ทั้งนี้ทั้งนั้น ก็เป็นโจทย์ของ NBA ที่จะหาทางไม่ให้ทีมระดับกลางจงใจแพ้เพื่อให้ได้สิทธิ์ดราฟอันดับสูงๆหลายฤดูกาลติดกัน แต่ก็ไม่ทำให้ทีมที่ต้องการความช่วยเหลือต้องไร้ซึ่งทางออก
Nottingham Forest has done the unthinkable, yet it feels inevitable when they decided to sack Sean Dyche in the UK morning.
This will be the third time this season that a manager is dismissed by Evangelos Marinakis, after the team’s predecessor, Nuno Espirito Santo, and Ange Postecoglou.
Nuno, the man who brought European football to Nottingham, was sacked after a rough start this season. His replacement, Ange, has a worse tenure, bringing the team from 10th to 18th, right in the relegation zone.
Sean Dyche’s number, one that often rings when a team needs rescue, was rung, and though he had a solid start and was nominated for January’s Manager of the Month, he was sacked after a goalless draw against Wolves, who are their relegation rival.
Ironically, Dyche’s time at Forest was remarkable; he collected more points than both previous managers combined and is enjoying his best win percentage tenure at 33%. Furthermore, in the last 5 matches, they drew against league leader Arsenal and Crystal Palace, and only lost 1 game within that period.
According to BBC analysis, a lack of goals and difficulty bonding with players could be attributed as a reason for dismissing Dyche. A struggle to secure a safe distance away from the relegation zone could be attributed to this decision, with only 3 points away from the drop after 18 games in the league.
Regardless, this decision is bewildering, as change fatigue can occur when players can’t keep up with the pace of change. A switch up from Nuno’s solid defense to Postecoglou is already drastic in a short time, having to switch back to low-block, route one football under Dyche is also another huge swing in playing style.
Not only that, a replacement for Dyche’s job is rumored to be…
Victor Pereira
Who, despite winning the league and cup double under Marinakis’ team in 2015, managed a winless Wolves run this season. Having to navigate through a free-falling environment, escaping relegation is easier said than done.
Heck, this may not be the end of Nottingham Forest manager graves this season.
When Florian Wirtz scored a goal against Fulham back in January, he appeared to be behind the last defender, which should have been ruled as offside. However, the Premier League does have a rule that allow for 5 centimeters tolerance, which is why Wirtz got away with it.
The rule has been enforced since the 2021-2022 season and could appear more this season, given the introduction of semi-automatic offside technology that provides more accurate measurement of player location, determining whether or not they are offside.
Though, despite the rule being in effect for about 4 years, it has not come up and been talked about often at all, with Wirtz’s goal being the one that initiates the conversation among fans. Now the floodgates have been open, and every goal disallowed by VAR from now on will be under scrutiny, especially if the player was offside by a hair.
This morning (11 February) in local Thailand time, 2 such occurrences happened, leading to fiery outrage by some fans.
First, in the match between Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, Joe Willock’s opener was denied by VAR. It seems that only the top of his head was offside.
VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Willock was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed. pic.twitter.com/W0RdRaNaG4
Though Newcastle would still win the match 2-1, this decision may not be as damaging to the result of the game.
On the other hand, in West Ham’s draw against Man United, Casemiro headed in a then-equalizer that was stripped away by VAR. The picture makes it seem like he was offside only by his kneecap.
VAR checked the referee’s call of goal – and established that Casemiro was in an offside position and recommended that the goal was disallowed. pic.twitter.com/gshNqA64Xk
Eventually, Sesko would equalize for Man United in the dying minutes of the stoppage time, but some speculate whether or not United were robbed of a win with this goal disallowed.
According to the BBC, VAR is offered three frames to determine the photo to be used for reference. The problem, however, is that the animation footage used is not accurately correlated to real-life action. Perhaps, in attempts to create more transparency in referees’ decisions, the animation creates more questions for the fans than answers.
I would propose the graphic to include the 5cm margin of error within the frame, accompanied by the frame that was used in decision-making. This can better demonstrate to the audience what is used in decision-making.
Because these 5 centimeters could be the difference between winning and losing.
Seattle Seahawks had defeated the New England Patriots 29-13 to win this year’s Super Bowl.
However, one of the talking points is the performance of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. Despite having 2 touchdowns and 295 passing yards, it is overshadowed by his 2 interceptions and 6 sacks. The defense of Seahawks blitz and swallow Maye whole.
As a Super Bowl debut for the 23-year-old sophomore, the brightest stages seem to be too bright for him at the moment. Regardless, it is still his second season, and an unexpected trip to the Super Bowl could be a preview to strong Patriots team in few years time.
As said in “Rocky Balboa”, “it ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” This crushing defeat does not spell the end for Drake Maye, but it could prove to be fuel to the fire for future returns.
After the Trade Deadline passed for the NBA this season, there are significant changes throughout the league, and here are the biggest winners and losers in my humble opinion.
Winner: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers get a red hot James Harden for Darius Garland and a future second round pick. As a team that is gunning for the championship this season, this is a “win now” decision that should greatly bolster the offensive strength tremendously.
Moreover, with acquisition of Keon Ellis, Dennis Schroder, and Emanuel Miller on top of having James Harden is the depth that the Cavs always need to win their second NBA championship, especially in the East that is wide open.
Winner: Indiana Pacers
This year the Pacers are abysmal. Losing Tyrese Haliburton due to torn Achilles is harsh, and losing Myles Turner to the Bucks make it even worse.
However, for a team that ranks dead last in the Eastern Conference, they make a great move that could bolster their squad when Haliburton returns. Adding Ivica Zubac to the team is an investment move. For Zubac contract stays through 2027-2028 season, he could prove to be a prominent third choice option when the Pacers feels like going on a run again.
Winner: Minnesota Timberwolves
Ditching Rob Dillingham is a tough pill to swallow for the Timberwolves front office, but when you want to cash in on Anthony Edward and a strong squad, you need to round out the team with a reliable starter. In comes Ayo Dosunmu, who could potentially round out this team for a good push in the competitive West.
Winner: Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets this season are doing quite fine honestly, with Lamelo Ball at the helm, this team’s offense is something else. Getting Coby White, Ousmane Dieng, Malaki Branham, and Xavier Tillman Sr. adds the depth that this team needs to punch their tickets to the playoffs.
Winner (somewhat): Chicago Bulls
At first, I was surprised why the Bulls decided to completely go nuclear with their roster, seemingly everyone with a pulse is traded elsewhere. This is especially after a hot start Bulls have initially. However, after a poor run of form, they are now ranked 11 and are slightly below .500. This is when Bulls decided to cash out on the high, shipping out en masse, and gather a total of 13 second round picks throughout 2032.
Though it looks impressive on paper, this is not the most desirable outcome. Second round picks are often not the piece that you desire in a rebuild, as players who succeed in the top level from second round are far in between. It’s not like another Jokic is gonna fall from the sky.
Still, these abundance of picks could be used as a leverage for a future trade. To see whether or not these picks will hold value, that’s the question that will be answered in this offseason by the soonest.
Winner (80%): Memphis Grizzlies
With trouble of chemistry in Memphis, it seems like a time is done for the franchise player Ja Morant, it may be the best time to cash on him right now and build a squad of gritty defense and tough offense.
Though, they decided that the person who’s going is Jarren Jackson Junior. It is a little out of nowhere, but a 4-for-4 trade that gets 3 first round picks in the future is a good foundation to build upon.
Besides, they don’t have to cash out early on Ja, they can look for the best offers in the future, though it could be hard to get rid of him due to the team being careful of his reputation.
Winner (slightly): Milwaukee Bucks
It’s gutsy to not trade Giannis Antetokounmpo here when the team is in the gutter, especially when he is pushing 32 this year. However, the Bucks don’t have to cash out at this moment, perhaps they can strengthen up the squad and satisfy Giannis in the offseason, and even if they don’t, trading Giannis then is not a huge loss as opposed to trading him now.
They have time, so they don’t really need to rush.
Loser: Golden State Warriors
I have no words on how the Warriors have fallen.
I should be joyful, as Warriors dash the dream of the best Rockets squad since the 90s. Yet, it is hard to not have sympathy for Stephen Curry. For a superstar of that caliber, choosing to stay loyal to The Bay, Steve Kerr, and the Warriors front office is admirable. So, how do they reward him when he needs help?
Kristaps Porzingis.
They finally trade Kuminga though, so at least that debacle is over with.
While Porzingis is good when he’s healthy, that’s not going to be a common sight due to his injury tendencies.
What’s worse is that they were linked with Giannis, making this outcome looks even more underwhelming.
And now you lose Kuminga, Trayce Jackson-Davis, and Buddy Hield. Jimmy Butler also went down for the rest of the season as well.
This season is ruined, and fans of the Warriors must now hibernate until next season.
Loser: Los Angeles Clippers
Why now?
That’s the only question some might ask them. After a poor start, it may seem like the Clipper is going to go down swinging this season once again. However, after their recent run of form, it is not far-fetched to think that they may make a push into the play-in spot.
And then they blew it all up.
First, they traded James Harden, though there were reports that Harden requested for the trade himself, so there’s nothing the Clippers can do. Then they traded Zubac away as well, even though the return piece from Harden is not bad at all.
It seems like the Clippers would like to spend wisely and not just splurge cash at anyone resembling “superstar”.
Still, after that good of a run, it feels like a gut punch to see it all go to dust.
Loser: Washington Wizards
I have no idea what’s going on in the USA’s capital.
After trying to tank and finding good picks, they decided to go swinging hard this season, getting Trey Young and Antony Davis during the trade deadline.
The problem now is that while both are elite at what they do, Young is a one-dimensional player who is a liability on defense, while Davis’s body seems to be made from glass that breaks on any form of solid contact.
After the pain that the Wizards fans go through, this is not a future that they hope for at all.
Loser: Nico Harrison & Those who think THAT Luka trade is a good idea
Defend wins championship is the reason that Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic away. Now, the biggest return of that deal, Antony Davis, is flipped in a 4-for-4 trade with the Wizards.
The Dallas Mavericks are not in the gutter though, they have Cooper Flagg, Kyrie Irving, and a good foundation to build upon. Still, one can’t help to think what would happen if Luka had stayed with this squad as his supporting cast.
That team would be ridiculous.
Loser: Miami Heat
The Heat is the only team in the Eastern Conference to not make a move this trade deadline. For a team that looks to solidify their spot in the playoffs, this seems like a missed opportunity, especially when Bam Adebayo needs some help in the guard position.
It’s not the biggest loss, yet it feels like this is a missed opportunity.
Loser: Houston Rockets
The Rockets are screaming for help this season, after their veteran core of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams is now out injured for the rest of the season.
They are in desperate need of a point guard; Amen Thompson is good but the turnover needs to go down. Moreover, Reed Sheppard is a better shooter than a facilitator, and Alperen Sengun is a good facilitator from center position with his almighty control in mid-post, but he lacks depth as a solid three-point shooter.
They need a point guard, and a guy who shoots three.
Yet they get nothing, Rafael Stone decided to bite the bullets and run with what they have right now.
It’s not the worst decision in the world, they still have a good timeline next year, KD’s contract was also extended for 2 years so they are not running out of fuel yet.
Regardless, for a team that decided to take a leap by adding Kevin Durant, it may be better if they strive more to win immediately.
Most teams would kill to be able to acquire even one of these two prominent superstars in the Premier League; for Man City to acquire both is something astonishing.
It solidifies Manchester City’s position as an early winner in both Summer and Winter signings, boosting the previous signings of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri, and Tijjani Reijnders beforehand.
Even accounting that James Trafford signing was a mistake especially when they get Donnarumma as his replacement immediately, this year transfer window saw City making move after move.
The focus is on the winter transfer, City are not satisfied with Jeremy Doku and Phil Foden on the wings, and added Semenyo who’s the third leading scorer in the league currently to boost the firepower in offense.
Furthermore, with injury to Ruben Dias and John Stones, City decided to go big with Marc Guehi, England starting centerback and Crystal Palace captain.
Both player only cost 82.5 million pounds combine (62.5 million for Semenyo and 20 million for Guehi), for players who’s in their prime, these numbers may seem a little too low. However, Semenyo was a release clause triggered, while Guehi is set to be free agent in 6 months, 20 million seems to be a win for Crystal Palace for player who seems to be walking away for free.
Thus, throughout summer and winter, City have spent 414 million pounds to revitalize their squad.
The Sky Blues are aiming for the trophy, if they win the league, these 414 million would be worth it.
However, even if they fail, they still have great foundation to build on the winning run for the seeable future.
Sports in 1 