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Using EPM to judge the 2010 All-Star picks

For an explanation of Efficiency Per Minute, click here.

Over the past few weeks, I have been listing the top EPM players at each position and discussing a few of the surprises. I decided to take the next step and plot EPM versus minutes per game, figuring that the results might shed some light on who is playing the best basketball this season. After all, if you’re playing big minutes at a high level, you’re one of the best players in the league.

Below are five charts that show the EPM and MPG of the top 30 players (in terms of total minutes played) at each position. The higher the EPM, the better. The players in red were All-Stars this season.

Click on the chart for a larger view.

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Big Ben accused of sexual assault, again

TMZ.com is reporting that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Georgia.

The alleged incident occurred early this morning at Capital City — a club in Milledgeville, Georgia.

According to law enforcement sources, the alleged victim — who has already been interviewed by police — was treated at a local hospital and released.

We’re told in addition to the alleged victim, witnesses are being interviewed — and one law enforcement source says they will attempt to interview Roethlisberger.

UPDATE: We’re told Ben Roethlisberger has already been interviewed by police. We’re also told no formal charges have been filed at this point.

UPDATE 3:30 PM EST: A rep from the Steelers tells TMZ, “We are gathering information on this incident – until then we have no further comment.”

As with all accusations, let’s wait until more details emerge before drawing any conclusions. There are many sides to stories and this incident could turn out to be nothing, or it could turn out to be something. Either way, let’s let the legal system play out first.


Photo from fOTOGLIF

The good, bad and the ugly of the Bears signing Julius Peppers

If you’re a Chicago Bear fan, you’re probably going through a wave of emotions right now after learning that your team just signed free agent Julius Peppers to a six-year deal. So allow me to play NFL physiologist for a moment and break down what the signing could mean for the Bears.

The Good:
Peppers is a freak – a true athletic marvel. He’s averaged over 10 sacks a year in his eight-year career and racked up 25 QB takedowns in his past two seasons. Without question, the Bears needed to fill a massive void along their defensive line by adding a premier pass rusher, which they did by signing Peppers. He’s someone whose mere presence alone will make his teammates (Tommie Harris anyone?) better around him, by freeing them up to make plays. He was the crown jewel of the 2010 free agency period and he gives hope to a fan base that has been utterly dejected after the Bears crashed and burned in 2009 despite having high expectations following the Jay Cutler trade. Along with the deal for Cutler, the Peppers’ signing might also signal a new era for the Bears, one in which a once cheap organization will become more aggressive when it comes to acquiring new players.

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Will the Lions’ trade for Williams affect the top of the draft?

A deal between the Browns and Lions for defensive tackle Corey Williams might not seem like headline news, but it’s a trade that could inevitably affect the top of the draft.

Williams is expected to return to his former defensive tackle position after playing end in Cleveland’s 3-4 scheme. With Grady Jackson (whom the Lions signed to a three-year, $8 million contract last year) occupying the defensive tackle position next to Williams, there’s a chance that Detroit will pass on a DT at No. 2 come April’s draft.

That said, Jackson is also 37 year’s old, so the Lions might view Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy as his eventual replacement for 2011. Plus, Jackson isn’t an effective pass-rusher, so he could be replaced on obvious passing downs in order to give Suh or McCoy playing time in their rookie season before they took over as a starter.

But it would be interesting to find out that the Lions made this deal for Williams in order to go in another direction on draft day. They also have a huge need at offensive tackle and might target Oklahoma State’s Russell Okung at No. 2 instead of a DT.


Photo from fOTOGLIF

Is Evan Turner nipping at John Wall’s heels?

This is a pretty good highlight video that tells the story of Evan Turner’s 2009-10 season, which began with a broken back.

Most pundits believe John Wall will be the #1 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, but Evan Turner is coming on. He is averaging 20-9-6 and is shooting almost 54% from the field. His range is questionable (29% from 3PT), but he’s a force when he goes to the basket. DraftExpress compares him to Brandon Roy, but with the limited range, he reminds me of a taller Dwyane Wade. Turner is 6’7″ while Wade is 6’4″.

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