The Jimmy Butler Effect
solev-21 march 2015
The Chicago Bulls have had a much better season than most people expected. With Derrick Rose being Day-To-Day with his various injuries, an opening has come for Chicago Bulls’ Jimmy Butler. Jimmy has always been one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and he is proving his value to the Bulls once again with his team leadership.
Last season, Butler averaged 13.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 2.6 APG in 38.7 MPG. Although these numbers seem pretty good, this season Butler’s numbers have severely increased. This season so far, Butler has been averaging 21.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 3.1 APG in 39.3 MPG. Not only has Butler’s numbers have improved, but so has his leadership on the court. The Chicago Bulls are currently 11-6, with the severe help from Jimmy Butler and newly acquired Pau Gasol.
The Bulls attempted to pay Butler over the offseason, which he reportedly turned down a four year, $40 million extension. Jimmy is really showing the Bulls that he is worth more than that, as he is having the best season of his career currently. Another breakout shooting guard, Klay Thompson agreed to a four-year, about $70 million maximum contract with the Golden State Warriors earlier this season.
Butler can most certainly be worth that much money if he continues to show his team leadership and play as well as he has been playing. Bulls fans should be excited with what they have in store over the next few years, especially with a healthy Derrick Rose.
Last season, Butler averaged 13.1 PPG, 4.9 RPG, and 2.6 APG in 38.7 MPG. Although these numbers seem pretty good, this season Butler’s numbers have severely increased. This season so far, Butler has been averaging 21.9 PPG, 5.7 RPG, and 3.1 APG in 39.3 MPG. Not only has Butler’s numbers have improved, but so has his leadership on the court. The Chicago Bulls are currently 11-6, with the severe help from Jimmy Butler and newly acquired Pau Gasol.
The Bulls attempted to pay Butler over the offseason, which he reportedly turned down a four year, $40 million extension. Jimmy is really showing the Bulls that he is worth more than that, as he is having the best season of his career currently. Another breakout shooting guard, Klay Thompson agreed to a four-year, about $70 million maximum contract with the Golden State Warriors earlier this season.
Butler can most certainly be worth that much money if he continues to show his team leadership and play as well as he has been playing. Bulls fans should be excited with what they have in store over the next few years, especially with a healthy Derrick Rose.
Spurs Looking to Repeat for First Time
solev-21 march 2015
By: Andrew Karns
The Spurs just never go away. They’re like Jason from Friday The 13th. I swear, it’s going to be 2021 and we’re still going to be talking about how many championships Gregg Popovich is winning. They’re the prototype on how to run an NBA franchise, and it shows on the court.
But even after all the championships, it’s hard to believe that the Spurs have never repeated in their franchise’s history. With the new basketball season on the horizon, not much has changed in San Antonio.
The Spurs return their entire roster for this upcoming season, the same roster that ripped through the Miami Heat last year to win their fifth NBA title. Will Kawai Leonard take the next step in becoming an NBA star? Will Manu Ginobili’s body hold up for another Spurs title run? In typical Spurs fashion, Gregg Popovich gave his thoughts.
The Spurs just never go away. They’re like Jason from Friday The 13th. I swear, it’s going to be 2021 and we’re still going to be talking about how many championships Gregg Popovich is winning. They’re the prototype on how to run an NBA franchise, and it shows on the court.
But even after all the championships, it’s hard to believe that the Spurs have never repeated in their franchise’s history. With the new basketball season on the horizon, not much has changed in San Antonio.
The Spurs return their entire roster for this upcoming season, the same roster that ripped through the Miami Heat last year to win their fifth NBA title. Will Kawai Leonard take the next step in becoming an NBA star? Will Manu Ginobili’s body hold up for another Spurs title run? In typical Spurs fashion, Gregg Popovich gave his thoughts.
There’s no real reason to believe the Spurs can’t repeat this year. This is a team that came one fluke play away from winning the NBA title two years ago and last year looked unbeatable.
Anyone who watched the NBA Finals last year can tell you just how good the Spurs are when they’re clicking on all cylinders. Popovich’s team put on an absolute clinic on how the game should be played as the Miami Heat lost by an NBA record amount of points for a Finals series.
The Spurs return everyone and, yes they’re one year older, but that’s what everyone said last year too…. and look what happened. There’s no doubt the Cavs, Thunder, Bulls, and Clippers could give them a run for their money but there’s no doubt that San Antonio should be the favorites until proven otherwise. The Spurs may finally repeat for the first time.
Anyone who watched the NBA Finals last year can tell you just how good the Spurs are when they’re clicking on all cylinders. Popovich’s team put on an absolute clinic on how the game should be played as the Miami Heat lost by an NBA record amount of points for a Finals series.
The Spurs return everyone and, yes they’re one year older, but that’s what everyone said last year too…. and look what happened. There’s no doubt the Cavs, Thunder, Bulls, and Clippers could give them a run for their money but there’s no doubt that San Antonio should be the favorites until proven otherwise. The Spurs may finally repeat for the first time.
Chicago Bulls – The Beast of the East
solev- 21 march 2015
I was watching the Chicago Bulls in a typical Eastern Conference regular season game last night and I experienced something truly amazing… Suddenly, I began to have flashbacks of the dominating years of the Chicago Bulls from the 1990’s. Next, clear visions of another gratifying 3-peat championship danced through my head like a graceful ballerina. The headline read: BULLS 3-PEAT 2015, 2016, 2017!!! Yes, I just got the chills.
Could my childish dream of my favorite team actually become a reality? Are the 2015 Bulls destined to be the next NBA dynasty of the decade? In short, the answer is yes… And here’s why:
1. Tough and Intelligent coaching: During the Bulls hay days, Phil Jackson dominated the 90’s with 6 NBA titles by opposing mental gymnastics onto his opponents with his trademark triangle offense. He was simply a genius. Similarly, Tom Thibodeau is a smart coach. He gets the best out of every single player on his roster whether you are a starter or a benchwarmer. Thibodeau is the best of both worlds: He’s an intelligent coach with tough brass balls. Rumor has it he bench presses 400 lbs! Every year he’s in the running for coach of the year. More importantly, he knows how to win. Thibbs is on pace to lead his (24-10) bulls to their NBA 5th consecutive post season appearance as head coach. The only complaint from his critics is that he forces his players to play too many minutes. Forcing your players to work extremely hard? Sounds like a good problem to have if you ask me.
2. The Bulls roster is DEEP: This team has some real depth to it. Let me clarify… The Bulls’ roster is about as hot and deep as the majestic Grand Canyon a summer afternoon in Late August. To accompany the 5 stud starters (Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol, Mike Duleavy) the Bulls have key role players such as Kirk Hinrich, Aaron Brooks, and Nikola Mirotic. Not to Mention Doug McDermott, who has been compared to the 3-point shooting specialist, John Paxon. I absolutely love watching the Bulls because on any given night one of these bench players could throw up 30 points on the score board. Case and point.
3. Derrick Rose: Now I Know what you probably are thinking… You’re thinking that I’m going to say that Rose is going to transform into his former Superman self and regain his MVP status, right? Wrong! I believe Derrick Rose is going to be one of the pivotal players for the Bulls future success for many years to come because he makes his team mates better. This year, with a healthy Derrick Rose on the court the Bulls have outscored their opponents by 6.4 points per 100 possessions. That’s good enough for the sixth-highest net efficiency rating in the league. With Rose on the floor, that number jumps to 15.4, Per Zach Buckley of Bleacher Reports. Also, Rose demands his opponent’s attention. He creates space on the court for his teammates like Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol to get open and score easy buckets.
Now, I am not saying the modern day Chicago Bulls will ever reach the coveted 72 wins-10 losses record like the historical 95’-96’team did with MJ and Pippen at the helm. But, I do get the feeling that this team has the recipe for many more championship titles to come. This season’s team has all the characteristics of a true championship contender. Their main ingredient for success is simple. Like the head coach says: “DO….. YOUR…. JOB”.
Could my childish dream of my favorite team actually become a reality? Are the 2015 Bulls destined to be the next NBA dynasty of the decade? In short, the answer is yes… And here’s why:
1. Tough and Intelligent coaching: During the Bulls hay days, Phil Jackson dominated the 90’s with 6 NBA titles by opposing mental gymnastics onto his opponents with his trademark triangle offense. He was simply a genius. Similarly, Tom Thibodeau is a smart coach. He gets the best out of every single player on his roster whether you are a starter or a benchwarmer. Thibodeau is the best of both worlds: He’s an intelligent coach with tough brass balls. Rumor has it he bench presses 400 lbs! Every year he’s in the running for coach of the year. More importantly, he knows how to win. Thibbs is on pace to lead his (24-10) bulls to their NBA 5th consecutive post season appearance as head coach. The only complaint from his critics is that he forces his players to play too many minutes. Forcing your players to work extremely hard? Sounds like a good problem to have if you ask me.
2. The Bulls roster is DEEP: This team has some real depth to it. Let me clarify… The Bulls’ roster is about as hot and deep as the majestic Grand Canyon a summer afternoon in Late August. To accompany the 5 stud starters (Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, Jimmy Butler, Pau Gasol, Mike Duleavy) the Bulls have key role players such as Kirk Hinrich, Aaron Brooks, and Nikola Mirotic. Not to Mention Doug McDermott, who has been compared to the 3-point shooting specialist, John Paxon. I absolutely love watching the Bulls because on any given night one of these bench players could throw up 30 points on the score board. Case and point.
3. Derrick Rose: Now I Know what you probably are thinking… You’re thinking that I’m going to say that Rose is going to transform into his former Superman self and regain his MVP status, right? Wrong! I believe Derrick Rose is going to be one of the pivotal players for the Bulls future success for many years to come because he makes his team mates better. This year, with a healthy Derrick Rose on the court the Bulls have outscored their opponents by 6.4 points per 100 possessions. That’s good enough for the sixth-highest net efficiency rating in the league. With Rose on the floor, that number jumps to 15.4, Per Zach Buckley of Bleacher Reports. Also, Rose demands his opponent’s attention. He creates space on the court for his teammates like Jimmy Butler and Pau Gasol to get open and score easy buckets.
Now, I am not saying the modern day Chicago Bulls will ever reach the coveted 72 wins-10 losses record like the historical 95’-96’team did with MJ and Pippen at the helm. But, I do get the feeling that this team has the recipe for many more championship titles to come. This season’s team has all the characteristics of a true championship contender. Their main ingredient for success is simple. Like the head coach says: “DO….. YOUR…. JOB”.
Above and Beyond: Michael Jordan
solev- 20 march 2015
Michael Jordan talks about his return back to the basketball court.
Throwback To Michael Jordan’s Return
solev- 20 march 2015
Take a look back as the league prepared for Michael Jordan’s return to basketball in 1995
Celtics fan takes LeBron dislike seriously
solev-15 march 2015
ALL BALL NERVE CENTER — LeBron James understands it well: As one of the best players in the NBA, he not only has a lot of fans, he also has a ton of haters. Which may mean he gets anti-LeBron signs at a game, or maybe some mean tweets.
But this may be a first: A Jeep in the Boston area not only supports the Celtics, with a collection of stickers and a vanity license plate, but it also advertises hate for LeBron with a spare tire cover featuring a lifelike painting of a crying LeBron James. It’s like a rolling anti-Bronmobile.
But this may be a first: A Jeep in the Boston area not only supports the Celtics, with a collection of stickers and a vanity license plate, but it also advertises hate for LeBron with a spare tire cover featuring a lifelike painting of a crying LeBron James. It’s like a rolling anti-Bronmobile.
Cavs keep pushing with a month to go
solev-15 march 2015
One month to go.
There are 31 days and 242 games left in the regular season. For a lot of teams (some good and some bad), April 15 can't come soon enough. For others, there's still some business to take care of.
The focus will be on the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and the final two playoff spots in the East. But playoff seeding, Lottery odds and coaches jobs are also at stake.
Teams have already started preparing for the postseason by resting key players. But the MVP race might need all of the next 31 days to be sorted out, withStephen Curry, James Harden and LeBron James all making cases that are tough to argue against.
James' Cavs keep rolling, picking up impressive wins in Dallas and San Antonio last week. But they've hit a ceiling at No. 3 in the Power Rankings. There might be a full month left, but the Warriors and Hawks have staked strong claims to those top two spots. And the winner of Wednesday's rematch will likely be No. 1 next week.
* * *
• Last week: Still a clear top two after Hawks thwart Cavs
• This time last year: Streaking Spurs, Clippers stand alone at the top -- The Clippers had won 11 straight games, while the Spurs had won 10 straight. But no streak could match that of the Sixers, who were 20 games into their 26-game losing streak. The Knicks hired Phil Jackson, Andrew Bynum played his only two games as a Pacer, and Carlos Boozer set the standard for being mic'd up during a game.
• Plus-minus stud: Danilo Gallinari (DEN) was a plus-71 in four games last week.
• Plus-minus dud: Kevin Martin (MIN) was a minus-73 in four games last week.
• Hero Team of the Week: Denver (4-0) -- Yeah, the Warriors were shorthanded on Friday. But when you beat Atlanta and Golden State in three days (something only four other teams have done all season) and win in New Orleans in a game the Pelicans absolutely needed and in which Anthony Davisput up 36 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and nine blocks, it's a good week.
• Zero Team of the Week: Minnesota (0-4) -- The 14-win Wolves have put themselves in position to finish with the league's worst record, with a visit to the 13-win Knicks on Thursday.
• High jumps of the week: Denver (+6), Boston (+3), Utah (+3), Washington (+3)
• Free falls of the week: Minnesota (-4), Toronto (-3), Five teams (-2)
• East vs. West: The West is 231 - 164 (0.585) against the East in interconference games and was 17-10 last week (4-0 against Detroit and 4-1 against New York).
• Toughest schedules through Sunday: 1. L.A. Lakers, 2. Sacramento, 3. Philadelphia
• Easiest schedules through Sunday: 1. Indiana, 2. Washington, 3. Atlanta
Schedule strength is based on cumulative opponent record, and adjusted for home vs. away and days of rest before a game.
* * *
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
The league has averaged 96.3 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes and 102.8 points scored per 100 possessions through Sunday.
* * *
NBA.com's Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man's opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, send him an e-mail or contact him via twitter.
There are 31 days and 242 games left in the regular season. For a lot of teams (some good and some bad), April 15 can't come soon enough. For others, there's still some business to take care of.
The focus will be on the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and the final two playoff spots in the East. But playoff seeding, Lottery odds and coaches jobs are also at stake.
Teams have already started preparing for the postseason by resting key players. But the MVP race might need all of the next 31 days to be sorted out, withStephen Curry, James Harden and LeBron James all making cases that are tough to argue against.
James' Cavs keep rolling, picking up impressive wins in Dallas and San Antonio last week. But they've hit a ceiling at No. 3 in the Power Rankings. There might be a full month left, but the Warriors and Hawks have staked strong claims to those top two spots. And the winner of Wednesday's rematch will likely be No. 1 next week.
* * *
• Last week: Still a clear top two after Hawks thwart Cavs
• This time last year: Streaking Spurs, Clippers stand alone at the top -- The Clippers had won 11 straight games, while the Spurs had won 10 straight. But no streak could match that of the Sixers, who were 20 games into their 26-game losing streak. The Knicks hired Phil Jackson, Andrew Bynum played his only two games as a Pacer, and Carlos Boozer set the standard for being mic'd up during a game.
• Plus-minus stud: Danilo Gallinari (DEN) was a plus-71 in four games last week.
• Plus-minus dud: Kevin Martin (MIN) was a minus-73 in four games last week.
• Hero Team of the Week: Denver (4-0) -- Yeah, the Warriors were shorthanded on Friday. But when you beat Atlanta and Golden State in three days (something only four other teams have done all season) and win in New Orleans in a game the Pelicans absolutely needed and in which Anthony Davisput up 36 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists and nine blocks, it's a good week.
• Zero Team of the Week: Minnesota (0-4) -- The 14-win Wolves have put themselves in position to finish with the league's worst record, with a visit to the 13-win Knicks on Thursday.
• High jumps of the week: Denver (+6), Boston (+3), Utah (+3), Washington (+3)
• Free falls of the week: Minnesota (-4), Toronto (-3), Five teams (-2)
• East vs. West: The West is 231 - 164 (0.585) against the East in interconference games and was 17-10 last week (4-0 against Detroit and 4-1 against New York).
• Toughest schedules through Sunday: 1. L.A. Lakers, 2. Sacramento, 3. Philadelphia
• Easiest schedules through Sunday: 1. Indiana, 2. Washington, 3. Atlanta
Schedule strength is based on cumulative opponent record, and adjusted for home vs. away and days of rest before a game.
* * *
Pace: Possessions per 48 minutes (League Rank)
OffRtg: Points scored per 100 possessions (League Rank)
DefRtg: Points allowed per 100 possessions (League Rank)
NetRtg: Point differential per 100 possessions (League Rank)
The league has averaged 96.3 possessions (per team) per 48 minutes and 102.8 points scored per 100 possessions through Sunday.
* * *
NBA.com's Power Rankings, released every Monday during the season, are just one man's opinion. If you have an issue with the rankings, or have a question or comment for John Schuhmann, send him an e-mail or contact him via twitter.