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

Link

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

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

Sadly, the commitment hasn't been there.

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

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

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

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

--O.Sandor.

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

Dan Gilbert took to Twitter to deny he helped derail collective bargaining agreement negotiations. "Some of these NBA 'bloggissists' flat-out make stuff up and then try to dupe readers into believing their fiction is real. Sad & pathetic," Gilbert wrote.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: At least Dan Gilbert didn’t write a venom-laced letter and publish it on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ website.

The always outspoken owner of the Cavaliers didn’t like reports he was responsible for the impasse between players and owners at Tuesday’s bargaining session.

So Gilbert responded, calling the speculation by bloggers ‘sad and pathetic’.

The loan tsar is ripe for criticism on many things, however, he’s not responsible for the breakdown in negotiations. The players were overly optimistic about finding a quick solution; the owners are determined to get a hard cap.

The league’s issues are far greater than Gilbert. He was just a convenient scapegoat for what happened on Tuesday..

--Oly Sandor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, wrong.

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

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

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

--Oly Sandor.

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

It's official.. Pride 2 the side.. just filled out a application at Home Depot.. Lockout aint a game..

Link

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: There's nothing wrong with working at the Home Depot, however, there's something wrong with Delonte West having to work at the big box reno' shop because of the lockout.

West is an active NBA player, and has earned $15 million plying his trade as a combo guard for the Boston Celtics, Seattle Super Sonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder), and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Yet, West is (supposedly) broke because owners have shut the door on the players. So he's applying for a gig at The Dep'.

If true, this is unexcusable. West should have set money aside for the labour strife, which everyone could see on the horizon. 

Somebody should be looking after West's interests. Like his agent. Or the Players' Union. Remember, West has his issues.

Speaking of the union, West's situation isn't good for negotiations. If other players are living cheque-to-cheque, they may have to settle sooner than they'd like.

There's nothing wrong with working at Home Depot -unless you're West and the Players' Union, and are in the middle of a lockout!

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Add The Game to the ever-growing list of those who have bashed Miami Heat superstar LeBron James.

Apparently the California rapper takes a swipe at James in his soon-to-be released The R.E.D. album, saying “Fall back like LeBron’s hairline against the Mavericks / He lost” (Credit to Holly at The Score for the discovery).

This is nothing, however. The Game reportedly goes there. Yes, there ...

“Then I hit LeBron’s mom in Bron-Bron’s coupe /
With Delonte West taping, we had bon-bons too /
With Cleveland cheerleaders, they had pom-poms too”

One word: Wow.

Right now, James is a target; Tiger Woods aside, he's the most controversial figure in professional sports. Media, fans, NBA stars, and rappers have all slung their share of mud at James.

Some of this is deserved. The Decision and The Celebration, both part of James' departure from Cleveland to Miami, accurately portrayed the All-Star as self-centered and vain.

What is legitimate criticism? What is unfair? And where's the line?

Referencing a rumor involving James' mother and former teammate Delonte West, who suffers from mental health issues, is too much.

Way to much, in fact.

Keep in mind: James will eventually win an NBA championship. He and his Heat are too good not to. Last year they came within two games of winning it all -even though 2011 was their first year together and everyone outside of Florida wanted them to fail.

When that day comes, when James finally hoists the Larry O'Brien trophy, he'll have his revenge.

While criticism of his play, fair or not, may continue, this kind of nonsense will hopefully stop.

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

Looking back on last year’s free agency and “The Decision,” do you look back and think it could have been done differently or do you just own up to it? Chris Bosh: “I say you own up to it. We all make mistakes. I think anybody would be kidding themselves if they thought they were perfect at anything.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: So, Chris Bosh believes LeBron James made a mistake with The Decision.

Well, left-handed power forwards in glass houses shouldn`t throw stones, right Bosh?

In an interview, Bosh indirectly said James slipped up last summer by announcing on ESPN he was ‘taking his talent to South Beach’ and leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

James admitted as much last year, although he couldn’t, or wouldn’t, say what he’d have done differently.

Equally as damaging to the Heat was Bosh, James, and Dwyane Wade’s collective decision to announce their arrival the way teams celebrate a championship.

The Three Kings held a massive party, and acted more like rock stars than NBA superstars. A sold out stadium of Heat faithful cheered. To be fair, James was the one who predicted multiple championships.

Bosh`s arrogance at this pre-emeptive celebration - along with James and Wade’s surliness -  turned off  fans outside Florida and solidified the Heat’s status as villains.

From that moment the Heat was public enemy number one. And they have yet to get the bulls-eye off their back.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Delonte West via twitter: ‘Can’t even go get that overseas money. Judge said it’s a no go on leaving the country.'

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call:  Well, Delonte West is one player who won’t be playing overseas.

West tweeted that a judge won’t let him leave the United States to play with a foreign team during the lockout because he’s still on probation.   

West, a reserve for the Boston Celtics, is finishing the final stages of a weapons case from 2008.

However, basketball should take a backseat to West’s health. The left-handed combo guard has a history of mental illness.

The Celtics knew, and were comfortable with, this when they re-signed him. They also established a support group for West, so he could succeed on and off court.

Bottom line: Coach Doc Rivers and GM Danny Ainge cared. Just like West’s teammates in Cleveland, who often shielded him from the media.

Would a European or Chinese team do the same? And how would West handle being abroad?

Perhaps the judge’s ruling is a blessing in disguise. Perhaps this, in a weird way, is best for West.

--Oly Sandor.

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

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

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

1) Kyrie Irving to Cleveland Cavaliers.

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

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

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

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

2) Derrick Williams to Minnesota Timberwolves.

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

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

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

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

3) Enis Kanter to Utah Jazz.

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

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

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

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

4) Tristan Thompson to Cleveland Cavaliers.

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

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

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

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

5) Jonas Valanciunas to Toronto Raptors

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

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

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

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

6) Jan Vesely to Washington Wizards.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8) Brandon Knight to Detroit Pistons.

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

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

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

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

9) Kemba Walker to Charlotte Bobcats.

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

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

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

10) Jimmer Fredette to Sacramento Kings.

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

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

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

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

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Mavericks celebrated their NBA Championship today with a parade through the streets of Dallas and a rally at the American Airlines Center.  And despite being arrested two days ago for public intoxication, Mavs guard DeShawn Stevenson was able to make his $475 bail yesterday just in time for the party.  During the celebration, a Mavs announcer asked Stevenson if he had any final words for the Miami Heat and in particular, LeBron James: “You saw what my shirt said.  We got the ring baby!”

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Restraint isn’t part of DeShawn Stevenson’s vocabulary.

Despite getting arrested for public intoxication on Tuesday, despite posting $475 bail so he could be at the Dallas Mavericks’ championship parade, the controversial swing still went after rival LeBron James.

When asked if he had any final words for the Miami Heat and James, Stevenson told Mavs’ fans: “you saw my shirt. We got the ring, baby.”

Okay, this was funny. Not so much now.

After all, Stevenson called out James and the Heat for showing a lack of class. Yet, here he is rubbing in the victory days after getting arrested.

Not exactly a shining example of sportsmanship.

To be fair, Stevenson and James have a personal and professional rivalry dating back to their time with the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Still, there’s a time, there’s a place. And today’s championship parade wasn't the time and place for Stevenson.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Tuesday, James backed down from those statements and said they were misinterpreted. "Basically I was saying at the end of the day this season is over and -- with all hatred -- everyone else has to move on with their lives, good or bad. I do too," James said.

"It wasn't saying I'm superior or better than anyone else, any man or woman on this planet, I'm not. I would never ever look at myself bigger than anyone who watched our game. It may have come off wrong but that wasn't my intent."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Fair enough.

He was tired. He was upset. He was under pressure/duress. He had a hell of a year. And his Miami Heat just lost the NBA Finals.

So LeBron James said the wrong thing on Sunday night. In fact, he said the worst thing possible, challenging the haters, critics, and general public after losing the championship to the Dallas Mavericks.

Not surprisingly, there was a backlash. And James became the anti-Christ. Again.

Yesterday, was progress. James did a good job clarifying his comments about being superior. He expressed regret. He seemed sincere. He deserves credit.

Now for the bigger issue. Since ‘The Decision’ last July, James has become public enemy number one. He needs better people around him, specifically a communications or PR guy.

Other than developing a low post game, this should be James’ top priority for the summer.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Mavericks closed out the series on Sunday night with a 105-95 win in Game 6 before taking to South Beach club LIV to celebrate with the Larry O'Brien trophy.  On Monday, the Mavericks flew home to Dallas, where Stevenson was spotted wearing a Mavericks blue and white t-shirt with lettering that read: "Hey LeBron! How's my Dirk taste?"

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: To the victors go the spoils. It also means they get the last laugh.

Take DeShawn Stevenson, the controversial and outspoken guard for the world champion Dallas Mavericks. Stevenson, whose beef with LeBron James goes back to their days with the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers, was unusually quiet during the NBA Finals.

Perhaps he didn’t want to make James mad. Perhaps he didn’t want to create a distraction. Perhaps he wanted to focus on winning.

Well, the Finals is over. The Mavericks won. And Stevenson is making up for lost time.

First, he called the Heat ‘classless’. Then he sported a t-shirt saying ‘Hey LeBron! How's my Dirk taste?’. The best part of his ‘t-shirt’: it had an HDTV logo on it, the company Mavericks owner Mark Cuban founded.

For now, Stevenson has bragging rights. And he's enjoying it.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Mo Williams: 'Dallas just healed my HEART........'

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Friend turned foe piles on.

In Cleveland, LeBron James and Mo Williams were tight. They formed a terrific starting backcourt, and had swagger and confidence to spare.

Until The Decision went down last July. 

Everything changed when James hired Jim Gray, went on ESPN, and announced he was ‘taking his talent’ to South Beach. The world started to hate -including Williams.

Should Williams hate?

Sure, the new table-setter for the Los Angeles Clippers has a right to feel frustrated with how James left. Perhaps he and Cav-nation deserved better than being dumped on national television like a second-rate reality show.

Williams can’t criticize James for what he did. Leaving was his right as an unrestricted free agent. No co-star was coming to Cleveland, no matter what owner Dan Gilbert claims.

For James it was simple: continue playing with the likes of Candace Parker’s brother in Ohio or head south, partner with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, and challenge every year for a championship.

Of course, something else may have happened behind the scenes. Something we don’t know about.

Bottom line: Williams should keep quiet. Kicking a former teammate, even one as cocky and arrogant as James, when he’s down isn’t a good look.

--Oly Sandor.

Agree or disagree? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

I’m here to win,” James said. “That’s all it’s about. Individual accolades take care of itself. “I’ve got two MVP trophies sitting in my house back in Ohio and I haven’t won anything. It doesn’t matter to me. It’s all about a team game and this is the ultimate team prize right here, just trying to win the NBA championship.

“So I don’t really care. I could trade in my last two MVP trophies to have a ring. I don’t care about individual accolades to solidify myself in the NBA or whatever they’re talking about. It’s ridiculous.”

Link

"It's a little strange, going from 11 years and five championships to essentially being out on the street," Shaw said in a phone interview Friday. "But I can feel good knowing that I did everything possible to represent the Laker organization as well as I could."

A loyal employee even to this strange end, Shaw would not comment on any details of his Lakers situation. He said he had been avoiding media interviews until I phoned him, and was reluctant to speak in anything but general terms. "I have always held the Lakers in high standing, and I'm not going to change that now," he said.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: After 11 years as a player and assistant coach, Brian Shaw won’t be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers.

That’s what he’s heard through the media, at least.  

The Lakers’ front office still hasn’t contacted Shaw to inform him he won’t be their next head coach. They instead gave the job to Mike Brown, the former sideline boss with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Let's be clear: passing over Shaw isn't the issue. Treating him this way is. The Buss clan, who own the NBA’s glamour franchise, must be more professional.

In today’s interconnected world, they have to talk with Shaw (after all, he was one of three final candidates to be their next bench-boss). Any platform would have worked: email, Facebook, Friendster, Skype, text message.

It’s hard not to think this was personal. Remember, Shaw was aligned with legendary coach Phil Jackson, who often clashed with the front office and is dating the owner’s daughter.

Shaw deserves credit for taking the high road. He avoided bashing the organization, and thanked them.

Bottom line: Shaw showed class. Buss and the Lakers could learn from him.

--Oly Sandor.

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

“After Miami defeated Chicago last week to advance to the NBA Finals, James talked about his decision to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. ‘I wanted to team up with some guys that would never die down in the moment,’ James said. ‘The opportunity presented itself with this great organization and we made it happen.’ Speaking on The Dugout Sports Show Podcast on Wednesday, Gibson said, ‘The way it’s said, you can’t help but take it personal. … I don’t think great players should feel the need to say this about a team or say that about a team. I think what it all boils down to if you’re great, you go play great, be great and everybody will realize you’re great. And you wouldn’t have to let it be known that everybody else was less great. Great players shouldn’t have to do that. So I feel like it’s kind of an admission. He might have needed some help. He might have needed to go somewhere and find someone who is a little greater so maybe he wouldn’t die down in those moments.’”

Link

HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: It`s cattier than a TMZ fallout between Hollywood socialites. And it's more dramatic than a Shakespeare play.

Daniel Gibson has beef with LeBron James.

Again.

This isn't the first time Mr. Keyshia Cole has jousted with the world`s greatest basketball player. Remember, he took issue with his former friend and teammate following The Decision.

Gibson fanned the fire by pronouncing himself the King of Cleveland, which led to a brief twitter war with James. Eventually, cooler heads prevailed.

Here`s the question: Does James care?

He`s currently the toast of the NBA. He`s playing for a championship. He made the right decision to take his talent to South Beach.

Conversely, Gibson is a fringe player. He only makes headlines when feuding with James and because of his wife.     

Gibson isn't worth a response. Of course, this is the greatest slight of all.

--Oly Sandor.

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

According to the report, the Cavs would send their $14.5 million trade exception to the Pistons for the eighth pick and veteran shooting guard Richard Hamilton. They then would trade the fourth and eighth picks to Minnesota for the second pick. If the reported trade is executed, the Cavs would possess the top two picks -- and use them to take Duke point guard Kyrie Irving and Arizona forward Derrick Williams. The report also said the Cavs would buy out the remainder of Hamilton's $25 million contract.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Give the Cleveland Cavaliers credit.

Clearly, Dan Gilbert has instructed his front office to be active –despite the unknown status of the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement and financial environment.

Landing Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams would effectively turn the page on The Decision and the tenure of LeBron James. Two blue-chip pieces would give the Cavs hope.

Such a move would be complicated, though. As the news article states, the Detroit Pistons are changing owners, so trades are difficult.

Also, teams know the Cavs’ must use their $14.5 million trade exception before the old CBA expires on July 1st. Under the new CBA, trade exceptions may no longer be valid.

So potential trading partners will surely play hardball with the Cavs’. They have leverage and will hold out for more compensation because Gilbert’s staff are on a deadline to use the trade exception.

At least, the Cavs’ are active. Eventually, they’ll swing a deal. Then they can truly move forward.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"I think the Lakers got them a great coach.” “Mike Brown was a great coach,” James said. “He gave us success that we hadn’t had before in that city. And it started with his defensive concepts. He brought in a defensive mind set that we didn’t have.”

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This is the ultimate co-sign.

LeBron James, perhaps the NBA’s top player, endorsed the Los Angeles Lakers hiring Mike Brown to replace Phil Jackson on the sideline.

The Lakers passed over in-house candidates and long-time assistants Chuck Person and Brian Shaw to hire Brown.

But James is right: the Lakers got a great one in Brown. These two were together with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and combined forces to get the club to the NBA Finals.

Most importantly, the former Coach of the Year is what the purple-and-gold need. Here`s why:

First, Brown made his bones as a defensive coach. He learned under Gregg Popovich with the Spurs, and refined his get-stops philosophy as the head man with the Cavaliers.

Last year, the Lakers got lazy. They stopped defending. Brown will hold them accountable in their own end.

Second, Brown has a track record for succeeding with superstars. Again, he clicked with James, so he should be able to get the most out of Kobe Bryant.

No two players are the same. And no two superstars are the same. However, precedence is on Brown`s side.

Third, a change was necessary. The Lakers had grown stale and needed a new voice from outside the organization.

The players would have been too comfortable with Shaw, which is perhaps why they were lobbying management to hire him.

Now the hard part begins. Expectations in Laker-land will be huge.

Brown is up to it, though. Just ask LeBron.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"I think I'm the No. 1 pick because I have more star quality I would think," the small forward said. "I'm just a bigger person. Just trying to fill in for a big star like LeBron like they're missing. That missing piece. I think that's me."

Link

NBA officials are evaluating whether to fine Minnesota Timberwolves president David Kahn for comments suggesting Tuesday night's draft lottery was rigged, sources told CBSSports.com.

A decision on what to do with Kahn over his latest insensitive and inapropriate public remarks could be delayed because top league executives are traveling and scattered for multiple events, including the pre-draft camp and competition committee meeting Wednesday in Chicago.

Link

"I'm happy for the franchise, I'm happy for the fans," he said. "I think it is a good step for them. "But I've got a lot more things to worry about now than the lottery."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: See Cleveland. LeBron James cares. Well, sort of.

Apparently, the former franchise face and prodigal son is ‘happy’ they won the lottery last night, and have the right to pick first overall in June’s draft.

James, of course, left Cleveland on poor terms last July when he ‘took his talents to South Beach’ to play for the Miami Heat.

Still, he couldn’t resist a subtle shot. James mentioned Cleveland’s draft position wasn’t his concern; he was concerned with game two of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Just another reminder James is still playing basketball, while Cleveland’s season ended, well, a few minutes after The Decision ended.

--Oly Sandor.

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

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

Link

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Oly Sandor.

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

Asked if any inch of him wanted to someday experience his own summer of LeBron, Durant said: "You said an inch, so I'll take that inch. One inch of my mind just wants to experience that, see what it's like, you know. I've been through the recruitment process, of course, going to college, but I want to see how that is. I'm not saying that I want to go to another team or I want to go to a greater market. But just how much it was publicized this summer, I just want to see what that's like. I'm an interested person, I'm a curious person. And once again, I'm not trying to say I want to leave or anything. But I just want to see how that is.

"I'll be 27 when my contract's up. So maybe when I'm 27 … But you never know. Two or three years down the line, I might sign another extension here. So we'll see. We'll see. But right now, I'm happy where I'm at, I'm glad I'm locked in for five years."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Durant, don’t do it. Don’t pull a LeBron and hold ‘The Decision 2.0’ when you become a free agent in a few years.

Don’t announce your future on national television like a raving egomaniac. Don’t pull Jim Gray out the ‘reporter’ scrap heap for a paid gig. And finally, don’t ruin your nice guy persona in an afternoon by acting like a jerk.

Just don’t. Don't even think about it.

In a few years, you’ll be a free agent. You have the right to pick where you play. Nobody can take issue with what you decide. As James learned the hard way, how you decide is everything.

For instance, James had given Cleveland seven years. They couldn’t provide a legit’ co-star, so he left. Fair enough. He had that right.

However, the backlash occurred mostly because James acted like a diva. ‘The Decision’ was unprofessional; his image has yet to recover.

Hopefully, Durant was misquoted. And hopefully, Durant has learned. One bad decision –like 'The Decision'- can change years of goodwill.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Boys & Girls Clubs in Cleveland, Akron and Elyria report receiving a total of more than $480,000, part of about $2 million that James has distributed nationwide since the July broadcast, billed as "The Decision." In Cleveland, clubs in the Mount Pleasant and Slavic Village neighborhoods have received $130,000.

Link

t only does Jigga have more Grammy Awards than any NBA owner, he’s also more involved than these “so-called” celebrity minority owners, according to Nets GM Billy King.

“I think a lot of those so-called guys that have parts of teams, they vanish,” King said. “There was one in Cleveland, what was his name? Usher. They haven’t seen him. I think Nelly in (Charlotte) – haven’t seen him. But Jay-Z, I think players see that it’s more of a passion for him, not just something he’s involved in.”

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s better than Nelly and Usher. We’re talking minority owners, not music.

Word is Jay-Z, who has a small stake in the New Jersey Nets, is the top celebrity owner in the NBA.  Unlike Nelly, who is linked to the Charlotte Bobcats, and Usher, who has a percentage in the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jay-Z is actively involved.

This is hardly a surprise. Jay-Z is comfortable in both the boardroom and studio.

Remember, he was a key cog for Rocafella Records and clothes, and was once the head suit for legendary music label Def Jam Records. Over time, he has amassed a personal fortune of close to $400 million.

And Jay-Z is serious about his Nets. He’s involved in recruiting free agents, the new Brooklyn stadium, and all other aspects of the team. He does far more than show-up and sit courtside.

Expect Jay-Z to be a part of the turnaround with New Jersey.

--Oly Sandor.

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

If you tell LeBron James that Cleveland was his city or the Cavaliers were his team, prepare for a quick correction.

The Akron native didn't wait for the end of a question Friday when a reporter referenced Cleveland as "your city." James' message was that he can't disown something that was never his. "It wasn't my city. It wasn't my team either," he said. "I was just a player, you know, I helped get that franchise to leaps and bounds that they haven't seen before.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This looks like LeBron James once again dumping on Cleveland and the Cavaliers.

We’ve seen this before from LeBron. He has an entourage that puts Vinnie Chase to shame and The Decision, last year’s TV event where he announced where he would sign as a free agent, revealed much about his character.

James is from Akron, Ohio. Akron and Cleveland aren’t the same. A a rivalry exists between the two. Cleveland never showed James much love as a prep phenom’.

Then there’s Dan Gilbert, the Cavaliers’ owner. The Decision was bad, but so was Gilbert’s response, publishing a letter that was unprofessional and personal.

Perhaps Gilbert’s ego exceeds LeBron’s. Perhaps working for the business mogul wasn’t a walk in the park/Quicken Loans Arena.

And James correctly points out that the Cavs' had several elite players before him: Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance, and Mark Price.

So maybe Cleveland was never his city; the Cavaliers never his team. Fair enough. Maybe this wasn’t the match we thought.

Here’s the question: Can we move on?

--Oly Sandor.

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

Dan Gilbert after his Cavaliers beat the Heat: 'Not in our garage!!'

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dan Gilbert would have to say something.

The owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers just couldn’t stay silent after last night’s 102-90 win over LeBron James, his former franchise face, and the Miami Heat.

Not after last summer’s shenanigans. Not after LeBron James announced he was taking his talent to South Beach with ‘The Decision’.

Of course, Gilbert did respond last July. His on-line letter to Cavalier fans attacking James is the thing of legends (and not in a good way).

This season, he’s been quiet –and with good reason. His Cavaliers have struggled mightily, flirting with the record for consecutive losses, while James’ Heat, despite some ups-and-downs, are at the top of the Eastern Conference.

Last night was Gilbert’s moment. It was Cleveland’s moment, too. His tweet, while subtle and restrained, hit the mark.

Hopefully, Gilbert and Cleveland got closure on James. Hopefully, they forget the past and focus on rebuilding. Something tells me otherwise, though.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: First, his entourage was denied access to a stadium they once ran. Then he skipped the pre-game warm-up and introductions to avoid the boo-birds. And finally, his new squad got routed by his old squad.

Despite posting a triple-double in a 102-90 loss, LeBron James’ second trip back to Cleveland has to be considered a bust. Cavalier-nation got revenge on their former hero for leaving them in the lurch with ‘The Decision’.

However, the real story was James going MIA during warm-up and introductions. Click the video below and watch the awkwardness at Quicken Loans Arena. 

--Oly Sandor.

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

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

 Link

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

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

A few thoughts:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Oly Sandor.

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

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

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

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

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

Link

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

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

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

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

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

--Oly Sandor.

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

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."

Link

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.

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

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

Link

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

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

Link

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

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

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

Translation: he was gone.

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

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

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

Just like the Denver Nuggets with Carmelo Anthony.

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

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

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

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

--Oly Sandor.

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

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

Link

"I'm in my zone, in a comfort zone where I've been the last two years," James told Sun Sports. "It took me a little while to get here, but I'm very comfortable with this team. I'm very comfortable with the sets, offensively and defensively. "And I'm back to playing LeBron James basketball."

Link

''It didn't matter for me if the Cavs were going to have a successful season or not,'' James said. ''I felt like I was making the right choice for me as an individual and for my career. Like I said, I have nothing bad to say about the players that I left and the team. I wish the organization the best. And I wish the fans, more than anything, the best because we had a lot of great years together.''

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: No hard feelings, really.

This was the message LeBron James had for the Cleveland Cavaliers, his former team of seven years. Of course, James left the Cavaliers to sign with the star-studded Miami Heat last summer.

The Cavaliers have now lost 21 consecutive games after losing to James' Heat on Monday. They also have the league’s worst overall record.

Worst of all, Dan Gilbert’s club seems stuck. Yes, they lost James, and in especially brutal fashion. They must move forward, though. This means developing a plan and establishing a new identity.

Perhaps the Cavaliers trade for veterans and rebuild on the fly. Perhaps the Cavaliers trade their veterans –like Antwan Jamison and Mo Williams- and start over.

Just do something because 21 straight losses is hard to watch.

Meanwhile, James’ Heat are legit’ contenders. If healthy, they’ll compete for the Eastern Conference crown and possibly a championship.

South Beach has been good to James, so why would he have hard feelings towards Cleveland?

--Oly Sandor.

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

The rumors about Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace coming to Cleveland died as quickly as they started. The Bobcats are indeed interested in moving Wallace's contract, but they wanted a first-round pick from the Cavaliers in return, according to a league source. That's not happening. The Cavs are trying to acquire first-round picks, not trade them away — and certainly not on a 10-year veteran like Wallace.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Nothing against Gerald Wallace but he wasn’t a fit for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

After all, the Cavaliers need to tear this thing down and start over. This means one thing: fire sale. All veterans must be dealt for draft picks, expiring contracts, and blue-chip prospects.

Acquiring a veteran with a contract – Wallace is owed $22 million over the next two years – is wrong. It’s a distraction. It’s a quick fix. And Cleveland would be making a move for the sake of making a move.

Instead, owner Dan Gilbert needs one thing: patience. This means holding off on typing a Net-letter to fans when things turn out poorly. This also means trusting the people he hired, bottoming out, and building for the future -exactly like Executive Sam Presti did with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Quick fixes like Wallace and his big ticket aren’t the long-term answer.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Charlotte Bobcats have discussed a trade to send forward Gerald Wallace to the Cleveland Cavaliers, a league source told Yahoo! Sports.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Cleveland Cavaliers must do something. And fast.

Earlier in the week, Team Dan Gilbert was routed by the world champion Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, routed doesn’t do the score justice: the Cavs’ scored 57 points, while the purple-and-gold had 112.

It’s time for change. After all, this is the NBA. Pro basketball teams aren’t supposed to double each other.

Is Charlotte’s Gerald Wallace the answer, though?

Sure, the swingman defends, hustles, and stuffs the stat sheet, but he also carries a big ticket – Wallace has two more years at $22 million on his contract – and isn’t a superstar.

This, however, may be a deal driven by both ownership groups.

Michael Jordan, the new Don of the Bobcats, needs to shed payroll until a new Collective Bargaining Agreement can be ironed out. Sending Wallace to Ohio will cut costs and appease owner Dan Gilbert, who’s Cavaliers haven’t done anything significant since losing LeBron James.

So this trade may be about the men in control of the Bobcats and Cavaliers: Jordan and Gilbert. And not the basketball court.

--Oly Sandor?

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

No sooner were the Cleveland Cavaliers spanked 112-57 at Staples Center by the Los Angeles Lakers, then James unloaded on his Twitter account with, "Crazy. Karma is a b****. Gets you every time. It's not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!"

James, however, either had a change of heart or a change of approach when asked about the Twitter posting shortly before Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.

"It was just how I was feeling at the time," he said. Yet he added in the same breath, "It wasn't even a comment from me. It was someone who sent it to me and I sent it out."

Link

Hoops Vibe’s Very Quick Call: Twitter-gate continues. 

If you’re keeping track at home, LeBron James is now saying he didn’t send the ‘Karma is a b****’ tweet in reference to the Los Angeles Lakers’ midweek blow-out win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

A mysterious person sent the tweet to James, who re-tweeted it. Yes, the conspiracy theorists are having a field day.
 
Of course, James played several season for his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers before taking his talents to ‘South Beach’ as a free agent last summer.

This is one part of the story. James announced he was bolting Ohio for Florida on national television, and even had the audacity to call the program The Decision.

This set off a he said-he said feud with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and the people of Cleveland. Jerseys were burned; letters were published on-line; and a hometown hero was disowned.

Now it doesn’t matter if James tweeted or re-tweeted ‘Karma is a b****’. He either wrote it or read it from a fan/friend, agreed with it, and co-signed it by re-tweeting it. There’s little difference between the two.

Why not own it? James is already the league villain. His popularity has plummeted. And his Miami Heat is public enemy number one.

There’s nothing to lose. Perhaps he’d be better off to state what we suspect: he’s angry about the reception he received from Cleveland.

Fair or not, right, or wrong, those are his feelings. Anything’s better than blaming somebody else.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Lakers lost again on Christmas. After being rousted by the Cleveland Cavaliers last year, they have been beaten by the Miami Heat yesterday. They don`t play well and Kobe Bryant is frustrated. At the end of the game, he started trash-talking with LeBron James, saying:``I`m a champ``.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Them be fighting words.

Kobe Bryant took this not-so subtle dig at LeBron James during the fourth quarter of the Los Angeles Lakers-Miami Heat Christmas Day match-up.

James’ squad was again routing Bryant’s Lakers. Last year, the Cavaliers had their way with the purple-and-gold on Jesus’ birthday.

So Bryant reminded James while he may win the odd regular season battle, ‘The Black Mamba’ wins the playoff war – and five times he has hoisted the Larry O’Brien championship trophy.

Two thoughts on Bryant talking trash to James. First, he’s right. Until James wins a championship, or two, he can’t be compared to Bryant.

Second, Bryant engaged James in the fourth quarter of yesterday’s game when the result was decided. Then following the game, he criticized his teammates for lacking focus.

Bryant is the game’s greatest player, and has earned the right to do as he likes. Still, with his Lakers looking distracted, perhaps yesterday wasn’t the best time to talk trash with James.

To them, Bryant may seem more focused on his individual battle with James than on righting the ship for his team.

To be fair, this is only the regular season. Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum will improve. The Lakers will likely hit their stride in the playoffs.

If the Lakers don’t turn things around, the shoe may be on the other foot next Christmas. And James could be telling Bryant ‘I’m a champ’.

--Oly Sandor.

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

But they might be able to acquire “LeBron Lite.”

League sources indicate the Philadelphia 76ers are attempting to trade guard/forward Andre Iguodala. There is no active dialogue between the Sixers and Cavs right now, but a source said it was one to keep your eye on. Things could heat up toward the trade deadline.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Something has to give –and soon.

The Philadelphia 76ers are 5-16. They’re disjointed. They’re dysfunctional. And fans are tuning them out for the city’s other sports teams.

It’s time to start over; turn the page. This means one thing: trading former franchise face Andre Iguodala.

While not a superstar, ‘Iggy’ is good enough to command a package of young talent and desirable contracts. The 76ers would be out from his big-ticket. Player and team would be free to start over.

Enter the Cleveland Cavaliers.

They have the resources to afford Iguodala’s contract. They also have the resources to satisfy the 76ers’ trade demands.

The athletic swing would make the Cavaliers more competitive. He’d also give Dan Gilbert’s squad an identity and a leader in the post-LeBron James era.

Expect Iguodala to get a change of scenery. And Cleveland makes the most sense.

--Oly Sandor.

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

James said. "I talked to Daniel today and it is all good. We're still friends."

"He did some things and made some gestures," Gibson said then. "It was some of the things that he'd do when he was here on our team that we would ride with. Him being the opponent he did some of those same things, I, for one, didn't like it."

The reaction James got from ex-teammates became a lingering issue over the last few days. While cameras caught James talking to the Cavs bench on several occasions, most players actually ignored him or gave him a cold reaction.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The coldest reception LeBron James received during his return to Cleveland was from former teammates, and not the fans.

James’ trash talk, gestures, and posturing weren’t appreciated. Several teammates and an assistant coach gave the 6-9, 260-pound superstar the cold shoulder.

Of course, The King spent seven years in Cleveland before ‘taking his talent’ to Miami as a free agent last July.

One former teammate, Daniel Gibson, had a real issue with James’ behaviour last Thursday evening, saying their 'friendship is over'. Clearly, Keyshia Cole’s baby daddy took exception to his former friend showing up the Cavaliers.

Gibson and James recently talked, though. Their 90210 moment is over. These two are still friends.

Here’s my issue: James enjoyed Thursday night. He took noticeable pleasure in dropping 38 points on the Cavaliers. And he rubbed in the Heat’s blowout victory.

Why didn’t a current Cavalier put a hard foul on James? Nothing dirty but a good, firm infraction would have sent a message.

Instead, the Cavaliers did their talking through the media. And James got the last word, on-and-off court.

--Oly Sandor.

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

O'Neal discussed his philosophy on unstoppable forces meeting immovable objects before Saturday's game, reaffirming the notion that his primary job description is "enforcer."

"That's what I do: No [expletive] layups," said O'Neal, throwing out a 12-letter curse word for effect. "Print it just like that and, if you get fined, come see me, and I'll reimburse you."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is Shaquille O’Neal feeling alright? Is he sick? Has he come down with the dreaded Bieber fever (they sang a duet, you know)?

I raise these questions because O’Neal has gladly accepted his role with the Boston Celtics as a defensive cog down the middle.

Touches are irregular. Shots are few and far between. Minutes have varied. And the future Hall of Fame center hasn’t uttered a word.

Instead, he’s bought into the green-and-white’s get-stops system. He’s active on the pick-and-roll. Opponents are paying the price for driving the lane.

It’s only been a few weeks, but O’Neal’s transition from glamorous superstar to blue-collar big is amazing.

He was once the face of the NBA. He was once the straw that stirred the drink for the three-time world champion Los Angeles Lakers. And he once treated defence like a contagious disease.

That was then, this is now. Unsuccessful stops in Phoenix and Cleveland have changed things.

O’Neal is simply trying to win a fifth NBA championship before ‘Father Time’ forces the inevitable: retirement.

So it’s not the flu. Or, an affliction caused by a midget pop star. Shaq’ has changed his stripes because the end is near.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"Two different team executives said they expect the Heat to dangle $3 million and second-year PG Mario Chalmers to a lotteryy-bound team looking to shed the long-term contract of a mid-priced spot-up shooting PG. Riley's objective is to find another shooter to space the floor, a la BJ Armstrong or John Paxson in their Chicago days playing alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’d be a point guard in name only.

Reports indicate the Miami Heat is scouring the earth for a ball handler with a jump shot. Think B.J. Armstrong and Steve Kerr next to Michael Jordan in Chicago. Think Kenny Smith alongside Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston.

His role would be simple: dribble up-court, get open, catch, and shoot.

Sound simple enough, right?

The belief is Heat executive Pat Riley will acquire such a player after the December 15th deadline by offering a lottery-bound team some combination of money, draft picks and, possibly Mario Chalmers.
 
The names most commonly mentioned: the Cleveland Cavaliers’ ‘Boobie’ Gibson and Toronto Raptors’ Jarrett Jack.

Hopefully, Riles has something better up his aging sleeve. It’s unlikely Gibson or Jack call South Beach home.

Perhaps Riley missed it. After The Decision came The Reaction. Cavaliers’ owner Daniel Gilbert declared war on LeBron James in an internet letter to fans.

Gilbert called his former franchise face everything imaginable: immature, narcissistic, and the so-called king.

It’s safe to say Gilbert felt betrayed by James announcing his decision on national television, so he won’t trade him his former sidekick in Gibson.

Meanwhile, Jack isn’t exactly a spot-up shooter. Sure, he can knock down open looks, but he’s more comfortable shooting off-the-dribble.

Expect Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo to keep Jack because he competes, provides leadership, and makes reasonable money.

They’ll instead try to move Jose Calderon, who - because of his stand-still defense, big-ticket contract, and injury prone nature – wouldn’t fit in Miami.

The Heat wants a shooting point guard.  Wanting and getting are two different things, though.

Chances are, Gibson or Jack won’t be re-enacting Armstrong with Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwayne Wade in the south Florida sun.

--Oly Sandor.   

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