Derrick Rose is finally back to NBA regular season action, tonight against the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden. This is his first regular season game since November 22, 2013. A lot of eyes will be watching to see how Rose's knee holds up, and if he'll hesitate to go on the attack.
The former 2011 NBA MVP has a lot to prove to his fans, himself, and the critics. Right now, Rose is just focusing on staying healthy, so he can help his new-look Chicago Bulls team win a NBA title.
Rose has gone through two major knee injuries in recent years. This has made him both mentally and physically stronger because of it, he says. There were times in his rehabilitation he questioned himself, if he can get back to his old self and stay healthy long-term. That's totally understandable for a player that has been explosive throughout his life, and now has to think twice before makes a drive to the basket.
Derrick Rose said recently "he feels 100% confident in his knee". Many feel that Rose will have some rust that needs to be shaken off, but he expects to play at an MVP level this year.
Through the process, Rose has stayed humbled and gained more maturity as a person. He wants to be more than just an athletic player, but an all-around player that can do it all.
Tonight, Rose will have a big matchup ahead of him, going against the New York Knicks and Carmelo Anthony. In the opening night for the Chicago Bulls, they will be looking for Derrick Rose to control the offense as they try to get him back in rhythm.
It's great to see Derrick Rose back on the court in a Chicago Bulls uniform. The game is better when Rose is playing. People that forgot how great he was, will definitely get a reminder shortly. With a career average of 21 points per game, Rose will be looking to be that offensive juggernaut we once loved.
- Denver Broncos: (6-1)
- Arizona Cardinals: (6-1)
- New England Patriots: (6-2)
- Philadelphia Eagles: (5-2)
- Dallas Cowboys: (6-2)
- Detroit Lions: (6-2)
- San Diego Chargers: (5-3)
- Green Bay Packers: (5-3)
- Indianapolis Colts: (5-3)
- Pittsburgh Steelers: (5-3)
- Montréal Canadiens: (7-1-0)
- Los Angeles Kings: (6-1-1)
- Anaheim Ducks: (7-2-0)
- New York Islanders: (6-2-0)
- Nashville Predators: (5-1-2)
- Chicago Blackhawks: (5-2-1)
- Pittsburgh Penguins: (4-2-1)
- Tampa Bay Lightning: (5-3-1)
- Ottawa Senators: (4-2-1)
- New Jersey Devils: (4-2-2)
NBA great Steve Nash announced in July that this would be his final season, but little did he know that a back injury would determine that decision. Last week, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that Steve Nash will sit out for the entire 2014-2015 season. It did come as a surprise for fans, because Nash has focused the past two seasons on his rehabilitation from his leg and back injuries.
Steve Nash, 40, hasn't come out and said yet that he will retire due to this injury, but don't be surprised if that announcement comes shortly. Nash doesn't want to cause any distractions for the Los Angeles Lakers, as they are about to enter a grueling 82-game regular season. He's just committed on supporting his team throughout the season, and focusing on his long-term health.
The two-time NBA MVP had a superb career playing point guard in the league. In his 18 season career, Nash ranks first in free throw shooting percentage, and is third on the NBA's career assist list. Not bad for a player that wasn't recruited by a big name college coming out of high school.
Steve Nash was in the same draft class with Kobe Bryant in 1996. Nash was selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns. When Nash name was called, he was booed by the crowd, because he was an unknown player that didn't come from a top conference school. Nash will be remembered by many for his playmaking, scoring, and passing abilities.
You can't blame Nash for his $27 million contract that the Los Angeles Lakers gave him in 2012. Blame management for signing him for three years. Even though he was coming off a 10 assists per game season with the Suns, they had to be mindful that he was 38-years-old at the time.
Since Amar'e Stoudemire arrived in New York in the summer of 2010, on a max contract, he hasn't lived up to that $100 million due to injuries. I really try to side with this once-dominant big man, because it was never a lack of effort or talent that brought the New York Knicks to underachieve. His back and knees caused the collapse of this franchise.
Stoudemire will be looking to prove his critics wrong this season, by showing them that he's not washed-up. He even says that "he feels like his dominant old self". For Knicks fans that's great news to hear from STAT.
Fans have been waiting for his resurgence for years now, as he's entering his final year of a five-year contract with the New York Knicks.
Newly first-year head coach Derek Fisher has big plans and hopes for his big man. Fisher wants to play Amar'e 80 or more games this season. I think that Stoudemire can play about 70 games when healthy, and that will determine if the Knicks will go to the playoffs or not.
If STAT is healthy and can put up 18 points per game, the Knicks will make the playoffs and can make some noise in the Eastern Conference, while giving them fits.
Maybe the New York Knicks might try to trade Stoudemire throughout the season, but there might not be many suitors looking to take on a $23 million expiring contract.
I wouldn't just count out Stoudemire just yet. With Carmelo Anthony leading the offense, Stoudemire can be a plus as the defense will be looking to double Anthony. This can free up everyone else to make some strong contributions to the team. We all know that Amar'e Stoudemire has that scoring potential.
The 2014-2015 NBA season is almost underway, so we'll be watching to see if Stoudemire can stay on the court for a full season, and stay healthy. I'm really excited to see what the New York Knicks can do under Derek Fisher and Phil Jackson. Many are counting this team out to have any type of success this season, and are just waiting for the 2015 free agency period to arrive.
Throughout Bruce Bochy's managing career since being with the San Diego Padres in 1995, he has kept a low profile. So now, competing in his third World Series in five years, the spotlight is finally on the San Francisco Giants' skipper.
Bruce Bochy started his playing career in 1978, with the Houston Astros as a catcher. Not putting up any big numbers in the majors, he then decided managing was his next calling. Taking an unsuccessful San Diego Padres team to the World Series in 1998, was his first knock at the door to be taken serious, and that he was up next to be the next great manager in the league.
Now forward to 2006, Bochy takes over a San Francisco Giants team, that to most underachieved through the years of former manager Felipe Alou. Bruce Bochy automatically made them a playoff contender, and worked from the ground up to gain respect from opponents in the National League.
Manager Bruce Bochy is a two-time World Series Champion, and is going for his third against the scrappy Kansas City Royals.
Right now, the Giants are up 1-0. Many have them as the favorite to win the 2014 World Series, and if Bruce Bochy wins his third title, it will put him in some elite company with the likes of Joe Torre and Tony La Russa, which all have at least three rings.
When you think of baseball's finest managers, Bruce Bochy name doesn't come off of a person's tongue right away. But after reaching another title series, many have started to get on board what Bochy is doing down there in the Bay Area.
- Denver Broncos: (5-1)
- Dallas Cowboys: (6-1)
- Philadelphia Eagles: (5-1)
- Green Bay Packers: (5-2)
- San Diego Chargers: (5-2)
- Arizona Cardinals: (5-1)
- Indianapolis Colts: (5-2)
- Baltimore Ravens: (5-2)
- Detroit Lions: (5-2)
- New England Patriots: (5-2)
- Chicago Blackhawks: (3-0-1)
- Montréal Canadiens: (5-1-0)
- Los Angeles Kings: (4-1-1)
- Anaheim Ducks: (5-1-0)
- New York Islanders: (4-1-0)
- San Jose Sharks: (4-1-1)
- Ottawa Senators: (4-1-0)
- Pittsburgh Penguins: (3-1-0)
- Washington Capitals: (3-0-2)
- Nashville Predators: (3-0-2)
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is boxing's top prize and undefeated WBA and WBC junior welterweight world champion Danny Garcia, is seeking a fight with him next year. Everyone is speculating right now on who Mayweather will fight next May. Will it be Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan, or Canelo Alvarez?
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has already beaten all of these guys except Khan, but a fight with him will just be a waste of time in my opinion.
Boxing fans only want to see a Mayweather and Pacquiao fight; that's it. Anything less is just not acceptable for fight fans around the world. This would be a blockbuster fight that's going to break the all-time record for pay-per-view buys.
I would love to see Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight, but this fight hasn't happened for over four years now, because of contract negotiations and drug testing. Do I think this fight will ever happen? Who knows what the future holds, but I don't think that boxing fans are holding their breaths any longer if this fight will happen or not.
I've been watching this young 26-year-old fighter Danny Garcia, out of Philadelphia for some time now, and he's the real deal. He has punching power,shows a lot of grit, and can put on a show in the ring. I think a Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight would be good for the young champion. Obviously, Garcia will be the underdog in this bout, but anything can happen in the game of boxing as we know.
People are always saying that Floyd ducks the top contenders in boxing, which I totally disagree. So if he gives Danny Garcia a shot at the title, it will only add more to his unblemished fighting resume.
I might just be daydreaming or something, but I would really like to see this fight happen in 2015, because Mayweather Jr. only has two more fights left on his Showtime contract. So Manny Pacquiao, you better hurry up because Garcia is coming for Floyd.
The Baltimore Orioles just showed us that they aren't ready in taking the next step to stardom in baseball. They were just swept and embarrassed by the Kansas City Royals in the ALCS. The Orioles didn't look prepared, dominant, and even focused on the task at hand. The O's pitchers were just getting manhandled by the Royals pesky offensive.
The Baltimore Orioles had a great regular season, and I can say with confidence that baseball is definitely back in their town, but they choked in this series for sure.
The ALCS was very important for the Baltimore Orioles, to finally showcase their talents to fans across baseball that don't get to see them play. They were supposed to show you that they have what it takes to become a championship caliber team.
What they did show us is that, when the pressure got turned up, their important offensive players could only contribute a combined .103 batting average, and by hitting only one home run. This won't get it done if you are trying to get to the World Series.
I can definitely understand the fans frustrations in Baltimore right now. They really thought this was the year they'd finally win it all, but they came to realization that their team might not have it in them to win big games as of yet. This was a series for the takings, where you have to compete and leave everything out on the field. The O's led the MLB in home runs in the regular season, but couldn't hit the long-ball in the ALCS.
The big question is, what are they going to do with their power hitter and clutch performer Nelson Cruz this offseason? He is going to demand big bucks for his talents, and rightfully so. Now the Baltimore Orioles have a big decision to make, but to me it should be a easy one. Keeping Cruz will only keep the momentum of the team going, and it will give them hope and promise moving forward.
I know that the Kansas City Royals are on a hot streak, and they're likely to win it all coming this Tuesday, but these two teams should've went seven games to decide the series. I really thought that the Orioles were going to give a good fight, but the only thing they brought to the field was weak bats and mediocre pitching.
Congratulations to the Kansas City Royals because they really deserve it, and I hope they beat the San Francisco Giants in six.
The latest injury bug in the NBA goes to superstar MVP player Kevin Durant, of the Oklahoma City Thunder. We learned about the injury last Sunday that Kevin Durant fractured his right foot. This is a big blow for a team with championship aspirations and for the league.
Many NBA fans were looking forward to see the tall and slim assassin demolish his competition on the court, and now they'll have to wait about two months to see KD back in action.
All eyes will be on the head coach Scott Brooks and point guard Russell Westbrook, to see how they respond, and if they can bring the team together to be strong contenders in the west. We know that Scott Brooks is a very good coach, but he always had a durable Kevin Durant that rarely got injured throughout his career. So he got to lean on him for production, leadership, and victories. Now, Scott Brooks will have to look at his other leader in Russell Westbrook to step up and carry the load.
Russell Westbrook could really shine in a moment like this, when he's the guy and the focal point of the team. I'm not saying that he wants his best friend KD to go down to injury, but what I am saying is that, he wants a crack at that MVP award.
If you ask me, I don't even know if Westbrook can even stay healthy why Durant is out, because he has a history of injuries himself. Also, Russell Westbrook will be looking to do to much in the absence of the reigning MVP.
Playing in the Western Conference is no joke and nothing to sneeze at. Without a Kevin Durant on the floor, they'll have to bring up their intensity against the likes of a San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers team, which are their nemesis.
It won't be a walk in the park, but I think that OKC can really earn their stripes while KD is sidelined. But if I was a betting man, I wouldn't bet the house on it. Kevin Durant brings an average of 32 ppg, and that's hard to replace in the NBA. Just ask Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers about that.
- Pittsburgh Penguins: (2-0-0)
- Chicago Blackhawks: (2-0-0)
- Minnesota Wild: (2-0-0)
- San Jose Sharks: (2-0-0)
- Montréal Canadiens: (3-1-0)
- Nashville Predators: (2-0-0)
- New Jersey Devils (2-0-0)
- Columbus Blue Jackets: (2-0-0)
- New York Islanders: (2-0-0)
- Vancouver Canucks: (2-0-0)
- Denver Broncos: (4-1)
- San Diego Chargers: (5-1)
- Dallas Cowboys: (5-1)
- Philadelphia Eagles: (5-1)
- Seattle Seahawks: (3-2)
- Arizona Cardinals: (4-1)
- Green Bay Packers: (4-2)
- Indianapolis Colts: (4-2)
- San Francisco 49ers: (4-2)
- New England Patriots: (4-2)
Former MLB outfielder David Justice, played 14 seasons for the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees, and the Oakland Athletics. He made his debut for the Braves in 1989, and he didn't disappoint. In that year, he hit 28 home runs, and was named NL Rookie of the Year.
David Justice was born in 1966, in Cincinnati, Ohio, while young the family decided to move to Kentucky. As a youngster he was very smart and ahead of his class. He skipped both the seventh and eighth grade. Justice graduated high school at the age of 16. From since he was young a boy, baseball was his calling. He made sure that with practice, hard work, and dedication, he will fulfill his dreams and play in the majors.
David Justice isn't just known for the long-ball, but he was infamously married to one of the most beautiful women in the world, Halle Berry, from 1992-1996. Justice was allegedly abusive towards Berry, and would beat her severely. There was also reports that he almost killed her. So you already know that marriage had to come to an end.
Justice really made his mark in the postseason, his hits and home run hitting was just phenomenal. He made the playoffs most of his career, and won two World Series Championships. In the 90's, David Justice was the batter you didn't want to face. Many pitchers would walk him a lot, because they knew he could potentially hit a home run against them, and that would've changed the outcome of the game.
Is David Justice Hall of Fame material? I don't think he has the numbers to for it, but being in the postseason for so many years, and being a clutch hitter could change that. But in 2007, he was named in the Mitchell Report that shook the baseball world. Justice has denied all allegations that he used HGH in 2000, while playing for the New York Yankees. In 2008, with only one vote, he will now be ineligible for future considerations.
Today, David Justice resides in San Diego, California, with his wife and three children. Since his last game appearance in 2002, with the Oakland Athletics, he has done some broadcasting work for the YES network. But other than that he's been out of the spotlight. Justice was a fan favorite in New York when he helped them win another championship in 2000. He will always be remembered for his heroics in the World Series as a Yankee.
Eastern Conference:
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Chicago Bulls
- Miami Heat
- Washington Wizards
- Charlotte Hornets
- Indiana Pacers
- New York Knicks
- Toronto Raptors
- Brooklyn Nets
- Atlanta Hawks
- Detroit Pistons
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Boston Celtics
- Orlando Magic
- Philadelphia 76ers
Western Conference:
- San Antonio Spurs
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Golden State Warriors
- Dallas Mavericks
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Houston Rockets
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Phoenix Suns
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Denver Nuggets
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Sacramento Kings
- Utah Jazz
- Minnesota Timberwolves
We can now say that the nightmare is finally over for the Miami Heat and Dwyane Wade, when they got obliterated by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2014 NBA Finals. Wade pretty much wasn't healthy last season and needing days off, as it was called a maintenance program for the all-star.
Dwyane Wade had more than just injuries to his worn-down knees, but he also experienced major weight gain that slowed him down significantly. Many times he was beat down the court by his opponent, and then he would commit frivolous flagrant fouls. This isn't the DWade that we've loved and known for years. At one time he was known for his one-on-one defense against a team's star player.
So currently constructed, the Miami Heat will be a playoff team, but a championship contender just isn't in the cards. Dwyane Wade has a lot to prove this year, as he'll be the focal point of the offense in guiding the Heat back into contentionship.
The Miami Heat accomplished a lot of their goals the last four seasons, as they went to the NBA Finals four years in a row and winning two of them. That alone is astounding, but Wade isn't satisfied just with that. He feels that last season "wasn't fun" and that a lot of pressure was put on himself and the team to three-peat.
Once DWade's best friend LeBron James decided to go back home to Cleveland, he knew that it will be an uphill battle for the Miami Heat to win another championship again. Dwyane Wade wants to prove James wrong, and that he should've stayed in South Beach and made it work. But he also understands that "home is where the heart is", and that LeBron is his own man.
If DWade can stay healthy and play more than 70 games this season, he'll average about 24 points and likely placing the Heat into good playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference. Wade says this season he just wants to play for his teammates and have some fun. My only question is, what was he doing before?
- Seattle Seahawks: (3-1)
- Denver Broncos: (3-1)
- San Diego Chargers: (4-1)
- San Francisco 49ers: (3-2)
- Philadelphia Eagles: (4-1)
- Dallas Cowboys: (4-1)
- Arizona Cardinals: (3-1)
- Cincinnati Bengals: (3-1)
- Green Bay Packers: (3-2)
- Indianapolis Colts: (3-2)
- Sidney Crosby, Penguins
- Anze Kopitar, Kings
- Jonathan Toews, Blackhawks
- Evgeni Malkin, Penguins
- Steven Stamkos, Lightning
- Drew Doughty, Kings
- Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
- John Tavares, Islanders
- Shea Weber, Predators
- Tuukka Rask, Bruins
The Kansas City Royals was once the laughing stock in baseball, now they are a team that's destined for greatness. This just didn't happen over night, it all started back 29 years ago when they made their last postseason appearance. After that, they had some struggles along the way, but the wait seems to be well worth it for Royals fans. They've been dreaming for this day to come and it's now here.
They are just one game away from reaching the ALCS, but they have to finish off the Los Angeles Angels which had the best record in the majors. With the struggles of their stars, Mike Trout, Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton, the Kansas City Royals look like they can get the sweep at home on Sunday.
Nobody seen this coming and might not be prepared to see a Royals' team in the World Series if that comes to be. Most MLB fans are pushing for a Angels vs. Dodgers World Series. But these are the stories that I love writing about, the underdogs in sports that most just count out. Just to see this team come together as one, with strong pitching and elusive speed on the bases, nothing can stop them but them.
Manager Ned Yost has done a fine job with this club. He made them believe in themselves and that they were worthy to be here. They wanted to clinch a playoff berth weeks before the ending of the season, but it didn't work out that way. They had to fight, scratch and claw to the finish just to get a Wild Card spot.
The Kansas City Royals handled business and beat the Oakland Athletics in a one game take all in extra innings. Let's keep an eye on the Royals pitching. If James Shields and Yordano Ventura can keep pitching lights out, this team will, and I don't hesitate to say they'll go to the World Series.
A second straight season has past and the New York Yankees aren't in the playoffs. There is a lot of blame to go around. We can first start off with the injuries and lack of offense in the rotation. Last year it was the same song and dance. The Yankees' aging players couldn't stay healthy by helping the team in getting back to the playoffs. Many fans are angry and upset, and rightfully so. They expect the best product out on the field every game, and what they've been given was mediocrity.
This season has been focused mainly on the retirement and celebration of Yankees' legend Derek Jeter. So at times throughout the season people even forgot about making the playoffs and just focused on the captain. As a fan, I stayed on course and never took my eye off the prize, but knew that this team isn't that good. With the acquisitions of Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran last offseason, you would've thought they would of been the difference makers. But as we witnessed a tragic season, they were just useless.
Many of the Yankees' players batting average barely could stay above .250. The best bat they had on the team this year was Ichiro Suzuki. He's a aging outfielder that was batting .284 at age 40. If he's going to be your saviour, you aren't going anywhere as a team. Ichiro had a good season and he still can defend the outfield better than most younger players. He's lost a step or two, but without his play the Yankees wouldn't have been in the playoff hunt.
The big story here moving forward is about Alex Rodriguez. He will be eligible to play again for the 2015 season and owner Hal Steinbrenner is welcoming him with open arms. I know A-Rod was probably sitting back laughing and saying to himself "they can't win without me". Just that narcissism he possesses. But the organization definitely can use his bat. Let's see if he has anymore power left in the tank. He might be aging, but I think A-Rod still wants to prove to the world that they made a big mistake counting him out.
All I know is that the Yankees need to upgrade its lineup and soon. We know that they'll spend the money, so as a fanbase we should be optimistic about this team next year.
Kobe Bryant is one of most successful NBA players of all-time, but his success gets overshadowed when he opens his mouth to talk. Bryant just doesn't know how to let things go and move on. He now has brought up the fact that Mike D'Antoni thought different about winning. Come on Kobe, the man is already fired. You got your man in coach Bryon Scott, what else do you want?
Kobe Bryant loves to kick a man when he's down. That's not what he should be doing at this point in his career. Last I remember, he's been sidelined for about two seasons because of injuries. I see when you win titles like Kobe, you can just talk a bunch of bull when need be. The funny thing is, Kobe Bryant is one of my favorite players of all-time. But when he starts to talk I just to tune out.
Everytime you hear Kobe speaks it's usually something negative, and that's not cool. He just doesn't care if he's liked or not, and that's okay. But it's not just about that. When you are a great player in any sport it is your duty to show some class, and I just don't see that with Kobe. It's like he's mad at the world for being this rich superstar or something. I just don't get it.
I would really hate to play on the same team with Kobe because he'll make your life a living hell. I don't care about his talent. Yes, it's about winning a title, but you can't win one alone. To have that chemistry on the floor and in the locker room, you have to be a team guy first. We all know that's not what he's about.
In a quote he said that "if it isn't about winning a championship, then the season was a waste". That's just bothersome to hear because winning a title is very hard as he knows. But only one team can win in a season. So that means everyone else is the loser, but that doesn't mean that the season was a waste. From failures, comes success. You can't get better if you don't fail at times. Do you think coaches come into the season and say "I just want to win the division or the conference and that's it". That's just absurd.
I don't think that the Los Angeles Lakers will be a contender in any type of fashion this season. So we'll see how things unfolds in tinseltown when Kobe doesn't win under Bryron Scott. Will he then throw him under the bus? I think so.
For Kobe Bryant to respect a coach, that coach needs to come in with championship pedigree like Phil Jackson did. If you're ringless that respect is out the door when you say hello. Kobe is the type of player that doesn't want the coach to do his job. Kobe wants to coach the team and play at the same time. You can't have it both ways.
Kobe's talent is off the charts, and I can't wait to see him back on the court this season. I think he'll do very well and put up some really good numbers, and hopefully he can stay healthy and bring the Lakers back to some form of respectability.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around, on why this organization would let their longest-tenured manager after 13 seasons go. Former manager Ron Gardenhire was respected by many around MLB for his class act approach and his game time planning. You can't win if don't have the right players. The Minnesota Twins are notorious for not spending money on big name players.
Ron Gardenhire managed the game the right way by teaching his players about having integrity for the game. He was with the team for a total of 27 years. That's a long time for any person to be with one organization. The last four seasons haven't been the best for him. The Twins had an average of 90 losses per season.
Gardenhire even said, that the team can use a different voice moving forward. Man do I feel sorry for this guy. He didn't deserve this at all. I'm usually looking the other way when I hear of a firing in sports, but come on. I guess you get fired for not having great talent in today's sports.
Ron Gardenhire will find another job in due time, but whoever comes in to replace him in Minnesota has some big shoes to fill. I understand they didn't win a title with him in his 13 seasons, but they don't have the talent. Sometimes the Twins play like a AAA baseball team. You can't win like that in the majors. Gardenhire just got the short end of the stick. This is just the way it is in sports. You can be a very good manager or coach and if you're losing, your out, just like that.
The only credit I'll give to the Minnesota Twins hierarchy, is that general manager Terry Ryan offered Gardenhire a position within the organization. However, Ron Gardenhire declined respectfully because he feels that he still has some more left in the tank to manage. You gotta love this guy.
