Bleacher Report - Articles by Matt Martino

NBA: Dull Trade Deadline Means Dull Fantasy Impact

Matt Martino — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:50:22 -0500

The biggest name to be traded this year before the Feb. 19 deadline was Rafer Alston.

Who?

You know, Rafer Alston, the “Skip to my Lou” guy from the "And 1 Mixtape" videos.

Oh, yeah.

With no blockbuster trades this February, the Fantasy Basketball landscape remains mostly unscathed.

The only team that made any major renovations was the Sacramento Kings.

Sacramento unloaded Brad Miller and John Salmons to the Bulls in exchange for Andres Nocioni and Drew Gooden.

WINNERS

Francisco Garcia (Sac - SG, SF)

Without Salmons competing and taking the majority of the minutes at the three-spot for the Kings, Garcia has received (and will continue receiving) an increase in minutes.

Since the departure of Salmons, Garcia is not only playing more, but also playing more efficiently. In 38 minutes a game, he’s averaging 15.8 points (49.6 percent from the floor), 1.6 threes (47 percent), while tallying 1.6 steals.

Spencer Hawes (Sac – PF, C)

The Kings youth movement is in full effect. More importantly, Drew Gooden re-injured his groin in his first game for Sacramento, eliminating Spencer Hawes’ only real competition at the center spot.

Before Brad Miller was traded, Hawes had already accumulated a handful of starts because Miller was "injured."

Hawes has now started 11 consecutive games, averaging 11 points, 49 percent shooting from the field, eight rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.6 blocks a game.

Hawes is a skilled big man, and his 2.6 assists are a luxury at the center spot.

Furthermore, he’s hitting nearly one three a game since being rewarded with the starting gig.

Rafer Alston (Orl – PG)

The Orlando Magic have a plethora of offensive weapons and Alston comes in as the fourth option.

Playing alongside Hedo Turkoglu, Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard, expect Alston’s overall scoring numbers to decrease.

In the same token, Alston has all those players at his disposal and should average anywhere from six to eight assists (currently 6.3 per contest) for his new Orlando squad.

Furthermore, Orlando loves to launch the three with a league-leading 10.5 makes a game from behind the line.

Look for Alston to increase that mark, as he’ll get plenty of wide-open looks due to the attention Dwight Howard garners in the paint.

Skip has only played four games with his new team and his overall numbers are average at best: 10 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.3 steals.

His percentages, however, are dreadful with 33 percent from the floor and 20 percent from beyond the arc.

Expect Alston’s numbers to improve as he grows comfortable running Orlando’s offense.

LOSERS

John Salmons (Chi - SG, SF)

With Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, and Kirk Hinrich, Salmons is going to have a tough time finding his way into the rotation. Just three games in, it’s apparent that Salmons playing time will decrease dramatically.

With the Kings, he averaged 37 minutes a game. As a Bull, Salmons has only tallied 28 minutes per contest. Barring injury, Salmons is done receiving 30-plus minutes on a consistent basis.

Joakim Noah (Chi – PF, C)

Not that Noah was ever a real fantasy force, but now, with the arrival of Brad Miller, he’s pretty much useless.

Even worse, Noah was finally starting to break out as Chicago’s starting center. Now, his minutes will decrease as the Bulls begin to incorporate Brad Miller as the season progresses.

At best, Noah will share time with Miller. At worst, he may see 15-18 minutes a game.

Top 10 Basketball Scenes

Matt Martino — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:51:02 -0500

Technically, this list isn’t the “Funniest Moments in Sports.”

Instead, the following clips are the funniest staged sports moments, in particular: basketball.

Whether or not it’s intentional, there’s no physical comedy more hilarious than watching actors “act” as if they can play basketball.

Keep in mind some nominees were omitted due to language or because I simply couldn’t find them in YouTube’s archive.

Without further ado, the greatest top 10 list ever:

10. Fresh Prince

Will Smith is arguable the greatest high school basketball player ever to play on eight-and-a-half foot rims and a court that’s 40 feet long. Some guys excel in street ball, others in college, but no one has dominated a basketball setting like the Fresh Prince on a court built for second graders.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHgaRgZCZgk

9. Fresh Prince Part II

If you thought that was a fluke check out Will’s NBA skills on an eight-and-a-half foot rim.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woAnHUPQWMA

8. Air Bud

If there’s one thing Air Bud teaches us, it’s that there "aint no rule that say the dog can’t play basketball.”

Well said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckrwkJ38luI

7. Along Came Polly

“RAIN DANCE!”

Besides John C. Reilly, is there anyone who can match Phillip Seymour Hoffman’s ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles?

It must be a three names thing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8K2v2XFYg_Q

6. Cable Guy

I’ve always contested that this movie was ahead of its time.

When it came out in 1996, audience hadn’t quite adapted to uncomfortable comedy. Furthermore, the movie took that genre too far. This film comedy and perverseness is completely underrated.

Anyways, this is by far the movie’s most memorable scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0lbdPKl8hg

5. The L Word

Apparently, Los Angeles has a court in which only lesbians show up to play basketball and commentate on social stigmas associated with homosexuality.

Who knew?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2qeLqMpyuU

4. Blind Dating

I hate to laugh at a blind guy, but come on. Plus, I’m not the one who made this movie. Incredible that someone actually gave this project the green light.

Before researching clips for this article, I never heard of this film.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11Q3sVQ6IaY

3. Teen Wolf

Can you imagine being at an ordinary high school game and then this happens?

The initial shock of the bystanders seems realistic, but the tolerance this movie teaches is truly inspiring.

So, what if he turned into a Werewolf “aint no rule that say the Werewolf can’t play basketball.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMyuv3wkTJs

2. Teen Wolf Part II

I have to admit, I’d be a little upset as a teammate if my Werewolf homie refused to transform during the championship game.

“This is the ship, baby. We need you to be a Werewolf.”

I didn’t think it was possible but someone actually improved this clip by keeping Marty McFly’s stats: Classic YouTube.

Don’t mistake those plays as the same shots replayed, either, Marty’s game is just that consistent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmooog8fzb0

1. 3 Ninjas

This is by far the most intense two-on-two game between 10-year-olds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRO_6NPrFbc

Fantasy Basketball Midseason Awards

Matt Martino — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:56:34 -0500

We're about halfway through the NBA year. So let's look at some mid-season awards. Considering I wrote 1200 plus words for this piece I'm just going to cut and paste what I just wrote in order to cover the 300-character minimum required for a slideshow introduction. We're about halfway through the NBA year. So let's look at some mid-season awards. Considering I wrote 1200 plus words for this piece I'm just going to cut and paste what I just wrote in order to cover the 300-character minimum required for a slideshow introduction. We're about halfway through the NBA year. So let's look at some mid-season awards. Considering I wrote 1200 plus words for this piece I'm just going to cut and paste what I just wrote in order to cover the 300-character minimum required for a slideshow introduction. We're about halfway through the NBA year. So let's look at some mid-season awards. Considering I wrote 1200 plus words for this piece I'm just going to cut and paste what I just wrote in order to cover the 300-character minimum required for a slideshow introduction.

Begin Slideshow

2008: Year of the Eli Manning Face

Matt Martino — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:43:00 -0500

"I shoulda gotta haircut." 2008 was an enormous year for Eli Manning, his face, and his hair. Eli wasn't going to let his missed opportunity to get a haircut before the Giants Super Bowl Parade ruin his 2008. Determined to out-dork Michael Strahan, Eli attended the parade and graced several thousand onlookers with his patent glazed-over look. The Gay Pride Parade, however, was just the icing on what was a sweet (or "rad" as Eli likes to say) year. In 2008, Eli defeated his arch nemesis, Tom Brady, as the New York Giants upset the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. "I wish I could make my face look rad like Tom Brady," Eli said. "But all my facial expressions make me look heavily medicated or subtlety retarded. Oh well, it is what it is." The year has continued to go well for Eli and his teammates. This season the Giants end their 08' regular season campaign as the no. 1 seed in the NFC. Furthermore, Eli Manning has further established himself as an elite quarterback by throwing 21 touchdowns and shaving more often. Unfortunately, there were also some bumps in the road as Eli missed some haircut appointments while teammate and leading receiver, Plaxico Burress, was suspended for the rest of the year after accidently shooting himself. "Yo, it's hard out here for a gimp, isn't that what they say," Eli said, "Streets is real, son." Indeed, the streets are real, and the year of 2008 was a real ride for Eli and his paralyzed face. In one postseason, Eli went from being Peyton Manning’s funny-looking younger brother to Peyton Manning’s funny-looking brother with a Super Bowl Title. Oh, and don’t forget about the lucrative Double Stuf Oreo commercial spot that his playoff success garnered him. So let’s look back at Eli’s magical playoff run from this year.

Begin Slideshow

Fantasy Basketball: All-Breakout Team

Matt Martino — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:37:35 -0500

Devin Harris and Rajon Rondo are the leading vote-getters of this year’s annual Fantasy Basketball All-Breakout Team.

While Harris has New Jersey playing at a higher level than most anticipated, Rondo has upgraded the defending champion Boston Celtics’ core of the "Big Three" to the "Big Four." Both players have emerged from supporting roles to leading actors on both the NBA and fantasy stage.

So who else will join them on the 08-09 All Breakout Team?

Before we start let’s make clear the criteria: one has to go from role player to fantasy stud. Hence, players such as Danny Granger and Brandon Roy, despite vastly improving their fantasy games, won’t be on this list because they already established themselves as go-to-guys last season.

2008-2009 ALL-BREAKOUT TEAM

Nate Robinson (NY—PG, SG)

With D’Antoni’s offense in New York, the Knicks entire starting five (replacing Robinson for Quentin Richardson) should be named as the All-Breakout Team. Amongst the D’Antoni’s steroid-induced fantasy system, however, Robinson has the chance to improve his fantasy game the most.

Robinson has asserted himself as the No. 1 offensive option since his return from a hamstring injury, averaging 26 points while shooting 50 percent, 2 three-pointers, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal. His numbers should continue to improve which propelled him past Chris Duhon for the point guard spot on All-Breakout Team.

Jason Terry (DAL—PG, SG)

The Jet has been producing solid fantasy number for a while, but in his tenth NBA season, Terry is enjoying his greatest scoring average of his career at 21 points a game.

That mark is a six-point increase from last year. Terry is also averaging his usual 4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2 three-pointers. The spike in his scoring, however, can be credited to new head coach Rick Carlisle and new point guard Jason Kidd. The two have allowed Terry more touches in the open court.

Terry has emerged as the team's No. 2 option in the absence of Josh Howard, and the Mavs have thrived as a result. With Dallas more up-tempo system under Carlisle, there should be enough touches for Terry to continue his 20-point average, regardless of Howard's return.

John Salmons (SAC—SG, SF)

It’s simple: Salmon plays on an awful team. Someone has to score and make plays and Salmons is doing such, averaging 19 points, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 three.

But to his credit, Salmons isn’t just jacking up shots during garbage time, in fact his numbers are surprisingly efficient with 49 percent shooting from the floor and 80 percent from the free throw line.

Paul Millsap (UTAH—SF, PF, C)

As a starter, Millsap is averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, 57 percent shooting, 1.5 steals, and 1 block.

Thanks to those numbers, the Jazz haven’t missed a beat in the wake of Carlos Boozer’s extended hiatus. In the fantasy world, one could even argue that Millsap is an upgrade from Boozer, as he produces the defensive numbers (steals, blocks) that Booze has always lacked.

Once Boozer returns, obviously, Millsap’s number will decrease. But don’t expect his minutes to be back around 26. After his impressive performance as the starting power forward, Jerry Sloan will find a way to play this guy 30 minutes a game.

Nene Hilario (DEN—PF, C)

Nene has championed the starting center position as well as the human spirit with his incredible comeback from testicular cancer.

The native Brazilian is currently ranked sixth amongst Yahoo! Fantasy centers, averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.5 blocks, and shooting an astounding 61 percent from the floor. Many wondered who would fill the void down low with Marcus Camby's departure to Los A. Now, Camby is a distant memory, as the Nuggets are playing better than ever with Nene patrolling the paint.

NBA Fantasy: Buy Low, Add Now

Matt Martino — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:41:06 -0500

Despite being less than ideal, smart trades and creative pickups off the waiver wire can make up for a sub-par draft.

Here are some players you might be interested in acquiring if you feel your roster is mediocre or simply want to improve your squad over the long haul.

FREE AGENT/WAIVER MARKET

Brook Lopez (NJ – PF, C)
In a world were productive fantasy centers are hard to come by, it’s unfathomable how someone like Brook Lopez is available in 41 percent of Yahoo! Fantasy Leagues.

As a starter, the young center is averaging 13 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks while shooting 53 percent from the field and a un-center-like 80 percent from the free throw line.

Those numbers are strong enough to place him amongst the top 20 centers in the league. Regardless of Josh Boone’s return from an ankle injury, Lopez is a valuable center.

Rafer Alston (HOU – PG)
Need point guard stats (3PTM, AST, ST)? Then pick up the newly-dubbed fantasy legend, Skip-to-My-Lou.

In the last three games, his averages of 16 points, three three-pointers, six assists, and two steals have propelled him to the top 20 of fantasy players for that week. He won’t finish in the top 20, but last year when Yao Ming went down, Alston’s averages were almost identical to the aforementioned line.

With T-Mac out for at least three weeks, look for Alston’s fantasy numbers to remain amongst those of the elite point guards in the league. Like Lopez, he is still available in 41 percent of yahoo fantasy leagues.

Eric Gordon (LAC – SG)
HE’S AVAILABLE IN 64 PERCENT OF YAHOO! FANTASY LEAGUES!!!

What more can I say? Pick this guy up if you need threes and steals.

As a starter, the rookie is averaging 15 points, 2.5 three-pointers, and two steals. With the departure of Cuttino Mobley to the Knicks, Gordon should receive the majority of minutes at the two throughout the remainder of the season.

Russell Westbrook (OKC – PG)
Another rookie, but this one comes with a horrible field-goal percentage: 34 percent.

That woeful number has him available in 58 percent of Yahoo! Fantasy Leagues. But new Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks has inserted Westbrook into the starting lineup.

When Westbrook sees 30-plus minutes, his averages are 12 points, six assists, four rebounds, two steals, and four free throws. If his shooting percentage can catch up to his all-around game, then you’re looking at Rajon Rondo light.

BUY LOW

Andre Iguodala (PHI – SG, SF)
With the arrival of Elton Brand, the other AI's scoring average is down from 20 points to 14, while shooting only 42 percent from the field.

However Iguodala, is still grabbing six boards a game to go along with five assists. Even if his scoring average never returns to the proximity of 20, which is likely, those five assists make Iguodala a welcomed commodity if you’re looking to go small.

Furthermore, there’s no reason why he can’t increase his steals (1.5) to last year’s average of two.

With five assists and two steals per contest, Iguodala is like having a point guard with small forward eligibility. As the season progresses, his overall offensive efficiency should increase as he and Elton Brand become more comfortable with each other.

Peja Stojakovic (NO – SG, SF)
Peja Stojakovic is still the best shooter in the game, and if you’re in need for a high quantity of threes at a highly-efficient rate, then make a deal for this man. He’s just beginning to break out of an early-season shooting slump.

Stojakovic is averaging four (yes, four) threes a game in the last three contests, while converting at a 57 percent clip from behind the line. Trading for him now may lock up your three-point categories for the rest of the season.

Cuttino Mobley's Condition and New York Knicks' Rotation Still Unanswered

Matt Martino — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:56:22 -0500

Add another to the New York Knicks’ DNP list.

The more Cuttino Mobley continues to seek opinions on his heart condition, the more team officials doubt he will play again.

Mobley, Danilo Gallanari - and of course - Stephon Mabury, all stand to miss the remainder of the Knicks season.

Then there’s Eddy Curry who’s nursing a sore knee. Regardless of Curry’s return, the big man doesn’t fit in D’Antoni’s system and probably won’t crack the rotation.

Nate Robinson and Jared Jeffries, however, will return shortly, adding much needed depth to the roster.

With a starting lineup of Chris Duhon, Quentin Richardson, Wilson Chandler, Al Harrington, and David Lee; Jeffries, Robinson, and Tim Thomas will probably assume roles off the bench to round out D’Antoni’s eight-man rotation.

Considering D’Antoni’s propensity to run-and-gun, the team has assembled a solid and versatile group who fit nicely into his freewheeling system.

More importantly, D’Antoni seems to like his personnel:

"I love our guys, I love the way they responded," D’Antoni said after the Knicks historical 138-125 victory. "It just comes down to guys having some chemistry, having some heart, wanting to do it. And they will eventually come together."

Eventually being the key word. As much ado has transpired about LeBron James (even Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh) dawning ‘New York’ across his chest in 2010.

Nevertheless, the present isn’t as bleak as some suggest. In the Leastern conference, the Knicks still possess the talent to make the playoffs . . . in 2009.

NBA Rookies: Impact on Fantasy Hoops

Matt Martino — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:19:22 -0500

The 2008 NBA draft class is deeper than expected. That depth is affecting the fantasy world as well, and the likes of O.J. Mayo, Brook Lopez and Eric Gordon have produced surprising fantasy numbers.

STUDS

O.J. Mayo (MEM: PG, SG)
College basketball analysts around the country are enjoying a nice glass of O.J. crow right about now. Mayo is the best fantasy rookie thus far in the season. Furthermore, his abilities on defense has also made him the front-runner for NBA Rookie of the Year.

Mayo’s averages span the entire stat sheet: 21 points, 45 FG%, 90 FT%, 4.5 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two 3PTM.

Solid all-around numbers, and they should remain that way throughout the season, as Mayo plays 40 minutes a game thanks to a weak Grizzlies’ roster.

Derrick Rose (CHI: PG)
Rose is as advertised: strong, athletic, and great around the hoop.

In the month of November, the rookie point guard is averaging 19 points, six assists, and one steal.

Rose isn’t a three-point shooter (0.4 per game), which is critical for a point guard in fantasy basketball. What he lacks in range, however, he more than makes up for in field goal percentage: 49 percent.

Look for Rose’s number to stay about the same throughout the season, with perhaps a slight jump in steals, regardless of Kirk Hinrich’s return.

ON THE RISE

Greg Oden (POR: C, 2007 draft)
Oden produces the major stats one needs in a fantasy center—field-goal percentage, rebounds, and blocks.

When the big man sees at least 20 minutes his averages are 14 points, 52 FG%, 10 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. Unfortunately, Oden has played merely four games in which he has logged at least 20 minutes. Once he finds a way to stay on the court, those numbers should become more reliable.

Eric Gordon (LAC: SG)
Here are Gordon’s per-game averages as a starter—24.5 points, 53 FG%, four three-pointers, four steals, 1.5 blocks, and 3.5 assists.

Incredible numbers that will obviously taper off—unless Gordon is on pace for an MVP run. Furthermore, that sample is from just two games. Those starts, however, are a valid indication that this kid can play. More importantly, with Cuttino Mobley gone, this kid will play.

Brook Lopez (NJN: PF-C)
Lopez is becoming comfortable at the NBA level. In his last four games, the young center is averaging 16 points, 54 FG%, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks, with an un-big-man-like 73 percent from the stripe.

His numbers may dip when Josh Boone returns from injury. For some unfathomable reason, Nets coach Lawrence Frank insists on playing Boone 25 minutes a game. If Frank continues this madness, Lopez will obviously go back to splitting time with at the center spot.

Russell Westbrook (OKC: PG)
Westbrook has one glaring flaw—shooting (33 FG%, 0.4 3PTM).

Extremely bad stats, which match his extreme upside. During the last four games Westbrook has become Rondo Jr. with averages of 13 points, six assists, and a gaudy 3.3 steals.

Furthermore, new head coach Scott Brooks has made an effort to find Westbrook more time, while starting point guard Earl Watson has made no effort towards wanting to remain in the lineup.

Look for Westbrook’s field goal percentage and playing time to increase as he becomes more comfortable running the show for the young Thunder. If you can afford to acquire him and be patient, he is well worth the pickup for later on in your head-to-head fantasy league.

SERVICABLE

Marc Gasol (MEM: C)
Lone big man for the Grizzlies is averaging a steady 12 points, 58% FG, seven rebounds, and one block

Michael Beasley (MIA: SF, PF)
On a team with Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, and Udonis Haslem, there’s only so many shots and rebounds to go around.

Nonetheless, Beasley is averaging 15 points and five rebounds, while shooting 83 percent from the line.

Jimmy Patsos: Idiot Coach, Brilliant Philosopher

Matt Martino — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 09:47:18 -0500

Jimmy Patsos first displayed his mental prowess and Zen master abilities in a loss to Cornell in which he climbed into the stands in order to avoid receiving his second technical.

His ingenious game-time decisions were only surpassed by his display of intellectual and introspective prose:

"I really hadn't done anything in the first place to warrant the technical, and there was no warning. But instead of arguing, I just moved to the other side of the bench and had [assistant] Matt Kovarick call the plays."

"I didn't want to get tossed out. I had my hands up in the surrender position."

"I didn't want to hurt the school or the program, but at that point I really didn't know what to do."

"I've lost weight, feel better, and am happy to turn the other cheek."

His divine wisdom on and off the basketball court never seizes to amaze. Patsos has even been dubbed "Leonardo of Hardwood, Shakespeare of Post-game."

Tuesday’s game versus Davidson was no exception, as Patsos decided to double-team the nation’s leading scorer, Stephen Curry, wherever he was standing, regardless of whether Curry possessed the ball.

The brilliant strategy led to Davidson taking full advantage of their 4-on-3 power play en route to a 78-48 thumping of Loyola Maryland. At least that is what occurred to the untrained mind.

Patsos enlightened the naive media members with these nuggets of knowledge and thought provocation:

"I know the fans are mad at me, but I had to roll the dice as far as a coach goes. I'm not some rookie coach. I won a national title as a top assistant coach to Gary Williams. For 13 years I spent on Tobacco Road. I coached a couple of No. 1 picks in the draft. And we scored 48 points. That's the problem that Loyola basketball had today."

"Our goal is to win. We weren't going to win with Curry scoring 35 and making nine assists. Those nine assists are at least 18 more points—that's 53 points. That's a pretty big number."

"We had to play against an NBA player tonight. Anybody else ever hold him scoreless? I'm a history major. They're going to remember that we held him scoreless or we lost by 30?"

We held him scoreless, or we lost by 30—that is the question.

The Knicks Don't Care About Mobley's Heart Condition

Matt Martino — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 07:43:03 -0500

Why would the New York Knicks care about Cuttino Mobley’s heart condition?

The move was strictly for salary cap issues, not because the Knicks are planning to build a championship team around Mobley and Tim Thomas.

I keep reading that the longer the Knicks study Cuttino Mobley's heart condition, the more likely it is they will void the deal and send him and Tim Thomas back to the Clippers.

Really, so the Knicks are willing to take back the $17 million owed to Zach Randolph in the summer of 2010 because Mobley (a player they will dispose of anyway) has a bad heart. I don’t think so.

Sorry Clippers fans, you’re receiving, eventually, Zach Randolph and his bloated salary.

The delay is a result of Donnie Walsh trying to finagle a lottery pick from the Clippers in light of Mobley’s condition.

Did Stephon Marbury 'Do the Right Thing'

Matt Martino — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 11:31:35 -0500

In Spike Lee’s film "Do the Right Thing," characters such as Mookie, Sal, Radio Raheem, and Buggin’ Out all have valid perspectives. The riot at the end isn’t solely the product of conflicting views, but rather the inability to compromise leads to the destructive climax.

New York is once again the backdrop of two conflicting forces. Like Radio Raheem’s contrasting four-fingered rings of "LOVE" and "HATE," Stephon Marbury and Mike D’Antoni have assumed the part of foil to each other in the new Stargate drama.

Despite claims by both player and coach that the Knicks organization and Marbury are moving in separate directions, the two paths collided on Friday when Steph refused to play for a depleted Knicks roster.

According to Mike D’Antoni:

"When the trades went down this afternoon, I said: 'Look Steph, one of the principals are gone, Jamal Crawford. There’s 30-35 minutes out there, and they’re yours if you want them. Are you ready to go?'" D’Antoni said Marbury replied that he "wasn’t comfortable with the situation, and he did not want to play."

"So at that point," D’Antoni said, "I go, 'O.K., that’s your decision, and that’s fine.' That’s it."

Marbury’s version of the story is different:

"He said Stephon, 'I got 20 to 25 minutes,'' Marbury said. "I never said, 'No, I’m not going to play.' That never came out my mouth. I said, 'You told me y’all were going in another direction, and you were moving forward.'"

Regardless, Marbury didn’t play. I’m assuming D’Antoni interpreted 'You told me y’all were going in another direction' comment as 'I don’t want to play.'

So, speculating that Marbury refused to play (which remains foggy), was his act of defiance right or wrong.

In past seasons with Isiah directing the show, Steph’s character would instantly be labeled, and rightfully so, as a pariah. In a strange turn of events, however, D’Antoni has amazingly transformed Marbury into a sympathetic figure.

General Manager Donnie Walsh and D’Antoni continue to hawk Marbury’s skills and conditioning to potential buyers, yet he’s so talented he can’t crack the active roster list?

In an interview with John Thompson during Inside the NBA, D’Antoni stated, "My vision of the team is on a different track... Steph is the type of player who you give the team-or a big part of the team-or nothing and it wasn’t fair to give him spot minutes."

Oh, I get it: he’s too good to be in the rotation. Thankfully, the always honest Charles Barkley called him on his 'bullshhh,' almost slipping a curse on live television: classic Chuck.

Gregg Doyel attests that the longer this buyout situation remains at a stalemate, the more 'D'Antoni looks like a bully.'

So who’s right?

Should Marbury accept less than what the Knicks organization originally promised him or do D’Antoni and Walsh have the authority to ostracize a disgruntled employ.

Did Mookie do the right thing when he threw a trash can through Sal’s window? Did Marbury do the right thing by refusing to play Friday night?

The closing chapter of Spike Lee’s movie involves Mookie demanding his weekly pay early from Sal while they argue in front of the burnt down pizzeria. The two tentatively reconcile as the movie closes ambiguously.

Perhaps the Knicks and Marbury can reach a compromise so the current New York drama ends conclusively. Hopefully, both forces reconcile soon.

New York Knicks Trade Zach Randolph; Clear More Cap Space

Matt Martino — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:58:01 -0500

Friday was the brightest day for New York basketball and Madison Square Garden since the Knicks participated in the 2000 NBA Finals.

It wasn’t because the Knicks scored a huge victory verse the Celtics or Lakers. It wasn’t because they improved their roster. No, the trading of their two top scorers, Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford, has definitely left the roster even more diluted.

Nevertheless, by unloading two cumbersome salaries, New York may be the frontrunner in the much-anticipated 2010 LeBron James sweepstakes.

The Knicks have now rid themselves of Crawford and Randolph, two players with contracts that run through 2010-11 in exchange for Golden State’s Al Harrington and Clippers' Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas. All of whom have deals expiring next season.

More importantly, the new Donnie Walsh regime has proven to be patient with a plan for the future. Something that was painfully absent during Isiah’s tenure in which losing was remedy by more spending, resulting in more salary cap inflexibility, which lead to more losing—a vicious cycle similar to that of the Bush Administration’s economic policy.

NEW ACQUISTIONS

Harrington: Without doubt, the more balanced of the two trades was swapping Jamal Crawford for Al Harrington. Not necessarily because Harrington is a better player than Crawford, but because the Knicks accomplish two goals in the deal: they clear cap space for the future as well as acquire a big man who is better suited for Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun system than that of Randolph and David Lee.

Donnie Walsh’s has always admired Harrington’s game and versatility:

"I drafted Al back in 1998 and I think his talents are a great fit for our style of play," Walsh told the NY Daily News. "This trade also gives us more long-term flexibility while enabling us to remain competitive this season."

Thomas and Mobley: Unlike the Harrington deal, the Clipper acquisitions serve the sole purpose of clearing cap space. Zach Randolph was enjoying an extremely productive season, averaging 20.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and even draining the occasional three.

Trading Randolph for two players who are uninspired and past their prime (Mobley is unhappy with the trade as well) will definitely cost the Knicks wins this season. The cost is minimal, however, when accounting the 17 plus million dollars off the books this trade produces in 2010.

OVERVIEW
Knicks Get:
F Al Harrington
F Tim Thomas
G Cuttino Mobley

Trade:
F Zach Randolph
G Jamal Crawford
G Mardy Collins

RELATED NEWS
New York’s cost cutting is not limited to just basketball transactions.

Apparently, Mike D’Antoni’s mustache will be next to go as the head coach will grow a full beard in order to avoid buying new Power Fusion Replacement Cartridges.

"Those things are like 28 dollars for an eight-pack," D’Antoni texted me.

The Knicks stand to save an estimated $364.

Knicks Acquire Harrington for Crawford; and the winner is. . .

Matt Martino — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:27:37 -0500

The New York Knicks have officially traded Jamal Crawford in a straight-up deal for Golden State’s Al Harrington.

According to the New York Post, the move is in effort to clear salary space for 2010 (the chic GM move of the season).

"Donnie (Walsh's) plan is pretty clear that in a couple of years we'll be under the cap," Mike D'Antoni said. "Everything we do will lead us to the possibility of being under the cap in two years. Then I'll deal with making sure the team is competitive. We're not going to compromise our future because we might take a half-step."

IMPLICATIONS

New York: The deal creates cap space, obviously, but how will Al Harrington fit into D’Antoni’s system. Harrington is the prototypical D’Antoni big man with his ability to run, dribble, and shoot 3’s. So what becomes of Wilson Chandler?

D’Antoni has raved all year long about the development of his second year player, even comparing Chandler to Shawn Marion. Since Chandler insertion as the starting power forward, he has averaged 15 points on 52 percent shooting to along with five rebounds, one steal, and a three.

The likely scenario is for the star in bloom to shift down to the three for a starting lineup of Chris Duhon, Quentin Richardson, Chandler, Harrington, and Zack Randolph.

Perhaps, Harrington comes off the bench for the Knicks. In that case, who starts at the two-guard: Nate Robinson or, could it be, Stephon Marbury. Has the whole Starbury saga been a ploy to showcase Crawford in hopes of moving him so that the Knicks can make room for Marbury and acquire a needed piece to their roster, all while saving cap space. Donnie Walsh is a genius, reign in the new Marbury-D’Antoni era..I don’t think so.

Golden State: This is a great move for the Warriors. They get rid of Harrington–a malcontent and a player out of rotation for Jamal Crawford–for someone who will flourish as the point guard they desperately need while Monta Ellis is out. When Ellis returns, this trade gives Don Nelson the flexibility to insert him back to his natural position, two guard, while Crawford continues to manage the point.

True, Crawford is far from a true point guard, but as Stephen Jackson has proven, you don’t need to be a true point in order to run Nellie ball. One simply must be an adequate passer (check) while still being a scoring/shooting threat (double check). Furthermore, at 6-foot-5, Crawford has the ability to defend opposing shooting guards, allowing Ellis the luxury to defend smaller point guards.

Winner: Push

Golden State vastly improves their roster while the Knicks make an initial step towards clearing cap space while adding a player who should fit nicely into D’Antoni’s new system.

MORE TRADES

There are also rumors about the New York Knicks dumping Zach Randolph’s salary on the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas’ expiring contracts.

If Donnie Walsh is successful in trading Randolph, the Knicks could potentially be around $57 million dollars under the cap in 2010–assuming they decline to resign David Lee and Nate Robinson.

LeBron James dawning "New York" across his chest in 2010–the Knicks (and seemingly ever other franchise) keep the dream alive.