Can Tim Duncan get some love?

Forget, for a moment, that the Spurs have won 14 of 17. And forget that this injury-riddled crew suddenly has the second best record in the Western Conference and are capable of challenging the Cavaliers, Celtics, and Lakers.

I’m talking about career love. Or even career recognition for his four NBA Titles, MVP and Defensive Player of the Year awards, and being the building block for the best organization in pro sports.

Duncan wins. Correction. San Antonio, Duncan’s team, wins. That’s what matters to the former first overall pick. Yet, in a results orientated business like the NBA, he gets less respect than a New Kids On The Block comeback or Rocky sequel.

Duncan’s backers always have to justify his status as an elite player. If winning is the mark of greatness, the currency among the crème de la crème, elite players –that would be the Kobes, LeBrons, and D-Wades of this world- should have to justify why they are worthy of Duncan.

That’s right: the lanky post is the bar others should aspire to. Not vice-versa. Duncan, arguably the greatest power forward of all-time, continues to be slept-on.

Well, why?

‘The Big Fundamental’ nickname says it all. Casual fans are entertained by flash, glitz, and aerial antics, while even serious fans don’t always like razor sharp efficiency and methodical brilliance. Duncan’s technical genius is under-appreciated.

Location. Location. Location. San Antonio is a quiet city and the Spurs are unable to get the same attention as bigger markets. The national media will always cover the Knicks’ on-going soap opera or the Lakers even though the Spurs deserve better.

There is also the matter of perception. Most reporters think because Duncan plays like a robot, he lacks personality. One famous scribe even dubbed him ‘Timmy Robot’ after the Will Smith flick I-Robot. This perception is wrong. Duncan has a great sense of humour and an interesting perspective that doesn’t get nearly enough national attention.

Of course, Duncan doesn’t care about getting love, which means he’ll continue to be overlooked. Hopefully, we will wake up. And hopefully, we will then recognize his accomplishments.

Is Duncan as good as Bryant, James, and Wade? If so, why doesn’t he get more respect? Get at us in the comment box with thoughts and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of killbucky.

Nobody polarizes like Tracy McGrady.

Since turning pro, he has always had his supporters and detractors. No middle ground. No in-between. And both sides have ample evidence to bolster their position.

The supporters mention T-Mac’s individual accolades, freakish athleticism, the good times in Toronto and Orlando, and last year’s improbable winning streak. While the detractors counter with T-Mac’s injury woes, record of apathetic play, the sour endings in Toronto and Orlando, and, of course, the first round playoff losses.

Intentional or not, the man divides.

Recent reports McGrady quit on Houston are surprising –even for a player who has always been controversial.

"Mark it down. It was Jan. 2, 2009, 1:16 left in the third quarter, when there was a seismic shift in the Rockets’ world, when the tectonic plates opened up and swallowed an era. The official play-by-play sheet simply says: Jamario Moon slam dunk. Anybody who was watching at the Air Canada Centre or on TV knows it was the precise moment that Tracy McGrady quit on the Rockets." (Houston Chronicle)

His formative years were with two dysfunctional organizations. The Raptors’ early days weren’t pretty, while Orlando, before Otis Smith became GM, should have been in Disney World, not the NBA. If either situation provided stability, a mentor, or modelled professionalism, McGrady’s career might be different.

Right now, the Rockets must stick by their player. He is hurt. And their is no other option. Injuries have killed McGrady’s market value, so a trade won’t happen. The Rockets best bet is to reduce the former All-Star’s minutes and, when he’s healthy and performing well, they can re-examine their options.

McGrady is at a crossroad. Things improve or changes are coming to Houston. His supporters and detractors might even agree on that.

Goat or hero? What do you think of McGrady? Get at us with thoughts and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Chris Leon. 

I find ‘The Ritual’ frustrating. This is the tradition of modern players treating the opening tip like a family reunion exchanging half-hugs, pounds, and love.

I, like most fans, want glares and game faces. The jump ball (and often the following 48 minutes) is too friendly for my liking. I want more Gladiator, less Kumbaya.

However, I understand ‘The Ritual’. Like it or not, players have relationships from competing against each other in AAU, high school, college, and the NBA. And like it or not, players have a common business interest through their union.

So I, begrudgingly, accept ‘The Ritual’. I also encourage almost anything that furthers competition and mid-season intensity.

With this in mind, I was interested in Kevin Garnett’s recent comments defending Boston’s trash talk, rough play, and dismissing opponents’ complaints about their tactics.

“We’re not here to be liked. And when we’re out there, a lot of times we’re talking to ourselves. We’re communicating amongst each other and it has nothing to do with the other team, and the other team likes to jump in or say little (expletive). A lot of that we let go. We don’t even comment on a lot of stuff, because half the guys who are talking we don’t even know their names.

“A lot of times we let our play do the talking. Doc (Rivers) doesn’t really encourage us to talk. He encourages us to communicate amongst each other. But a couple of the times we do have conversations with some guys, now it’s coming off like we’re non-classy. But it’s never told what’s being said to us. I mean, class vs. class I can understand. But when you’re dealing with idiots who don’t know what they’re talking about or guys who are just talking out their (tail) or just talking out their mouth, then that’s a whole other level.” (HoopsVibe News linking up to The Boston Herald)

Whatever you think of The Big Ticket’s comments, this is good for the NBA.

Heroes and villains sell. The shine has come off Boston’s renaissance and the four-leaf clover, fair or not, is experiencing a backlash. Take The Big Three: Paul Pierce talks pure smack, KG’s elbows roam, and Ray Allen comes across as a little too holier than thou (perhaps, Jesus Shuttlesworth was more than a movie role). 

Others are, well, confident. Rajon Rondo is far too smug, while Eddie House lead the league in chest pounds and poses. Sam Cassell is, and always has been, animated, except this ’assistant coach’ has yet to play a game all season. And their entire bench is excitable.

Personally, I love the Celtics’ antics. And I love successful teams who enjoy winning and inspire hate league-wide. The rivalries they create spark interest and bring back casual fans that have soured on the NBA’s relaxed atmosphere.

Rivalries and emotion also produce excellent basketball. Rewind to Los Angeles and Phoenix meeting in the first of the 2006 playoffs. This match-up was all piss-and-vinegar, with Kobe Bryant and Raja Bell doing battle through the media and on-court. A huge number of fans tuned-in and saw a classic seven game series.

For many reasons, disliking Kevin Garnett and Boston is good for the NBA. Their theatrics are a welcome change to years of ‘The Ritual’.

Are Garnett and his Celtics the NBA’s bad boys? Is this good for the league? Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of juanc. paulino.

Like rubbing salt in a wound larger than Lake Ontario.

That’s how Brandon Roy’s fourth quarter scoring spree and 32 points in last week’s 102-89 Blazers’ win over the Raptors must have felt for Bryan Colangelo.

At the 2006 NBA draft, Toronto’s GM passed on Roy and selected Andrea Bargnani first overall. Portland’s soon-to-be-All-Star is the type of co-star the team needs to complement franchise face Chris Bosh. Instead, they have a disappointment in Bargnani.  

Colangelo’s choice in 2006 could have fatal consequences. In July of 2010, Bosh becomes an unrestricted free agent and, if Toronto’s supporting cast is still sub par, he’ll sign elsewhere. Getting more from Bargnani will not only improve the club’s 12-20 record, but also improve their chances of keeping ‘CB4’ long-term.

So how can the Raptors develop their underachieving Italian?

• 1) He has to lighten up. Being the first overall pick has become an Oliver Miller sized weight on Bargnani’s slender shoulders. He over-thinks the game and plays passively. A confident, loose player simply reacts. The third year pro must stay aggressive at all times and, most importantly, have fun.

• 2) Fans must lower expectations. Bargnani isn’t the second coming of perennial All-Star and former MVP Dirk Nowtizki. Never will be, either. Their skill-sets are similar, but Nowitzki has more talent and a defined position at the four-spot, while Bargnani is a ‘tweener’.

• 3) Put him in a role where he can succeed. For now, he’s not a second option to Bosh or even a starter, so the Raptors should make Bargnani their sixth-man or second-unit game-changer. Think Detlef Schrempf with Seattle and Indiana. He would get more minutes, shots, and, best of all, build confidence.

There is hope. On Wednesday, Bargnani scored 26 in a loss to Denver. Toronto’s season and future depends on these performances becoming the norm, not the rare exception.

How can Toronto get more Bargnani? Get at us with thoughts and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of cuberoshumann.

Breaking news mixed with analysis …

Their News: ``Charles Barkley was arrested on suspicion of drinking and driving early Wednesday morning. An officer with a law enforcement task force that targets drunken driving saw the former NBA star run a stop sign around 1:30 a.m., said Gilbert police Lt. Eric Shuhandler.Barkley declined to submit to a breath test but was given a blood test. The results weren’t immediately available.`` (ESPN news services)

Our Very Quick Analysis: Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, and now Charles Barkley. Yes, Sir Charles` arrest this morning for suspicion of driving under the influence puts him in, well, illustrious company.

If guilty, the Hall of Fame post and award-winning broadcaster showed terrible judgement and should face justice. Whatever happens in the legal courts, this mishap doesn’t stick to The Round Mound of Rebound in the court of public opinion.

We’ve always forgiven Barkley’s indiscretions. As a player, he spat on a fan and threw a bar heckler into a glass window. As a broadcaster, he admitted to losing ten million dollars at the casinos, but claimed not to have a gambling problem.

We simply laughed off these lapses in judgement because Barkley is charming and funny. He reminds us of our lovable, crazy cousin; his mistakes make him relatable and human.

Barkley’s arrest will have little impact on his broadcasting career. After all, former NFL receiver Michael Irvin had numerous brushes with the law and is still employed with ESPN, hosting a talk show in Dallas. Bottom line, the TNT panel, thanks in large part to Barkley’s quick wit, brings in huge ratings. Such success gives him leeway.

But driving under the influence puts innocent bystanders at risk, so Barkley, if guilty, must own this blunder and apologize. He should also find a way to raise awareness on this issue. This would speed up the inevitable: us, once again, forgiving him.

What do you think of Barkley’s arrest?  Get at us in the comment box below and return to HoopsVibe the Blog for further NBA Tidbits. Photo courtesy of cra612.

Last year, Dwight Howard brought the Slam Dunk Contest back. Recently, the All-Star Weekend’s flagship event had fallen off because new school contestants lacked the showmanship of their more senior peers.

After all, nobody could touch the aerial antics of Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Dee Brown, and Kenny ‘Sky’ Walker.

Until Howard.

Superman wowed the masses, took home the winner’s cheque, and restored the event to its former glory. All that was missing was Lois Lane.

With the 2008-09 All-Star Weekend in Phoenix fast approaching, hoop heads are anticipating another exciting Slam Dunk Contest. Howard will defend his title. The dynamic Nate Robinson and high-flying Rudy Gay are also competing.

For the first time ever, fan voting decides the fourth contestant. The NBA’s faithful will select the final participant by going on-line and voting for either Russell Westbrook, Rudy Fernandez, or Joe Alexander. The player with the most votes wins the fourth spot.

Westbrook, Fernandez, and Alexander are great candidates. But the NBA claims All-Star Weekend is for the fans and likes to use the Slam Dunk contest to promote young players, so why not put more emerging talent on the voting ballot? For whatever reason, the NBA didn’t include these options …

Michael Beasley …

Why fans can’t vote for him: A high-flying, left-hander, Beasley, fair or not, has a bad boy reputation. Miami’s young forward will play in the rookie-sophomore game, but the off-court distractions likely influenced Commissioner Stern to take a pass.

O.J. Mayo …

Why fans can’t vote for him: Memphis already has Gay participating, so this worked against Mayo. Still, back in their Raptor days, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady both competed in the 2000 competition. You remember this, right?

Anthony Randolph …

Why fans can’t vote for him: No clue. Sure, the Warriors are a mess, but their loyal fans deserve to have the exciting Randolph included in the voting.

Bottom Line: The NBA has always argued that All-Star Weekend is for the fans. If so, open up voting for Saturday’s jam fest. Fans can vote for dozens of players to start in Sunday’s All-Star game, so why can’t they have more than three voting options for the fourth spot in the Slam Dunk Contest?

Who would you like to see in the Slam Dunk Contest? Beasley? Mayo? Randolph? Or somebody else? And should the NBA have provided more voting options for fans? Get at us in the comment box and come back to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tiditbits. Photo courtesy of thedanger23.

Breaking news mixed with analysis …

Their News: "The Warriors came to Hollywood a day before Sunday’s game, giving Stephen Jackson a chance Saturday to hang out with former teammate Baron Davis. And discuss the possibility of Davis rejoining the Warriors.

"That’s all we talked about," Jackson said. "I went to his house, spent some time with his mom and his grandmother. He wants to come back. And if he wants to come back, I want him back." Davis opted out of the final year of his Warriors contract in July and signed a five-year, $65 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, who are 8-21." (ESPN True Hoop on Marcus Thompson of the San Jose Mercury)

Our Quick Analysis: I’ll be the bearer of bad news: there is no chance Baron Davis returns to Golden State.

Last summer, the former ‘We Believe’ architect was allowed to depart via free agency because of the team’s internal politics. Coach Don Nelson and owner Chris Cohan’s boy Robert Rowell wanted Davis to leave, while executive Chris Mullin wanted him to stay. The point guard was just a pawn in a larger battle for control. Nelson, Rowell, and Cohan were in one corner. Mullin and friend Pete D’ Alessandro were in the other.

Not surprisingly, Nelson, who recently received a multi-year extension, Rowell, and Cohan won. Mullin, who lost, is waiting for his contract to mercifully expire; D’Alessandro was fired. So ‘Nellie’ and ownership would have to eat a very public and large slice of humble pie to take back Davis. They would be admitting a mistake and crediting the outgoing Mullin. This isn’t possible with the team’s current climate.

A Los Angeles-Golden State deal faces other hurdles. Like all trades, the contracts would have to match. Also, as San Jose Mercury writer Marcus Thompson points out, Corey Maggette would have to be included in a deal. Clipper coach Mike Dunleavy has clashed with Maggette in the past.

There is hope for the Warriors, though. ESPN columnist Ric Bucher believes the club’s pro-Mullin minority owners are attempting to buy out Cohan. New owners probably wouldn’t trade for Davis, but would bring stability back to a dysfunctional franchise.

Could Davis return to the Warriors? Get at us with thoughts on this rumour and Golden State’s current plight. Click here to read more of HoopsVibe The Blog and article photo courtesy of Interbasket.

As I’m writing this column, millions are descending upon stores to participate in the post Christmas event known as the Boxing Week sales.

In today’s economic climate, most will look. Some will buy. And some will ask/argue for a refund on the gifts they received. What if NBA teams could do the same? Imagine a GM asking an agent of an under-performing player for a refund on some, or all, of their seven-to-eight figure contract? Even better, imagine fans asking ‘that overpaid bum’ to give back some of their inflated salary?

Of course, the Players Union and guaranteed contracts make this impossible. Still, in the spirit of Boxing Week, I listed several players who should refund part of their salary.

Gilbert Arenas …

Washington was thinking with their heart, not head, when they signed the charismatic Arenas to a six-year, 111 million dollar contract in July, even though the combo guard hadn’t fully recovered from two knee surgeries.

Before training camp, news broke that ‘The Hibachi’ would once again go under the knife. The former All-Star could recover from a third operation, but it’s unlikely he’ll ever be a 30-point scorer, which is what the Wizards hoped when they re-signed him.

Jose Calderon …

This summer, Toronto inked Calderon to a five-year, 45 million dollar contract and then traded co-starter T.J. Ford because they thought the little table-setter was a potential All-Star.

For now, they were wrong. The Spaniard makes great decisions, but his slow feet on defense and up-and-down play has been troubling. Toronto will miss the post-season if Calderon doesn’t raise his game.

Baron Davis-Elton Brand-Corey Maggette …

This summer, Davis left Golden State and signed with Los Angeles (Clippers) for five years and 60 million dollars. Brand, Los Angeles’ franchise face and a major reason why ‘B-Diddy’ headed south, accepted a max-money pact from Philadelphia. Maggette, Los Angeles’ controversial second option, then took Davis’ salary space and signed with Golden State for five years at fifty million dollars.

Don’t worry if you can’t follow this game of musical chairs. The key point: Davis, Brand, and Maggette are overpaid. All three are posting individual numbers, but the Clippers, 76ers, and Warriors are a combined 29-59.

Monta Ellis ...

I’m not trying to throw Ellis under the bus (or moped). Clearly, he showed poor judgement injuring himself on a form of transport used by a teenager, not a point guard who just signed a 66 million dollar contract.

While Ellis has been out, the Warriors have regressed into the league’s most dysfunctional and disappointing team.

Emeka Okafor …

One the one hand, he averages a double-double, defends the paint, and is professional. On the other hand, he is undersized for the ‘five-spot’ and will never become a true first-option on offense.

Okafor, while valuable, isn’t worth the six-year, 72 million dollar deal he inked this summer. Worst off all, Charlotte overpaid despite there being little outside interest in their undersized post.

What NBA player should be refunding their salary? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for more NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of Keith Allison.

Each week, HoopsVibe drops a player comparison for fans to weigh-in on. We call it head-to-head …

Everybody likes Christmas surprises and gifts.

This season, several Eastern Conference clubs have been surprised with the gift of excellent play from their backcourt.

Before the season started, Atlanta, Chicago, and New Jersey likely thought they had solid guards. And, if things came together perfectly, they would get nice contributions from the one and two spots.

Nobody expected the Hawks, Bulls, and Nets to have some of the game’s top backcourts. Thirty games in, these duos have been that special. Joe Johnson and Mike Bibby have put The ATL back on the NBA map, Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose have kept things moving in ‘The Windy City’, and Vince Carter and Devin Harris have sped up the rebuilding program in Jersey.

In this edition of head-to-head, HoopsVibe the Blog examines what eastern backcourt has been the biggest surprise of 2008-09. As always, read the post, form your thoughts, and get at us in the comment box below.

Joe Johnson–Mike Bibby …

A few summers ago, Phoenix owner Robert Sarver refused to pay Joe Johnson like an elite player. In a controversial sign-and-trade, the 6-8 guard was dealt to Atlanta, where the club’s dysfunctional owners couldn’t agree on his contract and had to take their differences to court.

Looking back, the Suns were wrong, while the Hawks, despite doing their best to screw things up, were right. Johnson is an elite player. He scores in bunches, defends multiple positions, facilitates for others, and stays out of trouble.

The Arkansas alum and new partner-in-crime Mike Bibby punish opponents with their outside range and skill. They’re why the Hawks are 17-10 and a force in the Eastern Conference.

Ben Gordon and Derrick Rose …

After two summers of contract disputes with Chicago management, Gordon could have sulked through this season. Instead, the scorer has maintained a professional attitude and posted strong numbers: 21 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.

Many believe Gordon automatically leaves as an unrestricted free agent come summer. I’m not so sure. Bulls’ management could re-offer that multi-year, multi-million dollar extension because of his play next to Rose.

Speaking of Rose, he is the organization’s best player since you-know-who. The rookie is averaging an astounding 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists. Best of all, he possesses a feel for the game that typically takes years to develop.  

Gordon, if he sticks around past this year, and Rose should get Chicago back to respectability.

 Vince Carter-Devin Harris …

Carter has matured. Years ago, when stuck with a rebuilding Toronto side, he admitted giving less than a full effort and then lobbied for a trade. This summer, with Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson long gone, ‘VC’ has accepted his role as New Jersey’s elder statesman and primary scorer.

The All-Star has company with Harris. The speedster, who joined the Nets last February in the Kidd trade, has quickly established himself as an All-Star level table-setter, dropping 24 points and 7 assists per evening.  

Carter and Harris have New Jersey holding firm at 14-14 and 7^th place in the Eastern Conference.

Our Call As Biggest Surprise: Gordon and Rose.

Why: I thought Atlanta’s backcourt would have a solid year. After all, Johnson wanted to establish himself as a superstar, while Bibby, an unrestricted free agent in July, had to play for his next contract. I just didn’t expect them to be so good.

If focused, I knew Carter and Harris would be decent. Both are blessed with immense physical gifts; ‘VC’ still flies, while Harris is one of the league’s quickest players.

However, I had no expectations of Gordon and Rose. Big Ben’s reputation took a huge hit this summer and some expected the former Sixth Man of the Year to sit behind Larry Hughes and Kirk Hinrich. Instead, he has rediscovered the form and moxie that made him a hit during his first few seasons in the league.

Meanwhile, on paper, Rose had the tools to dominate: size, skill, and confidence. Still, how many point guards make an impact, let alone star in their rookie season? Of course, Rose only played a single year of college basketball, which makes his success even more amazing.

What Eastern Conference backcourt is the biggest surprise? Johnson and Bibby? Gordon and Rose? Carter and Harris? Get at us in the comment box below and come back to HoopsVibe the Blog for further NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy of MCLipsco.

Breaking news mixed with analysis … 

Their News: ``The Grizzlies acquired Francis on Wednesday in a trade with the Rockets in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in 2011. The trade also calls for Memphis to re-acquire a 2009 second-rounder which it had dealt to Houston on draft day in June and for the Rockets, according to NBA front-office sources, to pay the remainder of Francis’ $2.6 million salary for this season.`` (ESPN)

Our Very Quick Analysis: Ten years ago, Steve Francis was drafted by, and refused to play for, the Vancouver Grizzlies. Today, he got traded back to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Of course, Francis’ circumstances are different. Back then he was the second pick in the NBA draft and used his leverage to force a move. Currently, he is an injury-plagued veteran hoping for a comeback.

Credit Houston for making this swap. Francis, a fan favourite and former All-Star, was dealt partially out of goodwill, so he could have a chance to play and re-establish his career. The Rockets will get additional cap space to add another player before the deadline.

Meanwhile, nobody is sure what Francis will do in Memphis. ‘The Franchise’ has had his career derailed with injuries and hasn’t suited up since February because of knee troubles. Also, it remains to be seen how he’ll fit with emerging stars O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay.

The Grizzlies are another opportunity for Francis to resurrect his career. Chances are, it’s his last one.

What will Francis do in Memphis? Get at us with thoughts in the comment box below and come to HoopsVibe The Blog for more NBA tidibits. Photo courtesy of Jeff Balke.