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.

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. 



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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.