With the Denver Nuggets heading into Game 2 this evening in OKC – and looking to exact revenge from the Thunder’s 107-103 game one victory – they’re going to need positive minutes from the bench to be successful. Which is why the play of guard J.R. Smith is even that much more needed. In Game 1, Smith logged a modest 17 minutes of action – down from his 25-a-game regular season average – scoring nine points in that time. Read More »

If you would have told me back in ’08 that an undersized four named Kris Humphries playing for the Raptors would be producing double-double numbers in 2011 while starting for an NBA franchise, I would’ve said you’re crazy. I guess I was hasty in my judgment. This year, “The Incredible Hump” sprouted from a cocoon to a butterfly seemingly overnight, posting averages of 10.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, with a respectable PER of 17.91 (ahead of Rudy Gay and Danny Granger among others). Whether you attribute his improved play as being the product of playing in a contract year, a depleted Nets frontcourt that can’t rebound *cough* Brook Lopez *cough*, or the “hot and heavy” effect of being Kim Kardashian’s latest fling, Kris has emerged as a candidate for Most Improved Player and is one of the lone bright spots on a Nets team under renovation. We caught up with Kris to talk about the Nets’ move to Brooklyn, competing against Michael Phelps and scoring on his own net. Read More »

About one month ago, Shawn Marion found himself staring down Caron Butler at the Verizon Center in Washington D.C. In the final seconds of a Mavericks/Wizards game, Marion’s squad led by one, and Caron’s squad was looking for him to change that by delivering a dagger.

Two of the most versatile forwards to come through the NBA over the last decade went head-to-head, strength against strength: Caron’s offense versus Marion’s defense. Caron made his move, went for a jumper, and Marion blocked it. Game over. Read More »

There’s only one reason why yesterday’s Wolves/Clippers trade — the one sending Quentin Richardson to Minnesota for Sebastian Telfair, Craig Smith and Mark Madsen — means anything to Wolves fans: It’s yet another reason to believe Ricky Rubio is walking through that door sooner than anyone expected. Wolves GM David Kahn is in Spain this week to sit down with Rubio’s camp and talk about that contract buyout, and then yesterday it was reported that Rubio’s Spanish squad signed another point guard (Kristaps Valters, who may or may not be the Latvian Goran Dragic), perhaps indicating they may be ready to lose Rubio. With the Q-Rich trade (3-for-1), Minnesota not only gets Bassy out of the PG picture, but they also open up a roster spot for Rubio … Read More »

ABC must have read my post on the Top 5 NBA Players Who Need A Reality Show because on August 18, Shaq’s newest reality show, “Shaq Vs.” will premier at 9:00 PM EST. The show will feature Shaq going heads up against other professional athletes in their respective sports – many of whom he recruited on Twitter. Read More »