Is Derek Rose Career Over?

Just as the Chicago Bulls were primed to make a push for the NBA playoffs as one of the Eastern Conference’s main contenders, Derrick Rose’s knee has become a stumbling block. Again.

Image Credit: HuffingtonPost.com

Despite his supreme talent, athleticism and agility, Derrick Rose hasn't had the greatest fortune utilizing his abilities over the past three years due to injury. With two surgeries in two years, Rose had attempted to make yet another comeback this season. However Rose suffered a tear of the medial meniscus in his right knee—another devastating blow to what has been an up-and-down career. 

It will be Rose's third knee surgery since 2012, starting when he went down with an ACL tear in his left knee in the first game of that year's playoffs. He tore the meniscus in his right knee in Portland in November 2013 and missed the remainder of last season.

It will be impossible to trust his body anymore. You could use his knees of clay as skeet-shooting targets. Even before Tuesday’s news of a planned third surgery landed with a mushroom cloud, whatever trust there might have been was hanging by a few strands of ligament and cartilage.

After missing eight of 15 games in November, he had played 46 games this season, his most since suiting up for 81 in his MVP season in 2010-11. He hadn't missed a game since Jan. 10, a stretch of 19 straight. His minutes restrictions were over.

No timeline has been determined for Rose's recovery from the procedure, which has yet to be scheduled.

Christine O'Connor

@christineeeeO

Is It Time For Kobe Bryant to retire?

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

Image Credit: espn.com

Kobe Bryant is injured... again.

The Los Angeles Lakers expect star Kobe Bryant to miss the remainder of the season with a torn rotator cuff. 

Father Time is catching up to Kobe. This game one that has spanned 19 spectacular seasons and made for a one-of-a-kind career may be over.

Bryant, who was voted in as a Western Conference All-Star starter on Thursday night for a record 17th consecutive year, has played 35 games with the Lakers this season, averaging 22.3 points on a career-low 37.3 percent shooting.

Bryant averaged a team-high 35.4 minutes during the Lakers' first 27 games, and Scott again questioned whether playing Bryant too many minutes earlier this season led to the shoulder injury.

Bryant suffered the tear during the second half of Wednesday night's loss to New Orleans, though sources said he has been dealing with the injury since the preseason.

Bryant, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Lakers for $25 million, apparently aggravated the injury in the third quarter against the Pelicans when he drove baseline for a two-handed dunk.

The injury comes after Bryant missed almost all of last season because of a torn Achilles' tendon.

To most people, it appears Bryant's body is breaking down after a lengthy career. A sure Hall of Famer, Bryant is not the player he once was, and this latest injury has left many with the same question: Is it time for him to retire?

The 2015 NBA All Star Weekend in New York City

Article by: Christine O'Connor

Twitter: @christineeeeO

​​​Image Credit: nba.com

Welcome to New York! 

The Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks will share hosting duties for the 2015 NBA All-Star Weekend. The Saturday nightevents, including the three-point contest and slam dunk competition, will be held at the Barclays Center, while the All-Star Game will be played at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Feb. 15.

Here is what you need to know for the weekend's events:

All-Star Celebrity Game

Two teams of celebrities will get to play at the World's Most Famous Arena on Friday night.

Tipoff: Feb. 13, 7:00 p.m. ET

​Location: Madison Square Garden

TV coverage: ESPN

Rising Stars Challenge

The top rookies and sophomores take center stage on Friday night at the Barclays Center.

Tipoff: Feb. 13, 9:00 p.m. ET

Location: Barclays Center

TV coverage: TNT

All-Star Saturday Night

The Barclays Center hosts the Shooting Stars, Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest and Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday night.

Tipoff: Feb. 14, 8:30 p.m. ET

Location: Barclays Center

TV coverage: TNT

All-Star Game

The East and West meet in the 64th All-Star Game on Sunday night at Madison Square Garden. It will be the fourth time the game is played at The Mecca and the first time since Michael Jordan took home MVP honors in 1998.

Tipoff​: Feb. 15, 8:30 p.m. ET

Location: Madison Square Garden

TV coverage: TNT

Adidas unveiled the uniforms for the weekend: 

​Image Credit: lakersnation.com

The Disappointing Brooklyn Nets and the Disgraceful New York Knicks.

Image Credit: EliteDaily.com

By: Kai Jones

Edited by: Dana P. (E.I.C.) 

New York City, the city of big lights, big dreams, and big expensive underperforming basketball teams. Anyone that follows basketball knows that the New York Knicks are in the words of Charles Barkley, “TURRIBLE!” The Brooklyn Nets aren’t quite as bad as the Knicks, because they are in the Eastern Conference. They are still one game under .500. Brooklyn is currently in the 8th spot of the eastern conference. Let’s not get into the despair of the Eastern Conference, where one win the Philadelphia 76ers are 7 games back of the 8th spot! Can either team get back to the near top of the Eastern conference,  where both of them were just 2 seasons ago?

Can the New York Knicks? Probably not. Willis Reed is not walking through those doors. On the brighter side, if the Knicks start to understand the Triangle offense and are able to get healthy, they could make the playoffs. 

Experienced veterans JR Smith, Samuel Dalembert, and Jose Calderon have not played up to their career averages. Calderon is especially surprising as he’s been a great point guard wherever he has been. 

Carmelo Anthony has been performing well. The Knicks do have young talent, but if they are going to make the playoffs, Derek Fisher needs to find the right lineups ASAP! 

The Nets are a little closer to the top considering they’re in the playoffs as of right now. This is a team of overpaid, aging veterans. Jarrett Jack and Kevin Garnett have not played up to their contracts. While Deron Williams and Joe Johnson have played well, they are going to have to continue their winning ways of the past few days when they beat the defending champs. 

It sure is sad to be a New York sports fan lately. The Jets and Giants are eliminated from the playoffs, the Mets and Yankees aren’t splashing in free agency, the Knicks can't win, but there is potential hope with the Nets. Brooklyn, we go hard!

2014-2015 NBA Preview, LeBron, Championship, Lakers, and more

by Regis Welch @regisjwelch

Down The Line Sports

Image Credit: NBA.com

Well the NBA season returns this week, and I must say that I am extremely excited. I’m excited because this has been an extremely long offseason that has only had a few storylines that have been covered for far too long by the media. C’mon you know what I’m talking about.

* Where’s LeBron going? 

* Can D. Rose come back healthy?

* Is Phil Jackson going to return as the head coach of the Knicks? 

* Are the 6ers going to win five games in the 14-15 season? 

For the most part we already knew how those questions were going to pan out. Am I surprised that LeBron went back to Cleveland? Not really. He has a much better chance to win an NBA title and he can bring glory to his home city. Cleveland has not celebrated a championship since 1964. Jim Brown led the then Cleveland Browns to the NFL Championship.     

Let’s examine the teams:

Cleveland Cavaliers

As previously mentioned, LeBron James did return home. He is team up with Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. I believe Love is the best big man in the NBA because he can rebound and he can score from anywhere on the court. However, Chris Bosh was also a deadly big man as well who took a minor role to play alongside LeBron. I don’t see Love putting up the same numbers that he did when in Minnesota just because he doesn’t have to. I can hope that he is still effective on both sides of the court.  Kyrie Irving is arguably the best point guard in the league. He can score and stretch the court.  The Cavs also have a great bench who is made up of good scorers.

However, on the bad side the Cavs do a have a rookie coach, David Blatt. He is a respected coach. Blatt comes with a great resume. He’s a four time Israeli League Coach of the Year, six time Israeli Cup Champion, Italian Cup Champion, and Euroleague Champion. It will be interesting to see him bring an international flair to the NBA and see how he reacts to the nuances a new league.

Miami Heat

For all of the friendly folks who pretended to be Miami Heat fans, please know that your presence will not be missed. It was just a few years ago where the Heat were in this same position. The leader of the team was Dwayne Wade and he had a mediocre supporting cast. Now players who actually have talent will surround Wade. Chris Bosh can be a beast within the paint again. He does not have to be on the perimeter to stretch the defense. I believe that Luol Deng is one of the most disrespected players in the league. He can score, play defense on log major minutes. 

The million-dollar question with this team is their health. Wade must play in at least 70 games. If Danny Granger can return healthy they may have a chance at a playoff spot.

With all that being said the next time that the Miami Heat win a championship will be when LeBron James has a full head hair. It’s not gonna be anytime soon.

Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose appears to be back and playing like Derrick Rose. He’s making cuts and driving hard to the basket. My only concern about this team is the health of the former league MVP. Rose has had an ACL tear in the past and a torn meniscus.  To play this sport you must have a good foundation and hopefully he has that.

The Bulls brought in a Pau Gasol during the free agency period. It will be hard for teams to matchup on the Bulls double-headed monster in the post. Gasol will play side by side with Joakim Noah. Noah carried the Bulls all of last season in the absence of Rose. 

Chicago reminds me most of San Antonio. Meaning that this group of people plays great together.  If and only if Rose is healthy will this team win the NBA title.

Indiana Pacers

Paul George broke his leg while playing for team USA during the offseason. He will be out the entire 2014-2015 season. George says that he can possibly be back for the playoffs if needed. This team has no chance of making the playoffs in the easiest conference. The Pacers were disgusting in the postseason last spring. Roy Hibbert, proved his worth as he had games where he did not record a basket or a rebound. A 7’2 you can’t get a rebound. I have a great aunt over 80 who can play better. David West is the only person on this team that I trust. He will play hard, too bad his team won’t.

To read more a whole lot more head over to Down The Line Sports (link at the top of this article) 

For The East Coast; NBA Atlantic Division Preview

Image Credit: NotSportsCenter.com

by: Josh Henderson

Twitter: @verybadwrong

In the NBA, the teams in what is now the Atlantic Division used to be champions. The Celtics, the Knicks. They were contenders every year. Lately though, the Atlantic Division is, and has been for a while now, bad. 

Last year, the Atlantic produced two playoff teams: Toronto (48-34) and Brooklyn (44-38). This year, well, there isn't much reason to hope for improvement, though we can be fairly sure someone will win the division.

Over the off-season, Toronto did exactly what they need to do. They re-signed Kyle Lowry, bucking the trend they've set for letting budding stars go in exchange for nothing. Lowry and Demar DeRozan, an all-star last year, form a solid backcourt. Along with their draft and re-signing Patrick Patterson, a solid all around 4, they added depth while maintaining their core. With good shooting big men and all-star guards, they'll win the Atlantic again, easily.

The Nets... They made some off-season moves themselves. Jason Kidd learned the hard way he wasn't quite as in charge as he thought. He asked for more control, and ended up in Milwaukee. The Nets brought in Lionel Hollins, who used to coach in Milwaukee, to be their head coach. Hollins has said he'd like to run a faster offense. He may as well play himself. The Nets are too old, too slow, and lack anyone to space the floor. Joe Johnson will continue to shoulder the load, while big men Kevin Garnett - yes, that Kevin Garnett - and Brooks Lopez will try to keep up. Deron Williams is a solid 1, but overall, the Nets will take a step backwards. 

Image Credit: ESPN.go.com

A step backwards into... The New York Knicks. The Knicks have made a lot of noise this off-season. Some more than others. They hired a guy by the name of Phil Jackson to captain the ship. Not to coach, though. They re-signed their star, Carmelo Anthony. They brought in Jose Calderon and Samuel Dalembert. Calderon is a capable point guard you may have never heard of. That's okay. We all know the Knicks' season depends on Melo. He thinks the triangle offense will help him. The triangle offense depends on movement and specifically ball movement, not historically Melo's strengths. Melo has to decide if he's willing to play along. JR Smith and Calderon can both space the floor like Steve Kerr or BJ Armstrong did with the Bulls and Jordan. We'll learn if it's going to work early on. I expect the Knicks to pass the Nets and, yes, take a playoff spot. But that's it.

The Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers bear mentioning, but only because they're in the division. The Celtics drafted Marcus Smart, who has the skill set, especially defensively, to become a good NBA point guard. And Danny Ainge made some clever moves involved with the Lebron to Cleveland three team trade, picking up Tyler Zeller and a draft pick. They won't make much noise this year. 

Neither will the 76ers, who are playing to be a great team in the early 2020's. They were absolutely awful last year, and they'll be absolutely awful until a couple years after they manage to finally win the draft lottery. They drafted Joel Embiid, Dario Sacic, and five other players you've never heard of - and likely won't hear of again. Embiid is an entertaining Twitter follow, but recent history of injury prone high draft picks doesn't suggest he'll have a long or productive career. 

To summarize:

2014/15 NBA Atlantic Division predictions:

Toronto Raptors
New York Knicks
Brooklyn Nets
Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers

The Raptors and Knicks should make the playoffs, barring significant injuries, but not advance. There's always next year. Or 2020, for the 76ers.

Women In Sports; Why They Are One Of The Best Assets To Sports.

Image Credit: The Queen of Baseball

Sometimes in sports, it seems that negativity on a certain topic is so overwhelming that as sports fans we in the general public lose sight of all the amazing reasons why we love sports. Sports are fun, they’re entertaining, they’re a magical release from the rigmarole that is our every day lives. We all enjoy sports, we meaning men and women. And this week with all the extra curricular shenanigans that has been brewing in the sports world, I think that sometimes the sporting public forgets how amazing and important women are to the sporting landscape on so may different levels. Women rock, and sports has proven that women are just as spectacular and important to the landscape of sports as men are. And it’s time we sit back and appreciate why women in sports is such a phenomenal thing. Because it’s not applauded enough, and it should be.

Whatever We Can Do, They Can Do…And Maybe Better…

Physically men have the edge over women and I don’t think that’s something that needs to be debated or is even important. Physicality is where the difference ends. Women are skilled at any and everything they put their mind to and sports is no different. The best example of this is in soccer. I know I know, America doesn’t really care about soccer. Well I do, and so do many other Americans; as well as the entire rest of the planet. Soccer is an amazing sport and it’s safe to say that the greatest American soccer player of all-time is Mia Hamm, a woman. Hamm was so good at her craft that she wowed men and women across the globe for years with her skills. Hamm and the US Women’s soccer team reached the peak of their dominance by winning the 1999 World-Cup with a this penalty kick by Brandi Chastain leading to her awesome shirt waving celebration. 

Image Credit: www.bleacherreport.com

Between Hamm, Chastain, and the rest of the USWNT, America and the world were fully aware of what women are capable…Greatness. But it’s not only in soccer. Basketball has always been where so many talented women flourish. If you get a chance, watch the YouTube videos of NBA legend Reggie Miller talking about his sister the legendary female basketball player Sheryl Miller. Miller was lights out during her days as a player and her, Sheryl Swoops, Cynthia Cooper, Tamika Catchings and Rebecca Lobo paved the way for the new generation of young stars like Britteny Griner, Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins. The WNBA may not get the respect or coverage it truly deserves, but that doesn’t make the athletes any less fantastic. From legendary Track & Field legends like Florence Griffith “Flo Jo” Joyner, and Jackie Joyner Kersee, to young softball phenom Mo’ne Davis, women can shine just as much as men. Even the greatest of all-time boxer Muhammad Ali has a daughter that was the greatest at her craft as well in Laila Ali. And let's not get started on the tennis greats from Steffi Graf and Martina Navratilova to the Williams sisters because that's an entire article itself. 

Even on the sidelines Pat Summit has proven that women can do basically anything men can do; and maybe better.

Sports Need Women’s Points Of Views More Than Ever…

Image Credit: Gatoradebaths.blogspot.com

We all know what women can do on the field/court/track, etc. It’s some of the amazing work women have been doing off the field that makes women in sports so important. For too long there was only one point of view, the male point of view. Now, there are some incredible sports writers and analyst across the globe that are absolutely must reads. Women like Michelle Beadle and Jemele Hill and Josina Anderson have all paved the way for female journalist. But for me, the best one ever has to be Jackie McMullen from Boston. She is an absolute Rock Star in my eyes and she’s one of the best sports journalists on Earth, period. Whenever she writes a piece or appears on a program I make sure to tune in even though I despise Boston sports. But it’s not only McMullen that’s raising the bar for journalist of both genders. During the entire Donald Sterling fiasco it was Romana Shelburne of ESPN L.A. that was on top of the story every step of the way. Her reporting on Sterling was first-rate and she was the envy of sports journalist everywhere during that time. We need female point of views in sports and every woman I’ve mentioned, and all the ones who I didn’t mention, are helping with the process. Where a man will see something in black and white, a woman will show us all the gray area and give us a different perspective. Or, they’ll enhance the perspective we’ve already had. It’s awesome. Thank the heavens for women journalist in sports.

Women Just Make Sports More Fun…

Let me take you back to May 6^th 2014 on the day NBA MVP Kevin Durant gave his acceptance speech. Durant gave a great speech then capped it off at the end with talking about how amazing his mother was and how pivotal she was to all the success he’s had in his career. Durant was not only speaking of himself but for all the men on Earth that has had a mother, grandmother, sister, Aunt, friend, wife, fiancé, or girlfriend support them at every step of the journey. I know on a personal level my three brothers and I would never have accomplished anything without our goddess mother behind us. It wouldn’t have been possible. From sports to academics our mother was there. And from listening to Durant’s speech, to listening to other athletes in general talking about the strong women in their lives that encouraged them to do great things in sports, women have always been in the fabric of sports greatness. From the women who watch sports just because they love seeing their team win, to women who aren’t even into sports but are willing to learn because of their significant others, they’re are all great. Women make sports fun and insightful and all the other adjectives that you can think of.

So fellas, do yourselves a favor, embrace women in sports. They aren’t going anywhere and thank God for that. And ladies, keep breaking down barriers and smashing through glass ceilings and saving some idiot men from themselves. Women in sports are here to stay, and I couldn’t be happier about it. 

by Frantz Paul

Edited by: Dana Pellotta 

Owner/Editor in Cheif

Lebron James Set To Open Up The 2014-2015 NBA Season At His New Home In Cleveland, Against Carmelo Anthony and The New York Knicks

photo credit: NBCsports.com

What a way to kick off the 2014-2015 season! Lebron James will host with his new team, the Cleveland Caviliers, by opening up the regular season at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio against Carmelo Anthony and the New York Knicks!

The NBA 2014-2015 season schedule was announced earlier today, August 13th. Lebron signing with the Cavs and Melo resigning with the Knicks, were some of the biggest moves that were made this off season. Opening up the season in New York WOULD'VE made this season opener much more exciting, tho! 

Marc Spears of Yahoo Sports reports; "LeBron James’ first game back with the Cleveland Cavaliers will be at home on Oct. 30 against the New York Knicks, according to a league source. The game features the league’s hottest two commodities during this summer’s free-agency period."

Some of the other season openers announced earlier were; LA Lakers vs. Houston Rockets (Oct 28th), San Antonio Spurs vs. Dallas Mavericks (Oct 28th), and LA Kings vs. Golden State Warriors (Oct 29th). 

by: Dana Pelotta

Blow Owner/Editor In Chief

Twitter: @princessdanaox

Metta World Peace Has a New Name, AND Team!

Image Credit: Twitter @MettaWorldPeace

Making headlines once again, Metta World Peace has changed his name due to his move to China’s southwestern province. Ronald William Artest, also known as " Metta World Peace," is now going by “A Pandas Friend," according to the NBA forward.

Metta World Peace took to twitter on August 1st. “I’m changing my name for the China this season !!!! You guys will love it." Now playing for the Sichuan Blue Whales of the Chinese Basketball Association, Metta World Peace decided to change his name due to his new home. 

On Thursday afternoon, "A Pandas Friend" took to twitter about what he has in store for his fans about his first game, before he heads back to the United States. 

-Kateri Fischer

Twitter: @katikiii

edited by:: Dana Pelotta (Editor In Chief/Blog Owner)

"Just Hold On, I'm Coming Home," Lebron James returns to Cleveland

After many speculations that James would be returning back to Cleveland, it's official. He's back! 

USAToday.com reports:

"The 29-year-old went to Miami, won two titles and repaired his reputation. He joined friends and fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in forming a historic trio, but the Big 3 lasted only four years. He is a four-time MVP, two-time Finals MVP and Hall of Fame-bound superstar.

Goodbye Miami, it was great while it lasted. Hello Cleveland, where there is unfinished business.

James' agent, Rich Paul, talked with the Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, and James and Paul met Wednesday with Heat President Pat Riley in Las Vegas."

Now Miami Heat fans, know EXACTLY what it feels like to be a Yankee fan this year! The 2015 NBA season should be interesting to say the least. 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

Free Agents Living Vicariously Thru King James.

"King" Lebron James, has the world in awe as we all await his decision. This time 4 years ago, people were disgusted with the way he handled "the decision," and how he said not 1,2,3,4,5 or 6 rings. Now, people are upset that he hasn't made a decision in a timely fashion (quite an anomaly), and is making us wait patiently or impatiently (for some of us). He holds the reigns to the NBA free agency as many others await the sign to see where the biggest free agent in years lands, and how the balance in the NBA will shift tremendously based on his decision. Former teammates Chris Bosh (who has a offer from the Houston rockets), and Dwayne Wade, (who left 2 years 42 million on the table), opted out of their contracts to make room for the return of "The King," and potential free agents to make a run at their 5th straight nba finals; but, did they make the right decision? Or will it hinder them from making the money they had on the table? The latest reports are that he will be signing with the Cleveland Caviliers. Only time will tell and only "King James" himself, knows as of now. -Nick Bonacci

A-Rod gives up, Knicks can't keep a win streak, Super BLOWout, Jeter dumps his girl to concentrate on baseball, and more.

A-Rod has went on to prove he is, in fact, GUILTY! Well, that's not a fact, but it sure looks like Alex has a guilty conscience. He has decided to accept his 162 game suspension, and drop his lawsuit against the MLB and the MLBPA (Major League Baseball Players Association.) The Yankees third baseman, however, is now suing The Daily News and former New York City Police Commissioner, Bernard Kerik, for defamation. Get 'em A-Rod! They have NO right to be tarnishing your name! <3 data-blogger-escaped-br="">
It was just earlier last week, I had read David Cone state in an interview, that Alex better not show up at Spring Training. This was after we interviewed David Cone a few weeks ago, as he said he was "sad" for A-Rod.

I am not FOR or AGAINST the use of PEDs. If that's something you feel you need as an athlete to better yourself as a ball player, that's okay in my book. I'm disappointed to see A-Rod give up this fight. I was proud to see him put his foot down, stand up for himself, and fight for what he once called his "innocence."

The Knicks ended a 3 game losing streak last week, by defeating the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Shumpert is back off the bench, and while Felton continues to be unproductive, JR Smith and Carmelo Anthony continue to progress through the first half, but can't seem to pull it through the 2nd half, lately.


(Best thing throughout the entire game.)

Well now that football is over, today was a great Sunday. We are just FIVE (5) DAYS AWAY from pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training! Opening Day for the Yankees is April 7th, and I cannot WAIT to be back home in the Bronx, to see the beginning of a very INTERESTING (to say the least) season, ahead of us.

No one could've predicted that huge blowout of a football game last Sunday. It was boring, and caused too much pollution in my state for no reason! I bet Sherman really does think he's better then everyone else, now that he has a Super Bowl ring to prove so....

Derek Jeter has reportedly dumped his girlfriend, model Hannah Davis, to focus on Spring Training and the upcoming 2014 season. Too bad he can't find himself a lucky charm, similar to Kate Hudson (A-Rod's former lucky girlfriend back in 2009.) 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)