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HoopsHype.com Columns

[ F I N A L S ]
Thoughts on Game 4
 by Eddie Johnson / June 13, 2008
The Lakers' bench has bombed real bad in the Finals and that's costing L.A. big time. • Read more

[ O S C A R . R O B E R T S O N ]
Blackballed
 by Sam Smith / June 12, 2008
Unlike most other legends of the game, Oscar Robertson never got a chance to coach or manage an NBA team. And that's just sad, Sam Smith says. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Thoughts on Game 3
 by Eddie Johnson / June 11, 2008
Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic saved the day for the Lakers, but the Celtics remain favored to win the title.
• Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Thoughts on Game 2
 by Eddie Johnson / June 9, 2008
The Celtics played great lock-down defense on every Laker and the bench stepped up again... A 3-0 lead in the making? • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Wilt fixes Finals for Lakers
 by Dennis Hans / June 8, 2008
Towering hoop god decreed in 1999 a ringless future for any coach who ruins a game with off-the-ball intentional fouls – which is bad news for Doc Rivers. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Thoughts on Game 1
 by Eddie Johnson / June 6, 2008
Paul Pierce's heroics were one of the main factors for Boston's win in the first game of the Finals. But there were many others. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Bryant on a mission for another ring
 by Marc Narducci / June 3, 2008
Arguably enjoying his finest postseason, Kobe Bryant looks to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to their fourth NBA title this decade. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Six reasons will reveal winner
 by Eddie Johnson / June 3, 2008
Eddie Johnson breaks down the NBA Finals. Expect a long series! • Read more

[ D.R U G S ]
Booze, not pot, the real problem
 by Sam Smith / May 27, 2008
It's players caught with marijuana that make the headlines, but alcohol is probably a much bigger issue in the NBA. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Pierce delivers
 by Eddie Johnson / May 19, 2008
Eddie Johnson has a lot of praise for Paul Pierce. But he also cuts Ray Allen some slack. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
West will prevail
 by Sam Smith / May 16, 2008
Just by watching the Eastern Conference playoffs, you know the NBA champion is going to come from the other side of the country. • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Road woes confounding the experts
 by Marc Narducci / May 13, 2008
After having the best road record in the regular season, Boston has struggled mightily away from TD Banknorth Garden during the postseason. • Read more

[ M A R K . C U B A N ]
Time to go?
 by Sam Smith / May 6, 2008
With the Mavs' future looking bleak, Sam Smith thinks the timing is perfect for Mark Cuban to sell the team and finally get into baseball. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
First round ramblings
 by Eddie Johnson / April 30, 2008
Suns and Mavs out in five? Sixers and Hawks giving a fight? Eddie Johnson didn't see this coming.
• Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Still warming up
 by Sam Smith / April 24, 2008
No much drama going on in the playoffs so far. But stay tuned, says Sam Smith. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Predictions!
 by Eddie Johnson / April 18, 2008
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson expects three upsets and no sweeps in the first round of the playoffs.
• Read more

[ R O C K E T S ]
Against the odds
by Sam Smith / March 18, 2008
The Rockets were a mess in December, and now they rule the Western Conference. How could this happen? Sam Smith has some answers. • Read more

[ A W A R D S ]
My surprise pick for MVP
by Eddie Johnson / March 17, 2008
So who's Eddie Johnson's choice for Most Valuable Player this season? • Read more

[ C O A C H E S ]
It's about time
by Sam Smith / March 5, 2008
Jerry Sloan has never been Coach of the Year despite having 18 winning seasons in the NBA. Maybe it's time to give him some love. • Read more

[ B U Y O U T S ]
Worth the fuss?
by Jorge Sierra / March 1, 2008
Several veterans got buyouts and made headlines this week for the interest they are drawing among playoff teams. But are these in-season additions paying off for the contenders?
• Read more

[ R O C K E T S ]
Big T-Mac attack
by Dee Brown / February 27, 2008
The Rockets are not done without Yao, says former NBA player Dee Brown. Watch out for a great Tracy McGrady now. • Read more

[ M I C H A E L . J O R D A N ]
Life upstairs
by Sam Smith / February 23, 2008
Sam Smith makes his HoopsHype.com debut talking about the player he became famous covering.
• Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
Cavs better, but still will not beat Boston or Detroit
by Eddie Johnson / February 22, 2008
Ben Wallace and Wally Szczerbiak are great additions for the Cavs, but they probably won't put Cleveland over the hump in the East. So says Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ J A S O N . K I D D ]
Mavs have now become the Suns of old
by Eddie Johnson / February 20, 2008
Will the type of basketball that didn't get the Suns a championship bring one to Dallas? Eddie Johnson doesn't think so. • Read more

[ S U N S ]
Why Phoenix made the deal for Shaq
by Eddie Johnson / February 7, 2008
Eddie Johsnon is sad to see Shawn Marion go, but thrilled to have Shaquille O'Neal in Phoenix. • Read more

[ H O R N E T S ]
Gypsies no more
by Eddie Johnson / January 24, 2008
Yeah, Chris Paul is great. But give Byron Scott a lot of credit. • Read more

[ B U L L S ]
Joakim Noah, please shut up
by Eddie Johnson / January 17, 2008
Chicago native Eddie Johnson has a simple advice for Chicago rookie Joakim Noah. • Read more

[ L O S I N G . T E A M S ]
Big city cellar dwellers
by Jerald Hoover / December 26, 2007
Knicks, Bulls and Heat have been unexpectedly bad so far this season. • Read more

[ B U L L S ]
Why Skiles got canned
by Eddie Johnson / December 24, 2007
Scott Skiles tenure with the Bulls just came to an end. Eddie Johnson thinks he knows why. • Read more

[ L E A D E R S H I P ]
Leaders among players are hard to find
by Eddie Johnson / December 7, 2007
Wondering why the Bulls, Knicks, Heat and Grizzlies are all struggling? Eddie Johnson knows one of the reasons. • Read more

[ M A G I C ]
Is Orlando the real class of the East?
by Jerald Hoover / November 30, 2007
With free agent signing Rashard Lewis delivering and Dwight Howard dominating, the Orlando Magic could go all the way in the Eastern Conference. • Read more

[ B U L L S ]
Struggles come as no surprise
by Eddie Johnson / November 14, 2007
The Chicago Bulls were not all that good to begin with so it's no shock to Eddie Johnson that they are going through hard times. • Read more

[ S H A Q U I L L E . O ' N E A L ]
Shaq's problem is spelled R-i-l-e-y
by Dennis Hans / November 7, 2007
The Diesel is aging, but that doesn’t mean he’s running on fumes. To remain relevant, he must rebel against his clueless coach. • Read more

[ K O B E . B R Y A N T ]
For better or for worse
by Roland Lazenby / November 6, 2007
Few journalists know Kobe Bryant and the Lakers better than Roland Lazenby. This is his take on the situation the superstar guard and the team are going through. • Read more

[ E M E R G I N G . S T A R S ]
Stepping it up
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti / November 5, 2007
Dwight Howard and Luol Deng are primed for great seasons. Can they deliver? • Read more

[ P R E D I C T I O N S ]
Surprises and disappointments
by Eddie Johnson / November 2, 2007
Lakers, Heat, Nuggets and Cavaliers could end up having a very tough year, according to former NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ L A K E R S ]
Who wants Kobe steak?
by Dee Brown / October 24, 2007
Dee Brown agrees that the Chicago Bulls are the best and most likely destination for Kobe Bryant if he gets traded. • Read more

[ B O B C A T S ]
Can MJ make the Cats claw?
by Jerald Hoover / October 17, 2007
The Bobcats enter the season with the biggest amount of talent in franchise history. But will that be enough for a playoff berth? • Read more

[ S U N S ]
Marion should want to stay in Phoenix
by Eddie Johnson / October 1, 2007
Asking for a trade is something Shawn Marion may end up regretting. Eddie Johnson knows that first hand.
• Read more

[ S U N S ]
Matrix reloaded
by Dee Brown / September 27, 2007
Shawn Marion is living the dream in Phoenix, according to former NBA player Dee Brown. He'd better not wake up.
• Read more

[ R E T U R N S ]
Getting back
by Jackie Christie / September 12, 2007
Jackie Christie thinks her husband Doug and many other veterans trying to make a comeback still have a lot to offer to an NBA team. • Read more

[ H E A T ]
A wasted offseason
by Jerald Hoover / September 10, 2007
The Miami Heat needed an upgrade this summer and all they got was a Smush Parker. • Read more

[ T E A M . U S A ]
Kidd has been the catalyst
by Eddie Johnson / August 27, 2007
Much-improved point guard play is the main reason why Team USA is steamrolling through the Tournament of Americas, according to Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ E D D I E . G R I F F I N ]
A tragic loss
by Marc Narducci / August 23, 2007
A life that once offered so much hope, ended in tragedy for former NBA forward Eddie Griffin.
• Read more

[ R E F . S C A N D A L ]
The NBA will overcome Donaghy
by Marc Narducci / August 16, 2007
The Tim Donaghy scandal is a big black eye on the face of the NBA. But the league and its fans must and will move on, says Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ H E A T ]
Heat is on Miami to improve
by Marc Narducci / August 12, 2007
With an aging club, Miami's off-season has been less than inspiring at this point. • Read more

[ C O M E B A C K S ]
Reggie Miller will shine
by Eddie Johnson / August 10, 2007
Many experts think Reggie Miller is crazy for wanting to return to the league at 42. Eddie Johnson is not one of them. • Read more

[ R I N G L E S S ]
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride
by Dee Brown / August 2, 2007
Dee Brown puts down a list of 10 players he hopes will end up winning an NBA title. • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Back on the map
by Eddie Johnson / August 1, 2007
The Celtics gave up a lot in the trade for Kevin Garnett. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson thinks it was worth it.
• Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Garnett must change to lead Boston to crown
by Dennis Hans / July 31, 2007
KG makes Boston a contender in the East, but he needs to become a goalie-style impact defender to give C’s a legit title shot. • Read more

[ S T A R S ]
Kobe vs. LeBron
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti / July 27, 2007
Seth Ferranti considers Kobe Bryant and LeBron James the two top players in basketball today. But who's best?
• Read more

[ R E F . S C A N D A L ]
Stern, NBA face the music
by Marc Narducci / July 24, 2007
A shaken David Stern addressed the issues involving NBA ref Tim Donaghy. • Read more

[ R E F . S C A N D A L ]
NBA to pick up the pieces
by Marc Narducci / July 21, 2007
In light of the FBI probe of official Tim Donaghy, the NBA will be on the offensive in its damage control effort.
• Read more

[ K N I C K S ]
Marbury out of line
by Eddie Johnson / July 20, 2007
Stephon Marbury says he wants to play in Italy. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson says Europe is no place for the Knicks guard. • Read more

[ K N I C K S ]
More Knick knacks
by Jerald Hoover / July 17, 2007
Can Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry coexist in the Knicks? And would Ron Artest be a good fit with the team?
• Read more

[ S U M M E R . L E A G U E S ]
Summer superstars
by Dee Brown / July 12, 2007
No matter how impressive a player looks in the summer leagues, don't put much stock in him yet. So says former NBA player Dee Brown. • Read more

[ S U P E R S O N I C S ]
About to boom?
by Jerald Hoover / July 4, 2007
The Sonics are one of the biggest question marks in the NBA nowadays. Where exactly is Kevin Durant's new team headed? • Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
After the storm
by Eddie Johnson / July 1, 2007
Eddie Johnson speaks his mind about the trades that happened, those who did not and the draft.
• Read more

[ K N I C K S ]
Zach attacks the Big Apple
by Dee Brown / June 30, 2007
Acquiring Zach Randolph has a lot of risks. But it was worth the gamble, according to former NBA player Dee Brown. • Read more

[ D R A F T ]
Blazers and Sonics rule the night
by Marc Narducci / June 29, 2007
Portland and Seattle stole the show in the NBA draft with high-profile picks and trades. • Read more

[ P I S T O N S ]
And now what?
by Jerald Hoover / June 20, 2007
Joe Dumars will have some tough decisions to make after watching the Pistons collapse during the playoffs for the second season in a row. • Read more

[ L E G E N D S ]
Shaq or Duncan?
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti / June 18, 2007
With four championship rings each, who whould be considered the most dominant player of the post-Jordan era.
• Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
It was ugly, but San Antonio reigns again
by Eddie Johnson / June 16, 2007
The San Antonio spurs are the NBA champions for the fourth time and there's plenty of blame to go around.
• Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Why the Spurs won (once again)
by Dennis Hans / June 14, 2007
Tim Duncan and Tony Parker lead superior San Antonio to a sweep, while Mike Brown’s irrational fear of foul trouble costs Cavs a chance to give the Spurs a go. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
The broom has entered the building
by Eddie Johnson / June 13, 2007
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a very good shot at becoming the first Finals team to be swept since the 2002 Nets. And they could end up being remembered as the worst to play for the championship, according to Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Parker dominating
by Eddie Johnson / June 11, 2007
Tony Parker is torching the Cavaliers and Mike Brown is doing little to prevent that from happening, says former NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Spurs gain edge quickly
by Eddie Johnson / June 9, 2007
Gregg Popovich outcoached Mike Brown and that was one of the keys for San Antonio's Game 1 win, according to Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Crowning of the King
by Dee Brown / June 8, 2007
Dee Brown was very unimpressed with LeBron James' performance in Game 1, but he's not ready to jump off the bandwagon yet. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Spurs will not intimidate Cleveland
by Eddie Johnson / June 5, 2007
San Antonio will probably end up winning the title again, but Eddie Johnson expects the Cavaliers to put up a big fight. • Read more

[ L A K E R S ]
Kobe was right
by Eddie Johnson / June 2, 2007
Kobe Bryant has taken a lot of heat for voicing out his disappointment. Eddie Johnson doesn't understand why.
• Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Conference Finals ramblings
by Eddie Johnson / June 1, 2007
The Spurs got lucky, there are way too many floppers and LeBron James was just incredible. That and much on Eddie Johnson's latest blog. • Read more

[ C H A R G E S ]
Varejao is Blanche DuBois Defender of the Year
by Dennis Hans / May 29, 2007
Reliance on “the kindness of strangers” and ability to “misrepresent things” pay off big for curly-haired Cav.
• Read more

[ T R A I L . B L A Z E R S ]
Portland set to blaze a new trail
by Jerald Hoover / May 28, 2007
The future is really looking bright for the Portland Trail Blazers with the addition of Greg Oden or Kevin Durant.
• Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Who steps up?
by Eddie Johnson / May 26, 2007
The performance of sidekicks Larry Hughes and Tayshaun Prince could very well be the key factor in the outcome of the Detroit-Cleveland series, according to former NBA player Dee Brown. • Read more

[ C A V A L I E R S ]
Open letter to LeBron James
by Eddie Johnson / May 25, 2007
Eddie Johnson is disappointed in LeBron. No way we should call him King James till he really starts working on his visible deficiencies as a player. • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Boston massacre
by Eddie Johnson / May 23, 2007
So the Boston Celtics didn't get any of the first two picks in the draft? Former NBA player Eddie Johnson doesn't feel sorry for them whatsoever. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Insane ruling leaves Spurs-Suns unsettled
by Dennis Hans / May 20, 2007
The victor might have been the better team, but Suns-versus-Spurs will forever be remembered as the “What if?” series. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Horry turns clutch again
by Eddie Johnson / May 15, 2007
Robert Horry's flagrant foul on Steve Nash may end up helping the Spurs in their quest for another championship. And that would be just plain wrong, according to former NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ D E R O N . W I L L I A M S ]
The next big thing
by Dee Brown / May 12, 2007
The Utah Jazz took some heat last season for selecting Deron Williams ahead of Chris Paul in the draft. According to Dee Brown, they got it just right. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Warriors looking mortal
by Eddie Johnson / May 11, 2007
The Golden State Warriors may have choked in Salt Lake City, but don't count them out just yet. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Baby Bulls are getting spanked
by Eddie Johnson / May 9, 2007
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson thinks the Bulls-Pistons series could be over after four games if Chicago doesn't make drastic changes Thursday. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Suns need Thomas
by Eddie Johnson / May 8, 2007
A slow and unathletic big man may be the key for the fast-paced Phoenix Suns to win the series against the Spurs. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Dallas disaster was predictable
by Eddie Johnson / May 7, 2007
The biggest upset in playoffs history was not all that surprising to former NBA player Eddie Johnson.
• Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Baron, luck and (maybe) subconscious racism propel Warriors
by Dennis Hans / May 4, 2007
The magnificent Baron Davis was too much for the Dallas Mavericks to handle. But he wasn’t the only factor in the Golden State Warriors stunning slaughter of a 67-win team. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Heat meltdown
by Eddie Johnson / May 1, 2007
Don't blame Dwyane Wade or Shaquille O'Neal for Miami's failure this season, says Eddie Johnson. Point fingers at their supporting cast. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Breaking down the East
by Dee Brown / April 30, 2007
Former NBA player Dee Brown is loving this season's NBA playoffs, although not overtly surprised with what's going on so far in the Eastern Conference. • Read more

[ D R A F T ]
Oden or Durant?
by Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti / April 25, 2007
Who should be the first one to come off the draft board next June? The smooth scorer with the sick boxscore line or the big man with the intimidating defense? • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Return to Raptorland
by Brad Gagnon / April 20, 2007
You’ll have to travel north of the border to find this year’s most exciting first-round playoff matchup. • Read more

[ R E G U L A R . S E A S O N ]
Booms and busts
by Eddie Johnson / April 16, 2007
Eddie Johnson was as surprised this season with the play of Toronto, Amare Stoudemire and Kevin Martin as he was disappointed with the Miami Heat, Mike Dunleavy and Chris Kaman. • Read more

[ A W A R D S ]
Mitchell for COY
by Dee Brown / April 8, 2007
A doubter at the beginning of the season, Dee Brown has now become a fan of Sam Mitchell and thinks he should be the 2006-07 Coach of the Year. • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
The good, the bad and the ugly
by Dee Brown / March 23, 2007
The next few months will define the direction in which the Celtics are headed in years to come, according to former NBA player Dee Brown. • Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
Deadline goes by without a whimper
by Eddie Johnson / February 25, 2007
They say sometimes the best trades are those you don't make. Not this time, according to Eddie Johnson.
• Read more

[ A L L - S T A R ]
Selections hard to criticize
by Marc Narducci / February 2, 2007
The fans and coaches did a good job selecting the NBA All-Stars, with a few exceptions. • Read more

[ S U N S ]
Phoenix just better than Dallas
by Eddie Johnson / January 24, 2007
The Suns may have lost six of the last eight games vs. Dallas, but former NBA player Eddie Johnson believes Phoenix will prevail in the end. • Read more

[ P A C E R S - W A R R I O R S ]
A trade that could help both teams
by Marc Narducci / January 18, 2007
Both Golden State and Indiana received value, but also some question marks in their blockbuster trade.
• Read more

[ W I Z A R D S ]
Arenas gaining on King of the Wing
by Dennis Hans / January 10, 2007
Dwyane Wade remains King of the Wing, but the wonderful Wizard of Washington, with a spectacular start to the 2006-07 season, has joined Kobe and LeBron as contenders for the throne. • Read more

[ N U G G E T S ]
It could work
by Eddie Johnson / December 21, 2006
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson thinks the Allen Iverson trade could do wonders for the Nuggets if they follow the example of the Phoenix Suns. • Read more

[ B R A W L ]
Plain fools
by Eddie Johnson / December 19, 2006
A bunch of players that just live for the moment and seem unable to plan ahead have caused the NBA another headache, according to former player Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ 7 6 E R S ]
Iverson no longer The Answer in Philadelphia
by Marc Narducci / December 12, 2006
Allen Iverson is on his way out of Philadelphia, and after years of butting heads, it’s a parting that seemed inevitable. • Read more

[ R U L E S ]
Letter to Ronnie Nunn, director of officials
by Dennis Hans / December 11, 2006
The NBA must look to its past to reconceptualize the block/charge rule. The current “beat to the spot” approach promotes undercutting, leads to bogus charge calls and has resulted in a number of serious injuries and near-miss frightening falls. • Read more

[ R U L E S ]
In NBA caste system, it's good to be "untouchable"
by Dennis Hans / November 10, 2006
Current rules and coaching philosophies have created an NBA nation of haves and have-nots. The league is now a caste system, but unlike India, where the “Untouchables” are the much-abused bottom caste, NBA Untouchables are highly privileged. • Read more

[ P R E D I C T I O N S ]
Things I'm looking forward to seeing this season
by Eddie Johnson / October 26, 2006
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson thinks the West is stronger than ever, believes Shaq is still the most dominant player and expects the Knicks to make the playoffs. • Read more

[ W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
Greece win was no upset
by Eddie Johnson / September 6, 2006
Knowing about the deep-rooted problems in American basketball and the Greeks' passion for the game, former NBA player Eddie Johnson was not at all surprised by Team USA's defeat in the semifinal of the World Championship. • Read more

[ W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
Task proves to be harder than some Americans thought
 by Roland Lazenby / September 1, 2006
Having failed to win the gold medal at the FIBA World Championships, the Americans must now take new lessons into their preparation for the Beijing Olympics. • Read more

[ W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
USA Basketball keeps rolling along
 by Marc Narducci / August 22, 2006
The American squad is displaying the type of talent and teamwork that could make the USA unbeatable in the FIBA World Championships. • Read more

[ L A K E R S ]
Time to face reality
 by Roland Lazenby / August 7, 2006
Are the Los Angeles Lakers finally getting the picture that, without Shaq, they're stuck in the middle of the pack? • Read more

[ B U L L S ]
Wallace will struggle to reach lofty expectations
 by Eddie Johnson / July 14, 2006
So is Chicago now a contender with Ben Wallace on board? 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson is very skeptic about it. • Read more

[ D R A F T ]
On draft night every GM gives himself a gold star
 by Roland Lazenby / June 29, 2006
A lot of general managers around the league got what they wished for on draft night, which may be the problem.
• Read more

[ K N I C K S ]
Still a bleak future ahead
 by Marc Narducci / June 22, 2006
The Knicks have replaced Larry Brown with Isiah Thomas, but many of their old problems won't go away with a coaching change. • Read more

[ M A V E R I C K S ]
 Get a T.O., baby?
 by Roland Lazenby / June 19, 2006
Maybe Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban needs to take a history lesson, or better yet, a chill pill, following his team's unusual and spectacular loss in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
 Game 5 winner will grab title
 by Eddie Johnson / June 17, 2006
Pay attention to Game 5 of the Finals. Whoever wins Sunday will more than likely be the next NBA champion, says former player Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
 Great playoff run could end with a thud
 by Eddie Johnson / June 7, 2006
Former NBA player Eddie Johnson is afraid the Finals may not be as entertaining as the rest of this year's playoffs. Why? Pat Riley. • Read more

[ P I S T O N S ]
 Detroit faces uncertain offseason
 by Marc Narducci / June 3, 2006
Pistons president Joe Dumars has some difficult decisions to make this summer – especially concerning free agent center Ben Wallace. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
 Orders of business
 by Eddie Johnson / May 30, 2006
What must Miami, Dallas, Detroit and Phoenix do if they want to get to the Finals? Former NBA player Eddie Johnson has the answers. • Read more

[ P I S T O N S ]
 Ben's free throws a risky, wristy proposition
 by Dennis Hans / May 25, 2006
Ben Wallace has a bum right wrist that can pop out of place at any time. So why has he stuck with a free-throw style that is all wrist, making his stroke totally dependent on his most unreliable joint? • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
 Fan-tastic again
 by Eddie Johnson / May 18, 2006
NBA fans should be happy. We are now watching the best playoff basketball in many years, according to former player Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ T R I C K S ]
 Blame America, not Europe, for the flop
 by Dennis Hans / May 15, 2006
Pat Riley is brain-dead or dishonest when he claims that crafty hoop immigrants from Europe introduced flopping to an innocent NBA. In truth, Americans were taking dives to con refs decades before Euros made it to The Show. • Read more

[ B U L L S ]
 Nocioni is "the next DeBusschere"
 by Dennis Hans / May 1, 2006
Being branded "the next Larry Bird" is too great a weight for any hoopster to bear. It’s time we gave forwards who are young, gifted and white a measuring stick they can reach. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
 Thoughts about the first round
 by Eddie Johnson / April 28, 2006
A lot has been going on in just one week of playoff basketball in the league. Former NBA player Eddie Johnson talks about it. • Read more

[ B A D . B O Y S ]
 The Barkley: The award that nobody wants
 by Roland Lazenby / April 20, 2006
We’re all bored waiting for the playoffs to get started, so it’s time to drag out the Bad Boy award. • Read more

[ S U N S ]
 Amare had to try
 by Eddie Johnson / April 13, 2006
Although things didn't work out as expected, Suns forward Amare Stoudemire helped himself tremendously by coming back this season, according to former NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ S U N S ]
 D'Antoni for MVP
 by Dennis Hans / April 8, 2006
Steve Nash won the 2005 MVP because voters said he made his teammates better. But what if the coach is even more responsible for players – Nash included – having career years? Meet the NBA’s first non-playing MVP, Mike D’Antoni. • Read more

[ D R A F T ]
 Final Four swatters have bright futures
 by Dennis Hans / April 4, 2006
The finest prospects at the Final Four were a pair of electrifying shot blockers. Florida's Joakim Noah and LSU's Tyrus Thomas are the Kirilenko and Big Ben of the 2006 NBA draft. If they declare, that is. • Read more

[ C O A C H . O F . T H E . Y E A R ]
 It's time again for the coaching beauty pageant
 by Roland Lazenby / March 30, 2006
With teams faltering a bit down the stretch, the picture for Coach of the Year gets murky. It might be time to reward those who teach. • Read more

[ K N I C K S ]
 Brown, Marbury put on a show
 by Eddie Johnson / March 21, 2006
Knicks head coach Larry Brown and star guard Stephon Marbury are butting heads in New York. It's a sad thing to see and both are to blame, according to former NBA player Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ H E A T ]
 How I'll (again) help Shaq at the stripe
 by Dennis Hans / March 12, 2006
As Shaq heads for a third straight sub-50 percent season at the charity stripe, we review his up-and-down free-throw career for clues as to how he might turn things around in time for the playoffs. • Read more

[ D E A D L I N E ]
Nuggets and Cavs helped by trades
by Dennis Hans / February 24, 2006
Denver and Cleveland add key ingredients, Orlando sees the light at end of tunnel, New York locks up the luxury-tax title, and Steve Francis lands with the one coach/teacher who can turn his deteriorating game around. • Read more

[ L E G E N D S ]
Meet the NBA's 51-60 greatest players
by Dennis Hans / February 16, 2006
TNT will pick the 10 greatest current and former NBA players who are not on the 1996 list of the 50 greatest of all time. If TNT’s “experts” don’t include Cheeks, DJ and Gus Johnson, they’re whack. • Read more

[ B O B C A T S ]
Will Bernie feel the squeeze in Charlotte?
by Roland Lazenby / February 14, 2006
Bernie Bickerstaff has been conservative and smart in Charlotte. Will it pay off next summer? • Read more

[ L A K E R S ]
Sorting out Kobe's big day
by Roland Lazenby / January 25, 2006
If nothing else, Kobe's 81 points made people perk up and take notice of an NBA regular-season game. What's the last time that happened? • Read more

[ P A C E R S ]
Artest hype is tiring
by Eddie Johnson / January 19, 2006
Troubled forward Ron Artest has ruined two seasons in a row for the Indiana Pacers – and 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson is mad about it. • Read more

[ P L A Y I N G . T I M E ]
Starting centers merit more minutes
by Dennis Hans / January 17, 2006
Even All-Star centers have seen their playing time dramatically reduced by foul trouble. We propose four rule changes to make it easy for them to average 38 free-and-easy minutes. • Read more

[ N B A D L ]
D-League faces a transition
by Roland Lazenby / January 14, 2006
There’s talent and quality play in the NBA’s Development League, but the NBA’s own general managers and basketball fans in general are proving to be a tough sell. • Read more

[ K N I C K S ]
Three wise men?
by Eddie Johnson / January 6, 2006
Isiah Thomas, Larry Brown and Stephon Marbury are the main stars in the drama that is the New York Knicks. How much is each one to blame for the team's struggles? • Read more

[ R O C K E T S ]
Blame Van Gundy
 by Eddie Johnson / December 1, 2005
Tracy McGrady's bad back is not the only reason why the Houston Rockets are struggling. Somebody should start pointing fingers at head coach Jeff Van Gundy too, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson.
• Read more

[ R U L E S ]
NBA gangs must fight dress code
 by Dennis Hans / November 12, 2005
The only way to overturn Commissioner David Stern’s repressive and ridiculous dress code is for the NBA’s rival fashion gangs, the Blings and the Slobs, to quit fighting each other and start fighting the power. • Read more

[ G A Y S ]
Don't expect coming outs in the NBA
 by Eddie Johnson / November 8, 2005
WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes recently announced she was gay. That's not likely to happen with any NBA player in the near future, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ R U L E S ]
Hip-hop hooray for the dress code
 by Eddie Johnson / October 14, 2005
While most players are complaining about the soon-to-come dress code, 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson strongly endorses the new policy. • Read more

[ H U R R I C A N E ]
Players shine in helping victims
 by Marc Narducci / September 21, 2005
NBA players do have big hearts and this has been demonstrated in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
• Read more

[ F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Contenders joust to add Fin
 by Chris Ekstrand / August 19, 2005
In the aftermath of Dallas’ decision to save luxury tax millions and part ways with Michael Finley, only one question beckons: what team wouldn’t want to add Finley to its rotation? • Read more

[ K N I C K S]
What to expect from Brown
by Eddie Johnson / July 29, 2005
Eddie Johnson played for Larry Brown during two seasons with the Pacers, so he knows first-hand what Knick players will go through from now on. • Read more

[ C A V A L I E R S ]
Hughes not the right guy
by Eddie Johnson / July 12, 2005
Signing Larry Hughes? The Cleveland Cavaliers could have done much better than that, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Why the Spurs won
by Dennis Hans / June 24, 2005
The Spurs earned the 2005 NBA crown. But their task was made considerably easier by two Tar Heels on the defending champs: Rasheed Wallace, who allowed a hot Robert Horry to tee up three treys late in Game 5, and Larry Brown, whose irrational fear of foul trouble greatly reduced the Pistons' chances to pick up an early win in San Antonio. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Questions from a casual basketball fan
 by Eddie Johnson / June 13, 2004
If you don't follow the NBA closely, you may have some questions to make about the Finals. 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson has all the answers. • Read more

[ S I X E R S ]
Turning the other Cheek(s) could prove beneficial
 by Marc Narducci / May 30, 2005
Maurice Cheeks has become the 76ers' fourth coach in two years and it just may be that the team has finally gotten things right in the hiring department. • Read more

[ P I S T O N S ]
Brown's paranoia is Heat's best friend
 by Dennis Hans / May 29, 2005
If the Pistons lose the East to the Heat, Larry Brown’s decision in Game 2 to sit Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace in the second quarter because of two measly fouls could prove to be the turning point. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Random thoughts from the second round
 by Eddie Johnson / May 19, 2005
Indiana and Detroit are boring. Amare Stoudemire is the most dominant player not named Shaq. That and more in Eddie Johnson's new column. • Read more

[ H E A T ]
Wade speeds to stardom
 by Chris Ekstrand / May 14, 2005
Dwyane Wade has ascended to stardom so rapidly, some now believe he has surpassed LeBron as the Next Big Thing. Wade has no doubt been great, but he has a stable franchise, great coaching and Shaq as a teammate. James has none of those things. • Read more

[ A W A R D S ]
Was Shaq shafted in MVP voting?
 by Marc Narducci / May 8, 2005
Miami center Shaquille O'Neal finished runner-up in the MVP balloting, which appears to be one place too low.
• Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Random thoughts about the first round
 by Eddie Johnson / May 4, 2005
17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson has plenty to say about the first round of the playoffs. Prepare for some straight shooting. • Read more

[ P I S T O N S ]
Ben Wallace for MVP
 by Dennis Hans / April 25, 2005
Piston center Ben Wallace is a poor man's Bill Russell who delivers a great performance every night on an average starter’s salary. Thus, he’s perfect for our new MVP formula, which stresses the "value" in "most valuable." • Read more

[ H I S T O R Y ]
Basketball in America
 by David Friedman / April 18, 2005
Lots of things drastically changed in the United States in the 70s – and the NBA was no exception. Basketball in America analyzes exactly what happened in the league during those years. • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Antoine back where "volume shooting" began
 by Dennis Hans / April 16, 2005
Before 'Toine there was Tommy – Heinsohn, that is – a jack-it-up All-Star power forward for the Boston Celtics who won eight rings on the most running-and-gunning team in NBA history. • Read more

[ C O A C H . O F . T H E . Y E A R ]
D'Antoni is the right choice
 by Eddie Johnson / April 6, 2005
You have to give Nate McMillan and Scott Skiles a lot of credit for what they accomplished this season. But you also should give Mike D'Antoni the award for Coach of the Year, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ D R A F T ]
Fine NBA prospects at Final Four
 by Dennis Hans / April 5, 2005
Watching collegians jack up 20-footers and play zone defenses is not the best way to evaluate their pro potential. Nevertheless, it appears that some of the big names at the Final Four are ready to help an NBA team.
 • Read more

[ L A K E R S ]
Postseason status in deep doubt
 by Marc Narducci / March 16, 2005
Instead of priming for another long playoff run, Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are fighting for their postseason lives this year. • Read more

[ S U N S ]
Nash for MVP?
 by Eddie Johnson / March 9, 2005
Steve Nash has been playing MVP-caliber basketball all season. But that may not be enough for the Suns guard to win the Maurice Podoloff trophy, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ L A K E R S ]
Kobe Bryant: Perception vs. reality
by David Friedman / February 25, 2005
Kobe Bryant has been at the center of much turmoil. Disregarding off-the-court issues, there is an interesting basketball question to consider – is Kobe Bryant a true superstar or merely a highly talented, selfish scorer?
• Read more

[ T I M B E R W O L V E S ]
Assessing KG: Untapped offensive potential
by Dennis Hans / February 11, 2005
Kevin Garnett has the tools it takes to score at will while shooting 53-55 percent from the field. But his tendency to settle for jumpshots and a limited, predictable offensive repertoire is holding him back. • Read more

[ P H I L . J A C K S O N ]
Jax should set sights on Big Apple
by Eddie Johnson / February 10, 2005
Going back to New York would make much more sense for Phil Jackson than returning to La-La land, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ S N U B B E D ]
All-Star time means All-Star snubs
by Marc Narducci / February 9, 2005
Every year, there is as much attention to the players snubbed from the All-Star team as those who made it. This season, there shouldn't be as many arguments with the choices. • Read more

[ T I M B E R W O L V E S ]
Assessing KG: The low-impact defender
by Dennis Hans / February 7, 2005
Kevin Garnett is a very good but “low-impact” defender. Is he low-impact because of the way he’s coached, the way he chooses to play, physical limitations that prevent him from being a monster, or a combination of all three? • Read more

[ H E A T ]
Hacker Shaq invites Hack-a-Shaq
by Dennis Hans / January 28, 2005
Shaq’s free-throw woes are the result of his atrocious "Shaq of Diamonds" delivery. Bad golfers don’t improve by banging balls on their own, and Shaq won’t improve by practicing his flawed stroke. But the Heat have failed to fix what ails him. • Read more

[ H E A T ]
A cooling off period for the Heat
by Marc Narducci / January 26, 2005
The Miami Heat still enjoy a commanding lead in the Eastern Conference, but center Shaquille O'Neal and coach Stan Van Gundy are showing concern. And their worries are more than justified. • Read more

[ S I X E R S ]
Iverson playing at MVP level
by Marc Narducci / January 23, 2005
Few players are doing more for their team this season than 76ers point guard Allen Iverson. The "Answer" could be the answer to a simple question: name a leading mid-season MVP candidate in the NBA. • Read more

[ S L A C K I N G . O F F ]
Playing hard, or hardly playing?
by Gregory Broome / January 17, 2005
Admitted coasters Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter and Rasheed Wallace are being kicked around by the media for their recent confessions. But only one deserves the beating. • Read more

[ T I M B E R W O L V E S ]
You could see this coming
by Eddie Johnson / January 12, 2005
Many NBA analysts are surprised by the mediocre performance of the Minnesota Timberwolves so far this season. 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson is not one of them. • Read more

[ S U N S ]
Phoenix following formula of champion '71 Bucks
by Dennis Hans / January 6, 2005
The Phoenix Suns are implementing the winning recipe of the 1971 world-champion Milwaukee Bucks: Take a young, high-scoring center, add a seasoned playmaker and three pinches of speed and skill, then cook on high until opposition boils. • Read more

[ V I N C E . C A R T E R ]
Chris Rock and the Vinsanity defense
by Dennis Hans / December 30, 2004
Logic, videotape and a Chris Rock one-liner establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Vince Carter did not sabotage a Raptors comeback attempt November 19. His accusers were predisposed to believe the worst, which led them to misinterpret Carter’s actions and intent. • Read more

[ P O W E R . F O R W A R D S ]
Don't know much about history
by Dennis Hans / December 10, 2004
When Steve Kerr asserts that Dirk, KG, Duncan, Andrei, Rasheed and Lamar have revolutionized the power forward position, he disrespects the NBA legends who, back in the day, did everything these kids do, only better. • Read more

[ S C O R I N G ]
Showtime returns
by Eddie Johnson / December 7, 2004
Teams with high-octane offenses like Phoenix, Washington, Seattle, Cleveland or Orlando remind 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson of those squads in which he played in the late 80s. • Read more

[ P A C E R S ]
Artest's intensity not the key to his greatness
by Dennis Hans / December 5, 2004
Some argue that Ron Artest would be ordinary without the competitive fire that, on occasion, burns too brightly. But what really makes him great are his physical gifts and an array of skills he has developed over the years.
• Read more

[ C A V A L I E R S ]
LeBron born too late to average triple-double
by Dennis Hans / December 1, 2004
If King James truly wants to be the first to match Oscar Robertson’s season-long triple-double, he must travel back in time to the up-tempo 1960s, when rebounds were plentiful, and join a team that needs a point guard.
• Read more

[ B R A W L ]
Stern rewards Detroit's latest Bad Boys
by Dennis Hans / November 23, 2004
David Stern’s draconian suspensions demonstrate once again that he doesn’t understand how to calibrate penalties and rewards. Whether it’s extracurricular rough stuff or on-court intentional fouls, Stern’s “solutions” make the problem worse. • Read more

[ B R A W L ]
Lethal combination
by Eddie Johnson / November 22, 2004
Players that put their personal pride ahead of the team and fans who think they have the right to do whatever they please make possible incidents like the ones we saw last Friday in Detroit, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ K O B E . B R Y A N T ]
Trying to reach the summit of greatness
by Eddie Johnson / November 12, 2004
No matter how hard he tries, Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant won't be able to match the greatness of his idol Michael Jordan, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ R O C K E T S ]
Yao floundering under Van Gundy
by Dennis Hans / November 10, 2004
If the graceful giant with the feathery touch is to ever be all that he can be, he must ignore or escape from a Houston coaching staff that has turned him into the tallest and least effective specialist at trying to draw a charge. • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Ainge's blueprint not yet in focus
by Chris Ekstrand / November 9, 2004
Danny Ainge took over the Celtics planning to emulate the front office successes of former teammates Kevin McHale and Larry Bird. 18 months into the process, however, Ainge’s Celtics are on an uncertain path.
• Read more

[ T R A D E . D E M A N D S ]
Bad timing
by Eddie Johnson / October 6, 2004
Several stars of the league have asked to be traded in the last few weeks. Wrong move, says 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ K A R L . M A L O N E ]
Mailman's ring has San Antonio address
by Dennis Hans / September 21, 2004
The best chance for Karl Malone to earn that elusive championship ring is as a Spur. But if he really wants a challenge, a few other title contenders – including the Jazz – need him more. • Read more

[ T E A M . U S A ]
NBA not the root of problems
by Eddie Johnson / September 1, 2004
The NBA has been taking a beating for the failure of the U.S. team in Athens. But there is plenty of blame to go around for the demise of American basketball, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ O L Y M P I C . G A M E S ]
Causes of the disaster
by Marc Narducci / August 27, 2004
Despite all its flaws, the U.S. Olympic team had enough talent to win the gold medal in Athens. But for a variety of reasons, the big prize slipped through its collective fingers. • Read more

[ O L Y M P I C . G A M E S ]
U.S. showing improvement
by Marc Narducci / August 20, 2004
After opening the Olympics with an embarrassing effort, the U.S. has shown improvement in the last two games. Is it enough to win a medal? • Read more

[ O L Y M P I C . G A M E S ]
10 reasons why the U.S. should claim gold
by Marc Narducci / August 13, 2004
Since USA Basketball began sending pros to the Olympics in 1992, this is the first time there is serious doubt about the United States' chance to win the gold. There are 10 reasons why that doubt should be erased.
• Read more

[ O L Y M P I C . G A M E S ]
Team USA short of shooters
by Dennis Hans / August 6, 2004
The squad has talent, but what's missing from the mix is deadeye shooters like Michael Redd. To win gold, Larry Brown must tighten his rotation, bench most of his bigs and surround TD with the best of his so-so shooters.
 • Read more

[ M A R K E T ]
Rating the early offseason winners
by Marc Narducci / August 5, 2004
With superstars such as Shaq and T-Mac traded, this has not been a normal offseason. Through a series of deals, various teams have moved up or solidified their position as contenders. Others have fallen way back.
 • Read more

[ C O T T O N . F I T Z S I M M O N S ]
A great coach and a father figure
by Eddie Johnson / July 28, 2004
Cotton Fitzsimmons had an impact on the life of many people. To Eddie Johnson, whom Cotton coached in Kansas City and Phoenix, he was like a dad. • Read more

[ S U N S ]
One big man away from contention
by Eddie Johnson / July 2, 2004
With the addition of Steve Nash, the Suns are almost a lock for the playoffs next year. But if they want to get to the next level, they will have to find a quality big man, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson.
• Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Why Detroit won
by Dennis Hans / June 15, 2004
Ben Wallace’s all-court hustle and solid solo defense on Shaquille O'Neal, Chauncey Billups’ scoring and leadership at the point, and hard-luck Karl Malone’s untimely knee injury are the key factors as the Detroit Pistons topple the Los Angeles Lakers in five games and shock the world. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Pistons can win with Ben on Shaq
by Dennis Hans / June 6, 2004
It takes a great low-post defender to slow down a great low-post scorer. Spurs and Wolves are sitting at home because Shaq had his way with journeymen while 7-foot, all-league defenders named Duncan and Garnett guarded Malone. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
10 reasons the Lakers will win the NBA title
by Jason McIntyre / June 2, 2004
Back in November every pundit picked the Lakers to win the NBA finals. Although the foundation of the franchise is rumbling, the Lakers are still the easy pick. Here are 10 reasons why. • Read more

[ D R A F T ]
76ers still not full of Nelson
by Marc Narducci / May 30, 2004
Jameer Nelson became a local hero this season in Philadelphia, leading Saint Joseph's one game shy of the Final Four. He swept virtually all major college player of the year awards and captivated a town known more for pro sports. So why aren't the 76ers sold on him? • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Recipe for an upset
by Eddie Johnson / May 25, 2004
Minnesota and Detroit are the underdogs in the NBA Conference Finals. But both Wolves and Pistons have a very good shot at winning their series if they do five things, according to 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson.
• Read more

[ S P U R S ]
Protest challenge is a brilliant move
by Dusty Garza / May 14, 2004
Following Thursday's game, the Spurs filed a protest claiming the Lakers' winning shot was bogus. Regardless of the outcome, the move may pay big dividends for San Antonio. • Read more

[ L A K E R S ]
Shaq's free-throw fix is in 2002 tape
by Dennis Hans / May 6, 2004
Shaq had great success at the charity stripe in 2002, but his shooting form has deteriorated dramatically. If he doesn't fix the flaws, the Lakers have no chance against the Spurs. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Watch out for these guys
by Eddie Johnson / May 3, 2004
Superstars need team players to help them guide franchises to the promise land. There will be some to which we have to pay special attention in the second round of the playoffs, according 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
Shaq and Yao among poorest performers
by Dennis Hans / April 26, 2004
Big names, both on the court and off, are letting fans and teammates down. They need to get their act together before it's too late. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
First round will produce a few surprises
by Eddie Johnson / April 16, 2004
Another year with no upsets in the first round of the NBA playoffs? Don't bank on it, says 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson. • Read more

[ C O A C H . O F . T H E . Y E A R ]
Give Phil the award
by Dennis Hans / April 1, 2004
Although Phil Jackson would have come up short in a beauty contest against his fellow coaches, his insight and unflappable nature give him the edge over a strong field of candidates – including an impressive rookie crop.
• Read more

[ R U L E S ]
Compute to achieve
by Dennis Hans / March 15, 2004
The NBA's “Read to Achieve” campaign is leading American kids to dead-end, low-paying futures. In fact, if NBA poobahs weren't themselves so deficient in basic math, they’d see the obvious numerical solutions to festering on-court problems. • Read more

[ S T E R E O T Y P E S ]
Deceptive quickness
by Dennis Hans / March 9, 2004
Why do announcers describe quick white players as “deceptively quick?" Because they equate white skin with 100 pounds of fat. They’re surprised by Oliver Miller’s quick feet given all that girth, and Kirk Hinrich’s quick feet given all that paleness. • Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
Misfit Rasheed is Pistons' perfect fit
by Dennis Hans / February 20, 2004
Joe Dumars, the good man from the “Bad Boys” championship teams, makes the deal that could bring rings to the blue-collar Pistons. Stevenson, Giricek, Van Horn and Thomas join teams that best suit their talents.
• Read more

[ A L L - S T A R ]
All-Star game should be Lefty vs. Righty
by Dennis Hans / February 9, 2004
Until the Eastern Conference gets its act together, the NBA All-Star Game should pit the best lefties against the best righties. Unless, that is, you righties are scared to death you’ll get your booties kicked. • Read more

[ N E T S ]
Kidd gets wish
by Jason McIntyre / January 26, 2004
Jason Kidd wanted coach Byron Scott gone since last summer, and it finally happened Monday. But how can the Nets fire a coach that went to two straight NBA finals, and was leading his division? • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Baker's battle
by Chad Finn / January 25, 2004
A relapse of his alcoholism has cost Vin Baker a shot at an impressive comeback with the Boston Celtics – and perhaps a whole lot more. • Read more

[ T R A D E ]
Re-shaping the Cavs
by Bruce Meyer / January 22, 2004
While the Cleveland Cavaliers obviously are building around LeBron James, their two recent trades show one other unmistakable trend: molding the team in the image of coach Paul Silas. • Read more

[ T V . B R O A D C A S T S ]
The good, bad and ugly of NBA TV
by Dennis Hans / January 19, 2004
No, TNT and ESPN's coverage hasn't been quite as bad as some of the 78-65 snoozefests they've had to broadcast, but both can do better. We offer some praise, some criticism, and a prescription for revitalizing change. • Read more

[ K N I C K S ]
Finally, it's Lenny
by Jason McIntyre / January 15, 2004
It took long enough for the Knicks to put coach Don Chaney out of his misery and hire old reliable Lenny Wilkens. But is it too late for the Knicks to make a run and reach the playoffs? Not quite. • Read more

[ K N I C K S ]
Marbury a steal
by Jason McIntyre / January 5, 2004
Isiah Thomas, as predicted, is already shaking things up in New York. Monday, he acquired Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway, a move that suddenly makes the Knicks dangerous in the East. • Read more

[ K N I C K S ]
Zeke's the right move
by Jason McIntyre / December 23, 2003
Isiah Thomas brings the Knicks organization the star power it's sorely been missing since trading Latrell Sprewell. Expect improvements. Fast. • Read more

[ B L A Z E R S ]
Need a reality check, Rasheed?
by Jason McIntyre / December 15, 2003
Blazers star continues to fall. Last week's comments about race relations and the NBA were baseless, wrong, and could cripple the free-agent-to-be. • Read more

[ R U L E S ]
Increase scoring by restoring freedom of movement
by Dennis Hans / December 9, 2003
The NBA wants an up-tempo, exciting, high-scoring game, but the Rules Committee’s misguided “solutions” exacerbate the problems that they’re intended to solve. • Read more

[ B U L L - R A P T O R S ]
Rose-y deal?
by Dean Serravalle / November 30, 2003
Long rumored to happen, the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls finally pulled the trigger on the first major blockbuster NBA deal of the season. And although both teams believe they got what they wanted, is there a knockout winner? • Read more

[ M A G I C ]
The Doc is not in
by Mike Tuck / November 19, 2003
The Orlando Magic were a playoff team three of the last four years, but a league worst 1-10 record and an upset superstar was the poison that led to the firing of head coach Doc Rivers. • Read more

[ N E W . S E A S O N ]
LeBron. Litigation. Legendary Lakers?
by Jason McIntyre / October 27, 2003
LeBron James' arrival has risen the Cavaliers from the grave and made them relevant for the first time since Michael Jordan buried them in 1989. The Lakers are loaded, but can they overcame a court case and a Kobe-Shaq feud? • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Why is 'Toine gone?
by Chad Finn / October 20, 2003
Antoine Walker teamed with Paul Pierce to give the Boston Celtics one of the most exciting duos in the NBA. So why is Walker a member of the Dallas Mavericks today? Only Danny Ainge knows for sure, and his explanation thus far makes little sense. • Read more

[ W O M E N ' S . B A S K E T B A L L ]
Should the WNBA survive?
by Clay Kallam / September 23, 2003
The NBA has spent seven years supporting the WNBA, and it's still not making a profit. Should the owners pull the plug, or should women keep getting paid to play? • Read more

[ W A R R I O R S ]
A golden opportunity lost
by Chad Finn / September 20, 2003
Led by compelling young stars Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, the Golden State Warriors were one of the NBA's most exciting and improved teams in 2002-03. But as the new season nears, Arenas and Jamison are playing elsewhere, while Warriors fans are left with one lingering question: Why?
• Read more

[ H A W K S ]
Letting the Jet fly away
by Dean Serravalle / September 13, 2003
For a team in perpetual disarray, the Atlanta Hawks have done little to reward consistent efforts. After showing leading scorer Glenn Robinson the door, the Hawks have left it wide open for Jason Terry to sign with the Jazz. A wise choice? • Read more

[ P A C E R S ]
Isiah no prophet
by Dean Serravalle / August 28, 2003
Once vicious rivals on the court, and now recent divorcees off of it, Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas have had quite the history leading up to Thomas' dismissal as head coach of the Indiana Pacers. Is it simply a matter of oil and water chemistry, or possibly ego? • Read more

[ N A T I O N A L . T E A M S ]
International glory or professional ruin?
by Dean Serravalle / August 25, 2003
No man can serve two masters, a wise preacher once said. But with the opportunity to create history on a global stage, more NBA pros are suiting up for their country's national team in the summer. Is it worth the risk of injury? • Read more

[ C L I P P E R S ]
Should L.A. beat the Heat?
by Morris O'Kelly / August 14, 2003
It’s another year and with it another season full of playoff expectations for the Clippers. The team has already matched offers to keep Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, but now they are faced with deciding whether to do the same for Lamar Odom. • Read more

[ B R Y A N T . C A S E ]
Kobe's slump
by Dean Serravalle / August 7, 2003
If you're Mark Cuban, the Kobe Bryant scandal makes for good business and great reality TV. If you're under a media tent in Eagle County, it makes for scintillating drama and Shakespearean tragedy. But if you're Kobe Bryant, it makes for nothing more than a shot at innocence. If only it were as easy as a free throw. • Read more

[ M A V E R I C K S ]
Standing pat, for now
by Ken Turetzky / August 6, 2003
Dallas missed the boat on free agents Alonzo Mourning, Brad Miller, Karl Malone and other frontcourt players. Meanwhile, their opponents in the West all made improvements. Should the Mavs consider breaking up the Big Three to get a top rebounder? • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Caught in a gold rush
by Tim O'Sullivan / July 29, 2003
Is this an NBA offseason or a reenactment of Westward Expansion? Players are relocating like it's the 1849 gold rush. But have the Celtics and their new head of prospector Danny Ainge been left in the wagon trail's dust? • Read more

[ F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Escape from L.A.
by Chad Finn / July 19, 2003
The Los Angeles Clippers may not lose as many players to free agency as their fans first feared. But they've already lost their shot at something special. • Read more

[ F R E E . A G E N C Y ]
Going, going . . . staying?
by Chad Finn / July 5, 2003
Jason Kidd is probably re-signing with the Nets, and Jermaine O'Neal doesn't want to leave the Pacers. But the 2003 free-agent class still has a lot to offer. Just ask the Lakers. • Read more

[ D R A F T ]
Picking apart the draft
by Chad Finn / June 27, 2003
So who were the winners and losers in the NBA Draft? Hey, not even Nostradamus or Dick Vitale know for sure right now. But our lack of a trustworthy crystal ball won't stop us from firing up a few post-draft opinions.
• Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Another Spur in the saddle
by Dean Serravalle / June 15, 2003
The San Antonio Spurs are well deserved NBA champions for many obvious reasons. Take your choice between MVP Tim Duncan, an Eastern Conference inferiority complex, or the twin towers, but never underestimate the gold at the end of every NBA championship rainbow – matchups. • Read more

[ F I N A L S ]
Can't anybody here play this game?
by Chad Finn / June 13, 2003
This NBA Finals isn't the worst in recent history... But with another 77-76 score and a few more rim-rattling bricks, it might just stake its very own claim to infamy. • Read more

[ R U L E S ]
How to fix the cruel foul-out rule
by Dennis Hans / May 25, 2003
The foul-out rule is a horrible one. But the good news is that there are simple, practical ways to fix it, so the end result is a clean game decided by the players. • Read more

[ F R E E . T H R O W S ]
Pistons and Spurs pay a price for ignoring shooting guru's advice
by Dennis Hans / May 24, 2003
A look at Dennis Hans's pivotal if indirect role in the outcome of three Conference Final games. • Read more

[ C O A C H E S ]
That's right, Van Gundy's a catch
by Tim O'Sullivan / May 21, 2003
Can Jeff Van Gundy really be the ultimate prize in the coaching treasure hunt? The same Van Gundy who looked like a miniature poodle clinging to Alonzo Mourning's ankle in a vain attempt to stop a fight? Don't let the short, balding, rumpled, toy-dog appearance fool you, Van Gundy is worth his weight in gold. • Read more

[ L A K E R S ]
Reaping what they sowed
by Morris O'Kelly / May 16, 2003
The complacency, arrogance and front office inactivity finally caught up with the Lakers. With no backup center, no legitimate power forward and a semi-in-shape Shaquille O'Neal this had to happen. • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
Wiggling for Walker
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 28, 2003
The knee-jerk mob in Boston that lives on the sports talk radio airwaves is calling for Antoine Walker's head. Please Mr. Ainge, don't give it to them. You need more all-stars, not less. • Read more

[ R A P T O R S ]
Silas the Savior?
by Dean Serravalle / May 7, 2003
You’re a proven NBA coach and there is a vacant position on a team with superstar talent like Vince Carter, veteran leadership in Antonio Davis, sold out crowds, economic support from management to win an NBA title, and a top pick in this year’s draft. So what’s the catch? • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F ]
Pacers choking on fish bones
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 28, 2003
The Pacers had it all, every advantage against the Celtics in their first-round playoff series. Indiana held the edge in talent, depth and home-court advantage. Now, down 3-1 and facing a third consecutive first-round exit, all the Pacers have is a list of clichés like "do or die" and "backs against the wall." You can add another, "no guts, no glory." • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F ]
"We were number one!"
by Daniel Walsh / April 23, 2003
After watching games one and two of the San Antonio Spurs/Phoenix Suns playoff series, this is a chant that Spurs fans may be saying in a few days. • Read more

[ O F F I C I A T I N G ]
Block/charge interpretation is ruining the NBA
by Dennis Hans / April 21, 2003
Refs reward bowling-pin defenders and discourage the artistic running one-handers that make the game worth watching. • Read more

[ M I C H A E L . J O R D A N ]
Legacy poluted, not tarnished
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 16, 2003
When Michael Jordan decided to re-return to the NBA court two years ago, there was a deafening outcry from fans and critics alike imploring MJ to stay retired and not tarnish his legacy. Now that the third chapter of his career has come to a close, it's clear that it was impossible to tarnish Jordan's 24-karat legacy, but it might have been a bit diluted. • Read more

[ D R A F T ]
Analysis at the Final Four
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 8, 2003
Five leading men took center stage at the Final Four, college basketball's biggest show: Syracuse's Carmelo Anthony, Kansas' Nick Collison and Kirk Hinrich, Marquette's Dwayne Wade and Texas' TJ Ford. All are potential lottery picks, but whose performance will have the greatest impact on their draft stock? • Read more

[ W A R . I N . I R A Q ]
Should the games be played?
by Daniel Walsh / March 21, 2003
With our country at War, sportswriters often pose this question. Not this sportswriter. • Read more

[ R U L E S ]
Age should be no limit
by Tim O'Sullivan / March 15, 2003
Mozart was composing musical masterpieces by age four, so why should the NBA turn a deaf ear to young basketball prodigies and their own brand of artistry? Any age limit for the league would be un-American and create a languishing upper echelon of talent in the hypocritical NCAA. • Read more

[ O L Y M P I C S ]
Caught in a five ring circus
by Tim O'Sullivan / March 8, 2003
So NBA players, you want to be part of the Olympics? No problem, just pee in
this cup and welcome to the five ring circus. • Read more

[ R E F E R E E I N G ]
Flak for officials may be justified
by Justin Arnold / March 1, 2003
Never has an NBA season gone by in which there hasn’t been some talk about the officiating. But this year, the knocks on the grey shirts seem especially loud. Is the officiating any worse than in past seasons? • Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
When deadlines come alive
by Daniel Walsh / February 21, 2003
Last Thursday, the NBA trade deadline came and went and came and went and came and… Well, you get the picture. Here’s a quick recap of the dealings. • Read more

[ P A C E R S ]
Who's bad?
by Daniel Walsh / February 4, 2003
Many sports fans around the country are drawing comparisons between Isiah Thomas’ Indiana Pacers and his old Detroit Piston Bad Boy teams. But are the Pacers that bad? • Read more

[ C O A C H E S ]
Thomas on pace for Coach of the Year, but there's a darkhorse
by Graham Flashner / January 26, 2003
The coach of the most dangerous team in the East isn’t Byron Scott, but Isiah Thomas. The coach of the most improved team in the West isn’t Don Nelson, but Eric Musselman. Halfway through the season, both men are on a collision course for Coach of the Year honors. • Read more

[ C A V A L I E R S ]
Lucas' team lacked identity
by Bruce Meyer / January 21, 2003
Few people in Cleveland will argue with the firing of Cavs Coach John Lucas. Despite the lack of firepower he was given to work with, the fact is the team was bad and getting worse. • Read more

[ A L L - S T A R ]
Time to scrap the tradition?
by Daniel Walsh / January 15, 2003
Starters for the NBA All-Star Game will be announced on January 23, while reserves will be announced on January 28. Who belongs and who doesn’t belong? A closer look at the situation reveals the need for a different kind of debate. • Read more

[ K O B E . O R . T - M A C ? ]
Rings don't make Bryant the man
by Justin Arnold / January 11, 2003
Even with three rings, Kobe Bryant is not the best all-around player in the NBA. That distinction should belong to Tracy McGrady. While their numbers are similar, Bryant's game is helped greatly by him playing with the big fella sporting the Superman tattoo. • Read more

[ D E F E N S E ]
Zone revival at last
by Tim O'Sullivan / December 19, 2002
Like Pistons center Ben Wallace exploding from the weak-side baseline to send a soft floater into the fifth row, the zone defense has crept up on the NBA this season to produce some startling results. • Read more

[ N E T S ]
The Dikembe factor... or is it non-factor?
by Jon Finkel / December 13, 2002
The New Jersey Nets made a huge offseason move to sign veteran defensive center Dikembe Mutombo. After not playing well this year, Mutombo is hurt, but does it hurt the Nets? • Read more

[ S T A T I S T I C S ]
When numbers lie
by Dennis Hans / November 27, 2002
ESPN’s bogus “Offensive Efficiency Rating” says Grant Hill is twice as efficient as Antoine Walker and Chris Webber. We show the broadcast giant where it went wrong and how it can go right. • Read more

[ L O W . S C O R I N G ]
The league that can't shoot straight
by Graham Flashner / November 21, 2002
74-53. Once upon a time, that was a halftime score in the NBA. This season, it was a final, Detroit outlasting Denver. While you wouldn’t know it from watching Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant or Allen Iverson, NBA point production is dropping faster than the S&P index. Who’s to blame, and why? • Read more

[ R A P T O R S ]
Air delay?
by Dean Serravalle / November 20, 2002
After having temporarily shelved the air attack, the Raptors have gone with what seems to be a more aggressive, gritty ground attack similar to the brand of basketball that earned them a last minute position and a near upset of the Pistons in the playoffs, prompting the same resurfacing question: Are they better as a team without Vince Carter? • Read more

[ W H I T E . P L A Y E R S ]
Where have all the honkies gone?
by Dennis Hans / October 30, 2002
In the NBA, if you see a young white guy who can really play, bet the farm he’s from far away. • Read more

[ J A S O N . W I L L I A M S ]
From fad to fade
by Tim O'Sullivan / October 8, 2002
Being Jason Williams is out of style. Once as chic as being John Malkovich, the NBA's multiple Jason Williams are now facing murder charges, changing their names, or, in the case of the Grizzlies' Jason Williams, simply falling off the map. • Read more

[ B L A Z E R S ]
Get rid of Damon
by Stephen Siegel / October 1, 2002
Last week, Damon Stoudamire made the proclamation that has come to sound all too familiar in professional team sports these days: “Start me or trade me.” Damon’s contributions to the Blazers in his four-and-a-half year tenure with the team have been undeniable. But the detriment he has caused the team is just as undeniable.
• Read more

[ W A R R I O R S ]
New coach, same old Warriors
by AJ Hayes / September 18, 2002
With a new coach, Eric Musselman, and No. 3 draft pick Mike Dunleavy signed, the Warriors were hoping to avoid the type of personality conflicts that has plagued the organization for years. Unfortunately, the team couldn't make it through summer mini-camp without the team's best rebounder sniping at the team's top scorer.
• Read more

[ B I G . M E N ]
No middle ground for centers
by Chad Rader / September 17, 2002
With Patrick Ewing’s retirement, what is the next great crop of centers in the NBA? Is there a new crop of centers? Heck, who is just the second-best center in the league today? • Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
Wide collar versus blue collar
by Tim O'Sullivan / September 13, 2002
On the surface, it looks like the Detroit Pistons got "Rip" and ripped in the Jerry Stackhouse for Richard Hamilton trade. Before Pistons fans start jumping off bridges, it would be wise to look below the surface and check the depths. • Read more

[ S W I T C H I N G . P O S I T I O N S ]
Changing your team's destiny
by Jon Finkel / September 12, 2002
Here’s a look at a few guys that have not only had to switch teams in the offseason, but will have to switch positions while in-season. All to help the team. • Read more

[ W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
Is the upset really that upsetting?
by Jon Finkel / September 5, 2002
If a United States team falls in the forest of International play without any American fans around, does it make a sound? • Read more

[ W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
Protecting history
by Dean Serravalle / September 4, 2002
All pawns are in place for a history breaking defeat of Team USA in this year's rather bland World Championships, nearly ripe for such an event. Bolstered by their own NBA representatives, European teams no longer feel inferior to the gods of basketball past, most notably The Dream Team. • Read more

[ W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
Why we don't watch
by Jon Finkel / August 28, 2002
The World Basketball Championships are here. Stay tuned for the exciting matches of Angola vs. Yugoslavia, Brazil vs. Lebanon and the exciting first round pairing of the U.S. vs Algeria. Not too exciting, huh? • Read more

[ K I N G S ]
The team to beat?
by Chad Rader / August 19, 2002
The Sacramento Kings came just short of beating the Los Angeles Lakers in the Conference Finals last season. With the addition of Keon Clark and the return of Mike Bibby, should they now be considered the main contenders? • Read more

[ O F F I C I A T I N G ]
Shaq rules!
by Dennis Hans / August 7, 2002
But the Laker giant rules in part through illegal force, which is why the NBA needs rules on how to defend and officiate him. • Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
'Big Dog' may put Hawks on short leash
by Mike Sandrolini / August 5, 2002
On paper, it appears as if Atlanta got the better end of Friday's trade that sent Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson to the Hawks for Toni Kukoc and high school phenom-turned-bust Leon Smith. But it may turn out to be at deal that will dog the Hawks this coming season. • Read more

[ W O R L D . C H A M P I O N S H I P ]
They're no Dream Team, and that's OK
by Chris Clark / August 3, 2002
It looks like the powers that will try to beat Team USA have finally gotten the hint. Or, at least, they appear to have gotten over their inferiority complex. • Read more

[ M A R K E T ]
Here's to the winners
by Graham Flashner / August 1, 2002
In the most notable NBA trades of a quiet summer, the East got bigger, the West got quicker, and the champs got better. Who were the winners, and who were the losers? At least one team won’t know which category it belongs until the season starts… • Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
Miller move a must
by Tim O'Sullivan / July 31, 2002
Why would the Cleveland Cavaliers trade their best player, point guard Andre Miller? Because high-flying forward Darius Miles is a whole lot better than the bitter taste of rejection. • Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
Luck of the Irish? Only time will tell
by Chris Clark / July 25, 2002
The Celtics might have a gambling problem. And the worst part is that in their attempt to win big, they got bluffed into what just might be the biggest sucker bet of the offseason. • Read more

[ F R E E . A G E N T S ]
A select few deserve maximum contracts
by Ed Odeven / July 10, 2002
In the topsy-turvy world of the summer hoops sweepstakes, NBA players equate respect and recognition with a lucrative contract filled with more zeroes that most of us can comprehend. Sure, if the owners are willing to pay these outrageous contracts, the players have all the right in the world to ask for them. But are they really worthy the maximum? Only a few; that's right, only a few. • Read more

[ R A P T O R S ]
What are they waiting for?
by Dean Serravalle / July 8, 2002
You’re 6-11, 27 years old, extremely athletic, a shot-blocking defensive stalwart and you’ve proven yourself in the playoffs. Not only that, but you’ve become one of the most desirable free agents. So why haven’t the Toronto Raptors already signed you, Keon Clark? • Read more

[ B U S I N E S S . A S . U S U A L ]
Draft night re-runs
by Tim O'Sullivan / June 28, 2002
 It was supposedly an historic and different draft, with a foreign player as the No. 1 pick and another five going in the first round. But the bottom line looked very familiar. A big man went first, the Clippers screwed up and there was a lot more potential than productivity as projects were picked instead of players. • Read more

[ T H E . D U N L E A V Y S ]
Father and son or neither one
by Jon Finkel / June 23, 2002
With Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Sr. available for the Golden State Warriors or the Memphis Grizzlies to take, the only question that remains is: Who is going where? • Read more

[ C H A N G E S ? ]
Can reformatting stop the Lakers?
by Bill Paterson / June 21, 2002
 With the Lakers celebrating the third of what appears to be many titles to come, fans and insiders alike are clamoring for new playoff formats designed to bring about more compelling finals matchups. Is the league the only opponent that can slow down the Los Angeles juggernaut? • Read more

[ L A K E R S ]
Call them what you want, but they've won three in a row
by Jon Finkel / June 13, 2002
 After an impressive sweep of the Nets, the Lakers earn their third straight championship as well as their place in NBA history. What place is that exactly? • Read more

[ T H E . M O S T . D O M I N A N T ]
Shaq or Jordan?
by Faraji Whalen / June 12, 2002
Shaquille O'Neal has nearly averaged 40 points and 15 rebounds per game against the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Finals. The latest of many impressive performances by the man with the number 34 on his jersey has laid the background for a new debate: Is Shaq even more dominant now than Michael Jordan was in his prime?
• Read more

[ I N S T A N T . R E P L A Y ]
Handle with caution
by Tim O'Sullivan / June 9, 2002
 Technology is a double-edged sword. For every pro, there's a con. Officials using instant replay is no exception. Just ask the NFL. And now the NBA is threatening, or is it promising, to introduce replay to the game of professional basketball. • Read more

[ N B A . F I N A L S ]
Main point: Lakers own the paint
by Joe Whalen / June 6, 2002
For the third consecutive year, Los Angeles enters the NBA Finals with a disadvantage at one position: point guard. And for the third straight June, the Lakers will negate their opponent's edge at the point by dominating the paint. • Read more

[ E X P A N S I O N ? ]
Larry Legend shoots for Charlotte
by Bill Paterson / May 23, 2002
 So, basketball deity Larry Bird and his towel-waving chum M.L. Carr want to set up shop in Charlotte? Why not? Hornets fans stopped supporting the team only because they didn't care for the owner George Shinn, right? Yeah, sure. • Read more

[ C O N F E R E N C E . F I N A L S ]
The Kings hope for some Peja-vu
by Graham Flashner / May 21, 2002
It’s tempting to think the Sacramento Kings would have a 2-0 lead on the Lakers if they’d had the services of Peja Stojakovic. But don’t be fooled: the current champions played as poorly in Game 2 as they played brilliantly in Game 1. • Read more

[ A W A R D S ]
Duncan MVP? Are you Kidd-ing?
by Bill Paterson / May 9, 2002
 With last year’s MVP, Allen Iverson, out of the race, the 2002 competition was wide open. Shaq? Kobe? Pierce? McGrady? Webber? Nada. In the end, it came down to Tim Duncan and Jason Kidd. And, sadly, the voters took the easy way out. • Read more

[ T R A D E S ]
Is this The Answer for Vince-anity?
by Dean Serravalle / May 8, 2002
 Superstar for Superstar. Ground attack for Air Attack. Guts for Style. Anyway you look at it, speculation surrounding a possible one for one trade involving Allen Iverson and Vince Carter sounds intriguing. But is it rumor, or is there method to the madness? • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
A fork in the road for Boston
by Tim O'Sullivan / May 7, 2002
 It has taken the Antoine Walker/Paul Pierce-led Boston Celtics four years to figure out how to win on the road during the regular season. How long will it take them to decipher the secrets to winning on the road in the playoffs? • Read more

[ C H I N E S E . S E N S A T I O N ]
Don't bet on a Ming dynasty
by Graham Flashner / May 5, 2002
 As far as Chinese exports go, few will arrive with as much anticipation as the 7-5 center Yao Ming. The NBA is ready to anoint Ming as the next Shaquille O'Neal, but lottery picks of past years suggest that Ming will be lucky if he can be the next Rik Smits. • Read more

[ P L A Y O F F S ]
So long... So good?
by Jon Finkel / May 2, 2002
 What - does - this - sentence - have - in - common - with - the - National - Basketball - Association - Playoffs? If you guessed that it takes too long to read, there's no sense of urgency and there is too much space in between the important components of the sentence (words), then you are now qualified to sit next to Ahmad Rashad in the NBC studio. • Read more

[ E X E C U T I V E S . O F . T H E . Y E A R ]
Resurrecting a moribund franchise
by Ed Odeven / April 25, 2002
 Nets president Rod Thorn is clearly the choice for Executive of the Year. In short, he has resurrected a woeful franchise and given fans hope for the future. Last time hope and promising future were topics simultaneously discussed when talking about the Nets was during Julius Erving’s heyday, when they were still an ABA team playing in Long Island. • Read more

[ B U C K S ]
Whatever happened to Milwaukee?
by Mike Sandrolini / April 22, 2002
 Remember the Milwaukee Bucks? With the "Big Three" and the addition of an All-Star power forward in Anthony Mason, they were considered the best team in the Eastern Conference at the beginning of the season. After a completely forgettable year, they are now watching the playoffs on television. Why? • Read more

[ C E L T I C S ]
The Boston Garden vs the Fleet Center
by Jon Finkel / April 21, 2002
 With the Fleet Center hosting its first playoff series, the Boston Garden and Celtics of old remind the young arena and players about the old days. • Read more

[ S T R E N G T H . T R A I N I N G ]
Improving strength, a pre-requisite to enter the NBA
by Michael Wood / April 14, 2002
Athletes are learning at a younger age the importance of sport-specific training and the positive implications it has on the basketball court. Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation with college basketball players and playing time. The stronger, quicker, more explosive athletes basically play more minutes than those less conditioned. • Read more

[ P I S T O N S ]
Beasts of the East again... How?
by Jon Finkel / April 12, 2002
 While short shorts and names like Laimbeer, Thomas, Johnson and Rodman are no longer a part of the Detroit Pistons, the names of Wallace and Stackhouse are. And with some help from their teammates, they are back to being number one. • Read more

[ A W A R D S ]
Scott should net Coach of the Year honors
by Gregg T. Carbone / April 11, 2002
Forget about Michael Jordan’s comeback. Pay no attention to the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons’ return NBA prominence. Keep the run and fun Clippers, the juggernaut Lakers and Shaq’s big toe. This NBA season has been all about the New Jersey Nets. • Read more

[ W I Z A R D S ]
Jordan's rules to make
by Tim O'Sullivan / April 5, 2002
Chapter one, Book three of the Michael Jordan epic has ended with the anti-climatic swell of a knee. So the question remains, was the greatest basketball story ever told enhanced or diminished by this latest addendum?
• Read more

[ D E F E N S E . M A T T E R S ]
It's not just about scoring
by Ed Odeven / April 4, 2002
 Pat Riley is out of the playoffs, Jeff Van Gundy is out of the league and Larry Brown is struggling with the Sixers this season. With teams like Sacramento and Dallas coincidentally on top of the NBA rankings, it would seem like preaching D is increasingly out of fashion. Defense is dead, some people say. Take no notice of that.
• Read more

[ J U S T I C E . I N . T H E . N B A ]
Not blind... just dumb
by Jim Sacco / April 3, 2002
 David Stern and Stu Jackson must be wrestling fans. The month of March saw Dave and Stu turn the hardwood into the “squared circle” as they handed out lopsided justice with such panache that it made the World Wrestling Federation’s Vince McMahon blush. • Read more

[ T E A M S . B E L O W .. 3 5 0 ]
Welcome to the Southern Conference
by Jon Finkel / March 30, 2002
 West or East. Everyone in the NBA is talking about the West or the East. What about the South? The deep South, the Antarctic Circle of the NBA where the temperature is a chilly .350 winning percentage or below. There are teams here, too. • Read more

[ C O N F E R E R E N C E S ]
East slowly narrowing gap on the West
by Rich Thomaselli / March 27, 2002
 There's little doubt that the next champion will yet again come from the West. The Eastern teams are still far – but not as far as they were last season. • Read more

[ A G E . L I M I T ]
It's elementary: Turn 18, then turn pro
by Mike Sandrolini / March 21, 2002
The eclosion of LeBron James has posed a new dilemma: Should a player be allowed to enter the NBA even before getting a high school diploma? • Read more

[ K A R L . V S . R I V E R S ]
Word games become serious
by Tim O'Sullivan / March 16, 2002
It started as verbal jousting with pillow-tipped lances. But the George Karl-Doc Rivers feud has taken a turn for the worse after Karl removed the pillows to reveal a dangerous point. • Read more

[ U N D E R A C H I E V E R S ]
A year with Disappointment
by Jim Sacco / March 14, 2002
 Disappointment can be a dirty old S.O.B. He’ll sit in the corner, wait for the right moment then use His funky breath to ice your jumper. Then He’ll suck the life right out of your season. He plays dirty and refs don’t call a flagrant foul on the chump. • Read more

[ U N D E R R A T E D . P L A Y E R S ]
Overlooked, but indispensable
by Rich Thomaselli / March 11, 2002
 Doug Christie, Donyell Marshall, Bobby Jackson, Tony Delk... They are never on the spotlight and will hardly take part in an All-Star any day soon. But they deserve some recognition – certainly, more than they are used to receive. • Read more

[ N E W . R U L E S ]
Zone fury signified nothing
by Tim O'Sullivan / March 4, 2002
When the NBA announced last year that they would eliminate the illegal defense rule, thus allowing zone defenses for the first time since 1961, basketball purists across the country were outraged. The truth is, it was much ado about nothing. • Read more

[ W H O ' S . T H E . W O R S T ? ]
Bulls still NBA's top bottom-feeder
by Mike Sandrolini / March 4, 2002
When you have four equally mediocre teams – such as Denver, Memphis, Chicago and Golden State – losses alone can't determine which club might be more suited to play in the CBA than in the NBA. • Read more

[ H I G H . S C H O O L E R S ]
Jordan, Krause need a mulligan
by Jim Sacco / March 4, 2002
 As you get older, recent high school grads are fine — in small doses. They are tolerable when they help you out at the local mall as they try to earn some money for college, and they are fine serving you up a cold one at the local mall restaurant. • Read more

 
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