Harden To The Rockets
The Thunder acquired guards Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb, two first-round picks and a second-round pick in the surprising deal that was completed Saturday night. Oklahoma City also sent center Cole Aldrich and forwards Daequan Cook and Lazar Hayward to Houston.
The trade of James Harden to the Rockets wasn't necessarily a bad move, but it does leave a lot of questions. Wednesday's deadline to extend Harden or allow him to become a restricted free agent next July had been hanging over the Thunder from the moment they reported to training camp, but sources told ESPN.com's Marc Stein late Saturday the Rockets intend to sign the swingman to the max contract extension he was seeking before Wednesday's midnight deadline.
The Thunder offered Harden $55.5 million over four years -- $4.5 million less than the max deal Harden coveted and will get from the Rockets, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard.
"We wanted to sign James to an extension, but at the end of the day, these situations have to work for all those involved. Our ownership group again showed their commitment to the organization with several significant offers," Thunder general manager Sam Presti said in a statement.
"We were unable to reach a mutual agreement, and therefore executed a trade that capitalized on the opportunity to bring in a player of Kevin's caliber, a young talent like Jeremy and draft picks, which will be important to our organizational goal of a sustainable team."
The small-market Thunder had already signed Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka to long-term deals, and apparently realized Harden was going to want a bigger salary than they would offer.
Harden averaged 16.8 points and 3.7 assists last season, and joined Durant and Westbrook on the U.S. men's Olympic team. He struggled badly in Oklahoma City's loss to Miami in the NBA Finals, but the Thunder felt good about their chances of getting back there with another year of experience for their young stars, all 24 or younger.
The Thunder got back a good scorer in Martin, who has averaged 18.4 points in his eight NBA seasons, and a promising young player in Lamb, the No. 12 pick in the draft who helped Connecticut win the 2011 NCAA championship. He led Houston's summer league team in scoring with 20 points per game.
The Rockets rebuilt their roster in the offseason and hoped to land Dwight Howard. Houston traded or released just about every veteran except Martin, who was in the final year of his contract and due about $13 million this season.
Harden More Than Just OK-C
James Harden was a valuable piece of the puzzle for Oklahoma City. His impact on and off the court was seen mostly on offense, where he brought life to the Thunder and was huge from 3-point range per 48 minutes. Here's a look at when he was on and off the court:
Martin averaged 17.1 points and 2.8 assists last year, his eighth in the NBA and third in Houston. He missed the last 26 games last season with a shoulder injury, though he also developed a rift with Houston coach Kevin McHale late in the year.
"While I never like having to send out quality players like Kevin Martin and Jeremy Lamb, this trade gives us a chance to make an immediate impact on the future of our franchise moving forward," Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said.
"James Harden was part of Team USA's gold medal team at the London Olympics and is one of the most skilled shooting guards in the NBA."
New Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin also chimed in about the trade on Twitter.
"Really sad to see Kmart and JLamb go," Lin wrote. "...both class acts and great teammates. Welcome Harden, Cook, Aldrich and Hayward to Houston!!"
Houston collected draft picks while it was making a flurry of deals, part of a package to offer Orlando for Howard. The Rockets traded point guard Kyle Lowry to Toronto for a lottery-protected first-round pick, one of Oklahoma City's acquisitions on Saturday night.
The other first-round pick was acquired by Houston when it traded Jordan Hill to the Los Angeles Lakers last March. The second-round pick came to the Rockets in a deal that sent guard Courtney Lee to Boston
D-Will Choose Felton over Lin
Lin outplayed Williams last Feb. 4 in a stunning performance off the bench, starting a phenomenon that became known as Linsanity. But the Knicks opted not to match the $25.1 million deal Lin signed with Houston, having already completed a sign-and-trade deal with Portland to reacquire Felton.
“
I would say Raymond Felton is a better point guard than Jeremy Lin, in my opinion.
”
Felton played well in a previous stint with the Knicks.
"I would say Raymond Felton is a better point guard than Jeremy Lin, in my opinion," Williams said at the Nets' practice facility.
The Nets host the Knicks on Thursday in their first game at the new Barclays Center.
It would've been hard to imagine Lin not being there after the 10 games that started when he scored 25 points in a 99-92 victory over the Nets at Madison Square Garden. Williams scored 21 points and shot just 7 of 19 that night, though he made amends later in the month when he scored 38 points as the Nets won in their return to New York.
Williams stopped short of saying the Knicks are a better team without Lin as the starting point guard, but said he would rather go with Felton because of what the veteran has accomplished in the league as a starter, especially during his short stay in New York before he was included in the deal that brought Carmelo Anthony over to the Knicks.
Felton averaged 17 points and nine assists in 54 games during the 2010-11 season in New York.
"He is just proven," Williams said.
"You'll have to see Jeremy Lin. He had a heck of a run. The numbers he was putting up were All-Star type numbers when he was starting, so we'll see how he does this year. But going off of track record, you know I'm going to go with Raymond Felton and Ray probably had his best year that half season he was there. I guess he likes the bright lights."
Felton admitted being out of shape last season in Portland after the lockout, but Williams likes what he has seen of Felton, whom he has known since their high school days.
"He looks good. He looks in shape this year," Williams said.
Williams did not practice Saturday but said he will return Sunday. He was given a cortisone shot two days ago for his left ankle that's been bothering him since the Olympics.
"After the season I'm going to have to get it cleaned up. We'll see after that," Williams said. "I don't think it will be a problem. Like I said, the cortisone shots should get me through the season.
French Montana Goes One On One With ESPN
Now, the Moroccan-born and NYC-raised rapper is pumping up his former teammates and competitors -- some of them now in the NBA -- with his single "Pop That," one of the hottest songs in the country. Right now, the club-thumping track, which features Drake, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross, can be heard from NFL stadiums to NBA arenas to the headphones of your favorite players.
Kanye West proclaimed Montana, 27, one of his favorite rappers; Drake tapped him to open up his Club Paradise Tour this year. French has also been in the studio with Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd and Lana Del Rey, and has Diddy and Rick Ross executive-producing his debut, "Excuse My French," which is slated for a winter release.
Last week at Diddy's NYC recording studio, Daddy's House, ESPN Playbook had a chance to sit down with Montana. After about a 45-minute wait -- "Traffic, man," he said -- Montana walked in with a small entourage, holding a Red Bull and wearing his trademark dark vintage Versace sunglasses.
When asked what he was up to in the city, he said: "I came into town to do this ESPN interview!"
After many years removed from competitive sports, he was excited to take a trip down memory lane.
First off, I heard you went back to Morocco for the first time in 15 years to see your entire family, including your father. What was that like?
Man, it was crazy to be reunited with my entire family after that long. It was a blessing. I came over [to NYC] with my mother and my father, and my father made some investments that didn't work, so he left and went back and just left me and my mother. So I had to become a man at an early age. I need to get back out there to do a show. I haven't done one yet there.
So what's going to be the vibe of the album?
It's a certain sound that I can't explain. One day, I wake up feeling f----- up. I make that certain kind of music. I speak from the heart. Certain people follow lyricists and people that put words on a dictionary together, and this and that. I'm more of a rapper that speaks how I feel. I just tell it how it is."
Since "Pop That," you now have more than one million Twitter followers. Surprised how fast success has come?
Nah, I feel like I've been grinding for a long time. Just now, I'm a freshman to the mainstream.
What's been the right equation to get you to this point?
I just feel like I'm finally getting results for everything that I've worked so hard for. When you work so hard and you finally get your break, it just feels good. That's what I feel like happened.
Have you noticed a strong connection between "Pop That," a great pump-up song, and sports?
Oh yeah, definitely. A lot of NFL stadiums play it. I look at Twitter all the time and I'm like, "Giants versus the 49ers playing 'Pop That' to open up the game." Every time I look, there's always people talking about the song, like Blake Griffin was on Twitter talking that it's his favorite song. Every time I look at Twitter, there's always somebody showing support.
Will you integrate sports into your upcoming album?
Definitely. I definitely feel like it's just like a sport, music. I just feel like it's a sport and everybody got their own team. At the end of the year, whoever sells the most records is the championship winner.
What sports did you play growing up?
I used to play soccer when I was in Morocco, but I was more of a basketball player. I played high school basketball, I played AAU basketball. I used to play for Gauchos and Riverside [in New York City]. I know Kemba Walker from my block, from around my neighborhood. I definitely used to play in all the tournaments, all the neighborhood tournaments, Kingdome to Rucker Park.
Gauchos and Riverside are pretty competitive, so you must have traveled a lot.
Yeah, definitely. We went to all the big tournaments down south. But once I got grown and it stopped paying the bills for me, I was like, "This is not a job." I'm coming home sweating every day.
Who are some of the more famous guys you played against?
We played against Luol Deng [of the Chicago Bulls], we played against Jarrett Jack [of the Golden State Warriors]. I was going against them, then three or four years later they're in the NBA. I said, "Wow." It was around the same time Sebastian Telfair was doing his thing.
Ever think about taking hoops to the next level?
At that time, me coming from another country, I couldn't really go to college or get a scholarship because my paperwork wasn't straight. So I played AAU ball and this and that. When my college didn't go through, I kind of just like sat back and started playing streetball after that in big tournaments. And then in the midst of that, I started rapping. That kind of took off faster than anything.
Do you have a group of friends you still play with?
Sometimes. I'll pass out if I run full court. I don't think I could do that. Halfcourt, I'll play. I'll cross you over once or twice.
What pro teams do you root for?
I'm almost like with the underdogs. I kind of like Kevin Durant and them, I like the Celtics --
Those are underdogs? You're talking about two championship-contending teams.
But they are underdogs. Kevin Durant is an underdog because they always lose in the playoffs. I would definitely like to see Kevin Durant and them win a championship because I feel like they came so close last year, and I feel like he's active. When the season is not on, he really comes over here and plays Dyckman, and plays everywhere. Every tournament he would suit up and play, and light your a-- up. He played in every tournament and he always keeps his game up. I don't see a lot of these players do that. And he reminds me of me. He's young and just at it, and dealing with all these teams that got five All-Star players, and he's kind of like the only one.
Have you ever met KD?
Yeah, I met him in LA at the Roxbury.
So what's your greatest sports memory, period?
My greatest sports memory would be when Vince Carter jumped over that guy in the Olympics [in 2000]. Oh my god. When you were watching it, you were like, "He did not just do that." You didn't expect it and the guy that he jumped over didn't expect it. He almost fainted after. To me, it was the biggest dunk ever -- either that or when John Starks dunked it on [Michael] Jordan [in the 1993 NBA playoffs]. No one saw that coming. Also, Shawn Kemp, Clyde Drexler, all the crazy moments, like when Jordan first threw it down from the foul line.
What's your most prized piece of sports memorabilia?
I probably got a couple trophies laying around. I got this one picture of me with the six-pack when I used to play ball. I was like, "Man, look how I used to be." I look at myself in the mirror now and I feel ashamed. I'm working back at it. I've got a little four-pack now.
Who was your childhood sports idol?
At one time, I used to love Steve Francis. He had the handle. At one time, I used to love Kobe [Bryant] when he first came into the league and it was him and Shaq [Shaquille O'Neal]. I used to love Vince Carter when he first came into the league and he was jumping out of the gym. And I used to love Jason Williams when he first came in. He had the crossovers and just everything. He was killing it.
Which modern athlete do you love to hate?
I was always mad at Reggie Miller for upsetting my team, the Knicks, and my city. Spike Lee wanted to strangle him. I think the day that Spike Lee won't be there, it's going to look like something is wrong with the Knicks.
By the way, what do you think about Carmelo Anthony? Think he gets too much unfair criticism?
Yeah, man. I feel like he's a great player, man, but I just feel like it's not his time to win. I feel like every dog gets his day. There are some people that never win, but Jordan and Kobe were able to do it because they were great leaders. I feel like Melo's a leader, but he needs to lead more.
Before I let you go, I know you're big into colorful fashion. Now that it's taking over the NBA, what do you think about that?
They're biting my swag. I gotta tell them to stand down. Nah. I feel like, you know, some people like to wear colorful stuff. Some people like to be blacked down and some people just want to be colorful. Some people just have weird problems. I'm never going to wear a pink sweater. Some people just do it because they feel like they can do it.
The Rematch Giants V.S. Cowboys
They are 3-0 at Jones’ $1.2 billion stadium. If the Giants can make it four straight, they’ll not only disappoint Jones -- who told Dallas fans to come watch the Cowboys "beat the New York Giants' ass" earlier this summer -- but they will put themselves in solid position heading into the second half of the regular season.
Here are five things to watch for on Sunday in Dallas:
Stay the Mann: Eli Manning saves some of his best games for the Cowboys, especially in Dallas. He has won four of his last five games in Dallas, and has six 300-yard games in his career against the Cowboys -– more than he has against any other team.
In the new Cowboys Stadium, Manning has passed for at least 306 yards and two touchdowns in all three of his games. Dallas did hold Manning to 213 yards and one touchdown in the season opener. If the Cowboys’ improved secondary is the real deal, it will find a way to slow down Manning in Dallas.
Get Romo: The Giants sacked Tony Romo twice in the season opener, but defensive ends Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora were shut out, as Romo was able to elude the rush for the most part.
The Giants can’t afford to let Romo make plays with his legs and right arm. Romo burned the Giants with three touchdowns back in September.
No more big plays: Kevin Ogletree introduced himself to the Giants and the country with eight catches for 114 yards and two touchdowns in the season opener.
The Giants’ secondary struggled in that game, and has allowed big plays throughout the season. Santana Moss scored twice against the Giants last Sunday.
Prince Amukamara has been solid, and he will play against the Cowboys for the first time this season after missing the opener due to injury. Corey Webster is getting healthier as well.
The Giants have to find a way to slow down Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten and limit the big plays. The secondary has allowed seven touchdowns of 26 yards or longer this season.
The Black Unicorn returns: Martellus Bennett did his best to downplay his first game in Dallas against his former team. But he can definitely come up big for the Giants.
Bennett had four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown against Dallas in the first meeting of the year, and had five catches for 79 yards last Sunday against Washington. Bennett will be going up against a Cowboys defense that has lost linebacker Sean Lee for the season. He can potentially help open up things for Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks against the Cowboys' corners.
Get even: A win in Dallas would be big for the Giants. They can even the series with the Cowboys, which would help if there is a need for tiebreakers at the end of the season. They would extend their winning streak to four games and be 6-2 heading into the second half of the season.
And the Giants (5-2) can create an early cushion between themselves and the Cowboys (3-3), Eagles (3-3) and Redskins (3-4) in the overall standings.
The Giants say they owe Dallas one. Winning this game would give them a boost they can use going into a challenging second half of the season that is filled with tough games against Pittsburgh, at Cincinnati, Green Bay, at Washington, New Orleans, at Atlanta, at Baltimore and Philadelphia.
At 6-2, the Giants would have some room for error in the case that they go into one of their almost-annual midseason swoons.
FlashBack Fridays Full Force - Aint My Type Of Hype 'Kid N Play' Edition
This is a real house party !!
NBA GM's Did A Survey Of The League
Which team will win the 2013 NBA Finals?
1. Miami -- 70.0%
2. L.A. Lakers -- 23.3%
3. Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Last year: Miami -- 74.1%
Which team will win the Eastern Conference?
1. Miami -- 96.7%
2. Boston -- 3.3%
Last year: Miami -- 96.3%
Which team will win the Western Conference?
1. L.A. Lakers -- 60.0%
2. Oklahoma City -- 36.7%
3. Denver -- 3.3%
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 67.9%
Which team will win the Atlantic Division?
1. Boston -- 66.7%
2. Brooklyn and New York -- 13.3%
4. Philadelphia -- 6.7%
Last year: Boston -- 64.3%
Which team will win the Central Division?
1. Indiana -- 80%
2. Chicago -- 20%
Last year: Chicago -- 96.4%
Which team will win the Southeast Division?
1. Miami -- 96.7%
2. Atlanta -- 3.3%
Last year: Miami --96.3%
Which team will win the Southwest Division?
1. San Antonio -- 96.7%
2. Memphis -- 3.3%
Last year: San Antonio -- 63.6%
Which team will win the Northwest Division?
1. Oklahoma City -- 86.7%
2. Denver -- 10.0%
3. Minnesota -- 3.3%
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 71.4%
Which team will win the Pacific Division?
1. L.A. Lakers -- 96.7%
2. L.A. Clippers -- 3.3%
Last year: L.A. Lakers -- 77.8%
PLAYERS
Who will win the 2012-13 MVP?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 66.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 30.0%
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York -- 3.3%
Last year: Kevin Durant -- 66.7%
If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the NBA, who would it be?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 80.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 16.7%
3. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 3.3%
Last year: Kevin Durant, LeBron James -- 37.0%
Which player forces opposing coaches to make the most adjustments?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 50.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 20.0%
3. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 16.7%
4. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Derrick Rose, Chicago
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 29.6%
Which player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2012-13?
1. Klay Thompson, Golden State -- 13.3%
2. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland, and Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio -- 10.0%
4. Paul George, Indiana, and James Harden, Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Nicolas Batum, Portland; Alec Burks, Utah; DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento; Stephen Curry, Golden State; Kenneth Faried, Denver; Taj Gibson, Chicago; Eric Gordon, New Orleans; Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers; Gordon Hayward, Utah; Andre Iguodala, Denver; DeAndre Jordan, L.A. Clippers; Ty Lawson, Denver; JaVale McGee, Denver; Josh Selby, Memphis; Evan Turner, Philadelphia; Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City
Last year: James Harden -- 21.4%
Who is the best point guard in the NBA?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 69.0%
2. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 20.7%
3. Rajon Rondo, Boston -- 6.9%
4. Tony Parker, San Antonio -- 3.4%
Last year: Derrick Rose -- 59.3%
Who is the best shooting guard in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 66.7%
2. Dwyane Wade, Miami -- 23.3%
Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; James Harden, Oklahoma City
Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 55.6%
Who is the best small forward in the NBA?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 73.3%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 26.7%
Last year: LeBron James -- 77.8%
Who is the best power forward in the NBA?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota -- 30.0%
2. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 23.3%
3. LeBron James, Miami -- 16.7%
4. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland -- 10.0%
5. Kevin Garnett, Boston, and Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers
Last year: Dirk Nowitzki -- 41.4%
Who is the best center in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 93.3%
2. Andrew Bynum, Philadelphia -- 6.7%
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 96.3
OFFSEASON MOVES
Which team made the best overall moves this offseason?
1. L.A. Lakers -- 86.2%
2. Brooklyn -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Atlanta, Golden State
Last year: L.A. Clippers -- 85.2%
Which one player acquisition will make the biggest impact?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 70.0%
2. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 20.0%
Also receiving votes: Andrew Bynum, Philadelphia; Joe Johnson, Brooklyn; Deron Williams, Brooklyn
Last year: Chris Paul - 100%
What was the most underrated player acquisition?
1. Andre Iguodala, Denver -- 16.7%
2. Jason Terry, Boston -- 13.3%
3. Courtney Lee, Boston -- 10.0%
4. Ryan Anderson, New Orleans, Andrei Kirilenko, Minnesota, Brandon Roy, Minnesota, Lou Williams, Atlanta -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Miami; Marcus Camby, New York; Gerald Green, Indiana; Grant Hill, L.A. Clippers; Chris Kaman, Dallas; Kyle Lowry, Toronto; O.J. Mayo, Dallas; Darko Milicic, Boston; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers; Alexey Shved, Minnesota
Last year: Brandon Bass, David West -- 15.4%
Which team will be most improved in 2012-13?
1. Brooklyn -- 62.1%
2. L.A. Lakers, Minnesota -- 10.3%
4. New Orleans -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Denver, Golden State, Milwaukee
Last year: L.A. Clippers -- 66.7%
What was the most surprising move of the offseason?
1. Steve Nash to the Lakers -- 39.3%
2. Bynum/Howard/Iguodala trade -- 17.9%
3. Knicks not matching Jeremy Lin offer -- 14.3%
4. Ray Allen to Miami, Joe Johnson to Brooklyn -- 10.7%
Also receiving votes: Jeff Green's contract, Luis Scola amnestied by Houston
Last year: Chris Paul to the Clippers -- 33.3%
ROOKIES & INTERNATIONAL
Who will win 2012-13 Rookie of the Year?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 76.7%
2. Damian Lillard, Portland -- 20.0%
3. Austin Rivers, New Orleans -- 3.3%
Last year: Kyrie Irving -- 63.0%
Which rookie will be the best player in five years?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 86.7%
2. Bradley Beal, Washington -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Damian Lillard, Portland; Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto
Last year: Kyrie Irving -- 51.9%
Which rookie is the most athletic?
1. Anthony Davis, New Orleans -- 40.0%
2. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Charlotte -- 16.7%
3. Andre Drummond, Detroit -- 13.3%
4. Terrence Ross, Toronto -- 10.0%
5. Perry Jones, Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Quincy Acy, Toronto; Terrence Jones, Houston; Thomas Robinson, Sacramento; Dion Waiters, Cleveland
Last year: Derrick Williams -- 32.1%
Which rookie is most likely to be a "sleeper" success?
1. Jared Sullinger, Boston -- 17.2%
2. Maurice Harkless, Orlando, Andrew Nicholson, Orlando -- 13.8%
4. Jae Crowder, Dallas, Damian Lillard, Portland -- 10.3%
6. Terrence Jones, Houston -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Jared Cunningham, Dallas; Andre Drummond, Detroit; Evan Fournier, Denver; John Jenkins, Atlanta; Perry Jones, Oklahoma City; Doron Lamb, Milwaukee; Donatas Motiejunas, Houston; Terrence Ross, Toronto
Last year: Norris Cole -- 44.0%
Who is the best international player in the NBA?
1. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas -- 72.4%
2. Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers -- 10.3%
Also receiving votes: Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City; Andrei Kirilenko, Minnesota; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers; Tony Parker, San Antonio
Last year: Dirk Nowitzki -- 96.4%
Which international player is most likely to have a breakout season in 2012-13?
1. Jonas Valanciunas, Toronto -- 17.2%
2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota -- 13.8%
3. Nikola Pekovic, Minnesota -- 13.8%
4. Goran Dragic, Phoenix, Danilo Gallinari, Denver, Donatas Motiejunas, Houston, Kevin Seraphin, Washington, Alexey Shved, Minnesota, Mirza Teletovic, Brooklyn -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Christian Eyenga, Orlando; Evan Fournier, Denver; Enes Kanter, Utah; Tiago Splitter, San Antonio; Jan Vesely, Washington
Last year: Ricky Rubio -- 37.0%
Who is the best international player NOT in the NBA?
1. Juan Carlos Navarro -- 34.6%
2. Nikola Mirotic -- 11.5%
3. Dimitris Diamantidis, Rudy Fernandez, Bo McCalebb, Dario Saric -- 7.7%
Also receiving votes: Nenad Krstic, Milan Macvan, Vassilis Spanoulis, Milos Teodosic, Ante Tomic, Fran Vazquez
Last year: Jonas Valanciunas -- 36.0%
DEFENSE
Who is the best defensive player in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 60.0%
2. LeBron James, Miami -- 16.7%
3. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City -- 13.3%
Also receiving votes: Tyson Chandler, New York; Kevin Garnett, Boston; Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 76.9%
Who is the best perimeter defender in the NBA?
1. Tony Allen, Memphis -- 33.3%
2. LeBron James, Miami -- 26.7%
3. Avery Bradley, Boston, Andre Iguodala, Denver, Rajon Rondo, Boston, Thabo Sefolosha, Oklahoma City -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers; Eric Gordon, New Orleans; Dahntay Jones, Dallas; Metta World Peace, L.A. Lakers
Last year: Tony Allen -- 26.9%
Who is the best interior defender in the NBA?
1. Dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 66.7%
2. Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City -- 16.7%
3. Tyson Chandler, New York -- 10.0%
Also receiving votes: Anthony Davis, New Orleans; Kevin Garnett, Boston
Last year: Dwight Howard -- 88.9%
Which is the best defensive team in the NBA?
1. Chicago -- 40.0%
2. Miami -- 26.7%
3. Boston -- 23.3%
4. L.A. Lakers -- 6.7%
5. San Antonio -- 3.3%
Last year: Chicago -- 66.7%
COACHES
Who is the best head coach in the NBA?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 80.0%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston -- 13.3%
Also receiving votes: Rick Adelman, Minnesota; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 42.3%
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 60.0%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston -- 40.0%
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 42.9%
Which head coach makes the best in-game adjustments?
1. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 40.0%
2. Rick Carlisle, Dallas -- 20.0%
3. Doug Collins, Philadelphia -- 13.3%
4. Rick Adelman, Minnesota -- 6.7%
5. George Karl, Denver -- 6.7%
6. Doc Rivers, Boston -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers; Tom Thibodeau, Chicago
Last year: Gregg Popovich -- 35.7%
Which head coach runs the best offense?
1. George Karl, Denver -- 31.0%
2. Rick Adelman, Minnesota, Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 27.6%
4. Scott Brooks, Oklahoma City, Alvin Gentry, Phoenix -- 6.9%
Last year: George Karl -- 22.2%
Which head coach has the best defensive schemes?
1. Tom Thibodeau, Chicago -- 70.0%
2. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio -- 10.0%
3. Mike Brown, L.A. Lakers, Rick Carlisle, Dallas -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Doc Rivers, Boston; Erik Spoelstra, Miami
Last year: Tom Thibodeau -- 61.5%
Who is the best assistant coach in the NBA?
1. Brian Shaw, Indiana -- 23.3%
2. Mike Budenholzer, San Antonio -- 20.0%
3. Steve Clifford, L.A. Lakers, Mike Malone, Golden State -- 10.0%
5. Maurice Cheeks, Oklahoma City, Jay Triano, Portland -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Ron Adams, Chicago; Kenny Atkinson, Atlanta; Brett Brown, San Antonio; Michael Curry, Philadelphia; Darren Erman, Golden State; Armond Hill, Boston; Elston Turner, Phoenix
Last year: Mike Malone -- 29.2%
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Chauncey Billups, L.A. Clippers -- 20.7%
2. Shane Battier, Miami -- 17.2%
3. Derek Fisher -- 13.8%
4. Jason Kidd, New York, Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 10.3%
6. Grant Hill, L.A. Clippers, Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Ray Allen, Miami; Luke Walton, Cleveland; Charles Jenkins, Golden State; Earl Watson, Utah
Last year: Derek Fisher -- 25.9%
Which team is the most fun to watch?
1. Oklahoma City -- 30.0%
2. Miami -- 26.7%
3. Denver -- 16.7%
4. Golden State -- 6.7%, L.A. Clippers -- 6.7%, San Antonio -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: L.A. Lakers, New York
Last year: Miami -- 33.3%
Which team has the best home-court advantage?
1. Oklahoma City -- 70.0%
2. Miami -- 10.0%, Utah -- 10.0%
Also receiving votes: Denver, L.A. Lakers, Portland
Last year: Oklahoma City -- 44.4%
Which player is the most athletic?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 62.1%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 20.7%
3. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 13.8%
4. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 3.4%
Last year: LeBron James -- 46.2%
Which player is the best pure shooter?
1. Ray Allen, Miami -- 56.7%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 20.0%
3. Steve Novak, New York -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: James Harden, Oklahoma City; Kyle Korver, Atlanta; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers; Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas; Klay Thompson, Golden State
Last year: Ray Allen -- 85.7%
Which player is the fastest with the ball?
1. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 36.7%
2. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 23.3%
3. Rajon Rondo, Boston -- 13.3%
4. Ty Lawson, Denver -- 6.7%, John Wall, Washington -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Aaron Brooks, Sacramento; Darren Collison, Dallas; LeBron James, Miami; Tony Parker, San Antonio
Last year: Derrick Rose -- 57.7%
Which player is best at moving without the ball?
1. Ray Allen, Miami -- 56.7%
2. Richard Hamilton, Chicago -- 10.0%
3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio -- 6.7%, Kyle Korver, Atlanta -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Luol Deng, Chicago; Marc Gasol, Memphis; James Harden, Oklahoma City; Paul Pierce, Boston; J.J. Redick, Orlando; Klay Thompson, Golden State
Last year: Ray Allen -- 67.9%
Which player is the best at getting his own shot?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 40.0%
2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 30.0%
3. LeBron James, Miami -- 16.7%
4. Carmelo Anthony, New York -- 6.7%, Dwyane Wade, Miami -- 6.7%
Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 35.7%
Which player is the best offensive rebounder?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota -- 53.3%
2. Kenneth Faried, Denver -- 16.7%
3. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento -- 6.7%, dwight Howard, L.A. Lakers -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Tyson Chandler, New York; Reggie Evans, Brooklyn; Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers; Kris Humphries, Brooklyn; Zach Randolph, Memphis
Last year: Kevin Love -- 64.3%
Which player is the best passer?
1. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 58.6%
2. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 27.6%
3. Rajon Rondo, Boston -- 6.9%, Deron Williams, Brooklyn -- 6.9%
Last year: Chris Paul -- 40.7%
Which player is the most dangerous in the open floor?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 60.0%
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City -- 23.3%
3. Derrick Rose, Chicago -- 10.0%
4. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 6.7%
Last year: LeBron James -- 53.8%
Which player is the best finisher?
1. LeBron James, Miami -- 66.7%
2. Blake Griffin, L.A. Clippers -- 10.0%, Dwyane Wade, Miami -- 10.0%
Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Tyreke Evans, Sacramento; James Harden, Oklahoma City; Josh Smith, Atlanta
Last year: LeBron James -- 42.3%
Which player makes the most of limited natural ability?
1. Kevin Love, Minnesota -- 34.5%
2. Shane Battier, Miami -- 10.3%
3. Marc Gasol, Memphis -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Ryan Anderson, New Orleans; Matt Bonner, San Antonio; Nick Collison, Oklahoma City; Roy Hibbert, Indiana; Jared Dudley, Phoenix; Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Danny Green, San Antonio; Chuck Hayes, Sacramento; Kris Humphries, Brooklyn; Paul Millsap, Utah; Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers; Steve Novak, New York; Luis Scola, Phoenix; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland
Last year: Kevin Love -- 26.9%
Who is the toughest player in the NBA?
1. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 26.7%
2. Metta World Peace, L.A. Lakers -- 10.0%
3. Reggie Evans, Brooklyn -- 6.7%, Kenneth Faried, Denver -- 6.7%, Kevin Garnett, Boston -- 6.7%, LeBron James, Miami -- 6.7%, Rajon Rondo, Boston -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Eric Bledsoe, L.A. Clippers; Tim Duncan, San Antonio; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Marcin Gortat, Phoenix; Zaza Pachulia, Atlanta; Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers; Zach Randolph, Memphis; Anderson Varejao, Cleveland; David West, Indiana
Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 32.1%
Which player is the best leader?
1. Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 27.6%
2. Kevin Garnett, Boston -- 20.7%
3. Chauncey Billups, L.A. Clippers -- 10.3%, Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 10.3%, LeBron James, Miami -- 10.3%, Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 10.3%
Also receiving votes: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio; Jason Kidd, New York
Last year: Chris Paul -- 25.0%
Which player has the best basketball IQ?
1. Steve Nash, L.A. Lakers -- 27.6%
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio -- 13.8%, LeBron James, Miami -- 13.8%, Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers -- 13.8%
5. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 10.3%
6. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio -- 6.9%
Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups, L.A. Clippers; Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers; Jason Kidd, New York; Rajon Rondo, Boston
Last year: Steve Nash -- 28.6%
Which player would you want taking a shot with the game on the line?
1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City -- 46.7%
2. Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers -- 40.0%
3. Carmelo Anthony, New York -- 6.7%
Also receiving votes: Chauncey Billups, L.A. Clippers; LeBron James, Miami
Last year: Kobe Bryant -- 48.1%
Islanders Joins The Nets In Brooklyn
Islanders owner Charles Wang said the team has established a 25-year agreement to play in Barclays Center beginning in 2015-16. Their lease at Nassau Coliseum expires after the 2015 season.
The announcement was made with NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Brooklyn borough president Marty Markowitz, Islanders general manager Garth Snow, and Barclays Center and Brooklyn Nets chief executive Brett Yormark in attendance.
"Brooklyn is big time and now we have the big league sports to prove it," Bloomberg said.
The Islanders had been trying to secure a new arena near the site of the Coliseum for some time. Wang, the founder of a computer software company, presented a plan in 2003 for a privately funded multibillion-dollar development of housing, retail and a new arena on the property, but the proposal foundered amid community opposition. Nassau County voters also rejected a $400 million proposal for a new arena, funded by bonds, in August 2001.
The move to Brooklyn isn't without complications. Under current plans, Barclays Center would hold only 14,500 for hockey, and sources familiar with the facility were skeptical regarding the arena's long-term viability as the home of an NHL franchise. At 15,004, Winnipeg's MTS Centre currently has the NHL's smallest capacity.
"It will be tough leaving such a historic building on Long Island, but we need a new rink and Barclays is a state-of-the-art facility that will be a great home for us," Islanders winger Matt Moulson told ESPNNewYork.com via text message. "I hope the fans that have stood by this team through good and bad times continue to support us on our quest for the Stanley Cup."
As recently as April, Bettman said Brooklyn might not be a viable destination for the Islanders because it's hard to reach for the team's fan base in Long Island and Queens. However, the team's announcement of a news conference at the Barclays Center trumpeted the fact that it is located "atop one of the largest transportation hubs in New York City ... accessible by 11 subway lines, the Long Island Rail Road, and 11 bus lines."
The outdated Coliseum -- it was built in 1971 and opening in 1972 -- is no longer suitable for the NHL once the lease expires. The arena holds 16,234, but the Islanders' average attendance last season was 13,191.
"It is unfortunate that we were unable to keep the team in Nassau County," the Islanders' Matt Martin said in a text. "Obviously, there is a ton of history there and it is sad to see that come to an end, but in saying that, I'm extremely excited that we were able to remain in New York and for the team's fresh start in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. I'm happy to be part of this new beginning."
French Montana Mac & Cheese 3 11/9
The month of November looking good so far with this and S.O.U.L Tape 2 dropping
LeSean McCoy works on new TD celebration
Following in the footsteps of Aaron Rodgers "discount double check," LeSean McCoy is selling off his TD celebration as well. Hint: skip ahead to about the 1 min mark
Burleson Smack With Fine For TD Celebration
The NFL has handed down a $10,000 fine to Nate Burleson for his touchdown celebration in last Sunday's game against the Eagles. Burleson mocked the crowd with the "bird flapping" motion, which is...
The Hottest Stub In NY since 2009
It's official. What the New York Post calls "Brooklynsanity" is upon us. Tickets to the Nets-Knicks Opening Night battle at Barclays Center is the hottest sports ticket in New York since the 2009 World Series.
The Post's Rich Calder reports that tickets to the November 1 contest are are commanding an average of $800.87 a pop on StubHub and other secondary-market sites.That's already up 18.59 percent from $675.31 on October 1, and is six times higher than what an average Nets ticket runs at face value, $132.And it's likely to go higher.
Meanwhile, Ticket Liquidator, a re-seller, reports that the Nets move from New Jersey to Brooklyn has led to a dramatic increase in price of tickets across the board, not just on Opening Night. The move has created a 189 percent spike in average ticket prices so far this year on Ticket Liquidator.
Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city
Kendrick Lamar delivers a very
lyrically well put together album.
Extremely creative how "good kid, m.A.A.d city" tells a story of a good kid in a mad city thru the album.
Kendrick Get 5 Headphones for this must have banga!
Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city
In NBA GM survey, Brooklyn Nets runaway winner in "Most Improved"
The Nets trade for Joe Johnson was tied with Miami signing Ray Allen as the fourth most surprising off-season move. Mirza Teletovic finished fourth as well in voting for the international player most likely to have a breakout season.
Several Nets players did well in the polling. After the Lakers' acquisition of Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, the next biggest off-season pick-ups were Andrew Bynum, Joe Johnson and Deron Williams. Williams also finished third in best passer category, tied with Rajon Rondo.D-Will didn't get any votes for best point guard, however. Reggie Evans finished third among toughest players and got votes for best offensive rebounder (as did Kris Humphries, who got votes for making the most of limited natural ability.)
All 30 GMs responded to 57 different questions about the best teams, players, coaches, fans, and off-season moves. General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to each question of the survey, rather than all 30 GMs.
Meanwhile, FOX Sports listed Joe Johnson as the fourth best shooting guard, after Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant and James Harden.
Dreams & Nightmares Intro
Meek Mill - Dreams & Nightmares
Meek Mill lets go the intro to his "Dreams & Nightmares" album and if it's any indication on what to expect from the rest of the LP, it'll be hard.
November Heat For Your Feet
NOVEMBER 2ND
Another new colorway of the Nike Zoom Kobe VII. This pair comes in another Lakers-themed colorway, perfect for the start of the upcoming 2012-13 NBA season. Featuring a white-based upper with a purple Swoosh on the sides with a gold sockliner. A black midsole with a paint splatter look is a nice added touch. These will be a general release available at select Nike accounts in early November retailing for, $140.
Nike Zoom Kobe VII
White/Court Purple-Black-University Gold
$140.00
NOVEMBER 3RD
A new colorway of the Air Jordan IX Retro. This one in a black, photo blue and white. Featuring a black-based upper with photo blue contrast stitching. A general release, they will be available at select Jordan Brand accounts in early November retailing for, $160. These will be available in full-family sizing from men's all the way down to crib soft bottom's.
Air Jordan IX Retro
Black/Photo Blue-White
$160.00
NOVEMBER 10TH
This is the "Calvin Bailey" Air Jordan IX Retro. The fourth colorway in the "Alter Egos" Pack. They feature a royal blue-based nubuck upper with gold accents and outsole. A limited release, they will be available at select Jordan Brand accounts in early November retailing for, $160.
Air Jordan IX Retro
Deep Royal/University Gold-White
$160.00
NOVEMBER 17TH
An original colorway of the Air Jordan IX. Known as the "Olive's" due to the shoes colorway description. These are set to be retroed for a second time, the first was back in 2002. This time around they will be a limited release. Look out for them in mid-November retailing for, $160.
Air Jordan IX Retro
Black/Light Olive-Varsity Red
$160.00
NOVEMBER 17TH
The "Thunder" Air Jordan IV Retro returns in 2012. One of the most popular Air Jordan IV Retro colorways. They were originally a limited online exclusive release in 2006. Now, hitting stores for the first time. A limited release, they will be available at select Jordan Brand accounts in mid-November retailing for, $160.
Air Jordan IV Retro
Black/White-Tour Yellow
$160.00
NOVEMBER 23RD
This original Air Jordan IV colorway is the final Air Jordan IV Retro set to release in 2012. A "Black Friday" release, they will be available at select Jordan Brand accounts as a general release on the day after Thanksgiving. Retail is set at $160.
Air Jordan IV Retro
Black/Cement Grey-Fire Red
160.00
NOVEMBER 23RD
Pink has found its way onto the Nike Air Foamposite One. One of the most anticipated releases of 2012, these feature a pink-based Foamposite upper with black accents and a clear translucent outsole. A limited release, they will be available at select Nike accounts on "Black Friday," the day after Thanksgiving November 23rd. Retail is set at $220.
Nike Air Foamposite One
Polarized Pink/Metallic Silver-White-Black
$220.0
Bang Up Steelers Pull Out a Victory
So, what exactly did Pittsburgh have left? A determined defense. Some reserve running backs. And Ben Roethlisberger.
More Steelers-Bengals Coverage
Despite all of their injuries, penalties and sloppy play, the Steelers can salvage this season if they play like they did in the fourth quarter Sunday night, writes Jamison Hensley. Blog
That's enough, especially in Cincinnati.
Roethlisberger threw for a touchdown, and Pittsburgh's defense clamped down on the Bengals' Dalton-to-Green connection for a 24-17 victory Sunday night that got the Steelers back into the thick of the AFC North race.
For the Steelers (3-3), it was a significant win under tough conditions. Their first road victory of the season moved them into second place behind Baltimore (5-2), which lost to Houston 43-13 earlier Sunday.
Dwight make his Lakers Debut with A Lost
Howard played his first game as a Laker in Sunday's 99-92 loss to the Sacramento Kings, nearly six months to the day after undergoing major back surgery to repair a herniated disk. It was barely noticeable that Howard had ever been out as he filled up the box score with 19 points on 8-for-12 shooting, 12 rebounds, four blocks and two assists while playing 33 minutes.
Brady Bunch pull's OT win over the Jets
Relive every game this season online and on-demand with enhanced viewing features, including the "All-22" coaches film. Get NFL Game Rewind.
Trailing 26-23 with 1:31 to go, Brady picked up 57 yards in five pays to set up a game-tying 43-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski. Another Gostkowski field goal in overtime gave the Patriots the lead, and then a sack fumble by Rob Ninkovich that put the Jets down for the count. 29-26, Patriots win. A seismic upset avoided.
This was a game the Patriots desperately needed, and yet it feels like their worst effort of the season since the loss to Arizona in Week 2. The Jets outplayed them for much of the game. Mark Sanchez found wide open receivers all evening. If not for some poor throws and decisions by Sanchez and a drop by Stephen Hill, the Patriots would have lost this game in regulation.
In losses to the Ravens and Seahawks, there was a feeling that the Patriots outplayed the opponent but blew the game in the crucial moments. The Patriots felt like the lucky team this time; the Jets offense was more explosive and the defense gave Brady fits.
The biggest concern in New England is a lack of killer instinct and a secondary that gives up way too many big plays. The defense has shown signs of improvement this year, but the secondary continues to be a big problem. Brady
That left Brady in a familiar position: Bailing out his defense. He delivered, and the Patriots finally won a close game. Just like they always used to.
"Road To Brooklyn: Ball So Hard" ep.2
In this episode of "Road To Brooklyn", Jay-Z's Life+Times
hits the streets and the courts to see how street ballers feel
about the Nets move to BK.
"Road To Brooklyn"
In the premiere episode of "Road To Brooklyn", Jay-Z's Life+Times
looks at how the Barclays Center arena and new home of the
Brooklyn Nets came to become a fixture in the borough.
NIKE ZOOM ROOKIE
After being delayed a few times, the "Galaxy" Nike Zoom Rookie is now officially set to release. A Premium edition, they do not feature the glow-in-the-dark pods like the "Sole Collector" edition. These feature black pods along with a glow-in-the-dark outsole. They will be a limited release available at select Nike accounts in. Retail is set at $215.
Nike Zoom Rookie Premium
Black/Black-Action Red
$215.00
Dallas is able to overcome Cam Newton and the Panthers with two fourth-quarter field goals in a 19-14 road victory.
It wasn't the most impressive win for the Dallas Cowboys, but this wasn't about style points.
The Cowboys just needed to figure out a way to get out of Carolina with a win on Sunday, and they did that. The 19-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers moves them to 3-3 and holds off bedlam in Arlington for another week.
Relive every game this season online and on-demand with enhanced viewing features, including the "All-22" coaches film. Get NFL Game Rewind.
It didn't always look promising for Dallas, which trailed this game by a point midway through the fourth quarter. Facing third-and-9 from the Panthers 15 with 3:39 to play, Jason Garrett elected to take the ball out Tony Romo's hands, calling a draw play to Phillip Tanner. It was an interesting decision by Garrett, who put his trust in his defense rather than his quarterback.
Rob Ryan's unit made Garrett look smart. The defense forced a four-and-out on the Panthers' next drive, setting up another short field goal by Bailey to complete the scoring.
Problems still exist: Dez Bryant had yet another end zone drop. Phil Costa's season could be over. And the defense was lucky to be granted a timeout when they fell asleep on a key fourth-down play late in the fourth quarter.
But a win is a win. The Cowboys won't apologize for it
Amare Out for 2-3 weeks
Stoudemire returned to New York City on Sunday morning to get a re-evaluation of his knee, where he suffered a bone bruise Oct. 10 during practice. An MRI then revealed the latest injury.
The left knee is the same one he had microfracture surgery on in October 2005, when he was a member of the Phoenix Suns. While he missed basically the entire 2005-06 campaign, he came back stronger as ever in the following seasons.
Stoudemire is no stranger to injuries. He's had chronic knee problems, a partially detached retina in his right eye and lower back issues, which started in the 2011 NBA playoffs and continued toward the end of last season.
Stoudemire was said to be in top shape coming into the season, hardly missing a routine of two-a-days during the summer. Also, coach Mike Woodson has raved about Stoudemire's conditioning level in training camp.
Now, the Knicks again will likely be without their starting power forward during a key stretch -- this time starting Nov. 1 to tip off the season, which includes matchups against the Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers (twice).
Cruuzin to the End Zone As Eli,Cruz Pull Comeback Victory Against The Skins 27-23
What it means: The Giants avoided what could have been a disastrous 0-3 division start. They needed an exciting comeback to do so, though.
After watching Robert Griffin III convert a fourth-and-10 by scrambling all over the place and then later a 24-yard scramble that helped set up a touchdown pass to Santana Moss, the Giants answered with Manning's bomb to Cruz for the win.
Second-half defense: Chris Canty returned off the physically unable to perform list and started the game at defensive tackle. But the Giants struggled to stop the run early on.
Rookie Alfred Morris rushed for 94 yards, and the Redskins gained 146 yards on the ground in the first half alone. Griffin also broke a handful of runs for large gains. But in the second half, the Giants stepped up and forced a Morris fumble and then intercepted Griffin on back-to-back Redskins possessions.
Midway through the fourth, the Giants stopped a Redskins drive as Jason Pierre-Paul forced a Griffin fumble on his second sack of the game. When the Redskins got the ball back at the Giants' 32 on the next play with an interception, the Giants' defense held the Redskins to a field goal.
Griffin beat the Giants' defense on what appeared to be a game-winning drive, but Manning answered. RG3 then could not duplicate his scoring drive, as the Giants' defense came up with a game-clinching fumble recovery.
Linval Joseph had a strong game with a forced fumble and fumble recovery, and Justin Tuck registered his first sack and celebratory bow of the season.
Off Eli: Manning was off. He missed a wide-open Cruz in the end zone in the first half and later overthrew Cruz on a bomb early in the third.
Then he threw an interception inside the Giants' 20 on a pass that appeared to be intended for Martellus Bennett. And then up 20-13 with seven minutes left following a huge Griffin fumble, Manning threw a pass on first down right to linebacker Rob Jackson for an interception at the Giants' 32-yard line.
Manning salvaged the day with his big touchdown at the end.
Brown returns: Andre Brown returned from a concussion and scored on a 1-yard touchdown leap. Ahmad Bradshaw entered the game red-hot with two straight 100-yard games, but Brown got the goal-line carries in the first half. Bradshaw carried the ball at the goal line in the second half and scored on a 1-yard touchdown.
What's next: The Giants stay in the NFC East and travel to Dallas. It's a critical game since the Giants already lost to Dallas at home in the season opener.
Here are five things to watch Sunday when the New York Giants host the Washington Redskins Sunday at MetLife Stadium
1. Can the Giants maintain discipline on defense? Head coach Tom Coughlin talked early in the week about the Giants needing to do this against Robert Griffin III. We know this has been an issue for this defense. We have seen it this season against running backs LeSean Mccoy and Trent Richardson, giving up the contain on the back side. We have seen it in previous years against Michael Vick, allowing him outside despite knowing that's the last place you want him to go. RGIII will kill the Giants with his speed if they decide to freelance and not play their responsibilities.
2. Aerial assault: The Redskins are surrendering a league-worst 328 yards per game against the pass. Expect Eli Manning, Victor Cruz and Co. to try and torch the Washington secondary.
3. Which Giants' team will show up? Will we see the dominant Giants' team we saw against the San Francisco 49ers and Carolina Panthers? Will we see the mystifying giants' team we saw against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns? The Giants need an NFC East victory, and hopefully that motivates them to put their best foot forward.
4. Who carries the mail? Ahmad Bradshaw has 57 carries the past two weeks. Head coach Tom Coughlin keeps saying he is fine with that, and Bradshaw says the same, but the reality is it's not fine. Bradshaw is again having foot issues, and he need some help. Andre Brown is back this week, and David Wilson is chomping at the bit for more opportunities. The distribution of snaps, and carries, will be interesting to watch.
5. Keep up the pressure: The Giants' pass rush finally showed up against the 49ers. Can they keep it up?
Jay-Z: The Power of Our Voice
In a new ad for the president’s reelection campaign, Jay-Z says President Obama brought hope to the country in 2008 and motivated people to vote for the first time. "For so long, there was this voice that was silenced out there as far as exercising your right to vote," Jay-Z says.
The commercial is mostly a shot of Jay-Z in jacket and tie, talking about the president and voting rights. But interspersed in the video are shots of last month's "Made in America" concerts where Jay-Z wore his Brooklyn Nets cap. The last scene, in fact, is a shot of Jay-Z full face (and Nets cap) looking at the camera.
Jay-Z hosted a campaign fund-raiser for Obama last month at his 40-40 Club in Manhattan
Nike Lebron 10 "Floridian Home"
Several colorways of the LeBron 10 have already made their debut earlier than expected. Beginning with the "Floridians" model two weeks ago it now appears Nike has plans for both a home and an away style. This early look at the white home makeup provides us with a taste of what to expect. Check out the pic and let us know your thoughts
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