'All Net' rolls on to Real Clear Sports.com

On Nov. 7, 2009, All Net officially moved on to bigger and better things.

New link is: www.realclearsports.com/blognetwork/all_net/

Thanks for supporting us here for the last two months. Hope you check us out at our new home.

This week's top 5 stories in the NBA

Here’s a look at five headlining NBA stories from the week of Oct. 25:

5). Donaghy’s botched book deal could help NBA (FOX Sports.com, Oct. 30).

The stars are still aligned for a thrilling 2009-2010 NBA season. Disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy had hoped to rain on the league’s parade this season with his tell-all book titled “Blowing the Whistle: The Culture of Fraud in the NBA.” However, the book's publisher appropriately pulled the plug because of “concerns over liability.”

4). Rondo, Rose making their points (ESPN.com, Oct. 29).

Who’s the best point guards in the NBA? Most discussions pit Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams. In ’09-’10, the Celtics’ Rajon Rondo and Bulls’ Derrick Rose (photo above) appear primed to enter into that conversation. In debut victories for their teams, Rondo had 10 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 swipes while Rose had 13 points, 7 dishes and 7 boards.

3). Nuggets get season started right with Melo (Denver Post.com, Oct. 29).

Denver Nuggets’ All-Star Carmelo Anthony (photo above) looks like he can taste a NBA championship now. The third wheel in the 2003 NBA Draft, which included LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, sniffed it in ’09. In the first two games, Melo was stronger and smoother than ever, tallying a total of 71 points.

2). Online Gambling: LeBron James will never win a ring in Cleveland. (Eye on Gambling.com, Oct. 30).

Apparently some critics are already writing off the Cavaliers (1-2) and the LeBron-Shaq experiment. Yes, the Cavs were badly exposed against the more athletic frontcourt of the Celtics and Raptors. But did you really expect they would go 66-16 again or the transition of the 7-foot-1, 325 pound Shaquille O'Neal would be easy? I thought the NBA season's 82 games, not two.

1). Opening-night doubleheader is Turner’s most-watched ever (NBA.com, Oct. 28).

It’s not a big surprise. These are the results when you broadcast a Game 1 (Celtics vs. Cavaliers) with potentially six NBA Hall of Fame players on the floor and then follow it up by showing the defending champs receiving their rings before the start of Game 2 (Lakers vs. Clippers). Turner's previous doubleheader record was back in '96, featuring the Suns vs. Cavaliers and the Bulls vs. Lakers, when M.J. still laced up his sneakers.

'All Net' readers pick Lakers to repeat

Before the tip-off of the NBA preseason All Net asked its readers, "Who will be the NBA champions in 2010?"

The answer's in, and the winner's no surprise to hoist the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy (photo above) in June 2010.

Here's how it broke down:

Los Angeles Lakers: 39%
None of these teams: 27%

Cleveland Cavaliers: 15%

Orlando Magic: 10%

Boston Celtics: 7%

Next question: What one-two punch featuring Shaquille O'Neal (photo above) will go down as the best?

High expectations for '09-'10 NBA season

NBA Commissioner David Stern’s no fool. He knows full well what’s in store for the 2009-2010 NBA season.

Over the last few weeks, Stern apparently must've worked behind the scenes and on Friday the NBA and regular refs finally ironed out a new two-year deal just in time for Tuesday night’s opening tipoff.

Apparently there was no way Stern was going to screw up the drama and action for the league or its fans this season.

Expectations are the highest in recent memory, so evidently Stern knew he needed his full-time guys on board to shore up things for this highly-anticipated 2009-2010 NBA season.

How could his league stage possibly one of its most exciting, memorable seasons in decades with scab referees jogging up and down the court?

For sure, there are plenty of intriguing questions and subplots entering into the ’09-’10 NBA campaign.

Yes, K.G.’s back. When Kevin Garnett (photo above) was healthy last season, the Boston Celtics were virtually unstoppable, racing out to a ridiculous 27-2 start. They added Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels in the offseason. So now what?

In Los Angeles, new acquisition Ron Artest says if the Lakers don’t repeat, blame it on him. With still the best player in Kobe Bryant, best coach in Phil Jackson and best set of complimentary players in the game, their chances look good. But is that hunger still there?

Big Shaq’s never been one to stay quiet or disappoint fans. This season Shaquille O’Neal has stated his mission with the Cleveland Cavaliers is to win a ring for The King, LeBron James. Who’s to say he can’t? He teamed to hoist NBA trophies with equivalent superstars, Bryant (2000, 2001 and 2002) and Dwyane Wade (2006).

In San Antonio, the Spurs (photo above) fell short on their traditional odd-year championship title (’99, ’03, ’05 and ‘07) in ‘09. So they reloaded in the offseason by acquiring Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess and rookie DeJuan Blair. But now can the aging Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili stay healthy?

Don’t sleep on the defending ’09 Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic who for some reason still seem to get little respect. The Magic appear poised to redeem themselves after falling short 3-1 during the 2009 NBA Finals in June. In addition to Vince Carter, they acquired Matt Barnes and Brandon Bass. But is that enough?

Then there’s still that “Who’s the best player on the planet?” debate. Kobe battling King James in the ’10 NBA Finals is quite viable… Also, there’s that “Which future NBA Hall of Famer will get his fifth championship ring first?” question. Bryant, O’Neal and Duncan equally have legit chances this upcoming year.

Appropriately, the 2009-2010 NBA regular season will start strong out the gates. On Tuesday night, a TNT doubleheader will feature the Celtics vs. Cavaliers in Game 1 and then the Lakers vs. Clippers in Game 2.

Which begs yet another question; will Baron Davis and 2009 NBA first-round pick Blake Griffin turn things around for the young Clips, who went 6-2 in the preseason?

Locked-out NBA referees made wrong call

Apparently the regular NBA referees were oblivious to the fact the rest of the country’s in a recession or that the national unemployment rate’s a staggering 9.5 percent.

If they did know, why in the heck did the union reject the NBA’s final contract offer last month?

The country’s harsh economic conditions simply made it extremely difficult for the regular NBA refs to have any leverage in negotiations with the league.

Now the 57 officials are locked out for the first time since the '95-'96 season, and most NBA fans, one group who could’ve possibly been sympathetic to their cause, are seemingly unsympathetic to it.

To show some commitment to the replacement crew, NBA Commissioner David Stern has put the hammer down in the preseason on coaches and players who publicly criticize league officials. Last week, three coaches were slapped with hefty fines for comments they made about the officiating.

For years, NBA officials have been criticized for making questionable calls. However, this is by far their worst yet.

Predictions for 2009-2010 NBA season

The 8th annual GM survey results were released earlier this week for the 2009-2010 NBA season.

While the general managers were on point with some calculations, they totally missed the mark on others.

Here are All Net’s 1st authentic predictions for the upcoming year.

Which team will win the NBA 2010 Finals? The Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kobe & Shaq (2000, 2001, 2002), D. Wade & Shaq (2006), LeBron & Shaq (2010).

Which team will win the Western Conference? The San Antonio Spurs.

The Big Three gets big sparks from Richard Jefferson (above photo) and rookie DeJuan Blair and dethrone Lakers in Game 7 of Western finals.

Which team will be the most improved in 2009-2010? The Washington Wizards.

Even with injuries, the Wiz had no business going 19-63 last year and rightfully revisit playoff form.

Who will win the Rookie of the Year award? Blake Griffin.

Baron Davis likes what he sees in his squad, and Griffin’s the No.1 reason why.

Which player is likely to have a breakout year in 2009-2010? Michael Beasley.

With personal issues aside, Beasley (above photo) is a projected starter after improving his all-around game in the offseason.

Who will win the 2009-2010 MVP? LeBron James.

King James will be first player to grab award in back-to-back seasons since Steve Nash (2005, 2006).

Who will win the Defensive Player of the Year award? Dwight Howard.

Superman misses a repeat trip to NBA Finals in ‘10, but keeps terrifying opposition in the paint.

Who will win the Coach of the Year award? Jerry Sloan.

Sloan deserves one and finally gets it as his no-frills team surprises folks in perhaps his last season.

Blame Warriors, not Jackson for this mess

Out of the four major professional U.S. sports leagues, the NBA probably boasts the most prima donnas.

The latest NBA blabbermouth to show seemingly ingratitude and disrespect to the league and his current team is the Golden State Warriors’ swingman Stephen Jackson (above photo).

Jackson badly wants out of the misery in Golden State and has vehemently asked to be traded to a championship contender this upcoming season.

Yes, this is the same Stephen Jackson who participated in the Malice at The Palace and was suspended 30 games in ’04.

Yes, this is the same Stephen Jackson who has played for five NBA teams during only nine seasons in the league.

Yes, this is the same Stephen Jackson who’ll sink 7-for-8 from 3-point range one game and then clink 1-for-10 the next.

Jackson’s a good NBA player. Not a great one.

For his career, the versatile guard/forward averages 15.8 points and close to 4 boards a game. He’s never been an All-Star. However, he was a vital component in the San Antonio Spurs’ run during their 2002-2003 championship season.

Over the past few seasons with Golden State, Jackson has righted the ship from the Detroit malee and other off-court incidents, proving he can be a team captain and go-to-guy in any given situation.

So despite Jackson’s apparent prima donna talk, there’s legitimacy in his words and his stance against the Warriors. He simply wants to win, and the Warriors have shown no inclination in doing that since upsetting the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 NBA playoffs.

Since '07, Jackson has watched in disbelief as many of his buddies from the roster, like Baron Davis, like Al Harrington, like Jason Richardson and like Matt Barnes depart via trade or free agency to other NBA organizations.

Now he’s fed up.

Last season, the Warriors went a pathetic 29-53 and from the sounds of their training camp mess this year may be even worse.

Last month, Jackson was fined $25,000 by the league for publicly demanding a trade.

In actuality, the entire Golden State Warriors organization should be reprimanded for screwing up one of the most promising, exciting squads in the game two short seasons ago.

Top 10 NBA teams for 2009-2010 season

More than any other NBA season in recent memory, team chemistry will ultimately define many of the top ballclubs throughout the league this year.

If Shaquille O’Neal, Vince Carter, Richard Jefferson and the other big-time acquisitions over the offseason aren’t able to blend in with their new squads, look for teams that pretty much stayed intact from a year ago like the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trailblazers and Atlanta Hawks to make more noise.

Here are All Net’s top 10 teams for the upcoming 2009-2010 NBA season with their ’08-’09 regular-season records in brackets.

10). New Orleans Hornets (49-33). The Hornets absolutely needed to acquire (but couldn’t afford) more support for NBA All-Stars Chris Paul and David West. They traded Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor to become a tad bit more offensive. But with the aging Peja Stojakovic, 34, putting in only 13 points a contest, the Hornets simply lack the consistent firepower on a nightly basis to bang with the Top Dawgs.

9). Denver Nuggets (54-28). Can they duplicate last year’s amazing run? That might be a daunting task. After acquiring a true floor leader in Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets tied their franchise record of 54 regular season victories in ‘09. Billups and Carmelo Anthony will continue to shine, so it’s up to their big men Kenyon Martin, Nene, and Chris Andersen to come through again if the team hopes to duplicate their Western Conference Finals appearance or advance beyond it.

8). Atlanta Hawks (47-35). Jamal Crawford's a nice touch to the already talented Hawks roster. With his acquisition, the team has a legit scorer to complement fellow backcourt stars Joe Johnson (above photo) and Mike Bibby. The problem, though, with the Hawks still lies in the frontcourt. With no true proven center on their current roster, the athletic Hawks just can’t physically counter the brute force of Orlando’s Dwight Howard or the Cavs’ Shaquille O’Neal in the paint.

7). Portland Trailblazers (54-28). Crafty veteran point guard Andre Miller adds valued experience to the young, promising Blazers this upcoming season. Brandon Roy has established himself as a perennial NBA superstar. The bench has established itself as one of the deepest, featuring Rudy Fernandez of Italy. Now the time’s ripe for oft-injured center Greg Oden to show his full worth as the No. 1 selection in the 2007 NBA Draft. If he does, the Blazers could pose big problems for the Mavs and Spurs.

6). Dallas Mavericks (50-32). No one’s talking much about the Mavericks these days. That could be a good thing for them. When expectations were high, they always disappointed their fans. This season has to be the final ride for point guard Jason Kidd, 36, (above photo driving) and maybe even Dirk Nowitzki, 31. The squad inserted much needed quickness and depth in the lineup with Shawn Marion and Drew Gooden. It’s just a matter if all these old men can stay healthy or not for 82 games and a playoff stretch.

5). Boston Celtics (62-20). Kevin Garnett’s knee is still a question mark. If K.G. misses any chunk of time or doesn’t return to his old former league MVP self, the Celtics will have trouble handling the Top 4 teams. Rasheed Wallace should be a help rather than a hindrance. But perhaps what’s most bothersome is the wearing down of Paul Pierce in the conference finals in May. At 31-years-old, Pierce seemingly lost that oomph in his game he so elegantly displayed in ‘08 when they won the title.

4). San Antonio Spurs (54-28). Though The Big Three (Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili) were scheduled to return, the Spurs recognized the necessity to get better to remain an elite team in the league. Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess, Theo Ratliff along with rookie DeJuan Blair shore up a great supporting cast for the Spurs. But it’s how the team’s youngest star Parker will productively integrate these new guys which will ultimately decide how far the Spurs will go this season.

3). Orlando Magic (59-23). The runner-ups in the 2009 NBA Finals lost a key component in their run when Hedo Turkoglu bolted to the Toronto Raptors. Replacement Vince Carter’s legs may be a bit wary, but his game translates well into the Magic’s system. He can drain the 3-ball as well as penetrate through the lane. Both Dwight Howard (above photo) and Rashard Lewis will benefit immensely when Carter’s on the floor. If point guard Jameer Nelson returns to his All-Star play, the Magic could ruin things again for the Celts and Cavs.

2). Cleveland Cavaliers (66-16). The Cavs learned in a painful way that winning 66 games in the regular season doesn’t mean a thing without a ring. The 2009 MVP LeBron James actually has more at stake this season with Big Shaquille O’Neal in town. Kobe won with Shaq. D-Wade won with Shaq. What if LeBron fails? At 37, Shaq can still get it done 20 to 25 minutes a night. So with basically the same unit returning along with O’Neal, there’s no excuse for King James if he doesn’t hoist his first NBA trophy this year.

1). Los Angeles Lakers (65-17). The Lakers have the best coach, player and team in the league. Yes, starter Trevor Ariza departed, but Ron Artest can quickly fill that role. At this juncture in his career, Artest wants to win and that’s what the Lakers do. So despite some anxiety, Ron Ron won’t be a distraction at all. Back-to-back titles would virtually be a wrap if the Lakers could get steadier production from big fellas like Andrew Bynum and Josh Powell. The team’s Jekyll and Hyde play is a concern. There are just too many potentially good squads in the NBA for that inconsistency in ’09-10.

Who will be first, Shaq, Duncan or Kobe?

One riveting sidebar story that will most likely persist the entire 2009-2010 season is which future Hall of Fame NBA player, Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan or Kobe Bryant (photo above holding trophy), will possibly capture his fifth championship title first this season.

Big Shaq won three straight titles with the Los Angeles Lakers (2000, 2001 and 2002) and one with the Miami Heat (2006). The Big Fundamental has captured four championships with the San Antonio Spurs (1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007). And Kobe, currently the best baller in the game, got all his rings with the Lakers of course (2000, 2001, 2002 and 2009).

All three dominant NBA players clearly have a legit shot at the trophy in ’09-‘10.

The Spurs acquired Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess in the offseason to give the aging Duncan, 33, a boost down in the paint. The defending NBA champion Lakers did lose a starter in Trevor Ariza but picked up Ron Artest and resigned Lamar Odom to appease Kobe. And O’Neal was shipped from Phoenix to the Cleveland Cavaliers who have the reigning NBA MVP LeBron James and posted a league best 66-16 record in ‘09.

Certainly this lively conversation will linger all season long, but here’s what some sportswriters are already saying about the NBA’s Amazing Race for 5:

“If pressed, I'd have to put my money on (Kobe) Bryant… He has the right system, motivation should not be a problem, and (Pau) Gasol's presence just seems to vault him over the top, to me.” Shaq, Kobe, TD… who’s the first to plead the fifth? (Yahoo!Sports).

“The winner presumably will be the best player of this generation, or more accurately put, in the post Jordan era. The plight to have each finger on one hand be engaged in basketball bliss will be a historic one.” The Drive for Five: Duncan, Kobe, Shaq battle for supremacy. (Bleacher Report).

"Breaking it down by the numbers, it seems more likely that Kobe Bryant will be the first to win his 5th NBA championship ring. However, with all three of these teams vying for the crowns - and potentially the strongest team in the field, the Boston Celtics, also in the mix – anything can happen.” First to 5: Kobe, Shaq, or Duncan? (Associated Content)

Well, on your mark, get set….

Top 10 NBA players for 2009-2010 season

The scenery has definitely changed in the NBA. Shaquille O’Neal, Allen Iverson, Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Garnett are surprisingly nowhere to be found on my list this year.

Here are All Net’s Top 10 Players for the upcoming 2009-2010 NBA season.

10). Tim Duncan, 33, San Antonio Spurs. Although tendentious hampered his knee, the NBA’s best power forward of all time kept grinding last year. Rising NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose didn't make the cut this time because The Big Fundamental hungers to be first in his race with Kobe and Shaq for a fifth championship ring.

9). Brandon Roy, 25, Portland Trailblazers. B-Roy (photo above) possesses the all-around skill set to eventually creep inside our list of Top 5 current NBA players in the game. He can do it all on the floor and loves being the go-to-guy in tough, pressure situations. Playing in Portland thankfully hasn’t dimmed the spotlight on his rapid climb to the top of the league.

8). Chris Bosh, 25, Toronto Raptors. Bosh is another big name free agent who should be available next offseason. He averaged 22.7 points and 10 boards a night in ’08-’09, but a more defining year as that “franchise player” would do wonders for his marketability. The agile, lanky Bosh epitomizes the evolution of the NBA big man with his crisp inside as well as outside game.

7). Carmelo Anthony, 25, Denver Nuggets. Melo still displays the smoothest game in the NBA today. Everything looks so natural and effortless on the court. The addition of veteran PG Chauncey Billups to the Nuggets last season will only further enhance his overall game in ’09-‘10.

6). Chris Paul, 24, New Orleans Hornets. Forget Kobe and LeBron, Paul (photo above, dribbling) is the most exciting player to watch in the league right now. Hornets head coach Byron Scott may be forced to release the reins if he hopes to contend with the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets in the West. That would be nothing but sweet music for CP3 fans.

5). Deron Williams, 25, Utah Jazz. Yes, Williams gets the slight nod over Paul from a pure physical standpoint. Both young, cagey PGs seemingly have eyes in the back of their heads and are exceptional floor generals. But at 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, D-Will is the better overall defender and offensive threat.

4). Dwight Howard, 24, Orlando Magic. The best big man in game desperately needs to improve his free-throw shooting. He shot a Shaq-like 59 percent last season. Otherwise, Superman’s simply unstoppable in the paint and with the helping hand of Vince Carter could wind up hoisting his first NBA trophy.

3). Dwyane Wade, 27, Miami Heat. D. Wade (photo above) is a lot closer to the No. 2 spot than most may realize. Last season was his best to date, coincidentally coming in 3rd in the Most Valuable Player voting in May. His teammates need to contribute big early in the season, so Wade can save his heroics for down the stretch.

2). LeBron James, 24, Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron’s physically the best in the sport. His defensive prowess and outside shooting touch has improved tremendously since his rookie campaign. Shaquille O’Neal’s arrival in town couldn’t have come at a better time to buffer King James’ brilliant career.

1). Kobe Bryant, 31, Los Angeles Lakers. He’s closing in on our list of Top 10 NBA players of all time. A fifth championship ring this season would only boost his legacy. Some say Kobe’s slowing down. We say he’s conserving energy for crunch time.

Kobe vs. LeBron: No debate who's best

Who’s the best baller on the planet right now?

Kobe Bryant or LeBron James.

This debate was seemingly raging highest during the course of the 2008-2009 NBA regular season.

A highly-anticipated 2009 NBA Finals showdown of the sport’s two biggest heavyweights might have provided a little insight, but Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic spoiled the suspense by knocking out King James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

On the September issue of Pro Basketball magazine, the Cavs phenom and Los Angeles Lakers superstar are pictured side-by-side with the huge headline “LeBron vs. Kobe. Who’s better?” underneath them.

Inside the hoops publication, writers Michael Murphy and Eddie Sefko articulately editorialize who they think is the superior ballplayer in the game today.

Murphy chose LeBron. Sefko picked Kobe.

However, at this juncture in both superheroes’ respective careers, is there really a debate?

Kobe, 31, is entering his 14th season. LeBron, 24, is set for his 7th year.

Sure, LeBron’s currently putting up sick, mind-boggling numbers. He averaged 28.4 points, 7.2 assists and 7.6 rebounds a game in ‘09. But at this stage in his NBA career, Kobe could care less about statistics and accolades.

Kobe shines four NBA championship rings, while LeBron sports zero and has only one NBA Finals appearance.

According to former Lakers general manager and NBA legend Jerry West, LeBron has the potential to be the greatest ever to play the game.

“Even though it’s hard for me to be objective, because I brought Kobe to Los Angeles, I do think LeBron has surpassed Kobe as a player,” West said last season about LeBron who captured the 2009 MVP award.

But my question to West is, what weaknesses has he seen within Kobe's game lately for him to get surpassed by LeBron?

LeBron led his squad to a 66-16 mark last season. But, Kobe’s Lakers went 65-17.

In watching Kobe, he hasn’t slowed a bit to me. As crazy as it sounds, his overall game seems to be improving.

In 2008, Kobe hoisted his first NBA MVP trophy and in 2009 he finally got that monkey off his back by winning his first NBA championship without former sidekick Shaquille O’Neal.

It seemed West based his opinion on the future potential and the physical makeup of LeBron rather than the now factor and unheard of mental toughness of Kobe.

"He's just too big, too strong, too quick. And he has incredible body control,” West added about LeBron who's 6-foot-8 and 250 pounds.

Well, what about winning championships, staying power in the league and mastering the mental approach of the game a la Kobe?

While good rap for sports talk radio stations and sports sections of newspapers to compare two unbelievable athletes, this hyped debate over the past few seasons of who’s better between Kobe and LeBron is an open-and-shut case to me.

Not as earthshaking but much more pragmatic debates for this upcoming NBA season should instead be: King James vs. Superman (Dwight Howard) or even Kobe Bryant vs. NBA Hall of Famer Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

As remarkable a basketball player LeBron is right now, he just hasn't elevated to Kobe’s status yet.

Memories of Jordan, Stockton, Robinson

On Friday, perhaps the best class ever will be enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. In tribute to the Class of 2009, here are some jaw-dropping video career highlights of the Big Three honorees, David Robinson, John Stockton and Michael Jordan.



3). David Robinson. The Admiral was a beast for the San Antonio Spurs for 14 seasons. Offensively, he was a terror facing the basket as well as playing with his back to it. On the defensive end, Robinson had surprisingly agile feet for a big man and was a superb shot blocker and rebounder. He played in 10 NBA All-Star games and won two championships.



2). John Stockton. He simply epitomized his position. Smart. Crafty. Relentless. Stockton may be the best point guard ever to play the game. He ended his historic 19-year career with the Utah Jazz as the NBA all-time leader in assists and steals. Unfortunately, Stockton never won a championship ring despite all his contributions to the sport and the league.



1). Michael Jordan. What more can be said? Because of his superior basketball skills and personal charisma, it’s hard to envision another current or future NBA player touching him as the greatest to ever lace up sneakers. His career highlights speak volumes: six NBA titles, five NBA MVP trophies, 14 All-Star appearances and one NBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

5 ridiculous stories in 2009 NBA offseason

Presumably because it is the offseason, some of the wackiest stories in the NBA seem to surface June through August.

I guess everyone has too much free time on their hands to stay clear of the news cameras.

The 2009 NBA offseason was definitely no exception. Here are five of the most ridiculous stories surrounding the NBA to emerge over the summer.

5). Davis’ laptop stolen.
Is Los Angeles Clippers’ star Baron Davis (photo, left) still crossing his fingers?

According to his attorney, Davis’ jacked laptop computer contained a “variety of private images of (him), his associates and his colleagues.”

Seemingly so distressed about the thievery, Davis summoned his attorney to immediately send out letters warning media outlets they’re subject to litigation if the point guard’s embarrassing files and photos are published or sold to another party.

The two-time NBA All-Star apparently must have some heavy personal stuff stored on that hard drive.

4). Jefferson gets cold feet.
Calling off a wedding’s nothing new. But hours before the $2 million occasion? That’s heartless.

Although the San Antonio Spurs’ newest key acquisition Richard Jefferson disputes the timetable and the actual cost of the event, he can’t dispute the coldness and shamefulness in his actions.

“He called two hours before the wedding. It was nuts,” one of Jefferson’s close friends told the New York Post.

Jefferson can’t be all bad, though. He did reportedly give his jilted bride a make nice “six-figure” sum to move on without him in her life.

3). Miller called homewrecker.
Former NBA long-range bomber Reggie Miller better watch his back from now on.

Sure, the TNT analyst was unscathed this time around, but most men usually don’t play around when it comes to boneheads flirting with their women.

So what Reggie’s the 12th leading scorer in NBA history and drained the most threes ever in the league?

He could still catch a beatdown.

According to the restraining order filed against him, Miller waited over an hour in a grocery store parking lot for the engaged woman and sent her 53 text messages in a four-hour span.

Reggie called it simply flirting, but it sounds more like simply stalking.

2). Dirk’s ex-fiancée gets 5 years.
Poor Dirk Nowitzki (photo, right). It seems he just can’t win.

In spite of his efforts of continuously leading the Dallas Mavericks to the playoffs and one of the top records in the NBA every season, the 7-foot German still hasn’t captured that elusive championship after 11 seasons in the league.

Now, his ex-lover is sentenced to five years in prison. To make matters worse, the 39-year-old convict may be pregnant with his child.

At 31-years-old, Dirk’s playing days are dwindling in the NBA. So now there’s a chance the longtime Maverick could retire heartbroken as well as title-less.

1). Nike seizes dunk tapes.
LeBron James may well be the best basketball player on the planet, but even he’s not immune to being posterized.

At first, Nike officials confiscated the dunk tapes, claiming it was against the rules to videotape after-hours pickup games at LeBron’s camp. Then, the sports appeal giant returned the seized tapes, reiterating it didn’t take them because the Cleveland Cavaliers’ superstar was dunked on.

So what was it?

If the tapes were swiped because of camp policy, then why were they returned? Or, as one of the videographers implied, were the tapes snatched per LeBron’s request?

Whatever the case, in the end it made the royal King James look more like an everyday sore loser on the playgrounds than the 2009 NBA Most Valuable Player.

5 biggest stories in 2009 NBA offseason

The 2009 NBA offseason picked up exactly where the playoffs ended last season, supplying plenty of drama for basketball fans to ponder at home and in the office.

Here are five of the most intriguing NBA stories since the Los Angeles Lakers handled the Orlando Magic in five games to capture the 2009 NBA championship at the beginning of summer.

5). Rose cheated on SAT.
Should we really be surprised? Probably not. But it doesn’t seem fair.

While the Memphis Tigers basketball program was stripped of its 2008 Final Four appearance and a 38-2 season, the Chicago Bulls’ rising star Derrick Rose remains the No. 1 pick from the 2008 NBA Draft and the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Sure, the majority of blame should fall on the shoulders of former Memphis head coach John Calipari and the university, but the main culprit Rose should feel some guilt, too, and somehow make right with his ex-teammates.

4). Beasley sent to rehab.
Michael Beasley averaged 13.9 points and 5.4 rebounds in 24.8 minutes a game during his rookie campaign with the Miami Heat last season, but because all the hype he generated as an All-American at Kansas State haters viewed his inaugural season as a disappointment.

On Friday, news broke that Beasley’s personal problems are being overblown, and he actually entered the facility as a condition of him violating the NBA’s substance abuse policy during rookie camp.

Who really cares?

Whatever the case, it shows being the second-overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft doesn’t make an alcohol or drug fiend immune to substance and psychological issues. It actually may make matters worse.

3). Marbury cries on Webcam.

His pop’s death in 2007 and other family tragedies have had a major impact on Stephon Marbury’s fall from grace in the NBA.

I just wished Steph would’ve kept his emotional breakdown in the closet rather than exposing it to the entire world to see.

Remember this now-deranged crybaby was a two-time NBA All-Star who averaged 19.3 points and 7.6 assists during 13 years in the league. He was billed as the savior and one of the top ballers to come out of New York City.

Now it appears his pro basketball career’s a wrap.

2). Yao out for season.

A quality big man’s a hard find in the NBA nowadays, especially one who’s 7-foot-6, 310 pounds and a six-time NBA All-Star who averages 19 points and 9 boards a night during his career.

Yao Ming’s broken foot might’ve caused the Houston Rockets a trip to the NBA Finals in June. Now arguably the best big man in the game and iconic figure in China may miss the entire 2009-2010 season.

A recent report claims Yao’s currently working out for the first time since having surgery in June, but most likely the first overall selection in the 2002 NBA Draft won’t sport a Rockets uniform until 2010 camp.

If Yao doesn’t play this season, the Rockets are left with Joey Dorsey, Chuck Hayes, and David Andersen at center.

Sadder still, the NBA would be down to Dwight Howard, 23, Tim Duncan, 33, and Shaquille O’Neal, 37, as the only lethal big men remaining in the paint.

1). NBA elite get a lot richer.
The 2009 NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers acquired Ron Artest. The runner ups Orlando Magic obtained Vince Carter.

Shaquille O’Neal shifted to Cleveland, and the 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics snagged Rasheed Wallace.

Guess it’s good to be rich in talent during a recession.

The problem for commissioner David Stern, though, is how will NBA fans and players in the other 26 markets respond to the seemingly lopsidedness throughout the league.

Do ’09 contenders like the Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trailblazers or New Orleans Hornets have a true shot at the NBA title this upcoming season?

We don’t think so.

NBA egomaniacs may reunite in Charlotte

Never burn your bridges. You never know what the future might hold.

Apparently, both unrestricted NBA free agent Allen Iverson and Charlotte Bobcats head coach Larry Brown kept that in the back of their minds when they parted ways after the 2003 season in Philadelphia.

According to dime.com, Iverson may be a close to a deal with the Bobcats in which he would reunite with his former Philadelphia 76ers coach who he had a tumultuous relationship with for six seasons.

According to the report, the love-hate relationship of the two seemingly desperate men could resume sometime this week.

Here we have a potential case of two parties in the NBA clearly fulfilling the needs of the other.

At 34-years-old, Iverson has deterred prospective teams after lackluster stops with the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons and is desperately seeking a fresh start somewhere.

On the same token, the young, surging Bobcats, who are coming off their best season in franchise history in 2008-2009, are desperately seeking veteran leadership and a boost in scoring to complement their sturdy defense.

If asked the question in 2003 would Brown ever coach Iverson again in the NBA or would A.I. ever suit up under Brown’s helm again, I would’ve laughed at this possibility.

Although A.I. says he wants a reunion with Brown, and L.B. says he has no problem coaching Iverson again, the truth is they’re both extreme egomaniacs who tolerate each other only for the sake of their own success.

If Iverson or Brown had better viable options this NBA offseason, I’m sure neither would be so quick and willing to embrace this possible reconciliation.