December 31, 2010
December 30, 2010
December 29, 2010
IN TOTAL CONTROL
Who says the celebrated trio of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are the guys in control of the Miami Heat? After braving the early season storm, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra remain in total control of the South Beach outfit. His creative system has propelled the Southeast Division leading Heat back into winning ways and helped re-established the fear among their rivals. Spoelstra says the Heat has started to speak his philosophy which is why the team is back in the groove of things, according to Hoopshype.
“The guys are starting to speak our philosophy. And that’s more powerful than anything coming from us, is when they take ownership, on what is our identity. And they start to believe in defending and rebounding and getting out in the open court. They’re seeing success with that. They’re also seeing that it’s not always easy to bring that type of necessary energy each game.”
IS YAO MING STILL MARKETABLE?
It seems the Houston Rockets are running out of patience with the injury-prone Yao Ming as they started talks of about a possible trade with lowly teams Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats. The 7-6 Yao is now 30 years old and clearly on the decline after seeing action in only 5 games in the last two years because of various ailments, which is why he is not gaining any interest from top-caliber teams. From the way things are going for the former number one draft pick over-all (2002) and seven-time All-Star, he is longer a hot commodity in the league. With age and all the injuries catching up with Yao, the Rockets are dead set in finally letting go of their former franchise player, according to the Houston Chronicle.
“For the Rockets, replacing Yao Ming likely will be impossible.
“The Rockets have begun talks regarding a variety of options designed to motivate teams seeking cost savings to make a deal, a person with knowledge of the Rockets’ thinking said.
“The Rockets have spoken with Sacramento, which has the sort of young talent the Rockets would seek, and Charlotte, which would more likely have to include attractive draft picks along with contracts, according to one individual familiar with the talks.
The Kings have been steadfast in a refusal to deal first-round pick DeMarcus Cousins, despite a rocky start. The Bobcats are more likely to offer players who don’t fit in to the Rockets’ plans, such as Boris Diaw and Nazr Mohammed, along with desirable draft considerations.”
CAVS LOOK FOR HELP FROM D-LEAGUE PLAYERS
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| Kyle Weaver of the Iowa Energy. |
The Cleveland Cavaliers are struggling big time as they occupy the cellar in the Central Division with a woeful 8-22 win-loss card. Cavs head coach Byron Scott needs help at every position and soon will even try D-League players to rescue the team from the doldrums. The Cavaliers are seriously looking at several D-League prospects such as Kyle Weaver, Othyus Jeffers, Patrick Ewing Jr., Marcus Landry, Antoine Wright and Alonzo Gee, according to NBA Fanhouse.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers released under-performing Jawad Williams on Monday, but they may not leave his roster spot open for long. The Cavaliers are expected soon to host NBA D-League standouts Kyle Weaver, Othyus Jeffers, Patrick Ewing Jr. and Marcus Landry along with Antoine Wright and Alonzo Gee for a workout, according to league sources.”
EX-PBA IMPORT AND FORMER SONIC DEAN TOLSON TRIES TO GET HIS LIFE BACK
Remember Dean Tolson? Together with another NBA veteran Larry McNeil, the duo became the most explosive and colorful import tandem ever to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history. Tolson and McNeil played together for Gilbey’s Gin during the 1979 campaign. The 6-8 Tolson also played in the NBA from 1974 to 1978 with the Seattle Supersonics. Now at 59, the ex-University of Arkansas standout is currently undergoing rehabilitation in a drug treatment center called Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches. For several years, Tolson has become addicted to a pain medication. Tolson says he is now happy that he entered a rehab center and look forward of starting anew with a clean life, according to NBA Fanhouse.
“This place is my Christmas present. And it comes with a big bow on it. his is how I'll get my life back.
“There were days when all I could do was lie there and cry. There were days when you didn't even want to wake up. It was a living hell at times. It was misery. It hurt so bad sometimes, it was a sweet-mother-jesus, take-me-away pain. I wanted that part of my life to end. I'd get 150 pills a month for six months without ever having to see the doctor. They just came in the mail. It made the pain a little more bearable, but that's no way to live. It was miserable at times. After feeling sorry for myself for so long, I had to do something.
“There are a lot of reasons why I'm here. I want to get my life back, and they have given me that chance. I love my daughter. She's the only one I'll ever have. And when I'm done here, I won't ever go back to the Vicodin. I just hopes she accepts me as her father again. I won't be the same man that I've been.”
December 28, 2010
STEVE FRANCIS BRINGS HIS BAD BOY ACT TO CHINA
Former NBA headcase Steve Francis will soon bade goodbye to the Beijing Shougang Ducks after seeing action for only 14 minutes in four games in the Chinese pro league. Attitude problem and poor physical shape are the main reasons why the Ducks decided to cut the 6-3 three-time NBA All-Star and former Rookie of the Year awardee. Francis refuses to practice hard with the Ducks to the dismay of Beijing coach Min Lulei. Min is up in arms dealing with the antics of Francis, who in one game while sitting on the bench pointed a dirty finger sign to the referee which drew a severe warning from the league for his uncivilized behavior. Francis posted averages of 0.5 ppg and 0.7 rpg in his short stint with the Ducks. Min has seen enough of the ex-University of Maryland standout, according to NiuBBall.com.
“Yesterday, the whole team practiced, but only [Francis] went to go spend Christmas with his family. This afternoon I was still speaking with him, I wanted to find him a conditioning coach to work him out for a bit. But he said to me that he needs to play in games, not practice.
“I don’t know if other coaches would give him the minutes he wants, but the whole team has been working hard in practice. Actually, I had planned to let him play today but the first quarter we got down by too much. I waited another day or two to talk to you guys [the media] again. Right now I don’t know how Francis sees it all… Today we got a big win, but I’m in a very bad mood.”
D-WILL BRINGS HIS PASSING GAME TO THE COMMUNITY
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| (AP Photo) |
Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz is currently averaging 9.6 assists per outing, which is good for fourth place in the NBA. Off the court, Williams is also dishing out incredible passes which earned him the recipient of the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for November. The 6-3 star point guard of the Jazz, in partnership with his non-profit Point of Hope Foundation, hosted a thansgiving dinner for more than 3,300 under-privilege residents of Salt Lake City. Williams says it is hightime to give back to the community especially to those who are needy, according to NBA.com.
“There are so many different causes, so many different diseases, so many people who have problems. Point of Hope is just about helping people, and kids, especially. I’m blessed to be able to give back.”
WEEK’S BEST FOR DECEMBER 20-26, 2010
LeBron James continues to fly high for the rampaging Miami Heat while Monta Ellis is trying his best to bring back the Golden State Warriors into winning mode again. James and Ellis were cited as players of the week in the East and West, respectively, by the NBA for the period December 20 to 26, according to NBA.com.
“The Miami Heat’s LeBron James and the Golden State Warriors’ Monta Ellis today were named the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for games played Monday, Dec. 20, through Sunday, Dec. 26.
“James led the Heat to a 2-1 week, which included road wins over the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. James averaged 27.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 2.33 steals for the surging Heat, which has won 14 of its last 15 games. On Christmas Day, James recorded a triple-double in Miami’s 96-80 victory over the Lakers, posting 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
“Ellis’ 39.7 ppg led the league for the week and helped Golden State to a 2-1 mark, which included wins over the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers. Ellis topped 36 points in all three outings, including a sparkling 44-point performance on 15-of-20 shooting from the field in the Warriors’ lone loss of the week, a 121-112 setback vs. Houston. Ellis also chipped in with 7.0 assists and 3.0 steals on the week.”
Video: BLAKE GRIFFIN GOES OFF AGAIN!
Video: ABRACADABRA IN ORLANDO
December 25, 2010
December 22, 2010
A SHOCKER FOR RASHARD LEWIS
A few days after the big straight-up trade with Gilbert Arenas, Rashard Lewis is still in a state of shock. Reality has not sinked in yet for the 6-10 Louisiana native. Lewis can not still believe that he is not anymore part of the competitive Orlando Magic. Now he has to strut his wares for an also ran squad in the Washington Wizards. In 31 games so far this season for the Magic, Lewis averaged 12.2 ppg, which is his lowest since posting an 8.2 ppg norm for the Seattle Supersonics during his sophomore year in 2000. Lewis says his goal for this season has dramatically changed by the trade, according to The Washington Post.
“Going from a team that is competing for a championship to a team that's rebuilding, the goals obviously change for me. I thought about that ever since the trade happened. Now, my ultimate goal is to get this team into the playoffs or into the hunt to make the playoffs and help these guys grow [by] being a veteran in the locker room, not by voice but most definitely by example. First of all, I'm going to watch and observe and not jump ahead of myself, try to come in and be the Big Bad Wolf and tell everyone what to do and how to do it.”
LINAS KLEIZA IS DOING WELL
One bright spot for the inconsistent Toronto Raptors this season is newly-acquired Linas Kleiza. The 6-8 Lithuanian has been delivering the goods for the Raptors ever since head coach Jay Triano has assigned him the starting small-forward position. Kleiza, who played four seasons with the Denver Nuggets, is currently submitting norms of 11.0 ppg and 4.6 rpg in 26 games, including 10 starts, so far this campaign. Kleiza, who is turning 26 on January 3, says being healthy is the key to his improved play, according to the Toronto Sun.
“It’s better to feel tired than rested (from sitting on the bench). Of course, when you don’t play too well, the team doesn’t do too well, of course you’re down on yourself. I’m not going to stand here and say: ‘Hey I was happy with the way I played.’ All you can do is work hard and try to improve the things you need to improve. I’m healthy now and turning the corner, good things are ahead.”
CASSPI IS FRUSTRATED
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| (AP Photo). |
When will the sad story ends for the Sacramento Kings this season? Nobody knows. Sacramento owns the worst record thus far in the NBA with a woeful 5-20 win-loss mark. The Kings are on a five-game tailspin and it seems there is no stopping of the misfortunes. Omri Casspi, the first-ever NBA player from Israel, has become one frustrated man because of all these misadventures that has hit the California capitol head on. Casspi blames it all on the offensive system of the Kings wherein there are lot of ineffective one-on-one plays that lack ball movement or fluidity, according to The Sacramento Bee.
“We don't move the ball. There's guys in the corner – CÃsco (Francisco GarcÃa) was hot (Sunday) night, for example, and he didn't even get a shot in the fourth quarter. What do you want him to do? He didn't get the ball. The ball didn't move, and the guys that start the offense have got to be talked to and work on it.
“It's really hard. Sometimes you're playing five or six minutes, and in those minutes you don't feel really involved in the offense – that takes you out of the game. It's really hard. You work on yourself; you've got to be ready. It's hard.”
THE NEW SUNS ARE UP AND READY
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| (AP Photo). |
Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat all came from a winning team in the east and they intend to continue their winning form with their new team, the Phoenix Suns in the west. The trio were acquired by the Suns in a trade with the Orlando Magic last weekend. The trio are all excited to play with two-time MVP Steve Nash in the Desert City and ready to take a new challenge with the Suns, according to The Arizona Republic.
Vince Carter: “We feel like we fit well in this offense, and it's been a storied organization for years and years. We just want to continue to build and help this organization get to where we feel they can be and that's winning championships. They have a great piece, and I think the point guard this year, um, what's his name? Nash. We all have to be committed to one another, making that dream happen and then when everybody believes, great things happen from there.”
Marcin Gortat: “Finally stepping out of that shadow is a huge, monster opportunity. I'm looking forward, and I'm definitely waiting for Steve Nash to play the pick and roll on the side, in the middle, whatever he wants to. I gotta make sure I have my eyes open. I'm really excited.”
Mickael Pietrus: “You want me to do the Dougie for you? I'll be playing on Thursday with my team, and I'm very excited about it. I'll do the Dougie for you after the game, too.”
SHORT ROTATION IS NOW HURTING THE KNICKS
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| (Getty Images) |
After winning 13 of 14 games since starting the season at 3-8, the surprising New York Knicks have lost three straight games. The short rotation being utilized by Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni is now beginning to take its toll on his starters. The numbers would not lie as weariness slowly crept in. The Knicks starters are averaging a combined 38 minutes per game. Knicks President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh says D’Antoni went for the short rotation because they were winning but he also gave a hint that the depth maybe stretched soon to avoid total burn out on the starting unit of the team, according to Newsday.
“All the depth hasn't played, so you don't know. We've played a short rotation and understandably so, because we're trying to win games. We started off 3-8 and went to a short rotation and it worked.”
December 21, 2010
FARMAR-VUJACIC TANDEM SPICES UP NETS
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| Sasha Vujacic (AP Photo). |
After spending a few years together as shock troopers in the West Coast, Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic found themselves reunited once more in the East Coast as a tandem to watch with the New Jersey Nets. Vujacic joined Farmar after being dealt by the Los Angeles Lakers recently in a three-way deal with the Nets and the Houston Rockets. Farmar says the addition of the sweet-shooting Vujacic to the Nets rotation will definitely bring more energy and competitiveness, according to Balita Fil-Am News and Lifestyle.
“He’s not gonna be the savior or answer to everything, but I think he’ll definitely help in terms of energy level. He plays with a lot of energy. He can shoot the ball. He’s gonna be feisty and competitive. He’s anxious to get in and get some basketball action. I’m looking forward to having him as an addition.”
MAGIC REVAMP FAR FROM OVER
“We'll still find ways to get better in some spots. Losing the backup center is big. So, you need a little size for about probably five teams. That's really what it comes down to, so we'll probably address that over the next month or so.”
Video: BRANDON JENNINGS SIDELINED
December 20, 2010
A NEW BEGINNING FOR GILBERT ARENAS
It was a mutual feeling and he long waited for this time to come. The Washington Wizards and Gilbert Arenas has finally parted ways when the former sent the latter to the Orlando Magic for Rashard Lewis in a straight-up trade during the weekend. Arenas, who is projected to be the sixth man in his new team, says he is ecstatic in joining the Magic because he was a big fan of Penny Hardaway during his childhood days, according to NBA Fanhouse.
“I was at the gym (in Washington) when they told me. I grabbed two pairs of shoes, bought my own plane ticket and got here as quickly as I could. By halftime, I was here working out (on the practice court).
“I grew up a Magic fan. Penny Hardaway was my favorite player. I've spent my summers here. I'm ecstatic about this. We haven't discussed it (his role) yet, but I was coming off the bench in Washington (for seven of his 21 games). I can do it here. I'm here to score and make plays for others. It's easy. If you have an open shot, you take it. If not, pass it to Dwight (Howard).
“This is a new beginning for me, a true new beginning, a new city a new team and new teammates. I get a fresh start. I've watched these guys play every year. They know how to play. They know how to win. I've never played with a big guy like Dwight, who dominates a game. I'm looking forward to this chance.”
TRADE AFTERMATH: A YOUNGER AND MORE ATHLETIC ORLANDO MAGIC
No, there is no truth that the Orlando Magic is in a panic mode. According to Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy, it was a bizarre coup that Orlando General Manager Otis Smith had pulled off during the weekend which addressed the immediate needs of the team. Van Gundy says giving up Rashard Lewis to the Washington Wizards for Gilbert Arenas and Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat to the Phoenix Suns for Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Earl Clark has suddenly transform the Magic into a younger and more athletic squad, according to Hoopsworld.
“It hasn't gone on a long time. It's all been pretty quick for me in the last two days. We've talked about some of the players before because people were out there and we talked about what our team needed. I think what this deal does is we're a little bit younger, more athletic, but the thing we really wanted to do was add some offensive and guys that we felt could create off of the dribble. I think we were on the same page as far as what our needs were as a team, there's no question about that. I think Otis accomplished that in both of these deals.”
THE NEW FRANCHISE MAN
The Washington Wizards has finally got rid of perennial headache Gilbert Arenas that signals the start of a new dawn for the once-troubled franchise. The Wizards traded Arenas to the Orlando Magic for forward Rashard Lewis. Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld and head coach Flip Saunders says it is time for top rookie John Wall to step up his game and continue his development as the team’s short and long term investment, according to ESPN.
Ernie Grunfeld: “The opportunity presented itself this week and opportunities don't come along that often in the NBA. We looked at it, we studied it and we felt like it was the right time to make this move in the best interest of the team short term and long term. This fits into our rebuilding. It helps us both short and long term.”
Flip Saunders: “The critics who thought [Arenas] would hinder John's development, that is not going to be brought up anymore. He won't ever have to defer to Gilbert and it will facilitate his learning process.”
NO LOCKOUT – ANTHONY PARKER
As most NBA players start to think of their options if ever the lockout pushes through next season, one player remains optimistic that there will be a 2011-12 season. Cleveland Cavaliers shooting guard Anthony Parker, who is a Euro League veteran himself, believes that something can be done to avert such, according to The News-Herald. A decision is expected to be announced by the league during the All-Star break in February if there will be a work stoppage next season.
“I'm still optimistic and hopeful we can get something done, while preparing for the worse. That's speculation. Honestly, it doesn't seem like much is happening now. Negotiations are like that. Nothing happens until the last minute.”
December 17, 2010
December 16, 2010
HOWARD SHOUTS DEFENSE
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| (AP Photo). |
Just like the Marvel hero Incredible Hulk, you would not like him when he is angry. Orlando Magic star center Dwight Howard is mad, make that very angry and he wants his team to play strong defense. The 6-11 mastodon is getting frustrated lately because of the Magic’s anemic performance wherein they won only once in their last five games and is now two games behind the Miami Heat in the Southeast Division ladder. Howard says everybody in the Magic team has to play defense especially in the wing spots to make a stop, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
“We’ve got to play defense, that’s it. It’s got to be everybody. Our wings got to do a better job not allowing their man just to get to the rim every play. It puts a lot of pressure on the bigs. It’s hard for the big guys to really help like we want when a guy takes one dribble and he’s at the rim. It’s very tough.”
Video: MJ SON MARCUS ON THE RISE
“When I was young, it was really tough because people would put me down and I thought I’ll never be as good as my dad, but it made me play harder. Either you like my game, or you don’t, but I’m not trying to be my dad. Watching Jeff go through it first really helped.
“I have been around the game at a very high level for my whole life, so I tend to know how to react in different situations, as does my brother. No one in Chicago had really heard of UCF, but I knew it was a diamond in the rough. I liked that I could get immediate playing time and be part of something brand new. Beating Florida was huge. They mentioned it on ESPN and all over the place. But we have much bigger goals. We want to win our conference and go to the NCAA Tournament. By the end of this season, people will know who we are.”
JAMES WISH CAVS WELL
Despite the animosities which filled the air when he left for South Beach, LeBron James of the Miami Heat still has a soft spot in his heart for his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Akron, Ohio native was selected the top pick over-all by the Cavaliers in the 2003 rookie draft out of St. Vincent–St. Mary High School and spent his first seven pro seasons in Cleveland. James says he only hopes the best for the Cavaliers in their present predicament and knowing the players he had played with, that they do not want to lose, according to The Plain Dealer.
“I know what type of competitors the guys that I played with are, they don't like to lose. When we were together we didn't like to lose. It is definitely tough. It is a tough situation going on in Cleveland. I wish those guys the best.”
USA BASKETBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
For his outstanding performance in Team USA’s title run in the recently-concluded FIBA World Basketball Championship in Turkey, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder was named as Player of the Year by USA Basketball. Durant led Team USA to a 9-0 sweep of the quadrennial meet and submitted norms of 22.8 points per game. Durant says he played to the best of his ability during the tournament and was humbled by the said honor, according to The Oklahoman.
“It means a lot. My goal was to represent my country to the best of my ability. I really appreciate all of the coaches and players that I got to share that experience with. I am very humbled by this honor.”
Video: THE HEAT IS ON
December 14, 2010
SPOELSTRA’S REWARD SYSTEM PAYS OFF FOR THE REVITALIZED HEAT
Now it can be told. Nine straight wins and counting for the rejuvenated Miami Heat. Many wondered on the sudden turn-around of fortunes for the South Beach outfit following a dismal 9-8 win-loss start. The coaching genius in Erik Spoelstra has finally surfaced. The Fil-American mentor implemented a reward system on his players and the whole team responded well to the scheme. The reward system means a free lance or open court offensive attack after an accomplished defensive play or rebound. LeBron James says the system work wonders for the Heat and he is very comfortable with it, according to the Miami Herald.
“Our job is to defend and then we get rewarded with what we want to do on offense. We start with defense and if we get stops, then it's open court for us. We just try to put pressure on the opposing defenses also when we get stops. I think I'm getting more comfortable.
“I had seven years of the same thing, knowing what to expect in Cleveland. I knew every night I went onto the basketball court I had to be great to give us an opportunity to win. This is a different situation for me and I'm still getting comfortable but I'm feeling good.”
December 13, 2010
NOT FOR THE MONEY
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Antoine Walker’s comeback into the game has made everybody thinking of one good reason behind it: money. It is an open secret that the 12-year NBA veteran is in dire straits. Walker has just signed up with the Idaho Stampede of the NBA D-League and hopes to make it a springboard for a future NBA comeback. But the 6-8 member of the 2006 NBA champion Miami Heat says he is back but not for the money. Walker, 34, believes he still has the game to make it back to the NBA, according to the Boston Herald. Walker has career averages of 17.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 3.5 apg in 893 total games with the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves. The former Kentucky Wildcats star was the 6th pick over-all by the Celtics in the 1996 rookie draft.
“Obviously I’m not here for the money. I’m just trying to play ball, and if a (general manager) gets interested in me, great. Obviously I have to reconstruct. But I feel blessed. I’m not going to go jump off a bridge. I still feel I can play and compete.”
READY TO CHALLENGE
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| (AP Photo) |
Nobody gave the Dallas Mavericks a serious look in the pre-season rankings. Now the Mavericks are proving them all wrong. Dallas is the hottest NBA team at the moment. With their latest victory over the tough Utah Jazz, 103-97, the Mavericks has padded their winning streak to 12 games and moved just a game behind the league-leading San Antonio Spurs (20-3) for the best record over-all. Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle says they have to maintain their game at a high level but also admit that they have still a long way to go, according to NBA.com.
“Yeah, but we've got a ways to go. We're going to get healthier as time goes on. In the meantime we've got to make this thing work at a high level and, heck, we're on a 12-game winning streak and we're in second place in our division. No one is getting too giddy around here.”
KEEPING THE HORNETS AT ALL COST IN NEW ORLEANS
Even with the purchase of the financially-troubled New Orleans Hornets franchise by the NBA, plans of keeping the team in the "Big Easy" remains alive. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has created an inter-agency task force to work on the possibility of the Hornets staying in New Orleans. Commissioner of Administration Paul Rainwater says there are current discussions with the league and potential buyers of the Hornets with the hopes of keeping the team in New Orleans, according to CBS Sports.
“We've been talking to the team, and we've been talking to the NBA and potential buyers for some time now about keeping the Hornets (in New Orleans). We've discussed some creative ideas to keep them here in Louisiana.”
Video: ON POINT
December 10, 2010
Video: MIAMI HEAT "EN FUEGO!"
Video: BEST IN THE WEST
SPOELSTRA’S COACHING IMPRESSES SLOAN
This is great news for Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra. After getting criticized left and right during the early 9-8 struggle of the celebrated Heat squad, the youthful Filipino-American mentor has turned around things in South Beach. The Heat has won six straight games and the feat did not escaped the eyes of the well-respected Jerry Sloan, the veteran coach of the Utah Jazz. Sloan was impressed by Spoelstra’s coaching style, both in offensive execution and defensive plays. He thinks Spoelstra has done a terrific job so far with the Heat, according to the Palm Beach Post.
“They execute very well, what they’re trying to do. Defensively, they’re very very sound and strong. I think he does a terrific job for a young coach or an old coach either, it doesn’t make any difference. I think he’s done a great job. It’s sad to have to listen to all the B.S. about this and that with his coaching.”
GETTING BETTER
Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott is a man rich in NBA experience, both as a player and a mentor. And he very well knows if he has seen a great talent. Scott sees it in Chicago Bulls rising star Derrick Rose. Rose, who is having a career-season with averages of 25.1 ppg, 8.2 apg and 4.3 rpg in 19 games so far with the Bulls, was the top pick over-all in the 2008 rookie draft. He has won the rookie of the year in 2009 and played a vital role in Team USA’s regaining of the FIBA World Championship in Turkey last summer. Scott say what he likes most about Rose is that the latter keeps getting better every year, a trademark of a great player and future Hall-of-Famer, according to ESPN.
“I think he can be a Hall of Famer. I don't know if he'll be considered one of the greatest that ever played the game because you've got so many guys [like] Magic [Johnson] and John Stockton, Isiah [Thomas], Tiny Archibald and all these guys. But he's got a great chance to be a Hall of Famer if he stays healthy, number one, and if he continues to improve on his game. He's just a helluva basketball player ... I enjoyed watching when he was at Memphis, I enjoy watching him now as a pro. It seems each year that he has gotten better and that's the sign of a guy that's a professional and works at his craft.”
WINNING STREAK KEEPS HEAT UNIFIED
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If there is anything good which the six-game winning streak has brought to the Miami Heat, it is unity. Slowly but surely, the team chemistry desired by head coach Erik Spoelstra is getting into its proper place. The Heat, which is coming off from a very impressive road win against the tough Utah Jazz, has bounced back into contention after falling earlier to a mediocre 9-8 win-loss mark. Now, the South Beach outfit is on top of the Southeast Division tied with the Atlanta Hawks at 15-8 card. Spoelstra says dealing with adversity has helped the team come together, according to FOX Sports.
“You can prepare for it as much as you want in the summer, but until you’re actually under the microscope, in the fishbowl, you don’t really know what it’s like. Dealing with a lot of adversity, dealing with such extreme pressure and expectations and speculation – when we weren’t winning we had one of two choices, to either crumble or figure it out together.”
RUDE AWAKENING
The NBA D-League has become a reality check for some NBA players. Take New Jersey Nets forward Terrence Williams. The 6-6, former Louisville standout was assigned by the Nets to the Springfield Armor and played three games thereat. It was part of the penalty imposed by the Nets to Williams due to the latter’s habitual tardiness in various team functions. Williams is scheduled to return to the Nets in their next road game against the Dallas Mavericks. Williams, the 11th pick over-all in last year’s rookie draft, is currently posting norms of 6.8 ppg and 3.8 rpg in eight games so far with the Nets. He says his stint in the D-League woke him to reality and appreciates Nets coach Avery Johnson’s move to assign him in the minor league, according to the Star-Ledger.
“There definitely was an awakening. It woke me up a lot. I’m not going to sit here and give you the typical answers – everybody that goes to the D-League and comes back says, 'Yeah, I understood my lesson.' When I say I understood my lesson, I truly mean that, in the most sincere way, that I really understood going down there and it definitely woke me up, and hopefully helps my career in the long run. I definitely understood what Avery did and I appreciate it.”
DO NOT FEEL SORRY
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| (AP Photo) |
Players from the Cleveland Cavaliers are starting to pout and feel sorry about themselves as they occupy the cellar in the Central Division with a record that is eight games below .500. However, Cavaliers coach Byron Scott is not throwing out the towel yet and instead, encourage his team to stop feeling sorry for themselves. Scott continues to find the right combination that will ignite the team back into respectability, according to ESPN.
“I'm not ready to do that. [General manager] Chris Grant and [owner] Dan Gilbert aren't, either. I'm not anywhere near there right now. As I've told the players, I still have a lot of faith and a lot of trust in them. The biggest thing is they've got to stop feeling sorry for themselves. They've got to go out and play basketball. I want more than what they've shown so far. Maybe this is the way to get some guys' attention.”
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