Carmelo Anthony falls victim to the injury bug. Question is, how bad is it?

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Doubtful if New York has the firepower to win without their MVP candidate.

Stephen Curry bounces back from fight with 54 points (video).

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: This kids got touch for days. It's a beautiful thing to watch.

La La finally sets the record straight on Kevin Garnett claiming she tastes like Honey Nut Cheerios.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Her side of the story has been a long time coming, but do you believe it?

In the most recent data gathered, Lebron James topped the list of the NBA's most popular jerseys.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Here is the list of the top 5 most popular NBA jerseys.

The NBA's "real season" begins soon, as playoff time is finally almost upon us.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Upsets used to be the exception, now they are the rule.

The following five match-ups all feature an eighth seed upsetting a number one seed, a feat that has only happened five times in NBA history. Of the five times, three of those upsets ocurred in the last six years.

Golden State Warriors Upset Dallas Mavericks - 2007

At the time, the Dallas Mavericks were considered one of the biggest favorite one seeds ever, coming off of a 67-15 regular season record which was the only since legitimate claim to challenge the Bulls 72-10 all-time best NBA season. The Mavericks were also coming off of losing in the Finals to the Heat the previous season, a series many people felt like they should’ve won; expectations were high and facing Golden State in the first round they had every reason to be. The Warriors were a franchise at the time, much like now, that was mired in mediocrity with no real reason to be optimistic. After squeaking into the playoffs at 42-40, they were a complete after-thought. The Warriors qualified for the playoffs that year for the first time since 1994 with the 13 year drought between appearances being the second longest in NBA history. The Warriors beat the Mavs in six games, and this Baron Davis dunk over AK-47 (even though it took place in the following playoff series) shows you the level he and the Warriors were playing at:

Denver Nuggets Upset Seattle Supersonics - 1994

The year was 1994. Charles Barkley signature “Air Max” shoes, selling for $150 a pair, were king. The world was shocked by the unexpected death of Kurt Cobain. And Seattle Supersonics fans the world over were reeling from a first round playoff loss to the eighth seed Denver Nuggets. The Sonics had blown through the regular season going 63-19 which was a franchise record for wins and were the number one seed heading into the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs to face a Denver Nuggets team that no one had expected anything from. And with good reason; to that point in NBA history no eighth seed had ever beaten a number one seed. And no one expected a 42-40 Denver team to pose a legitimate threat, especially after losing the first two games in what was at the time a best of five game first round series. Game five was an epic back and forth game where the intensity never waned and every possession felt like the most important in the game. Kendall Gill’s layup with a half second left on the clock sent the game into overtime. But the Nuggets maintained the momentum throughout the extra frame and escaped with a 98-94 victory, winning the series.

New York Knicks Upset Miami Heat - 1999

The Pat Riley led Heat were the number one seed after posting a 33-17 record during the strike shortened season and the Knicks stumbled to 27-23, barely qualifying as the eighth seed. Both teams had dominant big men from Georgetown University; Alonzo Mourning and Patrick Ewing. Both had flashy offensive weapons that could make plays, Tim Hardaway for the Heat and a still dominant Latrell Sprewell. Down by one with 19.9 seconds left in the deciding game five, the Knicks did everything they could to screw up the possession and struggled to get a shot off. Ultimately after an inbound with 4.4 seconds, Allan Houston launched a running floater from the top of the lane that bounced off the rim and backboard before falling through the hoop securing a one point victory and the series for the Knicks.

Philadelphia 76ers Upset Chicago Bulls - 2012

Game one of the series, the Bulls are coasting right along, up by 12 with 81 seconds left. Then, this happens:

Series over, Philly wins four games to two. That's pretty much it.

Memphis Grizzlies Upset San Antonio Spurs - 2011

I remember at the time watching this series, particularly how slow and old the Spurs looked and thinking, "Man they had a great run, but they are definitely over the hill." Wrong again! The Spurs, essentially with the same core of players, will be the #2 seed in the West this year. The Spurs came into the 2011 playoffs as the #1 seed, with the second-best record in basketball and home court advantage against any Western Conference opponent and were dropped in the first round. Zach Randolph played out of his mind and Marc Gasol wore down Tim Duncan on both ends of the floor.

In this year's playoffs, if the Bucks were to beat the Heat, or the Lakers were able to vanquish the Thunder, would either be a bigger upset than any of the previous upsets on this list?

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O.J. Mayo will opt out of his contract in Dallas as Stoudemire and Jennings make absurd first round playoff predictions.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Since when does a #2 seed have to publicly guaratee they'll beat a #7 seed? Probably about the same time a #8 seed guarantees they'll beat the best team in basketball. 

A yearbook photo of Knicks guard J.R. Smith surfaced this week, but it's Smith's yearbook quote, not his picture, that's caught everyone's attention.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Smith has clearly always been a gamer.

Did the Celtics give the Knicks even more motivation to eliminate them by taunting Anthony about his wife LaLa ... Again?

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Have we learned nothing from watching Spike Lee motivate Reggie Miller to win after win?

The Knicks have been struggling in the second round against the Pacers, and now JR Smith, the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year is taking the blame.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  While Smith's production has significantly declined against the Pacers, he's not solely to blame.

How much more Mike D’Antoni can the Knicks and the city of New York stomach? With his arrival, Knicks fans were promised to never again feel the way they are feeling now.

Dirk Nowitzki’s Dallas Mavericks winning the 2011 NBA title dispatching the best the league has to offer is a great thing. In the same way that Tim Duncan’s Spurs and Hakeem’s Rockets won, a new team winning the title refreshes the competition instead of regulating to the same franchises consisting around the Lakers and Celtics. The matchup gets stale unless you are a Lakers or Celtic fan. The faces are different, but the same teams remain. Green is green. Yellow is yellow. It’s like watching a bad film going through several remakes. You just have to wonder why. 

The Quick Hit: Recently, former superstar Tracy McGrady told reporters, despite his lacklustre play and mediocre health, he wouldn’t sign with a team this summer that asked him to serve as sixth-man.

McGrady, of course, believes he’s a still starter. And McGrady also believes he hasn’t ‘fallen off’ to where he's a reserve.  

Forgive me, but didn’t we just see this song and dance? Didn’t we just see first ballot Hall of Fame guard Allen Iverson commit career suicide by refusing a lesser role for the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies?

Any questions ya'll have about my report on D-Howard/Amar'e/Chandler...please listen in to the show NOW! I will NOT keep repeating myself.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s no surprise the Orlando Magic tested the trade waters with the New York Knicks, proposing a Dwight Howard for Tyson Chandler and Amar’e Stoudemire swap.

The Knicks, who believed they’d contend, have struggled early on. Superstars Carmelo Anthony and Stoudemire aren’t clicking. Coach Mike D’Antoni is on the hot seat. And the Madison Square Gardens masses are restless.

Translation: the Knicks are vulnerable, especially without a wise, veteran executive in the front office to preach patience and/or give D’Antoni a vote of confidence.

Would the Knicks be better with Howard instead of Chandler and Stoudemire?

Well, perhaps. Problem is, they’d still have Carmelo Anthony firing away from the outside and refusing to facilitate for teammates.

Until Anthony’s game becomes more balanced, it won’t matter who the Knicks have at center or power forward.

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

Carmelo very reflective tonight. Wondered aloud if he's shooting too much, or should pass more and whether he's to blame for losses.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He has yet to make those around him better.

For all his offensive gifts, Carmelo Anthony lacks the one skill that truly defines greatness: he does not raise the play of teammates.

In fact, he never has.

Anthony struggled to find his game on-and-off court after a banner rookie year with the Denver Nuggets. Then he failed to mesh with Allen Iverson. Only with leader and Finals MVP Chauncey Billups did ‘Anthony’s Nuggets’ compete.

Last year was a write-off. Anthony made no secret of his desire for a trade to the big-market New York Knicks. Both teams were in a holding pattern for months, dealing with 24-7 trade rumors.

When those rumors became reality, the results surprised. The Nuggets, with balance and team-first play, impressed, while the superstar-laden Knicks disappointed.

And Anthony must take the blame. He’s in his much-desired glamour market, and has yet to deliver results.

He shoots too much. He won’t include others. Worst of all, his presence has turned Amar’e Stoudemire, a $100 million free agent signing in 2010, into a blue-collar post.

Something must give. Nine years into his career, the question is whether Anthony can change and embrace the bigger picture?

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

Why leave a championship contender for an organization years away from contending?

This is the question Kobe Bryant and LeBron James will face if either leaves the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers as an unrestricted free agent this summer to sign with the dysfunctional New York Knicks.

The Knicks just need to look at the other bench tonight to see what their offense is supposed to look like. Nash, who ran D’Antoni’s system to perfection, was averaging an NBA-high 10.1 assists before last night’s 118-97 loss to the Bulls, even though he will turn 38 next month. That’s why The Post has reported the Knicks plan to target Nash (along with Jameer Nelson and Raymond Felton) with this summer’s $5 million mid-level exception.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Nothing new here.

The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash, and will try to sign the sure-fire Hall of Famer this summer when he becomes a free agent. 

After all, the Knicks are coached by Mike D'Antoni, Nash's old coach and mentor. And they need a reliable table-setter to deliver the ball to scorers Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire. And Nash lives in New York during the summer, so the transition would be easy.

In fact, the only surprise is the Knicks waiting until summer. Why not pursue Nash now and enhance their chances of playoff run?

Well, the Suns and their two-time MVP are playing chess. Both sides know a parting of the ways is inevitable, but neither wants to make the first move.

Sun fans would never forgive owner Robert Sarver for dealing Nash. And they'd never see Nash in the same light if he requested a trade.

This, however, won't stop the Knicks from pursuing Nash. Not now, and not six months from now if he gets to free agency.

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

I'm pretty sure I like LeBron James a lot less today than I did about two months ago. Back then, he was a player who everyone was sure could lead his team to a title and was probably the unquestioned best basketball player on Earth.

Today, he's an attention whore who wants us all to anxiously await the moment he "decides" what team he's going to suit up for next season.

HoopsVibe's Breaking Down The NBA Blog regularly provides a snapshot of the best NBA stories you should be reading from the three dubyas. We call it Best of the Web ...

Wherever Isiah Thomas goes, he leaves a swath of destruction in his wake. It’s just amazing to me that he keeps getting jobs. Thomas’ impact as a player cannot be disputed- he is one of the best guards to ever play in the NBA. But for as good as he was on the court, Thomas is even more atrocious as a front office member or even coach.

Memphis and New Jersey have been engaged in trade talks centered on guard O.J. Mayo, but a deal appears unlikely, league sources tell Y!

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Desperate times, desperate measures.

The New Jersey Nets are considering acquiring OJ Mayo from the Memphis Grizzlies to appease franchise face Deron Williams.

Williams has said again-and-again he'll opt-out of his contract at season's end because he wants to sign with a contender. The Nets are 2-9. Do the math.

This, however, is bigger than a rebuilding franchise losing their superstar. Soon the Nets will swap the swampy marshes of Jersey for a shiny, new stadium in Brooklyn.

The cost of their new digs: one billion dollars.

The Nets, who lost Carmelo Anthony last winter to the cross-river Knicks, need Williams to establish a presence in New York.

Unfortunately, Williams has been complaining about the club's poor record, so management is panicking and feel compelled to make a move -even if its for perennial rumor mill fodder like Mayo.

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

The Hawks say Al Horford will miss 3-4 months with a torn pectoral muscle suffered during last night’s 96-84 loss at Indiana.. Horford is to get a second opinion on whether to proceed with the surgery. Under the most most optimistic time frame, Horford would return in mid-April. Atlanta’s final regular-season game is scheduled for April 26.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Whatever slim shot the Atlanta Hawks had at acquiring Dwight Howard is likely gone.

After all, the Hawks were reportedly offering Al Horford and Joe Johnson to the Magic in exchange for Howard. Horford's injured pectoral muscle complicates things.

Of course, Howard, an Atlanta native, wouldn't sign an extension with the Hawks, as he prefers a bigger market to land lucrative sponsors and transition into the entertainment industry.

Think Los Angeles. Think New York. Maybe Dallas, if owner Mark Cuban works his magic. Not Atlanta, especially with Horford on the injured list for an extended period.

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

Sources reveal to SLAMonline that Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony recruited Josh Howard during the offseason to play in The Big Apple. Anthony called Howard multiple times, according to sources, to convince the former Wizards forward to join the Knicks’ frontcourt as Anthony’s backup.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He wants Kenyon Martin. And he wanted Josh Howard.

Carmelo Anthony, the New York Knicks’ franchise player and star forward, hasn’t exactly been subtle with his opinion on personnel moves.

There were reports Anthony wants the Knicks to sign Martin, his former frontcourt partner and friend with the Denver Nuggets.

Martin, of course, can’t join an NBA team until March because he signed with a Chinese club during the lockout, so the former first overall pick must wait until the red tape clears.

Now reports are surfacing that Anthony wanted the Knicks to land Josh Howard, the versatile, do-everything swing who eventually ended up with the Utah Jazz.

Anthony’s input is great and he means well, but there’s a limit. NBA superstars will always have and give their opinion, however, the danger is when it seems like the inmates are running the asylum.

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

The season is almost over. It is time to look back and reflect on the positives and negatives. The hype before tip-off was through the roof. There was a lot of anticipation on new rivalries and storylines to be played out. Will the South Beach trio work out? How will Blake Griffin play? Is Steve Nash’s window closed? Are the Lakers still the team to beat? Kevin Durant got the MVP? The Chicago Bulls are 4th seeders, right?

Dwyane Wade to Amarè Stoudemire: I got those "hunting" tips for you. Hit me on the cell L2MS.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s on.

Commissioner David Stern can say what he likes about achieving NFL-style parity between small and large markets.

Bottom line: he’s lying.

The NBA thrives when superstars are in major markets. And the NBA is at its best when superstars in major markets develop rivalries with other superstars in major markets.

So Amar’e Stoudemire and Dwyane Wade exchanging ‘hunting tips’ via twitter is great for the NBA, as it’s further proof the Knicks are once again relevant.

Will the Knicks challenge the Heat for supremacy in the Eastern Conference?

Probably not.

The Knicks are talented, and can score in bunches. However, I don’t think they’ll defend on a night-in, night-out basis to overtake the Heat. Not with offensive guru Mike D’Antoni on the sideline.

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

Glen Grunwald announced today that the Knicks have signed Baron Davis. Davis was waived by the Cavaliers last week under the league's amnesty provision.

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But the most interesting scenario I’ve heard all weekend is the idea that both (Baron) Davis and (Gilbert) Arenas could wind up in New York. One source close to the situation, in fact, says that the two Angelenos have discussed this concept.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Too many cooks in the kitchen. Too many chiefs, not enough followers. One ball, four first options.

You get the idea.

Gilbert Arenas and Baron Davis, both of whom dominate the ball, would confuse an already complicated situation in New York, where Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire sometimes battle for touches.

Sure, the names involved sound intriguing. However, free agency isn`t fantasy hoops.

If the Knicks are to contend they must fill out their roster with talented role players -not fading stars who may use the bright lights of Broadway to resurrect their career.

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

And I’m told that Arenas, in the wake of his Orlando release, has established a four-team wish list for resuming his comeback from the gunplay debacle in Washington that derailed his career and an unsuccessful stint with the Magic. The 29-year-old is holding out hope that the call comes from either the:

• Lakers …

• Heat …

• Knicks …

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s Christmas, so why shouldn’t Gilbert Arenas have a wish list?

Why shouldn’t a fading, shot-first combo guard, with a questionable attitude demand to play for top teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, or whatever team Dwight Howard ends up on?

Perhaps Santa will provide this gift. Or perhaps the Lakers, Heat, and whatever team Howard goes to will have enough sense to steer clear of Arenas -even if he comes at a bargain basement wage.

There are rumors the Knicks will roll the dice on Arenas, but with a star-studded frontcourt they’d be better off chasing blending players.

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

They are pursuing sore-backed veteran point guard Baron Davis, who cleared waivers last night, and the club also is focused on pursuing forward Travis Outlaw, the Nets’ amnesty cut, if he clears tonight at 8, The Post has learned.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Chris Paul isn’t coming. Perhaps Baron Davis will.

Word is the New York Knicks are attempting to sign Davis, who was recently amnesty-waived by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

On paper, this may work. Davis is an electric and dynamic talent. Many, like TNT broadcaster Kenny Smith, feel he has the skill-set to be a very good player.

However, the reality could be very different. Davis’ best years have past and poor fitness has hurt his form and durability.

The biggest issue with Davis in New York may be New York itself. The Big Apple will provide Davis with too many opportunities to continue pursuing his film and showbiz career.

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

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In episode XII of Out of Bounds, Marija "The Knicks Chick" Kero gives former and current 'Bocker Jared Jeffries a not-so-warm welcome back to the New York Knicks.

Carter waived Friday by Phoenix so Suns could buy out his $18 mil salary for $4 mil. Mavs quickly into advanced talks w/VC for vet depth.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I don’t like it.

With the signing of Vince Carter and departure of Tyson Chandler, the world champion Dallas Mavericks have become a softer, perimeter team.

Carter, of course, has underachieved. Too often, he shies away from contact, refuses to do the all-important little things, and settles for low percentage shots.

The Mavericks provide an opportunity for the former All-Star to salvage his career -or what is left of it.

Will he grab the opportunity, though?

Give Chandler his due. Sure, his career had been mixed, but the seven-foot giant gave the Mavericks an inside, defensive presence that was key in winning a championship.

That element, however, is gone. Chandler is a Knick; Carter is on the verge of becoming a Maverick. And the world champions have taken a step back in the Western Conference.

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

If Chauncey Billups was a rapper he would be Method Man. Sure, everyone knows who he is and that he’s good, but few people can point to a single specific performance to define him as such. And what makes both so unheralded is actually what makes them great; they are so good at doing what they do and at multiple facets consistently, that they are taken for granted.

In episode eleven of Out of Bounds, Marija "The Knicks Chick" Kero discusses the New York Knicks' acquisition of Carmelo Anthony.

Denver, what are you doing? Why is he still on the team? Trade him already. He’s still there? Look. I understand that people are trying to team up with others to win. That is fine. Whatever. The people of Denver should not have to put up with a whiny person putting bounties on porn stars via Twitter on someone like Kat Stacks. That is not a class act. Then he goes around and says that his Twitter was hacked. Come on, man! Stop playing!

The Knicks are nearing completion on a deal with Tyson Chandler worth $58 million over four seasons.After their efforts to trade for Chris Paul stalled, sources say the Knicks intensified their efforts to sign Chandler.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The NBA lockout and shortened season has created a tight window for free agents, so multiple scenarios are in play.

One strong possibility: Tyson Chandler leaves the world champion Dallas Mavericks to sign a multi-year deal with the New York Knicks for between $50-60 million.

Then things would get awfully complicated.

The Knicks would first have to create cap space by waiving/trading point guard Chauncey Billups and/or post Ronny Turiaf. Inking Chandler would provide other options -like using Amar'e Stoudemire as trade bait.

Or, they could keep Stoudemire and partner him with Chandler and Carmelo Anthony. This would, perhaps, be the NBA's premier front-court.

Bottom line: signing Chandler is the first of many changes coming to New York.

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

Did anyone want to remember the past decade? It was full of LULZ and OMG! Those days are over. The scene was interesting to see Stephon Marbury shout “Dey scared now!” His interviews were nothing short of breathtaking. I miss seeing Zach Randolph dribble the ball like he was in an And-1 commercial. Isiah Thomas took the Knicks even deeper in to the abyss. Mike D’Antoni’s priceless expression when he didn’t land the number one pick to get Derrick Rose was hilarious.

Although a deal is only a remote possibility, it would surely involve Billups, who plays the same position (point guard) and who is one of the Knicks’ few valued assets.“It wouldn’t make me happy,” Billups said Friday in a phone interview from his Denver home. “Because for me, at this juncture in my career, I just want to win.” At 35, with six teams and five trades on his résumé, Billups is a certified authority on change, especially the unplanned kind. He is not the sort to overreact to frothy rumors. But he has understandable concerns.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: New CBA, old problem.

Veteran table-setter Chauncey Billups has publicly declared that he wouldn’t be ‘happy’ if the New York Knicks traded him to the New Orleans Hornets for Chris Paul.

His reason: New Orleans is a rebuilding, small market, while New York has two superstars and the resources to spend well beyond the cap on top talent.

Of course, part of the reason for the five-month long lockout was to supposedly prevent such a discrepancy in the league.

The owners supposedly wanted to create a balance between have-teams like the Bulls, Celtics, Heat, Lakers, and Mavericks with have-not teams like the Hornets.

There was to be no more of superstars holding smaller markets hostage. The Decision and Melo’ drama was supposedly a thing of the past.

Well, the owners failed to win this concession from the players.

Superstars still hold leverage. Lots of it. They continue to be the straw that stirs the drink. In the next few months, Dwight Howard and Paul will prove this in the way they depart the Magic and Hornets.

And Billups’ happiness doesn't matter.

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

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

Chris Paul’s agent informed New Orleans officials on Wednesday that his client will not sign a contract extension and wants to be traded to the New York Knicks, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. As soon as the NBA lifts its lockout restrictions, Hornets general manager Dell Demps wants to meet with Paul and hear that directive from him.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s a when. Not an if.

Face it: Chris Paul will leave the New Orleans Hornets as a free agent in July of 2012 to most likely sign with the New York Knicks.

Everything else is a formality. Like the 2011 season. Like turning down extension offers from the New Orleans Hornets. Like informing management he’ll leave.

To be fair, this isn’t just about small markets vs. large markets. Or, playing in the bright lights of The Big Apple.

This, in fact, is fate. 

A few years ago, Paul attended Carmelo Anthony’s wedding where he toasted to playing alongside ‘Melo and Amar’e Stoudemire at Madison Square Gardens for the Knicks.

Two of the pieces are in place. Stoudemire signed with the Knicks as a free agent in the summer of 2010, while Anthony was traded to the NYC last February.

For months, they’ve been waiting for Paul to form a Big Three to rival the superstar trio in Miami.

When that happens the Knicks will take another step in the Eastern Conference. There’s no if about that.

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

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.

In episode VI of Out of Bounds, Marija Kero dissects LeBron's situation, edits the Sports Guy's list, recaps some draft duds and takes a friendly jab or two at Charles Barkley. There's also a cameo by Stephon Marbury's "Vaseline-eating ass". Let us know your thoughts on the topics, and ask Marija a question by leaving a comment below.

In Out of Bounds IV, Marija translates Big Ben Roethlisberger's apology statement, tells Brad Miller he's not wanted in NY and lets you know what you can do to keep Jeff Van Gundy the hell away from the Bulls.

The two men have openly stated that they would like to play for the New York Knicks. I do not know why the New York media machine has opened their playbooks for the world to see in acquiring potential future employee number 6. While I admire their ways of applying their resources to the test for these free agents, one has to ponder that they’re probably going after the wrong guys.

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. 

“Hurt, surprised, I think it really still hasn’t hit me yet — not really,” he said later. “I think everything happened so fast, last year coming back from my ACL injury and getting traded to Oklahoma City where I had to be a leader. “It still hurts that I got traded, but then the city of Oklahoma has been great to me. They’ve embraced me with open arms, and I have no complaints about the city of Oklahoma and the whole organization.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kendrick Perkins reminds me of John Starks.

There are differences: Perkins is a center, Starks was a guard; Perkins is a defensive anchor, while Starks played both ends of the floor; Perkins won a championship with the Boston Celtics and Starks’ New York Knicks fell short in the NBA Finals.

However, Perkins and Starks are both fiery and have massive hearts.

Consider that the veteran-laden Celtics fell apart after Perkins was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder last February. Part of this had to with the hole Perkins left down-low, but this was more about the hole he left in the locker room.

Rajon Rondo missed Perkins, his best friend. Kevin Garnett cried when told of the trade. And the green-and-white never recovered.

Yesterday Perkins received a massive ovation while at an exhibition game near Boston.

Starks, a real life Rocky, had a similar impact in New York. He played at several colleges, semi-pro leagues, and bagged groceries before sticking with the Knicks.

Fans could relate to Starks` blue-collar work ethic. Eventually, he became an All-Star and a key part of some rugged Knick teams.

He was immortalized with his dunk on THE GOAT and when the Beastie Boys declared 'I got heart like John Starks'.

The lockout has shown what’s wrong with the NBA. The league needs more players like Perkins and Starks.

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

It’s official. LeBron James is a free agent. He’s up for grabs. People were waiting to exhale. Don’t exhale just yet until the first week of July. The Boston Celtics has eliminated the Cleveland Cavaliers from the second round in a disastrous series.

Through the Melo Rule, the owners want to limit how much control a player has on where he plays. Players, meanwhile, want the freedom to go where they please. And the player who inspired the rule found it amusing that it could become a part of his legacy. ``I’m just glad I can be part of something,” Anthony said last month. “When I’m dead and gone, the Melo Rule will still be here. I’m just excited that they named a rule after me.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carmelo Anthony’s reaction reveals much about modern stars.

Instead of wanting to create a legacy on-court through winning, many want to create a legacy off-court through business.

This is sad.

For instance, the Denver Nuggets gave Anthony everything. They rolled out the red carpet, supported him during his off-court indiscretions, and paid him like a tier-one superstar.

The returns were mixed. At times, Anthony, was out of shape, feuded with Coach George Karl, and was consumed with scoring.

Bottom line: the Nuggets weren’t a contender until they brought in Chauncey Billups, who provided the leadership that was expected from Anthony.

Then came last year. Perhaps inspired by LeBron James’ Decision, Anthony held the Nuggets hostage for months by refusing to sign an extension and flirting with teams in the New York area.

The rumours were too much. It was 24-7. And a major distraction for the Nuggets, New York Knicks, and New Jersey Nets.

After several near-deals, Anthony got his wish and was finally traded to the Knicks. The process was ugly and again showed the polarization between have and have-not markets.

It also showed that high profile players can and will hold several teams hostage for months in an effort to get their way.

Rather than calling the process an unfortunate but necessary part of business, Anthony is proud. He doesn’t realize that his actions have created a sticking point in negotiations between players and owners, which, in turn, has delayed the 2012 season.

Compare Anthony to another ‘Legend’. Larry Bird, the Hall of Fame forward, was never proud of the ‘Larry Bird Rule’ in the old Collective Bargaining Agreements. He was too busy winning.

Perhaps Anthony should learn something from Bird. Perhaps he should focus on what matters -winning.  

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