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NBA Loud - by Travis

I’d like to post about the previously finished NBA Draft. A lot of trades were completed/proposed making this years draft exciting and noteworthy. In this first post I will be going through the top five picks and thereafter with updates and all you need to know up to the minute stats and transactions.

Let’s get this post draft analysis going with the first overall pick for the Chicago Bulls DERRICK ROSE. Rose out of Memphis has a solid NBA body and can take the punishment as a player in the paint. He will mold himself into whatever type of player his team needs him to be as evident by the video below. He is one of the most ready-type players to enter the league. A truly solid addition to any team, kind of makes me think of the miss of Jay Williams. In which whom the Bulls took as the savior type PG years ago before he had his motorcycle accident stifling his promising career. With this pick Chicago puts themselves back into contention for a playoff spot in the East.

This video shows how Rose can affect the game as he will become a solid NBA-PG.

# 2

Undoubtedly the Miami Heat selected MICHAEL BEASLEY out of Kansas State. This PF needs no introduction to basketball fans as his huge wingspan makes up for any negativity about his height at the four spot. One of the perfect teams for Beasley to go to, I think his character issues would only become apparent if he were to have to battle with a solid proven veteran for his starting spot. He will be going in battling Udonis Haslem who has seen his stock drop as he needs to create more of his own offence. The heat I am sure are not finished in tweaking their team for the 08/09 season. Marion though will alleviate any concerns of the rookie being overmatched down-low as he is almost like an extra PF out there sometimes with his rebounding efforts and hustle in trying to make the right plays.

# 3

Minnesota at the third spot went with OJ MAYO, who I have seen and been hearing about for a good number of years. Mayo will be a solid two as at 6’4” 200lbs he is limited in selected positions, but this guy is just a born scorer and if he ends up in Grizz-town, look for him to team up with Rudy Gay as Mike Miller was moved with Memphis making the choice to let him go after he admittedly carried the Grizzlies last season at times. In return Minnesota looks to get #5 Kevin Love. I am in love with this deal as the T-Wolves send Antoine Walker also to MEM. Minnesota gets the scoring they desperately need and character guys, to build around. I know what fans may be thinking and no this isn’t the second coming of Wally World, Mike Miller is a gamer playing all three spots from 1-3 for the Grizz and did whatever was asked, as he became a versatile and proven scorer, unlike streaky Szczerbiak.

# 4

Russell Westbrook a surprise at number four as the top three had virtually been decided weeks beforehand. Westbrook though an unexpected pick is an explosive guard that will do well in this league especially when Seattle gets all the parts and can continuously run up and down with Durant and Green. The Sonics clearly want a guard that can break down the D and get up and down the court at breakneck speeds. They have found that guy with Westbrook. People want to compare him to NBA champion Rajon Rondo and maybe Monta Ellis, he is long and skinny and extremely athletic, time will tell if he can make the right passes for a long career with Durant by his side.

# 5

Care of NBADraft.net

Memphis picks Kevin Love at the number five spot and in turn will be sending him to Minnesota in the deal outlined in the third pick paragraph. Love is solid, not an athlete like the Grizz love at the four spot, but the T-Wolves just need ballers in which Kevin is for sure. Down-low he will be helped by Al Jefferson for sure on defense. Also he will have a great passer in Mike Miller to get the ball to him in good spots. I like Kevin Love on a solid team a rebuilding team he may flourish or sink as he’ll need to create his own offence and may struggle with the speed of the NBA at first.

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The Year of the Head Coach

May 3rd 2008 20:01

This season/postseason has seen some of the most prominent head coaching drama I have ever witnessed during my years as a basketball fan. We may have more head coaches changing teams than players this offseason. Regardless, it should turn out to be an interesting flow of events.

A few weeks back, Isiah Thomas was booted as the Knicks' head coach, and rather violently too if you ask me. It was expected, but the drama surrounding it wasn't. He was kept in the organization as a personal adviser (with no authority) and is banned from having ANY contact with the Knicks' players. Couldn't really get anymore embarrassing, could it? We've been hearing whispers about Marc Jackson taking over the vacant coaching job, but there hasn't been much to report on that front.

We've also got Don Nelson, who's taking his sweet time deciding whether or not he wants to remain as Golden State's head coach. This really shouldn't be a story... a coach should take a few days to decide this stuff, but Nelson wants a month or two to decide. Golden State doesn't want to lose him, so for now, they are abiding by Nellie's "rules". Dallas is also going after Nellie, but I guess he wants them to wait on him as well, which they probably won't do. Did I mention that Nellie's son is the GM and President of the Mavs? Small world, isn't it?

Why is Dallas interested in Don Nelson? Because they fired former Coach of the Year, Avery Johnson. He got them to the Finals a few years ago and that didn't go too well. He got them 67 regular season wins the next season and was dropped in the first round by Nellie's Warriors. This past season, they got the seventh seed in the playoffs and got handled by the Hornets. I agreed with this firing. I don't know how good Avery is as a coach because he's been blessed with a solid team his entire career. He may be a good coach, maybe even great, but one thing I do know is that he is being out coached in the playoffs. They shouldn't have lost to GS last season and they should have put up more of a fight this season. Maybe he can go to Chi-town or the Knicks... I hear they're hiring.

Former Indiana coach Rick Carlisle seems to be the top candidate for the Dallas job. He's already completed one interview and word on the street is that he's going in for a second. I guess we'll see if he can do something with this Dallas squad. Maybe they just need a change of scenery and someone new to call the shots. He has a decent resume, so I think he'll excel if given a solid roster to work with.

Cuban is also interested in Phoenix head coach Mike D'antoni. D'antoni is expected to be relieved of his duty as Phoenix's bench boss, but we've heard nothing confirming this. Phoenix has been a top team in the West for the past four seasons but have failed to make anything happen during that time. Management probably isn't too happy because their Hall of Fame PG and big man are getting old, which will leave Amare all alone in the upcoming years.

In addition to the major things, a few other teams have made coaching changes/decisions. Pat Riley of the Miami Heat resigned as head coach and gave the job to former assistant coach Erik Spoelstra. Chicago got rid of Scott Skiles and then he went running to the Bucks organization and is now their new head coach. Larry Brown took over the head job in Charlotte, which is a decision I did not agree with. Its been a big postseason thus far for many reasons; can't wait to see how the rest of the year unfolds.

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Posted By: Travis - Category: Team News, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns

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Jason Kidd Traded to the Dallas Mavericks.

February 14th 2008 01:09

First, it was Pau Gasol, then Shaq, and now it’s Jason Kidd who is

Jason Kidd returns to Dallas with intent. (Photo by Ray Amati/NBAE via Getty Images)

heading to new digs – and to a Western Conference powerhouse no less. According to league sources, Kidd will now head back to the Dallas Mavericks, his original NBA home when he first turned pro.

Mark Cuban, who has been apparently been mulling a trade for Kidd in recent weeks, finally pulled the trigger, sacrificing some of his young guns for immediate success. Dallas will have to give up Devin Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, Devean George, DaSagna Diop, Maurice Ager and $3 million to New Jersey. Needless, to say the Mavs are giving up a lot in order to chase a championship in an increasingly talented conference.

Is J-Kidd worth it? In a word; yes. Kidd, who turns 35 next month is arguably playing some of the best basketball of his career and is determined to gain a championship, come hell or high water.

Although, the Nets are giving up a hall of fame player, they’re also winners in this deal because they gain a good young player in Harris, freeing up cap space, while also obtaining draft picks as well.

The return of the prodigal son to Dallas completes a full circle career in which Kidd left the Mavs in less than savoury circumstances. Kidd, along with Jimmy Jackson and Jamal Mashburn were supposed to become a new triple threat that would dominate the NBA in the 90s, but petty jealousies on and off the court put an end to the ‘Triple Js’.

It has been reported that Mavs owner, Mark Cuban was hesitant to bring in Kidd but had his hand forced when the Lakers and Suns made blockbuster trades becoming, Western Conference leading lights.

Dallas also gains a tough floor general that is able to marshal the players together in achieving their championship aspirations – something that had been lacking in their recent playoff exploits.

If the west wasn’t exciting before, now that Kidd is now in Dallas, the playoffs will become a feast for basketball lovers the world over.

Today's video is of Jason Kidd doing what he does best; kicking ass.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Dallas Mavericks

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When Our NBA Heroes Turn Out to Be Jerks.

January 14th 2008 11:44

It’s been a long day at the Australian Open for this writer, and the

Dirk didn't disappoint this young fan. (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

exhaustion being felt at this moment is incomprehensible. However, NBALOUD got to witness Serena Williams strut her stuff, Justine Henin and her beautiful tennis strokes, and the great British hope, Andy Murray make an ignominious exit from one of the major tournaments for tennis. All in all, it was a great day.

However, this space is reserved for basketball and that is what you shall get. Although this writer is typing with half closed eyes, the dedication that NBALOUD has for you dear readers is without peer.

We’ve all had people that we have worshipped from afar, wondering what they would be like if our paths would cross sometime in the future. In envisioning a meeting with said hero, we inevitably put forward a golden hue because, hey, they’re our heroes. They won’t disappoint.

Sadly, sometimes we’re better off not meeting the people we admire because they inevitably disappoint. It’s hard to fathom but the famous are also people, with all too human foibles. You do get the hero who exceeds our expectations, but you also get the jerks.

Players in the NBA also have people they admire, with Dirk Nowitzki being no exception.

Anyone who has ever watched the Punk’d episode where Dirk Digger was the one copping egg on his face would have seen a gracious and accommodating guy. The general consensus of those who have encountered the Big Sauerkraut is that he is a down to earth cat, with a sharp wit.

Today’s video is of a European documentary that pits two totally different, yet successful, individuals in their own fields for a night of dinner and discussion. So, what does this doco have to do with hero-worship? Well, Dirk had always idolised Scottie Pippen, but upon meeting the legendary Chicago Bull had a changed his view about the man. Watch the clip for Dirk’s description of Pip because it is priceless, whilst pulling no punches.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: All Stars, Dallas Mavericks

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Mark Cuban: A True NBA Maverick.

October 14th 2007 06:47

Would anyone like to venture a guess as who is the most compelling figure in the NBA? Kobe Bryant? LeBron James? Yao Ming? Or is it even disgraced referee, Tim Donaghy? Er, how about none of the above!

The most interesting person in the Association isn’t even a player, but rather an owner. Ah! The light above everyone’s head is now flickering…’Mark Cuban!’ Gee, you readers of this space are smart.

Yes, believe it or not, Mark Cuban is indeed the most entertaining member of the NBA family because he is opinionated, funny and most importantly, passionate. David Stern and those in the NBA ivory tower might have nothing but disdain for the Dallas Mavericks owner, most of the public love Cuban.

So, how did the class smartass enter the rarefied air of NBA ownership? Making his money as internet billionaire would be the short answer. However, Cuban’s journey is far more interesting than the destination.

Allow NBALOUD to wax lyrical at how the class clown became an NBA phenomenon.

Cuban’s story is the fairytale rags to riches American story that people the world over have become so fond of. What separates Mark from the rest of those snooty billionaires is that he a free thinker, that isn’t afraid to voice his opinions.

After finishing off university, Cuban moved to Dallas where a variety of jobs ensued, first as a bartender, then later on as salesperson for Your Business Software. About a year into the job he was fired for not opening the store on time, but it was also via this position where he

Mark Cuban doing what he does best - talking. (Image from wikipedia)

would make valuable contacts in the computer business.

Mark’s entrepreneurial spirit came to the fore when he started his own software company with the support of his former clients. Eventually selling his baby for $6 million in the early 90s.

In 1995, Cuban, along with an old college friend would start Broadcast.com which became the leading provider of multimedia and streaming internet in the mid-to-late 90s. Broadcast.com was eventually sold to Yahoo! in 1999 for a cool $5.9 billion.

Mark Cuban the internet maverick would eventually take over the Dallas Mavericks, becoming an original NBA maverick along the way.

Basketball had always been a passion for Mark, even as a child when he earned money selling garbage bags to pay for basketball kicks, the game was always in his life. Broadcast.com began due to his love of college hoops, so it is not too far of a stretch to suggest that basketball maketh the man.

On the 14th of January, 2000, Mark Cuban brought up the Dallas Mavericks, who were at the time, the perennial laughing stock of the league. The Mavs were about as successful in basketball as Charlie Brown was kicking a football whilst, Lucy was holding.

Immediately, Cuban changed the culture and ultimately, the fortunes of the team. Before the arrival of Mark, Dallas was a destination that all NBA players avoided like the plague. No, decent baller in his right mind would want to play for such a dire ball club.

Nowadays? Dallas is a destination coveted by most players! Cuban not only created a winning culture, but he made basketball fun for fans and players once again in Dallas. He also endeared himself to the Mavs faithful by sitting with fans, rather than in the owners box or worse yet, not even attending games.

Although, Cuban has been the model NBA owner and fan, the league head honchos do like to fine him. In fact, Mark is easily the most fined owner in NBA history for his critical statements of some of the going-ons in the league. With each fine, Cuban has stated that he matches the amount in charitable donations. So, it has been a windfall for charities that Mark Cuban is on the NBA scene.

Perhaps his most famous run-in with the NBA was when he criticised an official stating that he wouldn’t even be able to manage a Dairy Queen, let alone the NBA. Dairy Queen took offence, and as an act of contrition, Mark Cuban spent a day behind the counter of a Dairy Queen in Texas. In the words of Salt-n-Pepa: ‘What a man!”

Today’s video is of the Mavs owner with television maverick, David Letterman.

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Posted By: Stanley - Category: Team News, Dallas Mavericks

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Dirk Nowitzki will Reportedly be Named as the MVP.

May 12th 2007 06:32

Dirk Nowitzki will reportedly receive the MVP award this season after leading the Dallas Mavericks to a wonderful 67 win regular season. But let’s be quiet about the postseason shall we, shhhhh.

The formal naming of Nowitzki should happen on Tuesday American time but the announcement is still pending. However, this choice should be a mere formality, making Dirk Diggler the first European born player to win the accolade, while also making history by not attending either a US high school or college in receiving his basketball education – something no other prior MVP has ever done.

MVP candidates are usually announced around the beginning of the second round of the playoffs but the league apparently has given more time in naming Dirk as the big cheese for this season to give some space between the announcement, and the shock defeat his team suffered in the first round. But shhhhh.

Nowitzki also joins Moses Malone and Wes Unseld to win the MVP and not win a playoff series in the season they gained the award. However, if history is any indication when Malone achieved that ‘feat’ he eventually got his championship ring and being a MVP, playoff loser was erased from the memory banks of the naysayers. Wes on the other hand was just

Dirk Nowitzki flying high for German skies. Whatever that means. (Photo by Terrence Vaccaro/NBAE via Getty Images)

a rookie when he won his MVP award.

Although, the disappointment of losing (shhhhh!) in the opening round of the postseason after a brilliant individual and team orientated season let’s not lose perspective on how great the Big Sauerkraut was for Dallas averaging 24.6 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.4 assists. His impressive numbers don’t end here though, on the contrary, because he was the only player to average at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from beyond the arc, and 90 percent from the free throw line. Those are mightily impressive numbers in anyone’s language.

When contacted by ESPN.com about the possibility he had snared the MVP Dirk’s hurt was still palpable in his response: “Nobody's told me anything. You [media] guys have been talking about it for a while, so let's see what happens… [But] it's hard to even think about that stuff right now. Everything [from the Golden State series] is still pretty fresh. It's been some tough days since we lost…I thought this was such an incredible year,” Nowitzki said. “We won 67 games and then to lose in the first round, it just feels so empty right now.” (Stein, ESPN.com, 2007)

Critics have been scathing towards the big man from Germania stating he choked big time during the Warriors (shh…ah forget about it!) series and stating that he isn’t a primetime player when it counts the most. Ah, hate to burst the bubbles of the haters but it was only a season ago when he led his Mavs to the Finals, during that time he dominated the Spurs in a vital game 7 on the road and dropped 50 points in a contest defining performance. So, let’s not give him the label of ‘Deep Throat’ just yet.

Congrats Dirk, NBALOUD still loves you.

Today’s video is of course of Dirk Nowitzki showing how much he desires the NBA Championship trophy. Don’t understand what NBALOUD is getting at? Check the clip out because it is actually quite funny and strangely tragically sad.