Le Basketbawl

I have always considered myself a pretty good judge of character, normally I can spot a phony a mile away. Perhaps that is why I was bothered by Chicago Bulls guard Larry Hughes statements back in March. Hughes as you may remember was traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Chicago Bulls last February. The first time that the two teams met after the transaction, Hughes spoke to the Cleveland media about his time wearing a Cavaliers uniform. Hughes told reporters “They wanted me to sacrifice things so we could win. In this system, there is more movement and draw and kicks. It was a good run. We had 50-plus wins, made the finals and I learned from it. I was unhappy, though, and wasn’t myself. I’d rather enjoy the game than all that.”

There are a lot of players that if those words came out of their mouths, it would not phase me in the least. Larry Hughes was not in that category in my mind and to be frank I was shocked. Hughes said in no uncertain terms with that statement, that he would rather be the best player on a bad team, than a part of a winning organization where his role would not be as substantial.

The “Chicago Tribune” Monday reported that Hughes has now voiced his displeasure with his role with the Bulls. Hughes told reporters that he deserves more minutes than he is getting, and is not pleased he is so far down on the depth chart. Of course the reason that he was replaced in the starting lineup by Ben Gordon was Hughes started the season on the injured list, a place where he has found himself far too many times in his NBA career.

When Larry Hughes is healthy, he is an elite NBA player, the problem is that although he is very talented he is equally fragile. Maybe one of the reasons making the NBA Finals with Cleveland was not such a big deal, was he did not play due to injury. Perhaps if he had played the Cavaliers may not have been swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

Larry, it is time for you to face the facts, your fragility has taken away your market value. Chances are very good, that if Chicago was not looking to unload Ben Wallace, you would still be in Cleveland. You are no longer entitled to minutes, you have reached the point when you must earn them. The quicker you come to grips with that, the better your career will be in the Association.

The NBA has released the second round results for the voting of the 2009 NBA All-Star which will be held in Phoenix on February 15. Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has received the most votes in the NBA Eastern Conference with 1,421,882. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant has the most votes in the Western Conference with 1,280,912. The entire list broken down by positions starting with the Eastern Conference is listed below:

NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Voting
Forwards
Player Votes
LeBron James (Clev) 1,259,764
Kevin Garnett (Bos) 905,506
Yi Jianlian (NJ) 762,162
Chris Bosh (Tor) 500,700
Paul Pierce (Bos) 313,474
Shawn Marion (Mia) 210,040
Hedo Turkoglu (Orl) 137,035
Danny Granger (Ind) 116,238
Josh Smith (Atl) 110,186
Michael Beasley (Mia) 100,257
Tayshaun Prince (Det) 98,262

Guards
Player Votes
Dwyane Wade (Mia) 1,259,764
Allen Iverson (Det) 858,469
Vince Carter (NJ) 600,087
Ray Allen (Bos) 354,642
Devin Harris (NJ) 267,504
Gilbert Arenas (Wash) 205,223
Derrick Rose (Chi) 203,687
Luke Ridnour (Mil) 197,933
Jose Calderon (Tor) 193,715
Jameer Nelson (Orl) 174,081
Joe Johnson (Atl) 162,772

Centers
Player Votes
Dwight Howard (Orl) 1,421,882
Samuel Dalembert (Phi) 232,733
Rasheed Wallace (Det) 163,279
Jermaine ONeal (Tor) 147,534
Andrew Bogut (Mil) 112,708
Al Horford (Atl) 107,118
Ben Wallace (Clev) 89,809
Emeka Okafor (Char) 69,015
Zyrdrunas Ilgauskas (Cle) 60,970
Kendrick Perkins (Bos) 54,772
Brendan Haywood (Wash) 28,182

NBA Western Conference All-Star Voting
Forwards
Player Votes
Tim Duncan (SA) 903,311
Amare Stoudemire (Pho) 626,796
Carmelo Anthony (Den) 602,457
Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 553,611
Ron Artest (Hou) 509,717
Pau Gasol (LAL) 424,135
Shane Battier (Hou) 292,287
Bruce Bowen (SA) 286,923
Josh Howard (Dal) 209,802
Luis Scola (Hou) 181,253
LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 145,857

Guards
Player Votes
Kobe Bryant (LAL) 1,280,912
Tracy McGrady (HOU) (746,098)
Chris Paul (NO) 725,251
Manu Ginobili (SA) 386,846
Tony Parker (SA) 358,107
Jason Kidd (Dal) 299,107
Steve Nash (Pho) 281,909
Jason Terry (Dal) 226,754
Rafer Alston (Hou) 211,017
Brandon Roy (Por) 174,244
Chauncey Billups (Den) 170,645

Centers
Player Votes
Yao Ming (Hou) 1,114,709
Shaquille ONeal (Pho) 546,583
Andrew Bynum (LAL) 259,331
Mehmet Okur (Utah) 235,292
Greg Oden (Por) 144,650
Andris Biedrins (GS) 101,115
Al Jefferson (Minn) 86,296
Tyson Chandler (NO) 85,452
Nick Collison (OKC) 67,338
Marcus Camby (LAC) 49,235
Chris Kaman (LAC) 19,415

The “Cleveland Plain Dealer” has reported that as far as Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown is concerned he has no desire what so ever to engage in any trades in the foreseeable future. Cleveland is in first place in the NBA Central Division with a record of 25-4, second best in the Eastern Conference behind the Boston Celtics, as well as the entire Association. The Cavaliers went through an off-season trade that brought point guard Mo Williams to the club from the Milwaukee Bucks. The addition of Williams along with Delonte West have solidified Cleveland’s back court. There has been speculation that the Cavaliers could possibly trade Wally Szczerbiak to acquire some additional help in the front court. Szczerbiak was put on the injured list on Saturday with a bruised right knee, and is expected to miss about a week.

Brown who took Cleveland to their first trip to the NBA Finals in 2007, is very satisfied with the current makeup of his team. His philosophy is it isn’t broken it should be left alone. He told reporters “Any time you have a team that is playing well, whether you have chemistry and whether you don’t, it’s is risky to break it up. We do have pretty good chemistry. That is something I don’t even think about doing right now.”

The “Associated Press” has reported that Utah Jazz forward Paul Millsap will be on the shelf for about 7-10 days after suffering a sprained ligament in his left knee. Millsap was injured during the first half of the contest between the Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday night. He was able to play the second half with his knee in a protective brace. Millsap missed his first game Friday night as Utah defeated the Dallas Mavericks 97-88. Millsap had been in the starting lineup in place of injured power forward Carlos Boozer.

After the trading of veteran guard Steve Francis by the Houston Rockets to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this week there has been rampant speculation that the move was made with the hopes of signing former Rockets center Dikembe Mutombo within the next few days. The “Houston Chronicle” quoted Houston General Manager Daryl Morey, on the reasoning of the decision to cut ties with Francis. Morey told reporters “ We did this deal really for two reasons. First, to get flexibility with the salary cap to sign players and also for Steve to have a chance to get playing time, which had become very difficult here. This gives us what we wanted, which was the flexibility for trades and the ability to take back a little more salary in a trade. When we signed Landry this summer, it put us over, and this will get us enough under so that we can sign a player.”

Mutombo seems to be the player that the Rockets would like to bring into the fold. The 42 year old “Ancient Warrior” stepped into the void last season, when Houston lost starting center Yao Ming for the campaign after he suffered a stress fracture of the foot. Mutombo, who has played 17 seasons in the Association, has also been mentioned in connection with reigning NBA Champs the Boston Celtics, and the San Antonio Spurs. Mutombo has stated that he would like to have his contract status  settled by December 28.

So now that LeBron has talked about all these unsubstantiated rumors, all this talk will now end, right? Come on now, you know that is not going to happen. Even as I am writing this there is some columnist punching holes in this scenario. They are asking why didn’t LBJ just flat out say he is committed to finishing his career in Cleveland? Because James is far too savvy to paint himself into a corner. Dwyane Wade will not do it in Miami. Carmelo Anthony certainly is not going to do it in Denver.

Will The Statement By LBJ Quell The Rumors Of His Leaving Cleveland?

Sunday the “Cleveland Plain Dealer” reported that Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star forward LeBron James, may be willing to negotiate a contract extension with the team this Summer. If so it would put an end finally to the cottage industry that has sprung up among so called NBA “experts” who have been predicting since the end of last season, that LBJ would be signing with any one of a number of teams, none of them being Cleveland.

The paper’s NBA beat writer Brian Windhorst says James has already given that scenario some thought. James said “I definitely want to keep an open mind, I will look at everything. (Extending his contract this Summer) is a good point. I think me and my group have pretty much made good decisions so far, and we’ll look at the options and go from there.”

Windhorst also reported that LBJ has an option to extend his endorsement deal with Nike for three years after the original deal ends in 2010. With the economy in tatters, it may behoove James to exercise the option, as he may earn more that way than with a new contract.

James words to Windhorst validate what I have been writing since the end of last season, that he will re-sign with the Cavaliers. In the same article that prefaces this column James expressed his frustration with the constant barrage of questions he was getting already from everybody. James said on Media Day to the assembled reporters “ Go on the Internet and look at every time I have been asked am I happy in Cleveland and see my response. I’ve never given any indication that I was leaving or didn’t like being here. Every time I am asked the question; I love being here, I love playing in front of these fans, my family is here, I grew up 30 miles away; I never gave any indication that I did not like playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers.”

But still the questions came day after day, when ever a move was made in the Association it was to get James. The Knickerbockers, the Pistons, anybody and everybody but Cleveland was in the running according to the so called “experts.”

I spoke with a young man a couple of weeks ago, who is looking to get into Sports reporting. I told him that it really comes down to two things; First you have to develop the ability to phrase a question in a diplomatic way. You can ask the toughest questions to an athlete if you ask them tactfully. The second thing is even more important; You have to be a good listener. By listening to what the person is telling you, it could open up an avenue that you did not even know existed until that very second.

Unfortunately after spending over a decade in locker rooms in the NBA, MLB, and the NFL, I have seen too many reporters who have their own agenda when they walk through the door. A reporter in a locker room is a conduit, a pipeline. When I go into a locker room, I am your eyes, your ears, and am asking the questions I hope you want answers to. A reporter in a locker room is not there to be a star, or a personality. When I hosted radio talk shows, I was a personality, not in a locker room.

Nothing has been finalized, and there could end up being snags before this comes to fruition. But the bottom line is the Cleveland Cavaliers are now one of the best teams in the Association, and barring injury they will only improve. Why go to New York and a rebuilding project, and face a hostile media? If LBJ wins an NBA Championship in Cleveland, he not only will be King James, he could be Mayor James. 

There are many NBA sites that rely on “Weekly Power Rankings.” The reason that I decline from doing them, is in my opinion a week is not an accurate barometer in the Association. Since I was a child following the NBA in the 1960’s I have always divided a season into quarters, believing it is a better measuring system than a week, which is usually three games.

We have reached the end of the first quarter for the 2008-2009 NBA campaign, and it is time to give a synopsis of what has transpired during that time. There are some teams that have exceeded expectations, some that have fallen below what long time NBA observers had predicted they would do. And of course the majority of teams in the Association that have pretty much played just as expected.

During the first quarter the trends have shown that there are three franchises that are far and away better than the rest of the Association. After that there is a definite step down between other contending teams and the elite three. The third group of course are the teams that unless they make up a lot of ground during the rest of the season are destined for the lottery. Below you will find this long time NBA observer’s impression of the first quarter of the NBA campaign through games played up until December 14.

PLATINUM

Boston Celtics: The Celtics have not won back to back NBA Finals since 1967-1968 1968-1969. The way they have started this campaign, they very might well do it again. Through the first quarter of the season Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are playing better than they did a year ago, while the “Big Ticket” Kevin Garnett has lacked consistency. The real revelation on the “Green Team” so far though has been point guard Rajon Rondo. Rondo far exceeded expectations last season, and he seems to get better with every contest. He recorded his first triple-double, and his points and assists production are ahead of last year. Tony Allen, and Eddie House, are the two main men off the bench, and Leon Powe is blossoming into a presence in the post.

Los Angeles Lakers: Last year’s Western Conference Champs may have a “Big Three” to rival the more celebrated one in Boston, with a healthy Bynum to go along with Kobe and Gasol. The most impressive thing about the Lakers is the team’s depth; Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, Sasha Vujacic, and Jordan Farmar would be starters on most other teams.

Cleveland Cavaliers: If you are a regular reader of mine, you are aware of my campaigning for Cavaliers General Manager Danny Ferry to put together a quality back court. Ferry did that this Summer as he traded with Milwaukee for Mo Williams and re-signed restricted free agent Delonte West. The results as I predicted have taken Cleveland to the next level. Having Williams running the offense has gotten Zydrunas Ilgauskas playing like an All-Star, and freed up LeBron James to utilize his skill-set, in which ever way he deems best.

GOLD

Orlando Magic: Orlando does not start a traditional NBA front court as Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu are both realistically small forwards. Both players however can shoot the lights out, and when you have one of the few legitimate premier centers in the Association, as the Magic do with Dwight Howard you can afford to give up height elsewhere. Jameer Nelson, has been a streaky player in the past, but so far this season, he seems to be maintaining more consistency. Keith Bogans compliments the rest of the starting lineup at the other guard slot. Orlando has also gotten a boost from having a healthy Tony Battie back with the team, giving them a quality big man off the bench.

Denver Nuggets: Just as the Mo Williams trade has helped the Cleveland Cavaliers improve immensely, so has the acquisition of Chauncey Billups re-invigorated Denver. Billups has taken what was just another playoff contender in the Western Conference, to a legitimate choice to unseat the Lakers. Kenyon Martin looks as if he were back in New Jersey, Carmelo Anthony looks like the player that led Syracuse to a NCAA title. With an elite ball handler running the offense, Denver’s prospects have greatly improved.

SILVER

Atlanta Hawks: No surprise here at Le Basketbawl we told you the Hawks would be this good in our Preseason Predictions. Atlanta shocked the planet last Spring as they took the Boston Celtics to a 7 game series in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. This team a few seasons ago decided to build around free agent guard Joe Johnson. The process took a lot longer than Johnson or the Hawks would have liked but it came to fruition in the playoffs last season, and has carried over through the first quarter of this one. Mike Bibby seems to be revived playing in the East, and Al Horford will be an All-Star in the not too distant future.

New Orleans Hornets: They have arguably one of the three best players in the Association in Chris Paul, and if there is such a thing as an underrated All-Star David West would top that list. Peja Stojakovic is one of the most consistent players in the NBA, and the recent pickup of veteran Antonio Daniels, gives “Super-Sub“ James Posey some quality company on the bench. Tyson Chandler had a career year last season, which he has not so far duplicated this campaign. If he can, the Hornets will be playing very far in the playoffs.

Portland Trail Blazers: If Greg Oden can reach his potential, this will be one scary team! Even with Oden barely being a presence these guys are good, and will only get better. Brandon Roy is turning into a superstar, LaMarcus Aldridge is the real deal, and so far Rudy Fernandez looks like he is having no trouble making the transition from the Euro-Leagues to the Association. Steve Blake makes the most of his ability, game in and game out, and Travis Outlaw and Joel Pryzbilla give this team depth.

San Antonio Spurs: This team may have peaked in 2007, but they are still dangerous. Duncan, Parker and Ginobili are almost a lock to give you between 50-60 points, between the three of them on a nightly basis. Bruce Bowen and Michael Finley may be on the downward slope, and they miss Brent Barry. Roger Mason and Matt Bonner have had strong starts though in the first quarter of the season.

Houston Rockets: Last season with Yao Ming hurt the Houston Rockets over achieved. This season so far, although they have been playing well, there does not seem to be the same sense of urgency/passion. The addition of Tru-Warrior Ron Artest should have this team at the top of the Western Conference, but it has not been that way through the first quarter of the campaign.

Phoenix Suns: I have ripped Phoenix Suns Director of Basketball Operations Steve Kerr many times on these pages. The acquisition of Jason Richardson from the Charlotte Bobcats for Raja Bell and Boris Diaw however gets nothing but praise from this corner. Bell and Diaw may prove to be valuable for the Bobcats, but getting Steve Nash as his back court partner J-Rich is a brilliant move. Look for the Suns to rise in the next quarter.

BRONZE

Utah Jazz: Considering they have not had their starting lineup in place this season, the Jazz are actually doing pretty well. Deron Williams was out at the beginning of the campaign, and Carlos Boozer has been hurt for the last couple of weeks. Paul Millsap and C.J. Miles have stepped up big time, and Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko have been steady. Once  this team is healthy they will be a force in the Western Conference.

Detroit Pistons: The trade worked a lot better for the Nuggets than it has for the Pistons. This is a team that is flailing right now, they are sporting the record that they have due to pure athletic ability. To watch one of the most disciplined teams in the Association over the past few years (Rasheed Wallace excluded) out on the hardwood looking like they do not have a clue is shocking. The Pistons need to make a decision, is A.I. the Answer long term in Detroit? If so then they must trade either Prince or Hamilton. If they acquired him to have future salary cap flexibility, and he is just there for this season, then play him off the bench. Rodney Stuckey must be in the starting lineup every night, but the lineup of Stuckey, Hamilton, Prince, Iverson, and Wallace, makes no sense.

Dallas Mavericks: Jason Kidd is looking very old so far this season. Whether it is him getting used to new Dallas coach Rick Carlisle’s offense, or the Olympics wore him out the J-Kidd from the Nets has barely surfaced this season. Kidd’s play will determine how far the Mavericks go this year.

TIN:

New Jersey Nets: Considering the roster, this may be Nets coach Lawrence Frank’s best job during his tenure. New Jersey is not really rebuilding, or retooling, it’s a strange combination of veterans and young players. If Frank gets this team to the Post Season he should get consideration for NBA Coach Of The Year.

Miami Heat: Miami is another team that will get better in the second quarter. They have too much talent not too. This team will not go far in the Post Season, but with D-Wade, Marion, and the rookie Beasley they should make the Playoffs.

ALUMINUM FOIL

Chicago Bulls: I am still clueless just why John Paxson hired Vinny Del Negro as head coach. Derrick Rose is the real deal, Ben Gordon should be kept in the fold. When Drew Gooden is focused he is an elite player, as is Larry Hughes when healthy. Was Hinrich retained to get his trade value higher? If so his injury puts that on the back burner.

New York Knicks: Team Dysfunctional: The Next Generation. Where do you begin? Trading Jamal Crawford, and Zach Randolph when the team had gotten off to the best start in years? The ongoing Stephon Marbury soap opera? A team where the whole is less than the sum of the individual parts.

Milwaukee Bucks: This franchise may finally have a clue! There is no doubt about Scott Skiles ability as a coach, his temperament may be a different story. Bogut, Redd, and Jefferson all have skills, maybe enough to get this team to the next level.

Philadelphia 76ers: Without a doubt the biggest disappointment during the first quarter of the season has been the start by Philadelphia. Expected with the addition of free agent Elton Brand to be up at the top of the East with Boston and Cleveland, the Sixers can not reach .500. They will be fortunate to make the Post Season.

Toronto Raptors: Jermaine O’Neal being hurt most likely caused Sam Mitchell his job as Raptors coach. If they can get healthy should improve in second quarter.

Memphis Grizzlies: I like what Grizzlies General Manager Chris Wallace has done with this team since the end of last season. Marc Iavoroni is not the long term solution as coach, do not be surprised if he does not survive the next quarter.

Charlotte Bobcats: Boris Diaw and Raja Bell may eventually be good long term fits for the Bobcats, but was J-Rich traded to Phoenix to make the team better, or because he could not get along with Larry Brown? No one has brought this up, but it certainly would not be the first time Brown did not see eye to eye with a player.

Indiana Pacers: The Pacers are in rebuilding mode after trading Jermaine O’Neal and Shawne Williams during the off-season. Pacers Team President Larry Bird has some young talent on the roster, but it needs time to become a team.

Los Angeles Clippers: Under rebuilding program 4,748 since moving to the West Coast from Buffalo in the late 1970’s. This one does not seem to be working any better than most of the others.

Golden State Warriors: The two big questions for the Warriors; When can Monta Ellis play, and how effective will be when he can? The answers to both those questions will decide Golden State’s fate.

Sacramento Kings: Reggie Theus may not have been the solution, but he was not the problem in Sacramento. The problem began when the Maloof brothers blinked when Ron Artest started pouting. They traded him to Houston, and their season ended then.

CARDBOARD

Washington Wizards: Same old story, same old song and dance, injuries. Namely Gilbert Arenas, and his bad left knee. Arenas is starting to remind me of Brad Daugherty the former Cleveland Cavaliers center, who went from having a sore back to his career ending far too soon.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Firing Randy Wittman was a start, whether Kevin McHale has the fire in the belly to be an NBA head coach remains to be seen. The Hall Of Fame forward could be gone from the T-Wolves at the end of the season.

Oklahoma City Thunder: There is only one reason why a team that has Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and Russell Westbrook on their roster have just two wins. Karma pure and simple. Message to Team Owner Clay Bennett: you know what they say about pay back!