"...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.

“It’s very sad, but everybody knows it’s not our fault,” the Chicago Bulls point guard and reigning NBA most valuable player said Saturday. “If it was up to us we’d be out there playing. I think that is wrong and I know they could easily take care of it.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I don’t think the players or their union get it. Fault doesn’t matter. Leverage does.

Currently, the owners have leverage in negotiations and intend on using it to right and correct the league’s habit of overpaying their middle class.

The list of mistakes is long and dubious. However, three stand out:

1) Eddy Curry. The puffy post received $33 million from the New York Knicks to play in just 33 games over the last three seasons.

2) Gilbert Arenas. Despite having few suitors, an eccentric personality, and creaky knees, The Hibachi was give a six-year, $111 million contract courtesy of the Washington Wizards.

It’s worth noting this was at least $20 million more than any other team was willing to pay and Arenas claims he left money on the table with the Wizards.

3) Rashard Lewis. Most teams would like a stretch four who can produce 12-15 points per game, however, they wouldn’t want to pay him over $20 million per season.

The Orlando Magic and they got one good season for Lewis before trading him to Washington for, wait for it, Arenas.

There are dozens of other mistakes. Of course, this, like Rose says, is on the owners for misjudging talent and empowering their executives to pay players like the money was endless.

It isn’t.

The economy has changed. Many - especially in smaller, have-not markets - feel the NBA isn’t worth their disposable income, so owners must have a full scale correction.

This means a 50-50 split of Basketball Related Income. This means a re-do of system issues. And this means the pendulum swings back in favour of the owners. 

Fault doesn’t matter in such a charged climate. Only leverage does. And the players, who have none, are learning this the hard way.

--O. Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Click the video below and watch Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls’ superstar, become the Bull and dodge matadors in Spain.

I know. It sounds cheesy, but Adidas pulls it off and puts forward a great ad for the 2011 Most Valuable Player.

--O. Sandor.

“They met us in the Eastern Conference finals, and they were one player away from making it a very, very, very tough series,” Wade told ESPNChicago.com during an event for his “Wade’s World” charities. “Derrick Rose is evolving into a phenomenal player. You could look and see they’re one player away from being there every year.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwyane Wade thinks the Chicago Bulls aren’t far off.

Yesterday Wade declared that the Derrick Rose led Bulls are one player away from potentially beating his Miami Heat, who won the Eastern Conference championship in 2011.

Wade is correct when stating the Bulls need a shooting guard to take the offensive pressure off Rose, who too often had to create a scoring opportunity on every possession.

However, the Bulls' options could be limited by the new collective bargaining agreement, which would make it difficult, if not impossible, for an upgrade.

The club already has $61.5 million in guaranteed salary for 2011-12. They only have eleven players on the roster.

Now suppose the owners get their hard cap with no exceptions or loop holes.The Bulls will have to look in-house for another scorer, which means getting greater production from the highly paid Carlos Boozer.

Yes, Boozer. Remember him?

Boozer sustained a freak injury in training camp, missed significant parts of the regular season, and found himself on the bench for parts of the Bulls' playoff run.

Boozer has four years and $60 million left on his contract. No contender can get such weak production from such a big-ticket.

The Bulls will likely have little or no money for free agents. And Boozer may have to be the difference-maker Wade speaks of.   

--Oly Sandor.

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

DR: It was great but I’m not satisfied. I won’t be satisfied until I win a championship. I’m not satisfied at all. There’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m not going to win a championship. I’m going win multiple championships. It’s not a doubt in my mind.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It's not the same. Not even close.

In an interview with Hoopshype, Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP and rising superstar for the Chicago Bulls, admitted he wants to win multiple championships.

Such a declaration should sound familiar. LeBron James was, and still gets, roasted for making a similar statement last summer after taking his talent to South Beach.

There's a difference between Rose and James, though.

Rose was talking about what he wanted to achieve in his career, which is fair. All players, especially the creme de la creme of the NBA, should have lofty goals.

James, however, was acting like he already won multiple championships when he boasted to fans at the Heat's pre-emptive victory parade. The glitter, glitz, and hype of that July day in 2010 was as grand as the L.A. Lakers' championship parade a month earlier in June.

Of course, the Heat hadn't won a thing yet -and wouldn't win a thing, losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.

So, put the daggers down. Rose's comments pass the smell test, while James is struggling to move past last July's blunders.

--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.
 

Curry weighed 350 when he auditioned for Miami in March. Curry intrigues Pat Riley, who might offer him a minimum deal postlockout if he loses another 12 pounds or so. His skills “are there, no question,” Grover said.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Eddy Curry could soon become Pat Riley’s Greatest Reclamation Project.

Reports indicate Curry has dropped close to 40 pounds and, if his waist line continues to shrink, he may sign with the Miami Heat for the minimum when the lockout ends.

This is rather remarkable, especially when considering how low the skilled big had sunk.

Curry made $31 million to play in 30 games over the last three seasons. He blew most of that $31 million and, reportedly, took out high-interest loans from dubious characters. And then there was this.

Of course, Curry might not be best for South Beach. He was a finesse-five for the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, and the Heat need a defensive-minded banger down low.

Still, Curry won’t cost much, so, perhaps, he’s worth the risk -as it will appease the people behind Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.

Move over Rafer Alston, Derek Anderson, Ike Austin. Smush Parker, Antoine Walker, and all others. Eddy Curry may soon be coming. You’ll have competition for Riles’ Greatest Reclamation Project.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"When you take on the triangle, you have to have your whole organization geared toward it," said Krause. "It takes a very specific kind of player to play in it. I saw the Minnesota guy hire Rambis, after he took two players in the draft who couldn’t possibly ever run the triangle. I have no idea if Rambis is a good coach or not, but Kahn screwed him right off the bat." He's referring to Ricky Rubio and Jonny Flynn, who are not natural fits, in yet another public black eye for Kahn.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Just the latest evidence Minnesota Timberwolves Executive David Kahn hasn't a clue.

At the Hall of Fame induction, Jerry Krause, the former Chicago Bulls GM, criticized Kahn for not giving former coach Kurt Rambis the players to run the Triple Post.

Rambis, of course, was recently fired by Kahn. Not before Kahn made him wait two months to hear his fate -even having Rambis submit a homework assignment before turfing him.

Krause is right: the Triple Post works if you have players with specific skill-sets and strong basketball IQs.

For instance, Luc Longley, Will Purdue, and Bill Wennington weren’t flashy or talented, but were smart, resourceful, and could pass.

B.J. Armstrong, Steve Kerr, and John Paxson could knock down shots, play off the ball, and knew their limitations.

Unfortunately, the Wolves were full of youngsters, who struggled with the pro' game and were no match for the complicated, intricate Triple Post.

So, according to Krause, Kahn is lost. Well, the architect of the six-time champion Bulls has the pedigree to say what he likes.

--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.

"I haven't stopped working out really since May," Griffin said. "It's been every day, sneaking it in whenever I can." Griffin says it's frustrating for him to think that the NBA games may be interrupted after his first season playing in the league. Griffin missed all of the 2009-10 season with a broken kneecap after he had been the No. 1 draft pick out of Oklahoma. "Now my first three seasons, I could play 82 games," Griffin said. "So, we'll see what happens."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last year was overwhelmingly positive for the NBA.
 
The sporting world was galvanized by Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James joining forces and becoming the ‘Heatles’ in Miami.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd’s hard work was rewarded with an NBA championship, guaranteeing both immediate entry into the Hall of Fame when they retire.

Derrick Rose won the MVP award, leading the Chicago Bulls to the league’s best regular season record and a place in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder took another step winning two playoff series before falling to Nowitzki and Kidd’s Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.

The Memphis Grizzlies made the playoffs and upset the San Antonio Spurs. After years of futility, the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers were relevant and entertaining.

There are other storylines I’m missing.

For instance, high on this list is the emergence of Blake Griffin, whose aerial antics reminded the world there’s a professional basketball squad in Los Angeles not called the Lakers.

(And this squad, the Clippers, can compete and delight despite being owned by the twisted and incompetent Donald Sterling.)

Suppose there’s a lockout. One that wipes out the entire season. Griffin, who missed 2009 with injury, will have played just eighty-two games in his first three seasons.

Fans would have to wait a year to see Griffin assault the rim. Fans would have to wonder what Griffin would do to defend his crown at the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. And fans, the purists, would have to wait a year to see Griffin’s above average passing and skill-set develop.

This is tragic. And just another thing Commissioner David Stern, the owners, Union Head Billy Hunter, and the players are risking with their posturing and rhetoric.

I hope they know what they’re doing. Griffin missing another year should be a last resort.

--Oly Sandor.

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

But not many believed him, including Phil Jackson. When I asked the former Lakers coach last season which player Bryant wants to pass on the scoring list the most, Jackson replied without hesitation, "Michael Jordan."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Pandora’s Box known as Kobe vs. Mike is once again open, courtesy of their former coach Phil Jackson.

'Zen-Master' Phil told the L.A. Times last season that Kobe Bryant, of the Lakers, desperately wants to pass Michael Jordan, the Hall of Fame guard with the Chicago Bulls, on the league's all-time scoring list.

Bryant's reason for setting this goal is obvious: he wants his legacy to be greater than Jordan's.

Forget the all-time scoring list. One statistic proves Bryant can never top Jordan. The 'Black Mamba' has lost twice in the NBA Finals, while 'His Airness' was a perfect 6-0 in the championship series.

When the chips were on-the-line, when it mattered most, nobody was greater than Jordan. This is beyond dispute and outweighs the all-time scoring list. 

--Oly Sandor.

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

“No. 1 to me, he’s a Hall of Famer,” Van Gundy said. “Idon’t care if you put him in as player, as a contributor or put him in with his own heading. This guy definitely gets in for the greatness as a player when healthy or what he did as ambassador.” He then added a thought he would repeat often.“People forget,” Van Gundy said, “just how good he was.”

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: He goes in as an ambassador –or not at all.

It's tempting to get caught-up and proclaim Yao Ming a Hall of Fame NBA player. After all, Yao is a nice fellow. His numbers were good. And for a very short time, he was the premier center in the NBA.

A pleasant demeanour, good statistics, and a short run as 'The Man in the Middle' doesn't mean Yao deserves basketball's greatest individual honour –at least as a player.

The crème de la crème of NBA players validate themselves by championships. Rings, more than individual statistics, are the measure of greatness.

This is fair. Unlike Major League Baseball, one NBA player can greatly influence a team. So team success is the best gauge of that player's impact.

Yao never won a championship. In fact, he never won a playoff round. Not one best-of- seven series.

Some Hall of Fame greats failed to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy. Charles Barkley at least made the NBA Finals. Karl Malone and John Stockton twice met Michael Jordan and his Chicago Bulls in the league's June extravaganza.

Barkley, Malone, and Stockton were the best at their position for a prolonged period. For instance, Barkley and Malone were Most Valuable Players; Stockton is still the league's all-time assists leader. Yao, injury or not, has no such achievement on his resume.

The Hall of Fame is exclusive. Coaches, players, fans and journalists shouldn't have to argue that a player deserves entry. The player's career should do that.

Yet, since word of his retirement broke, coaches, players, fans, and journalists have been arguing on behalf of Yao the player.

This is the greatest indicator that Yao is not a Hall of Fame player. 

He is, however, a Hall of Fame ambassador, functioning as the bridge between the NBA and the lucrative Chinese market. There's no disputing Yao's influence on the business of basketball.

For this, Yao the ambassador should have a place at the basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts -just not in the players' section.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Right now, NBA owners and players can't find a way to split $4 billion in annual revenues.

If this seems petty, it's because it is. Especially when compared to the plight of those participating in a basketball camp in South Sudan, the world's newest nation.

Fortunately, Luol Deng, a Sudanese immigrant and small forward for the Chicago Bulls, appears to have his head on straight. Perhaps, others associated with the NBA can return to reality –and soon.

Click the video provided by Yahoo, watch Deng in action as camp counsellor in South Sudan, and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below. 

--Oly Sandor.

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

As a free agent, J-Rich has reached a critical point in his career: Does he sign with a team that can pay him the most money or take less to play with a contender?

Obviously, he would love to have the best of both worlds. He might be able to find that with the Chicago Bulls, who are in need of a quality starting shooting guard.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is Jason Richardson the difference between the Chicago Bulls winning and losing the Eastern Conference?

The answer: at best, a maybe. Sure, Richardson is talented. Sure, he has range. Sure, he’s arguably the top free agent shooting-guard. And sure, the Bulls need a scorer.

Richardson is 31-years old, though. While still solid, he was deemed expendable by the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Bobcats, and Phoenix Suns. His latest club, the Orlando Magic, have little interest in extending him.

A large part of this had to do with money. Charlotte and Phoenix, two smaller markets, had trouble swallowing Richardson’s big-ticket. For financial reasons, they cut ties.

A large part of this had to with skill. More and more, Richardson stopped using his athleticism to attack and defend, and seemed content on shooting three-pointers.

Who knows what role the off-court stuff played? Richardson was charged with Driving Under the Influence and reckless driving. Of course, there was also this.

Richardson is a risk. His value on the open market will be hard to gauge because of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

Chicago should ask Richardson for a contender discount. If he refuses, they should look elsewhere for their difference-maker.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Indiana Pacers have scheduled a press conference for Wednesday that will officially seal Frank Vogel's promotion to full-time coach according to NBA coaching sources.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s no longer ‘The Temp’.

Today, the Indiana Pacers promoted former assistant and interim coach Frank Vogel to the full time position of head coach.

This is smart. The Pacers were 20-18 under Vogel after he replaced Jim O’Brien. They also squeaked into the playoffs as an eight-seed, but lost to the Chicago Bulls in five games.

So the Pacers have their coach. They have a nice, young core. They also have considerable cap space.

Things are looking up in the Hoosier state. Like the rest of us, they`re just waiting on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

--Oly Sandor.

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

I've talked to people who believe that Chicago will shop Boozer, but you have to keep in mind that his stock is at an all-time low right now. He disappeared in the playoffs and there's a reason Chicago is talking about moving less than a year after signing him. It'll be tough to move him for anything of substance, especially considering how much he's owed over the next four years. With that said, if he does become available, the Orlando Magic will certainly express some level of interest.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carlos Boozer wouldn’t convince Dwight Howard to forgo free agency and sign a long-term extension with the Orlando Magic.

So the Magic should think carefully about trading for Boozer, and assuming the remaining 4-years and $65 million on his big-ticket contract.

Boozer would be the latest in expensive, overpaid players who couldn’t help superstar Dwight Howard achieve his goal of an NBA championship.

There was Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter. This duo were then swapped mid-season for Gilbert Arenas and Hedo Turkoglu in separate trades. All four failed miserably.

A frustrated Howard is now angling for a trade. If he doesn’t get it, the five-man will likely leave Orlando as a free agent in two seasons.

Howard would see Boozer for what he is -a talented but injury-prone player, who the Chicago Bulls dumped one season after signing him as a free agent.

It doesn't matter that Howard and Boozer are close, often hanging out together in the summer. Basketball is business. Friendship is personal.

Magic Executive Otis Smith should instead focus on Chris Paul. The New Orleans point guard, who can also become a free agent in July of 2012, is the type of talent that could convince Howard to stay.

Paul and Howard would form a terrific inside-outside duo. They’d attract other free agents, co-stars, and role players. They’d compete for years to come.

Almost every other player, including Boozer, won’t be enough for Howard to recommit to Orlando.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"You can't have two of your top high-paid players sitting on the bench in the fourth quarter," Pippen said. "And that isn't just last night's game. We have seen this the whole season. So for us to think the Bulls are going to go farther when your high-priced players are not going to carry you and finish games for you ... you're not talking about a championship team.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: One day after comparing LeBron James to Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen went at Carlos Boozer and Joakim Noah.

The Hall of Fame three-man blamed this duo for the Bulls loss to the Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals, saying that no team wins a championship with their second and third best players on the bench during the fourth quarter.

Pippen is right. However, Noah is still young and gets a partial mulligan on his uneven play.

The real issue is Boozer. Last summer, he signed a $75 million extension to be Derrick Rose’s running mate. The four-man was expected to be a second-in-command, a co-capo if you will.

Boozer has been a disappointment. Sure, he was injured for much of the season, but the real problem is that the Bulls offense revolves around Rose.

And for the Bulls to get past Miami in 2012, they need more from Boozer. Or they’ll have to find a new second star.

Scottie Pippen suggested, on ESPN Radio’s Mike And Mike In the Morning, that LeBron James, and not his former teammate, Michael Jordan, could end up being the greatest all-around player the league has ever seen.

“Michael Jordan is probably the greatest scorer to ever play in the game, but I may go as far to say LeBron James is probably the greatest player to ever play the game,” Pippen said.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Take a deep breath. Now exhale. Repeat.

While you’re meditating please remember Scottie Pippen didn’t totally go there. He didn’t say LeBron James was better than Michael Jordan.

Pippen sure came close, though.

He said James may be a greater all-around player because of athleticism and size. And he said James can a dominate game in more ways than Jordan.

Purists will be offended. After all, Jordan has six championship rings. James has none. Jordan transcended basketball. James gave basketball a bad name with The Decision.

Still, Pippen, in theory, may have a point. James’ rare combination of size, speed, skill, and power gives him a unique advantage over any player to ever grace an NBA floor.   

When it’s all said and done, James may eventually be in the same sentence as Jordan. Not now, though.

Here’s the reality: James lacks Jordan’s will and competitiveness. Remember, Jordan overcame the Detroit Pistons’ harsh tactics; upset Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals; handled Clyde the Glyde and Rip City; twice withstood the best John Stockton and Karl Malone, two Hall of Famers, could offer; and defeated Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton, and the Seattle Sonics.

James has done nothing of the sort. Yet.

Let’s be fair: Jordan had help. It’s interesting his ‘help’ (Pippen) is so quick to deflect praise away from his former teammate and supposed friend towards others.

Maybe Pippen’s statement says more about the rivalry between him and Jordan, and less about James’ place in the game.

--Oly Sandor.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Joakim Noah has to be better than this.

The Chicago Bulls post screamed an anti-gay slur at Miami Heat fans after getting into foul trouble in the first half.

To be fair, Noah apologized, saying he got ‘caught up’. He seemed genuine, but the NBA will levy a massive fine –and rightfully so.

Noah can’t yell at fans. And Noah can’t yell anti-gay slurs at fans.

Not after Kobe Bryant’s slip-up. Not after a Phoenix Suns executive recently came out. Not with the league running public service announcements denouncing homophobia at the Heat-Bulls game.

Watch the video and get at us with thoughts on Noah in the comment box below. 

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: In game one, Taj Gibson`s dunks sparked the Chicago Bulls.

In game two, Luol Deng`s three-quarter court buzzer beater was equally impressive, but didn`t have the same impact for the Bulls, who lost to the Heat.

Anyway, watch Deng`s Hail Mary shot and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below. 

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They say a playoff series doesn’t begin until the home team losses a game.

Well, the Chicago Bulls lost game two of the Eastern Conference Finals, so, suddenly, we have a series.

Tonight’s contest was a close affair; however, the Miami Heat pulled away down the stretch behind strong efforts from LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Click the link for details on the Heat evening their series against the Bulls.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: Forget Miami verses Chicago. Focus on the poster-jobs; specifically Chris Bosh`s battle against Taj Gibson.

Last night, Bosh threw down a thunderous dunk off a pick-on-roll, condemning Carlos Boozer to a life of snide comments and viral snickering on youtube.

However, Gibson, at a minimum, matched Bosh with an epic facial on a two-on-one, forcing Dwyane Wade to offer a little disclaimer to the media today.

Watch both videos below and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below. 

(Bosh on Boozer.) 

(Gibson's facial on D-Wade.)

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

The Bulls center huddled with Chris Bosh inside Chicago's Trump International Hotel and Tower over the summer without any preconceived notions. He simply wanted the guy sitting across from him at Sixteen restaurant to show a fire and passion about joining the Bulls.

Bosh didn't. "He was a nice guy and all,'' Noah said of his recruitment of Bosh during the free-agent frenzy. "But Bosh was more into, 'Well it depends on what this guy does, what that guy does.'''

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Of course, Chris Bosh wasn’t serious about the Chicago Bulls.

The fix was in. It had been for years.

Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade knew they were signing with the Miami Heat last summer. They knew this since the Beijing Olympics, where they bonded as teammates.

Free agency was a charade. James and Wade’s recent comments about coming to Chicago should be taken with a grain of salt.

If James was serious about Chicago he’d have responded to Derrick Rose’s texts, where the table-setter tried welcoming him.

He didn’t, though. James knew what he was going to do: he was `taking his talent to South Beach’.

Fair enough. This was James` right as free agent. Same with Bosh and Wade.

They could pick where they played and with who. The problem was how –as in how they, specifically Bosh and James, handled the situation.

Bottom line: this is old news. The Heat has their Three Kings. The Bulls have Rose and a superb supporting cast.

As a result, fans should get an excellent Eastern Conference Finals.

--Oly Sandor.

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

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade admitted they strongly considered signing with the Bulls. "It was two mornings," Wade said at Friday's practice of waking up during the summer of 2010 envisioning himself with Chicago. "I definitely had one or two mornings where I woke up thinking I'd be a Bull too, but ultimately I decided to come here," James said.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Tim Hardaway would’ve been proud of Derrick Rose’s crossover.

The 2011 MVP embarrassed the Atlanta Hawks’ Jeff Teague on the perimeter, drove the lane aggressively, and threw down a powerful two-handed jam.

Oh yeah, he also dropped 44 points in the Chicago Bulls game three victory over the Hawks.

Watch the clip below and get at us with thoughts on D-Rose’s killa’ crossover. 

--Oly Sandor.

Bulls guard Derrick Rose is the youngest MVP award-winner in the history of the NBA, according to a source familiar with the situation. The 22-year-old Rose was widely expected to win the award after leading the Bulls to a 62-20 record and No. 1 seed in the playoffs, according to an ESPN.com report on Monday.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This has yet to be confirmed or made official, but it appears Derrick Rose is the 2011 MVP.

Well, let the debate begin, or continue, in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

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

“We have the best closer in the world,” said Joakim Noah, who had 11 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. “Everybody knows it. They know it. We know it. Their coach knows it. They all say it. They have no problems saying it. We all know it. That gives you confidence for your team.”

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"We have the rules; you have to go straight up," Pacers forward Danny Granger said. "You can't go forward or to the side. Twenty-one free throws, that's a lot of free throws. We have to figure out a way to keep him out of the lane."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Indiana Pacers have to deal with it. Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls’ franchise face and favorite to win the regular season MVP, will get to the line.

Rose will get to the line for two reasons. First, he does a sensational job penetrating and drawing contact. Second, he’s a superstar. Like it or not, refs favor superstars.

This is, after all, the NBA, where league head office protects elite talent like Greenpeace protects endangered species. Right or wrong, the zebras will give Rose the benefit of any doubt. 

Instead of being frustrated at Rose’s 21 free throws in game one, the Pacers should be frustrated at themselves. They blew a fourth quarter lead, and should have stolen home-court advantage with a road win.

The Bulls will settle their nerves. Carlos Boozer will be better. Coach Tom Thibodeau will hit the video room and work out the kinks on defense.

In short, the Bulls will adjust in game two. The Pacers would be wise to forget Rose and do the same.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"Boston's a different monster," he (Granger) said. "They don't have the best record in the East, but they won championships; they know how to do it. They have four, five guys you have to worry about.

"Chicago, they go as Derrick Rose goes. If you make a concerted effort to stop Derrick Rose, you have a better chance of beating them."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call:  Danny, how about using your inner voice?

Danny Granger, the star swing for the eighth-seeded Indiana Pacers, is entitled to his opinion. He may even be right: the Boston Celtics’ experience might make them a tougher playoff foe than the young Chicago Bulls.

He should’ve kept his thoughts private, though. His silence would have been golden. Or, at least wise.
 
Granger has foolishly provided the first-seeded Bulls with extra motivation. His comments will be posted in the home locker room at the United Centre. The Windy City will be all over him, too; from Wrigley to Soldier Field.

The Bulls are far more than MVP candidate Derrick Rose. Their team defense is first-rate, and their get-stops mentality gives them a chance in every game –at home or away.

Meanwhile, the Celtics have struggled since trading defensive anchor Kendrick Perkins. It remains to be seen how they’ll handle Perk’s departure come playoffs.

One thing is certain: the Bulls, thanks to Granger’s outer voice, will be ready when their series starts against the Pacers.

--Oly Sandor.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last night, the Chicago Bulls made a statement by beating the Boston Celtics. And Derrick Rose made a statement with his play, specifically when he caught Rajon Rondo off guard with an incredible fake.

--Oly Sandor.

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

With Perkins gone, everything changed for the Celtics and they knew it: the toughness, the tenacity, the presence in the post. “He was tough,” Rose said. “We could defend on someone that was big. He was really tough to go around. … They’re different.”

Different doesn’t mean better. It means diminished. The Bulls beat the Celtics 44-22 in the paint, beat them badly on the boards, too. They assailed the Celtics the way the Celtics used to assail everyone else. “We know we can beat them,” Rose flatly said.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last night was the proof. It was the smoking gun, the bloody glove, and weapon of mass destruction all in one.

The Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls, two of the Eastern Conference’s premier teams, are moving in different directions. The Celtics are stumbling; the Bulls are soaring.

No other conclusion can be drawn from the Bulls’ decisive victory on Thursday in front of a national audience. The difference at point guard says everything.

After all, these teams live and die by their point guards, All-Star Rajon Rondo and MVP candidate Derrick Rose. As Rondo and Rose go, so goes the Celts’ and Bulls.

Rose soared last night, notching 30 points, 8 assists, and limiting Rondo’s effectiveness. There’s no longer any doubt he’s MVP worthy. His play clinched it.

Best of all, Rose spoke publicly of no longer fearing the Celtics, especially since they dealt defensive five Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Jeff Green.

Conversely, Rondo struggled. Mightily.

After getting outplayed, the Celtics’ floor general expressed doubt about his club’s ability to flip a switch ala 2010. He then requested a meeting with his coach, Glen ‘Doc’ Rivers.

Of course, the Celtics surprised everyone with last year's run. Repeating such heroics seems unlikely –if their point guard and best player doesn’t believe.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Former Detroit Pistons Dennis Rodman has been elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. The official announcement will be made Monday at the Final Four in Houston.

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“I think Derrick Rose,” James said. “What he’s done for that team, with all the injuries they have and them being first in the Eastern Conference. They’re playing some really good basketball.” James said he was leaning toward Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki until he was injured.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: One candidate conceded defeat. Well, sort of.

The majority of hoop-heads have Miami Heat superstar LeBron James on their list of contenders for Most Valuable Player. He was hardly the front-runner, though.

Today, James threw his support behind the acknowledged front-runner Derrick Rose, who suits up for the Eastern Conference leading Chicago Bulls.

This is interesting for two reasons. First, there were whispers James and Rose didn’t click, which supposedly influenced The King to pass on Chicago and take his 'talents to South Beach’ last summer.

There is, at a minimum, a professional respect. Many will wonder what could have been if James had signed in The Windy City.

Second, the Heat and Bulls are rivals. Both are young; both have a trio of stars; both will battle for the Eastern Conference crown and NBA championships for years to come.

Yet, James still picked Rose for MVP. There was no agenda.  There were no Phil Jackson mind games being played; just a tip of his cap -Yankee blue, of course- to Rose’s fine play.

Hopefully, this seals the award for Rose, who has been recognized by fans, media, and now his peers.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"It would have been cool," Mayo said before his Grizzlies took on the Bulls at the United Center. "I stay here in the offseason and work out with Tim Grover. But I'm happy (with the Grizzlies)." The Bulls and Grizzlies could not agree to terms before the Feb. 24 trade deadline so the Bulls kept their roster intact, and Mayo continued in his role with Memphis.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Now is not the time.

The Memphis Grizzlies are in the midst of a playoff race, so it’s not ideal having O.J. Mayo re-hash old trade rumors involving the Chicago Bulls.

To be fair, Mayo has had a hell of a year -and not in a good way.

The talented swing lost his starting position early in the season, went on the injured list after losing a donnybrook to team mate Tony Allen (the two were fighting over a gambling debt), and then there was the trade gossip.

Not surprisingly, this season hasn’t been Mayo’s best. However, his minutes, shots, and touches will increase with Rudy Gay’s unfortunate season ending injury.

Commenting on joining the Bulls, however harmless the intent, isn’t appropriate. The Grizzlies need Mayo to focus on here and now. Making the playoffs may depend on it.

--Oly Sandor.

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

What is one thing you would go back and do over this season? Was it the crying comment to the media after the game?

“I wouldn’t have said it [the players were crying after the Chicago Bulls lose]. I mean the players…we don’t have a problem with it because everybody has been in a situation where their words have been taken out of context. In a strange way we’ve all been through this together and everybody in something where they have tried to say something to the team that has been taken out of context and it strengthened us. I brought it up to the team the next day and there wasn’t any broken trust. You know you’re in front of the media three times a day eventually something you’re going to say is probably not going to have the meaning you would have expected. I wouldn’t have said it if I had a do over just so I would eliminate one more distraction, but my point about it was the guys do care. I think it is great that we have some incredible, incredibly competitive, self-willed guys in this locker room, but this means a lot more to them, their profession.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Erik Spoelstra is in front of the press several times a day. Being the sideline boss of the high profile Miami Heat means every sentence, word, and syllable is dissected.

To be fair, Spoelstra has done a solid job with the press. He won’t, however, get a mulligan on his ‘Cry-Gate’ blunder after the heartbreaking loss to the Chicago Bulls.

And he won’t get a mulligan on the season if the Heat falls short of expectations. 2011 will be all she wrote for Spoelstra.

So the only thing that matters is winning. Not now. Not two weeks from now, but in June during the NBA Finals.

To keep his job, Spoelstra’s Heat must qualify for the championship series and impress the old guy with slicked back hair who conveniently sits near the team’s bench during games.

That’s right: Pat Riley. That Hall of Fame sideline boss turned executive, who never met a camera he didn’t like.

If the Heat falters, ‘Riles’ could fire Spoelstra and step behind the bench himself. The more likely scenario is he hires another coach, so he can still act as the grand puppet-master of South Beach.

It would seem the press isn’t the only hassle Spoelstra is facing. Riley's string pulling is also a problem.

--Oly Sandor.

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"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."

“I got a triple-double,” McGee said. “Who can say they got a triple-double? I’m not really worried about it.”

McGee said, if anything, he was upset that some tried to discredit his accomplishment by comparing it to other failed triple-double quests — such as the one eight years ago by Ricky Davis, who was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers when he attempted to rebound his own miss on his basket in order to get a triple-double in a win against Utah. Davis finished with 26 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It wasn’t as bad as Andray Blatche or Ricky Davis. It was close, however.

This week, JaVale McGee got a triple-double. Sadly, the young post showed too much emotion when he achieved his statistical feat, especially since his Washington Wizards were getting blown out by the Chicago Bulls.

Clearly, there’s a problem with the working environment of the Wizards. Their young building blocks like Blatche and McGee seem overly concerned with ‘getting there’s’.

They seem to be suffering from what Pat Riley calls me-disease, spending too much time on individual goals like minutes, points, blocks and rebounds.

While winning, the only number that should matter in basketball, is an afterthought.

Worst of all, McGee is defiant. He doesn’t see the error of his ways. And he won’t admit to getting carried away or lost in the moment.

With players like Blatche and McGee, the Wizards will be hard pressed to turn things around.

--Oly Sandor.

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When it came to talking about the past, the two had a lot of worthwhile stuff to say. When it came to the present and future, Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, had this to say about the Bulls: “You guys are in store for a lot of other championships. If you look at this team tonight…don’t be suprised if you have six more coming.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Let’s translate the hyperbole. Michael Jordan is absolutely right.

The Chicago Bulls –not the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, or Orlando Magic- may in fact be the best team in the Eastern Conference. (They will not win another six championships with this group of players.)  

There are two reasons for this. First, the Bulls have Derrick Rose, who through the first sixty games of the season is the consensus league MVP.

Rose’s game has evolved in 2011 because of his extended range, which has made him a pick-your-poison, unstoppable force. He could always blow by overzealous defenders, but now he also punishes defenders who sag with his improved jump shot.

Second, the Bulls are getting stops. Hiring Tom Thibodeau, the former defensive guru for Doc Rivers and the Boston Celtics, has made all the difference in their own end.

Don’t be surprised if His Airness’ former team is the one to survive the Eastern Conference and advance to the NBA Finals.

--Oly Sandor.

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James, who eventually signed with the Heat as a free agent, was being courted by the Bulls, among other teams. In a Sports Illustrated article, Rose revealed that he sent James a text message saying: "I'm just hitting you up to kill all the rumors that I don't want to play with you. I'd like to play with you. I just want to win."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Derrick Rose can claim he was open to playing with LeBron James; however, he didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat last summer for The King.

If Rose was truly interested in partnering with James he would’ve played a greater role in recruiting the game’s best player.

For example, he would’ve flown to Cleveland and been part of the recruiting mission. Or at a minimum, he would’ve taken the time to speak to James.

Sending a four sentence text message is a cop-out, especially when you consider that James is used to being worshipped, adored, and fawned over.

Then there’s Rose’s choice of words. He used ‘like’, a somewhat indifferent and understated term. Other players and teams would have ‘loved’ to have had James.

In the end, Rose’s efforts wouldn’t have much mattered, though. James was determined to take his 'talent to South Beach'.

--Oly Sandor.

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The Heat would like to sign Mike Bibby if the Wizards give him a buyout; Washington called it unlikely but hasn’t ruled it out. The Heat will explore Troy Murphy if he gets a buyout from Golden State (one report has Boston as the front-runner) and perhaps Indiana’s T.J. Ford, but he’s a poor three-point shooter.

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Several sources told Yahoo! Sports that Carmelo Anthony’s agent, Leon Rose, has recently begun informing teams that the All-Star forward is interested in signing a contract extension with only the New York Knicks.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony’s representatives are confirming the worst secret in sports. One way or another, the three-man will play for the New York Knicks.

Forget the Chicago Bulls or New Jersey Nets; same with the Denver Nuggets. Anthony has his heart set on Madison Square Garden.

The only thing left to be settled is when and how much: when will the All-Star suit up in New York? And how much will it cost the player and team?

Anthony’s representatives have hurt his trade value by making it known he’ll only sign an extension with the Knicks.

This changes Anthony’s situation, making him a two month rental for most teams since he can become a free agent in July. Perhaps a contender with a closing championship window, like Mark Cuban’s Dallas Mavericks, makes a deal before the February 24th trade deadline.

Perhaps the Knicks and Nuggets end this Melo-drama by swinging a deal before the deadline. The Knicks and Anthony would, of course, agree on an extension.

Here’s the most likely scenario: Anthony ends up waiting for the new Collective Bargaining Agreement to be settled, opts out of his contract and becomes a free agent, and promptly signs with the Knicks.

After all, why would the Knicks sacrifice young assets like Wilson Chandler and Landry Fields in a trade for Anthony when they can simply sign him this summer?

There is a twist. Signing with the Knicks as a free agent will cost Anthony. The new CBA will reduce the value of every NBA contract, including those given to superstars. Anthony will bank several million dollars if he can get to New York and agree to an extension before season’s end.

One way or another, Anthony will be a Knick. Timing and money are all that is left to be settled.

--Oly Sandor.

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"I think Ron enjoys being in L.A," Phil Jackson said. "I think he likes the Lakers. I think he likes the action. I think he likes the attention we get as a basketball club. I think that feeds into who he is as a person." Artest was admant that he doesn't want to be traded. "I feel good every day," Artest said. "We've got a chance to win multiple championships here...trying to work towards another banner."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s out. No. He’s in.

In less than 24 hours there have been conflicting reports on Ron Artest’s future with the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Yesterday, Marc Stein reported that Artest had requested a trade. The ESPN reporter quoted an unnamed source who mentioned that the three-man was tired of being blamed for the team’s struggles and wanted a greater role in the offense.

Today, the Lakers were in damage control mode, with player and team both denying the report.

Forget the rumors. All is not well with the purple-and-gold.

Part of this is boredom. The Lakers have had two especially long seasons, playing from October to the end of June. They’ve also been in some epic game sevens, which probably makes it tough to play the Memphis Grizzlies in January.

Part of this is fear. Everybody else is better –much better. The Miami Heat have the Three Kings in Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade; the Boston Celtics are deeper, especially down-low; the San Antonio Spurs’ Big Four dominate both ends of the floor. 

The Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, and Oklahoma City Thunder also have designs on winning a championship.

So ‘three-peating’ won’t be easy. Artest and the Lakers have to focus on the challenge.

--Oly Sandor.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last night, there were two exceptional highlights worthy of Stuart Scott love on ESPN SportsCentre.

First, the Chicago Bulls` Ronnie Brewer dropped a two-handed post-job on Indiana Pacers four-man Josh McRoberts. Out west, Blake Griffin added to his Staples Center legend with a 360 degree lay-up against the Charlotte Bobcats.

Which highlight was better? Watch both clips and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below. 

( Yes, that is an official poster job!) 

(Blake Griffin drops another 360 degree lay-up. Remember his work against the Detroit Pistons?)

--Oly Sandor.

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The Heat's schedule is easing at a good time for recovery, which Chris Bosh could now use after colliding with Bulls forward Omer Asik. Asik took out Bosh's legs while diving for a loose ball. Bosh then questioned Asik's tactic after the game, saying the play could have caused serious harm. "That is how guys get hurt," Bosh said. "That is how serious injuries happen ... You've got to watch people's legs. I know guys want to hustle and everything but we all want to play and provide for our families and have a job." While expressing anger in Asik's hustle play, Bosh realized things could have been worse. He called the injury "mild" and considered himself fortunate.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The block was nice. The autograph was better.

What am I talking about? Well, click the link, and watch Washington Wizards post Javale McGee reject Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose and then sign the ball.

--Oly Sandor.

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Another player the Nuggets will likely move is shooting guard J.R. Smith, who has drawn interest from the Chicago Bulls.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: 30 teams love his talent and hate his attitude.

Of course, we’re referring to J.R. Smith, the skilled but outlandish two-guard for the Denver Nuggets.

Smith can play: he can sink the three-pointer with ease; he can attack the basket and poster-job opponents; and he can involve others with his passing.

He can also alienate with his attitude. For instance, Smith and Denver Coach George Karl don’t talk. Assistant coaches have acted as go-betweens for several years.

An opposing GM might be tempted to deal for Smith before the February trade deadline. He has toned down his antics and recently set the viral world ablaze with last week’s facial on Gary Neal.

Best of all, Smith’s $6 million per year comes off the books July 1st, so there’s little risk. His expiring contract will provide financial flexibility whenever the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is settled.

Enter the Chicago Bulls. They could use a little more offensive punch, especially with Carlos Boozer struggling to find his form after a pre-season injury.

The hold-up is Carmelo Anthony. The ‘Melo-drama’ is complicated and Smith’s contract may be needed to complete any trade with the New Jersey Nets or New York Knicks.

Bottom line: Smith’s future in Denver is uncertain.

--Oly Sandor.

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