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Team USA Tested by Lithuania
So let me get this straight… Team USA beat Nigeria by 83 points two days ago. Today, Lithuania was beating us in the 4th quarter? With six minutes left, we were down by 2?
Linsa Kleiza (Toronto Raptors reserve player) led the Lithuanians with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Martynas Pocius (who does not even play in the NBA) had a great all around game scoring 14 points, dishing out 6 dimes, and grabbed 7 rebounds. All of this production came against some of the greatest players in the world and most likely, half a dozen future Hall of Famers. Lithuania gave America a true scare.
Now some of you might be thinking that the United States must have played an absolutely terrible game. And yes, they certainly underperformed, but this game was all about how well the Lithuanians played together. Lithuania shot an unbelievable 58.5% and 43.8% from beyond the arc. Team USA shot a mediocre 44.3% from the field and 30.3% from the three-point line.
“We can play better offensively and defensively, no questions about that,” Krzyzewski said. Well yeah, I sure hope we can. This was not the talented Spaniards. This wasn’t even France or Argentina. This was Lithuania! No disrespect to the Lithuanians, but I was just not expecting them to play us hard until the very last whistle.
LeBron James was able to lead the team on a 17-10 run to end the game and the Americans won 99-94. Notice, I used the word “lead”. LeBron James is officially the leader of this team. Not Carmelo, not Durant, and not Kobe Bryant. This is LeBron’s team and he proved it in the fourth quarter scoring 9 of his 20 points.
The Americans improved to 4-0 and have their last preliminary game against Argentina on Monday. Then, its do or die… Lets hope we don’t draw Lithuania as our first opponent.
Posted in America, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Lithuania, Nigeria, Olympics, Team USA
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Welcome Home Marcus!
Ten years after leaving New York, Marcus Camby has finally come home. The 6’11”, 235 pound center will play his 17th season in a Knicks uniform under the bright lights of Manhattan. The 38 year old is a huge defensive presence in the paint and is one of the greatest shot blockers of all time. Dikembe Mutombo is the only other player to lead the League in blocks three years in a row.
After playing three seasons for the UMass Minutemen and breaking all sorts of school records, Camby was picked second in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. Although Camby had some amazing moments in college and was named the College Player of the Year in the 1995-96 season, he also had some bad ones. While still a college student, he accepted money from agents hoping to represent him once he played in the NBA. He also accepted other forms of payment such as rental cars and jewelry.
But after being drafted by the Raptors, Camby was able to move forward in his career. Although he did not win Rookie of the Year, Marcus was one of the five players named to the All-Rookie 1st team. And in his second year in the NBA, Camby averaged 3.7 blocks, the most in the League that season, and his personal best.
After two solid years in Toronto, the Knicks were able to acquire Camby in a trade for the veteran, Charles Oakley. Camby was a part of the Knicks team that was the first #8 seed to make the NBA Finals. And when Patrick Ewing got injured, Camby even started three games in the playoffs.
The Knicks kept Camby until 2002 and then made one of the worst trades in Franchise history. They gave up Camby and in return got Antonio McDyess. That move didn’t quite pan out and a few years later in 2007, Marcus Camby won Defensive Player of the Year with the Denver Nuggets. Camby played in 70 games that year and was able to average 11.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and was the League leader with 3.3 blocks.
After another year of success in Denver, Camby was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Marcus was not shy about voicing his opinion and was very vocal about his discontent with the Clippers organization. Camby still remained an elite rebounder and shot blocker throughout his two years in LA despite wishing that he was still in Denver.
In 2010, Camby was sent to Portland where his production began to drop. And last season, Camby was dealt to the Houston Rockets just before the Trade Deadline. Last season, Marcus averaged 4.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. These numbers are not terrible, but Camby is definitely not what he used to be. But the Knicks hope to get a blast from the past and a Marcus Camby that can help improve the 18th best rebounding team in the NBA and a group of All-Stars that have trouble on the defensive end of the court.
Marcus Camby has somehow been able to maintain career averages of 9.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. These are great stats for a 38 year old going into his 17th season.
The one major concern about Camby over the years has been his durability. Can he stay healthy? Marcus Camby has not played 82 games in a season ever in his career. He has only played 70 games four times in his long career and he is now more injury prone than ever at his age. But if Camby can stay healthy, he would be just about the best guy the Knicks could ask for to back up Tyson Chandler.
The last time Camby was in a Knicks uniform, he suffered a season ending right hip injury and New York decided to get rid of the big guy. Now his career has come full circle and New Yorkers throughout all the Boroughs (maybe not Brooklyn) will be hoping that he can help the Knicks win a championship, and prove to all Nets fans that the Knicks are still the best team in New York.
Posted in Brooklyn, Center, Championship, Charles Oakley, Denver Nuggets, Dikembe Mutombo, Houston Rockets, Knicks, LA Clippers, Marcus Camby, NBA, Nets, New York, Portland Trailblazers, Shot Blocker
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Welcome Home Marcus!
Ten years after leaving New York, Marcus Camby has finally come home. The 6’11”, 235 pound center will play his 17th season in a Knicks uniform under the bright lights of Manhattan. The 38 year old is a huge defensive presence in the paint and is one of the greatest shot blockers of all time. Dikembe Mutombo is the only other player to lead the League in blocks three years in a row.
After playing three seasons for the UMass Minutemen and breaking all sorts of school records, Camby was picked second in the 1996 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. Although Camby had some amazing moments in college and was named the College Player of the Year in the 1995-96 season, he also had some bad ones. While still a college student, he accepted money from agents hoping to represent him once he played in the NBA. He also accepted other forms of payment such as rental cars and jewelry.
But after being drafted by the Raptors, Camby was able to move forward in his career. Although he did not win Rookie of the Year, Marcus was one of the five players named to the All-Rookie 1st team. And in his second year in the NBA, Camby averaged 3.7 blocks, the most in the League that season, and his personal best.
After two solid years in Toronto, the Knicks were able to acquire Camby in a trade for the veteran, Charles Oakley. Camby was a part of the Knicks team that was the first #8 seed to make the NBA Finals. And when Patrick Ewing got injured, Camby even started three games in the playoffs.
The Knicks kept Camby until 2002 and then made one of the worst trades in Franchise history. They gave up Camby and in return got Antonio McDyess. That move didn’t quite pan out and a few years later in 2007, Marcus Camby won Defensive Player of the Year with the Denver Nuggets. Camby played in 70 games that year and was able to average 11.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and was the League leader with 3.3 blocks.
After another year of success in Denver, Camby was traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Marcus was not shy about voicing his opinion and was very vocal about his discontent with the Clippers organization. Camby still remained an elite rebounder and shot blocker throughout his two years in LA despite wishing that he was still in Denver.
In 2010, Camby was sent to Portland where his production began to drop. And last season, Camby was dealt to the Houston Rockets just before the Trade Deadline. Last season, Marcus averaged 4.9 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. These numbers are not terrible, but Camby is definitely not what he used to be. But the Knicks hope to get a blast from the past and a Marcus Camby that can help improve the 18th best rebounding team in the NBA and a group of All-Stars that have trouble on the defensive end of the court.
Marcus Camby has somehow been able to maintain career averages of 9.7 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. These are great stats for a 38 year old going into his 17th season.
The one major concern about Camby over the years has been his durability. Can he stay healthy? Marcus Camby has not played 82 games in a season ever in his career. He has only played 70 games four times in his long career and he is now more injury prone than ever at his age. But if Camby can stay healthy, he would be just about the best guy the Knicks could ask for to back up Tyson Chandler.
The last time Camby was in a Knicks uniform, he suffered a season ending right hip injury and New York decided to get rid of the big guy. Now his career has come full circle and New Yorkers throughout all the Boroughs (maybe not Brooklyn) will be hoping that he can help the Knicks win a championship, and prove to all Nets fans that the Knicks are still the best team in New York.
Posted in Brooklyn, Center, Championship, Charles Oakley, Denver Nuggets, Dikembe Mutombo, Houston Rockets, Knicks, LA Clippers, Marcus Camby, NBA, Nets, New York, Portland Trailblazers, Shot Blocker
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Matt’s 2013 Western Conference Projections
Earlier this week I predicted the top eight seeds in the Eastern Conference next year. Now it’s time to get to work on my Western Conference predictions. Post your picks in the comment section. Let the debate begin!
#1. Oklahoma City Thunder– After last year’s loss in the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook cannot wait for the season to start. With the same core of players, we should expect similar results. And with more playoff experience, I expect this young team to learn from their mistakes. The Thunder are the most talented team in the West. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are hungrier than ever, and this team still has great size with Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison. Projection: 61-21
#2. Los Angeles Lakers– After a disappointing post-season in 2012, the Lakers went out and got veteran point guard Steve Nash to join Kobe Bryant in the backcourt. This team has become extremely dangerous with Gasol and Bynum down low, and the addition of Antawn Jamison. If Nash and Kobe can stay healthy, the Lakers will be a serious contender. Projection: 57-25
#3. San Antonio Spurs– The Spurs tied for the best record in the NBA last year. However, they are all now a year older, which draws some concern for Tim Duncan. Without Duncan, this team is significantly worse and I just don’t see Timmy having another spectacular year. He’ll average 12 points and 8 rebounds but wont be the same guy we are all used to seeing. San Antonio will still be a good team led by Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Projection: 52-30
#4. Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers look great on paper and should be able to repeat a successful season. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the League, and the big man combo consisting of Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, have welcomed CP3 to Lob City. The Clips have a solid back up for every single position including power forward, now that Lamar Odom has returned to the team that drafted him. If Billups and Crawford can play consistently at the 2 guard, this team could surprise people come playoff time. Projection: 51-31
#5. Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are a solid team and Zach Randolph has become an elite power forward. Marc Gasol is one of the better big men in the league, Tony Allen is a stifling defender, and Mike Conley is a solid point guard. Oh, and they have Rudy Gay too who is an absolute stud. However, the Grizzlies do not have a deep bench. My biggest concern for them is that they are not deep enough. If Memphis wants to make some noise in the post-season, they will have to lean on Gay and Randolph. Projection: 49-33
#6. Denver Nuggets: George Karl will lead another mediocre Denver team to the post-season yet again. With no superstar, the Nuggets are a great example of a team that thrives off of team work. Denver is lethal from downtown and led the league in points per game last year. But this team still needs work, especially on the defensive side of the court. Ty Lawson will have his best season yet. Projection: 44-38
#7. Utah Jazz: After losing Deron Williams, everyone assumed that the Jazz were a sinking ship. However, Utah still made the playoffs last year and I believe they will do it again in 2013. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are great big guys to have and the acquisition of Marvin Williams has filled the small forward position. Mo Williams will start at point guard and will have to keep the big guys involved if Utah wants to sneak into the playoffs. Projection: 43-39
#8. Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves had a great offense last year led by Ricky Rubio and Olympiad Kevin Love. Love is one of the best rebounders in the league and Rubio can be great assuming that he is healthy. With many up and coming youngsters on the roster such as Derrick Williams, Alexy Shved, and Robbie Hummel of Purdue, this team should be exciting to watch. And the addition of Andre Kirilenko will help the Timberwolves get past the Hornets, Mavs, and Warriors, for the last seed in the Western Conference. Projection: 42-40
Posted in AK47, Al Jefferson, Andre Kirilenko, Bench, Billups, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Clippers, CP3, Deandre Jordan, Denver, Deron Williams, George Karl, Grizzlies, Jamal Crawford, Jazz, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Lob City, Los Angeles, Marc Gasol, Marvin Williams, Memphis, Mike Conley, Mo Williams, NBA, Nuggets, Oklahoma City, Pau Gasol, Paul Millsap, Ricky Rubio, Roster, Rudy Gay, Russell Westbrook, San Antonio, Spurs, Thunder, Tim Duncan, Timberwolves, Tony Allen, Ty Lawson, Utah, Zach Randolph
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Matt’s 2013 Western Conference Projections
Earlier this week I predicted the top eight seeds in the Eastern Conference next year. Now it’s time to get to work on my Western Conference predictions. Post your picks in the comment section. Let the debate begin!
#1. Oklahoma City Thunder– After last year’s loss in the NBA Finals, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook cannot wait for the season to start. With the same core of players, we should expect similar results. And with more playoff experience, I expect this young team to learn from their mistakes. The Thunder are the most talented team in the West. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are hungrier than ever, and this team still has great size with Kendrick Perkins, Serge Ibaka, and Nick Collison. Projection: 61-21
#2. Los Angeles Lakers– After a disappointing post-season in 2012, the Lakers went out and got veteran point guard Steve Nash to join Kobe Bryant in the backcourt. This team has become extremely dangerous with Gasol and Bynum down low, and the addition of Antawn Jamison. If Nash and Kobe can stay healthy, the Lakers will be a serious contender. Projection: 57-25
#3. San Antonio Spurs– The Spurs tied for the best record in the NBA last year. However, they are all now a year older, which draws some concern for Tim Duncan. Without Duncan, this team is significantly worse and I just don’t see Timmy having another spectacular year. He’ll average 12 points and 8 rebounds but wont be the same guy we are all used to seeing. San Antonio will still be a good team led by Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. Projection: 52-30
#4. Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers look great on paper and should be able to repeat a successful season. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the League, and the big man combo consisting of Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, have welcomed CP3 to Lob City. The Clips have a solid back up for every single position including power forward, now that Lamar Odom has returned to the team that drafted him. If Billups and Crawford can play consistently at the 2 guard, this team could surprise people come playoff time. Projection: 51-31
#5. Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are a solid team and Zach Randolph has become an elite power forward. Marc Gasol is one of the better big men in the league, Tony Allen is a stifling defender, and Mike Conley is a solid point guard. Oh, and they have Rudy Gay too who is an absolute stud. However, the Grizzlies do not have a deep bench. My biggest concern for them is that they are not deep enough. If Memphis wants to make some noise in the post-season, they will have to lean on Gay and Randolph. Projection: 49-33
#6. Denver Nuggets: George Karl will lead another mediocre Denver team to the post-season yet again. With no superstar, the Nuggets are a great example of a team that thrives off of team work. Denver is lethal from downtown and led the league in points per game last year. But this team still needs work, especially on the defensive side of the court. Ty Lawson will have his best season yet. Projection: 44-38
#7. Utah Jazz: After losing Deron Williams, everyone assumed that the Jazz were a sinking ship. However, Utah still made the playoffs last year and I believe they will do it again in 2013. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap are great big guys to have and the acquisition of Marvin Williams has filled the small forward position. Mo Williams will start at point guard and will have to keep the big guys involved if Utah wants to sneak into the playoffs. Projection: 43-39
#8. Minnesota Timberwolves: The Wolves had a great offense last year led by Ricky Rubio and Olympiad Kevin Love. Love is one of the best rebounders in the league and Rubio can be great assuming that he is healthy. With many up and coming youngsters on the roster such as Derrick Williams, Alexy Shved, and Robbie Hummel of Purdue, this team should be exciting to watch. And the addition of Andre Kirilenko will help the Timberwolves get past the Hornets, Mavs, and Warriors, for the last seed in the Western Conference. Projection: 42-40
Posted in AK47, Al Jefferson, Andre Kirilenko, Bench, Billups, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Clippers, CP3, Deandre Jordan, Denver, Deron Williams, George Karl, Grizzlies, Jamal Crawford, Jazz, Kevin Durant, Kevin Love, Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Lob City, Los Angeles, Marc Gasol, Marvin Williams, Memphis, Mike Conley, Mo Williams, NBA, Nuggets, Oklahoma City, Pau Gasol, Paul Millsap, Ricky Rubio, Roster, Rudy Gay, Russell Westbrook, San Antonio, Spurs, Thunder, Tim Duncan, Timberwolves, Tony Allen, Ty Lawson, Utah, Zach Randolph
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