Derrick Rose has agreed to a five-year, $94.8 million contract extension, and the Bulls will make the formality official at a Wednesday news conference at the Berto Center, sources told the Tribune. "It's something big," Rose said without confirming the announcement. "I'm going to talk about it more with my family there. I don't think about money. The Bulls show they trust me. I just feel blessed."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Who says the new CBA is all doom and gloom for the players?
Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP and phenomenal point guard for the Chicago Bulls, has benefited from a new clause that rewards players for re-signing with their team.
For instance, Rose raked in an extra ten million or so because he outperformed expectations in his rookie contract and became the youngest player ever to win the MVP.
Clearly, re-upping makes sense for player and team.
Rose makes tons of cash, plies his trade in a major market, and Chicago stays positioned to challenge in the Eastern Conference for some time.
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This kid and his fan base are going through the ultimate stages of trolling from other people right now. I really mean it. Derrick Rose has more haters than fans. You know what that means? Fear. He has a realistic shot in winning the damn thing. That scares people. Admit it; most of us who are in our late 20s – early 30s have never seen anything like this before. 22 years old. MVP? The hell?
Happy 2011! Let me start off by saying, “No All Star game for you, Joakim Noah.” He was on a tear averaging 14 points, 11.7 boards, 2.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks with an efficiency rating of +22.8. That is definitely All Star material. Noah has gone down with thumb surgery. He was having ligament problems. Noah usually plays through pain, but this pain became unbearable. This is a sad time for fantasy owners. Asides from Noah, there is a possible detrimental issue with The Unicorn.
Sources with knowledge of the Bulls free-agency plans confirmed to CSNChicago.com Friday evening that the Bulls are targeting recently waived veteran shooting guard Rip Hamilton. The organization's pursuit of the longtime Piston was first reported by the Chicago Tribune.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This was long overdue.
Once upon a time, Rip Hamilton was an All-Star two-guard for the Detroit Pistons, however, his career went sideways once the team traded Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson.
At the time, GM Joe Dumars needed stability, so he extended Hamilton with a multi- year contract for well over $30 million.
This was a mistake. A bad signing for team and player. The two-guard couldn’t handle losing, feuding with coaches, teammates, and management.
For instance, Hamilton led the Pistons in rebelling against former coach John Kuester, which included boycotting practice and laughing when the sideline boss got ejected from a game. There were other transgressions.
Years back, Hamilton should have played out his contract, hit free agency, and joined a contender as a third or fourth scoring option -like the Chicago Bulls.
Hamilton will take the scoring pressure off 2011 MVP Derrick Rose and often-injured post Carlos Boozer. He’ll also hold his own defensively.
The only problem with this signing is that it’s happening too late.
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This is not about statistics. This is not about play style or comparisons. This is about psychoanalysis. *Yawn* right? No, I’m not going to sit you down on some couch and listen to you lament about regrets on sexual games you haven’t explored with a significant other or some petty crap about your desires to sniff Sharpies while wearing your sister’s clothes. No, I’m not going to do that. Gross. I’m not Sigmund Freud. Rather this is a breakdown of the mind of certain players such as Tracy McGrady. Some might call it “Allen Iverson territory.” I call it “the Rick Astley Syndrome.”
I hate people who hate on Scottie Pippen. The douche bags who believe that they are the alpha males will view the “Scottie Pippen” tag as the kiss of death. His name has become English’s replacement of “sidekick,” “Robin,” and “assistant.” Try to look up the words and you’ll see Pippen’s face. That kind of legacy is kick ass. Ask Patrick Ewing if being Pippen is bad. He’ll probably dunk and stand over you.
"They will break the single-season win record [of 72],'' Jeff Van Gundy said. "And I think they have a legit shot at the Lakers' 33-game [winning] streak [in 1971-72], as well. And only the Lakers have even a remote shot at beating them in a playoff series. They will never lose two games in a row this year.” A long time friend brought to my attention regarding this comment about Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat. I’ve caught this awhile back and needed time to ponder about such a notion. You guys do realize that in order to break the record, the team can only lose nine games, right? Count that again – 9 games. Seriously.
The Bulls finally have an official legit All Star power forward. Carlos Boozer is the team’s best “back to the basket” low post scorer since Michael Jordan. That’s tragic because the drought has been 12 years. Chicago has been starving for low post stud and here he is. We still do not know Derrick Rose’s potential and the severity of Joakim Noah’s foot problems. Overall, The Bulls definitely made an answer in the 2010 offseason.
The sales pitch has got to be one of the toughest things to put together for any marketing team. It is one of those things that science alone cannot help them. The only way science can help is in producing the right numbers – the sweet science of money. There’s another science as well and that is the science of reproduction. Sex parties are the cure, but then again who wants herpes? That doesn’t cope well with these big name free agents doing public appearances. Even Delonte West gets clowned on and supposedly it’s just a birth mark.
People involved with the NBA and sports media are really sticking their necks and reputations on the line. I love it! Their true colors are shown. We have never witnessed anything like this before. The entire free agency arms race is 10x more explosive than the Big Network’s extravaganza about Brett Favre and his jeans. Everyone has a hard on for LeBron. Analysts on television, print, and radio are arguing against each other over speculations. Speculations? That’s another word for opinion. Get your popcorn and enjoy the freak show! I have!
That means Mister Thibs is the new head coach of the Chicago Bulls. After crying for a few days at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers, the prominent assistant coach of the Boston Celtics was officially ushered in as the coach for Chicago. He was the architect of the Celtics’ dreaded defense helping them to a championship and two Finals appearances. Chicago is the 3rd largest market behind Los Angeles and New York so that’s why this is worth noting. Bulls’ fans are excited.
"I think that the Bulls should be very busy, they should look at Rip Hamilton who may be released from Detroit," Gill said. "Vince Carter is an older player, but still has a lot left in the tank. The Bulls need an upgrade at 2-guard, which Vince Carter can fill."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Memo to the Chicago Bulls. Don’t sign Vince Carter -even if he’s available at a low wage.
Yes, the Chicago Bulls need a scorer to take pressure off 2011 MVP Derrick Rose, however, Carter is not the answer.
The former Slam Dunk Champ’ and All-Star is no longer Half-Man, Half Amazing. The days of Kenny Smith screaming ‘it’s ova’ have passed.
Remember, Carter flopped with Orlando, and lost his starting job to the solid-but-hardly spectacular Jared Dudely in Phoenix.
So, what could Carter offer Chicago?
Well, not much. The once athletic swing is too much of a perimeter player, often refusing to attack the basket and settling for low percentage fade-aways.
The Bulls would be better off pouncing on Rip Hamilton once he’s waived by the Detroit Pistons as part of the amnesty provision in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Hamilton, provided he's happy, can score and is an upgrade over Carter on defense.
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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.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Before his broadcasting days and before he took over as GM of the Phoenix Suns, Steve Kerr was the sharpshooter who played next to Michael Jordan.
Here’s a video of Kerr describing his first impressions of Jordan. As usual, watch the video and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.
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This has been a wild month for the Chicago Bulls organization. The whispers of LeBron, Chris Bosh, and now Phil Jackson as head coach have been spreading around the NBA like wildfire. Can the unthinkable occur? How is this even possible? This is something that the rest of the league does not want to happen. The perfect storm might be brewing somewhere in the background of the conference finals. Many people’s feelings are getting hurt around the internet if you are not a Chicago Bulls fan. This team can possibly acquire Videogame James, CB4, and Phil Jackson?
If you're watching the Bulls-Cavs game right now, feel free to join us as we liveblog the action. Just leave a comment in the box to let us know what you're thinking as you watch the game and we'll add you as a participant.
In her second exclusive feature for HoopsVibe, Marija Kero tells us in no uncertain terms how she feels about Joakim Noah, Mark Cuban and the unscrupulous women that roam the streets of New York in search of NFL prospects. Bonus feature: The emoticons make a comeback!
It’s official. LeBron James is a free agent. He’s up for grabs. People were waiting to exhale. Don’t exhale just yet until the first week of July. The Boston Celtics has eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers from the second round in a disastrous series.
When the dust settles after a fantasy draft, we kick ourselves in the teeth with our picks. Why did I draft this guy in the first place? Why did I reach? We ask ourselves that all the time. The guys on this list are inconsistent or gets injured a lot. Or both.
Dear Chris Bosh,
Amar’e once said, “No doubt about it, I’m better than Chris Bosh.”
As the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls rage war in the first round of the playoffs, ABC decided to air a segment at halftime called, “The Chase down Block.”
I’m the most diehard Chicago Bulls fan on HoopsVibe so it only makes sense that I voice my opinion about the situation. Because I can.
The NCAA tournament is done for Kentucky. John Wall is thinking about the next move and that’s the leap to the League of Extraordinary Ballplayers. He is projected to be the number one pick in the 2010 NBA Draft among other standouts such as Evan Turner and DeMarcus Cousins. Many sports outlets have dubbed Wall as a “once in a generation” type player. Some have even gone to claim that “John Wall is the greatest point guard athlete ... ever.” Wow.
A group of between 10 and 14 owners, led by Michael Jordan, is promising to oppose any deal that gives players more than 50 percent of revenue. This group of owners wants the players' share of BRI not to exceed 47 percent and was upset when the NBA proposed a 50-50 split.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Jordan Rules live on.
Years ago, Sam Smith, the legendary beat writer for the Chicago Bulls, wrote a best-selling book called The Jordan Rules, detailing how Michael Jordan was, a hypocrite.
Yes, he was the greatest ever. And yes, he was the most recognized person in the world.
He had flaws, though. According to Smith, Jordan worried more about scoring than winning, struggled with teammates, and operated by his rules.
Smith’s view was reinforced during the lockout of 1998 when Jordan told Washington Wizards’ owner Abe Pollin to sell his team if he can’t profit.
Of course, Jordan became an owner a few years later -with Pollin’s Wizards, too!
Today, Jordan has a controlling share of the struggling Charlotte Bobcats. The man who told Pollin to sell if he can’t make money is the league’s greatest Hawk, refusing to compromise in negotiations.
Jordan is opposed to a 50-50 split of Basketball Related Income. He, and other small market owners, want a 53% share.
Why is Jordan such a hardliner? Like Pollin, he can’t profit.
However, Jordan the owner won’t listen to Jordan the player and sell. Different rules still exist when you're The Greatest of all Time.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
A random NBA fan wrote on Twitter a message directed at Heat owner Micky Arison. "Fans provide all the money you're fighting over," wrote the fan."Honestly u r barking at the wrong owner," replied Arison on his Twitter feed. Arison has been categorized by NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter as part of a group of owners eager to reach a deal with the players.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The players union may be splitting, but so are the owners.
Case in point: Micky Arison, the owner of the star-studded Miami Heat, who tweeted his frustration over the two sides not finding common ground on a new collective bargaining agreement.
Arison wants to settle on a new CBA, so his Big Three can win a championship and he can maximize his investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.
Clearly, Arison isn’t alone in wanting to settle. Other big-market, ‘have’ owners are comfortable in winning these negotiations with players and do not wish to extract blood.
Unfortunately, the Bulls, Celtics, Heat, Lakers, and Knicks are in the minority. The Blazers, Bobcats, Bucks, Suns, and eighteen other owners are determined to have total victory.
And so we continue to wait for basketball.
--Sandor.
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"...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."
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.”
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.
“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.”
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.
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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.
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.
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The first was undoubtedly whether Phil Jackson, on hand to usher his former long-time assistant Tex Winter and Rodman into the Class of 2011, will unretire in the future and return to the NBA sidelines to coach again. Maybe for the Knicks in 2012.
Link
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will Phil Jackson ride off into the sunset at his ranch in the Mid West? Or, will the most successful coach in NBA history un-retire and take a seat on the New York Knicks’ bench?
Jackson didn’t close the door on a return to coaching at the NBA’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Instead, he left the door open ever-so slightly.
Remember, Jackson won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, which included a run of three and two consecutive championships.
Before that he won six championships with the Chicago Bulls, which included two separate runs of three consecutive championships.
Bottom line: Jackson’s a winner. So the Knicks should do everything possible to woo him out of retirement, or sabbatical, and onto the hallowed floor of Madison Square Gardens.
After all, Jackson played for some great Knick squads. His ego is grand enough that he’d handle, or even welcome, the bright lights, center stage, and headlines of Broadway.
Of course, the Knicks have the money to easily meet P-Jax’s demand of an eight-figure annual salary to work his magic on Carmelo Anthony and Amar‘e Stoudemire.
Sounds perfect, right?
Well, here’s the problem: Knick owner James Dolan likes control. He’ll be reluctant to hire a free-thinking, counter-culturist like Jackson, who has the pedigree to say what he thinks without worrying about consequences.
Now Jackson, at 66, won’t want to deal with the Knicks’ meddling owner. For instance, he knows Executive Donnie Walsh left because he grew tired of Dolan.
Then again Dolan has hired high-profile coaches and general managers: Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas. And Jackson has dealt with the soap opera in Laker-land known as the Buss clan.
So it’s possible. We’re talking about it too, which is exactly what Jackson, retired or not, wants.
--Oly Sandor.
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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.
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.
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"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.
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.
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With the Lakersshowing more signs that their basketball mileage is catching up with them, they need to inject speed into their lineup. And with Mike Brown planning to abandon most of the triangle offense, they need a solid point guard. ... [Chris Paul] has the edge over [Deron Williams] because of his youth (26) and uncanny speed.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: With the 2012 season in limbo, many have turned to speculating on next year’s free agent class.
One rumour keeps making the rounds: Chris Paul walks on the New Orleans Hornets to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers next July.
Before you roll your eyes at the new Collective Bargaining Agreement for not fixing the migration of stars to big markets, recognize that this makes sense for Paul.
The Lakers will have financial flexibility. They have $67 million in committed salary for the 2012-13 season, but the club holds options on $25 million for Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom.
While they won’t walk on Bynum, the purple-and-gold will gladly bolt on the final $8 million on Odom’s pact. There are other ways to trim salary.
Regardless of the system - hard or soft cap - the Lakers will be able to make a competitive offer for Paul.
New coach Mike Brown will replace the Triple-Post with a drive-and-kick system that relies on the point guard penetrating and running pick-and-rolls.
Sounds perfect for Paul, right?
The New Orleans Hornets can’t afford Paul. The league owns the team and the city can't generate enough revenue to pay for a top supporting cast.
So it’s generally accepted that Paul will leave New Orleans and join Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire in New York.
Not so fast.
Last I checked the Knicks played in the Eastern Conference. Each year, Paul would have to go through Miami’s Three Kings to reach the NBA Finals.
And when the Heat have a down year, Paul would likely face 2010 MVP Derrick Rose and his upstart Chicago Bulls. The Bulls, with their air-tight defense, are no pushovers.
So Paul’s best bet at championship glory may be out west with the Lakers.
--Oly Sandor.
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"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."
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.
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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."
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.
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“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.”
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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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