trading KG. Tried to build around Randy Foye, then gave up (traded him for the pick that got them Ricky Rubio). Tried to build around Al Jefferson then gave up (they're shopping him). Now seem to be building around Flynn. 2 out of the 4 young players acquired from theWashington Redskins jersey
KG trade flamed out (Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair). This rebuilding project will last forever.Kings' case2009 draft: Tyreke Evans, Omri Cassipi, Jon Brockman2008 draft: Jason Thompson, Donte Greene (Artest trade)2007 draft: Spencer Hawes2005 draft: Francisco GarciaYoung players from Kevin Martin trade: Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey, Dominic McGuireReason for rebuilding: Departure of franchise player Chris Webber, main sidekicks Peja Stojakovic, and head coach Rick AdelmanVerdict: They're counting on Evans to turn around this franchise's fortune, but they have been gradually rebuilding since getting rid of C-Webb. They tried to build around Ron Artest then gave up. They tried to build around Kevin Martin then gave up as well. They seem to be building around Evans now. Evans already drove the only other decent player out of town (ie. Kevin Martin). This seems to be another never-ending rebuilding project.Nets' case2009 draft: Terrence Williams2008 draft: Brook Lopez, Chris Douglas-Roberts2006 draft: Josh BooneYoung players received from trading away Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson: Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Yi JianlianReason for rebuilding: Departure of franchise player Jason KiddVerdict: This is the worst team in the history of the game. Getting the #1 pick is not gonna change that. Rebuilding has been ongoing since Jason Kidd got traded away. Harris was supposed to be the new cornerstone, but apparently they have lost faith in him and are shopping him. Douglas-Roberts and Boone also fell out of a favor and are on the trading block. Now they seem to want to build around Lopez and whoever they take in this year's draft. There's just no franchise-altering force on this team. Unless they make a splash in free agency or this will be another never-ending rebuilding project.Grizzlies case2009 draft: Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll, Sam Young2008 draft: OJ Mayo, Darrell Arthur2007 draft: Mike Conley2006 draft: Rudy GayYoung players acquired from Pau Gasol trade: Marc GasolReason for rebuilding: Departure of franchise player Pau GasolVerdict: The Grizzlies are .500 this year not through rebuilding but thanks to Zach Randolph, whom they acquired because other teams had been throwing him around due to salary cap reason, but they will won't make the playoff. They probably won't have the money to add more pieces or even resign Gay this offseason. .500 is probably their ceiling. They tried to build around Gay after trading P. Gasol, but apparently decided this year that he's not the answer by allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.Blazers case2009 draft: Dante Cunningham, Jeff Pendergraph, Patrick Mills2008 draft: Jerryd Bayless, Nicolas Batum, Rudy Fernandez2007 draft: Greg Oden2006 draft: Brandon Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge2005 draft: Martell Webster2003 draft: Travis Outlaw (recently traded)Reason for rebuilding: The breakup of the Jail Blazers.Verdict: One of the luckier rebuilding effort. They fluked out with Brandon Roy, who is the only reason they are better than the Kings and the Timberwolves right now. They struck out with most of their other draft picks. Webster, Oden, Bayless are all obvious busts. Aldridge isn't as good as most people think. He's not a star. They would have been better off getting equal value from Rasheed Wallace, Zach Randolph, etc instead of just doing salary dumps.Bulls case2009 draft: Taj Gibson, James Johnson2008 draft: Derrick Rose2007 draft: Joakim Noah2004 draft: Luol Deng2003 draft: Kirk HinrichReason for rebuilding: Retirement of Michael Jordan and departure of head coach Phil Jackson and sidekick Scottie PippenVerdict: Never ending cycle of mediocrity and lottery. The Bulls case is probably the most traumatic case of rebuilding in the history of rebuilding. GM Jerry Krause decided to rebuild and trade away almost everyone from the championship team (Toni Kukoc was the last to go in early 2000). They won the draft lottery in '99 and took Elton Brand with the top pick. They also drafted Ron Artest for good measure. Even though the team was horrible, the future seems to be bright with tons of cap room. Their classless treatment of former players came back to haunt them, however, as Eddie Jones, Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, and Tim Thomas all rejected their overture during the offseason in 2000. Eventually, they had to overpay for Ron Mercer and also brought in Brad Miller. They also added more young talents (Marcus Fizer, Jamal Crawford) through the draft. Yet, they again finished with the worst record in team history. Brand, deemed a failed franchise player, was traded on draft day 2001 for Tyson Chandler. They also drafted Eddy Curry on the same day. The thinking was that one day these two raw prep-to-pro players will form a "twin tower" just like the Spurs did with Tim Duncan and David Robinson. That never happened.The juggling continued, however, Mercer, Artest, and Miller were traded at midseason for Pacers go-to guy Jalen Rose. The team finished last in the league.The next season, the team drafted can't miss phenom Jay Williams as the second overall pick in 2002 and also added Donyell Marshall, who was an important sidekick to Malone and Stockton before he landed in Chicago. Expectation was high. The team did improve, but was not even close to contending for a playoff spot. Williams' play was also considered disappointing.Williams got into a motorcycle accident during the offseason and never played basketball since. The team quickly moved on by drafting Kirk Hinrich in 2003 as his replacement. Scottie Pippen returned to the team. It seemed like the young talents have finally matured and it was now time to contend. The team actually regressed. Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall were traded. Fizer and Jamal Crawford also left the team. The team was officially rebuilding yet AGAIN.Young talents like Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon were selected in the draft. Andres Nocioni was also brought in. The Bulls finally made the playoffs as the #3 seed in a weak East, but were upset in the first round.The following season, Curry was let go due to heart problem. The team regressed and barely made the playoffs.In 2006, the Bulls got Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha in the draft. They also signed all-star center Ben Wallace, proving that they Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
intended to contend. The 06-07 season was their best season since MJ retired as they advanced to the second round.The future was looking bright in 2007 yet trade rumors involving Kobe Bryant and contract demands from Ben Gordon and Luol Deng began to take its toil on the team. The team got off to a slow start and missed the postseason.In 2008, they won the lottery and drafted Derrick Rose. It seems like it is 1999 all over again.Prominent failed experiments in the last decade: Andrew Bogut with Milwaukee, Kevin Martin with Sacramento, Al Jefferson with Minnesota, Randy Foye with Minnesota, Andre Iguodala with Philly, Michael Redd with Milwaukee, Danny Granger with Indiana (jury still out on this one), Devin Harris with New Jersey, Jason Richardson with Golden State, Elton Brand with Chicago/LA Clippers, Emeka Okafor with Charlotte, Andrei Kirilenko with Utah, Rudy Gay with Memphis, Tim Thomas in Milwaukee, Antawn Jamison with Golden State
KG trade flamed out (Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair). This rebuilding project will last forever.Kings' case2009 draft: Tyreke Evans, Omri Cassipi, Jon Brockman2008 draft: Jason Thompson, Donte Greene (Artest trade)2007 draft: Spencer Hawes2005 draft: Francisco GarciaYoung players from Kevin Martin trade: Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey, Dominic McGuireReason for rebuilding: Departure of franchise player Chris Webber, main sidekicks Peja Stojakovic, and head coach Rick AdelmanVerdict: They're counting on Evans to turn around this franchise's fortune, but they have been gradually rebuilding since getting rid of C-Webb. They tried to build around Ron Artest then gave up. They tried to build around Kevin Martin then gave up as well. They seem to be building around Evans now. Evans already drove the only other decent player out of town (ie. Kevin Martin). This seems to be another never-ending rebuilding project.Nets' case2009 draft: Terrence Williams2008 draft: Brook Lopez, Chris Douglas-Roberts2006 draft: Josh BooneYoung players received from trading away Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson: Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Yi JianlianReason for rebuilding: Departure of franchise player Jason KiddVerdict: This is the worst team in the history of the game. Getting the #1 pick is not gonna change that. Rebuilding has been ongoing since Jason Kidd got traded away. Harris was supposed to be the new cornerstone, but apparently they have lost faith in him and are shopping him. Douglas-Roberts and Boone also fell out of a favor and are on the trading block. Now they seem to want to build around Lopez and whoever they take in this year's draft. There's just no franchise-altering force on this team. Unless they make a splash in free agency or this will be another never-ending rebuilding project.Grizzlies case2009 draft: Hasheem Thabeet, DeMarre Carroll, Sam Young2008 draft: OJ Mayo, Darrell Arthur2007 draft: Mike Conley2006 draft: Rudy GayYoung players acquired from Pau Gasol trade: Marc GasolReason for rebuilding: Departure of franchise player Pau GasolVerdict: The Grizzlies are .500 this year not through rebuilding but thanks to Zach Randolph, whom they acquired because other teams had been throwing him around due to salary cap reason, but they will won't make the playoff. They probably won't have the money to add more pieces or even resign Gay this offseason. .500 is probably their ceiling. They tried to build around Gay after trading P. Gasol, but apparently decided this year that he's not the answer by allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.Blazers case2009 draft: Dante Cunningham, Jeff Pendergraph, Patrick Mills2008 draft: Jerryd Bayless, Nicolas Batum, Rudy Fernandez2007 draft: Greg Oden2006 draft: Brandon Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge2005 draft: Martell Webster2003 draft: Travis Outlaw (recently traded)Reason for rebuilding: The breakup of the Jail Blazers.Verdict: One of the luckier rebuilding effort. They fluked out with Brandon Roy, who is the only reason they are better than the Kings and the Timberwolves right now. They struck out with most of their other draft picks. Webster, Oden, Bayless are all obvious busts. Aldridge isn't as good as most people think. He's not a star. They would have been better off getting equal value from Rasheed Wallace, Zach Randolph, etc instead of just doing salary dumps.Bulls case2009 draft: Taj Gibson, James Johnson2008 draft: Derrick Rose2007 draft: Joakim Noah2004 draft: Luol Deng2003 draft: Kirk HinrichReason for rebuilding: Retirement of Michael Jordan and departure of head coach Phil Jackson and sidekick Scottie PippenVerdict: Never ending cycle of mediocrity and lottery. The Bulls case is probably the most traumatic case of rebuilding in the history of rebuilding. GM Jerry Krause decided to rebuild and trade away almost everyone from the championship team (Toni Kukoc was the last to go in early 2000). They won the draft lottery in '99 and took Elton Brand with the top pick. They also drafted Ron Artest for good measure. Even though the team was horrible, the future seems to be bright with tons of cap room. Their classless treatment of former players came back to haunt them, however, as Eddie Jones, Tim Duncan, Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, and Tim Thomas all rejected their overture during the offseason in 2000. Eventually, they had to overpay for Ron Mercer and also brought in Brad Miller. They also added more young talents (Marcus Fizer, Jamal Crawford) through the draft. Yet, they again finished with the worst record in team history. Brand, deemed a failed franchise player, was traded on draft day 2001 for Tyson Chandler. They also drafted Eddy Curry on the same day. The thinking was that one day these two raw prep-to-pro players will form a "twin tower" just like the Spurs did with Tim Duncan and David Robinson. That never happened.The juggling continued, however, Mercer, Artest, and Miller were traded at midseason for Pacers go-to guy Jalen Rose. The team finished last in the league.The next season, the team drafted can't miss phenom Jay Williams as the second overall pick in 2002 and also added Donyell Marshall, who was an important sidekick to Malone and Stockton before he landed in Chicago. Expectation was high. The team did improve, but was not even close to contending for a playoff spot. Williams' play was also considered disappointing.Williams got into a motorcycle accident during the offseason and never played basketball since. The team quickly moved on by drafting Kirk Hinrich in 2003 as his replacement. Scottie Pippen returned to the team. It seemed like the young talents have finally matured and it was now time to contend. The team actually regressed. Jalen Rose and Donyell Marshall were traded. Fizer and Jamal Crawford also left the team. The team was officially rebuilding yet AGAIN.Young talents like Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Chris Duhon were selected in the draft. Andres Nocioni was also brought in. The Bulls finally made the playoffs as the #3 seed in a weak East, but were upset in the first round.The following season, Curry was let go due to heart problem. The team regressed and barely made the playoffs.In 2006, the Bulls got Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha in the draft. They also signed all-star center Ben Wallace, proving that they Reebok Baltimore Ravens #5 Joe Flacco Realtree camo Jersey
intended to contend. The 06-07 season was their best season since MJ retired as they advanced to the second round.The future was looking bright in 2007 yet trade rumors involving Kobe Bryant and contract demands from Ben Gordon and Luol Deng began to take its toil on the team. The team got off to a slow start and missed the postseason.In 2008, they won the lottery and drafted Derrick Rose. It seems like it is 1999 all over again.Prominent failed experiments in the last decade: Andrew Bogut with Milwaukee, Kevin Martin with Sacramento, Al Jefferson with Minnesota, Randy Foye with Minnesota, Andre Iguodala with Philly, Michael Redd with Milwaukee, Danny Granger with Indiana (jury still out on this one), Devin Harris with New Jersey, Jason Richardson with Golden State, Elton Brand with Chicago/LA Clippers, Emeka Okafor with Charlotte, Andrei Kirilenko with Utah, Rudy Gay with Memphis, Tim Thomas in Milwaukee, Antawn Jamison with Golden State
2011年1月9日星期日
9 Jan 11 The Verdict: Phil Jackson Answers The Critics Result Lakers Win.
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesThe Zen Master has finally awaken out his slumber, just in time for the final stretch leading into the playoffs. Like always with Phil he doesn't make the adjustments when you would like but his fine tuning of the Laker is always on time.This evenings game against the Nuggets unlike the many games before it, when Gasol starting playing soft Phil benched him. When its was apparent that Fisher was going to be beat to the punch by Billups all night, benched him. Right on Phil!Josh Powelland Mbenga steppedin for Bynum adding, Buffalo Bills jersey
6 points a piece. Their biggest influence was down low where they contested every shot and went after every rebound an energy that was deseperately needed.The biggest surprise of the night was Lamar Odom exploding for 20 points12 rebounds 1 block shot and 4 steals. Hopefully this type of performance is something the laker can look forward to in the future.The my vital keys to the Lakers sucess during the course of this game would have to be the stifling defensive effort by Ron Artest who had 6 steals and forced numerous turnovers. He also held Anthony to 21 points of 7-19 shooting, while adding 17 points 12 of the points coming from behind the three point strike.The most important key of all was Kobe Bryant the Mamba transforming to Kobe Bryant the Facilitator. Because of various well placed traps, and zones Carolina Panthers jersey
Kobe suffered from the field going for 14 points off 17 shots. Kobe being Kobe he still found a away to bury the competition finding fellow Lakers all night for easy buckets, finishing with 12 assist.He wasn't a slouch on the defensive end either, gathering 3 steals and 2 block shots he more than made up for a sluggish performance on the shooting end.I think its safe to just when you think ole Phil is losing his touch he shocks us once again making all the right moves just in the nick of time.
6 points a piece. Their biggest influence was down low where they contested every shot and went after every rebound an energy that was deseperately needed.The biggest surprise of the night was Lamar Odom exploding for 20 points12 rebounds 1 block shot and 4 steals. Hopefully this type of performance is something the laker can look forward to in the future.The my vital keys to the Lakers sucess during the course of this game would have to be the stifling defensive effort by Ron Artest who had 6 steals and forced numerous turnovers. He also held Anthony to 21 points of 7-19 shooting, while adding 17 points 12 of the points coming from behind the three point strike.The most important key of all was Kobe Bryant the Mamba transforming to Kobe Bryant the Facilitator. Because of various well placed traps, and zones Carolina Panthers jersey
Kobe suffered from the field going for 14 points off 17 shots. Kobe being Kobe he still found a away to bury the competition finding fellow Lakers all night for easy buckets, finishing with 12 assist.He wasn't a slouch on the defensive end either, gathering 3 steals and 2 block shots he more than made up for a sluggish performance on the shooting end.I think its safe to just when you think ole Phil is losing his touch he shocks us once again making all the right moves just in the nick of time.
2011年1月8日星期六
8 Jan 11 Chicago Bulls: Recent Injuries Creating Opportunities for New/Young Players
Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesWhen the Chicago Bulls acquired Acie Law from the Bobcats (along with Flip Murray) for disgruntled power forward Tyrus Thomas, they probably weren't planning on the former Aggie getting much playing time.Then again, at that time, the team probably didn't think it'd be sitting in the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference, a game and a half behind the final playoff berth with only 16 games remaining, and stars Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, and Joakim Noah riding the pine.However, with injuries piling up and the Bulls currently Denver Broncos jersey
on an eight-game losing streak, the team's new acquisitions, along with their recent draft picks, are finding their way into games, and not just in "scrub time."The box score for Tuesday night's game against the Grizzlies would've looked pretty funny if presented to a Bulls fan before this season: no Rose, Deng, Noah, Thomas, or John Salmonsthe projected starting lineup in the preseason. Their most recent draft picks, Taj Gibson and James Johnson, getting 26 minutes...each. And the three leading scorers in the game were Murray (25), Hakim Warrick (22), and Law (18)all players that were in trade deadline deals.But with a disappointing end to the 2009-10 season comes the optimism of auditioning cheap role players that could join the team next season.And while these moves were initially made to clear cap space for the much anticipated 2010 offseason, there's no doubt that with only six roster players set to return next season the Bulls will have to find cheap alternatives to fill out their roster if, in fact, they dish out a max contract to a Dwyane Wade or LeBron James-type player.Now I've been riding the Warrick train since he arrived from the Bucks (for John Salmons) and still think that he would be a good complement to next year's squad. However, the most impressive showing I've seen from a newcomer since the tradeDetroit Lions
deadline was Acie Law's performance against the Grizzlies.Law, who averages just above 12 minutes per game while only playing in 131 games in his three-year career, played harder and with more passion than any Bulls' player since Noah was sidelined with plantar fasciitis earlier this season.The former first-team All-American in college showed why he was taken with the 11th overall pick in the 2007 draft.He was 6-11 from the field (1-3 from behind the arc) and 5-6 from the free throw line, coming within two points of his career high that was set last season with the Atlanta Hawks.Joining Law with impressive play as of late has been the Bulls' No. 1 pick of last summer's draft, James Johnson. While Tuesday night's game may not seem like much, he still contributed four blocks while playing with incredible defensive intensity, showing the athleticism that was the reason the Bulls took him instead of a DeJuan Blair-type player.Johnson also impressed in the two games previous to Tuesday. Last Thursday, he had 13 points, four assists, and three steals in Green Bay Packers jersey
a losing effort to the Magic. Friday against the Heat, he put up a career-high 20 points on 8-11 shooting and added six rebounds and two blocks.But while the recent injuries to the Bulls' top players have been the main reason for their slide in the standings, it's quietly creating an opportunity for players who usually don't see much floor time to audition for a job with the team come next season.And with only six players returning to the Bulls, low-paying roster spots will inevitably be available.
on an eight-game losing streak, the team's new acquisitions, along with their recent draft picks, are finding their way into games, and not just in "scrub time."The box score for Tuesday night's game against the Grizzlies would've looked pretty funny if presented to a Bulls fan before this season: no Rose, Deng, Noah, Thomas, or John Salmonsthe projected starting lineup in the preseason. Their most recent draft picks, Taj Gibson and James Johnson, getting 26 minutes...each. And the three leading scorers in the game were Murray (25), Hakim Warrick (22), and Law (18)all players that were in trade deadline deals.But with a disappointing end to the 2009-10 season comes the optimism of auditioning cheap role players that could join the team next season.And while these moves were initially made to clear cap space for the much anticipated 2010 offseason, there's no doubt that with only six roster players set to return next season the Bulls will have to find cheap alternatives to fill out their roster if, in fact, they dish out a max contract to a Dwyane Wade or LeBron James-type player.Now I've been riding the Warrick train since he arrived from the Bucks (for John Salmons) and still think that he would be a good complement to next year's squad. However, the most impressive showing I've seen from a newcomer since the tradeDetroit Lions
deadline was Acie Law's performance against the Grizzlies.Law, who averages just above 12 minutes per game while only playing in 131 games in his three-year career, played harder and with more passion than any Bulls' player since Noah was sidelined with plantar fasciitis earlier this season.The former first-team All-American in college showed why he was taken with the 11th overall pick in the 2007 draft.He was 6-11 from the field (1-3 from behind the arc) and 5-6 from the free throw line, coming within two points of his career high that was set last season with the Atlanta Hawks.Joining Law with impressive play as of late has been the Bulls' No. 1 pick of last summer's draft, James Johnson. While Tuesday night's game may not seem like much, he still contributed four blocks while playing with incredible defensive intensity, showing the athleticism that was the reason the Bulls took him instead of a DeJuan Blair-type player.Johnson also impressed in the two games previous to Tuesday. Last Thursday, he had 13 points, four assists, and three steals in Green Bay Packers jersey
a losing effort to the Magic. Friday against the Heat, he put up a career-high 20 points on 8-11 shooting and added six rebounds and two blocks.But while the recent injuries to the Bulls' top players have been the main reason for their slide in the standings, it's quietly creating an opportunity for players who usually don't see much floor time to audition for a job with the team come next season.And with only six players returning to the Bulls, low-paying roster spots will inevitably be available.
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