HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Jeremy Lin world tour continues with much fanfare.
Yesterday, the Harvard alum' crossed-up former first overall pick John Wall, threw down a fierce jam, and hit Knick teammate Tyson Chandler with a chest bump that was more Rucker Park than Ivy League.
Watch the video and tell us if you believe in Lin.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
John Wall steps out with some serious arm candy and we have some scandalous pictures of her slamming body.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If Rosa Acosta isn't the NBA's #1 WAG I don't know who is.
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Looking at the current NBA player injury report, it almost seems like every team is missing one (or in some unfortunate cases, a few) key players.
Hoopsvibe's quick call: Injuries certainly aren't ideal, but every team has to deal with them.
Here are few that are currently being dealt with:
Avery Bradley, shoulder, Boston Celtics
According to reports, Bradley will be out for another few weeks, at least until mid-December. While he's currently traveling with the team and working on his jump shot during warmups, he is not participating in full contact drills. The Celtics can't wait to get Bradley back, as he's earned a reputation for being an extremely talented perimeter defender.
Derrick Rose, knee, Chicago Bulls
After suffering that gruesome slash heartbreaking knee injury in the first round of the playoffs last year, (an injury that essentially took them out of NBA Finals contention), Rose is still in recovery mode. He's set to return mid-January but due to the nature of his injury, will take more time to heal if necessary. As much as the Bulls want their franchise player back in the lineup, they are not going to rush his recovery. The good news is Rose just recently began cutting in practice. The bad news is, with Rose out this season, the Bulls are below .500 at 6-7.
Kyrie Irving, finger, Cleveland Cavaliers
We all remember the freak accident that resulted in a broken hand for Irving earlier this preseason. If you don't, he made an errant pass in a game, was mad at himself, and punched a wall. We've all been there, right? Well, unfortunately, a freak accident found him with a broken finger recently and will have him out until late December. "Freak injury, minor setback but ill be back soon everybody, Love the support" Irving tweeted.
Dirk Nowitzki, knee, Dallas Mavericks
The three point shooting seven footer, who hasn't played in a game yet this season, will continue to be a spectator for another few weeks due to a knee injury. Dirk is set to make his return to the lineup sometime in mid-December and Mavs owner Mark Cuban probably can't wait given the fact Nowitzki averaged more than 21 points per game last year.
Danny Granger, knee, Indiana Pacers
There's no question this injury hurts Indiana; Granger was the Pacers leading scorer before being sidelined after having an injection three weeks ago to treat patellar tendinosis. The Pacers better get used to life without Granger, as he isn't scheduled to return until mid-February.
Chauncey Billups, achilles, Los Angeles Clippers
By the way the Clippers have been playing, you might not have even noticed they've been balling without Chauncey Billups in the lineup. Chauncey is almost done rehabbing an injured achilles and is planning on being back in action mid-December which means the Clips are about to get even better. I'm sure in the meantime, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will continue to have everything under control.
Steve Nash, leg, Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers probably didn't foresee Steve Nash getting injured within the first few games of the season when they traded for him a few months back. Then again, the 38 year old is getting any younger. Nash is set to return by mid-December and knowing how much the veteran point guard will help their team, the Lakers can't wait. "When Steve comes back, things will change. You have one of the greatest point guards of all times that you're missing out of the lineup. It changes things," said superstar teammate Kobe Bryant. Even new Lakers coach, Mike D'Antoni, who coached Nash for many years in Phoenix highlighted his importance in the lineup. "In Phoenix, we couldn't win without him," D'Antoni admitted.
Shane Battier, knee, Miami Heat
While Battier might not be one of the most talked about players on the Miami Heat, no one doubts his immense contribution night in-night out. Battier is an amazing defender and hits the open three. Thankfully to his teammates, his recent knee injury will only have him missing a few games; Battier should be back early to mid-December.
Chase Budinger, Brandon Roy, Ricky Rubio, all knee injuries, Minnesota Timberwolves
At this point, it's almost as if you should be careful going to play in Minnesota because you might hurt your knee. All three players, Budinger, Roy and Rubio are currently sidelined with versions of knee injuries. Budinger will be out until March but thankfully, Roy and Rubio should return mid-December. Let's hope.
Amare Stoudemire, Baron Davis, knee injuries, New York Knicks
It's pretty amazing how well the Knicks have been playing with Carmelo Anthony at the helm and Stoudemire and Davis both out with injuries. Davis will unfortunately be out for the season but Stoudemire is set to return mid-December. How will the Knicks work Stoudemire into the rotation when the team is 9-4 without him? It will definitely be interesting to see what happens with Amare on the court.
Andrew Bynum, knee, Philadelphia 76ers
Just when I thought Bynum would go to Philadelphia and grow into the best center in the league, he injured his knee. Again. And then he went bowling, and got injured again. He's got all of the talent in the world but can't seem to stay healthy. Barring any further bowling incidents, a healthy Bynum will be in the lineup by the end of December. Fingers crossed, Philadelphians.
John Wall, knee, Washington Wizards
If there's one team in the NBA who truly cannot afford an injury right now, it's the Wizards. They are currently 0-12 and their star player, Wall, is sitting on the bench with knee injury. The good news? Wall is supposed to be back by the end of this month and there's only one way for the Wizards to go from here.
Anthony Davis, ankle, New Orleans Hornets
A stress fracture in Davis' ankle isn't helping the Hornets one bit. The team is currently 3-9 on the season. Davis played the first six games and put up huge numbers, averaging 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game. Pretty remarkable for a freshman. What's also remarkable is how much of an impact he's had because the Hornets haven't won without him. Since his injury, they are 0-6. Davis is said to be out until mid-December.
Without John Wall the Wizards are off to their worst start (3-18) in franchise history.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Which is saying something because they've started 4-17 four times.
Some girls just have a way of rotating through the celebrity ranks. This girl apparently has what it takes.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: We don't blame Chris Brown and we don't blame any NBA baller with this cutie on his arm.
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The half time show was ass. Three kids were dancing around shouting through the speakers. If they were good, we couldn’t tell because the sound check guys did not do their jobs. There was too much feed back. I cannot understand what they were saying. The kids looked more like ravers on drugs dancing around with decorative clothes and back packs. They claimed that swag is dead, but their sign is messed up. It reads “Swag is dead.” A slash mark crosses the sentence. Does that mean that swag is not dead? They meant to say “Swag.” A slash mark crossing that word makes sense. No one was amused. Swag itself was not amused.
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The main event game took place at Cal State Long Beach in Long Beach, California. The game did not take place in Los Angeles. People need to get that right. The celebrity game started off the night on a low note. I did not think it could get any lower until these no name rap groups came out to perform. It was a blood bath. No, no one killed anyone. When I say blood bath, I meant they killed my ears. They were dancing and singing for the crowd, but the crowd just did not give a damn. Shout outs to performing with heart and the silent awkwardness that followed.
Today, they’re the league laughingstock. Next season, they could be laughing.
HoopsVibe's very Quick Call: Showboating or enthusiasm?
This is the debate surrounding the Washington Wizards' JaVale McGee, who's off-the-glass alley-oop in the third quarter of a recent game drew much reaction.
Wizards' coach Flip Saunders thought it was inappropriate, especially since his squad is 1-11 and needs wins not highlights.
For instance, Saunders thought McGee was trying to garner support for a return to the Slam Dunk Contest (you remember McGee's mom smoching Dr. J, right?). Youngster John Wall and veteran Mo Evans agreed with Saunders that the dunk, while successful, was ill-timed.
Meanwhile McGee justified the play by saying he was simply trying to pump-up the Wizards, and one teammate, Nick Young, agreed.
What do you think? Showboating or enthusiasm? Watch the video, and get at us in the comment box below.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The 2011 NBA Draft is done. Did your team get what they wanted? This particular draft was all about needs. There were many international players from all over the place. A lot of teams did not get what they wanted according to their fan bases. Rumored trades, and other stuff we don’t know, did not go down because of the uncertainty around the new collective bargaining agreement. This is completely understandable unless you are David Kahn. He was free-wheeling all over the draft. Trade away your cow and tractor? He’ll do that, too.
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Christmas is upon us. I bet you crazies are recovering from the annual Black Friday or Thanksgiving. I’m not. I’m whatever at this point because I’m keeping tabs as the era of great point guards gets even crazier around the NBA as they reign supreme. Stat tracking gets somewhat difficult because I just want to watch them play. Quality point guards are not difficult to find anymore compared to years’ past. Even if you do not land anyone listed among the top 10 in your fantasy draft, there are more good point guards hidden in the waiver wire depending on the league’s depth. Stats are up to date as of December 1, 2010.
People are really serious about John Wall. He’s really going to be the next GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). In his prime, he will average 32 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. That’s what the streets are saying. Wall surpasses Magic Johnson and LeBron James. He’s also a certified lock for Hall of Fame. John will accumulate 6 MVP awards and 7 rings. That’s what the streets are saying; you know what I’m saying?
Five New York Giants were partying with other sports bigs and celebs at a Chelsea nightclub early Tuesday when a gunman opened fire, killing an ex-con and injuring two others, police sources said. The gunman, clad in a white leather jacket, crashed the crowded party at the Juliet Supper Club on W. 21st St. by squeezing off five shots shortly before 2:30 a.m., police said.
Evan Turner is going to the 2010 NBA Draft once he signed with super agent David Falk. The Kentucky Wildcats starting four, featuring John Wall and DeMarcus Cousins, has declared as well. With all the hype surrounding John Wall, it might be difficult to see Evan Turner as the number one guy. He’s not flashy like Wall. He’s not as big as Cousins. He’s not explosive like Vince Carter. Turner does not look like he can score at will like Kobe. He doesn’t scream after dunks like Joakim Noah. Since he’s not any of that then what is he?
The NCAA tournament is done for Kentucky. John Wall is thinking about the next move and that’s the leap to the League of Extraordinary Ballplayers. He is projected to be the number one pick in the 2010 NBA Draft among other standouts such as Evan Turner and DeMarcus Cousins. Many sports outlets have dubbed Wall as a “once in a generation” type player. Some have even gone to claim that “John Wall is the greatest point guard athlete ... ever.” Wow.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: John Wall, the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, had an up-and-down rookie season with the Washington Wizards.
For what it’s worth, Wall has impressed during the Pro-Am series. Click the video, watch the highlights of Wall, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
O.Sandor
The site will be the Impact Basketball gymnasium, about two miles from the Strip. The unofficial commissioner will be Joe Abunassar, a longtime trainer of N.B.A. players. More than 40 players, locked out of N.B.A. facilities because of a labor standoff, have committed to play. Chauncey Billups, John Wall, Zach Randolph and Stephen Jackson will be among the headliners.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You want basketball. You got it. Well, sort of.
Reports indicate up to forty NBA players will suit up for the Impact Basketball League which is set to begin in Las Vegas in mid September.
The big names include Chauncey Billups, Stephen Jackson, Zach Randolph, and John Wall, who will use the Vegas run to prepare for training camp and the upcoming NBA season.
And there’s the catch.
Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee we’ll have a season in 2012. So this, ‘the lockout league’ as some have dubbed it, may be the best we can hope for.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Impact Basketball is reportedly planning to organize a league in Las Vegas comprised entirely of pro basketball players.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s a short term solution.
Reports indicate Impact Basketball is organizing a league for NBA players displaced by the lockout, and games are slated to begin in Las Vegas for mid September.
Chauncey Billups, Paul Pierce, and John Wall are a few of the 70 NBA players who could make their way to Sin City for a run.
This seems well intentioned, however, no start up league will change or move owners off their position of a hard-cap and 50-50 split of Basketball Related Income.
And while Impact Basketball may satisfy fans and players desire for hoops, it hopefully won't distract all involved from drafting a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below
Heard a had a lot of booo's and haters out there tonite...but thanks y'all give me more motivation to keep workin...Thanks
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: At least John Wall didn’t push a fan in the face.
Recently John Wall dominated a run in his home state of North Carolina, however, winning the game and scoring 36 points didn't sit well with the locals.
Wall was booed. Again and again. And for no good reason.
Thankfully, the Washington Wizards combo guard didn’t overreact. He did react like a star in the viral age, taking a shot or two at ‘the haters’ via twitter.
Fair enough.
It would be nice if Wall didn’t tweet a thing, though. His team won. He was the best player.
What else is there to say? What else matters?
Anyway, watch the video of Wall tearing up the NC Pro-Am and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
This year, the two leagues are facing off in a showdown game (August 20 in Washington, D.C., and). Thursdays the rosters were announced — and it is on.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It could be the only basketball we get for months, so enjoy it.
The Goodman League out of Washington D.C. will take on The Drew League out of Los Angeles on August 20th in the nation’s capital.
What’s The Goodman League? What’s The Drew League? Well, these are the two best off-season pick-up runs in America.
For instance, DeMarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant, Tyreke Evans, Ty Law, and John Wall regularly represent for The Goodman squad, while DeMar DeRozan, Brandon Jennings, James Harden, JaVale McGee and Nick Young will ply their trade for The Drew team.
Fans can watch this epic battle by streaming it off the internet.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There is much the first overall pick in the 2011 draft can learn from John Wall, the first overall pick in the 2010 draft.
Rookies must become professionals; deal with pressure; handle outside distractions like friends, family, and hanger-ons.
However, Kyrie Irving and Derrick Williams, two high profile prospects in Thursday's draft, won't be asking Wall for advice on one thing: his pitching form.
Click the video, watch Wall's comical first pitch at a minor league baseball game, and get at us with thoughts in the comment box.
--Oly Sandor.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Boys will be boys, I guess.
Tonight’s Miami Heat-Washington Wizards game was full of piss-and-vinegar due to a second quarter skirmish between first overall pick John Wall and veteran Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
Wall, who was clearly in the wrong, got ejected. Big ‘Z’ was also sent to the showers for his role in things.
This, however, wasn’t the interesting part.
JaVale McGee and Juwan Howard both rushed to defend teammates Wall and Ilgauskas. They engaged in a shoving match before being separated. Amazingly, the referees ejected Howard, but McGee escaped with only a technical foul.
How does this work? Did McGee’s mother give the zebras pecks on the cheek before the game like the recent Slam Dunk Contest?
Anyway, the rest of the game was competitive, full of testosterone, and highly entertaining. If you’re wondering, the Heat won 123-107 –much to the chagrin of a sold out Verizon Centre.
Watch the clip of Wednesday’s donnybrook and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
The Wizards recently made a call to the Nuggets to check on the availability of Carmelo Anthony, according to a league source. The source added that the same phone call was made by "29 teams. Carmelo is pretty good."
Yahoo! Sports reported Thursday that following a conversation with Denver management, Anthony made it clear that he wants to be traded.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Right now, it’s all we got.
The NBA season is months away. And the FIBA World Championships doesn’t get going until late August, so there’s no basketball.
None.
Fortunately, NBA.com has clips of the best dunks during summer league, featuring DeMar DeRozan, Gerald Green, Sonny Weems, and John Wall.
Watch the video below and get at us with thoughts on your favourite aerial antic of the summer run.
-- Oly Sandor.
(Clip initially found on Dimemag.com.)
The New Jersey Nets traded Yi Jianlian to the Washington Wizards for Quinton Ross on Tuesday.
The Nets sent the Wizards $3 million to complete the deal and also received the Wizards' trade exception, according to league sources.
Yi is scheduled to make $4 million next season. Ross is set to make $1.1 million. The Nets should now have roughly $30 million in cap space to spend after the move, according to sources.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: One team's junk is another team's treasure.
Cap space is king for the New Jersey Nets, as the club needs financial flexibility to sign free agents this summer. And trading Yi Jianlian saves the Nets $3 million and puts them on equal footing with the Chicago Bulls.
Instead of conserving cap space to take a run at a big ticket free agent, the Washington Wizards are taking a different approach. The Wizards are acquiring assets on the cheap from teams who need to cut payroll to compete in the Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and/or Dwyane Wade sweepstakes.
For instance, the Wizards scored Kirk Hinrich on draft day. The cost: assuming the combo guard's $9 million per season salary.
Hinrich can back-up both guard spots and mentor first overall pick John Wall, while Yi will fill in for - and hopefully replace - injured four-man Andray Blatche.
Expect a few more of these deals before the July 1st free agent market opens.
Got thoughts?
Wizards forward Andray Blatche underwent successful surgery this evening to repair a fracture of the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. The procedure was performed by Dr. Ed Magur at Sibley Hospital in Washington, D.C. Blatche is expected to take approximately three months to return to basketball-related activities.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: John Wall is in. Andray Blatche is out –at least for three months.
Days after selecting Wall first overall in the 2010 NBA draft, the Washington Wizards announced that Blatche, their young power forward, is undergoing foot surgery.
Opinions are mixed on this. Blatche is talented, but troubled.
For instance, he averaged impressive numbers – 20 points and 8 rebounds per game –after replacing the departed Antawn Jamison in the starting line-up.
Blatche also showed that numbers –as in his individual numbers – were all he was concerned with.
The Wizards rarely won with him starting. He clashed with Coach Flip Saunders and, worst of all, exonerated Ricky Davis with his selfish quest for a triple-double. Perhaps, the less Blatche is around a rebuilding squad, the better.
Still, maybe Blatche has matured this summer. Maybe not.
Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see how he fits with Wall in DC later this season.
Got thoughts?
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Being the consensus first overall pick has perks.
There’s the money -guaranteed money. There’s the notoriety of going number one. And there’s also the shoe deal.
For instance, John Wall - who will be selected first by the Washington Wizards at this afternoon's NBA draft – has signed a multi-million dollar sponsorship pact with Reebok. And the sneaker giant just released his first commercial.
Click the video below to watch J-Wall. And by the way, CYE has a pre-draft feature interview with the athletic point guard, so check back with HoopsVibe later in the day for details.
Got thoughts on the first of many commercials for Wall? Let us know in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Before The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010 begins on July 1st, there's this thing called the NBA draft on Thursday.
Reports indicate this year's class is stacked with talented guards. Of course, John Wall is the consensus first overall pick and will likely wind up at the one-spot for the Washington Wizards. And word is the Philadelphia 76ers want athletic swing Evan Turner.
However, other great perimeter players are available and CNNSI has a video breakdown of the guards who'll be waiting in the green room for their names to be called by Commissioner David Stern.
So watch the clip and tell us what guard you like in the comment box below.
Got thoughts?
There are a handful of teams with the cap space to sign a major free agent. You know the names. New York, Chicago, New Jersey, etc. ... The Wizards have a ton of space under the cap, too, but are seldom mentioned as possible destinations for the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh.
Why is that?
"Because," says Grunfeld, "I don't talk to the media that much."
Does a top overall pick put the Wizards in the free agent conversation?
Grunfeld is coy. "We will see," he says. "The No. 1 pick is a good start. We'll see how free agency goes.
HoopsVibe's Call: John Wall isn't enough.
While talented and athletic, the first overall pick in the NBA draft isn't nearly enough for the Washington Wizards to land an unrestricted free agent like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, or Chris Bosh.
After all, the Wizards are years from contending. And James, Wade, and Bosh want to win now. They'll have little time, patience, or interest in a rebuilding project -unless it's in Madison Square Garden or across the river in New Jersey.
With considerable cap space, Washington could consider a second tier free agent, specifically at the four or five spots (sorry, HoopsVibe News isn't fond of the talented, but troubled Andray Blatche).
If Carlos Boozer or Amar'e Stoudemire isn't a fit, they can always preserve their financial flexibility and patiently acquire both young and veteran pieces to support Wall.
This, however, would make too much sense for the Wizards, an organization with a track record for hasty and poor decisions.
Does Washington have a shot at James, Bosh, or Wade? Why? Why not? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts?
Today, the NBA held their annual draft lottery in New Jersey. Below is the order those little white ping pong balls were pulled by some suit from league head office who wasn’t Commissioner/Corporal Stern.
14: Houston Rockets.
13: Toronto Raptors.
12: Memphis Grizzlies.
11: New Orleans Hornets.
10: Indiana Pacers.
9: Utah Jazz.
8: Los Angeles Clippers.
7: Detroit Pistons.
6: Golden State Warriors.
5: Sacramento Kings.
4: Minnesota Timberwolves.
3: New Jersey Nets.
2: Philadelphia 76ers.
1: Washington Wizards.
HoopsVibe’s Quick Call: The Washington Wizards wanted a chance to rebuild and they’ll get it, courtesy of the NBA draft lottery.
The Wizards won the first overall pick and the right to select Kentucky point guard John Wall. Wall seems to have it all: athleticism, skill, and size.
Best of all, with Wall in the fold, the club now has the option to slide Gilbert Arenas to the two-spot when the controversial guard returns from suspension for turning the locker room into a good old fashion stand off.
After all, there will be no trade market for Arenas. And buying him out would be an expensive proposition in this troubled economy.
So look for an Arenas-Wall backcourt in the nation’s capital next season, which should certainly be both interesting and entertaining.
Got thoughts on the Wizards winning the draft lottery and the right to draft John Wall? Let us know in the comment box below.