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.

Link

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.”

Link

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.”

Link

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.  

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

According to a pretty piped-in informant, skulking and stalking are exactly what Thomas has been doing as Hunter tries not to lose further frontage to one clearly identified Nor’easter after another: Namely, commissioner Stern stage-managed by 29 owners; players poised to push for immediate decertification if a deal can’t be struck during this extensive bargaining session; weighty agents counseling clients that leadership is limp; and growing frustration among even Hunter’s staunchest supporters.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Once again, Isiah Thomas’ name is linked to treachery, backstabbing, deceit, and angling.

The Hall of Fame guard - who in retirement destroyed the Toronto Raptors, Continental Basketball Association, New York Knicks, and Donnie Walsh’s sanity - wants to replace Billy Hunter as head of the NBA Players’ Association.

Sure, the NBPA has been somewhat dysfunctional under Hunter. And sure, they need a new voice to take the reins after losing negotiations to the owners.

But Thomas?

On the one hand, he was President of the Players Association. On the other hand, everything Thomas has touched since running the floor for the Pistons has blown up in his face.

The man’s closet is full of enemies, skeletons, and who knows what else. He has always been despised by many, and his presence would fracture an already divided and fragmented union.

Hopefully, the players find somebody else to replace Hunter. Thomas isn’t right for the job.

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

Knicks owner James Dolan blew off the two-day desperation labor session between the NBA and players’ union in Manhattan with one source saying he has been “sickened’’ by the failure of his fellow owners to make a deal. Dolan is on the negotiating committee and a five-minute train ride away from the latest talk, which ended without a deal last night at 11 p.m. after an 11-hour session.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The man who hired Isiah Thomas, signed Jerome James and Eddy Curry‘s exorbitant contracts, and pushed Donnie Walsh, the executive who rebuilt his flagship franchise, out the door is ‘sickened’ by his fellow owners.

James Dolan, the owner of the New York Knicks and Donald Sterling of the East Coast, is right. The owners some deserve blame for not cutting a new collective bargaining agreement sooner.

As a protest, Dolan skipped Thursday's negotiations -despite being on the owners’ committee and a short subway ride from where owners and players met.

Dolan’s feelings illustrate the polarization of NBA owners: big-market, have franchises are satisfied with winning negotiations, while small-market, have-not franchises are out for blood.

At a certain point, the owners must find a balance. Failure to do so could well compromise the entire league.

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

"...They still have to have some steady shooters from the outside to complement the penetration they have, and then (Carlos) Boozer has to have that post-up game that he was brought there to give them. They just can't be one-dimensional in that regard. They have to have those complementary pieces to assist Rose in his game."

Link

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Phil Jackson retired last May. His mouth missed the memo.

The Zen-Master appeared on a Chicago-area radio show and declared that Bulls star and 2011 MVP Derrick Rose needed help.

It's common knowledge Rose's supporting cast must improve, especially at two-guard. The Zen-Master couldn't resist antagonizing, provoking, and causing controversy by saying that the Bulls should hang a 'Help Wanted' sign outside the stadium.

Here's the question: why would Jackson stir the pot?

Well, Jackson could be flexing his muscles. As the most successful coach in NBA history, he feels it's his duty to comment on all things NBA.

Remember, Jackson won six championships in The Windy City, so he has a connection to the team and city.

Perhaps he's keeping his name in the headlines in order to land one final coaching job before he really retires.

Chicago is unlikely. New York -with Carmelo Anthony, Amar's Stoudemire, and maybe Chris Paul - is a possibility.

One thing we do know: Jackson always has an agenda.

--Sandor.

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

"I've been ordained the Renaissance Man," said Stoudemire on Twitter shortly after midnight Sunday morning. "This is now my new nickname. Renaissance Man. You like it, I love it. Its not going to change." Isiah Thomas referred to Stoudemire as a renaissance man in comments to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News on Saturday.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Isiah Thomas strikes again.

The Hall of Fame point guard is again showing his influence over the New York Knicks by dubbing Amar’e Stoudemire 'The Renaissance Man'.

Thomas, who is the coach of Florida International University, doesn’t officially work for the Knicks, but finds time to ‘help’ with trades, free agent signings, and mediocre nicknames.

This isn’t good for the Knicks. They need a talented replacement for executive Donnie Walsh, and any worthwhile candidate won’t want to deal with Thomas’ constant meddling.

Of course, Thomas may be Walsh's replacement.

Despite being one of the worst GMs in league history, Knicks owner James Dolan has considered re-hiring Thomas because the two are friends.

And then Thomas would get the last laugh.

--O. Sandor.

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

Thomas, who worked for the Knicks as president, GM or coach from December 2003 to April 2008, was reportedly involved in the recruitment of Carmelo Anthony last season. Now, he's expected to do the same with Paul, who is under contract for the 2011-2012 season but has a player option for 2012-13, during which he is scheduled to make $17.8 million. Many have speculated that New York is a potential destination for Paul. Current Knicks point guard Chauncey Billups, whom New York acquired in a three-team, 13-player deal last February, will be a free agent after 2011-2012.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: If the New York Knicks had sense, they’d muzzle Isiah Thomas.

They don`t have any sense, so Thomas will keep talking. Loudly.

Remember, Thomas’ slash-and-burn philosophy turned the Knicks into the league‘s laughingstock, forcing Commissioner David Stern to suggest to owner James Dolan that he hire veteran executive Donnie Walsh.

Thomas got a massive cheque to leave and give his opinion when asked to by the front office.

But Thomas is friendly with Dolan, so he stayed active and involved with the Knicks even though he has a college coaching gig at Florida International University.

This clearly alienated Walsh, who is now the outgoing executive for the Knicks. He couldn’t have liked Thomas taking credit for the signing of Amar’e Stoudemire and acquisition of Carmelo Anthony. 

Whoever replaces Walsh won’t be pleased to hear Thomas insinuate that he’ll have a key role in the Knicks chasing point guard Chris Paul.

Paul, of course, is a free agent in July of 2012. He’ll likely leave the small market New Orleans Hornets -even if the new collective bargaining agreement fixes the disparity between small and big market teams.

Enter New York. Paul will surely find it difficult to turn down the lure of playing in Madison Square Garden with Stoudemire and Anthony.

This has nothing to do with Thomas. However, an opportunist never turns down or passes up an opportunity.

--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.

Link

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.

We have a core of players we can build around to build a [championship-contending] team,” Walsh said. “We’re not finished. There’s more pieces. But I think we got some really good players that can lead a team and form a core of that team. What we have are the most important things.”

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Their core isn’t bad. It’s just not that good, either.
 
Executive Donnie Walsh is overestimating his New York Knicks if he believes Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, and Amar’e Stoudemire need only a few tweaks to win a championship.

There’s little evidence to suggest Anthony and Stoudemire can play together, while Billups is aging -and fast.

The Knicks, even if the stars align and do contend in the Eastern Conference, will be hard pressed to topple the Miami Heat and their core of Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade in a best-of-seven series.

--O.Sandor.

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

"They've been deeply involved in the meetings we've had. I know Kobe is intimately involved in interfacing with colleagues and sharing in a pool of revenue to help the others get through this. Kobe has volunteered to do that in the event others need, he and others are prepared to loan money if necessary."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Bank of Kobe Bryant could be coming.

Union head Billy Hunter told the press superstar Kobe Bryant is willing to lend his union brothers money during the work stoppage.

This is a nice gesture by Bryant, but shows the need for NBA players to learn how to manage their money.

Take Eddy Curry. The puffy post turned one good season on a bad Knicks team into an exorbitant 5-year, $55 million contract.

In the last three years, Curry suited up for 33 games. While injured, he accumulated debt, overhead, and high-interest loans like a European ‘P.I.G.S.’ nation.

Now Curry, who will receive a massive pay-cut as a free agent when the season does begin, must honour those financial obligations.

I have a feeling Curry’s situation is not unique. Many, if not most, NBA players are stretched, so the owners only have to outwait the players.

Hunter should be more careful about releasing information to the public, even if it involves The Bank of Kobe Bryant.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Stoudemire is in constant communication with Knicks guard Roger Mason Jr., who is on the negotiating committee.

Mason tweeted yesterday, “Looking like a season. How u.” The tweet got major play until Mason deleted it and claimed his Twitter account was hacked. However, speculation is he sent it as a private message and hit the wrong button.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Thank God for Twitter.

The social networking site has provided the basketball world with its greatest clue that players and owners may be moving towards a new collective bargaining agreement.

New York Knicks union rep Roger Mason tried to alert teammate Amar’e Stoudemire that a season could be on the horizon. Unfortunately, he hit the wrong button, making what was supposed to be a private tweet available to the public.

This prompted Stoudemire to tell reporters he’s hearing good things about upcoming labour negotiations.

Accident or not, we’ll take it. It’s a sign - a good sign that basketball is coming. For now, that’s enough.

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

Blazers president Larry Miller has expressed a strong interest in former Golden State Warriors GM Chris Mullin, sources said. Mullin’s expected to talk with the Blazers too, sources said.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Chris Mullin’s career as an executive hasn’t been normal.

The sharpshooter revitalized the Golden State Warriors before getting stabbed in the back by Don Nelson, his former coach and the man he rescued from the sideline boss scrap heap.

Then Mullin was tabbed to take over the executive chair in New York from Donnie Walsh before dysfunctional owner James Dolan stepped-in. Walsh is out; Mullin won’t be leading the Knicks.

Now he’s linked to the Portland Trail Blazers, the organization that fired GM Kevin Pritchard moments before the 2010 NBA draft only to invite him to stay for the evening's festivities.

Pritchard’s replacement, Richie Cho, was pink-slipped after being on the job for less than a year. Cho was seen as too docile, low-key, and quiet.

Perhaps Mullin should pass on the Blazers‘ gig. Right now, they’re dysfunctional, and owner Paul Allen seems determined to meddle.

Life may be a little more normal in ESPN’s broadcast booth.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The first was undoubtedly whether Phil Jackson, on hand to usher his former long-time assistant Tex Winter and Rodman into the Class of 2011, will unretire in the future and return to the NBA sidelines to coach again. Maybe for the Knicks in 2012.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Will Phil Jackson ride off into the sunset at his ranch in the Mid West? Or, will the most successful coach in NBA history un-retire and  take a seat on the New York Knicks’ bench?

Jackson didn’t close the door on a return to coaching at the NBA’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Instead, he left the door open ever-so slightly.

Remember, Jackson won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, which included a run of three and two consecutive championships.

Before that he won six championships with the Chicago Bulls, which included two separate runs of three consecutive championships.

Bottom line: Jackson’s a winner. So the Knicks should do everything possible to woo him out of retirement, or sabbatical, and onto the hallowed floor of Madison Square Gardens.

After all, Jackson played for some great Knick squads. His ego is grand enough that he’d handle, or even welcome, the bright lights, center stage, and headlines of Broadway. 

Of course, the Knicks have the money to easily meet P-Jax’s demand of an eight-figure annual salary to work his magic on Carmelo Anthony and Amar‘e Stoudemire.

Sounds perfect, right?

Well, here’s the problem: Knick owner James Dolan likes control. He’ll be reluctant to hire a free-thinking, counter-culturist like Jackson, who has the pedigree to say what he thinks without worrying about consequences.

Now Jackson, at 66, won’t want to deal with the Knicks’ meddling owner. For instance, he knows Executive Donnie Walsh left because he grew tired of Dolan.

Then again Dolan has hired high-profile coaches and general managers: Larry Brown and Isiah Thomas. And Jackson has dealt with the soap opera in Laker-land known as the Buss clan.

So it’s possible. We’re talking about it too, which is exactly what Jackson, retired or not, wants. 

--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.

Link

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.
 

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.

Link

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.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: In the last ten-to-fifteen years, no NBA team has made more mistakes than the New York Knicks.

Much of the blame can be laid at the feet of owner James Dolan, who recently refused to re-hire the executive, Donnie Walsh, who turned the Knicks’ fortunes around.

Instead of keeping Walsh, Dolan was likely working on this ...

(Watch at your discretion. Fix the Knicks is painful.)

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts on Dolan’s latest blunder? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below with thoughts.

“I don’t think those guys will want to go through it,” said Marbury, who is training in Los Angeles. “China is not for everybody — a whole ‘nother world. I don’t think they’re going to go there, not the big-time guys. Maybe they’d come for a little bit, but if the season is cancelled for the year, I don’t think they’d want to stay. They’ll want to go home.

“I don’t think Carmelo Anthony is going to run like they want to run in practice,” Marbury added. “They want to run you to death. The first time I got there, they ran in practice for two straight hours. I said, ‘Is that what we have to do every practice?’ “

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Guess who’s again making headlines?

Stephon Marbury, the troubled and controversial former NBA point guard, believes the New York Knicks` Carmelo Anthony wouldn’t be up to the rigors of pro’ ball in China.

Marbury, of course, is an expert on Chinese basketball. He’s also an expert on coming up short -just in the good old United States of America.

After bottoming out of the NBA for interesting behaviour off-court, he found a nice landing spot pushing his skill and sneaks in the world’s greatest economy.

However, Marbury can’t compare his situation to what Melo` or any NBA All-Star would face abroad.

Back then Marbury was desperate. He needed China to save his career on-court and to hawk his goods on billions of people.

Melo’ does not need China. Not now anyway. He has leverage, meaning he’d dictate terms on practice, travel, and anything else.

Marbury is clearly taking a shot at the Knicks’ newest star. After all, the Steph’ era was ushered out in favour of collecting cap space to sign/trade for big-ticket talents like Anthony.

Once again, Marbury is making headlines. Like always, it`s for the wrong reasons.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown has an interest in joining Doc Rivers’ Boston Celtics staff as an assistant coach, assuming Lawrence Frank accepts the Detroit Pistons' head coaching job, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Larry Brown has burned more bridges than a pyromaniac serving a five year bid at Sing, Sing prison in upstate New York.

Brown is the nomad coach. When the going gets tough, he gets going. Or when he thinks the grass is greener on the other side, he goes to the other side.

Just ask the Charlotte Bobcats and Los Angeles Clippers or the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks or the Philadelphia 76ers and those same Pistons.

Of course, this doesn't stop Brown from demanding his players 'Play The Right Way'. It doesn't matter that he's doing the opposite in front of them.

Despite the hypocrisy, Brown can teach youngsters. Unfortunately, the Boston Celtics are a veteran crew. Old heads like Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce won’t want to deal with the overbearing, impatient, and frustrating Brown.

Celtics head coach ‘Doc’ Rivers won’t be particularly enthused with Brown’s idiosyncrasies either -especially if he’s only using the defensive coordinator gig to showcase himself for a head coaching job.

Rivers and the Celtics should avoid Brown. He’ll burn them like he has so many other teams.

--Oly Sandor.

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

While this would be a dream scenario for Maccabi and all Jewish basketball fans, Amare's agent, Happy Walters, doesn't see it happening.  "I don't think anyone is thinking about playing overseas at this point – certainly not Amar'e," he said.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Just a hunch. Amar’e Stoudemire likes attention.

He did give himself nicknames of ‘Standing Tall And Talented’ and 'Black Jesus'. There are his Craig Sager inspired outfits and demand to participate in The Great Free Agent Summit of 2010. And he's in the midst of a rather public relationship with Ciara, the pop singer.

More recently, Stoudemire has gone back-on-forth via twitter about whether to ‘take his talent’ abroad during the lockout or stay in America.

Each day brings something new. First, it was Europe, and then China, and then Israel. As expected, Stoudemire and/or his agent, Happy Walters, tell the world he’s sticking around New York.

"I have to do what's best for me and my family," West said. "(Chris Paul) understands it's all about winning, and as the years go, by you can't get them back. I want to win and win big, win a championship. "But you've got to find the right situation, where it's reality and not fantasy. I just want to be on that stage, have a shot at (a title) and see what happens."

Link

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: David West want to win big. To achieve this, West, a free agent, can't re-sign with the New Orleans Hornets.

The Hornets, even with a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, will likely stay the poster-child for have-not franchises. They will always struggle to compete.

New Orleans was poor before Hurricane Katrina. Six years later, they can't generate enough revenue to lure free agents to play with their stars.

West knows this. Most importantly, so does Chris Paul, the team's top player and franchise-face. Paul, unless the new CBA allows the Hornets to franchise tag him, will leave next July as a free agent.

He's out.

Paul's best friend in the NBA is LeBron James. In fact, James' marketing company, LMRM, represents Paul. The tiny table-setter will have learned from The Decision, and he'll only sign in a big market or with a legit contender.

Think New York. Think Orlando. Think Miami. New Orleans can't compete with these destinations.

West knows Paul will leave in one year. And West knows this means he'll have to leave, too.

--Oly Sandor.

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

With Nets superstar Deron Williams breaking the ice by agreeing to terms to play in Turkey if the NBA lockout lasts for a long time, will Knicks Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony follow suit? Highly doubtful.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There will not be a mass exodus of NBA superstars to Europe.

For a variety of reasons, Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant and/or Amar’e Stoudemire won’t follow Deron Williams to exotic locations like Turkey, Greece, Spain, and Italy.

This trio may listen to offers. Their people may publicly express interest in Europe. And we -the media and fans- will eat it up because there’s nothing to discuss during the lockout.

Bottom line: few, if any, superstars will join Williams.

These high-profile athletes need insurance against injuries. This isn’t cheap, and would negate much of the salary they earned for playing.

In some cases, the risk is too great. Stoudemire’s agent, Happy Walters, has already said his client head won't risk the remaining $80 million on his NBA contract with the New York Knicks for a few games abroad.  

Italy, Spain, Greece, and/or Portugal are on the verge of bankruptcy, and need economic help from the European Union. Can these countries afford NBA superstars? And will their leveraged owners honor these big-ticket contracts?

Expect Kobe Bryant to instead head east –as in the Far East. Bryant will apparently headline a tour to basketball-mad China, where he'll market his brand, shoes, and everything else Kobe-related.

Superstars will use Europe to gain leverage in negotiations during the lockout. The game's biggest names will be reluctant to follow Williams overseas.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Williams has made no firm promises about staying in New Jersey but has said he likes the direction of the franchise under new owner Mikhail Prokhorov. The 27-year-old has likewise expressed optimism about the team's scheduled move to Brooklyn starting with the 2012-13 season and his potential role in luring other top players to the Nets. The Nets, sources said, intend to make a hard push for Howard in an attempt to convince Williams to commit long term.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Collective Bargaining Agreement may change, but the NBA will always be a star’s league.

Take Deron Williams and the New Jersey Nets. The soon-to-be Brooklyn franchise mortgaged the farm to acquire Williams via trade, even though he can become a free agent in July of 2012.

Right now, Williams has leverage. Before signing a long-term extension with the Nets, he wants a co-star.

Enter Dwight Howard.

The massive five-man can also opt-out of his contract and become a free agent next summer. Howard, on paper, is the perfect running mate for Williams.

The two would form a lethal inside-outside combo, capable of rivalling most eastern foes. Their star power would match Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire, who ply their trade with the crosstown New York Knicks.

Unfortunately, the Nets have competition. The Orlando Magic are desperate to keep their franchise face, while the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have both made plays for Howard.

Getting Howard won't be easy. So re-signing Williams won’t be easy. But both are a must for the Nets.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"There have been renewed whispers the Knicks have inquired about Suns point guard Steve Nash, who lives in SoHo in the offseason. The Knicks have talked internally about trading Chauncey Billups for Nash as both have expiring contracts. But there does not appear any reason for Suns owner Robert Sarver to make a move and give Mike D'Antoni a chance to reunite with his favorite son."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The whispers won’t die. Steve Nash continues to be connected to the New York Knicks.

Here’s the latest Nash-to-New York tidbit: the Knicks want to send veteran Chauncey Billups to the Phoenix Suns for the charismatic Canadian.

This rumor works for two reasons. First, Billups and Nash both have expiring deals. They make similar money. So the contracts match.

Second, it’s 2012 or bust for Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni. ‘Mr. Seven Seconds or Less’ must exceed expectations to earn another contract from owner James Dolan.

Enter Nash.

The two-time MVP is the best point guard to run D’Antoni’s system. Nash’s passing and creativity would help former Phoenix teammate Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony post career numbers.

The Knicks would entertain. Madison Square Gardens would be fun. And they’d probably win, which means D’Antoni gets his extension.

There's a complication: Phoenix owner Robert Sarver won’t trade Nash. This may be posturing, though.

Sarver would part ways with any asset if given enough of a financial incentive. The outspoken owner was particularly hard hit by the financial downturn.

Perhaps Nash finally joins the Knicks. Perhaps it’s as simple as meeting Sarver’s price.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Three-time NBA slam-dunk champ Nate Robinson was busted early yesterday for relieving himself on a downtown White Plains street, police said. Cops caught the ex-Knick, whose 5-foot-9 height belies his 43½-inch vertical leap, in flagrante delicto at 1:53 a.m. across the street from City Hall.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The problem isn’t public urination. The problem is it happened at 1:53am.

If Nate Robinson was serious about his craft, if he was serious about being more than a marketing gimmick, he’d be living like a professional athlete.

The key word is professional. That means early to bed, early to rise, and dedicating himself to improving every summer.

Nothing good happens in the wee hours of the morning, especially if you’re an athlete. You’re either drunk, fighting, or wooing a member of the opposite sex, who isn’t you’re significant other.

In today’s interconnected world, Robinson can’t be out doing god knows what at 2am in the morning. It will be on twitter, facebook, the net, or all three in a matter of hours.

Of course, Robinson’s career is in a lull. He revived things with his play in the 2010 NBA Finals, only to end up injured and on the bench for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This won't help. Not one bit.

Eventually, he’ll run out of chances. And nobody will care what time, when, or where Robinson urinates.

--Oly Sandor.

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

D’Antoni told The Post yesterday, in his first interview since the season ended, that he is not concerned about his future with the Knicks. “No, I feel good,” D’Antoni said. “I hate it Donnie is leaving. I owe a lot to him. We had three good years. He did exactly what he wanted and said he would do and he’s got us in position to be one of the better teams in the NBA next year. That’s to his credit."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Things will be awkward for Mike D’Antoni, the coach of the New York Knicks.

After all, the man who hired him, Donnie Walsh, no longer has the final word and is a consultant. A new executive will be brought in, and, no matter what he claims, he’ll eventually want his guy on the sideline.

Inheriting a coach is tough. The new executive and inherited coach have to build trust, familiarity, and win. And they must do it fast.

It can also be useful. Suppose the Knicks falter early in 2011-12. The new executive has a chip to play: D’Antoni. He can get a mulligan by firing ‘Mr. Seven Seconds Or Less’ and bringing in his guy.

The labour uncertainty will help D’Antoni, though. Owner James Dolan won’t want to fire D’Antoni because he’d have to honour his $6 million contract and pay another big-ticket coach.

Remember, teams will have less revenue next year if a work stoppage shortens the season. Paying two coaches isn’t easy –even for the wealthy Knicks.

Odds are that D’Antoni stays in New York. 2012 won’t be easy, regardless of how he spins it.  

--Oly Sandor.

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

One player said Chauncey Billups, especially after he got injured, did far more coaching on the bench and in the huddle during the playoffs than (Mike) D'Antoni, and "made a helluva lot more sense." In private, the Suns veterans -- excluding Steve Nash, perhaps -- similarly degrade D'Antoni.

Link

Carmelo Anthony has returned to the city, and New York may see another basketball homecoming of sorts. Sources close to Knicks president Donnie Walsh say he has targeted Kings 6-foot-11 shot blocker Samuel Dalembert as the likeliest free-agent catch this summer.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Really? That's the plan?

Reports indicate the New York Knicks’ top goal this summer is to sign a blue-collar center. And these same reports suggest the Knicks have targeted, wait for it, the one and only Samuel Dalembert.

Now Dalembert, despite having a limited upside on offense, could, in theory, cover Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire’s defensive shortcomings. So perhaps this isn't such a terrible idea.

However, the economic realities of the NBA, could pose a problem. Suppose they ink Dalmbert to a contract. Suppose Chris Paul and/or Deron Williams play out the final years of their contracts and both become free agents in July of 2012.

Would the Knicks have enough cap room after signing Dalembert to land Paul or Williams, two of the game’s best table-setter?

The answer: probably not. It could be Dalembert or Paul/Williams. If this is the situation, GM Donnie Walsh -or whoever else is running the Knicks- should think carefully about the club's plan.

Signing a mediocre center instead of a world class point guard is unforgivable.

--Oly Sandor.

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

As we’ve written here, keeping Chauncey Billups around is a no-brainer. He’s better than any point guard the Knicks could have gotten on the free-agent market with whatever cap money they’d have produced by buying him out _ an estimated $8 million, but under the soon-to-be-moot old labor agreement.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Picking up the option on Chauncey Billups’ contract was the prudent move.

Sure, he gives the New York Knicks a steady hand at point guard. And sure, he’ll be better with an off-season to get healthy and a full training camp.

However, this wasn’t about 2012. It was about July 1st, 2012. That’s when Chris Paul and Deron Wiliams, two of the NBA’s top point guards, become free agents.

Both would be open to signing a lucrative contract with the big market Knicks –if the numbers fit according to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, which will hopefully be worked out soon.

So Billups is simply keeping the point guard seat warm for Paul or Williams. For now, he’ll do. There is, however, a fear he’s getting older and slowing down.

Of course, that’s what people were saying when Billups got sent to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Allen Iverson. Soon, he rediscovered his game and was an MVP candidate.

The difference is time. It’s starting to catch Billups. Thankfully, for the Knicks, he should be good for another year.

--Oly Sandor.

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

D'Antoni on Rondo: "I'd like to see him on Minnesota and see how well he does." But quickly adds, "He's a really good player."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Mike D’Antoni should’ve been worrying about his New York Knicks beating Rajon Rondo and the Boston Celtics.

After all, D’Antoni’s Knicks were trailing their series 3-0 when he spouted off on whether Rondo could succeed without The Big Three on a weaker squad like the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The sideline boss had to field a team without starting point guard Chauncey Billups. Instead of preparing a solution like, say, inserting veteran Anthony Carter earlier on, D’Antoni provided bulletin board material for Rondo.

Know this: Rondo would be a player in The Frozen Tundra of ‘Sota -or anywhere else, for that matter. He’d pile-up assists with Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, and anybody else.

And Rondo makes his squad go, as demonstrated by his 21 points and 12 assists in game four against the Knicks. Now his Celtics are going to the second round after sweeping D’Antoni’s Knicks.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Glen Davis laughed off the latest barb from Amar'e Stoudemire. The rail-thin Knicks center, who brags about his low body fat, had said Davis' "core wasn't as tight as it should be."

The 6-foot-9, 289-pound Celtics forward took that as a sly way of pointing out that he is chubby. Davis leaned back in his seat next to the court at the Garden and patted his round stomach."I've never have had abs, no abs," Davis said with a laugh. "I am not gonna worry about that. Never in my life have I had abs, ever, even when I was a little baby."

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Gee, think New York is excited about being back in the playoffs?

Well, New York native, rapper, and producer, Swizz Beats has re-done the classic anthem ‘Go New York Go’ to celebrate the Knicks return to the second-season. And he gets help from the team's two superstars.

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

 --Oly Sandor.

Paul's comments on Twitter indicated he felt as though his words were taken out of context.

"Come on now people," Paul tweeted, "I did 3 different interviews about the Jordan Brand Classic this morning and was asked if Michael Jordan had influence on free agent signings and I said at the end of the day guys want to win...they askd would I want to return home and I told them I'm focused here in NO and that's the future and anything can happen...Hate when people try to turn things around just to make it a story.. #slowdown."

"That's the whole goal now," Stoudemire said. "I always play better in the postseason. I want to be 100 percent healthy to keep that trend going. The good news is it's getting better by the second. I'll play sooner than later."

Link

Williams' contract expires after next season, and the Knicks could have the cap space to sign him. Anthony said. "I haven't seen it but he's going to be in New York too, so you'll see a lot more of that -- the competition thing. We got another Subway Series coming."

Link

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Amar’e Stoudemire, tell us how you really feel.

To make matters worse, Stoudemire went on to say that Pau Gasol's finesse game isn’t an issue because Los Angeles Lakers like Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom cover him with their length.

Ouch. Talk about an insult.

Here’s my issue: Stoudemire hasn’t won anything in the NBA. He has no rings. Perhaps he should tone down the rhetoric.

Sure, Gasol has a better supporting cast, running with four All-Star calibre players: Ron Artest, Kobe Bryant, Bynum, and Odom. And sure, Gasol isn't the toughest customer on the low block, either.

However, the purple-and-gold weren’t contenders until they stole the Spanish sensation from the Memphis Grizzlies in a blockbuster trade three years ago.

So he has the upper-hand on Stoudemire. With the Lakers’ soaring, Gasol –soft or not- looks positioned to continue his winning ways this playoffs.

Where will Stoudemire’s New York Knicks finish?

-Oly Sandor.

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

Knicks star Amare Stoudemire has set his sights on Grammy-winning singer and model Ciara. New York's hottest sports hero has been spotted dining out with the stunning songbird in recent weeks, and on Monday night, the pair shared dinner at STK with a group of 15, including fellow Knick Carmelo Anthon and his wife, LaLa Vazquez.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call:  It’s nice to know Amar’e Stoudemire’s on-court struggles haven’t impacted his off-court game.

Not one bit, in fact.

Standing Tall and Talented is no longer with Amber Rose, the model famous for being with Kanye West, and is reportedly wooing Ciara, the R&B singer who many also describe as easy on the eyes.

Stoudemire apparently met his newest love interest through LaLa Vasquez, Carmelo Anthony’s wife and the best friend of Ciara.

Clearly, Stoudemire and Anthony work well off-court, helping each other with the females. If only they could recreate this chemistry on-court for the inconsistent New York Knicks.

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

Which brings us to whether Isiah, on behalf of his good friend, Knicks owner James Dolan, was instrumental in helping New York land 'Melo and Amar'e. So I ask him: Was that you? He takes a long time to answer. "I do have a lot of friends," he says carefully. "And I am asked to advise in a lot of different scenarios. Players, coaches, and ..." A very long pause. "I won't comment on the Knicks situation, but I do like helping the Knicks, and I do want them to do well."

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Are the New York Knicks for real? Are they really having disgraced coach and executive Isiah Thomas talk to players?

The answer is yes.

Yes, Knicks owner James Dolan still consults Thomas – the financial mismanagement, poor trades, Stephon Marbury fiasco, Larry Brown disaster, sexual harassment suit, and other indiscretions don’t matter.

Yes, Dolan overlooks Thomas’ flaws and failures. Just like Dolan overlooks Donnie Walsh bringing the Knicks back to respectability.

Here’s a scarier thought: Thomas could be 'helping' the Knicks full time next season. Walsh doesn't have a guaranteed deal for 2012. Thomas, of course, is available, and would be willing to lead 'his' signings of Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire.

Dolan may let Walsh go and say yes to Thomas, giving one of the game’s most tarnished individuals a second chance at running this classic franchise.

Thomas leading the Knicks was a nightmare. Somehow, Dolan believes a sequel will be better. And yes, this is 'for real'.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The way the Knicks have struggled with Chauncey Billups running Mike D'Antoni's offense has rival executives wondering whether one of them -- or both -- won't be back next season.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The coach and coach on-the-floor could soon be out of work.

There are rumors the New York Knicks will cut ties with sideline boss Mike D’Antoni and point guard Chauncey Billups at season’s end.

Like all things New York Knicks, it’s complicated.

D’Antoni’s future is linked to executive Donnie Walsh. Unbelievably, Walsh, who brought the Knicks back to respectability after years of dysfunction under Isiah Thomas, may be pushed out at year’s end.

This would trickle down to the bench. D’Antoni was Walsh’s choice. And the 'Seven Seconds or Less' guru is protected with Walsh in the executive suite.

Walsh wasn’t the choice of owner James Dolan, though. He was the choice of Commissioner David Stern, who ‘suggested’ Dolan hire the veteran executive after Thomas’ shenanigans and tomfoolery became too great a black eye for league head office to ignore.

Dolan, who resents being told what to do, may re-hire his buddy Thomas. And ‘Zeke’ would then replace D’Antoni with his guy on the sideline.

This brings us to Billups. He has struggled to appease the club’s two scorers, Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire.

Billups is slated to earn $14 million in 2012; however, he can be bought out for $3.7 million. Expect the Knicks to exercise this clause –especially if the muscular table-setter can’t become Mr. Big Shot down the stretch or in the playoffs.

Of course, this doesn’t mean Billups won’t be back. The club could buy him out and re-sign him for considerably less money. Or, player and team could simply part ways. Nothing is set in stone.

There’s a famous saying ‘Only in New York’. Perhaps this should be revised to ‘Only in New York with the Knicks’.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"With Miami at the beginning of the year and New York since the trade, it's like, because so many people are interested in what happens with LeBron (James), (Dwyane) Wade and (Chris) Bosh and now with Carmelo (Anthony), Amar'e (Stoudemire) and Chauncey (Billups) you guys think our overwhelming (concern) is 'what's happening with Miami and New York?' Quite honestly, we don't give a damn," Van Gundy said. "We don't. I don't care. We're just getting ready to play them.

Link

It wouldn’t be shocking at all if the New York Knicks make a play for Dwight Howard next season, perhaps offering either Amare Stoudemire or Carmelo Anthony at trade deadline.

 Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Did you enjoy Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire battling Dwight Howard last night?

According to the Orlando Sentinel, the main characters in yesterday’s epic battle between the Knicks and Magic could switch places. Reports indicate the Magic would consider sending Howard to the Knicks for Anthony or Stoudemire.

A few thoughts:

1) The Howard rumors will continue to fly because he can opt-out of his contract at the end of 2012 and become an unrestricted free agent.

No matter how much Howard tries to defuse rumors, the feeling is he wants to bolt Orlando for a larger market. Like Los Angeles. Or New York.

The Magic have a dilemma. They could try re-signing Howard and risk having their top player as an unrestricted free agent without compensation.

(This would decimate the franchise. See the Cleveland Cavaliers. See the Toronto Raptors.)  

Or the Magic could concede that re-signing Howard would be tough in today’s era of super-teams and move him. Cutting their losses would bring back some assets.

(See the Denver Nuggets. See the Utah Jazz.)   

2) Anthony and Stoudemire are an awkward pairing. Their partnership doesn’t seem natural. Given time, things will improve. The supporting cast will be upgraded; a training camp together will make a difference.

Here’s the question for Knick fans: would Howard with Anthony or Stoudemire be superior to Anthony and Stoudemire?

3) The new Collective Bargaining Agreement to be negotiated between players and owners this summer could sideswipe all plans.

Small market owners may try to eliminate the super-team trend that’s permeating the NBA. They could gain the ability to keep star players by using an NFL-style franchise tag.

So the Magic could hang onto Howard –whether he likes it or not- by slapping him with the franchise player tag.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Wade is controlling the ball late in games, which lets LeBron James be used in a simple pick-and-roll. James has been accustomed to playing with the ball in his hands in crunch time, but it appears Wade and Erik Spoelstra have convinced him to try something new. “I think he's starting to see that this can open up his overall game, and he's going to want to do it more," Wade said last week.

Link

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Talent isn’t enough in the NBA. Teams must also have chemistry.

Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and the Miami Heat learned this the hard way, with their up-and-down year.

So have the New York Knicks, who broke up a squad with established chemistry to acquire the talented but sometimes difficult Carmelo Anthony from the Denver Nuggets.

Credit the Heat for trying new things, though. Against the Philadelphia 76ers, James acted as a screener and ran several pick-and-rolls with Wade.

This is a welcome change from the Heat’s steady diet of predictable ‘iso’ plays and one-on-one attempts at the basket.

Doug Collins, the coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, is right: this option will work. James as a four-man setting picks will be tough to prevent from rolling to the basket or slipping the screen.

Opposing defenses will be helpless. If defenders try to switch on the screen, James and/or Wade will have a clear mismatch, which should lead to a scoring opportunity.

If defenders try to show and adjust to the screen, James and/or Wade will have an advantage, which should also lead to a scoring opportunity.

The Heat would be wise to run more of these sets. Variety is important in basketball, and a two-man game involving their best players will upgrade their mediocre half-court offense.

After all, chemistry, not talent, is the key to winning in the NBA. It seems James and Wade are learning.

--Oly Sandor.