Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: Sports

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 21, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 21, 2022

    Welcome to your Saturday morning edition of The Morning After Huddle. Unlike your coffee that is now cold after wrangling the kids for hours, we’re serving up HOT takes on all things football.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • OBJ to the Colts? Can the 49ers keep Deebo Samuel? Mark Sessler of Around the NFL has identified the top remaining off season priorities for all 32 teams, including some scenarios that are under the radar, in this stellar review.
    • Michael Vick is living his football dreams once again as he’s announced that he signed a deal with Fan Controlled Football. Inspired by the success of his good friend Terrell Owens, Vick will play during the final week of the season.
    • Your Key Signings RoundUp is heating up with potential moves: Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports says there continues to be buzz around Robert Quinn wanting out of Chicago. There is belief that Quinn’s trade price could be more than two draft picks. Late Friday, Mike Garafolo broke news that the Colts are looking at a former Frank Reich coached QB (not that one) to sit behind Matt Ryan. Talks with Nick Foles are in progress and a deal could be in place soon.

    That’s it for your huddle today. Break down the Huddle again with us next week for more news you need to know!

    ICYMI: Friday – May 20, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 20, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 20, 2022

    Welcome to your Friday edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on all things football. In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Go, Chargers! Go!”. The Bolts will officially have a new home in 2024.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The Los Angeles Chargers broke ground on a 14 acre site Wednesday, with completion due in July 2024. Owner Dean Spanos says the move has been 5 years in the making and they look forward to being “home.” The headquarters will be less than 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.
    • The NFL has announced its inaugural Coach and Front Office Accelerator will be held on May 23-24 at the Spring League Meeting . Senior women and minority prospects will have the opportunity to sit in on leadership development sessions. Commissioner Roger Goodell says, “…this program is the latest in a series of steps designed to improve our hiring practices and create opportunities for advancement.”
    • Finally, your Key Signings RoundUp looks a little bit different today: Greg Olsen has signed a deal to join Kevin Burkhardt to call Super Bowl LVII. Olsen and Burkhardt worked together last season and are set to be Fox’s No. 1 team. Ravens Punter Sam Koch has signed on to hang his cleats up for good. The Ravens announced Koch’s retirement today after 16 seasons.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us today. Catch us this weekend, with your morning coffee, for more news you need to know!

    ICYMI: Thursday – May 19, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 19, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 19, 2022

    Welcome to your Thursday edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on the “X’s”, the “O’s” and everything in between. The Buffalo Bills have decided to “choose love” (as their new cause shirts say) and have made good on their promise to help the Buffalo community.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The Buffalo Bills will partner with the NFL Foundation to donate $400,000 to local response efforts within the city of Buffalo. Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, called the donation a way to “work together as a community to address immediate needs, long-term rebuilding and systemic issues that continue to marginalize communities of color.”
    • The Minnesota Vikings are hosting a coaching summit this week to give minority coaches, who otherwise might not have the opportunity, exposure to the NFL. The 3 day event includes presentations, group activities, and mock interviews. Assistant Head Coach Mike Pettine says he was inspired by the NFL’s lack of diversity in coordinator and head coaching positions.
    • James Bradberry tops your Key Signings Roundup today. The former Giants CB signed a 1-year, $10M deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have been looking to fill a spot at CB since Steven Nelson signed with the Texans last month.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us today. Catch us Friday for more news you need to know!

    ICYMI: Wednesday – May 18, 2022 Edition

  • Western Conference Finals Preview

    Western Conference Finals Preview

    The Golden State Warriors, not too long ago, were thought to be done as a contender. Over the last few seasons they’ve dealt with injuries, roster turnover, and age. Now they’re back with their championship core, some new additions, and an attitude to get back to the NBA Finals. It might be Steph Curry’s league once more.

    The Dallas Mavericks have a singular talent, the likes of which we may have never seen. A generational player in Luka Doncic, who’s combined his talents with smart coaching and a versatile roster. That combination led to one of the most shocking results in NBA history as they dismantled Phoenix.

    It’s the old guard in Curry, and the new one in Luka. This matchup is fascinating for so many reasons. Let’s take a look.

    Tale Of The Tape: In the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Mavericks have had to adjust on the fly. First, Doncic missed some time against Utah, which led to Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie stepping up. After they got through that series they were dominated by Phoenix in the first two games. Once Jason Kidd challenged Luka and co. to participate, the Mavs shocked the world and won a Game 7 on the road.

    The Warriors are coming off of a physical series against Memphis after dispatching Denver in the 1st round. In the 2nd round, it felt like the Warriors just had an experience advantage against the Grizzlies. Despite some uneven performances they now have home court in this round. 

    Key Matchup: Luka vs Everyone

    Luka Doncic has shown that, at least for now, there isn’t a coverage that he can’t figure out. He will hunt a matchup and pick on it. Whether it’s getting a switch to get a big on him or getting a smaller guy, he is on another level. The Warriors will probably start with Andrew Wiggins on Luka. Then the game of chess begins. Dallas will want to get Steph Curry or Jordan Poole in actions for Luka to get the one on one. After that, it’s pick your poison. You either send your help to Luka and allow him to find a three point shooter or he goes one on one. Right now there is no easy answer. Here’s an example of how he can burn you in different ways.

    Here you see the Warriors defense in scramble mode as Luka gets the ball movement going. This is where the Mavs are at their best.

    Kevon Looney is one of the smarter switch bigs in the league, and here Luka just picks on him and gets to the basket for an and one.

    Luka asks Looney for another dance, and this time backs him down, and gets to a mini fadeaway.

    The Warriors can counteract this on the other end by making Luka work on defense. Andrew Wiggins could be an important player this series if Dallas isn’t going to send help. Expect the Warriors to target Luka just like Phoenix did. The only difference is the Warriors have more shooting to expose them.

    The Mavericks should also expect Draymond Green helping on timed double teams, and where Green is deployed should be interesting. Green will have less of a 1 on 1 responsibility and should be able to roam in this series. He could definitely disrupt Dallas’ offense if they’re not on their game.

    The Prediction: Golden State will miss Gary Payton II in this series. His defense and intangibles are very valuable, especially in trying to disrupt this Mavericks offense. There will be games in this series that the Warriors will win just by outshooting the Mavs. Steph, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole will find success.

    The issue when the rubber meets the road is Luka Doncic. He is playing at a Hall Of Fame level. The decision making is sublime; the ability to dissect a defense is truly incredible. Add in Jason Kidd’s coaching and being adept at making adjustments. Also add in the Mavs role players figuring things out to a point where they dominated the best team in the sport. Going with the best player in the series here, Mavericks in 6.

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 18, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 18, 2022

    Welcome to another edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on the “X’s”, the “O’s” and everything in between. The Cleveland Browns offseason has been filled more twists and turns than your favorite show’s season finale and it’s about to get more intense.

    Here is what you need to know:

    • Ed Werder reports the first direct meetings between the NFL’s investigative team and Browns QB DeShaun Watson began yesterday. The league will determine if he violated its Personal Conduct Policy and whether discipline could be handed down. The Browns, aware of this situation, configured Watson’s contract to be backloaded, with Watson only making just north of a $1M salary for 2022. (More details here)
    • According to Beyoncé, girls run the world and in the world of sports betting, women are definitely making some noise. According to Global Wireless Solutions, more than 4.6 million women joined sports betting apps in 2021. Diving deeper, a staggering 1.7M women joined FanDuel and an additional 900,00 women joined DraftKings.
    • Rounding out today’s news is your Key Signings Roundup: Former Bears RB Tarik Cohen has been attempting to make a comeback since 2020. Unfortunately, during his workouts yesterday, he suffered what appears to be a serious injury. (we will not share the video) Hours later, the injury was confirmed to be a torn achilles. We wish Tarik a speedy recovery!

    Thanks for jumping into the huddle with us today! Catch us tomorrow as we break down more news.

    ICYMI: Tuesday – May 17, 2022 Edition

  • 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition

    2022 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition

    With the end of the 21-22 season around the corner and the NBA Draft Lottery scheduled to take place on Tuesday May 17, let’s breakdown who we view as the top 14 prospects.

    Draft Philosophy

    Is the most talented player in an NBA draft also the most important player, or even the best player to take with the top pick in the draft? The goal should always be to build a Championship roster. With that in mind, should we over value the flashy 6’1 Guard who may be projected to score 25 points per game even if history dictates that teams led by small guards rarely win championships? (Detroit’s Isiah Thomas being the rare example). Data tells us that size, length, and versatility results in winning basketball. For this mock the players are broken out into tiers with their projected outcome.

    Tier 1: Top 2 Players on a Championship level team

    Tier 2: All Star Potential

    Tier 3: High End Starter

    Tier 4 Starter

    Tier 5: Rotation

    Tier 6: Low Floor Wing Bets

    Tier 7: Low Floor Second Round Bets

    Tier 1

    1. Chet Holmgren: Height – 7’0 Weight – 195 lbs

    If selected with the first overall pick, Chet will go down as having one of the lowest floors for a number one pick. A scary proposition for any GM willing to take him but his high-end outcome is way too tantalizing to overlook. Chet projects as an elite shot blocker with the lateral quickness to stick with guards even after being beat off the dribble. Offensively, he possesses guard skills that allows him to lead on fast breaks and beat opposing bigs off the dribble. His three-point shooting is coming along and he has good touch around the rim. If Chet hits his end outcome, he’s a Franchise altering player that can define a team’s defensive culture (ala Rudy Gobert) but also be utilized on the offensive end to great impact. The problem is his weight. At 195 lbs, he’ll be one of the skinniest players in the league. With the highest ceiling in the draft, I still believe it’s worth taking him top overall.

    2. Jabari Smith Jr: Height – 6’10 Weight – 210 lbs

    Smith is one of the best hustlers on defense in draft while also possessing arguably the best jumper. At 6’10, Smith offers teams a shot making big that can space the floor. His lack of ball handling skill limits his ability to create his own shot and forces him to only play the 5/4 on offense.

    Tier 2

    3. Paolo Banchero: Height – 6’10 Weight – 250 lbs

    With various interior moves and the quickness to beat opposing bigs off the bounce, I expect Banchero to make an immediate impact to the team that drafts him. An underrated skill is his ability to play make off the dribble. With NBA spacing and if his shot continues to develop, I can see a scenario in which Banchero’s playmaking will be his elite skill.

    4. Shaedon Sharpe: Height – 6’6 Weight – 175 lbs

    An above the rim wing who thrives on fast-paced teams. His elite handles allow him to be shifty and his ability to shoot the ball makes him a threat anywhere on the court. Sharpe is a gamble as he hasn’t played any college basketball this season but is a gamble worth taking as high-end versatile wing players are hard to come by in the NBA.

    5. Jaden Ivy: Height – 6’4 Weight- 195 lbs

    A dynamic isolation player with a monster first step that allow him to get the rim with ease. Ivy is one of the best athletes in the draft and will definitely turn heads with his monstrous dunks in the league but it remains to be seen how his lack of playmaking ability and defensive struggles will impact him in the NBA.

    Tier 3

    6. Keegan Murray: Height – 6’8 Weight – 215 lbs

    With the best feel for the game in the draft, Keegan is going to a good player and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up better than player’s selected above him. With such a high floor and low ceiling it makes sense to have him at the top of tier 3. Expect him to play point forward with responsibility on him to make smart reads to give his team the best chance to win.

    7. Jeremy Sochan: Height – 6’9 Weight – 230 lbs

    A versatile wing player who is able to guard all five positions. An offensively limited player but is worth a high lottery pick due to his willingness to make hustle plays, playmaking skills, and his overall basketball intelligence. His NBA outcome all depends on if he’s able to develop a reliable jump shot.

    8. AJ Griffin: Height 6’6 Weight – 222 lbs

    A gifted wing scorer who can light it up from 3. Also possess the ball handling skill to create his own shot. He’s tough but not a great defensive player to project as a 3 and D wing.

    9. Jalen Duren: Height 6’10 Weight – 230 lbs

    An athletic and explosive shot blocker who already has the NBA frame to oppose other NBA bigs. Projects as a decent finisher at the rim and a good pick and roll partner. Will need to work on reading pick and roll defense in order to be an elite defensive presence.

    Tier 4

    10. Dyson Daniels: Height – 6’6 Weight – 199 lbs

    A gifted playmaker and defender, that utilizes his strong feel for the game to facilitate and to control the tempo of a basketball game. The lack of shot making upside limits his ceiling. Dyson can become a reliable starting point guard if he continues to improve his 3 point shot.

    11. Bennedict Mathurin: Height – 6’6 Weight – 210 lbs

    An elite spot up three point shooter who also possesses the athleticism to be an above the rim finisher on fast break plays. Will need to improve his defensive consistency to project as a 3 and D wing.

    12. Blake Wesley: Height – 6’5 Weight – 181 lbs

    One of the best handles in the draft, Wesley is able to break down the defense with ease. This is an upside pick that projects Blake adding better passing reads and a more consistent three point shot to his repertoire.

    13. Johnny Davis: Height – 6’5 Weight – 194 lbs

    A shifty, playmaking guard who thrives off of making mid-range plays. Davis is most comfortable in the mid-range which also happens to be the most inefficient shot in the game.

    14. TyTy Washington: Height – 6’3 Weight – 197 lbs

    A guard with a great feel for the game and a knack of getting his teammates in great position to make plays. TyTy had an injury riddled season but I believe in his shooting ability to translate to the NBA.

  • Eastern Conference Finals Preview

    Eastern Conference Finals Preview

    The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics got to this point in two different ways. The Heat took Trae Young and the Hawks to school and then broke the Sixers over their knee. The Celtics took out KD, Kyrie, and the Nets then outlasted Giannis and the defending champs. While those paths were different, the teams operated the same. They defended on a level higher than any of the teams they’ve played could reach, and executed on offense more efficiently. Now, these teams play each other. Miami has home court, Boston has some hunger to get to the finals, and this series should be fantastic.

    Tale of the Tape: These teams have a lot of similar qualities. Head coaches who are tacticians that think quick on their feet. Ime Udoka and Erik Spolestra are very adept at figuring out weaknesses and attacking them. It’s a legitimately fascinating chess match. Spolestra has the experience, but Ime has been doing a tremendous job on the fly.

    The Heat and Celtics both rely on talented two way players on the wing. For Boston, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are a more than formidable tandem. For Miami, Jimmy Butler leads a cast of very tough and intelligent guys on the wing. Both teams have hyper athletic defensive big men in Robert Williams and Bam Adebayo. Both teams have guards that are full of intangibles, and guys off the bench who contribute. These teams feel even don’t they? Let’s dive deeper.

    Key Matchup: Robert Williams & Al Horford vs Bam Adebayo

    Now you must be asking, why isn’t this Jimmy Butler vs Jayson Tatum? That’s a matchup that comes into play, but they’re both equally great. There’s a considerable chance that they cancel each other out. There’ll be plenty of time to discuss how each can affect the series as it goes.

    The reason why Timelord and Horford versus Bam is the matchup is because of two years ago. These same teams matched up in the conference finals, and when push came to shove Bam sent the Celtics packing. He would drive the ball from end to end attacking the rim and it felt like he took Boston’s will. It was an Adebayo we’ve never seen before. There was almost a Giannis like quality of him barreling his way to the rim but with the grace of a gymnast. Bam also made the key play of Game 1 of that series when he blocked Jayson Tatum. It was one of the memorable blocks of postseasons past.

    In this postseason though, the Celtics will need their best big men to contain Bam. Robert Williams has been working his way back from a meniscus injury but should be ready for Game 1. Al Horford continues to be a steady presence for Boston as these playoffs go but can he hold up? It’s been a lot of minutes against high level competition. He bears watching in this series. For Bam’s side it would be nice to see him getting aggressive down hill against the Celtics D. He can open up things for the perimeter guys on Miami. This matchup will be a bellwether for how this series goes.

    Here you can see how effective Bam is on a grab and go situation in transition.

    The Prediction: Both of these teams are the cream of the crop on the defensive end. It has potential to be a classic. The Celtics have been the best team in the league since February. The Heat have been the best team in the East all year. Can the Heat create offense in a close game down the stretch? Will the Celtics rotation be able to survive the Heat’s depth? It’ll be interesting to see those questions be answered, and I’ll go Heat in 7. Home court, and the Heat’s defense will be just enough against a very capable Boston Celtics team.

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 17, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 17, 2022

    Hello, teammates! Welcome to another edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on the “X’s”, the “O’s”, and everything in between. In the words of DJ Khaled, “major bag alert”! Jaire Alexander is living the dream this Tuesday, signing a major deal to stick around.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The Green Bay Packers made Jaire Alexander the league’s highest paid CB (in terms of annual average salary) on Monday, inking him to a four-year, $84M deal. The deal guarantees him $31M in year one and includes a roster bonus of $11.5M next March.
    • The city of Buffalo is in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy unfolded over the weekend with several people passing away and many others hurt after a mass shooting that targeted residents of the area. Micah Hyde and other members of the Buffalo Bills organization have committed to helping the community heal, with Hyde donating a portion of the proceeds from a recent charity softball game to the families of the victims. Money from a silent auction at the game will also be donated.
    • Your Key Signings RoundUp is brought to you by Melvin Ingram. Ingram will call South Beach home for the next year, having agreed to a one-year, $5M deal with the Miami Dolphins. Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 101 NFL free agents list had Ingram listed at No. 25 overall.

    That’s it for today’s huddle. Catch us tomorrow as we bring you more top news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Monday – May 16, 2022 Edition

  • Suns vs Mavericks Game 7 Preview 

    Suns vs Mavericks Game 7 Preview 

    The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have played an unorthodox 6 games to get to Game 7. The home team has won every game and won them decisively. The series has featured the young, coming-of-age superstar in Luka Doncic trying to knock off Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and the league-leading Suns. There is a ton at stake in this game 7, but to be quite honest it’s surprising we’re here.

    After the first two games of the series which Phoenix controlled easily, Dallas has adjusted and changed strategy. Their role players have stepped up defensively, answering the call of head coach Jason Kidd. More importantly, the Mavs at home have gotten the three-point shot going including 16 3s in the Game 6 victory. Chris Paul has played poorly over the last four games, but got an extra day off going into this one. Simply put, this would be an incredibly disappointing result for the Suns if they were to lose this game.

    What’s at stake for the Suns: This could be Chris Paul’s last best opportunity to win a championship. The Suns last season blew a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. They fought all season to be the best team in the regular season, and now have to cash that in. We always think great teams will get back to this level, but CP3 is getting older. As great as he’s been, you never know what can happen once you get to this stage of your career. The Suns don’t want to have another version of “what if…?” on their minds if they lose this game.

    What’s at stake for the Mavericks: A trip to the Conference Finals, validation for the Kristaps Porzingis trade, and a message to the league. That message? As long as Luka Doncic is on your team, you have a chance to contend for a title. It’s really remarkable that this team has transformed into this. Their defense has outperformed what we’ve expected all season. Their roster has been full of guys who’ve performed well under pressure, and there’s no fear. Winning this game would give them a legitimate chance to win a championship.

    The Suns will win if… Chris Paul plays like Chris Paul. It’s important to recognize how bad CP3 has been in the last four games of this series. Averaging under double digits in points and almost as many turnovers as assists is not going to get it done. The maestro needs to get back to his efficient ways. Also, Deandre Ayton has to play better. In the earlier portions of the series it looked like he would dominate the matchup. Now, it feels like he hasn’t been up to snuff. They need his aggression and inside presence. There’s still an advantage to be had and Ayton has to take that advantage.

    The Mavericks will win if… they get an outlier performance from a third guy. Luka is going to score, Jaylen Brunson is going to score, they need another guy going. Whether it’s Dorian Finney Smith(8 3s in game 4) or Spencer Dinwiddie, on the road you need more contributors. Maxi Kleber will also be a guy to watch in this one. Foul trouble for him will be huge. There’ll be spaces during the game  where it will require a bit from everyone. Another guy to watch out for? Reggie Bullock. He’s had a great series on both ends of the floor.

    The Prediction: It’s the best team in the NBA going up against perhaps the most dynamic offensive player remaining in the playoffs. The Suns are at home and the Mavericks haven’t beaten them yet there. In a one game sample though with everything at stake? You can certainly make the case for Luka having a virtuoso performance. It’s just hard to see the Suns season end right here, so the Suns will be the pick to find a way to win at home.

  • Bucks vs Celtics Game 7 Preview

    Bucks vs Celtics Game 7 Preview

    After the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics 110-107 in Game 5 of the semifinal series, the thought was Boston gave that game away. The Bucks once again had proven their championship mettle and the Celtics had blown a golden opportunity. What lay ahead was a Game 6 in Milwaukee, and Jayson Tatum proved that he was ready for his ascension. 

    Tatum flummoxed the Bucks with his ability to get to the rim and hit from the perimeter, scoring 46 points on 17/32 shooting. Time and time again, when Giannis Antetokounmpo kept coming with 44 points of his own, Tatum responded. The Celtics again got contributions from multiple guys which now has us at a Game 7. This series is turning into a classic, and now we have reached the endgame.

    What’s At Stake for Boston: A chance to take down the defending champs and to addvance to the conference finals. Also, the journey in molding a superstar in Jayson Tatum would feel near complete. 

    What’s At Stake for Milwaukee: A trip to the conference finals, and surviving in hopes of getting injured star Khris Middleton back. Also, Giannis cementing his status as the best player in the league. Considering how the Bucks are heavy underdogs in the series this would be a massive achievement for Milwaukee.

    Boston will win if…. they get a similar 3 point variance they got in Game 6 as they hit 17 3s. Game 7’s are normally ugly, so any type of transition baskets they can generate would help. Feed off the home crowd, and get good performances from Marcus Smart and Al Horford. The stars will be stars, but usually there’s an unsung hero somewhere.

    Milwaukee will win if….. they get any type of help from a third scorer. Giannis and Jrue Holiday have been the only reliable offense in the series. The Bucks are going to need someone to step up and fill those gaps. Expect Giannis to be dominant once again, but if Tatum matches him like he did in Game 6, they’ll need more from others.

    The Prediction: On the last day of the regular season, the Bucks had a chance to be the 2nd seed. They decided to sit their stars and punt on home court in the 2nd round. That decision allowed Boston to host this game. Is home court advantage overrated? To a degree, but it usually matters in a Game 7. The numbers don’t lie. It will take a Herculean effort against a hungry, resilient Boston team to win this. If there’s anyone who can beat back this challenge, it’s Giannis Antetokounmpo. The champs have been staggered, but they won’t fall. Bucks win Game 7.