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.

Did Shaq Vs. Nash hurt Phoenix’s chemistry?

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “There’s an interesting back story here, one that explains in part some of the fractured relationships that defined the Suns’ struggles last season.

O’Neal stole Nash’s idea.

Shortly after O’Neal was traded to the Suns in February 2008, Nash mentioned to his new teammates a reality show he was pursuing. It would feature the Suns point guard taking on professional athletes in their own sport.

The topic didn’t come up again until early in the 2008-09 season, when O’Neal boarded the Suns bus and told the team he would be starring in a new reality show in which he would be taking on, you got it, professional athletes in their own sport.” (The Arizona Republic, Paola Bovin)

My Gut Reaction: Chemistry is a finicky, delicate thing.

Last year, the Phoenix Suns, even with Shaquille O’Neal for a full season, lacked the cohesion and balance to make the playoffs. There were obstacles: Amare Stoudemire’s injuries, Steve Nash’s increasing age, and coming together after a mid-season swap for starter Jason Richardson.

The central issue was identity. Nash, the two-time MVP and face of the franchise, wanted to return to the run-and-gun ways of Seven Seconds to Shoot, especially after Terry Porter was replaced by long-time assistant Alvin Gentry on the sideline.

O’Neal, even after losing significant weight, sometimes struggled to fit with the up-and-down Suns. To be fair, the gregarious post often buried opponents like that February clash against the Toronto Raptors, when he dropped a cool 45 points on the ‘Ru-Paul of big men’ Chris Bosh.

Of course, ‘The Big Cactus’ experiment ended in July. For a number of reasons, the Suns dealt O’Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers. And the subtle Nash versus O’Neal clash ended with fast-break basketball winning over slower, half-court hoops.

Or so we thought …

Apparently, there was off-court tension, too. Reports indicate O’Neal, after hearing Nash discuss plans for a reality show where he battled other athletes, stole the premise from his point guard. Shaq Vs could have been Nash Vs. Word is Nash was so miffed he called his lawyer and negotiated credit along with a producer’s fee.

Stealing reality shows? Calling lawyers? Negotiating producer’s fees?
 
This off-court tiff must have influenced the on-court product. Sure, Nash and O’Neal made nice publicly during the season and when the story broke yesterday the Canadian mentioned ‘collaborating’ with his former teammate. If player’s don’t trust each other off-court, how do they trust each other on-court? 

Last year, the Suns had obvious chemistry issues. And Shaq vs. Nash likely didn’t help.
 
Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below on Shaq stealing Nash’s idea for a reality show? Follow Oly on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Maniac Moses.
 

How Andrew Bogut, Andrew Bynum, and Greg Oden avoid becoming another Sam Bowie bust

It would be unfair to put Andrew Bogut, Andrew Bynum, and Greg Oden in the Sam Bowie bust category. However, it would be fair to say these three haven’t met expectations.

After all, Bogut and Oden were first overall picks. And Bynum, if he doesn’t try for prep-to-pros success, probably gets selected higher than tenth in the 2005 draft.

To be fair, injuries and bad luck have reduced Bogut, Bynum, and Oden’s influence on both ends of the floor. Each must shrug off past mistakes and misfortune to assume responsibility for the future of their career.

Their clubs need them in 2010 and beyond. Milwaukee is counting on the ‘Aussie’ to pick-up his scoring after dealing Richard Jefferson this summer. Los Angeles, if they are to capture consecutive championships, has to get a full season of focused play from Bynum, while Portland could contend if Oden successfully complements stars LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy. 

Health aside (because it’s an obvious component), here’s what these youngsters must do to fulfill expectations and avoid becoming the next Bowie.

Andrew Bogut …

The former first overall pick has to get in point guard Luke Ridnour’s head and demand the ball. Too often, Bogut has been a third or fourth option, picking up leftover scraps while others took ill advised shots from the outside.

Without Jefferson, Charlie Villanueva, and Mo Williams, Milwaukee has no choice but to become an inside-outside team. Establishing Bogut early on in games will open the floor for others like Michael Redd, especially since he’s an unselfish and outstanding passer from the five-spot.

Andrew Bynum …

Someday, the New Jersey native will become the purple-and-gold’s focal point. However, that day isn’t now, so Bynum should stop worrying about touches, Phil Jackson‘s head games, living up to his contract, and TMZ reporting on his personal life.

Instead, he should enjoy playing. Yes, turn back the clock to elementary school and just have fun. Bottom line: Bynum is far more effective when he blocks shots, rebounds, and converts on high percentage opportunities.

For example, Bynum was terrific during a stretch of games from December 2007 to January 2008 because he stopped sweating the nonsense and focused on getting pleasure out the game. Since then, partly because of injuries, he has over-thought things and struggled.

For the foreseeable future, the Lakers are Kobe Bryant’s team. As much as possible in a basketball-mad market like L.A., Bynum should shut out distractions and revel in the freedom of being a supporting star.

Greg Oden …

Oden, despite a tough two years, must also get more enjoyment from playing. Man-child needs to rediscover the carefree confidence and swagger that led to Slam covers and that hilarious tour of his old Indianapolis pad.



(The lifestyle of a star athlete before striking it rich in the NBA.)

Of course, easier said than done. Pro sports is a results-orientated, pressure-packed business.

But part of Oden’s struggles come from pressing on-court because he wants to compensate for missing so much time with injuries. His determination is commendable. Like Bynum, he’d have greater success relaxing and blending with Aldridge and Roy.

Also, Oden needs to shed muscle. Over the last two years, he added bulk to his upper body lifting weights because he wanted to stay active while recovering from micro fracture surgery and other ailments. 

Portland becomes a full-fledged Western Conference beast if Oden stays healthy, plugs the middle, and averages anything near 13 points and 10 rebounds per game.

What do Bogut, Bynum, and Oden have to do to avoid becoming a Bowie-bust? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly Sandor at HoopsVibe The Blog and on Twitter. Photo courtesy of flypdx.

Clay Bennett, Howard Schultz, David Stern, and the NBA should fear Sonicsgate

It was 1993. Cross Color jeans, Naughty By Nature, and the Seattle Supersonics were the rage.

Thankfully, I lived three hours north of the Emerald City and during Spring Break my saint of a mother drove this grade nine boy to Key Arena to watch the Sonics play the Miami Heat.

I don’t remember who won. I don’t remember who lost (the March 13th box-score shows Miami pulled out a 106-102 victory). I do remember the players: Shawn Kemp, Gary Payton, Ricky Pierce, and Heat phenomenon Harold ‘Baby Jordan’ Miner.

Most importantly, I remember the feeling of a basketball mad market. It was a few years before the abomination known as the Grizzlies hit Vancouver, so the entertaining Sonics were very much the home team.

It was clear Seattle loved its team. It was also clear Seattle loved basketball. You could see it in the fan’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. There was also a sense these players were different, capable of breaking out the competitive Western Conference and challenging for an NBA Title.

It was a special experience. And something I will never forget because it helped foster my passion for the sport.

What happened fifteen years later was also an experience. Only it was devastating. The bond between Seattle and its Sonics broke when majority owner Clay Bennett and his partners, lured by lucrative luxury boxes and a shiny new arena, took the franchise to Oklahoma City.

Moving a professional sports team is never easy on a city and its fans. But Bennett, NBA Commissioner David Stern, former Sonic owner and current Starbucks guru Howard Schultz, and certain Seattle politicians behaved in a particularly shameful and dishonest manner.

Seattle deserved better. After all, the community supported the NBA for forty years, even basking in the glow of the 1979 championship. Legends like Freddie Brown, Tom Chambers, Dale Ellis, Gus Johnson and, my favorite, Xavier McDaniel turned the 2-0-6 into a basketball factory, which produced current NBA players Spencer Hawes, Nate Robinson, Brandon Roy, Jason Terry, and Martell Webster.

All that is gone. Forever.

Thankfully, Sonicsgate, a new documentary film, essentially argues that Bennett, with the NBA’s approval, planned on leaving Seattle well before citizens had a chance to vote on whether to spend $500 million of taxpayers money on a new arena. 

I hope Sonicsgate shows what really happened. And I hope Seattle gets back just a small part of that special feeling from 1993. 



(Check out the above trailer of Sonicsgate Then watch the full movie on-line in October or check your local listings for show times.)

Got thoughts on Sonicsgate? What about Seattle losing its NBA team? Let us know in the comment box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of bballchico. 

Spare parts for promise: Toronto trades Delfino and Ukic for Johnson

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: "The National Post has learned that the Raptors have agreed to trade point guard Roko Ukic and swingman Carlos Delfino, a restricted free agent, to the Milwaukee Bucks, in exchange for forward Amir Johnson." (Eric Koreen, National Post)

My Quick Reaction: Call it spare parts for an intriguing asset.

Toronto’s off-season makeover continues with executive Bryant Colangelo trading Delfino and Ukic, two players with uncertain futures in Raptor-ville, to Milwaukee for a promising and explosive big in Johnson.

Delfino, after a season abroad in Europe, couldn’t come to terms on a new contract with the club, while Ukic had an up-and-down rookie year. Both would have had limited roles on a revamped Raptor squad.

So why not get a blue-chip post, Johnson, with loads of potential for Delfino’s rights and Ukic?

Johnson isn’t a typical back-up. At 22, he has already spent parts of four seasons in the NBA because he skipped college and attempted to go straight from high school to the pros.

His draft plans didn’t pan-out and Johnson, after getting tagged with the raw label by scouts, was selected by Detroit 56th overall in the second round. But his athleticism made such an impression in the D-League and during initial auditions with the Pistons that executive Joe Dumars eventually signed him to a multi-year, $11 million contract. 

In fact, in March of 2008 via email, I discussed Johnson with Natalie Sitto of NeedforSheed.com fame. Sitto is a fine writer, the star of a top NBA blog, and an expert on all things to do with her beloved Detroit Pistons. Here are her thoughts:

“All things are true of Amir Johnson … he is the kid we signed through three years after really not having any playing time in his first two years. If he had went to college and played a year you can bet he would have been a lottery pick, so Detroit got a steal.

He’s athletic, young and willing to do whatever it takes no matter what the score is. Detroit is very high on him and I am sure you will see him have a solid spot in the rotation next season.” Sitto, NeedforSheed.com, March 24, 2008)

Johnson never got that much-anticipated opportunity with the Pistons and was dealt to the Bucks this summer. However, a change of scenery and weight program (Johnson is listed at a slight 210 pounds) will help him become a solid, defensive back-up with the Raptors.

Best of all, Johnson’s modest deal expires in July of 2010. If things don’t work out, Toronto walks at the end of the season and the four-man can test the competitive free agent market.

Dealing spare parts, Delfino and Ukic, for an intriguing asset, Johnson, was a no-brainer for the Toronto Raptors.

Got thoughts on Delfino and Ukic for Johnson? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly at HoopsVibe the Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of mjpotter1982 .