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The NBA Set to Approve Return of 22 Team Format and Finish Regular Season

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New York Knicks, Steph Curry

Finally, the announcement basketball fans have been waiting months to hear. The NBA WILL continue the 2019-2020 season. The season will begin on July 31st and the last game of an NBA Finals would be played on October 12th. While insider Shams Charania has noted in a tweet that “there is a lot of work still to be done…still protocols, health and safety measures that need to be addressed,” it seems as though Adam Silver has finally figured out a unique way to bring back the NBA. Check out the full Adrian Wojnarowski tweet below:

The Format of the NBA’s Return

The plan features 22 out of the 30 teams that will be returning for the rest of the season, with 13 teams from the Western Conference and 9 teams from the Eastern Conference. There will be 8 regular season games left for each team and they will all be played in a Orlando. Players will be able to eat at outdoor restaurants and golf in the area as long as they maintain social distancing.

Along with the 16 teams that currently hold playoff berths, 6 additional teams will have a chance to make a desperate push for the playoffs: the New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and San Antonio Spurs. Here is a graphic of every team returning:

The plan is as follows: if the 9th seed is 4 or more games behind the 8th seed, then the 8th seed will retain their spot in the playoffs. If the 9th seed is 3 or fewer games behind the 8th seed, there will be a play-in tournament which will feature single-elimination for 9th and double-elimination for 8th.

The Winners

Teams on the cusp of the playoffs (listed above) will have a legitimate shot to get into the playoffs. There have been many rumors that the NBA would love to see a Zion Williamson vs. Lebron James round 1, which in part, motivated them to create this format. It also encourages a superstar such as Damian Lillard, who has been questioning whether or not he would return to the hardwood if he wasn’t playing for a postseason opportunity, to come back since the Trail Blazers are only 3.5 games behind the 8th place Grizzlies. It gives these teams a glimmer of hope to make a postseason push in 8 games.

The Losers

Unfortunately with this 22 team format, you have a few more losers than winners. The 8 teams (Knicks, Hawks, Timberwolves, Bulls, Warriors, Pistons, Cavaliers, Hornets) that were not invited to return for this season will miss out on valuable time to develop their (for the most part) young rosters and gain momentum leading into next season.

Atlanta Hawks Coach Lloyd Pierce, expressed his disappointment regarding the decision for the NBA to not include all 30 teams back. Pierce, who was recently on The Jump with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, said: “I coach the youngest team in the NBA. And the biggest thing we can benefit from is playing basketball, and the game has been taken away from all of us at this point. If the season is going to resume and we’re still not a part of it, it hurts our growth, it hurts our product, it hurts our ability to continue the momentum that we need going into next season. They need game experience and so we need to play basketball, we want to play basketball.”

The Reality

We have officially entered the “return of professional sports post the COVID-19 outbreak” time period. Will the eventual return of this NBA season be perfect? Absolutely not. This is a learning process for all sports, especially given the restrictions due to the still-ongoing global pandemic. Kudos to the NBA for at least formulating a sufficient plan to give several teams who’s seasons ended prematurely a chance to fight their way into the postseason and satisfying the majority of NBA teams. For those who are upset with this format or prefer the approach the NHL took, with all due respect, go kick rocks. Just be happy we’re getting a finish to what already was shaping up to be a great season.

 

Former GM Rod Thorn Blames end of Nets Eastern Conference Dominance on not resigning Kenyon Martin

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Many people come to mind when Nets fans reminisce over the early 2000s teams that went to two straight finals in 2002 and 2003. Jason Kidd, Kerry Kittles, Keith Van Horn, Byron Scott, and Richard Jefferson are among some of those names. One name every Nets fan will forever remember was the energetic, undersized yet effective power forward, Kenyon Martin. “K-Mart,” who only ended up playing 4 seasons with the Nets, was undoubtedly their second most important player during those two runs to the NBA Finals. Martin was the #1 selection in the 2000 draft by the New Jersey Nets, which also happened to be the first draft of Rod Thorn’s with the franchise. It has been 20 years since that draft, and Thorn believes the Nets lost their Eastern Conference Crown when they failed to resign Jason Kidd’s favorite alley-oop partner, Kenyon Martin.

Thorn Shares Thoughts on What Led to Nets Demise in Recent Interview with Ian Eagle

Thorn, a legend most notably recognized for drafting arguably the greatest player of all in Michael Jordan during the 1984 draft, turned the Nets from a joke to one of the most dangerous teams in the East with only a few draft picks and several roster moves. Outside of trading for Jason Kidd, who quickly became the leader and best player on the Nets, Thorn’s second-biggest move was drafting Kenyon Martin.

K-Mart’s numbers never jumped off the sheet. In 4 years with NJ, he averaged a respectable 15.1 ppg and 7.6 RPG. At 6’9, he was undersized for the power forward position but prided himself on being the most energetic player on the floor at all times. Hustling for loose balls, throwing down high-flying alley-oops from Jason Kidd, and scoring on second-chance opportunities were several of Martin’s strengths. Pair his energy and ability to get out in transition with an all-time distributor in Jason Kidd, and what we received on the court was some of the best basketball in the history of the New Jersey Nets franchise. To refresh your memory of just how ferocious a player Martin was, here are several highlights from his days with the Nets:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c-q3bt-LzE&w=560&h=315%5D

When asked by Ian Eagle about Kenyon Martin, Thorn had this to say: “We were never the same after Kenyon left. We never replaced him while I was there. Tremendous heart gave it his all, run the court, was great playing with Jason. A little undersized for Tim Duncan, but did a great job for us, loved it.” After the 03 seasons, Martin would play one more season with the Nets before eventually agreeing to a sign-and-trade with the Denver Nuggets. According to an interview by Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson in 2018, Martin claims the Nets never offered him a contract after the 2004 season, forcing him to agree to a sign-and-trade with Denver for a lucrative seven-year $92.5M dollar contract.

Unfortunately, we all know how this story played out. Martin left after the 03-04 season, the Nets traded for Vince Carter to take over as the primary scorer, and while the pairing of Carter and Kidd were sensational together for several years, they never peaked quite as hard as the early 2000s Nets teams did. Nets fans will forever be grateful for Rod Thorn turning around the franchise in trading for HOF point guard Jason Kidd and drafting significant pieces in Kenyon Martin and Richard Jefferson. But one could only wonder, what if the Nets had resigned K-Mart after that 03-04 season and continued to build off the Kidd/Martin/Jefferson trio? Could we have potentially returned to an NBA final if we ever found the right Center to pair with those three? These are the types of questions that have kept Nets fans up for the past 15 years, including me.

The Last Dance Shows The Value of One New York Jets Player

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New York Jets, Jamal Adams

The Last Dance has been the most talked-about fixture in the sports world as of recently. The documentary that highlights the career of Michael Jordan sheds light on what it takes to be great. Michael not only pushed himself to be the greatest player on the court at all times, but he pushed everyone around him to match his intensity. He was an intense leader devoted to helping his team perform at the highest possible level. That leadership style and overwhelming desire for success are what it takes to be a champion. In the past, there are very few New York Jets that fit into that category of guys “who hate to lose more than they love to win”, as Joe Douglas says. The Jets do have one player who fits the bill though, Jamal Adams.

Jamal Is A Jordan Esque Leader

Before you swipe to a different article, hear me out. I am NOT saying Jamal Adams is on Michael Jordan’s level of a professional athlete, however his leadership style emulates Jordan’s. Jamal is a vocal and outspoken leader. Connor Rodgers recently reported that many of his teammates get irritated by that aspect of his personality. The thing is, that’s what Michael’s teammates hated about him.

From saying “How bout them Cowboys”, after he helped the Jets upset his hometown team, to publicly calling out the Jets to give him help on both sides of the ball, to being the Jets’ biggest ambassador, Jamal has given the Jets an identity. Without Jamal, you can make the case that CJ Mosley and Lev Bell don’t come to New York. Jamal is the kind of guy who is capable and willing to change a culture.

Although his future is murky amid the reported contract impasse. Jamal has given everything to be a driving factor in the Jets turnaround. That emotion and drive is a part of the reason for the contract impasse. When the Jets floated his name around at the trade deadline, many within the organization said that Jamal felt personally betrayed. The New York Jets need to extend Jamal. Good teams don’t trade away their best players, and Jamal is undoubtedly the Jets’ best player. Although you can debate him on the field contributions based on positional value, nobody can debate his leadership value. If the Jets want to change the culture, the Last Dance documentary should be an example of the impact an outspoken leader, with an overwhelming desire like Michael Jordan and Jamal Adams to win, can have on a franchise and a city.

Brooklyn Nets: Spencer Dinwiddie Defends Himself against Twitter Troll

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Brooklyn Nets, Spencer Dinwiddie

Twitter is an amazing place. Fans can interact with players and players can speak their minds to fans on a daily basis. Sometimes the interactions are pleasant and positive, other times players feel the need to defend themselves against the “haters.” The more a player tends to speak out and be active on social media, the more haters they seem to have. Spencer Dinwiddie, one of the most active Brooklyn Nets on Twitter, is a veteran when it comes to dealing with the “haters” on Twitter.

After a bizarre video of Mitchell Robinson putting on a dribbling clinic and drilling a jumper in a 2 on 2 scrimmage went viral, many Knicks fans were impressed with the young big man’s skills. Spencer Dinwiddie decided to address what many were thinking in a tweet responding to the video of Robinson.

As talented as Robinson is, Dinwiddie was 100% correct in his observation here. Unfortunately, @DaRealBootum chose this opportunity to take a shot at our “Tech Guy with a Jumper.”

Bootum even included a two-minute montage of Dinwiddie’s step-back misses illustrating his point. Very strange, specific area to attack Dinwiddie. I would assume most who attempt stepback jumpers don’t have high percentages. Dinwiddie perceived Bootum’s comment to be slight at his clutch gene and responded appropriately:

After reading Dinwiddie’s tweet, I decided to post a tweet of my own from the Fireside Nets account explaining just how spot on I thought Dinwiddie was in defending himself.

The perfect breakdown as to why Dinwiddie is CLUTCH and shouldn’t take trash from anybody trying to point out his misses. And clearly, Dinwiddie agreed with my explanation. Not only did he favorite the tweet, Dinwiddie responded to my tweet immediately afterward!

Just another day in the Twitter life of Spencer Dinwiddie. Now, let’s enjoy these videos of Dinwiddie hitting game-winners and laugh at those on Twitter that try to hate on him.

 

 

 

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What are the New York Jets getting in UDFA CB Lamar Jackson?

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New York Jets

The New York Jets signed Lamar Jackson! No, not the electric QB/RB that’s coming off an MVP campaign. Instead, the Jets got a corner (who played QB in High School) who was projected to be a late-round pick. Lamar Jackson, a CB from Nebraska adds versatility and continues to add more depth to the secondary. He could be a solid pickup, so let’s breakdown his skill set.

Strengths

Lamar Jackson adds a few key things the Jets like. Durability and leadership. He was the defensive MVP in 2019 after a breakout season. Besides that, he was a 3-year starter. Jackson is an accountable corner capable of being left on the island. He has an excellent size which makes him a very physical press corner. Do you know who likes corners like those? Gregg Williams. Lamar Jackson will fit very well in Williams scheme and has the potential to be an impact player at some point. He played his best football last season when he put up 40 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3 INTs, and allowed a 55.7 passer rating. Lamar is capable of being left on an island and is a player overall capable of being a starter at some point at the next level.

Weaknesses 

As much as I raved about Lamar, he does have weaknesses. Although he’s a lockdown corner against physical receivers and in the red zone, in the vertical game he leaves much to be desired. He lacks speed to hang with some of the speed threats at the next level. He lacks a strong football IQ as well. He’s a more matchup specific player who would excel in 1v1 matchups. If he can’t prove his worth on special teams and doesn’t draw the eye of any of the higher-ups, he won’t stick on the roster.

Overall Outlook

Lamar Jackson has some of the most potentials of not just the UDFAs, but even some of the draft picks. The issue is, he also is flawed in his game. Ultimately, the scheme fit is going to benefit Lamar’s chances of sticking on the roster, but he’s still going to need to develop his IQ and speed if he wants to be a long term NFL player.

One New York Jets coach could be a rising star

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New York Jets, Hines Ward

A rising star on the coaching staff for the New York Jets:

Let me take you back to 2006. The Pittsburgh Steelers played the Seattle Seahawks for the Lombardi Trophy. The MVP recipient in that win, the epitome of what it meant to be a Steeler, and the legendary receiver Hines Ward, was a key piece in that Super Bowl run and the victory.

He was clutch and displayed leadership on and off the field. Now, Hines Ward is on a different sideline. At 44, Hines Ward has traded his Yellow and Black for Green and White, and as he enters his second season coaching, the Super Bowl champion has already been labeled a rising star.

Hines Ward’s Impact

Hines Ward was brought in as an offensive assistant, but his role was more than that. Ward worked with many of the receivers on the team but was also named a key player in the development of Robby Anderson’s route tree this past season. When the Jets beat the Steelers in Week 16, the Jets’ celebration centered around Hines Ward.

The team rallied around Hines and his impact was apparent at that moment. As Joe Douglas has preached building, “One of the best cultures in sports,” Hines Ward is a culture changer. Coming from a winning organization, Ward is the guy these players can look to for advice on how to get to a championship-caliber level. Changing a culture from losing to winning isn’t easy, but having guys like Ward around can make the transition much more feasible.

Hines Ward is Gaining Notoriety

As I just hit on, Ward can play a part in being a culture changer, he’s a leader and an educated offensive mind. This offseason, despite limited experience coaching, he was reportedly considered for several WR Coach opportunities.

Ultimately, Hines Ward has remained with the Jets, but if execs have taken note of what he did in year one, his reputation as a coach will only begin to preside his reputation on the field. Ward will only continue to grow into his role and excel. With more opportunities likely in his future, don’t be surprised to see the former NFL super-star receive a promotion within the organization or elsewhere in the next year or so. The Jets should take note of his talent and groom him. Who knows, the former talent on the field could end up being even better off it. 

New York Jets: UDFA Breakdowns, Lawerence Cager

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New York Jets, C.J. Mosley

Over the coming weeks, I plan to breakdown the little known additions to the New York Jets, the UDFAs. The Jets added a couple of new players with varying levels of potential and talent at a few positions of need. The Jets have had UDFAs turn into key contributors in previous years like Robby Anderson, Damon Harrison, and even the legend, Wayne Cherbert. The first UDFA breakdown is Lawerence Cager, WR, Georgia.

Strengths

Lawerence Cager is a very unique player with his build. Similar to Quincy Enunwa, Cager is a speed threat with the body of a tight end. He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands and can be a good fit in quick throw and bubble screen packages that Adam Gase likes to run. Cager has got a lot of heart, if you look at his track record, Cager has been a leader and willed his way onto the field despite injuries in the past. Lawerence Cager has the physical and mental makeup to be a contributor at the next level. With good coaching, his talent could be harnessed into a formidable outside option or a depth receiver.

Weaknesses

Although I mentioned the dynamic aspect of Cager’s game, he also lacks a developed route tree. He’s got very good hands and he’s a crisp route runner, but at times he relies on his natural abilities to make up for lack of advancement in turns of his route tree. Natural ability may work in college, but at the next level, it won’t be as easy. Cager needs to develop more in that aspect. Cager also has a talented outside threat opposite him in George Pickens. That drew a lot of guys towards Pickens and freed Cager up more. This gave Cager more capability to succeed against lower-level corners. That’s a minor note that could be something to watch though. Lastly, injuries may have been something Cager could overcome at times, but he still missed the end of last season with a serious ankle injury. It may not be that much of an issue on the surface, but deeper damage could’ve hurt the dynamic aspect of his game and slowed him down a bit. That will remain to be seen.

Overall Outlook

Lawerence Cager was a worthwhile flyer in a free agency. There are definitely good reasons for Cager to not get drafted. The concerns in his game and injuries are justified. Ultimately, Cager is not going to be counted on to contribute right away. If Cager wins a spot on the roster, Hines Ward will likely be a key guy to watch in his development. If Ward sees potential in Cager or any other young receivers, his eye will be trusted. Cager could be a Quincy Enunwa prototype at best, but at worst this was just a camp body. 

Brooklyn Nets: An Eventful Recap of the Week

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Brooklyn Nets, Kyrie Irving

Since the quarantine has began, there have been many non-eventful weeks for your Brooklyn Nets. This was not one of those weeks. We now have a full Spencer Dinwiddie controversy on our hands, our former point guard taking shots at our former coach, and two Nets players attending a virtual strip club together. Let’s get into it!

Spencer Dinwiddie Creates Pandemonium Among Nets Fan with new Proposal

Dinwiddie is no stranger to stirring the pot on Twitter. Last month, he joked about being a player/GM for the Chicago Bulls to fix their franchise. This week, he seems to be a bit more serious about his impending free agency and assumed exit out of Brooklyn. Dinwiddie has been tweeting a storm recently about fans choosing Dinwiddie’s next destination by donating in Bitcoin to reach a target goal of about $24 million. While most have no idea of the legality of his plan or if the team that wins the fan auction would even want Dinwiddie’s services, Nets fans have taken to Twitter to express their disappointment in the point guard’s recent actions. Here are several fans reacting to Dinwiddie’s recent proposal:

It seems as though Dinwiddie’s days with the Nets are numbered. General Manager Sean Marks cannot like what he sees from Dinwiddie, who more often than not recently, has seemed to make the story about him.

D’Angelo Russell Takes Shot at Former Nets HC Kenny Atkinson

Maybe even more shocking than Dinwiddie’s Bitcoin proposition is the recent revelation from former fan favorite D’Angelo Russell, who had some very interesting things to say about his former coach Kenny Atkinson. Many fans assumed he two had a decent relationship, based on their shared success in the 2019 season. Apparently, that might not have been the case.

Russell was recently interviewed by the Athletic and was asked as to why Atkinson did receive enough credit for the Nets making the playoffs in 2019. DLo told The Athletic, “I’m not going to give it to Kenny. I still don’t think he knew what he had, honestly. I don’t think he knew what I was capable of in the fourth quarter.” (Full article here) Russell was electric that year for the Nets, but there were moments throughout the season that it seemed like he could have been playing more down the stretch. Clearly, Atkinson’s usage of Russell still bothers him to this day and it seems as though these two won’t be getting together for a friendly dinner anytime soon.

Kevin Durant and Caris Levert Allegedly Attend Virtual Strip Club Together

According to TMZ, Demon Time, the “most popular digital strip club,” has partnered with OnlyFans after becoming too raunchy for Instagram Live. Who would be interested in a virtual strip club experience you ask? Apparently Brooklyn Nets Kevin Durant and Caris Levert are! The two, along with several other celebrities, we’re on a special celebrity guest list that went public yesterday. Clearly, this seems like a great virtual event for Durant and Levert to bond with each other, which will make their connection on the court that much more special! Other notable athletes on the list include Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, and Delon Wright.

I hope you enjoyed this weekly summary Nets shenanigans! Check out our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for your latest Brooklyn Nets news and listen to the Fireside Nets w/ Spen & Nick podcast!

On this Date in Nets History: 1976

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On May 13th, 1976, Julius Erving and the New York Nets defeated the Nuggets 112 – 106 in Game 6 of the ABA Finals in Nassau Coliseum to win their 2nd ABA championship in 3 years. With Dr. J leading the way, the team also had several players who would play in the NBA later in their career, including Al Skinner, John Williamson, and Brian Taylor.

Before their NBA tenure, the Nets were a force to be reckoned with in the ABA. Their star? Julius “Dr. J” Erving. a man who would go on to be one of the greatest players in the history of the league. Before his 11 dominant years in the NBA, Erving was the king of the ABA, averaging close to 30 a game during his 5 years in the ABA. He won 2 ABA championships in 3 years with the Nets. One could say, he was the Michael Jordan of the ABA.

For those who are not as familiar with Julius Erving’s body of work, check out this video of several highlights from his Nets career:

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New York Rangers F Brendan Lemieux, others could be non-existent if rumors become reality

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New York Rangers, Brendan Lemieux

The New York Rangers are in danger of losing several players amid recent rumors:

The NHL is still trying to figure out if there will be a reactivation to their season.  The questions of where games could be played or if the regular season will be completed were the main topic of conversation until a so-called change in play was mentioned Monday night.

Possible restructuring of how the game of hockey could look may have a significant effect on the New York Ranger’s hard-nosed and intimidating style of play. One that could have a player like Brendan Lemieux sitting on the bench instead of agitating the opposition.

The tweet in question was posted by Ryan Rishaug, a TSN reporter for the Edmonton bureau.

Rishaugh brainstormed with an infectious disease specialist who tries to give a vision to the fans of what the NHL may look like should the league be able to resume the 2019-’20 season. It is not the game we had before the shutdown in march.

The Breakdown

At first glance, things look pretty good. Players might be told that full-face shields would be worn to help prevent the spread of droplets. The hockey version of a face covering.

The next step mentioned, no fighting. No scrums after whistles to prevent linesmen from having to break them up.

Now wouldn’t that be great hockey?  Artemi Panarin flies down the ice dishes the puck to Ryan Strome and BAM, Panarin is flying across the ice surface after a late hit. But it’s ok, Lemieux or maybe Chris Kreider can’t do anything about it. No getting into his face talking garbage, no standing up and defending one of the best players on the ice. Just move along, guys.

Ridiculous to even comprehend.

The coaches would have to social distance on the bench wearing masks. No word on the trainers, I guess they can social distance in the hallways. If a player needs equipment repair or medical attention, they can have a coach move out of their path and help the player out.

Here is a fun one to try, the wingers would need to maintain a two-foot distance on face-offs instead of the traditional way of standing in front of one another with their sticks crossed.  Here is another reason not to dress Lemieux or a tough player like Julien Gauthier.

This is called the “let’s all get along” face-off draw.

Lastly is suggested no spitting on the ice or the bench.

To be fair, NHL’s Bill Daly did comment on these potential changes to play.

“We consider anything our infectious disease experts and advisors might recommend, but I’m not sure given the circumstances of our game that any dramatic modifications would rally be necessary.”

Why bother playing?

If all of these possible scenarios are even in the realm of possibility to get hockey back this season, the NHL and NHLPA should walk away and cancel the season. The idea that so much would have to change on the ice just to get the season restarted just to play will tun this great game into a mockery.

This is hockey. No fighting, well, that can work even though the traditionalist fans would rebel against it. No scrums after whistles will never work, especially during a playoff hockey game.

Fighting is always reduced during the playoffs, but pushing and instigating after whistles happens all the time.  It is as much of playoff hockey as is lacing up the skates to play the game.

There has to be a breaking point, a time when the league may just have to throw in the towel on say “no mas”!

The fans are already out of the equation for the foreseeable future. Now it’s truly up to the NHLPA, and it’s players to protect the game for its fans.

It is hard enough to comprehend how the NHL could start up with so many questions off the ice to consider, but if some of these topics are deal-breakers, the league might be better off moving on to next season now.

For the intimidators and hard-hitting players like Lemieux. Kreider or a Ryan Lindgren changing the rules of the game now would change the style of the game these guys play every night.