Howard stated that there was "no way" he would give up everything he has in Orlando to go to the Lakers and be the third option, a source close to the situation said. Howard certainly wouldn’t mind being a third piece on a star-studded team, similar to the situations in Miami and Boston. However, he was turned off by Bryant's presentation as it suggested something totally different.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwight Howard isn’t interested in being the Third Wheel for the Los Angeles Lakers behind Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol.

After all, Howard is the current franchise face and superstar for the Orlando Magic. Being the third amigo, the ‘Tyson Chandler’ of the purple-and-gold, wasn’t a selling point for the NBA‘s best center.

Howard was expecting co-star status when meeting Bryant this summer to discuss joining the Lakers. Instead Bryant told Howard he’d have to wait until he retired, which wasn’t especially appealing.

So Howard has turned his attention elsewhere. His initial wish list -which started with the Nets, Mavericks as well as the Lakers - has expanded to include the Bulls and Celtics.

And if Howard ends up elsewhere, Laker-nation may blame Bryant.

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

“Well, if there were a way for us to get a 25-year-old, All-Star, ball-handling guard we’d love to do it," said Kupchak to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com. "But that’s not likely in February. So you look at other alternatives, and see if it’s better than what you have. That’s all.” Rajon Rondo is the player that fits that description, possibly the only one in the NBA.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The NBA's two glamour franchises, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, are open for business

The Celtics are looking at trades that can give their 'Big Three' a boost, and also help their rebuilding program when Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce finally retire.

The Lakers are 14-11, which doesn't cut it with Kobe Bryant and the celebs' at Staples Center expecting a championship every year.

But Rajon Rondo for Pau Gasol seems unlikely.

Adding Rondo helps the Lakers, but there's no reason the Celtics would swap him for the older Gasol. Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak would have to sweeten the pot because a straight Rondo for Gasol deal isn't happening.

Here's what's interesting about this scenario: Rondo's name is again in the rumor mill.

Two months ago, Rondo was supposedly heading south to the New Orleans Hornets for point guard Chris Paul. That rumor upset Rondo, which forced the Celtics into denial mode.

Now Rondo may head west to the purple-and-gold. And he'll be upset with the latest reports.

So, will the Celtics deny, deny, deny or admit to taking offers for their lightning quick guard?

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

"For me, social media and Twitter is all about connecting with your fans," James said. "From day one, that's why I got to Twitter, to connect to my fans."I would never apologize for anything like that when I'm connecting with my fans." James said he certainly never "called out" Perkins."I can see why he may have felt embarrassed," he said. "I don't think I was the only one that reacted to that unbelievable play by Blake, and that's what it was all about, me acknowledging how great of a play it was. If Kendrick Perkins had dunked on somebody else on the other end, I would have done the same thing. "I'm an easy target, let's leave it at that."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Kendrick Perkins and LeBron James have no problem telling us how they feel, especially about each other.

Clearly, Perkins didn't like James teasing him on twitter after he got poster-jobbed by Blake Griffin in a recent game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers.

So Perkins responded. Now it's James' turn. Of course, the back-and-forth between these two isn't surprising.

Perkins and James have history. They two spent years battling each other for Eastern Conference supremacy with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers.

They may have changed teams, but are still rivals. 

James' Heat could meet Perkins' Thunder in the NBA Finals. Both players know this. And both players are attempting to gain an edge during the dog days of the regular season. 

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

“It’s a different team,” said O’Neal, at All-Star weekend as part of the TNT broadcast. “They (the Boston Celtics) miss me.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Shaquille O’Neal will thrive as a broadcaster once he gets over his shyness.

O’Neal, the new darling of TNT’s Emmy-winning cast, is declaring that the Boston Celtics 'miss' him.

On the one hand, he’s right. O’Neal provided a post presence in limited minutes for the green-and-white.

On the other hand, he’s forgetting about Kendrick Perkins, the club's heart and soul.

O’Neal was signed, in large part, to fill in for Perkins who was out with knee troubles. The Celtics then dealt Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the deadline for Jeff Green because they believed O’Neal would be healthy.

Well, The Big Shamrock wasn’t healthy. He got hurt in February and never played again. So, the Celtics were without their heart-and-soul down-low, Perkins, and O’Neal in the playoffs. Not surprisingly, they lost in the second round.

And GM Danny Ainge hasn’t replaced either -even if Brandon Bass can score.

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

Yet for all the talk of Boston point guard Rajon Rondo possibly being traded, some league executives have shooting guard and free-agent-to-be Ray Allen pegged as the most likely to be moved. Sources say the Clippers are interested, having lost Chauncey Billups to season-ending injury and lost out to New York in the J.R. Smith sweepstakes.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This seems more logical.

Rumors have been swirling that the Boston Celtics are looking to trade Rajon Rondo, even though the young table-setter is an All-Star.

It would make sense to rebuild around Rondo and move The Big Three to contenders for a package of draft picks, expiring contracts, and young talent.

Ray Allen, even at 36 years of age, would be the first to go. After all, he’s still in demand because he can spread the floor with his outstanding range.

While GM Danny Ainge can’t trade Celtic-fixture Paul Pierce and probably wants to let Kevin Garnett’s $20 million per season contract come off the books.

So Allen would appear the most likely candidate to change teams come trade deadline, with the veteran being linked to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Of course, appearances can deceive.

Rondo, for all his gifts, is reportedly a handful. He’s been called stubborn, emotional, and difficult by teammates, coaches, and media.

Perhaps logic won’t matter and the Celtics will move Rondo.

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

A source close to the situation confirmed Rasheed Wallace has worked out with Heat, but source said he hasn’t decided if he’ll play again.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Rasheed Wallace, if serious about coming out of retirement, would help the Miami Heat.

‘Sheed would help Erik Spoelstra’s squad on both ends. The veteran’s length and experience makes him a great individual and team defender, while he can still score in a multitude of ways.

Best of all, Wallace would shift Bosh to his more natural position -the high post. The left-handed-four excels when facing up opponents at the elbow rather than receiving the ball on the block.

Still, everything hinges on Wallace‘s fitness. Remember, he was often ineffective with the Celtics because of poor conditioning.

If motivated and in shape, Wallace can contribute.

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

The Lakers and Boston Celtics hate each other, an animosity that extends into the front offices of the two teams. Not really. The teams talked last week about a trade for Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, though nothing was close to accomplished and discussions dried up.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The rumors don’t die. They multiply.

For months, the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have been testing the trade market for table-setter Rajon Rondo and post Pau Gasol.

The Celtics and Lakers had little luck finding a deal to their liking, so these great rivals recently discussed a Rondo for Gasol swap.

Yes, Rondo for Gasol. Straight.

(For the record, such cooperation would make former Celtics and Lakers like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parrish, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, and James Worthy puke.)

The Celtics shouldn’t make this move -unless the tales of Rondo’s diva behaviour are true. The Kentucky alum’ is young, productive, and, can dominate without taking a single shot. Most importantly, he covers up for an aging Big Three.

Gasol has a world class skill-set. However, the green-and-white would be wise to keep Rondo.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The score didn’t matter. Not one bit.

During tonight’s Celtics-76ers game, Mickael Pietrus drove the lane and fell awkwardly on his back and neck. The green-and-white’s reserve swing lay motionless for several minutes and was throwing up before being removed from the court on a stretcher.

There is good news: Celtics coach Doc Rivers told reporters Pietrus had passed several medical tests and was being kept overnight in hospital.

Watch the fall (it’s a bit of gruesome) and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.

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

The Chicago Tribune, quoting team sources, subsequently reported Friday night on its website that “Thibodeau has raised the topic — his lack of an extension — with Bulls players.” Thibodeau, however, tried to downplay any notion of his discontent after the Bulls’ 83-71 home win over the Pistons. “I don’t know where that’s coming from,” Thibodeau said. “I’m not worried about any of that stuff. I’m under contract. I’m fine with everything here.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I call it the ‘thou protest too much’ rule, which, of course, was coined by Shakespeare in one of his many fine plays.

The latest example of this has to be Tom Thibodeau’s situation with the Chicago Bulls. The 2011 Coach of the Year insists he’s just fine continuing on the sideline without an extension beyond this year.

Really?

Thibodeau, of course, has to say such things. The team would fall apart if he complained or whined about not having an extension -even if he’s deserving of one.

After all, Thibodeau’s defensive sets have played a major part in the Bulls becoming an Eastern Conference contender. His work rate is second to none -as the former Celtics assistant lives in the Bulls' training facility and watches game film late into the night.

Bottom line: Thibodeau can’t be happy as a lame-duck coach -no matter what he says.

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

Former Boston Celtic Antoine Walker announced his retirement from basketball on Saturday night in the Idaho Stampede locker room following their win against the Bakersfield Jam, according to a team statement.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There will be no heroic comeback for Antoine Walker. 

Last night, the former All-Star announced his retirement from basketball following the Idaho Stampede’s win in the D-League.

Walker, a generous and outgoing person, came out retirement and returned to basketball in hopes of earning enough money to pay creditors after declaring bankruptcy.

It never panned out.

Walker, out of shape and older, was a shade of his former self. The shoulder-shimmy was a thing of the past, along with the days of the round forward leading the break and firing away from three-point land for the Boston Celtics.

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

In addition to being nearly traded, Allen was relegated to the bench by the emergence of Avery Bradley, a move that has made the Celtics more athletic and more effective defensively. Bradley’s offensive development has been one of the more surprising storylines of the NBA season.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Ray Allen has pride.

So the future member of the Hall of Fame can’t be happy losing his starting position with the Boston Celtics and nearly getting sent to the Memphis Grizzlies at the trade deadline.

Allen, a perennial All-Star and the NBA‘s greatest three-point shooter, helped the green-and-white win a championship in 2008.

He’s also sensitive. Remember, Allen and George Karl clashed several times when the two were together on some competitive Milwaukee teams.

Karl thought Allen was soft. The veteran sideline boss even told the press as much before sending him out west to his former team, the Seattle Super Sonics.

Of course, Allen’s a pro’. He won’t complain publicly. However, revenge could come this summer when the veteran becomes a free agent.

Would he take a massive discount to join the rival Miami Heat and knock down open jump shots when LeBron James and Dwyane Wade get double-teamed? Or, perhaps he’d be open to spending a year or two playing off Derrick Rose and his upstart Chicago Bulls?

Anything is possible. Just don’t expect Allen to retire. He's not done. And he has too much pride.

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

What the Nets are thinking— reportedly — is that they need to upgrade the roster and power forward is one place they feel they can do better. The team reportedly plans to chase after Boston’s Kevin Garnett as they try to add star power for when they move into the Barclays Center.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: No way. No how. Not possible.

Kevin Garnett will not sign with the New Jersey Nets as a free agent this summer because he likes to, you know, win.

Sure, playing in Brooklyn, New York would be nice. Sure, playing in the new $1 billion Barclay Center in Brooklyn, New York would be really nice. And sure, getting an amount well over market value from Mikhail Prokhorov - also known as Russia’s richest man, Vladimir Putin’s opponent in a corrupt election, and the Nets’ majority owner - would be really, really nice.

None of that translates to a second championship, though. And Garnett likes to win. Joining a rebuilding Nets team without Deron Williams, who’ll likely sign with the Dallas Mavericks this summer, makes no sense.

Garnett may or may not re-up with the Celtics. One thing is clear: he’ll go where he has a chance at a championship.

The 36-year old and future member of the Hall of Fame doesn’t have the time or temperament for anything else.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You know Avery Bradley as the second year combo guard who replaced the legendary Ray Allen in the Boston Celtics’ line-up.

Well, Bradley, who has made his name as defensive stud, recently recorded a steal against the Atlanta Hawks while tying his shoe. His thievery fuelled the break and led to an alley-oop for the mighty green-and-white.

Click the video below and see what we’re talking about …

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

In watching Kevin Garnett torch the Sixers through five games, you’d think it was 2001 again.

Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett are free agents this year and rumor has it will leave Boston.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It's the end of the line in Bean Town.

Boston take a 3-2 lead in the series as Miami can't hold on.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Miami looked tight in the loss. Boston most unlikely of Eastern Conference Champs.

Dallas Mavericks are falling apart an Mark Cuban's to blame.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Apparently one ring was enough for this owner and now he wants his money back.

Ray Allen betrays the Boston Celtics and signs with the Miami Heat.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: I can't wait for his return to the Boston Garden. That will be louder than LeBron going back to Cleveland.

The Celtics' Paul Pierce admits he is "a little bitter" over Ray Allen going to the Miami Heat.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: I can't wait for the first Celtics vs. Heat game in Boston.

Paul Pierce finally admits he was "a little bitter" over watching Ray Allen, his teammate and founding member of the Celtics' "Big Three," take his talents to South Beach. How could Pierce not be bitter? The Celtics had managed to hold on to Kevin Garnett and actually offered Allen more money than the Heat. 

Pierce softened his words later in the interview by saying he understood Allen had to do what was best for his family. Yet, the two still haven't spoken since Allen announced he was leaving the Celtics for the Heat. Allen also accepted less money to play for the Heat, so how is that best for his family. The bottom line appears to be that Allen simply didn't believe the Celtics could beat the Heat in the Eastern Conference and win another championship. 

Pierce went on to say, "That's what it's all about: You get in these situations, you become a free agent, and you make a decision based on what's best for you and your family. Ray will always be a brother for me. If it wasn't for him, I probably wouldn't be wearing a championship ring. So the things he was able to do for this organization, will never be forgotten."

No phone calls since Allen decided to leave to Miami doesn't sound like brotherly love to me. 

 For more info, updates, and gossip follow @HoopsVibe

and for more trash-talking and scoops follow @MikeBrouillet.

Photo Credit: WENN

Garnett, Rondo, and Allen feud looks explosive.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: I predict a few flying elbows the first time Allen drives the lane in Bean Town.

Garnett struck first saying he no longer has former friend and teammate, Ray Allen's, phone number in his phone. Ouch, that doesn't sound like the type of lifelong friendships everyone in Boston was talking about just a few years ago when the Big Three hung another banner? Rondo followed suit in a similar interview stating he and Allen hadn't always gotten along. Rondo told Yahoo Sports "It's just life. If you look at your job, everyone doesn't always get along with every co-worker they work with. It's just part of life." Rondo also admitted to not having spoken to Allen since his decision to go to Boston's biggest rival in the East, the Miami Heat. 

Allen responded to Garnett's comments saying, "That's a shame ... I'm not really worried about it." Looks like these "friends" are now bitter enemies. Allen crossed a scared line in Garnett and Rondo's minds. It isn't simply that he left the Celtics. It's that he left the Celtics and went to their bitter rival. Boston and Miami met in the Eastern Conference Finals last year and although most people thought Boston was over-matched, it was still a hell of a battle.

This has all the makings of adding series kerosene the this already explosive fire. I predict the Celtics vs. Heat games this year will be especially chippy and look for Garnett, a noted hot-head and capable of a questionable cheap shot from time to time, to dish out at least a couple hard hits when Allen returns to Boston in a Heat uniform.

The only saving grace for Allen is he only drives to the basket these days if on one is on his half of the court. He's much more content to camp out behind the arch and wait for hit opportunity to show what a lifetime 40% 3-point shooter looks like in action.

Kevin is one Celtic happy to get home from practice.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: He's might be the Big Ticket, but she's the real deal.

Ray Allen is finally talking about what went down with him and the Boston Celtics this offseason.

Hoopsvibe's very quick call:  Allen's week is already off to a busy start.

Three different games mark the beginning of the 2012-13 NBA regular season Tuesday night.
 
Hoopsvibe's quick call:  After an interesting offseason, let the games begin.

Kevin Garnett had no love for Ray Allen last night in the Miami Heat's 120-107 victory over the Boston Celtics.
 
Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Both Garnett and Allen stayed true to who they are.

On Wednesday the Celtics announced they waived Darko Milicic.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Maybe people will stop asking him about the 2003 NBA Draft now.

Breaking news:  Boston Celtics star point guard Rajon Rondo and Nets big man Kris Humphries have been ejected from the Nets-Celtics game in Boston tonight.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Rondo didn't have 10 assists at the time of his ejection, and that means, his streak is over.

Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Garnett have heated words during the game and Melo comes through on his promis to catch up with him after.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Aren't they all a little too rich to fight in the street?

Rajon Rondo's triple double against the Bobcats isn't the only thing being talked about in Boston Monday night.
 
Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Rumor has it that Paul Pierce is on the trading block.

"Big Shot Bob" wants YOU to buy his house.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: For just over a cool two million, you can pretend to be a 6-10, 16 year NBA vet.

Rumor Alert: Danny Ainge says the Celtics are interested in acquiring Greg Oden.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If Oden could just stay healthy he could still be a solid player in the league.

Devastation in Boston. Torn ACL for Rajon Rondo.

HoopsVibe's Very quick call: Does this spell the end of the Celtics' season? Maybe not.

20 years ago tonight, the Boston Celtics retired Larry Bird's famous #33 jersey.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: "Larry Legend" is arguably the best player in NBA history.

The occasion of retiring Bird's jersey was so special that they dedicated an entire evening to it, even though there wasn't a game, and sold out the Boston Garden.

The two-hour ceremony gave Bird a proper send off as #33 was forever hoisted to the rafters. The most favorite highlight of that night was when Larry's nemesis Magic Johnson showed up with a Boston Celtics t-shirt under his Lakers warm-up gear, which you can see in the video above.

Bird is easily one of the best players in NBA history, if not the absolute best. Just take a quick gander at the career highlights and awards section of his Wikipedia page. Three time champion, two time Finals MVP, three time regular season MVP, 12 time all-star, 1980 Rookie of the Year, 1982 All-Star Game MVP, nine-time All-NBA first team; it just goes on and on.

For as great as he was as a player, he's been equally great in the front office.

Last year, he was named the NBA Executive of the Year. As a coach, with no prior head coaching experience, Bird won NBA Coach of the Year honors in his first season and led the Pacers to back to back Central Division titles, including an NBA Finals birth in 2000. He retired following that season, but was then hired to the Pacers’ front office in 2003, took over for Donnie Walsh in 2008 and ever since has had a huge hand in making the team what it has become.

With the trade deadline just over two weeks away, get ready to watch the rumor mill spin out of control.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: The latest trade rumor involving Kevin Garnett is one that would send him from Boston to the LA Clippers in exchange for DeAndre Jordan and Eric Bledsoe.

Rajon Rondo's ACL tear wasn't as bad as first thought. Garnett vetoes a trade deal with Denver, but leaves it open for someone else.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Boston Celtics have more drama going on than a telenovela these days. Even if Rondo returns this season, it's hard to see Boston emerging from the East.

CBS Sports reports Celtics and Lakers are in "preliminary talks" in a Rajon Rondo for Dwight Howard trade.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This trade is hard to believe, but with the Lakers struggling anything is possible.

Chris Paul chats with HoopsVibe after practice about trade rumors, championships, and Gregg Popovich.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: When CP3 answers a question you should pay attention.

Chris Paul talks candidly about what is next for the Los Angeles Clippers and CP3. Humble as always, Paul deflects any individual accolades and instead focuses on the task ahead. Now that the Clippers are finally healthy with Chauncey Billups back, could they be a championship team? They've beaten the Spurs 2 out of 3 games this season and are looking to make the leap to the next level. 

Fresh off his MVP performance at All Star Weekend, Paul remains calm, confident, and focused when looking ahead. He knows there is a lot of basketball left in the season and that the Clippers have a long way to go. He also doesn't pay much attention to any of the trade rumors surrounding the Clippers. These include rumors that Boston Celtic big-man Kevin Garnett could be coming to LA or that fellow point guard Eric Bledsoe may be headed out of town.

CP3 remains positive about the chemistry on his team and their outlook for the second half of the season.

For more info, updates, and dirty filthy NBA gossip follow @HoopsVibe.

La La finally sets the record straight on Kevin Garnett claiming she tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Her side of the story has been a long time coming, but do you believe it?

LeBron and the Heat have won 17 in a row, but they've got their work cut out if they want to break this record.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: The Heat are currently tied for the 12th longest winning streak in NBA history.

The current 17 game streak is tied with the Clippers for longest winning streak this season. But, both are just slightly more than half as long as the all-time best.

33, LA Lakers 1971-'72

The Lakers didn't lose a game for over two months, going a combined 30-0 in November and December. Led by Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, Gail Goodrich, Pat Riley and Jim McMillian (and including former Phil Jackson assistant coach Jim Cleamons), the 1971-72 Lakers are arguably the greatest team of all time.

22, Houston Rockets 2007-'08

You may be surprised to know that the second longest winning streak is 22 held by the Houston Rockets in 2007-08. Nobody expected anything out of the Rockets that year and they somehow went off before showing "they are who we thought they were" and losing in the first round of the playoffs. Sadly for T-Mac and Yao, this was the height of their time together.

20, Washington Capitols 1947-'48 thru 1948-'49

The Capitols were part of the Basketball Association of America before being absorbed into the NBA in 1949. Not coincidentally, the team was led by NBA Hall of Fame coach Red Auerbach, who led the squad from 1946-'49. The team won 20 games through two seasons.

20, Milwaukee Bucks 1970-'71

Already boasting Lew Alcindor at center, the Bucks acquired Oscar Robertson in a trade and found immediate success. The Bucks set a franchise record for wins that season (66) that still stands and won the NBA title in their third year of existence, the fastest for an expansion team in NBA history. The 20 game win streak was exceeded a year later by the same Lakers team that leads this list. Interestingly, this Bucks squad beat that Lakers team and snapped their NBA record 33 game win streak.

19, LA Lakers 1999-'00

In Phil Jackson's first year as coach, the Lakers started the season by winning 31 of their first 36 games, which included a 16 game winning streak. Later in the season, from February 4th to March 16th, LA won 19 in a row. After that loss, the Shaq and Kobe led squadron won another 11 in a row and earlier in the year also had a seven game streak.  One of the best teams in NBA history, LA won the title by beating the Pacers 4-2.

19, Boston Celtics 2008-'09

The Celtics started out 27-2, including the 19 game win streak, and also had a 10 game streak to their credit. Boston won 62 games but lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs after Kevin Garnett was injured and missed most of the second half of the season. The first round seven game series versus the Bulls is arguably the greatest playoff series in NBA history. 

Just two more wins would put the Heat into the top five. Four more wins would make their streak the second longest in NBA history. 16 more (man, that's a ton of games!) Would tie them with the Lakers for longest streak ever- think they can do it?

The Miami Heat have one of the greatest win streaks going in history, but Paul Pierce is one baller who could care less.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Expect a dogfight between Miami and Boston Monday night, especially if the Heat's win streak is still alive.

Lebron James punks a lot of people by dunking on them, but no one was more enjoyable to posterize than Jason Terry.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Terry is known for trash talking; now he can also be known for getting dunked on.

While you're chasing the Easter Bunny tomorrow, don't forget to stop, think and reflect on the NBA.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: In honor of what some call the greatest "comeback" in history, i.e. the resurrection tomorrow, check out this list.

Did the Celtics give the Knicks even more motivation to eliminate them by taunting Anthony about his wife LaLa ... Again?

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Have we learned nothing from watching Spike Lee motivate Reggie Miller to win after win?

Boston Celtics and Paul Pierce to part ways?

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Looks like the end of an era in Boston. After Pierce goes, expect Garnett to follow.

“Me and Dwight definitely have a relationship, especially because of adidas. I know our market and the city speaks for itself, if someone was interested to come to the Chicago Bulls,” Rose said of the Magic’s All-Star center. “Dwight, he’s a great player. Who wouldn’t want to play with him, but you never know what’s going to happen.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwight Howard will have options. All he has to do is take a pay cut.

The All-Star center for the Orlando Magic can opt-out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent July 1st.

Naturally, the rumor mill has been working overtime.

Howard was initially linked to the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and New Jersey Nets. Then it was the Boston Celtics. Now it’s the Chicago Bulls.

The Bulls are appealing because they have the 2011 Most Valuable Player in Derrick Rose, and currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings.

Problem is, they already have Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah, who are slated to earn a combined $27 million per year.

And with the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, it might be difficult for the Bulls, or any team, to find the cap space to sign Howard or find a taker for Boozer and/or Noah.

Of course, the Magic can offer $30 million more than other teams, so Howard is free to leav Orlando - but he`ll have to take far less money.

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

 

The Quick Hit: Suddenly, there’s a ‘Need for Sheed’ and a ‘Big Baby’ better become a man.

As HoopsVibe's News section reported, Kevin Garnett has been suspended for game two between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat for elbowing Quentin Richardson.

As HoopsVibe’s News section reported, The Big Ticket could soon be The Big Suspended.

With forty seconds remaining and the Boston Celtics ahead in game one of their opening round playoff series verses the Miami Heat, Kevin Garnett was ejected for hitting Quentin Richardson with an elbow during a stoppage in play.

“Looked like guys didn’t want to play,” he said. “I told them at halftime, if you don’t want to play, just stay in the lockerroom. It doesn’t make sense for a teams we should beat to just demolish us. “You bring everything down,” Howard said, referring to a player who isn’t playing with heart and soul.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: First he said he wouldn’t mind playing for the Boston Celtics. Then, after his Orlando Magic gave-up a 27 point lead and lost to those same Celtics, he questioned his teammates' heart.

Add it up, and this is a problem.

In case you’ve been living in a cave, Dwight Howard can opt-out of his contract at season’s end and ditch the Magic as an unrestricted free agent.

Currently the signs aren’t good that Howard inks another four or five year pact with the Magic. Face it: the signs were never good that he’d stay …

1) Howard wants to win, and the Magic have never found him a legit’ co-star. Instead, GM Otis Smith overpaid mediocre talent, killing the club’s cap space.

2) Howard wants to transition into the entertainment industry, and the small city of Orlando can’t compare to larger markets like New York and/or Los Angeles.

3) The grass is always greener on the other side, especially when the same old, same old (Orlando) isn’t working.

Bottom line: perhaps it's finally time the Magic trade Howard.

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We went through the NBA MVP Criteria and the GOAT player criteria. Those were easy to do, but this is the toughest to sift through. What are the greatest teams ever assembled besides the 1992 Olympic Dream Team? Where do we start? I am pretty sure that this has been done before by other writers and analysts, but I will keep it simple without the discussion devolving in to “playing era” talk. Punching numbers in to a system to calculate outcomes between great teams do not work. And basketball videogames are not the answer either.

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