Keith Schlosser, SNY.TV Twitter | Archive With the release of the 2016-17 season NBA schedule, here's a look at what figure to be some very key matchups for the new-look Knicks. Oct. 25 -- visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers The Knicks have the luxury of opening up their season against the defending champions. This may certainly be a steep order to start things off, but LeBron James always seems to bring out the best in Carmelo Anthony. Hopefully the Knicks star can rise to the level of the three-time NBA champion, if only for one evening. Starting off the season on the right foot for New York is crucial. A win would be nice, but just a very competitive effort would be a step in the right direction.
The NBA has for years been among the most progressive sports leagues in the world in its use of technology, which has included the introduction of SportVU cameras in every arena and other innovations. Sportradar and data analytics firm Second Spectrum are said to be close to a six-year, $250 million contract with the NBA, according to people familiar with the negotiations. The contract covers an array of rights that includes selling official league data to betting houses, data analytics to teams and the development of a streaming product, said the people, who asked for anonymity because the agreement hasn’t been signed.
Travis Ford landed his first major commitment at Saint Louis, as Jordan Goodwin, a top 60 back court prospect, committed to the Billikens on Friday afternoon. This commitment came a week after Ford hired Corey Tate away from Missouri. Tate was formerly a coach in the same AAU program that Goodwin played for. “He’s a monster,” said NBC Sports recruiting analyst Scott Phillips. “One of the toughest players in the class who has been favorably compared to Marcus Smart.” Goodwin picked the Billikens over Illinois, who many believed had the inside track in his recruiting process.