“Managing a rebuild: The Philadelphia 76ers story”

(December 1st 2015) By: Ira Barasch



The years have not been kind to the Philadelphia 76ers. This once great franchise has fallen so deep into a chaotic spiral that it seems it just has given up trying to break out of it. Claiming to continually be in a rebuilding phase, the team constantly and consistently loses to try and build up draft picks, yet for four years since their last playoff berth, has nothing to show for it. Since the 2011 – 12 season they have continually regressed in wins (34, 19, 18 respectively) and as of today they have one one game against a Laker team with a beaten down Kobe. The did not have a win this season and had lost 28 straight games dating back to last season.

What is wrong with this team? Shouldn't the draft have helped? It seems to have all started after taking part in a trade that helped Dwight Howard to the Lakers, while trading away Andre Iguodala to the Nuggets, and their acquisition of Andrew Bynum. Bynum was coming off an incredible year for the Lakers and the move was looked at in a positive light, that is until Bynum didn't play a single minute for the Sixers. He injured himself in almost comical ways (bowling....really) the team hasn't made the playoffs since. The next few years came with the same initial hope only to collapse as the season dragged on. In the 2013 – 14 season they traded Jrue Holiday, a budding star for the rights to Nerlens Noel and drafted Michael Carter–Williams themselves. Noel was coming off a tremendous year in college but tore his ACL at the end of his college career and didn't play for the Sixers the entire season after. Carter – Williams fared much better actually winning Rookie of the Year but the team still struggled. The following season they drafted yet another big man in Joel Embiid, also coming off an injury and still has yet to see an NBA court. To add to the frustration halfway through the season they traded Carter – Williams to the Bucks. This past offseason they drafted their third PF/C in a row with Jahlil Okafor who, despite playing well, has started to have numerous off the court problems. 

The rebuilding process has merit, just look to this year's Minnesota Timberwolves. The team who had been constantly bad since the departure of Kevin Garnett actually brought him back to the fold by the trade deadline last season for a strong veteran presence to mentor their young and talented group. The team is slowly building up momentum and with Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns, Ricky Rubio and others. This team seems to be on the right track and should be a Western Conference powerhouse in the years to come.

Want more proof? Take a look at the Undefeated Golden State Warriors. Those of you who are old enough know that the Warriors weren't always this good, they actually struggled for more than a few seasons. Yet with the right management, draft choices, and key moves during offseason and trade deadlines, the team has built a juggernaut that plays small and quick basketball. The formula continually works and has worked throughout history (I.e the Thunder and Spurs) So what exactly has gone wrong for the Sixers? Could it be the management? The lack of a veteran presence on the team? Both? Or could it all be just a string of bad luck? Bad luck seems highly unlikely at this point. Hopefully this team will improve though, as seeing such bad basketball being played by a once great franchise in a huge city is not only embarrassing to the fans, the team, and the NBA in general, but just embarrassing to the game itself.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The NBA Off-Season

(July 26th 2015) By: Ira Barasch


Ahhh the NBA off-season, the most hectic two weeks in the summer, where everyone briefly cares about basketball until October. There are three different kinds of outcomes that can happen during the off-season. Which teams were good, which were bad, and which were just plain old, ugly

The Good:

The San Antonio Spurs: 

As good a place to start as any. The Spurs started by re-signing Kawhi Leonard to a five year $95 million dollar deal, and Danny Green to a four year $45 million deal. They followed that up by shipping Tiago Splitter to the Hawks and signed LaMarcus Aldridge to a 4 year $84.1 million deal, but wait! There's more! They the sign David West to the veteran's minimum when he turned down $12 million to return to the pacers. The spurs excel at not only signing the perfect players to fit their system, but also at great prices. A fantastic free agency through and through.

Los Angeles Clippers: 

We're going to ignore the elephant in the room for most of this conversation (*ehem* Deandre) and focus on the signings they made (don't worry I'll get to the drama a little later). Signing Paul Pierce was a nice addition to an already impressive squad, as was Josh Smith. Making a move for Lance Stephenson was an underrated move for them that in all likelihood will work out. And of course re-signing Deandre Jordan was crucial to their off-season. While they had some bumps along the way, a very solid free agency.

Honorable Mention: Indiana Pacers, signing Monte Ellis, Lavoy Allen, Jordan Hill and of course getting rid of Hibbert.

Bad

Los Angeles Lakers: 

Hollywood is where it's all happening, everyone wants to go there. Just not to the Lakers. With all the cap space and the absolute privilege of playing alongside the greatest teammate in history, Kobe Bryant, the Lakers completely whiffed on the free agent market. They got a reclamation project in Roy Hibbert via trade, and drafted D'angelo Russell which keeps them out of the ugly. Not signing a single even mid-level free agent? That's just bad

Portland Trailblazers:

It's mostly out of pity that I'm keeping this team out of the ugly column, because wow that was a rough few weeks. When four players of your starting lineup sign elsewhere in free agency and you bring in mostly unproven and role players, you know you hit a new low. While Damian Lillard took a few steps back last season, I still feel like he was worth the money. Portland fans buckle up, it's going to be a rough couple of years....

Honorable Mention: Phoenix Suns, Signing an aging Tyson Chandler and trading to make room for a max free agent, yet no LaMarcus

The Ugly

Dallas Mavericks: 

Remember I said I'd come back to the drama?! Well here it is in all it's glory! In one of the absolute nuttiest stories in free agent history, The Mavericks managed to sort of sign Deandre Jordan for about a week until he spurned them and went back to the clippers. Of course at that point there really wasn't anyone out there to sign anymore. No, Deron Williams does not count, he's a shell of his former self and it just a hope and a prayer that he somehow regains the form he had in Utah (hopefully Dallas has head coaches for him on speed dial, seeing as he goes through so many). After Deandre left (sort of) so did Richard Jefferson who chose to renege on his deal and signed with Cleveland. And whats with that contract to Wesley Matthews? Four years and $70 million for a player coming off an achilles injury? This was a summer for Mark Cuban to forget....

Sacramento Kings: 

Can someone PLEASE explain the logic behind the off-season here? This team looks more like a time bomb than a once prominent franchise. Between George Karl trying to move his best player DeMarcus Cousins (snake in the grass) or trading Nik Stuskas and signing Rajon Rondo (one year and $10 million?! Literally nobody else offered him anything close, if at all. Who were you bidding against?!) and signing Kosta Koufus (4 years, $33 million) this team looks primed for a meltdown of epic proportions. Get your popcorn ready for the show!

J.R Smith: 

While not a team, this had to be mentioned, as a great man once said “stupid is as stupid does”. Our good friend Mr. Smith obviously didn't get the memo that not only is he not the sixth man of the year anymore, but that the grass is always greener on the other side. To be fair it wasn't greener at all, seeing as after he opted out of his contract and hit the free agent market, no teams called him. None, at all. After realizing his folly, Mr. Smith than decided to call up Cleveland and ask for his old job back to which he got back a really emphatic “Maybe”. We're still waiting on the verdict. Can anyone say China?

Honorable Mention: Oklahoma City Thunder for signing Enes Kanter to a 4 year $70 million deal, because, reasons.

SIGN SETH CURRY

(July, 20th 2015) By: Efraim Graber

In the name of all that is holy on this earth, Dell Demps, the GM of the Pelicans had better sign Seth Curry. Reason one is because his name is Curry. Reason two is because he has averaged 26 points in summer league. Usually players  that can average 26 points in summer league, can average decent NBA numbers.

He's also not being one dimensional. Shooting, driving, and making threes. He's doing it in every way. So I beg you Pelicans, don't give him up and look like absolute fools.

- EVERY PELICANS FAN EVER

Its a Process

(June 29th 2015) By Ira Barasch
Since Thursday there have been two words that have sent fear and dismay into the hearts of all Knicks fans; Kristaps Porzingis. From the booing on draft night to the now infamous shot of the young fan crying, fans have been outraged by this pick. They passed up on players such as Justise Winslow, Mario Hezonja, Willey Cauley-Stein and Frank Kaminsky to pick him. One season ticket holder I've spoken to has stressed his outrage at this pick and is currently rethinking his decision to keep his tickets for the upcoming season. And now reports of Carmelo Anthony feeling betrayed by the Knicks and debating about astking for a trade have come out, the franchise seems to be in disarray. Everyone should bail out now, they will never win, all hope is lost. The team is doomed I tell you, DOOMED!

Lets all calm down and look at the facts here, starting with the one thing everyone is seeming to forget. No draft choice is a bust or a superstar until they actually step on the floor, and even more so, just because they played in the united states doesn't mean that they are automatically going to work out. Greg Oden seemed like a worthwhile pick, so did Adam Morrison and every other bust there has ever been. Not all forigen players have been great but not all of them have been bad either. Dirk Nowitzki is a prime example, and actually is what Kristaps Porzingis is being compared to. He is a stretch four who actually has more of a defensive presence than dirk. The kid is only 19, is 7'1 and has a 7'6 wingspan, you can't teach that.

Lets look at fact number two, this is actually what Knicks fans have been asking for all along, and that to build through the draft. With respect to Carmelo Anthony, who is a phenomenal scorer and a great player, he is never going to win a championship by himself. He isn't that kind of player, he's not going to do what LeBron did in the finals. The best and most proven way there is of winning is to build through the draft (as I've actually stated before in the article “Rebuilding the Apple”) and build around a player like Melo. As far as him not being happy, I'll quote the ever popular NFL guru Adam Schefter when he tweeted “Here's what the Knicks owe Carmelo Anthony: $101,606,280 million more. Isn't that enough? They don't owe him anything more”. The best option the Knicks had is to start a slow rebuild, draft a few players at a time, develop them, which recently has not been their strongest suit, and develop a core and an identity. This was only the first step, and if what every scout and GM has been saying about Porzingis is true, than the Knicks might have a transcendent talent on their hands. There was no Jordan in this draft, no player who was going to come onto their team and make them instant contenders. Porzingis was the biggest risk, yet the biggest reward (for where they were drafting) and has a legitimate shot at being a superstar.

To Knicks fans though they don't want to wait, they want to compete every season. It's an admirable trait which really makes them one of a kind and a very loyal fan base. I hate to break it to you guys, but the team stinks. I don't mean the kind of stink that will just go away the next season. I mean the kind that you have to start from scratch and suffer until you're great again, and for that to ever happen you need the one thing that's so hard for all of you, patience. This is all a process, laying the foundation for what can one day be a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference. Every team goes through these kind of slumps, teams that have once been dominant. The Celtics and Lakers have, two teams which radiate championships. If you think  Kristaps Porzingis is the reason why the Knicks will be terrible, you're dead wrong. It was from years of bad management, trading away young players for aging veterans and constantly trying to put a band – aid on a gunshot wound. Knicks fans are going to have to suffer for a bit, watch their team grow, but if Porzingis reaches his ceiling, hits the level scouts and and managers think he can, than there is nothing to worry about. New Yorkers just have to do the second hardest thing behind being patient, be optimistic. The Knicks have plenty of cap space and will get solid players to add to this team in free agency. It's all going to be okay.

2015 NBA Mock Draft (1-14)

(June, 24th 2015) By: Efraim Graber

1. Minnesota Timberwolves – Karl-Anthony Towns (PF/C, Kentucky, Fr., 19, 7-0, 248):

The Wolves haven't had a player as good as Towns since KG. They need someone who can defend and don't need a scorer. Hopefully Wiggins will become that scorer for them. They need defense, and this is how they will supercharge theres. 

Karl-Anthony can wreak havoc in the transition game, which will be a great fit for Ricky Rubio who moves the ball around so well. 

2.  Los Angeles Lakers – Jahlil Okafor (C, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-11, 272):

As much as the Lakers need a rim protector, the team has an old-school mentality that strives for the traditional Center. They will get it in Okafor. He has the best footwork I've seen in a while. I also believe that defense can be taught and is something that the lakers can develop down the line. 

3. Philadelphia 76ers –  Kristaps Porzingis (PF, Sevilla/International, 19, 7-0, 230):

It all comes down to them needing to draft a player that can contribute right off the bat (see Embiid and Noel's first years). He can spread the floor for them with his shooting, while Noel is inside for the rebounds. He can end up being the best player in the draft if he lives up to the hype. 

4.  New York Knicks –  D'Angelo Russell (PG/SG, Ohio State, Fr., 19, 6-5, 193):

The Knicks will be roasted for any move they make in this draft...except drafting Russel. He is a polished shooter, NBA ready and can flat out play. He is also very tall and will only continue to add muscle to his slender 195 lbs frame. He is a player that is willing to learn the triangle, which basically makes him more usefull than Carmelo Anthony. How they will gel, will determine his success. 

5.  Orlando Magic – Justise Winslow (SF, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-7, 222):

The Magic can have a monster lineup with Winslow in the mix. Payton, Oladipo, Winslow, Vucevic and can try to bring in Lopez at Center. Those are 3 players that can all handle the ball and push the ball up the court to play a very fast paced offense that will be a force to be reckoned with. 

 6.  Sacramento Kings -  Willie Cauley-Stein (C, Kentucky, Jr., 21, 7-1, 242): To put a defensive genius like WCS next to Cousins would be the Kings best move. They would be impossible to score off of in the paint. The term twin towers comes to mind with the two 7 footers.
7.  Denver Nuggets – Emmanuel Mudiay (PG, Guangdong/International, 19, 6-5, 200):
He tore up the CBA this year along with Stephan Marberry. Ok he's a really good, tall, built and smart PG. That is exactly what the Nuggets need especially since they are most probably getting rid of Ty Lawson. His ceiling is Russel Westbrook (very very high) and his floor is proabably Shaun Livingston. Which is a solid role player in the NBA, he happen to be a big part of the Golden State Warriors championship run this year. 

8.  Detroit Pistons -  Devin Booker (SG, Kentucky, Fr., 18, 6-6, 206):
Caldwell-Pope can slide into the 3 spot and Ilyasova can be the 4. That said, Monroe is probably not coming back. 

9. Charlotte Hornets -  Stanley Johnson (SF, Arizona, Fr., 18, 6-7, 242):

With the departure of Lance Stephenson and his infamous ear blowing the Hornets need to take a young, and very strong SF in Johnson. 

10.  Miami Heat – Mario Hezonja (SG/SF, Barcelona/International, 20, 6-8, 200):

Deng might be gone which will fill a big whole in this Heat rotation. Plug it in with a guy who can flat out score and also defend pretty well, and you'll be in good shape. 

11.  Indiana Pacers -  Frank Kaminsky (PF, Wisconsin, Sr., 22, 7-1, 231):

Frank the Tank can really open the floor up for George to dribble penetrate. he can also catch and shoot or drive off of Hibbert passes from the deep post. 

12. Utah Jazz -  R.J. Hunter (SG, Georgia State, Jr., 21, 6-6, 185):

Hunter will complete this rotation filling a void that has recently been filled by 6'4" and shorter PGs. 

13. Phoenix Suns -  Trey Lyles (PF, Kentucky, Fr., 19, 6-10, 241):

The Suns love players who can run the floor and defend. He can be a very good role player. Also the classic Suns type of player. 

14.  Oklahoma City Thunder -  Tyus Jones (PG, Duke, Fr., 19, 6-2, 185):

Star power rules! Coming off winning a National Championship is always good for the confidence. Look for the Thunder to try and maybe get a real PG as a backup to take over for Jackson. Maybe eventually usurping Westbrook and making him revert to his original SG spot. 

Top 5: Young up and coming teams

(June, 23rd 2015) By: Ira Barasch

  Since the Golden State Warriors won the NBA championship with such a young team, lets look at other teams who seem to be gearing up with young players and may be primed for a deep playoff run in the near future. 

Honorable mentions: The Charlotte Hornets (33 – 49) The Boston Celtics (40 – 42) The Minnesota Timberwolves (16 – 66) 

5. The Orlando Magic: After a breakout year from point guard Elfrid Payton, the magic have added another piece to their already slowly growing arsenal. Along with Victor Oladipo and Nikola Vučević their young roster is growing more and more talented. The upcoming draft is crucial to add another piece, look for the magic to be on the rise. 

4. The Utah Jazz: After going 38 – 44 this past season the jazz have started to climb out of the cellar. With Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, Alec Burks, and Gordon Heyward leading the way with young players in Dante Exum and Trey Burke still developing, this team is loaded with talent. Also a very crucial upcoming draft for them. 

3. The Washington Wizards: John Wall. Need I say more? Ok fine, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter Jr., happy now? This team made a decent playoff run this past season thanks to veteran leaders such as Paul Pierce, Nene and with Marcin Gortat also having a nice season. Expect this team to keep on improving and starting to cause some chaos in the Eastern Conference. 

2. The Milwaukee Bucks: This team just keeps getting more and more intriguing. We haven't seen much out of Jabari Parker, but he seems to be a dominant big man. Together with Giannis Antetokounmpo (A.K.A the 'Greek Freak') and Michael Carter – Williams they have a young core that just keeps improving. Don't be surprised if this team becomes a staple in the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. 

1. The New Orleans Pelicans: Ladies and gentleman, Anthony Davis has arrived. This kid has “future MVP” written all over him. His backup in Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday are not to be taken lightly either. This team is legitimately only a few pieces away from a title, so expect to be hearing their name a lot, because they're not going anywhere.

Restricted Free Agency Continued

(June, 18th 2015) By: Efraim Graber

Here are your Next Restricted Free Agents For 2015
Per http://www.nba.com/knicks/freeagency/faqs.html A Restricted Free Agent is defined as follows: The player's original team has the chance to keep the player by matching the offer sheet signed with another team. This is known as the "right of first refusal."
To see the top 3 from last week visit us here:
http://nba-sportstalk.blogspot.com/2015/06/restricted-free-agents.html

4. Brandon Knight


Restricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Team: Phoenix


17.0 ppg, 5.2 apg, 3.9 rpg


He is a major contributer who can play major minutes. Defensively, he can use a bit of training. Look for a desperate team like the Lakers to make a wildly large offer sheet to him.


5. Reggie Jackson


Restricted / Point Guard / 6-3 / Team: Detroit


14.5 ppg, 6.0 apg, 4.2 rpg


The Pistons give him a chance to become a full-time starter for the first time. Sounds like they have every intention to keep him. Look for them to match any offer that comes his way.


6. Kris Middleton


Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-8 / Team: Milwaukee


13.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg


There is no way the Bucks let him go. They will offer him a Max contract or something close to it.




7. Tobias Harris


Restricted / Small Forward / 6-9 / Team: Orlando


17.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg


Tobias has made it clear he wants to play for New York because of his love for them growing up. However they might not be willing to reciprocate.

8.Tristan Thompson


Restricted / Power Forward / 6-9 / Team: Cleveland


8.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg


He has solidified his starting role with this team in the playoffs and showed he is someone you need to pay. He will stay put.









9. Enes Kanter




Restricted / Center / 6-11 / Team: Oklahoma City


15.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg


The Thunder must sign him, they are in a Western Conference with Dwight Howard and soon to be Jahlil Okafor.

10.Patrick Beverley


Restricted / Point Guard / 6-1 / Team: Houston


10.1 ppg, 3.4 apg, 4.2 rpg


Look for Dallas to sign this scrappy PG to an Offer Sheet. He is great defensively.

“The Super Team's Fatal Flaw”

(June, 17th 2015) By: Ira Barasch

  Any child dreams of a world where all of their favorite heroes  assemble. In pop culture you have the Justice League and The Avengers, and in sports you have the big three. In layman's terms; it's the grouping of three All Stars together on one team, with the mindset of winning a championship. The concept of having really good players around each other has actually been around for a while. Magic Johnson (Kareem Abdul Jabar and James Worthy) and Larry Bird (Kevin McHale, Robert Parish) both had one, and even Michael Jordan (Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman) had one. The Spurs have had one for years with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginóbili. Yet it's only been fairly recent where players, rather than general managers, have started to manipulate the roster movements by forcing themselves out of losing situations. 

The first modern day “Big Three” were the 2007 Boston Celtics, where they combined Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett with an already productive Paul Pierce (and a young budding point guard named Rajon Rondo). The three combined players took the Celtics from winning a total of 24 games in 2006 to wining 66 games in 2007, and eventually the NBA finals the very same year. The accomplishment was unprecedented, never before had a team changed that drastically. Teams began trying to copy the formula, but more importantly, player's tried as well. As I've written before (see: The baby faced champion) and NBA title is what most players dream of their entire career. The allure of being on a super team is tempting to many. Evidence of that became apparent after “The Decision” when LeBron bolted from the Cavs to the Heat to join Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. The Heat made a remarkable four straight finals, winning two of them, in what can only be described as dominance. Carmelo Anthony then tried it with the New York Knicks, literally forcing his way out of Denver to join with Amar'e Stoudemire and eventually Tyson Chandler, to a lesser degree of success. Dwight Howard forced his way out of Orlando to join with Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol in L.A to disastrous results. However, most recently has been LeBron returning to Cleveland, and Kevin Love forcing his way out of Minnesota to join him, with an already talented Kyrie Irving. There are a few obvious flaws with the concept. First off is the money. Believe it or not every player in the NBA is not playing for free, and the better they are, the more they want to get paid. The players that make up a Big Three are All Stars, demanding high salaries, thus depriving the team of any cap room for other players to compliment them. Second is ego. Again, when dealing with stars they are used to playing a certain style, and more importantly, used to carrying most of the burden of scoring themselves. When joining with a few of these kinds of players you never quite know what you're going to get. It can work beautifully such as with the Heat, or it can be a train wreck like with the Lakers. 

Lastly is the sad example of what we saw this post season with the Cavaliers, which is the venomous injury bug. If an injury bug bites your team its bad news, yet usually you can have another player ready to step up to take his roll, or be able to at least make a trade or signing to supplement the loss. Yet when you have a Big Three; if one goes down, let alone two, your entering a nightmare. You have no money, no players to replace that kind of talent, and a whole different kind of cohesion with this team. After Love went down, we all knew the Cavs would be in a tough spot, and when they lost Irving it was only a matter of time till it they lost. Iman Shumpert and J.R Smith are not second options, they are roll players. As is Matthew Dellavedova and Timofay Mozgov. They can play well with a team, yet don't think that they can salvage a season. 

In the end be it trading an arm and a leg for an all star, or paying for one in free agency, you compromise your future. It's a risk that sometimes seems too good to pass up. Sometimes that's actually the case, LeBron can attest to that, other times it never really comes to fruition which LeBron can no attest to as well. Either way, buyer beware, the age of the super team is coming to a close. Whats next? Well we'll find out on October 27th, when the whole season starts over again.

“Rebuilding the Apple”

(June, 15th 2015) By: Ira Barasch

The New York Knicks are a complete joke. There, I admitted it, its out in the open. There really isn't much else to say about a franchise that hasn't made the finals since 1999. It seems like every time this team has taken a step forward, it manages to take 3 leaps back. 

Every summer feels like they clean cap space, strike out on every big name free agent, and then they throw money at the best player left. The problem is, once people take a bite out of the big apple, they realize the real problem, it's core (core, apple, funny right?). Throwing money at the problem is not going to work for this colossal heap of garbage that played in MSG this past season, it sure isn't going to keep Carmelo Anthony healthy and playing like a player in his prime. So what is the answer for Knicks fans seeking some sort of quick fix to this situation? 

Well, there isn't. Now I know, what I'm suggesting isn't probable, but its the best and most proven way to win. Look to the San Antonio Spurs, the Golden State Warriors, the 2012 Oklahoma City Thunder, and most teams back in the 90's. Build your team. What do those teams have that are proven to win? Core players gotten through the draft. The recipe for success must start at the core. The Spurs are the prime example. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker were all acquired through the draft. The most the Spurs did after that were minor adjustments in the off season, never spending freely, always getting the right players rather than the flashy ones. That's the reason they've made and unprecedented 18 straight post season appearances. They stand as the model everyone should be emulating to win. 

The 2012 Thunder have come closest to that model. Drafting a solid core of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook (also Serge Ibaka, Reggie Jackson and Nick Collison) they home grew their talent making the team cohesion even stronger. Even the Knicks have used this method before. Remember Patrick Ewing? Mark Jackson? The Knicks had 15 years of being a successful franchise mainly because of their drafting skills. 

So how does this apply to the Knicks? Well they're in a tough spot. With the fourth pick in this year's draft they don't have much of a chance of landing one the three players that they covet so much. They don't have much as far as tradable assets either. What they do have is money and an aging All Star in Anthony. Now to rebuild this team he must go. With his hefty contract and his prime years coming to a close who would take him? How about the Los Angeles Lakers? The Lakers have never been scared from a blockbuster trade, and with cap space themselves they would be able to take his contract. What do they have that would appeal to the Knicks? They have only 2 players under contract (Kobe Bryant and Julius Randle) they also have the second overall pick. Melo for the second pick would benefit both sides (be greedy and ask for Randle as well, but this is fair enough). The Lakers get their star to take them the next few years after Kobe retires and with the cap space they currently have, could potentially lead to a future big three. The Knicks get another young player they can build on, which together with their fourth overall pick, could be the beginnings of a core for years to come. 

Like I said before, this is more than likely not going to happen. For New Yorkers it's even less plausible, seeing as its a win now culture, but this is the best long term course of action. Hasn't it gotten tiresome? Throwing money at players, hiring coach after coach, every year wondering how they're going to pull off some magical trade or free agent signing to finally get them their first title since 1973? This is the best shot they have at long term success, the draft. Yet with the ownership they have it seems improbable that it would ever happen. So Knicks fans wait, and wait, and wait. And with a city with a skyline that is made from scratch, that is breathtaking to behold, maybe its time to build it's own team, its own identity and be a force to reckon with for years to come.

Restricted Free Agents

(June, 12th 2015) By: Efraim Graber

Here are your Top 3 Restricted Free Agents for 2015

Per http://www.nba.com/knicks/freeagency/faqs.html A Restricted Free Agent is defined as follows: The player's original team has the chance to keep the player by matching the offer sheet signed with another team. This is known as the "right of first refusal."

1.Kawhi Leonard
Restricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Team: San Antonio
16.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.3 spg

Best Option: This depends on if Tim Duncan comes back. So its really simple, Tim stays, you stay. Tim leaves, you leave. 

Other Option: I can see a number of teams in the league taking a shot and offering him one on the chance that Pop makes a crazy move and doesn't match the offer. However his ideal situation outside of San Antonio would be the Golden State Warriors, who can use a real 3 on their team. 

2.Jimmy Butler

Restricted / Shooting Guard / 6-7 / Team: Chicago20.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.3 apg

Best Option: Go back to Chicago and continue to usurp Derrick Rose as the number one option. He would also have the opportunity to continue building a rapport with the teammates hes spent his whole career with.
Other Option: Teams like the Bucks and Lakers who have money can definitely offer him a max offer sheet. The Bucks are a better option because they are knocking on the door and need one more piece to put them over the edge. He fits their mold of a big 2 guard that can score and they are already in a winning atmosphere.

3.Draymond Green

Restricted / Small Forward / 6-7 / Team: Golden State

11.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.7 apg
Best Option: Stay with the Golden State Warriors and try to make another run to the finals. Especially because most of that team will be back and they will only get better in Free Agency. 

Other Option: He can be a great defensive piece on a team that is almost over the hump, for instance the Spurs. However something tells me his attitude might not fly with Coach Pop. 

Stay tuned for the next 3 Restricted Free Agents next week!

Top 5: NBA Free agent bargains for 2015

(June, 11th 2015) By: Ira Barasch

Welcome to Top 5, where once a week we will be making a ranking of random NBA topics. This week is affordable free agents.

Honorable mentions: these players didn't quite make the Top 5, but deserve a mention regardless 

Al Jefferson (19.2 ppg, 9.6 rbpg last 2 seasons) 

 Tyson Chandler (9.5 ppg, 10.5 rbpg last 2 seasons) 

Corey Brewer (11.2 ppg last 2 seasons) 

Jeremy Lin (11.85 ppg, 4.35 apg last 2 seasons) 

Andrea Bargnani (14.05 ppg last 2 seasons) 

Gerald Green (13.8 ppg last 2 seasons) 

Top 5:

5) Louis Scola (8.5 ppg 5.65 rbpg last 2 seasons) Sneaking into the 5 is Scola, who admittedly hasn't been his best the last few seasons. Yet this is about finding a bargain, a diamond in the rough. For a team looking for some depth in the front court and is willing to take a risk and hope he returns to form, it might be worth signing him. 

4) Robin Lopez (10.35 ppg, 7.6 rbpg) Lopez is an under the radar steal this year. He might not be as effective or high profile as his twin brother, but he is also bery effective. While others are worried about big names such as Rajon Rondo, Kevin Love, Marc Gasol, and Lamarcus Aldridge; Lopez is effective and can be snatched up by anyone needing a potential dominant big man. 

3) Jeff Green (15.18 ppg last 2 seasons) in our 3 spot is a man who can flat out score, but not much else. Green was traded from the Celtics to the Grizzlies over this past season and his scoring suffered as a result. Yet he's a perfect one or two year contract for a team looking for a second option or looking for some help off the bench. 

2) Amar'e Stoudamire (11.45 ppg last 2 seasons) Standing Tall And Talented at number 2 is the biggest question mark on this list. Amar'e is injury prone but the past 2 seasons have showed a lot of promise. When looking at his average over 36 minutes his scoring skyrocketed to 23.5 pts. Any team lacking in the front court and willing to take a risk might just strike it big with S.T.A.T if he's used primarily off the bench and only in spurts. 

1) Thaddeus Young (14.08 ppg 5.45 rbpg last 2 seasons) Our number one bargain of the off season is Thad Young. This man needs a stable job on a team. After bouncing over 3 teams the past 2 seasons (Phi → Min → Bklyn) his talent has been misused and he has been taken for granted. Easily one of the most serviceable big men in the league, he could be a big piece for any team looking for a starting big man or an edge to get them over the hump. A must sign.

Hey Blatt! Go Deep!

(June, 10th 2015) By: Efraim Graber

If you take a  look back at the Cleveland Cavalier players in the middle of the 4th quarter of game 1 of the Finals, something seemed to be different about them. Fast forward to the end of the 3rd Quarter of game 2. Something is up with these players. Now we're in the first 2 minutes of the second half of game 3. These Cavs players are absolutely exhausted.

LeBron is averaging over 45 minutes a game, granted there were two overtime games. There is no excuse for that. Shawn Marion is a more than capable player who actually has finals experience himself. The same can be said about the two big men for Cleveland. Tristan Thompson and Timofey Mozgov are huffing and puffing down the court in the first three games in the 4th quarter. It's just going to get worse as each game goes on. An alternative for them is Kendrick Perkins, throw him in for at least 8-10 minutes as a viable rim protector. Then again, there might be something we don't know about these players that Coach Blatt is not telling us.

To further this case, we saw Mathew Dellavedova put up 20 points last night in Cleveland's second win in the finals. He was then immediately shipped to the hospital and put on I.V. with severe cramping and dehydration. These Cavs players are being overworked. Golden State has been throwing out some very weak lineups, giving Blatt the perfect opportunity to leave in a scorer like J. R. Smith and bring in some bench players to give the starters a rest. If the series goes to 6 or even 7 games, this team is going to be in trouble.

For your information LeBron cramped up in the 4th quarter of last night's game. Imagine it was like last year where he couldn't get back up. This is from playing 48-50 minutes a night (overtime). 

Rhetorical question time! Is Joe Harris that much worse off than James Jones? Can you leave Shumpert out there to guard Curry a little bit longer? Can Perkins come in and make a difference defensively for this squad? Nobody knows, but David Blatt better try it out soon before they ship the whole Cavs bus to the hospital for I.V. fluids. 

“The Baby Faced Champion”

(June, 9th 2015)  By: Ira Barasch 

Stephen Curry is an enigma, wrapped in mysticism and spiced a bit with a dash of awe inspiring, spine tingling, jaw dropping talent. The kid can flat out ball. It's been obvious since he was picked seventh overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2009 and he has been torching the league ever since. The Warriors have slowly built around him, adding key pieces through the draft such Harrison Barnes (2012), Klay Thompson (2011) and Draymond Green (2012). They've also added pieces through free agency and trades such as David Lee, Andrew Bogut, and Andre Iguodala. All of these pieces were put together to fit around Curry and this year, it all paid off.

Although, Curry is in an interesting predicament. He is in his 6th NBA season and has the chance to become immortal. Not many have had this chance, and even fewer have actually accomplished the goal. John Stockton and Karl Malone made the finals in back to back years in 1997 and 1998 and didn't win. However, both are Hall of Famers. Patrick Ewing also never won, neither did Charles Barkley nor did Reggie Miller. Yet they're all Hall of Famers. More modern players would be Steve Nash, and even Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant (though the latter ones still have a shot), all are probable Hall of Famers. The list goes on, and in multiple sports; great player and a Hall of Famer, but without a title. This is what sets the truly immortal elite from the rest. That ever elusive ring. Some switch teams and warm the bench after illustrious careers just to get a shot at one, others create super teams to finally push themselves over the hump. The end goal though is to call yourself a champion. This is what Stephen Curry has a shot at, being elite, being a champion.

The case can be made that this won't be his only shot, that he can make it back here and win a different time, yet that's not always the case. Ask Dwight Howard, or Kevin Durant if they would rather have won on their first try. They got a taste of being on the biggest stage in basketball and haven't been able to get back since. 

This is the distinguishing factor the separates the very good from the truly great. Being the best player on a great team, and winning it all. Adam Morrison (drafted #3 in 2006, in the dictionary under 'total bust') actually has something every single player named in this article would kill for, a championship (granted, he didn't do very much; see video on the left)

Therefore, the Baby Faced Assassin is actually in a perfect situation, with a great team built around him. He now has an MVP and a chance to accomplish what some great players wait their entire career for, yet never can accomplish. It's not a guarantee that he'll ever come back here, or even if he can duplicate this season before an injury hits and sets him back (see: Tracy McGrady and Derrick Rose). After his performance in game 2 of the Finals it has become clear that Stephen Curry has to elevate his game to the next level, and take his place as one of the best players in the NBA. He can possibly  be one of the greatest shooters in history. To do that he must win, and there is no time like the present.

“I'm coming home”

(June, 8th, 2015)  By: Ira Barasch.       It took three words for LeBron James to shock the world, three words that made free agency last summer turn into a frenzy. The Cleveland Cavaliers then acquired Kevin Love by actually trading their past two number one overall picks in Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett. He also joined an already blossoming point guard in Kyrie Irving. The beginnings of a super team seemed to be in the making. From James getting his buddies James Jones and Mike Miller to come for reduced salaries, to the Cavs hiring David Blatt from overseas to coach, this team seemed primed.

Yet the struggle that ensued was incredible; Love was not fitting in, his game was just not conforming to LeBron's. Anderson Varejao went down with a season ending injury before even playing in the regular season, thinning their front court dramatically. David Blatt and the team was hovering near a .500 record when January came along. 

Again the team changed, with the Cavs acquiring J.R Smith and Iman Shumpert from the Knicks, and Timofay Mozgov from the Nuggets. Suddenly they were blowing out teams; their record skyrocketed. J.R. Smith looked like his old self, he was playing with confidence and making his shots. Mozgov was finally living up to his potential and looked like a dominant big man and a rim protector. Things started to look up for the Cavs as they entered the post season. Until Love went down with a dislocated shoulder vs. the Celtics, and Irving's injuries started to act up, eventually leading him to fracture his kneecap in the first game of the finals.

So where does that leave LeBron? It seemed like he was playing a five on one at times in game 2 of the finals. Back to carrying the whole team on his back. He has mostly role players around him and no other All Stars. This is dramatically different than when he won his two other titles with Miami. There is no Dwayne Wade to rely on, no Chris Bosh to turn to, and no Ray Allen to make a clutch three. This is all on LeBron's shoulders now, yet it seems so fitting that it should be. This is his team, it's his city, and most importantly, it's his time to prove his worth. Never before has so much been on the line for James as far as his legacy is concerned. This is his chance to pick up a team, practically by himself, and bring them to the promised land, like he wrote about in his article last summer. This is his chance to bring the city he spurned their first title since 1964 when the Cleveland Browns won it all, and complete his tale of redemption after being swept by the Spurs in '07. Finally, this is also his chance to establish a legacy that won't be in the shadow of the older “23” so many compare him to. The time for excuses are over, it's time for LeBron James to officially establish himself as the best player in this generation. If he can overcome the odds, if he can push the distractions and the detractors away, he can finally establish himself to be among the great players to ever play the game.


However for James, who has been blamed for not being a clutch player over his career, this is a huge task. So what will it be LeBron? You said you're coming home. Talk is cheap, and actions speak louder than words. Now is the time to show all the people who don't believe in you, who hate you, an

d root against you, that you are the player we knew you could be when you came into this league. It's not going to be easy, but if you win, the glory is all yours. It's right there for the taking, now we will just have to sit back and see if you can.