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If LeBron James decided that he would call an end to his career in the Association at the completion of the Playoffs, he would be a lock to make the Basketball Hall Of Fame, as soon as he is eligible. The Miami Heat forward, collected his fourth NBA MVP Award on Sunday, his second straight, giving him the award four times out of the last five years. He is the one player currently active in the Association, that has a realistic chance of overtaking Michael Jordan, in the eyes of the fans; proclaimed the best player in NBA history.

The Northeast Ohio native, once again had a spectacular regular season, recognized for it in the voting for the award, as he missed being a unanimous choice, by a single vote. Last sprig he was able to get the two-ton gorilla off his back, when the Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals and once again his team has a good chance of playing in the Championship round for the third straight year.

One can not deny the talent or the ability that LBJ has shown during his ten years on the hard-courts of the NBA. The perennial All-Star will not even turn 29-years-old, until next December, so barring a major injury he has most likely yet to have reached his peak. The next three seasons, the small forward could take his game to an even higher level; as the ages of 29-31, are generally acknowledged to be a pro athletes most productive years.

Although anyone with knowledge of the Association, has to give LeBron James, credit and respect for what he has accomplished on the court, it does not necessarily mean that those sentiments have to be extended to the man himself. Although one would be delusional not to acknowledge his talents as a player; that is where my respect for James ends. As for my having respect for him as a man; those feelings evaporated after he deserted the Cleveland Cavaliers and I can not envision a way at this point for him to win my respect back.

I am certain that at this point, many are rolling their eyes and wondering when I will allow this issue to die; it has been three seasons now and most NBA observers have moved on. Time unfortunately has not healed the wounds in my case; my anger and disappointment at the callous way that he left the team, after years of stating that his ”Family,” the rest of the Cavaliers roster relied on him. The night he was taken with the first pick of the 2003 NBA Draft, he made a vow to the fans, that he would “Light up Cleveland, like Vegas,” a promise that remained unfulfilled when he went to Miami.

Had it ended right then and there, perhaps I could feel differently at this point; however that was far from the case. James embraced the venom from the fans and took on the persona of a villain in Pro Wrestling. He seemed to go out of his way to antagonize and take a swipe at a team and a city, that had treated him as Royalty his first seven campaigns in the NBA. Perhaps the cruelest thing he said was after the Heat had defeated the Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference Finals; James told reporters that he was glad to finally be teamed up with players that “Don’t Die Down In The Moment.” Karma would repay him in full as it would be James who was unable to get it done in the Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, which led to the Mavericks winning the NBA Title.

It was far from the first time, that James had collapsed in a key situation; as his performances against the Orlando Magic in the 2009 Eastern Finals and against the Boston Celtics in the 2010 semis; was the reason his team did not advance. Rather than accept the early demise of his club as his responsibility, he walked away and joined Dwyane Wade, a player who had already earned himself a ring and along with Chris Bosh, they were able to do what James never could on his own; that elusive title.

Although LeBron James deserves congratulations and respect for what he has done as a player; it will never undo the way he handled himself from the Summer of 2010, until his team lost in the Finals. Unfortunately his actions will always influence how I perceive his career, despite whatever he accomplishes.

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The prophecy made by Pete Townshend over 40-years-ago, may come to fruition in Cleveland on Wednesday; as the Cleveland Cavaliers could announce “Meet The New Boss, Same As The Old Boss.” It appears that novelist Thomas Wolfe was incorrect when he wrote “You Can’t Go Home Again,” according to a report from Cleveland sports-talk radio station “92.3 The Fan” on Tuesday. The All-Sports FM radio station has reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers have reached an agreement in principle to bring back former bench boss Mike Brown, to lead the team on the floor once again; three years after being dismissed by the club.

The reunification could be announced as early as Wednesday, with the Cavaliers signing their former coach to what could be a five-year pact valued at $20 million over the life of the contract. Brown would ironically replace the man who took over for him back in 2010, as the Cavaliers dismissed former head coach Byron Scott last week after piloting the squad to three consecutive losing campaigns.

There have been many members of the media (including this member,) who believed a panic move by the squad’s majority owner Dan Gilbert, in a misguided effort to try to appease former Cleveland All-Star forward LeBron James and keep him as a member of the franchise caused Brown’s termination. The apparent kowtowing to the forward, of course was unsuccessful, as James decided to take his talents to South Beach, leaving a void on the floor and big shoes to fill on the bench; trying to replace a man who had helped the club to the best record in the regular season his last two-years at the helm.

The Cavaliers went into the Playoffs in 2009 and 2010 as the odd-on favorites to win the NBA Finals, but fell short of reaching “The Show” both seasons. Although there was talk that James blamed his bench boss for the early exits; a strong case could be made that it was the reigning NBA MVP, who was the real factor behind the lack of success. James could not get the job done against the Orlando Magic in 2009 and seemed to implode facing the Boston Celtics the following spring. Although deep down, he most likely knew the blame fell on his shoulders, it was far easier to ride the wave of sentiment that Brown was behind the failure.

Mike Brown is not a perfect coach; he has yet to reach the level of today’s “Gold Standard” in the NBA, where Gregg Popovich and Doc Rivers reside. Gilbert and General Manager Chris Grant should make it a requirement that Brown hire an offensive coordinator for his staff; something that Brown was not forced to do in his first tour of duty with the Cavaliers. But with Gilbert and Grant preaching that they want to adopt a defensive mind-set for the franchise; Brown is the perfect choice.

“Chicks Dig The Trey,”  but it is in your shirt defense, that wins titles. Looks like Karma may restore the proper order of things once again in Cleveland this week, for the Cavaliers and Mike Brown.

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The Byron Scott Era came to an end on Thursday; as the “News Herald” has reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers dismissed their former head coach after three seasons. Scott, still had a year remaining on the contract that he signed with the club, reported to be about $4.5 million. According to reports; the franchise could be about to attempt what Northeast Ohio sports fans, refer to as an “Only In Cleveland Moment,” as he might be replaced by the same man he took over for in 2010. Former Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers bench boss Mike Brown, is one of the names that surfaced prominently to assume the position.

Cleveland Sports Fans; have a great sense of ironic humor luring within them, after many years of getting to the altar, without kissing the bride. So for many of them, a decision had to be made which scenario the bringing of Mike Brown as head coach would be more accurate, if it does come true. Would it mirror “Dallas” with team owner Dan Gilbert, walking into the Cavaliers locker room and see Brown emerging from the shower and realize the last three years, were a dream? Or would it be more like “Roseanne,” when they had the first Becky take back over the role from the second Becky?

There was little surprise that the team decided to make the move on Thursday, after the squad ended the regular season with a record of 24-58, the third worst record in the Association. The former Lakers star and bench boss for the Nets and the New Orleans Hornets, ended his stint with the team with a mark of 64-166, in his three years on the bench.

Gilbert, issued a statement through the team. The majority owner stated “I fully support the difficult move that was made today. Although we saw progress with young individual player development, we did not see the kind of progress we expected on the team level this past season. We understand it was challenging with the injuries, but when you are at our stage in the building process, you don’t only measure team progress in wins and losses. It has been our strong and stated belief that when our team once again returns to competing at the NBA’s highest levels it will be because we have achieved our goals on the defensive side of the court.”

If Gilbert and team General Manager Chris Grant, are serious about returning to having a defensive mind-set, Brown would be at the top of any NBA team’s wish-list, due to his defensive philosophy. Brown, along with former Cavaliers small forward LeBron James, led the Cavaliers to the best regular season record in the NBA, his last two years on the bench. Gilbert, however dismissed Brown in 2010, after the squad failed to reach the Finals for the second straight year. Brown, took Cleveland to their only appearance in the Championship round in the team’s history in 2007, when they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

The Los Angeles brain-trust, debated whether to bring Brown back for the 2012-2013 campaign, after being eliminated from the Post Season, far earlier than expected, in his first year on the pine after replacing Phil Jackson. Just five games into the young NBA campaign, the Lakers dismissed their bench boss; after coming out of the chute with a record of 1-4. The fact that Los Angeles would make the move after just five games; shows just how big a mistake it was for the club to bring back Brown for a second season; instead of causing needless embarrassment for a class guy like Mike Brown, as well as the franchise.

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Although the Cleveland Cavaliers, will have plenty of space under the NBA Salary-Cap starting on July 1, speculation is growing that the club could complete a deal; that could be qualified as a “low risk move, with a possible high ceiling.” The “Akron Beacon Journal,” has reported that the team has confirmed they have interest in signing oft-injured veteran center Greg Oden to a contract, possibly within the next week.

The big man who was selected with the number one pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, by the Portland Trail Blazers; will not be ready to take the court until next season, however Cleveland and other franchises in the Association, have explored locking him up to an extended-year pact this year. The sad tale of how the former Ohio State center’s body has broken down under the rigors of the Association, is well-known throughout the NBA.

His knees have failed him, having already undergone three micro-fracture surgeries, before reaching his 25th birthday. The man whom the Blazers hoped would be the next “Bill Russell” has been about as effective as “Billy Crystal,” due to the lack of time he has been on the court. Since Portland chose him over Kevin Durant, the big man has played a total of just 82 regular season contests, and has not been on the hardwood since the 2009-2010 campaign.

The deal is certainly not imminent as there were reports that the big man met on Saturday with Boston Celtics Director Of Basketball Operations on Saturday and the Miami Heat are also known to have interest in seeing what Oden can do after recuperating from his latest surgery. Although the teams that have already had discussions with the veteran Free Agent, would like to sign him before the end of the current campaign; it might behoove Oden to wait until after July 1, to see if he can get teams into a bidding war and increase his value.

Although the city of Portland, has had lots of misfortune in the pivot position; especially with early first round picks (as Bill Walton and Sam Bowie, can attest to,) Cleveland has also spent years waiting for talented centers to regain their health. Cavaliers fans watched Brad Daugherty’s career cut short due to back problems and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, underwent seven operations on his feet, before he could return to the floor. Z, would make an NBA East All-Star squad, after returning to action; but he was the exception not the norm.

At this point; the odds are far greater that Oden will never set foot on a court to play in an NBA contest; than are his odds of reaching the potential that he had when he was drafted. New York Knicks forward Amar’e Stoudemire had one such procedure and he lacks the explosiveness he once had. Playing center even at Oden’s height, he will need to be able to jump on both offensive and defensive possessions; if he has lost that ability, his value would be minimal.

That however, will not preclude a franchise from the Association in taking a chance for the big man; if the deal is right. That should be a pact that would give Oden a base salary of somewhere between the veteran’s minimum and part of the mid-level exception slot; plus incentives based on his production. Offer him a two-year-deal with a club option for the third year and a buyout clause after the first. That is a very low risk situation for any squad, while giving Oden what would most likely be his final shot to reach his life long dream of being a productive NBA player.

What should the fans of the Cavaliers, Celtics, Heat, or any other team that signs Oden to expect? Initially, not a lot; other than to most likely see the center on the bench wearing a suit and tie for the balance of this campaign. The center should start to ramp up his conditioning this summer, so that he can be ready for the start of training camp in October.

If the former Blazers center is able to play next season; it is important for his new fans to keep their expectations; tethered to reality. Oden will be a work in progress upon his return, there will be nights that he will thrill his new city, while other nights, the teams fans will rip him apart on the post-game shows. Don’t expect him to play anything more than 20-25 minutes per game, a restriction that could be eased if he shows that he is getting stronger. Could he eventually be as successful in his comeback as Z was with the Cavaliers? That is an answer we won’t know for a while; however as the credo of the NBA states “You Can’t Teach Height.”

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How refreshing would it be, if an NBA player actually told the unvarnished truth of what took place, when they have to apologize after they have messed up on or off the hardwood? Wouldn’t you have far more respect for a player, if they said what actually took place; rather than provide the media and the fans, an account that comes with an implied wink and a nod? The “Orlando Sentinel,” reported that Orlando Magic veteran forward Hedo Turkoglu, has received a 20-game suspension from the Association, after tests revealed that the big man tested positive for an anabolic steroid called methenolone.

The veteran will serve the suspension without pay for the 20-contests that he will miss. The native of Turkey, told new club General Manager Rob Hennigan, that he took the banned substance without realizing what it was. The Orlando executive said “Clearly, Hedo made a mistake. He knows he made a mistake. He’s owning it. It’s certainly a disappointing circumstance for us, but I personally feel very confident in the amount of diligence we use to inform our players as to what can and cannot be taken.”

Turkoglu, basically told media members the same thing when he spoke with reporters. The 34-year-old veteran said “I’m sorry. I want to apologize (to) the DeVos family, the Magic organization, my teammates and, most important, all my fans here and all around the world and back home. This is a situation I never wanted to be in.”

Turkoglu, is truly one of the “good guys” in the Association; he was a major factor in Orlando going to the NBA Finals in 2009. Off the court, he was always friendly and forthcoming in interviews, when Orlando would play in Cleveland, while I covered the Cavaliers. However; not checking with the team trainer on a possibly banned substance, is a mistake that can be accepted by a rookie, possibly a second year player. Hedo, is currently playing in his 13th NBA campaign; he is far too smart and knowledgeable to make that mistake.

Bottom Line: Turkoglu, is no longer the player he was a few years ago as age has taken its toll on his body. He took a substance that he knew could cost him games if detected and he played the odds it would not show up in a test. Looking at it with that perspective, it is pretty understandable why he took the course he did. The truth is always the way to go; one would think that the Magic veteran had learned that by now.

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Just a few weeks before Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo would be a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star squad, for the first time in his career; the “Boston Globe” reported Sunday, that he is done for the season, after tearing his right ACL in a Friday night loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Hopes that the Celtics star had just hyper-extended his knee against Atlanta collapsed; when an MRI performed on Sunday; prior to Boston defeating the Miami Heat, showed how extensive the damage was.

The loss of Rondo certainly puts the club’s chances of making the Post Season in jeopardy; as they currently are in the eighth slot in the Eastern Conference Playoff chase, with a record of 21-23. The man who controlled the ball for Boston; was having a strong season; averaging 13.1 points and 11.7 assists per contest. The Celtics took the floor on Sunday with a back-court consisting of Courtney Lee and Avery Bradley; which will most likely be the starting tandem for the rest of the season.

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As the calendar moves toward the end of January; we find ourselves deep into the winter of the Los Angeles Lakers discontent. Preseason predictions of the Lakers rolling through the Western Conference on the way back to the NBA Finals; are now looked at the same disdain one would have for Christmas decorations, so long after the holiday has passed. A change of bench bosses, early in the campaign, from defense oriented Mike Brown, to the run and gun style of Mike D’Antoni, have not improved the club. If the season were to end on Wednesday night, the Lakers would be heading home for the summer, with a mark of 17-25 and trailing the Houston Rockets by four games for the final playoff slot.

Stating that the trade that brought center Dwight Howard to the roster, failed to unfold as planned; is like saying the Titanic had a problem with a leak. Apparently nobody involved in the transaction sending D-12 to the “City Of Angels” considered, the way Howard, would take to his new role on his new team. During his years with the Orlando Magic, the offense revolved around, the best center of his generation. Did he truly expect to have the same results with the Lakers; with Bryant being the long-established leader of the squad?

The Lakers are a rudderless ship; The All-Star guard, wants to go in one direction; while Howard prefers a different course and veteran point guard Steve Nash, stuck in the middle; trying to keep everyone satisfied. “Lakers-Land” has gotten so bizarre; that bench-boss Mike D’Antoni, has asked his squad to concentrate on defense. The former Suns and Knicks head coach operates under the philosophy, that as you score one more point than your opponent, you have played adequate defense. The fact that he realizes his team is not playing hard enough on the defensive end, tells you all you need to know.

The team engaged in a talking-session after the shoot-a-round Wednesday morning, according to the “Los Angeles Times,” in what turned into a rather heated discussion. The paper’s sources stated that there were some bruised egos, as well as teammates calling each other out. Reportedly Bryant asked the center if Howard found it difficult playing with Kobe and was he enjoying the experience; Howard according to the sources did not give a definitive answer to the question.

At this point; Howard is still a one-year rental; as he is an unrestricted Free Agent on July 1. Although, Kobe talked to reporters when they consummated the trade, about handing off the leadership role to D-12; that was a scenario based on Howard signing a long-term pact with the club this summer. That appears to be far less likely in late January, then it did when the trade first took place. If relations do not improve between the two All-Stars this season; Howard most likely will be looking for a new home next summer.

The question now becomes, what exactly should the team do at this juncture? Should they attempt to peddle him, before this campaign’s NBA trade deadline; or hold onto him for the balance of the season and hope they can pull off a sign and trade deal? Unless the club starts to turn their season around against the Utah Jazz on Friday night and plays consistently better on the court; despite the talent, this year could just be a lost-year for the franchise. Would Los Angeles General Manager Mitch Kupchak, be able to get a better package in February, than in July, when a team does not necessarily need to go through the Lakers to sign the big man?

This is far from the first time, that a team that looked great on paper, did not meet expectations on the hardwood. The Lakers experienced it not that many years-go, when they signed Gary Payton and Karl Malone to compliment Bryant and former center Shaquille O’Neal, that team failed to come together. What they have to determine now, is the best way to salvage the situation.

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There will be five first time NBA All-Stars on this year’s Eastern Conference squad, plus James Harden will be playing in his first game for the West, as the NBA announced the reserve players for next month’s contest to be held in Houston, Texas. The players who will play in their first All-Star game, knocked many long-time staples of the contest, such as the Boston Celtics Paul Pierce and the Brooklyn Nets off the court on Sunday, February 3.

Centers Joakim Noah, from the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks Tyson Chandler will embark on their maiden voyage; alongside guards Kyrie Irving, of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jrue Holiday of the Philadelphia 76ers and Indiana Pacers guard Paul George.

The Western Conference squad, will have a far more familiar look to it, as San Antonio Spurs big man Tim Duncan and guard Tony Parker are on the roster, along with OKC Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph and LaMarcus Aldridge of the Portland Trail Blazers. Here is the complete list of reserves for both squads:

Eastern Conference Reserves:

Jrue Holiday
Paul George
Chris Bosh
Tyson Chandler
Kyrie Irving
Luol Deng
Joakim Noah

Western Conference Reserves:

Tony Parker
Russell Westbrook
James Harden
LaMarcus Aldridge
Zach Randolph
David Lee
Tim Duncan

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Change is in the air in New Orleans; as “The Times-Picayune,” reported Thursday, that the New Orleans Hornets will cease to exist at the conclusion of this NBA campaign, replaced by the New Orleans Pelicans, starting next season. The paper reports that the new team nickname has already passed approval by the NBA Board Of Governors. Franchise owner Tom Benson, who also owns the New Orleans Saints, has wanted to give his club a new moniker since purchasing the team last year.

Benson told reporters “This isn’t something that was just done overnight. This is a long process. We are not just changing the name to change the name. The Hornets name came from Charlotte. That fits in with Charlotte. It doesn’t fit into New Orleans, La., or our area here. The Hornets don’t mean anything here. We needed something that symbolizes New Orleans and Louisiana and the Gulf Coast. And nothing does that better than this name.”

The Brown-Pelican, is the state bird of Louisiana, as well as having a long-term relationship with sports fans that live in the “Big Easy.” The Pelicans were the city’s minor-league baseball club, from 1887-1959 and tried making a comeback for one season in 1977.

Team President Dennis Lauscha, is very enthused with the new name. Lauscha, said “The primary focus, the primary goal was obviously trying to find that iconic symbol or logo that could really relate to the fans and community and the region. You have to remember this is not just about downtown New Orleans, it’s about this entire region that we serve. The pelican certainly does do that. We intend to use this, the logo and image, as a platform for what we are doing in the community as well. We really wanted to find that iconic name that really is special to New Orleans, that has a special New Orleans feel that our fans can resonate with and say hey ‘that is new Orleans that is our culture that is who we are. We wanted to find that iconic symbol just like the fleur-de-lis is for the Saints.”

The Hornets name could very well be revived, as Charlotte Bobcats team owner Michael Jordan, has stated the would explore options of bringing the name back to Charlotte.

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The “Cleveland Plain Dealer” reported Tuesday, that the Cleveland Cavaliers, completed a multi-player trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Although the deal did not involve any All-Star caliber players; it is expected to help both the long-term and short-term prospects for each franchise. For Memphis; it was all about shedding salary so that fears of having to trade Rudy Gay or Zach Randolph, or be penalized by the NBA Salary cap are gone. Cleveland acquired a big man who has yet to reach the potential that some thought he possessed, to help them bolster their front-court for the short-term. They will also receive what could potentially be a valuable future first round pick in the NBA Draft.

Heading to the Cavaliers; are forward Marreese Speights and guards Wayne Ellington, Josh Selby and a future semi-protected first round pick from the Grizzlies. The Cavaliers sent reserve forward Jon Leuer in return, a player who was seeing very little time on the floor in Cleveland. Although Selby and Ellington, could add depth to Cleveland’s back-court; Speights will most likely be a contributor early on; as he tries to fill the void left by center Anderson Varejao whose campaign has ended. The native of Brazil suffered a pulmonary embolism; while undergoing surgery to repair a torn quadriceps muscle.

Speights has shown flashes of greatness since entering the Association, in 2008 as the Philadelphia 76ers took him mid-way through the first round of the NBA Draft. The Sixers had high hopes for him as a cornerstone for their franchise early on, but his lack of consistency, caused them to sour on the big man and he went to Memphis before the beginning of last season. Now in his fifth season in the Association; he has averaged 7.4 points and 4.3 rebounds for his career. Cleveland’s first shot at getting the Grizzlies first round pick, takes place in 2015. The first two-years, Memphis will keep the pick if it is in the first five selections, they also keep the player if taken between 15-30. In 2017 and 2018, Memphis would still keep a top five pick, in 2019 no restrictions remain.

What Memphis mainly gets out of this transaction; is peace of mind; now knowing that shedding six million dollars in salary; will make it a lot easier to hold onto both forwards Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph, the heart and soul of the squad. Memphis has a record of 26-14 through Tuesday night and the two forwards are key to the Grizzlies going far this season. There has been trade talk centering on Gay for most of the year; although Memphis head coach Lionel Hollins, said earlier this season, he would be against the move.

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There was joy in Seattle on Monday, as fans of the Association may have seen their wish of having their own NBA franchise back in the city, by the beginning of next season, get tantalizingly close. Although, that move would bring great joy to fans who lost the Supersonics to Oklahoma City, as the team relocated and are now the reigning Western Conference Champions the Thunder, it would come at the cost of putting another city in the position that they now are in.

The “Sacramento Bee” reported Monday, that after years of trying to keep the Kings in Sacramento, the team’s majority owners; the Maloof brothers have reached a deal to sell their shares to an investment group led by Chris Hansen. Hansen and the rest of his consortium would be purchasing the squad with the express purpose of moving the team to Seattle, leaving Sacramento fans on the outside looking in.

The Association released a statement on the proposed transaction on Monday. It read “The NBA received an executed Purchase and Sale Agreement for the transfer of a controlling interest in the Sacramento Kings from the Maloof family to an investor group led by Christopher Hansen. The proposed transaction is subject to the approval of the NBA Board of Governors and has been referred to the Board’s committee process for review.”

The three brothers and their business partner Bob Hernreich, own about 65% of the franchise and they would receive $340 million from the potential buyers. The other 35% which is split four-ways is not  expected to be sold, or pose a problem to the club relocating further north on the Pacific coast. In order for the Kings to remain in Sacramento at this point, would be if a local buyer could be found that is able to match the group from Seattle’s offer.

The battle to keep the team in Sacramento, appeared to be settled a couple of seasons ago, as the city and the Maloofs seemed to have a deal to build a new stadium in the city. However that agreement fell apart, putting the situation back into a state of flux.

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The Phoenix Suns surprised the Association Sunday, as the “Arizona Republic” reported that the team has handed over the reins of their club to former NBA shooting guard Lindsey Hunter, as their interim head coach for the balance of the campaign. Hunter, who has never coached at any level, was in his first year as director of player personnel for the Suns. He will be the new voice in the locker room that replaces veteran coach Alvin Gentry, whom the club dismissed on Friday.  Most observers expected the team to choose from among their three current assistant coaches; Igor Kokoskov, Dan Majerle and Elston Turner. Marjerle, reportedly is expected to leave the club.

The 42-year-old former guard played for 17 seasons in the Association, the majority with the Detroit Pistons, after they chose him as the tenth pick in the 1993 NBA Draft. Hunter also had stints with Milwaukee, Toronto, Chicago and with the Lakers, as he helped them win the NBA Finals in the 2002 campaign. He would do the same thing two years later, helping the Pistons win the NBA Title in June, of 2004.

Hunter now becomes the second head coach currently in the Association, who went from the Suns director of player personnel, to becoming a head coach without experience on the bench. Los Angeles Clippers bench boss Vinny Del Negro; made the same leap when he took over the Chicago Bulls in 2008.

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The Phoenix Suns concluded on Friday morning, that the losing streak that engulfed the club, had to end. They decided that the best way to remedy the situation, would be a new voice in the locker room, so according to a report from the “Arizona Republic,” they fired veteran head coach Alvin Gentry. The Suns lost at home to the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night, pretty much sealing the coach’s fate, as they fell to a record of 13-28 for the campaign; they have dropped 13 of their last 15 contests and 20 of their last 26 games. It is the worst start to a season for Phoenix since the 1987-1988 campaign; when they had the same record at the half-way mark of the season.

Gentry was in the final year of his pact with the franchise and team executives had backed him earlier in the season, but they realized that they would remain spiraling, unless they made a change. The paper reported that the team had yet to settle on interim head coach, however assistant coach Elston Turner appears to be the apparent replacement.

Gentry, also took over the bench as an interim coach, when the Suns fired rookie bench boss Terry Porter in the middle of his first campaign. He was given a contract at the conclusion of the season and things looked promising as the squad went to the Western Conference Finals in 2010, before getting knocked out by the Los Angeles Lakers. He would finish his stint with the team with a final mark of 158-144.

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Once again the “Black-Mamba” (still the coolest nickname in modern sports) led the way in the voting as “NBA.com” announced the starting lineups for next month’s All-Star Game in Houston, on Thursday night. Los Angeles Lakers veteran guard Kobe Bryant, will appear in his 15th straight All-Star game, a new Association record, as he breaks a four-way tie, he became part of last season. The veteran now moves ahead of three men who also played in a Lakers uniform in their careers; Jerry West, Karl Malone and Shaquille O’Neal. Bryant got a total of 1,591,437 votes from the fans, topping Miami Heat forward and reigning NBA MVP LeBron James, by less than 8,000 votes (1,583,646).

For the second straight year, Bryant will also be joined in the starting lineup by his club’s starting center; however instead of Andrew Bynum, now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, Dwight Howard, who has been a staple of the Eastern All-Star squad for the past few years will be starting. The lineup features two of their co-tenants at the Staples Center, as Clippers point guard Chris Paul and forward Blake Griffin got the nod. Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant will man the other forward slot for the Western Conference.

The Eastern Conference starting lineup, lacks a true center this year, as the Association changed the ballot this go-round, by featuring just two categories, front-court and back-court. The starting lineup for the East, will also have two pairs of teammates; with James and Heat guard Dwyane Wade both chosen. The Boston Celtics will provide two starters as well, with point guard Rajon Rondo and forward Kevin Garnett, while the New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony will be at small forward.

The contest; arguably the most entertaining All-Star game in professional sports; will take place on February 17th at the home of the Rockets, the Toyota Center. “TNT” will be televising the game and it can be heard on “ESPN Radio” as well.

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Long before David Stern became the Commissioner of the Association, he went to law school, passed the bar and was a practicing attorney for many years. One would rationalize that with his background as an attorney, that he would think through all the ramifications of his actions; before making any decision. However, by deciding to fine the San Antonio Spurs $250,000 when head coach Gregg Popovich decided to send four of his stars back home, rather than travel to Miami and take on the Heat, he has opened up a huge can of worms.

“USA Today,” reported Tuesday evening that a fan who attended the contest that night, has filed a class-action suit against the Spurs, for depriving him the chance to see San Antonio at full strength. Another attorney, Larry McGuinness filed the suit against the Spurs, claiming economic damages, because San Antonio took the floor with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green and Tony Parker went back home to rest before San Antonio hosted the Memphis Grizzlies on December 1.

Sending players home before a road-trip ends, has been common practice in both the NBA and MLB, as long as I can remember. Stern’s unprecedented move had many believe he overstepped his authority with the decision. That however, now takes a back-seat to a lawsuit, that in all probability, the plaintiff will win. How could a judge not side with the ticket-holder, after Stern’s ruling? That will most likely result in ever fan who was in attendance that night with what ever McGuiness receives, with the Spurs having to foot the bill for all the money the due the fans.

Although I am not an attorney, I had an off the record conversation with a lawyer after the story broke. What the lawyer pointed out to me in our conversation, is dependent on the statute of limitations; there could be a lot of new class-action suits against other clubs in the Association. If the Lakers sent Kobe Bryant home, the Celtics sent Kevin Garnett back to Boston, or the Heat sending LeBron back to South Beach, than fans who attended those games could take similar actions against those franchises. Once again, it is difficult to imagine, a judge ruling in favor of the squads, with Stern’s decision on the books.

So because of the Commissioner’s decision to fine San Antonio, for sending four starters home, rather than force them to play; could end up costing NBA teams, a lot of money. Most likely, that was not a scenario Stern thought of when he made his ruling.

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Most people in Greg Oden’s position; would be ready to start the next adventure of their lifetime journey; leaving thoughts of playing in the NBA in the rear-view mirror. Unless he threw his money away, or invested in bad business deals; his grandchildren’s children should be set for life. The former first round pick of the 2007 NBA Draft, though follows the philosophy of the legendary Barry White who sang “I’m never, ever gonna quit ’cause quittin’ just ain’t my schtick.”

The center that the Portland Trail Blazers took instead of forward Kevin Durant, is now an unrestricted Free Agent, taking this season and next summer off, as he recovers from his third micro-surgery procedure. The surgery he had last year was on his left knee, however he has also undergone the operation on his right knee as well. While the effort he has put into his many comeback attempts are admirable; his body has yet to handle the rigors of an 82-game campaign.

The former starter for Ohio State, is not ready to give up on his dream of having a career in the Association and a number of teams that would have interest in retaining his services, “ESPN.com” reported Thursday. Although the big man would not be ready to take to the hardwood this season; the report states that teams will try to sign him this season, to a multi-year pact. In a best-case scenario Oden would start to play at the opening of training camp in the fall.

The website’s sources state that reigning NBA Champions the Miami Heat, would love to come to terms to fill the void in the middle, allowing Chris Bosh to play his more natural power forward position. If Oden can remain healthy for a campaign, would give the Heat a dominant presence in the pivot position. One problem that could keep Oden and the Heat from completing a deal, could be the salary cap in the Association, as penalties for exceeding it become far more severe starting next season. The big man would most likely sign a deal at the veteran’s minimum; however that would still add to the Luxury Tax that the Heat would have to pay.

“You Can’t Teach Height,” has prolonged the careers of players, that if they had been a few inches shorter, most likely would never have played a minute in the NBA. Oden, does not fall into that category; as he is a gifted and talented young man. You have to admire him for keeping hope alive; however it is pretty tough to have much confidence of his ever reaching the potential he once possessed.

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For the third time this season, a team from the Association has had a shakeup at the head coaching position, as the “Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel” has reported that the Milwaukee Bucks and former bench boss Scott Skiles have agreed to a “mutual decision,” which resulted in Skiles leaving his position. The coach, was in the last year of his contract; his assistant Jim Boylan will take over the bench; ironically the man who replaced him in Chicago when the Bulls and Skiles parted company on Christmas Eve, 2007.

Bucks General Manager John Hammond, told reporters that they resolved the situation during a meeting between the G.M. and coach on Monday. The former NBA guard was in his fifth campaign with the club, leaving the squad this season with a record of 16-16 and an overall mark of 162-182. Milwaukee made it to the Post Season one time during his tenure, as the franchise finished his second season on the bench with a record of 46-36. Skiles wound up as runner-up to Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks as NBA Coach Of The Year, that season.

Rumors had surfaced that Skiles was unhappy in his position and that he could not stand his players; a scenario that Hammond stated had zero validity. The Bucks executive said “Scott and I met and we made this decision together. He did not hate this team. Scott and I were friends before we started working together and will be friends after this. This was a case of him to have to say ‘It’s not working for either of us,’ and that’s kind of the decision we made together. He didn’t walk away and say, ‘Boy, I’m glad that’s over.’ He was probably disappointed.”

Boylan is back into the position he inherited with the Bulls, trying to pick up the pieces after his former boss’ departure. He was not successful in his run with Chicago; as the team went 24-32 under his lead and released at the end of the campaign. Boylan and Hammond are hoping for a more successful run this go-round, which could lead to Boylan becoming the team’s bench boss for an extended contract.

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Regular readers of these pages; will clearly remember previously seeing the following phrase; The NBA Draft is an inexact science at best. Every year in late June; the NBA selects 30 young men in the first round of the draft; with the odds that they will still be playing in the Association five years later; stacked clearly against them. The reasons for their failures, can be that their skill-set doesn’t transfer to the pros; or perhaps a personality clash with management of the team that drafted them.

Former number one draft pick Greg Oden’s career is in limbo, as his body has yet to be strong enough to withstand the rigors of an 82-game schedule, without breaking down. It’s not the big man’s fault; he has tried his best to fulfill the potential seen in him when the Blazers chose him over Kevin Durant in 2007, however his body has yet to cooperate.

Although physical ailments and injuries, are far easier to detect; mental illness can be just as and sometimes more debilitating to an NBA player’s career. While some athletes inner-demons are self-inflicted; by abusing drugs, alcohol, or over-indulging to excess in some area; there are many whose brains work a bit differently, than what we refer to as “the norm”. Through no fault of their own; there are some whose issues are so overwhelming; that it stops their NBA career as effectively as a brick wall. It is starting to seem more and more likely; that could end up being the fate of Houston Rockets forward Royce White, as his issues overcoming anxiety problems, have landed him in deep, hot water.

The “Houston Chronicle,” reported Sunday that the Rockets have indefinitely suspended their first round selection from last June, ostensibly because he refused to go play for the club’s D-League franchise, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Houston General Manager Daryl Morey, released a statement explaining why the team suspended White indefinitely. Morley wrote “The Houston Rockets have suspended Royce White effective immediately for refusing to provide services as required by his Uniform Player Contract. We will continue to work with Royce to hopefully come to a resolution.”

The suspension is just the latest chapter, of how the Rockets, White and his agent Andrew Vye, have failed to agree on how to deal with the anxiety disorder, that has kept the forward from playing for the squad this season. At first it seemed as if the team and the forward were going to work their differences out. White has a fear of flying; so Houston provided an RV and paid drivers to take the rookie to out-of-town contests.

With that problem rectified, the 21-year-old former Iowa State player, he would leave the team in mid-November, allegedly because the Rockets refused to follow doctors suggestions that would provide the rookie with a safe and secure work-place. White took to his “Twitter” account on Sunday to explain his side of the story. He tweeted “Threat, Fines, Suspension won’t deter me. won’t accept illogical health decisions, I will keep asking for safety & health. Again the @HoustonRockets management has gone against what THEIR OWN docs have declared & their own words. Not refusing #DLeague I’m refusing to work, AT ALL, until a protocol is put in that ensures#safety. Doctors should make medical decisions.”

The paper also wrote that in an interview on Sirius/XM, White said that if he failed play in the Association, he would not be surprised. The way things have turned out so far, odds are pretty good that scenario could become a reality.

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Exactly, what motivates a player from the Association, to leave everything out on the floor for at least 82 games in the regular season and far more if their team advances deep into the Post Season? If you posed that question to ten different NBA players, most likely you would receive ten different responses in return. Some of those players, may not have given you their real answer; ashamed to admit it is fame and fortune that is their driving force. There are others who have such a love for the game; they don’t fully feel alive unless they are on the hardwood.

Over the years, we have witnessed men who have dedicated their career to someone special that they had lost; sometimes family or a very close friend. While some pushed by the desire to show his parents; that the faith they placed in him paid off. Some enter the Association, vowing to themselves that they will not be satisfied until they win an NBA Finals series. Still others get a buzz from winning, that they can not replicate in any other way.

Then there are players whose motivation for winning is that losing is simply unacceptable. The final outcome on the scoreboard at the end of 48 minutes of action, will determine whether they are in good spirits, or a foul mood until they play their next game. There has been some debate over the past few years; on whether a player should take losing graciously. The old bromide “A Good Loser, Is Still A Loser” rings true in the hearts and heads of many players in the Association.

The “Boston Globe” Thursday, reported that Boston Celtics All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo, revealed what was perhaps the worst kept secret in the NBA; that he doesn’t tolerate losing all that well. Rondo’s temper has landed the talented Celtics player in hot water many times during his career. Now in the midst of his seventh campaign; the point guard is averaging a double-double for the season as of Thursday night, scoring 13 points per contest, while dishing off 11.6 assists this season.

The Celtics however, have not played well as a unit so far in the current campaign; they will host the Indiana Pacers Friday night at the “New Garden” with a record of 14-17. Boston has dropped their last four straight contests, have gone 2-8 in their last 10 games and if the regular season ended today, they would not be in the Eastern Conference Playoff mix.

Rondo talked with reporters Thursday at team’s practice session, about what he believes is the cause behind Boston not playing up to the expectations that longtime observers had predicted before the start of the campaign. The point guard, inferred that some of the members of the roster were far more tolerant of losing than he is.

The point guard said “The frustrating part is just losing. I’m a sore loser. It’s tough to lose. Everybody isn’t. You’ll learn that everybody isn’t a sore loser. Some teams are OK with losing. Some guys are OK with just getting a check. But everything I do, I compete. So, this four-game losing streak is frustrating.”

When he was asked if  he directed his comments at anybody in particular on the club, he replied “I can only judge myself. That’s my New Year’s resolution. I don’t want to judge anybody this year. You go through adversity every season. It’s nothing to get too down about. It’s a long season. I’m staying positive. I haven’t lost faith or hope in this team. I still have high expectations. I know we will turn it around.”

Celtics bench boss Doc Rivers; who was always one of the most competitive players on the floor, during his days as a point guard in the NBA, told reporters that being less demonstrative does not mean a player is any less bitter about a loss. Rivers told reporters “You’ve still got to learn from losing and learn from winning at the same time. Clearly there are guys that are more emotional than others. That doesn’t mean the other guys don’t take it just as poorly.”

There will be many in the media that rip Rondo for his statements; however I am not a member of that camp. He refused calling out any of his teammates publicly; while airing his disdain on what he perceives the team’s mind-set is so far this year. He refused to get caught up in emotions, as he has throughout his time in the NBA, so that this time he did cause any dissent in the clubhouse.