Basketball Notes by Alex

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Los Angeles Lakers (29-8) @ San Antonio Spurs (22-13)
2010-01-13 01:23:00
The two best teams of the past decade square off tonight in a meaningless regular season that might actually mean every thing. The knock on the Lakers is that they have just sat at home on the couch flipping channels waiting for their next opponent as if they were just playing NBA 2K on Playstation 3. Nobody is mentioning the injuries that the Lakers have battled while maintaining the best record in the Western Conference. The Spurs on the other hand are supposed to be the team that suddenly got too old and became a little too redundant and predictable. They started off slow and then the media and the NBA fans automatically wrote them off. And yet, here we are today and the Spurs have one of the best records in the west. Like I previously mentioned, the game is supposed to be meaningless; but both teams see this as an opportunity to stake their claim as an NBA powerhouse. So who wins? Let’s break it down. “Introducing in the purple corner, the undisputed heavyweight champion ...
More About: Los Angeles , Los Angeles Lakers , San Antonio Spurs , San Antonio

Friday's Best Games (on January 8, 2010)
2010-01-07 15:38:00
Die hard NBA fans as well as the general public has figured out that the NBA is star driven league. Whether advertising the likes of Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony; we all know that stars sell tickets. However, considering the amount of teams we have in the NBA, it’s not always a given that you will be able to watch a game every night with stars on opposite teams. In that sense, the NBA regular season is like hitting the clubs: some nights you get to see the crowd pleasers, and some nights you get to see the crowd teasers (the people that look good in the dark after a few beers). However, when you get the chance to catch a game with multiple stars, that’s when you tune in ladies and gentlemen. On Friday night, the NBA will serve us with a treat; as we will have the chance to watch two games involving some of the leagues best. Miami Heat (17-16) @ Phoenix Suns (23-13) The Miami Heat currently reside in the fifth spot of the Eastern Conference standings....
More About: Games , January

McGrady Saga
2010-01-04 16:43:00
The Houston Rockets have decided that they no longer want to have anything to do with Tracy McGrady. T-Mac has worn out his welcome with his injuries and demands. He has officially become the new Isaiah Washington (dude that got released from Grey’s Anatomy). People use to love him and couln’t get enough of him. But now? His own team doesn’t want him and other teams are interested but not that interested. With that said, which teams might want to explore bringing in McGrady? Glad you asked, let’s have a look at all the NBA teams. Atlanta: Atlanta Hawks GM Billy Knight picks up the phone Billy Knight: Hello. Who is this? Daryl Morey: Hey, it’s Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey. I wanted to know…. Billy Knight interrupts: Whoa whoa whoa wait up a second. I have Mike Bibby, Jamal Crawford, Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Marvin Williams that are playing well for me right now and they all need the ball. Daryl Morey: Yes I am well are of that but… Billy Knight: ...

Can The Lakers Maintain This Level Of Complacency?
2009-12-31 15:30:00
The Lakers have showed early on this season that their talent level is no fluke. At 25-6, they've got the best record in the league (yes, they've only played 11 road games, but it's still impressive), but, if you ask me, they still haven't completely hit their stride. I'd say their defense is much improved (of course it can get even better yet) compared to this point last year and their offense is very close, but needs to be executed a bit better before the second season begins. While all of that sounds great, I've noticed a real rise in the Lakers complacency of late.Take their last game against the Warriors for example. Kobe Bryant is a seasoned veteran, a legend, a special player with an amazing basketball IQ. He was frustrated with a non-foul call and got hit with a technical around the two minute mark in the fourth. The game was close at this point and even though the Lakers did pull it out eventually, things like this can't continue. While Kobe does have legit gripes at...

Listen To Me On A Celtics Podcast
2009-12-28 16:16:00
I was interviewed on the Celtics Late Night Show very early this morning. Check it our here. Because of some technical difficulties, you should scroll through the first seven or so minutes of babble. For a podcast that's just started, you have to expect that a little.The rest of the show without me is great also. Andrew from Howard The Dunk was interviewed and lots of insight was given by Nick and company. I had a lot of fun doing the show, thanks guys!
More About: Podcast , Listen

Happy Holidays
2009-12-24 17:54:00
Just wanted to wish all of you a happy holiday.I know I've been inconsistent here on the site, but I've been going through a kind of tough time. I will be back, eventually. I don't know when I'll really start churning again, but it will happen.Anyway, live it up this weekend! Check out this post I did on tomorrow's Celtic-Magic game while you're at it!
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Did The Grizzlies Find The Antipathy of The Allen Iverson Experiment?
2009-12-21 15:30:00
The Memphis Grizzlies have started to pick up their play of late. While they're only 6-4 in their last 10, the heart, effort and togetherness that they're playing with is impressive. On Sunday afternoon the Billups-less Nuggets came in and the Grizzlies had their way with them in the first half. Even though they let the Nuggets make a comeback, remember the Grizzlies are a young team. Still, they played slightly above their talent level, which is a must.All of this makes me think that Lionel Hollins has enabled the Grizzlies to make a positive out of the Allen Iverson negative. AI came in, wasn't committed to the team's purpose and hurt the team early on (2-8 start). But the Grizzlies came out of that with their heads up. OJ Mayo talked to NBA TV back on December 8th and said that, after AI left, the team ended their huddles saying, "one team." They honestly are as close to that as ever. The cohesion is better than it's ever been, the ball moves around and they have picked thei...
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Video: Magic Johnson Interviews Kobe
2009-12-21 04:26:00
This is a preview of what will see during halftime of Lakers-Cavs on Christmas day:Can't wait to see the rest!
More About: Video , Interviews , Magic , Johnson , Kobe

Durant Won't Participate in Dunk Contest
2009-12-19 18:22:00
Kevin Durant thinks he's a "high-flyer," and it means that he won't participate in the dunk contest this year. Durant says he's not even a very good dunker and doesn't make any good dunks in games. Durant says he rather have other stars be in the contest, like Nate Robinson or LeBron James. "I don't jump high enough for those guys," Durant told ESPN. "Shannon Brown, LeBron [James], Rudy Gay, Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson, they're like all the way at the top of the mountain. I'm all the way at the bottom, trying to climb my way up." It would be nice seeing him in a dunk contest, but it's his choice. 
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Game To Catch Tonight: Magic-Heat
2009-12-17 22:56:00
The Orlando Magic are facing the Miami Heat in Miami tonight. Miami has been disappointing so far. While Michael Beasley is beginning to come into his own on the offensive end, the pundits are realizing that this Heat team just isn't deep. They have some nice pieces around their anchor, Dwayne Wade, but are just not strong enough talent-wise. They remind me of the Hawks a few years before they got to where they are now (third in the East).If the Heat can play like the Hawks tonight, they can take this game. Wade has to establish the Heat's offense early. His early scoring could force the defense to suck in on him which would help Wade dish the ball and build his teammates confidence and numbers as the game moves along. The Magic will be prepared for Wade. That's another reason why Wade must attempt to score early. He needs to observe and react accordingly to the defensive game plan SVG (Stan Van Gundy) will stack against him.The Heat also must shoot the three well. 70% of their s...
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Talk Around the Hardwood
2009-12-16 19:37:00
Tonight's schedule is like a second Thanksgiving dinner. 12 games, not a ton of quality matchups, but enough to keep you switching the game you focus on all night long. I'm looking to see how Brandon Jennings fairs against the Lakers tonight and if Tracy McGrady will get some burn tonight since Trevor Ariza is back from suspension. Now let us link!Slam Online. More LeBron-Kobe puppet action.North Station Sports. Brian Scalabrine may not get off the bench, but he can attempt to sing Christmas carols.The No Look Pass. A look at tanking in the NBA and if it really makes sense or not.The Dream Shake. Some links concerning T-Mac's comeback and a great YouTube video I've never seen at the end.The Painted Area. 2010 FIBA Worlds are closer than you think, here's a preview of who will be balling there.Blazers Edge (via Cowbell Kingdom). If you scroll through the notes from Blazers Edge, you can see that Nate McMillan thinks very highly of Tyreke Evans (can you blame him?).Check the Twit...
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1 Game Suspension, Fine, What?
2009-12-15 02:04:00
Talking about this elbow Trevor Ariza attempted to throw at Demar Derozan:I initially thought he should only get a fine. But after hearing what The Basketball Jones had to say about it, I agree with them, he should get a game. Their point in this episode was ellaborated in a previous episode, but basically, they feel that even if the impact is weaker in some cases, it's the intent that should be looked at. Ariza didn't hit Derozan, but had he hit him, it would have been real evident. He intended to hurt him and that's doesn't jive in today's NBA.What do you think about this situation? How should Ariza be dealt with?
More About: Game

Shoe of The Week: Zoom Kobe V
2009-12-13 02:40:00
Nike officially unveiled the Zoom Kobe V this Tuesday. It has a similar look and weight to the Zoom Kobe IV, but this version is an ounce lighter (10.6 ounces per shoe) and further utilizes Nike technology (i.e. new, lighter Flywire).This video I found on Nice Kicks further explains the shoes:The engineering and work that went into these shoes is impressive. Nike has put tons of work into making sure these are the lightest basketball shoes ever. Another Kobe V thing to check out, this exclusive interview about the shoe on Complex.I am thinking about getting some of these. Depending on the pricing, I want to see what the low, light basketball shoe is all about. I need the extra speed and want the edge and look. If I take the plunge, a in-depth review will follow.These hit retail on January 16th. The price hasn't been announced as far as I know. It is available for purchase on NikeiD December 25th, though. The amount of customization possible with the iD is truly mind blowing. You ca...
More About: Week

Game To Catch Tonight: Celtics-Wizards
2009-12-10 23:30:00
To say the least, the Wizards haven't lived up to expectations. At 7-12, it's time to put or shut up. The blogging world has noticed that the Wiz have struggled, the talk of breaking up the big three has been mentioned. Caron Butler was mentioned as the one who should be moved, but, the Wizards are still evaluating this team. Healthy for the most part now, they're still getting to know themselves, a new system and a new coach. Some mediocrity was OK initially, but, if they don't pick it up soon, someone will be moved or fired.That's why tonight's game is important. We're about a fourth of the way through the season, Washington has home court and it's a nationally televised game (TNT, 8:00 PM Eastern time). Average fans will use this game to evaluate Gilbert Arenas health and effectiveness since his return from all of his injuries. Obviously this is only from a Wizards perspective, but the C's of course want to come in and take this game.The concern here for Boston is that t...
More About: Game , Tonight , Catch

Is Pau Gasol The Funniest In-Game Picture in the League?
2009-12-10 22:47:00
There's an example from last night, but, usually when I see hilarious NBA pictures, Pau's in them. And I can't help but say that his pictures from games make me lol :) (usually). It's probably because he's not your typical big man, a Spanish seven footer with long hair, not your typical NBA player. Action shots are funny in general, but there's something about Pau that makes them special and I gave him his own post about it to acknowledge it (consider it more valuable than that cheap championship ring, Pau).Which players take in-game pictures that make you lol :)? Let's hear it in the comments. If you have a favorite, we'd also love to see it!Photo from: ESPN
More About: Picture , Game , League , Pau Gasol

Talk Around the Hardwood
2009-12-09 22:28:00
It's a nine game Wednesday and the crop of games is solid overall. The highlight is Jazz-Lakers. Over the last 10 games, these are the top hottest teams in the West (Denver tied Utah at 8-2) and I want to see how Utah plays against the defending champs. Before anyone catches that game, let us link.Basketball Prospectus. Kevin Pelton delves into the craziness that is a small forward (Gerald Wallace) leading the league in rebounds.twitvid, via Talk Hoops. Vote for Gilbert or die!North Station Sports. Nick Gelso looks at were Rajon Rondo stands among Celtic greats.The No Look Pass. TNLP gives you a play-by-play of Allen Iverson's return using Twitter. How crazy cool is that?Bright Side Of The Sun. Do not piss of Robin Lopez. 'Tis all.Dino Nation Blog. Little preview for tonight's Bucks-Raptors game.iHoops. Behind the scenes video of what Carlos Boozer did to rehab this summer.Forum Blue and Gold. Some numbers you would and wouldn't predict correctly about the Lakers.

Game To Catch Tonight: Suns-Mavs
2009-12-09 01:12:00
Tonight's schedule is not too pretty. As I write this, some of the worse games of the night are just underway. The game to catch for sure is Suns-Mavs. These are two teams that have gotten to hot starts. Each of them came out a lot better than expected for sure. They seem to be both be struggling of late, but someone will start to get back on the right track tonight.With the Mavs at home, I'll take them tonight. Dirk has been amazing this season and with the Suns lack of any D, especially for the unique big man that Dirk is, I don't see anything different happening tonight.Secondary intriguing game of the night is Kings-Hornets. This is a game of teams that when I think of them, I think of potential. Since the firing of Coach Scott in New Orleans, the team looks like it's caught a spark and I haven't seen how good they are with CP3 back yet. The Kings are another surprising team and Tyreke Evans is crazy fun to watch. Here's to hoping this game stays close.Make the most of ton...
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Talk Around the Hardwood
2009-12-07 21:59:00
Four games on this Monday night, the highlights of it being the return of AI and Utah trying to protect their fort against the Spurs. Check the twitter for any of my live thoughts on tonight's games. Let's link!YouTube, via BDL. As much as you may not like, the LeBron and Kobe puppets are back.Howard the Dunk. Explaining Dwight Howard’s dip in production.Slam Online. In this post they pick this decade's best playoff shot. Can you guess which one they choose?North Station Sports. Larry Bird turned 53 today. Let's honor his greatness!Rip City Project. The recover process begins-Greg Oden had successful surgery.Third Quarter Collapse. The 3QC crew break down the Magic with numbers from Synergy Sports. Intriguing stuff.The Score. Amazing video, as always, from the makers of The Basketball Jones.Truth About It. Is it time for the Wizards to shake their roster up?
More About: Talk

3 Questions About the Sixers
2009-12-07 15:30:00
The Sixers haven't performed to expectations so far this season. With about a forth of the season behind them, Philly is a miserable 5-15, 14th in the East, only better than the New Jersey Nets. Now they've brought back former Sixer Allen Iverson, but is this team even a playoff team with him? Let's address what's wrong with this team.1. Uhhh, who plays defense?This Sixer team is not a good enough defensive team to win consistently (could say the same about their offense, but their D is awful). When you think of the Sixers, which current player do you think of for any of his defensive attributes? The only one I think is Samuel Dalembert and his ability to block shots. While that does some things for the team, really that's the only defensive skill that sticks out about their whole roster (OK, since he gets 2.05 steals a game right now, Andre Iguodala gets a mention). They are a soft, weak team on defense.2. Who is the guy who takes the last shot?With Iverson now in the mix, tha...
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Video: Tim Donaghy on 60 Minutes
2009-12-07 03:04:00
60 Minutes had a very entertaining segment on Tim Donaghy that is definitely work watching:Big thanks to 3030FM!
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Basketball Blogs Speak: Greg Oden Out For The Year
2009-12-06 17:48:00
Greg Oden is out for yet again another season. After he fractured his left patella, the team announced that he's likely out for the season. Tons of great writing out there about this, we're gonna link to some of the best of it (would be more links if Blazersedge didn't grab everything you need, but there's a few others).Blazersedge. Very good reaction posts, included videos and quotes from players and management. Great stuff.Beyond the Beat. Oden's injury could have been prevented last season.Hardwood Paroxysm. Matt Moore talks about a post from Daily Thunder on how this and other injuries doesn't really make KD the real right choice or the better player back in that draft when Oden went #1. Important read for Blazers fans, especially the ones who are now pessimistic.Please get better Greg! I'm looking for 82 great games next season. I can feel it!Blazers fans have to continue with their heads up. They've got a healthy amount of injuries now, but nothing should stop a team w...
More About: Basketball , Blogs , Greg Oden , Speak

Jennings Starting To Slide A Bit
2009-11-29 15:44:00
Brandon Jennnings has taken the NBA by storm so far. When he went off for 55 points, the media acclaim started. He appeared on PTI, media informed the world on the rook and ESPN changed the national TV schedule just to get the young buck on national TV. As solid as Jennings is, his game, specifically his offensive efficiency, is declining of late. Over the last five games, Jennings shot 28-87 from the field. That doesn't mesh well with Bucks wins either, they've gone 1-4 in the their last five games.Jennings hasn't hit the rookie wall, but he's built a piece of the wall up. His performance on the road isn't as strong as his work at home. That's something he's got to change. His play in their recent home stand is better than his road labor, when talking about scoring. That's the only part of his game that isn't as strong. His assist numbers have fluctuated recently, but, when I watch the Bucks, I see that Jennings is doing his part. He gets the team into the right sets, make...
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Shoe of The Week: Air Jordan Retro XI Space Jam
2009-11-28 17:05:00
Everyone seems to love these classic Jordan s. They are clean, simple and look like great shoes to ball in. They are going to be released in time for Christmas and cost $175.I don't know about that price tag, but they're versatile shoes that go with anything and should perform well. If you're looking for a pretty expensive, but nice shoe for the holidays, here you go.Sneaker News has lots of detailed photos of these. Gives you an even better look.What shoes do you want or are you getting for the holidays?
More About: Space , Retro , Week

Talk Around the Hardwood
2009-11-19 21:12:00
About time I do a link post..Project Spurs. Antonio Daniels Back In Silver & Black?YouTube. KG tosses in a 75-foot shot. Who cares that it didn't count! Amazing.LA Times. Pau says he'll be back tonight!Slam Online. Miami, along with New York, are said to interested in AI.North Station Sports. The C's have been playing OK ball of late, but it's good enough to beat the Warriors.Dime Mag. CP3 won't be wearing one yet, but the Hornets have new Mardi Gras jerseys.Best Player on the Planet. Should the Lakers make this trade?Nets Are Scorching. That blog may not have a real legit name right now, but CDR isn't taking an 0-12 record lightly.
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LeBron Says Players Should Give Up No. 23; James Making Switch To No. 6
2009-11-13 21:27:00
LeBron James, pretty much the best player in the NBA right now. But not the best in history. And he knows that. So with his No. 23, which he has been wearing since way back in his high school days, is making a switch to the No. Six. Why? James is giving his respect to the best basketball player in NBA history: Michael Jordan. After swishing 34 points on the Heat last night in a 111-104 win, Jordan was sitting there watching the young man play. So LeBron says that every player who is currently wearing the No. 23, they should switch. But that is going to be tough, with twelve other players in the league already having the number, guys including Kevin Martin and Martell Webster. "I just think what Michael Jordan has done for the game has to be recognized some way soon. There would be no LeBron James, no Kobe Bryant, no Dwayne Wade if there wasn't Michael Jordan first," says James. He contined, "He can't get the logo [Hall of Famer Jerry West's silhouette adorns the NBA's log...
More About: Players , Switch , Give

Miami: A 2010 Destination for LeBron?
2009-11-13 00:14:00
As John Hollinger of ESPN said, the Miami Heat are for real this season. But next year, they'll be beyond real, and that's if they have a shot at signing LeBron James in the 2010 "magical" Free Agency.Dwayne Wade and LeBron, how better can it get?But you never know, there's a big chance of him resigning back with the Cavs. But I think he'll only resign with the team is if the Cavs can be more dominant then they were a year ago, but then ending up being trampled by the Magic as if they were the Kings.But now, the Cavs look solid, and there may be a strong chance of him going back. But what if the Cavs struggle? I mean, look, they were like this at the starting of last year—unstoppable. And then after that, they failed in the playoffs.If they end up like that, sorry Cleveland, but more bad news for your city's sports history. The Browns lose Braylon Edwards and the Cavs lose LeBron James.Although there may be other teams going for LeBron, like a no-brainer—the Knicks. But Jam...
More About: Destination

Is It Possible For Stephen Jackson To Be Traded?
2009-11-12 04:55:00
Stephen Jackson has been trying to get out of Golden State for so long. He wants to be traded just that badly. All Jackson has wanted to do is be traded. But now, I guess he can finally get his wish.According to Chad Ford of ESPN.com, Jackson can get a massive pay cut, and a buyout, to leave the Warriors and play with a team. But not any team. Jackson wants a team that has a shot at the playoffs, no, larger than that.A contender for the Finals.Well, you won't be seeing the Celtics or Lakers in your picture, but rumors were sparking up of him going to the Denver Nuggets. The Warriors do want to trade Jackson, believe me. I mean, there's no point giving the guy a $27M contract.Here's what Chad Ford says:"The collective bargaining agreement allows a player and team to negotiate a buyout that reduce the compensation owed to the player. While the union doesn't love buyouts, they have been supportive in the past when players have sought them."And if Jackson speaks to the Warriors abou...

Video: Andre Iguodala Nasty Reverse Dunk
2009-11-12 03:35:00
Look out below this is NASTY:
More About: Video , Dunk , Andre

So, There's 13 Games Tonight
2009-11-11 23:30:00
That means that it's a good night for you to turn on the tube and catch some hoops. Though I'm really tempted to highlight the Pacers-Warriors game as the one to watch, the highlights of tonight should include Celtics-Jazz (maybe), Magic-Cavs and Spurs-Mavs.I will be tweeting about some of the action I see. Check it out and follow me. While most every fan around the world will be left crying without Joel Anthony playing tonight, I myself am looking forward to seeing 26 teams in action all through the night!
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Shoe of The Week: Nike Trainer 1 Manny Pacquiao Part III
2009-11-09 03:31:00
I've been a fan of this series of shoes from Nike . Past versions have been featured here in the past and this version's lovely also. Don't know much about Pacquiao honestly, but damn does Nike know how to make his shoes.These are expected to be released around the time of Pacquiao's next match. Kix and the City predicts that they'll be a limited edition, which is too bad. I'd like them to be a full on release. They are that nice.Keep your eyes out for these and tell me what shoes have recently caught your eyes in the comments.
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