by Joel Gibson
The 2013 NBA playoffs have been exhilarating. We have seen underdogs (like the Warriors) rise and favorites fall (like the Knicks). We have seen stars shine (LeBron James) and stars rise (Ty Lawson).
Player’s legacies have been altered for better or worse in these playoffs. Some players like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli are just flat-out refusing to go down without at least one more banner. Others are on the pursuit to greatness.
It is no secret, the playoffs are won by stars. For example, would the Warriors have ever made it out of the first round had Stephen Curry been injured? Would the Heat be in the conference finals if Derrick Rose was playing? Where would Miami be if LeBron had not signed with the Heat? Could Wade and Bosh have made them contenders? Stars change everything in the playoffs. Continue reading
Which prospects are on the verge of making an impact in the Major Leagues? This weekly column will rank the ten who are closest (as well as other names that are being closely considered). Keep in mind that while talent is factored in opportunity plays a major role, so there may be some “lesser” prospects who rank fairly highly on the list (ITC = In the Conversation; NR = Not Ranked):
We are not quite into MLB’s trading season, but it is quickly approaching. While there is still time for struggling teams to right the ship, we are starting to get a feel of who may be sellers at this year’s trade deadline and who may not be. Over the next few weeks we are going to look at these teams, ranking the Top 5 players who could be traded by the deadline.
Seven weeks into the season and we have found some stability atop our rankings. After that? No one appears like they want to establish themselves among the best teams in the league (and the teams who have played well still have significant questions hanging over them). Sooner or later we should get some clarity, but we’re not there yet.
Which prospects are on the verge of making an impact in the Major Leagues? This weekly column will rank the ten who are closest (as well as other names that are being closely considered). Keep in mind that while talent is factored in opportunity plays a major role, so there may be some “lesser” prospects who rank fairly highly on the list (ITC = In the Conversation; NR = Not Ranked):
This should not be a popularity contest. To be even in the conversation for the Hart Trophy you have be, at worst, a very good if not great player. The other way to be considered for nomination is to have a very good year a while playing a large and vital part in your team’s success.
Six weeks into the season we are starting to get a good idea of who the good teams are and whose hot start was more of an illusion. That said, things are wide open from #2 through about #10, and I would expect continued fluctuation as the team’s batter for elite status.