Month: September 2021

Welcome to HoopsWorld

Weekly source on news and statistics surrounding the National Basketball Association.

Post 1

What drives me

When I think about media, I think of what I can become through my studies as a journalism major. I think about what position an internship in the right area could put me in. But the question that ultimately drives me is how can I prove my basketball knowledge to the world and how I can do that without playing the game at the highest level. I've always admired the game of basketball: and seeing as how I played from seventh grade to senior year, a deep connection formed between me and the game. When I realized that making it to the NBA was out of my reach, I started to question how I could reciprocate that love differently, and media was my answer. As for questions I hope to answer regarding my media world, the first would be whether I can make my way into the sports analyst/journalist world through knowledge alone. The following question would be whether my personality can elevate my role as a media persona to a bigger scale. It would be one thing acting behind the scenes as a source that gains intel surrounding news about any given sports league but gaining the status of a credible analyst would mean a lot. Becoming someone who gives statements that athletes and fans can feed into would mean that I've gained credibility for my knowledge.

Post 2

Mass media, cultural expression, and storytelling.

What are the advantages and pitfalls of the media's appetite for telling and selling stories? As we reach the point where almost all media exist on the Internet, how have our culture and daily lives been affected?

The advantages in the media's appetite for constantly breaking stories is the amount of resources that we now have to access stories of the daily events and news surrounding us. Major media chains put out storylines that can break off into smaller chains and within each individual story more specific details are able to be uncovered depending on what source a story comes from. The pitfalls that come from that is the uncertainty of how reliable a given source may be. If a certain media outlet is hungry enough for a headline they may release news that seem relevant, but hold no credibility to the source that they pull the story from.

Post 3

The League Report

The 2021-22 NBA season has gained a lot of built-up anticipation. The Milwaukee Bucks are fresh off of winning an NBA title; giving the league a look into just how many different teams can now compete for an NBA championship. Teams such as the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat have all acquired highly-touted free agents who have put them in contending positions that also have fans wondering what the type of teams will be able to compete at the highest level in the new season. Now being in the later stages of the NBA off-season, this blog will look to include free agency moves, trade rumors, and inside reports on what news is surfacing around the league before the start of the NBA preseason; beginning on October 3rd. When the season officially starts on October 19th, this blog will cover the NBA games as a whole and look to cover the progress of competing teams.

Spurs legend Manu Ginobili is returning to the San Antonio Spurs staff as a special adviser to basketball operations. Ginobili won four championships in his time with the Spurs and made a reputation of being one of the best leaders and teammates in the Spurs franchise history. Ginobili won 4 championships with the Spurs, and achieved a career overseas that allowed for him to be considered one of the greatest international players in history. The Spurs were persistent in trying to give the basketball legend a role within the teams organization since his retirement in 2018. Ginobili will now work in a role that focuses on player development both on and off the court, which will help the Spurs young core in their growth. During his 16-year career with the Spurs, Ginobili was a two-time All-star and won the Sixth Man of the Year award. His achievements also included winning an Olympic Gold Medal with Argentina in 2004. Ginobili's experience playing for the Spurs and international basketball should serve as exceptional knowledge for the Spurs young roster.

The Denver Nuggets signed Aaron Gordon to a 4-year, $92 million contract extension after playing 25 games for the team last year. Gordon averaged 10.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in 26 minutes played in the 2020-21 season. Gordon also totaled 11.1 points per game on 43% shooting in the Nuggets 2021 playoff run. With Denver suffering a key injury to their star point guard Jamal Murray, the Nuggets will look to help with the scoring load in the upcoming season. His highest scoring season came from his 2017-18 season, in which he averaged 17.6 points per game for the Orlando Magic.

Franchises around the NBA have adhered to protocols requiring that players must be vaccinated in order to play in their respective states. Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors recently sent a request to the league asking for religious exemption from the orders in place, claiming that taking the vaccine goes against his beliefs. After reviewing Andrew Wiggins request for religious exemption, the NBA denied Wiggins request, as the San Francisco Department of Public Health requires COVID-19 vaccinations for all participants age 12 and older at large indoor events. Until Wiggins fulfills the cities vaccine requirements, he will not be allowed to suit up or play in any games held in the Warriors arena.

Philadelphia 76ers star center and MVP candidate Joel Embiid has stated that he's disappointed in the news surfacing about his teammate Ben Simmons. Through weeks of trying to get Ben Simmons to cooperate with the 76ers organization following their Game 7 loss, it seems the situation is becoming progressively worse. 76ers players including Joel Embiid, Matisse Thybulle, and Tobias Harris planned on taking a flight to see Simmons and were turned away soon after making their plans. Simmons had shown signs of mentally checking out from the 76ers organization following criticism from his coach and the fanbase. Embiid expressed disappointment regarding Simmons situation, claiming, "I really hope he changes his mind," acknowledging that he still views Simmons as a valuable piece to the roster. Embiid then told reporters, "I do love playing with him because he adds so much to our team. We've been building this team around us. I don't see it as 'This is my team'. I don't care about any of that." Clearly, Embiid still sees Simmons as a piece that contributes to winning, but only time will tell if Simmons will come to respect the organization again.

The Brooklyn Nets kicked off the preseason with a commanding 123-97 win over the Lakers. Summer League stand-out Cam Thomas led the Nets, posting a stat line of 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. The Nets were without Kevin Durant and James Harden in the preseason opener. Kyrie Irving remains away from the team as he is still unvaccinated. Anthony Davis put up just 6 points in 11 minutes of play and couldn't make much of an impact in his time on the court, shooting just 2/6 from the field. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook also sat out their first preseason game; the Lakers will look to bounce back on Wednesday, October 6th, when they take on the Phoenix Suns.

The Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat each end the week 3-0 in the preseason as their squads show signs of early success. The Miami Heat added veteran guard Kyle Lowry during the offseason and brought a defensive presence in the first few games, along with some efficient playmaking. Guard Tyler Herro is also looking to be a spark off the bench for the Heat, where he's averaged 24.6 points through 3 games. Warriors 3-0 start has been fueled by their young guard Jordan Poole, who has averaged 25 points in their 3 preseason wins. Stephen Curry has averaged 19 points through 3 games, and scored 30 during their most recent outing against the Lakers. The Warriors and the Heat seem to be making early cases for strong regular season contenders.

As the preseason continues it seems DeMar DeRozan has become more fond of his newfound Chicago Bulls squad. The Bulls acquired DeRozan on August 11th in a sign-and-trade agreement with the hopes of making themselves contenders once again after years of playoff drought. The Bulls finished 2-0 in the preseason at the end of the week and Zach LaVine tallied 23 points per game in those two wins. When acknowledging the presence LaVine has on the roster, DeMar DeRozan was quoted saying, “I haven’t played with a talent at that wing position like Zach (LaVine). I want to put everything I’ve been through in my career, share that with him, win together.” DeRozan seems to trust his new teammates and his new beginnings, as the talent he sees around him is now contributing to wins.

Ben Simmons has stayed silent throughout the first two weeks of the preseason and essentially ghosted the 76ers organization following the 76ers Game 7 loss against Atlanta. News has now surfaced that Simmons has surprisingly arrived in Philadelphia and reported to the Wells Fargo Center. Simmons requests for a trade went unnoticed by the organization, as they still wanted to rekindle the relationship they once had with the All-Star. Simmons will reportedly meet with the organization's leadership as soon as Tuesday, and perhaps he and his agent Rich Paul will discuss the fines Simmons has been receiving for missing training camp. It's believed that Simmons still wants to be moved to another destination than Philadelphia, but perhaps his communication with the organization can provide a better outlook for his hopes of staying with the 76ers.

The Phoenix Suns have signed forward Mikal Bridges to a four-year, $90 million extension. Bridges is one of the most promising upcoming young wings in the league; his role was essential to the Phoenix Suns 2021 Finals run. His 6'7" frame gives him good height to stick with his opponents, but Bridges 7'1" wingspan is the gift that allows his to impose his defensive prowess. Bridges also showed promising offensive potential, averaging 13.5 points on 42% shooting from the three point line in just his 3rd season. Mikal also averaged 11.1 points and 1.0 steal per game during the Suns playoff role, playing one of the most crucial roles as a catch-and-shoot defensive player.

In two big games scheduled for NBA opening night, the Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors pick up big wins over the Nets and Lakers to advance to 1-0 on the season. Reigning Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated in a 127-104 win, tallying 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists. Nets Kevin Durant attempted to duel the Greek Freak, but his 32 points and 11 rebounds weren't enough to keep up with the Bucks. In the second game of opening night, the Golden State Warriors took down the Los Angeles Lakers 121-114 following Stephen Curry's 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists; posting a triple-double. LeBron James pressured the Warriors, scoring 34 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing 11 assists. The Lakers 17 turnovers took them out of the game, and LeBron's effort couldn't result in a win. In an opener that involved many great teams, fans may have just witnessed a Conference Finals preview.

Upon landing in Philadelphia and meeting with the team last week, Ben Simmons has told the 76ers medical professionals that he isn't mentally ready to play to his expectations and needs time away from the team. Simmons expressed his reasons for needing to seek help, and the 76ers staff offered him several resources for aiding his mental health. After breaking this news to the 76ers staff, Simmons had made plans to meet with medical professionals for an evaluation. Simmons has undergone a series of fines from the 76ers for missing games, practices, and meetings. Rich Paul, Simmons' agent, has told 76ers staff members that the fines are only worsening his mental health. It currently remains uncertain how long this situation will drag on, or if Simmons will cooperate with the 76ers again.

A week and a few days into the season, three teams hold a league-best record of 5-1: The Golden State Warriors, The Miami Heat, and the Utah Jazz. The Golden State Warriors currently have the second-best defense in the league and their star point guard Stephen Curry is leading the league in scoring, averaging 28.7 points per game. This begs the question of how much better they will be when their All-Star shooting guard Klay Thompson returns from injury. The Miami Heat currently have the best defense in the league; holding a 94.0 defensive rating. Jimmy Butler is making a strong case for MVP early in the season, averaging 25.0 points per game along with 2.9 steals. It's clear the addition of Kyle Lowry has helped the Heat take a jump defensively. The Utah Jazz also ended the week with a 5-1 record, proving that their solid core who finished last season as the first seed is still looking to be a regular-season juggernaut.

Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors took home Western Conference Player of the Week. Curry averaged 31.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game, showing early signs of being in MVP form. Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 3-0 start to begin the season, and had a triple-double on opening night. Miles Bridges took home honors of winning Eastern Conference Player of the Week. Bridges averaged 25.0 points, 8.1 rebound, and 3.0 steals per game during the first week of the regular season. Bridges' Hornets also finished the week 3-0, standing atop the Eastern Conference Rankings.

The Washington Wizards have ended week 3 of NBA action with an 8-3 record, the best in the Eastern Conference. Bradley Beal has led the team averaging 24/5/5 splits. The Wizards new edition Spencer Dinwiddie has been a spark off the bench, putting up 16/4/6 splits. Kyle Kuzma has found a new home as he struggled to secure a role with the Lakers; he's been averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds through 11 games. Montrezl Harrell appears to be back in his 6MOTY form, averaging 18 points and 9 rebounds on 64% shooting off the bench. The Washington Wizards are top 10 in record, points, points allowed, rebounds, blocks, threes, offensive rating, defensive rating, and net rating. Through 11 games, it appears the new pieces that the team has added are on a mission to prove themselves.

Cleveland Cavaliers rookie forward Evan Mobley stuffed the stat sheet against the New York Knicks in MSG. The 6'11 forward tallied 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists in 36 minutes of play. Beyond the stat sheet, Mobley displayed just how versatile his skillset is; spacing the floor, showing guard-level ball-handling ability, and scoring the ball at an efficient level. Mobley is currently averaging 14.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks overall on the season. The Rookie of the Year race is staying tight, however, as Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors is averaging 16.6 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Barnes also leads all rookies in PER (Player Efficiency Rating). Indiana Pacers guard Chris Duarte is closing in at a close third, averaging 16.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists; he's the best three-point shooting rookie in the class so far. It's safe to say the 2021 draft class is full of star-studded potential.

Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are on a roll. They finish the week with a league-best 11-2 record, and Curry's MVP play is a perfect reflection of their success. Curry was named Western Conference Player of the Week, averaging 34.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists. Curry has been an unstoppable force early in the season and is the current frontrunner in the MVP race. Kevin Durant earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week honors as he led his Brooklyn Nets to a 10-4 record to finish the week. Durant put up 32.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists; contributing to his team in every way. Durant shot an efficient 63% from the field along with 53% from three, making him virtually unstoppable. The Warriors will face off against the Nets tomorrow in what will be a battle of MVP candidates and almost certainly a competitive showdown.

The Phoenix Suns are back in their seasoned form as they hold the second best record in the league at 9-3. The Suns advanced to the NBA Finals in the previous season and seem to be dominating in the regular season the same way they did in last years post-season. Suns point guard Chris Paul is currently leading the league in assists per game at 12.0 while being only 51st in turnover per game; a credit to how efficient the guard has been. Meanwhile, Suns center DeAndre Ayton is the only player in the league currently averaging 15+ points and 10+ rebounds on 60% shootings. The Suns have won 8 straight games and are beginning to look like the same team that ran through the Western Conference during the playoffs.

Post 1

What drives me

Post 2

Mass media, cultural expression, and storytelling.

Post 3

The League Report

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