Josh Smith is spoiling me rotten. Watching Hawks/Blazers last night and seeing Smith throw down at least two dunks that would normally make me (at least) sit up on the couch and make a “something stinks” face, I found myself not doing anything.

Smith is so good above the rim, he dunks so hard and makes it look so easy, that it’s getting tough to even be that impressed by his dunks anymore unless he’s dunking right on somebody. Read More »

Whether you’re afraid or enticed by THIS, reserve your place as part of the largest crowd ever to witness a basketball game when an additional round of tickets go on sale today, Nov. 17, at 11:00 AM EST (10 a.m. CT) for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game in Dallas. Read More »

As this edition of Smack is being written, ESPN’s 24-hour marathon of college hoops is underway. Writing about basketball in the middle of the night while live basketball is showing on TV with no end in sight for hours? This is the life … Are the Hawks really this good? When we ranked Atlanta 5th yesterday on Dime’s weekly NBA Hit List — maybe the highest we’d ever had them ranked, at least in the last 2-3 years — the response was surprisingly strong that Joe Johnson and Josh Smith and crew should have been in the top three, maybe even holding the No. 1 spot. True, the Hawks had won four straight going into Monday’s schedule, but they’ve always been one of those Zab Judah/Asafa Powell-type teams: Read More »

Who would win in a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather?

After Manny Pacquiao knocked out Miguel Cotto in the 12th round on Saturday night, it didn’t take long for everybody and their mothers to start talking about the person they’d like to see Pac-Man fight next: Floyd Mayweather. Manny has said all along that he wants a piece of Mayweather, but Pretty Boy Floyd has been hesitant to sign up. Many believe Mayweather can match Pacquiao’s speed, while others think Pac-Man has better footwork and more skill.

What do you guys predict would happen if they squared off in the spring?

While earlier today Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley was saying that Allen Iverson had to decide by the end of the week whether he’d play or retire, it appears the verdict is in: He’s out. According to the Twitter feed for the Memphis Commercial Appeal‘s Grizzlies blog, The Memphis Edge, Memphis and Iverson have agreed to end the contract. Sources say Iverson will be waived. Read More »

If you got game and you’re in the Hampton, Virginia area this weekend, you need to sign up ASAP for the Red Bull 2 On 2 Revolution. There are a few slots available for this two-on-two tournament that has a unique scoring system. And best of all, there is no entrance fee and there is a $2,000 cash prize! If you are interested in lacing it up, hit up Jade at jade@94by50.com

Ranking the NBA from worst to first…

30. New Jersey Nets (0-10) — During the lopsided part of the Pacquiao/Cotto fight, Jim Lampley enthusiastically said Cotto “almost landed a big left.” And he meant it in a good way. That’s how it’s been for the Nets; last week they almost beat Philly and Miami, so far the highlights of their season.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-10) — The rest of November has them facing Houston, Denver and Phoenix at home, and the Blazers, Nuggets and Clippers on the road. It could be a long couple of weeks. Read More »

In honor of the first trade of the 2009-10 season, today’s Reebok Still Talkin Quote of the Day is a throw back. In 2006, the Suns were on the rise, coming into the playoffs as the number two seed. Kobe Bryant, on the other hand, was struggling to lead the Lakers, who were starting Smush Parker and Luke Walton at the time. The Lakers took a 3-1 series lead and it seemed that Kobe was going to single handedly lead the Lakers into the second round. Then the series turned physical and Raja Bell took charge guarding Kobe. Bell looked to frustrated the Lakers star and responded to Kobe’s physical play by clotheslining him. Raja earned a one game suspension but didn’t hold back when talking about Bryant. Read More »

While Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace stated this weekend that the signing of Jamaal Tinsley had “nothing to do with the Iverson situation,” AI’s absence in Memphis is like a giant elephant in the room. For Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley, he’s about ready to give up on the zoo altogether. Read More »

There are always players who you could classify as “unsung heroes.” Such was the term used by Michael Jordan for some of his Bulls teammates back in his second three-peat with the team, namely for guys like Ron Harper, Jud Buechler and Steve Kerr. This season, there are five players in particular who have made significant contributions to their respective teams and are putting the league on notice, even if they haven’t been. Read More »