San Antonio Spurs second-year center Victor Wembanyama is already being called a generational talent.
Now, he’s being somewhat compared to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, who faces the Spurs Sunday at Kaseya Center, didn’t say the players were similar.
Instead, he was impressed how the Spurs utilize Wembanyama similarly to Jokic is in Denver. Both teams run their offense through big men who can score in the paint or from the perimeter.
“He seems like he’s downloading and applying things every game that he’s experiencing,” Spoelstra said. “All the different coverages and the different ways he can put pressure on a defense. I think Mike Malone actually said as they were prepping for their game. They use him in a lot of different ways the Nuggets use Jokic. Two totally different players. It’s not the comparison. It’s just how many different places they utilize him on the floor.”
HEAT ROOKIE MAKING STRIDES
Heat center Kel`el Ware is making huge improvements in his first season.
Spoelstra said it’s more from a standpoint outside of basketball.
“It’s not just what’s going on, on the court,” Spoelstra said. “It’s the application, the commitment, the behind the scenes. He’s really been a joy to coach for everybody, the weight room staff, the training staff, the coaching staff. He’s just open to the coaching and trying to get better. You can see how unique of a talent and skills set that he has and he’s only 20 years old.”
Ware is averaging 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds on 58 percent shooting.
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com
Miami Heat’s head coach Erik Spoelstra recently made headlines when he compared rising basketball star Victor Wembanyama to one of the NBA’s top players.
In a recent interview, Spoelstra praised Wembanyama’s exceptional skills and talent, likening him to a young Kevin Durant. Spoelstra highlighted Wembanyama’s impressive height, shooting ability, and defensive prowess, drawing parallels between the two players.
Wembanyama, a highly touted prospect in the upcoming NBA draft, has been turning heads with his dominant performances on the court. Standing at 7 feet tall with a 7’9″ wingspan, Wembanyama has the potential to be a game-changer in the league.
With Spoelstra’s comparison to Durant, fans and analysts alike are eagerly anticipating Wembanyama’s future in the NBA. Could he be the next superstar to make a significant impact in the league? Only time will tell, but with the backing of a respected coach like Spoelstra, the sky’s the limit for Wembanyama.
Tags:
Miami Heat, Erik Spoelstra, Victor Wembanyama, NBA, top stars, comparison, basketball, player, talent, young talent, future star, potential, skills, analysis, coach’s perspective, scouting, potential recruit, NBA comparison
Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak will miss Saturday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings due to an undisclosed injury.
He left Thursday’s matchup against Anaheim after just 34 seconds of ice time after sustaining the injury.
It’s unknown how long Cernak’s absence will be, but he is a notable loss to the Lightning. Cernak’s strong presence on the backend in Tampa Bay’s top-two pairings is heavily relied upon as he averaged 18:15 in ice time.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 21: Erik Cernak #81 of the Tampa Bay Lightning seen in action during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on November 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 21: Erik Cernak #81 of the Tampa Bay Lightning seen in action during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on November 21, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
Maxwell Crozier will step into the lineup for his season debut. The 24-year-old played 13 NHL games with the Lightning last season, recording two assists, 13 shots, 11 blocks, and 16 hits. Crozier will join Ryan McDonagh on the second defensive pairing.
Cernak’s next opportunity to return would be Monday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Lightning look to build on their position as the third-place club within the Atlantic Division without him on Saturday.
Detroit, which is outside the playoff picture, has been on a strong run recently, winning eight of their last 10 games. Tampa Bay has faced a busy January, playing 16 games throughout the month.
Special teams could heavily influence Saturday’s tilt. The Red Wings boast the league’s second-best power play, converting at an impressive 29.5%, but their penalty kill ranks near the bottom at 31st overall.
But the Lightning have also been effective on the power play this season, operating at 26.2%, and recently made adjustments to their power play units earlier this week.
“Our record is not where we’d like it in our division,” Jon Cooper said ahead of the game. “So I think that’ll be a motivation for the guys. You start looking around, it’s now in the second half of the season. I know it’s early in the second half, but you’re looking around at the teams now… who wants to take your spot? This is one of them. So we’ve just got to play that complete game, which we haven’t fully seen.”
When asked about the challenge of facing the Lightning, Detroit head coach Todd McLellan praised Tampa Bay’s offensive prowess.
“Top scoring team in the league per game,” McLellan said. “They are what they are. They can flat-out put it in the net, and they’ve got some superstars that play a lot, and they play in important situations. You don’t want to get into a track meet with this team. Four and five, those numbers favor Tampa Bay I think against any team.”
The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without defenseman Erik Cernak for their upcoming matchup against the Detroit Red Wings due to an undisclosed injury. Cernak, who has been a key player on the Lightning’s blue line this season, will be sorely missed in the game.
It is unclear how long Cernak will be out of the lineup, but his absence will be a blow to the Lightning as they look to continue their strong play and secure a playoff spot. The team will need to rely on their depth on defense to step up in Cernak’s absence and fill the void left by his absence.
Fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery for Cernak so that he can return to the lineup and help the Lightning in their push for the postseason. In the meantime, the team will need to rally together and overcome this setback as they face off against the Red Wings without one of their key players.
Tags:
Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak, Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL, injury update, Erik Cernak injury, Tampa Bay Lightning news, Lightning vs Red Wings, NHL injury report, Lightning defense news
7 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday at 3M Arena at Mariucci
TV: Fox9 and streamed on B1G+
Gophers update: The third-ranked Gophers will get freshman forward Erik Pahlsson back from injury, but they remain without World Junior championship participants Oliver Moore and Brodie Ziemer. Minnesota is coming off a three-week holiday break. Pahlsson has been out since mid-November while Moore and Ziemer will remain with Team USA through the weekend after their team advanced to the tournament’s final four with Thursday’s thumping of Switzerland.
Mercyhurst update: The Lakers (2-15-3) rank 64th out of 64 Division I teams in the PairWise rankings used to determine the NCAA tournament field. “This is a very important series for us,” Gophers senior captain Aaron Huglen said. “We’re going to handle it like any other team. It’s going to be a good challenge for us.”
The Gophers men’s hockey team is gearing up for their series against Mercyhurst this weekend, and they’ll have a key player back in the lineup – Erik Pahlsson.
Pahlsson, a junior defenseman, has been sidelined with an injury but is finally cleared to return to the ice. His presence will be a huge boost for the Gophers, as he brings skill, experience, and leadership to the team.
Head coach Bob Motzko is thrilled to have Pahlsson back and is confident that he will make a significant impact on the series against Mercyhurst.
Be sure to tune in this weekend to see Pahlsson and the Gophers in action as they look to continue their winning streak. Go Gophers! #SkiUMah
Tags:
Gophers men’s hockey, Erik Pahlsson, Mercyhurst series, college hockey, Minnesota Gophers, NCAA hockey, player return, team news
Lyle Menendez, then 28, married model and salon receptionist Anna Eriksson on July 2, 1996, the day he and brother Erik Menendez were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 1989 double murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
Anna started writing to Lyle in 1993 during his first trial, which ended in a mistrial, and then moved to California to be near him the following year. She became a reliable presence at the months-long retrial that began in 1995 and resulted in convictions in March 1996, according to the Los Angeles Times.
They couldn’t take their vows in person, however, Lyle instead taking the plunge over speaker phone, the groom in custody and the bride in the office of defense attorney Leslie Abramson.
He seemingly hoped to be able to wed Anna in person, once he knew where he’d end up.
“We do have a marriage proceeding,” California Correctional Institution spokesman Lt. Jack Pitko told the LA Times in September 1996 once Lyle and Erik had been ordered to separate prisons. “There’s a waiting list…But I don’t see why he shouldn’t be able to get married if he follows all the rules.”
Anna filed for divorce in 2001 after, according to multiple reports from the time, she allegedly found out Lyle was exchanging letters with other women.
In a recent interview, Erik Menendez’s wife opened up about why she chooses not to post about his brother, Lyle Menendez, on social media. She explained that while she understands the curiosity surrounding their relationship, she wants to respect Lyle’s privacy and allow him to live his life away from the spotlight.
She emphasized that their family has been through a great deal of trauma and media scrutiny, and she wants to focus on their own healing and wellbeing. She also expressed her hope that Lyle can find peace and happiness in his own way, separate from the public image that has been created of him.
Ultimately, Erik’s wife wants to show support for her husband and their relationship, without feeling the need to constantly address or involve Lyle in their public presence. She hopes that fans and followers can understand and respect their decision to keep certain aspects of their lives private.
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra shared his support for the New Orleans community ahead of Wednesday’s game against the Pelicans.
Spoelstra called Wednesday morning’s terror attack “terrifying” and “horrifying.” An Army veteran drove his truck through a Bourbon Street crowd, killing at least 15 and injuring 30.
“Until we all find out more details, you pray for all the families and everybody that’s experiencing loss,” Spoelstra said. “The unknown, also, is terrifying.”
The Heat held a pregame moment of silence before Wednesday’s game. Miami also honored former president Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at 100.
Pelicans coach Willie Green told reporters he learned of the terrorist attack from his father. Green said he was “devastated” and bemoaned the “senseless act of violence.”
“Schools, churches, people should be able to go out and have a good time and walk the streets,” Green said. “It’s devastating. And I can only imagine what those families are going through, what they have to deal with now for the rest of their lives.”
The Pelicans play their next home game Friday against the Wizards. It is unknown if that game will be postponed; the Sugar Bowl moved Wednesday’s College Football Playoffs quarterfinals showdown to Thursday afternoon.
Pelicans senior vice president Swin Cash addressed the terror attack on X (formerly Twitter) earlier Wednesday.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out with calls and texts—my family & I are safe, but our hearts are heavy,” Cash wrote. “The senseless evil targeting innocent lives is devastating.”
“Please pray for the victims, their loved ones, and the entire NO community,” she added.
Jake Elman works as a contributing writer to Miami Heat on SI. He can be reached at jakeelman97@gmail.com or follow him on X @JakeElman97.
In the wake of the devastating terror attack in New Orleans, Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra and the entire organization have come together to show their support for the city and its residents.
Spoelstra, who is known for his strong leadership and compassion, took to social media to express his condolences and offer prayers for those affected by the tragic event. The team also released a statement expressing their solidarity with the people of New Orleans during this difficult time.
The Miami Heat have a strong connection to the city of New Orleans, as they have faced off against the Pelicans in many memorable games over the years. The team recognizes the resilience and strength of the community and stands in solidarity with them as they navigate through this challenging time.
As the NBA community comes together to support New Orleans, Erik Spoelstra and the Miami Heat are leading the way in showing compassion and solidarity for those in need. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Orleans as they heal and rebuild in the aftermath of this senseless tragedy. #NOLAstrong #HeatNation #PrayforNewOrleans.
Tammi Menendez has a lot of hopes for the new year when it comes to her husband Erik Menendez‘s quest for freedom after almost 35 years behind bars.
But just because she’s understandably a little preoccupied with her own marital future, it doesn’t mean she doesn’t hope for the best for her brother-in-law as well.
While now former L.A. County District Attorney George Gascón recommended that the siblings get a resentencing hearing and supported their bid for clemency in a letter to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, citing his belief that Lyle and Erik were abused before they killed their mother and father, he lost his bid for reelection in November. The brothers are awaiting the outcome of new D.A. Nathan Hochman‘s review of the case. Their resentencing hearing, originally scheduled for Dec. 11, was postponed until Jan. 30.
So, Erik and Lyle will be ringing in yet another new year from prison.
More from E! Online
“Happy New Year to my dearest Erik! I wish you were here to ring in the new year of your freedom,” Tammi posted on X on the morning of Dec. 31. “I’m holding onto hope that 2025 will be the year you finally come home. #menendez #menendezjustice.”
VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images
While she’s been married to Erik for 25 years, enough fellow X users apparently questioned her lack of well wishes for Lyle (including one who observed that Tammi was “really allergic to using the Erik and Lyle’s hashtag”) that she felt compelled to address why she doesn’t shout out her brother-in-law more often.
Her explanation was simple enough.
“I’ve been asked why I don’t always mention Lyle in my tweets,” Tammi wrote on X a few hours later. I want to be clear: I fully support Lyle and believe he should be released from prison. However, I’m married to Erik, so my tweets often reflect the perspective of a wife focused on her husband.”
While they’ve often been treated as a packaged set in the media and by the culture at large (the Ryan Murphy-produced Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story is nominated for three Golden Globes), Tammi isn’t the only one who doesn’t see them that way.
“While they’re called the ‘Menendez brothers case,’ there’s an Erik Menendez case and Lyle Menendez case,” Hochman told NBC News’ Lester Holt earlier this month. “So we will look at each case separately, which is the way they actually should be handled.”
They were sentenced in 1996 after being convicted at the end of their second trial, the first having ended with two deadlocked juries. Lyle, who along with Erik testified about being sexually and psychologically abused by their father during the first trial, did not take the stand during the retrial and most of the abuse details they testified to previously were ruled inadmissable.
Gascón recommended that the brothers be resentenced to 50 years to life, making them eligible for parole.
Netflix
After penning the 2005 memoir They Said We’d Never Make It, Tammi—who has a daughter from a previous relationship—has lived a relatively private life.
But she rejoined the narrative in September to pass on Erik’s reaction to Ryan Murphy’s Monsters via her X account.
“I believed we had moved beyond the lies and ruinous character portrayals of Lyle, creating a caricature of Lyle rooted in horrible and blatant lies rampant in the show,” Erik said, per X. “I can only believe they were done so on purpose. It is with a heavy heart that I say, I believe Ryan Murphy cannot be this naive and inaccurate about the facts of our lives so as to do this without bad intent.”
“When the Ryan Murphy series came out, it was such a caricature of them that the pendulum swing backlash actually created a focus on it,” attorney Mark Geragos said during an Oct. 16 press conference, “and people then took a look.”
While they had a ways to go, Geragos said, “If they are resentenced, the judge under California law has the ability to recall and sentence them to a wide range of options.”
In the meantime, learn all about the women Erik and Lyle married after being sentenced to life in prison who are hoping they’ll be released soon:
Anna Eriksson
Lyle Menendez, then 28, married model and salon receptionist Anna Eriksson on July 2, 1996, the day he and brother Erik Menendez were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 1989 double murder of their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez.
Anna started writing to Lyle in 1993 during his first trial, which ended in a mistrial, and then moved to California to be near him the following year. She became a reliable presence at the months-long retrial that began in 1995 and resulted in convictions in March 1996, according to the Los Angeles Times.
They couldn’t take their vows in person, however, Lyle instead taking the plunge over speaker phone, the groom in custody and the bride in the office of defense attorney Leslie Abramson.
He seemingly hoped to be able to wed Anna in person, once he knew where he’d end up.
“We do have a marriage proceeding,” California Correctional Institution spokesman Lt. Jack Pitko told the LA Times in September 1996 once Lyle and Erik had been ordered to separate prisons. “There’s a waiting list…But I don’t see why he shouldn’t be able to get married if he follows all the rules.”
Anna filed for divorce in 2001 after, according to multiple reports from the time, she allegedly found out Lyle was exchanging letters with other women.
Rebecca Sneed
Lyle didn’t rush into anything when he married journalist Rebecca Sneed, reportedly 33 at the time, in November 2003: He had known her for 10 years, first through letters and eventually from in-person visits, a prison spokesperson told the Associated Press in confirming the nuptials.
The ceremony took place at Mule Creek State Prison near Sacramento, where Lyle resided until he was reunited with Erik in 2018 at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in southern San Diego County.
“Our interaction tends to be very free of distractions and we probably have more intimate conversations than most married spouses do, who are distracted by life’s events,” Lyle told People in 2017. At the time, Rebecca was living in Sacramento and was said to visit weekly.
“We try and talk on the phone every day, sometimes several times a day,” Lyle added. “I have a very steady, involved marriage and that helps sustain me and brings a lot of peace and joy. It’s a counter to the unpredictable, very stressful environment here.”
Rebecca “put up with a lot,” he acknowledged. “But she has the courage to deal with the obstacles. It would be easier to leave, but I’m profoundly grateful that she doesn’t.”
“Lyle and I have been separated for a while now but remain best friends and family,” she wrote Nov. 22 on her official Facebook page. “I continue to run his Facebook pages, with input from him, and I am forever committed to the enduring fight for Lyle and Erik’s freedom, as has been so evident over the years.”
She added, “I’ll continue to update you all on the progress of the case because I believe we all have the common goal of seeing the guys walk free! I will never stop fighting for them.”
And because tabloid rumors don’t stop outside the prison gates, the post also noted, “This is NOT a cheating scandal.”
Tammi Saccoman
Erik’s wife TammiMenendez, now 62, was married to Chuck Saccoman when she first spied the younger Menendez brother on TV in 1993 and felt a special place in her heart for the 22-year-old murder defendant.
As she latertold People, she informed her husband she was going to write to Erik and Chuck gave her his blessing.
“I saw Tammi’s letter and I felt something. I received thousands of letters, but I set this one aside. I got a feeling,” Erik told the publication. “And I wrote her back. Tammi and I continued to correspond. I enjoyed writing to her. It was a slow friendship. It was special to me because it was not associated with the trial and the media. Tammi was someone not in the craziness.”
However, as Tammi detailed in her 2005 book They Said We’d Never Make It: My Life With Erik Menendez, she doubted the brothers’ abuse defense at first. (And she told MSNBC that Erik mentioned having a girlfriend of several years early on.)
But in 1996, as Tammi has detailed in her book and interviews, she found out that Chuck had abused her teenage daughter from a previous relationship. (They also shared a then-9-month-old daughter.)
Chuck turned himself into police and died by suicide two days later, according to People.
After Chuck died, “I reached out to Erik,” she told the publication in 2005. “He comforted me. Our letters started taking on a more serious tone.”
Tammi admitted she was “really nervous” when she finally met Erik in person at Folsom State Prison in August 1997.
“Erik had no idea what I looked like; I’d only sent him a tiny, 1-by-1 picture,” she explained. “But when he walked into the room, he was so full of life, he hopped down the stairs. It was like I was meeting an old friend.”
They married in 1999, a Twinkie serving as their wedding cake.
And they’ve been together ever since, though Tammi has acknowledged that the lack of conjugal visits can be tough.
“A kiss when you come in, a kiss when you leave,” she described the routine on MSNBC in December 2005. ‘You can hold hands and that part of it is very difficult, and people don’t understand.”
Erik said he tried not to think about what was then the likelihood that he would never get out of prison.
“Tammi is what gets me through,” he told Peoplein 2005. “I can’t think about the sentence. When I do, I do it with a great sadness and a primal fear. I break into a cold sweat. It’s so frightening I just haven’t come to terms with it.”
But on a more optimistic note, Tammi had also taught him “how to be a good husband,” Erik said. “There is no makeup sex, only a 15-minute phone call, so you really have to try to make things work.”
In a recent interview, Erik Menendez’s wife, Tammi Menendez, opened up about why she chooses not to post about his brother, Lyle Menendez, on social media.
Tammi explained that while she loves and supports both of the Menendez brothers, she wants to respect their privacy and individuality. She believes that each brother deserves to have their own identity and space to express themselves without constantly being compared to one another.
Additionally, Tammi expressed that she prefers to keep her social media posts focused on her relationship with Erik and their life together, rather than bringing in unnecessary drama or attention by discussing Lyle.
Overall, Tammi’s decision to not post about Lyle on social media reflects her commitment to maintaining boundaries and respecting the complexities of the Menendez brothers’ relationship. Ultimately, she wants to ensure that both brothers have the opportunity to live their lives authentically and independently.
Tags:
Erik Menendez, Lyle Menendez, Menendez brothers, Menendez family, true crime, murder case, media silence, family dynamics, criminal justice, 90s crime, psychological insight
A Practical Guide to Sentiment Analysis by Erik Cambria: New
Price : 188.12
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
Sentiment analysis is a powerful tool that can help businesses gain valuable insights into customer opinions and emotions. In his book “A Practical Guide to Sentiment Analysis,” Erik Cambria provides a comprehensive overview of this important field and offers practical tips for implementing sentiment analysis in various industries.
Cambria’s book covers a range of topics, including the basics of sentiment analysis, the different types of sentiment analysis techniques, and the challenges and limitations of sentiment analysis. He also provides case studies and real-world examples to help readers understand how sentiment analysis can be applied in different contexts.
One of the key takeaways from Cambria’s book is the importance of considering context when analyzing sentiment. By taking into account factors such as sarcasm, irony, and cultural differences, businesses can gain a more accurate understanding of customer sentiment and make more informed decisions.
Overall, “A Practical Guide to Sentiment Analysis” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to harness the power of sentiment analysis in their business. Whether you’re a marketer, a customer service representative, or a business owner, this book can help you unlock the potential of sentiment analysis and improve your understanding of customer emotions.
#Practical #Guide #Sentiment #Analysis #Erik #Cambria
Natural Language Processing With Thoughttreasure, Paperback by Mueller, Erik …
Price : 28.14
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
Natural Language Processing With Thoughttreasure, Paperback by Mueller, Erik
Are you interested in diving deep into the world of natural language processing? Look no further than “Natural Language Processing With Thoughttreasure” by Erik Mueller. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of NLP and how you can leverage Thoughttreasure, a powerful tool, to unlock its full potential.
Mueller breaks down complex concepts into digestible chunks, making it easy for beginners and seasoned professionals alike to grasp the fundamentals of NLP. From text mining to sentiment analysis, this book covers it all, providing real-world examples and hands-on exercises to reinforce your learning.
Whether you’re a data scientist, linguist, or just curious about the wonders of natural language processing, this book is a must-read. Dive into the world of NLP with Thoughttreasure and see how you can revolutionize the way we interact with language. Order your copy today and embark on a journey to master the art of natural language processing.
#Natural #Language #Processing #Thoughttreasure #Paperback #Mueller #Erik
BUSINESS CONTINUITY MANAGEMENT PLAIN & SIMPLE: HOW TO By Erik Kopp **BRAND NEW**
Price : 18.49
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
In my latest post, I break down the essentials of Business Continuity Management in a clear and concise way. If you’re looking for practical tips and straightforward advice on how to ensure your business can weather any storm, this is the post for you. Check it out now for a no-nonsense guide to keeping your business running smoothly no matter what comes your way. #businesscontinuity #riskmanagement #preparedness #newpost
#BUSINESS #CONTINUITY #MANAGEMENT #PLAIN #SIMPLE #Erik #Kopp #BRAND, Business Continuity
Managing it outsourcing, Beulen, Erik and Others, Routledge, 2011
Price : 20.64
Ends on : N/A
View on eBay
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, many companies are turning to IT outsourcing as a way to stay competitive and streamline their operations. However, managing this outsourcing relationship effectively can be challenging. That’s where “Managing IT Outsourcing” by Erik Beulen and others comes in.
Published by Routledge in 2011, this comprehensive guide offers practical strategies and best practices for successfully managing IT outsourcing partnerships. From vendor selection and contract negotiation to performance monitoring and relationship management, this book covers all aspects of the outsourcing process.
Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or new to outsourcing, “Managing IT Outsourcing” provides valuable insights and actionable advice to help you navigate the complexities of this increasingly popular business practice. Pick up a copy today and take your outsourcing strategy to the next level.
#Managing #outsourcing #Beulen #Erik #Routledge
You must be logged in to post a comment.