Dwyane Wade was able to stay healthy for much of the season. However, now that the playoffs have arrived, he’s hurt once again. This time, he has a sore back that has also become stiff. Wade’s back was obviously hurting him in Game 4 of the Miami Heat’s first round series against the Atlanta Hawks.
Playing 45 minutes, Wade finished with 22 points, seven assists and six rebounds, however he made just 9-of-26 field goals and 1-of-8 three-pointers as the Heat lost by a final score of 81-71.
Despite his sore back, Wade vows to play in Game 5. With the series …read more

Josh Smith is one of the most athletic players in the NBA and he proved that once again with this vicious dunk over Steve Nash. Although Smith’s Atlanta Hawks ended up losing the game, this dunk alone made it a memorable night.
Nash and the Phoenix Suns were able to win thanks to a strong second half. Amare Stoudemire led the way with 23 points, while Nash chipped in with 14 points and 13 assists. Smith was the high scorer and high rebounder for the Hawks, finishing with 19 and 12, respectively.
After being slowed a bit by injury to begin the …read more

As everyone knows, Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks is one of the best dunkers in the NBA. That was again proven recently when Smith threw down a vicious dunk on Kendrick Perkins. You can see a video of the Josh Smith dunk at the end of this entry.
If you have Smith on your fantasy basketball team, you are probably disappointed in his play. So far this season, Smith’s numbers have been down in literally every category. His points, rebounds, blocks, steals and field goal percentage are all down. The good news is that his turnovers are also down.
The reason …read more

Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks was on of the most popular picks in 2008 fantasy basketball. His owners right now aren’t too overjoyed as their star forward is out up to four weeks with a high ankle sprain.
First of all, that four week prognosis may be a bit optimistic. High ankle sprains usually take longer to heal, so don’t be surprised to see Smith out for about six weeks. Then again, Smith is young so he may be able to heal faster.
When he returns, you should keep a close eye on him. So much of his game is dependent …read more

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Even though many feel Kevin Durant underachieved in his rookie season because he wasn’t Michael Jordan reincarnate, Durant was still good and should be even better in the 2008-09 fantasy basketball season.
Francisco Garcia, Sacramento Kings
With Ron Artest now in Houston, Francisco Garcia should see a lot of starts during the upcoming season. When he gets time, he has proven to be a player that can help in a whole list of categories.
Marvin Williams, Atlanta Hawks
Josh Childress signing in Greece should help Marvin Williams stay on the court. Childress ate up some of his time in the …read more

Every seems to like a good NBA fight video. While the current rules of the NBA limit the amount of fighting that occurs, there were a few good fights throughout the 2008 season. However, the best and perhaps the most important took place between the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Hawks.
In this NBA fight video, the Hawks stand up to the Celtics and show the Celtics they won’t back down. More specifically, Zaza Pachulia gets into Kevin Garnett’s face and a minor skirmish ensues.
While the Celtics would go on to win the 2008 NBA championship, …read more

According to a report, Alexis Miller has filed a restraining order against Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq, who is currently the center on the Phoenix Suns, has yet to make a comment about the incident. You can see a link to a picture of Alexis Miller at the end of this entry.
Alexis Miller, who is an Atlanta based hip hop musician who goes by the stage name of MaryJane, alleges that Shaq threatened her by both phone and email. Additionally, Miller claims that Shaq threatened to blackball her from the music industry.
Miller and Shaq supposedly had a relationship that …read more

Josh Smith had a busy day on Friday. First, Smith signed an offersheet worth just shy of $60 million with the Memphis Grizzlies. On the same day, the Atlanta Hawks decided to match the offersheet and return their budding superstar.
In terms of fantasy basketball impact, this is good news for Josh Smith. He’ll stay with a team that has seen him become one of the most exciting players in the game. He has also been able to become a very good fantasy basketball player while with the Hawks.
Smith is still young and should continue to get …read more

Memphis Grizzlies – The Grizzlies will be bad once again next season.
New Jersey Nets – The Nets are in full on tank mode waiting for 2010.
Minnesota Timberwolves – More lean years ahead for the T’Wolves.
Oklahoma City Barons – The team without a name will lose a lot.

The Atlanta Hawks and restricted free agent Josh Smith don’t appear to be getting closer to agreeing to a new contract. Reports indicate that the Hawks have offered Smith at least $11M a year but Smith wants more.
With free agent money dried up around the NBA, Smith appears likely to either re-sign with the Hawks or be traded in a sign-and-trade deal. If Smith is indeed involved in a sign-and-trade deal, where would he end up? Here are the leading possibilities:
Detroit Pistons – The Pistons have a lot of veteran player who they are willing to offer …read more