Ron Artest’s ’Heart Will Go On’

I call it ’The Summer of Ron Artest’.

This off-season, the lockdown defender signed a multi-year contract to join Kobe Bryant and the world champion Los Angeles Lakers, issued an edict against his old team the Houston Rockets on twitter, ‘wowed’ the world most populous nation, China, with his hip-hop skills, and even taped a workout to warn opponents about the 2009-10 season.

Here’s the question: what to do for an encore?

Well, Ron-Ron decided to sing Celine Dion’s My Heart Must Go On at karaoke night and then posted it on twitter for the world to see. 

Clearly, Artest should sticking to rapping (although some may argue this point), but I’ll take his humorous butcher job of this number over Dion’s melodramatic take that became oh-so synonymous with the flick Titanic.

Watch the clip and rate Artest’s pipes in the comment box below. 



Follow Oly on HoopsVibe and on Twitter. Image courtesy of davidhovw.

Close doesn’t cut it for Minnesota Timberwolves with Ricky Rubio

If you play with fire, you’re bound to get burned.

That’s how the Minnesota Timberwolves likely felt after Spanish sensation Ricky Rubio left them at the alter to sign a six-year contract extension with European club Regal FC Barcelona.

Minnesota president David Kahn took a risk drafting Rubio fifth overall last June, even though European club DKV Joventut held an $8.0 million option on the point guard’s playing career.

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, NBA clubs, like the Timberwolves, can only pay a half million dollars towards an international player’s buyout, while European clubs, like Regal FC Barcelona, can pay any amount.

There were other complications: Minnesota is a less desirable market for attracting sponsors and the club took a second point guard, Jonny Flynn, with the sixth overall pick in the 2009 draft, one spot after Rubio.

Despite these obstacles, Kahn nearly inked the shaggy-haired teenager before he agreed to terms with Regal FC Barcelona. The Timberwolves must now wait two years before Rubio can cross the Atlantic Ocean and play in the frozen tundra of ‘Sota.

Some will applaud Minnesota for almost landing Rubio. They’ll see the glass as half-full. And they’ll turn the situation into a positive for the Timberwolves.

Nonsense.

Almost, half-full, and moral victories don’t cut it in the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately and results orientated NBA. It certainly won’t cut it if Kahn and the Timberwolves genuinely hope to climb out the Western Conference cellar. 

Now things are tricky. Minnesota needs immediate help and, contrary to Kahn’s public relations spin, can’t wait until the 2011-12 season for Rubio. Sure, Flynn, Al Jefferson, and Kevin Love have promise, but they’re a ways off.

A trade would make sense. Unfortunately, dealing Rubio’s rights will be much more difficult today because he’s got a contract. And most NBA teams won’t want to acquire the headache of negotiating a buyout.

There is still ‘New York, New York’. The Knicks’ priority is to maintain financial flexibility for ‘The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010‘, so they would be open to swapping a current asset, like restricted free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson, for Rubio and deferring the cap hit until 2011.

This isn’t a fit for Minnesota. They’ll have limited interest in Lee, a talented four-man, because the frontcourt is set with young posts like Jefferson and Love, while ‘Kryptonite’s antics could be a negative on a developing team.

Like I said, the Timberwolves played with fire and got burned. And the Rubio saga will get even more complicated.

What happens next with Rubio? Get at me in the comment box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Image courtesy of Linux29. 

Allen Iverson made Billy King and Philadelphia 76ers better

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “Allen never made the people around him better in the first place, because it’s always about Allen,” King told the Observer. “Everything is about Allen, and it can’t all be about Allen at this point in his career. He’s no longer that intimidating figure who can just blow by everybody. So he’s got to do other things, and I’m not sure he will.” (Billy King, former GM of the Philadelphia 76ers, via The Charlotte Observer.com)

My Gut Reaction: On the one hand, I agree with King.

For years, I’ve argued Iverson should accept a lesser role with a playoff team. This would mean less minutes, money, and shots, but an opportunity to play meaningful basketball in May or June.

Any chance at joining a contender as, say, sixth-man ended with the fiasco in Detroit. With few options available, Iverson will now sign with a mediocre team and turn the offense into his all-you-can-shoot buffet.

So King is right. The results in Charlotte, Memphis, or anywhere else Iverson lands will be mixed because he isn’t quite the player who led Philadelphia to the 2001 NBA Finals. And King may also be right when claiming Iverson hasn’t accepted his relative decline from great to very good.

On the other hand, I disagree with King. For most of his run in Philadelphia, the tiny combo guard made everyone around him better: teammates, coaches, and even one very controversial suit.

Iverson isn’t Jason Kidd or Steve Nash. As a ball dominating 2-man, he doesn’t make those around him better through his passing. However, Iverson’s ability to score allowed several teammates with limited skill-sets to establish themselves as top role players.

For instance, Eric Snow never evolves into a respected, pass-first point guard without Iverson covering his offensive shortcomings. Same with lockdown defender Aaron McKie and post Todd MacCulloch. Both earned millions of dollars by establishing themselves as role players on Iverson‘s squads.

Make no mistake about it, this was a reciprocal arrangement. Snow, Mckie, MacCulloh, and others sacrificed shot attempts, so Iverson could score in bunches. And, for a time, it propelled the 76ers to the top of the Eastern Conference.

Iverson and coach Larry Brown had a love-hate relationship, but they brought out the best in each other. Their differences are now water-under-the-bridge and, at least publicly, these two seemed enthusiastic about the opportunity to link up with the Charlotte Bobcats.

No doubt about it, Iverson certainly made King a better executive. ‘The Answer’ filled arenas, sold millions of jerseys, and, good or bad, gave the 76ers a global following. Often times, the Iverson phenomenon covered King with ownership when he drafted poorly, overpaid free agents, and swung bad trades.

I think Iverson is a special talent. And I think his talent made Philadelphia’s players, coaches, and even King, himself, better.

Did Iverson make those around him better in The City of Brotherly Love? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Image provided courtesy of OzsomeRookies.  

Why Golden State will struggle to trade Stephen Jackson

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “I don’t think I’ll be a Warrior next year. I’m looking to leave,” Jackson said. It’s just things are up in the air right now. I really can’t get too much into it right now, but I’m just looking to go somewhere where I can go and win a championship.” (Stephen Jackson via DimeMag.com)

My Gut Reaction: I’m not surprised by Stephen Jackson’s trade demand.

After all, Jackson, a 31 year old veteran, can’t like the current state of the Golden State Warriors. On-court, the club is rebuilding around some nice young pieces, but are probably in tough for the 2010 playoffs. Off-court, rumours are circulating that owner Chris Cohan is looking to sell the club, which could lead to further changes and possibly an overhaul.

So uncertainty rules the day.

Jackson, who won a championship in 2003 with the San Antonio Spurs, wants out and is hoping to link up with a contender. His preferences are the Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs.

If only things were so simple.

Jackson has talent, but the Cavaliers, Mavericks, Rockets, and Spurs all have between $75.0 and $80.0 million in committed salary for next year. The Knicks want to maintain flexibility for ‘The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010‘, so taking on the remaining four years and $36.0 of Jackson’s contract is unlikely.

After examining these clubs’ cap situations, I can’t see Jackson landing in Cleveland, Dallas, Houston, New York, or San Antonio. I also think Golden State could struggle to swing a trade with any team before the season kicks off.

Remember, most clubs went conservative this summer. In an uncertain economy, avoiding salary has trumped the need to add on-court talent. Few teams will want to assume Jackson’s long-term pact, unless, of course, the Warriors agree to take back salary.

Here’s where it gets complicated: Cohan likely wants to shed salary to keep the club attractive to potential buyers. He’ll accept expiring contracts for Jackson, which few teams are willing to relinquish in today’s depressed NBA.

I like Jackson’s game. However, I don’t like him taking his trade request public. The timing stinks. In a tough economy, expect a stalemate. And Warrior fans can expect to see the 6-8 swing in training camp.

Get at us with thoughts on Jackson’s trade demand in the comment box below. Follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Memphisos.

Orlando Magic getting Jason Williams and ’White Chocolate’

I’m expecting to see both ‘White Chocolate’ and Jason Williams next year with the Orlando Magic.

When word broke that the charismatic table-setter signed with the Magic, I, like most of you, had visions of no-look passes, half-court alley-oops, and flashy handles. And I, again, like most of you, instantly thought of his first few seasons with the Sacramento Kings.

Back then, the Kings, years before the Phoenix Suns’ Seven Seconds To Shoot system or the Golden State Warriors’ ‘We Believe’ phenomenon, won with high-flying and entertaining basketball. And his wizardry with the ball breathed life into a stale NBA, earning him the moniker of ‘White Chocolate’.

However, I wouldn’t be doing Williams justice to just remember the highlights. After all, he evolved from showman to champion.

In Memphis, old school coach Hubie Brown saw past the style and fell for the substance of Williams’ basketball IQ and assist-to-turnover ratio. Don’t forget he was the starting point guard for a Miami Heat squad that captured the 2006 NBA Title 

I like this move for Orlando: the defending Eastern Conference champions are getting the flash of‘White Chocolate’ and the savvy of Jason Williams. 

I can’t wait for it. He’ll toss off the warm-ups and check-in for starter Jameer Nelson. Of course, he’ll lead the break, look off the defense and throw a masterful dime to explosive finishers like Vince Carter, Dwight Howard, and Rashard Lewis.

Yes, ‘White Chocolate’ will get serious love from Stuart Scott on ESPN SportsCenter in 2009-10. I think fans, home or away, will enjoy it. And I think his highlight reel passes will help the Magic’s second-unit sustain momentum when the starters need a blow.

That, however, isn’t the best part of this signing for Orlando. Suppose Nelson gets hurt. Or suppose he struggles. Well, coach Stan Van Gundy can call on Williams, the sure-handed and steady point guard with heaps of experience, to fill-in without a hiccup.

I expect ‘White Chocolate’/Williams to be this season’s Chris Anderson. Like most of you, I’m going to enjoy the showman/champion’s comeback.

Get at us with your thoughts in the comment box on Williams. Follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of dwbing8282.

It’s time for the Minnesota Timberwolves to trade Ricky Rubio

Breaking news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “Although there remains a strong possibility that Ricky Rubio will play in Spain rather than Minneapolis next season, a Spanish media report Wednesday of his agreement to a six-year deal with Regal FC Barcelona was overstated, a knowledgeable source told ESPN.com” (Chris Sheridan, ESPN)

My Gut Reaction: Perhaps, Minnesota Timberwolves executive David Kahn should consider moving on.

Ricky Rubio has potential. Landing him would be a positive step for a franchise that has taken more public hits than that John guy for cheating on his wife and eight kids. And sure, Kahn personally extended himself by drafting the Spaniard fifth overall, even after reports indicated he had little interest in heading to the frozen Tundra of ‘Sota.

Too bad.

Currently, Minnesota has momentum. Kahn, the new suit in charge, has injected life into this listless franchise. He hit a homerun hiring Los Angeles assistant coach Kurt Rambis as his bench boss.

Things are looking better on-court, too. Al Jefferson and Kevin Love, while both undersized, have shown promise, while Jonny Flynn, the sixth overall pick and a blue-chip table-setter, had a strong summer league.

The Rubio situation could halt the momentum. To be fair, much of this isn’t his fault: the NBA has complicated rules that limit the amount teams can pay towards buying European pros out their contracts.

The Timberwolves can chip-in just $0.5 million of the $8.0 million buyout DKV Joventut holds on the final two years of Rubio’s deal, leaving the teenager to pick up the remaining tab. There is, however, no limit on the amount European clubs can pay.

But the buyout figure appears fluid. According to today’s report (which turned out to be false), Regal FC Barcelona ‘landed’ Rubio by handing DKV Joventut $5.0 million. Still, even this amount is far greater than $0.5 million Minnesota can pay according to the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

Such financial dealings are exhausting, especially when considering the mixed projections on Rubio’s game. Some scouts see him developing into an intelligent and flashy playmaker. Others believe his frame and shaky range could get exposed in the pros.

Waiting two years for Rubio’s European buyout to simply expire isn’t an option for the lowly Timberwolves. Flynn, Jefferson, and Love are talented, but have a ways to go. They, along with Kahn and Rambis, need more immediate help. 

Potential be damned. Kahn and Minnesota should move on and, at a minimum, test the trade waters for Rubio. 

Is it time for the Timberwolves to trade Rubio? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of rich115.

One thing should matter to Miami’s Michael Beasley: his health

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “The Miami Heat forward checked into a Houston rehabilitation last week and is being treated for various issues, including depression, a person briefed on the situation told The Associated Press on Monday.”  (The Canadian Press via TSN.ca)

My Gut Reaction: It doesn’t matter if he lives up to the hype of being a lottery pick. It doesn’t matter if he develops defensively and becomes a two-way player. It doesn’t even matter if he blossoms into the type of co-star that convinces Dwyane Wade to re-sign with the Miami Heat.

None of that should matter to Michael Beasley. While we are at it, neither should the money, the nightlife, or the lifestyle. From this day forward, one thing should matter: his health.

A couple of points worth considering:

First, for whatever reason, I’m not totally surprised Beasley has some issues. Of course, last summer, he got caught up in that incident with fellow Heat rookie Mario Chalmers at the NBA’s inauguration camp for rookies.

Throughout last year, there were further reports of up-and-down behavior. Now we know it was more than immaturity and a young man enjoying the trappings of being a pro basketball player. Clearly, Beasley has problems with marijuana and depression. 

Second, I believe mental health is likely underrepresented in the NBA. Sure, the NBA life is great: money, fame, and celebrity. However, with that must come an intense pressure from fans, agents, family, and the infamous entourage to succeed.

I think NBA players must struggle with how to handle such expectations. In fact, if something was wrong emotionally, I’m sure the typical response would be to work-out, lift weights, or hit the practice court. Why would a 6-8, 250 pound physical specimen think to ask for assistance with mental issues?

For instance, Beasley was already receiving psychological help, but things clearly built and escalated to last week’s comments on his twitter account. The second year forward stated that: “feelin like it’s not worth livin" and "I feel like the whole world is against me I can’t win for losin."

To be fair, today there is likely a greater acceptance of mental health as an illness. For instance, Bison Dele, the talented but troubled post in the 1990s, took a leave and then returned to the NBA without incident. Last season, Delonte West had the full support of the Cleveland Cavaliers when he left the team to deal with depression.

Hopefully, Beasley can do the same. It’s all that matters.

Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below on Beasley. Follow Oly Sandor on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison.

Why is Allen Iverson not yet a Charlotte Bobcat?

I realize Allen Iverson has never been easy to figure out.

I also realize that when things should be simple with ‘The Answer’, they often become tricky, difficult, and complex.

However, his summer fling with the Charlotte Bobcats is taking the whole A.I. enigma thing to another level. Iverson is interested in suiting up for the ‘Cats. And Coach Larry Brown is interested in having Iverson suit up for the ‘Cats.

Team is interested in player. And player is interested in team. Seems simple enough, right?

Wrong. This signing, as demonstrated by all the false reports of a deal, has become far more complicated than it should be.

For the past week, various sites have gone back and forth with contradictory articles alleging that Iverson had or had not signed with Charlotte. Here is what we know: the two sides are talking and something could get done later this week.

That is it, though.

I believe the delay on Iverson could be linked to the possible sale of the team. For those living under a rock, majority owner and former BET founder Bob Johnson has been trying to sell the Bobcats for years. 

Over the summer, ‘Mr. 106 and Park’ stepped up efforts to find a buyer by cutting costs. For instance, Emeka Okafor’s long-term contract was swapped for Tyson Chandler’s shorter pact, while Ray Felton, a developing point guard and restricted free agent, hasn’t come to terms on a new deal.

The bottom line is once again the bottom line in Charlotte. Perhaps, Johnson will eventually sign Iverson, but only when the combo guard agrees to play for a minimum salary. Or, perhaps Johnson has already found a buyer and needs to check if they want the former MVP on the roster.

I’m not exactly sure why Iverson and the Bobcats aren’t a done deal. After all, there is mutual interest. I do know these negotiations have become unnecessarily tricky, difficult, and complex. However, this time, I’m willing to bet it’s not Iverson’s doing. 

Are you surprised Iverson hasn’t yet signed with Charlotte? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below. Follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Image courtesy of Lies. 

Should Ron Artest be upset with the Houston Rockets?

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “Houston did me dirty. I can’t wait til next year when we go to Houston. I’m not shooting. All defense. Somebody getting locked da fu** up. I still feel blessed but they messed up my bird rights. So it’s on as long as I’m in the league.” (Ron Artest, Twitter)

Our Quick Analysis: For Ron Artest, these comments were about respect and motivation. Not his Larry Bird rights or money.

After helping Houston advance to the second round of the NBA Finals and pushing the eventual world champion Los Angeles Lakers to seven games, Artest likely felt he was deserving of more consideration from the Rockets during free agency.

Well, perhaps.

Sure, ‘H-Town’ GM Daryl Morey didn’t break down doors to sign the lockdown defender. And sure, Artest behaved last season for Rick Adelman, putting together a productive year on and off court.

However, everything changed when Yao Ming’s injury became career-threatening. With no superstar five-man, the Rockets likely re-evaluated their circumstances and, for any number of reasons, decided against giving Artest a multi-year deal.

Morey may have felt Artest was playing the good soldier because he was in a contract season. If rewarded with the security of a long-term pact, Ron-Ron, the forward’s trouble-making alter ego, could re-appear. 

Mr. Moneyball may have preferred the rebuild route. With Tracy McGrady and Yao out indefinitely, Morey might have believed another direction was needed. 

Whatever the reason, the lockdown defender felt slighted by the lack of love from Houston. To be fair, Artest was the featured player on an undermanned, blue-collar squad that beat Portland and nearly upset Los Angeles this past playoff.

Now after signing with the Lakers, he has jiffy marked on the calender games verses the Rockets. This isn’t uncommon in professional sports. Players use insults, both real and perceived, as motivation to perform.

A focused and calm Artest is something to behold on-court. And the strong, Los Angeles, will be stronger in 2010.

Should Ron Artest be upset with Houston? Why? Why not? Let us know in the comment box below. Follow Oly Sandor on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of sith120.