According to SI.com, Riley told the Miami Herald on Wednesday that the team plans to address the concerns they have around Wade’s conditioning, or lack thereof. Riley believes that Wade’s lack of on-court production this season is a direct result.

Dwyane Wade is contimplating free agency, and Miami head coach Pat Riley isn't helping things.

Wade was in the best shape of his life last season, after working hard to comeback from shoulder and knee injuries. His athleticism is uncanny. And though he may have dropped off a bit as far as production goes, he’s still an incredibly talented player.

Hello, Riley! He’s the best player you have. And knowing that Wade is about “this close” to testing the free agency waters, why in the world would you say anything that might help push him out the door? If anything, you should be bending over backwards to get him to stay.

It’s like watching a close friend get back with an ex that everyone else hates — we all think Wade could do a lot better.

Image: ZumaPress

Post from: EveryJoe

Pat Riley Should Watch What He Says

While some athletes may use Twitter to connect with fans and offer up a bit of humor now and again, others use it to complain about their team, their limited playing time, and their gripes with head coaches. Larry Johnson pretty much lost his job with the Kansas City Chiefs because of what he wrote on his Twitter account page.

According to his Twitter page, Terrence Williams wishes Mr. Stern had called his name sooner.

Here’s a little advice for those “Twittering” athletes: Don’t use Twitter to complain, it’s going to get  back to the powers-that-be. Take NBA rookie Terrence Williams for example. Chosen eleventh in the 2009 NBA draft, Williams was selected by the New Jersey Nets. Apparently, the Louisville standout isn’t happy with his playing time or being part of a losing team.

According to SI.com, he “Tweeted” the following: “How would it be if Mr. Stern called my name 10 min earlier, #9 or 5 min later, #12 hmmmmmmmmm to bad I can’t live off what ifs.”

“Too” bad Williams doesn’t use spellcheck. Not only are we well aware that his grammar stinks now, we also know that his attitude stinks as well.  His teammates, coaches, and even Mr. Stern for that matter, know it stinks now, too.

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

NBA Players Should Stay Away From Twitter

Yao Ming isn’t going to test the water of the free agency pool, he’s going to stay with the Houston Rockets instead. According to SI.com, Houston general manager Daryl Morey said that there is no doubt in his mind that the 7-foot-6 center isn’t going to opt out of his contract in order to become a free agent.

Yao Ming may be riding the pine this season, but he'll be back with the Rockets in 2010.

“He’s very loyal, and he’s going to opt in,” Morey said in an interview Monday night with FanHouse. “He’s definitely coming back.”

Yao is currently out for the 2009 season, as he recovers from the foot surgery he had over the summer. Knowing what a decent guy he is, I’d be as shocked and surprised as Morey would be if Yao decided to jump ship.

I agree with the GM. Yao isn’t going anywhere.

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Yao To Stay With Houston

I posed a simple question in my post. I asked, who would want to coach the Nets now? Well, according to SI.com, Patrick Ewing is interested. The former NBA All-Star has been an assistant coach for the past seven seasons. Apparently, he’s ready for a new challenge.

Patrick Ewing has been an assistant coach for seven seasons. He's ready to take the next step.

Taking over as head coach for the Nets would certainly be a challenge. Maybe Ewing wants a chance to prove that he has what it takes to be a head coach in the NBA. If he can turn this team around, he’ll definitely earn his stripes.

Nets general manager, Kiki Vandeweghe will take over as head coach for the time being. According to ESPN.com, Vandeweghe played 13 seasons in the NBA with four teams and was a two-time All-Star. His only coaching experience came in Dallas, under Don Nelson. Despite his lack of experience, Vandeweghe has one thing going for him — if he can win at least one game then he’s one up on Frank.

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Ewing Wants To Coach The New Jersey Nets

According to SI.com, the president of the New York Knicks is planning to make a move in order to get Iverson to New York. Donnie Walsh confirmed yesterday that he is interested in signing the former league MVP.  Apparently Iverson is interested in playing for Mike D’Antoni and living in the Big Apple.

What I don’t understand is that the Knicks passed on Iverson over the summer. So why are they interested in him now? Probably because their season is already off to a rocky start. Perhaps they feel that Iverson is “The Answer” to all of their problems.

In honor of the 10-time All Star, here are Iverson’s Top Ten Plays, courtesy of YouTube:

Post from: EveryJoe

Iverson May Join The Knicks

Mayor Oscar Goodman seems to agree since he has already moved forward with plans to build a 20,000-seat arena. According to SI.com, Goodman has fought long and hard to persuade NBA execs that Las Vegas would be the perfect city for an NBA team.

If Oklahoma has the "Thunder," why can't Las Vegas have the "Sinners?"

Like everything in Sin City, the move is a gamble. The Las Vegas City Council is already looking into a contract with a construction company for the arena. But what if Goodman can’t secure an NBA team? He’ll be stuck with an empty arena and a bunch of angry taxpayers.

Normally, cities finalize a deal for an expansion team before they build or remodel an area. We’ll see if the gamble pays off.

In the meantime, I wonder what sort of “catchy” team names Goodman and his cronies are coming up with? The Las Vegas Sinners? Or how about the Las Vegas Studs?

Feel free to suggest a name below…

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Las Vegas Gambles For An NBA Team

Once the contract is figured out, Allen Iverson will be playing for the Charlotte Bobcats for the 2009-2010 season.

Now, if Iverson wants to have a chance to play basketball for the 2009-2010 season he’s going to have to take whatever he can get. And that’s no laughing matter.

SI.com reports that Iverson is close to signing a deal with Charlotte. There are a few “complications” that need to get ironed out.

I find it interesting that Iverson is going to be reunited with coach Larry Brown. Again, if you asked Iverson five years ago if he ever pictured himself playing for Larry Brown again, he might have laughed in your face.

Isn’t it funny how things change?

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Iverson Close To A Deal With Charlotte

“Yeah, I think I’m a better player than he is,” said Jennings. “I just shoot the ball better than he can. The only thing I’ve seen him do sometimes is when he has a home-run pass or something like that. I think the dude is just all hype. I can’t even front. I’m just going to be real with you guys.”

Although Rubio is ranked by almost everyone as the top point guard in the 2009 NBA Draft, Jennings doesn’t believe that would hold up under scrutiny.

Said Jennings: “Well, put it like this: If he was in a workout with me, Jonny Flynn, Jrue Holiday, Tywon Lawson, Stephen Curry, (Ricky Rubio) wouldn’t probably be at the top.”

The SI.com report also has a few more quotes, including one from Jennings say he can’t wait to play against Rubio in summer league. According to most mock draft, Jennings will likely go between the 4th pick in the draft and the 14th pick. It appears as if the Jennings and Rubio rivalry has already begun.

Do you think Ricky Rubio is overrated? (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Brandon Jennings: Ricky Rubio Overrated

Those individuals that decide to stay in college for all four years are few and far between.

Tyler Hansbrough stayed at UNC and amassed numerous national accolades as well a national championship. Add a college degree to the mix and I’d say that he made a smart decision.

Stephen Curry is now wrestling with the same decision. According to SI.com, the main thing holding him back from hiring an agent is the college degree.

Stephen Curry has until Sunday to declare for the 2009 NBA draft.

Knowing that Curry is a well-rounded kid and that the hype and attention he has garnered since Davidson’s 2008 NCAA Tournament run hasn’t gone to his head, I’m not the lease bit surprised that he has yet to make a decision about his basketball future. I could see him returning to Davidson for his senior year. And I would respect him for it.

Photo provided by Newscom

Post from: EveryJoe

Stephen Curry Still Undecided About The NBA

SI.com reported that Scot McCloughan did not rule out signing T.O. During an interview on KNBR radio, McCloughan basically left the door open for the troubled receiver to come back to the San Fransisco 49ers.

Brian Murphy, co-host of the “Murph & Mac” morning show, asked, “So official statement from the 49ers: ‘Not closing the door?’ ”

And McCloughan said, “Correct.”

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Post from: EveryJoe

T.O. May Resign With The 49ers