Hawks Flying High in Summer League?

The NBA summer league is now in full swing! This allows us to get a look at the NBA’s next batch of superstars! Whether you are watching to see how the first overall pick Ben Simmons is doing or the question mark in the draft Thon Maker, it will be an interesting summer. Saint Joseph’s University students and alumni are glued to their TV’s as well. As we watch how our former superstar DeAndre Bembry adjusts to the NBA, and our former most improved player Isaiah Miles tries to make an NBA squad. Both players bring different unique games to their respective teams. These two have much different paths, but both hope to be great assets to their NBA teams.

DeAndre Bembry- Atlanta Hawks 21^st Overall

There is no doubt Bembry has continued his college dominance right onto the NBA summer league. Many reporters and fans are calling him the best player on the Hawks summer team, and his skills are truly being shown. Not only has Bembry brought his strong ability to take the ball to the rim, and his unbelievable defense to the NBA. But, he also brought along his never quit work ethic. Bembry has increased his basketball IQ, meaning he is taking shots that he is much more confortable with. DeAndre has also improved his ability to distribute the basketball among his teammates, something he was known on Hawk Hill for. In three games Bembry is averaging 10pts 4.7assists and 4.7rebounds. He is bringing his do all attitude right along with him to the NBA. It is clear to see the 21^st overall pick will continue to garner a lot of attention and playing time. Look for Bembry to be in the headlines in Atlanta come this fall.

Isaiah Miles- Dallas Mavericks Undrafted
Unlike his former teammate, Isaiah Miles is taking a much different approach for his path to the NBA. Miles wasn’t drafted, nor was he high on many teams’ draft boards. Miles is looking to take an approach much like that of Langston Galloway his former teammate. However, the former Hawks big man is looking to translate his unique game to the NBA. As someone who is both tall and can shoot the three, there were many questions surrounding how Miles game would work in the NBA. Miles has struggled early on in the summer league only averaging 1.7ppg and 3.3rebounds in three games. Miles though has always been a late starter. Look for his numbers to increase has the summer season goes on. Miles will continue to do his job on the court, he will score when open and pull down rebounds when needed. Minutes will be the biggest enemy for Isaiah Miles. If Miles can continue to improve his shot and rebounding ability, he may find himself a valuable asset in the D-League for an NBA team.

-Brett 

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NBA Mock Draft

The NBA Draft is only a few hours away! Here is the draft order we may see tonight!

1. Sixers
Ben Simmons

2. Lakers
Brandon Ingram

3. Celtics
Jaylen Brown

4. Suns
Marquese Chriss

5. T-Wolves
Buddy Hield

6. Pelicans
Kris Dunn

7. Nuggets
Dragan Bender

8.  Kings
Jamal Murray

9. Raptors
Jakob Poeltl

10. Bucks
Deyonta Davis

11. Magic
Henry Ellenson

12. Jazz
Skal Labissiere

13. Suns
Timothe Luwawu

14. Bulls
Domantas Sabonis

15. Nuggets
Malachi Richardson

16. Celtics
Wade Baldwin IV

17. Grizzlies
Malik Beasley

18. Pistons
Denzel Valentine

19. Nuggets
Ante Zizic

20. Pacers
Tyler Ulis

21. Hawks
Ivica Zubac

22. Hornets
Malik Beasley

23. Celtics
Brice Johnson

24. Sixers
Paul Zipser

25. Clippers
DeAndre Bembry

26. Sixers
Thon Maker

27. Raptors
Taurean Prince

28. Suns
Zhou Qi

29. Spurs
Demetrius Jackson

30. Warriors
Ben Bentil

-Brett

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MCW Gone... Now What?

February 19, 2015, that is a date that will stick in the minds of many Sixers fans to come. On that date the Sixers moved their star Point Guard Michael Carter Williams. Though the Sixers are a young team filled with potential. MCW was clearly the star, the guy that was going to lead the Sixers into the future. Not only was he the leader of this team, but he was a fan favorite. What MCW brought to Philadelphia, his love for the city and the Sixers, will be hard to replace. The question now is, what do the Sixers plan to do in the future.

From the trades made during the trade deadline the Sixers, now have the potential to have three first round picks. Two of those picks will be in the top ten as long as the Lakers fall out of the top five and the other pick will fall in the twenties. With these picks the Sixers can take another step in the right direction, and this MCW trade will viewed as a step towards the future. The reason they wanted to move MCW, was because they wanted to open the space for a star.  That star is going to be Emmanuel Mudiay. Mudiay is an 18year old Point Guard from the Congo, who is now playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in China. The young Point Guard chose to play in China for a large contract, rather then go to college. Since playing in China, Mudiay has dominated scoring 17.7ppg, 6rebounds, and 5.9assists. The kid is truly the star that the Sixers will need. Mudiay will most likely go 2^nd overall to the Sixers and will be a much better fit for the team then MCW was.

Knowing the moves made by Sam Hinkie, it is uncertain, which direction the team will go with their other first round choices. Do not be surprised if the team brings in a good Shooting Guard such as Justise Winslow out of Duke. This team is starting to move in the right direction. In the eyes of many Sixers fans it became apparent that Nerlens or MCW would have to be moved. Nerlens looks as though he is staying put where he is and will be a great force with Embiid in the future. Next season this team will compete with a lineup that hopefully has: Muiday, Winslow, Covington, Noel, and Embiid. Be ready for an NBA Championship Philadelphia, because it will happen.

-Brett 

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Emotional Loss for the Hawks

Saint Joseph’s Hawks fell to the Richmond Spiders 57 to 63 in an emotional game at Hagan for their last weekend home game. Overall, the entire Hawks team had poor shot selection. Instead of taking it to the basket, they took questionable shots. With a field goal percentage of .393, they were left being vulnerable. Even though the game was emotional, it lacked energy.

Despite the Hawks not backing down, the Spiders did let up. With close to three minutes left the game was tied at 54, however with a step-back three from T.J. Cline the Spiders took lead. Richmond’s guards Trey Davis and Anthony Kendall were able to control the ball the entire game. Listening to Martelli talked after the game it became apparent that they did not plan for the success that Davis had.

Richmond’s zone allowed a mismatch early for DeAndre, but team did not expose it. During the match-up, DeAndre Bembry, “Mr. Everything” was not able to get much momentum. Turning the ball over five times did not help the team overall.  Though Bembry made some unbelievable plays, including an amazing block he was never truly able to get started. Number 43 for the Hawks seems to play better when he is away. Bembry may possibly play better when he feels as if he needs to overcome something. After 25 consecutive games, Bembry ended the night in single digits; which is something that did not happen since the Gonzaga game. He may be the most underrated player in the NCAA, but he does not do himself any favors in winning the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year. Good thing he does not care much for personal accolades.

The bright spot for the Hawks was Aaron Brown. It is unclear why Phil Martelli does not show much faith in him. Besides missing a couple of lay-ups in the first half, he kept the Hawks fighting. The Hawks may not have a presence under the basket, but Brown proved that he can be productive along the baseline. Aaron Brown finished the night with a team high 15 points.

The Hawks have two games left in the season. On Wednesday, March 4^thagainst Rhode Island  it will be their last home game. The only changes they hope to make in the final two final two games of the season is a genuine desire to win. Their efforts to end the season strong did not start well against Richmond.

--- Pants

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The Future for Ron and Lang

Well, Hawk fans it’s time to come to realize that Langston and Ron did not make the cut to play in the NBA. It was a fun ride to watch for all of us from HawkHill to see these guys go after their dreams. SJU fans were pulling for these guys because we all know how much both of these players deserved this opportunity. Though we may not be seeing the former SJU Hawks in any professional uniforms in the upcoming weeks, there is always a chance, a hope that someone will realize and see the potential that both of these guys have. These dreams are not yet done; there is always a chance that we may see one of them in the NBA one day.

As many of us know Langston can shoot, not only can he shoot he can shoot better than a lot of guys in the NBA. We have heard from many coaches and reporters that many NBA scouts thought Lang was actually a better shooter and basketball player then a lot of players on rosters. One team in particular, the Indiana Pacers, said that Langston was a better shooter then 14 of their 15 players. Langston proved several times during both the Summer League and Training Camp, that he can play the game. Langston is the type of player that coaches love, and many think he can help an NBA team, the problem lies in his height. As we all know Langston is too small to play Shooting Guard in the NBA, but he is too much of a shooter to play the Point. Here lies the problem with Langston, where does he fit, what position would he play? In my opinion, it should not matter about his height, if the guy has the ability to play, then he deserves his opportunity.

Ron is a completely different story. Many people, reports, experts, and fans thought that Ronald Roberts Jr. was a no doubter. That he would 100% make the Sixers this season and that he may be playing close to HawkHill. As everyone knows Ron has unbelievable athleticism, and that is the main reason why almost every scout thought he was going to be a Sixer. The problem with Ron was that he got hurt, and you can’t do anything about that. Ron was not able to play up to his potential due to his injury, and when you are trying to make a team this is going to hurt your opportunity. Ron proved in several games whether it be his crazy dunk, or his ability to get rebounds, he can play in the NBA. Roberts has always been an effort player. During the Summer League and preseason, the former number 13 also got bigger to take on NBA talent.

It is said to see their journeys of trying to make their respective NBA teams end. But, that does not mean the NBA dream is over for either guy. Langston and Ron both know that they have the ability to play at the highest level. These two individuals just need to be given the opportunity to prove themselves worthy to both coaches and fans. I have a feeling that we will be seeing one of them in an NBA jersey soon enough. 

-Brett

What it means to Live and Breathe Philly Sports

McNabb you suck! Iverson get off the court! You’re a bum Burrell! Lindros you’re a loser! These are phrases every Philadelphia sports fan knows all too well. When you’re ours your ours forever. Anybody else you are the enemy. Our love for our athletes is unbelievable. A Philadelphia athlete has to be a specific type of athlete to play in this city and be successful. But once you do something great here, your name will live on forever. Players that play here can lift up the entire city. They can bring together white collar and blue collar workers. You have to be a unique player to play here, and you have to have the ability to let nothing bother you and play your heart out. Shawn Bradley once said about Philadelphia fans, “The problem with Philadelphia fans is that they want you to play every game like it’s your last one.” So, truly what does it mean to be a Philadelphia sports fan

The City of Brotherly love we don’t show too much love for our players, but when we do, they won’t only know it but the whole world will know it. Here we love our teams, our players, and our sports. In this city we wear our hearts on our sleeves. We yell and scream at the players who have done so much for us. Whether it is Donovan McNabb or Allen Iverson, our way of showing love is cursing, screaming, and freaking out at our players. That is because we do not want the best for them but for our city, that is because these players are our family and our lives. No matter what life has thrown at the City of Philadelphia, we have always had sports; the Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, and Phillies to rest our hopes and dreams on. We might not have the most Championships, we might take the back seat to LA and New York with sports success, but no one can say they try harder every season for their teams then the Philadelphia fans do. Philadelphia fans have had bad seasons and rough patches, but we still have hope. We are able to have hope because of our miracles such as 4^th and 26, the step-over, or a World Series. We are passionate fans. We love our teams and players. We will believe in you until you prove us to be wrong.  As Billy Wagner said about Philly fans, “Those people, it doesn’t matter how successful you are. I don’t get it. They boo you. They scream at you.”

Philadelphia is a town of hard working individuals, and we expect the same out of our athletes. We want the best for not only them but us as well. We expect you to go out every game and play like it was your last game, if you do that, and with stand our hate you will live on forever in this town. Players like Iverson who played his heart out and gave his all to the city of Philadelphia; to take a team of rag tag guys to a championship and to play with so much heart. A guy like Pat Burrell who tried his hardest, dealt with the hate of Philly fans because he didn’t live up to his potential, but brought us a championship. These are guys that will be remembered in this city and guys we love, because they played their hearts out. Guys with the true Philly attitude, the never quit give 110% are the guys we love. I asked what does it mean to be a Philly sports fan? To live in the City of Brotherly Love? It means to love your team so much that you are willing to hate on them, it means to support your guys to the death, and finally it means to give your all to your city and players, and hopefully they will give it back to you. It takes a special type of player to play here, because we are no ordinary fans, we are Philly fans. 

-Brett

Passionate. Intense. Proud... In Hinkie We Trust

The State of the Sixers

The offseason isn’t usually where a normal NBA team should be making noise, but it is for the Sixers. After enduring a season of D-leaguers, long losing streaks, longer losing streaks, and Byron Mullens, the Sixers knew that the rebuilding plan would start to take form this summer. Over the last year, mastermind GM Sam Hinkie got rid of Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, and any other part of the past administration while acquiring a wide array of assets in the form of potential stars and an abundance of draft picks. Sam Hinkie has a plan to get this team out of mediocrity and fans are either all in or questioning his sanity. These Sixers players will need time to grow and develop together, but this team isn’t built for now; the rebuilding process is going to take a while. Here are a few things you should know looking forward.

Nerlens Noel will be Rookie of the Year. Noel is considered a rookie after sitting out the entire year last year and showed vast signs of improvement throughout summer league. He made his debut in spectacular fashion in Orlando, averaging 12.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in 24.7 minutes over four games. He only played in two games in Las Vegas but got comparisons to Anthony Davis with his outstanding shot blocking ability. His jump shot improved and his athleticism will fit great with the Sixers style of play. He still is very lanky and could afford to put on some weight and muscle, but the potential is there. Although he isn’t the best rookie I say he will be the ROY because of the time and touches he will get with the Sixers. As Michael Carter-Williams did last year, Noel will benefit from high paced offense and being a catalyst of a lackluster team which will lead to inflated stats and the second straight Sixers Rookie of the Year.

Dario Saric was a great pick. I know a lot of people complain about the pick because we won’t see this guy for at least two years, but that fits what the Sixers are doing. He will grow overseas into a dynamic scorer and provide pop off the bench. Saric received a lot of praise from analysts predicting that he could be a star. With eyes on the future, the Sixers are in position to swing for the fences on a guy who could prove to be a superstar in this league. Also, we just watched a Spurs team full of foreign players win the championship and that is something the Sixers have never excelled in. Along with Vasilije Micić who they also drafted, the Sixers are smart for stashing some players overseas to save cap flexibility and provide future production. Worth noting is that for trading down to get Saric, Hinkie erased some of the mistakes of the Andrew Bynum deal by getting two picks that we originally lost.

Sixers 2^nd rounder will be great pieces, not All-Stars. As I mentioned before, the Spurs are a great model for the Sixers organization to emulate. They have their big three, but their role players are the reason for their success. That team is like a puzzle with parts that fit to form a collective unit. Jerami Grant has extreme athleticism, KJ McDaniels is a defensive stopper, Jordan Mcrae is a sharpshooter, Pierre Jackson (injured this year) is instant offense, and Micic will end up being a great back-up point guard to MCW. The bench depth is going to be a point of focus moving forward so all of these guys developing is important. None of these players have the potential to dominate this team, but they all should fit roles in building this team.

Thad Young won’t be on this team for long. When Lebron went to the Cavs, you immediately knew that more than likely they would also get Kevin Love. Not only because they are in win-now mode, but because they have the most to offer the Timberwolves. Although I believe the Sixers should have been trying to do this all offseason, this is the perfect opportunity to use our cap space and help facilitate this trade. The Timberwolves have shown interest in Thaddeus Young as he remains one of the only veterans on the team. Rumors indicate we would be getting the Cavs Anthony Bennett back. After watching him in summer league, Sixers fans should be ecstatic. He lost a lot of weight and showed glimpses of his days back at UNLV where he dominated. He would be a great project to add to this growing team. I’m hoping we also take on some of the bad contracts from both teams in hopes of getting some draft picks that we know Hinkie loves.

Fans should expect a similar season to last. The Sixers have exciting pieces but they are not ready for a title run now. With Embiid sitting out this year, this season will be used for Noel and MCW’s growth as well as seeing if players like Hollis Thompson and Tony Wroten are long-term pieces for this team. We still have no legitimate shooting or scoring on this team which will make points hard to come by. People argue Doug McDermott would have solved that problem at the 10 pick but like I said the plan is not to be good. McBuckets would have made us a good team this season and ultimately too good to get another lottery pick that we strongly desire. The lottery system may be changed but in the end the Sixers will still end up in the top five. Next year’s prospects are mostly big men, but there are a few guards and wingmen that will be there, we just have to hope we lose enough to guarantee that. The term tanking is very fair as I see this team winning around 20 games this year.

Joel Embiid will be a fan favorite. Joel Embiid is receiving lots of attention even though it is unlikely he will step on the court this year. He has blown up Twitter with his attempts to lure Lebron to Philly and his persistent pursuit of both Kim Kardashian and Rihanna. He has been to Philadelphia, got a cheesesteak, and went to Mitchell & Ness to buy an Allen Iverson jersey. He’s entertaining us off the court and will eventually dominate for us on the court. 

-Jeremy

Why so much hate on LeBron James?

Does LeBron James deserve all his hate for going to Miami just to win Championships? First let me state I neither like LeBron James nor do I dislike him. But, I have to bring these facts up because so much hate has been put onto LeBron. This all stems from the LeBron going to Miami to win championships with two other superstars. In the past ten years only one of the ten teams had less than two superstars or one superstar and three star players on them;  and this was the 2011 Dallas Mavericks. In these past ten years nine teams have had teams full of superstar players with stars surrounding them. Teams have been doing the same thing LeBron did for years. The Chicago Bulls had a team of Michael Jordan, Dennis Rodman, and Scottie Pippen. For years teams had great teams filled with unbelievable talents. The teams on this list all had won championships with either multiple superstars or future hall of famers.

Detroit Pistons 2004

Starting Lineup: Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton, Chauncey Billups

This team was one of the few in the past 10 years that did not have more than one superstar on them during the time, however they had three guys that were stars and two up and coming players. Nor did they dominate the NBA like most other teams did that have won championships, in fact they came in 2^nd in the Central. Don’t get me wrong a team of Rasheed, Chauncey, Tayshaun, Rip, and Ben were a very good team. However, the team only had one all-star that season and that was Ben Wallace. At the time Tayshaun and Rip were still guys that were figuring out their roles on a very good team, that were led by the scoring ability of Billups, the fire of Sheed, and the defensive dominance of Big Ben Wallace. This team was one that wasn’t one of like that of the Heat, but they had a team of stars not superstars and hall of famers but, a starting lineup of stars.

San Antonio Spurs 2005, 2007, 2014

Starting Lineups: 2005- Nazr Mohammed, Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker

2007- Francisco Elson, Tim Duncan, Bruce Bowen, Michael Finely, Tony Parker

2014- Tony Parker, Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Tiago Splitter

If we look at these teams they were all very good with one of the best Power Forwards ever to live in Tim Duncan. Each of these Spurs teams had 2 Super Stars in Tim Duncan and Tony Parker, with Manu Ginobili being a star 6^th man. The 2005 team had a young Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili each of who dominated the league, helping bring a championship to San Antonio. The 2007 had Manu coming off the bench, with Tim Duncan, Michael Finely and Tony Parker as the star starters. The 2014 championship team was one with aging superstars with Duncan, Ginobili and Parker all coming towards the end of their careers. However, the team also had some young talents with future superstar Kawhi Leonard, and key role player Danny Green and Tiago Splitter. Each of these teams had 2 players that were one of the best at their positions and Manu being a key player off the bench. These teams again prove that one superstar cannot win a championship by themselves they need other stars.

Miami Heat 2006

Starting Lineup: Shaquille O’Neil, Udonis Haslem, Antoine Walker, Dwayne Wade, Jason Williams

This team was one filled with former superstars and future hall of famers as well as players that were up and comers and future superstars. This Heat team had players like Dwayne Wade, Shaq, Alonzo Mourning, Gary Payton; four players that are Hall of Fame stars. This team was one with immense talent and strength. This was one of the best teams ever assembled, with so many veterans and so much youth and talent that they were able to get over the hump to win a championship. Key role players like Williams, Walker and the youth of Udonis Haslem, this team was able to put up one of the best seasons of all time. This was another team that was built of superstars, hall of famers, and role players. This is just like that of the new Miami Heat.

Boston Celtics 2008

Starting Lineup: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins

This team is another example of superstars joining together to win a championship. This team consisted of superstar Paul Pierce; which then the Celtics proceeded to bring in two superstars in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. With these additions the Celtics were able to get over the hump and just purely dominate the league. This was one of the best teams ever assembled with the amount of talent on the court. Three future Hall of Famers joining together to win a championship, doesn’t that sound familiar. This team also had future star Rajon Rondo as a youngster learning the ropes from 3 superstars, as well as having two very good veterans in Sam Cassell and James Posey. This team was unbelievable with so many great players on the court together there was no doubt that they would win the championship.

Los Angeles Lakers 2009 and 2010

Starting Lineups: 2009- Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, Trevor Ariza, Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher

2010- Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest

This team of back to back champions was one of outstanding talents, the talents needed to beat out teams like the Boston Celtics. The Lakers matched this by bringing in guys like Pau Gasol and Ron Artest. The 2009 team consisted of a very good team with mega superstar Kobe Bryant, and stars Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol. The 2009 team was unbelievable one with stars and a superstar, but in 2010 the team would become even better, bringing in Ron Artest. This would make a team with 4 star veteran players and the superstar status in Kobe Bryant. This is another prime example of a team bringing together stars to win a championship. This is the same basic thing that the Miami Heat did to win their championship.

Look at all the teams I listed above and look at their rosters. They were teams either full of superstars or full of stars. I understand that LeBron and Chris Bosh planned this joining together of superstars and that is why there is so much hate. I also understand that LeBron broke the hearts of Cleveland fans several times. LeBron James is an immense talent and does deserve tons of respect. Though he had to join up with other superstars to get his championships does not take away from the things he has done in his career.  LeBron James gets too much hate for what he has done, though I do personally believe he has ruined basketball, he is still one of the best players of all time.

-Brett