| 17 February 2009
This is a pretty intriguing trade and I think it's a huge sign of things to come in this economic shit storm.
This was a deal about money, first and foremost. In a small market like New Orleans, it's tough to keep high-priced players on a team that isn't a guaranteed winner. This is a team that was going to be well over the luxury tax over the next two seasons, which is not something that a team in a struggling economy can survive by paying. A lot of teams will be broken with paying out the luxury tax, instead of sharing the dollars that the overspenders give back to the league. Over the length of Tyson Chandler's deal (two more years, almost $25 million), the Hornets would have probably paid around $35 million because of the luxury tax. Now, they will have some financial flexibility that can either help them acquire a better player or keep them from hemorrhaging money.
Does this keep them from competing this season? I don't think so. I think they will go as far as the trio of Chris Paul, David West, and Peja Stojakovic can carry them. By acquiring two front court players for one oft-injured front court player, the Hornets are actually deeper in the paint, which has been a problem all season. If Tyson Chandler was proficient in catching alley-oops from Chris Paul, Chris Wilcox can do the same. Joe Smith gives them a veteran presence that keeps them from having to play Hilton Armstrong and Melvin Ely so much. That's a very good thing.
For OKC, it's a great move. Chandler may not be a very valuable player with his injuries but he fills a role that this team desperately needed. He can block shots from the weak side (sometimes) and he can rebound (when healthy). With a smart off-season from Sam Presti, this team could easily battle for a playoff spot next season.
Overall, it's a win-win.
Tracy McGrady Out for the Year
Rockets fans were semi-clamoring for a Vince Carter for Tracy McGrady rumor to come through and it would have been a terrible decision. Vince Carter has a deal that runs through the next three years for about $50 million. If the Rockets acquired him, they would be completely cap-strapped in a time when they could easily be under the cap once McGrady's deal expires in the summer of 2010.
With T-Mac shutting it down for the rest of the season and opting for micro-fracture surgery, it provides closure to that rumor. It saves the Rockets from tricking themselves into thinking that they can compete this season because they can't. They don't have a well-rounded team. They still have Rafer Alston as their best point guard. Ron Artest's crazy ass is still jacking up shots to a tune of sub-40%. Now, the Rockets can absolutely create a plan for being a player in the 2010 free agent market and bring in a true, healthy number one guy to put next to Yao Ming. With proper planning, they can afford to bring in two top players in the 2010 free agent class to put next to their giant center. I think that realization just gave the city of Houston an erection.
So when Rockets fans start complaining about T-Mac's problems this year and how it cost them a title shot (it didn't), just realize that it gives them a chance to build a dynasty for 2010 and beyond.
Patience, Clutch City. Patience.
Let's Recap All of the Games from Last Night
By Zach Harper
There
seems to be some happy sentiment towards the covering of every game in
a brief recap. So we'll stick with that for now. Here are the games
from last night:
Indiana Pacers 100, Philadelphia 76ers in Indianapolis-
This was a matter of shooting efficiency (Pacers) outplaying and smothering a team (Philly) that usually tries to get out and run. The Pacers had six guys in double figures, shot 49% from the field, and survived 19 team turnovers that resulted in 28 points for the 76ers. Danny Granger set the pace with 20 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks. Roy Hibbert chipped in 14 points in just 20 minutes and the backcourt combo of Jarret Jack and T.J. Ford totaled 26 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds.
Orlando Magic 107, Charlotte Bobcats 102 OT in Orlando-
Remember when the Magic were wondering if they should take Dwight Howard over Emeka Okafor? Me neither. Dwight Howard dominated for 45 points, 19 rebounds and blocked eight shots to completely dwarf Emeka's 14-point, nine-rebound effort. The Bobcats took advantage of next to nothing for production from the Orlando backcourt and kept Hedo and Rashard Lewis to a combined 8-27 shooting. J.J. Redick tied the game at 95 late in the fourth quarter to help force overtime and the Bobcats only managed three made baskets in overtime.
Washington Wizards 111, Minnesota Timberwolves 103 in D.C.-
The Wolves are really trying to put up a fight with Al Jefferson sidelined until next season but they couldn't outlast the Wizards without any help from their bench. They only received 19 points from their bench, shot 40% as a team, and couldn't stop Antawn Jamison from dominating the weak frontcourt. Jamison scored 29 points on 10-17 shooting and led the Wizards to a 50% night from the field. After the Wolves fought back in the third quarter to erase an early double-digit deficit, they gave up a 35-point fourth quarter because their starters and key players were absolutely gassed.
Milwaukee Bucks 92, Detroit Pistons 86 in Detroit-
Richard Jefferson dropped 29 points and the Bucks consistently got to the free throw line to keep the Pistons on their losing streak and extended it to four games in a row. The Bucks survived a 40% shooting night by getting the to charity stripe 12 more times than the Pistons. Ramon Sessions dominated Rodney Stuckey and eventually fouled him out. He scored 17 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out seven assists and made it to the free throw line eight times. Stuckey made just one of six shots and scored only three points. Antonio McDyess and Richard Hamilton combined for 46 points but were the only consistent offensive forces for the Pistons on a night in which possessions were few and far between.
New York Knicks 112, San Antonio Spurs 107 OT in New York-
Somebody needs to stop Nate Robinson before I have to begin to respect him as a productive NBA player. Nate scored 18 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter and overtime and completely took the game over to give the Knicks a huge win over the Spurs. Tim Duncan gave San Antonio 26 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists but couldn't stop from turning the ball over (seven times). Tony Parker struggled mightily with 15 missed shots and couldn't stop Nate Robinson or Chris Duhon whenever the Spurs needed someone to. Chris Duhon added 17 points and eight assists for New York.
New Orleans Hornets 100, Oklahoma City Thunder 98 in OKC-
Kevin Durant picked up where he left off during All-Star Weekend but it wasn't enough to get the big win over the Hornets. Durant scored 47 points on just 27 shots and torched everybody that Nola threw at him. But David West countered with 37 points and 13 rebounds to help the Hornets rack up their 13th road victory of the season. Chris Paul had 21 points and eight assists and kept Russell Westbrook from having a good enough game to give Durant a solid weapon on his side other than Jeff Green's 24 points. Other than Green and Durant, the rest of the Thunder shot just 11-40 from the field.
Houston Rockets 114, New Jersey Nets 88 in Houston-
With news that Tracy McGrady could first be shipped to New Jersey before opting for micro-fracture surgery to end his season, the Rockets ignored all of the outside issues and dominated the Nets. Four Rockets scored 18 points or more and Houston survived Vince Carter's 30 points and Brook Lopez's 21-point effort. Devin Harris scored just 10 points and the Nets combined to shoot just 40% from the field. Houston destroyed the Nets on the boards with a 56-30 rebounding average with a 16-2 offensive rebounding edge. The Rockets also made 15 of their 29 three-point attempts.
Phoenix Suns 140, Los Angeles Clippers 100 in Phoenix-
Terry Porter out. Alvin Gentry in. Slow it down, defensive-minded basketball out. Run'n'Gun in. Ben York's depression out (for now). Ben York's Carlton Dance in. The Suns finally had some fun on a basketball court and scored 81 points in the first half as they ran the Clippers off the court. Live it up, Phoenix. You deserved it. More on Zach Randolph in a minute.
Utah Jazz 117, Memphis Grizzlies 99 in Salt Lake City-
Memphis put up a great fight in the first half against the Jazz and overcame a double-digit deficit as they tried to start off the second half of the season in a positive manner. But they couldn't get the Jazz to falter at all in the second half of the game and Utah won their 22nd game in 28 attempts. The Jazz were led by Deron Williams' 20-point, 15-assist performance and Utah made 32 of their 33 free throws. The Grizzlies committed 19 turnovers, which resulted in 26 points with many of those mistakes happening in the decisive second half.
Los Angeles Lakers 96, Atlanta Hawks 83 in Los Angeles-
The Lakers completely dominated the Hawks and only an 11-point fourth quarter made the final score look more respectable than the game dictated. The Lakers had a 67-39 rebounding edge and held the Hawks to 36% shooting from the field. Only three players on Atlanta scored in double figures and managed just 15 assists for the entire game as a team. Pau Gasol had a triple double, L.A. had six guys in double figures, and Lamar Odom's 15-point, 20-rebound performance was far too much for the Hawks to handle. 
Denver Nuggets (36-17) at Philadelphia 76ers (27-25) 4:00pm PST League Pass
By Brandon Gallawa
We know what the Nuggets have and mostly what they can do. They have a winning record on the road, but they've done most of their damage at home. Chauncey Billups has reinvigorated the city and his teammates. Carmelo Anthony is playing team basketball for the first time since he picked up a basketball. They could be the most dangerous team in the West. They could also fail miserably.
The Sixers are also a team with a lot of question marks. Elton Brand has a season-ending injury, but they have managed to go 14-9 without him. Andre Iguodala appeared to be choking under the pressure of his new contract in the early part of the season. With Brand out, Iguodala has gotten more touches and seems to have his game back on track. Mo Cheeks was fired because of the slow start, and soon-to-not-be-interim head coach Tony DiLeo has led the Sixers back into the playoff hunt. No one is sure if they can keep this up and make some noise in the playoffs, but it does feel good to see a team winning because of a Brand injury.
The Nuggets won the last match-up in Denver back on December 27. They secured the lead with 9 seconds left in the game and ended up winning 105-101. That game was played without Carmelo Anthony, so this could be a much different game with a similar result. With the way the Sixers have played of late and the game in Philadelphia, it could also go the other way. Just like everything else with these two teams, it can be very difficult to predict which way it will go.
Key Match-Up: Chauncey Billups versus Andre Miller
Both the match-ups at the point and the small forward are intriguing in tonight's game, but we'll focus more on the point guard position. Billups has been the key to the Nuggets' success and has been the leader that the Nuggets have never had. He actually has his lowest field goal percentage in ten years, but he is also taking more shots than he ever has and controls the offense more often than not. Andre Miller has quietly put together a fantastic season and is one of the main reasons the Sixers have stayed afloat. He is averaging 15.8 points, 6.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. Miller has also shot the ball very well and is the biggest veteran influence on his club. The last time these two teams faced off Billups and Miller were the guys to watch, and it should be no different tonight.
Prediction: The Sixers are coming off a tough loss in Indy. They should come out much stronger tonight.
How about you get caught up in some final All-Star Weekend thoughts ?
By Adam Sweeney
The NBA floated to Hype Heaven this past weekend with the NBA All-Star festivities, and there was plenty worth highlighting ... not to mention what was in need of being erased with White-Out. The Association hasn't perfected the weekend but they are at least getting more creative with the events. And Chris Tucker is getting more inventive with his calorie intake. Washed-up comedians aside, here are a few thoughts about the weekend that had us seeing stars ... and Michael Rappaport.
We're not going to say that the Slam Dunk Contest was scripted, but WWE Chairman Vince McMahon was seen giving Nate Robinson notes. Thank goodness Nate didn't come out in a Lucha Libre mask. The NBA. Where midget wrestling happens. Keeping with the discussion of Lil' Man Nate, Dwight Howard deserves props for serving as a prop in Robinson's contest winning dunk. If only Howard had rolled Nate into a kryptonite ball and dunked him, our respect for Superman would have soared to a new height. In reality, the final two rounds of dunks were extremely entertaining, and Dwight Howard keeps moving up the list of most entertaining and gracious players we have seen. One more thing. If Pau Gasol wakes up with a horse head next to him, he can send his regards to Rudy Fernandez. Dirk Diggler blew any chance Fernandez had of going on to the final round ... as if Stern was going to allow it anyway.
The All-Star Celebrity Game is a joke. We all know it is. For the love of God, David Stern, this wasn't MTV Rock N' Jock repeat of 1993, so why did I keep expecting Jonathan Taylor Thomas to pop in any second? Either fork over a little bit of cash and get some A-Listers or abolish the game altogether. And I don't mean former ballers that are attached to an iron lung now. 'Nique, sorry broseph, but we are looking at you.
Congrats to Geico for awarding the Horse contest winner, Kevin Durant, with a trophy stolen from my little sister's shelf. There is also something wrong with an NBA level game of Horse when the winner is decided by who can hit long range jumpers. And I don't mean full court shots a la Kevin Love. I am talking a simple baseline three-pointer. O.J. Mayo hit the side of the backboard! Either get creative or just show us the old McDonalds commercial with MJ and Bird. It is much more entertaining.
We will only acknowledge the Shooting Stars and Skills Challenge with a yawn. Be thankful, NBA. We gave even less than that in our text messages to friends. Not to diss the energy displayed by the players in the Skills Challenge, but we saw Dick Bavetta race past Derrick Rose to the basket. Just saying.
By Zach Harper
"I'd hate to see that many guys go" -- Tim Duncan on the trade rumor of the Spurs acquiring Vince Carter for Roger Mason, Bruce Bowen, George Hill, and Fabricio Oberto.
This would be a completely asinine deal for the Spurs to do. I understand their need to add another weapon and big name player but for a team with huge depth problems already, trading four for one just to acquire a big name player would be a terrible decision. The guys at Project Spurs would also probably start punching children out of complete rage.
Top 3 of the Night
1. Dwight Howard - 45 pts, 19 rebs, 8 blks, 16-23 fg, 13-18 ft
Isn't Emeka Okafor supposed to be a good defensive presence inside? Didn't this team trade for Nazr Mohammed last season and DeSagana Diop this year? That ends up being three decent defenders inside at worst and they gave up 45 points and 19 rebounds to Dwight? That man is on a mission.
2. Kevin Durant - 47 pts, 3 rebs, 2 asts, 16-27 fg, 4-6 3fg, 11-13 ft
He's in a groove right now and there isn't anything can do to stop it. It's like someone trying to calm down their bi-polar girlfriend. Just have to ride it out and pray that someone doesn't get their feelings hurt.
3. Lamar Odom - 15 pts, 20 rebs, 5 asts, 2 stls, 2 blks
I don't really believe that he'll keep this up but if Lamar Odom can sustain this play in the playoffs, the Lakers will absolutely win the title this year. And if this happens, it will send Clippers' fans into an even bigger depression than there already was.
Bottom 3 of the Night
1. Zach Randolph - Ejected for throwing a punch.
Zach Randolph is a wuss. You're going to try to be tough Louis Amundson when he's on the ground? And then sucker punch him? Luckily, Louis is a civil human being that doesn't run out of things to say, which leads to punches thrown. Otherwise, I'm sure the ponytail would've whooped, Zach's fat ass.
2. Tony Parker - 14 pts, 7 asts, 5-20 fg
Tony, you're playing the Knicks! How can you not score easily? How do you shoot 5-20? You would think you'd make more baskets by accident.
3. Andre Miller - 6 pts, 6 asts, 2-10 fg
As "hard" as it is to score on T.J. Ford, Andre Miller is far too veteran to have a game like this.
Here are the Top Blog Posts from yesterday.
1. From Hoops Doctors-
Nextology of Michael Jordan, Pt 3 - Penny Hardaway
2. From Ben's Suns Blog-
If Steve Nash Doesn't Fit Your System, Then Your System Sucks
3. From Joe Loud Mouth-
Who's the biggest jerk in basketball?
4. A Stern Warning
What kind of coach is Alvin Gentry?
Two things in place of an Ask a Blogger piece that I forgot to prepare:
1. Here's some video of Zach Randolph acting like a coward and trying to be tough with a guy on the ground.
2. Trade Deadline Live Blog on Celtics 17, Thursday at 12pm EST
Thanks for reading today's Eight-Second Violation. Any comments, criticisms, or words of praise can be emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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