Loading ...Upside and Motor: “Bargs aside, has there ever been a number one pick with less expectation for turning around a team, especially one that lost its identity and its coach in the midst of such a miserable, unexpected losing season? Especially considering that Rose helped carry his college team to the NCAA Championship game. Bulls fans are hoping Rose turns into Jason Kidd and Dwyane Wade’s love child with Einstein’s brains, an extra set of eyes, and rocket boots. But whether it’s the nature of Rose’s game, the status of the Bulls’ roster, or the current Eastern Conference landscape, it seems as though Rose is practically getting a mail-in for his rookie season, especially compared to the other big names of Draft ‘08.”
Eric Musselman’s Basketball Notebook: Thoughts on Mo’s move to Cleveland
3 Shades of Blue: An Exclusive Interview with Marc Iavaroni
Eddie Sefko of The Dallas Morning News: “Change is good. They are referring to new coach Rick Carlisle. But they also believe the transition from Avery Johnson will show an earlier change – trading for Jason Kidd – was a smart move. The fresh, upbeat atmosphere will be a theme as the Mavericks prepare for training camp, which will be held at SMU’s new training facility. And one of the team’s leaders insists the attitude has, indeed, changed. “Automatically,” Jason Terry said. “It’s obvious, if we come back and play the way we played the last two years, the system wasn’t bad, but now you’ve changed the roster. So we needed to go in a different direction.”"
Mike Baldwin of The Oklahoman: “”Hit the wall” is an NBA term for mid-season slumps that rookies sometimes experience during an 82-game schedule.But most players’ scoring averages improve between 20 percent to 40 percent their second season. The experience of that first season as a pro basketball player — on and off the court — is a teaching tool for year No. 2. Kevin Durant and Jeff Green were selected to the NBA’s All-Rookie team last season. It was only the seventh time in 25 years one franchise had two first-team rookies. Based on league trends, both Thunder players’ statistics should improve this season in Oklahoma City.”
Dave D’Alessandro of The Star-Ledger: “”The guy who believed in me most died,” he said, referring to the sudden passing of Dennis Johnson, who collapsed at a Toros practice in Feb. of 2007. “He was sure I would make it back to the league, and he was gone. That just floored me. I felt I had to step away, and realize there were more important things in life. “For 18 years, my life was consumed by basketball — every day, every thought, every process. I just thought it was time to stop.” Actually, in many ways, Williams is only just starting. He can do anything he wants with his life, and he’s one of those people who knows it: He has a degree from Duke, a boatload of charisma, a keen intellect, and a telegenic smile.”
HoopsAvenue: Carnival of the NBA
Tom Ziller of NBA FanHouse: “The one constant with Stoudamire: dude can shoot. Let’s ignore last season, when he only totaled 400 minutes. Look at all seasons, college and pro, when he actually got a shot. Here are his three-point shooting percentages: 45% as a college freshman, 44% as a sophomore, 42% as a junior, 50% as a senior, 38% as a rookie, 36% as a second-year player. The league average is 36%, and the Spurs are accustomed to shooting slightly higher. Salim helps that, yes?”
Blazer’s Edge: 5 Reasons to Watch the Portland Trailblazers in 2008-09
Celtics 17: “Yes - the Celtics farm system appears to be alive and well in Waltham. The Celtics will start the season with up to 7 of the 15 players on their roster having 2 years or less NBA experience, lead by Rajon Rondo of course. Add in Kendrick Perkins to this group, the Celtics have 8 players who will be age 24 or less for the opening tip-off this season. In comparison, the up-and-coming Portland Trailblazers will only have 5 players that will be 24 or less. And my Celtic friends - I’m also inclined to think that this bunch may be as talented as the youthful corp that the Celtics had in the fold prior to the summer of change in 2007.”
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