Category — Derrick Rose

Ivan Johnson made a name for himself during Thursday’s Heat-Hawks triple overtime contest, which was won by Miami. Never heard of Ivan? Neither had we, but we’re a sucker for an underdog, particularly a 6-8, 230-pounder who played in the L.A. area.
SB Nation

The fact that Andrew Bynum is getting the “Matt Kemp treatment” from the former world champion tells me he’s probably headed for a big year.
It’s early, but Bynum is proving again he can be just as much a force in the middle as Dwight Howard. Bynum recorded his third consecutive double-double last night, scoring 21 points and grabbing 22 rebounds in the Lakers’ victory over the Rockets. He also had 3 blocks.
Bynum has better offensive skills than Howard though you can give an assist to Stan Van Gundy for Howard’s sometimes low output, but Bynum’s injury history makes fans and hoop experts leery of his long-term production. However, if he stays healthy, he will 1 day become the best center in the NBA.
Unfortunately, health is the big if.

Some 2012 predictions, including Phil Jackson returning to coaching just in the Knick of time.
Grantland.com

There also is a tale about Super Bowl Sunday in Dallas last February, but that’s a story best told on a rainy day.
Nothing could have been sweeter for the Dallas Mavericks than capturing their 1st NBA title, particularly by beating the Miami Heat, but a close second was Dirk and his mates wiping out the Lakers in a sweep that still resonates in L.A.
For me though, nothing in 2011 compares to Game 6 of the World Series in St. Louis, where the Rangers were a strike away from claiming their 1st championship before David Freese drilled a fastball to right over the head of Nelson Cruz and the Cardinals, who were on life support just to make the playoffs a month before (not everyone thought such though), began a seemingly impossible rally in extra innings that resulted in the club winning its 11th banner.
Hours before Game 7, which was practically an afterthought as far as Cards fans were concerned, I strolled up to a betting window in 1 of my favorite sportsbooks (Santa Fe Station in Vegas) like the cocky young fella I used to be, decked out in a classic power blue Cards’ jersey (think the ’80s and the “White Rat”) with the Wizard’s name and number in red letters on the back and flashing the biggest and shittiest grin 1 could imagine. Even the betting clerk couldn’t resist smirking.
“You know why I’m here,” I said sarcastically, confident as I’ve ever been before wagering a bet.
“Good luck,” he said.
I didn’t need it. I knew my money was as good as gold.

Even noted ladies man Luke Walton couldn’t resist an upclose look at that hand job.
Line of the week: “Is it a coincidence that Kobe’s wrist injury coincided with the release date of Lindsay Lohan’s nude Playboy pictorial?”
Grantland.com

Do the Clippers vote David Stern a share of playoff coin if they win it all?
In a poll of 30 ESPN writers and personalities, 25 of them picked the Heat to win this season’s NBA title. Three of them picked the Bulls and 2 predicted the Thunder would win it all.
Us? As much as Miami is the safe pick, we’re rolling with our homies (Thunder). Now beam us up Scottie.
ESPN.com

It’s a Heat-Thunder NBA final waiting to happen. Can’t argue with that.
Fox Sports

Forget the Lakers getting the shaft in the Chris Paul deal. The Rockets are reeling too. And the reputation of Hornets’ GM Dell Demps. Can you spell s-l-a-n-d-e-r?
Adrian Wojnarowski pens 1 of the best pieces I’ve read so far regarding this hijacking by David Stern and the NBA.
Yahoo Sports

After being a long-time subscriber to Direct TV’s NBA package, which broadcasts the majority of league contests almost every night, I refuse to pay the $159 fee (down from the $189 from last season) this season. Just couldn’t contribute to this farce David Stern and owners such as Michael Jordan and Dan Gilbert are selling.
If it were smart, the league could have performed a PR stroke of genius by giving the package away free, but that isn’t in the DNA of people like Jordan or Gilbert.

At least the Clip Joint seems to have a plan instead of the Lakers, who apparently can’t see straight and got nothing for dealing Lamar Odom to the Mavericks.
And now that the Clippers have Chauncey Billups in the mix, they would be foolish to trade for Chris Paul. The NBA and its gang of colluding owners want too much for him. Why give away the farm for a 1-year rental?
ESPN LA