The Rockets Look for Success Without Yao and Artest
The Houston Rockets possibly over achieved last season stretching a 7 game series with the champs Los Angeles Lakers. They fought hard, but just couldn’t pull it out.
Many wondered whether the Rockets could quietly emerge as a sleeper in the West, possibly one of the only teams with the ability to upset the Lakers in a series.
This nearly happened, as the Houston Rockets took the Los Angeles Lakers to a full seven games during the Western Conference semifinals last season. While the Lakers won this game 7 by a whole’ points, the Rockets had LA’s number during a few of these games, leaving many wondering just how dangerous this efficient basketball team was.
Under the effective leadership of head coach Rick Adelman, the Rockets team from last year will return for another season of basketball; only one thing has changed. Ron Artest, an integral part of this team, will no longer be a Houston Rocket. In fact, he’s now with the very team that put an end to Houston’s season last year.
The loss of Yao Ming for the entire season is devastating. While the Rockets have tough, physical players and will give their best efforts night in and night out – the Rockets can’t compete in the West seriously without Yao Ming.
Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Shane Battier, Aaron Brooks, and the rest of the team have a lot of work cut out for them. These guys do like a challenge.
Tracey McGrady can’t stay healthy either. McGrady is only 30 years old but this is his 12th NBA season and his body has a lot of miles on it already. McGrady never played all 82 games in a season – the most was 78 games in the 04′-05′ season. McGrady’s scoring average has decreased every season 02′-03′ also.
With that in mind, they do still have a deep team and have done well without him. If T-Mac can stay healthy and Yao does return this year, that’s a dangerous combo.
For more on the Rockets check out the Rockets forums at RootZoo Sports. Be sure to get the latest fantasy basketball news there as well.
Tags: NBA, Dan, entertainment, Other, Basketball, health, gambling, teens, sport, hobbies, head, fitness, game, Success, recreation, player, the C, television, sports, reviewsCan Danny Granger Lead the Indiana Pacers to the Playoffs?
The Indiana Pacers season did not live up their standards in 08′-09′ winning only 36 games. This is not how most remember the Pacers, but the Miller days are over.
The Indiana Pacers’ Danny Granger had a breakout season, and put himself on the map as one of the best players in the NBA. Few people realize this, as the Indiana Pacers are a below average team that gets little coverage.
Granger’s scoring averages have increased every year since he has been in the league since 04′. 08′-09′ Granger was fifth in scoring at 25.1 points per game – look for another year similar this season as well.
The Pacers have a young team with a good upside. The defense was their death blow last season giving up more points then they could score. More emphasis needs to be put on defense; we know the team can score.
His three point shooting was exceptional, as Granger averaged 2.7 three pointers made per game, and shot at a percentage that exceeded 40 percent. The Indiana Pacers were thrilled with this production and made it clear throughout the course of the season.
The Pacers will have to improve on their 36 win season if they expect to make the playoffs. The Pacers did draft A.J. Price and Tyler Hansbrough – what playing time they will see should probably be limited in the beginning of the season but increase as the season moves forward. Unless you are an outstanding rookie, rookies see little action their first season.
The last time the Pacers finished with a record above .500 was in the 04′-05′ season – Pacers fans would hope to avoid another sub .500 season for the fifth straight year.
The Pacers should win more then 36 games this upcoming season. The Pacers have a chance at the 8th or 7th seed even if everyone plays up to their potential and the defense improves. Granger should have an all-star season and be among the leaders in scoring once again.
For more on the Pacers, check out the Indiana Pacers forum at RootZoo Sports. Be sure to play their free basketball trivia with over 60,000 questions.
Tags: hobbies, television, entertainment, Basketball, Basketball, casino, sports, teens, Other, recreation, fitness, Dan, NBA, gambling, war, games, team, game, player, the CCan Larry Brown Lead the Charlotte Bobcats to the Playoffs?
The Charlotte Bobcats went 35-47 in the 08′-09′ season – the Bobcats best season since their inception since 2004. The Bobcats really have improved every season they been in the NBA – if this trend continues hopefully the Bobcats will make the playoffs for the first time in 2010.
While this is by no means a record to celebrate about, they just missed the playoffs by four games. The Charlotte Bobcats also played some of their best basketball toward the end of the season, and this left many NBA fans wondering whether the team might be able to continue moving into the direction of a competitive basketball team.
While there’s a decent amount of talent on the team, much of the credit has to go to Larry Brown, who joined the team as its head coach last season. Brown has a storied resume that includes stints in Detroit (where he won a championship), Indiana, Philadelphia (where he made the NBA finals), and other teams around the league.
A young basketball team typically does not know how to win close games and don’t do well on the road – this should change to a degree this season.
The Bobcats are in the Southeast division with the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat and Atlanta Hawks – this suggests the Bobcats can’t win the division but they don’t have to in order to make the playoffs.
One of the questions the Bobcats will have to answer is who is their go-to man. When the game is on the line who will the Bobcats give the ball to in order to make something happen.
The Bobcats did acquire Tyson Chandler – who can be an effective rebounder. Over the course of Chandler’s career he has averaged 9 rebounds per game. Chandler wasn’t happy initially about being a Bobcat at first but he should be a major contributor this season. If the Bobcats want to be a playoff threat, point guard D.J. Augustin must raise his game to a whole new level.
The Bobcats have improved every season since they have been in the league, 2004. Their lowest win total was 15 games but those days should be well past the franchise. It is very possible the Bobcats can make the 8th seed in the East and give Cleveland, Orlando, or Boston fits in the first round match up. Charlotte is a good sports town and they want a winning basketball team to cheer for.
Lets hear your thoughts on the Bobcats forums at RootZoo Sports, the most active NBA forum online.
Tags: Basketball, game, miami heat, Boston, head, hobbies, television, entertainment, gambling, Other, sport, Orlando, the C, reviews, team, casinos, recreation, fitness, games, BasketballPink BMX – advice on buying a Pink BMX
How to Shop First things first: Who will be riding the BMX bicycle? How important is a brand name? How long will Junior ride this BMX bike before he graduates to a mountain bike, or loses interest altogether and picks up a skateboard?
Be careful even with more expensive BMX bicycles, the price can be inflated for a fashionable bike or one that’s endorsed by a popular pro rider, even though it may not offer any better features or construction than a cheaper model. Differentiation of quality among brands, especially advertising and certain salespeople would have you believe. Particularly true of cheaper BMX bikes, many of which are made in the same factories overseas and then painted with different companies’ logos. Much of the purchasing decision will come down to you or your child’s riding preference, their need to follow fashion, and of course, the amount you are willing to pay.
A Good BMX Feature: They usually feature 36-spoke wheels and should come equipped with knobby tires for better traction. On a dirt.racing BMX bicycles usually require only single, rear wheel brakes. Depending on the type of BMX riding you’re interested in, BMX racing bikes need to be lightweight as well as rugged.
Freestyle BMX bikes, on the other hand, are ridden on the street so you’ll want smooth tires and 48-spoke wheels for increased strength. The handlebars should be able to spin 360 degrees and the frame should have 2 or 4 axle pegs for supporting the rider while he or she performs freestyle tricks. A freestyle BMX bicycle should have brakes on the front wheel as well as the rear, along with special stunt components such as cable detanglers so the cables don’t break or become knotted when you spin the handlebars in mid-air.
These bikes usually feature heavier duty frames and axles as well, with reinforced gussets in order to withstand the heavy landings from huge air jumps. BMX dirt-jumping bikes also need 48-spoke wheels, but with knobby rather than smooth tires, again for maintaining a good grip on dirt-jumping mounds. Like a racing BMX bicycle, a dirt jumping bike will only need a single, rear wheel brake.
How about Extra Kit ? Young kids and beginners should only ride within their skill and experience levels. Any rider will need a safety helmet, elbow and knee pad, especially those involved in freestyle riding and dirt jumping. You should tell your children that tricks and stunts performed on telly are by undertaken by skilled riders.
The Size does it matter? As your childs riding style changes or they grow, you might need to buy a longer seat post or adjust the handle bars to accommodate those changes. Unless you are shopping for a very young child, there are usually only minor variations in the size of a BMX bicycle frame. Variations that reflect the riding style of a rider rather than they body size.
To Department Shop or to Buy Local It is worth bearing in mind that buying a BMX bicycle from a department store rather than a specialist bike shop may not provide you with the follow-up replacement parts you may need in the future. Your local bicycle shop will likely not only offer the most helpful advice during the shopping process, but after you’ve made your purchase, they’ll also be there with mechanical support as well. A bigger selection will mean better choices, better deals, and salespeople who ride BMX bikes themselves.
When to Buy If you can wait until fall or winter when sales dip you are more likely to pick up a bargain deal from a shop that is eager to sell the older model BMX bicycles to make way for the next year’s model. As with other types of bikes, getting the best deal when purchasing a BMX bicycle is not just about knowing how to shop, but also when to shop. BMX bicycle prices can vary throughout the year, with the most popular time to buy a new BMX bike being the spring or summer.
Andrew Histon has been messing about with Pink BMX since his teens. You may see many of his articles around the internet. When not writing articles he is busy in the garage.
Teens Go to Camp: The End of Boredom
Parents of teenagers can find a summer camp that suits the needs of their child. Wisconsin Camps like Swift Nature Camp near Minong offer coed teen summer camp programs that are just for teenaged campers up to 15 years of age. A Counselor in Training Program offers a transition for teens aged 16 and 17.
Like its summer camp programs for pre-teens, Swift Nature Camp offers an amazing range of camp activities. Hiking, climbing, ceramics, horseback riding, tennis, kayaking, and whitewater rafting are among the most popular programs among teen campers.
Summer camps bring teens into a relaxed and fun-filled environment, foster self-esteem and independence, and inspire challenge with new physical and creative activities.Camp is a special opportunity to make friends for kids of all ages, and teens are no exception. Most easily bored teens crave adventure. Swift Nature Camp offers their Adventure Camp program, opportunities to leave camp behind and take trips to the Apostle Islands, the International Wolf Center, or the Mississippi River.
All children, expecially those in their teenage years, need a break from the accelerating competition of today’s world. An intimate, friendly and non-competetive environment for teens fosters positive encouragement. The atmosphere of acceptance brings a welcome balance to young lives. Even first time campers quickly and smoothly adjust to life as a camper in such an atmosphere.
Many teen campers return summer after summer, returning to see friends and enjoy the excitement, self-direction, and goofy fun characteristic of camp life. Summer camp is a great place to be oneself and a perfect place to make lifelong friends. Teens come to love summer camp and look forward to time away from the pressures of performance, and the change to rediscover themselves.