Phoenix Suns Blogs

The starting pointguard of the San Antonio Spurs has categorically denied persistent report that he had the desire to transfer to other National Basketball Association (NBA) teams.
Tony Parker told the media that there is no truth to the report since his heart belongs to the Spurs and he wants to stay with the team for many years to come.

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Take a deep breath. Focus with me. This whole Lebron/Celtics thing was a crazy mess. I don’t know what to think of it, you don’t know what to think of it, nobody knows what is going on. It’s times like this where I like to recharge the batteries, shut down the engines and get back to neutral. 2:20 of this video

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The latest rumor according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports has the Sacramento Kings discussing a trade with the Phoenix Suns for their All-Star Forward Amare Stoudemire centered on a returning piece of Kevin Martin. The Sacramento Kings would be an interesting trade partner with the Suns and have the ability to offer young talent, draft picks, and ending contracts, all of which the Suns reportedly want back for Stoudemire.

Continue reading "The Sacramento Kings are the latest ..."

The Atlanta Hawks is creating a lot of buzz in the new season of the National Basketball Association.Despite their less stellar lineup, the Hawks is on top of the leader-board in the young season of the premier professional basketball league in the planet. The Hawks is currently sporting an impressive 11-2 record after they defeated the Houston Rockets 105-103 Friday night.High flying Hawks power forward Josh Smith played hero for the top team in the NBA by scoring on a put back from a miss by Hawks top point guard Mike Bibby with 0.7 seconds remaining. Marvin Williams, the starting small forward of the Hawks top scored for the team with 29 points to help defeat the Rockets, one of the top teams in the NBA Western Conference.The recent victory of the Hawks is remarkable since the Rockets are on the verge of defeating the team and hand them their third loss but the impressive play of Smith saved the youth laden ball club to escaped with a victory. Prior to his game winning shot, Smith stayed mostly from the bench due to foul trouble but he was able to returned in the waning moments of the game and lead his team to victory.The strong and impressive plays of the Hawks is getting huge praise from basketball fans and experts. During the off-season, the Hawks is not among the top contenders for the NBA crown this season due to their less star studded roster. However, despite the lack of big named players in its lineup, the Hawks still showed class and impressive talent to defeat 11 teams so far.Aside from the strong plays of its veteran players Smith, Bibby and Joe Johnson, the Hawks also get huge contribution from newly acquired NBA veteran Jamal Crawford who contribute in both offence and defence for the team. Aside from the Hawks, the run and gun Phoenix Suns is also playing good this NBA season. NBA superstars point-guard Steve Nash and power forward Amare Stoudamire are playing well to lead the Suns to an impressive record in the NBA.Fans of Hawks team can buy the tickets to watch the NBA game live.

Continue reading "Hawks soaring high on new NBA season"

The NBA league pass is awesome, but nothing beats a good TNT double-header.

Tonight, we get a great TNT double-header.

The night starts off with Cleveland at Miami. I’ve written this before, but LeBron vs. Wade is the best head-to-head matchup to watch in the NBA right now. These guys always bring out the best in each other.

Continue reading "Great TNT Double-Header Tonight"

Last night I was listening to an interview with former NBA head coach P.J. Carlesimo on 106.7 The Fan.  He was commenting on the opening days of the NBA regular season, specifically about the Eastern Conference and his thoughts on who were the better teams.  Not surprisingly he named the top three teams as the “factors,” those being Cleveland, Boston, and Orlando.  He said that there are not any teams even close to those three but on the outside looking in is the Washington Wizards.  The Wizards were the only team he mentioned as the fourth best team and he said this about three times.  These comments got me thinking about what the Wizards need to do this regular season to take the next step and breach that label, in what areas can they improve to develop into the fourth Eastern Conference power? 

Continue reading "How Can the Washington Wizards Improve ..."

The Phoenix Suns are not the worst defensive team in the NBA.

In a recent article released by Dime Magazine they claimed the Suns were the worst defensive team in the NBA.

http://dimemag.com/2009/09/the-phoenix-suns-are-the-worst-defensive-team-in-the-nba/

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I understand that Shaquille O'neal is a man that transcends just the NBA, but watching him attempt to play against other athletes in their own sport is extremely difficult to swallow.  Watching Shaq attempt to swing a bat was like watching a baby giraffe trying to walk.  It was hard to watch yet I could not take my eyes off of it, like a car accident.  The 7'1" O'neill attempted to out-slug Albert Pujols, out-spike beach volleyball stars Misty May and Kerri Walsh, and out-throw Ben Roethlisberger, needless to say he could not out-do anybody at anything.  The show is a half hour too long and the hosts are extremely annoying.  The most important part of the show, the actual competition, takes place in the last fifteen minutles of the show making the first 45 minutes irrelevant.  Here are some short examples of the show from Youtube:

Continue reading "What is Shaq thinking doing this ..."

Rebuilding has begun in Phoenix and it's youngsters are going to have to step up.  Keeping Steve Nash and Armarie Stoudamire tells everyone that they want to stay competetive and get back to the top soon.  And that means some young guys are going to have to develope quickly.  This summer in Las Vegas was a step in that process.

Continue reading "Suns hoping to gain experience in summer league."

Remember the days when the Phoenix Suns were the most exciting team in the league and perennial contenders? I don’t either. There’s a laundry list of bad Steve Kerr decisions: traded aw

Continue reading "How Kerr Ruined the Suns"

Grant Hill has a few tough decisions ahead of him. Stay with the Suns where his family has settled, go to Boston for a chance to win a championship and get out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time in his career, or take the most lucrative offer given to him from the New York Knicks?

Continue reading "Grant Hill’s best financial offer ..."

Grant Hill is coming off one of his best seasons in years and is currently a free agent. His former team the Phoenix Suns are interested in resigning him but he is also entertaining offers from other teams. The Boston Celtics have offered him one year at 1.9 million and the Knicks have offered a portion of their mid-level option that is believed to be higher then what the Suns or Celtics can pay him.

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Grant Hill Rumors

Grant Hill met with Doc Rivers over the weekend and according to Comcast Sports Net ( http://www.csnne.com/wickedgoodsports/rasheed-is-a-celtic/ ) he is expected to agree to a deal with the Boston Celtics before the week is over. The Suns have been actively pursuing free agent Grant Hill but it is rumored he wants to play with a championship contending team for his final season. Grant Hill has been a stand up guy with the Suns, a great locker room guy, and the most consistent defender on the Suns team. For the first time in many years he was able to play all 82 games last season and put up career numbers.

Continue reading "Suns Rumors and off-season moves"

accoding to the LA times ( http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-lakers-kobe-bryant1-2009jul01,0,5024600.story )

 The Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs are among the teams interrested in signing free agent Lamar Odom.

Continue reading "Phoenix Suns interrested in Lamar Odom?"

Steve Kerr is in Orlando today meeting with Grant Hill hoping to secure him on the team and convince him to finish his career as a Phoenix Sun. Grant Hill has stated he is interested in returning to the Suns but realizes this is his last chance at an NBA contract and is hoping for a 2 year deal. The Suns have used Hill’s services at a discounted rate the last two years at a little less than a combined $4 million.

Continue reading "Phoenix Suns top free agent prospect ..."

The Suns officially confirmed today that they were going to pick up the player option on Louis Amundson for $855,189. His numbers are a bit deceiving as to his performance last season especially after Amare Stoudemire went down for the season.

Continue reading "Phoenix Suns pick up team option on Louis Amundson"

The Phoenix Suns drafted Earl Clark with the 14th selection in this year’s draft. His size, speed, and athleticism will be a great fit in Phoenix. They are interested in replacing Marion’s defensive skill that they lost in the Shaq trade and this could be that piece.

Continue reading "Phoenix Suns 2009 draft results"

     IF this was 1997 the people of Cleveland should start saving money for playoff tickets and

Continue reading "THE SHAQ EFFECT"

In what I hope is the most absolutley ridiculous trade rumor from an extremely credible source ( to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post) the Suns are discussing a potential deal with the Houston Rockets

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The Cleveland Cavaliers sent Sasha Pavlovic and Ben Wallace to Phoenix for Shaquille O'Neal.  The trade vastly improves the Cavs interior without losing anything.  The two combined for 41 minutes and 7 points a game.  And, neither played over 70 games.  Shaq averaged over 17 points and 8 rebounds.  With Ilgauskas averaging 27 minutes a game, it won't be that much different with Shaq there.  Both are older centers that have had a hard time staying healthy.  With the two together, it will help both of them out.  Signing Anderson Varejo is the next step. 

Continue reading "Shaq and LeBroan Cavs championship?"

In a blockbuster deal for the Cleveland Cavaliers they have acquired future hall of fame center Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns. The Suns have agreed to send Shaq to the Cavaliers for Ben Wallace ($14 million dollar expiring contract, potential buyout), Sasha Pavlovich ($4,950,000 non guaranteed expiring contract), the Cavs second round pick, and $500,000.

Continue reading "Shaquille O'Neal traded to Cleveland ..."

According to Paul Coro of the AZ Republic

 The Suns have completed a trade for Shaquille O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovich, a second round pick, and $500,000

Continue reading "Shaquille O'neal traded to Cleveland Cavaliers"

According to Adrian Wojnarowki of Yahoo Sports; Shaq to cleveland is back on

 The on and off again supposed rumored deal that would land Shaquille O'Neal with the Cleveland Cavaliers is back on again. The supposed deal would send the Suns Ben Wallace (possible buy out or retiring) and expiring contact of Sash Pavlovic.

Continue reading "Is Shaq really headed to Cleveland ..."

The Phoenix Suns have been known for their draft day blunders throughout the last few years. Some picks the team have given up are Rudy Fernandez of the Portland Trailblazers, Rajon Rondo of the Championship winning Boston Celtics, Luol Deng of the Bull or Andre Iguodala who was also available with Deng’s pick, and Marcin Gortat just to name a few. They are known for trading their draft picks for cash which has led the franchise to where it is today. The previous coach and General Manager Mike D’Antoni had no interest in playing rookies or draft picks and this has ultimately hurt the franchise in the long run without ever rewarding them with a championship. They are now stuck with one foot in and one foot out of the rebuilding door with virtually little young talent to build off and only large contract trade assets.

Continue reading "Will the Phoenix Suns give away another ..."

The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to pick former Oklahoma Sooners star Blake Griffin Thursday with the first overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 

Continue reading "The 5 Best Second Overall Selections ..."

Yesterday was a disappointing day for Suns fans as we all learned that the San Antonio Spurs acquired Richardson Jefferson in garbage for a good player deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee received Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas, and Fabricio Aberto. This was strictly a financial deal for the Bucks but Spurs were the team to benefit. Richard Jefferson is a versatile small forward that will be a great third scoring option. That trade made the Spurs that much better as they did not have to give up Duncan, Parker, or Ginobili. How did they pull that off?  

Continue reading "Phoenix Suns rumors heat up as draft ..."

The last week has been quite interesting in that an influx of trade rumors and draft scenarios have flooded the Washington Wizards internet community.  Michael Lee of The Washington Post has reported rumors of trades involving the Wizards’ 5th pick going to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers (gag), and the New York Knicks.  While nothing really seems to be of substance, as www.bulletsforever.com has acknowledged, they are impossible to ignore.  Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, and Javale McGee are some of the notables that many teams, as many as 14, have expressed interest in.  As we approach the draft, the fans’ opinions seem to be forming an almost consensus for Davidson guard Stephen Curry.  The Washington Post conducted a poll that resulted in nearly half the votes garnered by Southern Conference product.  DraftExpress.com now has the Wizards slotted for Jordan Hill with the 5th selection while both SI.com and ESPN.com are predicting James Harden.  What do the Wizards need?  And should they draft for need or get the best player?  Both possibilities, in my opinion, may indeed overlap.  
I believe the most glaring need for the Washington Wizards is at the guard position.  The Wizards have addressed the frontcourt pretty aggressively in recent years with the draft of McGee, Pecherov, and grooming of Andray Blatche.  What appears to have happened is a negligence of the need for a guard, evident in the acceptance of Roger Mason, Jr.’s departure.  Right now as the roster stands the Wizards possess a superstar in Gilbert Arenas but no significant contributor behind him.  Stevenson could very well be done as the only thing he can do these days is talk trash.  Even at his best he would be most effective coming off the bench.  His occasional 3-point hot streak and solid defensive play would be a nice commodity in a reserved role.  Nick Young is on the verge of being a solid 2 guard but an upgrade is certainly possible given the team’s draft situation.  He might be at the point in his career when a little competition wouldn’t hurt.  Mike Jones might not be a Wizard for long but I believe he could give quality minutes in a reserved role.  He is not good enough to be the back-up point guard any more.  I could see his best-case-scenario being reduced to the role of an Anthony Johnson, not the primary back-up but a solid third option for sporadic minutes.  I like Jarvaris Crittenton a lot, he is around 6’5” with good speed and a nice work ethic.  With the overstock of combo guards in this draft the Wizards may be able to pick a player that would still allow Crit room to develop as a role player.  You have to like his prospects with his size and athleticism, he is just a classic case of a player who entered the pro’s too early, only he has a chance to actually make it in the Association.  


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Amare Stoudemire had a difficult year with eye injuries. During training camp he suffered an inadvertent elbow from teammate Boris Diaw that partially tore the iris in his right eye. This injury forced him to miss most of training camp and he started the season wearing protective eyewear. It was obvious from the beginning that Amare was uncomfortable in the goggles and frequently put them up on his head while shooting free throws and in between plays.

Continue reading "Amare Stoudemire has been cleared for exercise"

The Phoenix Suns worked out Earl Clark of Louisville over the weekend and were extremely impressed with his workout. Earl Clark is listed at 6’10” about 230lbs. He is a match up nightmare for any defense due to his size and athleticism. He is extremely quick for his size which allows him to play great on ball defense. The Suns are looking to add defensive toughness to their roster and Clark would fit that mold. His height combined with foot speed has allowed him to stay in front of even the fastest guards in tryouts like Brandon Jennings. His height and 33” vertical leap make him a strong shot blocker.  

Continue reading "Earl Clark expected to be selected ..."

The Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs by 2 games.  They had hopes of making a championship run instead. They tinkered with the team and had a new coach.  What is the direction now?  Grant Hill and Matt Barnes are both free agents.  And the big three will be next year--Nash, O'Neal, and Stoudamire.  So, it's very tempting to trade and start all over. Or, make another stab at it.  Joining those three in the lineup is Barbosa and Richardson.  So, there is no lack of scoring, but there is a huge lack of a bench.  Whether they are focused on this year or the future, let's take a look at what type of player they might get in the draft.  They have the 14, 48, and 57th picks.

Continue reading "Phoenix Suns draft"

The Phoenix Suns have invited several possible draft prospects to come in for workouts today including Earl Clark of Louisville, Austin Daye of Gonzaga, and Brandon Jennings of Italy. Clark and Daye are very athletic forward / small forward type players that can create major defensive problems for teams. Brandon Jennings plays the point guard position.

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Steve Kerr flew to New York yesterday to meet with Steve Nash and his agent to further contract extension negotiations. The team has made it clear they want Nash to end his career in Phoenix. Steve Nash is still holding out on the Suns to wait and see what they decide to do with their roster in the offseason.

Continue reading "Steve Nash holding Phoenix Suns hostage"

Suns GM Steve Kerr will presumably meet with Steve Nash in New York on Thursday to discuss the point guard's future with the team.
Kerr will meet with Nash and agent Bill Duffy to discuss an extension and the franchise's plans for the future. "It's more about letting each other know how we feel," Kerr said. "I can give him some ideas (of a plan), but there's no telling what can happen." Nash is entering the final year of his contract and is eligible for a two-year extension, but wants to see what the Suns do this summer before agreeing to anything. Jun. 18 - 12:48 am et

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Amare Stoudemire has been at the top of the rumor list for sometime now. He has been criticized for his lack of effort on the defensive side of the court but nobody can deny that he is one of the best scoring forwards in the game. Then newest rumor circulating is sending Amare to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Al Jefferson and the 6th overall pick in the draft. This trade works out well for both teams and is in discussion between the two franchises. Let’s break down this deal from both angles and see how it can benefit both teams.

Continue reading "Phoenix Suns All-Star forward Amare ..."

There have been many rumors surrounding the Phoenix Suns since they missed the playoffs this season. Some of these rumored trades would actually help the team, but some of the options are only opportunities to cut payroll for the oncoming season and further destroy the team. Some of the biggest names involved in these rumors for the team have been Amare Stoudemire, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, and Jason Richardson.

Continue reading "Catching up with the Phoenix Suns ..."

     Between now and Halloween every team will have traded for Shaquille O'Neal.  That's the way the web works.  The game of basketball is nowhere near as important as the delicious trade rumors that litter the net.  Basketball is a granola bar, but the water-cooler rumblings and guy talk, that's the bucket of triple fudge brownie ice cream that everyone thinks about while they're nibbling the dependable, flavorless bar of grains and health.  At some point between the draft and the start of the preseason, Shaq will have been traded for Elton Brand, then maybe Corey Maggette and Andris Biedrins, then one morning after a slow news day the Knicks will swoop in and get "The Big Whatever His New Nickname is Today" for Chris Duhon, a second-rounder and Spike Lee's '88 Jordans with the ketchup stain on the tongue.  And, we'll all eat it up.  Then we'll ask for seconds.  Tis the nature of the off-season.   And I love it.

Continue reading "Shaq in Red and Black?"

The bad news about last nights Suns vs. Lakers game?  We got blown out and embarrassed on national television.  The good news?  We were without Steve Nash and we get a chance to redeem ourselves at home on Sunday in a rematch with the Lakers.  Assuming Nash plays Sunday, (he's listed as day-to-day with a hobbled ankle) this game could give us a good preview of a potential first round matchup, with the seeds reversed from two and three years when the Suns and Lakers met in the first round in consecutive years.  The difference is, I believe the lower seed, the Suns in this case, could play spoiler and surprise the Lakers and the rest of the NBA in a seven game series. 

Continue reading "First round playoff preview? Suns vs. Lakers."

Shaq and Kobe “Had a Good Time” with Each Other 

Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O’Neal and Los Angles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant begrudgingly shared co-MVP awards at the All-Star game this past Valentine’s Day weekend as the Western Conference dominated the East 146-119 at the US Airways Center in Arizona.  

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 As a portland blazer fan, it is hard for me to want a trade. Trades, especially midseason, can screw a team. shank them to high heavens and back. When we are talking about, sending youth away for a "proven" commodity, we don't know how that youth is gonna ball when he is a big assed man, no longer smooth like babies bottom. Jermaine O'neal for Dale Davis, anyone? That shit is not always a good idea! LaMarcus Aldridge is not an inside beast, but he can jam it with authority and hang time. So I'm glad we apparently got off the Amare band wagon. Amare Stoudemire deserves his props, he can dunk it. He can energize a building. He sometimes wears cool goggles. And he's physically huge.  But he's got more NBA milage. And he's got, potentially future knee complications from his microfracture surgery, the same as Oden, but worse. Longer recovery. Came back and left again. DO we need our two main bigs with bad knees, or at least bigger risks? Aldridge, less Nba Miles, younger, less prone to injury. He may not be the physical specimen, but the dude's only 23. Give him time for those things. He'll end up.. 70 percent the size of stoudemire, but with a better jump shot, and hopefully some defense and motivation! horrah!

Continue reading "Blazer trade scenarios"

The Phoenix Suns made an offer to the Grizzlies Thursday involving their star forward Amare Stoudemire, whom they are actively shopping to anyone who will listen.  The Grizzlies were not considered by many to be in serious contention for a deal or even have interest in Stoudemire.  However, the Suns asked for basically the entire nucleus of the Grizzlies' team, namely Hakim Warrick, Rudy Gay and Mike Conley.

Continue reading "Grizzlies Nix Deal For Stoudemire"

Welcome to Jason M. Williams' NewYorkKnicksNews.com blog!  I am an experienced NBA writer for the past 3 years, and have been featured on RealGM.com, COEDMagazine.com, Insidehoops.com, AtomicSportsMedia.com, and BleacherReport.com.  I am a huge Knicks fan and would love to get this blog rolling by doing a series of Knicks related storylines from the first half of the 2008-09 season.

Continue reading "Biggest Storylines of the Knicks ..."

Always an interesting time of the NBA season, when all of us fans sit and wonder which NBA superstars are on the move. This year, there are some really big names that are on the trading block. Lets look at a few of them, hey they just might end up on your favorite team.

Continue reading "The NBA Trade Deadline is right around ..."

The Mavs finished the month of January 8-7 for the month. There were some surprising wins and losses that are equally surprising.

On 1/4, they lost by 20 points to the Memphis Grizzlies who are at the bottom of the Southwest. On 1/11, they lost to the Sacramento Kings who have been struggling the entire season. Then on 1/21, they lost to the Milwaulkee Bucks in a blowout by 34 points. Other blowout losses this month also include the 28 point loss to the Phoenix Suns on 1/9 and the 24 point loss to the Boston Celtics on 1/25.

Continue reading "Dallas Mavericks Inconsistent Through January"

The Knicks, even though the record may not show it, are a much better team to watch. This is one of the first years in a long while, that I ask what team is the worst in the NBA, and the Knicks are not even in the conversation. Getting rid of Isiah Thomas was such a relief, and talking about relief, how about finally getting rid of the demon known as Stephon Marbury. I don't know what team would want him, but I am just happy that he is off of the Knicks. Anyhow, again, the New York Knicks may not have a great record, but they are turning it around, and I see good things in the future of the Knicks. I also, as I previously blogged about, don't think they should even try to get LeBron James, because I don't think he is going anywhere, and even if he does, we would have to trade away half of our team just to get him. Meanwhile, there are teams dumb enough to get rid of some pretty good players, just to make the salary cap room to go after LeBron. Also, there are some really good free agents comming out the same year that LeBron is comming out, why don't the Knicks use some of that money, and get some good talent that way. I know LeBron is the best player in the NBA, but that does not make a whole team. Even Kobe Bryant, if he has noone to help him, can't do anything.

Continue reading "Maybe Mike D'Antoni is the answer ..."

Dallas has lost it's last 3 games, to the Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings, and Denver Nuggets. Today, they made a trade with the Charlotte Bobcats, giving away DeSagana Diop for guard Matt Carroll and center Ryan Hollins.

Continue reading "Dallas Mavericks Trade Diop after ..."

Wednesday will be a big day for the Pacers and guard Mike Dunleavy. Dunleavy, after a 34 game absence, will be making his '08-'09 regular season debut against the Suns. After a 135-115 shelacking at the hands of the Nuggets, the Pacers are looking to Dunleavy to provide a spark against Shaq, J-Rich, and the rest of the Suns. Though he will be limited in minutes, his value to the team will be immense on the offensive end and can not hurt on the defensive end, which has been porous for the Pacers.

Continue reading "Dunleavy Returns Against Phoenix...So?"

The Grizzlies got the break they needed when Amare Stoudemire was ejected from Tuesday's game late in the first half.  Unfortunately, Stoudemire's Phoenix teammates used his dismissal as motivation and rallied to beat the Grizzlies 101-89.

Continue reading "Suns 101, Grizzlies 89"

Maybe it was the dizzying contrast in the grains of wood used to design the court at the Target Center, or possibly the psychological effect of knowing it was less than 20 degrees and snowing outside, but the Grizzlies' inability to come through on the road reared its ugly head yet again on Monday against Minnesota.

Continue reading "Timberwolves 108, Grizzlies 98 OT"

When are the Suns going to get sick of being beat up by the Spurs, and moreover, beat up by the Spurs at the Spur's leisure? Phoenix had this game, until the Spurs decided to take it back, and with a

Continue reading "Cowboy Up?"

Tonight, the Mavs will play their 7th and last home game in a row against the Denver Nuggets. The Mavs have been playing strong 5-1 so far in this homestand beating the Clippers, Suns, Hawks, Bobcats, and Thunder. Their only loss came against the San Antonis Spurs in a double overtime game. Despite the 5-1 run, they're still 1.5 games behind the Southwest leader, the same amount of games before they started this home stretch. And, they are still 4th in the division. Nothing has changed.

Continue reading "Dallas Mavericks still 1.5 games ..."

Continue reading "Will Phoenix Rise with Jason Richardson?"

Dirk and Barea lead the Mavs over the Suns last night. "Barea? Who?" That would be the response from any one that doesn't live in Dallas or follow the Mavs. He's so unknown that even Yahoo! doesn't have a link for him in their stories about last night's game.

Continue reading "Dallas Mavericks on 3 game win streak ..."

The value of any NBA team depends on the presence of a good point guard. We have seen that through the years and that is why perhaps Steve Nash is one of the premier and most sought after point guards in the NBA today. But before he can weave his magic, he needs to get healthy as his absence is severely hurting the Suns’ cause, the last of which was a road loss to the New Jersey Nets, 104-91.

Continue reading "No Nash More Problems in Phoenix"

After suffering a loss to the Miami Heat, something was bound to give. Amare Stoudemire led the way by openly stating his frustrations on the new system being implemented by new Suns coach Terry Porter.

Continue reading "Amare Stoudemire Uneasy with New System"

(cue the Biggie...)  I'm going out of town for the long holiday weekend, so all of you out there (if there are any of you) are going to have to survive for a few days without my wonderful and insightful analysis about all things basketball for a few days.  (I'll pause for a moment to let you scream in anguish and control your sobbing...)  But fear not, I will be back with even more opinions and prognostications about the realm of professional sports on Tuesday, and by then I should have plenty to write about.

Continue reading "Thanksgiving Send Off Spectacular"

Last night, I watched more than half of the Lakers versus Suns game.  For much of the first half, it managed to be a close game.  However, the Lakers' superior talent, energy, and ability to play as a team was evident.  The game became a blowout during the second half.  At one point, the Lakers pulled ahead 89-71.

Continue reading "Lakers: Clearly the Western Conference's ..."

Okay. I don't really mean that. But, good lord almighty, Kobe needs to learn how to play within the flow of the offense. 23 shots? Really? He shot twice as many shots as anyone else on the team. The o

Continue reading "Trade Kobe"

Some days back, we saw a lot of write-ups with regards to how open Shaquille O’ Neal was in entertaining thoughts of going back to the LA Lakers despite some celebrated controversies between him and Kobe Bryant. Now while that headline seems interesting, the Diesel is now retracting everything in a way and blaming the press and media for making up stories or misinterpreting what he had said.

Continue reading "Shaq Attacks Retracts Before Match with Lakers"

Continue reading "Shaq Escapes Suspension; Fined $25,000 ..."

Enjoy the second installment of the official NBA Shankster Rankings. Comments welcome, let me know where I am wrong!

1. Los Angeles Lakers - Pistons opened the door for doubters but they are still at the top.

Continue reading "The Second NBA Shankster Rankings [1-30]"

The Phoenix Suns are vulnerable without their all-star point guard. Imagine who would call out the plays, dish those dazzling assists and score when needed. The absence of Steve Nash was evident but leave it to Shaq and Amare to step it up.

Continue reading "No Nash? Stoudemire and Shaq Step ..."

Continue reading "Ex-Warrior Matt Barnes Throwing Down With Houston"

Continue reading "“The Diesel” Considering a Return ..."

The Phoenix Suns should have gotten bigger and stronger when "the Diesel", Shaquille O'Neal arrived but apparently fell short last year. It was understandable. Adding a high-caliber player in Shaq's person is not an easy task, especially if you talk about transforming a running team into an organized brand of basketball due to the lack of speed for the big fella. But this year has lesser excuses and if the Suns fail again, heads are bound to roll.

Continue reading "Phoenix Suns Can Do Better"

The Grizzlies looked finished as the third quarter ended and the fourth quarter began on Monday night in Phoenix.  However, O.J. Mayo hadn't yet made his statement.

Mayo exploded for 19 points in the fourth, finishing the game with 33, to give Memphis (3-5) a chance to win the game before a final Phoenix push finished them off 107-100.

Continue reading "Suns 107, Grizzlies 100"

Tonight's game at Phoenix brings an end to the brutal four-game road trip the Grizzlies have endured over the past week.  While the games have been difficult and the two losses hard to swallow, a win tonight would earn the Grizzlies a very respectable split.

Continue reading "End of the Road (Trip)"

Here's how you stop Phoenix, you play Defense and you play some more Defense. Even with their new coach and slower paced style they have far to many weapons to get into a shootout against. First, I'll

Continue reading "Nets Defense will Stop Phoenix"

A big thanks to everyone who participated in the "Inbound Link Contest".  We have a winner!  A big congratulations go out to Marija.  Thank you for all your hard work on this.  While we had a lot of people participate, Marija was able to win with only 4 links!  So it wouldn't have taken a lot to win this contest!  We'll be having another contest soon so stay tuned.

Continue reading "Inbound link contest winner announced!"

If you haven't seen the Steve Nash/ Baron Davis spoof trailer for the movie "Step Brothers," then its about time you did. This 3 minute video isn't particularly funny, but the fact that our

Continue reading "Steve Nash - MVP and Future Oscar Winner?"

This week on Comcast SportsNet Northwest they've been showing Game 6 of the 1990 Western Conference finals in the NBA. Being an Oregonian and Blazer fan it brings back vivid memories. I was nearing the end of my first term away from home at Southern Oregon State College (as it was known then) in Ashland, and a large group of friends were all Blazer fans. We got together to see them on TV every game it seemed.

Continue reading "Back in 1990 with the Portland Trail Blazers"

To try and motivate our bloggers to get inbound links we're going to have a contest to see which blogger can get the most inbound links to their blog. The contest begins now and ends July 31st, 2008. To be entered in to the contest all you have to do is go out and get as many websites to link to your blog as you can and at the end of the month send us an email listing all those links. All links must be active from August 1st through August 7th when we'll be judging the entries - a winner will be announced on August 7th. All entry emails must be received by Midnight on July 31st, 2008. You can email them to sportsfan@nbabasketballonline.com

Continue reading "Inbound link contest - Win $100!"

The real winners of the 2008 NBA draft were the Lopez twins from Stanford.

Robin Lopez, the 7-footer with some game, was taken by the New Jersey Nets with the 10th overall selection. Five picks later, his twin brother Robin (the 7-footer with no game), was chosen by the Phoenix Suns.

Continue reading "NBA DRAFT WINNERS AND LOSERS"

Hot of the presses comes word of Nomar Garciaparra (my FAVORITE Dodger) being diagnosed with a gene problem that causes him to heal slower than a normal man. Who is this guy the ANTI-Wolverine ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healing_factor)? That has seriously got to be the worst mutant power of all time, but the funniest part of all of this is that he has been diagnosed by his PHYSICAL THERAPIST. These guys aren’t doctors! Nothing against physical therapists, but really, Nomar is more disabled than Lt. Dan ( http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109830/) and has spent more time on the disabled list than the Raiders have been an embarrassment, and it took them this long to find out that he has the skeletal structure composed of Faberge egg? I like Nomar as a person, as he seems like a cool guy and it must be incredibly frustrating losing so many years to injury, but man, if I was the Dodgers, I would be greatly annoyed that nobody realized until now that they had signed Samuel L. Jackson from “Unbreakable” to play baseball for them for 3 years.      

Continue reading "IF THE SEASON ENDED TODAY 06.23.08 ..."

Hey y'all, I think that I'm still in shock and recovery mode after such a sweet, sweet title run by the Boston Celtics.  It's been so much so that I still can't truly find the right words to explain the way I feel now and how the series went.  I couldn't have asked for any more, and the joy that I feel right now is (almost) equal to the feeling I had during October of 2004 when the RedSox broke the 86 year-old curse and won the World Series for the first time since 1918.

Continue reading "Sweet 17!"

I first heard of the notion of the NBA having its officials influence games fifteen years ago in Sam Smith's legendary book "The Jordan Rules". In the 1990 playoffs the Bulls had taken a 3-0

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Continue reading "Celebration: Anniversary of Kobe's ..."

It's little wonder why the San Antonio Spurs are the defending NBA champions and have won four titles in nine seasons in building their own dynasty over that same period. After looking like a non-contenders in New Orleans in the first two games, the Spurs revved up the intensity at home and tied the series 2-2 with a pair of dominant victories.   

Continue reading "Spurs Have Returned to Form"

The hits just keep on coming. This whole season, it seemed that the Bulls kept missing out on golden opportunities and unfortunately, that is also carrying on into the off-season.

           Over the weekend, former Suns coach Mike D’Antoni signed a four-year contract with the New York Knicks. Last week, reports released assumed that D’Antoni, whose Suns team averaged 58 victories over four seasons according to the Chicago Tribune, was extremely interested in coaching the Bulls. General Manager John Paxson was also interested in the partnership even though D’Antoni has an offensive mindset and Paxson is more interested in defense.

Continue reading "The search continues . . ."

I guess everyone is finally seeing Shaq for what he is…a Manipulator. He is playing for his fourth team and out of those four teams, he has left three on bad terms. If he would have left just one team on bad terms we could probably say, HEY THAT SUCKS FOR HIM. HE DESERVES TO GET OUT. ANFERNEE “PENNY” HARDAWAY IS A BAD MAN. POOR SHAQ. We would listen to his sob stories of how Penny was such a bad teammate. After he left, he talked smack about everyone he could in the Lakers organization. But three teams are in disarray after his departure. Is this a coincidence? I’m beginning to think not.

Continue reading "Shaq...I apologize Kobe"

Ah, the Big Fella. So much fun. Such a force back in the day. When he was coming up, his raw power made guys want to be more like Shaq than Mike. 

But there's a downside, a big downside, to being Shaq, all seven feet, three hundred plus of him.  The biggest factor being that he's allergic to staying in shape. Shaq thirty years from now is not a pretty site, folks which is why the Big Guy deserves some of your pity, especially if he doesn't have a retirement plan.

Continue reading "7 reasons (because you never see ..."

Well I had faith in the Hornets, but even I am surprised at where this series is at heading into Game 3 (two blowouts removed from a 2-0 Hornets lead).  I heard one mention of something thus far,

Continue reading "Spurs tired, Hornet fired...up"

It's been three days now, and I still can’t get them out of my head. I was so angry when Marion got traded. And now, I feel so hopeless that all the fun and joy the Run-and-Gun Suns brought back to the league, has been destroyed with the happy-go-lucky crybaby D’Antoni probably going elsewhere and the burden that is Shaq sits clogging up all that freeflowing Nashty-ness.

Continue reading "Suns Part 3: Trying to Trade Diaw"

Only three hours and ten minutes until the Hawks and Celtics tip off game 6 in Atlanta, so until then I figure I'll spend the beautiful afternoon rambling on and on about other news in the basketball world.  So I apologize, but this post will have little or nothing to do with my beloved hometown Celtics, but does concern another one of my favorite teams in the NBA, the Phoenix Suns.

Continue reading "Musings From the Hammock"

I realize this is a Lakers blog, but the utter collapse of the Suns due to the addition of the biggest Laker to ever don the purple and gold has got me thinking Suns. In today's second part, I examine some possible trades that could help put the Suns and their trade partners back into the big picture.   

Continue reading "Suns Part 2: Trade Nash"

Wow. They let another one slip away from them. There are no excuses this year. Just sloppy play, poor execution, and a lot of missed freethrows. How fitting (again, sorry for harping on this point) that the very thing Shaq never bothered to work on throughout his career, was the very thing that cost his team the victory in this series. He shot a putrid 9-20 at the line last night…uh, those all counted Shaq, especially since your team lost by 5 points.

Continue reading "Let’s Talk Suns"

Pluto Nash may not have been Eddie Murphy's best film but his performance in the 2002 comedy was a lot better than Steve Nash's work in the first round against the San Antonio Spurs.

Take away Game 1 and Nash was simply nonexistent during the whole series and looked anything but a two-time league MVP. The so-called "great" point guard was exposed and undressed by Tony Parker on defense and looked slow and ordinary against Bruce Bowen on offense. More alarming to the Suns is the way he progressively got worse as the series went along. He looked worn down!

Continue reading "STEVE NASH TURNS INTO PLUTO NASH"

Well, until last night’s beat down of the Spurs, in which Boris Diaw nearly dropped a triple double and Amare Stoudemire was held to single digit points, Phoenix championship hopes looked about as bright as Flava Flav.

Continue reading "Take that Shaq!"

So predictible...but yet a good game.  The Jazz beat the Rockets 86:82 despite shooting 0% from the three point line (0 for 14).  As was the case in the previous three wins, Deron Williams showed Tracy McGrady how to play in the fourth quarter. 

Continue reading "Utah Jazz vs. Houston Rockets game 4"

Got to love Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson behind the ESPN desk.  When describing one of the players during Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs game Van Gundy stated "This is a guy with the package".  A little too much time in the lockeroom showers Jeff?

Continue reading "Jeff Van Gundy "This is a guy with the package""

The addition of Shaq hasn't changed the Suns late-game woes.  Throughout the year, and the past decade, the problem for the Suns has been finishing out games.  This has led to questions abou

Continue reading "Suns setting too early"

The San Antonio Spurs are now up 2-0 on the Phoenix Suns, courtesy of a 27-11 third-quarter spurt in Game 2 that propelled the Silver and Black to a 102-96 victory over the Copper and Gray and Purple.

Continue reading "Spurs go up 2-0 on Suns"

Reading the post-Game 1 comments of Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal, it's hard to believe he has a Master's Degree from Louisiana State University. It's also hard to believe that he calls himself The Big Aristotle.

Continue reading "Shaq blames officials, Spurs for ..."

http://wizbangsports.com/2008/04/spurs_up_one_in_an_instant_cla.

Years from now, every basketball fan in San Antonio will claim to have been one of the almost 19,000 to have witnessed three hour and 21 minute battle royal that started the first round of the 2008 NBA playoffs.

Continue reading "Spurs Up One in an Instant Classic"

If you're a fan of the Phoenix Suns, you have to be worried about your team's series against the San Antonio Spurs.

Game 1 went into overtime, courtesy of a three-point shot by Tim Duncan as time expired. Duncan, who finished the game with 40 points and 15 rebounds, doesn't hit many three-pointers. In his career from downtown, The Big Fundamental is 24 for 126 in the regular season for a paltry .190 average. He was 0-4 this season and is only 4-24 in the post season.

Continue reading "Will the San Antonio Spurs make quick ..."

Whew! This has been one helluva season in the Western Conference, the most relentless horse race ever.

Just missed that double-overtime thriller won by the Spurs over the Suns. Our Lakers host the Nuggets tomorrow, Sunday. I predict the Lakers win that series in 5. More difficult to pick is Suns-Spurs series. Hungry Suns with Shaq addition vs. the very tough-minded, time-tested, defending champs holding the home-court advantage.

Continue reading "CONGRATULATIONS LAKERS ON #1 SEED!"

If you don't know what the scoop is for today, I suggest you take a look at my first post from today (the one before this post about the Wizards/Cavs).  For anyone who says that San Antonio plays boring basketball, I refer you to this game.  The atmosphere is intense, and the level of play couldn't be higher.  It's overtime, Suns up by 3 butStoudemire has just fouled out.  San Antonio has the ball with 12.6 left on the clock, and after Phoenix blankets Manu Ginobili, he finds Tim Duncan who just drilled the game tying 3-pointer (his first of the season) with three seconds to go (Mike D'Antoni's  facial expression was priceless).  This season's NBA playoffs are already surpassing all expectations, as we are now headed to double overtime in just the second game (LeBron's throw-down in the first game was also unreal) of this year's playoffs.

Continue reading "Playoff Extravaganza Part Two: Suns v. Spurs"

LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets 4:2

Lakers are Bynum-less; however, they have enough talent to win the series.  AI will win one game for Denver, as he usually does in playoffs. Denver will win another one on the back of Carmelo buy-me-a-drink-and-I-will-drive-home Anthony.

Continue reading "Western Conference Playoffs- First Round"

With the last game day of regular season approaching, the path for the Utah Jazz to the repeat showing at the Western Conference Finals goes through San Antonio.  In order for the Jazz to secure the easiest way into the Western Finals, Utah should lose to the Spurs.  With Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns winning, this will not allow the Jazz to have a home court advantage; however, Utah would rather lose that advantage in order to avoid the Spurs all the way to the Western Finals.  The Jazz beat the Rockets on the road last year and it seems that it will be even easier this year.  The next round might involve the Hornets or the Lakers.  The Jazz beat the Hornets three to one this season and Chris Paul cannot, for some unknown reason, beat Deron Williams in head-to-heads.  The Lakers might be a little harder, but Utah will get the job done, which will not be the case against thte Spurs.

Continue reading "Jazz playoffs position"

On Saturday night the Suns defeated the Nets 110-104.  Not exactly an impressive victory, but with Steve Nash a bit hobbled, suffering from shoulder spasms, the Phoenix big men kept the Suns afloat, and lead them to a much needed win, as every win seems necessary at this pivotal point in the season. 

Continue reading "Suns Within 1 of Top Spot in West, ..."

During Wednesday night's loss to the Boston Celtics, Suns players and fans could all but join in while the Celtic following made it clear who they thought was the league's most valuable player.  As Kevin Garnett stepped to the line with 6 minutes left in the game, the crowd began chanting M-V-P, and KG preceded to go about business as usual, netting two free throws and then making his way back down the floor on defense. 

Continue reading "Amare: MVP?"