Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis … 

Their news: "Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News reported that the Wolves turned down a deal with the Houston Rockets that would have resulted in Aaron Brooks and Shane Battier headed to Minnesota for Ricky Rubio." (Mitch Lawrence of The New York Daily News via Real GM) 

Our Very Quick Analysis: After winning a playoff round with effort, hustle, and chemistry, the Houston Rockets were reportedly willing to sacrifice that momentum by entering the Ricky Rubio sweepstakes.

Recent reports had ‘H-Town’ offering the Minnesota Timberwolves a package of glue-guy Shane Battier and lightning-quick table-setter Aaron Brooks. Well, if you’re Rockets’ GM Daryl Morey why would you risk breaking up a developing team for an eighteen-year old kid’s potential?

Rubio has upside and his presence would have improved the team’s profile in Europe. And perhaps, Houston would’ve survived with Ron Artest (if they re-sign him) and Luis Scola manning the forward spots. Also, Kyle Lowry, who was acquired at the trade deadline, could’ve replaced Brooks as the starter and provided Rubio with time to develop.

Still, the conservative, money-ball Rockets pushed the world champion Lakers to seven games in the second round of the playoffs. Why risk the good feeling among players by chasing a shaggy-haired, skinny teenager?

Houston fans: would you have swapped Battier and Brooks for Rubio? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of rich115.  

Each week, HoopsVibe The Blog drops a basketball related list for fans to weigh-in on. We call it ’Listed’ ... 

It will be a toned down affair. Big time. 

When the clock hits midnight on Tuesday, a subdued version of the NBA free agent dance will begin. Of course, GMs, players, and Jerry Maguire clones will all be trying to cut deals. Except this year there will be a lot less of one thing: money.

A recession, shrinking salary cap, and the anticipation of next year’s free agent class means the open market could be tough sledding for players. While nobody is going broke (unless you’re one of the countless players who can’t handle his bank), the max contracts won’t be flying like past summers.

Still, this free agent class has many intriguing point guards. Several interesting table-setters could be had for a discount. In this edition of ‘Listed’, HoopsVibe The Blog is breaking down the top free agents at the one-spot. As always, read the post and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below. 

1. Jason Kidd 

Before retiring and entering the hoops Hall of Fame, J-Kidd will attract a bevy of offers from teams. Only contenders need apply. For years, Los Angeles has been a possibility, but Cleveland could use a little size and playmaking in their backcourt.

2. Mike Bibby 

He’s a solid option. Bibby is one the game’s top shooting point guards, especially when running the pick-and-roll or cutting off the ball near the wing. Even with such fine marksmanship, he’ll likely be taking a cut from his 14 million dollar per season salary.

3. Andre Miller 

Like Bibby, ‘Dre’ is good but not great. A ‘strong’ point guard, Miller easily averages 15 points and double-figure assists, but struggles to stretch opposing defenses with his poor range. Still, a great pick up for a young developing team. 

4. Shannon Brown (technically a restricted free agent, but won’t receive a qualifying offer.) 

After getting traded to Los Angeles late last year, the young pro quickly gained the trust of Zen Master Phil Jackson and earned a spot in the rotation. Possessing a rare combination of size, strength, and speed, Brown could develop into a top back up. Maybe more?

5. Stephon Marbury and Allen Iverson  

Both are combo guards. Both are controversial. And both are at a crossroads in their careers. Teams will take a flyer on these two, but the days of max contracts and star billing may be over for ‘Starbury’ and ‘The Answer’.  

Restricted Free Agent Options … 

Ray Felton: He could return to Charlotte, but only at an affordable price.

Nate Robinson: A fan favourite in New York. Kryptonite can get a little out of control.

Ramon Sessions: A spunky, interesting table-setter, who was recently qualified by Milwaukee, so the Bucks can match any offer.

What restricted and unrestricted free agents would you like for your team? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits.Photo courtesy of dominiqueb.

I credit the Orlando Magic for not resting on their laurels as Eastern Conference champs. 

After advancing to the NBA Finals, GM Otis Smith and owner Rich Devos had the power to let Hedo Turkoglu walk via free agency and not bother finding a replacement. They could’ve gone cheap, signed a marginal player, and blamed the suffering economy.

Instead, they went in a different direction. On draft day, the club acquired Vince Carter to replace Turkoglu, who likely signs elsewhere after opting out of his contract this past week. Is the Magic better replacing Turkoglu with Carter?

Well, it depends on who shows in Florida. After all, Carter has a case of schizophrenia. Some games, he uses his athleticism to attack the basket, rebound, and dominate. Other games, he settles for fade aways and appears uninterested.

Who is Orlando getting: the high flying, two-guard or the sulking star who publicly admitted to not giving his all in Toronto?

The case for Half-Man, Half-Amazing … 

Home is where the heart is. For years, there had been rumours of Carter returning to his home state of Florida. Two years ago, the former Slam Dunk winner nearly signed with the Magic as a free agent before Bruce Ratner and the Nets handed him a four-year, 60 million dollar pact.

So there won’t be an off-court adjustment. Carter is familiar with the city and has a support system near by. Being comfortable and playing in front of family and friends every night should motivate the 2-3 to find his peak form and gel with Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Jameer Nelson.

(Will there be more poster shots in Orlando?)

The Case for a Disaster … 

Playing at home doesn’t guarantee success, though. For instance, Tracy McGrady, a relative of Carter’s and Florida native, clashed with ownership during his time in Orlando and was eventually dealt to Houston.

For years, he enjoyed unconditional support from New Jersey coach Lawrence Frank. Suppose ‘VC’ struggles. How long before fans boo and sideline boss Stan Van Gundy calls him out in a post-game press conference? Unlike Howard, Carter, a sensitive person, could shut down when dealing with such criticism. 

(Will Magic fans also burn Carter’s jersey?)

Our Call: Half-Man, Half-Amazing will shine in Disney World. Over the years, Carter has matured and surely knows the end is near, so he’ll be ready to go in Orlando. However, the Magic will still be hard pressed to duplicate last season’s success and return to the NBA Finals.

Will Carter shine or flop in Orlando? Get at us with thoughts and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Lanceley.

I have a message for Stephen Curry: get out now. 

Get in your car. Drive. Better yet, jump on a plane and rock Europe for a season or two. If going abroad isn’t an option, pretend you never hired an agent and try returning to Davidson. Bottom line: do not report to the current edition of the Golden State Warriors.

The once proud franchise by The Bay is a mess. And it’s unlikely you reach your full potential playing for such a squad.

Teams need to have a plan for their young players. This is key in developing in-house talent. Last year the Warriors, from top to bottom as an organization, had no plan. The front office was a mess. Chris Mullin was a lame-duck executive. And new GM Larry Riley is a pawn for legendary coach turned mad man Don Nelson.

With so much dysfunction off-court, the on-court product suffered. Last year, the Warriors, despite having a nice mix of talented youngsters and experienced veterans, stumbled to 31-51 record, well back of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

But how they lost was most troubling. One week, Nelson was going with veterans. The next week, he was all about developing the youth. As a result, both groups received inconsistent minutes and were understandably frustrated. The team lacked cohesion and chemistry, often resembling individuals getting ‘theirs’.

Other factors make the Warriors the wrong team to groom Curry into a solid professional. There are no mentors. The roster is perimeter heavy. In fact, they have an undersized combo guard in Monta Ellis, while veterans Stephen Jackson and Corey Maggette will demand heavy minutes.

Recent reports indicate Golden State has refused to include Curry in trades. This is unfortunate. He would be better served elsewhere.

Will the Warriors develop or ruin Curry? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for further NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of flipmode25.

Breaking news mixed with analysis … 

Their News:The Cleveland Cavaliers executed a blockbuster trade Thursday to unite the superstars, acquiring Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns in hopes he can help LeBron James deliver this seemingly sports-cursed city its first major pro championship in 45 years. (ESPN.com news services) 

Our Very Quick Analysis: With NBA GMs, friendship matters.

Two summers ago, former Boston Celtic teammates Danny Ainge and Kevin McHale hooked up for the Kevin Garnett sweepstakes. And the Los Angeles Lakers don’t win the 2009 championship unless ex-Memphis suit Jerry West kindly donates Pau Gasol to his old club.

The lesson: relationships rule the league.

Of course, this brings us to the news Shaquille O’Neal has finally been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic. Once again, a link at the executive level made this blockbuster happen.

Years ago, Danny Ferry and Steve Kerr were buddies, partners in crime on Gregg Popovich’s bench in San Antonio. They have a past. So it can hardly be a surprise they spent months collaborating on such a massive deal.

Yes, months.

At last February’s trade deadline, Ferry and Kerr were talking about a swap, but held off until a later date. The reason: Cleveland didn’t want to tinker with a squad that had posted the league’s best regular season record.  

Everything changed with the loss to Orlando in the Eastern Conference Finals. Ferry realized he had to immediately upgrade the pieces around superstar LeBron James to compete next season and re-sign ‘The King’ long-term.  

Enter Kerr, ‘The Diesel’, and Robert Sarver’s financial woes. Ferry dialled up his old buddy and, knowing Phoenix’s cut-costs mentality, offered to again take O’Neal’s 20 million dollar salary off their hands. Look for the stingy Suns to buyout Wallace and pocket the cap space.

If James and O’Neal succeed next season, it will be because of the relationship between Ferry and Kerr.

How important was Ferry and Kerr’s friendship in completing the O’Neal deal? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of gala us guy.

I can’t believe how fast The Matrix has fallen. 

Less than two years ago, Shawn Marion was an instrumental cog in the Phoenix Suns’ wheel. ‘Seven Seconds To Shoot’ recorded several fifty-plus win seasons in part because of the forward’s defensive prowess, ability to run, and out-rebound larger opponents.

There were perks for being Steve Nash’s star sidekick: Stuart Scott showed love on ESPN SportsCenter, NBA coaches voted him an All-Star, and management made him the highest paid player in franchise history by agreeing to a ‘max’ contract.

High profile. League-wide recognition. And money. Sounds good, right?

Well, not exactly. None of this satisfied Marion, who, after years of playing second fiddle to Nash and forward Amare Stoudemire, requested and then received a trade to the lottery-bound Miami Heat.

After finishing last year in Toronto, Marion has less profile and recognition. And with his contract set to expire in July, he’ll soon make less money, too. Michael Grange, a fine writer for The Globe and Mail, recently reported that the forward will have to take a 10 million dollar pay cut and should only get just above the Mid Level Exception on the open market.

“They also have had positive feedback from Marion about the possibility of him returning to play small forward.

With a tight job market the Raptors are hopeful an offer in the range of three years for $21-million might be enough to keep him in Toronto.

“The indication is he wants to be here,” Colangelo said. “And the message we’ve given him is we’d like him back, he fits this roster and we’ll try to make it happen.”     

Part of this is the economy. Owners, like you and me, are feeling the recession. There is less revenue coming in, so the salary cap must fall. Also, owner’s sports teams are often leveraged on outside businesses that are in a down cycle, which means they’re less inclined to pay players, especially a fading star like Marion.

However, Marion is mostly at fault because he wanted out of Phoenix even though the Suns were tailor made for his skill set. After all, Marion covered Nash’s mediocre athleticism and defensive shortcomings, while the classic table-setter hid his swing’s poor handles and inability to create his own shot.

While in Miami and Toronto, he got exposed. Marion never established chemistry with Heat franchise face Dwyane Wade and was sent north at the trade deadline. Unfortunately, life with a depleted and struggling Raptor squad wasn’t much better.

‘The Matrix’ has crashed. So has his worth. Perhaps a pay cut will serve as motivation for the rest of his career.

Is Marion to blame for his fall from superstar status? Get at us in the comment box below and come to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Adam and Lucy.

Breaking news mixed with analysis ... 

Their News: “The Milwaukee Bucks agreed to trade Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Oberto, a Bucks source told ESPN.com. “ (ESPN.com news services)  

Our Very Quick Analysis: Like the classic television series, a Jefferson will surely have the San Antonio Spurs ‘moving on up’ the Western Conference ladder next season.

Following their recent first round playoff loss to the Dallas Mavericks, experts and casual fans pronounced San Antonio’s quasi-dynasty dead. Their run of four NBA Titles in the past decade was over and done with. 

It was an easy call. Age and injuries had slowed Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili, while Tony Parker wasn’t a first option on offense. The supporting cast lacked the athleticism, confidence, and talent to chip-in when ‘The Big Three’ hit a dry spell.  

But if reports are correct, and Richardson Jefferson is indeed Texas bound, then San Antonio is back in a big way. And the already tough Western Conference got tougher.  

Simply put, Jefferson is a world-class athlete. He can run, jump, and get from one end of the floor to the other in seconds. On defense, he’ll fit Gregg Popovich’s get-stops mentality; on offense, he can average 15-20 points on nothing more than hustle plays, fast breaks, and free throws. 

(For good reason, a Jefferson has San Antonio fans dancing and scheming to ’move on up’. )

This newly minted Big Four can hang with anybody. Duncan, as always, will anchor the middle with steady play, while Ginobili, Jefferson, and Parker have the makings of an elite perimeter trio. Best of all, each player is intelligent and unselfish, so chemistry won’t be an issue.

The new-look Spurs aren’t heading anywhere but up. With Jefferson’s athleticism, we’ll see if they can reclaim their ’piece of the pie’ by contending for an NBA Title. 

Will Jefferson turn San Antonio back into a contender? Get at us in the comment box below and keep it locked on HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Mark2400.

 Each week, HoopsVibe The Blog drops a basketball related list for fans to weigh-in on. We call it ’Listed’ ...

On draft day, I have little interest in ‘sure-things’. 

Instead of tracking consensus number ones, I follow the wildcard and sleeper prospects. I enjoy speculating on the potential of a small school athlete or the upside of a ‘Euro’, who plies his trade in some unpronounceable and semi-autonomous state across the Atlantic Ocean.   

Quite often, these afterthoughts, not the high profile lottery kids, provide franchises with the greatest boost. For instance, finding diamond-in-the- ruff-second-rounders like Gilbert Arenas and Manu Ginobili changed Washington and San Antonio. 

Not all unknowns are selected in the wee hours of draft night. Plenty of risks, or landmines, sit in the green room reserved for ‘future superstars’. Bottom line, drafting is an inexact science. 

In honour of the 2009 draft, HoopsVibe The Blog is naming five roll-the-dice prospects in this edition of ‘Listed’. As always, read the post, form an opinion, and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.  

Gamble #1: Ricky Rubio …  

Why: Like you, I’ve been reading the split reviews on this Spanish table-setter. Rubio fans praise his feel for the game, length, and ability to run the ever-important high pick-and roll. Rubio bashers knock his poor athleticism, shaky perimeter shot, and non-existent mid-range game. 

No middle ground or in-between seems to exist. I think these mixed opinions can be partially attributed to the fact scouts have been watching Rubio for years and, fair or not, have had too much time to dissect his game.   

Further complications exist: Rubio’s current pro club, DKV Joventut, will only cancel his contract if an NBA side pays his multi-million dollar buyout fee. There is no guarantee this poor man’s Pistol Pete attends training camp. 

 Gamble #2: Brandon Jennings …  

Why: The top high school prospect of 2008 could be punished for chasing the NBA dream on his terms. Instead of following the typical blue-chip route to ‘The League’ (attending a Div-1 institution for a token year), Jennings pulled a reverse Stephon Marbury and went to Europe. 

While killing time abroad to meet Commissioner Stern’s minimum age requirement, he got exposed. Scouts had issues with Jennings lack of size, poor shooting, and under-whelming numbers.  

Gamble #3: Tyler Hansbrough …  

Why: ‘Psycho T’ also polarizes. On the one hand, he is a four-time All-American and led North Carolina to an NCAA championship. On the other hand, his lack of athleticism could be an issue for the pro game. However, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. If Hansbrough lands with a veteran-laden team, he has the work ethic and basketball IQ to develop into a valuable glue guy. 

Gamble #4: Hasheem Thabeet …  

Why: Is he Dikembe Mutombo or Yinka Dare? 

At 7-3, the UConn grad has tremendous physical gifts, but his offensive game is raw like Eddie Murphy’s stand-up act. Amazingly, Memphis might be a fit because Thabeet would only have to defend with scorers Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo.  

Gamble #5: Nick Calathes …  

Why: Well, he already has a contract. In May, the Florida grad pre-empted the entire draft process by signing a lucrative multi-year pact with Greek power and Euro-league contenders Panathinaikos. 

A team could still select Calathes late in the first round, encourage him to hone his game overseas for a few seasons, and, perhaps, sign him down the road. This wait-and-see approach means teams won’t have to pay a rookie contract. 

Who is the biggest gamble in this year’s draft? Rubio? Jennings? Hansbrough? Thabeet? Calathes? Or someone else? Get at us in the comment box and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Jorge Peidro.

How much?

This is all Laker-nation can talk about. More specifically, with free agency hitting July 1^st, they’re worried the cost of re-signing Kobe Bryant will make it difficult to keep free agent forwards Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom.  

It’s a legit concern. Soon, the Collective Bargaining Agreement will be re-worked, reducing the dollars available for elite players in ‘max’ contracts. So superstars with leverage are exercising player’s options and re-upping for the most money possible before the new CBA is created.  

No doubt about it, Bryant, after leading the purple-and-gold to an NBA Title, has serious leverage. And while the two-guard has publicly stated he won’t leave Hollywood, the fear is he opts-out and asks GM Mitch Kupchak for the GDP of a small country.

Black Mamba has a choice: he can demand top dollar and hurt his supporting cast or take less and position his club to keep Ariza and/or Odom? Basically, Bryant can go for his, and only his, or put the team first?

Now money always matters. There is a belief that players have a responsibility to their family and union to maximize their market value. After all, careers are short and seeking the most money ensures the livelihood of loved ones and fellow union members.

Nobody could fault Bryant, the best player in the world, if he went this route and inked another five-year pact for upwards of 135 million dollars. This is a business. So the two-guard can ask the Buss family for, and get, the moon. Literally. And he deserves it.

However, he should take less, especially if Ariza and Odom also are willing to also give the Lakers a discount.

If it’s about winning, Bryant sacrifices some money. Ariza, after years of scratching out a living, is becoming an All-Star. He has a toughness Los Angeles hasn’t seen since Showtime alums Michael Cooper, A.C. Green, and Kurt Rambis. Odom, when focused, is a marvellous player, capable of effectively playing any position.

Keeping Ariza and Odom gives Bryant the best shot at a fifth and sixth NBA Title. Remember, championships are the mark of greatness, the measuring stick amongst league’s giants, not money. Capturing another ring will elevate Bryant past Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal and put him on par with Magic Johnson and possibly Michael Jordan.

Right now, Laker fans are asking Bryant how much? Instead, they should ask him why not take less?

Should Bryant sacrifice some money for L.A. to go after Ariza and/or Odom? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and come back to Hoopsvibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Tracy O.

NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: Canadian NBA star Steve Nash has scored a cameo on the upcoming season of “Entourage.”

HBO Canada says the Phoenix Suns point guard, who grew up in Victoria, B.C., will play himself in a guest spot on the show’s sixth season, which kicks off July 12. (TSN.ca)

Our Quick Analysis: This month he reported for Letterman. And next month he’ll roll with the most famous crew in Hollywood since the ‘Rat Pack’.

It’s not surprising Steve Nash was selected to appear in Season Six of HBO’s iconic sitcom “Entourage”. In fact, it’s part of the Canadian’s journey from backup to All-Star to two-time MVP to household celebrity who now transcends his day gig as an NBA point guard.

Sure, his defense and Bon Jovi lid are questionable, but Nash easily has the comedic chops to handle a cameo next to Drama, E, Turtle, Vincent Chase, and, my favourite, the great Arie Gold. In fact, below are five reasons the tiny table-setter will kill "Entourage" ...

Reason 1: “Why do companies ask me to promote products? Because I move products” … 

Reason 2: “I just like to take a big brand and give them a piggyback ride for a while” … 

Reason 3: “Get your hands off my ass Steve Nash” … 

Reason 4: “I take my summers really seriously” … 

Reason 5: Did he (Stan Van Gundy) get laid in high school? ...

Clearly, he can hang with Arie ’All That Glitters is’ Gold and the boys of “Entourage” (kids, use your discretion for the clip below).

Will Nash hold is own with the Entourage crew? And what clip is your favourite? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of rockersdelight.