13 Jan 11 Portland-Milwaukee: Rudy Fernandez Returns as Blazers Hold Off Bucks, 120-108

The photo is from Krizzikinz on Twitter, who happened to win courtside seats from the Tweet-up.Despite giving away much of a 33-point second half lead to the Bucks last night, Portland righted the ship in the fourth quarter, beating Milwaukee 120-108.On a night where Rudy Fernandez returned to a monstrous ovation, the Blazers led by as many as 33 points, and shot a ridiculous 60 percent from the field, this game was out of hand early in the first half.Both teams spent the first few minutes shaking a little rust, but before we knew it, Portland had built a Cleveland Browns jersey
31-16 first quarter lead and never looked back. Milwaukee's defense could not handle Brandon Roy and company. They allowed every Blazer player open looks without much resistance.By the time the end of the third quarter came around, it was almost as though the Blazers were up by too much. In the NBA, no lead is really safe. But many of the bench players were in to finish off the game and I blame a lot of a 4-5 minute stretch of no field goals on the "Chalupa chant."I mean seriously, when your team is up by at least 20, and the home team has 97 points, they are not going to come down and fire threes just to get Chalupas. The Chalupa cheers should come after 100, not before. Don't jinx them! I'd also like to see Blazer stats at home when the score is within one, two, or three of 100 points. I bet Portland is shooting 19 percent?Overall it was a solid victory and the rout that Portland needed. The Blazers haven't had an easy win in a while and this is just a warm-up for Orlando at home tomorrow and an East Coast road trip next week. Solid work all around for theDallas Cowboys jersey
Blazers.Box ScoreThe GoodAnytime a team shoots 60 percent from the floor that's a good thing. When you look at the box score , every starter literally shot 60 percent from the floor as well. It bodes well for Portland if every player is finding a rhythm offensively, because there will be games where other guys must step up and score with Brandon doubled or LaMarcus having an off night.Rudy Fernandez came back last night, and when he checked in, the crowd went ballistic. I'm pretty sure Portland loves Rudy. It's almost unsafe, I watched more than a few people completely lose their minds when they saw him. If I didn't know any better, I'd think he's more popular than Brandon Roy.Jeff Pendergraph continues to impress me. It's really amazing how he flawlessly transitioned into his rookie year, following hip surgery, and now just seems to fit in. From the pregame huddle dance to the toughness on the floor, Jeff is finding a nice niche on this team.Last night especially, we saw him get even more comfortable on this team. Defensively he flew around and had two blocked shots, while on offense he had a baseline fade-away jumper and even hit a deep, top-of-the-key jumper. The guy looks good, his shot feels good, I like his chances. Tremendous effort.The BadThe only bad came for Portland in the fourth quarter. With the game nearly out of reach, Milwaukee began to press Jerryd Bayless and Steve Blake with much success. Bayless seemed confused and disoriented by this tactic and it led to the minor meltdown in that final period.Fortunately, Denver Broncos jersey
Nate had enough and put Andre Miller back in. Miller broke the double-team every time, found the open man, and eventually put the game back out of reach. Miller proved once again his worth to the team last night. He is fitting in nicely. Naysayers need to pay attention to Andre, he's quietly doing everything right.The UglyWoah, look at this gem. A 2-for-1 in this department! Really though, from my vantage point last night, Andrew Bogut is HUGE. He looks like the giant from Princess Bride compared to the rest of the players on both teams. Fortunately Portland held him in check tonight.

12 Jan 11 New York Knicks : Ready To Win Now Or Poised For Future?

Nick Laham/Getty ImagesEveryone talks about the 2010 NBA free agent market as if it will be the greatest of all classes ever. With the likes of Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, and of course Lebron James up for grabs, the potential to rebuild a team from the bottom upis unparalleled. New York Giants jersey
Yet, a certain amount of this hype surrounds Lebron James' possible acquisition by the New York Knicks. He is already the most marketable man on the face of the earth and he plays in Cleveland for gods sake. Yet, do the Knicks really need him? The answer is no. If the Knicks are able to retain their core of David Lee, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, and Al Harrington, they have the potential to be a winning team. As it stands now, they have a consistent double-double threat in David Lee (a player once again snubbed from the All-Star game)who at this point in the season is averaging almost 20 pts a game and almost 11.5 rebounds. Yet, he is only 6 ft 9'. If the Knicks could add a dominant center such asYao Mingor even an All-Star on the backend ofhis careers such asor Zydrunas Ilgauskas,it wouldpush David Lee to the power forward position (his natural position)where he can utilize the post moves he has developed and still allow him to shoot his solid 10-12 ft jump shoot that has become increasingly reliable. At the SF position, you have the perennially improving Danilo Galinari who is turning into a dead eye 3-point shooter putting up an incredible 40.2% from beyond the arc. Keep in mind, he stands at a solid 6 ft 10' maybe even 6 ft 11' and at the ripe young age of 20 years old, he stands to grow even more during his tenure with the Knicks over the next few years. By retaining Wilson Chandler and Al Harrington (both solid 3-pt shooters and post players), it allows for the high tempo offense of Mike D'Antoni to flourish allowing for quick substitutions and quick refreshing of the players. Between Galinari, Harrington, and Chandler, they are averagin almost 45 points a game and almost 15 rebounds. If the Knicks are able to do a roation between them to keep them fresh, those stats are New York Jets jersey
more inclined to rise. Chris Duhon, is a solid point guard who will consistently give you 5-10 assists per game (he is currently averaging 6.5 apg). He can score when neccesary, averaging almost 10 pointsper game and shooting an above average 35% from beyond the arc. The X factor for the Knicks is a dominant shooting guard or point guard who can control the game at the neccesary tempo set by D'Antoni, yet would also be able totake over and put the Knicks over the top at the end of games. With the likes of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and Joe Johnson most likely out of the picture (near guarantees that they resign with their hometown teams), that leaves several options for the Knicks. The most attractive are those options of aging superstars who can still perform at high levels, yet would not command as much as others will, to perform at the same level. Prospects for the Knicks could be anyone from Ray Allen to Tracy McGrady to Michael Redd or even Allen Iverson. Each of these players while injury prone yes, could be huge additions if Oakland Raiders jersey
they can remain healthy and perform at even 75% of their prime. When you look at the Knicks roster now, you do not see neccesarily a championship team. With the addition of say Ilgauskas and Allen, the Knicks can go deep into the playoffs with a lineup boasting 4 perennial All-Stars. The Knicks are not built to win this season or maybe even the next one. But, adding two stars at lower cost and given two years to develop, the Knicks will be a contending beast in the east.

10 Jan 11 Tracy McGrady Can Make The Bulls a Contender

Even though the reports are saying that Tracy McGrady will be headed to the New York Knicks by Thursday, the Bulls still have time to get him and they should.The Bulls have nothing to lose and need to realize that T-Mac can still play. T-Mac has been training with Tim Grover, the same trainer who trained Michael Jordan. Grover is a proven trainer and recently helped Dwyane Wade save his career. Wade came back to the Olympics in 2008 and just dominated and then he went on to have one of his best seasons in 2008-09.McGrady is arguably the hungriest player in New Orleans Saints jersey
the NBA right now. This man has too much to prove and he is mad. McGrady can still average 25 in this league, but people don't believe that because he hasn't played a full season for so long. Tracy was a great player when he was healthy and never really got to showcase his abilities when he was out for so long and people just counted him out.Now he wants to show the world he can still play and still be effective. Tracy can still play and he will prove that no matter what team picks him up. But whichever team picks him up will be lucky because that team can make a serious run depending on who they are.The Knicks are a good team for McGrady to go to because in Mike D'Antoni's open offense he will be free to showcase his abilities and can show people he can still score. But the Bulls need him more than any team. They are currently 26-26 and are sitting as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. Derrick Rose has been playing extremely well as of late and is already becoming a star.Rose is the perfect star to build around and can make this franchise super successful in the future but the Bulls have the pieces to win now and they are that one piece away from being that team that can beat anyone no matter what their record is. That piece is a guy like Tracy McGrady. A guy who can take games over with his scoring and can make plays because he is so big and athletic.McGrady is a match up nightmare and he would taken a lot of pressure off of Rose. T-Mac and Rose could make a great 1-2 punch and even though the Bulls can't be a first seed in the East they can still be a fifth or sixth seed and they would have enough firepower to beat teams like the Celtics, Magic, Hawks, and maybe even the Cavs in the playoffs.McGrady, who is not a selfish player, would be fine with Rose getting the shine and they New York Giants jersey
could really make things happen in the East. If the Bulls are serious about winning they need T-Mac NOW! This guy is going to make a lot of owners feel stupid once he plays, but the Knicks are playing meaningless basketball and probably won't make the playoffs.If T-Mac goes to Chicago and plays well they can even re-sign him in the offseason and they would be a big man away form being serious contenders for many years. McGrady is the perfect fit for the Bulls and it could be a magic season for the Bulls if they work out a trade for him in the next day.

10 Jan 11 T-Mac Gut Feeling: No Trade Will Occur, Houston Happy with Current Team

Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesSome say the demands may be too high.But maybe it also because Houston doesn want to give up any major pieces of their current success, as Rockets general manager Daryl Morey seems more than happy with his current team.I could be completely wrong, as I am rarely correct when it comes to making calls such as this one.However, I do know one thing is certain: this Rockets team thrives on clubhouse chemistry and Morey isn about to screw that up.With Houston finally taking control late in the third quarter against Milwaukee, Green Bay Packers jersey
dominating the Bucks in the second half of play, tomorrow trade deadline still looms.Will Houston Rockets make a blockbuster trade and rid themselves of their disgruntled star in Tracy McGrady?Only time will tell, but at this time early reports indicate the Chicago Bulls have dropped out of the T-Mac sweepstakes and the New York Knicks may be bluffing in terms of their latest offers including draft picks.Regardless of what happens come deadline tomorrow afternoon, Morey and the Rockets are still in great position to make a solid run in the West.Until Thursday 2 p.m. CST ticker

9 Jan 11 Bulls Trades: A Good Or Bad Thing?

Bulls fans were excited when they heard the rumors of a trade swelling up during the All-Star break. But, many were disappointed once they saw who was traded away, and who they got back. Yet, there were still those who looked at the glass half full, instead of half empty. I was one of the ones looking at it half full. I was hoping we would get some productivity out of the new additions, and then land a top free agent over the summer. Well, so far my hope has become reality.The main concern going around when Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons Reebok Baltimore Ravens #27 Ray Rice Realtree camo Jersey
were traded was that the Bulls organization was giving up on this year to land a top free agent prospect during the off-season. Some of the possibilities for them will be: Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Carlos Boozer. I do not believe they have a chance with James, but getting Wade, Bosh, or Boozer is a definite possibility. A lot of people have crossed off Wade, but I think if he goes out and looks for a new team Chicago would be one of his top destinations, because that is where he grew up as a kid.The trades that the Bulls acquired during the All-Star break will open up enough salary to land one of these prospects. The thing is, the Bulls trades have actually contributed to the Bulls success since the All-Star break. They have had a strong 6-3 record since the trades have occurred. Although it looked like giving away Tyrus Thomas and John Salmons would hurt them, it has not affected them as of yet.During the 8 games that Hakim Warrick has played, he has average 10.2 points and 5.3 rebounds a game. Flip Murray has also contributed, adding just over 10 points as well. The combination of these players, and existing ones such as, Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, and Joakim Noah, make this team dangerous if they get hot.So, what was the Bulls main reason Reebok Baltimore Ravens #52 Ray Lewis Realtree camo Jersey
behind trading away Thomas and Salmons? I still believe it was just to get enough salary room for top player. But, so far the Bulls have lucked out, and these new players have had a key role in their success so far. The only question I have is, if these players continue to contribute, will they keep them, or just throw them out the window?

8 Jan 11 Rockets Money Crunch: Will Les Alexander Spend For a Contender?

Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesWhether it was ponying up the $3 million in cold cash to acquire Ron Artest or the $8 million spending spree that netted the Rockets David Andersen, Chase Budinger, Jermaine Taylor, and Sergio Llull, Les Alexander has shown that he is willing to spend to improve his team.However, with an offseason that could prove to be the most important and expensive in recent franchise history, how much will Alexander be willing to spend?Vikram Dimba wrote an excellent piece on a similar subject, but this article will touch on the more Tennessee Titans jersey
fiscal ramifications of the fated summer of 2010.For some background information, the NBA's salary cap can be defined as a "soft" cap. While teams above the cap cannot sign whomever they want, there are variousexceptions that allow teams to exceed the cap.If a team's payroll exceeds the luxury tax threshold, they automatically trigger a dollar-for-dollar payment for as much as they are over the threshold. Because the tax payments are divided up between the non-tax paying teams, there is a multi-million dollar incentive to be below the threshold.The last few years, the Rockets have been over the threshold most of the year only to shed some salary near the deadline, allowing themselves to avoid the luxury tax and receive the tax payment.Currently, the Rockets have just over $58 million in payroll commitments for next year (according to HoopsHype ), and have two major free agents, Kyle Lowry and Luis Scola.With the luxury tax threshold most likely receding to about $65 million, will Les Alexander be willing to pony up the big bucks to try and spark a deep playoff run?That $65 million might not even be enough to just bring back Lowry and Scola. Scola's asking price is surely increasing with the number of 44 point exhibitions he puts on, and Lowry is just starting to get healthy.The wrinkle in this is the crapshoot that is restricted free agency. Often, top restricted free agents are overpaid when teams bid against themselves (i.e. Luol Deng and Andre Iguodala), and other times they struggle to get anything near market value for their Washington Redskins jersey
services (David Lee and Carl Landry) because of the potential for teams to tie up their precious cap space for a week only to be left with no player.Because of the uncertainty that surrounds restricted free agents, the Rockets financial plans are largely fluid. If the Rockets wait Scola and Lowry out and re-sign them on the cheap, they may even be able to make another low-level acquisition and still remain under the luxury tax.However, if their two free agents receive market value, the Rockets will have to go over the tax just to retain the two.Realistically, if the Rockets want to have any chance at a deep run in the playoffs, they will have to exceed the luxury tax. Sure a sign-and-trade for Chris Bosh would be nice, but sign-and-trades are so difficult to pull off that it is not likely a feasible option.The most likely option in the event that Alexander gives the OK to go for it all would be to sign a big man using the MLE who can play alongside Yao but also give minutes backing him up at the 5. Marcus Camby and Jermaine O'Neal would both be good fits, however, given their age it might not be the most prudent spending.So for a final number crunch in my "go for it all" plan:Around $58 million in previous salarycommitments, plus $10 million for Scola and Lowry, plus $4 million for a veteran big man, plus $7 million in Reebok Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald Realtree camo Jersey
luxury tax payments gives a final budget of $79 million versus the less than $70 million he spent this year.Will the lure of a playoff run be enough to entice Les Alexander to open up his wallet and fork over the extra $10 million that it will take to make the Rockets a true contender, or will he be content to collect checks knowing the Rockets' ceiling is a first-round playoff win?If history is any indication, Les Alexander will go for it.

8 Jan 11 Teen With Cancer Meets Kevin Garnett Of The Boston Celtics

DORCHESTER, Mass. - A teenager suffering from cancer wishes to meet his hero, basketball star Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics. Through an amazing amount of guardian angel magic, his wish is granted through national children charity, Kids Wish Network.17-year-old Deon was having a normal Thursday at school when he felt his jaw crack a little bit. He ignored it and kept on with his day. By Friday, the pain was more severe and he made a trip to the dentist for an X-ray. The dentist took a look at his X-ray and sent Deon straight to the ER. There, heSan Francisco 49ers jersey
was diagnosed with having an osteoblastoma, which is a rare bone-forming tumor, in his jaw. He was rushed into surgery to try and remove the tumor; the surgery took almost 10 hours. Everything happened so fast, said Deon mother, Sherine. He suffers so much each day and it just breaks my heart.Since the initial surgery, Deon has undergone three other surgeries and has had the lower part of his jaw bone removed.During one of her many trips to the hospital with Deon, a social worker asked Sherine if she had ever thought of getting an organization to grant a wish for her son. She replied that she hadn and, when she got home, Sherine started looking into it; she found national children charity Kids Wish Network. Once in contact with a Kids Wish representative, Sherine was confidant that this organization was the only one who would be able to grant her son wish the way he wanted it to be. When it came down to actually wishing, Deon indulged his love of basketball and asked to meet his favorite player, Boston Celtics power forward, Kevin Garnett. The city of Boston came together with Kids Wish Network to make Deon wish come true; Mayor Thomas Menino, the Boston Police Athletic League, and the Laboure College of Nursing as well as some other outstanding sponsors worked hard to grant Deon wish. Before he knew it, Deon was in the Boston Garden eagerly waiting for the start of the Celtics game against the Memphis Grizzlies so he could meet up with Kevin Garnett immediately following the post-game press conference. Earlier in the day, he Seattle Seahawks jersey
and his family visited the New England Aquarium for a behind-the-scenes tour and enjoyed lunch at DJ at the Garden restaurant. The day before, Deon had the sports fan experience of a lifetime while dining at the famous Four Restaurant and Sports Bar. To top it all off, they were staying at the beautiful Onyx Hotel right in the middle of Boston. It was like some sort of awesome dream. For her son, Sherine said that the wish was a day for him of pure laughter, pure enjoymentit something I couldve never done for him.Right after the experiencing the thrill of watching a Celtics game in person, Deon was taken to meet his hero, where he was starstruck. Kevin Garnett shook Deon hand and greeted the teen. He even autographed a basketball for Deon, which, according to Sherine, Deon said he [Kevin Garnett] never autographed a ball for anyone, ever. Deon experienced a very special moment and received a souvenir that he will treasure for years to come. It was a day we didn have to go to the hospital, we didn have to worry, said Sherine of Deon wish. It been a long time since my children have smiled like that. It was something we all really enjoyed. Im so thankful for it all. Kids Wish Network would like to thank the following for making Deon wish such a special experience: Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston Police Athletic League, Greenwood Memorial United Methodist Church, Laboure College of Nursing, Kevin Garnett, The Boston Celtics, The Onyx Hotel, The Four Restaurant and Sports Bar and the New England Aquarium. Kids Wish Network is a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children in crisis. Every child deserves a chance at happiness; a wish is just a way of bringing them that joy. If you would like to St. Louis Rams jersey
sponsor a child wish or if you know a child who is suffering from a life-threatening illness and may be in need of Kids Wish Network wish granting services, please call 727-937-3600 or toll free 888-918-9004. For more information on Kids Wish Network, visit their website at www.kidswishnetwork.org Written by: Editorial Staff