Collinson gets his big chance posted by Andy Charles

That collective sigh you heard was the one coming from New Orleans Hornets fans when they learned that All-Star point guard Chris Paul would be missing for maybe as long as two months in the wake of knee surgery.

Paul needs arthroscopic surgery for a cartilage tear in his left knee, an injury suffered in freak fashion seconds from the end of the loss to the Chicago Bulls last week when he collided with a photographer on the baseline as he went to retrieve an errant shot.

Results of a scan showed that Paul had a partial tear of his meniscus, an injury that really cannot be played through and could develop into something serious if left untreated for a long spell of time.

But maybe, just maybe, Paul’s absence will not be felt as badly as some NBA Predictions first thought, based on the performance of his replacement Darren Collinson in the 109-102 overtime win over a decent Memphis outfit on Saturday night.

Collinson played all but a few minutes of regulation and ended the game with 17 points and a superb Paul-esque 18 assists, working well in tandem with fellow rookie Marcus Thornton in the backcourt.

But is playing two rookie guards, with very little depth to come off the bench, what the Hornets need in the middle of a fierce playoff race that sees eight teams covered by only three-and-a-half games (as of Monday).

Sure the Hornets have plenty of experience further up the court in David West, Emeka Okafor and Peja Stojakovic, but another injury among their current starting five would put them in deep trouble with most NBA Bets and there isn’t really much coming off the bench that could be traded for an established veteran to help out.

Big Daddy Feels Turbulence on Cloud 9 posted by Les Leonard

     New Orleanians began their work week all smiles again Monday morning courtesy of the Saints’ record-setting 9-0 start. Even though our wallets were decimated for the ninth straight game, Saints fans ain’t complainin’. As the Saints aim to complete their second of three triumphant visits to the Sunshine State Sunday, Big Daddy mentally prepares to go where Who Dat has gone before. In this week’s edition of the Section 645 Saints Beat, Big Daddy congratulates former U.S. Representative from Louisiana’s 2nd District William “Dollar Bill” Jefferson, reports the action live from the Kingpin, recaps the Tampa Bay game, examines recent Saints scares, forecasts the New Orleans Hornets season, and releases his World Famous Pregame Information.

     Who wasn’t relieved when U.S. District Court Judge T.S. Ellis III made his wise decision? Wednesday Ellis ruled that William Jefferson will remain free while he appeals his 11 count federal conviction. Obviously, Dollar Bill isn’t a flight risk because he’s such a devoted God-fearing family man. Bill’s ability to spend priceless family time during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Mardi Gras, and the Saints first Super Bowl with his wife and kids has to be the feel-good story of the year. Do you think Lifetime will make a syrupy holiday special depicting the Jefferson’s tight-knit family? Perhaps the made-for-TV gem would teach struggling Americans how to afford Ivy League educations for their offspring like the Jeffersons did with their five amazing children. Since locals love “making groceries,” the movie could show people where to find those special frozen pie crusts that chemically react when ordinary freezers transform them into extraordinary devices that produce cold hard cash.

posted by Andy Charles

Allen Iverson’s sometime glittering career in the NBA could just be over after he left the Memphis Grizzlies early into his tenure with the franchise.

Although Iverson was given permission ‘to leave to attend to personal business’ late last week, his time in Memphis had already started to become a sideshow with more talk about him being asked to come off the bench than anything else.

Iverson had only played three times for the Grizzlies before leaving ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Los Angeles Clippers, and had not played badly in averaging 12.3 points and 3.7 assists despite his displeasure at not being in the starting line-up as Memphis preferred to start Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo in the backcourt.

The 34-year-old also complained at a lack of communication with coach Lionel Hollins, as he revealed: “It’s probably going to always be hard for me and him to see eye-to-eye, because we’ve never even talked to each other. Obviously that’s what you do if you’re trying to accomplish the same goal.”

Hollins was non-committal about Iverson returning to the team, issuing a ‘no comment’ and admitting he had no idea if he would be back in the short or even the long-term.

Memphis had been anticipated as one of the league’s improvers this season but have started the campaign just as in most recent years with their 1-6 record the joint worst in the Western Conference and better than only the injury-hit New Jersey Nets overall.

But it is Iverson’s future dominating the sports pages, with retirement the latest word to rear its ugly head despite comments from owner Michael Heisley that Iverson had not intimated to him that he was thinking about calling it a day.

First Impressions posted by Scott Shepherd

The NBA season is officially underway (unless you live in Chicago or Milwaukee).

After several hours parked in front of the NBA League Pass for the past two days, it’s time for some first impressions.

The Good

Ty Lawson

How good was he last night? I predicted the Denver Nuggets to be the third best team in the West this season, and that was assuming that Ty Lawson would play like a rookie point guard.

But his 17 points, six assists, and four rebounds, plus very solid fourth quarter minutes in a close game against a decent Utah team, shows that he may be a real X factor for this team moving forward.

Brook Lopez

Lopez was a monster last night, finishing with 27 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks, and four assists. Of course, the Nets lost, mainly because they couldn’t hold off the mighty T’Wolves down the stretch, but it certainly wasn’t because of Lopez.

Los Angeles Lakers

I know they were playing the Clippers, but the champs didn’t miss a beat. This could have been the most lopsided seven-point game I’ve ever seen.

If it hadn’t been for the extended period in the second quarter where D.J. Mbenga tried to show his limitless range the Clippers would have lost by 20.

The Lakers starters (minus their second best player, Pau Gasol), were nothing short of dominant all game. They just toyed with the Clippers for most of the game, and clamped down where it mattered most.

Boston Celtics

The NBA, Where Desperation Happens posted by Chad

So, things aren't looking good for the NBA right now.  There are a lot of reasons, the economy, it struggles compared to the other sports anyway, superstar bailout calls, the "thug" image, and mainly the fact the refs don't really know how to call the game.  I have a hard time watching somebody get 4 steps through the lane and a 4 second later continuation call; sorry, but that's not basketball.  Toss in the fact that these refs that don't apparently enforce the rules are going to go on strike and they also gamble on basketball.. things aren't looking good.  Teams are desperate to pack the stands.

Don't worry fans!  The Nets have an amazing, really incredible, inspiration, and entirely chaotic way to get fans in teh stands.  Only good things can happen here, and that's a promise.  If you fork out 25g's for 10 games of the team's best seats you can put in a list of players that you want to come hang out with you for an hour.  You can have them at home, a birthday party, the office, or anywhere else you'd like to go.  No word on bachelor parties, hanging out at their house, or even the Gold Club all the guys love so much down in the ATL.  Patrick Ewing knows what I'm talking about.  So, lets say you have the cash and the desire to do this.. you really need to consider your options.  I'll help you take a look at the Nets top guys:

1.  Yi.  How could he not be #1?  The possibilities are endless!  Does a translator come with or do you just have to akwardly try to teach him English in that hour?  Where would you go with the guy.. the zoo?  Your crib?  What if you want to drive somewhere, does that mean you get to ride in his car since he can't fit in yours?  Does you have a lazyboy at home?  If so, you might be able to tape him going one on one against it.  My money says put it on Yi; it wouldn't be the first time he's knocked a chair to the ground in victory.  I'd love to see it.

The NBA Draft's Five Best Second Overall Picks Since 1984 & Sammy Sosa Is a Joke and He Does Not Deserve Induction into the HOF posted by Colin Linneweber

The NBA Draft's Five Best Second Overall Picks Since 1984

The Los Angeles Clippers are expected to pick former Oklahoma Sooners star Blake Griffin Thursday with the first overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

However, there is not a consensus projection for the No. 2 pick and basketball analysts remain largely uncertain who the Memphis Grizzlies will choose tomorrow in Gotham.

In recognition of the NBA Draft, I have decided to rank the five most accomplished players selected second overall in the past quarter century.

1) Jason Kidd

Kidd, 36, attended the University of California and helped resurrect the Golden Bears dormant basketball program with his stellar play at the point guard position.

After being honored as a First Team All-American as a sophomore, Kidd declared for the NBA Draft and was selected 2nd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in 1994.

Unfortunately, the Bay Area native’s initial stint with the Mavericks didn’t materialize as most anticipated it would.

According to legend, singer Toni Braxton went to the Mavs team hotel to meet Kidd after a game.

However, instead of rendezvousing with Kidd, Braxton instead left with his Dallas teammate Jimmy Jackson and the two purportedly fornicated until the wee hours.

Subsequently, Kidd loathed Jackson and he demanded an escape from “Big D.”

Kidd, a 9-time All-Star and 6-time All-NBA nomination, was traded to the Phoenix Suns at the conclusion of the 1996 season and his career began to truly ascend in the desert.

Magic--Nets blockbuster deal! posted by john howard

Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson are sent to the Magic for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie.  In what looks like another attempt by Jay-Z and the Nets to get good buddy LeBron James to New Jersey has been made.  Moving Carter's big salary does that.  What was confusing was shipping youngster Anderson and acquiring poing guard Alston.  PG Devin Harris had a tremendous break out year.  Does this mean that he will move to SG or will Lee start there and Alston be a bench player.

For Orlando, this was a shock.  But also a statement.  They are going to resign Turkolu. Lee had an incredible season, but Carter is a much much much better player.  Huge upgrade there.  Then, Jameer Nelson returns and is better than Alston.  Anderson gives depth at the forward spots.  They need antoher inside bench player, but this team just got better.  Wow!!  I really like this move for the Magic.  The only way this works out for the Nets is if James does arrive.

New Jersey Nets draft pick posted by john howard

The New Jersey Nets have the 11th pick in this year's draft.  Devin Harris had a break out year and is an all-star as is Vince Carter.  That gives them some firepower on the perimeter. But that's pretty much it.  They really need a shooting guard and better inside players. Ryan Anderson and Yi Jianlian and Douglas-Roberts are all young developing players that it's not real clear on how good they will get. Brook Lopez is another young player that looks to be solid but not spectacular.  So, the Nets could go numerous directions with the 11th pick.   It doesn't look promising.  In the past 14 years only 2 starters have come from the 11th pick and neither was an all-star.  And, 6 of the players did not contribute much to their teams.  If I were a Nets GM, I would trade away the 11th pick and maybe an iffy prospect for a 3rd or 4th year starter. Continue reading "New Jersey Nets draft pick"

Wow What a great game the nets had against the pistons== WED APRIL 1 posted by Shady Shalan

THAT WAS A GREAT GAME. THE NETS KILLED THE PISTONS FROM THE START. MOST PEOPLE THINK THAT THE NETS SUCK BUT THEY PROVED EVERYONE WRONG. THEY KILLED ONE OF THE BEST TEAMS ON THE LEAGUE. I MEAN ITS SO SURPRISING AND IM HAPPY FOR THE NETS. BUT THE PISTONS NEED SOME REAL PRACTICE. IF THEY CAN LOSE TO ONE OF THE MOST UNKNOWN TEAMS. THEN THEY REALLY NEED A NEW COACH OR BETTER DEFENSE PLAYERS. AND I THINK MOST PEOPLE WILL AGREE WITH ME WHEN I SAY THAT THE NETS DID A GREAT JOB AND I HOPE THEY CONTINUE TO HAVE THE BEST OF LUCK.

NOT TOO SHARP "BUDINI" posted by Aarwich

Local news papers, though desperate to stay afloat, have a responsibility not to print one of their extremist's pipe dreams simply because he's been on ESPN.

Drew Sharp, a columnist for The Detroit Free Press, also known as Budini on FM 97.1 “The Ticket,” wrote a little ditty about how desperate the New Orleans Hornets are due to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and the economic struggles thereafter. He feels now would be a good time to take advantage of said peril and go after Chris Paul (CP3). This would be a great idea, if Hornets management wanted to go down in NBA history as making the most ignorant move ever.

If you haven't read Sharps latest smug attempt to sound clever while insulting the intelligence of the Detroit sports fan, I'll break it down for you.

-“Joe Dumars should go after New Orleans point guard Chris Paul.” OK, BUT NOT BEFORE HE (DUMARS) GOES AFTER LABRON JAMES, KOBE BRYANT, DWYAN WADE AND DWIGHT HOWARD. HE WOULDN'T BE DOING HIS JOB IF HE DIDN'T MAKE THAT CALL. BUT I'M SURE JOE APPRICIATES YOUR ADVICE.

-“It's not as outrageous as you might think.” TAKING A TRIP TO MARS ISN'T AS OUTRAGEOUS AS YOU MIGHT THINK.

-“Overall league revenues are falling...” SO LET'S GET RID OF ONE OF THE NBA'S MOST MARKETABLE PLAYERS.

-“...the Hornets cannot afford (Paul) unless they part with most of his high-priced supporting cast...” RIGHT, BECAUSE THAT WOULDN'T MAKE SENSE. PEJA $14.2, CHANDLER $11.85, WEST $9.0

Grizzlies snap home skid at 8, beat Nets (AP)

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Nets Gs Harris, Lee spark rout of Knicks (AP)

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James helps Cavs cruise by Nets 111-92 (AP)

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Nets offer fans free income tax returns (AP)

The struggling New Jersey Nets have come up with another gimmick to sell tickets during a season in which they've won only six games. This time, they're giving fans a different return on their money -- a tax return. The Nets have combined with Roni Deutch Tax Center to offer a free New Jersey income tax return to state residents 18 years and older who attend their game against the Orlando... [read full article]

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Celtics F Pierce ready to return (AP)

Boston Celtics captain Paul Pierce says he is ready to return after missing three games with a sprained right thumb. Pierce practiced with the team on Monday and said he expected to play Tuesday in Detroit against the Pistons. Boston is coming off back-to-back home losses to Cleveland -- the top team in the Eastern Conference -- and the New Jersey Nets, the NBA's worst team with only six wins. [read full article]

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