Philip Maymin

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All 518 Daily Articles for Basketball News Services

This is an archive of all the shorter, team-specific articles I wrote for Basketball News Services, an average of two or three per day. There were others between January and March 2004 that I have not yet been able to find.

Also see the list of 81 weekly articles, which are longer, more analytical columns.

When Cat Roars, Rockets Soar

Cuttino Mobley wants to see his name in lights. He wants fans screaming his name and billboards the size of a grizzly bear bearing his likeness. He wants to be an All-Star, a Hall-of-Famer, a legend. He wants to be the best. If he keeps playing like he did last night -- 31 points on 10-of-17 shooting including 6-for-9 from beyond the arc in a 97-86 win over New Orleans -- he'll get there. Complete Article (20040312 - Houston) »

Can the Spurs Still Get the Top Seed?

Of the Spurs' remaining 17 games, only seven are on the road, with ten at home. Extrapolating by their record-to-date, that means they should get seven or eight home victories plus four or five road victories, thus ending the season 56-26,and it wouldn't take anything other than what they've been doing all season. On the other hand, if they take care of business against weaker opponents and step up their games in just six key games, they could virtually clinch the top seed in the division, the conference, and the league. Complete Article (20040312 - San Antonio) »

Rockets Don't Deserve a Playoff Berth

The Rockets lost 99-97 to the Phoenix Suns, the worst team in the Western conference, a team that can't seem to beat anybody in the league except the Houston Rockets. There's no other way to put it: the Houston Rockets just don't deserve to go to the playoffs. They'll waste everybody's time there and just get eliminated in the first round. Give someone else a chance; even the Phoenix Suns have a chance to make some waves. They did, after all, nearly knock off the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs in last year's first round. Does anyone really expect these Rockets to upset anybody except their coach? Complete Article (20040316 - Houston) »

Spurs Minus MVP Are Less than Warriors

The Spurs continue to lose with reigning MVP Tim Duncan, dropping the latest game by a 97-80 margin to the otherwise woeful Golden State Warriors. If only one of the Warriors had had some kind of monster game, or even if there were some overwhelming turnovers committed by the Spurs, then you could chalk it up to a one-day lapse, or just plain bad luck. Perhaps if the game had been close and a shot had rattled in and out, or a desperation shot by the Warriors had sunk the Spurs, then you could think, fine, it just wasn't meant to be this night, we gave it our best, what can you do. Instead, the only excuse the Spurs can look to is that they were tired on the second of a back-to-back road game after a loss in Sacramento. Complete Article (20040316 - San Antonio) »

Time for Jazz to Get Physical

Over their next five games, the Jazz face an underwhelming cast of teams that they should be able to triumph over. That could potentially mean that when the Jazz face the Nuggets for their fourth and final meeting of the season on March 27, they would be in the midst of a five game winning streak, and snapping at Denver's heels for the playoffs. That, plus revenge, should be more than enough motivation for Utah to play their game their way. Complete Article (20040316 - Utah) »

Yao v. Shaq VI Brings Lifetime Series to 3-3

In last night's episode of Yao vs. Shaq, the sixth in the lifetime series so far, the little guy Shaquille O'Neal, underdog and lilliputian, worked hard to contain the much taller Yao Ming, and succeeded. Yao just had a bad night while being defended almost solely by Shaq without a double-team in sight. He finished with just six points on 3-of-15 shooting, and the Lakers got their tenth consecutive victory by beating the Houston Rockets 93-85. The biggest difference in the game was getting to the line: the Rockets got 16 free throws attempts while the Lakers got 42. Complete Article (20040402 - Houston) »

Idle Jazz Cling to Eighth Spot But Face Spurs Tonight

With Portland's victory over the Sixers last night, the Jazz find themselves with the exact same record as the Blazers, and each only half a game ahead of the Denver Nuggets, but the Jazz are clinging to the secondary tie-breaker with Portland of having a better conference record. Hence, the Jazz are just barely in the eighth spot right now. Let's hope they don't have to face any tough opponents in these last few days of the regular season. Who's up tonight? Oh, the defending world champion San Antonio Spurs. Complete Article (20040402 - Utah) »

Can Maverick Small Ball Beat All?

Don Nelson's small ball lineup has won its fourth straight game, beating the tired and depleted Phoenix Suns 124-103 on Saturday. Dirk Nowitzki had 34 points in 34 minutes on 14-of-22 shooting to lead all scorers while Steve Nash tallied up 14 assists. The Mavericks as a team passed the ball well, getting a total of 37 assists. Even Antoine Walker got into the swing of playing center, attempting just two three-pointers instead of his usual six hundred. He missed both but was 5-for-8 overall from the field en route to a near double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Unfortunately for Dallas, their small-ball lineup would face the biggest and most dominant obstacle in basketball in the very first round of the playoffs if they started today. The Mavericks would have to try to beat the Lakers on their home court, and they would have to do it with Walker guarding Shaquille O'Neal. Walker had a difficult enough time trying to guard Kenyon Martin in series past, how would he do against Shaq? Complete Article (20040405 - Dallas) »

Nuggets Rout Houston, Carmelo Chats Today

On Friday night, Denver scored more in regulation than any other opponent Houston has faced all season. With their 110 points, the Nuggets showed the Rockets that the running and passing game is not just a crowd-pleasing gimmick but a powerful basketball strategy. The Nuggets had eight players in double-figures as they beat the Rockets 110-100. Every Nugget who scored got at least 10 points, with Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby getting team-high scoring honors with 20 points apiece. At 2pm MT (4pm ET) today, Carmelo Anthony will chat online. He appears in many of his quotes to be a cocky rookie but really he is probably as nice a guy as anybody else facing the same insecurities and challenges. Today's NEWS@ Midwest Report contains some pointers for his question-and-answer period to help him avoid appearing cock-sure and overconfident. As the West Coast counterpart in what is supposed to be the next Magic-Larry rivalry, Carmelo could take some pointers from Magic Johnson about how to praise teammates, coaches, and opponents, rather than constantly promoting yourself. Complete Article (20040405 - Denver) »

Sloan Looks to Bench to Beat Clippers

Head coach Jerry Sloan was not happy with the play of his starters so he looked to his bench to start the second half and play with passion and vigor, and they came through. The Jazz beat the Clippers 97-92 last night at Staples Center. Mikki Moore, Raja Bell, and Maurice Wiliams got oodles of playing time to help the Jazz overcome a 40-34 halftime deficit. Meanwhile, Greg Ostertag, Tom Gugliotta, and Raul Lopez combined for just 24 minutes of playing time. Complete Article (20040405 - Utah) »

Can Mavs Still Get Home Court Advantage?

The final stretch of games has arrived for Dallas, and the sixth-seeded Mavericks are in virtually no danger of slipping to the seventh seed, yet are only half a game behind Memphis for the fifth seed, and are still within optimistic striking distance of San Antonio for the fourth seed and the coveted home court advantage. For Dallas in particular, playing at home vs. playing on the road is the difference between winning and losing. Dallas has the best home record in the league, with only five losses and a whopping 33 wins, but they have only won 15 road games while dropping 23. For Dallas, home court advantage could mean the difference between going home in the first round or sticking around for the second. Does the schedule give them a real opportunity to get that fourth seed? Complete Article (20040406 - Dallas) »

A Nugget of Wisdom: How to Be Rookie of the Year

After an unfortunate incident two weeks ago in Detroit in which Carmelo Anthony refused to return to the court in the fourth quarter, an uncharacteristically unprofessional act by Carmelo, he realized that his chances of winning or sharing the Rookie of the Year award with LeBron James was all but shot. Though his numbers are comparable to LeBron's, he is just slightly below him in virtually every category. However, there is one way that Carmelo could skyrocket his chances of getting or sharing the award, or at least ensure a much better justification for feeling underappreciated. That one, secret way? Make the playoffs. Complete Article (20040406 - Denver) »

Don't Count Dallas Out

The Mavericks outran, outrebounded, out-free-throwed, and basically outplayed and outlasted the Sonics last night to oust them 118-108. Steve Nash continued his outpouring of assists with 14 and Marquis Daniels started out in just his ninth game of the season. You get the feeling something went out? So do the Memphis Grizzlies. With their fifth straight win, the Mavericks have now tied the Grizzlies for the fifth spot in the playoffs. Right now, Memphis wins the tiebreaker, but if Dallas beats them next Tuesday to even the series, the Mavericks currently lead the second tiebreaker with a better conference record. What does that mean? It means this late surge the Mavericks are putting on has them with a good chance of getting the fifth spot, and still within enough striking distance of fourth to keep the Spurs on their toes. Complete Article (20040407 - Dallas) »

The Buzz About Coach Buzz

What's all the buzz about Coach Buzz? The Denver Nuggets have won more games than they lost for the first time since Stan Kroenke bought the franchise during the offseason before the 2000-2001 season, and they've done it despite being in the toughest division in the tougher conference. Head coach Jeff Bzdelik is a candidate for Coach of the Year. Yet despite all their progress, the simple fact that GM Kiki Vandeweghe will not address coach Buzz's status for next year seems to have many observers buzzing "replacement." All those insects should bug off. Coach Buzz ain't going anywhere. The reason, based on financial option pricing theory, is in today's NEWS@ Midwest Report. Complete Article (20040407 - Denver) »

For Jazz, Any More After Four?

The Utah Jazz have just four regular season games left. The question on everybody's minds is, will they play after that? Each of their main rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets, have five games, and both have one game tonight. Probably nothing will be clinched until the last game of the regular season; until then, we can all watch with clenched teeth. Complete Article (20040407 - Utah) »

Mavs Have Finesse But Jazz Can Get Physical

Tonight's Dallas game between the Mavericks and the Jazz means a lot more to Utah than it does to Dallas. If Dallas prevails, all they will be able to say is that they downed yet another lottery or near-lottery team. But if Utah prevails, they draw ever closer to their dream of making it to the Western Conference playoffs. Tonight's game will be a battle between the finesse and fast pace of small ball where the only thing rarer than game-stopping whistles are missed shots, and the physical and scrappy play of Sloan ball where the only thing more common than fouls is rebounds. Complete Article (20040408 - Dallas) »

Nuggets Beat Suns to Grab Eighth Again

Denver beat a team that dressed only eight players and was missing one of its stars, yet the victory is still something to be proud of. The Nuggets defeated the unfortunate Phoenix Suns 111-96 last night to squeeze into the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. All three teams have exactly identical records but Denver owns tiebreakers against both rivals Utah and Portland. In last night's game, Carmelo Anthony exploded for 36 points and 11 rebounds to lead the way. Complete Article (20040408 - Denver) »

Nuggets Pumped Up for Pivotal Weekend

The Denver Nuggets fell asleep with the barest of leads over the Utah Jazz for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot and woke up with an additional half-game margin over the Jazz and within 2 games of Houston, who they face tonight. A win tonight and tomorrow night against their other rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers, would be a huge boost for Denver's playoff chances, head coach Jeff Bzdelik's Coach of the Year chances, Earl Boykins's Sixth Man of the Year chances, and Carmelo Anthony's Rookie or Co-Rookie of the Year chances. In other words, to put it bluntly, the Nuggets are pumped up for this pivotal weekend. Complete Article (20040409 - Denver) »

Turns Out Enough Talent Beats Even Hustle

The Jazz dropped an important game to the Mavericks last night, getting run out of Dallas's building 117-94 with their tails between their legs. As Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan told multiple sources, Dallas destroyed Utah last night, and it was because of the Mavericks imposing talent, pure and simple. Sloan didn't especially fault the Jazz's effort, instead saying that Dallas is an extraordinarily talented team and should have won more than it has this season. The loss drops the Jazz to the tenth spot in the playoff standings, half a game behind Denver and Portland, who square off against each other tomorrow night while the Jazz take on the currently seventh-seeded Rockets. Complete Article (20040409 - Utah) »

Why the Rockets Clinched

The Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 106-103 Friday night to clinch their first playoff berth since the lockout-shortened 1998-1999 season. Elated, overconfident, or just doing their best to keep the Nuggets out of the playoffs, the Rockets lost to the Utah Jazz 82-69 the next day, keeping the drama for eighth place alive. Indeed the drama is so strong that if the Rockets lose their last two games, there's a good chance they will be occupying the bottom seed of the Western Conference postseason standings. In fact, the Rockets would not even have clinched the playoffs if it weren't for Denver's March 14 victory over Utah. Complete Article (20040412 - Houston) »

Jazz are Half a Game Back With Two Games to Play

The Utah Jazz waved off early elimination on Saturday with a huge 82-69 victory over the Houston Rockets, beating the team that beat the Nuggets the night before. But the transitive property isn't going to be enough for the Jazz to get into the playoffs. Although Utah and Denver have the same number of wins and losses, because Denver owns the tiebreaker, Utah is essentially half a game behind. In order for them to make the postseason, they need to win more of their remaining two games than Denver wins of its remaining two games. A win by Denver and a loss by Utah tonight is all that is needed to clinch the playoffs for the Nuggets and secure an early summer for the Jazz, and though the Jazz face the top-seeded Western Conference team on the road in Minnesota, Denver's task is not much easier, as they host the second-place Kings. Complete Article (20040412 - Utah) »

Rockets Seal Seventh Seed

Playing without a backcourt that is nursing injuries, the Houston Rockets beat the Seattle SuperSonics 111-107 to seal the seventh seed in the postseason. The two Jacksons, Mark and Jim, led the way as the replacement backcourt with a combined 47 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. The Rockets will now face either the Kings or the Lakers in the playoffs. Houston has just one meaningless game left, a home game against intrastate rivals Dallas Mavericks. What would it take for us to see a Yao-Shaq matchup in the playoffs? Complete Article (20040413 - Houston) »

Spurs Can Still Catch Wolves

The Spurs extended their league-best winning streak to ten games with a 78-66 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. They are now just one game behind division leading Minnesota for both the Midwest division title and the number one seed in the Western Conference. Complete Article (20040413 - San Antonio) »

Utah Loses Game and Postseason Dreams

The Utah Jazz had the poor luck of having to play against the one man in the NBA that steps up every single night for every single game. Kevin Garnett would go all-out even playing against toddlers. Unfortunately, the Jazz did not equal that intensity, and lacking their trademark hustle, the Jazz fell 104-90 to the Timberwolves. Because Denver won last night, Utah is now eliminated from the postseason after a string of 20 straight playoff appearances, and will participate in the draft lottery for the first time in franchise history. Should Jerry Sloan be eliminated from consideration as Coach of the Year? Complete Article (20040413 - Utah) »

Rockets Will Face Lakers or Kings

This is it -- the last time we can speculate about who the Rockets will face in the first round. After tonight, the bracket will be etched in stone, forever available in the History section of the NBA's web site. Will it be Yao vs. Shaq? Or Yao vs. Vlade? A Rockets-Lakers series could be one for the ages, one that our grandchildren will be watching on the History channel. For an optimistic estimate of the probability of such a matchup, read today's NEWS@ Midwest report. Complete Article (20040414 - Houston) »

Salt Lake City Full of Tears

The Utah Jazz are going home after tonight. No more practices, no more games, no more film sessions. There goes Jerry Sloan's chances for Coach of the Year; there goes Andrei Kirilenko's chances for Most Improved and Best Defensive Player. Who would vote for players and coaches on teams that aren't even in the playoffs? No legends will be told of this team, no songs composed. Utah's Salt Lake will get a little saltier as more tears are shed, but Jazz fans worldwide now have an unfamiliar task ahead of them: calculating the odds of Utah getting the number one pick. Complete Article (20040414 - Utah) »

Yao vs. Shaq in Playoffs! Oh, and Rockets Lost to Mavs

Yesterday I calculated that the odds of a Yao vs. Shaq playoff series was optimistically a coin toss, or 50%. Kobe proved that prediction right. The Kings lost to the Warriors despite a late surge by Sacramento and the Lakers won on a Kobe Bryant shot at the buzzer in double-overtime. That sounds like the definition of 50% to me. Thanks to Kobe's heroics, Yao Ming will face him and Shaquille O'Neal in a matchup that couldn't be more exciting, and is probably the best matchup the Rockets could have hoped for, as they split the regular season series with the Lakers. Oh, and in other news, the Rockets dropped a meaningless 92-89 contest to Dallas in their last game of the regular season. Complete Article (20040415 - Houston) »

The Swan Song in Jazz Minor

The Jazz turned out not to have enough air in their trumpets for the postseason and in their finale encore game, they just wanted to go out on a winning note. Unfortunately, Phoenix was singing a different tune. The Jazz's unfinished symphony ended on a minor chord as the Suns beat them 89-84. Complete Article (20040415 - Utah) »

Time for Stevie Franchise Experiment to Pay Off

Steve Francis and Jeff Van Gundy have been at odds all season about how to best utilize Francis's quickness and ability to break down the opponent. Basically the debate comes down to this: Francis wants to do it and Van Gundy won't let him. During the regular season, when Van Gundy was looking to institute better defense, lower turnovers, and more team play, the coach did the right thing in enforcing his rules, sometimes by limiting Francis's playing time. But in the playoffs, all set offenses and defenses can be prepared for and broken down. But it's hard for any team to prepare for the creativity of a Stevie Franchise. Could the playoffs be the payoff from the Steve Francis investment that we've all been waiting for? Complete Article (20040416 - Houston) »

Will Utah's Big O Go No Mo'?

Greg Ostertag becomes a free agent July 1. "It is kind of weird to walk in here and think when I walk out that door, it's the last time I'll ever dress in this locker room," he told The Salt Lake Tribune while packing up his belongings and saying goodbye along with his teammates in the Delta Center yesterday. "But you never know." Will this summer mark the end of the nine-year veteran's run with the Jazz? If so, the Jazz would be to wise to consider hawking their salary cap space to teams interested in the Big O as a free agent; they could do a sign-and-trade with a team looking for a meaty center and a way to dump some other contract. Complete Article (20040416 - Utah) »

Magic Need a Defensive Three, Not Another Young Five

If next year the Magic are all healthy and Johnny Davis plays his best players in the starting lineup, we will see Grant Hill at point, Tracy McGrady at the two, Pat Garrity at the three, Drew Gooden at the four, and Juwan Howard at the five. Looking at this potential lineup, GM John Weisbrod sees the center spot as the biggest weakness for the club. But really the biggest weakness is the small forward position. Garrity is a great offensive player when healthy, but what the Magic really need is a defensive-minded spot-up shooting wingman like a Raja Bell or even a Bruce Bowen. Complete Article (20040419 - Orlando) »

Wizards Are Building Up to Up-Tempo

The best thing the Wizards have going for them is head coach Eddie Jordan. Washington dreams of becoming an exciting and competitive team, able to run with anybody. They want to be the next New Jersey or Sacramento. At first blush it appears the crux of those teams is fast breaks; therefore, the Wizards should play up-tempo ball. That's true, as far as it goes. But the reason their fast breaks work is because the Kings and Nets have great passing veterans at every position and the nucleus of each team has been together for years. Kwame Brown, Gilbert Arenas, Jarvis Hayes, and Jared Jefferies are all 22 years old. That nucleus will likely be together for years to come. So the key to the Wizards prospering as an up-tempo team is coaching stability. The key is Eddie Jordan. Complete Article (20040419 - Washington) »

Keep Coach Terry Stotts?

He's not up for nomination as coach of the year, but Terry Stotts has done a great job with the Atlanta Hawks. He was able to coach a team with less talent than Orlando or Chicago to a better record than either of them. He weathered numerous trades and was the team's sole source of stability in a year marred by impatient questions about new ownership. What is it about his approach that had non-stars playing like superstars? Complete Article (20040420 - Atlanta) »

Warriors Will Be Battling Themselves Next Season

The Warriors have been building to have salary cap space at the end of next season, and if Nick Van Exel does not opt out (it appears likely he will not), then that is exactly what they will get. His expiring contract could potentially be used as trade bait for other teams looking to get below the cap, but most likely the Warriors just want to have flexibility when the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed. Unfortunately, that strategy is likely to result in the lottery again for the Warriors next season, and a lot of bickering: the Warriors may end up battling themselves. Complete Article (20040420 - Golden State) »

A Bobcat By Any Other Name

I've always been partial to people with duplicated names, like Boutrous-Boutrous Ghali, the former Secretary General of the UN. It sounds more solid and insistent. I've often considered introducing myself as Philip Philip Maymin but could never summon the courage. Plus, I didn't think anyone would appreciate it as much I do. Do the Charlotte Bobcats share my penchant? It shouldn't be too much of a stretch to think that a team named after its owner would prefer players with storied names. Today's NEWS@ Southeast Report looks at Ruben Boumtje Boumtje, Calvin Booth, Corie Blount, and Travis Best. Complete Article (20040421 - Charlotte) »

The Break vs. The Paint

Brian Grant only scored two points in game 1 against the Hornets but New Orleans coach Tim Floyd called him the Most Valuable Player of that game. Why? Because Grant, along with Udonis Haslem, were able to take away the paint, the area where the Hornets were expecting to dominate over the smaller and faster Heat. Yet in game 1, the Heat actually got more points in the paint (34) than the Hornets (28), and a big reason was Grant. Complete Article (20040421 - Miami) »

Johnny Davis May Get Extended

Orlando GM John Weisbrod suggested that head coach Johnny Davis may get his contract extended so that he doesn't go into next season as a so-called lame duck. Weisbrod indicated somewhat mysteriously that even if his contract is not extended, Davis will still have control over the players. But is a coach in his last season really powerless to mold his team? Or is the lame duck theory just a red herring? Complete Article (20040422 - Orlando) »

When Will Kwame Brown Get Sick of the Comparisons?

With a potentially ridiculous number of high school students going straight to the NBA this year, the worry on every scout and GM's mind is: will this kid be the next Amare or the next Kwame? The GMs in the lottery have to decide between college graduate Emeka Okafor and high schooler Josh Howard for the top pick. Those guys have it the worst. "Man," they shake their head, "I hope Josh Howard's not another Kwame." When will Kwame Brown get sick of all the comparisons and go out and prove everyone wrong? Complete Article (20040422 - Washington) »

Why Stephen Jackson > Bob Sura > Jason Terry

Jason Terry is Atlanta's only star, yet the Hawks had two other combo guards - Bob Sura and Stephen Jackson - making less money and producing about as much as Terry. Did Terry's game go down after signing a three-year contract last summer? Or did the other players step up their games in a contract year? Or is head coach Terry Stotts a genius at bringing out backcourt talent? Analysis inside today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040423 - Atlanta) »

Elden Campbell Back to Charlotte?

With a bench deeper and taller and stronger than most teams, the Detroit Pistons face quite a challenge in deciding which of their eight non-free agents to protect and which to leave available to the Bobcats for the picking. One possibility is for Detroit to allow Elden Campbell to leave. Campbell, a 16-year-veteran of the league, would be a solid performer and a superior tutor for whatever big man the Bobcats draft with their fourth selection. It would also be a bit of a prodigal son returns for Campbell, as he played for the Charlotte Hornets for four seasons back in the 1999-2002 seasons. Complete Article (20040426 - Charlotte) »

Heat Fall to Hornets

The Hornets stung the Heat with their defense, beating them 77-71 as the young Miami team was unable to play its uptempo game on the road in the Big Easy. After scoring 18 fast break points in each of their first two games, the Heat were held to just seven fast break points in their first road game. New Orleans actually got more fast break points (eight) for the first time all series. Miami now leads the series 2-1 with the fourth game tomorrow night. Complete Article (20040426 - Miami) »

Mutually Beneficial Boston-Orlando Trades

The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic have been linked in unfulfilled trade talks all season long. Could this summer see some triggers being pulled? Orlando needs more help in the point guard department than either the draft or Grant Hill, who is a more natural swingman, can provide. Meanwhile, they have a slight surplus of power forwards, something the Celtics could use. Plus, the Magic need to consider both possibilities for next season: great improvement or great loss. If they lose McGrady, they'll want to be sitting on expiring contracts so they can be players in the free agency market next offseason. Complete Article (20040427 - Orlando) »

Big Changes Needed

Gilbert Arenas is not a pure point guard. Kwame Brown is Kwame Brown. Jerry Stackhouse? Who even knows what's going on there. That leaves Larry Hughes, rookies, and sophomores for your team. The Wizards should examine every deal that comes their way and look to orchestrate themselves: this team needs big, sweeping changes. Complete Article (20040427 - Washington) »

Terry Stotts to Boston?

Terry Stotts has been reported as being on the rumored short list for Boston's recently vacated head coaching position. Would he be a good fit there? Read today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040428 - Atlanta) »

Rivers Runs North

Doc Rivers has been speculated for virtually every vacant head coaching job, and even some that are not vacant. The most persistent rumor had been that he would go to Atlanta, where he played his best basketball as a player, replacing Terry Stotts. Instead, the Boston Celtics have plucked the former Head Coach of the Year to run their storied franchise. Complete Article (20040429 - Orlando) »

The Legacy of Kwame Brown is Undone by LeBron James

After Kwame Brown appeared to be written off as a bust by many observers, it could be argued that fewer high school students than otherwise expected looked to turn pro, despite the fact that he had just been the first ever overall #1 selection to go straight from high school. If, for example, Brown had quickly become a powerful force in the league, that might have convinced others, including Carmelo Anthony, to skip Syracuse altogether. Now, with LeBron James's obvious and immediate superstardom, and with Anthony also only one year out of high school, a record number of high school players are projected to get chosen in the first round. Complete Article (20040429 - Washington) »

Rivers Runs North

Doc Rivers had been speculated for virtually every vacant head coaching job, and even some that were not vacant. The most persistent rumor had been that he would go to Atlanta, where he played his best basketball as a player, replacing Terry Stotts. Instead, the Boston Celtics have plucked the former Head Coach of the Year to run their storied franchise, officially introducing him yesterday. Complete Article (20040430 - Orlando) »

The Legacy of Kwame Brown is Undone by LeBron James

After Kwame Brown appeared to be written off as a bust by many observers, it could be argued that fewer high school students than otherwise expected looked to turn pro, despite the fact that he had just been the first ever overall #1 selection to go straight from high school. If, for example, Brown had quickly become a powerful force in the league, that might have convinced others, including Carmelo Anthony, to skip Syracuse altogether. Now, with LeBron James's obvious and immediate superstardom, and with Anthony also only one year out of high school, a record number of high school players are projected to get chosen in the first round. Complete Article (20040430 - Washington) »

Attend Me, Hawk Fans

Of the 20,300 seats available at Philips Arena, the Hawks averaged 13,798 fans this season and 12,894 last season. That means about one in three seats were empty. If there's a person to the left of you and a person to the right, then you must not be there. Solutions to Atlanta's woes are inside today's NEWS@ Southeast Report. Complete Article (20040503 - Atlanta) »

Delighting in Detritus

For the Hornets, building the future may mean profiting from the past. In our continuing look at potential expansion draft prospects, we look at two minor players involved in the blockbuster Antawn Jamison for Nick Van Exel trade: centers Even Eschmeyer and Danny Fortson. We also look at the Lakers' Derek Fisher, a tough, gritty, defensive and explosive point guard who can't be left open for a millisecond, especially when the game is on the line. Complete Article (20040504 - Charlotte) »

For Home Court, Sweet Home Court, Be Grateful to Grant

The home team has won every game in what has become the first seven-game series of the 2004 playoffs: the first round matchup between the fourth-seeded Miami Heat and the fifth-seeded New Orleans Hornets. What a difference a win makes. If Miami had lost to New Orleans back on November 25, 2003, instead of winning by four points to notch their fourth win of the season, the Hornets would have had home court advantage in this series. Complete Article (20040504 - Miami) »

Just What We Need, Another Power Forward

Why couldn't the best players in the upcoming draft be monstrous centers or lightning quick point guards? Why do the two top picks of Emeka Okafor and Dwight Howard both have to be power forwards or undersized centers, a position that the Magic are already stocked at? The problem, the Magic will find, is that you can't corner the market on big men. Their values do not soar just because you have a lot of them. If you don't take an immediate hit, you will end up doing a firesale later, after many seasons of mediocrity at best. Let's just hope the Magic don't become what the Knicks used to be: a team of eight power forwards. Complete Article (20040505 - Orlando) »

The Wizards Need a Midrange Shooter and Defender

Since they've lost Rip Hamilton, the Wizards are the quintessential example of a team that can't shoot or defend the midrange jumper. They can hit threes the same as anyone else, but when it comes to overall field goal percentages, or even free throw percentages, the Wizards are at the bottom of the pile. Complete Article (20040505 - Washington) »

Expansion Draft Genie Grants Brian Grant

He's one of only eight starting centers still playing in the postseason, and he's a big reason his team is even in the playoffs. Yet Brian Grant's large salary means he will likely be left unprotected by the Miami Heat. Conventional wisdom says the Bobcats should pass on his $13mm+ annual salary for the next three years. But Grant is a solid, ironman player, and his expiring contract in the third year come be useful trade bait in a year that the Bobcats would be most looking for a blockbuster trade. Grant could be the Rasheed Wallace of the 2006-2007 season. Complete Article (20040506 - Charlotte) »

Monday Can't Come Soon Enough

The Heat lost to the Pacers 94-81 at Indiana last night in their second round series opener. The Heat had a 14-0 edge in fast break points and outrebounded the Pacers by eight, but it was Indiana's 50% shooting from the three point line and their 32-18 edge in trips to the charity stripe that gave the Pacers the win. The Heat have yet to win a road game this postseason. The series continues tomorrow in Indiana and comes to Miami on Monday. It can't come soon enough. Complete Article (20040506 - Miami) »

Othella Harrington's Revenge

Othella Harrington is a Knick in name only. Harrington was left off of New York's playoff roster and will probably be unprotected in the expansion draft; if the Bobcats don't pick him up, he is likely to be either traded or released, according to published reports. This doesn't sit well with Harrington at all. "Revenge," he recently told The New York Daily News , "is best served cold." Could the Bobcats use a cold-blooded defensive and rebounding machine with a nice hook shot? Could they even finagle some cash out of New York in order to select Harrington? Complete Article (20040510 - Charlotte) »

Heat Home Court is Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows!

Over the regular season the Miami Heat had the third-best home record in the Eastern Conference, behind only Indiana and Detroit with 29 victories, but the worst road record of any playoff team, with only 13 victories. In five road games so far this postseason, the Heat haven't won once. But in their four home games so far this postseason, they haven't lost once. The silver lining in being down 2-0 to the Indiana Pacers after a 91-80 loss on Saturday is that they get to come home to Miami tonight, and finally have the building and the fans on their side. Tonight in Miami, the prediction is sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows, and the re-emergence of Eddie Jones. Complete Article (20040510 - Miami) »

Trade the #1 Pick?

Apparently it's "well-known" that if the Magic were to win the lottery and get the overall #1 pick, they would be looking to trade it for immediate veteran help. One example of a potential trade in today's Orlando Sentinel is sending Grant Hill plus the #1 to Dallas for Antoine Walker plus filler. Such a trade would involve four mistakes for the Magic: they shouldn't lose Hill, they shouldn't lose the #1 pick, they don't need more power forwards, and they certainly don't need more filler. Complete Article (20040510 - Orlando) »

Could Del Harris Make a Hawk of Kobe Bryant?

The argument against Atlanta stealing Del Harris away from Dallas to be the next Hawks head coach is that he's not a big-name draw. No one doubts that he's experienced -- the man has overseen both more wins and more losses than all but about a dozen others. But the Hawks need a big-name. There are few names bigger in all of sports than Kobe Bryant. Harris has the distinction of not only having coached Kobe in Los Angeles, but also Kobe's father in Houston back in 1982-83. Could Harris help draw this offseason's most coveted free agent? Complete Article (20040511 - Atlanta) »

Please Don't Make Us Draft a Schooler

The Wizards are cursed with a high lottery pick -- that's right, cursed. The most talented player available to them may well be a high schooler, and they can't bring themselves to draft another schooler. At the same time, they can't bring themselves to draft anyone but the best available talent when it comes to their turn. So what choice do they have but to look to deal their pick? Complete Article (20040511 - Washington) »

Detroit Demands Asterisk, But Nets Prefer Forward Slash

In complaining about the officiating during game three, Rasheed Wallace declared the Nets victory would get an asterisk in his book, pointing to a footnote about bad officiating. Not only is Wallace simply wrong on the facts, but he and his legendary coach Larry Brown are both doing their team a disservice with their arrogance. Ironically, it is the veteran Pistons who are acting immature and childish, while the rookie head coach of the Nets carries himself like a Net, which is to say, with dignity and aplomb. In the battle of punctuation that continues tonight, the Nets look to brush off arbitrary asterisks and duplicate instead the forward slash of game three, as they hope that Richard Jefferson can again carry this team to victory. Complete Article (20040511 - New Jersey) »

Troy Hudson, Ryan Humphrey, and Steven Hunter

The Bobcats must select at least 14 players in the expansion draft and can take as many as 29. The Bobcats will be looking for contracts that expire within the next three years at most, for veterans that can mentor younger players, and for health. They will have their opportunities to take players like Troy Hudson from the Timberwolves, who has health problems as well as a player option this offseason, but they would likely pass. They will also have opportunities to take players still on their rookie contracts, such as Ryan Humphrey of the Grizzlies and Steven Hunter of the Magic: these are not wily veterans but rather seasons professionals who can make an instant contribution, and can also be packaged together as trade bait later for other teams looking to get younger. Complete Article (20040512 - Charlotte) »

Another Pair of 2-2 Ties?

Last night both the Nets and the Lakers brought their series to 2-2 ties. Can the Heat and the Kings accomplish that same feat tonight? Miami is playing not only to prove to naysayers that they belong in the playoffs, but to ensure at least one more home game. A loss tonight means Indiana can close out the series at home this weekend. Complete Article (20040512 - Miami) »

As Gooden As Gone?

Is there really a chance Drew Gooden will stay in Orlando? His latest comments to The Orlando Sentinel have him wanting to stay and make another go of it, even if it means playing alongside Juwan Howard again. But with Orlando likely drafting high, where all the big power forwards lurk, and with the Magic already saying they might want to trade their draft pick for a big man, Gooden may fall to the third-string. Jerry West and the Memphis Grizzlies gave up on him; will the Magic follow suit? Complete Article (20040512 - Orlando) »

Hawks Talk to Sonics Associate Head Coach Dwane Casey

The Hawks continue their neverending quest of talking with other assistants in their search for a new head coach. A day after looking to talk to Denver assistant John MacLeod, the Hawks have targeted Seattle associate head coach Dwane Casey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports tomorrow's possibilities include Detroit assistant head coach Mike Woodson and Indiana associate head coach Mike Brown. Is this the right way to find a coach? Or is it just busywork reflective of a lack of focus for the franchise? Complete Article (20040513 - Atlanta) »

How the Winning Terps Got Lost

Sixty percent of the starting lineup for Maryland's 2002 NCAA national champions are now Wizards. So why can't they compete in the NBA? Complete Article (20040513 - Washington) »

Keeping Up With The Johnson's

Two Johnson's may become available in the expansion draft, and in our continuing look at potential players available to Charlotte, we examine these neighbors for potential value. They are point guard Anthony Johnson of the Indiana Pacers and Ervin Johnson of the Minnesota Timberwolves: both players with major minutes for championship-contending teams still in the playoffs. Complete Article (20040514 - Charlotte) »

It is Time to Win on the Road, Simba

No time like the present. Today is the first day of the rest of Miami's life. Their distance to the trophy is the same as the Lakers, Kings, Wolves, Pacers, and Spurs. It's a three game series with one home game. It's time for Miami to win on the road. Complete Article (20040514 - Miami) »

Forget Terrorism and Forget Patriotism and Do What's Fun

We're not soldiers here or communists. Living in a free country means doing what you enjoy so long as you don't infringe on other people's ability to enjoy themselves. Tracy McGrady shouldn't skip the Olympics because of worries about terrorist, but neither should he attend out of a feeling of patriotism. He should do what's fun. Complete Article (20040514 - Orlando) »

Trade Lottery Pick? Depends on What You Get

It's easy to come up with hard-and-fast rules that seem to limit risk: that's all bureaucracy is. But those rules themselves are potentially even more risky than the outcomes they're trying to prevent. It's easy to say "don't draft high schoolers" or "don't trade a lottery pick," but it all depends on the opportunity cost. Especially for trades, how can you pass up all possibilities without a rational consideration? Complete Article (20040517 - Orlando) »

For the Uncertainty Averse, the Third Pick's a Thinker

Though the draft lottery is less than two weeks away and the draft itself only about a month after that, there is tremendous uncertainty about who the Wizards should draft if they end up with the third pick. In Hoopsworld.com's most recent mock draft, four editors predict four different choices may still be available: Luol Deng, Emeka Okafor, Dwight Howard, and Martynas Andruiskevicius. For those keeping track at home, that's a small forward, two power forwards, and a center. In other words, the Wizards' primary need is in the frontcourt. But the real uncertainty is about high schoolers and foreign players. Are the Wizards averse to uncertainty? Complete Article (20040517 - Washington) »

Working Out Without a Coach

The fact that Atlanta doesn't have a head coach yet is not stopping them from bringing in players for workouts starting today. Here's who the Hawks will work out today: swingman Michael Haynes of Fordham, shot-blocking center Herve Lamizana of Rutgers, forward James Moore of New Mexico State, and Croatian forward Damir Omerhodzic who is said to have NBA three-point range. They will also start interviewing Denver's John MacLeod for the head coaching position today through Thursday, and then Seattle's Dwane Casey later in the week. Complete Article (20040518 - Atlanta) »

Mad Dog and the Glory of Offensive Boards

Here are three more players the Bobcats will be looking at for their expansion draft: little Tyronn Lue of Orlando and big offensive rebounders George Lynch of New Orleans and Mark Madsen of Minnesota. Offensive rebounding is an unheralded skill but my personal favorite. It's like getting extra possessions. The Bobcats have a chance to grab the NBA's tenth-best offensive rebounder per 48 minutes for a minimum salary and just a one-year contract. How can you pass that up? Complete Article (20040518 - Charlotte) »

End of an Era or 48 Minutes Away From ECF?

Will tonight's Miami home game mark the end of an incredible season and home court era, or will the Heat pull out yet another stunner to go back to Indiana for a game 7, where they will find themselves just 48 minutes away from the Eastern Conference Finals? Indiana's Jamaal Tinsley says the Pacers are the top dogs. Dwyane Wade and Malik Allen both guaranteed wins tonight. In perhaps the Heat's final home game of the season, the fans will be raucous, the players will be pumped, and the game will be nasty, brutish, and physical. Complete Article (20040518 - Miami) »

The 2001 ROY and the Guy Who Took the 2003 ROY's Spot

A team's roster depth turns from blessing to curse when an expansion draft rolls around, and the Memphis Grizzlies may find themselves making some tough decisions. With 13 players under contract at least for next season, their prized asset and captain Mike Miller may be left unprotected in the hope that the Bobcats pass on his enormous contract. But will they? Cleveland faces the same difficulty, though while LeBron James will surely be protected, the guy who replaced him in the starting lineup at point guard, Jeff McInnis, may be left dangling. These are two potentially huge acquisitions for Charlotte. Look in today's NEWS@ Southeast report for a detailed analysis of these two possibilities. Complete Article (20040520 - Charlotte) »

Heat in Elite Company With Kings and Spurs

The Heat went as far in the postseason as the Kings and the Spurs; now who would have predicted that? With Chris Webber's last-second three-pointer sailing wide last night, the Kings ended their season just one postseason game after the Heat. The Heat pushed the team with the league's best record to six games and was itself within a Rafer Alston three of a seventh game. With persistent rumors of Webber potentially being shopped, and the Heat looking for a big post player, could there be a mutually beneficial deal here? Complete Article (20040520 - Miami) »

T-Mac Out, Musselman In?

Two hot rumors today for Orlando, going coast-to-coast. New York's Peter Vecsey, citing an anonymous confidant of Tracy McGrady, claims T-Mac will officially inform the Magic after the Finals that he is leaving, and that he has narrowed his choices to the Suns, Rockets, Spurs, and Lakers. Meanwhile, California's Jeff Faraudo says that reports indicate Orlando was waiting for coach Eric Musselman's availability before making a decision with their coaching staff. Which of these rumors has the ring of truth? Find out in today's NEWS@ Southeast Report. Complete Article (20040521 - Orlando) »

Complete Radio Silence

No article has been published in the major media about the Wizards in weeks. No rumors appear to be escaping anyone's lips with Wizards still on them. Only these daily NEWS@ reports provide any update on what's going on in Washington. Why the complete radio silence? Most stories come from leaks and talks with the media. If the Wizards aren't leaking or talking, it's for one of two reasons. Either they have nothing to leak or say, or they have something huge that they have taken extraordinary lengths to keep under wraps. Complete Article (20040521 - Washington) »

Being Perfectly Blount

Mark Blount has a house in Boca. The Heat have a team in Miami. Blount can exercise his option to become a free agent center. The Heat are looking for a free agent center. A match made in heaven? Here is the scouting report for the Heat about Blount: he has a nice, soft outside shot, and he can run the floor, and he can play good defense, but he has slippery fingers. Complete Article (20040601 - Miami) »

Darling You Gotta Let Us Know: Will You Stay or Will You Go?

It's as if your girlfriend were telling you she's thinking about other guys. There's this rich guy, Phoenix, and this young guy, Houston. Of course others want her too: the accomplished Spurs and the high-society Lakers. But I'm looking for someone with whom I can really have a good time, she tells you. What about me, you silently scream. What's wrong with me? C'mon Tracy, you're breaking our hearts. You think we want to lose? The one thing worse than losing is the thought of losing you. This torture is killing us. Darling, you gotta let us know: will you stay or will you go? Complete Article (20040601 - Orlando) »

Should Ernie Grunfeld, Master of Late Draft Picks, Trade Down?

The Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld is looking at the highest draft pick he has ever had the pleasure to consider. How have his past draft picks worked out? An in-depth look at the big successes (e.g. Michael Redd drafted 43rd overall and T.J. Ford drafted 8th overall) and the big flops (e.g Marcus Haislip drafted 13th overall and Joel Przybilla, acquired via draft-day trade, drafted 9th overall) of his career so far. It appears Grunfeld is better at picking second-rounders than first-rounders. Does this mean the Wizards should look to get some immediate help and trade down, very far down? Complete Article (20040602 - Washington) »

Last Coach Standing

There are just two head coaching jobs still available in the NBA, and only one of those teams has a GM (Toronto appears to have no front office at all). The Hawks offer the world's last opportunity to coach an American NBA team... at least until turnover rears its ugly head once more. The Hawks have interviewed apparently everybody under the sun. They have already worked out 28 potential draft choices. Isn't it time for a decision? Isn't it time for a coach? Complete Article (20040603 - Atlanta) »

Kurt Thomas and Gerald Wallace

Two players that will potentially be left unprotected by their respective teams in the next two weeks for the expansion draft are New York's Kurt Thomas and Sacramento's Gerald Wallace. Thomas is an aging yet still improving veteran center and Wallace is an explosive forward who would be a graduating senior this year had he stayed in school. Two potentially great pick-ups for Charlotte if they are left unprotected. In draft news, the Bobcats worked out Andris Biedrins and Andre Iguodala yesterday. Complete Article (20040603 - Charlotte) »

Another Draft Day Steal?

With two consecutive years of drafting gems at #10 (Caron Butler) and #5 (Dwyane Wade), can the Heat's good fortunes continue now that they have the #19 pick? Jameer Nelson will work out for Miami soon. If he is available to the Heat, could he be the next gem? Could Nelson be the Heat's point guard of the future? If the Heat also pick up free agent-to-be Mark Blount, they would be loaded at each position, and could make next year a special one. Complete Article (20040604 - Miami) »

Dwight Howard Looking to Usurp Emeka Okafor's #1 Spot

According to Orlando GM John Weisbrod, Emeka Okafor is no longer the obvious #1 pick. Of the 15 teams that have contacted him looking to trade for the Magic's #1 draft pick, about half are looking to use it on Dwight Howard. Weisbrod himself also has no predispositions, and he says the Magic will work both players out and make an objective decision. Howard's agent Aaron Goodwin, of course, compares Howard to Kevin Garnett, and says there'd be no doubt he'd be the #1 pick had he spent a year in college. Howard calls himself a cross between KG and Tim Duncan. Can Howard usurp the throne or is this just the hype machine working in overdrive? Complete Article (20040604 - Orlando) »

Dwyane Wade, Olympian?

Could rookie Dwyane Wade's year culminate in a sensational Olympics appearance? Team USA is reportedly assuming that Mike Bibby will not be in Athens this summer, and so they will be looking for a point guard to backup Stephon Marbury. He would join LeBron James as the only other rookie on the Olympic team. Complete Article (20040607 - Miami) »

Can/Should Wizards Make Move for #1 Pick?

Kwame Brown, the much-maligned overall #1 pick from three years ago, is only six months older than Emeka Okafor. Is there any doubt that had Brown gone the traditional NCAA route and declared this year he would be the consensus #1 pick, or at least give Okafor and Dwight Howard a good run? Many observers have felt that Brown still has tremendous upside and simply needs a change of location and a clean slate. Could he fit in well with Tracy McGrady? Would the Magic consider a #1 for #5 swap if it also lands them a young, athletic, promising big man? Should the Wizards consider making a move for the #1 pick? Complete Article (20040607 - Washington) »

Hawks Offer Jason Terry Plus #6 for Clippers' #2

The Hawks will do anything to get Dwight Howard into a Hawks jersey. The latest rumor is that Atlanta has offered Jason Terry and their #6 pick to the LA Clippers for their #2. But they don't seem to be doing much to put anybody into the coach's seat. Will Billy Knight pull a Dick Cheney and pick himself as head coach? Complete Article (20040608 - Atlanta) »

Tough Williams

Two players that could be left unprotected by their respective teams are Jerome Williams of the Bulls and Frank Williams of the Knicks. Either Williams would bring immediate toughness to the Bobcats at their positions, and either would be a great sparkplug off the bench. Complete Article (20040608 - Charlotte) »

Mark Blount To Officially Opt Out

Mark Blount has notified the Celtics that he will officially opt out of the last year of his contract to test the free agency waters this week, before the expansion draft, so the Celtics would not need to protect him. He has expressed interest in playing for Miami, and Miami would love to have him, but both he and Boston have expressed a potential desire to stay together. Complete Article (20040609 - Miami) »

Battle for #1

Dwight Howard and his agent have made his case to the media that he should be Orlando's selection with the #1 overall draft pick. Not to be outdone, Emeka Okafor and his agent are now doing damage control. "At the end of the day," Okafor's agent Jeff Schwarz told The Orlando Sentinel , "they'll take Emeka." Complete Article (20040609 - Orlando) »

The Poetic and Political Etan Thomas

Etan Thomas is a restricted free agent this summer and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer unless he signs an extension with the Wizards. And though there may be interest from other teams in signing the rugged center to an offer sheet, Thomas would likely prefer to stay in Washington, where he can roam the poetry bars and participate in anti-death-penalty rallies. Look for Thomas to entertain potential offers only from big city teams, unless of course, someone is willing to drastically overpay him. Complete Article (20040610 - Washington) »

Atlanta's #6 and #17 Picks Are Worth More Than #2

Atlanta's two picks are worth slightly more than the Clippers' #2 overall pick if the rookie scale contracts are an indication of value (which they can be considered to be since they are the result of a collective bargaining agreement). That means the Clippers should be willing to trade with Atlanta. However, the Hawks have competition: Utah's three draft picks together are worth even more. Complete Article (20040611 - Atlanta) »

Preview - Uros Slokar, Delonte West, Viktor Khryapa

Today is the deadline for all but the two Finals teams to submit their list of protected players. While the lists are not intended to be made public, things have a way of leaking. As usual, you can expect a few surprises. Also, while the Bobcats have the fourth pick in the first round of the NBA draft, they also have the fourth pick in the second round. Three players that could be available there are Uros Slokar, Delonte West, and Viktor Khryapa. Complete Article (20040611 - Charlotte) »

Expansion Draft No Big Deal; Odom to Olympics?

The Heat have reportedly left Brian Grant, Eddie Jones, and Loren Woods exposed to the Charlotte Bobcats for the expansion draft. Woods was likely to be released anyway and though the Bobcats could trade any player they pick up in the expansion draft, Grant and Jones are unlikely to be attractive to anyone because they are each set to earn about $15 million a year over the next three years. In Olympic news, Lamar Odom may be asked to join Team USA. Complete Article (20040614 - Miami) »

General Manager Tracy McGrady?

Tracy McGrady thinks the Magic will be contenders if they can pick up some veterans this offseason. Is he willing to bet his career as a player on his novice advice as a GM? Complete Article (20040614 - Orlando) »

Bobcats May Like Kittles

Kerry Kittles, the most expensive Net after Jason Kidd, was left unprotected by the Nets for the expansion draft, and the papers in Charlotte say the Bobcats might just take him. Earlier speculation thought that one of the cheaper unprotected Nets, namely Tamar Slay, could get the nod, but Kittles could be valued for his streaky yet fearless shooting touch, his scoring prowess, and his ability to run the floor. Complete Article (20040614 - New Jersey) »

Bulls Want to Deal #3 to Wizards for #5 Plus Jarvis Hayes

The Chicago Bulls have reportedly offered to swap draft picks with Washington if the Wizards also include Jarvis Hayes. In exchange, the Bulls would offer Chris Jefferies and salary-cap filler. The Wizards are seemingly uninterested in the deal in its current form, though it's not completely off the table. Presumably if the Bulls showed even passing interest in Jerry Stackhouse the Wizards would jump at the opportunity. Complete Article (20040615 - Washington) »

Spurned Stephen Jackson Still Longs for Spurs

Last year, the Spurs spurned Stephen Jackson's demands for a big contract, making him what he felt was a lowball offer, which he rejected out of principle and became a free agent. Unfortunately his free agency contract with the Hawks was at an even lower price, but now Jackson is looking to opt out of his contract, become a free agent again, and start his advances with the team that rejected him in the first place. Stephen Jackson wants to be a Spur again. Complete Article (20040616 - Atlanta) »

Preview - Tony Allen/Kris Humphries/Jameer Nelson

Today's Charlotte draft preview looks at a one-two-three punch of a lottery point guard in Jameer Nelson, a late first round small forward in Kris Humphries, and a second round shooting guard in Tony Allen. If Charlotte were to trade down in the draft, it could potentially get three such selections. One team that owns the #13, #23, and #47 picks, all of which have excellent chances of drafting the appropriate player, is Portland. If the Bobcats give the Blazers their fourth pick, they could land themselves a young, athletic, yet mature one-two-three punch, all in one day. Complete Article (20040616 - Charlotte) »

Don't Bet on Pat Riley Coaching Lakers Next Year

When a team is a champion, its history is but a backdrop to its current achievements. When a team is a loser, its history is a source of nostalgia. That is why rumors are sprouting faster than Hollywood gossip that the Lakers may look to get Pat Riley to come back as a coach. But if you live in LA, you might consider hopping on I-15 North, driving five hours to Vegas, and betting the farm that it won't happen. There's just no reason for Riley to give up the security of a 10% ownership stake that vests next year for the stress, travel, scrutiny, and crapshoot that is coaching the Lakers. Complete Article (20040617 - Miami) »

Pacers Trying to Deal for Tracy McGrady; Are Celtics Out of the Question?

The Indiana Pacers are willing to deal almost anybody except Jermaine O'Neal in an attempt to land presumed disgruntled Magic star Tracy McGrady. According to Indiana's Donnie Walsh, the Magic are having low-key conversations with several clubs expressing potential trade interest. The only playoff team that seems to be out of the picture is the Boston Celtics; but is it really not an option? In the meantime, Magic owner Rich DeVos's much-anticipated meeting with McGrady is tomorrow, after which point we will either have a lot more clarity or a lot more secrecy. Complete Article (20040617 - Orlando) »

Last Look at Luol

Luol Deng will have what he says is his last workout for any team today as he displays his wares to the Washington Wizards from 10:30am - 11:30am. This may well be the last anybody sees of him until David Stern calls out his name on June 24. He is a lock for the top five spots, though he hasn't cracked the top two. Complete Article (20040618 - Washington) »

Del Harris a Frontrunner But Timing Unknown

Dallas assistant coach Del Harris is reportedly a frontrunner for the still-vacant head coaching position for the Hawks but the next few days are going to be such busy ones both for Harris and the Hawks that naming him their new leader might be almost unworkable. Between the expansion draft, the real draft, and Harris coaching China's national team in Dallas, there's little time for lunch, let alone a press conference. The other reported frontrunner for the Hawks coaching job is Indiana associate head coach Mike Brown. Complete Article (20040621 - Atlanta) »

Stackhouse As Good As Gone?

Jerry Stackhouse is one of the premier names left unprotected by the Wizards in advance of the Charlotte Bobcats' expansion draft tomorrow night, and he is considered to be one of Charlotte's strong possibilities for being taken. Particularly if Washington pays up to the maximum $3 million or offers draft picks. It would be foolish of the rebuilding Wizards to offer particularly high draft picks but paying some cash to get his big, long contract off the books could be worth it. Complete Article (20040621 - Washington) »

Bobcats to Select Second and May Get Emeka Okafor; PLUS: Preview - Ben Gordon/Andre Iguodala/Shaun Livingston

The Charlotte Bobcats pulled off their first trade last night, sending their fourth picks in the first and second round to the Clippers in exchange for the second overall pick and a promise to take Predrag Srobnak in the expansion draft tonight. In other widely reported rumors, the Orlando-Houston trade sending Tracy McGrady et al. for Steve Francis et al. may get a hiccup if the Bobcats choose to intervene and select key players needed to match salaries in the trade either from the Rockets or the Magic. One report suggests that the Bobcats could be bribed into silence by an Orlando promise to draft Dwight Howard, letting the Bobcats build around favorite Emeka Okafor. Complete Article (20040622 - Charlotte) »

Grant and Jones Safe?

In just a few hours, the Charlotte Bobcats will read the names of the players they've selected in the expansion draft, live on NBA TV. At this late stage, it seems as if Miami's bloated and exposed contracts of Brian Grant and Eddie Jones are safe. Meanwhile, largely unfounded rumors about Pat Riley returning to coach the Lakers continue to swirl. Complete Article (20040622 - Miami) »

T-Mac Packs; Goodbye Juwan, Hello Dwight?

The Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets are potentially just hours away from finalizing a deal that would exchange Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Andrew DeClercq, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato. The biggest hangup apparently is not the possibility that the Bobcats will select Cato just to throw a wrench in the proceedings, and it is not any difficulty with the consummate professional Juwan Howard. Rather it is reportedly Reece Gaines. If the Bobcats select Gaines over the expected Orlando selection Zaza Pachulia, it would mean the whole deal needs to be reworked. One possibility to placate Charlotte may be a guarantee by the Magic to draft Dwight Howard, leaving Charlotte favorite Emeka Okafor for their new-found second overall pick, thanks to the Clippers, as their building block of the future. Complete Article (20040622 - Orlando) »

What? You Don't Want Alan Henderson?

The Atlanta Hawks have only a handful of players under contract yet the expansion rules dictated they must expose at least one player for the Bobcats to select. So the Hawks exposed Captain Alan Henderson, whose $8.5 million salary next season was expected to dissuade the Bobcats from selecting him, whether for themselves or as trade bait for someone else. The ploy worked perfectly. Captain Henderson is still a Hawk. Complete Article (20040623 - Atlanta) »

One Wizard Down

The Washington Wizards lost restricted free agent Lonny Baxter to the Charlotte Bobcats in the expansion draft last night. In the preceding days and weeks, speculation had mounted that either the expensive Jerry Stackhouse or the up-and-coming Juan Dixon would be taken off of the Wizards' hands. Instead, it was the third player Washington had left unprotected who was the first named called by the Bobcats as they revealed their selection in alphabetical order by the players' last names. Complete Article (20040623 - Washington) »

Preview - Dwight Howard/Emeka Okafor

The Bobcats have pulled off trades to hold the second and forty-fifth selections in tonight's lottery, and they may not be done dealing. It's no secret that the Bobcats are short a point guard, and Charlotte is putting out feelers to teams in the mid-teens that if Jameer Nelson is available, the Bobcats would be very interested. But perhaps their more important decision is what to do with the second pick. Should they prefer Dwight Howard or Olympian center Emeka Okafor? The final 2004 draft preview is in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040624 - Charlotte) »

Riley Had Talks; Caron Butler to Orlando?

There are three news items of note for the Miami Heat. First and most obvious, they have the 19th pick in the draft tonight. Secondly, there are rumors out of Orlando that Caron Butler may be included in a three-team deal involving Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis. Finally, Pat Riley has admitted to having "philosophical" talks with the Lakers that ended in mutual agreement that there was nothing to do. Complete Article (20040624 - Miami) »

The Eerie Calm of Trade Waters Before the Storm

The previously reported Houston trade involving essentially a Steve Francis for Tracy McGrady swap has been either shelved or postponed as the Magic continue to entertain both complementary and alternative possibilities. As many as seven teams are involved in serious discussions with the Magic for either McGrady or the top pick or both, ranging from Indiana's well-publicized alternative offer to Seattle and Miami's complementary offers to take Steve Francis in exchange for either Ray Allen or Caron Butler. It could even come out to be a four-or-more team trade. Orlando is well-posed to be the leading drama queen in tonight's prom-like draft. And its king seems more and more likely to be Dwight Howard. Complete Article (20040624 - Orlando) »

Are You Joshing Me? Childress Over Luol Deng and Smith Over Jameer Nelson!

The Atlanta Hawks went Joshing last night, selecting Stanford wingman Childress at the sixth spot and high school small forward Smith over such still available players as Luol Deng and Jameer Nelson. Is lacking a head coach causing the Hawks to have less flexibility in selections? Were they unable to adjust to the surprise availability of players expected to go earlier? Complete Article (20040625 - Atlanta) »

Fifth Pick: Antawn Jamison Plus Cap Space

With the fifth pick in the 2004 draft, the Washington Wizards essentially selected Antawn Jamison. This is the second draft for Jamison, who was earlier selected as the fourth overall pick of the 1998 draft. The actual draft pick was Devin Harris, but the Wizards moved Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, and Christian Laettner to Dallas for Antawn Jamison and cash. Jamison reunites with former Golden State Warrior Gilbert Arenas. GM Ernie Grunfeld also may have continued his excellent second round picking streak (see Michael Redd, Flip Murray) by taking 7-3 Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos. Complete Article (20040625 - Washington) »

Why Dorell Wright?

Pat Riley says he sees a bit of Penny Hardaway in Dorell Wright. Does that mean that in two-three years we will see Wright, a 6-7 forward out of high school, playing the point? If so, then who exactly will be his mentor? There's no Tim Hardaway on the Heat roster. Perhaps there were other reasons for selecting Dorell Wright. Complete Article (20040628 - Miami) »

Finally a Point Guard... or Two or Three

By the end of today, the Magic will have introduced at least one new point guard onto their roster. Jameer Nelson is scheduled for a press conference this morning, and the Steve Francis hostage situation may soon be over. "I was mad," Francis said, "but now I'm cool about everything." If it all works out, the Magic could be fielding a starting lineup that is a tandem of power forwards (Drew Gooden and Dwight Howard) flanked by a trio of point guards (Francis, Nelson, and Grant Hill). Exciting, yes. Effective? We'll see. Complete Article (20040628 - Orlando) »

A Class Act in Washington, D.C.? It Happened. Antawn Jamison for President!

Antawn Jamison was introduced by the Wizards yesterday and he took the press conference by storm. His ebullient optimism, his faith in the promise of his free fellow men, and his win-first/team-first attitude were a shocking breath of fresh air for a town that was built on a swamp. But what kind of politician is Jamison? Does he believe what he says? Will he stick by his faith even if losses mount? Listening to Jamison you might get the idea that the Wizards are about to enjoy a golden period of victories and joy. The amazing thing is that Jamison just might be right. Complete Article (20040629 - Washington) »

If Only 'Nique Still Wanted to Coach...

If Dominique Wilkins were still interested in coaching, he would be an ideal choice for the Hawks. GM Billy Knight has brought in versatile and athletic swingmen; who better to coach and mold them than one of the most versatile and athletic swingmen of all time? But it's too late. Like many of their other decisions, the Hawks slept on this one. Years ago, Wilkins would have been interested. Now, he seems to have no cares. Instead, the Hawks' exasperating search for a head coach culminates today in their interview with final candidate Mike Woodson, currently an assistant with the Pistons. Complete Article (20040630 - Atlanta) »

Brokaw Works With Mitchell Out, Second-Tier Bobcats Have Work Out

Charlotte's Lead Assistant Coach Sam Mitchell is out, going to the Toronto Raptors to be their new head coach. Director of Player Personnel Gary Brokaw is being elevated to Lead Assistant Coach as a replacement. Meanwhile, the Bobcats held their first summer workout yesterday. Most of the top names, including Emeka Okafor and Gerald Wallace, attended but did not participate for various reasons. Complete Article (20040630 - Charlotte) »

Except Me Too, Except Me Three

There are two exceptions the Heat have available to pursue two big men and a point guard: the $5.1 million mid-level exception and the $1.6 million exception (which is unfortunately still called the million dollar exception). Pat Riley says re-signing Rafer Alston is the team's number one priority, but Alston wants three years. To be able to offer him a three-year contract, the Heat have to dip into the $5.1 million MLE. That means they need to get a free agent big man signed to a two-year, $1.6 million deal and split the mid-level exception between Alston and another big man. So is Mark Blount out of the question? Complete Article (20040701 - Miami) »

Battle of Egos Leads to Invasion of the Roster Snatchers

The origin of the term "no love lost" suggests two people that have lots of love, just not for each other. Both Tracy McGrady and John Weisbrod seem to have plenty of love for Rockets. They just happen to dislike each other... a lot. Surprisingly, it is the young player who is displaying more tact and character than the ostensibly more sensible GM. That discord has led to an invasion of the roster snatchers as the three former Rockets are likely to all start. If the two prize rookies also start, that means the Magic could field a brand new starting lineup come October. Complete Article (20040701 - Orlando) »

Haywood You Rebound That For Me?

According to 82games.com, Brendan Haywood was the fourth best in the league last year at rebounding his own missed shots. Kwame Brown was sixteenth overall in the league. But in terms of putting up shots that their other teammates would rebound, not one Wizard cracked the top thirty. Maybe it's time to start shooting shots that have a chance at being rebounded? Antawn Jamison was the 29th best player in the league in that department last year. Coincidence? I think not. Complete Article (20040702 - Washington) »

New Head Coach Mike Woodson

Atlanta GM Billy Knight has finally hired a head coach for the Atlanta Hawks. Knight hired his 1983 Kansas City Kings teammate and until recently Detroit Pistons assistant head coach Mike Woodson. Woodson had been first in line to replace Larry Brown should Brown pull one one his trademark exits but now he will have his own team to run, as he becomes the tenth Hawks coach of the past thirty-six years. Complete Article (20040706 - Atlanta) »

Okafor Will Miss Both Summer Leagues; First Game Tonight

The first game for the Charlotte Bobcats is tonight, but Olympian Emeka Okafor will not play. Okafor will not participate in either of the two Charlotte summer leagues as he is preparing to represent his country for once in his life. He will represent his team for the rest of his life. The Bobcats play their first game against outside competition tonight in Minnesota as they face the Toronto Raptors summer league at 6 p.m. EDT. Complete Article (20040706 - Charlotte) »

Dorell Wright Scores 30 Points in Debut

Dorell Wright played two games in last night's summer league opener against the Washington Wizards. In the first half, he struggled mightily and made every Heat fan on Earth wonder why Miami shrugged past Jameer Nelson, as Wright got just five points to go with his five turnovers and the Heat trailed the Wizards 47-19. Then, when it finally didn't matter anymore, Wright exploded in the second half to finish with a game-high 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting. The Heat lost 89-59 and the rookie out of high school scored more than half his team's points in the losing effort. Complete Article (20040707 - Miami) »

Dwight "No Offense" Howard

Dwight Howard played his first NBA game last night and though it was merely a summer league game (the opener of the Pepsi Pro Summer League hosted by the Magic), it was his first chance to display his skills against professional competition. The verdict, to quote lead Basketball News Services analyst Steve Kyler, was straightforward: "No offense, sporadic defense." Howard finished with seven points after hitting just one of his thirteen shots. From the silver lining department, he got four blocks, four offensive rebounds, and 11 total rebounds, all game highs, in the 89-73 loss to Cleveland. Complete Article (20040707 - Orlando) »

Blake Takes Cake

Steve Blake was the hero du jour for the Wizards last night, scoring the game-winning jumper with 1.8 seconds left to defeat the Orlando Magic 79-78. Blake recorded 20 points, 7 assists, and 6 defensive rebounds, all game-highs. He also had two steals and a block, playing perhaps his best game as a professional. Last year's second-round pick by the Wizards hit 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, including two in a row in the second quarter during which he scored nine points. Complete Article (20040708 - Washington) »

Now Officially Head Coach, Woodson Woos Grand Kenyon

The Hawks officially and formally introduced Mike Woodson to the press yesterday, naming him the new head coach, and he didn't waste any time getting down to business. He, his longtime friend and Atlanta GM Billy Knight, and Atlanta's most famous alumni Dominique Wilkins took Kenyon Martin out to dinner last night and reportedly offered him the $85 million, six-year maximum deal he has been longing for, helping Martin agree with Utah to cancel his trip there after the Jazz made an offer on Cleveland's Carlos Boozer. Will the Nets match Martin to a max deal? Or will the Grand Kenyon relocate to Atlanta? Complete Article (20040709 - Atlanta) »

Bobcats Trounce Bucks to Remain Undefeated in Summer League

Emeka Okafor was officially named to the Olympic team and apparently has received Charlotte GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff's blessing. Okafor can now join the ranks of those rare athletes who won both an NCAA title as well as the Olympic gold before playing their first NBA game. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Bobcats keep on winning in summer league, besting the Milwaukee Bucks 74-63 last night. Apparently the games are so unfair, Bickerstaff is not bringing his two best players so far -- Gerald Wallace and Tamar Slay -- to the Salt Lake City summer league. No word on whether the rest of the players will play with one hand tied behind their backs. Expansion, shmexpansion: it's just too easy! Complete Article (20040709 - Charlotte) »

Al Harrington Will Be A Hawk, But Not Kenyon Martin?

Indiana's Al Harrington has been looking to start and now he will with almost all certainty be traded for a re-signed Stephen Jackson at the stroke of midnight Wednesday morning, making him the belle of Atlanta's ball. Harrington's Cinderella story is not an illusion however, and he expects to keep both shoes firmly attached to his feet: he will finally start at the three or the four with the Hawks next season. Meanwhile Kenyon Martin seems unlikely to agree to Atlanta's offer sheet unless Denver chooses not to offer one at all, as most observers expect New Jersey to match any Martin deal. Complete Article (20040712 - Atlanta) »

Gerald Wallace, The Other Draft Night Steal

Emeka Okafor may have been the steal of the NBA draft for the Bobcats but Gerald Wallace has been playing like the steal of the expansion draft. The former Sacramento King has played his heart out on in the summer league, leading the Bobcats to a 5-0 record and the distinction of Pepsi Pro league champions. He's played so well, he will likely be left off this week's summer league team so GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff can evaluate less obvious talents. Complete Article (20040712 - Charlotte) »

Pfund and Van Gundy Extended as Shaq Countdown Continues

About a minute after midnight tonight, the process of bringing Shaquille O'Neal to Miami officially gets underway. The two teams will call the league office and schedule a conference call to go over the details. But the details are secondary. The big picture is the Big Aristotle. Shaq will be coached by recently-extended head coach Stan Van Gundy and presided over by recently-extended GM Randy Pfund. The timing of those announcements yesterday were clearly intended to signal that Pat Riley will remain in the front offices and will not be returning to coach. Complete Article (20040713 - Miami) »

The Coming Battles

This coming season will have lots of interesting stories as the Magic play against their Southeast division rivals. From the battle of the top picks when playing Charlotte, to vengeance-seeking against Shaq and the Heat, there are four intriguing divisional matchups for the Magic, and even with the addition of the Big Aristotle to their neck of the woods, they are not necessarily going to drop further than the second-best spot. Complete Article (20040713 - Orlando) »

Is Etan Thomas Worth the MLE as a Wizard?

The Milwaukee Bucks will offer Etan Thomas a six-year MLE contract worth in excess of $35 million total. The Wizards would like to keep him, but is he worth that much money to ride the proverbial pine? Thomas would likely start on the Bucks squad but he would likely sub in on the Wizards for either starting center Brendan Haywood or starting power forward Kwame Brown. Is a center worth the mid-level exception to a team that would only use his as a reserve? Complete Article (20040713 - Washington) »

Harrington a Happy Hawk But K-Mart Opts For Denver's Blue-Light Special

Al Harrington will become a happy Hawk today in exchange for a possibly even happier re-signed Stephen Jackson going to the Pacers. But Jackson is not the only player optimistic Atlanta fans won't see next year: Kenyon Martin has opted for Denver's blue-light special over a similar offer from the Hawks. Complete Article (20040714 - Atlanta) »

Ely and House Join Drobnjak on the Charlotte... Clippers?

Two big deals this morning: the Bobcats signed Jason Hart and also traded future second round draft picks to the Clippers for Melvin Ely and Eddie House. Ely and House will reunite with Predrag Drobnjak, bringing to three the total of bench Clippers now playing on Charlotte's roster. Between the Charlotte Clippers, the Washington Warriors, the Orlando Rockets, and the Miami Lakers, only young Atlanta is not a ghost of a former Western Conference team. Complete Article (20040714 - Charlotte) »

Al Harrington Will Be A Hawk, But Not Kenyon Martin?

Indiana's Al Harrington has been looking to start and now he will with almost all certainty be traded for a re-signed Stephen Jackson at the stroke of midnight Wednesday morning, making him the belle of Atlanta's ball. Harrington's Cinderella story is not an illusion however, and he expects to keep both shoes firmly attached to his feet: he will finally start at the three or the four with the Hawks next season. Meanwhile Kenyon Martin seems unlikely to agree to Atlanta's offer sheet unless Denver chooses not to offer one at all, as most observers expect New Jersey to match any Martin deal. Complete Article (20040715 - Atlanta) »

Gerald Wallace, The Other Draft Night Steal

Emeka Okafor may have been the steal of the NBA draft for the Bobcats but Gerald Wallace has been playing like the steal of the expansion draft. The former Sacramento King has played his heart out on in the summer league, leading the Bobcats to a 5-0 record and the distinction of Pepsi Pro league champions. He's played so well, he will likely be left off this week's summer league team so GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff can evaluate less obvious talents. Complete Article (20040715 - Charlotte) »

Shaq Officially in Black

With Shaquille O'Neal now officially a member of the Miami Heat (subject only to the formality known as "passing the physical"), both he and the Heat organization are bending over backwards to make each other happy. It's a honeymoon, so what can you expect? O'Neal has promised Pat Riley he will come to training camp at or under the 10 percent body fat that is the Heat standard for big men, while Riley and GM Randy Pfund have brought in Michael Doleac to provide a backup center for Shaq, something he says he never really had. Free agents are flocking to Miami. Fans are snapping up tickets. Let the good times roll! Complete Article (20040715 - Miami) »

Hello Hedo

Shaq? Who needs Shaq? Though Orlando's most famous and most missed former player may now be officially a member of their division and state rivals, the Magic tried to distract some attention to their own ostensibly positive steps forward as they signed Hedo Turkoglu to a six-year deal worth $38 million. The Spurs renounced Turkoglu in order to have cap room for their own purposes, freeing Orlando to sign him immediately as a free agent rather than having to wait the 15 days it would have required had he been a restricted free agent. Complete Article (20040715 - Orlando) »

Etan Thomas Signs Bucks Offer Sheet

The Milwaukee Bucks signed Wizards center/poet Etan Thomas to an offer sheet of a six-year deal worth about $38 million. The Wizards have stated that their intention in general is to keep Etan, and the price of this contract does not appear too high, but the only kink when the Wizards review it may be the 15% trade kicker the Bucks have thrown in. On the other hand, Thomas wants to stay in D.C. and the Wizards would like to keep him. In six years, Thomas would be the same age that Shaq is now. Expect Washington to match, though not necessarily immediately. Complete Article (20040715 - Washington) »

Jackson-for-Harrington Official

The long-awaited Stephen Jackson sign-and-trade with Indiana for forward Al Harrington was officially consummated and Harrington couldn't be happier to be joining a rebuilding franchise. Atlanta GM Billy Knight helped draft Harrington back in Indiana and is looking forward to letting him develop with big minutes. Meanwhile, Philadelphia assistant coach Bob Bender may become an assistant in Atlanta. And on the latest great news with a great attitude front, Atlanta captain Alan Henderson is declaring himself healthy for the first time in a long time. Complete Article (20040716 - Atlanta) »

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Curtis Borchardt was relieved that the Bobcats passed on him in favor of selecting Sasha Pavlovic from the Utah Jazz. He is now finally healthy and ready to play. Richie Frahm was relieved that the Bobcats selected him from Seattle, making him a free agent. He is now signing with the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, two non-free-agents the Bobcats kept, Gerald Wallace and Melvin Ely, are not relieved at all. Instead, they are bitter at their old teams, and Charlotte GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff wants them to relax their worries and be happy. Complete Article (20040716 - Charlotte) »

Point Out a Point Guard

Just for a moment, imagine if the Heat had known they'd be frontrunners for Shaq's services on draft day 2004. Is there any doubt they would have picked Jameer Nelson? In a similar mold, Rafer Alston went to Toronto because he couldn't wait to see what would happen in Miami, and he couldn't risk Toronto changing its mind. Now, the Heat have a little bit more money to spend and could have used it on Alston. They certainly could have afforded Nelson. Now, they are reportedly talking to Damon Jones. He would be a great pickup for the Heat. Complete Article (20040719 - Miami) »

Dwight Howard Outplayed Top Summer League Player

Dwight Howard put the clamps on Boston's Al Jefferson and helped Keith Bogans become the Reebok Summer League scoring champion with a league-high 25.5 points per game. The summer league was also a change for 7-footer Mario Kasun to turn some heads... up. He was also one of the league's leading scorers. Howard has his best game to end the league yesterday with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Complete Article (20040719 - Orlando) »

Wiz Beat Hapless Cavs by 48 and Celtics by 20

The Wizards finished their second summer league with an identical result to their first, a dominating 4-1 record. How dominating was it? Just ask the cavalier Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost by 48 points to the Wizards on Saturday, or the Celtics, whose hometown point guard was held scoreless in 19 minutes of action. These young Wizards are nobody's fools, but can they make the official roster? Complete Article (20040719 - Washington) »

Hawks Passing on Dampier?

Erick Dampier met with Atlanta GM Bobby Knight, the man who helped draft him tenth overall in 1996, as the two mutually considered whether Atlanta would like to offer, and whether Dampier would like to accept, a six-year contract starting at more than the $9 million that the Knicks can offer in a sign-and-trade with Golden State. It appears as if the Hawks will pass on making a mighty offer to the mighty center. The next target for Atlanta's $12 million free agent war chest seems to be Memphis's Stromile Swift, a restricted free agent for whom Jerry West has promised to match any offer. The Hawks sure do like a challenge. Complete Article (20040720 - Atlanta) »

Nelly Gets Bobcats Hot in Herre

Cornell Haynes Junior is now a part-owner of the Bobcats. Better know as Nelly behind such hits as "Hot in Herre," he becomes the second rap star after Jay-Z to get an ownership stake in an NBA franchise. Complete Article (20040720 - Charlotte) »

The Millenium Goliath: "I'm Going to Bring a Championship To Miami. I Promise."

Over 3,000 screaming fans lined up as much as three and a half hours before Shaq's arrival. They were in for a four-hour treat. They cheered and laughed at Shaq's stand-up comedy routine as he was ostensibly introduced to the media last night. Always a funny guy, Shaq delivered some one-liners and some sustained routines, including opening with his own personal rendition of "Hail to the Chief," in the literally red-carpet event which included his receiving keys to the city of Miami and the county of Miami-Dade. Let's hope he wasn't joking when he delivered his most important words to Miami: a promise of a championship. Complete Article (20040721 - Miami) »

Most Magical Center

Though they may be done for the offseason, if the Orlando Magic could do any trade, it would be to get a big center. With the recent small snag encountered with the anticipated Erick Dampier sign-and-trade to New York, Orlando would love to get their hands on him to counter Shaq in Florida. Unfortunately, they don't have either enough cap room to sign him as a free agent or enough expensive tradable pieces to interest the Warriors. Their own big trading chip is the relatively cheap contract of Drew Gooden; the irony is that if Gooden were earning more, it would be easier. Unfortunately, the type of players that Gooden can be exchanged for salary-wise are such young and less accomplished men as DeSagana Diop of Cleveland, and though the Cavs are desperately searching for a power forward to replace Carlos Boozer, is Diop really going to grow into a Shaq-stopper? Complete Article (20040721 - Orlando) »

Countdown to Etan Thomas

While the Bucks may think they have a chance at landing Etan Thomas, my crystal ball tells me he's going to stay. Last night, he spoke at the Russell Senate Office Building, along with Sen. Robert F. Bennett (R-Utah), at a ceremony and reception for teenage winners of a contest for writing about youth violence. Can Milwaukee offer him that kind of extracurricular lifestyle? It's only a matter of time before Washington GM Ernie Grunfeld matches the Bucks offer for the restricted free agent center. Is Milwaukee being used? Find out inside today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040721 - Washington) »

Hawks Offer Dampier $37 Million Over Four Years

The Hawks offer to Dampier is reportedly $37 million over four years. Dampier would earn $8 million his first year and get 10% pay raises in each subsequent year. A sign-and-trade deal between the Warriors and the Knicks appears to be stuck now that the Warriors don't have a need for any of New York's bigs in return, but Atlanta still is not the only team in pursuit of last year's breakout center. Memphis and Indiana are also in the hunt. Meanwhile, Atlanta also appears to be making overtures to Denver's Jon Barry. Apparently Atlanta doesn't have enough swingmen. Complete Article (20040722 - Atlanta) »

Emeka Okafor vs. The Millenium Goliath

No, it's not a new comic-book or movie: The Rookie vs. The Millenium Goliath is merely the title of Emeka Okafor's first season in the NBA. The Olympian-to-be will face the most-dominant more than he will face any other center (barring midseason trades). How will he stack up? Complete Article (20040722 - Charlotte) »

Heat Offer Fans Chance to Send Fond Farewell

In a move that has been called unprecedented, the Miami Heat are letting fans email the Heat players traded to the Lakers to receive Shaq. You can email Brian Grant, Caron Butler, and Lamar Odom in Los Angeles to wish they well, bid them good luck, or just thank them for their effort. Complete Article (20040723 - Miami) »

Magic Talk With Mavs About Gooden

The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly joined the throng of teams lining up to get Drew Gooden, whom apparently the whole world knows will soon be traded. The Mavs have competition from the Cavs, Wolves, and Warriors for Gooden's services. Dallas would probably be looking to unload one of their new-found expensive contracts in either Jerry Stackhouse or Christian Laettner. Orlando may need to include Andrew DeClercq to help match salaries. Read today's Southeast report for a breakdown of all the possibilities. Complete Article (20040723 - Orlando) »

Extend Kwame?

Kwame Brown becomes a restricted free agent at the end of this coming season but by that time, the NBA may have implemented a new collective bargaining agreement, one that many player agents and representatives fear may limit the length of new contracts. Brown could lock in a longer deal this summer by inking an extension with the Wizards, but is Washington ready to double-down on their still-unrealized gamble? Complete Article (20040723 - Washington) »

Hawks Not Willing to Overpay Dampier

Erick Dampier opted out of the last two years of his Golden State contract at about $8 million per year in order to sign a secure, long-term deal. As teams above the cap, most notably the Knicks, fall by the wayside in sign-and-trade deals due to Golden State's reshuffled lineup, only teams with cap space can offer the unrestricted free agent more than the mid-level exception. Atlanta is reportedly offering Dampier only a three-year deal worth about $25 million, or also about $8 million per year. Dampier wants more years AND more salary. But why should Atlanta bid against itself? Complete Article (20040726 - Atlanta) »

Jason Kapono, Rocky Mountain Revue MVP

The Charlotte Bobcats finished the Rocky Mountain Revue with a 4-2 record, good for third place. The winner of the summer league was Denver, who went undefeated 5-0. But the winner as far as Charlotte was concerned was Jason Kapono, who was named the league's MVP. Complete Article (20040726 - Charlotte) »

McHale: Mailman Making a Miami Delivery

Kevin McHale knows a little something about the power forward spot. He redefined the position as a Hall-of-Famer on three championship Boston Celtics teams and has bet his career as an executive on Kevin Garnett, who this past season won his first MVP award. McHale recently summoned all that wisdom to come to this pronouncement: Karl Malone will make a sunny delivery this offseason to rejoin Shaquille O'Neal in Miami. Complete Article (20040727 - Miami) »

The Man, The Plan, It's Banal: Age

GM John Weisbrod is going through the same growing pains as Danny Ainge did last offseason, where every initially headshaking trade brings questions about "The Plan," as if it could be about anything other than winning. I am pleased to report that I have cracked the elusive code and, if you allow me to mix metaphors, I can take you behind the scenes and through the iron wall for a peek at the blueprints. It's all very simple really. Despite drafting a high school player, Weisbrod has aged the team. Complete Article (20040727 - Orlando) »

Thomas Minus 48 Hours

Etan Thomas has given no indication that he wants to be a Buck beyond pointing out the simple fact that Milwaukee has fewer big men on their roster than Washington, and that therefore he could likely be a starter there. Yet in a matter of 48 hours, he could well find himself there, far removed from the impassioned political scene in Washington, D.C. unless Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld matches Milwaukee's offer. Complete Article (20040727 - Washington) »

Cap Space is King

Erick Dampier may find himself in Atlanta almost against his will. The center opted out of his contract nearly a month ago expecting a sign-and-trade deal with the Knicks but Chris Mullin reportedly reneged on that deal two weeks ago. Now, Dampier is finding few possible suitors for his demands for a greater than MLE salary. Memphis, Indiana, and New York are all interested but seem unable to get Golden State's attention. Phoenix may become interested to pursue him with its own cap space if the Clippers match the Suns offer on Quentin Richardson but otherwise Dampier seems to have no choice but to go to Atlanta. In fact, the Hawks could just sign him, and look to trade him in December, the soonest they would be allowed to do so. Memphis and Indiana have reportedly already approached Atlanta about exactly such a scenario. Complete Article (20040728 - Atlanta) »

Emeka Okafor Injures Ankle

One day after signing a guaranteed $10 million contract over three years, and one hour into Team USA's second practice for the Olympics, Emeka Okafor sprained his ankle during a routine drill. He was taken for precautionary X-rays (negative) and will sit out today's practice as his condition is re-evaluated. Complete Article (20040728 - Charlotte) »

Heat Re-Sign Rasual Butler To Replace Caron Butler

The Heat re-signed 2002 second round draft pick Rasual Butler to a two-year deal worth about $2.9 million. The 6-7, 25-year-old Butler is expected to start at the small forward spot. Known as "Instant Offense" in his days at La Salle for his ability to quickly put a lot of points on the board, he has been an on-again, off-again sparkplug for the Heat whose liabilities appear to be ballhandling and defense. He is working on improving both. His per-minute numbers appear comparable to the recently departed Caron Butler though his three-point shooting is significantly better. Complete Article (20040729 - Miami) »

No More Trades

The Orlando Magic are probably finished dealing, as they have temporarily run out of chips. Only Grant Hill has a large enough contract to potentially get anything in return value, but given that he is significantly overpaid, and it's not even an expiring contract, he would need to be packaged with very young and cheap players to get any deal. Other than Hill, the Magic have only two players left without trade kickers or trade restrictions: Keith Bogans and Andrew DeClercq. In other words, the Magic are probably done dealing. Complete Article (20040729 - Orlando) »

Pieces Falling Into Place

With Etan Thomas being retained by the Wizards through their matching of Milwaukee's offer sheet, GM Ernie Grunfeld is looking to secure his roster for many years to come. Next on the agenda are relatively unhurried extension negotiations with Kwame Brown and Brendan Haywood. Extensions can be offered until October 31. Complete Article (20040729 - Washington) »

How the Hawks Will Land Dampier

The primary suitors for Erick Dampier continue to be Indiana, Memphis, New York, and Atlanta, with Phoenix a possibility. Only Atlanta can sign Dampier outright. The remaining teams need to negotiate both with Dampier and Chris Mullin to get a sign-and-trade. It appears as if the parts the rest are willing to offer, Mullin doesn't want, and the players Mullin wants, the others aren't willing to offer. Of course, should Shawn Marion become available, that would change everything. Meanwhile, Atlanta may have a high-priced steal on their hands. More accurately, the Hawks' reasonable offer to Dampier may be the best he gets. Complete Article (20040730 - Atlanta) »

Bobcats Sign Corey Benjamin

Dreams can come true. The Bobcats signed free-agent Corey Benjamin after impressive summer league play. Benjamin, 26, played four positions in the five-game Minnesota summer league, averaging 7.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. The 6-6 Benjamin played with the son of GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff at Oregon State before going on a four-year journey of the NBA, three in Chicago and one in Atlanta, then playing last year in France. One phrase said it best: "He has played for seven teams in five leagues in three countries over the past four seasons." Complete Article (20040730 - Charlotte) »

Mark Twain on Shaq

Diversification is supposed to mitigate risks but of course it doesn't; it merely spreads it out. The right approach, as Mark Twain reputedly advised, is to "put all your eggs in one basket and WATCH THAT BASKET." The Miami Heat now have all their eggs in the world's biggest basket. Bringing in Shaq was not just the biggest trade in the franchise's history; it involved a paradigm shift in the way the team approaches building. Before, they used to value a portfolio of options. Now, they are left with just one really big option. Complete Article (20040802 - Miami) »

DeClercq, Bogans, Garrity, and Hill Survive Wave of Exile

Andrew DeClercq, Keith Bogans, Pat Garrity, and Grant Hill have so far survived the wave of exile that has plagued their teammates. These four are the only holdovers from last year's bottom-of-the-barrel team. If only it were because they each figure prominently in the Magic's future. Alas, like Leo Tolstoy's unhappy families, they appear to each be untradeable in their own way. Read more about each of them in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040802 - Orlando) »

Kwame Brown Broke His Ankle?

One as yet unconfirmed report has suggested that Kwame Brown has either turned or broken his ankle in a pick-up game Georgia and that he is scheduled for surgery either tomorrow or Wednesday. Is it true? And what would it mean for the Wizards if it were? There would be three main areas of concern for the Wizards. Read more in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040802 - Washington) »

Antoine Walker to Hawks for Terry, Henderson

Antoine Walker, former Celtic, former Mav, is soon to be a former Hawk. Dallas reportedly traded him to Atlanta for Jason Terry and captain Alan Henderson, according to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post. Walker is in the last year of his deal and will be a free agent come summer 2005. Is Al Harrington going to take an unexpected back seat to Walker in terms of playing time? Or will Walk be playing an undersized center again, like he did in the last part of the season with the Mavs? Complete Article (20040803 - Atlanta) »

First Home Game Is Opponent's Homecoming

The first-ever game in Bobcats franchise history will be a home game but will also be the homecoming of their opponent's star player. Southeast division rivals Washington Wizards pay the world's first visit to the Bobcats on November 4, giving the fans split emotions over who to cheer for: their newfound expansion team or Providence High alum Antawn Jamison. Complete Article (20040803 - Charlotte) »

The Untelevised Divisional Matchups

Though Shaq and the Heat will appear an amazing 33 times on national TV, only two Southeast divisional matchups will make it to the national audience, and both of them are against Orlando. One is the first meeting between the two clubs, a home game on December 19, and the other is is the February 27 road game at Orlando. None of the four games each against the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats, or Washington Wizards are currently slated for a national audience. Complete Article (20040804 - Miami) »

Unusual National Television Schedule

While the Orlando Magic technically have quite a few national TV games slated for the coming season, all but three of them are to be broadcast on NBA TV. Only one matchup each against Houston, Miami, and Detroit gets either ESPN or TNT coverage. The Detroit game in particular is an unusual decision for a national audience. Don't be surprised when it's rescheduled later in the year. Complete Article (20040804 - Orlando) »

Kwame Brown Undergoes Successful Surgery

Kwame Brown's surgery yesterday was successful, according to the team doctors. Brown is expected to be ready for training camp in October. No reports on whether anybody is willing to place money on it or what kind of odds they would give. Complete Article (20040804 - Washington) »

Antoine Halker and Tony Delt

It's official. Antoine Walker is a Hawker and Tony Delk's been dealt. Atlanta gave up Jason Terry, Alan Henderson, and a complicated first round pick that starts next season and comes from Philadelphia, but potentially doesn't get delivered to Dallas (in which case Atlanta pays a penalty of $1 million). Complete Article (20040805 - Atlanta) »

Bobcats Done?

After the expansion draft was held to populate Charlotte's roster, GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff ominously declared that he didn't expect that group of players to be the final group that takes the floor come November. After some relatively small trades and free agent signings, including most recently Omar Cook and with the possible future addition of Loren Woods, Bickerstaff is now admitting that "unless some revelation comes along, I'm willing to roll the dice with what we have." Complete Article (20040805 - Charlotte) »

Heat Get Great Pickup in Damon Jones

The Miami Heat have signed unrestricted free agent Damon Jones to a two-year deal starting with the remaining $2.5 million from the MLE it had available and giving Jones a player option for the second year. Despite the fact that Jones is now the Heat's third point guard and will be battling with hometown hero Keyon Dooling for the chance to backup Dwyane Wade, and despite concerns about Miami's continued hole in the frontcourt, Damon Jones is a terrific pickup for the club. Complete Article (20040806 - Miami) »

Turkoglu Still the Best Turk

Both of Turkey's bright young stars signed six-year agreements this summer. Hedo Turkoglu will earn a total of $40 million from the Magic. Mehmet Okur will earn 25% more for a total of $50 million from the Jazz. Yet in Turkey's matchup with New Zealand two nights ago, it was the cheaper Turkoglu who was named "man of the match" after hitting a key three-pointer followed by an even more pivotal three-point play. Complete Article (20040806 - Orlando) »

Wiz Barely Home Except in January-February

If you want to see the Wizards play some rested and meaningful home games, your only choices are January and February. Every other month has more road trips than home games except April, which comes too late in the season to likely be meaningful. Complete Article (20040806 - Washington) »

Hawks Eye Troy Hudson

If Troy Hudson was healthy last year, we might have seen the Timberwolves in the Finals. In some ways, it is that fact that is keeping the Wolves from re-signing Hudson to what everyone thought was essentially a done deal. Language involving guarantees and injury protection have slowed contract talks, and the Pioneer Press is reporting that Hudson is getting frustrated. So frustrated that he would consider a contract offer from the Hawks. Complete Article (20040809 - Atlanta) »

When Okafor Comes Home

Emeka Okafor will not play in Connecticut this upcoming season but there will be plenty of opportunities for Huskies fans with access to automobiles and gas stations to see him in neighboring states. One of Okafor's first games will be an exhibition in New Jersey on October 19, though his first real nearby NBA game will be in Boston on November 12. Complete Article (20040809 - Charlotte) »

Brothers Do Battle Twice

Shaquille O'Neal doesn't have any true competition but of all the contenders for the title out there Yao Ming is at the top of the list. Each meeting between the two has been historic and meaningful for both players, and last year's playoff series was a thriller. The two will meet only twice this upcoming season. What will make it even more special is that those meetings will represent a battle of the Van Gundy brothers as well. Complete Article (20040810 - Miami) »

Magic Deep at Wing

With Pat Garrity and Grant Hill healthy, the Orlando Magic have quite a reserve of players at the wing. With a few assumptions about playing time, it looks as if four players will compete for playing time at the small forward position. Similarly, both guard spots and the center spot are stacked. Only the power forward spot lacks depth, and that's where the Magic are putting all their eggs in a colorful basket labeled "Dwight" and hoping they hatch quickly. Complete Article (20040810 - Orlando) »

Wiz Only Play Warriors Twice, In Mirror Every Day

The Washington Warriors... excuse me, Wizards... play against Golden State only twice in the regular season but they will be able to see former Warriors every day if the team gets together just-so and looks in a mirror or the metal in their locker room, if it is polished enough. Complete Article (20040810 - Washington) »

Walker Takes Aim at Dampier

Looking to solidify his role as the team's new leader, Antoine Walker says his main priority now is to call up Erick Dampier to convince him to join the Hawks. Is this merely political posturing, or a real desire to help his new team? One wonders why Walker wouldn't simply pick up the phone first and make pronouncements later. The only explanation that maintains Walker's integrity is that he didn't feel right making phone calls until he was officially introduced as a Hawk yesterday. Complete Article (20040811 - Atlanta) »

Bobcats Don't Stray Far From Home

In the upcoming and inaugural regular season, the Charlotte Bobcats will not stray from home for too long. Their longest road trip is never more than four games, though they do have three such voyages. Complete Article (20040811 - Charlotte) »

Self-Described "Dictator" Buys Miami Arena

Before the AmericanAirlines Arena, the Heat used to play in the far more pedestrian sounding Miami Arena. Yesterday, Palm Beach County investor Glenn Straub, a self-described "dictator," won an auction to buy the old arena for about $28 million and surprised everyone when he said he wasn't planning on tearing it down. What, then, are his plans? And will the Heat be involved? Complete Article (20040811 - Miami) »

The Heat's Last Person

Wesley Person is the Heat's last non-minimum acquisition. They have used their final exception and can now only sign players to the veteran minimum. The idea for next season seems to be: let Shaq post up, let Wade slash, and let everyone else spot up for open jumpers. What is the team missing? Defense and rebounding. Complete Article (20040812 - Miami) »

Reece Gains Second Chance

Former Magic and current Rocket Reece Gaines attended last night's And1 tour as it made its way through Tampa. Basketball News Services lead NBA analyst Steve Kyler caught up with him for a few moments. Exclusive to today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040812 - Orlando) »

Rookie Come Home

The Wizards only have one rookie on their roster, but he's a hard one to miss. Listed at 7-3, Peter John Ramos is their backup center of the future. An important rite for all rookies is the first time their NBA team heads into their hometown. Unfortunately, the Wizards do not travel to Puerto Rico. What about the sophomores? Complete Article (20040812 - Washington) »

Best Frontcourt in the League?

Antoine Walker thinks that if Erick Dampier can be swayed to join the emerging Hawks, the two of them plus Al Harrington would form the best frontcourt in the country. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt and suppose he exaggerated mildly, for dramatic purpose. Would such a frontcourt at least be the best in the Southeast division, where everybody but Walker appears to be cowering in Shaq's shadow? The answer is in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040813 - Atlanta) »

Okaforlympics

While the USA Men's Basketball Team entry into these 2004 Olympic Games have representatives from various teams, including three of last year's best rookies, and even though some NBA teams have more than one player on the team, the Olympic entry is one sense most associated with the Charlotte Bobcats. Why? Because it is the only team whose 2004 first round pick is on the roster. Complete Article (20040813 - Charlotte) »

Wade Did You Go Now

The U.S. lost to Puerto Rico, a team they decimated in an exhibition game just two weeks ago. One of the many differences between the two games was the play of Dwyane Wade. Read more in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040816 - Miami) »

Andrew DeClercq, Survivor

In the famous Monty Hall problem, the "surviving" door somewhat mysteriously attains higher probabilities. In Orlando, the only "surviving" player from last year's roster is Andrew DeClercq, and if he were to attain higher playing time, it would be a mystery of historic proportions. Don't worry, it's not going to happen. Complete Article (20040816 - Orlando) »

World's Tallest Sparkplug Peter John Ramos

You can pore over the different box scores between the exhibition game and the preliminary game that the U.S. and Puerto Rico played and apart from the staggeringly low three-point percentage of the U.S. team, eventually one other difference will dawn on you: Peter John Ramos did not play in the exhibition game but he did log an impressive nine minutes in the preliminary. Is he the world's tallest sparkplug? Could he be the Wizards' new lucky charm? Complete Article (20040816 - Washington) »

Hawks Get Peja! (No, The Other One.)

The Hawks have landed Peja! Drobnjak, of course. Who did you think we were talking about? The Hawks pick up insurance against the increasingly indecisive Erick Dampier while simultaneously putting some slight pressure on him to give his yea-or-nay to Atlanta's offer. And it only cost them a second round draft pick next season. Complete Article (20040817 - Atlanta) »

Dropnik Predrag Drobnjak

There is only one word for a nomadic Serbian on his third team in as many months: Predrag Drobnjak is a dropnik. The Bobcats receive Atlanta's 2005 second round draft pick in exchange for his services. Complete Article (20040817 - Charlotte) »

Shaq Need Not Fear Dampier (As If He Ever Did)

Reports are that Erick Dampier will be eventually agreeing to a deal with Dallas, meaning Shaquille O'Neal won't face him four times a year as a Hawk, or four times a year as a Knick, but rather only twice a year as a Mav. It's not like Shaq ever trembled in his size-21-EEE hightops, but now his potentially biggest rival at the center position is gone. Complete Article (20040818 - Miami) »

Ice, Ice Baby

The Orlando Magic owners are giving $1 million dollars to help families hurt by Charley. The Magic are also teaming up with the Local 6 station to give out packages of ice during this difficult time. The original plan was to fly the ice in from Detroit but refrigeration issues turned out to be difficult to solve. Complete Article (20040818 - Orlando) »

Laetter, Laettner

Dallas barely held on to Christian Laettner after acquiring him in the deal that brought Antawn Jamison to the Wizards just before the draft. His 60 day moratorium on trades expires this week and it looks as if Dallas will be shipping him out immediately in a sign-and-trade bid to land Erick Dampier. Complete Article (20040818 - Washington) »

Hawks Better Not Be Done

Going into the regular season, the Hawks roster has been all but completely revamped, and yet Atlanta's front office better not be done for the summer. The team has strengths, to be sure, but also a lot of holes. Complete Article (20040819 - Atlanta) »

Will Okafor Get Minutes in Charlotte?

Emeka Okafor is not getting very many minutes in Athens, representing his country mainly by warming the Olympic bench. This could be the best thing that happened to Okafor and GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff. How often can a GM send his franchise player to learn from among the best players in the world, with virtually zero risk of injury? Complete Article (20040819 - Charlotte) »

Expensive Vin Baker extends with New York, but is he better than Tom Gugliotta?

Former Celtic Vin Baker has agreed to a new deal with New York, which he views to be the "Mecca of basketball." If New York is Mecca, then Boston is Jerusalem, perhaps the holiest city of all religions. In today's NEWS@ Southeast report, we compare the re-signed Baker and his expensive contract to Boston's latest acquisition, Tom Gugliotta. You'll never guess who comes out on top and why. Complete Article (20040819 - Boston) »

Heat Visit Charley Victims

Malik Allen, Dorrell Wright, and Udonis Haslem and the Heat halfcourt entertainers visited a shelter in Arcadia to lift the spirits of children affected by Hurricane Charley. I know this is supposed to be considered a "good deed" and it is taboo to question it, but if we can't address controversial topics here on NEWS@, then nobody can. Complete Article (20040820 - Miami) »

Dwight Howard Banging With the Big Boys: Howard Participating in Big Man Camp Run by Hall-of-Famer Robert Parish and Clifford Ray

"I've always played against Erick [Dampier] on Playstation," Dwight Howard told the Bradenton Herald, "and now I'm going against him for real." Howard is banging with the big boys at the fourth annual Big Man Camp run by former NBA centers Robert Parish and Clifford Ray in Bradenton, FL. Complete Article (20040820 - Orlando) »

Three Wizards in Big Man Camp: Brendan Haywood, Etan Thomas, and Jared Jeffries Participating in Big Man Camp Run By Robert Parish and Clifford Ray

Washington's starting center and two backup forwards are participating in the fourth annual Big Man Camp in Bradenton, FL run by Hall-of-Fame center Robert Parish and 10-year NBA veteran center Clifford Ray. Brendan Haywood, Etan Thomas, and Jared Jeffries are learning the fundamentals and playing against such competition as Erick Dampier, Mamadou N'diaye, and Dwight Howard. Complete Article (20040820 - Washington) »

Laughingstock Hawks?

Are the Hawks going to be the laughingstock of the NBA this year? Or will their natural underdog pluckiness combine with a version of Detroit defense to surprise everyone who expects them to be both unattended and non-victorious? Complete Article (20040823 - Atlanta) »

Orange You Glad About the New Unis?

The Charlotte Bobcats have made a bold move forward in their franchise this weekend by unveiling their team's new uniforms! Whatever. It's just something to wear. The good news is that even though they're supposedly orange, they look a little reddish to me, by which I mean to say, they don't look like Home Depot aprons. The new unis look nice. Complete Article (20040823 - Charlotte) »

Vander Weide Industries

Orlando Magic president Bob Vander Weide expects a dramatic turnaround this season. "This wasn't a tuneup," he told The Orlando Sentinel. "It was an overhaul." The overhaul's biggest impact may be placed squarely on head coach Johnny Davis's shoulders, as he now has to integrate lots of cliques from various teams into one unit. How is he going to do it? Find out in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040823 - Orlando) »

Hawks Name Five Assistant Coaches

Head coach Mike Woodson now has a staff. He and GM Billy Knight have officially added Larry Drew, Herb Brown, Bob Bender, Greg Ballard and David Fizdale to the coaching staff. Complete Article (20040825 - Atlanta) »

Emeka Okafor for President?

How does the phrase "Chukwuemeka Noubuisi Okafor, President of the United States" strike you? The Bobcats have a joke web page promoting Okafor as the candidate of choice in 2004, but let's take a half-serious look at this political candidate, who would first be eligible to run for the land's highest office in 2020, in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. How many electoral votes could he get based on his expected career to that point? Complete Article (20040825 - Charlotte) »

Dwyane Wade's Big Stage

Dwyane Wade is not fragile but he is human and he does play a tough brand of basketball, a brand that can get you hurt faster than you can get your shot off. How much rigor can his body withstand? Complete Article (20040826 - Miami) »

Scheduled Homecomings

Today's report includes a list of all the upcoming season's homecomings and revenge fantasies of players acquired in trade during the offseason: when the Magic play the Rockets, Spurs, and Cavs. Complete Article (20040826 - Orlando) »

The Other Olympic Wizard

Peter John Ramos is not the only Olympian whose second-round draft rights are owned by the Washington Wizards. Two years ago, the Wizards selected Juan Carlos Navarro of Spain with their 40th pick. Today, he is on an undefeated Spanish team that will take on the United States for medal contention. Complete Article (20040826 - Washington) »

"Joel" Sitcom Spins Off From Hawks

Joel Przybilla is leaving his friends behind and setting off to the west coast in a new reality-based sitcom to be called Joel , which starts broadcasting November 3, barring injury. The spin-off to last year's popular comedy known as the Atlanta Hawks will focus on the antics of the lovable Przybilla as he grapples with relocating to Portland, tendonitis, and rebounding. Complete Article (20040827 - Atlanta) »

Bickerstaff Bickers About Olympic Stuff

Charlotte GM/head coach Bernie Bickerstaff is doing some bickering about some Olympic stuff. He wants the Olympic head coach to have more say in the selection of the team and for the team to be named earlier. He also says America needs a complete overhaul in teenage basketball education, with more of a focus on fundamentals. He doesn't specify how that should be done. Not to worry! I fill in the details. The answer, my friends, is Basketball University. Read all about it in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040827 - Charlotte) »

Heat Players Represent Olympics

No other team in the NBA represents what happened with the Olympics better than the Miami Heat. They have arguably the world's greatest player in Shaquille O'Neal on their roster, who chose not to participate in these games, and one of the world's best returning sophomores in Dwyane Wade, who not only participated but is looking forward to vengeance in 2008. Complete Article (20040830 - Miami) »

A Ray of Dwight

Here's one picture you may not see quite often during the upcoming season but one that will probably be among the most frequent occurrences: Clifford Ray pulling Dwight Howard aside to teach him a nuance or give him a pointer. Ray, along with Robert Parish, instructed Howard among others at their Big Man Camp but as an assistant with Johnny Davis, Ray will have all the time in the world to continue to mold Howard into a powerhouse. Complete Article (20040830 - Orlando) »

The Other MJ More Likely

There have been some extremely unfounded rumors that Michael Jordan would attempt yet another comeback, based mainly on the fact that he continues to play and play well against competition at Hoops the Gym. But marring major management and ownership changes, the Washington Wizards would be literally the last team he would join. Complete Article (20040830 - Washington) »

Whither Kenny Anderson?

Our own Eric Pincus has for a long time been reporting on this offseason's free agent commitments and Kenny Anderson has for been rumored to be coming to Atlanta virtually the entire summer. At first, it was believed to be on hold while Atlanta sorted out the Erick Dampier situation. What's the holdup now? Complete Article (20040831 - Atlanta) »

The Runs of the Bobcats

The longest roadtrip Charlotte has this upcoming season is four consecutive away games. They face such a quartet of road trips four times: in December, in January/February, and in April. Their road experience begins during the preseason with their second game kicking off a three-game roadtrip. Complete Article (20040831 - Charlotte) »

Heat's Biggest Hole

If any team must be on a win-now schedule at the expense of the future, it should be the Miami Heat. They've mortgaged much of their future to bring Shaquille O'Neal in; now they have to maximize their chances at a ring while he's still dominant. So where is their biggest hole? Complete Article (20040901 - Miami) »

Playoff-Bound?

If the Pistons taught us anything last year, and they taught us a lot, it's that you can almost never have too many big guys. The Wizards have a lot of depth and talent in the frontcourt this coming season, and a strong backcourt as well. Do they have enough to make the playoffs? Complete Article (20040901 - Washington) »

Acquiring Assets

How long will the Hawks be a rebuilding team? In times such as these, the GM must acquire tradeable assets. More important even than putting together a team is putting together a portfolio of players that can be packaged, when the time is right, for other players that would help you more. How has Billy Knight been doing in that department? An evaluation is inside today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040902 - Atlanta) »

Roster Set

Charlotte GM/head coach Bernie Bickerstaff has told The Charlotte Observer that not only are the Bobcats not interested in signing free agent Britton Johnsen, but that he was not pursuing any other free agents at all for the training camp roster. Is the roster now set in stone? Complete Article (20040902 - Charlotte) »

Zo May Open Against Shaq, Focal Glomerulosclerosis or No Focal Glomerulosclerosis

Alonzo Mourning says he wants to attempt a comeback from his kidney ailment. If he does report, his first official NBA game will be the season opener against Shaquille O'Neal of the Miami Heat. Not only would he be going up against the most banging, bruising, dominating center in the world, he would be playing against his visiting former team. Shaq already has some experience defending players coming back from kidney transplant. Read more in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040903 - Miami) »

Baron Davis for Steve Francis?

They make the same salary. They're both explosive, scoring point guards. And they've both exposed petulancy this offseason at the team which owns their rights. Should Baron Davis, the latest superstar to demand a trade, be exchanged one-for-one with Steve Francis? Enjoy the analysis in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040903 - Orlando) »

Kwame Brown Gets Mistrial

The Kobe Bryant case wasn't the only legal proceeding of note this week. Kwame Brown has been charged with driving under the influence and went to court this week to begin jury selection for his trial. Mysteriously, a "slip of the tongue" by a state witness caused the judge to issue a mistrial. Brown may be re-tried next year. Complete Article (20040903 - Washington) »

Antoine "Internet" Walker

Many an internet company went bust after trying to sell products below cost but "make it up on volume." Does the same fate affect the talent of Antoine "Volume Scorer" Walker, now on his third team in the past twelve months? Or will Walk's bubble never burst? Complete Article (20040907 - Atlanta) »

High Marks?

Does Charlotte really deserve high marks for its inaugural offseason? It is undisputable that they did not make the mistake of bogging down their franchise with a high-salary, long-term player. But did they really put together the assets required to be competitive? Or is the first season likely to be a tank-job? Complete Article (20040907 - Charlotte) »

Can Mailman Deliver in Hurricane Territory?

News out of Minnesota reports Kevin Garnett and Flip Saunders are trying to persuade Karl Malone to become a Timberwolf. Has Shaq given up on convincing his former teammate to make the jump out east with him? Can Shaq and Pat Riley convince the future Hall of Famer to attempt one final delivery through rain and sleet and hurricanes? Complete Article (20040908 - Miami) »

Multiple Triple Double Threats

The Magic have at least two players on their roster who have the possibility of exploding for a triple double any given night. Steve Francis and Grant Hill are scorers, distributors, and rebounders, and when healthy, pack a versatile punch for the Magic. Complete Article (20040908 - Orlando) »

Training Staff Announced

The Wizards have announced the additions of Eric Waters as Head Athletic Trainer and Drew Clear as Strength and Conditioning Coach, thus stabilizing their staff. The two have already begun working with the players in preparation for the regular season. Complete Article (20040908 - Washington) »

Dealing With Indiana

Our own Patrick J. Austin reported a few days ago that Atlanta may have interest in Indiana's Scot Pollard. How could a potential trade with Indiana shake out? Complete Article (20040909 - Atlanta) »

Jamal Sampson Sued

A former roommate of Jamal Sampson has brought a civil suit against Jamal Sampson alleging that Sampson shoved and kicked him six months ago in a dispute over about $400 in rent and cable bills the roommate owed Sampson. Bobcats president Ed Tapscott emphasized Wednesday that it is a civil suit. Sampson's agent claims it is a shakedown. The main concern is the desire by the Bobcats not to have any "bad guys" on their roster. Yet it seems quite unlikely that this will result in a scenario in which Sampson would be traded. Complete Article (20040909 - Charlotte) »

No Malone, But Laettner

It looks like the Heat will not be bringing Karl Malone, 41, to Miami, instead opting to go with youth (ha!) in going after Christian Laettner, 35, to fill the power forward slot. Laettner is expected to be picked up at the veteran's minimum of about $1 million as Golden State owes him his salary this year after waiving him yesterday. Complete Article (20040910 - Miami) »

Plus-Minus Magic

Who on the Magic had the highest net team points last season? Who had the worst? The answers will surprise you, and may help shed light on how GM John Gabriel makes his decisions. Read today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040910 - Orlando) »

Laettner's Long Strange Road

Christian Laettner may well set a new record for teams in an off-season. Shuffled from Washington to Dallas then on to Golden State, he has now been waived and may soon return to the Southeast division as Washington's rivals the Miami Heat are looking to pick him up to fill their power forward position. Complete Article (20040910 - Washington) »

Do the Magic Have Enough Offense?

Ignoring the rookies the Magic drafted, the veterans on the roster would combine to average just 75 points per game for the Magic if they produced at the same efficiency levels as they did last year. Will the additional offensive output of Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Mario Kasun, and Grant Hill (no games last year) be enough to get the Magic into triple digit territory? Complete Article (20040913 - Orlando) »

Div-III POY Rich Melzer to Join Wiz Training Camp

The Washington Wizards will be holding their training camp in Richmond, Virginia this year at Virginia Commonwealth University. One of the invitees is undrafted senior Rich Melzer of Minneapolis Washburn, a 6-8 small forward who went undrafted this summer. Complete Article (20040913 - Washington) »

Jon Barry Signing Imminent

Denver papers are reporting that free agent guard Jon Barry is close to signing with the Hawks. His family lives in Atlanta and this will be his second stint as a Hawk, following what turned out to be among his best years as a pro in the 1996-1997 season. Complete Article (20040914 - Atlanta) »

Rally Near Raleigh

The Charlotte Bobcats will be rallying this Thursday in downtown Charlotte. Streets will be closed. Bands will be playing. Dancers will be dancing. Players will be posing. And Emeka Okafor? Will he be giving a keynote speech as per their Okafor in 2004 campaign? Complete Article (20040914 - Charlotte) »

All Questions Answered

Why did the Magic pick Dwight Howard over Emeka Okafor? How did they finagle the deal for Jameer Nelson? What other offers were on the table for Tracy McGrady? The answers to these questions will be broadcast this Saturday in a new hour-long documentary about the Magic summer of 2004. Complete Article (20040915 - Orlando) »

Subtraction and Addition in this Division

The Washington Wizards are quickly finding out that addition by subtraction, in this division, only multiplies futility. Washington fans thought Christian Laettner went as far away as possible when he was traded as part of a package to Dallas, and when Dallas shipped him even further west to San Francisco, that was essentially as far from Washington as you could get. Now he's back in the Southeast, and he will likely be starting for the Miami Heat in November. Complete Article (20040915 - Washington) »

Hawks Sign Kenny Anderson and Jon Barry

And just like that, the Atlanta Hawks have (a) shored up their backcourt and (b) brought in more locals. Former Georgia Tech teammates Kenny Anderson and Jon Barry will be introduced today at 1pm. It is expected both signed for the veteran minimum. Complete Article (20040916 - Atlanta) »

The Moment of Truth

There are two main sources of revenue for a basketball franchise: television and attendance. On October 2, the Bobcats will find out just how much their strategy of staying cheap, flexible, and young will pay off. Single-game regular season tickets will go on sale. Complete Article (20040916 - Charlotte) »

Magic Surreality Show

Last year's basketball reality series was the surprise hit Real Training Camp: Denver Nuggets . It helped increase Denver's stature among fans and propelled them to a Cinderella playoff berth. This year's basketball reality show is a one-time documentary of the Magic's offseason. Could it work the same, um, Magic? Why don't more teams put together similar shows? Complete Article (20040917 - Orlando) »

Larry Hughes is Ready!

Larry Hughes chatted with fans yesterday on the Wizards' home page and we learned quite a few things. First and foremost, he has been working out and looking to get in the best shape of his career. He is expecting an increased role now with Jerry Stackhouse out. And he is, in a word, ready. Ready to play 82 games. Ready to dominate. Ready to lead. Complete Article (20040917 - Washington) »

Grading the Hawks

The Hawks' web site gives fans a chance to grade the offseason. About half of the nearly 7,000 respondents put Atlanta on the honor roll and about half gave it less than stellar marks. The truth is that had they gotten Erick Dampier, this summer would have been an easy A-. Complete Article (20040920 - Atlanta) »

Unselfish, Defensive-Oriented Team

In his latest blog, Charlotte GM/head coach Bernie Bickerstaff praises what Steve Smith will bring to the Bobcats and reiterates his vision of the team: "We want to be a defensive-oriented team that is unselfish." Complete Article (20040920 - Charlotte) »

Worst Team Ever?

Apparently people around the league are thinking about the Bobcats next season what they thought about the Jazz last season: that they have a chance to set a new league record for worst team ever. Will the Bobcats surprise? If so, who could they reasonably be expected to beat, at least on paper? Eastern Conference matchups are inside today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040921 - Charlotte) »

Francis for Carter? No Way, Says Weisbrod

Vince Carter would like to see how far he can take his cousin's former team, but Orlando GM John Weisbrod is not willing to give up his own All-Star in return. Is there a deal for which the Magic would take Carter? Sure, but as Weisbrod said "in no uncertain terms," he would not trade Steve Francis for him. What about Baron Davis? Complete Article (20040921 - Orlando) »

Missed on Kobe; Get Carter?

Do the Hawks have what it takes to (a) get Vince Carter and (b) keep him happy? If they could find a way to also keep Antoine Walker, then the Hawks would essentially have the Boston Celtics team of two years ago that reached the Eastern Conference Finals with Carter replacing Paul Pierce. And it'll immediately solve Atlanta's attendance woes. Complete Article (20040922 - Atlanta) »

Arenas for Vinsanity?

Unsubstantiated rumors circulating on the internet have suggested Washington and Toronto may have had speculative talks about moving Gilbert Arenas for Vince Carter. Washington would have to include one or two other players to make salaries match but even on a straight-up basis this trade doesn't make sense. Complete Article (20040922 - Washington) »

Deposed Orlando GM John Gabriel Joins Portland Staff As Scout

John Gabriel, replaced this summer by John Weisbrod as General Manager of the Orlando Magic after Orlando's disappointing regular season last year, has joined the Portland Trail Blazers as a Scout, the Blazers announced yesterday. Gabriel had been with the Magic organization since its inception in 1989 and was named Executive of the Year in 2000. Find out in today's NEWS@ Orlando report how one fateful day four years ago determined the course of Gabriel's life. Complete Article (20040924 - Orlando) »

Kidd for Arenas?

Would it make sense for Washington head coach Eddie Jordan to reunite with Jason Kidd, even at the cost of Gilbert Arenas? Sure, Arenas is younger, cheaper, a little healthier, and a better shooter, but Kidd is Kidd. Imagine if Kidd can do for Kwame Brown what he did for another #1 draft pick in New Jersey. The answer may hinge on what you thought of Kevin Johnson and Magic Johnson in 1990. How? Read today's NEWS@ Washington report. Complete Article (20040924 - Washington) »

A Month Battling Wizards

When the leaves start turning and magic is in the air, it is time to battle with wizards. Harry Potter will be going back to Hogswarts and the Charlotte Bobcats will fight some dementors of their own. Our heroic team does battle with the Washington Wizards three times in three weeks, starting with their first exhibition game on October 14 and ending with their season opener on November 2. Complete Article (20040927 - Charlotte) »

Artest of Love, the Patterson of Little Feet, and a Butler

Who will be Miami's starting small forward? No one seems to want Rasual Butler or Wesley Person to take on that burden of responsibility. That may be partially why Michael Jordan's name was floated, and why Ruben Patterson's and Ron Artest's names are floating now. Let's not forget that Caron wasn't the only Butler on this team. Rasual will surprise. Complete Article (20040927 - Miami) »

I Finally Understand Josh Childress

I finally understand why the Hawks drafted Josh Childress so high. It is the same reason that brought Al Harrington to town. It is because of a vicious cycle whose final symptom is "the Atlanta premium." A lot more detail in today's NEWS@ Atlanta report. Complete Article (20040928 - Atlanta) »

Extend Kwame? Extend Brendan?

The Wizards face some long-ranging consequences this summer and have to make some important decisions by the end of next month. Should they try to negotiate a contract extension with Kwame Brown? How about Brendan Haywood? Should they pick up the team option on Juan Dixon for 2005-2006? How about Jared Jeffries? And what to do about Larry Hughes, who will be a free agent next summer? Complete Article (20040928 - Washington) »

Dwight Howard Dons Adidas

The mystery is over. Dwight Howard will wear Adidas shoes for the next many, many years. Complete Article (20040929 - Orlando) »

UConn's Other PG Training With Wizards

Ben Gordon is in Chicago. Emeka Okafor is in Charlotte. And the third key member of UConn's championship cabal is joining the Washington Wizards training camp next week. Taliek Brown will try to muscle his way into the NBA. Complete Article (20040929 - Washington) »

Dwight Howard Dons Adidas

The mystery is over. Dwight Howard will wear Adidas shoes for the next many, many years. Complete Article (20040929 - Orlando) »

UConn's Other PG Training With Wizards

Ben Gordon is in Chicago. Emeka Okafor is in Charlotte. And the third key member of UConn's championship cabal is joining the Washington Wizards training camp next week. Taliek Brown will try to muscle his way into the NBA. Complete Article (20040929 - Washington) »

Can Drobnjak Play 40 Minutes a Night?

According to their current roster, the Atlanta Hawks have two players listed as capable of playing the center spot: Predrag Drobnjak and 42-year-old Kevin Willis. Drobnjak's never played more than 24 minutes in his three-year career with two teams. Willis averaged less than 10 minutes last year. So who else is going to play center? Complete Article (20040930 - Atlanta) »

Two of the Top Fifty

Mike Kahn of SportsLine.com lists his view of the top 50 players in the league today. Two Wizards -- Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas -- cracked the list. Complete Article (20040930 - Washington) »

Rodman Tries Out Today

Dennis Rodman is trying out for the Denver Nuggets again today. He left his previous tryout early after citing an ingrown toenail. Complete Article (20040930 - Denver) »

Vinsanity and KG? That's Crazy!

One of the many Vince Carter rumors/ruminations is the possibility of Minnesota sending Wally Sczcerbiak and Michael Olowokandi to get Air Canada. That would be an unstoppable force. Complete Article (20040930 - Minnesota) »

At Training Camp, Jazz Aren't Whistling Dixie

The Utah Jazz commence their training camp in Dixie next week and last year's surprise stars will join this offseason's additions and five other invitees to battle it out for 12 active roster spots and 3 on the injured reserve. Complete Article (20040930 - Utah) »

Shaq Outs Kobe

Shaquille O'Neal continues to bristle at reports that Kobe Bryant suggested to police that Shaq payed hush money to women, calling him a "clown" and a "joke." Meanwhile, in more constructive basketball news, Dorrell Wright -- yes, that Tracy McGrady gonna-be -- has already put on four pounds, all muscle. Perhaps he will be readier to contribute even earlier than expected. Complete Article (20041001 - Miami) »

Griffin Door Open?

The Hawks have been working out Eddie Griffin, the troubled former Rocket and Net. The talent is there but so is the potential trouble. He's a power forward who sometimes tends to camp out at the three-point line (sound familiar?). But he's young and talented. Should the Hawks take the risk? Complete Article (20041004 - Atlanta) »

Can Bickerstaff Win Coach of the Year?

Four years ago, Doc Rivers led an Orlando Magic team that many thought would challenge for the league's all-time worst record to a breakeven year, and he won Coach of the Year for his efforts. Last year, Jerry Sloan led a Utah Jazz team that many thought would challenge for the league's all-time worst record to a breakeven year, but he did not win Coach of the Year for his efforts. Charlotte GM/head coach Bernie Bickerstaff is leading a team that virtually everybody thinks will challenge for the league's all-time worst record. Should he win Coach of the Year if he leads them to a breakeven season? Complete Article (20041004 - Charlotte) »

Wade a Minute, Mr. Shaq Man

Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade are doing everything they collectively can to avoid any possibility of another Kobe-Shaq-like rivalry. Shaq has gone the extra mile in reaching out to Miami's young star and by reporting to camp in excellent physical shape. Now it is up to Coach Stan Van Gundy to mold them all into a winning team. Complete Article (20041004 - Miami) »

Knight Rider

Presidential elections notwithstanding, Atlanta's Commander-in-Chief Billy Knight has not only been extended in his post as General Manager but he has added the burden of "Executive Vice President" to his broad shoulders as well. Knight also announced the signing of Anthony "Pig" Miller to bring the training camp roster to 19. Complete Article (20041006 - Atlanta) »

Training a Champion

Head coach Stan Van Gundy is doing the right thing to build a championship contender for this year: he is focusing on defense during training camp. In the first day of training camp yesterday, the team reportedly spent only about 15 minutes in a scrimmage. Remember the last time a high-profile coach spent much of training camp focusing on defense? That's right, it was the Dallas Mavericks two years ago. Could the Heat win 14 straight out of the gate? Complete Article (20041006 - Miami) »

Better Everywhere But Two? Try the Four!

Talk about depth: John Weisbrod claims that with the exception of Tracy McGrady, last year's starters would have a tough time beating out the second string guys this year. If that were true, it would be a monumental testament not only to McGrady's marketability but to the overall offseason the Magic had. But unfortunately, it's not true, and Weisbrod's forgetfulness about what Juwan Howard's contributions might suggest he doesn't see the gaping hole at the backup power forward spot that will be one of the Magic's biggest weaknesses. Complete Article (20041006 - Orlando) »

Versatility's Their Middle Name

In Grant Hill, the Magic have a guy that can play any position but center on the floor, but the versatility doesn't end there. Steve Francis can play either guard spot, as can Cuttino Mobley. The Magic have eight swingmen that can play one of two positions. And Pat Garrity, who used to be a prototypical three-point shooting power forward in the mold of a Walter McCarty, will apparently be learning both the small forward and shooting guard spots as well. Not only have the Magic gotten more defensively oriented, they've gotten incredibly versatile as well. Complete Article (20041007 - Orlando) »

Stockton-Malone or Jordan-Pippen?

The great Utah teams of the Stockton-Malone era featured a powerful 1-4 punch in terms of the positions the two Hall of Famers played. The Chicago championships featured a 2-3 tandem in Jordan and Pippen. The 80's Celtics were a 3-4-5 combo of Bird, McHale, and Parish while the 80's Lakers were a 1-4-5 combo of Magic, Worthy, and Kareem. But the Wizards are placing their bets on a 1-2 tweener in Gilbert Arenas and a 3-4 tweener in Antawn Jamison. Could this be the first dominant 1/2-3/4 package in history? Complete Article (20041007 - Washington) »

Chris-Cross Crawford

Though Chris Crawford has started only 92 games in the past seven seasons, you would be unwise to cross him off your list of players to watch. One of only two players to return from the beginning of last year (2003 first round pick Boris Diaw being the other), Crawford is now the longest tenured Hawk by an incredible margin of six full seasons. Yet he has not been marked on the roster as the captain of the team. What gives? Complete Article (20041008 - Atlanta) »

Jamison Unleashed

Antawn Jamison chatted with fans yesterday and unlike most chats, this one actually had some substance. Credit Jamison with answering questions in an intelligent and interesting way. Some highlights and conclusions in today's NEWS@ Washington report. Complete Article (20041008 - Washington) »

Slowly But Surely, Fans Arrive

The Hawks held a free open practice and full-court scrimmage last night and GM Billy Knight's vision of filling the seats seems, slowly but surely, to be taking shape. At some point the offseason has to end and the Hawks have nothing left to do but open the doors and hope people come. Last night, they did. Complete Article (20041011 - Atlanta) »

False Controversies

The Bobcats are involved in at least three controversial news items, some dragging into their second week or longer: the lack of prayer before games by the Bobcats, the possibility that the young players will be demoralized by a 9- or 10-win season, and Emeka Okafor's comments on dunking on Shaq. But they are not real controversies. They are merely overblown facts. Look inside today's NEWS@ Southeast report for a complete analysis. Complete Article (20041011 - Charlotte) »

Premier, Debut, Bootstrap, And Fresh Start

Whatever your favorite word is, be it debut, premier, or bruhaha, tonight's first Magic preseason game is a fresh start for the team that finished 21-61 last season and saw virtually the entire roster and front office revamped over the summer. Tonight marks the debut of Dwight Howard in an NBA game, and may also see some action, however cautiously limited, of Grant Hill and Pat Garrity, notably absent due to injury from last year's woeful season. Curiously, the game is not expected to be broadcast anywhere. Complete Article (20041012 - Orlando) »

Last Second Loss to Pacers

The more than 9,000 people that filled up Worthern Arena in Muncie, Indiana last night were in for a treat as their hometown heroes Indiana Pacers defeated the Washington Wizards 85-84 on a last second tip-in by Randy Holcomb. The game was a homecoming for Washington's Jared Jefferies, who had just tipped in a Michael Ruffin miss 10 seconds earlier for what looked like the winning basket. Complete Article (20041012 - Washington) »

Sluggish Start

Head coach Mike Woodson was unhappy with the intrasquad scrimmage yesterday in preparation for tonight's game against the Orlando Magic and their Atlanta rookie Dwight Howard, calling the effort "sluggish." Everyone but Tony Delk will see some time in tonight's preseason opener in Macon, GA but their effort will need to be a little more integrated to eke out a win. Complete Article (20041013 - Atlanta) »

First Ever Preseason Game Tonight

Bob Johnson and his partners paid $300 million to the owners of the other teams. The NBA held a special expansion draft for them earlier this summer. GM Bernie Bickerstaff maneuvered all summer to get young, cheap, hungry talent, and got his biggest prize in second overall pick Emeka Okafor. As coach, he has trained his picks in the art of team defense. His roster now stands at 17. And tonight is the first test of this Charlotte experiment. Complete Article (20041014 - Charlotte) »

Fouling Magic Drop Second Straight

The Magic dropped their second preseason game in as many nights, falling 96-88 to the Atlanta Hawks. Dwight Howard fouled out after 25 minutes of action, finishing with eight points and three rebounds. Steve Francis had one assist and four turnovers but he did manage to score 18 points on 4-6 shooting from the field and 10-15 from the charity stripe. Complete Article (20041014 - Orlando) »

Hurt Shaq is Game-Time Decision

Shaquille O'Neal's left hamstring was a little tender yesterday, causing him to miss practice, and he will be a game-time decision tonight. Though Stan Van Gundy plans to run slightly different offenses during the regular season when Shaq is sitting or out with injury, tonight he will focus on the schemes that take advantage of Shaq's talents, even if the big guy himself isn't on the floor, in order for the rest of the players to get comfortable and integrated with the plays and schemes. Complete Article (20041015 - Miami) »

Winless Bobcats Feel Pressure

Even if you call their first preseason game against Washington, a one-point loss in double-overtime, essentially a tie, their 26 point blowout loss to Portland on Saturday put some perspective on this young club, especially considering the Bobcats led after one and were only down three points at the half. The problem was pressure: both the pressure of young guys not used to prime-time minutes and the pressure defense that the Blazers used to blow out Charlotte. Complete Article (20041018 - Charlotte) »

We Beat The Champions, My Friends

Replace Kobe Bryant with Dwyane Wade and even with an injured Shaquille O'Neal, the Miami Heat accomplished what the LA Lakers could not: they beat the Detroit Pistons 83-74 on Saturday behind Wade's 20 points and 4 steals. While such wins must almost by law be tempered with the word "meaningless," their is a pleasant psychological aspect to winning, especially when it is the world champions who are on the receiving end of the loss. Complete Article (20041018 - Miami) »

The Lesson of Grant Hill

What can you say about a guy like Grant Hill, who comes off of four ankle surgeries and immediately plays like an All-Star. Sure it's only an exhibition game but 20 points, six rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block is a great stat night for any level of competition, especially when it comes in just 26 minutes of action. Hill proves what every recovering athlete can only hope to show: that basketball is in the mind and the body is just the tool of its expression. Is it too early to predict a five-by-five sometime this season for Hill? Complete Article (20041019 - Orlando) »

Open Intrasquad Scrimmage

The Wizards held an open intrasquad scrimmage yesterday and showcased the talents of many of their free agents and young players. With many of their primary stars sidelines through injury, and with the Wizards afraid after last year to rush anyone's return to the court, yesterday's open run featured highlights such as Gerald Fitch's defensive prowess and Michael Ruffin's rebounding. Complete Article (20041019 - Washington) »

Replacing Crawford

Who will be the new replacement for Chris Crawford, out for the season with a knee injury? Head coach Mike Woodson has no idea and is even pondering the radical idea of banking on 18-year-old Josh Smith or fellow rookie Donta Smith for some valuable minutes. While the Hawks will be watching the waiver wires like, well, like hawks, they are probably also not averse to a trade or a free agent signing to shore up their front court. Complete Article (20041020 - Atlanta) »

Worst Road Trip Ever

Bernie Bickerstaff's starting lineup shakeup didn't prevent a shakedown at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers last night. Jason Kapono and Brevin Knight muscled their way into the first five, replacing Tamar Slay and Jason Hart, but to no avail as the Bobcats retain their perfect preseason record, unblemished by wins, with a 103-77 loss to the Cavs. Emeka Okafor and Jahidi White led what could euphemistically be called a balanced scoring attack with twelve points each. Three Cavaliers scored 16 points each and two more had 11 points each in the Bobcats' worst loss ever. Complete Article (20041021 - Charlotte) »

Shaq Pacing Himself?

Is Shaquille O'Neal pacing himself? If so, head coach Stan Van Gundy might be pissing himself. Van Gundy is a coach that demands the best from his players at all times and, in his own words, will "fight" the concept of pacing whenever he sees it. But Shaq puts it figuratively: "It ain't how you start the date. It's how you finish the date." Is the romance really over that fast? Complete Article (20041021 - Miami) »

The Magic vs. Tracy McGrady

The Magic beat the Hornets 92-91 last night on the back of yet another impressive double-double by rookie Dwight Howard and seemingly unstoppable scoring by the backcourt tandem of Cuttino Mobley and Steve Francis, who combined for 44 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals on 16-of-31 (51.6 percent) shooting from the field and 9-of-12 (75 percent) from the free throw line. Howard chipped in 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting and 10 rebounds, of which half were on the offensive boards. Howard's five offensive rebounds led all players. Complete Article (20041022 - Orlando) »

Fighting the Champs Part II

The Wizards beat the Pistons in Detroit on Wednesday but they will face them there again tonight, and this time Ben Wallace is listed as questionable. Last time, six Wizards gave the definition of balanced scoring by collecting 11 points a piece. What will happen when the two square off again tonight? Complete Article (20041022 - Washington) »

The Good, the Bad, and the Turnovers: Bobcats Split Weekend Exhibition Games

The Bobcats split their two weekend exhibition games, defeating Portland 69-63 on Friday night but falling 85-97 to the Wizards on Sunday. The Portland victory came on the shoulders of Primoz Brezec's 11-point, 13-rebound double-double and Gerald Wallace's versatile stat line of 9 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 8 steals, and a blocked shot, and the team overall committed just 14 turnovers. That was not the case on Sunday, however, as the Bobcats turned the ball over 25 times to the Wizards, leading to 27 points and ultimately a loss. Complete Article (20041025 - Charlotte) »

Blowing Out the Hawks

Our own Tracy Graven of Basketball News Services and Hoopsworld.com nicknamed Miami's dynamic duo of Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade as "Superman and the Flash" nearly a month ago and the two superheroes are starting to live up to the name. They each led all scorers with 19 points in under 30 minutes of action in a 113-82 blowout of the Atlanta Hawks on Friday. Superman also had eight rebounds, two assists, and a block while the Flash also had six rebounds, four assists, a block, and a steal. Wang Zhizhi also had a nice game, scoring 12 points in 16 minutes on 3-5 shooting to go with four boards. So what's his new nickname? Complete Article (20041025 - Miami) »

"Earliest Game in Basketball History"

It won't be televised and it's not open to the general public but today's meeting between Shaquille O'Neal and Emeka Okafor could be a significant development in the legacy of the NBA. For one thing, Miami guard Dwyane Wade claims this will be "the earliest game in basketball history." For another thing, it is the first meeting between these two big guys. And finally, of the 14,000 high school students whose academic achievements got them tickets to this event, perhaps one will be inspired to follow a career in basketball. Complete Article (20041026 - Miami) »

The Connecticut Magic?

Magic owner Rich DeVos wants to keep the franchise in central Florida. Shaquille hopes it stays there at least until he retires and is ready to buy it. It's name is nearly synonymous with the Disney theme parks it is near. But NBA commissioner David Stern says the Magic need a new arena and if it won't happen locally, there are plenty of other cities that would love to build one for the franchise. Among them are St. Louis and Kansas City. But what about Connecticut? Complete Article (20041026 - Orlando) »

Tony Delk Might Play Ten Minutes

Finally recovering from knee surgery he underwent in July, Tony Delk has participated in his first full contact practice since undergoing the knife and may play tonight. Head coach Mike Woodson expects to play him only in two-three minute spurts for a total of 10 minutes or less just to "let him get his wind a little bit." Al Harrington is also likely to play while Kevin Willis may be back for tomorrow's game. Complete Article (20041027 - Atlanta) »

Suspensions May Be Coming

Brendan Haywood and Larry Hughes could get suspended as soon as today when NBA Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations Stu Jackson returns from his Board of Governors meeting to watch the videotape of Monday's skirmish in Chicago. If both are suspended, the Wizards will be missing three starters and some important backups to open the season on the road against Memphis. Complete Article (20041027 - Washington) »

Bobcats End Preseason With Win

The Charlotte Bobcats have concluded their franchise's first-ever preseason with a four-point margin of victory over division rivals the Atlanta Hawks, beating them 93-89. They survived a 31-pount outburst by Antoine Walker and a 17-point contribution by Al Harrington to win with a very balanced scoring attack: while no Bobcat scored more than 15 points, there were five Bobcats in double-figures. The Bobcats won on the back of their passing (24 assists vs. 18 for the Hawks) and defense (10 steals and 4 blocks vs. 5 steals and 3 blocks). Complete Article (20041028 - Charlotte) »

Preseason's Over

Despite Shaquille O'Neal's 24 points in 33 minutes on 10-of-19 shooting, despite Michael Doleac's 12 rebounds, despite Dwyane Wade's 18 points and 8 assists, and despite even a 30-19 fourth quarter advtange, the Heat fell to the Magic last night 109-103. It was their last exhibition game and the first time Shaq played against the Magic in a Heat uniform. Complete Article (20041028 - Miami) »

DeShawn Stevenson to Blazers?

Given the three-guard rotation of Mobley, Steve Francis, and Jameer Nelson, and Grant Hill able to play any position, there are very few ticks available for another backup, let alone two. Keith Bogans has apparently won out over DeShawn Stevenson for the 5-10 leftover minutes, and Stevenson is apparently on the trading block. One scout that's been watching him is former Magic GM John Gabriel, now plying his wares for the Portland Trail Blazers. One of Gabriel's last acts had been to get Stevenson. Could Portland be Stevenson's next stop? Complete Article (20041029 - Orlando) »

Too Many Shooting Fouls Doom Wiz

The Wizards fell 97-87 to Kobe Bryant and his Shaq-less Lakers despite Washington's having superior numbers in total rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. The difference was free throws: the Wizards shot only 55.6 percent on 18 attempts while the Lakers shot 79.3 percent on 29 attempts, including 11-of-12 from the line for Bryant. Yet the Wizards committed only two more fouls than the Lakers did in total. They were just a different kind of foul. Complete Article (20041029 - Washington) »

Survey Says!

The third annual GM survey has 7 interesting results for Atlanta fans. Al Harrington was voted as the player most likely to have a breakout season this year. Josh Smith was named the rookie most likely to be a "sleeper" success. And in five other categories, Hawks players received votes. Details in today's NEWS@ Atlanta report. Complete Article (20041101 - Atlanta) »

Rookie is Third, Wallace is Key

Star rookie and franchise centerpiece Emeka Okafor was only the third-highest scorer in the preseason for the Bobcats, averaging just under 10 points per game. The number one scorer for Charlotte was Primoz Brezec and his 13.7 average follows by Gerald Wallace and his 10.7. Wallace may turn out to be the key for Charlotte. Read more in today's NEWS@ Charlotte report. Complete Article (20041101 - Charlotte) »

E-Rob Rumor Heats Up

Shaquille O'Neal's left hamstring seems to be bothering him more than expected, forcing Diesel to miss his fourth straight practice. The regular season opens tomorrow and while Shaq wants to play, it is far from certain. What is certain is that Dorrell Wright will not play, as the young rookie was one of the three to suddenly come down with injury and be placed on The List. Meanwhile, the Heat remain quite interested in acquiring Eddie Robinson now that Chicago has officially bought him out. He could join Miami within days. Complete Article (20041102 - Miami) »

Come on Down, Round Mound of Rebound!

Moneyball comes to Orlando! Open up the brain that is Magic GM John Weisbrod and you will find a guy that not only looks for the defense and toughness he has proclaimed far and wide, but also a guy that looks for undervalued players with a quantitative approach. Weisbrod pulled off a tremendous trade in moving a soon-to-be-disgruntled Keith Bogans to Charlotte for Brandon Hunter, a hardworking power forward with a knack for rebounding. Despite a relatively weak preseason showing as a Bobcat, Hunter's abilities did not go ignored by Weisbrod. Why? Probably because he's using an analytical, quantitative system. For proof, read today's NEWS@ Orlando report. Complete Article (20041102 - Orlando) »

Rest of Front Court Heads Home

Jason Collier will miss the rest of Atlanta's road trip as he was sent home yesterday with severe bronchitis. He had started but played only five minutes in their regular season opener and now joins what seems to be developing into a potentially troubling year for frontcourt Hawks players. Chris Crawford is out for the season. Kevin Willis is coming back from being a little hurt. There are lots of minutes to go around but who will step up? Complete Article (20041103 - Atlanta) »

Expanded Team Collapses in Fourth

If the first-ever regular season game of the Charlotte Bobcats -- a sellout, mind you -- had ended after three quarters, the Bobcats would have been the third consecutive expansion team to win its NBA debut. They led divisional rivals Washington 75-74 after thirty-six minutes of play, and were still tied four minutes into the fourth, but the expanded team collapsed in the last eight minutes and the Wizards won 103-96 , led by Charlotte native Antawn Jamison's game-high 24 points. Complete Article (20041103 - Charlotte) »

Weak Up Front, Good Test Tonight

Because of injury and lack of depth, the Hawks are weak in their pivot spot, and tonight face another team that would also like to shore up its center spot if possible. Atlanta goes on the road to take on the Phoenix Suns as the two jilted offseason rivals for Erick Dampier try out small ball to open up the regular season. Complete Article (20041103 - Atlanta) »

Bye, Bye Brandon

The Bobcats traded the round mound of rebound Brandon Hunter to Orlando for Keith Bogans, and while it will be sad to see the former Celtic big man go, what Charlotte got in return is exactly what they needed and exactly what they are building their team around: young, hungry, talented players who just weren't given minutes at their old teams. Hunter didn't quite fit that mold, having earned major minutes and even a long stretch of starts in Boston. Bogans would have had mop-up duty in Orlando. In Charlotte, he could be huge. Complete Article (20041103 - Charlotte) »

Path to the Playoffs Starts With Single Win

Gilbert Arenas is desperate to make it to the playoffs this year. With Antawn Jamison beside him, he and the Wizards quietly think this should be their year. But the long road to the playoffs begins with the first win, and Washington's chance comes tonight as they face the deep and talented Grizzlies tonight in Memphis. An opening night victory over last season's 50-win team would send a loud message to the rest of the league: wake up! The Wizards are here. Complete Article (20041103 - Washington) »

Rest of Front Court Heads Home

Jason Collier will miss the rest of Atlanta's road trip as he was sent home yesterday with severe bronchitis. He had started but played only five minutes in their regular season opener and now joins what seems to be developing into a potentially troubling year for frontcourt Hawks players. Chris Crawford is out for the season. Kevin Willis is coming back from being a little hurt. There are lots of minutes to go around but who will step up? Complete Article (20041103 - Atlanta) »

Expanded Team Collapses in Fourth

If the first-ever regular season game of the Charlotte Bobcats -- a sellout, mind you -- had ended after three quarters, the Bobcats would have been the third consecutive expansion team to win its NBA debut. They led divisional rivals Washington 75-74 after thirty-six minutes of play, and were still tied four minutes into the fourth, but the expanded team collapsed in the last eight minutes and the Wizards won 103-96 , led by Charlotte native Antawn Jamison's game-high 24 points. Complete Article (20041103 - Charlotte) »

Rest of Front Court Heads Home

Jason Collier will miss the rest of Atlanta's road trip as he was sent home yesterday with severe bronchitis. He had started but played only five minutes in their regular season opener and now joins what seems to be developing into a potentially troubling year for frontcourt Hawks players. Chris Crawford is out for the season. Kevin Willis is coming back from being a little hurt. There are lots of minutes to go around but who will step up? Complete Article (20041105 - Atlanta) »

Expanded Team Collapses in Fourth

If the first-ever regular season game of the Charlotte Bobcats -- a sellout, mind you -- had ended after three quarters, the Bobcats would have been the third consecutive expansion team to win its NBA debut. They led divisional rivals Washington 75-74 after thirty-six minutes of play, and were still tied four minutes into the fourth, but the expanded team collapsed in the last eight minutes and the Wizards won 103-96 , led by Charlotte native Antawn Jamison's game-high 24 points. Complete Article (20041105 - Charlotte) »

Hawks Head Home

Though the Hawks are now 0-3 following weekend losses to Seattle 106-85 and the Lakers 106-90, there is some progress to report. The Hawks have increased their scoring each game, from 82 to 85 and now to 90 points, but no opponent has outscored Atlanta's previous opponent. At this rate, it will take another three games before the Hawks start winning games, and about five games before the Hawks start blowing people out. Complete Article (20041108 - Atlanta) »

First Win Ever!

Not only did the Charlotte Bobcats notch their first-ever win by downing the Magic 111-100 on Saturday, but they pulled the franchise into .500 territory for the first time ever as well. One more win will make it the first time the Bobcats ever had a winning record. There's lots of firsts when you're a new team. But rookie Emeka Okafor and his second consecutive double-double would be welcome on any team. Complete Article (20041108 - Charlotte) »

Dwyane Wade is "No Kobe Bryant"

The crazy thing about Dwyane Wade is he just keeps improving. In the season opener he scored 21 points. Then he upped it to 28. Now he scores 37 points against a talented Washington backcourt to lead the Heat to a 118-106 win and a perfect 3-0 record. What's he going to do when Miami hosts Washington on Tuesday? Scorch them for fifty? Complete Article (20041108 - Miami) »

Are the Magic Contenders?

Of all the offseason moves engineered this summer on the Orlando Magic, none is perhaps as important as the helping hand given out by Lady Luck. Grant Hill's ankle, long the bane of Orlando's existence, may now be the key factor that puts Orlando over the top. On the Magic roster are 50% of all NBA players across all time who have averaged 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists in each of their first five seasons. Could the Magic really be contenders? Complete Article (20041109 - Orlando) »

Welcome Back, Brendan

Brendan "The Hulk" Haywood's suspension for the Chicago preseason melee is over and he can rejoin the team starting with tonight's rematch against the Heat as the Wizards seek vengeance for a loss last week on their DC home court. But will the Wizards be able to look past the Victoria's Secret models flirting from halfcourt? They're going to have to if they want to remain above .500. Complete Article (20041109 - Washington) »

Free Throws Expensive as Hawks Still Winless

Atlanta easily maintained its perfect record, unblemished by wins, in falling 79-93 to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hawks joins the Hornets, Warriors, and Grizzlies as the only 0-4 teams in the league: good company, bad reason. Antoine Walker tried his best to match LeBron James's 25 points and 10 rebounds, and if he had made five of his six missed three point attempts, this would have been Atlanta's game. As it stands, it was a disappointing home opener as the Hawks scored a franchise-low total of 25 points in the second half. Complete Article (20041110 - Atlanta) »

Painful Loss, Wade Hurt

The Dallas Mavericks handed the Miami Heat their first loss of the season behind 41 points from Dirk Nowitzki in a painful game that saw Dwyane Wade injured in the fourth quarter and wearing a boot afterwards. He is questionable for tonight's game though he tallied 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the 113-93 loss to Dallas. Complete Article (20041112 - Miami) »

Surprising Plus/Minus

The per-minute plus-minus ratings of the Orlando Magic, as computed by 82games.com, tell an interesting tale. Steve Francis, so far the last-second hero and high-flying dunker of the season, surprisingly enough tends to be off the floor when the Magic build a lead and on the floor when they lose it. Dwight Howard, Tony Battie, and Kelvin Cato are in a similar position. Complete Article (20041112 - Orlando) »

The Hulk is Very Incredible

Not only is Brendan "The Hulk" Haywood the leading Wizard by a particular statistical measure, he is also their most eligible bachelor. Find out why in today's NEWS@ Wizards report. Complete Article (20041112 - Washington) »

Two More Wins This Weekend

Dwyane Wade scored 25 points against the Sixers last night as the Heat beat the Sixers 93-83. For him, that's a regular day at the office. No extraneous heroics were required since Allen Iverson sat the game out, injured. But compare that to the 23 points he scored in just the fourth quarter alone in Miami's 107-105 overtime victory over Utah on Friday. In that game, Wade needed every one of his career-high 39 points, including the game-winning shot at the buzzer, to put away the Jazz. The Heat have now won three straight. Complete Article (20041122 - Miami) »

Magic Barely Beat Six Remaining Pacers

The Magic were the first team to play against the recently suspended Indiana Pacers and as they faced just six players who were able to suit up, it turned out not to be as easy a cake-walk as they had hoped. Nevertheless, with Grant Hill's 28 points to the rescue, the Magic beat the Pacers 86-83 to snap a three-game road losing streak. The Magic are also 3-0 in games decided by fewer than five points this season. Complete Article (20041122 - Orlando) »

Offense? Check. But Defense?

The Wizards are averaging more than 100 hundred points per game, one of only four teams to achieve such lofty status. Compared to last year's 91.8 average, when 17 teams averaged more points than Washington, that's a terrific improvement on the offensive end. But defensively, the Wizards have lapsed. Last year, they gave up 97.4 points per game on average. This season they are giving up 102.4. To be sure they have narrowed the difference from a deficit of 5.6 points on average to just 1.9, but there is still some work to be done on the defensive end. Complete Article (20041123 - Washington) »

Walker, Harrington Score But Can't Stop Blowout By Knicks

Antoine Walker hoisted more shots than the top two Knicks combined but he was 0-for-3 from downtown and shot only 39 percent overall as he watched his Hawks fall to the Knicks 104-88. The Knicks outscored the Hawks every quarter even though the top two scorers on the game were both Hawks (Walker with 20 points and Al Harrington with 19). An ugly loss that a little machinery can wipe from the collective memory of basketball fans everywhere. Complete Article (20041124 - Atlanta) »

Brevin Knight's 19 Assists Flummox World Champs

Rookie Emeka Okafor had his best game yet with 22 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Bobcats past the defending world champions 91-89, who were missing only the suspended Ben Wallace, but the game was even easier and not as close as the final score suggested. Charlotte led by as many as 21 points before Detroit made a fourth-quarter surge that came up short. The best statistic of the game? The one that summarizes the fluidity of the Bobcats and the frustration of the Pistons? Brevin Knight's 19 assists. That's three more than the entire Pistons team. Complete Article (20041124 - Charlotte) »

Heat Beat Snowbirding Celtics

The Heat pulled out a 106-104 victory over the Boston Celtics even though the two-point margin was a little too close for comfort despite Shaquille O'Neal tying a Heat franchise record set by Clarence Weatherspoon by going nine-for-nine from the field. Dwyane Wade bothered a double-pumping Ricky Davis jump shot in the corner as time expired. Complete Article (20041129 - Miami) »

Two More Weekend Wins

The Magic won one on the road against Atlanta 117-99 and one at home against the Philadelphia 105-99 to briefly lay claim to kings of the Southeast Division. With Miami's victory last night, though their percentage record is identical, the Heat have played three more games, so the Magic are listed as half a game behind the Heat. Who would have thought the Magic would be contending for the third seed of the playoffs so early in the season? Complete Article (20041129 - Orlando) »

Wizards Play Like Kings

The Washington Wizards are now second in the league in scoring, averaging 102.91 points per game, and one of only three teams in triple-digits. They trail only the red-hot Phoenix Suns. Unfortunately, they trail nobody when it comes to giving up points. The Wizards allow a league-high 102.75 points per game. The funny thing is the team just behind them on both rankings is essentially their model team: Sacramento. Complete Article (20041130 - Washington) »

Moral Victory

The Atlanta Hawks gave the Knicks fits last night, taking them to overtime and what would likely have been a second overtime if not for missed free throws by Antoine Walker and Jon Barry. The Hawks have dropped seven straight but played a terrific game, doing everything but winning. The final score was 110-109. They may have the second-worst record in the league but they took one of the top eight teams to the final seconds of overtime. Complete Article (20041201 - Atlanta) »

Zo on Ka: "He's a Special Player"

The Bobcats notched their tenth loss last night in New Jersey, falling 86-99 to the Nets, and maintaining their perfect road record, unblemished by wins. It was the first meeting between Emeka Okafor and Alonzo Mourning, and Mourning had nice words for the star rookie on the night he notched his new career high of 26 points and had his seventh double-double of the season and fifth in a row. Complete Article (20041201 - Charlotte) »

Malik the Knife

Malik Allen went under the knife and has lived to tell about it. He underwent successful micro discectomy surgery on his back yesterday morning and is expected to be sidelined six to eight weeks. Meanwhile, head coach Stan Van Gundy's words after Tuesday's loss to the Raptors cut like a knife, and Van Gundy was in full bandage-mode yesterday as he tried to soften some of his words. Complete Article (20041202 - Miami) »

Magic Make Raptors Look Extinct

Q: How do you get eight players in double-figures? A: By scoring the most points of any team in the league this season. The Magic embarrassed the Raptors 129-108 last night as every Magic player who was on the court for more than one quarter got at least ten points. Steve Francis also had a game-high nine assists and Dwight Howard had a game-high, season-high, and career-high 20 rebounds. Complete Article (20041202 - Orlando) »

A Seven-Game Win Streak?

Could the Wizards extend their current two-game win streak to seven over the course of the next 11 days? They face the lowly Hawks tonight then start a four-game homestand against the Bulls, the Nuggets, the Knicks, and the Hornets. If they continue their winning ways, they could find themselves on December 13 facing Miami twice in a row for the right to be first in the Southeast division. Complete Article (20041203 - Washington) »

"I Am Tired of Begging People to Play Hard"

The Heat dropped their fourth road game of the season, falling 104-95 to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday as Dwyane Wade's 26 points (sixth in the league in scoring) and Shaquille O'Neal's 10 rebounds (fourth in the league in rebounding) were not enough to overcome Carmelo Anthony's 28 point outburst. The Heat had 31 fouls to the Nuggets' 19, leading Denver to shoot and make seven more free throws, without which the margin of victory would have been a single field goal. Complete Article (20041206 - Miami) »

Having Conquered the East, Magic Head West

The Magic pushed their winning streak to three games and settled themselves atop the Southeast division again by beating the Memphis Grizzlies 96-91 on Saturday. Grant Hill led all scorers with 23 points but also had a very balanced stat line: seven assists, four rebounds, two steals, and a block. In fact, the Magic had ten total blocks as every starter plus two subs got at least one block except for Steve Francis, who made up for it with a game-high five steals. Complete Article (20041206 - Orlando) »

Best Start in 30 Years

The Wizards got off to their best start in 30 years as they beat the Bulls 95-88 on Saturday, bringing their record to 10-5, and just a half game behind Orlando for the top spot in the Southeast. This is the best record they've had after 15 games since the 1974-1975 season. Complete Article (20041206 - Washington) »

Hawks Get Third Win of the Season

Atlanta's front line picked apart the Dick Harter fronting defense of Philadelphia for their third win of the season. Former disciples of the system Antoine Walker (22 points, 12 rebounds) and Tony Delk (10 points, 2 assists) knew exactly what to do to exploit the Sixers en route to a 96-92 win. Atlanta's front line of Walker, Al Harrington, and Predrag Drobnjak combined for 63 points as the Hawks had 40 points in the paint to just 28 for the Sixers. Complete Article (20041207 - Atlanta) »

Bobcats Finally Fall in Double OT

When the Bobcats finally obtained LA's Kareem Rush yesterday in exchange for two future second round draft picks (Atlanta's pick this year and Charlotte's pick in 2008), the Bobcats thought they'd get a little psychological boost in taking on the team that shared Rush's former arena. And for regulation and most of double overtime, it looked as if the Bobcats were in it to win it. Unfortunately, an offensive drought in the second overtime period gave Charlotte the 99-93 loss to the Clippers. Complete Article (20041207 - Charlotte) »

Karl Malone Available! The Mailman Takes Lakers Off His Route

The drama in Lakerland continues and the climax may be to the Heat's benefit. Told of Kobe Bryant's comments that it wasn't fair to his teammates to wait on pins and needles for Karl Malone to return and face disappearing minutes, the Mailman immediately scratched the Lakers from his delivery route, saying he will not play for them. He is being courted by the Spurs, the Timberwolves, and of course, the Heat. He says his knee is 100% and he will be ready to play in a couple of weeks max. Wouldn't it be great if his debut came with the Heat, on Christmas, against the Lakers? Now that's drama. Complete Article (20041208 - Miami) »

Dwight Howard is the Real Deal

It's been 17 games already and it's not too early to say that Dwight Howard is for real. One of the ways to see if someone's a star or just has good padded stats is to check his bio on NBA.com where any participation in top lists are mentioned. A very solid role player might be on one or two lists, perhaps on a per-48-minute basis. Howard's main page lists an incredible 13 accolades. Complete Article (20041208 - Orlando) »

Antoine Walker a One-Man Team

Antoine Walker has always been a versatile blend of athleticism and talent and as the first banana on the Hawks he is making it very obvious. He leads the team in points, assists, defensive rebounds, offensive rebounds, and minutes, and is second or third in blocks and steals. The self-described volume scorer is only shooting 43 percent from the floor and 55 percent from the free throw line but he is Atlanta's best player by far. Complete Article (20041210 - Atlanta) »

Who Will Guard Amare?

The Bobcats are hobbling into Phoenix tonight to take on the league's hottest team, but Charlotte will be missing several key players to injury. With Melvin Ely likely to get the starting nod in place of injured Primoz Brezec, and with Phoenix playing a lot of small ball, the question becomes, who will guard Amare Stoudemire? Complete Article (20041210 - Charlotte) »

Kwame Brown in Trouble Again

Just when you thought he'd turned the corner, that's when Kwame Brown went ahead and broke his foot. Now, recovering, you thought this time, the corner he'd turned would lead to a valley of spring roses, but instead Brown is in trouble again. The Wizards suspended him from practice and tonight's game for ignoring head coach Eddie Jordan during the Denver game. Is it time to test his market value? Complete Article (20041210 - Washington) »

Those Crazy Hawks

Staring at the second-worst record in the league, these Atlanta Hawks go out and crush the defending world champion Detroit Pistons 88-72 on Friday only to lose the fairly woeful New Jersey Nets 90-95 on Saturday. What was the difference? How could such a large swing happen in the space of 24 hours? Answers inside today's NEWS@ Atlanta report. Complete Article (20041213 - Atlanta) »

Bobcats Only Winless Team on the Road

The Bobcats returned from their four-game Western Conference road trip without an away win to their name and they now remain the only team to have not won a single game on the road, despite the fact that they have played more road games than all but one other team (Toronto) and despite the fact that they have played more road games (10) than home games (8). At home, they are even Steven, winning four and losing four. They now start a three game home stand this week so hopefully that's one and a half more wins right there. Complete Article (20041213 - Charlotte) »

Wins Get Heat Top Spot

The Miami Heat just keep on winning. Their current streak is now four in a row thanks to weekend wins over the Grizzlies at home, 92-84, on Friday and the Raptors in Toronto, 106-98, on Sunday. In the Toronto game, Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal had a coincidentally nearly identical stat line: each had 20 points and 9 boards. Wade also added 6 assists and a steal while Shaq added four assists, a steal, and four blocks. Complete Article (20041213 - Miami) »

In Battle of Sun God vs. Jesus, the Phoenix Rises

When the Magic get the jumbotron to flash that all-important triple digit to the left of the score, they tend to win ballgames, but when their opposition scores 100 or more points, they tend to lose. So what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immoveable object? Or in the words of Homer Simpson, "Could Jesus microwave a burrito so hot that he himself could not eat it?" The religious imagery, while possibly sacrilegious to Dwight Howard, is illuminating, as last night Howard and the Magic had the age-old question answered in the form of a 121-100 drubbing at the hands of the team with the league's best record, the Phoenix Suns. As Milhouse/Moses proclaims in a different episode when encountering the unforgiving Red Sea, "Screw this! I'm converting. Save us, oh mighty Ra!" Speaking of converting, DeShawn Stevenson wants to convert to any team that can give him some playing time. Complete Article (20041214 - Orlando) »

Professor Shaq Teaches Wizards They're Not Harry Potter

The Miami Heat's Shaquille O'Neal rented a big yellow bus, packed 12 bag lunches, stopped off at every Washington player's home to pick each of them up right by the curb, and once they were all safely boarded, seated, and well-behaved, he took the Wizards to school. The Big Aristotle taught them to look at a 106-83 loss philosophically. If the most dominant player in the league drops 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks on your team but you don't learn from it, do you still lose? The Wizards will look for a Harry Potter on their roster as they rematch on their home court on Wednesday. Complete Article (20041214 - Washington) »

Another Wizards Game, Another Win

The Heat beat the Wizards 98-93 to complete the four game regular series sweep of Washington, notching their sixth victory in a row and securing their place atop the Eastern Conference. These two teams, Washington and Miami, are the only two Eastern Conference teams to have winning records both on the road and at home. Miami remains 5-0 against the Southeast Division and 14-2 against Eastern Conference opponents. Complete Article (20041216 - Miami) »

Magic Finish Road Trip With Loss to Spurs

The Magic squandered a ten-point fourth-quarter lead against the San Antonio Spurs last night, finally losing to them 94-91. Nevertheless, there were some bright spots, as the Magic showed they can run fast breaks against a team with terrific transition defense: Orlando got 20 fast break points to San Antonio's 9. They used a 28-12 third quarter to grab a strong lead heading into the fourth but the Spurs just dug in their heels and held the Magic to just 15 points in the fourth quarter. Complete Article (20041216 - Orlando) »

A Tough Loss to Miami

Of the four games that Miami swept over Washington this season, yesterday's had to be the toughest. Washington had led virtually all the way and was up one with 33 seconds to go, and with Shaquille O'Neal sitting on the bench, having fouled out. All they had to do was get a stop. With a two-trick pony, and one of the tricks out, all the attention was focused on Dwyane Wade. Wade drove to the basket, the defense collapsed on him, and he tossed it out to Damon Jones for a wide open three. The Wizards went on to lose 98-93. Complete Article (20041216 - Washington) »

Al Harrington, Then and Now

What a difference a year makes! Or does it? Al Harrington has already started more games this season than he did all of last year. But he moved to Atlanta not only in search of a starting role, but also more playing time, which he has achieved, averaging nearly nine minutes more per game than last season. The reason he wanted all that? To prove to the league that he's the next great thing, perhaps even a candidate for Most Improved Player. Do the stats support his belief? The answer is a definite maybe. Lots more details inside today's NEWS@ Atlanta report. Complete Article (20041217 - Atlanta) »

Okafor the Houston Boy

Chukwuemeka Noubuisi Okafor grew up in Houston, a fan of the legendary Hakeem Olajuwon, but tomorrow night as the Bobcats host the Rockets for the first time in franchise history, the men manning the middle will be Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean Jacque Wamutombo. There are no Rockets left from the time when Okafor was a high school fan except for Maurice Taylor so now he has no choice but to put the hurt on his former favorite team. Complete Article (20041217 - Charlotte) »

Bobcats Beat Rockets!

The Charlotte Bobcats beat the Houston Rockets on Saturday by one point in overtime on Saturday, using the 101-100 win to record the young franchise's first-ever winning streak, now standing at two straight games. It was actually a four-point win but Tracy McGrady hit a three at the buzzer. Emeka Okafor got more offensive rebounds (7) than the entire Houston team (6). Complete Article (20041220 - Charlotte) »

More Games, More Wins

The Miami Heat played a couple of games over the weekend, which is to say, the Heat got a couple of wins over the weekend. Their winning streak is now eight games, tied with the Phoenix Suns for longest in the league. The latest notches in their belt are a 107-100 win over Denver and a 117-107 win over Orlando, both at home. Complete Article (20041220 - Miami) »

Zo, Zo, Zo? How Do You Like It?

Suppose it had been the Magic that had won their last eight games instead of the Heat. Suppose Orlando was still sitting pretty at the top of the Eastern Conference, the darling underdogs of the 2004-2005 season. Would Alonzo Mourning have at least considered them in the same breath as the Miami Heat? And if so, would that make the Magic contenders for the throne? Complete Article (20041221 - Orlando) »

Redemption Tonight; Shopping Walker?

The Atlanta Hawks got trounced over in Dallas on Saturday and tonight they are looking to lure the Mavericks into their home court where they can pounce unexpectedly. The Hawks are hoping the Mavericks have been lulled into a false sense of confidence and that tonight, redemption will come to Atlanta. In the meantime, rumors swirl that the Hawks are looking to move Walker, who might sit out tonight's game with flu-like symptoms. Complete Article (20041222 - Atlanta) »

Tired Wiz Fall to Kings

The Wizards ended their winning streak at one by falling 104-93 to the Sacramento Kings last night. It was a very balanced game, with each team having four scorers in double-figures and a fifth with nine points. The Kings merely hit four more field goals and three more free throws. The Wizards fell to 2-2 on their Western Conference road trip with their final game scheduled for this Sunday against the Timberwolves. Complete Article (20041222 - Washington) »

Turning the Rebounding Corner

So far this season, the Wizards have on average been slightly outrebounded by their opponents. Yet in their last five games, including their four-game road trip, they have dominated the boards, outrebounding their opponents by an average of three boards per game. Have they finally turned the rebounding corner? Complete Article (20041223 - Washington) »

Dissing DeShawn

DeShawn Stevenson, signed to a three-year, $8 million contract this offseason by the Magic after starting 24 of Orlando's last 26 games last season, has seen his minutes halved from north of 30 minutes a game last year to about 16 minutes a game this year. His earlier vocalizations about wanting to be traded have subsided after a stern talking-to but his disappointment is still rampant. Who could the Magic trade him for? And what do they need? Complete Article (20041227 - Orlando) »

Wiz Don't Box Out on Boxing Day

The Wizards ended their five-game, nine-day Western Conference road trip with a terrible post-Christmas day loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wizards fell 109-74 mainly because they couldn't box out on Boxing Day. Kevin Garnett had twice as many rebounds as any of the four Wizards who tied for team-high with six. The Wizards trailed by as many as 35 points at one point and gave up 24 fast break points while scoring just 7 themselves. Complete Article (20041227 - Washington) »

Closest Loss in Over a Month

It was Atlanta's closest loss in over a month. Falling 104-101 on Sunday to the Wizards, the Hawks had their closest loss since a one-point disappointment to the Knicks back on November 30th. Since that point, all their losses had been blowouts and none had been by less than five points. To be within one point with 3.1 seconds left to team that is second only to the Heat in the same division is a good way to start the New Year. Not the best, of course, but it's certainly better than getting blown out. Is the chemistry starting to come together? Complete Article (20041230 - Atlanta) »

"Superman" Juan Dixon Saves the Day

Washington's backcourt depth paid a huge dividend yesterday as bench guard Juan Dixon, dubbed "Superman" after the game by head coach Eddie Jordan, came in, hit 6 of 10 shots, including 3 of 4 from downtown, scored 15 points in 14 minutes, rescued Lois Lane, flew around the earth to turn time back to December 31, 2004, altered the course of history by making the breakaway layup he had flubbed that afternoon against the Celtics to restore his shaken confidence, built himself a little ice fortress in the north pole (nothing fancy, just a vacation home), and returned in time to become a mild-mannered bench player before anyone could notice. Complete Article (20041230 - Washington) »

Closest Loss in Over a Month

It was Atlanta's closest loss in over a month. Falling 104-101 on Sunday to the Wizards, the Hawks had their closest loss since a one-point disappointment to the Knicks back on November 30th. Since that point, all their losses had been blowouts and none had been by less than five points. To be within one point with 3.1 seconds left to team that is second only to the Heat in the same division is a good way to start the New Year. Not the best, of course, but it's certainly better than getting blown out. Is the chemistry starting to come together? Complete Article (20050103 - Atlanta) »

"Superman" Juan Dixon Saves the Day

Washington's backcourt depth paid a huge dividend yesterday as bench guard Juan Dixon, dubbed "Superman" after the game by head coach Eddie Jordan, came in, hit 6 of 10 shots, including 3 of 4 from downtown, scored 15 points in 14 minutes, rescued Lois Lane, flew around the earth to turn time back to December 31, 2004, altered the course of history by making the breakaway layup he had flubbed that afternoon against the Celtics to restore his shaken confidence, built himself a little ice fortress in the north pole (nothing fancy, just a vacation home), and returned in time to become a mild-mannered bench player before anyone could notice. Complete Article (20050103 - Washington) »

Shaq: Ray Allen Best Guard in the West

According to the Shaq Daddy, Ray Allen is the best guard in the West. Kobe Bryant? Tracy McGrady? Don't know what you're talking about. Corvettes don't play basketball and T-Mac is a small forward. In any event, Allen had earned Shaq's post-game hype with a 35-point outing over the Heat, ending Miami's league season-high winning streak at 14 with a 98-96 decision. Complete Article (20050104 - Miami) »

Magic Are 2-8 in Last 10 Games

The Magic lost to another sub-.500 club as the Toronto Raptors demolished the Magic 105-94. The Magic have lost eight of their past ten games, losing to such non-powerhouses as Toronto, Chicago, and Milwaukee. Their two wins actually came against two of their toughest opponents: the San Antonio Spurs and the Denver Nuggets. Are the Magic just assuming these games should have been won? Complete Article (20050104 - Orlando) »

Do the Hawks Need a Shooting Consultant?

Today's magic numbers for the Hawks are four and three, or more precisely, fourth and third. The Hawks are the fourth-worst offensive team in the league. Only Detroit, New Jersey, and New Orleans score fewer points per game, on average. Unfortunately, the Hawks are also the third-worst defensive team in the league. Only Orlando and Boston allow more points per game, on average. And despite the New Math, four plus three equals 30: in terms of point differential, Atlanta is dead last in the league, and is the only team giving up double digits on average. Complete Article (20050105 - Atlanta) »

Busting Through the Wall

Has Emeka Okafor hit the much-dreaded rookie wall? His string of 19 straight double-doubles made him the only player in the league to have a double-double in every game in December. It looked like he was going to continue the streak with a 17 and 10 outing against the Heat on New Year's Day, but he managed only 12 and 6 on Monday against the Cavaliers. If this is a wall, then throw me at it. Okafor is all but guaranteed to have a double-double tonight against the Wolves and restart his streak. Complete Article (20050105 - Charlotte) »

Can the Magic Beat the Sonics?

The Sonics play small ball with a lot of deadly three-point shooters on the court at the same time, a lineup most opponents are unwilling to match, but one which the Magic can easily counter. The Magic have the ability to go small with any opponent but it means either sitting Dwight Howard or playing him at center. Is that a decision the Magic can live with? Complete Article (20050105 - Orlando) »

Just Because He Doesn't, Doesn't Mean He Can't

Judging by his season-averages of 21 points and 11 rebounds, both career lows, you might think that Shaq's 33 point, 18 rebound performance last night, powering the Heat past the Knicks 102-94, was a very good game for him. You'd be wrong. It's just a regular game. Just because he doesn't put up those kind of monster numbers every night doesn't mean he can't. O'Neal is the most dominant player in the league right now, and he only has a handful of competition for the all-time title of most dominant. Complete Article (20050106 - Miami) »

Shaq & Co. Head West

Superman and the Flash head out West this week to take on five teams with a combined 92-64 record over the next seven days. That translates into an average of five 48-win teams though it is comprised of three sub-.500 clubs (Portland, Golden State, and the Clippers), and two of the best teams in the league (Seattle and Phoenix). But does that mean the Heat will go 3-2 on this road trip? Complete Article (20050107 - Miami) »

Battle ROY-ale Tonight

Dwight Howard and Emeka Okafor square off tonight for the second time in their careers as the Magic host the Bobcats. Howard was the top pick in the draft but Okafor is the frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award as he is a double-double machine. The last time the two met it was only the third professional regular season game of Howard's young career and it was the Magic's first loss of the season. Has he now got what it takes to help lead his team to victory? Complete Article (20050107 - Orlando) »

See You in the Finals

The Heat were swept by the Seattle SuperSonics. After losing a game last week in Miami on a missed Damon Jones trey and missed clutch free throws by Eddie Jones, last night's loss was a blowout in comparison as Seattle won 108-98. The loss came on the heels of a 103-92 victory over Portland on Friday. The best thing that can be said about Seattle, as many have noted, is that the two teams won't face each other again this season unless they meet in the Finals. Complete Article (20050110 - Miami) »

Hedo's Weekend: 41 Points in 39 Minutes

Dwight Howard led the Magic in rebounding two games in a row and Orlando won both back-to-back weekend games, 111-91 over the Bobcats on Friday and 104-101 over the Nets on Saturday. The Magic won both games despite fantastic play by the opposing point guards: Charlotte's Brevin Knight had 10 assists and New Jersey's Jason Kidd had his 60th triple-double to leap past Larry Bird's career record and into fourth place on the all-time list. Complete Article (20050110 - Orlando) »

Best of the East vs. Best of the West

How would the Eastern Conference All-Star team compare with the Heat starting five? How would the Western Conference All-Star team compare with the Suns starting five? The matchup tonight between the beast of the east and the best of the west may be even more exciting than the All-Star game will be. Amare Stoudemire vs. Shaquille O'Neal. Steve Nash vs. Dwyane Wade. Take a nap in the afternoon if you need to because this is one you must stay up for. Complete Article (20050111 - Miami) »

Move Over, Layover

The Washington Wizards are three-quarters of the way through a four game layover between games. Tomorrow they finish their five game home stand by hosting the Portland Trail Blazers for the first and only time this season. The good news is they have had plenty of time to let their victory over the Timberwolves sink in. From a psychological perspective, they're ready. And now it seems from a physical perspective, they're ready as well. Etan Thomas returns to the lineup tomorrow for the first time all season. Complete Article (20050111 - Washington) »

Suns Burn Heat

So far the Heat are not having much luck against the league's two most exciting teams. Their woes continued last night as Phoenix spanked them 122-107. Part of it may have had to do with a laceration in Shaq's right eye and a whole host of nagging injuries on the left side of Dwyane Wade's body. Not that these guys let such things stop them. They still managed to combine for 57 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal. So why did they lose? Check out the breakdown in today's News@Miami report. Complete Article (20050112 - Miami) »

Weisbrod Doing Damage Control

Orlando GM John Weisbrod flew to Minnesota last night to meet today with the Magic players who were the subject of a shock-and-awe trade scenario involving beloved teammate Cuttino Mobley just minutes before their first of a four-game road trip in Boston on Monday. Weisbrod is expected to try to soothe things over with an explanation of how the deal was long in coming and how the Magic could use the Doug Christie defense far more than the Mobley offense. He's hoping to do some damage control, particularly with Steve Francis. Complete Article (20050112 - Orlando) »

That Hedo, He Sure Do Like To Start

Hedo Turkoglu made the most of his first season start as the Magic are still waiting for the dust from the Doug Christie trade transition to settle. Does Hedo like to score? He do. Turkoglu led all scorers with 26 points last night to give the Magic a 87-80 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who were missing Sam Cassell for personal reasons. Kevin Garnett had a Wilt Chamberlain-like rebounding night: 25 boards! Complete Article (20050113 - Orlando) »

Shaq at Staples Center Tonight

It's not against the Lakers but Shaquille O'Neal will be playing in the Staples Center tonight. The Heat play the last game of their road trip tonight against the Clippers. In the meantime, the Heat continue to be mentioned as suitors for nearly every available veteran, from Alonzo Mourning to Karl Malone and now to Latrell Sprewell. The only one of those three that the Heat have real serious interest in is probably Malone, who is edging closer and closer to a decision. Complete Article (20050114 - Miami) »

You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry

You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why. Doug Christie is coming to town. And so is Grant Hill. This will be Hill's first game against his old team in an amazing five years. He has never played at the Palace of Auburn Hills since being traded all those years ago. Christie is also expected to join the team tonight. Complete Article (20050114 - Orlando) »

Worst Team in the League?

They don't have quite the worst record in the league - that honor belongs to the New Orleans Hornets - but the Hawks don't have any real injury excuses besides Chris Crawford. And third-worst is only one win ahead of them. The Hawks would have tied the expansion Bobcats if they'd scored one more instead of one less than the Nets on Monday. Yet by several measures, Atlanta is the worst team in the league. Why? Complete Article (20050117 - Atlanta) »

Taking on the Champs Again

Doug Christie is already averaging the highest steals per game of his career in Orlando. His three steals against the Pacers over the weekend make his 2004-2005 average so far more than 50% higher than his career average of 1.90 steals per game. Those numbers look to get a little less variable as he adds another notch to his Orlando Magic belt with a home game against the world champion Pistons tonight. Complete Article (20050118 - Orlando) »

No Hughes, No Win

No Hughes, no win. The San Antonio Spurs demolished the Washington Wizards 101-73, capitalizing on the absence of team scoring leader Larry Hughes and seeming to ignore their own missing Manu Ginobili. Gilbert Arenas did not hit a single field goal, ending with three points off of free throws in 34 minutes of action. Juan Dixon stepped into the big Hughes shoes and came up with 10 points, 6 boards, and 3 assists. Jarvis Hayes was the only Wizard to score more points, as he hit for a game-high 27 off the bench, but it was nowhere near enough. Complete Article (20050118 - Washington) »

Worst Team in the League?

They don't have quite the worst record in the league - that honor belongs to the New Orleans Hornets - but the Hawks don't have any real injury excuses besides Chris Crawford. And third-worst is only one win ahead of them. The Hawks would have tied the expansion Bobcats if they'd scored one more instead of one less than the Nets on Monday. Yet by several measures, Atlanta is the worst team in the league. Why? Complete Article (20050119 - Atlanta) »

Streak, Okafor, Streak!

From November 21, 2004 until January 1, 2005, there was one consistency in this turbulent world of ours, and that was that rookie Emeka Okafor would notch himself another double-double. Nineteen times in a row he accomplished that feat, including every single game in December. Since New Year's day, however, he's done it only three times out of seven games. Give us another streak Emeka! Complete Article (20050119 - Charlotte) »

The Good News in Defeat to Heat

The Hawks are starting to be a very good passing team. Sure, they got blown out by the Heat 111-92 but there is some excellent news from the silver lining department at Optimists 'R Us. Read today's NEWS@ Atlanta report to find out what indications show that the Hawks may have actually started to turn the corner. Complete Article (20050120 - Atlanta) »

The Sandwiched Home Game

The Wizards get to play a sandwiched home game tomorrow night at the MCI Center when they host the Toronto Raptors in a sudden and inexplicable break in what would otherwise be a four-game road trip. Perhaps the break will end the two-game slide and start a three-game upswing. But enough with the playground analogies. Larry Hughes is still out. Time to let the depth shine. Complete Article (20050120 - Washington) »

... And One More Will Make Ten

The Charlotte Bobcats dropped their ninth game in a row, losing 97-92 to the Boston Celtics last night. The superstars from both teams exploded late in the game: Emeka Okafor, scoreless in the first half and often timid because of early foul trouble on the defensive end, corralled a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds and also had a game-high five blocks to power the Bobcats on both ends of the floor, but Paul "Fourth-Quarter" Pierce scored 14 of his game-high 33 points in the final period, mainly on free throws, to ice the game. Complete Article (20050125 - Charlotte) »

Three in a Row! We're Back, Baby!

The Wizards defeated the Cavaliers in Cleveland 106-97 to accomplish a variety of records. Among them: 1) best start to the season since the 1978-1979 season, 2) more road victories already than all of last season, 3) as many total wins as all of last season, 4) three victories in a row, and 5) nine wins in the past eleven games. We're back, baby! Complete Article (20050125 - Washington) »

The Cagey Wolf vs. Walk the Hawk

Tonight will be the first regular-season meeting between the Hawks and the Timberwolves but the two rosters did intersect for a preseason game three months ago that feel like three hundred years. The matchup tonight between the reigning MVP Kevin Garnett and the similarly versatile forward Antoine Walker will be an exciting one. Back in October, they played themselves to nearly a draw. What will happen tonight? Read more in today's News@ Atlanta report. Complete Article (20050126 - Atlanta) »

... And One More Will Make Ten

The Charlotte Bobcats dropped their ninth game in a row, losing 97-92 to the Boston Celtics last night. The superstars from both teams exploded late in the game: Emeka Okafor, scoreless in the first half and often timid because of early foul trouble on the defensive end, corralled a double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds and also had a game-high five blocks to power the Bobcats on both ends of the floor, but Paul "Fourth-Quarter" Pierce scored 14 of his game-high 33 points in the final period, mainly on free throws, to ice the game. Complete Article (20050126 - Charlotte) »

The Dwyane Wade Move

Dwyane Wade has a crossover move that ranks right up there in amazing plays, behind the Julius Erving behind-the-backboard layup but ahead of the Michael Jordan right-to-left dunk-to-layup switch. In today's exclusive News@ Miami report, I break it down and discuss why it is one of the most amazing moves of all time. Complete Article (20050126 - Miami) »

Most Important Weekend Coming Up?

The Magic may be entering their most important weekend of the year. They face the Wizards in back-to-back games, at home on Friday and on the road on Saturday. The Magic trail the Wizards by four games for the second spot in the Southeast contest, who are themselves only 3.5 behind the Heat. This weekend gives the Magic a chance to get within a couple games of second place and just a handful of games behind the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Complete Article (20050127 - Orlando) »

More Wins than Last Season

The Sixers were without an Answer last night as the Wizards popped the question 117-107 to win their fourth game in a row. Gilbert Arenas scored a game-high 33 points, dished out a game-high nine assists, and nabbed a game-high-tying three steals. He also banked in a shot from about 70 feet away to end the first quarter. Do you see the pattern? That's right: the MCI Center is Gilbert's Arena. Complete Article (20050127 - Washington) »

Fourth Win in January?

The Hawks got Shaq'ed by the Heat on Friday 106-96 and lost a heartbreaker in Memphis 84-83 to the Grizzlies when Tyronn Lue's last-second shot clanged off the rim. They have just one game remaining, just one chance to bring January's win total to four. Can they add Orlando to the list of teams (Milwaukee, Boston, and Charlotte) that Atlanta beat in this first month of the new year? Complete Article (20050131 - Atlanta) »

Huge Effort, No Win; Road Woes Continue

Charlotte's road woes continue as they drop to nine straight road losses and 1-19 away from home overall. While the final tally will say the Bobcats came up short against the Kobe-less Lakers last night, losing 101-90 in the Staples Center, the box score will surprise you with some of the pleasant performances off the bench for Charlotte. Complete Article (20050131 - Charlotte) »

A Little Magic Gets Cavalier Win

Steve Francis had a monster game last night, scoring 30 points and dishing out 13 assists, both game-highs, to lead the Magic to an important 105-102 win over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers and their resurgent star LeBron James, who had an impressive game himself with 28 and 7 after coming back from missing two games due to an ankle injury. Francis, however, would prove to be too much, scoring the the final 10 Magic points in the fourth quarter. Complete Article (20050202 - Orlando) »

Billups Burns Wiz

Chauncey Billups continued his scoring tear at the expense of the Washington Wizards last night, scoring 28 points in a 105-96 Detroit victory to give the Wizards their first ever three-game losing streak this season. Two of Billups's top three scoring performances this season have come against the Wizards. Complete Article (20050202 - Washington) »

Loss of Smith, Loss to Pistons

The Hawks experienced an unsensational 99-84 loss to the Pistons last night as the Detroit back court scored 48 points to Atlanta's backcourt's 18. As silver lining, five Hawks scored in double-figures, and Tony Delk scored nearly a point per minute, getting 20 in 23 minutes. They now have the worst pre-All-Star break record in franchise history. Top 3 draft pick, here we come! Complete Article (20050203 - Atlanta) »

Missing Emeka Already

Emeka Okafor has just gone on the injured reserve list a few days ago but his absence is already being felt and will continue to be felt during the minimum four games remaining before he can be activated by league rules, and probably longer to recuperate his hurt ankle. In that upcoming stretch, the Bobcats will face one of their toughest lineups of the season, going against some of the strongest frontlines in the country. And they'll be doing it without the rookie double-double machine. Complete Article (20050203 - Charlotte) »

LeHeat Put LeHurt on LeBron

The Miami Heat put the hurt on LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers last night, trouncing them good and plenty 100-88 last night behind Shaquille O'Neal's 26 points and 12 rebounds and a stellar performance by Keyon Dooling off the bench. The Cavs tried to burst through while Shaq was on the bench in foul trouble and though James got himself a highlight dunk, Dwyane Wade's highlight Jordanesque hand-switching layup will be remembered more because it was part of a winning effort. Complete Article (20050204 - Miami) »

Hill an All-Star; Playoff Preview Tonight?

Grant Hill was named a starting All-Star to cap his amazing recovery from multiple ankle injuries and surgeries. It will be his seventh All-Star selection and first since 2001 when he couldn't play due to... an ankle injury. Meanwhile, could tonight's rematch between Doc Rivers's old and new teams be a playoff preview? If the Boston Celtics maintain their Atlantic Division lead and the Orlando Magic maintain their sixth seed, then we will see up to seven more games between these two clubs in the postseason. Complete Article (20050204 - Orlando) »

Peeler: "We're the Hunted and Not the Hunter Anymore"

Wizard Anthony Peeler put Washington's new challenge in perspective when he said, "We're the hunted and not the hunter anymore." Indeed, with the third-best record in the entire Eastern Conference, behind only Shaq's Miami Heat and the world champion Detroit Pistons, the Wizards are a formidable foe for anyone in the league. Gone are the pushover days that now seem to hover around teams such as the Atlanta Hawks. The Wizards are legit. Complete Article (20050204 - Washington) »

Winless in February

Another game, another loss. The Hawks lost to the Sixers 103-85 and to the Pacers 84-79 over the weekend. Virtually everyone is already looking ahead to the summer, with high draft picks, big free agent signings, and trades galore. Is this year's team like Denver and Cleveland before Carmelo and LeBron? Or are they more like the Bulls of years past, young and hopeful but until this year, not going anywhere? Complete Article (20050207 - Atlanta) »

Winless Weekend

The Bobcats dropped two games over the weekend, falling 101-89 to the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday and 113-99 to the Seattle SuperSonics on Saturday. On Sunday, they rested. Tomorrow, they host the Spurs. Three Bobcats are on the injured list and three more are questionable for the game. Good luck, Bobcats. Complete Article (20050207 - Charlotte) »

An Easy Week Coming Up?

The Heat defeated the upstart Bulls 108-97 on Saturday and now face what could be one of their easiest stretches of games this week, that is, if you count weeks as ending on Saturday, because this upcoming Sunday they will be hosting the San Antonio Spurs in what is quite likely to be a Finals preview. The Spurs have the best record in the league and the Heat have the best record in the east. Each one can arguably boast having the world's greatest big man. Complete Article (20050207 - Miami) »

Taxpayers to Fund New Arena?

Is there any moral justification to using taxpayer money to build a new sports arena for the Orlando Magic? Since taxes are paid under ultimate penalty of death, isn't this the equivalent of holding a gun to their heads while at the same time trying to convince them it's for their own good? If it was for their own good, they would do it voluntarily. So why is the State of Florida looking to use its monopoly on violence to build a new arena? Complete Article (20050208 - Orlando) »

Gilbert's Career-High 43 Sinks Pacers

Making a last-minute push for entry into the All-Star game, Gilbert Arenas matched a career-high 43 points and also led the team with 9 rebounds and 6 assists to beat the Indiana Pacers 108-104 and to make any announcement today that doesn't include his name as an Eastern Conference All-Star reserve look like a travesty and a slap in the face to the league. Antawn Jamison, another rumored All-Star reserve this year, chipped in with 24 points. Complete Article (20050208 - Washington) »

Back to Back Wins?

Could Atlanta actually be turning the corner, despite their injuries and the pressure of having the second-worst record in basketball? Tomorrow night they face a rematch with the Orlando Magic who they beat by one point a little more than a week ago. After their terrific and short-handed win against an equally short-handed Lakers team on Monday, could the Hawks put together their first set of back-to-back wins of the season? Could Thursday mark the beginning of a winning streak, however long it may last? Complete Article (20050209 - Atlanta) »

Wade Beats Self-Styled Best PG

If you beat a player who proclaimed himself to be the best point guard in the world, what does that make you? More to the point, what does that make Dwyane Wade? Wade not only matched Stephon Marbury nearly point-for-point in last night's thrilling 116-110 overtime victory over the Knicks, he also came up with key plays down the stretch while Marbury couldn't run the offense and couldn't hit his free throws. Is Wade the best? Or was Marbury never the king of the hill? Complete Article (20050210 - Miami) »

Three Game Skid Must End

The Orlando Magic have gone on a three-game skid against less-than-quality opponents in some cases and now face the Atlanta Hawks tonight, a team that should be a rollover victory but which actually beat the Magic 10 days ago. In fact, it it weren't for a three-point victory over Cleveland 9 days ago, the Magic would be staring at a five-game losing streak. Complete Article (20050210 - Orlando) »

Hawks Lose Game, Players, Heart?

The Hawks lost 113-83 to the Bucks on Saturday despite Milwaukee playing without Michael Redd. They have also lost most of their front line to injury: Al Harrington, Chris Crawford, and Predrag Drobnjak. But have they lost their heart? If not, why not? Complete Article (20050214 - Atlanta) »

Bobcats Barely Lose to Knicks

Playing without their star rookie Emeka Okafor and big center Primoz Brezec, the Bobcats barely lost to the Knicks 102-99 as a lucky yet wide-open Tim Thomas three-pointer bounced around, up, and finally in. The Knicks entered the fourth with a nine point lead but the Bobcats hustled their way back in it only to lose on such a tragic end. Complete Article (20050214 - Charlotte) »

Delonte West vs. Marcus Banks

The Boston Celtics are entering an era where they will have to decide who their point guard of the future will be. Whether or not Gary Payton is still here next week, he is a short-term answer that might still be with the team come playoffs, but he is not part of the package that will eventually contend for a title. The big question is who will take the reigns: second-year speedster Marcus Banks or precocious rookie Delonte West? For an in-depth comparison, including a discussion of which way the coach is leaning and why, read today's NEWS@ Celtics report! Complete Article (20050215 - Boston) »

Is 10am "Welcome Back Alonzo" Time?

At 10:00am Eastern time today, Alonzo Mourning will be a free man. At 10:01am Eastern time today, he will be able to rejoin the Miami Heat after a nearly three year absence. The exact timing of Zo's return is questionable because the Heat need to create a roster space for him, and given that their only game before the All-Star break is against the Clippers tomorrow night, they may wait till they figure out what they can do to best clear a spot for him. Complete Article (20050215 - Miami) »

Tonight is Last Game Before Break

The Magic are playing their last game before the All-Star break tonight as they host the LA Clippers. They will enter the long weekend either with a 28-24 record or a 27-25 record, either way, with a winning season so far, yet a flurry of inexplicable disappointment. But what's the problem? Do they they think they are supposed to be 39-14 like the Heat? Or 30-21 like the Wizards? It takes time to build a champion. Complete Article (20050215 - Orlando) »

Wizards Lose to Depth of New Orleans

Gilbert Arenas was listed as questionable before last night's game against the New Orleans Hornets yet he ended up playing all 48 minutes and scoring 34 points to lead all players. His fellow All-Star reserve Antawn Jamison scored 30, second-highest among all players in the game, and grabbed 12 rebounds, also a game-high, yet they were unable to prevent a 98-96 loss to the lowly Hornets. Complete Article (20050215 - Washington) »

Does the Glove Come Off Today?

Since tonight is Boston's last home game before the trading deadline, the question on everyone's mind is: whither the Glove? Is this Gary Payton's final Celtic home game? What about Marcus Banks, Jiri Welsch, or any of the host of others whose names have been bandied about in various trade rumors? Yesterday's film session seemed almost to be a tribute to Payton as the Celtics replayed antique footage involving a steal by Doc Rivers on a young Payton. He seems happy here and says all the right things, which given his recent "Trash Talker" award and his reputation, probably means he believes it. Who would have thought back in the summer there would be so much love for the Glove? Complete Article (20050216 - Boston) »

Riley Calls Zo Signing "No-Brainer"

Pop quiz, hotshot: what do you call the situation if you are able to attach to your title contending roster the most important name in the franchise's history, a career 20-and-10 guy who is still capable of putting up huge numbers, and all it costs you is $375,000 for the remainder of the season? If you're Pat Riley, you call it a "no-brainer." Where's the downside? Alonzo Mourning went through extensive medical checks and is in the final stages of becoming a Heat, again. The only real hurdle is waiving someone (Wang Zhi-Zhi) or trading a disgruntled player (Wesley Person). Complete Article (20050216 - Miami) »

Team Effort Lands Celtics in First Place

The Boston Celtics beat the Memphis Grizzlies 90-88 last night to take sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division heading into the All-Star break. How did they get this win despite giving up 12 point lead midway through the third quarter? How were they able to avoid the mental collapses so common in young teams? They did it by playing as a team, with every single Celtic stepping up. Read the highly detailed analysis in today's NEWS@ Boston report. Complete Article (20050217 - Boston) »

"Little Him" Has Huge Night

Damon Jones, nicknamed "Little Him" for his shoes-to-shirt-to-performance imitation of teammate Shaquille O'Neal, chose last night's game against the Clippers as an appropriate forum to deliver a moving 32-minute-long message regarding his omission from the Three Point Shootout in Denver. He hit eight of ten three-pointers, making a mockery of the shootout by doing it against the outstretched arms of a defender rather than the wide open shots of the contest. Complete Article (20050217 - Miami) »

Big Al, Tony, and P Head to Denver

The mystery of Al Jefferson's activation for the Memphis game two days ago in which he played just three minutes has been solved: that little demonstration was enough to convince the league that Big Al was healthy enough to take the place of injured Emeka Okafor in the Rookie-Sophomore game. Big Al joins Tony Allen in the challenge, the third such dynamic Celtics duo to represent at that game, and they will chill with buddy Paul Pierce during the weekend as Pierce heads for his fourth-straight All-Star game. Complete Article (20050218 - Boston) »

Arenas Aims for All-Star MVP

Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison are looking forward to being the first Washington All-Star duo in nearly two decades, and they are already proud of being part of the best franchise record in more than two and a half decades. While both are first-time All-Stars, Arenas is the first in his 2001 draft class to be so honored, ahead of the 30 players picked before him. Complete Article (20050218 - Washington) »

Grant Hill Back in Focus

The last time Grant Hill played in an All-Star game, the nation was still in recent shock that the Y2K bug hadn't ended life as we know it, the league was coming off of its first-ever lockout-shortened season, the Lakers hadn't won even the first of their three-peat performance, and with all the pressures of having Tamia as his newlywed wife, Grant tore a contact lens and without a replacement played poorly in the game. "There's always next year," he told his dad afterwards. Five seasons and surgeries later, Grant finally was back last night. Complete Article (20050221 - Orlando) »

Arenas Not Quite All-Star MVP

Gilbert Arenas was right that an explosive, scoring point guard from the Eastern Conference would be the All-Star game's MVP, it just turned out to be Allen Iverson instead of himself. Had Arenas hit all of his shots, however, he would have been 11-for-11 for 25 points to lead the East. That would have been enough to tip the scales. But after starting 0-for-4 in the first half, there wasn't enough time to realize his dream. Maybe, in the ironic words of Grant Hill after All-Star game 2000, there's next year? Complete Article (20050221 - Washington) »

Hawks Begin Spiritual Journey

Tonight the Hawks begin what will be both a spiritual journey and an extended road trip by visiting the Governator's stomping grounds in Sacramento. They play four road games just this week alone and six in a row over the next eight days. After one quick home stop, they face another three-game road trip. For those keeping track at home, that's nine road games out of the next ten. Only two of Atlanta's ten total victories have come on the road, though the Hawks have played more away from Atlanta than they have in Atlanta. Complete Article (20050222 - Atlanta) »

Birthday Boy Steve-O Blows Off Practice

Steve Francis, celebrating his 28th birthday yesterday, called head coach Johnny Davis early in the day to explain that he had somehow missed his scheduled flight and would not be with the team for practice at 3pm, a time that had already been deliberately pushed back to give players time to get in and ready. Stevie Franchise was the only one absent. The birthday boy will be fined, of course, but will still be in the starting lineup tonight. Steve made headlines last year when he somehow was unable to join the team for practice on Super Bowl Sunday. Complete Article (20050222 - Orlando) »

Best Pair of Wizards?

Which pair of Wizards have performed the best when on the floor together? According to 82games.com, it is, perhaps not surprisingly, Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, the two Wizard All-Stars. Yet it is in fact slightly surprising when you note that other teams' best player pairs are not necessarily their All-Star pairs. Does this mean Washington's All-Stars are in fact more deserving of the accolades than the others? Complete Article (20050222 - Washington) »

Hawks Lose, Walker Enters 25th Hour

The Hawks lost 114-104 to a determined Kings team with most of the damage coming in a 33-19 first quarter. The Kings had six players in double-figures and punched through Atlanta's frontcourt with their big men: Chris Webber and Brad Miller combined for 46 points, 20 rebounds, and 14 assists. Atlanta's Antoine Walker and Al Harrington combined for 48 points, 17 rebounds, and 9 assists. Meanwhile, Walker expressed his frustration in the face of the upcoming trade deadline tomorrow. Complete Article (20050223 - Atlanta) »

Bucks Beat Bobcats, Steve Smith to Miami?

Point guard Brevin Knight, behind only Steve Nash in assists per game this season, showed he has some offensive firepower as well. Knight scored 19 points yesterday to lead all Bobcats but dished out only four assists, less than half his 8.5 average. Meanwhile, Milwaukee's point guard Mo Williams scored just 8 points and dished out 14 assists; it is no coincidence that Milwaukee won 112-102. As a team, the Bucks had an astonishing 20 more assists than the Bobcats. Plus: Steve Smith to Miami? All this and more inside today's NEWS@ Charlotte report. Complete Article (20050223 - Charlotte) »

Shaq Hurts Left Knee, Heat Lose to Bulls

Shaquille O'Neal exited the game after straining his left knee in the first two minutes of last night's game against the Bulls, which ended up as a 105-101 Miami loss in overtime. Eddie Jones sent the game to overtime with an amazing last-second putback of a Damon Jones missed jump shot but it was not enough as Chicago's Ben Gordon got fiery hot off the bench, scoring 29 points in his 25 minutes, including 6-of-9 from downtown. Shaq was limping after the game but told teammate Damon Jones he'll be okay. Complete Article (20050223 - Miami) »

Wizards "Acquire" Brown and Hughes

With all the pomp and circumstance of yesterday's trading circus, the Wizards may have made the biggest blockbuster deal of all by simply standing pat. With the activation of Kwame Brown and Larry Hughes off the injured list, the Wizards essentially "acquired" two players for nothing. With Shaq day-to-day and Philly needing time to incorporate Chris Webber into their system, the next few weeks may be the best time for Washington to try to close the gap between themselves and the top seed in the East. Complete Article (20050225 - Washington) »

Road Trip Woes Continue After Trade

Given that the draft pick they received from the Celtics as part of the exchange for Antoine Walker at last week's trade deadline is lottery-protected, and given that the Hawks desperately need a top-flight rookie in June, it would seem that the more losses the merrier, as that gets them better chances in the draft. You wouldn't be able to tell that by the way the Hawks are playing. Despite being short-handed and overmatched, the Hawks stayed close for their two weekend games, playing with a lot of passion. Al Harrington left Indiana because he wanted to be the man. Someone should have told him to be careful what he wished for. Complete Article (20050228 - Atlanta) »

Celts First Eastern Team to Beat Suns at Home

If you've watched Paul Pierce before and after Antoine Walker came back to the Celtics on Thursday, you've noticed a significant change in his demeanor. Before, he had his serious game face on that was often confused for a frown or a scowl. Now, he's all smiles, even when he's arguing calls with refs. Even when he's on the bench, the corners of his mouth can't stay down. He's happy, and so are Celtics fans, as Boston became the first team in the Eastern Conference to beat the Phoenix Suns at their home. Boston won 120-113. Complete Article (20050228 - Boston) »

Friends, Roommates, Teammates, Rivals

The Bobcats faced a couple of tough losses this weekend, dropping a game in New Jersey 86-93 on Friday and one at home against Chicago 90-94 on Saturday. Emeka Okafor is back to his usual double-double ways, at least starting with the Chicago game, in which he scored 26 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Meanwhile, Okafor's UConn roommate and teammate and current Chicago contender for Rookie of the Year Ben Gordon had just 11 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, but he did it all in a mere 15 minutes of action, including a key three-pointer in the fourth quarter to help his team get the W. Complete Article (20050228 - Charlotte) »

Kenny Gone, Gary to be Waived

The LA Clippers picked up Kenny Anderson off of waivers yesterday, ending speculation that he might rejoin the Celtics as well. Gary Payton should be waived by the Hawks today but his suitors are now having to take a number to get in line: reportedly Minnesota, Miami, Phoenix, and Denver all have interest in the aging point guard. As a reminder, virtually no one had interest in him at the beginning of the season, but with his spectacular play and leadership of the Celtics this season, his stock has done nothing but go up. It also doesn't hurt that the teams would be picking him up at the veteran's minimum once he clears waivers. Complete Article (20050301 - Boston) »

Bye Bye Wesley Person?

Players must be waived today for them to be eligible to join the playoff roster of any other team, so that means it's the final countdown for Wesley Person and his buyout talks. If he wants to join an interested team such as Denver in anticipation of their postseason success, he must be waived today; does that mean he should be willing to give up some money? Yup. Complete Article (20050301 - Miami) »

Can Jameer and Steve-O Co-Exist?

Two of the biggest question marks in Orlando these days are: is Jameer Nelson the real deal? And, is Steve Francis too small to play shooting guard? In other words, can you build a contender having such a small starting backcourt? Complete Article (20050301 - Orlando) »

Childress Leading Scorer!

Many questioned the high draft pick that Atlanta used to draft Josh Childress and though he has led the Hawks in rebounding eight times, last night he finally broke out of his 8 point per game scoring average to lead Atlanta with 21 points in a 74-96 loss to the Jazz. Fellow rookie Josh Smith led the Hawks with 7 rebounds and second-year man Boris Diaw, playing point guard because of Tyronn Lue's one-game suspension, dished out 3 assists. Complete Article (20050303 - Atlanta) »

The Triumphant Return of Larry Hughes

Larry Hughes had a triumphant return to the hardwood, immediately making his presence felt with a spectacular 31-point, 6-rebound, 4-assist night. Those numbers came in addition to, and not at the expense of, his backcourt partner Gilbert Arenas: Arenas also had a sensational 33-point, 8-rebound, 5-assist night. Best of all, the Wizards beat the Rockets 101-98, making the return of Hughes that much sweeter. Complete Article (20050303 - Washington) »

Kareem Rush on Crutches

Kareem Rush hurt his left knee in Wednesday's loss to the Hornets and though the MRI came back negative, Rush is now on crutches and will miss 4-6 weeks, meaning he will be gone for the remainder of the Bobcats inaugural season. Rush, who is a free agent this summer, will be replaced in the lineup by Keith Bogans. Complete Article (20050304 - Charlotte) »

Shaq Back, Zo Debuts, Heat Win

Shaquille O'Neal returned to the lineup and immediately led the team in rebounds with 13 rebounds. Dwyane Wade remained the leading scorer for the fourth straight game, scoring 27 points, but Shaq's 20 points and 2 blocks helped the Heat extend their grip on the best record in the East as they toppled the New Jersey Nets 106-90. Complete Article (20050304 - Miami) »

Christie Sick, or Sick of Sitting?

Doug Christie called in sick yesterday, missing practice. But perhaps what he is really sick of is riding the pine. Brought in to be a defensive specialist and to help distribute the ball as well, he played just six minutes against his former club on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the player the Magic gave up to get him, Cuttino Mobley, played a solid 39 minutes for the Kings. Is Orlando's chemistry blowing up? Complete Article (20050304 - Orlando) »

Crazy 22 Seconds Ends in Atlanta Loss

Don't think that all the Hawks got in exchange for Antoine Walker was a future first round draft pick. They also got Tom Gugliotta. The 35-year-old Googs looked like a teenager as he exploited Chris Webber with 17 seconds left to play by hitting a baseline jumper to give the Hawks a 97-96 lead. But bouncy Allen Iverson would not be denied: he fell to the floor, got back up, drove the lane, and found an open Marc Jackson who was fouled and who hit both free throws to hand the Hawks a 98-97 loss. Complete Article (20050307 - Atlanta) »

Bobcats Can't Score More Than 84

Two games in a row this weekend, the Bobcats failed to score more than 84 points, and this is after they scored 85 against the Hornets last Wednesday and lost by nine points. Friday's game against the Celtics turned into a 104-84 blowout after Brevin Knight severely sprained his ankle and left the game, but Saturday's game was much closer. The 86-84 loss hurt as it came at the hands of the previously invisible Wizards Laron Profit on a follow-up shot with three seconds left. Complete Article (20050307 - Charlotte) »

Shaq Racks Up Assists in Two Straight Wins

The Heat beat the Kings 104-83 on Friday as Shaq dished out five assists from the post, and in what was essentially an encore performance, the Heat beat the Cavs 102-82 on Sunday with almost the same score and with Shaq dishing out six more assists from the post, tying Damon Jones for game-high honors. It was Shaq's birthday yesterday but he spent more time handing out presents than he did receiving them. Complete Article (20050307 - Miami) »

Christie Out for the Season?

The bad news keeps on coming but the Magic keep on winning. Doug Christie's "bone spurs" have parked him on Orlando's injured list but we all know that is a smokescreen to hide what seems to be the league's worst-kept secret: Christie will likely not play again this season because of frustration and disappointment with his role on the team. Meanwhile, Grant Hill's bruised left shin is inches away from his surgically repaired left ankle. Hill will sit for two games. Complete Article (20050308 - Orlando) »

Injuries Piling Up

The injury bug burrowed deep and early into this Wizards team and has emerged with a renewed appetite. Just when injuries throughout the season such as to Etan Thomas and Larry Hughes seem to subside, new ones take their place. There may soon be more Wizards injured than are available to play. The latest casualty is All-Star Antawn Jamison. Full details inside today's NEWS@ Washington report. Complete Article (20050308 - Washington) »

Is Shaq Obese?

According to a recent study, using standard body-mass index (BMI) calculations, half of the NBA is overweight, and four players are obese. Among them, of course, is Shaquille O'Neal. Is the Diesel too fat? Complete Article (20050309 - Miami) »

Usher vs. Orlando

Usher, one of the new owners of the Cleveland Cavaliers, guaranteed a victory last night against the visiting Orlando Magic, and LeBron James & Co. delivered. Now Orlando Magic superstar rookie Dwight Howard is threatening to burn his Usher CD's and throw away his Usher necklace. But the problem in the 111-92 Orlando loss wasn't R&B: it was shooting. Complete Article (20050309 - Orlando) »

Familiarity Breeds a Loss

Familiarity may or may not breed contempt but it certainly breeds close games. Reborn Celtic Antoine Walker told Paul Pierce to let him cover Al Harrington because he knows all his moves, then proceeded to strip Harrington for a fast break that gave the Celtics a three-point lead with thirty seconds left. But his wasn't the only face using familiarity to his advantage: former Celtic Tom Gugliotta abused Al Jefferson to the tune of 7 points and 9 rebounds in 29 bench minutes. In the end, it wasn't enough as the Hawks lost to the Celtics 95-91, dropping their second straight game by a four-point decision. Complete Article (20050310 - Atlanta) »

Playoffs? Comics? Wheaties? Reality Show?

Here's a five-question pop quiz. How many of the following are true? (1) The Heat have the most wins in the NBA and are the only ones with 50, (2) The Heat were the first team in the league to clinch a playoff berth, (3) The Heat have their own comic book starring the players as superheroes, (4) Shaq is on the cover of Wheaties cereal boxes starting today, and (5) Shaq and Damon Jones could soon be featured in a new reality show. Give up? They're all true. Complete Article (20050317 - Miami) »

Hello Lotto, Goodbye Coach Johnny Davis!

Two things happened with last night's 102-110 loss by the Magic to the LA Clippers, their sixth in a row: the Magic went from being the eighth seed to lottery-land, and Johnny Davis went from being head coach to unemployment-ville. Magic GM John Weisbrod announced the firing this morning at 7am with the Magic in the middle of a five-game Western Conference road trip and with just 18 games remaining. It was not a surprising move and is a last-ditch attempt to stir something in the Magic to spur them back into the playoffs. Assistant coach Chris Jent was elevated to interim head coach, instead of lead assistant Paul Westhead. Did Westhead want a Davis-like multi-year deal in order to take over the reigns today? Complete Article (20050317 - Orlando) »

42-Point Fourth Quarter Wins the Game

The Wizards got a much-needed blowout win last night over the Atlanta Hawks, winning 122-93. It was actually a very close game until the Wizards exploded for 42 points in the final quarter. Compare the two starting backcourts and you'll understand this game: Larry Hughes and Gilbert Arenas combined for 52 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists, and 10 steals. Atlanta's Josh Childress and Tyronn Lue combined for 19 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists, and zero steals. Complete Article (20050317 - Washington) »

A New Goal: Better than Bobcats?

With Atlanta stuck as the team with the worst record in the league and with just 18 games left in their season, perhaps it's time for them to adjust goals. They have all but clinched the most ping pong balls in the lottery. Perhaps they should aim to at least win more games than fellow Southeast division team and first-year expansion team the Charlotte Bobcats. It won't affect their odds but it will affect their ticket sales and demeanor. Complete Article (20050318 - Atlanta) »

A Little Too Unselfish?

Are the Bobcats a little too unselfish? Do they need someone who can demand the ball and either score against single-coverage or kick it out from a double-team? Then again, what team wouldn't like a player like that. But on the third hand... do they actually have such a player in Emeka Okafor? Complete Article (20050318 - Charlotte) »

Heat Sweep Lakers

Kobe Bryant tried to win last night's game in Miami all by himself and for the first few minutes it looked like he might do it as he scored seven of LA's first nine points and Miami found itself down 9-2 less than two minutes into the game. But that would prove to be the largest lead the Lakers would hold all game. After that, it was all Miami, and it ended up 102-89 in favor of the East's, and possibly the league's, best team. Complete Article (20050318 - Miami) »

Zo a Go Against Yao

With injuries to Udonis Haslem and Christian Laettner, Alonzo Mourning may finally be pushed into action with significant minutes. It couldn't come at a better time than against the Houston Rockets and head coach Stan Van Gundy's brother Jeff. The two Van Gundy boys may even pose matchups tonight that include Mourning and Shaquille O'Neal on one side and Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo on the other. With Tracy McGrady and Dwyane Wade trying to out-flash each other in the backcourt, this could be one of the most exciting games of the year. Complete Article (20050322 - Miami) »

Zo a Go Against Yao

With injuries to Udonis Haslem and Christian Laettner, Alonzo Mourning may finally be pushed into action with significant minutes. It couldn't come at a better time than against the Houston Rockets and head coach Stan Van Gundy's brother Jeff. The two Van Gundy boys may even pose matchups tonight that include Mourning and Shaquille O'Neal on one side and Yao Ming and Dikembe Mutombo on the other. With Tracy McGrady and Dwyane Wade trying to out-flash each other in the backcourt, this could be one of the most exciting games of the year. Complete Article (20050322 - Miami) »

Humiliating Loss to Bobcats

It's hard to believe but on a night when the Magic had a terrific chance to get a step inside the playoff line, they blew it and lost to the expansion Charlotte Bobcats 102-97. Their first loss of the season also came in Charlotte and though they got a win against the visiting Bobcats later in the season when they were ratcheting up their wins, the Magic are now struggling to avoid the lottery. One would have thought that with Steve Francis being suspended three games, they'd still be able to beat the lowly Bobcats. They have another chance against them on Thursday. Complete Article (20050322 - Orlando) »

Humiliating Loss to Bobcats

It's hard to believe but on a night when the Magic had a terrific chance to get a step inside the playoff line, they blew it and lost to the expansion Charlotte Bobcats 102-97. Their first loss of the season also came in Charlotte and though they got a win against the visiting Bobcats later in the season when they were ratcheting up their wins, the Magic are now struggling to avoid the lottery. One would have thought that with Steve Francis being suspended three games, they'd still be able to beat the lowly Bobcats. They have another chance against them on Thursday. Complete Article (20050322 - Orlando) »

Hawks Desperate for a Shooter

By almost any measure, the Hawks are fielding the worst team in the league right now. They own the league's worst record and are tied for the longest current losing streak. They give up more points than all but one team (Phoenix) but unlike the Suns, the Hawks don't score enough on the other end: only two teams (Charlotte, New Orleans) score fewer points per game. Atlanta's nearly 10-point differential between points scored and points allowed is more than two points worse than the second-place team. What they are missing is a shooter. Complete Article (20050324 - Atlanta) »

Loss to Suns, But Magic Tonight

The Suns beat the Bobcats 120-105 despite Charlotte making it nearly even in points in the paint (34 for the Suns, 32 for the Bobcats), and despite the Bobcats actually outrunning the Suns to the tune of 23 fast break points as compared to just 16 for the first-place Suns. Nevertheless, the Bobcats never even led in this game, as they dug themselves into a deep 29-14 hole at the end of the first quarter. Complete Article (20050324 - Charlotte) »

One More Win Clinches Division

The Miami Heat were just one win away from clinching the Southeast division title when they lost to the Houston Rockets on Tuesday. Now they have a chance to get it while hosting the team with the best record in the West, the Phoenix Suns, tomorrow night. Worst case they will have to get it, perhaps fittingly, against the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday night. One way or another, the Heat will soon clinch the division, then the top seed, then the world. Complete Article (20050324 - Miami) »

A Brevin Knight's Tale

For the second time in as many games, Brevin Knight put on an assists clinic. This time his foil was not potential MVP Steve Nash but rookie Jameer Nelson, so Knight also showed him a little defense while he was at it. Knight finished with a near triple-double, doing it the hard way, with 15 points, 15 assists, and 8 steals. Meanwhile, Gerald Wallace, Emeka Okafor, and Primoz Brezec all either had or were flirting with their own double-doubles, with more than 20 points and nearly 10 rebounds each. The Bobcats beat the Magic 108-94 to bring them to 3-1 against their Southeast division foes. It was also Charlotte's first-ever road win against an Eastern Conference team. Complete Article (20050325 - Charlotte) »

Bye Bye Playoffs?

Despite career-highs from Jameer Nelson with 13 assists and DeShawn Stevenson with 23 points, and a solid-as-usual 28 points from All-Star Grant Hill, the Magic fell to the Bobcats 108-94, making their series with the Bobcats 1-3, and dropping them to 2.5 games behind Philadelphia for the final playoff spot, and just half a game in front of the surging Nets. Complete Article (20050325 - Orlando) »

Wizards Steal One at Utah

What do you call it when your backcourt combines for 54 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals leading your team to victory? If you're the Washington Wizards you call it business as usual. Washington defeated a Utah team at home that lost Andrei Kirilenko for the season with a broken wrist after just three minutes when a Keith McLeod steal in the final seconds led to what looked like a game-winning layup but ended up being a blown shot. Washington won 85-84. Complete Article (20050325 - Washington) »

Magic Beat Hawks

There were three double-doubles in last night's Orlando-Atlanta game and they were all by Magic players. Steve Francis led the way with 30 points and 10 assists, and was just four-rebounds shy of a triple-double, and just two steals and three blocks shy of a five-by-five. Dwight Howard and Grant Hill were the other double-doubles with 17 and 16 points, and 11 and 10 rebounds, respectively. The Magic beat Atlanta 109-102 to win for the first time in four games and now trail the Sixers by two games for the final playoff spot. Complete Article (20050329 - Orlando) »

Wizards Hang on to Fourth Seed

The Wizards finished their Western Conference road trip with a bang, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 114-106 to make it three out of five for the trip and maintain their one-game lead over Chicago for fourth place in the playoffs, and home court advantage through two rounds. It was again the backcourt dynamic duo of Gilbert Arenas and Larry Hughes that punished Portland's guards. The two combined for 53 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 5 steals. Complete Article (20050329 - Washington) »

Googs Retiring?

Tom Gugliotta, a former All-Star and a versatile forward now playing in his lucky 13th season, may be hanging up his sneakers after this year to spend more time with his Phoenix-based daughter. Or maybe, once he becomes a free agent this summer, he could convince the Suns that he would be a good bench player for them and a prodigal one, to boot. Either way, Googs is likely to be gone from the team that has given him more minutes than any other in the past half of a decade. Complete Article (20050330 - Atlanta) »

Superman and the Flash Crush Raptors

Two of the league's top candidates for the MVP award, Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal, combined for 55 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks to beat the Toronto Raptors 103-91 last night, but it was the dog that didn't bark in the night that Sherlock Holmes would point to in discussing the contributions of the bench. Shaq and Wade each had five turnovers but the Heat as a whole had only 13 total: it was the careful ball handling and able rebounding of the other Heat players that helped secure the win despite relatively poor outside shooting. Complete Article (20050330 - Miami) »

Mourning's Minutes Grow

Once the toast of the town, Alonzo Mourning had been relegated to mop-up garbage time duty since rejoining the Heat at the beginning of March. Yet recently, with Christian Laettner on the injured list and some nagging injuries to Udonis Haslem, he has been able to get some more minutes. Expect those minutes to shrink again as the injured big men get healthy again but also expect to see some more Mourning earlier if foul trouble strikes. Complete Article (20050330 - Miami) »

Just a Game Out of the Playoffs

The Magic defeated the Raptors 108-96 last night on the back of Grant Hill's 10-of-23 shooting and 21 points and Dwight Howard's seemingly constant trips to the line, where he finished 8-of-10, the only player in the game to get double digit attempts at the charity stripe. This was a very versatile win for the Magic as they had three players flirting with double-doubles and all five starters within shooting distance of the incredibly rare five-by-five. Complete Article (20050330 - Orlando) »

Wizards Barely Sweep the Hawks

In a game that was a little too close for comfort, the Wizards beat the Hawks 102-99 on the back, as usual, of some stellar backcourt play and solid frontcourt help. The Wizards completed their season sweep of the Hawks and are one game ahead of Chicago for home court advantage in the playoffs. Complete Article (20050330 - Washington) »

Best in the League? 'Nique Not in HOF?

A much-chagrined Commissioner David Stern announced today that an internal NBA audit has discovered massive and persistent typos on the NBA's web site ranging from box scores to game recaps and even to standings. A spokesman for the audit said that the cause appears to be thousands upon thousands of human errors as all of the losses and wins were mislabeled. Of chief importance to the Hawks is that it appears their corrected record is actually a league-leading 60-11. A disappointed Billy Knight bemoaned Atlanta's loss of its lottery pick. "They bogarted my Bogut," he cried. In more real and even more disturbing news, it appears Dominique Wilkins may not have been voted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Complete Article (20050401 - Atlanta) »

Home Court Down to Half a Game

With last night's spectacular Chicago victory over Cleveland, only half a game separates the fourth-place Wizards from the fifth-place Bulls. A loss to the Magic tonight would bring the Wizards into a neck-and-neck tie with the Bulls for home court advantage but do they want that kind of photo finish? Complete Article (20050401 - Washington) »

Qyntel Out of the Woods

Shaquille O'Neal led everyone with 34 points and 15 rebounds, and Dwyane Wade had 33 points and 9 assists, but the real significance of the Heat's 111-99 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Saturday was something you won't find in the official NBA box score: it was the emergence of Qyntel Woods. In a rare glitch, the NBA's link doesn't even include his contribution, but the formerly injured and overlooked swingman's performance was too important to overlook. Complete Article (20050404 - Miami) »

Magic Need Multiple Miracles

A weekend 111-102 loss to the Wizards and a gutsy 103-102 win over the Nets have the Magic pretty much where they were last week: just a little bit out of the playoffs. They trail Philadelphia by just a single game for the eighth and final playoff spot and the Magic face a tough schedule and only a half-game lead over the 10th place Nets. Complete Article (20050404 - Orlando) »

Wizards Split the Weekend

The Wizards fell 79-76 to the Pacers Sunday after beating the Magic 111-102 on Friday night to finish the weekend with a 1-1 split and a 41-31 record, tied with Cleveland but in fifth place for the playoffs behind the Cavs at fourth because of a tie-breaker. Complete Article (20050404 - Washington) »

Home Stretch

The Hawks face just nine more games this season, with only four one-day road trips to visit other teams. The only team they will still face two times is the Charlotte Bobcats. Do the Hawks have a chance to catch their division rivals and end with a better record than the expansion team? Complete Article (20050405 - Atlanta) »

Emeka or Ben?

With the debate for Rookie of the Year seeming to settle in on Emeka Okafor and Ben Gordon, with top overall pick Dwight Howard the third choice, wouldn't it seem that the best and most heartwarming choice would be to pick the two former UConn teammates as co-Rookie of the Year? Complete Article (20050405 - Charlotte) »

Wade's 39 Beat Bulls, Clinch Top Seed

Shaquille O'Neal has called himself and Eddy Curry the only two real centers in the East. Last night, the Heat and the Bulls played without either one, and Miami coasted to an easy 104-86 victory behind Dwyane Wade's career-high-matching 39 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists to clinch the top seed and home court advantage in the East. Miami snapped a nine-game Chicago winning streak and in return Chicago snapped its temper, with Andres Nocioni pushing Dwyane Wade hard after a foul and getting ejected. "It was ridiculous," said head coach Stan Van Gundy. "It was an absolute punk play." Complete Article (20050406 - Miami) »

DeShawn's Career High Not Enough

DeShawn Stevenson's career-high 29 points and an injury to Mavericks MVP Dirk Nowitzki weren't enough for the Magic to sneak out a win last night. Orlando lost 114-105 to Dallas to fall half a game behind ninth-place New Jersey and a game and a half behind eighth-place Philadelphia. With just eight regular season games left, do the Magic have enough time, and enough magic, to make it into the postseason? Complete Article (20050406 - Orlando) »

73 All-Star Points Not Enough

Gilbert Arenas matched his career high with 43 points and Antawn Jamison came back from injury to pour in 30 points but the 73 points from the Wizards All-Stars were not enough to beat the Celtics last night as the Wizards fell 116-108 and failed to secure home court advantage in the playoffs. They are tied with Chicago, who also lost last night, in terms of the record so far but the Bulls own the tiebreaker. Complete Article (20050406 - Washington) »

Would Dampier Have Mattered?

The Hawks pursued several marquee free agents this summer, including Kenyon Martin and Erick Dampier, and are likely to pursue others come July. But would it have even made a dent in their playoff hopes if they had landed both? Find out inside today's NEWS@ Atlanta report. Complete Article (20050407 - Atlanta) »

Bobcats Nearly Climb Out of Philly Hole

The Charlotte Bobcats clawed their way back from 25 point hole against the Philadelphia 76ers last night to come within one point with 11 seconds left to play. Unfortunately, a turnover followed by a necessary foul made it a three point game with two seconds left, and the Bobcats watched the scoreboard light up 106-103 in hometown Philly's favor, Charlotte's 59th loss of the season. Allen Iverson simply torched the Bobcats to the tune of 48 points playing every single minute of the game. Complete Article (20050407 - Charlotte) »

Last Western Road Game Is Tonight

The regular season is winding down and so we can experience lots of "lasts." On Tuesday the Heat played Chicago for the last time in the regular season. Tonight, they play their final Western Conference road game as they visit the Memphis Grizzlies and the original Shaq architect, Jerry West. Complete Article (20050408 - Miami) »

Will Hill Play in Playoffs?

Two questions haunt the Orlando Magic: will Grant Hill be healthy enough to play in the playoffs, and will the Magic even be in the playoffs? The answer to the first question is likely to come around noon today after a conference call with all involved medical parties. The answer to the second question could come as soon as next week if they drop their next four games against playoff opponents. Complete Article (20050408 - Orlando) »

From Fourth Seed to... Sixth?

Hampered by injuries, the Wizards have fallen from the fourth seed in the playoffs to the fifth, and with a loss to the Pacers at Indiana tonight, would drop to the sixth seed overall. The plummet means they will not have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs... unless, possibly, they face the Boston Celtics. In other words, losing to the Pacers tonight might actually GIVE the Wizards home court advantage. Complete Article (20050408 - Washington) »

Suddenly Vulnerable? Or Calm Before Storm?

With two straight losses this weekend to Memphis 97-81 and Detroit 80-72, is Miami suddenly looking a lot more vulnerable as Shaq recuperates from his stomach virus? Or is this simply the calm before the Heat storm continues through the playoffs in an inexorable march towards the championship? The silver lining to this weekend's cloud is the dominant play of Alonzo Mourning. Complete Article (20050411 - Miami) »

Summer's Coming

With their recent slide, a loss to Cleveland tonight would all but put the playoffs out of the picture, and though that's sad, it's important to realize that the only reason it's disappointing is because of how well the Magic played earlier in the season. If anything, they ought to be commended for soaring as high as they did before the injury bug grounded them. Complete Article (20050411 - Orlando) »

Finishing Time

The Wizards dropped two important games over the weekend to two depleted teams. On Friday, they lost 93-83 to Indiana, whose woes, both injury and suspension, are well documents. On Saturday, they lost106-112 loss to the Sixers, playing without Allen Iverson or Chris Webber. In both games, Washington's big three played well. So what gives? Complete Article (20050411 - Washington) »

Free Throw Psychology

Since the arrival of the Big Diesel on the fair shores of Miami, the Heat have been one of the worst free throw shooting teams in the league. It's not solely due to Shaq's woes at the line. There's a psychological, almost viral, effect on teammates when a key starter shoots bad free throws. The problem is that Shaq's ability to hit the key shots is not as infectious. Complete Article (20050412 - Miami) »

Magic Clinch Losing Season

Though the Magic hung in the game for a while, it was finally LeBron James who crushed Orlando's gentle spirit as the Cavaliers beat the Magic 114-106 to clinch Orlando's second straight losing season and all but assure Orlando of another lottery visit this summer. They are 4.5 games behind the eighth-place Sixers with just five games remaining, and with tough opponents to boot. Complete Article (20050412 - Orlando) »

Gilbertology 101

The Washington Wizards downed the Milwaukee Bucks 119-112 last night to snap a five-game losing streak, clinch a winning season, and nearly clinch a playoff berth. They are in the sixth seed, two games ahead of Cleveland, meaning they would face the Boston Celtics if the playoffs started today. Gilbert Arenas made a statement with his game by avoiding his own shot and creating for teammates: he finished with eight points and 13 assists. Complete Article (20050412 - Washington) »

Only Handful of Games Left

The Miami Heat are winding down their season intelligently. They're getting everybody back healthy and at full strength for the playoffs while at the same time keeping the competitive edge. Though they have lost their last two games, they have showcased their deep bench. Complete Article (20050413 - Miami) »

Is There Any Magic Left in the Tank?

Philadelphia did Orlando a big service yesterday in losing to the Boston Celtics. Technically, the Magic are not quite out of the playoff hunt, but all it takes is a single loss by Orlando and a single win by Philadelphia to put this season on the back burner. Can Orlando run off three consecutive road wins against Detroit, Chicago, and Milwaukee, and come home to hold off Indiana and Miami? Complete Article (20050413 - Orlando) »

Shaq is Back And He's Thinner Than Before

Hey LA, hey LA! Shaq is back. He's lighter, quieter, and not quite at full power, but he's back, he's ready, and he's probably playing tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers. With Shaq back, and even Christian Laettner returning to practice, health is rearing its pretty head, and Miami can still make a run at the overall best record in the league. Complete Article (20050414 - Miami) »

Jameer Nelson Scores 30 in Loss

Jameer Nelson's game just keeps improving with more minutes. In a game-high 39 minutes last night, he recorded game highs in field goals made (10) and attempted (18, tied with Steve Francis), three-pointers made (5) and attempted (8), assists (8), steals (5), and points (30). He was by far the MVP of the game. But Orlando fell to Detroit 103-94 as the Pistons kept going to the line as their superior interior passing forced the Magic to foul often. Despite all that, the Magic are still not out of the playoffs. Complete Article (20050414 - Orlando) »

Wizards in Playoffs For First Time Ever

The Washington Wizards clinched a playoff berth for the first time ever. The last time Washington was in the playoffs, the Y2K bug was still a possibility in the far-distant future and the environment was such that it was not a problem to have a team known as the Bullets. Abe Pollin, the 81-year-old owner who went so far as to bring in Michael Jordan to help him reach the playoffs several years ago, finally made it to the promised land, and gave an emotional and teary speech to this talented and high-character team. Complete Article (20050414 - Washington) »

Are the Warriors the Next Nets?

Two-thirds of Golden State's remaining season expires over the weekend but Warriors fans have to be feeling good about the future of this franchise given the nucleus they have put together coupled with the fact that they are still in the lottery. Do the Warriors have the chance to become the Nets of the past few years? Complete Article (20050415 - Golden State) »

Wade's Career-High 48 No Match For AI's 38 and 16

Dwyane Wade had a career night, scoring 48 points while playing 49 minutes, but it was no match for Allen Iverson's 38 points, 16 assists, and infinite energy. The Philadelphia 76ers beat the visiting Miami Heat 126-119 in overtime, dropping the Heat to a three-game losing streak. Shaquille O'Neal was back and somewhat effective on the offensive end (13 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists) but he was obviously fatigued by the end and had a game-high nine turnovers. Complete Article (20050415 - Miami) »

Eliminated, Finally and Officially

It's all over, folks. With Philadelphia's surprising overtime win against the Heat last night, Orlando's postseason bid was finally and officially rejected. Their final four games have none of the drama of a Final Four and none of the playoff implications. The focus now turns to next year, Jameer Nelson, Steve Francis, and Doug Christie. Complete Article (20050415 - Orlando) »

Exit Interview

Chris Mullin conducted exit interviews with his players yesterday looking to get them each to focus on getting or staying healthy, improving their games in the offseason, and coming back in the fall ready to aim for at least a postseason berth, if not more. Baron Davis vowed health and a "redefining" of his game. Complete Article (20050422 - Golden State) »

Kupchak Says Jackson "Top of the List"

GM Mitch Kupchak will consider this offseason a huge success, and many will consider the Lakers not only playoff certainties but also Finals contenders, with just one move: the re-acquisition of Phil Jackson. Kupchak says he's at the top of the list and has expressed at least some interest in coaching this new group. Complete Article (20050422 - LA Lakers) »

Former Hawks Play, and the Irony of Al Harrington

The irony of Al Harrington coming to Atlanta last season in search of more playing time is he may have actually played fewer minutes with the Hawks than he would have with the Pacers. With all of their injury and suspension issues this year, plus the fact that they are in the playoffs and Atlanta is not, Harrington could have had a major impact on a playoff team, that is, of course, if he would not have been involved in the melee. Complete Article (20050425 - Atlanta) »

Somebody Beats the Wiz

The Chicago Bulls took a 1-0 lead in its series against the Wizards last night as they beat Washington 103-94 behind an MVP-type performance by rookie Andres Nocioni. On Washington's side, Larry Hughes had a tremendous 31-point game to lead all scorers but the other two Beltway All-Stars in Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison came up below expectations. Complete Article (20050425 - Washington) »

Got Mek?

Emeka Okafor's case for rookie of the year has gone cyber as www.gotmek.com can attest. The snazzy site makes a solid case for Okafor's candidacy but it will be up to the people who take to the polls in what officials hope will be a civil and calm procedure to be supervised by the UN who will ultimately decide the winner. Complete Article (20050426 - Charlotte) »

Don't Get Cocky

Miami so far owns a 1-0 lead over the Nets but they should be careful not to get cocky. Fortunately, they've been in the same position throughout the season and have never taken an opponent lightly, but nevertheless it bears repeating, as Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson are likely to explode tonight. Complete Article (20050426 - Miami) »

Reliving the 13 Wins

It's not a bad time to relive the 13 wins Atlanta earned this season. They include victories against five current playoff teams, important spoilers against what had then been bubble teams, and blowouts over other lottery teams. Relive it in today's NEWS@ Atlanta report. Complete Article (20050428 - Atlanta) »

The Problem With Loss #2

The Wizards lost to the Bulls again, going down 113-103 last night in the United Center, and in at least one way, this loss was worse than the first. This time, their top trio of Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes, and Antawn Jamison all played quite well, with Arenas even exploding for 39 points, yet it still wasn't enough. What more can Washington do? Complete Article (20050428 - Washington) »

Month-By-Month in the Inaugural Season

Though it was an inaugural season for an expansion team, and talk of having the worst record of all time was in the air at the beginning of the season, the Charlotte Bobcats managed not only to beat the likes of Detroit, Houston (twice), Sacramento, Denver, and Miami, but also to put together three two-game winning streaks over the course of the season. Complete Article (20050429 - Charlotte) »

Heat Up 3-0 After Double-OT

Booed throughout the entire game for giving up on the Nets franchise earlier this season and demanding out, Alonzo Mourning delivered what essentially turned out to be the final blow in this nailbiting double overtime 108-105 victory over New Jersey when he recorded his only offensive rebound of the game off of a Udonis Haslem missed free throw with just 20 seconds to go and the Heat up by three. Complete Article (20050429 - Miami) »