In episode eleven of Out of Bounds, Marija "The Knicks Chick" Kero discusses the New York Knicks' acquisition of Carmelo Anthony.

Denver, what are you doing? Why is he still on the team? Trade him already. He’s still there? Look. I understand that people are trying to team up with others to win. That is fine. Whatever. The people of Denver should not have to put up with a whiny person putting bounties on porn stars via Twitter on someone like Kat Stacks. That is not a class act. Then he goes around and says that his Twitter was hacked. Come on, man! Stop playing!

The Knicks are nearing completion on a deal with Tyson Chandler worth $58 million over four seasons.After their efforts to trade for Chris Paul stalled, sources say the Knicks intensified their efforts to sign Chandler.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The NBA lockout and shortened season has created a tight window for free agents, so multiple scenarios are in play.

One strong possibility: Tyson Chandler leaves the world champion Dallas Mavericks to sign a multi-year deal with the New York Knicks for between $50-60 million.

Then things would get awfully complicated.

The Knicks would first have to create cap space by waiving/trading point guard Chauncey Billups and/or post Ronny Turiaf. Inking Chandler would provide other options -like using Amar'e Stoudemire as trade bait.

Or, they could keep Stoudemire and partner him with Chandler and Carmelo Anthony. This would, perhaps, be the NBA's premier front-court.

Bottom line: signing Chandler is the first of many changes coming to New York.

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

Michael Jordan’s franchise is stuck in a perpetual motion of doom. Defensively, the Bobcats are great. Overall, they are a mess with lottery picks given away in trades. Do they want a point guard or a center? Why not try to get both? The Bobcats never had a superstar. They were hoping that Emeka Okafor would become that guy, but that did not work out. They’re stuck with a team that is somewhat formulated just like the Detroit Pistons of 2004 considering that Larry Brown is there. Unfortunately, the team is not as good as Detroit.

Chris Paul’s agent informed New Orleans officials on Wednesday that his client will not sign a contract extension and wants to be traded to the New York Knicks, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. As soon as the NBA lifts its lockout restrictions, Hornets general manager Dell Demps wants to meet with Paul and hear that directive from him.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s a when. Not an if.

Face it: Chris Paul will leave the New Orleans Hornets as a free agent in July of 2012 to most likely sign with the New York Knicks.

Everything else is a formality. Like the 2011 season. Like turning down extension offers from the New Orleans Hornets. Like informing management he’ll leave.

To be fair, this isn’t just about small markets vs. large markets. Or, playing in the bright lights of The Big Apple.

This, in fact, is fate. 

A few years ago, Paul attended Carmelo Anthony’s wedding where he toasted to playing alongside ‘Melo and Amar’e Stoudemire at Madison Square Gardens for the Knicks.

Two of the pieces are in place. Stoudemire signed with the Knicks as a free agent in the summer of 2010, while Anthony was traded to the NYC last February.

For months, they’ve been waiting for Paul to form a Big Three to rival the superstar trio in Miami.

When that happens the Knicks will take another step in the Eastern Conference. There’s no if about that.

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

Carmelo Anthony finally has some good news about his personal life: He's engaged to MTV veejay La La Vasquez ! We wish them all the best !

In Out of Bounds IV, Marija translates Big Ben Roethlisberger's apology statement, tells Brad Miller he's not wanted in NY and lets you know what you can do to keep Jeff Van Gundy the hell away from the Bulls.

The two men have openly stated that they would like to play for the New York Knicks. I do not know why the New York media machine has opened their playbooks for the world to see in acquiring potential future employee number 6. While I admire their ways of applying their resources to the test for these free agents, one has to ponder that they’re probably going after the wrong guys.

You wouldn't believe the number of inky abominations etched into the pelts of pro ballers.  I'd originally planned a simple list of the league's ten worst tats, but when my dishonourable mention section hit double digits I realised I'd need to expand the scope of the project a little.  Even when I elongated the list to twenty-five terrible tattoos, I still found that I had to exclude some real atrocities.  In the end it took a full fifty spots to showcase the shittiest skin art in the L.

Through the Melo Rule, the owners want to limit how much control a player has on where he plays. Players, meanwhile, want the freedom to go where they please. And the player who inspired the rule found it amusing that it could become a part of his legacy. ``I’m just glad I can be part of something,” Anthony said last month. “When I’m dead and gone, the Melo Rule will still be here. I’m just excited that they named a rule after me.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony’s reaction reveals much about modern stars.

Instead of wanting to create a legacy on-court through winning, many want to create a legacy off-court through business.

This is sad.

For instance, the Denver Nuggets gave Anthony everything. They rolled out the red carpet, supported him during his off-court indiscretions, and paid him like a tier-one superstar.

The returns were mixed. At times, Anthony, was out of shape, feuded with Coach George Karl, and was consumed with scoring.

Bottom line: the Nuggets weren’t a contender until they brought in Chauncey Billups, who provided the leadership that was expected from Anthony.

Then came last year. Perhaps inspired by LeBron James’ Decision, Anthony held the Nuggets hostage for months by refusing to sign an extension and flirting with teams in the New York area.

The rumours were too much. It was 24-7. And a major distraction for the Nuggets, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets.

After several near-deals, Anthony got his wish and was finally traded to the Knicks. The process was ugly and again showed the polarization between have and have-not markets.

It also showed that high profile players can and will hold several teams hostage for months in an effort to get their way.

Rather than calling the process an unfortunate but necessary part of business, Anthony is proud. He doesn’t realize that his actions have created a sticking point in negotiations between players and owners, which, in turn, has delayed the 2012 season.

Compare Anthony to another ‘Legend’. Larry Bird, the Hall of Fame forward, was never proud of the ‘Larry Bird Rule’ in the old Collective Bargaining Agreements. He was too busy winning.

Perhaps Anthony should learn something from Bird. Perhaps he should focus on what matters -winning.  

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

NBA star Carmelo Anthony and his fiancé MTV VJ LaLa Vazquez are expecting their first child together in March.

"...They still have to have some steady shooters from the outside to complement the penetration they have, and then (Carlos) Boozer has to have that post-up game that he was brought there to give them. They just can't be one-dimensional in that regard. They have to have those complementary pieces to assist Rose in his game."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Phil Jackson retired last May. His mouth missed the memo.

The Zen-Master appeared on a Chicago-area radio show and declared that Bulls star and 2011 MVP Derrick Rose needed help.

It's common knowledge Rose's supporting cast must improve, especially at two-guard. The Zen-Master couldn't resist antagonizing, provoking, and causing controversy by saying that the Bulls should hang a 'Help Wanted' sign outside the stadium.

Here's the question: why would Jackson stir the pot?

Well, Jackson could be flexing his muscles. As the most successful coach in NBA history, he feels it's his duty to comment on all things NBA.

Remember, Jackson won six championships in The Windy City, so he has a connection to the team and city.

Perhaps he's keeping his name in the headlines in order to land one final coaching job before he really retires.

Chicago is unlikely. New York -with Carmelo Anthony, Amar's Stoudemire, and maybe Chris Paul - is a possibility.

One thing we do know: Jackson always has an agenda.

--Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The South Florida Classic was exciting, but everyone wanted to know when the NBA games would happen.

Yesterday Dwyane Wade led Team Wade to a 141-140 win over LeBron James’ Team James in a charity match at Florida International University.

A game with several All-Stars is worth watching, however, fans and media were focused on the three month old NBA lockout.

Click the video below, watch Carmelo Anthony discuss his love for the Heat’s Big Three, and Wade, and consider his thoughts on the NBA’s labour impasse.

-O.Sandor.

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

Thomas, who worked for the Knicks as president, GM or coach from December 2003 to April 2008, was reportedly involved in the recruitment of Carmelo Anthony last season. Now, he's expected to do the same with Paul, who is under contract for the 2011-2012 season but has a player option for 2012-13, during which he is scheduled to make $17.8 million. Many have speculated that New York is a potential destination for Paul. Current Knicks point guard Chauncey Billups, whom New York acquired in a three-team, 13-player deal last February, will be a free agent after 2011-2012.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: If the New York Knicks had sense, they’d muzzle Isiah Thomas.

They don`t have any sense, so Thomas will keep talking. Loudly.

Remember, Thomas’ slash-and-burn philosophy turned the Knicks into the league‘s laughingstock, forcing Commissioner David Stern to suggest to owner James Dolan that he hire veteran executive Donnie Walsh.

Thomas got a massive cheque to leave and give his opinion when asked to by the front office.

But Thomas is friendly with Dolan, so he stayed active and involved with the Knicks even though he has a college coaching gig at Florida International University.

This clearly alienated Walsh, who is now the outgoing executive for the Knicks. He couldn’t have liked Thomas taking credit for the signing of Amar’e Stoudemire and acquisition of Carmelo Anthony. 

Whoever replaces Walsh won’t be pleased to hear Thomas insinuate that he’ll have a key role in the Knicks chasing point guard Chris Paul.

Paul, of course, is a free agent in July of 2012. He’ll likely leave the small market New Orleans Hornets -even if the new collective bargaining agreement fixes the disparity between small and big market teams.

Enter New York. Paul will surely find it difficult to turn down the lure of playing in Madison Square Garden with Stoudemire and Anthony.

This has nothing to do with Thomas. However, an opportunist never turns down or passes up an opportunity.

--O. Sandor.

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

We have a core of players we can build around to build a [championship-contending] team,” Walsh said. “We’re not finished. There’s more pieces. But I think we got some really good players that can lead a team and form a core of that team. What we have are the most important things.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Their core isn’t bad. It’s just not that good, either.
 
Executive Donnie Walsh is overestimating his New York Knicks if he believes Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Amar’e Stoudemire need only a few tweaks to win a championship.

There’s little evidence to suggest Anthony and Stoudemire can play together, while Billups is aging -and fast.

The Knicks, even if the stars align and do contend in the Eastern Conference, will be hard pressed to topple the Miami Heat and their core of Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade in a best-of-seven series.

--O.Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: For one night fans could forget the lockout and enjoy basketball as the Melo took on the Goodman on Tuesday night.

There were big names like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, while youngsters like Eric Bledsoe and Josh Selby dazzled with their aerial antics.

Click the video, watch the highlights courtesy of hoopsmixtape.com, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

After the Goodman League defeated the Drew League last weekend, they were soon being dubbed the best summer league in the country. However, many other regions that didn’t get a chance to compete disagreed with that sentiment and wanted their shot against Goodman’s finest.

On August 30, one such league will have that opportunity. The Melo League is located in Baltimore and has had many NBA players in their gym throughout the course of the summer. They’ve been one of the more competitive pro-am leagues in the nation over the last few years and want to see if their All-Stars can take down the group from D.C.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s Tyson vs. Douglas. It’s Ali vs. Frazier. It’s Celtics vs. Lakers. And it’s Silva vs. GSP.

Forgive the hyperbole, but the August 30th game between the Goodman League and Melo’s All-Star squad may be the only basketball fans see for a while.

Thankfully, Wednesday’s tilt will be a star-studded affair. The Goodman squad features Kevin Durant, Brandon Jennings, and John Wall, while Melo’s All-Stars will be represented by Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, and Chris Paul.

Hopefully, Commissioner Stern and union boss Billy Hunter’s bargaining session, also on Wednesday, is fruitful, and fans get an NBA season to follow this interesting friendly.

--Oly Sandor.

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

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.

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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.
 

And the next Nuggets longtimer who could hit the road? Kenyon Martin, whose excellent Greenwood Village estate is under contract. Check out photos and a video below.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It could be a real estate transaction. Or it could be a sign Kenyon Martin is leaving the Denver Nuggets.

Reports indicate Martin has put his palatial Denver estate up for sale, as the power forward and former first overall pick plans to head elsewhere as a free agent when the lockout ends.

Change is surely coming. While a solid performer, Martin struggled with injury and never met the expectations that came with signing a max contract so many years ago.

The Nuggets are also in transition after the Carmelo Anthony blockbuster. Whatever cap space the new system provides will be used to re-sign Nene and, perhaps, negotiate long-term extensions for Wilson Chandler and/or Danilo Gallinari.

If Martin figured into the Nuggets' long-term plans they'd have tendered some type of offer before the lockout began on July 1st.

So Martin’s selling his house. And he’ll be selling his rebounding, defense, and energy when a new Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed.

Chances are, it won’t be in Denver with the Nuggets.

--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.

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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.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s just what we need -an NBA forward and his celebrity wife showing us their 'real' life.

Oh wait, there's Khloe Kardashian and Lakers forward Lamar Odom. There's also Kim Kardashian and Nets four-man Kris Humphries with their show.

Now there's Carmelo Anthony and wife LaLa Vasquez getting air-time to inform, educate, and enlighten about their ‘day-to-day’ existence.

If 'Melo and LaLa is your thing then click the video preview and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts.

--HoopsVibe News

“I don’t think those guys will want to go through it,” said Marbury, who is training in Los Angeles. “China is not for everybody — a whole ‘nother world. I don’t think they’re going to go there, not the big-time guys. Maybe they’d come for a little bit, but if the season is cancelled for the year, I don’t think they’d want to stay. They’ll want to go home.

“I don’t think Carmelo Anthony is going to run like they want to run in practice,” Marbury added. “They want to run you to death. The first time I got there, they ran in practice for two straight hours. I said, ‘Is that what we have to do every practice?’ “

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Guess who’s again making headlines?

Stephon Marbury, the troubled and controversial former NBA point guard, believes the New York Knicks` Carmelo Anthony wouldn’t be up to the rigors of pro’ ball in China.

Marbury, of course, is an expert on Chinese basketball. He’s also an expert on coming up short -just in the good old United States of America.

After bottoming out of the NBA for interesting behaviour off-court, he found a nice landing spot pushing his skill and sneaks in the world’s greatest economy.

However, Marbury can’t compare his situation to what Melo` or any NBA All-Star would face abroad.

Back then Marbury was desperate. He needed China to save his career on-court and to hawk his goods on billions of people.

Melo’ does not need China. Not now anyway. He has leverage, meaning he’d dictate terms on practice, travel, and anything else.

Marbury is clearly taking a shot at the Knicks’ newest star. After all, the Steph’ era was ushered out in favour of collecting cap space to sign/trade for big-ticket talents like Anthony.

Once again, Marbury is making headlines. Like always, it`s for the wrong reasons.

--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.

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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.

Williams has made no firm promises about staying in New Jersey but has said he likes the direction of the franchise under new owner Mikhail Prokhorov. The 27-year-old has likewise expressed optimism about the team's scheduled move to Brooklyn starting with the 2012-13 season and his potential role in luring other top players to the Nets. The Nets, sources said, intend to make a hard push for Howard in an attempt to convince Williams to commit long term.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Collective Bargaining Agreement may change, but the NBA will always be a star’s league.

Take Deron Williams and the New Jersey Nets. The soon-to-be Brooklyn franchise mortgaged the farm to acquire Williams via trade, even though he can become a free agent in July of 2012.

Right now, Williams has leverage. Before signing a long-term extension with the Nets, he wants a co-star.

Enter Dwight Howard.

The massive five-man can also opt-out of his contract and become a free agent next summer. Howard, on paper, is the perfect running mate for Williams.

The two would form a lethal inside-outside combo, capable of rivalling most eastern foes. Their star power would match Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, who ply their trade with the crosstown New York Knicks.

Unfortunately, the Nets have competition. The Orlando Magic are desperate to keep their franchise face, while the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have both made plays for Howard.

Getting Howard won't be easy. So re-signing Williams won’t be easy. But both are a must for the Nets.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Dwight Howard sweepstakes have begun. Golden State offered Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Ekpe Udoh. Unlikely that'll get it done.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

The Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic can deny rumors they’re considering swapping Monta Ellis for Dwight Howard. The evidence suggests otherwise, though.

New Warriors owner Joe Lacob, when he bought the club, didn’t give Ellis a ringing endorsement. While GM Larry Riley would only admit the team isn’t shopping their combo guard.

Lacob and rookie coach Mark Jackson want to change the losing culture surrounding the club. Right or wrong, fair or not, they may trade Ellis to achieve this.

Meanwhile, Howard has refused to sign an extension with the Magic. He wants to exercise a player’s option next July and become a free agent.

Howard knows Magic GM Otis Smith can’t let this occur. Not for a second. Smith, contrary to what he publicly claims, can’t risk his franchise face walking and getting nothing back.

So the clock is ticking. Like the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz with Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams, Smith has to cut a deal.  

It’s no shock the Warriors and Magic have talked trade. Here’s the real question: what happens next?

--Oly Sandor.

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

“That’s something that as a group, collectively, we have to come together and see what we’re lacking, where we need to get stronger at,” Anthony said when asked what he thinks the Knicks need to add or improve. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be talking to Donnie [Walsh] or [owner James] Dolan and Amar’e [Stoudemire] will be there and Chauncey [Billups] will be there, just trying to figure out some ways where we can become not just a playoff team but a championship-caliber team.”

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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.

Paul's comments on Twitter indicated he felt as though his words were taken out of context.

"Come on now people," Paul tweeted, "I did 3 different interviews about the Jordan Brand Classic this morning and was asked if Michael Jordan had influence on free agent signings and I said at the end of the day guys want to win...they askd would I want to return home and I told them I'm focused here in NO and that's the future and anything can happen...Hate when people try to turn things around just to make it a story.. #slowdown."

"That's the whole goal now," Stoudemire said. "I always play better in the postseason. I want to be 100 percent healthy to keep that trend going. The good news is it's getting better by the second. I'll play sooner than later."

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Williams' contract expires after next season, and the Knicks could have the cap space to sign him. Anthony said. "I haven't seen it but he's going to be in New York too, so you'll see a lot more of that -- the competition thing. We got another Subway Series coming."

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Knicks star Amare Stoudemire has set his sights on Grammy-winning singer and model Ciara. New York's hottest sports hero has been spotted dining out with the stunning songbird in recent weeks, and on Monday night, the pair shared dinner at STK with a group of 15, including fellow Knick Carmelo Anthon and his wife, LaLa Vazquez.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call:  It’s nice to know Amar’e Stoudemire’s on-court struggles haven’t impacted his off-court game.

Not one bit, in fact.

Standing Tall and Talented is no longer with Amber Rose, the model famous for being with Kanye West, and is reportedly wooing Ciara, the R&B singer who many also describe as easy on the eyes.

Stoudemire apparently met his newest love interest through LaLa Vasquez, Carmelo Anthony’s wife and the best friend of Ciara.

Clearly, Stoudemire and Anthony work well off-court, helping each other with the females. If only they could recreate this chemistry on-court for the inconsistent New York Knicks.

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

Which brings us to whether Isiah, on behalf of his good friend, Knicks owner James Dolan, was instrumental in helping New York land 'Melo and Amar'e. So I ask him: Was that you? He takes a long time to answer. "I do have a lot of friends," he says carefully. "And I am asked to advise in a lot of different scenarios. Players, coaches, and ..." A very long pause. "I won't comment on the Knicks situation, but I do like helping the Knicks, and I do want them to do well."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Are the New York Knicks for real? Are they really having disgraced coach and executive Isiah Thomas talk to players?

The answer is yes.

Yes, Knicks owner James Dolan still consults Thomas – the financial mismanagement, poor trades, Stephon Marbury fiasco, Larry Brown disaster, sexual harassment suit, and other indiscretions don’t matter.

Yes, Dolan overlooks Thomas’ flaws and failures. Just like Dolan overlooks Donnie Walsh bringing the Knicks back to respectability.

Here’s a scarier thought: Thomas could be 'helping' the Knicks full time next season. Walsh doesn't have a guaranteed deal for 2012. Thomas, of course, is available, and would be willing to lead 'his' signings of Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Dolan may let Walsh go and say yes to Thomas, giving one of the game’s most tarnished individuals a second chance at running this classic franchise.

Thomas leading the Knicks was a nightmare. Somehow, Dolan believes a sequel will be better. And yes, this is 'for real'.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The way the Knicks have struggled with Chauncey Billups running Mike D'Antoni's offense has rival executives wondering whether one of them -- or both -- won't be back next season.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The coach and coach on-the-floor could soon be out of work.

There are rumors the New York Knicks will cut ties with sideline boss Mike D’Antoni and point guard Chauncey Billups at season’s end.

Like all things New York Knicks, it’s complicated.

D’Antoni’s future is linked to executive Donnie Walsh. Unbelievably, Walsh, who brought the Knicks back to respectability after years of dysfunction under Isiah Thomas, may be pushed out at year’s end.

This would trickle down to the bench. D’Antoni was Walsh’s choice. And the 'Seven Seconds or Less' guru is protected with Walsh in the executive suite.

Walsh wasn’t the choice of owner James Dolan, though. He was the choice of Commissioner David Stern, who ‘suggested’ Dolan hire the veteran executive after Thomas’ shenanigans and tomfoolery became too great a black eye for league head office to ignore.

Dolan, who resents being told what to do, may re-hire his buddy Thomas. And ‘Zeke’ would then replace D’Antoni with his guy on the sideline.

This brings us to Billups. He has struggled to appease the club’s two scorers, Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire.

Billups is slated to earn $14 million in 2012; however, he can be bought out for $3.7 million. Expect the Knicks to exercise this clause –especially if the muscular table-setter can’t become Mr. Big Shot down the stretch or in the playoffs.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Billups won’t be back. The club could buy him out and re-sign him for considerably less money. Or, player and team could simply part ways. Nothing is set in stone.

There’s a famous saying ‘Only in New York’. Perhaps this should be revised to ‘Only in New York with the Knicks’.

--Oly Sandor.

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

It wouldn’t be shocking at all if the New York Knicks make a play for Dwight Howard next season, perhaps offering either Amare Stoudemire or Carmelo Anthony at trade deadline.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Did you enjoy Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire battling Dwight Howard last night?

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the main characters in yesterday’s epic battle between the Knicks and Magic could switch places. Reports indicate the Magic would consider sending Howard to the Knicks for Anthony or Stoudemire.

A few thoughts:

1) The Howard rumors will continue to fly because he can opt-out of his contract at the end of 2012 and become an unrestricted free agent.

No matter how much Howard tries to defuse rumors, the feeling is he wants to bolt Orlando for a larger market. Like Los Angeles. Or New York.

The Magic have a dilemma. They could try re-signing Howard and risk having their top player as an unrestricted free agent without compensation.

(This would decimate the franchise. See the Cleveland Cavaliers. See the Toronto Raptors.)  

Or the Magic could concede that re-signing Howard would be tough in today’s era of super-teams and move him. Cutting their losses would bring back some assets.

(See the Denver Nuggets. See the Utah Jazz.)   

2) Anthony and Stoudemire are an awkward pairing. Their partnership doesn’t seem natural. Given time, things will improve. The supporting cast will be upgraded; a training camp together will make a difference.

Here’s the question for Knick fans: would Howard with Anthony or Stoudemire be superior to Anthony and Stoudemire?

3) The new Collective Bargaining Agreement to be negotiated between players and owners this summer could sideswipe all plans.

Small market owners may try to eliminate the super-team trend that’s permeating the NBA. They could gain the ability to keep star players by using an NFL-style franchise tag.

So the Magic could hang onto Howard –whether he likes it or not- by slapping him with the franchise player tag.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Wade is controlling the ball late in games, which lets LeBron James be used in a simple pick-and-roll. James has been accustomed to playing with the ball in his hands in crunch time, but it appears Wade and Erik Spoelstra have convinced him to try something new. “I think he's starting to see that this can open up his overall game, and he's going to want to do it more," Wade said last week.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Talent isn’t enough in the NBA. Teams must also have chemistry.

Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the Miami Heat learned this the hard way, with their up-and-down year.

So have the New York Knicks, who broke up a squad with established chemistry to acquire the talented but sometimes difficult Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets.

Credit the Heat for trying new things, though. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, James acted as a screener and ran several pick-and-rolls with Wade.

This is a welcome change from the Heat’s steady diet of predictable ‘iso’ plays and one-on-one attempts at the basket.

Doug Collins, the coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, is right: this option will work. James as a four-man setting picks will be tough to prevent from rolling to the basket or slipping the screen.

Opposing defenses will be helpless. If defenders try to switch on the screen, James and/or Wade will have a clear mismatch, which should lead to a scoring opportunity.

If defenders try to show and adjust to the screen, James and/or Wade will have an advantage, which should also lead to a scoring opportunity.

The Heat would be wise to run more of these sets. Variety is important in basketball, and a two-man game involving their best players will upgrade their mediocre half-court offense.

After all, chemistry, not talent, is the key to winning in the NBA. It seems James and Wade are learning.

--Oly Sandor.

For LeBron James, the signs are all familiar. The initial discomfort in a new system. The frustrating losses. The growing pains. The private bickering, questioning and second-guessing. The attitude issues. Even the turbulence during particularly heated timeouts. James knows that script all too well. He's lived it during the honeymoon period with the Miami Heat, the one that sent the team into a brief stretch of disarray following a difficult 9-8 start.

"I know exactly what he's going through right now," James said of his friend Carmelo Anthony's more-difficult-than-expected indoctrination with the Knicks. "And it's going to take time. Everybody knows we were 9-8. We had to figure things out. And we're still figuring things out.

"We all know Melo is a great player, but I don't think one player has ever won a championship in this league," Kenyon Martin told HOOPSWORLD. "He's a great player, but it's all about us playing together right now. That's what we're trying to do."

"We're just going out and playing basketball," he continued. "Everyone here knows how to play and we're competing every single night. When you compete, you put yourself in position to win. It's just playing basketball. Once you know how to play this game the right way, you can really fit into any system."

After the buzzer, (Carmelo) Anthony sat alone on the Knicks bench long after his teammates left the court. Asked what he was thinking, the Brooklyn native said, "This ship is going to turn right."  For now, the ship be sinking -- to borrow Micheal Ray Richardson's famous Knicks quotation.

"We just got to a point where I thought we panicked," coach Mike D'Antoni said. "This is a work in progress and we have a month to get this thing figured out. If we can figure out fourth quarters, we can get a lot smoother. With two scorers on the floor like Carmelo and Amar'e, we just have to figure it out." We're going to get it right," Anthony said. "There's no need to panic."

Nevertheless Anthony's pouty behavior in Friday night's 99-95 loss to the Pistons, his bad oncourt body language, his failure to join a timeout huddle when not in the game has raised red flags about his readiness to handle the pressure for being a basketball star in New York.

The honeymoon is officially over. Anthony, coming off an historically awful 6-point, 2-of-12 outing in the terrible loss, will resume talking and playing today when the Knicks face the Bucks at Bradley Center, with the club having fallen into seventh place.

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Johnson on Wednesday stood by a claim he made Tuesday on the radio that there is "no doubt" the team will be able to re-sign point guard Deron Williams when he becomes a free agent. "I have no doubt and I'm really, really confident that we'll be able to re-sign him,"

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Nuggets nation may be able to breathe a sigh of relief, because the Brazilian born star says he has no intention of leaving Denver. "I want to be a Nugget for now and forever," Nene told HOOPSWORLD." But I know there is a lot of business [to handle], so I can say that today. "

“I love Orlando. The city has been very good to me and I would love to finish my career here. I want to win a championship and I want to win it in Orlando,” Howard said on the Dan Patrick Show Monday morning. “That’s all I’ve been thinking about.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You’ve heard rumors Dwight Howard will leave the Orlando Magic as a free agent and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012.

Well, not so fast. According to the massive five-man, this isn’t so.

Howard recently told scribes he wants to finish his career in Orlando, and bring an NBA Title to Disney World. There are a few reasons for these comments:

• Clearly, the Magic aren’t trading Howard, so he and the team want to avoid the publicity that plagued Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and, most recently, Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets.
• He may choose to stay in Orlando. Howard is comfortable, the Magic are competitive, and Executive Otis Smith is committed to providing him with a top flight supporting cast.
• Of course, he may have to stay in Orlando. The league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement expires July 1st, and owners may prevent superstars from building super squads by allowing teams to apply a ‘franchise’ tag to top players.Translation: Orlando could keep Howard. It may not matter whether he wants to stay or go.

So Howard has to keep all options open. And that’s exactly what he’s doing with his comments.

--Oly Sandor.

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Jazz CEO Greg Miller said he made the move because of a "gut feeling" that he wouldn't be able to sign Williams to a long-term deal after next season. "If you look at what happened with Phoenix, Toronto and Cleveland ... they all lost their marquee player and had very little if anything to show for it," Miller said. "This trade allows us to be competitive now and beyond the 2012 season."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Could this be the trigger that pushes the NBA’s small market owners to demand wholesale changes to the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and financial system?

Consider the Utah Jazz’s predicament. Their superstar and best player, Deron Williams, longed for bright lights, a big city, and a chance at a championship.

That wasn’t happening in Utah, so Williams likely informed management he was opting-out of his contract in July of 2012.

Translation: he was gone.

The Jazz could’ve spent the next sixteen months convincing Williams to stay. Of course, the end result wouldn’t have changed and the Jazz would’ve lost their prime asset without compensation.

Just like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors with LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

Or, the Jazz could’ve spent the next sixteen months negotiating a trade. They’d be daily fodder for pundits and fans on-line and on-air. Maybe Conan O’Brien would get in on the act.

Just like the Denver Nuggets with Carmelo Anthony.

Neither situation was appealing, which led to the Jazz suddenly shipping Williams to the Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, and a pair of first round draft picks.

The Jazz did well, especially when considering Williams held all the cards, possessed all the leverage, and was hell-bent on using it. They were also lucky, though, because the Nets were willing to trade after losing out on Carmelo Anthony.

In four months, they –and the other small market owners- will get revenge. Much to the chagrin of the players, they’ll demand a hard cap, revenue sharing, and franchise player tags.

No more Anthony, Bosh, James, and Williams holding them hostage. And the looming lockout will be nasty, bitter, and long.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Warriors and Nets are close to finalizing a multi-player trade, according to sources. Golden State will send Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright to New Jersey for Troy Murphy and a 2012 second round pick.

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More than half the NBA has called Denver about Nene's availability in trades, but the team's first order of business after trading Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks is convincing their offensively talented center to remain with the team. Nene is eligible to opt out of his contract this offseason, despite being owed $11.6 million for the 11-12 season.

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Chauncey Billups, who had a non-guaranteed contract for the 11-12 season, but that deal will not be bought out. Billups is locked into his $14.2 million contract for the 11-12 season, according to a source. Because Billups' contract will expire for the 2012 offseason, the Knicks retain the flexibility to acquire a potential free agent such as Chris Paul or Deron Williams.

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The Knicks acquired Carmelo Anthony in a blockbuster trade on Monday, but the price was steeper than Donnie Walsh was hoping to pay.New York's front office has been suffering from a power struggle, with Isiah Thomas consulting James Dolan and the franchise also recently hired Mark Warkentien who is a CAA client. "This is all Dolan. All Isiah. All (Worldwide) Wes and Leon Rose," said an ally of Walsh.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony is heading to the New York Knicks, and Isiah Thomas might soon join him.

Reports indicate Knicks owner James Dolan used Isiah Thomas, a former employee, and consultant ‘Worldwide’ Wes to acquire Anthony because current Executive Donnie Walsh wasn’t bullish on the Denver Nuggets’ forward.

Clearly, there’s a power struggle occurring in the Knickerbockers’ front office. And the daggers are out since Walsh's contract expires at season's end.

Here’s the question: would Dolan actually let Walsh, a respected front office guru, leave and replace him with Thomas, a man who has slashed and burned everything he has touched since taking off a Detroit Pistons jersey?

Sadly, the answer is yes.

Yes, Dolan has reservations about re-signing Walsh –even though he cleaned up much of the cap mess Thomas created during his ‘Reign of Terror’ at Madison Square Garden.

Yes, Dolan has something against the class, stability, and professionalism Walsh exudes and has a soft spot for Thomas’ tomfoolery, shenanigans, and lawsuits.

And yes, Dolan seems apathetic to Dolan’s more restrained personality and seems taken by Thomas’ Cheshire-cat smile and charm.

If Walsh is given the boot for Thomas, the Knicks will again sink to the bottom of the standings –regardless of how much talent they have on-court.

After all, great organizations have stability at the top. Zeke only knows the opposite: instability. Since leaving the Pistons, he has walked on the Continental Basketball Association and Toronto Raptors, while also destroying the Knicks, one of the NBA’s great franchises.

To be fair, he had mediocre results as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers.  

Don’t be surprised if Anthony’s return to his home of New York marks the return of Thomas. And the sequel won’t be better than the original.

--Oly Sandor.

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