Before the Knicks/Celtics game on Friday, we were talking in the office about two-time Coach of the Year Doc Rivers and the job he’s been able to do on the bench. For years, we’ve been discussing Doc’s knack for drawing up plays off the cuff – that oftentimes get the Celtics the W – and his ability to manage superstars.

From Ray Allen’s game-winning three against the Sixers on February 3, to Ray’s attempt to win in it in overtime against the Lakers on Thursday, Doc seems to know a thing or two about how to draw them up. So with only two questions to ask him after they beat the Knicks, you knew what was on my mind. Listen to what Doc had to say… Read More »

In every issue of Dime, we get up with NBA players to have them break down their go-to moves for our readers. The following Baller’s Blueprint with Caron Butler is pulled from the current jam-packed issue of the magazine, on newsstands now.

Caron Butler

My Money Move: The Step-Back J

“My money move is always, you know, my isolation out by the logo. Jab-step, pull-up J. That’s what I go to all the time. Read More »

Remember Ed O’Bannon? The McDonald’s High School All-American, who led UCLA to an NCAA title (30 points and 17 rebounds in that game) and was the ninth pick in the 1995 draft? Well although his NBA career never panned out, O’Bannon is still keeping on, nowadays as a promotions manager for Findlay, a family-owned collection of car dealerships in Henderson, Nev. Read More »

I’ll be the first to tell you that my job is very exciting. I have the opportunity to meet NBA players and work with them on a regular basis. This past Friday I had the chance to actually hit the club with one of the biggest NBA personalities in the history of Dr. Naismith’s great game. Read More »

Welcome to the All Star fantasy week. What does that mean? Teams either play two games or one game. Minnesota, New Jersey, Orlando, and Utah all play one game but there are plenty of players on those squads who should be in your lineup. It’s a short week but for those head to head leagues, it still represents a win or a loss just like every other week. Here we go with what you need to know going into week 16.

Al Jefferson - Al Jefferson used the word “pop” when describing his knee injury. That’s either real or a scared ball player talking. Fantasy owners should be holding their breath. Obviously Kevin Love should be owned in every single league and if Jefferson’s knee injury was serious, Love, Gomes, and even Craig Smith should end up with more value. Stay tuned. Read More »

Even though the Warriors are down in the dumps right now, there’s nothing stopping them from dreaming big. According to the Golden State superblogger Tim Kawakami, the Warriors are extremely motivated to make a move before the February 19th trade deadline. And they’ve got two names at the very top of their list: Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh.

Doesn’t seem like they’re the No. 1 option for Stoudemire, who would be tough for the Warriors to get unless Phoenix really wants Andris Biedrins or Monta Ellis and is OK with a deal that does NOT include salary-cap relief. Read More »

Next up in the bidding for Shawn Marion and his $17.1 million contract that expires at the end of this season appears to be Tyson Chandler. While Hornets GM Jeff Bower declined Sunday to say who they could have an interest in obtaining before the trade deadline, he did say he has made a number of phone calls and has received several inquires from around the league.

But despite Chandler’s underwhelming production so far this season, the move appears more to do with money than talent, as the Hornets fear they might not be able to re-sign him when he becomes a free agent after the 2009-10 season. Read More »

Generally speaking, local broadcasters aren’t the most impartial guys. So what do you make of the FSN Wolves immediately declaring that David West is a “dirty player” after he whapped Mike Miller in the back of the head? This was definitely a dirty play, but is there a pattern of that behavior? The example that the FSN Wolves guys cite is the hysterical clip of Michael Cooper talking about pimp-slapping Dirk in last year’s playoffs down below… You be the judge.

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Sorry all you Nuggets, Pistons, Rockets and Magic fans, but when it comes to likely NBA Finals previews, Lakers/Cavs (which would get monster ratings) and Celtics/Spurs (which, um, probably wouldn’t) are as realistic as it’s gonna get. In Cleveland yesterday, LeBron and Kobe were again jointly unspectacular in their head-to-head; LeBron put up 16 points, eight boards and 12 assists, shooting 5-for-20 from the field, while Kobe had 19 points on 8-for-17 shooting, but he at least had the asterisk that he was battling the flu — reportedly throwing up in the locker room and getting IV fluids at halftime. The only real highlight between them was Kobe’s fadeaway J over LeBron late in the fourth quarter that damn near scraped Larry Nance‘s jersey that hangs from the Quicken Loans Arena rafters … Why can’t we get that amazing (or at least satisfying) Kobe/LeBron Clint Eastwood-style shootout? No idea. Sometimes it’s just a style mismatch; you remember how everyone was pumped for Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya to fight each other, but when they finally got in the ring, it was kind of a letdown. For whatever reason, Kobe and LBJ — at least in the time since everyone decided they were the undisputed two best players in the world — haven’t delivered that one truly memorable matchup, a la LeBron/Pierce or Kobe/Arenas … Read More »

Ramon Sessions, Ramon Sessions, Ramon Sessions. I mentioned when Redd and Rid went down that Sessions was about to have a field day but 44 and 12??? Wow. If it weren’t for Al Jefferson’s nutty night of 36 and 22, and Dirk’s 44, 9 boards and 3 blocks, Sessions would have been the clear cut MVP of the night. He’ll have to share it with Dirk and Al though. A couple quick hits for your Sunday. Charlie Villanueva - The Bucks have no other option so it’s all about Charlie V’s commitment. If it’s there you get nights like this – 33 points, 7 boards, 4 dimes. Start him on the regular until he lets you down.

J.J. Barea – Jason Terry broke his finger and is going to be sidelined for a little while. J.J. Should immediately jump in as the team’s 6th man spark (20 and 6 last night) but keep an eye on Matt Carroll. The did trade for him for a reason right? Read More »