Basketball Notes by Alex

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Video: Top 10 Draft Day Outfits
2009-06-25 21:18:00
Every year, there's usually someone who gets looked at on draft night for their hair or outfit. Check out these blasts from the past:Embedded video from NBA Video
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Breaking: Shaq traded to The Cavs
2009-06-25 06:23:00
Yep, that's not a typo.From Yahoo! Sports:The Cleveland Cavaliers have reached an agreement in principle to acquire Phoenix Suns center Shaq uille O’Neal, a league source told Yahoo! Sports late Thursday night.Cleveland will send Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, the 46th pick in Thursday’s draft and cash to the Suns for O’Neal.I'm sure we'll hear more about this soon. Updates via Twitter and blog tomorrow.
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Heads Up: Live Tweet Chat With Breaking Tweets Sports Tomorrow
2009-06-25 04:21:00
Tomorrow is the draft! I'm hyped for it and ready. I will be doing a live chat on Twitter. My friend Jon from Breaking Tweets Sports will be asking me about the draft. It's going down at two tomorrow, so look out!Here is my Twitter profile!Bring on the DRAFT!!
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Talk Around the Hardwood
2009-06-24 19:52:00
The draft is so close, can you feel it?Yahoo! Sports. Knicks and Grizz talking trade? Lots of other rumors, also.Nike Basketball. If you understand Spanish, all these Meet the Rubio videos could be entertaining.The No Look Pass. Tim Duncan featured in a graphic novel. Make sure you get yours.Truth About It. Brendan Haywood no like poets!King James Gospel. Tarence Kinsey was charged with a DUI. It happened not far from the town I live in!Project Spurs. Hopefully the Spurs don't pick up guys like this, Jeff gives the top 3 worst Spurs draft picks.Steady Burn. Six teams that should go back to their old logos (three are NBA teams).Examiner. Robert Horry is now going into reality TV. I bet he'll still be clutch.RealGM. Sounds like KG's knee is doing good.Talk Hoops. Great Truehoop Network style Hardwood Paroxyzm style podcast.

Talk Around the Hardwood
2009-06-02 19:22:00
It's been a long time, but let's link!Cuzoogle. Cuzzy polls the people of Twitter on who will win the finals and in how many games.The700Level.com. Andre Iguodala rocks some glasses at a press conference.Reds Army. Euroleague dancers are funny looking.Ball Don't Lie. Great NBA finals preview.FanHouse. Breathe easy NBA fans, there are no plans to put logos on NBA jerseys.Mercury News. Lookout for this soon to be NBA player: Patrick Mills. He can play and will be a late first or second round pick. Under the radar, but a solid point guard.NBAdraft.net. Interview with Jeff Adrien, another guy in this years draft.ESPN. David Stern talks about LeBron and the whole "no media" thing.
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How do the Magic and Lakers Matchup?
2009-06-02 03:55:00
The Lakers and Magic are very skilled offensive squads. They have guys that can shoot, post threats and guys that come in and score off the bench. The only thing that will stop one team from dominating the scoreboard is defense. So that brings me my question: how should each team matchup against each other?Here's the starting lineups I would use:The only thing I struggled with was if Odom should start or not. I feel like he should start in order to match the versatility of Orlando. What I would do with Odom is match his minutes with Lewis' minutes. That way he sees the only other player who has similar size and skills when he's in the game. That will help LA better contain Rashard.Looking at the other positions; the point guard matchup is in Orlando's favor. Derek Fisher has had his struggles in the playoffs; but he still has a chance to redeem himself. I've noticed that he's starting to change plays a lot less though. It's more about making the occasional jumper with him. He...

Big NBA News: Featuring Ben Wallace (Boozer to Pistons?)
2009-06-02 00:15:00
Hello and welcome to another edition of Big Sports News . We’ll be going to the NBA section of BSN Network! A lot today and it can help you with your fantasy needs! So let’s just get a move on, because we got some good stuff in for us! Let’s go! Anderson Varejao The Plain Dailer reports that Anderson Varejao will likely opt out in the final year of his contract. No one found out about this until this source was said. With Varejao gone, it will leave $6.2M for the Cavs in cap, according to ESPN. Last year, was his best year statistically as he set a career-high in starts (42), points (8.6), and field goal percentage (.536). Let’s see how Varejao does. Samuel Dalembert Dalembert has heard this so many times that he is the problem for the 76ers. He needs to be out and a new center needs to be in. The Philadelphia Daily News takes care of it: “Nothing but action can prove anything to me,” Dalembert was sayingafter learning that Eddie Jordan had been hired to coach the S...
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Shoe of The Week: Nike Air Force 1 Low Mr Cartoon Livestrong Stages Collect
2009-05-31 18:24:00
Disclaimer: I'm no full on sneaker head, but every week we're gettin our shoe on here! Each week I'll pick a shoe that I like, basketball, or normal. Get your new leather smell ready!These are so hot they are breaking my monitor! I LOVE the look of these. They have great, unique designs and are definitely a real looker.They are set to release in July; mark your calendars! I would especially get these if you happen to have a lot of yellow. Perfect for the casual Laker fan!Some details on the shoe from Kix and The City:The Mr. Cartoon LIVESTRONG Nike Air Force 1 Low is a remake of the "spiderweb" version of Mr. Cartoon's Air Force 1 Low which did not ever officially hit retail but did hit the streets. The LIVESTRONG Stages Mr. Cartoon Nike Air Force 1 Low features all of Cartoon's original artwork using the LIVESTRONG palette of Black, Yellow, and White. The sneaker also features the LIVESTRONG logo on the tongue.No runner up this week, just wait until July and get yourself a pai...
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Introuducing Josh Dhani
2009-05-31 18:10:00
If you haven't noticed yet, we've got another member to the team here at NBAtipoff. His name is Josh Dhani and he's done a great job as our first contributor. I asked him a couple questions so you readers can get to know him better.Me: So tell the readers a little bit about yourself (what team is your favorite, where you've written in the past, etc.).Josh: My favorite team is the Indiana Pacers, I bleed the gold and blue. I have written for many sites in the past and I am very close to having an interview with my hometown hero from Indiana: Eric Gordon!!!Me: What kind of perspective are you going to continue to bring?Josh: My perspective to the site is more of a columnist and some breaking news. I have two great series, one is called Big NBA News which brings out the biggest rumors that no one has heard yet but you should, it's surprising! And my other one is NBA Talk which brings out voice and shows some good passion in my writing and it talks about the breaking news and game ...

You Stole That Killer Crossover, LeBron?
2009-05-30 17:48:00
The guys at Global Sports Fraternity strike gold again:
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Big NBA News: Featuring Amare Stoudemire (Knicks Eying Thabeet)
2009-05-30 01:32:00
Hey guys. I got a new series called Big NBA News and it shows the biggest NBA News that no one has even heard of. Check it out! It's awesome! Rafer Alston According to the Orlando Sentinel, Rafer Alston (who has subbed in for Jameer Nelson since February) that he wants to stay with the Magic, who are leading 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Alston was traded from the Rockets and has been a big help off the trade. But Alston does know he will be backing up Nelson next year, and might be making $5.5M if he gets re-signed. All the luck to Alston and his Magic, who look to make the NBA Finals. Amare Stoudemire Stoudemire has been crazy right now, well, that's what I think. On ESPN New York Radio, he has confirmed he wants to play for Mike D'Antoni in 2010 and says he is better than number four: Chris Bosh. Here is New York and Washington Post's take on this: "When asked Stoudemire if he's better than Bosh, the Suns forward said, "Oo...
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Chris Paul's Pre-Game Routine
2009-05-29 22:25:00
If you've liked the NBA's series, On Point With Chris Paul, then you'll also love this new video. He explains his pre-game routine in detail.Enjoy!Embedded video from NBA VideoAlso, catch the rest of the series here.
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Lookout For Sprite Slam Dunk Winner Guy Dupuy
2009-05-29 15:18:00
Talk about a great dunker. This is a guy who's not even in the league and he's pretty incredible. He will be in Dallas (apparently) for the 2010 All-Star festivities. I know we haven't heard the last of him!
More About: Dunk , Slam Dunk , Winner , Sprite , Slam

Who Has the Better Bench: Lakers or Nuggets?
2009-05-28 15:29:00
The Lakers bench and the Nuggets bench have been squaring off in the Western conference finals. On one night, it's seems like the other teams bench gives a strong lift to their team, while the other bench stinks.So that begs the question, which teams bench is really better?Overall, it's a very tough question. On some nights, the Nugget bench looks like the best in the league. But, their overall play on the road is not near as good or consistent as it needs to be. You never know if JR Smith or Birdman are going to play well in LA.Because of some Nugget inconsistency, I'm going with the Lakers. Not that they haven't been very inconsistent of late, but I think they can make things happen on the road. It's all about intensity with the LA bench. If they show strong effort, they should be the best bench in the league. Period.Disagree? Vote in the poll and comment on this post saying why the Nugget bench is better! Who has the better bench: Lakers or Nuggets?(poll)
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JR Smith's Growing
2009-05-26 16:01:00
I have to give credit to JR. He actually looks like he's grown.Last nights game put his growth into perspective. He started the game by getting other guys involved. Then, he started driving to the basket, hitting three's and creating his own offense.In the old days, JR would have hoisted a couple quick three's. Instead, he's realized that other guys need to get started before him. He now knows he can get hot at anytime. He's learned when to look for his shot and when to pass.I just want to give JR some props. He needs to continue growing, but, after this season, George Karl will have happy things to say to him. Everyone else will give props to JR too.Keep doin work, JR!Photo by: Chris Carlson
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Magic-Cavs: The Magic Will Win and Here's Why
2009-05-25 22:51:00
It's one tough series. Just as Delonte West. Cleveland.comBy: Josh DhaniThe Magic and Cavaliers series is going nasty, but great. The Magic are so far leading, 2-1, but they should have been leading, 3-0. I say Magic all the way. Why? Here are some of the strengths the Magic have that Cleveland is no where near of seeing. Here are some points that will help the Magic to victory.Supporting CastThis is the biggest part of the whole series. It is mainly Dwight Howard vs. LeBron James. But which one of these superstars has a better supporting cast? No doubt, it is Superman. Why?Consider: According to ESPN.com, LeBron James is the leader in each of the categories. He leads the team in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. LBJ's only trusted companion is Mo Williams, who averages close to 18 points per game.Now to Dwight Howard.Consider: Howard only leads in points, rebounds, and blocks. But it isn't all Howard with the Magic like it is all King James with the Cavs. Hedo Turkoglu lead...

NBA Talk: Magic Don't Care About Buzzer Beater! Fly Over Cavs, 99-89
2009-05-25 21:53:00
"It's all good!" Phelan M. Ebenhack/APBy: Josh DhaniRemember in the first game, Rashard Lewis saved day? It was so underrated toward LeBron's game-winner. Why? Because it's LeBron! But hey, guess what the Magic did yesterday? They beat LeBron and the Cavs, 99-89, to lead the series, 2-1.So really, there probably is no point of having that LeBron shot made because of the looks of it, the Magic are the contenders for the Finals.But guess what?The Cavs could have won this one, easily! The fouls messed them up. For example: Dwight Howard, 24 points—14 on free throws. Rashard Lewis had 18 points in the ten-point victory.Dwight Howard was a monster as he lead the Magic in points with 24.Reinhold Matay/APThis was a real nasty game from start to finish. Thanks to ESPN, this is what they observed: 86 free throws attempted, 58 personal fouls called, two technicals, and a flagrant.Pretty clean, huh? No! Probably the refs finally had an exercise, too. It must have been a long day for them....
More About: Care , Talk , Beater

Pic of the Day: Dwight's Magical Dunk
2009-05-25 17:45:00
I loved this picture the moment I saw it. The light bounces off incredibly and it's just a tremendous looking shot.I don't think it needs a caption. Just give it a look.Photo by: Nathaniel S. ButlerVia Yahoo! Sports
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NBA Talk: Lakers-Nuggets Game 3
2009-05-24 21:10:00
Kobe Bryant's 41 points lifts Lakers over Nuggets. He's back to be popping bottles! Jack Dempsey/APBy: Josh DhaniIt's no wonder Spike Lee wanted to make the movie, Kobe Doin' Work, because he certainly was last night. Bryant was back to popping bottles when he scored 40 points or more again, that makes it twice in this series! This is certainly an exciting series and this was, no doubt, the best game I have seen in the series.Trevor Ariza was also popping bottles by making important shots. Ariza was bigger than Kobe in the game, saving the Lakers by stealing an inbounds pass to make sure it will be a victory. And when it's victory, it's all good.At the end of the third quarter, J.R. Smith made a surprising three pointer over Sasha Vujacic, and then trashing him. When I saw J.R.'s lips moving, it sounded like he was calling Sasha a mother f***er.Man, J.R., don't be like that!"Trevor, he's very crafty, he's long, he's fast, he's quick and he's a ball hawk," Bryant told ES...
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Shoe of the Week: Nike Blazer High Black/White
2009-05-24 18:24:00
Disclaimer: I'm no full on sneaker head, but every week we're gettin our shoe on here! Each week I'll pick a shoe that I like, basketball, or normal. Get your new leather smell ready!Basic, but sexy. That's what I think when I first see these. Nike did a nice job off not going off the wall, but staying simple and keeping a great look to their product.There is another downside to these though. The Blazer High drops at all three House of Hoops locations on June 4th, 2009 (thanks to Nice Kicks for the info and pics).Despite the limited amount of these available, I'd still try to get a crack at them. They could be great to play in on the road for your team. Also, they are very versatile and could match just about anything.The runner up?Nike Zoom MVP White Varsity RedThese are nice looking shoes to play a little ball in or run. They would be good to rock with a Raptors, Clippers or Rockets gear too.Also, these are only available at select Nike accounts. Keep your eyes peeled!What sh...
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The Lakers Have to Make a Decision on Point
2009-05-22 15:12:00
The Lakers have got a tough choice to make on their point guard rotation. Recently, their rotation of points guards has been Derek Fisher, followed by Shannon Brown and Jordan Farmar. All of them are solid players and they make their own contributions to the Lakers. Air-ball jumpers, that's a bad contribution.To fish or not to fish, that's what I'm struggling with.Derek Fisher is in one hell of a shooting slump right now. In the first two games of the series against Denver, he's shot 6-22 from the field; a disgusting 27%. That makes me wonder why the Lakers shouldn't start Jordan Farmar. Farmar will shot the ball better and can provide some quickness to keep Chauncey on his heels. As long as Farmar's prepared to defend Billups, I'd welcome the change.After Farmar starts, Fisher could guard Anthony Carter. Carter is not a big part of the Denver offense and is an easy guard because he's not a very good jump shooter. Brown could also guard Carter. It's just a matter of who Phi...
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Dwight Howard's Workout and Progression
2009-05-22 15:02:00
A lot has been made about the work that Patrick Ewing has been doing with Dwight Howard. He has really helped Dwight become a better low post scorer and free throw shooter. While he has helped Dwight greatly, there are still many others that help Dwight be the player he is.As you will see in this video, his trainer is also a big part of his preparation:Embedded video from NBA Video
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LeBron James Carries A Man Purse?
2009-05-21 15:25:00
I know LeBron is a god in Cleveland and all over the world, but I never knew he carried a man purse! He gets props for his nice style, but losses almost all of the points for the man purse.Come on Bron, at least bring a gym bag!Photo from: Yahoo! Sports
More About: Lebron James , James

Kenyon Martin Posterizes DJ Mbenga
2009-05-20 15:14:00
Any idea on what the title should read on a poster of this? I bet that Mark Cuban would want it to say Thug Life. If you need to see another picture of Mbenga getting Mebengaed, click here. Hopefully I can find a video of it later, but right now just check out the second play on NBA.com's Top 5 plays.
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Predicting the Lakers-Nuggets Series with YouTube
2009-05-19 21:33:00
Tonight, the Lakers and Nuggets will play game 1 of the Western Conference finals. Game time is set for 9 PM Eastern on ESPN. Can't wait to see some great basketball, but let's some thoughts in first.How many Kmart takedowns for the series??Since he'll want to intimidate Gasol, I'm going with 10. Those 10 will be in full force to start the game too. He wants to send his message.What's a Kmart takedown? It's kind of like this:How many how the F did he do that plays?Since we have Kobe and Melo squaring off, I'd say a lot. Kobe probably will have 3-5 a game and Melo will probably have 2 a game.Pretty shots here:Foul or not, this was big:How many blocks can the Birdman get per possession?Well, I hope it's not like the video I'm about to post. LA has to score to win any games you know..Will Chauncey get any dunks??I know they only come once in a blue moon. It would be funny to see though. I'll be an optimist and hope for one.Dunk contest, anyone (ha ha, just kidding, Chauncey):...
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LeBron's Amazing Pre-Game Shots
2009-05-19 02:32:00
Props to NBA.com again; this is amazing:Embedded video from NBA Video
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Shoe of the Week: Nike Zoom Sharkley Paul Pierce PEs
2009-05-17 16:25:00
Disclaimer: I'm no full on sneaker head, but every week we're gettin our shoe on here! Each week I'll pick a shoe that I like, basketball, or normal. Get your new leather smell ready!If only Paul Pierce could have played as well as these shoes look in every game in the playoffs. They'd already be past Orlando.These are really nice on the eyes (more pics here). They look like something Paul would rock on the court. They look sweet, but not too flashy; kind of like Paul's game.Sad thing for all of you that want the shoe: they were only released in two Boston Foot Locker locations. Also, I checked Ebay and I only found one real looking result. So, right now, these are pretty exclusive kicks. I don't know if there's a plan for them to come to other Foot Locker's, but hopefully they will soon.Because of the limited number of Paul Pierce PEs out there, here's the runner-up:These Vans are part of the DQM x Kicks HI x HUF Vans Half Cab Pack. I'd say they are a four out of five.The...
More About: Nike , Zoom , Week , Shoe

Kobe Doin' Work: My Insanely Productive Review
2009-05-17 03:51:00
ESPN dropped their Spike Lee produced, no commercial, hyped up documentary, Kobe Doin' Work tonight. I know I caught it, but the question for those of you who didn't see it is: should I take the time to watch Kobe Doin' Work?Yes, but you have to be qualified. By that I mean you can't be an average fan. Jared Wade from Both Teams Played Hard said it the best on Twitter (follow him), "it probably has zero appeal to non-hoops dorks."I completely agree. You have to love everything that goes into Kobe and the Lakers game to stick through an hour and a half of pure basketball talk. There's not lots of comedy or funny moments to save the average fan. It's about what Kobe does on the floor and how the Lakers execute as a unit. If that sounds boring to you, don't watch the documentary. It's for a very specific group of viewers.I fit into that group of basketball junkies. I loved seeing Kobe watch what he does on the floor. He laughs at his actions and has an extraordinary recollectio...
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Some Things To Do Without NBA Basketball
2009-05-16 17:08:00
So, today is another full day without any NBA playoff action. Sure, it kind of sucks. Honestly a little break is OK for me.If you're looking for something to do without games on, watch Kobe Doin' Work. It looks awesome. Basically, it's focused on Kobe and what he does on gameday. ESPN has it on tonight at 8 PM Eastern time.Here's a look at it:You could also get in a dance off like Shaq:But above all, try not to get into stuff like this:Enjoy a day without games!
More About: Basketball , Things

Caption This: David Stern
2009-05-15 15:16:00
I thought this pic was hilarious. All I think of is Stern saying, "I see you!!"Whoever creates an awesome caption wins the lint under my couch!
More About: David Stern , David , Caption