Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Grading the Brass 2013

Seeing as the players saw the red pen earlier, here are the grades of the men in charge. Their explanations are a little more in depth. For comparison's sake, here are the grades for '09-10'10-11 and '11-12.

Jim Schoenfeld/Ken Gernander: The Whale finished two points out of a playoff spot after closing the season on an atrocious 0-5-1-0 run. The concussion that cost Marek Hrivik half the season couldn't be helped. Few players were graduated to the big club but it isn't like Torts woulda trusted them anyway. Kreider looked good in his return for the playoffs but can that be attested to his time in the bus league or to the big stage? How the development of Miller, Thomas and McIlrath over the season worked out will be better judged in the fall. B

John Tortorella: Another season of the egomaniacal, deluded dictator saw the Rangers regress from last year's surprising success. Torts had a distinctly different team this time around that he failed by attempting to force them to play his Safe Is Life system. Rather than attempt to adapt to the new staff, Torts kept hammering his boring brand of defensive hockey. His sense of accountability was flawed due to his favouritism as he forced out last season's 41 goal scorer while sticking with an atrocious Brad Richard$. His power play ... 'nuff said. As usual, his work with the media was an unfortunate, unprofessional sideshow.  F


Glen Sather: Yet again Glen's moves have been a mixed bag of the bad and the brilliant. The thought that Arron Asham could suitably replace Brandon Prust was farcical and not realizing the full impact of sending Dubi, Arty and Timmay to Columbus for Nash was a major failure on Sather's part. Adding Hamrlik on waivers and keeping J.T. Miller for too long were also both clear errors. But Rupp for Powe and Palmieri, hell, Rupp for anyone showed the GM's Jedi powers. Also his 'deadline' deals of bringing back Zuke and picking up Brassard, Moore and Dorsett for unhappy Gabby were both brilliant. Seems like he overpaid for Clowe but who knows how the big guy coulda helped in crunch time had he not been concussed. B-

James Dolan: First the lockout then the incredibly un-fan-friendly phase two of the renovation. It's harder to get into the arena, it's harder to get around the arena and the seats are more uncomfortable than ever. Other teams had give-aways, give-backs and thank yous for the fans who returned, we had higher prices and ultimatums. The corporatization of the Rangers is nearly complete and the writing is on the wall for the rest of us. Diehard fans are not appreciated or wanted - we already own jerseys, we have our neighborhood bars and routines. Businessmen and tourists come to the Garden and spend more on a nightly basis, and that is what it is all about for Jimmy D's regime. They built the "World's Most Famous Arena" reputation on our backs and are now doing their best to push us out. The focus on the bottom line - while understandable on a strictly logical level - has resulted in a lifeless, dull arena experience. But, on the plus side, at least it's been quiet enough for the ladies to ask questionsF


ChatGPT
Title: "Grading the Brass: A Retrospective on the 2013 NBA Draft Class"

Introduction

The NBA Draft is an annual spectacle that showcases the future of professional basketball. In 2013, the basketball world watched with anticipation as a new generation of talent was selected. Now, nearly a decade later, it's time to take a closer look at the class of 2013 and assess how these players have fared in their careers. In this article, we will grade the brass of the 2013 NBA Draft, analyze the standout performers, and answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this memorable class.

Chapter 1: The 2013 NBA Draft - A Recap
The Top Picks
The 2013 NBA Draft featured several highly touted prospects, including Anthony Bennett, Victor Oladipo, Otto Porter Jr., Cody Zeller, and Nerlens Noel. Anthony Bennett was the surprise No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Notable Steals
While many eyes were on the lottery picks, the 2013 draft also produced some significant late-round steals. Notably, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the eventual two-time NBA MVP, was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 15th overall pick.

Chapter 2: Grading the Brass
A Class Defined
Grading NBA draft classes is a challenging task as player development can vary significantly. However, we can assess the overall impact of the 2013 class based on individual achievements, contributions to their teams, and career longevity.

Standout Performers
Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks): Giannis is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the 2013 draft class. His impact on the league has been immense, leading the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021 and winning multiple MVP awards.

Victor Oladipo (Indiana Pacers): Oladipo has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, earning two All-Star selections. Injuries have hindered his progress, but he remains a valuable asset.

CJ McCollum (Portland Trail Blazers): McCollum has become Damian Lillard's trusted backcourt partner, consistently averaging over 20 points per game.

Steven Adams (Oklahoma City Thunder): Adams has been a reliable presence in the paint, known for his rebounding and physicality.

The Jury Is Still Out
While some players have had remarkable careers, others are still finding their footing in the NBA. It's essential to remember that player development can be an ongoing process, and some prospects may have yet to reach their full potential.

Chapter 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let's address some common questions about the 2013 NBA Draft and its class:

Q1: Who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft?
A1: The No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft was Anthony Bennett, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Q2: What makes Giannis Antetokounmpo's career standout in the 2013 draft class?
A2: Giannis Antetokounmpo's career stands out due to his incredible versatility, two MVP awards, an NBA championship, and his transformation into one of the league's top players.

Q3: Are there any notable undrafted players from the 2013 class?
A3: Yes, several undrafted players from the 2013 class have made significant impacts in the NBA, including Kent Bazemore, Seth Curry, and Robert Covington.

Q4: How has injury impacted the careers of some 2013 draftees?
A4: Injuries have affected the careers of several 2013 draftees, including Nerlens Noel and Alex Len, who had promising starts but faced setbacks due to health issues.

Q5: Is it common for later-round picks to become stars in the NBA?
A5: While it's not common for later-round picks to become superstars, there are always exceptions. Giannis Antetokounmpo's rise from the 15th overall pick to an MVP is a prime example of this rarity.

Chapter 4: Conclusion - A Class of Varied Journeys
The 2013 NBA Draft class has showcased the unpredictable nature of professional basketball. While some players have achieved superstardom, others have faced obstacles and challenges along the way. Giannis Antetokounmpo's ascent from the 15th pick to an NBA champion and MVP serves as a testament to the potential hidden within every draft class. As the years go by, the 2013 class will continue to leave its mark on the league, reminding us that the journey of an NBA player is often filled with twists and turns, with each player crafting their own unique story in the world of basketball.




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