Charlotte Bobcats 30-Team Control Association

[volstopfan14]

NBA League Report - January 29
Around the League
PORTLAND

Following the injury to Trailblazers 6th man Jamal Crawford, Portland has agreed to a veterans minimum contract with free agent PG Gilbert Arenas. Portland is on a four game losing streak, including 2 since the Craword injury. Without Crawford, Portland has no true scorers on the bench and needed help. Arenas formerly played with the Wizards before being traded to the Magic and was waived in the offseason using the amnesty clause. Arenas was a star with Washington for a while, but had his career tarnished by injuries and a suspension for storing guns in his Wizards locker. To sign Arenas, Portland waived PG Armon Johnson. According to reports, the Lakers also showed interest in Arenas but never made an offer and have elected to pursue point guard help through a trade.

SACRAMENTO

The Sacramento Kings have officially announced the firing of head coach Paul Westphal. This move had been rumored all season. The Kings have the worst record in the West at 12-32 and have struggled all year. When watching Sacramento play, it appears there is little team chemistry and players are not on the same page. Additionally, it had been reported that Westphal was invloved in a dispute with starting center DeMarcus Cousins. Former Warriors coach and current Kings assistant Keith Smart will take over as head coach for the rest of the season.

NBA Rumor Mill

NBA Rumor Mill - Updated: Jan 29, 2012
Martin Close to Deal With LAC?		LAC	Lakers Targeting Sessions?		LAL
	RUMOR - Former Nuggets PF Kenyon Martin has agreed in principle to sign a $2.5M contract with the LA Clippers. Martin was set to be an unrestriced free agent last offseason but due to the NBA lockout, signed a contract in China. He has been released from his contract and is ready to return to the NBA. According to reports, he received offers from teams including the Heat and the Lakers but ultimately decided to join the Clippers.			RUMOR - After deciding against signing Gilbert Arenas, the Los Angeles Lakers have turned their attention to Cavs PG Ramon Sessions. Sessions has played well this year, but is stuck on the bench behind Kyrie Irving and clearly does not have a future in Cleveland. The Lakers are desperate at the PG position and are prepared to offer a first round pick to get help. However, no deal is imminent and the Lakers will consider other trade options. It will likely be a few weeks before Los Angeles makes a move.
Maggette on the Block?		CHA	Howard Open to Chicago?		ORL
	RUMOR - Bobcats SF Corey Maggette was benched on Friday and has not played the past two games. Coach Paul Silas is clearly unhappy with Maggette's inconsistant play and it appears that Charlotte is open to shipping him out. It seems like the Bobcats will have a tough time finding someone to take on his large contract but if the right deal came along, Charlotte would not hesitate to make a move.			RUMOR - Reports earlier this season said that disgruntled Magic C Dwight Howard had decided that he only wanted play for the Lakers, Nets, or Mavs. However, according to recent reports, Howard would also be open to a trade to Chicago to team up with star PG Derrick Rose. Orlando has still not made a decision on if they will trade Howard or take their chances on re-signing him this summer. It will be very interesting to see how the Howard scenario plays out.

[volstopfan14]

NBA Key Games - Jan 23-29
Miami Heat, 98		VS.	Orlando Magic, 99		1-26
	LeBron James			Ryan Anderson
	33 PTS, 11 REB			26 PTS, 10 REB
	Chris Bosh			Jason Richardson
	21 PTS, 10 REB			18 PTS, 6 REB
New Orleans Hornets, 86		VS.	Dallas Mavericks, 84		1-25
	Eric Gordon			Dirk Nowitzki
	27 PTS, 3 AST			PTS, 12 REB
	Emeka Okafor			Jason Terry
	10 PTS, 12 REB			11 PTS, 4 AST
New York Knicks, 106		VS.	Houston Rockets, 105		1-28
	Amare Stoudemire			Kevin Martin
	34 PTS, 7 REB			32 PTS, 2 STL
	Carmelo Anthony			Luis Scola
	25 PTS, 10 REB			22 PTS, 6 REB
Los Angeles Lakers, 103		VS.	Minnesota Timberwolves, 105		1-29
	Kobe Bryant			Kevin Love
	33 PTS, 5 AST			22 PTS, 5 REB
	Pau Gasol			Michael Beasley
	24 PTS, 7 REB			14 PTS, 12 REB

[volstopfan14]

Bobcats Report - January 29, 2012

After their early week games against Chicago and New York, the Bobcats travelled to Philladelphia to face the 76ers. The 76ers have been one of the most surprising teams in the NBA this year as they have won 28 games, currently tied for third best in the East. In this game, Philly jumped out to an early lead and never let it go winning 114-105. Andre Iguodala impressed for the 6ers, scoring 34 points with 6 rebounds, 4 assist, and 5 steals. Iguodala was later named the NBA's player of the week. The Bobcats were led by Reggie Williams who received his first start as a Bobcat. Williams scored 20 points and shot a solid 2 for 3 from behind the arc. Kemba Walker was the teams second leading scorer with 17 and one of 5 Bobcats in double figures.

The very next day, Charlotte came home to take on the Wizards. The Bobcats rookies took over this game as Walker scored 20 while Bicmack Biyombo picked up 12 rebounds in a 95-94 Charlotte win. Byron Mullens scored 16 for Charlotte but suffered an injury and had to leave the game. The Wizards were led by their front court as Andray Blatche scored 22 and Javale McGee scored 14 with 13 rebounds.

Upcoming Schedule
@LAL 1-31-12
@ POR 2-1-12
@ PHX 2-4-12
@ UTA 2-6-12
@ DEN 2-8-12

Power Ranking

NBA Power Rankings
RK (LW)	Team	Record	Next Game
30 (30)	Charlotte Bobcats	11-34	@ LAL 1-31-12

Division Standings

NBA Standings - Updated: Jan 29, 2012
SOUTHEAST	W	L	GB	DIV	CONF
Miami Heat	33	10	--	7-3	19-7
Orlando Magic	28	16	5.5	9-3	17-9
Atlanta Hawks	22	22	11.5	7-2	15-14
Washington Wizards	11	33	22.5	1-9	4-22
Charlotte Bobcats	11	34	23	1-8	9-21

Injury Report

As mentioned earlier, starting C Byron Mullens suffered an injury against the Washington Wizards. Mullens is expected to miss at least the next 4 games and will be replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Bismack Biyombo.

Lineup Changes

With Byron Mullens unavailble, coach Paul Silas has made some changes to his rotation naming Bismack Biyombo the starting center and moving PF Boris Diaw to center to back up Biyombo. In addition, Silas has decided to move forward with Reggie Williams as the starting SF over Corey Maggette. Silas made it clear that he is unhappy with the inconsistant preformance by Maggette and will try other options. Williams and Derrick Brown have both impressed this year as reserves and will be given the majority of the playing time at SF. Below is an updated depth chart for the team.

Charlotte Bobcats Depth Chart - Updated January 29, 2012
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	Injured
PG	D.J. Augustin	Kemba Walker	Cory Higgins
SG	Gerald Henderson	Kemba Walker	Matt Carroll
SF	Reggie Williams	Derrick Brown	Corey Maggette
PF	Tyrus Thomas	D.J. White	Eduardo Najera
C	Bismack Biyombo	Boris Diaw	DeSagna Diop	Byron Mullens

[volstopfan14]

League Update - Febuary 1, 2012

NBA Players of the Month - January 2012
East			West
	LeBron James, SF, MIA			Pau Gasol, PF, LAL

Previous Players of the Month
NOV - LeBron James, Kevin Durant
DEC - Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant

NBA Rookies of the Month - January 2012
East			West
	Brandon Knight, PG, DET			Markieff Morris, PF, PHX

Previous Rookies of the Month
NOV - Kemba Walker, Richy Rubio
DEC - Kyrie Irving, Ricky Rubio

[volstopfan14]

NBA League Update - Febuary 1, 2012

NBA Standings - Updated: Feb 1, 2012
EAST PLAYOFF RACE	W	L	GB
Miami Heat - 1	34	10	- -
Chicago Bulls - 2	32	11	1.5
Philadelphia 76ers - 3	29	16	5.5
Orlando Magic - 4	28	17	6.5
Indiana Pacers - 5	27	19	8
Boston Celtics - 6	25	19	9
New York Knicks - 7	25	21	10
Atlanta Hawks - 8	22	22	12
Milwaukee Bucks	20	25	14.5
Cleveland Cavaliers	16	25	16.5
Toronto Raptors	15	29	19
New Jersey Nets	14	32	21
Detriot Pistons	13	32	21.5
Washington Wizards	11	33	23
Charlotte Bobcats	11	35	24
WEST PLAYOFF RACE	W	L	GB
Oklahoma City Thunder - 1	35	11	- -
Dallas Mavericks - 2	29	14	4.5
Denver Nuggets - 3	28	16	6
Los Angeles Lakers - 4	28	17	6.5
Los Angeles Clippers - 5	27	16	6.5
San Antonio Spurs - 6	28	19	7.5
Memphis Grizzlies - 7	25	18	8.5
Portland Trailblazers - 8	22	21	11.5
Utah Jazz	21	22	12.5
Houston Rockets	21	23	13
Minnesota Timberwolves	17	26	16.5
Golden State Warriors	19	28	16.5
Phoenix Suns	17	27	17
New Orleans Hornets	13	28	19.5
Sacramento Kings	13	33	22

[volstopfan14]

League Update - Febuary 1, 2012

NBA League Leaders - Updated: Feb 1, 2012
Points		PPG	Rebounds		RPG
	1. LeBron James, MIA	28.8		1. Dwight Howard, ORL	14.1
	2. Kevin Durant, OKC	28.6		2. Kevin Love, MIN	11.9
	3. Carmelo Anthony, NYK	28.2		3. Blake Griffin, LAC	11.7
	4. Kobe Bryant, LAL	28.0		4. Kris Humphries, NJ	11.3
	5. Derrick Rose, CHI	26.9		5. Zach Randolph, MEM	10.7
Assist		APG	Blocks		BPG
	1. Jason Kidd, DAL	10.1		1. Dwight Howard, ORL	2.1
	2. Rajon Rondo, BOS	9.9		2. Amare Stoudemire, NYK	2.0
	3. Jose Calderon, TOR	9.2		3. Andrew Bogut, MIL	1.8
	4. Mike Conley, MEM	9.0		4. Pau Gasol, LAL	1.7
	5. Chris Paul, LAC	8.9		5. Tim Duncan, SAS	1.7
3 Point Shooting		3P%	Steals		SPG
	1. Richard Jefferson, SAS	.493		1. Rajon Rondo	2.8
	2. Daequan Cook, OKC	.488		2. Chris Paul	2.8
	3. Kevin Martin, HOU	.481		3. Kobe Bryant	2.6
	4. Grant Hill, PHX	.474		4. Devin Harris	2.5
	5. Kyle Korver, CHI	.471		5. Dwayne Wade	2.4

[volstopfan14]

League Update - Febuary 5, 2012

NBA Power Rankings
RK (LW)	Team	Record
1 (3)	Chicago Bulls	34-12
2 (1)	Miami Heat	34-11
3 (2)	Oklahoma City Thunder	36-12
4 (5)	Dallas Mavericks	31-15
5 (8)	Orlando Magic	30-17
6 (4)	Los Angeles Clippers	29-17
7 (10)	San Antonio Spurs	30-19
8 (11)	Boston Celtics	27-19
9 (7)	Los Angeles Lakers	29-18
10 (12)	Memphis Grizzlies	27-18

NBA Injury Report
Pos	Player	Injury Note
PF	Darrell Arthur	Grizzlies (out for the season)
PG	Baron Davis	Knicks (out until Feb 26)
C	Brook Lopez	Nets (out until Feb 26)
C	Greg Oden	Trailblazers (out for the season)
SG	Jamal Crawford	Trailblazers (out until April 21)
SG	Klay Thompson	Warriors (out until Feb 11)
PG	Nate Robinson	Warriors (out until Feb 11)
C	Byron Mullens	Bobcats (out until Feb 7)
SG	Leandro Barbosa	Raptors (out until Feb 14)
C	Darko Milicic	Timberwolves (out until Feb 10)

NBA Players of the Week - Jan 29 - Feb 4
East			West
	Derrick Rose, PG, CHI			Russell Westbrook, PG, OKC

[volstopfan14]

League Update - Feb 5, 2012
Around the League
CLIPPERS

The Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to a one year $2.5M contract with free agent PF Kenyon Martin. Martin played the 2011 NBA season with the Nuggets but signed a overseas contract with a Chinese team during the NBA lockout. Martin was able to get a release from his overseas contract and will join the Clippers immediately. Martin should play a key role for Los Angeles as he will take over as the top backup in the frontcourt behind Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Los Angeles may not be done making moves as the NBA Rumor Mill (see below) has reported that they have contacted free agent SG J.R. Smith.

WIZARDS

The Washington Wizards became the second team to make a coaching change this season when they fired Flip Saunders. Despite top picks in recent drafts, the Wizards have shown very little improvement. At 12-35, Washington is only a loss away from being tied for the worst record in the league. Washington clearly has some young talent, but they need a coach who can develop that talent and get the players to play as a team. Assistant Randy Wittman will serve as interim head coach for the rest of the season.

NBA Rumor Mill

NBA Rumor Mill - Updated Feb 5, 2012
Jackson Unhappy?		MIL	Smith Down to Two?		NBA
	RUMOR - According to inside sources, Bucks SG Stephen Jackson is very unhappy with his role on the team and coach Scott Skiles and has demanded a trade. Jackson has a 2 year contract worth over $9M a year so it could be hard to find a landing spot for him. However, Milwaukee views Jackson as a cancer to the team and will do what they can to get him out.			RUMOR - Former Nuggets SG J.R. Smith will returning from China next week and is ready to sign with a NBA team. He has received contract offers from the Los Angeles Clippers and the New York Knicks, among others. LA is offering a chance to be play with former teammates Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, and Kenyon Martin, but can only offer a league minimum contract. New York is offering more money at $2.5M. It will be interesting to see who Smith chooses.
Mayo On the Move?		MEM	Raptors to be Active?		TOR
	RUMOR - Grizzlies SG O.J. Mayo is set to be a FA this summer and Memphis has no intentions of re-signing him. They are attempting to trade him before the deadline in an effort to gain something before they lose him as a FA. New Jersey, among others, has had discussions with Memphis and is considered the frontrunner at this time. It has also been rumored that an unknown major contender has contacted the Grizzlies and expressed interest.			RUMOR - The Toronto Raptors are at the bottom of the NBA, but have a few players that could interest a contender. SG Leandro Barbosa has a $8M expiring contract and could interest a contender looking for help off the bench. It has also been speculated that Toronto will trade either Ed Davis or Amir Johnson before the begining of the 2012-13 season. The wild card in the mix is PG Jose Calderon. Calderon is playing great this year but is not in the Raptors long term plans and could be moved. Toronto could be active at the trade deadline and will be interesting to watch.