HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Ever wondered why the Washington Wizards are a mess?
Well, Javale McGee provides another example by running down court after missing a poor shot attempt, even though his team grabbed the offensive rebound.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment boxes below.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: The Jeremy Lin world tour continues with much fanfare.
Yesterday, the Harvard alum' crossed-up former first overall pick John Wall, threw down a fierce jam, and hit Knick teammate Tyson Chandler with a chest bump that was more Rucker Park than Ivy League.
Watch the video and tell us if you believe in Lin.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick: LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are astonishingly good and entertaining in the open court.
If the Heat continue playing strong half-court defence then these two will get fast break opportunities, which means highlights for you and me.
Click the video and watch Wade toss James an epic alley-oop against the lowly Wizards.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Kobe Bryant would give his approval for the signing of Gilbert Arenas, according to two people familiar with the situation. Bryant reportedly reached out to Arenas recently to let him know he’s on board with Arenas joining the Lakers.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: 'The Man' has given his approval.
Word is Kobe Bryant will support the Los Angeles Lakers if they sign Gilbert Arenas, the controversial shooting guard who was recently released via the amnesty clause by the Orlando Magic.
On the surface, this doesn’t look like a big deal. Arenas is a free agent. The Lakers are struggling. Seems a match, right?
Well, consider the context. Bryant, despite his recent denials, met Dwight Howard this summer to tell the All-Star post he’d be the third option if he joined the Lakers.
Translation: the purple and gold are Bryant’s team until he retires. There will be no passing of the baton under the Black Mamba's watch.
So Bryant likely relayed a similar message to Arenas and his people when he reached out to the former Washington Wizard.
After all, Arenas will see whatever team he signs with as an opportunity to salvage his career and reputation. And such an approach won’t help the Lakers climb the Western Conference standings.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Former Deadspin contributor Sarah Kogod overheard what she called a "heated conversation" between LeBron James and a Wizards fan last night. She then spoke to the fan, got his take, and tweeted what he had to say, which included a threat from LeBron:
…LeBron was waiting alone in the backcourt when fan Bob Moore made a comment to LeBron about Delonte West and LeBron's mom…
…According to Moore, LeBron said "The only reason you talk shit is because you know I can't come off the court right now and beat your ass"...
…Also according to Moore, LeBron continued "But if I had a free pass, I'd kick your ass right now."...
…Moore replied "I'm right here baby. Let's go" before security stepped in.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: LeBron James should stand up for himself when a fan harasses him about Delonte West’s alleged ‘relationship’ with his mother.
James is right: the fan can only say such things because of the barrier, security, and fallout James would face from an altercation.
The fan is in the wrong. So is James, though.
The veteran should've responded by having security remove the fan because threats only bring negative attention. Ideally, Wizard fans and/or security would take the initiative to ‘ask’ the fan to settle down.
James must react rationally, while fans must realize purchasing a ticket doesn’t give you the right to say anything you like.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
With that being said, it’s not totally out of the question that they re-sign Jamison to a cap-friendly contract starting around $5 million. The Cavs would have to be clear with the 6-foot-9, 235-pounder that they are committed to Tristan Thompson as being the starter at power forward next year.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Cleveland Cavaliers want Antawn Jamison -just at the right price.
The veteran forward has done an admirable job mentoring Cleveland’s young stars like Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson, while still producing on-court as a combo forward.
This is no surprise.
Jamison has always been a professional, displaying leadership with some crazy Washington Wizards teams and coming off the bench during his prime for the Dallas Mavericks.
Of course, he can still play. Jamison’s length and ability to score around the hoop means he has a few productive seasons left.
Sounds good, right? Well, not so fast.
Returning to the Cavaliers would likely mean a $10 million pay cut (Jamison is earning $15 million this year, and he’d probably get the $5 million mid level exception when he hits free agency in July.)
Would Jamison take the mid level exception on an improving team like Cleveland or discount his services even further to join, say Miami or Chicago, for a shot at a championship?
This is the dilemma Jamison will face. And it could see him leave Cleveland no matter how comfortable he is.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
"I understand the importance of Tristan (Thompson) and these younger guys getting the opportunity to play," he continued. "I’ve taught them so much and it’s been fun teaching them, but it’s time for me to move on as well. I don’t know what the future holds, I don’t know what opportunity might present itself, but I definitely have a great feeling this is probably my last home game and tomorrow will be my last game as a Cav."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Antawn Jamison is done mentoring a bad Cleveland Cavaliers squad and wants to win -even if it costs him millions of dollars.
The veteran forward will become a free agent in July when his $15 million per year contract expires. Expect Jamison to take the Mini Mid Level Exception and join a contender as a second-unit scorer.
Of course, there are the usual concerns when an established player takes a lesser role. In fact, some can’t do it (think Allen Iverson, Steve ’Finer Things’ Francis, and Stephon Marbury).
But Jamison is a different breed. He’s always been a team-first guy, volunteering to come off the bench during his prime with the Dallas Mavericks and conceding the spotlight to a brash Gilbert Arenas with the Washington Wizards.
So Jamison told the inquiring media before the Cavaliers’ final home game that he was likely moving on. The future, however, looks good with Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
It's the offseason- lets talk about how great Michael Jordan was.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Even in his final season on a bad team on bad knees, Jordan never fell off.
John Wall steps out with some serious arm candy and we have some scandalous pictures of her slamming body.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If Rosa Acosta isn't the NBA's #1 WAG I don't know who is.
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Under the leadership of Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers got their tenth win of the season.
Hoopsvibe's quick call: The Lakeshow might not win a game if it wasn't for Kobe.
Without John Wall the Wizards are off to their worst start (3-18) in franchise history.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Which is saying something because they've started 4-17 four times.
Wizards player slapped his babymama while she breastfed their 1-day old child.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: I'm not sure what could be worse than slapping a woman while breastfeeding. This is an all time new low for NBA.
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.
On 1/13/99, Michael Jordan retired from the NBA for a second time.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: He just kept "playing with our emotions", like Smokey from the movie Friday.
MJ's first retirement took place on on 10/6/93 and was a complete shock. No one could believe that Jordan, at the top of his game (leading the NBA the previous season in both scoring and steals), was serious. But after the murder of his father, he decided to make the move to professional baseball. Jordan famously came back a year later and won the NBA title in three straight seasons for the second time.
Jordan's retirement in 1999 was again surprising considering the level his game was at (leading the league in scoring with 28.7 ppg), but not surprising considering the state the Bulls were in at the time. Jerry Krause was hell bent on tearing apart the team and rebuilding. Phil Jackson's contract was up and everyone knew he wouldn't be renewed, as was the same for Dennis Rodman, while Scottie Pippen forced his way out via trade demand.
But perhaps as impactful as any other factor, the NBA was mired in a lockout, which would limit the upcoming season to just 50 games. So MJ would've had to come back and play without Pippen, Rodman, or Phil Jackson, while also missing several other key components of the championship squad who were either dealt or released. In a lot of ways, Jordan's back was against the wall; it was time for him to do something else.
Eventually, Jordan would return to the NBA almost three years later for his final act and what is potentially his most impressive feat; During the 2002-03 season, Michael Jordan turned 40 years old.
It wasn’t like MJ was only playing 20 minutes a game, hanging on even though his physical skills had disappeared. That season he played 37 mpg, second on the team only to Jerry Stackhouse. He was also second in points to Stackhouse (20.0 ppg), second in rebounding (6.1rpg), fourth in assists (3.8 apg) and first in steals (1.5 spg). He was even fourth on the team in blocks, of all things with 0.5 bpg. He was also the only Wizards player to appear in all 82 games, starting 67 of them.
That season he averaged 18.6 shots per game which was the second lowest of his career and a full four shots less per game than his career average of 22.9. Jordan scored 20 or more points 42 times, 30 or more points nine times, and 40 or more points three times. Though it wasn’t rare for us to see MJ score 40+ throughout his career, the three games of 40+ represent the only times in NBA history a player over 40 years old has ever scored that many points.
Regardless of how you feel about his time as a Wizard, Jordan's second retirement marked the end of an era for the league because it was a symbolic ending to those great Bulls teams of the 90's.
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.
For most, the weekend is about rest, relaxation, and reflection. Well, not here at Breaking Down The NBA. While you’re chilling, we’re droppping a little venom called the Weekend Rant …
-Guess who is back?
After months of looking washed up, over the hill, and slow afoot, Manu Ginobili has found his old form for the San Antonio Spurs. Love him or hate him, the Argentine swing is again driving opponents crazy with his scoring prowess and trademark flops.
HoopsVibe's very Quick Call: Showboating or enthusiasm?
This is the debate surrounding the Washington Wizards' JaVale McGee, who's off-the-glass alley-oop in the third quarter of a recent game drew much reaction.
Wizards' coach Flip Saunders thought it was inappropriate, especially since his squad is 1-11 and needs wins not highlights.
For instance, Saunders thought McGee was trying to garner support for a return to the Slam Dunk Contest (you remember McGee's mom smoching Dr. J, right?). Youngster John Wall and veteran Mo Evans agreed with Saunders that the dunk, while successful, was ill-timed.
Meanwhile McGee justified the play by saying he was simply trying to pump-up the Wizards, and one teammate, Nick Young, agreed.
What do you think? Showboating or enthusiasm? Watch the video, and get at us in the comment box below.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
One thing I often hear in regards to Michael Jordan is how the numbers he put up in his final season were done at the expense of his team, the Washington Wizards. That Jordan was old and looked it, hanging on just long enough to average 20 ppg. That it was a shtick because he was a part owner and head of the Wizards basketball operations. And finally, that it was an ego driven move that no one other than Jordan benefited from.
Just when you thought Gilbert Arenas' gun troubles were over, they get just a little bit worse. This time, it's Gil's woes aren't due to gun possession but, unusually, non-possession. You see, it turns out that the former All-Star and current felon dropped some dough in the February of 2006 to expand his prolific gun collection.
When Gilbert Arenas returns to the Washington Wizards next year-- if he returns to the Wizards next year-- he'll be wearing a new number. The man who wore the number zero because it was the number of minutes his detractors predicted he would play during his freshman year at Arizona will instead don the number six.
"Flip is definitely doing his job," Blatche said. "I just don't feel like guys are listening and following behind what he says and what he wants us to do." Never a good sign, eight games into the season.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Andray Blatche will never learn. Ever.
For years, the Washington Wizards have hoped the talented forward would grow up and mature. That, however, seems unlikely.
Blatche's latest infraction: telling reporters the team has tuned-out veteran coach Flip Saunders.
This, of course, could be true, but nothing is gained by going public with such declarations. Saunders looks like a lame-duck sideline boss; Blatche's splotchy reputation takes another hit; and the Wizards once again look dysfunctional.
Bottom line: the Wizards are a miserable 0-8, so changes are coming. It's a when and a who, not an if.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
In his first proper interview with the media since the gun fiasco that saw him suspended for the season Gilbert Arenas opens up on all manner of matters. The full interview with Esquire is interesting, but in particular the detail that he once owned 400-500 guns that he bought from a collector in his seventies is striking. Here's the excerpt:
“He probably was talking about me for the simple fact that I said I need the ball in the paint to be effective,” Blatche said. “You can’t keep having me pick and pop and shooting jumpshots. Gimme the ball in the paint. That’s where I’m most effiective at. I’ve been saying that since training camp. I need the ball in the paint. I don’t wand to be the pick-and-pop guy I used to be because it’s not working for me.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It would be oh-so easy to criticize Andray Blatche’s comments, especially when considering his track record.
After all, Blatche, a talented post with the Washington Wizards, has a track record. Consider the following:
1) When he first entered the league, veterans mocked his poor professionalism. 2) He openly feuded with coach Flip Saunders over playing time. 3) He got angry at a teammate for grabbing a rebound that fell in his hands and prevented him from registering a triple-double. 4) And he fought teammate JaValee McGee outside the club.
This time it‘s different, though. Blatche is making sense.
When asked about Coach Flip Saunders’ comments following the Washington Wizards’ season opener, the young forward explained he wanted the ball in the post to balance the offense.
And he’s right. Blatche's ability to attract double-teams in the paint would provide open looks for young point guard John Wall and shooting guards Jordan Crawford and Nick Young.
The Wizards’ perimeter players - like Wall, a former first overall pick trying to make his mark in the NBA - wouldn’t have to force shots down the stretch.
Credit Blatche for taking a measured tone. Perhaps after years of struggles, he's learning.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
People are really serious about John Wall. He’s really going to be the next GOAT (Greatest Of All Time). In his prime, he will average 32 points, 11 assists, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. That’s what the streets are saying. Wall surpasses Magic Johnson and LeBron James. He’s also a certified lock for Hall of Fame. John will accumulate 6 MVP awards and 7 rings. That’s what the streets are saying; you know what I’m saying?
Rumors that Gilbert Arenas would be making his merry way down to Central Florida have lingered for months , but that mahoosive contract of his had evidently been a deterrent for the Magic. The word on the wires now, however, is that Otis Smith, whose close relationship with Hibachi is said to be a factor, has finally agreed to, ahem, pull the trigger on a deal that would bring Gilbert Arenas to the Orlando Magic.
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.
Metta World Peace says his childhood hero Michael Jordan left the NBA players high and dry in the never-ending lockout drama -- by forgetting he was once one of them ... and acting like every other stubborn owner. Jordan -- the Charlotte Bobcats' big cheese -- is among a group of NBA owners who are taking a hard line with the players in the lockout negotiations. According to MWP, the players don't hate His Airness ... they just feel like, "he didn't support us when we most needed him."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s fair criticism. Especially considering it came from a man who prefers Metta World Peace to his government name.
Ron Artest, who recently changed his name to Metta World Peace, believes Michael Jordan should have done far more to bridge the gap in CBA negotiations between players and owners.
Jordan, of course, was the superstar many current NBA players grew up watching and following. And Jordan, of course, was the reason many of them make the money they do today.
And Jordan, of course, was dedicated to the Players Union, once telling former Washington owner Abe Pollin he should sell the Wizards if couldn’t make a profit.
That’s a distant memory.
The same Jordan is now a Hawk. He owns the small market Charlotte Bobcats. More than any owner, he’s pushing to destroy the Players Union in negotiations.
Winning isn’t enough. He wants total victory; to destroy the same Players Union he benefited from by 50 points.
For instance, Jordan wants the owners to have a 53% share of Basketball Related Income and won’t concede on system issues like a hard-cap.
Instead of using his unique experiences to bring players and owners together, Jordan’s stinginess, hypocrisy, and hard-line approach is driving the two sides apart.
Once again, The Greatest of all Time is showing his true colours. And current players aren`t impressed with what they`re seeing.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
A group of between 10 and 14 owners, led by Michael Jordan, is promising to oppose any deal that gives players more than 50 percent of revenue. This group of owners wants the players' share of BRI not to exceed 47 percent and was upset when the NBA proposed a 50-50 split.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The Jordan Rules live on.
Years ago, Sam Smith, the legendary beat writer for the Chicago Bulls, wrote a best-selling book called The Jordan Rules, detailing how Michael Jordan was, a hypocrite.
Yes, he was the greatest ever. And yes, he was the most recognized person in the world.
He had flaws, though. According to Smith, Jordan worried more about scoring than winning, struggled with teammates, and operated by his rules.
Smith’s view was reinforced during the lockout of 1998 when Jordan told Washington Wizards’ owner Abe Pollin to sell his team if he can’t profit.
Of course, Jordan became an owner a few years later -with Pollin’s Wizards, too!
Today, Jordan has a controlling share of the struggling Charlotte Bobcats. The man who told Pollin to sell if he can’t make money is the league’s greatest Hawk, refusing to compromise in negotiations.
Jordan is opposed to a 50-50 split of Basketball Related Income. He, and other small market owners, want a 53% share.
Why is Jordan such a hardliner? Like Pollin, he can’t profit.
However, Jordan the owner won’t listen to Jordan the player and sell. Different rules still exist when you're The Greatest of all Time.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
"When I'm done playing, I don't want people to say, Michael Jordan is the best player. I want that to be me. That's how I am. That's how I was built." And he's got some support in his opinion. "I feel like I'm better than him, anyway," he said. "My mom is going to say I'm better than him."
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Jordan Crawford, I wish you luck. You’ll need it.
The Washington Wizards combo guard recently declared that he believes he can surpass the great Michael Jordan in basketball prowess.
Translation: he doesn’t want to Be Like Mike. He thinks he can Be Better Than Mike.
I’m all for ambition, however, Crawford’s statements are ludicrous, bizarre, and unattainable. There is one ‘MJ’. And Crawford, while talented and engaging, will never match the career of perhaps the greatest player of all time.
Worst of all, Crawford ignored the reporter, who gave him the opportunity to clarify his comments, and made things worse by continuing to boast.
Now the media will focus on Wizards` young and somewhat certifiable talent.
--Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
“It’s very sad, but everybody knows it’s not our fault,” the Chicago Bulls point guard and reigning NBA most valuable player said Saturday. “If it was up to us we’d be out there playing. I think that is wrong and I know they could easily take care of it.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: I don’t think the players or their union get it. Fault doesn’t matter. Leverage does.
Currently, the owners have leverage in negotiations and intend on using it to right and correct the league’s habit of overpaying their middle class.
The list of mistakes is long and dubious. However, three stand out:
1) Eddy Curry. The puffy post received $33 million from the New York Knicks to play in just 33 games over the last three seasons.
2) Gilbert Arenas. Despite having few suitors, an eccentric personality, and creaky knees, The Hibachi was give a six-year, $111 million contract courtesy of the Washington Wizards.
It’s worth noting this was at least $20 million more than any other team was willing to pay and Arenas claims he left money on the table with the Wizards.
3) Rashard Lewis. Most teams would like a stretch four who can produce 12-15 points per game, however, they wouldn’t want to pay him over $20 million per season.
The Orlando Magic and they got one good season for Lewis before trading him to Washington for, wait for it, Arenas.
There are dozens of other mistakes. Of course, this, like Rose says, is on the owners for misjudging talent and empowering their executives to pay players like the money was endless.
It isn’t.
The economy has changed. Many - especially in smaller, have-not markets - feel the NBA isn’t worth their disposable income, so owners must have a full scale correction.
This means a 50-50 split of Basketball Related Income. This means a re-do of system issues. And this means the pendulum swings back in favour of the owners.
Fault doesn’t matter in such a charged climate. Only leverage does. And the players, who have none, are learning this the hard way.
--O. Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
In a news conference later, union President Derek Fisher didn’t appear to be ruffled by what McGee said. “The person that spent the least amount of time in the room can’t make that statement,” Fisher said. “He’s in no position to make that statement on behalf of the group.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Remember the ribbing JaVale McGee took when his mum smooched with judges at the Slam Dunk Contest?
Or, the criticism he took for fighting Washington Wizards teammate Andray Blatche outside a DC nightclub?
Well, that’s nothing.
The Wizards forward is facing heat for comments he made that some NBA players were prepared to fold, take the owners’ current offer, and end the work stoppage.
His union brethren responded rather viscously, saying McGee was in no position to make such comments.
This brings up an interesting aside: as this dispute drags on certain players, like McGee, will speak out of turn.
Will they face a backlash on-court from their peers when the work dispute is solved? And how will they be received by teammates in their own locker room?
Certainly McGee is being made an example of. The message is clear: keep quiet or face consequences.
--O.Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: John Wall, the first overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, had an up-and-down rookie season with the Washington Wizards.
For what it’s worth, Wall has impressed during the Pro-Am series. Click the video, watch the highlights of Wall, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
O.Sandor
“You sign me to a deal, you think I’m going to say, ‘No, I deserve $50 [million] instead of $80 [million]?’ I’m like, ‘Hell, yeah.’ I’m not going to turn it down. You can’t blame the players. If anything, we don’t negotiate the deal. We’ve got agents that negotiate the deals with the team. Y’all need to go talk to the teams and the agents.”
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Two words for Rashard Lewis. Save it.
The stretch four-man for the Washington Wizards may have a point about the owners' spending habits, however, the ‘Average Joe’ has little time, interest, or sympathy in millionaire players and billionaire owners point the figure and blame each other.
What they want is a season. And now.
Lewis needs to step outside his bubble, consider the American economy, and reflect on what a fan must think hearing him complain.
After all, Lewis is an overrated and overpaid. He’s a decent scorer raking in superstar money and could be the poster boy for the NBA's current state of fiscal mismanagement.
The league’s middle class makes too much. The list of decent-to-average players earning tens of millions of dollars is a problem.
So the owners have decided they’ll get cost certainty with a hard cap and better split of Basketball Related Income, which, by the way, still guarantees Lewis a luxurious life.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
“I’m 25 years old,” said Blatche, who celebrated his birthday last month with John Wall, Hamady Ndiaye, Josh Howard and Trevor Booker in South Beach. “I’ve been in the league six years now. I know my goal. I want to be an all-star. And to be an all-star, I have to make changes, and those are the changes that I have to make now.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: His actions will speak louder than his words.
Andray Blatche can talk about changing his lifestyle and cutting out the negative influences, however, only he can realize his goal of becoming an NBA All-Star.
For that to happen he must put his team, the Washington Wizards, first -which means he stops fighting with coach Flip Saunders, stops fighting teammates for statistics to get a triple-double, and stops fighting teammates in nightclubs.
Amongst all the drama is a world of talent. Blatche is a stretch-four, with a wonderful skill-set and flair for the game.
Now is the time. Blatche is in the first year of a multi-year deal for $35 million, so there are expectations.
It seems only he and the Wizards have faith it will happen.
--Oly Sandor
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Javaris Crittenton has been charged with murder after a woman was shot on an Atlanta street. Jullian Jones was shot and killed on August 19th. Police spokesman Carlos Campos said a murder warrant for the arrest of Crittenton had been issued and that he was not in custody.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Many felt Javaris Crittenton’s incident with Gilbert Arenas twenty months ago was unfortunate.
But nobody was hurt when Crittenton and Arenas brought guns into the Washington Wizards’ locker room and put them on a table when a dispute unfolded between the two guards.
How would the same people feel about reports Crittenton is wanted in the murder of an Atlanta mother of four?
One word: tragic.
A life is lost. And Crittenton, who claimed to have learned from the incident with Arenas, has made an awful mistake.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Finally, NBA Commissioner David Stern could not take it anymore. “All right, you want to go tit for tat, I’ll go tit for tat,” Stern said, according to the participants. “I’ll see you J.J. Barea and raise you Eddy Curry.” A shot to the gut, just like that.
HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: Touché David Stern.
Players and owners met last June during the Finals to discuss the state of the NBA’s finances, and the two sides, as expected, argued over the amount owners were paying players.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban complained that a former player, Tariq Abdul-Wahad, didn’t do much of anything after signing a multi-year deal for $40 million.
The players countered by saying Cuban was getting a deal by paying combo guard J.J. Barea a relatively low annual salary of $1 million.
Then Commissioner Stern ended the conversation by mentioning Eddy Curry, who earned an appalling $33 million for playing in 31 games over the last three years.
He's right. NBA players are overpaid, specifically the very well-to-do middle class. And the list of players stealing money is in the dozens.
Here’s the question: is this the players fault?
Last I checked the owners signed the checks. Last I checked the owners hired general managers, who were supposed to have the ability to pass on bad contracts.
For instance, nobody forced Abe Pollin and the Washington Wizards to bid against themselves and sign Gilbert Arenas to a six-year, $111 million contract.
Arenas was coming off several knee surgeries. No team was willing to give the combo guard anything close to $111 million. Except, of course, Pollin.
Since signing his mega-deal, Arenas has been suspended for bringing guns into the team’s locker room and was shipped to Orlando, where he rarely played. And the Wizards haven’t been the same since.
So Stern is right. Players earn too much. He should look, in part, to the owners he represents, and not just the players.
However, we doubt Stern will will raise this point when owners and players finally meet next week to start negotiating the new collective bargaining agreement.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
Heard a had a lot of booo's and haters out there tonite...but thanks y'all give me more motivation to keep workin...Thanks
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: At least John Wall didn’t push a fan in the face.
Recently John Wall dominated a run in his home state of North Carolina, however, winning the game and scoring 36 points didn't sit well with the locals.
Wall was booed. Again and again. And for no good reason.
Thankfully, the Washington Wizards combo guard didn’t overreact. He did react like a star in the viral age, taking a shot or two at ‘the haters’ via twitter.
Fair enough.
It would be nice if Wall didn’t tweet a thing, though. His team won. He was the best player.
What else is there to say? What else matters?
Anyway, watch the video of Wall tearing up the NC Pro-Am and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Anything Kevin Durant can do, Nick Young can do better.
Well, almost.
Durant obviously trumps Young, however, the Washington Wizards swing dropped a Durant-like 60 points in summer action with the Drew League.
(Quick aside: Durant had a mere 41 points yesterday at the Nike Pro City game.)
Anyway, click the link, watch the video, and get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
I have seen this process firsthand. When I coached for the Clippers, I had to deal with Michael Olowokandi, a player who perfectly fit the description "talented but uncoachable." At practice, I would attempt to point out Mr. Olowokandi's faults to him, ones he constantly repeated and resulted in lost possessions for the team or personal fouls that sent him to the bench. His reaction to my attempts to correct his bad habits was to take my input as a personal insult and embarrassment. He told me point-blank that he would not be criticized in front of the team. He stuck to his word and, as a result, had very few successful moments on the court playing the way he wanted to play. He took his place on the list of athletically gifted washouts who have been in and out of the league in the past 10 years.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is right. Michael Olowokandi is one of many ‘athletically, gifted washouts’.
The problems start with the team. Not the players. Too many owners, executives, and coaches pay based on potential.
For instance, how many bigs, like Olowokandi, get $8-10 million per season because they’re big? That’s it. They’ve done nothing. They’ve achieved nothing. But they’re seven-feet, which makes them worthy of a contract that should offend.
Except it doesn’t offend. It’s the norm. Nobody blinks when Andrea Bargnani, Calvin Booth, Kwame Brown, Eddy Curry, Brendan Haywood, Kenyon Martin, Bryant Reeves, Tyrus Thomas, and dozens of other stiffs get theirs.
Or, how about the Washington Wizards bidding against themselves and doling out $111 million over six-years to combo guard Gilbert Arenas, despite The Hibachi having undergone three surgeries on his brittle knees?
There are other absurd contracts. The money, of course, creates entitlement. It’s why Olowokandi believes he's above being coached, even when that coach is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, a former master in the paint, a world champion, and league MVP.
The ‘Skyhook’ is right. The ‘washout’ era needs to end. Hopefully, the new financial system changes the money and power teams give unproven and undeserving players.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
The Mavericks closed out the series on Sunday night with a 105-95 win in Game 6 before taking to South Beach club LIV to celebrate with the Larry O'Brien trophy. On Monday, the Mavericks flew home to Dallas, where Stevenson was spotted wearing a Mavericks blue and white t-shirt with lettering that read: "Hey LeBron! How's my Dirk taste?"
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: To the victors go the spoils. It also means they get the last laugh.
Take DeShawn Stevenson, the controversial and outspoken guard for the world champion Dallas Mavericks. Stevenson, whose beef with LeBron James goes back to their days with the Washington Wizards and Cleveland Cavaliers, was unusually quiet during the NBA Finals.
Perhaps he didn’t want to make James mad. Perhaps he didn’t want to create a distraction. Perhaps he wanted to focus on winning.
Well, the Finals is over. The Mavericks won. And Stevenson is making up for lost time.
First, he called the Heat ‘classless’. Then he sported a t-shirt saying ‘Hey LeBron! How's my Dirk taste?’. The best part of his ‘t-shirt’: it had an HDTV logo on it, the company Mavericks owner Mark Cuban founded.
For now, Stevenson has bragging rights. And he's enjoying it.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It’s one thing to miss a dunk. It’s another thing to miss a dunk and celebrate prematurely. It’s even worse to miss a dunk, celebrate prematurely, and inadvertently cause your teammate to travel.
The Boston Celtics’ Von Wafer did all three on one play against the Washington Wizards. Click the video below and get at HoopsVibe News with thoughts.
--Oly Sandor.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: JaVale McGee finally got a taste of his own medicine. For months, he's been leading the league in highlight reel blocks.
Yesterday, the tables were turned. The Charlotte Bobcats’ Dominic McGuire swatted the you-know-what out of McGee’s dunk attempt.
Like Chris Gatling with Shawn Kemp so many years ago (click here and see dunk #5) , the Washington Wizards’ post held no grudge and showed McGuire love.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Boys will be boys, I guess.
Tonight’s Miami Heat-Washington Wizards game was full of piss-and-vinegar due to a second quarter skirmish between first overall pick John Wall and veteran Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
Wall, who was clearly in the wrong, got ejected. Big ‘Z’ was also sent to the showers for his role in things.
This, however, wasn’t the interesting part.
JaVale McGee and Juwan Howard both rushed to defend teammates Wall and Ilgauskas. They engaged in a shoving match before being separated. Amazingly, the referees ejected Howard, but McGee escaped with only a technical foul.
How does this work? Did McGee’s mother give the zebras pecks on the cheek before the game like the recent Slam Dunk Contest?
Anyway, the rest of the game was competitive, full of testosterone, and highly entertaining. If you’re wondering, the Heat won 123-107 –much to the chagrin of a sold out Verizon Centre.
Watch the clip of Wednesday’s donnybrook and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: Revenge is best served cold. Or with a deadly swat.
About a month ago, the Los Angeles Clippers’ Blake Griffin topped the Washington Wizards’ JaVale McGee to win the Slam Dunk Contest.
Griffin won the competition with his memorable car leap, neutralizing McGee’s effort, which included having his mother give cheek pecks (and a little something more to Dr. J) to the judges.
Last night McGee got revenge. Well, sort of. He swatted the you-know-what out of a Griffin shot attempt.
Of course, Griffin’s Clippers beat McGee’s Wizards in triple overtime. And the sure-fire Rookie of the Year candidate also dropped a triple-double in the victory.
McGee had his moment, though. Watch the clip and get at us with thoughts on his incredible block in the comment box below.
--Oly Sandor.
“I got a triple-double,” McGee said. “Who can say they got a triple-double? I’m not really worried about it.”
McGee said, if anything, he was upset that some tried to discredit his accomplishment by comparing it to other failed triple-double quests — such as the one eight years ago by Ricky Davis, who was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers when he attempted to rebound his own miss on his basket in order to get a triple-double in a win against Utah. Davis finished with 26 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds.
HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: It wasn’t as bad as Andray Blatche or Ricky Davis. It was close, however.
This week, JaVale McGee got a triple-double. Sadly, the young post showed too much emotion when he achieved his statistical feat, especially since his Washington Wizards were getting blown out by the Chicago Bulls.
Clearly, there’s a problem with the working environment of the Wizards. Their young building blocks like Blatche and McGee seem overly concerned with ‘getting there’s’.
They seem to be suffering from what Pat Riley calls me-disease, spending too much time on individual goals like minutes, points, blocks and rebounds.
While winning, the only number that should matter in basketball, is an afterthought.
Worst of all, McGee is defiant. He doesn’t see the error of his ways. And he won’t admit to getting carried away or lost in the moment.
With players like Blatche and McGee, the Wizards will be hard pressed to turn things around.
--Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.