On a seperate note.....Cavs trade makes Heat's chances in the East alot Better. posted by Nestor Fabal

Whats up everybody. Well this is my first blog for Miami's finest and brightest, the Heat. And although we're in the off-season right now, there are sill alot of happenings going on, alot of teams wheeling and dealing to get themselves that much closer to lifting the trophy next year. One of those teams making moves recently was the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, why would I be talking about the Cavs on a Heat blog? Well it looks like the Cavs went and traded for former Heat Center Shaquille O'Neal, aka Shaqovic, the Big Aristotle himself.

Now if I remember right, the news of this trade came out on the same day as the news of the shocking and unfortunate death of Michael Jackson. And to be honest, I don't know which news was more shocking and disappointing to me. Why the hell would the Cavs trade for Shaq?? Lets be honest now, Shaq's not a young guy anymore. His athleticism is all but gone. His minutes are way down. Hell, he can barely run down court to get back on D in time. Last year the Cavs had one of the NBA's best defences. Shaq can't play D anymore. And how about his O? If you remember, the Cavs were famous for their dazzling fastbreaks last year. Well kiss that goodbye with Shaq next year. In fact, the Cavs had some really great chemistry last year, they played a very dynamic style of basketball and they always had a sense of where the open teammate was for an easy score. Alot of that dynamic play is going to be lost with big bulky Shaq asking for the ball down in the post.

But I understand that after a heartbraking loss to the Magic in the playoffs, the Cavs felt obligated to do something BIG. And 7'1", 325 is about as big as they come. And I'm sure that watching Kobe lift that trophy while he was home eating a hungry man dinner gave Shaq plenty motivation to side with a serious contender, no offense Phoenix. Even though I wish Shaq and the Cavs the best of luck next year, the Cavs will not be a better team than last year's, and sorry LeBron, but the Cavs will not reach the finals either.

Shaq's legacy will be decided by season with Cleveland. posted by Robert Karpeles

When Shaquille O’Neal received his first and only Most Valuable Player Award in the 2000 NBA season, he quoted the great Aristotle; “Greatness is not a singular act but a habit, you are what you repeatedly do,” O’Neal had quoted.

Now-a-days it is tough to judge O’Neal’s consistency. While he has helped lead three separate teams to the NBA finals, he took the Phoenix Suns the last two seasons to the bottom cellar, locked the door and threw away the key. Regardless of his numbers with the Suns ( 17.8PPG and 8.4 RPG) this last year, his incapability to run up and down the floor coupled with the Suns inability to play a half court offense ultimately caused the Suns their present demise.  

To say whether or not O’Neal will go down as the greatest center of all time will hinge on his future season, with his new, new, new, new team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. When judging the term the “greatest” we like to think of centers such as Wilt, Kareem and Hakeem, guys that have stayed with their current teams for most or all of their careers, and were always great enough to keep them competitive.

Possibly, though, O’Neal could be doing something even more impressive; Taking an astounding four teams from either obscurity or mediocrity to the promise land.  

 Alarmingly, however, for O’Neal, this season may in fact hinge on a big chunk of his legacy. If he can take the Cav’s to the finals and even win the whole enchilada, he may go down as the center that could take any mediocre team with a hungry superstar, and turn them into a champion. If the Cav’s fail than O’Neal may be remembered as a once great center who ended up burying two teams on his way out of the league.

The Current NBA is at an interesting moment in time...where do you stand? posted by LDC

Right now, the NBA draft just took place. Still, there are more trades to come, free agents to get sign, and much more recession money hustle through teams playing the "business game".

The Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers, and a few other teams are starting the lava flow to making this summer a interesting preview for next year summer off-season.

Personally, I feel that Golden State is going to make an incredible move to get Amare' Staudemire. Rumors have been circulating that he will be apart of deal where Stephen Curry (yes the almighty shooter from davidson) and two other players from that euro-estic team will be join Steve Nash in Phoenix.

But, I am surprized at Portland, New York, Dallas, and many other teams who could pick up T-Mac for a cotton swab and a food stamp (not literally but you should know it would not be that much). Also, Shawn Marion and a list of B-List All Star Players are out there for the taking. I am still on the notion that Mr. Marion will go to the Big Apple since his former suns buddy Q-Rich is banging his double fist on his headband somewhere else in the abyss of Memphis.

If  you want see the list of free agents from every team check out: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-09-10

Tell me what do you think your favorite NBA team should do.

Trading the Lakers' Enemies? I Don't Think So posted by Greg Archuleta

Shaq can't even proclaim himself "The Big Trade."

The defending Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic trumped Los Angeles Laker ex Shaquille O'Neal's move from the Phoenix Suns to the Cleveland Cavaliers when they acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets.

Carter's relocation to Disney World seemingly would keep the Magic in control of the ever-increasing wild, wild east. Although, it is intriguing to imagine what The Big Change of Address (five teams in the career of the most dominant center of our generation? Hard to fathom) might do for King James -- His Royal Poor Sport -- and the Cavs if Shaq is properly motivated.

Yet, the biggest immediate threat to a potential Laker dynasty -- if properly healed -- comes from our Green "friends" in Boston.

If Kevin Garnett can return to 100 percent form from the knee injury that derailed his 2008 season just inches from the start of the playoffs, the hated Celtics remain the most viable candidate to make good on that "Beat L.A." chant.

Remember, Boston was one game away from knocking Orlando from the postseason in the Eastern Conference semis without Garnett, not to mention Leon Powe.

Sure, two of the key figures in the Celtics' 2008 run to the title -- the New Orleans Hornets' James Posey and 77-year old P.J. Brown -- aren't returning anytime soon to help them.

And the Chicago Bulls almost eliminated the C's in the first round.

But the scary thing about the Celtics is their toughness was evident as ever in the playoffs despite their short stay. And that was without Garnett, their toughest player.

THE SHAQ EFFECT posted by Andy Natalie

     IF this was 1997 the people of Cleveland should start saving money for playoff tickets and at least a NBA EAST Finals series. Yes IF it were somewhere between 1995 and 2003.

There is no question that Cleveland has needed a big man of consequence ever since LeBron became a Cavalier. Yes the services of Zyldrunis Ilgauskis has been greatly appreciated and he has had some memorable seasons. However his days of solid and sometime All Star performances are long gone. No disrespect but his age has rendered him mediocre at best. Additionally his skills have always been displayed away from the basket. These are 2 major reasons that Ilgauskis has not provided LeBron with a second tier star to compliment him.

The Cavaliers in an effort to fix this dilemma brought in Ben Wallace in the middle of 2007 - 2008 after his dominance in Detroit and a regression of his skills in Chicago. Although it was in Chicago that he last averaged double digit rebounds. But since he has been in Cleveland he has clearly been done, as in he should retire already. Now he his a Phoenix Sun. Maybe Amare Stoudamire can help him have a role. Although Big Ben reportedly wants a buyout so he can retire, which as I mentioned is probably his best move. Amare is also said to be on the trading block.

It is obvious also that Cleveland's 6'11" Anderson Varejao is a back up Center. He is still a young man and may improve. Thus that opened the door for the trade.

Why Shaq Is No Final's Ticket for Cleveland posted by Daniel Doyle

Cleveland, don't start planning the first Cavaliers victory parade in franchise history for 2010 just yet. Shaquille O'Neal is far from the answer.

One of the first things I heard when O'Neal was dealt, is that Cleveland now has a low post scoring option. I cannot argue with that. Shaq can still be a valuable contributor when he is on the floor. There is no doubt, if he can stay healthy over an entire year, a 20 and 10 campaign is certainly not out of the question. He put up a very solid 17.8 points per game along with 8.4 rebounds per game last season. He is entering a contract year,  and perhaps that motivation can provide a little improvement in both areas.

Motivation can only go so far though. Contract year motivation cannot do anything if Shaq is in a snazzy suit on the sideline. Before last season, in which he played in 75 games, O,Neal was on a definite downward spiral. In 2006-07 he played in 40 games, followed by a 33 game year, and then in 07-08 he played a measly 28 games. In fact, O'Neal's 75 game year this past season, was the most games he had appeared in since the 1999-2000 campaign. Not to be pessimistic, but as a guy that believes in the law of averages, Shaq is due to miss some serious time next year. He is a 37 year old, 325(generous) pound man that has carried and thrown that weight around more last year than he has in any of his previous 10 years. It will be defying the odds if Shaq plays in more than 50 games next year. Bottom line.

Other than health related issues, there are several other factors that make O'Neal anything but a ticket to next year's NBA Finals for the Cavs. Shortly after the trade was made, a so-called expert made the comment that Cleveland desperately needed a big man that would be able to bang with Dwight Howard down low. I agree with that, but Shaq is not the answer. How quickly people forget that just this past season, O'Neal attempted to flop in order to stop Howard. He had to resort to faking a charge to defend Orlando's beast. Some low post defense that is. Even a 37 year old Shaq is still an upgrade over the soft duo of Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao, but hardly the answer for Dwight Howard.

Washington Wizards Best Options for Thursday's NBA Draft posted by Chase Hughes

The last week has been quite interesting in that an influx of trade rumors and draft scenarios have flooded the Washington Wizards internet community.  Michael Lee of The Washington Post has reported rumors of trades involving the Wizards’ 5th pick going to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers (gag), and the New York Knicks.  While nothing really seems to be of substance, as www.bulletsforever.com has acknowledged, they are impossible to ignore.  Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, and Javale McGee are some of the notables that many teams, as many as 14, have expressed interest in.  As we approach the draft, the fans’ opinions seem to be forming an almost consensus for Davidson guard Stephen Curry.  The Washington Post conducted a poll that resulted in nearly half the votes garnered by Southern Conference product.  DraftExpress.com now has the Wizards slotted for Jordan Hill with the 5th selection while both SI.com and ESPN.com are predicting James Harden.  What do the Wizards need?  And should they draft for need or get the best player?  Both possibilities, in my opinion, may indeed overlap.  
I believe the most glaring need for the Washington Wizards is at the guard position.  The Wizards have addressed the frontcourt pretty aggressively in recent years with the draft of McGee, Pecherov, and grooming of Andray Blatche.  What appears to have happened is a negligence of the need for a guard, evident in the acceptance of Roger Mason, Jr.’s departure.  Right now as the roster stands the Wizards possess a superstar in Gilbert Arenas but no significant contributor behind him.  Stevenson could very well be done as the only thing he can do these days is talk trash.  Even at his best he would be most effective coming off the bench.  His occasional 3-point hot streak and solid defensive play would be a nice commodity in a reserved role.  Nick Young is on the verge of being a solid 2 guard but an upgrade is certainly possible given the team’s draft situation.  He might be at the point in his career when a little competition wouldn’t hurt.  Mike Jones might not be a Wizard for long but I believe he could give quality minutes in a reserved role.  He is not good enough to be the back-up point guard any more.  I could see his best-case-scenario being reduced to the role of an Anthony Johnson, not the primary back-up but a solid third option for sporadic minutes.  I like Jarvaris Crittenton a lot, he is around 6’5” with good speed and a nice work ethic.  With the overstock of combo guards in this draft the Wizards may be able to pick a player that would still allow Crit room to develop as a role player.  You have to like his prospects with his size and athleticism, he is just a classic case of a player who entered the pro’s too early, only he has a chance to actually make it in the Association.  

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Clevland Cavaliers draft picks posted by john howard

Cleveland fell short of making the NBA finals and they have LeBron James for at least one more year until to make another run at it.   At least one piece will be added Tuesday with the NBA draft.  The Cavs have the 30th and 46th overall picks in the draft.  Predicting on who they will take is very difficult and looking at draft boards produces all kinds of possibilities.  We can look at what those past picks have been like:

Of the past 14 drafts, 5 have produced serviceable players at the 30th pick. One consistent starter and 4 bench players.  The starter being David Lee.  That make the odds about a 3rd that they will get someone who will help the franchise.  Now, let's look at the 46th pick.  That spot has produced 2 players with one receiving very little time.  The other, is Matt Barnes who has started some games.  The odds aren't good.  It looks like free agency is what is going to get this team over the top.

Catching up with the Phoenix Suns rumors this off season and who should be kept around for next year? posted by Ryan Greyslak

There have been many rumors surrounding the Phoenix Suns since they missed the playoffs this season. Some of these rumored trades would actually help the team, but some of the options are only opportunities to cut payroll for the oncoming season and further destroy the team. Some of the biggest names involved in these rumors for the team have been Amare Stoudemire, Shaquille O’Neal, Steve Nash, Leandro Barbosa, and Jason Richardson.

 Shaq Rumors 

Shaquille O’Neal has not been shy about the fact that he would not mind playing for another team other then the Phoenix Suns and is interested in a contract to extend him for one to two more years. Some of the rumored teams to be interested in Shaq are Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, and New Orleans Hornets.

Cleveland has reportedly offered Ben Wallace (who might request a buyout or retire) and Sasha Pavlovich who has a non guaranteed contract. The Suns could potentially get out of both players and save money off payroll this year. This is a bad deal for the Suns and I would not expect it to happen for these players. They would get nothing for Shaq.

Another of the rumored teams interested in Shaq are the Dallas Mavericks. One of the rumored packages would send Jerry Stackhouse expiring contract and Erick Dampier. Dampier is guaranteed for the next two years at over 23 million. This again would be a horrible trade for the team and they would essentially be giving Shaq up for a smaller expiring contract and a slower less effective center. If the Suns have any talks with Dallas they should absolutely involve Josh Howard but it is rumored Sarver does not want to do business with Cuban.

"Le Shot" Will Never Replace "The Shot" posted by Daniel Doyle

LeBron James' buzzer beating three pointer in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will not make Cleveland fans forget about "The Shot."

Now that Cleveland has been eliminated, we can take a definitive look back at  the magnitude of LeBron James' game winner back in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals. The result is a rather indifferent, not much.

Sure, I'm an M.J. homer. I'll admit it. But I can back this statement up. First of all, Jordan's shot won something more than a game. It won a series. In a single play, he carried the Chicago Bulls to the next round of the playoffs, which at the time, was something Chicago was not very familiar with. As a six seed in the playoffs that year, Jordan took his Bulls to the Eastern Conference Finals. The last time the Bulls had reached the Eastern Finals. 1975.

LeBron's game winner did only that, it won the game. It merely extended a series that went six games. So in terms of the Cavaliers playoff run, "Le Shot" prevented them from being swept out of the Eastern Conference Finals. Nothing more.

Another factor to consider is the difficulty of the shot. Jordan's was a two point jump shot and LeBron's was a three pointer. Before I begin, both shots were incredible. Jordan gets the edge slightly, and here is why. Jordan's shot was off the dribble. Sometimes it helps shooters get in a rhythm by taking a dribble or two, however most pure shooters will tell you that catching the pass and immediately going up to shoot is easier. Aside from putting the ball on the floor, Jordan's shot was made despite terrible balance. He violently flew to his left as he was at the pinnacle of the jumper. As a college basketball player, I can tell you it is much more difficult to make a shot leaning left or right, than it is leaning foward or back.

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Shaquille O'Neal hasn't picked out a house in Cleveland yet. He has chosen a jersey number -- his old one. Shaq is going back to No. 33. Traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, the 15-time All-Star has decided to wear 33, the team confirmed Friday. That's the number O'Neal wore in high school and at LSU before turning pro. [read full article]

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