With that being said, let’s get right into my post-trade deadline NBA Power Rankings.

Feb 22, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats small forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (14) drives to the basket during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at Time Warner Arena. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Wilson-USA TODAY Sports

30. Orlando Magic (15-41): The Magic have lost 16-of-17 and even though they brought in some young talent in the J.J. Redick deal, there may be no end to their slump in sight. Last Week’s Ranking-29

29. Charlotte Bobcats (13-43): The Bobcats have to be encouraged by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s improved play, but this team is still a mess. But they have won two of their past six, including a win over the Magic, which gets them out of the basement for the first time in a while. Last Week’s Ranking-30

28. Phoenix Suns (18-39): The Suns have lost 7-of-8 and it looks as if Lindsey Hunter is going to start giving more minutes to his younger players. The Sebastian Telfair trade frees up minutes for rookie Kendall Marshall and they added another youngster in a trade for Marcus Morris. Last Week’s Ranking-26

27. Sacramento Kings (19-38): The Kings decision to give up on No. 5 pick Thomas Robinson because they made other financial mistakes will prove to be yet another bad decision by one of the worst run organizations in sports. In addition they are on a current five-game skid. Last Week’s Ranking-27

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (20-33): The Wolves have won a couple of games as of late, but that makes only two wins in their past nine. At one point Minnesota was 16-15, but have gone only 4-18 since. Last Week’s Ranking-28

25. New Orleans Hornets (20-37): The Hornets have won 5-of-9 and are a team with upside. They have a nice core of Anthony Davis, Ryan Anderson, Greivis Vasquez and Eric Gordon, but Gordon’s health must continuously be monitored. Last Week’s Ranking-25

24. Philadelphia 76ers (22-32): The Sixers have dropped five in a row and remain one of the worst offensive teams in the league, averaging only 92.2 points per game (29^th). Last Week’s Ranking-19

23. Portland Trail Blazers (26-30): Great move for the Blazers at the deadline getting Eric Maynor. He averaged only 10.6 minutes for the Thunder, but he is a quality backup for Damian Lillard and adds some scoring punch to a Blazers bench that has none. Sunday’s win against the Celtics broke a seven-game losing streak as their playoff hopes are starting to fade.  Last Week’s Ranking-17

22.  Cleveland Cavaliers (18-38): The Cavs have been showing some life as of late, winners of 5-of-9 despite a tough loss to the Heat on Sunday night. Kyrie Irving has been brilliant, but the Cavs go as he goes. Irving is averaging 29.5 points on 53.7 percent shooting in victories but 20.6 points on 43 percent shooting in losses. Last Week’s Ranking-24

Feb 19, 2013; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Jose Calderon (8) calls out a play during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Grizzlies beat the Pistons 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

21. Washington Wizards (17-37): Washington is starting to put things together by winning 6-of-8. They also have the sixth-ranked scoring defense (95.7 ppg) in the NBA. Last Week’s Ranking-22

20. Detroit Pistons (22-36): The Pistons have gone 4-4 since Jose Calderon joined the starting lineup. Calderon is averaging 14.6 points, 6.4 assists and 1.8 turnovers as a Piston and Detroit is only six games behind the struggling Milwaukee Bucks for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. Last Week’s Ranking-23

19. Milwaukee Bucks (26-28): The Bucks are holding onto the No. 8 seed and pulled off the biggest move of the trade deadline by acquiring Redick. We will see how much he helps a Bucks team that have lost 9-of-11.  Last Week’s Ranking-16

18. Dallas Mavericks (25-30): There is good news as the Mavs have won 6-of-9 and Dirk Nowitzki is starting to look like he is at full strength. There is still an outside shot at the playoffs for Dallas but getting to .500 needs to be the first goal. Last Week’s Ranking-18

17. Toronto Raptors (23-33): The Raptors added Telfair at the deadline to address point guard depth and this is a surging team, winners of 6-of-7, including beating the Knicks (twice), Pacers and Nuggets during that stretch. The Raps currently sit only four games outside the playoffs. Last Week’s Ranking-21

16. Atlanta Hawks (31-23): Danny Ferry choose to keep Josh Smith at the deadline, which could hurt them in the long-term, but they have turned things around recently by winning 4-of-5. Last Week’s Ranking-15

15. Boston Celtics (29-27): The Celtics had reeled off seven consecutive wins without Rajon Rondo, but have since lost 4-of-6.  The Jordan Crawford acquisition helps the perimeter scoring, but without Rondo I don’t feel the Celtics have enough to make a charge in the east. Last Week’s Ranking-13

14. Los Angeles Lakers (28-29): Even though it now looks like Pau Gasol will miss the rest of the season, the Lakers circus is now surging, winners of 11 of their past 15 games. Look out because the Lakers are now only 2.5 games out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference and if they get in playing the way they are now, they will be a tough out for anyone. Last Week’s Ranking-20

13. Chicago Bulls (32-24): The Bulls have been reeling as of late, losers of 7-of-11. They didn’t make a move at the deadline, but if Derrick Rose returns, that will be better than any trade they could have made. Last Week’s Ranking-10

12. Houston Rockets (31-27): The Rockets traded both of their power forwards (Morris and Patrick Patterson) at the deadline, but got the upside of Robinson, whose athleticism should fit in tremendously with this young Rockets team for years. While this deal is great long-term for the Rockets, who have won 6-of-10, it could hurt their chances in the short-term of holding of the Lakers for the final playoff spot in the west. Last Week’s Ranking-14

February 9, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Utah Jazz power forward Paul Millsap (24) and center Al Jefferson (25) react after being called for a foul during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings defeated the Jazz 120-109. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

11. Golden State Warriors (33-23): The Warriors had been slumping as of late, losers of six in a row before reeling off three consecutive wins, including an overtime victory against the San Antonio Spurs. They are down to the No. 6 seed currently, but there is still time for Golden State to get hot once again. Last Week’s Ranking-9

10. Utah Jazz (31-25): The Jazz shockingly didn’t move Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap at the deadline, which could have improved the team in other areas. Utah won’t be able to sign both in the offseason, but are going to roll the dice with what they have. They have gone 14-7 in their past 21 games and are an impressive 21-6 at home. Last Week’s Ranking-12

9. Brooklyn Nets (33-24): The Nets have lost back-to-back games after reeling off five consecutive wins. They are a team that needed to make a move for Smith at the deadline as this Nets team doesn’t have enough to be a legit factor come playoff time.  Last Week’s Ranking-11

8. New York Knicks (33-20): The same can be said for the Knicks, who stood pat at the deadline. They are now down to the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference and their lead in the Atlantic Division, which looked like they had locked up just a short while ago, is down to only two games. Remember that Knicks team that started the season 19-6? They are a distant memory as Mike Woodson’s team has managed to go only 14-14 since. Last Week’s Ranking-5

7. Denver Nuggets (35-22): The Nuggets have cooled off a bit by dropping 4-of-6. Denver is the deepest team in the NBA, but getting up to the No. 4 seed will be huge for them, as they currently trail Memphis by three games, The Nuggets are 23-3 at home on the season and only 12-19 on the road.  If they don’t get home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, it may be hard for this team to advance. Last Week’s Ranking-4

6. Memphis Grizzlies (37-18): No Rudy Gay. No problem for the Grizzlies, who have won seven in a row. Memphis may miss Gay’s scoring ability at times, but they have the NBA’s second-best scoring defense (89.8 PPG), which means they can compete with anyone in the playoffs. Last Week’s Ranking-8

5. Los Angeles Clippers (40-18): The Clippers were thumped by the San Antonio Spurs, but have still one 5-of-6 overall. They held onto Eric Bledsoe, which means they didn’t improve their frontcourt. The Clippers are still deep, but it remains to be seen if they have enough to win a title. Last Week’s Ranking-7

Feb 24, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the American Airlines Arena. Miami won 109-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

4. Indiana Pacers (35-21): Indiana has Danny Granger back and have won 9-of-11. They have the best scoring defense (89.4 PPG) in the league and despite their offensive woes at times, the Pacers can play with anyone in the postseason. Last Week’s Ranking-6

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (41-15): The Thunder dealt Maynor and added Ronnie Brewer, which will help defensively, as will the addition of Derek Fisher, who was just recently signed. OKC rebounded from a rare three-game skid to win their past two games. Brewer will help as the Thunder have surrendered an average of 113.6 points during their three-game losing streak. While they are still among the best in the NBA, the Thunder now find themselves three games behind the Spurs for the top spot in the west. Last Week’s Ranking-2

2. Miami Heat (40-14): So much for the Heat cruising through the regular season. It’s now 11 straight wins and counting for the defending champs and with the way LeBron James has been playing- and Dwyane Wade recently- Miami looks near unbeatable. Last Week’s Ranking-3

1. San Antonio Spurs (45-13): It’s hard not to make a case for the Spurs as the best team in the league, especially winning 17 of their past 19. In addition to that, they are dominating teams by winning 26-of-30 overall. It’s a shame that Tony Parker doesn’t get more love when it comes to the MVP talks. Last Week’s Ranking-1

Biggest Climber: Lakers (+6)

Biggest Faller: Blazers (-6)

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What will your favorite team do?

Check back often as I will continuously update the rumors throughout the day and keep you posted as every trade goes down.

Make sure you join in on the conversation by commenting below.

11:25 pm: Marcus Morris dealt to Suns

The Rockets have traded Marcus Morris to the Suns for a second-round pick, as Morris is reunited with his twin brother, Markieff. The pair were taken out of Kansas with back-to-back lottery picks in 2011.

Jan 23, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings power forward Thomas Robinson (0) reacts after dunking the ball against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 106-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

My Take: Decent pickup for Phoenix but long-term for Houston they save an extra $1.6 million for next season. But they have dealt their top two power forwards so rookies Terrance Jones and Robinson will get the opportunity to shine as Houston tries to hold onto the final playoff spot.

11:15 pm: Thomas Robinson dealt to Rockets

The first deadline deal actually went down Wednesday night and it was a bit of a surprise as the Sacramento Kings quickly gave up on the No. 5 pick in last summer’s draft by sending Robinson to the Rockets.

The deal looks like this:  Houston sends Patrick Patterson, Cole Aldrich and Toney Douglas to the Kings for Robinson, Francisco Garcia and Tyler Honeycutt. Sacramento also will receive $1 million in cash.

My Take: Patterson was playing well at times for Houston, but I love them getting Robinson. It may not look like it now, but T-Rob still has a chance to be a dominant player in this league. With the Rockets already having some good young talent in place, it doesn’t hurt to add a talented player like Robinson with upside. For the Kings this was nothing but a cost cutting move.

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Jan 11, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (6) shoots a free throw during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden. Chicago won 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

According to Forbes Magazine, the Knicks are the NBA’s most valuable team. The magazine’s most recent franchise valuations say the team is worth $1.1 billion. The Knicks surpassed the Los Angeles Lakers ($1 billion) as the NBA’s most valuable franchise. They also saw a whopping 41 percent increase from last time Forbes released franchise values last year.

So much for the Knicks losing value after allowing Jeremy Lin to sign with the Houston Rockets, as many predicted they would.

Forbes credits the rapid increase in value to the ongoing renovation of Madison Square Garden, an increase in television ratings and merchandising sales, and the team’s on-court success. They also estimate that the $980 million renovation of Madison Square Garden has helped produce $243 million in revenue for the Knicks, the highest profit in the NBA.

They also report that ratings for Knicks games were up 74 percent compared to the same period last season. As far as merchandise, the Knicks jersey was the top-selling jersey in the league from April 2012 through Nov. 26, 2012.

The Knicks ranked second in the NBA in terms of value last year, behind the Lakers. They were worth $780 million, according to Forbes.

According to Forbes, the average NBA team is worth $509 million, a 30 percent increase from last season.

Here is the complete list according to Forbes.

1. New York Knicks: $1.1 billion
2. Los Angeles Lakers: $1 billion
3. Chicago Bulls: $800MM
4. Boston Celtics: $730MM
5. Dallas Mavericks: $685MM
6. Miami Heat: $625MM
7. Houston Rockets: $568MM
8. Golden State Warriors: $555MM
9. Brooklyn Nets: $530MM
10. San Antonio Spurs: $527MM
11. Sacramento Kings: $525MM
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: $475MM
13. Phoenix Suns: $474MM
14. Orlando Magic: $470MM
15. Portland Trail Blazers: $457MM
16. Cleveland Cavaliers: $434MM
17. Utah Jazz: $432MM
18. Los Angeles Clippers: $430MM
19. Denver Nuggets: $427MM
20. Philadelphia 76ers: $418MM
21. Toronto Raptors: $405MM
22. Detroit Pistons: $400MM
23. Washington Wizards: $397MM
24. Indiana Pacers: $383MM
25. Memphis Grizzlies: $377MM
26. Minnesota Timberwolves: $364MM
27. New Orleans Hornets: $340MM
28. Atlanta Hawks: $316MM
29. Charlotte Bobcats: $315MM
30. Milwaukee Bucks: $312MM

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The Miami Heat are currently linked to Los Angeles Lakers star Pau Gasol, but another trade rumor coming out of Los Angeles has the Brooklyn Nets possibly taking another run at acquiring Dwight Howard.

Jan 20, 2013; Toronto, ON, Canada; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) reacts to a technical foul called against him against the Toronto Raptors at the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Lakers 108-103. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

With the Nets now hot on the heels of the Knicks, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see them try and make a big splash at the trade deadline in an attempt to make a lengthy playoff run.

According to Jarrod Rudolph of RealGM.com (Sulia link), Nets’ general manager Billy King has been quietly searching for a third team that could include an attractive piece that would help facilitate a trade between the Lakers and Nets.

Things have not worked out well for Howard in a Lakers’ uniform and there is no guarantee he re-signs in Lakerland. Despite Lakers’ owner Jim Buss claiming that they won’t be looking to move Howard, it doesn’t make  much sense to hold onto him  while the Lakers  are struggling, especially if there is  a chance that Howard leaves and the Lakers get nothing for him.

Rudolph reported that King was preparing an offer that would have included Brook Lopez going to the Timberwolves and Kevin Love heading to the Lakers, with a handful of smaller pieces also included in the deal. The Nets believed the Lakers would be intrigued by Love, but the plan suffered a blow when Love was sidelined for two months with a broken hand.

He also noted that King will continue to search for a third team that could facilitate a Howard trade, but won’t make landing the big man the priority that he did a year ago.

This is something that Knicks fans should keep an eye on.

Howard is not a good fit in Mike D’Antoni’s system and seeing the big man land in a team in the Atlantic Division could be a huge blow.

Brooklyn was always Howard’s first choice to begin with and you have to believe he still feels that way.

If the Knicks didn’t believe that the Nets were a serious threat to them in the Atlantic Division, they certainly would be a long-term threat if King could somehow pull a deal off to bring Howard to Brooklyn.

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But as with any fan voting for any All-Star Game, they didn’t get it entirely right.

With the NBA All-Star Game, most of the selections are no-brainers, but there were a few slip ups along the way.

Jan 16, 2013; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Hornets guard Austin Rivers (25) chases after Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo (9) on a fast break during the second quarter at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a look at grading the fans performance in voting for the 2013 All-Star starters. As a  reminder, the NBA took out the center position, so the fans were voting for two backcourt and three frontcourt players.

Eastern Conference

BC- Rajon Rondo: This is a spot that traditionally goes to Derrick Rose, but Rondo was the right selection. His closest competition comes from Cleveland’s Kyrie Irving, who leads all point guards in PER, but has also missed time due to injury and plays on a 10-31 team, so he can’t be an All-Star. In addition Deron Williams is having a bad year and Brandon Jennings shouldn’t be starting, so Rondo was really the only choice. Grade: A-

BC- Dwyane Wade: Wade’s numbers have slipped over the course of the past five years, but the 20.1 points, 4.6 assists and 4.4 rebounds he is averaging are still very good numbers. In addition 23.0 PER ranks in the top 10 in the league. But Wade pretty much gets this spot by default as well. The fans could have voted one of the other point guards, but they aren’t more deserving than Wade, neither are shooting guards Joe Johnson and J.R. Smith. Grade: A

FC- LeBron James: James is as close to a no-brainer as it gets: Grade: A+

FC- Carmelo Anthony: Despite a weird couple of weeks that has seen injuries, a suspension and his owner eavesdropping on him, ‘Melo’s MVP-type season makes him a no-brainer as well. Grade: A+

FC- Kevin Garnett: Garnett’s averaging 14.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 29.5 minutes and has a PER of only 18.7, which is far less than Chris Bosh who he edged out in the voting. Bosh has similar numbers and has a 21.5 PER. However this spot should have gone to either Tyson Chandler, who is averaging 12.4 points and 10.9 rebounds and shooting 67.2 percent, with a PER similar to Bosh, or Chicago’s Joakim Noah who is averaging 12.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.3 steals. The fans got this one wrong. Grade: D

January 12, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson (14) guards Los Angeles Clippers point guard Chris Paul (3) during the game at the Staples Center. Magic won 104-101. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Western Conference

BC- Chris Paul: It is a good thing that Jeremy Lin didn’t overtake Paul in the voting, which would have been a travesty. Unlike in the Eastern Conference, there were alternatives here which include San Antonio’s Tony Parker and Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook, but Paul is an MVP candidate on the team with the best record in the NBA. Grade: A

BC- Kobe Bryant: Kobe leads the NBA in scoring and is averaging 29.9 points, hitting a career-high 47.8 percent from the field and tacking on 4.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 steals. In addition he ranks sixth in the NBA in PER. Fans could have gonne with two point guards here, but Bryant’s numbers speak for themselves. Grade: B+

FC- Kevin Durant: Just like in the case of LeBron, Durant is a clear no-brainer. Grade: A+

FC- Blake Griffin: There is some competitiion here, which includes: David Lee, LaMarcus Aldridge, Zach Randolph and Tim Duncan, but I have no problem with the Griffin selection. He’s a big reason why the Clippers have the best record in the NBA and his PER trails only Durant and Duncan among Western Conference frontcourt players. I have no problem going with the guy the fans want to see here. Grade: B

FC- Dwight Howard: Now the Howard selection is nothing short of ridiculous. How can a 17-22 team be rewarded with a pair of starters? In addition, Howard has not  been great this season, despite  averaging 17.8 points, a league-leading 12.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks. This spot should have gone to Duncan, possibly Lee. Duncan ranks No. 6 in PER among players logging at least 30 minutes per game, trailing only James, Durant, Paul, Anthony and Bryant. His team sits atop the Southwest Division at 30-11 and boasts the  third best in the West. He’s averaging 17.2 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.8 blocks and 2.7 assists while shooting 50.1 percent. Those numbers compare very well with Howard’s, and are better nearly across the board on a per-minute basis. The fans botched this one. Grade: F

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It’s time to take a look at the leading contenders for the NNBA’s highest honor in my weekly MVP ladder.

First let’s look at those who just missed the cut.

January 4, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after scoring a three point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mentions: David Lee, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Zach Randolph, Stephen Curry

Now for the Top 5.

5. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe is having another fantastic season, leading the NBA in scoring at 30.5 points per game. He is also pulling down 5.2 rebounds and dishing out 4.7 assists per night. Even more impressive is the fact that Kobe is shooting a career-high 48.3 percent from the floor. He only clocks in at No. 5 though because his Lakers are only 15-17 on the season.

4. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

Anthony certainly has been MVP-like all season long- when he has been healthy. Despite being second in the NBA in scoring at 28.9 points per game and pulling down 6.3 rebounds per game, Anthony drops a couple of spots mostly based on the fact that he has missed six games on the season due to injury and in turn the Knicks are 5-5 during their past 10 games. However the Knicks are 22-10 on the season and a legitimate contender based on the play of Anthony. He will be in contention for the MVP all season if he keeps this up.

3. LeBron James, Miami Heat

The reigning MVP is at it again. LeBron has been scorching hot as of late, but only clocks in at No. 3 thanks to Miami losing two road games this week to the Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks and a home loss to the Chicago Bulls. However James is averaging career highs in field-goal percentage (54.5) and three-point percentage (40.4), and he ranks fourth in the league in scoring with 26.6 points per game. James leads the league with a PER of 30.25. With the Heat in contention for a second consecutive championship, LBJ will be in contention for a second straight MVP.

2. Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers

Jan 4, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; OKlahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) handles the ball against Philadelphia 76ers guard Dorell Wright (4) during the second half at the Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

It was hard not to put CP3 at the top spot, especially after leading the Clippers to a 17-game win streak, but he sits at No. 2 for now. His numbers aren’t the greatest but that is due in part to only playing 32.9 minutes per game as of late. But they certainly aren’t bad numbers as Paul has averaged 16.7 points, 9.3 assists and a league-high 2.7 steals. His 25.9 PER is outstanding and according to 82games.com, he has held opposing point guards to a PER of only 11. No player has had the impact on his team that CP3 has.

1. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Durant gets the top spot after averaging 28.3 PPG (third in NBA). But here are the three most impressive things about his potential claim to the MVP. First, Durant has a 7.1 win shares according to Basketball-Reference. No player in the NBA can top that. Next, are the outstanding shooting percentages. He is shooting 51.3 percent from the field, 42.5 percent from three-point range and 90.5 percent from the free-throw line, all career highs. No other player in the NBA can boast a line of 50-40-90. Finally there is the fact that he has led the Thunder to a league-best 25-7 on the season. Add up Durant’s resume right now and there is nothing about it that doesn’t scream out MVP.

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Who will finish the calendar year as the top ranked team?

Let’s not waste any time and find out.

Dec 19, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; New Orleans Hornets forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Los Angeles Clippers center Ryan Hollins (15) at the Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Hornets 93-77. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

30. Charlotte Bobcats (7-21): Sixteen straight losses and counting for the woeful Bobcats. Last Week’s Ranking-30

29. Washington Wizards (3-23): The Wizards have lost eight in a row and their leading scorer Jordan Crawford is shooting under 40 percent on the season. That should tell you all you need to know about the hapless Wizards. Last Week’s Ranking-28

28. New Orleans Hornets (6-22): New Orleans has won only one of their past 12 and has the second worst offense in the NBA, averaging only 91.2 points per game. Last Week’s Ranking-29

27. Sacramento Kings (9-19): They have some talent but DeMarcus Cousins and company have once again turned this team into a sideshow comedy act. Last Week’s Ranking-25

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (7-23): The Cavs are only 3-6 since Kyrie Irving’s return and have lost by double-digits in four of those. Last Week’s Ranking-27

25. Detroit Pistons (9-22): Andre Drummond is coming into his own, posting double-double in two of Detroit’s past three games. Other than that the Pistons are going nowhere fast so I would look for young guys like Drummond to start getting more minutes. Last Week’s Ranking-26

24. Phoenix Suns (11-18): After a tough loss to the Knicks, the Suns are back on a three-game skid and no one on this team is averaging more than 14.1 points per game (Goran Dragic). Last Week’s Ranking-18

23. Toronto Raptors (9-20): The Raptors are just hard to watch and there isn’t much to get excited about this team right now, but they have split their last 10 games. Last Week’s Ranking-24

22. Dallas Mavericks (12-17): Dirk Nowitzki is back but the Mavs have won only three of their past 10. The Mavs will be better with Dirk, but how much better? Last Week’s Ranking-19

Dec 21, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue Holiday (11) shoots a layup during the third quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers defeated the Hawks 99-80. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

21. Orlando Magic (12-16): It has been hard to get a read on this Magic team all season. They have beaten some good teams, but lost to Toronto and New Orleans this week. Last Week’s Ranking-17

20. Philadelphia 76ers (14-15): The Sixers lost all four games without Jrue Holiday in the lineup, but while they have won 2-of-3 with him back, this team still has its share of problems. Last Week’s Ranking-23

19. Brooklyn Nets (14-14): Deron Williams has been awful and got his second coach killed in his career. Had Williams looked in the mirror and played better, Avery Johnson may still have a job. It has been Williams who is a big reason why the Nets have lost 11-of-14. A new coach won’t change that around unless he plays better. Last Week’s Ranking-20

18. Utah Jazz (15-15): The Jazz have split their past 10 and now it seems like they are a team destined to spend the season around the .500 mark. They will stay there unless they start shooting the ball better, which has been their weakness in their losses. Last Week’s Ranking-10

17. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-13): Minnesota has lost 4-of-5, but those losses came to the Knicks, Heat and Rockets. They were in each of those games and also managed to put an end to the Thunder’s win streak. This team just needs to get healthy. Last Week’s Ranking-13

16. Portland Trail Blazers (14-13): LaMarcus Aldridge has picked things up and the Blazers have been red hot because of it, winning 8-of-11 games in the month of December. Last Week’s Ranking-22

December 22, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12), shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24), and small forward Metta World Peace (15) walk back onto the court during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena. The Lakers defeated the Warriors 118-115 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

15. Boston Celtics (14-14): It is kind of late in the season for this Celtics team to be still sitting at .500, but they are a team that does nothing particularly well. I keep waiting for them to get hot, but maybe they never will. Last Week’s Ranking-16

14. Los Angeles Lakers (14-15): Kobe Bryant has scored 29 or more points in 13 straight games and leads the NBA in scoring. With Steve Nash and Pau Gasol back, the Lakers had won five in a row before getting thumped by Denver. Don’t look now but the Lakers are starting to roll. Last Week’s Ranking-21

13. Milwaukee Bucks (15-12): The Bucks have won 7-of-10 and are starting to make people pay attention to them. Last Week’s Ranking-14

12. Chicago Bulls (15-12): The Bulls just went through a rough stretch of their schedule and came away 5-4 through it. Even without Derrick Rose, the Bulls could hang in there and steal home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Last Week’s Ranking-9

11. Denver Nuggets (16-14): The Nuggets have won 6-of-10 and looked very impressive in beating the Lakers. They are starting to come into their own and would be even better if they could tighten up the defense. They are 26^th in the NBA in points allowed, surrendering 101.2 per contest. They simply can’t outscore teams every night. Last Week’s Ranking-12

10. Indiana Pacers (16-12): On one hand, the Pacers play the best defense in the league, allowing only 89.9 points per game. On the other hand, they haven’t beaten any good teams all season. Last Week’s Ranking-11

9. Atlanta Hawks (17-9): The Hawks have won only five of their past nine, but Josh Smith, Al Horford and Lou Williams have all been playing great and the hawks show no signs of slowing down. Last Week’s Ranking-8

Dec 26, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin (7) reacts to a call against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center. Rockets won 87-84. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports

8. Memphis Grizzlies (18-8): The Grizzlies take a huge drop after going only 6-6 in the month of December. Last Week’s Ranking-5

7. Houston Rockets (16-12): The Rockets have won their last five and 7-of-8 overall. In addition, they are the highest scoring team at 105.3 points per game. A lot of that has to do with their backcourt of James Harden and the much-improved Jeremy Lin, who has been shooting 55 percent from the floor during the Rockets streak. Last Week’s Ranking-15

6. Golden State Warriors (19-10): The Warriors have gone 10-4 in December and have a ton of weapons to keep it going. But the next three weeks their schedule is brutal so we will find out more about Mark Jackson’s team soon. Last Week’s Ranking-7

5. New York Knicks (21-8): The Knicks have split their past six games and have a banged up Carmelo Anthony. They also have point guard Raymond Felton on the shelf for 4-6 weeks, so their depth will be tested. Last Week’s Ranking-3

4. San Antonio Spurs (22-8): They get it done at both ends of the floor, ranking as the fourth-best offensive team and fifth-best defensive team in terms of efficiency. After losing 4-of-5, the Spurs have reeled off three wins in a row. Last Week’s Ranking-6

3. Oklahoma City Thunder (22-6): They saw their 12-game win streak come to an end by losing two in a row and they needed overtime to beat the Mavs, but Russell Westbrook outscored the Mavericks by himself in the extra period and got the Thunder back on track. Last Week’s Ranking- 1

2. Miami Heat (20-6): Remember when the Heat didn’t seem interested in the regular season? They still may not be, but they have won 8-of-9 and are in late season form. Last Week’s Ranking-4

1. Los Angeles Clippers (23-6): The Clippers are the NBA’s best road team (9-3) and have the league’s best point differential (+10.3 per game). In addition they may be the NBA’s deepest as they have been getting production from everyone. Their 15 consecutive wins is the 10^th longest win streak of all time. Last Week’s Ranking-2

Biggest Climber: Houston (+8)

Biggest Faller: Utah (-8)

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They made another one Thursday night when Carmelo Anthony’s scorching hot start helped spoil Mike D’Antoni’s return to the Big Apple with a 116-107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

With the win, the Knicks stayed unbeaten on the season at Madison Square Garden, but it came with a price as Carmelo Anthony left the game in the third quarter with a sprained ankle.

But after a season-high 41 points in the fourth quarter, the Knicks cruised to victory, improving to 17-5 on the season.

Here’s a look at the individual grades each Knicks’ player received in our daily report card.

Dec. 13, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks point guard Raymond Felton (2) drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Knicks won 116-107. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Game Stats

Field Goal Percentage: 53.2 %( 42-of-79)

Opponent’s Field Goal Percentage: 41.7% (35-of-84)

Three Point Percentage: 48.0% (12-of-25)

Opponent’s Three Point Percentage: 32.4% (12-of-37)

Free Throw Percentage: 66.7% (20-of-30)

Opponent’s Free Throw Percentage: 86.2% (25-of-29)

Assists: 25-13 (Knicks +12)

Rebounds: 44-33 (Knicks -11)

Points in the paint: 38-32 (Knicks -6)

Individual Grades:

Raymond Felton: (19 points, 9-of-26 shooting, 8 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 turnover, 1 steal)

Felton abused Chris Duhon and the other Lakers’ point guards with his quickness. He was consistently able to penetrate the middle and when the Lakers’ secondary defenders came to help, Felton’s kickout passes kept their defense scrambling. He didn’t have a great night shooting the ball, but was able to shoulder some of the load once Anthony left the game. In addition he took great care of the ball, dropping eight dimes and coughing it up only once. Grade: B+

Jason Kidd: (5 points, 1-of-2 shooting, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals)

Kidd made only one shot on the night, but as usual found a way to make a huge impact in the game. He was a big part in the ball continuously moving and always made the right pass to find the hot hand, which on this night was easy because everyone was hot. He’s also the leader out there on the floor that prevented the Knicks from relaxing after a slow start. Nine rebounds and five assists were tremendous, but Kidd’s contributions go way further than anything on the stat sheet. Grade: A-

Ronnie Brewer: (6 points, 3-of-6 shooting, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block)

Brewer scored just six points and failed to hit either of his open three-point looks, which isn’t the end of the world for him, but his main job is to play defense and allowed Metta World Peace to drop 23 points. That’s not going to earn him high marks for this game: Grade: D+

Dec. 13, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) gestures on the court as Los Angeles Lakers small forward Metta World Peace (15) follows during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

Carmelo Anthony: (30 points, 10-of-15 shooting, 3 rebounds, 1 steal)

Anthony exploded out of the gate and scored 22 of the Knicks 41 first-quarter points, just two shy of the team record shared by Willis Reed and Allan Houston.  His 30 points came on a very efficient 10-of-15 shooting in only 23 minutes and had he not gone down with an ankle injury, the Garden crowed could have seen something special. Game-by-game, Anthony is transforming himself from a “me-first” player to a legitimate leader and MVP candidate. Grade: A+

Tyson Chandler: (18 points, 5-of-5 shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks)

Chandler finished with 18 points, only four rebounds and missed six free-throws on the night, but he’s another guy who you have to look deeper into the box score for. His interior defense was brilliant last night. Chandler was often out there by himself to control the paint as Mike Woodson often had the floor spread with shooters, but he turned away penetration all night and was outstanding rotating to help. Dwight Howard may have out produced Chandler on the stat sheet, but Chandler had by far the more meaningful game: Grade: A

J.R. Smith: (18 points, 7-of-14 shooting, 3 rebounds, 2 assists)

Foul trouble limited Smith’s minutes, but he joined in on the party by scoring 18 points and more importantly, did so by shooting 50 percent from the floor. Grade: B+

Steve Novak: (12 points, 4-of-5 shooting, 3 rebounds, 4 assists)

Novak did what Novak is supposed to do- drain three’s. He knocked down four on the night and even dished out four assists while grabbing three rebounds. When Novak is on the floor he simply can’t be left alone, which makes it very difficult for the opposition to play good team defense. Grade: A-

Rasheed Wallace: (8 points, 3-of-5 shooting, 3 rebounds, 1 steal)

‘Sheed chipped in eight points, but more importantly his strength and his length at the defensive end gave Howard some fits. Grade: B+

Pablo Prigioni: (0 points, 0-of-0 shooting, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals)

Prigioni didn’t attempt a shot in 12 minutes, but he was active defensively. That’s what he is there for. Grade: B

James White: (0 points, 0-of-0 shooting, 1 assist)

White played only four minutes and didn’t get to do much while he was out there. Grade: Incomplete

Chris Copeland: DNP Coach’s Decision

Kurt Thomas: DNP Coach’s Decision

Marcus Camby: DNP Sore Left Foot

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At that time, Carmelo Anthony, and the Knicks at large, had been having an underwhelming season. Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire were out of sync, in an out of games with injuries; the team looked disjointed and inconsistent. The brief glimmer of hope that was Linsanity, sparked by the meteoric rise of Jeremy Lin, had been squashed during the team’s return to Earth and the apparent incompatibility of Lin and Anthony.

Now, months later, D’Antoni’s return to Madison Square Garden as the Los Angeles Lakers head coach offers a chance to see how far the Knicks have come. Since Mike Woodson took over for D’Antoni that day in March, the Knicks have gone 33-12 excluding the playoffs. Carmelo Anthony is playing at an MVP-level, the Knicks’ offense is among the best in the NBA, their defense, while inconsistent, capable of winning them games, their bench is sturdy, their point guard rotation trustworthy; things are good in New York.

In Los Angeles, D’Antoni’s situation mirrors the one he left less than a year ago. The Lakers are severely underwhelming, struggling with a 9-13 record, despite cast of all-worldly NBA talent. However, D’Antoni’s circumstances in LA are also similar to what he left in New York because of the instability. D’Antoni hasn’t gotten a chance to coach the point guard he made MVP in Phoenix, Steve Nash, who’s been injured since early November. Pau Gasol has been absent for the last few games. As Zach Lowe pointed out, the Lakers players are just as much at fault as D’Antoni. Besides injuries and an incomplete bench, D’Antoni also took over early in the season without any training camp to become acquainted with his new roster.

In New York, D’Antoni coached a team that was constantly under construction. Over the four years that D’Antoni coached, he had a total of 58 different players on his roster, and dealt with a major mid-season roster overhaul almost each year. Through the first two years of coaching, the Knicks teams were built around expiring contracts in order to clear cap space for the summer of 2010 and LeBron James. Though the Knicks obviously missed LeBron, in 2010-11, D’Antoni had a team humming along, built around Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler. Then, of course, the Knicks cleared most of the rotation players for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, and the team basically started from scratch.

Last season, the Knicks finally had a stable roster, but went through many different phases, mainly highlighted by the failed Anthony-as-a-point guard stage to start the season, and then Linsanity. When injuries took Anthony and Stoudemire out of the lineup, the Knicks adjusted, led by Lin. When they returned, there was no cohesion because the groups had never played together. D’Antoni never truly had a stable roster or rotation to work with.

When D’Antoni returns tonight, it will be a pleasant reminder for Knicks fans at just how things have turned around in recent months. But with that said, Knicks fans should not be hostile towards D’Antoni. What they had in four years under D’Antoni was a good coach, who struggled to find consistent success during a turbulent time.

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With that being said, let’s jump right into this week’s NBA Power Rankings.

Dec 12, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Jordan Crawford (15) passes against the Houston Rockets during the first quarter at the Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

30. Toronto Raptors (4-19): I liked the Raptors young talent before the season, but six consecutive losses and 12-of-13 overall earn them the bottom spot. Last Week’s Ranking-28

29. Washington Wizards (3-16): The Wizards have actually won three of their past seven, but it’s hard to know if this team will be any good until John Wall returns and who knows when that will be. Last Week’s Ranking- 30

28. Charlotte Bobcats (7-14): So much for that good feeling from this Charlotte team. They’ve lost nine in a row after a surprising 7-5 start. Last Week’s Ranking- 24

27. New Orleans Hornets (5-14): Anthony Davis is back for now and the Hornets…err I mean Pelicans… need him as they have lost 7-of-8. Last Week’s Ranking-26

26. Cleveland Cavaliers (5-18): Kyrie Irving is back and the Cavs had a big win over the Lakers, which snapped a string of five straight losses. Last Week’s Ranking-29

25. Phoenix Suns (8-15): They snapped a seven game losing streak with a surprising win over Memphis, but they have the talent to be better than this. Last Week’s Ranking- 25

Dec 11, 2012; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Knight (7) is defended by Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson (3) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Nuggets beat the Pistons 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

24. Detroit Pistons (7-17): Brandon Knight is starting to look like a nice NBA guard, but while they started to look like they were going to put things together, they have stumbled and lost 4-of-5. Last Week’s Ranking-19

23. Sacramento Kings (7-14): They have talent, but don’t seem willing to learn how to win as a team. However the Kings have won five of their past 11. Last Week’s Ranking- 27

22. Los Angeles Lakers (9-13): Mike Brown must be laughing right now. There is no more disappointing tem in the league and if they are hoping Steve Nash is the cure for all their problems, they will have a while longer to wait for his return. Last Week’s Ranking-22

21. Portland Trail Blazers (9-12): The Blazers have won three of their past five including somehow beating Toronto on Monday when they went 0-for-20 from behind the arc. Last Week’s Ranking-23

20. Orlando Magic (8-13): Give Jacque Vaughn credit. His team competes hard every night. Last Week’s Ranking-21

19. Denver Nuggets (11-12): Talk about disappointments, George Karl’s team is an early season one. After winning four straight at the end of November, the Nuggets have lost 6-of-9. They have had only six home games all season and won five of them though. If they get through this month, most of their January games are at home. Last Week’s Ranking-12

18. Houston Rockets (10-11): Jeremy Lin is starting to pick things up after a very slow start. It looks like he and James Harden are slowly starting to learn how to play with each other. Last Week’s Ranking-14

17. Indiana Pacers (11-11): The Pacers just can’t find consistent offense right now and newcomer D.J. Augustin was demoted to third-string point guard after shooting only 26.6 percent from the floor so far. Last Week’s Ranking-13

Dec 12, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) asks for a foul call against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Timberwolves won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports

16. Dallas Mavericks (11-11): Wednesday’s overtime loss to Boston broke a three-game winning streak that put the Mavs back over .500. If they can just hang around there until Dirk Nowitzki eventually returns, they could be a team that surges later in the year. Last Week’s Ranking-20

15. Minnesota Timberwolves (10-9): Despite all of the injuries the ‘Wolves are above .500. They got Kevin Love back and will get Ricky Rubio back in the next few days. Last Week’s Ranking-15

14.  Philadelphia 76ers (12-10): Andrew Bynum says he will return this season. The Sixers could use his scoring, but are hanging in there without him. Last Week’s Ranking-11

13. Milwaukee Bucks (11-9): Milwaukee is such a hard team to gauge. Can they keep winning with only two scorers averaging over 11 points per game (Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings)? Last Week’s Ranking-18

12. Brooklyn Nets (12-9): The Nets win over Toronto snapped a five-game skid, all without Brook Lopez in the lineup. Last Week’s Ranking-6

11. Boston Celtics (12-9): Boston has been so inconsistent all season, but won a big overtime game against the Mavs, which makes three wins in four games. They have to finish strong to the last three games of a tough road trip against Houston, San Antonio and Chicago to build some momentum. Last Week’s Ranking-10

10. Chicago Bulls (12-9): Chicago is starting to put some consistent wins together, winning five of their past seven, but have a very tough seven game stretch upcoming. Last Week’s Ranking-17

9. Utah Jazz (13-10): The Jazz have won four straight and faces a tough Western Conference matchup at San Antonio on Wednesday; however they are only 4-9 on road this season. Last Week’s Ranking-16

Dec 10, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and power forward Zaza Pachulia (right) in the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 101-92. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

8. Atlanta Hawks (13-6): They blew an opportunity to make a statement in Miami on Monday, but have been one of the NBA’s biggest surprises, winning 10 of their past 12. Last Week’s Ranking-9

7. Miami Heat (14-6): The Heat have some issues, but there is nothing to panic about, but they have lost three of their last five games. Last Week’s Ranking-4

6. Golden State Warriors (15-7): Speaking of pleasant surprises, the Warriors did make a statement by beating the Heat on the road. Mark Jackson’s team is hot, winning 10-of-12 overall. They have the talent to stay that way for a while. Last Week’s Ranking-8

5. Memphis Grizzlies (14-5): The Grizzlies have dropped three of their past five, including tough back-to-back losses to Atlanta and Phoenix. Their three week hold of the top spot is over. Last Week’s Ranking-1

4. Los Angeles Clippers (16-6): The Clippers have won six in a row and haven’t lost in December. They have a chance to continue their winning ways with a four-game road trip that features Chicago, Charlotte, Milwaukee and Detroit. Last Week’s Ranking-7

3. New York Knicks (16-5): The Knicks are for real and Carmelo Anthony is playing at an MVP-level, but what makes them tough is their extraordinary depth, something that will get even better when Amar’e Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert return from injuries. Last Week’s Ranking-3

2. San Antonio Spurs (18-5): The highest scoring team in the NBA has games against Portland and Boston before a big Monday affair with Oklahoma City. The Spurs are an amazing 11-3 on the road and have won 10-of-12 overall. Last Week’s Ranking-5

1. Oklahoma City Thunder (18-4): The Thunder claim the top spot this week. Not only do they boast the NBA’s best record, but have won nine in a row and 12-of-13. I think it is safe to say they have figured out how to win without Harden. Last Week’s Ranking-2

Biggest Climbers: Utah and Chicago (+7)

Biggest Faller: Denver (-7)

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Dec 11, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) reacts to scoring a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Knicks won 100-97. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

In an interview with Stephen A. Smith (via ESPN’s Ian Begley), Bryant called ‘Melo the toughest cover in the NBA, even tougher than LeBron James.

“For me, yeah,” Bryant told Smith on Wednesday.  ”He’s always been a player that I enjoyed guarding the most,” Bryant said. “He was the most difficult because of his size and his speed.”

“Melo does it all and he’s as strong as a bull,” Bryant said. “For me, I weigh (180 pounds) soaking wet. Going up against that bull, man, it’s fun but it’s extremely challenging.”

That’s the ultimate compliment coming ‘Melo’s way from one of the greatest to ever play the game. You can see why Bryant and most of the NBA probably fell that way.

Anthony’s shooting range, ability to drive to the rim and score in the post make him one of the most lethal offensive weapons in the NBA. He’s simply a matchup nightmare for almost anyone in the league that has too guard him.

If Bryant thought Anthony was a challenge before, he will be in for a bigger one tonight given the way Anthony has started the season. It’s not just Anthony the scorer now, but Anthony the complete player that Bryant and the Lakers will have to deal with.

With Anthony likely starting at the 4 against the Lakers, it remains to be seen exactly how much time Kobe will spend locked up on ‘Melo, but one thing is for sure- someone in a Lakers’ uniform is going to have their hands full tonight.

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It’s a trade scenario where, rivalries aside, I liked from the Knicks perspective because I genuinely believe that Humphries is a much better fit for this current group of players than STAT. And I thought it would be a positive from the Nets perspective as well because they’re still looking to add star power to their new brand, and Stoudemire is, if anything else, still a star in the NBA.

Over the weekend, buzz around the internet started generating another potential new home for Amar’e, and it would be a somewhat familiar home, at least personale wise.

With the Los Angeles Lakers continuing to sputter even under new coach Mike D’Antoni, a lot of trade options have been thrown out in regards to moving Pau Gasol (who is quickly becoming the scape goat for why nothing is working). Gasol has two years at roughly $19 million per year left on his contract, so there are very few teams that have the contracts to match up with the Lakers in a potential trade. To name a few options the Lakers have had currently, the Raptors (they could trade both Jose Calderon and Andrea Bargnani), the Timberwolves (a less likely scenario that would almost certainly include Kevin Love) and the Atlanta Hawks (the most talked about rumor that would include Josh Smith).

Now, it appears we can include the Knicks on the short list of teams that may be in the Gasol trade arena. There are two trade scenarios that could work in terms of getting Gasol to New York. The first, and more favorable option for the Knicks, would be a straight-up trade of Gasol-for-Amar’e. However, the salaries do work enough that the Lakers could demand Iman Shumpert from the Knicks as insurance in terms of talent for Stoudemire’s balky knees.

While I was on board for the Humphries package, I am completely off the bandwagon on the Pau Gasol rumors. Gasol may be an upgrade defensively from Amar’e, and the Knicks would be able to go bigger with a line-up including Gasol, Chandler and Anthony than any other team in the East, but it doesn’t solve any of the potential spacing problems Stoudemire may cause on the offensive end. Gasol is clearly not a fit for the D’Antoni run-and-gun, so it would make sense for the Lakers to seek a more athletic forward that could play within 18-feet of the rim. However, I would still be very worried about clogging up the middle of the lane with two big men that want to emphasize bodying up down low.

I would also hate to give up Iman Shumpert at any cost right now unless it was to bring in a player like Chris Paul. Shumpert is one of the best wing defenders in the league and would almost immediately provide the Knicks with more depth than few teams can compete with. Ronnie Brewer has been a fantastic addition, but Shumpert is a rich-man’s version of everything Brewer has been able to accomplish. He has the ability to spot up from beyond the arc and cut to the lane for emphatic finishes much like J.R. Smith, all while playing a much stingier defense on the other end. I don’t see how packaging him and Amar’e Stoudemire for Pau Gasol would actually make the Knicks a better team.

Instead, I think it would be a swap of one headache for another, with fans not totally realizing it at first because we’d be too excited about our shiny new toy.

Look, nobody will really know the impact of Amar’e Stoudemire’s return until  he’s fully healthy, so we can play the game of skepticism as much as we want. What I do know is if I’m going to roll the dice with another big man on the floor with Carmelo and Chandler, I’d rather it be STAT than Pau Gasol.

Who has moved up and who is sinking like the Titanic? Can the Memphis Grizzlies hold on to the No. 1 spot for the second week in a row?

Nov 27, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao (17) grabs a rebound in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE

Let’s not waste any time and answer all of those question in my latest NBA Power Rankings.

30. Washington Wizards (0-12): The guys on TNT started calling the Wizards the Washington Generals. That is incorrect. The Generals would beat the Wizards by 20. Last Week’s Ranking- 30.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-12): The Cavs have lost 10 of 11 and their coach Byron Scott said everyone on the team except Anderson Varejao stunk after a recent loss. Pretty accurate assessment. Last Week’s Ranking-29

28. Toronto Raptors (3-12): The Raptors have lost five in a row and get seven of their next eight on the road. Last Week’s Ranking-25

27. New Orleans Hornets (4-9): This team could be surprisingly good with Eric Gordon and Anthony Davis in the lineup but Gordon has missed the entire season an Davis has played in only six of 12 games. Without them the Hornets don’t have a chance. Last Week’s Ranking-22

26. Detroit Pistons (4-11): The Pistons have won three of five and Greg Monroe is putting together a good season. How long though until Lawrence Frank turns the team over to the youngsters? Andre Drummond is averaging only 16 minutes per game. Last Week’s Ranking-27

25. Sacramento Kings (4-10): Tyreke Evans has been on a tear, averaging 21 points during the last five games, in which the Kings have wins over the Jazz and Lakers. Last Week’s Ranking-28

November 26, 2012; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) is defended by Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Knight (7) in the fourth quarter at The Palace. Detroit won 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-US PRESSWIRE

24. Orlando Magic (5-8): The Magic face a tough stretch of games against San Antonio, Brooklyn and the big one in Los Angeles vs. Dwight Howard and the Lakers. While they are likely rejoicing in the fact they didn’t trade for Andrew Bynum, is there any chance they aren’t kicking themselves for not taking Brook Lopez? That lottery pick that Brooklyn traded to Portland also turned out to be Damian Lillard. Last Week’s Ranking-26

23. Portland Trail Blazers (6-8): Portland has lost three of four, but their trio of Lillard, Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge are having good seasons, even though Aldridge is only shooting 44 percent from the floor. Last Week’s Ranking-18

22. Phoenix Suns (7-8): The Suns have won three of four and have winnable games against Detroit and Toronto upcoming. That’s a good way to build momentum. Phoenix is seventh in the NBA in scoring at 99.9 points per game. Last Week’s Ranking-23

21. Dallas Mavericks (7-8): That 4-1 start to the season is a thing of the past as the Mavs have lost seven of 10 since. They badly miss Dirk Nowitzki as after O.J. Mayo’s 20.8 points per game, no one else is averaging more than 14.2 (Chris Kaman). The news doesn’t get any better as 10 of their next 14 are on the road. Last Week’s Ranking-16

20. Minnesota Timberwolves (6-7): The ‘Wolves lost five in a row before Kevin Love’s monster game helped break that skid Tuesday against Sacramento. More performances like that and Minnesota should get back on track. Last Week’s Ranking-17

19. Houston Rockets (7-7): The Rockets drilled the Knicks and have won three straight. James Harden has been big, but the youngest team in the NBA is getting contributions from everyone, most notably guys like Patrick Patterson and Chandler Parsons have turned in huge performances this week. Last Week’s Ranking-24

18.  Chicago Bulls (6-7): The Bulls have lost four of five and blew a 27-point lead Monday against the Bucks. The struggles shouldn’t come as a surprise.  The Bulls still have talent but you just can’t replace an MVP like Derrick Rose. Last Week’s Ranking-12

November 27, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) and shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) during a stoppage in play against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

17. Charlotte Bobcats (7-6): The Bobcats have already matched last season’s win total, but showed how far they really have to come still in Monday’s 45-point loss to the Thunder. Last Week’s Ranking-19

16. Los Angeles Lakers (7-8): So let me get this straight. Kobe Bryant scores 40 points and the rest of the Lakers’ team scores 37? In Mike D’Antoni’s offense? No point guard hurts badly as does the lack of depth, as the Lakers get very little production from their second unit. They look lost at the defensive end and have lost three of four. Last Week’s Ranking-8

15.  Indiana Pacers (7-8): A big win over the Lakers makes it three of four for the Pacers, but two of the wins came against Washington and New Orleans. They have to find offense somewhere. Roy Hibbert has been a disappointment, averaging only 9.5 points per game while shooting 38.8 percent from the floor. Shooting is a problem for the Pacers as they are shooting only 41 percent as a team. Last Week’s Ranking-21

14. Milwaukee Bucks (7-5): The Bucks ended a three-game skid with a big comeback win against Chicago, but every time you show faith in this team they make you pay for it. They are still a talented team though and should be a handful for the Knicks on Wednesday.  Last Week’s Ranking-7

November 24, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the Timberwolves 96-85. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

13. Philadelphia 76ers (9-6): Trading for Bynum looks like a mistake. Giving Jrue Holiday an extension was not. The Sixers are winning with defense, allowing only 93.7 points per game, but they are 26th in the league in scoring and not having Bynum should catch up with them. Last Week’s Ranking-13

12. Golden State Warriors (8-6): They have played eight of their first 14 on the road and are getting Andrew Bogut back soon. Rookie Harrison Barnes, along with having the dunk of the year, is starting to come along nicely. Last Week’s Ranking-15

11. Denver Nuggets (8-7): The Nuggets could be the streakiest team in the NBA. The followed up three straight losses with four straight wins before losing to Utah on Monday. They will need to get hot again with eight of their next 10 on the road. Last Week’s Ranking-14

10. Utah Jazz (8-7): The Jazz are 6-0 at home and only 2-7 on the road with a three game road trip coming up against the Hornets, Thunder and Rockets. They are talented, young and deep and have won four of their past five games. Last Week’s Ranking-11

9. Los Angeles Clippers (8-6): It’s funny how things can change in a week. Just a week ago you could make the case that the Clippers were the best team in the league, but that is no longer the case after four straight losses. No excuse for losing to the Hornets without Anthony Davis in the lineup. Last Week’s Ranking-3

8. Boston Celtics (8-6): Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce are still playing at a high level and what Rajon Rondo has been doing is amazing. However this team is allowing over 100 points per game which is concerning. Last Week’s Ranking-10

7. Atlanta Hawks (8-4): Atlanta has won five straight victories and wins in six of their past seven. The defensive-minded Hawks are allowing only 92.1 points per game while scoring 95.2 and are the No. 1 team in terms of defensive efficiency. They’ve had a pretty soft schedule, but do have wins over both the Thunder and Clippers. Last Week’s Ranking-20

Nov. 26, 2012; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) drives to the basket as New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler (6) defends during the second half at the Barclays Center. Nets won in overtime 96-89. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-US PRESSWIRE

6. New York Knicks (9-4): After and NBA-best 8-1 start, the Knicks have dropped three of their last four. Not having Jason Kidd against the Nets hurt and not having Amar’e Stoudemire is starting to show up as the Knicks could use his scoring and rebounding. Last Week’s Ranking-2

5. Brooklyn Nets (9-4): The Nets made a statement by beating the Knicks. They haven’t had a meaningful win all season, but have won three in a row two of which have been against the Clippers and Knicks. Lopez is off to a great start, averaging 19.2 points per game. Last Week’s Ranking-9

4. Oklahoma City Thunder (11-4): The Thunder have won eight of 10 and prepare for Harden’s first trip into town wearing a Houston Rockets jersey. Serge Ibaka has been a surprise on the offensive end, chipping in 14.5 points per game. Last Week’s Ranking-6

3. Miami Heat (10-3): The Heat have won four in a row and are 6-0 at home, which is good news for them considering the fact that they play only two road games between now and Christmas. Last Week’s Ranking-4

2. San Antonio Spurs (12-3): The Spurs are the first team to reach 12 wins and even without Kawhi Leonard and Stephen Jackson they should keep on winning. What’s impressive is how good they are on the road, winning 27 of their last 31 away from home. Last Week’s Ranking-5

1. Memphis Grizzlies (10-2): After seeing the winning streak ended with a home loss to the Nuggets, the Griz rebounded nicely with a win against the Lakers. They didn’t look great against the Cavs, but have Detroit and Toronto coming up before a showdown with the Spurs. With Rudy Gay (among others) playing at an All-Star level, the Grizzlies will keep on winning. Last Week’s Ranking-1

Biggest Climb-Atlanta Hawks (+13)

Biggest Drop-Los Angeles Lakers (-8)

And since that time there has been a ton of speculation that Gasol could be headed to the Big Apple in exchange for Amar’e Stoudemire. Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld touches on the speculation that Gasol and Stoudemire could be trading places, but I’m here to tell you just exactly how much of a chance a deal like this could get done.

Nov 24, 2012; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol (16) drives the ball past Dallas Mavericks power forward Troy Murphy (6) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE

No chance. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Not happening.

That’s the funny thing about the rumor mill is that any player can be dealt to any team and while this would be a positive deal for both teams, it won’t happen.

I think Gasol would be a better fit on this Knicks team then he currently is in Lakerland. In addition, I think Stoudemire, in D’Antoni’s system, paired again with Steve Nash, would give the Lakers another explosive scorer to take some pressure off of Kobe Bryant.

But there is one major roadblock that will prevent these teams from even discussing a deal- Stoudemire’s contract.

That contract has three years and close to $60 million left on it and no team, especially the Lakers is going to take on that type of financial commitment for an often injured star on the backside of his career.

Stoudemire’s contract is worse than Gasol’s big figure and could be the worst in the NBA right now. With the new CBA, teams don’t want to get into the tax paying luxury tax. Most teams have avoided doing so and Jim Buss didn’t make any major moves last season to improve the Lakers because he didn’t want to take on money.

He’s not taking on $60 million of Stoudemire.

Then there’s the Dwight Howard situation.

Howard remains unsigned for next season and if the Lakers want to retain the All-Star center, they won’t be adding $60 million of payroll.

Gasol has two more seasons left on his deal for $19 million this year and a $19.28 million season next year. That’s hardly an attractive number especially for a team playing for anything, because those teams are at the luxury tax line or already over it. With the new CBA, teams can’t take on salary at will.

If the Lakers move Gasol, it will be to get younger and more athletic. The Lakers don’t have youth and traded all of their draft picks away to sign Nash. Ultimately Mitch Kupchak will want to bring in a capable body to replace Gasol and some quality youth to make the Lakers younger and deeper.

That is something the Knicks can’t really help with.

The Knicks have the same problem and to get the Lakers or any other team to take on Stoudemire’s contract they will have to sweeten the pot. The only player on the Knicks’ roster under the age of 27 is Iman Shumpert and he isn’t going anywhere.

The reality is that the Knicks don’t have the trade chips to get the Lakers to take on Stoudemire’s contract.

It’s real easy for everyone to say just trade Stoudemire when he’s healthy, but in reality his contract is pretty much untradeable and if they could get someone to take it, they wouldn’t receive anything close to value for him anyway.

Gasol for Stoudemire sounds nice, but it just won’t happen.

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Mar 7, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike D

Clearly this is a good move for the organization as the players loyalty to Brown has grown tenuous.  His “Princeton” style offense did not seem to be a good fit for the Lakers last year and it wasn’t meshing well with the new and incumbent players this year.

Not only was Brown’s sluggish scheme bad for fantasy basketball owners who have many of LA’s players, but D’Antoni’s “seven seconds-or-less” approach to the offensive side of ball should do the complete opposite.  I expect bigger numbers from most of their players in terms of scoring, assists and shooting.  The Lakers’ big men, as well as spot-up shooters, will get a nice boost in numbers due to the fondness D’Antoni has for the pick-and-roll.

So will their defensive numbers be hurt from the drastic reversal of coaching styles?

According to Dwight Howard they won’t.  I agree with his theory that the Lakers already have guys in place who like to play defense, so that will make up for D’Antoni’s shortcomings on coaching the defensive end of things.  D’Antoni has vowed that the Lakers will at least “contend for an NBA title” and I think that he’s correct in assuming that possibility will be there come June.

Here is my fantasy outlook on the Lakers “Big Four” players in the post-Mike Brown Era:

Kobe Bryant (G):  So far in 2012 Kobe’s numbers have pretty much been in line with what his previous three seasons have looked like (26 PPG/5 RPG/4.5 APG).  The one category that has notably taken a rise is his 3-pointers made per game.  He’s making 0.6 more a game now, but that will soon change once D’Antoni begins coaching.  Kobe is one of the best players of all time and he will continue to post Hall of Fame numbers regardless of who is manning the sidelines, but  I actually expect his scoring to drop a tad with more emphasis on the pick-and-roll and less isolation plays.  As long as he keeps playing through his numerous aches and pains, Kobe Bean is as safe a bet as any to lead your fantasy team to the promise land.

November 13, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) moves to the basket against the defense of San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Dwight Howard (C):  I believe Dwight Howard is going to benefit the most from the coaching switch.  This offense is perfect for his game.  Howard was brought to LA with an expiring contract and management had high hopes of them winning a championship and cementing a long-term deal with him in the offseason.  But with their terrible start and with Kobe sticking with his impending retirement plans, they needed to change things quick.  After all, he will be a huge building block for them in the future.

Sure, he is one of the worst free-throw shooters in the league, but he is also shooting less of them this year.  This new offense will give him many more looks inside and while his percentages may still hover in the 50-60% range, owners that have him in leagues that count “free throws made” as a category will reap the benefits.  D’Antoni was praised for the way he helped Amar’e Stoudemire out offensively and should do the same with Howard.  Slowly but surely I think the Lakers’ offense will start to revolve more around Dwight than Kobe.  He can still be a “category” league nightmare, where he’ll almost guarantee you a loss in FT% every week, but trade for him in “points” or “roto” leagues while his stock is still low.

Pau Gasol (F/C):  Gasol has gotten a bad rap the past couple of seasons.  He’s been called “soft”, among other characteristics we might attribute to a bunny or a pillow, but he prime statistics (points, rebounds, assists, blocks) have remained constant.  The calls of “softness” may have resulted in the fact that he got to the line way less last season that he had throughout his career as well as some pretty dismal performance in the playoffs.

But alas this is fantasy, not life, and on paper his numbers are at the top of the list for power forwards.  He has always been one of the premier passing big men in the league and should continue to rack up assists when drawing double teams.  He is another great “buy low” guy right now, as his season hasn’t exactly started with a bang and there may be some owners willing to part ways with him.

Steve Nash (PG):  Between 2004 and 2008 when he was on the D’Antoni –coached Suns, Nash won two MVP Awards (’05, ’06) and established himself as one of the top point guards of all time.  Nash had to be the happiest of all the Lakers when he heard of the coaching change in LA.  In his last season in Dallas he recorded 14.5 point and 8.8 assists per game.  The following year, his first in Phoenix and first with D’Antoni, he upped that to 15.5 points and 11.5 assists per game.

This run-and-gun style of offense is perfect for a ball handler of his caliber.  While he is up there in age (38 years-old), he won’t have much of a scoring burden, which will allow him to dish the ball to any of the multi-talented players on the roster.  His rapport with Howard and Gasol in the pick-and-roll could end up being one of the deadliest combinations ever.   He has missed all but two games this year because of a non-displaced fracture in his left leg, but when he comes back to the court expect the Lakers’ offense to go off with a bang.

But all Laker fans must hope that any mention of the word “turkey” ends at Thanksgiving.

It might be a good thing for Steve Nash and fun-lovers in LA, because there will be plenty of fun offense to be had to go with your turkey, cranberry sauce and giblets.

Jan 28, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike D

But on the other hand, you can call him Mike Not Phil Jackson D’Antoni, or you could just call him MikeAntoni because there could be no D in Los Angeles.

There’s been much talk today about how the job was Phil Jackson’s if he wanted it, but behind the scenes he reportedly asked for too much including an ownership stake in the team. It seems that Lakers Owner Jerry Buss wouldn’t go for that and instead hired D’Antoni. Jackson is reportedly “shocked”. But there’s more to it that we don’t know. Buss and Jackson may have something going on behind that scenes that isn’t pretty and that we don’t know about. It seems that Jackson’s name was out there and the Lakers had to satisfy the crowd’s lust for Jackson, so they considered it, but D’Antoni was their man all along.

Steve Nash must be happy. he and D’Antoni were a match made in basketball heaven in Phoenix and they will be fun to watch on offense. But defense is another matter. Unless D’Antoni gets a defensive-minded Woodson-like assistant, the team will be one-sided, run n’ gun fun. That’s not bad, but what happened to “defense wins championships”?

Meanwhile, in other news, it looks like the Lakers and Nuggets may have gotten the best of the 3-way deal that sent Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia. Bynum has yet to play a game for the 76ers due to knee issues. Now the team is saying he may be their Xmas gift, playing his first game (maybe) Xmas week, because he won’t begin doing any work till 12/10. The team gave up Andre Igoudala for him but don’t seem to be getting anything back. By the way, Bynum will be a free agent at the end of the season. I wrote about the trade here. I have a feeling this season will be a washout for him and the 76ers will rue the day they let Iggy go for him. Now that’s what I call a turkey deal!

Former Knicks’ head coach Mike D’Antoni shockingly was named as Mike Brown’s successor Monday morning, signing a three-year, $12 million deal, with an option for a fourth year.

Jan 28, 2011; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike D

The announcement of D’Antoni not only leaves Lakerland stunned, but Jackson as well.

Jackson’s triangle offense was seen as a benefit to Bryant and Pau Gasol, but not as conducive to the rest of the players on the roster — namely point guard Steve Nash and center Dwight Howard. Another strike against the triangle was the fact that this Lakers team struggled to pick up the similarly complicated Princeton-style offense being instituted by Brown.

However, the problem with the Lakers hasn’t been on the offensive end, but on the defensive end of the floor- not exactly D’Antoni’s strength as a coach.

But he will do a good job in Lakerland. Once the Lakers get healthy, they should excel in D’Antoni’s fast-paced and pick-and-roll style attack.

The biggest problem Los Angeles has the lack of team speed up-and-down the roster. That could prove to be a problem, but it should be good for point guard Steve Nash.

D’Antoni spent five seasons coaching Nash in Phoenix. Nash won two MVP awards while running D’Antoni’s signature up-tempo offense, and they won at least 54 games in each of D’Antoni’s last four seasons. That of course was Nash in his prime, but it should be a good reunion for both parties.

He had knee surgery at the beginning of November and has not yet been cleared to travel and it could be a couple of days still before D’Antoni can travel to LA.

There is a possibility that Bernie Bickerstaff will remain interim head coach even after D’Antoni’s introductory news conference, according to a source, if D’Antoni isn’t feeling physically able to coach games just yet.

But D’Antoni, who got run out of the Big Apple by Carmelo Anthony, deserved another coaching opportunity.

We will see if he can handle the ego of Kobe Bryant, who has been a long-time fan of D’Antoni, and Dwight Howard, who has been a long-time fan of himself, any better than he handled the ‘Melo situation.

Just like there was in New York, there will be immediate pressure to win in Los Angeles.

D’Antoni will have his work cut out for him.

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Well, D’Antoni hasn’t been contacted by the Lakers and likely won’t as its not big secret that this job is Jackson’s if he wants it and he likely will.

Mar 9, 2012; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New York Knicks head coach Mike D

A team with four All-Star’s in the starting lineup, well that’s Jackson’s type of gig, one that he certainly would jump at the chance to coach.

But how would D’Antoni likely fare in Los Angeles with his up-tempo attack?

D’Antoni wouldn’t be available to coach for another 10 days to two weeks because of his knee replacement surgery.

But I don’t think he would be a great fit to begin with.

Sure the Lakers have had their “Showtime,” era before, but asking this current Lakers team to play a lot of run-and-gun would be asking a lot.

Kobe Bryant, while you can’t doubt what he is still capable of, is 34 and in his 17th year in the league and the up-and-down pace throughout the course of a full season may not suit him well anymore.

He would have a point guard in Steve Nash who excelled in D’Antoni’s system and a big guy like Pau Gasol who runs the floor as well as any big man in the game, but the mystery is Dwight Howard.

If any coach in the NBA could make Howard less of a factor defensively it is D’Antoni, but he did have 2012 Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler for half a season last year.

But Howard already cost one coach his job (Stan Van Gundy), so I don’t know if that’s a situation D’Antoni would even want to put himself in to begin with. He already went through a similar situation with Carmelo Anthony, he would be foolish to go through that again.

The Lakers are built to win right now. There’s not much young talent to get excited about for the future and while they have a great starting five, their depth isn’t great.

D’Antoni’s system would take some time to perfect and while the Lakers have the talent to do exactly that, it is doubtful they win a title with that system this year.

The team that the Lakers share the Staples Center with might be a better fit for D’Antoni, if the Clippers eventually decide to part ways with Vinny Del Negro.

But this Lakers team wasn’t assembled for D’Antoni or Brown, from the beginning it was assembled to lure Jackson back and that strategy looks like it worked.

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Nov 05, 2012; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) shoots a jump shot during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wachovia Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Buckets Over Broadway’s Matt Shetler and Thunderous Intentions’ Andrew Kennedy return to take a look at the only remaining undefeated team in the New York Knicks.

They also dive into the start of the season for Kennedy’s OKC Thunder.

In addition they look at the disappointing start to the season for the Los Angeles Lakers, who can stop the Miami Heat offense and much more.

After looking a some surprise performances to start the season, the duo hand out their Player of the Week awards.

Who gets the honors for Week 1?

You have to listen to find out.

You can listen to the show simply by clicking the player at the bottom of the page.

Tune into the FanSided NBA Podcast every week and make sure you check out all of the great programming on FanSided Radio.

How will all of the movement during the offseason effect the rankings? Are the defending champs still the team to beat?

Let’s answer those questions right now.

30. Orlando Magic- It could be embarrassing in the first year after Dwight Howard.

29. Charlotte Bobcats- Adding a couple vets and rookie Michael-Kidd Gilchrist will make the ‘Cats twice as good as last season. Unfortunately that would amount to only 14 wins.

October 23, 2012; Cleveland, OH USA: Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving (2) brings the ball up court during a preseason game against the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Eric P. Mull-USPRESSWIRE

28. Detroit Pistons- They finished the 2012 season strong and with Greg Monroe, Brandon Knight and Andre Drummond, there’s hope for the future; but that future might not be this season.

27. Cleveland Cavaliers- Speaking of young talent, the Cavs have a superstar in Kyrie Irving and a boatload of young and talented players, but they aren’t ready to contend yet and are still in search of a second scoring option.

26. Houston Rockets- Once again they missed out on landing the big man they needed and overpaid for Jeremy Lin and Omar Asik. The James Harden trade helps some, more for the future, but Kevin McHale’s team is young and has a long ways to come.

25. Toronto Raptors- I like what the Raptors have done as far as adding talent, but they are still the worst team in the NBA’s toughest division. It won’t be long though before the Raptors are challenging for a playoff spot.

24. Washington Wizards- The Wiz will be without John Wall to start the season, but when he returns they have a nice starting five. The Wall-Bradley Beal backcourt could become great one day and the additions of Trevor Ariza and Emeka Okafor makes this team better defensively, but they aren’t deep and it will cost them.

23. Phoenix Suns- The Suns had trouble winning with Steve Nash the past couple years, without him things should get worse. But they added some talented players in Goran Dragic, Michael Beasley and Luis Scola so they could turn into a bit of a surprise.

22. Sacramento Kings- DeMarcus Cousins is ready to become a star and the Kings have a ton of young talent. They have to start learning how to win together though.

21. Portland Trail Blazers- LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard are likely to be league’s next dynamic duo but the Blazers are likely a year away.

20. New Orleans Hornets- Anthony Davis will become a double-double machine for years and Monty Williams’ team has some very nice pieces in place. If Eric Gordon can stay healthy, the Hornets could surprise, but that’s a big if.

19. Milwaukee Bucks- Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis will keep the Bucks in games, but can their young frontcourt help get them to the playoffs?

18. Atlanta Hawks- Gone is Joe Johnson’s horrible contract as new general manager Danny Ferry has this team set up nicely for the future. They have a bunch of shooters and will lean on Al Horford and Josh Smith to try to keep them in the playoffs.

Apr 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love (42) looks on during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

17. Golden State Warriors- I like the Warriors to be a surprise team if Stephen Curry’s ankle holds up. They are balanced with shooting and decent interior play. Now it’s time to make the playoffs.

16. Minnesota Timberwolves- Once Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio get healthy, the ‘Wolves are in a similar situation as the Warriors. It’s time to make the playoffs.

15. Utah Jazz- Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap can beat you on any given night. The Jazz are solid in all areas, and could be a sleeper this season.

14. Dallas Mavericks- Dirk Nowitzki is starting out the season injured, but the Mavs had added some youth and decent pieces around him. They won’t be title contenders but should be better than the 2012 team that suffered from championship hangover.

13. Chicago Bulls- Derrick Rose won’t be on the court for a while. Their depth needs to keep them afloat until he returns.

12. Denver Nuggets- If Danilo Gallinari, Ty Lawson and Andre Iguodala have banner years; the Nuggets have the talent to be a threat in the Western Conference.

11. Brooklyn Nets- The Nets rebuilt in a big way. They brought back everyone and added some key parts throughout the roster. I’m not ready to make them instant contenders though, but they certainly have the talent to do so.

10. New York Knicks- Will Carmelo Anthony ever win in the NBA? It doesn’t help that Amar’e Stoudemire is out six weeks to start the season. I actually bumped the Knicks up a couple spots to start the season because they are a better team with ‘Melo at the 4.

9. Philadelphia 76ers- They are talented and added Andrew Bynum, but do they have a leader now that Iguodala is gone? It’s not Bynum.

8. Memphis Grizzlies- The Griz suffered a disappointing first round playoff exit last season, but this team will be back and can do some big things. If there’s any team that can knock off the big boys in the league, Memphis is your best bet.

Oct 26, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (9) talks with forward Tim Duncan (21) during the first half against the Washington Wizards at the AT

7. Indiana Pacers- The Pacers are physical, deep and excel at teamwork. They think they’re better than the Miami Heat and that is half the battle.

6. San Antonio Spurs- One more run for Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. I think everyone learned their lesson last season not to write these guys off just yet.

5. Los Angeles Clippers- I like what the Clippers did in the offseason: bring back Chauncey Billups and adding the likes of Grant Hill, Lamar Odom, Matt Barnes and Jamal Crawford to the nucleus they already have make the Clippers very deep. A playoff run last season gives these guys some confidence as well.

4. Boston Celtics- They lost Ray Allen but got better by adding Jason Terry Courtney Lee and a returning Jeff Green. The question is if rookies Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo can give this team the size they need. Rajon Rondo could have an MVP-type of season and remember that this team was one game away from reaching the NBA Finals a season ago.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder- The Thunder got penalized by drafting too well and had to deal James Harden but got back a quality player in Kevin Martin and a young guy in Jeremy Lamb who I think will have a great career.  Even without Harden, the Thunder are championship contenders.

2. Los Angeles Lakers- No team bulked up in the offseason like the Lakers, adding the likes of Dwight Howard and Steve Nash. They may have the best starting five in the league but I’m not overly excited about their depth.

1. Miami Heat- The defending champs addressed their shooting weaknesses by adding Allen and Rashard Lewis. They aren’t the players they were three years ago but they are better than Mike Miler. If LeBron James is close to as good as he was a season ago, the Heat have a great chance to repeat.

1. Los Angeles Lakers –

2. Oklahoma City Thunder – Kevin Durant is the best pure scorer in the universe. He isn’t even in his prime and he can average 30 points a game this season. Russell Westbrook is a freak athlete at the point guard position and maybe a summer with Team USA helped him become a better point guard. The Thunder are an elite team and will be one of the best all year.

3. Los Angeles Clippers – The second team in LA will be a force this season. Chris Paul is now in his prime has an awesome team around him. If Blake Griffin stays healthy, Paul will make him into an elite big man. The Clippers are no longer a laughing stock.

4. San Antonio Spurs – You would be foolish to count out the Spurs this year. Gregg Popovich is the best coach in the league and the Spurs will not let the Lakers and Thunder just run away with the West.

5. Denver Nuggets – The Nuggets are loaded with young talent at every position this season. If George Karl can get this team to play together and maximize their potential, the Nuggets will be a threat in the West.

6. Memphis Grizzlies – The Grizzlies will always be consistent and win games in the West. They have a great starting five that is very balanced. They have a scorer in Rudy Gay, defender in Tony Allen, floor general in Mike Conley, and two great post players in Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. Memphis is no joke.

7. Dallas Mavericks – Two years removed from their championship season, the Mavericks are a different team. They still have Dirk Nowitzki so they won’t be a pushover and he won’t have that championship hangover like last season. They have new faces in Darren Collison and o=O.J. Mayo in the backcourt that give them speed. The Mavs are different but are still good.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves – The Timberwolves are loaded with young, but inexperienced talent. Ricky Rubio showed when healthy he is a playmaker while Kevin Love is one of the league’s best players. With Brandon Roy and Andrei Kirilenko added to the roster, this team will take the next step this season.

9. Sacramento Kings – Like the T’wolves, the Kings have a lot of young talent. That might have reached with their Jimmer  Fredette pick a year ago but they are still a very talented team. DeMarcus Cousins seems to be growing up and he and Thomas Robinson can be the next big dominant duo down low. Tyreke Evans will have to step it up if the Kings have playoff dreams.

10. Golden State Warriors – Do the Warriors get over the hump or are they still the Warriors? They finally have a solid nucleus of players in Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, David Lee and Andrew Bogut. Can Mack Jackson really coach? The Warriors will have an interesting season.

11. Portland Trailblazers – Portland is a sleeper team this year. LaMarcus Aldridge is having himself quite a career up there in Portland and is heavily underrated. Damian Lillard is apparently the real deal at point guard. I still think this team will take a few years to compete.

12. Utah Jazz – The Jazz will be quiet this season. They lack star power and big playmakers. Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson are great but can they put this Jazz team on their back? I don’t see it at all.

13. New Orleans Hornets – Rebuilding begins now in NOLA but it might be sooner rather than later when the Hornets play in some serious ball games. They got lucky with landing Anthony Davis and Austin Rivers. They still have Eric Gordon and when he is healthy, he is one of the best shooting guards in the league. The Hornets will grow together.

14. Phoenix Suns – The post-Steve Nash era begins now for the Suns, and it might be a little rough. Goran Dragic will have to show he can handle the starting role as point guard and Michael Beasley will finally have the main scorer title for the first time in his career. The Suns will not be the Suns of the past we are used to watching.

15. Houston Rockets – Sorry Jeremy, I had to do it to you. I can’t see the Rockets being very good this year. Linsanity will stop, Omir Asik is the most overpaid player in history, and I just feel bad for Kevin Martin. Sorry Houston, there is going to be a lot of problems this year.

Oct 21, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) drives against Sacramento Kings shooting guard Marcus Thornton (23) during the preseason game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-US PRESSWIRE

First Place – Los Angeles Lakers

Starters:

PG – Steve Nash

SG – Kobe Bryant

SF – Metta World Peace

PF – Pau Gasol

C – Dwight Howard

This has to be the best team on paper in the league, if not; it is certainly in the top 3. Steve Nash put up 12 points and 10 assists on a bad Phoenix team with no real scoring options to pass to. At 38 years old, Nash could possibly post his best career assists numbers with this star-studded squad. Kobe Bryant was second in the league in scoring last year even with all his nagging injuries. We know what he brings to the table, as he will go down as one of the best players ever when it is all said and done. Kobe will take all the trash talk and doubters as his fuel. He knows this is his window to tie or possibly pass Michael Jordan in the ring race so I think he will do whatever it takes to win.

Metta World Peace is not the Peace of old but he still has it on defense. Being the fifth option on offense will help him focus more on defense where the Lakers need him most. Pau Gasol is a top five power forward and knows what it takes to win in L.A. He now knows he will not be traded and got the Kobe approval over the summer. Gasol playing right next to Dwight Howard is a nightmare for any team. Howard is the best center in the league and is just a flat out beast. He has so many other great players around him now that he doesn’t need to be everything for this franchise as he was in Orlando. Dwight is going to do him, which is averaging 20 and 10 while being the best defensive big man in the league.

Key Bench Players: Antawn Jamison, Steve Blake, Devin Ebanks, and Jodie Meeks.

It’s hard to obtain a fierce bench when you have the huge names in your starting lineups like the Lakers do. They don’t need these guys to come off the bench and score 15 a night. They need them to come in for hustle plays, rest for the starters, and honestly, just don’t play stupid basketball. They will know their role and will be fine.

Team MVP: Kobe Bryant – The Lakers go wherever Kobe takes them. It’s still his team and he is looking to build to his legacy. He will be the MVP if he trusts his star teammates and sacrifices in order to win his sixth ring.

The Lakers are looking to avoid a season like the Heat had in 2010-2011. They want to avoid the early season chemistry problems and start dominating early. With Nash running the show, I don’t think this will be a problem. Lakers win this division without much trouble.

Second Place – Los Angeles Clippers

Oct 22, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) during the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center. The Clippers defeated the Warriors 88-71. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Starters:

PG – Chris Paul

SG – Chauncey Billups

SF – Caron Butler

PF – Blake Griffin

C – DeAndre Jordan

The Clippers will start the season with a full training camp and another year of chemistry under their belt. Chris Paul has no trade rumors around him and looks to show the league there isn’t much debate who the best point guard in the NBA is. Paul does it all and is easily the leader for this Clippers team. Billups is coming off an injury but when he was healthy he did what he does best last year- hit big shots. Billups has the brain of a point guard so he knows where to be at all times. He is smart and brings championship experience to this Clippers squad. Most teams that try to have two natural point guards on the floor at the same time fail, but not these two veterans.

Caron Butler is a very solid player. I don’t think he is a top tier player, which some people think he is. He is an above average forward who is on the perfect team for him. This season will be all about the Blake show. Griffin has exploded on the scene and taken the league by storm. His injury in the Olympics might have people worried but he should be 100 percent as the season rolls around. Knee injuries are now a scare for Griffin but if he is healthy there aren’t many better players around the rim in the league. If he develops a consistent outside shot he might become the most dangerous offensive big man in the NBA. DeAndre Jordan is also a great compliment to Blake, as he doesn’t have much of an offensive game but is known for his defense and rebounding. Great duo down low for the Clippers.

Key Bench Players:  Lamar Odom, Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, and Eric Bledsoe

The additions of Odom, Crawford, and Hill were perfect the Clippers. Odom is a small-risk and big-reward player. His love and comfortbility level in L.A. is well documented and if he is anywhere close to what he was when he was with the Lakers, it’s a good signing. Crawford is now a journeyman who still supplies a spark off the bench while Hill brings the veteran presence to this young team. Bledsoe is a solid backup point guard and is learning from the best.

Team MVP: Chris Paul – This is the golden age of elite point guards and CP3 might just be the overall best one. He is the motor to this team and the unquestioned leader. He will push this franchise to places it has never seen before.

The Clippers are tired of being the Lakers little brother in L.A. Before CP3 got there, it would be a slap in the face to the Lakers to consider the Clippers a family member. Times have changed and the Clippers are now very much relevant. They aren’t in the class of the Lakers, Thunder and Spurs, but the Clippers will be better than last year and will compete with the best of them. My bold prediction is that Mike D’Antoni will eventually coach this team. Chris Paul and Blake Griffin can be a better due than Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire once were under coach D’Antoni.

Third Place: Sacramento Kings

Starters:

Oct 21, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-US PRESSWIRE

PG – Isaiah Thomas

SG – Marcus Thornton

SF – Tyreke Evans

PF – Jason Thompson

C – DeMarcus Cousins

The Kings are young and growing together. The ball will be in the young and overlooked Isaiah Thomas’ hands. Last pick of the draft means nothing for him as he opened eyes with his play and earned his spot as the starting point guard. His backcourt partner, Marcus Thornton, broke out last season averaging 18.7 points per game. This team’s best outside player, hands down is Tyreke Evans. He was masterful his rookie season averaging 20 points a game, but the last two season his PPG has slipped to 17 and 16 respectively. Evans needs to play like his rookie self if the Kings have any chance of making some noise in the West. It takes years for a player to figure the ins-and-outs of the NBA; to give up on Evans would be foolish.

The Kings frontcourt is young but they have extremely raw talent. Jason Thompson, just like the rest of their starters, is young and still learning the game. I believe Thompson will split minutes and possibly lose his job during the season to Thomas Robinson. Robinson is a pure beast and has a motor that doesn’t stop. He is physically ready for the NBA but now needs to translate it to the NBA hardwood. Both of these big men will have to make way for DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins had a huge leap in his sophomore season averaging a double-double at 18 and 11. I believe his attitude is no longer a problem and he will be one of the best centers in the league after this season. Cousins is for real.

Key Bench Players: Aaron Brooks, John Salmons, Thomas Robinson, Travis Outlaw, and Chuck Hayes

Aaron Brooks and John Salmons have had stints in the NBA where they were impact players. They are now in perfect roles with the Kings, where they can be huge sparks off the bench, especially if the starters don’t bring their A game every night. Outlaw and Hayes are good role players as well.

Team MVP: DeMarcus Cousins – Cousins will take the reigns as the team’s best player this season. I see Cousins ditching the attitude problem, taking Robinson under his wing, and averaging over 20 and 12 this season.

The Kings have a tough task in front of them for a long time with the Clippers and Lakers in their division. The Kings can fight for a low playoff spot this season if they play together as a team. They will go through growing pains and hopefully this helps them mature and doesn’t destroy this young team.

Fourth Place: Golden State Warriors

Oct 19, 2012; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Stephen Curry (30) speaks with Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson in the first quarter of the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-US

Starters:

PG – Stephen Curry

SG – Klay Thompson

SF – Harrison Barnes

PF – David Lee

C – Andrew Bogut

On paper, the Warriors have a pretty solid starting lineup. Curry is one of the NBA’s best pure shooters but he needs to stay healthy if the Warriors have any chance of making noise in the West. Curry had a glass ankle last season, playing in only 26 games. He has to stay on the court for the Warriors this season. Thompson showed he can really shoot the rock and progressed as the year went on. Curry’s injuries were maybe a blessing in disguise as this lead to Thompson learning the game better by picking up some of Curry’s minutes. If he avoids the sophomore slump, the Warriors have a deadly shooting backcourt.

Barnes was a coveted prospect out of Ames High School and one of the best players in the country at North Carolina. I believe he received too much pressure as a freshman when he was named to the preseason All-American team. Barnes will have not as much pressure in Golden State as all he needs to do is play hard and learn the game. He is expected to make rookie mistakes but his upside is huge. David Lee has been a model of consistency and is in the prime of his career. A double-double machine but not a franchise player, you can count on Lee to give you numbers night in and night out. Bogut came into his own at the end of his Bucks career but was riddled with injuries. If he is healthy, you don’t have to worry about the production from the Warriors frontcourt with Lee and Bogut out there.

Key Bench Players: Brandon Rush, Richard Jefferson, Jarret Jack, Andris Biedrins, and Carl Landry.

The Warriors bench is filled with great role players. Brandon Rush has established himself as a great sixth man and spot starter. The Kansas product has developed a nice three-point shot. Jack is a solid backup point guard and is great to have with the uncertain health of Steph Curry. Jefferson brings the veteran presence but doesn’t bring the production anymore. Biedrins and Landry are a nice duo off the bench for the frontcourt and should contribute as expected.

Team MVP: Klay Thompson: I think Thompson comes into his own this season and steps up the scoring due to Monta Ellis no longer being on the team. The boy can play and will help Mark Jackson’s team win games.

The Warriors, like the Kings, are a young team on the rise. David Lee and Andrew Bogut know the game but Curry, Barnes, and Thompson are just beginning. If these three come up together, they can shoot the lights out of the ball. Mark Jackson will get the best out of his team night in and night out but it might take a year or two for them to seriously compete. The Warriors are slowly on their way and the development of their three young guns is key for the present and the future.

Fifth Place: Phoenix Suns

Oct 19, 2011; Tulsa, OK, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) drives around Oklahoma City Thunder center Hasheem Thabeet (34) during the first half of a preseason game at the BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Beth Hall-US PRESSWIRE

Starters:

PG – Goran Dragic

SG – Wesley Johnson

SF – Michael Beasley

PF – Luis Scola

C – Marcin Gortat

Dragic is a solid point guard in the league but he is no Nash. No one is, but these are the shoes Dragic has to fill. He has learned from Nash before and held his own in Houston. Wesley Johnson has extreme raw talent but didn’t figure it out in Minnesota. I think he has great upside and maybe a switch in teams so early in his career will inspire him. You would have to say that Michael Beasley is the best player on this Suns team. He needs to take that step to the next level in his career if he ever wants to justify his second overall selection in the draft.

Luis Scola moves from the sinking ship Rockets to the still afloat boat that is the Phoenix Suns. Scola has an awesome skill set and is the definition of a European player. He will give the Suns a consistent season. Gortat had a career year, as do most centers that play with Steve Nash. He now needs to play tougher and become a leader on this Suns team.

Key Bench Players: Sebastian Telfair, Shannon Brown, Markieff Morris, Jarred Dudley, and Kendall Marshall.

Telfair has been a bust but the Suns will give him decent playing time. The high draft selection of UNC product Kendall Marshall is a clear message on where this team wants to go with the future of their franchise. Brown has never been the same since he left the Lakers but provides a spark off the bench. Morris has to fight for minutes, as he needs to justify his first round selection. Dudley is probably the best and most consistent player of this Suns bench and will contribute as he has throughout his career.

Team MVP:  Michael Beasley – This might be Beasley’s last chance of being an efficient starter in the NBA. The Heat had to give up on him, but it wasn’t his fault as they formed their Super Team. The Timberwolves are building for their future and chose to go ahead with Derrick Williams and Kevin Love. It hasn’t been pretty for B-Easy, but he should be able to shine in the desert.

The Suns shouldn’t have high expectations as they are in the rebuilding phase. Long gone are the days of Nash and Stoudemire with D’Antoni on the sideline. This Suns team needs to take their time and learn the game together but it’s going to be rough as they play in a pretty stacked division. They need Johnson, Marshall, and Morris to develop nicely this year and coexist with the veterans still on the team. A high draft pick can form a nice young nucleus for the Suns moving forward.

So, let me get this straight. The Knicks have presumably lost Landry Fields to the Raptors, they’re on the verge of losing Jeremy Lin to the Rockets, and they completely lost the Steve Nash sweepstakes to the Lakers. I’m looking for the silver lining as a fan, but its hard to find one.

I can only look at this move from a Lakers perspective. My god, they’re loaded. Think about their two potential starting fives:

Nash, Bryant, Metta, Gasol, Bynum.

Or, Nash, Bryant, Hedo, Gasol, Howard.

Both of those line-ups are just unfair. The rich get richer, for sure.

As for the Knicks, yeah. I joked with a buddy on Facebook earlier today that we should start preparing ourselves for the second-coming of the Raymond Felton Era. Now? That’s looking like a best-case scenario. Best case! How did this all happen? The team is down to Jason Kidd and/or Felton. They’re going to have to sign both if they lose Jeremy Lin to the Rockets.

I hate to be that pessimistic Knicks fan, but I’m getting that sinking feeling in my gut that this is going in the absolute wrong direction. I need a pick-me-up. And his name isn’t James White.

“I wasn’t going to take the job; that’s for sure,” Jackson remarked.

May 8, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson in action on the sidelines in the third quarter of game four against the Dallas Mavericks for the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs at American Airlines Center. The Mavs beat the Lakers 122-86. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Who’s to say the most successful coach in NBA history is wrong? Are the Knicks clumsy? Indeed. They had two different head coaches last year, five different starting point guards, two major winning streaks, and two lengthy losing streaks.

Does Amar’e Stoudemire need to play in an uptempo system, as Jackson claimed? Yes. His best seasons were in Phoenix and under Mike D’Antoni’s high-octane offense.

Does Carmelo Anthony need to move the ball more? You’re preaching to the choir, Phil.

Are Stoudemire and Anthony a bad fit together? That still remains to be seen, in my eyes.

Are we to believe Phil Jackson wouldn’t return to New York with a chance to win the city’s first basketball championship since he donned a Knicks uniform in 1973? With James Dolan’s pockets open to him? I have trouble believing that.

Yet through Jackson’s scathing, yet on-point remarks, there is a certain sound of confession. Jackson commented, “They need to have someone come in that can kind of blend that group together.” So is Phil Jackson not that coach?

Many Knicks fans were upset with the organization’s lack of a coaching search this offseason. When there were options out there, the Knicks played it safe when they should have been more experimental. Mike Woodson is a fine coach who did a solid job in his short time with the team, but when names like Phil Jackson and Jerry Sloan, or even Nate McMillan are out there, the Knicks should have done their research.

However, Phil Jackson’s system would have been a questionable fit as well. For all of the criticism Mike D’Antoni took for not making adjustments in his time with the Knicks (an often unfair criticism), Phil Jackson coaches teams one way: with the Triangle offense. After 11 championships as a head coach, Jackson would not have come into New York and completely changed his ways to suit the team. Jackson’s offenses function with ball movement, post-play, and strong outside shooting. I was too young to watch the 90s Chicago Bulls with a critical eye, but let us look at the Lakers for example.

Kobe Bryant: an all-world wing player, who thrives on mid-range jumpers and in the post; a talented passer when willing, but far more willing to shoot. The Knicks have that in Carmelo Anthony, albeit with less greatness than Kobe Bryant. There were Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum: two offensive-minded players with strong post games, and Gasol with his ability to knock down jumpers. The rest of the team was surrounded with shooters, the most consistent cog being Derek Fisher who played a similar role as Steve Kerr on Jackson’s Bulls teams.

These last two aspects are what the Knicks lack. Amar’e Stoudemire does not post up, instead opting for the pick-and-roll, or scoring on face-ups. Tyson Chandler dunks the ball.

And outside of Steve Novak, the Knicks did not have consistent outside threats. Their five starting point guards this season – Jeremy Lin, Toney Douglas, Mike Bibby, Baron Davis, and Iman Shumpert – averaged a combined 29.6% from 3-point range. Not exactly ideal outside shooting.

So maybe Phil Jackson didn’t want the job; maybe he wasn’t right for it. But to be honest, if Phil Jackson didn’t want the Knicks, then as a fan, I don’t want Phil Jackson.

ESPNnewYork.com’s Jared Zwerling got the party started this week when he suggested Los Angeles Lakers forward Matt Barnes would be a good fit in the Big Apple.

Zwerling said via Twitter:

Ex-Knick Matt Barnes could be intriguing FA for #Knicks. An asset off the bench, does a bit of everything. Not a given LA will re-sign him.

— Jared Zwerling (@JaredZwerling) June 6, 2012

Barnes was an asset coming off the bench in Lakerland the past two seasons, averaging 7.3 points and 3.4 rebounds in 116 games, starting 16 of those.

There are some positives to pursuing Barnes, who played six games for the Knicks during the 2005-06 season.

April 17, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers small forward Matt Barnes (9) scores a basket against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

He’s a guy that would know his role. He’s an energy guy that comes off the bench to play defense and make hustle plays. The Knicks need guys to do that and Barnes could be a good fit in Mike Woodson’s system. Barnes runs the floor well and adds an element of toughness to the team, which all would be assets if he were in a Knicks uniform.

But there are some cons as well, including being an erractic shooter.

His numbers aren’t terrible. Barnes is a career 45 percent shooter from the floor and a career 33 percent shooter from behind the arc, however he’s very streaky and the Knicks have enough shooters who fit that description.

He’s also a bit demonstrative and is a magnet for whistles, but the pros outweigh the cons, especially the intangibles he brings at the defense end.

Barnes is an outstanding rebounder for a small forward — he finished fourth at his position in rebound rate in 2011 — because he’s quick to the ball and pursues every shot. Defensively he’s active, ranking in the top third of his position in both blocks and steals, but he’s also a bit wild and fouls like mad. He’s solid in one-on-one defense, and while he’s certainly not a stopper because he’s fairly slow for a small forward, he competes and is fairly long.

Truth be told, I don’t like Barnes much as a player at all, but I do like what he could bring to the Knicks bench. That unit needs some energy and toughness and he’s a guy that can guard either forward spot, which is a plus.

While I’m sure he would like to return to Los Angeles, if the Knicks could get the 32-year old close to the veteran’s minimum (very doubtful), he’s someone I feel Glen Grunwald should consider rolling the dice on.

The facts are that the Knicks should have enough scoring. What they need is for guys to do the little things and guys that don’t mind doing the dirty work.

That’s been Barnes throughout his career.

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Who will D'Antoni start in place of the injured Stoudemire?

Just when you thought things couldn’t quite get any worse, they do. Amar’e Stoudemire will sit out tonight’s contest against the Sacramento Kings after suffering a sprained ankle on Thursday night against the Lakers.

This is rather unfortunate news for the  Knicks who could certainly use a win against the Kings to get back on track, after suffering a pair of unfortunate losses against Golden State and the Lakers. (more…)

Take the day off folks, think about something else and we will be back at it tomorrow when the Knicks face the Sacramento Kings and (HOPEFULLY) get back on track.

As always, full highlights of the game can be found below:

Did the '04-'05 Phoenix Suns prove that offense can't win championships, or just leave the question still unanswered?

The old adage is that defense wins championships, and until the last 48 hours I believed that pretty strongly.  For those who have been following my comments on various posts, I keep harping that the thing we most need is a shot-blocking defensive center because I was no moron: I know offense can only take you so far.  Eventually shots won’t fall, and that’s why you need to be able to rely on defense.  However, after watching the Knicks/Celts game and then last night the San Antonio Spurs against the Denver Nuggets, I saw reasons to believe offense could lead to a ring and question my very own beliefs that D is dee way to win.

No, no, I’m not saying I’m delusional and that after one close game against the Celtics that now I think that this New York team has a shot at winning a championship this year.  And up until just last night, I was the same acolyte as you, praying at the Holy Altar Of Defensive Stops. My hope was that coach Mike D’Antoni could get us up to that elite level of those high-octane offensive teams of the past decade (like his own Phoenix Suns, but also the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks).  At that point, we’d then follow the Mavericks blueprint to the next step, firing the old offense-only coach (in their case, Don Nelson) and bringing in a defensive-minded coach as the closer (new coach Avery Johnson did bring them to near the brink of acquiring some shiny new rings until Dwayne Wade went nuts).  And while I still believe that’s probably the best way to go, I now can’t help but feel there is another way.  What made me change so radically that I’d be willing to forgo my dearest, closest beliefs?

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Kobe bites his shirt! Does that mean he's worried the Lakers won't be on top this year? Nah, probably he just forgot to eat dinner. (Source: Yardbarker.com)

With the season beginning tonight, it’s time to rank how strong all the teams are at this point.  This isn’t who will be strongest at the end of the season or who will have the best regular season.  This measures how strong each team is right NOW.  If a team engaged in a seven game series today with any of the teams listed below them, I’m saying they’d win.  So yeah, injuries count big time.  And chemistry.  And like, how good they are.  It’s basically a highly complex formula that you mere mortals wouldn’t understand.  Either that or it’s all based on pure opinion.

1. Los Angeles Lakers — Even with the recovering Kobe shooting 28% this pre-season they’d still beat everyone.  Hell, he only shot 24% in Game 7 of Finals.

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Could Phil Jackson, the Zen Master himself, get fired this season? Of course not, you idiot, but where do the rest of the coaches in the league stand? (Source: Yarbarker.com)

I seem to be in a major ranking/grading/evaluating the whole NBA-mode, so today we’re gonna check out which coaches might not make it through the season.  Every year it seems like about six coaches are fired in the middle of the 82 game grind.  And a few more who made it through the grist then are shown the exit during the summer.  But we just finished one summer, so we ain’t talking about the next one yet.  Just this upcoming season.  Who’s Bulletproof?  Who’s on the Hot Seat?  And where does everyone else stand and why?  Well, you’re lucky ‘cuz we’s about’s ta answer these questions fer ya.

Bulletproof (again, for this upcoming season only):

Doc Rivers – Celtics

George Karl – Nuggets:  He might quit if it’s too grueling, but ya can’t fire a guy coming back from cancer.  Ya just can’t.  If you disagree, grow a heart, dude.

Phil Jackson – Lakers

Gregg Popovich – Spurs

Jerry Sloan – Jazz

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Many view Kevin Durant as the Second Coming. We see him and the Thunder more likely coming Third through Sixth. (Source: Yardbarker.com)

On Wednesday we discussed what the Eastern Conference Playoff picture looks like, and today we go west, young man.  We’d already previously examined how much teams improved/regressed during the off-season, but now we’re talking about how they stack up against each other.  Meaning, we gave Orlando a zero for their summer and the Wizards a +2, but now we’re here to tell you that yes, of course Orlando is still gonna be far better.  For those who haven’t seen those posts on off-season grades, click the following links to see what we had to say about the Northwest, Atlantic, Central, Southeast, Pacific and Southwest Divisions.  Also, we’re only gonna be talking about the regular season here.  So even though we don’t think the Celts will be a top two team record-wise, it doesn’t mean we think they’re incapable of making it through the gauntlet again.  Lastly, some teams will be put in clusters ‘cuz they’ll likely end up with similar records and what does a victory or two here and there matter amongst friends?

#1 – Lakers

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Instead of Phoenix having Amar'e Stoudemire as their starting power forward, they've now got this guy. No, not LeBron, the guy he's dunking on: Hakim Warrick. (source: Yardbarker.com)

Today we go west, young man, to examine the summer moves of the Pacific Division teams: the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Clippers & Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings.  We already did the Eastern Conference, so click on the following links to check out our reviews on the Atlantic, Central and Southeast.  Our last two posts will be on the Southwest and Northwest. For the newbies to this series, the rules are again listed below, but the rest of y’all can skip down to the team listings.

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Once again, Shannon Brown has leapt into the air without knowing what he'll do or where he'll land. Could it be in New York? Although I'm a fan of him, below I explain why I hope not. (Source: Yardbarker.com)

According to CBS Sports.com’s Ken Berger, the Knicks have made an offer to Laker free agent Shannon Brown.  The Lakers have said they’d like to keep Brown, but because they’re far over the luxury cap, whatever they offer him they’ll have to pay exactly the same amount in luxury taxes.  Their projected salary for next year is more than $92.5 million, which’d leave them having to pay $22 million additional dollars in taxes for a total of over $114.5 million.  Them’s a lot of bones.

That of course doesn’t even count however much the new deal with coach Phil Jackson is (somewhere between $5-12 million).  Brown would’ve made $2.15 million this year if he hadn’t opted out of his contract, so presumably he wants a bump up to at least $2.5 million, which’d translate into $5 million for the Lakers.  Their hesitancy is understandable.  To save money (and thus feel okay about resigning Brown), the Lakers are trying to get rid of the $5.5 million contract of Sasha Vujacic.

How much the Knicks offered Brown are unknown, but according to the Berger article it seems like one of their selling points is that he could vie for the starting shooting guard spot (presumably having to beat out Wilson Chandler and newcomer Kelenna Azubuike).

Personally, I’m not sure how I feel about the signing.  Brown’s a good player, but do we need another supporting piece?  My issues:

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How likely is it that Chris Paul could be traded to the Knicks? (Source: Yardbarker.com)

The last 24 hours have been swamped with intrigue over the news Chris Paul supposedly asked his team the New Orleans’ Hornets to trade him. Much like with Chris Bosh rumors earlier this summer, there apparently is even a list of potential places. New York is reputed to be on the list as well as the Dallas Mavericks, Orlando Magic and Portland Trailblazers. There are differing reports as to whether or not the Lakers are also on the list. So let’s look at this in two parts. First, how do the Knicks chances stack up compared to the other teams on the list? Second, with the Hornets set to meet with Paul on Monday, what’re the chances he even gets traded shortly. Note that the emphasis is on shortly because the rumor is he wants to be traded before the season begins. Down the road there are too many variables (new ownership, how the team does, future possible trades, Paul’s chemistry with the new coach and GM, etc.) to know how long things could last if New Orleans convinces CP3 to give ‘em one last chance.

Also, before we get into it, let’s set some things straight. Some fans and pundits have ripped Donnie Walsh for striking out with LeBron James and Dwayne Wade and “only” getting Amar’e Stoudemire. Let’s be honest: if Amar’e wasn’t on the team, no way Paul even lists the Knicks. I’ve heard others argue we should’ve kept Zach Randolph, Jamal Crawford & David Lee, and while that might’ve kept us as a 6-8 seed in the East these last few years, that ain’t a team that’s gonna excite a Chris Paul either. So let’s give some due first to Walsh for creating an excitement about the team that hasn’t been here since the days of Van Gundy.

Knicks, Mavs, Magic, Trailblazers or Lakers?

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Yes I'm Mad

Lebron James has wimped out and chosen to tarnish his legacy forever by signing with the Miami Heat tonight.

This is possibly the the worst thing that could have happened to the NBA because it basically it ensures a Lakers/Heat finals for the next 5 years.

Lakers are now set up to control the west already for the next 5 years, but now the Heat have ensured eastern conference control by putting together this super team.

It’s absolutely disgusting to see this take place and I feel for the fans in Cleveland. If you honestly believe LeBron didn’t plan on teaming with Wade and Bosh months ago you’re insane, this has been LeBron leading everybody on for a long time. LeBron is all about LeBron and has tarnished his legacy forever.

How you might ask? Well let me explain, LeBron has now teamed up with another top 3 player in this league along with a top 20 to form a super team. Even if LeBron does win a title he’s doing with perhaps the best supporting cast in NBA history. Wade is no sidekick, he’s a former NBA champion.

One thing is for certain though, Kobe and Jordan wouldn’t pull this garbage.

Steve Blake is now a Laker

“Steve Blake agrees to four year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Orlando Magic are now expected to zero in on C.J. Watson.”

http://twitter.com/AlexKennedyNBA/status/17604735411

“EricPincus RT @JohnCanzanoBFT: Guard Steve Blake tips us off that he has agreed to sign a 4-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.”

Not worth 4 years so I’m happy we didn’t sign him.

Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher celebrate after a game that featured surprising turns and performances from beginning to end. (Source: Yardbarker.com)

Yesterday I wrote how if Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celticsfollowed suit with the rest of the series, there would be more drama before the game than during it.  How happily wrong I was.  The game had surprising twists plus more storylines than a Robert Altman film.  If I didn’t know better, I’d’ve thought this game was shown on cable rather than ABC, ‘cuz TNT Knows Drama (oh wait, didn’t they change their tagline to the even lamer “TNT – Very Funny?”).  There also still was some post-game suspense (which I’ll get to in the end). So now, in honor of the Lakers winning their 16th title, we’ll go over the 16 surprising tales this game created, starting out with the 12 stories that played out duringthe game:

1. The Redemption Of Ron Artest

The 2010 Laker team had one difference from the 2009 team: they swapped Ron Artest for Trevor Ariza.  At the beginning of the year Artest stated that if the Lakers didn’t win again this year that the blame should fall on him.  It was a bold, perhaps fair statement to make.  With his horrendous shooting throughout much of the playoffs and into the Finals, LA fans had the bullseye painted and everything.  However, with Kobe and Pau struggling in the first half (okay, hell, the whole game), his scoring kept the team in the game.  Add to it that he held Paul Pierce to 5-of-15 shooting and this poor maligned, albeit slightly crazy guy, perhaps can finally move on from his Malice At The Palace rep.

To read the rest of my post, go to the main FanSided page here.

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol are the only ones who have been bored waiting between games. (source: Yardbarker.com)

For the rest of my article, click to the main FanSided page here.

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Kobe's so darn good, Alvin Gentry's fine with losing to him. Elsewhere, Stan Van Gundy and Mike Brown still can't sleep, wondering what they did "wrong" to lose to the Celts. (source: Yardbarker.com)

Many have already talked about how the Lakers and Celtics have taken two different paths to the Big Show. It’s more than just a West Coast/East Coast thang, or offense versus defense. It’s also about the psychological effects they’ve left on those in their wake. Kobe, the self-proclaimed Black Mamba, has been an unstoppable force since Game 5 in the first round against the Thunder (by the way, I kinda love self-proclaimed nicknames. They should be totally illegal, but I find it so humorous that someone would decide to make up their own nickname that I loooove to ironically call them that. Thus I’m thrilled that Sasha Vujacic’s started getting playing time so I can yell out “The Machiiiiiiine” every time he touches the ball. Of course the true irony is that I’ve now used the Black Mamba tag so much that it no longer seems ironic to me when it comes out of my mouth. …Wait, what am I talking about? Oh yeah, Celts/Lakes.)

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Adam Sandler and Kate Beckinsale have held the trophy more than 14 franchises combined. (source: Yardbarker.com)

As we prepare for the 62nd championship round, one thing is clear: when it comes to winning the whole enchilada, the rich keep getting richer.

-Out of 30 franchises, only 16 have ever take home the trophy.

-Boston (17) and the Lakers (15) have combined to win (32) more than half of the championships.

-By contrast, the next franchises on that list, the Bulls (6) and Spurs (4), won all their rings during one time period and one superstar’s tenure (a certain Michael Jeffrey Jordan and Timothy Salierius Duncan — okay, I made up Dunc’s middle name; anyone know if he’s got a real one?).

-After that we’ve got 3 three-peaters (copyright Pat Riley) with the Pistons, Warriors and Sixers. Followed by 2 two-timers (Knicks and Rockets). For you Knick fans, that means if LeBron comes to NYC and wins 4 titles, that means we jump to #3 on the list!

For the rest of my post, click here for the main FanSided page.

Boozer's hands-off defense assures he'll never be confused for MJ. For LeBron, it's a different story... (source: Yardbarker.com)

On ESPNChicago there was a post today reporting Carlos Boozer stated that he

doesn’t believe his fellow free agents will view playing in Chicago — under the shadow of Michael Jordan‘s legacy — as a negative.

Initially this post was going to be titled “Boozer Wrong To Say MJ’S Legacy Not A Negative,” but after looking at it more closely, I realized that in his actual quote he said it wouldn’t be a negative for most free agents, not all.  It was ESPN, in the post’s title and the above opening line, who incorrectly turned it into a blanket statement about all free agents.  Let’s look more fully at what Booze actually said before I heap anymore abuse on him than I have in the past:

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Jordan, Kobe, Lebron..?

Phil Jackson is on the verge of winning his 11th NBA title, 5 with the Lakers, and currently married to Jerry Buss’s daughter, but the possibility of him leaving L.A. actually makes a lot of sense in my mind and maybe even the Zen masters.

There are only two other locations that I could see tempting Jackson enough to bite for and those two are Chicago and Cleveland.

Now, Chicago has already reached out for Jackson, but don’t be surprised if this is just a way to generate more media coverage for this summer’s free agency class. The only way I see Jackson going back to Chicago is if LeBron bolts from Cleveland to Chicago. However, for this to happen Lebron would have to first sign with Chicago, not vice versa.

My gut is still telling me, however, that Lebron is staying put in Cleveland with the recent departure of the absolutely horrible coach in Mike Brown. Ferry is going to do everything in his power to keep Lebron in his hometown.

Phil Jackson has coached perhaps the two greatest players to ever play the game, and if the chance for him to coach the next best thing, why would Phil want to pass that up?

Granted, seeing Lebron in the triangle offense would be odd, but the opportunity to coach the best player in the game today may be too much for Phil to pass up, which is why I think now wherever Phil lands just might be where Lebron lands.

Yeah, Dirk is annoyed about losing, but that has nothing to do with why he's opting-out of his contract (source: Yardbarker.com)

ESPN reported that Dallas’ Dirk Nowitzki is likely to opt-out of his contract, ostensibly add his name to the free agency pool, and as an unrestricted free agent at that.  What does that mean for Knick fans?  Quite possibly not a damn thing.  Even if he 100% wants to return to the Mavs, he’d still do this for contractual reasons, so it doesn’t imply he’s contemplating leaving in the slightest.   What’re the contractual reasons?

Opting out to sign a new deal, for starters, would lock in terms based on the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement through the life of the next contract. Under the league’s current system, Nowitzki is eligible for a four-year maximum contract from Dallas worth $96.2 million once he opts out. The most he could receive from another team is a four-year deal worth $93.1 million.

Signing a three-year extension to the last remaining season on his current contract, by contrast, would expose Nowitzki to potential after-the-fact reductions to his annual wage if league owners are successful in their attempts to lower the value of maximum salaries in the next collective bargaining agreement.

[...] Another motivation for Nowitzki to opt out as opposed to signing an extension is the ability to secure a no-trade clause.

If Dirk played for anyone else besides Mark Cuban, I’d say this also was a good maneuver to put pressure on management to improve the team, but Cuban’s already made public his plans to go after LeBron.

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Is Kobe Bryant still gonna be worth $30 million in three years? (source: Yardbarker.com)

For those who missed it, I wrote a post on the main FanSided page about proposed changes for the NBA’s Salary Cap Rules.  Here’s the intro:

Last week Kobe Bryant signed a three-year extension for around $85 million.  As with most NBA contracts, the amount increases each year.  Unlike most NBA contracts, it’s gonna give him over $30 mill when he’s 34.  That’s an age when most athletic perimeter players experience a sharp decline in effectiveness.  Lakerland may be thrilled about it today, but will they still be in 2013 when he may be reduced to playing turnstile defense like Derek Fisher?  (Of course by then Fisher’s corpse will need to be rolled onto the court and placed near the basket in hope that his stationary body can still draw fouls.)  I mean just today the Lakers announced that the Kobster would miss the last two games due to injury, so surely if age doesn’t catch up to him, injuries will, right?

Okay, history has taught us never to bet against the Black Mamba, but Kobe’s always been the exception, not the rule.  The sad story of the NBA over the last two decades has been that of overpaid players whose salaries cripple their teams.  Sometimes it’s the team’s own darn fault for making such a dumb deal (see Jerome James getting $30 million after one good round in the playoffs despite being a 30 year-old who averaged 4 points).  Sometimes the player gets injured (see Tracy McGrady or actually pretty much all the players listed in my recent Fall Of Shame post).  Sometimes the deal was dumb AND the player gets injured (see Eddy Curry and Allan Houston — can ya tell I’m a Knicks’ fan?).

Now I don’t mind that billionaire owners get stuck having to pay extra millions, but with the NBA’s salary cap it’s the fans who get screwed hardest ‘cuz we can’t get new good players in until we get rid of these old lemons.  How can we fix things?  Actually, the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) ends shortly, so here are some amendments to future player contracts that they should consider:

The end of the post is here.

Damn straight, Phil Jackson should be walking with his head down after some of his coaching choices! Right? ...Right? Um, maybe not. (Source: Yardbarker.com)

Is there anyone in the NBA who gets criticized more than coaches?  It doesn’t matter who you are, how successful you are (or have been), or what players you have at your disposal — we can always find problems with you.  Earlier this year, Greg Popovitch was criticized for being unable to make his big off-season acquisition, Richard Jefferson, productive.  The other night, Phil Jackson, winner of more NBA titles than God himself, left himself open for target practice by choosing to draw up a play for Pau Gasol to attempt the game-tying three-point shot (Pau missed, which could cause the Lakers to lose home court advantage if they play the Magic in the Finals).

We, the fans and media, aren’t necessarily wrong in complaining about these points, but I think sometimes we not only expect too much, we also don’t always see (or know) the full picture.  For instance, maybe Phil was trying to make a point to Kobe about how the Black Mamba needed to give his body rest or it would cost the team (the previous possession Kobe missed two free throws that would’ve given the Lakers the lead).  If Kobe/Fisher/Artest/whoever hit a three for the tie, then maybe Kobe remains convinced that he can play through his injuries.  Sure, you can say this was a costly way to make a point (& I have no idea if Phil was trying to make this point), but if Kobe’s sitting out these two last games enables him to be healthy enough to lead the Lakers back to a championship, it’d be hard to argue with the results.

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(source: Yardbarker.com) Like a little girl in puppy love, New York hopes we're the one LeBron's eyeing.

Seems ESPN has launched ESPN NewYork.com today and decided to promote it by rehashing the ol’ Will LeBron James Go To New York story.  There’s a surprisingly large amount of Nothing New, mixed in with Shameless Sensationalizing, Idiotic Conclusions Based On Personal Feelings, and just Awful Math.  That said, there were maybe a couple of Intriguing Bits to me, but it might all feel redundant to y’all.  Without further ado:

Idiotic Conclusions:

The worst part was where the sportswriters speculated the percent chance of LeBron going to one team or another.  Let’s start with Mark Stein saying there’s a 10% chance that LeBron will go to Dallas.  10%???  10% means 1 in 10!  You’re going out tonight and your choosing between your ten favorite restaurants — that gives each one a really good shot at being chosen.  Thankfully, of the four other Dallas writers, they all only gave it a 1-3% chance.  I like Stein’s writing a bunch, but his thesis his based on this you-can-substitute-LeBron’s-name-with-anyone statement:

I firmly believe LeBron likes the thought of playing with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd, trusts Mark Cuban to be an owner who will always spend whatever it takes to contend and loves the city of Dallas and Cowboys football

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