Where Will Sixers’ Doug Collins Put Focus?

When the Sixers welcomed center Andrew Bynum into the fold a little over a week ago, (coach Doug) Collins wasted no time saying that (Evan) Turner, Jrue Holiday, and Bynum were surefire starters. It is yet to be determined whether Turner will start at shooting guard or in Andre Iguodala’s old small forward spot.
However, while Turner’s development is still paramount to the Sixers, heightened expectations for the upcoming season will put the focus elsewhere.
There are those who look at the Sixers’ current roster and suggest the team could rise as high as the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. And for this to happen, Collins has to quickly mesh his pieces. He must take a big-picture approach and move away from the micromanagement of Turner.
Marked improvement by Turner, especially if it were to occur this season, Turner’s third, would prove to be incalculably beneficial to the Sixers.But don’t expect him to get the teacher’s pet attention he has seen in the past. The Sixers’ goals moving forward are a little bit too big for that.

$315 shoe. You have a problem with it?

 NBA BEATS - This shoe sure is getting alot of attention. Some people are saying the company(NIKE) should be responsible for people buying the shoe who can not afford it. They say because a kid gets killed or jumped because of his shoes it is on the company that made the shoe. Some even say Lebron is at fault. He should know kids look up to him. Please that is hogwash. Those are the people that blame Remington for their gun being used in a murder. You can not blame a company for what individuals do. They do not have to buy the shoe. The accusation is right on though. Don't get me wrong in a perfect world shoes should not be 300 bucks, at least not yet. All companies try to make the most money they can. That should be what they are trying to do. It is the game of life. Try to succeed. I hope that is part of what drives people. Notice I said part. I sure hope that is not the only thing driving people. But it should be one of the things. Nike is trying to do the best they can. That is a not a bad thing. I would hate people to critize me for try to do the best I can. It is just to bad that the people that will buy it are the people who can't afford it. I don't want it. I don't want it because I am not a Lebron guy. I like players who can shoot.


No shoe is worth $315,unless you are Carrie from Sex In The City.
But back to reality, there’s been a lot of immediate yada-yada over the $315 LeBron James basketball shoe that will be released by Nike Inc. in the fall.
It would be the most expensive sneaker ever.
Reaction has been swift and punitive: The president of the National Urban League says “To release such an outrageously overpriced product while the nation is struggling to overcome an unemployment crisis is insensitive at best.”
Please.
The $315 price tag is insane, for sure, but is it much different than an adidas Chicago Bulls Revolution 30 Custom Authentic Alternate Jersey that sells for as much as $289.99? Or a Peyton Manning jersey that sells for $99.99? Or an Alex Rodriguez authentic road jersey that sells for $184.99?

Del Negro Expects Paul Back During Camp

Any fears Clippers fans might have about All-Star point guard Chris Paul having surgery Tuesday to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb should be put to rest, according to Coach Vinny Del Negro.
He wanted to reassure fans that Paul “will be all right” and will “resume all basketball activities” after being sidelined for about eight weeks.
It’s possible that Paul could be back sometime during training camp, which starts Oct. 1.
“I don’t want to put an exact date on it,” Del Negro said. “When he’s ready to play, he’ll play. But I expect him back sometime during training camp. I don’t know when, but the most important thing is to get ready for the start of the season.”

NBA BEATS - After watching the clippers in the playoffs I came to realize that they are not that great. Mostly because of Blake Griffin. He just is not that good. He is to passive. He should not be a superstar.The man can dunk. We know that. But that is why he is so well known. I would rather have Al Jefferson. Don't get me wrong. Griffin is good. There is not many players I would want over him. I am just a Jefferson fan. I would rather have Jefferson. I would be surprised if the clippers make it to the finals. But I am wrong quite a bit. Just my to cents.

Report: Boston Celtics Sign Jeff Green

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed free agent forward Jeff Green. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are thrilled to be able to have Jeff back with the Celtics,” said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations. “Jeff’s versatility on offense and ability to guard players out on the perimeter is something that we are looking forward to having on the court this season.”

Can Thunder Afford to Extend Eric Maynor?

Eric Maynor. Remember him?
Maynor is seeking an extension to his rookie contract with the Thunder, just like Serge Ibaka and James Harden. However, Maynor’s name often gets dropped when trying to decipher the Thunder’s trilogy of contracts.
Retaining Maynor ranks third among the trio, but he is not a throwaway player. He unquestionably has worth.
What about Maynor? In what future financial neighborhood will he reside? Will it be $14 million for four years? $16 million? $18 million? Higher? Lower?
Extending Maynor’s contract might not be financially feasible given Ibaka’s deal and what Harden’s potential deal could be.

NBA BEATS - Eric Maynor defineltly has some value. He is a nice player. I just don't see how OKC can afford to keep all these guys. He seems like one that may have to go. I would like my hometown team to pick him up.

Ibaka Deal Opens Door to Suns for Harden?

News that Serge Ibaka reached agreement on a four-year contract with Oklahoma City should catch the attention of Suns fans.
The amount of the deal, $48 million, will make it trickier for the Thunder to secure James Harden, who could command a maximum contract as a restricted free agent after the 2012-13 season. That could open the door for the Suns, who have maintained $15 million in cap space for next summer’s free-agency period and who have expressed interest in Harden behind the scenes.
Much will hinge on what becomes important to Harden. No one could fault him for chasing the money if a max deal (roughly $60 million over four years) is offered. But would the appeal of sticking it out with his Thunder teammates make him willing to stay for say, $52 million?
Harden’s mom lives in the Valley and the player has said he still has great affection for the area.

NBA BEATS - I sure hope so. I live in Mesa, AZ. So I would love to see Harden in the valley of the sun. He did attend college here. I don't think he can be a number one option on a team. But he is the perfect role player. And he definetly should be starting. He is to good to come off the bench.

Hornets the Next Up-and-Coming Team?

With New Orleans Hornets rookie forward Anthony Davis set to make his debut this upcoming season and the average age of their core players only 24 years old, the team appears to have taken the appropriate steps this summer to achieve long-term sustainability. Several former NBA players, who were in New Orleans this past weekend for the National Basketball Retired Players Association’s conference, said they believe the Hornets could become the next emerging team in the Western Conference because of their young talent.
“The direction the Hornets are in right now is really positive,” former Utah Jazz forward Stephen Howard said. “I think General Manager Dell Demps has done a tremendous job trying to build them into a team that will contend day in and day out.”
When the Hornets open training camp in October, their roster will include eight new players. Davis was the No. 1 draft pick in NBA draft in June after winning a national championship as a freshman with Kentucky in April.

NBA BEATS - I agree, Hornets could be a up and coming team. But I wouldn't say the General Manager or the organization did a good job. It is called getting the number one pick. That is why this is being said about them.