This weekend is full of sports news. The NFL is seeing a bunch of coaching changes and the NHL has it’s the all-star weekend. We have the Australian Open action opening up, and Golf is in full swing at the Bob Hope Classic. Whoo! I know I’ll keep busy. Here is a look at some notes from around the sports world. It’s time for the Full Court Press.
NBA:
– John Hollinger of ESPN is wondering, “What is up with those Pistons?” Detroit, who was thought to compete with the Celtics and the Cavs in the Eastern Conference, is currently ranked 17th in the ESPN power rankings. One of the main problems, (as fantasy owners have noticed) is that they are not efficient on offense. The loss of Chauncey Billups is hurting all of the players around him.
– Quentin Richardson could be a good pickup going into weekend play. The Knicks have been giving him more than 20 minutes a game lately, and it is easy to note that Mr. Richardson can easily drive to the hoop and have big nights. He is a hit or miss prospect, but he can be a good add in very deep leagues.
– Jason Thompson could also be a great pickup this weekend. He has probably been the most consistent rookie big man all season. He has 36 boards in his last 4 games. His totals rebound wise have been pretty consistent all season. Someone worth looking into, even though he doesnt pull down a good amount of offensive rebounds.
– The Grizzlies fired head coach Marc Iavaroni after going 11-40 this season. Rumor circled that Memphis was interested in Avery Johnson, but he has since denied that report. Another report states that current Milwaukee assistant Lionel Hollins will take over. This will be an interesting transition fantasy wise. The big men will see a change most likely in playing time. We could see even more time from Marc Gasol and Darrell Arthur could be more of a factor as well. For Rudy Gay, this will be his 4th coach already in his young career. A player to note for the Grizzlies is Darius Miles, who logged 17 minutes in Memphis’ last game. He could see a lot of minutes, especially if things don’t pick up from the regulars on this squad.
NFL:
– The Lions have named former Rams Head Coach Scott Linehan as it’s offensive coordinator for 2009. This tells me that the offense is going to continue it’s focus on the running game. Kevin Smith’s value will jump, especially if the Lions draft Andre Smith with the first pick of the NFL draft.
–Dan Reeves back in the NFL? It seems like it is quite a possibility. Mike Singletary is interested in bringing Reeves on after Scott Linehan declined the job offer. Reeves will be a great addition if added. It seems that he could help the air game, even though he is known for getting the ground game going.
– The Chiefs have fired Herm Edwards. Rumor has it that Mike Shanahan could take over in Kansas City. Why not? Division foe to his former team, and they have the running game already in place (If Larry Johnson revives himself).
–Matt Cassel won’t mind coming back to the Patriots as a backup (I wouldn’t either for that type of money). Cassel will be given 14 million if he is franchised by New England in a few weeks. Cassel also stated that there have not been any contract negotiations between the two.
MLB:
– It seems yet another closing option has opened in the fantasy ranks. The Tigers have signed reliever Brandon Lyon. The former Diamondback closer will most likely be handed the reigns. If your looking to go cheap closer in 09, this could be a possibility. He did lose his job in September to Chad Quaills.
– Ben Sheets could be heading to Arlington. His agent and Sheets headed down to talk to Manager Ron Washington and pitching coach Mike Maddux to discuss being a Ranger. Maddux is Sheets’ former pitching coach in Milwaukee.
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