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  Because of that, he has withdrawn from this year's Sprite Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All Star Weekend and being replaced by DeMar DeRozan (above) of the Toronto Raptors.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