SportsNation Blog Archives
Sacramento Kings
Kobe Bryant needs 38 points Thursday night to beat out Kevin Durant for the scoring title, and he'll be doing it with the Lakers' backups starting the game. Will this end up helping him?
- E_cox310: "Kobe is going to put on a show, especially since he'll be playing with bench players. he'll have to put on a show if they want to win"
- thegreatma3: "i guess in this scenario it would be ok for kobe to chuck up 60 shots. he'll make at least 13...and there you go...the scoring champ!"
- buffalo_soldier81: "Would it be classy if the kings put all 5 players on Kobe and let the rest of the Lakers score at will? What do they have to lose? "
- cwear11: "I think its pretty obvious that they're gonna try to get Kobe the scoring title. I think they said he needs 38 to do so, and if he's starting with the bench, you know that he'll come out taking 50% of the Lakers shots."
- swimbikeron: "If he can only shoot 43% with 2 dominant bigs on the floor, how much worse will it be with a bunch of scrubs?"
- thejennings3: "Kobe will shoot a minimum of 40 shots tonight, but considering how badly he shoots on most nights he still won't win the scoring title "
Join the conversation or respond by signing in or creating a profile and blogging.
DeMarcus Cousins clearly isn't a fan of Blake Griffin, as Thursday night's dustup indicated. Cousins called Blake Griffin an "actor," implying that Griffin plays up things for competitive effect on the court. Does Cousins have a point?
- wetalkinaboutpractice33: "i like blake griffin but he is overrated to the fullest"
- shared_gum: "Honestly, what Blake said was the right thing to say. Blake still hasn't convinced me that he is a huge impact player (which I think he can be some day), but he said the right thing, and that's what people should say after the games. "
- WildcatRJMacReady: "Cousins so wishes he was in LA and not Sacramento"
- gbanks19: "Blake Griffin is really soft it's terrible to watch him play. He reminds of Christiano Ronaldo...incredible player but a fragile faker."
- Pfunk13: "See, Griffin is a good actor - he's got everyone believing he is a basketball player, when all he can do is dunk."
- THEREFTHEN12: "He can't help it that he dunks on everyone, he's more athletic and explosive than anyone else. Guys don't like being embarrased and now they have a problem with the way Griffin plays."
Join the conversation or respond by signing in or creating a profile and blogging.
We can understand if you don't want to take the time to grade your tech-support help on the other end of the telephone, but when we're talking about the dollars and emotion you've invested in sports, we think it's worth the effort. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2011 MLB survey
2010 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 3)
2. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 6)
3. Colorado Rockies (Overall: No. 13)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 14)
5. Atlanta Braves (Overall: No. 15)
Take part in the 2011 NFL survey
2010 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. New Orleans Saints (Overall: No. 1)
2. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 4)
3. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 9)
4. Arizona Cardinals (Overall: No. 19)
5. Baltimore Ravens (Overall: No. 20)
Take part in the 2011 NBA survey
2010 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 2)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 7)
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 10)
4. Dallas Mavericks (Overall: No. 24)
5. Oklahoma City Thunder (Overall: No. 25)
Take part in the 2011 NHL survey
2010 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 5)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 8)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 11)
4. San Jose Sharks (Overall: No. 12)
5. Chicago Blackhawks (Overall: No. 16)
- Rank 'Em: Which teams are most likely to challenge the Lakers?
- Rank 'Em: Are Carmelo Anthony and Tim Duncan the top potential 2011 free agents?
A consolidation of player power in Miami is the talk of the offseason, for obvious reasons. But when do we talk about a diffusion of power in the Western Conference?
Phoenix moves on without Amare Stoudemire but with Hedo Turkoglu. Utah has to hope Al Jefferson and Raja Bell equal the departed Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver. Dallas kept Dirk Nowitzki, no minor feat, but it's hard to envision Tyson Chandler as the missing piece of the puzzle. Will impending free agency distract Carmelo Anthony? Will Yao Ming stay on his feet for an entire season? Should we just let the Lakers skip ahead to the NBA Finals?
In following Horace Greeley's advice, Al Harrington said he picked the Nuggets instead of the Mavericks based on each team's potential (the extra money inherent in suggestions that the Mavs were loathe to give him five years probably didn't hurt). We say if Harrington can judge Western Conference potential, he's a better man than us.
jay (uptown dallas)
are the mavs seeking ant other trade scenerios right now
ESPN Dallas' Jeff Caplan
Jay, Donnie Nelson says the team will be as active as ever. They'll continue to probe New Orleans about Chris Paul. the Hornets just fired GM Jeff Bowers, so things are in flux there and Paul is getting increasingly uneasy about the direction of the franchise. Otherwise, the Mavs will keep calling clubs for trades, kicking around Carmelo, as if that's going to happen, but yes, they will be looking for trades, particularly a blockbuster to land a star to pair with Dirk. I think the percentages are low. Full transcript
“Great signing by Denver. Al Harrington was the only bright spot on a horrible Knicks team. He's young and from NJ so you know he has energy and toughness.
” -- mcbrinkosu
- Vote: Which rookie guard is most fun to watch? | Will the Bucks finish the Hawks?
- Chat wrap: NBA Insider John Hollinger talks playoffs
- More from ESPN.com: TrueHoop collects reaction to the Bucks' win in Game 5
It appears Tyreke Evans will be the NBA's Rookie of the Year. After Brandon Jennings scored 25 points to lead the Bucks to a 3-2 series lead against the Hawks, it also appears he might be the most significant rookie playing in May. Possibly deep into May.
Which is to say, the debate about this year's rookie class isn't nearly over. Well, other than Hasheem Thabeet. We can all agree that isn't working out so well.
Evans isn't a controversial pick as rookie of the year. ESPN's TrueHoop Network went that way in overwhelming fashion when it handed out awards. After siding with Jennings early and Stephen Curry in March, SportsNation concurred at the close of the regular season. But when it comes to looking beyond rookie season? That is another story ...
Ben (NYC)
Who makes their teammates better the best? Jennings, Evans, Curry, Rose, Rondo, Westbrook??? I say Curry.
David Thorpe
Today Rondo, tomorrow probably Curry or Jennings. Full transcript
It's just like the census, only this one is fun and doesn't come in the mail. And nobody from FOX News or MSNBC will yell at you about it. It's time for ESPN The Magazine's Ultimate Standings, in which SportsNation grades organizations on everything from ticket prices and stadium experience to the talent on the field, court or rink. Which team will end up on top this year? It depends on what you say.
Take part in the 2010 MLB survey
2009 MLB Ultimate Standings
1. Los Angeles Angels (Overall: No. 1)
2. Milwaukee Brewers (Overall: No. 7)
3. Tampa Bay Rays (Overall: No. 16)
4. Minnesota Twins (Overall: No. 23)
5. Philadelphia Phillies (Overall: No. 24)
Take part in the 2010 NFL survey
2009 NFL Ultimate Standings
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Overall: No. 3)
2. Green Bay Packers (Overall: No. 13)
3. Indianapolis Colts (Overall: No. 14)
4. Tennessee Titans (Overall: No. 15)
5. New England Patriots (Overall: No. 19)
Take part in the 2010 NBA survey
2009 NBA Ultimate Standings
1. Cleveland Cavaliers (Overall: No. 5)
2. San Antonio Spurs (Overall: No. 9)
3. New Orleans Hornets (Overall: No. 12)
4. Houston Rockets (Overall: No. 17)
5. Orlando Magic (Overall: No. 18)
Take part in the 2010 NHL survey
2009 NHL Ultimate Standings
1. Carolina Hurricanes (Overall: No. 2)
2. Detroit Red Wings (Overall: No. 4)
3. Washington Capitals (Overall: No. 6)
4. Pittsburgh Penguins (Overall: No. 8)
5. St. Louis Blues (Overall: No. 10)
- Chats: ESPN.com Insider Chad Ford, 1 ET | Lakers coach Phil Jackson, 3:30 ET
- Vote: Is Blake Griffin still the best prospect in this year's rookie class?
- Your Rankings: Where do the Kings fit in your NBA Power Rankings?
- ESPN Chicago: More on the epic collapse from Bulls blogger Nick Friedell
Did it take a collapse that would make Jean Van de Velde and the Houston Oilers blush to get the rest of the country to notice Tyreke Evans?
Supplying the magnifying glass (and then crawling under it to burn up in the sun) were the Chicago Bulls. The team still coached by Vinny Del Negro -- as of 8:22 a.m. ET, at least -- sprinted out to a 35-point lead against Evans and the Kings on Monday night. They then proceeded to give up the lead in the game's final 20 minutes and lose 102-98, the biggest NBA collapse in more than a decade.
Evans outscored the Bulls by himself over the final 2:28, and that brings us to his curiously minor profile. Evans is doing something few rookies have done -- averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. But consider these two recent poll results.
- 90 percent of SN would rather build around Calipari pupils Derrick Rose or John Wall.
- 69 percent of SN would rater have Bucks rookie guard Brandon Jennings than Evans.
Adam (Sacramento)
If Tyreke can continue at a 20, 5 and 5 pace does he deserve an All Star spot, even though his chances are very low in a guard heavy West. His numbers are better than Roy at this point, and the Kings have far outplayed everyone's expectations while Portland has struggled at times. The man is even mentioned on some MVP boards!! Tyreke is a beast!!
J.A. Adande
Even if Portland has struggled the Blazers still have a winning record, which Sacramento can't say. I love how Evans is playing, but a guy who's been a vital part of a winner should get the nod. Full transcript
Ben (Sacramento)
In 10 years who ends up as the best player from this draft? Blake Griffin, Tyreke Evans, or Brandon Jennings
Chad Ford
Wow. My money's still on Griffin, but Jennings is a very close second. Evans third. Full transcript
Lakers fans are understandably excited about the new season, and the defending champs are a popular choice to repeat among bloggers in the ESPN.com community.
"I've never been more excited for the opening of any season, any sport," blogs kurtnaphansen. "The combination of being on the heels of the Lakers winning the NBA championship, of all the trash talk from Cavs, Celtics, Magic, Spurs and even Blazers fans, and of a very new interesting development with the addition of Sheed to Boston, Shaq to Cleveland and Artest to LA."
Below are fan blogs and predictions about the season, which tipped off this week. Click through to respond. If you don't already have an ESPN profile, create one now and start blogging.
More fan blogs
Bulls preview | Cavaliers preview | Celtics-Cavaliers | Cuban best owner in sports | Eastern Conference predictions | Jordan among untouchables | Jordan memories | Letter to LeBron | Magic preview | NBA questions | No worries in Lakerland | Remember the Bulls? | Teams to watch | Traveling rule | Western Conference predictions | Wizards' issuesFan pictures
NO. 4: SACRAMENTO KINGS
It seems there's some disagreement about what the Kings should do if a certain Spaniard is still on the board when the Kings pick at No. 4 (no, it's not Inigo Montoya). We'd say trouble in paradise, but this Sacramento we're talking about, after all. The good news is the bar is pretty low on making a good pick when the first-round picks of the last two decades include such luminaries as Pervis Ellison, Lionel Simmons, Bobby Hurley, Francisco Garcia and Quincy Douby.
- Ricky Rubio should be the pick if he's still available.
- Kings draft conversation | Fan groups: Sacramento Kings Fans!!!
“Face it folks the this organization's future is up in the air bc of the arena issue. If the kings are going to stay in Sac then they have to at least be watchable. They can not afford to think whats best down the road. The only thing the kings can do to control their fate here in sac is to win now. (not the chanmpionship but atleast be competative)
” -- chonged500
NOS. 5, 6: MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
The draft marks the beginning of a new era in Timberwolves basketball. Then again, the first case of the bubonic plague in Europe marked the beginning of a new era, too. Whether or not it's a golden era will depend in no small part on the gamble the team took to load up on picks in what many feel isn't an especially strong draft. But if Al Jefferson comes back healthy and the Nos. 5 and 6 picks become the next Paul Pierce and Ray Allen ...
- Curry and Harden are the most popular picks if available.
- Forget moving up to No. 2 if it costs Nos. 5 and 18.
- Obtaining No. 5 pick was worth Mike Miller and Randy Foye.
- Taking over for Kevin McHale isn't career suicide, but it's not pretty.
- Wolves draft conversation | Fan groups: Minnesota Sports Fans
“Evans/Curry, Evans/Rubio, Evans/Flynn and that's a backcourt with Love and Jefferson I will buy tickets to see. Please for the love of Rashad McCants stay away from DeRozan...
” -- n0tbradpitt
NO. 7: GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
The Warriors have embraced basketball's global spread in their recent drafts. Unfortunately, the globe was just going in for a handshake, leaving everyone standing around feeling awkward. Only three of the team's 10 first-round picks since 2000 have averaged double-digit points per game in their careers.
- California and the 'Nation disagrees on what to do if Jordan Hill is gone.
- Warriors draft conversation | Fan groups: Bay Area Sports Fans | Warrior Hoops Nation
“Curry IS ready to contribute now, but only as a Jason Terry/Eddie House type of player, players that come off the bench for instant offense( the type of crap we already have). Just imagine a slow, unable to penetrate, below average point guard like Curry leading the fast break that we have become famous for.
” -- Rumpelstilskin07
This is what happens when the best point guard in town resides in the mayor's office. With Kevin Johnson worrying about budgets and unavailable to come out of retirement, a lot of people seem to think the Sacramento Kings need to take a guard in Thursday's draft. Which guard seems to be the source of a good, old fashioned draft feud.
Tom (Sactown)
I heard the Kings' Jerry Reynolds called you a "tool" on Kings radio after you went on the air and said the Kings should draft Rubio
Chad Ford
Yeah, I heard that too. Hey if you're going to be insulted about being a poor judge of talent, at least get insulted by the Director of Player Personnel for the WORST team in the league. Full transcript.
FOLLOW SPORTSNATION ON TWITTER
