By Joe Manganiello 3. Milwaukee Bucks (’11-’12 record: 31-35) Best player: The Brandon Jennings era in Milwaukee is entering its fourth season. Jennings is coming off his best season yet as a professional, where he saw his points-per-game, field-goal percentage, assists and steals all rise while his turnovers decreased. At the age of 23, Jennings might be a top 10 … [Read more...] about Six Divisions in Six Weeks: Central (part two)
NBA
Presti makes tough but correct decision as the Thunder were due for a shave anyway
By Joe Manganiello Experts banter all the time about how collecting valuable assets in the NBA is one of the hardest jobs a GM has to do. Well what about deciding who stays and who goes after a roster has seemingly “too many” assets - how hard must that job be? That is what Thunder GM Sam Presti wrestled with for much of the offseason and through the month of October as … [Read more...] about Presti makes tough but correct decision as the Thunder were due for a shave anyway
Six Divisions in Six Weeks: Central (part one)
By Joe Manganiello 5. Cleveland Cavilers (’11-’12 record: 21-45) Best player: Kyrie Irving did not just silence any doubters heading into his rookie campaign, he eliminated them. Irving might be the best number one overall selection since Derrick Rose in 2008, showing poise and efficiency that John Wall and Blake Griffin, despite their obvious talents, have not … [Read more...] about Six Divisions in Six Weeks: Central (part one)
Six Divisions in Six Weeks: Atlantic (part two)
By Joe Manganiello 3. New York Knicks (’11-’12 record: 36-30) Best Player: Carmelo Anthony finished two full points below his career ppg mark last season, in large part because of the strike-shortened season, a coaching change and injuries. His field goal percentage (.430) was the lowest since his second season in Denver. Carmelo was taking 18.6 shots a night this past … [Read more...] about Six Divisions in Six Weeks: Atlantic (part two)
Six Divisions in Six Weeks: Atlantic (Part One)
By Joe Manganiello 5. Toronto Raptors (’11-’12 record: 23-43) Best Player: In some ways, the Raptors best player is former lottery pick DeMar DeRozan, who could be on the cusp of stardom entering his fourth season. In other ways, it is newcomer Kyle Lowry, coming off the heels of his best season as a professional. The most important piece to the puzzle, however, will … [Read more...] about Six Divisions in Six Weeks: Atlantic (Part One)