Every week, HoopsVibe The Blog will review the NBA’s biggest winners and losers of the last seven days …

The Losers … 

Loser #3: Cleveland Cavaliers

They are 12-3. They look capable of winning the Eastern Conference and maybe having Commissioner Stern hand them the Lawrence O’Brien trophy come late June.

It’s possible. Yes, the Cleveland Cavaliers could capture the 2008-09 NBA Title. The championship series would be overshadowed by rumours LeBron James, in an effort to maximize sponsorship dollars, will sign with New York as a free agent in the summer of 2010.

Recently, the Knicks added fuel to the fire by slashing payroll with two trades. James, himself, turned the fire into an all-out blaze by not properly addressing the situation.

For years, the Cavaliers were known as Jordan-over-Ehlo. Nothing more. Fans would marvel at the highlight of ‘His Airness’ dropping a double-clutch jumper over Ehlo and Cleveland.

Until drafting James, the organization was haunted by that epic highlight. And until James makes a decision on his future, the organization is again in a tough spot.

Frankly, classy Mike Brown, Danny Ferry, and Cleveland’s loyal fans deserve better.

Loser #2: Golden State Warriors 

Plain and simple, the Warriors are a mess. After dropping six consecutive games, they currently sit in the Western Conference cellar at 5-12.

But Golden State has bigger issues than their disappointing records. Chris Mullin, their long-time executive, is being squeezed out of the front office in a bizarre power struggle with ownership. Nobody knows Monta Ellis’ future. And, even for a team that likes small ball, too much of their payroll is eaten up by perimeter players.

Beyond Don Nelson coaching, nobody knows if a plan exists.

Loser #1 Allen Iverson

I’m not embedding the infamous ‘We Talking about Practice’ clip. And I’m not embedding the most recent ‘Even Practice’ clip. Iverson’s decision to skip Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day practice won’t impact a veteran Piston squad. It could, however, impact Iverson’s future.

‘The Answer’ is in the final year of his contract. Fair or not, any controversy in team-first Motown will reflect poorly on the former MVP and league bad boy. Other contending teams could be hesitant to offer Iverson a contract this summer.

Complicating matters is Detroit and Denver’s recent play. The Pistons have lost three of their past four, while Denver have been much improved since trading Iverson because of what some call improved chemistry.

I’m not blaming Iverson. I love his heart. But right now, he needs to bring his best and stay focused.

Does Cleveland deserve better? Got thoughts on Golden State’s struggles? What is up with Iverson missing practice? Let us know your opinions in the comment box and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for this week’s winners. Photo courtesy of darleeneisms.

Breaking NBA news mixed with analysis … 

Their News: "I’m a realist," Colangelo says. "There are only three prize guys (in that free-agent class, the summer of 2010) and we’re trying to keep one (Chris Bosh) of them. I’m in the market to do something." (ESPN Daily Dime) 

Our Very Quick Analysis: I’m a realist, too. And the Toronto Raptors have a strong chance of re-signing franchise face Chris Bosh in the summer of 2010. 

From day one, Bosh bought in to Toronto. Years ago, before becoming an All-Star and having his own youtube channel, I had a twenty-minute interview with the post. Vince Carter had just been traded; the Raptors were a mess on-and-off court. Instead of taking the easy road by blaming others, the forward accepted responsibility and talked of building something.

And he succeeded. His team, while not quite contenders, are competitive. In 2010, Jose Calderon’s development, Jermaine O’Neal’s expiring contract, and CB4’s continued improvement will keep the club in the thick of the Eastern Conference. I expect Bosh will want to finish what he started north of the border. 

Money won’t be an issue. MLSE, the company that owns the Raptors, holds other valuable sport properties like the NHL’s Maple Leafs and MLS’s Toronto FC. They are protected from the economic downturn and have the finances to offer Bosh a strong ‘max’ contract with trade kickers, a signing bonus and upfront money. 

Right now, Bosh is the Raptors. Around the league, he is respected as an undisputed franchise player. A new team could mean a role change. Perhaps, in a different scheme, he gets less touches and shots. 

Colangelo is the Ace of Spades. The two-time executive of the year has a track record of blockbuster trades and free agent signings in Phoenix and Toronto. Eventually, he’ll get Bosh the right supporting cast to contend in the Eastern Conference.

Colangelo gets paid to be cautious. But Toronto has every reason to be optimistic about keeping their fast-developing superstar.

Can the Raptors hang on to their superstar? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe NBA Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of tequilamike.

Perception is everything. For years, I’ve heard critics, pundits, and casual fans complain the NBA is fixed.

They argue that David Stern interferes and meddles to help larger markets and maximize revenues. They point to New York winning Patrick Ewing’s rights in the draft lottery, Michael Jordan’s special treatment from the refs, Los Angeles advancing past Portland and Sacramento in the playoffs, and, most recently, Kevin Garnett ending up in Boston.

Some see a coincidence. Others see a conspiracy. Either way, the perception of a conspiracy is damning for any pro league, particularly one recovering from the Tim Donaghy scandal.

This brings us to the summer of 2010, the great free agent chase. On one hand, nothing is wrong with New York clearing cap space and preparing to offer LeBron James the largest ‘max’ contract in history.

On the other hand, if James signs with New York the conspiracy haters will again cry second shooter at the grassy knoll. They’ll talk of a not-so subtle backroom deal or collusion between the game’s stakeholders to put the world’s greatest player in the world’s greatest market.

Sure, James in the five boroughs is marketer’s dream, but a dangerous flip side exists. Cleveland, without their superstar, reverts back to have-not status, losing much of their increased franchise value. The Cavaliers won’t be a money-pit like the Bobcats or Grizzlies, but, in these troubling economic times, they will join a growing number of clubs on somewhat shaky ground.  

James joining the Knicks will have consequences. Many will see a larger market like New York prospering at the expense of a smaller market like Cleveland. And the perception of a league conspiracy will continue.

Is James in New York good for the NBA? Is there a conspiracy at work to have LeBron in LeBroadway? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of imagine1.

He wasn’t joking. ‘The Greatest of All Time’ was serious. He actually thinks he is the greatest of all time.

Well, sort of. Recently, Shaquille O’Neal declared himself and Kobe Bryant the greatest duo in Los Angeles Lakers history. Yes, he went there, stepping on the legacy of past purple-and-gold legends.

I was disappointed with the post’s comments. In the past, his infectious smile, big laugh, and playful wink would giveaway that he was having a gag. Not this time. He meant it. Every word.

Yet, I applauded ‘Magic’ Johnson for responding to Shaq’s comments on The Jimmy Kimmel Show. 

"Really? We just start counting our rings. We (Magic and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) got five. They’ve got three. So they’re better than us?"

I couldn’t have said it better. Greatness is measured in championships. Nothing else. Lawrence O’Brien trophies, specifically the number you win, is the currency amongst once-in-a-generation, Hall of Fame superstars.

Special players should add to the game. Magic showed a 6-9 guy could play point guard, while Kareem invented the skyhook. Together, they battled the Boston Celtics in some of basketball’s most epic duels. Shaq and Kobe are active players, so right now they can’t measure up in this respect, either.

Finally, I remember Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar for what they were –an amazing inside-outside duo that dominated. I remember O’Neal and Bryant for what they should have been –a great duo that never reached their full potential because of personal differences. That says everything.

The joke is really on ‘The Greatest of All Time’, I guess.

Magic and Kareem? Or Shaq and Kobe? Get at us is in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA Tidbits. Photo courtesy of sarkdavisarak.

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

Years ago, with his rookie contract expiring, I wrote a story detailing how Cleveland could re-sign franchise superstar LeBron James. In ‘To Keep LeBron’, I urged new Cavalier owner Dan Gilbert to back off the basketball operations, hire a qualified executive and coach, and supply a legitimate supporting cast.

History repeats itself.

In eighteen months, King James becomes an unrestricted free agent. He can pick a new kingdom and Cleveland would get nothing in return.

You know the situation. However, this story got new legs when the small forward recently admitted he would leave Cleveland for the right offer. And New York, his apparent destination of choice, traded big-tickets Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph for expiring contracts.

The plot thickens. Even anti-conspiracy theorists and the greatest of Cavalier homers have concerns. The Knicks only have eighteen million dollars on the books for the 2011 season. The five boroughs could ink James, max out another star (like Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh), and add several blending pieces. The possibilities are endless.

In this edition of ‘Listed’, HoopsVibe the Blog decided to drop five strategies the Cavaliers could use to re-sign James long-term. Some of these ideas are outside the box, but necessary in light of last week’s developments.

Desperate times. Desperate measures. As always, read the post, form an opinion, and get at us with thoughts in the comment box below.

5) Fear the Unknown …

James has a competitive squad in Cleveland, while there is no guarantee New York signs Bosh or Wade. And change can backfire. Last summer, lesser star Baron Davis left Golden State for Los Angeles partly because he assumed Elton Brand would be his teammate. Brand then departed for Philadelphia and Davis is stuck with Hollywood’s dysfunctional team.

4) Play the Loyalty Card …

James is from Ohio. His crew, the infamous four horsemen posse, grew up in nearby Akron. Winning an NBA Title in his home state and championship-starved Cleveland hopefully counts for something. The key word is hopefully. Pro sports are big business leaving little room for the sentimental.

3) Chase a True Second Star …

I’ll give Ferry credit. He has been active, constantly reshuffling the line-up and trading for complementary players. The organization hasn’t found their Robin, a legit number two guy to mesh with James.

Cleveland must convince a superstar to accept second banana status. Clearly, Larry Hughes didn’t work. And newly acquired Mo Williams won’t cut it either. Recently, there have been rumblings about bringing-in Vince Carter. I don’t think ‘VC’ is the answer, but the Cavaliers have the right idea. They must think big and provide James with the NBA’s best co-pilot.

2) Tell James to Pick a Free Agent (if option 3 fails) …

Trading for a superstar is tough, so Cleveland could instead play the free agent game in 2010. After all, the club only has 35 million dollars on the books, which means they have the cap space to keep James and chase ‘D-Wade’, Chris Bosh, or Steve Nash. Ferry and the Cavaliers must use this carrot to sign their all-world All-Star.

1) Offer Franchise Equity (The best option) …

Gilbert should consider giving James a small ownership stake (fiver percent), which could be held in-trust until he retires. There is precedence for this arrangement. Michael Jordan was a minority owner in Washington before suiting up for the Wizards. And I’ll bet Magic Johnson and David Robinson had a handshake agreement in place to join the Lakers and Spurs’ brass when they retired.

Cleveland’s best ‘max’ deal (complete with trade kickers, up-front annual salary, and a massive signing bonus) will fall short in comparison to the sponsorship dollars available in New York?

James is a businessman. He may recognize the value in having franchise equity.  

Is there any way Cleveland keeps James? Or is he New York bound? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for further NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Nate Kasko. 

Each week, HoopsVibe the Blog will drop a player comparison for fans to weigh in on. We call it head-to-head ... 

I used to wonder if the basketball Gods were punishing the Eastern Conference. For years, it seemed divine intervention chased, funnelled, and pushed the game’s top talent towards the Western Conference.

My favourite example is the 2005 NBA Draft. Sure, hindsight is a luxury, but Milwaukee and Atlanta, two Eastern Conference clubs, passed on Chris Paul and Deron Williams to take Andrew Bogut and Marvin Williams with the first two selections.

Paul and Williams are the only NBA’s best point guards. Bogut and Williams have had up-and-down careers. The Eastern Conference has narrowed the gap. Boston recently captured their 17^th NBA Title, winning in captivating fashion over archrival Los Angeles.

However, I’m most fascinated with the Eastern Conference’s young point guards. The Celtics’ Rajon Rondo has guided three Hall of Fame stars to a world championship. In New Jersey, Devin Harris has made Jason Kidd a memory, while ‘The Windy City’ loves Derrick Rose.

In this edition of head-to-head, we compare Rondo, Harris, and Rose. As always, read the post, form an opinion, and get at us in the comment box with thoughts on the Eastern Conference’s best young table-setter. 

The Case For Rajon Rondo:  

He knows his role and stays composed. Last year, Rondo used what he had (quickness and an improving jump shot) to keep opponents from suffocating ‘The Big Three’. On defense, he applied terrifying pressure and clogged passing lanes.

But Rondo’s best attribute is his head. At the start of last season, he faced great expectations and intense scrutiny. There were questions about his shot, experience, and ability to lead three Hall of Fame players. Most expected him to crash like Wall Street and for GM Danny Ainge to upgrade the one-spot via trade.

Well, the Kentucky grad performed all season. He even shrugged off Boston’s late season acquisition of Sam Cassell and delivered in the NBA Finals. With Rondo at the helm, Boston in fact has ‘The Big Four’. Chances are, he’ll prove it again come playoff time.

The Case For Devin Harris: 

Since arriving in the NBA, Harris had shown promise. Unfortunately, he was a victim of politics in Dallas. Renegade owner Mark Cuban wanted to make headlines by trading for Jason Kidd, while former coach Avery Johnson wanted to build around the former University of Wisconsin star.

Owner won. Coach lost. Harris is now a Net.

New Jersey is the perfect place for him to blossom. Harris is the clear starter, the hub of a promising rebuilding effort after the club failed with The Big Three model of Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson, and ‘J-Kidd’.

Harris has two major strengths: speed and efficiency. His afterburners pressure opposing teams and create opportunities. For example, Harris recently had a string of several back-to-back 30-point, 10-dime games. Most of his damage came from penetrating the lane, finding others or drawing contact, and getting to the free-throw line.  

Best of all, Harris is cheap. The Nets have him locked in for several years at an average of 8-9 million per season. 

The Case For Derrick Rose: 

Right now, Chicago’s Rose is without a thorn. The phenomenon is posting an epic 19 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds in his first season. The numbers are even more eye-popping when considering he played a single year of college ball.

Rose reminds me of Anfernee Hardaway. Before injuries and before the ‘Lil Penny’ machine hit, Hardaway was a superstar, do-it all guard with Orlando. Then the knee and apathy took over.

Rose also is multi-faceted with the added dimension of size. And he was Chicago’s starting point guard from day one, displacing the serviceable Kirk Hinrich (like ‘Penny’ did with Scott Skiles in Orlando).  

Look for Rose to win Rookie of the Year. This is just the beginning. Sky is the limit for the Bulls’ next superstar.

Our Call: Rose. I think highly of Rondo and Harris, but Chicago’s first year man has too great an upside.

Who is the Eastern Conference’s best young point guard? Rondo? Harris? Or Rose? Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of annie@flickr.com.

Breaking NBA news mixed with quick analysis …

Their News: After losing 12 of 13 games to start the season, P.J. Carlesimo has been fired as Oklahoma City Thunder coach, sources told Yahoo! Sports.Assistant Scott Brooks will take over as the interim coach beginning with Saturday night’s game against the Hornets in New Orleans.

The final indignity for Carlesimo was a mortifying 105-80 loss to the Hornets on Friday night in Oklahoma City. General manager Sam Presti informed Carlesimo of the decision before the team boarded the flight to Louisiana. (Yahoo Sports)

Our Quick Analysis: No surprise here. Carlesimo was always a stopgap solution for a team transitioning between cities, slashing salary, and rebuilding around teenage star Kevin Durant.

From the moment he accepted the job, the veteran sideline boss was on a short clock. And with the new Oklahoma City fans booing and the Thunder off to a miserable start, Carlesimo took the fall.

When hired by Presti in the summer of 2007, the former Seton Hall bench boss was supposed to have a two-to-three year window until the next coach took over. Carlesimo was expected to develop, mentor, and teach. This never happened. Yesterday’s blowout loss to the Hornets showed that the players had simply tuned him out, so Presti, his friend from San Antonio, made the change.

Record aside, I think the veteran sideline boss deserves respect for making the best of an impossible situation. This is likely Carlesmo’s last head-coaching gig. Look for him to continue his run as a top assistant.

Was PJ at fault in OKC? Get at us in the comment box and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for further NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of ten jed.

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

They are love-hate players. The home crowd show love, appreciating their extra effort, determination, and win-at-all costs approach. The league’s 29 other cities show hate, interpreting that same extra effort, determination, and win at all costs approach as dirty play.

Of course, the power of the Internet has added an extra dimension to the love-hate crew. Opposing fans watch their highlight reel, drop more F-bombs than a rapper after losing his bling, and scheme on revenge.

In this edition of ‘Listed’, HoopsVibe is counting off the NBA’s five dirtiest players, complete with necessary highlights for your dissection. As always, read the post, form an opinion, and get at us in the comment box below.

#5) Raja Bell 

Why: On the whole, I like the veteran two-guard. Bell, a nice guy off the court, occasionally loses his cool in a big way. Like …

#4) Matt Barnes 

Why: The onetime Mohawk spent years securing his place in the NBA. Now he is known for, well, antics.

#3) Robert Horry 

Why: ‘Big Shot Bob’ is out of the league, but perhaps he should be known as ‘Big Body Check Bob’.

#2) James Posey 

Why: This lockdown defender finishes every play. ‘Pose’ has made a career of provoking opponents and throwing vicious elbows.

#1) Bruce Bowen

Why: The O-G of chippie play, Bowen has alienated more stars than the paparazzi and TMZ combined. Still, San Antonio doesn’t have their three recent NBA Titles without him.
 

Who is the NBA’s dirtiest player? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe’s NBA Blog for more basketball tidbits. Photo courtesy of phantroll. 

NBA news mixed with analysis …

Their News: Federal regulators have accused billionaire Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban of insider trading for allegedly using confidential information on a stock sale to avoid more than $750,000 in losses.

The Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil lawsuit against Cuban on Monday in federal court in Dallas. The agency said that in June 2004, Cuban was invited to get in on the coming stock offering by Mamma.com Inc. after he agreed to keep the information private.

The SEC said Cuban knew his stake — pegged at 600,000 shares, or 6 percent ownership in the company — would be sold below the current market price after learning that Mamma.com was raising money through a private investment in a public entity (also known as a PIPE). (ESPN news)

Our Quick Analysis: It doesn’t matter if Mark Cuban committed insider trading. The court of public opinion will find him guilty. And his enemies have their opportunity.

The knives are out. Commissioner Stern, the old guard of NBA owners, the referees, several players, coaches, and even Donald Trump are waiting to pounce on a weakened Cuban. They’ll either discredit their rival or isolate him.

I don’t blame them. For several years, the renegade owner has overshadowed the on-court product, using his position as Dallas’ owner to become a reality television sideshow.

Cuban’s antics would be forgiven if he ever exhibited grace and occasionally checked his ego. After all, billionaire owners should enjoy the perks that accompany their expensive toys.

But Cuban picked fights, called-out enemies through the media, and smirked at the television cameras. Fair or not, he is perceived as a bad loser and an even worse winner.

And the charges are particularly damaging in today’s climate. After the mortgage meltdown, the public is angry with wealthy individuals manipulating stocks at the expense of others. There will be no sympathy, only support for the government to pursue justice at all costs.

In fact, the amount is irrelevant, except when considering that a billionaire could allegedly be greedy enough to break the law and risk everything for less than a million dollars.

These charges could be the trigger that finally pushes Cuban to sell his Mavericks. At least going out on his terms would rob his enemies of their opportunity to get even. A last act of defiance, I guess.

What are your thoughts on Cuban? Will he sell the Mavericks? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog. Photo courtesy of The Paco.

I’m not opening the Pandora’s Box known as Kobe versus LeBron. I’m only weighing-in on the latest twist in this never-ending saga. 

Recently, NBATV broadcaster Rick Kamla mentioned on-air that James was a better player than Bryant because of his defensive abilities. When challenged by co-hosts Steve Smith and Cheryl Miller, Kamla said James’ superior shot-blocking gave him the edge.

I like Kamla. He is passionate, personable, and takes risks on-air. But I disagree with his comments.

There is a case for James being the best player in the world. After all, man-child is a walking triple-double, a reincarnation of the classic Oscar Robertson. And while stuffing the stat sheet, The King makes those around him better, much better.

And James is certainly a fine defensive player. But shot blocking doesn’t give him the edge over Bryant. Without looking at statistics, I’d argue that changing shots and contesting shots matter, not the odd highlight swat that appeases the masses and Stuart Scott on ESPN.

Both players excel at challenging every possible attempt from opponents. This is important because it sets the tone for each of their respective clubs.

Again, King James is a premier talent, possibly the game’s best. If a fan/GM/analyst prefers James over Bryant, the deciding factor isn’t shot blocking. Rick, you are wrong. 

Is James better than Bryant because of shot blocking? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of ChenJYu.