Bleacher's at it again with a very controversial article. What do you think?

Source: Should a player opt out of World Cup competition, Damian Lillard to get nod

They basically simulated the entire season 1,000 times, and the Blazers won more than 1% of the championships, but less than 5%. Predicted at about 52 wins (not sure how to feel about that, but if we're in the top 7 of the projected NBA next season, seems fine with me). That puts us into the second tier of teams according to ESPN. SIDENOTE: There's no way the Cavs are winning 68 games next season.

The NBA cleared an extra foot around the basket, increasing the "escape lanes" from 3 feet to 4 feet on both sides of the stanchion. Under the new rules, 10 camera positions are allowed on each baseline and dance teams and other entertainers must be stationed somewhere else. The number of total camera positions, 20, is down from 24 last year and 40 in the 2010-11 season. These changes were announced to teams last July, before the Paul George injury.

Funny as ever

http://instagram.com/p/sH3F_gv4sD/

damianlillard - 1 hour ago So thankful for being named the @EASportsInsider #NBALIVE15 cover athlete. I've been playing the game since the 16-bit days, so you know this is a dream come true! Hard work has led to so many great things for me and I'm not even close to satisfied. #CoverAthlete #1stBlazerOnTheCover #ItsInTheGame #RipCity #LillardTime

Joel Przybilla officially retired.

"France recorded the first victory at the international friendly tournament in Strasbourg. They knocked down Finland in the opener. Nicolas Batum (203-SF-88) stepped up with 28 points to pace Les Bleus."

interesting tidbit