Is Rajon Rondo still worth a Max-Contract?

Written by Taylor Odenat

NBA Champion Rajon Rondo was once considered one of the elite point guards in the NBA. However, since his departure from the Celtics along with his former running mates Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen; his name just isn't mentioned very often. His recent tenure with the Dallas Mavericks ended very poorly with Rondo faking injury in order to stop playing for the Mavericks any longer. This past season may have hurt Rondo’s stock on the free agent market this offseason and has shown that he isn't as much of an asset as he once was.

During his sixth year run as point guard for the Boston Celtics, Rajon was very productive and ran the show with his dishing and diming on the offensive end. Rondo also got it done on the defensive end, leading the NBA in steals in the 2009-2010 season as well finishing top 5 in steals in the 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 seasons. Rondo is a leader on the offensive end and an outright floor general. His flashy and precise passes would constantly top highlight reels and keep him in the talks for best point guard in the NBA. Even though Rondo has yet to develop a consistent jump shot from anywhere on the court, he thrived as the fourth option for the Celtics and showed off offensive outbursts when he needed to.

Rondo, however, is not the most cooperative person to work with. Rondo is a ball dominant point guard who wants the ball is in his hands to set up the right play at the right time and demands the ability to call and change the plays at his say so. That isn’t a luxury many coaches would let their players have but under his former coach Doc Rivers, Rondo had that freedom. He knew the playbook front to back so Rivers gave him the privilege of calling the plays on offense that he thought would best suit the situation. However, as many would assume, not many NBA coaches are going to be as accommodating. 

 Rick Carlisle certainly wasn’t accommodating to Rondo’s need to feel in charge. The two shared several verbal transfers and just weren’t compatible. It isn’t completely necessary, but it is in a team’s best interest that their point guard and their coach be on the same page. This was not the case this season in Dallas. Rondo has a strong tendency to make the complicated and unnecessary pass instead of the first pass he sees; that is apart of the package that is Rajon Rondo. Carlisle wasn’t pleased with the turnovers this style of play brought about which would commonly lead to disagreements between the guard and head coach. Although it was prior established that Rondo has some personality issues, this failure of a trade may cost Rondo a ton of money in the offseason.

When Rondo was putting up insane triple doubles and leading the league in assists, it wouldn't have been a question if he deserved a max contract. Despite his constant shooting woes, his play in the other aspects of the game made up for it. He was a great passer, rebounder for his position, and perimeter defender. Those important feats have not been evident at this stage of his career. He’s 29 years old, so its not like he's got nothing left in the tank, but Rondo did not improve the Mavericks like he was initially expected to when they traded for him. Mark Cuban thought he made the perfect offensive juggernaut with Rondo at point guard, Monta Ellis at shooting guard, Chandler Parsons at small forward, Dirk Nowitzki at power forward, and Tyson Chandler at center; but Rondo struggled to bring this dream to life. He finished the season with the Mavericks averaging 9.3 ppg, 6.5 apg and 4.5 rpg on 43% shooting. Rondo was never much of a scorer, but these numbers don’t match up to those of prior seasons.

The only place where Rondo seems to fit is in Los Angeles, but not for his former coach Doc Rivers on the Clippers. Instead, he fits playing for Byron Scott alongside Kobe Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers. Most NBA teams aren’t looking for a ball dominant point guard with erratic shooting and an attitude problem, but the Lakers need to give their fans a reason to come to the games and the lottery finishing season they had doesn't give fans a reason to pay for tickets.

The question that remains is as follows: Should Los Angeles pay Rondo max contract money? Well, playing for a new coach under a new system with different players might show the basketball world that he’s still an elite point guard, so LA should offer him a max deal. Max contract money can either change a player for the better or for the worse, in Rondo’s case in order to show that he is still elite in this league it needs to change him for the better. This by no means will shoot the Lakers back into title contention as Rondo was unable to lead a more skilled Mavericks team back to the Finals. However, it will give Lakers fans a reason to buy tickets and will entice other free agents to sign as well. A Rondo signing will show free agents that the Lakers are making an effort to push themselves back into Western Conference playoffs.

All Statistics courtesy of Basketball Reference unless stated otherwise

The 2015 NBA Draft: Top 10, 6-10

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

The 2015 NBA Draft is full of potential at every position for years to come. With the 6th through 10th picks, 5 teams will make crucial decisions about the future of their teams and the young talents who will lead them to future success. The Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, and Miami Heat hold picks 6-10 and possibility for prospects full of potential at every position. Here’s the 2015 NBA Mock Draft for Picks 6-10.

NBA MOCK DRAFT PICKS 6-10

6. Sacramento Kings: Kristaps Porzingis

It’s no surprise that the Kings are in need of a strong presence at the Power Forward position and Porzingis is the answer to their problems. Porzingis is an all around player standing at 7’0 and 220 lbs. Porzingis is known for his solid jump shot, athleticism, and interior defense. He’s also exceptionally quick on his feet for a 7-footer and maintains excellent pick and roll versatility. Jason Thompson never quite filled the role as a sidekick for DeMarcus Cousins in the low post and Porzingis would be a fantastic option for the Kings at the 4. Skills that Porzingis lacks such as tenacity in the post and passing are skills that Cousins strives in. Additionally, Porzingis and Darren Collison both excell off of Pick and Roll plays, which would provide a deadly combination against any team. Porzingis supplies a reliable option for the Kings with the 6th pick.

NBA Player Comparison: Young Pau Gasol

7. Denver Nuggets: Willie Cauley-Stein

Only 3 players remain under contract for the Denver Nuggets in the upcoming season: Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried, and Jusuf Nurkic. While Nurkic does fill the center position, he hasn’t proven himself as a trustworthy starter quite yet. With solid size at 6’11 and 240 lbs, Cauley Stein can provide excellent inside presence for the Nuggets. In his tenure with Kentucky, he’s exemplified himself as a fantastic rebounder and a solid inside scorer. His mid range jumpshot has improved and his defense is exceptional. Cauley-Stein is also a fantastic target for lobs and can compliment the athletic playstyle of the Nuggets with his powerful offensive rebounding and monster athleticism. Cauley-Stein can fill a much needed void for the Nuggets inside.

NBA Player Comparison: Tyson Chandler

8. Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson

The Pistons have established a young core with tons of potential for the future. They have their work cut out for them this offseason, looking to retain Reggie Jackson and Greg Monroe while looking for new talent to bring them back to the playoffs. One position totally lacking depth for the Pistons is the small forward. The position was filled by Josh Smith, Caron Butler, and Tayshaun Prince over the past few seasons, but the Pistons haven’t found the right player to fit into their gritty style of play. 6’7, 242 lbs Small forward Stanley Johnson can provide the Pistons with exactly what they need: versatility. Johnson is an all around player to say the least. In his NCAA career with Arizona, Stanley has proven to be a fantastic all around player with potential to develop further. Alongside Drummond and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Pistons would have the right pieces to develop into a playoff team once again.

NBA Player Comparison: Jimmy Butler

9. Charlotte Hornets: Mario Hezonja

The all around swingman from Barcelona is a versatile player with a solid shooting stroke which is a necessity of the struggling Charlotte Hornets. Lance Stephenson has proven himself unreliable and streaky and Gerald Henderson lacks the offensive flexibility that the Hornets need. Hezonja can provide a reliable catch and shoot offense for rising point guard Kemba Walker to dish off to. The shooting guard and small forward positions in Charlotte are up for the taking and the addition of Hezonja could contribute the explosiveness that the Hornets need. With the exception of Kemba Walker, the Hornets have been lacking heart in their game. Hezonja is extremely passionate and can energize his teammates as well as the disappointed Charlotte fans.

NBA Player Comparison: Young Manu Ginobili

10. Miami Heat: Frank Kaminsky

Throughout his college career with Wisconsin, Kaminsky was the heart and soul of their team, however; to many scouts he isn't considered ready for the NBA level. Kaminsky will hope to prove them wrong and show that he can create his own offense and work in a system with his fantastic arsenal of skills. He’s been known as a great shooter and a great inside player. While he has been doubted in the past, the Heat have had a history of helping skilled big men find their perfect game with names such as Alonzo Mourning, Chris Bosh, and Hassan Whiteside coming to mind. With the help of the Miami Heat organization, Kaminsky can prove those who doubt him wrong, creating a valuable asset to the Heat in the process. Whiteside has become a big target for many teams after his breakout season and he may be looking for a large contract that the Heat won’t be able to offer him in the summer of 2015. Kaminsky can provide security for the Heat in case Whiteside decides to leave. Miami is in need of consistent skill and stability at the center position, and Kaminsky can provide that for them in their efforts to return to the playoffs.

NBA Player Comparison: Kevin Love

http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/38/files/2015/05/frank-kaminsky-willie-cauley-stein-ncaa-basketball-final-four-wisconsin-vs-kentucky.jpg

The 2015 NBA Draft: Top 10, 1-5

                                                

Written by Taylor Odenat

On June 25, 2015, more than 100 prospects will enter the 2015 NBA Draft in hopes of being selected by one of the 30 teams in the NBA. Of these prospects, 30 will be given guaranteed contracts in the first round and 30 will be selected in the second round and given non-guaranteed contracts. The first fifteen teams in the draft can all benefit greatly for the future with the players they draft, however, they should be mindful of who they pick. No star career is guaranteed out of any of these players, but each NBA team just hopes that they chose the right player that will fit their system and be the most productive for years to come. 

May 20, 2015, the ping pong balls determined which lottery team would select at each position of the draft. After finishing with a 16-66 record seemingly pulling off a successful tank of a season, the Minnesota Timberwolves have walked away with the Number One pick in the NBA Draft. This will now give the Wolves two number one picks on the roster with Rookie of the Year Andrew Wiggins currently in their possession. Whoever the Wolves decide to draft, whether it be Jahlil Okafor, Karl Towns, or D’Angelo Russell; will be a cornerstone of their progression towards playoff contention in the Western Conference. How the rest of the NBA squads pick their next prospects will be illustrated in this post-draft lottery mock of the top 10 picks in the 2015 NBA Draft. 

NBA MOCK DRAFT PICKS 1-5

1. Minnesota Timberwolves: Karl-Anthony Towns Jr.

           For months, Jahlil Okafor of Duke reigned as the consensus Number One pick as his gigantic hands and polished post play dazzled scouts and gave off the impression that he could be an integral part of an offense for years to come. However, over the last few games of the season, Towns exhibited a great deal of versatility on the defensive and offensive end, knocking down jumpshots, scoring on the low block, blocking shots in the paint and holding his own on the perimeter. His athleticism fits with the young, athletic backcourt of Zach Lavine and Andrew Wiggins; so it would be a more logical fit for Towns to join Minnesota over National Champion Okafor. 

NBA Player Comparison: Rasheed Wallace

2. Los Angeles Lakers: Jahlil Okafor

           Los Angeles has a history of raising dominant, championship winning big men and Okafor has the chance to be the next in that line of centers joining Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal. Jahlil is a big body and game changing prospect with vision and scoring talent from the low block. His wide frame however doesn't make him slow and sluggish, with his listed 6’11 height and 270 pound weight, Okafor is still very deft and dexterous for a player of his size. His defense does need improvement, but he is a can't miss prospect and with Kobe Bryant retiring sooner rather than later Los Angeles needs a big time player they can sell to their fans; if Okafor pans out like he is projected too then he will definitely be that player.

NBA Player Comparison: Patrick Ewing

3. Philadelphia 76ers: D’Angelo Russell

           Philadelphia has gone through seasons of purposeful tanking and racking up draft picks and it could all be for this man right here. He is an electric scorer, can put up points in bunches, get hot in a hurry and score from either guard spot. If Philly decided to go with Emmanuel Mudiay that wouldn't be a horrible decision, but Russell displays more upside and a superior shooting stroke. He has the tools and the talent to bring Philly out of their constant inevitable draft lottery appearances with his resplendent ball handling, astounding court vision, and terrific basketball instincts.

NBA Player Comparison: Brandon Roy

4. New York Knicks: Emmanuel Mudiay

           Although it's been reported that the Knicks are shopping this pick seeing as they didn't make the top 3 after their season long tanking attempt, they should keep the pick and draft Mudiay. Granted, he hasn't played any of his fellow prospects in collegiate competition, however Mudiay has played overseas in China for the Guangdong Southern Tigers where it's possible to say the competition is more challenging. He obviously didn't receive as many minutes as he would have playing for Larry Brown at SMU, but Emmanuel Mudiay still flashed the potential scouts first saw when he first announced to play for a college team. He is a solid floor general, has a creative handle, works well in the pick and roll, and possesses tremendous upside at the guard position; which is a position of great need for the New York Knicks. Mudiay does lack shooting range and does make questionable decisions with the basketball at times, but these are both fixable aspects of his game; he is a high risk-high reward type of a player but that shouldn't stop the Knicks from taking a chance on the 18 years old.

NBA Player Comparison: Jrue Holiday

5. Orlando Magic: Justise Winslow

           The recent National Championship winning lefty can be drafted as the long term replacement for forward Tobias Harris. He has had a productive season and may want to jump ship for a city such as the New York Knicks where he has shown interest in playing. This allows Justice to come in from day one as the starting wing playing with a young starting lineup in Payton, Oladipo, Gordon, and Vucevic. Winslow brings the ability to guard at least three positions to the table as well as a developing three point stroke, strong slashing ability, and a relentless motor that’ll him in games that start to get tedious and tiring. Winslow can play either the 2 or the 3, complementing Oladipo on the wing. He has a strong first step, is extremely athletic as many saw on display in the National Championship game against Wisconsin, and a smart passer; what more can Orlando ask for as they are still a rebuilding team. Even in saying that, this upcoming season they have the chance to be a repeat of the Milwaukee Bucks and make their way into Eastern Conference playoff contention with their lengthy and young talent they have stacked on their roster.

NBA Player Comparison: Offensively Capable Bruce Bowen/ Defensively Capable James Harden

http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Justise-Winslow-7190/, http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/D-Angelo-Russell-7175/, http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Emmanuel-Mudiay-6472/, http://basketball.asia-basket.com/player/Emmanuel_Mudiay/Guangdong_Southern_Tigers/329244,

The Fall of the Wizards and the Future of Paul Pierce

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

              Paul Pierce, the 37 year old small forward for the Washington Wizards has played a masterful game since his draft selection by the Boston Celtics in the 1998 Draft. Since then Pierce has proved himself as an elite scorer and player with his dynamic play style and personality. Pierce landed in a Washington Wizards uniform this season as the experienced yet effective veteran on a young rising team. In last night's crucial game 6 against the Atlanta Hawks, Pierce hit a clutch fading three-pointer to send the game into overtime. Unfortunately, the celebratory moment was cut short as referees reviewed and waived off Pierce's shot as the ball was released after the clock expired. A heart broken Paul Pierce spoke to the press after the game and claimed that this game may have been his last. Pierce is quoted as saying "I don't even know if I'm gonna play basketball next year. I don't know how many more playoff rides I have left."

           Although it may have been a tough game, Pierce still has a year in his contract and he played incredibly in the playoffs. Pierce averaged approximately 15 PPG on 52% shooting from three point range. Although he wasn't able to save the season, Pierce put up a great fight. His age has not reflected in his stats or his health. Whether he returns to basketball or enters retirement depends on his body, his heart, and his family.

           As for the Washington Wizards as a whole, they have the potential to improve and work towards championship contention. The Hawk's front court duo of Al Horford and Paul Milsap dominated the Wizards front court of Marcin Gortat and Nene Hilario. Both Gortat and Nene are fantastic post players and defenders, but their energy and strength both need to intensify to bring the Wizards to contention. John Wall, who missed some time with multiple hand fractures, performed at an incredibly high level on both sides of the court. Third year guard Bradley Beal also pr Bed himself as a highly effective asset to the Wizards offense, emerging as a massive threat to all defenders. If the intensity held by Wall, Beal, and Pierce carries on to the front court of Gortat and Nene, the Wizards could possibly fight for another playoff run again next season. 

           As for the Atlanta Hawks, they will move on to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history against Kyrie Irving's Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, May 20th at 8:30 PM Eastern Standard Time.

http://www.thestar.com/content/dam/thestar/sports/raptors/2015/04/18/wizards-paul-pierce-has-it-in-game-1-win-over-raptors/paul-pierce.jpg.size.xxlarge.letterbox.jpg

Brady's Suspension and the Effects of Deflategate

                                         Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

After months of investigation, the NFL has finally reached an understanding of what took place in the Patriots organization regarding Deflategate. During the 2015 AFC Championship game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots, it was discovered that the footballs used by the Pats had been slightly deflated, making it easier to throw and to catch each ball. Since then, the NFL has gone into deep investigation to discover what truly took place and who was responsible for the incident. Recently, Roger Goodell came to the conclusion that many different people within the organization had information regarding the mishap. Superstar Quarterback Tom Brady has been stuck in the center of the situation

Brady, the Super Bowl MVP and obvious leader of the Patriots, has been suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2015-2016 NFL season. In addition to Brady’s suspension, the Patriots were fined one million dollars, their first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and their fourth-round pick in the 2017 draft. Brady’s suspension will leave the Patriots without their leader in matchups against the Steelers, Bills, Jaguars, and Cowboys with a bye week in between Jacksonville and Dallas. These key matchups are expected to lead the Superbowl Champions off with a rough start.

Fans, players, and officials alike feel as if the suspension against Brady is unfair because of his lack of involvement in the actual deflating of the balls. Ted Wells, lead attorney working on the case, claims that Brady did have some minimal knowledge of the actual deflation although sufficient evidence has not yet been provided.

As expected, Brady’s agent and the NFLPA has filed an appeal against Brady’s 4 game suspension. The official press release by the players association stated :“If Ted Wells and the NFL believe, as their public comments stated, that the evidence in their report is “direct” and “exculpatory,” then they should be confident enough to present their case before someone who is truly independent.”

The NFLPA has acted with confidence in saving Brady from the situation, but the question of morality comes back into play. If information comes to light that Brady was in fact involved in the scandal then his luxurious career and image will be forever tainted. Some of the top athletes in the world have had their achievements overshadowed with scandal and allegations of breaking the rules of the sports they claim to love. . Players such as Gilbert Arenas and Barry Bonds have had their skill and achievements overshadowed by acts of weakness that cheat the sports we love. If Brady is revealed to have cheated his way into a Super Bowl victory, will his image change? Will Brady’s legacy in New England be tainted? What long term effects will come from Deflategate?

http://www.aceshowbiz.com/images/news/tom-brady-named-super-bowl-mvp-2015.jpg

Kawhi Wins Defensive Player of the Year Award

   

Written by Taylor Odenat

  This post season, Kawhi Leonard has been awarded for his defensive prowess during the 2014-2015 season with the Defensive Player of the Year Award. Winning this award was no simple feat because of the other nominees for the award and the position that Leonard plays. The Small Forward position is not typically rewarded with the DPOY award because the centers of the NBA seem to make more of a defensive impact. They man the paint, alter and contest shots, and anchor the central defense of an NBA team. Not many basketball organizations are able to say that they have a player under contract who doesn't play the center position, that is able to have the same impact at a different position. The San Antonio Spurs however , and arguably the Cleveland Cavaliers with Lebron James, are able to proudly boast their starting Small Forward and restricted free agent Kawhi Leonard as a Defensive Player of the Year winning over candidates such as Draymond Green, Tim Duncan, and Anthony Davis. Kawhi was somewhat of an unexpected decision for DPOY, but if defensive statistics do speak for themselves. According to Basketball Reference, Per 100 possessions, Leonard averaged 11.6 rebounds per game and 3.7 steals per game. Additionally, he was first in the league in steals per game at 2.7, first in defensive efficiency at 96.4, and sixth in defensive win shares at 4.4. Kawhi Leonard is creeping his way into NBA Superstardom seeing as he is already an NBA champion, the third youngest winner of the NBA Finals MVP and now the second small forward to win the award since Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, in the 2003-2004 NBA season.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn-jpg.si.com/sites/default/files/styles/si_article_main/public/2015/04/07/kl.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.si.com/nba/2015/04/07/kawhi-leonard-san-antonio-spurs-playoffs-all-nba&h=540&w=960&tbnid=XfhMxyhZ94zP6M:&zoom=1&docid=Zh3U-KIw_i7v-M&ei=AnVJVe34L9WlyATNkIG4Cw&tbm=isch&ved=0CBsQMygTMBM4ZA, http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/leonaka01.html

Will LaMarcus Aldridge Leave Portland This Free Agency?

 

Written by Taylor Odenat

Since LaMarcus Aldridge was drafted by the Chicago Bulls and traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2006 NBA Draft, he’s been a superstar talent and has produced for the Blazers season after season. He’s racked up four All-Star appearances and five playoff appearances, arguably solidifying his position among the greatest in Blazer history. Although he has not contributed to the Blazers winning a championship, Aldridge has led this team to great heights alongside former Blazer Brandon Roy and current Blazer Damian Lillard. Aldridge ranks high among many Trail Blazer career leaders placing fourth in games played, second in field goals made, third in free throws made, first in total rebounds gathered, and third in usage rate. He is also quoted saying: “I want to be the greatest Blazer ever” and so far he’s well on his way in the record books of challenging Clyde Drexler for that spot.

However, LaMarcus may feel that enough is enough. He has a strong desire to win a championship and isn't getting any younger as the seasons progress. He is 29 going on 30 years old in July and wants to win a championship. His teams haven't gotten past the second round and with the constant improvement of the Western Conference, it doesn't seem like they ever will. It’s not to say LaMarcus has been surrounded by incompetent players his whole career in Portland, they just aren't able to compete with the powerhouses of the West for seven games. This past 2014-2015 season showed signs of one that could take the Blazers far in the playoffs. They traded for Arron Afflalo at the trade deadline to improve their bench production, Damian Lillard and LaMarcus were both having all star seasons, and Wesley Matthews participated as well with his 39% shooting from three and 445 threes made in total. However, ‘Iron Man’ Wesley Matthews would tear his left Achilles tendon and miss the rest of the season. Matthews was their rock on offense and defense and was a vital part of the Portland roster. To say that the Blazers would have beaten the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs with Wesley healthy might be a bit of a stretch, but they would have put up more of a fight. LaMarcus must be pondering whether or not Portland is the location for him to win a title, even in a season where the Blazers finish fourth in the West; they couldn’t advance past the first round.

To ratify the multiple seasons of not making it past the second round of the playoffs, LaMarcus can choose to take advantage of his unrestricted free agency and search for an opportunity where winning a title is more feasible. On the other hand, LaMarcus can choose to stay in Portland and trust that the organization will continue to improve and eventually put a championship contending roster around him. They went from a lottery team back in the 2011-2012 season to a team top 5 in the Western Conference in the last two seasons, so the Blazers must be doing something right. LaMarcus will definitely have plenty of options to choose from if he decides to test the free agency waters. The San Antonio Spurs are interested in his services and so will the rest of the league looking for a post-playing, floor spacing big man. If LaMarcus leaves Portland he will join the pool of NBA players that have left the cities they played a majority if not their whole careers in. Kevin Love from Minnesota to Cleveland, Carmelo Anthony from Denver to NY a few seasons ago, and Dwight Howard from Orlando to L.A then Houston. These players are hated by fans of their original teams and Aldridge has the potential to join them. However, Aldridge has to do what is best for his financial future and what is best for his future of winning a championship and Portland may not be the place for him in the long run.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/a/aldrila01.html, http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12430843/wesley-matthews-portland-trail-blazers-injures-left-foot, http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/POR/leaders_career.html