One Man Doesn’t Make A Team, So Here’s Looking At You Kid

I can’t help but feel sorry for the New Jersey Nets’ coach, Lawrence Frank at present. His job at present is a thankless task, as the team has the worst record currently in the NBA.

East Rutherford , NJ - NOVEMBER 21: Mike D'Antoni speaks with Wilson Chandler (21) of the New York Knicks during a game against the New Jersey Nets on November 21, 2009 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Jeyhoun Allebaugh ......................

And with that the team record (0-13) within the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference, looking congruously sustainable , given the fact that they’ve been woefully inept in all aspects of the game. One can only that their first win of the season will come about very soon. They already fast a tough task within their own division with the likes the likes of the Boston Celtics (10-4),Toronto Raptors (6-8),Philadelphia 76ers (5-8) and the New York Knicks (3-10) ahead of them of the standings-within the divsion. And with barely one sixth of the season having passed. It certainly doesn’t at all bode well for the team. If they maintain their current pace of futility, they’ll be one pace to attain no more than 4 wins against 78 losses. And that’s hardly liable to happen but they could although set a record of some kind in abject futility.

East Rutherford , NJ - November 21: Lawrence Frank of the New Jersey Nets argues a call against the New York Knicks on November 21, 2009 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Frank received a technical foul as a result of the play. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/ Getty Images/ Jeyhoun Allebaugh .............................

Courtesy of NBA.com

FCRC Statement on NYS Court of Appeals Ruling on Eminent Domain Lawsuit Filed by Opponents of Atlantic Yards in Brooklyn
Courts Again Side with Atlantic Yards:
Jobs and Affordable Housing to Come to Brooklyn
November 24, 2009

BROOKLYN, NY—Bruce Ratner, CEO and Chairman of Forest City Ratner Companies, issued the following statement today regarding the NYS Court of Appeals ruling in favor of the Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn.

The Court’s ruling upholds the State’s right to use eminent domain given the public benefits associated with the Atlantic Yards Development inBrooklyn.

“Once again the courts have made it clear that this project represents a significant public benefit for the people of Brooklyn and the entire City,” Mr. Ratner said. “Our commitment to the entire project is as strong today as when we started six years ago. Today, however, this project is even more important given the need for jobs and economic development.”

Mr. Ratner said construction activity on the yards will continue, with the intent that the Nets will play ball in the Barclays Center in the 2011-2012 NBA Season.

In addition to Barclays, which has the exclusive naming rights, eight companies have signed on as founding partners for the arena.

The courts have ruled consistently in favor of the development. Mr. Ratner explained as well that the arena and larger development are expected to create 16,924 union construction jobs and over 8,000 permanent jobs. The tax revenues that will be generated for the City and State during the construction period are expected to exceed $240 million and after construction reach approximately $70 million a year.

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In large part the team is made up of seasoned veterans , sprinkled in with some youth. But with players such as Vince Carter , Kenyon Martin and Jason Kidd no longer a part of this team. They’re now a long ways off from when they were viewed as being one of the powerhouses in the Eastern Conference. At that time they were being coached by Byron Scott, the recently fired former coach of the New Orleans Hornets.

Devin Harris (34) of the New Jersey Nets shoots against Al Harrington (7) of the New York Knicks on November 21, 2009 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Jeyhoun Allebaugh ..............

The best player on the team is considered to be their guard, Devin Harris. And with team owner, Bruce Ratner,Team President, Rod Thorn and General Manager, Kiki Vanderweghe looking to position themselves as major player in the LeBron James’ sweepstakes in 2010. One can’t be seemingly sure what attitude should be taken as to the ambitions of the organization. All we are keenly aware of is, that they’ll leave no stone unturned in their quest to acquire the player.

And with James being reticent as to what his real plans are once the ’09-10 season reaches its pinnacle. Fans of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as James’ newest teammate, Shaquille O’Neal will hope that the player remains in Cleveland. A hard court press is being made by all vested parties in Cleveland. From the team’s principal partner Dan Gilbert, to general manager,Danny Ferry and the Cavaliers’ fans, themselves. They all want the player to remain in his hometown city. However, much of that will be predicated upon the success that they achieve this season. And the ultimate goal there is to win an NBA championship.

A number of teams are obviously interested in acquiring LeBron James. And why not , he might just be the most dynamic player in the NBA at present, with the exception of Los Angeles Lakers’ guard Kobe Bryant. And from there, all comparison ought to end ! And with teams such as the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, as well as the New Jersey Nets all vying for James’ service. One can well understand the reason why it is that the Nets are said to be interested in the player. And with the Heat’s Dwyane Wade having said that he’ll make it his goal of trying to lure James to South Beach and to the team. You can see that the Nets’ fans have got to be hoping that serendipity will somehow play a part in the decision to be made by LeBron.

As to the season thus far for the New Jersey Nets. They’re under an ever growing pressure as the losses continue to mount up. With the fans now becoming ever more indifferent as to the team’s plight. The attendance for home games has continued to slide. And with Bruce Ratner’s wish to relocate the team from New Jersey to Brooklyn, there’s an urgency for the team to perform somewhat better than they’re now presently doing. Growing unrest will only add to the tension and with the hundreds of millions of dollars on the line, in terms of the redevelopment of the new site that will house the Nets, alongside commercial and residential properties. The organization requires the right type of PR and publicity to create a fervor around the team and the development , itself.

Al Harrington (7) of the New York Knicks drives the lane against Trenton Hassel (44) of the New Jersey Nets on November 21, 2009 at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images/ Jeyhoun Allebaugh ............

Roster wise, as I’ve alluded to earlier,the team is made up of youth and seasoned veterans.However,the team is really lacking a veteran leader and a proven scorer. And that may well be one of the drawbacks for the team at present.Defensively, they’ve struggled and on the offensive side of things there too, the team has struggled greatly this season. And there too, there appears to be no respite at hand for the team or its beleaguered coach, Lawrence Frank.

With the presumptive thinking being that in having LeBron James added to the roster , there’ll be an immediate change in fortune for the team. Well, much of that’d be predicated upon the fact that James would be complemented with players that are commensurate with his skill and mindset. And that doesn’t appear to be the case with the current New Jersey Nets’ roster at present ! Whatever changes that’ll be needed to improve the team will definitely have to be monumental. A major roster upheaval will be needed, if this team is to improve along the lines that both Rod Thorn and Kiki Vanderweghe may well have envisaged. One man doesn’t a team make but if you get the right man and complement him with the right cast as teammates. Then the future of the team can presume to be bright.

New Jersey Nets 2009-10 roster

Nets Roster

2009-10 Roster
NUM PLAYER POS HT WT DOB FROM YRS
1 Rafer Alston G 6-2 175 07/24/1976 Fresno State 10
7 Tony Battie C-F 6-11 240 02/11/1976 Texas Tech 11
2 Josh Boone C 6-10 240 11/21/1984 Connecticut 3
55 Keyon Dooling G 6-3 195 05/08/1980 Missouri 9
17 Chris Douglas-Roberts G 6-7 210 01/08/1987 Memphis 1
34 Devin Harris G 6-3 190 02/27/1983 Wisconsin 5
44 Trenton Hassell F 6-5 227 03/04/1979 Austin Peay 8
22 Jarvis Hayes F 6-8 228 08/09/1981 Georgia 6
6 Courtney Lee G-F 6-5 200 10/03/1985 Western Kentucky 1
11 Brook Lopez C 7-0 265 04/01/1988 Stanford 1
14 Eduardo Najera F 6-8 235 07/11/1976 Oklahoma 9
21 Bobby Simmons F 6-6 230 06/02/1980 DePaul 7
51 Sean Williams F-C 6-10 235 09/13/1986 Boston College 2
8 Terrence Williams G-F 6-6 220 06/28/1987 Louisville R
9 Yi Jianlian F 7-0 250 10/27/1987 Shenzhen, China 2

HEAD COACH
Lawrence Frank (College – Indiana)

ASSISTANT COACHES
Tom Barrise (College – Fairleigh Dickinson)
John Loyer (College – Akron)
Doug Overton (College – LaSalle)
Roy Rogers (College – Alabama)

ASSISTANT COACH and STRENGTH-AND-CONDITIONING COACH
Rich Dalatri (College – Louisiana Tech)

ATHLETIC TRAINER
Tim Walsh (College – Upsala)

NBA Standings Atlantic Division Eastern Conference

Team W L PCT GB CONF DIV HOME ROAD L 10 STREAK
Boston 3 10 4 0.714 0.0 6-3 3-0 5-3 5-1 6-4 W 1
Toronto 6 8 0.429 4.0 4-2 0-0 4-2 2-6 4-6 L 1
Philadelphia 5 8 0.385 4.5 5-5 3-1 3-4 2-4 3-7 L 2
New York 3 10 0.231 6.5 2-8 1-2 1-7 2-3 3-7 L 1
New Jersey 0 13 0.000 9.5 0-11 0-4 0-6 0-7 0-10 L 13

NB … At the original writing of this piece , Nets’ coach, Lawrence Frank, hadn’t yet been fired by the organization. His position has since been assumed by General Manager, Kiki Vandeweghe ,on an interim basis until the end of the 2009-10 NBA season.

I’m No Punk I Just Want To Be Paid

Coming off something of a disappointing season and the losing of a series in the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA . One can well understand the urgency of Danny Ferry as GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers . Ferry knows that in order for the franchise to remain relevant and to be still in the good graces of their superstar , LeBron James . The GM will have to surround the player with talent that’s commensurate to James’ liking and his talent.

LeBron James (left) and Shaquille O'Neal seen here prior to the 2006 NBA All Star Game . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ L . Otero ............

Now , while many might question the team’s acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns via a blockbuster trade, as seemingly is the custom concerning O’Neal. As of late the only thing that one can associate with O’Neal and his game . May well be the fact that he’s still somewhat quicker on his feet than that of former star of the ” The Golden Girls ” , Betty White . Agility and guile are no longer a part of Shaq’s repertoire. But Ferry’s presence of mind may well have been , that in order to keep his erstwhile star happy, he had to do something extravagant. O’Neal’s game though with flashes of brilliance still, as he deems fit to use it. It’s a long way off from what it once was. In Phoenix , he was ill-suited to the team’s up tempo style. And seeing him lumbering up and down the US Airways Arena like a pregnant pachyderm wasn’t at all how one likes to remember the once dominant superstar.

In the midst of this all we now have to remember that James is in the final year of his contract. And with the gluttony of elite free agents due in 2010 . It’s understandable that the player is hedging his bets at present. He’s stated that it is his wish to remain a Cavaliers’ player at present. But it wasn’t so long ago , he was stating that he could see himself spending his entire career with the franchise. That may well have been pleasing to ear of the franchise’s owner, Dan Gilbert . Bearing in mind, that Gilbert got a large cash infusion by selling a minority stake in the franchise, to a prominent Chinese businessman. And he no doubt views having James within the fold , will make the franchise much more of marketing tool for the Far Eastern market. And at the same time raise both theirs and that of James’ visibility, there also in that particular market.

James (center) seen here with Rich Paul (left) and and former high school teammate Brandon Weems (right) at an event for the launch of the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes , held at the Ed Davis Community Center in Akron , Ohio . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Jason Miller ................

Clearly this’ll be a make or break year , for not only James but also for O’Neal and the Cavaliers’ franchise. And if they’re to have any semblance of success. Then it’ll not only James and O’Neall but also the rest of the team to makes themselves all the more prominant in that success on the field of play. The nucleus of the team will be built around James , Mo Williams , Zydrunas Ilgauskas , Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson. But much of that’ll also be predicated upon the benchwarmers also contributing to the productivity of the team as well.

And for coach Mike Brown , he too can ill afford to have this team underachieve this season. Anything short of an appearance in the Confernce Finals . And more likely than not , he’ll be out of his position as coach of the Cavaliers. The situation for the franchise is as grave as that !

Source Yahoo Sports in conjunction with AP :

LeBron says he wants to keep his options open

By Tom Withers AP Sports Writer

AKRON, Ohio-(AP) LeBron James is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers until after the 2009-10 season, when he can become a free agent.

At an event to unveil his latest signature sneaker for Nike , James , who has given no indication as he plans to leave the Cavs, made his strongest comment yet about to his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a contract in 2006 with an option so he could have more flexibility once it expires . cont’d …………….

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In no uncertain terms, anything less than appearance in either the conference or NBA Finals. And a win of the latter and the probability will be that James will depart from the franchise , where he’s made it his home for the last six years. And as much as it might anguish the Cavaliers’ fans. The player has done as much as he possibly can, given the resources made available to him. That being said when one considers that this time around he’ll have O’Neal in his corner. If he should fall short of what had been previously accomplished by both Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade , with Shaq as a partner . Then the daggers may well come out and questions’ll be asked if James is now merely cashing it all in , merely for the riches from a franchise willing to shell out a king’s ransom for his services.

Global icon or not at the end of the day if it ain’t about the success. Then it’s got to be about those lovely bones !

The Basketball Oracle Special: Writer Choices

 

Who is the Best Shooter in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Ray Allen

Ryan Drescher - Jason Kapono

David Downs – Ray Allen

Jace Puckett – Ray Allen

Nathan – Ray Allen

Marlowe Alter – Ray Allen

Eric Johnson Jr. – Rashard Lewis

Timothy Tan – Ray Allen

 

Who is the Best Dunker in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Jason Richardson

Ryan Drescher – Dwight Howard

David Downs – LeBron James

Jace Puckett – Vince Carter

Nathan – Vince Carter

Marlowe Alter – Jason Richardson

Eric Johnson Jr. – Nate Robinson

Timothy Tan – Vince Carter

 

Who is the Best Passer in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Chris Paul

Ryan Drescher – Chris Paul

David Downs – Chris Paul

Jace Puckett – Chris Paul

Nathan – Steve Nash

Marlowe Alter – Steve Nash

Eric Johnson Jr. – Steve Nash

Timothy Tan – Steve Nash

 

Who is the Best Perimeter Defender in the NBA?

Joey Mills – Shane Battier

Ryan Drescher – Kobe Bryant

David Downs – Shane Battier

Jace Puckett – Kobe Bryant

Nathan – Kobe Bryant

Marlowe Alter – Shane Battier

Eric Johnson Jr. – Ron Artest

Timothy Tan – Shane Battier

LeBron James Dunk Video Revealed!

For weeks now, the Jordan Crawford on LeBron James dunk has been the hot topic of the sports world.  But now, after many days of wondering how bad it actually was, we finally have video evidence from a fan that was there.  The 2 videos give you 2 completely different views of the dunk.  Enjoy!

 

TMZ.com: Here’s the back story — LeBron had a bunch of basketball prospects over at his LeBron James Skills Academy camp earlier this month.

LJ joined in on a pick-up game during the camp, when Jordan Crawford — a 20-year-old baller from Xavier University — got the rock and decided to go right after LeBron, soaring right over the all-star and delivering a nasty two-handed slam in front of everyone!

Several media outlets reported that LeBron and Nike – who sponsored the camp — sent henchmen to confiscate tapes from anyone who may have been recording the dunk, fearing the footage would cause some serious damage to LeBron’s image.

But one copy survived — and the tape proves all the reports are true … LeBron is human after all, and Jordan Crawford was the guy who proved it.

The video belongs to TMZ.  We claim no credit for the video. 

eBaumNation.com: EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: LeBron James dunked on by Xavier star Jordan Crawford. High Definition, high quality audio. This is authentic and 100 times better quality than the TMZ.com cell phone version!

The video belongs to eBaumNation.  We claim no credit for the video.

It’s The NBA Cheerleaders! Guys You Just Gotta Love This Game!

It’s never a dull thing to see the cheerleaders of the franchises entertain the voiciferous fans of the NBA. In large part, besides the game itself, that may well be one of the primary reason why more than 60% of the males attend a game. Other than for the alcoholic beverages and the camaraderie of the male bonding that no doubt takes place. But then I digress, as it’d be totally impudent to think that’s the only thing on our mind when we attend a game ? We’re there to show our rabid support for our favorite NBA team, or for the band-wagon jumpers amongst us , our favorite teams.

' Come on and shake it , come on shake it like a Polaroid picture ! The Los Angeles Lakers Cheerleaders . Need one say anymore ?

I’m not saying that I’m an astute scout of the female form and talent. But I know what I like when I see it. And let’s just leave it at that. Those of you with a differing opinion , feel free to participate in the discussion. However, do remember to leave the smut at the door , as this still remains a public domain.

That's it girls keep those pointed assets upfront. You we like 'em ! The Boston Celtics Cheerleaders at the TD Banknorth Garden Center in Boston, Mass,.

And off-course I know that we all have our favorites when it comes to the cheerleading teams. Those on the West Coast’ll no doubt favor the teams out west. Whereas those in the East may well show that East coast bias. Be that as it may, you’ve gotta’ love these girls ! Hey Bruno , we don’t need your type here ! LOL, LOL, LOL !!!

Well these young ladies from the 76ers' cheerleading squad certainly know their stuff. They've got the balls . Now let's see how far they're prepared to travel ?

Need I remind you that these are but my humble offerings to you all. You’re quite welcome to make your own suggestions in this instance. As they’re always welcomed.

Los Angeles Clippers Cheerleaders. Afterall they're the Clippers. And at least they did something right . You've got to give credit where it's due haven't you ?

Before , during the intervals at half-time and post-game , these are the girls that the organizations rely upon to provide us all with the majority of the entertainment. Nevermind the fact that they also work within their various communities providing assistance in a number of beneficial ways , socially and charitably.

When Nets' CEO Bruce Ratner moves the team to Brooklyn. I suppose the Nets' name may well be vanquished . But then again if Jay-Z has anything to do with it , they'll still be known as the Nets in form or another. The cheerleaders of the New Jersey Nets.

Now there those amongst who may well feel that this isn’t necessary and it has nothing at all to do with the game of basketball. But less we forget the business of sports is primarily about entertainment. And anything that’s gleaned from it financially is merely a bye-product of that success.

Well unashamedly proud as I am. I share the delight in bringing you the dancers of the San Antonio Spurs' cheerleading and dance squad.

As an avid and unabashed supporter of the San Antonio Spurs , I can’t go without showing you their cheerleaders. It’s not as if they aren’t glamorous enough to look at. But then again that’s the bias now coming out in me.

Well now that owner Dan Gilbert and GM Danny Ferry have seen fit to acquire 'The Big Aristotle' and then to sell a 25% equity stake in the team and Quicken Loans Arena to a Chinese entrepreneur. One has to wonder if members of the Cavaliers' cheerleading squad will begin to learn Mandarin ? It could very well help should the 'bottom' fall out for the Cavaliers this upcoming seasn

And what of the only professional NBA team in the state of Ohio , the Cleveland Cavaliers , I hear you ask ? Well as long as they’ve got LeBron James , that team will somehow still remain relevant. And now with the Shaquille O’Neal now in the mix, there. The expectations for the organization and the team is undoubtedly high. And I’d dare say that the team’s new-found Chinese investors are expecting an immediate return of dividends for that somewhat large investment. Team owner Dan Gilbert , may not have sold his soul to the Devil. But the feeling is, he might as well have.

Considered to be amongst the very best of the dance troupes in the NBA . The Miami Heat dancers take it to a level all of their own, and then some !

Within the state of Florida , where I reside . We have two professional NBA franchises, with two very distinct identities. But only of these two teams, only one can lay claim that they’ve been a champion. The Miami Heat are that team. Whereas, the Orlando Magic came close, but it was most certainly nowhere near close enough.

The Orlando Magic dancers performing at their home-court venue, the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.

For the Magic , though the season for them could be deemed a magical one . The fact that the disappointment of losing in the NBA Finals (2009) to the Los Angeles Lakers was deemed a tremendous blow for the organization and their very rabid fans.

So guys, as I close out this post. I hope that at least you’ve found it to be enjoyable , somewhat informative and refreshing. If not then I can only conclude that you live a very hum-drum life, without any real excitement within it. But then again, I’d like to think that my assumption is wrong. Hit me up with a comment concerning the piece. I’ll looking forward to reading them all with a great deal of intent. Thanks, as always !

Report: Varejao Gets $50 Million From The Cavs (Seriously)

No, the headline is not a joke. Anderson Varejao, the power forward who started a little more than half of the Cavaliers games last season, has reached a 6-year deal to remain in Cleveland. The contract is worth up to $50 million. SI.com:

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Anderson Varejao reportedly have agreed on a six-year contract that could be worth as much as $50 million.

Agent Dan Fegan told The Plain Dealer late Wednesday that the club and Varejao have agreed on a new contract. The team would not confirm the report Thursday morning.

General manager Danny Ferry had earlier stated his intent to re-sign the 6-foot-11 Brazilian.

Varejao did not exercise his option on a $6.2 million contract for next season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Can someone explain to me what the Cavaliers are doing this offseason?

Trading for Shaquille O’Neal was not a good move. The Cavs will need to be playing their best basketball all season long in order to try and get home-court advantage in what is sure to be an incredibly difficult Eastern Conference. If Shaq has to play full-speed for the entire season, he will surely be worn out by the time the playoffs come around. He’s 37-years-old, and the Cavs may be better off resting him a few game here and there in the regular season to save him for the playoffs, but that could end up costing them valuable playoff position. Then there is the question of whether Shaq and LeBron can coexist in Cleveland. Both have big egos, and both like getting their share of touches. When Shaq was in Los Angeles with Kobe, the steadying force that kept the two calm enough to win three championships was Phil Jackson. Does Mike Brown have the ability to keep the two from colliding?

From  a pure on-court standpoint, how will Shaq being in the middle affect the Cavs? Every season of LeBron’s career, he never has had a big center clogging the lane — Zydrunas Illgauskas typically plays on the perimeter. This allowed LeBron to drive to the basket with the only thing ahead of him being the defender. Will Shaq’s presence not allow LeBron to drive full-speed to the basket every possession?

Then, the Cavs courted free agents Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza, which were interesting decisions, to say the least. Both are small forwards — doesn’t LeBron play small forward? — and certainly would want to be a starter wherever they went. The Cavs had a  solution, which was to give them a chance to start at shooting guard. The key word there being “chance.” Is it hard to surmise why neither Artest or Ariza didn’t go to Cleveland.

The Varejao signing takes the cake, though. In this, the summer of the mid-level exception, the Cavs have gone beyond the call of duty, and grossly overpaid for Varejao. Does 8.6 points per game warrant $50 million? Absolutely not. It is just another strang decision in a strange offseason in Cleveland.

The Dumbing Down Of A Franchise ……

The Detroit Pistons as a franchise team were the envy of a number of teams around the NBA. Their remarkable stretch of consistency over the past six years spoke for itself. And in their esteemed GM Joe Dumars they perhaps have one of the best young general managers in the entire NBA.

Pistons’ GM and Head Of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Ian McIntosh ………

And granted the Darko Milicic experiment went about as successfully as having one’s tooth pulled without the assist of having anasthesia in order to abate the pain. But herein lies a fact from 2002-08 they won 6 divisional titles, 2 conference titles, and to cap it all their third NBA championship title in 2004. There they defeated the league’s poster child in terms ostentatious success, the Los Angeles Lakers. Defeating the storied franchise 4-1 in the best of the seven games series finals . Less we forget the Phil Jackson coached team was ladened with stars and future Hall of Famers in the guise of Gary Payton, Karl Malone, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Byant.

An angst ridden Allen Iverson looks up at the scoreboard after a Pistons’ loss at the Palace of Auburn Hills. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Michael Russo ………

However, this past season we saw the upheaval that can be brought when a monumental mistake can be made from a disasterous decision. Dumars thought it best to trade away his erstwhile point guard Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for former NBA scoring champion Allen Iverson.And whilst no one would doubt the heart of Iverson. It has to be be said that this isn’t the same player who captivated the hearts of many from his heydays with the Philadelphia 76ers. Iverson , nowadays is more a viable candidate as a triage patient than he would be on the roster of an NBA franchise. At this juncture one would have to question the resolve of Dumars and what he might’ve been thinking at the time.

Former Mavericks’ coach Avery Johnson. He was widely considered to be the front-runner for the vacant Pistons’ head coaching position. picture appears courtesy of espn.com/nba/ Tim Arthur ………….

Now after a lackluster season where they underperformed greatly , posting a (39-43) record , barely squeaking into the playoffs. The franchise is without a coach. As Dumars fired Michael Curry, who many felt was unable to communicate with the players on the Pistons’ roster. It almost certainly didn’t help that Iverson barely played in any games , constantly befelled by recurring injuries. And to top it all when the player was told that he would benched for the remainder of the regular season. It could be viewed that the writing was on the wall . Not only for Iverson , but also for the fate awaiting Curry, himself.

Austin Daye taken in the first round by the Detroit Pistons. Daye is seen here on stage at the Wamu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY,. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Ivan Kusmanov ..........

Iverson for his part wasn’t at all happy with the situation , as he voiced his disapproval and discontent. But adding insult to injury was the way with the Pistons were cast aside by the LeBron James’ led Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. That series if anything was indicative of how woefully inept this Pistons’ team had become. And it may well have been the watershed moment for Dumars. He’ll now to have to disassemble the roster and try to find the integral pieces that will once again make the Pistons a perennial contender.

Curry now formerly of the Detroit Pistons seen here coaching the team in a regular season game against the Charlotte Bobcats. picture appears courtesy of the charlotteobserver.com/sports/

In the midst of this all Dumars still has to fill the vacancy as to the Pistons’ coaching position. The person thought to to be most likely candidate was former Dallas Mavericks’ coach Avery Johnson . But as may well have been the custom the two were either not of the same mindset . Or merely from the fact that a renumeration package couldn’t be reached. The interview process obviously didn’t go all that well. Either way it leaves Dumars with the unenviable task of trying to lure a top line coach to take over the vacant position.

Chauncey Billiups (1) seen here with then teammate Richard Hamilton during a regular season game for the Detroit Pistons. picture appears courtesy of guardian.uk.co/sports/basketball/ Tony Stephenson …………

And the second candidate on Dumars’ wish list is said to to be Cavaliers’ assistant coach John Kuester. There’s also talk that the Boston Celtics’ assistant Tom Thibodeau could also be in the mix for the vacant position. Thibodeau is the primary architect of the Celtics’ much vaulted defense. At this juncture however , it can only be viewed as mere speculation.

Whatever the future may well now hold for the Detroit Pistons. It has to be said that insult was most definitely added to injury with regard to two particular maneuvers made by Joe Dumars. The first was taking Darko Milic and making him a first round draft pick. When in his stead he could have chosen Carmelo Anthony. And quite obviously the other was the trading away of Billups to the Nuggets in exchange for Iverson. While we can all agree that Dumars was the primary architect behind the franchise’s resurgence and the capturing of an NBA title . It has to be said that he’s also been behind the dumbing down of the franchise.

Former Pistons’ first round draft pick Darko Milicic seen here in a rare moment when he was actually in a Pistons’ uniform and playing well ? picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Craig McIntyre ………..

In part much of this may well have been from the fact like everyone else around him. Dumars felt it was good to try and keep up with the Joneses. But the failures have manifested themselves in such a way. That it is very hard to view the direction that the franchise now must take. Albeit that the teams now in the Eastern Conference such as the Orlando Magic, Cavaliers and Boston Celtics have gotten better . As the Pistons have regressed and entrenched themselves in mediocrity.

As a fan of the NBA , I would hope to see the franchise rise again. As its history has proven what it is capable doing. Teams such as the Pistons with their renowned history sometimes have to be beset by real adversity if they’re to learn from their mistakes. Let’s just hope that stubborn pride won’t stand in the way of Dumars as he seeks to rebuild the franchise once again.

ESPN Corrects Its’ LeBron Report

Earlier today, ESPN’s Chris Broussard reported that LeBron James had told Trevor Ariza he was going to stay in Cleveland past 2010. Well, Broussard’s original source was wrong, according to  Broussard:

LeBron James did not tell Trevor Ariza he would stay in Cleveland past 2010, according to sources close to the Cavaliers’ superstar — contradicting what a person close to Ariza said Monday night.

That source said that James told Ariza he planned to remain with the Cavaliers past next summer, when he can become a free agent. James could not be reached for comment Monday night, but on Tuesday, sources who spoke to James said the story told by the person close to Ariza was wrong.

James’ conversation with Ariza was, according to the Ariza source, part of the Cavaliers’ attempt to make Ariza the next Hedo Turkoglu, who backed out of his promise last week to join Portland and instead accepted a deal with Toronto.

I didn’t believe the original story for a second, so it makes sense that it was never true to begin with. LeBron knows he would be lying if he told anyone he’s staying in Cleveland. It’s amazing to me that ESPN reported the story so quickly without checking with more sources. With any report on LeBron, it’s going to be big, and getting the story right would seem to be the top priority.