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Report Card 2.22.12: Knicks cruise, Griffin flies

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 1:12:32 EST

Posted by Ben Golliver

It was all lollipops and gumdrops for the Knicks on Wednesday night. (Getty Images)

Each night, Eye on Basketball brings you what you need to know about the games of the NBA. From great performances to terrible clock management the report card evaluates and eviscerates the good, the bad, and the ugly from the night that was.

New York Knicks Wednesday was a highlight factory for the Knicks, who dominated a reeling Hawks club from the jump to take an easy 99-82 victory. Jeremy Lin continued to show he can play the role of distributor, finishing with 17 points and 9 assists, as Carmelo Anthony was able to score 15 points on 16 shots. Sharpshooting Steve Novak was big off the bench again and new rotation additions Baron Davis and J.R. Smith connected on multiple alley-oops. The best part: New York enters Thursday night's showdown with the Miami Heat with none of its players having played more than 34 minutes on Wednesday. Blake Griffin This dunk. Ridiculous. Timofey Mozgov makes a cameo, too. New Orleans Hornets Don't look now but the hard-luck Hornets have won four out of their last six games. Impressive, considering they began the season 4-21. On Wednesday, the Hornets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers by getting a whopping 21 points and 13 rebounds from trade piece Chris Kaman plus an astoning 17 rebounds from rookie Gustavo Ayon. This would be an A+ for the Hornets but they are supposed to be tanking. DeMarcus Cousins The 16 points and 16 rebounds will jump out at you, especially because he notched nine boards on the offensive glass. But the 6-for-20 shooting (!) in 27 minutes brings his night back to Earth. Kings won't complain, as they got a nice come-from-behind road win in Washington to close out the first half of their season. Boston Celtics The hard-luck Celtics got pounded again, as Oklahoma City's All-Star duo of Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook combined for 59 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists and five steals. The poor Celtics basically went seven players deep without starting point guard Rajon Rondo, who was serving a suspension. They were down 20+ in the first half after allowing 72 points at halftime. Oh boy. JaVale McGee At this point, most normal people would be embarrassed. JaVale McGee simply doesn't seem to have that self-awareness gene, so he continues to force his coach to bench him for mindless acts. This time: a volleyball goaltend deep into the stands.

Blake Griffin launches from deep for dunk video

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 1:56:56 EST

Posted by Ben Golliver

Los Angeles Clippers All-Star forward Blake Griffin took off from real deep to dunk in traffic over multiple defenders during the third quarter of a Wednesday night game against the Denver Nuggets. One of those defenders happened to be a familiar face: Timofey Mozgov.

Griffin received a pass at the top of the key from All-Star guard Chris Paul and attacked the middle of the paint, with Mozgov flying by behind him helplessly. He then elevated straight to the rim, launchpad style, and Nuggets big Kenneth Faried got trapped below him after take off. Griffin finished the thunderous dunk with one hand, and the force of the impact caused him to stumble to the ground after he landed.

Here's the video of Blake Griffin taking off in traffic for a dunk against the Denver Nuggets.

Kobe, Magic say it's time for Buss to meet Bryant

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:17:04 EST

Kobe Bryant says he and Jim Buss should meet; Magic Johnson agrees (Getty Images) By Matt Moore

Just days after Kobe Bryant challenged the Lakers' front office to make a desision regarding Pau Gasol and Ken Berger of CBSports.com filed a scathing and revealing report on the inner dysfunction of the team's front office, Bryant told reporters that he and Jim Buss should meet for a conversation. And he wasn't the only Laker great to suggest the idea.

On a conference call Wednesday, Magic Johnson told reporters that Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak is "not running the team" anymore and that Jim Buss is making all the decisions. Johnson, who is as close to the Lakers organization as anyone, considering he has a statue outside their building, said that the answer was for Bryant and Buss to sit down and have a conversation. From the L.A. Daily News: "(Bryant) just wants to be informed as a team leader and a future Hall of Famer and a guy who has brought five chapmionships to the Lakers," Johnson said. "He wants more communication, probably like he did when Phil Jackson was here and he worked well with Mitch. I don't think Kobe feels he has that type of relationship with Jim.

Luke Ridnour game-winning buzzer-beater video

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:03:37 EST

Posted by Ben Golliver

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Luke Ridnour hit a game-winning, buzzer-beating floater to defeat the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night at the Target Center.

With the score tied at 98 with seven seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Ridnour inbounded the ball to guard J.J. Barea, who eventually worked it back to Ridnour. Receiving the pass with only a few seconds left on the clock, Ridnour attacked the paint and lofted a right-handed floater over Jazz big man Al Jefferson.

The shot provided the winning margin, 100-98, and sent the Timberwolves bench into hysterics. Ridnour was mobbed by his teammates, including forward Anthony Tolliver, who lifted him into the air. Ridnour finished with 17 points, 6 assists and 3 rebounds on the night. The win improved Minnesota's record to 17-17 entering the All-Star break.

Report: Murder suspect Crittenton arrested again

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:07:20 EST

Javaris Crittenton was reportedly arrested again.(Getty Images) Posted by Ben Golliver

Former NBA player Javaris Crittenton has mostly stayed out of the news since last August, when he was charged with murder in the shooting death of a 22-year-old mother of four in Georgia.

That changed on Wednesday morning, when Crittenton was reportedly arrested again by authorities in Georgia.

TMZ.com reports that Crittenton was arrested for "speeding and obstruction of an officer" after getting pulled over for driving 60 miles per hour in a 45 miles per hour zone in a "black Porsche."

David Stern admits lockout season 'not perfect'

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:11:07 EST

Posted by Ben Golliver

David Stern admits that the play this year has been "uneven." (Getty Images)

Critics, including Naismith Hall of Famer Charles Barkley here, have decried the quality of basketball during this lockout-shortened season. Scoring is down, shooting percentages are down, injuries are causing players to lose a greater percentage of a team's games with the compressed schedule, back-to-back-to-backs have drawn Heat from basically everyone and there have been plenty of blowouts already.

In an interview with USA Today, NBA commissioner David Stern acknowledged that he is aware of the criticism and that the compressed season, which attempted to fit 66 games into roughly four months, was not an ideal situation.

JaVale McGee benched for volleyball goaltend

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:14:24 EST

Posted by Ben Golliver

Washington Wizards center JaVale McGee is the gift that keeps on giving.

In the last 18 months, McGee has gotten into a bar fight with a teammate on Christmas Eve, planked on an airport's moving walkway, sold out his side during a billion dollar labor negotiation, gotten benched for throwing an alley-oop to himself, had his mother refer to him as "the future of the NBA" while she slammed former Wizards coach Flip Saunders, and ran completely the wrong way to play defense while his team still had the ball.

Here's the latest entry in the "Crazy Stuff That Only JaVale McGee Would Do" collection. Box sets available on DVD or VHS.

Stern says Hornets could be sold by end of month

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 3:59:25 EST

Posted by Royce Young

Stop me if you've heard this one before: The New Orleans Hornets will have a new owner soon. It's been a running theme for a while with the league saying buyers were lined up way back in September.

But according to David Stern via an interview with NBA.com, for real this time, the Hornets could be sold soon. Maybe within a couple weeks.

“We’re moving on dual tracks on a buyer, and with the state’s contribution under a new lease that will likely be complete, both of those, by March 1 or on or about March 1. The deal itself can’t close until the legislature confirms the role of the state, and the legislature convenes in March.” Stern also told USA Today, "I'm optimistic and hopeful that we will complete the sale by the end of the month ... We're talking with multiple perspective buyers, but we're anticipating the ability to close by the end of the month ... We've had offers from seven but winnowed it down to two or three, and we're working on it."

Michael Jordan sues Chinese apparel company

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:07:12 EST

Posted by Ben Golliver

Michael Jordan is headed to court in China to defend his likeness. (Getty Images)

Lawsuits don't usually come with a website and a promotional video, but I guess Michael Jordan isn't your average plaintiff.

The Basketball Hall of Famer, Chicago Bulls legend and Charlotte Bobcats owner has announced that he is suing a Chinese company for misrepresenting his name and brand. Jordan is suing Qiaodan according to documentation provided on TheRealJordan.com. The Chinese company's name, Jordan's lawsuit alleges, is a "well known" translation of Jordan's name.

Reports: Blazers to sign C Joel Przybilla

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:26:44 EST

Joel Przybilla is reportedly headed back to Portland. (Getty Images) Posted by Ben Golliver

It takes a brave man to play center for the Portland Trail Blazers, and no one ever accused Joel Przybilla of being weak-hearted.

Przybilla, an unrestricted free agent center, has reportedly agreed to sign a 1-year contract with the Blazers for the remainder of the 2011-2012 season, according to Yahoo Sports and The Oregonian. The deal, which reportedly isn't expected to be official until this week, will reunite Przybilla with the team he spent 6.5 years with, prior to a 2011 trade deadline deal that sent him to the Charlotte Bobcats.

The news of the expected signing comes just days after the Blazers announced center Greg Oden underwent season-ending microfracture knee surgery.

LeBron James and a question of taste

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:26:35 EST

LeBron James likes his steak cut and dry. Can he really be the alpha-dog? (Getty Images)

By Matt Moore

On Tuesday, the blog Cleveland Frowns posted an interview with a server at XO, a Cleveland steakhouse regarding LeBron James. It described his eating behaviors, including the infamous stories about his tipping habits, among other things. There's the usual stuff about James acting like one of the most pampered people on earth, because, well, he's a guy who has "Chosen One" on his back, makes $16 million a year and calls himself King. You kind of have to prepare yourself for some stuff.

But this? I was not prepared for this (emphasis mine): (S)he also told us that LeBron liked to drink apple martinis, which comes as no surprise because apple martinis are delicious, and if you had a job where you could take a four-hour nap every day to sleep off the sugar hangover, you would drink them, too. Relatedly, LeBron would ask his servers to have his steak (well done) already cut up for him, which corroborates a report by a (former?) server at Johnny’s who once told Grzegorek that LeBron would order his spaghetti cut up as well, and also of course enhances the credibility of our source. via “LeBron liked me because I didn’t put up with his crap” — Exclusive Interview with Former XO Steakhouse Server Who Frequently Waited on the NBA Superstar.

Midseason Report Team Grades: Cream rising

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:49:15 EST

Familiar faces are back on the top at the halfway point of the season. (Getty Images)

With 30+ games under everyone's belt, there's been sufficient time for NBA's thirty teams to adjust to the breakneck lockout-shortened season. The midterm results? The cream has mostly risen to the top, with preseason favorites Chicago, Miami and Oklahoma City continuing their dominant play. Traditional powers in San Antonio and Dallas have also emerged after slow (by their standards) starts.

CBSSports.com's Eye On Basketball staff sat down to grade each team based on potential and expectations, graded on a curve. Here's what we came up with.

Atlantic Division Grades The Sixers continue to lead the way in the Atlantic. (Getty Images) by Ben Golliver

LeBron says he'll guard Lin some Thursday

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:24:27 EST

Posted by Royce Young

Thursday could be the ultimate test for Jeremy Lin. Not because his Knicks will be taking on Miami Heat. But individually, because LeBron James, one of the best on-ball defenders in the game, says he'll likely guard Lin some.

"I know I'm going to end up guarding Lin at some point," LeBron told reporters Wednesday.

LeBron, as I'm sure you recall, switched to guard Derrick Rose for lage parts of the Eastern Conference Finals and essentially locked down the MVP. And while Jeremy Lin has had quite the start to his time in New York, he's not Derrick Rose.

Rajon Rondo named East All-Star replacement

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 3:43:11 EST

Rajon Rondo is headed to Orlando. (Getty Images) Posted by Ben Golliver

Boston Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo has been named as an injury replacement for the Eastern Conference All-Star team, according to the Boston Globe and Celtics Radio. The NBA confirmed the selection on Wednesday afternoon.

Rondo will replace Atlanta Hawks guard Joe Johnson, who was diagnosed with tendinitis in his left knee and is sitting out two games this week, in this Sunday's All-Star Game at Amway Center in Orlando.

He will join an Eastern Conference roster that includes starters Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard, plus reserves Chris Bosh, Roy Hibbert, Paul Pierce, Deron Williams, Luol Deng and Andre Iguodala.

Team USA's uniforms revealed

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:49:29 EST

Posted by Royce Young

Nike unveiled Team USA's newest uniform design this week, which includes a revamped "USA" design. And it's, uh, different. Is it just me or does that "S" look like the kind we all used to draw in middle school?

And it wouldn't be a Nike uniform release without them telling us how wonderful they are. Nike says, “Our lightest bball jersey. Approx 96% recycled polyester. The @usabasketball Nike Hyper Elite Uniform: #innovate.”

It doesn't matter how good you look or how much polyester is in there if you don't beat Spain. Because that's the mission in London, not looking good and recycling.

Is Anthony Davis the No. 1 pick? Yes. Very Yes.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:45:48 EST

Anthony Davis is the No.1 prospect by most evaluators, including CBSSports.com's Jeff Goodman. (Getty Images)

By Matt Moore

To start you off, Jeff Goodman and I sat down to talk about the college season through the lens of th NBA draft. We talk about Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (MKG), Tony Wroten, and the quality of character and coachability of guys in this draft. You will enjoy this. Let's start there.

Jeremy Evans replacing Shumpert in dunk contest

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:07:13 EST

Posted by Royce Young

It's no secret that this year's dunk contest field is a bit lackluster. That's not to say it won't be good, but when the four names were announced -- Derrick Williams, Chase Budinger, Paul George and Iman Shumpert -- there wasn't exactly a big buzz about it.

But with Shumpert suffering from a little patellar tendinitis, and won't be participating in the dunk contest after all. His replacement? Jeremy Evans of the Utah Jazz. Evans opened a Twitter account Tuesday night and tweeted, "Hey everybody! I'm brand new to twitter and hopefully will have a big announcement about All Star Weekend soon," along with a video of him dunking. Assuming that's legit, combined with a report saying Evans was in and the fact the Jazz has a video on their website announcing it. So yeah, Evans is in.

Charles Oakley calls out Garnett, Barkley

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:39:37 EST

Charles Oakley called out KG and Charles Barkley over their behavior on Jime Rome's show. (Getty Images)

By Matt Moore

Charles Oakley has opinions. And he will tell you them. And you will listen. Or he will destroy you. And now the former Knick has turned his attention to two outspoken NBA personalities in Kevin Garnett and the Chuckster, Charles Barkley.

Report Card: Pop gets an A, his team gets an F

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 9:37:47 EST

Posted by Royce Young

Popovich made a smart move, but his team didn't back him up much. (Getty Images)

Gregg Popovich

NBA Power Rankings: Breakdown, Takedown Vol. 10

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:24:52 EST

Posted by Royce Young and Ben Golliver

Even with all the hype, Jeremy Lin and the Knicks aren't getting their due. (Getty Images)

The 2011-2012 NBA season continues. Here's the tenth weekly installment of CBSSports.com's NBA Power Rankings by Eye On Basketball's Matt Moore.

What did he get right? What did he get wrong? We're here to break it down and take it down.

Chase Budinger prepares for the dunk contest

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:59:43 EST

Posted by Royce Young

Most everyone wasn't exactly blown away when this year's All-Star slam dunk contest participants were announced. Derrick Williams, Paul George, Iman Shumpert and Chase Budinger isn't exactly a field that gets you pumped up.

But that's not so say those guys aren't taking things seriously and aren't going to try and put on a real show.

In what's clearly a planned video featuring teammate Chandler Parsons and a cardboard cutout of Yao Ming, Budinger is caught practicing a dunk over the likeness of the former 7-6 Houston Rocket. I don't know if that's one he's really planning, but points for thinking outside the box. Maybe we shouldn't write this dunk contest off quite yet.

Marvin Williams 'vehemently' denies trade rumor

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:37:08 EST

Posted by Royce Young

Through the team's PR person, Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams had denied making a trade request from the team. That's in reference to an ESPN.com report that said he was wanting to get away from the team because of playing time issues and a lack of participation in the offense.

Via Hawks PR guy Arthur Triche's Twitter:

The #Hawks just landed in NYC and had a convo with a very disappointed Marvin Williams, who while attending the funeral of a family friend, had to hear about his “reported” trade request. He vehemently denies ever asking for a trade and said, “you know that’s not me”. There's obviously a difference between formally asking for a trade -- which the report did not say -- and just being frustrated with your role and indicating that you'd prefer a bigger role or a way out. Williams could've communicated his frustration to his agent or someone else which was then communicated along as "he wants out."

Reports: Blazers bench Raymond Felton

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 2:11:26 EST

Raymon Felton is being benched in Portland. (Getty Images) Posted by Ben Golliver

The writing has been on the wall, and now the move has finally been made.

The Oregonian reported on Tuesday that Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan has elected to bench point guard Raymond Felton and will replace him in the starting lineup with Jamal Crawford.

CSNNW.com confirmed the report, and caught Felton's less than enthusiastic response to his demotion. “He (Nate McMillan) called me this morning and told me we got to have consistency from that position and that a 7-point quarter was unacceptable,” Felton told CSNNW.com. “I'm not just going to blame myself for that first quarter. We're a team. We win together, we lose together.” Felton's starting job has been in question for some time. As noted last week, he has struggled both on and off the court. He's averaging a career-low 10.0 points per game, he's shooting a career-low 37.1 percent from the field, he's shooting a career-low 22.9 percent from beyond the arc, he's averaging 6.3 assists (the fewest since his rookie season) and, according to HoopData.com, his turnover rate is at a career-worst level.

Joe Johnson to miss All-Star Game with tendinitis

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:32:38 EST

Joe Johnson will undergo an MRI on his knee. (Getty Images) Posted by Ben Golliver

UPDATE: Johnson's MRI revealed left knee tendinitis and he will miss Atlanta's next two games and will also sit out the All-Star Game.

---

It looks like Joe Johnson's All-Star break will be a little bit longer than expected.

Report: Marvin Williams wants out of Atlanta

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:11:30 EST

Time could be running out for Marvin Williams in Atlanta. (Getty Images) Posted by Royce Young

Marvin Williams' fate in Atlanta was pretty much doomed from the start. After the Hawks picked him ahead of Chris Paul (and Deron Williams) in 2005, he had the uphill battle to fight in justifying that pick. Unfortunately, he never really has been able to.

And his time with the Hawks might finally be coming to an end. Via ESPN.com:

Frustration abounds in Atlanta right now, and sources say Marvin Williams wants out because he wants to play somewhere where he'll have an increased role offensively. Williams is averaging just 9.6 points per game, his lowest since his rookie season. Williams has never been a true "bust" or even anything close to that. But he's the guy Atlanta took ahead of CP3 and he's always had to deal with that disappointment. He's been a good rotation player on a perennial Eastern playoff team and with his versaility, has filled multiple roles at one time.

Lakers interested in Michael Beasley?

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:36:26 EST

Are the Lakers looking at Beasley? (Getty Images) Posted by Royce Young

The idea is that at some point, Michael Beasley will find himself in the perfect situation. He'll have the right support system, the right teammates, the right system and as a result, he finally realize some of the talent he has. Because the guy has got talent. Loads of it. It's why he was drafted second overall and why the Timberwolves were more than happy to welcome him despite not really having a good spot for him.

It hasn't exactly worked out with Minnesota and with the Wolves drafting Derrick Williams, Beasley just doesn't really have a place.

Then there are the Lakers, a team trying to make a deal to salvage a makeshift roster. Perfect marriage for a deal, right? Well, the Lakers like Beasley, according to ESPN.com:

Report: Lakers hold players only meeting

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:25:40 EST

Posted by Royce Young

Things are in a strange place for the Lakers right now. So strange, that general manager had to put out a statement essentially reminding everyone that he's a general manager.

But with rumors starting to circle centering around Pau Gasol, the team is concerned with sticking together amid the possibility that pretty much any player not named Kobe could be dealt.

So according to ESPN.com, the Lakers held a players only meeting after last night's game against the Blazers to talk about it.

The Greg Oden Era: Disappointment, but no regrets

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:46:36 EST

Posted by Ben Golliver

After a third microfracture surgery, Blazers center Greg Oden faces a future that is as uncertain as ever. (Getty Images)

PORTLAND, Ore. – There’s plenty of sadness and disappointment, but no self-pity, and, still, absolutely no admissions of regret.

Portland Trail Blazers center Greg Oden went into an operating room in Vail, CO., on Monday, hoping that his left knee, which had been operated on twice previously in the past 26 months, would need only an arthroscopic procedure to clean up some loose debris

With Melo back in, fit with Lin questions begin.

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 0:18:18 EST

Carmelo Anthony returned to the Linsanity but the Knicks lost to the Nets. Can they co-exist? (Getty Images)

By Matt Moore

In a seasony as jam-packed with storylines as this one, you knew it had to happen like this. The Jeremy-Lin-lead Knicks played their first game with Carmelo Anthony back in the lineup after a five-game absence, with Amar'e Stoudemire, Melo, Baron Davis, and J.R. Smith all on the active roster, and of course, they lost. To the Nets. At home. Deron Williams, who was the player victimized when Linsanity started, made it his own personal mission in life to shut down, discourage, and otherwise outshine Lin on his way to 38 points and six assists. You can read more about Williams' vendetta from Ken Berger of CBSSports.com. But of particular interest long-term for the Knicks, Ken Berger spoke with a scout at Madison Square Garden who had this to say about how Melo fits into Mike D'Antoni's system which has flourished with Lin running the show.

Lakers' Kupchak responds to Kobe, Gasol

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:47:45 EST

By Matt Moore

Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak release a statement Monday night in response to comments from Kobe Bryant that the team should decide whether to trade Pau Gasol or not. The statement, via Lakers PR:

“As a former player, I understand how the days leading up to the trade deadline can be nerve-wracking for an NBA player. Nonetheless, as General Manager of the Lakers, I have a responsibility to ownership, our fans and the players on this team to actively pursue opportunities to improve the team for this season and seasons to come. To say publicly that we would not do this would serve no purpose and put us at a competitive disadvantage. Taking such a course of action at this time would be a disservice to ownership, the team and our many fans."