Tag: Demarcus Cousins

“My Phone Ran Out Of Stora….” (DaveTalksSports Podcast – Ep. #41)

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

DeMarcus Cousins suffers another serious injury, tears ACL.

If you judge, evaluate, and make prognostications for the regular season based on the NFL Preseason….WE CAN NO LONGER BE FRIENDS!!!!

Life, health, love, happiness, family, and friends are more important than how much money you have in the bank or how many cars you have in your driveway.

I would have finished my point, but I forgot to clear out memory storage on my phone before I hit record….because sometimes, I do stupid things too!!

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DaveTalksSports Podcast – Episode #12: “I’m Russell Westbrook, And I’m….LONELY!!”

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

Paul George leaves Russell Westbrook all by himself.

The USWNT deserves more $$ than the USMNT.

And Mickey Callaway needs to be forced into early retirement.

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I’M DONE WITH THE NBA!!!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The NBA is BROKEN!!

It’s also stupid, and imbalanced, and predictable, and irrational, and stupid.

I’ve asked this question before, but let’s give it another try: If you already knew the outcome of a game, would you still watch?? You’d have to be insane to say yes. No. The answer is no. Soooooooooooo, why would anybody watch the NBA?!?!

The Golden State Warriors have won three out of the last four NBA Finals. Even before they added DeMarcus Cousins to their roster, Monday, they were headed toward a three-peat. Although Cousins is working his way back from a ruptured Achilles, he is a top-10 player (when healthy). Since increasing his assist totals, and three-point percentage, he’s become the most versatile big man in the league.

I’m aware of Anthony Davis’ skillset, however, the ability to pass the ball AND shoot the three puts Cousins in a league of his own.

There’s some speculation on Cousins’ path to the Warriors, but as with any story, there are three sides (yours, mine, and the truth).

Cousins claims the Warriors were the only team to offer him a contract….

jim

I’m not saying I don’t believe him….BUT I DON’T BELIEVE HIM.

A report leaked that the New Orleans Pelicans offered Cousins a two-year, $40 million contract. Also, the Los Angeles Lakers claim they turned Cousins down. Also not believable. But if that’s true, the Lakers should punch themselves in the face — immediately.

No matter how Cousins landed on the Warriors, the upcoming season is over. It was over without Cousins. As long as their starting five remain healthy, and under contract, they’ll continue to win championship after championship.

So, now that we’ve established the NBA is broken, DaveTalksSports is going to fix it. With the salary cap increasing every year, and the presence of a “soft” salary cap, ‘Super Teams’ will never cease to exist.

DeMarcus Cousins should not be allowed to join the Warriors for $5.3 million.

DeMarcus-Cousins-Warriors-1

While we live in a free-market, capitalist society, the NBA is a private organization. They should regulate themselves as they see fit. Instituting a pay scale, based on performance, would solve this problem. his would actually help better players earn more money.

Sounds ridiculously fair to me.

This pay scale would be based on statistical performances, plus 1st-team, 2nd-team, and 3rd-team accomplishments (offensively and defensively). The league and the player’s association would then need to agree on how many players from each “tier” would be allowed on a single team. This would create parody, fair play, and a fair season, ultimately resulting in a product that DaveTalksSports (and the world) would want to watch.

As presently constructed, I will NOT be watching the NBA this upcoming season.

That is all. Thanks!

 

LeBron Longs For La La Legacy

~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

LeBron James is going to play for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Re-read that. Let it sink in. Still sounds weird, doesn’t it??

While he could have dragged out his decision, creating another ‘Summer of LeBron’, he wasted little time. NBA’s free agency moratorium period began on July 1st at 12:00 a.m. Just 17 hours later, LeBron informed the world, via Klutch Sports, he would be donning purple and gold next season.

**The moratorium period runs from July 1st through July 6th. This means free agents may discuss, and announce contracts, however can’t officially sign on the dotted line until the end of this period.**

LeBron’s move to one of the most storied franchises in NBA history is not surprising. It’s never a bad idea to join forces with Magic Johnson, while carrying the torch Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Kobe Bryant have kept lit for over 40 years. His contract, however, is surprising. LeBron James has made the one-year contract cool. This method has allowed LeBron the freedom to skip town the second stuff hits the fan, maximize his earning potential, and keep the ball in his court. How many idioms can I squeeze into one sentence?? The answer, apparently, is three.

LeBron’s contract: 4 years, $154 million (4th year player option)

magic

LeBron is giving Magic the most valuable gift imaginable; time. Having the peace of mind that LeBron won’t be going anywhere for a minimum of three seasons is priceless. Now, Magic can shift, shape, and maneuver accordingly.

Which naturally begs the question: Who ELSE is coming to La La Land??

Everyone and their grandmother assumed Paul George to the Lakers was a done deal. However, he and Russell Westbrook’s party burst that bubble before midnight on Saturday….

paul george

Will the San Antonio Spurs acquiesce to Kawhi Leonard’s demands, and trade him to the Lakers?? I don’t know. They want a King’s ransom, and the Lakers should give it, but just because I say it doesn’t mean it’ll happen.

Will the Lakers sign Demarcus Cousins?? They should. They have a meeting setup with Cousins, so the world will see how far Magic’s smile can carry him.

Final Thought

magic vs bird

The NBA is the big winner here. The league is better, and happier, when the Lakers are good. It’s also beneficial when the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and other big markets are competitive too. Two-out-of-three ain’t bad. There was no better era in basketball than the 1980s: Showtime Lakers vs. Bird’s Celtics. There’s no guarantee this will be that, but if the Lakers bring in another top-10 player this year, and Klay Thompson next year, ya never know.

 

Thoughts. Questions. And concerns. You know where those go….

Worst. Day. EVER!!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Tuesday was a bad day.

On one hand, your franchise player goes down with a season ending injury. The other, your new head coach backs out of the deal at the last second.

Who had a worse day: The New York Knicks or Indianapolis Colts??

Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis is the best thing to happen to the New York Knicks since Patrick Ewing. At just 22 years old, Porzingis’ future looked bright, until Tuesday night. With just under 9 minutes to play in the 2nd quarter, Porzingis cut to the basket, receiving a bounce pass from Kyle O’ Quinn. Porzingis threw it down over Giannis Antetokounmpo. After landing, on what looked like a routine play, Porzingis crumbled to the floor, clutching his left knee.

Watch the play here.

Porzingis would be assisted off the court, unable to put pressure on his left leg. Following the game, an MRI confirmed a torn ACL in his left knee. Injuries of this nature don’t often carry high levels of optimism for 7-footers. Normal recovery time is approximately 1 year.

This injury is LeBron James’ fault. Hear me out…. 

Since the selection of the NBA All-Star Teams, 4 All-Stars have gone down with significant injuries. All 4 (DeMarcus Cousins, John Wall, Kevin Love, and Kristaps Porzingis), were selected by LeBron James.

Josh McDaniels

josh_mcdaniels_indianapolis_colts_head_coach

She loves me, she loves me not. She loves me, she loves me NOT!! Can’t you picture Josh McDaniels, on Tuesday, dropping flower petal after flower petal on the floor??

Tuesday afternoon, McDaniels had agreed to contract terms to become the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. By Tuesday night, he flipped an illegal U-turn, in rush hour traffic, ala Bill Belichick in 1999. McDaniels backed out of his agreement with the Colts, leaving them high and dry.

Listen, you can spin this however you’d like, but the bottom line is:

No one turns down a head coaching job in the NFL, unless they’re promised another one.

So, while Bill Belichick will coach the New England Patriots in 2018, McDaniels will take over in 2019.

I agree with the critics. This makes McDaniels a dishonorable guy. But this is what happens when you hire someone from a Super Bowl team. By the time you can officially hire McDaniels, all other worthwhile candidates have been hired elsewhere.

 

To answer my previous question, although the Colts had a rough Tuesday, the Knicks clearly had the worse day. Losing your franchise building block, to a season ending injury, isn’t how you’d plan your Tuesday.

Time will tell if Porzingis’ 7’3″ frame can rebound from such a serious injury. For now, the Knicks will enter a mode they’re all too familiar with….

TANK MODE!!

 

Who had a worse day, the Knicks or Colts?? 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.

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!!

 

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!!

 

 

 

 

Who Knew Tuesday Could Be So Exciting?!

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

Who said the only thing to talk about is the Super Bowl??

As players, coaches, and fans arrive in Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII, teams around the NFL are making their own Super Bowl push….

Dominoes Are Fun

Once the first piece goes, the rest fall into place. Tuesday night, Alex Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins. Instantly, Kirk Cousins’ muddled future in Washington D.C. became a lot clearer.

Redskins Get: QB Alex Smith

Chiefs Get: CB Kendall Fuller and a 3rd round pick

This trade can’t become official until March 14th (start of the NFL year). This secures Patrick Mahomes’ future as the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, and assures that Kirk Cousins will don a different jersey next season. The question is: Which one??

Reportedly, Alex Smith (33 years old) will sign a 4-year extension worth $94 million, including $71 million guaranteed. The $94 million part is believable. The $71 million part can’t possibly be accurate. The Redskins would be really, REALLY DUMB to give a 33-year old quarterback that much guaranteed money….

I Want To Be Part Of History

harden-james

We’re all part of history, just not equally. James Harden’s role in history is slightly different than ours. Harden, without the services of Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza, and Eric Gordon (for nearly 3 quarters), literally put the rest of his team on his back. Okay, not literally, but he scored more than half of his teams points en route to a 114-107 victory over the Orlando Magic. And broke 2 records along the way.

Harden’s 60 points broke the Houston Rockets’ record for most points in a single-game (Calvin Murphy, 57 points). That record stood for 40 years. Harden also became the 1st player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 60 points:

60 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block

Ummmm, holy crap!

The Injury Bug Is Real

kevin love

Injuries are contagious. In the past week, not 1, not 2, but 3 All-Stars have gone down with significant injuries. First, DeMarcus Cousins’ season ended with a ruptured Achilles. Then, John Wall needed a knee scope, putting him on the shelf for 6-8 weeks. And now, Kevin Love will also miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured left hand.

Today, I plead with the players of the NBA. Be extra careful when you cross the street. Don’t run down the stairs in socks. And don’t go skydiving. For you never know when the injury bug is coming for you.

The Knicks Actually Won A Game?!

It’s hard to believe, but yes, the New York Knicks won a basketball game last night. It’s a lot easier when you’re at home, against the Brooklyn Nets, but as they say, a win is a win.

I attended this game and had a great time!!

If you haven’t been to Madison Square Garden since Patrick Ewing played for the Knicks, make an effort to go. The renovations have improved the fan experience, and concession lines have greatly improved. As for television sets lining each section’s front row, I’ll never understand that. Why would you pay for tickets and then watch the game on TV from your seat?!?!

As for the game, Kristaps Porzingis was on, dropping 28 points while shooting 6 for 8 from 3-point range. Enes Kanter had the quietest 20 point/20 rebound game you’ll ever see. And the Knicks took down the Nets 111-95.

The Knicks have now won 2 games in a row.

“If they win tonight, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.”

 

Were you surprised the Redskins traded for Alex Smith?? Where do you think Kirk Cousins will play next season?? 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 .

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!!

 

From La La Land To Motown

~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

The Los Angeles Clippers are throwing in the towel.

Stop me if you’ve heard this before….

Monday night, despite being just 1/2 of a game out of the playoffs, the Clippers drew a line in the sand by trading Blake Griffin to Motown:

Detroit Pistons Get: Blake Griffin, Brice Johnson, and Willie Reed

Los Angeles Clippers Get: Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, a top-4 protected 2018 1st round pick, and a 2019 2nd round pick

It begs the age-old question: Should a franchise always compete to make the playoffs, even if it means spending eternity in mediocrity??

**We know which side of the fence Kristaps Porzingis falls on, as he expects the New York Knicks to be buyers at the trade deadline. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! When you’re done laughing, please, read on….

If the Clippers held on to Blake Griffin, they might have made the playoffs this season. Only to have the pleasure of being trounced by the Golden State Warriors in the 1st round. Griffin would have undoubtedly gotten hurt along the way. And the Clippers would have been back to the drawing board — again. Instead, the Clippers made a SMART decision, and received a solid ROI (return on investment). Bradley is an expiring contract, Harris is a solid, relatively cheap player who becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2019, and draft picks never hurt.

While Griffin is one of the most talented players in the NBA, he’s a hospital visit waiting to happen. Over the past 3 seasons, he’s averaged just 54.3 games per year. And this season, has already missed 16 of 49 games. You can’t dunk on people from the infirmary. Plus, he signed a 5-year, $171 million contract this past July. Over time, that contract will resemble a burden rather than a blessing.

Gather around conspiracy theorists….

Some believe this is the 1st of multiple moves to open up salary cap space for Lebron James. Yes, the Lebron James sweepstakes could be in full effect again next year. But to tear your roster apart for a ‘pipe dream’ is foolish. Expect the Clippers to continue their roster purge prior to the trade deadline (February 8th @ 3:00 P.M EST).

As for the other 29 teams, absolutely nothing has transpired. The New Orleans Pelicans, however, are actively seeking a deal to bolster their frontcourt after losing DeMarcus Cousins to a ruptured Achilles Friday night. Side note: Paul George will replace Cousins on the All-Star Team.

IF Blake Griffin should ever stay healthy, he should land on many All-Star Teams.

Welcome to the Weak-Eastern Conference Blake….

 

Who won the Blake Griffin trade?? 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!!

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!!