Author Archives: Jolie Davis

About Jolie Davis

Boston native and BC grad class of 2016. I'm a lover of all things sports and an even bigger Boston sports fan #BostonStrong

Does Jayson Tatum Have a Shot at Winning Rookie of the Year?

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The NBA Rookie of the Year race has everyone excited this year. Although there is some stiff competition, Jayson Tatum has been quite efficient on both sides of the ball thus far. Does he have shot at winning? Let’s discuss:

Tatum’s Smooth Transition

Celtics’ small forward Jayson Tatum has been nothing short of impressive. Coming out of Duke as the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, he averages 14 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. This kid is also leading the league in three-point percentage at 51.9 — as a rookie. His ability to get to the hoop, shoot the mid range and even the three has his teammates in awe. Kyrie Irving admits to being a fan since Tatum was a sophomore in high school. Al Horford also can’t help but praise his rookie. He refers to Tatum’s level of play on offense AND defense as one of the best he’s seen from a first year player. No issues with transitioning over here!

Stiff Competition

I think we can all agree that this year’s NBA rookie class has an insane amount of talent. Let’s take a look at some of the other top performing rookies from around the league:

  • Ben Simmons of the 76ers averages 18 points, 7.1 rebounds and 9.3 assists per game. Just last week he put up 31 points and had 18 rebounds against the Wizards. He’s shooting 50% from the floor.
  • Utah’s Donovan Mitchell has found his stride and is averaging 17.2 points per game. He became the first rookie since Blake Griffin in 2011 to score 40+ points in a game. He’s shooting 53.3% from the floor so far in December.
  • Kyle Kuzma, the unlikely breakout star of the Lakers, has outplayed fellow rookie Lonzo Ball. He averages 16.8 points and 6.5 rebounds. He was the Western Conference Rookie of the Month in November.
  • Dennis Smith Jr.  of the Dallas Mavericks averages 14.4 points, 4 assists and 4 rebounds a game. His style of play has even garnered praise from LeBron James.

So Who Wins?

Jayson Tatum deserves the nod. His overall season stats are modest but admirable, while the other rooks have some work to do. Tatum is the only one shooting 50% or more from the floor AND from three. Mitchell is right there with him when it comes to free throws, with both players shooting roughly 82%. But other than that, Tatum is the clear front-runner so far if we’re going to look at the numbers. Just last night he put up 17 points and 10 rebounds in the win against the Mavs. Unfortunately, there are people who already want to give the nod Simmons. This is mainly due to how ‘The Process’ has revived the 76ers, with him being a crucial part of it.

My gripe: Ben Simmons is technically not a rookie, so everyone needs to take him out of the conversation. It’s not our fault he missed his first season due to a foot injury. No do-overs allowed.

But if you’re going to look outside of Tatum, keep an eye on Donovan Mitchell. His performance has helped to revive the Jazz since Gordon Hayward’s departure. He’ll continue to excite.

Really though, you should just root for Tatum. If he continues to play at this level, he’ll have Simmons’s bandwagoners jumping ship.

The Joe Andruzzi Foundation Continues to Pay It Forward

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Last night, former Patriot and cancer survivor Joe Andruzzi and his wife Jennifer hosted their 10th Annual Gratitude Gala. Jenny Dell of CBS Sports was the emcee for the evening, with hundreds in attendance to support the Joe Andruzzi Foundation (JAF).  Andruzzi and his wife  started the foundation after Joe’s battle with cancer in 2008. It aims to help cancer patients and their families with the financial strains that come with  the dreaded diagnosis. They also organize UpBeat Outings, with a goal is to spread positivity through fun and memorable experiences.  Outings have included a circus trip and attending Patriots training camp to meet current players.

Paying It Forward

The foundation has raised $5 million dollars since its launch in 2008 —  a major accomplishment. When I asked Joe if he imagined this level of success, he said: “No, but we knew there was a big need for the work that we do and to be out there to get the support from many people throughout the communities is truly rewarding.” I also asked if he had an event or outing that has been most memorable. His response: “They’re all great. I think what sticks out to me a lot of times are the shocking moments of visiting the hospital, and getting hugs from strangers with tears in their eyes…” He followed this up with a story about being approached at a gas station by an individual who received help through his foundation. It startled him, but he is always grateful to meet the people he has positively affected.

Where Do the Funds Come From?

The foundation hosts events throughout the year to raise funds. Monday night, they auctioned off items including a Xander Bogaerts jersey, dinner/tickets for a Celtics game and a signed Andruzzi jersey. In the past, they have also hosted annual golf tournaments, as well as a comedy night featuring comic Lenny Clarke. If you thought that was it, think again. In addition, JAF has consistently participated in the Boston Marathon and the Falmouth Road Race. I spoke with Jen Andruzzi about her running the Boston Marathon this past April. She said she really enjoyed it and loves running with her team members. We agreed that motivation from peers can make it all worthwhile!

It was a wonderful night with familiar faces. Matt Chatham made an appearance. His wife Erin is VP of finance and operations for the foundation. Retired linebacker Rob Ninkovich came to show his support, as well as current center David Andrews. Nate Solder also made an appearance, as he usually does. He represented JAF and the Jimmy Fund on Sunday for My Cleats My Cause. As a cancer survivor himself and with a young son going through a battle of his own, Solder obviously holds a special place in his heart for JAF.

The foundation raised a record-breaking $1.1 million with the help and support of the community last night. This foundation does great things and I wish them nothing but continued success. Congratulations to the Andruzzi family and to Joe on his 10th cancer-free year!

Visit joeandruzzifoundation.org to learn how you can help make a difference today.

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Defensive Warrior Marcus Smart Overcomes Offensive Struggles

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You ever yell at the TV when Marcus Smart had the ball in his hands? If you said no, you’re lying. How do I know? Simple: I watch every game, and I know for a fact that Smart’s performance early on was frustrating to watch. I mean, players go through slumps and that’s normal. Smart’s lack of offensive production had Celtics fans around the world worried.

Offensive Woes

The explosive production of the first unit wasn’t enough to make us disregard what was going on with Smart. After returning from an ankle injury, his offensive production was less than satisfactory. With the exception of a couple of games in which he scored 14 and 16 points, he shot poorly for the majority of November. The lowest points scored this season were against Golden State, where he went 0-7 with 1 point and 0-3 from three-point range. His struggles at the free throw line were also hard to miss, as he shot 56% from the line in October. He was able to improve it to 79% in November, but it still seemed as though he was missing those shots when they mattered the most.

Defensive Dominance

Smart’s defensive prowess should not go unnoticed. Although he only had 1 point in the game against Golden State, his plus/minus was an incredible +15. His aggressiveness on defense kept the Celtics in the game, allowing for a crucial 19-2 run late in the third quarter. Oh, and let’s not forget his willingness to sacrifice his body when necessary. This guy never hesitates when it comes to drawing the charge or going after a loose ball. Another great attribute of Smart’s is his defensive awareness. The fouls he is willing to give are ‘smart’ ones, as he refuses to give up that easy basket. Clutch defensive play in the fourth quarter has been his M.O. Who wouldn’t want a guy like this on their team?

Building His Confidence

The offensive reemergence of Marcus Smart began on November 25. The Celtics squared off against the Pacers, a very good offensive team that was coming in with a 5-game win streak. The Cs won the game 108-98 and Smart contributed 15 points, going 7-8 with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. He then followed it up with a season-high 23 points in the loss against the Pistons, shooting 6-9 from three-point range. Working theory: Smart’s turn around came after his bench talk with Al Horford. It seems valid, considering the conversation occurred the game before his performance in Indiana. Hopefully Smart can get back to his college form, where he averaged 16.6 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.5 assists at Oklahoma State.

Smart still has some work to do, but he’ll get there. Celtics fans everywhere are rooting for you Marcus! Stay on the grind!

Rising from the Ashes: Josh Gordon’s Return to the Gridiron

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Anyone who pays attention to the NFL knows that Josh Gordon’s return is a pretty big deal. The Cleveland wide receiver’s well-known battle with substance abuse has kept him off the field since 2014. Back when this all began, the fans couldn’t comprehend how someone so talented could throw it all away for a quick high. We put athletes on pedestals, forgetting sometimes that they are human. No one is immune to addiction and the effect it has on their life, as well as those closest to them. Gordon was no exception.

Free-falling

It is important to recognize the issues he had early on with drugs and alcohol. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Gordon admitted to raking in roughly $10,000 a month from selling marijuana while he was in college. Now, some will say ‘student athletes can’t receive gifts or money so… he was just supporting himself by any means’. First of all, drugs are never the answer. Secondly, this highlights his dependence on marijuana, namely as a source of income throughout college. Oh, and another thing to remember: people who sell drugs are also more likely to abuse them and Gordon was no different. In his interview with GQ, he admitted to getting high or drinking before every NFL game. It became an unhealthy ritual that eventually caught up to him:

  • Two game-suspension in 2013 for violating the substance abuse policy of the NFL
  • Arrested for DWI in the summer of 2014
  • Suspended for the entire 2014 season but was able to get it reduced to just 10 games
  • Suspended for the entire 2015 season
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Working Towards Sobriety

Josh Gordon was offered reinstatement in 2016 under special circumstances; he passed. Instead, he was able to find the strength and courage he needed to go back to rehab. The most amazing part about his story is that he finally decided that his life was worth living. He didn’t decide to get sober for his career or the money. This young man decided to do it for HIMSELF. By continuing to choose sobriety, he is choosing himself and his family over the drugs and alcohol. Gordon was a lost and reckless young man who took life for granted. In the time he spent recovering, he has grown in more ways than one. I hope others who are struggling can use his story as a source of strength, and become inspired to change their lives for the better.

Tune in to watch the Gordon take the field for the first time since 2014 when the Browns visit the Chargers on Sunday. I believe he’ll have no trouble settling in. Let’s blow that 2013 season out of the water!

Also, if you haven’t already, check out his interview with GQ.

He opens up about a lot of personal experiences that have led him to where he is now. Great read!

Roger Goodell: The Fickle ‘Father’ of NFL Football

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Parents know the difficulties of disciplining their children when they misbehave. But NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell, an actual father himself (and pseudo-dad to NFL players), has botched a number of disciplinary issues in the past and continues to do so.  No parent is perfect, but c’mon man.    The three situations that have involved domestic violence against women remain the worst of the worst:

  • The Mishandling of Ray Rice . I thought Goodell would have used that situation to set a precedent for players who commit acts of domestic violence against women. Unfortunately, he had all the evidence in front of him and still couldn’t hand down the proper punishment. Ray Rice initially receives a two-game suspension.  Two games?? Only AFTER the video of him punching his fiancée was released did the league hand down the indefinite suspension.  The Ravens also threw him to the wolves.

 

  • The Greg Hardy Incident.  Arrested for assaulting and threatening his then-girlfriend,  Goodell didn’t want to fumble this one too.  Hardy received a 10-game suspension. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long because Hardy had the NERVE to appeal. Somehow, using NFL math, the suspension got chopped down to four games. As if it couldn’t have gotten worse, the public heard the horrifying photos and the chilling 911. Meanwhile, this guy was out on the field getting a paycheck every week with the full support of Jerry Jones.

 

  • The Mistreatment of Zeke Elliot. He was suspended six games for domestic assault allegations. The criminal investigation found no wrong-doing AND the investigation done by the league found nothing. The investigator suggested no suspension. But Goodell, with  two previously mishandled domestic violence issues, decided to overcompensate.   He didn’t care who had to suffer.  A well- documented battle between Elliot and Goodell came to an end with Elliot now serving out that suspension.

I don’t understand any of this and quite frankly, I don’t think Goodell does either. And he’s the one calling the shots!

Mishandled Misdemeanors

  • DeflateGate. On a much lighter note, Goodell tried to redeem himself once more and suspended Tom Brady over some deflated footballs. Didn’t matter that all the evidence was circumstantial at best. Goodell figured if he got rid of the most hated quarterback in the NFL for a few games, people would like him again. It was short-lived: the Patriots still ended up being Super Bowl champions.

 

  • WWE: NFL Edition. Fights on the field have been the story this month.   Green and Ramsey top the list of most memorable, followed by the recent Crabtree and Talib bout.  Only A.J. Green caught the fine  ($42,000) for his fight with Jalen Ramsey and neither received suspensions. Then, Crabtree and Talib  got into it after another ruined gold chain rough-up.  It cost both players  a two-game suspension. Raiders coach Jack Del Rio questioned the decision, referring to the Green/Ramsey situation in a tweet. I guess Goodell saw that.   The suspensions were halved to one game.
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Goodell sends a simple message: allegations get you in MORE trouble than real evidence. The fact that a player can get the same suspension for deflated footballs and physically assaulting women is mind-blowing.

No extension for you Goodell.