Jul 132012
 

The Las Vegas Summer league begins on Friday, July 13 and runs through Sunday, July 22.

With 60 games on the schedule between 24 teams during the nine-day event, there will be plenty of action and more than enough to monitor with all of the young, promising talent that will be competing.

The only franchises that will not be sending a squad out to Sin City are the Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic.

All of those teams just participated in the Orlando Summer League and have likely seen enough from their burgeoning rookies and inexperienced young players.

With 23 NBA representatives and a team full of the D-League’s best, the Vegas league still promises to be the highlight of the summer for basketball fans.

Let’s take a look at the results, upcoming schedule and top performers thus far in Nevada.

 

Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / COX Pavilion, Las Vegas, Nevada

When: Friday, July 13 through Sunday, July 22

Watch: NBA TV will televise all 60 games, with 39 of them live.

Live Stream: NBA.com ($14.99 for Orlando and Las Vegas Summer League action from July 9 through July 22)

 

Results

Will Be Updated When Available

 

2012 NBA Summer League Game Schedule

All Times listed are Eastern 

 

Friday July 13 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Atlanta vs. Washington
6 p.m.— Houston vs. Toronto
8 p.m.— Golden State vs. LA Lakers
10 p.m.— Sacramento vs. Charlotte

 

Saturday July 14
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Memphis vs. New York
6 p.m.— Golden State vs. Denver
8 p.m.— LA Lakers vs. Sacramento
10 p.m.— Houston vs. Washington

 

Sunday July 15 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— New York vs. Phoenix
6 p.m.— Denver vs. Dallas
8 p.m.— San Antonio vs. Atlanta
10 p.m.— Washington vs. NBA D-League 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Toronto vs. Miami
8:30 p.m.— Cleveland vs. Charlotte
10:30 p.m. — New Orleans vs. Portland

 

Monday July 16
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Atlanta vs. Boston
6 p.m.— Dallas vs. Toronto
8 p.m.— Cleveland vs. NBA D-League
10 p.m.— LA Clippers vs. Minnesota 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Houston vs. Sacramento
8:30 p.m.— LA Lakers vs. Miami
10:30 p.m.— Milwaukee vs. New Orleans

 

Tuesday July 17
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Denver vs. New York
6 p.m.— Washington vs. Memphis
8 p.m.— Portland vs. Houston
10 p.m.— Chicago vs. Boston

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— San Antonio vs. LA Lakers
8:30 p.m.— Cleveland vs. Phoenix
10:30 p.m.— Minnesota vs. Charlotte

 

Wednesday July 18
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Milwaukee vs. Washington
6 p.m.— Chicago vs. Houston
8 p.m.— Atlanta vs. Dallas
10 p.m.— San Antonio vs. LA Clippers

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Sacramento vs. Toronto
8:30 p.m.— New Orleans vs. Phoenix
10:30 p.m.— Golden State vs. Miami

 

Thursday July 19
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— New York vs. Toronto
6 p.m.— Portland vs. Atlanta
8 p.m.— Cleveland vs. Minnesota
10 p.m.— NBA D-League vs. Milwaukee 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Boston vs. Sacramento
8:30 p.m.— LA Clippers vs. LA Lakers
10:30 p.m.— Charlotte vs. Denver

 

Friday July 20
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— New York vs. Cleveland
6 p.m.— Denver vs. Portland
8 p.m.— Miami vs. San Antonio
10 p.m.— NBA D-League vs. Phoenix 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Memphis vs. Charlotte
8:30 p.m.— Chicago vs. Golden State
10:30 p.m.— Dallas vs. New Orleans

 

Saturday July 21
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Portland vs. Miami
6 p.m.— Dallas vs. San Antonio
8 p.m.— NBA D-League vs. Minnesota
10 p.m.— Memphis vs. Phoenix

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Golden State vs. New Orleans
8:30 p.m.— Chicago vs. LA Clippers
10:30 p.m.— Milwaukee vs. Boston

 

Sunday July 22
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Chicago vs. Milwaukee
6 p.m.— Boston vs. LA Clippers
8 p.m.— Memphis vs. Minnesota

 

• SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE 

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Jul 092012
 

The 2012 NBA Summer Leagues have already begun, as the AirTran Airways Pro Summer League in Orlando started on Monday, July 9, and is set to take place until July 13.

There will be no lull before the action shifts out to Las Vegas on July 13 and runs through July 22.

With all 80 games taking place over the course of 13 straight days in two different locations, you’d think it would be tough for the average fan to stay caught up with the excitement.

However, with this handy guide, a decent Internet connection and possibly NBA TV, you can catch every single contest this summer.

Let’s take a look at the 2012 summer league schedule for both Orlando and Las Vegas, replete with television information and links for a live stream.

 

ORLANDO

Where: Magic Practice Court, Amway Center, Orlando, Florida (Not open to public, only media and professional/team personnel)

When: Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13

Watch: NBA TV

Live Stream: NBA.com (costs 14.99 for both leagues)

 

Schedule

All Times ET

 

Monday, July 9, 2012 

TIME

AWAY

HOME

11:00 a.m.

Brooklyn

Orlando

1:00 p.m.

Boston

OKC

3:00 p.m.

Utah

Detroit

5:00 p.m.

Indiana

Philadelphia

 

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

TIME

AWAY

HOME

11:00 a.m.

Philadelphia

Utah

1:00 p.m.

Indiana

OKC

3:00 p.m.

Detroit

Orlando

5:00 p.m.

Brooklyn

Boston

 

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 

TIME

AWAY

HOME

11:00 a.m.

Indiana

Boston

1:00 p.m.

OKC

Detroit

3:00 p.m.

Brooklyn

Philadelphia

5:00 p.m.

Utah

Orlando

 

Thursday, July 12, 2012

TIME

AWAY

HOME

11:00 a.m.

Detroit

Boston

1:00 p.m.

Brooklyn

OKC

3:00 p.m.

Indiana

Utah

5:00 p.m.

Philadelphia

Orlando

 

Friday, July 13, 2012 

TIME

AWAY

HOME

8:00 a.m.

Utah

OKC

10:00 a.m.

Boston

Orlando

12:00 p.m.

Philadelphia

Detroit

2:00 p.m.

Indiana

Brooklyn

 

LAS VEGAS

Where: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada / COX Pavilion, Las Vegas, Nevada

When: Friday, July 13 through Sunday, July 22

Watch: NBA TV will televise all 60 games, with 39 of them live.

Live Stream: NBA.com (costs 14.99 for both leagues)

 

Schedule

All Times listed are Eastern

 

Friday July 13
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Atlanta vs. Washington
6 p.m.— Houston vs. Toronto
8 p.m.— Golden State vs. LA Lakers
10 p.m.— Sacramento vs. Charlotte

 

Saturday July 14
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Memphis vs. New York
6 p.m.— Golden State vs. Denver
8 p.m.— LA Lakers vs. Sacramento
10 p.m.— Houston vs. Washington

 

Sunday July 15
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— New York vs. Phoenix
6 p.m.— Denver vs. Dallas
8 p.m.— San Antonio vs. Atlanta
10 p.m.— Washington vs. NBA D-League 

 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Toronto vs. Miami
8:30 p.m.— Cleveland vs. Charlotte
10:30 p.m. — New Orleans vs. Portland

 

Monday July 16
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Atlanta vs. Boston
6 p.m.— Dallas vs. Toronto
8 p.m.— Cleveland vs. NBA D-League
10 p.m.— LA Clippers vs. Minnesota 

 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Houston vs. Sacramento
8:30 p.m.— LA Lakers vs. Miami
10:30 p.m.— Milwaukee vs. New Orleans

 

Tuesday July 17
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Denver vs. New York
6 p.m.— Washington vs. Memphis
8 p.m.— Portland vs. Houston
10 p.m.— Chicago vs. Boston

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— San Antonio vs. LA Lakers
8:30 p.m.— Cleveland vs. Phoenix
10:30 p.m.— Minnesota vs. Charlotte

 

Wednesday July 18
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Milwaukee vs. Washington
6 p.m.— Chicago vs. Houston
8 p.m.— Atlanta vs. Dallas
10 p.m.— San Antonio vs. LA Clippers

 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Sacramento vs. Toronto
8:30 p.m.— New Orleans vs. Phoenix
10:30 p.m.— Golden State vs. Miami

 

Thursday July 19
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— New York vs. Toronto
6 p.m.— Portland vs. Atlanta
8 p.m.— Cleveland vs. Minnesota
10 p.m.— NBA D-League vs. Milwaukee 

 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Boston vs. Sacramento
8:30 p.m.— LA Clippers vs. LA Lakers
10:30 p.m.— Charlotte vs. Denver

 

Friday July 20
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— New York vs. Cleveland
6 p.m.— Denver vs. Portland
8 p.m.— Miami vs. San Antonio
10 p.m.— NBA D-League vs. Phoenix 

 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Memphis vs. Charlotte
8:30 p.m.— Chicago vs. Golden State
10:30 p.m.— Dallas vs. New Orleans

 

Saturday July 21
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Portland vs. Miami
6 p.m.— Dallas vs. San Antonio
8 p.m.— NBA D-League vs. Minnesota
10 p.m.— Memphis vs. Phoenix

 

• Thomas & Mack
6:30 p.m.— Golden State vs. New Orleans
8:30 p.m.— Chicago vs. LA Clippers
10:30 p.m.— Milwaukee vs. Boston

 

Sunday July 22
 

• COX Pavilion
4 p.m.— Chicago vs. Milwaukee
6 p.m.— Boston vs. LA Clippers
8 p.m.— Memphis vs. Minnesota

 

• SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
• All Times listed are Eastern

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Jun 282012
 

Trade talks are hot and heavy, and many of them center around the Charlotte Bobcats and the No. 2 pick. ESPN is reporting that the Bobcats are entertaining five offers for the pick.

Among those inquiring could be the Oklahoma City Thunder, but the Bobcats are said to want James Harden in return, and the Thunder aren’t willing to do that at this time, per Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld.

Oklahoma City likes Bradley Beal but Charlotte wants James Harden for the #2. It doesn’t sound like OKC is willing to part ways with Harden.

— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 28, 2012

 

The draft will air on ESPN, but some basketball fans may be unable to catch the broadcast that way. Thank God for Wi-Fi.

Hopefully you didn’t use all of your data downloading Doodle Jump.

Here’s all the information you need to catch the draft on ESPN and online—in case you aren’t able to get to a television.

 

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.

When: Draft begins on Thursday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. EDT

ESPN coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. EDT

NBA TV coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. EDT  

Watch: ESPN, NBA TV (preview only)

Listen: ESPN Radio

Live Stream: ESPN3

 

Charlotte may have missed out on the No. 1 pick, but what happens with their pick will still determine the rest of the draft. I think they would do well to move the pick.

The roster is too far gone for any player in this draft to transform them into a playoff threat. Their best bet would be to move down.

They should be looking at adding some future picks. This team needs a ton of help and it will take at least two seasons to get this team to a respectable level.

Be sure to check out the draft on ESPN, and check back here for in-depth coverage and analysis.

 

 

Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay.net for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports video games

Follow @BrianMazique

Follow @franchiseplay

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Jun 282012
 

The 2012 NBA draft is set to begin shortly, and it’s going to be one of the most exciting events in years. With the only sure thing being Anthony Davis going No. 1 overall to the Hornets, there is undoubtedly going to be plenty of trades and shocking selections taking place throughout the night.

There are also a number of huge college stars that have declared, which is a change of pace from last year, when many elected to return to school and unknown foreign prospects dominated the first round.

You will not want to miss a single second of the action and intrigue of this draft, so let’s take a look at all the different ways you can catch it.

 

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

When: Draft begins on Thursday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET

ESPN coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. ET

NBA TV coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. ET  

Watch: ESPN, NBA TV (preview only)

Listen: ESPN Radio

Live Stream: ESPN3

 

First-Round Draft Order:

1. New Orleans Hornets

2. Charlotte Bobcats

3. Washington Wizards

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

5. Sacramento Kings

6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Nets)

7. Golden State Warriors

8. Toronto Raptors

9. Detroit Pistons

10. New Orleans Hornets (from Wolves)

11. Portland Trail Blazers

12. Houston Rockets (from Bucks)

13. Phoenix Suns

14. Milwaukee Bucks (from Rockets

15. Philadelphia 76ers

16. Houston Rockets (from Knicks)

17. Dallas Mavericks

18. Houston Rockets (from Jazz)

19. Orlando Magic

20. Denver Nuggets

21. Boston Celtics          

22. Boston Celtics (from Clippers)

23. Atlanta Hawks

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Lakers)

25. Memphis Grizzlies

26. Indiana Pacers

27. Miami Heat

28. Oklahoma City Thunder

29. Chicago Bulls

30. Golden State Warriors (from Spurs)

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Jun 282012
 

The NBA draft is finally just hours away, and it’s shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory.

We have our obvious No. 1 pick that is set to break barriers in the sport (Anthony Davis). We have one of the NBA’s most controversial stars potentially on the move (Dwight Howard). Who knows, we may even get Dan Gilbert and his awesome son dressing up again. 

The basketball world has been building up the 2012 NBA draft virtually since the tip off of the college basketball season, when it was revealed how deep the pool of talent would be and how many teams were in desperate need of young talent. 

NBA trade rumors have been brewing for many months and deals have already gone down, such as Ben Gordon to the Bobcats and the Houston Rockets piling up picks for an apparent move at Howard.

Needless to say, you don’t have to search very far to find a reason to watch Thursday night.

Here’s everything you need to know.

 

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

When: 7 p.m. EDT, June 28, 2012

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

 

Storylines to Watch For:

Will the Bobcats Make Any Additional Moves?

Just one day after making a big deal to bring in Detroit Pistons standout Ben Gordon and a future pick for the slumping Corey Maggette, the Bobcats find themselves sitting pretty with the No. 2 overall pick.

Although missing out on Davis is a letdown in itself, picking a player like Thomas Robinson to lock down the post with strength and determination could light a fire on a seemingly hapless Charlotte team. 

Reports have been surfacing (via ESPN) in recent days that they’re looking to deal the No. 2 pick. But no one knows at this point, and they couldn’t go wrong either way.

With the way the buildup for this draft has gone, they could turn a deal that may very well be more fruitful than a Robinson or Kidd-Gilchrist. 

I think it’s safe to say that there’s nowhere but up after a 7-59 season that featured the worst winning percentage in NBA history (.106), but botch this draft and we could see more of the same.

However, if the cards are played perfectly, we could be looking at a young, talented team.

 

Does Houston Have Enough to Offer the Magic for Dwight Howard?

Houston is either making a significant push at Dwight Howard, or they really, really, really like mid-round draft picks. 

According to USA Today, the Rockets now have the No. 12, 14 and 18 picks in the first round after making a few small deals throughout the last 48 hours. 

B/R’s own Josh Martin highlighted the possibility of Howard teaming up with free-agent target Deron Williams in Houston, which could entice Howard in the same way LeBron James was wooed to join forces with the Miami Heat. 

If they can persuade the Magic with a mega deal involving multiple first-round picks in this deep draft, it will pay dividends and their master plan will have worked. If not, they’ll have a ton of flexibility in the first round, whether that was their intention or not. 

 

Stay tuned to B/R’s NBA front page for up-to-date news, reaction and analysis to the craziness that is the NBA Draft

Follow me on Twitter — My tweets are lottery-protected: @StevenCookBR

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Jun 282012
 

The 2012 NBA draft is taking place today and it is by far the most exciting event of the offseason. From the time Anthony Davis gets picked first overall up until the last name is called at No. 60, there will be plenty of trades, intrigue and unintentional comedy (suits and hugs, mostly) to satisfy basketball junkies.

With so many star college players declaring this year, it is definitely a draft you do not want to miss out on.

Here are all the ways you can catch the action, even if you aren’t near a television set.

 

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

When: Thursday, June 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Pre-draft coverage begins at 7:00 p.m. ET, event scheduled to start at approximately 7:30 p.m ET and run until 9:00 p.m. ET

Listen: ESPN Radio

Live Stream: ESPN3

 

First Round Draft Order

1. New Orleans Hornets

2. Charlotte Bobcats

3. Washington Wizards

4. Cleveland Cavaliers

5. Sacramento Kings

6. Portland Trail Blazers (from Nets)

7. Golden State Warriors

8. Toronto Raptors

9. Detroit Pistons

10. New Orleans Hornets (from Wolves)

11. Portland Trail Blazers

12. Milwaukee Bucks

13. Phoenix Suns

14. Houston Rockets

15. Philadelphia 76ers

16. Houston Rockets (from Knicks)

17. Dallas Mavericks

18. Houston Rockets(from Jazz)

19. Orlando Magic

20. Denver Nuggets

21. Boston Celtics          

22. Boston Celtics (from Clippers)

23. Atlanta Hawks

24. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Lakers)

25. Memphis Grizzlies

26. Indiana Pacers

27. Miami Heat

28. Oklahoma City Thunder

29. Chicago Bulls

30. Golden State Warriors (from Spurs)

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Jun 272012
 

The Orlando Magic are once again hosting the AirTran Airways Pro Summer League, which is an awesome event consisting of 20 games between eight teams over five days.

Outside of the NBA Summer League is Las Vegas, there aren’t going to be many other opportunities to catch elite young players (three years or fewer in the league) attempting to gain more experience against pro-caliber competition and hopeful prospects trying to make a name for themselves.

Let’s take a look at where and when you can catch all of the exciting action down in the Magic Kingdom.

 

Where: Magic Practice Court, Amway Center, Orlando, Florida (Not open to public, only media and professional/team personnel)

When: Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13

Watch: NBA TV

Live Stream: Unavailable at this time, but games have been live streamed in the past and will be updated when made public.

 

Schedule

All Times ET

 

Monday, July 9, 2012 

TIME

AWAY

HOME

11:00 a.m.

Brooklyn

Orlando

1:00 p.m.

Boston

OKC

3:00 p.m.

Utah

Detroit

5:00 p.m.

Indiana

Philadelphia

 

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

TIME

AWAY

HOME

11:00 a.m.

Philadelphia

Utah

1:00 p.m.

Indiana

OKC

3:00 p.m.

Detroit

Orlando

5:00 p.m.

Brooklyn

Boston

 

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 

TIME

AWAY

HOME

11:00 a.m.

Indiana

Boston

1:00 p.m.

OKC

Detroit

3:00 p.m.

Brooklyn

Philadelphia

5:00 p.m.

Utah

Orlando

 

Thursday, July 12, 2012

TIME

AWAY

HOME

11:00 a.m.

Detroit

Boston

1:00 p.m.

Brooklyn

OKC

3:00 p.m.

Indiana

Utah

5:00 p.m.

Philadelphia

Orlando

 

Friday, July 13, 2012 

TIME

AWAY

HOME

8:00 a.m.

Utah

OKC

10:00 a.m.

Boston

Orlando

12:00 p.m.

Philadelphia

Detroit

2:00 p.m.

Indiana

Brooklyn


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Jun 252012
 

In just three long days, the 2012 NBA draft will have officially come upon us. No one saw it coming, everyone waited in anticipation and absolutely no one will know what’s going to happen after Anthony Davis goes first overall.

No matter how many writers pump out mock drafts.

As the day comes, eyes will be glued to their respective computer and television screens as they anxiously await the arrival of their franchise’s next big thing. In order to do so, however, those viewers must know where to turn.

For all of that information and more, follow closely.

 

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey

When: 7 p.m. EDT, June 28, 2012

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: http://ESPN.go.com/watchespn/index

 

2012 NBA DRAFT FIRST ROUND ORDER
 1. New Orleans Hornets
 2. Charlotte Bobcats
 3. Washington Wizards
 4. Cleveland Cavaliers
 5. Sacramento Kings
 6. Portland Trail Blazers*
 7. Golden State Warriors
 8. Toronto Raptors
 9. Detroit Pistons
 10. New Orleans Hornets**
 11. Portland Trail Blazers
 12. Milwaukee Bucks
 13. Phoenix Suns
 14. Houston Rockets
 15. Philadelphia 76ers
 16. Houston Rockets***
 17. Dallas Mavericks
 18. Minnesota Timberwolves****
 19. Orlando Magic
 20. Denver Nuggets
 21. Boston Celtics
 22. Boston Celtics*****
 23. Atlanta Hawks
 24. Cleveland Cavaliers******
 25. Memphis Grizzlies
 26. Indiana Pacers
 27. Miami Heat
 28. Oklahoma City Thunder
 29. Chicago Bulls
 30. Golden State Warriors*******

*From Brooklyn Nets.

**From Minnesota Timberwolves.

***From New York Knicks.

****From Utah Jazz.

*****From Los Angeles Clippers.

******From Los Angeles Lakers.

*******From San Antonio Spurs.


Top Players Available

 

Anthony Davis, PF, Kentucky Wildcats

What really needs to be said about Anthony Davis? He’s the best interior defender to come out of college since Dikembe Mutombo and has mastered a very rare aspect of basketball: dominating a game without having the ball in his hands.

Davis is the consensus choice for the first overall draft pick; so much so that Slam Magazine has already published an issue with Davis in a New Orleans Hornets uniform (see picture above). In all likelihood, he’ll also be a front-runner for Rookie of the Year.

 

Thomas Robinson, PF, Kansas Jayhawks

Thomas Robinson is one of the easiest players to root for. His tragedy-turned-triumph story is as inspiring as any we’ve ever heard; His on-court effort is as admirable as any we’ve ever see. His all-around ability is on par with or above any and everyone in this draft class.

Consider Robinson a fan favorite in the making.

He’s an excellent offensive rebounder due to his ability to utilize his broad shoulders and overwhelming upper body strength to achieve position and impose his will. As a result, Robinson is a threat to put up 20 points on any given evening as he rarely shies away from contact. He’s also a polished low-post scorer with an excellent mid-range jump shot that drifts all the way out to the three-point line.

For Robinson, the biggest negative is his tendency to rely on his mid-range game. With excellent interior scoring ability, Robinson must establish himself in low before stretching the floor.

 

Bradley Beal, SG, Florida Gators

Bradley Beal is one of the safest picks in this draft class, as he combines elite shooting ability with off-the-ball prowess that is reminiscent to that of a young Ray Allen. Due to this fact, Beal has star potential and a basement of Kyle Korver: an elite jump shooter with value to any and every team.

When push comes to shove, Beal is worth the top-five label that most have offered him. He’s an outstanding rebounder, gives a great effort on defense and is a threat to penetrate off of the dribble at any given moment. As long as his quickness translates, this makes him nearly impossible to anticipate.

Just like any other prospect, however, Beal does have his downside. Some feel he’s rather frail, while others have labeled him to be a bit of a tweener. The true battle Beal will have, however, is taming his shot selection. If he does so, expect his shooting percentages to increase accordingly.

 

For all the latest NBA draft news, as well as updates on your favorite NBA teams, be sure to follow my B/R profile and Twitter account.

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Jun 252012
 

The 2012 NBA draft is inching closer and closer, and it’s easily the most exciting time of the offseason for basketball fans.

A fresh crop of elite talent is about to enter the league, and every team with a selection is hoping to turn it into a superstar-caliber player.

Let’s take a look at when and where you can watch this epic event, and point out some of the big-name prospects you must know about.

 

Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey  

When: Thursday, June 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3

 

Notable Prospects

Anthony Davis

Davis is the best player in this draft class, and it would be an absolute shocker if he did not go No. 1 overall to the New Orleans Hornets.

He led the Kentucky Wildcats to a national championship, proved he plays the best defense of any prospect in the nation and has a ton of raw athleticism to develop into an offensive game.

This young man is going to be a future superstar in the league and is the definition of a sure thing.

 

Andre Drummond

On the other end of the sure-thing spectrum is Andre Drummond. This big UConn product is projected to go in lottery, but that is simply because of his massive size—the one thing an NBA coach cannot teach.

It’ll be interesting to see if Drummond can ever harness his immense body size and raw talent to become a force in the league. He showed little ability during his sole season with the Huskies and has to get better if he does not want the bust label.

 

Bradley Beal

Teams have fallen in love with the Florida Gator SG. He’s got the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, the size to repeatedly slash to the rim and the moves to create his own shot.

Beal is going to be a great backcourt mate for one of a number of lottery teams that have solid point guards. He looks like a 20-plus PPG scorer in the NBA and a potential Rookie of the Year candidate.

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Jun 252012
 

Call in “sick” to work right now, because you definitely don’t want to miss the Miami Heat championship parade on Monday morning.

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and company won their first title together on Thursday, blowing out the Oklahoma City Thunder by a score of 121-106. Now, they will continue the celebration by parading through downtown Miami.

The party began on Thursday night, when the Heat reportedly racked up a $200,000 bill at the LIV nightclub in Miami. Since then, they’ve been going hard for four days straight, as Dwyane Wade took to Twitter to clarify the Heat’s unofficial name change to Team No Sleep.

The #definitionof #TeamNoSleep..thurs,fri,sat and sunday we are partying..right up until the parade on monday

— Dwyane Wade (@DwyaneWade) June 23, 2012

Apparently, he also butt-dialed Gabrielle Union’s stepmother at 3 a.m. Just thought you should know that.

I got nervous..RT @itsgabrielleu: Did @DwyaneWade just butt dial my step-mother at 3am?? Yes…yes he did…and hung up

— Dwyane Wade (@DwyaneWade) June 23, 2012

With Wade’s promise to party hard up until the parade, Monday’s scene guarantees to be highly entertaining. Here is all the information you need to catch your favorite hungover (and possibly still drunk) NBA players.

 

Parade Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ET

TV Coverage: FOX’s Sun Sports

Live Stream: FoxSportsFlorida.com

Route: The parade will start on the corner of Southeast 8th Street and 2nd Avenue, head north on Bricknell Avenue, going across the bridge and up Biscayne Boulevard to the AmericanAirlines Arena.

 

Here is a map of the route, courtesy of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Enjoy the festivities and stay classy, Miami.

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