The Puerto Rican league, which starts its 30-game season in March, pays its stars about $20,000 a month, plus living expenses, sources said. The league’s commissioner is selling Iverson on the chance to work his way back to a possible return to the NBA.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Allen Iverson may soon have a job playing basketball -just not in the league or country he’d like.

Reports indicate a team in the Puerto Rican league is considering offering a contract to the future member of the Hall of Fame.

This is the latest sign the once-mighty Iverson is no longer relevant and/or meaningful. He’s a name, a marketing draw for some second-rate team in a fifth-rate league .

Sadly, Iverson only has himself to blame. He was given several opportunities to accept a role and prolong his career as a second-unit game-changer in the NBA.

Except his pride got in the way -in Detroit and Memphis. Then his personal issues became overwhelming in Philadelphia.

Now Iverson is willing to be a supporting piece, but no NBA team is interested. And his proud career is ending in the worst possible way.

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

Allen Iverson, who sources indicated the Lakers had some interest in as long as he was willing to go to the NBA Developmental League for a few weeks first, is not the answer. He's simply not a point guard. The Lakers are also said to be interested in former Toronto Raptors point guard Rafer Alsotn, who helped the Orlando Magic reach the NBA Finals in 2009. But who knows if that will materialize into anything?

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: According to the rumor mill, Gilbert Arenas is no longer ‘The Answer’ to the Los Angeles Lakers’ point guard woes.

Reports indicate the purple-and-gold may think Allen Iverson is ‘The Answer’ -if he`ll report to their D-League affiliate for a conditioning stint.

A few things worth noting:

First, Iverson to the Lakers was first reported by ESPN scribe Stephen A. Smith, who has a personal and professional relationship with the former MVP from their time in Philadelphia.

So consider the source, and ask if Stephen A. is tossing Iverson a solid and keeping him relevant by even suggesting the Lakers had interest?

Second, Iverson always refused a bench role. He wouldn’t do it for Detroit. And he wouldn’t do it for Memphis. Worst of all, he wouldn’t do it for a contender.

It’s hard to believe he’d report to the D-League under any circumstances -even if there was the chance of joining the Lakers.

Third, Smith is right. Kobe and company need a pass-first point guard, not a shooting guard in a point guard’s body and big personality like Iverson.

The Answer’ isn’t the answer for the Lakers’ woes.   

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

Jorge Hernandez was certain Allen Iverson would put basketball on the map in Venezuela—up until this morning. Hernandez, co-owner of Guaros de Lara in the Venezuelan League, was to introduce Iverson today as the team’s new point guard. Playing alongside Smush Parker, Iverson would bring unprecedented attention to Guaros.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Can’t play in the United States; can’t play outside of the United States. What a predicament.

Right now, for a variety of reasons, Allen Iverson isn’t playing basketball. No NBA team will sign the former MVP because he won’t report to the D-League, while legal problems are preventing him from leaving the U.S. to play abroad.

This is sad. However, Iverson only has himself to blame.

Years ago, Iverson should have reinvented himself as a second-unit game-changer. His pride and ego were too great for such a change.

For instance, he sulked in Detroit and Memphis when they asked him to come off the bench. And his return to Philadelphia was a flop, too.

So Iverson is in limbo. Who knows if he ever plays again.

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


 

Hawks forward Tracy McGrady’s private frustrations over his playing time finally boiled over after he played just 4:39 during the 97-77 loss to the Blazers late Saturday. “I’m tired of this [bleep],” McGrady said. “You can put that in the paper, I don’t give a [bleep].”McGrady didn’t play after halftime against the Blazers. He didn’t dress for Atlanta’s 101-99 victory at Phoenix Thursday but said it was his decision to rest for the second game of a back-to-back. Against the Blazers, McGrady never returned after Marvin Williams replaced him with 7:21 left in the first half.

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HoopVibe’s Very Quick Call: Nothing has changed. Tracy McGrady is still about one person: himself.

The former All-Star, who is on the back-end of a mixed career, is complaining to reporters about his playing time with the Atlanta Hawks. 

McGrady was signed in mid-December by Atlanta to come off the bench, spell the starters, and provide depth.

His play has been mixed, so coach Larry Drew recently cut McGrady’s minutes, which prompted his outburst.

It seems the lanky swing still struggles with professionalism. After all, he complained in Houston, Orlando, and Toronto, and led an all-out revolt last year in Detroit.

Atlanta was his chance to show he could play a role and contribute to a playoff contender.

Well, so much for that idea. Nothing has changed with McGrady. He’s about himself, and always will be.

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

The Los Angeles Clippers are tired of seeing Blake Griffin take hard fouls and have vowed to protect their All-Star forward if it continues. "I feel like people are intentionally trying to hurt him," Clippers center DeAndre Jordan said. "It'll all come back around."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: One Los Angeles Clipper, DeAndre Jordan, gets it. They must fight back.

For months, opponents have subjected superstar, franchise face, and NBA glamour boy Blake Griffin to hard fouls with little to no fear of retaliation from his Clipper teammates.

The 2011 Sprite Slam Dunk champ faces such tactics for two reasons. First, it sometimes throws him off. And two, opponents hit him with a hard foul to prevent him dropping a grand facial on their dome (you know exactly what we’re talking about).

Old time basketball is one thing. Fans of the Detroit ‘Bad Boys’ or those old Anthony Mason Knick squads have no issue with a wee donnybrook breaking out at an NBA game. The problem has been that the Clippers haven’t defended their star teammate by returning the hard foul when opponents drive the lane.

Part of this is personality. The Clippers are a young, loose bunch. Their focus has often been in question; many like star table-setter Chris Paul seem to enjoy the glitz of Los Angeles.

Part of this is on-court style. The Clippers are a fast, lively bunch who excel when in the open-court tossing each other highlight reel alley-oops.

Credit Jordan for stepping up and talking about sending a message. With the grind-it-out playoffs around the corner, he and the Clippers must do far more than talk, though.

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

Blake is 6-10 and what, 240 or something? He’s a big boy. He should know how to defend himself out there,’ Evans said.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The NBA has an unwritten rule called ‘Know Your Place’.

This rule is simple: a scrub like Reggie Evans can’t publicly call out a superstar like Blake Griffin.

Did Mike Smrek ever bust Magic Johnson’s chops to the L.A. Times? Did Stacey King ever tell the world that Michael Jordan should stand up to Rick Mahorn, Bill Laimbeer, and the Detroit Pistons? Mark Madsen replied ‘yes sir’ to every request from Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal. 

Evans should consider precedence before going on the record with his criticism of Blake-Zilla. Of course, the journeyman is right. Griffin should defend himself. Just like Evans and every other Clipper should defend him, too.

Such a conversation should happen behind closed doors in the the locker room. Instead, it’s gone viral, which is the worst scenario for all involved.

Media and fans will be watching every time an opponent raises a hand to Griffin. And the only thing these young Clipper needs to be worrying about is the playoffs.

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

Pistons Trade Gordon and a first-round pick to Charlotte.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call:

Former Pistons "Bad Boy" and sworn Michael Jordan hater John Salley claimed this week Jordan wasn't even one of the top five players he ever played against and that LeBron was better.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: All these recent anti-Jordan comments by NBA personalities really speaks to the phenomenal year of basketball LeBron just completed.

After losing their first three games of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers finally managed to get a win.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  The season has only just begun, but the Lakers definitely started off worse than expected.

Sacramento Kings rookie, Thomas Robinson, will be suspended for the next two games.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Robinson made a rookie mistake by letting his temper get the best of him.

On Friday, Joakim Noah anchored a win over the Detroit Pistons with a 30 point, 23 rebound performance.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: No Matter what he does on the floor, he will still be as hated as any player in the league.

Each year, the NBA playoffs produce memorable moments.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: When the stakes were highest, "Zeke" and "MJ" answered the bell- who was better?

According to ABC 7 in Detroit, the Pistons have contacted Brian Shaw about an interview for their vacant head coaching position.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call:  Why in the world hasn't Shaw gotten a head coaching job yet? 

As a player, Shaw advanced to four NBA Finals- one with the Orlando Magic in 1996 and three with the Lakers (2001-2003), winning all three as a Laker. He won two more titles as an assistant coach with the Lakers.
So, it isn't like he doesn't know how to win.

In addition to the Finals appearances, Shaw played with some great players throughout his career. As a first round draft pick of the Boston Celtics, he was teammates with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Dennis Johnson, learning the game from some of the all-time greats.

From there he moved onto the Miami Heat and played alongside Glen Rice and Steve Smith. He then joined Orlando, joining Shaquille O'Neal and Anfernee Hardaway, becoming a mentor to the latter. From there he went to the Lakers and was a key reserve on their championship squads before becoming an assistant coach and learning from possibly the greatest coach ever, Phil Jackson.

So, it's not like he doesn't know how to work with big egos and be successful.

And even now that he's been an assistant coach with the Pacers for two seasons, there still is no clear answer as to why he has been passed over so many times. At least not one that makes sense.

After the Lakers hired Mike Brown instead of him, Shaw was as perplexed as anyone.

"All the speculation and what I've heard, the powers making those decisions felt like the team needed a change of culture and a new voice, and head in a new direction," Shaw said. "I thought that was kind of peculiar because in the 12 years I'd been there, all we had done was gone to the championship seven times and won five championships.

I felt like there were 29 other teams in the league that would love to have that kind of culture and that kind of direction."

Brian Shaw should be a head coach in the NBA. A year from now, Joe Dumars could look really smart.

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.

We went through the NBA MVP Criteria and the GOAT player criteria. Those were easy to do, but this is the toughest to sift through. What are the greatest teams ever assembled besides the 1992 Olympic Dream Team? Where do we start? I am pretty sure that this has been done before by other writers and analysts, but I will keep it simple without the discussion devolving in to “playing era” talk. Punching numbers in to a system to calculate outcomes between great teams do not work. And basketball videogames are not the answer either.

The Quick Hit: For years, almost everything Joe Dumars touched turned to gold.

After all, the Hall of Fame shooting guard turned General Manager built the Detroit Pistons into a perennial contender, model franchise, and World Champion by giving underappreciated players an opportunity.

Former #Celtics F Rasheed Wallace is "real interested" in the #Bulls, source close to Wallace tells #CSNNE.com. Chi has some reservations.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Rasheed Wallace has interest in the Chicago Bulls, however, the feeling may not be mutual.

Wallace, once a premier power forward in the NBA, is looking to come out of retirement and join a contender for a title run.

On paper, the Bulls could use Wallace. He defends, has championship experience, and would provide another option on the block and perimeter.

The reality would be more complicated. The Bulls are a young, impressionable bunch, and Wallace's temperament and affinity for collecting technical fouls (see video) might not be the best influence.

For instance, Wallace excelled on experienced teams like Boston and Detroit, where Celtic and Piston veterans like Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton and Ben Wallace kept him in line.

The younger Bulls, even though they recently signed Hamilton, lack veterans. So expect them to pass on ‘Sheed.

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

You know things were looking weird in Detroit when general manager Joe Dumars was rumored to be looking at other GM jobs around the league. His prized signing of Ben Gordon did not go as planned and Charlie Villanueva ended up coming off the bench. Ben Gordon was utilized the same way. Dumars signed Gordon to roughly $58 million and Villanueva to $37.7 million. That’s about $95.7 million for two bench guys.

Sources with knowledge of the Bulls free-agency plans confirmed to CSNChicago.com Friday evening that the Bulls are targeting recently waived veteran shooting guard Rip Hamilton. The organization's pursuit of the longtime Piston was first reported by the Chicago Tribune.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This was long overdue.

Once upon a time, Rip Hamilton was an All-Star two-guard for the Detroit Pistons, however, his career went sideways once the team traded Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson.

At the time, GM Joe Dumars needed stability, so he extended Hamilton with a multi- year contract for well over $30 million.

This was a mistake. A bad signing for team and player. The two-guard couldn’t handle losing, feuding with coaches, teammates, and management.

For instance, Hamilton led the Pistons in rebelling against former coach John Kuester, which included boycotting practice and laughing when the sideline boss got ejected from a game. There were other transgressions.

Years back, Hamilton should have played out his contract, hit free agency, and joined a contender as a third or fourth scoring option -like the Chicago Bulls.

Hamilton will take the scoring pressure off 2011 MVP Derrick Rose and often-injured post Carlos Boozer. He’ll also hold his own defensively.

The only problem with this signing is that it’s happening too late.

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

"I think that the Bulls should be very busy, they should look at Rip Hamilton who may be released from Detroit," Gill said. "Vince Carter is an older player, but still has a lot left in the tank. The Bulls need an upgrade at 2-guard, which Vince Carter can fill."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Memo to the Chicago Bulls. Don’t sign Vince Carter -even if he’s available at a low wage.

Yes, the Chicago Bulls need a scorer to take pressure off 2011 MVP Derrick Rose, however, Carter is not the answer.

The former Slam Dunk Champ’ and All-Star is no longer Half-Man, Half Amazing. The days of Kenny Smith screaming ‘it’s ova’ have passed.

Remember, Carter flopped with Orlando, and lost his starting job to the solid-but-hardly spectacular Jared Dudely in Phoenix.

So, what could Carter offer Chicago?

Well, not much. The once athletic swing is too much of a perimeter player, often refusing to attack the basket and settling for low percentage fade-aways.

The Bulls would be better off pouncing on Rip Hamilton once he’s waived by the Detroit Pistons as part of the amnesty provision in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Hamilton, provided he's happy, can score and is an upgrade over Carter on defense.

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

With Rajon Rondo locked in as the Celtics point guard and Ray Allen as the shooting guard, Iverson’s role would likely be as a scorer off the bench. In Detroit and Memphis, he created issues because he demanded to start.  “I think that is so overplayed,’’ Moore said. “He said it on more than one occasion. And I’ve always known that. I think it was taken out of context. Allen would accept any role. Anything he can do to help a ball team is what he will be able to do.’

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s sad. Really, it is.

Allen Iverson should have done this years ago. Instead of swallowing his pride and ego and playing a role for a contender, Iverson had to be ‘The Guy’.

He had to have shots. He had to have touches. He had to be option one. And he ran himself right out the NBA because he acted like 2009 was 1999.

The Philadelphia 76ers traded him. Same with the Denver Nuggets. The Detroit Pistons let him quit. The Memphis Grizzlies released him. And the 76ers allowed him to disappear after re-signing him.

This whirlwind of mediocrity could have been avoided if Iverson did  what he’s doing now: re-invent himself as a second-unit game-changer.

Once upon a time, this would have worked. ‘The Greatest Little Man Ever’ coming off the bench for a contender and lighting up reserves.

The San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, and other contenders would have had interest. Best of all, the end of Iverson’s career would have been spent playing meaningful basketball in May and June.

But he wouldn’t do it. He wouldn’t put the collective before himself. Fair or not, right or wrong, he validated some of the accusations of being a selfish player.

Now Iverson’s people are reduced to begging. And it may be too late to rekindle what may have been.

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

Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea, a first-time free agent whenever the NBA lockout is lifted, strongly believes he will be back to defend the franchise’s first championship. “If you want to go by percentages, I think 75 percent I’ll be back in Dallas and 25 percent something else happens,” Barea said, now back home in Puerto Rico after a bid to qualify for the 2012 Olympics fell painfully short with a semifinals loss to host country Argentina at the FIBA Americas Tournament. “… My first option is going to be Dallas.”

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HoopsVibe’s very Quick Call: The Microwave 2.0 is pretty confident he’ll re-sign with the Dallas Mavericks.

Recently, J.J. Barea, also known as the reincarnation of Detroit great Vinnie Johnson, told ESPN he’s 75% sure he’ll re-up with Mark Cuban and the world champion Mavericks when the lockout ends.

This is huge.

Barea is a versatile scorer, capable of coming-off-bench and changing the flow of the game or serving as a spot-starter and creating mismatches in the backcourt.

Either way, the Mavericks will need Barea if they are to repeat as champions.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Dan asked if he was going to introduce him before the game, what position would he say. “You’d say at point guard,” Westbrook said. “That’s my natural position.”

Dan asked why Westbrook thought he was criticized so much last season for not being a true point guard. ’I really don’t know. That comes along with playing in this league,” Westbrook said.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The great Chuck Daly believed the turning point for the Detroit Pistons was when Isiah Thomas decided he'd sacrifice his individual numbers for the collective good of the team.

Thomas could have easily averaged 25-30 points per game, however, his lofty scoring average made it difficult for the Pistons to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

The Pistons only evolved from good to great to two-time champion once Thomas scaled back his individual numbers and engaged his much-improved supporting cast.

Now Russell Westbrook is not Thomas, the Hall of Fame point guard. And his Oklahoma City Thunder are not the Detroit Pistons of the late eighties.

Like Thomas, Westbrook, a score-first point guard, must decide if he too will sacrifice. After all, he looked for his own offence at the expense of teammates during last year's playoff, which led to coach Scott Brooks pulling him in key situations.

That said, it’s a positive that Westbrook considers point guard his 'natural' position, and hopefully he has decided to set-the-table for teammates.

--Oly Sandor.

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

If the Heat cannot sign preferred choices Shane Battier, Grant Hill or Tayshaun Prince postlockout, Miami will consider Michael Redd and Tracy McGrady, among others.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Would the ‘Three Kings’ welcome a king turned pawn in Tracy McGrady to South Beach?  

Well, the Miami Heat may have interest in McGrady, but only if - and this is a massive if - he agrees to a supporting role next to Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.

The former All-Star would have to accept that the ‘T-Mac’ era is done and become the player he was at the start of his career with the Toronto Raptors.

Up north he used athleticism, length, and quickness to complement Vince Carter, who was then the league’s fastest rising superstar.

Back then McGrady defended any and every situation. He locked opponents down; he helped teammates; and he pressed and trapped in the open court.

McGrady also stuffed the stat-sheet. He collected assists, rebounds, and steals; doing the all-important little things to help right the Raptors' fortunes.

Finally, McGrady can’t be ‘That Guy’. He can’t be the veteran malcontent that complained and bragged in Orlando and Houston, and was partly responsible for sabotaging Detroit’s 2010-11 season.

If he’s humble, if he’s hungry, and if he takes another contract for the minimum, then McGrady may land in Miami when the lockout ends.

The alternative is to keep clinging to the ‘T-Mac’ identity and finish his career playing meaningless basketball.

--Oly Sandor.

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

After interviewing Rick Adelman and Don Nelson over the weekend, the Timberwolves intend to interview Larry Brown and possibly one or two others in this first phase to replace fired coach Kurt Rambis.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It makes some sense -more than hiring Don Nelson, at least.

Larry Brown is best when spreading his ‘Play The Right Way’ mantra amongst a young, impressionable group. After all, Brown considers himself a teacher of the game, and clearly he suffers for his students.

Well, the Minnesota Timberwolves are young and impressionable. They've won just 32 games since 2009, so Brown’s message would, at least initially, hold weight.

The on-court dynamic would be fine -for a while. The off-court end of things sounds dicey.

Yes, Wolves GM David Kahn has known Brown since their days at UCLA. In fact, Kahn considers Brown a mentor, who guided him as a young, impressionable reporter on the west coast.

This is a problem. Brown, to be effective on the sideline, needs a strong counterweight in the front office, who can laugh off his idiosyncrasies, worrying, and perfectionist nature.

There was the legendary Donnie Walsh in Indiana. There was the enthusiastic Pat Croce in Philadelphia. And there was Joe Dumars, who at the time still possessed his magical touch in Detroit.

This trio knew when to listen and when to ignore Brown. Not surprisingly, this formula worked in Indiana, Philadelphia, and Detroit.

Kahn is already a disaster. He would misread, misquote, and mishandle Brown, which, in turn, would have a negative impact on those young, impressionable, and talented players.

The nomad sideline boss isn’t right for the Wolves. But this is about Kahn's inadequacies, not Brown's.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown has an interest in joining Doc Rivers’ Boston Celtics staff as an assistant coach, assuming Lawrence Frank accepts the Detroit Pistons' head coaching job, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Larry Brown has burned more bridges than a pyromaniac serving a five year bid at Sing, Sing prison in upstate New York.

Brown is the nomad coach. When the going gets tough, he gets going. Or when he thinks the grass is greener on the other side, he goes to the other side.

Just ask the Charlotte Bobcats and Los Angeles Clippers or the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks or the Philadelphia 76ers and those same Pistons.

Of course, this doesn't stop Brown from demanding his players 'Play The Right Way'. It doesn't matter that he's doing the opposite in front of them.

Despite the hypocrisy, Brown can teach youngsters. Unfortunately, the Boston Celtics are a veteran crew. Old heads like Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce won’t want to deal with the overbearing, impatient, and frustrating Brown.

Celtics head coach ‘Doc’ Rivers won’t be particularly enthused with Brown’s idiosyncrasies either -especially if he’s only using the defensive coordinator gig to showcase himself for a head coaching job.

Rivers and the Celtics should avoid Brown. He’ll burn them like he has so many other teams.

--Oly Sandor.

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

“I just want to do whatever an organization wants me to do,” Iverson said. “Everybody made a big thing about me not wanting to come off the bench, but I said that at that point because it never happened to me in my life and it was something new to me, and obviously I didn’t know how to handle it. But to be back on the biggest stage is my whole thing and I feel like I have a couple more years left in my career and I want to play. I sat through and watched the whole season and it was tough for me. Now I just try to do what I have to do to be physically and mentally able to get back on the stage.”

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It's hard to take Allen Iverson at his word. It's hard to believe he'd play a role.

Iverson refused to come off the bench and play behind Rip Hamilton, a long-time cog for some strong Detroit Pistons teams. Motown quickly became a fiasco.

Iverson, despite missing training camp with leg ailments, threw a fit when Memphis Grizzlies Coach Lionel Hollins didn't start him. The club released him one week into the 2009-10 season.

Iverson had an up-and-down second-stint with the Philadelphia 76ers. His run in Turkey was cut short by injuries. In both stops, there were reports of personal issues that have not been resolved.

So there's little or no evidence to suggest Iverson could handle being a reserve, could handle fluctuating minutes, could handle getting a few shots per night. Then there's his baggage.

Of course, one of the NBA's greatest little men deserved better. Iverson refused to transition gracefully. He refused to sign with a contender, say San Antonio or Boston, and become a second unit game-changer.

Instead, it was all about Iverson –even when his career was fading. His stubbornness, that intangible that once made him great, will likely cost Iverson a chance to show us he has changed.

--Oly Sandor.

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

If he was willing to accept a bench role, the Celtics could find minutes to utilize his skill set and really allow him to thrive without the weight of having to be pre-2007 McGrady.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Would he accept a role?

Tracy McGrady heading to the Boston Celtics sounds good, however, there's the risk the former superstar won't accept less minutes, less shots, and less touches with Doc Rivers' squad.

After all, McGrady still, to some extent, believes he's 'T-Mac', the seven-time All-Star and two-time scoring champ. Last year McGrady, despite being past-his-prime, acted like a spoiled first-option and undermined Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester.  

Such behaviour would never fly in Boston. He'd have to check his ego. He'd have to sit and watch his peers –veteran stars like Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce – play. And he'd have to come off-the-bench.

In short, he'd have to become a professional. Nothing else would be tolerated by Rivers and GM Danny Ainge.

Of course, there is an alternative. McGrady can sign with another rebuilding squad and try parlaying the extra minutes and extra shots into a final, decent-money contract.

That would mean more meaningless basketball, though. In fourteen seasons, McGrady has never made the second round –ever. There was the choke-job with Orlando; there were tears in Houston.

Hopefully, McGrady has pride. Hopefully, he considers Boston. Hopefully, he becomes a professional –if he signs. It's not too late to salvage what he can.

--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.

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"Just give me a training camp," he said. "Maybe I've rubbed people the wrong way as far as saying the things I've said in my life and in my career. But if any team needs me to help try and win a championship in any capacity, I'm waiting."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Allen Iverson is like the boxer who hung on past his prime.

Currently, Iverson is out the NBA and plying his trade in Turkey before injury ended his overseas experiment prematurely. While Europe is good, the NBA is better. And Iverson is positioning himself to get a training camp invite.

Here’s the problem: Iverson, if healthy and focused, won’t play a role.

He won’t come off the bench. He won’t serve as a reserve. And he won’t defer. It’s not in his nature. Instead, he’ll demand minutes. He’ll demand touches. And he’ll demand to start.

Like with the Detroit Pistons. And like with the Memphis Grizzlies.

This is, after all, Iverson. The combo guard is stuck in a time warp, believing he still resembles the player who won the regular season MVP a decade ago. This perception clashes with the reality that Iverson is no longer The Answer.         

He deserved a better ending. One of the game’s greatest little men of all time should be celebrated, not hanging on too long. 

Iverson has nobody to blame but himself for his current fate, though.

--Oly Sandor.

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John Kuester will not be returning to the Pistons as head coach, according to sources. Kuester has posted a 57-107 mark in his two years in Detroit. Kuester seemed to have a personality clash with Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, Tayshaun Prince and Tracy McGrady.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: John Kuester didn’t deserve to keep his job as coach of the Detroit Pistons. He did, however, deserve to be treated better.

After all, the players crapped on their sideline boss, viewing him as a career assistant who didn’t deserve to sit in the big chair.

From day one Kuester didn’t have their respect. Veteran Rip Hamilton chewed him out in front of the team. Several players boycotted practice. And many of those same players were caught laughing on camera when he got ejected from a game.

Kuester was part of the problem. Clearly, there were others.

It starts with GM Joe Dumars, who has lost his touch. The roster he assembled is flawed, dysfunctional, and overmatched.

Fortunately, the Pistons have new owners. So Kuester won’t be the only change.

--Oly Sandor.

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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.

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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.

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Tracy McGrady: 'Bron is a star!. Huge potential. MJ best ever.''

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Tracy McGrady knows about being a star with 'huge potential'.

Once upon a time, he was a terrific scorer for the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets; however, he failed to lead either team past the first round of the playoffs.

Now he’s past his prime. Injuries have taken its toll. And he’s a problem.

For instance, McGrady led a players’ revolt in Detroit last year. And the veteran laughed when Coach John Kuester was ejected. Thankfully, his career is winding down.

His call on James is accurate, though. Right now, he can’t touch Michael Jordan, the greatest player of all time. One day they may be in the same breath.

McGrady has had a mixed career, but this was one thing he got right.

--Oly Sandor.

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

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“I see myself playing five more years,’’ McGrady said. That might not be easy for McGrady, a 14-year veteran who turns 32 in May. He has a lot of wear and tear on his body, something he said came from all those years of having to carry the Magic and Rockets.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Tracy McGrady could easily float his way through the NBA for another five years.

He could bounce from irrelevant destination to irrelevant destination, getting minutes as a reserve and spot starter.

Hopefully, he’s learned from his experience with the Detroit Pistons. Hopefully, he’s learned playing for a mediocre franchise isn’t much fun. And hopefully, McGrady will sign on for the minimum with a contender and agree to play a role.

McGrady will never again be T-Mac, the 30 points per game superstar of the past. But he can still use his length, passing ability, and athleticism to facilitate and defend for teammates.

In short, McGrady needs to hit up Classic ESPN and watch highlights of his time with the Toronto Raptors. Back then, he was a very good complementary player.

Of course, McGrady was willing to play a secondary role. And it remains to be seen if he’d do it again –even if it meant getting to play meaningful basketball for a contender.

--Oly Sandor

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

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“Tracy McGrady was 1,000 hours of practice,” Van Gundy said to laughter from the audience. “He should be a Hall of Fame player. His talent was other-worldly. He was given a great leg up in the race against other players. He’s as close as I’ve ever seen to someone with a perfect body and a good mind.”

'Is your mom going to Boston for Valentine's Day?'” the heckler repeated, sounding both thrilled that he had an audience with LeBron and intimidated by the moment.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Those would be fighting words.

Yesterday, HoopsVibe News reported that Miami Heat superstar LeBron James warned a Detroit Pistons fan not to ‘be disrespectful’.

What the fan said to draw James’ ire was unknown. James, who has a fairly thick skin when on-court, was visibly shaken by by the incident.

Well, today we found out.

The fan referenced a rumor about James’ mother having an affair with former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate Delonte West, who now plays for the Boston Celtics.

This line isn’t new to James. It may or may not bother him. However, his kids where at The Palace in Auburn Hills and he didn’t want them hearing rumors about their grandmother and West. So he stepped up.

Fair enough.

(Audience discretion is advised.)

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Love was caught off-guard.

Before last night’s game against the Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Kurt Rambis invited the cameras into his locker room.

Rambis wanted to tell Love he was an All-Star. The NBA’s rebounding leader had been named as a replacement for injured center Yao Ming, who the fans voted in.

The personable Love was at a loss for words, which amused Bill Laimbeer, the former Detroit Pistons great who is currently an assistant coach with the Timberwolves.

Watch Love’s reaction and tell us if you think he should be an All-Star in the comment box below..

--Oly Sandor.  
 

With a belief the injured Allen Iverson won't return this season, Besiktas of Turkey tried and failed to sign Sundiata Gaines, sources say.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is this his final answer?

Reports indicate Allen ‘The Answer’ Iverson won’t return to his Turkish club team this season because of a leg injury. Of course, next year has to be in doubt, too.

However, the real issue is whether Iverson retires or keeps trudging along, seeking a job overseas as a way to land one final audition with an NBA team.

The last few years have been tough on Iverson. There was his messy divorce with the Philadelphia 76ers; he and Carmelo Anthony never met expectations with the Denver Nuggets; Detroit and Memphis was a disaster; and his reunion with the 76ers was mixed.

Before getting injured, Iverson was having a mediocre season with a somewhat competitive Turkish squad.

Perhaps Iverson is at fault for the way his career is ending. But one of the greatest little men to ever play basketball deserves better than this.

--Oly Sandor.

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Allen Iverson: An MRI has revealed a legion that is in my right leg and pressing against the bone. I am coming home for further examinations and possibly surgery. I have never said anything about retirement.

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Hoops Vibe’s Very Quick Call: It should not end like this. Allen Iverson, the greatest little man to ever play basketball, deserves better.

Far better, in fact.

Iverson has left the Turkish club he had been playing for to have a legion removed on his leg. He will be in the United States indefinitely.

He insists this is not the end of the line, though. Like a heavyweight boxer holding on for a final payday, he wants to return. After all, there is another year and $2 million dollars waiting for him in Turkey.

However, Iverson’s last few situations have not ended well. He was run out of Detroit; he quit on Memphis after three games; and had to leave Philadelphia for personal reasons.

And now his body gave out on him while playing for a mediocre European squad.

Perhaps Iverson should it call a day and retire. Perhaps he was never meant to have a happy ending.

-Oly Sandor.

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

The Nets are "further along" in talks with the Nuggets on a blockbuster trade for Carmelo Anthony than they have been ever before, according to sources. A three-team deal involving the Pistons that would include at least 15 players could be completed as soon as this week.

Two sources confirmed to CBSSports.com Friday night that the Nets were trying to recruit the Pistons to enter a blockbuster three-team scenario in which New Jersey would've gotten Anthony and Chauncey Billups from the Nuggets and Richard Hamilton from the Pistons. The complicated and intriguing scenario was first reported by the The Record of Hackensack, N.J. 

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Not long ago, GM Joe Dumars was confident he could rebuild his Detroit Pistons on the fly.

The plan was simple enough: trade Chauncey Billups’ multi-year contract for Allen Iverson’s expiring contract; let Iverson’s contract come off-the-books; and ink a big-ticket free agent.

Then Detroit would be back. They’d have the horses to beat the Boston Celtics and win another championship.

Well, the plan never materialized. Instead of landing a big-ticket free agent, Dumars signed underachievers like Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. And instead of rebuilding on the fly, the Pistons have gotten worse.

They’re part of the Carmelo Anthony sweepstakes. Only they aren’t competing for Anthony, the big-ticket piece they supposedly covet. They’ve been relegated to third team status.

Reports indicate the Pistons’ involvement will allow the Nets to get Anthony, and former Piston Billups, who Dumars originally dealt to the Denver Nuggets for Iverson three years ago.

Things have come full circle for Piston-nation. Rebuilding on the fly didn’t work. Now Dumars must tear the team he built down and start all over.

--Oly Sandor.

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“For the rest of the time that I’m playing, I want to be playing for something,” Billups said. “I want to be trying to win a championship. I’m not the kind of guy who is just going to ride his career out, say, ‘I’ll play as long as I can and whatever happens, happens.’ No, that’s not me. I want to play for something. I want to play for the whole thing.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Memo to the Denver Nuggets. If you trade Carmelo Anthony, you’d better trade Chauncey Billups, too.

For the last few weeks, the Internet has been buzzing with speculation the Nuggets will deal ‘Melo and rebuild. And the thinking was Billups – the good soldier and hometown boy – would stick around to mentor the youngsters.

Think again.

Billups, even at 34, has plenty in the odometer. Remember, he never got regular minutes during his first five seasons in the NBA. And the veteran table-setter was traded several times before settling with the Detroit Pistons.

So Billups, while he still can, wants to compete for championships. Starting over isn’t an option.      

Trading Anthony will only be the start for the Nuggets. They’ll likely have to move Billups – their heart and soul – too.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Pistons forward Charlie Villanueva has been preparing himself for a starting role this summer. Jonas Jerebko appears to be the odds-on favorite to be Detroit's starting small forward, but Villanueva plans on challenging for the job. "That's my mentality – to be a starter," Villanueva said.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s a delicate balance for Charlie Villanueva.

On the one hand, it’s a positive that Charlie ‘V’ wants to start. The forward surely wants to redeem himself after his poor 2010, and prove he’s worth the five-year, $35 million free agent pact he signed.

On the other hand, Villanueva’s individual goals may get in the way of the Detroit Pistons’ goal of improving. And Ben Gordon, Rip Hamilton, Tracy McGrady, and Tayshaun Prince are preparing for comeback campaigns of their own.

There are only so many shots. And there are only so many minutes.   

With Gordon, Hamilton, and T-Mac looking to score, Villanueva may not get many opportunities. And the former Connecticut Husky isn`t much good unless he`s filling up the bucket.

Perhaps Villanueva should reconsider what he wants to achieve in 2011. This would be good for him and the Pistons.

--Oly Sandor.

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"I'm not changing anything," McGrady said at his introductory news conference on Aug. 16. "I'm only 31 years old. I'm not 44 or 41. ... I might not be dunking on anybody like I used to, but I'm going to put the ball in the hole. Who was that, (Mehmet) Okur, I dunked on in '03? I might not be doing stuff like that ... but I still can put it in the hole."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I appreciate his confidence.

After being written off by fans, journalists, and franchises, Tracy McGrady has an axe to grind. He’s desperate to prove he’s T-Mac, the high-flying scorer of years past.

And this could present problems. At times, McGrady can still embarrass opposing defenses and fill up the hoop. To salvage his career he must change. He must do other things.

For instance, in Toronto, McGrady was a stat-stuffer. His length, athleticism, and desire allowed him to block shots, rebound, and post multiple steals per game. He was also a decent passer.

Today, McGrady is much older and less athletic. While he can’t be that Scottie Pippen type of player, he must do more than score. He must try to be a well-rounded player.

If he just worries about scoring, he’ll post numbers on a bad Detroit team, but no contender will sign him next summer when he hits free agency.

--Oly Sandor.

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``My game this season will do all the talking I need to do now,'' McGrady told FanHouse Friday when reached on his cell phone. "There's no need for me to say anything else at this point.''

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Having a chip on your shoulder is never a bad thing, but Tracy McGrady must channel his emotions.

If McGrady treats the Detroit Pistons’ system like an all-you-can-shoot-buffet, if he believes the season is all about his redemption, if he demands a set amount of minutes, touches, and field goal attempts, then this chip is a negative.

However, if McGrady facilitates for others, if he uses his length, size, and athleticism to defend, if he stuffs the stat-sheet like when he was with the Toronto Raptors, then this chip is a positive.

Bottom line: McGrady may never find his past form. He must accept this. He must move on. He must play a role for Detroit.

If he can do this successfully, a contender may consider him as a sixth-man, game-changer for 2012.

Then his career will have been salvaged. And then the chip on his shoulder will have been a positive.

--Oly Sandor.

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Magic Johnson expressed interest Friday in being part of a group that buys the Pistons or at least in joining his hometown team in a front-office capacity.

Johnson is currently a minority owner of the Lakers.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: In 1979, Magic Johnson brought life to the struggling Los Angeles Lakers. In 2011, he may do the same for the Detroit Pistons.

Of course, the situations are different. Johnson played for the Lakers; he'd own and run the Pistons.

This would be ideal for Motown. Johnson is from nearby Lansing, played with the Michigan State Spartans, and has the resources/contacts to invest in a poor city that has been hard hit by the recession.

The Pistons also need a new set of eyes in the front office. Executive Joe Dumars has lost his touch, showing too much loyalty to veterans from the 2004 World Champion team and overpaying mediocre free agents.

It's time to blow things up. It's time to start over. Frankly, Dumars isn't up for the job. Hopefully, Magic - if he successfully purchases the Pistons - has the stomach to hire a new architect to rebuild.

--Oly Sandor.

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