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Webber is wrong: Bosh could easily stay with Toronto RaptorsOctober 25 09  Breaking News mixed with analysis …Their News: “I got two predictions. They’re (Toronto) out of the playoffs. They’re out of Chris Bosh.” (Chris Webber, analyst NBA TV) My Quick Analysis: He may be retired and in the broadcast booth, but Webber is still controversial. Recently, the analyst declared that the Toronto Raptors would miss the playoffs in 2010, which, in turn, would prompt Bosh and the club to cut ties through a trade or during free agency at season’s end. To be fair, Webber has a unique perspective. Like Bosh, he was once an All-Star power forward. And like Bosh, he experienced a high profile contract negotiation with a franchise he helped rebuild -the Sacramento Kings. On the one hand, Webber is also right. The results matter. For instance, a winning or losing season would have to influence CB4’s decision to re-up with the Raptors or migrate south to the United States. On the other hand, Webber’s overlooking two factors. First, consider the economy. Unlike the free spending days of the 1990s, the NBA - like the rest of the business world - is in a recession. With a declining salary cap, less money is available for all players, including the big ticket free agents of next summer. In the current economy, Bosh has little chance of becoming teammates with LeBron James or Dwyane Wade. This increases his chances of staying in Toronto, who, according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, can offer the most money and longest term. Second, the Raptors are much improved. After a summer makeover, they now have a second-unit, athletes, toughness, and a co-star in Hedo Turkolgu. Given time, Turkoglu will develop chemistry with Bosh and the team could be a factor in the Eastern Conference. Interestingly enough, Webber surprised many by turning down the bright lights of bigger markets and re-signing with the Kings. Years later, Bosh could follow his lead, but for different reasons. Got thoughts on Webber’s comments? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of nidserz.
How good is Houston without Ron Artest, Tracy McGrady, and Yao?October 25 09  During training camp and the early stages of the regular season, HoopsVibe the Blog will ask and answer an important question facing each of the NBA’s thirty teams. Weigh-in with thoughts on our ‘Key Questions’ feature in the comment box below.Today’s team: the Houston Rockets. Key Question: Can Houston compete without Ron-Ron, T-Mac, and Yao? The Answer: If it weren’t for bad luck, they’d have no luck at all. After years of playoff heartbreak, the Houston Rockets overcame injuries to superstars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming to win a seven game series and push the world champion Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference semi-finals. Their fortunes appeared to be changing, but then summer hit. Yao’s foot injury was worse than originally diagnosed and he’s out all of 2010. McGrady, after a summer rehabilitating his micro-fractured knee, is still questionable, while Ron Artest left Houston for the free agent riches and fame of Los Angeles. Even without their three best players from 2009, the blue-collar Rockets could conceivably challenge for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and scare a contender in the first round. Here’s why: The less talent they have, the more blue-collar Houston becomes. Without McGrady and Yao, the rest of the roster has no choice but to dig-in, man-up, and get-stops. Their defense - led by Trevor Ariza, Shane Battier, and Luis Scola - must further reduce opposition scoring, even though they only gave up 94.4 points per game in 2009. They have nice role players. Guard Kyle Lowry, after being acquired from Memphis at the trade deadline, is physical on both ends of the floor. Meanwhile, third-year man Carl Landry could post double-figure scoring numbers, rotating between the four and five positions. So they have an identity and some chemistry from last year. What are the negatives? Points will be hard to come by. Without a first-option who can create for himself or others, Coach Rick Adelman will be forced to use a scorer-by-committee system. On some nights, the offense will struggle. The cupboard isn’t totally bare, though. For instance, young Aaron Brooks emerged as a player last year. Look for the tiny table-setter to use his speed on pick-and-rolls to create pops (jumpers) for Battier and rolls to the basket for Scola. There may be minutes for second round pick Chase Budinger. The offensively starved Rockets could certainly use the former All-American volleyball player’s athleticism, outside range, and scoring ability. However, Budinger is a bit of a mystery. Years ago, I watched him as a freshman dominate a pre-season tournament near Vancouver, B.C. His talent was obvious, yet he never fulfilled his potential at Arizona. Budinger did have an impressive summer league and his skill-set may be better suited for the pro game. The five-spot is a concern. David Anderson, an NBA rookie with loads of European experience, will try to replace the injured Yao. And at times, Adelman will go with workers like Scola and Landry. Still, bigger teams could have their way with the undersized Rockets. After years of bad luck, Houston will need some good fortune to be relevant in the Western Conference. Prediction: In the mix for the eighth playoff spot in the West. Sound off: Where do you see the Houston Rockets finishing in 2010? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of mikeopera.
Why Stephen Jackson must keep quiet on Kobe BryantOctober 23 09  Breaking NBA News mixed with analysis ... My Quick Analysis: I’m guessing Stephen Jackson never heard about Gary Payton’s first meeting with Michael Jordan. Years back, Payton, then a rookie with the Seattle Supersonics, ran into Jordan at a club the night before an exhibition game against the Chicago Bulls. Never shy, The Glove trash-talked His Airness, who coolly brushed off the young guard’s words. Jordan took revenge the next night by lighting-up Payton on-court. It seems he had extra motivation from their little run-in the night before at the club. I think Jackson should consider this story the next time he feels so obliged to speak on Kobe Bryant. You may recall a couple of weeks ago the former Golden State Warriors’ captain recently declared to the world he was Bryant’s equal. “I’m not a fan of Kobe. I’m not somebody who looks up to him. I’m a grown man myself. So when I go out there and play the game, I play the game. I feel like I’m just as good as him.”On Wednesday, Jackson’s Warriors met Bryant’s Lakers for the first time since his outlandish comments. While Bryant’s numbers were modest (21 points, five rebounds, and three assists), don’t think the All-World two-guard hasn’t taken note and won’t try to bust-up Jackson each time they meet for the rest of their careers. Having confidence is fine, but Jackson is now a target. Goading Bryant also complicates his trade demand. Remember, Jackson asked the Warriors to move him earlier in the summer. On the one hand, potential suitors will appreciate his competitiveness. On the other hand, some teams will be weary of acquiring a player whose competitiveness gets the better of him and too often spills out publicly. To be fair, Jackson’s confidence is a big reason why he’s such a terrific player. However, it’s in everyone’s interest, especially his own, that he tone-down his public comments. Sound off: What do you think of Jackson’s comments? Get at us in the opinion box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Bright Like Neon.
Wrong ’Guaransheed’: Boston Celtics shouldn’t worry about 73 winsOctober 21 09  Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …Their News: "I think we can get that Bulls record (winning 73 games). Definitely, playing with those three other guys, also combining that with the guys we have on the bench, I think we definitely can." (Rasheed Wallace, Celtics Central) My Quick Analysis: I’m not mad at Rasheed Wallace. I’m not mad the temperamental post went there, suggesting his Boston Celtics could challenge the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ hallowed record of 72 regular season wins. And I’m not mad that Wallace - after years of deferring to others in Detroit - is re-energized and prepared to publicly discuss having success in Boston. However, I think he should reconsider his ‘Guaransheed‘. Sure, breaking the Bulls’ record would be nice, but it’s ultimately meaningless and unnecessary for the veteran Celtics. Shooting for 73 wins would likely compromise the club’s chances at a second NBA Title in three years. Health matters. Two years ago, Boston’s Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce avoided major injuries, which was key in the club raising their seventeenth championship banner. ‘The Big Three’ stayed healthy because they got their rest. Last year, ‘Father Time’ caught Garnett. The former MVP missed significant time during the regular season and the entire playoffs because of a knee injury. Without Garnett, their anchor on defense, the Celtics lost in the second round to the Orlando Magic. Winning 73 games would require Allen, Garnett, and Pierce to play major minutes, even with Boston’s upgraded bench. And herein lies the risk -chasing a meaningless record for the sake of ego would exhaust ‘The Big Three’ and could lead to a devastating injury. In a revamped Eastern Conference, rest and health could be the difference in a seven game playoff series. In fact, for the Celtics, staying injury-free is more important than home-court advantage. With their exceptional defense and Coach Doc Rivers’ get-stops mentality, Boston can win road playoff games -but only at full strength. And this doesn’t happen if the Celtics get worn-down trying to break a regular season record. Like I said, I’m not mad at Wallace’s declaration. I just don’t think winning 73 games just is especially important for Boston. Sound off: What do you think of the Celtics potentially chasing 73 wins? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Paul Keleher.
Can Danny Granger and the young Indiana Pacers make the playoffs?October 18 09  Every day until the regular season begins, HoopsVibe the Blog will ask and answer an important question facing each of the NBA’s thirty teams. Weigh-in with thoughts on our ‘Key Questions’ feature in the comment box below.Today’s team: the Indiana Pacers. Key Question: Can Danny Granger and the young Indiana Pacers make the playoffs? The Answer: Last year, they were just a win shy of the playoffs. But the young, athletic, and high-scoring Indiana Pacers, even with a budding superstar in Danny Granger, could again find themselves golfing when the NBA’s second-season kicks off next April. After all, executive Larry Bird mostly stood pat in the off-season, while several Eastern Conference rivals underwent the kind of makeover that would wow Dr. Phil, leave Oprah speechless, and have Tyra Banks snappin’ those pretty fingers. To be fair, there are positives. It starts with Granger -the athletic swing is on the verge of joining the game’s very best, especially since he extended his range past the three-point line this off-season. Already possessing an explosive first-step, Granger’s improved shot will prevent opposing defenses from backing off him. Closer, on-the-ball coverage will allow the three-man to use his tremendous physical gifts to blow by defenders and attack the basket. There is also a nice mix of young and established players. Last year, Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert showed enough to be pencilled in as opening day starters in 2010. If healthy, Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy are useful players, while T.J. Ford solidifies the one-spot. Dunleavy aside, the bench is a little thin. And being a smaller market, Indiana lacks the resources to add talent, so Jeff Foster, Tyler Hansbrough, Dahntay Jones, and Earl Watson will have to make-do when the starters need a rest or get hurt. They must get stops. Last year, the Pacers had the fifth worst defense in the NBA, conceding 106 points per game. Jones, who made a bit of a name for himself as a lockdown guy with Denver last year, should help, but this young side must collectively commit to playing defense. Their biggest problem is that the Eastern Conference is better. Much better. Boston, Cleveland, and Orlando all improved over the summer, while next tier teams like Atlanta, Miami, Toronto and Washington also upgraded. This means Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Indiana, New Jersey, and Philadelphia will duke it out for the eighth and final playoff birth. Indiana should enjoy last year’s push for a playoff spot because the same success will be hard to duplicate in 2010. Prediction: Out of the playoffs. Sound off; Where do you see Indiana finishing in 2010? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Chris Isherwood.
When will Golden State commit to Andris Biedrins, Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis, and Anthony Randolph?October 17 09  Every day until the regular season begins, HoopsVibe the Blog will ask and answer an important question facing each of the NBA’s thirty teams. Weigh-in with thoughts on our ‘Key Questions’ feature in the comment box below.Today’s team: the Golden State Warriors. Key Question: When will Golden State truly commit to Andris Biedrins, Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis, and Anthony Randolph? The Answer: Well, not now. With the exception of a memorable run in 2007, the Golden State Warriors seem stuck in a never-ending state of dysfunction. Yes, never-ending. Consider the past few months. In late August, captain Stephen Jackson demanded a trade just months after signing a three year, $30 million contract extension. On the first day of training camp, Monta Ellis - who missed part of last year when he violated his contract and injured himself riding a moped - told reporters he didn’t want to share the backcourt with super-rookie Stephen Curry. This past week, Jackson took back the spotlight from Ellis. He was suspended by the team for swearing at Coach Don Nelson during an exhibition game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Then Jackson relinquished his captaincy in a meeting with Nelson. And, to top it off, he told reporters he was Kobe Bryant’s equal on the basketball court. Of course, these flare-ups provide a convenient distraction from the real issue: instability at the top prevents the organization from making good decisions. Thankfully, long-time owner Chris Cohan seems ready to sell his majority share and then a much needed overhaul can occur. Until then, the dysfunction will continue. This is a shame because the Warriors have young talent, but lack the systems, discipline, and stability to get the most out of them. Andris Biedrins, Curry, Ellis, and Anthony Randolph could form a nice nucleus. After all, Biedrins is a lock for a double-double every night, while Curry and Ellis both have the speed and skill-set to make regular appearances at the All-Star game. Randolph, with his natural athleticism, could also develop into a dominant player. Unfortunately, the club hasn’t provided any mentors. The front office and sideline are in a constant state of disarray; most of the veterans, like Jackson, are too preoccupied with their personal situations to model professionalism. The sooner a new owner and coach are in place, the better. With Cohan and Nelson still calling the shots, Golden State’s blue-chippers will be forced to share minutes and the spotlight with older players like Corey Maggette and, for now, Jackson. The Warriors will move forward when they commit to their youngsters and provide an environment for them to succeed. And this only happens after Cohan and Nelson leave. Prediction: They’ll miss the playoffs. Sound off: Where do you see Golden State finishing in 2010? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Bright Like Neon.
Kobe Bryant imitates Magic Johnson and ’The Showtime’ LakersOctober 17 09  On Thursday night, Kobe Bryant took us back to the 1980s.During Thursday’s exhibition game versus the Sacramento Kings, Bryant dropped a through-the-leg bounce pass to a trailing Lamar Odom, who finished the play with a convincing one-handed jam. The entire sequence was reminiscent of ‘The Showtime Los Angeles Lakers‘, when Magic Johnson used to hit James Worthy, Byron Scott, and numerous other teammates in the open-court with highlight reel dimes. Watch NBATV’s Assist of the Night and let us know if Bryant looks a little like the great Magic in the comment box below. Follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Photo courtesy of srueda43. Clip initially found on dimemag.com.
Can Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva help Detroit compete in the Eastern Conference?October 15 09  Every day until the regular season begins, HoopsVibe the Blog will ask and answer an important question facing each of the NBA’s thirty teams. Weigh-in with thoughts on our Key Questions feature in the comment box below.Today’s team: the Detroit Pistons. Key Questions: Can the new-look Pistons compete in a much-improved Eastern Conference? The Answer: Last November, Joe Dumars pulled the plug. After years of finishing at or near the top of the Eastern Conference, the Hall of Fame guard and wily executive ended the Detroit Pistons’ run by trading franchise face Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets for Allen Iverson. The plan was to rebuild around Iverson. Well, sort of. Dumars acquired ‘The Anti-Practice’ for his contract. Iverson’s $20 million per year deal was set to expire last July, giving the Pistons, in theory, enough cap space to trade for a superstar or land a top free agent in the summer of 2010. Again, this was the plan. Instead of delivering an elite talent, Detroit signed two good but not great free agents in Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. And Dumars, despite being in a buyer’s market, paid both very fair money -Gordon got five years at $55 million, while Villanueva also inked a five-year deal for $35 million. To be fair, the Pistons have an interesting collection of players, but is it enough in the much improved Eastern Conference? Currently, Detroit is trying to find the right mix of young and old. At times, guards Will Bynum and Rodney Stuckey have shown promise. However, Rip Hamilton is a backcourt fixture and Gordon, the big-ticket free agent, needs minutes, too. There is also competition in the front-court. Jason Maxiell and Charlie Villanueva could form a nice duo at the forward positions, but Tayshaun Prince is the long-time starter at the three spot. Also, in the mix are Kwame Brown, Ben Wallace, and Chris Wilcox. John Kuester has the unenviable task of sorting-out playing time. In pre-season, the first-year coach has shown he’s not afraid to experiment, even starting Bynum, Gordon, and Stuckey at the perimeter positions, while using Wallace mostly at power-forward. One thing is certain: Stuckey must get better. Part of the reason Detroit traded Billups was because they believed their young star could handle starting at point guard. However, Stuckey averaged just five assists per game and, if he plays the one-spot regularly, must become a more consistent distributor. Prediction: They’re in the hunt for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately, the east is more competitive and it remains to be seen if the Pistons have kept pace. Sound off: where do you see Detroit finishing in 2010? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box and follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe The Blog and Twitter. Image courtesy of Keith Allison.
Best of the Web: Colangelo would get equal value in Bosh trade, Boston’s bench in 2010, Lakers Josh Powell talks StreetballOctober 14 09  HoopsVibe The Blog semi-regularly drops a best-of-the-web feature with all the articles from the ’three dubyas’ you should be reading …
For now, Don Nelson and Stephen Jackson must play nice in Golden StateOctober 12 09  Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis … Their News: "The Golden State Warriors will attempt to work unhappy forward Stephen Jackson back into their team fold starting Tuesday, when the Warriors are scheduled to hold their first home practice following four straight preseason games on the road. Jackson is expected to meet with Warriors general manager Larry Riley and coach Don Nelson before that practice, after missing the last two of those exhibition games through a team-imposed suspension for a sideline blowup with Nelson on Friday night in Los Angeles that was deemed "conduct detrimental" to the club." (ESPN.com) My Very Quick Analysis: At Tuesday’s meeting, they must call a truce.
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