Archive for November, 2011

NBA Preview: Boston Celtics Per @TalkinAllSports

Nov
30

2010-11 record: 56-26 (1st place Atlantic Division, 3rd place Eastern Conference – Lost in theEastern Conference Semifinals to the Miami Heat 4-1)

Under Contract:

Guards:                 Rajon Rondo – $10,000,000 this year, 4 years remaining$46,000,000 total

 Ray Allen – $10,000,000 1 year remaining

 Avery Bradley – $1,524,480 2 years remaining,plus team option for third year

Forwards:             Paul Pierce – $15,333,334 3 years remaining$47,000,000 total

 Kevin Garnett – $21,200,000 1 year remaining

 Jeff Green – F, Restricted Free Agent – teammade qualifying offer of $5,908,640

Centers:                JermaineO’Neal $6,226,000 1 year remaining

Others:

Delonte West – G  Unrestricted Free Agent – likely to be signed

Glen Davis – F-C    Unrestricted Free Agent – team will let himtest the market

Carlos Arroyo, Nenad Kristic, Troy Murphy,Sasha Pavolvic, Von Wafer – Unrestricted Free Agents likely not to be re-signedby the team

JuJuan Johnson – Rookie 1st RoundPick

E’Twuan Moore – Rookie 2nd RoundPick

Rasheed Wallace – F-C  Retired, but counts against cap this season$6,790,640

Shaquille O’Neal – C  Retired but counts against cap this season$1,399,507

Danny Ainge, President of BasketballOperations for the Boston Celtics, faces a two prong challenge.  He must fill out a roster with only sevenplayers under contract.  He also has 4 ofhis starting 5 players all over the age of 33. Believe or not, Jermaine O’Neal, bad knees and all, is the youngster ofthis group, followed by Peirce at 34, Garnett at 35 and Allen at 36.  Put an asterisk besides KG because he cameright out of high school and has many more NBA miles then he wouldotherwise.  However, on the bright side,the Big 3, as Pierce, Allen and Garnett are known in Boston, are savvy veteranswho knew the importance of keeping themselves in shape during the lockout.  Rondo has marveled publicly about the workethic that this group has, calling them the hardest workers on the team.

 Unless Danny Ainge once again channels RedAuerbach, as he did in 2007 in getting Allen and Garnett for the C’s, the Celtics’roster has some serious holes.  Thecenter spot is primary among them. Jermaine O’Neal is their only remaining center, with the Celtics losingNenad Kristic to Europe, Shaquille O’Neal to retirement, and Kendrick Perkinsin the shocking trade to Oklahoma City that had then brought Kristic and JeffGreen to the Celtics last mid-season.

Another glaring need is a backup forRondo.  The Celtics cannot play Rondo 40minutes a night and expect him to have anything in the tank for theplayoffs.  Avery Bradley, while adefensive specialist, showed some scoring punch but still has to prove that hecould run the team from the point. Otherwise he is a second year two guard. 

 The last part of this trifecta of need is ascorer to back up Pierce and Allen.  JeffGreen is penciled in here but last year he was unable to regain his OklahomaCity form, performing well in spurts only to regress with uneven play.  In deference to Green, he not only had tochange his role from starter along side Durant and Westbrook to coming off thebench to spell Allen and/or Pierce, but he came in mid-season and had to pickup the Celtic’s system on the fly.  Thissystem has both offensive and defensive complexities that have brought seasonedveterans to their knees (I am talking to YOU Stephon Marbury) and got themglued to Doc Rivers bench.

 So what has Dannygot to work with?  First and foremost, hehas one of the best coaches in the NBA, Doc Rivers.  Doc had his coming out party in the 2007-08 ChampionshipSeries where he ate Phil Jackson’s lunch, drank all Phil Jackson’s beer and thenhad his way with Phil Jackson’s woman, the estimable Jeanie Buss.  Okay, not literally.  But, figuratively?  ABSOLUTELY. Phil did not get that constipated look from eating too many doublecheese tacos, okay?  Doc out-coached himat every turn, from substitutions to game management to play calling toleadership of his players.  The NBA had Docmiked up during the game when the C’s were getting smoked by the Lakers only tocome back and steal that game.  The boysin the truck monitoring the feed marveled afterward about how Doc kept hisplayers calm and focused, giving them the confidence to succeed.  That’s coaching at the NBA level.  Doc was recently resigned to a multi-yearcontract and provides stability at the helm for the Celtics. Under Doc, theCeltics will continue to be a defensive force in the league, as,,,all togethernow: “DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!”

Second, Danny hasthe Big 3, Big 4 counting Rondo.  At thecenter is Kevin Garnett.  KG got his legsback last season.  With proper timemanagement and a few games off KG will be as good to go as ever.  While he is showing some cracks in the armoron offense, losing some of his touch from 3-9 feet (33%), his still hit 47%from 15-18 and a smoking 74% from inside. 

Next is RayAllen.  Best stroke in the NBA.  When Ray gets the ball, it is MONEY, MONEY,MONEY!!  Time management will be neededfor Ray this year.  He played 80 gameslast year, and while he may be the best conditioned 36 year old player in theNBA, he too showed some slowing down in the playoffs in the last two years,brilliant one night and coming up empty on another.  Age is a cruel mistress.


Age has not calledon Paul Pierce just yet.  He is aremarkable clutch player.  Last shot iseither Ray or Paul (and sometimes KG) but Paul is the MAN.  What KG did for Paul when KG joined theCeltics was to unleash a defensive side to Pierce’s game that made him acompete player.  It is Pierce who willget the assignment to guard the team’s best player and make him disappear (I’MTALKIN’ TO YOU LEBRON!)

An assist machine atthe start of last season, Rondo was on a pace to break John Stockton’s singleseason assist average assist record of 14.5 per game.  Rondo was torrid, dishing out 82 dimes in a 5game span at the start of the season. Alas it was not to be, due to injuries and the emotional impact of thePerkins trade on Rondo, a much debated topic in Celtics fandom.  More concerning for fans, even Fan #1, BarackObama, was Rondo’s shooting, both from the field and at the line.  Hopefully, Rondo put the work in theoff-season to make this a non-factor. Otherwise the Rondo for Deron Williams or CP3 rumors will persist.

The Celtics had aninteresting draft, taking two Purdue boys with their picks.  Number one was JuJuan Johnson.  At 6’10” and 220 Johnson is a KG clone withsimilar skills: scoring, shot blocking and athleticism.  Johnson was the Big 10 POY AND Defensive POY,no small feat.  He was a consensusAll-American averaging 20.5 points and 8.6 rebounds.  Johnson stayed close to home during the lockout,working out in Indianapolis rather than going overseas. He was in attendance atRondo’s charity game during the lockout and acquitted himself just fine in anon-defensive game.  Look for KG to tutorthis young man in the honorable art of DEFENSE. KG is a stern taskmaster.  If hethinks you are not paying attention to the wisdom he imparts, he will stopspeaking to you altogether.  That’s YOU,Patrick O’Bryant!!

Number two pick wasE’Twaun Moore.  At 6’4”, this shootingguard went overseas and played for Bennetton Treviso in Italy, averaging 9.5points and 2.8 rebounds in six games. Interestingly both Johnson and Moore were four year players for theBoilermakers, rare senior draftees.  Bothhowever, will be hurt by the lockout shortened training camp and will likelyride Doc’s bench for a long time.  Ifthey don’t and are playing significant minutes, THEN it will be time to worry.

The Celtics have their work cut out for themif they are to contend for a Championship, which is the only acceptable resultin Boston, otherwise known in the 21st century as Titletown. Thelockout revised schedule will feature not only more back to backs, which havebeen the Celtics’ bane in recent years, but it will now feature back to back tobacks!!  On the upside, the short 66 gameseason should favor this veteran team. The last short season championship was won by a very long in the toothSan Antonio Spurs, with other aging teams riding deep into the playoffs,including their Championship Series opponent, the NY Knicks.  That’s YOU – Patrick Ewing! 

Ainge must fill out a roster that will backuphis starting five, giving them much needed rest and provide for one last hurrahfor the Big 3.  Where he will get thisyear’s James Posey, Eddie House, PJ Brown, Sam Cassel, and other key Celticbench players of recent yore?  Only God(and maybe Tim Tebow) knows.  The new CBAwill give the Celtics only the $5M mid year exception, so long as they stayunder the salary cap.  If they become aluxury tax team, that mid level exception drops to $3M!  Good luck with that, Danny!  But Messer’s Ainge and Rivers have workedtheir magic before, getting the Celtics to the Championship Series 2 out of 4years since the arrival of the Big 3.  Don’t count Boston out just yet.

Thanks to @TalkinAllSports for the GREAT preview!!!

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Top 2011-2012 NBA Free Agents

Nov
30

Now with thelockout ending, tentatively, we get to the EXCITING part: FREE AGENCY. Freeagency is expected to begin on December 9th, and with roughly 120plus free agents, restricted and unrestricted, this will be a fun time. Accordingto reports, November 30th is the day that the league will allowteams to have contact with agents. Either way this will be a HECTIC freeagency.

Now on tothe top free agents!!! Most articles I’ve read are giving you the top 15 freeagents. Screw that!!! I’m sticking to a top 10 and I need to remind you thisisn’t the most favorable free agent class.

10. JasonRichardson: $14.4 million – Unrestricted

WhileOrlando does want him back, they don’t want him back at that price tag. With15+ teams having cap space, imagine Richardson shopping himself around. *Thatsounds so naughty* I have had conversations with Bulls fans that want Jason,but they have 0 cap space to obtain him. The only way would be through asign-and-trade. Although, he is 31, J-Rich still has plenty of life left inhim, but what’s the value of that life is the more important question.

9. Shane Battier:$7.4 Million – Unrestricted
Battier is acoachable guy, plays solid defense and it seems teams want him…badly. To thepoint that OKC Thunder players are tweeting him about joining their squad. Hehas mentioned that his first choice would be to stay in Memphis, as they canpay him more, BUT Memphis has somewhere near $55 million in commitmentsalready, so this doesn’t seem likely. Today, we have learned that the MiamiHeat has become interested in Shane. However, seeing him as Pacer or a Thundermember seems more likely.

8. TayshaunPrince: $11.1 million – Unrestricted

The dude isnearing 32, had a back surgery, but still is putting up numbers like he did in2006. He played 78 games last year and his age isn’t showing. He would like tore-sign with the Pistons, but there are reports indicating he is ready to moveon. The typical “I wanna be with a winner” song and dance. His price point maybe the killing point to where some teams don’t want to spend that amount on anearly 32 year-old player.

7. CaronButler: $10.8 million – Unrestricted

TheMavericks are sitting on over $60 million dollars, so the likelihood he returnsto Dallas isn’t great. He is 32, coming off of a knee injury so his value maynot be what he wants. He has been saying all the right things with the mediathat he, indeed, wants to return with Dallas. However, that does not seem likea viable option. Dallas COULD re-sign him, I just find it unlikely.

6. CarlLandry: $3.0 million – Unrestricted

One of themore underrated free agents in this class, Landry stepped in for West lastseason and posted decent numbers. Here’s the deal here: If West leaves, theOrleans will set a price for Landry. However, if West stays, Laundry looks atother teams.



5. JamalCrawford: $10.1 million – Unrestricted
Of course,Crawford is the best scorer on this list. Awesome, right?? However, he KNOWS itand will be seeking that a BIG CHECK!! The Hawks won’t re-sign him for theamount of money he wants, however.
He recentlysigned with Andy Miller and is notorious for inking deals with the Nets or theKnicks. The Nets aren’t a feasible option, but the Knicks? A sign-and-tradedeal would be the only option. Other news has been that Miami would like him,but for Miller. Would Atlanta bite??? Hard to say, however, he will be with atitle contending team.
4. DavidWest: $8.3 million – Unrestricted
While Davidhas not been medically cleared for basketball, reports are saying him beingflagged is not an issue. Primary targets are the Pacers and the Nets, howeverthe Hornets have the best bet as they only have around $44 million incommitments.
3. MarcGasol – $3.6 million (qualifying offer of $4.5 million) – Restricted
While Marcis one of the best free agents in this class, he is a restricted free agent.The Grizz front office has made it well known that they will match any offerthat Gasol receives. With that, Gasol will, probably, still be a Grizzly.
2. TysonChandler – $12.6 million – Unrestricted
After theMavericks won the championship last season, Chandler’s value increasedsevenfold. Tyson wants to be in Dallas and Dallas wants Tyson. End of story.However, he will have to change his terms in reference to years, because the12.6 million is just a little bit too much for Dallas. Due to the underlyingnotion that the Mavericks WILL re-sign Chandler, don’t expect to hear muchnoise on other teams vying for him.

1.NeneHilario: $11.4 million – Unrestricted
If you askedme yesterday if Nene would resign, I would say: WITHOUT A DOUBT!! However, withhim being an “UTTER DRAMA QUEEN” with the media on Tuesday, I have my doubts.New York, New Jersey, Miami, Indiana, Dallas, Houston and Golden State are allreportedly, enticing him to come their way. After, opting out before thelockout, maybe there are still “tensions” between himself and Denver’s frontoffice.
If Nenestays, or if he goes, nevertheless, this will be, without a doubt, anentertaining, perhaps, mind-boggling free agency.
Other notable free agents are: Jeff Green *R*  (BOS), Rodney Stuckey *R*(DET), KrisHumphries (NJ), DeAndre Jordan *R* (LAC), Thaddeus Young *R* (PHI) , Arron Afflalo *R*  (DEN), Samuel Dalembert(SAC), J.J Barea (DAL), Grant Hill (PHO), Glenn Davis (BOS), Nick Young *R*(WASH)
Until next time,
Mrs. NBA

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NBA Commentary: 85% Rule And Strippers

Nov
30

Under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, CBA, there isa new term entitled, “The 85% Rule.” This rule necessitates that an NBA team,must spend  85% of the salary cap oncontracts.  This would amount to $49.3million for the 2011-2012 season. While having extra wiggle room is nice,sometimes it can be a detriment if a player doesn’t re-sign or there aren’t anyviable options to replace him. In particular is the Nene and Denver situation.

I like Nene, no plausible way are Tyson/M.Gasol coming toDenver, Nene is our sure thing. We know how he plays, reliable, consistent, andwe need him. Boy, do we fucking need him. Offensively, he gets baskets….sure wehave the twin towers in Mozgov and Koufos, but they lack experience. Yes, wehave the rebounding machine Kenneth Faried, but he’s still a rookie and westill need a veteran.  So yeah, Nene, westill need you.

But I digress, back to the 85% rule, if Nene does re-signwith the Nuggets, then everything is honky dory. Sign Nene for the $12 million,Arron Afflalo, the rookies: Kenneth Faried and Jordan Hamilton, and any otherloose ends and we reach that golden number: 85%.  However, after today’s reports and “sources” throughoutthe media, I can’t say that is a feasible option. It seems more probable that theremay be a sign-and-trade, just so Denver receives something for the Brazilianbeast.

Here’s the scenario, the expected situation, the “what if”Nene doesn’t re-sign. The Nuggets will have to fill a $12 million void, with aless than stellar free agent list, who would fill it? Are they veterans thatDenver can’t really use or doesn’t fit well into Coach George Karl’s system??What are the terms of these possible weak contracts? Are they going to be a onemulti-year contract just to fill a cap requirement?  This is where Nene’s re-signing or notre-signing can be a detriment to the franchise.

Don’t agree??? Just think of it in terms of a strip club…..Yes, I am comparing this 85% rule to a strip club.

You have to spend 85% of your $5000 at this strip club, butthe prized Madonna stripper is taken. She is with some douchey, jackass sugardaddy from Miami (you get my drift, right?) So the other strippers, incomparison, are Britney Spears-esque. Oh, Crazy, chunky, shaved head Britney.Not appealing, right?? But, you HAVE to spend 85% of that money on lap dances,VIP room visits, etc.  from these dancing,breathing, crazed skanks and, in doing so, results in a detriment to yourmoral, physical compass.

Catch my drift….

I can only hope Denver’s front office works their magic……

And I’m not speaking of the magic from the stripper’s oralskills.

Until next time,

Mrs. NBA

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NBA Preview: Phoenix Suns per @ZoDogg34

Nov
28
2010-11 record: 40-42 (2nd place Pacific Division, 10th place Western Conference – no playoffs)

Under Contract:

Guards: Steve Nash, Jared Dudley

Forwards: Josh Childress, Channing Frye, Mikael Pietrus, Hakim Warrick

Centers: Marcin Gortat, Robin Lopez

Others:

Grant Hill free agent – likely to be signed

Markieff Morris draft pick – will be signed

Vince Carter Likely to be waived – contract allows buyout

Zabian Dowdell, Garrett Siler, Gani Lawal – Team options

Background:

The Phoenix Suns once again this year will find themselves firmly stuck between a rock and a hard place, a spot that they were placed in during the summer of 2010 when owner Robert Sarver put on his G.M. costume and offered the offensively gifted Amare’ Stoudemire a non-guaranteed, incentive laden deal, knowing that the Knicks had a full max guaranteed contract on the table. This left the Suns with the dilemma of having an older team with no go to scorer, and very little young talent to build around, a position in which they find themselves going into this year.

The most important question facing the Suns this year will be if and when to trade Steve Nash and fully commit to rebuilding. With the re-signing of Grant Hill all but guaranteed, the Suns are the only NBA team with their top two rotation players in their late thirties. This is a testament not only to the Suns’ training and medical staff, but also to the ineptitude of their ownership, who in recent years has signed the likes of Josh Childress, Hakim Warrick, and Channing Frye to high dollar, multi- year contracts – moves that have handcuffed the organization from upgrading the talent level of the team. (Note – Childress may be waived under the amnesty clause of the new CBA).

The Good:

Assuming the Suns re-sign Grant Hill, and Nash sticks around (which is likely because the shortsighted Robert Sarver would rather have a player to market around now than rebuild and have a chance at success in the near future), the Suns have three players that would start on most NBA teams. Nash can still run an offense efficiently and set up players for offensive success. Grant Hill is effective on both sides of the ball, and has been one of the Suns’ most durable players over the past three seasons. Marcin Gortat is developing into a solid center. He is an effective rebounder and can score in the pick & roll.

The Bad:

The Suns are overloaded with role players who only do one or two things well. Jared Dudley is a good shooter and a decent defender. Hakim Warrick can be effective offensively around the basket, Channing Frye has shown a knack to knock down the three-ball. Robin Lopez is tall. What the Suns lack is a go-to scorer, and other than an aging Grant Hill, any player who can play lock down defense. The Suns also have very little depth at PG. With Aaron Brooks locked into a contract in China, the Suns may go with journeyman Zabian Dowdell to backup Nash. With 66 games being compacted into just three months, the backup PG spot will be more important than ever for the Suns, and adding a veteran would be wise.

Power Forward continues to be a problem for the Suns. The Suns went with a committee of the worthless Hidayet Turkoglu, Channing Frye, and Hakim Warrick to man the 4 spot last year. They drafted Markieff Morris to attempt to plug the hole, but Morris doesn’t appear to have much upside and most likely won’t produce more than 8-10 ppg and 6-8 rpg.

Summary

Without much cap space to add quality talent at PF and SG, as well as a backup PG, the Suns do not appear to be a contender for a playoff spot this year. An amnesty move may free up some cap space, but need more help than they would be able to get in the free agent market. The Suns franchise has lots of issues, and they all come from the top. With an owner who has gone through two team presidents, four general managers, three head coaches, and two heads of basketball operations in the seven years that he has owned the team, it’s clear that until there is a change in ownership (or they convice Chris Wallace to trade Zach Randolph for Robin Lopez), the Suns fortune looks bleak and the team will continue to hover around the .500 mark.

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NBA Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves per

Nov
28
Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves2011-2012

Since the Kevin Garnett era in Minnesota, the Timberwolveshave not been relevant what so ever. I’m looking for them to make a BIG leapthis year. Yeah, your eyes don’t deceive. I did say the Timberwolves will makea jump out in the west. They’ve got good pieces to set themselves up for asuccessful season. I’m not saying they will reach the playoffs, but Minnesotawill make a significant improvement on their previous 17 win season.

            They already have the previousleague rebound leader in Kevin Love. Not only does he eat up rebounds like aBEAST, he has added the “3 ball” to his arsenal. Kevin is definitely the guythat the T-wolves want to build around. All he is going to do is get better.

            One of the biggest factors in theT-Wolves turnaround is their second overall draft pick in Derrick Williams. TheWolves got lucky by getting him; he honestly should have gone first pick, aftershowing his incredible scoring ability in the NCAA tournament. He is arguablythe most talented in his draft class. Even with that being said theTimberwolves will have to figure out how the rotation is going to look with allthe forwards they have.

            For the past few seasons the pointguard position has been a wreck. This year, I see it improving. With theaddition of Rickie Rubio finally coming across the pond to play, he will proveto be a great back up to their starting point guard Luke Ridnour. Both of thoseguys have great court vision and have a “pass first” mentality. Well, becausethey both have inadequate offensive abilities.

            Michael Beasley… Well he is a goodscorer, and an average rebounder, if the T-Wolves want to win then theyshould part ways with him as soon as possible. Beasley’s off the court actionsand lack of respect to authority make him a huge liability for theWolves. If he actually gets sent away, there are plenty of role players, suchas Webster, Anthony Randolf, and Wesley Johnson to step up and produce.

Offseason Tasks

·         Get rid of all those Serbian centers! The rule is “oneSerbian per team”, but in this case…no! Oh and I know what you’re thinking, andno; Brad miller is a decent player, but he can’t handle the whole team! TheTimberwolves need to get a legit center such as Nene (not going to happen),Tyson Chandler, or Marc Gasol.

·         Get a solid veteran or two. They will help the team grow, andbring experience to the young team.

·        TradeMichael Beasley. It’s best for all if he is gone. He is like the anchorattached to a guppy. Ok, that was a little exaggerated, but it’s true. Tradehim for a solid back up to Wesley Johnson, or contribute him to the,“Timberwolves need a solid center fund”.

·        Finally,prove to Kevin Love that this team will be good for the next few years! It’snot really an “offseason task”, but it needs to happen. The Timberwolves need acenter piece and sorry to say it, but the Serbian center are not it. Commit toLove, and commit to the team.

Whether or not the Timberwolves become the next Oklahoma CityThunder, they will be an exciting team to watch this season.  They’ve got solid talent and have a burningfire in their hearts to win more than 17 games.

From yo boy,

 S_w_I_S_h

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NBA BACK: Reactions Over Twitter

Nov
27

As news broke yesterday, reactions were PRICELESS over twitter.

The SURPRISED…..

The OBVIOUS

The GENERIC

The NEGATIVE

TURNED REAL
The HUMOROUS

The Rookie
THEN THIS
My first reaction to the NBA lockout being over…..



Did you expect anything less??????

Until next time

—Mrs NBA

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Denver Nuggets 2011-2012 Preview: Free Agency

Nov
27
With the NBA lockout tentatively over and with freebeginning December 9th, get prepared for some stellar trades. Soin the coming days, myself and special guest bloggers will be doing NBApreviews. However, these previews aredesigned to determine what each team needs to achieve to guarantee a winningsystem. Of course, yours truly, is covering the Denver Nuggets.

 Denver needs to address these three things:

1.      Resign Nene Hilario AT ANY COST

2.      Resign restricted free agent Arron Afflalo

3.      Fill in the gaping holes (back up SG)

MONEY MONEY MONEY

·        Salary cap is situated around $58 million andcurrently Denver is committed to an estimated $28 million. Reportedly, teamswill need to spend 85% on payroll, which would, roughly, give the Nuggets $21million to spend, at the very least. * IDEA!!! ENSURE NENE IS A NUGGET*

·        Ty Lawson, who is in Lithuania, but has an “OUT”= $1.65 million

·        Kosta Koufos  = $2.2 million

·        Timofey Mozgov, who is in Russia, but has an“OUT” = $2.5 million

·        Danilo Gallinari, who is in Italy, but has an“OUT” = $4.19 million

·        Chris Andersen = $4.2 million

·        Al Harrington = $6.2 million

·        Andre Miller = $7.8 million

·        Faried, Hamilton and Chu Chu are all unsigned,with Chu Chu being in the D-League

Rookies

Due to the lockout, none of the 2011-2012 has contracts.Don’t fret, NBA pets. As soon as that lovely CBA deal is inked, Faried andHamilton will have their contracts and will be in training camps. The coachingstaff won’t waste time in getting these two boys worked into George Karl’ssystem.

Look for Kenneth Faried, also goes by MANIMAL, to be a hugeasset to Denver. He led the NCAA in rebounds last year and I expect him to itup in Denver. He was an active member in the Drew League, based in Los Angeles,during the lockout. In particular, is the no-look pass from Rajon Rondo for theslam. I was assured by those that watched him over the summer, Denver is goingto STUNNED by what he can do.

As for Jordan Hamilton, he was acquired from trading RaymondFelton to the Blazers in a three-way trade between Denver, Portland and Dallastrade. He, too, will be nice for Denver. Reminds me of a younger JR Smith*Insert your typical JR joke here*

Amnesty &  3-DayClause

This is a reported clause in the new CBA that gives the teamthe ability to buy-out a player’s contract. Chris Andersen’s name was thrownaround today, but rest assured, Al Harrington would be the one to go.

Another reported revision that team’s will no longer have 7days to match offers on restricted agents, but rather only 3 days.

Free Agents: Yes, Even The Shanghai Nuggets

·        Arron Afflalo: RESTRICTED free agent. AAA hasmade it clear he wants to be in Denver and the FO has reciprocated the samefeelings. Don’t worry, Afflalo will be back.

·        Nene Hilario: UNRESTRICTED free agent. Neneisn’t getting any younger, but he is CLEARLY, the FA of the season. GoldenState and Houston has already shown an interest in picking him up, but look forNene to return if the FO woos him and at the right price. KEYWORDS: WOO HIM!!After the Melo trade, it appeared Nene was more hurt than anything, since hiscontract was put on the backburner. However, this is Kroenke’s first order ofbusiness.

·        Gary Forbes: RESTRICTED free agent. No worries.He’s a Nugget, again.

·        Jr Smith: UNRESTRICTED free agent. He signed toChina, with a no-opt out clause. However, it seems both his and Wilson’scontracts could be so that they could leave China, IF the team so fit. It*could* happen, but JR isn’t returning anytime soon. BUUUTTT if one of theseguys did return, it would be Swish……….

·        Wilson Chandler: RESTRICTED free agent. Same asabove. Not happening

·        Kenyon Martin: RESTRICTED free agent. Hiscontract, a bit different than the aforementioned two, is rock solid. Adios

·        Melvin Ely: UNRESTRICTED free agent. Sorry, he’sa non-factor.

Nuggets and Free Agency

It’s obvious the Nuggets have a young group of guys, withKenyon gone, expect Arron to take that captain role. AAA has a strong workethic and his will to win is reminiscent of a Grant Hill-esque player. Denverwill need to look at obtaining a veteran or two to lead these guys, especiallya veteran whom is grounded and doesn’t have an DeShawn Stevenson type of traits.

Denver has RACKS ON RACKS ON RACKS as far as spending money.For once, please, SPEND THE MONEY, Kroenke!!!! But please, no more *B-A-D* AlHarrington contracts!! We also need to keep in mind that Lawson and Gallo willbe up for new contracts soon. So SPEND, but spend INTELLIGENTLY!

Although, Denver has 2 point guards, keep in mind Andre isin his last year. More than anything, Denver needs another ball handler. Evenif you hated JR, he will be greatly missed on our team, another person similarto his abilities wouldn’t hurt. At this point, it’s a waste of time to listpossible point guard targets, as shooting guards are what we need to fill in.

With Afflalo, Hamiliton and even Forbes at the shootingguard position, baby, we need back up!!! Historically, George Karl doesn’t wantrookies to be thrown into the fire. He wants someone that has been proven, withSwish in China, Denver WILL need another backup player in this position.

·        I’ve heard Jamal Crawford, but sorry, he isn’tcoming here. He want’s to go to a contending

Team, and no matter how you dice it, it’s not us.

·        Shannon Brown: Very athletic. Similar to Swish,but I’m not sure how well he would fit in here. I always preferred JR toBrown….JR could do more with less, not sure if I can say the same for Shannon.

·        DeShawn Stevenson: A blogger threw this name atme today, I almost fainted. Sensational defender, great 3-point shooter.However, his antics are worlds worse that Smith’s. PASS!!!

The  small forwardslot has so much depth, I’m not even bothering analyzing it. However,personally, I would LOVE to sign Shaun Battier. I am allowed to act all geekyaround certain players, geez!!! However, I could see Memphis resigning him, butall depends on Rudy Gay.

The power forward position issomething Denver HAS TO ADDRESS, especially with Nene’s return questionable.Kenyon is off gallivanting in China, so we need an individual PROVEN in thisarea.

·        David West: Next to Nene, this is the runner-up,thanks for playing prize. However, his knee injury gives me that Deja-vufeeling we had with Kenyon.

·        Kris Humphries: I’ve seen his name tossed aroundand while he rebounds well, however his recent PR issues with Kim K isn’tsomething that Denver should entertain

·        Big Baby: STOP IT!!!! He will remain a Celtic,plus he is on my 2011 NBA Player Fattie Watch.

Sure Denver has Mozgov, Andersenand Koufos for the center position, but they all lack E-X-P-E-R-I-E-N-C-E!!!!Think Birdman will start???? Not a chance, much like JR Smith, Coach Karlprefers Andersen off the bench. It’s obvious a SEASONED, EXPERIENCED centerwould be a world of help.

·        The only two options, in my opinion, are TysonChandler and Marc Gasol. The Grizzlies already promised Z-Bo, upon himresigning, they would bring back Gasol. As far as Chandler, expect Dallas toresign him as well.

In summary, Neneis a MUST for Denver. If the novice front office let’s emotions rule, then beprepared for a less than .500 season.

YUP, I SAIDIT!!! Denver is BETTER with Nene than without him.

So, Kroenke, pleaseget that checkbook out, snag Nene, Afflalo and maybe a shooter too.

Until next time,

MrsNBA

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NBA Lockout is OVVAAAAHHHH!!!

Nov
26

YUP!!! A tentative deal has been struck and guess what???

NBA BACK!!! NBA BACK!!! NBA BACK!!!

It could have been my David Stern voodoo doll. It could have been my idle Birthday threats. More than likely, it was the immense pressure BOTH SIDES felt with getting NBA back on track by Christmas Day. Christmas Day is the launching pad for the nationally televised schedule for the NBA. Yeah, that would do it, but whatever it was ……… NBA BACK.

Representatives for both sides met for an exhausting, 15-hour negotiation session and held a joint news conference around 3:30 a.m. to announce that lockout is almost over after 149 days. Notice the words “almost over”…… it was a tentative deal based on a handshake. But still we can taste our NBA now.

“The reason for the settlement was we’ve got fans, we’ve got players who would like to play and we’ve got others who are dependent on us,”David Stern said.

Neither sides issued the details, but there are some things we do know, however, including the 49-51 “band” of BRI that the players would receive. Basketball camps are intended to open December 9th with a projected start date being Christmas. There still needs to be a approval by 15 of the 29 NBA owners. The players need to dismiss their lawsuits in Minnesota, reconstruct the union and get a majority vote of the NBA’s 400+ players.

“We resolved, despite some even bumps this evening, that the greater good required us to knock ourselves out and come to this tentative understanding,” Stern said.

In other words, MERRY CHRISTMAS, NBA FANS!!!

Until next time,

MrsNBA <——– Name Change :)

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NBA History Profile: Mr. Basketball

Nov
26

The NBA has bestowed on us many notable talents. MJ, Wilt,Kareem, Bird, Magic and George.

Wait, what??? GEORGE???
Contemplate about how you visualize a NBA player today to appear?  Who’s the greatest in the game today? James, Kobe, Wade, Carmelo?? Since the creation of the game, George Mikan was that guy. Let me tell you he wasn’t a heavily muscled, eye-catching, swagged out, inked up cat like players of today.
Mikan was a 6’10”, 245 pound white boy with thick, round Harry Potter glasses. Oh, but this white boy could jump. BOY, could he jump!
George Mikan was professional basketball’s first superstar.It was HE who redefined basketball from a game dominated by quick, small players into a game dominated by giants. He was the first illustrious professional center. No one at that size ever had that brand of mobility and dexterity on the basketball court…he evolved the game…he created an example that future players could emulate. Prolific rebounder, shot blocker and “raper”of  small defenders with his ambidextrous hook shot.
George Mikan and one of the first “trading cards” from a Wheaties box.
During his first season with the Lakers, he ended the season with 27.4 points and 2.9 assists per game. I find this following anecdote on Mikan as an illustration to his prowess on the court. In  the 1950-51 season, the Lakers played the Fort Wayne Pistons, Pistons  ahead 19-18, were afraid of Mikan making a comeback, just passed the ball around without attempting  to make a basket. This would be the lowest scoring NBA game in history; the shot clock would be introduced four years later. Of those 18 points, Mikan scored 15 points, or 83.3% of histeam’s points, thus setting an NBA record. Imagine Melo, KD, LeBron scoring 83.3%of their points. Assuming an average NBA would garner 110 points, that’s 91points. 91 POINTS!!!UNREAL!!
I KNOW! I KNOW! I shouldn’t cross-generationally comparestatistics…..but still.
During the 1953-54 season, Mikan had been on the decline and decided to retire, later citing his growing family needing him. He averaged18.1 points, 14.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game that season. At the time of his retirement, Mikan had suffered 10 broken bones. He came back during the middle of the 55-56 season. He played 37 games, averaging a mere 10.5 points,8.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. The Lakers lost in the first playoff round that season.
 Mikan was such a force on the court he caused the NBA to make a few rule changes because of his superiority on the court. One was the “Mikan Rule”, the widening of the lane from 6 feet to 12 feet and of course the shot clock.
A list of George Mikan’s Accomplishments:
*5x BAA/NBA Champion
*2x NBL Champion
*NBL Rookie Of The Year
*NBL MVP
*2x NBL Season Scoring Leader
3x NBA Season Scoring Leader
*NBA All-Star Game MVP
*4x NBA All-Star
*6x All-BAA/NBA First Team
*NBA 25th Anniversary Team
*NBA 35th Anniversary Team
*NBA 50 Greatest Players
He was also a founding father of the ABA, becoming its first Commissioner in 1967. He would institute the 3-point line and retire just 2years later. He spear-headed a group to get a professional basketball team inMinnesota. He received his wish when the Minnesota Timberwolves pranced their way into the area. Outside of the Target Center, there is a statue commemorating his greatness. George was inducted into the Naismith HOF in 1959 and was cited as the greatest player of the first half of the century.
Statue outside of Target Center
Mikan set the stage for the Modern Age of the NBA dominated by tall, powerful players. Without his presence into the early birthing years of the NBA, it is apparent that the sport may not be what we see today. Shaq sums up the presence of George Mikan the best, “Without Number 99[Mikan], there is no me.”
Indeed.

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NBA "Settlement" Meetings: Don’t Hold Your Breath

Nov
25

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted anything about negotiations, just because there was insufficient information to report. It was the same old news being passed from blogger to blogger. However, beautiful scandalmongers, we have news…..

Now, don’t get your expectations up or anything, okay??? Just take this all in as mere “gossip” because, ultimately, this is coming from sources.
According to reports, NBA labor talks started back, quietly, on Tuesday in hopes of getting a deal done by Black Friday, in order to sidestep cancelling Christmas Day games and beyond. The exact participants are exactly known, but two confirmed sources admitted to Y! Sports that Derek Fisher, whom was involved before, WAS NOT involved this time. Due to the litigation between the parties, it is assumed lawyers are present for both sides. On top of this, it is uncertain if David Stern is present during this round of meetings.

At the very least, both parties need a handshake deal in the coming days to avoid the cancellation of their Christmas Day games. Traditionally, the Christmas Day games are the kick off point to the NBA’s national television schedule. Have to keep in mind that it takes about 30 days to get a season going with signing a new deal, signing free trades and training camps. Sources were circulating today with the news of a Christmas Day start would still result in a 66-game season with playoffs being pushed back a week, possibly. At this juncture, the biggest hindrance in both sides is one they can’t control: the calendar.

Known for his outspoken nature, DeShawn Stevenson had a few things to say about the NBA lockout thus far.

“I feel like Billy Hunter is doing a horrible job because basically [the owners] know our hand.”

He goes on to say, “For me, personally, I don’t think there will be a season.”

DeShawn could be right, but then again he could be wrong. Remember, this is the same guy that calls LeBron overrated. In the meantime, it’s another waiting game. (P.S. Media, please quit talking to that fool pictured)

Just don’t hold your breath. Repeat with me.

DON’T…HOLD….YOUR….BREATH.

Until Next time,

—MrsNBALockout

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