Shaq's legacy will be decided by season with Cleveland. posted by Robert Karpeles

When Shaquille O’Neal received his first and only Most Valuable Player Award in the 2000 NBA season, he quoted the great Aristotle; “Greatness is not a singular act but a habit, you are what you repeatedly do,” O’Neal had quoted.

Now-a-days it is tough to judge O’Neal’s consistency. While he has helped lead three separate teams to the NBA finals, he took the Phoenix Suns the last two seasons to the bottom cellar, locked the door and threw away the key. Regardless of his numbers with the Suns ( 17.8PPG and 8.4 RPG) this last year, his incapability to run up and down the floor coupled with the Suns inability to play a half court offense ultimately caused the Suns their present demise.  

To say whether or not O’Neal will go down as the greatest center of all time will hinge on his future season, with his new, new, new, new team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. When judging the term the “greatest” we like to think of centers such as Wilt, Kareem and Hakeem, guys that have stayed with their current teams for most or all of their careers, and were always great enough to keep them competitive.

Possibly, though, O’Neal could be doing something even more impressive; Taking an astounding four teams from either obscurity or mediocrity to the promise land.  

 Alarmingly, however, for O’Neal, this season may in fact hinge on a big chunk of his legacy. If he can take the Cav’s to the finals and even win the whole enchilada, he may go down as the center that could take any mediocre team with a hungry superstar, and turn them into a champion. If the Cav’s fail than O’Neal may be remembered as a once great center who ended up burying two teams on his way out of the league.

The NBA Draft's Five Best Second Overall Picks Since 1984 & Sammy Sosa Is a Joke and He Does Not Deserve Induction into the HOF posted by Colin Linneweber

The NBA Draft's Five Best Second Overall Picks Since 1984

The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to pick former Oklahoma Sooners star Blake Griffin Thursday with the first overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

However, there is not a consensus projection for the No. 2 pick and basketball analysts remain largely uncertain who the Memphis Grizzlies will choose tomorrow in Gotham.

In recognition of the NBA Draft, I have decided to rank the five most accomplished players selected second overall in the past quarter century.

1) Jason Kidd

Kidd, 36, attended the University of California and helped resurrect the Golden Bears dormant basketball program with his stellar play at the point guard position.

After being honored as a First Team All-American as a sophomore, Kidd declared for the NBA Draft and was selected 2nd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 1994.

Unfortunately, the Bay Area native’s initial stint with the Mavericks didn’t materialize as most anticipated it would.

According to legend, singer Toni Braxton went to the Mavs team hotel to meet Kidd after a game.

However, instead of rendezvousing with Kidd, Braxton instead left with his Dallas teammate Jimmy Jackson and the two purportedly fornicated until the wee hours.

Subsequently, Kidd loathed Jackson and he demanded an escape from “Big D.”

Kidd, a 9-time All-Star and 6-time All-NBA nomination, was traded to the Phoenix Suns at the conclusion of the 1996 season and his career began to truly ascend in the desert.

The 5 Best Second Overall Selections in the NBA Draft Since 1984 posted by Colin Linneweber

The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to pick former Oklahoma Sooners star Blake Griffin Thursday with the first overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 

However, there is not a consensus projection for the No. 2 pick and basketball analysts remain largely uncertain who the Memphis Grizzlies will choose tomorrow in Gotham.

In recognition of the NBA Draft, I have decided to rank the five most accomplished players selected second overall in the past quarter century.


1)  Jason Kidd 

Kidd, 36, attended the University of California and helped resurrect the Golden Bears dormant basketball program with his stellar play at the point guard position. 

After being honored as a First Team All-American as a sophomore, Kidd declared for the NBA Draft and was selected second overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 1994. 

Unfortunately, the Bay Area native’s initial stint with the Mavericks didn’t materialize as most anticipated it would. 

According to legend, singer Toni Braxton went to the Mavs team hotel to meet Kidd for a date after a game. 

 However, instead of rendezvousing with Kidd, Braxton instead left with his Dallas teammate Jimmy Jackson and the two purportedly fornicated until the wee hours. 

Subsequently, Kidd loathed Jackson and he demanded an escape from “Big D.” 

Kidd, a 9-time All-Star and 6-time All-NBA nomination, was traded to the Phoenix Suns at the conclusion of the 1996 season and his career began to truly ascend in the desert. 

A Season to Be Proud Of posted by Michael J. Shambaugh

It’s set in stone.  The Houston Rockets will play the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs, while the Portland Trailblazers start their off-season earlier than any of us would have liked.

This first round elimination for Portland helped me realize something that I should have known all along: people will jump off the bandwagon as quickly as they jumped on it.

When I came into work today, a co-worker pointed to my Portland Trail Blazers lanyard and said, “Oh, take that off.  That’s embarrassing.”  This was the same “fan” who, prior to the start of the season, was excited about “his team’s” chances this year.  Now, they’re embarrassing.  He was also quick to do the “I told you so” speech about Greg Oden being a bust. 

Let’s take a minute to clear things up.

Last year the Portland Trail Blazers grabbed 49.3% of rebounds per game.  Not even half.  This year they improved 4.1%, bringing their total percentage to 53.4%.  That was good enough for 1st overall in the league.  They pulled down 5.4 more rebounds per game than their opponents, which isn’t bad considering they were coming up 1 rebound shorter than their opponents the year prior. 

Where did this rebounding come from?  Let’s look at last year’s main rebounding players and compare their positions to this year’s players.  Brandon Roy, Portland’s All-Star, stayed the same in his average rebounds between this year and last.  Joel Przybilla averaged 0.3 more, while LaMarcus Aldridge lost 0.1.  Travis Outlaw lost 0.5 and Channing Frye’s dropped dramatically, which could have been a direct reflection of his drop in minutes. 

Playoff Excitement Part 2: Beasts of the East posted by Michael J. Shambaugh

In continuation of my post on 04.30.2009 it’s time to take a look at the East and everything it has brought us so far.  And to think, it’s only the first round!

Detroit Pistons versus Cleveland Cavaliers.  There’s quite a few of us who are still scratching our heads and trying to figure out where the positive for Detroit was in the Billups/Iverson trade.  Winning their games by an average of 15.5 points, Cleveland sent the Pistons home for the season with just one question: “How quick can we get Allen Iverson out of a Pistons jersey?”  A quick side note: Cleveland is averaging a higher winning margin on the road than they are at home this post-season.  That’s not good news for Miami or Atlanta.

Boston Celtics versus Chicago Bulls.  I can be the first one to admit that I did not think this was going to be one of the greatest first round matchups of all time.  You’ve got the defending champion Boston Celtics, with a record of 62 and 20, going up against the 41 and 41 young, high paced, Chicago Bulls.  We all saw this last year, with Atlanta and Boston going at it in seven games, but that was nothing like this series.  There have been six full games played as of this writing.  In those six games alone we’ve had 7 overtime periods, 5 games decided by 3 points or less, Chicago win in Boston, Boston win in Chicago, and 29 potential game tying/winning shot attempts in the final 24 seconds of regulation/overtime.  A good series?  Let’s just say, I’ll be watching Game 7.

Boston Celtics: Turning Down the Heat posted by Hank Hill

The Boston Celtics swept their five game home stand last night. The C's battled the Miami Heat in what was a playoff game atmosphere, and the Celtics won their 5th game in a row giving the C's 60 wins in the season with 3 games left to go. Dwayne Wade (NBA's leading scorer) gave us all he had scoring 31, but it wasn't enough to beat us; the C's hung on and win 105-98.

Rondo, Pierce, and Allen did their thing holding the C's together scoring 56 points combined, and Big Baby had another great night scoring 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals. They are the trio that has held together the C's since KG has been out. And that begs the obvious question in the backs of all BC fans, "is KG going to be healthy for the playoffs?"

We've just gotten word that Mr. Garnett has been practicing and that he will miss Sunday's game versus Cleveland, but he should be ready to go on Tuesday versus playoff-bound Philadelphia. That is what the Celtics' nation wants to hear and could be the difference in the C's going far in the playoffs or being knocked out early. Also Marbury looked like himself last night hitting his jumpers. He and Eddie House work great together giving our bench the spark it will need with a little help from T. Allen, Moore, and Walker. Also Powe and Scal should be back at the beginning of next week, and I feel confident that if the Celtics are healthy, we can repeat, if not, it's going to be tough. Exactly a week to go til the playoffs and what might be a preview of what is to come. We play Cleveland on Sunday and it should be exciting since they have only lost one home game all year. Lets go Celts!

Celtics - Heat: Back to Boston 3/18/09 posted by Hank Hill

Tonight the Boston Celtics play the Miami Heat in what should be an epic battle.  This will be a duel between Paul Pierce and Dwayne Wade which should have us on the edge of our seats.  I'm anticipating this to be a flashback of game 7, Eastern Conference Finals, when Mr. Larry Bird scored 20 points in the 4th to outdo Dominique Wilkins and take the Cs to the finals -- after which all of Boston erupted! 

With Miami looking like a 5 seed, the Celts need to show them who's the boss now, before we meet them in the playoffs.  Last night's loss hurt, but as my boy, M.I.T., says, "It doesn't matter. We are not healthy, and we need to rest up!"  Either way, wins are big right now, and the more home games in the playoffs the better because they have us right there rooting for them like no other city in the world can do!!!!

Back to tonight's game: Wade has been on fire, and the Celtics have lost the last 6 out of 10, and the Heat have won 6 out of 10, so they have momentum. Being at home again will make a big difference especially because they were in a fake Boston last night with everyone wearing green (including the Chicago Bulls, get your own color!). Back home they will feel the love and energy and that could be the changing factor. The Celtics are favored to win.  I like the Celtics as always even as beat up as the are, but do not think they will cover, think its coming down to the last shot..... Come on Pierce!!! O/U should be over since we have no defense right now so it should be a high scoring affair. If its not tonight with only 14 games remaining, we just need to get into that shamrock grove and walk into the playoffs on fire. Hopefully that begins tonight.

Celtics-Milwaukee: What the Buck?! 3/17/09 posted by Hank Hill

The Boston Celtics have already clinched the Atlantic division with a 51-17 record, but I am still bleeding green!  I don't know if it's panic mode yet, but we have lost 3 out of 4, and I know what you're going to say, ''We are hurt"! But that is no excuse for the green to lose to Milwaukee. With only 15 games remaining this season and Cleveland with a 3 1/2 game lead on us and Orlando only a half game back -- What the buck??! 

That scares me big time, and after watching last year's playoffs where we had to go 7 every time (even against Atlanta because everyone wants us out) and win it at the garden, it will be a lot harder without that #1 seed.  I think with a run of our own and a little help from San Antonio or the Magic, the third to last game of the season could determine how the playoffs line up!  We have news that Kevin Garnet will be ready to go Friday against the injured Spurs; until then we have to battle the Chicago Bulls tonight.  The C's are only favored by 2. We need this win.  Next will be the rematch with the Miami Heat who we just lost to in Miami 107-99 where Wade was on fire, but this time it's Paul Pierce's time to shine!!  Then KG will be back, and it's time for our run that will take us to the Finals for back to back years!!!!!  Bring on LA!  It will go to six. Celtics hang their 18th banner, and i believe this is just the beginning of another Celtics dynasty !!!!!!

Bull's Rush to Make the Playoffs posted by richard Kagan

The Chicago Bulls suddenly look like a winning basketball team. With tonight's win over the Miami Heat, The Bulls tied the Detroit Pistons for 7th place in the playoff race.  They are in the inside, looking to solidify themselves for that elusive perch.

Last year the Bulls didn't make the playoffs. Their coach Scott Skiles was fired. But the Bulls found lady luck in the lottery coming up with the number one pick. They took Derrick Rose, who will likely be NBA Rookie of the Year. Rose, plays like a veteran.  He has great offensive skills. He is playing contained, asked to make plays, pass the ball to the open man, and shoot when a shot is open.  When his talent is unleashed, watch out.  He is going to be something to see.  Chicago is a young team, made younger with a such a young bright talent. Luol Deng has been injured and it is questionable if he can return by the end of the season. But the Bulls are winning with Deng on the bench.

The Bulls cleaned house, revamping their bench in trades before the deadline. They acquired John Salmons, who has been excellent, averaging close to 20 points per game. Tyrus Thomas has seen action and has progressed nicely.

He is another player who has loads of talent.  He is learning the finer points of the game, and is putting together his game.  He had developed an outside shot. His inside game is great. He can score in traffic, grab rebounds, and block shots.

The Bulls need Ben Gordon to be the man.  He is a great scorer and is one of the best three point shooters in team history. The Bulls are 3 games below .500, not that bad of a record.  The late season charge is paying off.

Good Prediction...NOT posted by Gus Johnson's Whisper

I predicted Shaq would go to New York and be the latest embarrassment for the Knicks.  You can't blame me.  Admit it, you thought that it made great sense.  It would have been the latest overture in the Isiah symphony.

I have long believed that NBA GMs have a secret contest where they decide who can make the worst decisions.  The Spurs GM is never invited so he gets back at the rest of the league by having the Spurs in title contention every year.  Steve Kerr was on the outside looking in.  He was mad.  Steve wanted to be in that conversation of 'hey, did you see that terrible trade?'  Congrats broseph.  Welcome to the jungle.

Shaq isn't healthy.  While he was in Miami, he talked about shutting it down for the rest of the year.  Now, he's supposed to come back with a team that wants to get a shot off in under 7 seconds?  I have a great recipe for mustard covered chocalate cake.  Oh what's that?  They don't go together?  Shaq labors up and down the court for 26 minutes a night, has to have the ball in his hands to be effective and grinds any offense that thrives on anything besides '4 guys stand around and wait for the double team' to a screeching halt.  Square peg, this is my boy round hole; I'll leave you two to chat.

Mourning returning to Heat as executive (AP)

Alonzo Mourning is returning to the Miami Heat -- as an executive. Mourning announced Friday that he will soon begin a new job as Miami's vice president of player development, with a wide range of responsibilities, many of them off the court and in community relations areas. He'll also spend some time mentoring young players, a role he took on in the latter portions of his playing career. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Cavaliers acquire C O'Neal from Suns (AP)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Heat make offers to Moon, Anthony (AP)

The Miami Heat have made qualifying offers to forward Jamario Moon and center Joel Anthony. Both are now restricted free agents, but the Heat will have the right to match any offer they receive from other teams. The Heat made the announcement Monday. Moon was acquired Feb. 13 from the Toronto Raptors, along with Jermaine O'Neal in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Fisher brings more than clutch shots (AP)

[read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports

Mourning name on kidney transplant bill (AP)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist is set to sign a kidney transplant bill named for former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning. Mourning, who is a kidney transplant recipient, planned to be on hand for the signing ceremony Wednesday at a Tallahassee dialysis center. It's a return visit to the capital city for Mourning. [read full article]

From Yahoo! Sports