International Business Times

2013 NBA Mock Draft: Nerlens Noel, Victor Oladipo, Trey Burke Projected To Be High Lottery Picks

AnthonyRicco — Wed, 29 May 2013 16:12:35 GMT

A week after the lottery determined the order of the 2013 NBA Draft, the first 14 picks on June 27 are beginning to shape up. The beginning of the first round is expected to be dominated by young players, with freshman and sophomores making up much of the top 10. A few international players will also, likely, sneak their way into the first part of the draft.

Which players will be taken by which lottery teams? Below is a mock draft, with analysis for the top 14 picks in the first round.

1) Cleveland Cavaliers, C, Nerlens Noel, Kentucky

VIDEO Lance Stephenson Blows In LeBron James’s Ear? Trash Talk At Free Throw Line During NBA Eastern Conference Finals

gregprice — Wed, 29 May 2013 15:03:47 GMT

Lance Stephenson wasn't trying to woo LeBron James, he was just trying to get in the superstar's head.

In the closing minute and a half of the first half of Game Four on Tuesday, Stephenson appeared to taunt Miami’s James by blowing in his ear while both teams lined up for pair of Mario Chalmers free throws, according to The Big Lead.

Struggling Suns Name Former Player Hornacek As Head Coach

BobbyIlich — Tue, 28 May 2013 17:29:54 GMT

The Phoenix Suns named Jeff Hornacek as their new head coach on Tuesday, hoping the former player can turn around a struggling team coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history.

Hornacek, who will be introduced later on Tuesday, had been serving as an assistant coach for the Utah Jazz and will replace interim Suns coach Lindsey Hunter, who took over the team when Alvin Gentry and the club agreed to part ways in January.

Kobe Bryant Vs. Tim Duncan: Is the Lakers Or Spurs Star The Best Player Since Michael Jordan?

AnthonyRicco — Tue, 28 May 2013 16:55:02 GMT

Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs made the 2013 NBA Finals on Monday night with their 93-86 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The win gave the Spurs a sweep of the Western Conference Finals.

It’s the fifth trip to the Finals for Duncan, who’s in 16th career season. Since he was drafted in 1997, the big man has been one of the best players in the league. He is often overlooked, but the success he’s having even this late in his career is causing many to put his career into perspective.

NBA Finals 2013: Spurs Advance, Will They Be Joined By Heat Or Pacers

BobbyIlich — Tue, 28 May 2013 04:27:53 GMT

With a collection of veterans who were often considered too old to compete for an NBA title, the San Antonio Spurs are back in the Finals, with a series sweep of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Tony Parker scored 37 points off 15-of-21 shooting as the Spurs won Game Four at FedEx Forum on Monday, 93-86. The Spurs reached the title series after an excellent record of 12-2 in the postseason for their first trip back to the Finals since 2007.

Miami Heat Vs. Indiana Pacers Game 3: Where To Watch Free Live Stream Online, Point Spread, Prediction, Preview For Eastern Conference Finals [NBA Playoffs]

gregprice — Sun, 26 May 2013 21:15:11 GMT

The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers have been here before. Last year, the Heat toppled the Indiana by 10 points in Game One of the Eastern Conference semifinals, only to lose Game 2 by three points, and Game 3 by a whooping 19.

Flash forward to Sunday’s Game Three at Bankers Life Fieldhouse with the series tied 1-1, and the Heat aren’t in complete danger of losing control of the conference finals, but the last thing they need is for Indiana to gain even more confidence.

San Antonio Spurs Vs. Memphis Grizzlies Game 3: Where To Watch Live Online Stream, Prediction, Preview, Betting Odds For NBA Western Conference Finals

gregprice — Sat, 25 May 2013 22:10:10 GMT

Mike Conley, Zach Randolph and the rest of the Memphis Grizzlies can use their overtime 93-89 Game 2 loss to swing the playoff momentum their way.

The Grizzlies can take solace in the fact that they erased a normally iron clad San Antonio lead of 13 points, despite shooting 34 percent as a team from the field. The league’s best defense also won the rebound battle 60-46, but Memphis will have to improve their shooting for any chance Saturday.

Eastern Conference Finals More Competitive Than Many Expected

BobbyIlich — Sat, 25 May 2013 20:13:00 GMT

The Indiana Pacers threw open the NBA Eastern Conference finals on Friday, upsetting the Miami Heat with a 97-93 victory to level the best-of-seven series at 1-1.

LeBron James scored 36 points for Miami but gave up two crucial turnovers down the stretch that cost the Heat, while Roy Hibbert top-scored for the Pacers with 29 points and Paul George added 22 and produced some outstanding defensive work.

Miami Heat – Indiana Pacers Game 2: Where To Watch Free Live Stream Online, Point Spread, Prediction, Preview For Playoff Matchup In Miami

gregprice — Fri, 24 May 2013 20:38:54 GMT

An overplay and a poor coaching decision cost the Indiana Pacers a huge one game advantage over the defending champion Miami Heat, but there is still plenty of time in the seven-game series to make some noise.

The Pacers and Heat square off in Game Two Friday night at American Airlines Arena, and Indiana can still use their Game One performance as a confidence booster to steal home court advantage.

Lakers News: Dwight Howard Considering Warriors; Is Golden State The Biggest Threat To Los Angeles In 2013 Free Agency?

AnthonyRicco — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:16:50 GMT

The Los Angeles Lakers will have plenty of competition this offseason when they try to re-sign Dwight Howard. There’s a chance the All-Star could go to Texas, as both the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks will be in play for Howard. With James Harden in Houston, Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas and no income tax in the state, the Southwest Division teams are attractive options.

Miami Heat News: LeBron's Next Contract May Hinge On TV Deal; Lakers, Cavs Could Sign James In 2014

gregprice — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:51:55 GMT

Call it a moment of clarity, self-actualization, or just putting “it” all together, but there is no denying Miami Heat small forward LeBron James has reached the pinnacle of basketball.

Over the past year, the 28-year-old has won his first NBA championship, an Olympic gold medal, and his fourth league MVP. He's reached a level that only two or three players ever have, and the Heat have been the main beneficiary, but for how long?

Lebron James Layup: Miami Heat Edge Past Indiana Pacers In Playoffs With Last Second Basket [VIDEO]

Luke Villapaz — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:27:42 GMT

LeBron Hits Buzzer Beater To Rescue Heat

BobbyIlich — Thu, 23 May 2013 05:37:08 GMT

LeBron James proved once again why he deserved to be crowned the NBA's Most Valuable Player with a buzzer-beating layup in overtime on Wednesday night to lead the Miami Heat over the Indiana Pacers in Game One of the Eastern Conference finals, 103-102.

Heat – Pacers Game 1: Where To Watch Free Live Stream Online, Point Spread, Preview For Playoff Matchup In Miami

AnthonyRicco — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:03:03 GMT

On Wednesday night, the Indiana Pacers will begin their attempt to do what many feel is nearly impossible. They face the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, as they try to upset arguably the best team in basketball.

Throughout the 2012-2013 season, the Heat have been the overwhelming favorite to reach the NBA Finals. That idea has continued into the playoffs, as Miami handily swept the Milwaukee Bucks and dismantled the Chicago Bulls in five games. Now, the Pacers will try to take four games from the team that only had 16 losses in the regular season.

Oklahoma Tornadoes: Athletes Twitter Reaction And Donations; Kevin Durant And Matt Kemp Do Their Part To Help Victims

gregprice — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:05:19 GMT

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant provided an example Tuesday of why he’s considered one of the model players in the NBA.

Through his foundation, the 25-year-old Durant pledged to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross to help victims of the vicious E-5 tornado that tore through the state Monday.

The perennial MVP candidate and three-time scoring champion has spent the last five years of his career in Oklahoma, and though originally from the Maryland and Washington D.C. area, he calls the Sooner State his home.

NBA Mock Draft 2013: Will The Cavs Take Nerlens Noel, Ben McLemore, Or Otto Porter? [Predictions And Projections For Lottery Teams]

AnthonyRicco — Wed, 22 May 2013 13:43:10 GMT

The Cleveland Cavaliers haven’t had much success on the court since LeBron James left for the Miami Heat, but they’ve sure been lucky in the draft lottery. On Tuesday night, the Cavs won the first pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. It’s the second time in three years that the club has won the lottery.

Spurs Top Grizzlies In OT To Take 2-0 Series Lead

BobbyIlich — Wed, 22 May 2013 05:24:26 GMT

San Antonio squandered a big lead in the fourth quarter and had Tim Duncan to thank for settling their nerves in overtime as the Spurs ground out a 93-89 win over the Memphis Grizzlies and took a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals on Tuesday.

Up by 14 in the fourth, the Spurs failed to score in the last four minutes of regulation and were pushed to overtime by the rallying Grizzlies.

Spurs – Grizzlies Game 2: Where To Watch Free Live Stream Online, Point Spread, Prediction For Playoff Matchup In San Antonio

AnthonyRicco — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:47:07 GMT

After defeating Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games, the Memphis Grizzlies became many experts’ choice to win the NBA Finals. It was just one contest, but the Game One matchup between Memphis and the San Antonio Spurs might have left some questioning their pick.

In Sunday’s Western Conference Finals opener, the Spurs were dominant from start to finish. They outscored the Grizzlies by 17 points in the first quarter and never looked back, winning by 22.

NBA Draft Lottery 2013: Where To Watch Live Stream Online, Odds, Preview For Teams Looking To Get No.1 Pick

AnthonyRicco — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:20:07 GMT

On Tuesday night, the 14 teams in the 2013 NBA Draft Lottery will finally learn their fate. The order of the first round will be determined before Game Two of the Western Conference Finals at 8:30 p.m. ET. ESPN will have the TV coverage, and viewers can watch a free live stream online at watchespn.com.

Lakers Free Agency News: Dwight Howard Wants Out Of L.A.? Center Comments About D'Antoni And Could Be Headed To Houston Rockets

AnthonyRicco — Tue, 21 May 2013 15:07:38 GMT

The Los Angeles Lakers have several factors in their favor as they attempt to re-sign Dwight Howard this offseason. The team’s head coach, however, may be a deterrent in getting the All-Star to stay in L.A.

2013 NBA Mock Draft Predictions: Can Nerlens Noel, Ben McLemore, Otto Porter And Others Turn A Team Around? [Lottery Projections]

AnthonyRicco — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:15:17 GMT

With the 2013 NBA Draft Lottery set for Tuesday night, the first few picks of the first round will soon begin to take shape. It’s still unknown what teams will select at the top of the draft, but certain players are almost guaranteed to go very high.

The NBA Draft Combine was held last week, giving clubs a chance to view the top college prospects up close and personal. Some players improved their draft stock, while others may have hurt their chances of being a top five or 10 pick.

NBA Playoffs 2013: Grizzlies Expected To Bounce Back From Game One Thumping To Spurs

BobbyIlich — Mon, 20 May 2013 17:43:31 GMT

The San Antonio Spurs cruised past the Memphis Grizzlies in Game One of the Western Conference finals, but Game Two on Tuesday night is likely to be more competitive.

The Spurs have a smart and experienced roster, and head coach Gregg Popovich probably has a better understanding of his own roster's abilities than any other coach in the NBA. The club has also been dominant at home, winning five of six playoff games at AT&T Center, after finishing the regular season with a 35-6 record.

Miami Heat Vs. Indiana Pacers Betting Odds, Prediction, Schedule Preview For Eastern Conference Finals [2013 NBA Playoffs]

AnthonyRicco — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:40:29 GMT

2013 NBA Playoffs

The Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers will meet in the playoffs for the second straight year. This season, Indiana looks for revenge in the Eastern Conference Finals. The No.1 seed Heat will have a week off in between games, while the No.3 Pacers enter Game One after three days rest.

No team has been as dominant as Miami in the postseason. They lost just one game in the first two rounds, sweeping the Milwaukee Bucks and beating the Chicago Bulls in five. The club’s eight wins have come by an average of 16.5 points.

New York Knicks Vs. Indiana Pacers: Where To Watch Live Online Stream, Preview, Betting Odds Prediction For Game 6 [NBA Playoffs]

gregprice — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:25:44 GMT

The New York Knicks hope to stave off elimination Saturday night as they meet the Indiana Pacers in Game Six of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

In an 85-75 win, no group came through more for the Knicks in Game Five than their bench, which outscored Indiana’s 35-10 with 13 points apiece from J.R. Smith and Chris Copeland.

Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points, on 12-for-28 shooting, and Smith led New York with three steals. The Knicks forced 19 Pacer turnovers.

Michael Jordan Vs. Kobe Bryant: Who Is Better? Phil Jackson Responds, What Former Bulls And Lakers Coach Said In His New Book

gregprice — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:05:54 GMT

Eleven championships and coaching two of the greatest players in league history have given Phil Jackson one of the most unique vantage points in all of sports.

The 67-year-old coach has penned a new book titled “Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success,” and the juiciest details NBA fans want to know concern Jackson’s comparison of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Fans and the media have hotly debated who is greater, with Jordan winning out most of the time with his six titles compared to Bryant’s five, but up until now Jackson shied away from such questions.