#Andrew Robinson Net Worth

[tinderbuzz]

Andrew Robinson Net Worth, Age, Birthday, Bio -2021

Andrew Robinson is a TV Actor Find Andrew Robinson net worth in 2021. Visit Flickthinkers for Andrew Robinson Age, Birthday , Biography and More.Andrew Robinson is a TV Actor Find Andrew Robinson net worth in 2021. Visit Flickthinkers for Andrew Robinson Age, Birthday , Biography and More.

https://www.flickthinkers.com/andrew-robinson-net-worth-age-birthday-bio-1047619/

[mrsrcbinscn]

Stanning Franny Sor Robinson 101: The Playlist

There’s a YouTube playlist a fan made titled Essential Franny Sor Robinson Content and these are in it

 Video Clips

  A clip titled “Thanks for all the divorce” Upon accepting a grammy for a Dara & Danny album, Franny held their brand new Grammy and said in her acceptance speech, “And more than anything, I want to thank my best friend, this man right here (Daniel Maitland), for continuing to get divorced so I can write songs about it and win Grammys.”

The clip is titled Franny Sor Robinson realizes that Country Singers All Have Three Names [someone off camera during an interview] Why do all country singers have three names? Franny looks all confused and goes, “No they do–” and her eyes go all wide and she goes; “Wait.” Points to herself and says, “Franny Sor Robinson,” and then starts listing people, “Emily Scott Robinson, Charles Wesley Godwin, June Carter Cash, Joshua Ray Walker, Courtney Marie Andrews, Demi Lee Moore, John Michael Montgomery, Jason Michael Carroll, Earl Thomas Conley, Justin Townes Earle, John Driskell Hopkins, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jo Dee Messina – “ Franny suddenly stops her list to point to the person who said that and goes “I hate you. Get out of my house. No, no, I’m kidding, oh my god!”

While leaving a concert venue in Germany after a Seoul Hanoi’d show, a German fan shouted ‘step on my throat!’ in German, and Franny, in heavily American-accented German (it’s her second worst language lmao but she tries) “get on the ground, then” and fakes out moving toward her like she’d actually do it before grabbing Vanessa Pham’s hand and walking toward the car with her bandmate

This clip from some interview where, similar to this Zendaya one the question “What is Franny Sor Robinson’s net worth?” came up and she was like “fuck if I know” and Googled it, saw the number on Google, and was like “well, now I know Google doesn’t have access to my bank account.”

A clip from an interview where she’s like “damn, people get so upset when you don’t just stick to one genre. Do you just listen to one kind of music? So why should musicians only do one thing? Let a bitch live.” A timer dings in the background. “Oooh, my cookies! Wait here, I’ll bring everyone cookies!”

“I swear to God, there’s glitter in my vagina,” Franny to another singer, overheard on a another singer’s Instagram story backstage at an awards show. The singer laughs that she’s recording, it pans to Franny, and Franny just goes, “Look, I’m just saying what we’re all thinking after all that glitter.”

A clip from a Cambodian celebrity’s instagram live, they were speaking in English here, and Franny says “I was bitching to my husband about something, some industry stuff, and he was like ‘okay, honey, let’s relax all right,’ trying to calm me down, but I was so mad about whatever it was I just switch to Khmer. So I was like [Franny then starts mock-yelling in Khmer] And my husband goes-” Franny wildly waved her hands “--go back, go back! Go back to English!”

“I’m fully aware that I married a man whose name sounds like a 19th century railroad owner.”

With a banjo in her hands during an interview, with a pained expression. “I think about how hot women are every day of my life.”

In an interview with a queer news site, and they were talking about her bisexuality. “I’ll be real honest, and he [her husband] has heard me say this – truly, I probably would’ve thought I was a lesbian had I grown up now and not in the 90s. But because it wasn’t nearly as acceptable as now to be into other girls, I had a lot of experiences with men that I absolutely wouldn’t have had if I’d been a teenager and young adult now. My marriage is me being gay with an exception. I was, like, only actively seeking out women, I was very comfortable with enjoying the sapphic side of my bisexuality, and then accidentally met Cornelius and was like ‘oh no, I like him.’ And he just became my happy place.”

“Call 1-800-Karen-4-Good and I’ll go Karen on Karen for you. I’m half white, Karen is inside of me, I need only manifest her.”

“Sometimes I forget my student loans are paid off and I’ll see a nice car and still knee-jerk think ‘if I time my dance with this Mercedes right,  I can get hit just bad enough to pay off my loans but won’t die.’ So yeah, cancel student debt.”

Performances

Of course there’s iconique original song performances but as I wouldn’t have links to them bc they’re fake, pretend I listed some aaaaand here’s the covers in the playlist

Covers: A lot are from this post here

When I Think About Cheatin’ by Gretchen Wilson - During a SiriusXM session, she sang Gretchen Wilson’s When I Think About Cheatin’, and the performance went viral. The video from that session is on the playlist. A common comment on the video was like “aw, it’s like she’s singing it to her husband<3” in a way that’s what it felt like to her too. She and her husband both have busy careers and schedules and sometimes she’s so lonely that one would hardly fault her for finding comfort in a more accessible person’s arms. And she could, like, she’s had offers by fellow musicians. If she wanted to have an affair she could have one in an instant. But of course doesn’t and won’t.

 Lucid Dreams by Juice WRLD - 2018 - At a June 2018 Seoul Hanoi’d show, between two of their original songs, Franny was like “Right, so there’s this new song that we’ve been kind of listening to a lot lately, and we wanna play it for y’all tonight. You can thank my teenager for getting us all into this song.” At first when Vanessa Pham (the lead guitarist) started playing, people didn’t realize what it was. Max Cho started fiddling with the drum set (check out that awesome drum cover for drum inspo) and people still weren't sure. Franny sang the opening line and you can see it dawn on the crowd that it was Lucid Dreams. A video a fan took went pretty viral on Twitter, accompanied by the tweet in all caps “everyone shut the fuck up and acknowledge franny sor robinson as the talent she is, bitch doesn’t get enough credit”

The Only Mama That’ll Walk The Line by Linda Ronstadt - Linda’s voice is baaaasically my Franny hc singing voice, like not quite but it is very close. Just the sheer effortless power in her voice, the absolute range, her ability to seamlessly genre hop, how it’s usually clear but she does this growl sometimes, ugh. Anyway. Franny’s covered this song many times since middle school. One time was when she was 20, yes, at a county fair back home in Georgia because what southern origin story doesn’t have county fairs? She was competing for prize money and won. Cornelius was there, visiting with her family in Georgia at the time, and she showed him the envelope of prize money and went “hey I can almost afford my first month’s rent when school gets back in.” The video in the playlist is a so-so recording of that, uploaded by a hometown friend of hers in 2011 when they realized they had that video from 2000 on one of their old camcorder tapes. It’s one of the oldest recordings of Franny’s #talent publicly available. There’s a couple earlier clips she’s posted to her Twitter or Instagram

 idfc by Blackbear -  Her cousin, Georgia Seng, was born in 1993 (reference the Franny’s relatives spreadsheet) and is a singer-songwriter from Auckland, New Zealand. The video is on Georgia’s YouTube channel as she suggested they do the song. Franny plays guitar and the two of them sing the song, some goooorgeous-ass harmonies, and fans point to this video as evidence of Franny’s versatility, as Blackbear is generally not her wheelhouse, but like with the Seoul Hanoi’d cover of Lucid Dreams, she Went Off

Don’t Close Your Eyes by Keith Whitley - Franny’s performed this numerous times, but the video in the playlist is the one of her singing it on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry

 Rosa Pastel by Belanova - at a Seoul Hanoi’d show in Mexico City, they performed this song by Mexican pop band Belanova. Franny actually played drums on the song and sang backup, and Vanessa Pham, who is fluent in Spanish, sang. A lot of people don’t realize Franny can play drums, so it’s the go to video fans use to be like “no, no, look!”

 How ‘Bout Them Cowgirls by George Strait  - the day same sex marriage was legalized in the US, Franny had a Dara & Danny show that night in Amsterdam, Franny opened their set by covering this song and she sang it, not Daniel bc then it wouldn’t be GAY, in celebration.

 Poor, Poor, Pitiful Me by Linda Ronstadt  - If Franny ever needs a impress-a-crowd-free card, she just needs to sing a Linda Ronstadt song. In Arizona, where Ronstadt is from, she always sings something of hers. She’s been performing Poor, Poor, Pitiful me since she was in high school. There’s several videos of her performing it on YouTube, but the one in the playlist is with Seoul Hanoi’d at a 2017 show they headlined in Arizona as the first encore song.

 I Couldn’t Leave You If I Tried  - Franny has met Randy Crowell and they sang this song together at one of his shows, she was in town so he asked her to come on stage for the song. 

 Supernova by Liz Phair - when she was in high school and college, it was a staple in the bands she was in. With Seoul Hanoi’d it is a song they cover in shows from time to time. There’s a video from a 2017 show in the playlist.

Me & Your Ghost by blackbear - Georgia officially made a blackbear fan of Franny. At a show where she was the middle act of three, she covered the song (general insp)

[fictionz]

New Fiction 2021 - April

A Stitch in Time by Andrew J. Robinson (2000)

Star Trek x Godfather II.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Crossroads of Time dev. Novotrade International (1995)

I don’t know where to land here. It’s frustrating until it’s not because one must practice and fail repeatedly to make progress, which is the nature of the thing. Can I hate it for being what it is? Regardless, all these characters and stories make no sense unless the television show is top of mind.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Harbinger dev. Stormfront Studios (1996)

Everything is as stiff as a board, which constraints of the era demanded of it. However, as above, knowledge of the show and its relationships enrich the experience, and in that scenario it is perhaps worth the journey. Special shouts to the writers and voice actors who elevate this several notches above where it appears it should be.

"Burrow" dir. Madeline Sharafian (2020)

It’s to let them help me.

"Genius Loci" dir. Adrien Merigeau (2019)

Sharing space, understanding and regret.

"Opera" dir. Erick Oh (2020)

We’re vital members of society.

"If anything happens I love you" dir. Will McCormack & Michael Govier (2020)

Our capacity is bottomless.

"Já-Fólkið" dir. Gísli Darri (2020)

To exist together.

"Kapaemahu" dir. Kanaka (2020)

A divided people.

"The Snail and the Whale" dir. Max Lang & Daniel Snaddon (2020)

I don’t know. I think it would be nice to have someone.

"To: Gerard" dir. Taylor Meacham (2020)

You really can’t know, so be good.

"The Present" dir. Farah Nabulsi (2020)

The simple fucking dignity.

"Feeling Through" dir. Doug Roland (2020)

You know what they say about life.

"Two Distant Strangers" dir. Travon Free & Martin Desmond Roe (2020)

Trapped because the trawler net stretches back centuries.

"Ayn Levana" dir. Tomer Shushan (2020)

What’s important to you.

"The Letter Room" dir. Elvira Lind (2020)

The fascination is real, as are the consequences.

"Monsters in The Dark" dir. Apollonia Thomaier (2021)

Trust is closely guarded.

"The Tell-Tale Heart" dir. Ted Parmelee (1953)

Everyone has the eye, the eye.

"Captain Yajima" dir. Worthikids (2021)

A master of the craft.

The Pianist dir. Roman Polanski (2002)

Humans,

The Journey of Natty Gann dir. Jeremy Kagan (1985)

If father abandons then father pays.

Aeon Flux dir. Karyn Kusama (2005)

Watch The Invitation.

Lucky dir. Natasha Kermani (2021)

You don’t believe, you don’t believe, you don’t believe.

A New Leaf dir. Elaine May (1971)

The rich man’s legacy.

The Dig dir. Simon Stone (2021)

Let the man dig.

Shipwrecked dir. Nils Gaup (1990)

Keep it under the mattress.

Godzilla vs. Kong dir. Adam Wingard (2021)

Challenged by the mere notion.

Avalon dir. Mamoru Oshii (2001)

It’s only real when you accept that longing is the source of your melancholy.

Nobody dir. Ilya Naishuller (2021)

A middle-aged fantasy.

The Fog dir. John Carpenter (1980)

The blame is always there.

Blood Simple dir. Joel Coen & Ethan Coen (1984)

Desperate measures call for desperate times.

Rango dir. Gore Verbinski (2011)

Performance is the essence of our existence.

The Black Cauldron dir. Ted Berman & Richard Rich (1984)

It must be nice to be born of potential.

Batman: The Killing Joke dir. Sam Liu (2016)

Barb deserves better, but so does any woman in these stories.

Tangled dir. Nathan Greno & Byron Howard (2010)

Youth is a prison.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run dir. Tim Hill (2020)

Of a different era of celebrity appearances.

Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown dir. Bill Melendez & Phil Roman (1977)

The gas crisis as a repressed memory.

La Casa Lobo dir. Cristóbal León & Joaquín Cociña (2018)

Horrifying history through art, I tell you.

Seoul Station dir. Yeon Sang-ho (2016)

I didn’t see it coming.

The Last Unicorn dir. Arthur Rankin Jr. & Jules Bass (1982)

Quite a mood in this one. Ethereal and lonesome.

Fantastic Planet dir. René Laloux (1973)

Takes me back to the Heavy Metal movie and how strange and different it felt from everything, except of course this begat all of that which arrived in the late seventies and eighties.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

The new Agent Carter gets shafted in these stories, so I sincerely hope they don’t drop the ball again.

[nghubs1]

Lindsey Boylan Biography, Age, Career and Net Worth

Lindsey Boylan Biography, Age, Career and Net Worth

Lindsey Boylan is an American politician and democrat. She was the former deputy secretary for economic development and special adviser to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. She ran to represent the New York’s 10th congressional district but lost in the party primaries. Lindsey Boyla was born on 5th April 1984. Educational Background Lindsey Boylan attended Robinson Secondary School. She holds a…

[junker-town]

8 James Harden trade ideas both teams should consider

We came up with eight trade packages for James Harden.

The Houston Rockets are going to trade James Harden eventually. Harden has already requested a trade and given the Rockets an expanded list of teams he’d like to go to. He’s also turned down a contract extension from Houston that would have made him the first player in league history to earn $50 million annually.

Players of Harden’s caliber simply don’t become available all that often. The most recent example of a top-five player being traded was Anthony Davis, and it led to a championship for the Lakers in his first season. While Davis only had one year remaining on his contract when the Lakers acquired him, Harden currently has two seasons + a player option. He just turned 31 years old, but The Beard should continue to be one of the very few true superstars in the league going forward.

Houston has tried to smear Harden’s reputation in recent days — seems like a weird thing to do when you’re attempting to get the most value possible back for your franchise star! — but there’s no doubt he’s been worth the “trouble” every step of his career. Get James Harden and your team vastly improves its chances of winning a championship.

With Harden’s trade request hanging over the start of the season, we came up with eight possible deals and asked the corresponding SB Nation NBA communities how they felt about the proposed deal. These were the parameters for the deals:

Every trade had to work on ESPN’s trade machine

Every trade includes draft compensation of some kind. Since that’s where most of the negotiation on these deals will take place, we chose to keep it vague rather than come up with specific pick protections.

Here are some Harden deals both sides should consider.

Boston Celtics

Framework of the deal: Jaylen Brown, Romeo Langford, Aaron Nesmith, Daniel Theis (or Grant Williams) + a first round pick or two to Houston for Harden.

Why Boston would do it: It’s difficult to say where the Celtics project in the East this year given Kemba Walker’s persistent injury troubles. Upgrade from Jaylen Brown to James Harden and they’re suddenly the strong favorite in the East. Brown is a solid young player who gets better every year, but he can never dream of being the on-ball creator Harden is. This deal also keeps Marcus Smart in green. Who is beating a Harden-Jayson Tatum-Smart trio? This trade also works with Grant Williams in place of Daniel Theis. You can pencil in a couple first round picks going to Houston in the deal, as well.

What CelticsBlog says: “I respect the effort and I especially appreciate the attempt to keep Marcus Smart out of the trade package. With that being said, we the Boston Celtics (that’s fun to say) don’t have enough interest in James Harden to make a competitive offer. We recognize his immense talent and the immediate impact he would have on any team. However, we’re worried about his timeline not meeting up with Tatum’s and we’re not interested in mortgaging the future with picks and young talent.” — Jeff Clark

Portland Trail Blazers

Framework of the deal: C.J. McCollum and Zach Collins + a first round pick or two to Houston for Harden.

Why Portland would do it: Damian Lillard has made a tremendous commitment to the Blazers, yet Portland has decided to sit on its hands while a number of superstars (Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, AD) have hit the trade market in recent years. While Portland upgraded the team again this offseason, it likely isn’t enough to beat the Lakers. A move for Harden amounts to an all-in push to win a championship. The Blazers would maintain most of their depth and suddenly have the best guard combo in the league. I think this trade puts them significantly closer to a title while Lillard (now 30 years old) is still in his prime.

What BlazersEdge says: This offer is going to be a very big no from me. While James Harden is an incredibly talented player, arguably one of the best in the league, he’s just not a fit in Portland. Giving up CJ McCollum, Zach Collins, and picks is a big ask from Portland’s perspective. As things stand, I wouldn’t give up a single player from the roster in exchange for Harden, let alone two key players and two first round picks. Harden’s style of play and how he conducts himself wouldn’t be a fit for Portland—a team that prides itself on chemistry and team culture. Adding another “superstar” to the Trail Blazers roster might be a good idea, but Harden just isn’t it. — Dave Deckard

Toronto Raptors

Framework of the deal: Pascal Siakam and Norman Powell + a couple first round picks to Houston for Harden.

Why Toronto would do it: You might remember that the Raptors have made a bold trade for a superstar before. It resulted in a championship. Now that Giannis Antetokounmpo is locked up in Milwaukee, the Raps would have to explore the trade market if they want another A-lister. While it would hurt to trade Siakam, the Raptors would have at least two years with Harden and could theoretically move some other pieces to get front court help. This deal also keeps OG Anunoby in Toronto.

What Raptors HQ says: As we’ve learned in Toronto, when a superstar player is available, you have to at least inquire. The Raptors have a strong core with Pascal Siakam, but the team’s missing piece is an apex player like Harden, who can operate as the team’s fulcrum all the way to the title. The price is steep, and it would be fair to wonder if the Raptors could win a championship with only one multi-dimensional forward (OG Anunoby), but adding Harden to Toronto’s already loaded backcourt quickly vaults them back into that title conversation — even if only for a short while. — Daniel Reynolds

New Orleans Pelicans

Framework of the deal: Steven Adams, Lonzo Ball, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker + three first round picks to Houston for Harden.

Why New Orleans would do it: Zion Williamson looks ready to win right now. His hyper-efficient inside scoring would be a great match with Harden’s on-ball creation. New Orleans wouldn’t be losing much from its present day roster with this deal, and they have plenty of picks to throw in after shipping Jrue Holiday to Milwaukee. The Pelicans might not want to sell out for a superstar so early in Williamson’s career, but there is danger in being too patient, too. Could a Zion-Harden combo vault New Orleans into the top half of the West in its first season?

What The Bird Writes says: After undergoing a forced win-now build in Cleveland around LeBron James that brought more pressure and stress than satisfaction, I {David Griffin} believe it’s in the best interests of the Pelicans organization to remain dedicated to the organic growth in New Orleans. Acquiring James Harden via a trade that siphons all future draft assets and has Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson taking a backseat to a 31-year-old superstar, who has displayed an unflattering me-first attitude all too often, would completely derail that plan. Thanks, but no thanks. — Oleh Kosel

Golden State Warriors

Framework of the deal: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Minnesota’s top-five protected 2021 pick, another pick + a pick swap or tw to Houston for Harden.

Why Golden State would do it: The Warriors dream of getting back to championship contention, but after Klay Thompson’s injury it’s possible they will be fighting just to make the playoffs. With Harden joining Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, suddenly Golden State is right back to the top of the league. This trade may mostly come down to how both teams feel about Wiseman. Even if the Rockets aren’t super high on him, a top-five protected pick from the Wolves next year is a nice chip for the future.

What Golden State of Mind says: Acting as Bob Myers, with the hand of Joe Lacob digging firmly into my shoulder, I make this trade, barring any serious objection from Steph Curry. The Warriors worked the sign-and-trade for D’Angelo Russell so that they would have a max contract on the books so that they could absorb the contract of another bonafide superstar when one became available; one is available, and it’s time to try and be light years ahead of the league by getting him. — Brady Klopfer

Brooklyn Nets

Framework of the deal: Caris LeVert, Taurean Prince, Jarrett Allen, Rodions Kurucs and two first round picks + two pick swaps to Houston for Harden.

Why Brooklyn would do it: Would the Nets prefer depth or a third star this season? While there are some legitimate questions of how Harden would work with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the raw talent would be off the charts. Brooklyn would have the best top three in the league by a mile and still have a little bit of depth to go around. The bigger concern for Brooklyn would be the amount of future picks it would likely surrender to get this deal done. That didn’t work out so well for them last time they did it, but it feels like it’s still worth it for Harden.

Miami Heat

Framework of the deal: Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson, Kendrick Nunn, Kelly Olynyk and Andre Iguodala + a 2025 first round pick plus swaps to Houston for Harden.

Why Miami would do it: Was the Heat’s Cinderella run to the Finals in the bubble a fluke? I don’t think so, but it’s also going to be tough to recreate going forward. For as good as Herro looks and for as amazing as Robinson is in Miami’s system, the talent upgrade here is undeniable. Now for the Heat to figure out how to get as much shooting on the floor as possible around Harden, Jimmy Butler, and Bam Adebayo.

What Hot Hot Hoops says: Acting as a representative for the Heat, there would be no way I would accept this trade deal for Harden — especially after hearing about his diva-like behavior, tardiness, and blowing off practices. That would never, ever, be tolerated in this organization and certainly not for a package that includes two starters from last season and a rising star in Herro. With five important rotation players gone and an incoming player who wouldn’t slide in right away and be a good fit in the Heat culture (like Jimmy Butler did), I wouldn’t be expecting a return to the Finals so what would be the point? — Surya Fernandez

Philadelphia 76ers

Framework of the deal: Ben Simmons, Mike Scott and multiple first round picks to Houston for Harden.

Why Philadelphia would do it: The Ben Simmons-Joel Embiid pairing has never been a perfect fit in Philadelphia. There’s renewed hope this season with Daryl Morey in charge and a couple more shooters in place, but Philly still has a lot of work to do to get to championship contention. Harden puts them much closer if he’s at his best, perhaps even making them instant favorites in the East. Morey knows how rare it is for superstars to come available and he knows how close Harden got him to glory before. This is also the best possible package for Houston to me. Simmons + shooters is an easy (and cheap) contender for Tilman Fertitta’s Rockets going forward.

What Liberty Ballers says: The Sixers are definitely interested in this proposal, as we believe a James Harden-Joel Embiid combo is a massive upgrade over Simmons-Embiid in terms of fit. However, our read is that the Rockets are losing leverage by the day and we like that teams are getting scared off media reports, so we’ll practice patience and wait this out a bit longer until you’re willing to take draft compensation off the table (we’ll need those picks having 3 max players on the roster). — Kevin Love

Read Liberty Ballers on a potential Harden deal:

Which deal would Houston like?

We asked Darren Yuvan from our Rockets community The Dream Shake to sort through the potential deals and pick his favorites. This is what he gave us:

Toronto - Siakam/Powell 1st Round Picks 2021, 2023 or 2025- This deal fits most of Houston’s parameters. They get a budding All-Star in Siakam, who averaged 22 points per game last season and would slide right in to power forward making a formidable front court alongside newly acquired Christian Wood. And they get another nice piece with last year’s breakout guy Norman Powell, who would move right into Harden’s vacated backcourt slot next to John Wall. Two first-round picks seals the deal as my favorite trade in the group. Though with Siakam 26 years old and Powell 27, it’s missing the type of young assets that would make this a perfect deal for the Rockets.

Philly - Simmons/Scott, 1st Round Pick 2022 + 1 Pick Swap — Simmons is probably the highest ceiling player in any of these deals, so that’s why I like this deal for Houston. It too is missing the type of young, developing assets the Rockets are said to be after, and veteran Mike Scott is essentially a salary match throw away as far as Houston is concerned, but Simmons’ youth and top-end potential along with the pick and swap make this my second favorite deal of the bunch.

Miami - Hero, Robinson, Olynyk, Nunn, Iguodala - 1st Round Pick 2025 + Swap - Let me start off by saying that I don’t love this deal. Herro and Robinson are fine, young players, but lack the All-Star power the Rockets are looking for. Might Herro get there? That’s a maybe from me. But it keeps Harden out of the West (so no Portland in my book) and I’ve never been very thrilled with the Nets package. I’d love to see some additional draft compensation involved in this deal if it were to go down, but as it stands, it’s my third favorite of the bunch.

What’s your favorite potential James Harden trade?

Put your proposals in the comments below.

[cookiesandcreame1983-blog]

Quotes for Friday February 17,2017 Joy quotes Chinese Proverb  One joy scatters a hundred grieves. Mother Teresa  Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls. A joyful heart is the inevitable result of a heart burning with love. Dr. Melba Colgrove  Joy is the feeling of grinning on the inside. Eileen Caddy  Live and work but do not forget to play, to have fun in life and really enjoy it. Sir James M. Barrie Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves. Unknown Author I asked God for all things, that I might enjoy life. God gave life, that I might enjoy all things. William Hazlitt  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Goal quotes Submitted by Sean Greeley To be good is not enough when you dream of being great! Victoria Holtz Your role in achieving your goal must be giving your all. Involve yourself whole: with your heart, your mind and your soul. Phil C. McGraw Know your goal, make a plan and pull the trigger Abraham Lincoln A goal properly set is halfway reached. Andrew Carnegie If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy and inspires your hopes. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Gratitude quotes Submitted by Valynnda Slack Appreciation is fertilizer for the soul. Edwin Arlington Robinson Two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we take; the larger kind we feel for what we give. Meister Eckhardt If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough. Marcus Tullius Cicero Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. Anne Morrow Lindbergh  One can never pay in gratitude: one can only pay 'in kind' somewhere else in life. Margaret Cousins  Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary. Albert Schweitzer  At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Ralph H. Blum There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Life quotes No man is truly great who is great only in his lifetime. The test of greatness is the page of history. Thomas A. Edison  Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. Socrates  The unexamined life is not worth living. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Christianity quotes Since your mission is your happiness, you were created to serve God and attain happiness through that service. You cannot serve God and not find happiness.  Clement Getate, Your Cross to Happiness I can assure you that there is no other reason for joy and happiness in life that beats a vibrant relationship with a living God who loves you.  Brian L Summy, It's Not About Me, It's About God You know that God has nothing but love, happiness, and bliss planned for you.  Ken Black, 12 Steps to a Christian Alpha Male Character Naturally, I regret the years of wasted strength, happiness and youth, but I know that by God’s help I can redeem the time. Lydia Chorpening, Bigger than Impossible: Keys to Experiencing the Impossible through God 

[moatmagic4-blog]

The Bear’s Den, February 20, 2019

BEAR DOWN, CHICAGO BEARS, BEAR DOWN!!!!

BEARRRSSSS

Letizia: 6 Reasons Why the Chicago Bears Should Sign Terrell Suggs - The Chicago Audible Blog - The Bears don’t have much flexibility this offseason, but a smart move would be to add impactful depth at OLB by signing Terrell Suggs.

Bears grades and needs: Do Robinson, top WRs have another gear in 2019? - NBC Sports Chicago - Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller all showed promise in their first year with the Bears last season. Can they do more in 2019?

Stankevitz: Bears will have plenty of mid-round running back options to evaluate at NFL Combine - NBC Sports Chicago - The Bears will be able to cast a wide net at the NFL Combine next week in attempting to identify a mid-round running back who could help fix the team’s inconsistent ground game.

Cox: Dick Butkus gave nephew his blessing to coach for Packers - NBC Sports Chicago - Butkus had no qualms with his nephew joining the rivals.

Mayer: Pace knew Nagy had traits to be great coach - ChicagoBears.com - Ryan Pace was thrilled to see the man he hired win the 2018 NFL Coach of the Year Award. But the Bears general manager wasn’t surprised by Matt Nagy’s success in his first season in Chicago.

2019 NFL Draft: Bears add SEC RB in 4-round mock draft - Bears Wire - The Chicago Bears add Kentucky’s all-time leading rusher, Benny Snell, in the Draft Wire’s latest 2019 NFL mock draft.

Cox: Washington State RB James Williams could be Bears ideal sleeper pick - Bears Wire - Washington State running back James “Boobie” Williams is an under-the-radar NFL Draft prospect who could fit well with the Chicago Bears.

Perez: Should the Chicago Bears place franchise tag on Bryce Callahan? - Bears Wire - The Chicago Bears may be facing the reality of choosing between placing the franchise tag on Bryce Callahan or losing him in free agency. Ken’s Note: Wait, what? $16 million for a slot safety who can’t stay healthy, we don’t get to keep him long term, and we lose a chance at a compensatory pick? I mean yeah, I like Callahan and I really want him back next year but this is too dumb an idea to even consider. In fact, though I’ve heard of dumber ideas, they have generally only from people who work for the front office of the Detroit Lions. Or Cleveland. Or the Bulls.

Dannehy: Bears Need More at the Tight End Position - Da Bears Blog - Rookie tight end Dallas Goedert easily beat PFF-favorite Adrian Amos for one of the only touchdowns in the game, a home playoff loss for the upstart Bears to the reigning champions. The play proved to be significant in the low-scoring game, but even more significantly it illuminated what the Bears are trying to do as compared to what the Eagles have already accomplished.

Eurich: Chicago Bears best options at strong safety in 2019 - 247Sports - The Chicago Bears will have a decision to make soon in regards to the strong safety position. Starter Adrian Amos is slated to become a free agent later this offseason after spending the majority of the last four seasons as the team’s starter at the position. It might seem like a no-brainer to lock him down with a new contract, but the safety market might present itself with some cheaper options at the position this offseason.

Eurich: Projecting the Bears 2019 starting lineup before free agency - 247Sports - The Chicago Bears enter the 2019 offseason without a lot of major holes to fill on either side of the ball. The two biggest names set to become free agents are nickelback Bryce Callahan and strong safety Adrian Amos.

POLISH SAUSAGE

Ebersol: AAF cash infusion from Dundon was about opportunity not urgency – ProFootballTalk - At a time when many are wondering why the Alliance of American Football needed $250 million last week, the correct answer to the question could be that it didn’t.

Ten running backs worth pursuing in free agency/2019 NFL Draft - NFL.com - Who are the top 10 running backs worth pursuing in free agency and the draft. Gennaro Filice breaks down the cream of the backfield crop, ranking the top RBs available this offseason.

KNOW THY ENEMY

Fans, writers say the Lions should consider going for Antonio Brown - Pride Of Detroit - Is the star receiver worth the risk?

Adam Thielen’s agent cautiously optimistic Vikings will give Thielen a raise - Daily Norseman - Will it happen, though?

The Ted Thompson-era Packers lost several key draft picks far too early to injury - Acme Packing Company - A few potential playmakers’ careers were cut painfully short by injury after being selected in the top four rounds of the NFL Draft.

Several Packers free agent targets could be lost to franchise tags in 2019 - Acme Packing Company - With free agency fast approaching, some of the top names on the market may come off the board before it begins.

Packers QB coach: Aaron Rodgers wants to be coached - NFL.com - New Packers QB coach Luke Getsy left no doubt he believes veteran QB Aaron Rodgers wants to be pushed. Getsy says he thinks Rodgers wants to be coached "as much as anybody."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT ON WINDY CITY GRIDIRON

Wiltfong's Chicago Bears 2019 Roster Turnover: A third outside linebacker is needed - Windy City Gridiron - In this 13 part series we’ll take an in depth look at each position group for the Chicago Bears with an eye towards the 2019 season. We’ll speculate on who stays, who goes, and some potential additions we’d like to see general manager Ryan Pace make.

Leming's Bears mailbag: A potential Robbie Gould reunion, limited cap space, tight end depth and more - Windy City Gridiron - After a few weeks off, we are back at it with this week’s mailbag, which is jam-packed with everything you’ll need to know leading up into the 2019 offseason.

WCG CONTRIBUTORS BEARS PODCASTS & STREAMS

2 Minute Drill - Website - iTunes - Andrew Link; Steven’s Streaming – Twitch – Steven Schweickert; T-Formation Conversation - Website - iTunes - Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; WCG Radio - Website - iTunes - Robert Zeglinski

THE RULES

Windy City Gridiron Community Guidelines - SBNation.com - We strive to make our communities open and inclusive to sports fans of all backgrounds. The following is not permitted in comments. No personal attacks, politics, gender based insults of any kind, racial insults, etc.

The Bear’s Den Specific Guidelines – The Bear’s Den is a place for Chicago Bears fans to discuss Chicago Bears football, related NFL stories, and general football talk. It is NOT a place to discuss religion or politics or post political pictures or memes. Unless otherwise stated, the Den is not an open thread, and profanity (including profanity only stated in pictures) is prohibited.

Click on our names to follow us on Twitter:

WCG Contributors: Jeff Berckes; Patti Curl; Eric Christopher Duerrwaechter; Kev H; Sam Householder; Jacob Infante; Aaron Lemming; Ken Mitchell; Steven Schweickert; Jack Silverstein; EJ Snyder; Lester Wiltfong, Jr.; Whiskey Ranger; Robert Schmitz; Robert Zeglinski; Like us on Facebook.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2019/2/20/18232652/chicago-bears-den-offseason-links-news-information-free-agency-draft-salary-cap-bryce-callahan-amos

[tipsoctopus]

'Deal', 'Not worth it' - These Tottenham fans disagree over interest in teenage talent

According to The Mirror, Leeds United have informed Tottenham Hotspur that they will have to come up with a bid of £20m in order to sign Jack Clarke.

Clarke, 18, was named Leeds’ Young Player of the Season after making 25 appearances in all competitions for the club during the 2018-19 campaign.

A versatile winger, the teenager netted twice in the Championship last term and is viewed as one of the best talents outside of the Premier League.

According to The Mirror, Leeds would sell to Tottenham this summer but the top-flight outfit have been quoted £20m, and a number of Spurs fans have been on social media offering their views.

The indoor football skills in the video below have to be seen to be believed…

Whilst plenty would like to have Clarke at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season, others are not so keen on the idea of a swoop, due mainly to what is a huge price tag for someone with so little senior experience.

A selection of the Twitter reaction in relation to a potential move for the York-born attacker can be seen below:

It’s a deal

— andrew clayborough ?? (@kodakbrownie) May 26, 2019

not worth it

— Edgy Cats (@xQuickscop3r) May 26, 2019

20 million is fair imo. Got a great future but would be buying a class player on brink of 1st team for reasonably cheap in this market. And good money for Leeds to invest.

— jayjay82 (@jwh1982) May 26, 2019

Throw in Josh Onomah

— DAVSPURS (@davspurs) May 26, 2019

I think £15m is fair. It’s a sellers market though so Leeds entitled to get the best price. Good player this season, could improve rapidly at Spurs.

— GAVIN D (@gavindavies80) May 26, 2019

£15m plus add-ons is a fair price, although as a buying club, if Leeds dig their heels in on the asking price, we can’t be seen to squabble over 5-10m variance

— LM Tobais (@LLOT11) May 26, 2019

I’d pay that price for Clarke, seems fair & reasonable to me

— lee Adler (@AdlerSussudio) May 26, 2019

For that money go get bowen from hull 22 goals this season from the wing

— stuart robinson (@djnitr8) May 26, 2019

from FootballFanCast.com http://bit.ly/2VPbBml via IFTTT from Blogger http://bit.ly/2EzmN0A via IFTTT

[thrashermaxey]

Ramblings: Gibson Slams Door on Losing Streak, Is Lehner Fantasy’s Top Goalie? (Jan 18)

The Anaheim Ducks have ended their 12-game losing streak and started a one-game winning streak, thanks to a 3-0 win over the Wild. This was a matchup of teams in transition, as both the Ducks and the Wild are undergoing renovations with multiple trades over the past few days.

John Gibson owners can breathe a sigh of relief. The Ducks’ overworked goalie stopped all 37 shots he faced in picking up the shutout. Since his last game off on December 18, Gibson had appeared in 11 consecutive games and not picked up a single victory – a span of nearly an entire month. Despite the win, the Ducks were outshot 37-23, so it’s hard to imagine a massive turnaround. The Ducks are in a logjam for one of the final two wild card spots in the Western Conference, so it’s clear that Gibson will need to carry this team if they are going to make the playoffs. But in the meantime, he may continue to have a tough time earning wins.

Gibson was THIS close from losing his shutout… uh, that might even be a goal. You decide. Don’t worry, Gibson owners, you won’t lose your shutout as a result of a stats correction.

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There is fantasy value to be had in Anaheim at the moment, believe it or not. With a goal on Thursday, Rickard Rakell now has goals in three consecutive games and points in four consecutive games. With time missed due to injury and his points-per-game down (from 0.9 last season to 0.69 this season), Rakell is a potential buy-low candidate. Plus he is eligible at all three forward positions on Yahoo!

By the way, newly acquired Devin Shore lined up with Rakell and Ryan Getzlaf, recording an assist. Shore has recorded at least 30 points in each of his previous two seasons, so Shore could end up being what we thought Pontus Aberg might have been in Anaheim.

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Below are the trade articles involving the Wild. Click on the author’s name to read.

Aberg for Justin Kloos (Cam Robinson)

Nino Niederreiter for Victor Rask (Mike Clifford)

So with Aberg in the lineup (but no Rask yet), here is how the Wild’s lines shook out on Thursday against Aberg’s former team:

#1           30.6%    GRANLUND,MIKAEL – KOIVU,MIKKO – ZUCKER,JASON

#2           16.1%    GREENWAY,JORDAN – KUNIN,LUKE – STAAL,ERIC

#3           13.9%    ABERG,PONTUS – COYLE,CHARLIE – PARISE,ZACH

#4           9.4%      BROWN,J.T. – ERIKSSON EK,JOEL – FOLIGNO,MARCUS

So as Cam mentioned, Aberg was on a line with Charlie Coyle and Zach Parise, which is not a bad spot for him to be in. Even better was the fact that Aberg was given an audition on the first-unit power play. In spite of the favorable usage, Aberg was held without a point in 15 minutes of icetime in his Wild debut. Since Aberg was often deployed with Getzlaf while in Anaheim, it seems as though teams are willing to try him with their top scorers. But if he’s not scoring, teams don’t want him in their lineups. I added Aberg for a few weeks during his run in Anaheim, but I’d be looking for continued icetime with Coyle/Parise and consistent scoring before adding Aberg again.

Two other notes about the Wild:

After a win against LA on Tuesday, Alex Stalock was given his second consecutive start on Thursday. However, any worry that Devan Dubnyk owners had about Stalock stealing the job was short lived, as Stalock was pulled in the first period after allowing three goals on eight shots.

Zach Parise fired 11 shots on goal on Thursday, giving him 21 shots over his last three games.

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The Midseason Guide is available now! Get yours today if you haven’t already done so!

*

Thursday also featured some potential in-division playoff matchups with the Leafs taking on the Lightning and the Jets taking on the Predators.

In the Toronto/Tampa game, Frederik Andersen was back to his old self, stopping 36 of 38 shots in the Leafs’ 4-2 win. His return should provide the Leafs with the stability that they seemed to be missing while he was sidelined.

Mitch Marner has now scored goals in four consecutive games and has 13 goals in his last 14 games. He’s now the first player in the long history of the Maple Leafs franchise to record 60 points in each of his first three seasons.

Brayden Point had already reached 60 points, and now he has reached 30 goals with his goal on Thursday. Point is the third player to reach the 30-goal mark this season.

Tyler Johnson left Thursday’s game after the second period with a lower-body injury. He is expected to be re-evaluated tomorrow.

Brendan Lemieux scored twice in 10 minutes of icetime to lead the Jets to a 5-1 win over their divisional rivals in Nashville. Lemieux had not scored since his last two-goal game, which was on December 31 against Edmonton.

With his goal on Thursday, Brandon Tanev now has seven points over his last nine games. That’s not bad in and among itself, but his real value is in leagues that count hits. With 148 hits on the season, Tanev is in the top 10 in the league in that category. He also has 11 goals, which is more goals than any of the names above him in the hits category. He’s only 16 percent owned in Yahoo leagues, so go get him if you need to improve your hits total without sacrificing much in scoring.

Bryan Little’s goal on Thursday extends his point streak to seven games. Regular minutes with Patrik Laine certainly don’t hurt.

Viktor Arvidsson scored the lone goal for Nashville. I’m usually hesitant to trade for players while they are injured, but if you’re less risk averse and pulled the trigger on an Arvidsson trade while he was injured, you’re laughing. Arvidsson has now scored 10 goals over his last 10 games.

*

Robin Lehner had an easy time on Thursday, facing just 17 shots in the Islanders’ 4-1 win over the Devils. Lehner has now won 10 of his last 11 games. Among goalies that have played at least 20 games, Lehner leads the league in both goals-against average (2.11) and save percentage (.928). At what point is it safe to put him into the Vezina Trophy conversation? Before you scoff at the idea, remember that his coach is Barry Trotz and his goalie coach is Mitch Korn, both of whom have a proven track record with goalies. In the league where I own Lehner (and picked him up off the waiver wire, lucky me), only Laurent Brossoit (who has played half as many games as Lehner) is a higher-ranked goalie. The league counts wins, GAA, and SV%.  

#Isles Barry Trotz said it's a possibility Robin Lehner could play back to back nights and face Caps tomorrow in DC. "He's rested enough, yeah," Trotz said after Lehner made 16 saves in 4-1 win over #NJDevils

— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) January 18, 2019

In spite of his rough start, Nick Leddy has scored eight points (all assists) over his last 10 games. Even though his overall production (one goal and 18 points in 46 games) might not cut it for your team, he is still receiving first-unit power-play time for the Islanders. It might only be a matter of time before he is moved off the first unit, considering that the Islanders’ power play is in the bottom third of the league. The last time I checked, though, first-unit power-play time matters for defensemen. Leddy has reached the 40-point mark in each of his previous three seasons, so he’ll be doing his job for your roster if he assumes a half-point-per-game pace for the rest of the season. I think that’s worth a buy-low pickup.

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With three assists on Thursday, David Krejci now has a five-game point streak. This while mainly playing on a line with Jake DeBrusk and Peter Cehlarik.

*

Jack Campbell is the backup goalie for the bottom-dwelling Kings and is only 8 percent owned in Yahoo leagues. So why would he have fantasy value? Well, with a 30-save win over Dallas on Thursday, Campbell has allowed two goals or fewer in each of his last seven starts. That equates to a 1.30 GAA and .959 SV% since November 3. But over those seven starts, he has won just three games. Jonathan Quick is a fixture in the Kings’ net, but Willie D must find a way to start Campbell more than once every three or four games.

*

For more fantasy hockey information, you can follow me on Twitter @Ian_Gooding.

      from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-rambling/ramblings-gibson-slams-door-on-losing-streak-is-lehner-fantasys-top-goalie-jan-18/

[thepeterssite]

Bridget Moynahan Net Worth

How Much is Bridget Moynahan’s Net Worth?

Bridget Moynahan’s Bio

Born on 28th April, 1971 as Kathryn Bridget Moynahan, Bridget Moynahan is an American actress and model recognized for the portrayal of Erin Reagan in CBS’s TV series Blue Bloods. Besides, the actress has acted in various films like Coyote Ugly (2000), Serendipty (2001), The Sum of All Fears (2002), The Recruit (2003), I, Robot (2004), Unknown (2006), etc.

Bridget was born in Binghamton, New York. Her mother Mary Bridget was a former school teacher and her father, Edward Bradley Moynahan was a scientist and ex administrator of University of Massachusetts Amherst. At the age of seven, she moved to Longmeadow, Massachusetts along with her family and studied at Longmeadow High School. She started appearing in brochures of department stores when she was at University of Massachusetts Amherst.

At the age of 18, Bridget moved to New York and subsequently modeled for magazines like Vogue and Elle and other famous magazines. She later started appearing in commercials for soap and shampoo, and also took acting classes at Caymichael Patten Studio, New York.

Debuting in Work

In the year 1999, Moynahan made her TV debut through HBO’s comedy-drama TV series Sex and the City. She appeared in the recurring role of Natasha Naginsky, and played for a year. In the same year, she made her movie debut in a minor role of an apartment owner in film, Row Your Boat. In 2000, she worked in four films. She played the role of Amy in film In the Weeds, and Fame in Trifling with Fate. Besides, she got her first notable role as Rachel in David McNally’s Coyote Ugly. Further, she portrayed Marie in film Whipped. All these works have contributed her to increase her net worth.

In year 2001, Bridget appeared as Halley Buchanan in film Serendipty. Besides, she played the role of Lily in an episode of Going to California entitled “Lily of the Field”. The following year, she got first lead role of Dr. Cathy in film, The Sum of All Fears directed by Phil Alden Robinson. Subsequently, she played the role of main character, Layla Moore in film The Recruit in year 2003. Later, in 2004, she starred in film I, Robot as a main character Susan Calvin. The film paid her good sum of money which increased her net worth.

Eventually, Bridget portrayed the main character Ava Fontaine in Andrew Niccol’s film, Lord of War in 2005. In year 2006, she worked in two films. She played the main roles of Charlie Kelsey in film Gray Matters and Eliza Coles in Unknown. Besides, she appeared as Whitney Crane in ABC’s TV series Six Degrees. She played the role from 2007 to 2007 and earned a good amount of money.

Works from 2007 to Present

Moreover, in the year 2007, Bridget appeared in two films. She played the role of Amy Newman in film, Prey. Besides, she performed as Helen Owen in film, Noise. She then came as Dorothy Quimby in Elizabeth Allen’s film Ramona and Beezus in 2010. The following year, she appeared as Michele in film, Battle: Los Angeles (2011).

In 2014, Moynahan played three films; Small Time, John Wick and Midnight Sun. All these movies helped her to earn a good amount of money which increased her net worth. After a gap of three years, she appeared in two films; John Wick: Chapter 2 and Drunk Parents. Besides, she has been portraying the main character Erin Reagan in CBS’s TV series Blue Bloods.

Net Worth

Bridget Moynahan is a talented actress who has an estimated net worth of $28 million U.S. dollars. Though she had no any interest in acting in early days, she stepped into it and has made a healthy net worth. She currently is earning good salary from Blue Bloods.

Must Know Facts about Bridget Moynahan

Real Name: Kathryn Bridget Moynahan Date of Birth: 28th April, 1971 Profession: Actress and Model Height: 5′ 10″ Spouse: Andrew Frankle (m-2015) Partner: Tom Brady (2004/06) Children: 1 (From Tom) Facebook: 129K Fans in Facebook Instagram: 84.5K Followers in Instagram Twitter: 67.3K Followers in Twitter Net Worth: $28 Million

The post Bridget Moynahan Net Worth appeared first on etcNepal.com.

[junker-town]

Every money-saving trade in sports this month, ranked by how little you should care

Don’t feel bad for these wealthy sports owners making cost-cutting moves.

Don’t feel bad for these wealthy sports owners after making cost-cutting moves.

The NBA trade deadline is known for significant deals and non-stop activity that leaves our heads spinning. Where will Superstar X go? Wait, did Team A really trade for Exciting Player B? Holy crap, another Wojbomb! This is incredible!

This year delivered again on that front, even though we didn’t think it would.

But it’s also a wonderful time for the bean counters and accountants tasked with trimming some loose payroll ends to save their exceedingly rich owners a few bucks. Yes, it’s Avoid The Luxury Tax Week! And we all know that’s why you, the fan, really follows sports.

Let’s rank some of the essential money-saving moves of the past month, from most productive to the actual on-court product you watch to the least productive.

1. Golden State Warriors include Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman in D’Angelo Russell trade

The Warriors are 12-40 this season, yet entered the week $3.7 million over the luxury tax and subject to a repeater rate that would have caused them to pay about triple that in penalties. Trading Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III nearly eliminated that gap, but they were still barely over the threshold. Thus, they included Evans, their 2018 first-round pick, and Spellman, a promising stretch big man picked in that same class, in the blockbuster trade involving Russell and Andrew Wiggins.

Those moves left the Warriors more than $3 million under the luxury tax, though there is a catch.

Roster adds needed: Cleveland needs two by February 20 Golden State needs FIVE by February 8 Houston needs one by February 19 Clippers need one by February 20 https://t.co/4kZ60qRRHa

— Jeff Siegel (@jgsiegel) February 6, 2020

If the Warriors are able to add five players to the roster for less than $3.1 million, they will say below the line and avoid having to pay repeater penalties until 2021-22 at the earliest. That’s certainly doable.

The Warriors are 3.13M below the tax with nine players. They'll have to sign three ROS minimum before they can sign 10-days. The minimum rest-of-season outlay for them is about 2.0M, giving them some wiggle room.https://t.co/eXN1WHS2tz

— Jeff Siegel (@jgsiegel) February 6, 2020

HOW MUCH SHOULD I CARE? Joe Lacob’s net worth is $3 billion, according to this.

2. Los Angeles Clippers trade Derrick Walton Jr. and cash to Atlanta Hawks

Walton is a 24-year-old point guard who the Clippers signed to an Exhibit 10 contract for training camp before getting his $1.4 million minimum contract guaranteed for the rest of the season on Jan. 8. He’s played less than 16 minutes total since then. Trading him put the Clippers $1.3 million below the luxury tax, enabling them to potentially go over the threshold in the future without incurring the additional penalties that come with being a repeat taxpaying team. It also opened a roster spot which could be used to add a bought-out player — almost certainly one who would cost less than $1.3 million.

The Hawks promptly waived Walton to open up roster space that could be used help more teams tighten their salary belts. To facilitate the transaction, the Clippers paid the Hawks enough cash to cover the remainder of Walton’s $1.4 million minimum salary for the rest of the season.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I CARE? Steve Ballmer’s net worth is $64.2 billion. Hawks owner Tony Ressler’s net worth is $3 billion.

3. Portland Trail Blazers trade Skal Labissiere and cash to Atlanta Hawks

Labissiere is a onetime top high school recruit who has not capitalized on his promise. He showed some usefulness as a backup center with Portland this season, but has not played since December due to a left knee injury. He makes $2.4 million this season. The Blazers are still over the luxury tax, but are now slightly less so after this trade due to dropping into a lesser tax bracket.

Portland saves $3.8M toward the luxury tax in the Skal Labissiere trade to Atlanta. The tax bill is now $5.9M. The Trail Blazers now have an open roster spot.

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) February 6, 2020

HOW MUCH SHOULD I CARE? Jody Allen is the CEO of Vulcan Inc, the holding company that owns the Blazers, and the sister of the late Paul Allen. She is the executor of her brother’s estate, which had an estimated net worth of $20 billion at the time of his death.

4. Dallas Mavericks trade Isaiah Roby to Oklahoma City Thunder for Justin Patton

Patton, a 2017 first-round pick, has a $1.62 million guaranteed contract. Roby, a 2019 second-round pick, makes $1.5 million. The difference trimmed the Thunder’s luxury-tax bill from $2.3 million to $2 million and put them within $800,000 of getting below the line and avoiding any tax payments entirely. (I’m surprised there wasn’t another move on deadline day getting them there, but maybe it’s still in progress).

HOW MUCH SHOULD I CARE? Clay Bennett’s net worth is “just” $400 million.

5. Boston Red Sox deal Mookie Betts and David Price to Los Angeles Dodgers in three-team trade

Betts, a 27-year-old four-time all-star, former league MVP, and best player on a memorable championship team, was slated to become a free agent after the 2020 season. There are suggestions he will desire a contract in the 10-year, $400 million range. He was third in jersey sales last season. Price is about to enter the fifth year of a seven-year, $217 million contract.

Major League Baseball does not have a salary cap. They do, however, have something known as a Competitive Balance Tax, which works as follows:

A club exceeding the Competitive Balance Tax threshold for the first time must pay a 20 percent tax on all overages. A club exceeding the threshold for a second consecutive season will see that figure rise to 30 percent, and three or more straight seasons of exceeding the threshold comes with a 50 percent luxury tax. If a club dips below the luxury tax threshold for a season, the penalty level is reset. So, a club that exceeds the threshold for two straight seasons but then drops below that level would be back at 20 percent the next time it exceeds the threshold.

Clubs that exceed the threshold by $20 million to $40 million are also subject to a 12 percent surtax. Meanwhile, those who exceed it by more than $40 million are taxed at a 42.5 percent rate the first time and a 45 percent rate if they exceed it by more than $40 million again the following year(s).

(Keep in mind that this requires teams merely to pay a portion of each additional dollar beyond the threshold. In the NBA, teams must pay an escalating tax on top of the amount over the line).

The Red Sox paid an additional $12 million on a $239.5 million payroll in 2018, the year Betts won MVP and they won the World Series. They paid an additional $13.4 million in taxes last year, when they missed the playoffs. They feared slightly larger future seven-figure tax payments on top of their eight-figure payrolls down the road.

Thus, they traded away one of the five best players in the league a year before he was slated to get a raise a normal market would have undoubtedly provided.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I CARE? John Henry’s net worth is $2.7 billion. So yeah, this is unforgivable.

[footballleague0]

Fantasy basketball sleepers, breakouts, busts for 2017-18

In order to put your team in the best possible position to win your league, you’ll need to make the most of your draft. That includes finding good values in players who will exceed their average draft position, landing at least one player who takes his game into the upper echelon and avoiding players who flop miserably.

With that in mind, our fantasy basketball experts (Jim McCormick, Joe Kaiser, John Cregan, Eric Karabell and Kyle Soppe) offer up their top sleepers, breakouts and busts for the 2017-18 campaign.

Sleepers

Sleeper: A player who will far surpass his average draft position (ADP) in standard ESPN leagues for the 2017-18 season.

An eventful summer in the NBA will make for an exciting 2017-18 fantasy hoops season. Create or join an ESPN Fantasy Basketball league today! Sign up for free!

Jim McCormick — Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets

The Rockets have led the NBA in 3-point frequency — the percentage of total field goals that come from beyond the arc — for the past four seasons. With Mike D’Antoni at the helm of the space-driven, seven-seconds-or-less offense, the Rockets broke their own NBA record with an absurd 46.3 percent 3-point frequency last season. Enter Gordon, who was third in the NBA with 8.8 3-point attempts per game last season. With an ADP into the 90s in early ADP results, Gordon can carry your team from 3-point range throughout the season if you don’t land an elite shooter in the early rounds. 70th on the Player Rater last season, it’s possible Gordon could assume increased shooting volume (and better shots) playing alongside an elite point guard like Chris Paul.

Joe Kaiser — Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic

Payton is still only 23 years old as he enters his fourth NBA season, and he’s coming off a year during which he quietly put up five triple-doubles and drastically improved his shooting from the field and the free throw line. While Payton remains a big question mark from long range — he’s a career 28.9 percent 3-point shooter — the string of triple-doubles late last season tells me that he may have turned a corner as a point guard in this league. Quietly, he has also trimmed down his turnovers per game (to 2.2 last season) every season he’s been in the league.

Mock drafts, roto rankings, points rankings, projections, player profiles, draft strategies, DFS strategies — we’ve got everything you need to dominate fantasy basketball from every angle.

John Cregan — Ricky Rubio, Utah Jazz

I feel like people always sleep on Rubio. He’s been around forever, but at 26, he is still approaching his peak production. Rubio played the best basketball of his career after the All-Star break last season (16.0 PPG, 10.5 SPG). Now in Utah, he’s in prime position for a career season. Rubio has also refined his terrifying outside shot into something less night-sweat inducing. He’s good for at least a 3-pointer per game and has always been elite from the free throw line. He’s a solid fifth rounder. I especially like Rubio in turnover leagues due to his elite assist-to-turnover ratio.

Eric Karabell — D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets

Russell needed a new start, and the Lakers gave him that by sending him to Brooklyn, a team so lacking in talent that the third-year player wouldn’t need to appreciably improve to be a valuable fantasy option. Then again, Russell is only 21, so he really should improve. Russell averaged 18.5 PPG and 5 APG after the All-Star break last season and shot better from the field and the line, showing some signs of on-court maturity along the way, and he should get plenty of chances to do anything he wants statistically with the Nets. This doesn’t mean Russell will be a great player, but on this team, he’ll get numbers.

Kyle Soppe — Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks

The ninth overall pick in June joined Team Soppe with the 95th overall pick in our first staff mock draft: championship! He’s an elite athlete, and the team is going to give him every chance to succeed, so I will be buying all the shares I can at this price. Follow me here: J.J. Barera and Devin Harris are fine NBA players but not difference-makers, right? If you combine their per-game averages last season (17.6 PPG, 7.6 SPG, and 4.4 RPG), you have a stat line that closely resembles the three-year average of Eric Bledsoe, a player who went 40th overall in our mock. Smith can approach that sooner than later, and it’ll be for my fantasy team — and hopefully yours.

We’ve seen Julius Randle’s fantasy game improve each season as a pro. Is he primed to break out in 2017-18? EPA/PAUL BUCKBreakouts

Breakout: A player who will leap into or close to the upper echelon of players at his position for the first time because of a dramatic increase in production compared to his previous seasons.

Jim McCormick — Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers

In a system that fuels added possessions, given coach Luke Walton’s affinity for pace (sixth in the NBA last season), Randle’s bid for a double-double average appears entirely realistic — he was 17th in the NBA last season with 15.6 rebounding chances per game. Randle was also 11th in potential assists per game and ninth in points created from assists per game among forwards last season. Add up these awesome opportunity rates in a career year with what should be increased spacing on the block, thanks to the gravity Brook Lopez creates. Randle has a chance to be a really profitable investment at power forward.

Joe Kaiser — Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers

Power forward is a thinning position with players like Blake Griffin and Paul Millsap no longer worth drafting in the top two rounds. Enter Randle, who improved as a shooter and distributor in his second full season in the league and even posted three triple-doubles along the way. How many other power forwards other than Draymond Green can lay claim to that? None, unless you count Nikola Jokic as a power forward. Randle may never be a huge blocks and steals guy, but the 22-year-old has a chance to set himself apart as a passing big man who averages a double-double along the way.

John Cregan — Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Cue the Myles Turner era in Indiana. With Paul George in OKC; who else is going to take over the Pacers? Glenn Robinson III? I anticipate Turner being a top-25 player overall and his ceiling top 15. His eligibility at PF and C adds another half-round to his value. I wouldn’t rank Turner ahead of Jokic, but he’s not too far behind in terms of across-the-board production (and solid-for-a-big free throw efficiency). I’d start thinking about him right after DeMarcus Cousins comes off the board.

Eric Karabell — Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Turner will be a coveted fantasy pick after the first few rounds, but he actually finished his second NBA season as the No. 20 option on the ESPN Player Rater, and he’s going to continue to improve. Turner started 81 games, but now that George and Jeff Teague have left town, there’s clearly room for him to score and rebound more. After all, he’s only 21! Turner is already a safe shooter, hitting more than half his field goals and 80 percent from the line, and it’s hard to find fantasy assets that can do that, while also topping eight boards and two blocks per night. Turner could eventually be a 20-10 guy and top-10 fantasy player.

Kyle Soppe — D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets

The ability to plug him in at SG is huge, as depth at the position is a bit of a problem. Russell is probably too aggressive for his own good from a “real” basketball perspective (33rd in usage rate last season), but that mindset is gold now that he should star for a franchise that led the league in pace last season. Am I crazy to think that his value could end in the DeMar DeRozan tier this season? His 3-point shooting probably offsets the difference in point total, his assist/rebound totals will be similar, and the new role has me thinking Russell’s shooting percentage and free throw attempts rise in a nice way this season.

Dwyane Wade has been helping fantasy teams for a decade and a half, but you should think twice before drafting him this time. Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsBusts

Bust: A player who is expected to be a solid starter in standard ESPN leagues but will fail to live up to those expectations this season.

Jim McCormick — Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers

I think it’s entirely possible, and arguably likely, that Ball enjoys a really impressive rookie season and yet still fails to return the value expected from his expected draft slot; he’s currently going 45th overall in ESPN drafts. In order to see what production is expected of a top-50 fantasy asset at point guard amid this demanding era at the position, we can use Jrue Holiday as a benchmark. Holiday played 68 games last season and finished 49th on the Player Rater, while averaging 15.4 PPG, 7.3 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.5 APG and 1.5 3PPG. Only two rookies since 1946 have met these milestones: Damon Stoudamire and Allen Iverson. Only Chris Paul, Jamaal Tinsley, Rubio, Jason Kidd and the two names above have even averaged at least 8.0 PPG, 7.0 APG and 0.5 3PPG as rookies. I think Ball is a tremendous prospect in real terms, but a risky one in a fantasy context, given these longstanding production precedents.

Joe Kaiser — Jeff Teague, Minnesota Timberwolves

Teague was always one of the top two or three scoring options on his team during his many years in Atlanta and last season in Indianapolis, which is why he has averaged better than 14.5 PPG in five consecutive seasons. In Minnesota, that changes, as Teague joins a team with a tremendous scoring trio in Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins. Teague has always been right around league average in terms of assists and steals and under average as a 3-point shooter, so the expected decline in scoring makes him a less appealing fantasy option.

John Cregan — Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves

I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for Wiggins to begin buttressing his points production with other categories. If Wiggins can’t be elite in a particular area, he has to diversify. And with his defensive rep and sky-high usage rate, Wiggins should be a 1+1+1 guy; a player involved enough on both ends of the floor to chip in at least one 3-pointer, block and steal per game. You know, like Butler. As in the guy who’s about to Hoover off 3-5 shots per game away from Wiggins. Without as many touches on offense, there’s every chance Wiggins dips into seventh- or eighth-round production.

Eric Karabell — Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls

Wade begins his second year with the Bulls in a rebuild, and while some figure the loss of Butler will permit and perhaps force him to score like he did in his Miami prime, that’s just not happening. Wade has missed 20 or more games in three of the past four seasons and might not be so motivated to play through injury this year when his team is losing badly every night. And losing is likely. Wade’s field goal percentage dropped because he attempted more 3s, which is also not a good thing. Wade, 35, will likely be drafted by fantasy owners based on name value and as someone capable of averaging 20 points per game, he but shouldn’t be a top-100 pick at all.

Kyle Soppe — Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Lakers

According to the Player Rater, nearly 16 percent of Lopez’s value last season came from his ability to make 3-pointers. That’s just silly. That means that his value was almost as dependent on knocking down 3s as Stephen Curry’s was on his point total. C’mon now. Dude is 7-feet tall and allergic to the paint. The Lakers have a host of younger pieces that they will look to focus on, and given his limitations in a pair of traditional big stats (FG% and rebounds), any regression with the jumper is going to make him a major disappointment.

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[giantsfootball0]

Fantasy basketball sleepers, breakouts, busts for 2017-18

In order to put your team in the best possible position to win your league, you’ll need to make the most of your draft. That includes finding good values in players who will exceed their average draft position, landing at least one player who takes his game into the upper echelon and avoiding players who flop miserably.

With that in mind, our fantasy basketball experts (Jim McCormick, Joe Kaiser, John Cregan, Eric Karabell and Kyle Soppe) offer up their top sleepers, breakouts and busts for the 2017-18 campaign.

Sleepers

Sleeper: A player who will far surpass his average draft position (ADP) in standard ESPN leagues for the 2017-18 season.

An eventful summer in the NBA will make for an exciting 2017-18 fantasy hoops season. Create or join an ESPN Fantasy Basketball league today! Sign up for free!

Jim McCormick — Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets

The Rockets have led the NBA in 3-point frequency — the percentage of total field goals that come from beyond the arc — for the past four seasons. With Mike D’Antoni at the helm of the space-driven, seven-seconds-or-less offense, the Rockets broke their own NBA record with an absurd 46.3 percent 3-point frequency last season. Enter Gordon, who was third in the NBA with 8.8 3-point attempts per game last season. With an ADP into the 90s in early ADP results, Gordon can carry your team from 3-point range throughout the season if you don’t land an elite shooter in the early rounds. 70th on the Player Rater last season, it’s possible Gordon could assume increased shooting volume (and better shots) playing alongside an elite point guard like Chris Paul.

Joe Kaiser — Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic

Payton is still only 23 years old as he enters his fourth NBA season, and he’s coming off a year during which he quietly put up five triple-doubles and drastically improved his shooting from the field and the free throw line. While Payton remains a big question mark from long range — he’s a career 28.9 percent 3-point shooter — the string of triple-doubles late last season tells me that he may have turned a corner as a point guard in this league. Quietly, he has also trimmed down his turnovers per game (to 2.2 last season) every season he’s been in the league.

Mock drafts, roto rankings, points rankings, projections, player profiles, draft strategies, DFS strategies — we’ve got everything you need to dominate fantasy basketball from every angle.

John Cregan — Ricky Rubio, Utah Jazz

I feel like people always sleep on Rubio. He’s been around forever, but at 26, he is still approaching his peak production. Rubio played the best basketball of his career after the All-Star break last season (16.0 PPG, 10.5 SPG). Now in Utah, he’s in prime position for a career season. Rubio has also refined his terrifying outside shot into something less night-sweat inducing. He’s good for at least a 3-pointer per game and has always been elite from the free throw line. He’s a solid fifth rounder. I especially like Rubio in turnover leagues due to his elite assist-to-turnover ratio.

Eric Karabell — D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets

Russell needed a new start, and the Lakers gave him that by sending him to Brooklyn, a team so lacking in talent that the third-year player wouldn’t need to appreciably improve to be a valuable fantasy option. Then again, Russell is only 21, so he really should improve. Russell averaged 18.5 PPG and 5 APG after the All-Star break last season and shot better from the field and the line, showing some signs of on-court maturity along the way, and he should get plenty of chances to do anything he wants statistically with the Nets. This doesn’t mean Russell will be a great player, but on this team, he’ll get numbers.

Kyle Soppe — Dennis Smith Jr., Dallas Mavericks

The ninth overall pick in June joined Team Soppe with the 95th overall pick in our first staff mock draft: championship! He’s an elite athlete, and the team is going to give him every chance to succeed, so I will be buying all the shares I can at this price. Follow me here: J.J. Barera and Devin Harris are fine NBA players but not difference-makers, right? If you combine their per-game averages last season (17.6 PPG, 7.6 SPG, and 4.4 RPG), you have a stat line that closely resembles the three-year average of Eric Bledsoe, a player who went 40th overall in our mock. Smith can approach that sooner than later, and it’ll be for my fantasy team — and hopefully yours.

We’ve seen Julius Randle’s fantasy game improve each season as a pro. Is he primed to break out in 2017-18? EPA/PAUL BUCKBreakouts

Breakout: A player who will leap into or close to the upper echelon of players at his position for the first time because of a dramatic increase in production compared to his previous seasons.

Jim McCormick — Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers

In a system that fuels added possessions, given coach Luke Walton’s affinity for pace (sixth in the NBA last season), Randle’s bid for a double-double average appears entirely realistic — he was 17th in the NBA last season with 15.6 rebounding chances per game. Randle was also 11th in potential assists per game and ninth in points created from assists per game among forwards last season. Add up these awesome opportunity rates in a career year with what should be increased spacing on the block, thanks to the gravity Brook Lopez creates. Randle has a chance to be a really profitable investment at power forward.

Joe Kaiser — Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers

Power forward is a thinning position with players like Blake Griffin and Paul Millsap no longer worth drafting in the top two rounds. Enter Randle, who improved as a shooter and distributor in his second full season in the league and even posted three triple-doubles along the way. How many other power forwards other than Draymond Green can lay claim to that? None, unless you count Nikola Jokic as a power forward. Randle may never be a huge blocks and steals guy, but the 22-year-old has a chance to set himself apart as a passing big man who averages a double-double along the way.

John Cregan — Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Cue the Myles Turner era in Indiana. With Paul George in OKC; who else is going to take over the Pacers? Glenn Robinson III? I anticipate Turner being a top-25 player overall and his ceiling top 15. His eligibility at PF and C adds another half-round to his value. I wouldn’t rank Turner ahead of Jokic, but he’s not too far behind in terms of across-the-board production (and solid-for-a-big free throw efficiency). I’d start thinking about him right after DeMarcus Cousins comes off the board.

Eric Karabell — Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers

Turner will be a coveted fantasy pick after the first few rounds, but he actually finished his second NBA season as the No. 20 option on the ESPN Player Rater, and he’s going to continue to improve. Turner started 81 games, but now that George and Jeff Teague have left town, there’s clearly room for him to score and rebound more. After all, he’s only 21! Turner is already a safe shooter, hitting more than half his field goals and 80 percent from the line, and it’s hard to find fantasy assets that can do that, while also topping eight boards and two blocks per night. Turner could eventually be a 20-10 guy and top-10 fantasy player.

Kyle Soppe — D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets

The ability to plug him in at SG is huge, as depth at the position is a bit of a problem. Russell is probably too aggressive for his own good from a “real” basketball perspective (33rd in usage rate last season), but that mindset is gold now that he should star for a franchise that led the league in pace last season. Am I crazy to think that his value could end in the DeMar DeRozan tier this season? His 3-point shooting probably offsets the difference in point total, his assist/rebound totals will be similar, and the new role has me thinking Russell’s shooting percentage and free throw attempts rise in a nice way this season.

Dwyane Wade has been helping fantasy teams for a decade and a half, but you should think twice before drafting him this time. Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY SportsBusts

Bust: A player who is expected to be a solid starter in standard ESPN leagues but will fail to live up to those expectations this season.

Jim McCormick — Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers

I think it’s entirely possible, and arguably likely, that Ball enjoys a really impressive rookie season and yet still fails to return the value expected from his expected draft slot; he’s currently going 45th overall in ESPN drafts. In order to see what production is expected of a top-50 fantasy asset at point guard amid this demanding era at the position, we can use Jrue Holiday as a benchmark. Holiday played 68 games last season and finished 49th on the Player Rater, while averaging 15.4 PPG, 7.3 APG, 3.9 RPG, 1.5 APG and 1.5 3PPG. Only two rookies since 1946 have met these milestones: Damon Stoudamire and Allen Iverson. Only Chris Paul, Jamaal Tinsley, Rubio, Jason Kidd and the two names above have even averaged at least 8.0 PPG, 7.0 APG and 0.5 3PPG as rookies. I think Ball is a tremendous prospect in real terms, but a risky one in a fantasy context, given these longstanding production precedents.

Joe Kaiser — Jeff Teague, Minnesota Timberwolves

Teague was always one of the top two or three scoring options on his team during his many years in Atlanta and last season in Indianapolis, which is why he has averaged better than 14.5 PPG in five consecutive seasons. In Minnesota, that changes, as Teague joins a team with a tremendous scoring trio in Karl-Anthony Towns, Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins. Teague has always been right around league average in terms of assists and steals and under average as a 3-point shooter, so the expected decline in scoring makes him a less appealing fantasy option.

John Cregan — Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves

I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for Wiggins to begin buttressing his points production with other categories. If Wiggins can’t be elite in a particular area, he has to diversify. And with his defensive rep and sky-high usage rate, Wiggins should be a 1+1+1 guy; a player involved enough on both ends of the floor to chip in at least one 3-pointer, block and steal per game. You know, like Butler. As in the guy who’s about to Hoover off 3-5 shots per game away from Wiggins. Without as many touches on offense, there’s every chance Wiggins dips into seventh- or eighth-round production.

Eric Karabell — Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls

Wade begins his second year with the Bulls in a rebuild, and while some figure the loss of Butler will permit and perhaps force him to score like he did in his Miami prime, that’s just not happening. Wade has missed 20 or more games in three of the past four seasons and might not be so motivated to play through injury this year when his team is losing badly every night. And losing is likely. Wade’s field goal percentage dropped because he attempted more 3s, which is also not a good thing. Wade, 35, will likely be drafted by fantasy owners based on name value and as someone capable of averaging 20 points per game, he but shouldn’t be a top-100 pick at all.

Kyle Soppe — Brook Lopez, Los Angeles Lakers

According to the Player Rater, nearly 16 percent of Lopez’s value last season came from his ability to make 3-pointers. That’s just silly. That means that his value was almost as dependent on knocking down 3s as Stephen Curry’s was on his point total. C’mon now. Dude is 7-feet tall and allergic to the paint. The Lakers have a host of younger pieces that they will look to focus on, and given his limitations in a pair of traditional big stats (FG% and rebounds), any regression with the jumper is going to make him a major disappointment.

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[toddlazarski]

The Bucks, PB&J’s, and Man’s Search For Meaning

Shepherd Express 

“I made sammiches, fellas.”

It came across as a weird statement. Especially given our relative state of adulthood. Especially coming as it did, one workaday Wednesday afternoon, through our office’s Slack messaging ether, a forum reserved for quote requests and shipment follow-ups and tracking numbers, for the occasional cat video, a not infrequent ponder as to the likelihood of a collective Cielito Lindo trek.      

But I’d spent the previous night slathering sliced brioche with Jif Natural Chunky and Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserves, compiling a venerable stack of PB&J’s, a ziploc bag tower of mushed bread-on-bread, berry bubbling its way through the creases like a razor-thin paper cut, feeling myself motherly all the while, getting nostalgic for childhood. Getting nostalgic, too, for high school senior year, where, despite being 18 and having little desire outside of finding beer access and listening to Zeppelin and putting distance between my person and my parents, how I had still, out of horomone-bursting hunger probably, allowed mom to make me a PB&J near daily. Even teenage too-coolness was overmatched by the sandwich’s essence of everyday art, it’s sort of ceaseless comfort. A meal anyone can assemble, but requiring, deserving of a certain ratio-ed touch. Quotidian, yet satisfying. Delicious, yet healthy enough that even the most Trump-budget-military-upgrade-caliber helicopter parents can agree. A benign, toddler-friendly foodstuff, still, endless in variations (i.e. the inexplicable calculus of the diagonal cut; the bewildering game-raising of toasted bread). It’s the “Misty” of school lunches - you’ve experienced it a million times, but where’s the guitar solo going this time? Is that peach jam!?    

ESPN’s recent caloric journalism flight, detailing said comfort and the prevalent addiction rampant amongst seemingly all NBA players, has indeed opened up a very general sort of reminiscence. Of sandwiches, of school day lunches. Of a now-gone time of possibility ahead. Of a day when I stood in front of my 8th grade class, and when asked about plans for the future, put stoically: “I’m gonna play in the NBA.” How I had stared down scoffs, how they all laughed. And how I had doggedly, in my mind, flashed on Mugsy, my same height back then, back when I was the John Stockton of before-school open gyms, and there was no reason my prepubescent crossover wasn’t worthy of at least a scholarship. It was a time similar to, say, about last week, when driving and scooping layups, how I had reminded myself, again, now, that I’m currently the same height of 29-points-per game Isaiah Thomas, and subsequently tried to walk with his same Pesci-like, something-to-prove swagger. It also has evoked a type of hometown nostalgia, as the Bucks top the article’s list of team’s with the most gourmet PB&J offerings. I was eventually brought back to thoughts of a near-great Bucks year toward the end of said high school sandwich days. And really, for Milwaukeeans, the way you remember that ‘00-’01 almost-Finals team says who you are: If you think of Ray Allen, your life strives toward elegance, Glenn Robinson means fierce blue-collar pride, if like me, you think of Sam Cassell, you’re an underdog. Or possibly just an unrepentant basketball nerd.  

Now, as the current young Bucks stand days from a seemingly important playoff birth, so we stand at 5pm on Wednesday’s, in anticipatory glow of post-work warehouse 2-on-2. And we start to swivel hips and test hamstring dexterity while still in office wear. Roll out necks and hear the creaks, try to conjure up Giannis-like limberness. We eventually dribble two balls at the same time like we see Steph Curry always doing in slo-mo, collectively scoffing at our aging and aged bodies in various states of shape and debaucherous misuse. We hash out postseason Bucks impressions in pregame loosening good humor. We double check text messages to make sure our others, significant or semi, know we won’t be around for dinner. Make sure they know that when we do emerge from the warehouse’s cavernous battle bubble, that we’ll be sweaty and worn, proud bearers of war tales, much deserving of many manly beer swills.   

In our core there is Gino, the ubiquitous scrapmaster all good pickup games require. As the only non-employee on today’s lineup, he’s caught off-guard by my previous night’s culinary feat. But he’s rarely off-guard, as the hustle guy, the token tough, the rugby or futbol hooligan-type that doesn’t stop, the one who’s mostly-bald skull might appear exceptionally hard. It is. And I know this because over-leaning on post defense one Friday last summer caused a cranium-connection and gaping wound that looked like the 2nd round of a Rocky fight, required nine stitches, and left a one inch scar on my right eyelid. Day’s shortly after, someone at work called me “Scarface,” and it felt like an achievement I’d never realized I was yearning for.

There is also Andrew, who couldn’t wait to get into the break room fridge, correctly noting the article doesn’t specify exactly when NBA-ers down their youthful pregame snack. Thirty minutes prior to tip was the longest we could hold out. As a guitar player he has other goals, appetites, and also has fingerpicking fingernails, that sometimes make a reach-in foul leave a bit more than a slapping sting. He likes to mime Dellevedova floaters by faux announcing “Delly!” while putting one up. It often finds net, like it almost always does anytime he’s left even a smidge of an open window downtown, his bombed three’s yielding that feeling that good guitar player’s often do - a mix of head-shaking wonder and jealous annoyance. And he has to leave at a reasonable time, for a gig, to work more, to maintain his Shepherd Express-voted status as Milwaukee’s ‘Best Guitarist,’ to keep after continued validation that some voting systems in this country aren’t completely broken.   

And there is Dylan, who good naturedly shakes his head at my insistence on bringing up the ESPN article, over and over, a reaction like his kid just learned a knock-knock joke that he won’t let drop. In fact, Dylan often seems the group’s symbolic father. Not because of the Harden-cum-wizard beard and his existence as an actual father of two, but because of the endless series of bank shots and shifty craftiness, crafty shiftiness. Sometimes his game is pure Tim Duncan. Sometimes it’s a type of old man one-step-ahead smirking mindfulness, where he goads you into shots he knows he can close on, block. Sometimes it’s a hard sell on a pump fake that you regret immediately as you leave pavement, then watch him go by at a casual pace for a layup that he never misses - being a dad, being a miniature big fundamental, having a personality directly corollary to his court skills, and vice versa. Like Magic Johnson - if he’s on your team. Like he’s Michael Jordan and you’re the Cavs if not.  

Together, when the F-bomb’s fly, and the panting starts, and balls get smashed into the concrete floor in frustration, and you get your the first butt in the gut on a box out, and feel the familiar, exhausted hatred for a one-time - five minutes ago! - friend, we feel not so far off from what we watch on TV. From the Bucks, from the playoffs, from realizing all those school day aspirations. After all, I’m wearing Nikes. We’re all wearing Nikes. Except Gino, who is a soccer player, so Addidas are acceptable. But aside from that, anything sans swoosh seems senseless. I’m wearing the model of Cavs guard Kyrie Irving. Having decided at some point, for now, at least this year, “that’s my guy,” something moving deep within me as I watched him hit possibly the most clutch shot in NBA history, as I sat sweaty and expectant, hunkered in a dark sports bar on my first night in Rio de Janeiro, living out a different kind of dream, steps from the most famous beach in the world, amidst one of the most vibrant cities in history, thinking only of catching game 7, thinking on all the ones that got away from me, feeling late-game sympathy nerves. But now I tie and then velcro expensive Nike’s in his fashion and adorned in his ‘#2,’ and I can kind of mime that patented double behind the back dribble when I’m by myself on the court, in the warehouse. And that is something. But Irving also has the thick beard and sad eyes of my father. And that might be something else.   

Now, with the sandwiches churning, leftover peanut butter chunks being tongued at in wisdom teeth nether regions, collectively we’re all even closer, thrown together in end of day release to re-live, reimagine our days of middle to middle high school ballerdom. When identity came from being good, kind of good, at something that made you sweaty. Before any of us knew each other. Before we had to go to work and get to know each other. In order to pay rent, and then mortgages, and then babysitters. To put food on a table. And then somewhere along the line it having to be somewhat healthy food. Before we had to make decisions, like whether or not it is worth it to pay for cable, so we can go home and watch more basketball.

At this point in our career we could play bald guys vs. hair guys, husbands vs. boyfriends. In alternate lineup iterations we can play dads vs. non-procreators. Oftentimes, if we go on Saturdays, we'll play through hangovers. Afternoon's, every now and then, somebody cracks a can of beer before the last game of ‘21’. And you know, when D-ing up, breathing deep sweaty man beer breath, then actually, purposefully, boldly placing your hand in the small of a back that is mostly just soaked-through dripping cotton t-shirt swatch - this isn’t about exercise anymore. At work on sore days after, we'll stand at each other's desk and bemoan sore hamstrings, treat ourselves to nachos, with ground beef, that come, today only, without guilt. We’ll play the showered, clean clothes, office game, but sipping Gatorade the whole time. Some of us - the dreamier sorts -  maybe even going to a place of a fictitious postgame press conference in our head as we rehydrate like our idols.    

But before games, lacing shoes too tightly, jogging in place and hoping for no unexpected pains, warming up with layups that we mostly make all of, here we are, with everything possible, with Marv Albert explaining to expectant at home audiences how “Lazarski has to be aggressive tonight,” with gentle butterflies birthing in the stomach, if only out of shared remembrance for when such athletic contests meant something. Meant everything. And there’s no difference, just like down the street, in that bigger warehouse on 4th Street, with playoff-virgin nerves pulsing. Once we start it’s all the same as it is for Malcolm, for Khris, the only difference that last-second call home, reminding again our significant others that we’ll be home late, that we’ll reek of body odor. But probably, hopefully, not bleeding, or needing any kind of ride from Urgent Care.    

And tonight, I’ve missed a potential game winner. A 15-foot, pull-up jumper. My bread-and-butter, my PB&J. Staring stoically out the window of the 15, back toward real life in the night, it’s hard to let it go, to not punch my own thigh, thinking on all the times I’d practiced the shot for just such a moment. In all the driveways of my life. After school practices, with various stages of after-school friends. Solo sometimes, or in the rain like a motivational sports movie montage. On a court in Venice Beach with my uncle. With drinking buddies turned rivals. With rivals turned drinking buddies. With long forgotten one-time best pals. It all leading to this, the big moment, everybody watching, leaning forward, the time of “Kyrie for three!...”      

But, we'll be back next week. If kids aren’t sick and hamstrings aren’t tight and workout clothes aren’t forgotten and anniversary dinners aren’t written in pen in the dayplanner. And I know where it went wrong, what can help. I know how to get it back. And Andrew mis-hears me on his way out, agrees anyway, says, “Yeah, it was great.”  But it all seems so clear, the fix for the future, and I say it again: “next week, we’ll go with grape jelly.”