Why Steve Nash is “a real long shot” to play for Canada at FIBA World Championship

It would have taken one phone call.

That’s all Steve Nash would have had to do for Canada Basketball to roll out the red carpet and hold a roster spot for him on the team heading to the 2010 FIBA World Championship in Turkey.

Instead of calling in a favor with the organization he represented for a decade, the former NBA All-Star told reporters at his ‘Showdown in Downtown’ charity soccer game in Vancouver that he wouldn’t play at next summer’s tournament and reiterated that his international career is likely finished.

“I think that (playing in Turkey) is a real long shot,” said Nash.

“I have so many commitments already and my commitment to the Suns. Something would have to give and I don’t know if I could make it through physically and mentally. Like I said, five or six years ago, my time with the national team is probably over.” 

Nobody should be shocked Nash won’t suit up for Canada, but not for the reason he mentioned. At Saturday’s event it was obvious he’s in terrific shape, fully capable of dominating both the soccer pitch and basketball court.

Nash could be passing on the World Championship for a different reason: he didn’t play in the qualifying FIBA Tournament of the Americas and doesn’t want to disrupt chemistry.

It’s becoming all too common with national programs. NBA superstars let lower level pros take care of business during the qualifying tournaments and, once the team has secured a spot in the Olympics or World Championship, they suddenly become available to represent their country.

These arrangements divide teams. After all, players toiling in various European leagues get the grunt work of long training camps and gruelling exhibition games, while the NBA hotshot gets the spotlight and accolades of high profile events.

This can create problems. For instance, Philadelphia 76ers centre Sam Dalembert was kicked off the Canadian team at the Beijing Olympics for not gelling with teammates. Dalembert became a Canadian citizen months before the 2008 Olympics.

USA Basketball stumbled before the recent ‘Redeem Team’ because its best players believed tournaments and training camps were optional. The Americans only reclaimed their perch atop the world’s basketball throne in Beijing after their elite talent made a three-year commitment to the program in 2005.

Nash understands joining the Canadian team after it had done the heavy lifting at the Tournament of the Americas might not jive with some teammates. Worst of all, he’d have to take a roster spot from someone else

Watching Nash give to others at his ’Showdown in Downtown’, it’s no surprise he’s opting-out of the 2010 World Championship. Instead of criticizing, we should appreciate his decision.

Got thoughts on Nash not playing at the 2010 World Championship? Should national programs give NBA stars a pass for qualifying rounds? Sound off in the comment box below. Follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Mike Wu.

Hasheem Thabeet on Allen Iverson and Zach Randolph in Memphis: “Everybody will get theirs”

Breaking NBA news mixed with our quick analysis …

Today, I watched Hasheem Thabeet do it all at Steve Nash’s ‘Showdown in Downtown’ Vancouver.

The second pick in the 2009 NBA draft notched a brilliant goal against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC development squad during an eight-aside soccer match, represented the Memphis Grizzlies with class, and easily manoeuvred through reporter’s questions on new teammates Allen Iverson and Zach Randolph.

“For us we want to run. And for us to bring Allen Iverson on the team, he wants to push the ball all the time, so for us it’s a great addition. And everybody (Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, and Zach Randolph) is going to get theirs.”

“I also speak to Zach (Randolph) a lot. When I was in Los Angeles before the draft, I used to go in the gym and work out with him, so he going to help us a lot.”

I’m still unsure of the mix in Memphis. Older heads like Iverson and Randolph will want the majority of shots to re-establish their names, while younger stars like Gay and Mayo also need the ball to make an impact.

Something has to give. New coach Lionel Hollins will have the most unpleasant task of mediating disputes because everybody isn’t ‘getting theirs’ as Thabeet says. Still, on paper, the Grizzlies have improved and, after years of being an afterthought, there’s finally a buzz in Memphis for the coming season.

Is Thabeet right? Will everybody ‘get theirs’ with the Grizzlies? Follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of JPLui.

Video: Steve Nash’s latest Vitamin Water ad, featuring 50 Cent and the Antoine Walker ’shoulder-shimmy’

It’s the best one yet.

Yesterday, Steve Nash released another amusing youtube video for Vitamin Water, the upstart company he endorses. In typical Nash style, his latest work is smart, self-deprecating, and, most importantly, amusing. 

Two things stand out when watching this clip. First, the two-time MVP is rather convincing as an Anthony Robbins self-help guru. And second, at the end of the clip, Nash, whether intentional or not, pays homage to former NBA All-Star Antoine Walker with a little ‘Toine inspired shoulder-shimmy. 

Watch Nash’s latest spoof and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below. For good measure, take a trip down memory lane with Walker’s infamous shoulder-shimmy, too.



(’Vitamins. Water. Repeat. No thanks.’)




(Remember Antoine Walker and his shoulder-shimmy?) 


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Washington Wizards must tell Gilbert Arenas to grow up

Breaking NBA News mixed with analysis …

Their News: "If you have a kid that loves basketball, that eats, sleeps, drinks and thinks basketball and all he knows is basketball and he gets hurt and he’s your franchise player, you need to hold him back from himself," Arenas told the newspaper. "If I’m saying I feel good and you know it’s supposed to take six months, instead of letting me at four months run ... they should have held me back. Rather than saying, ’Let’s let this guy do what he wants and use him to sell tickets’ — sometimes you have to protect players from themselves. I don’t feel like I got that type of protection." (ESPN News.com)

My Quick Reaction: Nothing is gained by throwing the organization under the bus.

Today, that’s exactly what Gilbert Arenas did -publicly blaming the Washington Wizards for his injury woes and claiming the team’s medical staff were partially responsible for him missing so many games over the last two seasons.

And, just to rub salt in that giant wound he created, Arenas claimed the team should have ignored his pleas to play and kept him on injured reserve. ‘The Hibachi’ also alleged that the Wizards rushed him back prematurely to ‘sell tickets‘.

Well, at least, he didn’t blog about it.

On the one hand, Arenas may be right. Washington’s trainers and doctors could be sub par when compared to new trainer Tim Grover. And, perhaps, these doctors and trainers are partially at fault for him spending most of the last two years on injured reserve.

On the other hand, Arenas couldn’t be more wrong in how he addressed his concerns -through the media. Such problems should be addressed behind closed doors. Make no mistake about it, going public will rub many the wrong way.

Abe Pollin, Washington’s owner, has always emphasized loyalty and respect for all, even in the what-have-you-done-for-me-lately NBA. In fact, many have argued his old school values are why the Wizards have struggled year-after-year.

Still, win or lose, Pollin has maintained that nobody is bigger than the team. For instance, he once handed the great Michael Jordan a multi-million dollar severance and kicked him out of the organization for abusing employees and young players like Kwame Brown.

So how will Pollin handle these comments? After all, he showed great loyalty to Arenas by personally approving a $111 million contract last summer, despite reports his combo guard’s knee hadn’t healed.

Then there’s the medical staff, who can’t be blamed if they hold a grudge against Arenas when training camp opens in a few weeks. Going forward, doctors and trainers will be nervous when treating his injuries because they don’t want to risk winding up in the news.

His teammates and coaches can’t be overly thrilled, either. During this interview, Arenas mentioned that “All-League and to play as many games as possible” were his goals for the coming season. There was no talk of collective achievement like winning 50 games or qualifying for the playoffs, which reveals much about Arenas.

Arenas isn’t a bad person. And he possesses an exciting skill-set. He still thinks it’s all about him, though. For the Wizards to move forward in 2010, somebody has to tell him otherwise.

Get at us with thoughts on Arenas’ comments? Follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison.

Why Bryon Russell STILL hasn’t had enough of Michael Jordan

As my talented colleague Chris Sells reported, Byron Russell hasn’t had enough of Michael Jordan.

Years ago, Russell became part of NBA history when Jordan nailed a championship winning buzzer-beater on his head. Of course, ‘His Airness’ brought up some ancient trash talk and that epic shot during last week’s Hall of Fame speech.

Russell, right or wrong, didn’t back down, immediately calling out Jordan to print reporters and challenging him to a game of one-on-one:

“Out of all the people (Jordan) came across, he thought about me. I’m happy to be in his Hall of Fame speech.”

“To me, that’s the greatest play in basketball history. It will stay that way because (Jordan) will always be the greatest player to play the game. I didn’t mind. But the referees didn’t make the call on the push off. It’s long done and gone. It was a call that wasn’t made on a play that was great.” 

“I’ll play his ass right now. This is a call-out for him to come play me. He can come out here in his private jet and come play. He’s got millions of dollars. He can pay for the jet. He can meet me at the Recreation Center in Calabasas. We can have Mark Jackson do the commenting. We can have Mitch Richmond do the officiating. We can put it on T.V. and see if Michael’s still got it.” (found on Sells, HoopsVibe via Yahoo sports)  

It appears Russell still hasn’t had enough of Jordan. A few days after these comments, the veteran upped the ante by taunting his former foe in an ESPN television interview, even using props like orange Gatorade and a hand-towel to convey his point.

This is all publicity. Russell, who has been scheming on a comeback for years, is trying to leverage the situation into a tryout. For instance, instead of wearing a suit or even a golf shirt for a nationally televised interview, Russell specifically sported a cut-off ‘tee’ because he likely wanted to give the impression he’s in shape.

Clearly, Russell hasn’t had enough of Jordan. But has the NBA had enough of Russell?

Watch the clip and get at us with thoughts on the purpose behind this interview in the comment box below.




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Robert Sarver and Phoenix Suns could learn from Earl Clark’s five-year plan

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: “Five years down the road I expect to be an All-Star in this league. I know I’m capable of it. It’s just hard work and determination.” (Earl Clark, Phoenix Suns quote courtesy of insidehoops.com)

My Quick Reaction: It could happen.

After all, Clark, with his athleticism and skill, could develop into the type of swing, who regularly appears at David Stern’s February get together. Of course, several promising rookies have called their shot and fallen short of expectations.

Still, there’s no need to knock Clark’s confidence; at least the lottery pick has a five-year plan. Can the same be said for his employer, the Phoenix Suns? Other than the always dependable Grant Hill and Steve Nash, this once proud organization is riddled with uncertainty and dysfunction.

Since buying the team, owner Robert Sarver has made quite an impression on the NBA landscape -and most of it hasn’t been positive. Mark Cuban aside, he has become one of the league’s most visible owners, cheering ‘enthusiastically’ from his courtside seats.

But Sarver, never a big spender when times were good, has seen his banking and real estate portfolio crumble due to the economic downturn. With his core businesses floundering, it would be no surprise if Sarver has to sells the Suns.

Right now, saving money is the priority. Basketball has taken a backseat to the bottom line. For instance, talented first round draft picks, Rudy Fernandez and Rajon Rondo, were given away.

More recently, Shaquille O’Neal was dealt to Cleveland for Sasha Pavlovic and Ben Wallace. Phoenix bought-out both players, pocketed the cap savings, and has little interest in re-investing that money in new talent. 

Uncertain finances have also made it difficult for Phoenix to sign or trade Amare Stoudemire. GM Steve Kerr can’t open the vault and offer up a lucrative ‘max’ deal because the team’s vault is empty.

Making a trade will also be difficult. On the one hand, Kerr can’t get back equal value because Sarver wants to avoid taking on big ticket salaries. On the other hand, Sun-nation won’t let the club wrap Stoudemire in a bow and just give him away for expiring contracts and prospects.

All summer, the club and player have been unable to move forward. Not surprisingly, their standoff has caused further turmoil, duress, and uncertainty in Phoenix. 

Clark could be right and, with hard work, become an All-Star in five years. Almost everything else about the Suns’ future is unknown. 

Got thoughts on the state of the Suns? Get at us in the comment box below and follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Rail Life.

Michael Jordan’s induction speech: Hall of Fame or Hall of Shame?

Occasionally, the gift becomes a curse.

Some feel Michael Jordan’s gift, his competitive streak, got the better of him during Friday’s Hall of Fame induction speech and cursed what was meant to be a celebration of his accomplishments and legacy.

After a moving video retrospective and then being introduced as ‘The Greatest Player of All-Time’, the critics claim ‘His Airness’ inappropriately used the forum to settle old scores. Some of his alleged victims were:

• Isiah Thomas for the now infamous freeze-out at an All-Star game.

• An old high school coach for cutting him from the varsity basketball team as a tenth grader.

• Former Chicago Bulls executive Jerry Krause.

• Bryon Russell (Jordan won his final championship knocking down a buzzer-beater over the Utah guard in the NBA Finals).

There are two points worth considering on this issue. First, Jordan perhaps could have taken a little more of the high road. However, the day belonged to him and not the critics. Obviously, he wanted people to remember his competitiveness and drive, even if it came at the expense of former foes.

Second, a Hall of Fame event likely rekindles past emotions and feelings. The critics are forgetting Jordan’s career was often dogged by controversy. Remember, for years, he was unfairly seen as being a a ball-hog, who could never lead a team to an NBA Title.

After breaking through with championships in the early nineties, Jordan dealt with Sam Smith’s ‘The Jordan Rules’. The bestseller painted #23 in a mostly unflattering light. Eventually, it was revealed coach and ’friend’ Phil Jackson was Smith’s confidential source for the book. 

These are just two examples of Jordan’s greatness bringing out the worst in those around him. There were others. On Friday, the critics were hoping Jordan would only reflect on the good, but he, for whatever reason, specifically chose to remind us of the other side.

This is reasonable. Like it or not, the positive and negative are connected. And it’s all part of Jordan’s gift and curse.

What do you think of Jordan’s speech? Hall of Fame? Or Hall of Shame? Watch the videos and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.



(Part 1: Jordan Hall of Fame speech.)



(Part 2: Jordan Hall of Fame speech.)



(Part 3: Jordan Hall of Fame speech.)


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Playing time for publicity: Allen Iverson and Memphis have an ’understanding’

At the press conference, they made nice.

The player received a standing ovation and was afforded a hero’s welcome with fans chanting his name. In turn, the player spoke glowingly about his new team, showering the organization with compliments. 

However, the devil is in the details, so look past the news that Iverson finally signed that one-year, $3.1 million contract with the Memphis Grizzlies. Instead, realize that Iverson and owner Michael Heisley have an understanding: playing time for publicity.

After a disappointing season in Detroit, Iverson needed a struggling market like Memphis to provide unlimited minutes and shots to help him re-establish his name. And the Grizzlies, who have struggled to sell tickets and generate interest since moving to the River City, needed Iverson to create a buzz.

The very early returns look good. Reports from Memphis indicate the team has sold thousands of tickets since the Iverson signing was announced two days ago. And Iverson seems determined to prove critics wrong because this year is “so personal” for him.

However, understandings can sour, especially when they’re driven by the owner’s desire to sell tickets and the aging star’s desire to recapture past glory.

For instance, suppose Iverson has a bounce back year and the Grizzlies win 35 games instead of 28. Well, what happens in the summer of 2010? After all, Iverson only inked a one-year pact and becomes an unrestricted free agent in July.

Well, Iverson will likely head elsewhere. That buzz will vanish. Young stars like Mike Conley, Rudy Gay, and O.J. Mayo will have had their development stunted. And, because of their fling with Iverson, Memphis will be further away from respectability on-court and from forging a tangible connection with the market off-court.

Make no mistake about it, this is the best case scenario. Some spotlight; a few more wins, but no playoff birth in the highly competitive Western Conference.

Now suppose the worst case scenario occurs. Suppose Iverson has lost a step. Suppose he dominates the ball and alienates scorers like Gay, Mayo, and veteran Zach Randolph, who, by the way, is eyeing a new contract of his own.

What then? How do the Grizzlies cut the chord with Iverson and not frustrate their long-suffering fans, who specifically purchased tickets to watch the A.I. comeback show? How does Heisley survive another test to his already shaky credibility as an NBA owner?

Let’s be clear: Iverson deserves better. The greatest little man in league history should finish his career playing meaningful basketball in May or June with a contender. Right now, he’s a sideshow in the NBA’s version of Siberia.

As mentioned earlier, Iverson and Memphis made nice at Thursday’s press conference. Most people usually are at the beginning of an understanding.

Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts on Iverson and Memphis. Follow Oly’s work on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of unknown name.

Does Mom know best? Gloria James suggests LeBron will resign with Cleveland

Breaking NBA News mixed with analysis …

Their News: "Knick fans who are counting on LeBron James to join the hapless team after his contract with the Cleveland Cavalier expires next year had better have a Plan B.

The hoops star’s mother, Gloria, told Page Six it’s not happening. “He’s a hometown boy,” she said. “LeBron grew up in Akron, Ohio, but his home now is Cleveland.” (New York Post)

My Quick Gut Reaction: When in doubt listen to mom.

LeBron James has said little about what he’ll do when his contract runs out next July and he becomes an unrestricted free agent. For years, media, fans, and executives have heard speculation and rumor about the three-man’s future.

But Gloria James’ comments are worth noting for a couple of reasons. First, she has access to ‘The Man’, which means she’s privy to personal information and private insight the rest of us don’t get.

Second, she’s absolutely right: her son is loyal. Remember, he fired his agents, the Goodwin brothers, and partnered with high school friends to establish the King James conglomerate. For years, this group has successfully functioned as a self-contained unit, building and running the brand of LeBron James.

His loyalty extends beyond business. For instance, James has always been a good teammate, standing up for his fellow Cavaliers on and off court. And James has never forgotten his home state of Ohio, giving back to local charities.

There’s a saying that ’moms know best’. Cleveland fans surely hope this is case with LeBron James and ‘The Great Free Agent Chase of 2010‘. 

Got thoughts on Gloria James’ comments? Follow Oly on HoopsVibe and Twitter. Photo courtesy of Ctownrocks1.