Analyzing the early surprises: Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, and Phoenix Suns

HoopsVibe The Blog regularly drops a basketball related list for fans to weigh-in on. We call it ‘Listed’ …

Fans love a surprise.

This is understandable. After all, who doesn’t enjoy an underdog challenging a contender, a veteran rediscovering his past form, a role player blossoming into a star, and a young rookie proving he’s prime-time?

A month into the NBA season and a few of the above storylines have started materializing. In this edition of ‘Listed’, HoopsVibe The Blog is counting off the best early surprises of 2009-10. As always, read the post, form your opinion, and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

#5) The Milwaukee Bucks …

They’re 8-3. And the buzz coming from the state of Wisconsin has nothing to do with the NFL’s Green Bay Packers.

The Bucks’ renaissance can be attributed to jitterbug point guard Brandon Jennings, who, with his southpaw style, reminds fans of Kenny Anderson and Nick Van Exel. Just a month into his rookie season, Jennings has scored 55 points in a game, shown a rare fearlessness at the end of games, and, best of all, wants to be coached.

If Andrew Bogut and Michael Redd get their bodies right, then Milwaukee will factor into the Eastern Conference playoff race. 

#4) The Indiana Pacers …

Mike Dunleavy hasn’t suited up for a game. Post Troy Murphy has been in and out the line-up, while rookie Tyler Hansbrough has also battled injuries.

So the Pacers, who were expected to struggle in 2009-10, have to be happy with a 5-5 record. Of course, All-Star Danny Granger has performed, dropping an impressive 25 points and 7 rebounds, but lockdown guy Dahntay Jones and young post Roy Hibbert are the real surprises.

Jones, who was signed as a free agent for his defense, is averaging over 17.0 points per game and Hibbert will become a double-double fixture. When they get a full roster, Indiana should compete for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

#3) The Houston Rockets …

Chemistry trumps talent. The Rockets, without Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, have jumped out to an 8-6 start because of strong chemistry.

Trevor Ariza, Shane Battier, Aaron Brooks, Chuck Hayes and Luis Scola form a nice starting line-up, while David Anderson, Chase Budinger, and Carl Landry are contributing off the bench. Collectively, they’re a balanced and tough bunch -something that was noticeably absent for most of the disappointing ‘T-Mac’ era.

#2) The Atlanta Hawks …

On paper, ’The ATL’ is strong. Joe Johnson is the NBA’s most underrated player, while the starting line-up has talent like Berry Gordy’s old Motown. Over the summer, veterans Jamal Crawford and Joe Smith were signed to bolster the bench.

History is hard to overcome, though. For years, Atlanta was dysfunctional, with fans and players seeing it as a Siberia for millionaire ballers. Recently, there had been progress, but questions arouse when Johnson and coach Mike Woodson entered training camp without contracts past this year.

History and contracts be damned. Currently, the Hawks sit atop the entire league and seem capable of challenging Eastern Conference heavyweights like the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Orlando Magic.

#1) The Phoenix Suns …  

Don’t call it a comeback. Do call it a return to form, or a return to Seven Seconds to Shoot.

Last year, Phoenix endured several mini feuds, a bizarre mid season coaching change, and an identity crisis. Not surprisingly, the club struggled, missing the playoffs for the first time in several seasons. And the ‘Valley of the Sun’ was seen by many, including myself, as dead.

Well, we were wrong.

This year, they’ve returned to their runnin’-and-gunnin’ ways, which has been instrumental in the club’s stellar 10-3 record. While continuing to set the pace in the Western Conference is probably unrealistic, Steve Nash and the Suns will be relevant come playoff time.

What has been the biggest surprise of the NBA season? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison.

Krypto-Nate Robinson shoots at own basket; antics wearing thin with New York Knicks

His lapses are getting harder to overlook.

For years, Nate Robinson has had a reputation as a bit of a knucklehead, occasionally embarrassing the New York Knicks on-and-off court. These indiscretions were often brushed aside because the little man has, well, charm.

Things could be changing, though.

Over the summer, a drunk driving incident killed what little leverage Robinson had as a restricted free agent. Last night, his lack of professionalism was again front and center when he shot on his own basket in the final seconds of the first quarter in a game between the Knicks and New Jersey Nets.

Clearly, the 2009 Slam Dunk champion knew what he was doing because time had run out. There was hope Robinson - who once was whistled for traveling when bouncing an alley-oop to himself - had matured and would show better focus. 

Apparently not. Even New York coach Mike D’Antoni, who has a sense of humor and believes in entertaining fans, was all over Robinson -and rightfully so.

Watch the clip below and let us know if Robinson will ever mature? 




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Allen Iverson and New York Knicks: A convenient mistake

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: "The New York Knicks, winners of just two of their first 11 games, are seriously contemplating signing Allen Iverson if he clears waivers Thursday evening." ESPN.com

My Quick Take: It would be a marriage of convenience.

Allen Iverson’s career is in limbo after falling out with the Memphis Grizzlies three games into the season, while the 2-10 New York Knicks are desperate for a distraction until ‘The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010’ begins in July.

There is talk of a hook up, but this wouldn’t be in the best interests of Iverson or New York.

Currently, Iverson is like a boxer, who doesn’t realize his championship days are over. To stay relevant and prolong his career, the combo guard needs to play a role on a contending team.

Instead of New York, he should sell a top team on his ability to kill it as a second-unit game-changer. Iverson could then compete for Sixth Man of the Year, play relevant basketball during the playoffs, and, most importantly, re-invent himself.

By sacrificing for a contender, the future Hall of Famer would silence his doubters and, in turn, create a demand for his services on the free agent market next summer. In New York, Iverson would only reinforce what we already know -that he can still score for a bad team.

A season ago, executive Donnie Walsh and Coach Mike D’Antoni forced Stephon Marbury out ‘The Five Burroughs’, claiming the franchise wanted no part of his baggage. Today, with media and Madison Square Gardens tiring of their tank-it-until-2010 plan, they’re considering Iverson’s baggage.

In the short term, this may work out. After all, Iverson would get his shots and Knick-nation would get entertained. The long-term is a worry, though. Next summer, contenders would still be leery of ‘The Answer’ and New York, with Iverson as a first-option, wouldn’t develop any talent to fall back on if they can’t sign an elite free agent. 

Yes, it seems convenient, but Iverson in New York would be a mistake. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen.

Got thoughts on The Answer in the NYC? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts. Follow Oly on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of coursond34.

Andrea Bargnani’s dunk on Chris Anderson: dumb luck or improved aggressiveness?

Perhaps, opposing teams should take note.

Despite shooting poorly in Tuesday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Toronto Raptors’ Andrea Bargnani still made a statement with one play. Early on, he caught the ball along the three-point-line, blew past Renaldo Balkman with a shot fake, and threw down a fierce dunk on Chris Anderson.

Yes, the skilled ‘Il Mago’ poster-jobbed the shot-blocking ‘Birdman’.

It’s an impressive play and worth watching again. And Raptor fans are hoping the Italian will continue complementing his fine perimeter shooting with these kinds of strong drives to the basket.

Currently, Bargnani is a solid player. But by improving his aggressiveness on both ends of the floor, he becomes a candidate for the All Star game and nice insurance if Chris Bosh leaves as a free agent at season’s end.

Watch the clip below and tell us if this dunk is a one-off or the start of a more aggressive Bargnani?



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Monta Ellis must look in mirror before blaming Golden State Warriors

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

My Quick Analysis: What does Monta Ellis see when he looks at himself in the mirror?

One day after disgruntled forward Stephen Jackson was traded to the Charlotte Bobcats, the Golden State Warriors learned that Ellis has no interest in assuming more of a leadership role.

In an interview with Marcus Thompson of the Contra Costa Times, the combo guard dissolved himself of blame for the Warriors’ poor start and told teammates to improve their play.

“I’m not going to put more on my back. Somebody else gonna have to step up. I’m not gonna do more, somebody else gonna have to step up and take on the role Jack had and be that player. But I’m putting no more extra on my back”

Unfortunately, Ellis was just warming up. The former second round pick then told Thompson he was the only Warrior who bothered playing defense. 

“That’s (Jackson) one of our best defenders on the team. And we’re trying to get better as a defensive team. And now, who we got now that’s going to play defense? We got me. And who else?” (Thompson, Contra Costa Times)

Obviously, Golden State is a dysfunctional organization. And they are partially at fault for ruining their promising scorer. However, Ellis has to stop acting like, well, his you-know-what doesn’t stink and start acting like a professional.

Remember, the Warriors could have voided Ellis’ 6-year, 66 million extension after he violated the terms of his contract by injuring his leg goofing around on a moped. Coach Don Nelson and owner Chris Cohan, for all their faults, were fairly measured in their response, even though Ellis initially lied about how he got hurt.

No teammate threw him under the moped/bus, either. Of course, Ellis didn’t give rookie Stephen Curry the same courtesy, telling reporters on media day he couldn’t possibly form a backcourt with the team’s 2009 lottery pick. And now he’s criticizing the entire team.

Ellis was once a polite teenager from Mississippi, who was just trying to stick in the NBA. Hopefully, he looks in the mirror and finds that person soon. 

Get at us with thoughts on Ellis in the comment box below. Photo courtesy of Badger 23.

Will Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza become rivals?

This summer, he took his position. Last night, he threw his shoe.

In July, Ron Artest left the Houston Rockets to sign a multi-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Artest, a terrific defender, was brought in to replace Trevor Ariza as the glue-guy for the defending world champions.

Of course, the game of musical chairs was just beginning. When the music stopped a few hours later, Ariza, who was also without a contract, inked his own long-term deal for mid-level exception money with the Rockets.

The switch was complete. Artest and Ariza had swapped teams.

Last night, Houston and L.A. met at Staples Center, so the circumstances were already a touch awkward for these blue-collar swings. Things went from awkward to amusing when Artest tossed Ariza’s loose shoe during the course of play.

Watch the clip below and tell us if you think an Artest-Ariza rivalry is brewing? 



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3 ways Golden State Warriors benefit from Stephen Jackson trade

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: The Golden State Warriors on Monday offloaded disgruntled forward Stephen Jackson to a non playoff team, sending him to the Charlotte Bobcats instead of dealing him to one of Jackson’s preferred destinations in Cleveland. (Marc Stein, ESPN)

Our Quick Analysis: It’s addition by subtraction.

This is what the Golden State Warriors were surely thinking when they pulled the trigger on the Stephen Jackson trade, shipping their most talented player and captain to the Charlotte Bobcats for veterans Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic.

Bell and Radmanovic are serviceable, but the Warriors - after Jackson publicly requested a trade and feuded with Coach Don Nelson -had to accept less than equal value for the moody swing.

Not all is lost. In cutting their losses, the Warriors achieved three things.

First, trading Jackson shields youngsters Stephen Curry and Anthony Randolph from some negativity in the locker room. This still isn’t enough. To truly improve the club’s culture, Nelson must find professionals who will mentor his two blue-chippers.

Second, owner Chris Cohan wants to sell the team. Swapping Jackson’s multi-year contract for Bell’s expiring deal and Radmanovic’s two season deal saves the club $23 million. Improving the bottom line makes it easier for Cohan to find a buyer.

Third, having Jackson in uniform reminded everyone of Nelson’s incompetence. Not long ago, the two were bosom buddies, golfing together and tossing each other bouquets and compliments in the media.

So Nelson, through his lackeys in the front office, re-upped with Jackson well before his contract expired. The ink on his extension was barely dry when Jackson went public with his trade demand, which made Nelson look awfully foolish. Today’s deal was a matter of out of sight, out of mind and allowed the Warriors to save some face. 

Golden State will benefit from moving Jackson. It remains to be seen if this addition by subtraction trade will translate into more wins, though.

Got a take on Jackson and the Warriors going their separate ways? Well, get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Memphisos.

Click here for more HoopsVIbe coverage on Don Nelson.

Bust of the Week: Why Golden State Warriors won’t fire Don Nelson

Every Sunday, HoopsVibe The Blog names a Bust of the Week, so check back and read about the very worst in the NBA.

This Week’s Bust: Chris Cohan, Don Nelson and the Golden State Warriors.

Why: Two years ago, they made you and me believe.

After years of issues, the Golden State Warriors captivated the basketball world with a memorable playoff run known as ‘We Believe’. The franchise looked poised to turn the corner and become relevant in the Western Conference. 

Well, I was wrong. You were wrong. We were naive and shouldn’t have gotten our hopes up.

After all, you can’t teach old dogs new tricks. And the Warriors still had two of the oldest dogs -owner Chris Cohan and Coach Don Nelson. For years, Cohan had treated the club like his own banana republic. Soon after bringing back Nelson from the coaching scrap heap, Cohan gave the mad-scientist sideline boss unchecked power.

And Nelson has lost control, chasing friend-turned-foe Chris Mullin out of the fiefdom and clashing with nearly the entire roster. Today, the Warriors are a mess, overtaking the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Isiah Thomas led New York Knicks as the league’s most embarrassing franchise.

This week, I had a false glimmer of hope. Change was supposedly coming. Reports had Nelson leaving the sideline to accept a cushy advisor position and the coaching reins would be handed to promising assistant Keith Smart.

Again, I shouldn’t have gotten my hopes up. The palace coup was over before it ever began. Nelson immediately shot down this rumour; his lackeys in the front office also had his back. Then it hit me. The veteran coach isn’t going anywhere with two-years and $12 million remaining on his contract.

No team in this economy, especially the Warriors, will eat that salary and pay for another coach. Nelson is staying for at least another year. Maybe more. The Stephen Jackson saga doesn’t matter. Neither do his problems with Monta Ellis or his mishandling of rookie Stephen Curry.

That much-needed coaching change isn’t happening. So I won’t believe. I won’t let these Golden State Warriors fool me again. I suggest you do the same.

Got thoughts on HoopsVibe The Blog’s Bust of the Week? Get at us in the comment box below. Follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of rocor.

Best poster-job: Dwyane Wade on Anderson Varejao or Ty Lawson on L.A. Lakers?

Right now, two dunks are the talk of the NBA.

The first came on Thursday when Dwyane Wade’s Miami Heat took on LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers. Wade, who is already in mid-season form, dribbled the length of the floor and dunked on Anderson Varejao with such ferocity the seven-foot super-pest fell into the basket’s protective cushions.

The play was so impressive broadcasters, for a moment, stopped discussing Wade and James` pending free agency and actually focused on the game. 

The second took place during yesterday’s rematch of the 2009 Western Conference Finals between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers. During the final stages of the Nuggets’ blowout win, rookie Ty Lawson got free off a high screen and promptly packed it on posts Josh Powell and DJ Mbenga.

So, what dunk impressed you the most: Wade’s facial or Lawson’s poster job? Watch the clips and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.




(Clip 1: Wade abusing Varejao on national television.)



(Clip 2: Lawson putting the exclamation point on Denver’s victory.)

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