A Spurs Future

  Since entering the league in 1997, Tim Duncan has now put in a great case for himself to be the greatest Power Forward to ever play the game. Duncan’s long list of accomplishments, such as 5 time NBA Champion, 2 time league MVP, 3 time Finals MVP, and his 15 All Star Game Selections are just some of his many accomplishments, and at the age of 38, Duncan’s still doing what he’s always done. Another big piece of the Spurs puzzle of success is Argentinean Guard Manu Ginobili. Manu’s success comes from coming off the bench, and providing a “Sixth Man” type role for San Antonio. Manu’s won 4 championships, and is the only NBA player to win Sixth Man of the Year,and be an NBA All Star in one season. Both guy’s have already done so much, and when it’s all said and done, botha should be Hall of Famers. But is the “Big Three” era coming to an end? Duncan, Ginobili, and Tony Parker have spent many years together in San Antonio, and are now all at the age of 30 years old. Duncan almost 39, Ginobili’s 37, and Parker’s the youngest at age 32. The Spurs were Champions last season, and will definitely make the Playoffs this season, something the Spurs have done every year since Duncan entered the league. But what exactly does the future look like for the Black and Silver? 

What we know  

 We know that in 5 years from now, most likely, Tim Duncan, and Manu Ginobili won’t be in the NBA anymore. Parker, probably, but he’d be ready to close his career out too at that time. So the Duncan era has maybe 1-2 more seasons. I expect Tim to at least play again next season, and why not? He was good enough this season to play another All Star Game, he can still dominate the Power Forward position, and because Gregg Popovich does such a great job managing the Spurs minutes, Duncan’s been able to keep playing so fresh night in and night out. I also expect Manu to return next season, but I expect him to retire right around the same time as Tim, leaving only Tony left in the equation for a little bit. Let’s not forget who won NBA Finals MVP last season though. Kawhi Leonard, at only the age of 23 years old, has become one of the league’s best all around players, and is definitely one of the games most underrated players. So as long as the Spurs orginization can keep Leonard (who’ll be a Free Agent this coming summer) in San Antonio, he could spend most of his career a Spur.But assuming Duncan and Ginobili retire after this season, here’s what the Spurs would be looking at : 

PG- Tony Parker                                                                SG- Danny Green                                                                             SF- Kawhi Leonard                                                                           PF- ???                                                                                             C – Tiago Splitter 

 Which isn’t a bad lineup…mainly because it’s basically what the Spurs have now, just no Duncan, and if the Spurs play the Free Agent game, they could be just fine without Duncan and Manu.
 

Free Agency  

 As you may have already heard, the upcoming 2015 NBA Free Agency session, should be a crazy one.What I mean by that, is that tons of stars will potentially be leaving their 2015 team, and heading on to a new one. Stars like Atlanta Hawks Power Forward Paul Millsap. Who’s been a huge part of the Hawks success this season, and could definitley fit the Spurs system. Another big name guy that could possibly come to San Antonio if Duncan and Manu retire is Marc Gasol. The Spurs have been keeping an eye on Gasol for a while now, and would love to get the big man, if he decides to leave Memphis. Of course the biggest guy on their list is still Kawhi. Kawhi Leonard’s been showing so much potential and growth in San Antonio, and has often been called “The Future” of the Spurs. I mean, Imagine Tony Parker running point, Danny Green still shooting his 3’s, Kawhi doing his thing, and adding Marc Gasol with Tiago Splitter down low. That could definitely work. Not to mention, the fantastic bench the Spurs have had the past couple of seasons. 

The Organization   

 Of course Duncan, Manu, and TP are all special players, and very talented players, but in some way, it seems as though the San Antonio Spurs organization deserves more credit than they actually get. The way they seem to easily sign, and re-sign players every off-season is phenomenal. And the way they scout players from all over the world, and get them to play for the Spurs is just as impressive. It seems as if they could recruit monkey’s from China or something, and they’d play good basketball. That’s just how it is. Gotta give the Spurs organization credit, where credit is due. 

 
What does the Future hold? 

I love the Big Three almost as much as the next guy, but in a way, I think the Spurs will be just fine for a while without them. Reason being, the organization has always done a fantastic job when players leave, and I think that Kawhi will eventually be ready to fully take over the Spurs one day, and become a top 10 NBA player, but he still needs some growing time.However, I think that when Kawhi develops, it’ll be the same time when Timmy and Manu call it a retirement. I also think that when the Big 3 era’s over, the Spurs can still be a good Playoff Contending team, they won’t be as dominant, but they can still be good for a while. 

A.B

A.B 2015 Eastern Conference Predictions

With almost every NBA team racing down the finish line of the 2014-2015 Regular season, a lot of the season is still left unknown. Especially when we’re talking about what comes after the regular season, which of course is the Playoffs.You may remember that I gave my Western Conference Predictions a while ago, and now I’ll be doing the same for the Eastern Conference. 

 
Again, the parenthesis number’s are what I think their final record will be. I’ve looked at each Eastern Conference’s team’s upcoming schedule, and match ups, and predicted based on what I think will happen. 

 

 1. Atlanta Hawks (64-18) 

 

  A year ago, I don’t think anybody predicted the Atlanta Hawks to be one of the league’s best teams, and holding one of the league’s best record’s. Now, the Hawks have been playing an efficient brand of team, self-less basketball. Led by new head coach Mike Budenholzer, and stars like Jeff Teague, Paul Millsap, and Al Horford. I think it’s pretty safe to say, that the Atlanta Hawks will finish off the 2014-15 regular season as the best team in the Eastern Conference.

 2. Cleveland Cavaliers (53-29) 

 

  At one point this season, it seemed like Lebron James, and the Cleveland Cavaliers would barely get a Playoff spot.Maybe the 5-8 area. Now, it’s clear to me, and it should be pretty clear to everyone else too, that they’ll get the 2nd seed in the East. With about 12 games to go, I think the Cavs should bang out a lot of them, and they have some very easy chances, against opponents like Brooklyn, Philadelphia, and Detroit. I think the Cavs should easily get the number two seed, where they will be VERY dangerous team come Post Season time. 

 3. Toronto Raptors (51-31) 

 

  As all teams do, the Toronto Raptors have had a lot of ups, and downs this season. But I ultimately think that they’ll get on a late groove right before the start of Playoffs, and it should continue into the Playoffs. Toronto’ll end up a top 4 seeded team. 

 4. Chicago Bulls (50-32) 

 

  If there’s one team that knows how to handle injuries better than anybody else, it has to be the Chicago Bulls. Not once now, but twice in a row has Derrick Rose been injured for the majority of the regular season, and the team’s had to play the most of their season without their super star Point Guard. Jimmy Butler‘s done a great job this season, but of course he’s been bitten with the injury bug too. So who stepped up for Chicago? All Star Power Forward Pau Gasol of course. Pau has been playing some of his best basketball with the Bulls this season, and has the most double double’s by any NBA player this season, with 45, and still counting. If they can keep trucking, and can keep guys like Pau healthy, than the Bulls should definitely get a top 5 playoff Spot.

 5. Washington Wizards (48-34) 

 

  Thanks to the big help from Point Guard John Wall, who’s tied with Chris Paul in assists per game (10.0) this season, the Wizards are well in Playoff form, and will no doubt grab a Playoff spot. But the big question of course is still “what playoff seed will they get”? I’m guessing most likely anywhere from the 3-6 spot. I of course think they’ll get the 5th spot. Who knows though. 

 6. Milwaukee Bucks (42-40) 

 

  If you had to hop on a bandwagon for a team, now for the next 15 years maybe, it should be the Milwaukee Bucks. Jason Kidd has done a great job coaching the Bucks, and they’re gonna get a Playoff Spot even without their first round draft pick, Jabari Parker. Players like Khris Middleton, and of course, “The Greek Freek”, Giannis Antekokounmpo, have played huge for the Bucks this season. Milwaukee should make the playoffs, and could have a good first round matchup, if they play their cards right. 

 7. Miami Heat (39-43) 

 

  A postseason without the Miami Heat as of now, just seems really weird. I think that the acquisition of Goran Dragic really helps the team. And even though this team has faced many injuries, such as Chris Bosh, who’s dealing with Blood Clots, the Heat have still found a way to stay in Playoff Contention. 

8. Boston Celtics (38-44) 

 

  Nobody, and I mean NOBODY would think that this group of players would make the playoffs. Well nobody but themselves of course. When the Celtic’s got rid of PG Rajon Rondo, and SF Jeff Green, it seemed impossible for the Celtic’s to even be in Playoff Contention, but after trading for PG Isaiah Thomas, the C’s have started to play really good basketball. Brad Stevens has done a fantastic job coaching this group, and I now believe they can get the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. It will be tough though, because teams like Indiana, and Charlotte are still fighting for the 8th spot as well, but by looking at every team’s schedule’s, I think Boston has the edge, and gets in. 

 So there you have it, my Eastern Conference Playoff Seeding Predictions. To read my Western Conference Picks again, you can hit the link : https://worldofawb.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/a-b-2015-western-conference-predictions/ 

 Be sure to keep following me, and when the regular season is over, I’ll give my predictions on each playoff matchup, and who I think will win it all. Should be exciting! 

 Please Like,Comment,Share, and mention my blog to anyone who may like Sports. 

 Thanks!

A.B

Spurs Player Profile 1 : Danny Green

Starting as of now, I will be writing “Spurs Player Profiles” for some of the players on the Spurs. It’ll basically be just a passage where I talk about the player, and what I like and want from them. The first “Spurs Player Profile” Player will be Shooting Guard, Danny Green. 

“TARHEEL TRIPPLE!” I can just hear Spurs commentator Bill Land yelling it now. That’s the phrase Spurs fans say after sharp-shooter Danny Green knocks down a casual three pointer. Makes sense, because from 2005 to 2009, Green played his college ball for the North Carolina Tar heels, and can knock the three ball down from anywhere on the court. After playing four seasons at North Carolina University, Green was drafted by the Cleveland Cavilers in the 2nd round of the 2009 NBA draft. However, Green was only a Cavalier for his rookie season, and ever since he was traded, he’s been a Spur ever since.

The Danny Green we know now has been getting better at scoring in the paint, taking a couple of dribbles, and popping up for a mid-range jump shot, but of course he’s known for his red hot, always hit three ball. Green’s most famous career moment so far, may have been when he caught fire in the 2013 NBA Finals series vs The Miami Heat. Although The Spurs may have lost that series, they relied heavily on the 3 point shooting from Green, who had the most three pointers in a seven game NBA Finals series with 27 three’s, in that series. We can argue that if San Antonio finished the job in 2013, and won the championship, Green could’ve won the Finals MVP Award. But of course we now that they came up short that season, but hey, we all know what happened a year after that! When Danny Green became an NBA Champion on the Spurs.

Danny Green’s record breaking three’s in the 2013 NBA Finals series : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3JSWmM8F9E

For the 2014-2015 NBA Season, Green’s setting career high’s for… well just about everything. His free throw percentage is at 0.870 percent, which is the best on the team. He’s averaging 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks, which are career high’s for him as well. And on offense, he’s averaging 1.8 assists per game, which is tied for his career high in 2012, and 12.1 points per game, which is another career high for Danny. And another impressive fact, if Danny nails more than 25 more three pointers for the rest of the season, he’ll pass his season high in three’s made in a single season. As of now, it may seem like a little bit of a challenge, and a tough task, but anything’s possible, especially when you’re Danny Green.

Every game, just by watching Danny Green, you can see just how hard he’s been working his career, and this season. Definitely one of the game’s most improved players, and one of the NBA’s most underrated players. If he can keep up his great play, and continue to knock down BIG three’s, and shut down defense, he could help the Spurs get into another Playoffs run, yet again this season.

A.B
For more Spurs stuff, you can check out the “Spurs Basketball” page, right here on the blog. You can also follow me on twitter (https://twitter.com/AlexWBergeR), where I tweet, and re-tweet MANY Spurs stuff. 

Please comment, like, or share this blog to anyone that might like The Spurs, or the NBA in general, as my next upcoming posts will be involving :

• My Eastern Conference playoff seed predictions 
• The future for Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili 
• Another “Spurs Player Profile” 

So be sure to stay tuned! 

Big NFL Free Agency Moves, and how they’ll impact the 2015 Fantasy Football Season

On Tuesday, March 10th 2015, the  2015 NFL look was transformed in less than 5 minutes. Yes, of course I’m talking about Free Agency season.But it didn’t start off the way anyone expected it to.This year, it started off with shocking blockbuster trades, and gave us reason to refresh our twitters every three seconds to see if another deal was made. Some things weren’t too surprising, but some were just REALLY shocking! And some may have a big impact on the Fantasy Football world in 2015. So here are some of the biggest signings/trades that were made this week, that could really make huge differences for some teams, and players in 2015. 

  TE, Jimmy Graham to Seahawks

I think I speak for almost everyone else when I say that this trade completely shocked me. Jimmy Graham has made an imprint on the NFL as one of the leagues’s best Tight Ends. His height and strength make him a great player, and his speed makes him even better. Although Graham had a rough 2015 season, he’s still a top 2 Tight End. And although Seattle only barely lost Super Bowl 49, they did have one weakness : A big name pass catcher. With trading to get Graham, they now have that spot checked off. The addition of Graham makes Seattle instantly better on offense, and should make them early Super Bowl Favorites. Fantasy wise, I think this trade is good for : Russell Wilson, and Marshawn Lynch. I think the trade will positively impact Wilson because now he finally has a great receiver in Graham to go to. I expect his passing yards, and passing touch downs to increase this season. I think it’ll help Lynch, because Graham’s blocking can add to the already Beastly Beast Mode. However, I don’t think this trade will impact Graham himself in a good way. Graham’s coming off a bad 2014 season, and now switches QB’s? I just think for Graham, it won’t be a great year. Should be pretty good one though. And of course, this trade will DEEPLY affect Saints Quarter Back Drew Brees. Brees, like Graham, also had a mediocre 2014 season, and now loses his favorite Target in Graham, and also WR Kenny Stills. Overall, I don’t think Brees will have a good 2015 Fantasy Football season. 

WR, Brandon Marshall to Jets 

Another one that kind of surprised me. Brandon Marshall is one of my favorite WR’s and I loved him on the Bears. Now, I basically have to hate him because he’s a Jet! I assume the Jets will use their first round draft pick and select Oregon QB Marcus Mariota, if he’s still available by then of course. Marshall would be coming off of a Lung/ Ribs Injury he suffered in 2014, and of course would be now on another team. But let’s hold on one moment. Jay Cutler isn’t Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady material. Never has been, never will be. So I actually think Marshall will be an “okay” Wide Reciever this season, but only if Mariota’s his QB. I think this trade will positivley affect : Brandon Marshall, Marcus Mariota, Alshon Jeffery. I think Marshall and Mariota could be really fun to see, and maybe, just maybe could work. I also believe that Brandon’s former teammate Alshon Jeffery will have his best season yet. Jeffery was already a great reciever, and I honestley I think he’ll be better because of the trade. Now he’s the star WR on the Bears, and has John Fox as his head coach. I think Fox will make Jeffery better, and he’ll play similar to Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas. However, it does depend on if Cutler’s his starting QB or isn’t 

WR, Andre Johnson to Colts 

This one can, and will effect MANY players. Andre Johnson is a little past his prime, but still can be a good WR2 for Fantasy Football owners. Johnsonfinally  gets a good Quarter Back in Andrew Luck, and finally parts ways with the Houston Texans. I think this deal will impact both Andre Johnson, and Andrew Luck in good ways. Luck will get more passing yards, and I think a lot will come from Johnson’s hands. I expect T.Y Hilton to slightly decrease, but will still be a top 15 Wide Reciever in 2015. I also think that Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins will have a bad 2015. Hopefully I’m wrong, because I really like Hopkins, but he’s done better when the opposing defense’s best defensive back has covered Johnson. So now, he’ll be seeing the best of the best covering him. Again, hopefully I’m wrong, and hopefully Hopkins has a good season. 

RB, DeMarco Murray to Eagles

This signing will have a VERY huge impact on both Murray, and the Eagles. Tons of respect towards Murray, but him on the Eagles WILL NOT WORK. Murray does have a lot of talent, but the biggest reason for his success was the Cowboy’s offensive line. We know this is true, because we’ve seen other Dallas running backs have success with it, like Joseph Randle for example. We also know that Murray did play as a Cowboy before 2014, but the offensive line for Dallas was awful at that time, which is why Murray was just an “okay” running back before 2014. After the  2014 NFL draft, The Cowboys fixed their offensive line problems, and Murray had a fantastic 2014 season. And one of the main reasons LeSean McCoy had a bad 2014, was because of the poor blocking job done by the Eagles O-line. If the Eagles can do what Dallas did, and get better linemen, then I think Murray and the Eagles offense will play well, but it all depends. 

Still a long way to go from now until the next season, should be interesting to see what else happens from now until then. 

A.B

LeSean McCoy to Buffalo

In 2013, Eagles Running Back LeSean McCoy had arguably his best season yet as an NFL rusher. McCoy’s 1,607 rushing yards led the NFL in 2013, and led many Fantasy Football team owners to championships. Although McCoy didn’t have a great 2014 season, he still found a way to be in the top 3 in rushing yards last season, only behind Le’Veon Bell, and DeMarco Murray. And somehow, someway helped me win a 2014 Fantasy Football Championship. 

McCoy was already facing Fantasy Football questions heading into 2015, “will he ever go back to the 2013 McCoy?”, “will he stay healthy?”, things like that. Now, he faces totally different questions, “How will LeSean McCoy do in 2015 … as a Bufallo Bill?” 

I’m here to say… that Shady McCoy, as the kids call him, will DEFINITELY be a top 10 fantasy football running back in 2015, but that’s only if he’s healthy for the majority of the season. Top 5?Maybe.Top 10? Absolutely! The way I see it, I just think McCoy has something to prove in 2015, and he will do just that. The Bills best running back for 2014 was the aging Fred Jackson who didn’t even have 600 rushing yards, not to mention their starting quarterback by week 17 was Kyle Orton, so the Bills definitley don’t have a great offense yet. With Doug Marone out, and Rex Ryan in, I think the team will do a better job then last season, defensive side and offense. Since Orton retired, I think the Bills right now have to use E.J Manuel, or newly signed Matt Cassel as their starting QB, and that probably won’t work a lot of the time, so look for McCoy to get a lot of carries this season, and look for him to break free on a lot of them. We can also make a case that McCoy will get a lot of “catch and go” screen passes, and should at least get 10 combined rushing/receiving touchdowns this season.  

Early 2015 LeSean McCoy Predictions : 

• He’ll be at least top 5 for rushing yards
• Will have at least 100 yards for at least 8 games
• Will have 13 combined rushing/receiving TD’s 

 Bottom line is, LeSean McCoy is a great player, and a great running back, and even though he probably won’t play like the 2013 version of him, I still would say he’ll be a top 10 Fantasy Football Running Back this year. 

 A.B 

3 Spurs Players that could make the difference between Winning and Losing



Following a 4 game losing drought, the reigning champion San Antonio Spurs were looking for answers, and after two impressive wins last weekend versus Sacramento and Phoenix to end this years Rodeo Road Trip, it appears that maybe,just maybe, the real Spurs are back. But the team’s not aiming for just a playoff spot, they’re aiming for another championship, and if these three key guys play at their best, we should like the Spurs chances. Of course guys like Tony Parker, and Kawhi Leonard need to be playing at their best for the team to win, but this article will mostly talk about guys who may not seem like a huge difference maker, but actually can make the difference between a good team and a great one.

 
Patty Mills  

 When Patty Mills came back from his shoulder injury in late December, some of the NBA kind of forgot who he was. So who is he? Oh yeah that’s right, the guy who hit five three pointers , and finished with 17 points off the bench in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, and the Australian Point Guard who did a Fantastic job off the bench in the season every time Tony Parker came off the court … THAT’S WHO! Patty always brings a certain tenacity on defense, forcing turnovers any chance he gets, and on offense Patty can find the open player in a heart beat, get in the paint easily, and can score quickly with his smooth jump shot. We also have to give credit to Patty’s hustle on every play in every game. If Patty can play like this again in the future  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK_F3uS3Dh0), than the Spurs are a much better team every game. 

 
Boris Diaw  

 The French big man has been in a bit of a slump almost all season long. although, I’ve seen a lot of improvement from Bo-Bo since All Star Weekend, but he hasn’t played the same way he did in last season’s postseason. Which in some way isn’t surprising, because in the playoffs players wanna play at their very best, and give their best 100% at all time. So if Boris can slowly get better from now until Playoff time, things would look even better for San Antonio. Boris can do just about it all, because he entered the league as a Point Guard, Boris can pass the ball terrifically, and has showed he can handle the ball pretty well too. But Boris is most impressive when he scores. He can hit the mid range shot, and three ball well, and rarely misses a shot in the paint, in the post or taking a fade a way shot. Boris has also provided a ton of defense, and has guarded big name players like Lebron James, and Dirk Nowitzki pretty well recently. When Boris is successful, it rubs off on the others too. Plus, I think we all remember this beautiful pass from Boris last year, and would LOVE for that Boris Diaw to come back! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ajiAAXx0i4 

 
Tiago Splitter  

 This one shouldn’t be a surprise. Splitter’s playing makes the Spurs so much better in general. The rim protection duo of Duncan and Splitter is a scary thing when it gets clicking and actually works.Both guys can block shots and make shots tougher to make for any opposing player. Tiago finds ways to be productive when he starts, and when he comes off the bench, and has shown skills at both offense and defense for the Spurs. Tiago’s footwork is a thing of beauty, and is topped off perfectly with his hook shots, which he rarely misses. Although the Duncan-Splitter starting combination hasn’t worked all the time, I think the line up just looks better when it loos like :

 PG- Tony Parker,  SG- Danny Green, SF- Kawhi Leonard, PF- Tim Duncan, C-Tiago Splitter 

 I love how that lineup looks, and think the team should be having a lot more success when they use that starting lineup. Splitter helps the team in so many ways, and really is a big difference maker for the Spurs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFxH1-fPeXo 

 Every player on the San Antonio Spurs matters, and can change the outcome for the team any given night, which is what makes the way they play basketball such a beautiful thing to watch. The Spurs rely on every player to do their job every night, but these 3 guys in particular make the team so much better when they’re at their best. 

 Thanks for the read, and make sure to spread the word to anyone who may like Spurs Basketball, they might like my blog! 

 And be sure to Follow me on twitter for Sports related tweets : https://twitter.com/AlexWBergeR 

 A.B