by Nick Brower | Feb 20, 2018 | SPORTS
The best never stop striving to get better. This describes Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo perfectly. Antetokounmpo told reporters last night that he plans to approach Kobe Bryant while in LA for the NBA’s All Star festivities. “I want to ask him if I can come to L.A. to work with him.” said Giannis from the post-game podium after the team’s loss to Denver. This is scary news for the rest of the league. Giannis is already balling out this year and is averaging 27.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists a night heading into the break. The combination of his lanky 6’11 frame and point guard ball skills make him a matchup nightmare. He already boasts a strong post game and has shown huge growth in his perimeter shooting this season. Teaming up with Kobe could take his game to a whole other planet. Giannis knows that Kobe can offer him more than pointers on the court. Bryant is known as one of the best assassins to ever do it and his killer instincts separated him from other talented players. The Greek Freak is looking to pick Bryant’s brain and try to adopt some of his mindset to bring his game to its peak. The rest of the league should be put on notice and pray they don’t have to check Giannis. I see an MVP or two in his future.
by Nick Brower | Feb 20, 2018 | SPORTS
While there are few clear-cut contenders for the NBA title this year, the race for lottery position is more wide open. In the era of “the process” many teams are much more focused on the draft then trying to contend for the rest of the season. While, in most cases, this is the smart move for the teams involved it spells absolute garbage for fans. Teams beg for their fans’ patience as they try to rebuild their rosters. The 76’ers are the template for this strategy. They haven’t truly competed since the days of AI and went through a five year stretch of being laughable. The payoff? A stash of high draft picks that are finally starting to look like they might pay off. The beginning of their success means trouble for the league because now more teams are willing to try this. It’s one thing if one or two teams know they’re destined for last, but we could see 10 teams pack it in for the rest of the 2018 season. Having a third of the league not even trying means nothing but terrible and boring games night in and night out. Commissioner Silver might want to figure something out to make losing seem a little less promising because I know there’s no chance of me tuning into a Knicks and Hawks game this year, and I’m a New Yorker at heart. No one wants to watch teams compete to be bad.
by Nick Brower | Feb 20, 2018 | SPORTS
Reigning NL MVP Giancarlo Stanton arrived in Tampa late last week to report to Yankees Spring Training. All eyes are fixed on Stanton and new teammate Aaron Judge as they begin their spring with lofty hopes on the horizon. People are already comparing the pair to Yankee legends Roger Marris and Mickey Mantle. The power numbers will be insane but Giancarlo faces a new challenge in New York. The Marlins didn’t have a single winning season during Stanton’s eight year stay and that’s just not acceptable in the Bronx. Stanton will have to adjust to the pressure that comes with the pinstripes and I think that is the true storyline to watch. There is no hiding in New York and every move will be magnified and scrutinized. No one is going to be patient as Stanton and Judge figure out who is going to play which corner outfield position and no one is going to feel bad for either of them if they struggle. After falling just one win shy of the World Series last year, its championship or bust for the Yanks this season. Anything short of that will be seen as a failure.
by Nick Brower | Feb 20, 2018 | SPORTS
After months of rumors and speculation, former Arizona slugger J.D. Martinez has signed with the Red Sox. Boston was finally able to seal the deal for a cool $110 million over five years. The contract is heavily front loaded and gives Martinez opt-out options after the second and third seasons. This addition gives Boston one hell of a lineup. Martinez, an outfielder by trade, is slotted for the DH spot and will likely see time in either corner as matchups and rest allow. J.D. will fill a void in the middle of the lineup that has hurt Boston big time since David Ortiz has retired. This lineup sorely missed power production last year, but that problem is solved now. Martinez has quietly been one of the best power hitters the last four seasons and this move to a bigger market will put his bat in the national spotlight where it belongs. For those of you who are skeptical about the big numbers, here’s the stat to shut you up. Martinez became the first player since Albert Pujols in 2009 to hit .300+ and slug over .650. Martinez is a pure hitter with major pop. Boston fans should expect a few dents in the Green Monster over the next few seasons.
by Nick Brower | Feb 20, 2018 | SPORTS
The Men’s team enjoyed a decisive 5-1 victory over Slovakia last night to secure a date with the Czech Republic in the Quarterfinals. The team seems to be hitting its stride and is beginning to gel nicely. The NHL chose not to participate in the Olympics for the first time since 1994, meaning Team USA would have to find its talent elsewhere. General Manager Jim Johannson decided to create a beautiful mix of American pros playing overseas, AHL players, and four highly touted college kids. This blend of youth and experience has payed off big time as the team is getting major contributions from players across the board. The college players stole the spotlight Tuesday night as Ryan Donato of Harvard scored two goals and Troy Terry from the University of Denver added three assists. Defenseman James Wisniewski, who plays professionally in Germany, is loving having the kids on board. “They’re great kids, all four of them.” he said after the game, “I hope they score 100 goals and I can get a gold medal out of it”. I hope so too, James. Team USA will take on the undefeated Czech’s tonight at 10:10 EST.
