NBA Lockout is OVER!

So if you haven't heard, the NBA Lockout is over!!! Well, the owners and players have reached a tentative agreement to end the lockout and begin a 66 game season on December 25. While the league will alter the current schedule, there are some marquee match ups scheduled for Christmas Day.

The games include
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics

Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Chicago Bulls


The day is highlighted by the NBA Finals rematch between the Heat and Mavericks. Dallas won the 2011 NBA Championship last season by defeating Miami in six games.

I think this picture epitomizes my emotions right now...

Ugly Free Throws ft. Chuck Hayes

Ok, the NBA lockout continues to drag on but there is a positive side to this situation. We can look back at previous seasons and watch amazing plays from superstars, or in this case, hilarious plays from a bench warmer.

I know Chuck Hayes isn't a bench warmer, but he isn't going to be an All-Star anytime soon. Plus, he definitely needs to work on his shooting technique. Kids, don't try this at home. Seriously, I don't think this is even possible to copy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wQq9YWZ568&NR=1

FUNNY ZAZA PACHULIA Interview

If you are a fan of the NBA, right now you probably aren't too happy. The lockout continues as the owners and players have failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement, causing commissioner David Stern to cancel the first two weeks of the season.

On top of this, the future does not look any brighter since the players are adamant on receiving 53% of basketball-related income while the owners will only give in to a 50-50 split. A meeting between the owners and players with a federal mediator is scheduled for Tuesday, but previous meetings have not gone well. 

Players including Kevin Garnett and Dwyane Wade have been rumored to shout at the owners and get in heated arguments during the meetings. It seems like there has been little progress from the meetings, so players have gone to Twitter to support the cause.

Derek Fisher, LeBron James, and Chris Paul are just a few of the NBA players who have tweeted "#standunited" and "letusplay" to persuade the owners to come to an agreement as quickly as possible.

Only time will tell if a deal does get done, but in the meantime watch an interview with Hawks C Zaza Pachulia. Remember that epic series between the Celtics and Hawks that went to seven games? Well this interview takes place after the Hawks pulled out a win in Game 6 of the first round of 2008 NBA Playoffs.

ZAZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If anyone can understand what he is saying, please let me know.

Kobe 360 Slam at Kobe Academy

Aside from rumors about NBA stars playing overseas and Yao Ming's retirement, little else going is on during the summer concerning basketball. And especially with the lockout, no one knows when the NBA season will start, if at all. 

So why not watch this video of the Black Mamba athletically jamming this home at his basketball camp?

http://youtu.be/_mJXH-YyY8s

Ron Artest Wants Name Change

The wild, adventurous, and crazy Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest wants to change his name Metta World Peace.

As ridiculous as this moniker is, Artest is serious and has already filed a legal petition to get his name altered.

Of course, Ron Artest isn't the only athlete to change his name as Chad Johnson changed his last name to Ochocinco, but I don't think anyone saw this coming. However, I'm definitely not surprised by this considering Ron's past actions.



From the "Malice at the Palace", to selling his championship ring for charity, to drinking liquor at halftime during games, to his weird hairstyles, to his hilarious interview after the 2010 NBA Finals, Artest has definitely done many erratic things. I could expand to this list, but I don't know how long that will take.

I can just see the commentator like the stupid Mike Breen saying, "How ironic! Peace gets a technical for punching a player in the face. How's that for World Peace."

And then Van Gundy says something even dumber like, "Hey. I like his name. Maybe I will change my name too. How about I change my name to Hand Down ManDown. I think Marc Jackson would be proud of that."

Daughter of Robert Horry Passes Away

Ashlyn Horry, the daughter of former Los Angeles Lakers player Robert Horry, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 17.

Ashlyn Horry was born with respiratory issues and had 1p36 Deletion Syndrome. She meant the world to Robert Horry and was a major part of his life. In this time of mourning, Robert Horry greatly appreciates everyone's support.

"I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. It means so much to our family," said Robert Horry.

Although it is a time of sadness, I feel there should be some uplifting emotions of happiness. Remember Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals?


I don't think any Lakers fan can forget this moment. "Big Shot Rob" with the three for the win at the buzzer!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKBm2kevXQk&feature=related

Dwight Howard Will Become a Free Agent

I don't know why this important information is not in the headlines or top stories of ESPN and YAHOO! Sports, but it definitely is a major development in terms of "Superman" taking his superpowers to Hollywood.


At an Adidas tour Eurocamp day in Italy, Mr. Howard was asked about his future in Orlando. Here is what NBA.com wrote:
http://www.nba.com/2011/news/06/13/dwight-howard-free-agency-future/?ls=iref:nbahpt2


To highlight the story:


"Dwight Howard reaffirmed his desire to stay with the Magic, but told NBA.com on Monday that he will definitely become a free agent rather than sign an extension in the next year and also left open the possibility he would reconsider his future in Orlando if the team does not win the title next season," reported NBA.com


This is a major development because I don't think the Magic have a legitimate shot at the 2012 NBA Championship. The NBA is getting a lot tougher and the Magic don't have a second scorer that can put up 25 a night if he wanted to.


Also, the Eastern Conference is much tougher with the dynamic Miami Heat, the up-and-coming Chicago Bulls, the savvy Boston Celtics, and the athletic Atlanta Hawks, the team that ousted the Magic in the first round of these playoffs. It is very unlikely the Magic will reach the Finals, but if this team does it will have a tough journey just to get there.


The opponent that comes from the Western Conference will be no easy pushover either. Whichever team comes out of the West, (We all know it is going to be the Lakers!) it will be a formidable opponent more than capable of winning the title.


The Spurs can never be counted out. The young OKC Thunder are hungry for a title. The Dallas Mavericks will fiercely defend the Larry O'Brien trophy. And don't forget, Mike Brown wants to win a ring for himself and this Lakers team. 



So again, I strongly advise Dwight Howard to take his talents to Los Angeles. There is a slim chance the Magic win the title, and that's an understatement. If you become a free-agent, the Los Angeles Lakers have to be one of the teams at the top of your list.


Once you see the Lakers win another title this year, you will be absolutely convinced of coming to L.A. 
But the Lakers could only get Howard in a sign-and-trade and the Magic will undoubtedly want Bynum to fill the void at starting center.


The only possible setback is if Jim Buss doesn't want to part with Andrew Bynum. 


I don't think Dwight would be too happy about that...

Mavs Take Title, Dirk Finals MVP

Congrats to the 2011 NBA Champions Dallas Mavericks for a great season. I doubted the Mavs the whole year and although they swept the Lakers, I am especially grateful that this team beat the detested Miami Heat. 


Sorry LeBron. Maybe next year you can win... if you show up in the fourth quarter. And Chris Bosh, you are a little girl. I saw you crying heading into the locker room at the end of the game. I had hoped it was LeBron that would be shedding tears, but I'll take the guy who has butterflies in his stomach.


Congrats to Dirk for winning the Bill Russel Finals MVP trophy and leading his team to victory. The Heat deserved to lose and the Mavs deserved to win. Even Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert recognizes this fact.


"Congrats to Mark C. & entire Mavs org. Mavs NEVER stopped & now entire franchise gets rings. Old Lesson for all: There are NO SHORTCUTS. NONE," said Gilbert.


I love it how he gets in a shot at LBJ. He won't forget "The Decision" and has previously said the Cavs will win a championship before LBJ does. Hopefully, LBJ realizes he can't win a championship with the Heat and calls for a trade to the Lakers.


I'm just saying. If the Lakers can get former Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown, why can't Jim Buss get LeBron?

Mike Brown Replaces Phil Jackson

Today the Los Angeles Lakers officially announced the signing of Mike Brown as head coach. Brown becomes the 22nd head coach in team history and looks forward to the bright future.





I personally didn't want Mike Brown because I felt there were better candidates to fill the position, especially Brian Shaw. I also wouldn't have minded Rick Adelman or Jeff Van Gundy as Phil's replacement. But I'm not Jim Buss and I'm not making the decisions.


What's done is done and now the Lakers have a smart defensive-minded coach in Mike Brown. I hope he still holds a grudge against LeBron James, which is almost impossible for him not to, and can motivate himself and the team to win a title next year. 


"As long as the group is willing, which it sounds like it is, we'll get it done," he said. "We want to be at the top forever."





I like to hear that from a head coach. But will he get the job done? Also, who will fill the rest of his coaching staff? Will he completely bring in new assistant coaches or retain a few? Will John Kuester be fired and join him in Los Angeles?


So many questions that will soon be answered, but one question that will not be answered until much later, or mybe not at all if there is a lockout, is how far the Lakers will go next year.


I don't think Brown can lead this team to Finals one year into his coaching stint with the Lakers and especially when the roster is old and depleted. Unless he proves to me he deserved this position next season, I will keep on harping about how the Lakers could have 
signed a better head coach.





When Mike Brown was asked about all this criticism and skepticism, he coolly responded. It shows his composure and his confidence.


"Everybody is entitled to their opinion, I respect that," he said. "Winning will cure all of that."


But winning takes a whole another definition with the Lakers. The season is a failure if the Lakers don't win the title each season. Fans expect nothing but the best. 


So the question still undoubtedly remains. Can Mike Brown lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2012 NBA Championship?

NBA Finals Game 1 9PM ET/6 PT

Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, and Dirk Nowitzkiof the Dallas Mavericks will face Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and LeBron James tonight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena in Miami. Although I utterly detest Miami, I still predict the Heat wins tonight.

Buckle up and get ready for a great game on ABC!

Heat, Mavs Set to Play for Larry O'Brien Trophy

The NBA Finals will feature the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks.

A good matchup, but definitely not as tantalizing as Heat-Lakers. But that isn't happening, so I guess I will have to continue to mourn and lament. Anyways, it will be the Big 3 against Dirk and "The Jet".

These great players that have led their respective teams to the Finals. Dirk has been getting the attention for his 40-point performances, and deservedly so, but he didn't reach this final series without some help.

Don't forget the other key players on the Mavs like Shawn Marion, Jason Kidd, Tyson Chandler, J.J. Barea, just to name a few. They were the reason the Lakers were swept in the second round.

So what will these teams have to do to win?

If the Mavs hope to win, their bench will have to dominate and their defense will have to step up to contain the Big 3.  If the Heat wish to lift that gold trophy, they will have to obviously stop Dirk and win the rebound battle.

Here are some suggestions to the Heat and Mavericks, specifically Miami Heat Head Coach Erik Spoelstra and Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle.

I strongly suggest that Erik Spoelstra carry out a "Hack-A-Haywood." Brendan Haywood is shooting a miserable 37% from the free-throw line. He will miss so many free-throws that Rick Carlisle will have to take him out of the game.

 

If Carlisle takes Haywood out early enough after his first attempts, then Chandler will have to play extra minutes. Chandler will be gassed and the Heat can attack the paint more easily. If he elects to put in Ian Mahinmi or Brian Cardinal (Who!?), then the Heat will have a field day in the lane.

I also say that LeBron guards Dirk in the fourth quarter. Look what he did to Derrick Rose. I know Dirk and Derrick are two totally different players, but LeBron has the build and strength to stop Dirk or at least force him into difficult shots.

Plus, bring back the David Hasselhoff faces. Remember when Dirk revealed he listened to this idiot's music and the Heat fans got these things to hold up when he shot free-throws?

Well, it OBVIOUSLY worked because Dirk missed a couple free throws at the end of the game in game 4 of the 2006 NBA Finals.  Bring the Hasselhoff faces back!

To Rick Carlisle, look for Shawn Marion on offense. Have the "Matrix" run around the floor and come off screens to the basket. Have Jason Kidd look for him on alley-oops to make LBJ work on defense and possibly pick up a couple of fouls.

I also want the Mavs to post up Jason Kidd and make pathetic Mike Bibby do something. Kidd is a pretty good post player for his position and can get the Mavs some easy baskets.

Finally, the Mavericks should shoot a three-pointer every time down the floor. I'm not kidding. This team can get on a roll and not be stopped, so don't hold back and let it fly.

Now, which team will become the NBA Champion this June? I hate both teams. Mark Cuban is annoying as... and the Mavs made me cry when they eliminated the Lakers. I hate LBJ for his arrogance and his dumb show "The Lebrons."

This show is so terrible I vomited. Check this out, or better yet, totally ignore it. It's better for everyone.

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLeBrons

Anyway, I really don't care which team wins, because I hate both teams. But I predict a repeat of the 2006 NBA Finals, except the Heat win in Miami and raise that trophy in South Beach in game 6. 

I just hope that LeBron is not voted Finals MVP. I would have to kill someone...like Luke Walton. Just kidding, that's going way to far. NOT!

But seriously, if LBJ wins Finals MVP, Kobe Bryant and Mike Brown will be even more motivated to win a championship next year. But I still hope that D-Wade breaks out of his slump and averages 35 ppg in these Finals.

But whatever happens, expect to see the Heat passing around that Larry O'Brien trophy and spraying champagne in the locker room after this series. It pains me to say it, but the Heat will win the 2011 NBA Championship.

The only thing that could save this moment from total misery is if LBJ cries when the buzzer sounds. That would be classic! I know Michael Jordan cried, but that's MJ and he lost his dad. If LBJ sheds some tears, he will be the laughing stock of the world outside Miami.  

I know the people of Cleveland will definitely have something to say. 

The NBA Finals Schedule is below.

 

2011 NBA Finals Schedule

BEST OF SEVEN (2-3-2)

Date	Matchup	TV Network	Time
Tuesday, May 31	Mavs vs. Heat	ABC	9 ET
Thursday, June 2	Mavs vs. Heat	ABC	9 ET
Sunday, June 5	Heat vs. Mavs	ABC	8 ET
Tuesday, June 7	Heat vs. Mavs	ABC	9 ET
Thursday, June 9	Heat vs. Mavs*	ABC	9 ET
Sunday, June 12	Mavs vs. Heat*	ABC	8 ET
Tuesday, June 14	Mavs vs. Heat*	ABC	9 ET