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Jul

24

Nike Will Release Confiscated Slam-Dunk Tapes

Filed Under NBA News, NBA Off The Court Issues | Leave a Comment

The “Associated Press” reported Friday that Nike has changed their corporate mind and will return the videotapes they had confiscated at a Basketball camp earlier this month. The confiscation of the tapes led to a brouhaha that never went away.

Jordan Crawford a player from Xavier University dunked twice on Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star and reigning NBA MVP LeBron James at a camp held at the University of Akron earlier this month. Nike who sponsored the camp confiscated the videotapes of two camera men who had recorded the play. And with the confiscation came controversy which never ended.

Nike released a statement on Friday. The release read “It was never about the play or the player, it was always about our media policy. The interest in the tapes has greatly overshadowed the focus of the camp, which is to help young athletes improve their skills, and that is regrettable. It was Nike’s decision to take these tapes based on our media guidelines, which we will continue to enforce.”

Jul

23

NBA Talk: C’mon, LeBron! James Admits He Used Pot In High School

Filed Under SDC COMMENTARY | Leave a Comment

I have to be honest, I am a big fan of LeBron James and I just hate to write this article. I think he hates me already for writing this. I’m sorry man but I have to, but hopefully, I’m not going to hurt your feelings as much as other blogs do!

ESPN reports that Cleveland Cavaliers superstar forward LeBron James, has admitted to the use of marijuana in his junior year of high school. Inside his book, which is called Shooting Stars written with Buzz Bissinger, James said he and his high school teammate said it was difficult to handle with.

“We had become big-headed jerks, me in particular,” James told ESPN, “and we are to blame for that, but so are adults who treated us that way and then sat back and smugly watched the self-destruction.”

Here is a paragraph for all of you pot-lovers out there (trust me, I’m not one of them):

“James also revealed he and his teammates smoked marijuana one night after getting access to a hotel room in Akron.”

Although it is surprising to hear this, come on, everyone has made mistakes in their lives. I mean, look, Usain Bolt admitted he used marijuana in his childhood. A lot of people have done marijuana, and it’s just not right.

An NBA superstar admitted this, and that takes a lot of guts. It’s good to see LeBron tell the truth.

And the truth is always the right thing, right Roger Clemens?

So all of you, don’t bash LeBron, just be glad he told the truth. Don’t go hatin’ on LeBron. Don’t be a hater. Nobody likes haters, not at all. And also, it’s good he doesn’t do it now. So all of you, shut up, and be nice.

As of right now, James is hungry for an NBA Finals ring.

Jul

22

Pacers To Finally Waive Tinsley

Filed Under NBA Free Agents | Leave a Comment

The Indiana Pacers announced on their website that they have come to terms with veteran guard Jamaal Tinsley that will save both parties from undergoing an arbitration hearing. Tinsley has been waived by the team and if he clears waivers as expected will become a free agent.

The two teams tried to part company before last season as Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird wanted to move Tinsley in a deal. Speaking to reporter last Summer Bird said “We’re talking to some teams and hopefully before camp something can happen. Everybody thinks there’ll be a buyout or we’ll cut him or whatever but that’s not going to happen. We’re going to try to make a deal that’s good for both parties. Jamaal’s a good basketball player and he’d be very valuable to some team. It’s going to be a process and I knew that going into it.”

There was no deal to be had and Tinsley basically was paid to sit home last season. Bird released a statement after the deal was agreed upon. The Hall of Fame member said “This ends a very difficult period for all parties involved. We are pleased to have this resolved.”

Jul

22

NBA Talk Miami Heat Edition: What Will D-Wade’s Team Look Like?

Filed Under NBA Analysis, NBA Rumors | Leave a Comment

I first found out about Carlos Boozer and Lamar Odom actually being considered to play in Miami for the Heat when I read this fabulous report by Richard O’Neal. It was truly surprising actually.

It does make sense of Boozer coming to Miami, with the recent news of Paul Millsap returning to the Utah Jazz after they matched the Portland Trailblazers offer. And also, I think we all know Boozer is coming to Miami because he already seems very happy with the idea.

Then we have Lamar Odom, who we don’t if he’ll return to the Los Angeles Lakers, go to the Heat, or even the Dallas Mavericks. It’s going to be interesting to see where he is going to go, but yet, I think re-joining the Heat could be good.

Then we have “The Answer.” Sure sure, he is 34 years old, but seriously, look at Jason Kidd at 36 years old and he still has some swag. And also, can this explain it furthermore that he is still a dynamic player on the court.

I am here to analyze of what would happen if all of these players came to Miami and see what kind of impact they’ll make.

Lamar, Carlos, and Allen, welcome to Miami!

You all know what this is, the world-famous NBA Talk.

I have a strong belief that these guys may come to Miami. Possibly not all three of the players but at least one. And remember, I’m just breaking down if all of three of these stars were on the Heat’s roster. So let’s go on and break this down.

As with most of these NBA Talk articles, let’s see how the depth chart will look like for the Miami Heat:

PG: Allen Iverson/Mario Chalmers

SG: Dwayne Wade

SF: Lamar Odom/James Jones

PF: Carlos Boozer/Michael Beasley

C: Jermaine O’Neal

Yes, this lineup may need a little changes but this is my opinion. It actually does make sense though. Take a look:

Now we all know Allen Iverson wants to start no matter what, and he will if he came to Miami. And it is actually beneficial for both A.I. and Mario Chalmers. Iverson can help be a mentor which can improve Chalmers’ games and make his skills blow up towards the next level.

And at shooting guard, come on, no gimme that Dwayne Wade is going to tear it up on the court no matter what happens.

At small forward, it was really hard to choose but Lamar Odom can play both small forward and power forward. He can even play some center as well. Also, Odom is a pretty good shooter when it comes to making some plays behind-the-arc.

We then have James Jones comforting him when Odom comes on the bench. Jones was pretty decent last year in the 2008-09 season as he averaged eight points per game for the Heat, despite playing 58 games. He’s going to be better this year as Odom might help improve his game.

We then have Carlos Boozer at the power forward position which is pretty reasonable. He is a good scorer and is really going to help out Miami when it comes to getting boards.

Also, there is Michael Beasley backing him up as he enters his second year. Beasley will be mentored big time and he will definitely improve his game from learning from one of the bests. He will also be learning more from Jermaine O’Neal as he will be playing with Beasley more this year. Beasley will be getting mentored a lot actually and he’s going to be more fun to watch.

And speaking of Jermaine O’Neal, he’s going to make some impact as well. His past two or three years haven’t been swell due to a large amount of injuries. If O’Neal can stay healthy this year, he can be making some noise this year.

I hope you like this breakdown. This is “how it all works” people. I think this is pretty reasonable. I know you probably have other opinions about the lineup or anything like that.

Now don’t go bashing on me. I am just observing of this move happened, it hasn’t, and heck, it probably not.

But if this happens, oh boy, many of the teams that be facing Miami may be scared. I know I will. You should too.

Jul

21

Will Next Season Find Boozer-Palooza Playing In Miami?

Filed Under NBA Trades | Leave a Comment

This reporter developed a pretty good rapport with professional athletes in his 11 years working the locker-room beats for the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Indians and the Cleveland Cavaliers. One player who impressed me from the moment that I met him was Carlos Boozer who started his NBA career with the Cavaliers.

Boozer has an undeserved bad reputation in the city of Cleveland as he has been blamed for a stupid mistake made by then Cleveland Team Owner Gordon Gund and General Manager Jim Paxson. The pair tried to low-ball Boozer into accepting an offer which he turned down after receiving a far better offer from the Utah Jazz.

Well it appears that the veteran will be leaving Salt Lake City this Summer as the Jazz have matched an offer sheet given to restricted free agent Paul Millsap. Boozer and the team have decided it would be best for him to move on this Summer and the veteran told the Miami Herald that his top team to play for would be the Miami Heat.

Boozer could have opted out of his contract and tested the free agent waters but stuck to his contract. However the member of the 2008 Team USA squad that won the Gold Medal in Beijing believes the Heat would be a good fit for him. The veteran told reporters “We first came here for tax reasons and fell in love with it! We love the palm trees, the laid-back attitude, the sun, quality of life. It’s like paradise here, and I would love to be part of the Heat. They’re a very good team, and I’m real close to some of the guys. Dwyane and I started to get close at the Athens Olympics in 2004, and I’d love to play on his team. Plus, I already live here. I’m just waiting to see what happens.”

Jul

20

Clippers Send Richardson To Minnesota And Get Three Players In Deal

Filed Under NBA Trades | 1 Comment

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The Minnesota Timberwolves announced on their website Monday that they have traded Mark Madsen, Craig Smith and Sebastian Telfair to the Clippers for Quentin Richardson. The trade marks the third time that Richardson has been moved in the last month. Back in June the New York Knicks traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies in a trade that will put Darko Milicic in a New York uniform. Last week the Grizzlies traded him to the Clippers for Zach Randolph.

Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn told reporters “While it’s difficult to part ways with three outstanding young men who have been such an important part of this team and this community, this move provides us additional flexibility as we continue to reshape our roster into one positioned for long-term success. I want to thank Sebastian, Craig and Mark for all their contributions to this organization and wish them the best of luck moving forward. I expect them to be key parts of next season’s Clippers team.”

Jul

20

NBA Talk: How the Celtics Can Succeed with Marquis Daniels!

Filed Under NBA Analysis, NBA Free Agents | 1 Comment

Marquis Daniels in Celtics uniform photo shopped, thanks to “KOBE24isdabest” of the InsideHoops.com forum.

It truly surprised me when the Indiana Pacers decided to let Marquis Daniels go due to the fact than Daniels even lowered his money so he can still sign with the Blue and Gold. The Pacers just decided to not use him. As I was observing him in free agency, many teams were deciding to take bids on him.

The team that decided to win the whole battle of Daniels? The Boston Celtics. With the signing of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels, the Celtics surely had, in what Graham Brunell called it, a booming off-season.

Daniels received a heartwarming welcome to Boston. But even though it’s still not determined that he is just signing with the C’s or if a sign-and-trade deal is working out with Tony Allen and B-Scal. But whatever of how it works out, we know that Marquis Daniels will be coming to Boston.

It’s very beneficial for Boston on this addition and it is possible that they can be a much better team this year than last year. In my opinion, I think the Celtics are going to be a better team this year than their 2008-09 run. But how so? I’ll break it down.

You all know what this is, it’s everybodys favorite type of talk: NBA Talk.

It’s for sure that the Celtics finally found their swing-man since James Posey, as what Lex would say . But I do have to agree anyways, the Celtics have found their swingman. Daniels can play three positions, as far as I have observed in his time in Indy: small forward, shooting guard, and point guard.

I believe he can do this with the C’s, as I have heard many rumors that he will be backing up the great Paul Pierce. As with every NBA Talk article, let’s take a look into the C’s lineup with the recent attachment:

PG: Rajon Rando/Gabe Pruitt
SG: Ray Allen/Eddie House
SF: Paul Pierce/Marquis Daniels
PF: Kevin Garnett/Leon Powe
C: Rasheed Wallace/Kendrick Perkins

Although that’s my opinion on the lineup, some other NBA fans show that Wallace may be at the power forward position with KG, which makes Kendrick Perkins the starting center. It’s hard to determine which so I’ll let Graham of Celtics17 and Lex of Fernsten’s Follies to decide that (and many other Celtics blogs like…well, CelticsBlog.com).

It actually does bring back memories from 2007. The Celtics had a swingman in James Posey, who played one of biggest key roles in the NBA Playoffs, but sadly, left the next year. This same exact thing could possibly happen this year with their supplement of ‘Quis.

Boston has can be a very tough team to beat this year. If KG manages to stay healthy for 70-plus games, I think the Celtics look to be banging on the door for tickets to play in the NBA Finals this year. Although they changed their starting rotation with one player, their team is much more different.

The Celtics will be making noise this year.

First, just take a look at the starting rotation for a second. Yeah, it looks exactly the same, except the center position now has a powerful Rasheed Wallace. We got Rajon Rondo making moves that pisses you off, Ray Allen getting his shots from behind-the-arc, we all know how Pierce rolls, Kevin Garnett making a difference with his scoring and rebounding ability, and the great defense of Sheed

But take a look at the second team as well.

Gabe Pruitt is a pretty good point guard as far as I have seen. Although Eddie House is the size of a point guard, as Celtics17 said (link above on “booming off-season) it was. But House is truly surprises me and made some commotion with in the NBA Playoffs last year with his amazing shooting. And you just have to respect Daniels’ ability. He creates a spark off the bench and had his best season last year, while being a backup. He is truly at his best when he doesn’t start. In the 2007-08 season, he probably made about three or four buzzer-beaters with all the shots being about 50 feet or more. He’s truly just amazing and Celtics fans will not be disappointed by him. And come on, everybody knows how Kendrick Perkins and Leon Powe do, kind of like that song by The Game.

It is going to be a great season for the Green.

And with the adding of Marquis Daniels, oh yes, this will be very beneficial for the Celtics.

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