http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci Just another HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs weblog Sat, 06 Feb 2010 09:17:51 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en The Chicago Bulls got off to a miserable start this year, one that consisted of bum ankle to their star point guard that altered the team’s fortunes, rumors of the coach’s impending firing, and the search for more offense after the departure of Ben Gordon. While the ship hasn’t totally been ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2010/02/06/rebounding-from-difficult-start/ Could you talk about competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference? It looks as if a .550 percentage may be needed to get in. Chris Paul: Yea, it’s going to be tough. We’re playing with a lot of energy and have to figure how to put it together for ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2010/01/12/chris-paul-new-orleans-is-home-for-me/ Your coach George Karl has said you bring an IQ to the game that is important to the Nuggets. Karl calls you the quarterback of the team’s defense. Could you talk about the defensive mindset that you bring to Denver? Kenyon Martin: Everybody can’t score in the league and you have ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2009/12/08/kenyon-martin-if-we-lock-in-on-defense-the-sky-is-the-limit-for-us/ One of the most disappointing teams in the early NBA season has been the Washington Wizards. With the addition of new coach Flip Saunders, along with Randy Foye and Mike Miller from Minnesota, the Wizards were expected to seriously contend for a playoff berth after a 19-63 nightmare last season. This ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2009/11/25/coping-with-potential-free-agency/ He came on so strong at the end of last season and looked right at home in the postseason that a natural question in his second year is whether Derrick Rose will be able to move up to the select group of point guards in the NBA. Actually the question isn’t ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2009/10/31/rose-getting-to-the-point/ Elton Brand arrived a year ago in Philadelphia with a big contract, and even larger expectations. After signing a five-year $80 million contract, Brand could be seen on billboard all around the city. The 76ers were touting a Brand New Era and for the first time in a while, there ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2009/09/24/brand-looking-for-a-comeback/ Doug Collins and New York Post basketball writer Peter Vescey have been selected to receive the 2009 Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame during Enshrinement festivities scheduled for September 10-11, 2009 in Springfield, Massachusetts. On Sept. 19, a statue of Collins and his college coach ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2009/09/04/a-month-of-honors-for-doug-collins/ The globalization of basketball has made the sport a world-wide affair, giving players plenty of exposure but little rest. And that is where the debate begins as to whether it’s wise for NBA players to compete for their national teams. Those who saw the U.S. recapture the gold medal in the ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2009/08/06/the-pros-and-cons-of-offseason-tournaments/ The Portland Trail Blazers won’t be on anybody’s short list of main NBA title contenders, but in signing Andre Miller, they have become a better team. Possibly a much better one. The Trail Blazers have added a veteran player who is a much-needed component to a young team. Can Miller take the Trail ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2009/07/25/miller-a-solid-addition-in-portland/ The obvious first question is what are your feelings about being drafted by a Minnesota Timberwolves team that is certainly in need for a shooting guard? Wayne Ellington: I felt pretty happy. I had two great workouts there. I knew they were interested and there is the opportunity to get on ... http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/narducci/2009/06/30/wayne-ellington-draft-night-was-draining-emotionally/