International football

Bucks, Celtics come out of All-Star break on fire, Lakers take a step back

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2024

Bucks, Celtics come out of All-Star break on fire, Lakers take a step back

Things were getting a little ugly before the break, so we’re all grateful — players, fans, All-Star Game critics — that we got a brief respite before the home stretch. Some teams have come out of the week-long hiatus looking refreshed and focused, while others appear to still be waiting for a margarita on a chaise lounge in Puerto Vallarta.

The leaders of the East and West didn’t skip a beat, as the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder absolutely pounded their competition this week, earning them the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively, in the Power Rankings. Also making the climb are the Denver Nuggets, who reminded the Golden State Warriors what it takes to be a champion, and the Milwaukee Bucks, who took plenty of heat after Doc Rivers’ 3-7 start as head coach but look like a championship contender once again.

Things didn’t go so well for the Pelicans, who dropped a whopping 12 spots following a couple of losses to subpar opponents. Also falling were the Lakers, who didn’t keep up the pace that they set prior to the All-Star break.

Here are this week’s NBA Power Rankings, as we prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.

*Please keep in mind that our NBA Power Rankings are based on weekly performance (Tuesday to Monday), not the whole season.

BIGGEST MOVERS

9 PACERS

12 PELICANS

RK	TEAMS		CHG	RCRD
1	CELTICS	The Celtics are digging a chasm the size of the English Channel between themselves and the next-closest competitor in the East. Dominant wins over the Bulls and Knicks this week bring the overall winning streak to eight games, with no signs of slowing. Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White all averaged over 20 points for the week, and it sure seems like Boston is having fun.	—	47-12
2	THUNDER	Those expecting a post-break dip from the Thunder were sorely disappointed this week, as OKC manhandled the Clippers, Wizards and Rockets. Chet Holmgren is giving Victor Wembanyama a run for his money with his latest exploits, averaging 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three blocks for the week on 53% 3-point shooting.	7	41-18
3	NUGGETS	Oh what, you were worried about the Nuggets? LOL. The defending champs have won three straight since limping toward the break, including a systematic dismantling of the red-hot Warriors on Sunday. This team knows exactly what it is, led by the best two-man game in the league, and every once in a while it gets a 34-point performance from Michael Porter Jr. Not fair.	7	42-19
4	BUCKS	Well, well, well. Perhaps all the Buck-bashing we did over the All-Star break was a tad premature? Milwaukee came out of the gates with a huge road win over the Wolves, and followed that up by smashing the 76ers. Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged over 30 points for the week, but it was a much more egalitarian offensive approach, while the defense looked great.	4	40-21
5	TIMBERWOLVES	The Wolves came out of the break with a home loss to the Bucks, but got back on track with a win over the Nets. If there’s an Achilles heel for this team, it’s the offensive flow, and that was on display in both games this week. They averaged just 104 points per 100 possessions, but luckily the defense is the elite of the elite.	3	42-18
6	KNICKS	The hobbled Knicks were outclassed by the Celtics this week, but picked up wins over the 76ers and Pistons to keep the fight alive for a top-three seed in the East. Jalen Brunson is pretty much a one-man show offensively these days, averaging 30 points and 11 assists over the three games.	5	35-25
7	CAVALIERS	The Cavs started the week by losing to the Magic and 76ers without Donovan Mitchell. Fortunately for them, the Wizards were next on the schedule in Mitchell’s return. Darius Garland is getting back to his old form, averaging 18 points and nine assists in the three games on 40% 3-point shooting.	4	39-20
8	CLIPPERS	Not a good stretch for the Clippers, who were blown out by the Thunder and Kings, with a closer-than-it-should-have-been win over the Grizzlies in between. The previously unstoppable offense put up just 108 points per 100 possessions in the three games, while the defense allowed nearly 120. It didn’t help that James Harden shot 33% from the field and Kawhi Leonard made 18% of his 3s.	3	38-20
9	PACERS	The Pacers came out of the break with a big win over the Mavericks (and one over the Pistons), but their struggles in back-to-backs continued in Monday’s home loss to the Raptors. Bennedict Mathurin got three starts this week in the place of Aaron Nesmith and put up impressive averages of 21 points, nine rebounds and five assists per game on 49/50/80 shooting splits.	9	34-27
10	MAVERICKS	The Mavs stayed hot out of the break with a win over the Suns, but saw their seven-game streak snapped in Sunday’s loss to Indiana. In their last eight games, the Mavericks notably have the fourth-best defense in the NBA to go along with an offense helmed by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Frightening.	3	34-27
11	SUNS	Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Co. salvaged the week by beating the Lakers on Sunday. Bol Bol was the major story, averaging 18 points, nine rebounds and 1.5 blocks in extended minutes over the last two games — including a 25-point, 14-rebound performance in a loss to Houston.	5	35-25
12	HEAT	That’s it. The Heat simply don’t adhere to the usual laws of the basketball universe. Despite missing Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and Terry Rozier, Miami managed to take down the Kings on the road on Monday by double digits. Recent buyout acquisition Delon Wright played 35 minutes in his Heat debut in the win over Sacramento, notching 13 points, five assists, two steals and a block. Heat Culture, indeed.	3	34-26
13	KINGS	The Kings had all the momentum in the world after wins over the Spurs and Clippers to start the week, then somehow lost at home to the skeleton Heat on Monday to stop them dead in their tracks. De’Aaron Fox put up nearly 30 points per game this week on 58% shooting, but committed seven turnovers in the loss to Miami.	1	34-25
14	76ERS	The Sixers’ struggles without the big man continued as they lost to the Knicks and Bucks this week, though they did pick up a win over the Donovan Mitchell-less Cavs in between. Generating offense outside of Tyrese Maxey, who averaged 28 points in the three games, has been a slog.	2	35-25
15	MAGIC	Orlando started the week with a road win over the Cavs, then Paolo Banchero showed some serious emotion following a game-winning and-one jumper to beat the Pistons on Saturday. He missed the next game, which the Magic lost to Atlanta.	2	34-26
16	PELICANS	The confusing season continued for the Pelicans, who beat the Rockets handily but then lost to the Heat and Bulls at home. With Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum each missing games this week, Zion Williamson averaged nine assists to go along with 23 points.	12	36-25
17	WARRIORS	Despite their prime time loss to the Nuggets, the Warriors are still playing great basketball. Steve Kerr’s move to put Brandin Podziemski in the starting lineup over Klay Thompson is paying dividends, as the new first five has a dominant net rating of plus-21.6 points per 100 possessions.	3	32-27
18	LAKERS	The Lakers took a step back from their hot pre-All-Star Break ways, losing to the Warriors and Suns, but one of those came without LeBron James. He averaged 29 points and 10.5 assists in the two games he played, including a win over the Spurs. D’Angelo Russell kept up his hot shooting, averaging 20 points on 42% 3-pointers in the 1-2 week.	5	33-29
19	BULLS	The Bulls lost to the Celtics (no surprise) and beat the Pelicans (kind of surprise?) this week, with Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan each averaging over 20 points per game. Ayo Dosunmu continues to do everything asked of him and more, averaging 17.5 points, eight assists, 5.5 rebounds and two steals in the two games on 5-for-12 3-point shooting.	—	28-32
20	ROCKETS	Fred VanVleet returned to the starting lineup this week, averaging 17 points and five assists on 40% 3-point shooting as the Rockets went 1-2. His presence didn’t negatively affect Amen Thompson either, as the rookie moved back to the bench but still averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and nearly three blocks per game.	2	26-34
21	RAPTORS	The Raptors are a new team after the break, winning consecutive games over the Nets, Hawks and Pacers this week. Immanuel Quickley was the leader offensively, putting up 22 points and six rebounds per game on 54% 3-point shooting.	3	22-38
22	JAZZ	The Jazz went 1-1 this week with a loss to the Hornets and a win over the Spurs. John Collins was a team-high plus-28 in the two games combined with averages of 14.5 points and 13 rebounds.	2	27-34
23	NETS	After ugly losses to the Raptors and Wolves to start the week, the Nets finally found at team they could beat, blowing out the Grizzlies on Monday. The offense “exploded” for 111 points in the win after averaging just 88 in the previous three games.	—	24-36
24	HAWKS	Trae Young is expected to miss at least a month with a hand injury — absolutely brutal news for the Hawks. Or is it? They managed to beat the Magic without Young on Sunday, and overall the Hawks have been just about even with or without Young on the floor this season. Something to keep an eye on over the next couple of weeks.	3	26-34
25	HORNETS	This can’t be real, can it? The Hornets have now won five of their last six games, and they’re doing it with defense — allowing just 100 points per 100 possessions over that stretch. Steve Clifford highlighted the basketball IQ of rookie Brandon Miller, but it’s been deadline acquisitions Grant Williams, Seth Curry, Tre Mann and Vasilije Micic who have helped make the difference.	1	15-45
26	GRIZZLIES	At this point the Grizzlies will take moral victories, which is what they got in a close loss to the Clippers. Let’s not talk about how they followed things up against the Nets on Monday. Here’s a thing: Derrick Rose played in both games, averaging five points and three assists in 14 minutes per game.	4	20-41
27	TRAIL BLAZERS	The Blazers were smoked in their first two games out of the All-Star break, mustering just 80 points in Sunday’s loss to Charlotte — their second-lowest total of the season. On the plus side, Deandre Ayton averaged 24 points and 14.5 rebounds on 67% shooting.	1	17-42
28	SPURS	A 5×5 isn’t just a “secret menu” In-N-Out order anymore. Against the Lakers, Victor Wembanyama became the youngest player to record at least five points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks in a single game — he also did it in the fewest minutes of any player in NBA history. Running out of superlatives to describe this dude … going to have to delve into my 10th grade French textbook.	1	12-48
29	PISTONS	Hey, the Pistons ALMOST won two games this week. But, of course, they didn’t. Cade Cunningham has been playing very well of late, averaging 29 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the week on 57/57/88 shooting splits.	4	9-50
30	WIZARDS	Jordan Poole wasn’t happy about his move to the bench, but it’s … kind of working? The inconsistent guard got better in each of his three games as a sixth man this week, putting up 18, 21, and a season-high 31 points, respectively. It’s yet to translate to wins, of course, but hey, baby steps.	1	9-51

Football

1. FC Köln sichert sich rekordbrechenden Transfer von Michael Olise in einem Blockbuster-Deal im Wert von 95 Millionen Dollar1. FC Köln sichert sich rekordbrechenden Transfer von Michael Olise in einem Blockbuster-Deal im Wert von 95 Millionen Dollar

Published

9 months ago

February 15, 2025

NextStepCareers

1. FC Köln sichert sich rekordbrechenden Transfer von Michael Olise in einem Blockbuster-Deal im Wert von 95 Millionen Dollar

In einem überraschenden Schritt, der die Fußballwelt erschüttert hat, hat sich der 1. FC Köln die Dienste von Michael Olise in einem rekordbrechenden Transferdeal im Wert von 95 Millionen Dollar gesichert. Der 22-jährige französische Flügelspieler, der für seine herausragenden Leistungen bei Crystal Palace international Anerkennung gefunden hat, wird dem Bundesliga-Klub für einen Vertrag über fünf Jahre beitreten.

Dieser Transfer stellt einen bedeutenden Meilenstein für den 1. FC Köln dar, der mit dieser Entscheidung ein ambitioniertes Zeichen auf dem internationalen Fußballmarkt setzt. Olises außergewöhnliches Talent, das unter anderem seine Torinstinkte, seine technischen Dribblings und seine Vielseitigkeit auf dem Flügel umfasst, machen ihn zu einem der begehrtesten jungen Talente im europäischen Fußball. Seine Leistungen in der Premier League, wo er zu den herausragenden Spielern von Crystal Palace gehört, haben ihn zu einem Top-Ziel für Spitzenklubs auf dem gesamten Kontinent gemacht.

Die Ablösesumme von 95 Millionen Dollar ist nicht nur ein Rekord für Köln, sondern spiegelt auch die wachsende finanzielle Stärke der Bundesliga-Clubs wider, die in der Lage sind, Spitzenkräfte zu verpflichten. Olise, der bereits Frankreich auf verschiedenen Jugendlevels vertreten hat, bringt eine Menge Kreativität und Flair in ein Team, das darauf abzielt, sich in der Liga weiter nach oben zu kämpfen und einen bedeutenden Eindruck in den europäischen Wettbewerben zu hinterlassen.

Der Sportdirektor des 1. FC Köln, Christian Keller, äußerte sich begeistert über die Verpflichtung und sagte: “Michael ist ein Spieler mit enormem Potenzial, und wir sind überzeugt, dass er uns helfen wird, unsere Ziele sowohl national als auch in Europa zu erreichen. Dieser Deal unterstreicht unser Engagement, erstklassige Spieler zu verpflichten, um unser Team zu verstärken.”

Olises Ankunft signalisiert eine neue Ära für Köln, in der der Verein darauf abzielt, um die europäischen Plätze in der Bundesliga zu kämpfen. Die Fans sind bereits voller Vorfreude, während der Klub sich auf die neue Saison mit seinem wertvollen Neuzugang vorbereitet, der die Mannschaft anführenwird.

ESPN

“Giants in Turmoil: Daniel Jones Benching Sparks Locker Room Division and Franchise Uncertainty”

Published

11 months ago

November 21, 2024

NextStepCareers

New York Giants Locker Room Reportedly Divided Following Daniel Jones’ Benching

In what has quickly become a defining moment of the New York Giants’ turbulent 2024 season, the benching of quarterback Daniel Jones has sparked controversy both on and off the field. While the team has struggled to find consistency, the decision to demote Jones has reportedly caused a schism in the locker room, with players, coaches, and even front-office members taking sides in a debate that could shape the future of the franchise.

A Long Time Coming?

Daniel Jones’ career with the Giants has been a rollercoaster since he was drafted sixth overall in 2019. After showing flashes of brilliance early on, his tenure has been marred by injuries, inconsistent play, and questionable decisions from the coaching staff and management. This season, Jones has faced relentless criticism, completing just 58% of his passes with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions in eight games. His inability to elevate a struggling offense led head coach Brian Daboll to make the controversial call to bench him in favor of backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor.

Some within the organization see the move as a necessary reset for a team desperate for answers. Others, however, view it as a scapegoating of Jones, who has been playing behind an offensive line ranked among the worst in the league and with a depleted group of receivers.

Locker Room Split

Reports from inside the Giants’ facility suggest that the benching has caused significant tension among players. A faction of the team, including several offensive linemen and wide receivers, has reportedly expressed frustration with the decision. They argue that Jones has been unfairly blamed for the team’s struggles and believe that the lack of support around him – from poor pass protection to a stagnant playbook – has been the real issue.

Saquon Barkley, the team’s star running back and vocal leader, is said to be among Jones’ most ardent supporters. Barkley has publicly defended his quarterback in the past, often emphasizing the importance of stability and continuity. Privately, sources claim Barkley is frustrated with what he sees as a lack of accountability from the coaching staff and front office.

On the other side of the divide, a group of defensive players has reportedly welcomed the change. Some believe Jones’ mistakes have put unnecessary pressure on the defense, forcing them into bad situations week after week. This group is said to view Taylor as a more experienced and level-headed option who can manage games more effectively.

Coaching Staff Under Fire

The decision to bench Jones has also raised questions about the leadership of head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Daboll, who was hailed as a savior after leading the Giants to a playoff appearance in his first season, has faced criticism for his inability to develop a consistent offensive identity. Some players reportedly feel that Daboll has mishandled Jones’ development and failed to adapt his game plans to the quarterback’s strengths.

The front office has not been spared either. Many fans and analysts point to Schoen’s failure to adequately address the offensive line during the offseason, a glaring weakness that has plagued the team all year. The Giants’ inability to build around Jones has led to questions about whether the franchise has done enough to set him up for success.

What’s Next for Daniel Jones?

Jones’ future with the Giants is now more uncertain than ever. The quarterback signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension before the season, but with only $82 million guaranteed, the Giants could move on from him as early as next year without incurring significant financial penalties.

The benching has fueled speculation that the Giants may look to draft a quarterback in 2025, with college stars like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye generating significant buzz. If the team opts to go in a different direction, Jones could find himself in search of a new home, with some analysts suggesting he might thrive in a more stable environment.

The Fan Reaction

Unsurprisingly, the decision has also divided the Giants’ fan base. While some fans believe the benching is long overdue, others argue that Jones has been unfairly criticized and deserves more time to prove himself. Social media has been flooded with debates, with hashtags like #FreeDanielJones and #StartTyrod trending after the announcement.

A Franchise at a Crossroads

The Giants’ season is quickly spiraling out of control, and the benching of Daniel Jones has only added to the chaos. With a locker room reportedly divided, a fan base growing increasingly restless, and a coaching staff under fire, the franchise faces a critical juncture.

Will the Giants rally around Tyrod Taylor and salvage their season, or will the division within the team derail their efforts? And what does the future hold for Daniel Jones, a quarterback once seen as the face of the franchise but now mired in uncertainty?

For now, the only certainty is that the New York Giants are a team in turmoil, and the ripple effects of this decision could be felt for years to come.

ESPN

“Trading Dak: 3 Blockbuster Destinations for the Cowboys QB in 2025”

Published

11 months ago

November 21, 2024

NextStepCareers

3 Trade Destinations for Dak Prescott in the 2025 NFL Season: A Bold Take on the Cowboys’ Future

Dak Prescott has been a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys since he took over the starting quarterback role in 2016. But as the Cowboys continue to chase their elusive Super Bowl dreams, questions about Prescott’s ability to lead the team to the promised land are growing louder. After several seasons of good-but-not-great performances, Dallas may find itself at a crossroads in 2025. Could this be the year they move on from their $160 million quarterback? If so, where could Prescott land?

Let’s explore three potential—and controversial—trade destinations for Dak Prescott in the 2025 NFL season.

1. New York Jets: The Missing Piece for a Super Bowl Run?

The Jets have been desperate for quarterback stability since the days of Joe Namath. After Aaron Rodgers’ injury-plagued twilight years and failed experiments with younger QBs, the Jets could turn to Prescott as the veteran presence they need to maximize their loaded roster.

Why it makes sense for the Jets:

The Jets have a top-tier defense led by Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Pairing that with an established quarterback like Prescott could elevate them to Super Bowl contenders.
Prescott’s experience in big games could complement the Jets’ offensive weapons, including Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall.
The New York market is unforgiving, but Prescott has handled intense scrutiny in Dallas, making him a natural fit.

The Controversy:
Prescott’s playoff track record has been inconsistent, and Jets fans may question whether he’s worth the price tag. Trading for Prescott would likely cost New York multiple high draft picks or young talent. Is Prescott truly the guy to break the Jets’ 56-year Super Bowl drought?

2. Atlanta Falcons: The New Face of the Franchise

The Falcons are a team in search of an identity. After years of middling quarterback play following Matt Ryan’s departure, Atlanta could be eyeing Prescott as the player to lead their resurgence. With young stars like Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, the Falcons have the offensive talent but lack a proven leader under center.

Why it makes sense for the Falcons:

Prescott’s dual-threat ability fits perfectly in Arthur Smith’s offense, which thrives on versatility.
The NFC South is one of the weakest divisions in football. Prescott could instantly make the Falcons favorites to win the division and secure playoff berths.
Atlanta is a big market, and Prescott’s star power could help fill seats in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The Controversy:
Prescott’s hefty contract could hamstring Atlanta’s ability to address other roster holes. Falcons fans may also worry about Prescott’s ability to succeed outside of Dallas’ historically strong offensive line and receiving corps. Would he be able to elevate the team, or would he merely replicate Matt Ryan’s late-career struggles?

3. Minnesota Vikings: A Kirk Cousins Upgrade

The Vikings have been stuck in the NFL’s version of purgatory: good enough to make the playoffs, but not good enough to make a deep postseason run. With Kirk Cousins aging and on an expiring contract, the Vikings could see Prescott as the answer to their long-term quarterback question.

Why it makes sense for the Vikings:

Minnesota boasts an elite receiving duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, along with a solid offensive line. Prescott could thrive in this environment.
The NFC North is competitive, but Prescott’s leadership and consistency could give the Vikings an edge over teams like the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.
Prescott brings more mobility and big-play potential than Cousins, giving the Vikings a more dynamic offensive attack.

The Controversy:
Is Prescott really a significant upgrade over Cousins? The Vikings would have to part with premium draft capital to acquire him, potentially limiting their ability to build a championship-caliber roster. Additionally, Prescott’s playoff struggles mirror those of Cousins, making this trade a high-risk gamble.

Why Would the Cowboys Move On?

While these destinations make sense for Prescott, the bigger question is: Why would the Cowboys trade their franchise quarterback?

Championship Ceiling: The Cowboys may decide that Prescott’s inability to carry the team deep into the playoffs justifies a change.
Financial Flexibility: Trading Prescott would free up cap space for Dallas to pursue younger talent or address other roster needs.
Draft Capital: The Cowboys could acquire significant assets in return, setting themselves up for a future rebuild or retool.

The Fallout

No matter where Dak Prescott lands, his potential departure from Dallas would send shockwaves through the NFL. Prescott has been one of the league’s most polarizing quarterbacks, praised for his leadership and criticized for his shortcomings in big moments.

A trade would be a defining moment for both Prescott and the Cowboys. For Dallas, it would signal the end of an era and the start of a new chapter. For Prescott, it would be a chance to prove his doubters wrong in a new environment.

Would trading Dak Prescott be a bold stroke of genius or a colossal mistake? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: If the Cowboys decide to make this move, it will be one of the most talked-about stories of the 2025 NFL season.

What do you think? Should the Cowboys consider trading Dak Prescott, or is he still their best chance at a Super Bowl? Let the debate begin.