NBA FanHouse

FanHouse's Interview with Dwyane Wade

Will Brinson — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Heat, Eastern, NBA Fans, NBA Media Watch, Miami, The Word

This morning, World Champion NBA guard and All-World charity machine Dwyane Wade took some time out of his busy day -- chillin' in the G2 lounge is hard work, people -- to answer some questions from FanHouse about blogging diarying, the Olympics, Mike Beasley, Supernintendo Chalmers, Zo's Summer Groove and his iPod.

Will Brinson: Dwyane, what's up, man? Good morning and thanks for taking time to chat with FanHouse.

Dwyane Wade: Good morning, Will. Thanks for having me on, man.

WB: For there not being any games on, the NBA is pretty hectic right now, and suddenly the East looks pretty tough, especially with yesterday's craziness. What are your thoughts on where the Heat stand for 2008-09 in terms of addressing needs at the draft and free agency to get back to where you guys were a few years ago?

DW: Well, we were very excited about the guys we picked up in the draft this year. You know Beasley has a chance to be special -- a great player -- and Chalmers is a guy that could shock a lot of people. I can't believe he even fell to the second round, to the 34th pick, so we're very, very excited about getting those two guys.

I think we approach free agency very cautiously as well. We have a couple names, a couple guys we're targeting. But it's all about putting the right pieces together, not about the big names every summer, it's about adding the right pieces to the team and Coach Riley has done a great job with that.

WB: Yeah, a few days ago you'd mentioned -- at your basketball camp I think -- that you wanted to be less involved with setting up the offense, and that you guys wanted to look for a guy who could "make plays". You think Mario Chalmers is that type of guy?

DW: Well, I think he can be. No question about it, he can be molded to be. But I think we need to put a veteran guard around him to really help him out and fast-track his progress.

It's kind of like when I came in, I played point guard out of college and they brought Bimbo Coles in, a veteran guy to really help me with that transition.

I think it was misunderstood though, I do want to handle the ball, no question about it, and I love having the ball in my hands, but I don't want to go back to my rookie year where I have to be the point guard and bring the ball up all the time. I want to be able to work on the wings and different areas of the court.

WB: Yeah, of course -- I didn't mean to imply that you didn't want the ball - I think everyone in Miami wants the ball in your hands. [Awkward laughter all around]

Alright, you're blogging these days, or diarying, or whatever they're referring to it at the Sun-Times...wanna tell us about that?

DW: Yeah, man. I think it's an unbelievable opportunity for our fans to hear some of the things that are going on behind the scenes from my point of view or from an Olympic point of view.

So I'm doing these diaries - I ain't gonna say blogs - on and off camera just trying to give them a little inside scoop behind the scenes following us on our road to redemption to the Gold Medal.

WB: Cool. I noticed you're, and I'm not sure if that's Sun-Times nounage (Ed. Note: It is so a word) or not, avoiding the term "blogging". Do you ever read other blogs out there or do you ever google yourself to see what rumors are floating around, just out of personal curiosity?

DW: Oh, no question. We all do. A lot of people, you know, look on different sites. Some people use if for motivation and some people just want to hear what's been said, whether it's been good or not.

If I read a blog, I probably read Gilbert [Arenas]'s blog, man, because you never know what that guy's gonna say. And I know he's one of the first ones, in terms of professional athletes, or NBA players, to start a blog. And so I...No question, in this world we live in today, gossip and rumors are a part of the world, so you've check out and see what's being said about not only you but others and go from there.

WB: Most definitely. I saw in your first diary the other day that you said LeBron is a real prankster on and off the court. That kind of contrasts with the corporate Nike image. Is he just that wide open in person when you get down to it?

DW: If you're around LeBron, you'll see, man, you know, he's not a serious guy unless he's on the court. When he's off the court, he's loud, he's funny, he makes everybody feel comfortable. He's not a guy who walks around like 'I'm LeBron James, I'm the next coming and don't mess with me.'

He walks around like he's a friend to everybody and to anybody. And you know, we enjoy that LeBron because we know he's going to be the one that says stuff that everyone is going to want to say, or start it off at least. And with him being one of my good friends, not only in the NBA but in life period, I enjoy him and his personality off the court.

WB: Well, your draft class, with you and Bosh and Melo and Bron it seems like you've got a pretty tight core group of guys. Is that a group you envision Team USA keeping together for the next few years?

DW: Well, you know, when you go through a summer with different people and you get to know them and things about them and get to know their familes, and going through this process of winning - and even sometimes through the process of losing - you we all gain these friendships and these long lasting relationships because you're kind of bonded at the hip. So I'm sure a lot of relationships will already come out; but the good thing is the relationships have already been established from the last 2-3 years with us all being a part of the Olympic team.

WB: Speaking of relationships, I notice you've been hanging out with Zo a lot these days. If I understand this right, you're on the inner circle of the Zo Summer Groove now? Is that right?

DW: Yessir, yessir. Me and Alonzo have teamed up to partner up in the ZSG and we're introducing me this year. And you know, it's really for both our foundations. I mean, I went to Alonzo and told him 'I really want to be a part of this, not for the fanfare, but because I want to do something for Miami and you wants to do something for Miami and so I think it would be better if we team up', and we're that much stronger for what we can do with our efforts.

So you know, we've teamed up this weekend and that kicks off really tomorrow with a golf event and ends Sunday with the All Star Game, and actually, my friends LeBron and Chris Paul and Caron Butler will come out and be a part of it. It's just going to be a great weekend, so you know right now I'm sitting in the G2 Lounge and as the commericials say, I'm "living the G2 life" right now.

I'm in here playing Wii bowling and pool and Alonzo's on his way in now so we can play against each other. And you know, it's all for our charities - Alonzo Mourning Charities, Dwyane Wade Foundation - it's all for a good cause.

WB: Well, hey, I've been watching the vids online at drinkG2.com, and I just gotta know, the G2 Lounge - I know you guys had one setup at the Super Bowl and had one set up at the All Star Game - is there a permanent G2 Lounge in Miami? Or is it always temporary?

DW: No, it's not permanent. They actually put this lounge up - I just came in to see it today - you walk in it looks like Miami, it feels like Miami, it's a calm demeanor in here. It's just real laid back; I got up at seven-something this morning and I'm still laid back, chillin'.

I got ESPN on one channel and we got tv's all over the place. Best Buy did a great job of coming in and hooking things up in here with Gatorade. You know, it all works out - G2 Lounge has been great everywhere they had it from the Super Bowl to the All Star Game and now in Miami.

WB: And obviously the bar is well stocked [DW: Well-stocked.] with low-carb, electrolyte replenishing goodness.

DW: Oh, no question, man. And I think one thing about G2 that's been catching onto people is that this is a drink not only for athletes but for anyone who has an active lifestyle. And it's not only low calories, but it's a hydrator. And it's been really catching on. I've seen so many more people drinking G2 and getting away from drinking so much Gatorade and Propel's and they've been adding G2 into the mix and I'm proud of that,being one of the faces of that drink, makes me feel good about the direction we're going in.

WB: Right on, right on. Random question on the way out: what's playing on Dwyane Wade's Ipod these days?

DW: On my Ipod? Well, I have 18,000 songs on my iPod [WB: Get out, man!] - yeah, so I'm able to play almost anything.

WB: Anything heavy in your rotation lately?

DW: Well, I think the main thing is I'm into the R&B/hip-hop culture and I know most of the guys, like Kanye from Chicago, I'm always rocking Kanye, you know, Jeezy from Atlanta, R. Kelly's from Chicago, Common's from Chicago, to name a few. So, I know all the guys and women that are big into R&B, so I'm fans of them and friends of them as well.

WB: Good deal. Well, look, Dwyane, on behalf of FanHouse and AOL, I want to thank you for taking the time out to talk to us this morning.

DW: Not a problem, not a problem. Thanks for having us on and worrying about and caring about our cause, we really appreciate it.

WB: Hey, absolutely, and don't work out up a sweat in the G2 lounge or anything.

DW: Haha. Don't worry, I won't.

FanHouse's Interview with Dwyane Wade originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Denied by Brand, Warriors Grab Maggette

Matt Watson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:33:00 EST

Filed under: Warriors, Clippers, Western, Los Angeles, Oakland, The Word

After being left at the alter by both Baron Davis and Elton Brand, the Warriors finally found someone willing to take their money: Corey Maggette. According to the Los Angeles Daily News, Maggette agreed to a five-year, $50 million deal immediately after the Warriors learned that Brand had committed to the 76ers. Interestingly enough, he apparently jumped on the offer before giving the Clippers, who were also spurned by Brand, a chance to retain him.

Until this opening with Golden State, it looked like Maggette's best options involved taking the mid-level exception from one of the handful of interested contenders pursuing him, including the Spurs, Celtics, Pistons and Magic. He'll make a lot more money with the Warriors, but he'll also win a lot fewer games -- instead of battling for a title, he'll be in a fight to simply make the playoffs.

That said, it's not fair to say this simply came down to money, as the Warriors were also able to offer a lot more playing time than anyone else. With those other contenders, Maggette would have been a fourth or fifth option in the starting lineup -- if not relegated to the role of a super sub. But with the Warriors, Maggette has a chance to be "The Man," especially with Monta Ellis almost certainly taking on more of a distributor role in Davis' absence.

Not everyone thinks Maggette is up for being a team's No. 1 option, but it's hard to argue with his production or the fact that he's a perfect fit for Nellieball. He's uber-athletic and can shoot from long-distance, and while his defense is underrated, he won't be asked to play much under Don Nelson anyway. The Warriors still need a legitimate big man, but the Warriors could have done a lot worse than snagging Maggette.

Denied by Brand, Warriors Grab Maggette originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Elton Brand Spurns California, Verbally Commits to Philly

Matt Watson — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST

Filed under: 76ers, Warriors, Clippers, Eastern, Western, Los Angeles, Oakland, Philadelphia, The Word

For much of the last week, most basketball fans assumed that Elton Brand was either going to a) re-sign with the Clippers; or b) grab the pile of money that Baron Davis left behind with the Warriors. Instead, he surprised everyone by choosing c) none of the above, leaving behind the Western Conference entirely in favor of the 76ers. From the Los Angeles Times:

Elton Brand has reached a verbal agreement to sign a multiyear contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to an NBA source who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on player movements.

The deal is believed to be in the $80-million range and expected to span five years.

Okay, this wasn't a complete surprise -- there were rumblings last night that this might be a possibility, and Philly's salary dump of a trade earlier today was obviously setting up a larger move -- but it has to feel like a kick in the ribs to Clippers fans dreaming of Brand and B.Dizzle leading the Clips back to the playoffs.

Until the last 48 hours or so, the Sixers were believed to be focusing most of their interest on Hawks restricted free agent Josh Smith, but the addition of Brand, who's much more polished offensively, and the expected return of Andre Iguodala, who's a restricted free agent himself, makes the 76ers instant contenders in the East with an intriguing core of youth and experience. This is a team that gave the Pistons fits in the first round this past year even without a legitimate low-post scoring threat. If Brand regains his All-Star form and Philly's youngsters continue to develop, there's no telling what kind of damage they can do in 2007-08.

Elton Brand Spurns California, Verbally Commits to Philly originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kobe Bryant's Youth Basketball Camp

Elie Seckbach — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, NBA Videos, Los Angeles, The Word, FanHouse TV, USA Basketball

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we visit the basketball camp of NBA MVP Kobe Bryant. Kobe tells which NBA stars he met as a child and why he enjoyed those moments. Around 2:30 into the video we ask Kobe about the MMA style of basketball he will face in the upcoming Olympics.

Youtube link.

Kobe Bryant's Youth Basketball Camp originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jay Bilas Wanted People Sober for the Draft

Charles Rich — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:54:00 EST

Filed under: NCAA Basketball Media Watch, NBA Draft, NBA Media Watch, NBA Prospects, The Word

During the NBA Draft last week, Jay Bilas took pains to avoid using his favorite words when talking about the draftees: "long" and "upside." It wasn't because the folks at ESPN told him that his overuse of the words had become annoying and tiresome. No. He just wanted to keep people from getting too tanked that night ($).

I am aware of the drinking games that are based upon the use of such terms, and I did my level best to reduce binge drinking across the country. We all have to do what we can. Instead of "long," I used the terms "length," "stretch," "elongated," "extend" and the ever-popular "considerable linear extent in space." With one player, I stated that his arms "extend beyond normal or moderate limits."

The draft day drinking games featuring Bilas have been around for a few years. I doubt his direct avoidance of those words did much to slow it down. Especially with the other talking heads around him happily picking up the slack.

Still, that Bilas acknowledges the games are played, and actually has something approaching a sense of humor about it is a welcome thing. Most wouldn't admit to it, or at best might mention it in passing if pushed on a radio show. Instead Bilas came out with it on his own.

Jay Bilas Wanted People Sober for the Draft originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 12:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet the Parkers: The Best of Both Worlds, NBA and WNBA

Elie Seckbach — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, NBA Videos, Chicago, Los Angeles, Women's Sports, Toronto, The Word, FanHouse TV, WNBA

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we catch up with WNBA star Candace Parker who tells us about her dunking ability. You might be surprised to hear what she has to say about it. We also interview her brother, Anthony Parker, the star of the Toronto Raptors. Around 2:15 into the video find out from Candace which sibling is more popular.

AOL Video link. Youtube link.

Meet the Parkers: The Best of Both Worlds, NBA and WNBA originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anthony Randolph Hearts New York

Randy Kim — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:25:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Draft, The Word

One of the best things about pre-draft media availability is you can get some one-on-one time with the rookie prospects. Yesterday I got a chance to sit down with wiry 6-10 LSU forward Anthony Randolph. Randolph talked about where he'd like to play as well as addressing issues that he's not intense enough by, well, getting a little intense. Well played, says I. Enjoy.

Kim: "I know this is a stock question, but do you have any preferences as to who drafts you?"

Randolph: "I have no preferences. I will play for any team, anywhere."

Kim: "OK, then what kind of system or style of play would you prefer?"

Randolph: "I love getting up and down and playing in the open floor, so I think New York would be a great fit with coach (Mike) D'Antoni here. Just based on how I play."

Kim: "Would you prefer to be in a situation where you'd have to step in and contribute right away? Or would you rather be brought along slowly?"

Randolph: "That's what I've been preparing for. Ever since I came out of school, I'm preparing to step into whatever role's asked of me. I'm preparing to be a role player if that's asked of me too."

Kim: "If you could pick one player to take you under his wing and show you the ropes a little bit, who would it be?"

Randolph: "Kevin Garnett. Just the passion and intensity he plays with. You can tell he's one of the guys that really loves the game."

Kim: "So was it exciting for you to see him win it all?"

Randolph: "Oh yeah. He was about to pass out, it looked like. He's intense, huh? It was good to see him finally get a championship. All three of them guys."

Kim: "No offense, but outwardly you seem a little more laid back. Is KG's passion something you hope to ..." (cut off)

Randolph: "Wait till I get out on the court. That's all that matters. I am (intense) when I'm on the court."

Kim: "So that's what you'd try to learn from KG?"

Randolph: "Yeah."

Kim: "OK. Thanks and good luck tomorrow, Anthony."

Randolph: (Shakes hand) "Thanks very much."

Anthony Randolph Hearts New York originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Mock Draft: What Should Happen?

Tom Ziller — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, Heat, Timberwolves, NBA Draft, The Word

With the NBA Draft coming up on Thursday night, FanHouse's Tom Ziller took a friend's advice and unilaterally decided what teams ought to do in the first round. Think of it as a shorter version of our ongoing Crystal Ballin' series.

1. Chicago -- Michael Beasley, Kansas State. Fan consensus would have the point guard from Memphis here, and it looks like John Paxson will swing that way, too. It looks like a whole lot of Chris Paul-induced "pure point" fervor to me. Beasley, though, is the rare unassailable post presence who also boasts great perimeter skills and extraordinary tenacity on the court. With a team so desperate for points on something other than jump shots, Beasley fits right in.

2. Miami -- Derrick Rose, Memphis. The Heat, on the other hand, has some firepower in the paint, between Dwyane Wade's irrepressible slashing and the alternating efforts of Shawn Marion and Udonis Haslem. But Wade needs help running the show. Rose would provide the right engine to push Miami's offensive abilities while offering some backcourt defensive support.

3. Minnesota -- Brook Lopez, Stanford. Like any other basketball aesthete, I have cracked some Brook Lopez jokes. But behind the Cheetah Girls t-shirts, he's a good prospect. The biggest thing he can offer Minnesota in some interior anchorage on defense. Al Jefferson got abused routinely in the paint last season, with nary a partner to help stunt the opponent. Lopez immediately fortifies the effort, maybe not creating a good defense by himself, but at least helping out. Oh, and he can score too.

27 more picks of questionable logic after the jump.

4. Seattle -- O.J. Mayo, USC. No reported mocks have Sam Presti touching Mayo, not with Kevin Durant already running the offense from 24 feet. But I think Mayo would mesh well with the two-man Sonics nucleus (Jeff Green is people!). No matter how "Greatest of All Time" KD gets on us in years to come, he'll need a scoring partner. Green fits more as a back-up plan on offense, at this point -- a Josh Howard type that can score 20 points a night, but would be more efficient were less required. Likewise, Green needs help on defense. At current pace, it will be 2017 before Durant can defend forwards or big shooting guards. Mayo offers sideback status in both sectors -- he can be the Iverson to Durant's 'Melo on offense, and the Udoka to Green's Bowen on defense. And, as I said above, I'm a basketball aesthete. Tell me you wouldn't watch this team every chance you got.

5. Memphis -- Kevin Love, UCLA. Big Love has become the single most polarizing prospect in this class. Some will think I'm crazy for suggesting Love deserves to go this high in an "ought-to" draft; some will wonder how B Lopez went first. In my opinion, Love fits the Grizzlies roster very well. Already aiming for speed, Love's legend outlets could strengthen Mike Conley's resolve as well as get Rudy Gay some more easy buckets. In the halfcourt set, Love's a good option to have in the post when all else is lost. And on defense ... well, he can get rebounds. Maybe Darko Milicic will fulfill his promise as the next Theo Ratliff?

6. New York -- Jerryd Bayless, Arizona. Just answer this: would you have like to have seen Gilbert Arenas play in the Suns offense over the last few years? Bayless doesn't fully approximate Gil, but he's the closest match you find in the years since Agent Zero arrived. And remember that every shot Bayless takes means one less for Zach Randolph.

7. L.A. Clippers -- Eric Gordon, Indiana. When you consider Elton Brand's coming departure, the likelihood of Chris Kaman remembering who he is, and the possibility Shaun Livingston never plays again, this team can't be trifling with anything worse than the best talent available. Gordon, at this point, is certainly that. He can replace some of Corey Maggette's scoring and Cuttino Mobley's shooting. (No, Cat hasn't gone anywhere. But he needs to go somewhere. Anywhere.)

8. Milwaukee -- Russell Westbrook, UCLA. The Bucks need some backcourt defense, some backcourt athleticism, and a fresh idea after the utter failure of 2007-08's roster. Westbrook (in cahoots with Ramon Sessions) might grease the skids for Mo Williams, which would absolutely not be a bad thing for Scott Skiles. Mo's a fine player, but he's not built for defense ... and if Skiles doesn't have some degree of defense happening, he'll make everyone's life miserable.

9. Charlotte -- DeAndre Jordan, Texas A&M. A kid surnamed Jordan who bears an odd resemblance to Kwame Brown and by the New Year will be looking at Adam Morrison, asking, "Dang man, how do I get some of those minutes?" I'm doing this solely to speed the inevitable MJ resignation, which is when this team can actually start building toward something. No offense 'Cats fans; I'm really trying to do you a favor.

10. New Jersey -- Anthony Randolph, LSU. Someone's got to take a chance on him, and NJ's got time to kill. (Two years, to be exact.) This low in the draft, if someone gave you a 50% chance at a better Shawn Marion, you'd take it, yes? 35% chance? Randolph's somewhere in there.

11. Indiana -- D.J. Augustin, Texas. I'm not sure whether it makes more or less sense with T.J. Ford potentially in the fold. Definitely one or the other.

12. Sacramento -- Darrell Arthur, Kansas. The Kings had three major weaknesses in 2007-08: rebounding, post defense, turnovers. Arthur certainly helps you in the first, offers a good shot at aid in the second, and ... well, you're on your own, Beno. That's this year, though. Arthur can get better and take the Kings with him.

13. Portland -- Joe Alexander, West Virginia. Alexander duels gravity and sometimes wins. But you could make the case Serge Ibaka is the more refined basketball player. Portland's flush with Victorian refinement, though; Nate McMillan needs a freak.

14. Golden State -- Ryan Anderson, Cal. A tall, grotesquely efficient shooter who can run the streets and the court? Anderson might just be Don Nelson's godson.

15. Phoenix -- Mario Chalmers, Kansas. Beyond the facts concerning how well Chalmers fits in the Terry Porter mold and the Steve Kerr vision, this dude's just good. A New Age Mike Bibby who can spell Steve Nash today and feed Amare Stoudemire tomorrow.

16. Philadelphia -- Roy Hibbert, Georgetown. The 76ers might get away with anchoring a defense around Samuel Dalembert and Hibbert, two brawny archetypes who can resist enemy advances while clearing paths for the slashing onslaught of Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young.

17. Toronto -- Marreese Speights, Florida. The Raptors desperately need a counterbalance to Chris Bosh's outside-in game. Speights is hefty and bull-headed, and Sam Mitchell has the firebrand if dude needs it.

18. Washington -- Danilo Gallinari, Italy. When I hear GMs toss around the name "Boki Nachbar" and see references to "Vince Carter without the explosion, or Manu Ginobili without the quickness or the deadeye aim," I get nervous. But enough is enough, and Ernie Grunfeld has had enough. Gallinari can be a bench spark for the next couple years, then we'll see what is the what.

19. Cleveland -- Kosta Koufos, Ohio State. Zydrunas Ilgauskas would be an apt mentor, given he's moving slowly toward the end. (He also moves slowly toward the fridge, and moves slowly down the court.)

20. Denver -- Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis. With J.R. Smith apparently on San Antonio's mind (!), the backcourt should be a draft priority for the Nuggets. I wanted to allow Superintendent Chalmers to fall here, but CD-R fits the trick as well, but as Iverson's rarely-used back-up, and a spot partner in a PG-less environment.

21. New Jersey -- Brandon Rush, Kansas. With Randolph in tow, the Nets can look to nab more of a sure-thing, a fellow who can be the best wing substitute this season. If NJ gets lucky, Rush can become a better John Salmons and possibly hold down Richard Jefferson's spot.

22. Orlando -- Jason Thompson, Rider. The Magic need to compete now, so they need frontcourt help immediately. Thompson can both spell Dwight Howard and cover up his weak side when used in tandem.

23. Utah -- Courtney Lee, Western Kentucky. If Kevin O'Connor ain't too proud to reach, a helpful shooting guard sits plenty available. Lee's a great shooter and could be a Sloan fave on the defensive end.

24. Seattle -- Alexis Ajinca, France. Most in the know have Serge Ibaka here, but were I in Sam Presti's head, I'd think more seriously about Ajinca, who projects to possibly be some day a great shotblocker. Ibaka's more ready to contribute today. Unfortunately, Seattle's the one team in which that's a negative.

25. Houston -- Robin Lopez, Stanford. With Yao Ming facing a busy summer and Dikembe Mutombo facing physiological decomposition, emergency munitions up front is required.

26. San Antonio -- Serge Ibaka, Congo. Serge cannot survive both R.C. Buford and an R.C. Buford disciple. Though the Spurs have not traditionally drafted out of Africa, Ibaka has played well in two season in Spain. I assure you the Spurs know all about that.

27. New Orleans -- JaVale McGee, Nevada. If McGee is going to become something neat in the NBA, some lobs from Chris Paul might be the most direct path.

28. Memphis -- Goran Dragic, Slovenia. He won't cost anything for a few years, right?

29. Detroit -- J.J. Hickson, North Carolina State. Let Hickson, Jason Maxiell, Amir Johnson, Rodney Stuckey and Chauncey Billups start an exhibition game, stick it on NBA TV, and watch the ad dollars pour in.

30. Boston -- Davon Jefferson, USC. I think Scalabrine is running the draft, actually. Trojans, yeah!

NBA Mock Draft: What Should Happen? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Draft: What Future Players Need to Know

Elie Seckbach — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Magic, Wizards, Lakers, Suns, NBA Draft, NBA Videos, Jazz, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Washington, DC, The Word, FanHouse TV

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we ask Stanford star Brook Lopez about the NBA Draft. We also find out from Shaquille O'Neal, the number one pick of the 1992 draft, about his law enforcement career and his efforts to catch online predators. Also find out from Gilbert Arenas, a late second draft pick in 2001, what he would be doing if he was not an NBA All-Star. Around 1:45 into the video hear what Ira Newble, a long time NBA veteran, has to say about making to the NBA without being drafted.

AOL Video link. Youtube link.

NBA Draft: What Future Players Need to Know originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WNBA: Sparks Stars Shine on the Court

Elie Seckbach — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Los Angeles, Women's Sports, The Word, FanHouse TV, WNBA

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we catch up with two of the hottest names in the WNBA, Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie, the stars of the Los Angeles Sparks. We also learn what the term "mouse-in-the-house" means on the basketball court. Around 1:50 into the video we find out from Candace who would win if she played Kobe Bryant one-on-one.

AOL Video link. Youtube link.

WNBA: Sparks Stars Shine on the Court originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charles Barkley Is Gambling Again, But It's Not What You Think

Matt Watson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:00:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Gambling, NBA Media Watch, The Word

Charles Barkley publicly gave up gambling after news of a $400,000 debt (which has been re-paid) came to light. Well, here we are not even two months later and he's already headed back to the tables ... but this time, it's for a good cause.

Along with a slew of other celebrities, Barkley is participating in next month's "Ante Up for Africa" poker tournament, co-founded last year by actor Don Cheadle and pro poker player Annie Duke, which will raise money and awareness for Darfur.

Last year's event (which Barkley also played in -- that's him in the picture stealing a smooch from Duke) raised more than $700,000. Participants are asked to give at least half of their winnings to charity, but last year's top two finishers donated their entire winnings. Barkley intends on doing the same this year, which is awfully generous considering the event's $5,000 entry fee.

I'm sure Barkley hasn't always been pleased with all of the attention his gambling has attracted in the past, but at least now his reputation is bringing attention to a good cause. For more information on the event, including a signup form should you be in Las Vegas with an extra five large next month, check out the event's official website.

Charles Barkley Is Gambling Again, But It's Not What You Think originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Finals Wrap Up

Elie Seckbach — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Lakers, NBA Playoffs, NBA Videos, Boston, Los Angeles, The Word, FanHouse TV

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we look back at the NBA Finals and hear from Finals MVP Paul Pierce while NBA MVP Kobe Bryant reflects on how the NBA game is becoming more like soccer. Around 2:10 into the video hear what one former NBA Star has to say about the referee controversy.

AOL Video link. Youtube link.

NBA Finals Wrap Up originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Frankenstein: Marreese Speights

Tom Ziller — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Draft, The Word

FanHouse's NBA Frankenstein, in which we describe how draft prospects were created. Introducing: future Biathalon medalist Marreese Speights.

Liner notes: Evidence of simply outrageous production in college ball; guidebook to Dunedin, New Zealand; Famke Janssen's personnel file at the Rotterdam T.G.I.Friday's; the ChemCraft No. 5A Chemistry Set (hydrogen sulfide for days!); a bootleg Pantera show from '85; all the Harry Potter slash fanfic you can handle.

Photos by Getty Images. Assemblage by Ziller.

NBA Frankenstein: Marreese Speights originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Frankenstein: Bill Walker

Tom Ziller — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Draft, The Word

FanHouse's NBA Frankenstein, in which we describe how draft prospects were created. Introducing: George W. Bush's political appointee to the Office of Tecumseh's Curse, Bill Walker.

Liner notes: Ulysses S. Grant's memoirs; Vince Carter's 1999 New Year's resolutions; an extra-large jalapeno and linguica from that spot in Williamsburg, you know which one I'm talking about!; an unpublished collection of blue jokes written by the stoner half-brother of Mary Lou Retton; Pavement's Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain in tinny earbuds.

Photos by Getty Images. Assemblage by Ziller.

NBA Frankenstein: Bill Walker originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lakers: No Fear

Elie Seckbach — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:25:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Lakers, NBA Playoffs, NBA Videos, Boston, Los Angeles, The Word, FanHouse TV

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we hear what NBA MVP Kobe Bryant thinks about pressure. Also find out what Jordan Farmar told his younger sister, Shawn Kolani about the NBA Finals. Around 1:20 into the video coach Mark Watts, the very first basketball coach of Farmar, shares with us stories about the Lakers' star.
AOL Video link. Youtube link.

Lakers: No Fear originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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President George W. Bush Is Not a Baller

Will Brinson — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Videos, The Word

I'll admit that when I first started watching this video (via FanIQ), I probably made some sort of snarky comment about how grainy it is. And the quality isn't perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but once G-Dubya starts the rock, it doesn't need to be. He finally catches rim on his third shot (no the second one didn't go in) which is a layup that never actually had a prayer of going in.

Although in fairness to Bush, I would rather my President be an embarrassingly bad basketball player than a Carolina fan. Does that mean that our ~~next President~~ Democratic Presidential nominee isn't a lot better at basketball than the current (and uncoordinated) leader of the free world? Not necessarily:

Wouldn't politics be more fun if the candidates just played one-on-one games to see who would win? At least we could get Michael Jordan out of the Bobcats front office and alongside Barack if that were the case.

F/P to R for the Obama vid

President George W. Bush Is Not a Baller originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Finals: Lakers Do or Die

Elie Seckbach — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:10:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Lakers, NBA Playoffs, NBA Videos, Boston, Los Angeles, The Word, FanHouse TV

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we hear from members of the Los Angeles Lakers, a team that's facing elimination from the NBA Finals. Around 1:20 into the video get a behind-the-scenes look at the media room from where the stars sit. Also hear what Jack Black, one of Hollywood's biggest stars has to say about game 5 and the Lakers.
AOL Video link. Youtube link.

NBA Finals: Lakers Do or Die originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Finals: What Drives The Machine

Elie Seckbach — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Celtics, Lakers, NBA Playoffs, NBA Videos, Boston, Los Angeles, The Word, FanHouse TV

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded NBA Correspondent, brings his exclusive NBA reporting to FanHouse. Check back here regularly for more videos.

In this video we get an exclusive one on one interview with Lakers shooting guard Sasha Vujacic who is better known as The Machine. Sasha shows us his unique ball handling skills while sharing with us what annoys him. Around 1:30 into the video we find out what's the secret of his success.
AOL Video link. Youtube link.

NBA Finals: What Drives The Machine originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Marko Jaric and Adriana Lima Are Engaged

Matt Watson — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:52:00 EST

Filed under: Timberwolves, NBA Gossip, Minnesota, The Word

Of all the strange and unexpected things to happen this season -- the Celtics jumping from the lottery to the Finals, Shaq landing with the Suns, Joakim Noah getting busted with pot (actually, nix that last one ...) -- the news that Marko Jaric and Victoria's Secret supermodel Adriana Lima were dating easily ranks near the top.

On Friday, we found out the duo are no longer dating ... they're engaged:

Brazilian supermodel Adriana Lima received an engagement ring Thursday night - her birthday - from basketball star Marko Jaric, his rep tells PEOPLE.

"He asked and she said yes. They are both incredibly happy and couldn't be more in love," says publicist James Weir.

I can barely wrap my head around this. I'm starting to get the feeling that NBA players live a pretty nice life. I don't know, call it a hunch. (via BallHype)

Hottest Sports Couples

NBA star Marko Jaric and Victoria's Secret supermodel Adriana Lima

Marko Jaric and Adriana Lima Are Engaged originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Frankenstein: Anthony Randolph

Tom Ziller — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Draft, The Word

FanHouse's NBA Frankenstein, in which we describe how draft prospects were created. Introducing: the guy who caused Manute Bol to say, "Hey! Get this guy a burrito!', Anthony Randolph.

Liner notes: Season 3 of My Name is Earl; the Kyoto Protocol; Crossfit Trainer Certification course; a visit to the San Diego Zoo; all 376 minutes of Brandan Wright's NBA career; the unauthorized biography of Shirley Temple.

Photos by Getty Images. Assemblage by Ziller.

NBA Frankenstein: Anthony Randolph originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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