If he was willing to accept a bench role, the Celtics could find minutes to utilize his skill set and really allow him to thrive without the weight of having to be pre-2007 McGrady.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Would he accept a role?

Tracy McGrady heading to the Boston Celtics sounds good, however, there's the risk the former superstar won't accept less minutes, less shots, and less touches with Doc Rivers' squad.

After all, McGrady still, to some extent, believes he's 'T-Mac', the seven-time All-Star and two-time scoring champ. Last year McGrady, despite being past-his-prime, acted like a spoiled first-option and undermined Detroit Pistons coach John Kuester.  

Such behaviour would never fly in Boston. He'd have to check his ego. He'd have to sit and watch his peers –veteran stars like Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce – play. And he'd have to come off-the-bench.

In short, he'd have to become a professional. Nothing else would be tolerated by Rivers and GM Danny Ainge.

Of course, there is an alternative. McGrady can sign with another rebuilding squad and try parlaying the extra minutes and extra shots into a final, decent-money contract.

That would mean more meaningless basketball, though. In fourteen seasons, McGrady has never made the second round –ever. There was the choke-job with Orlando; there were tears in Houston.

Hopefully, McGrady has pride. Hopefully, he considers Boston. Hopefully, he becomes a professional –if he signs. It's not too late to salvage what he can.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"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."

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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. 

“I don’t know about the talks he had with the front office or where they ended before the lockout, but as of right now, he’s still a Warrior,” Curry said of Ellis. “We want him with our team. He makes us better. And I think with a fresh start and all the new faces with the organization that will help him forget about the past and not really affect what is going on right now.

“I know there has been a lot of turmoil with him and the organization in the past. I can’t speak for him, but I think the new look of our organization will help him make a difference.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It would have been easy for Stephen Curry. Very easy.

Nearly two years ago, Monta Ellis ‘welcomed’ Curry to his first pro' training camp by telling reporters the two couldn’t form a backcourt for the Golden State Warriors.

Today, the Warriors have a new owner and coach. And today, they’re also shopping Ellis around the league.

Ellis has been linked to Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic, Andre Iguodala and the Philadelphia 76ers, and Lamar Odom and the Los Angeles Lakers.

He recently grew tired of the rumors and requested a trade.

Now Curry could have extracted a little revenge and kicked Ellis when he’s down. Or, he could have offered a terse 'no comment' when asked about the situation

Instead, Curry had Ellis’ back. He explained how the Warriors’ core want him to return and are inviting him to training sessions during the lockout.

Such maturity is the difference between Curry and Ellis. And such maturity is the reason the Warriors prefer Curry over Ellis.

--Oly Sandor.

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

"I'm not worried about the lockout," Howard said. "I have two jobs in place. One, I've been training a couple of chickens in my backyard. I have a miniature treadmill. I have some steroids for the chickens, and we're going to do cockfights. So I might do that. The other one is I've been also training for curling. So I'll be in Canada and Montreal with the curling team up there. So, yeah, I can't wait."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwight Howard has a plan if the players get locked out.

The Orlando Magic’s star wants to train chickens for cock fights and join curling teams in Canada and Montreal (for future reference, Montreal is in Canada).

It’s hard to knock a sense of humour. It’s harder to knock a star who cares -Howard made these comments at a fundraiser for his D12 Foundation.

Still, lockout or not, Howard’s main priority should be improving his somewhat raw offensive game.

After all, the Magic regressed in 2011. And he has already informed management that he’s opting-out of his contract next summer and becoming a free agent.

Howard must have the best year of his career in 2012. That, and nothing else, should be the plan. Even if there is a lockout.

--Oly Sandor.

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

‘No I can’t say that. Look I’m not the most empathetic person in the world anyway, but look first of all it’s sports. The thing that would make me feel bad for somebody was some personal issue. I’m not going to feel bad that you are struggling on a basketball court because you only get to within two wins of a championship. Come on there was nothing to feel sorry for. I got a little tired I’ll admit of the whole everybody hates us routine. I thought first of all it’s not true. Okay it’s the same as the Yankees type of thing. There’s just a lot of people interested, so there may be more people who dislike you. There are also more people that like you. There’s a great deal of interest. Second of all they brought it on…LeBron more than anybody. They brought all that scrutiny and attention on yourself. You went out seeking it then don’t cry in the face of it. That to me got to be a very tiresome story line.’”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Part of this is about LeBron James. Most of this is about Pat Riley.

Remember, Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy was once gainfully employed as head coach of the Miami Heat. Riley was his boss, mentor, and friend.

Riley then fired Stan Van Gundy, so he could take over behind the bench. The Heat won the 2006 championship. Stan and brother Jeff Van Gundy, a former head coach turned broadcaster, have been warring with Riley ever since.

In fact, the Van Gundys never pass on a chance to slam the Hall of Fame sideline boss.

Stan Van Gundy is right: the Heat, especially James, brought this on themselves. They hosted a celebration after signing the Three Kings. And James boldly predicted that the Heat would win multiple championships.

So James and the Heatles can’t complain. They set the bar exceptionally high. They failed to reach those expectations. Now fans, as Stan Van Gundy mentioned, are holding them accountable.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Dwight Howard sweepstakes have begun. Golden State offered Monta Ellis, Andris Biedrins and Ekpe Udoh. Unlikely that'll get it done.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

The Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic can deny rumors they’re considering swapping Monta Ellis for Dwight Howard. The evidence suggests otherwise, though.

New Warriors owner Joe Lacob, when he bought the club, didn’t give Ellis a ringing endorsement. While GM Larry Riley would only admit the team isn’t shopping their combo guard.

Lacob and rookie coach Mark Jackson want to change the losing culture surrounding the club. Right or wrong, fair or not, they may trade Ellis to achieve this.

Meanwhile, Howard has refused to sign an extension with the Magic. He wants to exercise a player’s option next July and become a free agent.

Howard knows Magic GM Otis Smith can’t let this occur. Not for a second. Smith, contrary to what he publicly claims, can’t risk his franchise face walking and getting nothing back.

So the clock is ticking. Like the Denver Nuggets and Utah Jazz with Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams, Smith has to cut a deal.  

It’s no shock the Warriors and Magic have talked trade. Here’s the real question: what happens next?

--Oly Sandor.

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

I've talked to people who believe that Chicago will shop Boozer, but you have to keep in mind that his stock is at an all-time low right now. He disappeared in the playoffs and there's a reason Chicago is talking about moving less than a year after signing him. It'll be tough to move him for anything of substance, especially considering how much he's owed over the next four years. With that said, if he does become available, the Orlando Magic will certainly express some level of interest.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Carlos Boozer wouldn’t convince Dwight Howard to forgo free agency and sign a long-term extension with the Orlando Magic.

So the Magic should think carefully about trading for Boozer, and assuming the remaining 4-years and $65 million on his big-ticket contract.

Boozer would be the latest in expensive, overpaid players who couldn’t help superstar Dwight Howard achieve his goal of an NBA championship.

There was Rashard Lewis and Vince Carter. This duo were then swapped mid-season for Gilbert Arenas and Hedo Turkoglu in separate trades. All four failed miserably.

A frustrated Howard is now angling for a trade. If he doesn’t get it, the five-man will likely leave Orlando as a free agent in two seasons.

Howard would see Boozer for what he is -a talented but injury-prone player, who the Chicago Bulls dumped one season after signing him as a free agent.

It doesn't matter that Howard and Boozer are close, often hanging out together in the summer. Basketball is business. Friendship is personal.

Magic Executive Otis Smith should instead focus on Chris Paul. The New Orleans point guard, who can also become a free agent in July of 2012, is the type of talent that could convince Howard to stay.

Paul and Howard would form a terrific inside-outside duo. They’d attract other free agents, co-stars, and role players. They’d compete for years to come.

Almost every other player, including Boozer, won’t be enough for Howard to recommit to Orlando.

--Oly Sandor.

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

While touring Italy, Dwight Howard told reporters, again, that he would not sign a contract extension with the Orlando Magic and planned to become a free agent after next season. Lakers, that's your cue. Lakers, do you need to have it dunked on your heads? Trade for Dwight Howard.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Read between the lines.

Dwight Howard claims he wants to stay with the Orlando Magic. He won’t, however, ink a long-term extension with the club, preferring to become a free agent in two seasons.

Howard has an explanation for such a mixed-message: he feels a loyalty to the city, but wants to wait to see how management will improve the roster.

Sounds fair, right? Sounds reasonable, right? Well, wrong.

Howard knows what he’s doing. He knows GM Otis Smith, despite what he says, can’t let him hit free agency. He knows the Los Angeles Lakers are interested. And he knows he’s forcing the Magic’s hand.

Many think a trade between the Magic and Lakers would be imminent if it weren’t for the coming lockout. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement will alter the league’s financial landscape.

The new system could have a designated player tag, which would make it possible for the Magic to keep Howard beyond the two years left on his contract.

And the new system could include a hard cap, which would likely make it impossible for the Lakers to shed enough salary to add Howard.

With such uncertainty, the Magic and Lakers are staying put. They have to wait until the new CBA is settled. No matter what Howard says and actually wants.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The New Zealand All Blacks are rugby royalty. Their signature ‘Haka’ dance strikes fear into the hearts of opposing teams.

Recently, Dwight Howard caught up with the All Blacks. And the outgoing center for the Orlando Magic decided to give the ‘Haka’ a try.

In my mind, he holds his own. Anyway, watch the video, form an opinion, and get at  HoopsVibe News with thoughts on Howard’s dance moves in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.  

Tracy McGrady: 'Bron is a star!. Huge potential. MJ best ever.''

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Tracy McGrady knows about being a star with 'huge potential'.

Once upon a time, he was a terrific scorer for the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets; however, he failed to lead either team past the first round of the playoffs.

Now he’s past his prime. Injuries have taken its toll. And he’s a problem.

For instance, McGrady led a players’ revolt in Detroit last year. And the veteran laughed when Coach John Kuester was ejected. Thankfully, his career is winding down.

His call on James is accurate, though. Right now, he can’t touch Michael Jordan, the greatest player of all time. One day they may be in the same breath.

McGrady has had a mixed career, but this was one thing he got right.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Not many are giving the Hawks much of a chance against Chicago in the second round, but they’re definitely the funnier of the two teams in the matchup. Their PR man, Arthur Triche, explains the Jameer Nelson diss via Twitter: “Things that make me happy about this job. Taking a page out of Jerry Glanville’s book, I think I’ll follow through on Jameer’s request to catch Derrick Rose in the 2nd round.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Congratulations to the Atlanta Hawks for handling Jameer Nelson.

They didn’t overreact or spout off when the diminutive point guard pulled a Babe Ruth and called his team’s shot by telling the Chicago Bulls to prepare for a second round match-up.

They simply outplayed the heavily favoured Orlando Magic, eliminating the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference in six games.

The Hawks would’ve been forgiven for boasting. After all, Nelson wasn’t the only doubter, as many expected Nelson, Dwight Howard, and the Magic to advance to the second round.

Clearly, they were wrong.

The Hawks exposed the Magic’s lack of a supporting cast, essentially turning the 2009 Eastern Conference champions into a one-player pony.

Even now they have little to say, though. The Hawks’ actions are speaking louder than their words. And leaving Nelson tickets for their second round duel with the Bulls is perfect.

What else is there to say?

--Oly Sandor.

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

"I would expect a Dwight trade this summer or before the next season starts, from what I'm hearing. Rose likes his core because it's the core he has. He's not opposed to the Bulls improving it." (Ric Bucher, ESPN)

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Teams who don’t learn from the past are doomed to repeat it.

So the Orlando Magic must give serious consideration to trading Dwight Howard or they risk losing another once-in-a-generation-center via free agency.

In the late nineties, Shaquille O’Neal, the Magic’s franchise face and the game’s most dominating player, left Orlando to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers.

As a Laker, he won three straight championships. The Magic were forced to start over.

Howard, a free agent next summer, is rumored to be looking at bigger markets. He’s been linked to those same Lakers. He’s also been linked to the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets.

The Magic were in the mix to keep their smiling superstar until they blinked this year and changed their roster mid-season with a pair of questionable trades.

Hedo Turkoglu has been decent; however, GM Otis Smith’s gamble on Gilbert Arenas has failed. The Hibachi is out of propane, struggling with shot knees, high expectations that come with a big-ticket contract, and low confidence.

Smith has failed to find Howard a co-star. So Howard, if he wants a championship, will likely find his own co-stars elsewhere.

Smith, despite his denials, will have to be open to a trade. Unless he wants to repeat the past and lose Howard for nothing as a free agent.

--Oly Sandor.

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

With Dwight Howard in the final year of his contract next season, Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith is fully prepared to receive a host of offers for the All Star center.

"To say it hasn't happened before is crazy, so, yes, I expect it to happen," Smith said Friday. "And the answer will be the same as it always is: No."

"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.

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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.

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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.

Suns coach Alvin Gentry inserted center Marcin Gortat and swingman Jared Dudley into the starting lineup, putting Gortat into the spot of Robin Lopez, who had been groomed as a future franchise center, and Dudley in place of guard Vince Carter, who likely won't be with the Suns next season.

Gortat, 27, has received minutes and produced the numbers as if he were a starter and embraces the idea of a bigger role in the future. Sunday was his first start as a Suns center after receiving one previous start at power forward alongside Lopez.

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Shaquille O'Neal had a lot to say in a little time during a recent Q&A. Q: How much do you look forward to the opportunity to go up against guys like Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum in the playoffs? A: Excuse me? Don't ask me a question like that. Q: But that's what people want to know. Those guys are playing so well and everyone wants to see if you can match up with them one-on-one. A: First of all, they won't dare play me one-on-one, even at the tender age of 39. And you know what? Playin' those teams, it ain't gonna be about the [center] matchup, so I don't really worry about that.

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Howard posts up, shoots 60 percent from the field, blocks 2.43 shots per game, pulls down 14.3 rebounds. Practically perfect, except for occasional problems -- aside from Wednesday night -- at the foul line. "The MVP of the league," said Ewing, the last dominant center around here and an Orlando assistant. "Everybody's talking about Derrick Rose, but they need to start putting Dwight there, too. Without him, who knows where we'd be?"

‘That’s probably been the biggest mystery for our team,’ coach Alvin Gentry said when asked why Lopez’s progression has stopped. ‘In actuality, we really thought that he would probably be the second-most-important guy on our team, especially if he took a big leap. I’m not real sure if it’s the injury or what, but he hasn’t been able to give us the consistent play that we thought we’d be able to get from him. We could use it. It’s something that has hurt us a bit. We haven’t really had much inside play. Gortat gives us some. Other than that, we’ve been pretty much resigned to the fact that we’re a perimeter team. That hurts you when you’re going to rely on jump shots night in and night out, even as good of a shooting team as we are.’”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Robin Lopez, for the most part, has been an enigma for the Phoenix Suns.

He has the skill-set to be a solid player; however, his emotions and lack of confidence continue to hold him back.

Coach Alvin Gentry’s recent comments show that the Suns are finally running out of patience. Fortunately, they have a solution on the roster in Marcin Gortat.

The Polish post, acquired from the Orlando Magic in exchange for Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson, does the things Lopez either can’t or won’t.

Gortat is active, physical, and productive. If this continues, he’ll replace Lopez in the Suns’ starting line-up.

And it can’t be soon enough. After all, the Suns, who sit at 10th in the Western Conference, are on the outside looking in at the playoffs.

So everybody must play their best. The Suns have no time for an enigma.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Johnson on Wednesday stood by a claim he made Tuesday on the radio that there is "no doubt" the team will be able to re-sign point guard Deron Williams when he becomes a free agent. "I have no doubt and I'm really, really confident that we'll be able to re-sign him,"

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“I love Orlando. The city has been very good to me and I would love to finish my career here. I want to win a championship and I want to win it in Orlando,” Howard said on the Dan Patrick Show Monday morning. “That’s all I’ve been thinking about.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You’ve heard rumors Dwight Howard will leave the Orlando Magic as a free agent and sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2012.

Well, not so fast. According to the massive five-man, this isn’t so.

Howard recently told scribes he wants to finish his career in Orlando, and bring an NBA Title to Disney World. There are a few reasons for these comments:

• Clearly, the Magic aren’t trading Howard, so he and the team want to avoid the publicity that plagued Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors, LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, and, most recently, Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets.
• He may choose to stay in Orlando. Howard is comfortable, the Magic are competitive, and Executive Otis Smith is committed to providing him with a top flight supporting cast.
• Of course, he may have to stay in Orlando. The league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement expires July 1st, and owners may prevent superstars from building super squads by allowing teams to apply a ‘franchise’ tag to top players.Translation: Orlando could keep Howard. It may not matter whether he wants to stay or go.

So Howard has to keep all options open. And that’s exactly what he’s doing with his comments.

--Oly Sandor.

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

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“Tracy McGrady was 1,000 hours of practice,” Van Gundy said to laughter from the audience. “He should be a Hall of Fame player. His talent was other-worldly. He was given a great leg up in the race against other players. He’s as close as I’ve ever seen to someone with a perfect body and a good mind.”

The Warriors and Nets are close to finalizing a multi-player trade, according to sources. Golden State will send Dan Gadzuric and Brandan Wright to New Jersey for Troy Murphy and a 2012 second round pick.

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During media availability on Friday of All-Star Weekend, Dwight Howard was asked about the possibility of becoming a member of the Lakers when he becomes a free agent in the summer of 2012. "As of right now, I’m in Orlando and that’s the only thing on my mind, is getting our team back to the Finals,” responded Howard.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: What’s worse? To get your ankles broken by an aging veteran or to have your teammates taunt you for it?

Welcome to J.J. Redick’s world. The former Duke star was mocked by his Orlando Magic brethren for getting crossed over by the Washington Wizards’ Kirk Hinrich.

While Hinrich isn’t exactly And1 material, Redick could still do without Jameer Nelson recreating the play –even if the Magic were up by 25 in the third quarter. 

--Oly Sandor.

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

"I think Ron enjoys being in L.A," Phil Jackson said. "I think he likes the Lakers. I think he likes the action. I think he likes the attention we get as a basketball club. I think that feeds into who he is as a person." Artest was admant that he doesn't want to be traded. "I feel good every day," Artest said. "We've got a chance to win multiple championships here...trying to work towards another banner."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He’s out. No. He’s in.

In less than 24 hours there have been conflicting reports on Ron Artest’s future with the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Yesterday, Marc Stein reported that Artest had requested a trade. The ESPN reporter quoted an unnamed source who mentioned that the three-man was tired of being blamed for the team’s struggles and wanted a greater role in the offense.

Today, the Lakers were in damage control mode, with player and team both denying the report.

Forget the rumors. All is not well with the purple-and-gold.

Part of this is boredom. The Lakers have had two especially long seasons, playing from October to the end of June. They’ve also been in some epic game sevens, which probably makes it tough to play the Memphis Grizzlies in January.

Part of this is fear. Everybody else is better –much better. The Miami Heat have the Three Kings in Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade; the Boston Celtics are deeper, especially down-low; the San Antonio Spurs’ Big Four dominate both ends of the floor. 

The Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic, and Oklahoma City Thunder also have designs on winning a championship.

So ‘three-peating’ won’t be easy. Artest and the Lakers have to focus on the challenge.

--Oly Sandor.

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

After Monday's game between the two teams, Magic general manager Otis Smith questioned the toughness of the Celtics."They act tough," Smith said. "They're not really tough. They act tough."

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Minnesota Timberwolves are bad, but there’s no need to turn out the lights.

Yesterday, the Minnesota-Orlando game went to black when the lights went out at the Target Center. Apparently, it was a technical glitch and not a disgruntled Wolves fan expressing their dismay.

Watch the clip and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

All of Orlando has seen this haunting movie before. The Magic know what's out there, too. They're aware of the rumbles in circulation that Howard secretly longs to make the same cross-country trek to Los Angeles that Shaquille O`Neal mapped out in 1996, with one source close to the situation insisting that Howard and Lakers star Kobe Bryant are far closer pals than people realize.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: We’ve seen this before. Franchise post leaves the Orlando Magic, signs with the Los Angeles Lakers, and wins multiple championships next to Kobe Bryant.

Technically, Dwight Howard is a ways away from pulling a Shaq-Fu and leaving the Magic as a free agent –the big man can exercise an option on his contract in July of 2012.

However, the rumors and rumblings were loud enough for the Magic to initiate two blockbuster trades last month, acquiring Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, and Hedo Turkoglu.

Will the combo guard formerly known as The Hibachi, J-Rich, and Turkoglu appease Howard?

After all, Howard loves the spotlight. He loves flashing his pearly white teeth for the cameras and busting jokes for reporters. Unfortunately, Orlando is small; so small he can’t maximize endorsements and get another legit superstar to join him.

Without a premier wing-man, Howard has little shot at a championship in Orlando. He needs help; really good help to beat the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat in a seven-game, do-or-die series.

Howard knows this, so leaving Orlando for a major market like New York or Los Angeles remains a possibility. Of course, the Knicks have Amar`e Stoudemire, while the Lakers have Kobe Bryant.

For personal and professional reasons, Howard would prefer Los Angeles. He and Bryant are friends, and would form a deadly inside-outside combination. A Howard-Stoudemire pairing sounds enticing, but could be awkward.  

In the coming months, there will be more talk of Howard joining Bryant in Los Angeles. Orlando can quiet the talk and re-sign their superstar by winning a championship.

--Oly Sandor.

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

On an unrelated note, Bryant expressed not a hint of concern for picking up five technical fouls in last six games: [Expletive] it. Don't care. I can afford it.".

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Forget Kobe Bryant’s choice of words. He has bigger issues than a fine from league head office.

Consider the recent plight of his Los Angeles Lakers: they’ve lost four of their past six games; they haven’t played well for weeks; they, according to Bryant, are ‘skipping steps’; and last night they were booed at home for a terrible effort in a loss to the average Memphis Grizzlies.

Their problems are greater than being bored with the regular season. And their problems are also greater than arrogantly thinking they can hit a switch for the playoffs.

This year, the Lakers have serious competition. In the Western Conference, there’s the San Antonio Spurs and, provided they get past their recent string of injuries, the Dallas Mavericks. Neither team will concede an inch in a best of seven playoff series.

If the Lakers advance to the NBA Finals, they could face the Boston Celtics or Miami Heat, two superb defensive teams. And the Orlando Magic, despite two mid-season trades, is still dangerous.

So the competition is better, while, it appears, the purple-and-gold is worse.

Don’t get it twisted: the Lakers are extremely talented. But something is missing from the two-time defending champions. Perhaps the hunger is gone. Perhaps the motivation is gone.
 
Or perhaps everything will be fine next June, and Bryant and his teammates will be celebrating a three-peat. Right now, this scenario seems unlikely.

--Oly Sandor.

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Sources near Magic say guard Jason Williams unhappy with situation, trying to be patient with Otis Smith, wants a trade or his release.

Reserve PG Jason Williams was on the Magic's active roster Saturday, but he didn't dress because he continues to be bothered by problems with his left foot. Williams, 35, said doctors have told him that he suffers from arthritis in the foot, and Williams is concerned because the discomfort hasn't subsided over the last month and a half.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is it the end for White Chocolate? Or is it a new beginning?

There are differing reports on the future of Orlando Magic point guard Jason Williams. One report has him asking for his release because he’s behind Jameer Nelson, Gilbert Arenas, and Chris Duhon. The other has him retiring due to arthitis in his foot.

Either way, his time with the Magic is likely ending. If healthy and available, a contender will show interest.

Williams is more than behind the back dimes and circus moves. He once had the league’s top assist-to-turnover ratio, started for the 2006 world champion Miami Heat, and had veteran sideline boss Hubie Brown dub him the smartest player he ever coached.

Hopefully, he gets meaningful minutes somewhere. Williams, a fan favourite, deserves nothing less.

--Oly Sandor.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Dwight Howard made sure yesterday wasn’t a good day for Chris Quinn.

Howard, while stumbling out of bounds, fired the ball of Quinn’s dome to ensure his Orlando Magic retained possession. Then Howard caught, not just blocked, Quinn’s shot in mid-air, mind you.

Finally, Howard had 29 points and 14 rebounds in a 123-102 Magic win over Quinn’s Spurs. Watch both clips and get at us with thoughts on Howard’s treatment of Quinn in the comment box below.

(That has to hurt.)

(No need for a block. Howard prefers to catch Quinn`s shot in mid air.)

--Oly Sandor.
 

"The trade didn't catch me off guard at all. I knew when they wouldn't talk about an extension that I wasn't going to be there the whole season,'' Richardson said before the Magic played the San Antonio Spurs. "They wouldn't even sit down and talk to us. I kind of figured when they were dodging calls from my agent, something was going to happen.''

Richardson, who is making $14 million this season, was pushing hard for the extension in Phoenix, preferring to avoid free agency this summer. He was riding a strong playoff performance last spring and a fast start this season, knowing his stock would never be higher.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Such is life with the Phoenix Suns and Robert Sarver.

Sarver is the thrifty owner of the Suns. And he’s become even more of an Uncle Scrooge since his banking and real estate holding were decimated by the economic meltdown.

Most of the Suns’ movable big tickets –like Richardson’s expiring $14 million contract – get moved.

Richardson, despite being the team’s leading scorer, wasn’t getting re-signed. Especially since the trade with Orlando allowed the club to escape the final three years and $35 million remaining on Hedo Turkoglu’s pact. 

Credit the Suns, who were dealing from a position of weakness, for getting back value from Orlando. For instance, Marcin Gortat and Mickael Pietrus are talented two-way players.

Gortat and second-year post Robin Lopez will form a nice one-two punch in the middle, while Pietrus and veteran Grant Hill give the Suns a pair of shutdown swings.

It’s no surprise Richardson was traded. It’s a surprise the Suns got so much for him.

--Oly Sandor.

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"We'll still find ways to get better in some spots," Magic President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith said. "Losing the backup center is big. So, you need a little size for about probably five teams. That's really what it comes down to, so we'll probably address that over the next month or so."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The wheeling-and-dealing will continue.

On Saturday, the Orlando Magic overhauled their roster in separate trades with the Phoenix Suns and Washington Wizards.

The Magic dealt Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, and Mickael Pietrus to the Suns for Earl Clark, Jason Richardson, and Hedo Turkoglu. Then they sent Rashard Lewis to the Wizards for Gilbert Arenas.

The Magic improved on the wing, but – after dealing Gortat – need a five-man to relieve superstar Dwight Howard.

Howard, despite winning The Defensive Player of the Year award, is prone to foul trouble. Things were so bad last year teammates nicknamed him ‘Foul On You’.

The Magic need a reserve center to bail Howard out when he's overzealous in the paint. A back-up for Howard will also help them compete with bigger contenders like the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers.

Fortunately, the Magic have spare assets. Acquiring Arenas, Richardson, and Turkoglu has made wings J.J. Redick and ‘Q’ Richardson expendable.

A market exists for Redick, even though he’s having an off year and is on the books for an additional two seasons at a combined $12 million.

Richardson can defend and hit the three. Best of all, the veteran is signed through 2014 at a reasonable $2.5 million per annum.

Last weekend was just the beginning for the Magic. More moves are coming. If they’re serious about a championship, they’ll trade a wing for a post.

--Oly Sandor.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: He smiled. He laughed. He provided incite. Best of all, he looked and sounded like the old Gilbert Arenas.

The combo guard formerly known as Agent Zero seemed happy to have a ‘new beginning’ with the Orlando Magic. Click the video clip and get at us with thoughts on Arenas’ first comments as member of the Magic.  

--Oly Sandor.

After the anticipated lockout ends, Howard will be entering the final year of his contract followed by an early-termination option for 2012-13.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: What happens in Orlando if Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, and Hedo Turkoglu fail to appease Dwight Howard?

Expect Howard to become a free agent following the 2012 season by exercising a player’s option. He’ll then look to partner with fellow free agent superstars like Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, and Deron Williams.

Gatorade Slam Dunk Contests, pearly white smiles, and jokes aside, Howard wants to win. He’s envious of the Three Kings in Miami and Big Four in Boston.

If the Magic can’t provide the right supporting cast, Howard will provide it for himself -even if that means leaving.

--Oly Sandor.

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The Orlando Magic, already in serious trade talks with the Washington Wizards about acquiring Gilbert Arenas, have agreed to a deal in principle with the Phoenix Suns, according to league sources.

After the Wizards lost to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, Arenas privately told people that a deal could possibly be in the works with either Orlando or Charlotte. Word started to spread throughout Verizon Center that evening, but the talk initially was shut down by multiple league sources. The Magic realizes they have to make a move. They have to do something,`` said the source.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The NBA is a superstar’s league and the rest of us are living in it.

For instance, Dwight Howard, the Orlando Magic’s MVP candidate, wants changes to the roster. The big post knows his team isn’t in the same class as the Boston Celtics or Miami Heat, so he’s pressing executive Otis Smith to make a trade.

Being a superstar’s league, Smith must appease. Currently, he’s scouring the trade market for something, anything to keep Howard happy.

And Gilbert Arenas’ name keeps popping up.

Yes, the guy with a rep’ for being more high maintenance than one of those housewives of Orange County. Yes, the brittle combo guard with one of the worst contracts in pro sports. Yes, the Washington Wizards want to part with their former superstar who has a history of injuries, hooliganism, and shenanigans.

Sure, Arenas can score. And sure, he has a relationship with Smith. But The Superstar Formerly Known As The Hibachi has never toned down his shot-first mentality for others.

In fact, Arenas has to be The Guy. He knows nothing else. It’s option one status or broke. Such a mentality and approach isn’t what Howard and the Magic need.

Smith needs to look for the best deal possible. With Arenas, he’d be making a deal for the sake of making a deal.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Leave it to Dwight Howard to poke fun at Derek Armstrong.  

The Orlando Magic five-man imitated the quarterback’s Monday night meltdown in a little spoof worth checking out. Click the link and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.

 --Oly Sandor.   

According to sources, talks have resurfaced between the Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards regarding a potential trade for guard Gilbert Arenas.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Like Anthony Robbins, the NBA is all about personal power -or the power of personal relationships. 

The Orlando Magic is the only team interested in controversial Washington Wizards’ guard Gilbert Arenas. The reason: Magic GM Otis Smith is a friend, mentor, and confidante to Arenas. 

In short, he still believes. Smith thinks Arenas, in the right circumstance, can recapture his past form and excel as a co-star next to super-post Dwight Howard.

 Perhaps he’s right. New scenery can do wonders.

However, Arenas has taken a great physical and emotional pounding. The knee surgeries have changed him. So has the fallout and suspension from bringing guns into the Wizards locker room. 

A new team, even one with a chance at a championship, may not be enough. 

But the Magic may have no other choice. Howard needs help if they are to compete with the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers, and San Antonio Spurs for a championship.

 Friendship may result in Smith gambling on Arenas.

 --Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Oh, how The Franchise has fallen.

Steve Francis, a three-time NBA All-Star, is now out the league and catching flack from the law for sipping a little something, something at the Los Angeles International Airport.

Perhaps this is Karma. After all, Francis was a Prima Donna in Vancouver, Houston, and Orlando. His time in New York and Memphis was laughable.

Hopefully, Francis gets it together. He’s only 33. And has the resources to do anything he wants.

--Oly Sandor.

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

``I thought it was pretty typical. I was kind of amused by it, especially reading down through the interview,’’ Van Gundy said. ``He goes into Charles Barkley, me and Otis and then says he doesn’t worry about what people say. Wait, you called the press conference, you went off and everybody and you don’t care what people say? Clearly, he cares a great deal about what people say. I was laughing when I saw that.’’

Van Gundy wasn’t laughing when he read that Riley ripped him and Smith for questioning why James and Bosh would rather team together with Dwyane Wade in Miami rather than trying to win a championship on their own. Riley said the comment was ``an absolutely stupid remark,’’ but several former great players such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Barkley reaffirmed that they would have never jumped ship on their teams simply as a way to chase a championship.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s safe to say the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic don’t like each other. Not one bit.

However, Pat Riley, the Heat’s lead executive, and Stan Van Gundy, the Magic’s coach, don’t just dislike each other –they hate each other.

Passionately.

Van Gundy was once Riley’s lead assistant on Miami’s bench. Back then, these two trusted each other. These two liked each other. And these two enjoyed a student-mentor relationship. 

When Riley retired from coaching, it was Van Gundy he picked as his successor. Of course, The Oil Slick couldn’t stay away from the spotlight, so he fired his former protégé one season after trading for Shaquille O’Neal.

Riley claimed the move was about helping the Heat win an NBA Title –which they did. Van Gundy claimed Riley put a knife in his back.

Whoever’s version you believe, their split was personal.

For a few years, Van Gundy held the edge over Riley because the Magic were Eastern Conference powers, advancing to the Finals in 2009.

The Three Kings changed the balance of power. Riley’s Heat now has momentum. And this, perhaps, prompted Magic GM Otis Smith and Van Gundy to publicly slag Chris Bosh, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Riley.

So Riley responded. And Van Gundy, who never met a microphone he didn’t like, fired back.

The players will decide the battle of Florida on-court. Expect Riley and Van Gundy’s grudge match to extend well beyond 2011.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Anthony has hesitated to sign a three-year, $65 million extension and expressed intrigue with opting out of his contract next summer to become a free agent. Despite significant speculation the New York Knicks are the team that Anthony would most likely want to join, two sources close to him insisted the Knicks have been overstated as an object of his desire. Privately, Anthony has expressed more enthusiasm over joining the Houston Rockets than the Knicks, sources said.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: For Carmelo Anthony, it's not all about New York.

Recent reports indicate Anthony is lobbying for a trade to the Houston Rockets, which would leave the Knicks in the cold. 

This is a surprise, but not a shock.

The Knicks lack the parts to trade for Anthony, so team and player would have to link up in July when the superstar hits free agency.

This may be too great a risk for Anthony, especially with a three-year, $65 million offer on the table from the Denver Nuggets. The Collective Bargaining Agreement expires next summer, and a new CBA would likely reduce the salary Anthony could earn as a free agent.

The star is trying to protect his earning power by engineering a sign-and-trade. And it explains why Anthony is considering taking the Nuggets' money and heading south to the Rockets.

The Rockets possess the assets to trade for Anthony and can still provide a solid supporting cast. He'd also remain in the Western Conference, away from the Boston Celtics' veterans, the Orlando Magic's Dwight Howard, and the Miami Heat's Three Kings.

Bottom line: Anthony isn't sleeping on Houston. Neither should we.    

--Oly Sandor.

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If the Rockets or Nets can present an offer that is agreeable to the Nuggets, Carmelo Anthony is open to being traded to, and signing a long-term extension with, one of these two clubs. The story was reported by Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, citing multiple league sources familiar with the situation.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If Carmelo Anthony wanted to stay with the Denver Nuggets, he would've taken their three-year, $65 million contract offer.

This thing would've been signed, sealed, and delivered long ago. There's no deal and the speculation is hitting fever pitch.

After all, reports indicate Anthony has zero intention of re-upping with Denver. Instead, he wants to opt-out of his contract next July, hit free agency, and pick his new home.

So the Nuggets have two options. First, they can ignore the headlines, hope the seemingly inevitable doesn't occur, and pray that Anthony re-signs.

This is unlikely, and will result in Anthony's pending free agency becoming such a distraction the season will be compromised. Then he'll leave.

Second, they can accept the inevitable and trade him for a new cast of players to surround star point guard Chauncey Billups. The list of suitors for Anthony reportedly includes the Houston Rockets, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic.

The Nuggets should be able to find a deal to their liking. In fact, it seems they don't have much choice.

--Oly Sandor.

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