LeBron Injures Ankle
July 23, 2008
We all woke up this morning to find out that LeBron James injured his ankle in practice for Team USA yesterday, and he is going to be reevaluated today. It’s believed that it is just a slight sprain, but they are smartly taking the necessary precautions.
Team USA hasn’t won a gold medal for basketball in eight years, and the loss of LeBron would definitely siminish their chances drastically. LeBron may be the best overall player on the team, and the other members of the team are going to need LeBron as a distraction, and then they will be able to get open and contribute offensively.
We will have to keep a close eye on this injury situation. I know they are expecting it to be a minor injury, but we should all be a little worried that it is something else. More as it comes. USA! USA! USA!
–MICHAEL GANCI
The Beasley/Rose Showdown
July 9, 2008
A couple of days ago, we saw the first showdown between Michael Beasley and Derrick Rose, even though it was in Summer League competition. Beasley’s Heat defeated the Bulls when Mario Chalmers hit the game winner to sink Derrick Rose for the second time. If the people from Memphis saw that highlight on SportsCenter, it probably made them cringe. The image of Chalmers beating their Tigers will be remembered in Memphis for a long time.
Beasley was clearly the better of the two players. He scored 28 points but was still not satisfied with his effort. He thinks he is capable of more. Rose, on the other hand, wasn’t as effective. He was held to 10 points as Chalmers did a good job in keeping Rose quiet. Rose is currently battling tendinitis in his knee.
Beasley definitely has the higher upside. Although Rose has dazzling explosiveness and speed, Beasley’s game is better rounded. Beasley will score, rebound and block shots, while Rose will be a decent scorer, but the other parts of his game aren’t top flight yet. I am declaring that Michael Beasley is this year’s favorite for rookie of the year.
–MICHAEL GANCI
Heat Souring on Beasley?
June 26, 2008
The biggest buzz at the NBA draft this morning is about the Miami Heat. It seems like a foregone conclusion that Chicago will select hometown boy Derrick Rose with the number one pick in tonight’s NBA Draft. The Heat hosted two “secret” workouts, and have started to apparently sour on the idea of drafting Beasley with the No. 2 overall pick. Why? I have no idea.
The Heat had private workouts with O.J. Mayo and Jerryd Bayless. Mayo has been coveted by the Timberwolves and Knicks, and would be the likely pick to run the point if Miami passes on Beasley. I think that the people in Florida will have plenty to be angry about if the Heat passes on Beasley. Beasley has a serious chance at developing into an elite player at the professional level. His great speed and rebounding ability make him an asset to any NBA team. 26.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game make him one of the best on the board. While Mayo will be solid at running the point, the smart pick would be to either take Beasley, or deal the pick, because the Heat have more than one serious need.
Tonight’s draft is going to be special. How are the Knicks going to screw it up this year? Donnie Walsh has hinted that he likes O.J. Mayo, but odds have him not being available when the Knicks spot arrives. Rumors had the Knicks talking to Memphis about a deal that included the #5 overall pick coming to New York and David Lee heading the other way. Tonight should be a night to remember, and I do not recommend missing it.
-MICHAEL GANCI
You want to see more blogs written by Michael? Go to www.DailyStache.com to read more.
It’s Not All About Kobe
June 16, 2008
Kendrick Perkins had overmatched Gasol physically for the whole series thus far, but thankfully for Gasol, Perkins was out of the lineup. He was able to get position, and create plays for his teammates.
Odom needs to keep on driving the lane. When he takes too many jumpers, he is not successful. His game thrives on movement into the paint to he can either take the shot, or pass the ball off to a teammate.
The bottom line is this. These guys need to be atop their game if they want to win the whole thing, because if they’e not, the Lakers will be eliminated in game six.
–MICHAEL GANCI
Underestimating Greatness
June 5, 2008
Bryant has been everything the Lakers could have dreamed for over his tenure, but many critics don’t think he can hold up against the “big three.” I don’t understand these naysayers. Kevin Garnett has been true to form this post season, and Paul Pierce has beens treaky. He scored 41 and 27 in two separate games, but he scored 11 once, and has been up and down for most of the post season. Ray Allen has not held up his end at all. In 12 different games this post season, Allen has failed to eclipse 15 points. Kobe, on the other hand, does it every single night.
When going down to the wire, who do you trust in the big spot? Is it Paul Pierce who has a history of not being a consistent playoff player? No. Is it Ray Allen whose best days are definitely behind him? Not a chance. The guy who shines when it counts is Kobe Bryant, and with Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom at his side, he is going to lead the Lakers to yet another NBA Championship.
–MICHAEL GANCI
Stealing Your League
March 20, 2008
Now, it’s no small coincidence that the top three NBA ranking players in the steals category are on playoff bound teams. Washington Wizards small forward Caron Butler (2.26 spg), Baron Davis of the Golden State Warriors (2.37 spg) and New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul (2.72 spg) are all veritable fantasy studs.
Intangibles are defined as assets that cannot be perceived by the senses. In NBA terms, that means the little things. Defense is a huge part of being an intangible player, but in fantasy, defense as a whole is not valuable. Steals, blocks and rebounds, however, are definitely important individual numbers.
These three players are not just superstars, the’re also the most valuable pieces of their team. And not just because of their lane trolling prowess; they also play a complete game. Stealing is an important fantasy statistic, and being able to pick the ball off without giving yourself away is no easy task, which is probably why all three of these people are top fantasy picks.
Fantasy GM’s often forget that (in roto-leagues) steals are just as important as rebounds or points. In a lot of leagues, steals and blocks are worth double. The term five-category stud is just as applicable here as it is in baseball. Do yourself a favor. Load up on guys who can steal and block because they can almost undoubtedly do everything else just as well.
– MICHAEL GANCI
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