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TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on the Christmas Day extravaganza, including the Nets struggles, the improvement of Serge Ibaka, the feisty Mario Chalmers, the performance of Chandler Parsons and the lane presence of DeAndre Jordan. jerseys cheap nfl . 1. BROOKLYN NETS: I know Brook Lopez is a good player but come on now. The Chicago Bulls didnt have Derrick Rose and Luol Deng wasnt suited up and they get their tails kicked at home. What I see is a team thats disjointed and just not on the same page in terms of what the plan is. Injuries and the lack of practice time with a healthy group have been factors no doubt but when I see inconsistent effort and lack of fire/passion, then I wonder. I think we all thought this team would be so much better. Now what? Tough decision for GM Billy King. Theyve gone all in with this group and it will be a difficult fix. 2. SERGE IBAKA (Thunder): Each time I watch him, Im more and more impressed with what I see. Hes continuing to improve his game and has become a very nice third piece to compliment Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Plays the game very hard. Relentless in his rebounding effort, finishes in the lane and has become so much more confident in his face-up game and jump shot. He was so raw when he first entered the league but not anymore. Its a true testament to his work ethic. 3. MARIO CHALMERS (Heat): Doesnt get a lot of attention on this team yet hes a feisty perimeter defender and gets the ball to the right places at the right time. Is a guy that can hurt you with the 3-point shot and loves the big moment. Perfect complimentary fit for this club. You dont need to run a lot of plays for him and the style of play is good for his game. Has a really good motor and compete level and playing with such great players has taught him to slow down and concentrate on making the smart play which he does with better consistency. 4. CHANDLER PARSONS (Rockets): Never thought hed be this good as a pro when he came out of the University of Florida. Not a big, strong guy and when you look at him, hes far from a physically imposing figure yet at an explosive/demanding position, hes more than held his own. His performance yesterday against the Spurs was one of pure efficiency and productivity with 21 points, six rebounds and six assists. He makes you guard him from deep (5- 3 Pointers) and has a neat change of pace with his ball skills. Plays the game at a controlled speed yet with superb energy and awareness. A keeper. 5. DE ANDRE JORDAN (Clippers): He gives his team the lane presence that is so important to win consistently in the NBA. Gets 13 rebounds and six blocks against the Warriors and takes only terrific high percentage shots in the lane, usually on offensive rebounds or off of Chris Paul penetration for dunks. As we get into the playoffs in April, Ill be curious to see if Doc Rivers continues to play him major minutes, particularly late in games with his shaky free-throw shooting. Rivers has made it a point of emphasis to play him and boost his stock and compliment him and its paid dividends in an improved player. With coaches leaning towards playing small and adding skill to the court in bigger games, this will be an interesting dynamic to watch develop. cheap jerseys . The Italian came from behind to overtake Jarlinson Pantano in the final 50 metres and edge out Dario Cataldo on the line after a climb to the sanctuary of Oropa, the scene of Marco Pantanis memorable victory in 1999. nfl jerseys china . #SportingKC pic.twitter.TORONTO -- D.C. United has transferred Canadian international defender Dejan Jakovic to Japans Shumizu S-Pulse. Jakovic, who signed with United in February 2009 from Serbias Red Star Belgrade, made 94 starts and played in 98 games with one goal in five MLS seasons. "We would like to thank Dejan for his contributions to our club, and for all that he did on and off the field during his time at D.C. United," D.C. GM Dave Kasper said in a statement Tuesday. The 28-year-old Jakovic made US$303,340 last season, third highest on the United payroll. The team is remaking its roster after posting a league-worst 3-24-7 record last season. United traded for veteran Philadelphia defender Jeff Parke on Tuesday and previously signed defenders Nana Attakora, a Canadian international, and Jalen Robinson, a U.wholesale nfl jerseys. S. under-20 international. "In Jeff, we have acquired a starting veteran centre back who instantly upgrades our backline," Kasper said. "Jeff has over 200 starts in MLS, and at 31, has many years to contribute to our team at a high level." Born in Croatia, Jakovic moved to Canada with his family when he was six. He played in 18 games (17 starts) for D.C. United last season. "I want to thank (at)dcunited staff all the fans & players I have played with during my time here. Always a spot 4 u in my heart. .VamosUnited!!" he tweeted. cheap nfl jerseys ' ' ' |
