"As of right now I don't plan on being in it," Griffin said Thursday night. "Those dunk contests aren't my thing, I said that last year. There's a lot of guys that can put on a great show and do some good stuff."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It doesn’t matter if it is or isn’t Blake Griffin’s thing.

Right now, the NBA needs Griffin. He, and Lob City, are appointment television, which brings back the casual fans, who has tuned out the league -especially after the lockout.

So Griffin needs to take part in the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. He needs to defend his title, and put the greater good of the NBA first.

One of the more powerful and enjoyable images of the 2011 season was Griffin leaping a KIA and announcing to the world that he’s basketball’s newest superstar.

Fans, and those who hate the NBA, will tune in just to see him take part in the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. That’s how powerful he is, and it could be another iconic moment.

Precedence isn’t on Griffin’s side, either. Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest player of all time, gladly took part twice in the Slam Dunk Contest.

So should Griffin. Targeted

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

The Clippers aren't getting enough production off the bench behind small forward Caron Butler and feel as if Smith can provide the team with a big scoring punch at the position, the person said.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It sounds like a fit.

The Los Angeles Clippers need bench scoring behind starting small forward Caron Butler, and J.R. Smith, because he played in China during the lockout, will soon become a free agent.

The Clippers can offer Smith a pro-rated portion of their mini-mid level exception for a few months work.

Sounds good, right?

Well, not so fast. The Clippers must be careful about adding too many large personalities to their club.

After all, they just signed temperamental power forward Kenyon Martin. Now they’re after Smith, who spent years feuding with Denver Nuggets coach George Karl.

Sure, former Nugget Chauncey Billups is with the Clippers. And he‘ll have some influence over Martin and Smith, if he signs.

However, trouble follows the talented Smith wherever he goes, so the Clippers may want to consider other options.

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

Clippers guard Chauncey Billups suffered a left Achilles' tendon injury Monday night, and there were concerns within the team it could be ruptured, which would end his season. "It felt like somebody kicked me, man," Billups said after the game as he made his way to the team bus with crutches under both arms and a walking boot on his foot. "I don't know if it's torn, but I know it's not good."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The curse of the Clippers isn’t dead.

After years of being the league-laughingstock, Los Angeles’ ‘other team’ appeared to have finally turned the corner and become relevant.

Of course, they have superstar Blake Griffin and fellow high-flyer DeAndre Jordan. This summer, the Clippers took a major step forward with the signing of Caron Butler and acquisition of Chris Paul, though.

The transaction that symbolized the club’s growth was claiming All-Star, Finals MVP, and NBA ‘OG’ Chauncey Billups off waivers from the Knicks through the CBA’s amnesty clause. 

Billups brought instant credibility, and his injury will hurt on-and-off court. After all, Mr. Big Shot is a play off vet’ and his resume commands respect from teammates.

Sadly, Billups is likely out for the season. And just when it seemed that the Clippers had taken a massive step forward, they have an unfortunate setback.

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

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Not a good look.

Chris Paul's late turnover allowed San Antonio guard Gary Neal to hit a game-tying three-pointer that sent the Clippers-Spurs game into overtime.

The Spurs won in extra time, and Paul described the play as the worst of his career. Watch the video and tell us thoughts in the comment box below.

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

With the NBA trade deadline looming in 11 days, the Hornets remain open to trading veteran center Chris Kaman, according to league sources. But Kaman said he doesn’t care what the Hornets may decide to do before the trade deadline.“I dont care what they do,’’ Kaman said. “So if they want to trade me, trade me. If they want to keep me, keep me. I don’t care, but not in a disrespectful way. I just know I can’t control that part of it, so it something I don’t care about.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Chris Kaman isn’t at fault for this. Commissioner David Stern and the 30 owners he represents are.

Remember, Kaman came to the Hornets from the Clippers in the Chris Paul trade. The Hornets, who are owned by the NBA, had to accept an inferior package from the Clippers after Stern vetoed a blockbuster swap involving the Lakers and Rockets.

Stern nixed Paul joining the Lakers because he was concerned about the optics of a glamour team getting a superstar days after ushering in a supposedly more equitable Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Instead of getting a package of Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Lamar Odom, Goran Dragic, and a first round draft pick, the Hornets accepted Kaman, Eric Gordon, and other pieces.

All for optics.

Gordon has been injured. And Kaman, who struggled behind Emeka Okafor, was told earlier in the year by management to go home and wait for a trade. He recently returned when a trade couldn’t be found.

The bright side to this saga: Kaman’s $14 million per year contract expires at the end of the regular season.

So, the Hornets will get cap space if a deal can’t be found.

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

Yet for all the talk of Boston point guard Rajon Rondo possibly being traded, some league executives have shooting guard and free-agent-to-be Ray Allen pegged as the most likely to be moved. Sources say the Clippers are interested, having lost Chauncey Billups to season-ending injury and lost out to New York in the J.R. Smith sweepstakes.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This seems more logical.

Rumors have been swirling that the Boston Celtics are looking to trade Rajon Rondo, even though the young table-setter is an All-Star.

It would make sense to rebuild around Rondo and move The Big Three to contenders for a package of draft picks, expiring contracts, and young talent.

Ray Allen, even at 36 years of age, would be the first to go. After all, he’s still in demand because he can spread the floor with his outstanding range.

While GM Danny Ainge can’t trade Celtic-fixture Paul Pierce and probably wants to let Kevin Garnett’s $20 million per season contract come off the books.

So Allen would appear the most likely candidate to change teams come trade deadline, with the veteran being linked to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Of course, appearances can deceive.

Rondo, for all his gifts, is reportedly a handful. He’s been called stubborn, emotional, and difficult by teammates, coaches, and media.

Perhaps logic won’t matter and the Celtics will move Rondo.

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

And the other lowest point is when I played for the Clippers. … I just stopped liking basketball. And then you dribbling down the court and having the owner like cuss at you and call you an idiot. I didn’t even look forward to coming to the games, and if the owner [Donald Sterling] came to the game, I definitely was not gonna have a good game because it was just like, how do you play when the main heckler in the gym is the owner of the team, and he’s telling you how much he hates you and calling out your name?

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I have little sympathy for Baron Davis, the talented but temperamental point guard for the New York Knicks.

After all, Davis had a choice, and choose the Los Angeles Clippers because they offered the most money - signing a five-year, $65 million pact as a free agent.

And Davis, being a Los Angeles native, knew the deal. He knew the Clippers were a second-rate outfit with owner Donald Sterling and a curse Cub fans can relate to.

Yet Davis took the money -and ran. He never tried to transcend his situation, showing up out-of-shape and feuding with coaches. In fact, Davis seemed more interested in pursuing a career in show biz producing movies than helping the Clippers.

Instead of blaming others, Davis should focus on salvaging the remains of his career.

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

There’s a reason the Heat have continued to look to add a veteran big man to their roster. They attempted to sign both Kenyon Martin and Joel Przybilla but weren’t able to do so. A radio station in Miami reported the team worked out Rasheed Wallace last week. According to league executives, the Heat have been calling around to gauge demand for reserve big men as the trade deadline approaches.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will the rich, the Miami Heat, get richer?

Reports indicate the reigning Eastern Conference champions are on the prowl for a reserve post. Chris Bosh is out the line-up and the Heat lost free agents Kenyon Martin and Joel Przybilla to the Clippers and Blazers.

Another big body would allow Bosh to man the more familiar high-post when he returns, while providing depth for an extended playoff run.

After all, the Heat will face a plethora of bigs come May and June during the NBA’s second-season. The question is who can they get before the quickly approaching trade deadline.  

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

Expecting to go deep in the playoffs, the Clippers have lost eight of the past 12 games. An ESPN report before the game, citing an unnamed source, stated that Coach Vinny Del Negro had lost the team, but he refuted the report.

“When you are losing games everyone jumps on you,’’ Del Negro said. “If you can’t take the heat, you shouldn’t do the job. You have to win games and that’s what you are measured on. Players are frustrated and I’m frustrated. You are going to get knocked down sometimes, but you have to keep getting up.’’

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The players say they support Vinny Del Negro. And Vinny Del Negro says the players support him.

Here's the question: do you believe the Los Angeles Clippers?

It’s hard to take the Clipper players and coach seriously when they sit at fifth in the Western Conference with a 26-21 record.

Typically, five games over the Mendoza line and a potential playoff birth would make Clipper-nation weep with joy and have the NBA wondering if the league is in bizarro mode.

These aren’t those Clippers, the losers of years past. They have an inside-outside punch in Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, while the supporting cast has a primo talent in DeAndre Jordan and plenty of athletes.

Yet, the Clippers have underperformed and aren't the best team to call Staples Center home. Another run of poor games - they’ve won four of ten - and the Clippers would likely miss the playoffs because the Western Conference is so competitive.

So Del Negro is feeling the heat. Expectations, after all, were sky high when the Clippers acquired Paul in December.

Now coach and player must perform. Talk is cheap in the NBA.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The set-up was unique.

Typically, Blake Griffin gets his dunks off a Chris Paul assist -and not a back screen from the tiny table-setter.

On Monday evening, the 2011 Slam Dunk champ used the Paul pick and went straight to the hoop with a powerful one-handed tomohawk.

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

He viewed the no-call as a continuation of the preferential treatment that Griffin has received from the NBA during his two seasons. ‘He’s babied,’ Cousins said. ‘He’s the poster child of the league. He sells tickets, but he’s babied. Bottom line.’ Babied by whom, Cousins was asked. ‘The refs, the league — period,’ he continued.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s how the NBA does business.

Right or wrong, fair or not, David Stern’s league has always protected their superstars, nudging referees to give the benefit of the doubt to top players.

More often than not, Magic Johnson got the whistle. Same with Michael Jordan during the eighties and nineties. And conspiracy theorists would argue the Los Angeles Lakers often had the zebras on their side.

So Sacramento Kings' post DeMarcus Cousins can’t be shocked, surprised, or upset that Los Angeles Clippers superstar Blake Griffin, the new face of the league, gets protection from the referees. In a way, Cousins benefits from this, too. After all, Griffin playing well improves fan interest, which increases revenues and drives salaries.

Of course, Cousins is competing against Griffin and is understandably frustrated. Sadly, there’s nothing he can do about it -as Blake-Zilla will continue getting favourable treatment from referees.

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

“I’m definitely sick of taking hard hits,” Griffin said after the Clippers’ shootaround Monday. “…There’s a point, I can’t remember what game it was, in my mind where I thought this is kind of ridiculous. I’m sick of it, but it’s going to keep on happening.”

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Yesterday it was Derrick Rose. Today it`s Blake Griffin.

Two of the NBA’s greatest stars have recently gone public with their frustration over the hard fouls they’ve sustained from opponents. Rose took a nasty knock from Charlie Villanueva, while Griffin was head-hunted by Jason Smith.

Both should get used to the rough stuff. After all, superstars who embarrass opponents are targets. That’s the way it has been. And that’s the way it always will be.

Fortunately, there’s a simple answer.

Their teammates must dish out what they’ve been receiving. If Rose or Griffin take a shot then the Bulls and Clippers must give it back at the earliest opportunity possible.

The cheap shots only stop when opponents understand there’s a price to pay for taking liberties on Rose and Griffin. 

The earlier this message is sent, the better.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They won’t beat Baron Davis or James Harden’s facial locks. They will give the masses at Staples Center and hoop heads around the world comedic entertainment.

The Los Angeles Clippers have started growing playoff beards to celebrate their return to the second season -much like teams in the National Hockey League do.

As mentioned in the video, forward Reggie Evans has a 'mile head start' on attaining the 'Rick Ross' look. Bottom line: the Clippers, having gotten over their mid-season struggles, appear relaxed, loose, and ready for the playoffs.

--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.

Link

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.

Hennessy and GQ team up to celebrate CP3's first GQ cover.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: With a combo like Hennessy and GQ at the Sayers Club in Hollywood, it's safe to say this will be one banging event.

I showed up to the Sayers Club in Hollywood expecting an incredible night. The second I heard Hennessy and GQ were teaming up for CP3's October GQ cover release party, I knew this was going to be an amazing event. Plus, the confirmed celebs on the press Tip Sheet included names like Blake Griffin, Kid Cudi, Terrell Owens, Magic Johnson, Lamar Odom (could the Kardashian clan show up?), and Grant Hill, along with a number of Hollywood actors. This was my kind of crowd. Ok, my crowd is usually waiting in line at Target for a price check, but I could definitely get used to an upgrade, NBA / Hollywood style.

When I got there the the Hennessy and GQ reps as well as the manager of the Sayers Club greeted me, all were super chill. We set up and soon enough Caron Butler strolled down the red carpet in the VIP entrance of the Sayers Club. Not only did he have time for the press, but he also granted HoopsVibe an exclusive interview along with all of the Clippers as they arrived (keep an eye out these will be edited and on the site soon). This was going to be a good night. 

Having interviewed everyone from CP3 and Blake Griffin to TO, and Agent Zero, the red carpet was a wrap and it was time to head inside and enjoy the night. As I approached the bar I accidentally bumped into Talib Kweli. Oops. My bad, Talib, don't tell Mos Def. This high class elbow-rubbing was going to take some getting used to.  

The bar was of course serving Hennessy specialty drinks and who was I to disagree. CP3 and the Clippers socialized in the center of the room as the satellite celebs circled. The amazing Prince inspired R&B-Pop band "Miguel" soon took the stage and NBA All-Stars transformed into fans as they whipped out their iPhones to grab photos and video of the group primed for a mass appeal explosion. 

After the band had finished their set, CP3 hopped on the mic thanking everyone for coming out to celebrate his cover. GQ handed out copies of the October issue and I made sure to grab one. I mentioned I still shop at Target, right? This was an upscale night for an NBA All-Star that is just as classy off the court as he is on it.

For more info, updates, and gossip follow @HoopsVibe.

Video Coverage of GQ and Hennessy's CP3 cover launch party.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: HoopsVibe talks one-on-one with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Terrell Ownes, and more at CP3's GQ cover release party.

HoopsVibe is on location at Sayers Club in Hollywood, CA to cover the Chris Paul GQ release party sponsored by Hennessy. The stars walked the red carpet as we caught up with some of the NBA's most popular players just as they are set to return to camp for the 2012-2013 season. 

The event was put together by Hennessy and GQ Magazine to celebrate Chris Paul's first ever GQ cover. Watch Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan dish on which Clipper have the worst fashion sense as Matt Barnes and Chris Paul talk about trying to find clothes they're wives dig. Even T.O. chats with HoopsVibe about how Sports influence fashion and fashion influences Sports. 

It's a classy night for a classy man, as CP3 leads the Clippers to the promise land of style. Hennessy handles the party with R&B-Pop sensation "Miguel" killing it on the mic. See how this amazing night all got started as HoopsVibe chats with NBA All-Stars and Hollywood celebs on the red carpet.

Hoopsvibe is sad to report that Scott Ashley Sterling, son of Los Angeles Clippers owner, Donald Sterling, has died.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  We send our thoughts and prayers to the Sterling family.

The following article profiles the top five free throw shooters in the NBA today.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Free throw shooting is a crucial aspect of the game and is often the difference between winning and losing.

Rumor has it....and as much as it pains me to even report on this...

Hoopvibe's quick call:  Khloe Kardashian is finally pregnant with Lamar Odom's baby.

I want to go on record right now and say:  Blake Griffin is hilarious in those Kia commercials.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Blake Griffin is the best thing that's happened to Kia in a long time.  Well, other than Adriana Lima, of course.

Top 10 Los Angeles Clippers Ever.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: I know everyone's thinking CP3, but what about Danny Manning and Bob McAdoo?

#10 Bill Walton. They weren't his best years in the league, but in Walton's time with the Clippers he still managed a solid double-double.

#9 Bob Kauffman. He was a three-time NBA All-Star for the Clippers in the early 1970s.

#8 World B. Free. Besides having the coolest Clipper name of all-time he also was an NBA All-Star and averaged 28 and 30 PPG in two seasons with the Clippers.

#7 Corey Maggette. He was a multi-faceted scorer who lead the league in free-throws made and attempted. 

#6 Danny Manning. Manning was the number one pick of the 1988 Draft and probably started the whole Clippers Curse. He averaged a respectable 14 PPG with a career-high of 22.8 PPG.

#5 Randy Smith. Who's Randy Smith? Smith's the franchise's leader in minutes played, assists, games played, steals and points. He dates back to the Buffalo Brave days, so most modern day fans probably don't know his name. He was an NBA All-Star and one of the most dynamic scorers of his day.

#4 Blake  Griffin. He's averaged 20 PPG and 10 RPG since being in the league three season ago, but perhaps most importantly he has been a key piece to a 3 impressive winning season with the Clippers that has brought unprecedented success to a team historically destined to lose.

#3 Elton Brand. He was a similar player to Blake Griffin in a lot of ways. They are both 20 PPT and 10 RPG players and imposing players at their position. Brand simply did it longer for the Clippers and thus nudged out Griffin. I would expect Blake to take over this number three spot in the near future, but for now it is Brand's. He played with the Clippers from 2001-2006 and put up solid 20 PPG number over that entire time. He was an NBA All-Star during this period, the league leader in rebounds, and the franchise leader in total rebounds.

#2 Chris Paul. CP3 has averaged 16.9 PPG, 9.7 APG, and 3.7 RPG since he's come into the league. He's only improved on those numbers with the Clippers the last two seasons. Two seasons that have brought more wins to LA than the Clipper fan base know what to do with. He's also a six time All-Star, rookie of the year, All-Star MVP, been the NBA steal leader 5 times, and won a ton of other awards. He's current leader of the team and largely responsible for their current success. 

#1 Bob McAdoo: 

I'm sure a lot of modern day Clipper fans are scratching their heads at this one, but McAdoo was one incredibly dominant player. This dates back to when the franchise was the Buffalo Braves before they came to Los Angeles. McAdoo averaged 28.2 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 2.6 APG, and 2.5 BPG as a brave. Not to mention he also had three 2,000 point seasons three of his four years with the team and had a league-leading 34.5 PPG in 1975 that season averaging 37.4 PPG in the playoffs.

For more info, updates, and dirty filthy NBA gossip follow @HoopsVibe.

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.

Jordan CP3.VI AE are legit.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: These shoes are predictably built for guard play, but if that's your position they don't let you down.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Anything LeBron James can do Blake Griffin can do better, right?

During Sunday‘s clash between the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls, James hurdled John Lucas III on a backdoor alley-oop that left fans in awe.

The highlights were just starting, though.

Just one day later, Griffin left Staples Center speechless with his poster-job on Oklahoma City Thunder post Kendrick Perkins.

So, which dunk is play of the year? LeBron making like Vince Carter on that French dude at the Sydney Olympics or Griffin giving Perkins the ‘Mozgov’ treatment?

Watch both videos and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

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

"He's very valuable," Billups said of Martin. "Of course, he comes from winning stock. He's been to the NBA Finals twice. He has great ability. He is a leader. One thing I know about Kenyon, he's a winner. He'll do whatever it takes to win. He's one of the great one-on-one defensive players for a big man I've played with. And, contrary to what everybody believes, he's a really good dude."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kenyon Martin is in demand.

Carmelo Anthony recently revealed he wanted the New York Knicks to sign free agent Martin, a valuable forward with the Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets.

Today, Chauncey Billups publicly supported the idea of the Los Angeles Clippers inking Martin to a deal with one of their available exceptions. Mr. Big Shot thinks K-Mart would bring depth, defense, and intensity to an improving Clipper squad.

Of course, Anthony and Billups will wait for any decision from Martin.

The former first overall pick isn’t eligible to join an NBA team for two more months because he signed with a Chinese club during the lockout.

So the count is on. And Martin has his suitors.

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

I’m not talking about Javaris Crittenton dangerous. It’s more like “scary player can dominate the NBA like Jordan” dangerous. The kid right now is already in many people’s top ten lists. Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Tim Duncan, and Shawn Kemp were not THIS explosive. They were not this good early in their careers. Griffin is so good that I had to acknowledge that he might be a future triple double factory in this piece. Seriously, how great can this kid get without factoring in injuries like he sustained in his first year?

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Kevin Love continues to show Minnesota's front office he deserves a max' extension.

Consider last night: Love hit a last-second three-pointer to beat the upstart Los Angeles Clippers. Click the video below, watch Love's heroics, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

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

SheridanHoops.com learned exclusively Monday that Howard recently expanded his list of preferred future destinations, adding the Clippers to a list that already included the Nets, the Mavericks and the Lakers. “He’s been watching them a lot. He’s intrigued by the Clippers,” said the source, who is privy to the trade talks that have taken place between all of the aforementioned teams.

Link

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Times have changed.

It wasn't long ago the Los Angeles Clippers weren't in the running for anything except the first pick at the draft much less a superstar center like Dwight Howard.

After all, the Clippers were a laughingstock. Their owner wanted luxury tax rebate cheques, not wins. They drafted Benoit Benjamin, Danny Ferry, and Michael Olowakandi. Worst of all, they played in the shadow of the league's glamour team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

Sure, there were moments. A few years back, Sam Cassell and Elton Brand pushed the Phoenix Suns to seven games in the Western Conference Semi-finals.

The Clippers have mostly been a disaster.

Everything changed with Blake Griffin. 'Lob Angeles' is must-see television, and people listen when reports link Los Angeles' newest darling to Howard.

But it won't happen. The Magic will want Griffin in return for Howard. The 2011 Slam Dunk Champion is untouchable, as he's made the Clippers trendy, glamorous, and relevant.

Instead, the Magic may ask for newly acquired Chris Paul. Forget that the Clippers paid a pretty-penny for the point guard. And forget that both sides agreed to work together for two seasons.

Paul would likely refuse to sign a long-term extension with the Magic, and simply opt-out at season's end and become a free agent.

Sure, times have changed. The Clippers are a destination-team. Still, they lack the parts to trade for Howard and become his next destination.

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

I believe I'm the best '4' in the league. I think you have to believe that you're the best. I think Mohammad Ali even said, 'I was the greatest before I knew I was.' I think everybody needs to have that mindset. That's part of winning the mind game from the very start. You have to believe it. You have to hold yourself accountable.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kevin Love, not yet.

Yes, Love collects double-doubles for the upstart Minnesota Timberwolves like a teenager collects friends on facebook.

Yes, Love is an emerging All-Star and superstar with a personality ESPN and companies love.

And yes, Love’s play and personality may be the biggest reason the Timberwolves transition from oddball outpost to relevant NBA franchise. (Of course, this depends on Love signing a long-term extension to stay in The Twin Cities.)

Right now: Dirk Nowitzki, not Kevin Love, is the world’s best power forward.

After all, Nowitzki is a former MVP, perennial All-Star, and led his Dallas Mavericks to the 2011 NBA championship.

Don’t forget about Blake Griffin, the dynamic four-man who has made the Los Angeles Clippers competitive, relevant, and must-see television.

However, Love deserves credit for believing he’s the best, as such a mindset will help him grow, improve, and maybe one day become the NBA’s permier power forward.

Just not now.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Just another day in the office for Blake Griffin, the highlight producing power forward for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Last night Griffin dunked with ferocity on Ersan Ilyasova, and his Clippers cruised to victory over the beaten up Milwaukee Bucks. Watch the video below and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It wasn’t as crazy as Ron Artest or Johnny Drama’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel, but Chris Paul’s chat with the late night host is worth watching.

The star point guard discusses the Clippers, the nixed trade to the Lakers, and life off the court, so click the video and enjoy.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s a new day in Clipper-land, however, there’s still the occasional sign of dysfunction and incompetence.

Take last night. The Clips PA announcer got the starting line-up wrong, mixing up Mo Williams with Chauncey Billups.

The mistake was understandable. After all, Los Angeles' newest glamour squad has made major changes and Billups was a last minute scratch.

Credit Williams, a good team guy, for laughing off the mix-up like a true professional.

Watch the video and get at us with thoughts on the happenings in Clipper-land in the comment box below. 

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

It’s that time again for the regular season end awards just like any other television sports show. It is time to pass out the awards. Rather than giving awards for the usual categories such as Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Executive of the Year….you get the picture…..let’s focus on categories that truly need to be highlighted – categories that I make up! Who cares about those other official awards anyway? They’re already locked up.
 

“It’s a preseason game,’ Barnes said after Thursday’s practice at the Lakers’ facility in El Segundo. ‘Yeah, they’re catching lobs and dunking. But it’s just a preseason game. Let’s just play basketball. If you make a dunk, act like you’ve done it before. He’s got hundreds of them. There’s no need for the hoorah after every single dunk. It’s unnecessary.’

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Los Angeles’ two NBA teams, the Clippers and Lakers, don’t care for each other. Not one bit.

After all, Los Angeles was always a Laker town. They had The Logo, Wilt the Stilt, Kareem, Magic, Big Game James, Shaq-Fu, Kobe Bean, Andrew Bynum, and others.

While the Clippers could never attract or keep top talent because owner Donald Sterling wouldn’t open his wallet or spend the luxury tax payments he received from league head office.

This age-old dynamic is changing. The (natural) order of Los Angeles’ basketball teams could flip flop in 2012.  

The Lakers, who are still talented, are in transition, while the Clippers have Chris Paul at point guard; Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan down low;  and veterans like Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, and Mo Williams.

Here’s the biggest shock: the Clippers are the glamour team. Griffin and Jordan’s aerial antics will receive endless love on ESPN, youtube, and twitter.

And some, like the Lakers' Matt Barnes, don't appreciate the post dunks celebrations.

Too bad.

Barnes better realize times have changed. These are the new Clippers.

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

"Obviously, man, your pride is hit," Williams said. "Then once you get outside of the pride part of it, you start looking at the basketball aspect of it. "And everybody in the world knows I want to win. Everybody in the world knows that it's a good move for the city of Los Angeles. It's a good move for the Clippers organization. Outside of that, outside of my pride, that was just me getting over it."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I don’t see this as an issue in Clipper-land.

Obviously, newly-acquired Chris Paul will start. Chauncey Billups will serve as the back-up and play major minutes next to Paul. And Mo Williams, a former All-Star, will get tons of burn as a Jason Terry-style scorer off the pine.

Williams is a good guy and teammate. He has bought into his new role.

Here’s why: the Clippers are relevant. Very relevant.

With Caron Butler, Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and their trio of point guards, the once sad-sack Clippers have enough talent to overcome being owned by The Don -Donald Sterling.

And that is saying something.

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

Trade talks involving Chris Paul between the Clippers and Hornets are back on, according to sources.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Where there’s a perception of a conflict of interest, there usually is.

After going back-and-forth all weekend with the Los Angeles Lakers, the New Orleans Hornets, who are owned by the NBA, are demanding everything but Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers.

The talks initially died. But are alive again because the Clippers are considering meeting the NBA’s stiff demands.

Of course, the Clippers, who already have Mo Williams, are reportedly considering an offer on the recently waived Chauncey Billups.

The league needs to make a decision on Paul. The longer this fiasco goes on, the worse they look.

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

The Clippers have made a successful big on Chauncey Billups, who was amnestied by the Knicks last week. Under terms of the league’s amnesty police, any team under the salary cap can put bid on Billups. The Clippers put a bid of just over $2 million for Billups, according to Marc Stein.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Perhaps the Los Angeles Clippers missed the memo.

Veteran point guard Chauncey Billups warned teams not to claim him after he was amnesty waived by the New York Knicks.

Teams under the salary cap had first crack at claiming Billups, who wanted to go unclaimed so he could become a free agent and sign with a contender.

Mr. Big shot had his eyes on competitive squads like the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers.

So Billups joining the Clippers is interesting for a couple of reasons. First, Los Angeles’ other team is big on potential but light on results.

Second, there are rumors the Clippers will send several pieces to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for Chris Paul. This would relegate to Billups to the bench on a team that would be good but hardly great.

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

The preseason is here. It is time to get things back on track. Every team on every preseason usually has fluff pieces made painting pictures of potential and promises such as high expectations with a lot of smiles shown in media photos. Fans buy into that thinking happy thoughts and see a chance to turn it all around unlike the previous season. Well, do not fall for that trash. It’s all useless tripe.

The sales pitch has got to be one of the toughest things to put together for any marketing team. It is one of those things that science alone cannot help them. The only way science can help is in producing the right numbers – the sweet science of money. There’s another science as well and that is the science of reproduction. Sex parties are the cure, but then again who wants herpes? That doesn’t cope well with these big name free agents doing public appearances. Even Delonte West gets clowned on and supposedly it’s just a birth mark.

But while the Clippers like Paul, sources say they like Dwight Howard even more. The Clippers have made it clear to executives throughout the league that they will do whatever it takes -- outside of trading Griffin -- to get Howard, who will become a free agent at the same time as Paul, either this season or next summer.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They can chase him but he will not sign.

Dwight Howard will not opt-out of his contract with the Orlando Magic to sign as a free agent with the Los Angeles Clippers in July, 2012.

Yes, the Clippers have Blake Griffin, the next face of the NBA. They also have Donald Sterling, the worst owner in the NBA and perhaps pro sports.

Why would Howard, who presumably wants to win an NBA championship, willingly sign with an owner who has gone to court for racist policies, been accused of sexual harassment, and has no issue watching his players shower while on a date?

Talk about creepy.

Then there’s his alligator arms. For years, Sterling was content to lose with cheap talent and make money off luxury tax payments from league head office.

Sometimes he doesn’t honour contracts -even when he’s fired an employee. Isn’t that right Mike Dunleavy?

Winning starts at the top. And if Howard wants to win he shouldn’t sign with the Clippers because they have a dysfunctional owner who won't spend money.

Of course, if Howard wants to leverage his brand then he may consider Los Angeles’ other team. 
 
And then he’ll just have to live with Sterling, warts and all.

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

The Lakers are curious to see if veteran point guard Baron Davis gets cut by Cleveland. He has two years and $28.7 million left on his contract, though he can be signed for substantially less than that. The Lakers also want a shooter and are monitoring whether forward Rashard Lewis (two years, $43.8 million remaining) gets waived by Washington.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s official name was the ‘amnesty clause’. It’s unofficial name was ‘team screwed up, overpaid said player, and now gets out of jail/contract free’.

Well, nothing is completely free.

As part of the 2004-05 CBA negotiations, teams could waive one player and his salary did not count against the cap. The team had to cover the contract, but increased financial flexibility and/or saved on luxury tax payments.

Remember, the Dallas Mavericks cut ties with Michael Finley‘s mammoth big-ticket, but the swing joined the rival San Antonio Spurs and won a championship.

So things can backfire.

Word is the new CBA has an amnesty clause. The Los Angeles Lakers are eyeing a couple of veterans, Baron Davis and Rashard Lewis, who are on the chopping block.

Davis is owed $30 million through 2014, which may be too much for the rebuilding Cleveland Cavaliers, especially with youngster Kyrie Irving in the fold.

Now Davis’ drive-and-kick style might suit Mike Brown’s system, however, the portly point guard was distracted during his time in Los Angeles with the Clippers.

Lewis is far more interesting. The Wizards are also starting over and have little interest in doling out more than $40 million over the next two seasons.

It’s quite possible the stretch-four gets waived and signs with a contender like the Lakers for the Mid Level Exception or a bargain salary.

All Lewis would have to do with the purple-and-gold is spot up, catch, and shoot. The burden of fulfilling a ridiculous contract would be gone.

So the Lakers could re-tool on the fly. And it may just happen because of the new CBA.

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

“We’ll see what happens,” Griffin said. “Right now my commitment is to the Clippers, and we’re working on making that team better. I know the Thunder are doing a great job here and everybody’s excited about them.”

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It sounds good. Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

And Griffin seemed open to signing with the Thunder when asked what he'll do when he becomes a restricted free agent in 2014.

This isn't just speculation; the dots do connect. 

First, the Thunder has a top player in Durant. Second, the Thunder is well-run -unlike Griffin’s current team, the Clippers. And finally, Griffin went to college in Oklahoma.

Unfortunately, Oklahoma City is one of the NBA’s smallest markets with few opportunities for marketing and branding. Los Angeles, even if Griffin is with the Clippers, is a massive market, which attracts sponsors.

So signing with the Thunder would be good for Griffin's NBA career, while staying with the Clippers would be good for his wallet.

Bottom line: rumors of Griffin’s departure will continue unless the NBA puts a franchise tag or other clauses in the new collective bargaining agreement. 

--Oly Sandor.

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

According to Impact owner and renowned trainer Joe Abunassar, the Clippers' Blake Griffin, Mo Williams and Randy Foye came by last week and expressed a desire to enter the league with a team made up solely of their teammates.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Los Angeles Clippers are on the verge of a breakthrough.

Yes, I’m talking about those Clippers. Yes, I know their history. And yes, I know they are owned by Donald Sterling, also known as The Don or The Worst Owner in Pro Sports.

None of that matters, though.

The Clippers resemble the Sacramento Kings of yesteryear, specifically the 1998-99 lockout shortened season when a squad led by Chris Webber, Jason ‘White Chocolate’ Williams, and Vlade Divac went 27-23.

Those Kings not only entertained but possessed a togetherness that made them a force in the Western Conference for the next five years.

Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and the Clippers were a League Pass must-see last year, however, they also turned the corner and played some solid basketball.

Now reports indicate that the Clippers, as a team, want to join the new league that Impact Basketball is organizing for mid-September in Las Vegas.

So the Clippers are united; Griffin, their superstar, is leading. And L.A.’s other squad seems poised to take another step in 2012 -if there’s a season. 

--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.

Link

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.

The Clippers have cap room and also need a three and what he (Battier) can bring defensively.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They’re still the Clippers.

When the lockout ends, Shane Battier, the top free agent on the market, will pass on Los Angeles’ ugly step-sister of a team and sign with a contender.

To be fair, the Clippers have talent –loads of talent, in fact. There’s dunk machine and rising superstar Blake Griffin. And he has plenty of help in Eric Gordon, DeAndre Jordan, Chris Kaman and Mo Williams.    

Unfortunately, Donald Sterling, also known as ‘The Don’, isn’t going anywhere. He still runs the Clippers like a sad soap opera.

‘The Don’ has been accused of or sued for sexual harassment and racist practices. He also watched players shower, heckled players from his courtside seat, and told reporters he ‘never heard of’ the club’s free agent signings.

Battier knows the Clippers can’t contend because they’re dysfunctional at the top. Such poor behaviour and professionalism infects the GM, coach, and players. Regardless of their intentions, they can’t avoid ‘The Don’.

So Battier will consider the Heat and say thanks-but-no-thanks to the Clippers –because of ‘The Don’.

--Oly Sandor.

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

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

Link

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

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

Until The Decision went down last July. 

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

Should Williams hate?

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

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

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

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

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

--Oly Sandor.

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

Some league folks have hinted that the Sixers and Memphis Grizzlies could discuss a swap of Iguodala for Memphis' injured star Rudy Gay. The Grizzlies are making an impact in the Western Conference playoffs without Gay, who went down with a shoulder injury late in the season.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It was enough to almost make your forget Blake Griffin.

Key word: almost.

Instead of taking the easy lay-up, Mo Williams tossed it up for the Los Angeles Clippers’ other high-flying youngster: DeAndre Jordan. The end result was a Dirk Nowitzki poster job.

Get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box with thoughts on the Williams-to-Jordan alley-oop.

--Oly Sandor.

The Lakers defeated the Clippers by a 112-104 final on Friday night. On Saturday, Williams delivered a Tweet about Derek Fisher in obvious reference to the confrontation at the end of the game. "If yall didn't know, D Fish is the Hines Ward of the NBA," wrote Williams. "I don't know if that's a compliment or not. But don't let that nice guy fool u."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Tough guy on the court. Nice guy off it.

This describes Derek Fisher, veteran guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. The same eloquent spokesperson for the Player’s Union used to scrap Kobe Bryant when both were rookies with the purple-and-gold playing one-on-one full court.

Yes, there’s plenty of bark to Fisher’s bite. Always has been, too.

This has helped him win five championships and even mediate the tension between Kobe and Shaq when their World Wars were front page news.

So Chris Kaman and Mo Williams shouldn’t be surprised and show such emotion over an incident in a regular season derby match between the Clippers and Lakers.

A few days back, Kaman felt Fisher led with an elbow on a screen. The seven-footer was ejected, but not before motioning to Fisher to meet him in the parking lot after the game for what can best be described as a ‘discussion’. 

(Kaman and Fisher ... 'Let's get ready to rumble'.)

Williams declared viral jihad on D-Fish, questioning his nice guy persona in a tweet. Perhaps Kaman and Williams were right. Perhaps they were wrong.

Elbows and flops are part of Fisher’s repertoire. It has helped him parlay a decent skill-set into a long and successful career.

Opponents can debate whether Fisher's a nice guy. However, there’s no debate that he's a winner.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Anaheim officials would issue $75 million in bonds to lure the Kings from Sacramento, according to city documents released today.

Link