http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/4337 Recent articles about Trevor Ariza en-us AZ Central is reporting that Matt Barnes is scheduled to arrive in Phoenix Monday, expecting to sign a one-year veteran's minimum deal with the Suns after completing a physical. I was really hoping Danny would make an offer to Barnes as he would be a great replacement for Posey. It seems as though one free agent after another is being signed and the Celtics have yet to make a move to fill the empty spots on the bench. I just don't get Danny not having made a minimum offer to this guy already. Maybe he should give him a call real quick and make an offer. Xtra Sports has a couple of interesting rumors on their website. First is that the Celtics have approached the Lakers concerning a trade for Trevor Ariza. Scal's salary fits. I wonder if they are looking for a glue guy since Turiaf left. Along with the inquiries about Ariza, they report that the Celtics are talking to Orlando's Maurice Evans, the Warriors' Matt Barnes, and the Wolves' Ryan Gomes. Word is that Gomes is looking for a 2 year contract for the full MLE. The Celtics may offer that, but since Gomes is restricted, the Wolves will probably match. I like the idea of getting Barnes. I think he would be a great fit for the team but probably won't come cheap. Also according to Xtra Sports, rumors are flying around that the Lakers are trying to clear roster space in order to make a major trade to acquire Rasheed Wallace from Detroit or Ron Artest from Sacramento. They didn't match Turiaf's offer and that may clear the way for the trade for Artest. With the Nets deal for Dooling almost final, Marcus Williams is the odd man out and the Nets would like to trade him. They are said to be looking to package Williams and one of their other young players, such as forwards Josh Boone or Sean Williams, for a veteran. They still have eight players on their roster with two years' or less experience in the league. Maybe the Nets would like Scal back. What better player to guide their youngsters. Sean Williams and Marcus Williams would be nice additions to the Celtics. Come on, New Jersey, you need a glue guy like Scal and now he can bring championship experience (sort of) to your team. Atlanta Hawks free-agent forward Josh Childress is strongly considering a three-year, $20 million offer from Greek powerhouse Olympiakos, several league sources said Sunday night. Childress flew to Greece late Sunday and is scheduled to meet with Olympiakos officials on Monday. Childress has been frustrated with the Hawks who have refused to make a sign-and-trade deal for Childress with another team. One source reports that there's a better than a 50-50 chance he'll sign with Olympiakos. News is breaking that the Celtics have agreed to terms with two of their own free agents, Tony Allen and Eddie House. Both have agreed to 2 year deals. The Celtics used Tony's Bird rights but needed approximately half of the M LE to secure House. This pretty much eliminates the possibility of bringing Ryan Gomes back to Boston as he is seeking a deal close to the full MLE. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:42:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293177 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293177 Game 4 was an interesting one, for Boston fans. It was a game that can only be compared to a roller coaster. A roller coast that at some point leaves its tracks and flies into the parking lot crashing into 743 cars and breaking the heart of every viewer. In this game, there were no serious Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:47:07 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278206 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/278206 After some lackluster match-ups in recent years there will finally be a glamour series in the NBA finals: the Los Angeles Lakers versus the Boston Celtics. The two classic rivals each completed shocking turnarounds from just a year ago to reach this point, but only one team will be crowned champions. AccuScore analysts break down the series and tell you who has the advantage. Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:03:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/273918 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/273918 Part 4 of a 4 part series assessing the future of the Washington Wizards is hosted on Bullets Forever. Part 4 is actually broken up into 3 parts, 4b focuses on free agent wings and guards. Sun, 11 May 2008 14:21:46 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265753 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/265753 Eight weeks have come and gone and Andrew Bynum is nowhere near being close to returning to the Lakers. The latest report has him slotted to be back by the first round of the play-offs, but even that sounds iffy at best. The problem Andrew is having is his knee is swelling up after workouts. This is typical during the early rehabilitation of any injury. The problem is, Andrew's not progressing at the rate he would need to, to get back on the court anytime soon. Andrew can run on those anti-gravity treadmills all he wants, but until he can get on the court on a consistent basis, he'll continue to be a month away. He needs at least 2-3 weeks just to get into shape, and if he cannot run on consecutive days, how can that happen? My feeling on this is that Andrew might not be back this year. His value to the future of the Lakers is so strong, that it makes no sense to take a risk that might further injure his knee. Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:20:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/210209 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/210209 Okay, in the Raps-Wiz post-game, I was telling you to start looking for the other three horsemen of the apocolypse…well, I found the second one. Kobe Bryant sharing the ball. It's true. It's happening and guess what? The Lakers are winning. I'm not one to use causal links very often, because you can damn well make yourself look like an idiot (and I don't need a lot of help in that department on a daily basis), but when Kobe shares the ball, the Lakers tend to win more often. But let's not get too excited about Kobe passing the ball. With Bynum and Ariza down, watch Kobe's shot totals go up. It hasn't been strange to see Kobe taking more than twice as many shots as any of his teammates and we all know how he likes shooting the lights out in Toronto. But what is he going to do now that the losses are becoming a little more frequent? They have lost 3 out of their last 4 and they are heading into Detroit for a possible beat down on Thursday. Here's hoping the Pistons wear those guys out, but don't necessarily embarrass them. The last thing we need is Kobe coming across the border angry. This should be an interesting game, but the Raptors had better hope it doesn't end up close at the end of the 4th, because Kobe WILL take over. I have heard the question asked on 3 separate programs in the past few days (PTI, Celtics/Magic NBA Preview, Raps-Wiz tonight), where this choice has been given: Who would you rather have right now - Kobe or LeBron? So they get all into it, blah blah blah. But what you really want to ask is, when the game is on the line, who do you want with the ball? Kobe or LeBron. For me, it's Kobe without hesitation. Been there too many times and proven himself too many times to even think of choosing LeBron. Okay, should be a good one, let's look for a good third quarter and limit the turnovers! Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:38:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/117469 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/117469 With so many rumors floating around regarding a potential Jason Kidd deal, FIO and TalkHoops.net writer Zach Harper focuses on four scenarios that could possibly go down. Taking a look at both sides of the potential deals, Harper discusses the impacts to fantasy basketball if something were to go down. Thu, 31 Jan 2008 09:22:08 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/117455 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/117455 There are 30 players in the NBA from the 2004 draft class with only 1 undrafted player remaining. So far, #1 pick Dwight Howard is the clear leader of the class and is a strong contender for the MVP. See who's the best this year so far and if your team has a player drafted in '04. Player (Draft #) Current Team Averages 1. Dwight Howard (1) Orlando Magic PPG 22.9 RPG 15.5 APG 1.5 SPG 0.9 BPG 2.8 2. Josh Smith (16) Atlanta Hawks PPG 17.1 RPG 8.1 APG 3.5 SPG 2.0 BPG 3.2 3. Al Jefferson (15) Minnesota Timberwolves PPG 20.4 RPG 12.1 APG 1.5 SPG 1.1 BPG 1.3 4. Andre Iguodala (9) Philidelphia 76ers PPG 18.9 RPG 5.6 APG 4.8 SPG 2.0 BPG 0.7 5. Kevin Martin (26) Sacramento Kings PPG 24.5 RPG 4.9 APG 2.1 SPG 1.4 BPG 0.1 6. Emeka Okafor (2) Charloette Bobcats PPG 13.2 RPG 10.6 APG 0.6 SPG 1.0 BPG 1.8 7. Luol Deng (7) Chicago Bulls PPG 18.4 RPG 6.8 APG 2.2 SPG 1.0 BPG 0.5 8. Ben Gordon (3) Chicago Bulls PPG 19.0 RPG 3.8 APG 2.8 SPG 0.9 BPG 0.2 9. Andris Biedrins (11) Golden State Warriors PPG 10.6 RPG 9.9 APG 1.2 SPG 0.8 BPG 1.4 10. Jameer Nelson (20) Orlando Magic PPG 11.5 RPG 3.9 APG 6.0 SPG 0.9 BPG 0.1 11. Devin Harris (5) Dallas Mavericks PPG 13.9 RPG 2.6 APG 5.4 SPG 1.8 BPG 0.1 12. Sebastian Telfair (13) Minnesota Timberwolves PPG 10.0 RPG 2.2 APG 5.9 SPG 1.2 BPG 0.2 13. Beno Udrih (28) Sacramento Kings PPG 13.8 RPG 3.6 APG 4.5 SPG 1.1 BPG 0.1 14. Josh Childress (6) Atlanta Hawks PPG 11.2 RPG 5.2 APG 1.0 SPG 0.8 BPG 0.2 15. J.R. Smith (17) Denver Nuggets PPG 10.2 RPG 2.1 APG 1.9 SPG 0.9 BPG 0.1 16. Shaun Livingston (4) Los Angeles Clippers PPG 7.4 RPG 3.1 APG 4.8 SPG 0.9 BPG 0.5 (Career)* 17. Delonte West (24) Seatte Supersonics PPG 8.2 RPG 2.7 APG 3.5 SPG 0.6 BPG 0.3 18. Anderson Varejao (30) Cleavland Caviliers PPG 7.3 RPG 7.9 APG 1.0 SPG 0.8 BPG 0.4 19. Dorell Wright (19) Miami Heat PPG 7.0 RPG 4.7 APG 1.1 SPG 0.7 BPG 1.0 20. Kris Humpheries (14) Toronto Raptors PPG 7.0 RPG 4.6 APG 0.5 SPG 0.4 BPG 0.5 21. Chris Duhon (38) Chicago Bulls PPG 5.8 RPG 2.0 APG 3.4 SPG 0.5 BPG 0.0 22. Robert Swift (12) Seattle Supersonics PPG 4.8 RPG 4.2 APG 0.2 SPG 0.3 BPG 1.0 (Career)** 23. Sasha Vujacic (27) Los Angeles Lakers PPG 6.3 RPG 1.5 APG 1.1 SPG 0.3 BPG 0.1 24. Trevor Ariza (43) Los Angeles Lakers PPG 5.1 RPG 2.7 APG 1.2 SPG 0.7 BPG 0.4 25. Tony Allen (25) Boston Celtics PPG 5.2 RPG 2.1 APG 1.5 SPG 0.9 BPG 0.2 26. David Harrison (29) Indiana Pacers PPG 4.8 RPG 2.3 APG 0.5 SPG 0.5 BPG 1.1 27. Royal Ivey (37) Milwaukee Bucks PPG 4.4 RPG 1.3 APG 1.6 SPG 0.7 BPG 0.0 28. Luke Jackson (10) Miami Heat PPG 4.2 RPG 1.7 APG 1.2 SPG 0.5 BPG 0.0 29. Kirk Snyder (16) Houston Rockets PPG 4.0 RPG 1.5 APG 1.0 SPG 0.1 BPG 0.1 30. Andre Brown (U) Memphis Grizzilies PPG 2.0 RPG 1.6 APG 0.2 SPG 0.1 BPG 0.1 Best Scorers 1. Kevin Martin (24.5) 2. Dwight Howard (22.9) 3. Al Jeffeson (20.4) 4. Ben Gordon (19) 5. Andre Iguodala (18.9) Best Rebounders 1. Dwight Howard (15.5) 2. Al Jefferson (12.1) 3. Emeka Okafor (10.6) 4. Andris Biedrins (9.9) 5. Josh Smith (8.1) Most Assists 1. Jameer Nelson (6) 2. Sebastian Telfair (5.9) 3. Devin Harris (5.4) 4. Andre Iguodala (4.8) 5. Beno Udrih (4.5) Most Steals 1. Josh Smith, Andre Iguodala (2) 3. Devin Harris (1.8) 4. Kevin Martin (1.4) 5. Sebastian Telfair (1.2) Best Shot Blockers: 1. Josh Smith (3.2) 2. Dwight Howard (2.8) 3. Emeka Okafor (1.8) 4. Andris Biedrins (1.4) 5. Al Jefferson (1.3) 1st Team C-Dwight Howard F-Al Jefferson F-Josh Smith G-Andre Iguodala G-Kevin Martin 2nd Team C-Andris Biedrins F-Emeka Okafor F-Luol Deng G-Ben Gordon G-Jameer Nelson Best Player: Dwight Howard (1) PPG 22.9 RPG 15.5 APG 1.5 SPG 0.9 BPG 2.8 Best Defender: Josh Smith (16) PPG 17.1 RPG 8.1 APG 3.5 SPG 2.0 BPG 3.2 Best 2nd Round Pick: Anderson Varejao (30) Cleavland Caviliers PPG 7.3 RPG 7.9 APG 1.0 SPG 0.8 BPG 0.4 Best Bargain: Kevin Martin (26) Sacramento Kings PPG 24.5 RPG 4.9 APG 2.1 SPG 1.4 BPG 0.1 (U) Undrafted *Shaun Livingston hasn't played this season. **Robert Swift has only played 5 games this season and is expected to return this month. Sun, 06 Jan 2008 21:30:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/61948 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/61948 We're still trying to make sense of this NBA season. Coverage around the NBA on MVN features the Jason Kidd situation, the New York Knicks drama, the Denver Nuggets enigma, who are the Hornets, why John Hollinger puts out predictions, why Pau Gasol is lethargic...and how does the Beijing Bucks sound? Sat, 08 Dec 2007 03:49:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/41750 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/41750 The Los Angeles Lakers trade gaurd Maurice Evans and forward Brian Cook to the Orlando Magic for gaurd-forward Trevor Ariza. Definitely a trade that will benifit both teams. Orlando's front office is doin' it. With the spot-up-shooting talent of Brian Cook and M.Evans hustle mentality, they should flourish well in Orlando. G-F Trevor Ariza, if given minutes, should help out on boards and defense for the Lakers. But, he will need to work on that unhealthy free throw percentage(64.1% career). Tue, 20 Nov 2007 22:50:19 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/37789 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/37789 Addition by subtraction and then addition. That's what the Magic did. They let Darko and Grant Hill go and landed Rashard Lewis. The Magic Dancers are hoping for the same kind of equation as they lost a few promising young ladies, brought back a bunch of middle of the road girls, and fleshed out the roster with "upside potential." Wed, 03 Oct 2007 12:52:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/29486 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/29486 This is part of my series of articles previewing all 30 NBA teams and the upcoming season. The Magic finished last season with a flurry and, with maybe a few more games, could have made a serious run into the postseason. Now they're not only expected to be a playoff team, but they are touted by some as the team most likely to breakthrough and have a surprising season. They've got some pieces in place. Jameer Nelson is developing into a good leader, Dwight Howard is the real deal... and don't look now, but Grant Hill is ready to play this season. They've got a team able to battle amongst the middle of the pack in the East. They need another piece or two, maybe a second bonafide scorer, before they can continue to elevate their status as a team. Wed, 08 Nov 2006 18:32:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/4716 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/4716