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Biggest Flop In NBA History

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Trade Deadline Recap

The trade deadline has passed and many players today are packing up their bags to move elsewhere.  The only winners I see today are the two teams in the tri-state area.  The Knicks for getting Carmelo and the Nets grabbing Deron Williams.  I'm not understanding Boston's move but I'll dive into that in a sec.  Let's go over what has transpired today.

Boston F/C Kendrick Perkins & G Nate Robinson/Oklahoma City F Jeff Green & C Nenad Krstic

I was really surprised that this move by the Celtics.  Yes, you receive a young Jeff Green, but I thought the Celtics were proud that they had the frontcourt which teams feared.  Sorry Nenad Krstic, you're pretty soft.  In my opinion, if Kendrick Perkins didn't go to that knee injury in last year's NBA Finals, the Celtics would have been your World Champions of 2010.  This shows that they believe in Shaq, Big Baby, Jermaine O'Neal, and K.G. will hold it down. To see Perk shipped off though, truly shocked me.

Charlotte F Gerald Wallace/Portland F Dante Cunningham & C Joel Przybilla

This deal just shows that the Bobcats are looking towards the future as they send high-flyer Gerald Wallace to the Pacific Northwest.  Along with receiving Cunningham and Przybilla, Charlotte will receive two future round draft picks.  I wasn't a big fan of Wallace anyways.  Other than dunking or blocking shots, his skill set was pretty limited.

Houston G Aaron Brooks/Phoenix G Goran Dragic

Rockets not only gets Dragic by trading Brooks, but will receive a future first round pick.  Brooks has an expiring contract that Phoenix will gladly take on.

Houston F Shane Battier/Memphis C Hasheem Thabeet

Houston wasn't done shipping expiring contracts.  They deal Shane Battier to Memphis for bench riding Hasheem Thabeet.  What a disappointment Thabeet is.  At UConn, he was a beast. When you're in college and you dwarf everyone, you should be a beast.  When you get to the pros, the competition is waaaaaay different.  Houston also sends rookie guard Ish Smith for a first round draft pick.

Washington G Kirk Heinrich & F Hilton Armstrong/Atlanta G Mike Bibby, G Jordan Crawford, G Mo Evans

The Hawks needed a point guard general and unfortunately Mike Bibby just wasn't it.  So with Heinrich and young Jeff Teague, they'll share backcourt duties.  Atlanta gave up some depth on the bench, but that's the sacrifice you have to make when you need to improve key positions.  Washington will also receive a 2011 first round pick in the deal.

For the rest of today's deadline deals, click here.

Source: NBA.com, NBA ESPN

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Mo Williams Headed To L.A.

According to Yahoo Sports' Marc J. Spears, the Cleveland Cavaliers have dealt guard Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon for guard Baron Davis with an unprotected 2011 first round pick.  I saw this one coming.  When you're the worst team in the league, teams will come calling.  I guess Clippers owner Donald Sterling was still tired of watching an out of shape Baron Davis so he sent him to Cleveland.  Cruel man.  That's just cruel. 

Source: Yahoo Sports

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Williams Headed To New Jersey

With the inability to bring Carmelo Anthony to New Jersey, the Nets had the opportunity to land another superstar.  According to ESPN's Marc Stein and Chad Ford they have agreed to deal rookie forward Derrick Favors and veteran guard Devin Harris to Utah for superstar point guard Deron Williams.  They also report that this deal will also include a third team, the Golden State Warriors, to bring multiple picks to Utah.  The Mavericks were interested in bringing Devin Harris back to Dallas but they weren't willing to part with Caron Butler, along with rookie Dominique Jones and a first round pick to get the deal done.  You may remember that Williams was to blame for the retirement of Hall of Fame coach Jerry Sloan.  So now that Williams is gone, I wonder if the Jazz regrets letting Sloan walk away.

Source: ESPN New York

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It's Official

Ladies and Gentlemen, Carmelo Anthony is officially a New York Knickerbocker.  It only took five months, but nonetheless he's headed to the Big Apple. Along with Melo, the Knicks will get Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman. Denver will receive Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov (The dude that Blake Griffin posterized), Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, 2014 New York's 1st & 2nd round picks.  Lastly, Minnesota will get Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry.  Now will Deron Williams or Chris Paul join the Amare/Melo duo?  Who knows.  What I do know is that somewhere New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov is swearing loudly in Russian.


Source: Denver Post

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Parker Grabbing Bulls & Celtics Attention

According to the Sporting News, the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics have their sights set on Cleveland Cavaliers guard Anthony Parker.  This comes to no surprise seeing that the Cavaliers hold the worst record in the NBA.  Boston will try to replace Marquis Daniels who sustained a spinal cord injury against Orlando a few weeks back.  Chicago will to try to answer shooting guard questions by landing him at the Feb. 24th trade deadline.

Source: The Sporting News

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Sloan To Retire

Reports out of Utah is that the longest tenure coach in the NBA will step down.  Jerry Sloan, head coach of the Utah Jazz for 23 seasons, will retire effectively today.  Assistant coach Tyrone Corbin will take over head coaching duties.  According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Sloan was very angry with point guard Deron Williams when he decided to call his own number for a play on Wednesday night.  That led to a blow up at halftime.  Then a meeting with general manager Kevin O'Connor following.  Sources close to the situation told Stein that this was one of a few blow-ups between Sloan and Williams.  The relationship between the two has pretty much run its course.  As of today, Hall of Fame head coach was third all time in coaching wins of the NBA behind Don Nelson and Lenny Wilkens.

Source: ESPN

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Lakers And Nuggets Talking Melo

As if this Carmelo Anthony trade dilemma hasn't been crazy already, it may have gotten a little more crazier.  According to ESPN's NBA insider Chris Broussard, the Lakers and Nuggets has started in preliminary discussions to land Carmelo in L.A.  He broke this developing story during the 11am SportsCenter on ESPN this morning.  The deal would send Andrew Bynum to Denver for Carmelo possibly straight up because it works financially under the current CBA (Collection Bargaining Agreement).  Because of that, this deal would not require a third team like the proposed trade involving Denver, Minnesota, and New York.  Denver is not interested in Ron Artest seeing that they would want to get younger not older.  Also, Lamar Odom may not be part of the deal because of his salary of $9M next season that Denver would not want to take on.  Again, this is in the early stages so Denver may want to get more players involve so they can shed more salary off their books.  Sources close to Anthony told Broussard that he wouldn't mind going to L.A.  Really?  You don't say.  I'm sure weather and the chance play with future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant has nothing to do with it.  But best believe Denver can use this as leverage with the New York Knicks.  Man, this soap opera is getting good!

Source: ESPN SportsCenter

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Varejao May Be Traded

Anderson Varejao of the Cleveland Cavaliers is set to have surgery on his injured ankle which has sidelined him for the rest of the season on February 12th.  That's not discouraging teams around the league from inquiring if the Cavs are willing to part with Varejao.  According to Hoopsworld.com, sources told them that there is still a great interest in Andy regardless of his season ending injury.  It shouldn't come to any surprise.  Andy does the intangibles that don't show up in the stat sheet.  He brings energy and hustle that appeal to other franchises.  Teams around the league understand that the Cavs are unable to put the same price tag on Andy now, than if he were healthy.  Along with the Cavs owning the NBA record for consecutive losses, they are going to have to rebuild sooner or later.  So why not see if they can get him on the cheap. 

Source: Hoopsworld.com

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The MeloDrama May Be Over Soon

According to ESPN's NBA insider Chris Broussard, the New York Knicks may have a deal in place to land Carmelo Anthony.  It's in the early stages, but it will be a three team trade that will involve Denver, New York, and Minnesota.  The Knicks would send Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry, with his expiring contract, to Minnesota while sending Wilson Chandler to Denver.  Minnesota will send Corey Brewer along with a first round draft pick to Denver as well.  And lastly, New York will receive Carmelo Anthony from Denver who will sign his three year, $65M extension that he turned down while in Denver.  This would be bittersweet for the Nuggets.  Yes, they will finally deal their disgruntled star but they won't get as much back as if the proposed deal with the Nets wasn't axed by Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov.  I wouldn't say Carmelo to the Knicks this season will make them a title contender but this will shake up the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Source: ESPN New York, New York Post

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2011 Rookie Challenge Roster Are Set

2011 Rookie Challenge roster for NBA All Star Weekend are set.  Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings will lead the Sophomores while Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers will lead the Rookies. Best believe there will be no defense and nothing but alley-oops.  Here's the Rookies & Sophomores rosters:

Rookies
Eric Bledsoe - L.A. Clippers G 6-1 Kentucky
DeMarcus Cousins - Sacramento C 6-11 Kentucky
Derrick Favors - New Jersey F 6-10 Georgia Tech
Landry Fields - New York G 6-7 Stanford
Blake Griffin - L.A. Clippers F 6-10 Oklahoma
Wesley Johnson - Minnesota G 6-7 Syracuse
Greg Monroe - Detroit C 6-11 Georgetown
Gary Neal - San Antonio G 6-4 Towson State
John Wall - Washington G 6-4 Kentucky

Sophomores
DeJuan Blair - San Antonio C 6-7 Pittsburgh
DeMar DeRozan - Toronto G 6-7 USC
Stephen Curry - Golden State G 6-3 Davidson
Tyreke Evans - Sacramento G 6-6 Memphis
Taj Gibson - Chicago F 6-9 USC
Jrue Holiday - Philadelphia G 6-4 UCLA
Serge Ibaka - Oklahoma City F-C 6-10 Brazzaville, Rep. of Congo
Brandon Jennings - Milwaukee G 6-1 Lottomatica Virtus Roma
Wesley Matthews - Portland G 6-5 Marquette

Source: NBA.com

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We May Have To Make A Move

Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak isn't fond of his team's play which may prompt him to shake things up a bit.  Kupchak spoke to the media yesterday at the Lakers' practice facility after the loss on Sunday to Boston.

"Regarding a trade, I may have to. I'm not saying that I've made calls today or I'll make them tomorrow. But I just don't think that we're playing as well as our talent level should allow us."

I do believe that the loss to Boston Sunday was very disappointing.   The effort the Lakers gave was lackluster.  Boston were getting baskets way too easy.  Kobe reverted back to the old Kobe back jacking up shots by himself in the 4th quarter.  Does Kupchak have the pieces needed to make a deal happen?  I don't think so.  They need to focus more on improving the personnel's play rather than a possible overhaul.  Pau Gasol played soft on Sunday.  Ron Artest needs to become that defensive presence that he once was last year.  With Matt Barnes, Lamar Odom, Steve Blake, and Shannon Brown can still be very productive off the bench.  Then veterans Theo Ratliff and Joe Smith,when playoff time comes, may pay dividends.  Again, the Lakers are going through a rough patch right now.  All good teams do.  The Lakers are STILL second in the West.  They are 7 1/2 games back of San Antonio, which is on another planet right now.  Regardless, they are in a nice position.  People need to relax. 

Source: NBA.com

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Mike Brown Frontrunner For Pacers Job

With Jim O'Brien out as Indiana Pacers head coach, a familiar face could possibly be next in line.  That face is former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown.  Mike Brown was an assistant coach in Indiana under Rick Carlisle, the current head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. This is a good look for the Pacers.  Honestly, anyone is better than Jim O'Brien.  O'Brien posted a 121-169 record in his tenure as head coach.  I always believed that Mike Brown in Cleveland while LeBron was there wasn't a good fit.  The offense sets were awful in Cleveland but now that I see what goes on in Miami, Mike Brown wasn't the problem.  Good for Mike Brown.  Hope it works out for him.

Source: New York Post

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You Need To Get Real Familiar

With Jimmer Fredette.  I haven't talked about him at all, but I've been watching him.  The 6'2" guard out of BYU is the nation's leading scorer in college basketball averaging 26.7 ppg.  He's been filling it up at a high rate and in impressive fashion.  From first half buzzer beaters from half court to pulling up eight feet behind the three point line nonchalantly, he's definitely on NBA scouts' radar.  He's worked very hard on his game by doing dribbling drills in a dark hallway and playing pickup ball with prison inmates.  Yeah, you read right.  PRISON INMATES.  Anyone who can ball with murderers and can live to tell about it, gets mad props in my book. Tomorrow night, he faces #9 San Diego State where it's rumored that 20+ NBA scouts will be in attendance. Here's some highlights of Jimmer's 47-point performance against Utah from this season.



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Blake With The Reverse Alley Oop

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Nene Headed To South Beach???

Word out of Denver is that Carmelo Anthony isn't the only one that's not happy in Denver.   Nene of the Denver Nuggets wants to be traded and has listed three teams he would like to play for.  The Miami Heat is one of them. This comes to no surprise seeing the Carmelo drama that carried on for months was a total distraction for the team. Nene has some issues with Denver's front office as well.  He has an early-termination option that he can exercise in the offseason.  He believes that he isn't getting the attention that he deserves.  Either way, this would be a great move for both Nene and Heat.  The Heat desperately needs an interior toughness with Haslem out due to injury. With Nene's current salary, it may be hard for him to accept a mid-level exception from Miami.  But a sign-and-trade may do the trick to get him to South Beach to join the SuperFriends.

Source: CBSSportsline.com

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Jennings Out, DeRozan In

Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks has been sidelined by a broken bone in his left foot for the last 14 games.  Because of that, he has withdrawn from this year's Sprite Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All Star Weekend and being replaced by DeMar DeRozan (above) of the Toronto Raptors.  DeRozan was a runner up in last year's contest in Dallas.  Jennings is seeking a return from injury in a few weeks but doesn't want to risk possibly injuring it again by practicing for the dunk contest.

Here's a thunderous dunk by Mr. DeRozan on Tyrus Thomas of the Charlotte Bobcats from earlier this season:



Source: NBA.com

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The Most Interesting Man in the NBA

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Nets Done With Pursuit Of Carmelo

News out of Newark, New Jersey is that the Russian billionaire and owner of the New Jersey Nets, Mikhail Prokhorov, has announced that the Nets will no longer pursue Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. This comes days after Denver gave permission to New Jersey to speak with Carmelo to see if a deal can be done.  Prokhorov spoke with the media about the situation:

"I'm not happy with the way ... this deal has gone until now.  It has taken too long. It has been played out in public and it certainly has taken a toll on the players and I believe that it has cost us several games. I think management did a great job, but there comes a time when the price is simply too expensive. I'm instructing our team to walk away from the deal."

Carmelo saying that, "I don't want to talk to nobody.", probably didn't go over so well with the Russian playboy billionaire.  Personally, I don't think this deal is dead.  For them to construct a complex deal as it was, to now scrap it is unbelievable. I think both sides hated the fact that it has gone on too long in the media.  Both can step away from the table for a bit, and pick back up talks later. The Nets and Nuggets have time between now and the trade deadline in February to come to an agreement.  What intrigues me is what will the New York Knickerbockers do seeing that their neighbors across the river have backed out.  Time will tell....

Source:ESPN New York

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The Knicks Back In The Running???

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the New York Knicks have called up the Memphis Grizzlies to get involved in a three team deal that would land Carmelo Anthony in New York while O.J. Mayo of Memphis goes to Denver.  The Knicks have stepped in because they strongly believe that Carmelo will not sign the three year, $65M extension with the New Jersey Nets.  I'm sure the Nuggets' organization sending a threat to New Jersey about dealing Melo to the Knicks last week probably got the Knicks attention as well.  The Knicks probably will have to part with Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, or Landry Fields in order to get a deal done.  I'm still not sure about this deal.  I understand that Carmelo is a pure scorer.  He can fill it up in a hurry, but the Knicks are going to have to give up a lot in order to get him at MSG.  A major deal like this can mess up the chemistry on the squad and derail the rest of the season.  If they get Carmelo and not make the playoffs, they can reload in the offseason.  I'm sure it's a gamble that's worth taking....

Source: ESPN New York

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Mo's Thoughts

We're not the only ones who think the Cavs should be ashamed of themselves with their performance last night against Lakers.  via Mo Williams' (@mogotti) Twitter:

"This s*** is embarrassing. I feel like I can't even show my face in Cleve."

No kidding Mo.  Glad you feel just as bad as I do.

Source: Twitter

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What An Embarrassment

The Cleveland Cavaliers suffered their 11th straight loss in embarrassing fashion last night against the L.A. Lakers 112-57.  Yes, you read right.  They lost by 55 points.  The Cavs only scored 25 points by halftime.  The Lakers scored 27 in the first quarter.  I didn't even bother to watch the game because I knew it was going to be a massacre.  I didn't expect it to be like that.  Geez.  Watching the highlights, I did see that Kobe was still in the game up 41.  If I was Phil Jackson, I think I would have called off the dogs.  But hey, it's Byron Scott's job to figure out a way to stop them.  He obviously didn't.  Last year, the Cavs were first to reach 30 wins on the season.  This year, second fastest to lose 30 games.  They haven't won a game in almost a month.  It might be safe to say that the Cavs just need to forfeit the rest of the season.  It was already ridiculous that they didn't even want to share the same hotel with the number one team in the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat, while being in L.A. because of one LeBron James.  But to come out and lose by 55??  C'mon son.  The team was more worried about not sharing the same room service than playing the defending world champions.  While I wasn't watching the game, someone did and gave their two cents.  via LeBron James' (@KingJames) Twitter:

"Crazy. Karma is a b****.. Gets you every time. Its not good to wish bad on anybody. God sees everything!"

Yeah Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan), that was for you.  Remember that hex you put on LeBron for leaving?  Yeah, looks like it's coming back on you.  God don't like ugly. 


Source: Yahoo Sports

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Varejao Out For The Season

If things couldn't get any worse for the Cleveland Cavaliers, it just did.  According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports via Twitter, the Cavs say that Anderson Varejao will miss the rest of the season with a complete tear of the peroneus longus in the midfoot of the right ankle & foot.  In English, his foot and leg is all jacked up.  Varejao got hurt during practice on Thursday, and was placed in a walking boot according to the Associated Press. He missed Friday's game against Golden State before undergoing a second MRI in Phoenix.  The second MRI showed the tear.

Source: Fox 8 News Cleveland

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Latest on Melo's Trade Saga

Word around the league is that the Denver Nuggets are trying to include the Detroit Pistons in a 3-way deal that would land Carmelo Anthony in New Jersey.  The problem with that is Chauncey Billups, a Denver native, is now involved and he wants no part of it. The proposed deal would send Billups, Anthony, and Pistons guard Richard Hamilton to the Nets. In return, the Nets would send Derrick Favors, Devin Harris, and two first round picks to Denver.  They also would send Troy Murphy's expiring contract to the Pistons.  Billups' agent Andy Miller spoke to Chauncey after practice Saturday.  Miller spoke with the media saying:

"His position is steadfast. I talked to him after practice [Saturday] and he expressed those thoughts. He doesn’t want to go anywhere. Even if it were a rebuilding situation, he’d prefer to be in Denver. Once Chauncey is gone from Denver, you’re disconnecting from fans, sponsors and the community.”

Chauncey has expressed if he is dealt by the Feb. 24th deadline, that he would want his contract bought out by the summer where he would become a free agent. I wouldn't be surprised if he is traded to New Jersey, he asks for an immediate buyout.  Then he can sit out for a period of time, then resign back with Denver.  Billups is very active in charity work in Denver. He funds college scholarships, runs a basketball academy amongst other things.  I personally would like to see Billups stay put.  He's a staple there.  He and his wife does great work for the community.  I understand it's a business, but hopefully they honor his wishes.


Source: Yahoo Sports, NorthJersey.com

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Robinson Sentenced 6 1/2 Years

Former University of Michigan star Rumeal Robinson has been sentenced 6 1/2 years in prison due to financial fraud.  A grand jury found him guilty on 11 charges which included bank bribery, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and making a false statement to a financial institution back in September.  Back in October, ESPN's TV show E:60 sat down in an interview with Robinson.  Robinson explains how this all came about. Before his sentencing, Robinson was more known for hitting two free throws to seal the win for the national championship as a Michigan Wolverine in 1989.

You can watch ESPN's E:60 interview with Rumeal Robinson here.

Source: Yahoo Sports

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Kenny Smith Invites Blake Griffin to the Sprite Slam Contest

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It's Official

Blake Griffin aka The Dunk Machine has entered this year's Slam Dunk Contest on NBA All Star Saturday Night in L.A.  As of right now, he's a shoe-in for this year's Rookie of the year.  But he may get some hardware early with winning the dunk contest late Saturday night on Feb. 19th.  He joins JaVale McGee (Washington Wizards), Serge Ibaka (Oklahoma City Thunder), and Brandon Jennings (Milwaukee Bucks) as participants in the contest.  If you haven't seen any of Blake's work this season, here's some highlights. Enjoy!



Source: ESPN Los Angeles

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Run Me My Money

You never want to mess with a man's money.  Especially Tony Allen's money.  O.J. Mayo learned that the hard way.  According to Yahoo Sports,  Mayo (above) and Allen (below) got into a fight on the team flight on Monday evening about a debt from a card game.  Mayo got irritated because Allen approached him about the debt.  Mayo got in Allen's face, and Allen gave him a two piece.  A source told Yahoo Sports:

“Tony warned [Mayo] to watch his mouth, and [Mayo] wouldn’t do it and just kept going off on him.” 

Mayo wasn't in the starting lineup last night against Oklahoma City due to bronchitis.  Uh yeah, okay.  Bronchitis?  If that's what people call nursing your jaw nowadays.

Source: Yahoo Sports

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New Nickname

I've called them, the SuperFriends.  I've heard other nicknames from Miami Thrice to the Big Three.  None of those were catchy enough LeBron.  In a postgame interview after the win in Charlotte on Monday night, he announced the trio's new nickname.  The Heatles.  Get it?  Heatles.  Named after the Beatles.  Yeah, I find it wack too.  His reasoning is that when they go on the road, they sell out arenas like a rock band.  Yeah, that might be true LeBron, but that's still corny as hell.  Last time I checked, you don't give yourself a nickname.  Heck, my 1 1/2 year old son has a book about a turtle wanting to give himself a nickname.  In the book, the turtle's friends tell him it don't roll that way.  So you already know this ain't cool.  Try again LeBron.  Try again.

Source: Yahoo Sports

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Truly A Blessing

So yesterday, I was watching the news and saw a story on this man, Ted Williams.  He's a homeless man out of Columbus, Ohio who has quite the talent.  He has a radio voice that's out of this world.  You would never think a voice would come from this man.  The local Columbus Dispatch conducted an interview with him off the expressway.  Check it out:



As you heard, he fell on hard times due to drugs and alcohol.  Thank the Lord he's been sober for two years.  So after the Columbus Dispatch posted the video on You Tube, he received an job offer.  A job offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers.  A spokesman for the Cavaliers says that they are trying to work out the details on a position for him which may include him working at Quicken Loans Arena.  So many people paid him no mind getting off the expressway.  It took a local paper to take the time out to speak and film Williams and now, it changed his life forever.  Kudos to the Columbus Dispatch.  Shows people still have hearts.

Source: ESPN

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Trouble In Paradise???

The two-time defending World Champion Los Angeles Lakers haven't played as such the past few weeks.  Dropping an embarrassing loss to the Memphis Grizzliers at home Sunday night 104-85.  Boos rang down and down loudly on the club in the Staples Center.  Kobe had to revert to the old Kobe for a bit in the game last night.  You remember the old Kobe.  Taking the majority of the shots.  Going one on five.  In the 3rd quarter, the Lakers had a total of 22 shots.  Kobe had 12 of them by himself.  That didn't sit well with head coach Phil Jackson.  Jackson said:

"Kobe had to screw up the game and start energizing the team by going one-on-one. That takes the rest of the guys out and as a consequence, that didn't bring us back in."

Well damn.  Shots fired, no safety. Get low. Well, I can't blame Kobe totally.  He found that his team was struggling and he tried to kick start a rally.  It just never came.  But I've noticed that the Lakers are being outplayed by younger talent in their losses the past few weeks.  Memphis with Gay, Mayo, and Conley last night.  San Antonio with a few of their young stars last week. Can't forget the Superfriends of Miami on Christmas Day.  I honestly don't think there's cause for concern.  I rememeber LeBron & Shaq as Cavaliers smacked L.A. by 20 on Christmas last year.  Who ended up hoisting the championship trophy in June?  Oh, okay.  Yes, the landscape has changed dramatically this season.  The emergence of Dallas, San Antonio, and even Utah in the West.  Can't forget Oklahoma City as well.  I say that to say that even with the Lakers stuggling right now, wouldn't you want it to happen now than let's say April?  It's not even the All Star break and people want to hit the panic button.  Relax.  The Zen Master himself will meditate and get his ball club back on track.  If the Lakers bomb and lose 17 out of their last 18 games like another team I know, *cough cough* the Cavaliers, *cough cough*, then please by all means grab a hammer and bang the crap out of the panic button for the Lake Show.

Source: L.A. Times, ESPN Los Angeles

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Caron Butler's Season Could Be Done

Word out of Dallas is that Caron Butler has a tear in the patellar tendon in his right knee.  He suffered the injury Saturday night in Milwaukee.  He was flying in for an offensive rebound where he planted to jump and his knee gave way.  The Mavs aren't sure if it's a partial or full tear of the tendon. They are waiting for the results from the MRI. If it's a partial tear, he could only be sidelined for about 2 months.  If a full tear, he's done for the year.  This comes at a bad time because Dirk Nowitski has been day-to-day with a sprained knee.  Butler becomes a free agent after this season.  So hopefully this injury won't hurt his chances on landing a contract in the summer.

Source: ESPN Dallas

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Word On The Street

Is that the Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in the 6'11" power forward Andray Blatche of the Washington Wizards.  He's averaging 17 points and 8 rebounds a game this season.  With the Wizards bringing in Rashard Lewis a few weeks ago, I guess Blatche is expendable.  Or maybe the fact that the fight with his teammate JaVale McGee done him in.  Either way, I feel bad for him.  The Wizards aren't any better than the Cavs.  At least in Washington, he has John Wall.  In my book, John Wall > Mo Williams.

Source: The News Herald

Not MVP Material

Finally, LeBron has said something that I can agree with.  He's not winning the MVP for a third consecutive time this season.  The reigning two-time MVP of the NBA admits that taking his talents to South Beach diminished his chances or even Dwyane Wade's on winning the award. LeBron on his MVP chances by joining the Superfriends in Miami:

"When we decided to come together our Most Valuable Player chances kind of went out the window. I think they classify it as an individual award. They look at it like the less help you have, the more numbers you have then the better chance for you to win that award."

Now don't get me wrong, LeBron plays an intricate part in the Heat's success so far.  He doesn't have to score the brunt of the team's points.  He can concentrate on grabbing boards and dropping dimes.  D-Wade is the one you see with the 30 or 40+ points.  But that's what he wanted.  He didn't want to be the workhorse anymore.  James, Wade, and Bosh all sacrificed their individuality to form the juggernaut. It's working out pretty well if you ask me.  I'm sure if you asked LeBron if he would trade MVP trophies for the Larry O'Brien and a championship ring, he would do it in a heartbeat.


Source: ESPN's Heat Index

Not A Good Sign

Brandon Roy of the Portland Trail Blazers has been bothered by nagging soreness in his knees. He hasn't played since Dec. 15th. Back in Nov, he took himself out in a game against New Orleans because of the knee problems. With him missing games, general manager of the Blazers Rich Cho may be contemplating shutting down Roy for the rest of the year. When asked by The Oregonian about making that decision, Cho answered:

"I can tell you it will most likely be for an extended period. We’ve talked about (ending his season) and it’s a possibility, but we want to explore a couple of other things first.’’

Roy has missed 10 total games this season. The Blazers have already had their heart broken with another young star of theirs. Greg Oden. Oden has missed this season due to another knee injury. So GM Cho definitely wants to make the right move for the young career of Brandon Roy.

Source: OregonLive.com