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NBA Talk: Plans Change In Detroit With Villanueva and Gordon Added

We all remember the heartbreaking move for Detroit when they sent Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets while Detroit brought in Allen Iverson. It wasn't good for the Pistons as they got destroyed in the playoffs. Then here they are with Iverson gone and Rasheed Wallace aging a bit. And Richard "Rip" Hamilton can't do everything by himself. How can Detroit survive? I'll tell you why. With two standout adds of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, the Pistons look like a viperous team coming into the 2009-10 season as they look to strangle their opponents. And another good thing is that they haven't reached 30 yet, as they are both in there mid-20s, which is acceptable for this offense. Bringing in Gordon really helps out Rip and Rodney Stuckey being the "sixth man" of the group. Gordon makes a monumental difference towards the squad. It'll look like the "good ol'...

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Boston Celtics, Charlie Villanueva, Chauncey Billups, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Jason Maxiell, Julian Wright, Kwame Brown, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamlilton, Rodney Stuckey, San Antonio Spurs, Tayshaun Prince, Tyson Chandler

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Big NBA News: Feat. Josh Childress (Iverson Going for Memphis?)

Hello, and welcome to another edition of Big NBA News. We got some good stuff in for us today so let's go. These are some pretty big rumors and I really do think these are the ones you definitely don't want to miss! Mike Bibby Atlanta Hawks point guard was given some rumors that he may go to Philadelphia to play for the Sixers. But Sixers fans, you might want to stop cheering and put your hands down. The Sixers aren't interested in Bibby, according to the Inquirer. But heck, it would be real nice for Philly to get him. But as for right now, he's chilling in Atlanta. He is also looking to bring the Hawks to the playoffs again and hopefully passing the second round and not getting killed by the Cleveland Cavaliers. My bad, Atlanta. Sorry for bringing back bad memories. Ricky Rubio Jeez Ricky! I really...

Read more  |  2 Comments  |  Tags: Allen Iverson, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Brandon Bass, Hedo Turkoglu, Indiana Pacers, Jake Voskuhl, Josh Childress, Maceo Boston, Memphis Grizzlies, Mike Bibby, Mikki Moore, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, O.J. Mayo, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Richard Jefferson, Ricky Rubio, Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors

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Strickland: Sheed Would Fit in Great With the Big Three, Chances of Wallace Coming Strong

Danny, Coach Doc Rivers, managing partner Wyc Grousbeck along with KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce were in the meeting with Strickland, Rasheed and his wife Fatima. Without question the Celtics increased their chances of obtaining Rasheed by making this trip. The effort put forth by the Celtics impressed Rasheed, Fatima and Strickland.The fact that Rasheed has never played on a team with the likes of KG, Paul and Ray works in favor of the Celtics.Fatima and Rasheed will make this decision together. She is very important in this process. Civil activities are very important to her. Ray Allen, because of his work with juvenile diabetes, was able to connect with her on this matter.The way Doc handled the three egos of the big three has not gone unnoticed by Rasheed. Doc is well respected by players throughout the NBA.Despite his reputation in Boston Rasheed is an unselfish teammate and...

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Bill Strickland, Boston Celtics, Fatima Wallace, Gary Tanguay, NBA, Rasheed Wallace

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Strickland: Sheed Would Fit in Great With the Big Three, Chances of Wallace Coming Strong

Danny, Coach Doc Rivers, managing partner Wyc Grousbeck along with KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce were in the meeting with Strickland, Rasheed and his wife Fatima. Without question the Celtics increased their chances of obtaining Rasheed by making this trip. The effort put forth by the Celtics impressed Rasheed, Fatima and Strickland.The fact that Rasheed has never played on a team with the likes of KG, Paul and Ray works in favor of the Celtics.Fatima and Rasheed will make this decision together. She is very important in this process. Civil activities are very important to her. Ray Allen, because of his work with juvenile diabetes, was able to connect with her on this matter.The way Doc handled the three egos of the big three has not gone unnoticed by Rasheed. Doc is well respected by players throughout the NBA.Despite his reputation in Boston Rasheed is an unselfish teammate and...

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Bill Strickland, Boston Celtics, Fatima Wallace, Gary Tanguay, NBA, Rasheed Wallace

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Yup, Danny Ainge is a Genius

Marbury feels (short) Celtics days are done.Bill Strickland, Sheed's agent, on the contract offer.I used to hate -- no, DESPISE -- Danny Ainge. After his deal which sent the then-admirable Antonie Walker packing, to then only sign Brian Scalabrine, it was clear to me that this guy was just not a fit for the Celtics.Then came the 2006-07 season, a year where the Celtics not only had shameful results, but left a humiliating mark on both their legendary name and Boston's fans. And just when I thought both Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers were "outta here," a meeting was arranged between Celtics star Paul Pierce, and Danny Ainge himself. Pierce told Ainge that "he wanted to be a Celtic for life," but if the C's didn't find veteran help for him that offseason, he'd prefer leaving Beantown and heading to a contender.Little did he know that Mr. Ainge expected a...

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Al Jefferson, Antoine Walker, Bill Walker, Boston Celtics, Brian Scalabrine, Danny Ainge, Delonte West, Eddie House, Glen Davis, James Posey, Justin Reed, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Lester Hudson, Mikki Moore, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, NBA Draft, Orlando Magic, Paul Pierce, PJ Brown, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, Scot Pollard, Seattle SuperSonics, Stephon Marbury, Tony Allen

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Say It Ain't So: Is The "R" Word In Store For The Bulls?

All signs point to it. The Chicago Bulls have been stockpiling young, cheap players the past couple seasons. They have several expiring contracts on the roster and have yet to move them. The front office drafted two power forwards, which likely spells the end of Tyrus Thomas' tenure as a Bull. The team is comprised mostly of recent draft picks (7 players have three years or less experience entering the upcoming season). The front office has used made thinly veiled references to it, mentioning the "process" and "learning curve" that will require patience and time. Most recently, we let our top scorer from last year walk. Yep, the signs all lead to one thing. The Chicago Bulls are rebuilding. I know, the R word is a dirty, vile, horrible label to put on a team, and this team isn't completely hopeless just yet. The front office could still pull...

Read more  |  5 Comments  |  Tags: Ben Gordon, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Chris Bosh, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, Elton Brand, James Harden, Jeff Green, Joakim Noah, Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett, Kirk Hinrich, Luol Deng, Miami Heat, Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, Oklahoma City Thunder, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Richard Jefferson, Russell Westbrook, Toronto Raptors, Tyrus Thomas

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C's Offering, Waiting on Sheed

The Herald reports about today's meeting: A league source confirmed this morning that the Celtics were trying to set up a meeting with Rasheed Wallace later today. The sit-down was said to be part of a series of meetings being set up with all of the teams interested in signing the free agent power forward/center. San Antonio and Cleveland -- which introduced Shaquille O'Neal as its latest addition today -- were also supposed to meet with Wallace today.According to the source, the Celtics are willing to offer the full $5.8 million mid-level exception, but were only planning on offering the 35-year-old a two-year contract.Wallace's friend, Kevin Garnett, has been part of the recruiting effort, but he is not expected to be part of today's meeting. The Globe reports that the offer has been proposed to Wallace:An NBA source said that the Celtics offered Pistons free agent F/C Rasheed Wallace a...

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Boston Celtics, Danny Ainge, free agency, free agent, Kevin Garnett, Mid Level Exception, MLE, NBA, offer, Rasheed Wallace, Ron Artest

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One More Thing -- Hoopsvine.com Interview with Jay Bilas

Before I leave you for the Fourth of July celebration weekend, I wanted to make sure that everybody checks out the Hoops Vine interview with Jay Bilas about the NBA Draft. The Hoops Vine brand name has been around for a while but the new and improved Hoops Vine social basketball network is a growing entity powered by the genius and hard work of Lang Greene. Lang is a friend of Talkhoops and has even let me be so kind as to let me answer a mailbag for his readers (last April). Lang is a really smart basketball mind and great at covering the sport and furthering the discussion. I highly recommend this interview with Jay Bilas and Hoops Vine in general. It should definitely be a part of your daily internet rounds. Lang: I wanted to get your thoughts on the draft. What were your initial feelings when the...

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: 2009 NBA Draft, Hoops Vine, Jay Bilas, NBA

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NBA Outsider: Memphis Grizzlies Draft Follow Up

3 Shades of Blue tells how this years draft picks are not super stars but certainly upgrades.WHEN THE DRAFT GIVES YOU LEMONS..... The Memphis Grizzlies exercised all three of the picks with which they entered the 2009 NBA draft-nos. 2, 27, and 36, selecting Hasheem Thabeet, Demarre Carroll, and Sam Young. Sure, when the year 2020 comes around, the potential for this year's draft crop to be viewed as one of the best ever is pretty low-but as the title states, the draft might give you lemons...and sometimes the lemonade takes a bit longer to make and isn't quite as good as Grandma's on a 90-degree day, but it should still be pretty tasty. What Michael Heisley has stated many times is that he wants to field a more defensive-oriented team (a philosophy with which I heartily agree), and this draft bears his mark in bold ink. Thabeet, Carroll, and...Read more

Read more  |  1 Comment  |  Tags: Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, NBA Draft, NBA Outsider

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NBA Rumor Mill: T-Mac Trade Talks Heat Up, Rondo Stays in Boston & Kidd Wants Greener Pastures

The past week in the NBA showed us more moves than Michael Jackson, who we mourn the passing of. Richard Jefferson to the Spurs, Vinsanity to the Magic and Shaq Daddy to the Cavs can only mean one thing, more excitement for us next season. The NBA Draft had plenty of shocking moments and drama. So while you speculate on how the New York Knicks will get Ricky Rubio from Minnesota, check out the latest rumors around the NBA.T-Mac Getting Plenty of SuitorsAs a Houston Rockets fan, I kept waiting for the ball to drop last night on a trade involving Tracy McGrady. It didn't happen. Amare Stoudemire was rumored to be heading to Houston but that talk was dismissed when it became clear Amare's new destination is likely to be in Golden State. That doesn't mean teams don't want McGrady, or should I say they want his expiring contract...Read more

Read more  |  2 Comments  |  Tags: Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Jason Kidd, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady

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NBA Rumor Mill: Celtics Shopping Rondo & Allen, Rasheed a Cav & Bosh Wants Out of Toronto

Maybe we're getting ahead of ourselves but it certainly appears that the Orlando Magic are out of their element in the NBA Finals. Yes, it was only one game but what a thorough dismantling it was. MVN Outsider, on the other hand, is right in its element when it comes to talking hoops, and we have some hot rumors this week. So get your postgame speech ready. We're dropping rumors like dimes from Chris Paul. Allen & Rondo Being Shopped By Celtics? It looks like the reign of the Big Three in Beantown may be coming to an end. That's what SI.com is saying anyway. Ray Allen's contract expires next season and the Celtics look to be trying to invigorate their roster with some youth, not exactly what Allen provides the team right now. The Celtics may be worried that Allen's age is catching up to him, a thought that...Read more

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Boston Celtics, Chris Bosh, Cleveland Cavaliers, LeBron James, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Toronto Raptors

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NBA Rumor Mill: Kidd Headed to Miami, Hating on Eddie House & Hornets May Have to Dump Players

The NBA Playoffs have taken a more physical turn and we've seen our share of suspensions. While you learn the rule differences between a Flagrant 1 and 2 Foul, we are muscling up down low to give you the best and latest bunch of rumors in the NBA, and we won't even throw an elbow at you for reading. Bonus.The Heat Might Be On for Jason KiddThe Miami Heat made a dramatic turnaround this season but are still missing a key ingredient, a solid point guard. They may be looking for that in Jason Kidd, says the Miami Herald.  The floor general will be a free agent this summer. The future Hall of Famer is still hunting for the elusive championship and has played with Dwyane Wade in the Olympics before, so the learning curve wouldn't be as great if Kidd headed to South Beach. Miami will also be looking...Read more

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Boston Celtics, Chris Paul, Dallas Mavericks, David West, Dwyane Wade, Eddie House, Jason Kidd, Miami Heat

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Five Questions: Discussing Bulls-Celtics with Dabullz.com

Chicago may have pulled off an upset over the defending champs in game one of their first-round series, but the Celtics bounced back in the next two meetings and recaptured control of the series, 2-1.  Now, the Bulls and Celtics meet Sunday afternoon for a key game four matchup.  To talk about where this series has gone and where it could be heading, we recently sat down with Andrew of Dabullz.com for the latest installment in NBA Outsider's "Five Questions" series: 1. Coming into the series, what were you expecting to see from the Bulls? Which aspects of the series have met your expectations, and which have surprised you? Coming into the series, I was expecting to see a tough Bulls team that would defend their home court, and push the Celtics to seven games. I thought Derrick Rose would have one big game, and Ben Gordon would have two...Read more

Read more  |  3 Comments  |  Tags: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, NBA, NBA Playoffs

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NBA Crystal Ball: For Celtics, the Big Three's Best Days Are Done

Let me start this piece by saying I hope that I am wrong. I really do. But as I watched the Boston Celtics lose Game 1 of their playoff series in overtime today to the Chicago Bulls, I saw a glimpse of the future. We all know that Derrick Rose was going to be a beast at some point in the league, but nobody knew he was capable of such a great beginning to start his playoff career. As great as he was, I couldn't shake myself from watching the Boston Celtics and how they were reacting to playing without Kevin Garnett. If you're a Boston fan like me, you should be afraid. Very afraid. Last season was one reserved for storybooks and basketball films with Gene Hackman as the head coach. Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett were united in a union that brought the NBA back to...Read more

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Boston Celtics, Kevin Garnett, NBA, NBA Playoffs, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen

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NBA Great Debates: Which First Round Playoff Series is the Most Intriguing?

NBA Outsider's Joe Boikess and Adam Sweeney debate the issue: Of the eight playoff series set to get underway in the National Basketball Association, which is must-see TV?Joe Boikess can't wait to watch the Spurs and Mavericks square off:This is my favorite time of year, and not only because of the arriving warm weather or the approaching end of the school year. It's NBA Playoffs time, and this year's batch of first round matchups, especially in the Western Conference, is shaping up to be the best ever.Basketball junkies have more than a few intriguing series to pay attention to. In the East, the best looking series would have to be the Hawks taking on the Heat in the always-tough-to-predict 4/5 matchup. But aside from that, Cavaliers-Pistons, Celtics-Bulls and Magic-76ers should all be entertaining as well.The real TNT-style drama is going on out West. The top-seeded Lakers get to see...Read more

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NBA Rumor Mill: Garnett isn't Out, D'Antoni Promises Roster Changes and Amare Knocks Porter

The regular season is over and a slate of fantastic first round match-ups are ready to get started. But while you're watching fourteen teams do their best to prevent the inevitable Lakers-Celtics match-up, we've got out ears to the street in an attempt to find the latest buzz around the league. So put on a headband and your best throwback jersey. It's time to give you the latest rumors in the NBA.Garnett isn't Out for the Playoffs?Doc Rivers announced that Boston Celtics forward is for all intents and purposes out of the playoffs. His strained popliteus tendon, which forced him to miss 25 games in the regular season, just isn't improving the way the Celtics had hoped. But is KG really done? SI.com went hunting to find a second, third, fourth and fifth opinion of NBA trainers. The verdict? Garnett may not be done for the season. In fact, all...Read more

Read more  |  Discuss  |  Tags: Amare Stoudemire, Boston Celtics, David Lee, Doc Rivers, Kevin Garnett, Mike D'Antoni, Nate Robinson, NBA Playoffs, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns

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