Friday’s action in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague brings Round 3 of the Regular Season to a climax with a super six-pack of games featuring four unbeaten teams aiming to stay perfect for another week. Make sure you visit www.euroleague.livebasketball.tv to access live games with much more videos and do not forget to check on +Slap Dog Hoops for all the scores, recaps and highlights in +EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
Friday, October 31, 2014
SDH Presents Euroleague Basketball Regular Season Round 3: Friday Preview
Friday’s action in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague brings Round 3 of the Regular Season to a climax with a super six-pack of games featuring four unbeaten teams aiming to stay perfect for another week. Make sure you visit www.euroleague.livebasketball.tv to access live games with much more videos and do not forget to check on +Slap Dog Hoops for all the scores, recaps and highlights in +EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Cowbell Kingdom Podcast ep169
+Sacramento Kings legend Jerry Reynolds joins the +Cowbell Kingdom podcast in segment one. In segment two, +NBC Sports Aaron Bruski hops on to discuss the season opener. Catch all the latest news, notes and interviews along with scores and highlights from the +Sacramento Kings and the +NBA right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Toronto Raptors Practice: Kyle Lowry - October 31, 20144
Kyle Lowry speaks with the media following practice on Friday. For more, go to raptors.com and always keep up with all 30 +NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Toronto Raptors Practice: Dwane Casey - October 31, 2014
Dwane Casey speaks with the media following practice on Friday. For more, go to raptors.com and always keep up with all 30 +NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Toronto Raptors Practice: Patrick Patterson - October 31, 2014
Patrick Patterson speaks with the media following practice on Friday. For more, go to raptors.com and always keep up with all 30 +NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Denver Nuggets Practice Report - Recovery Day
+Denver Nuggets host Alexis Perry talks to Head Coach Brian Shaw and several players about reflecting on the game against the +Detroit Pistons and Wednesday's practice. Catch more in depth coverage of the Nuggets--including scores, highlights, interviews, insightful analysis and commentary--as well as the rest of the +NBA right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Sacramento Kings Practice: Darren Collison 10/30/14
Darren Collison provides insight into the +Sacramento Kings offense and more following Thursday's practice. Catch all the latest news, notes and interviews along with scores and highlights from the +Sacramento Kings and the +NBA right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Sacramento Kings Practice: Coach Malone 10/30/14
Coach Malone on the team's offensive breakdown during Wednesday's Home Opener and more following practice. Catch all the latest news, notes and interviews along with scores and highlights from the +Sacramento Kings and the +NBA right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Sacramento Kings Practice: Carl Landry 10/30/14
Carl Landry reflects on the team's Home Opener and more following Thursday's practice. Catch all the latest news, notes and interviews along with scores and highlights from the +Sacramento Kings and the +NBA right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Portland Trail Blazers Practice Sound: Batum's Expectations For Sacramento
+Nicolas Batum talks about getting off to a better start tomorrow against the +Sacramento Kings and the challenge of +DeMarcus Cousins. You can watch more about the +Portland Trail Blazers--including the latest news, scores, recaps, and highlights along with in-depth analysis and insightful commentary and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Portland Trail Blazers Practice Sound: Blake On Challenge Of Road Games
+Steve Blake talks about the challenge of playing on the road, improving through the season and defensive positioning. You can watch more about the +Portland Trail Blazers--including the latest news, scores, recaps, and highlights along with in-depth analysis and insightful commentary and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Portland Trail Blazers Practice Sound: Lillard On Teammates Keeping Him Focused
+Damian Lillard talks about his teammates keeping him focused through in-game struggles and playing better tomorrow on the road in Sacramento. You can watch more about the +Portland Trail Blazers--including the latest news, scores, recaps, and highlights along with in-depth analysis and insightful commentary and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Portland Trail Blazers Practice Sound: Kaman On Battling DeMarcus Cousins
+Chris Kaman talks about the difficulty of playing +DeMarcus Cousins and his impact on +LaMarcus Aldridge's game. You can watch more about the +Portland Trail Blazers--including the latest news, scores, recaps, and highlights along with in-depth analysis and insightful commentary and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents from DraftExpress.com: Austin Wiley Interview-2014 USA Mens Junior Team Mini-Camp
6-foot-9 class of 2017 prospect, Austin Wiley (Spain Park HS, Birmingham, AL) talks with DraftExpress at the 2014 USA Men's Junior National Team Mini-Camp in Colorado Spring. Catch more great highlight videos from +DraftExpress along with interviews as well scouting reports of both current and future +NBA stars right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents from DraftExpress.com: E.J. Montgomery Interview-2014 USA Mens Junior Team Mini-Camp
Elite 2018 recruit E.J. Montgomery speaks on a variety of topics at the 2014 USA Basketball Junior Mini Camp. Catch more great highlight videos from +DraftExpress along with interviews as well scouting reports of both current and future +NBA stars right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents from DraftExpress.com: Trevon Duval Interview-2014 USA Mens Junior Team Mini-Camp
Trevon Duval (Class of 2017 - St Benedict's Prep, Wilmington DE) is interviewed at the 2014 USA Basketball Men's Junior National Team Mini-Camp. Catch more great highlight videos from +DraftExpress along with interviews as well scouting reports of both current and future +NBA stars right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents from DraftExpress.com: Don Showalter Interview-2014 USA Mens Junior Team Mini-Camp
USA Basketball Mens Junior National Team head coach, Don Showalter, talks with DraftExpress at the Junior Team's mini-camp in Colorado Springs in October 2014. Catch more great highlight videos from +DraftExpress along with interviews as well scouting reports of both current and future +NBA stars right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Oklahoma City Thunder Post Game: Jones in Los Angeles - 10.30.14
Perry Jones meets with the media after the +Oklahoma City Thunder's 93-90 loss to the +Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 30, 2014. Catch more in-depth coverage of the +Oklahoma City Thunder as well the other 29 teams in the +NBA right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Oklahoma City Thunder Post Game: Coach Brooks in Los Angeles - 10.30.14
Head Coach Scott Brook meets with the media after the +Oklahoma City Thunder's 93-90 loss to the +Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 30, 2014. Catch more in-depth coverage of the +Oklahoma City Thunder as well the other 29 teams in the +NBA right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Oklahoma City Thunder Post Game: Telfair in Los Angeles - 10.30.14
+Sebastian Telfair meets with the media after the +Oklahoma City Thunder's 93-90 loss to the +Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 30, 2014. Catch more in-depth coverage of the +Oklahoma City Thunder as well the other 29 teams in the +NBA right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents The Starters – October 30th
+The Starters overreact to the first full slate of games: including +Kemba Walker's +Michael Jordan impression, +Chris Bosh replacing +LeBron James, and +Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's new jumper. Watch +The Starters weekdays at 6:30 on +NBA TV, get more of them on their website: http://nba.com/thestarters; and keep tuned in to +Slap Dog Hoops for all the latest news, notes and more from the +NBA and beyond. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks
SDH Presents Carmelo and the Knicks Ruining Lebron's Homecoming
+Carmelo Anthony put a damper on +LeBron James' return to Cleveland with a strong performance finishing with 25 points to lead the +New York Knicks to the 95-90 victory. Visit nba.com/video for more highlights and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents John Wall Getting His Second Double-Double of Season
John Wall has gone to work this season. With just two games into the season he has earned double-doubles each time. Wall lead the +Washington Wizards to their first win of the season with a 30 point and 12 assist effort. Visit nba.com/video for more highlights and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents the Top 10 NBA Plays: October 30th
+LeBron James is back in Cleveland. John Wall gets another double-double. There's a new connection in Dallas. Check out the Top Plays of Thursday Night!! Visit nba.com/video for more highlights and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
Thursday, October 30, 2014
SDH Presents Euroleague Basketball Regular Season Round 3: Thursday Recap
Opening night of Round 3 of the Regular Season was an evening to remember as a Euroleague legend reached a major milestone while a number of players delivered spectacular offensive performances to power their teams to high-scoring victories. Make sure you visit www.euroleague.livebasketball.tv to access live games with much more videos and do not forget to check on +Slap Dog Hoops for all the scores, recaps and highlights in +EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Euroleague Basketball Highlights: Alba Berlin v Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv
SDH Presents Euroleague Basketball Highlights: Crvena Zvezda Telekom Belgrade v Valencia Basket
+Crvena Zvezda Telekom Belgrade rode the undying support of its fans and three quarters of excellent defense to beat +Valencia Basket 76-63 in Kombank Arena on Thursday. Behind 16 points plus 8 rebounds from Boban Marjanovic, and 14 points and 8 assists from Marcus Willams, Zvezda improved to 2-1 in Group D. Make sure you visit www.euroleague.livebasketball.tv to access live games with much more videos and do not forget to check on +Slap Dog Hoops for all the scores, recaps and highlights in +EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Euroleague Basketball Highlights: Real Madrid v Nizhny Novgorod
+Real Madrid set a Euroleague record with 33 assists and Jaycee Carroll netted a career-high 32 points in a comfortable 112-83 home win over +Nizhny Novgorod on Thursday night. The victory bumped Madrid’s record to 3-0 and gave it sole possession of first place in Group A. Make sure you visit www.euroleague.livebasketball.tv to access live games with much more videos and do not forget to check on +Slap Dog Hoops for all the scores, recaps and highlights in +EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Euroleague Basketball Highlights: Panathinaikos Athens v Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul
In a historic night in competition history, +Panathinaikos+ Athens tied a club record with 18 three-pointers made to defeat +Fenerbahçe Ülker Istanbul 91-73 in Group C. Both teams are now tied in Group C, each with a 2-1 record. Dimitris Diamantidis became the first player to reach 1,000 career assists in the Euroleague. He finished the game with 10 assists, which is 1 short of his career best. A.J. Slaughter added 23 points on 7-of-10 three-point shooting.
Make sure you visit www.euroleague.livebasketball.tv to access live games with much more videos and do not forget to check on +Slap Dog Hoops for all the scores, recaps and highlights in +EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Euroleague Basketball Highlights: Anadolu Efes Istanbul v Zalgiris Kaunas
In a great battle that went down to the final seconds, +BC Žalgiris registered its second win in Group A by edging +Anadolu Efes Istanbul 60-65 on the road on Thursday. Both teams are now tied in with 2-1 records. Edgaras Ulanovas paced the winners with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Make sure you visit www.euroleague.livebasketball.tv to access live games with much more videos and do not forget to check on +Slap Dog Hoops for all the scores, recaps and highlights in +EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Euroleague Basketball Highlights: Unics Kazan v. Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari
Unics Kazan claimed its first victory of the Turkish Airlines Euroleague season by blowing past +Dinamo Sassari 85-62 at home on Thursday. D’Or Fischer led a balanced Unics attack that featured six scorers in double figures with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting and 9 rebounds. Nikos Zisis added 13 points, Kostas Kaimakoglou amassed 11 points and 8 assists. Rakim Sanders led Sassari with 18 points and Edgar Sosa tallied 13 points and 5 assists. Make sure you visit www.euroleague.livebasketball.tv to access live games with much more videos and do not forget to check on +Slap Dog Hoops for all the scores, recaps and highlights in +EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Euroleague Basketball Regular Season Round 3: Thursday Preview
Round 3 of the regular season goes into action on Thursday in six games from six different countries! Make sure you visit www.euroleague.livebasketball.tv to access live games with much more videos and do not forget to check on +Slap Dog Hoops for all the scores, recaps and highlights in +EUROLEAGUE BASKETBALL. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Toronto Raptors Post Game: Dwane Casey - October 29, 2014
Head coach Dwane Casey addresses media following the +Toronto Raptors 109-102 season opening win over the +Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. For more, go to raptors.com and always keep up with all 30 +NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Toronto Raptors Post Game: DeMar DeRozan - October 29, 2014
+Demar Derozan addresses media following the +Toronto Raptors 109-102 season opening win over the +Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. For more, go to raptors.com and always keep up with all 30 +NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Toronto Raptors Post Game: Greivis Vasquez - October 29, 2014
+Greivis Vasquez addresses media following the +Toronto Raptors 109-102 season opening win over the +Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. For more, go to raptors.com and always keep up with all 30 +NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Toronto Raptors Post Game: Kyle Lowry - October 29, 2014
Kyle Lowry addresses media following the +Toronto Raptors 109-102 season opening win over the +Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. For more, go to raptors.com and always keep up with all 30 +NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Marc Gasol Beginning 2014-2015 NBA Season with a Career-High
+Marc Gasol had a monster night as he scored a career high 32 points and grabbed 9 rebounds in the +Memphis Grizzlies win over the +Minnesota Timberwolves. Visit nba.com/video for more highlights and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Phoenix Suns Opening Night - Alex Len Post Game
Alex Len speaks to the media after last night's win vs. the +Los Angeles Lakers on (10/29/2014). Enjoy this and look out for more great +Phoenix Suns coverage--including all the latest news, scores, and highlights along with interviews, commentary and analysis--right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Phoenix Suns Opening Night - Goran Dragic Post Game
+Goran Dragic speaks to the media after last night's win vs. the +Los Angeles Lakers on (10/29/2014). Enjoy this and look out for more great +Phoenix Suns coverage--including all the latest news, scores, and highlights along with interviews, commentary and analysis--right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Phoenix Suns Opening Night - Marcus Morris Post Game
+Markieff Morris speaks to the media after last night's win vs. the +Los Angeles Lakers on (10/29/2014). Enjoy this and look out for more great +Phoenix Suns coverage--including all the latest news, scores, and highlights along with interviews, commentary and analysis--right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents the Top 10 NBA Plays: October 29th
Check Out the top 10 Plays of October 29, 2014! Visit nba.com/video for more highlights and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents The Starters – October 29th
+The Starters overreact to the first night of the +NBA season: including Anthony Davis' MVP like performance, +Chandler Parsons' terrible +Dallas Mavericks debut, and the +Kobe Bryant /+Dwight Howard fracas. Watch +The Starters weekdays at 6:30 on +NBA TV, get more of them on their website: http://nba.com/thestarters; and keep tuned in to +Slap Dog Hoops for all the latest news, notes and more from the +NBA and beyond. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents The Return of the Charlotte Hornets!
The buzz is back in Charlotte! And the home opener couldn't have been more exciting as the +Charlotte Hornets completed the best comeback in Charlotte NBA history to get the win over the +Milwaukee Bucks! Visit nba.com/video for more highlights and always keep up with all 30+NBA teams right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Full Highlights of Celtics' Avery Bradley & Marcus Thornton's 25 points combined vs Brooklyn Nets 10/29/2014
SDH Presents Full Highlights of Celtics' Marcus Smart's NBA Debut of 10 points,4 steals vs Brooklyn Nets 10/29/2014
Check out the highlights of +Boston Celtics' rookie and Point guard of the future, Marcus Smart, as he posted a rather impressive regular season debut against the +Brooklyn Nets with a statline of 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals in just 28 minutes . Click here to take a look a the game's full boxscore and Catch more great Celtics highlights along with scores, recaps, post game interviews, analysis and commentary right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, be sure to check out my preseason Worst to First prediction right here: http://slapdoghoops.blogspot.com/2014/10/sdhs-20142015-nba-worst-to-first_49.html. Finally, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Full Highlights of Celtics' Rajon Rondo's 13 points,7 rebounds,12 assists vs Brooklyn Nets 10/29/2014
Check out the highlights of +Boston Celtics' veteran point man +Rajon Rondo as he posted a rather impressive statline against the +Brooklyn Nets of 13 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, along with shooting 6/9 from the field in 30 minutes. Click here to take a look a the game's full boxscore and catch more great Celtics highlights along with scores, recaps, post game interviews, analysis and commentary right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, be sure to check out my preseason Worst to First prediction right here: http://slapdoghoops.blogspot.com/2014/10/sdhs-20142015-nba-worst-to-first_49.html. Finally, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents Full Highlights of Celtics' Kelly Olynyk's 19 points,6 rebounds vs Brooklyn Nets 10/29/2014
Check out the highlights of +Boston Celtics' second year big man +Kelly Olynyk as he posted a rather impressive statline against the +Brooklyn Nets of 19 points, 6 rebounds (4 of them offensive), 2 assists, and 1 steal, while shooting 8/14 from the field in just 29 minutes. Click here to take a look a the game's full boxscore and catch more great Celtics highlights along with scores, recaps, post game interviews, analysis and commentary right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, be sure to check out my preseason Worst to First prediction right here: http://slapdoghoops.blogspot.com/2014/10/sdhs-20142015-nba-worst-to-first_49.html. Finally, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents from DraftExpress.com: RJ Hunter 2014-15 NCAA Basketball Preseason Scouting Video
Check out this great +NCAA preseason scouting video, courtesy of +DraftExpress, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of +Georgia State University's sharpshooter RJ Hunter. Catch more great highlight videos from +DraftExpress along with interviews as well scouting reports of both current and future +NBA stars right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents from DraftExpress.com: Rashad Vaughn 2014-15 NCAA Basketball Preseason Scouting Video
Check out this great +NCAA preseason scouting video, courtesy of +DraftExpress, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of +UNLV freshman shooting guard Rashad Vaughn. Catch more great highlight videos from +DraftExpress along with interviews as well scouting reports of both current and future +NBA stars right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH Presents from DraftExpress.com: Domantas Sabonis 2014-15 NCAA Basketball Preseason Scouting Video
Check out this great +NCAA preseason scouting video, courtesy of +DraftExpress, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of +Gonzaga Bulldogs freshman power forward Domantas Sabonis. Catch more great highlight videos from +DraftExpress along with interviews as well scouting reports of both current and future +NBA stars right here on +Slap Dog Hoops. Also, please be kind enough to share this post by simply clicking the Facebook, Twitter, G+, and Pinterest buttons below. It would be greatly appreciated; Thanks!
SDH's 2014/2015 NBA Worst to First Previews and Predictions: 22. Indiana Pacers
|
Overall Win/Loss Record: 56-26, first place Central Division
2014/2015 Projection: 38-44, fifth place Central Division, eleventh
place Eastern Conference
Preseason Rank
22
|
|
Last season’s Team Statistics and League
Rank
|
Returning Individual Statistical
Leaders
|
Projected Opening Day Starters Based on Past Performance and Potential Impact:
|
Key Reserves Rank Based on Past Performance and Potential Impact::
|
Last season the Indiana Pacers earned the best regular season record in the Eastern Conference, but were thwarted once again in their desires for championship glory when they lost to the +Miami HEAT in the Conference Finals. Now the Pacers find themselves on the outside looking in as their off season was marred by a horrific injury, poor personnel decisions and emergence of a team that was once the league's personal doormat. While the majority of the teams in the East spent their off season upgrading and strengthening their rosters, Indiana simply stood pat and remains with the same old team, but without two major ingredients that were the source of their past successes. It could be considered as the "snap that was heard around the world," when Paul George, the team's leading scorer and franchise player, slammed against the base of a basket in an effort to retrieve the ball and saw his leg shatter as if it were glass. That injured essentially shattered Indy's season as a playoff contender; however, it is what happened during the off season that will determine not only the team's prospects this year, but in subsequent years following.
Thanks to the infinite wisdom of the team's President, Larry Bird, Indiana's future as championship contender or even a relevant competitor in its own division is in complete jeopardy. To start off, instead of trying to develop it he mortgaged whatever young promising talent he had in +Tyler Hansbrough, Gerald Green and +Miles Plumlee, exchanging them away for older players whose basketball shelf life has all expired. David West was already at his athletic peak as a player when he first joined the Pacers at the age of 30 four years ago, but Bird found it wise to keep him for three more years after his two year deal expired, instead of using that money to invest in a much younger player in Hansbrough, who showed that he had the potential to mimic, if not improve on what West was already doing. Not only did he allow Hansbrough to leave, Bird also jettisoned Green and Plumlee to the +Phoenix Suns in exchange for Luis Scola, who at 34, is a player, who like West, has also seen his best basketball years past and at best can maintain his current production; however, in the case Green and Plumlee, it was the complete opposite as they both flourished in Phoenix and will most likely continue to have very long and prosperous careers. Now thanks to Bird's shortsightedness, the Pacers are not only severely handicapped with the loss of George for the season, but they are stuck with aging players that can no longer perform or produce the same way they had done in previous years; however, that was not the worst move that Bird has done in his tenure. That happened during the off season where instead of offering him the money that he clearly deserved, Larry decided to cheap out on restricted free agent +Lance Stephenson, who then took that as an insult and left for the +Charlotte Hornets. Although Paul George was the team's loeading scorer and franchise player, Stephenson could be considered as a rising star and arguably the team's best overall player last season as he led the team in assists, had the team's best field goal percentage at .491, and led the league in triple doubles. He was second to George in both rebounds and steals per game and at 24 years of age, the guy had more than enough upside to warrant and justify at least a near max contract extension; however, Bird chose to short change him offering Stephenson a four year 36$ million deal that would have decreased after each year. That infuriated Stephenson so much that he decided to go to Charlotte for approximately for the same money that Bird offered, but instead four years guaranteed, he chose for two guaranteed and a player option for the third. By doing so, not only did he essentially flip Larry "the Bird" in going to another team for about the same money, but also plans to rub Bird's shortsighted and moronic choice in his face for the next two years before he becomes an unrestricted free agent and really get paid. Many fans applauded Bird's decision for letting Stephenson go as they cited one silly instance where during a play in the Eastern Conference Finals where he playfully blew in the face of +LeBron James to distract him. Like the pompous self righteous fools that they are, the fans and local media flew in perfect V formation in support of their revered hero, choosing to diminish Lance's role and impact on the team by condescending put downs and childish insults. Forget the fact that he was the team's best defender that never shied away from the challenge of guarding the one time "King of Miami" in the most important series of the Eastern Conference playoffs or the fact that he was not only the facilitator, but also at times the catalyst of Indiana's offense, which struggled at time to put points on the board. To folks in Indiana, he has been disregarded an insignificant and replaceable piece whose performance was the product of the team, and not by his own effort and talent where in fact it was the complete opposite. If it had not been for him pushing the ball, help it move among his teammates instead of simply having it planted it in George's hands, and attacking the rim to get to the free throw line, Indiana's offense last season would have been even more stagnant that it was last season--a horrifying vision to say the least. Sadly it is the fault of Larry Bird that Indy's future now rest in the hands of a player that is not only out for the season, but will have even more pressure put on him to compensate for the lost offense and contributions on both ends of the court in which Stephenson provided upon his return. Such immense pressure can result in another potential long term injury that can shelf him for another season the same way it did for the +Lakers' +Kobe Bryant or the +Chicago Bulls' +Derrick Rose before him. Some have pointed out that Bird's actions with Stephenson were more financial than anything else because giving him for than the 36$ million offered would have put the Pacers over the luxury tax threshold; however, that was an even stupider reason considering the fact that the league's salary cap is expected to balloon up to 80$ million making such a concern as the luxury tax literally null and void. Even had George not been injured, Indiana's prospects for this season would have still been minimized due to the return of the Lebron James and the arrival of +Kevin Love to the +Cleveland Cavaliers have all but eliminated Indy's chance to maintain its hold on the top of its division, let alone conference. Add the entrance of a greatly upgraded Bulls team many look to be in a neck to neck with race Cleveland for not just the Central Division title, but the Eastern Conference's best record, the best that Indy can hope for is a third place finish in its own division. Let's not forget that both fellow divisional rivals the +Milwaukee Bucks and +Detroit Pistons will be looking to also further pull the Pacers down off the once high pedestal they had made which allowed themselves to become lazy and complacent. To add to Indiana's troubles are up and teams such as the +Toronto Raptors, +Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets and +New York Knicks along with already established powerhouses in the Heat and +Brooklyn Nets all looking to stamp out whatever relevancy the Pacers still had. Blame Bird once again for simply settling with the status-quot expecting the East not to change instead of taking the initiative to ensure that Indiana remains among the NBA's elite franchises for years to come; instead he chose to simply stand pat and allow the rest of the East catch up thus ending Indy's short four year rise as a elite team to a grinding halt. The sad thing about this situation that he will not be held accountable for his bungling by either the ownership, the fans or the local media because of the heavenly aura surrounding him. Similar to the way Joe Dumars was treated in his tenure as the head man of the Pistons, Larry will be deemed as above reproach as he continues to make one mistake after another and cover his behind by pointing fingers and firing others to pay for his missteps. After years of such a practice with the team continually floundering, eventually there will be no else to deflect blame unto and like Dumars before him, Larry will find himself having to resign in shame and disgrace. Pacer fans should right now consider this season awash because their team simply does not have the offensive firepower or the on court leadership to really be a major factor in the Eastern Conference, and they should also look to prepare for the worst as well. Indy's status as an elite team has all but been ground to dust and all that both the team and its fans have is four playoff seasons, but little if anything else to show for it. The team is saddled with a roster consisting of a sad mix of the overrated, over-paid, and over the hill combined with a pathetic group of spare parts that were found by scraping the bottom of the barrel. The prospects are certainly bleak to say the least, but ask anyone in the Hoosier State and they will say that "everything is fine," and remain in that delusional state until the walls literally fall around them to acknowledge that something is wrong. |
|
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)