Tag: Charlotte Bobcats

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NBA General

Around the Rim: The Hot Seat


1. A Czar, Zeke, Doc and Cheeks
If a coach is judged by wins and loses, then four coaches are clearly in line to be the first to get whacked this season. Doc Rivers, Mike Fratello, Maurice Cheeks and Bernie Bickerstaff all reside in futility with less than six wins each. Each coach has their own reasons for why they should be fired, but if one deserves to go first, who should it be? Bickerstaff is doing all he can with a team of kids. Fratello has to be given the benefit of the doubt considering that he has started the season in a ship without a sail after Pau Gasol broke his foot over the summer. Doc Rivers coaches a team of one, with Paul Pierce as the sole star in Boston. So, the pink slip goes to Cheeks. He is accomplishing the least with a team that is experienced, talented and athletic. Two AI’s, Chris Webber and Samuel Dalembert have to add up to more than five wins.

2. Marion, Out
Last night during a dominating win over Sacramento, the Suns Shawn Marion hit a 14 foot jumper at the buzzer. He proceeded to run off the court and into the locker room to the sweet sounds of an arena filled with cheers. One problem, it was only the end of the first quarter. Once Marion realized that he was the only player to have left the court, he returned to a bench full of laughing and pointing teammates. Some of the Suns were laughing so hard, they were literally holding their sides. There’s nothing like a little humor to keep a winning streak alive.

3. M.V.Three?
Steve Nash has won two consecutive MVP awards, and if the formula used by voters over the last two seasons holds true, then Nash is well on his way to a third. Nashty is currently averaging career highs in points (19.9) and minutes (36.5) while leading the league in assists per game with 11.4. If he can slightly increase his scoring, he will be the first player to average 20 points and ten assists since Tim Hardaway in 1992-93. While his trademark long locks are gone this season, his annoying habit of licking his fingers remains. But whatever he’s been doing, its working and the Suns have won nine out of ten, including a current seven game win streak. Last night against Sacramento, Nash put on a passing clinic as he dished out 20 assists.

Tuesday’s Player of the Day: Elton Brand vs. Miami 42 min, 33 pts (FG: 13-18, FT: 7-8), 17 reb, 3 ast, 1 blk

Wednesday’s Game to Watch: Houston (12-5) @ Minnesota (7-9) The Rockets have won six of their last seven games and Tracy McGrady has become much more active on the offensive side of the ball lately. Kevin Garnett continues to do everything for Minnesota as he leads the team in points, rebounds, steals and blocks. Lots of talent and All-Star appearances will be on the court between The Big Ticket, T-Mac and Yao Ming.

Buzzer Beater: David Stern finally admitted to not taking player’s opinions into consideration before forcing a new ball on the league. It’s about time, players have only been complaining about the new rock since training camp. Guess that the backlash from his stars finally became too much to handle for the commissioner. Stern made a decision that affected the entire league and thought that the initial revolt would simply go away, but it hasn’t. Swallowing your pride is tough, but continuing to lose face over an unnecessary change in procedure is just stupid. Bring back the leather ball already!

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NBA General

Around the Rim: Plentiful Points



Friendly fire

1. Subject to Change
Most statistical categories have been lead by one player for the majority of
the first month of the season. Dwight Howard leads in rebounds, Steve Nash
in assists, Emeka Okafor in blocks and Ron Artest in steals. But the NBA’s
best scorer has been a tossup to say the least. Carmelo Anthony, Allen
Iverson and Michael Redd are all averaging over 30 points per game and have
each lead the league in scoring at some point this season. Four more
players are scoring to the tune of at least 27 a night; Joe Johnson, Vince
Carter, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. There’s also a guy in LA who has been
pretty hot lately. Look for the see-sawing to continue throughout the year;
the league has too much firepower to be dominated by one player all season.

2. KO’d
Dikembe Mutombo’s elbows are notoriously brutal and have been known to put
opponents to sleep. And on Saturday, teammate Tracy McGrady found out first
hand when he took an accidental shot to the dome in the first quarter that
kept him out of the remainder of the game. McGrady lay on the ground
semi-conscious for a while before making a failed attempt to walk to the
locker room under his own power. Eventually, T-Mac was drug away like a
punch-drunk boxer by a fellow Rocket and the team’s trainer. Maybe Mutombo
should begin concentrating on a possible UFC career once his playing days
are over. With the proper training, a Mutombo elbow could become as lethal
as a Chuck Liddell right hook. And I seriously doubt that anyone could
match his reach. Watch out Tim Sylvia, Mt. Mutombo could come swinging at
you next.

3. His Name? Number Two.
Don Nelson has been waiting for his 1,200th victory his entire career, what
are a few more games. Nelson has been stuck at 1,199 since last Monday when
Golden State defeated San Antonio. Ironically, a week later, the Warriors
travel to SA for a chance to snag the milestone win, and snap a two game
losing skid in the process.

Whoa, Nellie? I don’t think so. Nelson is still going strong after an
incredible 28 years of coaching in the NBA. He is second to only Lenny
Wilkins in all-time coaching victories and, while it would take at least
three more seasons, Nelson has a reasonable chance to end his career with
the most wins in the history of the league. If that doesn’t motivate a head
coach then nothing will.

Sunday’s Player of the Day: Joe Johnson @ Portland 45 min, 33 pts (FG:
14-22, 3FG: 4-8, FT: 1-1), 6 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl

Monday’s Game to Watch: Indiana (9-9) @ Los Angeles Lakers (11-5) The
Lakers are 9-2 at home on the year and are currently on a streak where they
have won seven out of nine. Kobe Bryant has been torching opponents over
the span and will look to continue his great play tonight. Indiana has lost
two in a row but the team can finally begin to rely on Jermaine O’Neal again
who is slowly returning to his All-Star form of old. If O’Neal continues to
progress, Indiana could create some noise in the East.

Buzzer Beater: The Charlotte Bobcats are the best of the worst in the
league. While the Pussycats only have five wins on the season, they hold
surprising victories over Cleveland, San Antonio, New Jersey and Detroit.
That’s pretty impressive for the second worst team in the NBA. Charlotte is
full of holes, but at least they can raise their level of play to match that
of the big boys.

Categories
NBA General

Around the Rim: Cleaning the Glass


1. 20-20 Vision
At the tender age of 20, Orlando’s Dwight Howard is working hard to break some of the most impressive feats by the league’s best big men. When the Magic host the Pacers tonight, Howard will look to become the first player in 15 years to record three consecutive games of 20 points and 20 rebounds. On Saturday versus Charlotte Howard posted 24 points and 21 rebounds, he followed that effort up with a 24 point, 23 rebound game at Memphis on Monday. Tim Duncan was the last player to have back-to-back game of 20 and 20 in 2002-03. Shaquille O’Neal had nine 20/20 games in 1999-00, the most by anyone in the past ten years. Kevin Willis posted 12 in 1991-92, the most by any player in the last 20 years. Howard currently has three such games this season alone. He posted 21 points and 22 rebounds earlier in the season at Minnesota. While the records by O’Neal and Willis might be in reach for the kid this year, the true record is far out of reach. Moses Malone recorded 31 games of 20 points and 20 rebounds in 1978-79. Furthermore, Howard is trying to become the youngest player in NBA history to win a rebounding title; he currently leads the league with 14.1 per game.

2. Texas Heat Wave
Despite all the criticism Dallas received for starting slow and dropping their first four, the team is now riding high as they sit at 7-4 after pulling off a seven game winning streak. What’s more impressive is that they have done so without their talented small forward Josh Howard. Even with their current winning streak, the team still sits behind San Antonio, New Orleans and Houston in the southwest division. Much of the team’s success can be attributed to their scoring output, and more recently, an improved defense. Over the first four games of the season, Dallas averaged 89 points per game; in the next seven their total scoring increased to 105.3. In their last three contests, the Mavs have given up an average of 83 points to their opponents. MVP candidate, Dirk Nowitzki, has lead the team in scoring in every contest since their seven game winning streak began. Over that span, Nowitzki has averaged 23.7 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Dallas takes their win streak on the road to San Antonio on Friday where the team will play a tough Spurs team for the second time this month.

3. Block Party
While the Charlotte Bobcats might not exactly be a ferocious franchise just yet, they definitely have found a defender that guards they rim with a fury. In his third season, Emeka Okafor is has suddenly become a defensive force to be reckoned with. After averaging a respectable 1.8 blocks per game over his first two seasons, Okafor has increased his rejections to over four a game, 4.1 to be exact. Okafor leads the NBA in blocks this season and during his ten games, he has recorded at least two blocks in nine of them. Okafor has one game with two blocks, three with three blocks, one with four, one with five, one with six, one with seven and one with eight. And he’s not just blocking shots out there. At 24, Okafor leads his team in minutes (38.4), points (20.1), field goal percentage (57.5), offensive rebounds (4.0), defensive rebounds (8.0) and total rebounds (12.0). He also ranks third in steals (1.2) and fourth in assist (1.7). If this guy doesn’t remind you of a young David Robinson, both on and off the court, then nobody will.

4. R.I.P.
After 15 years of pick and rolls, made famous by the classic connection of John Stockton to Karl Malone, the Utah organization will soon play in a newly named area. That’s because the Jazz have sold the naming rights of the building to a radioactive waste disposal facility 75 miles west of Salt Lake City. EnergySolutions purchased the rights to the building known as the Delta Center and on Monday there were huge EnergySolutions banners waving outside the building and inside, on the court, was a new logo that read “EnergySolutions Arena.” CEO Steve Creamer hopes that people can look past the stigma that is associated with nuclear waste. Good luck with that Steve. Why not just call it the “Chernobyl Center”?

Tuesday’s Player of the Day: Kobe Bryant vs. Los Angeles Clippers 38 min, 40 pts (FG: 12-23, 3FG: 1-1, FT: 15-18), 5 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl

Wednesday’s Game to Watch: Miami (4-6) @ San Antonio (9-2) This game lost some sizzle when Shaq went down but it is still a match-up between the last two NBA champions. Tim Duncan leads a solid Spurs team who, while perfect on the road, has struggled to win on their home court where they are 3-2. Dwyane Wade is still adjusting to life without Shaq as the double teaming has become more frequent. But he continues to thrive; however, the team is only 1-3 since the surgery on O’Neal’s knee.

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NBA General

Around the Rim: The Polls Are Open



Fishing All-Star?

1. All-Stars?
The nominations for the All-Star Game to be held in Las Vegas are available, and apparently the NBA officials decided to do some gambling of their own with the ballot. 120 players made the list. Do we really need a list of 120 players when everybody knows that there are really only about 40 to 45 that actually deserve consideration? The slogan for this ballot should have been, “What’s discussed in the league office, stays in the league office,” because some of these nominees are a joke. To name a few: Luol Deng, Hedo Turkoglu, Juan Dixon, Francisco Elson, Zaza Pachulia, Luke Ridnour, Speedy Claxton and Chris Mihm. Seriously, Chris Mihm? I know he’s done for the season but even if he wasn’t, who would seriously expect him to make it as the starting center for the western conference? Obviously, these players are in the NBA for a reason and that is because they have talent, but remember that fans only get to vote for the starters of the all-star game. So, it makes no sense to even waste ink on printing the names of guys like Primoz Brezec. But, hey, it’s your vote. If you want to see Chris Kaman and Nenad Krstic line up across from each other at tip-off, then, by all means, go perform your duty as a fan and make your voice heard.

2. Child’s Play
NBA.com released their current top-ten list for the MVP and there are some unexpected names on the list. Sure, you have a couple of past winners, Kevin Garnett at sixth and Tim Duncan at seventh, but so far it seems that this is a young man’s league. The list is topped by LeBron James, who is only 21 years old with three years of experience. Following James on the list is Carlos Boozer (24 with 4 years experience), Zach Randolph (25/5), Yao Ming (26/4) and Lamar Odom (27/7). Behind Garnett (30/11) and Duncan (30/9) are Chris Paul (21/1), Dwight Howard (20/2) and Joe Johnson (25/5). The average age of the players, not including past winners, is only 23.6 years old with 3.9 years of experience. Obviously, the league is not only getting younger but players no longer take years to become elite stars. If one of these young studs wins the award, they will certainly be one of the most inexperienced MVP’s in the history of the game.

3. Upset City
For a team that is 6-2, San Antonio sure isn’t playing like a dominant, championship caliber club. The Spurs had their 5 game winning streak snapped by the, now 2-6, Bobcats last night in overtime, 95-92. San Antonio allowed rookie Adam Morrison to light them up for a career high 27 and lost to Charlotte for the first time in Bobcat history. But it’s not just that, SA had to make a furious rally to beat Houston on Tuesday after falling behind by 19 in the third quarter. New York put together a late streak and almost stole one in the teams’ first match-up and then hung around again in the second game between the two. It took overtime to beat Phoenix and Cleveland gave the Spurs their first loss in San Antonio. The team might be 4-0 on the road for the first time in the team’s history but they have lost two out of four at home and they are ninth in the league in turnovers. While it’s good that San Antonio knows how to win the close games, it shows that the Spurs are not yet committed to playing strong for a full 48 minutes.

4. When Kobe Attacks
It is not uncommon for players in the NBA to throw elbows, but they are usually directed at other players, not fans. However, a Tennessee man claims that Kobe Bryant did just that during a Memphis home game in November 2005. Bill Geeslin is suing for more than $75,000 in damages resulting from Bryant’s elbow blow. According to the lawsuit, Bryant left the court, apparently after a loose ball, and landed on Geeslin who was sitting courtside. Without being provoked, Kobe, allegedly, violently struck the fan in the chest with his elbow. The settlement is supposedly intended to cover the costs of medical treatment for unspecified injuries from the “assault and battery.” Either that or he is just another greedy parasite trying to retire early on the dime of a wealthy celebrity.

Wednesday’s Player of the Day: Jason Kidd vs. Milwaukee 38 min, 25 pts (FG: 9-14, 3FG: 3-5, FT: 4-4), 8 reb, 11 ast, 3 stl, 1 blk

Thursday’s Game to Watch: Chicago (3-4) @ Houston (5-3) Houston is 2-1 at home and looking for revenge after blowing a late lead against the Spurs on Tuesday. Yao Ming is the current Western Conference Player of the Week and is establishing himself as the most dominant center in the league, averaging 26.4 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. The Bulls are playing in their second game of a long, seven game road trip that includes all three Texas teams. Chicago is 1-3 away from home this year and need a road win badly, for confidence sake.

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NBA General

Around the Rim: Welcome Back, Carter


1. Vinsanity
Vince Carter is chugging along, full steam ahead, and he’s not looking back. In fact, Carter has created a new season high in points for every game he has played this year, including 38 last night in a loss to Seattle. His 31.2 points per game is second in the league to Michael Redd’s 32.4. Besides his scoring output, Carter has increased his accuracy. He’s shooting 50 percent from the field, 43.9 percent from behind the three point line, and 84.1 percent from the free throw stripe, all career highs. To go along with his breakout shooting year, Carter is grabbing five rebounds, dishing out five assists and poking free a steal per game. Unfortunately, the Nets have alternated wins and loses all year and currently only have a 3-3 record. Carter’s numbers are impressive but if New Jersey doesn’t improve as a team then his shot at becoming an MVP will come up well short.

2. I’m Sorry Mrs. Jackson
Indiana Pacer Stephen Jackson pleaded not guilty on Monday to a charge that accuses him of violating his probation during an incident last month outside of a strip club in Indiana. Jackson allegedly fired his gun at least five times into the air, in what he describes as self defense during a fight that occurred outside the club. His probation stems from his role in the altercation between himself and several fans during the melee that occurred last year in Detroit. Jackson’s attorneys claim that he could not have violated his probation during the early October episode because he had already completed his probationary terms and therefore did not violate any of its conditions. Jackson could face three months in jail if found guilty. Furthermore, Jackson is charged with criminal recklessness, a felony, and misdemeanor counts of battery and disorderly conduct. The felony charge carries a prison term of six months to three years.

3. Malpractice
Doc Rivers’ coaching career could be coming to a close in Boston. Why? The team’s GM, Danny Ainge, recently gave Rivers the notoriously dreaded vote of confidence, saying that the team’s poor record would not result in a coaching change. In most cases, that means the team’s acceptance of applications for replacements has already begun. The Celtics are currently 1-6 on the year; this follows a dismal 33-49 2006 season. This season was supposed to be a dedication to the late Red Auerbach, but at this point it is becoming an embarrassment to the organization. Rivers was fired from Orlando eleven games into the 2004 season when the Magic started off by going 1-10. But if Rivers is indeed fired, you could still expect to seem him on the sidelines. Rumor has it that he very well could be the third man in the booth on ABC’s lead broadcast team with Mike Breen and Mark Jackson.

4. The Journeyman
The Charlotte Bobcats are in their third year as a franchise and they are struggling to simply be 1-5. And what’s the first thing to happen when a young team can’t find a way to win? That’s right, the coach gets fired. It certainly appears that Bernie Bickerstaff is not the answer for this club. If so, the logical fit would be to bring in Larry Brown who is free to job hunt, now that his settlement with the Knicks is final. Michael Jordan would love to have a fellow North Carolina alum sitting on the bench and, to his credit, Brown is considered to be one of the best teachers in the game. With a franchise that is still in its infancy, the young Bobcats sure could use some fundamental education from a coach know for “playing the right way.” Brown always said he would like to coach a high school team after his retirement. While the pay won’t indicate it, this would definitely be a step in that direction.

Monday’s Player of the Day: Vince Carter vs. Seattle 43 min, 38 pts (FG: 13-26, 3FG: 5-9, FT: 7-8), 4 reb, 5 ast, 1 stl

Tuesday’s Game to Watch: San Antonio (5-1) @ Houston (5-2) It’s a Texas sized showdown and a division shootout as the Rockets hope their undefeated home record remains intact after the Spurs, 3-0 on the road, pay a visit to Houston. Tracy McGrady’s point production has been down this season, but he still must be considered as one of the most explosive scorers in the NBA. The Spurs learned this firsthand in 2004 when T-Mac lit them up for 13 points in 33 seconds, including the game winning three-pointer.

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Charlotte Bobcats

Tip: Do not bust any caps near the White House


Former Charlotte Bobcat (and Maryland Terrapin) Lonny Baxter was arrested with another man around 2:30 in the morning. A witness flagged down a secret service agent to report shots fired and seeing a white SUV in the area. The officer then pulled over Lonny Baxter and saw spent shells in the vehicle. Baxter and his passenger were arrested and charged with carrying a pistol without a license and having an unregistered firearm and unregistered ammunition.

The press is playing this up like it’s some kind of threat against the White House. The shots were fired five blocks away from the White House. If Baxter had that good of an aim, he wouldn’t have been a career 4 ppg NBA player.

Links:
[Reuters]: Ex-NBA player Baxter arrested near White House