KD’s Injury At A Glance: How It Impacts His Career And 2019 Free Agency Altogether

KD’s Injury At A Glance: How It Impacts His Career And 2019 Free Agency Altogether

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by | Jun 13, 2019 | Featured, NBA

By now, NBA fans have collectively looked at the myriad of the open free agency period at a glance, and have had a chance to take a step back, breathe, and process just what exactly has happened to the free agency picture set to unravel itself. A somber air has descended on the NBA universe with Warriors fans and fans of Kevin Durant’s impact on basketball itself feeling dejected over the ruptured Achilles suffered by the 10-time All-Star, 2-time champion, and 2-time Finals MVP.

However, Durant’s surgery went swimmingly, as proclaimed in his most recent Instagram post. He and his camp have been led on to believe that the road to recovery is just another setback to comeback in the superstar’s turbulent life and career, and indeed a comeback it will be for Durant.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Byn0c6NjoQq/

The thing is, the NBA business has always been wrapped up in this ideology of career-altering tendon tears to be the No. 1 looming fear factor when determining if it is safe or not to take a chance on “damaged goods”. Guys who were accustomed to putting up gaudy numbers in prior years leading up to their deteriorating health are scoffed at when max contract debates arise.

Take Durant’s first-year accomplice DeMarcus Cousins into consideration here. A proverbial 25 ppg back-to-the-basket center that averaged a double-double was a lock as the best center in the game. One simple chase of an offensive rebound resulted in an Achilles rupture and as he became a free agent in the months after, 29 teams willfully repealed any advancements of agreements to sign the 5-time All-Star. In an ironic twist, Cousins was offered a measly 1-year deal from the Warriors to solidify Golden State’s run at a three-peat with the final piece necessary to complete their championship puzzle: a reliable center.

NBA fans seldom forget the evening that Cousins was signed the Warriors, but broadly asked one question: did everyone refuse to jump the gun to sign Cousins because of risk of re-injury, all while ignoring the productivity and the type of effort he would bring for all 48 minutes every night?

It should be left unmentioned on how Durant impacts his team — better yet, the entire league — whenever he is on the floor. A pioneer of sorts to a new style a play barely a decade old, a style of play for athletes gifted with a lengthy wingspan and tall, slender figures to be a versatile threat to not only be as effective as a wing shooter and slasher but effortlessly guard all positions. He’s been a lesson to up-and-coming AAU talents, high school standouts and collegiate prospects alike, by teaching them the importance of diversifying your game if your body frame matches that of the now-defined stretch big in the current NBA.

It has been reported that only three teams want to take a low-risk, high reward gamble on a man widely depicted as the best player on the planet and offer him a max contract this offseason. Aside from Golden State possibly keeping him around, let’s take a look at the suitors Durant would most likely settle for as soon as July 1st comes around.

KD’s Impact On The Free Agent Market: His Career

I mean, we are still talking about the most dangerous scorer on the face of the earth in KD, and a player of his caliber is undoubtedly deserving of a max deal. But the offering of max contract money to a great-but-slightly-aging all-star that will miss the entire 2019-20 season can sound a little intimidating to a team’s cap situation, regardless if they can handle the cap hit or not.

Also, if you were to account the recovery time it takes to completely heal an Achilles tear and Durant’s return to what he has been so far in his career, you may be paying a player like that so much money only to have him potentially underperform for the rest of his career. Yes, once(or if) he returns to full health, he will be 32 entering what may be the tail end of a prosperous career. Yet, despite the egregious nature of Durant’s injury, three teams do not appear to sound afraid to deal Durant that frugal contract.

The Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets have emerged as suitors to KD upon hearing the news on his injury. Granted, Durant can still opt into his $31.5 million players option with Golden State in the efforts to sign a max deal. The Clippers present Durant with the opportunity to lead a young and budding roster mixed with veteran leadership and talented pieces both in their starting 5 and bench. Plus, he would have that full year of rehabilitation in a conducive environment, all without belonging to that other, more dysfunctional side of Los Angeles basketball.

But then again, there’s been year-round speculation that Durant views New York City as a business venture and primary destination, but not for the side of the Big Apple that you think. Whatever team Durant chooses to go to if he leaves the Warriors this offseason, teams looking at Durant will likely be rebuilding for the 2020-2021 season and beyond.

KD’s Impact On The Free Agent Market: Other Notable Free Agents Affected

On the topic of New York, uniting with his good friend Kyrie Irving would not seem that bad of an idea. It is very much so expected that Irving’s days in Celtic Green are just about done, considering that he recently opted out of his player’s option with the Celtics to become an unrestricted free agent. It has been reported by multiple sources and some certain TV personalities that Irving is leaning towards heading back home to the tri-state area to join the Brooklyn Nets, and would love the opportunity to play with Durant.

But after catching wind of Durant’s injury and its severity, it is very unclear as to what Irving wants to do once July 1st hits. For all we know, Irving could do a complete 180 and reunite with his buddy LeBron with the LA Lakers. This also affects the Nets’ current all-star in D’Angelo Russell, who was predicted to be on the trade block a couple of weeks ago. The possibility for the Nets to have either two All-Stars, or none at all is a real one.

This affects other free agent destinations, especially the New York Knicks. The Knicks were long looked at to be the next franchise to host a superteam, and with the 3rd overall pick in the 2019 draft, they still possess some bargaining chips such as a couple of max free agent slots.

But now, with Durant’s injury and a lowered chance of landing Anthony Davis this offseason since AD is looking to primarily be a Laker, the hype for the Mecca may have completely died down. They have the money and the market to possibly lure Kawhi Leonard if he leaves Toronto, after getting them to their first NBA Finals. Still, little is known about Kawhi’s wishes once the offseason begins.

Predetermining KD’s effectiveness post-Achilles surgery could all be an improper passing of judgment. There have been some big names that ended up returning to prominence after an Achilles tear. Dominique Wilkins tore his Achilles in his 10th year in the league, and then came back to earn Comeback Player of The Year Honors the year after, averaging 27 points per game.

That is, after all, what NBA fans can only hope for, to see one of the greatest scorers to ever play the game come back after such a gruesome end to his 2018-19 season, all while proving all those who are writing him off, and will write him off, for the remaining and ensuing calendar year to come.

Jun 13, 2019 No Comments
The Supreme x Air Jordan 14 Is A Stud

The Supreme x Air Jordan 14 Is A Stud

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by | Jun 13, 2019 | Featured, Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Both Supreme and Jordan Brand are known for their rich history of collaboration and this may be one of their boldest yet. Supreme had to reach down deep into the annals of history for their Air Jordan 14.

The legendary Air Jordan 14 gets a makeover inspired by an obscure picture of His Airness himself. Caught creeping out from the Bulls practice facility during his first stint in retirement donning a black studded jacket and his signature bootcut jeans, the Supreme x Air Jordan 14 is blessed the aforementioned studs.

The black/blue colorway is reminiscent of his ostentatious jacket whereas the white/red pair is reflective of the classic Bulls colorway. Supreme’s signature box logo dances with the Jordan branding appearing on the tongue, the enamel shield badge, and on the heel right above the iconic number 23. The chromed out midfoot plate ties the whole look together. The studded shoe gives me major Margiela vibes and it exudes rockstar energy.

Get ready for the madness to ensue because these bad boys drop today on the Supreme website and will retail for $248. Happy hunting and good luck copping.

Jun 13, 2019 No Comments
New England Patriots File Tampering Charges Against Houston Texans

New England Patriots File Tampering Charges Against Houston Texans

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by | Jun 12, 2019 | Featured, NFL

Early Wednesday morning news broke that the Houston Texans had requested to interview New England Patriots director of player personnel, Nick Caserio for their newly vacant general manager position. This isn’t the first time that Houston came sniffing around New England’s front office. In January of 2018, the Texans made a request to speak with Caserio that the Patriots swiftly denied.

This time around it seems as if Bill O’Brien and Houston were not taking no for an answer. Without receiving the official okay from New England, rumor has it that the Patriots believe that the Texans have tampered in their pursuit of Caserio. The connection, former Patriots chaplain and current Houston executive vice president of player development, Jack Easterby. Easterby was present at New England’s Super Bowl ring ceremony on Friday–the same night that the Texans announced they were firing general manager Brian Gaine after one year on the job.

If New England feels that Easterby had conversations with Caserio about the Texans opening that could verify filing tampering charges. According to the NFL’s anti-tampering policy: “Any interference by a member club with the employer-employee relationship of another club or any attempt by a club to impermissibly induce a person to seek employment with that club or with the NFL.”

Caserio is a critical part of New England’s front office, while Bill Belichick has the title of general manager and often has the final say in decisions, Caserio is easily the Robin to his Batman. In a December 2014 interview, Belichick said Caserio, “contributes in a lot of different ways and I’m glad I have him. I need him.” In 2017 Belichick noted that Caserio’s impact in coaching and scouting are part of his “rare” role that he couldn’t envision another person in the NFL being able to pull it off. The last time the Patriots gave an opposing team permission to interview Caserio for a front office position was in 2014 when the Miami Dolphins requested it.

Caserio received a finance degree from John Carroll University–aka Patriots U; six members of New England’s staff attended John Carroll including offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. The ties to the lone organization the 43-year-old has worked for are deep and strong, however, with the league flush with cash Caserio could be attempting to gauge his value in the open market. Houston, led by two former Patriot employees (Easterby and O’Brien) would definitely have to pay up to steal him away, but having familiarity with the higher-ups already in place and a talented roster are big bonuses for the Texans in their chase of Caserio.

With New England not committing to allowing Houston to speak with Caserio it’s likely that he remains with the Patriots and sees either a pay raise or a change of title. Either way, it’s clear that New England feels that Houston has crossed the line in their attempts to get Caserio to speak to them. With multiple black spots on their franchise resume, it will be interesting to see how this plays out for the Patriots. After “Spygate” and “Deflategate” finally settled into the back of the collective fans’ minds, are we about to enter “Interviewgate”? Only time will tell.

Jun 12, 2019 No Comments
Cavs Make Historic Coaching Hire

Cavs Make Historic Coaching Hire

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by | Jun 12, 2019 | Featured, NBA

The Cleveland Cavaliers can make that two recent hirings from collegiate programs on their coaching staff in a three-month period. In what has been a monumental hiring in quite some time, the Cavs hired the University of California-Berkeley women’s head coach Lindsay Gottlieb as an assistant coach to update and improve the coaching core of the franchise.

Gottlieb — a Final Four and seven-time NCAA tournament head coach for the Golden Bears — is the first women’s collegiate head coach recruited to an NBA staff. In her eight seasons as the Bears’ head coach, she constructed a 179-78 record while also getting some of her girls to the WNBA.

Gottlieb will sign a 4-year deal with the Cavs, and it is reported that she will serve a prominent role alongside fellow Assistant Coach JB Bickerstaff and newly-appointed head coach John Beilein, who formerly served in the same position for over a decade at the University of Michigan. Since San Antonio’s assistant coach Becky Hammon had such a quick rise to prominence, Commissioner Adam Silver has been determined for the rest of the league to be open to welcoming more female coaches into its ranks, and Gottlieb’s stature, success and coaching credentials are unprecedented among women’s coaches in the NBA.

The initial idea to bring an experienced and tenured female head coach as part of the coaching staff was brought into play and pitched to Beilein by Cavaliers General Manager Koby Altman, sources said. Beilein got wind of Gottlieb’s potential impact on the overall team environment and became determined to bring her talents to Cleveland, and a deal was made with Gottlieb and her agent, Bret Just of CAA on Tuesday night.

Before her days as a head coach at a major D1 program, Gottlieb had a 56-39 record with an NCAA bid in her three seasons as the head coach at the University of California-Santa Barbara. She’s also been featured on the coaching staff for several national teams for USA Basketball.

As it stands, Gottlieb is the eighth female assistant coach to be hired in the NBA, but her signing is historical in the fact that she comes from a Power 5 conference team that is known for their consistent top-25 presence and a gratuitous college salary that has eclipsed over $700,000. She is expected to make an immediate presence with the Cavaliers to either share a player development or assistant coaching role.

Gottlieb is no stranger to the NBA whatsoever. She was a habitual visitor to Golden State Warriors practices, courtesy to head coach Steve Kerr and general manager, Bob Myers. She was also spotted at the LA Clippers’ training camp last year.

As the Cavaliers prepare for their impending top-5 pick in the draft on June 20, a possibility that could turn into reality is that Gottlieb will be on the summer league staff in June into July.

Jun 12, 2019 No Comments
Carolina Panthers Spotlight Cam Newton’s Return to the Field

Carolina Panthers Spotlight Cam Newton’s Return to the Field

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by | Jun 11, 2019 | Featured, NFL

After starting the season 6-2 the Carolina Panthers looked well on their way to becoming one of the top teams in the NFL. The reason? Quarterback Cam Newton was setting the league ablaze in his first year operating within offensive coordinator, Norv Turner’s system. Newton had logged 15 touchdowns to just four interceptions. If that production had remained level for the rest of the season Newton could’ve challenged Patrick Mahomes in the 2018 NFL MVP race.

Yet, the Panthers lost six of their final seven games and ultimately missed the playoffs. What changed during the second half of the season? Cam Newton’s health. The team reported in Week 16 that he had been experiencing pain in his throwing shoulder and with Carolina’s postseason hopes all but gone they opted to rest the face of the franchise for the remainder of the season. By then, Newton petered off and finished with 24 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on the year.

Newton would undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right shoulder nearly a month later on January 24th. It would be his second shoulder surgery–rotator cuff surgery in March 2017–in as many years, doubt was seeping in around the organization of what the future would look like for their superstar quarterback. The Panthers would even select West Virginia quarterback Will Grier in the third round this spring.

On Tuesday, Carolina opened up their three-day mandatory minicamp and nonetheless, there was Cam on the field, dressed, and tossing the ball around. The Panthers live-streamed a 27-minute portion of their first day, highlighting Newton being involved in warmups and three drills.

It is obviously great news that Newton is on the field and throwing a ball less than five months after surgery, however, Newton was still slightly limited. The pecking order for reps went as follows: Will Grier, Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Cam. Also during the drills shown Newton was selective in the attempts he took. Newton connected with D.J. Moore (twice), Chris Hogan (twice), Curtis Samuel, and Greg Olsen on a combination of shorter routes (hitches, quick outs, drags, and speed ins).

Word out of Carolina is that he’s limited right now to throwing to stationary targets only. The feeling is that the team doesn’t want to stress the shoulder so early into his recovery with throws that would put more force and wear on the surgically repaired shoulder. The Panthers felt that before Newton was sidelined for the final two games a year ago that when he was healthy he showed great progress in the footwork department and had the requisite zip and tight spiral on his throws.

It is unknown whether or not Carolina will choose to stream a portion of practice for the remainder of their minicamp, but even if they don’t, this short glimpse of Cam on the field served its purpose. Though the attempts were few and far between and the reps didn’t always come with the first-team, Newton looked like his usual self. He was bouncing around, dancing, laughing, talking, being an energetic and exuberant presence that the team could rally around.

The Panthers firmly believe that they have the necessary pieces around Newton to be an elite team. In the end, it won’t matter how great those players are if Cam can’t get back and stay on the field.

Jun 11, 2019 No Comments
Colorful Flyknit Air Jordan Retros and Nike Shox Making a Comeback? Sneaker releases to lookout for this week

Colorful Flyknit Air Jordan Retros and Nike Shox Making a Comeback? Sneaker releases to lookout for this week

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by | Jun 11, 2019 | Featured, Sneaker Releases, Sneakers

Does Nike have a chance at trying to revive their tried-and-true Nike Shox line? What was once the dominant sneaker choice of the early 2000’s (in terms of performance) is now going to make a resurgence as a lifestyle shoe. Just yesterday, the Swoosh released the Nike Shox R4 “White Flash” in a white/black/volt colorway ($140). Perhaps more intriguing and widely appealing is their limited June 13th release of the Comme des Garcons x Nike Shox TL in the “Triple White” and “Triple Black” color schemes. Is this collaborative effort with CDG enough to put Nike Shox back on peoples’ cop lists or should the Shox fad remain a thing of the past? Both colorways of the Comme des Garcons x Nike Shox TL will retail for $350 each.

       

 

The wildly charismatic and unpredictable Odell Beckham Jr is getting his own release of the Nike Air Max 720 model. Dressed in multi-color/hyper pink there’s no way to look at this shoe other than it matches OBJ’s persona to a T. This shoe has a special release on June 12th at overseas retailer Solebox Berlin (limited to 20 pairs) but then will have a worldwide release on June 21st. They will retail for $200.

         

 

Streetwear brand Supreme will once again be collaborating with Jordan Brand on their joint release of two colorways of the Air Jordan 14 set to come out on the 13th. Inspired by an outfit Michael Jordan wore in the 90’s, these sneakers feature studded jewels on the side panels on top of a black/varsity royal and white/university red color blocking. Each pair will run you $248.

             

 

If you want your feet to pop and stand out this summer look no further than any colorway in the Air Jordan 4 Flyknit pack. Flyknit Jordan retros have never been hit with much fanfare, so are these Retro 4’s just in line to receive the same treatment? Even on social media platforms people are saying, “I’ll cop when they hit outlets,” or, “I’d only wear if they were given to me for free.” These sayings are somewhat accurate as the fly knit Jordan 1’s and 3’s hit numerous outlets and don’t receive much praise from sneaker aficionados. Maybe the vibrant color pallets featured on these four pairs will sway peoples’ judgements? The Air Jordan 4 Flyknit release on June 14th in “Hyper Royal”, “University Red”, “Volt”, and “Total Orange.” Each pair will have a $220 price tag.

 

           

 

 

 

 

Jun 11, 2019 No Comments