Danny Ainge definitely went to work today. Some may even say he went to town. After trading Kendrick Perkins and Nate Robinson to Oklahoma City, he traded three more players – Marquis Daniels, Semih Erden and Luke Harangody – to clear roster spots. Here’s what went down: Read More »

Broke. Washed-up. Has been. These are all words or phrases that have been used to describe former NBA All-Star Antoine Walker. But while people were telling ’Toine what he could and could not do, he decided he was going to go his own route and take his talents to the NBA Development League – where he’s currently averaging 17.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game for the Idaho Stampede. While his surroundings may be different out in Boise, some things remain the same. For one, Walker has reunited with Stampede assistant coach Greg Minor, whom he played with for three seasons (1996-99) in Boston. In an exclusive interview, we got up with Minor to talk about Walker’s return to the game. Read More »

Though situated on the holy grounds of SEC football, the state of Kentucky is just as basketball-obsessed as traditional hotbeds like North Carolina, Indiana and New York. Today marks the latest edition of the Bluegrass State’s marquee matchup: Kentucky vs. Louisville.

The Wildcats are ranked 11th in the Associated Press poll, while the Cardinals are 22nd. Both teams are in contention for respective SEC and Big East conference crowns. Currently, they are two of the most explosive teams in the country. But how do they match up historically? Read More »

So with the Brett Favre ending his NFL iron man streak and Cliff Lee signing with the Phillies (which I’m loving, by the way) dominating the headlines lately, I felt a little sports overkill. This all changed when I learned my childhood hardwood idol would be playing and I could catch him online.

That’s right, Allen Iverson, who has had his share of troubles this year, would be playing for his Turkish club team Besiktas for the world to see. This excitement quickly diminished into disappointment upon hearing news of A.I. sitting out because of an ankle injury. Read More »

Rick Pitino is college basketball royalty. A living legend. Which makes it hard to fathom that — while still actively coaching a strong program in the high-profile Big East conference, and only five years removed from his most recent Final Four appearance — Pitino could somehow be overshadowed in his own state.

And yet that is the case currently for Pitino, now in his 10th season at the University of Louisville. Read More »

As we told you in Smack this morning, Antoine Walker made his D-League debut last night, coming off the bench for the Idaho Stampede in their win over the Dakota Wizards. In 26 minutes, ‘Toine finished with 13 points, six boards and three dimes on 5-of-11 shooting. He missed all three of his threes, and this free throw… badly.

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At the end of November, we told you that Antoine Walker was taking his talents to the D-League. Tonight, that journey begins. Suiting up for the Idaho Stampede (who are currently 0-7 on the young season), ‘Toine will take on the Dakota Wizards in Boise. Not that you’d be surprised, but the 12-year NBA veteran has his sights set on making it back to the Big Show. Read More »

One of the best-kept secrets of this young NBA season: Wizards games are sneaky exciting. Actually, forget that: Washington is lunge-forward-in-your-chair WOW sometimes — in part because they have explosive athletes on their roster, and because their “defense” allows the opponents to shine. Last night was a good example, as the Wizards made a predictable road loss to the Lakers entertaining when it had no business being that. The first half was highlight-overload, as Lamar Odom (24 points) finished plays with multiple facials while Kobe Bryant (32 points) knifed into the lane for buckets. Read More »

We heard this was happening, but we didn’t believe it until now. Antoine Walker is back. According to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, Walker will sign with the Idaho Stampede in the D-League provided he passes a standard background check. And seeing as how the Stampede are affiliated with the Nuggets and Blazers, just think of the possibilities. Read More »

After years of playing with “Roster Player #99″ during Michael Jordan‘s glory days, the real (digital) MJ is finally a usable character and cover athlete of a video game. Thank you, NBA 2K11, for breaking a drought that existed since, what, Bulls vs. Blazers? It was a ritual for me during the 90s to have to create-a-player and produce my own MJ for the Bulls roster. It was always disappoint for me as a youngster having to use the inadequately rated replica to substitute for Jordan. Read More »