D-ROSE GETS LEBRON’S NOD AS MVP

The King has spoken. LeBron James, the back-to-back MVP winner, is now ready to give up his crown and his choice to succeed him is no other than Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. Rose is having a dream season for both for himself and his team. The Windy City outfit is all set to become the number one seed in the Eastern Conference and Rose is a big part of their overachieving season. James cited the vital contribution of Rose in the Bulls success despite overcoming injuries to some of its key players, according to the Chicago Tribune.

“What he's done for that team, with all the injuries they have and them being first in the Eastern Conference. They're playing some really good basketball.”

STOUDEMIRE FEELS THE STRESS

Things had not been rosy for the New York Knicks since the big trade last month. The team has struggled lately which included a six-game losing streak in which they were able to arrest following the overtime win over the Orlando Magic. The Apple City outfit has won only six of their last 17 outings. Knicks superstar big man Amare Stoudemire has not been his usual dominant self lately. Could it be wear and tear? Stoudemire, who had been bothered by hip and foot injuries, says the 18-game March schedule is so far the hardest month in his pro career, according to ESPN.

“It's been maybe the hardest month I've played in my career. So many games, so many back-to-backs. And then they threw in the makeup game [for the November game against Orlando canceled due to an asbestos scare] in this month.

“So it was very, very tough. And on top of that, we're trying to get used to our new teammates. So it was a tough one for us.”

DOUG COLLINS’ PHILOSOPHY WORKS WONDER FOR THE SIXERS

Doug Collins has truly made the Philadelphia 76ers happy. Besides having the Sixers on the verge of a playoff appearance, all the players love the mentor’s “No Sacred Cow” approach. With the sometimes-volatile coach in complete control of the team, the City of Brother Love outfit has surprisingly occupied the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference with only eight games remaining in the regular season schedule. Collins has transformed the Sixers from an also-ran squad to one of the biggest revelations this season. Sixers veteran forward Elton Brand says Collins gives no importance to what kind of player one is as everybody must toe the line and work their butts off during practice to gain minutes in actual games, according to the Sporting News.

“I think everybody is happy with the way (Collins) has approached things. You have to work hard every day to get playing time on this team and he has sent that message to everyone. If you’re an old guy or a young guy, it doesn’t matter, he wants to see you work hard and earn playing time. Nothing is given in this league.”

FEAR THE HORNETS

With its current 42-32 win-loss card, the New Orleans Hornets are only good for seventh spot in the Western Conference ladder. For now, nobody is taking them seriously going into the post-season play. A potential first round playoff match-up could be against the two-time defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. But as far as Hornets star Chris Paul is concerned, anything can happen in the playoffs. Paul says once they get into the playoff, teams should fear the Hornets because he believes it will be hard to win four games against them in any given series, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

“We’ve just got to get in, I don’t care. When it gets to the playoffs, anything can happen. It’s a whole other ballgame. You’ve got to beat a team four times. So I feel like, first things first, we’ve got to get into the playoffs. Then I don’t think too many teams want to play us. We’re one of those teams that can scare you. When it gets to the playoffs, you get an opportunity to just prepare for one team.”

BULLS SHOOTS FOR THE SKY

As if wresting the Eastern Conference leadership from the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat is not enough, the Chicago Bulls are still looking forward of finishing with the best record over-all in the regular season. Which means they have to overtake the Western Conference powerhouses, the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers to gain the homecourt advantage all throughout the playoffs. The Bulls are truly dead serious in their ambitious run towards winning their first NBA title since 1998. Bulls shooting guard Ronnie Brewer says they have to win their remaining regular season outings so they could possibly outlast the Spurs for the best record over-all, according to ESPN.

“We're trying to win as many games as we possibly can because we know it's a tough race in the East. We're not just striving to be the first in our conference. We're trying to go out there and get the Spurs and have the best overall record in the league.”

WHO SAYS THE KNICKS DO NOT PLAY DEFENSE?

(AP Photo)

I planned to hit the sack early last night so I can wake up early for work today. But the game between the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic kept me awake longer than I should have. It was really one hell of a game that brought playoff atmosphere all over the famed Madison Square Garden. The Knicks are coming into the game with a six-game skid. Obviously, the Apple City outfit wanted a big game from everyone to arrest the losing skein. And Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni turned to prize recruit Carmelo Anthony to bring out the best from the rest of the team. The result: a thrilling 113-106 overtime win over the Magic. Anthony exploded for 33 big points in the second half and overtime period to finish with 39 points. But what made the win so impressive was the kind of tremendous team defense the Knicks put up in out-hustling the Magic down the stretch. Amare Stoudemire, who scored 20 points, says the superb showing of Anthony plus their tenacious defense were the keys to the Knicks rousing victory, according to Yahoo! Sports.

“Carmelo helped, he was on fire out there. They had no answer for him, and then we played great defensively, we got after it, chasing down loose balls, really, really showing the effort to want to win and it showed tonight.”

DEATH OF A POTENTIAL PBA RIVALRY

Chances of Phoenix Petroleum Philippines becoming the newest PBA franchise did not even reached the first base. In a PBA board meeting yesterday, Phoenix bid to buy the inactive Red Bull franchise was denied after failing to muster the required votes among the 10 current clubs. Phoenix needs at least seven votes to make it but lost in the final count, 6-4. San Miguel Corporation, which owns the San Miguel Beer, B-Meg Derby Ace and Ginebra San Miguel ball clubs, plus Air21 voted against the entry of Phoenix. It’s all because the SMC Group will tap Petron Blaze, which is a business rival of Phoenix, to take over the SMB squad beginning in the next conference. Many foresee the turn of events as something not healthy to Asia’s first-ever play-for-pay league as it clearly shows that SMC cares only after its business and not the over-all welfare of the league. On the other hand, Air21’s move also further strengthen the rumors that it will be sold to the SMC group very soon.  PBA has lost the rivalry concept since the Toyota-Crispa and Tanduay-Ginebra days. Phoenix entry could have brought a new healthy rivalry with Petron. However, PBA commissioner Chito Salud remains hopeful that despite its failed bid to acquire an existing PBA franchise, Phoenix will still make it as a league member in the near future, according to the Philippine Star. But with the league fast becoming a domain of the SMC Group, chances are close to nil.

“The proposed transfer of Barako Bull to Phoenix Petroleum Philippines has been disapproved by the board. It has failed to garner the needed two-thirds vote as mandated by the PBA constitution. The PBA wants to extend its gratitude to the Phoenix group and its owners for showing interest and enthusiasm in joining the PBA. We wish the group to keep its mind and heart open to joining the PBA in the future.”

Video: KNICKS FINALLY HIT IT OFF!

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ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL

Has Detroit Pistons head coach John Kuester and Motor City veteran slasher Rip Hamilton smoked the peace pipe? From all indications, it could be definitely, yes. It all started last December when both Kuester and Hamilton hugged the headlines with their much-publicized rift that saw the benching of the latter for six long weeks. Hamilton is now back into Kuester’s regular rotation and the 12-year pro has responded positively by regaining his old confidence back. His comeback was highlighted by a 23-point output in the Pistons recent win over the Indiana Pacers. Hamilton says everything is back to square one as far as his relationship with Kuester is concerned which can be likened to a breath of fresh air, according to The Detroit News.

“It was a big breath of fresh air. It was never a thing how people talked about it and how they wrote it down and things like that. How much we supposedly hated each other. We went through a period of time where we didn't talk. And the lack of communication kind of put everybody on pins and needles.”

MIKE DUNLEAVY, JR. CAN’T WAIT TO HELP THE PACERS

Mike Dunleavy, Jr. knows what is at stake in the last two weeks of the regular season. His team, the Indiana Pacers are clinging to dear life as it occupies the eight and final playoff seat in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers are currently up by just a game over the Charlotte Bobcats in the race for the said final playoff spot. Dunleavy has not played since he suffered a broken thumb in a game against the Washington Wizards last February 22. The former Duke University hotshot hopes to get back into action soon and help the Pacers nail down that elusive slot which will be Dunleavy’s first ever playoff appearance in his nine-year pro career. Dunleavy, 30, is currently posting norms of 11.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 2.5 apg in 54 outings so far with the Pacers. He says he is almost ready to return to action with the Pacers in this crucial stretch of the season, according to the Indianpolis Star.

“I'm about as good as I can be without having played. We'll see. Hopefully I can get some practice in and be ready to go.”

ALL-BLAKE GRIFFIN SHOW

(SLAM Photo)

Was it really meant to be? Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers is the cover boy of both magazines, which my wife, Lorna, gifted me today via a friend who had just arrived from a China/ Hong Kong trip. The rookie sensation dominated the issues of the two most prestigious hoop magazines in the US, SLAM (147) and DIME (62). Seldom does one see a newbie on those covers but it seems that the “Griffin Phenomena” is simply too hard to resist. The 6-10 wonder boy and former University of Oklahoma standout is a lock to win the Rookie of the Year honors which will add up to his NBA Slam Dunk title he won last February during the All-Star Weekend. He also saw action in both the Rookie-Sophomore game as well as in the main event, the All-Star outing itself at Staples Center. He is currently submitting norms of 22.4 ppg and 12.0 rpg in 74 appearances so far with the Clippers. Griffin is being hailed by many as the future of the NBA. No doubt about it!

DIME NO. 62: “It takes more than just dunks, however, to attain the acclaim Blake Griffin has reached halfway through his first NBA campaign. It’s becoming a 20-and-10 machine night after night, and putting the Clippers back on the map, and assuming the role as the next in line to run his town like Michael Corleone after the current Godfather, Don Kobe, steps down. That’s why Blake is here, and why he’s on the front page of this book.

“That much we do know. The rest of the story? Still waiting to be written. And that’s the fun part.”

SLAM NO. 147: “Still raw and on the upwards slope of his learning curve, Blake Griffin is currently fun to hang with and impossibly fun to watch play. According to a slew of knowledgeable people, given time and opportunity, Blake Griffin may soon be impossible to guard, too.

“He’s got the ingredients to be great, to be a champion,” Clippers assistant coach Marc Iavaroni said. “His drive and natural ability encompasses everything.”

“Aside from a Griffin cover story that delves deeper into some of the things I touched on in this post, SLAM 147 is jam-packed full of other goodness. It all starts with the alternate cover story on Amar’e Stoudemire and ends with an exclusive Tim Duncan Q+A, a Michael Beasley/Kevin Love joint feature, a dose of basketball in China with Alan Paul, a Jared Sullinger profile and plenty of the usual college, high school and NBA goodness.

“So, feel free to cop Blake Griffin’s first SLAM cover.”

REMEMBERING THE 1978 NBA FINALS

Of all the NBA finals that I have witnessed, the 1978 championship series holds a special place in my heart. The Washington Bullets defeated the Seattle Supersonics in an exciting series that went to the limit. It was a memorable series as the deciding game seven goes down in history as the only NBA finals game that was shown live in Philippine theaters. The Sonics got their revenge the following year as they won the NBA title over the Bullets in five games. The Bullets, mentored by the legendary Dick Motta and starring future Hall-of-Famers Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes plus other notable stars such as Bobby Dandridge, Mitch Kupchak and Charles Jones, clinched the ’78 diadem with a thrilling 105-99 road win that shocked the whole of the Emerald City. In 1979, the Bullets visited Manila and played a game before 35,000 fans at the Araneta Coliseum against a PBA All-Star team reinforced by imports Cyrus Mann, Andy Fields and Larry Pounds. Hayes, who up to this day, says visiting the city of Seattle has always bring him good memories of that unforgettable game seven of the 1978 NBA finals, according to NBA.com.

“I remember flying out to Seattle thinking about all the things that had gone through all the years that I had played in the NBA. All of that was coming down to one game, a championship game, and after that game, I remember feeling a joy over the next 48 hours, just a spring of joy, a feeling of great accomplishment. Out of my 16 years of playing, I had waited for that moment, and that moment came, and it was just tremendous.”

OVERHYPED?

Is Jimmer Fredette truly an NBA material or just overhyped? The 6-2 scoring machine of Brigham Young University is currently the leading scorer in the US College circuit with a  28.8 points per game average. Scouting report says Fredette has an incredible shooting range, which extends beyond the NBA’s three-point distance. Basketball experts can not help but compare his game to NBA stars Steve Kerr, Manu Ginobili and Stephen Curry. However, his defensive game remains a suspect. That will definitely be his drawback once he enters the NBA draft. A case in point is J.J. Redick of the Orlando Magic, who was a shooting sensation with Duke University but was considered a flop in his first few years in the NBA due to his non-existent defense. Since then, Redick has persevered and learned to play defense to survive in the pro league jungle. One NBA General Manager says there will be too much pressure for the former Glens Falls HS sensation to perform in the NBA what he has done in the college level, according to CBS Sports.

“There will be too much pressure on him to be what he is at BYU, and he won't be capable of that in the league.”

BENCH POWER IS VITAL

With less than a month to go before the start of the much-awaited playoffs, teams are now starting to jockey for positions one to eight in the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively. The post-season play is one grueling season and seen by many as survival of the fittest. Besides consistent team defensive plays, bench factor is an integral part of one team’s campaign. A championship run means playing a maximum of 28 games with a minimum of 16 outings. That is why stretching the team roster will work wonders for a deep playoff run. LeBron James of the Miami Heat, who is gunning for his first-ever league championship, has started to talk about its importance and he surely knows it by experience after seeing his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers succumbed to the team with the deeper bench, the San Antonio Spurs, in the 2007 NBA finals, according to ESPN.

“It's very important, because we know how huge the bench is to come into a playoff series. Guys have to keep their confidence up. We want them to have their confidence, because when our bench plays well, when our role players play well, we're very hard to beat. Those guys were aggressive. And when they put pressure on the defense, it makes it easier on everybody else.”

SENSE OF URGENCY IN GREENLAND

The Boston Celtics are losing games in which they should have easily won. As a result, they have now surrendered the Eastern Conference leadership to the Chicago Bulls. The Beantown outfit has lost half of their last ten games and is now a game behind the streaking Bulls. Obviously, this is not the kind of a run they would want to end the regular season as they move forward to the post-season play next month. Boston’s team leaders Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce says all their guys should be on the same page as far as team urgency is concerned and must be mentally prepared as the real season is about to unfold in their quest for "Banner 18", according to ESPN.

Kevin Garnett: “The urgency has to be there and it has to be there as a group. We've got guys learning on the fly, and it's not easy, it's not easy. Especially when you're trying to get stops, to be in a defensive rhythm, and that translates over to good offense. It's difficult, but if anybody can handle it, we can.”

Paul Pierce: “Everybody's just got to be mentally prepared and understand what's at stake.”

TOO OLD TO COACH IN THE NBA?

Let it be known to all NBA teams that are gunning for the services of Mike Krzyzewski in the near future that the longtime Duke University and current Team USA head coach will never accept any pro league coaching job. Krzyzewski, who is fresh from guiding the all-pro US National squads to the Olympics and FIBA World titles, respectively, thinks at 64, he is now too old to pursue any NBA coaching job and he would rather continue to coach the pro players in the international level, according to ESPN.

“I didn't know I'd have the opportunity to coach internationally again until Jerry Colangelo asked me. I love that. It's made me a better a coach and it's made me love the NBA even more but I'm good with where I'm at. I'm too old to do anything else.”

GRIZZLIES ARE READY TO PLAY WITHOUT RUDY GAY

If the recent announcement that Rudy Gay will miss the rest of the season due to injury has surprised most people especially those in the media, the Memphis Grizzlies on the other hand were the least bothered by it. The Grizzlies had knew all along that when Gay suffered the shoulder injury last February 15, he is already done for the season. Memphis coach Lionel Hollins says the team have already adjusted accordingly to life without their second leading marksman, according to the Sporting News.

“The truth is we’ve known Rudy was going to be out. I told the players long before it came out publicly that he wasn’t coming back. I knew he wasn’t coming back when it happened. So it might be news for everybody else, but for us, we have been used to this news for a long time now.”

CELTICS TO LET GO TOP ASSISTANT COACH ANEW?

(NBA Photo)

The Boston Celtics are a top class organization and being selfish will never be never their cup of tea. Boston will not stand in the way if there is a good opportunity that lies ahead somewhere else for any of their staff.  Last year, the Beantown outfit allowed top assistant coach Tim Thibodeau to be interviewed by the Chicago Bulls and the New Orleans Hornets, both of which were then looking for a new head mentor following the sacking of erstwhile coaches Vinny Del Negro and Byron Scott, respectively. Thibodeau eventually got the Bulls job and the Celtics replaced him with former New Jersey Nets coach Lawrence Frank.  Recently, Frank’s name came afloat as the leading candidate for the top coaching post at the University of Tennessee. Once again, the Celtics are allowing their top assistant coach to be interviewed for the said assignment. Celtics head coach Doc Rivers says being interviewed for a new coaching job and at the same time, doing the regular chores at Boston will not be a problem for Lawrence, according to the Sporting News.

“It’s just like Thibs last year. We allowed him to do his job with us, which he did and he was phenomenal at it, and he still did some interviews, which is great. I am a big believer in that, I don’t think you should stand in the way of anyone that’s going to be able to better themselves. You just don’t do that. I know it’s done around the league, because, somehow you can’t do your regular job. I don’t believe that. I think that you can do an interview and still do your job. So if it came to that, that would be great for him.”

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ROOKIE REFLECTION

When John Wall was selected by the Washington Wizards as the number one pick over-all in last year’s draft, he remained optimistic despite the rebuilding mode the Capitols are in. That is because he was coming off from a winning basketball program in college. But as the season progresses, reality sets in. He did not expect the transition to be this difficult. Frustrations and disappointments had become part of his everyday life with the Wizards. Wall has seen more downs than ups since October of last year, but he says he has slowly adjusted to the “sometimes unfair” world of pro basketball and treats everything as a learning experience not only for him but to the whole team as well, according to the Oregonian.

“It's tough. I knew coming in it was going to be a rebuilding process. I think we're doing the right thing bringing people around and trying to get young guys and veteran guys to help us out, but it's tough with injuries ... as a young group, you have to play hard and compete. When we do that, we're basically in just about every game. But nights when we don't do it teams are too talented and they blow us out. All you can really do is just keep trying to learn and get better throughout the season. In the offseason, focus on watching film and develop on what you need to work on.”

D-ROSE: MVP OR NOT?

He is having a superb season, his team has finally become a certified championship contender and the media is already calling him the runaway winner of the MVP award of the season. Hopefully the last one will not be a distraction to Derrick Rose’s seemingly dream season. Everything has become rosy for the former number pick over-all in the 2008 draft. It all started last summer when Team USA won the FIBA World Championships in Turkey and since then, the momentum continues to swing favorably for Rose. He is currently averaging career-highs of 24.9 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 7.8 apg in 69 games so far with the Chicago Bulls. But for the ex-University of Memphis star, everything comes secondary to team success. The Windy City outfit has just overtaken the Boston Celtics for the best win-loss record thus far in the Eastern Conference. Is this really the year of D-Rose and the Bulls? Or is it just too much media-hype? Or it maybe a case of both worlds according to CBS Sports- Eye on Basketball.

“Here's the thing with Rose's MVP candidacy though: It's getting to the point where if you like someone else for the award or you don't think Rose is deserving, all you are is being intentionally contrarian. Because every Bulls highlight, every time Chicago is mentioned, everyone is touting Rose as the leading MVP. He as all the needed hype and so when it comes time to cast ballots, people will almost feel obligated to go with Rose lest they be called out for being crazy. 

“That's not to say Rose isn't deserving, because he certainly is. He's been flat out awesome for the Bulls. But for whatever reason, every little thing Rose does people fawn over.”

TIAGO’S TIME HAS COME

Tim Duncan’s injury has opened the door for rookie big man Tiago Splitter to finally shine. Splitter, who was the 28th pick over-all of the San Antonio Spurs in the 2007 NBA draft but did not get to see action until this season, has come off the bench in 48 out of 49 games so far with the Alamo outfit. The 6-11 Brazilian plays the chief back-up role for starting frontliners Duncan and DeJuan Blair. In limited minutes, Splitter is averaging 4.2 ppg and 3.0 rpg so far. There is a big possibility that head coach Gregg Popovich may start him in Duncan’s spot during the 3-game absence of the “Big Fundamental.” Spurs Teammate Manu Ginobili thinks this is a great opportunity for Splitter to finally show his real game, according to the Spurs Nation.

“This is the opportunity he’s been waiting for. As I said a million times, he’s a good player. He’s just got to be out there and feel confident and know the team trusts him. That’s what happened to me, what happens to everyone who comes here for the first time.”

Video: CAN KNICKS BE FIXED?

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THE FORGOTTEN MAN IS ALL SET TO RETURN

Once the most feared shooter in the league, Michael Redd is all set to return to action with the Milwaukee Bucks after an absence of 14 months. His twice damaged left knee is now fully healed after undergoing several months of rehabilitation. The Bucks fared miserably during his absence. Redd has played 10 seasons in the NBA and owns one of the league’s Cinderella stories since being picked 43rd over-all by the Bucks in the 2000 draft. He has career averages of 20.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2.3 apg in 568 total games with the Bucks including a .384 clip from the 3-point area. Redd also saw action during the 2004 NBA All-Star game. Redd says he hope his comeback will help the Bucks earn a playoff spot next month, according to ESPN.

“We're excited to be playing for something at the end of the season. We're right there in the playoff hunt, trying to do our best to get some wins. I just want to do my part to help the team win. I've got to get into the rhythm of playing basketball. This is my training camp right here.”

DAVID WEST: TO OPT OUT OR NOT?

The New Orleans Hornets are facing a period of uncertainty. As to where the Hornets will play next season remain unresolved, yet another major problem is about to unfold in the Big Easy outfit. The Hornets star forward David West may opt out of his current Hornets pact next summer and nobody knows whether he will re-sign with the team that made him an all-star or become a free-agent. West, 30, is one of two marketable stars in the Hornets roster (the other is lead point guard Chris Paul) and surely, there will be a lot of suitors that will be after the services of the 6-9 ex-Xavier University stalwart. West was the 18th pick over-all of the Hornets in the 2003 draft and has played his entire pro career in New Orleans. He is currently submitting norms of 18.7 ppg and 7.6 rpg in 69 games so far this season. Hornets head coach Monty Williams says the team is ready for any eventuality but at the same time, he remains optimistic that West will remain in New Orleans, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

“He’s earned the right to choose and I’ve talked to him about that on a few occasions. I’ve tried to show him how diligently I work and prepare so he’ll want to come back here. For us to be in position to keep him is a good thing, but there are going to be teams that come after him. But the cool thing is he knows what we represent and understands where we’re going. He’s going to be the flagship leading us there.”

MIKE D’ANTONI: THE KNICKS ARE CURRENTLY A WORK IN PROGRESS

The Boston Celtics dealt the New York Knicks their 3rd consecutive defeat, 96-86, yesterday. It was another heart-breaking home loss for coach Mike D’Antoni’s charges, their 9th in the last 16 games since Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups came on board. But D’Antoni is not disheartened by the current situation as he views it as just part of the big picture with regards to the Knicks future. D’Antoni says the Knicks are currently a work in progress and there is no reason to get panick at this time, according to the New York Post.

“We just got to a point where I thought we panicked. This is a work in progress and we have a month to get this thing figured out. If we can figure out fourth quarters, we can get a lot smoother. With two scorers on the floor like Carmelo and Amar'e, we just have to figure it out.”

TYSON CHANDLER SERIOUS ON TITLE RUN

For Tyson Chandler, this is the season in which he thinks his Dallas Mavericks have a great chance of finally nailing an NBA championship. As usual, the Mavericks are having an incredible regular season as evidenced by their current 49-21 win-loss mark and are running third over-all in the Western Conference ladder. But their perennial problem is the post-season. Even though talents are flowing on its roster year-in and year-out, the Mark Cuban-owned franchise always fall short in its quest for a first-ever league title. The 7-1 Chandler, who was the 2nd pick over-all of the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2001 draft, is currently averaging an impressive 10.2 points per game and 9.4 caroms per outing in 64 games so far with the Mavs this season. He was traded by the Charlotte Bobcats to Dallas last summer. Chandler says they have to get their acts together now and if not, they can kiss their title aspiration goodbye, according to the Dallas Morning News.

“I told guys, we can call it a summer real early or we can buckle down and get things together.”

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Video: DUNCAN GOES DOWN

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PATIENCE PLEASE

Carmelo Anthony was apologetic to his New York Knicks teammates following an emotional outburst right after a recent loss to the Detroit Pistons. In that game, Anthony scored just six measly points on  a 2-0f-12 shooting night. The Knicks are currently in transition following the big trade last month, which brought in Anthony and Chauncey Billups from the Denver Nuggets. Anthony says all he wants is for the Knicks to be patient with his game (considering that he is just 2 ½ weeks in with the team) and he also made it clear that he has no qualm about coach Mike D’Antoni’s offensive system, according to the New York Post.

“Not at all. Why would I do that? D'Antoni got a helluva offense. Everybody knows that around this league. It's a matter of me picking my spots in the offense, figuring it out in a timely fashion. "What I the told guys is. let's be patient, man. It's not going to be 100 percent in 2½ weeks. It's going to take some time.”

HUMBLED BY D-LEAGUE EXPERIENCE

(NBA D-League Photo)

Aside from trekking the path for a possible return to the majors, veteran forward Antoine Walker’s NBA D-League experience proves more than just a comeback trail. There is something in it, which he will forever treasure in his storied basketball career. Walker , 34, was the 6th pick over-all of the Boston Celtics in the 1996 draft out of the University of Kentucky. He went on to play 12 seasons in the NBA while suiting up for the Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-9 Chicago native has career averages of 17.5 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 3.5 apg in 893 total games. Walker was a three-time all-star and won a championship with the Heat during the 2005-06 campaign. He joined the Idaho Stampede last December after a 3-year absence in the hoops scene and is currently submitting norms of 15.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 3.5 apg in 37 outings so far in the minors. Walker says it is a great experience to have the opportunity to play in the D-League and at the same time, he felt humbled by seeing first hand the players who are trying to get into the NBA via the minor circuit, according to the Idaho Statesman.

“This is the best thing that I could have ever done. To just give myself the opportunity to come back and play, I feel so happy with myself for giving myself another shot. But also, the whole experience has been great. I have a greater appreciation for guys who are trying to get to the (NBA) this way. I’ve gotten in better shape, but I have to continue to get in better shape. As you get older, you have to get lighter.”

SPURS HAS THE MOST LOYAL FANS

(NBA Photo)

Through thick and thin, the fans of the San Antonio Spurs will not waiver. No matter what, they will remain loyal to their Spurs team. In a recent survey, the Spurs diehards are the most loyal fans in the NBA. It is no wonder the Spurs are playing superbly this season and its all for their fans. Occupying number two to four spots were the loyal fans of the Los Angeles Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics. The least loved were the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Golden State Warriors, the Sacramento Kings and the Charlotte Bobcats, which settled for 27th to 30th places, respectively, according to the Business News.

“A new survey by Brand Keys Inc. ranks the Wolves 27th among the 30 NBA teams in fan loyalty. They tied with the Golden State Warriors.

“The survey said only the Sacramento Kings and Charlotte Bobcats have less loyal fans than the Wolves, who have won only 23.8 percent of their games over the last three seasons.

“The San Antonio Spurs have the most loyal fans in the NBA, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics, according to the survey by the New York-based customer-loyalty research firm.”

MIKE BIBBY: STILL HURT BY TRADE BUT HAPPY TO BE IN MIAMI

It is not easy for Mike Bibby to leave the Atlanta Hawks. Despite being traded thrice before in his pro career, Bibby is still not use to being dealt the NBA way. The 6-1 former Arizona Wildcat was the 2nd pick over-all in the 1998 draft by the Vancouver Grizzlies, which traded him to the Sacramento Kings in 2001. After seven unforgettable seasons with Sac-Town, where he played the lead point guard role for the then exciting Kings squad, he was traded anew and this time to the Hawks in 2008. Atlanta sent Bibby packing his bags once again to the Washington Wizards, where he played just for two games last month before getting waived. He finally hooked up with the Miami Heat earlier this month as a free-agent. Bibby, who has never won an NBA title, says it is never easy to leave an organization where you have lot of friends but at the same time he is also felt happy that he is coming in to a title-contender team like the Heat, according to SLAM.

“Yeah, I mean you get comfortable, you have friends, you kind of establish yourself in the city and stuff like that. It hurts but I’ve been traded before. When I got traded from Sacramento it was almost seven years…I have a lot of good friends that’s in the organization, on the team still, around Atlanta so you’re definitely gonna miss that.

“This is a business. They felt that they needed to change the point guard position and that’s what they did. Somebody else’s trash, somebody else’s treasure. So I’m just happy to be where I’m at, still playing and that’s all I could say.”

LIFE AFTER NBA: HAIRCUT, TERRELL BRANDON-STYLE

For Terrell Brandon, there is truly life after basketball. The former NBA guard, who was twice an all-star, played ten fruitful years in the pro league. For now until the future, he may never earn an NBA-like salary again but the important thing is that he is happy, contented and loving every minute of what he is doing right now. Brandon now operates a barber shop in northeast Portland and says it is a dream come true for him to finally have his own business, according to ESPN.

“A normal day for me, I'm usually in the barbershop chilling out and taking care of business just like any other barbershop. It makes people feel comfortable that they can come in and get a haircut -- and some people just want to come in and hang out. I like that atmosphere.

“I used to write my name over and over again, and that led me to thinking about what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted to own something of my own one day. It really is a dream come true.”