Trades of the Decade: Iverson to Denver

by: Cole Riley

Ever since the great Julius Erving had retired from Philadelphia in 1986, the 76ers had been trying to find a new face of the franchise. A decade later, in the 1996 NBA Draft, that new face was found - the first overall pick, Allen Iverson.

Right from the get-go, Iverson was spectacular. His quicks, matched with a deadly mid-range shot, made him a menace for defenses across the league. The 76ers finally got a guy that can bring them back to the NBA limelight, where past Philly teams flourished and were always competitive.

Now fast forward 11 seasons and a Rookie of the Year award, MVP award, 10 All-Star appearances, 4 scoring championships, a trip to the NBA Finals, and 3 All-NBA First Team’s later, and AI is on his way out of the City of Brotherly Love - destination: the small-market, lowly regarding Denver Nuggets organization. Deemed by the talking heads as a steal of a trade - Denver gave up an average point guard in Andre Miller, a role player in Joe Smith, and two first round picks - the 76ers lost their face of the franchise yet again, and now had fallen to the abyss of the NBA.

The whole fiasco was started, continued, and ended by Iverson, who emphatically demanded a trade out of Philly because the team was not acquiring talent to surround him with. This is compared to the ranting of guard Kobe Bryant (in fact, Kobe and AI were both drafted the same year) several years later when Shaq left, and the only talent other than Kobe remaining on the team was work-in-progress Andrew Bynum. After the complaining on and off the court, the 76ers worked out a trade, finally.

The Nuggets acquired a Hall of Fame guard, who through 11 seasons was averaging over 28 ppg, and was easily a perennial MVP candidate every year. Yet AI’s time in Denver was short lived. Hindering the progression of Carmelo Anthony as an elite swingman, not leading his team deep into the playoffs, and simply disappointing fans and the front office alike, Iverson was moved yet again (we’ll save that for another discussion).

For Philly, they were the victim in this debacle. The 76ers were in the process of building a younger, more competitive team around AI - with youngsters Andre Igoudala and Samuel Dalembert - but Iverson bailed, and not only hurt the franchise, but his reputation as well. And what good has it done him? Right now, as the rest of the NBA plays on in 2009, Iverson is sitting at home hoping for a team to sign him. It’s a very sad ending to one of the most dominating careers in NBA history.

New Orleans ain’t the Big Easy any more

The excitement in New Orleans is long gone, for now.

by: Cole Riley

contributions by: Cam Mishlen

Starting out 4-8 for some teams can just be considered early season jitters, or a somewhat disappointing start. But when your claimed to be an elite team like the New Orleans Hornets, and you have the best point guard in the league with Chris Paul, expectations are too high to only win 4 of your first 12 games.

First to go was Coach Byron Scott. Last year’s coach of the year, Scott came to New Orleans in 2004 and built a playoff team from scratch. Drafting Paul with the fourth pick in the 2005 NBA Draft turned this franchise around. With Paul controlling the reigns, Byron Scott led the Hornets to the playoffs in back to back seasons the past two years, but his team was dropped early due to inexperience and poor play.

With Scott gone and GM Jeff Bower taking over, the Hornets are in disarray. And to make matters worse, Paul just went down with an ankle injury the other day - out 3-4 weeks.

This prompts the question - why aren’t the Hornets any good this year? With a healthy Paul, versatile big man David West, and newly acquired center Emeka Okafor (more on that later), the Hornets should definitely not be 4-8. However, the small forward and shooting guard positions are huge holes on this squad. There is no suitable swingman to be found on the roster that can truly compliment Paul in the backcourt both on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball.

The trade for Emeka Okafor this offseason, that sent Tyson Chandler to Charlotte, really screwed things up for New Orleans. First off, the contract situation. Chandler, whose contract expires after this season, is owed nearly $12 million this year, then is off the books. But for some strange reason, instead of swapping Chandler for a fellow expiring contract (or not trade at all), the Hornets nabbed Okafor, who has over $40 million left on a contract with 3 years remaining. How stupid can one GM be? The Hornets needed to save money, not take on more commitments. Secondly, the Paul-Chandler relationship on the court was practically seamless. Despite an injury-riddled season last year, Chandler and Paul have been a dynamic duo, hooking up on spectacular dunks set up by precise screens, and great movement off the ball. With the slower, smaller Okafor on the floor now, that exciting tandem is long gone.

To turn this season around, the Hornets need to do the following: get Chris Paul back healthy, acquire a versatile guard/small forward (for example, the Warriors’ Kelenna Azubuike, the Wolves’ Corey Brewer, or the Heat’s Daequan Cook), insert James Posey into the starting lineup and have Peja Stojakavic come off the bench, and get back to that fastbreak, exciting offense of 2007.

New Orleans, by the looks of it you have a good team, but it’s too bad though, because idiotic decisions will hold you back this season, and for years to come - make sure to have fun in the offseason when Chris Paul demands a trade, and the fans abandon the team.

Patchwork: Stephen Jackson to the Charlotte Bobcats

By: Umberto Diona

The Golden State Warriors swingman, Stephen Jackson, has been asking the Warriors organization to trade him since the beginning of the summer. His hopes were answered when Golden State shipped he and teammate Acie Law to the Charlotte Bobcats, while the Warriors receive Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic.

It is good that Jackson was able to get away from Golden State as early as he did, with a combined 10 players on their roster with injuries. The Warriors forecast for this season does not look to promising, with Kelenna Azubuike out for the remainder of the season, and newly acquired Raja Bell dealing with a wrist injury. In his debut with the Warriors, Vlad had 11 points, starting at the small forward position, filling in for Azubuike. Hopefully the Warriors can hang in there while their players recover. They have a playoff birth in their future, but unfortunately I don't see it happening this season.

Stephen Jackson had a 13 point debut with the Bobcats and will improve their offense significantly with the amount of talent and depth that the Bobcats have with players such as Raymond Felton, Gerald Wallace, Boris Diaw, Flip Murray, Tyson Chandler, Nazr Mohammed, and now with Stephen Jackson. If they are able to improve their team chemistry and stay healthy, at only 3-7, maybe by the seasons end they will be able to squeeze out a playoff birth in the east, but we will have to wait and see if they can pull it off.

(image courtesy of sports.yahoo.com)

Rajon Rondo Has Dirty Play in His Arsenal

By: Umberto Diona

Rajon Rondo is probably among the best point guards currently in the NBA today, yet the way that he is able to separate himself for the others is his immaturity through his use of dirty play against his opponents. Currently this season Rondo is averaging 11.0 PPG, and 9.2 APG. With these states and the coveted championship ring under his belt, why does he still feel the need to obstruct the good sportsmanship aspect of the game? It is because he is an immature punk who still has some growing up to do, and is unappreciative of the championship ring that he has on his finger, something that veterans in the league would kill for, and truly understand its importance.

Rondo’s dirty play became more prevalent during the 2009 season, which highlighted and proved his immaturity and lack of sportsmanship in the NBA. February 5, 2009, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared in Boston to take on the Celtics for the second time that season. After a loose ball, Lamar Odom and Kevin Garnett battle on the floor for the ball, as Kobe Bryant tries to help his teammate fight for the ball, Rondo unnecessarily pushes Bryant. Kobe acted as any other veteran would, by simply pointing his finger, and verbally teaching the pest (Rondo) a lesson. Another incident happened during the first round of the 2009 playoffs when the Celtics matched-up with the Chicago Bulls. After a missed shot by the Celtics and a Bulls rebound, Rondo grabs Kirk Hinrich by the arm and launches him into the scorers table. After that rookie act of frustration, Celtics coach Doc Rivers pulled his player aside and once again Rondo was being taught a lesson by a veteran of the game.

Rondo's dirty play is what is holding him back from being placed in the same category of the elite point guards in the league. We can only wait and watch to see if Rondo will mature during the 2009-2010 season and separate himself from his foolish antics to be placed in that company, because he has the right numbers, but lacks the right attitude.

(image courtesy of www.bayareasportsguy.com)

The Rise of Kevin Durant to Superstardom

by: Cole Riley

Kevin Durant is an anomaly. He stands 6’ 9,” but is too thin to play small forward. He’s 230 pounds, yet too big to play shooting guard. And he’s 21 years old, and is already an established superstar in this league.

At the University of Texas, Durant soared far and above any expectations and the competition. He racked up statistics, awards, and records in his first, and only year of collegiate basketball. Durant was a 1st Team All-American and the Division I Player of the Year as a freshman. Knowing that he could succeed at the next level, Durant declared for the 2007 NBA Draft, where he was selected with the second overall pick by the team formerly known as the Seattle Supersonics, the Oklahoma City Thunder. (Yes, that was a Prince reference).

Now that we’re done with the quick synopsis of Kevin Durant, it’s time for the analysis. Durant is a free-shooting, lengthy swing-man that can take on most 2’s and 3’s in the league. He’s a leader for that young Thunder club, even though he’s only 21. Underrated defense, the ability to hit the big shot, and his amazing quicks make Durant one of the best players in the league - yes, rivaling Kobe, LeBron, and Wade.

Ten games into this 2009-2010 campaign, he is averaging a cool 28 ppg and 7.4 rpg, as well as leading the Thunder to big wins over San Antonio, Orlando, and Detroit. From a one-and-done 19-year-old, to one of the best players in the league, Durant has impressed fans and players alike, and it’s going to be fun watching his career blossom over the next few years - seasons that will probably be highlighted by MVP trophies.

Trades of the Decade: Gasol to LA

Alternate Title: Gasol to LA for Absolutely Nothing

by: Cole Riley

Ever since Shaq left in 2004, the Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to fill a void in their front court. This pressing need was prompted to a priority when, in the ‘07-’08 season, all the contending teams in the West seemed to have athletic big men (the Suns’ Amare Stoudamire, Dallas’s Dirk Nowitzki, Spurs’ Tim Duncan, Hornets’ David West, Jazz’s Carlos Boozer), including the Boston Celtics who just acquired Kevin Garnett.

Mid-way through the season, on February 1, 2008, Pau Gasol was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies to the Los Angeles Lakers for forward-center Kwame Brown, guards Javaris Crittenton and Aaron McKie, and first round picks in 2008 and 2010.

Are you kidding me? The only good player/pick that the Lakers gave away was that 2008 first rounder that turned into Marc Gasol, and he’s a long ways away from proving himself in the NBA. Pau Gasol is a top-tier NBA forward, and the Memphis Grizzlies, with the help of their new, inexperienced GM Chris Wallace, seemingly gave him away for nothing. Kwame Brown was let go after a half year of services, Crittenton was traded to the Wizards, McKie was released and become an assistant coach for the 76ers, Marc Gasol is still unproven, and the 2010 pick will inevitably be late in the 1st round. Bravo Memphis, bravo.

Pau Gasol turned the Lakers franchise around, although they were already respectable, and led them to the NBA Finals alongside MVP Kobe Bryant - however they lost in 6 games to the Boston Celtics. The following year, in Gasol’s first full season in purple and gold, the Lakers returned to the Finals and easily handled the Orlando Magic to garner their 15th championship.

Gasol has averaged nearly 19 ppg and 9 rpg, solidifying the power forward spot for the Lakers and keeping them as a perennial contender for years to come.

Lebron to NBA: Retire MJ’s #23

LeBron James is willing to change his number for the great Jordan

by: Cole Riley

In his usual post-game interview on court, LeBron James on Thursday night had a bold statement for TNT. With Michael Jordan looking on from the front row, James said that “no NBA player should wear [Jordan’s] 23.” James continued on, “Now, if I’m not going to wear No. 23, then nobody else should be able to wear it” (ESPN.com).

Coming off a decisive road win versus the Miami Heat, along with putting up 34 points and impressing his childhood idol, James stirred up the media scene, and the NBA brass by bringing this idea to the public. But I for one have a few problems with this whole retiring numbers business.

If the NBA does decide to retire Jordan’s No. 23, then they must at least retire Larry Bird’s and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s No. 33, Bill Russell’s No. 6, Wilt Chamberlain’s No. 13, and Magic Johnson’s No. 32. At that point it just gets out of hand. How can someone say that Michael Jordan did more for the game than Bill Russell did if No. 23 is retired?

In 1997 the MLB retired Jackie Robinson’s No. 42, and in 2000, Wayne Gretzky’s No. 99 was retired by the NHL. Those two figures are obvious standouts in their respective sports. Robinson, who broke the color barrier in the MLB, and Gretzky who is still, even though retired, the face of NHL, both deserve those numbers to be retired. However I wouldn’t mind those sports considering retiring other numbers.

With the NBA, if they want to open up the can of worms and retire Jordan’s 23, then they better be prepared to back it up by committing to other NBA all-time greats.

Trades of the Decade: Shaq to the Heat

O'Neal brought Miami their first NBA championship.

by: Cole Riley

Shaquille O’Neal defined his career while with the Los Angeles Lakers. In purple and gold, Shaq won three NBA championships along with grabbing three NBA Finals MVPs. He also won an MVP award in 2000, and was an All-Star 7 out of 8 seasons. So what drove the Lakers to trade him to the Miami Heat?

Complications with fellow teammate, and Hall of Famer to be, Kobe Bryant, over leadership duties, led to the Laker organization coming to a fatal decision - shipping Shaq out of the City of Angels. He was traded on July 15th of 2004 for Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, and a 2005 first-round pick. This exchange was immediately deemed “one of the most landscape-altering trades in NBA history” (AP).

O’Neal went on to make Miami a contender in the East, and in the ‘05-’06 season, got a fourth ring for himself, and a first for superstar D’Wayne Wade. This trade truly changed the franchise plans of both the Heat and Lakers for years to come.

The Lakers struggled after getting rid of their cog in the middle, going 87-77 in the following two season. However, after a few key additions, most notably Pau Gasol, whose trade will be featured later in the week, the Lakers quickly returned to their old form, and recently won their 15th championship, and are back as a perennial contender.

Lamar Odom, who is currently the Lakers 6th man, has been productive in his five full seasons in LA. Averaging 14.1 ppg and 7.4 rpg, Odom has provided some pop at the power forward position, regardless if he’s starting or coming off the pine. Caron Butler, who figured to be the small forward of the future, was traded away after one quick season to the Washington Wizards for hopeful-Shaq-fill-in, Kwame Brown. Well that didn’t work out; let’s just file that under the “Worst Trades in NBA History” file. The rest of the trade included Brian Grant who was gone after a year, and a first round pick, that ended up being Jordan Farmar.

To sum up this incredible trade, and what it means for the Lakers of 2009, LA traded possibly the best center in NBA history for an efficient, yet inconsistent power forward Lamar Odom, a year of Caron Butler that turned into the disaster that is Kwame Brown, a miserable year of Brian Grant, and a disappointing back-up point guard with Jordan Farmar. Good work, LA. You’re lucky Memphis bailed you out by giving away Gasol for nothing.

Replay is overused, unnecessary in the NBA

Video replay has become an integral part of today's NBA games

by: Cole Riley

contributions by: Cam Mishlen

On Tuesday night, with 0.3 seconds left in the game, and the Chicago Bulls down 90-89 at home versus the Denver Nuggets, Brad Miller put up a quick, fingertip shot from 20 feet. The ball hit the bottom of the net, the crowd went wild, the Bulls won the game. But the fans weren’t walking out of The United Center with smiles on their faces, because the officials, after 10+ minutes of deliberations by watching replay after replay of the shot, decided to waive it off.

That entire night on television, the replays of that shot were continually shown and after careful observation, I concluded that it was too close to call. The referees should of just stuck to the call on the floor, and the Bulls should have been victorious.

This is where replay creates problems for the NBA. It creates a level of unauthentic officiating, where a few video feeds become the ‘evidence’ for a referee to determine a call to be correct. These games, as with all other sports, should have both good and bad calls, and to rely on video replay to determine games, eliminates human error, thus domesticating the game beyond what the fans and the players want.

Some might say that the most important thing is to get the call right, but I disagree. If the official sees the play, calls the call, and it turns out being incorrect, so be it - the game must go on.

In the NBA today, video replay has been utilized to determine if a shot has left the player’s hand in time at the end of quarters, the game, or the shot clock, as shown with Brad Miller’s shot. It’s also used to see if a player was behind the 3-point line when a field goal was made, which players will be ejected when a brawl breaks out, who touched the ball last before it hit the out-of-bounds area, and even if the ball handler committed a backcourt violation.

I’m not happy with these rules because it diminishes the role of the human referee and places more emphasis on a video tape. If the NBA wants to keep replay as a significant facet of the game today, I definitely don’t agree, and I’m pretty sure many other avid NBA fans will side with me.

NBA’s All-Time First, Second, and Third Teams

Clockwise from top left: Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Larry Bird

by: Cole Riley

Back in high school my friends and I would sit around our lunch table and discuss who deserves to be in the NBA’s all time starting lineup. Being a Celtics fan, my starting five greatly differed from the Laker dominated contingency that made up my friends. Well, to no avail, here’s my All-Time NBA First Team.

Point Guard: Magic Johnson

Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan

Small Forward: Larry Bird

Power Forward: Bill Russell

Center: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

The three positions that are automatic locks for me are point, shooting, and small forward. However, I have trouble with the main front court positions, power forward and center. One way or another Bill Russell was going to be on this First Team list, however, I had to put him at power rather than his natural position at center. This was done so I could make room for the hook-shot shooting, dominant big man, Kareem. Just to throw in a little back-up for Russell’s selection - he has 11 championship rings, won 2 as a player-coach, 5 MVP awards, a gold medal, and the best beard out of all the retired players. Now onto my Second Team:

Point Guard: John Stockton

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant

Small Forward: Julius Erving

Power Forward: Karl Malone

Center: Wilt Chamberlain

Stockton, with the most assists in NBA history, has to be Second Team, while Kobe’s four rings and 24,000 points at the age of 31 give him the notch at shooting guard. Julius, averaging 24.2 points with 8.5 rebounds per game grabs my attention; Karl Malone has scored the second most points in the history of the game. Wilt at center needs no explanation - the man averaged 50 and 25 one season. Oh yeah, and don’t forget that 100 point game. Lastly, the Third Team:

Point Guard: Oscar Robertson

Shooting Guard: Sam Jones

Small Forward: John Havlicek

Power Forward: Moses Malone

Center: Shaquille O’Neal

Break out the peanut gallery, because this third team gets the birds chirping. Some say Oscar’s triple-double season was overrated, I say not - lock at point. At shooting guard is probably the most underrated player in NBA history. Here’s a snapshot of the Celtics’ own Sam Jones: 10 rings in 12 seasons, 5 time All Star, averaged an efficient 17.7 ppg and 4.9 rpg. Havlicek has scored the most points in Celts history, and there's some history with the organization, as you may know. Moses Malone at power has 3 MVP awards, 27,000+ points, and 16,000+ rebounds. And last but not least, the big Shaq diesel at center, no real surprise there. Come on, he’s got some of the best nicknames in history - The Big Shaqtus, The Big Daddy, Superman, and my favorite, Wilt Chamberneezy.

Trades of the Decade: Allen, Garnett to the Celtics

Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen joined forces with Paul Pierce in Boston to create the new Big-3.

by: Cole Riley

Celtics fans across the country held their collective breath as the lottery balls bounced up and down, holding with them the futures of several NBA franchises. The Celtics had the second best chance, next to the Memphis Grizzlies, to land the first overall pick in 2007, and with that, they would presumably draft either Greg Oden, out of Ohio State or Kevin Durant, from the University of Texas. But, like the past 20 years had shown, the luck wasn’t going to fall in the Celtics favor. They ended up with the number five pick in the draft, and that singular pick would eventually set off a series of trades and signings culminating with Boston’s 17th NBA Championship.

The Celtics traded the number five pick, along with guards Delonte West and Wally Szczerbiak to the Seattle Supersonics for All-Star shooting guard, and future Hall of Famer Ray Allen, and the 35th overall pick, which turned out to be Glen “Big Baby” Davis. Averaging 21.7 ppg coming into 2007, Ray Allen is of the elite at his position, and was a perfect fit for a Celtics team desperate for a second scorer to compliment Paul Pierce.

Boston seemed set to try and compete again in the Atlantic division with a nice core of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Al Jefferson. But GM Danny Ainge had one more trick up his sleeve.

On August 1, 2007, The Boston Celtics traded five players, including Al Jefferson, along with two first-round picks to the Minnesota Timberwolves for former MVP power forward Kevin Garnett. The entire NBA has officially been shaken up. The Celtics faithful finally hit lady luck, and now there’s truly a championship contender back in Bean Town.

Joining Al Jefferson in the trade from the Celtics were forwards Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green, along with guard Sebastian Telfair, and Mr. Reliable Theo Ratliff and his expiring contract. The Celtics have just pulled off one of the biggest trades not only this decade, but in NBA history, rivaling the Kareem to LA, Russell to Boston, and Wilt to LA trades.

The Celtics with their newly formed All-Star laden team, featuring Pierce, Allen, and Garnett, and young’n’s Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins, blasted through the regular season, starting off 29-3, leading the league in all defensive categories, and earning a trip to the NBA Finals versus the Los Angeles Lakers, where they won their 17th championship, and first since 1986.

It was truly a magical season as the Celtics regained their dominance in the league that is so rooted in their tradition, and they hope to continue that supremacy here in the ‘09-’10 season.

How have Ariza and Artest settled into their new homes?

By: Umberto Diona

Edited By: Patrick Murphy

At the beginning of July during the offseason after the Los Angeles Lakers championship run, the Lakers decided to make the risky and arguable move of signing 29 year old Ron Artest rather than resigning 24 year old Trevor Ariza who was apart of that 2009 championship team. Ariza was eventually signed by the Houston Rockets. Was this move by GM Mitch Kupchak right for the Lakers?

At the beginning of the 2009-2010 season Ariza is averaging 20.2 PPG for the Rockets, significantly more than he did for the Lakers at about only 8.9 PPG. Also Ron Artest is producing an average of only 12.0 PPG, compared to the 17.1 that he produced for the Rockets last season. Even with the better contribution to his team in points from Ariza, signing Artest was the right move for the Lakers. The reason they are preforming differently for their new teams is because of the different roles that they play on their new teams. On the Rockets Ariza has to play more of a leadership type role, while on the Lakers he had Kobe who played that part. Artest has less of a leadership role on the Lakers than he did on the Rockets because Kobe continues to lead the team, while for the Rockets Artest was expected to put up more points when they were needed.

One of the biggest reasons that Kupchak decided to sign Artest over Ariza is because Artest brings much needed defense to Los Angeles. It has been working so far in the early stages and it will only get stronger throughout the course of the season, Artest is a feature of the Lakers that will bring them their 16th title. Artest is more likely to hold off power players such as Lebron James, Paul Pierce, and Richard Jefferson come playoff time better than Ariza would be able to. Acquiring Artest was a good move, and it will pay off for the Lakers.

(image courtesy of nba.com)

Trades of the Decade: Tyrus Thomas for LaMarcus Aldridge

by: Cole Riley

contributions by: Cam Mishlen

With the second pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls selected LaMarcus Aldridge, forward from the University of Texas. After the third pick, which I consider the bust-of-the-decade, Adam Morrison to the Charlotte Bobcats, the Portland Trailblazers grabbed fellow forward Tyrus Thomas out of Louisiana State University, passing up on soon future Blazer Brandon Roy, All-Star Rudy Gay, Rajon Rondo, and even Renaldo Balkman! (Kidding with Balkman, obviously).

Later in that same draft, the Bulls traded Aldridge to the Blazers for Thomas and the sweet shooting assassin from Russia Viktor Khyrapa. What in the world were the Bulls thinking? Aldridge, a standout in college, and a projected fixture at the power forward spot for years to come was perfect for the Bulls who needed a running big man who could shoot well. Now some of you might be saying, “Tyrus Thomas can be a run and gun big man too!” Well tell me this, when you look at the body types, playing styles, and overall body of work of Thomas compared to Aldridge, which is more suitable for a long, prosperous NBA career? LaMarcus, of course.

Both in their fourth years in the NBA now, statistics are the only reasonable way to measure these two players against each other. Thomas has averaged 19.9 minutes per game, 7.7 ppg, 5 rpg, and 1.3 blocks. Aldridge, on the other hand, has a 15.4 scoring average with 6.8 rpg, 1.1 blocks, in 32 minutes per game. ‘Nuff aid.

This singular trade might affect the Chicago Bulls for the next 3-4 years since obtaining an athletic, sharp shooting power forward is not really that easy nowadays. The Bulls made a big mistake gambling away the future with Aldridge for an out-of-control, dysfunctional wanna-be dunk champion in Tyrus Thomas.

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

The Comeback Kid: Ben Wallace

by: Cole Riley

contributions by: Cam Mishlen

Ben Wallace has had quite a bumpy ride ever since leaving Detroit after the 2005-2006 season. That summer he signed a ridiculous 4 yr/$52 million dollar deal with the Chicago Bulls that was soon passed on to the Cavs two years later in exchange for a bunch of miserable players, Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, and Cedric Simmons. After a disappointing year and a half with the Cavs (3.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg), Wallace was traded for Shaquille O’Neal this past summer, bought out of his contract, and then finally, to his delight, landed back with the Pistons.

After that horrible recap of his last three years, it’s safe to say that Wallace has made a surprising comeback in this young season. Averaging his typical low points, 3.6 ppg, high rebounds, 9.6 rpg, and nice block rate, 1.3 per game, Wallace has been a nice little addition to this reformed Pistons squad.

Wallace, an undrafted free agent in ’96 draft out of Virginia Union, knows how to fight his way to the top, and he’s had to do that ever since his dismal performance in Chicago and Cleveland. He’s now got his starting center role back, and is surrounded by a nice collection of talent, including the newly signed stars Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, along with mainstays Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and the young phenom, Rodney Stuckey.

However, the Pistons are 3-4, and in a conference with elite teams like the Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers, it’s going to be hard for any type of real competition to stem out of Motown.

Nevertheless, Ben Wallace is back to his old form as a suitable starting center in the NBA, and look for him to continue his solid performance and possibly lead his team to a 7th or 8th seed in the East.

(Photo courtesy of ESPN.com)

Odds & Ends: Larry Bird and Paul Pierce

by: Cole Riley

Just as Left Field for the Boston Red Sox is defined by all-time greats Ted Williams, Carl Yastrzemski, and Jim Rice, the Small Forward position of the Boston Celtics has a tradition of excellence.

Larry Bird, “the Hick from French Lick.” played 13 seasons in the NBA, all with the Celtics. He racked up impressive stats in his Hall of Fame tenure averaging 24.3 ppg, 10 rpg, and 6.3 apg. Along with the stats, Bird had the hardware to back up his legacy, with three championship rings, three MVP awards (all won in consecutive years), and 2 NBA Finals MVP awards, just to name a few. But this discussion is not solely based on the amazing career of Larry Bird; it’s to show that Paul Pierce, the current small forward for the 7-1 Boston Celtics is remarkably almost up to par with Bird.

Although Bird maybe the best small forward in NBA history - which he is - Pierce has put up similar numbers in his 12 seasons in green. Scoring an average of 22.8 ppg, and snagging down 6.3 rpg to go along with the 3.9 apg, Pierce is on the brink of surpassing Bird’s career stats. When you put that into perspective, it’s pretty incredible.

Now to try and compare the two, although the stats are nearly the same, is hard for me to do. Bird is a legend, and with his advantage on the championship rings, along with the MVP’s, he’s the clearcut better option - not that much of a surprise.

Pierce, who can become a free agent next year by opting out, has been loyal to this franchise, staying around long enough to reap the benefits, and winning his first championship in ‘08. Myself, and Celtics fans across the country hope that Pierce will stay a Celtic for life, because if so, we can eventually have a serious discussion of who’s better, Paul or Larry. For now, the Truth is - no pun intended - Bird is certainly the best small forward in Celtics ,and NBA history.

Brandon Jennings, ROY?

(Photo courtesy of BrandonJennings.net)

by: Torin Westfall

Through 5 games in the 2009 NBA season, Brandon Jennings from the Milwaukee Bucks is clearly the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year Award. He currently averages 18.4 points, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals per game, which is above average coming from a first year player. The 6’1 point guard uses his quicks and his smarts to break down defenders and rack up points.

The former high school standout decided in 2008 to forego playing college basketball at the University of Arizona and instead play at the pro level in Europe. He was able to compete with athletes that would better prepare him for the NBA and it allowed him to avoid the “one and done” college experience. While on Lottomatica Roma, from the Italian League A, he was a reserve and averaged 5.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals in 17.0 minutes per game. By his performance in the limited amount of time, he was able to show the NBA scouts his ability to keep up with the big boys.

Brandon Jennings provides the Bucks with the depth that is desperately needed in this sub par franchise. With his leadership qualities he can possibly revive this team and catapult them into playoff contention. If he continues his superstar quality play, Jennings will be the Rookie of the Year.

Are the Cavs experiencing a familiar Shaq-Attack at only 4-3?

By: Umberto Diona

Edited: Cam Mishlen

During the offseason the Cleveland Cavaliers traded for legendary center Shaquille O'Neal, hoping that they could finally get their hands on the Larry O'Brien trophy that they have been so close to attaining in the past. To start off the 2009-2010 season the Cavs record is a surprising 4-3, apparently Shaq is not the remedy they needed. You may think it is too early into the season to make these speculations, but I think not.

After winning his 4th championship with the Miami Heat, his "toe injury" was his reason for is his inability to be productive for the remainder of his time in Miami. After being traded mid-season to the Suns to get over the hump and be able to compete with the Lakers after acquiring Pau Gasol, at the start of the 2008-2009 season he was ready to play and said that he would be able to bring the Suns a championship that year. He not only did no bring them a title, but he was unable to even get them to the playoffs.

Now at the start of the 2009-2010 playoffs the Cavs have had a rocky start with a record of 4-3, and the Suns are tied for first in the west with a 6-1 record with out Shaq. The reason for this is that Shaq is a CCC (championship chasing cancer), and has been after winning his 4th and most likely last title. So the answer is yes, the Cavs are experiencing the phenomenon of a Shaq-attack. With this start, it doesn't look like the King will get his ring this season.

(image courtesy of sports.yahoo.com)

Is Allen Iverson being used to full potential?

By : Umberto Diona

Allen Iverson is one of the greatest players to ever play the game, supported by his many envied achievements accomplished over his career: NBA Rookie of the Year (1997), NBA MVP (2001), 10 time NBA All-Star, 3 time NBA steels leader (2001-2003), and 4 time NBA scoring champion (1999, 2001, 2002, 2005), and others. Yet over the years, Iverson's performance has declined with every new team that he has gone to. Is his decline in performance due to the fact that he is aging, at 34 years of age? Or is it because of the way that the recent teams he has been on are using him?

Iverson spent the first decade of his career on the Philadelphia 76ers, where he was most productive averaging as much as 33.0 PPG and it is also where he got the most playing time, as he moved on to the Denver Nuggets his amount of playing time decreased by about a minute and his productivity was about the same as it was. It was when Iverson was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncy Billups is when his productivity declined by almost 10 PPG, and his minutes declined as well. It is the way that teams are using Iverson that is causing him to preform less, because he is given less time to shine.

During a long summer of being a free-agent no one signed Iverson until finally signed by the Memphis Grizzlies u. Now with the Grizzlies he is being used the least that he ever was with minutes that have declined by more then 10 minutes. Not only has his minutes declined but he is no longer even a starter. A player like Allen Iverson, a player that has the capability of leading a team to the playoffs, for Memphis to make him come off the bench it a insult of his talent. Teams have been seeing his abilities on the court for 13 years, one would think that the Grizzlies would realize that, but apparently they have yet to do so. Iverson said, "I'm not trying to figure out how to contribute to no team, I contribute to a team by just playing. That's it."(sports.yahoo.com). He's right, the Grizzlies aren't going to get anything out him by him sitting on the bench, and this is something they have to realize. The Memphis Grizzlies will not improve their season at all by having a player of Iverson's stature, capability, and basketball I.Q. coming off the bench.

(image courtesy of sports.yahoo.com)

What's wrong with the Nets?

Even Coach Lawrence Frank can't believe how bad the Nets are.

by: Cole Riley

Injuries? Payroll? The Vince Carter trade? What's wrong with the New Jersey Nets this year?

Starting out 0-7 is far from what the Nets franchise expected as they entered the season. With breakout All-Star Devin Harris at point, a young powerhouse center in Brook Lopez, and a supporting cast of Chris Douglas-Roberts, Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston, and Sean Williams, I would think the Nets could nab at least one win. Come on, you couldn't beat Minnesota? You only score 68 at home versus Charlotte? That's despicable. Reminds me of the bad years the Celts had before KG came to town. Actually, that was worse.

But these Nets have hit the injury bug recently. Here's the victim list: Devin Harris, out 2-4 weeks, groin. Courtney Lee, out 1 week, groin. Yi Jianlian, out 3-4 weeks, MCL. Chris Douglas-Roberts, out at least 1 week, swine flu. Jarvis Hayes, out 1 week, hamstring.

The Nets players are dropping like flies out there. Even the swine flu of all things has hit this dysfunctional squad.

Along with these injuries, the subtractions of Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson, who only brought over Lee and Alston, have really destroyed this team's chances of competing this year for one of the lower playoff seeds. Yet the Nets are trying to follow in the Knicks footsteps: cutting payroll, accepting expiring contracts, and preparing for the 2010 draft class and it's most notable star, LeBron James.

Well with the dreams of LeBron playing in that great Nets blue and white next year, the fans for this season are going to have to be patient and endure a long year of amateur basketball. It's not that much to ask of these fans. They've had to put up with horrible basketball before, like for the past 32 years.

(Photo courtesy of ESPN.com)