The New York Jets have fired a coach!!! No, not that one. The team announced on Monday that they havefired Defensive Coordinator, Gregg Williams.
The Jets have named assistant head coach Frank Bush as interim defensive coordinator.
The Jets fired Williams less than 24 hours after his final play call against the Raiders cost the Jets their first win of the season. With just 13 seconds left and the Jets up by four points, Williams called an all-out blitz. That meant only one Jets player was covering Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs, who easily outran his coverage and caught a deep ball from quarterback Derek Carr for a game-winning TD!
It was a crushing loss for the Jets, and players on both teams were baffled by Williams’ final play call.
When asked about the play, Derek Carr said: “I couldn’t believe they all-out blitzed us,”
“We have to execute, but you have to help us out at the same time,” Jets safety Marcus Maye said.
Even head coach Adam Gase, who has coached the Jets to a truly incredible 0-12 record, when asked about it, said that the players “deserve better than that.”
Williams, 62, has been coaching in the NFL since 1990, most often as a defensive coordinator. He was the DC for the 2017 Cleveland Browns, the second team in NFL history to go 0-16. His firing means that he’ll avoid being employed by the Jets when they possibly become the third 0-16 team in NFL history, but nothing can erase his 28-game tenure with the Jets. Yikes!
HERE ARE THE MOST RECENT FREE AGENCY HAPPENINGS FROM ACROSS THE NBA:
Gerald Green has agreed to a one-year, nonguaranteed deal for the veteran’s minimum with the Houston Rockets. Green, a Houston native, missed last season due to a broken foot.
The Boston Celtics and the Charlotte Hornets have completed a sign-and-trade to send Gordon Hayward and 2023 and 2024 second-round picks to the Hornets in exchange for a conditional 2022 second round-pick. To make room for Hayward’s salary, Charlotte has waived Nicolas Batum, who eventually signed with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Big man, Udonis Haslem has officially re-signed with the Miami Heat for his 18th season. Haslem is the last player remaining with the Heat from their three championship teams, though he has played only 44 games over the past four seasons combined.
Former Michigan State forward Xavier Tillman Sr.– the 35th pick in the 2020 NBA draft — is signing a four-year deal with the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies moved up on draft night to secure Tillman in a trade.
The New York Knicks are signing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to a one-year contract. The former No. 2 overall pick finished last season with the Dallas Mavericks after spending the first seven-plus seasons of his career with the Charlotte Hornets.
Here are the Top 9 free agents still available.
1) Anthony Davis
The top free agent in the class, there has never been any doubt Davis would re-sign with the Lakers. The champion and First Team All-NBA center has chosen to take his time (his signing is expected sometime after Thanksgiving), but it’s not in doubt. The only question how long Davis signs for. Most around the league expect him to sign a three-year contract with a player option (a 2+1) worth $106 million. After those two years, Davis will have 10 years of service in the NBA, allowing him to re-sign for 35% of the salary cap, not 30%.
2) Shabazz Napier
A solid backup point guard, he averaged 10.6 points a game last season for the Wizards (he only played in 20 games). He’s undersized, but he shot 35.8% from three last season and defends fairly well. Napier is a good fit for a team looking for someone to give them 20-25 minutes a night as a backup point guard.
3) Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
The reason he’s available still is teams see a 6’6″ swingman who does not space the floor from three — he rarely shoots from beyond the arc, once every other game or so, and made just 13% of those last season. However, Jefferson does a lot of other things well: He’s a versatile defender who can guard two through four (with a few point guards thrown in), he can get to the rim, post up, and is a good passer. He gave the Raptors a solid 18 minutes a night last season and will do the same for another team this season, once picked up. Minnesota is reportedly talking to Hollis-Jefferson.
4) Reggie Jackson
He jumped to the Clippers at the deadline last season and gave them quality backup point guard minutes nightly, showing he can be a floor general and knock down the three (41.3% for the Clippers, although he probably can’t sustain that for a season. He’s 30 years old with an injury history, but on a one/two-year contract the risk would be minimized, and he’s a player a lot of teams could use.
5) Ersan Ilyasova
He was supposed to be in Sacramento, part of the Bogdan Bogdanavic sign-and-trade, but he was thrown back on the market when that fell apart. Ilyasova is a veteran, floor-spacing back-up big man who can still knock it down (36.5% from three last season, right at his career average) and draw a few charges. He’s a defensive liability at this point in his career, but he can be a stretch big who gives a team 15 minutes a night during the season, then will see his role shrink in the playoffs.
6) Dewayne Dedmond
Dedmond was traded from Atlanta to Detroit this offseason, then the Pistons waived and stretched him, making Dedmon a free agent (he was owed $13.3 million this season, and had a $1 million buyout for next season, so he got paid). Dedmon struggled last season in Sacramento, but for years before that was seen as one of the better backup big men in the league. He gets most of his shots at the rim or from three (he’s not that dangerous from three, 20.6% last season, but he’ll take the shot) and is a decent defender.
7) Shaquille Harrison
The new administration in Chicago cleaned house and Harrison did not get a qualifying offer, but after the improvement he showed last season some team should give him a shot. Last season in a limited role, he showed his three-point shot improved (38.1%), but he really adds value as an active, switchable defender with a knack for getting steals. He’s fantastic in transition and would fit well with a second unit that likes to run (he’s not as smooth in the halfcourt). This ranking may be too low for him, he can help a team.
8) Kyle Korver
One of the game’s greatest three-point shooters of all time, he will turn 40 during the season and has lost a step, which particularly hurts defensively. Still, he knows how to find space along the arc and knock down his opportunities, shooting 41.8% for the Bucks last season. Every team needs more shooting, and Korver is going to help whatever team picks him up.
9) Jordan McLaughlin
He was on a two-way contract with Minnesota last season, but his play earned him a chance somewhere (he most likely ends up back with the Timberwolves). In the 30 games he played at the NBA level for Minnesota, he averaged 7.6 points and 4.5 assists a game in nearly 20 minutes a night, shooting 38.2% from three. He looked like a solid backup point guard in those minutes, but nobody has jumped in with an offer to give him a chance to play that role regularly.
Rory McIlroy has experienced his share of heartbreaks at Augusta National. Only this time the quest to complete the career grand slam didn’t dramatically screech to a halt on Sunday afternoon, as was the case in 2011 and 2017.
This time the train left the track in the first round, specifically over those final eight holes. McIlroy’s hopes for his first Masters were derailed by a first-round 75, his highest opening round in 12 starts at Augusta.null
But over the next three rounds, McIlroy resolutely snugged his cap tightly over his head and set about finding his true form. He completed the tournament with rounds of 66-67-69 and finished tied for fifth at 11-under 277. He made only two bogeys over the final 54 holes. He even birdied the diabolical par-3 12th hole twice.
It was the first time McIlroy had posted three rounds in the 60s at the Masters. His final score was only one-shot off his career best of 12 under he posted in 2015 that left him fourth place.
But it was too little, too late for the Nothern Irishman.
“That first day I actually did OK,” McIlroy said. “Even-par through nine here is not that bad. And then that second morning, I just didn’t quite have it.”
When play was suspended because of darkness on Thursday, McIlroy returned early the next morning and bogeyed three of his next four holes. He was visibly annoyed and could be heard talking to himself after each poor shot. It was hardly the start he wanted.
“I honestly had been playing so good coming in here (a combined 21 under in his two previous events) and then I go into the first round and I shoot 75 and I’m like, ‘Where the hell did that come from?’ ” McIlroy said. “I knew it was in there. It was just a matter of trusting a little more and being committed.”
A few contemplative minutes on the range prior to his second round and pep talk from Jimmy Dunne, a friend and member of Augusta National, got McIlroy headed in the right direction. From that point he looked like the No. 5-ranked golfer in the world.
McIlroy began Sunday’s round eight shots behind Dustin Johnson and knew the odds of victory were astronomical. But when he birdied the 11th hole to reach 11 under, McIlroy watched the numbers change on the scoreboard. Johnson had dropped a shot and was at 15 under. It caused an elevated pulse rate, at least for a moment, as McIlroy walked to the next tee.
“I thought maybe there’s a chance,” he said. “It was probably wishful thinking on my part on the eighth green.”
About that time the wind picked up a bit and conditions got tougher. McIlroy made birdie at No. 13, but it turned out to be his last one of the day, and Johnson kept pouring it on. When McIlroy tapped in for par at the final hole, he had to settle for his third top-five finish and sixth top-10 at Augusta. Still, he left the course feeling good about his game.
“I need to take the positives and I played the last 54 really well and only made two bogeys in that 54-hole stretch, which is probably the best run of golf I’ve played here,” he said.
McIlroy said he missed the galleries and the typical Masters buzz surrounding the event, but admitted the low-key vibe led to a more relaxed approach. “I love the feeling of being relaxed out there and it’s something I probably need to try to adopt,” he said. McIlroy said he probably even gained weight this week, unlike previous years when the nerves were higher.
And he’s already looking forward the Masters in the spring, when the fairways and greens are firmer than they were this week.
“There’s a number of shots I hit this week where I would hit my number and it would spin off the green or it just wouldn’t do what you expect it to do,” he said. “So, I’d love to get another shot at it in April and have the course play maybe more what we’re accustomed to.”
It will also be the last competitive golf McIlroy plays for a while. He’s planning to shut it down and relax for a couple of months at his home in Jupiter, Fla.
“I’m going to be a man of leisure,” he said. “Lie by the pool a little bit, get back on the bike. Obviously watch my daughter (Poppy, born on the eve of the Tour Championship at East Lake) grow up a little bit and have fun with that. … There’s certainly some stuff in my golf game I want to work on before next year.”
The Houston Texans have had a less than ideal start to their season, amassing a 1-6 record thus far. Not only that, but they also fired their coach/GM, and now look very much like a team starting over. And for star Defensive End, J.J. Watt, rebuilding isn’t something he’s interested in.
In an interview with ESPN, Watt was asked directly if he believes he’ll finish his career in Houston.
“I don’t think it’s any secret that I don’t have 10 years left in this league,” Watt said. “I personally believe that I do have a few more great ones left in me. But you also can’t … I’m not looking to rebuild. I’m looking to go after a championship, and that’s what I want to do. So, whatever is in the best interest of the Houston Texans, that’s in the best interest of myself.”
If you’ve taken any time at all to watch Houston this season, then you could definitely understand where Watt is coming from. Watt only has has one season left on his contract extension, worth $17.5 million. And, since none of that money guaranteed, it could be agreeably from both Watt and the Texans organization to part ways in the event of a full-on rebuild.
But, if a rebuild is the way they’re planning to go, Houston has a long road ahead of them. With no first- or second-round pick next year, and the need to hire a new GM, a rebuild could take several years.
Now, by no means am I saying that Watt is in the wrong for wanting to leave. Watt is like the Mother Teresa of Football. And players like Watt, who have done so much in the Houston community, obviously prefer to win with the franchise they have committed their careers to. However, after six AFC South titles (with only four playoff wins), Watt isn’t blind to the fact that it could take more time than he has left for Houston to claw its way back to the top of the division.
“Early in your career, you think life goes on forever,” Watt said. “Obviously, we win our first-ever division, our first-ever playoff game in my first year. In the second year, we go 12-4, and you think that life’s going to be great and you’re just going to keep getting better and better. And then you go 2-14 and the reality of the business side of the NFL and the reality of all the things that come along with it hit you in the face. And you realize that, oh, this isn’t all roses all the time. And then you look at the last seven years or so. And yeah, we won some division championships and that’s great, but that’s not the goal. That’s not the goal.
“And your goal can’t be to make the playoffs. Your goal can’t be to win one or two playoff games. If your goal is not to win the Super Bowl, and your goal is not to do everything in your power to make that happen, and make your organization in the best possible situation for that, then that’s not going to happen. So that is my goal. That’s why the work goes in. That’s why I fought back from all these injuries. Because that’s the goal, and that’s what I’m still working towards.”
As a fan of the man, I wish J.J. the best! I know that no one in the NFL deserves a championship more than that man, and as a fan of the game, you’d love to see it happen! Hopefully, things will fall in his favor and he’ll get to ride off into the sunset as a Super Bowl Champion!
Feel free to share your thoughts and comments below! As always, thanks for reading! Peace!
The Dodgers celebrate their World Series Victory!!!
Well… it finally happened.
After 32 years of trying and trying, the Los Angeles Dodgers have FINALLY won the World Series.
The 2020 season (and all of 2020 in general) was a bizarre one, culminating with Game 6, which was played 1,400 miles away at a neutral stadium. Although the fans weren’t there to celebrate with them in person, it is said that the entire city of Los Angeles stayed up well into the wee hours of the night celebrating this historic victory.
“We’ve heard it a lot, and we’ve seen a lot of highlights, and it’s fantastic,” Dave Roberts, the Dodgers’ fifth-year manager, said. “But we wanna make our own mark on Dodgers history.”
On Tuesday night, the Dodgers beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in Game 6, giving the Dodgers their first championship since 1988 and a little over two weeks since the Lakers won their first championship in a decade. And for those wondering if Los Angeles has any plans to celebrate both with a parade during a pandemic, Mayor Eric Garcetti is up for it—as long as it’s safe.
On the other side of the coin, for Tampa the elephant in the room is Rays manager Kevin Cash’s decision to pull Snell after five scoreless innings. Cash caught some serious flack for doing so—up until that point, Snell had struck out nine Dodgers hitters and gave up two hits—and after the game definitely had his regrets.
“I regret the decision because it didn’t work out,” Cash said after the loss. “But you know, I feel like the thought process was right. If we had to do it over again, I would have the utmost confidence in Nick Anderson to get through that inning.”
That “utmost confidence” lead to Anderson giving up a double, hurling a curveball into the dirt that allowed Austin Barnes to score, and an RBI groundout and spelled the Rays doom.
“Once Austin got that hit and they went to the ‘pen, I think that Mookie looked at me with a little smile,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts admitted after the game. “We were just all kind of excited that Snell was out of the game.”
I am all for analytics, but if you coach entirely by analytics, you’re leaving out human spirit and emotion. Cash made the call that the numbers dictated. But one can’t help but feel if he had been more open-minded, there may have been a game 7. We’ll never know for sure, but one can certainly speculate. Had another, more experienced manager been at the helm, perhaps they would have played that a little differently?
But, what’s done is done. The Dodgers are the champs. Congratulations to them on their amazing season!
P.S.
Fun fact: In 2020 the Dodgers and the Lakers both are champions. There has only been one other instance of the same city winning in both sports. That was in 1988, when it was achieved by… The Lakers and Dodgers!
Likely #1 NFL Draft Pick, Trevor Lawrence drops back for a pass.
Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence is leaving the door open about his football future despite previously saying he planned on heading to the NFL after this, his junior season.
The 6-foot-6 Lawrence, considered the likely No. 1 pick in next spring’s NFL draft, said he hasn’t ruled out returning to Clemson for another year instead of going pro.
“My mindset has been that I’m going to move on,” Lawrence said Tuesday. “But who knows? There’s a lot of things that could happen.”
At the forefront could be which NFL team is in line to draft Lawrence. Right now, that’s the New York Jets, who are 0-7 and the league’s only winless team.
“For me, it’s out of my control,” Jets quarterback Sam Darnold said last week about the possibility of the Jets selecting Lawrence with the No. 1 pick. “I’m here to do my best and help this team win games.”
Lawrence, from Cartersville, Georgia, has a 31-1 record as a starting college quarterback and has the top-ranked Tigers (6-0) in line for a sixth consecutive ACC title and trip to the College Football Playoff.
Lawrence is scheduled to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in December.
“No matter where I go — whether that’s across the country or whether it’s close to home, whether I stay another year — we’ll work it out,” Lawrence said.
Last week, I didn’t do so hot. There were a lot of surprising outcomes! This week, I’m back at it with my predictions for week 7!
GAME 1:
Panther at Saints
I’ve heard several people refer to this as the “Teddy Bridgewater Revenge Game”. While I don’t agree that that is an accurate description of Teddy and his relationship with the Saints, I have to think that without their #1 and #2 WR’s, the Saints will have to lean heavily on Kamara. If the Panthers gameplan to stop the run, they should come out on top.
Prediction: Panthers
GAME 2:
Bills at Jets
This one is a no-brainer. The Jets have given no indication that they pose a threat to anyone whatsoever this season. On the other hand, the Bills have been one of the most unstoppable forces in football. It would take some kind of strange miracle for the Jets to stand any chance in this one.
Prediciton: Bills
GAME 3:
Browns at Bengals
The Battle of Ohio! This matchup has already happened once this season, and it was a real shootout! I expect that we’re going to see more of the same excitement. If I was to lean on the side of talent and potential, I would have to go with Cleveland. Although Cleveland has burned me before, and I may regret the decision, I have to go with the potential for a big game.
Prediction: Cleveland
GAME 4:
Cowboys at Washington Football Team
I’m going to take a flyer here. The Dallas defense has been nothing short of abysmal this year. And although Washington is far from perfect, I’m willing to take a chance on the young and hungry team in this situation. They have nothing to lose at this point!
Prediction: Washington
GAME 5:
Packers at Texans
If there’s anything that we can learn from past experience, it’s that an angry Aaron Rodgers is a scary Aaron Rodgers! Coming off of arguably one of his worst games of the season, he’s going to be out for blood! Houston is far too dysfunctional of an organization at this time to put any real faith in. They have the talent to pull off an upset every now and then, but I don’t think they’re going to get past the buzz saw of a Aaron Rodgers lead offense this time!
Prediction: Packers
GAME 6:
Lions at Falcons
At various times in the season, I’ve regularly picked against both of these teams. So now the prospect of having to pick for one of them has me very very befuddled! I guess that the one thing that makes me feel confident in Atlanta over Detroit in this situation is that Atlanta has Julio Jones! And sometimes one big player making one big play is all that it takes.
Prediction: Falcons
GAME 7:
Steelers at Titans
This has potential to be the matchup of the week, possibly even the year! Both of these teams are absolute juggernaut and have both been on a warpath this year. One of their streaks will end this week and no matter who you’re cheering for you know that it’s going to be a slugfest all the way until the end! My personal preference leans towards a strong running game, therefore I have to give a slight edge to Tennessee in this situation.
Prediction: Titans
GAME 8:
Buccaneers at Raiders
As a former Bay Area kid, I’ve been very much looking forward to this matchup all year! It has very very strong underlying implications! The Raiders fan base knows this match up very well. After an embarrassing loss to the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, the Raiders would love nothing more than to get revenge for the shellacking that was bestowed upon then in the past! It’s also interesting in that Jon Gruden who was the Buccaneers coach at the time of the Super Bowl victory is now the Raiders head coach. And of course, there’s Tom Brady… unless you were living under a rock, then you remember the notorious “tuck rule” game. The Raiders and their fanbase certainly have a special place for Brady in their hearts… usually picking against Tom Brady is not the greatest idea. But in this case, with the Raiders coming off of a victory over the Chiefs, they have all of the momentum. They get the slight edge.
Prediction: Raiders
GAME 9:
Chiefs at Broncos
You know, there was a time not so long ago when this would have been a very intriguing matchup. However the Denver teams of late have fallen very flat. The Kansas City offense is such an overwhelming force, that I find it hard to believe that Denver we’ll have any luck against it. They could prove me wrong, but I have a very hard time picking against Kansas City at this point, especially since a lot of people have picked them to be repeat Super Bowl champions.
Prediction: Chiefs
GAME 10:
Jaguars at Chargers
Let’s face it, neither one of these teams is very exciting. They both have a real lack of star power, as well as mediocre offense and defense. On the positive side, both of these teams are led by young & hungry quarterbacks. So there is a potential that we could see a quarterback shootout in some sense. This matchup is a real coin toss. So my prediction is going to be based on overall body of work, and since the Chargers have had success more recently than the Jaguars have, I will give them the edge this week.
Prediction: Chargers
GAME 11:
49ers at Patriots
If this were last season, this would have been a matchup between two of the most elite offensive and defensive teams in the NFL. But wow how much can change in a year? Quite a lot actually! Both of these teams have suffered their fair share of injuries this year, whether it’d be on the field or covid-19 related. This is going to be a battle between to battered and broken opponents. It’s really going to come down to who has the bigger will to win. The 49ers were able to overcome a very tough Rams team last week, and it seems like the Patriots have been in a slow death spiral. So, I have to give the ever-so-slight edge to San Francisco.
Prediction: 49ers
GAME 12:
Seahawks at Cardinals
Since Week 1, the Seahawks have been my pick to go all the way to the Super Bowl this year for the NFC. And so far, they haven’t disappointed! Russell Wilson is having an MVP season, he’s even achieved the status of being a member of the 99 club for the Madden video game franchise. The Seahawks are clicking on all cylinders, and the offense and defense both look spectacular! On the other end we have a team that is starting to find their stride. Led by the young Kyler Murray, the Arizona offense is starting to come into its own. The defense has been surprisingly good this season, making the Cardinals look like a very well-rounded team. And although I think that the Cardinals time will come soon, I’ve never picked against the Seahawks, and I won’t start now!
Prediction: Seahawks
GAME 13:
Bears at Rams
I’ll start with the Rams. The Rams have been doing good this season, don’t get me wrong. But I’m not convinced. Their strength of schedule has lean strongly in their favor, and although they’ve had some very good victories, I think ultimately they are still lacking in a few areas as a team. On the other side, the Bears have been the surprise of the year! Nick Foles has once again found new life as the backup starting quarterback. This is a role that he has thrived in everywhere he has gone. And I’m convinced if it wasn’t for injury, he would have had a great year in Jacksonville as well. The Bears defense is scary, and the offense under Foles has been lights out. With all this momentum they have, I find it very hard to pick against Chicago in this situation.
Prediciton: Bears
And there you have it! I feel pretty confident that I will do better this week than I did last week haha! As we all know, the NFL is very unpredictable, but it sure is fun to give it a shot!
Once again, thank you all for reading! Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don’t forget to please like and share this blog! You guys are the best! Peace!
Kershaw pictured celebrating the Dodger’s clinching of the NL Pennant
When one thinks of Clayton Kershaw, they usually think about one of the most dominant pitchers of the last 3 decades. With an impressive career ERA of 2.43 and 2,526 career strikeouts, Kershaw has been a tour-de-force.
However, Kershaw has been living with one very large monkey on his back: His ability to pitch effectively in the postseason. Kershaw has historically struggled in the post season, giving up multiple hits and runs in every start he pitched. Fortunately for Kershaw, the first major hurdle is finally over. Kershaw was able to be his usual dominant self in a post season game!
In game one of the World Series, Kershaw threw 6 innings, allowing just 2 hits and only one earned run, while collecting 8 strikeouts. Kershaw helped to lead his team to an 8-3 victory, giving LA a 1-0 lead in the series.
Along with getting the victory, Kershaw was able to achieve a few personal accolades as well. With his 8 strikeouts, the 32-year-old joined Justin Verlander as the only pitchers to ever strike out 200+ batters in the history of the postseason, taking down John Smoltz for second in the all-time list.
In addition, this was the first time in his career (regular season or postseason) that his opponents swung and missed at 50% (or more) of his pitches. This was yet another feather in the cap of the decorated ace.
And if that wasn’t enough, Kershaw also reached his 12th career victory in the postseason. This ties him with Hall of Famer, Roger Clemens, for fifth in the all-time list as well. It also takes his record to .500 for the first time in a while (12-12). So much for that Kershaw Curse???? He has definitely overcome his first obstacle, but there is certainly a long way to go. We’ll have to wait and see!
Kershaw and the Dodgers know that the job isn’t done yet. Tonight, they’ll have to suit up again for the second game of the World Series. Awaiting them is the same hungry Tampa team, backed into a corner. And though the outcome is anything but certain, one thing is for sure: we’ll be seeing a battle that will be exciting until the bitter end!
What do you think? Do the Dodgers have this one in the bag? Is the Kershaw Curse over? Let me know in the comments! And, as always, thanks for reading!!!
HELLO EVERYONE! We are back!!! And now better than ever! I have transitioned from a Sacramento Kings blog, to an all sports blog! I’m excited for this new venture! Check it out!
Starting our new era with week 6 NFL predictions:
Game 1:
HOU vs. TEN
Winner: TEN
Game 2:
BAL vs. PHI
Winner: BAL
Game 3:
ATL vs. MIN
Winner: MIN
Game 4:
CLE vs. PIT
Winner: PIT
Game 5:
CIN vs. IND
Winner: IND
Game 6:
DET vs. JAX
Winner: DET
Game 7:
CHI vs. CAR
Winner: CAR
Game 8:
WAS vs. NYG
Winner: WAS
Game 9:
DEN vs. NE
Winner: NE
Game 10:
NYJ vs. MIA
Winner: MIA
Game 11:
GB vs. TB
Winner: GB
Game 12:
LAR vs. SF
Winner: LAR
Game 13:
KC vs. BUF
Winner: KC
Game 14:
ARI vs. DAL
Winner: ARI
I know I have a few upsets here, but hey, that’s what makes it fun! Let me know what you think in the comments! Agree? Disagree? What say you? Enjoy!
The news certainly came as a surprise Tuesday morning when the Kings forward chose towalk away from the final year of his contract that would have paid him $25.1 million next season.
While it might have been slightly unexpected, it wasn’t for Kings general manager Vlade Divac and his team. It might have even been the plan all along.
At 27 years old, Barnes has plenty of basketball in his future, and the Kings would like him to remain a part of that. According to multiple sources, the Kings are confident they can lock up their starting small forward to a long-term deal.
There’s always a risk that Barnes will find the open market enticing and leave without compensation for Sacramento. That would be bad news for the Kings’ offseason plans, but it also would open up a massive amount of salary-cap space for the team to aggressively pursue other options.
Don’t be shocked if Barnes and the Kings move quickly on a four-year deal once free agency opens June 30. Barnes follows the age arc of most of the roster, and he instantly fit in as a veteran leader with deep playoff experience.
Barnes had the option of accepting his player option and then working on an extension with the Kings later in the offseason. By opting out, there is a possibility that he is willing to forgo some of the $25.1 million this season for a long-term stability.
Is Barnes worth a four-year, $72 million to $80 million contract? To the Kings, the answer is yes. And a contract like that immediately would impact Sacramento’s bottom line.
With Barnes, the Kings have approximately $67 million in guaranteed contracts for the upcoming season. That doesn’t include a $6.3 million qualifying offer for Willie Cauley-Stein, $1.6 million in non-guaranteed money for Frank Mason, or a team option on Yogi Ferrell at $3.1 million.
Without Barnes’ $25.1 million, Sacramento has $41.9 million in guaranteed deals and $67.1 million in available space. The Kings have another $6.3 million in minimum salary-cap holds, giving them roughly $60.8 million in available space, again, without Ferrell, Cauley-Stein or Mason.
There are further cap implications, like massive holds for Barnes and Cauley-Stein, but those are complicated and require far more explanation. The short answer is that the Kings can eliminate those holds by renouncing their rights to either player.
While nothing is locked up with Barnes as of June 18, this might be a perfect world scenario for the Kings. If he takes a longer-term deal, but with a reduced salary in Year 1, it gives the team additional resources up front while retaining an important part of their core.
A starting salary of $18 million to $20 million would open an extra $5 million to $7 million in cap space for this summer, giving Divac and his staff the ammunition necessary to chase a major free agent and still have enough to make one or two major additional improvements.
This likely is the Kings’ road map for this summer, although there are no guarantees that they can pull it all off. Step one now is to retain Barnes. Step two is to swing for the fences and fill the voids in the rotation.
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