Author: John Paulsen (Page 164 of 937)

      USA beats Russia, 89-79

      September 9, 2010 /

      Team USA struggled in the first half for all the same reasons why they generally struggle in international play: poor shot selection and one-on-one play on the offensive end. Russia hit its threes in the first two quarters and actually led by five deep into the second quarter. The U.S. led by five at halftime, and pulled away with a huge third quarter that was spearheaded by Russell Westbrook’s defense.

      The Americans managed the game down the stretch and won somewhat comfortably. On the whole, it was a good win for the U.S., but the stretches of mediocre play are worrisome.

      Kevin Durant led Team USA with 33 points.

      External Sports, Fantasy Basketball, NBA, News

      Carmelo prefers the Knicks or Bulls?

      September 9, 2010 /

      According to an ‘NBA source’ of Marc J. Spears, Carmelo Anthony wants to be traded to the Knicks or the Bulls.

      The Knicks have limited assets to offer the Nuggets, which makes the Bulls a more appealing potential trade partner. The Bulls can offer a replacement small forward in Luol Deng, as well as two young forwards in James Johnson and Taj Gibson. New York officials would like to make a run at signing Anthony next summer if he were to opt to become a free agent.

      The prevailing notion is that the Knicks don’t have much to offer in the way of trade, but I’d rather do a deal for Danilo Gallinari, Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry than trade for Luol Deng and his bloated contract, which is worth $51 million over the next four years. I swear some of these pundits don’t even look at the salaries when they throw around trade scenarios. Deng is a solid player, but at almost $13 million a season, I would take a pass.

      So unless the Bulls are able to add a couple of first round draft picks, the Knicks’ (potential) offer of Gallinari and Randolph would be better for the Nuggets. Thus far, it appears that the Knicks have been unwilling to include Randolph in the deal, which is a little mind-boggling. This is Carmelo Freaking Anthony we’re talking about — the Knicks should be pulling out all the stops to acquire him now, especially since the Spears article also states that he wants to be traded before the season starts. If he lands elsewhere, the chances that he’ll sign with the Knicks next summer decrease dramatically.

      Sure, he could get traded to the Clippers or the Rockets and become a free agent next summer, but will those teams really pony up the best offer without some assurance that Carmelo is going to re-sign? The Nuggets will get the best deal from a team that knows Anthony is a long-term acquisition.

      One other item from the Spears piece — Carmelo has yet to meet face-to-face with Masai Ujiri since he was hired as Denver’s new GM. That’s not a good sign for those holding out hope that he’ll be with the Nuggets long term.

      External Sports, Fantasy Basketball, NBA, News, Rumors & Gossip

      FIBA 2010 World Championship: USA vs. Russia Preview

      September 8, 2010 /
      USA head coach Mike Krzyzewski (C) speaks with Rudy Gay (L) and Kevin Durant before their FIBA Basketball World Championship game against Tunisia in Istanbul September 2, 2010. REUTERS/Jeff Haynes (TURKEY - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)

      Chris Sheridan, ESPN: Lamar Odom will continue to start at center, but Tyson Chandler expects to see a bigger role in having to defend against the 6-foot-11 Kaun and the 7-foot-1 Mozgov, who will play for the New York Knicks next season after signing a three-year contract earlier this summer. The Americans will also be at a size disadvantage at the power forward position, where Andrei Vorontsevich, who plays professionally for CSKA Moscow, is four inches taller than his U.S. counterpart, Andre Iguodala. So it is to be expected that the U.S. team will press in the backcourt and near midcourt as much as possible, not only to try to force turnovers but to slow the Russians from getting into their offensive sets. The Russians run high pick-and-rolls and side pick-and-rolls on a majority of their offensive possessions.

      Chris Tomasson, Fanhouse: The 1972 game, won by the Soviets on a length-of-the-court inbound pass with three seconds left that resulted in a game-winning layup after officials had overruled two failed Soviet inbound passes, was discussed earlier this week by Russian coach David Blatt. Blatt, a U.S.native who now holds dual American-Israel citizenship, talked about crying while watching the game as a 13-year-old in Massachusetts. But he now says he believes Russia was justified in winning the game and the Americans weren’t cheated. “He’s Russian,” said Krzyzewski, who was in the Army stationed in South Korea when that game was played. “He coaches the Russian team. So he probably has that viewpoint. His eyes are clearer now because there are no tears in them. It’s great. Whatever he thinks, he thinks. It really has absolutely no bearing on what we’re trying to do (Thursday). Absolutely none.”

      John Schuhmann, NBA.com: Russia lacks offensive talent, but is a big, strong and physical team. The Russians go 6-foot-5, 6-foot-9 and 6-foot-9 at the two, three and four spots. And their two centers both play big, averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds. Russia will look to use their size and get under the Americans’ skin with more contact than they’ve seen all tournament. Russia wears teams down and punishes them late. Over the course of six games, the Russians have lost the first half by four points, but have won the second by 45. The U.S. hasn’t seen that kind of physical play in its last three games against Iran, Tunisia and Angola. But the U.S. will be able to draw on the experience of facing Lithuania in its first exhibition game after arriving in Europe. The Lithuanians hammered the Americans early and often whenever they tried to get to the basket or out on the break.

      The USA/Russia quarterfinal will be aired live on ESPN at 11 AM ET on Thursday.

      External Sports, Fantasy Basketball, NBA

      Love ‘Em & Leave ‘Em: Week 1

      September 8, 2010 /
      Aug 14, 2010; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers (17) takes a snap in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears in the preseason game at Qualcomm Stadium. Photo by Image of Sport Photo via Newscom

      Every week, I will highlight a few players to start and a few players to sit at each position. I’m a firm believer in starting your studs, so I won’t suggest you bench Drew Brees or Adrian Peterson because they have tough matchups – just go ahead and keep them in your lineup. Instead, I’ll focus on the borderline guys – players you’ll only start under the right circumstances. It’s important to note that depending on your roster and situation, you may not be able to follow these recommendations. For example, if I suggest you bench a solid starter like Tony Romo, only do so if you have a clearly better option on your bench.

      The “love ‘em” players are listed in the order that I’d start them this week.

      love-em

      Phillip Rivers is a great start against a Chiefs pass defense that was really sketchy last season…I get the sense that Thursday’s matchup between the Vikings and Saints is going to be a high scoring affair, so that bodes well for Brett Favre, who will probably be in a position to pass a lot as Minny tries to keep pace with New Orleans…Looking for a few sleepers? Kyle Orton (@ JAX), Josh Freeman (vs. CLE), Alex Smith (@ SEA) and David Garrard (vs. DEN) all have good matchups this week.

      Ronnie Brown should find plenty of running lanes against the Bills, who were 30th in the league against the rush last season…Don’t be surprised if Jerome Harrison has a big week against a Bucs’ rush defense that was last in the league in 2009. The Browns have a good offensive line and Harrison’s major competition for touches (Montario Hardesty) is out for the season…Matt Forte couldn’t ask for a better matchup than the Lions this week, though only time will tell whether or not Mike Martz is willing to give him enough touches to be a full-time fantasy starter…Carnell Williams should be able to take advantage of the Browns’ rush defense, which finished 28th last season.

      Malcom Floyd steps into the Chargers’ WR1 role and has a great matchup with the Chiefs to begin the season…Pierre Garcon is a sneaky good start against a rather mediorce Texans pass defense…Mike Williams (TB) should have his coming out party against the Browns, who were 29th against the pass last season…Johnny Knox and Devin Hester face the Lions, so assuming Jay Cutler can stay upright long enough to throw the ball, they should be able to post nice numbers…For a couple of sleepers, look no further than Louis Murphy (@ TEN) and Laurent Robinson (vs. ARI). Both players have been thrust into WR1 roles and they have favorable matchups this week.

      leave-em

      Three solid starters have tough matchups this week: Joe Flacco (@ NYJ), Matt Ryan (@ PIT) and Eli Manning (vs. CAR). They’re still startable, but don’t expect big numbers in Week 1…I’d still run Matt Schaub out there, but Indy had a good pass defense last season, so Schaub’s numbers may be depressed a bit…Don’t touch Mark Sanchez (vs. BAL), Matt Moore (@ NYG) or Jake Delhomme (@ TBB) this week.

      There are a number of good running backs with bad matchups this week, so lower those expectations: Ray Rice (@ NYJ), Deangelo Williams (@ NYG), Pierre Thomas (vs. MIN), Ryan Grant (@ PH), Shonn Greene (vs. BAL) and Michael Turner (@ PIT)…Marion Barber has a tough matchup against the Redskins, who only allowed 10 rush TDs in 2009…In that same game, Clinton Portis faces a Cowboys defense that was 4th in the league against the rush and only allowed seven rush TDs last season.

      I’d stay away from Mohammed Massaquoi, as the Bucs’ pass defense wasn’t terrible last season…Carolina excelled against the pass last season, so don’t expect Hakeem Nicks or Steve Smith 2.0 to go off in Week 1 (though both players are both startable)…Steer clear of all Seattle (vs. SF) and Tennessee (vs. OAK) receivers this week until we know more about who’s going to get the most targets. Both teams have bad matchups this week.

      External Sports, Fantasy Football, NFL

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