Bleacher Report - Articles by James Moschella

Boston Celtics Bring in Rasheed Wallace, Shoo-in for Title?

James Moschella — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:36:48 -0400

After long pursuits from Celtics general manager Danny Ainge, and some help and persuasion from the Celtics' big three, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce, Rasheed Wallace has committed to signing with the Boston Celtics on July 8 when free agents can officially sign.

Wallace will receive a two year deal (presumably the mid-level exception) worth around $5.8 million. After the meetings with all of the Celtics executives, Wallace turned down offers from other powerhouses Orlando and San Antonio for the green jersey.

The fourteen year veteran averaged twelve points a game last season, providing much of the leadership and skill in what was a very disappointing season in Detroit. Averaging just under ten rebounds per game in his entire career, the Celtics will be very happy to get the veteran leader off of the bench that they so desperately needed last year.

Without the likes of Leon Power, and maybe even Glen Davis, Wallace will likely fall into a rotation next year behind Garnett at forward and Perkins at center.

This move provides some much needed versatility from the bench for the Celtics, especially if they could eventually tie up their other highly touted free agent, Grant Hill.

With Wallace's fierce playing style and ability to shoot from outside range, he gives the Celtics another opportunity to win the title after an unfortunate injury plagued season only saw them to the second round of the playoffs.

From a strategic point of view, Wallace's athleticism and skill will set Allen and Pierce up for more shots, but allow young prodigy Rajon Rondo to drive more because of a long range threat.

Many have complained about the Celtics' need for a James Posey from '08, Wallace is most likely this man, only better. A signing of this nature finally puts the Celtics on the board in free agency, still competing with the acquisitions of Cleveland and Orlando, acquiring Shaq and Vince Carter, respectively.

Could this signing give the green team the upper hand in a very tight conference? It makes the Celtics the most experienced team, and a very skilled and deep team which is definitely needed in an ever changing league.

What You Don't Know About International Basketball

James Moschella — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 04:14:08 -0400

While most would read the headline and think, "We won the Olympics. We're the best," There's more to international basketball than most know.

David Stern, the NBA's commissioner, loves the idea of the NBA in Europe. Unfortunately, the Euroleague (a competition between the best club teams in Europe, usually national league champions) has disallowed the playing of preseason games against NBA teams. No, it's not because NBA teams tend to win.

Currently, the FIBA (the international federation for basketball) is holding it's Under-19 tournament in New Zealand (basketball in New Zealand?). Yes, the USA did field a team, and no, it's not all D-II players. The likes of Duke, North Carolina, and Butler have all contributed.

What's the importance? Well, since the recent performance of the USA Football, erm, Soccer team, international awareness may have struck an all-time high in America. Sure, we all know about Europe and their crazy fans. Sure, we know Manchester United and Barcelona played in the Champions league final—whatever that is.

Did you know that there's a Champions league for the Western hemisphere? The Americas League is that league. Teams from the Caribbean, South America, and even the great US of A have participated. What teams? Ever heard of the Premier Basketball League? Neither had I until the wonders of the Wikipedia universe had me going for hours.

The Premier Basketball League is just another developmental league in America. But who crowned the All-Stars and the Champions (Miami Tropics) of that league the teams that deserve to play against South America's best? What, because the likes of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol would surely dominate, but why not at least a D-League team?

The USA had to establish its dominance over the world in last summer's Olympics. But why stop there? The champions of the "Americas League" get to play in a "Club World Cup."

I'm not sure about you, but the shot to see at least someone I've heard of playing against the World's better half would be amazing. Wouldn't the commissioner love this? A NBA vs. Europe game which wasn't sponsored or forced to be played by owners for the money?

Typically, Americans like to establish dominance. While our leagues may seem just as developed as the rest of the world (OK, sorry MLS) we still become cocky of ourselves.

Why not, for once, we let ourselves be like the rest of the world? Wouldn't you love it to see the Lakers and the Celtics extending their rivalry to literally be crowned "Champions of the World." P.S- - Great marketing theme!

The world of basketball is truly improving. Some of the biggest names in the NBA aren't from here. Ricky Rubio could very well be the NBA's next best thing.

So we can't just go into these competitions besides all the contractual and financial reasons. But as an American, I would love to opportunity to see my teams and the players I root for, whether in a USA or company-funded NBA jersey, playing against the world's teams. Not only could this bring us together for a better cause and better world cooperation (Americans and Russians singing, cheering, rooting across sections and balconies) but it would also give basketball the biggest improvement it could get.

Last time I checked, players play for the love of the game, right? Well I know the ones dying to compete against those teams from around the world are.

James Moschella can be contacted at jcm718@gmail.com

Celtics Pursuing Second Overall Pick from Memphis

James Moschella — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:28:27 -0400

Recent news has brought about, according writers in Memphis, that many teams are aiming to get the second overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. In this race have supposedly been Boston, Houston, and New York.

It would be more than likely that any trade involving the Celtics trading up to the pick would involve an established veteran being shipped to the Grizzlies in exchange.

Two questions immediately come to mind when seeing this news: What could the Celtics get with this pick, and what would they have to give up to the pick?

We already know that Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo have supposedly been on the block, but Allen surely isn't enough for the second pick. The problem with this trade is that Memphis is in lack of forwards and front-court play, while the only veteran play that Boston could offer is in the back court with the likes of Eddie House and Tony Allen.

One name that could possibly come up is Kendrick Perkins. Up until this year many Celtics management were upset with Perkins' lack of improvement. This year he came into his own and undoubtedly proved he deserved a starting spot on any roster. Since he is still in his youth, he could be a good prospect while recent shoulder injuries may leave many unconfident with his play.

If the Celtics do end up trading, they would likely have an open spot, whether it be at a guard spot (Allen) or a center spot (Perkins).

Now we know that the Celtics are going after many free agents, with names like Marcin Gortat, (Orlando) who impressed during the playoffs, or Tim Thomas (Chicago), the names seem to be big guys.

So that leaves us with one person who is really worth drafting so early at a guard spot. Could the name Ricky Rubio be of any familiarity? Rubio, who currently plays for DK Joventut of the Spanish league has been linked to many teams including Sacramento. The young kid has tons of skill and shows promise. While no word has come out of Celtics camps on workouts, the question lies in why the Celtics would aim at their biggest improvement of the offseason be an unproven rookie?

This rumor is likely nothing more than that, the facts lie against it. The Celtics need a veteran, and there aren't many sharpshooters on the market so Allen isn't likely to go away, and neither would be any youth that the Celtics will need in the near future with Garnett and Pierce nearing the end.

James Moschella may be contacted at jcm718@gmail.com

Red Sox Pitching Prospects: What To Look For in Spring Training

James Moschella — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 12:53:44 -0500

So pitchers and catchers report at the end of the week, and we know the Boston Red Sox have been planning another run at the championship, and expect to reach that pinnacle again for the third time in six years.

But, like most seasons, injuries happen, and with the shaky pasts of new signings like Brad Penny and John Smoltz, the Sox will most likely be needing help from the minors.

So, in hopes that this article never becomes relevant, here are some things to watch for in Spring Training out of the midseason callup hopefuls.

Pitchers:

First, be wary of the newest Japanese import, Junichi Tazawa. Though he is young, this may be his first opportunity to see how can perform straight into games against real major leaguers. Be ready to see him work a lot out of the bullpen and see how he adapts to the American style of play. If he could start to work on his offspeed and breaking stuff and get him down, watch for him to perform well in he minors and maybe even work his way to a September callup.

Next, the never ending question - where does Terry Francona want Justin Masterson to play? We all saw the domination in the beginning of the season as a starter. But we also saw the inconsistency that he displayed towards the end of the season as a set up man. Masterson's stuff is beyond nasty, and he has the kind of stuff and wind up that can keep hitters whiffing for multiple innings. But will Francona keep him in the end of the rotation? Will he allow to let Takashi Saito take over the new set up role and groom him as a starter, because we all know rubber arm Tim Wakefield won't be able to last another season.... right?

Which brings me to the next one on my list. Though he had one horrific start next year, watch for the future knuckler, Charlie Zink. Let's see if Wakefield can groom him into well, the next Wakefield, or will he be a future rule 5? If Zink gets his stuff working at the major league level, he may be the first player out of Pawtucket to spot start.

The last point, is the one Sox fans may be most ticked with. Clay "I don't know if I'm good or not so don't trade me just yet" Buccholz. We all know he has potential, unless of course he is like former Red Sox #1 prospect, who conveniently enough, threw a no-hitter too.

The thing is, Red Sox management is deeply in love with him, whether it's his stripper girlfriend or his big blue eyes, they'll keep him around. But if he doesn't get his stuff together in Spring training, look for him to be gone by July 31. And when Buccholz is gone, Michael Bowden will be sitting pretty. There's nothing much to say about him except, well, he's damn good. If Smoltz and Penny only live one year of their contracts, look for Bowden to be in the rotation and in the league leaders in ERA in '10.

So, those should be the big stories in Spring Training from the Sox of the future...

Others to watch for: Ramon Ramirez - See if he can perform and earn innings.;Devern Hansack- has he finally earned a spot on the team?; Hunter Jones- killer fastball and breaking stuff, a stud in the making.

Feel free to contact me: jcm718@gmail.com

The Premature NBA All-Decade Team

James Moschella — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:32:56 -0500

The decade that was supposed to end as soon as it started is ending.

The world has seen extreme change, and so has the NBA. It has changed from the all around team style of play, to the star-player-with-decent-supporting-cast style of play. The teams that excelled, of course, are the ones that had more than one star player. See 00-02 Lakers; '03, '05, and '07 Spurs; '04 Pistons; '06 Heat; and '08 Celtics.

With the establishment and foundation of the teams in the decade, there must be establishment of the best players in the decade, and that is what we are here to determine.

Note: Team was first determined by taking top 5 players at each position, and cutting down to two or three.

First, the starters: PG Allen Iverson; SG Kobe Bryant; SF LeBron James; PF Tim Duncan; C Shaquille O'Neal

Second, the reserves (by position): PGs Jason Kidd and Steve Nash; SG Dwayne Wade; SF Paul Pierce; PFs Kevin Garnett and Dirk Nowitzki; C Yao Ming

Head Coach: Phil Jackson

Honorable Mentions:

Chris Paul, Tracy McGrady, Ray Allen, Michael Redd, Chris Webber, Dwight Howard, Elton Brand.

Now comes the hard part, the reasoning:

PGs: First off, you may ask, why Iverson at the PG? Well, first I looked at longevity. Iverson's consistency with every team he went to made him the clear-cut winner, even though he wasn't a true point. Plus, while Nash did win two MVPs, he had a better cast with him, while Iverson was left with a measly Eric Snow. Kidd becomes the next backup after Nash in this spot because of his great playoff success ( a triple-double avg). For the most part of the 00s, he has been the best PG in the East. Chris Paul misses out by a little because of the shortness of his career.

SGs: Well, this one is clear and no arguments allowed. Bryant is without a doubt one of the best of all time, and clearly the best in the decade. After Bryant, is Dwayne Wade. Wade's success in the first three years of his career is unmatched. His rookie season was one of the best in history. While Allen is more of a shooter, Wade is a better all around player, and the best of his career most likely has still yet to come, shown by his performance this year. Redd just doesn't have the stats to compare.

SFs: This one also is easy: LeBron is LeBron. Whether he is the "next Jordan" or the "new LeBron." his career, when it is said and done, will make him one of the best ever. After James comes a tricky one. The Pierce/McGrady battle is most likely endless. Stats comparison, blah blah, the guys are extremely alike. Though, this one is easy. Pierce: 1 championship; McGrady: 0. Pierce: Playoff success in early 00s without cast; McGrady: No success with cast.

PFs: The west owns this position. Two of the best power forwards in history make up the two best in the decade. Duncan led his team to two championships in the decade and though he has always had help, he has been the leader of the team. Garnett is virtually the same and his '08 season with the Celtics only solidifies that position. Next comes Nowitzki. The question was not if he deserves it more than Brand and Webber (who was more 90s), but does he deserve it more than McGrady. When looking at the team, the fact that Nowitzki could add shooting like McGrady and his presence in the post gives him the advantage.

Cs: Once again, starter is a sure fire answer. O'Neal is the best C of the decade, top five all time. Ming gets the spot over Howard because of longevity, once again.

This roster was carefully decided, with lots of common sense. The factors that went in (not in any order): Statistics, Popularity, Success, Playoff success, Longevity, Awards, Cast.

When Will Hockey Get Some Respect?

James Moschella — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 02:52:01 -0500

When you think of hockey, what do you think? Not, "Oh that sport on ice with players who lose all their teeth." Like most people, you probably think, "Oh that sport from Canada, or wherever."

With the new season starting, I beg you to give hockey a second chance.

What makes hockey worth your time? The fact that it's not like any sport.

It doesn't stop every 40 seconds and resume after the ball has been moved two yards. It doesn't stop every few minutes for someone to shoot a ball. It doesn't stop after a second of excitement.

Could it be that besides bacon and Avril Lavigne, the Canadians have given us something good? Eh?

Yes, it could and it is. Hockey, the toughest sport in the country, may be one of the most underrated things in the sports world, right after the Tampa Bay Rays and the Dolphins' new high school-style offense. Maybe they'll put two quarterbacks under center next week.

Hockey just can't get the exposure it needs. Its main broadcasting is the outdoors channel...a little ironic for a sport played indoors on ice. The ratings aren't growing much with bull riding being shown after the game.

Oh, and don't forget to spend your time watching the 10 second highlight segments on SportsCenter, either.

Could it be that many players just aren't cute enough to bring in female fans? Maybe it's because most of the players are missing teeth. Or tight pants just aren't tight enough.

Sports shouldn't be about drug-dealing running backs, steroid scandals, or even cross-dressing power forwards; they should be about the anticipation of the next shift, the banging of the glass, and the ever popular "woah oh oh" song after each goal.

So the next time you are deciding between the new 50 Cent reality show on MTV or The Hills, think twice and give hockey a chance.

Chicks definitely dig missing teeth and heavy metal music.

Is Varitek Worth Attempting To Bring Back?

James Moschella — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 09:47:27 -0400

Today, longtime Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek filed for free agency from the team. There will now be a 15 day period in which the team has to negotiate with him, otherwise, he will be able to sign with other teams.

Now I foresee many future pros and cons to this.

If the Red Sox plan to pursue Varitek, first they will have to go through the Medusa of baseball, Scott Boras. With Boras at the helm of negotiations, it can be almost guaranteed that there will be no deal done in this 15 day period. Therefore, relinquishing the Sox's rights on him, and he will most likely sign with another team. Possible teams include Detroit, Seattle, and Toronto.

In my opinion, Varitek is not worth the hassle of bringing him back another year. We have seen the likes of George Kottaras, who seems very poised to step into a new role. Tek's stats recently have just been horrible, clearly displayed by the disappointment that was the '08 playoffs. He is old and not worth the time. Did I forget to mention he has been some form of "hurt" every year for the last five or so years?

On the other side of things, Varitek has been a staple of this lineup for years dating back to days I can't remember. Without a doubt he is the smartest catcher in the league. There is no other player at his position who could possibly call a game as great as he does. He may not have a chance to impact the game with his bat, but every pitch still has something to do with him.

The defensive aspect could be the only reason the Red Sox would consider bringing him back. But are the numbers not good enough to keep this team in contention? Could the youngsters surprise like Pedroia. Only time will tell.