Scott Bordow of the East Valley Tribune: “Five days before his 37th birthday, O’Neal scored 33 points and pulled down seven rebounds in the Suns’ 118-111 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. That came just three days after he poured in 45 points against the Toronto Raptors, a performance so unbelievable Toronto center Chris Bosh accused Shaq of cheating, saying he was camping in the lane. ‘I heard what Chris Bosh said. Those are strong words coming from the RuPaul of big men,’ O’Neal said with a chuckle. Yeah, O’Neal could always deliver a line. But the quips seemed tired when O’Neal was injured and struggling with the Miami Heat; he came across as a washed-up comedian playing the Catskills. These days, though, Shaq isn’t just making people laugh. He’s turned back the clock to a time many of us never thought he could get back to. Sunday, he became just the fourth player over the age of 35 and the first since Michael Jordan in 2000 to score 33 or more points in consecutive games.”
Chris Sheridan of ESPN.com: “Assuming Iverson’s back spasms subside by Tuesday, all of the Pistons’ components should be available when Chauncey Billups makes his return to the Palace of Auburn Hills with the Denver Nuggets. But it’ll be Iverson who will have to adjust to a new, secondary role — and, listening to Curry after Sunday’s game, you got the crystal-clear impression that Iverson’s role is going to be a lot more secondary than anyone could have ever expected. Two games after deciding to permanently return Richard Hamilton to the starting lineup and begin bringing Iverson off the bench, Curry went so far as to say he plans to use more of the alignment that was surprisingly effective Sunday: Tayshaun Prince at the 2-guard spot alongside point guard Rodney Stuckey, with Walter Herrmann playing the small forward position. ‘Maybe Allen comes in and plays a lot of time at Will Bynum’s spot,’ Curry said. Bynum spent all of 12 minutes on the court Sunday as the backup point guard, so it was quite the eyebrow-raiser to hear Curry slot Iverson into that role in the future.”
Jan Hubbard of the Fort Worth Star Telegram: “‘Unless you understand the game and unless you are there, you don’t see all the things he does,’ said Nets president Rod Thorn. ‘He’s got an innate sense like a Wayne Gretzky in hockey. He just knows where the ball is coming and because of his strength, he’s always able to get it. If you see him and a big man get to the ball and get their hands on it at the same time, Jason’s usually going to get it.’ Kidd attributes his strength to his father, who kept horses in the backyard of their Oakland home when Kidd was growing up. ‘I always had to do chores and lift bales of hay,’ Kidd said. ‘I was always scared of the hooks, so I would just lift the hay with my hands. Doing that sort of thing helped develop what some people have called heavy hands.’Kidd will turn 36 this month and he is still in excellent shape. He says he is able to maintain his speed and conditioning by working out often during the summer. In particular, he spends a lot of time in the pool to reduce the stress on his legs and knees. He also does not eat much red meat and only occasionally drinks wine in the off-season.”
The Oklahoman: “With 23 games left, the time has come for Westbrook to prove he can blossom into the team’s full-time playmaker. Time to show he can make his teammates better by creating shots for them even when his aren’t falling. On too many occasions this season, Westbrook has put his head down and barreled to the rim, forcing up a shot rather than running a set to find the open man. Westbrook’s poor decision-making at times has stirred skepticism among fans over whether he possesses the set-up skills needed to be a floor general. His erratic play also led to 38 percent shooting in February and a 3.9-turnover average. But rather than reining in the No. 4 overall pick and force-feeding fundamentals, coach Scott Brooks has given Westbrook the freedom to learn on the fly. The philosophy promotes comfort and confidence on the court, but compromises sound play while suffering through growing pains.”
John Canzano of The Oregonian: “Said Oden, who suffered a chipped bone in his left knee before the All-Star break: ‘Believe me, if I could play pain-free, I’d play. Even if I had the chance to get to 85 percent and be comfortable, I’d play. I’m not even 85 percent.’ He did not play again on Sunday. Without Oden, the Blazers gave San Antonio a 102-84 back-alley whipping at the Rose Garden. And after the game, teammate Jerryd Bayless had a pack of ice attached to each knee. LaMarcus Aldridge had a giant tub of ice water in front of his locker for his feet and ankles. And there was athletic tape strewn in front of Rudy Fernandez’s locker. Those guys dressed, and talked about the game. Meanwhile, Oden stood down the hall, visiting with the children and families of his teammates. And this is where I found him, and looked him in the eyes, and asked him, ‘Do you want to play?’”
Doug Smith of the Toronto Star: “Chris Bosh considers the question for what seems like an eternity, trying to find an answer. There is neither a right response nor a wrong one. It’s a question of feeling, one requiring some introspection and it is difficult. ‘How would I describe my season?’ he repeats, searching for the appropriate response. ‘Trying,’ he finally says. ‘Trying. Very trying.’ This may not be the worst season of Bosh’s career but it’s close. An Olympic gold medal is nice, a stumbling Raptors franchise is not. He’s putting up good numbers but not getting enough wins. It’s been fun at times, infuriating at others. And confusing. ‘If you would have told me in October that we were going to be fighting just to make the playoffs, I wouldn’t have believed you,’ Bosh said. ‘I’ve had worse years as far as the team is concerned but this has been the toughest, yeah, only because the expectations were so high and things just didn’t happen like we thought they would.’”
Buck Harvey of the San Antonio News-Express: “Upon retirement, Horry said he probably will consider himself a Laker at heart. He spent more time in Los Angeles, and he won three titles there. But he also says that fourth quarter against Detroit in the 2005 Finals stands out above all others for him personally. Furthermore, he says he enjoyed his time in San Antonio the most. ‘Great guys, funny guys. I lovedbeing around them.’ Rejoining them now, he says, would be easy. The Spurs’ brass has continued to include Horry in the discussion during the season. And if Matt Bonner had failed, then who knows? Maybe Horry already would be back, extending his streak of never missing the playoffs. But that’s just one team. Why hasn’t another called to check on Horry? Horry says not having an agent probably hasn’t helped. Still, he chooses to blame this on something else. ‘The NBA is so trendy,’ he said.”
Mark Heisler of the Los Angeles Times: “If the Celtics finished second in the East — a looming possibility as Kevin Garnett, Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine suffered injuries — they might have to beat Orlando, just to get to Cleveland. All those dire equations changed Friday when Marbury poked his head, with the star tattoo on the side, into TD Banknorth Garden. All that now teeters is the entire balance of power. If the Cavaliers can’t get past the Celtics this season or next, their chances of losing LeBron James go way up. With New York being James’ most probable destination if he leaves, buying out Marbury was either a brilliant move by President Donnie Walsh, or an incredible unintended consequence.”
Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register: “I asked Bryant if he cared about getting a non-fan to ‘come around,’ and he said he definitely did. I asked Bryant about changing as a player, but there he did not agree. ‘I’ve been playing the same way since I came in this league,’ Bryant said. ‘I haven’t changed at all. I think the thing that has changed is my role on the team, so now things that I would’ve done when Shaquille was here in terms of getting in people’s faces and demanding stuff from them or calling guys out or whatever, it’s viewed as leadership. Back then, it was viewed as a young kid stepping out of line.’ Whether Bryant wants to admit it, there are subtle things about his game that have matured and become more team-oriented. Phil Jackson will testify to that and to Bryant’s greater understanding of teammate development, something due in part to Bryant learning to nurture his two daughters. But Bryant was committed to playing team ball when it needed to be played to win championships, something few outsiders understand fully.”
John Reid of The Times-Picayune: “C.J., who is two years older 23-year-old Chris, initially played at Hampton University before transferring to the University of South Carolina Upstate in Spartanburg. Paul played two seasons at Wake Forest before declaring for the draft and becoming the fourth overall pick by the Hornets in 2005. ‘I’m proud about everything my brother has accomplished,’ C.J. said. Paul has gained elite status in the NBA — two All-Star Game appearances and a runner-up finish in last year’s MVP voting — C.J. has helped make things easier for Chris off the court. Since 2005, C.J. has been Paul’s business manager, helping to coordinate everything from guest appearances, autograph sessions and ticket requests to advising him on sponsorship and endorsement deals. ‘There is no one in this world I trust more than my brother,’ Chris said. ‘There is no one on this team or in this organization that has my best interests more than my brother. If anything happens, that’s my brother.’”
Hornets Hype: “We have a young core of Paul, West, and Chandler. Three against the world. Add to that a savvy, sharp-shooting veteran in Peja Stojakovic, and a resurgent Rasual Butler hitting from everywhere and an aggressive defender. Not to mention former-starter Morris Peterson coming off the bench alongside the roughshod championship swagger of James Posey. This has not only the makings of a championship team, but a dynasty team. Coach Scott has gotten this team playing well together and they have great chemistry on and off the field. Moreover, they are all well-known as good people, who stay out of trouble, and contribute to their community. So I ask you, Mr. Shinn: what will it take to keep this team together? Tell them. Tell us. We know that as of right now, the team salary will be over the luxury tax next year. Fine. So how much money do you need to make to make it worth your while? Throw down the gauntlet. What if the team makes the second round of the Playoffs? How much more income would that bring you? The Western Conference Finals? The NBA Finals? What would it take? Tell the team. Challenge them. You might be surprised.”
Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald: “There were some scary numbers for the Celtics yesterday. They surrendered 105 points to a team of Pistons that came in averaging 93 and was without its leading scorer/gunner, Allen Iverson. That it happened without Kevin Garnett is not a viable Shamrock excuse – though it is a bit of evidence that the defense is not just about The System. Missing persons also contributed to the worst number for the Celts – 47:42. Losing to the Pistons is one thing, but when Paul Pierce and his messed up left thumb get to rest for just the last 18 seconds while you do it, well, that’s risking something bigger than one single solitary loss.Stephon Marbury is supposed to help get breaks for Pierce and Ray Allen in time, but even he won’t be able to provide the kind of defensive support the captain needs against the bigger wings. Without Tony Allen and Brian Scalabrine, that is one of the few weaknesses this club possesses.”
Brian Windhorst of The Plain Dealer: “Brown has let the reins go a little, giving more responsibility to his assistant coaches and team leaders. He has practiced less and picked his spots to be demanding. The result has been players and assistants growing within the responsibility and a flourishing chemistry that has enabled the team to perform on a high level. ‘He’s called way fewer plays this year than he has in the past; he’s letting his guys play more,’ said one scout who recently tracked the Cavs. ‘A few years ago he had such a tight control of the game and the offense it seemed like it took him 10 seconds just to get the play in and for everyone to hear it. Now they play more free and it has been helping them.’ Their offensive efficiency has been excelling in areas where it used to fail — coming out of timeouts, in transition breaks, opening the second half, and end of the shot clock situations.”
Bill Benner of IBJ.com: “Tough loss upon tough loss have left fading hope—Bird’s hope, anyway—for a playoff berth, meaning the Pacers could be on the outside looking in for a third straight season. In the meantime, the economy is wreaking havoc with the Pacers’ own recovery plan, and the kind of salary-cap freedom that would allow significant activity in the free-agent market is still more than a year away. What’s a Larry Bird to do? Well, not feel sorry for himself, for starters. And not capitulate to those who think the Pacers ought to tank the rest of the season in order to increase their chances in the draft lottery. ‘They got the wrong guy if they think I’m going to sit here and try to lose,’ Bird said. ‘That ain’t going to happen. I want to win and I die for these guys [when they lose].’ Without being Pollyanna-ish, Bird does see progress. ‘My main concern was changing the culture and we’ve done that,’ he said. ‘I don’t worry about them playing hard, I don’t worry about them practicing hard, and I don’t worry about this group going out and getting in trouble. So now it’s just basketball and directing everything toward making this team better.’” [Via Indy Cornrows]
Michael Hunt of the Journal Sentinel: “Steinmiller wouldn’t say if the Bucks were one of the 15 teams prepared to borrow from an extra $200 million the NBA began making available Thursday as a part of its $1.7 billion line of credit any of the 30 could’ve tapped into over the years, but you could probably guess. It’s a struggle for everyone at the moment, but it’s probably a good sign that a bank thinks the league and its members are creditworthy at the rate of 8%. The Sacramento Kings said they would dip into the fund, but the Kings are last in the league in attendance and stuck with a worse arena deal than the Bucks. The Bucks are No. 23 in attendance at 15,200 per game, commensurate with market size. Still, they’ve got to solve their building issue one of these days. There’s also the matter of their $71 million payroll, the result of shaky personnel decisions from the past. At 12th-largest in the NBA, it is hardly proportionate to the market. For the most part, Kohl has been willing to spend to win. Problem is, his money has gone toward a lot of bad paper for portions of the decade. And the Bucks, who have a smaller margin for error than most, will not realize any payroll relief for two years. Riding this thing out has become at least as big of a challenge with what they’re trying to do on the court.”
Ailene Voisin of the Sacramento Bee: “While NBA and Kings consultants were schmoozing at the Capitol and Cal Expo late last week, selling their master plan for a new entertainment/arena complex at the fairgrounds, Joe and Gavin Maloof were in Las Vegas mulling season tickets for the 2009-10 season. And – surprise – prices are plummeting. Though specifics of the pricing decreases will not be revealed until midweek, Gavin Maloof said that some of the more expensive seats will be reduced by as much as $1,500 for the season. Additionally, the Kings will retain 1,000 of the $10 seats while adding $25.50 tickets for the corner sections of the upper level. ‘The word here is ’survive,’ ‘ Maloof said.”
Harvey Araton of The New York Times: “‘You know, you’re so young, and trying to understand the situation, but after you’ve been the M.V.P., the best player in the league, you don’t just get comfortable looking over your shoulder after a few minutes,’ McAdoo said. ‘At home, my family saw my frustration, my sadness, but I never gave in to the urge to complain.’ At the crossroads, carrying baggage that was placed fairly or unfairly upon his back, McAdoo passed the litmus test by proving he was a team player. In the playoffs that spring, his minutes increased to 27 a game from 18. His scoring average rose to 16.7 from 9.6. Riley won his first coaching title and McAdoo a championship ring few people believed was in his reach. Even when the Lakers let him go after another title run three years later — to which he contributed a still-nutritious 11.4 points per playoff game — McAdoo managed to suppress the superstar within. ‘I could have been bitter,’ he said. ‘Instead, I said the same thing to Jerry Buss, Jerry West and Pat. I said: ‘Thank you for the opportunity to play with this team. It’s been a privilege.’ And I meant it.’ Marbury, Michael Vick, Sean Avery and others asking back in, take heed. Who can’t embrace a man who makes the most of a redemptive opportunity?”
