May 23, 2013

2011-12 NBA Preview: Pacific Division

Jimmer

Previous NBA Previews: Central Division Northwest Division Southeast Division Southwest Division  1. Los Angeles Clippers (2nd in West, 4th in NBA) Who is new: Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, Trey Thompkins Why are they here: They went from doormat to title contender real fast in the last two years with the breakout rookie year of Blake Griffin followed by the acquisition of Chris Paul. Add in Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler and D'Andre Jordan and they boast … [Read more...]

2011-12 NBA Preview: Southwest Division

Odom Mavericks

Previous NBA Previews: Central Division Northwest Division Southeast Division 1. Dallas Mavericks (3rd in West, 5th in NBA) Who is new: Lamar Odom, Vince Carter, Delonte West Why are they here: The two things that made them different last from year's past were Tyson Chandler and JJ Barea, both of whom are gone. They replaced two good pieces with one, in Odom, but then made typical previous Mavericks' moves in signing name players (Carter, West) who are likely going to be … [Read more...]

2011-12 NBA Preview: Southeast Division

Kemba Bismack

Previous NBA Previews: Central Division Northwest Division  1. Miami Heat (1st in East, 1st in NBA) Who is new: Shane Battier, Norris Cole Why are they here: Came within a couple games of a championship despite the fact that Mike Bibby, Juwan Howard and Zydrunas Ilgauskus all played roles on the team. Most important player: LeBron James. Not sure this needs much of an explanation. Outlook: I think the Heat win the first of two straight titles this season. Last year, they … [Read more...]

2011-12 NBA Preview: Northwest Division

Rubio

Previous NBA Previews: Central Division 1. Oklahoma City (1st in West, 2nd in NBA) Who is new: Reggie Jackson Why are they here: They lost to Dallas in the Western Conf. Championship last year and have their full team back, almost all of which is right in the front end of their primes. Most important player: Kendrick Perkins. The Thunder nabbed Perkins last trade deadline and gave him a hefty extension, hoping he would be the last piece of the puzzle. Outlook: Kevin Durant is … [Read more...]

2011-12 NBA Preview: Central Division

Irving

When Sam Dalembert is the best remaining free agent, you know the rosters are set enough to get going on some predictions. Like the NBA season, these previews will be shortened. 1. Chicago Bulls (2nd in East, 3rd in NBA) Who is new: Rip Hamilton, Jimmy Butler Why are they here: Probably the most complete team in the league, but lacking that secondary superstar power Most important player: Carlos Boozer. They signed him to be an interior force, and he's wasn't quite that in his … [Read more...]

The Philly Fifty, #31: Pete Alexander, Phillies

PeteAlexanderPhillies

For the complete list and explanation of criteria and scoring, check out the Philly Fifty page Longevity - 3 Alexander played for the Phillies for the first 7 years of his career, from 1911-1917, ages 24-30. He pitched 21 innings for the Phillies in his final season, in 1930, at age 43. Peak - 5 Absolutely one of the best pitchers to ever play the game. In his seven years with the Phillies he posted ERA's of 1.22, 1.55, 1.83, 2.38, 2.57, 2.79 and 2.81 while averaging 356 innings … [Read more...]

The Philly Fifty, #32: Maurice Cheeks, Sixers

maurice-cheeks

For the complete list and explanation of criteria and scoring, check out the Philly Fifty page Longevity - 5 Cheeks, drafted in the 2nd round out of West Texas A&M University, spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Philadelphia from 1978 to 1989. Peak - 3 Cheeks was a very, very good player, but was never the best player on his own team. He was never selected to an All-NBA team but was considered one of the top-5 PG's in the league. Popularity - 5 Cheeks possessed a … [Read more...]

The Philly Fifty, #33: Randall Cunningham, Eagles

football-randall-cunningham02

For the complete list and explanation of criteria and scoring, check out the Philly Fifty page Longevity - 5 Randall was drafted by the Eagles in the 2nd round of the 1985 draft. He would spend his first 11 seasons in the league with the Birds. Peak - 3 His best season as an Eagles was 1990, where he passed for 3,466 yards and 30 TD while rushing for 942 yards and 5 TD. Still he was never 1st team all-pro and was probably never more than a top-5 QB in the league. Popularity - … [Read more...]

The Philly Fifty, #34: Harold Carmichael, Eagles

haroldcarmichael

For the complete list and explanation of criteria and scoring, check out the Philly Fifty page Longevity - 5 Carmichael played 13 years and 180 games for the Eagles. The only players to play in more are David Akers (188) and Brian Dawkins (183). Peak - 3 His best season was probably 1973 when he led the league in receptions and yards. He was often a very good player, but not really one you would categorize as elite. Popularity - 3 Very well known, and relatively popular among … [Read more...]

The Philly Fifty, #35: Chief Bender, Athletics

chief-bender-hof-1

For the complete list and explanation of criteria and scoring, check out the Philly Fifty page Longevity - 5 Bender pitched 14 seasons in Philadelphia, 12 for the A's and 2 for the Phillies. His 2,837.2 IP over that time frame is bested city-wide only by Eddie Plank, Steve Carlton and Robin Roberts. Peak - 3 Bender was really, really good for a really, really long time, but he was never the best. He was top-10 in WAR for pitchers seven times, and top-5 three times. He very rarely … [Read more...]