Postseason MVP Rankings:
Spoiler [+]
The NBA playoffs are vastly different from the regular season for one reason. From November through mid-April, a team tries to build from day to day and game to game, and a player's statistics are built with that schedule. Wins matter, of course, but great personal stats can elevate a player's status even on a bad team, just as poor performances do the opposite even for a good team.
But now, all that matters is winning four games in seven tries. That's it. Cumulative stats are largely irrelevant. What a player does to earn those coveted wins carries far more weight than anything else, with the exception of the occasional but truly phenomenal performance that helps the losing team still believe in itself going forward.
This postseason, we're keeping track of the heroes, the guys who make the difference between winning and losing in these games. With every team having played two games, here's our first look at the top 10 postseason MVPs so far.
[h4]1. CHRIS PAUL, HORNETS[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]42.0[/td][td]26.5[/td][td]5.0[/td][td]11.5[/td][td]0.0[/td][td]2.0[/td][td]34.82[/td][td]1.0[/td][/tr][/table]
Just when people were starting to crown Derrick Rose as the league's best point guard, Chris Paul reminded us that he is still on the throne.
Paul was beyond masterful in Los Angeles in Game 1, using ball screens expertly, as always, and being in total control of the entire game. His presence and talent were probably worth at least a made basket or two for each teammate he passed to, as he made it as easy as possible for them to make shots. The Lakers had 17 assists for the game against 13 turnovers, while Paul had 14 assists himself to just two turnovers.
With the game on the line late and the Lakers finally showing a pulse, Paul scored 19 points in the last nine minutes, including three long jumpers that meant as much to the Hornets' confidence as they did to the actual score. We could just feel that we were watching something special happening, as could the guys in Hornets blue. That is a true sign of leadership, as his teammates fought not to let him down. This carried over to Game 2, when even though the Lakers won, Kobe was forced to guard Paul much of the time, sapping much-needed attention and energy away from Kobe's offense.
No playoff upset can happen without a team's belief that it can happen. Thanks to Paul, New Orleans heads home confident that it can defeat L.A. three more times in this series.
Photo credit: Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images
[h4]2. DERRICK ROSE, BULLS[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]39.0[/td][td]37.5[/td][td]7.0[/td][td]6.0[/td][td]1.5[/td][td]1.5[/td][td]35.46[/td][td]0.9[/td][/tr][/table]
Rose did all he could on offense to get his team to 2-0. He threw his body into defenders to ensure a foul call, something he had learned how to do during the regular season; he finished some of the toughest paint shots a guard will ever see; and he made key jumpers when the Pacers backed off him after ball screens, shooting with confidence and good mechanics. The pressure of the moment did not affect him.
But Rose still has room to improve. I was disappointed with portions of his on-the-ball defense. He was too passive, whereas other Bulls were applying serious ball pressure. Think about the big 3-pointer that A.J. Price hit late in Game 2. I'd be surprised if Rose was supposed to back off him in that situation. Although we can understand why he would rest on defense after expending so much energy to lift his team, it doesn't mean he should.
Also, the Pacers changed up how they defended Rose in Game 2, and that caused him some turnover problems. It's something Rose has to adjust to in Indiana. Remember, he's still a young player when it comes to being a heavy playoff favorite. It's a totally different mindset than being an underdog, which Rose was during his first two playoffs.
Photo credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
More:
But now, all that matters is winning four games in seven tries. That's it. Cumulative stats are largely irrelevant. What a player does to earn those coveted wins carries far more weight than anything else, with the exception of the occasional but truly phenomenal performance that helps the losing team still believe in itself going forward.
This postseason, we're keeping track of the heroes, the guys who make the difference between winning and losing in these games. With every team having played two games, here's our first look at the top 10 postseason MVPs so far.
[h4]1. CHRIS PAUL, HORNETS[/h4]
Just when people were starting to crown Derrick Rose as the league's best point guard, Chris Paul reminded us that he is still on the throne.
Paul was beyond masterful in Los Angeles in Game 1, using ball screens expertly, as always, and being in total control of the entire game. His presence and talent were probably worth at least a made basket or two for each teammate he passed to, as he made it as easy as possible for them to make shots. The Lakers had 17 assists for the game against 13 turnovers, while Paul had 14 assists himself to just two turnovers.
With the game on the line late and the Lakers finally showing a pulse, Paul scored 19 points in the last nine minutes, including three long jumpers that meant as much to the Hornets' confidence as they did to the actual score. We could just feel that we were watching something special happening, as could the guys in Hornets blue. That is a true sign of leadership, as his teammates fought not to let him down. This carried over to Game 2, when even though the Lakers won, Kobe was forced to guard Paul much of the time, sapping much-needed attention and energy away from Kobe's offense.
No playoff upset can happen without a team's belief that it can happen. Thanks to Paul, New Orleans heads home confident that it can defeat L.A. three more times in this series.
Photo credit: Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images
[h4]2. DERRICK ROSE, BULLS[/h4]
Rose did all he could on offense to get his team to 2-0. He threw his body into defenders to ensure a foul call, something he had learned how to do during the regular season; he finished some of the toughest paint shots a guard will ever see; and he made key jumpers when the Pacers backed off him after ball screens, shooting with confidence and good mechanics. The pressure of the moment did not affect him.
But Rose still has room to improve. I was disappointed with portions of his on-the-ball defense. He was too passive, whereas other Bulls were applying serious ball pressure. Think about the big 3-pointer that A.J. Price hit late in Game 2. I'd be surprised if Rose was supposed to back off him in that situation. Although we can understand why he would rest on defense after expending so much energy to lift his team, it doesn't mean he should.
Also, the Pacers changed up how they defended Rose in Game 2, and that caused him some turnover problems. It's something Rose has to adjust to in Indiana. Remember, he's still a young player when it comes to being a heavy playoff favorite. It's a totally different mindset than being an underdog, which Rose was during his first two playoffs.
Photo credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
More:
Spoiler [+]
[h4]3. DWIGHT HOWARD, MAGIC[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]47.0[/td][td]39.5[/td][td]19.0[/td][td]0.5[/td][td]1.0[/td][td]1.0[/td][td]35.96[/td][td]1.2[/td][/tr][/table]
Even though the Magic lost Game 1, Howard gets credit for his Superman performance -- 46 points and 19 rebounds is above and beyond even what his own coach and teammates expected from him against Atlanta's strong interior defense. But to get into this top 10, performances also must add up to wins. Howard gave his team one in Game 2, carrying the Magic in a must-win situation with another incredible exhibition of finishing shots, making free throws (15 of 19!), collecting rebounds and anchoring the defense.
As the Magic head to Atlanta, they know they have the best player in this series (by far). More than that, they now know their franchise center is capable of absolutely dominating games in the playoffs. I don't think they had that feeling in previous years. For a team to win on the road in the playoffs, no feeling is more important than belief. The Magic have that now thanks to D12.
Photo credit: AP Photo/John Raoux
[h4]4. JASON KIDD, MAVERICKS[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]34.0[/td][td]21.0[/td][td]4.5[/td][td]6.0[/td][td]1.0[/td][td]1.0[/td][td]38.47[/td][td]0.9[/td][/tr][/table]
It was pretty clear that Portland came into the series focused on helping off Jason Kidd to bother, double and deny Dirk Nowitzki. But Kidd made the Blazers pay in Game 1 with his terrific outside shooting. In Game 2, little changed, even to the point that Wesley Matthews left Kidd to help on a Dirk post-up, then had to fly back to an open Kidd, who nailed a 3 to start the second half. That bucket gave the Mavs their first lead of the game, a lead they never relinquished.
What's important here is that even after the first six quarters of action, with Kidd filling it up from deep, Portland didn't adjust its strategy. The Blazers never had the player closest to Kidd rotate over on a kickout, instead asking Matthews to cover that ground himself. But now Kidd is forcing Portland to at least consider changing defensive strategies. In a series in which most experts picked the underdog to prevail, Kidd's shooting has given the Mavs a huge advantage in the race to four wins.
Photo credit: Matthew Emmons/US Presswire
Even though the Magic lost Game 1, Howard gets credit for his Superman performance -- 46 points and 19 rebounds is above and beyond even what his own coach and teammates expected from him against Atlanta's strong interior defense. But to get into this top 10, performances also must add up to wins. Howard gave his team one in Game 2, carrying the Magic in a must-win situation with another incredible exhibition of finishing shots, making free throws (15 of 19!), collecting rebounds and anchoring the defense.
As the Magic head to Atlanta, they know they have the best player in this series (by far). More than that, they now know their franchise center is capable of absolutely dominating games in the playoffs. I don't think they had that feeling in previous years. For a team to win on the road in the playoffs, no feeling is more important than belief. The Magic have that now thanks to D12.
Photo credit: AP Photo/John Raoux
[h4]4. JASON KIDD, MAVERICKS[/h4]
It was pretty clear that Portland came into the series focused on helping off Jason Kidd to bother, double and deny Dirk Nowitzki. But Kidd made the Blazers pay in Game 1 with his terrific outside shooting. In Game 2, little changed, even to the point that Wesley Matthews left Kidd to help on a Dirk post-up, then had to fly back to an open Kidd, who nailed a 3 to start the second half. That bucket gave the Mavs their first lead of the game, a lead they never relinquished.
What's important here is that even after the first six quarters of action, with Kidd filling it up from deep, Portland didn't adjust its strategy. The Blazers never had the player closest to Kidd rotate over on a kickout, instead asking Matthews to cover that ground himself. But now Kidd is forcing Portland to at least consider changing defensive strategies. In a series in which most experts picked the underdog to prevail, Kidd's shooting has given the Mavs a huge advantage in the race to four wins.
Photo credit: Matthew Emmons/US Presswire
Spoiler [+]
[h4]5. KEVIN DURANT, THUNDER[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]41.0[/td][td]32.0[/td][td]7.0[/td][td]3.5[/td][td]0.0[/td][td]1.0[/td][td]33.69[/td][td]0.9[/td][/tr][/table]
The Denver Nuggets ended the regular season playing about as well as any other team in the playoffs. And they probably would have beaten any Western Conference team on Sunday with how well way they played in Game 1. Well, except for the only team that features Kevin Durant.
KD's 41 points on 22 shots looked exactly like you'd think, as he mixed numerous clutch shots with a consistent hammering of the Nuggets' defense. In Game 2, he seemed to be more in cruise control, partially because the Thunder had a big lead, but he still had the necessary intensity when his team needed it.
Durant is still a young pro, but he is smart enough to know that it's a long way to June. He must conserve energy when possible, although I'd look for him to come out strong in Game 3 to try to end this series quickly.
Photo credit: Mark D. Smith/US Presswire
[h4]6. DIRK NOWITZKI, MAVERICKS[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]38.5[/td][td]30.5[/td][td]8.5[/td][td]3.0[/td][td]0.5[/td][td]0.5[/td][td]27.61[/td][td]0.6[/td][/tr][/table]
Every season it seems people forget just how special a player Dirk is, perhaps because he doesn't make eye-popping, above-the-rim highlight plays. But what he's doing in this series -- making off-balance, one-legged jumpers while leaning away from the very long arms of Nicolas Batum or LaMarcus Aldridge -- is something only he can pull off efficiently.
Even though the Blazers have been hell-bent on stopping Nowitzki, he was able to impressively close Game 2 with 11 consecutive points. He also cut his six turnovers in Game 1 down to one in the second game.
In addition, he has played with reckless abandon, something that inspires his teammates. It's almost impossible for his teammates not to give the extra effort when their 7-foot superstar is scrapping and fighting. It's evident in the rebounding game, too. Portland's length and energy figured to give the Blazers an edge, but Dallas is battling the Blazers to a draw. Only Marcus Camby has more defensive boards than Nowitzki in this series.
Photo credit: Matthew Emmons/US Presswire
The Denver Nuggets ended the regular season playing about as well as any other team in the playoffs. And they probably would have beaten any Western Conference team on Sunday with how well way they played in Game 1. Well, except for the only team that features Kevin Durant.
KD's 41 points on 22 shots looked exactly like you'd think, as he mixed numerous clutch shots with a consistent hammering of the Nuggets' defense. In Game 2, he seemed to be more in cruise control, partially because the Thunder had a big lead, but he still had the necessary intensity when his team needed it.
Durant is still a young pro, but he is smart enough to know that it's a long way to June. He must conserve energy when possible, although I'd look for him to come out strong in Game 3 to try to end this series quickly.
Photo credit: Mark D. Smith/US Presswire
[h4]6. DIRK NOWITZKI, MAVERICKS[/h4]
Every season it seems people forget just how special a player Dirk is, perhaps because he doesn't make eye-popping, above-the-rim highlight plays. But what he's doing in this series -- making off-balance, one-legged jumpers while leaning away from the very long arms of Nicolas Batum or LaMarcus Aldridge -- is something only he can pull off efficiently.
Even though the Blazers have been hell-bent on stopping Nowitzki, he was able to impressively close Game 2 with 11 consecutive points. He also cut his six turnovers in Game 1 down to one in the second game.
In addition, he has played with reckless abandon, something that inspires his teammates. It's almost impossible for his teammates not to give the extra effort when their 7-foot superstar is scrapping and fighting. It's evident in the rebounding game, too. Portland's length and energy figured to give the Blazers an edge, but Dallas is battling the Blazers to a draw. Only Marcus Camby has more defensive boards than Nowitzki in this series.
Photo credit: Matthew Emmons/US Presswire
Spoiler [+]
[h4]7. CHRIS BOSH, HEAT[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]37.0[/td][td]23.0[/td][td]11.5[/td][td]1.0[/td][td]0.5[/td][td]1.5[/td][td]30.66[/td][td]0.7[/td][/tr][/table]
The playoffs are a whole different season. Just ask Bosh. Miami has looked for him consistently so far this postseason, and he's delivered beautifully.
Bosh has made 17 of 30 shots against a range of Philly defenders and 11 of 14 free throws. He's grabbed 23 total rebounds, the most of any player in this series. And he's been ever-present on the interior for the Heat, who have played better defense than any other team we've seen in the playoffs so far.
Photo credit: AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
[h4]8. LEBRON JAMES, HEAT[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]41.0[/td][td]25.0[/td][td]10.5[/td][td]5.5[/td][td]1.5[/td][td]0.5[/td][td]30.46[/td][td]0.8[/td][/tr][/table]
Too often I've seen James holding on to the ball when Dwyane Wade could be found slashing to the rim, but that's about the only negative I can write about him. Sure, he didn't shoot well in Game 1, but he dominated the glass late and destroyed Andre Iguodala's offense -- a huge part of why the Heat won. He also made 13 of 14 free throws, which Miami needed badly.
James was much sharper in Game 2 while still applying a beatdown on defense and not trying to do too much overall. How does 11 assists to two turnovers look?
LeBron teamed up with Wade in Miami for precisely this reason -- he does not have to do everything in every game to give his team a chance to win anymore. I'm guessing he's watching Derrick Rose and thinking, Young fella's gonna run out of gas soon. He knows that feeling well.
Photo credit: Victor Baldizon/NBAE/Getty Images
Draft:
Rumors.
http://[h3]Collison's Game 3 status[/h3]
11:24AM ET
[h5]Darren Collison | Pacers [/h5]
UPDATE No. 3: According to Johnson on Thursday, Collison is a game-time decision after participating in shootaround.
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UPDATE No. 2: According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune (via Wells), Collison didn't practice Wednesday, but will test his sprained ankle Thursday at Indiana's shootaround -- a sign he hasn't been entirely ruled out for Game 3 just yet.
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UPDATE: According to Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star, Pacers coach Frank Vogel said "he's going with the mind frame that they'll be without Collison in Game 3."
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Pacers starting point guard Darren Collison hurt his left ankle just before halftime on Monday when he stepped on a cameraman. Collison tested the ankle during the break, but could not play in the second half.
The team, according The Indianapolis Star, was listing Collison as day-to-day after the game.
A.J. Price will start in Games 3 if Collison is forced to rest the ankle. T.J. Ford, who spent most of the season on the inactive list, will now get minutes as the back up point guard.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Sacramento's shot at the Kings[/h3]
11:15AM ET
[h5]Sacramento Kings [/h5]
For the last several weeks, it appeared as if the Kings' move from Sacramento to Anaheim was a matter of when, not if.
But as Sam Amick details for Sports Illustrated, there's growing indication the team could remain.
"While the outcome is far from certain here, there are strong indications that the Maloof family, which owns the Kings, is facing enough opposition to the move to force it back to Sacramento," he wrote. " ... sources say the Anaheim presentation given at the meetings was as ineffective as (Sacramento mayor Kevin) Johnson's was impactful, and there is serious doubt as to whether there will be enough support to warrant the Maloofs filing for relocation (a majority vote is needed to approve a move when a team files) ... A source with knowledge of the proposal revealed that the television rights riches that had long been seen as a major motivating factor for the Maloofs aren't quite as lucrative as they had hoped."
So while there are still things to sort out as Johnson hosts relocation committee chairman Clay Bennett and league counsel Harvey Benjamin, what once seemed like a foregone conclusion is turning into a situation where Sacramento seems to still be a player for the Kings.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]McMillan addresses Roy's role[/h3]
10:14AM ET
[h5]Nate McMillan | Trail Blazers [/h5]
Brandon Roy told a few members of the media after Game 2 that he was not happy about his limited minutes in the loss to Dallas.
Blazers head coach Nate McMillan addressed Roy's situation on Wednesday and said he is sympathetic to what his shooting is going through.
"As I said to Brandon, there is nobody in this state, including Brandon, that wants Brandon on the floor as much as I do," McMillan told The Columbian. "There is no disrespect there, there is total respect there. It's a challenge every time I call Brandon's name off the bench. That's an All-Star ... calling Brandon Roy's name as a backup is different."
Roy played just under eight minutes in Game 2 and McMillan was not willing to say how much time the former All-Star would get in Game 3 on Thursday night.
"He's going to play his role, which is coming off the bench," McMillan said. "There wasn't any minutes promised or anything like that. All of our guys want to play minutes."
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Bogut hoping to be pain free[/h3]
9:56AM ET
[h5]Andrew Bogut | Bucks [/h5]
UPDATE: According to The Journal Times, Bogut's minor elbow surgery went well and he's already started his rehab.
"When I was under anesthesia, the surgeon (Dr. James Andrews) said he had my arm going in all directions," Bogut said. "I had full mobility and that's a good sign."
Bogut is expected to be able to play in offseason games by next month.
----
Andrew Bogut is hoping the arthroscopic surgery on April 12 to remove loose particles and scar tissue will take a way the pain in his right elbow.
"I think it should definitely get me a little more pain-free than I was this season," Bogut told the Journal Sentinel. "(People) thought I was crazy because I was complaining about pain and felt like I was complaining too much, but I've got a jar full of loose bones that they took out of my arm. I had six incisions to take out scar tissue and bone formation and I'm pretty sure it's going to be better than it was. How much better, I don't know yet. There was a lot of stuff in there."
The elbow pain affected his range of motion and he shot career lows from the field [49.5 percent] and free throw line [44.2 percent] this season.
"That was the most frustrating part," he said. "Then it [affects] you mentally and you're not as aggressive offensively and then I'd have games where I had three or four points. That was something I was trying to work through during the season that really frustrated me."
Despite the elbow issues, Bogut played well on defense as he lead the NBA in blocks [2.6 per game] and finished sixth for the league's defensive player of year award.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Game 3 in sight for Afflalo?[/h3]
9:05AM ET
[h5]Arron Afflalo | Nuggets [/h5]
UPDATE: The Nuggets did lose Game 2 to the Thunder on Wednesday and after the game Afflalo said he will play in Game 3, reports The Denver Post.
"Yeah," Afflalo said. "You can write that one up."
Afflalo says he'll do whatever is needed to help the team win.
"This ain't about me coming back to save the day, either," he said. "I'm going to get out there and ride with them. That's as much watching as I'm going to do for the rest of this season. ... I'm just going to create a positive atmosphere for guys on the court."
----
As noted previously, Arron Afflalo is set to miss Wednesday night's Game 2 against the Thunder due to his lingering hamstring injury.
And according to Aaron Lopez of Nuggets.com, Afflalo will base his return on how the series is going.
Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post adds context: "If the Nuggets lose, he might push to play in Game 3 back in Denver."
Even if Afflalo returns at some point this series, it's sounding like he won't be at 100 percent. Until he returns, Wilson Chandler could continue to get the start at shooting guard with J.R. Smith getting reserve minutes at the position.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Williams' future with the Nets[/h3]
8:51AM ET
[h5]Deron Williams | Nets [/h5]
UPDATE: When addressing the media on Wednesday, Nets general manager Billy King said he was confident that he'll be able to sign Williams to an extension before he can become a free agent in 2012.
"My thoughts haven't changed from the minute we traded for him [in February]," King said. "The more we talk and the more I get to know him, I can sense that he knows the goal of this franchise. We've had some great conversations and I can tell we're on the same page moving forward. It's nice to hear that he wants to stay here and that's good to know. What others might have said doesn't matter. You should take what he said and what I said as being the real deal."
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Deron Williams cleared out his locker on Thursday after the Nets completed their season on Wednesday and he spoke to the media about his future with the team. He is eligible to sign an extension beginning July 18 -- pending a lockout.
"I like this organization a lot," Williams told The Star-Ledger. "I like the direction they're going. They made me and my family feel real comfortable since I've gotten here. I like Coach [Avery] Johnson -- the way he coaches and the way he carries himself. I definitely can see myself staying here."
Williams can become a free agent on July 1, 2012 if he doesn't sign an extension and declines his player option for the 2012-13 season. The Nets traded away a lot of their assets for Williams and his future with the team has been a hot topic since he was traded to New Jersey.
"We have a lot of confidence about his situation," Johnson said. "I feel Deron has totally bought in to what we're doing ..."
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Amare's back spasms[/h3]
8:44AM ET
[h5]Amare Stoudemire | Knicks [/h5]
UPDATE: Stoudemire had an MRI on Wednesday and according to ESPNNewYork.com, it showed that he has a pulled muscle in his back.
He is listed as day-to-day and should play in Game 3 against Boston.
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Amar'e Stoudemire tweaked his back during pregame warmups on Tuesday. Stoudemire played in the first half against the Celtics, but was sidelined for the second half with back spasms.
Stoudemire spoke to the media after the Knicks loss and said he should play on Friday when the series shifts to New York.
"I should be ready for Game 3," Stoudemire told The Associated Press. "We'll see how it goes [Wednesday] and next day, but I'm pretty sure -- I'm hoping -- I'll be ready Friday."
Head coach Mike D'Antoni expects Stoudemire to be fit for Game 3.
"He should be OK Friday. ... He just felt a little twinge," D'Antoni said.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Ligament injury for Billups?[/h3]
8:35AM ET
[h5]Chauncey Billups | Knicks [/h5]
UPDATE: The MRI did reveal that Billups has a strained tendon. The New York Daily News reports Billups had his knee drained and he received a cortisone shot with hope that it may allow him to play in Game 3 against the Celtics.
"He's doing everything he can to get back out there," a Knicks official said. "This is killing him. He feels they would have won both games if he was out there at the end."
Billups is doubtful for Game 3.
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As we noted earlier Wednesday, Chauncey Billups is set to undergo an MRI on the strained left knee injury he suffered in Game 1 against the Celtics.
And there's the suggestion the injury could be to a ligament.
"A person familiar with the situation said Billups might have injured a ligament, which is why the MRI exam will take place," Marc Berman of the New York Post wrote. "But it does not appear to have structural damage."
Even if Billups checks out OK on the MRI, Berman also writes it "does not look very promising" he'll be able to play in Game 3. He also adds this: "If he does return during the series, it would seem highly unlikely he will be close to 100 percent."
As such, it's possible the Knicks will continue to hang their hat on Toney Douglas at the point guard position for the rest of this series against the Celtics.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Arm surgery for Lopez[/h3]
8:17AM ET
[h5]Brook Lopez | Nets [/h5]
According to The Record, Nets general manager Billy King told the media Wednesday that center Brook Lopez will have minor surgery next week.
King said Lopez played with calcium deposits in his right arm for most of the season and they will be removed.
King did not give a recovery timeline for his starting center.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Jay-Z's role with the Nets[/h3]
8:06AM ET
[h5]New Jersey Nets [/h5]
Nets general manager Billy King had his end-of-season press conference on Wednesday and one of the topics he discussed was Jay-Z's role with the team. Some celebrities own minority shares in pro teams, but don't really do anything. That's not the case with Jay-Z.
"I think a lot of those so-called guys that have parts of teams, they vanish," King told the New York Daily News. "There was one in Cleveland, what was his name? Usher. They haven't seen him. I think Nelly in (Charlotte) -- haven't seen him. But Jay-Z, I think players see that it's more of a passion for him, not just something he's involved in."
Kings also said he and Jay-Z communicate about potential basketball moves.
"I send him emails, or relate, 'What about this guy?' " King said. "But he is fully invested. Not just financially, but from the heart."
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Humphries' future with the Nets[/h3]
7:51AM ET
[h5]Kris Humphries | Nets [/h5]
UPDATE No. 4: Nets general manager Billy King backed up what Avery Johnson said regarding the importance of re-signing Humphries.
"It is [a high priority]," King told The Record. "We'll have to look and see what the cap rules will be and what they want. There is always going to be a number that we will pay and we won't pay."
----
UPDATE No. 3: Nets head coach Avery Johnson told the media on Thursday that re-signing Humphries is a top priority.
"Just high priority," Johnson told The Star-Ledger. "But ... it takes two to tango and hopefully Kris wants to be a part of our team and the fabric of what we're doing just as much as we want him. He understands how we feel about him. He really needs to be a part of our future, because of what he stands for, but that's going to be entirely up to him, because he's unrestricted."
----
UPDATE No. 2: According to The Record, the Nets are expecting to re-sign Humphries in the offseason.
Humphries also sounds like he wants to remain with the team long-term as he talked about the Nets' future in Brooklyn.
"I think this year's been a great building year," Humphries said. "With the arena going up and our team feeling like we have pieces to go in the right direction -- obviously there's going to be some additions and stuff like that -- it's all going to hopefully come together in Brooklyn. Hopefully a lot of us are there to experience that."
----
UPDATE: Humphries would like to re-sign with the Nets and admits money will be a factor when he looks at his options during the offseason.
"You want to make the most money you can and have a great career and all those things," he told The Record. "I want to be here. They've helped me get a lot better and rolled with me this year. It would be great to be back here. We're looking to do that."
The Nets want to have cap room in 2012, so they'll offer a fair contract, but not one that could hurt the chance to sign a top free agent.
----
Kris Humphries will be a free agent after this season and according to The Record, the Nets have said that retaining the power forward is a priority.
The Nets options are dwindling to sign another power forward in the offseason as http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2177/david-westDavid West will be recovering from ACL surgery, while http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1017/zach-randolphZach Randolph is close to signing an extension with Memphis.
Humphries is having an outstanding season, averaging 10 points and 10.3 rebounds, and could sign an extension with the Nets, however that's unlikely despite the possibility of a lockout.
Humphries is making $3.2 million this season and the first year of an extension would only be about $3.53 million. Humphries' agent, Dan Fegan, will seek a 2011-12 salary that is far about what can be signed via an extension, which is why the power forward will be a free agent.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Haslem's playoff status[/h3]
7:31AM ET
[h5]Udonis Haslem | Heat [/h5]
UPDATE No. 2: ESPN.com's Tom Haberstroh reports Haslem took Wednesday off to rest his left foot. Head coach Erik Spoelstra still doesn't know if the power forward will play during the playoffs, although he is making progress.
"He's not there yet," said Spoelstra. "I think even he knows that. But at least he can see and feel the light at the end of the tunnel."
The Heat will continue to not place a timeline on when Haslem may be able to play.
"When he can start doing consecutive days of work -- significant work -- and bounce back the next day and feel OK, I think then we can probably have discussions," Spoelstra said.
-- Nick Borges
----
UPDATE: In a Monday chat, Brian Windhorst of ESPN's Heat Index has this on Haslem.
"Getting close," he wrote. "He's still having issues with soreness after workouts. A couple weeks ago I doubted he'd play at all in the postseason. Now, I think he will at some point. But I would not expect him to be the player you're used to seeing and I would expect his minutes to be highly limited. However, any lift to the Heat bench would probably be helpful."
---
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Udonis Haslem practiced with the team on Friday.
Haslem has been out since November due to foot surgery.
"Can I help? Maybe. Do they they need me? Maybe not," Winderman quoted Haslem as saying on Friday.
"He thinks he eventually could play 15 to 20 minutes a game in the postseason," Winderman added.
While Haslem is sure to be somewhat rusty after missing so much time, his veteran presence, defense and ability to hit a jumper could give the Heat a nice extra playoff boost if he indeed returns at some point.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Decision day for Burks[/h3]
7:15AM ET
[h5]Alec Burks [/h5]
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/nba/draft2011/headshots/19510.jpg[/img]
UPDATE: Burks will announce on Thursday whether he is staying at Colorado or declaring for the draft, reports the Daily Camera.
"He's not telling us what he's thinking," guard Levi Knutson told The Denver Post Wednesday. "But he obviously has a lot to think about. There are benefits to both options. I know he has had a lot of fun playing college basketball the last couple of years. That's not an easy thing to give up. He has to do what's best for him and his family."
----
According to the Denver Post, Colorado shooting guard Alec Burks has indicated he plans to make a decision on declaring for the draft or not by Wednesday or Thursday.
The paper also offers this: "If there were betting odds on this, the odds would lean heavily toward him giving up his final two years of college eligibility to turn pro. Burks said if he gets an indication he likely will be selected among the top 15 picks, he is gone."
ESPN's Chad Ford currently has Burks ranked at No. 16 and slots him as a mid-first round pick, which would seem to indicate Burks has a shot at going in the top 15, potentially meaning he'll declare.
More from Ford on Burks:
[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Burks struggled with shot
The playoffs are a whole different season. Just ask Bosh. Miami has looked for him consistently so far this postseason, and he's delivered beautifully.
Bosh has made 17 of 30 shots against a range of Philly defenders and 11 of 14 free throws. He's grabbed 23 total rebounds, the most of any player in this series. And he's been ever-present on the interior for the Heat, who have played better defense than any other team we've seen in the playoffs so far.
Photo credit: AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
[h4]8. LEBRON JAMES, HEAT[/h4]
Too often I've seen James holding on to the ball when Dwyane Wade could be found slashing to the rim, but that's about the only negative I can write about him. Sure, he didn't shoot well in Game 1, but he dominated the glass late and destroyed Andre Iguodala's offense -- a huge part of why the Heat won. He also made 13 of 14 free throws, which Miami needed badly.
James was much sharper in Game 2 while still applying a beatdown on defense and not trying to do too much overall. How does 11 assists to two turnovers look?
LeBron teamed up with Wade in Miami for precisely this reason -- he does not have to do everything in every game to give his team a chance to win anymore. I'm guessing he's watching Derrick Rose and thinking, Young fella's gonna run out of gas soon. He knows that feeling well.
Photo credit: Victor Baldizon/NBAE/Getty Images
Spoiler [+]
[h4]9. ZACH RANDOLPH, GRIZZLIES[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]34.0[/td][td]18.0[/td][td]9.5[/td][td]3.0[/td][td]1.0[/td][td]1.5[/td][td]20.87[/td][td]0.3[/td][/tr][/table]
In the second-biggest upset of the playoffs so far, Randolph was the best player on the floor on Sunday. He was the Grizzlies' answer inside as a scorer all game, and his 14 rebounds were massive. Having a go-to scorer like Randolph play as he did against a defensive team like the Spurs gave this young team more confidence than it probably should have. Remember, this is a franchise that had never won a postseason game before Sunday.
Although they dropped Game 2 in a true battle, the Grizzlies head home thinking they are the better team and knowing they have the best low-post player in the series. That's because of Randolph's Game 1 performance.
Photo credit: D. Clarke Evans/NBAE/Getty Images
[h4]10. RAJON RONDO, CELTICS[/h4]
[h4]2011 POSTSEASON STATS[/h4][table][tr][th=""]GP[/th][th=""]MPG[/th][th=""]PPG[/th][th=""]RPG[/th][th=""]APG[/th][th=""]BPG[/th][th=""]SPG[/th][th=""]PER[/th][th=""]EWA*[/th][/tr][tr][td]2[/td][td]42.5[/td][td]20.0[/td][td]6.5[/td][td]8.0[/td][td]0.0[/td][td]1.0[/td][td]20.14[/td][td]0.4[/td][/tr][/table]
In Game 2 against New York, the Knicks had scored eight straight points as the fourth quarter unfolded, and Boston had not scored since the 11-minute mark of the quarter. They were stuck in cement, it seemed. That's when Rondo, who clearly sees that he has to be more scoring-minded in this series, attacked the basket with authority. Three layups on consecutive possessions ended Boston's almost-four-minute scoring drought, and he followed that up a bit later by orchestrating Boston buckets on six straight possessions. That run kept the Celtics in the game and set the stage for KG's hook to win the game.
Rondo wasn't as impressive as a scorer in Game 1, but his near triple-double showed that he's locked in to helping his team in every way. That he recognized his team's need for him to score in Game 2 is vital as the Celts go forward, because he's missed those signs often enough before.
Photo credit: Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images
[h3]Just outside[/h3]
Manu Ginobili, Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, Ray Allen
In the second-biggest upset of the playoffs so far, Randolph was the best player on the floor on Sunday. He was the Grizzlies' answer inside as a scorer all game, and his 14 rebounds were massive. Having a go-to scorer like Randolph play as he did against a defensive team like the Spurs gave this young team more confidence than it probably should have. Remember, this is a franchise that had never won a postseason game before Sunday.
Although they dropped Game 2 in a true battle, the Grizzlies head home thinking they are the better team and knowing they have the best low-post player in the series. That's because of Randolph's Game 1 performance.
Photo credit: D. Clarke Evans/NBAE/Getty Images
[h4]10. RAJON RONDO, CELTICS[/h4]
In Game 2 against New York, the Knicks had scored eight straight points as the fourth quarter unfolded, and Boston had not scored since the 11-minute mark of the quarter. They were stuck in cement, it seemed. That's when Rondo, who clearly sees that he has to be more scoring-minded in this series, attacked the basket with authority. Three layups on consecutive possessions ended Boston's almost-four-minute scoring drought, and he followed that up a bit later by orchestrating Boston buckets on six straight possessions. That run kept the Celtics in the game and set the stage for KG's hook to win the game.
Rondo wasn't as impressive as a scorer in Game 1, but his near triple-double showed that he's locked in to helping his team in every way. That he recognized his team's need for him to score in Game 2 is vital as the Celts go forward, because he's missed those signs often enough before.
Photo credit: Brian Babineau/NBAE/Getty Images
[h3]Just outside[/h3]
Manu Ginobili, Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, Ray Allen
Draft:
Spoiler [+]
We've discussed on this blog before that the NBA draft is more about tomorrow than today. We've also addressed the idea of drafting need or value. In this draft, where so few potential stars are in the draft, it becomes more likely that need will come before value since the differences in value between many players will be seen as very small. With that in mind, let's project what players each of the five worst teams should draft, with the balance scale more weighted on team needs.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/min/minnesota-timberwolvesMinnesota Timberwolves
Even with all the high draft picks and some free agent acquisitions, the Wolves have holes at every position except whatever spot Kevin Love plays. Though they still own Ricky Rubio's rights and sit on a very disappointing -- but talented -- Jonny Flynn, the Wolves clearly will have to consider taking Kyrie Irving, of course. But pairing up your best player with a complementary one makes sense, and if the Wolves decide to go that route, they'll have to consider Bismack Biyombo.
If you think he's too raw a talent to go No. 1, you're wrong. Think of it like this; he averages 6 and 5, with over 2 blocks a game while plaing in Spain's top division, which is the second best basketball league in the world after the NBA. And he does that while playing less than half the game. It's a league far more rugged than college. How would Kyrie Irving fare over there in 17 minutes?
Biyombo pairs up perfectly with Love, as his above-the-rim game and high intensity matches up with Love's solid positional defense and calm demeanor. BB would give the Wolves a constant threat in the paint to dunk anything he touched while allowing Love to float outside for his great jumper. And they would form one of the top rebounding tandems in the league. His energy alone would help Love and every other player on his team. Flynn, Wes Johnson and Love all want lots of touches and shots, and BB could excel just playing off all their misses. The two names he's always compared to are Ben Wallace and Kevin Garnett.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-cavaliersCleveland Cavaliers
This one is a no-brainer. The Cavs need help everywhere and their top few players can play multiple spots, so they can simply pick the best guy available. Kyrie Irving gives them their can't-miss point guard with significant upside. He reminds me of Jrue Holiday (who never should have fallen out of the top eight). Holiday is at least a solid long-term starter who might end up being an All-Star. The Cavs were the second-worst offensive and defensive team, and Irving is a guy who can both get them into a good offense every time down the court and spearhead their defense. To win in the East, the Cavs have to defend Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, John Wall, Brandon Jennings, Holiday, Deron Williams, .J. Augustin, and Darren Collison -- all explosive players who can dominate games with their talent, quickness, or both. Irving gives them the best chance at doing that of any player in this draft.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/tor/toronto-raptorsToronto Raptors
The Raptors are one of the teams that have to be just sick that Harrison Barnes is not in this draft. They would have to give him strong consideration at any spot they are selecting, including the No. 1 spot. Toronto was a bad offensive team last season, but they were the worst defensive team in the NBA. There is no candidate better suited to help them than Barnes, especially considering the huge hole they have at small forward .
The absence of a perfect fit means they'll have to take Derrick Williams. Even though they have two mainstays at the big spots in Andrea Bargnani and Ed Davis, who had an excellent rookie season, Williams gives them a strong scoring presence who is willing to compete on defense. He's powerfully built, something the Raps do need, and can certainly play small forward some, allowing Toronto to go big without giving up much. He's not a great rebounder as a 4, but would be better there playing the 3. The big Euros are in the running here, but Toronto needs some explosiveness too, something Williams brings to the table, and his toughness might be more in need than anything else. If Williams, Amir Johnson, and Ed Davis are three of your top four bigs, your team has a bright future.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/wsh/washington-wizardsWashington Wizards
If Toronto is sick about Barnes, the Wizards are in intensive care. They have a franchise talent in John Wall, and must take care to surround him with highly-skilled shooters with athleticism and great character. Barnes would be heaven sent since players with those three traits are rare indeed.
JaVale McGee had a breakthrough season and is the league's best shot-blocker, so drafting anyone who could take away his minutes would be a problem. But in Enes Kanter, the Wiz can get someone who can play alongside McGee and be a backup center, while giving them more scoring punch inside. McGee is not a great first option inside, and Kanter has a chance to be just that. His feel and poise inside is impressive. It may take him a while to recover since he's not played in a real game in a year, but he's been playing and working every day on his game. And compared to the other top Euros they can consider drafting, Kanter is already comfortable playing in and being in this country, an advantage when we think of how many other young players the Wizards have, plus they have 3 of the top 35 picks in this draft. Think of Kanter/McGee as a clone to the Boozer/Noah tandem in Chicago, with Wall playing the Derrick Rose role.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sac/sacramento-kingsSacramento Kings
The Kings are yet another team who would love to get Barnes, and Williams would be an even a better fit. Considering their two best players are DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans, and their third-best guy is restricted free agent Marcus Thornton, it's likely they will be looking for 3-point shooting help and someone who can play with Evans as a combo guard.
The Kings were a bottom-five team in offensive efficiency, 3-point shooting, and free throw shooting. Kemba Walker would fit the bill if he was a better shooter, but Brandon Knight ends up working out great for them as he projects to be a terrific 3-point shooter and made 80 percent of his free throws as a freshman at Kentucky. Knight has no problems being the primary ball handler, setting up Evans or running ballscreens with Cousins. And his spot shooting shows that he can play off Evans just as easily. The Kings struggled closing out games this year, something Knight will be able to help them with, and his high IQ and emotional maturity will help the team in an area that is problematic for them. His size and length can help him guard a lot of 2s, and if they can retain Thornton, a threesome of Knight, Thornton and Evans will play together and cause lots of problems for opposing defenses.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/min/minnesota-timberwolvesMinnesota Timberwolves
Even with all the high draft picks and some free agent acquisitions, the Wolves have holes at every position except whatever spot Kevin Love plays. Though they still own Ricky Rubio's rights and sit on a very disappointing -- but talented -- Jonny Flynn, the Wolves clearly will have to consider taking Kyrie Irving, of course. But pairing up your best player with a complementary one makes sense, and if the Wolves decide to go that route, they'll have to consider Bismack Biyombo.
If you think he's too raw a talent to go No. 1, you're wrong. Think of it like this; he averages 6 and 5, with over 2 blocks a game while plaing in Spain's top division, which is the second best basketball league in the world after the NBA. And he does that while playing less than half the game. It's a league far more rugged than college. How would Kyrie Irving fare over there in 17 minutes?
Biyombo pairs up perfectly with Love, as his above-the-rim game and high intensity matches up with Love's solid positional defense and calm demeanor. BB would give the Wolves a constant threat in the paint to dunk anything he touched while allowing Love to float outside for his great jumper. And they would form one of the top rebounding tandems in the league. His energy alone would help Love and every other player on his team. Flynn, Wes Johnson and Love all want lots of touches and shots, and BB could excel just playing off all their misses. The two names he's always compared to are Ben Wallace and Kevin Garnett.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-cavaliersCleveland Cavaliers
This one is a no-brainer. The Cavs need help everywhere and their top few players can play multiple spots, so they can simply pick the best guy available. Kyrie Irving gives them their can't-miss point guard with significant upside. He reminds me of Jrue Holiday (who never should have fallen out of the top eight). Holiday is at least a solid long-term starter who might end up being an All-Star. The Cavs were the second-worst offensive and defensive team, and Irving is a guy who can both get them into a good offense every time down the court and spearhead their defense. To win in the East, the Cavs have to defend Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, John Wall, Brandon Jennings, Holiday, Deron Williams, .J. Augustin, and Darren Collison -- all explosive players who can dominate games with their talent, quickness, or both. Irving gives them the best chance at doing that of any player in this draft.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/tor/toronto-raptorsToronto Raptors
The Raptors are one of the teams that have to be just sick that Harrison Barnes is not in this draft. They would have to give him strong consideration at any spot they are selecting, including the No. 1 spot. Toronto was a bad offensive team last season, but they were the worst defensive team in the NBA. There is no candidate better suited to help them than Barnes, especially considering the huge hole they have at small forward .
The absence of a perfect fit means they'll have to take Derrick Williams. Even though they have two mainstays at the big spots in Andrea Bargnani and Ed Davis, who had an excellent rookie season, Williams gives them a strong scoring presence who is willing to compete on defense. He's powerfully built, something the Raps do need, and can certainly play small forward some, allowing Toronto to go big without giving up much. He's not a great rebounder as a 4, but would be better there playing the 3. The big Euros are in the running here, but Toronto needs some explosiveness too, something Williams brings to the table, and his toughness might be more in need than anything else. If Williams, Amir Johnson, and Ed Davis are three of your top four bigs, your team has a bright future.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/wsh/washington-wizardsWashington Wizards
If Toronto is sick about Barnes, the Wizards are in intensive care. They have a franchise talent in John Wall, and must take care to surround him with highly-skilled shooters with athleticism and great character. Barnes would be heaven sent since players with those three traits are rare indeed.
JaVale McGee had a breakthrough season and is the league's best shot-blocker, so drafting anyone who could take away his minutes would be a problem. But in Enes Kanter, the Wiz can get someone who can play alongside McGee and be a backup center, while giving them more scoring punch inside. McGee is not a great first option inside, and Kanter has a chance to be just that. His feel and poise inside is impressive. It may take him a while to recover since he's not played in a real game in a year, but he's been playing and working every day on his game. And compared to the other top Euros they can consider drafting, Kanter is already comfortable playing in and being in this country, an advantage when we think of how many other young players the Wizards have, plus they have 3 of the top 35 picks in this draft. Think of Kanter/McGee as a clone to the Boozer/Noah tandem in Chicago, with Wall playing the Derrick Rose role.
http://espn.go.com/nba/team/_/name/sac/sacramento-kingsSacramento Kings
The Kings are yet another team who would love to get Barnes, and Williams would be an even a better fit. Considering their two best players are DeMarcus Cousins and Tyreke Evans, and their third-best guy is restricted free agent Marcus Thornton, it's likely they will be looking for 3-point shooting help and someone who can play with Evans as a combo guard.
The Kings were a bottom-five team in offensive efficiency, 3-point shooting, and free throw shooting. Kemba Walker would fit the bill if he was a better shooter, but Brandon Knight ends up working out great for them as he projects to be a terrific 3-point shooter and made 80 percent of his free throws as a freshman at Kentucky. Knight has no problems being the primary ball handler, setting up Evans or running ballscreens with Cousins. And his spot shooting shows that he can play off Evans just as easily. The Kings struggled closing out games this year, something Knight will be able to help them with, and his high IQ and emotional maturity will help the team in an area that is problematic for them. His size and length can help him guard a lot of 2s, and if they can retain Thornton, a threesome of Knight, Thornton and Evans will play together and cause lots of problems for opposing defenses.
Rumors.
Spoiler [+]
http://[h3]Options for the Rockets[/h3]
12:22PM ET
[h5]Houston Rockets [/h5]
UPDATE No. 3: According to ESPN's Marc Stein, sources close to the situation have indicated the Rockets have asked the Mavericks permission to interview Casey.
"The Mavericks, sources said, will grant that permission but have told the Rockets that they'd like to delay the interview until after Dallas' first-round series with Portland at the earliest so as not to disrupt the team's playoff preparations," Stein added.
---
UPDATE No. 2: Former Hawks head coach Mike Woodson is interested in the Rockets position and FOX 26 Sports is reporting that the team has contacted him about an interview.
----
UPDATE: Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner informed the team that he has no interest in interviewing for the head coach vacancy, according to the Houston Chronicle.
General manager Daryl Morey, according to the newspaper, has spoken to Turner and Jack Sikma about the position.
Hornets lead assistant Michael Malone, who is a candidate for the position, says he is only concentrating on advancing past the Lakers, according to The Times-Picayune.
----
Rick Adelman and the Rockets have decided to go in different directions, so now the question is: Who are the candidates to be the next head coach of the club?
According to the Houston Chronicle, assistant coaches Elston Turner and Jack Sikma and former Rockets player Mario Elie will be invited to interview for the position.
The newspaper also reports that former Cavs coach, Mike Brown, is a candidate, too.
Others who may be interviewed include Mike Woodson, Dwane Casey, Mike Budenholzer Mike Malone and Lawrence Frank.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Jones' draft prospects[/h3]
12:09PM ET
[h5]Kevin Jones [/h5]
According to The Journal News, West Virginia junior power forward Kevin Jones has decided to enter the NBA draft, but won't hire an agent -- giving him the opportunity of withdrawing by May 8 and returning for a senior season.
And it's possible returning may behoove him.
ESPN's Chad Ford is projecting Jones as a second rounder or undrafted player, and has previously suggested another year at school could do him good.
More from Ford:
[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Jones' junior season was a disappointment
12:22PM ET
[h5]Houston Rockets [/h5]
UPDATE No. 3: According to ESPN's Marc Stein, sources close to the situation have indicated the Rockets have asked the Mavericks permission to interview Casey.
"The Mavericks, sources said, will grant that permission but have told the Rockets that they'd like to delay the interview until after Dallas' first-round series with Portland at the earliest so as not to disrupt the team's playoff preparations," Stein added.
---
UPDATE No. 2: Former Hawks head coach Mike Woodson is interested in the Rockets position and FOX 26 Sports is reporting that the team has contacted him about an interview.
----
UPDATE: Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner informed the team that he has no interest in interviewing for the head coach vacancy, according to the Houston Chronicle.
General manager Daryl Morey, according to the newspaper, has spoken to Turner and Jack Sikma about the position.
Hornets lead assistant Michael Malone, who is a candidate for the position, says he is only concentrating on advancing past the Lakers, according to The Times-Picayune.
----
Rick Adelman and the Rockets have decided to go in different directions, so now the question is: Who are the candidates to be the next head coach of the club?
According to the Houston Chronicle, assistant coaches Elston Turner and Jack Sikma and former Rockets player Mario Elie will be invited to interview for the position.
The newspaper also reports that former Cavs coach, Mike Brown, is a candidate, too.
Others who may be interviewed include Mike Woodson, Dwane Casey, Mike Budenholzer Mike Malone and Lawrence Frank.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Jones' draft prospects[/h3]
12:09PM ET
[h5]Kevin Jones [/h5]
According to The Journal News, West Virginia junior power forward Kevin Jones has decided to enter the NBA draft, but won't hire an agent -- giving him the opportunity of withdrawing by May 8 and returning for a senior season.
And it's possible returning may behoove him.
ESPN's Chad Ford is projecting Jones as a second rounder or undrafted player, and has previously suggested another year at school could do him good.
More from Ford:
Jones' junior season was a disappointment
11:24AM ET
[h5]Darren Collison | Pacers [/h5]
UPDATE No. 3: According to Johnson on Thursday, Collison is a game-time decision after participating in shootaround.
---
UPDATE No. 2: According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune (via Wells), Collison didn't practice Wednesday, but will test his sprained ankle Thursday at Indiana's shootaround -- a sign he hasn't been entirely ruled out for Game 3 just yet.
---
UPDATE: According to Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star, Pacers coach Frank Vogel said "he's going with the mind frame that they'll be without Collison in Game 3."
---
Pacers starting point guard Darren Collison hurt his left ankle just before halftime on Monday when he stepped on a cameraman. Collison tested the ankle during the break, but could not play in the second half.
The team, according The Indianapolis Star, was listing Collison as day-to-day after the game.
A.J. Price will start in Games 3 if Collison is forced to rest the ankle. T.J. Ford, who spent most of the season on the inactive list, will now get minutes as the back up point guard.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Sacramento's shot at the Kings[/h3]
11:15AM ET
[h5]Sacramento Kings [/h5]
For the last several weeks, it appeared as if the Kings' move from Sacramento to Anaheim was a matter of when, not if.
But as Sam Amick details for Sports Illustrated, there's growing indication the team could remain.
"While the outcome is far from certain here, there are strong indications that the Maloof family, which owns the Kings, is facing enough opposition to the move to force it back to Sacramento," he wrote. " ... sources say the Anaheim presentation given at the meetings was as ineffective as (Sacramento mayor Kevin) Johnson's was impactful, and there is serious doubt as to whether there will be enough support to warrant the Maloofs filing for relocation (a majority vote is needed to approve a move when a team files) ... A source with knowledge of the proposal revealed that the television rights riches that had long been seen as a major motivating factor for the Maloofs aren't quite as lucrative as they had hoped."
So while there are still things to sort out as Johnson hosts relocation committee chairman Clay Bennett and league counsel Harvey Benjamin, what once seemed like a foregone conclusion is turning into a situation where Sacramento seems to still be a player for the Kings.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]McMillan addresses Roy's role[/h3]
10:14AM ET
[h5]Nate McMillan | Trail Blazers [/h5]
Brandon Roy told a few members of the media after Game 2 that he was not happy about his limited minutes in the loss to Dallas.
Blazers head coach Nate McMillan addressed Roy's situation on Wednesday and said he is sympathetic to what his shooting is going through.
"As I said to Brandon, there is nobody in this state, including Brandon, that wants Brandon on the floor as much as I do," McMillan told The Columbian. "There is no disrespect there, there is total respect there. It's a challenge every time I call Brandon's name off the bench. That's an All-Star ... calling Brandon Roy's name as a backup is different."
Roy played just under eight minutes in Game 2 and McMillan was not willing to say how much time the former All-Star would get in Game 3 on Thursday night.
"He's going to play his role, which is coming off the bench," McMillan said. "There wasn't any minutes promised or anything like that. All of our guys want to play minutes."
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Bogut hoping to be pain free[/h3]
9:56AM ET
[h5]Andrew Bogut | Bucks [/h5]
UPDATE: According to The Journal Times, Bogut's minor elbow surgery went well and he's already started his rehab.
"When I was under anesthesia, the surgeon (Dr. James Andrews) said he had my arm going in all directions," Bogut said. "I had full mobility and that's a good sign."
Bogut is expected to be able to play in offseason games by next month.
----
Andrew Bogut is hoping the arthroscopic surgery on April 12 to remove loose particles and scar tissue will take a way the pain in his right elbow.
"I think it should definitely get me a little more pain-free than I was this season," Bogut told the Journal Sentinel. "(People) thought I was crazy because I was complaining about pain and felt like I was complaining too much, but I've got a jar full of loose bones that they took out of my arm. I had six incisions to take out scar tissue and bone formation and I'm pretty sure it's going to be better than it was. How much better, I don't know yet. There was a lot of stuff in there."
The elbow pain affected his range of motion and he shot career lows from the field [49.5 percent] and free throw line [44.2 percent] this season.
"That was the most frustrating part," he said. "Then it [affects] you mentally and you're not as aggressive offensively and then I'd have games where I had three or four points. That was something I was trying to work through during the season that really frustrated me."
Despite the elbow issues, Bogut played well on defense as he lead the NBA in blocks [2.6 per game] and finished sixth for the league's defensive player of year award.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Game 3 in sight for Afflalo?[/h3]
9:05AM ET
[h5]Arron Afflalo | Nuggets [/h5]
UPDATE: The Nuggets did lose Game 2 to the Thunder on Wednesday and after the game Afflalo said he will play in Game 3, reports The Denver Post.
"Yeah," Afflalo said. "You can write that one up."
Afflalo says he'll do whatever is needed to help the team win.
"This ain't about me coming back to save the day, either," he said. "I'm going to get out there and ride with them. That's as much watching as I'm going to do for the rest of this season. ... I'm just going to create a positive atmosphere for guys on the court."
----
As noted previously, Arron Afflalo is set to miss Wednesday night's Game 2 against the Thunder due to his lingering hamstring injury.
And according to Aaron Lopez of Nuggets.com, Afflalo will base his return on how the series is going.
Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post adds context: "If the Nuggets lose, he might push to play in Game 3 back in Denver."
Even if Afflalo returns at some point this series, it's sounding like he won't be at 100 percent. Until he returns, Wilson Chandler could continue to get the start at shooting guard with J.R. Smith getting reserve minutes at the position.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Williams' future with the Nets[/h3]
8:51AM ET
[h5]Deron Williams | Nets [/h5]
UPDATE: When addressing the media on Wednesday, Nets general manager Billy King said he was confident that he'll be able to sign Williams to an extension before he can become a free agent in 2012.
"My thoughts haven't changed from the minute we traded for him [in February]," King said. "The more we talk and the more I get to know him, I can sense that he knows the goal of this franchise. We've had some great conversations and I can tell we're on the same page moving forward. It's nice to hear that he wants to stay here and that's good to know. What others might have said doesn't matter. You should take what he said and what I said as being the real deal."
----
Deron Williams cleared out his locker on Thursday after the Nets completed their season on Wednesday and he spoke to the media about his future with the team. He is eligible to sign an extension beginning July 18 -- pending a lockout.
"I like this organization a lot," Williams told The Star-Ledger. "I like the direction they're going. They made me and my family feel real comfortable since I've gotten here. I like Coach [Avery] Johnson -- the way he coaches and the way he carries himself. I definitely can see myself staying here."
Williams can become a free agent on July 1, 2012 if he doesn't sign an extension and declines his player option for the 2012-13 season. The Nets traded away a lot of their assets for Williams and his future with the team has been a hot topic since he was traded to New Jersey.
"We have a lot of confidence about his situation," Johnson said. "I feel Deron has totally bought in to what we're doing ..."
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Amare's back spasms[/h3]
8:44AM ET
[h5]Amare Stoudemire | Knicks [/h5]
UPDATE: Stoudemire had an MRI on Wednesday and according to ESPNNewYork.com, it showed that he has a pulled muscle in his back.
He is listed as day-to-day and should play in Game 3 against Boston.
----
Amar'e Stoudemire tweaked his back during pregame warmups on Tuesday. Stoudemire played in the first half against the Celtics, but was sidelined for the second half with back spasms.
Stoudemire spoke to the media after the Knicks loss and said he should play on Friday when the series shifts to New York.
"I should be ready for Game 3," Stoudemire told The Associated Press. "We'll see how it goes [Wednesday] and next day, but I'm pretty sure -- I'm hoping -- I'll be ready Friday."
Head coach Mike D'Antoni expects Stoudemire to be fit for Game 3.
"He should be OK Friday. ... He just felt a little twinge," D'Antoni said.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Ligament injury for Billups?[/h3]
8:35AM ET
[h5]Chauncey Billups | Knicks [/h5]
UPDATE: The MRI did reveal that Billups has a strained tendon. The New York Daily News reports Billups had his knee drained and he received a cortisone shot with hope that it may allow him to play in Game 3 against the Celtics.
"He's doing everything he can to get back out there," a Knicks official said. "This is killing him. He feels they would have won both games if he was out there at the end."
Billups is doubtful for Game 3.
----
As we noted earlier Wednesday, Chauncey Billups is set to undergo an MRI on the strained left knee injury he suffered in Game 1 against the Celtics.
And there's the suggestion the injury could be to a ligament.
"A person familiar with the situation said Billups might have injured a ligament, which is why the MRI exam will take place," Marc Berman of the New York Post wrote. "But it does not appear to have structural damage."
Even if Billups checks out OK on the MRI, Berman also writes it "does not look very promising" he'll be able to play in Game 3. He also adds this: "If he does return during the series, it would seem highly unlikely he will be close to 100 percent."
As such, it's possible the Knicks will continue to hang their hat on Toney Douglas at the point guard position for the rest of this series against the Celtics.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Arm surgery for Lopez[/h3]
8:17AM ET
[h5]Brook Lopez | Nets [/h5]
According to The Record, Nets general manager Billy King told the media Wednesday that center Brook Lopez will have minor surgery next week.
King said Lopez played with calcium deposits in his right arm for most of the season and they will be removed.
King did not give a recovery timeline for his starting center.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Jay-Z's role with the Nets[/h3]
8:06AM ET
[h5]New Jersey Nets [/h5]
Nets general manager Billy King had his end-of-season press conference on Wednesday and one of the topics he discussed was Jay-Z's role with the team. Some celebrities own minority shares in pro teams, but don't really do anything. That's not the case with Jay-Z.
"I think a lot of those so-called guys that have parts of teams, they vanish," King told the New York Daily News. "There was one in Cleveland, what was his name? Usher. They haven't seen him. I think Nelly in (Charlotte) -- haven't seen him. But Jay-Z, I think players see that it's more of a passion for him, not just something he's involved in."
Kings also said he and Jay-Z communicate about potential basketball moves.
"I send him emails, or relate, 'What about this guy?' " King said. "But he is fully invested. Not just financially, but from the heart."
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Humphries' future with the Nets[/h3]
7:51AM ET
[h5]Kris Humphries | Nets [/h5]
UPDATE No. 4: Nets general manager Billy King backed up what Avery Johnson said regarding the importance of re-signing Humphries.
"It is [a high priority]," King told The Record. "We'll have to look and see what the cap rules will be and what they want. There is always going to be a number that we will pay and we won't pay."
----
UPDATE No. 3: Nets head coach Avery Johnson told the media on Thursday that re-signing Humphries is a top priority.
"Just high priority," Johnson told The Star-Ledger. "But ... it takes two to tango and hopefully Kris wants to be a part of our team and the fabric of what we're doing just as much as we want him. He understands how we feel about him. He really needs to be a part of our future, because of what he stands for, but that's going to be entirely up to him, because he's unrestricted."
----
UPDATE No. 2: According to The Record, the Nets are expecting to re-sign Humphries in the offseason.
Humphries also sounds like he wants to remain with the team long-term as he talked about the Nets' future in Brooklyn.
"I think this year's been a great building year," Humphries said. "With the arena going up and our team feeling like we have pieces to go in the right direction -- obviously there's going to be some additions and stuff like that -- it's all going to hopefully come together in Brooklyn. Hopefully a lot of us are there to experience that."
----
UPDATE: Humphries would like to re-sign with the Nets and admits money will be a factor when he looks at his options during the offseason.
"You want to make the most money you can and have a great career and all those things," he told The Record. "I want to be here. They've helped me get a lot better and rolled with me this year. It would be great to be back here. We're looking to do that."
The Nets want to have cap room in 2012, so they'll offer a fair contract, but not one that could hurt the chance to sign a top free agent.
----
Kris Humphries will be a free agent after this season and according to The Record, the Nets have said that retaining the power forward is a priority.
The Nets options are dwindling to sign another power forward in the offseason as http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/2177/david-westDavid West will be recovering from ACL surgery, while http://espn.go.com/nba/player/_/id/1017/zach-randolphZach Randolph is close to signing an extension with Memphis.
Humphries is having an outstanding season, averaging 10 points and 10.3 rebounds, and could sign an extension with the Nets, however that's unlikely despite the possibility of a lockout.
Humphries is making $3.2 million this season and the first year of an extension would only be about $3.53 million. Humphries' agent, Dan Fegan, will seek a 2011-12 salary that is far about what can be signed via an extension, which is why the power forward will be a free agent.
-- Nick Borges
http://[h3]Haslem's playoff status[/h3]
7:31AM ET
[h5]Udonis Haslem | Heat [/h5]
UPDATE No. 2: ESPN.com's Tom Haberstroh reports Haslem took Wednesday off to rest his left foot. Head coach Erik Spoelstra still doesn't know if the power forward will play during the playoffs, although he is making progress.
"He's not there yet," said Spoelstra. "I think even he knows that. But at least he can see and feel the light at the end of the tunnel."
The Heat will continue to not place a timeline on when Haslem may be able to play.
"When he can start doing consecutive days of work -- significant work -- and bounce back the next day and feel OK, I think then we can probably have discussions," Spoelstra said.
-- Nick Borges
----
UPDATE: In a Monday chat, Brian Windhorst of ESPN's Heat Index has this on Haslem.
"Getting close," he wrote. "He's still having issues with soreness after workouts. A couple weeks ago I doubted he'd play at all in the postseason. Now, I think he will at some point. But I would not expect him to be the player you're used to seeing and I would expect his minutes to be highly limited. However, any lift to the Heat bench would probably be helpful."
---
According to Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Udonis Haslem practiced with the team on Friday.
Haslem has been out since November due to foot surgery.
"Can I help? Maybe. Do they they need me? Maybe not," Winderman quoted Haslem as saying on Friday.
"He thinks he eventually could play 15 to 20 minutes a game in the postseason," Winderman added.
While Haslem is sure to be somewhat rusty after missing so much time, his veteran presence, defense and ability to hit a jumper could give the Heat a nice extra playoff boost if he indeed returns at some point.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Decision day for Burks[/h3]
7:15AM ET
[h5]Alec Burks [/h5]
[img]http://a.espncdn.com/i/nba/draft2011/headshots/19510.jpg[/img]
UPDATE: Burks will announce on Thursday whether he is staying at Colorado or declaring for the draft, reports the Daily Camera.
"He's not telling us what he's thinking," guard Levi Knutson told The Denver Post Wednesday. "But he obviously has a lot to think about. There are benefits to both options. I know he has had a lot of fun playing college basketball the last couple of years. That's not an easy thing to give up. He has to do what's best for him and his family."
----
According to the Denver Post, Colorado shooting guard Alec Burks has indicated he plans to make a decision on declaring for the draft or not by Wednesday or Thursday.
The paper also offers this: "If there were betting odds on this, the odds would lean heavily toward him giving up his final two years of college eligibility to turn pro. Burks said if he gets an indication he likely will be selected among the top 15 picks, he is gone."
ESPN's Chad Ford currently has Burks ranked at No. 16 and slots him as a mid-first round pick, which would seem to indicate Burks has a shot at going in the top 15, potentially meaning he'll declare.
More from Ford on Burks:
Burks struggled with shot
