HoopsHype.com Columns
[
M A G I C ]
Lost at the stripe, Howard still setting great moving picks
by Dennis Hans / December 30, 2011
Magic center Dwight Howard is struggling with his latest approach to free throws, but he’s still freeing teammates with effective illegal picks. • Read
more
[
P R E V I E W ]
Things I look forward to seeing this season
by Eddie Johnson / December 25, 2011
Eddie Johnson is ecstatic about the new season and hoping his questions get answered soon. • Read
more
[
T R A D E ]
Clippers now playoff bound
by Charley Rosen / December 15, 2011
Charley Rosen evaluates the on-court repercussions of the Chris Paul trade. • Read
more
[
M A R K E T ]
Worst free agent signings so far
by Charley Rosen / December 14, 2011
Some additions this week have been bad even at minimum salaries, according to Charley Rosen. • Read
more
[
K N I C K S ]
Chandler not enough to rule East
by Charley Rosen / December 11, 2011
Tyson Chandler is a good addition for the Knicks but lack of depth will continue to hinder the team, Charley Rosen says. • Read
more
[
M A R K E T ]
The Top 10 free agent point guards
by Eddie Johnson / December 9, 2011
Point guard is the weakest position in free agency this year, but Eddie Johnson sees some serviceable players. • Read
more
[
M A R K E T ]
The Top 10 free agent shooting guards
by Eddie Johnson / December 7, 2011
Eddie Johnson thinks his pick as the No. 1 shooting guard in free agency will soon be an All-Star. • Read
more
[
K N I C K S ]
How to land Chris Paul
by Matt Tolnick / December 6, 2011
Matt Tolnick evaluates the Knicks’ options in pursuing Chris Paul in light of the new CBA. • Read
more
[
L O C K O U T ]
Don't weep for the NBA players
by Peter May / December 5, 2011
The owners won the lockout, right? Peter May is not so sure. • Read
more
[
M A R K E T ]
The Top 10 free agent small forwards
by Eddie Johnson / December 4, 2011
No stars in the free agent crop of small forwards but there's one game changer, Eddie Johnson says. • Read
more
[
M A R K E T ]
The Top 10 free agent power forwards
by Eddie Johnson / December 2, 2011
Eddie Johnson is not impressed by the power forwards available in free agency. • Read
more
[
M A R K E T ]
The Top 10 free agent centers
by Eddie Johnson / November 31, 2011
Eddie Johnson is back, this time talking about the best big men in this free agent class. • Read
more
[
L O C K O U T ]
The CBA: A comprehensive analysis (of what we know)
by Matt Tolnick / November 29, 2011
Matt Tolnick takes a deep look at the upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement. • Read
more
[
L O C K O U T ]
The
NBA is back
by
Charley Rosen/ November 26, 2011
Charley Rosen likes the shortened season more than the overall
terms of the new CBA. •
Read
more
[
L O C K O U T ]
Dreaming
Stern's international dream...
by
Mark Heisler/ November 23, 2011
Just without David in it. Could that realistically happen?
• Read
more
[
L O C K O U T ]
Make
them pay
by
Matt Tolnick/ November 17, 2011
NBA basketball is a public good, but the public has played
no role in this lockout. Matt Tolnick thinks that can change.
• Read
more
[
L O C K O U T ]
Animal
Farm welcomes the NBA
by
Mark Heisler/ November 16, 2011
Mark Heisler tells us how owners, players and league officials
went even nuttier than they were.
• Read
more
[
L O C K O U T ]
The
doomsday scenario
by
Charley Rosen / November 6, 2011
Losing an entire season is starting to look like a real possibility.
Charley Rosen talks about the ramifications of such disaster.
•
Read
more
[
L A K E R S ]
The
Buss question marks just keep growing
by
Roland Lazenby / November 4,
2011
Are the Lakers headed for trouble now that Jim Buss is running
the team? •
Read
more
[
L A B O R .
T A L K S ]
Revenue
sharing: A formula for all markets
by
Matt Tolnick / October 25, 2011
Matt Tolnick goes into detail on how to make a fair new revenue
sharing sytem work. •
Read
more
[
L A B O R .
T A L K S ]
Revenue
sharing: Don't stop at a luxury tax
by
Matt Tolnick / October 23, 2011
Our lockout guru Matt Tolnick shares some ideas that could
improve the revenue sharing system. •
Read
more
[
L A B O R .
T A L K S ]
Miami
doesn't have to take hit
by
Matt Tolnick / October 20, 2011
A lower BRI percentage for players could hurt some teams in
the short term. Matt Tolnick comes up with solutions for that.
•
Read
more
[
L A K E R S ]
West goes in wrong direction
by Charley Rosen / October 18,
2011
Jerry West is not a Phil Jackson fan. Charley Rosen explains why. • Read
more
[
L A B O R .
T A L K S ]
Like
Republicans and Democrats
by
Peter May / October 11, 2011
Owners and players are whining, but are unable to agree on
one thing for the good of all. Sounds familiar? •
Read more
[ H E A T ]
What's wrong with LeBron is what's wrong with all of us
by Charley Rosen / October 6,
2011
We need heroes and we need villains. LeBron James has fit the bill for both roles to perfection, Charley Rosen says. • Read more
[
B E N C H ]
College
success doesn't translate on NBA benches
by
Charley Rosen / September 19,
2011
Charley Rosen discusses why distinguished NCAA coaches have
had dismal NBA careers.
• Read
more
[
O F F I C I A T I N G ]
Refs
lockout next?
by
Peter May / September 9, 2011
If the league reaches an agreement with the players, the referees
are next in line. •
Read
more
[ L O C K O U T ]
Phoney War programmed in from the start
by Mark Heisler/ August 25, 2011
There's very little going on in CBA negotiations. Just as Mark Heisler expected. • Read
more
[
S P R I N G F I E L D ]
The
redo: Tex Winter's Hall of Fame speech
by
Roland Lazenby / August 15,
2011
It was not the most glorious induction speech for Tex Winter.
Roland Lazenby tries to make up for it.
• Read
more
[
S P R I N G F I E L D ]
The
future Hall of Famers
by
Chris Tomasson / August 11,
2011
Dennis Rodman and Arvydas Sabonis, among others, were inducted
to the Hall of Fame Friday. Chris Tomasson takes a look at
active NBA players that may follow them in Springfield.
• Read
more
[
L A B O R . T A L K S ]
More on the NBA/NBPA BRI split
by Matt Tolnick / August 9, 2011
The NBA and Players' Union have not been very creative in negotiations so far, Matt Tolnick says. He comes up with a new idea that could work for both: sharing profits and losses.
• Read
more
[
L O C K O U T ]
It's
still not time to panic
by
Mark Heisler/ August 3, 2011
Don't believe the doomsday scenarios, says Mark Heisler. At
least, not yet. •
Read
more
[
B E N C
H
]
Grading
the coaches
by
Charley Rosen / July 25, 2011
Charley Rosen evaluates the skills of all lead coaches in
the league. •
Read
more
[
R O C K E T S ]
So long, Yao
by Charley Rosen / July 9, 2011
Rockets center Yao Ming is retiring. He was very good, Charley Rosen says, but also somewhat overrated. • Read more
[
L A K E R S ]
Bynum's team now
by Roland Lazenby / July 8, 2011
The team’s fans have mostly troublesome signs to ponder during the lockout. • Read more
[
L O C K O U T ]
Can small-market teams survive a lockout?
by Tracy Graven / July 4, 2011
Owners of small-market teams are putting the most pressure to get an advantageous CBA, but those teams may be the most hurt in the lockout process. • Read more
[
L A B O R . T A L K S ]
Expanding the pie that is BRI
by Matt Tolnick / June 28, 2011
Rather than fight about how to distribute basketball related income, the NBA should be open and creative about new ways to generate money. • Read more
[ E T A N . T H O M A S ]
United we stand
by Etan Thomas / June 27, 2011
Hawks center Etan Thomas, one of the most active players at the NBPA, talks about the current state of labor talks. • Read more
[
T R A D E S ]
Talking draft day moves
by Charley Rosen / June 25, 2011
Old faces went to new places Thursday. Charley Rosen discusses how they will fit in.
• Read more
[
D R A F T ]
Cleveland, Minnesota among perceived winners
by Marc Narducci / June 24, 2011
The teams with the worst records in the NBA had a winning evening on draft night. • Read more
[
F I N A L S ]
Why
Miami lost
by Eddie
Johnson / June 14, 2011
LeBron James flamed out in the Finals, but Dwyane Wade and Erik Spoelstra are also very responsible for Miami's defeat, according to Eddie Johnson.
• Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Why the Mavs won
by
Chris
Tomasson / June 12, 2011
The Mavericks are NBA champions for the first time in franchise
history. Much credit goes to Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry,
who redeemed themselves from the 2006 failure, but there's
plenty of blame to go around – both among their teammates
and the opposing team. •
Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Nowitzki is not enough
by
Eddie
Johnson / June 6, 2011
Miami would be closing in on a sweep if not for Dirk Nowitzki,
says Eddie Johnson. His Dallas teammates need to step up.
•
Read
more
[
S H A Q
U I L L E ..O
' N E A L ]
For Shaq, life was first
by Nima Zarrabi / June 2, 2011
Shaquille O'Neal looked to enjoy every minute rather than trying to become the best basketball player he could be. Can't blame him for that. • Read
more
[
H E A T - M A V E R I C K S ]
A dream Finals
by Eddie Johnson / May 28, 2011
Lots of stories, awesome
players, balanced teams... Eddie Johnson is pumped about
this year's Finals.
• Read
more
[
M I K E ..B R O W N ]
Lakers' turnover
by Charlie Rosen / May 26, 2011
The Lakers are making a big mistake in choosing Mike Brown to replace Phil Jackson, according to Charley Rosen. • Read more
[
M A V E R I C K S .- .T
H U N D E R ]
Mavs are outsmarting Thunder
by Eddie Johnson / May 24, 2011
The Thunder's immaturity, both on the players' and coaches' side, is showing against the veteran Mavericks, Eddie Johnson says. • Read more
[
M A V E R I C K S .- .T H U N D E R ]
Vets vs. young guns
by Eddie Johnson / May 16, 2011
Oklahoma City has the advantage in terms of athleticism, but the Mavs' experience and superior bench could put them over the top. • Read more
[
B U L L S .- .H E A T ]
Too much for Rose to handle?
by Eddie Johnson / May 14, 2011
Miami has been so good in the playoffs that Chicago, the best team in the regular season, goes into the Conference Finals with the underdog status, says Eddie Johnson.
• Read more
[
L
A K E R S ]
Champs lose their fight
by
Eddie Johnson / May 9, 2011
The Lakers went down with no effort and little class, says
Eddie Johnson. An ugly ending for the best NBA coach of all
time.
• Read
more
[
H E A T -
C E L T I C S ]
Matchups that matter
by
Ethan J. Skolnick / May 8, 2011
Four key "matchups" will define the outcome of the
Heat-Celtics series, says Ethan J. Skolnick.
• Read
more
[
H E A T ]
Unsung defense lifting Miami
by
Marc Narducci / April 28, 2011
They have three offensive players that can match any team’s
trio, but the Miami Heat were more impressive on defense in
their first-round win against a stubborn Philadelphia 76ers
team.
• Read
more
[
L A B O R
..T
A L K S
]
Ideas to improve the D-League
by
Matt Tolnick / April 24, 2011
The NBADL has been a success story, but the NBA could a lot
more to make it even better.
•
Read
more
[
P L
A Y
O F F
S ]
First round rumblings
by
Eddie Johnson / April 22, 2011
Eddie Johnson dishes on the best and worst in the playoffs
so far. •
Read
more
[ P L A Y E R S ]
The brand new Top 25
by Eddie Johnson / April 13, 2011
Eddie Johnson ranks his Top 25 players again – with a change at No. 1. • Read more
[
L A B O R
..T
A L K S
]
Franchise tags: a better system
by
Matt Tolnick / March 28, 2011
Sports attorney Matt Tolnick comes up with ideas for a franchise
tag system that would work both for players and small-market
teams. •
Read
more
[
L A B O R
..T
A L K S
]
Franchise tags: The players' and league's perspective
by
Matt Tolnick / March 20, 2011
While the franchise tag system could work for some teams,
in the end it would be detrimental to both the players and
the league. •
Read
more
[
L A B O R ..T A L K S ]
Franchise tags: The teams' perspective
by Matt Tolnick / March 19, 2011
The franchise tag system the NFL uses might make sense for NBA teams. • Read more
[
L A B O R .T A L K S ]
Scaling back existing salaries: A two-way street
by Matt Tolnick / February 27, 2011
If the NBA wants to reduce contracts that have already been signed, some concessions are in order. • Read
more
[ T R A D E S ]
The mother of all trade deadlines
by Ethan J. Skolnick / February
25, 2011
The Thunder and Nets were the biggest winners. The Grizzlies and Baron Davis were among the losers. All in all, it was impressive. • Read
more
[
T R A D E ]
Melo, Knicks win
by Eddie Johnson / February
23, 2011
Had the Knicks played their cards better, they would have kept Danilo Gallinari or Raymond Felton. Still, it's a win-win for New York and Carmelo Anthony. • Read
more
[
J A Z Z ]
Sloan was ready to move on
by Marc Narducci / February
10, 2011
Jerry Sloan's frustration was apparent well before his sudden resignation as coach of the Utah Jazz. • Read
more
[
T R A D E S ]
Melo setting an example on how to handle rumors
by Eddie Johnson / February 8, 2011
Are you an NBA player whose name is mentioned in trade
rumors? Suck it up and do like Carmelo Anthony, says
Eddie Johnson. • Read
more
[
L A B O R . T A L K S ]
Toxic contracts: Preventing a costly arms race
by
Matt Tolnick / February 5, 2011
Matt Tolnick of Kauffman Sports has creative solutions to
prevent teams from hurting themselves so much with bad contracts.
•
Read
more
[
A
L L - S T
A R
]
West selections lack consistency
by
Ethan J. Skolnick / February
4, 2011
The coaches got it right with the Eastern Conference reserves,
but what was exactly the criteria for the West All-Stars?
• Read
more
[ C
L I P P E R S ]
Sterling will let Griffin down
by Nima Zarrabi / January 14, 2011
With Blake Griffin on board, the Clippers' future looks bright. But that has been the case many times before... • Read
more
[
G
A M B L I N G ]
Mayo and Allen broke a rule
by
Eddie Johnson / January 9, 2011
Don't make all players pay because two of them acted dumb,
says Eddie Johnson. •
Read
more
[
P
L A
Y E
R S
]
The Top 10 disappointments (again)
by
Eddie Johnson / January 1, 2011
Eddie Johnson ranks the players that have let him down the
most so far this season.
•
Read
more
[
I
N
J
U R I E
S
]
Love for the game will heal Yao and Oden
by
Eddie Johnson / December 21,
2010
Getting injured is always tough for a player. More so if you're
a big man, according to Eddie Johnson.
•
Read
more
[ T H U N D E R ]
Durant's obstacles bringing out the best in others?
by Tracy Graven / December 8,
2010
Russell Westbrook is taking care of business for the Thunder. Is this a disruption for Kevin Durant and company?
• Read
more
[
S P U R S ]
My apologies to San Antonio
by
Eddie Johnson / November 25,
2010
The Spurs were once overlooked at the beginning of the season.
What a mistake, Eddie Johnson says.
•
Read
more
[ T R A I L . B L A Z E R S ]
What to do with Greg Oden?
by Ben Golliver / November 21,
2010
Mixed messages from Blazers front office cloud Greg Oden's future in Portland. • Read
more
[
L E B R O N . J A M E
S ]
Check his stats
by Ethan J. Skolnick / November 15,
2010
LeBron James has taken heat for hurting Miami's offense by holding onto the ball too much. Yet numbers prove that criticism wrong. • Read
more
[
S E A S O N ]
The early surprises
by
Eddie Johnson / November 10,
2010
Hornets, Warriors, Cavs and Knicks are shocking Eddie Johnson
so far. •
Read
more
[
C E L T I C S ]
Shaqqy Green brings his tired act to Boston
by
Dennis Hans / October 18, 2010
Shaquille O'Neal is more of a comedian than hoopster these
days, so a nickname with comic appeal will divert attention
from his diminished game. •
Read
more
[
P L A Y E R S ]
The Top 25 revisited
by
Eddie Johnson / October 14,
2010
Eddie Johnson once again ranks the Top 25 players in the NBA
– with some changes at the top.
•
Read
more
[
H E A T ]
Give me a break
by
Eddie Johnson / September 21,
2010
Eddie Johnson is tired of the criticism directed at LeBron
James, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat.
•
Read
more
[
W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S
H I P ]
Why Team USA won
by
Peter May / September 12, 2010
Kevin Durant is the first to blame, but Coach K and a watered-down
competition helped a big deal. •
Read
more
[
N U G G E T S ]
Melo just seeking happiness
by
Eddie Johnson / August 23, 2010
Passing on $65 million may not be the smartest business decision
for Carmelo Anthony. "So what?" Eddie Johnson says.
•
Read
more
[
M E D I A
]
Finally a chance to hit back
by Eddie Johnson / August 11, 2010
Players in the NBA and other sports can now use the social media networks to defend themselves. That's wonderful news, according to Eddie Johnson. • Read
more
[
F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Shaq in unfamiliar territory
by
Eddie Johnson / August 3, 2010
Shaquille O'Neal is probably having a tough time accepting
his new reality. And that's totally understandable, according
to Eddie Johnson. •
Read
more
[
T
E A M . U S
A
]
World beaters?
by
Peter May / July 28, 2010
With a roster full of B-listers, Team USA may struggle once
again at the World Championship.
• Read
more
[
H O R N E T S ]
Chris Paul (still) available
by Mark Heisler / July 24, 2010
Looks like Mark Heisler was right at the beginning of the season and Chris Paul could have played his last game as a Hornet. After all, no star will stick around without a chance of winning. • Read
more
[
H E A T ]
The King has spoken
by Eddie Johnson / July 9, 2010
So LeBron James chose Miami. Respect the decision and expect greatness, says Eddie Johnson. • Read
more
[
F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
After Amare, Knicks still need help
by Peter May / July 7, 2010
Knicks signing Amare Stoudemire is a great move for New York. It may not be such a good one for Stoudemire if he doesn't get much better company.
• Read
more
[
F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Fisher,
Blake and Redick: The rise of the character guys?
by
Roland Lazenby / July 4, 2010
Steve Blake and JJ Redick will make good money in free agency.
That should also be the case for Derek Fisher.
•
Read
more
[
F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Dream
Team can work
by
Peter May / June 30, 2010
Could Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh play together
and be successful? The answer is a resounding yes, according
to Peter May.
• Read
more
[
F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
The
Top 25 free agents
by
Eddie Johnson / June 26, 2010
Who should be the most sought after players this summer? Eddie
Johnson answers. •
Read
more
[
D R A F T ]
Wizards
improve with draft, trade
by
Marc Narducci / June 25, 2010
The Washington Wizards, not surprisingly, appear to be the
biggest winners following the NBA draft.
•
Read
more
[
F
I N A L S ]
Why
L.A. won
by
Eddie Johnson / June 17, 2010
The Los Angeles Lakers are celebrating championship number
16 after beating the Boston Celtics 83-79 in an absolutely
epic Game 7. How did they get there? Former NBA player Eddie
Johnson breaks down the ending of a series that has become
an instant classic. •
Read
more
[
F
I N A L S ]
We
have a classic
by
Eddie Johnson / June 16, 2010
The Celtics did nothing to prevent these Finals from going
to a Game 7. • Read
more
[ F
I N A L S ]
Remember 2008?
by Eddie Johnson / June 14, 2010
Bad news for the Lakers: These Finals look a lot like the ones we saw two years ago. • Read
more
[
F
I N A L S ]
A
gift for the fans
by
Mark Heisler / June 11, 2010
David Stern has to be smiling the way the Finals are going
so far. • Read
more
[
F
I N A L S ]
Uglyball
is back
by
Eddie Johnson / June 9, 2010
This Lakers-Celtics series is bringing up memories of the
Rockets-Knicks Finals of 1994, according to Eddie Johnson.
• Read
more
[
C
A V A L I E R S ]
Ohio
story: LeBron's team
by
Roland Lazenby / June 6, 2010
Who are the men behind the man everybody is talking about?
Roland Lazenby has some answers. •
Read
more
[
F
I N A L S ]
Here
we go again (sigh)
by
Eddie Johnson / June 3, 2010
Eddie Johnson expects a brutal and ugly Finals between the
two teams he hates the most. •
Read
more
[
F
I N A L S ]
How
Boston has made Hollywood pay
by
Roland Lazenby / May 31, 2010
The Lakers have a long history of failures against Boston.
Roland Lazenby goes deep into it. •
Read
more
[
F
R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Jax
and LeBron: True love or silly infatuation?
by
Roland Lazenby / May 26, 2010
Pairing LeBron James and Phil Jackson may be a far-fetched
proposition, but it would make a lot of sense.
• Read
more
[
P
L A Y O F F S ]
Anybody
seen Rashard?
by
Peter May / May 22, 2010
Rashard Lewis must give the Magic a lot more for his team
to seriously challenge the Celtics. •
Read
more
[
P
L A Y
O F
F S ]
Don't
underestimate the power of the Suns
by
Eddie Johnson / May 17, 2010
The Lakers are heavily favored by everybody to beat the Suns,
but Eddie Johnson doesn't understand why.
• Read
more
[ C A V A L I E R S ]
Protest
mode? The LeBron mystery deepens
by Roland Lazenby / May 14, 2010
LeBron James could look terrible if he leaves Cleveland after the flame-out vs. the Boston Celtics. • Read
more
[
L
A W S ]
Viva
los Suns
by
Peter May / May 5, 2010
The Suns' condemnation of the Arizona immigration law not
only is a courageous move, but also a rare one in the NBA.
• Read
more
[
H
E
A T
]
What's
in Wade's head?
by
Peter May / April 27, 2010
It's going to be an offseason full of questions for Heat superstar
guard Dwyane Wade. • Read
more
[
K
O
B E . B R Y A N T
]
The
slow death of a competitor
by
Roland Lazenby / April 25, 2010
Even though still great, we have already seen the best of
Kobe Bryant. • Read
more
[
T
H U N D E
R ]
Durant,
listen up
by
Eddie Johnson / April 19, 2010
Eddie Johnson has five pieces of advice for Kevin Durant and
the Thunder to even up the series vs. the Lakers.
• Read
more
[ P
L A Y E R S ]
The
new Top 25
by Eddie Johnson / April 16, 2010
Who are the best 25 players in the NBA? Eddie Johnson
updated his much-debated list. • Read
more
[ W A R R I O R S ]
Ya gotta love that Nellie
by Roland Lazenby / April 8, 2010
Don Nelson just became the all-time winningest coach, but is he one of the all-time greats?
• Read
more
[ T E A M . U S A ]
No LeBron is not the end of Worlds
by Mark Heisler / April 5, 2010
Even if LeBron James isn't there, Jerry Colangelo will field a competitive team for the World Championships. And, most importantly, one people don't have to feel embarrassed about.
• Read
more
[ R A P T O R S ]
Has Bosh checked out?
by Jeff Fox / March 30, 2010
Fans in Toronto are getting suspicious about Chris Bosh's play late in the regular season. With good cause?
• Read
more
[ D
E F E N S E ]
The dunk takes precedence
by Eddie Johnson / March 28, 2010
More and more players are not contesting dunks for fear of being embarrassed. Does that make sense?
• Read
more
[
P
L A Y E R S ]
Too
much love
by
Eddie Johnson / March 19, 2010
All the fraternizing between players on the court is making
Eddie Johnson sick. More Larry Birds are needed.
• Read
more
[
C
L I P P E R S ]
The
Sports Guy can't do it worse
by
Peter May / March 13, 2010
There's not much downside to the Clippers making an outside-the-box
hire like Bill Simmons for GM. After all, how much lower can
they go? • Read
more
[ M A V E R I C K S ]
Cuban turns team back around
by Mark Heisler / March 10, 2010
After all these years, there's no ring to show. But Mark Cuban has been a great owner for the Mavericks, now a real threat to the Lakers out West. • Read
more
[
T
H U N D E R
]
Durant
is an offensive machine
by
Eddie Johnson / March 8, 2010
Thunder All-Star forward Kevin Durant has the tools to become
one of the Top 5 scorers in NBA history, according to Eddie
Johnson.
• Read
more
[
C
A
V A L
I E
R S
]
No
Shaq, no problem
by
Peter May / March 3, 2010
The Cavaliers can do without Shaquille O'Neal for the rest
of the regular season. And in the playoffs too, says Peter
May. • Read
more
[
H
A L L
. O
F
. F
A M E
]
The
enshrinement that will never happen
by
Peter May / February 24, 2010
Dennis Rodman is Hall of Fame material, but he will probably
never be in Springfiled – just like a few other deserving
basketball legends.
• Read
more
[
T
R A
D E S
]
Landscape
just got better for Cleveland
by
Eddie Johnson / February 19,
2010
The Cavs' addition of Antawn Jamison must have scared the
rest of contenders, according to Eddie Johnson.
• Read
more
[
S
U N S
]
Cavs
should go for it
by
Mark Heisler / February 17, 2010
With the rumors of an imminent Amare Stoudemire trade, you
can now say the summer of 2010 has started in February.
• Read
more
[
C
E L
T
I C S
]
See
you in June?
by
Peter May / January 31, 2010
Sunday's game may be a preview of the NBA Finals, but the
Celtics will need to address several issues to get there.
• Read
more
[
A
L L
-
S T A R
]
The
all-time snub list
by
Jeff Fox / January 30, 2010
Chauncey Billups was left off the All-Star Game this year,
but at least he has played it four times. Some very good players
never made it at all. Which are the best of them?
• Read
more
[
W
I Z
A
R
D
S
]
Free
Gilbert Arenas
by
Mark Heisler / January 28, 2010
Even if it everyone had fun trashing him, this farce has run
long enough, and then some.
• Read
more
[
L
A K
E
R S
]
Gasol
an All-Star?
by
Roland Lazenby / January 24,
2010
After suffering hamstring injuries, the Lakers coaching and
medical staffs wouldn't mind if Pau Gasol gets some rest instead
of going to the All-Star Game, writes Roland Lazenby.
• Read
more
[
P
L A Y E R S
]
The
Top 10 disappointments
by
Eddie Johnson / January 16, 2010
Eddie Johnson ranks the players that have disappointed him
the most this season. As usual, he pulls no punches. •
Read
more
[
G I L B E R T . A R E N A S
]
This
is not G
by
Julius Hodge / January 5, 2010
Former NBA player Julius Hodge, a victim of gun violence,
gives his two cents on the Arenas-Crittenton incident.
• Read
more
[
R O C K E T S ]
McGrady
let Adelman off the hook
by
Eddie Johnson / January 1, 2010
Tracy McGrady's trade request has made life a lot easier for
Rockets head coach Rick Adelman. Now where can T-Mac relaunch
his career? • Read
more
[
D E C A D E ]
The
All-International teams
by
Peter May / December 30, 2009
Drazen Petrovic and Arvydas Sabonis led the way in the 90's.
Now it's the Nowitzkis and Gasols. Who were the other best
foreigner players of the decade? •
Read
more
[
A W A R D S ]
And
the Rookie of the Year is… Who cares?
by
Mark Heisler / December 29, 2009
Rookie accolades are nice, but they don't matter at all in
the end. • Read
more
[
L A
K
E R
S
]
What
Jerry Buss didn't say
by
Roland Lazenby / December 21,
2009
Phil Jackson's latest remarks on his coaching future are just
another episode of the power struggle in Lakerland, according
to Roland Lazenby. • Read
more
[ L E G.E N D S ]
2000-2009: Best of the best
by Roland Lazenby / December 14, 2009
Which have been the top players of the first decade of the century? Roland Lazenby puts down the list.
• Read
more
[
C E L T I C S ]
Allen
should be a keeper
by
Peter May / December 5, 2009
Think the Celtics should break up the Big Three before the
season is over? Think twice. •
Read
more
[
A L L L E N . I V E R S O N
]
Say
it ain't so
by
Eddie Johnson / November 26,
2009
Allen Iverson still has a lot to offer and by no means should
retire at this point, according to Eddie Johnson.
• Read
more
[
W I Z A R D S ]
Coping
with potential free agency
by
Marc Narducci / November 26,
2009
Impending free agency could have an impact on a team, but
the ability to remain healthy remains the key to success in
the NBA or any league. •
Read
more
[
K N I C
K S
]
Fire
might burn past 2010
by
Eddie Johnson / November 23,
2009
The Knicks' current state, combined with the potential negativity
in NYC and Mike D'Antoni's stubbornness, could scare LeBron
James and Dwyane Wade away from the Big Apple, according to
Eddie Johnson.
• Read
more
[
G R I Z Z L I E S
]
Iverson
still doesn't get it
by
Roland Lazenby / November 8,
2009
As big a talent as he is, Allen Iverson still doesn’t
get the idea of team. And he's running out of time.
• Read
more
[
H O R N E T S
]
Chris
Paul, anyone?
by
Mark Heisler / November 4, 2009
If Hornets guard Chris Paul is frustrated, he has every reason
to feel that way. Time may be coming to move on.
• Read
more
[
B U L L S
]
Rose
getting to the point
by
Marc Narducci / October 31,
2009
After winning Rookie of the Year, Derrick Rose looks to make
his place among the NBA’s top point guards.
• Read
more
[
P R E S E A S O N ]
Nightmares
of training camps past
by
Eddie Johnson / October 1, 2009
Current NBA players have it very good in training camp compared
to how it used to be, according to Eddie Johnson. •
Read
more
[
O F F I C I A L S ]
As
usual, the referees are out there alone
by
Mark Heisler / September 21,
2009
The referees have become victims of David Stern's posturing
in advance of the CBA negotiations with the players. •
Read
more
[
P L A Y E R S ]
The
updated Top 25
by
Eddie Johnson / September 10,
2009
Eddie Johnson ranks the best 25 players in the NBA before
the season begins. Guess who's on top?
• Read
more
[
L E G E N D S ]
Russell
up there with MJ
by
Peter May / September 11, 2009
Michael Jordan is the greatest player of his time. But if
you have to talk about the best player of all time, Bill Russell
has to come into the discussion, according to Peter May.
• Read
more
[
M I C H A
E L
. J
O R D A N
]
Celebrate
MJ going into the Hall of Fame? Forget that
by
Roland Lazenby / September 10,
2009
Michael Jordan once said he wouldn't comprehend his impact
on the game until long after he had finished playing. But
now we know. The game still isn't the same without him. •
Read
more
[
G R I Z Z L I E S ]
Iverson
humbled
by
Eddie Johnson / September 10,
2009
Allen Iverson finally had to settle with the lowly Grizzlies
instead of joining a contender. It was all Iverson's fault
for refusing to become a role player, according to Eddie Johnson.
• Read
more
[
T I M B E R W O L V E S ]
The
Rubio blunder
by
Peter May / September 3, 2009
Ricky Rubio's decision to stay in Spain hurts the Timberwolves.
It may end up hurting Rubio too.
• Read
more
[
T I M B
E R W
O L V
E S
]
Kurt
Rambis in the Frozen Tundra
by
Mark Heisler / August 14, 2009
Kurt Rambis wanted to be the head coach again after bombing
in his debut ten years ago. In Minneapolis everybody is excited
about his decision, says Mark Heisler.
• Read
more
[
S T E R O I D S ]
Believe
Lewis
by
Peter May / August 7, 2009
Rashard Lewis' word is one you should believe looking at his
fine track record in the NBA. •
Read
more
[
F I B A . B A S K E T B A L L
]
The
pros and cons of offseason tournaments
by
Marc Narducci / August 6, 2009
A recent injury to Spurs guard Tony Parker again sparks the
debate of the merits of competing in international tournaments
for NBA players. • Read
more
[
L A K E R S ]
Odom
keeps L.A. on top
by
Eddie Johnson / August 2, 2009
Lamar Odom did the right thing in re-signing with the Lakers,
who look like the clear favorites once again, according to
Eddie Johnson. • Read
more
[
N E W . M E D I A
]
Steph
overload
by
Mark Heisler / July 28, 2009
NBA players are starting to avoid the media filter with tools
like Twitter. But, as Stephon Marbury is proving, that has
a great downside too. •
Read
more
[
T R A I L . B L A Z E R S ]
Miller
a solid addition in Portland
by
Marc Narducci / July 25, 2009
Andre Miller’s veteran leadership is exactly what the
young Portland Trail Blazers need. •
Read
more
[
L A K E R S ]
Artest
will star in L.A.
by
Eddie Johnson / June 26, 2009
Count Eddie Johnson among those who think Ron Artest will
be a hit in Los Angeles. •
Read
more
[
C L I P P E R S
]
Don't
hold out hope
by
Peter May / June 26, 2009
It's a sunny day for Blake Griffin and
the Clippers. Just don't think there will be many more ahead
for them.
• Read
more
[
D R A F T
]
What's
the best class ever?
by
Chris Tomasson / June 22, 2009
This year's draft class doesn't look very impressive. Can't
say the same about those in 1970, 1984, 1996 or 2003. •
Read
more
[
F I N A L S
]
Why
the Lakers won
by
Eddie Johnson / June 15, 2009
Orlando had more talent, but experience was on the Lakers'
side. That was a huge factor no matter what Stan Van Gundy
says. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
L.A. back on top
by
Chris Tomasson / June 14, 2009
The Los Angeles Lakers won their 15th NBA title and Kobe Bryant,
MVP of the Finals, got his first championship ring without
Shaquille O'Neal. What were the main reasons for LA's great
success? An impressive frontline, an opponent that choked
in crunch time and, most of all, Bryant's superstar play.
•
Read
more
[
F I N A L S
]
Choking
again?
by
Chris Tomasson / June 13, 2009
Three years ago, the Lakers were also 3-1 in a playoff series
and they blew it. Could it happen one more time?
• Read
more
[
F I N A L S
]
The
to-do list
by
Eddie Johnson / June 8, 2009
What do the Lakers need to finish the series off? What must
Orlando do to rebound? Eddie Johnson speaks his mind about
that and more. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S
]
It's
that old Zen again
by
Roland Lazenby / June 7, 2009
The triangle offense of Tex Winter and Phil Jackson has reached
a special level for the first time in years.
• Read
more
[
F I N A L S
]
It's
Orlando's year
by Eddie Johnson / June 3, 2009
Eddie Johnson is expecting greatness from Dwight Howard at
the Finals. That could mean a title for Orlando.
• Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S
]
The
best/worst postseason in NBA history
by
Mark Heisler / May 31, 2009
Playoffs are boffo with great series every round – in
between T's, flagrants, upgrades, downgrades and suspensions.
• Read
more
[
C A V A L I E R S
]
Brown
looking for answers
by
Peter May / May 28, 2009
Orlando has proved to be an incredibly tough matchup for Cleveland.
Mike Brown better figure things out soon.
• Read
more
[
T I M . F L O Y D
]
A
man of character
by
Paul Shirley / May 26, 2009
Former Bulls head coach Tim Floyd is now in the midst of the
OJ Mayo scandal at USC. Paul
Shirley, who played for him at Iowa State, just
wants you to give the man the benefit of the doubt. •
Read
more
[
C H U C K . D A L Y
]
A
genuine guy
by
Mark Heisler / May 9, 2009
Chuck Daly had to pay his dues to get to the top of his profession,
but he didn't change one bit.
• Read
more
[
R O C K E T S
]
Crossroads
ahead
by
Eddie Johnson / May 1, 2009
The Rockets finally made it to the second round and it was
without Tracy McGrady. What does that say about the team and
T-Mac's future? • Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S
]
Does
it really have to end?
by
Peter May / April 29, 2009
Boston and Chicago are giving us one of the most exciting
playoff series ever. Too bad it will soon come down to a conclusion.
• Read
more
[
P L A Y
O
F F
S ]
Game
1 thoughts
by
Eddie Johnson / April 20, 2009
Eddie Johnson speaks his mind about the first games of this
year's playoffs.
• Read
more
[
P
I S T O N S ]
Is
Iverson running out of answers?
by
Marc Narducci / April 4, 2009
After being derailed by a sore back, Allen Iverson has posed
more questions than answers about his future.
• Read
more
[
C
A V A L I E R S ]
The
team to beat
by
Eddie Johnson / March 28, 2009
Cleveland is Eddie Johnson's pick to win the NBA title this
year and it's not only because of LeBron.
• Read
more
[
A
W A R D S ]
Rose
leads rookie hunt
by
Marc Narducci / March 24, 2009
Chicago’s Derrick Rose, the top pick in the 2008 draft,
is the leading Rookie of the Year contender.
• Read
more
[ C O A C H E S ]
The
season of the interim coach
by Chris Tomasson / March 21, 2009
Interim coaches are usually in
the tough position of trying to make bad teams look
good. But that sometimes leads to nice head coaching
careers.
• Read
more
[
A
W A R D S ]
MVP
race not a two-man show
by
Eddie Johnson / March 17, 2009
Dwyane Wade is not the top player in the NBA to Eddie Johnson,
but he thinks the Heat's All-Star guard should be the MVP
this year. • Read
more
[
B
O B C A T S ]
Brown
does it again
by
Mark Heisler / March 15, 2009
Larry Brown is rebounding from the Knicks' disaster by making
the Bobcats relevant for the first time.
• Read
more
[
W
E S T ]
Challenging
Lakerland
by
Peter May / March 7, 2009
The Lakers appear to be head and shoulders ahead of the competition
in the Western Conference. But wait for the playoffs.
• Read
more
[
S
U N S ]
Return
to Seven Seconds or Less
by
Eddie Johnson / February 27,
2009
The Suns are back playing the type of basketball they most
enjoy. How far will that take them?
• Read
more
[
T
R A D E S ]
Yawn
day
by
Eddie Johnson / February 20,
2009
As is often the case, the trade deadline went by without anything
major happening. Eddie Johnson is disappointed.
• Read
more
[
S
P U R S ]
One
more parade?
by
Marc Narducci / February 16,
2009
After a poor start, the San Antonio Spurs are up to their
old dominating ways. The Spurs are expected to contend for
an NBA title, but can they win one?
• Read
more
[ T R A D E S ]
Will Stoudemire have a new home?
by Marc Narducci / February 12, 2009
As the Feb. 19 trade deadline approaches, Phoenix’s Amare Stoudemire is one of many big names who could be changing addresses.
• Read
more
[
P
L A Y E R S ]
The
Top 25 (again)
by
Eddie Johnson / February 7, 2009
Eddie Johnson gives us his updated list with the Top 25 players
in the NBA. • Read
more
[
P H I
L .
J A C K S
O N
]
Zen?
How about rapture?
by
Roland Lazenby / January 27,
2009
Phil Jackson retiring
in 2010? Take that one with a grain of salt, says Roland Lazenby.
• Read
more
[ D A N N Y . G R A N G E R ]
Old Man Moves
by Eddie Johnson / January 24, 2009
Pacers forward Danny Granger could be flashy, but chose to be effective. That's one of the reasons why Eddie Johnson loves him so much.
• Read
more
[ R
O C K
E T S ]
Best team no one ever saw?
by Mark Heisler / January 17, 2009
The Houston Rockets have a major issue and it's not togetherness. Their most pressing decision is what to do with Tracy McGrady, says Mark Heisler. • Read more
[ M
A G I C ]
Drawing attention
by Eddie Johnson/ January 14, 2009
Everyone’s attention is centered on the great starts of the Lakers, Cavaliers and Celtics, but Eddie Johnson loves to watch the Orlando Magic. • Read
more
[ D
I S A P P O I N T M E N T S ]
Lowered
expectations
by Marc Narducci/ January 12, 2009
A surprising number of well-known players
have gotten off to disappointing starts this year, says Marc
Narducci.
• Read
more
[
C E L T
I C S ]
Take
the gamble
by
Peter May / January 3, 2009
There's not much downside to the Celtics signing Stephon Marbury,
so why not take a flier on him?
•
Read
more
[
G U N S
]
Why
pack heat?
by
Eddie Johnson / December 31, 2008
It makes some sense for athletes to carry guns if it's truly for
protection. Although nothing protects you better than common sense,
Eddie Johnson says.
• Read
more
[
A W A R
D S ]
James
the early MVP frontrunner
by
Marc Narducci / December 30, 2008
Cleveland’s LeBron James leads an impressive and lengthy list
of NBA candidates through the first 30 games.
• Read
more
[
S U N S
]
Breaking
the fun machine in Phoenix
by
Roland Lazenby / December 19,
2008
Steve Kerr's Suns are no longer fun to watch and it's a painful
transition now. But is it a transition to something good?
• Read
more
[
M A G I
C ]
What
Dwight can learn from Tiger
by
Dennis Hans /
December
18, 2008
A common flaw among lousy golfers illuminates Dwight Howard’s
inability to progress as a shooter.
•
Read
more
[
7 6 E R
S ]
Underachieving
team looking to regroup
by
Marc Narducci /
December
15, 2008
The 76ers have fired coach Maurice Cheeks and still hope to salvage
what has been a highly disappointing season.
• Read
more
[
P I S T
O N S ]
Still
a bright future
by
Peter May / December 9, 2008
The Iverson stimulus plan is not working in Detroit. No big deal,
says Peter May. •
Read
more
[
K N I C
K S ]
Another
mishandled situation
by
Peter May / November 30, 2008
The Knicks could have easily saved themselves from the embarrassment
of more Marbury moments, according to Peter May.
• Read
more
[ M A V E R I C K S ]
Being
Mark
by
Mark Heisler / November 23, 2008
The Mavs have gone from awesome to average in just a couple of years.
Mark Cuban has options, but they may not be all that intriguing.
•
Read
more
[
K N I C K S ]
Breaking
ties is inevitable for Knicks and Marbury
by Marc Narducci / November
2, 2008
Once the face of the franchise, Stephon Marbury is no longer a part
of the Knicks present or future. • Read more
[
P I S T O N S ]
Jury is out on Iverson trade
by Eddie Johnson / October 28,
2008
Dealing for Allen Iverson makes sense on a couple of levels, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's going to work out for well Detroit. • Read more
[
W A R R I O R S ]
In Nellie we trust?
by Roland Lazenby / November 3,
2008
It looks like a stormy season ahead for the Warriors. Can veteran head coach Don Nelson right the ship?
• Read more
[ P L A Y E R S ]
The Top 25
by Eddie Johnson / October 28,
2008
Eddie Johnson ranks the best 25 players in the NBA. • Read more
[ D R A F T ]
About the dough
by Peter May / October 26,
2008
NBA commissioner David Stern wants age limits. But the central issue is not age... It's money. • Read more
[ D E P R E S S I O N ]
Coming out a hard thing to do
by Sam Smith / October 19, 2008
Delonte West is the last one on a long list of players dealing with depression while in their prime. Being in the NBA doesn't make the problem any easier, says Sam Smith. • Read more
[ L A K E R S ]
The Lakers and Lamar, a basketball lament
by Roland Lazenby / October 3,
2008
Lakers' camp began with controversy surrounding Lamar Odom. Roland Lazenby gives his point of view.
• Read more
[ C L I P P E R S ]
Back to the old days
by Mark Heisler / September 25,
2008
The Clippers' golden era lasted just one season and may not be back soon. Not even with Baron Davis on board. • Read
more
[ K N I C K S ]
Lipstick on a pig
by Peter May / September 21,
2008
The Knicks of 2008-09 are not very different to the Knicks of 2007-08. Thinking long term, that may not be such a bad thing. • Read
more
[ B U L L S ]
Take the money, Ben
by Sam Smith / September 18,
2008
Ben Gordon should understand he's getting no Luol Deng money and take what the Bulls have to offer, says Sam Smith. • Read
more
[
E L E C T I O N S ]
Players getting in the game
by Sam Smith / September 10,
2008
Pro athletes usually stay away from politics. Why is that changing a little bit this election year?
• Read
more
[
D A N N Y . A
I N G E ]
The
risk taker
by Peter May / August 29,
2008
Celtics honcho Danny Ainge doesn't mind taking gambles. And
who can blame him? • Read
more
[
O L Y M P I C S ]
Humble
team conquered gold (and hearts)
by Mark Heisler / August 25,
2008
With
the Ugly American act out of the door, Team USA's impressive
play in Beijing was even more enjoyable to watch. • Read
more
[
R O C K E T S ]
Artest worth the headache?
by Mark Heisler / July 31,
2008
The Rockets will acquire a great talent in Ron Artest. But maybe also a chemistry-killer. • Read
more
[
O L Y M P I C S ]
Future looks golden
by Peter May / July 3,
2008
With better preparation than in previous tournaments and the greatest amount of talent in many years, Team USA is looking to put past failures behind. • Read
more
[
E U R O P E ]
The great escape
by Sam Smith / July 22,
2008
The day is coming when a true NBA star will decide to leave the NBA for Europe, according to Sam Smith. • Read
more
[
7 6 E R S ]
Philly moves to the front
by Eddie Johnson / July 11,
2008
Are the Sixers now good enough to challenge the big dogs in the East? Eddie Johnson thinks so.
• Read
more
[
D R A F T ]
The dwindling international star
by
Peter May / June 28,
2008
International players now seem to lack the enormous appeal they
once had. Not enough stars. Not enough defense. •
Read
more
[
L A K E R S ]
Standing pat?
by
Mark Heisler / June 22,
2008
The Lakers look good enough to make a championship run again next
season, but that doesn't mean there will no be changes. Lamar Odom
anyone?
• Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Why the Celtics won
by Eddie Johnson / June 18,
2008
Eddie Johnson breaks down the reasons why Boston got the ring. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Champs again
by Sam Smith / June
17,
2008
The 17th title banner is finally going to Boston 22 years later. What did the trick for the Celtics? Great harmony among the Big Three and a team concept all players adhered to. Not much the softer, less experienced Lakers could do against that. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Thoughts on Game 5
by Eddie Johnson / June 16,
2008
The Lakers' Big Three finally delivered in Game 5 and will get a chance to return to Boston. They will likely play just one more game there though, Eddie Johnson says. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Thoughts on Game 4
by Eddie Johnson / June 13,
2008
The Lakers' bench has bombed real bad in the Finals and that's costing L.A. big time. • Read
more
[
O S C A R . R O B E R T S O N ]
Blackballed
by Sam Smith / June
12,
2008
Unlike most other legends of the game, Oscar Robertson never got a chance to coach or manage an NBA team. And that's just sad, Sam Smith says. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Thoughts on Game 3
by Eddie Johnson / June 11,
2008
Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic saved the day for the Lakers, but the Celtics remain favored to win the title.
• Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Thoughts
on Game 2
by Eddie Johnson / June 9,
2008
The
Celtics played great lock-down defense on every Laker and
the bench stepped up again... A 3-0 lead in the making? • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Wilt fixes Finals for Lakers
by Dennis
Hans / June 8, 2008
Towering hoop god decreed in 1999 a ringless future for any coach who ruins a game with off-the-ball intentional fouls – which is bad news for Doc Rivers. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Thoughts on Game 1
by Eddie Johnson / June 6,
2008
Paul Pierce's heroics were one of the main factors for Boston's win in the first game of the Finals. But there were many others. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Bryant on a mission for another ring
by Marc
Narducci / June 3, 2008
Arguably enjoying his finest postseason, Kobe Bryant looks to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their fourth NBA title this decade. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Six reasons will reveal winner
by Eddie Johnson / June 3,
2008
Eddie Johnson breaks down the NBA Finals. Expect a long series! • Read
more
[
D.R
U G S
]
Booze,
not pot, the real problem
by
Sam Smith / May
27,
2008
It's players caught with marijuana that make the headlines, but
alcohol is probably a much bigger issue in the NBA.
•
Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S
]
Pierce
delivers
by
Eddie Johnson / May 19,
2008
Eddie Johnson has a lot of praise for Paul Pierce. But he also cuts
Ray Allen some slack.
•
Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
West will prevail
by Sam Smith / May 16,
2008
Just by watching the Eastern
Conference playoffs, you know the NBA champion is going to come
from the other side of the country.
•
Read
more
[
C E L T I C S ]
Road woes confounding the experts
by Marc
Narducci / May 13, 2008
After having the best road record in the regular season, Boston has struggled mightily away from TD Banknorth Garden during the postseason.
• Read
more
[
M A R K . C U B A N ]
Time to go?
by Sam Smith / May 6,
2008
With the Mavs' future
looking bleak, Sam Smith thinks the timing is perfect for Mark Cuban
to sell the team and finally get into baseball. •
Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S
]
First
round ramblings
by
Eddie Johnson / April 30,
2008
Suns and Mavs out in five? Sixers and Hawks giving a fight? Eddie
Johnson didn't see this coming.
•
Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S
]
Still
warming up
by
Sam Smith / April 24,
2008
No
much drama going on in the playoffs so far. But stay tuned, says
Sam Smith. •
Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S
]
Predictions!
by
Eddie Johnson / April 18,
2008
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson expects three upsets and no sweeps
in the first round of the playoffs.
•
Read
more
[ R O C K E T S ]
Against the odds
by Sam Smith / March 18, 2008
The Rockets were a mess in December, and now they rule the Western Conference. How could this happen? Sam Smith has some answers. • Read more
[ A W A R D S ]
My surprise pick for MVP
by Eddie Johnson / March 17, 2008
So who's Eddie Johnson's choice for Most Valuable Player this season? • Read more
[ C O A C H E S ]
It's about time
by Sam Smith / March 5, 2008
Jerry Sloan has never been Coach of the Year despite having 18 winning seasons in the NBA. Maybe it's time to give him some love. • Read more
[ B U Y O U T S ]
Worth the fuss?
by Jorge Sierra / March 1, 2008
Several veterans got buyouts and made headlines this week for the interest they are drawing among playoff teams. But are these in-season additions paying off for the contenders?
• Read more
[ R O C K E T S ]
Big T-Mac attack
by Dee Brown / February 27, 2008
The Rockets are not done without Yao, says former NBA player Dee Brown. Watch out for a great Tracy McGrady now.
• Read more
[ M I C H A E L . J O R D A N ]
Life upstairs
by Sam Smith / February 23, 2008
Sam Smith makes his HoopsHype.com debut talking about the player he became famous covering.
• Read more
[ T R A D E S ]
Cavs better, but still will not beat Boston or Detroit
by Eddie Johnson / February 22, 2008
Ben Wallace and Wally Szczerbiak are great additions for the Cavs, but they probably won't put Cleveland over the hump in the East. So says Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[ J A S O N . K I D D ]
Mavs have now become the Suns of old
by Eddie Johnson / February 20, 2008
Will the type of basketball that didn't get the Suns a championship bring one to Dallas? Eddie Johnson doesn't think so. • Read more
[ S U N S ]
Why Phoenix made the deal for Shaq
by Eddie Johnson / February 7, 2008
Eddie Johsnon is sad to see Shawn Marion go, but thrilled to have Shaquille O'Neal in Phoenix. • Read more
[ H O R N E T S ]
Gypsies no more
by Eddie Johnson / January 24, 2008
Yeah, Chris Paul is great. But give Byron Scott a lot of credit. • Read more
[ B U L L S ]
Joakim Noah, please shut up
by Eddie Johnson / January 17, 2008
Chicago native Eddie Johnson has a simple advice for Chicago rookie Joakim Noah. • Read more
[ L O S I N G . T E A M S ]
Big city cellar dwellers
by Jerald Hoover / December 26, 2007
Knicks, Bulls and Heat have been unexpectedly bad so far this season. • Read more
[ B U L L S ]
Why Skiles got canned
by Eddie Johnson / December 24, 2007
Scott Skiles tenure with the Bulls just came to an end. Eddie Johnson thinks he knows why. • Read more
[ L E A D E R S H I P ]
Leaders among players are hard to find
by Eddie Johnson / December 7, 2007
Wondering why the Bulls, Knicks, Heat and Grizzlies are all struggling? Eddie Johnson knows one of the reasons. • Read more
[ M A G I C ]
Is Orlando the real class of the East?
by Jerald Hoover / November 30, 2007
With free agent signing Rashard Lewis delivering and Dwight Howard dominating, the Orlando Magic could go all the way in the Eastern Conference. • Read more
[ B U L L S ]
Struggles come as no surprise
by Eddie Johnson / November 14, 2007
The Chicago Bulls were not all that good to begin with so it's no shock to Eddie Johnson that they are going through hard times. • Read more
[ S H A Q U I L L E . O ' N E A L ]
Shaq's problem is spelled R-i-l-e-y
by Dennis Hans / November 7, 2007
The Diesel is aging, but that doesn’t mean he’s running on fumes. To remain relevant, he must rebel against his clueless coach. • Read more
[ K O B E . B R Y A N T ]
For better or for worse
by Roland Lazenby / November 6, 2007
Few journalists know Kobe Bryant and the Lakers better than Roland Lazenby. This is his take on the situation the superstar guard and the team are going through. • Read more
[ E M E R G I N G . S T A R S ]
Stepping it up
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti / November 5, 2007
Dwight Howard and Luol Deng are primed for great seasons. Can they deliver? • Read more
[ P R E D I C T I O N S ]
Surprises and disappointments
by Eddie Johnson / November 2, 2007
Lakers, Heat, Nuggets and Cavaliers could end up having a very tough year, according to former NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[ L A K E R S ]
Who wants Kobe steak?
by Dee Brown / October 24, 2007
Dee Brown agrees that the Chicago Bulls are the best and most likely destination for Kobe Bryant if he gets traded. • Read more
[ B O B C A T S ]
Can MJ make the Cats claw?
by Jerald Hoover / October 17, 2007
The Bobcats enter the season with the biggest amount of talent in franchise history. But will that be enough for a playoff berth? • Read more
[ S U N S ]
Marion should want to stay in Phoenix
by Eddie Johnson / October 1, 2007
Asking for a trade is something Shawn Marion may end up regretting. Eddie Johnson knows that first hand.
• Read more
[ S U N S ]
Matrix reloaded
by Dee Brown / September 27, 2007
Shawn Marion is living the dream in Phoenix, according to former NBA player Dee Brown. He'd better not wake up.
• Read more
[ R E T U R N S ]
Getting back
by Jackie Christie / September 12, 2007
Jackie Christie thinks her husband Doug and many other veterans trying to make a comeback still have a lot to offer to an NBA team. • Read more
[ H E A T ]
A wasted offseason
by Jerald Hoover / September 10, 2007
The Miami Heat needed an upgrade this summer and all they got was a Smush Parker. • Read more
[ T E A M . U S A ]
Kidd has been the catalyst
by Eddie Johnson / August 27, 2007
Much-improved point guard play is the main reason why Team USA is steamrolling through the Tournament of Americas, according to Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[ E D D I E . G R I F F I N ]
A tragic loss
by Marc Narducci / August 23, 2007
A life that once offered so much hope, ended in tragedy for former NBA forward Eddie Griffin.
• Read more
[ R E F . S C A N D A L ]
The NBA will overcome Donaghy
by Marc Narducci / August 16, 2007
The Tim Donaghy scandal is a big black eye on the face of the NBA. But the league and its fans must and will move on, says Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[ H E A T ]
Heat is on Miami to improve
by Marc Narducci / August 12, 2007
With an aging club, Miami's off-season has been less than inspiring at this point. • Read more
[ C O M E B A C K S ]
Reggie Miller will shine
by Eddie Johnson / August 10, 2007
Many experts think Reggie Miller is crazy for wanting to return to the league at 42. Eddie Johnson is not one of them. • Read
more
[ R I N G L E S S ]
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride
by Dee Brown / August 2, 2007
Dee Brown puts down a list of 10 players he hopes will end up winning an NBA title. • Read
more
[ C E L T I C S ]
Back on the map
by Eddie Johnson / August 1, 2007
The Celtics gave up a lot in the trade for Kevin Garnett. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson thinks it was worth it.
• Read
more
[ C E L T I C S ]
Garnett must change to lead Boston to crown
by Dennis
Hans / July 31, 2007
KG makes Boston a contender in the East, but he needs to become a goalie-style impact defender to give C’s a legit title shot. • Read
more
[ S T A R S ]
Kobe vs. LeBron
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti / July 27, 2007
Seth Ferranti considers Kobe Bryant and LeBron James the two top players in basketball today. But who's best?
• Read
more
[ R E F . S C A N D A L ]
Stern, NBA face the music
by Marc
Narducci / July 24, 2007
A shaken David Stern addressed the issues involving NBA ref Tim Donaghy. • Read
more
[ R E F . S C A N D A L ]
NBA to pick up the pieces
by Marc
Narducci / July 21, 2007
In light of the FBI probe of official Tim Donaghy, the NBA will be on the offensive in its damage control effort.
• Read
more
[ K N I C K S ]
Marbury out of line
by Eddie Johnson / July 20, 2007
Stephon Marbury says he wants to play in Italy. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson says Europe is no place for the Knicks guard. • Read
more
[ K N I C K S ]
More Knick knacks
by Jerald Hoover / July 17, 2007
Can Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry coexist in the Knicks? And would Ron Artest be a good fit with the team?
• Read
more
[ S U M M E R . L E A G U E S ]
Summer superstars
by Dee Brown / July 12, 2007
No matter how impressive a player looks in the summer leagues, don't put much stock in him yet. So says former NBA player Dee Brown. • Read
more
[ S U P E R S O N I C S ]
About to boom?
by Jerald Hoover / July 4, 2007
The Sonics are one of the biggest question marks in the NBA nowadays. Where exactly is Kevin Durant's new team headed? • Read
more
[ T R A D E S ]
After the storm
by Eddie Johnson / July 1, 2007
Eddie Johnson speaks his mind about the trades that happened, those who did not and the draft.
• Read
more
[ K N I C K S ]
Zach attacks the Big Apple
by Dee Brown / June 30, 2007
Acquiring Zach Randolph has a lot of risks. But it was worth the gamble, according to former NBA player Dee Brown. • Read
more
[ D R A F T ]
Blazers and Sonics rule the night
by Marc
Narducci / June 29, 2007
Portland and Seattle stole the show in the NBA draft with high-profile picks and trades. • Read
more
[ P I S T O N S ]
And now what?
by Jerald Hoover / June 20, 2007
Joe Dumars will have some tough decisions to make after watching the Pistons collapse during the playoffs for the second season in a row. • Read more
[ L E G E N D S ]
Shaq or Duncan?
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti / June 18, 2007
With four championship rings each, who whould be considered the most dominant player of the post-Jordan era.
• Read more
[ F I N A L S ]
It was ugly, but San Antonio reigns again
by Eddie Johnson / June 16, 2007
The San Antonio spurs are the NBA champions for the fourth time and there's plenty of blame to go around.
• Read more
[
F I N A L S ]
Why the Spurs won (once again)
by
Dennis Hans / June 14, 2007
Tim Duncan and Tony Parker lead superior San Antonio to a sweep,
while Mike Brown’s irrational fear of foul trouble costs Cavs
a chance to give the Spurs a go. •
Read
more
[ F I N A L S ]
The broom has entered the building
by
Eddie Johnson / June 13, 2007
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a very good shot at becoming the first
Finals team to be swept since the 2002 Nets. And they could end
up being remembered as the worst to play for the championship, according
to Eddie Johnson. •
Read
more
[ F I N A L S ]
Parker dominating
by Eddie Johnson / June 11, 2007
Tony Parker is torching the Cavaliers and Mike Brown is doing little to prevent that from happening, says former NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[ F I N A L S ]
Spurs gain edge quickly
by Eddie Johnson / June 9, 2007
Gregg Popovich outcoached Mike Brown and that was one of the keys for San Antonio's Game 1 win, according to Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[ F I N A L S ]
Crowning of the King
by Dee Brown / June 8, 2007
Dee Brown was very unimpressed with LeBron James' performance in Game 1, but he's not ready to jump off the bandwagon yet. • Read more
[ F I N A L S ]
Spurs will not intimidate Cleveland
by Eddie Johnson / June 5, 2007
San Antonio will probably end up winning the title again, but Eddie Johnson expects the Cavaliers to put up a big fight. • Read more
[ L A K E R S ]
Kobe was right
by Eddie Johnson / June 2, 2007
Kobe Bryant has taken a lot of heat for voicing out his disappointment. Eddie Johnson doesn't understand why.
• Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Conference Finals ramblings
by Eddie Johnson / June 1, 2007
The Spurs got lucky, there are way too many floppers and LeBron James was just incredible. That and much on Eddie Johnson's latest blog. • Read more
[ C H A R G E S ]
Varejao is Blanche DuBois Defender of the Year
by Dennis Hans / May 29, 2007
Reliance on “the kindness of strangers” and ability to “misrepresent things” pay off big for curly-haired Cav.
• Read more
[ T R A I L . B L A Z E R S ]
Portland set to blaze a new trail
by Jerald Hoover / May 28, 2007
The future is really looking bright for the Portland Trail Blazers with the addition of Greg Oden or Kevin Durant.
• Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Who steps up?
by Eddie Johnson / May 26, 2007
The performance of sidekicks Larry Hughes and Tayshaun Prince could very well be the key factor in the outcome of the Detroit-Cleveland series, according to former NBA player Dee Brown. • Read more
[ C A V A L I E R S ]
Open letter to LeBron James
by Eddie Johnson / May 25, 2007
Eddie Johnson is disappointed in LeBron. No way we should call him King James till he really starts working on his visible deficiencies as a player. • Read more
[ C E L T I C S ]
Boston massacre
by Eddie Johnson / May 23, 2007
So the Boston Celtics didn't get any of the first two picks in the draft? Former NBA player Eddie Johnson doesn't feel sorry for them whatsoever. • Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Insane ruling leaves Spurs-Suns unsettled
by Dennis
Hans / May 20, 2007
The victor might have been the better team, but Suns-versus-Spurs will forever be remembered as the “What if?” series. • Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Horry turns clutch again
by Eddie Johnson / May 15, 2007
Robert Horry's flagrant foul on Steve Nash may end up helping the Spurs in their quest for another championship. And that would be just plain wrong, according to former NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[ D E R O N . W I L L I A M S ]
The next big thing
by Dee Brown / May 12, 2007
The Utah Jazz took some heat last season for selecting Deron Williams ahead of Chris Paul in the draft. According to Dee Brown, they got it just right. • Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Warriors looking mortal
by Eddie Johnson / May 11, 2007
The Golden State Warriors may have choked in Salt Lake City, but don't count them out just yet. • Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Baby Bulls are getting spanked
by Eddie Johnson / May 9, 2007
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson thinks the Bulls-Pistons series could be over after four games if Chicago doesn't make drastic changes Thursday. • Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Suns need Thomas
by Eddie Johnson / May 8, 2007
A slow and unathletic big man may be the key for the fast-paced Phoenix Suns to win the series against the Spurs. • Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Dallas disaster was predictable
by Eddie Johnson / May 7, 2007
The biggest upset in playoffs history was not all that surprising to former NBA player Eddie Johnson.
• Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Baron, luck and (maybe) subconscious racism propel Warriors
by Dennis Hans / May 4, 2007
The magnificent Baron Davis was too much for the Dallas Mavericks to handle. But he wasn’t the only factor in the Golden State Warriors stunning slaughter of a 67-win team. • Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Heat meltdown
by Eddie Johnson / May 1, 2007
Don't blame Dwyane Wade or Shaquille O'Neal for Miami's failure this season, says Eddie Johnson. Point fingers at their supporting cast. • Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Breaking down the East
by Dee Brown / April 30, 2007
Former NBA player Dee Brown is loving this season's NBA playoffs, although not overtly surprised with what's going on so far in the Eastern Conference. • Read more
[ D R A F T ]
Oden or Durant?
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti / April 25, 2007
Who should be the first one to come off the draft board next June? The smooth scorer with the sick boxscore line or the big man with the intimidating defense? • Read more
[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Return to Raptorland
by Brad Gagnon / April 20, 2007
You’ll have to travel north of the border to find this year’s most exciting first-round playoff matchup. • Read more
[ R E G U L A R . S E A S O N ]
Booms and busts
by Eddie Johnson / April 16, 2007
Eddie Johnson was as surprised this season with the play of Toronto, Amare Stoudemire and Kevin Martin as he was disappointed with the Miami Heat, Mike Dunleavy and Chris Kaman. • Read more
[ A W A R D S ]
Mitchell for COY
by Dee Brown / April 8, 2007
A doubter at the beginning of the season, Dee Brown has now become a fan of Sam Mitchell and thinks he should be the 2006-07 Coach of the Year. • Read more
[ C E L T I C S ]
The good, the bad and the ugly
by Dee Brown / March 23, 2007
The next few months will define the direction in which the Celtics are headed in years to come, according to former NBA player Dee Brown. • Read
more
[ T R A D E S ]
Deadline goes by
without a whimper
by Eddie Johnson / February 25, 2007
They say sometimes the best trades are those you don't make. Not this time, according to Eddie Johnson.
• Read more
[ A L L - S T A R ]
Selections hard
to criticize
by Marc
Narducci / February 2, 2007
The fans and coaches did a good job selecting the NBA All-Stars, with a few exceptions. • Read more
[ S U N S ]
Phoenix just
better than Dallas
by Eddie Johnson / January 24, 2007
The Suns may have lost six of the last eight games vs. Dallas, but former NBA player Eddie Johnson believes Phoenix will prevail in the end. • Read more
[ P A C E R S - W A R R I O R S ]
A trade that could help both teams
by Marc
Narducci / January 18, 2007
Both Golden State and Indiana received value, but also some question marks in their blockbuster trade.
• Read more
[ W I Z A R D S ]
Arenas gaining on King of the Wing
by Dennis
Hans / January 10, 2007
Dwyane Wade remains King of the Wing, but the wonderful Wizard of Washington, with a spectacular start to the 2006-07 season, has joined Kobe and LeBron as contenders for the throne. • Read
more
[ N U G G E T S ]
It could work
by Eddie Johnson / December 21, 2006
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson thinks the Allen Iverson trade could do wonders for the Nuggets if they follow the example of the Phoenix Suns. • Read more
[ B R A W L ]
Plain fools
by Eddie Johnson / December 19, 2006
A bunch of players that just live for the moment and seem unable to plan ahead have caused the NBA another headache, according to former player Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[ 7 6 E R S ]
Iverson no longer The Answer in Philadelphia
by Marc Narducci / December 12, 2006
Allen Iverson is on his way out of Philadelphia, and after years of butting heads, it’s a parting that seemed inevitable. • Read more
[ R U L E S ]
Letter to Ronnie Nunn, director of officials
by Dennis Hans / December 11, 2006
The NBA must look to its past to reconceptualize the block/charge rule. The current “beat to the spot” approach promotes undercutting, leads to bogus charge calls and has resulted in a number of serious injuries and near-miss frightening falls. • Read more
[ R U L E S ]
In NBA caste system, it's good to be "untouchable"
by Dennis Hans / November 10, 2006
Current rules and coaching philosophies have created an NBA nation of haves and have-nots. The league is now a caste system, but unlike India, where the “Untouchables” are the much-abused bottom caste, NBA Untouchables are highly privileged. • Read more
[ P R E D I C T I O N S ]
Things I'm looking forward to seeing this season
by Eddie Johnson / October 26, 2006
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson thinks the West is stronger than ever, believes Shaq is still the most dominant player and expects the Knicks to make the playoffs. • Read more
[ W O R L D . C H A
M P I O N S H I P ]
Greece
win was no upset
by Eddie Johnson / September 6, 2006
Knowing about the deep-rooted problems in American basketball and the
Greeks' passion for the game, former NBA player Eddie Johnson was not
at all surprised by Team USA's defeat in the semifinal of the World Championship. • Read
more
[
W O R L D . C
H A M P I O N S H I P ]
Task
proves to be harder than some Americans thought
by Roland Lazenby / September 1, 2006
Having failed to win the gold medal at the FIBA World Championships, the
Americans must now take new lessons into their preparation for the Beijing
Olympics. • Read more
[
W O R L D . C
H A M P I O N S H I P ]
USA
Basketball keeps rolling along
by Marc Narducci / August 22, 2006
The American squad is displaying the type of talent and teamwork that
could make the USA unbeatable in the FIBA World Championships. • Read more
[
L A K E R S ]
Time
to face reality
by Roland Lazenby / August 7, 2006
Are the Los Angeles Lakers finally getting the picture that, without Shaq,
they're stuck in the middle of the pack? • Read more
[
B U L L S ]
Wallace
will struggle to reach lofty expectations
by Eddie Johnson / July 14, 2006
So is Chicago now a contender with Ben Wallace on board? 17-year NBA veteran
Eddie Johnson is very skeptic about it. • Read more
[
D R A F T ]
On
draft night every GM gives himself a gold star
by Roland Lazenby / June 29, 2006
A lot of general managers around the league got what they wished for on
draft night, which may be the problem.
• Read more
[
K N I C K S ]
Still
a bleak future ahead
by Marc Narducci / June 22, 2006
The Knicks have replaced Larry Brown with Isiah Thomas, but many of their
old problems won't go away with a coaching change. • Read more
[
M A V E R I C K S ]
Get a T.O., baby?
by Roland
Lazenby / June 19, 2006
Maybe Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban needs to take a history lesson,
or better yet, a chill pill, following his team's unusual and spectacular
loss in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. • Read more
[
F I N A L S ]
Game 5 winner will grab title
by Eddie Johnson / June 17, 2006
Pay attention to Game 5 of the Finals. Whoever wins Sunday will more than
likely be the next NBA champion, says former player Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
F I N A L S ]
Great playoff run could end with a thud
by Eddie Johnson / June 7, 2006
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson is afraid the Finals may not be as entertaining
as the rest of this year's playoffs. Why? Pat Riley. • Read more
[
P I S T O N S ]
Detroit faces uncertain offseason
by Marc
Narducci / June 3, 2006
Pistons president Joe Dumars has some difficult decisions to make this
summer – especially concerning free agent center Ben Wallace. • Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
Orders of business
by Eddie Johnson / May 30, 2006
What must Miami, Dallas, Detroit and Phoenix do if they want to get to
the Finals? Former NBA player Eddie Johnson has the answers. • Read
more
[
P I S T O N S ]
Ben's free throws a risky, wristy proposition
by Dennis
Hans / May 25, 2006
Ben Wallace has a bum right wrist that can pop out of place at any time.
So why has he stuck with a free-throw style that is all wrist, making
his stroke totally dependent on his most unreliable joint? • Read more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
Fan-tastic again
by Eddie Johnson / May 18, 2006
NBA fans should be happy. We are now watching the best playoff basketball
in many years, according to former player Eddie Johnson. • Read
more
[
T R I C K S ]
Blame America, not Europe, for the flop
by Dennis
Hans / May 15, 2006
Pat Riley is brain-dead or dishonest when he claims that crafty hoop immigrants
from Europe introduced flopping to an innocent NBA. In truth, Americans
were taking dives to con refs decades before Euros made it to The Show. • Read more
[
B U L L S ]
Nocioni is "the next DeBusschere"
by Dennis
Hans / May 1, 2006
Being branded "the next Larry Bird" is too great a weight for
any hoopster to bear. It’s time we gave forwards who are young,
gifted and white a measuring stick they can reach. • Read more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
Thoughts about the first round
by Eddie Johnson / April 28, 2006
A lot has been going on in just one week of playoff basketball in the
league. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson talks about it. • Read more
[
B A D . B O Y S ]
The Barkley: The award that nobody wants
by Roland Lazenby / April 20, 2006
We’re all bored waiting for the playoffs to get started, so it’s
time to drag out the Bad Boy award. • Read more
[
S U N S ]
Amare had to try
by Eddie Johnson / April 13, 2006
Although things didn't work out as expected, Suns forward Amare Stoudemire
helped himself tremendously by coming back this season, according to former
NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
S U N S ]
D'Antoni for MVP
by Dennis Hans / April 8, 2006
Steve Nash won the 2005 MVP because voters said he made his teammates
better. But what if the coach is even more responsible for players – Nash included – having career years? Meet the NBA’s first non-playing MVP, Mike
D’Antoni. • Read more
[
D R A F T ]
Final Four swatters have bright futures
by Dennis Hans / April 4, 2006
The finest prospects at the Final Four were a pair of electrifying shot
blockers. Florida's Joakim Noah and LSU's Tyrus Thomas are the Kirilenko
and Big Ben of the 2006 NBA draft. If they declare, that is. • Read more
[
C O A C H . O F . T H E . Y E A R ]
It's time again for the coaching beauty pageant
by Roland Lazenby / March 30, 2006
With teams faltering a bit down the stretch, the picture for Coach of
the Year gets murky. It might be time to reward those who teach. • Read more
[
K N I C K S ]
Brown, Marbury put on a show
by Eddie Johnson / March 21, 2006
Knicks head coach Larry Brown and star guard Stephon Marbury are butting
heads in New York. It's a sad thing to see and both are to blame, according
to former NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
H E A T ]
How I'll (again) help Shaq at the stripe
by Dennis Hans / March 12, 2006
As Shaq heads for a third straight sub-50 percent season at the charity
stripe, we review his up-and-down free-throw career for clues as to how
he might turn things around in time for the playoffs. • Read more
[
D E A D L I N E ]
Nuggets
and Cavs helped by trades
by Dennis Hans / February 24, 2006
Denver and Cleveland add key ingredients, Orlando sees the light at end
of tunnel, New York locks up the luxury-tax title, and Steve Francis lands
with the one coach/teacher who can turn his deteriorating game around. • Read more
[
L E G E N D S ]
Meet
the NBA's 51-60 greatest players
by Dennis Hans / February 16, 2006
TNT will pick the 10 greatest current and former NBA players who are not
on the 1996 list of the 50 greatest of all time. If TNT’s “experts”
don’t include Cheeks, DJ and Gus Johnson, they’re whack. • Read more
[
B O B C A T S ]
Will
Bernie feel the squeeze in Charlotte?
by Roland Lazenby / February 14, 2006
Bernie Bickerstaff has been conservative and smart in Charlotte. Will
it pay off next summer? • Read more
[
L A K E R S ]
Sorting
out Kobe's big day
by Roland Lazenby / January 25, 2006
If nothing else, Kobe's 81 points made people perk up and take notice
of an NBA regular-season game. What's the last time that happened? • Read more
[
P A C E R S ]
Artest
hype is tiring
by Eddie Johnson / January 19, 2006
Troubled forward Ron Artest has ruined two seasons in a row for the Indiana
Pacers – and 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson is mad about it. • Read more
[
P L A Y I N G . T I M E ]
Starting
centers merit more minutes
by Dennis
Hans / January 17, 2006
Even All-Star centers have seen their playing time dramatically reduced
by foul trouble. We propose four rule changes to make it easy for them
to average 38 free-and-easy minutes. • Read more
[
N B A D L ]
D-League
faces a transition
by Roland Lazenby / January 14, 2006
There’s talent and quality play in the NBA’s Development League,
but the NBA’s own general managers and basketball fans in general
are proving to be a tough sell. • Read more
[
K N I C K S ]
Three
wise men?
by Eddie Johnson / January
6, 2006
Isiah Thomas, Larry Brown and Stephon Marbury are the main stars in the
drama that is the New York Knicks. How much is each one to blame for the
team's struggles? • Read more
[
R O C K E T S ]
Blame
Van Gundy
by Eddie Johnson / December
1, 2005
Tracy McGrady's bad back is not the only reason why the Houston Rockets
are struggling. Somebody should start pointing fingers at head coach Jeff
Van Gundy too, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson.
• Read more
[
R U L E S ]
NBA
gangs must fight dress code
by Dennis Hans / November 12, 2005
The only way to overturn Commissioner David Stern’s repressive and
ridiculous dress code is for the NBA’s rival fashion gangs, the
Blings and the Slobs, to quit fighting each other and start fighting the
power. • Read more
[
G A Y S ]
Don't
expect coming outs in the NBA
by Eddie Johnson / November
8, 2005
WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes recently announced she was gay. That's not likely
to happen with any NBA player in the near future, according to 17-year
NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
R U L E S ]
Hip-hop
hooray for the dress code
by Eddie Johnson / October 14, 2005
While most players are complaining about the soon-to-come dress code,
17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson strongly endorses the new policy. • Read more
[
H U R R I C A N E ]
Players
shine in helping victims
by Marc Narducci / September 21, 2005
NBA players do have big hearts and this has been demonstrated in the aftermath
of Hurricane Katrina.
• Read more
[
F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Contenders
joust to add Fin
by Chris Ekstrand / August 19, 2005
In the aftermath of Dallas’ decision to save luxury tax millions
and part ways with Michael Finley, only one question beckons: what team
wouldn’t want to add Finley to its rotation? • Read more
[
K N I C K S]
What
to expect from Brown
by Eddie Johnson / July 29, 2005
Eddie Johnson played for Larry Brown during two seasons with the Pacers,
so he knows first-hand what Knick players will go through from now on. • Read more
[
C A V A L I E R S ]
Hughes
not the right guy
by Eddie Johnson / July 12, 2005
Signing Larry Hughes? The Cleveland Cavaliers could have done much better
than that, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
F I N A L S ]
Why
the Spurs won
by Dennis Hans / June 24, 2005
The Spurs earned the 2005 NBA crown. But their task was made considerably
easier by two Tar Heels on the defending champs: Rasheed Wallace, who
allowed a hot Robert Horry to tee up three treys late in Game 5, and Larry
Brown, whose irrational fear of foul trouble greatly reduced the Pistons'
chances to pick up an early win in San Antonio. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
Questions
from a casual basketball fan
by Eddie Johnson / June 13, 2004
If you don't follow the NBA closely, you may have some questions to make
about the Finals. 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson has all the answers. • Read more
[
7 6 E R S ]
Turning
the other Cheek(s) could prove beneficial
by Marc
Narducci / May 30, 2005
Maurice Cheeks has become the 76ers' fourth coach in two years and it
just may be that the team has finally gotten things right in the hiring
department. • Read more
[
P I S T O N S ]
Brown's
paranoia is Heat's best friend
by Dennis
Hans / May 29, 2005
If the Pistons lose the East to the Heat, Larry Brown’s decision
in Game 2 to sit Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace in the second quarter
because of two measly fouls could prove to be the turning point. • Read more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
Random
thoughts from the second round
by Eddie Johnson / May 19, 2005
Indiana and Detroit are boring. Amare Stoudemire is the most dominant
player not named Shaq. That and more in Eddie Johnson's new column. • Read more
[
H E A T ]
Wade
speeds to stardom
by Chris
Ekstrand / May 14, 2005
Dwyane Wade has ascended to stardom so rapidly, some now believe he has
surpassed LeBron as the Next Big Thing. Wade has no doubt been great,
but he has a stable franchise, great coaching and Shaq as a teammate.
James has none of those things. • Read more
[
A W A R D S ]
Was
Shaq shafted in MVP voting?
by Marc
Narducci / May 8, 2005
Miami center Shaquille O'Neal finished runner-up in the MVP balloting,
which appears to be one place too low.
• Read more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
Random
thoughts about the first round
by Eddie Johnson / May 4, 2005
17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson has plenty to say about the first round
of the playoffs. Prepare for some straight shooting. • Read more
[
P I S T O N S ]
Ben
Wallace for MVP
by Dennis
Hans / April 25, 2005
Piston center Ben Wallace is a poor man's Bill Russell who delivers a
great performance every night on an average starter’s salary. Thus,
he’s perfect for our new MVP formula, which stresses the "value"
in "most valuable." • Read more
[
H I S T O R Y ]
Basketball
in America
by David
Friedman / April 18, 2005
Lots of things drastically changed in the United States in the 70s –
and the NBA was no exception. Basketball in America analyzes exactly
what happened in the league during those years. • Read more
[
C E L T I C S ]
Antoine
back where "volume shooting" began
by Dennis
Hans / April 16, 2005
Before 'Toine there was Tommy – Heinsohn, that is – a jack-it-up
All-Star power forward for the Boston Celtics who won eight rings on the
most running-and-gunning team in NBA history. • Read more
[
C O A C H . O F . T H E . Y E A R ]
D'Antoni
is the right choice
by Eddie Johnson / April 6, 2005
You have to give Nate McMillan and Scott Skiles a lot of credit for what
they accomplished this season. But you also should give Mike D'Antoni
the award for Coach of the Year, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie
Johnson. • Read more
[
D R A F T ]
Fine
NBA prospects at Final Four
by Dennis
Hans / April 5, 2005
Watching collegians jack up 20-footers and play zone defenses is not the
best way to evaluate their pro potential. Nevertheless, it appears that
some of the big names at the Final Four are ready to help an NBA team.
• Read more
[
L A K E R S ]
Postseason
status in deep doubt
by Marc
Narducci / March 16, 2005
Instead of priming for another long playoff run, Kobe Bryant and the Los
Angeles Lakers are fighting for their postseason lives this year. • Read more
[
S U N S ]
Nash
for MVP?
by Eddie Johnson / March 9, 2005
Steve Nash has been playing MVP-caliber basketball all season. But that
may not be enough for the Suns guard to win the Maurice Podoloff trophy,
according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
L A K E R S ]
Kobe
Bryant: Perception vs. reality
by David Friedman / February 25, 2005
Kobe Bryant has been at the center of much turmoil. Disregarding off-the-court
issues, there is an interesting basketball question to consider – is
Kobe Bryant a true superstar or merely a highly talented, selfish scorer?
• Read
more
[
T I M B E R W O L V E S ]
Assessing
KG: Untapped offensive potential
by Dennis Hans / February 11, 2005
Kevin Garnett has the tools it takes to score at will while shooting 53-55
percent from the field. But his tendency to settle for jumpshots and a
limited, predictable offensive repertoire is holding him back. • Read more
[
P H I L . J A C K S O N ]
Jax
should set sights on Big Apple
by Eddie Johnson / February 10, 2005
Going back to New York would make much more sense for Phil Jackson than
returning to La-La land, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
S N U B B E D ]
All-Star
time means All-Star snubs
by Marc Narducci / February 9, 2005
Every year, there is as much attention to the players snubbed from the
All-Star team as those who made it. This season, there shouldn't be as
many arguments with the choices. • Read more
[
T I M B E R W O L V E S ]
Assessing
KG: The low-impact defender
by Dennis Hans / February 7, 2005
Kevin Garnett is a very good but “low-impact” defender. Is he
low-impact because of the way he’s coached, the way he chooses to
play, physical limitations that prevent him from being a monster, or a
combination of all three? • Read more
[
H E A T ]
Hacker
Shaq invites Hack-a-Shaq
by Dennis Hans / January 28, 2005
Shaq’s free-throw woes are the result of his atrocious "Shaq
of Diamonds" delivery. Bad golfers don’t improve by banging
balls on their own, and Shaq won’t improve by practicing his flawed
stroke. But the Heat have failed to fix what ails him. • Read more
[
H E A T ]
A
cooling off period for the Heat
by Marc Narducci / January 26, 2005
The Miami Heat still enjoy a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference,
but center Shaquille O'Neal and coach Stan Van Gundy are showing concern.
And their worries are more than justified. • Read more
[
7 6 E R S ]
Iverson
playing at MVP level
by Marc Narducci / January 23, 2005
Few players are doing more for their team this season than 76ers point
guard Allen Iverson. The "Answer" could be the answer to a simple
question: name a leading mid-season MVP candidate in the NBA. • Read more
[
S L A C K I N G . O F F ]
Playing
hard, or hardly playing?
by Gregory Broome / January 17, 2005
Admitted coasters Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Rasheed Wallace are
being kicked around by the media for their recent confessions. But only
one deserves the beating. • Read more
[
T I M B E R W O L V E S ]
You
could see this coming
by Eddie Johnson / January 12, 2005
Many NBA analysts are surprised by the mediocre performance of the Minnesota
Timberwolves so far this season. 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson is
not one of them. • Read
more
[
S U N S ]
Phoenix
following formula of champion '71 Bucks
by Dennis Hans / January 6, 2005
The Phoenix Suns are implementing the winning recipe of the 1971 world-champion
Milwaukee Bucks: Take a young, high-scoring center, add a seasoned playmaker
and three pinches of speed and skill, then cook on high until opposition
boils. • Read more
[
V I N C E . C A R T E R ]
Chris
Rock and the Vinsanity defense
by Dennis
Hans / December 30, 2004
Logic, videotape and a Chris Rock one-liner establish beyond a reasonable
doubt that Vince Carter did not sabotage a Raptors comeback attempt November
19. His accusers were predisposed to believe the worst, which led them
to misinterpret Carter’s actions and intent. • Read more
[
P O W E R . F O R W A R D S ]
Don't
know much about history
by Dennis
Hans / December 10, 2004
When Steve Kerr asserts that Dirk, KG, Duncan, Andrei, Rasheed and Lamar
have revolutionized the power forward position, he disrespects the NBA
legends who, back in the day, did everything these kids do, only better. • Read more
[
S C O R I N G ]
Showtime
returns
by Eddie Johnson / December 7, 2004
Teams with high-octane offenses like Phoenix, Washington, Seattle, Cleveland
or Orlando remind 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson of those squads in
which he played in the late 80s. • Read more
[
P A C E R S ]
Artest's
intensity not the key to his greatness
by Dennis
Hans / December 5, 2004
Some argue that Ron Artest would be ordinary without the competitive fire
that, on occasion, burns too brightly. But what really makes him great
are his physical gifts and an array of skills he has developed over the
years.
• Read more
[
C A V A L I E R S ]
LeBron
born too late to average triple-double
by Dennis
Hans / December 1, 2004
If King James truly wants to be the first to match Oscar Robertson’s
season-long triple-double, he must travel back in time to the up-tempo
1960s, when rebounds were plentiful, and join a team that needs a point
guard.
• Read more
[
B R A W L ]
Stern
rewards Detroit's latest Bad Boys
by Dennis
Hans / November 23, 2004
David Stern’s draconian suspensions demonstrate once again that he
doesn’t understand how to calibrate penalties and rewards. Whether
it’s extracurricular rough stuff or on-court intentional fouls, Stern’s
“solutions” make the problem worse. • Read more
[
B R A W L ]
Lethal
combination
by Eddie Johnson / November 22, 2004
Players that put their personal pride ahead of the team and fans who think
they have the right to do whatever they please make possible incidents
like the ones we saw last Friday in Detroit, according to 17-year NBA
veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
K O B E . B R Y A N T ]
Trying to reach the summit of greatness
by Eddie Johnson / November 12, 2004
No matter how hard he tries, Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant won't be able
to match the greatness of his idol Michael Jordan, according to 17-year
NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
R O C K E T S ]
Yao floundering under Van Gundy
by Dennis
Hans / November 10, 2004
If the graceful giant with the feathery touch is to ever be all that he
can be, he must ignore or escape from a Houston coaching staff that has
turned him into the tallest and least effective specialist at trying to
draw a charge. • Read more
[
C E L T I C S ]
Ainge's blueprint not yet in focus
by Chris
Ekstrand / November 9, 2004
Danny Ainge took over the Celtics planning to emulate the front office
successes of former teammates Kevin McHale and Larry Bird. 18 months into
the process, however, Ainge’s Celtics are on an uncertain path.
• Read more
[
T R A D E . D E M A N D S ]
Bad
timing
by Eddie Johnson / October 6, 2004
Several stars of the league have asked to be traded in the last few weeks.
Wrong move, says 17-year
NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
K A R L . M A L O N E ]
Mailman's
ring has San Antonio address
by Dennis
Hans / September 21, 2004
The best chance for Karl Malone to earn that elusive championship ring
is as a Spur. But if he really wants a challenge, a few other title contenders – including the Jazz – need him more. • Read more
[
T E A M . U S A ]
NBA
not the root of problems
by Eddie Johnson / September 1, 2004
The NBA has been taking a beating for the failure of the U.S. team in
Athens. But there is plenty of blame to go around for the demise of American
basketball, according to 17-year
NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
O L Y M P I C . G A M E S ]
Causes
of the disaster
by Marc Narducci / August 27, 2004
Despite all its flaws, the U.S. Olympic team had enough talent to win
the gold medal in Athens. But for a variety of reasons, the big prize
slipped through its collective fingers. • Read
more
[
O L Y M P I C . G A M E S ]
U.S. showing improvement
by Marc Narducci / August 20, 2004
After opening the Olympics with an embarrassing effort, the U.S. has shown
improvement in the last two games. Is it enough to win a medal? • Read
more
[
O L Y M P I C . G A M E S ]
10 reasons why the U.S. should claim gold
by Marc Narducci / August 13, 2004
Since USA Basketball began sending pros to the Olympics in 1992, this
is the first time there is serious doubt about the United States' chance
to win the gold. There are 10 reasons why that doubt should be erased.
• Read
more
[
O L Y M P I C . G A M E S ]
Team USA short of shooters
by Dennis Hans / August 6, 2004
The squad has talent, but what's missing from the mix is deadeye shooters
like Michael Redd. To win gold, Larry Brown must tighten his rotation,
bench most of his bigs and surround TD with the best of his so-so shooters.
• Read more
[
M A R K E T ]
Rating the early offseason winners
by Marc Narducci / August 5, 2004
With superstars such as Shaq and T-Mac traded, this has not been a normal
offseason. Through a series of deals, various teams have moved up or solidified
their position as contenders. Others have fallen way back.
• Read
more
[
C O T T O N . F I T Z S I M M O N S ]
A great coach and a father figure
by Eddie Johnson / July 28, 2004
Cotton Fitzsimmons had an impact on the life of many people. To Eddie
Johnson, whom Cotton coached in Kansas City and Phoenix, he was like a
dad. • Read more
[
S U N S ]
One big man away from contention
by Eddie Johnson / July 2, 2004
With the addition of Steve Nash, the Suns are almost a lock for the playoffs
next year. But if they want to get to the next level, they will have to
find a quality big man, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson.
• Read more
[
F I N A L S ]
Why
Detroit won
by Dennis Hans / June
15, 2004
Ben Wallace’s all-court hustle and solid solo defense on Shaquille
O'Neal, Chauncey Billups’ scoring and leadership at the point, and
hard-luck Karl Malone’s untimely knee injury are the key factors
as the Detroit Pistons topple the Los Angeles Lakers in five games and
shock the world. • Read more
[
F I N A L S ]
Pistons can win with Ben on Shaq
by Dennis Hans / June 6, 2004
It takes a great low-post defender to slow down a great low-post scorer.
Spurs and Wolves are sitting at home because Shaq had his way with journeymen
while 7-foot, all-league defenders named Duncan and Garnett guarded Malone. • Read
more
[
F I N A L S ]
10 reasons the Lakers will win the NBA title
by Jason McIntyre / June 2, 2004
Back in November every pundit picked the Lakers to win the NBA finals.
Although the foundation of the franchise is rumbling, the Lakers are still
the easy pick. Here are 10 reasons why. • Read more
[
D R A F T ]
76ers still not full of Nelson
by Marc Narducci / May 30, 2004
Jameer Nelson became a local hero this season in Philadelphia, leading
Saint Joseph's one game shy of the Final Four. He swept virtually all
major college player of the year awards and captivated a town known more
for pro sports. So why aren't the 76ers sold on him? • Read more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
Recipe for an upset
by Eddie Johnson / May 25, 2004
Minnesota and Detroit are the underdogs in the NBA Conference Finals.
But both Wolves and Pistons have a very good shot at winning their series
if they do five things, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson.
• Read
more
[
S P U R S ]
Protest challenge is a brilliant move
by Dusty Garza / May 14, 2004
Following Thursday's game, the Spurs filed a protest claiming the Lakers'
winning shot was bogus. Regardless of the outcome, the move may pay big
dividends for San Antonio. • Read
more
[
L A K E R S ]
Shaq's free-throw fix is in 2002 tape
by Dennis Hans / May 6, 2004
Shaq had great success at the charity stripe in 2002, but his shooting
form has deteriorated dramatically. If he doesn't fix the flaws, the Lakers
have no chance against the Spurs. • Read more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
Watch out for these guys
by Eddie Johnson / May 3, 2004
Superstars need team players to help them guide franchises to the promise
land. There will be some to which we have to pay special attention in
the second round of the playoffs, according 17-year NBA veteran Eddie
Johnson. • Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
Shaq and Yao among poorest performers
by Dennis Hans / April 26, 2004
Big names, both on the court and off, are letting fans and teammates down.
They need to get their act together before it's too late. • Read more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
First round will produce a few surprises
by Eddie Johnson / April 16, 2004
Another year with no upsets in the first round of the NBA playoffs? Don't
bank on it, says 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more
[
C O A C H . O F . T H E . Y E A R ]
Give Phil the award
by Dennis Hans / April 1, 2004
Although Phil Jackson would have come up short in a beauty contest against
his fellow coaches, his insight and unflappable nature give him the edge
over a strong field of candidates – including an impressive rookie
crop.
• Read
more
[
R U L E S ]
Compute to achieve
by Dennis Hans / March 15, 2004
The NBA's “Read to Achieve” campaign is leading American kids
to dead-end, low-paying futures. In fact, if NBA poobahs weren't themselves
so deficient in basic math, they’d see the obvious numerical solutions
to festering on-court problems. • Read
more
[
S T E R E O T Y P E S ]
Deceptive quickness
by Dennis Hans / March 9, 2004
Why do announcers describe quick white players as “deceptively quick?"
Because they equate white skin with 100 pounds of fat. They’re surprised
by Oliver Miller’s quick feet given all that girth, and Kirk Hinrich’s
quick feet given all that paleness. • Read
more
[
T R A D E S ]
Misfit Rasheed is Pistons' perfect fit
by Dennis Hans / February 20, 2004
Joe Dumars, the good man from the “Bad Boys” championship teams,
makes the deal that could bring rings to the blue-collar Pistons. Stevenson,
Giricek, Van Horn and Thomas join teams that best suit their talents.
• Read
more
[
A L L - S T A R ]
All-Star game should be Lefty vs. Righty
by Dennis Hans / February 9, 2004
Until the Eastern Conference gets its act together, the NBA All-Star Game
should pit the best lefties against the best righties. Unless, that is,
you righties are scared to death you’ll get your booties kicked. • Read
more
[
N E T S ]
Kidd gets wish
by Jason McIntyre / January 26, 2004
Jason Kidd wanted coach Byron Scott gone since last summer, and it finally
happened Monday. But how can the Nets fire a coach that went to two straight
NBA finals, and was leading his division? • Read more
[
C E L T I C S ]
Baker's battle
by Chad Finn / January 25, 2004
A relapse of his alcoholism has cost Vin Baker a shot at an impressive
comeback with the Boston Celtics – and perhaps a whole lot more. • Read
more
[
T R A D E ]
Re-shaping the Cavs
by Bruce Meyer / January 22, 2004
While the Cleveland Cavaliers obviously are building around LeBron James,
their two recent trades show one other unmistakable trend: molding the
team in the image of coach Paul Silas. • Read more
[
T V . B R O A D C A S T S ]
The good, bad and ugly of NBA TV
by Dennis Hans / January 19, 2004
No, TNT and ESPN's coverage hasn't been quite as bad as some of the 78-65
snoozefests they've had to broadcast, but both can do better. We offer
some praise, some criticism, and a prescription for revitalizing change. • Read
more
[
K N I C K S ]
Finally, it's Lenny
by Jason McIntyre / January 15, 2004
It took long enough for the Knicks to put coach Don Chaney out of his
misery and hire old reliable Lenny Wilkens. But is it too late for the
Knicks to make a run and reach the playoffs? Not quite. • Read more
[
K N I C K S ]
Marbury a steal
by Jason McIntyre / January 5, 2004
Isiah Thomas, as predicted, is already shaking things up in New York.
Monday, he acquired Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway, a move that suddenly
makes the Knicks dangerous in the East. • Read more
[
K N I C K S ]
Zeke's the right move
by Jason McIntyre / December 23, 2003
Isiah Thomas brings the Knicks organization the star power it's sorely
been missing since trading Latrell Sprewell. Expect improvements. Fast. • Read
more
[
B L A Z E R S ]
Need a reality check, Rasheed?
by Jason McIntyre / December 15, 2003
Blazers star continues to fall. Last week's comments about race relations
and the NBA were baseless, wrong, and could cripple the free-agent-to-be. • Read
more
[
R U L E S ]
Increase scoring by restoring freedom of
movement
by Dennis Hans / December 9, 2003
The NBA wants an up-tempo, exciting, high-scoring game, but the Rules
Committee’s misguided “solutions” exacerbate the problems
that they’re intended to solve. • Read more
[
B U L L - R A P T O R S ]
Rose-y deal?
by Dean Serravalle / November 30, 2003
Long rumored to happen, the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls finally
pulled the trigger on the first major blockbuster NBA deal of the season.
And although both teams believe they got what they wanted, is there a
knockout winner? • Read
more
[
M A G I C ]
The Doc is not in
by Mike Tuck / November 19, 2003
The Orlando Magic were a playoff team three of the last four years, but
a league worst 1-10 record and an upset superstar was the poison that
led to the firing of head coach Doc Rivers. • Read more
[
N E W . S E A S O N ]
LeBron. Litigation. Legendary Lakers?
by Jason McIntyre / October 27, 2003
LeBron James' arrival has risen the Cavaliers from the grave and made
them relevant for the first time since Michael Jordan buried them in 1989.
The Lakers are loaded, but can they overcame a court case and a Kobe-Shaq
feud? • Read
more
[
C E L T I C S ]
Why is 'Toine gone?
by Chad Finn / October 20, 2003
Antoine Walker teamed with Paul Pierce to give the Boston Celtics one
of the most exciting duos in the NBA. So why is Walker a member of the
Dallas Mavericks today? Only Danny Ainge knows for sure, and his explanation
thus far makes little sense. • Read
more
[
W O M E N ' S . B A S K E T B A L L ]
Should the WNBA survive?
by Clay Kallam / September 23, 2003
The NBA has spent seven years supporting the WNBA, and it's still not
making a profit. Should the owners pull the plug, or should women keep
getting paid to play? • Read
more
[
W A R R I O R S ]
A golden opportunity lost
by Chad Finn / September 20, 2003
Led by compelling young stars Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, the Golden
State Warriors were one of the NBA's most exciting and improved teams
in 2002-03. But as the new season nears, Arenas and Jamison are playing
elsewhere, while Warriors fans are left with one lingering question: Why?
• Read
more
[
H A W K S ]
Letting the Jet fly away
by Dean Serravalle / September 13, 2003
For a team in perpetual disarray, the Atlanta Hawks have done little to
reward consistent efforts. After showing leading scorer Glenn Robinson
the door, the Hawks have left it wide open for Jason Terry to sign with
the Jazz. A wise choice? • Read
more
[
P A C E R S ]
Isiah no prophet
by Dean Serravalle / August 28, 2003
Once vicious rivals on the court, and now recent divorcees off of it,
Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas have had quite the history leading up to Thomas'
dismissal as head coach of the Indiana Pacers. Is it simply a matter of
oil and water chemistry, or possibly ego? • Read
more
[
N A T I O N A L . T E A M S ]
International glory or professional ruin?
by Dean Serravalle / August 25, 2003
No man can serve two masters, a wise preacher once said. But with the
opportunity to create history on a global stage, more NBA pros are suiting
up for their country's national team in the summer. Is it worth the risk
of injury? • Read
more
[
C L I P P E R S ]
Should L.A. beat the Heat?
by Morris O'Kelly / August 14, 2003
It’s another year and with it another season full of playoff expectations
for the Clippers. The team has already matched offers to keep Elton Brand
and Corey Maggette, but now they are faced with deciding whether to do
the same for Lamar Odom. • Read
more
[
B R Y A N T . C A S E ]
Kobe's slump
by Dean Serravalle / August 7, 2003
If you're Mark Cuban, the Kobe Bryant scandal makes for good business
and great reality TV. If you're under a media tent in Eagle County, it
makes for scintillating drama and Shakespearean tragedy. But if you're
Kobe Bryant, it makes for nothing more than a shot at innocence. If only
it were as easy as a free throw. • Read
more
[
M A V E R I C K S ]
Standing pat, for now
by Ken Turetzky / August 6, 2003
Dallas missed the boat on free agents Alonzo Mourning, Brad Miller, Karl
Malone and other frontcourt players. Meanwhile, their opponents in the
West all made improvements. Should the Mavs consider breaking up the Big
Three to get a top rebounder? • Read
more
[
C E L T I C S ]
Caught in a gold rush
by Tim O'Sullivan / July 29, 2003
Is this an NBA offseason or a reenactment of Westward Expansion? Players
are relocating like it's the 1849 gold rush. But have the Celtics and
their new head of prospector Danny Ainge been left in the wagon trail's
dust? • Read
more
[
F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Escape from L.A.
by Chad Finn / July 19, 2003
The Los Angeles Clippers may not lose as many players to free agency as
their fans first feared. But they've already lost their shot at something
special. • Read
more
[
F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Going, going . . . staying?
by Chad Finn / July 5, 2003
Jason Kidd is probably re-signing with the Nets, and Jermaine O'Neal doesn't
want to leave the Pacers. But the 2003 free-agent class still has a lot
to offer. Just ask the Lakers. • Read
more
[
D R A F T ]
Picking
apart the draft
by Chad Finn / June 27, 2003
So who were the winners and losers in the NBA Draft? Hey, not even Nostradamus
or Dick Vitale know for sure right now. But our lack of a trustworthy
crystal ball won't stop us from firing up a few post-draft opinions.
• Read more
[
F I N A L S ]
Another
Spur in the saddle
by Dean Serravalle / June 15, 2003
The San Antonio Spurs are well deserved NBA champions for many obvious
reasons. Take your choice between MVP Tim Duncan, an Eastern Conference
inferiority complex, or the twin towers, but never underestimate the gold
at the end of every NBA championship rainbow – matchups. • Read more
[
F I N A L S ]
Can't anybody here play this game?
by Chad
Finn / June 13, 2003
This NBA
Finals isn't the worst in recent history... But with another 77-76 score
and a few more rim-rattling bricks, it might just stake its very own claim
to infamy. • Read
more
[
R U L E S ]
How to fix the cruel foul-out rule
by Dennis Hans / May 25, 2003
The foul-out rule is a horrible one. But the good news is that there are
simple, practical ways to fix it, so the end result is a clean game decided
by the players. • Read
more
[
F R E E . T H R O W S ]
Pistons and Spurs pay a price for ignoring shooting guru's advice
by Dennis Hans / May 24, 2003
A look at Dennis Hans's pivotal if indirect role in the outcome of three
Conference Final games. • Read
more
[
C O A C H E S ]
That's right, Van Gundy's a catch
by Tim O'Sullivan / May 21, 2003
Can Jeff Van Gundy really be the ultimate prize in the coaching treasure
hunt? The same Van Gundy who looked like a miniature poodle clinging to
Alonzo Mourning's ankle in a vain attempt to stop a fight? Don't let the
short, balding, rumpled, toy-dog appearance fool you, Van Gundy is worth
his weight in gold. • Read
more
[
L A K E R S ]
Reaping what they sowed
by Morris O'Kelly / May 16, 2003
The complacency, arrogance and front office inactivity finally caught
up with the Lakers. With no backup center, no legitimate power forward
and a semi-in-shape Shaquille O'Neal this had to happen. • Read more
[
C E L T I C S ]
Wiggling for Walker
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 28, 2003
The knee-jerk mob in Boston that lives on the sports talk radio airwaves
is calling for Antoine Walker's head. Please Mr. Ainge, don't give it
to them. You need more all-stars, not less. • Read more
[
R A P T O R S ]
Silas the Savior?
by Dean Serravalle / May 7, 2003
You’re a proven NBA coach and there is a vacant position on a team
with superstar talent like Vince Carter, veteran leadership in Antonio
Davis, sold out crowds, economic support from management to win an NBA
title, and a top pick in this year’s draft. So what’s the catch? • Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F ]
Pacers choking on fish bones
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 28, 2003
The Pacers had it all, every advantage against the Celtics in their first-round
playoff series. Indiana held the edge in talent, depth and home-court
advantage. Now, down 3-1 and facing a third consecutive first-round exit,
all the Pacers have is a list of clichés like "do or die"
and "backs against the wall." You can add another, "no
guts, no glory." • Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F ]
"We were number one!"
by Daniel Walsh / April 23, 2003
After watching games one and two of the San Antonio Spurs/Phoenix Suns
playoff series, this is a chant that Spurs fans may be saying in a few
days. • Read
more
[
O F F I C I A T I N G ]
Block/charge interpretation is ruining the NBA
by Dennis Hans / April 21, 2003
Refs reward bowling-pin defenders and discourage the artistic running
one-handers that make the game worth watching. • Read more
[
M I C H A E L . J O R D A N ]
Legacy poluted, not tarnished
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 16, 2003
When Michael Jordan decided to re-return to the NBA court two years ago,
there was a deafening outcry from fans and critics alike imploring MJ
to stay retired and not tarnish his legacy. Now that the third chapter
of his career has come to a close, it's clear that it was impossible to
tarnish Jordan's 24-karat legacy, but it might have been a bit diluted. • Read
more
[
D R A F T ]
Analysis at the Final Four
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 8, 2003
Five leading men took center stage at the Final Four, college basketball's
biggest show: Syracuse's Carmelo Anthony, Kansas' Nick Collison and Kirk
Hinrich, Marquette's Dwayne Wade and Texas' TJ Ford. All are potential
lottery picks, but whose performance will have the greatest impact on
their draft stock? • Read
more
[
W A R . I N . I R A Q ]
Should
the games be played?
by Daniel Walsh / March 21, 2003
With our country at War, sportswriters often pose this question. Not this
sportswriter. • Read
more
[
R U L E S ]
Age
should be no limit
by Tim O'Sullivan / March 15, 2003
Mozart was composing musical masterpieces by age four, so why should the
NBA turn a deaf ear to young basketball prodigies and their own brand
of artistry? Any age limit for the league would be un-American and create
a languishing upper echelon of talent in the hypocritical NCAA. • Read more
[
O L Y M P I C S ]
Caught
in a five ring circus
by Tim O'Sullivan / March 8, 2003
So NBA players, you want to be part of the Olympics? No problem, just
pee in
this cup and welcome to the five ring circus. • Read more
[
R E F E R E E I N G ]
Flak
for officials may be justified
by Justin Arnold / March 1, 2003
Never has an NBA season gone by in which there hasn’t been some talk
about the officiating. But this year, the knocks on the grey shirts seem
especially loud. Is the officiating any worse than in past seasons? • Read
more
[
T R A D E S ]
When
deadlines come alive
by Daniel Walsh / February 21, 2003
Last Thursday, the NBA trade deadline came and went and came and went
and came and… Well, you get the picture. Here’s a quick recap
of the dealings. • Read
more
[
P A C E R S ]
Who's
bad?
by Daniel Walsh / February 4, 2003
Many sports fans around the country are drawing comparisons between Isiah
Thomas’ Indiana Pacers and his old Detroit Piston Bad Boy teams.
But are the Pacers that bad? • Read
more
[
C O A C H E S ]
Thomas
on pace for Coach of the Year, but there's a darkhorse
by Graham Flashner / January 26, 2003
The coach of the most dangerous team in the East isn’t Byron Scott,
but Isiah Thomas. The coach of the most improved team in the West isn’t
Don Nelson, but Eric Musselman. Halfway through the season, both men are
on a collision course for Coach of the Year honors. • Read more
[
C A V A L I E R S ]
Lucas'
team lacked identity
by Bruce Meyer / January 21, 2003
Few people in Cleveland will argue with the firing of Cavs Coach John
Lucas. Despite the lack of firepower he was given to work with, the fact
is the team was bad and getting worse. • Read more
[
A L L - S T A R ]
Time to scrap the tradition?
by Daniel Walsh / January 15, 2003
Starters for the NBA All-Star Game will be announced on January 23, while
reserves will be announced on January 28. Who belongs and who doesn’t
belong? A closer look at the situation reveals the need for a different
kind of debate. • Read
more
[
K O B E . O R . T - M A C ? ]
Rings don't make Bryant the man
by Justin Arnold / January 11, 2003
Even with three rings, Kobe Bryant is not the best all-around player in
the NBA. That distinction should belong to Tracy McGrady. While their
numbers are similar, Bryant's game is helped greatly by him playing with
the big fella sporting the Superman tattoo. • Read more
[
D E F E N S E ]
Zone revival at last
by Tim O'Sullivan / December 19, 2002
Like Pistons center Ben Wallace exploding from the weak-side baseline
to send a soft floater into the fifth row, the zone defense has crept
up on the NBA this season to produce some startling results. • Read
more
[
N E T S ]
The Dikembe factor... or is it non-factor?
by Jon Finkel / December 13, 2002
The New Jersey Nets made a huge offseason move to sign veteran defensive
center Dikembe Mutombo. After not playing well this year, Mutombo is hurt,
but does it hurt the Nets? • Read
more
[
S T A T I S T I C S ]
When numbers lie
by Dennis Hans / November 27, 2002
ESPN’s bogus “Offensive Efficiency Rating” says Grant Hill
is twice as efficient as Antoine Walker and Chris Webber. We show the
broadcast giant where it went wrong and how it can go right. • Read more
[
L O W . S C O R I N G ]
The league that can't shoot straight
by Graham Flashner / November 21, 2002
74-53. Once upon a time, that was a halftime score in the NBA. This season,
it was a final, Detroit outlasting Denver. While you wouldn’t know
it from watching Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant or Allen Iverson, NBA point
production is dropping faster than the S&P index. Who’s to blame,
and why? • Read
more
[
R A P T O R S ]
Air delay?
by Dean Serravalle / November 20, 2002
After having temporarily shelved the air attack, the Raptors have gone
with what seems to be a more aggressive, gritty ground attack similar
to the brand of basketball that earned them a last minute position and
a near upset of the Pistons in the playoffs, prompting the same resurfacing
question: Are they better as a team without Vince Carter? • Read
more
[
W H I T E . P L A Y E R S ]
Where have all the honkies gone?
by Dennis Hans / October 30, 2002
In the NBA, if you see a young white guy who can really play, bet the
farm he’s from far away. • Read
more
[
J A S O N . W I L L I A M S ]
From fad to fade
by Tim O'Sullivan / October 8, 2002
Being Jason Williams is out of style. Once as chic as being John Malkovich,
the NBA's multiple Jason Williams are now facing murder charges, changing
their names, or, in the case of the Grizzlies' Jason Williams, simply
falling off the map. • Read
more
[
B L A Z E R S ]
Get rid of Damon
by Stephen Siegel / October 1, 2002
Last week, Damon Stoudamire made the proclamation that has come to sound
all too familiar in professional team sports these days: “Start me
or trade me.” Damon’s contributions to the Blazers in his four-and-a-half
year tenure with the team have been undeniable. But the detriment he has
caused the team is just as undeniable.
• Read
more
[ W
A R R I O R S ]
New
coach, same old Warriors
by AJ Hayes / September 18, 2002
With a new coach, Eric Musselman, and No. 3 draft pick Mike Dunleavy signed,
the Warriors were hoping to avoid the type of personality conflicts that
has plagued the organization for years. Unfortunately, the team couldn't
make it through summer mini-camp without the team's best rebounder sniping
at the team's top scorer.
• Read
more
[ B
I G . M E N ]
No
middle ground for centers
by Chad Rader / September 17, 2002
With Patrick Ewing’s retirement, what is the next great crop of centers
in the NBA? Is there a new crop of centers? Heck, who is just the second-best
center in the league today? • Read
more
[ T
R A D E S ]
Wide
collar versus blue collar
by Tim O'Sullivan / September 13, 2002
On the surface, it looks like the Detroit Pistons got "Rip"
and ripped in the Jerry Stackhouse for Richard Hamilton trade. Before
Pistons fans start jumping off bridges, it would be wise to look below
the surface and check the depths. • Read more
[ S
W I T C H I N G . P O S I T I O N S ]
Changing
your team's destiny
by Jon Finkel / September 12, 2002
Here’s a look at a few guys that have not only had to switch teams
in the offseason, but will have to switch positions while in-season. All
to help the team. • Read
more
[
W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
Is
the upset really that upsetting?
by Jon Finkel / September 5, 2002
If a United States team falls in the forest of International play without
any American fans around, does it make a sound? • Read
more
[
W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
Protecting
history
by Dean Serravalle / September 4, 2002
All pawns are in place for a history breaking defeat of Team USA in this
year's rather bland World Championships, nearly ripe for such an event.
Bolstered by their own NBA representatives, European teams no longer feel
inferior to the gods of basketball past, most notably The Dream Team. • Read
more
[
W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
Why
we don't watch
by Jon Finkel / August 28, 2002
The World Basketball Championships are here. Stay tuned for the exciting
matches of Angola vs. Yugoslavia, Brazil vs. Lebanon and the exciting
first round pairing of the U.S. vs Algeria. Not too exciting, huh? • Read more
[
K I N G S ]
The
team to beat?
by Chad Rader / August 19, 2002
The Sacramento Kings came just short of beating the Los Angeles Lakers
in the Conference Finals last season. With the addition of Keon Clark
and the return of Mike Bibby, should they now be considered the main contenders? • Read
more
[
O F F I C I A T I N G ]
Shaq rules!
by Dennis Hans / August 7, 2002
But the Laker giant rules in part through illegal force, which is why
the NBA needs rules on how to defend and officiate him. • Read more
[
T R A D E S ]
'Big Dog' may put Hawks on short leash
by Mike Sandrolini / August 5, 2002
On paper, it appears as if Atlanta got the better end of Friday's trade
that sent Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson to the Hawks for Toni Kukoc
and high school phenom-turned-bust Leon Smith. But it may turn out to
be at deal that will dog the Hawks this coming season. • Read
more
[
W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
They're no Dream Team, and that's OK
by Chris Clark / August 3, 2002
It looks like the powers that will try to beat Team USA have finally gotten
the hint. Or, at least, they appear to have gotten over their inferiority
complex. • Read
more
[
M A R K E T ]
Here's to the winners
by Graham Flashner / August 1, 2002
In the most notable NBA trades of a quiet summer, the East got bigger,
the West got quicker, and the champs got better. Who were the winners,
and who were the losers? At least one team won’t know which category
it belongs until the season starts… • Read more
[
T R A D E S ]
Miller move a must
by Tim O'Sullivan / July 31, 2002
Why would the Cleveland Cavaliers trade their best player, point guard
Andre Miller? Because high-flying forward Darius Miles is a whole lot
better than the bitter taste of rejection. • Read more
[
T R A D E S ]
Luck
of the Irish? Only time will tell
by Chris Clark / July 25, 2002
The Celtics might have a gambling problem. And the worst part is that
in their attempt to win big, they got bluffed into what just might be
the biggest sucker bet of the offseason. • Read more
[
F R E E . A G E N T S ]
A
select few deserve maximum contracts
by Ed
Odeven / July 10, 2002
In the topsy-turvy
world of the summer hoops sweepstakes, NBA players equate respect and
recognition with a lucrative contract filled with more zeroes that most
of us can comprehend. Sure, if the owners are willing to pay these outrageous
contracts, the players have all the right in the world to ask for them.
But are they really worthy the maximum? Only a few; that's right, only
a few. • Read
more
[
R A P T O R S ]
What
are they waiting for?
by Dean
Serravalle / July 8, 2002
You’re 6-11, 27 years old, extremely athletic, a shot-blocking defensive
stalwart and you’ve proven yourself in the playoffs. Not only that,
but you’ve become one of the most desirable free agents. So why haven’t
the Toronto Raptors already signed you, Keon Clark? • Read more
[
B U S I N E S S . A S . U S U A L ]
Draft
night re-runs
by Tim O'Sullivan / June 28, 2002
It was supposedly
an historic and different draft, with a foreign player as the No. 1 pick
and another five going in the first round. But the bottom line looked
very familiar. A big man went first, the Clippers screwed up and there
was a lot more potential than productivity as projects were picked instead
of players. • Read
more
[
T H E . D U N L E A V Y S ]
Father
and son or neither one
by Jon Finkel / June 23, 2002
With Mike
Dunleavy Jr. and Sr. available for the Golden State Warriors or the Memphis
Grizzlies to take, the only question that remains is: Who is going where? • Read
more
[
C H A N G E S ? ]
Can
reformatting stop the Lakers?
by Bill Paterson / June 21, 2002
With
the Lakers celebrating the third of what appears to be many titles to
come, fans and insiders alike are clamoring for new playoff formats designed
to bring about more compelling finals matchups. Is the league the only
opponent that can slow down the Los Angeles juggernaut? • Read
more
[
L A K E R S ]
Call
them what you want, but they've won three in a row
by Jon Finkel / June 13, 2002
After an impressive
sweep of the Nets, the Lakers earn their third straight championship as
well as their place in NBA history. What place is that exactly? • Read
more
[
T H E . M O S T . D
O M I N A N T ]
Shaq
or Jordan?
by Faraji Whalen / June 12, 2002
Shaquille
O'Neal has nearly averaged 40 points and 15 rebounds per game against
the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals. The latest of many impressive performances
by the man with the number 34 on his jersey has laid the background for
a new debate: Is Shaq even more dominant now than Michael Jordan was in
his prime?
• Read more
[
I N S T A N T . R E P L A Y ]
Handle
with caution
by Tim O'Sullivan / June 9, 2002
Technology is a double-edged
sword. For every pro, there's a con. Officials using instant replay is
no exception. Just ask the NFL. And now the NBA is threatening, or is
it promising, to introduce replay to the game of professional basketball. • Read
more
[
N B A . F I N A L S ]
Main
point: Lakers own the paint
by Joe Whalen / June 6, 2002
For the
third consecutive year, Los Angeles enters the NBA Finals with a disadvantage
at one position: point guard. And for the third straight June, the Lakers
will negate their opponent's edge at the point by dominating the paint. • Read
more
[
E X P A N S I O N ? ]
Larry
Legend shoots for Charlotte
by Bill Paterson / May 23, 2002
So, basketball deity
Larry Bird and his towel-waving chum M.L. Carr want to set up shop in
Charlotte? Why not? Hornets fans stopped supporting the team only because
they didn't care for the owner George Shinn, right? Yeah, sure. • Read more
[
C O N F E R E N C E . F I N A L S ]
The
Kings hope for some Peja-vu
by Graham Flashner / May 21, 2002
It’s
tempting to think the Sacramento Kings would have a 2-0 lead on the Lakers
if they’d had the services of Peja Stojakovic. But don’t be
fooled: the current champions played as poorly in Game 2 as they played
brilliantly in Game 1. • Read
more
[
A W A R D S ]
Duncan
MVP? Are you Kidd-ing?
by Bill Paterson / May 9, 2002
With last year’s
MVP, Allen Iverson, out of the race, the 2002 competition was wide open.
Shaq? Kobe? Pierce? McGrady? Webber? Nada. In the end, it came down to
Tim Duncan and Jason Kidd. And, sadly, the voters took the easy way out. • Read
more
[
T R A D E S ]
Is
this The Answer for Vince-anity?
by Dean Serravalle / May 8, 2002
Superstar for Superstar.
Ground attack for Air Attack. Guts for Style. Anyway you look at it, speculation
surrounding a possible one for one trade involving Allen Iverson and Vince
Carter sounds intriguing. But is it rumor, or is there method to the madness? • Read
more
[
C E L T I C S ]
A
fork in the road for Boston
by Tim O'Sullivan / May 7, 2002
It has taken the Antoine
Walker/Paul Pierce-led Boston Celtics four years to figure out how to
win on the road during the regular season. How long will it take them
to decipher the secrets to winning on the road in the playoffs? • Read
more
[
C H I N E S E . S E N S A T I O N ]
Don't
bet on a Ming dynasty
by Graham Flashner / May 5, 2002
As far as Chinese exports
go, few will arrive with as much anticipation as the 7-5 center Yao Ming.
The NBA is ready to anoint Ming as the next Shaquille O'Neal, but lottery
picks of past years suggest that Ming will be lucky if he can be the next
Rik Smits. • Read
more
[
P L A Y O F F S ]
So
long... So good?
by Jon Finkel / May 2, 2002
What - does - this
- sentence - have - in - common - with - the - National - Basketball -
Association - Playoffs? If you guessed that it takes too long to read,
there's no sense of urgency and there is too much space in between the
important components of the sentence (words), then you are now qualified
to sit next to Ahmad Rashad in the NBC studio. • Read more
[
E X E C U T I V E S . O F . T H E . Y E A R ]
Resurrecting
a moribund franchise
by Ed Odeven / April 25, 2002
Nets president Rod
Thorn is clearly the choice for Executive of the Year. In short, he has
resurrected a woeful franchise and given fans hope for the future. Last
time hope and promising future were topics simultaneously discussed when
talking about the Nets was during Julius Erving’s heyday, when they
were still an ABA team playing in Long Island. • Read more
[
B U C K S ]
Whatever
happened to Milwaukee?
by Mike Sandrolini / April 22, 2002
Remember
the Milwaukee Bucks? With the "Big Three" and the addition of
an All-Star power forward in Anthony Mason, they were considered the best
team in the Eastern Conference at the beginning of the season. After a
completely forgettable year, they are now watching the playoffs on television.
Why? • Read
more
[
C E L T I C S ]
The
Boston Garden vs the Fleet Center
by Jon Finkel / April 21, 2002
With the Fleet Center
hosting its first playoff series, the Boston Garden and Celtics of old
remind the young arena and players about the old days. • Read more
[
S T R E N G T H . T R A I N I N G ]
Improving
strength, a pre-requisite to enter the NBA
by Michael Wood / April 14, 2002
Athletes
are learning at a younger age the importance of sport-specific training
and the positive implications it has on the basketball court. Studies
have shown that there is a direct correlation with college basketball
players and playing time. The stronger, quicker, more explosive athletes
basically play more minutes than those less conditioned. • Read more
[
P I S T O N S ]
Beasts
of the East again... How?
by Jon Finkel / April 12, 2002
While short shorts
and names like Laimbeer, Thomas, Johnson and Rodman are no longer a part
of the Detroit Pistons, the names of Wallace and Stackhouse are. And with
some help from their teammates, they are back to being number one. • Read more
[
A W A R D S ]
Scott
should net Coach of the Year honors
by Gregg T. Carbone / April 11, 2002
Forget about
Michael Jordan’s comeback. Pay no attention to the Boston Celtics
and Detroit Pistons’ return NBA prominence. Keep the run and fun
Clippers, the juggernaut Lakers and Shaq’s big toe. This NBA season
has been all about the New Jersey Nets. • Read more
[
W I Z A R D S ]
Jordan's
rules to make
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 5, 2002
Chapter
one, Book three of the Michael Jordan epic has ended with the anti-climatic
swell of a knee. So the question remains, was the greatest basketball
story ever told enhanced or diminished by this latest addendum?
• Read
more
[
D E F E N S E . M A T T E R S ]
It's
not just about scoring
by Ed Odeven / April 4, 2002
Pat Riley is out of
the playoffs, Jeff Van Gundy is out of the league and Larry Brown is struggling
with the Sixers this season. With teams like Sacramento and Dallas coincidentally
on top of the NBA rankings, it would seem like preaching D is increasingly
out of fashion. Defense is dead, some people say. Take no notice of that.
• Read
more
[
J U S T I C E . I N . T H E . N B A ]
Not
blind... just dumb
by Jim Sacco / April 3, 2002
David
Stern and Stu Jackson must be wrestling fans. The month of March saw Dave
and Stu turn the hardwood into the “squared circle” as they
handed out lopsided justice with such panache that it made the World Wrestling
Federation’s Vince McMahon blush. • Read more
[
T E A M S . B E L O W ..
3 5 0 ]
Welcome
to the Southern Conference
by Jon Finkel / March 30, 2002
West
or East. Everyone in the NBA is talking about the West or the East. What
about the South? The deep South, the Antarctic Circle of the NBA where
the temperature is a chilly .350 winning percentage or below. There are
teams here, too. • Read
more
[
C O N F E R E R E N C E S ]
East
slowly narrowing gap on the West
by Rich Thomaselli / March 27, 2002
There's little doubt
that the next champion will yet again come from the West. The Eastern
teams are still far – but not as far as they were last season. • Read more
[
A G E . L I M I T ]
It's
elementary: Turn 18, then turn pro
by Mike Sandrolini / March 21, 2002
The eclosion of LeBron
James has posed a new dilemma: Should a player be allowed to enter the
NBA even before getting a high school diploma? • Read
more
[
K A R L . V S . R
I V E R S ]
Word
games become serious
by Tim O'Sullivan / March 16, 2002
It started as verbal
jousting with pillow-tipped lances. But the George Karl-Doc Rivers feud
has taken a turn for the worse after Karl removed the pillows to reveal
a dangerous point. • Read
more
[
U N D E R A C H I E V E R S ]
A
year with Disappointment
by Jim Sacco / March 14, 2002
Disappointment can
be a dirty old S.O.B. He’ll sit in the corner, wait for the right
moment then use His funky breath to ice your jumper. Then He’ll suck
the life right out of your season. He plays dirty and refs don’t
call a flagrant foul on the chump. • Read
more
[
U N D E R R A T E D . P L A Y E R S ]
Overlooked,
but indispensable
by Rich Thomaselli / March 11, 2002
Doug Christie, Donyell
Marshall, Bobby Jackson, Tony Delk... They are never on the spotlight
and will hardly take part in an All-Star any day soon. But they deserve
some recognition – certainly, more than they are used to receive. • Read
more
[
N E W . R U L E S ]
Zone
fury signified nothing
by Tim O'Sullivan / March 4, 2002
When the
NBA announced last year that they would eliminate the illegal defense
rule, thus allowing zone defenses for the first time since 1961, basketball
purists across the country were outraged. The truth is, it was much ado
about nothing. • Read
more
[
W H O ' S . T H E . W O R S T ? ]
Bulls
still NBA's top bottom-feeder
by Mike Sandrolini / March 4, 2002
When
you have four equally mediocre teams – such as Denver, Memphis, Chicago
and Golden State – losses alone can't determine which club might
be more suited to play in the CBA than in the NBA. • Read more
[
H I G H . S C H O O L E R S ]
Jordan,
Krause need a mulligan
by Jim Sacco / March 4, 2002
As you get older, recent
high school grads are fine — in small doses. They are tolerable when
they help you out at the local mall as they try to earn some money for
college, and they are fine serving you up a cold one at the local mall
restaurant. • Read
more
|