It’s Snubbing Season!!

January 24, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I don’t like getting snubbed.

I can’t imagine Paul George does either.

As the NBA All-Star Team Reserves were announced Tuesday, George was the most glaring omission. Each conference is comprised of 12 players, 5 starters and 7 reserves.

Starters are determined by 3 voting groups:

Fans: 50%

Players: 25%

Media: 25%

Reserves are selected by NBA coaches. And this year, rather than play East Vs. West, a playground style, pick-up game will ensue. Each conference’s top vote-getter (as per the fans), will be named “Captain”. The inaugural captains are Lebron James and Stephen Curry. They will then alternate selecting players (Lebron has 1st pick) no matter their conference.

**NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, decided not to televise the selection process, as he doesn’t want to hurt the last pick’s feelings….

(Hurt their feelings?? Are we in 2nd grade?!?! These are grown men, being paid millions to play the game of basketball, and you’re worried about their feelings over the All-Star Game?!?! Talk about a money making opportunity being flushed down the toilet!!)

Instead, Lebron and Curry’s selections will be revealed on Thursday @ 7:00 P.M. EST on TNT.

While I like the idea of “choosing up teams”, they only got this half-way right.

If you’re going to choose teams, regardless of conference, why would the voting process remain separated by conference????

All-Star voting should simply be the top-24 players in the NBA. Here are the teams, as presently constructed:

Eastern Conference:

Starter: Kyrie Irving, G, Boston Celtics
Starter: DeMar DeRozan, G, Toronto Raptors
Starter: LeBron James, F, Cleveland Cavaliers (Captain)
Starter: Giannis Antetokounmpo, F, Milwaukee Bucks
Starter: Joel Embiid, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Reserve: Kyle Lowry, G, Toronto Raptors
Reserve: Bradley Beal, G, Washington Wizards
Reserve: John Wall, G, Washington Wizards
Reserve: Victor Oladipo, G, Indiana Pacers
Reserve: Kevin Love, F, Cleveland Cavaliers
Reserve: Kristaps Porzingis, F, New York Knicks
Reserve: Al Horford, C, Boston Celtics

Western Conference:

Starter: Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors (Captain)
Starter: James Harden, G, Houston Rockets
Starter: Kevin Durant, F, Golden State Warriors
Starter: Anthony Davis, F, New Orleans Pelicans
Starter: DeMarcus Cousins, C, New Orleans Pelicans
Reserve: Damian Lillard, G, Portland Trail Blazers
Reserve: Klay Thompson, G, Golden State Warriors
Reserve: Jimmy Butler, G, Minnesota Timberwolves
Reserve: Russell Westbrook, G, Oklahoma City Thunder
Reserve: LaMarcus Aldridge, F, San Antonio Spurs
Reserve: Draymond Green, F, Golden State Warriors
Reserve: Karl-Anthony Towns, C, Minnesota Timberwolves

If you say someone needs to be in, someone needs to be out….

Paul George is more deserving than Kristaps Porzingis. I love that the Knicks will be represented at All-Star Weekend, but Kristaps Porzingis DOES NOT deserve to be an All-Star. George is also more deserving than Kyle Lowry, Lamarcus Aldridge, Draymond Green, Kevin Love, and Klay Thompson. These players are having outstanding seasons, but they’re not having the season George is having.

Here are George’s stats:

20.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.1 steals, 43.6 FG%, 42.2 3-point%, and 80.9 FT%

Don’t forget, George is also adjusting to life as the 2nd option, for the 1st time, in Oklahoma City. Oh, and George is the front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year.

Should Paul George be an All-Star?? Tell me in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

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The NBA Has Multiple Personalities

January 23, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Monday had it all.

The good. The bad. And the ugly.

An NBA season is often filled with more storylines than your Grandma’s soap opera. And this year, is no different. Monday exposed the many faces of the NBA.

The Good

Demarcus Cousins accomplished something that hasn’t been done since 1972. Just 46 years ago, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar posted a game with at least 40 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. “Boogie” followed in “Cap’s” footsteps Monday night, posting 44 points, 24 rebounds, 10 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block.

What was the most impressive part?? Cousins’ historic performance fueled an epic comeback late in the 4th quarter — duh! With just 5:06 remaining in the game, the New Orleans Pelicans trailed the Chicago Bulls by 17 points. Cousins scored 9 of the Pelicans’ final 23 points, forcing overtime (114-114). Oh yeah, Anthony Davis fouled out in the 1st overtime, so Cousins singlehandedly won this game. Cousins went on to score 7 of their 10 points in double overtime, sealing a 132-128 victory over the Bulls.

The Bad

75. 75 points. It’s hard to score 75 points in an NBA game. But the Washington Wizards figured out a way. The Wizards (26-21), currently the 5-seed in the Eastern Conference, fell to the lowly Dallas Mavericks Monday night, 98-75. The Mavericks hold the 2nd worst record in the Western Conference (16-31).

Believe it or not, 75 points is not a season-low for the Wizards. They scored just 69 points against the Utah Jazz last month. As for Monday, the Wizards had just 2 players in double figures (Beal 18, Wall 11). You may want to shield your eyes before I rattle off their horrid shooting stats:

They shot 30.6% from the field, 21.9% from 3-point range, and 59.3% from the free throw line. Yikes!!

The Ugly

Do you know what you shouldn’t do?? You shouldn’t fire the head coach your superstar player really likes. At the very least, you should consult your franchise building block before making a major decision. The Milwaukee Bucks circumvented that conversation with Giannis Antetokounmpo and fired head coach, Jason Kidd, Monday. I’m not saying Kidd didn’t deserve to be fired. I’m not saying Kidd was doing a great job. But, I know Antetokounmpo liked Jason Kidd — a lot.

Upon hearing the Bucks were going to fire his head coach, Antetokounmpo called Kidd. Antetokounmpo simply asked, “What can I do? I’ll call the owners. I’ll call my agent.”

That doesn’t sound like a player who’s on board with his organization’s decision.

I’m not one to pander to a superstar’s every whim, but keep my 23-year old, superstar, top-10 player happy would top my to-do-list. I’m just sayin’.

Is Demarcus Cousins’ performance the best of the year?? Why was Jason Kidd fired?? Post your thoughts in the comment section below.

The Knicks Continue Their Losing Ways

January 4, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

porzingis vs wizards

The Knicks suck!!

No need to sugar coat it. However, you may want to shield your child’s eyes when they’re on TV.

The Knicks spent Wednesday evening in Washington D.C. Playing in the 2nd of back-to-back games, the Knicks predictably left their talent, skill, energy, and will to win at home. The Washington Wizards dominated the Knicks, 121-103. The Knicks are now a putrid 3-13 on the road and 18-20 overall on the season.

For the 2nd consecutive game, Michael Beasley led the Knicks in scoring, off the bench. Beasley dropped 20 points to go along with his 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. While he continues to impress, it’s not a good sign for the health of the Knicks. To succeed, the Knicks will need Kristaps Porzingis to step up his game. They’ll also need to figure out how to win on the road. With 12 of their next 15 games on the road, buckle up, it’s going to get bumpy!!

I said this last night on my radio show, and I’ll say it again here:

The Knicks will not be above .500 again, at any point this season. That ship has sailed. There’s another ship sailing right alongside the .500 ship; the playoff ship. There is no chance the Knicks make the playoffs this year. And I will stick with my original prediction of 34 wins this season. You can find me right here, everyday, as I’ll be waiting for apologies from the misguided souls who thought this was a playoff team capable of winning 44 or more games.

The Knicks next test will be another road game, against the Miami Heat. You can watch the Knicks lose again on Friday @ 8:00 P.M. EST.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Lebron Vs. Kyrie Part II. Eastern Conference Finals Preview. Whatever you call it, it was a struggle for Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers, as a whole, played really poorly. They shot just 34.8% from the floor, 25% from 3-point range, and scored just 88 points. Apparently, even the “King” and company have off nights. Ironically, they were PERFECT from the free throw line (18-18).

Kevin Love thought it was a good idea to have the worst game of his career:

2 points on just 1 of 11 from the field. Nice work Kev-O!!

No panic button necessary. The Cavaliers will be just fine. I feel bad for the Magic, as the Cavaliers roll into Orlando Saturday @ 7:00 P.M. EST.

Will the Knicks finish .500 or better this season?? Will they make the playoffs?? Will the Cavaliers represent the Eastern Conference in the Finals again?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.

Surprise, Surprise — Knicks Lose Again On The Road

December 28, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

Lauri Markkanen

Last time I checked, 87 is not a lot of points. Not in the NBA at least. Despite the New York Knicks’ struggles away from Madison Square Garden, Wednesday brought a solid matchup. The Chicago Bulls, in the 2nd of a back-to-back, expended a boat load of energy in their 115-106 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks — and it showed. The Bulls, from the jump, looked sluggish. They scored just 17 points in the 1st quarter, falling behind 11 in a hurry. After finding themselves down by as many as 15 in the 1st half, the Bulls flipped a switch. Maybe they were sleepwalking through the 1st half. But when they woke up, they realized they were playing the Knicks.

Good defense?? Bad offense?? What did we watch last night?? It was a healthy combination. Listen, the Knicks aren’t offensive juggernauts. They average just 103.5 points per game (11th out of 15 in the Eastern Conference). But the Bulls clamped down on everyone not named Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis was the only player to score over 20 points (23), and 1 of 3 Knicks to finish in double figures. Courtney Lee had 17, and Jarrett Jack had 11. Frank Ntilikina, as much as I like his defense, simply isn’t ready for the NBA. 3 for 10 from the field, including 0 for 3 from 3-point range, isn’t ideal. Neither is fouling out of the game….

The Knicks are funny. Historically known for surging late in games, Wednesday was, uhh, not that. Check out the Knicks’ scoring decline by quarter: 28, 24, 21, 14. Also, not ideal. Also comical, the fact that the Knicks had a chance to tie the game with 7.8 seconds left. Down 90-87, the ball inexplicably wound up in Enes Kanter’s hands. Kanter jacked up an ill-advised 3-pointer, that missed horribly, and that was all she wrote. 92-87. The Knicks now stand at a putrid 2-11 on the road. Don’t worry, they won’t be 2-11 for long. They’re on their way to San Antonio as we speak to catch their 12th road loss.

Catch another Knicks’ beat down tonight @ 8:30 P.M. EST on MSG.

**Let’s hope Frank Ntilikina stays grounded after he meets his fellow countrymen, Tony Parker. The Knicks don’t need Ntilikina dribbling the ball off his leg as he gazes into Parker’s eyes.

The Bulls will look to continue their winning ways (winners of 9 of their last 11) when they host the Indiana Pacers on Friday @ 8:00 P.M. EST.

How many road games will the Knicks win this season?? Don’t hold back now, tell me what you really think in the comment section below.

The NBA Is Really Stupid Sometimes

December 27, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

kevin-durant-lebron

Christmas is a special day.

Family. Friends. Cookies (oh so many cookies). Santa. And a quintuple-header of NBA basketball games. Most notably the NBA Finals rematch between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers. Monday’s game marked the 1st time they’ve played since last year’s NBA Finals. A highly competitive, hard fought game was overshadowed by a handful of “missed” calls.

Let’s start with the facts. The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-92. The Warriors now hold the best record in the NBA at 27-7 while the Cavaliers sit in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference at 24-10. That’s enough facts for 1 minute. Now, let’s get to my ever popular opinion….

Despite their early success, the Houston Rockets and Boston Celtics don’t stand a chance. Barring major injury to 1 or more key players on the Cavaliers or Warriors, the world will be watching Cavs Vs. Warriors Part 4 in June. Hopefully there will be less complaining about fouls come June.

During the last few minutes of Monday’s game, Lebron James felt he was fouled multiple times, by Kevin Durant. The league agrees. We know the league agrees because since March of 2015, the NBA brain trust decided it would be a good idea to release a “Last Two Minute Report”. This report was implemented to publicize a play-by-play review of all relevant calls and non-calls made (or not made) by referees in the final 2 minutes (and overtime) of games contested by 5-points or less. Said reports will not retroactively change the outcome of any game. They’re solely in place to make the league “more transparent”.

Oh yeah, that should help Lebron James sleep at night. The league might as well say this:

“Hey Lebron, we just wanted to confirm your suspicion that you were fouled by Durant (twice). No no, we’re not going to change the calls or award your team a victory, we just wanted to rub salt in the wound.”

To which I’m sure Lebron would reply, “Thank you so much!!”

**What’s funny is, no one’s talking about Lebron having more turnovers (7) than assists (6) in this game. No one’s talking about Lebron going 2 for 7 from 3-point range. No one’s talking about the Cavaliers scoring just 16 points in the 2nd quarter. And no one’s talking about the Cavaliers shooting just 31.8% from the field.**

Listen, a “Last Two Minute Report” is a REALLY STUPID idea. The league, players, and fans need to accept that there’s human error involved in every sport. Calls made by referees, in a split second, are subjective. Not subjective in a ‘biased’ way. Subjective in a ‘that’s the way the referee happened to see it’ way. The same referee, on the same play, may make the exact opposite call a day later.

Dear NBA,

Unless you’re going to expand your replay system to include foul calls, please don’t give me a detailed criticism of every call made, or not made, the following day. This LITERALLY doesn’t help anyone. Thanks.

Sincerely,

DaveTalksSports

What do you think of the officiating in the NBA?? Don’t hold back. Tell me what you think in the comment section below.

Michael Beasley Goes “Michael Beasley” On The Celtics

December 22, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

beasleyknicks04-777x437

Remember when Michael Beasley told us he’s on the same talent level as Kevin Durant and Lebron James?? Oh no, that happened….

“[It’s] mostly perception. As far as talent-wise, I match up with Kevin [Durant], LeBron, I match up with the best guys in the world.”

Those are Beasley’s ACTUAL words from an October interview with Bleacher Report. There was a time when that was plausible, however, Beasley squandered a golden opportunity. Beasley was the #2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft out of Kansas State. At 6’9″, Beasley possessed a unique skillset that figured to translate to the NBA. A short stay in China, and 6 NBA teams later (including 2 stints with the Miami Heat), Beasley is trying to find his way with the New York Knicks.

Over his last 3 games, the 28-year old is starting to resemble an NBA player, as he’s averaging 28.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per game on 56.8% shooting. He’s also 5 for 7 from 3-point range during this 3 game stretch. The question is, can he sustain this level of production??

The Knicks took down the Boston Celtics Thursday night, 102-93, behind Beasley’s season-high, 32-points. If I had told you Kristaps Porzingis would go Patrick Ewing on us, scoring just 1 point, you would have told me the Knicks got blown out. There’s just something about the Garden that brings out the best in the Knicks. They’re now 17-14 on the season (15-5 at home). The moral of the story is the Knicks should never leave the confines of Madison Square Garden — ever.

*Remember that nasty stretch of road games I told you was comin’…. (click here for the Knicks’ upcoming schedule).

Despite Kyrie Irving’s best superman impersonation (he dropped 32-points of his own), the Celtics lost their 2nd straight game. The Celtics have now lost 5 of their last 9. Anyone who didn’t think regression was in the Celtics’ future, after a 16-2 start, is delusional. You can’t lose your 2nd best (or best) player and remain the best team in the NBA. Unless you’re the Warriors. The Celtics will look to right the ship when they take on the Chicago Bulls, in Boston, Saturday @ 7:30 P.M. EST. While that matchup sounds pretty, the Bulls are winners of 7 of their last 8.

Can Michael Beasley maintain a high level of production?? Are the Celtics the best team in the Eastern Conference?? Tell me everything you know in the comment section below.

You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Wednesday Was Upset City In The Basketball World

December 21, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

kuzma

No More Win Streak For You

Heading into Wednesday night’s showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets had won 14 games in a row. That’s a lot of games. On the other hand, the Lakers had lost 3 straight games (and 8 of their last 10). Escaping from Houston with a victory would take a miracle for this young Lakers squad. Good thing it’s holiday season….

Wednesday was Kyle Kuzma’s night. Yes, I’m aware James Harden scored 51 points. Wouldn’t you rather score 1 point and win than score 51 points and lose?? Kuzma dropped a career-high 38 points on 12 of 17 from the field. The method to his madness was the trifecta. He made it rain last night, draining 7 of 10 three point attempts. That’s a lot of threes.

Harden’s individual performance was nothing short of spectacular. However, when Chris Paul left the game early in the 4th quarter, the Rockets’ chances left with him. The Lakers would go on a 10-0 run, seemingly putting the game out of reach. The Lakers held on, 122-116, handing the Rockets their 5th loss on the season.

So Much For A Tune-Up Game

When high profile college teams make their schedule for an upcoming season, they always sprinkle in nice, cushy matchups. Whether it’s Alabama vs. Mercer in football, or Duke vs. Evansville in basketball, these are supposed to be tune-ups. Well, every so often, said tune-up turns nice and cushy into a living nightmare. Welcome to North Carolina’s nightmare.

Wednesday night, the North Carolina Tar Heels lost to the Wofford Terriers 79-75 — in North Carolina!! The Terriers, led by Fletcher Magee’s 27 points, would never relinquish their halftime lead. Magee, who entered the game 2nd in the nation in scoring, put his team on his back. Assuredly, this will be the highlight of Wofford’s season, as #5 North Carolina is the only ranked team on their schedule this season.

*By the way, my previous example of #4 Duke vs. Evansville, happened last night too. Duke won 104-40. Just sayin’….

Take That Former Team!!

Isn’t it funny how players always show out against their former team?? Why is that?? Are you angry you decided to leave in free agency for more money?? Kelly Olynyk is the latest example of misplaced “revenge”. This past offseason, Olynyk left the Boston Celtics to sign a 4-year, $50 million contract with the Miami Heat. Last night, he played against his former team. Olynyk decided that was a good opportunity to drop a career-high 32 points. For a guy who averages 9.5 points per game in his career, let’s call this an anomaly. The Heat took down the Celtics, 90-89.

Which basketball upset did you watch on Wednesday night?? Tell me about it in the comment section below.

Greatness Isn’t Given, It’s Earned

December 19, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Golden State Warriors v Los Angeles Lakers

20 Years Of Greatness

10. Kobe Bryant will become the 10th player in NBA history to have his number(s) retired by the Los Angeles Lakers. Magic, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Baylor, West, Worthy, Goodrich, and Wilkes. That’s what we call, good company. In a special, halftime ceremony, Kobe had both #8 and #24 immortalized. The ceremony included a tribute video, the jersey reveal, and a speech from Kobe.

Kobe’s speech was heartfelt and eloquent. He gave credit to the all-time greats who paved the way for his career. He thanked the fans and media for being there every step of the way. And he thanked his wife and children for their motivation and inspiration. Kobe closed with one last parting shot before dropping the mic:

“Mamba Out.”

ESPN President Resigns

ESPN President, John Skipper, is resigning after 20 years with the company. Skipper cited a substance abuse problem as his reason for leaving. George Bodenheimer, ESPN’s Executive Chairman, will act as President for a period of 90 days.

Skipper was extremely influential in his time at ESPN. He helped launch ESPN The Magazine in 1998, and 2 years later was promoted to oversee ESPN.com and all internet properties of ESPN. Skipper’s departure comes at an odd time. His trajectory within the company was headed in the right direction, Disney recently acquired 21st Century Fox (Fox carries 22 regional sports networks), and today….is his birthday.

Many ESPN employees were shocked by this development. Skipper had a profound impact on numerous on-air personalities. On his radio show, Dan Le Batard fought through tears to say this, “This person has created everything that exists here at ESPN for us.”

While this announcement comes as a surprise to many, Skipper must face his problem head on. He is taking personal responsibility for his actions and is owning his decision. Skipper said at a press conference Monday, “I have struggled for many years with a substance addiction. I have decided the most important thing I can do right now is take care of my problem.”

Holiday Spirit

Cole and Heidi Hamels embody the Holiday spirit. The spirit of generosity. Hamels and his wife recently donated their $9.4 million mansion to charity. Hamels, the longtime Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher, now pitches for the Texas Rangers. In 2013, Hamels signed a 6-year, $144 million contract. He and his wife’s way of giving back is by leaving their mansion to the Barnabas Charity. The Barnabas Charity helps children in need all around the world. The Hamels’ family mansion, including 100 acres of land, will be used as a camp for children with special needs and chronic illnesses. The mansion is located in southwest Missouri.

In a news release, Hamels said, “Seeing the faces, hearing the laughter, reading the stories of the kids they serve; there is truly nothing like it,” he said in the statement. “Barnabas makes dreams come true, and we felt called to help them in a big way.”

During this Holiday season, think of stories like this. Not all people are bad. Not all people are greedy. Some simply want to help others. Allow this story to inspire you to help those in need.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

If you have a feel good story, please post it in the comment section below. Thank you.

Porzingis’ Early Exit Brings Knicks’ Bench To Life

December 15, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Here we go again.

Kristaps Porzingis exited Thursday night’s game in the 3rd quarter with a left knee injury. Get used to hearing those words. We all know how talented Porzingis is, but availability is your best ability.

At this moment, the severity of the injury is unknown, but Porzingis will undergo tests today. Stay tuned.

As he gingerly walked to the locker room, the Knicks attempted to hold on to a lead against the crosstown Brooklyn Nets. A lead that was as many as 18-points, quickly turned into a 4-point deficit. While it seemed like the same old story “on the road”, the Knicks’ bench came through in the clutch. Michael Beasley, the most confident man in America, dropped 15 points in 20 minutes. The bench scored a total of 45 points, as the Knicks picked up their 2nd “road” win of the season, 111-104.

Obviously the Knicks need Porzingis if they’re going to make the playoffs, but this squad is fun to watch (with or without him). The most amazing part is….THEY PLAY DEFENSE!! Actual team defense. Ya know..help, rotate, hustle, give effort. Now standing at 15-13, the Knicks will put their 3-game winning streak on the line Saturday night, when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

You know what means….NO, not Das Boot….

IT’S MELO’S RETURN TO THE GARDEN!!

Honestly, I think there will be a mixed reaction in Madison Square Garden tomorrow night. But, I implore Knicks’ fans not to boo Carmelo Anthony. The failures and shortcomings of the Knicks were not his fault. He was a very good player for the 7 seasons he put on the ‘Blue and Orange’.

Prediction: Thunder 107, Knicks 94

Assuming the Knicks are without the services of Kristaps Porzingis, I can’t envision their bench duplicating Thursday night’s performance. Melo will drop his usual 22. Paul George will contribute in multiple facets of the game. And Russell Westbrook will hang a triple-double on top of the tree. The question is: will Enes Kanter get up close and personal with a former teammate??

Catch all the action for Carmelo Anthony’s 1st game back at Madison Square Garden, Saturday night @ 7:30 P.M EST.

I’ll stand up from my couch and applaud Melo when he’s introduced. Then he’ll go right back to being the enemy.

Can the Knicks continue to win games if Porzingis misses extended time?? Will you cheer or boo Carmelo Anthony in his return to the Garden?? Tell me in the comment section below. Don’t be shy….

Porzingis Makes NBA History As Knicks Outlast Lakers

December 13, 2017December 13, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

new-york-porzingis

“I Don’t Know Is On Third”

Upon further review, it appears the New York Yankees were just getting started with the acquisition of Giancarlo Stanton. Tuesday afternoon, Brian Cashman traded Chase Headley and Bryan Mitchell to the San Diego Padres (Headley’s former team) for Jabari Blash and $500,000. This move is strictly financial. With this move, the Yankees clear Headley’s $13 million salary off the books for 2018. This leaves the Yankees approximately $30 million under the $197 million luxury tax threshold. In other words, the Yankees aren’t done here….

Who will man the hot corner?? Some say they’ll re-sign Todd Frazier to a 1-year deal. Others think Cashman will let the youngsters ‘duke’ it out. Miguel Andujar would be the favorite in the clubhouse as the Yankees believe he’ll be a starting 3rd baseman in MLB for years to come. And the theory that brings out the ‘Evil Empire’ chant, is trading for Manny Machado. I’d go the Todd Frazier route. If he’s willing to take a 1-year deal to stay in pinstripes, I’d do that as soon as possible.

Japan’s Babe Ruth Has A New Home

The biggest story of MLB’s offseason — so far — has been Shohei Ohtani. Ohtani has graced the headlines with his presence this month, while deciding where to call home in 2018. This past Friday, Ohtani revealed the Los Angeles Angels had the Golden Ticket. Ohtani, to my surprise, will climb into Mike Trout’s shadow next season as a starting pitcher and DH. Reportedly, he will not play the field.

Naturally, it’s time to put a negative spin on things. Ya know, criticize others for doing the same thing they would’ve done. Even though it was reported weeks ago, the media has decided Ohtani’s October elbow procedure is breaking news — today. Ohtani had a platelet-rich plasma injection in his throwing elbow this past October. This injection is used to either reduce inflammation or avoid Tommy John Surgery. This procedure was necessary due to a first-degree sprain of the ulnar collateral ligament. The bottom line is, Ohtani will more than likely need Tommy John Surgery at some point in his career. But hey, what pitcher doesn’t??

Welcome To The Kristaps Porzingis Show!!

Not Billy Joel. Not the Rangers. Kristaps Porzingis, is the main attraction at Madison Square Garden. I’m not saying Porzingis didn’t like Carmelo Anthony, but Melo being shipped out of town was the best thing to ever happen to Porzingis. As the man of the house, Porzingis is averaging a career best 26 points per game. And every so often, he has a game like Tuesday night:

37 points, 11 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 5 three-pointers made.

*If that stat-line looks unfamiliar it’s because it’s never been done before.

More importantly, he helped secure a 113-109 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. The Knicks are now 13-5 at home. The only problem is, they only have 14 total wins this season.

The Knicks are 1-8 on the road!!

And, 19 of their next 26 games are on the road. I’m officially buckled in.

Who will Play 3rd base for the Yankees next season?? Did Shohei Ohtani make the right decision in signing with the Angels?? And is Kristaps Porzingis a top-10 player in the NBA?? Give me all the answers in the comment section below.

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