The Hoop Scoop: 11/13/2010

News and Notes From the Day

• Looks like there is starting to be some trouble in paradise. LeBron James complained today that he is getting too much playing time. After their loss to Boston, James commented on the fact that he played 44 minutes, “For myself, 44 minutes is too much.” He continued, “I think coach knows that. Forty minutes for D-Wade is too much. We have to have as much energy as we can to finish games out.” While LeBron may be right, he is the only one playing decent ball on that entire team. Coach Erik Spoelstra knows that if he does not play LeBron as much as he has been, they have no chance at winning any games.
• Straight from the rumor mill, the Spurs attempted to re-acquire Stephen Jackson during the off-season and it does not look like Larry Brown had any issues with his possible departure. My sources informed me that it was Richard Jefferson that was being used as trade bait. Had this trade been completed, it would have been a great move by the Spurs. Jackson has is a tough, gritty competitor who has evolved into a guy with great leadership abilities. Who knows? Maybe there is a chance that it will still happen. But in order to use Jefferson as the trade bait again, they will have to wait until December to pull the trigger, since Jefferson voided his contract and re-signed as a free agent.
• Allen Iverson’s debut for his Turkish basketball club, Besiktas, has been delayed. Besiktas’ manager claimed that Iverson, “did not feel ready”. I have to admit, I feel bad for the Answer – I am shocked that there was not one, single team that thought they could use his talents this season. Dan Gilbert did not give this guy a call? Are you telling me the Cavaliers could not use Iverson? At least AI would help ease the pain of LeBron leaving by providing some excitement. Here’s hoping that Iverson plays like the former MVP that he is and gets a chance to end his career back in the Association.
• I know this will shock a lot of you, but DeMarcus Cousins has been clashing with some members of the Sacramento Kings coaching staff. The Kings have gone to great lengths to keep this loose cannon in check, including hiring his high school coach to help keep him leveled off. Did the Kings know what they were getting when they drafted Cousins? Yes, but you hope that a guy can eventually mature and grow the hell up.
• Carmelo Anthony confirmed the rumor that Chris Paul made a toast, at Anthony’s wedding, that he, Melo and Amare Stoudemire would all be teammates in New York. Who cares? Is it really that bad that these guys want to play with one another? Why wouldn’t you want to play with Melo and Amare? Some things are blown way out of proportion.

Top 5 of the Night

1. Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves: 31 points, 31 rebounds, 5 assists and 1 steal. So this is what happens when Rambis allows him to play for more than 27 minutes a game. Love become the first player in 28 years to get a 30 and 30 game. This guys middle name is “hustle” and he deserves all the hype that surrounds him.
2. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder: 36 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocked shots. Another huge night from the former UCLA guard – it makes you wonder if he is trying to steal the scoring title from his running mate, Durant.
3. Michael Beasley, Minnesota Timberwolves: 35 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 blocked shot. Beasley followed his 42-point performance with another solid night. It looks like Beasley is becoming the main scoring option for the Timberwolves. If Beasley keeps his head on straight, then the combination of Beasley and Love can be a dangerous one.
4. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns: 28 points, 7 rebounds, 14 assists and 1 steal. Father Time has not caught up with Nashty one bit. D’Antoni and Stoudemire have to be licking their chops in the hopes that they can trade for Nash – it would be a great reunion.
5. Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers: 18 points, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocked shots. If B-Griff keeps rebounding like this, he may be in a battle with Love throughout the season for the rebounding title.

Fantasy Stud of the Night

Is there any way I cannot give it to Kevin Love? The fact that he did something that has not happened in 28 years is reason enough for me. If you own Love, you just locked up rebounds (31) and offensive rebounds (12) for the week. Heck, Love even threw in a 3-pointer for you as well.

If I had to choose between Love and Dwight Howard in a draft, I am still taking Howard. Love is a double-double machine like Howard, but he can actually make his free throws and can shoot the long ball as well. As soon as Love starts blocking some shots, he will easily leap Howard in the fantasy department.

Dunk of the Night

This was a close one tonight…I had two dunks to choose from: Andre Iguodala absolutely destroying Brian Cardinal or Blake Griffin with a skillful number that reminded me of Kobe Bryant. Here’s the one I chose:

It was Igoudala’s first game back after missing two games to injury and Brian Cardinal is wishing that Iggy had take another night off. With no regard for human life, Iggy straight up murdered Cardinal.

This is the freaky athleticism that I spoke about in our Crazy Trade of the Day from yesterday. Can you imagine Chris Paul having the option of throwing lobs to Iggy or Trevor Ariza? This would be reminiscent of the Nets when they had J-Kidd throwing alley oops all day long to Richard Jefferson and Kenyon Martin.

Deadbeat of the Day

Every player is bound to have an off night and Al Thornton definitely had one tonight. I hate doing this to Thornton because he has been playing great this season, but he totally laid an egg tonight. Here’s the line:

• 2 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal

He played 21 minutes and was 1 of 8 from the field, which reiterates that it was simply an off night for the Wizards small forward.

Hilarious Pic of the Day

I am not even sure how you get into this position:

Proctology exam for one!

Shawn Marion was caught grabbing the wrong “ball” on this play. Maybe this is why Smush Parker never played in the NBA again? This had to be a “reach in” foul, right?