BREAKING NEWS: Cavaliers Overhaul Roster

February 8, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

With just over an hour until the NBA trade deadline, the Cleveland Cavaliers made multiple, big, somewhat surprising moves. After only having played 15 games this season with the Cavaliers, Isaiah Thomas has been shipped out of town….

Lakers Get: Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye, and the Cavaliers’ 2018 1st-round pick

Cavaliers Get: Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson

Yesterday, Thomas was asked about how he felt playing for the Cavaliers. This question came in reaction to Thomas’ comments earlier in the week:

“That’s been our biggest problem all year, adjusting. Teams are going to make adjustments, and we have to do the same thing too, and we’re not that good at that right now.”

Yesterday’s response:

“I want to play where I’m wanted. I like it here. I’m tired of being traded.”

Apparently, LeBron and company weren’t too fond of Thomas’ original comments. That. Or his inability to play defense. Either one. In Thomas’ defense, he wasn’t afforded a lot of time to adjust to the Cavaliers’ system. Here’s a guy (Thomas), missing the 1st 38 games of the season due to injury, and after just 15 games, is sent packing.

Now, it’ll be a miracle if Thomas can lock down a big contract at the end of the season.

With Thomas and Frye both becoming unrestricted free agents at season’s end, the Lakers have cleared enough salary cap space for 2-max contracts. Did LeBron just mastermind this deal in order to create cap space for himself???? And Paul George too????

The Cavaliers, however, received young talent in Larry Nance Jr. and Jordan Clarkson.

The Cavaliers didn’t stop there. Evidently, they’re going for the record for trades at a single deadline.

The Cavaliers are also sending Dwayne Wade back to the Miami Heat for a heavily protected 2nd-round pick.

AND, the Cavaliers are ALSO sending Iman Shumpert to the Sacramento Kings, as well as Jae Crowder and Derrick Rose to the Utah Jazz. In return, the Cavaliers will receive Rodney Hood from the Utah Jazz and George Hill from the Kings.

Take a deep breath, and try to keep up….

The Kings will also receive Joe Johnson from the Jazz.

To recap….

Cavaliers Added: Cavaliers Subtracted:

Larry Nance Jr. Isaiah Thomas

Jordan Clarkson Channing Frye

George Hill Iman Shumpert

Rodney Hood Jae Crowder

Derrick Rose

Dwayne Wade

The Cavaliers tax bill will jump to $50 million with the acquisitions of Hood and Hill. Without a commitment from LeBron James beyond this season, this seems silly. They must think these moves gives them a shot against the Golden State Warriors. They would be wrong.

Once your head stops spinning, check back for more updates on the wild, 2018 NBA Trade Deadline….

What do you think of these trades?? 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 6:10 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!!

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 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.

Best Individual Performance Of This Decade

November 16, 2017 ~ 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.

Boston Celtics Extend Winning Streak To 10

November 9, 2017November 9, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

aron-baynes

The Boston Celtics are the best team in the NBA!!

Okay, maybe we should pump the brakes a little, but they do have the best record in the NBA. Through 12 games, the Celtics stand at 10-2. After losing their first 2 games, they are winners of 10 in a row. The next closest winning streak is 5 games by the Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors (the actual best team in the NBA).

Last night, the shorthanded Celtics hosted the Los Angeles Lakers. The Celtics were without starting center, Al Horford, as he is in the concussion protocol. They also lost the services of rookie forward, Jayson Tatum, when he left the game in the 2nd quarter after twisting his right ankle. Tatum would not return and was seen in a precautionary walking boot following the game. Despite their injury bug, the Celtics handled the Los Angeles Lakers 107-96.

Yes, the success (or failure) of the Boston Celtics will be about Kyrie Irving. He can dribble, he can shoot, and he can flat out put the ball in the basket. He’s the cornerstone of the franchise at just 25 years old. BUT, Wednesday night was NOT about Kyrie Irving. It was about a man named Aron Baynes. Mr. Baynes, a native of New Zealand, is currently the backup center for the Celtics. With Al Horford sidelined, Baynes was thrust into the starting role, a place he is largely unfamiliar with. Baynes has started just 32 games in his 6-year career. He did not disappoint. Baynes was the game’s high scorer with 21 points on 8 of 12 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 3 assists in just 23 minutes. WOW!!

With Al Horford in the concussion protocol, we’ll have to get used to that thing Baynes calls a hair style. Horford missed 9 games with a concussion last season, so expect the Celtics to play it safe with their ‘113 Million Dollar Man’. As for Tatum, his X-Ray came back negative and is scheduled for an MRI this afternoon. With or without Tatum, the Celtics will look to extend their winning streak when they host the Charlotte Hornets Friday night @ 7:30 P.M. EST.

________________________________________________________________________________

As for my Knicks, they laid and egg (112-99). I know, I know, they were without Kristaps Porzingis, but 99 points against the Orlando Magic ain’t gonna cut it. The Magic allow an average of 105.6 points per game. Porzingis sat out the 2nd of back-to-back games due to an injury to his right elbow. Porzingis is dealing with bursitis in his elbow and may require a procedure this coming offseason. Hopefully this doesn’t effect his status for many games this season. 7’3″, with the ability to dribble, shoot, and defend is beautiful, but you can’t score from the trainer’s room.

Porzingis will look to get back on the court Saturday night, as they host the Sacramento Kings @ 8:00 P.M. EST.

Who is the best team in the NBA?? How many games will the Knicks win this season?? Break it all down for me in the comment section below.

“I Think We Know What We’re Doing”

June 22, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 7 Comments

Phil-Jackson

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!

Phil Jackson is craz….AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Sorry. I’m having a hard time controlling myself after RE-watching Phil Jackson’s interview from last night with Al Trautwig. It is hard to sit through 4:59 of non-stop insanity. Try it..I dare you. You can click here to see the entire interview. I do not know where to start, but I’m going to try….

With any good story, you must establish the setting. Ya know, that word you learned back in elementary school. So it’s June, and we are leading up to the 2017 NBA Draft (which is tonight). Trades are happening, rumors are flying around, and teams are doing their final evaluations of the talent in the draft. We are in New York, and the Knicks are in complete rebuild mode. That means working toward the future. Which leads me to the craziest thing Phil Jackson said last night.

Phil was asked why he would consider trading Kristaps Porzingis. His response was a 1-word answer; FUTURE. As in, trading Porzingis (who is 21 years old) would somehow help us build toward the future. PORZINGIS IS THE DEFINITION OF FUTURE!! What else could you possibly want in building toward the future than a 21-year old with so much potential they need to raise the ceiling in Madison Square Garden?? Now let’s rewind to Al Trautwig’s first Porzingis question. Trautwig asked if the trade rumors were true surrounding Porzingis. Phil took that as an opportunity to stress how upset he was over Porzingis skipping an exit meeting last season. Phil continued by misremembering his own history as a coach. Phil said, “I’ve never had a player skip an exit meeting in my 30 years of coaching. Nope. It’s never happened to me. It happens to other people but not me.”

Enter Shaquille O’ Neal, ummm, twice PHIL!! Shaq skipped not 1, but 2 exit meetings with Phil Jackson (in 2003 and 2004) when he was with the Lakers. I love the part where he says it happens to others but not me. As if he’s special. Oh he’s special alright.

Maybe Phil is legitimately going senile.

Phil was also asked if he planned to re-sign Derrick Rose. His answer should have been a knee-jerk reaction NO. Instead, he hit Trautwig with an “it depends”. It depends on what Phil?! If you are wearing depends by the time Rose blows out his knee for the 14th time?! Give me a freakin’ break!!

And this last one takes the cake….

Al Trautwig appropriately pointed out that Knicks fans are “uneasy” with what’s going on with the Knicks. There’s the understatement of the century. He then asked Phil what he would say to fans who feel this way?? His unbelievably smug response was, “I think we know what we’re doing.”

YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING?!?!

Did you know what you were doing when you gave Joakim Noah the worst contract in NBA history? Did you know what you were doing when you hired and fired Derek Fisher after YOU put the team in tank-mode? Did you know what you were doing when you ripped Carmelo Anthony publicly and THEN tried to trade him?

So why the hell should we think you know what you’re doing as you try to trade the Knicks’ best draft pick since Patrick Ewing???? It only took 30 years by the way, of occasionally drafting in the 1st round, to find Porzingis. Yeah, we should trade him for a bag of peanuts.

Hey Phil, stop trying to get fired, and just quit already. You have enough money, and you’re driving me insane.

What did you think of Phil Jackson?? Is he the worst General Manager of all-time??

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!!

Let The Trades Begin!!

June 21, 2017June 21, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

kristaps

The NBA offseason is more entertaining than the ACTUAL NBA season. The NBA Finals ended 9 days ago, and I ‘ve already had more fun discussing possible trades and the upcoming draft than I did watching the Golden State Warriors embarrass the league. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers kicked off the fun Monday with their trade of picks, but that was just the snowball at the top of the mountain. Tuesday had us wondering if that snowball would turn into an avalanche.

Tuesday afternoon, the Los Angeles Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets for Brook Lopez and the 27th pick in Thursday’s draft. This trade makes sense for both teams, however, the Lakers got the better end of the deal. Yes, they lose Russell, who was the 2nd overall pick just 2 short years ago, but his time in L.A. has been rocky to say the least. More importantly, the Lakers rid themselves of an atrocious Mozgov contract. His original 4-year, $64 million contract has 3 years left, so the Nets will eat the remaining $48 million. The Lakers receive the expiring contract of Brook Lopez, which will create oodles of cap-space come this time next year (aka the push for Lebron James). And they receive a draft pick. It’s always good to receive draft picks rather than give them (ahem, Brooklyn, ahem New York, ahem). Lastly, this leads to the assumption that the Lakers will select the walking distraction, Lonzo Ball, with the 2nd overall pick on Thursday.

In their own version of a salary dump, the Atlanta Hawks sent the albatross contract (3 years, $70.5 million) of Dwight Howard and the 31st pick to the Charlotte Bobcats for Miles Plumlee, Marco Belinelli, and the 41st pick in the draft. There’s not much of a story here, as Dwight Howard is a shell of himself. Charlotte shouldn’t expect Howard to bring any Defensive Player of the Year trophies to Charlotte anytime soon.

And then there’s the New York Knicks. My beloved Knicks. Just when you think they’ve hit rock-bottom, they whip out the sledgehammer and drill through the floor. How is it possible that Phil Jackson is shopping Kristaps Porzingis?!

Kristaps Porzingis should be virtually untradeable.

The Knicks are in total rebuild mode. I’m sorry, let me try that again. The Knicks SHOULD be in total rebuild mode. It’s hard to rebuild when you don’t (or can’t) trade Carmelo Anthony. And it would be impossible if you trade the 21-year old, building block that is Kristaps Porzingis. IF, Phil Jackson wants to entertain trade offers for Porzingis, his price should be so obnoxiously high it causes rival general managers to throw up in their mouths. I’m serious.

For example, if Celtics’ General Manager Danny Ainge calls, Phil Jackson should ask for the 3rd pick in this draft, next year’s 1st round pick, and Jaylen Brown. Oh and they’d have to take on Joakim Noah’s contract (quite possibly the worst contract in NBA history). I know exactly what you’re thinking, “that’s crazy, that’s way too much!!” EXACTLY!! Because you SHOULDN’T trade Porzingis!!

Here’s a point I haven’t heard anyone suggest. We all know Phil Jackson is doing a horrible job as the President of the Knicks. All I keep hearing is, “when Phil Jackson is gone, and in 2 years when we aren’t being force fed the Triangle.” Yeah, well why do we assume James Dolan won’t extend Phil Jackson’s contract???? Maybe Dolan thinks Phil is doing a great job. You and I, and anyone who knows anything about sports, would think that’s insane, but our opinion doesn’t matter.

James Dolan’s opinion is the only one that matters.

SOOOOOOOO, imagine a world where James Dolan extends Phil Jackson’s contract 3 more years. That may cause fans to jump ship and root for a new team………..

What would it take for you to trade Kristaps Porzingis?? Who got the better deal in the Lakers/Nets trade?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

Since you enjoy my writing, follow me over to intheneutralzone.com where I am a contributing author there as well. You can also follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like me on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!

NBA Trade Rumors Swirl Around Super-Team Tornado

June 20, 2017June 20, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 2 Comments

jimmy butler

Apparently this is what it’s all about. Who can build the most Super, Super-Team of them all?? As the dust settles from the Golden State Warriors steamrolling through the NBA Playoffs, en route to their 2nd championship in 3 years, everyone is trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses’. And since Kevin Durant declined his player option on Monday in order to re-sign with the Warriors, the dynasty is in full effect.

According to Chris Haynes of ESPN, Durant will take a $4 million “pay cut” to give the franchise the flexibility to keep their roster intact. So, why doesn’t everyone just play for free?? Players make so much money in endorsements their NBA salaries are fairly insignificant anyway. Then the NBA can rename the East All-Stars the Cavaliers and the West All-Stars the Warriors. Isn’t that where we’re headed anyway?!

Side Note: Who fires their General Manager 3 days before the NBA Draft?!

2nd Side Note (?): Who fires their General Manager without consulting their superstar, Lebron James?!?!

Oh, that would be Cleveland Cavaliers owner, Dan Gilbert. Ya know, the guy who ran Lebron James out of town 7 years ago. Well evidently he had so much fun running the best player of this generation out of town the first time, he plans to do it again. Really, really smart….

Lebron had reportedly been lobbying for Cavaliers’ General Manager, David Griffin’s job prior to his firing. So now, it looks like the Cavaliers are trying to make amends. We must build a Super-Team so powerful that Lebron James will never leave again. Fasten your seat belts and lock your doors because we’re entering Rumor Town.

The latest rumor in the NBA Super-Team Saga is the Cavaliers are looking to complete a 3-team trade for Jimmy Butler. Reportedly, the Cavaliers don’t have enough assets to complete this trade with the Chicago Bulls, so they’ve gotten the Phoenix Suns thrown into the mix. If this rumor holds true (which rarely is the case), the trade would look as follows:

The Suns would receive Kevin Love (and I’m assuming something else)
The Bulls would receive Eric Bledsoe and the 4th overall pick
The Cavaliers would receive Jimmy Butler

These talks are preliminary, as their are many other teams involved in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes. This is assuming the Bulls are even looking to trade Butler in the first place. I know it’s hard to believe, but some reporters will make up trade rumors just to get attention. Crazy, right??

Jimmy Butler is one of the best two-way players in the NBA. If the Cavaliers can pull off a trade of this magnitude, they would be a few role-playing big men away from being real contenders for a championship. *Not fake contenders like they were last year.

Another big name, who’s actually on the trading block, is Paul George. George informed the Pacers he would become a free agent following the 2017-2018 season. While I can’t imagine the Indiana Pacers are thrilled about losing a top-20 talent, they should appreciate George saying, “trade me now, so you don’t get left empty-handed”. Because no one wants to lose Shaquille O’ Neal to free agency……

Nice work Orlando Magic.

Paul George has expressed his desire to play for the Los Angeles Lakers. They have young prospects and draft picks to offer, so it is a plausible scenario. However, the rumors now involve the Los Angeles Clippers, the Boston Celtics, and the Cavaliers. George will undoubtedly be dealt sooner rather than later. The only question is; Where??

Thursday’s NBA Draft should be exciting, as many players could be on the move. No matter what each team does, they will operate with only one thing in mind; create the next Super-Team.

How do you feel about Super-Teams in the NBA?? Like them, love them, or hate them?? Let your feelings out in the comment section below.

2017 NBA Pre-Draft Fireworks

June 19, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 3 Comments

markelle fultz

Two teams couldn’t wait for draft-day to make some noise. The Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers got the ball rollin’ today, finalizing a trade. A high-profile pick swap if you will. The Celtics will trade the 1st overall pick to the 76ers for the 3rd overall pick and their 1st-round pick for 2018. The 76ers pick is actually courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers (but is protected). Meaning, if this pick falls outside of the top-5 in 2018, the Celtics will receive a 1st-round pick in 2019. Either way, the Celtics are moving in the right direction, yet again, days before the draft.

The 2017 NBA Draft, aka The Right to Draft Markelle Fultz, is on Thursday, June 22nd. Barclays Center in Brooklyn will play host for the draft this year. The 76ers will pick #1 overall for the 2nd consecutive year and will mark the 5th time they’ll select in the top-10 in the last 3 years. Which begs so many head-scratching questions:

How inept is the 76ers organization?!
How many years can you tank in a row?!
How is it that the entire front office hasn’t been fired by now?!
At what point does the owner throw in the towel and sell the team?!

I could keep going, but my head is starting to hurt. All I keep hearing out of Philadelphia is “Trust the Process”, “Trust the Process”. Yeah, well how about you trust me when I say, “fire everyone”. It is time to start fresh in Philadelphia. If you don’t know who to hire, give me a call. I’ll have you in the playoffs in 2 years, and I’ll win you a championship within 5 years. I guarantee it!!

Anyway, enough of the stupidity, let’s talk about the genius that is Danny Ainge. See, I can be positive. I’m not always negative and critical all the time..just most of the time.

Danny Ainge is the General Manager and President of Basketball Operations for the Boston Celtics. He continues to make all the right moves. Granted, he took advantage of the Brooklyn Nets in ways I can’t describe here, but I guess it’s true what they say, ‘there’s a sucker born everyday’. Danny Ainge’s Celtics made it to the Eastern Conference Finals this past year. At the same time, they still owned the #1 overall pick in the draft. I’d say Ainge deserves a raise.

The question now is: Who will Ainge draft at #3?? My guess is they’ve liked Josh Jackson of Kansas this whole time. And since they don’t ‘need’ a point guard like Fultz, they’ll get ‘their’ man anyway. This is exactly the same as what John Lynch and the 49ers did to the Bears in the 2017 NFL Draft. They traded down for extra picks and got the guy they wanted anyway. As the old Guinness Beer commercials used to say, “Brilliant!!”

As for my team, the Knicks, they don’t often collide with the word brilliant very often. I imagine they will draft the best point guard available at #8, but at this point, who knows what the hell that egomaniac Phil Jackson will do. Man, I can’t wait to see him pack his bags. Hey Danny Ainge, after you finish bringing an NBA Championship to Boston, you wanna come on down to New York and help us out?? That’d be great, thanks!!

Tune into ESPN on Thursday night @ 7:00 P.M. to see how the draft plays out.

Who do you think the Celtics will take at #3?? Who should the Knicks take at #8?? Share your wisdom in the comment section below.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: