Though that horrible “L” word has finally slammed the NBA’s doors shut, fantasy basketball fans can rest assured that this young (and abruptly suspended) offseason has already offered morsels of activity to chew on. Old faces have landed in new places, which means there’s some fantasy analysis to be had. Here’s a look at how these early-summer trades will impact fantasy basketball once this real-life mess gets sorted out. Read More »

So we’re guessing this is how they get down in Minnesota. After what could be described as a tumultuous beginning to his career in Miami, Michael Beasley put together an altogether by-the-book first season in Minnesota. Well, it looks like Beasley might have taken a major step backwards, as he was ticketed for speeding in a Minneapolis surburb and was reportedly in possession of 16.2 grams of Mary Jane. Read More »

His name is Devon Van Oostrum and he’s 6-3. He also has some serious hops, as this 6-10 Denmark center found out. While playing with players two years older than himself, Van Oostrum finished the game with 23 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals. He’s currently the third-ranked international prospect for his age group (1993). I can see why.

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We’ve all heard the stories about this lockout, and the reasons why the NBA and the majority of the league’s teams have been losing a ton of money the last few years. As long as the lockout is in, the NBA and David Stern will say this is something they have to do, since the league cannot function while losing money. But after Deadspin published an article recently suggesting the Nets weren’t losing the amount of money that they actually said they were, political and statistical mastermind Nate Silver attacked the NBA’s claims as well. Read More »

Pau Gasol is turning 31 years old today. And while we do know his age, we aren’t sure where his game is at. It disappeared at the end of last season. Gasol was unrecognizable in the postseason, even for someone whose toughness has been questioned before. Most expect him to return to normalcy next year, hopefully at least to something more recognizable than his face apparently (this video will never get old):

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When we look back at the record books of the modern NBA era, the 1999 season will have an asterisk. That year the league played a shortened season of 50 games due to a lockout.

The 1998-1999 season would also coincidentally mark the end of one the greatest eras in basketball: the 1990s. That winter’s apocalyptic work stoppage would serve as a bad omen for many of the era’s greats and usher in a new crop of NBA talent. Read More »

Armen Gilliam (formally Armon) played in the NBA for 13 seasons, averaging nearly 14 points and seven rebounds a game, spread out with six different teams. The former 1987 No. 2 overall pick died Tuesday night, ironically while playing basketball in Collier Township, Pennsylvania.

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THE RULES

*And if you didn’t get a chance to vote on the Dwyane Wade/Joe Johnson matchup, there’s still time. Voting closes 24 hours after each matchup is posted.*

If LeBron is the mortal enemy, then Kevin Durant is the NBA’s beloved son. He’s the savior that will promote and empower the ideal NBA role model. He’ll end world hunger. He’ll find a cure for cancer. He’ll broker a peace in the Middle East. When Russell Westbrook refused to defer to his lankier teammate, we were personally offended. So what did we do? Read More »

Okay, so this summer’s free agency isn’t as exciting as last year’s apocalypse. There aren’t Hall of Famers available. No one is trying to team up. The Decision will just be the decisions this time. But that doesn’t mean very good players aren’t out there. And three of the biggest free agents are, quite literally, three of the biggest, a trio of centers who all have different strengths: Tyson Chandler, Nene & Marc Gasol. Read More »

THE RULES

*And if you didn’t get a chance to vote on the Deron Williams/Paul Pierce matchup, there’s still time. Voting closes 24 hours after each matchup, so you’ve got until 2:00 P.M. to make your choice.*

Anyway, onto today’s games.

You know the NBA scouts who completely ignore advanced stats and instead rely on the famed superficial phrase, “he looks like a basketball player?” They were talking about Joe Johnson. Read More »