Trade Rumor: DeMarcus Cousins could be heading to Washington or one of these 3 teams very soon.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Everyone saw this coming. Cousins has worn out his welcome in Sacramento.

Word on the street is that the Sacramento Kings are headed to Seattle.

The following article profiles the top five free throw shooters in the NBA today.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Free throw shooting is a crucial aspect of the game and is often the difference between winning and losing.

I have an admission to make: I've been pretty bored with the NBA 's regular season. It's not that there haven't been plenty of interesting things going on in the league for the last month, I've just been more interested in getting to the 2 1/2 month marathon that is the Playoffs. But in preparation for the postseason, I re-engaged late last week. And as a reward for my rededication, the Lakers decided to make it worth my while. They're still my pick to come out of the Western Conference, but they've definitely added some intrigue to what may have been an otherwise predictable run to the Finals.

It’s tough being quiet. Most of the time, you just do not think you need to say anything. It’s hard work to move the mouth to talk. Actions say more. In reality, we want to be recognized. We want the credit. Once we speak up, people feel that we’re douche bags. That is why it is better not to comment, but we choose to speak when necessary. 

Somewhere, Reggie Theus is laughing.

Theus’ 38 win season in his only full year as coach in 2007-08 is the highest win total for the Kings since 44 wins during the 05-06 season, which was also the last season the team made the playoffs. In three full seasons since, the Kings have won a total of 66 games- ouch.

The relaxing summer time is the hardest part for any NBA player especially during a lockout because no one is getting paid. It’s time to examine the huge riches that are stored up in the banks. Nope, I’m not implying to rob banks. That is straight up stupid. What I am trying to say is that even though an NBA player is not getting paid right now, they’re much richer than the average American. They have other things to worry about. 

"We leave that stuff (the benching) to the basketball people," Kings co-owner Joe Maloof said before tipoff, "but we're not trading him."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Deny, deny, and deny again.

Forget their public statements because the Sacramento Kings would consider a fair offer for disgruntled post DeMarcus Cousins.

After all, the second year man, while talented, is too emotional. In his sixteen month pro career, Cousins has clashed with teammates, coaches, and assistant coaches.

Cutting ties is an option, however, the key word is fair.

But to get fair or equal value in a trade, the Kings must appear to have little interest in moving Cousins. Putting him out on the trading block would result in opposing GMs  lowballing the Kings.

Expect the Kings and Cousins to play nice until another GM makes that fair offer.

Of course, there's a twist. Cousins' main issue is with coach Paul Westphal, who is a lame-duck sideline boss in the final year of his contract.

Westphal is on shaky ground, and perhaps he leaves before Cousins. 

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

“He can only have so many chances and something has to be done.  And it’s time something has to be done.”  Westphal is not sure if Cousins will travel with the team on their two game road trip that begins on Tuesday in Memphis.  He did say that Cousins needed to do some “soul searching” and that he hopes that, “DeMarcus has a change of heart and joins up with full reinstatement, that’s really up to him and I hope that.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There are conflicting reports on whether DeMarcus Cousins demanded a trade.

However, there’s little doubt the young big does not fit with the Sacramento Kings. Cousins, who is not with the team, has a longstanding feud with coach Paul Westphal and doesn’t gel with guard Tyreke Evans.

Last year, he was suspended, reprimanded, and told by management to change. And the second year post supposedly came into the season in better spirits.

Until this.

Unfortunately, GM Geoff Petrie is in a bind. Teams will lowball the Kings with trade offers, knowing they want to move Cousins and minimize the distraction.

Of course, Cousins is young, skilled, and was taken with a high lottery pick, so the Kings have much invested in him and will want something back.

Bottom line: this dispute could continue for some time.

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

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Southern California could form the trinity of NBA basketball:  Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Anaheim Kings. I prefer Anaheim Royals since the Kings have been already taken by some hockey team in Los Angeles. The Maloofs can name the team “Anaheim Surfers” if they want. That would be all forms of awesome. Their uniforms would be made out of hemp promoted by Disney. What’s not to love? Black players with blond hair and white players with long blond hair unite. I’d pay to see that.

Reke Havoc is the talk of the organization. He should be. Tyreke was one of four players (MJ, Oscar, and LeBron) to average 20-5-5 in their rookie campaigns. The Kings were dead last in the Pacific Division going 5-11 and 16-36 against the Western Conference.  Their overall record was 25-57 in 2009-2010 making them the second worst team in the Wild West. That doesn’t inspire any confidence, but Reke is fun to watch, right?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“He’s definitely going to take pressure off of me,’’ said Evans. “There’s a lot of attention drawn on me, so now, with him on the floor, he can shoot from anywhere.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s the difference between being good and average in the NBA.

Good players want to play with other good players and aren`t concerned with positions, while average players will avoid good players if they anticipate a clash at a position.

So, the Sacramento Kings must be breathing a massive sigh of relief when reading Tyreke Evans’ comments that he’s excited to play with lottery pick Jimmer Fredette.

It wasn’t always this way.

A month or so ago, Evans appeared puzzled by the selection of Fredette as the two are hybrid guards and the pairing, at least on paper, seemed awkward.

Evans has had a change of heart. Instead of getting caught up on what these two can’t do and positions, he’s now thinking of what they can do.

For instance, Fredette’s jump shot will punish opposing defences when they double-team Evans or any King.

Evans also realizes Fredette’s cult-hero status will help the Kings re-connect with Sacramento after nearly moving to Anaheim last spring.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Like Green, most have negotiated opt-out clauses that would free them to honor existing NBA contracts, or to sign a new one, once the labor impasse is over. “Pretty soon, the whole NBA might be in Europe,” said Sacramento Kings forward DeMarcus Cousins, who says he’s examining overseas options as well.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: DeMarcus Cousins is wrong.

The whole NBA will not cross the Atlantic Ocean for big money in Europe. Most NBA players won’t find work abroad if there isn’t a new collective bargaining agreement.

Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain are broke. They have little money, so owners will struggle to pay anything near NBA wages.

Suppose owners could afford to dole out millions for an American player. Would they want to?

After all, the European game is different. Teams and systems are far more important than individuals and statistics.Many American players can't adjust.

And European coaches wouldn’t want a roster of half-committed Yankees’, who were bidding their time until they could return to America.

Cousins and the players shouldn't overplay their hand.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Reports had Tyreke Evans spending the summer refining his mediocre jump shot. Clearly, the Sacramento star has also put in work on his handles.

Watch the video, form an opinion on Evans' dribbling at a recent Pro Am Event, and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below. 

--Oly Sandor.

According to Impact owner and renowned trainer Joe Abunassar, the Clippers' Blake Griffin, Mo Williams and Randy Foye came by last week and expressed a desire to enter the league with a team made up solely of their teammates.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Los Angeles Clippers are on the verge of a breakthrough.

Yes, I’m talking about those Clippers. Yes, I know their history. And yes, I know they are owned by Donald Sterling, also known as The Don or The Worst Owner in Pro Sports.

None of that matters, though.

The Clippers resemble the Sacramento Kings of yesteryear, specifically the 1998-99 lockout shortened season when a squad led by Chris Webber, Jason ‘White Chocolate’ Williams, and Vlade Divac went 27-23.

Those Kings not only entertained but possessed a togetherness that made them a force in the Western Conference for the next five years.

Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and the Clippers were a League Pass must-see last year, however, they also turned the corner and played some solid basketball.

Now reports indicate that the Clippers, as a team, want to join the new league that Impact Basketball is organizing for mid-September in Las Vegas.

So the Clippers are united; Griffin, their superstar, is leading. And L.A.’s other squad seems poised to take another step in 2012 -if there’s a season. 

--Oly Sandor.

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

“The biggest thing is that people want to see how I translate to the NBA game,” Fredette told Yahoo! Sports. “There are a lot of question marks out there. There are a lot of guys who don’t think I can play at this level and I won’t be able to dominate as well as the college level. I’m not expecting to do that at the NBA level right away anyway.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The one person being realistic about Jimmer Fredette’s future is Jimmer Fredette.

The BYU combo guard has been hailed a saviour and messiah since being selected tenth overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2011 NBA draft.

Sacramento fans expect him to have an immediate impact. Die hard NCAA fans expect him to dominate. Everyone expects he’ll save basketball in Sacramento, as the franchise was practically in Orange County before the NBA cancelled the prospective move.

It’s too much. Even Fredette admits as much.

There’s a huge jump from college to the NBA. Such a transition would be difficult for a first overall pick, let alone a lower lottery pick in a weak draft year.

If Fredette focuses on improving, he’ll have a fine career. Hopefully, this satisfies everyone else.

--Oly Sandor.

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

But a month after the draft, Evans also has some questions: Is he still the Kings’ starting point guard? Or, is he being moved to shooting guard to make room for the heralded rookie? Team officials gave Evans no answers after the draft, and they can’t speak to him until after the lockout ends.“I don’t know how we are playing it,” Evans said. “Am I going to be the point? Is he going to be the point? At the end of the day, whatever one they lead me to, I’m just ready.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There’s basketball. And there’s the business of basketball.

Tyreke Evans should understand the Sacramento Kings picking Jimmer Fredette in the first round of the 2011 Draft was part basketball and part business.

Sure, Fredette can play. Yet nobody is sure how his silky smooth jump-shot will exactly fit with the young, talented, and temperamental Kings.

Some of these questions have been compounded by the lockout, specifically the cancellation of summer league which would’ve provided a sneak peak at Fredette running sets with many of his new teammates.

The Kings selected Fredette, in part, for his off-court appeal. He’s already a cult-hero and such status will help a frustrated Sacramento fan base re-connect to the club after their near move to Orange County.

While there are concerns about Fredette’s on-court game, few have concerns about his off-court game and ability to sell tickets.

Even Evans shouldn't be confused by this.
 
--Oly Sandor

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

If they're willing to pay $4-5 million a year, the pick clearly seems to be former Houston coach Rick Adelman, a candidate who meets all of Kahn's criteria for style of play, winning track record and the unspoken but important Kevin Love Factor.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: This is a minor boondoggle by Minnesota Timberwolves standards, but a boondoggle nonetheless.

GM David Kahn has publicly stated owner Glen Taylor, who has never thrown money around, will dig deep into his pockets to pay the right coach.

Fat chance.

Can you see Taylor paying a top candidate $4-5 million annually for a minimum of three years, while also honouring the final $4 million owed to former coach Kurt Rambis?

So why would Kahn state that the Wolves would hire a pricey option like Rick Adelman, who enjoyed success with the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and, most recently, the Houston Rockets?

Now the Wolves are stuck. If they hire a less expensive coach, for whatever reason, they’ll get criticized. If they hire an expensive coach, like Adelman, they’ll get criticized for wasting their limited resources on a bench-boss.

There’s one way Kahn, Taylor, and the Wolves can quiet the critics: start winning.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Sacramento Kings haven't started winning just yet, but they already got that second part down.  According to sacbee.com, the Kings have already sold more tickets than they did all last season.  One undeniable reason for that: Jimmer.

The biggest name in the entire draft is already making a difference to a team that has just one more year to prove that it can survive in Sacramento.  That probably isn't the primary reason the Kings selected Jimmer at No. 10, but it's definitely a nice bonus.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: No rookie should have the saviour tag. They should focus on learning the pro game and adjusting off-court.

Many talented college players have failed to realize their full potential in the pro ranks. Their game may not translate. Or, they love The Life: money, nightclubs, celebrity.

The Sacramento Kings are clearly nuts for anointing first year pro Jimmer Fredette their saviour. After all, Fredette isn’t just The White Knight on-court, but he’s supposed to renew connections with fans off-court.

Now the Kings aren’t just bad on-the-court, they’re dysfunctional. However, they have bigger issues off-court. Ownership nearly moved the club to Anaheim before the NBA forced them back to Sacramento.

Fredette isn’t just walking into this soap opera, he’s being asked to solve it. Management admitted he was drafted, in part, because he sells tickets.

So there’s no pressure, right?

The current situation shows just how the Kings have slipped. Not long ago, they were the class of the NBA on and off court.

Desperate times, desperate measures. And if Fredette fails, there will be plenty of blame to go around.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Everything can change in a year. Just ask Tyreke Evans.

Last year, Evans was the darling of the NBA, a co-winner of the Rookie of the Year award and the face of the up-and-coming Sacramento Kings.

Then he got caught in a less than ideal video. He struggled with injuries, conditioning, and DeMarcus Cousins. Not surprisingly, he and the Kings suffered.

Today, Evans is wiser. There is also renewed hope around the Kings. They’re staying in Sacramento and drafted cult-hero/sharp-shooter Jimmer Fredette.

Click the video below and listen to Evans’ thoughts on his newest teammate. 

--Oly Sandor.

Agree or disagree? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Spurs had been “in discussions” with the Raptors and Kings for a deal involving Parker.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Want Tony Parker? Well, you may have to take Richard Jefferson, too.

A few weeks ago, Tony Parker told reporters the San Antonio Spurs’ championship window had closed. Parker believed the organization needed to rebuild.

Of course, the you-know-what-hit-the-Alamo-fan. Parked denied saying his Spurs were done. Management assured the public they’d still contend.

Business as usual, right? Well, wrong.

The Spurs are indeed rebuilding. And Parker, ironically, might be the piece this quasi-dynasty uses to turn the page, flip-the-script, and start over.

The Spurs have reportedly made their French point guard available in hopes of securing a lottery pick. Word is the Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings are interested.

However, the Raptors, Kings, or any other team would have to assume the four years and $32 million left on Richard Jefferson’s deal. This is a steep price for a former All-Star on the back end of his career.

Bottom line: Parker is on the trading block. Jefferson may go, too. And the Spurs are officially rebuilding.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Recently, Lou Williams admitted his Philadelphia 76ers struggled in a loss to the Sacramento Kings because they were out the night before at the Lil’ Wayne concert.

Fair or not, the opinions and editorials on professionalism, or the lack thereof, flew.

What we didn’t know then was that Williams has his own mic’ dreams. Watch the video below and give us your thoughts on his musical talents in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

Williams was at a loss for an answer as to why the team didn't play well, although he did mention attending a concert on Saturday night. "It was a combination of things, and it doesn't seem we came out ready to play," he said. "We took a chance last night by going to the Lil Wayne concert." Williams did not say which teammates attended Saturday's concert at the Wells Fargo Center.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Team goes to rap concert. Team stays out late. Team drops a matinee match-up the next day to a weaker opponent.

This isn’t the JV squad at your local high school, but the Philadelphia 76ers, who, in theory, are professionals.

Several 76ers apparently attended the Lil’ Wayne concert on Saturday night and looked sluggish against the lowly Sacramento Kings on Sunday afternoon.

For instance, Lou Williams was at the show and went 1-for-12 against the Kings. To be fair, his sole make was a terrific three-pointer that sent the game into overtime.   

Nobody is saying NBA players can’t have a life. As we know, many love ‘The Life’.

Perhaps the 76ers shouldn’t have gone to a high profile concert the night before a mid afternoon game, especially since they’re battling for playoff seeding in the Eastern Conference.

Another night, it’s nobody’s business. But Williams shouldn’t have commented to reporters. The young guard should have denied, denied, denied or given a terse no comment.

The 76ers are one of the NBA’s best stories. Hopefully, hanging with Lil` Wayne doesn’t overshadow their accomplishments.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Anaheim officials would issue $75 million in bonds to lure the Kings from Sacramento, according to city documents released today.

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On March 3rd, the United States Patent and Trademark Office received an application by a Nevada corporation seeking exclusive rights to use the name "Los Angeles Royals." Another application filed the same day reserves the name "Anaheim Royals." The city of Anaheim, which owns the Honda Center, has reportedly insisted that any team playing there carry the city's name.

The web domains losangelesroyals.com and anaheimroyals.com have also been registered within the past three weeks. A name change would help the team avoid confusion with the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They are about to become the NBA team formerly known as the Sacramento Kings.

Recent evidence suggests Sacramento is on the verge of moving to the Anaheim/Los Angeles area, and owners Geoff and Gavin Maloof have officially trademarked the name Royals.

While Sacramento has obvious arena challenges, can Los Angeles really support three professional basketball franchises? Furthermore, is being the third fish in the Anaheim/Los Angeles pond behind the Clippers and Lakers better than being the only fish in the tiny Sacramento pond?

Clearly, the Kings think so. And it seems Sacramento’s NBA team is about to become no more.

--Oly Sandor.

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

The Kings and Hornets are close to completing a trade that would send Carl Landry to New Orleans for Marcus Thornton and cash. Sam Amick of FanHouse reports that the trade call will take place on Wednesday. The Kings held Landry out of Tuesday's game.

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Sacramento Kings rookie DeMarcus Cousins got into an altercation with teammate Donte Greene after Cousins didn't get the ball on the final possession of a 99-97 loss to Oklahoma City Saturday night, two league sources said, with one source adding that Cousins was not allowed to join the team for its flight to Phoenix for a game Sunday night.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: If you haven’t figured it out, something is wrong with the Sacramento Kings.

Very wrong.

It’s bigger than who takes the last shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It’s bigger than coach against player. It’s bigger than two blue-chip talents losing their cool after a tough defeat.

The Kings are in a power struggle: Tyreke Evans versus DeMarcus Cousins. Last year’s Rookie of the Year against the temperamental but talented fifth overall pick from the 2010 draft.

Evans is used to having carte blanche or total freedom with the Kings’ offensive sets, while Cousins, who has played well of late, has recently been voicing his displeasure with this arrangement.

Take last night’s loss to the Thunder. Cousins wanted the ball for the final shot. He was unhappy with teammate Donte Greene for passing directly to Evans, who missed a game-winning three-pointer.

Cousins let Greene know how he felt after the play on-court and in the locker room before post-game interviews. Cooler heads did not prevail on the team plane, where an altercation between Cousins and Greene took place.

For now, Cousins has been removed from the team. It remains to be seen if this is a short or long-term punishment.

Here’s what we know: something is off with the Kings. Perhaps it’s the team’s young stars. Perhaps it’s Coach Paul Westphal. Perhaps it’s the team’s uncertain future in Sacramento. Perhaps it’s all three. 

However, it’s time for veteran executive Geoff Petrie to take control. Enough is enough. If Westphal must go, so be it. If Cousins must go, so be it.

Things are far trickier with Evans. Yes, he’s a potential superstar, but his play has been mixed in 2011 and he has made poor choices on-and-off court.

Giving up on the 20-year old swing could be a colossal blunder. Given the right situation, he could blossom into an elite, crème de la crème type player.

In Sacramento, Evans is part of the problem. Not the solution. Right now, Petrie needs solutions –even if there’s not an easy one to be had.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Good for Tyreke Evans. Good for the beleaguered Sacramento Kings fans.

Late last week, the Kings and Memphis Grizzlies were locked in a close battle. With seconds remaining, the Grizzlies pulled ahead 98-97 on an OJ Mayo floater.

Game over, right? Well, wrong.

Evans alertly grabs the inbound pass, takes one dribble, and converts a miracle heave to win the game. Hopefully, this is the start of a turnaround for Evans, who has been bothered with foot troubles, and the lowly Kings.

The best part of Evans’ game-winning shot: teammate Donte Greene comes off the Kings’ bench and is celebrating on-court before the ball is in. Green, it seems, had faith.

Watch Evans’ game-winning shot and get at us with thoughts on Greene's reaction in the comment box below. 

--Oly Sandor.
 

 HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Even the other team’s fans went nuts. 

Last week Derrick Rose crossed-over Tyreke Evans with such ferocity that Sacramento Kings fans couldn’t help gasping.

Their collective gasp is being replayed over-and-over again on youtube and internet highlight reels. Check out the clip and get at us with thoughts on Rose breaking Evans’ ankles. 

--Oly Sandor.    

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I can’t get enough of Blake Griffin. 

Even though this highlight clip is from the Clippers-Kings game on Thanksgiving, the powers that be at HoopsVibe News still had to post it. 

Griffin isn’t just a dunker. He can post, pass, score, rebound, and defend. After missing 2010 with micro fracture surgery, fans should give thanks for Blake-Zilla's recovery.

 So click the link and enjoy folks.

 Oly Sandor.

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

Yet as Casspi spoke to FanHouse by phone from his home on Thursday -- on the celebration of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana, no less -- there was no such joy in his voice as he discussed the first painful part of his experience. A swastika that had been painted on a mural of his face in midtown Sacramento was discovered on Wednesday, the act being deemed a hate crime by local authorities who are investigating the matter and looking for the moronic culprit.

"It's all over the news here," Casspi said. "I'm not shocked but I'm kind of hurt, you know. ... It's just crazy that it's 2010 and still there are people who are racist and who hate. That's the only thing that hurts and is a big shock."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It shouldn’t matter.

Race shouldn’t be an issue in life. And race certainly shouldn’t be an issue in sport.

For instance, the only question on the blacktop is can you play? If the answer is yes, nothing else matters. Race. Religion. Gender. It is all secondary to skill.

Omri Casspi can play. His background as an Israeli citizen shouldn’t matter in life or on-court.

Unfortunately, it does. Race and racism is still a major problem. 

Hopefully, Sacramento rallies behind their second year forward. They need to show this kind of cowardly attitude is the exception, not the norm.

Most importantly, Sacramento must show this won't be tolerated in their community.

--Oly Sandor.

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

No chance at all he (Yao Ming) puts on a uniform at the Worlds. He’s coming off the injury. He’s slowly getting back into his individual workouts. He won’t be cleared by then. (Robert Donewald, Chinese national team coach) 

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: China’s loss is the Houston Rockets’ gain.

Yao Ming will not suit up for China at the upcoming FIBA World Championship in Turkey because the 7-6 pivot is still recovering from a foot injury which forced him to miss the entire 2010 season.

For China, the loss is obvious. They were manhandled on the low block in an 82-60 loss against an upstart and scrappy Canadian team at the Jack Donahue International Classic in Vancouver, BC.

Bigger, muscular posts will have their way with the slighter Chinese bigs in Turkey.

What`s bad for China is good for Houston. The Rockets re-signed their key free agents this off-season, and are looking forward to a full training camp with scorer Kevin Martin, who was acquired at the trade deadline from the Sacramento Kings.

So Yao is skipping the intense two-week World Championship to try to return for the NBA season.

This is wise. Former Toronto Raptor Jorge Garbajosa compromised his NBA career by going against GM Bryan Colangelo’s wishes and playing for Spain at the European Championship before his ankle had fully healed.

Of course, the stakes are higher for Houston than Toronto. Garbajosa was a useful glue-guy; Yao is an elite center.

Come to think of it, the stakes are high for Yao, too. The perennial All-Star has said he’ll retire if his foot doesn’t heal.

Perhaps, China’s loss is Houston and Yao’s gain.

--Oly Sandor.

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

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Call us crazy, but getting arrested is not good.

Getting arrested for reckless driving when you're the NBA's Rookie of the Year is really not good.

And getting arrested for reckless driving when you're the NBA's Rookie of the Year and discovering there's a video of the ordeal making the rounds on youtube is really, really not good.

Such is life for Tyreke Evans, David Stern's premier freshman in 2010.

Evans - who supposedly has a team of mentors and advisors - was arrested after getting spotted by a police plane racing a friend through Sacramento like he was the star of 2 Fast 2 Furious, and not an NBA team.

Evans only wishes this nightmare was a movie.

Click the video below and get at us with thoughts on Evans' arrest.  

--Oly Sandor.

The Kings are expected to sign Antoine Wright to a one-year deal on Friday, according to Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News. Wright averaged 6.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 67 games with the Raptors during the 2009-10 season.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: He's the ideal mentor.

Last year, Antoine Wright was a bright spot for the disappointing Toronto Raptors. He consistently defended, knocked down a few jump shots, and won Coach Jay Triano over with his toughness and work ethic.

Wright will do the same for a young, talented Sacramento squad. He'll model professionalism and contribute on-court, too.

At one year for what was the veteran's minimum, this was a smart pick-up for the Kings.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Samuel Dalembert got his wish. The Philadelphia 76ers traded Dalembert to the Sacramento Kings on Thursday for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes. Dalembert asked for a trade last year because he was unhappy with his role. Now, he got it.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: On the surface, this looks like two rebuilding teams exchanging spare parts. 

After all, Samuel Dalembert - a decent big man, who often came late to practice and reportedly had a questionable attitude - wanted out of Philadelphia and he'll plug the middle in 2010-11 for Sacramento. 

Dalembert's greatest attribute may be his contract: his $10 million per year salary comes off the books in July 2011, so the Kings will get some financial flexibility.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia gets deeper in the frontcourt. Nocioni is a blue-collar veteran; Hawes - a young and skilled seven-footer - has shown flashes, but also struggled with injuries.

However, Chad Ford of ESPN believes this deal will alter who the Kings and 76ers draft this June. With Nocioni in the mix, Ford argues that the 76ers will likely select Derrick Favors, while the Kings will now look to draft a small forward.

So the full implications of this deal won't really be felt until the draft on June 24th.

Got thoughts? Get at us in the comment box below.    

The Kings are looking for a small forward and Detroit's Tayshaun Prince could be a viable option.

The Pistons are looking to make some changes and it is believed that either Richard Hamilton or Prince will be dealt.

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"I openly told the Kings that I wasn't going to stay. They told me they were OK with it and that they were going to try to trade me to a competitive team, probably on draft day ... I have to wait. Toronto is not a bad option, but I don't want to talk about rumors." -Andres Nocioni, Sacramento Kings.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Andres Nocioni for Hedo Turkoglu?

For days, this rumor has been making rounds in Sacramento and Toronto. Nocioni and Turkoglu both requested a trade, so the Kings and Raptors should consider swapping problems.

On the one hand, this would make sense. After all, the money is close. Both Nocioni and Turkoglu have long-term pacts, but the Raptors would need to take back another role player to match up contracts.

The Kings might have interest in Turkgolu -if he turns back the clock to 2009, while the Raptors could use the Argentine's aggression,

On the other hand, things are complicated for both teams. The Kings are young and may be weary of adding the Turkish swing's big ticket and attitude. Of course, the Raptors want to cut ties with Turkoglu, but are unsure of what assets to seek with Chris Bosh's pending free agency. For instance, if Bosh leaves, GM Bryant Colangelo may want pieces to rebuild with. If Bosh re-signs, Colangelo may prefer a veteran, perhaps, like Nocioni.

Nocioni is right: 'Toronto is not a bad option', but he'll have to wait and see if a trade materializes.

What do you think of Nocioni for Turkoglu? 

The Kings need a small forward with an ability to put the ball on the floor and general manager Geoff Petrie drafted Turkoglu and shepherded his development into one of the NBA’s more versatile players. League executives believe Sacramento would need Toronto to minimally take forward Andres Nocioni and the two years, $13.5 million left on his contract.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Oh, how times have changed.

Last year, Hedo Turkoglu was the best player on the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic. Around the league, his stock was sky high. And with free agency pending, he had more suitors than Brett Michaels on Rock of Love.

Like Michaels, Turkoglu cashed in, signing a five-year, $53 million contract with the Toronto Raptors.   

However, 2010 was a disaster. To recap: Turkoglu came fat and happy to training camp, struggled all year, and, on several occasions, displayed poor professionalism.

Now he wants out, requesting a trade via the media. And the Toronto Raptors would be happy to accommodate him. Is Sacramento a fit, though?

Well, the Kings drafted and nurtured Turkoglu, so both sides know each other well. And the Kings - after spending years stockpiling good, young talent - have cap space to burn.

But would financially prudent Sacramento want the remaining four years and $40 million on Turkoglu's big ticket? And would they want a veteran with a questionable work ethic influencing their youngsters?

Yes, times have changed for Turkoglu. And moving him will be difficult.

Would the Kings want Turkoglu? Let us know in the comment box below.

Evans received 67 first-place votes (491 points) from a panel of 123 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Golden State’s Stephen Curry finished second with 391 points and Milwaukee’s Brandon Jennings finished third with 204 points. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.

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NBA spokesman Tim Frank says Dell Curry will be allowed to vote for all the other postseason awards, but the league did not want to put him in an awkward position with the rookie award. 

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