No deal is imminent, but the Lakers view Sessions as a candidate who could help their depleted backcourt.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I like Ramon Sessions. You like Ramon Sessions. And the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks both like Ramon Sessions enough to call the Cleveland Cavaliers and inquire about his availability.

Sessions, however, isn’t the answer. At least long-term.

The Lakers and Knicks must view the former D-League star as a stop-gap until this summer when both franchises can make a decision about the one-spot.

Perhaps the Lakers then push for free-agent-to-be Deron Williams. Perhaps the Knicks sign ageless wonder Steve Nash for the mid level exception.

Either way, Sessions will fail in L.A. or New York if either team acquires him and expects the jitterbug point guard to be a mid-season saviour.

Sessions, while talented and dynamic, isn’t capable of jumping into the Staples Center or Madison Square Gardens pressure cooker and rectifying things at, say, the trade deadline.

(Of course, both clubs have options. The Lakers recently sent Rafer Alston to their D-League squad, while Baron Davis may help when he gets healthy.)
 
Sessions would help the Lakers and Knicks.  But he wouldn’t be the answer.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

So will D’Antoni look into tinkering with the starting five, even bringing Lin off the bench? It could [change],’’ D’Antoni said. “I’m trying to find the right combos. But it’s got to be determined over time. It’s not going to be over one game. Not going to just throw people under the bus for one or two games. Over a length of time, if they prove they need to be out there, they’ll be out there.’’

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Experience could trump youth.

New York Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni is right to say there’s a possibility Baron Davis could eventually replace Jeremy Lin in the starting line-up.

Sure, Lin sparked a turnaround that likely saved D‘Antoni‘s job. Sure, Lin is a media darling. And sure, fans love Lin, the NBA’s Cinderella.

The NBA is a results-orientated business, though. And D’Antoni’s only loyalty is to the player or players who provide the Knicks with the best chance at winning.

Davis, a former All-Star who struggled with conditioning and injuries, is wonderfully talented, but will still struggle if given extended minutes.

The best case scenario: a two-headed point guard monster with Lin and Davis splitting time.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

And the other lowest point is when I played for the Clippers. … I just stopped liking basketball. And then you dribbling down the court and having the owner like cuss at you and call you an idiot. I didn’t even look forward to coming to the games, and if the owner [Donald Sterling] came to the game, I definitely was not gonna have a good game because it was just like, how do you play when the main heckler in the gym is the owner of the team, and he’s telling you how much he hates you and calling out your name?

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I have little sympathy for Baron Davis, the talented but temperamental point guard for the New York Knicks.

After all, Davis had a choice, and choose the Los Angeles Clippers because they offered the most money - signing a five-year, $65 million pact as a free agent.

And Davis, being a Los Angeles native, knew the deal. He knew the Clippers were a second-rate outfit with owner Donald Sterling and a curse Cub fans can relate to.

Yet Davis took the money -and ran. He never tried to transcend his situation, showing up out-of-shape and feuding with coaches. In fact, Davis seemed more interested in pursuing a career in show biz producing movies than helping the Clippers.

Instead of blaming others, Davis should focus on salvaging the remains of his career.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Mike D'Antoni has resigned as coach of the New York Knicks, sources confirmed for ESPN on Wednesday. D'Antoni's resigned was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: No surprise here.

For months, there's been an obvious disconnect between Mike D'Antoni's style of play and the Knicks` roster.

Several players have openly defied the former coach of the year. For instance, recent reports have superstar Carmelo Anthony refusing to stand in the correct spot on offense, which compromises spacing for pick-and-rolls.

Today, the media had the Knicks on the verge of mutiny. Anthony supposedly asked for a trade; the player liked but did not respect D'Antoni; Baron Davis, and several others, were upset about playing time.

D'Antoni, who is in the final year of his contract, saw the situation, specifically the unrealistic expectations, as untenable and quit rather than get fired.

Now the Knicks have a handful of game to secure a playoff spot and salvage what they can from the season.

Whatever happens, a summer makeover is inevitable. Such dysfunction can’t continue. 

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They won’t beat Baron Davis or James Harden’s facial locks. They will give the masses at Staples Center and hoop heads around the world comedic entertainment.

The Los Angeles Clippers have started growing playoff beards to celebrate their return to the second season -much like teams in the National Hockey League do.

As mentioned in the video, forward Reggie Evans has a 'mile head start' on attaining the 'Rick Ross' look. Bottom line: the Clippers, having gotten over their mid-season struggles, appear relaxed, loose, and ready for the playoffs.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I want to go on record right now and say:  Blake Griffin is hilarious in those Kia commercials.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Blake Griffin is the best thing that's happened to Kia in a long time.  Well, other than Adriana Lima, of course.

He can’t run. He can’t hide. He can only accept the inevitable: he’s been poster-jobbed and millions will relive and replay his moment of shame on youtube.

James Johnson: we’re talking about you. The Chicago Bulls’ swing is in Shawn Bradley and Alton Lister territory after the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James delivered a facial our News Department deemed a 'hate crime' and considered slapping with a restricted rating.

How much more Mike D’Antoni can the Knicks and the city of New York stomach? With his arrival, Knicks fans were promised to never again feel the way they are feeling now.

Glen Grunwald announced today that the Knicks have signed Baron Davis. Davis was waived by the Cavaliers last week under the league's amnesty provision.

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But the most interesting scenario I’ve heard all weekend is the idea that both (Baron) Davis and (Gilbert) Arenas could wind up in New York. One source close to the situation, in fact, says that the two Angelenos have discussed this concept.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Too many cooks in the kitchen. Too many chiefs, not enough followers. One ball, four first options.

You get the idea.

Gilbert Arenas and Baron Davis, both of whom dominate the ball, would confuse an already complicated situation in New York, where Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire sometimes battle for touches.

Sure, the names involved sound intriguing. However, free agency isn`t fantasy hoops.

If the Knicks are to contend they must fill out their roster with talented role players -not fading stars who may use the bright lights of Broadway to resurrect their career.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

They are pursuing sore-backed veteran point guard Baron Davis, who cleared waivers last night, and the club also is focused on pursuing forward Travis Outlaw, the Nets’ amnesty cut, if he clears tonight at 8, The Post has learned.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Chris Paul isn’t coming. Perhaps Baron Davis will.

Word is the New York Knicks are attempting to sign Davis, who was recently amnesty-waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On paper, this may work. Davis is an electric and dynamic talent. Many, like TNT broadcaster Kenny Smith, feel he has the skill-set to be a very good player.

However, the reality could be very different. Davis’ best years have past and poor fitness has hurt his form and durability.

The biggest issue with Davis in New York may be New York itself. The Big Apple will provide Davis with too many opportunities to continue pursuing his film and showbiz career.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Baron Davis' agent, Todd Ramasar, says first priority for Davis is getting his back healthy. Seeking second opinion and will go from there.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: No surprise here.

Baron Davis has arrived at training camp for the Cavaliers out of shape and with a serious back injury.

Once again, this is disappointing. According to TNT Broadcaster Kenny Smith, Davis has the tools to be an All-World point guard, but poor conditioning and a brittle body has wrecked his career.

So the Cavaliers are considering using the amnesty on Davis, and waiving the remaining two-years and $28 million on his contract. Then the point guard who had so much potential will again have to start over.

Here’s the question: what does Davis have left?

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Lakers are curious to see if veteran point guard Baron Davis gets cut by Cleveland. He has two years and $28.7 million left on his contract, though he can be signed for substantially less than that. The Lakers also want a shooter and are monitoring whether forward Rashard Lewis (two years, $43.8 million remaining) gets waived by Washington.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s official name was the ‘amnesty clause’. It’s unofficial name was ‘team screwed up, overpaid said player, and now gets out of jail/contract free’.

Well, nothing is completely free.

As part of the 2004-05 CBA negotiations, teams could waive one player and his salary did not count against the cap. The team had to cover the contract, but increased financial flexibility and/or saved on luxury tax payments.

Remember, the Dallas Mavericks cut ties with Michael Finley‘s mammoth big-ticket, but the swing joined the rival San Antonio Spurs and won a championship.

So things can backfire.

Word is the new CBA has an amnesty clause. The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing a couple of veterans, Baron Davis and Rashard Lewis, who are on the chopping block.

Davis is owed $30 million through 2014, which may be too much for the rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers, especially with youngster Kyrie Irving in the fold.

Now Davis’ drive-and-kick style might suit Mike Brown’s system, however, the portly point guard was distracted during his time in Los Angeles with the Clippers.

Lewis is far more interesting. The Wizards are also starting over and have little interest in doling out more than $40 million over the next two seasons.

It’s quite possible the stretch-four gets waived and signs with a contender like the Lakers for the Mid Level Exception or a bargain salary.

All Lewis would have to do with the purple-and-gold is spot up, catch, and shoot. The burden of fulfilling a ridiculous contract would be gone.

So the Lakers could re-tool on the fly. And it may just happen because of the new CBA.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: If Andrei Kirilenko could survive Baron Davis’ facial in 2007, he could surivive anything.

Well, not quite.

Unfortunately, the combo forward broke his nose and was knocked-out providing help defense in a Euro-league game.

Watch Andrei Kirilenko take a tumble and get back to us with thoughts in the comment box below.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The 2007 "We Believe" Warriors will take on the current Warriors in an exhibition game to be played October 29 at the San Jose State Event Center. Jason Richardson, Matt Barnes, Kelenna Azubuike and Anthony Morrow are confirmed for the team of former Warriors. Barnes is recruiting Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Four years ago, they shocked the world.

In the spring of 2007, the Golden State Warriors squeaked into the playoffs and proceeded to route the heavily favoured and first seeded Dallas Mavericks.

Such an upset is the thing of legends. It was the closest the Warriors came to respectability, and the Mavericks needed years to recover before winning a championship last June.

Regardless, the We Believe Warriors are planning an exhibition contest against the current Warriors for October 29th.

HoopsVibe has two We Believe videos. The first is a collection of highlights, while the second features a point guard poster-jobbing Andrei Kirelenko. 

Watch the videos and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.

(We Believe Mixtape) 

(B-Diddy on AK47.)

O.Sandor

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

“Very constructive,” said Davis of the portion of Saturday’s meeting he witnessed. “I think both sides are willing and they’re able, and we both understand that as long as we continue–this is a big issue and I think both sides are voicing their opinion and what they’re passionate about. Everybody’s being a lot more receptive today to moving forward. Ever since we’ve been here, we’ve been all trying to figure out the best process.”

Link (Slamonline.com)

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Well, Baron Davis is keeping it positive.

While some are painting a picture of doom and gloom, the Cleveland Cavaliers point guard believes good things are coming from the recent negotiations.

Davis even downplayed the tension between the two sides on Friday that saw Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade and Commissioner David Stern get into a confrontation.

So some good news. And Davis, the optimist, believes good things will happen if the two sides continue talking.

Perhaps.

Eventually the players and/or owners have to move on Basketball Related Income. Then, and only then, will everything else like system issues and guaranteed contracts get solved.

Only then will there be reason optimism.

O. Sandor

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

“[Im] really looking forward to playing with, and mentoring, Kyrie,” said Davis in an e-mail. “Hes so talented, creative, smart, has so much potential and could become a great cornerstone of the Cavaliers franchise for many years to come. Ive been talking to him a lot this summer about NBA life, and in Cleveland, hes going to learn so much from coach [Byron] Scott, who will be a great mentor as well.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kenny Smith once declared that Baron Davis should be a perennial All-NBA candidate.

The award-winning TNT broadcaster believed Davis possessed the raw size, natural skill, and god-given athleticism to consistently rank among the league’s premier table-setter.

Sadly, the commitment hasn't been there.

Too often, Davis’ poor fitness has led to injuries, which made it impossible for the former lottery pick to fulfill expectations.

He was a disappointment for the Hornets and appeared more interested in making movies than winning with the lowly Clippers.

Now there are reports he wants to, wait for it, mentor Cleveland Cavaliers’ prospect Kyrie Irving. Davis was, of course, traded to the Cavaliers last February, while the club selected Irving first overall in the NBA draft.

And the Cavaliers will have to decide how to involve Davis in helping Irving grow and develop.

--O.Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

(Mary Schmitt Boyer) Based on everything I'm hearing, I would be surprised if the season started before January. As for Sessions, I'm not sure if the organization has made up its mind to trade him. I think the team is intrigued by playing any two of these point guards together. If a move is made, I would expect an attempt to get more scoring and athleticism on the wings.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Once again, his spot seems at risk.

Ramon Sessions is a solid third guard and spot starter, however, he has the unfortunate habit of joining teams who are stocked in the backcourt.

For instance, he left Milwaukee because the Bucks had Brandon Jennings and Luke Ridnour at the one-spot. Minnesota deemed him expendable with Jonny Flynn, Ridnour (again), and Ricky Rubio's eventual migration from Spain.

So, the Wolves dealt him to the lowly Cleveland Cavaliers. And it seemed he finally had a home and regular minutes.

Well, wrong.

The Cavaliers acquired Baron Davis at the trade deadline, assuming the remaining two years and $29 million on his contract, while Kyrie Irving was drafted first overall and anointed The Future.

Both are point guards. It would seem Sessions will get his minutes playing next to Davis and Irving -or he won't get minutes at all.

And the Cavaliers will likely be listening to any or all offers for the nomadic guard.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe's News in the comment box below.

The Clippers have cap room and also need a three and what he (Battier) can bring defensively.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They’re still the Clippers.

When the lockout ends, Shane Battier, the top free agent on the market, will pass on Los Angeles’ ugly step-sister of a team and sign with a contender.

To be fair, the Clippers have talent –loads of talent, in fact. There’s dunk machine and rising superstar Blake Griffin. And he has plenty of help in Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, Chris Kaman and Mo Williams.    

Unfortunately, Donald Sterling, also known as ‘The Don’, isn’t going anywhere. He still runs the Clippers like a sad soap opera.

‘The Don’ has been accused of or sued for sexual harassment and racist practices. He also watched players shower, heckled players from his courtside seat, and told reporters he ‘never heard of’ the club’s free agent signings.

Battier knows the Clippers can’t contend because they’re dysfunctional at the top. Such poor behaviour and professionalism infects the GM, coach, and players. Regardless of their intentions, they can’t avoid ‘The Don’.

So Battier will consider the Heat and say thanks-but-no-thanks to the Clippers –because of ‘The Don’.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Finally, the NBA Draft is here. The gossip, speculation, and home videos of mysterious Euro prospects is no more.

Below is how things officially unfolded in real time, with live analysis at the HoopsVibe News headquarters. So get at us with thoughts, ideas, and opinions in the comment box below.

1) Kyrie Irving to Cleveland Cavaliers.

Details: PG, 6-2, 181, Duke Blue Devils, Fr.

Pros: Irving is a good athlete, who uses his quickness and feel for the game to attack the basket. He’s smart, tough, and had little issue leading more experienced teammates during the NCAA tournament.

Cons: While Irving is a good athlete, he isn’t explosive or big. And he missed much of his freshmen year with a toe injury. So the New Jersey native is a risk.

Fit: He'll be fine as long as he doesn't follow Baron Davis' training routine or try to replace that LeBron guy.

2) Derrick Williams to Minnesota Timberwolves.

Details: PF, 6-9, 248, Arizona Wildcats, So.

Pros: He’s a pick-your-poison scorer. In his second season, Williams improved his ability to attack the basket, while also being able to knock down jump shots. This combination of skill and athleticism should make Williams a difficult match-up for opposing defenses.    

Cons: Some feel Williams is a ‘tweener’, stuck between the 3 and 4 spots. And they’re unsure if his athleticism can compensate for his 6-9 height,   

Fit: Is there room for Kevin Love, Mike Beasley, and Williams in the frontcourt?

3) Enis Kanter to Utah Jazz.

Details: C, 6-10, 260, Turkey, 19 years of age.

Pros: Strong, skilled, and tough is how most describe Kanter. His polished game and physical tools should make a pretty good NBA player.

Cons: Kanter is undersized and not especially explosive for a five-man. And can his knee hold up to the grind of an NBA season?

Fit: His strong IQ and blue-collar approach makes him perfect for the Jazz.

4) Tristan Thompson to Cleveland Cavaliers.

Details: PF, 6-9, 225, University of Texas, Fr.

Pros: Thompson should have a nice NBA career because of his wingspan, improving body, and lefty skill-set. His energy and work on the glass is also a plus.

Cons: Despite shedding baby fat, Thompson is still a little undersized to handle NBA power forwards. 

Fit: The Canadian can play, but going fourth overall was a surprise. He'll need time to develop his offensive game for the Cavs.

5) Jonas Valanciunas to Toronto Raptors

Details: PF, 6-10, 230, Lithuania, 18 years old.

Pros: Valanciunas is an energetic player, who is active on the offensive glass and gets his share of put-back points. At 18, some believe he has the most upside of any player in the draft.

Cons: He’s extremely raw and could take several years before making an impact.

Fit: Of course, GM Bryan Colangelo had to take a Euro. But the young Lithuanian has a chance to be real good.

6) Jan Vesely to Washington Wizards.

Details: PF, 6-11, 240, Czech Republic, 21 years old.

Pros: He’s not your typical Euro. Long, athletic, and explosive, Vesely loves to get up the floor and throw down monster jams. His length and versatility makes him a force on both ends of the floor.

Cons: Vesely needs to extend his offensive range beyond put-backs and highlight reel jams.

Fit: Strap up Washington. This kid is a walking highlight reel.

7) Bismack Biyombo to Sacramento Kings (picking for Charlotte Bobcats).

Details: PF, 6-9, 243, Congo, 19 years old.

Pros: He’s an athlete. Biyombo has scouts drooling with his frame, wingspan, leaping ability, and quickness.

Cons: But he’s raw. Many of those same scouts are worried about his lack of skill and age.

Fit: Some say he couldn't score if locked in a gym by himself. He also needs to negotiate a buyout with his FIBA club. But he’s an incredible athlete.

8) Brandon Knight to Detroit Pistons.

Details: PG/SG, 6-3, 177, Kentucky University, So.

Pros: Knight was always a terrific scorer, but showed he could involve others towards the end of his season at Kentucky. His athleticism and outside range makes him a strong prospect. 

Cons: Some feel he’s more of a shooting guard than a natural point guard.

Fit: Hopefully, he survives a Piston team that was highly dysfunctional in 2011.

9) Kemba Walker to Charlotte Bobcats.

Details: PG, 6-1, 172, University of Connecticut, Jr.

Pros: Walker has the ‘quicks’ to get to the basket and can also punish sagging defenders with his much-improved jumper. This made him unstoppable during his terrific 2011 season at UCONN.  
 
Cons: Well, size. Walker plays like a shooting guard, but has the body of a point guard.

Fit: Walker will bring leadership and confidence to Michael Jordan's Bobcats.

10) Jimmer Fredette to Sacramento Kings.

Details: PG, 6-2, 190, Bringham Young Unviersity, Sr.

Pros: He's a magical shooter with a cult-like following at Bringham Young University. 

Cons: Can he defend NBA point guards? Is he a point guard? 

Fit: Fredette`s range will mesh nicely with Tyreke Evans and the offensive-minded Kings.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Do the Grizzlies have enough money for Randolph, Gasol, Mike Conley's five-year, $45 million extension that begins next season and Gay, too? Perhaps, but they played awfully well during the postseason without him. Gay averaged 19.8 points and 6.2 rebounds in a season that ended in mid-February to a shoulder injury. He is one of the league's most explosive scorers and just entering the prime of his career, so he won't come cheap.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: Will take big tickets from small markets.

This should be the motto for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who, despite the declining economy and pending lockout, are one of the few teams willing to assume lucrative contracts.

After all, Cavaliers` owner Dan Gilbert hates losing, and will spend on veteran talent –if it provides an identity and helps turn the page on The Decision.

The Cavaliers acquired Baron Davis –even though he`s often injured, overweight, and has two years and $29 million remaining on his contract.

Last year, they chased Gerald Wallace before the Charlotte Bobcats sent the pogo-stick three-man to the Portland Trail Blazers at the trade deadline. Wallace is owed $22 million through 2013.

Now they want Rudy Gay, who the Memphis Grizzlies have made available because he`s scheduled to make $68 million over the next four years. The Grizzlies just extended Zach Randolph and want to re-up with Marc Gasol.

On the one hand, Gay might be a nice asset. He`s relatively young. He`s talented. He`s athletic. And he can score in a variety of ways.

On the other hand, he`s expensive. Some believe his team was better without him –the Grizzlies were a game from the Western Conference Finals, even though Gay was injured.

So acquiring Gay`s big-ticket would be a risk. Perhaps, it`s a risk worth taking.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Clippers could have traded Baron Davis and their number one pick in the 2011 NBA Draft that was used to acquire Mo Williams and Jamario Moon in a similar deal for the expiring contract of Yao Ming, according to Bill Simmons.

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He also agreed with coach Byron Scott, who called Davis one of the NBA's top five point guards when healthy. "I believe so," Davis said from Thursday's practice. "I love the game, I study the game, I see the game with a different set of eyes than a lot of other guys."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There’s little doubt Baron Davis -when motivated, fit, and healthy- can play.

Unfortunately, Davis is rarely motivated, which means he’s hardly ever fit. Of course, an unmotivated and out of shape player is an often injured player.

After all, Davis has spent most of the last few years sulking about playing for the lowly Los Angeles Clippers, a team he picked as an unrestricted free agent.

He seemed more interested in making movies with his Hollywood buddies. He often had a ‘generous’ physique. And his play suffered.

Sadly, after teasing fans in Golden State, Davis has been a bust. He’s withered away his talent, content to take advantage of the perks that come with a plush, guaranteed contract.

None of this has impacted Davis’ confidence. After all, Davis –even when at full strength- isn’t a top five point guard.

Not anymore and not now. The one-spot currently belongs to up-and-comers like Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Deron Williams.

There’s also established heads like Chauncey Billups, Steve Nash, and Tony Parker. And what about talented youngsters and veterans like Darren Collison, Stephen Curry, Ray Felton, Jason Kidd, and Andre Miller?

All have performed at a higher level than Davis. In fact, Davis, who was recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, might have trouble beating out Ramon Sessions for the starting table-setter job –if all things are equal.

Hopefully, Davis gets motivated, fit, and, as a result, stays healthy. Hopefully, he salvages whatever he can of his career. At 31, the clock is ticking.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at us in the comment box below.

The Cavaliers and Clippers have agreed upon a trade of Mo Williams and Jamario Moon for Baron Davis and a first round pick in 2011 (reportedly unprotected), according to sources that spoke with Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: By now, you’ve seen it.

You’ve seen Kenny Smith pull a ‘Bundini’ and rep for Blake Griffin like he was former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali.

You’ve seen the choir pump up the Los Angeles crowd by belting out the R. Kelly classic ‘I believe I can fly’.

And you’ve seen Griffin leap the hood of a car, catch a Baron Davis alley-oop, and throw down a fierce two-handed jam, which won the Clippers superstar the 2011 Slam Dunk Contest.

However, Griffin didn’t invent the car leap. He simply mastered it.

A few years ago, Lakers great Kobe Bryant made news when he jumped an Aston Martin. ‘The Black Mamba’ didn’t dunk a basketball, but his aerial antics –despite reportedly being aided by special effects- impressed.

Watch the clips and tell us in the comment box below if Griffin or Bryant did the best job hurdling a car.

(Kenny `Bundini` Smith. The choir. And Griffin leaping a car.) 

(Kobe: `I got this.`) 

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

"It's tough because it's the nature of the business,'' Davis said in an interview with FanHouse before the Clippers' 108-103 win over Phoenix on Sunday about the trade rumors surrounding him. "But it's tough because I don't want to leave. I'm here. I came here for a reason. If I were to be traded, I just think that I just never really got a chance to do what I was signed here to do.''

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Well, play like it.

Baron Davis has to play like he wants to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers. At this point, his words are meaningless.

Since signing with the Clippers as a free agent, Davis has made an award winning documentary film, become a spokesperson for Jenny Craig, lost a laptop, and made a classic skit with Steve Nash.

Off-the-court he’s been good. On-court is a different story.

For the better part of two years, Davis has been out of shape, apathetic, and a distraction. In short, he’s stolen money from owner Donald Sterling.

Of course, the NBA is a business. The Clippers have moved on. Davis has been replaced by young Eric Bledsoe in the starting line-up. And high-flying Blake Griffin is the new face of the franchise.

So the Clippers have no need for Davis. Neither do the other 29 teams in the league, who are reluctant to assume the final two years and $29 million on Davis’ contract.

Davis, to an extent, controls his fate, though. He must lose weight. He must start to care again. And he must resemble the player the Clippers signed as a free agent.

Then management may consider Davis’ wishes about staying. Right now, he's an afterthought. 

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
 

The Cavaliers offered the Clippers guard Maurice Williams and forward Jamario Moon in exchange for guard Baron Davis earlier this offseason, according to a league source.

Cleveland, at the time, was desperate to please LeBron James, who eventually left for Miami as a free agent.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Desperate times, desperate measures.

This is the only way to describe reports the Cleveland Cavaliers tried to convince LeBron James to sign an extension by acquiring Baron Davis from the Los Angeles Clippers.

Davis wouldn’t have been enough. Not even close. Miami would still have won out for James' services.

After all, Davis - an overrated and overweight point guard - can’t compete with Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and the lure of South Beach.

If the Cavaliers had acquired Davis, they’d be on the hook for the remaining three years and $43 million of his contract. 

This, of course, would be problematic. James would be long gone. Davis would be bored, angry, and hibernating through the Ohio winter.

Davis is a sad story. He has such potential.

A few years ago, he was the toast of the NBA –leading his ‘We Believe’ Golden State Warriors to a playoff upset over the league-leading Dallas Mavericks.

And TNT Broadcaster Kenny Smith has gone on record saying Davis has the game to be a first team all-NBA player each year.

While this may be hyperbole, Davis should be better than he is.

Right now, he’s the problem for the Clippers -a team he picked as a free agent. And he’d have been a bigger problem for the Cavaliers, especially without James.

--Oly Sandor.

--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.    

"The Clippers recently offered Chris Kaman to the Denver Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony and got the same response."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They couldn’t be more different.

Chris Kaman is from rural Michigan, looks like a dude you’d find at monster truck rally, and has a meat-and-potatoes, low-post game.

Carmelo Anthony was raised in West Baltimore, has a marketable personality, and makes fans drool with the ease in which he puts the ball in the basket.

So naturally Kaman and Anthony may be swapped as part of a deal between the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets.

(Kaman would be the key part of a Clippers’ package that would likely include draft picks and expiring contracts).

Kaman, if healthy, is a solid, low maintenance center. He posts 20-10 numbers and blocks shots, too. Denver, however, would be hoping Kaman stays on-court and off the injured list.

This may be too great a risk for the Nuggets, especially if they’re parting ways with Anthony, their franchise face. (Recent reports indicate this was why the Nuggets passed on the Clippers' offer.)

This deal would work for the Clippers' marketing department. Melo’s star power would give Donald Sterling’s crew more of a local, national, and international following. 

The on-court dynamic might be more of a struggle.

Anthony would surely tire of chubby, underachieving point guard Baron Davis, who seems more committed to producing movies than winning basketball games.

The other complication is Blake Griffin. Anthony and the 2009 first overall pick are both 3-4 ‘tweeners’. Would these two gel in the frontcourt? And would Anthony hurt Griffin’s development?

Still, Kaman for Anthony is an interesting thought. It's just not a fit for either team.  

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Oracle Corp. CEO Larry Ellison is among "more than a dozen" suitors who have submitted non-binding bids for the Warriors, a source close to the negotiations said Tuesday.

"He is a part of it," the source said.

According to another source, so are the San Francisco Giants, 24 Hour Fitness owner Mark Mastrov, an NFL owner, a former Lakers star and a group of prominent Chinese businesspeople, among others. Galatioto Sports Partners and Warriors owner Chris Cohan will choose the best prospects in the next week.

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HoopsVibe's Call: Give Larry Ellison a cape, tights, and Dwight Howard/Shaquille O'Neal's phone booth because he could be Superman and save the sorry Golden State Warriors.

Ellison, if approved as Golden State's owner, would bring something to The Bay that has been in short supply: sanity. Simply put, Cohan and Coach Don Nelson have ruined the Warriors. There's zero plan. Players, both past and present, have had significant issues with the club (see Baron Davis, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, and Al Harrington). Even their loyal fans are disgusted.

The right owner, Ellison, would surely hire the right basketball people -not Nelson and his group of faithful lackeys on the bench and in the front office. Talented youngsters like Andris Biedrins, Stephen Curry, and Ellis could then blossom with proper mentorship.

A change at the top would do Golden State good. It starts with Cohan cashing out as owner and being replaced with someone such as Ellison.

Is Cohan the problem with the Golden State Warriors? Does he have to sell for the team to turn things around? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts.