This morning, Bulls point guard Derrick Rose had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee and he will miss the remainder of this season.
After tearing his right ACL in the 2012 playoffs, Rose missed all of last season.
"Sometimes with athletes in sports, luck has a lot to do with it," Luol Deng said (via K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. "It’s just bad luck. It’s not going to change anything. He’s still going to be Derrick. He still is going to work hard and come back even better. I really believe that he was better coming back from that ACL. It’s unfortunate that it happened. I have no doubt he’s going to come back and play great."
Based on odds from sportsbook.com, the Bulls (20/1) still have the third-lowest odds to win the NBA Championship among teams in the Eastern Conference behind the Heat (2/1) and Pacers (9/2).
With a .500 record one month into the season, the odds of a championship in Chicago seem much longer than that without Rose.
The Bulls are currently the 13th-ranked team in our consensus NBA power rankings for Week 5.
- See our full power rankings here
Monday, November 25, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Lance Stephenson has triple-double vs. Celtics
Before the 2013-14 season, Pacers shooting guard Lance Stephenson never had double-digit assists in a game. In addition, he had 10 rebounds only twice in his career.
That said, Stephenson had a triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists tonight against the Celtics and added a season-high four steals as well.
With a triple-double in 34 minutes on Nov. 11th against the Grizzlies as well, Stephenson now has two triple-doubles, the first two of his career, in his past five games.
Stephenson is averaging 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists this season.
That said, Stephenson had a triple-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists tonight against the Celtics and added a season-high four steals as well.
With a triple-double in 34 minutes on Nov. 11th against the Grizzlies as well, Stephenson now has two triple-doubles, the first two of his career, in his past five games.
Stephenson is averaging 13.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists this season.
Monday, November 18, 2013
2013-14 NBA Power Rankings, Week 4
With roughly three weeks of the NBA season complete, there is one player that ia averaging at least 20 points, 10 rebounds and two three-pointers per game.
Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love is averaging 26.8 points per game, 13.6 rebounds and 2.3 three's per game this season.
Love ranks third in scoring behind OKC's Kevin Durant (28.7 PPG) and Miami's LeBron James (27.3 PPG) and second in rebounding behind only Houston's Dwight Howard (14.2 RPG).
In addition, Love is averaging 4.5 assists per game, which ties him for 37th in the league, although only five of the players ahead of him aren't guards. Plus, four of the five forwards are small forwards with Josh McRoberts (4.7 APG) being the only exception.
With teammate Ricky Rubio (9.6 APG) trailing only Clippers point guard Chris Paul (12.8 APG), Love's high assist total is more impressive. In other words, it's not as though the team lacks a capable distributor of the basketball at the point yet he's still getting his teammates plenty involved while ranking third in the league in scoring.
Although they are currently seventh in the Western Conference, their .636 winning percentage ranks eighth in the NBA and the T'Wolves are 10th in our latest power rankings.
Provided the duo of Love and Rubio can stay healthy, the T'Wolves should have their best season in roughly a decade. Their last winning season was in the Kevin Garnett era: 2004-05 (44-38, .537).
See our full Week 4 NBA Consensus Power Rankings.
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Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love is averaging 26.8 points per game, 13.6 rebounds and 2.3 three's per game this season.
Love ranks third in scoring behind OKC's Kevin Durant (28.7 PPG) and Miami's LeBron James (27.3 PPG) and second in rebounding behind only Houston's Dwight Howard (14.2 RPG).
In addition, Love is averaging 4.5 assists per game, which ties him for 37th in the league, although only five of the players ahead of him aren't guards. Plus, four of the five forwards are small forwards with Josh McRoberts (4.7 APG) being the only exception.
With teammate Ricky Rubio (9.6 APG) trailing only Clippers point guard Chris Paul (12.8 APG), Love's high assist total is more impressive. In other words, it's not as though the team lacks a capable distributor of the basketball at the point yet he's still getting his teammates plenty involved while ranking third in the league in scoring.
Although they are currently seventh in the Western Conference, their .636 winning percentage ranks eighth in the NBA and the T'Wolves are 10th in our latest power rankings.
Provided the duo of Love and Rubio can stay healthy, the T'Wolves should have their best season in roughly a decade. Their last winning season was in the Kevin Garnett era: 2004-05 (44-38, .537).
See our full Week 4 NBA Consensus Power Rankings.
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Sunday, November 10, 2013
2013-14 NBA Power Rankings, Week 3
The Indiana Pacers have continued their hot start and are now the sole remaining unbeaten team this season.
Therefore, it's shouldn't be much of a surprise that they are the No. 1 team in our Week 3 Consensus NBA Power Rankings.
Just as impressive as winning their first seven games to open the season, the Pacers had to win four of those games during a five-day stretch.
After their run in the postseason last year, the goal is obviously not to "win" the regular season. One of the things that will certainly help prolong their playoff run in 2014, however, would be to host more home games.
The Pacers won eight of nine of their home playoff games last year and having home-court advantage in each series could potentially help them go deeper in the playoffs this season.
That said, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat are still the team to beat as two-time defending champions, but the Pacers are arguably the most complete team in the league.
Pacers small forward Paul George is one of the most complete players in the league. George is currently averaging 25.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. In addition, he's shooting 42.9 percent from behind the arc and 84.8 percent from the line.
With George, Roy Hibbert and David West plus Luis Scola off the bench, the Pacers also have one of the league's best front courts. Hibbert currently ranks second in the NBA in blocks (4.29 per game).
Although the Pacers rank in the bottom 10 in the league in scoring offense (94.9 points per game), they will soon get back Danny Granger from his strained calf. With a career average of 18.1 points per game and as much as 25.8 PPG (2008-09), Granger will help the team's offense when he returns.
That said, the Pacers are holding teams to just 85.3 points per game, which leads the NBA by a wide margin. The Bulls and Spurs rank second at 93.0 PPG allowed. In addition, their opponents are only shooting 38.9 percent from the field, which is an NBA low as well.
The Pacers will host the Grizzlies and Bucks on Nov. 11 and 15, respectively, as they look to extend their winning streak.
- View our full 2013-14 NBA Consensus Power Rankings heading into Week 3
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Therefore, it's shouldn't be much of a surprise that they are the No. 1 team in our Week 3 Consensus NBA Power Rankings.
Just as impressive as winning their first seven games to open the season, the Pacers had to win four of those games during a five-day stretch.
After their run in the postseason last year, the goal is obviously not to "win" the regular season. One of the things that will certainly help prolong their playoff run in 2014, however, would be to host more home games.
The Pacers won eight of nine of their home playoff games last year and having home-court advantage in each series could potentially help them go deeper in the playoffs this season.
That said, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat are still the team to beat as two-time defending champions, but the Pacers are arguably the most complete team in the league.
Pacers small forward Paul George is one of the most complete players in the league. George is currently averaging 25.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. In addition, he's shooting 42.9 percent from behind the arc and 84.8 percent from the line.
With George, Roy Hibbert and David West plus Luis Scola off the bench, the Pacers also have one of the league's best front courts. Hibbert currently ranks second in the NBA in blocks (4.29 per game).
Although the Pacers rank in the bottom 10 in the league in scoring offense (94.9 points per game), they will soon get back Danny Granger from his strained calf. With a career average of 18.1 points per game and as much as 25.8 PPG (2008-09), Granger will help the team's offense when he returns.
That said, the Pacers are holding teams to just 85.3 points per game, which leads the NBA by a wide margin. The Bulls and Spurs rank second at 93.0 PPG allowed. In addition, their opponents are only shooting 38.9 percent from the field, which is an NBA low as well.
The Pacers will host the Grizzlies and Bucks on Nov. 11 and 15, respectively, as they look to extend their winning streak.
- View our full 2013-14 NBA Consensus Power Rankings heading into Week 3
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Monday, November 4, 2013
2013-14 Consensus NBA Power Rankings, Week 2
Perhaps the biggest surprise in through the first week of the NBA season is the perfect start for the Philadelphia 76ers.
As the nearly unanimous choice as the worst team in the league in our initial Power Rankings going into the season, the Sixers have begun the season 3-0.
And not only have they started the season with a perfect record, but they have knocked off a couple of the elite Eastern Conference teams including the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.
Small forward Evan Turner leads the team in scoring with 23.0 points per game and the team currently ranks fifth in the league in scoring.
In addition, rookie Michael Carter-Williams is off to an incredible start. MCW is averaging 20.3 points and 9.0 assists per game in addition to leading the NBA in steals with 4.33 per game.
In his first ever regular-season game, he missed a triple-double by just one steal: 22 points, 12 assists and nine steals.
As we head into Week 2 of the NBA season, the Sixers have moved up to No. 11 into our NBA Power Rankings.
In addition to the 76ers moving up, the Heat have dropped out of the top spot after getting off to a 2-2 start although two of our rankers (including me) still have them at the top spot.
See our full Week 2 NBA Power Rankings here.
As the nearly unanimous choice as the worst team in the league in our initial Power Rankings going into the season, the Sixers have begun the season 3-0.
And not only have they started the season with a perfect record, but they have knocked off a couple of the elite Eastern Conference teams including the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls.
Small forward Evan Turner leads the team in scoring with 23.0 points per game and the team currently ranks fifth in the league in scoring.
In addition, rookie Michael Carter-Williams is off to an incredible start. MCW is averaging 20.3 points and 9.0 assists per game in addition to leading the NBA in steals with 4.33 per game.
In his first ever regular-season game, he missed a triple-double by just one steal: 22 points, 12 assists and nine steals.
As we head into Week 2 of the NBA season, the Sixers have moved up to No. 11 into our NBA Power Rankings.
In addition to the 76ers moving up, the Heat have dropped out of the top spot after getting off to a 2-2 start although two of our rankers (including me) still have them at the top spot.
See our full Week 2 NBA Power Rankings here.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Miles Plumlee now 2-for-2 in double-doubles
In 14 games with the Pacers last season, Suns center Miles Plumlee scored a total of 13 points in just 54 total minutes.
For the second time (in two games), Plumlee has scored at least 13 points for the Suns.
On Friday night, Plumlee scored 13 points and added 13 rebounds to notch his second consecutive double-double of the season. He also added three blocks again.
Through two games, Plumlee is averaging 15.5 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks per game while also shooting 56.0 percent from the field. Not only is he second on the team in scoring behind Eric Bledsoe, but he ranks fourth in the NBA in rebounding and is tied for fifth in the league in blocks.
For the second time (in two games), Plumlee has scored at least 13 points for the Suns.
On Friday night, Plumlee scored 13 points and added 13 rebounds to notch his second consecutive double-double of the season. He also added three blocks again.
Through two games, Plumlee is averaging 15.5 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks per game while also shooting 56.0 percent from the field. Not only is he second on the team in scoring behind Eric Bledsoe, but he ranks fourth in the NBA in rebounding and is tied for fifth in the league in blocks.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
2013-14 Consensus NBA Power Rankings, Week 1
Earlier this offseason, Kyle Baillargeon, one of our NBA contributors, made his preseason prediction for which team will win the NBA Finals next June.
It should come as little surprise that Kyle predicted that LeBron James and the Miami Heat will win their third NBA title in as many seasons.
After all, the Heat are prohibitive favorites to win the title. Sportsbook.ag has the odds set for the Heat at 12/5. The next closest are the Thunder and Clippers, who have 7/1 and 8/1 odds, respectively.
Among Eastern Conference teams, the Bulls are next at 9/1 followed by the Nets (12/1) and Pacers (14/1). The Spurs and Rockets also have 12/1 odds.
There are only three other franchises that have won three consecutive championships: Celtics, Lakers and Bulls. So pulling off a "three-peat" would put LeBron and the franchise in rarified company.
Regardless of conference, which team poses the greatest threat to a Miami Heat "three-peat" this season?
John (follow on Twitter): Chicago Bulls
I'll buy into the hype and say that the Chicago Bulls pose the greatest threat to the Heat's chances to "three-peat."
The physical play that the Bulls are notorious for is something with which Miami struggles, and getting Derrick Rose back healthy is an obvious game-changer for Chicago. They are a good young team with enough size and depth to be legit championship contender.
Heading into the start of the season, I'd give the Bulls the best chance to knock off the Heat.
Kevin (follow on Twitter): Chicago Bulls
While Kevin Durant is the second-best player in the league and the Thunder have the second-lowest odds to win it all, I think the Heat's stiffest competition resides in the East. Deciding between the Pacers and Bulls is tough, however.
The Bulls get back Derrick Rose, who is the only player not named LeBron to win the MVP award in the past five years. Coach Tom Thibodeau has the team playing tough hard-nosed defense and they hung tough last year despite injuries.
On the other hand, the Pacers have one of the league's best defenses as well and Paul George is one of the best players and defenders in the league and should be more of a household name than he is. In addition, they get back Danny Granger, who led them in scoring two seasons ago, and added Luis Scola.
For the purpose of answering this (technically my own) question, I will say it's the Bulls since they will get one of the top three to five players in the league back.
[On a side note, I love the fact that there appears to be some real animosity brewing within the Eastern Conference.]
Dan (follow on Twitter): Indiana Pacers
To me, the "Heatles" are on the inside track to have a three-peat, (trademarked by Pat Riley, funny enough), but they still do have one obstacle standing in their way. The Indiana Pacers pose the biggest threat to the Heat, as they have the best possible matchup against LeBron and crew.
The Pacers have the most effective big man in Roy Hibbert that counters the Heat's small-ball lineup, and also they will benefit from having their best scorer in Danny Granger back this year. If any team has learned to beat Miami, it will be the Pacers, as hopefully they will keep Dwyane Wade from referring to himself as four, as he calls himself "three" right now.
Sean (follow on Twitter): Houston Rockets
While I do think the Heat are the favorites to win another championship this year, if I had to bet the Hear or the field, I would take the field all day.
I think any team that is ranked in my top 10 has a legit chance at winning a title. I am going to go with Houston. I know a lot of people don't like Dwight Howard, but he is the missing piece that the Rockets needed. Howard is still the best defensive player in the game, and a matchup nightmare in particular vs. the Heat.
The Rockets also have the ability to win games draining three's. Houston was second in the NBA last year in both scoring, and three pointers made.
To view where all 30 NBA teams appear in our initial 2013-14 NBA Consensus Power Rankings, click here.
Follow our updates: Twitter | Facebook | Google+
It should come as little surprise that Kyle predicted that LeBron James and the Miami Heat will win their third NBA title in as many seasons.
After all, the Heat are prohibitive favorites to win the title. Sportsbook.ag has the odds set for the Heat at 12/5. The next closest are the Thunder and Clippers, who have 7/1 and 8/1 odds, respectively.
Among Eastern Conference teams, the Bulls are next at 9/1 followed by the Nets (12/1) and Pacers (14/1). The Spurs and Rockets also have 12/1 odds.
There are only three other franchises that have won three consecutive championships: Celtics, Lakers and Bulls. So pulling off a "three-peat" would put LeBron and the franchise in rarified company.
Regardless of conference, which team poses the greatest threat to a Miami Heat "three-peat" this season?
John (follow on Twitter): Chicago Bulls
I'll buy into the hype and say that the Chicago Bulls pose the greatest threat to the Heat's chances to "three-peat."
The physical play that the Bulls are notorious for is something with which Miami struggles, and getting Derrick Rose back healthy is an obvious game-changer for Chicago. They are a good young team with enough size and depth to be legit championship contender.
Heading into the start of the season, I'd give the Bulls the best chance to knock off the Heat.
Kevin (follow on Twitter): Chicago Bulls
While Kevin Durant is the second-best player in the league and the Thunder have the second-lowest odds to win it all, I think the Heat's stiffest competition resides in the East. Deciding between the Pacers and Bulls is tough, however.
The Bulls get back Derrick Rose, who is the only player not named LeBron to win the MVP award in the past five years. Coach Tom Thibodeau has the team playing tough hard-nosed defense and they hung tough last year despite injuries.
On the other hand, the Pacers have one of the league's best defenses as well and Paul George is one of the best players and defenders in the league and should be more of a household name than he is. In addition, they get back Danny Granger, who led them in scoring two seasons ago, and added Luis Scola.
For the purpose of answering this (technically my own) question, I will say it's the Bulls since they will get one of the top three to five players in the league back.
[On a side note, I love the fact that there appears to be some real animosity brewing within the Eastern Conference.]
Dan (follow on Twitter): Indiana Pacers
To me, the "Heatles" are on the inside track to have a three-peat, (trademarked by Pat Riley, funny enough), but they still do have one obstacle standing in their way. The Indiana Pacers pose the biggest threat to the Heat, as they have the best possible matchup against LeBron and crew.
The Pacers have the most effective big man in Roy Hibbert that counters the Heat's small-ball lineup, and also they will benefit from having their best scorer in Danny Granger back this year. If any team has learned to beat Miami, it will be the Pacers, as hopefully they will keep Dwyane Wade from referring to himself as four, as he calls himself "three" right now.
Sean (follow on Twitter): Houston Rockets
While I do think the Heat are the favorites to win another championship this year, if I had to bet the Hear or the field, I would take the field all day.
I think any team that is ranked in my top 10 has a legit chance at winning a title. I am going to go with Houston. I know a lot of people don't like Dwight Howard, but he is the missing piece that the Rockets needed. Howard is still the best defensive player in the game, and a matchup nightmare in particular vs. the Heat.
The Rockets also have the ability to win games draining three's. Houston was second in the NBA last year in both scoring, and three pointers made.
To view where all 30 NBA teams appear in our initial 2013-14 NBA Consensus Power Rankings, click here.
Follow our updates: Twitter | Facebook | Google+
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
NBA Predictions for the 2013-14 Season
With NBA preseason under way and the start of the regular season only a few weeks away, Kyle Baillargeon makes his predictions for NBA awards and playoffs below:
2013-14 NBA Postseason Award Winners
MVP - LeBron James, Miami Heat
I wouldn't be surprised to see Derrick Rose here if he leads the Bulls to one of the best records in the league, if only because MVP voters have shown that they tend to grow tired of giving the award to the same person over and over again. That said, LeBron is the clear frontrunner for MVP. The Heat will be in the championship hunt once more, but Dwyane Wade isn't getting any younger, and this team still looks pretty thin outside of LeBron. I expect James to have the best statistical season of his career, with his fith MVP to boot.
Most Improved Player - Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Leonard already started to make the leap last year, especially in the playoffs. With the Duncan/Manu/Parker era winding down in San Antonio, Leonard stands to become the face of the franchise's next era of basketball. Entering his third year in the league, he has plenty of room for improvement and could very well become a household name before the season is over.
Sixth Man of the Year - Tyreke Evans, New Orleans Pelicans
Evans could certainly start in New Orleans, but a backourt rotation of Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, and Evans could be devastating. The big question would be if Evans is willing to sit to start each game. But if he can get over that, then he would be a huge contributor off the bench.
Don't be surprised, however, if a member of the Brooklyn Nets winds up with this award. The expectation is that one of either Paul Pierce or Andrei Kirilenko will come off the bench this year. If it turns out to be Pierce, then the award will be his.
Rookie of the Year - Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings
McLemore will have plenty of opportunity to light it up on the court, and that's what he does best. Greivis Vasquez will be looking his way often. The Kings still have work to do to become a contender, but McLemore will prove himself to be a great piece to the puzzle.
Defensive Player of the Year - LeBron James, Miami Heat
James is so good at everything, that it seems easy to overlook how dominant he is on the defensive end. One of his personal goals has been to win the award, and hopefully voters will finally recognize what many smart observers in the league already know: LeBron James is unquestionably THE best defender in the league.
NBA Finals Predictions
Eastern Conference Finals - Miami over Chicago in 7 games
As long as LeBron James is at the height of his powers, there is no reason to believe that anyone will stop Miami. This Chicago team will have an overwhelming defense, and combined with a returning Derrick Rose could very well go on to a number one seed in the East. I fully expect both teams to pummel their competition all the way to one of the biggest heavyweight battles the NBA has seen in years. This one could go either way, but ultimately the tie-breaker goes to the team with the greatest player of the last 25 years.
Western Conference Finals - San Antonio over Los Angeles Clippers in 6 games
It might be a little overzealous to send the Clippers to the WCF in Doc Rivers' first year at the helm, but this team does have Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, along with a good bench. Once Doc figures out his rotation, and as long as the team buys in to playing legitimate defense, the Clippers could knock on the door of the title. That said, the Spurs will not go down without a fight. Greg Popovich is smart enough to understand exactly what his team needs and when, and his team should be healthy and well-rested leading into the playoffs. He knows he needs to save the firepower for the playoffs, and they should be able to make it through the tough Western Conference one more time in their Big Three era. Once these two squads meet, Popovich's knowledge of his own team, combined with Tim Duncan's front-court dominance and Tony Parker's ability to go toe-to-toe with Chris Paul, will lead the Spurs to victory.
NBA Finals - Miami over San Antonio in 7 games
It may seem like a cop-out to go with the repeat in the Finals, but after last year's amazing seven-game set, is anyone going to complain about seeing it again? As stated before, it wouldn't make sense to pick against LeBron James. He is the best in the world and will lead the Heat to victory again.
Soon, we will release our 2013-14 fantasy basketball rankings.
Visit our NBA home or follow us on Twitter (@HitTheBoards) for updates.
2013-14 NBA Postseason Award Winners
MVP - LeBron James, Miami Heat
I wouldn't be surprised to see Derrick Rose here if he leads the Bulls to one of the best records in the league, if only because MVP voters have shown that they tend to grow tired of giving the award to the same person over and over again. That said, LeBron is the clear frontrunner for MVP. The Heat will be in the championship hunt once more, but Dwyane Wade isn't getting any younger, and this team still looks pretty thin outside of LeBron. I expect James to have the best statistical season of his career, with his fith MVP to boot.
Most Improved Player - Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
Leonard already started to make the leap last year, especially in the playoffs. With the Duncan/Manu/Parker era winding down in San Antonio, Leonard stands to become the face of the franchise's next era of basketball. Entering his third year in the league, he has plenty of room for improvement and could very well become a household name before the season is over.
Sixth Man of the Year - Tyreke Evans, New Orleans Pelicans
Evans could certainly start in New Orleans, but a backourt rotation of Jrue Holiday, Eric Gordon, and Evans could be devastating. The big question would be if Evans is willing to sit to start each game. But if he can get over that, then he would be a huge contributor off the bench.
Don't be surprised, however, if a member of the Brooklyn Nets winds up with this award. The expectation is that one of either Paul Pierce or Andrei Kirilenko will come off the bench this year. If it turns out to be Pierce, then the award will be his.
Rookie of the Year - Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings
McLemore will have plenty of opportunity to light it up on the court, and that's what he does best. Greivis Vasquez will be looking his way often. The Kings still have work to do to become a contender, but McLemore will prove himself to be a great piece to the puzzle.
Defensive Player of the Year - LeBron James, Miami Heat
James is so good at everything, that it seems easy to overlook how dominant he is on the defensive end. One of his personal goals has been to win the award, and hopefully voters will finally recognize what many smart observers in the league already know: LeBron James is unquestionably THE best defender in the league.
NBA Finals Predictions
Eastern Conference Finals - Miami over Chicago in 7 games
As long as LeBron James is at the height of his powers, there is no reason to believe that anyone will stop Miami. This Chicago team will have an overwhelming defense, and combined with a returning Derrick Rose could very well go on to a number one seed in the East. I fully expect both teams to pummel their competition all the way to one of the biggest heavyweight battles the NBA has seen in years. This one could go either way, but ultimately the tie-breaker goes to the team with the greatest player of the last 25 years.
Western Conference Finals - San Antonio over Los Angeles Clippers in 6 games
It might be a little overzealous to send the Clippers to the WCF in Doc Rivers' first year at the helm, but this team does have Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, along with a good bench. Once Doc figures out his rotation, and as long as the team buys in to playing legitimate defense, the Clippers could knock on the door of the title. That said, the Spurs will not go down without a fight. Greg Popovich is smart enough to understand exactly what his team needs and when, and his team should be healthy and well-rested leading into the playoffs. He knows he needs to save the firepower for the playoffs, and they should be able to make it through the tough Western Conference one more time in their Big Three era. Once these two squads meet, Popovich's knowledge of his own team, combined with Tim Duncan's front-court dominance and Tony Parker's ability to go toe-to-toe with Chris Paul, will lead the Spurs to victory.
NBA Finals - Miami over San Antonio in 7 games
It may seem like a cop-out to go with the repeat in the Finals, but after last year's amazing seven-game set, is anyone going to complain about seeing it again? As stated before, it wouldn't make sense to pick against LeBron James. He is the best in the world and will lead the Heat to victory again.
Soon, we will release our 2013-14 fantasy basketball rankings.
Visit our NBA home or follow us on Twitter (@HitTheBoards) for updates.
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Jarrett Jack, Cavs agree to 4-year deal
The Cleveland Cavaliers and point guard Jarrett Jack agreed to a four-year deal worth $25 million, according to Warriors beat writer Marcus Thompson.
With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters as the team's starting backcourt, Jack provides some depth behind the duo and some insurance in the event one, especially Irving, misses time.
Missing double-digit games in each of his first two seasons as a pro, Irving has missed a total of 38 games in his first two seasons combined.
In 12 postseason games last year, Jack averaged 17.2 points, 4.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game in addition to shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 89.6 percent from the line.
With Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters as the team's starting backcourt, Jack provides some depth behind the duo and some insurance in the event one, especially Irving, misses time.
Missing double-digit games in each of his first two seasons as a pro, Irving has missed a total of 38 games in his first two seasons combined.
In 12 postseason games last year, Jack averaged 17.2 points, 4.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game in addition to shooting 50.6 percent from the field and 89.6 percent from the line.
Josh Smith agrees to 4-year deal with Pistons
The Detroit Pistons and free-agent forward Josh Smith have agreed to a four-year deal worth $56 million, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
Smith, who has played all nine of his NBA seasons with the Hawks, averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. In addition, Smith averaged 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.
Only two players averaged a line of 17/8/4/1/1 per game last season: Smith and LeBron James.
Interestingly enough, Smith made a career-high 61 three-pointers last season while also shooting a career-low 51.7 percent from the free-throw line.
With the addition of Smith, the team's starting front court will likely be Smith, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, which means Smith will spend a lot of time at small forward.
Smith, who has played all nine of his NBA seasons with the Hawks, averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. In addition, Smith averaged 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.
Only two players averaged a line of 17/8/4/1/1 per game last season: Smith and LeBron James.
Interestingly enough, Smith made a career-high 61 three-pointers last season while also shooting a career-low 51.7 percent from the free-throw line.
With the addition of Smith, the team's starting front court will likely be Smith, Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe, which means Smith will spend a lot of time at small forward.
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