10 NHL Players Whose Production Will Drop in 2017
December 19th, 2016 by Lyle Richardson No comments »
Chicago Blackhawks right wing Marian Hossa tore through the first two months of the 2016-17 season. With 16 goals in 33 games, he's on pace for 40 goals this season. Unfortunately, Hossa's among several players whose production could drop over the remainder of this season.
For veterans such as Hossa, age and injury history could catch up with them. Players putting up unusually high numbers—such as Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Marchessault—could struggle to maintain their present levels of production. Rookies such as Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine could find it difficult adjusting to the grueling demands of their first NHL campaigns.
Here's a look at 10 NHL players whose production will decline in 2017. Feel free to express your opinion on this topic in the comments section. Begin Slideshow
Clint Capela Injury: Rockets Center Suffers Broken Fibula
December 19th, 2016 by Mike Chiari No comments »
Center Clint Capela is on the rise for the Houston Rockets, but the third-year player will reportedly be out for at least a few weeks with a leg injury.
On Tuesday, the Rockets announced that Capela suffered a broken fibula and will be reevaluated in four weeks, per Sam Amick of USA Today.
Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston reported that Capela will be out for six weeks.
Capela commented on the injury, via Berman:
I will be okay. It happens. So now I'm just focused on the treatment, rehab stuff. I think I can be back pretty soon. The doctor, he said like a month and then after that it depends on how I am dealing with the pain. I'm just focused on trying to reduce the pain as much as I can. I'm pretty sure it's going to be less than six weeks.
Capela was hurt Saturday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The 22-year-old Switzerland ...
NBA Adds Players, Media Votes to All-Star Game Selections
December 19th, 2016 by Tyler Conway No comments »
The NBA All-Star Game starting lineups are no longer just a popularity contest. Starting with the 2017 contest in New Orleans, the NBA will combine fan voting with ballots cast by players and media members to determine the Eastern and Western starters.
Fan voting will continue to comprise 50 percent of the formula used to determine the starters. Player voting will account for 25 percent, while a select number of media members will cast their votes and determine the other quarter of the total.
Fan voting had determined the starting lineups in both conferences since the 1974-75 season. Head coaches will continue to vote to decide the reserves.
Players will be allowed to vote for themselves and teammates. This differs from the policy for head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
The NBA's rule is somewhat similar to one adopted by the NFL. Fan voting accounts for one-third of the total ...
DeShawn Stevenson Retires: Latest Comments and Reaction
December 19th, 2016 by Tyler Conway No comments »
More than three years after he played his last NBA game, DeShawn Stevenson has formally announced his retirement.
Stevenson spoke to Chris Haynes of ESPN.com about the decision Monday, saying he'd held out hope for one more NBA season but was ready to call it quits.
"I'm happy with where I'm at and proud of what I gave to the game. It's time to move on," he said.
The 35-year-old last played for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2012-13 season. He played for six teams across a 13-year career, averaging 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists. Drafted 23rd overall by the Utah Jazz in 2000, he was part of the prep-to-pro generation that eventually led to the NBA establishing a one-and-done rule.
Stevenson never became a star, but he spent the majority of his career as a starter who could bring some athleticism and ability to stretch the floor from the 2 spot. ...
Lakers News: Latest on Roster Makeup and Brandon Ingram’s Development
December 19th, 2016 by Timothy Rapp No comments »
After 30 games, it's safe to say we have a good idea of what the Los Angeles Lakers will be this season.
Exciting. Flawed. Loaded with potential. More than likely not a playoff team, though that should have been the expectation coming into the season, right?
Right. And with the Lakers slumping to an 11-19 record after a 7-5 record to start the season—even if injuries have played a factor—that expectation seems to be aligned with reality.
After all, the Lakers have a new head coach in Luke Walton. The team is a blend of young, potential stars (D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr.) and complementary veterans (Lou Williams, Nick Young, Luol Deng, Timofey Mozgov). And it hasn't quite figured out how to play defense yet (110.5 points allowed per game, 27th in the NBA).
But the Lakers' young talent is unmistakable, they are fun to watch given the exciting ...
NBA’s 10 Best Games of the Week, December 19-25
December 19th, 2016 by Andy Bailey No comments »
The coming week of NBA basketball features a number of intriguing matchups and is culminated by a Christmas Day slate to complement any family feast.
The highlight that Sunday is a rematch of the 2016 NBA Finals, as the Golden State Warriors head to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers, but it's not the only great game of the week.
Work your way through the slideshow to see the best upcoming matchups, and be sure to leave predictions and omissions in the comment section.Begin Slideshow
Florida Panthers Owner Vincent Viola Nominated as Secretary of Army
December 19th, 2016 by Tyler Conway No comments »
Billionaire financial magnate and Florida Panthers owner Vincent Viola was named Secretary of the Army by President-elect Donald Trump on Monday.
"We are honored and humbled to see Mr. Viola nominated as the Secretary of the Army. We could not be more proud for Vinnie and his dedication to our country," Panthers president and CEO Matthew Caldwell said in a statement.
The Panthers will remain owned by the Viola family, but Vincent Viola will not have an active day-to-day role with the franchise. Douglas A. Cifu will take over Viola's role as chairman and governor of Sunrise Sports and Entertainment.
"Our hockey team has always been proud to be part of Mr. Viola's legacy. We admire his dedication to his country and are excited to watch him pursue this new endeavor," president of hockey operations Dale Tallon said.
Viola graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1977. He served in the 101st Airborne Division while in active duty ...
NBA Rumors: Latest Trade Buzz on Nerlens Noel, John Wall and More
December 19th, 2016 by Timothy Rapp No comments »
The rumor mill is starting to crank up, even if only the same few players seem to be powering it. Below, we'll break down some of the juicier buzz around the NBA.
Nerlens Noel, C, Philadelphia 76ers
Perhaps you've heard by now that the Philadelphia 76ers have a glut of young centers and not enough playing time to accommodate all of them. After all, Nerlens Noel's anguished cries can be heard throughout the Association.
After playing in just eight minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers Friday night—with Joel Embiid playing 29 and Jahlil Okafor playing 24—Noel unleashed the full measure of his discontent upon reporters.
"I’m not an eight-minute player, so I don’t know what that’s about," he said, per Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly. "I don’t really care. I need to be on the court playing basketball. I think I’m too good to be playing eight minutes. Like, no, that’s crazy. That’s crazy. That’s ...
The NBA’s Biggest Busts So Far This Season
December 19th, 2016 by Dan Favale No comments »
Not everything goes according to plan over the course of an NBA season. Teams know this; they brace for it.
Sometimes, though, there is no preparing for certain flops.
A few squads bomb in one aspect of the game—be it offense, defense, depth or something else. Other teams are all-purpose letdowns that fail to meet the most basic expectations.
In some cases, it's a player who goes bust. Guys fail to stay healthy after a big payday. Others are available and just plain stinking up the joint.
The severity of these setbacks is relative to preseason expectations. Every slump—indefinite or temporary—warrants extensive concern, but some are much more damning to a team's big picture.Begin Slideshow
Gregg Popovich and Spurs Stars Recall Tim Duncan’s Exemplary Career
December 19th, 2016 by Mike Monroe No comments »
SAN ANTONIO — Gregg Popovich arrived at Tim Duncan's jersey retirement ceremony well prepared. In his suit coat pocket were several tissues, folded neatly, just in case.
The San Antonio Spurs coach nearly needed them when he expressed 20 years' worth of gratitude for what he understands was the singular trait that made Duncan one of the greatest leaders in the history of basketball.
Popovich coaches hard, from the top of the roster to the bottom. And it helps to have a certain kind of team leader when you demand perfection, often at full volume.
In David Robinson, he had a fellow military academy graduate who understood command structure. In Duncan, he discovered a humble superstar, without ego or hint of attitude, willing to be an example for every teammate.
Trying to explain this to a sellout crowd at the Sunday ceremony at the AT&T Center that followed the Spurs' 113-100 win over the New ...