Best of the Week: Kyrie Irving, Rudy Gay & more
Oct 23, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans power forward Anthony Davis (23) against the Miami Heat during the second half of a preseason game at New Orleans Arena. The Heat defeated the Pelicans 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Each week, the internet blows up with basketball writing from a number of sources. And each week, Right Down Euclid co-editor Chris Manning will be compiling them for you reading pleasure, starting with the best from Right Down Euclid and moving on to the entire NBA. This week features…. Have a suggestion? Tweet Chris @cwmwrites or e-mail him at christopherwmanning@gmail.com.
The Best From RDE
Cleveland Cavaliers Player Profile: Sergey Karasev by Trevor Magnotti
Our own Trevor Magnotti breaks down one of the most intriguing players on the Cavaliers roster, rookie Sergey Karasev. As he notes, he’s an ideal fit for the Wine & Old offensively.
Tuesday’s With RDE: Episode 49 by Trevor Magnotti & Chris Manning
In this week’s of Tuesday’s With RDE, Magnotti joined me to discuss all things NBA. Specifically, we talked about the Cavaliers second scoring option, our dream NBA Final & also a Portlandia reference.
Major Headlines
Danny Granger unlikely to play when Pacers open regular season Tuesday via Indianapolis Star
Danny Granger, in my opinion, is one of the more interesting players/story lines heading into this NBA season. If he can get on the court, he’s only going to make the Pacers that much better. And there is also the possibility that he could be traded due to A) the emergence of Paul George and B) the fact that his contact his going to expire. Let the fun begin.
Mike Miller mulling lawsuit against Heat via Miami Herald
Just a few months ago, Mike Miller was a key part of the Heat’s rotation and now he’s likely going to be suing the Heat for him losing money to a con man. Absolutely wild.
Here’s your first Kevin Durant D.C. semi-rumor via Bullets Forever
Granted, this is very speculative but if Adrian Wojnarowksi says that, in a few years, he could see Kevin Durant leaving Oklahoma City and playing for his hometown team. Now, two questions: First, is John Wall, Bradley Beal and Durant a better core than Russell Westbrook? And two, who is more likely to leave their current team, Durant or LeBron James?
76ers cut Royce White, 3 others
Royce White, a first round pick just a year ago, was cut by the NBA’s worst team and has now been cast off by two NBA franchises. One must ask: Is his career over at age 22?
From Around the Web
32 Bold Predictions for the NBA Season by Zach Lowe
For the eight (maybe nine) of you who have checked out this post week in and week out, you should know by know that Grantland’s Zach Lowe is one of my favorite basketball writers. His 32 Bold Predictions are largely entertaining & he also hits one of the major Cavaliers story lines right on the head. His piece on Derrick Favors’ contact extension is also worth a read.
Video: Kyrie Irving does horrible things to Michael Carter-Williams & Evan Turner
As every Cavaliers (or anyone who watched NBA All-Star weekend last year) can tell you, Kyrie Irving is a one man highlight reel. This move against the Philadelphia 76ers is another clip for his highlight reel.
Reviving Rudy by James Herbert
Rudy Gay – who in my opinion will be the biggest name traded this season – has had a long career already and say himself traded from a real contender in the Memphis Grizzlies to a young squad in Toronto. This piece is a good look at his mindset heading into the season.
GM Survey: LeBron, Heat remain clear favorites by John Schuhmann
This GM survey is worth your time for two reasons. First, it’s a good look at how the NBA General Managers think this season will play out. Secondly, one GM voted Dion Waiters THE BEST PASSER IN THE NBA. I’m not kidding,
The NBA’s middle class: where fringe stars now hang out by Mark Deeks
It’s not the most exciting topic, but contracts are very important for the NBA. This piece on the NBA’s new middle class – where many Cavaliers could potentially end up – is a must read.
Shaw’s system steadily sinking in for the Nuggets by Pat Graham
Part of the reason why I believe the Nuggets are poised to take a huge step back this season is because the change of offensive style from a fast paced, running offensive under George Karl to a methodical, triangle style under new Coach Brian Shaw. The latter believes the transition is going well for far, but I’ll be convinced when I see it.
12 NBA Players on Notice by Shaun Powell
Fair or not, there are a lot of NBA players on notice this season. Most interesting name on the list? Jeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets, who is oh so close to being a trade chip and not a franchise point guard.
New York handles the Truth by Jason Gay
As Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Gay points out, it’s going to be weird seeing Paul Pierce not playing in the Boston and for the Celtics. For the longest time, he defined that franchise, and now that he’s moved on, it’s going to be weird.
Impact of the 3-Pointer Continues to Rise via NYT Sports
The 3-point shot is a weapon today almost more than it has ever been. So many teams rely on corner and/or spot-up threes as essential parts of their offense now.
The Pelicans Long Game: Restarting a Franchise by David Fisher
The New Orleans Pelicans made one of the hugest moves this offseason in trading for Jrue Holiday. That move, as David Fisher pointed out, they are looking to starting winning games now. I really can’t wait to see how this team works.
Sculpting Bill Russell was labor of love for Ann Hirsch by Baxter Holmes
Bill Russell is getting a statue in Boston to commemorate his long, legendary career and the story behind it’s making is worth his read. Once again, Baxter Holmes wrote a good piece.