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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I can tell you for a fact the Lakers offered Andrew Bynum and the Magic do not want him,” said a Western Conference executive.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Thanks but no thanks.

Reports indicate the Orlando Magic turned down the Los Angeles Lakers’ offer of emerging All-Star Andrew Bynum for established franchise-face Dwight Howard.

Perhaps the Magic were fearful of Bynum’s health. Perhaps the Magic were holding out for more. Or perhaps, the Magic were hoping Howard would sign an extension.

Bottom line: Magic executive Otis Smith screwed up.

Smith must cut his losses and trade Howard for the best possible offer. And Bynum, a terrific young five, is the best the Magic can get.

The alternative is to wait until summer when Howard opts-out of his contract and likely leaves Orlando as an unrestricted free agent.

Howard prefers Dallas, L.A., and New Jersey/Brooklyn to Orlando, and he has twice asked Smith for a trade.

The Magic braintrust must face reality and accept that Howard is gone. Then they should call the Lakers back and ask if Bynum is still available.

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

Mavs decide they need Lamar Odom ASAP for tonight's game against Utah. D-League stint canceled. Story w/Jeff Caplan going up now.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Mr. Khloe Kardashian will not have to 'lower' himself by reporting to the D-League, after all.

The Dallas Mavericks did send Lamar Odom to their minor league affiliate, the Texas Legends, for a conditioning stint after his return from personal leave.

The Mavericks, it turns out, need Odom for tonight's match against the Utah Jazz, so he's been recalled.

Here’s the question: is Odom ready to contribute?

He has spent months whining like a reality TV diva about his beloved Lakers including him in the nixed Chris Paul trade. Odom could have stayed with the purple-and-gold but forced a move to Team Cuban.

The versatile swing has had a reduced role in Rick Carlisle’s rotation. All his numbers are down.

Odom must improve to earn decent money next summer when the Mavericks buy out his contract to chase chase free agents Dwight Howard and/or Deron Williams.

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

“I think we were just a better team than them,” Stevenson said. “And then obviously LeBron didn’t play like he should have played [in the Finals].” Stevenson had a lot to do with that, playing key defense on James and hitting several key shots of his own to help the Mavericks defeat the Heat in six games. James struggled mightily, extending the narrative that has dogged LeBron his entire career: he’s a great regular season player, but when the games matter most, or when the moment is there to be seized, he’s not the same guy.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: DeShawn Stevenson, we get it. You and your former team, the Dallas Mavericks, beat LeBron James and the Miami Heat in last year’s NBA Finals.

But it’s done. Over. Finished. No more. That was then, this is now.

Instead of reminiscing on the Mavs' 2011 championship, Stevenson needs to focus on helping this current team, the sad-sack New Jersey Nets.

After all, Stevenson’s insult came after the Heat beat his Nets by 30 points. And James had an impressive 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in just 30 minutes of work.

So Stevenson should move on because clearly James has.

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

Oklahoma City is not in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes. Not giving up Harden/Ibaka. Not happening.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Why break up a good thing?

The Oklahoma City Thunder were wise to kybosh the Orlando Magic’s offer of Dwight Howard for James Harden and Serge Ibaka.

After all, Harden and Ibaka are key components of a young Thunder squad that currently has the NBA`s best record and seem poised for greatness.

There’s no point in breaking up their core for the temperamental Howard, who has little interest in re-signing with small market Oklahoma City.

Howard wants a major market to maximize marketing opportunities. Like Los Angeles. Like New York. Maybe Dallas -if he can partner with Deron Williams.

Oklahoma City, even though their building an incredible legacy, isn’t right for Howard.

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

Howard would not address the future beyond this year and said he understood there was some risk for the Magic, but hoped they’d roll the dice and keep him in Orlando.

“We’ve been talking for a while and I told them, I want to finish this season out and give our team and give our fans some hope for the future but I feel they have to roll that dice,” sad Howard. “It might be tough but I feel like we’ve got a great opportunity but they’ve got to roll it. “

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwight Howard ‘wants’ it both ways.

The All-Star center ‘wants’ to finish the season with the Orlando Magic, but doesn’t ‘want’ to sign a long-term extension.

In other words, Howard ‘wants’ the Magic to assume all the risk. He ‘wants’ his current team to play the odds, telling the front office to ‘roll the dice’ following the Magic’s win over the Heat.

Here’s the thing: well run organizations don’t ‘roll the dice’ or give their star employee what he `wants`, no matter how great he is.

Simply put, the Magic can’t allow Howard to finish the year without having his name on an extension.

`Rolling the dice` would result in Howard opting-out of his contract on July 1st and bolting as a free agent to the New Jersey Nets or Dallas Mavericks.

Under this scenario, the Magic get nothing back. And the Nets and Mavericks would have given up nothing but money to get him.

In fact, some, like NBATV analyst and former coach Sam Mitchell, believe this is why Howard asked to finish the season in Orlando. 

He has already decided to sign with the Nets, but doesn’t want to weaken his next team by having them give up assets in a trade.

In other words, Howard has half a foot in Orlando and a foot and a half in New Jersey. 

Bottom line: the Magic must cut a trade.

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

In a Wednesday night conference call with Orlando Magic officials before the team’s game in San Antonio, Dwight Howard told the Magic that he is not prepared to surrender the option to become a free agent at season’s end, according to sources with knowledge of the discussion… During the call, sources said, Howard told the Magic that staying in Orlando is his first choice. But he also made it clear that he was not prepared to relinquish the (Early Termination Option) ETO in his contract that allows him to become a free agent.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: We thought we had closure -of some sorts. Well, we were wrong.

Reports Dwight Howard would opt-in and spend 2012-13 with the Orlando Magic are apparently false.

Howard, reportedly, intends to opt-out of his contract in July, become an unrestricted free agent, and, in all likely-hood, leave the Magic to sign with the New Jersey Nets or Dallas Mavericks.

Here’s the bottom line: what Howard wants no longer matters. Who cares if he opts-in or opts-out?

This saga has gone too far and the Magic can‘t build around a player who allows his personal situation to overshadow, clutter, and take away from team goals.

Consider that Howard-gate 2012 has utterly hijacked the Magic’s season. Otis Smith, Alex Martin, or whoever is in charge must deal Howard -even if that means getting 90 cents on the dollar.

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

The Lakers initially tried to trade Odom to the New Orleans Hornets in a deal for Chris Paul in December. The proposed trade upset Odom, and after the NBA vetoed the deal, Lakers officials said Odom told them he wanted out of L.A. Odom now says the trade wasn’t his doing. “Everybody knows that,” he said. “It was something that they were willing to get done no matter what. I think it is OK for them to admit that.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Lamar Odom, get over it.

Yes, the Los Angeles Lakers, the franchise you loved, traded you -more than once, in fact.

After all, Commissioner David Stern and the NBA nixed a three team deal that would’ve sent you to the New Orleans Hornets for superstar Chris Paul.

Then things got fuzzy. You say the Lakers continued shopping you, while the Lakers say you refused to report after ‘Paul-Gate’ and demanded a trade.

Bottom line: you ended up on the world champion Dallas Mavericks.

There could be worse things than playing for Team Cuban. However, you've pouted, played poorly, taken a leave without permission, tried for a buyout, and had to apologize when you didn’t get a buyout.

Instead of focusing on the present, instead of doing everything to help your struggling Mavericks, you insult the Lakers in an interview.

Not surprisingly, your play has suffered. And so will the market for your services when you become a free agent in July.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Think he’s past it? Think he’s lost his edge? Think he’s no longer a crème de la crème superstar?

Well, Kobe Bryant is still first class. Watch Mr. Laker go backdoor on the Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd, catch and hold an alley-oop pass in the air, draw the foul, and hit an unbelievable reverse lay-up.

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

We have a good relationship," Bryant told the "Mason & Ireland Show" on 710 ESPN on Thursday when asked about Jim Buss. "People misunderstand that relationship. We have a good time. We've had dinner together and things like that. He's a great guy and he wants to do the right thing and he wants to help us win a championship. The biggest thing, which was the same with his father, who he has learned from, is that he's not going to make rushed decisions. He's going to be patient and he's going to take his time."The one thing I will say about him and about the Lakers' organization is that it's one of those franchises that always seems to land on its feet. Always seems to make the right choices. Always seems to make the right decisions, even the tough ones."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kobe Bryant approves of Jim Buss … for now.

Bryant, the straw that stirs the drink for the Los Angeles Lakers, apparently likes the job Buss is doing in the owner-executive chair.

This is good for Buss. His survival, and the survival of the Lakers, depends on Bryant supporting management.

It doesn’t matter if the Buss family owns the team. Bryant - arguably, the greatest Laker ever and a once in a generation talent - is in charge.

Bryant’s comments are surprising, though. After all, the Lakers have made no secret of their desire to cut costs, which led to Lamar Odom getting sent to the Dallas Mavericks.

There were rumors Pau Gasol was getting traded. The chatter will resume this summer if the Lakers don’t win the west.

Still, all seems well in Laker-ville. Ramon Sessions is a terrific addition, adding speed and quickness on both ends of the floor.

This is just a moment, though. And moments change rather quickly with the NBA’s glamour team.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: LaMarcus Aldridge continues to play at a high level -even though it has been a disastrous year for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Last night the post hit the game-winning shot in overtime against the world champion Dallas Mavericks.

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

Odom tried to find an ounce of humor in the sad situation, but the reality is it appears Carlisle is done with the spin, done with the positive reinforcement and maybe even done putting Odom on the floor with nine games left that are so vital to the defending champs' postseason hopes in this strange, strange season. "I can’t read it," Odom said of the immediate future. "It is what it is. What can I do? Coach is always right."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Lamar Odom became a target the moment he went on TV for something other than basketball.

People fall in love. And Odom fell in love with Khloe Kardashian. But he didn’t have to be part of her reality world, hawking their relationship and various lifestyle products on the ‘E’ network.

Being such a public figure means perhaps he gets more of the blame than he deserves for the Dallas Mavericks’ poor play.

Make no mistake about it, Odom has been disappointing since coming over from the Los Angeles Lakers in a pre-season trade.

But what did Team Cuban expect?

Odom -- when unfocused and uninspired -- is a soft player. There was no way he could do any of things Tyson Chandler did for the Mavericks’ championship run.

Of course, the Mavericks never really wanted Odom. They wanted his contract, which they’ll buy-out at season’s end in order to chase free agent point guard Deron Williams.

Here’s what Odom should do: contact his former brother-in-law Kris Humphries. The Nets’ power forward, after an acrimonious divorce to Kim Kardashian, has kept a low profile, given up on being a second-rate celebrity, and focused on basketball.

Odom should do the same. His career, as a basketball player, depends on it.

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

Lamar Odom's brief and bumpy ride with the Dallas Mavericks has come to an abrupt end. The Mavericks and Odom spent Easter Sunday working out a parting, according to sources close to the situation, that frees the struggling Odom to leave the team immediately without actually being released.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: The Dallas Mavericks and Lamar Odom parted ways on Easter Sunday, ending a short, unsuccessful run together. The Mavericks have struggled to find their form, while Odom never accepted the Los Angeles Lakers trading him -even though he requested a change after the nixed Chris Paul trade.

The Mavericks will likely be fine. In fact, the defending world champions may be better without Odom and the circus that surrounds him.

After all, the former Sixth Man of the Year contributed little on-court, so the Mavericks will simply give his minutes to other players, buy-out the final year of his deal before July, and use the cap space to chase Deron Williams this summer.

Odom will take a hit, however. He was distracted all year and few teams will have interest in signing him after the debacle in Dallas.

Of course, the few teams that do have interest in Odom will then have to decide if they want the reality TV monster known as Khloe and Lamar in the locker room.

The answer is likely no.

Since shacking up with a Kardashian about two years ago, Odom has been distracted and confused. Perhaps he needs to return to being a basketball player.

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

“I like Lamar as a person, but I’m disappointed about everything that happened in Dallas. And it’s a shame that the Mavs got to pay him, to be honest with you. He don’t deserve to get paid for what he put out there this year. He doesn’t deserve it, plain and simple.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: So where does it end?

According to Charles Barkley, the Dallas Mavericks shouldn’t have to pay Lamar Odom because he did nothing for the defending world champions.

Well, should the New York Knicks ask for a refund from Eddy Curry? Or, how about the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards with Gilbert Arenas? Do you think the Detroit Pistons would want a re-do on Charlie Villanueva’s three-year, $24 million pact?

Look on every NBA team’s roster and you’ll find a bad contract or two. And bad contracts have always been a part of David Stern’s league because the union was smart enough to make sure those bad contracts were guaranteed.

But Odom will get his. He’ll likely end up a free agent this summer when the Mavericks buy out the final year of his contract this June.

And who will want an emotional power forward with more baggage than his Hollywood socialite wife?

Odom`s wallet will take a hit. He may get the mini mid level exception this summer, which would be a $5 million reduction in salary.

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

Eric Gordon is a fan of New Orleans, which should come as welcome news to, well, New Orleans fans. He loves the food, the laid-back vibe and the folks who support the last-place Hornets despite being given so many reasons to stay away. Bring up the coach (that's second-year man Monty Williams for you non-loyalists), and the 23-year-old shooting guard who will be a restricted free agent this summer makes it sound as if he never wants to leave.

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“These fans really believe in me in this place and they really know basketball. They’ve seen the greatest of greats come through here,” he said. “It’s unreal. In my whole career, it’s never been like this, being noticed. You’re on ESPN every night or TNT. You’re with Kobe Bryant out there in the backcourt. I want to be here. I don’t know what that means or how that’s going to happen. It ain’t no secret. I’ll tell anybody that. I tell [Lakers General Manager] Mitch Kupchak. I tell my agent. I want to be here. Period. For a long time.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Ramon Sessions will probably be back in Los Angeles Lakers next season.

After all, Sessions likes the Lakers. And the Lakers like Sessions, the dynamic point guard they acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers at the trade deadline.

Why would Sessions, who claims to be living a dream playing next to Kobe Bryant, decline a player’s option for next year? Why risk a good thing?

Well, money. Sessions wants a raise on the $4.6 million he’s due in 2013 and greater security with a long-term pact. Things can change and twelve months from now he may not have the same leverage.

The Lakers will pay Sessions this summer -if his demands are fair. His ability to attack the hoop and lightning-quick feet have provided another dimension to coach Mike Brown`s system.

That said, things are always somewhat fluid at Staples Center. Executives Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak are constantly trying to improve, which may include chasing free agent Deron Williams this summer.

It’s unlikely Williams ends up in Los Angeles. Dallas is home. And Team Cuban has been hoarding cap space in hopes of signing the perennial All-Star to a max’ money pact.

Stranger things have happened, though. For instance, nobody thought the Lakers had the assets to acquire Chris Paul. And they did. Twice.

Commissioner David Stern stepped in to nix the trade and appease militant email writing owners like Cleveland’s Dan Gilbert. Paul was then shuttled off to the Los Angeles Clippers for a sub par package.

So Sessions is taking a risk, albeit a small one, by refusing to opt-in. The impossible -- like the Lakers signing Williams -- has a way of becoming reality with the NBA`s glamour team.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Okay, let’s not get carried away.

Delonte West gave Gordon Hayward a ‘wet-willie’ during the Dallas Mavericks-Utah Jazz game yesterday, which`then led to some serious hyperbole from the game commentators.

Yes, West was wrong. Yes, West deserved a technical foul. And yes, West continued his streak of bizarre behaviour (he applied for a job at Sam’s Club during the lockout).

It was not the worst act in the history of sports, though. Anyway, click the video below and see what the hoopla is about.

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

“It was short lived, too bad it couldn’t work out but things happen for a reason. My life has been so crazy the last couple years, as far as issues with my family, as far as going through personal tragedy. And I felt like God was saying, ‘You know what Lamar, I’m going to give you a little time. A little time to step back and soak everything in….”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Lamar Odom is not Socrates or Dr. Phil, but he was rather introspective when discussing his fall with the Dallas Mavericks.

In case you’ve been living in a cave: the Los Angeles Lakers included  Odom in the nixed Chris Paul deal, Odom got mad and demanded a trade, and the purple-and-gold obliged by sending him to the Dallas Mavericks for a paltry trade exception.

Odom was a peculiar fit for the defending world champs’. He was out of shape. He’s also a finesse player and Rick Carlisle’s bunch needed grit to replace Tyson Chandler. And his reality TV relationship with Khloe Kardashian didn’t help matters -even though Mavericks owner Mark Cuban runs the Shark Tank and was an epic failure on Dancing With The Stars.     

Then there were the cap implications. The Mavericks only acquired Odom to buy him out at year’s end and use the financial flexibility to chase free agent Deron Williams.

Add it up and Odom struggled miserably in the Lone Star State. Fans booed him. Teammates questioned him. And he had a run-in with Cuban before being told he was on paid vacation.

To be fair, there was much we didn’t know. Odom’s marriage, even if it’s a reality TV spectacle, was stumbling. And his cousin was murdered.

So the forward needed some personal time. Hey we’ve all been there.

Don’t count Odom out, though. He’ll have a few offers this summer and will surely take the Mini-Mid level exception to join one of his two former teams in Los Angeles.

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

“I have to be who I am,” James said. “Last year was the biggest teacher. The greatest teacher in life is experience. And I had that last year. I’m back to being the person who can take over games. I have no problem taking over a game now.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The 2011 LeBron James worried what others thought. The 2012 LeBron James only worries about winning, so leading his Miami Heat comes naturally.

James rightfully took a hit following ‘The Decision’ and The Pre-emptive Championship Declaration. The media hounded him, while the public wanted to see him and the Heat fail.

Their every move was captured and critiqued, much of the attention wasn’t positive. So James’ star power and reputation took a hit, resulting in a confrontational press conference following the Heat’s loss to the Mavericks in the NBA Finals.

The process changed James as a different person. A little time away, a little reflection, a nasty lockout, and The King has returned in 2012.

Yes, there are the same questions about James’ supporting cast. And yes, the Heat are again the second seed in the Eastern Conference behind the Chicago Bulls.

There is, however, no doubt the Heat are James’ team. He’s back to leading. He’s back to taking over games. He’s back to being vocal on-court. And this all started when he let go of the past.

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

Mavs have their eyes on free agent Deron Williams.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Willaims would be a great addition in Dallas.

The Chicago Bulls are making moves to try and acquire either Steve Nash or Jason Kidd this summer.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Not a bad move since Rose won't be around.

Sources are now reporting that the Chicago Bulls are making inquiries to the Suns and Mavs looking to acquire either Steve Nash or Jason Kidd. This indicates that Rose will almost definitely miss all of next year, but it also indicates the Bulls are confident that if they acquire a solid point guard they can still make a run at a championship in 2013. 

Mark Cuban makes Skip Bayless look like a fool.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Skip can dish it out, but can he take it?

Odom traded to Los Angeles

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Lamar loves LA. Now let's see if he can still play ball.

Lamar is headed back to Los Angeles, but not back to the Lakers. He's heading back to his original LA team, the Clippers. The only difference is this time they actually have a descent team. This is all part of a three team deal. The Clippers, Mavs, and Jazz all have their hands in the cookie jar in this trade.

The trade sends Odom to the Clippers and Mo Williams to the Jazz. The Jazz are capable of absorbing Williams's $8.5 million price tag due to an $8.2 million trade exception, similar to the one that brought Odom from the Lakers to Dallas last season.

The deal hinges on Williams exercising his $8.5 million player option for next season, but sources say Williams is game. The Clippers are clearly banking on the fact that having Lamar back in LA where he feels comfortable, he will be able to bounce back to his 2010-2011 form as the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year and not his 6 points per game form in Dallas. The Jazz are happy to get their hands on Williams's 13.2 points per game as Mo is known as an offensive machine.

Jason Kidd and Deron Williams a package deal?

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This is one helluva 1-2 bunch at the guard position.

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

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

Elton Brand heading to Dallas Mavericks.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Mark Cuban needs to get more than Brand to make a run at the Western Conference.

After ditching Dallas for the Knicks this offseason, Mark Cuban is pissed off at Jason Kidd and said he would "never" retire J-Kidd's number. 

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: I wouldn't want to piss Mark Cuban off because he has enough money to casually pay someone to kill you.

Kobe Bryant was almost traded to Dallas in 2007.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Dirk and Kobe on the same team in their prime spells championship.

Dirk looks to life after basketball.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Yeah, right. No one quites the NBA. They're all play until they're forced out. 

Deron Williams was closer to becoming a Dallas Mav that most thought.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: How does this make you feel if you're the Nets GM?

Dallas Dumps Delonte West and Scoops Eddy Curry

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Mavs pick consistent production or attitude and flash.

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

Laker fans scratch their heads to figure out what happened.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Money can buy Dwight Howard, but it can't buy wins. Mavs top Lakers 99-91 is season opener.

Mark Cuban and the Mav's PR Team adapt the popular Whoop "Em Gangnam Style to the Mavs.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The world is ending. We have seen the end, but you'll probably laugh as you cry.

While you're going about your day to day life, Mark Cuban has your back, even when the NBA doesn't.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Mark Cuban isn't just going to stand there, haplessly, and let you get screwed.

On Thursday, the Dallas Mavericks announced the signing of point guard Derek Fisher.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Does he have anything left? 

This isn't what Dallas fans wanted to hear.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Bad news for Mark Cuban and company.

Dallas Mavericks forward Shawn Marion has infiltrated classic video game Super Mario Bros.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Hopefully, he has better luck with Princess Toadstool than Mario did.

Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki is getting fed up with his team because he's now publicly expressing his discontent with the organization.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Dirk has a point.  The Mavericks' management has failed to make any good moves in the past few years.

Magic Johnson just made it clear (on National TV) that if he was Lakers CEO Jim Buss, he would trade Dwight Howard.
 
Hoopsvibe's quick call:  It's very obvious that Magic isn't the biggest fan of this Lakers team.  And rightfully so.

Allen Iverson shows humility and maturity, while turning down a D-League offer to climb back into the NBA.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: I find the slow ending of athlete's careers one of the saddest things to watch. 

Sometimes even the most humble players let their emotions get the best of them.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Kevin Durant may be tied for the league lead in technical fouls, but he's still the man.

Mark Cuban boos Derek Fisher and declares his hate for his former player.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: As much as I like Fisher, it looks like he pulled a punk move on Mark Cuban and the Mavs.

Kevin Durant may be tall and lengthy, but the dude still has ridiculous handles.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Vince Carter probably needed to ice his ankles this weekend after Kevin Durant broke them.

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is creating a media stir once again, and this time, it's by saying he would draft Baylor University women's basketball star Brittney Griner.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Either Cuban knows something we don't or he's just completely messing with all of us.

Rumor Alert: Dallas Mavericks hungry to land Chris Paul and ready to make it happen.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: They've got the money to make it happen and the Clippers aren't exactly championship ready.

HoopsVibe spoke with University of Wisconsin guard Traevon Jackson.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Traevon spoke about his experience in the NCAA Tournament, playing against Naismith Award winner Trey Burke and who's the better player- him or his dad.

During the 2012-2013 season, In his sophomore year, Jackson posted career highs in all major categories while playing in 35 games, starting 29 of them.

Jackson was second on the team in free throw percentage (.765), first in steals (1.0 spg) and 15th in the Big Ten in assists.

HoopsVibe- What was your experience like playing in the NCAA Tournament?
Traevon Jackson- "Obviously, it didn’t end the way we wanted it to. Just playing in the tournament was great, getting that kind of experience. You really grow up fast because it’s the attitude of “loser goes home” and unfortunately, we had to go home. But it really puts into perspective what you need to do to prepare for it going forward. And learning that this year, helps us next year."

HV- Is there added pressure based on who your dad is (14 year NBA vet Jim Jackson) to succeed? What’s the dynamic of that like?
TJ- "Growing up, I felt it more than I do now, but now I don’t even think about it at all, actually. The pressure that I feel now the most is pleasing the Lord. That may sound cliché, but that’s an everyday type of task and the biggest thing for me. As long as I continue to grow in that aspect, there is no other question."

HV- Did your dad give you a hard time when you went to Wisconsin instead of Ohio State?
TJ- "No, he supported me. He told me what I was getting into as far as the coaching staff and what to expect, and he was right; he was right about a lot of things.  At the end of the day he was just happy for me because he had seen where I started from in terms of basketball and what I had become. He was just very happy for me, and my mom too."

HV- Who would win one on one right now?
"Oh, me of course (laughing). Easily. He can beat me in golf and all the other games, cards, all that stuff. But he’s not beating me on the court."

HV- How did him moving around during his NBA career, playing for 12 different NBA teams, impact you as you were growing up?
TJ- "It was great. I got to go to a lot of different cities and see a lot of places I wouldn’t have probably otherwise seen. But, just from watching him, I got to really go through and experience his career with him. He started out as a top guy in the league and eventually became a productive role player. Just seeing how he handled it was awesome.  It taught me to never give up, no matter what. I think about it now when I go through adversity, I never saw him put his head down; he always found a way, just like my mom. Just keep working hard and good things will come."

HV- You just finished your sophomore year and you were a big part of the Wisconsin rotation, playing almost 28 minutes a game. What helped your development the most between freshman and sophomore year?
TJ- "Mainly going home and working with my trainer Anthony Rhodman. This was my first full summer going back home and doing all the skill work that I needed to work on. Coming back in this year I was way more confident and better overall. It took a little while, had to go thru adversity. I didn’t achieve all the goals I wanted to, but the little bit of success I had is like a glimpse of the future."

HV- How’d you hook up with Anthony Rhodman?
TJ- "I saw Trey Burke going off in Ann Arbor. We were seniors in high school at the same time and he was killing that year; he won Mr. Basketball, all the awards and I asked him, "Who are you working out with?" And he told me about Anthony. Then I heard Trey talk, and I’d never heard him say so many things he was saying about the Lord, so I knew he had everything straight. And it took me off guard so I wanted to talk to Anthony. I hit Anthony up to introduce myself and he had heard of me and was planning on talking to me. We just hooked up from there and started working."

HV- Who would win one on one between you and Trey Burke?
TJ- "It would be tough but right now, it would be me (laughing). I always have to say me (laughing). It’s fun though. We play one on one in the summer and just always have fun."

HV- Favorite NBA player?
TJ- "Deron Williams. I love D Will because he’s a bigger guard and I always see myself being like him; the way that he uses hesitation and the between the leg dribble. He's explosive and can do it all."

HV- What’s the most annoying or creative heckling you have heard in any Big Ten arena?

TJ- "A lot of stuff about my dad, believe me. But I’ve heard that forever so it’s rare I hear anything new. There was this one lady at Indiana after we beat them. It was after the game and I was walking off the court and she was just sitting there on the sidelines. I was walking off the court and apparently I was smiling, even though I wasn't aware of it, and she said, “There’s nothing to be smiling at!” It caught me off guard and I thought, “Why are you so mad?” That’s one thing that comes to mind. Fans always say “Jimmy’s better!’ (laughing) but I’m so focused on the game I don’t even pay attention except at maybe at a dead ball."

Just when we think Dennis Rodman's drag phase is over, he steps out on the red carpet and proves us wrong.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Rodman is probably the first drag queen ambassador in the history of the world.

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

Link

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

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

Naturally, the rumor mill has been working overtime.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Dirk Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks winning the 2011 NBA title dispatching the best the league has to offer is a great thing. In the same way that Tim Duncan’s Spurs and Hakeem’s Rockets won, a new team winning the title refreshes the competition instead of regulating to the same franchises consisting around the Lakers and Celtics. The matchup gets stale unless you are a Lakers or Celtic fan. The faces are different, but the same teams remain. Green is green. Yellow is yellow. It’s like watching a bad film going through several remakes. You just have to wonder why.