Monday, May 9, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
2011 NBA Playoffs: Beware Of Zebras
I'm talking about the men in zebra uniforms who unfortunately have a tough task making the right calls. Bad officiating may have cost Denver and New York playoff wins that they could have had.
New York at Boston:
Clearly a moving screen by Garnett to free up Allen, who eventually hit the 3 pointer. Although I'm not surprised that a no call was made, this was a clear violation of the rulebook on Garnett's part, who has a history of setting moving screens. The Cetlics get away with one.
Denver at OKC:
There were some bad calls throughout the game, like the awful and undeserved technical on Felton. But this one takes the cake and I'm quite surprised that the referee's didn't call it.
Yep. An offensive interference call that should have been made, but unfortunately for the Nuggets, it put the Thunder up 1 with 65 seconds to go in the fourth quarter. Although I think the Thunder would have pulled out the game eventually as the Nuggets kept going through Felton, it certainly ruined the game for a lot of NBA fans.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
The Curious Case of Andris Biedrins
The once promising big man out of Latvia surprisingly has his career turned after almost two seasons characterized by injuries, increasing foul rates, poor free throw shooting, shoddy defense and with almost no offensive game to speak off. Coupled with a contract that can almost scare off the likes of Isiah Thomas during his glorious run with the New York Knicks, it’s dumbfounded that his career is where it is at today. He can rebound, but it seems like he forgot how to play the other areas of the basketball game.
During the Warriors’ 06-07 exciting run during the in the playoffs, he posted a PER of about 16 but shot a TS% of .697 and .730, the highest during the 2006-07 playoffs. That confidence carried over to the next season where he posted a career high PER of 19.2, while leading the league in FG%, EFG% and offensive rating (LOL). His FT% gradually increased every year from .475 in his rookie season to .620 in 2007-08. His PF rate per 36 minutes also decreased from 8.2 fouls in his rookie year to 4.5 in 2007-08.
He got his massive extension in the summer, where he was essentially paid on his potential to improve and because good centers are a premium in the league. His free throw shooting took a hit, dropping 6.9% from the prior year, but the center averaged career highs in points (11.9), rebounds (11.2), and assists, (2). There should be no surprise in those offensive numbers as he had the highest USG% percentage during his career so far. He also missed 17 games due to injuries, which would plague him the following season.
In 2009/10, everything went wrong with Biedrins. Beginning with injuries that only limited him to 33 games and 23 minutes per game, the 7-footer shot a career low FT% of 16%! Now absorb that for a second. There should be no way that a professional basketball player, let alone one in the NBA, that shoots 16% from the free throw line. Head coach Don Nelson repeatedly tried to change his free throw shooting stroke but was unsuccessful. He was also very critical of Biedrins for his lack of intensity and aggressiveness on the floor.
Biedrins was involved in multiple trade rumours from as early as 2008/09 when the Warriors pursued ex-Raptor Chris Bosh. In the offseason, he shot back and criticized the team in an interview in Latvia.
The current 2010/11 season presented a fresh new start for the Golden State Warriors with new ownership, an all-star big man in David Lee and a new coach. However it was the same story with Biedrins. And while Biedrins was a good rebounder, he was never that good at defending centers, as they posted PER of over 20 the last 4 years. It was his worst season in the rebounding department since 2005-06.
So what happened?
It should be hard for anyone to believe that at age 24 he forgot how to play basketball now but at age 21 and 22, he is posting PER of 19 and career highs across the board. Biedrins has lost the one thing you can’t lose if you are a basketball player. And that is confidence in one’s abilities on the court and he is not reclaiming that in Golden State. He is playing scared and timid.
My solution to his problems would be a trade to another team that presents a fresh new start for him. He is too young to be washed up now and teams like Toronto could use the old Biedrins. White Vegas is euro friendly and could possibly help him regain some of that ‘Euro-Swag’ back. This is a buy low situation for a team at a critical position where Biedrins is clearly not performing to his capabilities due to whatever reasons.
Either that or become DJ Pauly D’s apprentice. Look at the difference in his swag when he was ballin’ during the recent golden years in the Bay Area and now.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
He needs to get on that hair gel again.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Interesting Development Regarding Colangelo's Extension
Sources say Silvestri, who took a seat on the board last year, has emerged as an atypically opinionated presence around the Air Canada Centre. Along with criticizing Colangelo’s record as GM, Silvestri, one league source said, has also been heard to deride Colangelo’s career as the product of nepotism. Colangelo’s father, Jerry, was owner of the Phoenix Suns when Bryan became that franchise’s general manager in 1995.Bryan Colangelo, who was GM in Phoenix for 11 years before he succeeded Rob Babcock in Toronto in February 2006, has had success outside his father’s shadow. He was named the NBA’s executive of the year in Toronto in 2007 for inheriting a 27-win team and turning them into the 47-win champions of the Atlantic Division.
He has made plenty of missteps in the wake of that triumph, to be sure. The Jermaine O’Neal deal, which insiders pin on Colangelo’s wish to assuage then-coach Sam Mitchell’s constant harping for more defence and rebounding, was a miss. Ditto Hedo Turkoglu. And Colangelo’s call-out of Chris Bosh, this in the wake of Bosh’s exit to Miami last summer, raised eyebrows among those concerned about the team’s ability to retain and land free agents.
Finally someone with some balls in the organization. It's quite clear the likes of Mr. Peddie and Mr. Tanenbaum, both supporters of Bryan Colangelo, are willing to give Bryan his extension despite the massive miscalculations and lack of foresight on his roster moves. Colangelo has often tried to mask his failures, one of his job responsibilities, connecting it to 'bad luck' and 'unpredictable circumstances' as opposed to his flawed 'vision' that led to the sub-par yet often overrated product on the court that MLSE tries to sell to Toronto year after year.
I'm still waiting for the game to evolve when big men can play like guards and not have to worry about the responsibilities required up front. Unfortunately the man is out to lunch.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Miss Afzal Displays Her Affection For NYK
*Switches allegiances to the Knicks*
Oh and they have won six of their last nine games since the Melo trade.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
2011 Slam Dunk Contest Exposed?
Clippers star Blake Griffin is on such a roll that he won the Slam Dunk contest ahead of participating. The NBA sent out a press release BEFORE the contest started announcing that Griffin was the winner.
The NBA sent out an itinerary for the NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by Adidas on Sunday Feb. 20 It ran down the highlights of the day.
In this official media advisory it listed the “KROQ BLAKE GRIFFIN SHOWCASE” from 1:20 pm to 2:00 pm with the following description: “Five middle school students will showcase their dunking talents in front of 2011 NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Contest winner Blake Griffin.”
Nothing wrong with this right? Except for the fact that the release was sent via email at 5:28 pm PST on Saturday Feb. 19, over an hour before the Slam Dunk contest’s scheduled 6:30 pm PST start...
More from Ben Maller
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
2011 NBA Trade Deadline Summary Part 2
Blazers get:
• F Gerald Wallace
Bobcats get:
• F Dante Cunningham
• C Joel Przybilla
• Two future first-round picks
Analysis:
Michael Jordan continues to be cheap but atleast is able to get an expiring contract and two first round picks for Wallace. The Blazers get a former allstar for a relatively decent price who is struggling with his shot this year.
Winners: Both teams
Losers: Bobcat fans
Rockets' Brooks traded to Suns
Suns get:
• G Aaron Brooks
Rockets get:
• G Goran Dragic
• Future first-round pick
Analysis:
Brooks is looking to get paid and with Lowry's recent extension, it was not surprising to see Brooks on the move. Morey was able to get a pick and a young prospect out of him knowing that they would give Brooks the $$$ that he was looking for. The Suns do well as he should provide immediate production behind Nash and will be the eventual successor at that position.
Winners: Both teams
Losers: Fantasy owners who still have Aaron Brooks on their roster.
Thunder trade for Nazr Mohammed
Thunder get:
• C Nazr Mohammed
Bobcats get:
• F D.J. White
• G Morris Peterson
Analysis:
Nazr finally gets his wish. He demanded a trade almost 2 seasons ago and was on the block for a while. Finally gets his chance to contribute to a playoff team. The Bobcats remain irrelevant.
Winners: OKC Thunder
Losers: None
Grizzlies get:
• F Shane Battier
• G Ish Smith
Rockets get:
• C Hasheem Thabeet
• Future first-round pick
Analysis:
The Thabeet pick was bad the moment it happened. But to give up another 1st just to get rid of him? Yikes. Battier should provide some veteran leadership this year with Rudy out for the month and cost savings in the summer. I guess that's what really matters for Heisley. The Grizzlies were also close to selling Mayo on the cheap. Again ... yikes.
Morey gets paid a future first to pick up a former bust as he heads into the post-Ming era in Houston. Maybe Hakeem can turn Thabeet into a rotational NBA player? Or maybe I'm just high. Good move nonetheless for Morey.
Winners: Houston Rockets
Losers: Memphis Grizzlies
Cavaliers get:
• C Semih Erden
• F Luke Harangody
Celtics get:
• 2013 second-round pick
Analysis:
Looks like a move to clear off roster spots so they can sign someone like a Troy Murphy, Jason Kapono or a TJ Ford. Unforunately for Semih Erden and Luke Harangody, they go from Boston to Cleveland.Winners: No one
Losers: Semih Erden and Luke Harangody
Celtics send Daniels' corpse to Sacramento
Kings
• G Marquis Daniels
• Cash
Celtics get:
• 2017 second-round pick
Analysis:
Trade helps Boston save some luxury tax payments and clear off a roster spot. The Kings, who were below the minimum NBA salary, absorb Daniels so they remain above it.Winners: Owners of the Boston Celtics
Losers: Whoever that actually cared for the trade
Celtics trade Perkins to Thunder
Thunder get:
• C Kendrick Perkins
• G Nate Robinson
Celtics get:
• F Jeff Green
• C Nenad Krstic
• Future LAC 1st
Analysis:
A ballsy move by Danny Ainge and the Celtics. No one saw this coming and I'm not sure if its a wise move breaking up a championship contending team like the Celtics as they are noted for their team play and chemistry. Its true that the Celtics did not have much of a drop off in play when Perkins was out with his injury and they definitely require a 3 of the bench that can score, shoot the 3-point-shot and defend. They definitely got good value on the deal however its never a good idea to break apart a championship caliber team midway through the season.Perkins did reject their extension offer and is looking for a big payday, but so is Jeff Green. If Ainge and the Celtic owners were not willing to pay Perkins, why would they pay Green? Boston vets were not happy and rightfully so. It would be a more wise decision to handle this during the offseason via sign and trade as opposed to now when you are focusing on making a run in the playoffs.
Presti and the Thunder loaded up on bigmen this trade deadline to matchup better with the Lakers and Mavericks in the playoffs. With Perkins and Ibaka upfront, it will be tough for any team to score on them. Jeff Green also seemed to always play out of position with Durant manning the small forward spot so it is not surprising that he was dealt.
Winners: OKC Thunder
Losers: 2010-11 Boston Celtics and Jeff Green fantasy owners
Clippers' Davis to Cavs for Williams and Moon
Cavaliers get:
• G Baron Davis
• 2011 first-round pick (Clippers)
• F Jamario Moon
• G Mo Williams
Analysis:
Sterling hates Baron's guts but giving up an unprotected pick that currently has a 10% chance of moving into the top 3 of the 2011 NBA Draft just to get rid of him? Not a good move. Baron is overpaid but he is better than LeBron's ex-lapdog and they don't even shed any years of Baron's contract. Paying him an extra 4M is worth keeping the pick and using it to surround Blake Griffin more help. They probably could have even gotten Gallinari for him considering the Nuggets were placing more value on picks than actual players.Unfortunately for Clipper fans, there won't be anymore Baron Davis passes to Griffin during games or in dunk contests. And unfortunately for Baron, he now is reunited with an old foe in Byron Scott in Cleveland of all places.
Winners: Cleveland Cavaliers
Losers: Baron Davis, Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers and Clipper fans
2011 NBA Trade Deadline Summary Part 1
Hawks get:
• G Kirk Hinrich
• F Hilton Armstrong
• G Mike Bibby
• G Jordan Crawford
• G Maurice Evans
• 2011 first-round pick (Hawks)
Analysis:
Good trade for the Hawks as they shore up their perimeter defense as they get ready for the playoffs. Hinrich is more of a point guard than Bibby, who at this stage is a spot up shooter, and impacts the game in various different ways. They also don't take on much salary here.The Wizards also pull off a good rebuilding trade. Hinrich has one more year left at 9M and manages to shed that figure in half while acquiring essentially two first rounders in the pick and Jordan Crawford. Last summer the Bulls bribed the Wizards to take on Hinrich with a 1st round pick. Good utilization of their cap space.
Winners: Both teams
Losers: Mike Bibby
Warriors, Nets make trade for Murphy
Warriors get:
• F Troy Murphy
• 2012 second-round pick (Nets)
• F Brandan Wright
• C Dan Gadzuric
Analysis:
Troy Murphy is easily the best and most accomplished player in the deal but he's not going to suit up for the Warriors as he is expected to be bought out so he can play for a contender like the Celtics or the Magic. The Warriors get a second round pick for their troubles.Nets get an underutilized former lottery pick who always had problems breaking into the rotation, whether it be due to injuries, lazyness or complete suckage. Wright still has some talent and under the right environment, he maybe able to reach some of that potential. Maybe.
Winners: Hard to say
Losers: See above
Hornets land Landry from Kings for Thornton
Hornets get:
• F Carl Landry
• Official Release
Kings get:
• Marcus Thornton
• Cash considerations
Analysis:
The Hornets get a good post scorer off the bench while the Kings continue their rebuilding efforts with Marcus Thornton. Thornton struggled to break into Monty Williams' rotation this year after an excellent rookie campaign last season. Good trade for both teams.Winners: Both teams
Losers: No one
Deron Williams goes to New Jersey
• F Derrick Favors
• G Devin Harris
• 2011 first-round pick (Nets)
• 2012 first-round pick (from Nets, originally owned by Warriors)
• Cash considerations
Analysis:
Shocking to say the least. The Nets got arguably the best point guard in the NBA, so obviously they had to give up quite a bit of assets to acquire his services. It is interesting to note that the Nets gave up less assets for Williams than they would have for Melo.The Jazz made out well with their return for Deron Williams. Maybe Sloan knew something about this beforehand which led to him stepping down. Who would have thought the Jazz would be without both Sloan and Williams after the trade deadline.
The key to Deron Williams working out in New Jersey/Brooklyn is largely dependent on how well the Nets surround him and Lopez with adequate talent and possibly a different coach. It was widely reported that Deron was unhappy with the deal and rightfully so. Who would want to go from a playoff team in the Western Conference to the lowly New Jersey Nets? Billy King, Jay-Z and the Russian have a lot of work to do to keep Williams in Jersey/Brooklyn.
This deal does create a nice little cross-town rivalry between the Nets and the Knicks. Prokhorov and the Nets definitely upstaged New York during Melo's debut as a Knick on Wednesday.
Winners: Both teams and NBA fans in the Tri-City area
Losers: Utah Jazz fans
Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks
Knicks get:
• F Carmelo Anthony
• G Chauncey Billups
• F Renaldo Blackman
• G Anthony Carter
• C Sheldon Williams
Nuggets get:
• F Wilson Chandler
• G Raymond Felton
• F Danilo Gallinari
• C Kosta Koufous
• C Timofey Mozgov
• $3 million in cash
• 2014 first-round pick (from NYK)
• 2012 & 13 second-round picks (from Knicks, originally owned by Warriors)
• C Eddy Curry
• F Anthony Randolph
• 2015 second-round pick (from Nuggets)
• $3 million in cash
Analysis:
The Knicks finally land Melo. Too bad the Nigerian swindled another American out of their assets. In this case, Masai Ujiri played the Knicks perfectly in convincing the team to give up half their roster when they would have had him for free in the offseason. The Nuggets get a shitload of assets and can start their rebuilding efforts while compete for a playoff spot at the same time. Not a bad situation to be in. Ofcourse losing Melo hurts.No need to go deep in analyzing why the Knicks did it. They needed another star and they got it. The price they paid was a little too much, but that is the price you pay for a certified NBA star. Now all they have to do is surround him and Amar'e with the right role players. If rumours are true, Knicks fans should be concerned that Isiah Thomas and James Dolan were involved in the deal.
Kahn and the Minnesota Timberpups continue their asset collection efforts, exchanging Corey Brewer for the always intriguing Anthony Randolph and Curry's fat ass. One would think that Anthony Randolph would get his act together in New York playing in a high tempo system however that was not the case. He has a ton of talent, but will he ever fulfill some of that potential?
Winners: All three teams and NBA fans in the Tri-City area
Losers: No one
Bulls get:
• 2011 first-round pick (from Raptors, originally owned by Heat)
• F James Johnson
Analysis:
Colangelo and co. continue to pickup other teams failed prospects on the cheap, hoping that one of them will eventually work out. And judging by his first game against his former team, they may have found another piece to add to their mediocre core. The Raptors have had interest in Johnson since the 2009 draft where they considered him with the 9th pick before ultimately settling on DeRozan.The Bulls salvaged some value on a sunk cost by acquiring a first round pick in return for Johnson. So far it looks like the Raptors got the better part of the trade because Johnson has more than talent than anyone you can get with the 27-29th pick in a very weak draft.
Winners: Toronto Raptors
Losers: No one
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Miami Shopping Miller? Trade Idea
The Heat have shopped Mike Miller in their search for an upgrade at either point guard or center, according to multiple sources.
Miller is in the first year of a five-year, $29 million contract.
One executive said the Heat have been calling around but just "don’t have much they can trade."
Miami is ultimately more likely to sign a player who is bought out than to complete a significant trade.
So much for loyalty and all that bullshit. While its more likely the Heat sign someone like Eddy Curry, who is rumoured to be bought out by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Curry strengths (mainly low post scoring and eating) don't really help the Heat that much other than provide depth at center. What the Heat need from the C position is a guy who can finish, defend and rebound.
A trade surrounding Mike Miller and Brendan Haywood works well for both the Mavericks and the Heat. The Mavericks are in the market to replace Butler's production in the starting lineup but adding the likes of Gerald Wallace and/or Stephen Jackson will just add to that high payroll, which I'm sure Cuban has no problems paying. And with Tyson Chandler beasting it in the middle, it has made Haywood expendable and makes sense to use him to acquire Miller as opposed to just adding on more salary. Toronto native Jamaal Magloire is added as the filler from Miami's side to make the trade work.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
3 Trade Deadline Deals The Raptors Should Consider
Position wise, the Toronto Raptors have immediate needs in the middle (none of the three PF's are adequate), at the point (same goes for Jose) and at the small forward slot ('nuff said). Here are three deals the Raptors should look at as we approach the 2010-2011 NBA Trade Deadline.
Trade 1: Leandro Barbosa and Joey Dorsey for Hasheem Thabeet and DeMarre Carroll
Not the first time I've posted this. The Grizzlies have been aggressively shopping Thabeet and with the recent Rudy Gay injury, one would think OJ Mayo goes back to the starting role to shoulder some of Gay's scoring responsibilities. This would obviously open up a need for a bench scorer like Barbosa and help the Grizzlies make a playoff push in the always competitive Western Conference.
Trade 2: Jose Calderon for Marvin Williams
The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly in the market for another point guard to boost its chances of beating one of Boston, Miami or Orlando in the playoffs. Now there is speculation that they might target someone like Sessions, who is not being actively shopped, I believe a veteran play maker would help them in the playoffs more.
Enter Jose Calderon. There were rumours of the Hawks being interested in the Spanish play maker from as early as the summer of 2007 when he had his coming out party that drew comparisons to a young Steve Nash. However years went by, injuries happened, Bosh left and now suddenly looks like a average point guard in the NBA.
However that should be enough to help the Hawks in the playoffs. They don't have a true facilitator on the roster and him and Bibby would make a solid point guard rotation for Atlanta. Marvin Williams has been shopped by the Hawks and with Josh Smith getting more minutes at the 3, his role on the team has diminished.
The Raptors have a clear need at 3 and while Marvin Williams isn't going to save the franchise, he will have a fresh new start on a team with no added pressure where he wouldn't have to justify being picked second overall over the likes of Chris Paul, Deron Williams and many others. Ditto for Thabeet.
Now the trade would obviously leave the Raptors without a point. Which leads me to the third trade idea.
Trade 3: The Return Of TJ Ford
How ironic would be it if the Raptors went back to TJ Ford after deciding that Jose was the way to go after the 2007-08 season? The two were to be traded for one another this past summer as Toronto was involved in a four team trade rumour. TJ Ford has been on the trade block since last season and would likely require very little to reacquire his services from Indiana.
Reggie Evans and Julian Wright for the speedy point guard provides the Pacers with additional depth off the bench up front. Both of them being on expiring contracts is also a big plus.
Insane Rumour: Why Barbosa Was Traded
Leandro Barbosa was on the Phoenix Suns from 2003-2010…He was a fan favorite in the desert and then got traded this past Summer before the season began..Why was the longest tenured Suns player shipped out of town…I’m being told he was messing around with Steve Nash’s wife…Here’s what my source tells me..”Barbosa was traded because Nash caught wind of the affair and he had to go…That’s why Nash all of a sudden got divorced after his wife had the baby..He realized it wasn’t his and then decided to split from her immediately following the birth.” Ok, this is some crazy soap opera type activities going on within the Suns organization…Nash did split with his wife over the Summer and then got divorced immediately following the birth of the child…Like most other crazy tips, I will take this with a grain of salt, but the time lines are striking…and the first two kids Nash and his wife had were out of wedlock as well.. -TO
Via TerezOwens.com
WOW. No wonder the Raptors were able to move Hedo.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
'Melo To Jersey Back On + Possible 3 Team Trade?
Denver-NJ in advanced talks on Anthony, Billups, Balkman, Ely, Williams for Favors, Harris, Murphy, Uzoh and 4 1st rounders, source tells Y!
Via Twitter
Although details of a formally scheduled meeting have yet to emerge, Denver officials are operating under the assumption that Melo and Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov will finally meet face-to-face during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, according to sources close to the process. The Nuggets encourage that meeting, sources say, because trading with New Jersey has always been more favorable to Denver than dealing with New York and because the Nuggets -- who still like New Jersey’s Derrick Favors better than any player who’s been made available to them in the months-long Melo trade saga -- know that the Nets remain unwilling to participate in a trade unless Anthony also commits to an extension in New Jersey.
Via ESPN
Now this is an interesting development and hopefully the 'Melo to the Tri-State Area saga finally ends. There were also recent rumours involving Portland and the Nets regarding a deal involving Harris and possibly Andre Miller as the main principals. I wouldn't be surprised if the two rumours end up into a three team deal with Miller returning to Denver as it doesn't make sense for Harris to go to Denver with a young PG like Lawson already waiting for his turn. The deal would look like this:
Denver Nuggets trade:
Carmelo Anthony
Chauncey Billups
Shelden Williams
Renaldo Balkman
Melvin Ely
Denver Nuggets receive:
Derrick Favors
Andre Miller
Luke Babbitt
Troy Murphy
Ben Uzoh
4 1st Round Picks
New Jersey Nets trade:
Derrick Favors
Devin Harris
Troy Murphy
Ben Uzoh
4 1st Round Picks
New Jersey Nets receive:
Carmelo Anthony
Chauncey Billups
Shelden Williams
Renaldo Balkman
Melvin Ely
Portland Trailblazers trade:
Andre Miller
Luke Babbitt
Portland Trailblazers receive:
Devin Harris
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Ron Artest ft. Nas & Xin Xin – Who Are You
This is the first track from Ron Artest's “Ballin” mixtape that is dropping this NBA All Star weekend.
Major Props 2DopeBoyz
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Vancouver Wants A NBA Team?
"Maybe we shouldn't have done it there, maybe we should have only expanded into Toronto . . . that was a great disappointment to me," he said.
Stern is doubtful the NBA could ever return to British Columbia.
"I don't think we can go back," Stern said. "I think that was a great city, and I think we just didn't take advantage of the opportunity."
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
LeBron Aint Playin', Confronts Pistons Fan ...
... in response to "Is your Mom going to Boston for Valentine's Day?"
LOL
Friday, February 11, 2011
Trade Idea: Grizzlies make a playoff push; Raptors continue to rebuild
The Knicks have been willing to move Anthony Randolph and Memphis has gauged interest in Hasheem Thabeet, but the Rockets have sought more immediate help. Memphis' Marc Gasol will be a restricted free agent, but the Grizzlies have so far said they will keep him through the deadline.
Via Houston Chronicle
The Griz continue to comb the league for a deal involving Hasheem Thabeet. They aren't getting any offers compelling enough to give away the 7-3 project center. Right now, it's J-will or bust. The Griz aren't planning to to sign any players to a 10-day contract.
Via Memphis Commercial Appeal
As far as I know the Griz continue to be open to offers for disappointing center Hasheem Thabeet and aren't looking to move Mayo.
Via Memphis Commercial Appeal
The
Grizzlies trade:
Hasheem Thabeet
DeMarre Carroll
Grizzlies receive:
Leandro Barbosa
Joey Dorsey
Barbosa is a former 6th man of the year should help bolster Memphis' weak bench. The Raptors on the other hand continue to rebuild as they take a chance on the former 2nd overall pick from the 2009 NBA Draft. On a team with no center (Ajinca is meh and Alabi is NBDL material), it shouldn't be hard for Thabeet to break into Jay Triano's rotation.
Win-win for both teams.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Ron Artest wants out? Plus trade idea
Ron Artest 'definitely' doesn't want trade
Denying a report from ESPN.com's Marc Stein, Artest said Wednesday at Lakers practice that he doesn't want to be traded.
"No, definitely not," Artest said.
"Just because you're not comfortable doesn't mean that you're not happy," he said. "Obviously when I was on other teams, I got a lot of touches. But I'm playing with the greatest player in the history of the game, and I'm playing with All-Stars. I don't have a problem with looking bad on the court for the benefit of the team."
Via ESPN
Stein's report on Ron wanting out of LA
One source close to the situation insists that Ron Artest wants out.
Asked to react to that, Artest's agent David Bauman declined comment.
This is where I'm obligated to remind you that no one in the NBA can change his mind faster than the famously fickle Ron-Ron. Another pertinent disclaimer: Artest's play has been sufficiently sluggish in the second season of a five-year deal that whatever he wants is bound to be greeted by shrugs and scoffs, no matter how much he gave the Lakers in the epic final game of last season.
Via ESPN
Phil Jackson on possible moves
Lakers Coach Phil Jackson, however, said Tuesday that the "door's open for business" before the Feb. 24 trade deadline, a follow-up to similar comments from General Manager Mitch Kupchak on Monday.
Jackson added that "it was a good calling card that Mitch threw out there," but who could the Lakers realistically trade?
Ron Artest is struggling and his trade value is low, considering he is 31 years old and has three more years after this for a total of $21.8 million.
Via LA Times
Its quite clear that Ron doesn't fit in with the Lakers system and Phil's method of publicly calling players out through the media isn't working. The Lakers need more help at both the 3 and at 1 even after signing Steve Blake to a multi-year contract this summer.
The Raptors on the other hand are in the midst of a 100 game losing streak and who knows when they will win the next game. A lot of their problems can be attributed to areas where they have really struggled at, defense (inside and out), rebounding and overall toughness. So here is my trade proposal that both the Lakers and the Raptors should seriously look at.
Los Angeles Lakers trade:
Ron Artest (15% trade kicker)
Steve Blake
Theo Ratliff (only included for salary reasons and will be bought out once deal is completed so he can return to LA)
Toronto Raptors trade:
Jose Calderon (10% trade kicker)
Linas Kleiza
The financial impact of the deal on both teams is about equal. For the Lakers, they bring back 51 million in committed salaries (trade kicked included) and send out 48 million in committed salaries (trade kicker included). A 7 million overall increase in committed salaries however they save more than 7M in 2013/14. Not a significant increase in salary considering they are improving their weak points.
For the Raptors, they bring back 48 million in committed salaries (trade kicked included) and send out 48 million in committed salaries (trade kicker included). However while the Lakers save money in 2013/14, the Raptors save money on an annual basis from now till the end of the 2012/13 season. Its just shuffling salaries. Now to the players.
Jose Calderon is a mistake free point guard that all coaches would love to have on their roster if he could stop opposing guards but could be hidden on a team surrounded by good defensive players, which the Lakers have. He can run an offense very smoothly and gives them a high percentage shooter from beyond the arc. Clear upgrade over both Fisher (just retire already) and Blake.
Moving on to Kleiza, who the Raptors had high hopes for, it seems that he is best utilized in a reduced role when he can be counted on for his scoring abilities. Kleiza's percentages have been subpar this season and can sometimes go in chuck-everything-at-the-basket-mode but some of it could be attributed to his sore knee. However he can score and is a better option as a spot up shooter/scorer in spurts than Artest backing up Matt Barnes.
The deal helps the Raptors in one specific area they always have struggled at ... perimeter defense. While Artest is not in DPOY form anymore, he is still better than anything on the roster and should raise the teams level of play in that area. He will also get a more expanded role on offense in Toronto as opposed to LA where he was relegated, and sometimes freezed out, to a spot up 'shooter', which was never Artest's strength. If Artest manages to come around, and I think he will once he gets out of Hollywood, he should be easier to move in future deals.
Ron also has the CFL in mind as a future career and local Toronto artists have recently held an art exhibit based on his life. Irrelevant points but I think Toronto fans will love him.
Blake is a steady point guard that is best served coming off the bench and is generally the type of player you would find on winning teams. He is also a better defensive player than Jose Calderon and him taking a reduced role opens up minutes for a young player like Bayless. Replacing weaker defensive players with better ones on the Raptors roster at the expense of some offensive production should be Colangelo's target at the trade deadline and in the future.
It doesn't get rid of Bargnani, one of the main liabilities on defense, but its a step in the right direction and it doesn't negatively impact their finances.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
Kobe Bryant is the Black Mamba! Directed by Robert Rodriguez
He can go in "Black Mamba" mode and drop 40 but his team won't repeat if they keep failing to show up for important games like yesterday against the Celtics.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Tankers Unite! ESPN's 2011 NBA Mock Draft Simulator is out!
In my first couple of tries, the Raptors always landed at 4, filling a positional need with Enes Kanter. I finally managed to get the 1st pick with them and they went with Kyrie Irving over Perry Jones. Not a surprise choice as Colangelo has always emphasized the need for a speedy point guard.
Highly addictive way to spend your afternoon at the office.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Weezy butthurt over LeBron and Wade
When Wayne sat court-side at a recent Miami Heat/New Orleans Hornets game he was upset that Lebron James and Dwayne Wade never came over to talk to him. "Them n*ggas never speak to a n*gga," he says. "They don't chuck me the deuce or nothing. N*gga spent all that money on them f*cking tickets ... Come holla at me. We sit right by them little b*tch-a** n*ggas. At least come ask me why I'm not rooting for you."
VIa Rolling Stone
Awwwww. Pretty sure they had more important things to worry about (ie.. the game itself) than go over and chit-chat with Mr. Wayne. And then bitching about spending all that money on them f*cking tickets. I thought y'all had money to blow?
DeRozan replaces Jennings at the 2011 Dunk Contest
VIA New York TimesThe N.B.A. will add DeMar DeRozan to the slam dunk competition, which will be held during All-Star weekend. He will assume the spot vacated by Brandon Jennings, who is returning from a fractured left foot. DeRozan’s selection is expected to be announced on Thursday.
DeRozan, a guard for the Toronto Raptors, finished second to Nate Robinson in last year’s competition. DeRozan is a native of California, and the All-Star Game will be played at Staples Center.
Jennings’s injury occurred on Dec. 15 against the Spurs. He is expected back within the next two weeks.
Blake Griffin (Clippers), JaVale McGee (Wizards) and Serge Ibaka (Thunder) are
scheduled to round out the slam-dunk participants.
When the contestants were initially announced, I was largely unimpressed with the selections and thought the contest was rigged towards Griffin's favor (not like he needs it though). Replacing Jennings with DeRozan does make it more competitive for Blake, but there is no way he loses considering that people go gaga over all of his dunks.
DeRozan needs to put on a show this year. His performance at last year's event was a disappointment.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Prokhorov says no to Melo, sets sights on Kirilenko
Prokhorov may have dodged a bullet here. Leon Rose and World Wide Wes tried to get Melo to the Nets by essentially gutting the entire team. As I mentioned in a previous blog post, Melo simply doesn't make sense for the Nets. A smart move on his part.
Ujiri and Josh Kroenke got too greedy and lost it all I think. They were already gutting the team and then got carried away trying to dump their offseason mistakes (ie.. Harrington) onto the Nets.
If the Nets fail in their bid to get Anthony, the kind of superstar Prokhorov wants playing in Brooklyn, Net fans might get to see their future small forward, anyway. The Jazz's Andrei Kirilenko is a free agent this summer and knows Prokhorov well enough that the two have dinner in Russia when Kirilenko goes home every summer. According to Nets sources, Kirilenko is on the team's radar as a potential player and front-office official.
VIA NY Daily News
Rafer Skips To China
Streetball legend and former NBA player Rafer Alston has found a new job in basketball, and it’s taking him overseas.
Alston’s longtime manager and close friend Eddie Lau told InsideHoops.com that the guard is traveling to China today where he will sign a contract to play for the Zhejiang Guangsha Basketball Club.
In other news, in addition to his other roles, Lau is now also Alston’s agent.
Alston began his NBA career in 1999, playing for Milwaukee. He went on to play Toronto, Miami, Houston, Orlando and New Jersey, and had a career average of 10.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 spg.
Known in Rucker Park and other famous playgrounds as “Skip to my Lou,” Alston has great flair to his game. Over his years as a professional, he learned how to separate Alston the NBA player from Skip, the kid in the playground. It’ll be interesting to see footage of how he performs overseas.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Iverson's 'Retirement' Update + Highlights
Turkish Besiktas famous import, Allen Iverson, appears close to end his career in basketball. The former Philadelphia Sixers’ guard injured his left ankle recently and can’t stand the pain anymore. Later today, he will do a press conference to announce that he is going to have surgery in the United States and will be treated here.
“Leaving the basketball world makes me sad but, sometimes, we have to accept things like they are. I can say goodbye to basketball,” he revealed yesterday.
Via Turkish News
Also the highlights from Iverson's recent game in Turkey. He scored 17 points and dished out eight assists in Besiktas' overtime loss against Efes Pilson.
UPDATE:
Allen Iverson may be 35 and in need of having a lesion removed from his right leg that will take 4-6 weeks to rehab, and he might not have any NBA teams interested in him, but his manager, Gary Moore, told the Associated Press that his client isn't planning on hanging it up just yet.
Once the lesion is removed in the United States, Iverson is planning to head back to Turkey to be with his team, Besiktas, for the playoffs, the AP reports.
Iverson "totally disputes" that he is retiring, Moore told the AP. After all, Iverson has another year on the two-year, $4 million deal he signed with the Turkish club in the fall.
"People need to know that Allen is and always has been a fighter," Moore said, according to the AP. "He's got a battle ahead of him."
VIA Yahoo Sports
Okay so he's not retiring. I knew I shouldn't have went ahead with unreliable Turkish news.
LeBron James Having Fun At Cleveland's Expense
The Los Angeles Lakers humiliated the Cleveland Cavaliers while sending them to their 11th straight loss, rolling to a 112-57 victory on Tuesday night in their best defensive performance ever.LeBron reacts to the loss on twitter
Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum each scored 15 points, while Pau Gasol had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown(notes) also scored 13 points for the defending NBA champion Lakers, who led the league’s worst team by 32 points at halftime on their way to winning their fifth in a row.
Reserves Alonzo Gee scored 12 points and Ramon Sessions 10. Cleveland’s point total was a record low by a Lakers opponent. The Cavs shot 30 percent and committed 19 turnovers in losing for the 21st time in their last 22 games.
Via Yahoo Sports
Crazy. Karma is a b****.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!
Via Twitter
LOL C'mon son. Now that is seriously not cool. But he is really liking his villain role. Clevelanders must be...
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Melo Headed to Jersey?
But this trade raises a very important question ... wouldn't Melo be better off staying in Denver? In the proposed deal the 10-27 Nets would have a very aging backcourt in Billups and Hamilton with very little depth upfront. I won't fully analyze the deal until the full details come out but I don't like the deal for New Jersey or Carmelo. The Nets are going all in on a trade which will only make them a middle of the pack team in the Eastern conference.
