It wasn’t too long ago — just a couple of months, actually — that Rudy Gay was a lock to put Memphis in his rear view mirror as soon as possible. Forget 2010 free agency; there was some talk that Gay could be traded before the February deadline to a contender in need of a scorer while Memphis insured itself against losing a young All-Star caliber talent for nothing. Read More »

In the Tangled Web section of Dime #48 (April 2009), we told our readers that Twitter was going to be the next big thing. Nearly a year later, we were correct and everyone and their mothers are tweeting away on their computers and cell phones. If you need to zest up your Twitter feed (besides following the @DIMEMag crew), immediately hit the follow button on these Twitter accounts. Read More »

It’s been known for months now that Mike Conley had to earn his keep in Memphis. And after a five-game losing streak, that has the Grizzlies sitting back at .500, apparently his time is up. So if you’re in search of a point guard, and Sergio Rodriguez doesn’t do it for you, then Conley could be your guy. Read More »

It’s safe to say that when the Grizzlies started the season, they (A) didn’t think that Zach Randolph would be an All-Star, and (B) didn’t think that they’d make the playoffs. But with (A) taken care of, it’s on to (B). With that in mind, you can understand why the Grizzlies – and the $3.2 million they have available – are looking to shore up their bench. Read More »

The way things are playing out, Tyreke Evans is going to be the next Deron Williams. How’s that? Because as nasty as he is, due to all the talent in the Western Conference, ‘Reke might have to wait 2-3 years later than he should to make his All-Star debut. By all means, Tyreke is having an All-Star season right now. He’s one of only three players in the League averaging at least 20 points, five boards and five assists (along with LeBron and D-Wade), he has the Kings playing better than anybody expected, and he’s getting it done as a crunch-time performer. Read More »

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not KG, Kobe or LeBron’s fault.

If you want to blame anybody, blame Carmelo.

Via my quick unofficial study, the rate of freshmen entering the NBA Draft and leaving college programs scrounging for talent has increased since the League enacted its age limit and one-year-removed-from-high-school rule following the ‘05 Draft. Read More »

Here’s a list of guys that have stepped up their game this season and in turn are catching the attention of a few more eyeballs. Overall, I think that Aaron Brooks is playing the best of anyone on this list; however, I have chosen someone from each division whose improvement has not gone unnoticed. Read More »

With a 74-72 double overtime loss to UNLV last night – setting its record at 3-3 – it’s an understatement to say that Arizona is not run by flash and big names this year. With Lute Olson thrice removed and the Encinitas Enigma, (coined by yours truly; shirt orders to my Twitter…) Chase Budinger, and Jordan “Coach’s Decision” Hill both gone to the pros, the ‘Cats aren’t the national draw they once were. Add into the mix a Pac-10 conference that is seeing its lowest production in years and an influx of untested youth, and you have a recipe for bland, mistake-riddled basketball. In a region dominated largely by guard play, most of the attention has surrounded Cal’s Jerome Randle and Washington’s Isaiah Thomas – and deservedly so.

Someone forgot to relay the message to ‘Zona’s Nic Wise. Read More »

Beast of the Night: Jason Kidd found his shot last night and went off for 22 points, 5 treys, 6 boards, 11 dimes, 4 steals and 3 blocks. He shot 50 percent (8-16) from the field, 50 percent (1-2) from the line and turned the ball over twice. This was his best offensive output of the season so far and serves as a reminder of what the veteran is capable of, though not on a nightly basis. Read More »

Earlier this month, we told you how the Kings paid Sean May $100 large just to make a certain weight. Sacramento aren’t the only team keeping a close eye on a players’ waist line. The Grizzlies are doing newly acquired guard, Marcus Williams, like a boxer and requiring him to keep his weight at 207 pounds and body fat at 10 percent throughout the season. In the past, the former first round pick has developed a reputation for being lazy and out of shape, so the Grizzlies are making sure that’s not the case this time around. Read More »