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

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

Sixers Stink Again?!?!?!

If you have watched any Sixers games this season, it looks as though we are seeing just a continuation of last year. Though we are seeing the emergence of new players like Jahlil Okafor, it looks like this season may already be over. The team to be frank does not have it. At this point in time they don’t have the NBA skills to put a winning product on the court. Even though the young talent may be there, they have to play the waiting game. However, this does not mean they can’t be competitive. If the Sixers need to improve anywhere, it would be to play competitively every single game of the season. Even if the team loses their games if they compete it will be a success.

The Sixers as everyone knows started the season at 0-6. Losing their second game in blow out fashion against the Jazz. For any Sixers fan this may feel like “the same thing different year. “ The team may struggle early because of the learning curve. Fans must remember that the starting lineup only has 6 years of professional experience. You must be patient, considering we have only seen one blow out in the first 6 games, I would call it a success so far.

If you had an opportunity to watch this team take on the Cavs, you would have realized that this team could compete. The young team proved that they can go up against some of the best players in the league, and score. Even though they took the losses, I would consider these games successful. They provided me with an opportunity of how the team would play against real competition. In reality the season is still early, but if they play every game like they did against the Cavs I will be happy. As long as the team progresses each and everyday, they will continue to show us potential. The young core of Noel and Okafor has proven to the world that the Sixers will be a force in the near future. Just wait, don’t give up!

-Brett

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4 

With the 3rd Pick in the NBA Draft the Sixers select.... Jahlil Okafor

With the 3rd Pick in the NBA Draft the Sixers select.... Jahlil Okafor. There is no doubt about it that Jahlil Okafor was the best player on the board when the Sixers pick came up. Once again it was the Embiid situation, do you pick the best guy available or do you take the position that you need. Sam Hinkie and the Sixers went with Okafor. Which is now making many people including experts scratching their heads. If you turn on NBA TV there is one thing everyone is talking about, and that is who will be traded from the Sixers big three. As someone from the outside looking in it can be very confusing.

The question on everyone’s mind is how is this going to work out, and who will play where. Well, folks the first issue before we even get there is whether or not Joel Embiid will play next season. Embiid was a huge risk when he was drafted and many experts said he would play for the Sixers. However, this is now looking like a question mark. If the Sixers want to be successful they will need Joel Embiid on the court for them. Now the newest problem, that is on Brett Brown is figuring out how to work with the three bigs in Philadelphia. When you have three unbelievable talents like Okafor, Embiid, and Noel you are set in the middle. However, the problem that faces Brett Brown is figuring out how to play all three at the same time. This issue may be almost impossible to solve.

In reality the only one that could play the 3 would be Noel. At the end of last season it became apparent that the Sixers started working with Noel on his game away from the middle. Noel is also the fastest of the three bigs, which is another positive. If you watched any college basketball last season you would know how talented Okafor is and how he will impact the Sixers in the future. There is no doubt he has the ability to control the middle and can score with his back to the basket. The last player of the big three is the wild card Joel Embiid. Embiid has a nice shot and can control the middle as well, but the question is will he stay healthy and will he be able to work with these other guys. However, it may or may not work and only time will tell.

Brett Brown is faced with a good problem. The Sixers have drafted the three best players in the past three years. All three of these guys were predicted at one point to be the 1^st pick in the draft, and to be the most impactful player. However, it is now going to be a waiting game to see if it can work. Having three guys with their ability is a good thing, however they may not work together. The next step is whether or not Sam Hinkie is going to make a deal to bring in a true guard.

-Brett

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 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4

All these teams want for Christmas is....

So, with Hanukkah started and Christmas coming up next week; we pose the question what should the Philadelphia sports teams ask for?

Phillies:

Prospects… Prospects…Prospects

The Phillies as we all know is lacking prospects and a strong Minor League system. Let’s face it Phillies fans, this team has finally decide to start rebuilding with the moving of Jimmy Rollins. However, they have yet to make that big move for big name prospects. There have been several names thrown around to possibly get these young guys into the Phillies system. So, we decided to pose a few trades that could help improve the Phillies minor leagues.

Cole has a high market value, and several people believe he can make a team an instant contender. Well, with talks of Wil Myers going to the Padres; this proves the Padres obviously want to contend. This provides the Phillies with the perfect opportunity to restock their system and to provide the Padres with an Ace and a starting Catcher. Two names that could fit the Phillies needs would be Austin Hedges a catcher or Jose Rondon a SS. Both of these guys would help this franchise greatly.

Another, move which is more unlikely to bring back A or B+ prospects is the moving of Ryan Howard. Let’s be honest, Howard’s good years are truly behind him and he doesn’t have much to offer the Phillies any more. However, the guy is still valuable and can produce over 100 RBI’s if given the right situation. One team that may have interest in Howard for the right price would be the Athletics. Oakland is in need of a first baseman, and with the signing of Billy Butler at DH, this team could be his perfect fit. The Phillies would have to buy out most of Howard’s outrageously large contract. But, if it were to happen Oakland could provide some good young guys in return such as, Bruce Maxwell a very good young Catching prospect.

These are just two possible moves that the Phillies could make to gain some youth into their minor league systems. Other guys that could return some prospects would be Byrd, Papelbon, and Brown. Hopefully, the Phillies get what they need most this holiday season.   

Flyers:

Scoring and a real Goalie

The Flyers have truly had some ups and downs this season, and it has not been fun to watch. The team needs something to fire them up, to get them playing well once more. One area that they need work in is in the category of scorers. Let’s face it the Flyers cannot compete when only two or three guys carrying the workload constantly on the offensive end. The Flyers made some bad moves the last couple years that have placed them in this predicament. They have moved scorers they shouldn’t and they didn’t bring the players back that they need. The team needs a true scorer to set up in their lineup or Hextall will have to make some moves to bring that scorer in that the team needs.

Another area that the Flyers need improvement is in net. In truth the Flyers have not had a great goalie in several years. Yes, Mason has played well, but he has had several ups and downs during his time with the Flyers. Sometimes he looks like a star other times, he looks just all-around bad. Ray Emery is the same way. Neither goalie has hit their stride. This season and injuries have plagued both of them. The Flyers will not compete unless they upgrade in the area of goalie.

Hextall has a lot of moves that he will have to make if the team wants to compete. This will not be a good time if you are a Flyers fan over the next several years, due to the fact that the Flyers haven’t made a big move to bring in the guy’s necessary to compete and win it all. In truth the Flyers will have to wait again for a Stanley Cup.

Sixers:

Shooting Guard

Well, if Sam Hinkie has anything to do with it the Sixers won’t have a shooting guard for another 10 years. Hinkie should be on the television show hoarding buried alive due to the fact that he has so many draft choices. The Sixers will be a competitive team and they are not too many years from being a Championship caliber team. The biggest piece that this team will need to compete is a high quality shooting guard, who wants the ball at any moment in time. One guy that they could get would be Emmanuel Mudiay a swing point and shooting guard.

Mudiay will be a top pick in this year’s NBA Draft, no doubt about it. Mudiay can provide the Sixers with that fire power, that Andrew Wiggins type of player that the Sixers wanted to draft last season. Mudiay has proven in China that he has that explosive offensive ability. This kid has proven that he does make mistakes on the court, however you have to remember over in China he is the all-around superstar. He is basically playing every position from point to small. With the Sixers he would be the perfect fit, being the main scorer and not worrying about playing the point as much.

If Hinkie can get his act together and think in the basketball mind that he should, rather than hoarding picks. Mudiay can be their guy, though everyone’s eyes are on Okafor as the top pick. Do not be surprised if the Sixers move Noel and someone else for another top pick to try to bring in both Okafor and Mudiay. This Sixers team will compete… Eventually.

Eagles:

The Playoffs

The Eagles have many good pieces on their team, and they are in the playoff race. However, after the last two games they have fallen out of first place and have shown that they cannot compete with a playoff team. The Eagles need their corners to perform at a higher level as well as a great QB if they want to compete and get back into the playoff race. This team has struggled of late and they need to get it together if they want to be back in the race.

The corners are the biggest question going into these last few games. The corners have not performed well as of late. Williams has been terrible and the Cowboys completely exposed him last game. Teams have proven that they are not afraid to throw into the Eagles secondary, that they are not a true threat to them. This has to change if this team wants to ever be in Super Bowl contention. Let’s face it, if teams can just throw the ball deep to guys like Dez Bryant every time for large gains, what’s stopping them. The Eagles need an improvement in the corner position if they are going to get back in the race.

The Eagles need and want to get back into the playoff contention. But, before they can even compete they need to get it together in the QB position. Foles though hurt has played not up to par this season, and Sanchez of late has been bad. So with Foles coming back in the next few weeks the question is if they get to the playoffs who will be their QB. This team if they want to be in the playoffs they need Nick Foles back to play at the highest level.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAPPY HANUKKAH! 

HAPPY HOLIDAY'S!!!!!!!

-Brett  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportsAndRants

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SportsAndRants

Instagram: http://instagram.com/sportsandrants

itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-rants-brett-pants/id934063452?mt=2&uo=4 

The Suxers

Together we build… that’s the Sixers saying this season. However, the real saying is “Together fans wait, as the Sixers profit.” That’s right people if you haven’t realized it yet Sam Hinkie doesn’t care about building a championship winner, nor does he care about putting a good team on the court. All Hinkie and the rest of his boys care about is making the almighty profit. The Sixers organization has become a money hungry team that for all we know may be leaving the Philadelphia area in a few years. The Sixers or should we call them the Suxers have embarrassed themselves on the court every game this season, but Hinkie keeps stating they have a plan.

Though Brett Brown is the protégé of Gregg Popovich and seems to have the capability to actually coach in the NBA and lead the team to a championship one, it may not come for a few years. Like I previously stated, the only thing on the mind of the Sixers is to profit from the revenue sharing and TV contracts the NBA is providing them. They don’t care about fans coming to the games or providing Brown with a team capable of winning a game this season. This team has truly embarrassed themselves almost every game they have played this season, and I don’t see any letting up in the near future. It has come apparent that Brett Brown understands this and that he understands that he will be here when this team has the opportunity to win it all in the future.

So fans as the Sixers have been handed their 10^th loss of the season, don’t expect anything else. The team has to face some decent teams in their upcoming games. Even if they have a chance to win any of their upcoming games, they will choose not to. The Sixers don’t want to win any of these games; they want the opportunity to once again get that top pick. Sixers do not be surprised if the Sixers decide to trade Nerlens for an opportunity for another good pick. Noel has not performed to the ability many people were expecting, and with the draft containing tons of strong, talent Power Forwards, Nerlens time may be up before it began. The Sixers, this season will end up with two picks in the top ten this season, and you can quote me on that. So… Sixers fans “Just, Keep, Waiting…”

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

Ronald Roberts could be Living a Dream!

Well SJU Hawk fans we told you it was going to happen, and now it looks like it is! Another Saint Joseph’s University Hawk will be playing NBA basketball. Ronald Roberts Jr. is heading to Sixers camp this fall with a 3 year contract, reports staff reporter Tom Moore of the Bucks County Courier Times. We are very excited to hear that the first year of his contract may be guaranteed, which in simple terms means he is going to have an opportunity to play in the NBA. So SJU Hawk fans go out and buy your Ronald Roberts Jr. jersey’s because he is staying in Philadelphia. 

Ron is amazingly athletic, which is why he was a piece that both the Sixers and the Miami Heat went after, inviting him to summer league. During summer league Ron truly showed his college dominance that many of us Hawk fans got to see first sight. Roberts who just turned 23 August 5, averaged 10ppg, 7 rebounds, and 1 block during summer league. Though these games were against D-Leaguers and potential NBA rookies; it truly showed the potential dominance of Ron. Roberts has been showing this ability over the last four years with the SJU Hawks, scoring 14.4ppg, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks; during his senior season with the Hawks. Roberts also showed a quality that many athletes do not have during his senior season and that was leadership. Roberts, with the help of other seniors Langston Galloway and Halil Kanacevic; was able to not only get his team to the NCAA March Madness Tournament for the first time since 2008, but also win the A-10 Championship. After SJU lost to UConn in the tournament, Roberts worked on the weakest parts of his game and became NBA ready. 

Ronald Roberts has had his ups and downs as a college player. But, an opportunity like this could not have happened to a nicer person or player. Those who didn’t get to interact with Ron wouldn’t know but everyone who has come in contact with this kid has said he’s kind and soft spoken. Ron took time out of his day after the loss to Creighton this season to talk to us, two SJU radio hosts, to tell us about their performance. This kid deserves everything that comes to him in the NBA, hard work truly pays off. Ron truly played like a star that had a chip on his shoulder during summer league. For a guy coming in as a undrafted free agent to a team that realistically speaking was expecting much, surprised us all. As SJU fans and supporters we aren’t too surprised to see the performances that he gave to the Sixers fans during summer league, but now at least he is getting the recognition he deserves. We as Hawks are proud to see another SJU Hawk getting an opportunity to play in the NBA, and this time with the home town Sixers. Hopefully, we will get an opportunity to see Ron play against Jameer come the fall. Hawks buy your Ronald Roberts Jr. jerseys now! THWND

 

Ronald Roberts Jr. is NBA ready

Since Ronald Roberts Jr. did not get drafted, he is forced to take the long road to the NBA. Every player in the summer leagues is trying to prove that they are worth having on the team and scrapping for that last spot. During Roberts Jr. senior year with the Hawks, his production was never consistent throughout his senior year. Even if NBA scouts did take notice of him, he did not keep their attention. Everybody, including NBA scouts wonder if he is more than just a freak athlete. It is already known that he plays hard, rebounds, and dunks. Not too belittle what he is great at, but that might not be enough.

Throughout the six games of the Orlando Summer League the NBA is seeing what Saint Joes fans have seen for past four years: one handed dunks, put back dunks, and a rebounding machine. During those games he consistently showed his high energy effort. It is also evident that he was a four year college due to his maturity and smartness. It did look as if he had it easy because he was playing alongside Nerlens Noel. But then he played center in place of him for two games and dominated. During the title game which Noel was on bench for, Roberts had a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Ronald Roberts Jr. helped the 76ers to win the Orlando Championship League with an average of 10 points and 6.8 rebounds.

It was strange watching him in a uniform other than a Hawks’. Because the Sixers want to develop young promising players, Roberts has a great chance of making the team. The athleticism that Philadelphia 76ers like is there for Ronald being 6’8” tall, 225 pounds, possessing a 7’1” wingspan. The 76ers are a fast pace team, which Roberts is able to run the court with ease. He also does not have a good outside shot which another standard of theirs. But one reason they may not be so high on him is that he is able to play right away because he is not injured nor has a contract overseas.

During the two summer leagues everybody is fighting for a roster spot on an NBA team. With that being said he played harder than every player on the court. His high energy effort and play made him a fan favorite quickly. He is this year’s Khaliff Wyatt. Let’s just hope the Sixers stick with him. Ronald Roberts Jr. could join the long list of 6’8” strong and physical effort players that play a key role of dominating skinny 6’10” kids around. He would give an NBA team toughness, energy, and athleticism off the bench at the 4. If he does not end up on an NBA team’s final roster he will definitely be able to make 6 figures overseas.

The former number 13 for SJU Hawks proved that he can play at the NBA level on a regular basis. After his showing during the Sixers’ championship run during the Orlando Summer League Roberts should be invited to 76ers training camp. There are other teams interested in Ronald if the Sixers are not as he is now suiting up for the Miami Heat in Las Vegas Summer League.

-Glen