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)
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- 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)
