Tonight at the stroke of midnight EST, the free agent feeding frenzy will begin.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Some long running questions about some big names and their destination for next season will finally be answered.

- Where will Steve Nash finally end up?

For two years we've been hearing Nash's name in about every conceivable trade scenario; and nothing ever happened. The Suns drafting of Kendall Marshall this week says a lot about how interested the organization is in bringing Nash back. Also, their supposed interest in Eric Gordon is another nail in the coffin that was Nash's time in Phoenix

- Where will Deron WIlliams go?

No matter where he ends up, will he finally play for a title contender? Mired in both Utah and New Jersey in his career, D WIll has been one of the NBA's most productive PG's. But can he lead a winner? Or will he forever be a great individual talent on bad teams?

- Ray Allen to the Heat?

The most the Heat can offer is a midlevel exception; three years 9.7 million. After the Heat's amazing performance from beyond the arc in the Finals imagine adding the NBA's all time three point shooting leader into the Knicks. It will be really interesting to see what other teams enter into the mix for his services.

- Apparently, Brandon Roy's knee is fine

Strangely, he may be the most sought after of all available unrestricted free agents. After being regarded as an "also ran" for two years, there are at least five teams vying for his services. If we are to believe the chatter, the Pacers are willing to do just about anything to get him.

- Will we finally see the flurry of trades we were promised pre-draft?

As team's negotiate a way to sign players that can't afford, inevitably some trades will happen. Will the Lakers FINALLY deal Gasol? Will Houston finally deal Luis Scola?

In just over 24 hours, the Phoenix Suns have completely overhauled their roster.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: If you're a Suns fan, you have to be happy with the overall aggressiveness and the direction.

A feud between Steve Nash and Jason Richardson makes Lakers pass on Richardson.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It pays to get along even in the NBA. Shocking!

Antawn Jamison signs with the Los Angeles Lakers.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Now this is a great building block.

Ice Cube comes out and publicly questions Andrew Bynum's will to win.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Preach Ice Preach. The truth just sounds good to hear.

The newest Laker in town shows, yet again, his acting chops and sense of humor.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: It's awesome when NBA players show that they aren't complete PR robots and do things because they like to have fun.

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

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

Red Hot Chili Peppers and Steve Nash Party Together

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: You know you've become a part of LA when RHCP embrace you as their own.

Top 10 Reasons LA Won't Win the Championship This Year.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Even with Dwight and Nash many don't pick the Lakers to win this year. Here's why.

Below are the Top 10 reasons Los Angeles won't win the title this year. This is drawing from other teams of similar build as well as an analysis of their existing pieces. Los Angeles is loaded with talent, but talent doesn't always equal championship rings and these are the reasons why.

#10 Metta World Peace is wild.

World Peace is a solid defender, but his offense is sketchy and his ability to control himself in pressure situations is horrible. Look for him to have another incident this year as he continues to age and get more frustrated with his slowing body. It's not a matter of if, but simply when World Peace will go nuclear.

#9 Pau Gasol is weak.

Gasol simply doesn't pay with the heart of a champion. Now that he is the 3rd or 4th option in the offense it won't be as glaringly obvious, but having people on your team and on the court that lack desire is a killer to team moral. Look for Kobe to continue to get pissed with Pau.

#8 Dwight can't shoot free throws.

When the game is on the line Dwight can't touch the ball. This is the same problem the Clippers have with Blake Griffin. The Lakers can overcome this by simply having everything flow through Kobe and Nash, but having your key big man not able to touch the ball is a serious weakness.

#7 Nash's defense sucks.

Steve Nash is a wiz at no-look passes and floaters in the lane, but lateral movement and man-up defense isn't one of his strengths. This will be exploited when he is matched up with speedsters like Russell Westbrook. This will be a key matchup the Thunder will exploit. This is why the Thunder are still stronger than the Lakers out West.

#6 Dwight's attitude

Dwight is known as a happy-go-lucky guy. He has always been much stronger and more talented than his competition. Unfortunately, this has made him weak. Dwight is not tough. He does not have the heart of a lion like Kobe. He has the heart of a kitty like Pau. This lack of mental toughness will be spotlighted in the playoffs.

#5 Kobe pressing

Kobe want's his sixth championship more than anything. He knows time is running out on both his career and the Laker's ability to hold this squad of players together. Look for Kobe to up in Pau and Dwight's faces early in the season. This could backfire with Dwight who isn't used to being scolded publicly.

#4 Mike Brown needs a spine

The Zen Master not only knew how to win, he knew how to let his leaders lead, but also how to keep them within his system. Mike Brown is no Phil Jackson and doesn't command the type of respect needed to keep massive egos in check. If things get bumpy early in the system look for Mike Brown to start catching some of the heat.

#3 No Toughness.

The toughest player on the Lakers is Kobe followed by Steve Nash. Where LA doesn't have grit is underneath. They lack the big men with muscle that are willing to both hit the floor and set a bone-crushing pick. Their big men are more pretty and gritty. Teams like San Antonio and Oklahoma City that don't suffer from this same prima donna mentality will exploit this lack of toughness.

#2 LA wants results.

Look for the temperature to be turned up as the Lakers struggle early in the season. They may even loose some early games to the Clippers and be threatened with losing the crown of their home town. Los Angeles has extrememly high expectations for the Lakers and if things start going south look for egos to get bruised and fingers to start pointing.

#1 First year together.

The Miami heat didn't win the first year their Big Three united in South Beach. The Lakers are no different. No matter how much talent a team has, it takes time for players to find their roles and fit together. The Lakers have the advantage of having winners already on the roster, but so did Miami. Look for the Lakers to win in year 2, but not their first year with this grouping of players. 

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

Sever Nash out for 4 weeks injured

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Some in Laker Nation are Saying they are better without him?

Apparently, even Phil Jackson was shocked that the Lakers decided to hire Mike D'Antoni instead of the Zenmaster himself.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  So are we, Phil.  So are we.

In the Lakers 119-108 victory over the Rockets in Los Angeles last night, Kobe Bryant went for a triple-double but it was Steve Nash who stole the show, performing a little Gangnam style from the bench.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  While Kobe was taking care of business on the court, Nash was tearing it up on the sideline.

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

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

Here are few that are currently being dealt with:

Avery Bradley, shoulder, Boston Celtics

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

Derrick Rose, knee, Chicago Bulls

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

Kyrie Irving, finger, Cleveland Cavaliers

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

Dirk Nowitzki, knee, Dallas Mavericks

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

Danny Granger, knee, Indiana Pacers

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

Chauncey Billups, achilles, Los Angeles Clippers

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

Steve Nash, leg, Los Angeles Lakers

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

Shane Battier, knee, Miami Heat

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

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

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

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

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

Andrew Bynum, knee, Philadelphia 76ers

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

John Wall, knee, Washington Wizards

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

Anthony Davis, ankle, New Orleans Hornets

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

Is Steve Nash the only reason Pau Gasol is stil in Los Angeles?

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: I doubt Nash's insisting will be enough if the Lakers continue to under perform.

On the Lakers' 9th win of the season, Kobe Bryant surpassed 30,000 points in his career.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  Kobe hitting 30,000 is an amazing milestone, but I bet the entire organization is just happy to get a win.

The Los Angeles Lakers have waited long enough for Steve Nash's return and it's been reported that the wait is almost over.

Hoopsvibe's quick call:  As great of a point guard Nash is, I'm not sure he's going to be the Lakers' savior this season.

Top 5 NBA Ballers Over 35-Years Old

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: To ball in the NBA past 35 you got to have game and these 5 guys definitely do.

Currently, the Lakers are in possession of the Western Conference's eighth seed by one game over the Utah Jazz.

HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: If the Lakers don't make it, they have at least five legitimate reasons why they failed.

Firing of Mike Brown, Hiring of Mike D'Antoni, Not Hiring Phil Jackson

After five games, the Lakers brass fired Mike Brown. But before he got fired, they forced him to employ the "Princeton Offense," an offense that never got properly instituted because of injuries to nearly every key player in the preseason.  Brown was out, but who would replace him? For several days, Phil Jackson was going to be re-hired, it looked like a foregone conclusion. But under the cover of night, late on a Sunday evening, the Lakers announced they would hire D'Antoni instead. As the season has now almost completely played itself out, they couldn't have been any worse if they would've just retained Bernie Bickerstaff for the entire season, who won four of his five games as head coach.

Injuries

Every significant player on the team was injured at some point this season. Steve Nash, Kobe, Dwight Howard, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol- and those are just the starters. The bench was equally ravaged. Robert Sacre, Devin Ebanks, Jordan Hill, Steve Blake; and that's the short list. No wonder they haven't had any chemistry all year.

Lack Of Pau Gasol

Gasol's head wasn't right all season. And yours wouldn't have been either if your name was Pau Gasol. No one has taken more of a beating for being "soft". But if he was soft, Gasol wouldn't have two rings and a slew of all-star appearances. So what does he get for his trouble? He gets benched for Earl Clark by D'Antoni, who was trying to assert his power to "motivate" Gasol. That was a "bass-akward" thing to do. To make it worse, D'Antoni did it when the Lakers rotation was being held together with duct tape. If he was healthy, the Lakers should've squeezed every last second out of him.

Where Was "Ron Ron" All Year?

I get that "Ron Ron" has decided to completely give up on scoring. I get that he fancies himself a lockdown one on one defender. But for a guy who has scored over 20+ ppg in his career, for him to not be more involved offensively (and I don't mean hoisting up three's from the corner, which has become his signature offensive move), I mean getting involved and productive when the team needed him. He didn't, so Kobe had to carry the squad, and still is, like always.

Dwight Howard Saga

I don't care what Howard's numbers are, or if Andrew Bynum missed the entire season- Howard killed the Lakers with his endless, me first drama. It started before he got traded to LA, then continued once he arrived because of "injuries" and a bunch of other excuses. Dwight Howard is a drama queen and softer than Pau Gasol- FACT.

For more news, info and updates, follow us on Twitter @hoopsvibe

Top 10 Tweets About Jason Collins.

HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Some hate, some love, but everyone's tweeting about Jason Collins.

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

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Nothing new here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Who else besides the following five players even deserves consideration? You can read part one here and part two here. Who is the purest three point shooter of all time?

"What does that mean?" Nash asks back. "Do I go in and say, 'Trade me to a top two or three team?' I think it's lot more difficult than people think. One, it's not my style. Maybe I'm old school, but I feel like that's not my place to give up on my team, give up on my teammates. I signed a contract and made a commitment.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Steve Nash, the good soldier.

Nash has given everything to the Phoenix Suns, winning two MVPs and playing like an All-Star for a team that can’t and won’t spend to compete.

In today’s NBA the answer is simple: force a trade.

Nash, however, says he’s from a different era and won’t quit on his current crop of teammates and coaches by asking for a change of scenery.

Fair enough. There’s more to this, though.

Publicly, the matter seems settled, Privately, the situation is evolving. Nash is a free agent at season’s end and won’t re-sign with the sad-sack Suns.

The Suns have a choice: they can let Nash walk in July for nothing or they can trade him, take the short-term hit from fans, and rebuild with an asset or two in hand.

Nash and his agents know this. The future member of the Hall of Fame is playing nice and saying the right things.

One way or another, Nash will get a new team -either through the Suns moving him or as a free agent in six months.

It’s just a matter of exiting the right way, especially when you are the good soldier.

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

Tough to hear, but it is time. The stars, for anyone 26 years or older, drafted from the 1990s are fading away. Let’s use the present to say our goodbyes.   Father time usually corresponds with age and decline in play. This is it. We have been following these guys since middle school. Some of you guys must have been following them since elementary days. Do not feel old. Age is merely a number. Longevity in anything is actually a state of mind, but not in sports. For anyone living under a rock, Macho Man just died. With that said, let's appreciate these players while they are still alive.

Derrick Rose is officially the youngest NBA MVP for anyone living in a cave kicking it with John Rambo. He earned it at 22 years old. Leading the team to the number one record is a tall order for anyone. The 2010-2011 season is historic mainly because of this. Basketball fans witnessed something amazing that we will not see again from any 22 year old NBA player. It was fun to see all of the games on DirecTV. Chicago’s offense and the opposing team’s defensive game plans truly revolved around the Poohdini of the Hardwood.

The Chicago Bulls becoming the number one team, record wise, reveals a quantum leap this season and ramifications for the future. Not many people are examining the Bulls massive improvements – they practically flew over the Atlantic Ocean without breaking a sweat. Imagine predicting that the Bulls would be the number one team with the best defense before the season started. Imagine that. People laugh, mock, wants some weed that you smoked, and then label you a Bulls homer. That is why some of us should say, “We’ll see.”

This is the most ridiculous thing I heard coming out from these arguments. Discrediting Derrick Rose is one thing, but to completely dismiss the award just because people do not agree with your assessments is another. This is flat out stupid. Why did people pick out this year to bring this up again? This was echoed with Steve Nash’s awards and probably with Allen Iverson’s. Is this what it has come down to?

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

Christmas is upon us. I bet you crazies are recovering from the annual Black Friday or Thanksgiving. I’m not. I’m whatever at this point because I’m keeping tabs as the era of great point guards gets even crazier around the NBA as they reign supreme. Stat tracking gets somewhat difficult because I just want to watch them play. Quality point guards are not difficult to find anymore compared to years’ past. Even if you do not land anyone listed among the top 10 in your fantasy draft, there are more good point guards hidden in the waiver wire depending on the league’s depth. Stats are up to date as of December 1, 2010.

Unrestricted free agent and former Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown will sign a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, sources told ESPN the Magazine's Chris Broussard on Thursday.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Oh, the highlights will be plentiful.

Just imagine: Steve Nash gets the outlet and starts the break; Shannon Brown bolts down court filling the lane; Brown takes the pass in mid-air and crams an alley-oop of epic proportions.

Expect this scenario. Again and again.

Brown signing a one-year deal with the Suns will be a boon for Youtube; hoop heads will scour over his highlight reel jams off Nash dimes.

Entertainment aside, this will do little for the Suns. They need real, tangible changes. And Brown -a nice but hardly spectacular signing – doesn't provide a long-term direction.

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

A young kid entered war full of determination, grit, and gung ho. He doesn’t know much about anything since he sports the usual traits of youth – ignorance, naïveté, and innocence. Once this kid endures battle after battle, the fighting spirit gets worn down somewhere. The kid loses yet gets wiser with each step. He makes many mistakes. Some soldiers leave and disappear. The squadron is rebuilt with new warriors who mirror the kid before war. Some of them might be better and some will not.

Dear Chris Bosh,
Amar’e once said, “No doubt about it, I’m better than Chris Bosh.”

The regular has ended some time ago and it’s time to touch on the players and moments that made this season memorable. The playoffs just started and it is going to take awhile to determine the champion, but I’d like take this time to look back at stuff that impacted the season and future to come. Hold up. There will be some moments that did not impact the season. It was just funny to point out.  Dwight Howard wins another Defensive Player of the Year, Scott Brooks wins Coach of the Year, and Aaron Brooks won Most Improved Player. We can safely assume that LeBron James won Most Valuable Player.

1 hour ago: Would love to see @JCrossover in a Heat uni! What you guys say? 1 hour ago: Maybe @SteveNash in a Heat uni! So we can help each other get our 1st ring

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Lockout or not, LeBron James is recruiting.

'The King' recently tweeted that he’d like Jamal Crawford and Steve Nash to sign with the Miami Heat when the labour impasse is solved.

Crawford, a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate, would punish opposing defences for double-teaming James and fellow Heat superstars Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

He’d have the same role as Mike Miller. Except Crawford can create off the dribble and has had better luck staying healthy.

The former Bull, Hawk, and Knick is a free agent. Nash, however, is not.

The two-time MVP still has a year remaining on his contract with the Phoenix Suns, so he’d need spend-thrift owner Robert Sarver to buy him out.

Then there are concerns about Nash’s mediocre defense. His teammates and basketball IQ should make up for his tiny stature, though.

We just need a new collective bargaining agreement to see if James’ tweets become reality.

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

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Justin Bieber crossing-up two-time MVP Steve Nash became a viral sensation. Well, Hot Sauce returned the favour, breaking the young crooner’s ankles in an AND1 exhibition series.

Watch the video, form an opinion, and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The critics, who have always knocked Steve Nash’s rather pedestrian defence, will have a field day with this.

After all, it’s Justin Bieber, the teenage crooner, crossing-up the two-time MVP and attacking the basket with ease in a pick-up run, and not an NBA player.

Worst of all, Bieber’s handles yield a piercing shriek from Twilight aged girlfriend Selena Gomez that will shatter your eardrums and the hearing of your family’s golden retriever.

Nevertheless, watch the video, protect your ears, and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.

A man is claiming he was injured at a local church in an incident involving NBA superstar Kobe Bryant. Sources told 10News Bryant was attending a church service at St. Therese of Carmel in Carmel Valley Sunday and thought someone was taking pictures of him with a cellphone.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: You’re with the family at Church. Or anywhere for that matter. Starbucks. The beach. The mall. Chuck-E-Cheese. Whatever.

All you hear is one sound: click. Again and again. There’s no escaping it.

Part of being wealthy and/or famous is dealing with annoyances. But constant cell phone pictures would get old awfully fast, so it’s hardly surprising a star - in this case, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers - (allegedly) snapped.

(Bryant reportedly took a man’s phone because he thought he was taking his picture at Church. The Laker great returned the phone after realizing there were no pictures, but the man is claiming Bryant injured his wrist.)

Generally, I have little sympathy for those who earn millions to play a sport. They get paid well, and must put up with certain inconveniences.

That’s the game. Them the breaks.

Cell phone pictures are different. Every cell phone has a camera, which means the general public can, and do, act like the paparazzi. They see a star. They take his or her picture.

This is a natural reaction. However, it would be unnerving and frightening for the person being photographed. There would be no escape and no privacy. Ever.

Steve Nash, a man who is as comfortable and natural in the spotlight as any athlete or movie star, has called cell phone pictures a violation.

And Bryant had issues with two fans baiting him with loaded questions, filming/recording his answers on a cell phone, and then attempting to blackmail him and the organization.

It’s not a surprise an incident occurred. In fact, it’s a surprise something hadn`t happened sooner.

--Oly Sandor.

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

As a veteran, Nash said an NBA championship ring was still a strong lure for him, but he said he would not change teams to achieve that goal.

"Every player wants the ring. We were very close to it many times. Changing teams may be a way. But I don't think I will join another team; I prefer to stay in Phoenix. Hopefully, we can go further next season," said Nash.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Steve, hope is not a strategy for you or your Phoenix Suns.

While visiting China on behalf of his sponsors, Nash told the assembled media his preference was to close his eyes, cross his fingers, and ’hope’ his Phoenix Suns achieve better results.

Lets be clear: what else can Nash do?

He’s too classy to publicly call out Robert Sarver, the Suns’ thrifty owner who refuses to spend on the necessary talent to contend, let alone win a championship.

He’s too classy to publicly call out GM Lon Babby, who first acquired Hedo Turkoglu and then sent the Turkish swing to Orlando for another underachiever in Vince Carter.

And he’s too classy to publicly call out his teammates, who seem a little too interested in taking shots at each other via the media.

Right now, Nash can only grin and bear the Suns. Of course, he can hope. Sadly, this is what the future Hall of Fame point guard has been reduced to.

--Oly Sandor.

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

Vince Carter may realize that his time in Phoenix is pretty much up – how short it was – but he still wants to play ball. Not overseas.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s no slam dunk that the former Slam Dunk Champion can average 12-15 points per night for a contender.

Right now, Vince Carter is an unrestricted free agent. Some feel ‘Half-Man, Half-Amazing’ can re-invent himself as a second-unit, game-changer for a contender.

I’m not so sure, though.

On a contender, everybody defends. No exceptions. Any contender would have reservations about adding a one-way scorer, like Carter, who resembles a statue in his own end.

Those who don’t defend on contenders –again, like Carter – find themselves on the bench. They stay on that bench for the season. They only play in a blowout or a pinch.

If Carter can’t get on the floor for meaningful minutes, how can he average 12-15 points per night for a contender?

Let’s suppose, for a minute, Carter gets a chance to prove his worth at training camp. He struggled to score with the up-and-down Phoenix Suns, even though defense was optional and Steve Nash, the league’s great playmaker, was setting-the-table.

With a contender, he won’t be a first, second, or third option. And Carter, in recent years, has stopped attacking the hoop, settling for fall-away shots, weak drives, and long-range jumpers.

The coaching staffs of contending teams know this. Or they’ll quickly discover this. So do the league’s best players. They’ll all tire of him quickly.

For Carter, it may be a one year deal for the minimum with a small market or nothing. Yes, nothing. The NBA’s great enigma will continue fading to black.

--Oly Sandor.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Good to see the lockout hasn't impacted Steve Nash's comedic chops.

The Canadian table-setter is up to his old tricks with a humorous clip involving a Prius, an old lady, a parking spot, and some M.J. inspired dance moves.

Click the video, watch Nash infuriate a senior, and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

--Oly Sandor.

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As a free agent, J-Rich has reached a critical point in his career: Does he sign with a team that can pay him the most money or take less to play with a contender?

Obviously, he would love to have the best of both worlds. He might be able to find that with the Chicago Bulls, who are in need of a quality starting shooting guard.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Is Jason Richardson the difference between the Chicago Bulls winning and losing the Eastern Conference?

The answer: at best, a maybe. Sure, Richardson is talented. Sure, he has range. Sure, he’s arguably the top free agent shooting-guard. And sure, the Bulls need a scorer.

Richardson is 31-years old, though. While still solid, he was deemed expendable by the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Bobcats, and Phoenix Suns. His latest club, the Orlando Magic, have little interest in extending him.

A large part of this had to do with money. Charlotte and Phoenix, two smaller markets, had trouble swallowing Richardson’s big-ticket. For financial reasons, they cut ties.

A large part of this had to with skill. More and more, Richardson stopped using his athleticism to attack and defend, and seemed content on shooting three-pointers.

Who knows what role the off-court stuff played? Richardson was charged with Driving Under the Influence and reckless driving. Of course, there was also this.

Richardson is a risk. His value on the open market will be hard to gauge because of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

Chicago should ask Richardson for a contender discount. If he refuses, they should look elsewhere for their difference-maker.

--Oly Sandor.

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He watched Jason Kidd, a fellow rookie of the year, win his first title last month, and is willing to keep striving for an opportunity to play in the Finals. Hill's career has gone from one of promise, to misfortune, to longevity, and he is willing to wait out a potentially long lockout.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: To pull a ‘J-Kidd’, he can't re-sign with the Phoenix Suns.

The end is near for the 38-year old Grant Hill. The former Duke legend and NBA All-Star doesn't believe the end is now, though.

Instead, he’ll wait for the lockout to end and, inspired by Dallas Mavericks legend Jason Kidd, try for a championship.

Here’s the thing: Hill won’t win with the Phoenix Suns. Heck, Hill might not see the playoffs if he stays in Arizona.

This falls on Suns owner Robert Sarver. He doesn’t have the resources to sign and/or keep talent. A new Collective Bargaining Agreement won't do enough for Sarver, even if there's a hard cap with flexibility.

So Hill will have to leave as a free agent. He will have to part with pal Steve Nash. He will have to risk injury by forging a relationship with new trainers.

This seems scary, but Hill has survived numerous ankle surgeries, a life saving procedure in Orlando, failures at the pro‘ level, and unfortunate comments in a documentary by former rival Jalen Rose.

Free agency won’t phase him. Hill will weigh his options and do what's best. In a year, like Kidd, he could also be hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy. 

--Oly Sandor.

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"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."

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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.

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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.

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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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He also agreed with coach Byron Scott, who called Davis one of the NBA's top five point guards when healthy. "I believe so," Davis said from Thursday's practice. "I love the game, I study the game, I see the game with a different set of eyes than a lot of other guys."

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: There’s little doubt Baron Davis -when motivated, fit, and healthy- can play.

Unfortunately, Davis is rarely motivated, which means he’s hardly ever fit. Of course, an unmotivated and out of shape player is an often injured player.

After all, Davis has spent most of the last few years sulking about playing for the lowly Los Angeles Clippers, a team he picked as an unrestricted free agent.

He seemed more interested in making movies with his Hollywood buddies. He often had a ‘generous’ physique. And his play suffered.

Sadly, after teasing fans in Golden State, Davis has been a bust. He’s withered away his talent, content to take advantage of the perks that come with a plush, guaranteed contract.

None of this has impacted Davis’ confidence. After all, Davis –even when at full strength- isn’t a top five point guard.

Not anymore and not now. The one-spot currently belongs to up-and-comers like Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, and Deron Williams.

There’s also established heads like Chauncey Billups, Steve Nash, and Tony Parker. And what about talented youngsters and veterans like Darren Collison, Stephen Curry, Ray Felton, Jason Kidd, and Andre Miller?

All have performed at a higher level than Davis. In fact, Davis, who was recently traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, might have trouble beating out Ramon Sessions for the starting table-setter job –if all things are equal.

Hopefully, Davis gets motivated, fit, and, as a result, stays healthy. Hopefully, he salvages whatever he can of his career. At 31, the clock is ticking.

--Oly Sandor.

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And though it seemed logical that a team ripe for a rebuild might trade the most valuable player on the roster, the Suns didn’t budge through this week’s trade deadline, and Nash didn’t ask. But yesterday, Nash opened the door, just a crack, to leaving. “I’m open to whatever they want to do,” he said. “I mean, if they want to move me, I’m open to that. If they want to keep me, I’m open to that too.”

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s the elephant in the room neither side wants to discuss.

Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns have to consider parting ways. After all, Nash, who is still playing remarkably well, could help a contender, while the Suns, who lack the resources to field a winner, need to rebuild.

Trading Nash would give the tiny table setter his chance at a championship, and also give the Suns some combination of draft picks, expiring contracts, and blue chip prospects for the future.

If only it were so easy. Both player and team are reluctant to push for a trade.

Nash is loyal to Phoenix, its fans, and the Suns organization. Suns owner Robert Sarver, who is already on shaky ground for past moves, knows he’d become persona non grata if he wrapped Nash in a bow and gave him away.

So each side is putting out the feelers; dropping little hints to prepare the public.

Something could happen this summer. And the elephant in the room could become a reality.

--Oly Sandor.

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The Timberwolves are one of the teams that have called the Suns to check on the availability of Steve Nash, reports Marc Stein.

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Should Minnesota Timberwolves fans laugh or cry after hearing Executive David Kahn tried to trade for the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash?

After all, Nash isn’t a fit for the Wolves. And the Wolves aren’t a fit for Nash. These two would be the worst match since Anna Nicole Smith married that old billionaire.

Nash is 37 years old. The two-time MVP has a limited time horizon, and will only leave the warmth of Phoenix for a contender. Not a good playoff team, but a class organization with legitimate championship aspirations.

Class and championships are words one doesn’t associate with Glen Taylor’s Wolves. And Nash may retire rather than suit up for the rebuilding Wolves.

This would actually be a positive for the Wolves, who must develop Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio -whenever the Euro sensation crosses the Atlantic for America.

Kahn doesn’t see it that way, though. Perhaps he’s inquiring about Nash and Anthony to prove to pending free agent Kevin Love he’s serious about upgrading the team’s talent.

However, Kahn has no chance at either superstar. And his failures only reinforce the Wolves’ inadequacies.

--Oly Sandor.

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