The Courtside Report

Last Post: Farewell to All

2010-06-30T00:38:00.002-04:00

This is my last post as the writer for The Courtside Report. I have been contacted to become the NBA analyst for Cleveland's Hope. I encourage all of you to check it out and now turn to Cleveland's Hope for all of your NBA news!

Free Agency Update: June 29

2010-06-28T23:04:00.004-04:00

This is the last installment in my five part series of weekly free agency updates. The other four can be read by clicking on the links below:

Free Agency Update: June 1

Free Agency Update: June 8

Free Agency Update: June 15

Free Agency Update: June 22

With only two days left until July 1, rumors have been circulating at an even wilder pace than previously throughout the month. Here is the latest news pertaining to the key free agents.

Even though LeBron James and Chris Bosh heading to Chicago were almost a "sure thing" according to Sports Illustrated, the latest news from Steven A. Smith is that LeBron will play for Miami next year along with Bosh. Would this duo combined with Dwyane Wade be the success story that everyone expects it to be? Originally, I thought that this would be the best option for each player involved. However, now I'm not so sure. Wade, James, and Bosh are all used to being the leaders on the team. That could certainly create some drama on the Heat, which would obviously still be Dwyane Wade's team. Miami will never embrace James or Bosh in the way that they have embraced Wade simply because he was there first. Even though a "big three" formula worked for Boston (Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett), I do not seeing it working in Miami - at all. Although I do think it would be interesting to watch the drama unfold in Miami once a losing streak of three games happened. My guess is that Chris Bosh would not have a problem giving up his leadership role, but LeBron is so self-oriented that it would eat at him not to be "the man" on the team. No more chalk throwing LBJ...it's Wade's team.

Speaking of LeBron, all of the teams are clamoring to get him. Congratulations. You've signed LeBron, now what? Instant championship right? Nope, sorry Clippers fans. You still wouldn't win. You see, LeBron needs people around him. He can't have just anyone though. He needs a second superstar on the team. He needs a Bosh, Stoudemire, or Boozer on the team. He can't win by himself. Just ask the Cleveland rafters with all of the banners that he's hung with his time on the Cavaliers. LeBron had a great team around him this past year and couldn't shoulder the load in crunch time. Another superstar would attract some attention on the offensive end of the floor, and it would make James more effective.

I would also like to applaud the intelligence and team-awareness of Toronto Raptors' general manager Bryan Colangelo. He stated that Bosh is "likely to leave". Your wit and prediction is unmatched by any other human being following the NBA my friend. Of course Chris Bosh is leaving. Everyone knows this and has known this for quite some time now. I suppose you will also announce that the Raptors will not win a championship next year? Now you're getting a little bold, don't you think?

The New York Knicks will have serious discussions with Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire on Thursday and Friday. These two players would be perfect together! (I originally predicted them to be on the same team in my June 1 Free Agency Update.) Keep an eye out for the two of them to make noise in New York next year.

That leaves Carlos Boozer. Where will he sign in the midst of all this mess? Chicago will be his team next year if the rest of the players go to the teams mentioned above. I wouldn't be surprised if Tracy McGrady or Ray Allen would join him either if they are offered enough money to be lured to the Windy City.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Three Winners and Losers of NBA Draft

2010-06-26T12:29:00.007-04:00

The NBA Draft is over. So from now until July 1, there will be a calming lull around the NBA. So, let's look back at the draft and pick out the three winners and three losers of Thursday night.

Winners

The Washington Wizards had a great night for obvious reasons. They drafted John Wall, and now he is officially on the team. They also traded with the Chicago Bulls to obtain Kirk Hinrich. So now, Gilbert Arenas will most likely be shopped to see if any team around the league is interested in him. Although Washington could also opt to add Hinrich off the bench, just so that there is always some offense on the floor in the backcourt. The Wizards also added Trevor Booker and Kevin Seraphin, two big men who should mature nicely and provide some much needed toughness down low.

The Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat are the last two winners of draft night, and they're here for the same reason. They successfully cleared cap space to thwart New York's plan. Before the draft, New York was the only team in the NBA who could attempt to lure LeBron James by offering him and a running mate of his choosing a maximum contract. Now, both Miami and Chicago can do the same. Plus, Miami can re-sign Dwyane Wade, and then offer two contracts.

Losers

The New York Knicks are the biggest loser for the reason highlighted above concerning Miami and Chicago.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are a close second though. Why? They didn't have a pick in the draft, and instead watched teams clear cap room and become even more of an attraction for LeBron to leave.

The New Jersey Nets are my third loser of the draft. Derrick Favors may be a great player in the future, but he doesn't attract any free agents to New Jersey. Evan Turner would have been perfect if he could have fallen to third for the Nets.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Trade Talk

2010-06-24T11:57:00.006-04:00

The Milwaukee Bucks were involved in another trade on Wednesday, this time with the New Jersey Nets. The Bucks received Chris Douglas-Roberts, and they only had to give up a 2012 second round pick. What are the Nets thinking? Well, they're trying their hardest to be broke so that they can spend, spend, spend when July 1 comes around. For the Bucks, this is a great deal! Douglas-Roberts is young and talented, a good scorer, and has a ton of room to grow. The Nets are expecting to be able to land at least one key free agent (although they will likely pay way too much money for him), and even Douglas-Roberts' $850,000 contract was too much to keep on the books. Overall, the Bucks got the better of this trade currently. Douglas-Roberts is easily better than any second round pick in the future. However, if the Nets land LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, or Chris Bosh, I would change my stance on this move. So basically, I'm not ever changing my stance. Hopefully the Nets will enjoy their mediocrity with an overpaid Joe Johnson or Ray Allen if they can even obtain one of them.

In a deal that really makes sense for one team in particular, the Miami Heat traded the 18th pick in tonight's draft and Daequan Cook to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the 32nd pick in tonight's draft. The Thunder wanted a shooter that could create space on the floor, and the Heat wanted to clear contracts in order to be able to spend more in free agency. Also, the Heat will not have any guaranteed money owed to the 18th pick because of this trade. This was purely a financial move for Miami and a good one at that.

The Portland Trailblazers are reportedly shopping Rudy Fernandez. After falling out of favor in Portland, Fernandez has been requesting a trade for some time now. The Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, and Chicago Bulls have expressed the most interest. The Raptors offered the 13th pick in tonight's draft as a part of a package deal, and Chicago offered the 17th pick as part of their package. No deal has been accepted so far.

The Los Angeles Lakers have entered the mix of suitors for the New Orleans Hornets' Chris Paul. Andrew Bynum, Sasha Vujacic, and Lamar Odom would move to New Orleans, and Chris Paul and Emeka Okafor would join the Lakers. That would be a formidable starting lineup in Paul, Bryant, Artest, Gasol, and Okafor. Clear way for another banner. While we're on the topic of the Lakers, Gilbert Arenas has also been rumored to being traded to the champions this offseason. This deal would most likely involve Jordan Farmar or Luke Walton.

The Courtside Report

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Maggette Traded to Bucks

2010-06-22T23:07:00.004-04:00

Corey Maggette was dealt on Wednesday by the Golden State Warriors to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks also received a second round draft pick in Thursday's draft, and the Warriors got Charlie Bell and Dan Gadzuric in return.

Maggette will be expected to make an instant impact on the offensive end of the floor because of the fact that John Salmons might not re-sign with the Bucks in free agency. Maggette averaged 19.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last year, and he will make an excellent running mate to Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut next year. The Bucks will be back into the playoffs, and will advance past the first round this year as long as their big three can stay healthy and consistent throughout the post season.

On the other hand, this trade is the first of several that will likely take place this summer for Golden State. The Warriors are attempting to start from square one and build the team around Stephen Curry. With the sixth pick in the draft on Thursday, Golden State will probably take a center. Greg Monroe is the most likely candidate, but don't be surprised if they pick up DeMarcus Cousins if he manages to slip that far down.

Overall, this trade this great for Milwaukee. With all of the free agent talk going on, there is one overlying pattern: most of the teams that can sign max money free agents (New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Miami) are in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee had to make a move now in order to stay relevant in the conference, and Golden State is looking down the road for a shot 3-5 seasons from now by rebuilding through the draft.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Chris Paul On The Move?

2010-06-22T11:25:00.004-04:00

Chris Paul was involved in trade rumors about two weeks ago with the Cleveland Cavaliers being a possible destination. Paul and LeBron James are good friends, and many teams believe that if they land Paul, James will be soon to follow. Apparently, this was a pretty good idea because now five other teams have been in the hunt for Paul. But does Paul want to leave? Sources close to the Hornets point guard have stated that he would like to remain in New Orleans if at all possible. Paul is excited for the new management that is to take over the Hornets organization, and he is hopeful that they will spend money in order to compete in a highly competitive Western Conference. Although it is unlikely that Paul will be moved before the Draft, there are several cases that the quality of the trade offers could be enough to make New Orleans pull the trigger and accept a trade offer.

The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly offered shooting guard O.J. Mayo as part of a package deal in order to land Paul and bring him in to command the Grizzlies offense. Mike Conley would also probably be involved in this deal because the Grizzlies would no longer have a need for him at the point guard position. However, New Orleans has declined this offer, and Memphis is unlikely to make a counter offer with better players. If Memphis really wants to land Paul, their best option would be a sign and trade with Rudy Gay, Mayo, and Conley involved.

The Portland Trailblazers have also been interested in Paul for a number of years now. Although no offer has officially been made for the all star point guard, expect an offer to surface by Wednesday night if the Blazers are seriously considering Paul as an option for next year.

The Orlando Magic, much like the Trailblazers, have expressed interest in Paul but do not have a deal in place quite yet. After an embarrassing loss in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Magic are looking to upgrade their roster at almost every position. Jameer Nelson is not untouchable, and the Magic front office believe that in order to be successful, Orlando needs a point guard who can effectively distribute the ball as well as score. Nelson is more of a scorer, and he only averaged 5.6 assists last season. Paul is known as an assist man, and he would be an excellent running mate to Dwight Howard. Howard would flourish in an offense with a point guard like Paul because more often than not, the Magic do not look down low to the post as an offensive option. Howard is the best post player in the league, and he needs to be fed the pull at a constant pace. If Orlando were to land Paul, Nelson and either Rashard Lewis or Vince Carter would likely be involved.

The New York Knicks are also attempting to take Paul from the Hornets in order to land LeBron James. Although no offer is on the table yet, if the Knicks land Paul, LeBron and another top free agent would probably be soon to follow.

The last team expressing interest in Paul (so far) is the New Jersey Nets. They have made the best offer so far, too. The Nets have reportedly been willing to part with any player on their roster except for Brook Lopez. The offer included Devin Harris, another player to be named, and the third pick in this Thursday's draft. New Orleans declined the offer initially, but the Nets will likely make a counter offer in an attempt to bring in a free agent to run with Paul and Lopez this next season.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Free Agency Update: June 22

2010-06-21T22:52:00.012-04:00

I have been posting a weekly Tuesday article dealing with all of the latest news about NBA Free Agency. It will run until July 1. Check back frequently for all of the latest stories and scenarios!

Only ten more days until the greatest free agency class ever officially is able to talk to any team. Let's take a look at an updated list of the three main tiers of free agents and address any rumors that have been surfacing about the players.

Tier One

LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki

LeBron is being wooed by just about every team that can afford a max free agent. The New York Knicks have been the front runners in this category, and they have even encouraged many celebrities who live in or around the New York City area to attempt to entice LeBron to call Madison Square Garden home next year. With all of the excitement surrounding James, there certainly are high expectations for whatever team lands him. The only problem is that LeBron will not win a team a championship just by himself. He won't even get to the Conference Finals by himself. No one can in this league. Listen up New York: be prepared for a big disappointment if you cannot land another first or second tier free agent. Chicago, Miami, and New Jersey are the three teams that have the pieces in place for LBJ to take them deep into the playoffs next season.

Dwyane Wade has made it clear that he does not want to leave Miami. Instead, he will be recruiting players to come and join him on his campaign for his second ring. The best option is easily Chris Bosh who could run an effective offense when combined with Wade. Bosh is a formidable player in the post, and he can also shoot a midrange jumper at a decent percentage. Wade can shoot as well, but he is best known as a slasher to the hoop. This combination could be lethal. However, Bosh recently stated that he would like to be the main man on a team and not a sidekick. If this is the case, Miami is not the place for him. A better fit would be the Chicago Bulls because both Derek Rose and Joakim Noah would look up to Bosh as a leader.

Tier Two

Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, David Lee, Paul Pierce, Rudy Gay

Joe Johnson, much like Bosh, would also look to be the star on a team. I don't see this happening, though. Johnson is not vocal enough on the court to lead a team down the stretch. His play leads by example, but Johnson couldn't rile up a team if he had to. He will also have to be paired with either a first or second tier free agent to be effective.

Amare Stoudemire is out in Phoenix. There's no easy way to say it. The run-and-gun type of offense is dying, and Phoenix was the last drop in the IV tube to keep it alive. With Steve Kerr out as well for the Suns, Stoudemire will most likely not return because of the fact that he will not be offered max money by Phoenix. If he is, it would come as a surprise.

It's been five days now since the Celtics' collapse in Game Seven. Paul Pierce has still not hinted as to what his plans are for this offseason since he has an early termination option in his contract. Expect him to retire as a Celtic. He has seen two extremes from this organization and will ride them out until his retirement.

Tier Three

Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, Luis Scola, Brendan Haywood

Ray Allen, much like Pierce, wants to stay in Boston. The only question is does Boston want him to stay? The consensus currently is no. Allen will undoubtedly be heavily pursued by teams this offseason, especially those who do not sign a tier one or two free agent. If Pierce stays though, look for the Celtics to bring back Allen and attempt another run at a championship. The Celtics will choose to rebuild the bench instead of the starters.

Tracy McGrady's name popped up in free agent discussions for the first time this week. He is now being linked to the Los Angeles Lakers. McGrady would come off the bench and be a role player much like Lamar Odom. Ron Artest has reached out to McGrady and has stated that McGrady would be welcome on LA next year. This would be a great fit for the Lakers. Other than Kobe Bryant, the Lakers do not have a slashing offensive player who will take it to the hoop and drive the lane. Insert McGrady and teams will not only have to worry about Bryant, but McGrady will also be a threat to attack the rim when Bryant gets a breather. If the Lakers do end up signing TMac (a member of the Lakers front office told the public to expect the deal to be done by the end of July), they will repeat as champions.

Once the dust settles and players begin to sign with teams, a domino effect will take place. Almost everyone is looking as to where LeBron will sign. Then, some of the second tier players will join him, and some will join Wade. One or two might join Bosh if he is still set on "leading a team". The biggest thing to keep an eye out for is the overspending of teams who do not land a first tier free agent. No one in the second or third tiers is worth max money, but some team (ahem, New Jersey) will panic and begin throwing money at players who don't deserve it. Just sit back and observe. The only thing for certain is that the fireworks on July 4 will be nothing compared to the fireworks that will be going off around the NBA this offseason.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Minnesota's Mission

2010-06-20T22:21:00.005-04:00

Forget the Lakers, Celtics, Magic, and Cavaliers. Anyone who follows the NBA can tell you what the previous four teams have been up to for the past year. But what on Earth have the Minnesota Timberwolves been doing? I would be surprised if one person who is reading this article outside the state of Minnesota could accurately name the starting lineup for the Wolves last season.

The Timberwolves story of the future began last year in the 2009 NBA Draft. With the fifth pick in the draft the Wolves selected 6'4" Ricky Rubio, a point guard from Spain. They also had the sixth pick. Many were expecting the team to select a forward or center, but instead Minnesota picked the 6' 0" point guard Jonny Flynn from Syracuse. Two point guards with the fifth and sixth picks? What could Timberwolves president David Kahn be thinking? Is he mad? No, he's a genius.

Fast forward through the Wolves dismal season that consisted of only 15 wins. Now the draft is here again! Many expect Minnesota to take either small forward Wesley Johnson or DeMarcus Cousins. They need to take Johnson and forget about the front court. The Wolves already have two more than capable starters for those positions that will be discussed later. Johnson would bring a versatile type of ballplayer to Minnesota's roster. With his long body, he could stretch the floor from behind the arc to the post. This is the type of player that an organization builds a team around.

Now to address the issue of the Wolves' front court. Kevin Love and Al Jefferson are both 6'10". Love can shoot the three ball which would also extend the floor. Put him at the power forward position. Al Jefferson lives in the post. He's a very dangerous player when he has the ball in his hands, and he also effectively moves without the basketball. He's the center for the team. Minnesota's front office needs to realize the talent that their front court possesses. Let them play together. Both have improved defensively, and are no longer liabilities on that end of the court.

Fast forward to three seasons from now. What's the lineup?

Point Guard: Jonny Flynn
Shooting Guard: Ricky Rubio
Small Forward: Wesley Johnson
Power Forward: Kevin Love
Center: Al Jefferson

This is assuming that the Wolves actually improve this year, and they will. Ricky Rubio will play for Minnesota because the Wolves have built an organization that he can thrive in. Forget his tendencies as a point guard. He's more than capable of playing the shooting guard position, and will also handle the ball from time to time. This is a team that can compete. Who knows? Maybe another lottery pick in the next two years could have me mentioning the Timberwolves instead of the Lakers, Celtics, Cavaliers, or Magic once the team is complete.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

NBA Rumors

2010-06-19T23:12:00.007-04:00

The NBA Finals are over, and now we can fully devote all of our attention to the NBA Draft, upcoming free agency, and the many trades that could possibly take place sometime this summer. Here are a few of the latest rumors.

Gilbert Arenas has accepted the fact that he is no longer the main man in Washington now that the Wizards are guaranteed to pick John Wall with the first pick in Thursday's draft. However, he is not ready to give up completely on the franchise, especially after his dreadful past season that involved bringing a gun into the Wizards' locker room. Arenas has been training with a purpose this offseason. He is making it known that he has something left, and that he can still contribute to an NBA team. Look for him to be moved to shooting guard this year, which will make for a formidable back court once he and Wall are a duo. Arenas should have a fairly good year, and he is more than capable of averaging 17-20 points in a Wizard's offense that will likely run through him and Wall.

There has been speculation about both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics since the finale of the NBA Finals. The Lakers are looking to retain unrestricted free agents Derek Fisher and Shannon Brown as well as head coach Phil Jackson. I expect all three to return to Los Angeles next year. Boston is a different story, however. Doc Rivers will likely leave the organization in order to be closer to his family and spend more time with his children. Rasheed Wallace may retire. Paul Pierce has a player option to terminate his contract and pursue free agency, but he had previously stated that he wished to be a Celtic for life. Expect him to remain in Boston. Ray Allen is another question mark, and he could possibly be lured from the Celtics if a team is willing to give him a big enough contract.

The Minnesota Timberwolves could be one of the most interesting teams this offseason. Although they will probably not land any top tier free agents, there have been rumors that Rudy Gay is interested in joining the team. He is listed as a small forward but could possibly play the shooting guard position if needed. If the Wolves believe that they have a legitimate shot at landing Gay after the July 1 opening, they could look to address the shooting guard position in the draft. Otherwise, I expect them to take Wesley Johnson, the small forward from Syracuse. The Timberwolves are a confusing team, though. Think of this potential starting line-up: Jonny Flynn, Corey Brewer, Wesley Johnson/Rudy Gay, Kevin Love, Al Jefferson. Pretty good right? Apparently, the Wolves believe that Love and Jefferson cannot co-exist on the floor, though. I've addressed this issue in the past, but it has come up again. Some Minnesota executives have even hinted at the fact that either Love or Jefferson could be traded before the draft even though both are better than the alternative at center, Darko Milicic.

Lastly, the roster of the Dallas Mavericks could be undergoing major changes in the offseason. Erick Dampier could be on his way out, and Jason Kidd could come off the bench next year. Obviously all efforts are being made to keep Dirk Nowitzki, and Mark Cuban has even talked about trying to work out a sign and trade option for LeBron James. That could be another formidable lineup next year: Jason Kidd/Roddy Beaubois, Caron Butler, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Brendan Haywood. That team could easily contend with the reigning champion Lakers for the Western Conference crown. Concerning Dampier, I'd expect him to be moved, but that he will sign with another team.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Allen Iverson Plans Comeback

2010-06-18T23:09:00.006-04:00

Allen Iverson, the former 2000-2001 League MVP, is planning on making a return to the NBA this upcoming season.

Iverson won the Rookie of the Year Award for the 1996-1997 season after being originally drafted with the number one overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996. He was later traded to the Denver Nuggets in 2006 who then traded him to the Detroit Pistons in 2008. Following an unsuccessful stint in Detroit, Iverson signed with the Memphis Grizzlies last summer, but he got into arguments over playing time and was released. He then re-signed with the Philadelphia 76ers before leaving to attend to his ill daughter partway through this past season.

Allen Iverson's personal trainer has stated his enthusiasm about the upcoming season, and he believes that Iverson can still compete for a title and help a team achieve its championship goals. However, Iverson has had issues with playing time in the past. Arguments emerged in both Detroit and Memphis where Iverson came off the bench and primarily played the shooting guard position. He could still be an effective force for the right team by offering a veteran presence but could have to accept a smaller role on whatever team he plays for next year.

So what teams could be interested in pursuing Allen Iverson in the summer? I believe that he could be a good fit for three teams.

The New York Knicks could use Iverson purely to attract big name free agents. Iverson obviously still has something left in the tank, and if he has an opportunity to play in an offense where he isn't the main option on offense or expected to be the leader on a team, he could thrive.

The Sacramento Kings could also be a good fit for Iverson this upcoming year. The Kings already have an established young point guard in Tyreke Evans, and Iverson could possibly offer some veteran insight to the team. However, this would not be an instant contender which Iverson is probably looking for. So what team could be championship caliber that Iverson could play a key role for next year?

The New Jersey Nets will either pick up Evan Turner or Derrick Favors in next week's draft. This means the roster for next year could potentially look like this: Devin Harris, Evan Turner/Allen Iverson, LeBron James, Derrick Favors/Yi Jianlian, Brook Lopez. LeBron isn't the only option through free agency either. Evan Turner, at 6'6" could potentially play the small forward position moving Iverson into the starting lineup at shooting guard. Not a bad starting lineup if you ask me. The Nets are instantly playoff contenders depending on the play and attitude of Iverson.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Lakers Repeat as Champions, Bryant Named MVP

2010-06-17T23:04:00.009-04:00

In yet another chapter of the most historic rivalry in the NBA between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, defense and physical play dominated throughout. The Lakers ended up squeaking out the win beating the Celtics 83-79 after trailing for much of the second quarter and all of the third quarter.

However, the length of the Lakers eventually took a toll on the Celtics' post players. Pau Gasol had another huge game for Los Angeles having 19 points and 18 rebounds. On a night when Finals MVP Kobe Bryant (23 points, 15 rebounds) struggled for most of the game by shooting 6-24, Ron Artest helped Gasol by scoring 20 points, hauling in 5 rebounds, and swiping 5 steals. Artest and Gasol were easily the most effective players for the Lakers tonight. Even though the Lakers bench only scored 9 points (seven by Lamar Odom), defense was the game changer, especially down the stretch. Derek Fisher added 10 points for the 2010 Champion Los Angeles Lakers. Phil Jackson won his 11th championship, and received a $2 million dollar bonus because of the victory. This win was Bryant's and Fisher's fifth championship each.

Boston came out hot early, but couldn't contend with the Lakers rebounding and length on the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Rasheed Wallace had an exceptional game filling in for the injured Kendrick Perkins. Wallace had 11 points and 8 rebounds, but ended up fouling out in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Glen Davis also had the task of helping on defense down in the post. He grabbed 9 rebounds and had 6 points. No other Celtics bench player scored in Game Seven. However, the rest of the Celtics' starters all scored in double figures which helped the Celtics to have a chance to win the game at LA down to the final minute. Paul Pierce had 18 points, Kevin Garnett had 17, Rajon Rondo had 14, and Ray Allen had 13.

Amidst coaching rumors concerning next season, Phil Jackson stated in a postgame interview with ESPN's Stuart Scott that he would most likely decide on his future within the next week.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Sixers Trade Dalembert to Kings

2010-06-17T16:36:00.004-04:00

Samuel Dalembert has been traded to the Sacramento Kings for Andres Nocioni and Spencer Hawes who will join the Philadelphia 76ers. This trade further confirms my belief that the Sixers will take Derrick Favors with the second pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Philadelphia will be in need of a post presence with Dalembert gone because Elton Brand is struggling in a Sixers uniform. Look for Philadelphia to take the talented power forward with the number two pick.

However, this does change the draft scene for Sacramento. With Dalembert now a King, there is no longer a need for DeMarcus Cousins like I previously reported. In fact, a bigger need for the Kings now is at the small forward position. If the Timberwolves pass on Wesley Johnson, Sacramento will take him. However, since Minnesota is likely to add Johnson to their lineup for next year, look for the Kings to select Al-Faroq Aminu with the fifth pick in the draft. Aminu gives the Kings a viable option at the small forward position, and he is a scorer. Sacramento is in desperate need of offense to improve from last year, and Al-Faroq Aminu could be the answer.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Mock Draft: Picks 1-5

2010-06-17T10:36:00.004-04:00

The NBA Draft is a week away, and there is a lot of speculation about who will be going where. I will break down the first five picks of the draft, and in turn I will explain why each player is the best fit for that team.

1. John Wall, Washington Wizards

Wall is easily the most talented player in this year's draft. The Wizards are sure to draft him with the first overall pick, but questions have risen about whether or not he can play alongside Gilbert Arenas. Both players need the ball in their hands in order to perform on the court. However, I could see the Wizards either trading Arenas after his handgun incident last year, or possibly moving him to shooting guard. Let's face it, Arenas is on his way out in Washington. I wouldn't sacrifice a sure-fire superstar like John Wall in order to keep Gilbert Arenas happy. Wall will be a key piece in the rebuilding project for Washington.

2. Derrick Favors, Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia has a very difficult decision to make with the second pick in this year's draft. However, Favors will be a better fit for the Sixers than the alternative, Evan Turner, would be. Elton Brand was a failed experiment in Philadelphia, and Favors gives the Sixers an excellent alternative to the aging Brand. He will be an excellent addition to the Sixers, who are also in somewhat of a rebuilding process. Favors brings a strong, athletic frame to the post which the Sixers are in desperate need of for next year. With Favors on the team, he should also command some attention away from Andre Iguodola and Jrue Holiday so that they can make plays as well. Unlike Turner, Favors doesn't need an offense to run through him which will also be a positive aspect for Iguodola, the obvious leader of the Sixers.

3. Evan Turner, New Jersey Nets

The New Jersey Nets were originally crushed after not only losing the top pick in the draft, but also falling to the third pick. They will be extremely lucky if Turner can fall into their lap here. Evan Turner will bring instant offense to a Nets team who notoriously struggled throughout the season last year. He will most likely play shooting guard, which will force Courtney Lee to come off of the bench. Turner, along with Devin Harris and Brook Lopez, will make for a pretty decent three player attack for New Jersey next season. The other added bonus of Turner being drafted by the Nets is the attraction of a previously dismal team to one of potential. If Turner is drafted by the Nets, he could attract some max-free agents to join him.

4. Wesley Johnson, Minnesota Timberwolves

The fourth pick is another spot with a lot of speculation swirling around it. However, I think that Wesley Johnson is the best fit for the Wolves. DeMarcus Cousins is the other option, but he hasn't worked out for Minnesota yet. He also would not fit in with the Wolves because of the fact that Al Jefferson and Kevin Love are already an established front court duo. The best part about Johnson is the fact that he WANTS to play in Minnesota! Johnson played for Syracuse where close friend Jonny Flynn also played. Johnson will bring a scorer to the small forward position, and should help Minnesota improve on their fifteen win season last year.

5. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings

Not much to say here. Cousins is easily the most talented center in this year's draft. He will bring an inside presence that is greatly needed to Sacramento. The Kings could also put together a pretty good core of young, talented players by drafting Cousins. Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, and Cousins could become the three main players for Sacramento's future. Just think of the possibilities if the Kings still had Kevin Martin! That would certainly be a formidable team. The Kings are also experiencing some buzz around the league with free agents, and Cousins would do nothing but help bring a big name to Sacramento.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

NBA Finals Game Seven Preview

2010-06-16T22:34:00.004-04:00

Game Seven of the NBA Finals. What could be better? The NBA Finals almost never last the full seven game series. In fact, the last time that seven games were needed to decide a series was in 2005 in which the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Detroit Pistons. These kinds of matchups are as rare as a Dwight Howard three point field goal. This time though, there's history involved. There are no deeply rooted rivalries between the Spurs and Pistons. This matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics will be yet another chapter in the NBA's most historic rivalry. The three keys to victory for each team are listed below, as well as the one thing that is sure to cause each team to lose.

Los Angeles Lakers Keys to Victory

1. Don't allow the Celtics to run their offense in transition. Stop the fast break.

Rajon Rondo is the catalyst for the Boston Celtics. If he is having a good game, the Celtics will have a good game. In order for the Lakers to effectively shut down the Celtics, they must first shut down Rondo. Kobe Bryant has done an excellent job at defending Rondo this series for the most part, but in Game Seven he must be completely focused on the defensive end and not allow Rondo to get into any type of rhythm. The Celtics love to run in the fast break offense, especially when the bench is in. Rondo, Nate Robinson, Glen Davis, and Tony Allen are all effective in the fast break. Yes, Glen Davis. Any sort of hustle player like Davis is at home in the fast break because he will look for missed layups to rebound and then put back for the score.

2. Establish a post presence early and go to the post often.

With Kendrick Perkins unable to play in Game Seven, Rasheed Wallace or Glen Davis will likely start in his place. With the height advantage that the Lakers have with Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom, they should pound the ball inside as much as they can within the first quarter. Get the Celtics in foul trouble. Force Shelden Williams to play extended minutes and reap the benefits. Gasol has to play with a purpose in Game Seven. Although he had an excellent game in Game Six (one assist away from a triple double), he has been known to play soft in the post or just not show up in big games. He is the best post player on the floor. This is the time to prove it. The Lakers are catching a huge break with the unavailability of Kendrick Perkins. They should use this to their advantage.

3. The bench play needs to be at an all time high.

This is last game of the season. There's nothing left to lose. The bench needs to come out with fury, and put together another offensive on-slaught as they did in Game Six. Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar, and Shannon Brown will be called on to defend Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, and Nate Robinson at sometime in the game. Focus on defense. These players cannot get into a rhythm while the starters rest for Los Angeles. On the offensive end of the floor, hustle will be a key. Farmar has done a phenomenal job of sacrificing his body throughout the playoffs. Lastly, Lamar Odom cannot disappear. Although his stat line was not the greatest last game, his presence was felt by the Celtics. He must keep up his defense, and look to be aggressive on the offensive end and score.

The Lakers will lose if they do not focus on defense and therefore allow Boston to hang around. The Lakers have home court advantage in Game Seven of the NBA Finals, and they need to use this to their advantage. Come out with ferocity, and step on the Celtics while their down. Don't allow them to ever think that they can compete in Staples Center. Game Six was an excellent example of this mentality. They never gave up and kept shoving the ball down the Celtics' throats all night. With Perkins out, this should come even easier to the Lakers. Just don't take Rasheed Wallace or Glen Davis for granted in the starting lineup. Both players are more than capable of being sparks for huge offensive runs.

Boston Celtics Keys to Victory

1. Don't allow another player to become involved other than Kobe Bryant.

This is probably the most important thing for Boston. You know Kobe is going to have more than twenty points, and probably more than thirty but live with it. Don't allow another player like Gasol, Odom, or Ron Artest to get involved early. Artest was hitting shots early and developed confidence throughout Game Six. Gasol had a great game. Allow Kobe to take his shots. Don't become discouraged when he knocks them down because he will. Focus on alienating Bryant, and don't let any other Lakers get in a rhythm at the offensive end. If so, it could be a long night in LA for Boston.

2. Paul Pierce must step up big.

With Perkins being out, toughness and rebounding is lost for the Celtics. However, if Paul Pierce, the obvious ringleader of the Celtics, can get hot Perkins won't be missed. Look at Game Five. Bryant went off in the third quarter, but Pierce was able to match him shot for shot. Pierce is a future hall of fame member, and he knows it. He could go down as one of the greatest Celtics of all time if he could slay the LA Lakers in the Finals not once, but twice on their home court. He would be instantly a name that was Celtics legend. Make sure that Pierce gets good looks early so that he can develop a comfort level that will grow throughout the game.

3. Help inside on defense.

Once again, I will bring up the fact that the loss of Kendrick Perkins is a huge loss for the Celtics as a team. I can't stress enough the importance of Perkins to the interior defense. He alters shots, and doesn't shy away from contact. However, with Gasol and Bynum having height advantages on Garnett, Davis, and Wallace, other players like Ray Allen and Pierce must look to help out in the post area. Gasol can be easily frustrated, and this should be a main goal of the Celtics early on.

The Celtics will lose if the bench doesn't arrive to play at a high level. Through Game Five, Robinson, Davis, and Tony Allen had all played a pretty good series. Then Game Six happened. No field goals until the third quarter happened. When playing at another team's home court in front of screaming fans, the bench has to step up big. Especially in Game Seven of the NBA Finals. The bench players cannot fail to show up again like they did in Game Six. A plus for the Celtics is the activation of Brian Scalabrine, who will help to stretch the floor on the offensive end.

My Prediction

The Los Angeles Lakers will win Game Seven and be crowned the 2009-2010 NBA Champions. I'm sticking to my original prediction, but will offer a little more insight as to why I'm picking the Lakers. Most importantly, Perkins is out for the Celtics. Secondly, the best closer in the game, Kobe Bryant, will not allow a Game Seven loss to their most hated rival. Even though he downplays the rivalry, you know it's in his head. Look for the Lakers to win by more than ten in a pivotal Game Seven.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Lakers Defeat Celtics, Force Game Seven

2010-06-15T23:05:00.003-04:00

The Los Angeles Lakers evened the series on their home court Tuesday night, beating Boston 89-67. The NBA Finals is now at a 3-3 tie.

Kobe Bryant had another huge game for the Lakers with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 steals. Lamar Odom (8 points, 10 rebounds) and Pau Gasol (17 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists) also came up big for the defending champion Lakers. Ron Artest (15 points, 6 rebounds) also put together a good game after looking lost for much of Game Five. The major difference this game was the play of the Lakers bench (25 points). The Celtics bench, which has been terrific throughout the series behind the play of Glen Davis and Nate Robinson, did not score until the fourth quarter when Robinson converted a reverse layup.

The pivotal moment in the game occurred when Celtics center Kendrick Perkins went down with a right knee sprain just under seven minutes into the game. He did not return, and will be re-evaluated for Game Seven on Thursday. His status at this point is uncertain. However, this injury will force Rasheed Wallace, Glen Davis, and Shelden Williams to play big minutes to help defend the Lakers big men. Because of the fact that Los Angeles already has a large height advantage, the unavailability of Perkins would be a huge hit to Boston's defense.

Looking ahead to Game Seven, my original prediction of the Lakers in seven still remains a possiblity. It also the most likely, especially if Perkins is unable to play. However, he will probably play through the pain as it will be Game Seven of the NBA Finals. The difference? The Lakers have the best closer in the game in Kobe. After the debacle in the 2008 Finals, I don't see it happening again. The Lakers will not allow Boston to win in a Game Seven on their homecourt. The Lakers will be your 2010 NBA Champions.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Izzo Will Not Coach in Cleveland

2010-06-15T22:51:00.003-04:00

Contradictory to a previous report published by many Cleveland area websites, Tom Izzo will not become the head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers next year. Izzo has declined a five year, $30 million dollar contract which would have doubled his annual salary from what he currently earns at Michigan State.

Now that the Cavaliers have missed out on the opportunity to sign former Dallas Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson, Byron Scott will likely become the primary target for the Cavs. Scott was the coach of the year with the New Orleans Hornets. If the Cavs sign Scott, this could possibly persuade Chris Paul to join the Cavaliers via trade with New Orleans.

This decision by Izzo to return to MSU offers some valuable insight about the LeBron James sweepstakes this summer. If Izzo had known that James would return to Cleveland, my guess is that he would have taken the job. However, since LeBron has offered no hints as to where he will call home next year, the decision became more of a risk for Izzo. If the Cavaliers could land Scott though, Paul and James could be a formidable combination next year.

Chris Paul is known as a passing point guard and often is in the top three in the league with assists. However, he also is a legitimate scoring option which LeBron is in desperate need of in Cleveland. The trade would likely involve Mo Williams, Antawan Jamison, and/or Jamario Moon.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

NBA Draft Preview and Rumors

2010-06-15T16:31:00.007-04:00

The NBA Draft is less than 10 days away, and there are multiple rumors involving this year's lottery picks and also the teams who could pick them. Here are the latest updates:

The Indiana Pacers are looking for a point guard. Although they passed up on four quality point guards last year when they chose Tyler Hansbrough, the team could be potentially looking to trade the tenth pick in the draft this year to either the Denver Nuggets for Ty Lawson or the New Orleans Hornets for Darren Collison. Both the Nuggets and Hornets are very fond of their young point guards, but the tenth pick could be enough to persuade the teams to part with their respective players. The Hornets are especially fond of Collison, and rumors have been circulating about whether or not Chris Paul is available for a trade because of Collison's success last season. If the Pacers keep the tenth pick, Eric Bledsoe from Kentucky will likely be the best point guard still available.

Georgia Tech power forward Derrick Favors is gaining momentum, and he is now projected as the second overall pick which belongs to the Philadelphia 76ers. This could be the Sixers organization's way of admitting the failure of Elton Brand while in Philadelphia. Favors will bring explosiveness to a young Philadelphia lineup. This also means that Ohio State point guard Evan Turner will likely fall to the New Jersey Nets with the third pick. He will likely be moved to shooting guard and will be a huge draw for free agents.

Lastly, DeMarcus Cousins' draft position has been fluctuating as of late. He has been projected anywhere from the fourth pick to the seventh. If he did fall to the seventh, he could be a huge boost to the Detroit Pistons who are in need of a center to replace an aging Ben Wallace.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Free Agency Update: June 15

2010-06-15T00:06:00.004-04:00

I will be posting a weekly Tuesday article dealing with all the latest news about NBA Free Agency from now until July 1. Check back frequently for all of the latest stories and scenarios!

Not much has changed this week in terms of free agency. However, some new developments have surfaced about on-going stories.

First of all, did you know that LeBron James is a wanted man next year? However, he does not know where he will call home just yet. He did endorse the hiring of Tom Izzo by the Cleveland Cavaliers, retracting a previous statement that he would prefer to play for a coach with NBA experience. Izzo is still "undecided" about the head coaching vacancy in Cleveland, but he will likely make up his mind this week. A previous story has him already telling Michigan State players that he will leave the team for Cleveland next year.

Dwyane Wade is attempting to recruit the "best player in free agency" to join him on the Miami Heat next year. Wade has expressed his desire to re-sign with the Heat, and we all know that the Heat will gladly oblige to his request. There's one free agent that has made up his mind. However, he realizes that he cannot take Miami to the Finals alone. He has had dinner with Chris Bosh and talked with Joe Johnson at a Jordan Brand event about a possible future with the Heat. Sources have not indicated whether or not he has spoken with Amare Stoudemire or Carlos Boozer. When asked about the possibility that LeBron James will join him next year Wade simply said, "He's an interesting guy. He's going to do what he wants. He doesn't even know where he's going yet." I'm still betting on the fact that Bosh will play the power forward position for Miami next year.

Amare Stoudemire has stated that he will explore other options if the Phoenix Suns do not offer to re-sign him for a maximum contract. While Stoudemire says that he is excited about the direction that the Phoenix organization has been moving in the past few years, he is also aware that he is a superstar who deserves big money. If the Suns are unwilling to sign him for a maximum contract, I still think that he would be a great fit for the New York Knicks with former head coach Mike D'Antoni. My guess is that Phoenix will re-sign him though.

Lastly, Ray Allen is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has also expressed his desire to remain a Celtic and probably retire in Boston as well. Allen is aware that he will take a pay cut from the almost $19 million that he earned this past year. However, if a team does not land any big ticket free agents, that team (most likely New Jersey) could attempt to lure Allen with one final big payday and offer him more money to sign with their club. Where will Ray Allen be playing next year? I still believe that he will remain with Boston as will Paul Pierce who has an early termination option. If the Celtics win the NBA Finals this year, the Big Four will remain intact. If not, I still think that they will give the Finals one last shot next year.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Lakers Celtics Game Six Preview

2010-06-14T23:38:00.005-04:00

Heading back to Los Angeles down 3-2, Kobe Bryant put it best. "It's simple. We have to win Game Six on Tuesday, and then we have to come back to work on Thursday and win Game Seven." That pretty much sums up what the LA Lakers will need to do in order to complete their run and win consecutive NBA Championships. Phil Jackson, head coach of the Lakers, didn't seem worried when the scenario of two must win games was brought up to him in a recent press conference stating, "Isn't that how a 2-3-2 series is set up? That the team with home court advantage has to win the last two games?".

That's easier said than done for the Lakers right now, though. Previously untouchable at home, the Celtics won Game Two at Staples Center to originally tie the series 1-1. These next two games are not expected wins for the Lakers by any stretch of the imagination. Boston is playing at such a high level, and the Celtics are confident that they could win either Game Six or Seven in Los Angeles to win the NBA Championship. So, what will happen in Game Six, and what adjustments will be made by each team?

For Los Angeles, the game plan is simple. Play defense. Stay between your man and the basket. The Lakers could not get stops in Game Five, which severely hurt them down the stretch. Too many easy layups were given to the Celtics. Also, someone other than Kobe Bryant has to step up and carry some of the weight. NBA analysts are contemplating the idea that even if Boston wins the series, Kobe could still win the MVP. That has to tell the rest of the Lakers something. Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom need to have nights where they are legitimate threats on the offensive end while shutting down (or at least containing) the Celtic's big men on the other end of the court. Bynum is hurt, and he is experiencing excruciating pain at this point in the season. However, he will have to try to play through his knee injury and become a factor on both ends of the floor for the Lakers to experience success. Also, Kobe must guard the Celtic player who is having the best game as long as he does not give up too much size (any player at the small forward position or smaller). Lastly, if I was Phil Jackson, I would seriously consider trying to bait Celtics centers Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace into technical fouls. Go for a double technical, and eliminate at least one of them for Game Seven (preferably Perkins).

Boston has a different game plan. Don't play big like the Lakers will attempt to do. Play small. Glen Davis has had a spectacular series as has Nate Robinson. Both are smaller players for their respective positions, but they have come up huge for the Celtics in critical stretches. At least two of the Big Four must have great games. Get either Rondo, Pierce, Allen, or Garnett involved early and often and watch the offensive explosion take place. Don't force up shots, but at the same time expect improved defense from the Lakers. Their main concern on the defensive end of the floor is obviously Kobe Bryant. If they can successfully contain him, it will force another Lakers player to step up and shoulder the load. The Celtics need to approach Game Six as a must win game because I don't think that the Lakers will lose a Game Seven against their most hated rivals at home. Finally, Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace must play smart and avoid any technicals so they can be available for Game Seven if needed.

My prediction is that the Lakers will win this game, but it will be close. If Los Angeles wins this game, they will win the series in my opinion. I'm sticking to my original NBA Finals prediction and saying Lakers in seven games.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

LeBron, DWade, Turkoglu, and CP3 on the Move?

2010-06-10T10:41:00.008-04:00

Below are three rumors that have been recently reported. I'll assign them each a number value from 1 to 10, with 10 being the most likely to happen.

LeBron could be going to New York next year to play basketball. No it's not for the New York Knicks. The Harlem Globetrotters is the newest team that is involved in free agency rumors. In a report released earlier today, the circus like basketball team (also the winningest team in basketball history) is attempting to court both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. How could they expect to compete with the salaries that will be upwards of $120 million that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat can offer James and Wade respectively? The Globetrotters are willing to make James and Wade part owners of the organization. While this is certainly an attractive option to the athlete who wants to become a billionaire (James), NBA fans shouldn't worry too much about this option. Both players will be in the NBA next year.

Chance LeBron plays for the Globetrotters? 1

Chance Wade plays for the Globetrotters? 0

Hedo Turkoglu was an integral part of the Orlando Magic's run to the NBA Finals two years ago. This year in Toronto was a very different story, however. Turkoglu struggled for most of the year and never really got into any sort of rhythm on either end of the floor. His averages were down this year to a dismal 11.3 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and 4.1 assists per game. His woes could be over if he is traded to a rebuilding Sacramento Kings team though. With Tyreke Evans, a lottery pick this year, Omri Casspi, and Turkoglu playing for an organization that he wants, the Kings could make progress this year. We'll have to see where this move would go, but most likely it would be Turkoglu for expiring contracts so that the Raptors can attempt to lure some free agents.

Chance Turkoglu is traded to the Kings? 7

The last rumor that is still in somewhat of a developmental stage involves New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul. It's no secret that Paul was not happy with the Hornets performance this past season, and with the possibility that Peja Stojakovic will play in Greece next year, Paul would lose some of the supporting cast that he's become accustomed to. The emergence of Darren Collison isn't exactly a plus for Paul since both players are pure point guards. Chris Paul has been reportedly linked to the Cavaliers for next year. A trade that will likely involve Mo Williams and possibly Jamario Moon or Antawan Jamison could send Paul to handle the ball for the Cavaliers next year. Much like my analysis of the Tom Izzo decision, I see this trade (if it happens) as a positive for Cleveland fans that are praying that LeBron stays in Cleveland. This trade would certainly be a step in the right direction.

Chance Paul is traded to the Cavs? 5

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

NBA Finals Game Four Preview

2010-06-09T22:37:00.004-04:00

The biggest rivalry in the NBA has once again reached its culmination in the NBA Finals, and there's no turning back or attempting to play down the series. Los Angles fans hate Boston. Boston fans hate Los Angeles. End of story.There's no way to sugar-coat it.

The next two wins in Boston are must wins if they have any hope of winning this series. I refuse to believe that if Boston heads back to Los Angeles trailing 3-2 that they will be able to win it all. Not a chance. The New Jersey Nets have a better shot at winning all 82 games next year. Phil Jackson would never be that out-coached and Kobe Bryant would never be that out-played on their home court. Therefore, I see the Celtics coming out of the tunnel tomorrow night with fire in their eyes. They all will have one goal: to even the series. They can't afford to fall 3-1. Otherwise, Paul Pierce might be correct in his prediction that the series won't even head back to LA.

Doc Rivers attempted to fix some officiating blunders that he felt were committed in Game Three by sending a video tape to the league office. He expressed his feelings about how Derek Fisher grabbed, jabbed, and held Ray Allen throughout the game, which could have affected his shooting. I think that overall this was a smart move by Rivers. People always ask me why do players and coaches argue a foul call or turnover after it has already been committed? The answer is so that the next call goes in your favor. Sending a video tape into the league office could be just what the Celtics need in order to put a stop to some of the more physical defense the Lakers have been executing thus far.

A bright spot for the Lakers is that Andrew Bynum will be able to play in Game Four tomorrow night. The Lakers have used their size and length to their advantage thus far, and I don't see that changing. Pau Gasol took advantage of the smaller Glen Davis, and Bynum has had his way with both Kendrick Perkins and Rasheed Wallace. Lamar Odom is a difficult defensive matchup for Glen Davis as well. Therefore, I expect the Lakers to work the ball inside often in Game Four and possibly create some early foul trouble for the Celtics' big men.

My prediction for the game is that the Celtics will win by seven points. This game will be very physical because Boston will be defending their home court, and the Lakers will be attempting to go into the weekend up 3-1. However, I think that Rivers will be able to motivate his players enough to come back from their dismal performance on Tuesday. Ray Allen will not go without a field goal again - look for Rajon Rondo to distribute the ball to both him and Paul Pierce early so that the two can establish a rhythm for the rest of the game.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Tom Izzo to Cavaliers, Avery Johnson to Nets

2010-06-09T17:01:00.005-04:00

In a decision that will be likely be announced Friday, Tom Izzo will be the next head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Izzo met with the Michigan State basketball team before the deal was confirmed by Waiting for Next Year. The contract will likely be for 5 years and somewhere around the amount of $30 million, but what does this mean for LeBron?

Like I said before, LeBron will probably not be impacted greatly by this signing. However, something interesting to think about is the fact that Tom Izzo did agree to this deal when he already ran a successful program at Michigan State. Would he leave that for a Cavaliers team that will be without LeBron next year? My gut is telling me no, and that Izzo knows something that the rest of us don't about the LeBron James free agency market. Perhaps the two have talked and LeBron has expressed his wishes to stay in Cleveland, or maybe Izzo knows for certain another big ticket player will be in a Cavaliers uniform. Either way, he wouldn't have left the success he had at MSU for a mediocre Cavaliers team next year. Big moves will be happening in Cleveland.

Avery Johnson, the former coach of the Dallas Mavericks, also verbally agreed to a contract to become the head coach of the New Jersey Nets. This move will reunite him with Devin Harris, who he coached in Dallas. Johnson is probably the best coach on the market, and may have the power to persuade star free agents to join his campaign in New Jersey. With Brooke Lopez and Harris, the Nets are a better team than their record showed last year. A possible free agent signing? Dirk Nowitzki. He also played for Johnson in Dallas, and the two had a great relationship. With Dirk's frustrations with the Mavericks, I wouldn't be surprised if this move takes place.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Lakers Regain Home Court Advantage with Game Three Victory

2010-06-08T23:25:00.005-04:00

Bad news for Paul Pierce, the series will be heading back to Los Angeles after the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 91-84. Maybe Paul Pierce will learn his lesson this time, although I doubt it. Don't awake a sleeping monster. Pierce continued to be a non factor in the series with 15 points. Ray Allen did not have a field goal in the game going 0-13 from the floor. Kevin Garnett had his best game of the series finishing with 25 points and 6 rebounds.

The Lakers regained home court advantage despite excellent defense on Kobe Bryant by Tony Allen. Even though Bryant went 10-29 from the floor, he still managed to find ways to score finishing with 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Despite the seven point victory, Derek Fisher was the only Laker who played at a consistently high level for the night. He made shots when they counted, capitalizing on the pick and roll with Bryant because of the fact that the Celtics did not want to switch the screen and have Rondo guard Bryant. Fisher finished with 16 points while shooting fifty percent from the field.

The Lakers survived many Boston runs, one late in the game that was made by the hustle and tenacity of Glen Davis. Davis finished with 12 points and 3 rebounds. Perkins did not pick up his seventh technical, so he will be able to play in the next game. The Lakers' size advantage was once again a factor especially on the defensive end of the court. The Lakers finsihed with seven blocks.

After this game, I still predict Los Angeles to win another game while in Boston. This will result with a 3-2 series lead heading back to home court. If this happens, I then believe that the Los Angeles Lakers will win in six games instead of my original prediction of seven. However, if Boston takes the two remaining games on their homecourt, the series will go to seven games.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Paul Pierce is Talking....Again

2010-06-08T12:26:00.004-04:00

"Bring Out the Brooms!"

We all remember this statement made on Pierce's twitter page by a supposed "hacker" after Boston went up 3-0 against the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals. I'm fine with confidence. In fact, when I play basketball, I'm a huge trash talker. After Pierce declared the sweep, Orlando won two straight. He awoke a sleeping giant in Dwight Howard who exploded and had ridiculous performances in the next two games. Fast forward to this morning.

"We aint coming back to LA!"

Hmmm. Paul Pierce. When you were younger did you ever touch the stove while it was on? Because my guess is that you touched it again when it was on a week later just to see if anything changed. You're not a quick learner. I mean come on this just happened. You thought Dwight Howard was dangerous? Try Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom. Notice who's at the front of the list. Kobe Bryant...heard of him? You just walked past the stove and went to swim in the furnace didn't you? Little hot in there? Yeah I thought so.

At least you've had a big impact on the Finals so far! Oh wait. Ron Artest has shut you down. You've been quieter than the city of Cleveland when Jordan sunk the shot over Ehlo. I would remain just that...quiet. You see, you're little Jack climbing the beanstalk to get to the championship trophy at the top. Only problem is you were running your mouth on the way up. Whoops. Guess you better climb quickly to escape the LA giant that is now racing after you. Bad news for the Celtics...Rondo's the only one quick enough to out run him. I'm calling a doctor now so that there will be a wheelchair on hand just in case you need it.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.

Free Agency Update: June 8

2010-06-08T00:16:00.005-04:00

I will be posting a weekly Tuesday article dealing with all the latest news about NBA Free Agency from now until July 1. Check back frequently for all of the latest stories and scenarios!

Chris Bosh stole headlines this past week from both LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. He attended another Los Angeles Lakers game, and his name was also brought up in reports linked to Pat Riley. Bosh had reportedly given the Toronto Raptors a "wish list" of teams that he would like to play for next year, likely as a product of a sign and trade on the part of the Raptors. A surprise to some was the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that seemingly has all the right pieces with three straight NBA Finals appearances. Most of the rumors involve a scenario in which Bosh goes to the Lakers for Andrew Bynum and either Jordan Farmar or Sasha Vujacic. The only problem that I have with this trade is the fact that neither Bosh or Pau Gasol are centers, and both would be overpowered by bigger post players in the league. Chris Bosh was also praised by former Miami Heat head coach Pat Riley, and he was quoted as saying that Riley would prefer Bosh over either Stoudemire or Boozer to play with Wade next year if Riley returns to the head coaching position. Riley also vowed to talk to Wade, Bosh, and LeBron James about taking pay cuts in order to play together for the next couple of years and for the possibility of winning multiple championships.

Another player that will be in the center of free agency talks all summer is obviously LeBron. Even though he said that the Cavaliers have an edge in signing him, does that make a difference? In fact, most experts don't believe that James spoke the truth. From a financial standpoint the Cavaliers could offer him an estimated $30 million more than any other team, but the recent hiring of Tom Thibodeau as the head coach of the Chicago Bulls next season could have just given Chicago an "edge". Thibodeau and James share the same agent in Leon Rose, and James has always admired defense in which Thibodeau is considered an expert. I think that Chicago has the edge after this signing, and that if they could possibly add another free agent (my gut is still Carlos Boozer) in a sign and trade deal the Bulls could experience much success for the next three or five seasons. Today a source close to James said that the Thibodeau signing did not affect LeBron's decision in any way. But would James' camp admit that it gave an "edge" to a team other than Cleveland? LeBron is looking forward to this nationwide tour starting around July 1, and he isn't going to keep anyone out of the running or declare a favorite just yet.

Another interesting story involving free agent Amare Stoudemire surfaced this week. He would be open to reunite with coach Mike D'Antoni in New York (possibly with Joe Johnson). I think that New York would be an excellent fit for Stoudemire because of the fact that he excelled in the run and gun fast break offense that D'Antoni executed to perfection in Phoenix. I still expect Stoudemire to play in a Knicks uniform next year.

Rudy Gay is a wanted man, and because of the lack of success he's experienced in Memphis he will probably be open to a change of scenery. Minnesota might be a perfect fit for Gay. However, he is restricted which would cost Minnesota some money, but he would be worth it. Look for Minnesota to trade either Kevin Love or Al Jefferson this summer as well because coaches and management believe that they can not successfully play together especially on the defensive end of the floor. Gay would also improve a Timberwolves team that only won 15 games last year, and help make Ricky Rubio's decision easier to debut his skills in the NBA two seasons from now.

Last but not least are two players that have been gaining momentum in the past week as "key players" who could be added along with a max free agent. Good news for Heat and Knicks fans! Raymond Felton and J.J. Redick have been linked to reports involving both Miami and New York. Both teams are in need of a shooter (Redick) and a true point guard (Felton). Felton would be especially good in Miami because he would allow Mario Chalmers to keep his role as a combination point/shooting guard off of the bench.

The Courtside Report Homepage

Email me at ch24bu@gmail.com to request a free subscription to The Courtside Report. As soon as a story is posted, it will be emailed to you.