Allthingshoops

Only 1 day into the young NBA season, and trade rumors are already circulating.

The most intriguing one involves Al Harrington going to the Cavaliers.  It’s no secret that Al wore out his welcome in Golden State, and he has pubically demanded a trade.  With Monta still out riding mopeds, the Warriors don’t need another distraction.  Meanwhile, the Cavs are desparate to find some help for Lebron, and after unsuccessfully trading for Jermaine O’Neal this summer, Harrington might be the next best option.

I know Danny Ferry will try hard to pull this off, but he simply doesn’t have enough pieces.  The Cavaliers’ roster is loaded with bad contracts, ranging from 13 million owed to Wally to 7 million owed to Eric Snow, and I haven’t even mentioned Ben Wallace and Big Z. 

I am predicting Harrington stays put, and Golden State struggling for the rest of the season.  It makes you wonder why they let Baron leave, especially after their success the previous 2 seasons.  The atmosphere in Golden State was absolutely electric during the 2006 playoffs, and now Warriors fans will experience another decade of misery and the lottery.

What about the Lamar Odom for Marion swap? Again, I don’t see this happening.  Marion was a GREAT player in Phoenix, but he was playing with Steve Nash.  Having seen the Heat in preseason, Marion just looks lost out there.  The Heat is not an uptempo team, and Marion is only effective in a run-n-gun type of environment.  As for Odom, a classic underachiever, the sixth man role fits him perfectly.

Lastly, the Knicks are desparately trying to dump everyone on their roster.  Eddie Curry has fallen out of favor with Mike D’Antoni; Marbury and Crawford are still in limbo.  Their best player and most valuable asset, David Lee, couldn’t even get a contract extension.  I wasn’t surprised to hear about the Isiah saga.  After completely destorying the Knicks organization from top to bottom, no wonder the man can’t get any sleep at night.  I bet he gets nightmares every night from that nightmare roster.  Let me give you a quick summary of their roster and salary…

Jamal Crawford at 8.7 million

Eddy Curry at 10 million

Jared Jefferies at 6 million

Malik “WHO?” Rose at 7 million

Quentin Richardson at 9 million

Zach Randolph at 14 million

Stephon, “I did it in the back of a truck” Marbury at 20 million

and wait……Jerome “I had one great playoff series” BIG MONEY, James at 6 million.

 I am surprise the people of New York haven’t set Isiah’s house on fire yet….

Greg, “OG”, Oden limped off the court last night in a blow out loss to the Lakers.  Look, I’ve been critical of Oden before, and even going as far as comparing him to the Big Disappointment, Sam Bowie.

After witnessing Oden’s latest misfortunes, I feel bad for the guy.  Every interview I’ve seen with Oden, he has been polite, insightful, and funny.  He would’ve been a great ambassador for the game, and with him in the middle, Portland has a bright future.  But now all that hangs in jeopardy, as Portland fans and NBA fans wonder if Oden can ever stay healthy.  

Last year, it was the knee, and now it’s the foot.  First the comparisons to Sam Bowie, now to Bill Walton?

Say it ain’t so..say it ain’t so…..

The 2008 - 2009 NBA season commences tonight.

You boy, allthingshoops, is back again.

After dealing with some setbacks last year, I am back stronger than ever.  Please stay tuned for the latest insight and news on all things hoops.

You’ve been warned.

I waited, I waited, and I waited….and I waited..

The Rockets won 22 straight, the greatest tournament in basketball is about to commence, the NBA FINALLY realizes Bruce Bowen is a dirty player, and yet no one has mentioned the most under-appreciated story of the season…

WHY IS KEVIN DURANT PLAYING THE 2??????

I’ve been meaning to write about this for a long time, and after the Nuggets scored a NBA season high 168 against the Sonics, enough is enough….

WHY IS KEVIN DURANT PLAYING THE 2?????

Kevin Durant should not win the Rookie Of The Year, and he most likely won’t.  Let’s face it, with all the hype surrounding Durant when he first came into the league, he has been a disappointment.  But how much of that is his fault???

WHY IS KEVIN DURANT PLAYING THE 2??

I think Sonics management are under pressure from Stern and Evil Bennett to employ one of the worst head coaches in league.  By keeping PJ Carliesmo, the Sonics will keep losing, and not just losing but getting embarassed, much like last night against the Nuggets.  Carliesmo will drive all his players to the brink of insanity.  You thought Sprewell choking him was bad?  Just wait.  Soon enough the entire Sonics squad will hire a hitman to take out their coach.

It’s a mystery to me why he still has a job??  Especially since he is destorying Durant’s career.  If you watch the Sonics this year, Durant has no idea how to play the 2 spot, and for a 6-10 guy with a wing span longer than Tayshaun Prince, he has no business playing the 2.  Durant needs to play the 3 and score off of put backs and easy baskets, but instead he is taking off balance outside shots and missing them horribly.

You can already see the effect playing the 2 has on Durant.  He is not as active on offense because he knows he has to create his own offense; there are no easy baskets for him.   When Durant misses badly on the jumper, it also lowers his confidence a little bit, and it snowballs into a poor shooting night, which translates to a poor shooting season.  Furthermore, the Sonics are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league, and instead of putting Durant on the block and letting him rebound and block shots, he is on the wing.  Playing the 2 also means Durant has to play the ball, and it takes away his ability to read defense and get steals.

KD is not playing at his natural position, and it’s going to cost him rookie of the year and if it continues, his whole career.  Over the summer, during the Olympic scrimmage game, Durant was one of the better players, and from that game, you can clearly see his effectiveness playing the 3 spot.

With that said??

WHY IS KEVIN DURANT PLAYING THE 2???

I hope Durant’s career don’t mirror that of Colin Farell, lots of hype (rememeber Colin Farell was suppose to be the next Brad Pitt), followed by too many bad movies, and eventually you are only famous because of a sex tape you made.

Say it ain’t so, Kevin…Say it ain’t so…

On Wednesday, Feb 13, I will be in Orlando watching the Magic take on the Nuggets.  I should have a few minutes before the game to talk with AI and Carmelo.  I am taking questions from my readers to ask AI.  Please let me know what you want me to ask AI or Carmelo.  Like your teachers always told you, there are no stupid questions.

 Here are some questions I plan on hitting them with.

For AI.

What do you think about Pau Gasol going to the Lakers? Do you think Chris Wallace was high when he made the trade? Or is he just plain dumb?

I am usually the smallest guy on the court, what advice do you have for smaller guys trying to hoop? It’s obvious, aside from Isiah, you are the greatest 6 ft or under guard to every play the game.

Growing up, who were your favorite players?

In your opinion, who has the sickest crossover in the league?

You are the first NBA player to rock the sleeve on the shooting arm; now everyone is copying it. What made you decide to wear it? Also, I have a sleeve too, but I am too scared to wear it on the court because I am not very good. Any advice?

Every year, we hear talk of your “decline” before the season, and every year, you prove all the moronic writers wrong. How do you stay so consistent for so long? How do you play through the injuries and take the abuse night in and night out? I know it’s not steroids.

Which Iverson shoes is your favorite?

Who has a better jump shot, you, Melo, or JR? who would win in horse?

For Melo.

When is Lala going to return to TV? Or is she done?

What do you think about my nickname, Go Get It, for Dwight Howard?

This just in, the Heat have traded Shaq to the Suns for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks..

On the surface, the trade makes less sense than the Gasol trade; however, Pat Riley and Steve Kerry are no fools.  Yes, Riley traded for Ricky Davis, but we all make mistakes. 

Instead of jumping on the bandwagon with the rest of the wannabe journalist/writers, I will tell you why this trade makes sense…

The Suns get to dump a grumpy Marion, and they don’t have to worry about extending his contract.  Getting rid of Marion also helps the Suns with their chemistry problem. 

The Heat can now play a more up-tempo offense, and most importantly, they are no longer undersized at the 3 and the 4.  Too many times this season, Ricky Davis would defend opposing team’s small forward, and with the size advantage, opposing small forwards scores easily over Davis.  Haslem is also undersized, but he is a better defender.  So it’s the problems created by the mismatch is not as glaring.

It’s easy to question Shaq’s health and age, and I think it’s absolutely despicable that all the moronic writers are writing Shaq off because of his age.  It’s easy to kick a man when he is down, and that’s what everyone has been doing all season.  Look, I wrote about this repeatly in my other posts.  Shaq’s troubles this season stems from his off-the-court personal problems and the late night partying with Ricky Davis.  My sources on South Beach tell me that Shaq and Ricky are out every night.  It’s time to break them up.  It will do both of them some good.

With that said, Shaq is going to do great in Phoenix, and I think he will be motivated. 

Forget ESPN!! Check allthingshoops.com for the latest and greatest!! 

My inside source have confirmed that the Memphis Grizzlies have traded Pau Gasol to the Lakers for Kwame Brown, Javris Crittenton, and future 2008 and 2010 1st round draft picks.

 WOW!! Unbelieveable!  This trade is so one sided that I can’t believe the Grizzlies pulled the trigger on this one?  Is Isiah or Billy King running the show over there?  Why would the Grizzlies give up their one true all star and center for a pupu platter with no all stars in return?? 

Also, why the Lakers?  Memphis could’ve probably gotten back Amare or Marion if they called the Suns??

From the Lakers’ stand point, this trade makes them instant contenders.  But with Bynum quickly developing at the center position, what position is Pau going to play??

I am going crazy over this trade.  I don’t know what to make of it.

Anyways, more analysis on this trade later.

Stephen A. Smith reported last night a 3 team trade that would send Kidd to the Mavs, Brandon Bass and Harris to the Blazers, and Channing Frye, Travis Outlaw, Jarett Jack and Jerry Stackhouse to the Nets.

My initial reaction to this report…

The Blazers are not stupid enough to pull this trade….

Strictly by potential, Frye and Outlaw are #3 and #4 on the roster (#1 and #2 are Oden and Aldridge, Roy already hit the ceiling).  Besides, the Blazers have great chemistry, and they can make the playoffs in the tough Western conference with this young squad.  Why break it up?? Devin Harris? He is a slight upgrade over Steve Blake.  Brandon Bass? he is a black Mark Mad Dog Madsen with more offensive skills.  There’s no way the Blazers will pull the trigger on this one. 

This trade would help the Mavs, but it’s too much one sided favoring the Nets.  Rod Thorn needs to realize that he is dealing with Kevin Pritchard, and not Billy King or Isiah Thomas. 

This deal is dead..like Stephen A’s show…

After a flurry of updates last week, I caught a nasty cold, but now I am back.  So let’s get you caught up with hoops.

Michael Beastly Beasley ended Kansas State’s 24 game losing streak to Kansas.  KState haven’t beat Kansas since 1983!!  Well, KState won last night, and the Beast himself guaranteed victory prior to the game.  It’s nice to see that some players can actually back up their guarantees. 

Some thoughts about this game….

I have been telling everyone that Kansas is overrated.  Kansas is overrated EVERY year.  Look for them to have a quick exit in March.  I am predicting the Sweet 16.  Mark my words…

Michael Beastly Beasley has a nice outside touch.  He hit a few 3s last night, and he has a nice outside shot.  The release is a little slow, but the form is good.  I see him developing into a David West type player, but he is more vocal and flamboyant.  So he won’t fly under the radar like West.  Speaking of West, let’s hope he gets in the All Star game.  He has been balling for the Hornets, and it’s time he gets some recognition.

Speaking of overrated teams, Memphis is still #1, but they play in a weak conference.  Put the Tigers in the ACC or the Big East, and they won’t even be the best team in the conference.  That’s why I think college hoop rankings are pointless.  Sure it’s nice to see your team on the rankings every week, but if your team chokes in the tournament, then it doesn’t matter how many weeks you were number 1.  Again, look for Memphis to make a quick exit in March.  I am predicting the Elite 8 at best.

Alright, let’s move on to the big boys league…

Lebron hits the game winner in Portland and stares down a heckler; I love it!  When will the fans learn? Lebron was having a mediocre game until the 4th quarter when he went off for 17 points, including 3 triples, oh and that game winning shot.  Speaking of that game winning shot, it was a layup.  Yes, A LAYUP.  Lebron blew by Roy and 3 other defenders and just laid it in.  It was pretty anti-climatic…

Prior to the game, Lebron begged Cavs management to trade for Kidd.  It’s too bad that the Cavs don’t have any assets to bring Kidd to Cleveland.  Maybe Rod Thorn will be dumb enough to go for Hughs, Marshall, and Eric Snow’s expiring contract.  Oh wait, I had Thorn confuse with Isiah (ahh I feel better already now that I have taken my daily jab at Zeke).

So if the Cavs can’t land Kidd, who can they trade for to get Lebron some help?  No one has mentioned this possibility, and I guarantee you after I write it about, all the wannabe EPSN analyst will jump over it.  The expiring contracts of Shannon Brown and Ira Newble for JR Smith and Chucky Atkins.  Let me tell you why this trade makes sense for both sides..

JR Smith is an All-Star waiting to happen.  JR is 6-6, can shoot from the 3, can drive to the basket, and he is young.  In Denver, JR is not getting the playing time he needs to develop.  You put him next to Lebron, and he is an instant All-Star.  He is better than Hughs in shooting and finishing around the basket, and he is a solid on the ball defender.  It makes sense for the Cavs, and it gives Denver some salary relief.  JR is too good to sit on the bench. 

As for Chucky Atkins, Atkins is not Kidd or Bibby, but he is a better PG than Jones/Snow/Hughs.  Chucky will knock down some occasional 3s, and he will run the team and play D.  The Cavs need a cheap PG, and Chucky is that guy.

 This trade makes sense for both sides because Denver is already 8 million in the luxury tax, and Newble and Brown’s expiring contract will save them around 6 million next year.  As for the Cavs, Smith and Atkins will help the Cavs immediately, and they both have reasonable contracts.

Now that’s a trade that makes sense…

Come Danny Ferry!! Pull the trigger!!

Word out of Phoenix is the Suns are considering trading Amare.  All the internet bloggers are going crazy over this story.  Again, I hate to say it, but I told you so! I have repeatly stressed the Suns’ NEED to move Amare.  Amare is just not the same player he was before his two knee surgeries.  The old Amare is a potential MVP winner every year, and the new Amare is merely a solid All-Star that’s good for 20/10 for a few years.  Time is dwindling for the Suns and Nash, if they don’t win it all this year, I don’t think they have the youth or the cap room to make another run.  Some rumored trade scenarios are Amare for Chris Bosh, or Gasol.  The Amare for Bosh rumors probably stems from the Brian Colangelo’s ties to Phoenix, and it’s no secret that Gasol needs to go to a contender.  Both of these trades would work in terms of salary, and I think it works out pretty evenly for both sides.  Both Bosh and Gasol can rejuvenate their careers with Nash at the point, and most importantly both of them won’t mind sharing the offensive load with Shawn Marion.  According to CBS, ”Amare’s increased frustration with not being the focal point of the team’s offense” is causing chemistry problems.  I also believe that Amare lacks the mental toughness to be a leader on the Suns.  If you are a Phoenix fan, I would strongly urge all of you to attack the message boards, internet blogs, and forums to push for the trade.  Nash can’t do it alone, and Amare won’t lead you to the promise land. 

In other trade rumors, apparently, Isiah Idiot Thomas declined a trade involving Artest for Balkman and Nate Robinson.  I applauded Isiah for this move, until I realized he is betting Artest will sign with the Knicks this summer for the mid-level.  Let me get this straight, Isiah wants to add to the salary cap even more, and he expects Artest, an all star, to sign for the mid level exception, much like Jared Jefferies and Jerome James did?  For a split second there, I actually thought Isiah was acting wisely, but again, I was wrong.

Speaking of the Knicks, NY’s public enemy #2, Stephon Marbury, is out indefinitely, and his future in NY is uncertain.  Knick fans can finally rejoice!!  Without Marbury, the Knicks have won 3 straight, and without the poisonous Marbury, the Knicks have shown better chemistry on the court and more resolve.  Rumor around the league is after Marbury returns from surgery, the Knicks will buy him out, and he will sign for the minimum to play in Boston.  The Celtics took a chance on Marbury’s cousin, Telfair, do they really want to make the same mistake again?  No tommy point if the C’s make this move.  Just get Stephon out of the league, and it will be beneficial for everyone.  Also, while we are on Steph, “the business man,” his shoes are clearance for $8 dollars at Steve&Barry’s.  You won’t catch me with these on even if I got them for free.

Gotta love Knicks, they always give you something to work with everyday.

Let’s move on to real hoops.

The Cavs beat the Spurs last night, thanks to a dozen bad calls by the refs, maybe they were trying to make up for last year.  I am glad Tony, wannabe rapper, Longoria didn’t get any calls last night, and the refs even ignored academy award winner, Manu Ginoboli.  Although I must say, in order for the Cavs to make that next step, they need to learn how to execute in the half court.  The Spurs are so efficient in executing their half court offense; meanwhile, when the Cavs are in their half court set, it’s usually Lebron vs. the other team. 

The Suns finally beat the Lakers, and Kobe only had 30.  They would’ve won if he went for 50+.  That’s what they need from him every night.  The crowd also continuously booed Kwame Brown.  I would too if that’s who we got for Caron Butler.