LeBron is the leading vote-getter on the NBA All-Defensive team.

HoopsVibe's Very Quikc Call: Not sure he'd be my first pick, but he should definitely be on the squad.

San Antonio Mayor has message for Barkley. Did someone mention championship rings? Oh, this is going to get real, fast.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: We want to see Charles take the mayor's offer.

Using quantitative analysis three Norwestern University researches can figure out what coaches know how to call timeout and what coaches don't.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: I love when sports and nerds collide. Very cool stuff.

Here are your position-by-position Finals matchups.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It all starts with Lebron vs. Durant. The matchup of the year. This is the head-to-head mathup everyone wants to see.

CENTER: Kendrick Perkins vs. Udonis Haslem.

Perkis is tough as nails, but isn't much of an offesnive threat. Haslem's been battling it out with Garnett for 7 games, so it's difficult to see Perkins bing any more intimidating that KG. Plus, Haslem has a mid-range jumper he can knock down. Edge: Heat.

POWER FORWARD: Serge Ibaka vs. Shane Battier or Chris Bosh.

Ibaka has always been regarded as a shot-blocking machine and with his recent addition of consistent mid-range shooter he is a true threat on both ends of the court. The real question is whether he can continue to shoot lights out or if his 11-11 night of shooting was a fluke. Bosh is still getting his legs under him, but dropping 17 points and 3 3-pointers in game seven is only going to help. Edge: even.

SMALL FORWARD: Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James.

Durant shoots the 3-pointer better than Durant, but will he be able to get the looks he needs with LeBron on him. LeBron is unstopable from 17-feet and in, but tends to settle for too many outside jumpers, instead of taking the ball to the rim. The real benefit of Durant is he is better at getting his entire team involved. LeBron's the MVP, but Durant is a better franchise player. Edge: Thunder (barely).

SHOOTING GUARD: Thabo Sefolosha vs. Dwyane Wade.

Dwayne Wade hasn't exactly been himself this playoffs. He's been putting up descent numbers, but never really taking over. Sefolosha will put the defensive clamps down on Wade, but Sefolosha lacks offensive skills Wade bring to the table. Edge: Heat.

POINT GUARD: Russell Westbrook vs. Mario Chalmers.

Chalmers is quick by normal standards and a descent shot, but Westbrook is lightening fast and a better shooter. Chalmers will have his hands full trying to keep Westbrook from penetrating at will. Edge: Thunder (By far). 

Shaunie O'Neal, the executive producer, fires girls that don't fight off the show and keeps the brawlers.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Remember to bob-and-weave girl. Next punch might be coming for you.

Hedisa Visapa said it was Serge Ibaka's Congolese heritage that drew her to him.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: We're visiting the Congo this summer.

The Nets have reportedly entered into contract talks with their own Brook Lopez.

Hoopsvibe Very Quick Call: It's now or never for Dwight Howard to Brooklyn Nets deal.

Lopez, a restricted free agent, is reportedly talking to the Nets about a max deal; either 4 years for $58 million or 5 years for $78 million. The other thing to consider is that if another team puts in an offer to Lopez, he can't be part of a trade to another team. Also, if he doesn't agree to a sign and trade it would stop a deal for Howard until December 15th, because that is when players who signed with teams in the offseason can be traded.

Believe it or not, the Howard to Nets saga has been going on for about a year now. If it doesn't go down now, how awkward would it be for him to spend the season in Orlando? Speaking of awkward, if the Nets are forced to rely on their own "in-house" guy in Lopez, would that make things weird and screw up chemistry? Either way the Nets need a back-up plan in case they don't actually trade for Howard, and Lopez is it.

But how much worse would that be? Or, would it even be bad at all? We all know Lopez missed all but five games last season due to a foot injury, which is never what you want to have your big man suffer through (see Rik Smits, Yao Ming). But when healthy, Lopez has produced, with career averages of 17.4 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 1.6 bpg. But obviously, Lopez is nowhere close to the defensive player Howard is, or the rebounder. But he is a solid big man.

The other question is, if the Nets do actually get Howard, are their enough basketballs to go around to keep everyone happy? Joe Johnson has to shoot a lot to be productive. Deron Williams likes to score as much as any PG in the league. Gerald Wallace likes to score. Howard needs to be the center of attention at all times, so even though he's saying he wants to go to the Nets, could he even handle being an after thought on the offensive side? How long would it take for him to complain about that?

If Dwight Howard going to the Nets has any chance of happening, it's going to have to happen NOW.

Would AK-47 turn his back on Russia to rejoin the NBA? Fresh off being named the Euroleague's 2012 MVP,  he is reportedly considering a return to the NBA.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: It isn't a question of if or when he will return to the NBA, but how much money it will take to get him back.

At one time Kirilenko was one of the most well rounded, efficient players in the entire league. At 6-9 and as a former 1st team All-NBA defensive player, his career averages speak to his versatility: 12.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.0 bpg, 1.4 spg all while shooting 47% from the floor, 31% from three and 76% from the line made him a rare talent and defensive nightmare for opposing teams.

AK left the US to play in Russian prior to last season . Even though he has 10 years of NBA experience under his belt, he is just 31 years old and has plenty of good run left.

Today, Kirilenko told a group of reporters what his plans for the upcoming season potentially consisted of. "I want to decide my new team before the Olympics. There are several options in the NBA, but the final choice has not been made yet."

Kirilenko also told a Russian news outlet the following, further hyping his return: "I'll continue my career in the NBA. Which club in particular, we'll know in a day or two."

Rumors are swirling that the Brooklyn Nets would have an advantage seeing as how fellow countryman Mikhail Prokhorov owns teh squad. And in some capacity, PG Deron Williams is trying to convince Kirilenko that he is the missing piece for a championship run.

But would he really accept the veteran's minimum (which is all the Nets can offer) to play in Brooklyn? Even though the new NBA trend is for veteran stars in search of a ring to take lower money in hopes of corralling a championship, it sure seems unlikely, considering the money he can get from other interested teams, most notably the Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors.

Kevin Durant's Thunderstruck confuses more than entertains.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Color me confounded.

Top 10 Reasons: Why LA will win the championship next year.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: No, all 10 reasons aren't Dwight Howard

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.

NBA attempts to regulate the "flop."

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: David Stern over-reaches and blows it again. 

Meme of the Day.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This one goes out to Kobe and Laker fans everywhere. Enjoy.

The freaks come out at night- or in this case, to a D-League tryout in Santa Cruz.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call- The economy is rough.

Will NBA kill the fun in celebrations and pregame rituals like the NFL?

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If the NBA could learn anything from the NFL it's to let the players have fun.

Episode 5 entitled "Drive" of the D Rose documentary talks about roots.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Rose talks about family first and earning everything he's ever gotten. 

On Thursday NBA commish David Stern announced he is stepping down.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Get ready for a new era in the NBA's history.

NBA Commissioner David Stern has dropped the hammer once again.  Only this time, it was on current United States President, Barack Obama.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Even being the President doesn't save you from being called out by David Stern.

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

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

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

The following is a list of the NBA's top five highest salaried teams.  (And thanks to Hoopsworld.com for providing the data).

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  This list proves that the best team isn't always the one that spends the most money.

1.)  The Los Angeles Lakers - $102,256,438

Point and case.  The Lakers may have the largest payroll in the league but their current record is the worst on this list.  The organization kept busy this offseason and when they acquired both Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, it was looking like the purple and gold were the team to beat.  And indeed, they have been the team to beat.  Yes, it's still early in the season, but having won only three games with their expensive lineup is pretty embarrassing. Let's hope the recent hiring of Mike D'Antoni turns things around.

2.)  The Miami Heat - $87,595,822

It shouldn't come as much of a shock that the Heat are number 2 on this list.  They pretty much cleared out their books a few years ago to make sure there was enough cap space for Lebron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade to be on the roster.  And as it turns out, that was a good idea.  Micky Arison, Pat Riley and company made a good decision in doing so seeing that the Heat are the defending NBA Champions and are currently sitting at the top of their division.

3.)  The New York Knicks - $82,010,527

The Knicks could quite possibly be the surprise of the season so far.  J.R. Smith is posting career numbers, averaging 18.2 points per game.  Raymond Felton is averaging 14 points and 6.2 assists while Carmelo Anthony's 26.8 ppg leads the league in scoring.  As a result, they're 5-0; all the while Amare Staudemire has been on the bench with knee injury.  Who knows if they'll keep it up, but it will certainly be interesting to see how they play with Amare back in the lineup.

4.)  The Brookyln Nets - $83,511,726

The NBA's newest team are 4-2 to start the season.  They have a new stadium in the Barclays Center and with Deron Williams, Brooks Lopez, Kris Humphries and Joe Johnson on their payroll, they certainly have a few expenses.  But if they continue to win games, those expenses most likely won't be much of an issue.

5.)  The Memphis Grizzlies - $77,098,154

I was pretty surprised when Memphis came in at #5 on this list.  I would have thought Boston, or San Antonio, or even Oklahoma City would have been ahead of the Grizz.  Then again, they do have Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol on their roster.  Those three guys alone take up about $47 million of the payroll.  And for good reason; they combine for over 51 points per game.

If your favorite NBA team hasn't suffered a significant injury to one of its players recently, you have something to be "thankful" for.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: The injury bug is on the prowl, looking to strike an NBA player near you.

Cleveland Cavs point guard Kyrie Irving will miss a month due to a broken index finger.

Irving broke his left hand in the offseason and now the results of a MRI and CT Scan revealed a hairline/non-displaced fracture in the right index finger. The injury will be treated with taping and a splint while the fracture heals, and is scheduled to be re-evaluated in two weeks. It's going to be a long month for Cleveland fans as Irving has been essentially carrying the offense. Since you won't see him play for a month, get your fix by watching this over and over- it never gets old.

Andrew Bynum hurts knee...again...while bowling.

A couple of days ago Bynum confirmed Sixers fans worst fears when he confirmed he hurt his left knee bowling, while rehabbing his surgicially repaired right knee. "In hindsight, I guess you shouldn't go bowling. It's not more than anything I've done in my rehab." Bynum also raised another interesting point that Sixers fans undoubtedly do not want to consider; "I'm taking the position that if that happens bowling, what happens dunking?" Double ouch.

Brandon Roy's knees are done. And so are a lot of other Timberwolves' knees.

Roy had arthroscopic knee surgery on his right knee yesterday and the Timberwolves announced that he will be out for about a month. But does he really have anything left anyway? This was Roy's seventh knee operation since high school and fifth as a pro. Aside from Roy, the T-Wolves are battling injuries at every position.

Drik Nowitzki will miss at least two more weeks.

Is Dirk ever going to come back? Outside of Andrew Bynum, is anyone's knee injury healing more slowly? Dirk said via Twitter he will be back at practice again in two weeks, which means you could assume anywhere from 4-6 weeks until he is able to actually play.

Andrew Bogut to miss at least next three games.

Bogut will not play in any of the team's next three games as he continues to strengthen his repaired left ankle which he had surgery on initially on April 27th. it's encouraging though because he has actually played in three games ths year, but at some point Warriors fans want to see this guy on the floor.

San Antonio Spurs Stephen Jackson and Kawhi Leonard both out.

Stephen Jackson has a non-displaced fracture of the proximal phalanx of his right little finger and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Teammate Kawhi Leonard has left knee quadriceps tendinitis (doesn't that sound painful?) and will miss at least two weeks.The Spurs are hurting so bad at the small forward position, rumor has it that the team is considering acquiring Celtics player Mickael Pietrus.

New Orleans Hornets rookie Anthony Davis sprains ankle.

Davis sprained his ankle on Monday during practice ("Practice...we talkin' about practice.") which caused him to miss tonight's game versus the New York Knicks. Davis sprained the same ankle earlier in the year and it has been a lingering injury. He could miss several games as the Hornets play four road games in the next six days.

17 years ago today, the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls suffered their second loss in the season's first 12 games, before eventually winning an NBA record 72 games.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: They would go on to win 13 in a row and an amazing 31 of 32.

On November 26th 1995, the Bulls lost 97-92 to their eventual opponent in that year's NBA Finals, the Seattle Supersonics, in Seattle's Key Arena. The loss ran the Bulls mark to 10-2 after 12 games and put them on pace to lose a total of 14 games. It was a great start, one of the best to that point in NBA history, but surpassing the 1971-72 Lakers all-time best 69-13 record seemed improbable.

The Bulls finished the month of November with a 12-2 record but improved in each of the next two months, going 13-1 in December and 14-0 in January, running their record to 39-3 after three months. In February, the Bulls ran their record to 41-3 and became the fastest NBA team to 41 wins, again besting the '71-72 Lakers previous record.

In February, March and April the Bulls stayed just as hot going 11-3, 12-2 and 10-2 respectively, before ending the season with a combined 72-10 record.

Against Seattle on this day, the Bulls were without Dennis Rodman, while Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen combined to go just 13 of 35 from the floor and scored 40 points. By comparison, Gary "The Glove" Payton and Shawn "Reign Man" Kemp went 20 of 29 from the field for a total of 51 points as Seattle out-shot the Bulls .602% to .453%. Even with the loss, the Bulls would set an NBA record that season for road wins going 33-8.

After the incredible regular season, the Bulls didn't cool off, going 15-3 in the playoffs for a combined total record of 87-13. The Supersonics won three of those 13 games, while the Indiana Pacers were the only other team to beat them more than once that season winning two games in the regular season by a total of five points.

Prior to the start of the current NBA season, Metta World Peace proclaimed that this season the Lakers would beat the Bulls single season win record by going 73-9. Currently the Lakers are sporting a 7-7 record. To put that into perspective, the Bulls didn't lose their seventh game until March 10th; isn't that insane?

The 1995-96 NBA season was a great one for the Bulls, but also for the Supersonics; they just picked the wrong year to be good.

Looking at the current NBA player injury report, it almost seems like every team is missing one (or in some unfortunate cases, a few) key players.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Injuries certainly aren't ideal, but every team has to deal with them.

Here are few that are currently being dealt with:

Avery Bradley, shoulder, Boston Celtics

According to reports, Bradley will be out for another few weeks, at least until mid-December.  While he's currently traveling with the team and working on his jump shot during warmups, he is not participating in full contact drills.  The Celtics can't wait to get Bradley back, as he's earned a reputation for being an extremely talented perimeter defender.

Derrick Rose, knee, Chicago Bulls

After suffering that gruesome slash heartbreaking knee injury in the first round of the playoffs last year, (an injury that essentially took them out of NBA Finals contention), Rose is still in recovery mode.  He's set to return mid-January but due to the nature of his injury, will take more time to heal if necessary.  As much as the Bulls want their franchise player back in the lineup, they are not going to rush his recovery.  The good news is Rose just recently began cutting in practice.  The bad news is, with Rose out this season, the Bulls are below .500 at 6-7.

Kyrie Irving, finger, Cleveland Cavaliers

We all remember the freak accident that resulted in a broken hand for Irving earlier this preseason.  If you don't, he made an errant pass in a game, was mad at himself, and punched a wall.  We've all been there, right?  Well, unfortunately, a freak accident found him with a broken finger recently and will have him out until late December.  "Freak injury, minor setback but ill be back soon everybody, Love the support" Irving tweeted.

Dirk Nowitzki, knee, Dallas Mavericks

The three point shooting seven footer, who hasn't played in a game yet this season, will continue to be a spectator for another few weeks due to a knee injury.  Dirk is set to make his return to the lineup sometime in mid-December and Mavs owner Mark Cuban probably can't wait given the fact Nowitzki averaged more than 21 points per game last year.

Danny Granger, knee, Indiana Pacers

There's no question this injury hurts Indiana; Granger was the Pacers leading scorer before being sidelined after having an injection three weeks ago to treat patellar tendinosis.  The Pacers better get used to life without Granger, as he isn't scheduled to return until mid-February.

Chauncey Billups, achilles, Los Angeles Clippers

By the way the Clippers have been playing, you might not have even noticed they've been balling without Chauncey Billups in the lineup.  Chauncey is almost done rehabbing an injured achilles and is planning on being back in action mid-December which means the Clips are about to get even better.  I'm sure in the meantime, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin will continue to have everything under control.

Steve Nash, leg, Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers probably didn't foresee Steve Nash getting injured within the first few games of the season when they traded for him a few months back.  Then again, the 38 year old is getting any younger.  Nash is set to return by mid-December and knowing how much the veteran point guard will help their team, the Lakers can't wait.  "When Steve comes back, things will change.  You have one of the greatest point guards of all times that you're missing out of the lineup.  It changes things," said superstar teammate Kobe Bryant.  Even new Lakers coach, Mike D'Antoni, who coached Nash for many years in Phoenix highlighted his importance in the lineup.  "In Phoenix, we couldn't win without him," D'Antoni admitted.

Shane Battier, knee, Miami Heat

While Battier might not be one of the most talked about players on the Miami Heat, no one doubts his immense contribution night in-night out.  Battier is an amazing defender and hits the open three.  Thankfully to his teammates, his recent knee injury will only have him missing a few games; Battier should be back early to mid-December.

Chase Budinger, Brandon Roy, Ricky Rubio, all knee injuries, Minnesota Timberwolves

At this point, it's almost as if you should be careful going to play in Minnesota because you might hurt your knee.  All three players, Budinger, Roy and Rubio are currently sidelined with versions of knee injuries.  Budinger will be out until March but thankfully, Roy and Rubio should return mid-December.  Let's hope.

Amare Stoudemire, Baron Davis, knee injuries, New York Knicks

It's pretty amazing how well the Knicks have been playing with Carmelo Anthony at the helm and Stoudemire and Davis both out with injuries.  Davis will unfortunately be out for the season but Stoudemire is set to return mid-December.  How will the Knicks work Stoudemire into the rotation when the team is 9-4 without him?  It will definitely be interesting to see what happens with Amare on the court.

Andrew Bynum, knee, Philadelphia 76ers

Just when I thought Bynum would go to Philadelphia and grow into the best center in the league, he injured his knee.  Again.  And then he went bowling, and got injured again.  He's got all of the talent in the world but can't seem to stay healthy.  Barring any further bowling incidents, a healthy Bynum will be in the lineup by the end of December.  Fingers crossed, Philadelphians.

John Wall, knee, Washington Wizards

If there's one team in the NBA who truly cannot afford an injury right now, it's the Wizards.  They are currently 0-12 and their star player, Wall, is sitting on the bench with knee injury.  The good news?  Wall is supposed to be back by the end of this month and there's only one way for the Wizards to go from here.

Anthony Davis, ankle, New Orleans Hornets

A stress fracture in Davis' ankle isn't helping the Hornets one bit.  The team is currently 3-9 on the season.  Davis played the first six games and put up huge numbers, averaging 16 points and 8.3 rebounds per game.  Pretty remarkable for a freshman.  What's also remarkable is how much of an impact he's had because the Hornets haven't won without him.  Since his injury, they are 0-6.  Davis is said to be out until mid-December.

The Boston vs. Brooklyn rivalry is official as brawl gets 3 players ejected.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Rondo starts a fight he should be glad never finished.

Former NBA rebounding extroardinaire Dennis Rodman was placed on probation today for failing to pay $500,000 in child support to his ex-wife.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  The former NBA "bad boy" seems to be living up to his reputation off the court as well.

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

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

Fresh off dropping his new album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, Outkast's Big Boi made an appearance on NBA TV's The Jump to talk shop on two of his (and my) favorite subjects, basketball and music.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Big Boi is an accomplished hip hop artist and a true hoops fan.

Earlier today, Big Boi, who together with Andre 3000 makes up the rap duo, Outkast, stopped by The Jump studios in Atlanta and chatted with Brent Barry, Dennis Scott and company.  The gang asked Big Boi about everything from his hometown Falcons and Hawks, to recording his new album, the situation the Los Angeles Lakers, and just who would be in his personal Big Three.

"So who would be your big three?" Brent Barry asked the rapper.

"First I'd have to grab me Andre 3000 of course," Big Boi said.  "Really that's all I need.  I don't need anybody else.  Me, Dre and the referree that's it."

Big Boi, who spent the first half of his life in Savannah, Georgia before moving to Atlanta, is known for being a huge Atlanta sports fan.  When asked about being a Hawks season ticket holder and going to the games, Big Boi was ever prideful saying, "I support as much as I can.  Home team first.  I mean it's Bird Gang the whole way."

And this year especially, there's plenty of good reason for Big Boi to be proud of Atlanta sports.  At 12-2, the Falcons are currently tied with the Texans with the best record in the NFL and have already clinched their division.  The Hawks, led by Josh Smith, have a 15-7 overall record so far this season and are only one game behind the reigning Champion Miami Heat for first place in the southeast division.

When questioned about what's gotten into Josh Smith lately, Big Boi dropped the following wisdom:

"I guess you know when you get to mature, you come into your own style.  It's the same thing with doing music.  I guess it just takes experience.  To get growth you get real like that.  You just gotta stay on your craft."

I don't think many would argue about whether or not Big Boi knows a thing or two about experience and honing in on one's craft.  Together with Andre 3000, Outkast has gone platinum numerous times and has taken home six Grammy Awards.

One of the best parts of the interview came when Dennis Scott asked Big Boi, "What do you think is going on with the the Lakers, and Kobe and Dwight Howard, what's your take on all that?" to which the famed rapper responded, "I don't know.  Everybody wanna blame the coach.  I don't know man, 'cuz the coach ain't shootin' free throws, you know?"

Got to give it up to Big Boi for always keepin' it real.

Check out more of the rapper's appearance on NBATV.com's The Jump.

Wizards player slapped his babymama while she breastfed their 1-day old child.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: I'm not sure what could be worse than slapping a woman while breastfeeding. This is an all time new low for NBA.

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.

3 Point Play covers the best buzzer beater of the year, a ref blocking Kris Humphris, and Melo's wife tastign like your favorite cereal.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The real question is does Melo's wife really taste like Honey Nut Cheerios like Garnett claims?

The latest episode of 3 Point Play dives deep into the world of NBA trash talk. Does any of it make sense? Does Melo's wife really taste like Honey Nut Cheerios. And is that a good thing or a bad. We also cover the best buzzer beater of the year and why NBA refs want to block Kris Humphries.

To follow more 3 Point Play, rumors, and gossip follow @MikeBrouillet.

The fans have spoken.  Here are the East and West starting lineups for the 2013 NBA All-Star game.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Most of these ballers deserved it, but a few are questionable.

Once the #2 overall pick in the NBA draft finally comes clean about his suicide attempt and Bulls smoking weed before games.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Just goes to show that no one is immune to hard times, but it is great to see this baller back on his feet and doing great.

Chris Paul and his wife visit Lil Wayne in the hospital to show support. 

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: I guess CP3 and Lil Wayne are better friends than we realized.

Basketball is a team sport, but when two studs lock horns, the other players on the court recede from view.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: So many great rivalries, so little time!

Today, Gatorade released an ad for it's new product "Fixation",which features Kevin Durant and Dwyane Wade squaring off, each player dreaming of a different outcome when they meet one and each other on the floor.

So it got me thinking: Who are the best one on one match-ups in NBA history? 

Here are the first batlles that came to mind. 

Shaquille O'Neal vs. Hakeem Olajuwon

Their match-up in the 1995 NBA Finals has been washed asunder by the tides of history, but at the time, this may have been the best duel I have ever witness. Hakeem was paying the best basketball of his career this season (in the playoffs particularly)and maybe the best stretch for any center in NBA history. Shaq led the NBA in scoring this season (29.3 ppg) and was in the midst of establishing himself as the most physically dominant center ever. In the Finals, Hakeem averaged 32.8 ppg and Shaq scored 28.0 ppg.

Wilt Chamberlain vs Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

In the conversation about the best center of all-time, these two names are really the only two at the top of the list- it's really just a question of who is 1a and who is 1b.This excellent article breaks it down, blow by blow, and concludes that Wilt is the victor.

They played against each other 27 times, including 11 games in the playoffs of 1971 and 1972. In their first 11 meetings, Chamberlain was still able to (i.e. inclined to) score with Jabbar. In those first 11 games, Wilt averaged 22.8 ppg and 17.6 rebounds, while Kareem averaged 26.0 ppg and 15.6 rebounds.

50 ppg, 30.1 ppg over his career, 23 rebounds/game over his career, the only non-guard ever to lead the league in assists, 100 points in one game, the list goes on...Wilt was simply more dominating.

Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James

This is absolutely the most exciting match-up in the current NBA, with both players battling every night for supremacy. In five playoff games (last year's NBA Finals), KD outscored LBJ 30.6 ppg to 28.6 ppg. But James dominated in every other statistical category and also won the title, by a margin of 4-1. In 11 regular season match-ups it's the same story; Durant averages 29.0 to LBJ's 28.1, "Bron Bron" has the edge in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks and has won nine of the 11 games. "Durantula" has some work to do, potentially in this years NBA Finals. 

Dominique Wilkins vs. Michael Jordan

Of their era, these were the two most athletically gifted, electrifying players. WIlkins at times, looked like he almost had too much energy for his body, while MJ was always smooooooth. In 45 career games against each other, Jordan won 27 while "Nique" won 18. MJ averaged 31.6, while Wilkins poured in 29.8 as both players had almost identical stat lines. In one playoff series that the Bulls swept, Jordan averaged 34.3, 6.7 rpg, 4.3 apg to Nique's 30.0, 5.3 rpg and 3.0 apg.

Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan

The significance of this rivalry isn't as much about the head to head play, though that was extremely entertaining, but about what it meant to the league- was it not old MJ versus a young version of himself? Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan played each other 8 times, four when Jordan was with the Chicago Bulls and 4 when he was with the Washington Wizards. The Lakers won 5 of those games. Across these games, Bryant scored an average of 22.8 points, while Jordan scored 24.5 points.

Oh,old man Jordan still has it.

What's your top five?

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Top 5 Most Overrated NBA Players of the 2012-2013 season.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: These guys are earning way too much money and it's just that simple.

This is the list of the overpayed and the underachievers. Some of these players are very good players, but that doesn't mean for a second they aren't getting way over paid for their production levels. This is the 2012-2013 top 5 most overrated players based on their performance and earnings this season.

#5 Danilo Gallinari: Gallinari almost didn't make the list  playing for the over achieving Denver Nuggets who currently sit at 54-24 in the Western Conference. They've played above expectations all season. Yet, Gallinari is still taking home $9.4 million for producing 16.2 PPG and 5.2 RPG. Again, these numbers don't seem completely outrageous, but keep in mind Gallinari is a cherry picker. He's not creating a most of his offense. He's having it handed to him from drive penetration and kick-outs. He is essentially a very well paid jump shooter.

#4 Metta World Peace: MWP isn't a bad player, but his production this season is marginal with only 12.5 PPG and 5.0 RPG for the 42-37 Lakers. Plus, he's taking home $7.3 million for those numbers. I know he's supposed to be a defensive threat, but clearly that's no longer the case as the Lakers have one of the worst defenses in the league. MWP needs to save up his money because after this contract his take home dollars are going to drop to the floor.

#Jeremy Lin: Lin wisely cashed in on "Linsanity" last season to the tune of $8.3 million. Houston was hoping he would regain his insane form with the Knicks. He's had decent numbers with 13.2 PPG and 6.1 APG, but these certainly aren't 8 million dollar numbers. Harden's doing all the real heavy lifting in Houston.

#2 Pau Gasol: Gasol is in the black hole that is the Lakers. His numbers are a paltry 13.5 PPG and 8.1 RPG which is impossible to justify at $19 million for the season. Gasol is so grossly over-compensated for his pay that it makes him impossible to trade. No one wants to absorb his price tag. This is the very definition of overrated.

#1 Dwight Howard: This should come as a surprise to absolutely no one, including Dwight Howard. He came into LA as the savior. He was on the cover of every major basketball and sporting magazine talking about how many rings he was going to win and now he's looking like the worst NBA cancer since, well, he was in Orlando. Howard will make $19.5 million this season for producing 16.8 PPG, 12.4 RPG, and 2.4 BPG. Oh, did I forget to mention, the Lakers are only 42-37 and might not even make the playoffs. That's a lot of money to pay someone to self-destruct an organization that used to be known for greatness. 

The Denver Nuggets came out on top with a 107-100 win against the Golden State Warriors Tuesday night, a game in which Warriors coach Mark Jackson said the Nuggets played "dirty."

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Dirty or not, the Nuggets played better.

Looks like Rondo wanted to put this season behind him fast and the Floyd Mayweather fight was the perfect opportunity.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Hey, it's the off-season ... Rondo can catch all the boxing he'd like, but Boston will need to grab some free agent talent to win next year.

JR Smith was spotted partying it up at a club after the Knicks win Tuesday night - and this time, he was kickin' it with R&B superstar Rihanna.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Got to give Smith some credit for having that work hard play hard mentality.

The NBA Finals are where new stars are born and new styles are formed.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: An entire year of league history is compressed into and remembered by the outcome of the NBA Finals.

2009-2010 LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics - 7 Games

The NBA needed this Finals from a business standpoint as much as anything else. Interest in the game was waining and the league was struggling financially. So what was the best recipe to get the league to be relevant and exciting again? A classic match-up between the Lakers and Celtics, which the Lakers won.

1993-1994 Houston Rockets vs. New York Knicks- 7 Games

This was as grueling an NBA Finals in history. Both teams were rugged, relied on tough defense and games were low scoring. Every possession was hotly contested and featured even personnel match-ups across the board, most notably reigning MVP Hakeem Olajuwon versus Patrick Ewing. The Rockets prevailed and won back to back titles, starting with this one.

1987-1988 LA Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons - 7 Games

The Lakers won this series in the ultimate stylistic clash between the finesse "Showtime" Lakers and the physical, brutish Pistons. Between 1980-1989 the Lakers won five titles, including this series versus the Pistons.This series represented a shift in NBA style of play. Even though the Lakers won and continued their dominance in this series, the Pistons swept the Finals the following season against the Lakers and eventually won two and a row, giving birth to the "Bad Boys" and their imposing style, a style that would be picked up and empolyed by NBA teams moving forward.

1979-1980 LA Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers - 6 Games

This series was all about the emergence of Magic Johnson. Magic changed the NBA game forever as the Lakers "Showtime" style was born. Instead of plodding half court sets that had been the norm, the Lakers relied on the transition game and became the most dominant team of the era, changing the entire direction of the league.

1973-1974 Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks - 7 Games

This series was littered with several future NBA Hall of Fame players who not only evolved their respective positions, but brought the game to a new level. The Bucks featured Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, while the Celtics had Dave Cowens and John Havlicek. Abdul-Jabbar was so dominant the Celtics frequently triple teamed him when he got the ball. The strategy paid off as the C's prevailed in seven games.

R&B singer Monica and former Laker Shannon Brown look forward to their first baby.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Congrats to the couple, but we wonder if their making up from Shannon's previous cheating was the spark. Do the math.

The 76ers Nick Young is being sued for allegedly drugging and raping a woman.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Lets make sure all the facts add up on this one before we start throwing around guilt.

No matter what he does he will always be known as one of Michael Jordan’s first NBA coaches, the man who couldn’t fulfill Jordan’s potential. Even after he left the NBA’s coaching ranks and joined the broadcast booth, he still couldn’t shake the jaundiced eye of the casual NBA fan, thanks to his inability to take Jordan and those young but talented late 80’s Bulls teams to the peak of their ability.

Was the envelope frozen? Or was the crease in the upper right hand/folded corner enough for the commish to know it was the correct envelope to pick? Watching the NBA Draft this past week, and the tepid response from most fans concerning who would go number one overall, is a long way from when it was held in 1985. Back in 1985 the Draft actually mattered because Patrick Ewing was at stake.

"NBA referee Joe DeRosa has been suspended without pay for one game for throwing a ball to a fan at halftime of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals on May 18. The suspension was announced today by Ron Johnson, NBA Senior Vice President, Referee Operations.

DeRosa will miss the next game he would have been scheduled to work. The fan was not ejected from the arena as was reported previously."

Link

HoopsVibe's Call: His form on the two-handed chest pass was excellent. However, the optics of ref Joe DeRosa dropping a 'dime'/tossing the rock at a fan were far from excellent.

Referees, especially during game two of the Eastern Conference Finals, can't lose their cool with players, coaches, and, of course, fans. But an official suspension?

Wouldn't it have been far more prudent for Commissioner David Stern and whatever lackey is currently in charge of the zebras at league head office to replace DeRosa for the rest of the playoffs?

After all, the playoffs are also crunch time for refs. And the best refs supposedly get handpicked for the Conference Finals and Finals.

Removing DeRosa from the playoffs for poor judgement would've been a symbolic and effective punishment. A one game suspension can be appealed by the referees' union and has media publications, like us, focusing on this sort of tomfoolery and not basketball.

Watch the clip below and tell us if DeRosa's two-handed chest pass warranted an actual suspension?