This will not be your typical NBA recap, it is simply my random observations and thoughts on the game. These observations were made in real time watching the game, if you have random observations, comments or questions during any NBA game tweet it to @dimemag and I will choose the best to include in my random observations. Read More »

It’s been two years since Gilbert Arenas has been relevant in the NBA. On top of being one of the league’s top talents at the time, Agent Zero also possessed Shaq-like charisma that allowed him to grace national magazine covers, appear in TV commercials and pen the hottest blog in the sports world (do athletes still blog?). Coming into the 2009-10 season healthy for the first time in two seasons, Gilbert is on a mission to get his name, his rep and his team back into relevancy. Read More »

The NBA season officially tips off in T-minus five hours. You’ve picked your fantasy team, you bought your league pass, now it’s time to play some ball. Tonight there are four games scheduled – two of which are on national TV. We took the liberty to hit you with previews and predictions for each contest. Read More »

Add one more big name to the list of free agents for the summer of 2010. Rajon Rondo will not sign an extension with the Celtics before the October 31st deadline. Over the offseason, three members of the draft class of ’06 (Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Andrea Bargnani) signed long-term, big money extensions with their teams. For months, Rondo and management have been going back and forth on trying to agree on a figure. Rondo’s agent Bill Duffy announced last night that the two sides will resume contract talks at the end of the season. Read More »

Some of the benches on NBA squads are just nasty. It used to be teams would go just seven or eight deep in their rotation. Now some of these teams have benches so stacked that they could probably handle Milwaukee or Sacramento’s starting fives. I ranked my top five second units in the league. Keep in mind, starting lineups haven’t been set in stone and some of these guys might start come opening night (tonight for some). Read More »

It might be just the preseason, but the vibe inside the Boston Celtics’ visitor locker room in Madison Square Garden last night felt like a regular season game. KG’s demeanor was intense as he paced back and forth throughout the locker room. Marquis Daniels and Eddie House had their eyes fixated on the television set, watching game tape from the last Knicks/Celtics match. And ‘Sheed was kicking back at his locker listening to his headphones, while giving off that signature “I don’t give a f***, don’t talk to me” vibe. Read More »

Despite some obvious rust — seeing as he hasn’t played in an NBA game that counted since January of last year — Stephon Marbury looked alright in his Celtics debut, a home win over the Pacers. Even at less than his best (8 pts, 2 asts, 12 mins), anyone can see how Good Steph will help the C’s as a backup point guard; the problem is that everyone is terrified of what will happen if/when Bad Steph shows up. Last night the new Employee #8 had a few timing issues, and naturally he doesn’t know Boston’s playbook yet. But Tommy Heinsohn brought up a good point; since Steph will often be playing against backup point guards, his adjustment period will be that much easier from here on out … If the Pacers hadn’t played the C’s so close, this would have been a good opportunity for Doc Rivers to get Marbury a lot of minutes. T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack will make anyone guarding them have to work, between T.J.’s speed, Jack’s strength, and the fact that both of them are always pushing the pace and looking to shoot. As it stands, Steph could only play in spots as Rajon Rondo (17 asts) had to take care of business … Read More »

Yesterday at Madison Square Garden, the Stephon Marbury Era was officially over. The “Marbury” name plate that has been on his locker all year was finally gone. And it looks as though the Steph Era will begin anew in Boston on Friday morning.

One of our favorite websites, Barstoolsports.com, just set the over/under for “First Disastrous Influence on Team” at 10 days. Others are predicting that he’ll be a great addition in Boston’s quest to defend their title.

But if you want to read into Steph’s early comments, you might have to take the under in that Barstool bet. Read More »

Minutes ago, the Knicks issued a press statement on behalf of the team and Stephon Marbury, announcing that the two sides have agreed on a contract buyout and Steph will be placed on waivers. The move clears the way for Steph to sign with another team, and all sources indicate he’s headed to the Celtics. The deadline to sign with a team and still be playoff-eligible is Sunday. (Remember Sam Cassell got in just under the deadline last year.)

Reports are that Marbury — who hasn’t played since Jan. 11, 2008 — will forfeit about $2 million from his $20.8M salary. The C’s still need a backup who’s a real point guard (Eddie House doesn’t count), and there isn’t a better talent on the market than Marbury. The Mavs and Heat are also said to be interested.

Is this a good move for Boston?