What's Next For The Lakers?

        There’s no reason for the Lakers front office to panic neither should their fan base, this injury can be a positive for both Bryant and the Lakers.

        For the fans clamoring about playoffs give it up, the Lakers are currently 11^th in the Western Conference with odds not being in their favor on making a post-season appearance. 

         The injury for Bryant seems as if the positives are impossible to find, but I disagree. With Bryant being out a minimum of six weeks it gives him time to not only let his Achilles get stronger, but it also give his legs some much needed rest. Bryant ranks fifth all-time in NBA history in regular season and playoff minutes combined logging 54,163 minutes.

        For the Lakers front office this gives them a chance to evaluate the young talent on their roster, deciding on who will make the cut for next season, and who they’ll have to part ways with. This injury to Bryant is going to give some of the unproven Lakers on the roster a time to shine. Nick Young, Xavier Henry and Wesley Johnson are not just auditioning for a multi-year with the Lakers, but also trying to prove to other NBA teams that they can be serviceable NBA players. Young has been the best of the three over the course of the season averaging 14.9 points per game on 44 percent shooting.

        Looking ahead to the draft in June, the Lakers have one first-round pick which is extremely valuable in a draft that is heralded as the best class since 2003 that feature LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade. After all the Lakers could use a young athletic point guard or wing player, and from what scouts and experts say this draft class is loaded with talent. This sets up perfect for the Lakers to draft a player that can be groomed under Bryant on what it takes to be a successful pro in the NBA today.

         It's unlike that Bryant will sit out the remainder of the season, so for those who've pondered the idea you can end that thought process.

        Despite the injuries that have hindered the Lakers, the overall goal is to compete to a level high enough to where they can recruit another superstar as Bryant prepares to sail into the sunset.

Will Derrick Rose be the next Grant Hill?

When hearing that Derrick Rose torn his medial meniscus, the first name that came to mind was Grant Hill. I know you’re probably thinking that’s the worst comparison possible, but despite battling injury Hill went on to play nearly two decades, if you know anything about the NBA not everyone gets to have a long lasting career.

Hill, who was a seven-time all-star was to be believed by many to be better than Michael Jordan, was the number one overall selection in 1994, as Rose was in the 2008. Hill went on to have five surgeries on his ankle, Rose is already on his second just recently injuring his “healthy” knee. During Hill’s first two years he led the NBA in all-star votes, beating out Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal, even being named the co-NBA Rookie of the Year. Rose also was named NBA Rookie of the Year, he even went on to become the NBA’s youngest MVP recipient at the age of 22. Both Hill and Rose were young stars in the league until the injury bug bit them. Hill went on to have a solid NBA career of 19 seasons, becoming one of 17 to score over 17,000 points, 6,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists. Rose’ career is still ongoing, but it will be interesting to see how the rest of his career pans out.

The knee is no longer a concern Rose has already undergone surgery and is set to return to action at the start of 2014-2015 NBA season.

But where is Rose mentally?  That’s the million dollar question.

Basing my opinion off of how long it took Rose to return to the court tells me he is not in a good state of mind after sitting out the entire 2012-2013 season after being cleared to play. I’m not the one to rush a player back to the court after suffering a serious injury, but after witnessing Rose participate in shoot around it was clear that he was not confident in his surgically repaired knee. It was evident that he could still explode off of the dribble and bounce, but yet he still wasn't ready to return to action .Then after a full year, he returns to action and still looks good despite the rust of not playing, then down he goes 11 games into the season he goes down again.

Rose has shown that his injury is clearly more mental than physical.

If Rose is not 100 percent confident that he can return and play without doubting his knees, then that 2011 NBA Most Valuable Player that led the Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals is long gone.

People are already questioning Rose’s mental toughness after Skip Bayless took to ESPN’s First Take to say he returned to running distance within two to three weeks after having a successful surgery repairing his torn meniscus.

Why should Rose miss the rest of the season? It’s simple he shouldn't.

Rose will have to show he’s mentally tough, after rehabbing for a year, then having to rehab again is tough to do. If you've ever suffered a major injury, you know just how tough the rehab process can be on your mental stability.

When the rehab regimen picks up intensity, how will Rose respond?

It is possible that Rose can come back and play at a high level.

To make a football reference, take Adrian Peterson for example, after tearing his ACL Peterson came back stronger than ever nearly breaking the NFL rushing record. There is a down side to Peterson's success, now athletes across professional sports who suffers a major knee injury will be held to that same standard, that’s not a performance level that’s easy to meet.

It will be interesting to see how Rose returns. He can enter come back better than ever as Peterson, and continue to ascend to new heights, or he can just be another NBA player who had a serviceable career.

Is This The Year Of The Seminole?

        The Seminoles of Florida State debuted at No. 2 in the 2013 BCS Standings after demolishing the Clemson Tigers 51-14 in Death Valley this past Saturday, this is the Noles highest BCS ranking since Dec. 3, 2000.

        Is this the year of the Seminole?

        The Florida State Seminoles are 6-0 and all roads lead to Pasadena, California for the 2013 Vizio BCS National Championship Game.

        Though there is plenty of football left to be played, the Noles will be favored in every match-up from here on out, including when the seventh ranked Miami Hurricanes travel to Doak Campbell Stadium, and when the Noles travel to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators, who have been struggling to say the least.

        The issue for the Noles has not been about winning the big games, but winning the games you should win. In the 2012 season it was NC State, and in 2010 it was NC State again and North Carolina. Jimbo Fisher’s job as head coach, will be to keep the Noles hungry, keeping the complacency out of the locker room.

        The defense is stout, with an offense full of playmakers including quarterback Jameis Winston a Heisman Trophy candidate, and a head coach eager to show he can bring his team back to the glory days, it’s national championship or bust if you ask Seminole fans.

        Alabama sits atop the BCS Standings, but the Crimson Tide have not looked as impressive as previous Alabama teams that won the national championship, if there has ever been a year for a non SEC school to win it all, this is the year.

        If the injury bug stays away and nobody gets suspended, the Noles should run the table and play for a national championship.

        It will be interesting to see if the Noles can handle the media hype and expectation to win.

        Is this the year of the Seminole?


Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider & College Football Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

The Battle Between The Hedges: LSU/UGA

        In a game that could be a possible SEC Championship match-up, the battle between the hedges in Athens, Georgia will be a good one when the LSU Tigers and Georgia Bulldogs take the field in Sanford Stadium.

        LSU will be looking to remain undefeated, while the Dawgs will be looking to show they are still a top-5 team despite falling to Clemson in the season opener.

        The Dawgs have already been battled teams winning two of their three match-ups against top-10 teams, with LSU's toughest encounter coming this past weekend in Auburn, who they defeated 35-21.

        This game will feature two special running backs with Todd Gurley of Georgia, and Jeremy Hill of LSU.

        The Dawgs have the advantage at the quarterback position with Aaron Murray, but Zach Mettenburger has been making strides, showing he's not the quarterback who often struggled at times last season.

        Many would prefer the combo of Murray/Gurley rather Mettenburger/Hill, and rightfully so, but don't count out the Tigers.

        We already know both teams are going to commit to the run, meaning both defenses will have to be prepared to tackle.

        The Dawgs will go into Saturday's match-ups allowing 29.7 points on defense, with the Tigers only giving up 19.5 points.

        The x-factor will come down to the receiving cores, Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry of LSU combined have 10 receiving touchdowns outnumbering Justin Wesly and Chris Conley of Georgia who together have two receiving touchdowns on the season.

        Murray may be the more polished passer of the two quarterbacks, but the Tigers hold the advantage when it comes to having the weapons on the outside.

        If your looking for a prediction, I have the Tigers of LSU improving to 5-0 defeating the Georgia Bulldogs, LSU who has a stable of running backs, two play-making receivers and a young but solid defense, will be too much for the Dawgs to handle in the long run.

        Who will you be picking to come out on top  Saturday afternoon? LSU or UGA?


Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and College Football Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

College Football Is Back & A Week Two Preview

        The opening week of the college football season didn't disappoint with Jameis Winston giving Florida State fans hope, Johnny Manziel being Johnny, and UGA falling to Clemson in a 38-35 thrilling.

        Jameis Winston lived up to the hype in his season debut, throwing five touchdowns on 354 yards completing 92 percent of his passes. Jimbo Fisher has known to be great with quarterbacks, and Winston has the potential to be the best to ever play the quarterback position at FSU, but its only week one, his first true test will come October 19^th when the Noles travel to Clemson, the winner will play in the ACC Championship Game.

        Johnny Manziel where do I begin?

        Manziel who was suspended by the NCAA for the first-half against Rice, came to play in the second half going six of eight on 94 yards with three touchdowns, solid performance, but that’s not the issue. The issue at hand has never been about Manziel’s play on the field, it’s his attitude, after getting flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct for taunting, Manziel walked by Kevin Sumlin when trying to talk to him. I’m not a fan of it, but that’s “Johnny being Johnny”, as the majority of the nation would say.

        Dawg fans are in a state of frenzy already, losing to Clemson was a big-time game and a big-time lost, but the story wasn't the Dawgs losing, but Malcolm Mitchell UGA’s number one receiver getting hurt, Mitchell will miss the remainder of the season will a torn ACL after celebrating with Todd Gurley after his 75-yard touchdown run.

                It doesn't end there.

                Not only is UGA 0-1 and without their best receiver, but they welcome the South Carolina Gamecocks to Athens, the Dawgs are 0-3 against the Gamecocks since 2010. It doesn’t look good for the Dawgs seeing Jadeveon Clowney has been a thorn in Aaron Murray’s side for the past two seasons.

                Will the Dawgs answer the call? Or will the Gamecocks continue to flex their muscle on UGA?

                Kickoff is at 4:30 in Athens, Georgia.

                As most of the nation will be looking forward to the UGA/SC game with Notre Dame and Michigan being the headliner later that night, I have the Florida Gators on upset alert when they travel to Miami to take on the Hurricanes, in a noon kickoff.

                The Gators defeated Toledo 24-6, but it wasn't over the chart impressive. In a game that should be played every year in the state of Florida UF/UM the Hurricanes have a talented roster with heralded recruits all over the field, I’m not saying the Gators will fall to the Hurricanes, but don’t be shocked if the Hurricanes pull the upset.

                Did you enjoy week one of the college football season?

                Week two shouldn't disappoint, I have the Michigan Wolverines defeating the Fighting Irish in the Big House.

Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and College Football Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

Dyer Completes The Puzzle

A puzzle can never be deemed complete when a piece is missing.

In just two seasons in the SEC Michael Dyer managed to become not only an All-American and All-SEC heralded player, he also won a national championship along with being name the offensive player of the game.

Dyer is a flat out stud, and that’s why Louisville now has a legitimate chance to make a run at a BCS National Championship.

The puzzle that represents the Louisville Cardinals is now complete.

The Cards have a favorable schedule that can land them in the conversation for a national title, but they must run the table, one lost will silence the championship talks unless luck is on their side and the teams ranked ahead of them fall.

The term “must” is the word that will decide the fate for the Cards, their schedule is not strong enough to endure a lost.

One lost for Charlie Strong’s ball club, and it’s an at-large bid at best, but you never know what can happen during the tenure of a college football season, anything can happen.

Dyer’s best year at Auburn consisted of ,1242 yards on 5.1 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns, this is against SEC defenses, not an easy task by any means.

One thing you should know there is a big difference in the defense that is played in the SEC compared to the defenses that make up the American Athletic Conference.

If Dyer is anything close to what he was at Auburn, Cards fans are in for a special treat.

With a well coached defense, with the best quarterback in the nation, the addition of Dyer makes Teddy Bridgewater’s job a tad bit easier.

The schedule sets up well of the Cards, who busted onto the national scene after defeating the Florida Gators in the 2012 AllState Sugar Bowl.

Pressure burst pipes, but it can also make diamonds, we’ll see how the Cards respond to the pressure after being ranked ninth by USA Today Coaches Poll.

Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and College Football Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes 

South Carolina or Clemson?

        The excitement within the state of South Carolina for this upcoming college football season could not be any higher with both ball clubs coming off of 11-win seasons, we’re talking about the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Clemson Tigers.

        Each ball club has a superstar with South Carolina’s being JaDaveon Clowney, who will likely be the number one overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, and Tahj Boyd Clemson’s star quarterback and last season’s ACC Player of the Year.

        South Carolina or Clemson?

        Who is the better team in the state of South Carolina?

         If you base your decision on the previous four meetings between the two teams you would say South Carolina, but Clemson fans will argue there will be a turn in the tide, and that change will occur this season.

        USA Today’s Sports Coaches Poll ranked both teams in the top-10 with the Gamecocks being ranked seventh, followed by the Tigers being ranked eighth.

        The Associated Press also ranked both teams in their top-10, with the Gamecocks being ranked sixth, and the Tigers being ranked eighth.

        Fans within the state believe their respective team has a shot at playing in the national championship game, believing they have answered the questions that naysayers have placed above them.

        The Gamecocks will never take that “next step” until Steve Spurrier can find a quarterback.

        Who’s the Gamecocks answer at quarterback?

         Gamecock fans reply with the name Connor Shaw a dual-threat quarterback that threw for 1,956 yards and 17 touchdowns last season.

        How can Dabo Swinney make a push for a national championship when he seems to never be able to win the “big game”?

        Clemson fans reply with December 31, 2012 when Swinney coached his Tigers to a Chick-fila-A Bowl victory over the LSU Tigers who were ranked eighth in the country at the time.

        As all of the positives have been presented there are also some negatives that each ball club will attempt to overcome.

        The Gamecocks lose star running back Marcus Lattimore to the NFL, who carried the load on the offensive last season. There also will be some holes to fill on the defensive side of the ball, the Gamecocks only return five starters to an 11-man starting defensive unit.

        For the Clemson Tigers, they lose running back Andre Ellington and leading receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the NFL, in combination with a defensive unit that wasn't great last season, but returns seven starters.

The stakes have been set, the bar has been raised, and the headlines have never reign brighter, leaving us with one question.

        Who will win the battle of South Carolina the Gamecocks or Tigers?

Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and College Football Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes 

Gurley & Marshall or Yeldon & Henry?

        Going into the season many have already deemed the duo of Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall the best two-back tandem in college football, and rightfully so, but there will be a tandem in Tuscaloosa, Alabama that will have something to say about that.

        Gurley and Marshall together are the modern day version of Ronnie Brown and Cornell “Cadillac” Williams, Gurley gives you the power with Marshall complementing with the speed. The sophomore duo have an above average freshmen season, the two combined for 2,144 yards and 25 touchdowns on the ground. The two also have big play ability, having the explosiveness to see the endzone every time they touch the pigskin, Gurley’s longest touchdown run of the season was 55 yards against Buffalo, with Marshall’s longest touchdown run was 75 yards against Tennessee. With what was on display last season, it’s only right to expect the same production or even better with a veteran offensive line returning.

        Now to the duo that will take the nation by storm, T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry.

        Yeldon and Henry will challenge the tandem in Athens, Georgia. Yeldon, who split carries with Eddie Lacy last season, had a very good freshmen season with 1,108 yards on the ground with 12 touchdowns. Yeldon also has explosiveness being able to score every time he touches the ball, his longest touchdown run of the year was 43 yards.

        The hype surrounding Derrick Henry is much deserved, who is a freshman that will follow the trend of great backs that have come through Alabama under Nick Saban. Henry who stands at 6 foot 3 inches and 238 pounds has tremendous size just happens to run a 4.45 40-yard dash, with that size and speed he will be a nightmare for defensive backs in the SEC.

        Are you curious to know how Henry performed in high school? Henry is the all-time leading rusher in high school football history.

        One tandem is proven, with one half of the other tandem proven. The argument is stronger for the backfield who calls Athens, Georgia home, but the guys under Saban will shine bright under the lights.

        Who do you believe will have the better season? Is it Gurley and Marshall or Yeldon and Henry?

Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and College Football Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes 

McCarron Manziel Or Murray?

Who would you rather have Aaron Murray of Georgia, AJ McCarron of Alabama or Johnny “Football” Manziel of Texas A&M? I’m sure every will have their opinion, but the big question is who is the better quarterback of the three?

Well the media has spoken, releasing the All-SEC Preseason Teams during the of the SEC’s Media Day.

 According to the media, in this respective order: Manziel was voted the first-team quarterback, McCarron second-team quarterback and Murray was the third-team quarterback.

All three will be NFL quarterbacks that’s not of the discussion, but who is the better quarterback of the three?

Who would you rather have at the quarterback position for your favorite college football team?

Each of the three quarterbacks bring something to the table.

Aaron Murray of Georgia is on track to break every major quarterback statistic in the SEC. The three-year starter for the Dawgs is entering his senior season with the expectations in Athens being extremely high, coming off of a 12-win despite falling to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game 32-28. Murray has continued to improve after each season, increasing his completion percentage, yards and touchdowns totals. After coming off of his best season to date of 3,893 yards and 38 touchdowns, its highly possible that Murray can throw for 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns with the offensive weapons he’ll have in his arsenal. The question isn’t of Murray’s skill level, but of his ability to win the big game. We’ll find out sooner rather than later when the Dawgs travel to South Carolina to take on Clemson in their season opener.

When it comes to AJ McCarron of Alabama, one word and one word only comes to mind when I think of McCarron and that’s “winner”. The senior quarterback that leads the Crimson Tide, continues to get better year in and year out. As McCarron’s role increased his production has also increased, as a sophomore he managed the game, and that’s all he needed to do throwing for 16 touchdown passes and 2,634 yards. His junior season is where he took off, throwing 30 touchdown passes and on 2,933 passing yards, the best stat of all is his three interceptions. The guy not only goes through his progressions well, but he doesn’t make mental mistakes, decision making is what separates good quarterbacks from elite level ones, McCarron is an elite level quarterback. He once managed games, now he wins them.

This may not have been the best summer for Johnny “Football” Manziel, but I have no doubt in my mind come August he’ll be ready to go, if not suspended by the NCAA. Not only did Manziel set the record for SEC quarterbacks for having 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 running yards, the ultimate dual-threat quarterback. For those who may not know he also was the first freshmen to win the Heisman Trophy, that’s sort of a big deal. He took the SEC by storm in his first year leading A&M to double digit wins and a Cotton Bowl victory of the Oklahoma Sooners. Manziel finished the season with 26 touchdowns through the air and 21 rushing, he is one of four players to record 20 passing and rushing touchdowns in a season.

College football is here and the time is now the lights have never been brighter for the three quarterbacks. There will be plenty of great headlines, how will Manziel perform after his fun filled summer? Will McCarron three-peat? Is this the year Murray wins the big game?

The answers to the questions currently are unknown as of now, but they soon will be answered.

Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and College Football Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes 

Top 10 Comparisons: Justin Tyree, Coaches Poll and AP

Justin Tyree’s Preseason Top 10 in comparison to the Coaches Poll Top 10 and AP.

Justin Tyree   Coaches Poll      AP

1. Alabama      1. Alabama      1. Alabama

2. Stanford      2. Ohio State   2. Ohio State

3. Texas A&M  3. Oregon       3. Oregon

4. Oregon   4. Stanford      4. Stanford

5. Ohio State        5. Georgia   5. Georgia

6. Georgia       6. Texas A&M      6. South Carolina

7. South Carolina    7. South Carolina  7. Texas A&M

8. Louisville   8. Clemson          8. Clemson

9. Clemson            9. Louisville          9. Louisville

10. Florida State           10. Florida           10. Clemson


Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and  College Football Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

A Successful Summer For The Charlotte Bobcats

        It’s now time to reflect on the summer that consists of the Charlotte Bobcats, the city of Charlotte, and fans of the Bobcats have reasons to smile.
       
        If I were to tell you Michael Jordan let Rich Cho do his job would you believe me?

        Well, you have no choice, Jordan let Cho do was he does best, and that’s build a franchise.

        This summer, the Bobcats did well in hiring a head coach in Steve Clifford, who brought in a solid group of assistants with Patrick Ewing headlining the group of Stephen Silas and Mark Price.

        Cho drafted well with the fourth overall pick in Cody Zeller, a seven-footer who can stretch the floor, along with having a very solid performance throughout the summer league. Though it was the summer league, it’s about what skills he put on display, putting the ball on the floor, running the floor well playing through contact and he was  able to stretch the floor knocking down the 15-footer.

         It gets better fans, the lack of a post player that can score has been answer, Al Jefferson is now a member of the Charlotte Bobcats. Jefferson averaged 17.8 points and 9.2 rebounds over the course of last season for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

        The bad apple that was Tyrus Thomas has been removed under the amnesty provision clause, anytime you can get rid of negative energy with an expensive price tag of $8.6 million, you’ve made a step in the right direction. Josh McRoberts was resigned to fill that void at a much more affordable pay rate, and less headache.

        Then to conclude the summer, the Bobcats secured their core of young guns of Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Gerald Henderson. The young core played extremely coming down the tail end of the season.

        Going into the last season under the Bobcats name, it should be a good one.  I’m not screaming playoffs I’ll save that conversation for the summer of 2014, but for the upcoming 2013-2014 season you can expect an improvement in the win column from 21 wins to anywhere from 25 to 30 wins.

 

Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

Cho Goes Cody Zeller

Thursday night the Charlotte Bobcats selected Cody Zeller with the fourth overall pick.

Before you start to point the finger at Michael Jordan, remember Rich Cho drafted Zeller, not Jordan.

With a draft party filled with Ben McLemore supporters, the reaction from the fans during the selection inside Time Warner Cable Arena was not a pleasant one to say the least.

Rich Cho did say earlier in the week that the Bobcats would draft the best available player, rather than the team’s need.

Zeller being the best available player on the board can be argued.

Say what you want, but Zeller is a complete player, despite his struggles during the NCAA tournament.

Zeller’s sophomore season complied of averaging 16.5 points and 8.1 rebounds, both down from his freshmen season, but made up for it with an above-average performance during the NBA Combine, slating Zeller as a top-10, but going fourth was a shock.

I can’t say I’m completely shocked by the pick, during the week I heard from a couple sources that the Bobcats were high on Zeller. I just didn’t see them drafting him at four knowing the talent that would be available of Nerlens Noel and Ben McLemore.

There are two things that people can expect from Zeller: he’ll start the first game of the season, and now Steve Clifford has the option of running the pick and roll with Kemba Walker and Zeller. Zeller at 7’0 can stretch the floor knocking down the 18-foot jumper, along with having a solid back to the basket game.

The Bobcats have been missing a low-post presence, Zeller may be able to fill that void, having Patrick Ewing on the coaching staff can not do anything but help Zeller rather than hurt him.

Popular opinion is not in favor of the pick, CBSSports gave the Bobcats a grade of D+, but don’t be surprised with Zeller has a solid rookie season.

Zeller must improve his aggressiveness to be successful, if not it will be a nightmare of a rookie season dating back to his last game at Indiana when he was bullied by the Syracuse big men.

One thing Charlotte should know is that it looks as if Gerald Henderson will be the Bobcats starting shooting guard in the upcoming 2013-14 NBA season, with the Bobcats passing on McLemore.

             With Zeller coming in that means somebody will be on the way out.

As of today the Bobcats starting lineup will consist of Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo.

Do the Bobcats match Byron Mullens qualifying offer? Or do the Bobcats decide to let Mullens walk and resign Josh McRoberts? McRoberts played well for the Bobcats down the back stretch of the season.

 Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook:  http://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

 

Game 2 Must Win For Heat

    LeBron James in the game one defeat led the way for Miami with a triple-double of 18 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists, usually that's enough for a win in, but unfortunately in game one of the NBA Finals that wasn't enough for the Heat to beat the San Antonio Spurs.

    For a game that was well played, going down to the wire, I was not a fan of the mood following the game.

    For LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Erik Spoelstra to bring up a fatigue is something that doesn't sit well with me.

    If Miami would have won, fatigue wouldn't have been brought up.

    When you reach the NBA Finals everybody is tired, but that's an invalid excuse to bring up after such a well played game.

    Yes, the Spurs took game one, but don't be a prisoner of the moment fan and rule out the Heat.

    I have the series going seven games.

    Sunday night's game two match-up I do believe is a must win for the Miami Heat.

    I say that because you have to protect your home court, and the way Gregg Popovich coaches, there will not be a lack of intensity just because they won game one, San Antonio is fully aware of what the Heat are capable of.

    The x-factor for game two will be which ball club can connect from three point land. San Antonio shot 30 percent connecting on 7-23 with Miami at 32 percent connecting on 8-25, whoever can get the three ball going will have the end going into crunch time, that being the final three minutes of the regulation.

    One thing that won't change is Chris Bosh's style of play. Bosh has been taking some criticism as of late, and rightfully so he hasn't played well. Bosh is a finesse jump shooting power forward who just happened to be 6'11, he's not going to bang in the post that's not his game, Heat fans can only hope he starts shooting better from the field.

    Knowing the hole that Miami can fall into losing game two, I fully expect for the Heat to come out and take care of business on their home floor traveling to San Antonio with series split at 1-1.



Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes
   

The Battle Of The Big 3's

    Tonight the NBA Finals will begin with the San Antonio Spurs traveling to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat.

    The battle of the Big 3's, Gregg Popovich's three stars versus Erik Spoelstra's three stars.

    Tony Parker versus LeBron James Manu Ginobili, versus Dwayne Wade and Tim Duncan versus Chris Bosh.

    This is an interesting match-up, because both teams play similar styles of basketball.

    Going into the season I believe the unanimous pick for the team that would end up winning the NBA Championship went to the Miami Heat, but the tides have turned.

    LeBron James is the best player in the NBA, but the team he plays on doesn't always end up performing like the best team in the NBA.

    Do I believe the San Antonio Spurs are the best team in the NBA? No.

    Do I believe the San Antonio have played the best basketball throughout the NBA Playoff's? Yes.

    The Spurs have had some help getting to the NBA Finals, sweeping a Los Angeles Lakers team without Kobe Bryant, a young Golden State ball club that just is not ready and a Memphis Grizzles team that simply wasn't a better ball club.

    The Miami Heat sweep the Milwaukee Bucks, made it interesting against the Chicago Bulls and beat the Indiana Pacers in game 7 playing their best basketball of the series.

    Miami's pressure defense versus Tony Parker will be the match-up that I believe will determine the series, with LeBron James ultimately guarding Tony Parker when it matters.

    Gregg Popovich is the Bill Belichick of the NFL in the sense of a master mind when given time to prepare for his opponents.

    I do believe the San Antonio Spurs are the better team right now, but when you have LeBron James anything is possible.

    Who are you taking? Greg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs? or LeBron James and the Miami Heat?

    The winner of game one of the NBA Finals has gone on to win the series 71 percent of the time.

    Game one of the NBA Finals, tip-off is at 9:00 p.m.


Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook:  https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

What If The King Comes Up Short?

    Monday night I expect for the Miami Heat to take care of business in the form of the Indiana Pacers, and advance to the NBA Finals to face the San Antonio Spurs, who have been patiently waiting.

    Just for good conversation sake, what if the LeBron James and the Miami Heat come up short?

    Following the Indiana Pacers victory in game six, Charles Barkley said that he feels both teams have pressure to win game seven, but I disagree.

    The Pacers have been playing with house money, outside of the organization and their fans, many did not have the Pacers making it to the NBA Finals.

    The pressure is paramount for the Miami Heat, this is the same team that's suppose to win "Not one, not two, not three, not four...not five...not six...not seven" NBA championships, according to LeBron James.

    The hatred for this team is rampant outside of the state of Florida, but when you make a statement of that stature you have to back it up with the performance on the floor.

    In the words of former President Theodore Roosevelt "Speak softly, and carry a big stick."

    Rightfully so James has been backing his statement with his performances throughout this post season, but the two other members of the "Big 3" Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh have not.

    If your on the court then you can play. Dwayne Wade does not get a pass for his poor performance tonight and throughout this series, despite not being 100 percent.

    As for Chris Bosh he just has not shown up to play, no excuse.

    Basketball is a team sport, it takes a good team to get the job done, but when you are a superstar sometimes you have to elevate your game if the supporting case is not getting the job done.

    James who is 1-2 in game seven's, must elevate his game tonight, putting his team on his back and getting the job done. James is fully capable of doing so, just ask the Boston Celtics about his 45 points 15 rebounds last season in a must win game six performance on the road.

    James has has his moment of shine throughout this series from hitting the game-winning layup to dropping 16 of his 30 points in the third quarter, but he has also come up short with two costly turnovers that resulted in a defeat.

    Which LeBron James will show up tonight? King James the four-time MVP, or the guy that struggles to close out games?



Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

Twitter: @JTyree704

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

The Best Of Three, Who Are You Taking?

    Miami took games one and three, while the Pacers took claim to games two and four, the question is simple with three games remaining in the series.

    Who are you taking?

    With Miami being the higher seed of the two, the Heat will get two of the three games played on their home-court of American Airlines Arena.

    Both teams have won a game on the others respective home floor, so the home-court advantage arguement can be thrown out the window.

    You can make a case for both teams on who should and will win the series, now the series has officially begun.

    LeBron James has been the most consistent player on the floor, but James alone will not be enough to win the series, that means Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh must come to play, or there's a good chance they can go home.

    Indiana has one thing going for them and that's "belief", they believe they can beat the Miami Heat.

    They have found a formula they believe that can lead them to the NBA Finals, when Hibbert can remain out of foul trouble, Indiana can keep James out of the paint.

    In Miami's wins James made a living in the paint, getting the higher percentage shot attempts he wanted, but in game four when Hibbert remained in the game, that kept James out of the paint.

    Indiana can live with James taking long contested jump shots, thats exactly want they want for him to do.

    This can work because with Wade and Bosh have been playing mediocre basketball at best, and the supporting cast of the Heat has not been performing as expected.

    At the same time I can make an arguement for Miami, in a sense that Indiana struggles at times to score baskets with Miami's pressure defense.

    In a best of three series LeBron James has enough talent and skill to win one if not two of the three, but he shouldn't have to, thats why he has two other teammates that makes up the "Big 3".

    Indiana has a team that can dethrown the defending champs, but will Paul George and Roy Hibbert be enough to get it done?

    Something has to give and we'll know by the end of the day, tip-off for tonight's game is scheduled for 8:30.

    Who are you taking?


Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

Twitter: @JTyree704

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

   

LeBron James Comes Up BIG

As I wake up on this Thursday morning, I reflect on the amazing basketball game that took place last night in American Airlines Arena.

Paul George had his official coming out party, with David West and Roy Hibbert playing the role of supporting cast.

Coming into the series I picked Miami to win in five, and I stand by my decision.

When the game was on the line, the superstars of Miami showed up and closed the deal.

"Superstars make players."

The "Big 3" of LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh scored the last four buckets for Miami, with James hitting the game-winning layup.

Yes, Frank Vogel made a coaching mistake of removing Hibbert from the last two possessions of the game, but Miami doesn't win if James doesn't recognized the move and makes the heady decision to take the ball to the rim.

Let me not forget about George overplaying James and letting him go right by him to hit the game-winning layup.

Indiana played the game they wanted to play, forcing Miami to play Pacers style of basketball out rebounding Miami along with forcing turnovers, but that wasn't enough.

Paul George did make an amazing three 32 feet away from the basketball to force the game into overtime, then had Wade make the mental mistake of fouling George on a three point attempt in overtime to tie the game going into the final possession.

These things aren't going to occur on a nightly basis in this series, but what I do know is when the game enters "crunch time" the Miami Heat have three players they can go to when they need a basket.

These games are going to come down to wire, but what separates the two, is one team doesn't really have a go to player when they need a bucket, when the other team has three options.

George finished with 27 points, West contributed 26 points, and Hibbert ended the game with 19 points.

James led Miami with a triple-double of 30 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, with Wade having 19 points and Bosh with 17 points of his own.

Game one was amazing, I expect nothing less from game two on Friday night.

Has Carmelo Anthony Reached His Ceiling?

        Carmelo Anthony through three quarters of game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals had 35 points, but came up short when his team needed him the most.

        Anthony finished with 39 points, going 2-7 from the field with two crucial turnovers in the fourth quarter that gave the Pacers the extra push they needed to win the game advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.

        Has Carmelo Anthony reached his ceiling?

        Many have defended Anthony claiming he needs a better number two, he receives the praise when he plays well, and he's going to receive the criticism for coming up short, again.

        When facing elimination games, Anthony is 3-9 that is not a stat that validates him as a superstar in this league.

        Anthony is big time, and its time he silent the critics as myself.

        I'm not going to give him a pass, through three quarters of play he was the best player on the floor, but when it mattered in the fourth quarter he went missing in action.

        At the 3:57 mark in the fourth quarter, with the game tied at 92, Anthony turned the ball over on a bad pass, which was taken the other way with Lance Stephenson converting on a three point play.

        The following possession at the 3:28 mark, Anthony doesn't take the best of shots, the Pacers get the rebound take it the other way and score two points, Pacers lead 97-92 at the 3:12 mark.

        Now the crowd is into it, this is the time when your superstar comes up big three minutes to go in a must when game on the road.

        Anthony turns the ball over on another bad pass that goes the other way for the Pacers with David West scoring increasing the Pacers lead 99-92 at the 2:34 mark.

        By this time down seven on the road in a hostile environment, the Pacers go ahead and close the deal, defeating the New York Knicks 106-99.

        Anthony had his best chance of his career to advance to the conference finals, and when it mattered he came up short.

        Talent is not the issue, I do recall LeBron James leading the Cavaliers to victory in 2006-07 Eastern Conference Finals, James put the Cleveland Cavaliers on his back against the Detroit Pistons scoring 29 of the Cavaliers' last 30 points, finishing with 48 points.

        James did not have much help if he had any, Anthony could have done the same, but he didn't.

        Carmelo Anthony is a superstar in this league, but until he proves otherwise, he's reached his ceiling.


Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

Twitter:  @JTyree704

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

Kevin Durant's Learning Experience

    There is one word that is overused when talking sports, espcially in basketball, the word "great".

    There are many really good players that will eventually be "great", but aren't great right now in their career.

    Last night, I witnessed Kevin Durant go through the humuliation phase as a player, which I believe will help him turn the corner evolving into a great player.

    When you talk about the best to ever play the game Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James they all went through it, Kevin Durant just experienced his.

    With Durant being 52 percent of the Thunder's offense revealed itself in a major way during the fourth quarter.

    I watched Durant miss a big time free-throw, this also occured in game three, along with Durant taking some bad shots.

    Despite the lack of lift he had in his legs, you still have to make smart basketball decision. Take a high percentage shot, instead of a long-range jumper fading away from the basket. Passing the ball out of a double team instead of dribbling into a turnover.
   
    The game is mental.

    Right now Durant is not a "great" player, but after the humiliation he suffered last night, I expect Durant to turn the corner and become a "great" player, just as Jordan, Kobe and Lebron did.

  "I’ve been second my whole life. I was the second best player in high school. I was the second pick in the draft. I’ve been second in the MVP voting three times. I came in second in the finals. I’m tired of being second. I’m not going to settle for that. I’m done with it."- Kevin Durant


 Justin Tyree

 ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

 Twitter: @JTyree704

 Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

Best Of Three? Thoughts On Tonight's Game Four's

    With the series being tied 2-2 who will the best of three? San Antonio has the experience, but Golden State has the confident that they can go into AT&T Arena and win.
   
    Golden State let game one split and bounced back to win game two, San Antonio is a veteran ball club, so I expected them to win one on the road and they did, with Golden State rallying to win game four.

    I wasn't sold on Golden State winning this series, but now I am.

    When Curry and Thompson went cold, others stepped in to fill the void, in game four Harrison Barnes and Jarrett Jack put them team on their back when it mattered.

    The way Golden State has played in San Antonio I believe they'll win game five, and close it out at home in Oracle Arena in game six and advance to the Western Conference Finals.

    I will say this Golden State will get San Antonio's best shot, the Spurs do no want to go back to Oracle Arena in a must win game six.

Tonight's Game Four's

    Tonight Chicago and Oklahoma City, ultimately are in must win situations, neither team wants to go down 3-1, that's a hole to deep to ultimately get out of.

    Chicago I expect to be competitive being on their home court, and possibly even win tonight's match-up, but I don't see it happening.

    With Wade not being a hundred percent, Norris Cole provided the spark with 18 points off the bench in game three. Tonight it could be Ray Allen or Shane Battier, the Heat just have too many weapons for Chicago.

    Tonight will be a dog fight, but Miami should and more than likely will come out on top going back to South Beach with a 3-1 series lead.

Big Night For Kevin Durant?

    How will Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder come out tonight in a must win against the Memphis Grizzles?

    For Oklahoma City to have any chance against Memphis tonight, Kevin Durant must have a monster performance, similar to LeBron's 45 points and 15 rebounds in Boston last season.

    Serge Ibaka has been missing in action, and Kendrick Perkins hasn't brought much to the table either, Marc Gasol and Zack Randolph have imposed their will, and that's ultimately why they are in control of this series.

    Kevin Durant has to come up big, along with getting contributions from Kevin Martin, Serge Ibaka and Reggie Jackson. If not, then Memphis will take a 3-1 series lead, and there isn't much to say about a team that falls 3-1, history does not work in their favor.


Justin Tyree

ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

Twitter: @JTyree704

Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes


   

My Observations: 2013 NBA Playoffs

As we hit the midway mark of the 2013 NBA Playoffs there have been a few things that grabbed my attention:

• Many felt the New York Knicks were the biggest hurdle for the Miami Heat to reach the NBA Finals, but the Indiana Pacers might beg to differ. With Carmelo Anthony running into cold streaks, and JR Smith struggling shooting the ball, the Knicks are in a bind going into game four, that is definitely a must win.

• As many ridiculed Russell Westbrook for his reckless abandon on the offensive end, his lack of presence on the court is revealing itself, just ask Kevin Durant, who is having to do much more than just shoot the basketball. Though the series is 2-1, you can argue the Memphis Grizzles could legitimately be up 3-0. Serge Ibaka must improve his play if the Thunder have any chance of advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

• Who will come out of the Spurs Warriors series? Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson Jr. have shown they can shoot the ball earning the nickname "Splash Brothers", but despite the thrill of raining three-pointers the Warriors trail the Spurs in the series 2-1. The contrasting style of play between the two have made the series interesting, game four is this afternoon. Who do you have as the victor?

• Despite the Bulls 'bullying' effort of trying to intimidate the Miami Heat, the fact of the matter is that Chicago just does not have enough fire power to dethrone the defending champs. With the Bulls on their last leg, I still scratch my head on my Richard Hamilton has yet to see some action. The Bulls can attempt to rough LeBron James up, but when it matters they have no answer for the four-time league MVP.

          Justin Tyree

          ESPN 730 Charlotte Bobcats Insider and Blogger

          Twitter: @JTyree704

          Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/SportsFromMyEyes

Knicks Pacers Who Are You Taking?

    As I wake up on this Monday morning, I've heard arguements from both sides of the table, about who's going to win this Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers.

    Game one went to the Pacers 102-95, stealing one in Madison Square Garden.

    I took two things from game one: the Pacers are a really good defensive ball club, and if the
Knicks are going to win this series Carmelo Anthony and JR Smith must play well.

    Notice I said play well not just shoot well, playing well means being active on defense, taking good shots and winning the 50/50 battles.

    The Pacers imposed their style of play, they let the Knicks take the bad shots, and they controlled the boards, winning the rebounding battle and points in the paint.

    The Knicks are going to need for Tyson Chandler and Kenyon Martin to do their job, and that's rebound. The two combined for six rebounds, that's not going to cut it.

    When you are taking jumpers and hitting them rebounding isn't an issue, but when you settle for long jumpers and aren't hitting you lose the battle for second chance opportunites. The Knicks are going to have to shoot well and rebound if they want to win this series, because the Pacers are long.

    The knock on the Knicks is that they struggle with good defense ball clubs along the likes of Chicago, Miami and from the looks of game one the Pacers.

    The victories against the Heat, don't fall in love with them, Miami is the better team.

    This is a perfect opportunity for the Knicks to silence the critics, for Carmelo Anthony to answer the bell, and for JR Smith to show he is a consitent scoring threat.

    Game two will be an interesting one to say the least, if the Pacers take it and head to Indiana with a 2-0 series lead, the Knicks will be in serious trouble.

    I'm a fan of the game first, being an analyst second.

   With that being said I'm pushing for seven games, the Knicks will win game two, and head to Indiana with the series being tied 1-1.