If not Jim Mora, then whom?Mora was hired to coach the Seattle Seahawks' secondary this year, but that might not have been the primary purpose for bringing him to the team. As indicated by his other title -- "assistant head coach" -- the coach the Atlanta Falcons fired this offseason is now the No. 2 man behind Mike Holmgren in Seattle. And with Holmgren playing it one year at a time these days, team president Tim Ruskell obviously is bracing for Holmgren's departure by setting up Mora as a potential successor.While it seems like a sound contingency, it might be Carolina Panthers jersey
good for only one year. If Holmgren stays through his two-year contract, Mora might not be around to replace him in 2009 (or 2010 or whenever). As the Seahawks' assistant head coach, Mora can get out of his contract only for a head-coaching job, but he figures to get another such chance next offseason. Among those who could be looking for coaches then are the New York Giants, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Washington Redskins and Oakland Raiders. Of course, former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher figures to get the job of his choice, assuming he plans to re-enter the NFL coaching ranks. That would leave Mora going against as many as a dozen legitimate candidates for perhaps five or six other jobs. Odds are pretty decent that Mora gets one of those jobs -- if he wants it.Assuming Mora does leave Seattle after one year and Ruskell's replacement plan does fall through, the Seahawks president would have to come up with Plan B to replace Coach H.So who then could Plan B be?The first thing to keep in mind is that Ruskell will want to keep the offense intact. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has put in too much time mastering Holmgren's West Coast scheme, and Ruskell surely would not want to make the Pro Bowl quarterback start all over and learn a new offense. The addition of Chicago Bears jersey
Mora indicates that Ruskell is in fact looking at defensive-minded coaching candidates, but any offensive coach who favors the West Coast scheme would probably be a candidate as well. Or Ruskell could favor a coach who has been there before and knows how to manage a team. Mora fits all of those qualities.So who else fits those profiles?Defensively, there could be a number of options. Jim Haslett, former coach of the New Orleans Saints, probably deserves another shot -- and probably could succeed with a better franchise. He interviewed with Detroit and Buffalo last year, and if he can revive the St. Louis defense in his second year with the Rams, he could quickly jump back into the pool of prime candidates. The Seahawks actually looked at him in 1999 before they hired Holmgren, and he favored the West Coast offense when he was with the Saints. If the Panthers let John Fox go, the former defensive coordinator for the Giants could become another recycled candidate. Rising defensive minds include Ron Rivera, Greg Manusky as well as Rob and Rex Ryan. Rivera, formerly the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator, has garnered the interest of at least 10 teams over the past two years. The Bears inexplicably allowed Rivera to leave this offseason -- he replaced Manusky as the linebackers coach in San Diego -- but Rivera should still command interest two years from now if the Seahawks are in the market for a new coach. So should Manusky, provided he can work wonders for San Francisco's porous defense over the next two seasons.The Ryan brothers, sons of former Chicago and Philadelphia defensive guru Buddy Ryan, both run their own NFL defenses these days. Rex is in charge of the Baltimore Ravens' vaunted unit, while Rob has turned the Oakland Raiders' defense into one of the league's better squads. A couple of experienced offensive coaches who could step in are Mike Sherman and Mike Mularkey. Sherman, who coached under Holmgren in Seattle in 1999, ran the same offense for several years in Green Bay. And Mularkey coached Buffalo for two years and is known by Ruskell from their days in Tampa Bay (1994-95).But the best choice could be someone who is not even in the NFL right now. Two years from now, Pete Carroll could be ready to leave USC. And the NFL already seems ready to have him back -- as the Miami Dolphins' interest this offseason showed. The only question would be whether Carroll would be willing to work under a general manager. But if he was, he would take over a team with a built-in offense Cincinnati Bengals jersey
and a bunch of defenders who play in a scheme similar to the one he runs at USC and who are led by one of his former stars, linebacker Lofa Tatupu. While Carroll might be a stretch, he could be the best option two years from now. Because if not Mora, then whom?RealFootball365.com: Where there's no such thing as an offseason for Seattle Seahawks football.
2011年1月12日星期三
13 Jan 11 I'm Back...and So Are The Lakers at The Top
Harry How/Getty ImagesBrought to you by the guys at Lakers101.Hello one and all. It is true. I have been gone missing. It not all my fault. In the past six months, during my absence from writing, I got a job, planned a wedding, attended a wedding as both a groomsman and a groom, honeymooned on a seven-day cruise through the Western Caribbean (which I highly recommend), moved into a new home, got my wife a new job at my place of work, oh, and made two very important purchases: 1) a new big screen to enjoy all my Lakers Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
games, 2) and of course NBA League Pass since it the only way to get EVERY Lakers game when you live on the East Coast.The saying is true. It much easier to fall out of a habit than it is to get back into it. Even with all that going on, that doesn excuse my long hiatus. But, just because Ive been out of sight from my readers, doesn mean I haven been paying attention to our boys (reference #1 2 above). At night, instead of writing for your enjoyment, I have been selfish and chose to watch Lakers games instead.But Im backand without further adeuFor the entire article please visit www.Lakers101.com.
games, 2) and of course NBA League Pass since it the only way to get EVERY Lakers game when you live on the East Coast.The saying is true. It much easier to fall out of a habit than it is to get back into it. Even with all that going on, that doesn excuse my long hiatus. But, just because Ive been out of sight from my readers, doesn mean I haven been paying attention to our boys (reference #1 2 above). At night, instead of writing for your enjoyment, I have been selfish and chose to watch Lakers games instead.But Im backand without further adeuFor the entire article please visit www.Lakers101.com.
12 Jan 11 New Jersey Nets: Calm Before the Storm
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesThe New Jersey Nets are in the midst of what might end up being the worst season in the history of the NBA. That just sounds horrible, the "Worst Team in the History of the NBA," no one would ever want attached to their name for eternity. Lets be honest, the Nets aren't nearly in as bad of shape as one would expect the "Worst Team in NBA History" to be in.This season might be a little hard to swallow, everyone in the Nets organization cannot wait for this 82 game season to be over. But it seems like their is a big light at the end ofHouston Texans jersey
this tunnel. First lets start with the young talented group New Jersey has pieced together of the past two seasons:Brook Lopez is one of the best young players in this league, averaging 19.0 points per game, 9.40 rebounds per game and 2 blocks per game, every night he gets a double double it seems.Devin Harris has fallen off a little, but he's also been injured and playing with worse talent. Harris can still be a star in this league and is still one of the better point guards in the league.Chris Douglas-Roberts does alot of things very well, and could be a very good 2 or 3 in a few years. Averaging 13.8 points per game, he's an average defender but has shown glimpses of brilliance this year.Terrence Williams has also had some big games for them this year, and could be a very good player.Well the first key for the Nets turning around is the obvious one, Get John Wall. Point blank, no other way of putting it. Get him and your team already added a superstar and it won't even be July by than. History shows that the team that's supposed to win the lottery doesn't, but the Nets really need this one, the lottery will be one of the most important days in the history of the Nets organization.Lets say they don't win and they pick No. 2 or No. 3, than they'll have to decide between Ohio States Evan Turner, Kansas's Xavier Henry, Syracuse's Wesley Johnson and Georgia Tech's Derrick Favor, who in my opinion will all be successful NBA players but none will touch the level of super stardom John Wall will. In this year's draft, if the season ended today they would have Indianapolis Colts jersey
the No. 1 overall pick, No. 23, and No. 31 picks, which could help fill a few of the holes on the team.Next step, sign one of the big name free agents; thinking they can convince two max contract guys to come to New Jersey is unrealistic, but signing Joe Johnson, Amar'e Stoudemire or Chris Bosh is realistic. Last week Amar'e Stoudemire said that New Jersey is a place he's keeping his eye on because of their ideal situation of good young talent and the possibility of playing with John Wall. Chris Bosh would fit in excellently on the Nets, who might be one of the few "max contract guys" who hasn't reached his full potential yet. I think they have a slight window for LeBron James to consider coming to New Jersey, that being his friendship with Nets part-owner Jay-Z. If that's the case, this is a completely different article, but it's being written assuming he's not coming to New Jersey.Now if everything falls right for the Nets and they win the John Wall lottery, Devin Harris, while being a very good player is expendable now. I can name a few teams that would love to have a Devin Harris (Portland, Phoenix [after Nash leaves], Lakers, Dallas (to replace Kidd, again), Minneasota) if the Nets can find a way to improve and add another player or two via trade, than they've given the team a face lift while keeping most of its young core in tact.The Nets are in an extremely interesting time for the franchise, in five years they could be in Newark sharing a building with ex-roommates the New Jersey Devils, or they could be the team that Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
brings back basketball to the Big Apple (which they desperately need). Regardless of where they are, the New Jersey Nets are a team to watch in the near future, but it all starts in May when their franchise's fate hangs in the balance of a bunch of ping pong balls.
this tunnel. First lets start with the young talented group New Jersey has pieced together of the past two seasons:Brook Lopez is one of the best young players in this league, averaging 19.0 points per game, 9.40 rebounds per game and 2 blocks per game, every night he gets a double double it seems.Devin Harris has fallen off a little, but he's also been injured and playing with worse talent. Harris can still be a star in this league and is still one of the better point guards in the league.Chris Douglas-Roberts does alot of things very well, and could be a very good 2 or 3 in a few years. Averaging 13.8 points per game, he's an average defender but has shown glimpses of brilliance this year.Terrence Williams has also had some big games for them this year, and could be a very good player.Well the first key for the Nets turning around is the obvious one, Get John Wall. Point blank, no other way of putting it. Get him and your team already added a superstar and it won't even be July by than. History shows that the team that's supposed to win the lottery doesn't, but the Nets really need this one, the lottery will be one of the most important days in the history of the Nets organization.Lets say they don't win and they pick No. 2 or No. 3, than they'll have to decide between Ohio States Evan Turner, Kansas's Xavier Henry, Syracuse's Wesley Johnson and Georgia Tech's Derrick Favor, who in my opinion will all be successful NBA players but none will touch the level of super stardom John Wall will. In this year's draft, if the season ended today they would have Indianapolis Colts jersey
the No. 1 overall pick, No. 23, and No. 31 picks, which could help fill a few of the holes on the team.Next step, sign one of the big name free agents; thinking they can convince two max contract guys to come to New Jersey is unrealistic, but signing Joe Johnson, Amar'e Stoudemire or Chris Bosh is realistic. Last week Amar'e Stoudemire said that New Jersey is a place he's keeping his eye on because of their ideal situation of good young talent and the possibility of playing with John Wall. Chris Bosh would fit in excellently on the Nets, who might be one of the few "max contract guys" who hasn't reached his full potential yet. I think they have a slight window for LeBron James to consider coming to New Jersey, that being his friendship with Nets part-owner Jay-Z. If that's the case, this is a completely different article, but it's being written assuming he's not coming to New Jersey.Now if everything falls right for the Nets and they win the John Wall lottery, Devin Harris, while being a very good player is expendable now. I can name a few teams that would love to have a Devin Harris (Portland, Phoenix [after Nash leaves], Lakers, Dallas (to replace Kidd, again), Minneasota) if the Nets can find a way to improve and add another player or two via trade, than they've given the team a face lift while keeping most of its young core in tact.The Nets are in an extremely interesting time for the franchise, in five years they could be in Newark sharing a building with ex-roommates the New Jersey Devils, or they could be the team that Jacksonville Jaguars jersey
brings back basketball to the Big Apple (which they desperately need). Regardless of where they are, the New Jersey Nets are a team to watch in the near future, but it all starts in May when their franchise's fate hangs in the balance of a bunch of ping pong balls.
2011年1月10日星期一
10 Jan 11 Bleacher Report Goes Hollywood: Are the Los Angeles Clippers Ready To Set Sail?
Stephen Dunn/Getty ImagesWhile wondering what I should do with my Drew Gooden Clippers jerseyWelcome to the inaugural edition of Bleacher Report Goes Hollywood , where we look at the LA sports scene from a Tinsel town point of view. Each week well look at the major issues involving Southern California Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
franchises both college and professional. Also, on a completely unrelated note, well have a special feature at the end of each column called Pimp Slap of the Week , which needs no explanation, and deservedly so.Remember how in The Karate Kid when Daniel-San was always being beaten down by the Cobra Kai and finally getting the upper hand by crane-kicking Johnny in the tournament finals? Well for years Ive waited for the LA Clippers to do the same thing to their Staples Center brethren since they drafted Danny Manning No. 1 more than 20 years ago. Unfortunately though, knowing the Clippers history, Daniel-San crane kick was blocked, with him falling to the ground with a broken leg and Mr. Miyagi having to rely on washing windows.It as if for every draft pick for the Clippers that resulted in a Benoit Benjamin, Lamond Murray and even Michael Olowokandi No. 1 overall, there has always been that hope that they would finally rise up out of the incompetence of owner Donald Sterling and succeed in spite of his attempts to use former GM Elgin Baylor as the scapegoat for their failures. When they had a thrilling semi-final series against the Suns a few years ago in the playoffs, I thought their fortunes had changed. Since then Elton Brand went to sabotage his own career in Philly in a turncoat move worthy of Hulk Hogan-status, leaving Baron Davis and others to wonder whose dog they had ran over to end up in this situation.Yet, I remained hopeful when they selected Oklahoma Blake Griffin No. 1 in the 2009 NBA Draft. Then, in true Clipper fashion, he broke his kneecap on a fast-break dunk in the final preseason game, resulting in season-ending surgery and another year of setback. That being said, I do believe that THIS is the time in which the Clippers might finally awaken out of their own abyss.Now JR, Im sure you might be asking, when are you going to put the pipe down? This team hasn even won a game since Dumbleavy stepped down as coach? Well, the realist in me realizes this is the case, and yet the optimist in me looks at the recent moves and believes that perhaps Mike Dunleavy may know what he doing, despite the recent barbs fired by frustrated All-Star Center Chris Kaman . The recent trades have shed light into what appears to be an actual plan by the red-headed stepchildren of the Staples Center. Although Marcus Camby was leading the team in rebounding at 12.1/game, they made a shrewd move to send him to Portland for forward Travis Outlaw and point guard Steve Blake. Blake can provide a measure of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
leadership that the Blazers will miss out on come playoff time, and he will provide a solid back up presence when Baron Davis has to rest. Davis had grown to actually realize there are actually guys he can pass the ball to this year, and also developed a (gasp!) relationship with Dunleavy before he spared all of us of his head-scratching decisions.Also, in what was a very good cap-clearing trade, which is the modus operandi in Clipperland, they executed a three-way deal that sent Al Thornton and draft bust Sebastian Telfair to the Wizards and resulted in Drew Gooden, who will probably smash the Mike Morgan record for the most number of teams played for in a career should they decide that his soul patch isn worth keeping around. Now it puts them in a category where only a few will reach come July 1, 2010. They are now in position to shop for that mega-star that could finally put butts in seats not named Billy Crystal or Bill Simmons.The question is now who should they get to go alongside Kaman, a healthy Griffin, Baron, and up-and-coming guard Eric Gordon? They would need someone who can play the three and switch over to the two if they want to go big. Someone who can placate as playmaker when Baron decides to revert back to his Golden State days and will have no problem playing second, or even third banana, yet have All-Star talent.I have to agree with Simmons and suggest they go hard after Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks. He has spent the past five years making the Hawks relevant, and after another year of coming up short against the likes of Dwight Howard, LeBron, and KG, he will have had enough and want to go to a team that could possess legitimate title hopes with two strong post players. Also, JJ won have to feel like being the first go-to option all of the time, since he usually gets smothered come playoff time with no one else able to score consistently for Atlanta. That said, should Atlanta break through and reach the conference finals this year thanks to an improved Al Horford, Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford all bets are off.The Clips second best option would be Rudy Gay of Memphis. He is an unassuming slasher who can take a lot of guys off the dribble and won demand the ball as much. A lineup of Griffin, Gay, Kaman, Gordon and Baron as the veteran leader could create a lot of headaches out west.I don think LeBron will be willing to share top billing with Kobe in the Staples Center. Being in the same commercials is one issue, sharing the same court for six years is another altogether. All of the other potential big free agents (Bosh, Stoudemire, Boozer) will only hinder the development of Griffin, who actually looked interested in ending the so called Clippers curse after getting drafted. Dwayne Wade could be an option, but he seems like his mind is already focused on going north instead of west.Yes, the Clippers are 21-33, losers of six straight and are about to watch another season go up in ping-pong balls. However come October 2010 they might start off with one of the best starting fives in all of basketball without destroying their salary cap in the process. Here hoping they will finally be able to deliver that crane kick! PIMP SLAP OF THE WEEKThis is the portion of the column where we have to unfortunately smack some Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
sense into someone from the world of sports. However, for our first ever slap were headed in a totally different direction: were going towards those fans who actually believe Tiger Woods needs to apologize to them!Okay, I don necessarily like the fact that this man couldn figure out how to keep it in his pants, thus forcing his wife Elin to now place a house-arrest style ankle bracelet whenever Eldrick so much as goes to take out the trash. It won even matter what he says on his apology come Friday, the fact is that he doesn owe the fans any explanation because he didn cheat the game of golf, nor taint any of the majors that he won.Sure he a cheater to the nth degree, but the only people he needs to apologize too is to his family, case closed. It not his fault you bought Buicks, Titleist golf balls, and Nike gear because he said so. Besides, should he roll over to Augusta and shoot a first round 68 on the second Thursday in April, you fans will be the first ones running over family members to watch it on TV.Fans, time to a dose of reality, not every scumbag athlete needs to tell you Im sorry. For displaying a self-righteous desire to fulfill a sensitive ego, you deserve BRGH first Pimp Slap of the Week!
franchises both college and professional. Also, on a completely unrelated note, well have a special feature at the end of each column called Pimp Slap of the Week , which needs no explanation, and deservedly so.Remember how in The Karate Kid when Daniel-San was always being beaten down by the Cobra Kai and finally getting the upper hand by crane-kicking Johnny in the tournament finals? Well for years Ive waited for the LA Clippers to do the same thing to their Staples Center brethren since they drafted Danny Manning No. 1 more than 20 years ago. Unfortunately though, knowing the Clippers history, Daniel-San crane kick was blocked, with him falling to the ground with a broken leg and Mr. Miyagi having to rely on washing windows.It as if for every draft pick for the Clippers that resulted in a Benoit Benjamin, Lamond Murray and even Michael Olowokandi No. 1 overall, there has always been that hope that they would finally rise up out of the incompetence of owner Donald Sterling and succeed in spite of his attempts to use former GM Elgin Baylor as the scapegoat for their failures. When they had a thrilling semi-final series against the Suns a few years ago in the playoffs, I thought their fortunes had changed. Since then Elton Brand went to sabotage his own career in Philly in a turncoat move worthy of Hulk Hogan-status, leaving Baron Davis and others to wonder whose dog they had ran over to end up in this situation.Yet, I remained hopeful when they selected Oklahoma Blake Griffin No. 1 in the 2009 NBA Draft. Then, in true Clipper fashion, he broke his kneecap on a fast-break dunk in the final preseason game, resulting in season-ending surgery and another year of setback. That being said, I do believe that THIS is the time in which the Clippers might finally awaken out of their own abyss.Now JR, Im sure you might be asking, when are you going to put the pipe down? This team hasn even won a game since Dumbleavy stepped down as coach? Well, the realist in me realizes this is the case, and yet the optimist in me looks at the recent moves and believes that perhaps Mike Dunleavy may know what he doing, despite the recent barbs fired by frustrated All-Star Center Chris Kaman . The recent trades have shed light into what appears to be an actual plan by the red-headed stepchildren of the Staples Center. Although Marcus Camby was leading the team in rebounding at 12.1/game, they made a shrewd move to send him to Portland for forward Travis Outlaw and point guard Steve Blake. Blake can provide a measure of Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
leadership that the Blazers will miss out on come playoff time, and he will provide a solid back up presence when Baron Davis has to rest. Davis had grown to actually realize there are actually guys he can pass the ball to this year, and also developed a (gasp!) relationship with Dunleavy before he spared all of us of his head-scratching decisions.Also, in what was a very good cap-clearing trade, which is the modus operandi in Clipperland, they executed a three-way deal that sent Al Thornton and draft bust Sebastian Telfair to the Wizards and resulted in Drew Gooden, who will probably smash the Mike Morgan record for the most number of teams played for in a career should they decide that his soul patch isn worth keeping around. Now it puts them in a category where only a few will reach come July 1, 2010. They are now in position to shop for that mega-star that could finally put butts in seats not named Billy Crystal or Bill Simmons.The question is now who should they get to go alongside Kaman, a healthy Griffin, Baron, and up-and-coming guard Eric Gordon? They would need someone who can play the three and switch over to the two if they want to go big. Someone who can placate as playmaker when Baron decides to revert back to his Golden State days and will have no problem playing second, or even third banana, yet have All-Star talent.I have to agree with Simmons and suggest they go hard after Joe Johnson of the Atlanta Hawks. He has spent the past five years making the Hawks relevant, and after another year of coming up short against the likes of Dwight Howard, LeBron, and KG, he will have had enough and want to go to a team that could possess legitimate title hopes with two strong post players. Also, JJ won have to feel like being the first go-to option all of the time, since he usually gets smothered come playoff time with no one else able to score consistently for Atlanta. That said, should Atlanta break through and reach the conference finals this year thanks to an improved Al Horford, Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford all bets are off.The Clips second best option would be Rudy Gay of Memphis. He is an unassuming slasher who can take a lot of guys off the dribble and won demand the ball as much. A lineup of Griffin, Gay, Kaman, Gordon and Baron as the veteran leader could create a lot of headaches out west.I don think LeBron will be willing to share top billing with Kobe in the Staples Center. Being in the same commercials is one issue, sharing the same court for six years is another altogether. All of the other potential big free agents (Bosh, Stoudemire, Boozer) will only hinder the development of Griffin, who actually looked interested in ending the so called Clippers curse after getting drafted. Dwayne Wade could be an option, but he seems like his mind is already focused on going north instead of west.Yes, the Clippers are 21-33, losers of six straight and are about to watch another season go up in ping-pong balls. However come October 2010 they might start off with one of the best starting fives in all of basketball without destroying their salary cap in the process. Here hoping they will finally be able to deliver that crane kick! PIMP SLAP OF THE WEEKThis is the portion of the column where we have to unfortunately smack some Reebok Chicago Bears #54 Brian Urlacher Realtree camo Jersey
sense into someone from the world of sports. However, for our first ever slap were headed in a totally different direction: were going towards those fans who actually believe Tiger Woods needs to apologize to them!Okay, I don necessarily like the fact that this man couldn figure out how to keep it in his pants, thus forcing his wife Elin to now place a house-arrest style ankle bracelet whenever Eldrick so much as goes to take out the trash. It won even matter what he says on his apology come Friday, the fact is that he doesn owe the fans any explanation because he didn cheat the game of golf, nor taint any of the majors that he won.Sure he a cheater to the nth degree, but the only people he needs to apologize too is to his family, case closed. It not his fault you bought Buicks, Titleist golf balls, and Nike gear because he said so. Besides, should he roll over to Augusta and shoot a first round 68 on the second Thursday in April, you fans will be the first ones running over family members to watch it on TV.Fans, time to a dose of reality, not every scumbag athlete needs to tell you Im sorry. For displaying a self-righteous desire to fulfill a sensitive ego, you deserve BRGH first Pimp Slap of the Week!
2011年1月9日星期日
9 Jan 11 Nuggets, Best Team In The NBA?
Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesThe Denver Nuggets have played some excellent stretches of basketball this season, you could say that they have been the surprise team this year.They have been playing with confidence, poise, and swagger, most of that provided by veteran Chauncey Billups.They can blow by anybody in terms of scoring, and can play lock-down defense when it really matters.They have amassed a 12-2 record against the best competition the NBA has to offer, and they are a combined 6-0 against the Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) Cleveland Cavaliers (2-0), Carolina Panthers jersey
Orlando Magic (1-0) and Boston Celtics (1-0), all widely considered contenders for the Larry O'Brien trophy come June.They have veteran leadership in Chauncey Billups, who is also one of the best point guards in the game today, and one of the best scorers in Carmelo Anthony, who can also play lock-down defense when it matters.All seems swell in Denver right?Well, it's not as dandy as they would like it to be.Denver currently has eight combined losses to: Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks.They seem to have the same problems that they Los Angeles Lakers have, they seem to play according to their competition.Not much of a problem considering that when the Playoffs come around, their competition will be fairly good, or great when they play teams like the Lakers, Mavs, or if they get that far, the Cavs or Magic.I wouldn't say that they play according to their competition, but I would say that they have problems focusing.Guys like J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin can be real knuckle heads, and sometimes only take momentum away from the Nuggets.Especially if both are cold, because J.R. Smith has the tendency to shoot, shoot, and shoot, even when he's missing. Kenyon Martin also has the tendency Chicago Bears jersey
to take too many mid-range jumpers, even when they aren't falling.The Nuggets are a very talented team, and they will go far in the playoffs, but until they solve their focus problems, they will still be second in the West to the Lakers.Never mind that they are 2-0 against the Lakers this season, Orlando was also 2-0 against the Lakers last year, and they got beat in the Finals by the same Lakers' Squad.Are the Nuggets the best team in the NBA? Maybe the most talented, but they are not the best yet
Orlando Magic (1-0) and Boston Celtics (1-0), all widely considered contenders for the Larry O'Brien trophy come June.They have veteran leadership in Chauncey Billups, who is also one of the best point guards in the game today, and one of the best scorers in Carmelo Anthony, who can also play lock-down defense when it matters.All seems swell in Denver right?Well, it's not as dandy as they would like it to be.Denver currently has eight combined losses to: Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks.They seem to have the same problems that they Los Angeles Lakers have, they seem to play according to their competition.Not much of a problem considering that when the Playoffs come around, their competition will be fairly good, or great when they play teams like the Lakers, Mavs, or if they get that far, the Cavs or Magic.I wouldn't say that they play according to their competition, but I would say that they have problems focusing.Guys like J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin can be real knuckle heads, and sometimes only take momentum away from the Nuggets.Especially if both are cold, because J.R. Smith has the tendency to shoot, shoot, and shoot, even when he's missing. Kenyon Martin also has the tendency Chicago Bears jersey
to take too many mid-range jumpers, even when they aren't falling.The Nuggets are a very talented team, and they will go far in the playoffs, but until they solve their focus problems, they will still be second in the West to the Lakers.Never mind that they are 2-0 against the Lakers this season, Orlando was also 2-0 against the Lakers last year, and they got beat in the Finals by the same Lakers' Squad.Are the Nuggets the best team in the NBA? Maybe the most talented, but they are not the best yet
2011年1月8日星期六
8 Jan 11 Portland Trail Blazers VP of Basketball OperationsTom Penn Fired
As reported by Jason Quick :Tom Penn, the right-hand man of general manager Kevin Pritchard, has been fired by the Trail Blazers, The Oregonian has learned. Tuesday's decision comes nearly 10 months after Penn was promoted to Vice President of Basketball Operations. It is unknown why Denver Broncos jersey
Penn was fired, but it is believed to have come from owner Paul Allen and not Pritchard.Wait, what? Just like that? Penn was reportedly getting offers for the GM position at other organizations last year. It was thought that his promotion was the result of Portland's desire to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. He's supposed to be the CBA guru that can manufacture trade exceptions from thin air. Right?Hopefully we get more details soon.UPDATE: Via the venerable Wendell Maxey, "philosophical differences ." How often do people get fired in this manner because of differences in philosophy? Still waiting for a real explanation.UPDATED UPDATE: In all the excitement I was a bit late to Senor Brian T. Smith's information on the firing: According to the source, there had been rumblings in recent weeks within the organization that Penn's job was at stake. The primary reason was that Penn had a tendency to rub many of those he worked with the wrong way, the source said, and was seen as being a "ladder climber."UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE: Detroit Lions
Tom Penn is both surprised and disappointed . Don't sweat it, Tom. Anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are sitting, and it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.As you can tell I'm out of original thoughts so I am done for the night.Photo courtesy of the Oregonian.
Penn was fired, but it is believed to have come from owner Paul Allen and not Pritchard.Wait, what? Just like that? Penn was reportedly getting offers for the GM position at other organizations last year. It was thought that his promotion was the result of Portland's desire to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. He's supposed to be the CBA guru that can manufacture trade exceptions from thin air. Right?Hopefully we get more details soon.UPDATE: Via the venerable Wendell Maxey, "philosophical differences ." How often do people get fired in this manner because of differences in philosophy? Still waiting for a real explanation.UPDATED UPDATE: In all the excitement I was a bit late to Senor Brian T. Smith's information on the firing: According to the source, there had been rumblings in recent weeks within the organization that Penn's job was at stake. The primary reason was that Penn had a tendency to rub many of those he worked with the wrong way, the source said, and was seen as being a "ladder climber."UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE: Detroit Lions
Tom Penn is both surprised and disappointed . Don't sweat it, Tom. Anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are sitting, and it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.As you can tell I'm out of original thoughts so I am done for the night.Photo courtesy of the Oregonian.
8 Jan 11 Portland Trail Blazers VP of Basketball OperationsTom Penn Fired
As reported by Jason Quick :Tom Penn, the right-hand man of general manager Kevin Pritchard, has been fired by the Trail Blazers, The Oregonian has learned. Tuesday's decision comes nearly 10 months after Penn was promoted to Vice President of Basketball Operations. It is unknown why Denver Broncos jersey
Penn was fired, but it is believed to have come from owner Paul Allen and not Pritchard.Wait, what? Just like that? Penn was reportedly getting offers for the GM position at other organizations last year. It was thought that his promotion was the result of Portland's desire to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. He's supposed to be the CBA guru that can manufacture trade exceptions from thin air. Right?Hopefully we get more details soon.UPDATE: Via the venerable Wendell Maxey, "philosophical differences ." How often do people get fired in this manner because of differences in philosophy? Still waiting for a real explanation.UPDATED UPDATE: In all the excitement I was a bit late to Senor Brian T. Smith's information on the firing: According to the source, there had been rumblings in recent weeks within the organization that Penn's job was at stake. The primary reason was that Penn had a tendency to rub many of those he worked with the wrong way, the source said, and was seen as being a "ladder climber."UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE: Detroit Lions
Tom Penn is both surprised and disappointed . Don't sweat it, Tom. Anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are sitting, and it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.As you can tell I'm out of original thoughts so I am done for the night.Photo courtesy of the Oregonian.
Penn was fired, but it is believed to have come from owner Paul Allen and not Pritchard.Wait, what? Just like that? Penn was reportedly getting offers for the GM position at other organizations last year. It was thought that his promotion was the result of Portland's desire to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. He's supposed to be the CBA guru that can manufacture trade exceptions from thin air. Right?Hopefully we get more details soon.UPDATE: Via the venerable Wendell Maxey, "philosophical differences ." How often do people get fired in this manner because of differences in philosophy? Still waiting for a real explanation.UPDATED UPDATE: In all the excitement I was a bit late to Senor Brian T. Smith's information on the firing: According to the source, there had been rumblings in recent weeks within the organization that Penn's job was at stake. The primary reason was that Penn had a tendency to rub many of those he worked with the wrong way, the source said, and was seen as being a "ladder climber."UPDATE TO THE UPDATED UPDATE: Detroit Lions
Tom Penn is both surprised and disappointed . Don't sweat it, Tom. Anyone who ever built an empire or changed the world sat where you are sitting, and it's because they sat there that they were able to do it.As you can tell I'm out of original thoughts so I am done for the night.Photo courtesy of the Oregonian.
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