With the NBA Draft Lottery all sorted out, and the selection order now set, people can start their Mock Draft frenzy. But before we delve into the future, let’s break down the best and worst picks of the past decade by 2010′s Lottery teams. Read More »

Yesterday, the Hornets found out Chris Paul will miss the next two months or so following surgery on his left knee, which he hurt against the Bulls the other day. With the game in-hand, all New Orleans had to do was inbound the ball, get fouled and the game would be over. Instead, David West sends the rock to the other end of the floor, and in pursuit, CP3 smacks his knee, the Bulls get the ball and score, and eventually win it in overtime. Paul is definitely out for All-Star, meaning somebody – Chauncey Billups, Monta Ellis or Aaron Brooks – will be getting the alternate spot. But the bigger question is this: What will the Hornets do now? Read More »

In the past few weeks, NBA teams have been reaching into the D-League pool incessantly. Since our last D-League Hot Hand post on Jan. 11, there have been four more D-League call ups: Mario West (Hawks), Anthony Tolliver (Warriors), JamesOn Curry (Clippers) and Cedric Jackson (Cavs). The total of D-Leaguers called up in the 2009-10 season is now up to nine.

On top of guys earning 10 day contracts, several former D-League players have been making some noise. Sundiata Gaines hit a game winner against the Cavs a couple of weeks ago and has recently been signed for the rest of the season. With NBA players getting injured left and right, expect more and more D-Leaguers to get promoted in the coming weeks. Here are five players we think will be next. Read More »

Last week at the Dime office, the topic of the D-League came up. A lot of the staff were surprised to hear that guys in the NBA’s minor league were only bringing in around $20K a season. The main argument was: Why would someone play in the D-League for peanuts when the possibility to make six figures is just an ocean away? The answer: Sundiata Gaines. Last Tuesday, the Utah Jazz signed the former Idaho Stampede guard to a 10-day contract. Read More »

As some of you Blazers fans might know, Anthony Tolliver of the D-League’s Idaho Stampede was called up by Portland yesterday. With Greg Oden out for the season, the Blazers were given the “Hardship Exception” and used it on Tolliver, who is a 6-9, 240 pound power forward. He is the second D-League call up of the 2009-10 season, the first being Chris Hunter of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, who was called up by the Warriors. Read More »

When the Magic re-signed Marcin Gortat this summer, a lot of people didn’t understand the move. And after bringing in Vince Carter, Brandon Bass, Matt Barnes, Jason Williams, Ryan Anderson and Morris Almond, you might think that Gortat and his new five-year, $34-million deal could be sent packing for another piece or if they need cap relief. But apparently GM Otis Smith wants no part of that, seeing The Polish Hammer as a tool you use in case of emergency. Read More »