NEW YORK (AP) The Chicago Bulls will open the postseason Saturday against Philadelphia, just before Miami and New York renew their playoff rivalry.
Kevin Garnett Ray allen kendrick Perkins Rajon Rondo Glen Davis Nate Robinson
Freitag, 27. April 2012
NBA Playoffs 2012: Why a Rested Kobe Bryant Will Lead Lakers to NBA Title
Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant made a big decision Thursday night to sit out the regular season finale against the Sacramento Kings, handing the league's scoring title to Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant in the process.
By sacrificing an individual honor such as that for the pursuit of long-term team success, Kobe made his mark as one of the truly great leaders in sports today.
In the long run, his decision to sit out the final regular season game in order to rest for the playoffs was the only decision Bryant could have made. A rested Kobe makes the Lakers a very dangerous postseason team, and the rest of the NBA needs to be put on notice.
A focused Kobe usually achieves the goals he sets out to accomplish. With Bryant seeing the bigger picture instead of short-term glory, you have to like the Lakers' odds to potentially make a run at the NBA championship.
The Lakers' length with Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol up front gives them an edge against almost every team they will face in the Western Conference playoffs, but a red-hot Kobe could make them one of the favorites.
It's been a tough year for Bryant. Despite scoring 27.9 PPG throughout the regular season, he's dealt with a rash of injuries, including a torn wrist ligament in the preseason, a broken nose in the All-Star Game and his latest issue with his shin. Not only that, but he's shot the ball poorly throughout the season, shooting only .430 from the floor and .303 from beyond the arc.
Despite all of that, though, the playoffs are starting, and that's where Kobe's star tends to shine the brightest.
Bryant is always a threat to carry the Lakers to a lengthy playoff run, but a rested Kobe with semi-fresh legs is even more of a danger. He made the right decision by sitting out Thursday night against the Kings, and the Lakers could reap the benefits in the long run.
It's true that their lack of depth and poor perimeter shooting could be a factor in their demise, but a rested Kobe who's ready to go on a tear can help overcome all of that.
Bryant wants to win a sixth ring, and like a veteran and a leader, he's made all of the right sacrifices with eyes on the bigger prize.
You could see the best of Kobe during the next few weeks, and if he raises his game, the Lakers could become a prohibited favorite to win their next championship.
Lamar Odom Baron Davis Blake Griffin Chris Bosh Mario Chalmers Dwayne Wade
NBA Draft 2012: Underrated Prospects Whose Stocks Will Skyrocket
The NBA draft process always leads to a couple of prospects making a charge up the board as teams get a better look at their ability. Even though these players usually had solid college careers, it's not until scouts get a closer look that their value reaches its peak.
Let's take a look at three future stars that aren't getting a ton of respect right now, but who should have no problem making a name for themselves before draft day in June.
Fab Melo
Syracuse wasn't able to make up for the loss Melo in the team's NCAA tournament loss to Ohio State. He was an interior force all season, averaging eight points, six rebounds and, most importantly, three blocks in only 25 minutes per game.
His offensive ability still needs to develop, which is why he's still a fringe first-round pick right now. However, he's already prepared to become a valuable contributor on the defensive end—and anybody who watches the NBA knows there's a lack of reliable post defenders.
He has ideal size for a center and should only continue to get stronger over time. Teams are always looking for players who can make an instant impact. Melo falls into that category.
It's surprising to see Green, who received a lot of recognition during the tournament build up, listed so low in early mock drafts. He increased his production in every one of his four seasons at Michigan State and showcased more versatility each step of the way.
He averaged 16 points, 11 rebounds and four assists as a senior, showing off his ability to find teammates for open jumpers when defenses sagged down on him. Green was also consistent, scoring at least 12 points in 15 straight games to end the season.
The biggest reason teams might shy away would be his height (6'7''), but he's got more than enough strength to make an impact in the paint anyway. His worth ethic should make him stand out eventually.
Andrew Nicholson
Nicholson made his presence felt when his St. Bonaventure squad nearly upset Florida State in the tournament. The Bonnies fell three points short, but their dynamic forward scored 20 points and grabbed seven boards against elite competition.
He fits the mold of new-style power forwards. He's able to stretch the defense by knocking down outside shots, but can also make plays in the paint when necessary. The Canadian native also blocked two shots per game in his senior year, mostly due to his athleticism.
Playing against mid-level competition in the Atlantic 10 is a concern, but his unlimited potential gives teams plenty of reason to consider him in the opening round.
Chris Bosh Mario Chalmers Dwayne Wade Brian Wilson Eli Whiteside Mike Fontenot
Gordon leads Pistons past 76ers in finale (Yahoo! Sports)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) Ben Gordon came into the Detroit Pistons' season finale with one goal in mind: He wanted to help his teammates send Ben Wallace off in style.
New York Knicks Oklahoma City Thunder Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers Phoenix Suns Portland Trail Blazers
Nuggets beat Wolves to lock down 6th seed in West (Yahoo! Sports)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Denver Nuggets earned themselves another postseason date with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing remains to be seen.
Chicago Bulls Cleveland Cavaliers Dallas Mavericks Denver Nuggets Detroit Pistons Golden State Warriors
College Football Playoffs: 8, 16 team plans nixed, 4 team plan likely
Here’s the statement by the eleven college football conference commissioners and the Notre Dame Athletics Director. I trimmed it way down to eliminate all the cliches, corporatespeak, tautologies and double talk. “From the start, we set out to protect college football’s unique regular season…We are also mindful of the bowl tradition and seek to create [...]
Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona
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