Fussball » Light, Waghorn moved to Leicester on a permane

FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS 1. KYLE LOWRY (Raptors): This is great news for Raps fans. He was in a nice spot with demand from other teams and he cashed in quite well. Bottom line, market value sets the price point and its the cost of doing business. Hes the heart and soul of their team and was an important guy to keep, mission accomplished. This is an important point to consider - the fact that he makes more money doesnt mean hes going to be an even better player than he was last year. Its a tough thing for players who sign big deals; they feel they need to live up to the money and contract. Realistically, if he can provide them what he did last season on a consistent basis and stay healthy the next three to four years - where do I sign up? Good get even if the money is a tad bit high but again its all about right place and right time for Lowry and for the Raptors. Its a deal that makes both good basketball and organizational sense. I love the addition of Patrick Patterson as a restricted free agent to the mix as well. Hes a good young player whose best days lie ahead for him. His perimeter shooting, defence, rebounding and overall toughness are a good piece for this group. Obviously, he ended up being for the Raps what Andrea Bargnani was supposed to be yet at a much more reasonable price. Good deal. Hopefully Greivis Vasquez gets done soon as well. Fingers crossed. Off to a nice start though. Masai Ujiris surely has planned his work and is working his plan. 2. BEN GORDON (Magic): What a Country! I cant believe he got a two-year deal, even if whole money amount isnt guaranteed. Im sure if former Detroit Pistons president, Joe Dumars is walking on a beach this summer thinking about the moves that cost him his job; this guy and Charlie Villaneuvas deals are right at the top of the list. He gets another chance to resuscitate his career with Magic but Im skeptical of this one. 3. SHAUN LIVINGSTON (Warriors): Im happy for him. Hes battled back from major injury in his career and hes not the player he once was in his early Clippers days, but he has reinvented himself and thats a testament to his work ethic and character. Hes a dependable pro and plays the game hard and right. Hell be a nice mature addition to Coach Steve Kerrs locker room. 4 LeBRON JAMES (Heat): Pat Rileys has to be sweating a bit here. So far no luck attracting the other pieces to compliment the King and hes evaluating his options as he should. He is legitimate by the contract he and the heat negotiated in good faith. Who knows how it will all work out with him and even a guy like Carmelo Anthony. Bottom line, guys want to get paid at the highest level as well as the mid and lower tier players. Your sales pitch as a team beyond winning is still how much cap space do you have and what percentage of it am I getting? 5. NO STATE INCOME TAX: You hear this all the time about states like Texas and Florida, that their free agent pitches have a built in competitive advantage. Heres my question; in cap-centric leagues like the NBA, NHL and NFL, I wonder why this loophole wouldnt be closed. In my opinion, the cap is set up to level the playing field and teams in states that have a distinct advantage with the net income equation have the upper hand. Not sure if this has ever been considered but my thought is based upon this advantage - why dont the leagues set the cap based upon what the money means on the back end in net income per team, so its equal. In 98 per cent of the cases youre dealing with players that are in the highest taxable tax bracket in their state or Country, so why not do the research and base the cap number (which is equal) to the after tax value in each market and even the cap that way. Again, Im not sure if its ever been discussed or if it even makes any sense, Im just thinking out loud. Its probably too complicated an issue to work on but for the life of me I cant tell you why those teams in tax friendly states gain a major advantage. Its an issue for minds much greater than mine (not saying much there!) to figure out. Probably a wasted thought but thats what Im here for! Have a GREAT weekend! Sneakers Shoes Canada Sale . The Laval Rouge et Or defensive back/kick-returner gained the invitation following his showing Sunday at an NFL regional combine in Baltimore. Sneakers Clearance Sale Canada . Marek Hamsik, who had earlier missed a penalty, headed Napoli in front in the 23rd minute and Pandev added a second goal five minutes from halftime. 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On the verge of a brilliant shutout and first complete game since Aug.Martyn Waghorn admits being included in the nominations for the PFA Scotland Championship Player of the Year caps off a season which had already exceeded all expectations. Rangers 28-goal forward was named in a four-strong shortlist - featuring team-mate Lee Wallace and Hibernian duo John McGinn and Jason Cummings - which was released on Thursday.The Englishman has not figured for Mark Warburtons side since suffering a serious knee injury against Kilmarnock back in February, but is hoping to be involved in Saturdays home match against Alloa - live on Sky Sports - where the Gers will be presented with the Championship trophy. Speaking to Sky Sports Scotland, the former Wigan striker, who was forced to sit out last weekends Scottish Cup semi-final victory over Celtic at Hampden, said: Im back in full contact training with the boys and Ill kick on from there. Its been a long 10 days or so rehab wise but Im getting closer. Deep down I knew the Old Firm game would be too soon. I spoke with the manager and the physio and it was too much to risk. Weve got a lot of games coming up so it was a week too soon but I am hoping to be involved against Alloa. Waghorn scores from the spot against Kilmarnock, before limping off with a serious knee injury Its been a difficult three weeks watching the boys win the league at home, lift the Petrofac Training Cup and then of course the Old Firm game. Its been tough watching on but pleasing for the boys. Although Ive been missing it, Ive been really proud of the boys and what theyve achieved.Rangers victory over their city rivals set up a Scottish Cup final showdown against Hibernian on May 21 and edged them closer to a unique treble having already secured the title and the Petrofac Training Cup following a 4-0 victory over Peterhead at the national stadium. Rangers players celebrate their penalty shoot-out win over Celtic And Waghorn, who has been capped five times by England at U21 level, has put the success of the campaign down to the shrewd management skills of Warburton, who put together almost an entirely new team within weeks of his arrival last summer.Its unbelievable the turnaround this season, he said. To come in and transform the place and compete on three fronts is fantastic. Hes brought a real hunger, a real desire, a real happiness to the place and its a joy to go in and play football every day. Rob Kiernan (centre) and Harry Forrester (left) celebrate Championship success after 1-0 home win over Dumbarton The way he conducts himself - hes a great manager. His knowledge of the game is fantastic. What hes done for Rangers and Scottish football is really great.For myself, Ive done more than I expected, Ive got more goals and Ive contributed more. To be challenging for three trophies is great and I have a lot to thank the manager and the lads for my success.The chance to play in front of 50,000 crowds at Ibrox, I have loved it, Ive thrived on it and we are now looking forward to next season. Rangers players take another step towards a treble with Petrofac Training Cup success over Peterhead But despite strolling to the Championship title and proving more than a match for Celtic last weekend, Waghorn admits he and his team-mates are under no illusion as to the size of task that awaits them when mixing it with the elite of Scottish football next season.ddddddddddddRealistically we are Rangers - we have to compete, said the 26-year-old. Its in the nature of the club, its part of our history. We have got to regroup in the summer and then kick on.This season stands you in good stead to do that, but we have to be realistic and say its going to be tough, It will be tight but we are going to compete and give it a real good go. Mark Warburton the reason for Rangers success, says Waghorn And Waghorn admits his inclusion on the PFA Scotland shortlist is his greatest honour and recognition for his brilliant form before injury cut short his season at Rugby Park back at the start of February.Its a fantastic honour to be nominated for this award by your fellow pros, and its nice to be acknowledged, added Waghorn, who began his career with Sunderland nine years ago. John McGinn (second left) got Waggys vote for young player of the year Ive never achieved anything like this before and I have a lot to thank my team-mates for. I voted for John Baird of Falkirk. Hes really gone under the radar but hes had a great year. And for young player I voted for John McGinn of Hibs. He got his international call-up and hes played some cracking stuff this season.After a three-year stint at the Stadium of Light, Waghorn moved to Leicester on a permanent deal in the summer of 2010 and he described the Foxes fairytale march towards the Premier League title as fantastic;. Leicester City are closing in on Premier League title Its hard to sum up what theyre doing, it is just so fantastic, he said. They are continuing their great run of form from the end of last season... and Im speechless. Theyve had a purple patch that has lasted all season.Theyve got players full of confidence and they are four games away from clinching it. You really cant see them slipping up. Huge credit to the defence, the whole team, theyve just been so consistent. Its huge for them. From where they were five years ago when I was there in League One then getting promoted to the Championship. From there they have just kicked on. Theyve gone from strength to strength. New owners, the players theyve brought in. The boys behind the scenes - the physio who has been there for years. Im just delighted for them all, Also See: Rangers video Rangers fixtures Rangers stats Sky Bet Club Get a ￡10 free bet! ' ' '