NBA FanHouse

No Call for LeBron, No Win for Cavs

Brett Pollakoff — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, Cavaliers, NBA Last Night, NBA Referees, NBA Videos

The Bulls went into Cleveland on Thursday and pulled out a hard-fought win over the Cavaliers. It was a low-scoring, defensive struggle, as neither team shot the ball very well, so it's not surprising that the game came down to the final play.

LeBron James drove to the basket with three seconds left and his team trailing by one, and was met by two defenders when he got there -- Luol Deng, who was guarding him from the play's outset, and Joakim Noah, who came over to help at the last second. James appeared to jump into Noah, and there was definitely contact. But somewhat incredibly, the refs swallowed their whistles, and the Bulls won the game.

Was it the right call? Read on and judge for yourself.

The action starts at the 2:25 mark:

It's not that I necessarily think that a foul should have been called there, and in fact, I'm of the opinion that the refs should let the players decide the game whenever possible, and only intervene in the closing seconds if the call is an obvious one.

But watching this as it happened, I think anyone who's seen LeBron drive like that and get contact on the final possession was stunned to see the officials not blow the whistle. LeBron, like most of the game's biggest stars, will historically get that call 98 times out of 100, even if it's a questionable one.

Mike Brown's discussion of the no-call seemed to back up the officials, although he believed that Noah might have been still on the move when the contact was made.

"I still don't understand that rule," Brown said. "I thought [LeBron] drove the ball, and Noah came across the paint, and as he came across the paint he jumped. I understand the rule of verticality as if you're in the spot, and you jump straight up and somebody runs into you, then it's a no-call.

"But I've got to find out if you're going across the lane and you meet somebody on the other side ... I don't know."

Fortunately in this case, the refs did know, and appeared to make the correct call. It will be interesting to see if the early-season trend of the officials favoring the rules over the game's stars will continue as the season goes on.

No Call for LeBron, No Win for Cavs originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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West Faces Six Weapons Charges

Matt Watson — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, NBA Police Blotter

Delonte West has returned to the court for the Cavaliers after two separate leave of absences, but the fallout of his recent arrest in Maryland has just begun. West was formally indicted on eight charges Tuesday, including six related to concealed weapons.

West was arrested on Sept. 17 in Maryland after allegedly cutting off a police car on the Beltway while riding his three-wheeled motorcycle, at which point officers soon discovered he had a fully-loaded 9mm Beretta handgun tucked in his waistband, a fully-loaded Ruger .357 Magnum strapped to his waist and a fully-loaded shotgun in a guitar case strapped to his back.

During today's indictment, it was also revealed that West was carrying an 8 1/2-inch Bowie knife as well as 112 additional shotgun shells in another backpack strapped to his vehicle.

All in all, West, who's admitted to suffering from bipolar disorder, is being charged with two counts of carrying a dangerous weapon, two counts of carrying a handgun, two counts of transporting a handgun, and one count each of reckless driving and negligent driving. All of the charges are misdemeanors, although each of the weapons counts carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.

While we now have a complete inventory of West's armory on wheels, we still don't know why he was armed to the teeth, where he was headed or where he was coming from -- and given how reluctant West has been to address the media since returning, there's a good chance we'll never find out.

In addition to Tuesday's charges, West may still faces potential charges related to a separate incident last month in Cleveland in which his wife filed a domestic violence complaint. However, West was not arrested following that complaint, and police did not observe any signs of abuse or injury.

West Faces Six Weapons Charges originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA Power Rankings: Orlando on Top

Brett Pollakoff — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Celtics, Heat, Lakers, Magic, Mavericks, Spurs, Suns, NBA Power Rankings

We're just a week into the season, so don't get mad if your team isn't where you might have expected. It's just that if we go by what we've actually seen, as opposed to what's been predicted, then this is for the most part where teams should fall based on their early performances. But if you're offended by the spot your favorite team holds, fear not: they likely have 79 regular season games remaining to right the ship.

1. Magic (3-0)
Sure, they've only beaten Philly, New Jersey and Toronto. But they've done so by an an average margin of double digits, and they've done it without the suspended Rashard Lewis. Might be the deepest team in the league; time will tell how they match up against the big boys.
2. Celtics (4-0)
Opened the season with a solid road victory in Cleveland, before absolutely pummeling inferior competition for the next three games. If the whole team plays with that Rondo-sized chip on its shoulder for the entire season, who knows what Boston is capable of.
3. Nuggets (3-0)
Impressive wins against Utah and Portland already, and Carmelo Anthony could be to this season what Dwyane Wade was to last season: someone with something to prove, and maybe a dark horse candidate for MVP.
4. Mavericks (2-1)
Can't blame them for losing to Gilbert Arenas' supremely motivated squad in the opener, especially after they regrouped nicely by throttling the Lakers on the road in their second game. This team has one of the best pick-and-roll offenses in the league when it's firing on all cylinders, which will be extremely tough for most other teams to stop.
5. Lakers (2-1)
With Pau Gasol missing the first three games of the season, L.A. has looked far from spectacular. Their lack of depth has been exposed, and Ron Artest has yet to fit in. Still, an 18-0 run in the third quarter on Sunday put away the Hawks, and the Lakers did it with defense, offensive rebounding, and getting out on the break for easy baskets. They're the defending champs for a reason.
6. Spurs (2-1)
The one game that Tim Duncan has looked like his old self this season -- when he put up 28 and 16 against the Bulls -- San Antonio lost. In the two wins, Tony Parker was the catalyst, leading the team in scoring and getting everyone else involved. Of course, if Ginobili continues to play the role of Batman, the sky's the limit.
7. Suns (3-0)
Undefeated against the Clippers, the Warriors, and the T'Wolves, the Suns aren't exactly world-beaters. But after squeaking out a close one in L.A. to open the season, Phoenix has had no trouble imposing their will on their opponents, on the way to a couple of comfortable victories. A tough five-game road trip awaits, but this is a confident group that will likely surprise a team or two on that East coast swing.
8. Heat (3-0)
Undefeated is undefeated, and despite some fairly weak competition (Bulls excepted), that's where the Heat stand. Still, they've done it convincingly, with the second best point differential in the league at 14.3.
9. Rockets (3-1)
Yeah, I'm surprised they're this high, too. But you can't deny three straight wins, including Monday's in Utah where they held Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap to a combined nine points on 1-of-8 shooting, while getting eight players in double figures offensively.

10. Cavaliers (2-2)
Can't really justify having LeBron and company any lower than this, but have they really earned it? It's going to be a while before the Cavs are clicking, and with the team trying to get familiar with Shaq and work Delonte West back into the offense, the gap in the standings could be pretty big by the time things get figured out.

11. Hawks (2-1)
Played two and a half solid games really, before completely falling to pieces in the third quarter against the Lakers. This is a long, athletic team that has no trouble on either end of the floor, so consistency and mental toughness will be the qualities that they search for as the season goes on.

12. Wizards (2-1)
Gilbert Arenas appears to be all the way back, and has led his team to a couple of nice wins to start the season, even as the club is missing Antawn Jamison. Tough back-to-back at Cleveland and then hosting Miami will tell us a lot about where this team is at right now.

13. Trail Blazers (2-2)
Brandon Roy can be All-World, but he's struggled shooting the ball since the Denver game. Andre Miller is -- at least so far -- a very underwhelming addition. The injuries to Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge aren't going to help the team get straight early, but we have a long way to go, and Portland is still loaded and can be right there when it counts at the end of the season.

14. Thunder (2-1)
As Kevin Durant goes, so goes the Thunder? KD had 25 and 11, then 25 and 12 in his team's first two games -- both victories. He struggled a bit against the Blazers with 16 and 5 (on a miserable 3-21 shooting), and OKC managed just 74 points in their first loss of the season.

15. Sixers (2-1)
In just 23 minutes per game off the bench, second-year player Marreese Speights is averaging 16.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a blocked shot per game, while hitting 18 of his 24 field goal attempts. Elton who?

16. Bulls (1-2)
Opened the season with a nice home win over the Spurs, before having to go to Boston the next night to get thrashed by the Celtics. Chicago then took Miami down to the wire, so the schedule-makers more than anyone are to blame for the Bulls' middle-of-the-pack ranking here.

17. Jazz (1-2)
Rough one against the Rockets on Monday, as Utah turned a three-point halftime lead into a 17-point home loss.

18. Bobcats (2-2)
Charlotte gets a little credit for standing at 2-2, but they did manage just 79 points against the awful Nets on Monday ... which was, in fact, good enough for a win, thanks to New Jersey's dreadful seven-point third quarter.

19. Knicks (1-3)
It took New York three overtimes to lose two of its games, before putting together a solid fourth quarter on Monday to get the team's first win of the season. Now if only they can get some consistency going so that D'Antoni doesn't have to change his starting lineup and rotations every night, they'll be in business.

20. Hornets (1-3)
New Orleans has no depth once you get past the starting unit, and the team looks to be far worse off than it was a season ago. So let me be among the first to say it: the Hornets are not making the playoffs.

21. Raptors (1-2)
Dropped two straight after beating the Cavs in their opener, but don't blame Chris Bosh: he's averaging 31 points and 14.7 rebounds through the first three games. *cough* contact year *cough*

22. Bucks (1-1)
Brandon Jennings is the story here, as he's done better than expected early, and led the team in scoring the first two games. Which is important, considering the fact that Michael Redd is going to be on the shelf for a couple of weeks with a knee injury.

23. Pistons (1-2)
Rip Hamilton has missed the last two games with an ankle injury, which has paved the way for Ben Gordon to both start and lead the team in scoring. Ws are what matter most though, and without Hamilton in the lineup, Detroit is 0-2.

24. Grizzlies (1-3)
Zach Randolph has two 30-point games in the team's first four, and O.J. Mayo put up a career-high 40 on Sunday. Allen Iverson made his debut on Monday, and big surprise: he was unhappy coming off the bench.

25. Clippers (1-4)
If Baron Davis ever finds his shot again, L.A. might become dangerous. Davis is shooting just 33% from the field through the team's first five games, having made just 18 of his 54 attempts.

26. Kings (1-3)
Kevin Martin's 48 led Sacramento to their first win of the season on Monday, an overtime joint over the Grizzlies. Between Martin and the potential of Tyreke Evans, the Kings might be worthy of more than an occasional flip over to their games on a random night of League pass action.

27. Timberwolves (1-3)
Kurt Rambis actually has his team running some basic triangle offense sets in this young season. Funny how things seemed to turn out a whole lot better with Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, and Pau Gasol involved.

28. Warriors (0-2)
Stephen Jackson and Don Nelson have completely checked out, and couldn't care less what happens to this team this season. Not cool for guys like Anthony Morrow, Anthony Randolph, and Stephen Curry, who are all talented young players with a potentially bright future in the league.

29. Pacers (0-2)
Rookie Tyler Hansbrough has been practicing, and could make his debut this Friday against the Wizards. That is all.

30. Nets (0-4)
Unbelievably bad, managing just seven points in the third quarter on Monday in Charlotte. Other lowlights included going over 11 minutes without a field goal, and getting outscored by the Bobcats 24-0 during a stretch that spanned the third and fourth quarters. Finally, the team lost Yi Jianlian to a knee injury in this one as well. I'd make a joke about how dismal things are for the Nets right now, but honestly, it's not even funny.

NBA Power Rankings: Orlando on Top originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cavs Fall to Raptors to Remain Winless

Matt Moore — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:20:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Raptors

Rome was not built in a day. But in two days, the NBA's version of Camelot sure has looked like the barbarians are at the gate.

OK, I'll try not to lob anymore historical metaphors at you. But you might want to get ready for a whole lot of consternation from the great state of Ohio, because the team with the best record in the league last year has started out 0-2. The Cavaliers fell to the Raptors in Toronto 101-91 to remain winless, and the same problems that surfaced Tuesday night in their loss to the Celtics reared their head again.

You don't touch the button with the P-word on it yet. It's only the second game, of course. But in an Eastern Conference where both of their opponents seem to be ready right off the bat, the Cavs look like they may have a steeper learning curve.

Stop me if you've heard this one, but LeBron James was brilliant in the loss. The reigning MVP earned his 25th triple-double tonight with 23 points, 12 assists, 11 rebounds and 2 steals in another exhibition to strike fear in the hearts of Cavs fans. The most disturbing trend from the first two games of the season is the regression to pre-2008 (or if you prefer, Eastern-Conference-Finals-esque) offense from the Cavs. The Cavs starters shot 33.9%, which is only slightly worse than the entire team's 34.9% mark.

Worse, they looked flat-out slow for the second night in a row, as the Raptors consistently got penetration on pump fakes and created open looks with effective ball rotation. Andrea Bargnani started his first year after the monster extension he received this summer, going 11-15 for 28 points and 5 rebounds. Bargnani murdered the Cavs, driving to draw fouls, kicking out to start rotations, and working both inside and out with his remarkable range. Chris Bosh was his usual All-Star self with 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Hedo Turkoglu had 12 points in his Raptors debut while proving to be instrumental in calming the Raptors during a furious third-quarter comeback bid for the Cavs.

The Raptors led 57-39 at the half before the Cavs staged a furious barrage of three-pointers in the third quarter, outscoring the Raps 32-21. But to start the fourth, instead of capitalizing on the momentum, Mike Brown elected to sit LeBron James until the 8:40 mark, resulting in a 9-3 run by Toronto to start the fourth. From there the Raptors offense awoke from its third quarter slumber and put the game away.

It was a great start for the new-look Raptors, and a bad-to-worse development for the Cavs, who are only getting marginal production from Shaquille O'Neal so far (12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 fouls). Brown has used the lineup of both Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Shaq on the floor at once in both of their games and thus far it has exposed the Cavs' vulnerability to the fast break.

It's better to struggle now than later on in the season, but to shrug off both of the Cavs losses as flukes is to ignore the vulnerabilities that a squad that was expected to contend for a title must resolve if it wants to rediscover the dominant team from last season. Because it sure doesn't look like Orlando or Boston are having identity crises.

Cavs Fall to Raptors to Remain Winless originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 01:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jumping to Conclusions After One Night

Matt Steinmetz — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Celtics, Clippers, Lakers, Mavericks, Rockets, Trail Blazers

Home sweet home. Well, for one night anyway. In front of a 42-inch big screen on opening night in the NBA. Let's go ahead and try to read too much into it ...

o. You can't tell me the Cleveland Cavaliers aren't going to come knocking for Stephen Jackson at some point. Looks like LeBron James is going to need some more help.

Hard as this is to say, it doesn't seem like Shaquille O'Neal can even be your No. 2 option. Apparently, the Cavs are reluctant to give up Zydrunas Ilgauskas for Jackson because Cleveland doesn't want to get smaller.

Then again, Jackson would make the Cavaliers tougher, and he would give them someone other than James who can make a play. Besides, the Warriors have Ronny Turiaf to sweeten the deal if need be.

o. With all due respect to Dallas owner Mark Cuban, this year's version of the Mavs isn't better than that team that went to the Finals in 2006. The reason: it was the pre-exposed Dirk Nowitzki in 2006.

Back then, the belief was that a team with Nowitzki as its best player could win it all. But now we know better. And far as anyone can tell, Nowitzki is still Dallas' best player, a healthy Josh Howard or not.

Look, Nowitzki is a wonderful player. But after watching the Mavericks falter against the Heat in '06, then get dismantled by the Warriors in the first round the following season, it seems apparent the Mavericks aren't going to win a title (which is the only way they can be better, right?) until Nowitzki becomes his team's second-best player.

o. Didn't really notice the officiating on opening night, did you? Oh, that's right. The big boys were back.

o. Gilbert Arenas sure looked good in the opener, but Caron Butler might be the most important piece on that team. He's the Wizard most likely to do things other than score to help his team win.

And, yes, I say that even on a night he took 17 shots and had just one assist. By the way, Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld is the early leader in the Executive of the Year Award chase.

o. Pretty troubling sequence from the L.A. Clippers at the end of the first quarter against the Lakers, when they already were down 13. Baron Davis rushed a 3-pointer with 27 seconds remaining -- just for the sake of a 2-for-1 -- and missed badly. Davis missed so badly that the ball rebounded long to the opposite-of-shy Ricky Davis.

Time to get a good one, right? Exactly. Ricky Davis then proceeded to immediately launch another 3-pointer instead of running down the clock. Banked it home.

o. Houston coach Rick Adelman had to be thinking Warriors -- tonight's Rockets opponent -- down the stretch of their loss to Portland.

Interesting Adelman wasn't even considering coming back with Shane Battier, Trevor Ariza and Luis Scola after some of his subs got Houston back within four of Portland with a couple minutes left.

More Steinmetz on Twitter: @matt_steinmetz

Jumping to Conclusions After One Night originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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George Karl Stumps for Son Coby

Chris Tomasson — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Nuggets, FanHouse Exclusive

DENVER -- George Karl isn't telling the Cleveland Cavaliers how to run their team. Then again, maybe he is.

Karl admits he's providing an "amateur fan evaluation'' regarding his son Coby Karl, a guard for the Cavaliers. But how many fans throwing out opinions on Coby have more than 930 NBA coaching wins?

Unless Lenny Wilkens, Don Nelson, Pat Riley, Jerry Sloan, Larry Brown, Phil Jackson, Bill Fitch or Dick Motta have spoken up, that would be none.

George Karl, the coach of the Denver Nuggets, doesn't understand why the Cavaliers might sign guard Antonio Daniels, which could result in his son being waived after making Cleveland's opening-day roster.

"For me, it's kind of crazy picking up a guy that didn't even go through training camp,'' George Karl said in an interview with FanHouse about Daniels, who had his contract bought out last week by Minnesota but never was in the Timberwolves' camp. "Of course, familiarity sometimes makes those decisions easier. I know Mike (Brown, Cleveland's coach) and Antonio were together in San Antonio (early this decade when Brown was an assistant and Daniels a Spurs guard).''

George Karl said he has talked to his son about rumors he soon could be waived. But he believes Coby should have an opportunity to play for the Cavaliers, perhaps ahead of Anthony Parker or Jamario Moon.

"I look at their roster and how they like to play, and I think he does different things than the guys that they have, and he does them well,'' George Karl said of Coby, who was used sparingly as a rookie with the Lakers in 2007-08 and played mostly in Spain last season. "I think he understands the game as a playmaker better than a Parker or a Moon. Moon and Parker are more athletic and better defenders, but there's a piece that Coby does in my mind, I don't know if coach Brown feels the same way.

"In my mind, (Shaquille O'Neal) and LeBron (James) probably like what Coby does. If you got Shaq and LeBron, there's not many other options. So the athleticism of Parker and Moon, when does that window open up? Is it when the bench gets in the game? With LeBron, that's about four to six minutes a game. With Shaq, it's larger. ... In L.A. (Coby) never really could get on the court other than a blowout. I think he's closer to getting on the court.''

Still, it's possible that, if Daniels, 34, is signed, Coby, 26, might not make it past the opener for the Cavaliers, who played host Tuesday night to Boston. Daniels agent, Tony Dutt, told FanHouse his client is looking at options in addition to Cleveland, and that nothing is certain.

"I've heard both,'' George Karl said of whether the Cavaliers might sign Daniels. "I've heard it's going to happen and I've heard from some other agents they don't think that it's going to happen. But it's only agents (talking so far to Karl).''

Even if the Cavaliers do add Daniels, it's possible they could waive guard Jawad Williams, who, like Coby Karl, has a non-guaranteed contract. Nevertheless, the father has told his son rumors likely aren't going away any time soon.

"If it's not Antonio Daniels (that the Cavaliers sign), there will be other gossip,'' said George Karl. "Next week it will be someone else. Next month it will be someone else. That's just the way the system is. For teams trying to win a championship, adding a piece to the puzzle is always a part of our philosophy. ... He's got to take the opportunity and be ready if he gets an opportunity to get on the court.''

If Coby Karl does get cut, his father said he likely will go to the D-League rather than again go overseas because he would want to be available for a return this season to the NBA.

"He's committed to the league,'' George Karl said of his son, who averaged 5.7 points and shot just 26.5 percent in the preseason, although he was hampered a few games by being ill. "He's not going to go even if he's tricked or intrigued by European (teams).''

For now, Coby is still a member of the Cavaliers. And, if you ask George Karl, he should be getting minutes for them.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com

George Karl Stumps for Son Coby originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tip-Off Timer: LeBron's Looking for a Title

Matt Watson — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, NBA Preseason

Tip-Off Timer counts down the days until the first game of the 2009-10 season. On Tuesday, there are zero days remaining!

LeBron James is the most important player in the NBA -- both on and off the court.

He's already one of the all-time greats at age 24, and as the reigning MVP, he puts up the type of numbers you'd expect to see only in a video game. And you know what's really scary? No one knows just how good he can actually be.

NBA commissioner David Stern, who's worked in the league's front office in some capacity or another for the past 40-odd years, recently suggested that James "may be the best player to descend to this planet."

The mere possibility that James might test free agency has sent teams around the league scrambling to re-adjust their payrolls, putting their futures on hold simply for the chance to woo James away from Cleveland this summer.

Off the court, James is a global brand with squeaky clean crossover appeal, making his announced goal of becoming a billionaire surprisingly plausible.

And yet ... something is missing. Despite all the accolades, milestones and paychecks, James has yet to attain the ultimate goal, winning zero NBA titles, putting him behind the likes of Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade.

In fact, despite reaching the NBA Finals once before -- dragging an over-matched Cavaliers squad out of a watered-down Eastern Conference in 2006 before being swept by the Spurs -- he's also won zero games in the NBA Finals, putting him two behind Dwight Howard, whose Magic topped the Cavs in the conference finals last year before losing in six to the Lakers.

After the Cavs made moves to mitigate their matchup problems with the Magic (picking up Shaquille O'Neal to battle Howard in the paint was the big one, but adding Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker to add bench depth will pay dividends, as well) James should keep his team on the cusp of winning that elusive title.

But would James' winning a title actually be good for the NBA? Or does the drama of having an uncrowned King make the league more compelling?

Will James finish his career like Kobe and Michael, winning multiple titles as part of a dynasty? Or will he be like Charles Barkley and Karl Malone, two of the best players to have ever played the game who just happen not to have a ring? Right now we simply don't know.

The sense of urgency will build every season James fails to win a title, and his drive to close the gap between his individual accomplishments and his team's goals should continue pushing his stats into the stratosphere. Unfortunately for him, the longer he goes without will give fans more reasons to watch.

Tip-Off Timer: LeBron's Looking for a Title originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most Likely to Drop 50 at Madison Square Garden: LeBron James

Nate Jones — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Knicks

With the start of the 2009-10 season looming, NBA FanHouse walks through the Valley of the Most Likely; we shall fear no topic.

Madison Square Garden is the crown jewel of NBA arenas. It's the oldest building in the league, and has hosted a ton of special moments throughout its history. Many of those moments likely helped shaped the hoop dreams of many of the league's current stars.

Of course, no one had a greater influence on making MSG a special place to play than Michael Jordan (sorry, Knicks fans). Since Jordan, every NBA player has wanted to come to the Garden and put on a show.

Kobe Bryant and LeBron James are probably the biggest stars in the NBA today (at least according to Vitaminwater and Nike). As you know, both Kobe and LeBron have been influenced tremendously by Jordan. Accordingly, they have both tried to replicate Jordan's classic performances at the Garden.

Think about it this way: only three Knicks opponents have dropped 50 at the Garden. Those three? MJ, LeBron and Kobe (sorry Rip, your 50 in three overtimes just doesn't cut it).

Jordan did it twice, the most memorable being his "Double Nickel" game in 1995. LeBron has also dropped 50 twice at MSG, nearly missing 50 point triple doubles in both '08 and '09. And of course, Kobe etched his name into Madison Square Garden history when he set the Garden scoring record with 61 points at MSG last season.

So who will cross the 50-point plateau at MSG this season? Last season we were pretty on point with our Kobe Bryant prediction. Although Kobe loves to put on a show at the Garden, I'm going to roll with LeBron this season.

The reasons are pretty simple. LeBron is the premier player in the league right now and the Knicks have no one that can contain him. There's also that whole thing about teasing Knicks fans over the possibility of him sporting the orange and blue in 2010. Just like Kobe and MJ, LeBron understands the moment. He has already scored 50 at the Garden two seasons in a row. He'll likely continue to entice Knicks fans with the lure signing him in the July 2010 by putting together another 50-point show stopper.

Runners-up:

Gilbert Arenas: Gil hung 50 on the Mike D'Antoni coached Phoenix Suns a few years back. After missing almost two full seasons with a knee injury, torturing D'Antoni and his Knicks with a 50 spot would be the perfect "I'm back" statement for Mr. Arenas.

Kobe Bryant: See last season

Dwyane Wade: Trust me, after finishing third in the MVP vote behind Kobe and LeBron last season, Wade will be looking to show that he is the best player in the league.

Kevin Durant: Everyone is predicting that this will be a break out year for KD (you know, because averaging 25 points per game on 48% from the field and 42% from three wasn't a break out). Joining the 50-point club at the Garden would surely help the mainstream become more aware of Mr. Durant.

Amar'e Stoudemire: "Yo coach D ... Get me out of Phoenix and I'll do this for you nightly!"

Carmelo Anthony: Along with Kobe, Carmelo is the most complete offensive threat in the league. Yet he still doesn't get the level of respect shown to LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. 'Melo has quietly gotten better year after year, but still craves to be recognized as a superstar. Dropping 50 at MSG is one way to get back on the mainstream radar. And since 'Melo played for Syracuse in the Big East, he's already quite familiar with the importance of the Garden.

Most Likely to Drop 50 at Madison Square Garden: LeBron James originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Delonte West's Wife Files Domestic Violence Report

Matt Moore — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, NBA Police Blotter

First, the guns. Then the unexcused absences. Now we can add a domestic violence report to the recent events section of the Delonte West dossier.

WOIO.com reports that Saturday night, West drove his wife to the Cleveland airport where an "incident" occurred. Reportedly the incident started at the couple's home where the Cavs' small guard tried to take her wedding ring off. After the argument continued to the airport, West's wife filed a domestic violence report with authorities. Police told the station there were no signs of abuse or injury.

Well, then. As long as he's managed to put all that trouble behind him.

There are two realities that are coming to clarity from all this. The first is that Delonte West's issues extend beyond the prototypical troubled NBA player getting tagged for DUI after a late night at the club. In a very short time he's exhibited a pattern of personal turbulence that spans multiple time zones, and that branches across unrest with the law, with his team, and now with his home life. Many said he needed help before this incident, but this just reinforces the point and it at least appears that he's not headed in the right direction.

The second reality is that the Cavs are going to have to start evaluating whether or not West is worth the headache, and if they can afford it this season. Make no mistake, they've got to make a locker room that suffered from hubris last season mesh with the largest ego (and posterior) in the NBA, get through Boston and Orlando, and then win a championship in order to secure the biggest star their entire state has ever had. So there's a little bit resting on this season. And while the team has bonded with West and has demonstrated patience and diligence in trying to help him resolve his issues, as the saying goes, it's a business. At some point these distractions are going to become too much for Cavaliers. They may not be at that point yet, but they can see it from there.

Report: Delonte West's Wife Files Domestic Violence Report originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Stern Doesn't Want LeBron in NY

Matt Watson — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Knicks, NBA Videos

Forgive me for the sensational headline -- I must admit to twisting the NBA commissioner's words just a tiny bit. But in an interview with reelsportsfan.com, David Stern revealed he's just like the millions of fans in Ohio who hope to see LeBron James re-sign with the Cavaliers.

"He hasn't won anything yet, but he may be the best player to descend to this planet," Stern said of James, later adding, "Michael [Jordan] might dispute that, but he's got a lot of canvas yet upon which to paint. And I have no doubt the picture is going to be beautiful."

When asked if Stern had any idea where James may finish his career, he replied, "None whatsoever -- although I hope it's in Cleveland." Keep reading for the video.

via New York Post

David Stern Doesn't Want LeBron in NY originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 17:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Player to Watch: Jamario Moon

Matt Moore — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, NBA Preseason

FanHouse previews a player to watch from each NBA team in advance of the 2009-10 season.

The market on Jamario Moon has been all over the place since he arrived in the NBA from various minor leagues and the D-League. At the tender age of 27, he was a Rookie of the Year candidate in 2007. Then he was a struggling sophomore at 28. He was traded to Miami and seemed to be a favorite target for Dwyane Wade for halfcourt alley-oops. But injury and a lack of cohesiveness with the Miami offense led to frustrations along with the Heat's first-round exit at the hands of the Hawks.

And now, four years after playing for the Arkansas RimRockers, a D-League team no longer in existence, Jamario Moon finds himself the reserve for a King.

The Cavs signed Moon to an offer sheet this summer, and his arrival on the team marks a striking departure for Cavalier forwards. Because he's actually a real small forward. The Cavs frontcourt above Center-level has consisted over the last few years of oversized shooting guard Wally Szczerbiak, center-convert Ben Wallace, and... whatever Anderson Varejao is, to go along with LeBron James, who is simultaneously very much a power forward, very much a point-forward, and very much just the best basketball player on the planet.

But Moon brings something the Cavs can use in several rotations. When LeBron shifts to the power forward position, Moon can play a traditional wing position. His 36% 3-point shooting puts another perimeter scorer on the floor, and his ability to play above the rim means LeBron has someone else to work with in the fast break.

Moon's not going to light the world on fire, but while all of the offseason attention has been paid to The Big Ridicuous Nickname For Only An Above Average Player At This Point, the acquisition of Moon is the kind of move LeBron would have salivated over just a few years ago. It represents a further deepening of their roster, and a move towards more lineup flexibility, a popular trend in the NBA and something that burned them against the Magic. While Shaquille O'Neal can help with defending Dwight Howard, Moon allows LeBron to defend Rashard Lewis or Ryan Anderson, while Moon takes the other. And it's the addition of Moon and Anthony Parker as much as Shaq that may help the Cavs finally, finally, reach the promised land.

The question is if Moon's athleticism and abilities will be able to mesh with the rest of the Cavs. He'll need to develop chemistry with Mo Williams, Delonte West, and Anthony Parker as well as LeBron, and be able to demonstrate the defensive acumen necessary to warrant Mike Brown's trust in getting him on the floor. And since rebounding and fundamentals are so central to the Cavs' approach, and they have a fair amount of perimeter shooters, Moon also needs to attack the boards. It's a high standard Moon's being asked to rise to, but if he's able to, he'll find himself in a position to contribute to a championship team. And that would certainly make for a nice high point on the rollercoaster of Moon's career.

Player to Watch: Jamario Moon originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FanHouse Preview: Cavaliers

Chris Tomasson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, NBA Preseason, NBA Previews

FanHouse previews all 30 NBA teams in advance of the 2009-10 season.

Cool things happen when a team trades for a center who has at least one MVP trophy on his mantel.

Wilt Chamberlain got traded, and won a championship. He was traded again, and won another title.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was dealt, and won five more crowns.

Bob McAdoo got traded, and later won two rings.

Bill Walton was shipped away, and eventually got another title.

Moses Malone was traded. You guessed it. He won a championship.

Shaquille O'Neal was dealt. He won a ring to add to the three already on his fingers.

FanHouse's NBA Previews:
Cavaliers Preview | Player to Watch: Jamario Moon
Spurs Preview | Player to Watch: Manu Ginobili

OK, there are some disclaimers here. McAdoo played on four teams between Buffalo initially trading him and getting his titles with the Lakers, and Walton had one team in between his Portland and Boston stints.

We didn't mention Dave Cowens and Hakeem Olajuwon, who weren't exactly fitted for rings when they closed their careers with Milwaukee and Toronto, respectively. And O'Neal, who won three crowns with the Lakers and one with Miami, didn't get one with Phoenix, his fourth team. His first team was Orlando, but that was before he won an MVP.

But you get the idea. There's enough precedent for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who acquired Shaq from the Suns last June, to be feeling pretty good about themselves.

"Every once in a while, I have to pinch myself,'' Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said of O'Neal being added to his talented team. "I couldn't ask for a better situation.''

Well, maybe he could. He could have asked for a 27-year-old, rather than a 37-year-old, Shaq.

Still, there is reason for optimism. While we are on the subject of former MVP centers winning rings, it's worth noting Abdul-Jabbar picked up three after he turned 38, the age O'Neal will be in March.

In perhaps the biggest move of the offseason (literally and figuratively since O'Neal is listed at 7-foot-1, 325 pounds), the Cavaliers acquired O'Neal to pair with the reigning MVP, forward LeBron James.

If you want to add up the number of total All-Star game berths that Cleveland players have accumulated, it's 15 for O'Neal, five for James, two for backup center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and one for guard Mo Williams for a total of 23.

No wonder everybody is really excited in Cleveland these days.

"It's going to be great,'' said Ilgauskas, not minding at all that the acquisition of the big fellow is sending him to the bench.

We interrupt all of this glee, though, to remind onlookers there is still a regular season to be played. Other teams beefed up during the offseason, including East rivals Orlando and Boston and the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. And even Brown admits there could be times when Shaq slows down the team.

But the Cavaliers, who went a league-best 66-16 last season before they were dominated by center Dwight Howard in an East finals loss to Orlando, have a pretty darn good base. Charlotte coach Larry Brown said James is getting "better every second.'' And the cast includes steady role players in guards Delonte West and Daniel Gibson, newly acquired wing men Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker and big man Anderson Varejao.

But the big man everybody is focusing on is O'Neal. How he fares could be the key to whether the Cavaliers can bring home a trophy in this championship-or-bust season.

There is a sense of urgency since James can opt out of his contract and become a free agent next summer. The last thing the Cavaliers want to see is James becoming an MVP who wins a title somewhere else.

Last Season by the Numbers

Record: 66-16 under Mike Brown. Won Central Division, 1st in the Eastern Conference. Eliminated by Orlando (4-2) in the East final.

Offense: 112.4 points per 100 possessions, 4th in the NBA, 4th in shooting, 6th in turnover rate, 14th in offensive rebounding, 15th in free throw rate.

Defense: 102.4 points per 100 possessions, 3rd in the NBA. 2nd in defensive shooting, 10th in opponent turnover rate, 9th in defensive rebounding, 11th in opponent free throw rate.

Top Performers: Forward LeBron James won his first MVP trophy by averaging 28.4 points, second in the NBA. He averaged team-high figures of 7.6 rebounds and 7.2 assists. Guard Mo Williams averaged 17.8 points while shooting 43.6 percent from three-point range. Center Zydrunas Ilgauskas averaged 12.9 points and 7.5 rebounds. With James commanding double teams, the Cavaliers also had potent three-point shooters in guards Delonte West (39.9 percent) and Daniel Gibson (38.2 percent). Forward Anderson Varejao provided steady play, shooting a team-high 53.6 percent from the field and pulling down 7.2 rebounds a night.

All statistics via Basketball-Reference.com.

Player to Watch

FanHouse's Matt Moore and Tom Ziller preview one player to watch from each team. Here's a snippet of Moore's post on Jamario Moon.

The Cavs signed Moon to an offer sheet this summer, and his arrival on the team marks a striking departure for Cavalier forwards. Because he's actually a real small forward. The Cavs frontcourt above Center-level has consisted over the last few years of oversized shooting guard Wally Szczerbiak, center-convert Ben Wallace, and ... whatever Anderson Varejao is, to go along with LeBron James, who is simultaneously very much a power forward, very much a point-forward, and very much just the best basketball player on the planet.

Read all of Moore's post on Jamario Moon.

Offseason Tracker

IN: Daniel Green (draft), Coby Karl (free agency), Jamario Moon (free agency), Anthony Parker (free agency), Leon Powe (free agency), Shaquille O'Neal (trade).

OUT: Tarence Kinsey (waived), Sasha Pavlovic (trade), Wally Sczcerbiak (free agency), Joe Smith (free agency), Ben Wallace (trade), Lorenzen Wright (free agency).

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com.

FanHouse Preview: Cavaliers originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cavaliers Reportedly Interested in Stephen Jackson

Brett Pollakoff — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:35:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Warriors, NBA Rumors

Before he was named head coach of the Cavaliers in 2005, Mike Brown twice had the honor of coaching Stephen Jackson: once as an assistant with the Pacers, and before that, as an assistant with the Spurs.

Jackson's time in Indiana wasn't exactly that of a model citizen, but he was fine in San Antonio, and even got himself a ring as a contributor to the Spurs' championship in 2003.

Maybe Brown, based on this past experience, sees something in Jackson that at this point, most of the rest of us do not. That has to be the reason that Cleveland is interested in trading for Jackson, and freeing him from the unpleasant situation that he's created for himself in Golden State.

Tom Ziller: "Jackson is certainly rare, but not for the reasons he thinks. He's the rare top dog who is basically completely ineffective. By my count there are at least six Warriors more valuable than Jackson." -- Read More The rumors started over a week ago, with the name of Zydrunas Ilgauskus being floated as someone the Warriors would be interested in getting back in the deal.

There was no truth to that one, as the last thing Cleveland would be looking to do is get smaller. But according to The Plain Dealer, that doesn't mean that the Cavs are done trying to work something out.

You have not heard the last of the Stephen Jackson trade rumors involving the Cavs.

According to sources, the Cavs do have an interest in Jackson and have had some internal discussions about trading for him.

No deal is imminent, because the Warriors are in need of a big man, and again, the Cavs aren't going to give one up.

But if somehow Jackson does get traded, and Golden State gets a productive big man in return, it would be fairly ironic. Because the fact that the team supposedly promised Jackson that they'd get a quality big in the offseason -- and didn't -- is what started him down this insubordinate path in the first place.

Cavaliers Reportedly Interested in Stephen Jackson originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LeBron Does Not Have Swine Flu, Is Not Stuck in a Helium Balloon

Tom Ziller — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:24:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, NBA Injuries

If not for the Balloon Boy's fantastical helium ride through the brisk Colorado skies on Thursday, the news that LeBron James, King of the Free World, had possibly contracted swine flu (!) would have broken the internet. (As it were, the internet was basically broken by Balloon Boy, leaving the Bron Flu as a Hot Trends footnote.)

But fear not for LeBron's health. Just as the worry/excitement over Balloon Boy's jaunt ended up wasted as Falcon Heene spent the balloon chase chilling in his garage, the concern over the H1N1 virus tearing through the MVP is unfounded. LeBron does have the flu, but NBA.com's David Aldridge reports that James is not sick with the swine flu. Whew.

Coby Karl and Darnell Jackson also have the seasonal flu, and Aldridge reports three other Cavaliers were tested for H1N1. In case you've been hiding in a box in the attic for the past six months, H1N1 is a specific mutated strain of the flu which experts say could rip through the world this year and cause a pandemic. The seasonal flu itself is deadly. But standard flu vaccines can't stop H1N1, making it all the more scary.

James actually received a flu vaccine earlier this fall, according to Aldridge's story. And of course, like a good American who pays more attention to urban legend than fact, James claims the vaccine gave him the flu. That's a theory about as well-developed as the idea Balloon Boy's family set up the fake escapade for publicity.

Oh, wait ...

LeBron Does Not Have Swine Flu, Is Not Stuck in a Helium Balloon originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tip-Off Timer: 14 Teams Without a Title

Matt Watson — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Cavaliers, Clippers, Grizzlies, Hornets, Jazz, Magic, Mavericks, Nets, Nuggets, Pacers, Raptors, Suns, Timberwolves

Tip-Off Timer counts down the days until the first game of the 2009-10 season. On Tuesday, there are 14 days remaining.

For everything the NBA has done to level the playing field -- the draft lottery, the salary cap, the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax -- only a select handful of teams have a legitimate chance to win the championship in any given year.

I know optimism is supposed to reign supreme in October, but here's a harsh dose of reality: in the past 26 years, only seven different organizations have hoisted the Larry O'Brien, and six of those teams have won more than once. In fact, in a league where fluke success is rare and dynasties are the norm, there are 14 teams that have yet to win a title.

Will any of these perennial losers buck their unfortunate losing streaks in the near future? While the Lakers, Spurs and Celtics (winners of nine of the last 11 titles) would disagree, it's a very real possibility.

While many expect the Lakers to repeat -- and at least one Celtic has predicted Boston will win 72 games -- the Magic and Cavaliers have re-tooled through trades and free agency after finishing last season as the two strongest teams in the East.

In fact, this might be Cleveland's last chance in a long time -- if LeBron James can't close the deal this year, he might bolt via free agency (surely you've heard, right?), adding a sense of desperation to their usual motivation. If the Cavs can't separate from the pack early, don't be surprised to see Danny Ferry make wholesale changes by the trade deadline.

The Magic are somewhat better positioned for long-term success, although they mortgaged their future by swapping the promising Courtney Lee in a package for the aging Vince Carter. It also remains to be seen how they perform with the expectations of being an elite team now that they're no longer able to play the underdog role, although you can never accuse a Stan Van Gundy team of being unprepared.

But if Cleveland and Orlando fall short, are we destined to watch yet another dynasty stamp their name in the NBA record book? The Denver Nuggets, who took the eventual champion Lakers to six games in the Western Conference finals last year, beg to differ, as do fellow non-champions like the Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz and New Orleans Hornets.

As for the Clippers, Grizzlies and Timberwolves? They all fall into the never-were and never-will-be categories (or at least not-anytime-soon). Same goes for the Suns, who don't seem to know if they're building for the future or playing for today, as well as the Nets and Pacers, who have some interesting building blocks but not much else.

The Raptors and Bobcats hope their rebuilding process is nearing completion, but they'll be considered a success if they simply reach the playoffs, let alone win a game or two in the first round. And if there's anything we can learn from past champions, it's that the real winners are built to last and are never content to simply be there.

Tip-Off Timer: 14 Teams Without a Title originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ilgauskas May Retire After This Season

Chris Tomasson — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:20:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, FanHouse Exclusive

CLEVELAND -- Zydrunas Ilgauskas was beginning to make Bill Walton look like an iron horse.

Through the 2000-01 season, Cleveland's big center missed 268 of his first 378 possible career NBA games. He'd had five surgeries on both of his feet in a half decade.

His final surgery was in February 2001, and it was pretty much all or nothing. If the complicated procedure to insert three screws and reconfigure his left foot wasn't successful, many believed Ilgauskas would retire.

Remarkably, it did work. Ilgauskas' career was saved, and he went on to play in All-Star Games in 2003 and 2005.

But Ilgauskas, 34, is getting close to the end of the line. His contract expires at the end of this season, and he told FanHouse he might retire next summer.

"This [season] could be it,'' Ilgauskas said. "I don't know. ... Injuries. Everything else. I'm not a spring chicken any more. So we'll see how I feel [after the season].''

Ilgauskas' foot problems are a constant concern. He must ice after every workout and game for about a half hour.

Those close to him see the possibility of Ilgauskas, who was drafted by the Cavaliers in 1996 and is tied with the Lakers' Kobe Bryant for the longest tenure of any NBA player with the same team, retiring after a season in which he will make $11.54 million.

"If he wins a championship [this season], that is what is going to happen,'' said Austin Carr, a former Cleveland star and the team's television analyst throughout Ilgauskas' tenure. "I think he will [retire].''

Carr, though, believes Ilgauskas could be convinced to stay if the Cavaliers come up short.

Cavaliers Mike Brown also wouldn't be surprised if Ilgauskas hangs up his high tops after this season.

"He's had an excellent career,'' Brown said. "He's obviously missing one thing in his career: a championship. I'm sure he would like be part of that. But he's got a beautiful wife at home in Jennifer, and they adopted a couple of great kids.

"He still has a full life ahead of him off the floor. He is a guy that could, at any time, say, 'This is my last year' or 'I might play one or two or three more years.' He has a life in general in greatest perspective. I think, when the time comes, he'll make a decision.''

Ilgauskas' life changed dramatically over the summer. He became a father for the first time as he and Jennifer adopted two orphan boys, ages four and five, from Ilgauskas' native Lithuania.

"The kids just complete our family,'' Ilgauskas said earlier in training camp about the boys, who don't speak English. "We already had great lives. Now, they're better. It's obviously challenging. ... It's hard ... to overnight be a father. I'm learning how to do the best job that I can.''

Ilgauskas, who turns 35 next June when he hopes the Cavaliers still will be playing, said this week the decision on whether to retire definitely won't come until next summer.

"I'll decide how long I'm going to play after this year,'' Ilgauskas said. "For me right now, the most important thing is winning.''

The Cavaliers went an NBA-best 66-16 last season. But the 7-foot-3 Ilgauskas was dominated in the Eastern Conference finals by Orlando counterpart Dwight Howard, and Cleveland lost in six games.

Less than a month later, the Cavaliers acquired legendary center Shaquille O'Neal from Phoenix. That resulted in Ilgauskas, who missed his rookie season of 1996-97 due to injury before moving into the starting lineup in 1997-98, being relegated to a reserve role for the only time other than in 2001-02, when the Cavaliers wanted wear and tear off his feet.

"When we made the deal for Shaq, being a former MVP, All-Star player, the credentials he brings to the table, it does, quote, unquote, make sense for him to start,'' Brown said. "So I called Z right away when the deal was made [June 25]. We talked, and I asked him, 'Big fellow, how would you feel about coming off the bench?' He didn't hesitate at all. But he's human. I assume there are emotions that were going through his body even if he didn't hesitate [about accepting his new role].''

Ilgauskas doesn't consider the move a big deal if it gives the Cavaliers "the best chance to win.''

"I'm fine,'' said Ilgauskas, who averaged 12.9 points last season and has a career mark of 14.3. "I'll adjust. ... We're going to have a chance [to win the title this season]. That's all you can ask for.''

The Cavaliers look well prepared to battle the few NBA teams that have dominant pivot men. It's hard enough for teams to find one upper-echelon center these days, and the Cavaliers have two guys who have combined to be named to 17 All-Star Games.

"It's a luxury for us and a luxury for [Ilgauskas],'' said Cavaliers guard Mo Williams. "We're not asking him to guard these starting young centers. We're asking him to come in come of the bench, and do what he does. It's no secret what he's going to do. He's going to shoot the basketball really well. ... It's a big bonus for him (coming off the bench).''

Perhaps Ilgauskas will be a strong candidate for the NBA Sixth Man Award. When Walton, a Hall of Fame center whose career was riddled with foot injuries, moved into a reserve role with Boston in 1985-86, he won that award.

And the Celtics won the NBA title.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com.

Ilgauskas May Retire After This Season originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaq Generating Shaq-Sized Buzz, Expectations in Cleveland

Chris Tomasson — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers

CLEVELAND -- The lights go down at Quicken Loans Arena and "XL'' flashes on the video board. Could this be a tribute to the arrival of a certain extra-large guy?

Well, not exactly.

"I'm 3XL myself,'' said center Shaquille O'Neal.

The "XL'' during the Cleveland Cavaliers' pregame introductions Tuesday night actually stands for a Roman numeral. The Cavaliers are in their 40th season.

But an argument easily can be made this is the most exciting season in the team's four decades thanks to the acquisition of the extra-large guy. OK, triple-extra-large guy.

More Coverage: Cavs Already Printing NBA Finals Tickets

"It's ramped up even more,'' Cavaliers television analyst Austin Carr said of the excitement in Cleveland. "You could see the city was down a little bit after what happened at the end of last season (the Cavaliers were upset by Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals). But all of a sudden, Shaq comes along (in a June 25 trade from Phoenix), and it's back up to sky high now.''

Carr, the No. 1 pick in the 1971 draft by Cleveland and who has his number retired by the team, has been with the Cavaliers in some capacity for nearly their entire history. There's been mostly misery, but now a pair of fellow top draft picks have expectations higher than ever.

O'Neal, the No. 1 selection in 1992, has been paired with forward LeBron James, the top pick in 2003 and the reigning NBA MVP. The duo was unveiled in Cleveland's first preseason game Tuesday, a 92-87 win over Charlotte.

"It was fun,'' O'Neal said. "These games you want to finally play.''

O'Neal and James played only the first half as Cavaliers coach Mike Brown turned matters over to the scrubs after intermission. But there were glimpses of what the two can do together.

James threw a nice alley-oop to O'Neal for a layup and another one for what would have been a dunk had O'Neal not been fouled. And, with James serving as a decoy, O'Neal threw a nifty no-look pass to Cleveland forward Anderson Varejao that might have been his best play of the night had Varejao been ready instead of fumbling the ball.

"Me and Shaq definitely played pretty well together,'' James said. "It shouldn't be hard for the both of us. We know how to play basketball and we want to win.''

In 16 minutes, O'Neal totaled six points, three rebounds and a block. In 15 minutes, James scored 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting.

"I'm still learning the offense and learning how to play with everybody,'' O'Neal said. "But when it's time to open the season [Oct. 27 at home against Boston], I'll be ready and we will be ready to go.''

Cleveland fans can't wait. They were disappointed after the Cavaliers, despite an NBA-best record of 66-16, had trouble with Magic center Dwight Howard and were surprisingly eliminated from the playoffs. But then arrived what many believe is Cleveland's final piece.

"Yeah, I think so,'' said Cavaliers guard Mo Williams, who played in the All-Star Game last February alongside East teammate James while O'Neal represented the West. "Obviously last year, we had a very good team. I think we did a lot of things good. I think this year (the Cavaliers brought in) a big man down low, somebody that can command a double team.''

The thinking in Cleveland's camp is teams are welcome to try to double team both James and O'Neal. That would leave one man against three Cavaliers, an even more unfavorable scenario for foes.

No wonder James was downright giddy when he first heard the Cavaliers would be acquiring O'Neal.

"How could you not be [excited]?'' James said. "He's already a Hall of Famer, an NBA champion. The fact that a guy like that would want to come here and play alongside me, I'm grateful for the fact we were able to bring him in.''

Nothing, though, is a certainty. Even Brown admits that.

It remains to be seen how O'Neal, 37, will mesh with the Cavaliers, who weren't exactly a lottery team with Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the previous starting center who has gone to the bench. How much might O'Neal, listed at 7-foot-1, 325 pounds, slow the team down when it wants to run?

"It's still real early,'' Brown said. "So obviously, being as big as he is, you wonder at times if you can do the same things.''

Nevertheless, Brown said he sometimes must "pinch myself'' as a reminder he really has Shaq on his side.

"I'm one of the luckiest guys in the world,'' Brown said.

Another Brown didn't disagree. Charlotte coach Larry Brown believes the big fellow, who averaged 17.8 points and 8.4 rebounds last season, has a lot left.

"He's still a special player,'' said Larry Brown. "And LeBron's gotten better every second he's been in the league. ... To get a quality player who's been special his whole career without giving up anything, it's phenomenal.''

Well, just as Peter Minuit did fork over trinkets in his 1626 purchase of Manhattan, the Cavaliers had to throw in something to make the deal work. They gave up Ben Wallace, who had his contract bought out by the money-cutting Suns, and Sasha Pavlovic, who was waived due to his contract being partially guaranteed.

So the Shaq show has arrived in Cleveland. O'Neal got an impressive ovation during introductions considering it was a preseason game and the crowd was much smaller than the announced figure of 20,403.

"I understand it's still preseason,'' said O'Neal, letting it be known Tuesday offered merely a dress rehearsal. "I know the first [regular-season] game is going to be rocking. Everybody is going to be really into it.''

Perhaps the Cavaliers will want to put "3XL'' on the video board for that one.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com.

Shaq Generating Shaq-Sized Buzz, Expectations in Cleveland originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Greek Team's NBA Tour Could Get a Little Weird

Tom Ziller — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Euroleague

As European clubs do every season, Greek powerhouse Olympiakos (featuring Josh Childress) will visit the United States this preseason to play in some exhibitions and see the lovely sights in beautiful towns such as Cleveland. There is a problem, though, reports Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer: Olympiakos is on the lam.

Apparently, the club owes an American agent $400,000 after a U.S. judge ruled a former Olympiakos player was unfairly denied his salary after being cut due to injury. Olympiakos has not paid up (even though the judgment is several years old), and the Greek team falls outside American jurisdiction. But since the team will be visiting the States next Monday for a preseason game against the Cavaliers, the agent went to court to get clearance to have the team's assets (which Windhorst reports could include the jet they fly in on and the team's petty cash) seized by U.S. Marshals.

I think I have a solution: deputize Shaquille O'Neal. He'll handle it.

Greek Team's NBA Tour Could Get a Little Weird originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:55:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaq's Debut Overshadowed by Delonte West, Replacement Officials

Chris Tomasson — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:45:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Cavaliers, NBA Referees

CLEVELAND -- The Shaq show was overshadowed.

Center Shaquille O'Neal made his preseason debut for Cleveland on Tuesday night, looking good in a 92-87 win over Charlotte at Quicken Loans Arena. But most of the talk after the game centered on Delonte West's continued troubles and Bobcats coach Larry Brown's frustration with replacement officials.

A source said after the game that West will not be at Cavaliers practice Wednesday, and it's possible his absence could continue beyond that. The source said he will be in the Washington D.C. area Wednesday to address legal matters concerning his Sept. 17 arrest in Maryland after police said he was pulled over for speeding on a motorcycle while carrying two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case.

Cavaliers 92, Bobcats 87: Box Score
SI.com: Cavs Reveal Their Depth in Preseason Opener

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry declined comment to FanHouse after the game. But the team is expected to have a statement Wednesday on West.

West, who hasn't talked to reporters since the team's media day Sept. 28, got testy before the game when reporters attempted to interview him, and wouldn't comment. Cavaliers coach Mike Brown had said before the game West would play and he warmed up, but he wasn't used nor was even on the bench.

"Delonte is going through a process right now, but, while he's going through that process, we're trying to use all the resources that we have available to help him through it."
- Cavs coach Mike Brown "Danny approached me and told me that he wasn't going to play,'' Brown said. "It was his decision he did not want him to play. ... Delonte is going through a process right now, but, while he's going through that process, we're trying to use all the resources that we have available to help him through it. It's going to take a little bit of time, but we have the patience to deal with it.''

West missed a game that featured a total of 55 fouls called by replacement officials, with Cleveland shooting 41 free throws to Charlotte's 24. Larry Brown got a technical in the final minute of the third quarter for arguing a call on a Bobcats player, and continued to ride the officials the rest of the game.

"They're learning,'' the Charlotte coach said about the replacement officials, who are working preseason games while the regular officials are locked out. "They're trying to get better. This is not an easy game to officiate. All you want as a coach is consistency, but this is not an easy thing for them. We have the best officials in all of sports, and this is the way it is.''

The negativity overshadowed the first game with Cleveland for O'Neal, acquired during the summer from Phoenix. Playing only the first half, O'Neal totaled six points, three rebounds and a block in 16 minutes. His new sidekick, Cavaliers star LeBron James, had 15 points while also only playing the first half.

Mike Brown ended up using 18 of the 20 players on his roster. The only ones who didn't play were Leon Powe, out following knee surgery, and West.

It remains to be seen when West might play again. He had unexcused absences from two-a-day practices Sept. 29 and Sept. 30 before returning Oct. 1. West did not make the trip to Akron, Ohio, for a team scrimmage last Saturday.

"We have a nice support system around him,'' said Mike Brown. "He has a nice support system back at home in place. I'm confident that he's going to utilize it just like he did last year. And things will get him back on track, and he'll do what he needs to do to keep himself right first because that's more important than this game.''

West, who has a bipolar disorder, last year missed 12 days of the Cavaliers' training camp to seek treatment for depression and a "mood disorder'' he said he has battled his entire life.

"I'm not really thinking about that, sitting back and, 'Well how much time is he going to need,''' said Mike Brown. "If he needs some time, then we'll have to sit back and have to talk about it. Danny has been involved with this process this whole time. I've just gotten updates.''

Meanwhile, the games continue. And at least O'Neal wasn't critical of the replacement officials after his Cavaliers debut.

"They're out they're working hard,'' O'Neal said. "They did a fabulous job. The (locked-out) refs want their business handled a certain way. The great (NBA commissioner) David Stern wants his business handled a certain way. Hopefully, they can come to some type of medium. I thought the officials -- I don't want to call them replacement officials because they're in the same program as all the veterans -- did a nice job. But hopefully the real referees will come back because this is an important season for a lot of people and we want everything done right. We want everybody that's supposed to be in place to be in place.''

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com.

Shaq's Debut Overshadowed by Delonte West, Replacement Officials originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cavs Already Printing NBA Finals Tickets

Brett Pollakoff — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:14:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Celtics

The Cavaliers are one of three teams, along with the Celtics and the Magic, that most experts have favored to come out of the Eastern Conference. Cleveland, however, comes across as a bit more confident than the others.

What gives us that impression? Only the fact that they've printed playoff tickets for every possible series, and included them in their packages that were already sent out to season ticket-holders.

This included, of course, tickets for the NBA Finals.

Waiting For Next Year has the photos of the actual tickets, as well as a plausible explanation for the team being so bold as to predict their appearance in the championship round before they've played so much as a single preseason game.

Obviously, the team feels relatively confident that LeBron, Shaq and Company will at least find themselves among the top eight teams in the east.

With that, printing the whole batch of tickets now would likely be less expensive than printing, binding and mailing one set now and then doing the same thing come March or April.

Ah, yes: the economy. The catch-all excuse for everything. But, as Skeets pointed out at BDL, is saving a few bucks on printing and shipping costs really worth the risk of jinxing a franchise in a city that's famous for, um, not winning championships?

Yeah, probably not the best idea. But apparently it's something that's been going on for at least the last few seasons, and even teams who could barely be considered a threat to make the playoffs have done it too -- like the Minnesota Timberwolves, for example.

If nothing else, something like this could be used as a little extra motivation for the other elite teams in the East, right? In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to see Doc Rivers getting his hands on a set of these babies and taping them up on the white board before the Celtics open the season -- in Cleveland -- on October 27.

Cavs Already Printing NBA Finals Tickets originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:14:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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