Johnny Ludden
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Johnny Ludden
Johnny Ludden is the NBA editor for Yahoo! Sports.Send Johnny a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast. |
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D'Antoni, Suns seek change of pace December 16, 2008
For all the nostalgia that swept through US Airways Center on Monday, Mike D'Antoni needed this change as much as the Suns needed it.
Suns trade turns out the lights December 11, 2008
Trading away Raja Bell and Boris Diaw officially ends the party that was the go-go Suns.
Large audience awaits Bosh's next act December 9, 2008
If Chris Bosh can't win enough with the Raptors, will he look for a bigger stage in 2010?
Harris' game has grown since leaving Dallas December 2, 2008
The Mavericks wanted a more experienced point guard than Devin Harris. They got one. Will they wish they hadn't?
Trading Shaq brightened future for Lakers November 21, 2008
With Shaquille O'Neal no longer filling the lane or their payroll, the Lakers have had room to grow.
For the Spurs, it's just like old times November 19, 2008
Injuries have left Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich once again leaning on each other. It could be worse.
Baron finding life not so Golden with Clips November 16, 2008
Free-wheeling Baron Davis came to L.A. to build a contender. The process could be slower than he envisioned.
For McGrady, hope and health go hand in hand November 14, 2008
The Rockets have surrounded Tracy McGrady with a talented supporting cast. Danger, however, remains just an injury away.
Message sent: Lakers tower above West November 10, 2008
An impressive win over the Rockets shows the Lakers have toughened since their embarrassing NBA Finals exit.
Suns' transformation won't come fast October 31, 2008
Terry Porter hopes to make Phoenix a better defensive team. He has his work cut out for him.
Oden expected to be out 2-4 weeks October 29, 2008
Tests confirm Blazers center has mid-lateral sprain of right foot.
Oden's debut begins with another step back October 29, 2008
Blazers should wonder whether they'll be able to ever lean on their young franchise center.
Blazers' Oden sprains right foot October 29, 2008
After missing all of last season while recovering from knee surgery, Trail Blazers center Greg Oden appears headed for the injured list again.
O'Neal sees bright times in Toronto October 23, 2008
With Indiana in his rearview mirror, Jermaine O'Neal hopes to resurrect his career north of the border.
Chilly stars under the stars October 12, 2008
The NBA's first outdoor game in 36 years had a big turnout but far from ideal conditions.
Brand-less Clippers seek new identity October 4, 2008
With their leader having moved east, the Clippers look for fresh start with L.A. product Baron Davis.
Lakerland forecast: sunny and warm September 29, 2008
For the first time in a while, the Lakers are entering training camp issue-free with a happy Kobe Bryant.
Rockets see Artest as worthy risk July 30, 2008
In Houston, Ron Artest will find one of the few coaches still willing to take a chance on him.
Gallinari gives Knicks pause, then hope July 15, 2008
Danilo Gallinari's debut was at least half a success. The Knicks saw enough to remember why they drafted him.
Mayo impresses Grizzlies; Warriors find Belinelli July 14, 2008
Memphis' O.J. Mayo and Golden State's Marco Belinelli and Anthony Randolph are among early standouts in Las Vegas.
All the Kings' men might no longer include Artest July 13, 2008
With the Kings looking to move forward, Ron Artest's future could lead him 400 miles south.
Sonics leave Seattle drenched, but in better shape July 3, 2008
Nearly everyone involved in the Sonics-Seattle case looks foolish. But the bizarre limbo dance is over and the franchise can move on.
Sonics expect to be in Oklahoma next season July 2, 2008
Last-minute settlement between Sonics and city of Seattle open way for Oklahoma City move.
Kobe brightens Team USA’s hopes for gold July 2, 2008
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will bring their own star power to the Olympics, but even they will go only as far as Kobe Bryant leads them.
Grizzlies aim to make splash with Mayo June 27, 2008
The Grizzlies should sell a few more tickets with O.J. Mayo. It's now on him to help ensure they also win more games.
Lakers quit on present, look to future June 18, 2008
A stunning rout in Game 6 was far from how league MVP Kobe Bryant expected the Lakers' season to end.
Garnett's Game 5 performance smells foul June 16, 2008
Two late missed free throws added to the stench of Kevin Garnett's self-admitted "garbage" effort.
Lakers buckle under pressure June 13, 2008
After Game 4's historic collapse, critics might be right to have questioned the Lakers' toughness at the NBA Finals.
Garnett traveled tough road to first Finals June 12, 2008
Kevin Garnett has already distinguished himself as one of the game's great players. Now he wants to validate his career.
Celtics unfazed by Lakers' narrow win June 11, 2008
The Lakers snared a victory in Game 3, but the Celtics still are in control of the Finals.
Lakers' success could rest with bench June 10, 2008
The Lakers have long touted the strength of their Bench Mob. So far, Boston's less-heralded reserves have given them little to celebrate.
Lakers' bright future centers on Bynum June 8, 2008
Even from his seat on the bench, Andrew Bynum already has some Lakers dreaming of next season.
Dubious Reed: Jackson questions Pierce's injury June 6, 2008
Laughing at Paul Pierce's "Willis Reed moment?" It's about time Phil Jackson started jabbing the Celtics.
Lakers' advantage evaporates into Boston air June 6, 2008
After steamrolling through the West, the Lakers were caught off guard by the Celtics' aggressiveness.
Spurs will make changes to keep pace in West May 30, 2008
The Spurs again fell short in their repeat quest. Has their championship window finally closed?
A finish most foul May 28, 2008
The Lakers beat the Spurs at their own game Tuesday, and not just because Joey Crawford didn't blow the whistle.
Ginobili turns frustration into fuel May 26, 2008
Manu Ginobili, still hobbled by injuries, erupted in Game 3. But can he continue to carry the Spurs at this frenetic pace?
Aging Spurs a step behind May 24, 2008
With the aging Spurs struggling as the Lakers' young bench pitches in, L.A. is taking a page from San Antonio's playbook.
Spurs go as far as Ginobili can May 22, 2008
The Spurs can overcome wasting a 20-point lead, but not if Manu Ginobili's health remains a factor.
Night on the tarmac May 20, 2008
The Spurs' flight to L.A. didn't get off the ground as scheduled.
Popovich has had starring role in Spurs' success May 20, 2008
Gregg Popovich has again guided the Spurs to the Western Conference finals. David Stern can't be smiling.
Hornets have found help at home, of all places May 19, 2008
The Spurs have experience on their side. The Hornets have their home court, and that's counted more in these playoffs.
Jazz enduring arrested development May 17, 2008
The Jazz came oh-so-close before being eliminated by the Lakers in Game 6. But is their window closing before it even opened?
Bryant sturdy enough to help carry Lakers May 15, 2008
Kobe Bryant's sore back limited his shots, but not his effectiveness. His teammates expected nothing less.
Hornets now facing pressure game May 12, 2008
The Spurs have sent the Hornets back to New Orleans with reason to wonder whether home-court advantage will be enough.
Spurs hope Parker can hold own against Paul May 9, 2008
Tony Parker is both friend and rival to Chris Paul. Is it too much for the Spurs to ask him to be his equal?
Fisher's steady hand helps guide Lakers May 8, 2008
Derek Fisher left the Jazz to return to the Lakers. Kobe Bryant has benefited the most from their reunion.
Bryant's heroics serve as MVP victory speech May 5, 2008
There's a reason Kobe Bryant is called "Kobe-Wan Kenobi." And there's a reason why he's this season's MVP.
Bryant continues to prove his worth as MVP May 4, 2008
Kobe Bryant will receive his first MVP award on Wednesday and his teammates deserve more than a little credit for the honor.
D'Antoni could leave instead of change April 30, 2008
After yet another loss to the Spurs, the Suns' future very well may include a new coach.
Suns' Diaw proves he's no softie in Game 4 April 27, 2008
Boris Diaw saved the Suns by giving the Spurs fits on defense and holding his buddy Tony Parker in check.
Suns watch Spurs execute nearly 'perfect game' April 26, 2008
The Spurs' Tony Parker dropped 41 points on the Suns, who can't expect to win unless they improve their defense.
Nuggets should know better than to rile Bryant April 24, 2008
Kobe Bryant's 49-point performance is yet another example why the Nuggets need to keep their mouths shut.
Suns running out of quarters to beat Spurs April 23, 2008
Two games into their series, it's apparent the Suns haven't figured out Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.
Too soon to bury Duncan just yet April 20, 2008
Shaq has called Amare Stoudemire the best big man in the game. Tim Duncan just gave him reason to reconsider.
16 playoff teams, 16 questions: East April 18, 2008
Each East contender has at least one question that needs answering during playoffs.
16 playoff teams, 16 questions: West April 17, 2008
As the Western Conference playoffs begin, there's a lot left to be answered for each team.
Final edition of Powerless Rankings April 15, 2008
All eyes are on the hyper-competitive Western Conference, but the two beasts of the East close out the season on top.
Western scramble April 13, 2008
The Lakers are leading and have the momentum, but once the playoffs start the West is still anyone's to win.
Warriors winning fans, but not enough games April 11, 2008
The Warriors are still running and gunning, and that probably isn't enough to get them into the playoffs.
Celtics continue to lead Powerless Rankings April 8, 2008
After their big comeback in Phoenix, the Mavericks crack the top 10 in latest Powerless Rankings.
Mavericks still searching for winning formula April 5, 2008
Dallas has often failed to meet expectations, but it won't have to worry about that this season.
Will Hornets have enough left to stay in first? April 4, 2008
The West race is down to its final two weeks and the battle for the first and last seeds remains as intense as ever.
Lakers hope Gasol is back on court to stay April 3, 2008
The Lakers' championship hopes are resting on Pau Gasol's tender left ankle.
Celtics could be No. 1 to stay April 1, 2008
Boston's back on top of the latest Powerless Rankings. The Heat once again anchor the bottom.
Arenas will take pay cut to return to Wizards March 31, 2008
The Wizards have survived without Gilbert Arenas this season. Can he still help them in the playoffs?
Webber never won when it mattered most March 26, 2008
Time finally ran out for Chris Webber. He'll be remembered more for what he didn't do than what he did.
Hornets rise, Rockets fall in Powerless Rankings March 26, 2008
Victory over Boston is enough to push Hornets to No. 1 spot in Powerless Rankings.
Paul, West have Hornets poised for playoffs March 25, 2008
Healthy and humble, the Hornets are making believers out of more than their fans.
Dallas 0-7 against winning teams since trade March 21, 2008
Mavericks still optimistic Kidd will lead them in right direction. They have no choice but to be patient.
If anyone in Minnesota tanked, it was Taylor March 19, 2008
The Rockets finally ran into a challenge they couldn't overcome: Kevin Garnett's fury.
Rockets ride streak to No. 1 March 18, 2008
Latest Powerless Rankings have Rockets No. 1, Celtics No. 2. For now.
Celtics looking forward to rest of their travels March 18, 2008
The Celtics' rousing comeback against the Spurs showed they just might survive their tough trip through the Southwest.
Rockets' depth is key behind winning streak March 16, 2008
Houston's victory over the Lakers proved these aren't just Yao Ming's Rockets. Or Tracy McGrady's.
Lakers ready to play spoiler March 15, 2008
Kobe Bryant and the Lakers take aim at Houston's 21-game win streak Sunday, but they'll do so without Pau Gasol.
Rockets seem to find a new hero each game March 15, 2008
We should recognize Rockets' win streak for it is: a remarkable accomplishment.
Rockets' streak lifts them into second March 11, 2008
The Celtics climb back to the top of latest Powerless Rankings.
Shaq toughness helps Suns scale Mt. Duncan March 9, 2008
The Suns, often victims of San Antonio's toughness, got a long-awaited KO of the Spurs. Credit Shaquille O'Neal.
Suns need more than points from Stoudemire March 8, 2008
The Suns must strengthen their defense or risk missing the playoffs. It's up to Amare Stoudemire to lead the way.
Spurs move to top; Grizzlies anchor bottom March 4, 2008
Making their annual springtime surge, the Spurs have climbed to the top of the latest Powerless Rankings.
Bryant, Kidd both sought a chance to contend March 2, 2008
Neither Kobe Bryant nor Jason Kidd has much to complain about these days.
Parker long has thrived on matchup with Kidd February 28, 2008
Jason Kidd turned down the Spurs nearly five years ago. Two more titles later, it looks like they were better off.
Lakers lead West Powerless Rankings surge February 27, 2008
Losing streaks by Detroit, Boston and New Orleans have left the Lakers atop the latest Powerless Rankings.
With Yao down, Rockets need T-Mac to rise up February 26, 2008
The Rockets won't win a title without Yao Ming. If nothing else, Tracy McGrady at least has an excuse.
Young guns power Pistons February 24, 2008
Amir Johnson and fellow 20-somethings have the Pistons better equipped to contend for a title.
Stoudemire a growing force with Shaq at side February 23, 2008
Is Amare Stoudemire the NBA's best big man? Not yet. But that's what Shaquille O'Neal wants to make him.
Lakers get top grades; Nuggets not so much February 22, 2008
How did the Lakers grade out for landing Pau Gasol? What about the Nets for dealing Jason Kidd?
College season starts now for West's elite February 21, 2008
As teams jockey for position with trades, every Western Conference game seems like a collegiate showdown.
Spurs get Thomas from Sonics for Barry, Elson February 20, 2008
Looking for size to help them better contend in the stacked West, the Spurs acquired Sonics center Kurt Thomas.
Suns need Shaq to produce on and off court February 20, 2008
The Suns knew Shaq would fit well in their locker room. Now they'll find out if he can do the same on the court.
Pistons continue to hold onto top spot February 20, 2008
The West continue to makes headlines everywhere in the latest Powerless Rankings.
Mavericks again close on landing Kidd February 18, 2008
With Jason Kidd again on the brink of being traded to Dallas, the West just got that much wilder.
Kidd trade to Dallas nearly completed February 17, 2008
Jason Kidd might be playing his final game for the East. The Nets have another deal in place to send him to Dallas.
Lakers would prefer Bryant have surgery now February 15, 2008
For Kobe Bryant, the decision to put off surgery was simple. The Lakers can win now, so he plays.
London may be calling for All-Star game February 15, 2008
The NBA's plans to expand the game might include going across the pond – if the price is right.
Kobe wants to sit on Sunday February 15, 2008
NEW ORLEANS – Kobe Bryant said Friday he would prefer not to play in Sunday’s All-Star game because...
NBA expects Bryant to play Sunday February 14, 2008
The Lakers say Kobe Bryant is putting off surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right pinkie.
Pistons streak to top spot February 12, 2008
Everyone's talking about the West, but the top two teams in the latest Powerless Rankings reside out East.
O'Neal trade shifts conference landscape February 7, 2008
Lakers, Suns reloading for playoff push with blockbuster trades.
Shaq deal puts pressure on West's elite February 7, 2008
The Lakers acquired Pau Gasol. The Suns got Shaquille O'Neal. Who's next?
Celtics back on top, but for how long? February 6, 2008
The Hornets are tumbling while the Jazz and Cavs continue to climb in latest Powerless Rankings.
Suns, Heat agree to Shaq trade February 6, 2008
A source said that Shaquille O'Neal will be a Sun if he passes a Wednesday physical.
GM Kerr recovers from early Sun burns February 1, 2008
Steve Kerr is out to prove you can serve as a GM of a team while living about 350 miles away from headquarters.
Davis captains All-Snubbed team January 31, 2008
Baron Davis wasn't the only notable All-Star omission. He's joined by Hedo Turkoglu and Manu Ginobili on the All-Snubbed team.
Veteran guard tells Suns he's signing with rival January 30, 2008
Damon Stoudamire plans on signing with Spurs after he clears waivers.
Rest of West chasing Hornets January 29, 2008
If the Hornets are good enough to lead the West, they're good enough to lead the Powerless Rankings.
Leaky theory on LeBron January 27, 2008
The theory that LeBron James can't play under pressure proved to be as leaky as the Staples Center roof Sunday.
Bryant not flustered by Lakers' run of bad luck January 24, 2008
These are tough times for the Lakers. The perfect time, in fact, for Kobe Bryant to show his MVP mettle.
Celtics replace Lakers atop rankings January 22, 2008
Boston moved to the top of the Powerless Rankings. No surprise there. But who jumped to No. 2?
LeBron's improvement plan takes root January 17, 2008
LeBron James is intent on improving his skills and getting the Cavs back to the NBA Finals.
Lakers lead with an asterisk January 15, 2008
Lakers find themselves atop first Completely Meaningless (And Certainly Not Powerful) NBA Rankings
Short on weaknesses December 31, 2007
While the Lakers wore the shorts of their 1980s title teams, Kevin Garnett and the Celtics played like theirs.
Hill finally playing, enjoying game December 20, 2007
After five surgeries and a lot of time on the bench, Grant Hill is fulfilling his initial promise with the Suns.
No hard feelings toward Horry December 17, 2007
Robert Horry may be reviled in Phoenix, but Monday's Suns win in San Antonio wasn't about revenge.
Sonics rookie feeling his way through NBA December 11, 2007
Kevin Durant hasn't had a smooth ride since joining the NBA, but he also didn't expect one.
Heat have a long road back to respectability December 9, 2007
The Miami Heat have a lot of digging to do to get out of their current hole
Center of the universe November 29, 2007
Dwight Howard seems well on his way to becoming the NBA's best center – if he isn't already.
Bryant beginning to find support from Lakers November 19, 2007
With his young teammates showing signs of maturing, Kobe Bryant might want to stay in L.A. for a while longer.
Not every Knick happy with Marbury's return November 15, 2007
By continuing to play Stephon Marbury, New York coach Isiah Thomas is damaging his own locker-room credibility.
Rookie Yi impresses elder statesman Yao November 10, 2007
Yi Jianlian and Yao Ming showcased what could be trouble for the rest of the world in the Beijing Olympics.
Mavs return to horror scene with new attitude November 9, 2007
The sting of last season's playoff collapse hasn't scared Dirk Nowitzki away from leadership.
Bynum's role play November 4, 2007
Young but talented center Andrew Bynum could play an even bigger part for the Lakers after helping them beat Utah.
Sonics facing uncertain future November 2, 2007
The Sonics could be taking flight from Seattle just as the latest face of the franchise becomes a star.
Beginning of the end? October 31, 2007
Kobe Bryant's demeanor during and after the Lakers' season-opening loss showed he's resigned to being traded.
Duncan will take less than maximum salary October 29, 2007
The Spurs reached agreement on a two-year, $40 million extension with Tim Duncan.
NBA season preview: Pacific Division October 21, 2007
As they have for each of the previous three seasons, the Suns figure to be standing atop the Pacific.
NBA season preview: Northwest Division October 20, 2007
With major turnovers in the Northwest Division, it's no surprise that Utah and Denver are title contenders.
NBA season preview: Southwest Division October 19, 2007
All three Texas teams – Dallas, San Antonio and Houston – are capable of winning the NBA's toughest division.
NBA season preview: Southeast Division October 18, 2007
Don't hand the division crown to the Heat yet. The Wizards' Agent Zero and the upstart Magic look like contenders.
NBA season preview: Central Division October 16, 2007
The Eastern Conference's toughest division should see another tight race involving the Bulls, Cavaliers and Pistons.
NBA season preview: Atlantic Division October 15, 2007
With four legit playoff contenders, including an NBA finals hopeful, the Atlantic can't be ridiculed anymore.
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