Basketball

• Deandre Ayton Faces 25-Game Suspension

  Oct 25, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  Deandre Ayton Faces a 25-Game Suspension

  

  by Z. Roney

  10.25.2019 Deandre Ayton is poised for a break-out year this season. The 6-11, 250 lbs center was selected 1st overall in the 2018 draft, and has so far failed to disappoint, averaging 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds in his rookie season en route to an All-Rookie First Team selection. This season is his chance to display his improvements from last year, and assume a larger role for the Phoenix Suns; he can further prove to his fans that he can meet their expectations and realize his full potential. However, that chance will come at a much later time than anyone would've hoped.

   

  The other night, Deandre Ayton found himself banned for 25 games when he tested positive for a diuretic, which are usually used as masking agents, violating the league's anti-drug policy. Such a suspension could last nearly 2 months, potentially keeping him sidelined until mid-late December. At the moment, plans for the NBPA to seek arbitration is underway; their appeal is based on the argument of “unintentional ingestion”, and claims that Ayton did not have any other banned substance in his system. They hope to reduce the severity of the penalty; however, in the meantime, Ayton's absence will definitely be a blow to the Suns' overall performance. Aron Baynes or Frank Kaminsky is likely to start in his place until the issue is resolved.

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• Kawhi Is Here!

  Oct 25, 2019 Diaz M 0 Comments

  Kawhi Is Here!

  

   

  by Diaz Mackie

   

  10.25.2019   Coming into this NBA season, I truly thought that LeBron would instantly put his stamp on this season, reclaiming his seat as the best player in the league. The season is young & perhaps he still will do just that. In fairness, I must admit I’ve been LeBron bias for most of his career. I’ve been a hater. I’m from Detroit & he was a division rival & my loyalty runs deep. I hated Jordan also in his day for the same reason. The ONLY times I ever rooted for Jordan in the finals,  is whenever they played Utah. I hated Utah and Boston for my own reasons. I say all of that to say this... I do believe that I was wrong. 

   

   

     I believe LeBron’s time as top-dog on the court, is over. Giannis is a great player, but it’s not him either. KD, if he comes back to old form, the beast also and also not him. Kyrie and Steph, not them. Harden, nope, but I dislike his game, being honest. Kawhi, YES! He has no flaws in his game.

   

   

     During free agency, I hoped and prayed that Kawhi would go to Los Angeles and play for the Clippers. The storyline is as if written by an Hollywood screenwriter. The “Prodigal Son” returning home, playing for the “Little Brother”, “JV” team instead of the glamorous Lakers. Leading the Clippers to a championship and supplanting the Lakers, while reigning over the NBA. Great story line, right? The drama between houses & personal battle between Kawhi and LeBron head up.

   

   

     “King James”, from Cleveland , not fully embraced by his new house, still trying to earn their approval. All while standing in the shadows of giants, Magic and Kobe. Kawhi’s personality on the court, machine-like. 

   

   

    However, there’s a piece of his personality that I didn’t notice. Kawhi currently has a new commercial airing for New Balance. In the commercial Kawhi is driving an old school drop-top 1967 Chevy Impala (the car Ice Cube drives in his “Good Day” video), they zoom in on his keys in the ignition & there’s just a CROWN. A direct shot at LeBron. Then the commercial has a sign saying “Kawhi Town”. Kawhi WANTS to directly take it to LeBron as the “Prodigal Son” for the throne of not just the NBA, but the kingdom of Los Angeles.

   

   

     Kawhi seems to have a natural dislike for “King James”. Tuesday night may have been the gasoline on the fire. Leonard who rarely speaks, grabbed the mic to welcome the fans to the start of the 2019-2020 NBA season. It was a home game for Kawhi and the Clippers, but they were playing “Big Brother” the Los Angeles’ Lakers, LeBron and newly acquired Anthony Davis.  The Lakers share the Staples Center and has championship banners all over the building. 

   

   

     Tuesday night something happened that I and I truly believe, nor did Kawhi expect. The crowd booed Kawhi as he greeted the fans, for there were more Laker fans in attendance than Clipper fans. I can see that adding that extra chip on Kawhi’s shoulder for the remainder of this year. Giving him more reason to go after LeBron and the Lakers. Solidifying the fate of the NBA and directly the Lakers and LeBron James. Naming claims to Los Angeles as his throne and presenting a new generation Clipper Nation as Los Angeles premier team. The battle for L.A.

   

   

     However as fore mentioned, I could be wrong, but it makes for a great storyline. This season should definitely be exciting and it couldn’t have come at a better time. 

   

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• Lakers vs. Clippers, Opening Night

  Oct 23, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  

  by Zachary Roney

  10.23.2019  Opening night for the NBA season featured a highly anticipated match-up between two title-contenders – a battle of Los Angeles. The Lakers and the Clippers both had major acquisitions this past summer, and this was their first official chance at showcasing their new rosters. As expected, their game was nothing short of entertaining, with the Clippers claiming a lead in the second quarter and maintaining it for the rest of the game. Kawhi Leonard led the game in scoring, with 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. LeBron James had 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists; and Anthony Davis had a double-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. The final score was 102-112.

   

  This is only the first of what could be many match-ups between these teams; in addition to the remaining games they'll play in the regular season, there is a high chance they'll meet at some point in the playoffs. Furthermore, neither team had the chance to boast their full roster last night, with Paul George sitting out for the Clippers, and DeMarcus Cousins and Kyle Kuzma being out for the Lakers. It goes without saying that this will be a fantastic rivalry for the future, one that will provide entertainment and suspense at every turn.

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• Zion Williamson's Preseason Injury

  Oct 18, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

  

   

   

  by Zachary Roney

  10.19.2019 Even before he was drafted, there were many who expressed concern over Zion Williamson's potential for frequent injury, in no small part due to his heavy physique, paired with his athletic style of play. He had suffered from knee injuries since he was in high school; they worried that, at his contemporary pace, he would eventually suffer a blown knee, thwarting what can be a great career. These concerns were heightened when, during the summer months, the Pelicans decided to keep Zion from playing the entire Summer League as a precaution towards a sore left knee.

   

  This past week, the top prospect's injury proneness was again brought into the spotlight, as it was announced Zion would miss the initial weeks of the regular season because of a right knee injury, which he had supposedly suffered during the Pelicans' recent game versus the San Antonio Spurs. This is obviously disappointing to his fans; many of them looked forward to Zion's initial match-ups against teams like the Toronto Raptors. Furthermore, his preseason numbers were nothing short of exceptional, averaging 23.3 points and 6.5 rebounds on 71.4% shooting during the four games he played. Only time will tell how he recovers from this predicament, and whether or not this will be the first of many.

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• NBA Veteran - Luol Deng Retires

  Oct 17, 2019 SportZ 0 Comments

   

  

  by Zachary Roney

  After playing for 5 teams across 15 seasons, 34 year-old Luol Deng announced his retirement today after signing a one-day contract with the Chicago Bulls. Deng was originally selected with the 7th overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft. The Sudanese basketball player had an exceptional professional career, being selected to 2 all-star teams, an All-Defensive Second Team, and an All-Rookie First Team, among other awards. He finished his career averaging 14.8 points per game, 2.3 assists per game, and 6.1 rebounds per game in 34.3 minutes a night. Internationally, he represented team Great Britain.

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