I finally started my VLOG: Katherine’s Quarters! Please check out my youtube channel for the first two episodes. All Week 1 of the NFL regular season!
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Category Archives: Professional Sports
NBA FA Update : Waiting on Kawhi
The 2019 NBA Free Agency has already been wild, though the world is still waiting for Kawhi’s decision.
Let’s recap big moves that have already happened and what they mean.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving both came to an agreement with the Brooklyn Nets. Both have agreed to sign for less than the max which will also allow the Nets to sign DeAndre Jordan. The departure of D’Angelo Russell to Golden State and Durant out for the upcoming season, Irving will likely take the leadership role for the team, if he is ready.
Speaking of Golden State, the roster doesn’t look as bad as you would imagine after the loss of two Finals MVPs, Durant and Iguodala. Late Sunday night, news broke that Iguodala was being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors agreed to a max deal with Klay Thompson and will bring back Kevon Looney on 3-year deal, keeping a majority of the roster intact, aside from the aforementioned stars. One forgotten man is Demarcus Cousins, who signed a one-year deal last year coming off of a ruptured Achilles tendon but, has not yielded any interest in the first few days of free agency.
Last season the 76ers revamped their roster and were an early playoff favorite until the second round loss to the eventual NBA Champion, Toronto Raptors. This offseason, Jimmy Butler was traded to Miami and JJ Redick is off to the Pelicans. That aside, Tobias Harris signed a new five-year deal, Simmons and the team are nearing a five-year contract extension and they came to an agreement with veteran Al Horford. For the second re-org within two seasons, the 76ers are in a good position to be favored in the playoffs again this year.
After Anthony Davis decided to take his talents to LA and join Lebron, it wasn’t looking great for the Pelicans but, they have made some interesting moves this offseason. As a part of the Davis trade the Pelicans received Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart and some first-round picks. Then, the draft happened and the Pelicans got Zion Williamson. AND THEN, free agency started and they sign JJ Redick, who is 35 years old but, also averages close to 18 points a game and was shooting 40% from three point range during his stint with the 76ers. Philadelphia has made the best out of losing a star player and could still be a top seed in the playoffs this upcoming season.
#NBAFreeAgency2019 has given us some interesting and big moves so far but, everyone is still waiting for the last big piece to fall. It has been reported by multiple media outlets that we will hear a decision from Kawhi’s cam sometime the evening of July 3rd or possibly July 4th.
We are impatiently waiting Kawhi.
NBA Free Agency is Here!
Rumors and reports have been swirling for months but, today marks the official beginning of negotiations between players and teams. Contracts cannot be officially signed until July 6th.
Two of the biggest names the league (and everybody else) is monitoring are 2-time Finals MVP winners, Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant. Leonard is coming off of an NBA Finals win with the Toronto Raptors and Durant is going to miss the entire 2019-2020 season after suffering an Achilles injury. Both players have a lot of mystery surrounding their free agency decisions but, are reported to be taking meetings with multiple teams. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported early Sunday morning that both players are seriously considering the Los Angeles Clippers.
While we’re on the topic of Los Angeles, let’s talk Lakers free agency. Just a few months ago, saying “Los Angeles Lakers” was met with laughter and now they are in the front of the pack to potentially land another star. After landing Anthony Davis, there are still a lot of roster spots that need to be filled and with players like J.J. Redick, Jimmy Butler and De’Angelo Russell available, do the Lakers opt for depth over another superstar?
Another story to keep a close eye on is the Houston Rockets. In the last two years, the Rockets have made it to the playoffs but, lost some close ones to the Golden State Warriors. They seemingly have all the right pieces but, just can’t put it together consistently on the floor in the post season. It’s been reported that the Rockets are looking to land Jimmy Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers. The reason to keep a close eye on this developing story is what the Rockets will have give up to get Butler. The Rockets can offer Clint Capela, Eric Gordon or a number of other players but, given Capela’s improved play and Gordon’s sniper-like shooting, will they be able to get complementary replacements?
The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets have also been discussed destinations for Kemba Walker and Kyrie Irving respectively, the two top sought after PGs. Walker has spent his career with the Charlotte Hornets and averaged almost 26 points per game last season. Boston will be looking to replace the departing Irving, who at the start of the season was all in on Boston and then decided that was no longer the case a few months ago. It has been reported that Irving is seriously considering the Nets as his next destination. The Celtics also have another asset in Terry Rozier, who might be willing to stay due to the departure of Irving but, will gain interest from other PG-needy teams.
There are a slew of other free agents that are available including Al Horford, Danny Green, Patrick Beverly, J.J. Redick and Deandre Jordan. All veteran guys that could add depth and solid minutes wherever they land.
Los Angeles Rams v. New Orleans Saints
As an Eagles fan, I had to dry my tears before I could get down to the business of writing about the NFC Championship game this upcoming weekend.
NFC Championship Game
Los Angeles Rams v. New Orleans Saints
January 20, 2019
The Superdome is one of the toughest places to play for the visiting team. The Rams know this all too well. In Week 9, the Rams suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of Drew Brees and one of the best offenses in the league. Drew Brees passed for 340+ yards and 4 touchdowns, Alvin Kamara joined Jim Brown as one of the only players younger than 23 to have 3 touchdowns in 3 games and Michael Thomas’ 72-yd touchdown reception sealed the deal.
Jared Goff is not without weapons on the offensive side. The backfield duo, Todd Gurley and CJ Anderson, combined for 273 yards rushing, a franchise playoff record in the Rams win over the Dallas Cowboys. Although the Ram’s passing game has missed Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods and Brandin Cooks have both contributed to the success of the offense without Kupp. In their last meeting, Brandin Cooks, former Saint, had a solid 6 receptions for 100+ yards and Robert Woods has been Goff’s most reliable target throughout the season.
Both offenses have the ability to put points up but, defense will most definitely be the difference maker in this game. The Saints defense will be without defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and the Rams front trifecta of Ndamukong Suh, Aaron Donald and Michael Brockers are going to make it difficult for a run game to be established. Also to note is that Aqib Talib did not play in the previous meeting but, will be on the field this Sunday.
The Model Journalist 