Tag: Chicago Bulls

“Michael Jordan Would Score 100 Points Per Game In Today’s NBA!! (DTS Podcast – #102)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

David Falk, Michael Jordan’s old agent, said MJ would score 60 points per game in today’s NBA.

If you believe that, I have some s*** to sell you.

In today’s video, follow my sound logic to understand how the all-time greats would compete against each other’s eras.

This is not make believe, or completely insane in any way, shape, or form. Thanks for entertaining my fantasy world for today!

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Sports — It Should Be A 4-Letter Word

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The sports world is full of surprises. Breaking news, notes, drama, and shocking revelations. Some stories create smiles. Others, induce vomit. I prefer the former.

The NBA Is A Joke

We’ll get the ‘projectile vomit story’ out of the way. The NBA season, barring MAJOR injury, is predetermined. No one has a fighting chance against the Golden State Warriors. Last season, with the addition of Kevin Durant, the Bay Area Dynasty went from really freakin’ good to absolutely unstoppable. And it’s made the NBA virtually unwatchable.

And the latest rumor, ends with a clean up on aisle 7….

Lebron James can become a free agent after this season. The world will wait with bated breath when he decides where to play. Someone couldn’t wait that long. Allegedly, Lebron James is willing to play for the Golden State Warriors.

Wait, WHAT?!?!?!?!

I understand the concept, “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em.” But, what value would a championship have if your starting 5 consists of the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 12th, and 16th ranked players in the league?? It was bad enough when Kevin Durant joined ’em, but this would take pathetic to a new level. For everyone’s sake, hopefully this is a silly rumor by an attention seeking “sports journalist”.

NBA Trade Deadline Approaches

nikola mirotic

Entrenched in the playoff picture, the New Orleans Pelicans bolstered their frontcourt on Thursday. After losing All-Star center, DeMarcus Cousins, for the season, the Pelicans needed to recoup some size, scoring, and rebounds. While you can’t replace Cousins, Nikola Mirotic is not the worst consolation prize in the world.

Pelicans Get: Nikola Mirotic 

Bulls Get: Omer Asik, Tony Allen, Jameer Nelson, and a 2018 1st Round Pick (Top-5 protected)

Surrendering a 1st round pick was the only way New Orleans could get out from under Omer Asik’s contract (owed $20.7 million through 2019). With this move complete, the Pelicans can now make a run at Greg Monroe, who was recently bought out by the Phoenix Suns.

The question is: Will it be enough to keep the Pelicans in the Western Conference Playoffs?

MLB Protective Netting

mlb-protective-netting

Eureka!! Major League Baseball has finally decided to take fan safety seriously. As of Opening Day of the 2018 season, all 30 MLB teams will have protective netting extended past the dugouts. After MLB made a league wide suggestion in 2015 that all teams extend their netting, it is no longer optional.

Although I’m not happy a handful of fans were injured in 2017 due to foul balls and flying bats, I’m glad no one was killed due to MLB’s shortsightedness. Now, fans can go back to ignoring the action on the field. Because, ya know, whatever’s on their cell phone is very important.

 

If Lebron James signs with the Warriors, will you continue watching the NBA?? If so, please visit the Psych Ward, then explain yourself 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.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

 

 

The NBA Has Multiple Personalities

~ 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.

giannis-offered-to-svae-kidd

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. 

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 .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

Surprise, Surprise — Knicks Lose Again On The Road

~ 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.  

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 .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

Michael Beasley Goes “Michael Beasley” On The Celtics

~ 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 .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Best Individual Performance Of This Decade

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Joel-Embiid

The Knicks made a 4th quarter comeback?!

“We’re on the air right now??….I don’t believe you.”

Is There Any Space Left On Tim Hardaway Jr.’s Back????

The New York Knicks hosted the Utah Jazz Wednesday night. Despite coming off a 51-win season, the Jazz have struggled mightily early on this season. They’re averaging just 98.5 points per game (2nd worst in the Western Conference). Well, that didn’t stop them from jumping out to a 10-point lead at halftime (60-50). Hitting 10 three-pointers in the 1st half didn’t hurt. They finished with 17 three’s and actually shot better from three (48.6%) than from the field (43%). Rodney Hood led all scorers with 30 points, off the bench, including 6 three-pointers.

However, it would be the Knicks, led by Tim Hardaway Jr., who would storm back from a 12-point deficit to claim victory. Hardaway led the way for the Knicks with 26 points, 14 in the 4th quarter.

I like the way this Knicks team plays. They hustle. They give effort. And they PLAY DEFENSE!! That’s why they’re winning games. And so far, Frank Ntilikina has impressed. His defense is extremely sound for a 19-year old rookie. He still has his rookie moments, committing 4 fouls in just 20 minutes. Ntilikina is tied for 2nd in the league with 2 steals per game, despite averaging just 20.5 minutes per game. Did I mention he’s 19??

Knicks 106, Jazz 101

Best Individual Performance In Nearly A Decade

Trust the process they say. Well, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons have my trust. I’ll tell you that right now. Simmons, as a rookie, is averaging nearly a triple-double. But last night, wasn’t about Simmons. It was about Joel Embiid. HOLY CRAP!! This was the best individual performance the NBA has seen since Kevin Love dropped 31 points and 31 rebounds on the world in 2009.

Joel Embiid’s Evening: 46 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, and 7 blocks (in just 34 minutes)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

If Embiid had played another 10 minutes, he might have joined the exclusive quadruple double club. There have been just 4 men, since blocks and steals became statistics, to record a quadruple double.

Oh yeah, the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Los Angeles Lakers 115-109.

Something Stinks….

There are good teams in the NBA. And there are some REALLY bad teams in the NBA. The latter was on full display last night. Of the 22 teams in action, 10 failed to reach triple-digits, and 3 didn’t crack 90 points.

The Chicago Bulls have won just 2 games this season, and last night wasn’t one of them. They had just 3 players in double digits, scoring a putrid 79 points against the Oklahoma City Thunder. They should probably trade Jimmy Butler away….

The Sacramento Kings aren’t much better. They have 3 wins on the season, and dropped just 80 points against another bad team, the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks put 126 POINTS on the Kings last night. The Kings had just 2 players in double figures, and only scored over 20 points in 1 quarter. Yikes!!

 

Which NBA game did you watch Wednesday night?? Tell me about it 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 .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

 

 

‘Cause You’re My Best Friend!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

LeBron-james-Dwyane-Wade-Cavs-jersey

Brother.

Definition: A man or boy in relation to other sons and daughters of his parents.

Sometimes, definitions need not apply. Lebron James and Dwyane Wade don’t have the same mother or father, but they’re certainly brothers. Don’t take my word for it. Read Lebron’s words, “It’s kind of like when you start school and you walk into the classroom and you’re not quite sure who your classmates are, but one of your best friends is in there, you’re like, oh yeah, this is going to be fun. It’s going to be a good class.”

Not that Lebron is walking into a classroom of strangers, but he’s clearly giddy to see Dwyane Wade sitting next to an empty seat.

Wednesday evening, Dwyane Wade became the newest member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. This move became possible when the Chicago Bulls agreed to buyout Wade. Wade walked away with $15.8 of his $23.8 million salary for this upcoming season. Hey, anyone want nearly $16 million to go away?? Yes, I’ll literally pay you to not work for me anymore.

By the way, the worse the Bulls get, the better the draft pick the Knicks received from the Thunder looks (via the Bulls). 

Following the buyout, Wade cleared waivers at 5:00 P.M., making him eligible to sign with any team. Wade agreed to a 1-year, $2.3 million contract with the Cavaliers, otherwise known as the veteran’s minimum (same as new teammate Derrick Rose).

I know what you’re thinking, that sounds like a really good deal for the Cavaliers. Duh! Dwyane Wade, at 35, is still a good player. If he hit the open market in free agency, he would earn upwards of $10 million per year. Dwyane Wade is coming to Cleveland for 2 things (not crab cakes and football), a chance at 1 more ring and to hang out with his best bud.

The question is, will the Cavaliers win the championship this season?? Everyone knows the road to the championship goes through Golden State. That’s the main reason we’ve seen an INSANE offseason. Every team is scratching and clawing to compete with the Warriors. The new look Cavaliers should waltz through the Eastern Conference — again. However, barring an injury, it’s hard to picture a world where the Warriors aren’t NBA champions in 2018.

The primary reason the Cavaliers lost to the Warriors in the finals last year, wasn’t the superstars faltering, rather their lack of depth and size. While adding Wade, Jae Crowder, and Jeff Green solves the depth problem, they still lack the size to compete inside and on the boards with the Warriors. Check out the Cavaliers roster here. There are worse situations than Crowder, Green, Rose, Jr Smith, and Kyle Korver coming off your bench, but I still don’t see a 7-footer on the roster. If Tristan Thompson is your only big, ‘Houston, we have a problem’.

 

What do you think of this trade?? Will the Cavaliers win the Championship this year?? Post your prediction 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. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

 

Everyone Wave Goodbye To Melo

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

carmelo anthony

It’s official.

Everyone say, “Bye Bye Melo.”

While the majority of ignorant Knicks’ fan continue to bemoan this trade, and bash Carmelo Anthony’s Knicks’ legacy, I will applaud the trade and Melo.

Carmelo Anthony’s Legacy

Carmelo Anthony, now 33, was drafted #3 overall in the 2003 NBA Draft out of Syracuse University. He will suit up for the Oklahoma City Thunder this coming season (his 15th). He spent 7.5 seasons with the Denver Nuggets before spending the last 6.5 seasons with the New York Knicks.

Career Averages: 24.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 45.2 FG%, 81.3 FT%

Carmelo Anthony ‘is who he is’. He’s a great scorer who’s been a decent rebounder. He plays very little defense and isn’t seen passing the ball very often. But, to his credit, he hasn’t had many superstar teammates throughout his career.

His biggest fault: He’s not Lebron James. 

I’m serious. He was drafted in the same draft as Lebron. He played nationally televised high school games against Lebron. And since they’re friends, Melo has carried this comparison his entire career. Nuggets and Knicks’ fans should applaud Melo for his contributions to their franchises, rather than criticize him for being Championship-Less.

*He didn’t offer himself his contract (and No-Trade Clause).

The Trade

This Trade was made official on Monday, as Carmelo Anthony waived his No-Trade Clause.

Knicks Get:

Enes Kanter, Doug McDermott, and the Chicago Bulls’ 2nd Round Pick

Thunder Get:

Carmelo Anthony

This is a good trade for both teams. Those who are killing the Knicks, or giving them an ‘F’, don’t understand this situation in the slightest. Here’s why:

1.) Carmelo Anthony had a No-Trade Clause. This Means he needed to sign off on any deal, making it nearly impossible to trade him.

2.) Due to reason #1, this is the best deal the Knicks could have received. Those who were expecting two 1st-round picks also don’t know which way is up.

3.) $$. Isn’t everything about money?? This move gets money off the books after this season (even if Kanter picks up his player option in 2018-19).

4.) Morale. Despite Carmelo Anthony still being a good player, this will boost the attitude and environment in the Knicks’ locker room, thus leading to more productive play on the court.

This trade made sense for both teams. From the Thunders’ perspective, they didn’t give up a lot to obtain Melo, and they improved in the short-term. This offseason they acquired Paul George and Carmelo Anthony for Victor Oladipo and Enes Kanter. While Westbrook, George, and Melo may only be together for 1 playoff run, Sam Presti (Thunder General Manager) deserves a raise.

 

What do you think of this trade?? Give it a grade 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. – 8:10 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!

2017 NBA Draft Review

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

nba-draft-2017-scelte-squadre

13 words. These 13 words are now the favorite words of the 60 young men who were drafted into the NBA on Thursday night:

“With the 1st pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select_______________.”

It is the culmination of a dream. It is the prize at the end of a long road. A long road often filled with blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice. Now these players must take their level of commitment and desire to a whole new level. Before they start all that hard work, let’s meet them.

The 1st overall pick was Markelle Fultz (Washington), by the 76ers. Fultz, a point guard, was unanimously recognized as the top prospect in the draft. I refuse to talk about the next guy. Sorry. You can see every draft pick by clicking here. At #3, the Boston Celtics brought us the first semi-surprise by selecting Jayson Tatum over Josh Jackson. Tatum (Duke) brings excellent outside shooting to a Celtics team badly in need of shooters. Jackson (Kansas) fell into the happily out-stretched arms of the Phoenix Suns at #4. And to round out the top 5, the Sacramento Kings selected who I think will be the best player in this draft, De’Aaron Fox (Kentucky).

As exciting as the NBA Draft was, it was completely overshadowed by a monster trade:

Minnesota Timberwolves Get 

Jimmy Butler and the 16th pick

Chicago Bulls Get

Zach Lavine, Kris Dunn, and the 7th pick.

In other words, WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CHICAGO BULLS?!?!

Zach Lavine was having a good season until he tore his ACL this past February. Kris Dunn is a young point guard who still has potential, but I don’t see him as more than a career back-up. The Bulls went on to select Lauri Markkanen, a 7-footer who can shoot out of the University of Arizona. This is a fantastic trade for the Timberwolves, and a really, REALLY bad trade for the Bulls.

Jimmy Butler is now reunited with his old coach, Tom Thibodeau. He now has the luxury of starting Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, and Jimmy Butler. WOW!! Watch out Western Conference. With the 16th pick they grabbed a big man from Creighton, Justin Patton. The Timberwolves will make some noise in the West, and don’t be surprised if they leap into the top-half of the Western Conference come playoff time.

Now, we can sit back, relax, and wait for free agents to relocate (possibly). This will help teams round out their rosters, and the right to lose to the Golden State Warriors picture will become clearer. The coming weeks and months are still fun, as the NBA is attempting to remain in the spotlight all year round.

I think I’ll call the NBA, NFL Jr. from now on.

What did you think of the NBA Draft?? Did your team select the player you were hoping for?? Tell me about it in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends about me!!

 

 

Durant Wins 1st (of many) NBA Title

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 4 Comments

durant nba title

There are 9 words in the English language we should all get used to hearing..again..and again..and again: “The Golden State Warriors are NBA Champions once again!” With Kevin Durant as the new sheriff in town, this may become a common theme in the NBA. And as impressive as the Warriors were this season (I will give them their deserved praise), they are not helping the NBA’s cause. Many thought the NBA had become a 2-team league. Correction. It has become a 1-team league. Think about it. What is the question Cavaliers ownership and management are asking themselves right now?? Exactly! Who can we add to this roster in order to compete with the Warriors?? You laugh but it’s true. In the not so distant future, I picture the entire All-Star starting lineups donning Cavaliers and Warriors’ jerseys. We’ll get back to the mess that is the NBA, but for now, let us give the Warriors the standing ovation they deserve.

Kevin Durant did what he set out to do. He captured his 1st NBA title after jumping ship in Oklahoma City and joining forces with Stephen Curry and company. There’s only one way to put this, Durant straight up balled out. After missing 20 games due to injury this season, Durant returned and peaked at the perfect moment. He averaged 35.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in the finals, making him the unanimous Finals MVP. He unquestionably deserved the Finals MVP, however, he completely overshadowed the spectacular series Stephen Curry had. Curry averaged 26.8 points, 9.4 assists, and 8.0 rebounds in the Finals. Those are video game numbers, normally MVP worthy, however, Curry was the 3rd best player in the series. Again highlighting the state of the NBA.

Let’s rewind to the 2014 offseason. The Warriors roster was constructed with only 1 thing in mind; winning multiple championships. 2 down, at least 1 to go. Assuming this roster remains intact (only Andre Iguodala is a free agent this coming offseason), this Warriors team will remain a dynasty in the NBA. Which begs the question, where does this Warriors team rank amongst the all-time great teams?? We only ask the tough questions here at DaveTalksSports!! Here is a list of the NBA’s all-time great teams:

  1. The “Showtime” Lakers
  2. The 80’s Celtics
  3. The “Bad Boy” Pistons
  4. The Bill Russell Celtics
  5. The Shaq and Kobe Lakers
  6. The Spurs’ Dynasty
  7. And last, but certainly not least, the Jordan-Era Bulls

When we say teams, we really mean an era or dynasty that won multiple championships. Many teams flashed greatness for 1 year, but how many franchises ran off streaks of multiple championships??

The Warriors have now been to 3 straight NBA Finals (winning 2 of 3). In the 2015-2016 season, the Warriors broke the record for most wins in the regular season (73), previously held by the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls (72). The Warriors made a historic run through the postseason this year, dropping just 1 game. Their 16-1 record is the highest winning percentage (.941) of any championship team in NBA history, and they also became 1 of only 3 1-loss teams to win a championship.

The question, when comparing teams from different eras, isn’t who would win (as fun as it would be to watch Jordan and the Bulls play Durant and the Warriors), rather who has a more impressive resume. The Warriors still have room for improvement (which is scary), but right now I’d rank them 7th all-time, behind everyone on the above list besides The “Bad Boy” Pistons. Every other team on that list won at least 3 championships and had at least 4 Finals’ appearances. Unless the Cavaliers add another piece to their championship puzzle, the Warriors should repeat next year (yes I already decided next year’s champion) and climb the all-time ranks.

For now, we close the book on the 2016-2017 NBA season. And we open a new book to a clean page to start the debate. Where do the Warriors rank amongst the all-time great teams?? Post your ranking in the comment section below.

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