Robert Sarver and Phoenix Suns could learn from Earl Clark’s five-year plan

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “Five years down the road I expect to be an All-Star in this league. I know I’m capable of it. It’s just hard work and determination.” (Earl Clark, Phoenix Suns quote courtesy of insidehoops.com)

My Quick Reaction: It could happen.

After all, Clark, with his athleticism and skill, could develop into the type of swing, who regularly appears at David Stern’s February get together. Of course, several promising rookies have called their shot and fallen short of expectations.

Still, there’s no need to knock Clark’s confidence; at least the lottery pick has a five-year plan. Can the same be said for his employer, the Phoenix Suns? Other than the always dependable Grant Hill and Steve Nash, this once proud organization is riddled with uncertainty and dysfunction.

Since buying the team, owner Robert Sarver has made quite an impression on the NBA landscape -and most of it hasn’t been positive. Mark Cuban aside, he has become one of the league’s most visible owners, cheering ‘enthusiastically’ from his courtside seats.

But Sarver, never a big spender when times were good, has seen his banking and real estate portfolio crumble due to the economic downturn. With his core businesses floundering, it would be no surprise if Sarver has to sells the Suns.

Right now, saving money is the priority. Basketball has taken a backseat to the bottom line. For instance, talented first round draft picks, Rudy Fernandez and Rajon Rondo, were given away.

More recently, Shaquille O’Neal was dealt to Cleveland for Sasha Pavlovic and Ben Wallace. Phoenix bought-out both players, pocketed the cap savings, and has little interest in re-investing that money in new talent. 

Uncertain finances have also made it difficult for Phoenix to sign or trade Amare Stoudemire. GM Steve Kerr can’t open the vault and offer up a lucrative ‘max’ deal because the team’s vault is empty.

Making a trade will also be difficult. On the one hand, Kerr can’t get back equal value because Sarver wants to avoid taking on big ticket salaries. On the other hand, Sun-nation won’t let the club wrap Stoudemire in a bow and just give him away for expiring contracts and prospects.

All summer, the club and player have been unable to move forward. Not surprisingly, their standoff has caused further turmoil, duress, and uncertainty in Phoenix. 

Clark could be right and, with hard work, become an All-Star in five years. Almost everything else about the Suns’ future is unknown. 

Got thoughts on the state of the Suns? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Rail Life.

Michael Jordan’s induction speech: Hall of Fame or Hall of Shame?

Occasionally, the gift becomes a curse.

Some feel Michael Jordan’s gift, his competitive streak, got the better of him during Friday’s Hall of Fame induction speech and cursed what was meant to be a celebration of his accomplishments and legacy.

After a moving video retrospective and then being introduced as ‘The Greatest Player of All-Time’, the critics claim ‘His Airness’ inappropriately used the forum to settle old scores. Some of his alleged victims were:

• Isiah Thomas for the now infamous freeze-out at an All-Star game.

• An old high school coach for cutting him from the varsity basketball team as a tenth grader.

• Former Chicago Bulls executive Jerry Krause.

• Bryon Russell (Jordan won his final championship knocking down a buzzer-beater over the Utah guard in the NBA Finals).

There are two points worth considering on this issue. First, Jordan perhaps could have taken a little more of the high road. However, the day belonged to him and not the critics. Obviously, he wanted people to remember his competitiveness and drive, even if it came at the expense of former foes.

Second, a Hall of Fame event likely rekindles past emotions and feelings. The critics are forgetting Jordan’s career was often dogged by controversy. Remember, for years, he was unfairly seen as being a a ball-hog, who could never lead a team to an NBA Title.

After breaking through with championships in the early nineties, Jordan dealt with Sam Smith’s ‘The Jordan Rules’. The bestseller painted #23 in a mostly unflattering light. Eventually, it was revealed coach and ’friend’ Phil Jackson was Smith’s confidential source for the book. 

These are just two examples of Jordan’s greatness bringing out the worst in those around him. There were others. On Friday, the critics were hoping Jordan would only reflect on the good, but he, for whatever reason, specifically chose to remind us of the other side.

This is reasonable. Like it or not, the positive and negative are connected. And it’s all part of Jordan’s gift and curse.

What do you think of Jordan’s speech? Hall of Fame? Or Hall of Shame? Watch the videos and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.



(Part 1: Jordan Hall of Fame speech.)



(Part 2: Jordan Hall of Fame speech.)



(Part 3: Jordan Hall of Fame speech.)


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Playing time for publicity: Allen Iverson and Memphis have an ’understanding’

At the press conference, they made nice.

The player received a standing ovation and was afforded a hero’s welcome with fans chanting his name. In turn, the player spoke glowingly about his new team, showering the organization with compliments. 

However, the devil is in the details, so look past the news that Iverson finally signed that one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. Instead, realize that Iverson and owner Michael Heisley have an understanding: playing time for publicity.

After a disappointing season in Detroit, Iverson needed a struggling market like Memphis to provide unlimited minutes and shots to help him re-establish his name. And the Grizzlies, who have struggled to sell tickets and generate interest since moving to the River City, needed Iverson to create a buzz.

The very early returns look good. Reports from Memphis indicate the team has sold thousands of tickets since the Iverson signing was announced two days ago. And Iverson seems determined to prove critics wrong because this year is “so personal” for him.

However, understandings can sour, especially when they’re driven by the owner’s desire to sell tickets and the aging star’s desire to recapture past glory.

For instance, suppose Iverson has a bounce back year and the Grizzlies win 35 games instead of 28. Well, what happens in the summer of 2010? After all, Iverson only inked a one-year pact and becomes an unrestricted free agent in July.

Well, Iverson will likely head elsewhere. That buzz will vanish. Young stars like Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, and O.J. Mayo will have had their development stunted. And, because of their fling with Iverson, Memphis will be further away from respectability on-court and from forging a tangible connection with the market off-court.

Make no mistake about it, this is the best case scenario. Some spotlight; a few more wins, but no playoff birth in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Now suppose the worst case scenario occurs. Suppose Iverson has lost a step. Suppose he dominates the ball and alienates scorers like Gay, Mayo, and veteran Zach Randolph, who, by the way, is eyeing a new contract of his own.

What then? How do the Grizzlies cut the chord with Iverson and not frustrate their long-suffering fans, who specifically purchased tickets to watch the A.I. comeback show? How does Heisley survive another test to his already shaky credibility as an NBA owner?

Let’s be clear: Iverson deserves better. The greatest little man in league history should finish his career playing meaningful basketball in May or June with a contender. Right now, he’s a sideshow in the NBA’s version of Siberia.

As mentioned earlier, Iverson and Memphis made nice at Thursday’s press conference. Most people usually are at the beginning of an understanding.

Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts on Iverson and Memphis. Follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of unknown name.

Does Mom know best? Gloria James suggests LeBron will resign with Cleveland

Breaking NBA News mixed with analysis …

Their News: "Knick fans who are counting on LeBron James to join the hapless team after his contract with the Cleveland Cavalier expires next year had better have a Plan B.

The hoops star’s mother, Gloria, told Page Six it’s not happening. “He’s a hometown boy,” she said. “LeBron grew up in Akron, Ohio, but his home now is Cleveland.” (New York Post)

My Quick Gut Reaction: When in doubt listen to mom.

LeBron James has said little about what he’ll do when his contract runs out next July and he becomes an unrestricted free agent. For years, media, fans, and executives have heard speculation and rumor about the three-man’s future.

But Gloria James’ comments are worth noting for a couple of reasons. First, she has access to ‘The Man’, which means she’s privy to personal information and private insight the rest of us don’t get.

Second, she’s absolutely right: her son is loyal. Remember, he fired his agents, the Goodwin brothers, and partnered with high school friends to establish the King James conglomerate. For years, this group has successfully functioned as a self-contained unit, building and running the brand of LeBron James.

His loyalty extends beyond business. For instance, James has always been a good teammate, standing up for his fellow Cavaliers on and off court. And James has never forgotten his home state of Ohio, giving back to local charities.

There’s a saying that ’moms know best’. Cleveland fans surely hope this is case with LeBron James and ‘The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010‘. 

Got thoughts on Gloria James’ comments? Follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Ctownrocks1.

Ron Artest has no business mocking Stephon Marbury

I don’t like it. Not one bit.

Right now, nobody should be mocking the troubled Stephon Marbury, especially Ron Artest.

I get that Artest is enjoying life. I was wowed when the forward signed with the world champion Los Angeles Lakers in July. And like you, I smiled, laughed, and appreciated his summer antics. In fact, I was happy he had found some sort of peace.

Until now.

Yesterday, Artest crossed the line when he released a video that cracked on the damaged and fragile Marbury. The lockdown defender called his shot by dedicating his singing to Marbury and imitating Starbury’s signature video blog style of going shirtless.

Not long ago, life was difficult for Artest. There were no rap concerts in China or Celine Dion impersonations. Instead of being Laker-nation’s newest cult hero, Artest was, like Marbury, public enemy number one.

I remember the brawl in Detroit. I remember his request for time off from his day job with the Indiana Pacers to promote his music career. I remember him walking out on those very supportive Pacers mid-season. And I’m pretty sure I remember a domestic assault accusation and a cruelty to animals charge with the Sacramento Kings.

Here’s what I remember most during those difficulties: Artest repeatedly asked the public not to judge or criticize him. So I didn’t. Like most people I tried to be as respectful as possible and accepted that he probably needed professional help.

To be fair, Artest turned the corner last year. He was a model citizen on-and-off court for the Houston Rockets. He seems destined for big things with Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Most importantly, he’s happy.

However, Artest should remember it wasn’t always this way. And perhaps, he should extend the same courtesy he requested, wanted, and in some cases received to Marbury.

Watch the video and tell us your thoughts in the comment box below on Artest mocking Marbury.



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Sacramento Kings won’t replicate the Chris Webber era anytime soon

I remember when the Sacramento Kings were the toast of the NBA.

Their free-flowing, high-scoring style entertained the masses and inspired Phoenix and Golden State’s offensive systems. Their owners, Jeff and Gavin Maloof, spent wildly on building a winner. And they won the hearts of all those opposed to Laker-nation because they battled Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.

This was only a few years ago, but seems like much longer, especially when examining the current state of the franchise.

The problems began in the owner’s booth. Years before the economic downturn, the Maloofs were no longer spending like past seasons. Much of this was connected to the club’s inability to generate revenue from the outdated Arco Arena.

Without no new stadium on the horizon, the Kings can’t afford to be players in ‘The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010‘. That cap space they’ve been hoarding is irrelevant. And the charm of small town Sacramento won’t lure in a saviour like LeBron James or Dwyane Wade.

Another area of concern is on the sideline. The club has never replaced veteran coach Rick Adelman, who was let go for clashing with the Maloofs. Eric Musselman and Reggie Theus were both hired and then prematurely fired. Now Paul Westphal is expected to right the ship, even though he’s been out of the coaching racket for years.

Westphal will hold his own, but Sacramento should have brought-in a teacher. They needed a Larry Brown type to work with a roster that has twelve players with five years or less experience. After all, the future lies in developing Tyreke Evans, Francisco Garcia, and Kevin Martin.

Fans should remember the Webber era in Sacramento. That type of success won’t be replicated for years.

Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts on the Kings. Follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of RMTip21.

Why Allen Iverson might not be The Answer for Memphis Grizzlies

After months of speculation, delay, and gossip, it appears Allen Iverson will sign a one-year contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. 

Yes, ‘The Answer’ is on the verge of calling ‘The River City’ home. Only one hurdle remains: Iverson and Grizzly owner Michael Heisley have scheduled a little get-to-know -‘ya’ meeting.

Their sit-down should be interesting. After all, both parties need each other.

Iverson, an unrestricted free agent, is out of options. Contenders have no interest in adding a shot-first combo guard. Middle-of-the-row clubs have concerns about his baggage, while most rebuilding sides want to develop their young pieces.

Memphis is in a precarious situation. Sure, they have Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo, but these blue-chippers have failed to win games, sell out Fedex Forum, and erase the culture of losing that began in Vancouver. 

This move is a lifeline for all involved: Iverson gets to redeem himself after the fiasco in Detroit and the Grizzlies get a player with a global following. Even so, it’s still an awkward pairing. 

There are too many shot-first players on the roster. Consider that Gay, Iverson, and Mayo, three players who dominate the ball, will have to share touches on the perimeter, while the newly-acquired Zach Randolph will also want ‘his’ on the block.

Coach Lionel Hollins lacks the resume to mediate issues between players. To be fair, Hollins, a long-time assistant, took steps towards ending the country club atmosphere in the locker room. There is, however, a difference between firing the team chef and squaring off with Iverson and/or Randolph.

Finally, what happens if the Grizzlies fall out of the Western Conference playoff race by January and Hollins gives minutes and shots to kids like Gay, Mayo and Mike Conley? Iverson, who is playing for his next contract, would find such a scenario difficult. And the fall-out would be another black-eye for Memphis.

Iverson joining the Grizzlies is a risky proposition. Unfortunately, for both sides, this is the best available option.

Will Iverson work in Memphis? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and follow Oly’s work on Twitter and HoopsVibe. Image courtesy of Exothermic.

Does Ramon Sessions replace Ricky Rubio in Minnesota’s backcourt?

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

NBA news: “The waiting and wondering is finally over for restricted free agent Ramon Sessions, who agreed Friday to sign a four-year, $16 million offer sheet with the Minnesota Timberwolves.” (Chris Sheridan, ESPN)

My Quick Reaction: Adios Ricky!

By tendering Ramon Sessions an offer sheet, the Minnesota Timberwolves are clearly moving on without Ricky Rubio. After all, Jonny Flynn, a 2009 lottery pick, and Sessions, a budding star, give the club a young 1-2 punch at lead guard.

This was expected. When Rubio left the Timberwolves at the alter for FC Regal Barcelona last week, President David Kahn warned the Spanish sensation his standing with the team could change.

And it did.

Good on Kahn and Minnesota for taking action. In Sessions, they get immediate help (provided Milwaukee doesn’t match the offer sheet). He can score, distribute, start, or provide a spark off the bench.

At 23, the tiny table-setter will grow with the Timberwolves’ blue-chip core of Flynn, Kevin Love, and Al Jefferson. And Sessions is cheap; $4 million per annum is a drop in the bucket for a sixth man of the year candidate with upside.

Now Minnesota can trade Rubio’s rights on their terms. Best of all, winning the Sessions sweepstakes shows improving is the mandate under Kahn.

Sessions or Rubio? Get at us with your thoughts in the comment box below. Follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Raps Fan.  

Houston Rockets must sit Yao Ming the entire 2009-10 season

NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: "Yao Ming is progressing well. I don’t think that [a career-ending scenario] is something that will happen, based on what I’m hearing from the doctors," Morey told Alipour. "They do know that the bone will heal and he’ll get back on it. And they have not actually ruled out [his return] this season." (ESPN News)

My Gut Reaction: Lose the battle, but win the war.

This has to be the philosophy the Houston Rockets take with Yao Ming’s injured foot. Translation: the club must sit their star post for the entire year and shoot for a return to action in 2010-11. 

That’s right. Yao shouldn’t suit up all season.

It doesn’t matter if he feels healthy. It doesn’t matter if his teammates could use him on-court to clinch a playoff spot or secure a seed in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.

In fact, the Rockets shouldn’t have announced there was even a slight chance Yao could return. Here’s why:

First, by publicly stating there was the possibility of a comeback, GM Daryl Morey has put unnecessary pressure on his franchise face. Suddenly, there are expectations. And some fans and media will be disappointed if he doesn’t find a way to play.

Second, he should take the time to rebuild his body. Over the last four years, Yao has missed an average of 22 games per season. Something is off. If things aren’t corrected, other injuries will surely occur with age.

Houston should take this opportunity to review all aspects of Yao’s health. For instance, club doctors must examine his training, diet, posture, and genetics to find out why he’s injury-prone. He’s already out, so it makes sense to try and prevent future ailments.

The Rockets need to consider the big picture. This means sitting Yao for the entire year.

Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts on Yao’s future in 2009-10. And follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Image courtesy of Keith Allison.