‘Sheed brings ‘old school’ back to the post

 New York  No Responses »
Nov 182012
 

Rasheed Wallace had always been a Knicks fan since his college days at North Carolina. But that wasn’t the only reason why the 38-year-old wanted to play in New York after a two-year retirement. He wanted to prove post play was still in.

“I was just sitting back, watching the way that some of these guys that you call great post players not playing the post,” he said a few weeks ago after practice one day. “So it’s the passion to come back to show ya’ll how post players really need to play in the post.

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Tyler Zeller out indefinitely with concussion, broken cheekbone after DeAndre Jordan elbow (Ball Don’t Lie)

 LA Clippers  No Responses »
Nov 072012
 

We shared video Tuesday of Cleveland Cavaliers rookie forward/center Tyler Zeller catching a ferocious welcome-to-the-NBA present from Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan in the form of an inadvertent elbow smash that forced the former North Carolina star to miss the closing stages of the Cavs’ impressive 108-101 road win on Monday night. Postgame X-rays were negative , giving Cavs fans hope that the No. 17 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft would be right as rain in no time flat.
Unfortunately, the news got worse on Wednesday, when the Cavaliers announced that a subsequent CT scan revealed Zeller had suffered a fractured cheekbone on the play, and that follow-up tests showed he’d received a concussion. As a result, the rookie big man will be held out indefinitely, according to Jason Lloyd of the Akron Beacon Journal :
Zeller’s fracture is non-displaced, essentially meaning the pieces of the bone are still aligned. Non-displaced fractures typically heal a little faster, although there is no timeline yet for his return. He has been placed in the league’s concussion program and will need to be cleared by a league doctor before he can return.
It’s unclear which injury will keep hm out longer, but the Cavs have already discussed the likelihood of Zeller playing with a mask. He certainly won’t play in tonight’s game against the [Golden State Warriors] and he’d seem doubtful for Friday’s game at Phoenix.
“The timing sucks,” Cavs coach Byron Scott said. “If there’s any silver lining to the whole thing, it’s early. Hopefully we’ll have him back before this road trip is over.”

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Noah Vonleh Interview

 Around the NBA, NBA Draft  No Responses »
Sep 112012
 
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Noah Vonleh Interview

Interview with one of the nation’s top high school prospects, rising junior forward Noah Vonleh.

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A consensus top five player in his class and still just a junior at New Hampton Prep, Noah Vonleh isn’t wasting any time making a name for himself. He recently led his team to a Championship at the Adidas Nations Tournament while also collecting Co-MVP honors with his teammate Emmanuel Mudiay. Scouts regard him as one of the most versatile players in the country. Having already received offers from schools like Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio State and Syracuse, Noah is just beginning to scratch the surface of his basketball talents. We recently got a ch

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Lakers Rumors: Antawn Jamison Makes Smart Decision to Join LA, Spurn Bobcats

 Rumors  No Responses »
Jul 172012
 

Antawn Jamison has decided that he would rather live in Los Angeles and compete for a championship than move back to his home in North Carolina.

According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, the 36-year-old forward opted to sign with the Lakers instead of the Bobcats on Monday.

The choice was, imaginably, quite easy.

This is the basketball equivalent of a person electing to take a glamorous position in Hollywood and live in a mansion rather than move back home into their mom’s basement and work menial odd jobs in order to loaf around with their college buddies.

The Lakers are clearly a better option for the veteran, who has been stuck playing with the NBA basement-dwelling Cleveland Cavaliers for the past two seasons.

Jamison’s playoff experiences have been less than stellar, only reaching the conference semis twice during his 14-year career and never advancing farther than that.

With 985 games under his belt, the sweet-shooting 6’9” forward knows he has a limited window of time left in his basketball career and the Bobcats offer almost no chance of a ring before retirement. The Lakers, who are in the midst of a major overhaul, are almost a shoo-in to make the postseason.

While Charlotte did have the advantage of being located in the same state where Jamison played high school and collegiate ball, they are—and this is being kind—light years away from relevancy.

The No. 4 overall pick in the 1998 draft had to be keenly aware that becoming a key rotation player for a roster that includes Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Steve Nash and Kobe Bryant is an excellent way to spend the twilight of his career.

Considering the alternative of getting a chance to start on a nightly basis for a pathetic team that has zero shot of competing for a championship in the next few years, choosing L.A. over Charlotte may have been the easiest decision of Antawn Jamison’s life. 

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Suns sign first-round pick Marshall

 Rumors  No Responses »
Jul 162012
 

The Suns announced Monday that first-round pick Kendall Marshall has signed his rookie contract.

Marshall, the 13th overall pick in the NBA draft last month, had been awaiting the finalizing of his contract to take part in the Suns’ summer league activities in Las Vegas. The former North Carolina star is expected to participate in the squad’s final four summer games.

A 6-foot-4, 195-pound pure point guard, Marshall earned the Bob Cousy Award in 2012 as the nations top point guard after setting an ACC single-season record with 9.8 assists per game, the second-highest average in the nation and the eighth-highest average in NCAA history. The sophomore was an Associated Press third-team All-American and CBS Sports.com first-team All-American as well as a second-team All-ACC selection.

Marshall had career averages of 7.2 points, 8.0 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 1.1 steals in 73 games over two seasons at North Carolina. He was a career 44.5 percent shooter, including 36.4 percent from 3-point range.

The 20-year-old will be expected to compete for playing time at point guard with Goran Dragic, whom the Suns signed as an unrestricted free agent to a four-year, 40 million deal following the departure of Steve Nash to the Lakers in a sign-and-trade deal.

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2013 NBA Mock Draft: Top Players to Pay Attention to Before Draft

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Jul 092012
 

It’s never too early to begin looking towards the future, and with the 2013 NBA Draft approaching, fans should be excited about the potential influx of talented youngsters.

Although some of the top players have yet to even step foot on their college campus, their upside alone will garner NBA lottery aspirations.

As with any mock draft, it’s important to realize these players are being drafted according to their future projections, regardless of their skill set at this point.

Obviously there is no way to realistically set the draft order, so the picks will be listed in accordance to the team’s 2012 record.

Here are a few players to be aware of before the draft.

 

Nerlens Noel, 6’11”, 216 lbs., Kentucky, Freshman

 

Noel is built in the Anthony Davis mold. He features a 7’4” wingspan and although his offensive game may need some polish, he controls tempo with his freakish shot blocking.

He is a mobile big man who is also a proficient passer from the post. With his size and speed, Noel entered Kentucky as the No. 1 center, according to Scout.

With Kentucky’s team largely opting to play in the NBA next season, count on Noel to occupy a major portion of playing time for the Wildcats next season.

With his mobility and uncanny shot blocking ability, Noel can control the paint and run the floor.

He certainly isn’t about to win any scoring titles in the short-term, but he will instantly benefit a team’s defense.

 

Shabazz Muhammad, 6’ 6”, 225 lbs., UCLA, Freshman

 

Muhammad is quite the all-around player leading up to his freshman year. He does a lot of things well, including getting to the hoop, defending, shooting and has a sneaky set of post moves.

He looks very similar to James Harden, but he is an inch taller and perhaps a step quicker. He is also a deceptive lefty, much like Harden.

He has an NBA-ready body and will succeed at the next level with his work around the hoop.

He needs to improve his accuracy from the outside, as he lacks a consistent three-point stroke, but the rest of his game is on point.

Look for him to thrive at UCLA this year, alongside fellow freshmen Kyle Anderson and Tony Parker.

Muhammad will undoubtedly provide some highlight reel dunks along with solid defense, but teams should expect to get a very talented wing player who can score in a number of different ways.

 

Cody Zeller, 7’0”, 237 lbs., Indiana, Sophomore

Zeller is the first player thus far who has actually appeared in an NCAA game.

Compared to his other brothers, Luke and Tyler, Cody is the most impressive one in the minds of NBA scouts. He averaged 15.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season as a freshman, including a 20-point performance against Kentucky in the Sweet 16.

Zeller is a talented big man, who is decisively mobile for his size, and is great at running the floor, much like his brother Tyler. But he is also a dangerous scorer, with both his back to the basket and in the mid-range game.

He was heralded as a proposed top-10 pick in the 2012 draft by Chad Ford of ESPN, yet decided to prolong his NCAA career and return to school.

With another year of polish on his already impressive game, Zeller could be selected in the top five.

 

James McAdoo, 6’ 9”, 225 lbs., North Carolina, Sophomore

 

McAdoo was largely a role player for the Tar Heels last season. But this year should be his time to shine.

With the departures of Tyler Zeller, John Henson and Harrison Barnes to the pro ranks, McAdoo should be the featured player on North Carolina.

He is a versatile player who can play both the 3 and the 4, and is strong enough to fight for rebounds under the basket.

He seems to be similar to Danny Granger, without a three-point shot but with better defensive instincts. He is skilled at getting to the basket for his size and looks to attack the rim any chance he gets.

The biggest thing he has going for him is his basketball IQ, as he is a willing passer on the block, and rarely forces shots when he is defended.

All in all, he is already a very talented player, but with the right team he could become even better.

Pick Team Player
1 Charlotte Shabazz Muhammad – Freshman, UCLA
2 Washington Nerlens Noel – Freshman, Kentucky
3 New Orleans Cody Zeller – Sophomore, Indiana
4 Cleveland James McAdoo – Sophomore, North Carolina
5 Sacramento Ben McLemore – Freshman, Kansas
6 Brooklyn Alex Poythress – Freshman, Kentucky
7 Golden State Isaiah Austin – Freshman, Baylor
8 Toronto Adonis Thomas – Sophomore, Memphis
9 Detroit Ricky Ledo – Freshman, Providence
10 Minnesota Tony Mitchell – Sophomore, North Texas
11 Portland Rudy Gobert – International
12 Milwaukee C.J. McCollum – Senior, Lehigh
13 Phoenix LeBryan Nash – Sophomore, Oklahoma State
14 Houston Rakeem Christmas – Sophomore, Syracuse
15 Philadelphia Steven Adams – Freshman, Pittsburgh
16 New York Otto Porter – Sophomore, Georgetown
17 Dallas Mason Plumlee – Senior, Duke
18 Utah Patric Young – Junior, Florida
19 Orlando Jamaal Franklin – Junior, San Diego State
20 Denver Isaiah Canaan – Senior, Murray State
21 Boston Joshua Smith – Junior, UCLA
22 LA Clippers Aaric Murray – Junior, West Virginia
23 Atlanta Kyle Anderson – Freshman, UCLA
24 LA Lakers LaQuinton Ross – Sophomore, Ohio State
25 Memphis Jeff Withey – Senior, Kansas
26 Indiana Trevor Mbakwe – Senior, Minnesota
27 Miami Dario Saric – International
28 Oklahoma City Andre Roberson – Junior, Colorado
29 Chicago Trey Burke – Sophomore, Michigan
30 San Antonio C.J. Wilcox – Junior, Washington

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NBA Draft 2012: Cleveland Cavaliers’ Addition of Dion Waiters Ushers in New Era

 Rumors  No Responses »
Jul 032012
 

On a warm July evening in 2010, the current era of the Cleveland Cavaliers dissolved in an instant. It happened so quickly and complete that the NBA and its fans are still coming to grips with what transpired that night.

Cavaliers fans started that day as loyal followers of the best team in the league for two years in a row. Their world had changed somehow by the time they went to bed that night.

They were still the same people who had to wake up and have the same life as before with the same personal problems, yet their world was a bit dryer, a bit darker.

Parents had to explain to their children why their hero wanted to be somebody else’s hero. Grown men became irrational and videotaped themselves burning sports memorabilia. Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert reacted hastily and published the ultimate foot-in-mouth letter, complete with Comic Sans font, addressed to “Cleveland, All Of Northeast Ohio and Cleveland Cavaliers Supporters.”

And somewhere, deep within the minds of Cavs fans across the world lived the knowledge that this team wasn’t just going to be bad, but very bad.

With no pick in the 2010 NBA draft and the first week of free agency past, the chance to start rebuilding had to wait and expectations for the following season had dwindled to near zero.

Reality, it seems, was intent on playing a crueler joke than anybody could have imagined. With a depleted roster that not only was lacking LeBron James, but also Shaquille O’Neal, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Delonte West and ultimately Mo Williams, the Cavs limped to a record of 19-63, at one point losing 26 straight.

While the team was stumbling, Cavs’ GM Chris Grant slowly attained assets by dissecting and trading away pieces. Fans saw the first real step in the rebuild when the Cavs struck gold by winning the draft lottery to couple with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft.

These draft picks turned into rookies Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson, respectively. Irving exceeded all expectations by winning the Kia Rookie of the Year award, 2012 NBA All-Rookie First Team and Rising Stars Challenge MVP, and establishing himself as one of the top crunch-time players in the NBA.

Thompson did not fare quite as well, but did make the NBA All-Rookie second team, and has the potential to be a 15-point, 15-rebound power forward as he continues to mature and learn the game.

Still, the 2011-2012 Cavs were littered with remnants of an era that doesn’t want them anymore. Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson contributed to a team under construction while Anthony Parker, Ryan Hollins, Christian Eyenga and J.J. Hickson hung around the necks of a franchise like a brick in the ocean.

The recent strike-shortened NBA season wasn’t much easier on the Cavs than the year before, as they tied for the third-worst record at 21-45 and ultimately the fourth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft.

For weeks rumors swirled that the Cavs would make a major deal on draft day to ensure they were able to choose Kentucky forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Florida guard Bradley Beal. If that deal couldn’t happen, then the Cavs were certain to draft North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes.

Instead, for the second year in a row, the Cavs stunned their fans by going against the grain at No. 4 by drafting Syracuse guard Dion Waiters. Shell-shocked fans attending the Cavs’ draft party at Quicken Loans Arena booed the selection.

Weekend warriors and bloggers instantly mocked the pick. Waiters did not work out for the Cavs and skipped most of the pre-draft events after supposedly receiving a commitment from another lottery team.

How could the Cavs draft this guy at No. 4 that they didn’t work and and wasn’t even a starter at Syracuse?

For an encore, the team traded the remainder of their draft in pick Nos. 24, 33 and 34 to the Dallas Mavericks for the rights to North Carolina center Tyler Zeller.

Over the next 24 hours, Waiters and Zeller flew into Cleveland, met the staff, posed for pictures, and answered questions for the media.

It was immediately apparent that a roster filled with high-character good guys suddenly had some attitude.

When asked to describe his game, Waiters asserted, “Physical, athletic, competitive. A lot of confidence. I play with swagger. I don’t have any weaknesses in my game… I’m a scorer, with a scoring mentality. I’m a guy who likes to get the crowd involved and feed off the energy. A guy who’s dedicated to winning.”

A guy who’s dedicated to winning and likes to get the crowd involved is the perfect remedy for a sometimes-lethargic Cavaliers team. 

Waiters is a tremendous, loyal talent, but is also the perfect complement to Kyrie Irving. Irving is modest; Waiters is brash. Irving will give the politically correct sound bite; Waiters will give the reporters the edgy statement they seek. Irving will run the offense exactly as called, Waiters will put the team on his back when the play breaks down.

This is team chemistry at its core, and the reason Waiters was the correct pick.

Most importantly for fans, Dion Waiters will give the Cavaliers an identity to which they can relate. Kyrie Irving is the talent, but the personality of the team will belong to Waiters.

For the first time since the disaster in July 2010, the Cleveland Cavaliers are a team that isn’t clinging to the past. The current incarnation has all the elements coming together of a lovable team such as the Price, Daugherty and Nance squads of the early 90′s. The LeBron era was a fun team to watch, but not relatable to most fans.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are building something special with the final act still to come. They may not win a lot of games this coming season, but the Cavs will be one of the most exciting young teams in the league.

A team where “loyalty” is more than just a tattoo.  

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NBA Free Agency 2012: Charlotte Bobcats Should Sign Antawn Jamison

 Rumors  No Responses »
Jul 032012
 

With NBA free agency officially begun, teams are now able to court players and discuss potential contracts. They cannot sign them until July 11th, but initial talks are permitted.

The top men available, specifically Deron Williams, Ray Allen, Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon, Jason Terry and many others, will look to either cash in on a large contract or play with a contender.

However, one player stands out: Antawn Jamison. He has announced he would be interested in joining the Charlotte Bobcats, going against the grain of most veterans. It would be a beneficial move for both sides.

The Bobcats are a very young team. Their oldest players are DeSagana Diop and Ben Gordon, checking in at 30 and 29.

Adding Jamison to the mix would give the roster a veteran presence, and provide leadership and a mentor to the young frontcourt. He turned 36 in June, and would no doubt finish out his career with the team. 

Jamison, at this point, is looking potentially ageless. He averaged 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers last season, in 33.1 minutes per game.

However, he did shoot a career-worst .403 percentage.

Nonetheless, he can offer the team a stretch forward and make shots from mid-range and the three-point line. Charlotte ranked 29th in the league last season in three-point field goals made, 27th in attempts and last in the league in three-point percentage. 

Combined with Ben Gordon, who was traded to Detroit for Corey Maggette, Jamison would present two weapons that were sorely missing from the Bobcats’ arsenal. Their experience, not just their skills, will assist a young team like Charlotte.

In addition to how Jamison can help out on the court, it is about location for the 14-year veteran.

He played both his high-school and college ball at North Carolina, Charlotte’s very state. Jamison would be returning home—a fitting way to close out his career. He stated that it has “always been a dream of mine…to have my parents there, to have my kids there.”

While it is unfortunate Jamison did not win a championship in his basketball career, it will be fulfilling to see him come home, mentor some young players and provide an offensive spark for a team that sorely lacks such. 

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2012 NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Luol Deng Trades That Make Sense for Both Teams

 Chicago  No Responses »
Jul 032012
 

In the weeks leading up to the 2012 NBA draft, Chicago Bulls small forward Luol Deng was constantly popping up in the trade rumor mill.

With the Warriors and Raptors in hot pursuit and the Bulls coveting North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes, it looked like the Bulls would pull the trigger if they could secure a lottery selection, per the Chicago Tribune.

But as the draft approached, Barnes’ stock supposedly rose and the Bulls got cold feet.  

Hindsight being 20-20, I bet they are regretting their decision after watching Barnes fall to No. 7 and the Warriors happily scooping him up.    

And now the post-draft period has been one of radio silence, as most experts now expect Deng to stay with Chicago for at least another season.  

But the fact of the matter remains: The Bulls are probably better off trading Deng if they can get equivalent value or young talent to develop around injured star Derrick Rose.  

With that in mind, here are five trades that would work for both the Bulls and their trade counterparts.  

(Note:  We’ll be using ESPN’s Trade Machine for all proposed deals.)

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