Amare Stoudemire got engaged in Paris last night.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: He pops the question overlooking the Eiffel Tower...tough to say no. Oh, he's also rich, famous, and the father of your three kids. Now, it is really really tough to say no. Best Wishes from HoopsVibe.
David Stern Fines Amare Stoudemire $50,000 over a tweet.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If this tweet is fined 50k, I still think fines wife beating comment on live t.v. should at least be worth 40k.
Knicks sign 3 key off-season players to ensure they can compete.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This will help, but don't plan on going to the Eastern Conference Finals NYC.
Dwight Howard is adjusting to LA just fine thank you.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: LA's not Orlando Dwight. If you date Ciara people are going to find out.
Stephon Marbuy blasts Melo & Amar'e as a horrible combo destined to lose.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Who is Marbury to comment on being a team player?
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Looking at the current NBA player injury report, it almost seems like every team is missing one (or in some unfortunate cases, a few) key players.
Hoopsvibe's quick call: Injuries certainly aren't ideal, but every team has to deal with them.
Here are few that are currently being dealt with:
Avery Bradley, shoulder, Boston Celtics
According to reports, Bradley will be out for another few weeks, at least until mid-December. While he's currently traveling with the team and working on his jump shot during warmups, he is not participating in full contact drills. The Celtics can't wait to get Bradley back, as he's earned a reputation for being an extremely talented perimeter defender.
Derrick Rose, knee, Chicago Bulls
After suffering that gruesome slash heartbreaking knee injury in the first round of the playoffs last year, (an injury that essentially took them out of NBA Finals contention), Rose is still in recovery mode. He's set to return mid-January but due to the nature of his injury, will take more time to heal if necessary. As much as the Bulls want their franchise player back in the lineup, they are not going to rush his recovery. The good news is Rose just recently began cutting in practice. The bad news is, with Rose out this season, the Bulls are below .500 at 6-7.
Kyrie Irving, finger, Cleveland Cavaliers
We all remember the freak accident that resulted in a broken hand for Irving earlier this preseason. If you don't, he made an errant pass in a game, was mad at himself, and punched a wall. We've all been there, right? Well, unfortunately, a freak accident found him with a broken finger recently and will have him out until late December. "Freak injury, minor setback but ill be back soon everybody, Love the support" Irving tweeted.
Dirk Nowitzki, knee, Dallas Mavericks
The three point shooting seven footer, who hasn't played in a game yet this season, will continue to be a spectator for another few weeks due to a knee injury. Dirk is set to make his return to the lineup sometime in mid-December and Mavs owner Mark Cuban probably can't wait given the fact Nowitzki averaged more than 21 points per game last year.
Danny Granger, knee, Indiana Pacers
There's no question this injury hurts Indiana; Granger was the Pacers leading scorer before being sidelined after having an injection three weeks ago to treat patellar tendinosis. The Pacers better get used to life without Granger, as he isn't scheduled to return until mid-February.
Chauncey Billups, achilles, Los Angeles Clippers
By the way the Clippers have been playing, you might not have even noticed they've been balling without Chauncey Billups in the lineup. Chauncey is almost done rehabbing an injured achilles and is planning on being back in action mid-December which means the Clips are about to get even better. I'm sure in the meantime, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will continue to have everything under control.
Steve Nash, leg, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers probably didn't foresee Steve Nash getting injured within the first few games of the season when they traded for him a few months back. Then again, the 38 year old is getting any younger. Nash is set to return by mid-December and knowing how much the veteran point guard will help their team, the Lakers can't wait. "When Steve comes back, things will change. You have one of the greatest point guards of all times that you're missing out of the lineup. It changes things," said superstar teammate Kobe Bryant. Even new Lakers coach, Mike D'Antoni, who coached Nash for many years in Phoenix highlighted his importance in the lineup. "In Phoenix, we couldn't win without him," D'Antoni admitted.
Shane Battier, knee, Miami Heat
While Battier might not be one of the most talked about players on the Miami Heat, no one doubts his immense contribution night in-night out. Battier is an amazing defender and hits the open three. Thankfully to his teammates, his recent knee injury will only have him missing a few games; Battier should be back early to mid-December.
Chase Budinger, Brandon Roy, Ricky Rubio, all knee injuries, Minnesota Timberwolves
At this point, it's almost as if you should be careful going to play in Minnesota because you might hurt your knee. All three players, Budinger, Roy and Rubio are currently sidelined with versions of knee injuries. Budinger will be out until March but thankfully, Roy and Rubio should return mid-December. Let's hope.
Amare Stoudemire, Baron Davis, knee injuries, New York Knicks
It's pretty amazing how well the Knicks have been playing with Carmelo Anthony at the helm and Stoudemire and Davis both out with injuries. Davis will unfortunately be out for the season but Stoudemire is set to return mid-December. How will the Knicks work Stoudemire into the rotation when the team is 9-4 without him? It will definitely be interesting to see what happens with Amare on the court.
Andrew Bynum, knee, Philadelphia 76ers
Just when I thought Bynum would go to Philadelphia and grow into the best center in the league, he injured his knee. Again. And then he went bowling, and got injured again. He's got all of the talent in the world but can't seem to stay healthy. Barring any further bowling incidents, a healthy Bynum will be in the lineup by the end of December. Fingers crossed, Philadelphians.
John Wall, knee, Washington Wizards
If there's one team in the NBA who truly cannot afford an injury right now, it's the Wizards. They are currently 0-12 and their star player, Wall, is sitting on the bench with knee injury. The good news? Wall is supposed to be back by the end of this month and there's only one way for the Wizards to go from here.
Anthony Davis, ankle, New Orleans Hornets
A stress fracture in Davis' ankle isn't helping the Hornets one bit. The team is currently 3-9 on the season. Davis played the first six games and put up huge numbers, averaging 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Pretty remarkable for a freshman. What's also remarkable is how much of an impact he's had because the Hornets haven't won without him. Since his injury, they are 0-6. Davis is said to be out until mid-December.
The rumor around town is that the Lakers are actively looking to trade Pau Gasol to the Knicks for Amare Stoudemire
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This isn't much of a win for either team, but edge goes to Knicks.
Knicks send Amare Stoudemire to a 6-man role.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Humility is always a good quality for growth. Maybe this is what New York needs to get better?
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In a league full of physical specimens, these are the best.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: You won't find Kris Humphries on this list, or Big Baby.
10. Amare Stoudemire
Shirtless pics of Stoudemire are the rule, not the exception. And why not, he's earned it. Now working his way back to regular minutes after injury, Stoudemire will be back to full strength soon, with more pool photo shoots to follow.
9. Carlos Boozer
Boozer is great at staying under the radar for the most part. But in a year where the Bulls have needed him to step up and solidify the front court, the veteran has done that.
8. Kobe Bryant
Kobe's inclusion on this list may elicit a few boos, but the way he has transformed his body during his career warrants some respect. From entering the league as a skinny 18 year old, Kobe has put on a little more muscle every year and you can tell it has paid off by the way his game has become more physical, and less about put jumping defenders, over that time.
7. Ray Allen
Ray Allen has been ripped for years but doesn't really get the credit as such because he is a perimeter player who makes a living draining threes- a specialty which isn't often seen as being based on strength or physicality. I don't know about you, but I would be shirtless all the time if I was Ray Allen. Especially at his advancing age.
6. Blake Griffin
Griffin's leaping ability and athleticism grab most of the attention and highlights, but he is as strong as any front court player in the league. He gets criticized for "only being able to dunk" but the fact that he puts himself in that position time and time again even though every one knows it's coming show how strong he is.
5. Serge Ibaka
Pound for pound, maybe the strongest player in the league. Ibaka is built like a comic book hero, straight up. Anybody with an 8-pack and leads the league in blocks qualifies for this list.
4. Andre Iguodala
Speaking of comic book hero type bodies, Iguodala definitely fits into that category. The balance and symmetry of his physique lends itself to his game; balanced in all aspects, equally productive across the board. In addition, he always seems incredibly smooth and relaxed, just like his build.
3. Metta World Peace
"Ron Ron" is a beast. Just when you think he's mellowed out and forgotten how much of an intimidating force he can be, he deftly punches Detroit's Brandon Knight in the clinch. At 6-7, a jacked 240 pounds and with the potential to go off at any moment, it makes him seem even more ripped in my mind. But him being mental shouldn't detract from how much a physical specimen Ron Ron is is.
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2. Dwight Howard
Love him or hate him, D Howard has arguably the most impressive physique in a league full of players with impressive physiques. While toughness is something Howard definitely lacks (especially of the mental variety), the width of his shoulders cannot be questioned; has there ever been a wider NBA player? And I don't mean "wide" like Oliver Miller.
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1. LeBron James
Even if you don't think he is the most jacked player in the league, you have to acknowledge that he uses the strength of his body on the court better than any player in the league, maybe even ever. How many times do you see Bron Bron take a player attempting to guard him straight up from the top of the key right to the rim, with ease? It isn't that easy, he just makes it look like it is because he is so strong.
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Injury Alert: New York Knick Amar'e Stoudemire out 6 weeks.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Is this the beginning of the end for Stoudemire? New York to eat his $100M contract with little to show for it.
O.J. Mayo will opt out of his contract in Dallas as Stoudemire and Jennings make absurd first round playoff predictions.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Since when does a #2 seed have to publicly guaratee they'll beat a #7 seed? Probably about the same time a #8 seed guarantees they'll beat the best team in basketball.
Your 2011 NBA All-Star Game starters, as voted by the fans and announced by the NBA are below. The game will be played in Los Angeles on February 20.
Carmelo very reflective tonight. Wondered aloud if he's shooting too much, or should pass more and whether he's to blame for losses.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He has yet to make those around him better.
For all his offensive gifts, Carmelo Anthony lacks the one skill that truly defines greatness: he does not raise the play of teammates.
In fact, he never has.
Anthony struggled to find his game on-and-off court after a banner rookie year with the Denver Nuggets. Then he failed to mesh with Allen Iverson. Only with leader and Finals MVP Chauncey Billups did ‘Anthony’s Nuggets’ compete.
Last year was a write-off. Anthony made no secret of his desire for a trade to the big-market New York Knicks. Both teams were in a holding pattern for months, dealing with 24-7 trade rumors.
When those rumors became reality, the results surprised. The Nuggets, with balance and team-first play, impressed, while the superstar-laden Knicks disappointed.
And Anthony must take the blame. He’s in his much-desired glamour market, and has yet to deliver results.
He shoots too much. He won’t include others. Worst of all, his presence has turned Amar’e Stoudemire, a $100 million free agent signing in 2010, into a blue-collar post.
Something must give. Nine years into his career, the question is whether Anthony can change and embrace the bigger picture?
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Did anyone want to remember the past decade? It was full of LULZ and OMG! Those days are over. The scene was interesting to see Stephon Marbury shout “Dey scared now!” His interviews were nothing short of breathtaking. I miss seeing Zach Randolph dribble the ball like he was in an And-1 commercial. Isiah Thomas took the Knicks even deeper in to the abyss. Mike D’Antoni’s priceless expression when he didn’t land the number one pick to get Derrick Rose was hilarious.
The first was undoubtedly whether Phil Jackson, on hand to usher his former long-time assistant Tex Winter and Rodman into the Class of 2011, will unretire in the future and return to the NBA sidelines to coach again. Maybe for the Knicks in 2012.
Link
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will Phil Jackson ride off into the sunset at his ranch in the Mid West? Or, will the most successful coach in NBA history un-retire and take a seat on the New York Knicks’ bench?
Jackson didn’t close the door on a return to coaching at the NBA’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Instead, he left the door open ever-so slightly.
Remember, Jackson won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, which included a run of three and two consecutive championships.
Before that he won six championships with the Chicago Bulls, which included two separate runs of three consecutive championships.
Bottom line: Jackson’s a winner. So the Knicks should do everything possible to woo him out of retirement, or sabbatical, and onto the hallowed floor of Madison Square Gardens.
After all, Jackson played for some great Knick squads. His ego is grand enough that he’d handle, or even welcome, the bright lights, center stage, and headlines of Broadway.
Of course, the Knicks have the money to easily meet P-Jax’s demand of an eight-figure annual salary to work his magic on Carmelo Anthony and Amar‘e Stoudemire.
Sounds perfect, right?
Well, here’s the problem: Knick owner James Dolan likes control. He’ll be reluctant to hire a free-thinking, counter-culturist like Jackson, who has the pedigree to say what he thinks without worrying about consequences.
Now Jackson, at 66, won’t want to deal with the Knicks’ meddling owner. For instance, he knows Executive Donnie Walsh left because he grew tired of Dolan.
Then again Dolan has hired high-profile coaches and general managers: Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas. And Jackson has dealt with the soap opera in Laker-land known as the Buss clan.
So it’s possible. We’re talking about it too, which is exactly what Jackson, retired or not, wants.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
With the Lakersshowing more signs that their basketball mileage is catching up with them, they need to inject speed into their lineup. And with Mike Brown planning to abandon most of the triangle offense, they need a solid point guard. ... [Chris Paul] has the edge over [Deron Williams] because of his youth (26) and uncanny speed.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: With the 2012 season in limbo, many have turned to speculating on next year’s free agent class.
One rumour keeps making the rounds: Chris Paul walks on the New Orleans Hornets to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers next July.
Before you roll your eyes at the new Collective Bargaining Agreement for not fixing the migration of stars to big markets, recognize that this makes sense for Paul.
The Lakers will have financial flexibility. They have $67 million in committed salary for the 2012-13 season, but the club holds options on $25 million for Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom.
While they won’t walk on Bynum, the purple-and-gold will gladly bolt on the final $8 million on Odom’s pact. There are other ways to trim salary.
Regardless of the system - hard or soft cap - the Lakers will be able to make a competitive offer for Paul.
New coach Mike Brown will replace the Triple-Post with a drive-and-kick system that relies on the point guard penetrating and running pick-and-rolls.
Sounds perfect for Paul, right?
The New Orleans Hornets can’t afford Paul. The league owns the team and the city can't generate enough revenue to pay for a top supporting cast.
So it’s generally accepted that Paul will leave New Orleans and join Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire in New York.
Not so fast.
Last I checked the Knicks played in the Eastern Conference. Each year, Paul would have to go through Miami’s Three Kings to reach the NBA Finals.
And when the Heat have a down year, Paul would likely face 2010 MVP Derrick Rose and his upstart Chicago Bulls. The Bulls, with their air-tight defense, are no pushovers.
So Paul’s best bet at championship glory may be out west with the Lakers.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
With Nets superstar Deron Williams breaking the ice by agreeing to terms to play in Turkey if the NBA lockout lasts for a long time, will Knicks Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony follow suit? Highly doubtful.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There will not be a mass exodus of NBA superstars to Europe.
For a variety of reasons, Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant and/or Amar’e Stoudemire won’t follow Deron Williams to exotic locations like Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Italy.
This trio may listen to offers. Their people may publicly express interest in Europe. And we -the media and fans- will eat it up because there’s nothing to discuss during the lockout.
Bottom line: few, if any, superstars will join Williams.
These high-profile athletes need insurance against injuries. This isn’t cheap, and would negate much of the salary they earned for playing.
In some cases, the risk is too great. Stoudemire’s agent, Happy Walters, has already said his client head won't risk the remaining $80 million on his NBA contract with the New York Knicks for a few games abroad.
Italy, Spain, Greece, and/or Portugal are on the verge of bankruptcy, and need economic help from the European Union. Can these countries afford NBA superstars? And will their leveraged owners honor these big-ticket contracts?
Expect Kobe Bryant to instead head east –as in the Far East. Bryant will apparently headline a tour to basketball-mad China, where he'll market his brand, shoes, and everything else Kobe-related.
Superstars will use Europe to gain leverage in negotiations during the lockout. The game's biggest names will be reluctant to follow Williams overseas.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Gee, think New York is excited about being back in the playoffs?
Well, New York native, rapper, and producer, Swizz Beats has re-done the classic anthem ‘Go New York Go’ to celebrate the Knicks return to the second-season. And he gets help from the team's two superstars.
Watch the clip and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
Nash insisted again this week, as he lunched on five-bean soup and the healthiest of chopped salads at one of his go-to temples for food purity, that he won't be lobbying Suns owner Robert Sarver and new team president Lon Babby to send him to a contender.
"Maybe I'm old school," Nash said, "but I signed a contract to play here and I want to honor it. I feel like I owe it to my teammates and the city and everybody to keep battling until they tell me it's time to go."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s forever the good soldier.
After all, how easy would it be for Steve Nash to walk into Robert Sarver’s office and demand a trade?
Nash is a beloved two-time MVP and a future member of the Hall of Fame. Sarver is the despised owner of the Phoenix Suns, who puts profits before championships.
Nash is right: he’s old school. He’s also loyal to teammates, Phoenix, and, most importantly, his values, which means he plays out the last year and a half of the contract he signed.
It doesn’t matter that Sarver failed to keep superstar Amar’e Stoudemire and executive Steve Kerr. And it doesn’t matter that Sarver lacks the resources to build a winner.
For Nash, a deal is a deal. So he’s a Sun until July of 2012.
Sixteen months from now, Nash’s contract will expire. With his fitness regime and basketball IQ, the tiny table-setter will be in demand. Look for Nash and his people to quickly sign with a contender
Nash, forever the good soldier and team-first point-guard, can finally think about himself.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
"I was talking to my teammate and he decided he wanted to put his 2 cents into it. I'm a quiet guy, a laid-back guy, but I'm not going to let nobody talk trash to me. He's on a good team now, so he thinks he can talk a little bit," Durant said. "There's a lot of fake tough guys in this league and he's one of them," Durant added.
"Right now, in New York we have a solid team," Stoudemire said. "We don't really need much. We're playing well. We feel like the team we have can be very successful if we keep improving individually and as a team on the defensive end."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Suddenly, Amar’e Stoudemire is singing a different tune.
When the Standing Tall and Talented Post signed with the New York Knicks, he promised he’d recruit two or three of his superstar buddies –like Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and possibly Tony Parker.
Well, Paul isn’t leaving New Orleans in the near term, unless the Hornets franchise leaves New Orleans. Parker has re-signed with the rejuvenated San Antonio Spurs.
Knick-nation can probably cross Anthony off the list, too, which doesn’t bother Stoudemire. Not one bit.
Winning has changed things. After years of dysfunction, disgust, and dreadful basketball, New York is relevant. There’s chemistry. And Stoudemire doesn’t want to blow things up for Anthony.
Anthony, as a volume shooter, has to get his. His demand for touches and shots would surely impact Stoudemire and his supporting cast of Wilson Chandler, Ray Felton, Danillo Gallineri, and the promising Landry Fields.
And that impact could be good or bad. So Stoudemire seems comfortable with the status-quo. Hopefully, that appeases New York and Knick-nation.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The Knicks are willing to trade anyone aside from newly-signed forward Amar'e Stoudemire for Hornets guard Chris Paul, according to a league source.
Paul is scheduled to meet with New Orleans general manager Dell Demps, head coach Monty Williams and president Hugh Weber on Monday.
"Amar'e won't be traded, but everyone else is available," the executive said of New York.
Kevin Durant has agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Thunder, according to his official Twitter page. The terms of the deal are unclear, but the Thunder`s star can`t sign the deal until Thursday when the NBA`s moratorium is lifted.
HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: There was no celebrity pitch. There was no rock star tour. There was no discussion of filming a documentary. And there were no demands for a superstar teammate.
Once again, the Oklahoma City Thunder and their superstar Kevin Durant hit exactly the right note, quietly agreeing to terms Wednesday on what will surely be a maximum extension.
While Durant broke the news on twitter, he was, as usual, gracious, honest, and appreciative.
Kevin Durant: Exstension for 5 more years wit the #thunder.... God Is Great, me and my family came a long way...I love yall man forreal, this a blessing!
How novel?
An NBA superstar actually acknowledging he’s blessed, and not treating the negotiating process like an opportunity to manipulate fans.
To be fair, the three-man was not an unrestricted free agent, so he had significantly less leverage than the big names in this year’s free agent class.
Still, at 21, Durant may be the youngest of the NBA’s elite; however, the maturity with which he handled the process is something the current crop of greats - like Chris Bosh – can learn from.
If the small market Thunder can keep his supporting cast together, they should be rewarded with playoff success.
Let’s hope so. Right now, Durant is hard not to cheer for.
--O.Sandor
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
"Steve Kerr says he won't return as general manager of the Phoenix Suns despite building a team that made a surprising run to the Western Conference finals.
Kerr told The Associated Press on Tuesday that the decision was solely his and not the result of any disagreements with owner Robert Sarver. He said he is "exploring a couple of possibilities" to return to television work."
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Publicly, Steve Kerr is saying the right things. Privately, the former sharpshooter was probably concerned owner Robert Sarver wouldn't dig into his pockets to re-sign posts Amar'e Stoudemire and Channing Frye.
After all, Sarver is about business. Always has been. He was the one who felt Joe Johnson wasn't worth a big ticket. And he was the one who instructed management to trade Rajon Rondo and Rudy Fernandez because he didn't want to pay their rookie salaries.
Of course, that was before The Great Recession hit. And make no mistake about it, Sarver's real estate and bank holdings were certainly hit by the economic downturn.
Now Sarver - a guy who loves the publicity and headlines - is likely in charge of negotiations with superstar free agent Stoudemire. Unlike teammate Steve Nash, STAT won't give the Suns a significant hometown discount. And Frye, even in this buyer's market, deserves a raise.
Much is at stake in Phoenix. And the wrong guy, Sarver, will be making the key decisions.
Got thoughts on this?
There are all kinds of people in that conversation. LeBron James has said he is the ringleader. Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson ... it's a who's who of this year's free agent class. In terms of having a lot at stake, those players are at the top of the list with the owners, staffs and fans of the various teams.
But there is another interested party no one has mentioned: Nike, and its affiliated Jordan brand.
That is a giant corporation with a lot of branding tied up in basketball, and specifically the footwear of the best basketball players in the world, including James, Bosh, Wade and Johnson as well as Amare Stoudemire, Dirk Nowitzki and dozens more who could change teams this year. Where they all end up will not just determine the fortunes of various NBA teams, but also the abilities of those players to inspire fans to buy shoes.
Link to article by Henry Abbott on ESPN Truehoop
Players like Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade view themselves as brands and value their lucrative relationships with Nike.
These players have people whose job is to figure out the impact playing for a certain team will have on sponsors. For instance, fact or fiction, much has been speculated about Nike wanting James in the world’s largest media market, New York City.
Clearly, The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010 is about the business of basketball, and not so much the game of basketball.
Got thoughts on Nike’s role in the free agent summit?
