People involved with the NBA and sports media are really sticking their necks and reputations on the line. I love it! Their true colors are shown. We have never witnessed anything like this before. The entire free agency arms race is 10x more explosive than the Big Network’s extravaganza about Brett Favre and his jeans. Everyone has a hard on for LeBron. Analysts on television, print, and radio are arguing against each other over speculations. Speculations? That’s another word for opinion. Get your popcorn and enjoy the freak show! I have!

Marija Kero, better known as The Knicks Chick, checks in with her first videoblog of 2011. In this episode of Out of Bounds Marija discusses Amar'e Stoudemire's role in the resurgence of her beloved Knicks, and why the Miami Heat's intro stinks.

Nene, 29, has long coveted Miami and Dallas as landing spots, but would have to force his way to one of those teams via a sign-and-trade since both are well over the cap. And whereas LeBron James was able to get a max deal through a sign-and-trade when he went from Cleveland to Miami, Nene would have to settle for a four-year deal with 4.5 percent raises under the new system in such an arrangement.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will he take a reduced salary to compete for a championship?

Today, the world wide web is filled with articles on the Miami Heat somehow adding Nene, the top free agent of 2011, to a roster already loaded with big-tickets.

Reports suggest that Pat Riley, the oil-slick GM, will offer Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller to the Denver Nuggets in a sign-and-trade for the Brazilian post.

Keep in mind the Heat and Nene would already have agreed on a multi-year extension as part of the deal.

In theory, this sounds good. In reality, it’s a long-shot because Nene seems determined to hit a homerun on the open market and won’t give ‘Riles’ a South Beach discount.

Unless we’ve got it wrong (it wouldn’t be the first time) and winning is his priority. Then Nene will take less for a chance at hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy in June.

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

Joining the Heat "would be fantastic," Dalembert said Sunday night from Haiti in an interview with FOX Sports Florida. Miami is where more than 50 of his relatives live and is about one hour south of his home in Boca Raton. As for the volunteering part, Dalembert likely would require a big pay cut to join the Heat, which will be over the salary cap. Dalembert, who made $13.43 million last season for Sacramento, might have to sign for the $5 million mid-level exception.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Miami Heat nearly won a championship in 2011 with an ozone-sized hole at center.

Free agent center Samuel Dalembert wants to sign with the Miami Heat, plug that hole, and help Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade take the final step in 2012.

Dalembert, who spent last year in Sacramento, has a considerable size advantage over Joel Anthony and Udonis Haslem, the posts currently on the Heat’s roster.

On some level, Dalembert could fit. However, it’s worth noting that the lanky five was kicked off the Canadian national team and criticized for his work ethic and attitude in Philadelphia.

So the Heat may look elsewhere for reinforcements down-low.

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

LeBron James: Miami/South Florida let's go!!!! HEAT is gone be on FIRE

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: And so ‘The Redemption’ begins.

LeBron James and his Miami Heat were public enemy number one during 2010-11, as fans, media, and even some players objected to the way they came together as free agents.

Simply put, they were the villains, which made for great ratings and publicity.

Sadly, this momentum has been delayed by a petty, annoying, and trivial five-month lockout, where owners and players fought over minor issues when the framework of a deal - like the split of Basketball Related Income - had been in place for weeks.   

Now James begins the massive task of reshaping his image. Remember, the All-World three-man was routinely criticized and booed during the NBA Finals.

He was must-see TV. Just not in a good way.

In a sense, the lockout was good for James. It gave him time to pause, reflect and escape the harsh glare of the spotlight.

Time will tell if he’s learned from past errors. The shortened 2011-12 season holds the answer.

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

I'm a simple creature, and as such it doesn't take a whole lot to keep me content. With the weather warming up, then, and the NBA playoffs in full swing, I was already a fairly happy chappy. This morning, though, things just got a whole lot better.

After reading a number of vague reports that 'Toine was mulling a comeback, ESPN today reported that Employee Number 8 was indeed bringing his four-point-shooting ass back to the league. If the league will have him, that is. Here's the information we have right now: 

HoopsVibe is proud to welcome Marija Kero, better known to many of you as The Knicks Chick, to the team. Marija will be checking in with videoblogs covering everything from her beloved Knicks to Ron Artest's latest hair-related mishap. In her first piece, Marija shares her thoughts on Boston's bad temper, the surging Mavs and the ghosts of NYK past appearing in the postseason. 

Yes. I said it. NBA general managers will be wasting their time chasing superstar guard Dwyane Wade. If you are still planning to pursue the man, it is not good if he is the number one option for any ball club, besides Miami, among others in the talent pool this summer. For a while there, he was the secret real prize. However, things change with time. Today, he is not the number-one grand prize as believed before and here’s why.

I’m officially starting the “Save Michael Beasley” campaign. This is a long arduous journey filled with hot babes, hot sex, drugs, booze, self destruction, hot Miami nights, self loathing, self reflection, and change – not necessarily in that order.

When the dust settles after a fantasy draft, we kick ourselves in the teeth with our picks. Why did I draft this guy in the first place? Why did I reach? We ask ourselves that all the time. The guys on this list are inconsistent or gets injured a lot. Or both.

Dear Chris Bosh,
Amar’e once said, “No doubt about it, I’m better than Chris Bosh.”

I start taking a couple of steps towards Pat. Udonis Haslem steps in and I shove him out of the way. Then Zo tries to grab me. I threw him aside like he was a rag doll.Now it's me and Riley face-to-face, jaw to jaw. I'm poking him in the chest and he keeps slapping my finger away and it's getting nasty. Noisy, too. He's yelling "F--- you!" and I'm yelling back, "No, f--- you!" Zo is trying to calm us both down and he has this kind of singsong panic in his voice. He keeps saying, "Big fella, no big fella, big fella!" I finally turn around and tell him, "Don't worry. I'm not going to hit the man. Do you think I'm crazy?"

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Shaquille O’Neal’s tell-all tour continues. No player, coach, man, or woman will be spared.

The future Hall of Fame center has a spill-the-beans book coming out, so he and his people have leaked excerpts to create a buzz.

Like O’Neal’s World Wars with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant. Like O`Neal`s take on LeBron James ignoring Coach Mike Brown in Cleveland. Like O`Neal`s lack of a relationship with iconic center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

The latest: O’Neal nearly fought Pat Riley, also known as the oil slick, during practice with Miami. Of course, O’Neal says he was heroically sticking up for teammate Jason Williams.

This may or may not be true. There’s no disputing O’Neal has had problems with coaches.

There was the fallout with Riley. There were problems with Phil Jackson, another all-time great on the sideline. And he undermined Terry Porter in Phoenix.

So before blaming others, O’Neal should perhaps look inward first. This, however, is unlikely.

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

1 hour ago: Would love to see @JCrossover in a Heat uni! What you guys say? 1 hour ago: Maybe @SteveNash in a Heat uni! So we can help each other get our 1st ring

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Lockout or not, LeBron James is recruiting.

'The King' recently tweeted that he’d like Jamal Crawford and Steve Nash to sign with the Miami Heat when the labour impasse is solved.

Crawford, a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate, would punish opposing defences for double-teaming James and fellow Heat superstars Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

He’d have the same role as Mike Miller. Except Crawford can create off the dribble and has had better luck staying healthy.

The former Bull, Hawk, and Knick is a free agent. Nash, however, is not.

The two-time MVP still has a year remaining on his contract with the Phoenix Suns, so he’d need spend-thrift owner Robert Sarver to buy him out.

Then there are concerns about Nash’s mediocre defense. His teammates and basketball IQ should make up for his tiny stature, though.

We just need a new collective bargaining agreement to see if James’ tweets become reality.

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

A random NBA fan wrote on Twitter a message directed at Heat owner Micky Arison. "Fans provide all the money you're fighting over," wrote the fan."Honestly u r barking at the wrong owner," replied Arison on his Twitter feed. Arison has been categorized by NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter as part of a group of owners eager to reach a deal with the players.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The players union may be splitting, but so are the owners.

Case in point: Micky Arison, the owner of the star-studded Miami Heat, who tweeted his frustration over the two sides not finding common ground on a new collective bargaining agreement.    

Arison wants to settle on a new CBA, so his Big Three can win a championship and he can maximize his investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.
 
Clearly, Arison isn’t alone in wanting to settle. Other big-market, ‘have’ owners are comfortable in winning these negotiations with players and do not wish to extract blood.

Unfortunately, the Bulls, Celtics, Heat, Lakers, and Knicks are in the minority. The Blazers, Bobcats, Bucks, Suns, and eighteen other owners are determined to have total victory.

And so we continue to wait for basketball.

--Sandor.

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

“Everybody’s always asking, ‘Who is better between Kobe (Bryant) and LeBron?’” Johnson said. “I’m like, Are you kidding me? I’m like you’re kidding me … Kobe, five championships; LeBron, zero. I love the young man though. I know he’s going to get better in the fourth quarter this year.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He speaks the truth.

Magic Johnson isn’t hating on LeBron James by saying that the Miami Heat three-man can’t compare with Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.

Magic’s reasoning is fair: Bryant has five championships, while James has none.

After all, championships have long been the mark of greatness in the NBA. Superstars, the real elites, measure themselves by the number of times they hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy in June and not individual statistics.

Johnson was simply holding James accountable to this criteria. To be fair, James is currently superior to Bryant, but has yet to enjoy true post-season success.

Until James does, he’s not in the same company as Bryant.

O.Sandor

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

RT @_celestial: @KingJames Hey LeBron, what's one thing most people don't know about you?(How much I miss my fans in Ohio/Cleveland)

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Absence, it seems, has made LeBron James’ heart go fonder.

Not long ago the All-World superstar showed little or no regard for his fans in Cleveland, announcing on live television he was leaving the Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.

And then it began. The hate.

Cavaliers’ owner Dan Gilbert declared jihad in a letter on the team’s website. Fans burnt his jerseys. And The Backlash to The Decision started.

James, of course, responded. He told anyone and everyone he was an Akron guy and that he was not, in fact, from Cleveland.

After a year of defiance and being public enemy number one, James is changing his tune in an attempt to make peace with those he perhaps alienated.

Now he misses his fans in Cleveland. Six months ago such an admission would have been about as likely as pigs flying.

--O.Sandor

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

In addition to (LeBron) James, (Dwyane) Wade and (Chris) Bosh, the Heat were represented at Saturday’s game by free-agent point guard Mario Chalmers, with former Heat player Dorell Wright also among those participating. Heat forward Udonis Haslem, still working his way back from last season’s foot injury, coached James’ team.

Center Eddy Curry, a Heat free-agent target, was a no-show, leaving unanswered questions about his conditioning. Wesley Matthews and Lou Williams also were removed from the rosters, with Harden and Tristan Thompson added.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This wasn’t supposed to happen.

The media had been reporting on the new and improved Eddy Curry, who had lost one hundred pounds to specifically earn a contract with the star-studded Miami Heat when the lockout ends.

Curry’s body wasn’t the only thing that had supposedly changed. His supporters claimed he had matured and wouldn’t be a distraction.

Saturday’s friendly at Florida International University was key. Curry had a chance to suit up with or against potential teammates, while developing a relationship with the Heat’s rabid fans.

That opportunity is gone.

Fans aren’t talking about Curry’s skill or fitness. Instead they’re wondering why a player who wants to join the Heat couldn't bother to turn up.

If he wasn't healthy, why not attend and earn some goodwill?

It’s not a great first impression. The more things supposedly change with Curry, the more they seem to stay the same.

O.Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The South Florida Classic was exciting, but everyone wanted to know when the NBA games would happen.

Yesterday Dwyane Wade led Team Wade to a 141-140 win over LeBron James’ Team James in a charity match at Florida International University.

A game with several All-Stars is worth watching, however, fans and media were focused on the three month old NBA lockout.

Click the video below, watch Carmelo Anthony discuss his love for the Heat’s Big Three, and Wade, and consider his thoughts on the NBA’s labour impasse.

-O.Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: NBA players have handled the lockout in different ways.

Heat superstar Dwyane Wade got into a shouting match with Commissioner David Stern at a bargaining session; Nets table-setter Deron Williams is playing in Turkey; Laker great Kobe Bryant has spread his brand and may sign in Italy.

Then there’s Stephen Jackson. The newest edition to the Milwaukee Bucks has released a lockout inspired rap song.

Click the video below, give Captain Jack’s work in the booth a listen, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

(By the way, listener discretion is advised.)

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Despite the on-going labour strife, two of the game`s biggest stars, LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, are continuing with workouts.

What does it mean?

Well, nothing if owners and players fail to find common ground on a new collective bargaining agreement and financial framework.

Nevertheless, click the video below, watch ‘The Big Two’ train in Miami, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

--O. Sandor.

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

If the NBA institutes a hard salary cap and eliminates the mid-level exception, the Celtics would likely to be forced to build around their Big Four with minimum-salaried players.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The new NBA will be different.

With the luxury tax likely replaced by a hard cap financial structure, have-franchises like the Boston Celtics will have a top heavy payroll.

Translation: the green and white will pay big-ticket salaries to Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo, and everyone else will earn the league minimum.

So GM Danny Ainge and the club’s front office are searching far and wide for bargains that can plug holes and fill roles next to their Big Four.

The green-and-white’s front office are scouting colleges, Europe, Asia, and anywhere else there's basketball.

This, of course, could be the new reality of the NBA, where a hard cap and revenue sharing creates some semblance of parity between big and small markets and have and have-not franchises.

In theory, an NFL style system sounds good, however, the NBA has always been a star driven league with high profile franchises. Think of the following for LeBron James and 'The Heatles' last season.

The NBA’s new and different financial system may kill the golden goose of showcasing players and teams.

--O. Sandor.

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

I do think they’ll take a chance on Eddy Curry. They’ve worked him out several times and have been impressed with what they saw. The only concern was Curry’s weight, but he has been working hard this summer and has dropped over 100 lbs. He’s been in Tim Grover’s ATTACK gym every day and he’s determined to prove he can still play. Don’t be surprised if they sign him after the lockout ends. He’s a low-risk, high reward addition who could make a difference in Miami.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Miami Heat had a top-heavy salary structure under the old collective bargaining agreement.

They’ll have little room to strengthen their roster when the lockout ends and the new, stricter financial system is finally agreed upon by owners and players.

After all, the Heat took on three ‘max’ contracts when they signed Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade in July of 2010.

So Executive Pat Riley will have to go value-shopping whenever there‘s a free agent period, and hope to find a deal or two.

Fortunately, there will be bargains. Like Eddy Curry.

The puffy post became a league-laughingstock, earning and spending tens of millions of dollars per year to gain weight on the Knicks’ injured reserve.

Apparently, Curry wants to salvage his career. He’s dropped over 100 pounds and is eyeing a spot on the Heat’s roster. Curry`s post moves would create space on the perimeter for James and Wade and allow Bosh to roam on the elbows.

Best of all, the price would be right for the Heat. 

--O. Sandor.

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

“My only problem is the whole misuse of the name,” Bosh said. “If I stink it up on the court…. my family takes a lot of pride in our name. My ancestors, we’re very prideful with the Bosh name. I don’t like it being made fun of. I don’t think they appreciate it, either.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s once again taking ‘Heat’.

Just twelve months ago, Chris Bosh was taking flak for the way in which he left the Toronto Raptors and signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent.

The criticism continued all year as Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade became targets for hoop heads living outside South Beach.

Most of it was fair. Some of it was not.

Over the summer, James and Wade have managed to avoid the spotlight and keep a low profile, while Bosh has continued to be a target.

ESPN’s Skip Bayless recently called the left-handed power-forward Bosh Spice, implying he was soft and precious like a member of the all girl group from Britain.

Recently, Shaquille O’Neal, when making his first appearance as a TNT broadcaster, took a swipe at Bosh, saying the Heat had two superstars in James and Wade.

Here’s the bottom line: Bosh is the third star. There will be a backlash until he wins a championship.

--Oly Sandor.

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

I believe, for the first time in the history of this franchise, it is championship or bust, sort of where Riley stood during the best of Lakers times.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s championship or bust for the Miami Heat in 2012. Just like in 2011.

The Miami Heat made a bold statement when they won The Great Free Agent Sweepstakes of 2010, signing superstars Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade to multi-year contracts.

With this coup, the organization committed to winning a championship each year. And nothing but hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy and hosting a victory parade will do.

After all, owner Mickey Arison invested nearly $300 million in these three players. And James - at the post-signing celebration - predicted ‘multiple championships’.

So the Heat have set lofty expectations, which justifies reporter Ira Winderman suggesting it’s championship or bust in South Beach.

To fulfill these lofty expectations in 2012, the Heat must upgrade the point guard position and shore up the bench.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Miami Herald reported Sunday that they expect one of the first calls the Heat make to be to free agent PF/C Nene.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They’ll call. They’ll talk. That’s as far it will go, though.

Despite having little cap space, the Miami Heat reportedly have interest in signing Denver Nuggets post and soon-to-be-free agent Nene.

Having interest is fine. Getting a sought after center to take a huge pay cut is unrealistic.

The Brazilian opted-out of the last year of his contract with Denver, leaving close to $11 million on the table. Whenever the lockout is settled, he’ll ask for, and likely get, term and money as a free agent.

The Heat are in no position to offer either. With $65 million in committed salary for 2012, they`ll have little-to-no flexibility when the owners get their new financial system.

So the Heat will call Nene. He may listen and consider taking less money to play with Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.

Then he’ll remember what he gave up ($11 million) and will sign a big ticket pact with another team.

--Oly Sandor.

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

We’re going to make some plans. We’re going to plan to do something,” Bosh said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles. “I think just getting around each other, I think it’s important as far as team-building is concerned and just getting something going. We’re pretty much still in the process of doing that.”

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Like the EPMD album, the Miami Heat has unfinished business.

At least that's the way superstar Chris Bosh sees it, who told reporters the Heat would start preparing for the 2012 season even though there’s little sign the NBA's labour troubles will be resolved.

The Heat, right or wrong, has been called many things by those outside Florida: arrogant, cocky, self-absorbed, villainous, and evil.

But there's no doubting their dedication as Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade seem focused on returning to the Finals and winning the championship that eluded them in 2011.

Consider that the lockout provides ample free time for the Three Kings to enjoy their wealth. They could lie on a beach, party non-stop in Vegas, and appear at training camp, whenever the lockout is solved, looking like former Vancouver Grizzlies post Bryant Reeves.

Instead, all three are working. Wade and James are focused on improving their already strong chemistry, while Bosh is punching the clock.

When training camp finally opens, the Heat - because of Bosh, James, and Wade’s determination - has to be the early favourites.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"The playoffs run 57 days," he said. "For me, it was 56 days, 23 hours and lots of minutes of pure anxiety. I really didn't start to enjoy it until there were about 30 seconds left in the game . . . and it finally dawned on me that we had finally beaten the Evil Empire and all those doubts."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Mark Cuban wasn’t staying quiet forever.

The renegade owner of the Dallas Mavericks recently broke his silence and told reporters he took satisfaction in beating the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, who he dubbed the ’evil empire’.

Yes, there’s nothing like fuelling the fire of the Mavericks-Heat rivalry. Cuban, however, dumped a gallon of gasoline on it.

It’s all rather ironic considering Cuban’s Mavericks were public enemy number one in 2007 when they lost the Western Conference Quarter-Finals to the underdog Golden State Warriors.   

The tables have turned. For now, Cuban is on top. And he’s loving it.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest will put on his dancing shoes on the newest season of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars”.  My source close to Ron Ron has confirmed that Artest is one of the participants on the 13th season of DWTS.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwyane who?

Yesterday the world wide web was buzzing with reports Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade will appear on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.

Today the reports are different. Wade is apparently out, while Ron Artest, the Los Angeles Lakers’ larger-than-life swing, is in.

Wade, a smooth and graceful scorer, seems more suited for success on the dance floor, however, Artest could charm with his personality.

Hopefully, neither appears and have to get back to their day-jobs because owners and players settle on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Sadly, Wade and Artest are more likely to dance with a partner on television than to dance around an opponent in an NBA arena. 

--Oly Sandor.

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

“I don’t know, but I did hear rumors and his name (Wade) did come up. I also heard Ron Artest too.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: NBA players have extra time with the lockout, and some are doing, well, interesting things with that extra time.

Take Miami Heat superstar Dwyane Wade. According to Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Hines Ward, Wade is rumored to appear on Dancing With The Stars if the lockout stretches into the regular season.

Yes, you know the show. The very one Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban embarrassed himself on.

Wade is a smooth, graceful athlete, so he’d probably hold his own as a dancer. The spotlight/pressure wouldn’t bother him after spending 2011 as public enemy number one with the Miami Heat.

Lets hope there’s a season and Wade doesn’t make his dancing debut.

--Oly Sandor.

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

“They met us in the Eastern Conference finals, and they were one player away from making it a very, very, very tough series,” Wade told ESPNChicago.com during an event for his “Wade’s World” charities. “Derrick Rose is evolving into a phenomenal player. You could look and see they’re one player away from being there every year.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwyane Wade thinks the Chicago Bulls aren’t far off.

Yesterday Wade declared that the Derrick Rose led Bulls are one player away from potentially beating his Miami Heat, who won the Eastern Conference championship in 2011.

Wade is correct when stating the Bulls need a shooting guard to take the offensive pressure off Rose, who too often had to create a scoring opportunity on every possession.

However, the Bulls' options could be limited by the new collective bargaining agreement, which would make it difficult, if not impossible, for an upgrade.

The club already has $61.5 million in guaranteed salary for 2011-12. They only have eleven players on the roster.

Now suppose the owners get their hard cap with no exceptions or loop holes.The Bulls will have to look in-house for another scorer, which means getting greater production from the highly paid Carlos Boozer.

Yes, Boozer. Remember him?

Boozer sustained a freak injury in training camp, missed significant parts of the regular season, and found himself on the bench for parts of the Bulls' playoff run.

Boozer has four years and $60 million left on his contract. No contender can get such weak production from such a big-ticket.

The Bulls will likely have little or no money for free agents. And Boozer may have to be the difference-maker Wade speaks of.   

--Oly Sandor.

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

Love or hate the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade knows that he and teammates LeBron James and Chris Bosh set a trend the rest of the NBA will follow for years. “Yes, we have,” Wade said. “I don’t know whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, but more guys are going to look to team up and do things like that.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You can’t fault them for what they did. You can, however, fault them for how they did it.

Yesterday Dwyane Wade told media he, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James started a trend for superstar free agents last summer by signing with the Miami Heat.

He’s right. The days of one superstar leading a contender is over. The crème de la crème have to partner up to win an NBA Championship (of course, the new collective bargaining agreement may change this).

Contrary to popular opinion, there’s nothing wrong with great players seeking each other out and deciding to play together.

Free agency is about choice, right?

In fact, it shows this trio values the collective experience of winning more than being The Man on a second rate franchise.

So credit Bosh, James, and Wade for deciding to share, but criticize Bosh, James, and Wade for the way they came to this decision.

Last July, Bosh and Wade took the cameras everywhere. They talked about making a documentary on their free agent experiences; they fired off annoying, mindless tweets.

Bosh, in particular, showed a lack of respect for the Toronto Raptors, the team he led for the previous seven years.

Then there was James. ‘The Decision’ was an exercise in how not to handle free agency. He went from beloved superstar to hated villain.

Bosh and Wade also became bad guys when they pranced on stage and held a championship celebration -even though they hadn’t won a game or practiced together.

Wade is right. The Three Kings started a trend for free agent superstars. Some of it was good; some of it was bad.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Had a dream my hairline was back! Woke up and went to bathroom, turned on light slowly. Same ol story. Damn! Lol

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: He can't beat them, so he joined them.

LeBron James' shrinking hairline has been a source of amusement for NBA players and stand-up comedians. This morning James got in on the act, poking fun at his balding dome via twitter.

Hopefully, this is a sign James is willing to put a troubled 2010-11 season behind him and lighten up.

A little humor would lessen the 'Heat' James and his Miami teammates will face whenever the season begins.

--Oly Sandor.

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

“At that point it was me. Obviously we went through a lot last year. It was unfair some of the stuff that we had to endure but we grew from it. That’s over with. We move on to whenever we play basketball again and we will be a different team.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s relative.

Yes, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the Miami Heat endured a massive backlash last year and were the undisputed league villain.

Was it unfair, though?

On the one hand, this trio handled their South Beach union with as much modesty and class as Kanye West at an awards show.

On the other hand, Bosh, James, and Wade stay on the right side of the law, take care of their kids, and are involved with charity.

So to lump James in with Charlie Sheen, Donald Trump, and Tiger Woods may be a tad harsh. 

Of course, the public is split. The Heat are as polarizing and captivating a team to take to an NBA floor or compete in a North American sports league.

Perhaps the Heat were treated poorly, however, the public will not have sympathy for three highly paid professional athletes.

Instead, The Three Kings should embrace being the villain. The sooner they accept being the bad guy, the sooner they win that ever elusive championship.

And only then will the hoopla, controversy, and speculation teeter off.

--Oly Sandor.

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

DR: It was great but I’m not satisfied. I won’t be satisfied until I win a championship. I’m not satisfied at all. There’s not a doubt in my mind that I’m not going to win a championship. I’m going win multiple championships. It’s not a doubt in my mind.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It's not the same. Not even close.

In an interview with Hoopshype, Derrick Rose, the 2011 MVP and rising superstar for the Chicago Bulls, admitted he wants to win multiple championships.

Such a declaration should sound familiar. LeBron James was, and still gets, roasted for making a similar statement last summer after taking his talent to South Beach.

There's a difference between Rose and James, though.

Rose was talking about what he wanted to achieve in his career, which is fair. All players, especially the creme de la creme of the NBA, should have lofty goals.

James, however, was acting like he already won multiple championships when he boasted to fans at the Heat's pre-emptive victory parade. The glitter, glitz, and hype of that July day in 2010 was as grand as the L.A. Lakers' championship parade a month earlier in June.

Of course, the Heat hadn't won a thing yet -and wouldn't win a thing, losing to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.

So, put the daggers down. Rose's comments pass the smell test, while James is struggling to move past last July's blunders.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This isn’t breaking news. And this isn’t a surprise. People don’t care for LeBron James.

James, the infamous and famous swing for the Miami Heat, scored near the bottom of an Ipsos poll that surveyed the public about their feelings towards athletes and celebrities.

The NBA’s current villain was joined by Charlie Sheen, Donald Trump, and Tiger Woods as the public's least favourable athlete/celebrity.

Here’s the question: does James deserve this?

Sure, The Decision was as a poorly planned and executed exercise since, well, ever. And The Celebration and The Prediction that followed were as bad.

However, James doesn’t do drugs, drink to excess, reference Tiger’s Blood and/or ‘winning’, cheat on his spouse (repeatedly) and claim to be a family man, attend sex addict therapy, or lead a bizarre crusade to discover where exactly the leader of the free world was born.

So we can hate the arrogance with which James handles basketball-related activities. We can’t hate the loyalty he shows lifelong friends, family, and Akron, Ohio -even if those relationships have gotten him in trouble. 

Perhaps we should despise James and the Heat for what they actually are: the New York Yankees of the NBA. And perhaps we should recognize James isn’t the Sheen, Trump, or Woods of the NBA.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"I will play (basketball)," he said at the Dwyane Wade Fantasy Camp at Fontainbleau Hotel. "I don't know where I will play it. Just because we're in a lockout don't mean I'm going to stop playing the game of basketball."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Lockout or not, Dwyane Wade will play basketball next year. He just doesn’t know where.

Fair enough.

Wade like most of the NBA is waiting for the Players Union and owners to settle their dispute and negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The Miami Heat guard, unlike some his superstar peers, has been bullish on playing during the labour strife. But why?

1) Wade would earn between $1-$2 million per month to play his trade for a club in a foreign league.

2) Wade would have numerous opportunities to further the D-Wade brand, which is always good.

3) Wade would show NBA owners that the players have options and do not need to fold during bargaining.

--Oly Sandor.

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

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

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

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

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

One word: Wow.

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

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

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

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

Way to much, in fact.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

--Oly Sandor.

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

Curry weighed 350 when he auditioned for Miami in March. Curry intrigues Pat Riley, who might offer him a minimum deal postlockout if he loses another 12 pounds or so. His skills “are there, no question,” Grover said.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Eddy Curry could soon become Pat Riley’s Greatest Reclamation Project.

Reports indicate Curry has dropped close to 40 pounds and, if his waist line continues to shrink, he may sign with the Miami Heat for the minimum when the lockout ends.

This is rather remarkable, especially when considering how low the skilled big had sunk.

Curry made $31 million to play in 30 games over the last three seasons. He blew most of that $31 million and, reportedly, took out high-interest loans from dubious characters. And then there was this.

Of course, Curry might not be best for South Beach. He was a finesse-five for the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, and the Heat need a defensive-minded banger down low.

Still, Curry won’t cost much, so, perhaps, he’s worth the risk -as it will appease the people behind Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.

Move over Rafer Alston, Derek Anderson, Ike Austin. Smush Parker, Antoine Walker, and all others. Eddy Curry may soon be coming. You’ll have competition for Riles’ Greatest Reclamation Project.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The chorus is "win, win win, win win," but at the 40 second mark Terry starts singing "lose, lose lose," and then says to the camera, "I feel like LeBron right now."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s not just media. It’s not just fans. Players are piling on, too.

During the last year, Miami Heat superstar LeBron James has been criticized, and even mocked, by anyone and everyone associated with professional basketball.

Yesterday Dwight Howard teased James about his vanishing hairline. Today Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Terry insulted James in a revised, Jet-version of a soon-to-be released rap song.

Of course, Terry‘s Mavericks beat James’ Heat in the NBA Finals, so he holds bragging rights. The league’s top sixth-man called James a loser.

This, perhaps, is a touch harsh.

Thanks to the magic of the Internet, we, along with James, can watch Terry's slight over-and-over again.

Watch the video of Terry getting at James and tell HoopsVibe News your thoughts in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: What’s a shot about receding hairlines between friends?

Usually nothing.

Well, things are different when the guys taking and giving the shots are two of the NBA's biggest superstars. It becomes a must-see. This is the best description of Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard mocking Miami Heat guard LeBron James for having ‘runways’ on his dome.

Howard, however, wasn't finished. Not by a long-shot, in fact.

He then dropped a decent impression of The King and again took a run at his pre-game ritual of tossing chalk in the air.

Watch the video below and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below with thoughts.

I don't know. The Sixers already said they don't want me. And now we're in a lockout. So I'll see what I do. Playing in Europe is a possibility.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Andres Nocioni will be on the move -again.

Reports indicate the Argentine swing will not return to the Philadelphia 76ers when the lockout ends and is open to playing with an NBA or European team.

This is and isn’t a surprise.

On the surface, it would seem a young, developing team like the 76ers would want a veteran presence like Nocioni. Remember, he does the little things and brings an edge.

However, the 76ers didn’t use Nocioni. For a variety of reasons, he played in just 54 regular season games and only got off the bench once for ten minutes in the playoffs against the Miami Heat. 

The only complication is his salary. Nocioni has one year guaranteed at $6.5 million, while his next team will hold an option on 2012-13 at $7.5 million.

Suppose the lockout lasts all year. His 2011-12 salary would then be negated. The 76ers wouldn’t exercise the option on 2012-13, so he`d be a free agent in July of 2012.

Things will change for Nocioni. The one certainty: he won’t return to Philadelphia.

--Oly Sandor.

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

With the Lakersshowing more signs that their basketball mileage is catching up with them, they need to inject speed into their lineup. And with Mike Brown planning to abandon most of the triangle offense, they need a solid point guard. ... [Chris Paul] has the edge over [Deron Williams] because of his youth (26) and uncanny speed.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: With the 2012 season in limbo, many have turned to speculating on next year’s free agent class.

One rumour keeps making the rounds: Chris Paul walks on the New Orleans Hornets to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers next July.

Before you roll your eyes at the new Collective Bargaining Agreement for not fixing the migration of stars to big markets, recognize that this makes sense for Paul.

The Lakers will have financial flexibility. They have $67 million in committed salary for the 2012-13 season, but the club holds options on $25 million for Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom.

While they won’t walk on Bynum, the purple-and-gold will gladly bolt on the final $8 million on Odom’s pact. There are other ways to trim salary.

Regardless of the system - hard or soft cap - the Lakers will be able to make a competitive offer for Paul.

New coach Mike Brown will replace the Triple-Post with a drive-and-kick system that relies on the point guard penetrating and running pick-and-rolls.

Sounds perfect for Paul, right?

The New Orleans Hornets can’t afford Paul. The league owns the team and the city can't generate enough revenue to pay for a top supporting cast.

So it’s generally accepted that Paul will leave New Orleans and join Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire in New York.

Not so fast.

Last I checked the Knicks played in the Eastern Conference. Each year, Paul would have to go through Miami’s Three Kings to reach the NBA Finals.

And when the Heat have a down year, Paul would likely face 2010 MVP Derrick Rose and his upstart Chicago Bulls. The Bulls, with their air-tight defense, are no pushovers.

So Paul’s best bet at championship glory may be out west with the Lakers.

--Oly Sandor.

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

“I'm optimistic that we will have a season this year,” James said. “Very optimistic.” A little anxious, too. He's working out twice a day, trying to erase some of the sting that's still there after the Heat lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA finals.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Does LeBron James know something the rest of us do not? Secret talks? A covert deal? Has he chatted with Union Boss Billy Hunter?

I appreciate LeBron James’ optimism that owners and players will somehow strike a hail-Mary deal, however, the facts are tough to overlook.

Right now, there’s no negotiating and/or bargaining between owners and players. Both are holding firm and refusing to compromise on a new financial system.

The owners want salary rollbacks, a hard cap, and a greater share of the Basketball Related Income, while players want to stick with the current system -even if it’s out of whack with the post 2008 economy.

Yet James remains optimistic. Fair enough. Always look at the bright side, I guess.

Still, the negative is tough to overlook. Alex Meruelo recently dropped $300 million on a mediocre franchise, the Hawks, in a mediocre sports town, Atlanta, because Commissioner David Stern surely promised a hard cap and a better split of the BRI.

And to get those concessions the owners will likely have to blow-up the entire season. That’s right: no basketball for 2011-12.

So James can stay optimistic. I’ll stay optimistic he knows something the rest of us do not.

--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.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is he healthy? Is he willing?

In theory, Michael Redd could absolutely help the Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat win an NBA Title.

For years, Redd was a prolific scorer with the Milwaukee Bucks, killing opponents with his deadly outside range.

The left-handed gunner has the skill-set to punish defenses for cheating on Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade.  

Of course, health matters. In the last two seasons, Redd has played in just 28 games, and doesn’t resemble the perimeter threat that terrorized opposing defenses.

Redd's goal may be to re-establish his reputation as a star rather than support another team's stars -like Bosh, James, and Wade in Miami.

If healthy and willing, Redd would help the Heat. A contender can never have enough shooting or depth.

--Oly Sandor.

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

“Goodman league. The best league in the f______ world,” Beasley said. “The Drew league is OK. They play indoor, man they don’t know anything about this hard life. It’s the streets out here man.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Where are they? Where are the people who claim to have Mike Beasley’s interests?

Those people - friends, family, coaches, agents, and fellow players - need to check in with the former second overall pick from the 2008 draft.

 The last month hasn’t been easy on Beasley. He was cited for marijuana possession. He became a youtube sensation after shoving a heckler during a game in New York.

Now he’s spouting off to the press about the Goodman League being better than the Drew League because 'it’s the street’.

After personal and professional struggles in Miami, the forward found his way in Minnesota. Those strides have been undone. 

The Timberwolves must have concerns. They won’t give Beasley an extension because of their logjam at forward, and they can’t get equal value in a trade because no team wants a problem.

Worst of all, the Timberwolves can't reach out to Beasley because the lockout bans teams from talking with players. 

Bottom line: Beasley’s doing irreparable damage to his career. Somebody, anybody needs to make him aware of this.

--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.

“Dwyane Wade’s agent said Friday his client has received no offers nor has had any discussions with professional teams from China, but he wouldn’t rule out the possibility of that scenario changing. ‘If offers are made down the road, will they be looked at? Absolutely,’ agent Henry Thomas told ESPN.com on Friday. The Chengdu Daily reported that Zhejiang Guangsha was offering Wade $2 million per month to play next season in the Chinese Basketball Association, a report that was later denied by a team official.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: China makes the most sense for a temporarily out-of-work NBA superstar.

After all, China is flush with cash because of their strong economy. And with a billion people, it would provide opportunities to spread the superstar’s brand.

However, the greatest reason may be timing. The season doesn’t start in China until December, which would allow the superstar an extended break, while hedging his bets on when the NBA season starts.

Conversely, Europe is broke, the branding opportunities are limited, and training camp for the long season will soon be opening.

So Dwyane Wade, like most big-ticket American stars, will play in China or rest until the owners and union can find common ground on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Forget the $2 million per month salary, Wade has yet to receive a formal offer of any kind from a Chinese side.

That doesn't mean it isn't coming, though.

These clubs need to identify sponsors to help finance big-ticket offers and are waiting to see what happens with negotiations between Commissioner David Stern and Union Boss Billy Hunter.  

--Oly Sandor.

Will Wade stay or go? Well, get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.

Tim Tebow will succeed in the NFL. He’s a hard worker, a student of the game, a natural born leader and most of all a WINNER! It takes time and he’ll be nice.

Listened to Merril Hoge today on SC and he was just blasting Tebow. The man hasn’t even play a full season and its only his 2nd year in.

Guys get on that TV and act like they was all WORLD when they played. How bout encouraging him and wishing him the best instead of hating!!

(LeBron James, twitter)

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Wrong again LeBron.

Last I checked media analysts aren’t paid to pick up pom-poms and cheer for those they cover. That’s what teams pay cheerleaders for.

(By the way, can you imagine Sir Charles, Shaq, or Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith working the sideline of a Miami Heat-Boston Celtics game? Not a pretty picture!)

Media analysts are paid to analyze. Hopefully, their analysis sparks a reaction, whether good or bad, from the public.

Merril Hoge was doing what ESPN pays him to do: analyze. Best of all, his analysis on Denver quarterback Tim Tebow struck a chord and got a reaction from arguably the biggest name in sports (that would be you, LeBron)!

I get the feeling this isn’t about Hoge or Tebow, though. This is more about James being peeved at the media for panning his play and behaviour in 2010-11 with the Miami Heat.

On the one hand, James had a superb year for the Heat, and established himself as the best player on a team that transcended sport. Perhaps he deserved better from the insiders and analysts.

On the other hand, James did not meet the expectation he set, and, according to some, fell short in the NBA Finals. The media called James on this, which, wait for it, sparked a reaction.

James has every right to speak his mind. So speak it. Put it out there if the media has been unfair to you.

Just don’t use Hoge, Tebow, or anyone else as cover for what you want to say!

--Oly Sandor.

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

"I haven't stopped working out really since May," Griffin said. "It's been every day, sneaking it in whenever I can." Griffin says it's frustrating for him to think that the NBA games may be interrupted after his first season playing in the league. Griffin missed all of the 2009-10 season with a broken kneecap after he had been the No. 1 draft pick out of Oklahoma. "Now my first three seasons, I could play 82 games," Griffin said. "So, we'll see what happens."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Last year was overwhelmingly positive for the NBA.
 
The sporting world was galvanized by Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James joining forces and becoming the ‘Heatles’ in Miami.

Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd’s hard work was rewarded with an NBA championship, guaranteeing both immediate entry into the Hall of Fame when they retire.

Derrick Rose won the MVP award, leading the Chicago Bulls to the league’s best regular season record and a place in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder took another step winning two playoff series before falling to Nowitzki and Kidd’s Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals.

The Memphis Grizzlies made the playoffs and upset the San Antonio Spurs. After years of futility, the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers were relevant and entertaining.

There are other storylines I’m missing.

For instance, high on this list is the emergence of Blake Griffin, whose aerial antics reminded the world there’s a professional basketball squad in Los Angeles not called the Lakers.

(And this squad, the Clippers, can compete and delight despite being owned by the twisted and incompetent Donald Sterling.)

Suppose there’s a lockout. One that wipes out the entire season. Griffin, who missed 2009 with injury, will have played just eighty-two games in his first three seasons.

Fans would have to wait a year to see Griffin assault the rim. Fans would have to wonder what Griffin would do to defend his crown at the 2012 Slam Dunk Contest. And fans, the purists, would have to wait a year to see Griffin’s above average passing and skill-set develop.

This is tragic. And just another thing Commissioner David Stern, the owners, Union Head Billy Hunter, and the players are risking with their posturing and rhetoric.

I hope they know what they’re doing. Griffin missing another year should be a last resort.

--Oly Sandor.

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