In July 2003, Jason Kidd had many suitors. The point guard had just led the New Jersey Nets to consecutive NBA Finals and as an unrestricted free agent he had the luxury of choosing between several ‘max’ offers. 

Kidd flirted with the San Antonio Spurs, but eventually re-signed with the Nets in part to facilitate his now ex-wife’s broadcasting career. After some successes and struggles in New Jersey, he was dealt to Dallas and became an integral part of Team Cuban’s playoff run.

Six years after signing that 20 million dollar per season pact, Kidd will again be a free agent come summer. And like 2003, the future first ballot member of the Hall of Fame will have suitors.

However, winning will be the priority. Kidd, who is pushing 40, understands this is likely his final contract, so Mr. Triple Double could sign a cheap one or two year deal if it provides him with an opportunity at an NBA Title.

Expect the contenders to line-up for Kidd’s services. Below is a look at the front-runners: 

1) Cleveland …

The Cavaliers have three excellent guards (Boobie Gibson, Delonte West, and Mo Williams) but their backcourt lacks a playmaker. Kidd and LeBron James also have a relationship from their summers together with Team USA.

Does Cleveland need Kidd?

That depends. If they win the NBA Title, then GM Danny Ferry can pass on the veteran and still expect James to sign an extension this July. If Denver, Los Angeles, or Orlando captures the championship, then Ferry may have to appease his superstar by making changes and adding Kidd. 

2) Los Angeles … 

This year, Shannon Brown, Jordan Farmar, and Derek Fisher have split minutes at the one-spot for the Lakers. All three have had some positive moments. And all three have had some difficult moments.

Brown is a free agent at season’s end. He’ll likely sign elsewhere because the purple-and-gold have luxury tax issues. Farmar struggled throughout the regular season and Houston’s Aaron Brooks exposed Fisher in the second round.

Kidd could conceivably supplant Fisher as the starter. His size and basketball IQ will appeal to coach Phil Jackson. And he also has a friendship with superstar Kobe Bryant.

Just like with Cleveland, signing Kidd becomes a priority if Los Angeles falls short of the NBA Title. 

3) San Antonio … 

An aging point guard doesn’t directly help Gregg Popovich’s crew get younger or more athletic. And after their disastrous playoff against Dallas, San Antonio has greater issues to address.

Kidd could play significant minutes as a reserve or starter next to Tony Parker. That’s right, Parker slides to the two-spot and Kidd frees up the speedy Frenchman to become more of a scorer. Problem is the Spurs, following their post-season debacle, are no longer championship contenders.

4) Dallas … 

Forget Devin Harris and Avery Johnson, the Mavericks loved Kidd. And, from all reports, Kidd mostly loved his second go around with the Mavericks. But if winning it all is the priority, then a respectable Team Cuban will be hard pressed to keep their savvy table-setter.  

What team will sign J-Kidd: Cleveland, Los Angeles, San Antonio, or Dallas? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of xue891.

It’s Mission Impossible.

I’m not referencing a Tom Cruise flick or the T.V. series, but the task facing the Orlando Magic after winning game seven against the Boston Celtics and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Cavaliers haven’t lost a playoff game, disposing quickly of the Detroit Pistons and Atlanta Hawks. They are rested. And superstar LeBron James is hitting his stride. While Orlando won’t self-destruct in five seconds ala Ethan Hunt, nobody is expecting Dwight Howard and friends to advance to the NBA Finals.

Still, the Magic can compete with the Cavaliers if they follow these keys. They may even steal a couple of games and make it a series. After all, David beat Goliath once, but not four times in seven games.

3) Bring the D … 

Orlando must get-stops against Cleveland’s improved offense. Stan Van Gundy’s side are the underdogs and don’t have homecourt advantage, so playing airtight defense on every possession is paramount.

Of course, the Cavaliers are an elite defensive team. They’ll go after Howard and force Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu off the three-point line. This could be a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair.

2) Ignore Sideshow Bob … 

Plain and simple, Anderson Varejao is a pest. Like Bruce Bowen and James Posey, the Brazilian provides toughness, aggression, and a certain intangible that tends to alienate. The young Magic can’t get flustered, but also have to stand firm against Varejao. 

1) Turn The King into a scorer … 

Stopping James is a waste of energy. The all-world three-man will get his. Instead, Orlando should try controlling the King and focus on taking away opportunities for his supporting cast.

For example, James is at his best when scoring, rebounding, and, most importantly, setting up others. Why not try to turn James into just a scorer and limit chances for teammates? This means a diet of one-on-one defense. Absolutely no double-teams or weak-side help.

This strategy has worked before. In the 2005-06 playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Phoenix Suns by making Steve Nash a scorer and limiting assist opportunities. Nash had a great series, but his squad struggled, while Team Cuban won the series and went onto the NBA Finals. This approach could help the Magic win a game and get momentum. 

Does Orlando have a chance versus Cleveland? Why? Why not? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of webcoderguy.

The war of attrition has ended.

After seven gruelling games, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets on Sunday afternoon to advance to the Western Conference Finals. Their opponent, the Denver Nuggets, is well rested and peaking at the right time of the season.

The Nuggets have looked impressive dismantling an upstart Hornets side in the first round and routing the Mavericks in five games. And based on playoff performance, it could be argued that George Karl’s squad are currently the west’s best team.

Below are four keys to slowing The Mile High City. Kobe Bryant and company better take note because the Western Conference Finals are quickly coming. 

#4) Outwork their posts … 

Denver’s bigs compensate for their lack of height with spirited play. Kenyon Martin is enjoying a renaissance and looks like the intimidating four-man who helped New Jersey get to consecutive NBA Finals. Nene has had a solid season at the five spot, while reserves Chris Anderson and Renaldo Balkman are terrific energy guys.

The Western Conference Finals will be won in the dirty areas, so Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Josh Powell have to control the glass and painted area. Martin, in particular, can’t be allowed to set the tone physically.

#3) Match their bench …   

They have an outstanding bench. J.R. Smith, who resembles the second coming of Vinnie Johnson, is instant offense. Veteran Anthony Carter is a steady hand at the back-up point guard spot and, as previously mentioned, Anderson and Balkman have had fine seasons.

Whatever line-up Phil Jackson settles on, the Lakers’ reserves must provide energy, scoring, and hustle. They need to match the Nuggets’ talented second stringers.

#2) Turn ‘Melo into a volume shooter … 

The Lakers must make Carmelo Anthony revert back to his old shot happy, black hole ways. ‘Melo, and the Nuggets, are less effective when he takes tons of shots to get his points. Look for Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom to take turns goading the All-Star into firing up bad attempts.

#1) Neutralize Mr. Big Shot … 

Chuancey Billups is the straw that stirs the drink. After getting traded to Denver in November for Allen Iverson, the point guard put together a superb season and was deserving of more MVP consideration.

Containing Billups is a must. Fortunately, the Lakers have six players, including three point-guards, to throw at the former Finals MVP. Derek Fisher and Shannon Brown have excellent size, while Jordan Farmar has the speed to provide a change of pace. Trevor Ariza, Kobe Bryant, and Lamar Odom could also get an opportunity to defend Billups.

What are the keys to Los Angeles beating Denver? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Dodgerblue15.

For four teams, Sunday is game seven do or die. 

In the Eastern semi-finals, Boston and Orlando meet in an all-or-nothing tilt, while over in the west, first seeded Los Angeles will attempt to hold off Houston’s upset plans in what promises to be a seventh heaven classic.

Tomorrow’s games are about more than winning the right to face Cleveland or Denver in the Conference Finals. Each team has a unique story with an interesting subplot. And a game seven win means something different to each franchise.

For instance, the blue-collar Celtics are trying to repeat as champs without their best player in Kevin Garnett. The Magic want to shake the Mickey Mouse label and take the next step as a franchise. And the Lakers are trying not to choke to the Cinderella Rockets.

Like I said, they all have their story. Boston, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Houston could all advance to the final four provided they follow our keys to victory. 

How Boston Wins Game Seven … 

Ray Allen has been hot and cold all series. In Boston’s three wins, he is averaging close to sixteen points per game, while in the three losses he has scored a combined 22 points. Winning on Sunday is impossible if Allen, a future member of the Hall of Fame, doesn’t step up.

The green-and-white has to force Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu off the three-point line. And the Celtics have to make these forwards get their offense in different ways. Finally, Turkoglu can’t become a factor in the fourth quarter, especially with the game on the line. 

How Orlando Wins Game Seven … 

In the past, Dwight Howard shied away from imposing his will. Clearly, times have changed with the NBA’s premier five-man calling out his coach after game five and then leading his club to a game six win. Howard, to cement his legacy as a superstar, must deliver a win tomorrow.

The Magic can’t get rattled. They must play through their game seven nerves, particularly in the opening moments of the first quarter. Stan Van Gundy’s side is on the road, so it’s a matter of executing the game plan on both ends of the floor  

How Los Angeles Wins Game Seven … 

For months, the Lakers had nothing to play for. They coasted to first in the Western Conference and looked bored against a dysfunctional Utah side in the first round. Well, now the purple-and-gold have their hands full in a one game elimination against the Rockets.

Phil Jackson’s squad must immediately improve their defensive intensity. Limiting Aaron Brooks’ pick and rolls would be a good start. Collectively, they must slow Houston’s bread and butter set by defending the speedy Brooks and providing better weak-side help.

How Houston Wins Game Seven … 

The blue-collar Rockets are a load, especially when the referees put their whistles away come playoff time. Ron Artest, Shane Battier, Carl Landry, Kyle Lowry, and Luis Scola must set the tone physically in game seven.

On offense, Brooks, a second year pro, has to make the Lakers defend him on the pick-and-roll. Defensively, Artest and Battier have to goad Bryant into becoming a volume shooter and hope he has an off-night.

Finally, Artest must keep his alter ego, Ron-Ron, in check. Too much is at stake. An incident could cost his team the series. And the three-man needs to keep calm to change his reputation and score a big free agent contract this summer.  

What are your keys to Boston, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Houston winning their game sevens? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of jrcacho.

Baron Davis has given me food for thought.

For years, I’ve despised NBA players who leveraged their basketball celebrity into poor rap albums, lame movies, and sub par modelling careers. Being an old school head, I want athletes to play their sport and, with few exceptions, do nothing else.

There are two reasons for my feelings. First, an athlete who is spitting sixteen bars in the booth or reading a movie script featuring the Olsen twins isn’t working on basketball –his job and craft.

Second, the results have been mediocre. Shaq rhyming with Fu-Schnikens in 1993 was entertaining, but I can do without his and most of the other baller-turned- rapper albums that followed. Same thing for the athlete movies, television shows, and modelling.

On Thursday after work, I stumbled on Davis’ Crips and Bloods: Made In America. B-Diddy’s documentary examines the history of South Central Los Angeles and explains how the Crips and Bloods evolved as a response to the American government destroying or killing the leaders of the Civil Rights movement. The film also looks at potential solutions to America`s `civil war` and features fascinating interviews.

Davis worked as a producer on Crips and Bloods: Made In America. And this is the first time I’m glad an athlete has used their celebrity and money to pursue artistic passions outside of their sport.

(The official trailer for Crips and Bloods: Made In America.) 

Got an opinion on Davis’ movie? Can you think of an athlete who has succeeded as a rapper, actor, or producer? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Teclogic.

The interim tag is gone. Jay Triano is Toronto’s head coach. Full time.

Earlier this week, Raptors’ GM Bryan Colangelo retained Triano’s services, inking the former Canadian national team coach to a three-year extension. Keeping Triano was about convenience, not wins and losses.

After a brief turnaround, Toronto is again unstable and an afterthought in the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment empire. Triano’s hiring buys Colangelo, the golden boy turned fall guy, time to right the ship he built.

Chris Bosh’s pending free agency has hamstrung the franchise. And no big-ticket coach will accept the gig because the four-man hasn’t made a decision about staying or leaving in July 2010. Until his situation is clarified, everything else is in a holding pattern.

Bosh isn’t the only on-court question mark. The wing-spot, even if Shawn Marion is re-signed for the mid-level exception, needs an upgrade, while toughness and depth, especially at the one-spot, are also concerns.

Triano will transition the team through their inevitable makeover. But Toronto would be reluctant to sign a big-ticket coach because one is already on the payroll. Sam Mitchell, who was fired in November, is still owed nine million dollars, so Triano is a low cost alternative.

Citizenship matters. The Raptors fell short of expectations last season and the team lost touch with its fan base. A Canadian like Triano coaching the sole Canadian franchise had enough of a feel good vibe that some fan disappointment was soothed. And this will surely help next season if the club struggles.

Triano is far from secure, though. Cheap contract and folk hero status aside, a possible coach-in-waiting, Marc Iavaroni, was recently hired as an assistant. Iavaroni, who is friends with Colangelo from their time in Phoenix, was once a head coach in Memphis. If things sour, he’ll replace Triano.

Some coaches are hired to win championships. Triano, however, was kept for other reasons. And that says a lot about the current direction of the Raptors. 

What are your thoughts on Triano? Is he the long-term answer at coach for Toronto? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of ajvlasman.

Breaking news mixed with analysis …

Their News: "Glen Davis’ jumper from the left wing as the clock ran out in the fourth was the difference, as the Boston Celtics edged the Orlando Magic, 95-94, in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal matchup." (The Sports Network)

Our Very Quick Analysis: What would Kevin Garnett say?

In a game earlier this season, Garnett yelled at Glen Davis for ‘slacking’ and allowing the opposition to close the lead. Davis, who for years has had the nickname ‘Big Baby’, burst into tears.

Tonight, there are perhaps tears of joy. The second-year man nailed two clutch jump shots, including the game winner to give Boston a game four victory and even their playoff series with Orlando 2-2.

With his fine play on Sunday evening, Davis accomplished three things.

First, the green-and-white has momentum heading into game five. Instead of being down 3-1 against a strong Magic side, the Celtics are feeling good about their chances in what is now a best of three series. As defending champs, they have experience in pressure-packed situations.

Second, Davis has again solidified his status as a legit NBA player. Since filling in for the injured Garnett, the LSU grad has posted double-figure points and six rebounds. Through 11 playoff games, Davis has bumped his scoring average to 16, while collecting a respectable six boards per night.

Third, game five showed Davis has considerable upside, which will fetch him a significant raise in the free agent market this July. As a second round pick in the 2007 Draft, he inked a two-year deal for the league minimum. The forward’s silky stroke, footwork, and basketball IQ has surely peaked the interest of several teams.

Who knows what Garnett said after watching Davis win game four? The sidelined superstar likely realized one thing: Big Baby is suddenly big time. 

What are your thoughts on Davis’ play? Is the Big Baby now big time? Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of juanc.paulino.

Los Angeles Lakers’ coach Phil Jackson has a choice: Shannon Brown’s size or Jordan Farmar’s speed?

When starting point guard Derek Fisher needs a rest (or gets suspended), the sideline boss can use Brown’s muscular frame, or, after his stellar performance in game three, Farmar’s quickness.

This is the best of both worlds. Having two quality back-ups is a luxury, which will only enhance the purple-and-gold’s chances of winning an NBA Title.

Brown, a young pro from Michigan State, was acquired from Charlotte with Adam Morrison in the Vlad Radmanovic trade. This move was made for cap purposes –trading Radmanovic’s long-term deal for Brown and Morrison’s expiring contracts would create cap space to re-sign unrestricted free agents Trevor Ariza and/or Lamar Odom this summer.

The Lakers also got a contributor. With Farmar struggling and Jackson’s preference for size in the backcourt, Brown was given an opportunity. And the young guard delivered, averaging 7 points per game in 17 minutes of action in the first round versus Utah. Through three games against Houston he has posted a respectable 6 points per contest.

But Brown will have an NBA career because of his athleticism. At 6-4 inches and 210 pounds, he has a rare combination of size and skill that creates problems for most lead guards. At under a million dollars per season, this bargain basement player will surely get a raise in July.

Farmar, of course, was once the heir apparent at point guard. The third-year man and Fisher were expected to pull a B.J. Armstrong and John Paxson and switch roles on the first and second unit. And many, myself included, were predicting big things for Farmar.

Injuries and slumping confidence set in. In mid December, he suffered a nasty knee injury, missed several weeks, and struggled the rest of the year. By playoffs, the former blue-chipper was out of Jackson’s rotation and chained to the bench.

Ironically, Fisher’s suspension rejuvenated Farmar and strengthened the Lakers. In game three, playing 32 minutes as the starter, the UCLA grad dropped an efficient 12 points, seven assists, two steals, and one turnover, while holding Houston’s Aaron Brooks to seven points. Brown did his thing, too, coming off the bench to score eight points.

Friday’s contest showed it’s not Brown or Farmar, but Brown and Farmar. And using both their size and speed gives Phil Jackson and the Lakers a better chance at playoff success.  

Who should back-up Fisher: Brown, Farmar or both? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of donielle.

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis … 

Their News: "Joe Johnson drained six of his eight attempts from three-point range, and the Atlanta Hawks finished off a series filled with blowout wins with a 91-78 drubbing of the Miami Heat in the deciding Game 7 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup." (The Sports Network)

Our Quick Analysis:“For every event another will follow whose existence will be pleasant or unpleasant depending on its cause.” (The definition of Karma)

Karma doesn’t apply to the NBA.

If this Buddhist belief system really existed in the world of pro hoops, Josh Smith would’ve been punished for his through-the-leg shenanigans with a loss on Sunday. But Smith and the Hawks won the deciding game seven and advanced to the second round, while the Heat was sent fishing.

The incident occurred late in game five with Atlanta comfortably ahead. The forward missed an acrobatic dunk attempt, which Miami and many basketball fans interpreted as disrespectful.

(The game five miss heard around the world.)

And Smith was caught in another controversy. Only now, after four years in the show, age wasn’t an excuse.

Common sense was always an issue. For years, Smith has clashed with Hawk coach Mike Woodson, garnering suspensions and national headlines. Unfortunately, poor choices like Wednesday’s dunk attempt have overshadowed his tremendous talent. 

Smith, to be fair, apologized to Spoelstra before game six and tried explaining the dunk attempt.

"That was for our fans. They’ve been great to us all season and they were out in full force. I was rewarding them for helping us get the win." (Toronto Sun)

Whether you agree or disagree with his explanation, Smith and the Hawks now face LeBron James and a well-rested Cavalier side. Perhaps, Karma does exist in the NBA.

What are your thoughts on Smith’s dunk attempt and the Hawks game seven win? How will Atlanta do against Cleveland in round two? Get at us in the comment box below. Photo courtesy of Ku.

For years, Eddie House wasn’t NBA material. From 2000-2005, he filled out rosters and hoped for an opportunity. 

Last night’s performance was ironic. House was a perfect five-for-five from the floor, scoring 16 points in 22 minutes. Best of all, he hit a late three-pointer to help seal the win and series for Boston.

The combo guard, who every franchise passed on at the 2000 NBA Draft, may have been the difference in a historic playoff series. Saturday was years in the making.

After starting out with Miami and the Los Angeles Clippers, House was traded to Charlotte in the summer of 2004. With the expansion club his career hit a crossroad. Two weeks before Christmas, Bobcats’ coach and GM Bernie Bickerstaff called House in for a meeting, where he waived the young pro, and, to top it off, told him he wasn’t an NBA player.

Happy Holidays.

There were stops in Milwaukee and Sacramento before finding a home with the run-and-gun Suns. House, playing regular minutes and near his college stomping grounds at Arizona State, had moments in Phoenix, averaging 10 points per game in Mike D’Antoni’s ‘Seven Seconds to Shoot’ system.

Goodwill wasn’t enough. And the desert became another audition. The thrifty Suns passed on re-signing him and it was off to the swamps of Jersey. After an up-and-down year, Boston came calling and House, seven years into his career, got his first true opportunity.  

Playing off ‘The Big Three’ of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce, House got open, spotted up, and knocked down easy jumpers. Even though they won the 2007-08 NBA Title, House never got his due. A deadly shooter, he was seen as the Celtics’ Achilles heel because he couldn’t fill the backup point guard role.

Last night answered all questions and silenced all doubters. House had the courage to take, and make, big shots. He is an NBA player. In fact, he’s a pretty good one.

Will House finally get some respect? Why? Why not? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of celticsbigticketchamps.