THROUGH THE WIRE: TUESDAY (11/30/10)

24. John Wall, Washington Wizards and the NBA's number one draft pick really is showing the promise of his selection. Still John has hit the injury wall yet again. He was out cold for last nights game against the Miami Heat with a bruised right knee. An injury which has been lingering for some time. Wall has so far missed six games but four were due to a foot injury. The Wizards will miss the magic of Wall's 18 points and 9.1 assists per game. Lets hope his legs get well soon so we can see more of that dancing because right now nobody fills the Arenas wall to wall like John.



48. Speaking of injuries there is good news for one Eastern conference team and their new addition. The Chicago Bulls should expect Carlos Boozer back soon from injury rehab. The star power forward has been practicing with his new team, who he's actually been with for many months now. Chicago's coach Tom Thibodeau is still unsure however when Booze will return after breaking his hand October 2nd. "We'll see how it goes tomorrow (in practice) and in the shootaround on Wednesday. For the first day, it was very good," Thibodeau said. Carlos still practiced with protection for his broken fifth metatarsal. He wore a modified padded glove to prevent anymore damage. Boozer told press, "I got my protective glove on. During practice, my hand felt pretty good. It's getting better and better, which is all I could hope for." The player himself is still unsure on his return but he also sounds like he's hinting at a possible return date, "I'm going to see how it feels each day. I'm going to ice it down right now and take care of it. Do treatment every day, twice a day, maybe three times a day. We'll see how it feels on Wednesday before the game." The Bulls will want this double, double threat, talent back in Chi-town as soon as possible. They will look forward to ending this Booze headache.



82. The NBA announced the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Week for games played between Monday, November 22nd, and Sunday, November 28th. For the East Orlando Magic's big talent Dwight Howard took honors while out west Dallas mavericks front man Dirk Nowitzki took the award. Dwight averaged 26.3 points on .632 shooting and 14.5 rebounds last week while Dirk notched 31.0 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. These tam captains and franchise favourites really displayed the consistent loyalty and high standards to their teams for the last week of November. Out in the nations capital Howard led his Magic over the Wizards with 32 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks out the bag. he saved his best trick till last however hitting a game winning shot with 2 seconds to go. In Motown Nowitzki dropped supreme numbers to the tune of 42 points and 12 rebounds en route to a four game win streak over five days. Congratulations guys. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: MONDAY (11/29/10)

24. He may have been in referee's good books during his tenure with New Jersey and Orleans but it seems now Cleveland Cavaliers coach Byron Scott is taking a leaf out of owner Dan Gilbert's audio book. The former Laker player put on a show by publicly criticizing game officials and if the how is going to go on Scott will have to get used to writing cheques for $35,000. NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson announced this fining this weekend. The comments came postgame after the Cavaliers 110-100 loss to the Orlando Magic. Byron had some choice words for the referees and a selection of some of them include, "there's five white jerseys and three with stripes, It's hard when you're playing against eight people". Scott's words may have been ill advised but we all know his reputation is solid. Was he wrong or did the NBA respond harshly. Still $35,000 may be the average mans salary but it's probably an NBA mans Saturday. Sound off in our comments below.



48. The old Texan dogs are still learning new tricks. The San Antonio Spurs are the opposite of Viggo Mortensen right now as they are looking real good on the road. After beating the Hornets in New Orleans last night the Spurs Move to 7 and zip when heading to different area codes. The perfect Spurs even dirtied N.O's clean sheet at home handing them their first home loss. San An fought back from a 17 point drop to actually lead By 17, now that really is a shift in power. The Spurs prevailed 109-95 behind 23 from Manu Ginobili. Tim Duncan was next up with 21 while RJ, Richard Jefferson inked 19 points in the contest. This 7-0 away record matches their record start in the 2006-07 season while their actual complete record of 14-2 is the best in franchise history. This game really was one for the books. David West had 23 for the Hornets and Chris Paul had 19 but was that enough for New Orleans? N.O.



82. Ironman Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace is a stranger to the inactive list but the All-Star better get familiar with a suit and tie as he may be expected to ride the pine for some time...or will he? The indestructible forward fell hard on his elbow and things looked worse than the 'Cats loss to the Bucks. Still however the super, ironman Wallace has got his Captain Scarlett on. It's a mystery why but Gerald's diagnosis has changed from a hyperextension to a contusion as the X-rays where negative. Wallace is now day to day for Michael Jordan's Bobcats and that's a good thing because even with 7.1 crucial seconds left Kwame Brown was no replacement. Without Wallace's 17.2 points per these 'cats have no claws, they only pur. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (11/26/10)

24. SECURITY! SECURITY! The outlaw King is about to return home. The Cleveland Cavaliers look to beef up their Quicken Loans Centre security like they where Jerry Springer in anticipation for LeBron James return. Now that's a good decision. The security may have to be on high alert for the reception the Miami Heat star will get on December 2ND. All rocks must be handed in to the ushers on entrance. All joking aside however the Cavs organisation is asking its fans to refrain from any obscene gestures or t-shirts. I wonder how many number 23 jersey's will be worn though. Erm...NONE! Seriously though hers hoping the only drama from this matchup is on the court, basketball speaking. LeBron made the best decision for himself and it's time to move on. Besides Cleveland fans become warned the hating Toronto fans only made Vince Carter better when he played against them.



48. It's taken two elbow operations to lead David Lee back to recovery but still his return is golden news for the Warriors. Lee worked out with his team today in Oakland and he and his 14.3 points and 11.3 rebounds averages are cleared to play. Wilson Chandler better put his gum shield back on. David will meet his team in Minneapolis where he will fly out in hope to face the Minnesota Timberwolves with them and you know his post presence will be needed against the heart filled Kevin Love. Still Golden State are unsure if one of their greatest Warriors will be involved in the Western conference fight. Both the Warriors and the Timberwolves are living up to their names these days, looking real strong. This could be a crucial, power move, tone setting game.



82. Speaking of elbows, more are being thrown around than in a Ludacris video. Just a day after 'THROUGH THE WIRE' reported on the President's advice for Miami fans, Barack Obama is the subject of basketball news once again. The basketball passionate President got a bit too into it the other day during a pickup game (it's always good to say 'President' and 'pickup game' in the same sentence) and was hit in the mouth with an elbow. Maybe someone didn't like his game (Presidential or on the court). All joking aside this elbow was errant while Obama was 'D'ing' up so there was no need for the secret service to intervene. Still you would be a bit worried if you just elbowed the President on his court. This Thanksgiving turkey trimming game ended up with Obama requiring 12 stitches, OUCH! Well this just proves that just like in the office, on the court Barack goes hard. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!! TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (11/25/10)

24. The Boston Celtics are going to need more of that Irish luck as right now when it comes to injuries they can't catch a four leaf clover. Star guard Rajon Rondo missed a third straight game with a strained hamstring. Rondo didn't make the journey to the Meadowlands and neither did reserve Point Guard Delonte West as he has broken his wrist. So it was up to emphatic, sparkplug backup Nate Robinson to start the point as he returned to the Tri-State area. Robinson will have to be even more tenacious now manning the point on his own as Boston's PG injury problems continue. Nate's backup Marquis Daniels will be needed more too so he better be careful not to pick up Shaq again. The Celts may have great depth at this position but it means nothing when all these guys are injured, you can't prepare for that. Boston will miss one of the greatest in the league with Rondo's 11.2 points and 14.3 assists per. Still the Celtics have found some lucky charms in the form of the golden play of the 'Big Shamrock'. Shaquille O'Neal carried the deep but depleted Boston team on his 345 pound plus back. O'Neal made his season high 25 points Irish making it a double, double with 11 rebounds. Looks like Shaq's back in the rejuvenation machine, or simply that he doesn't stop, he's always been this good. "I told him he looked like the 2000 Shaq...the 1999 Shaq, the 2001 and 2002 to 2003 to 2004 to 2005 to 2006," Kevin Garnett said. Da Kid's right You can always count on daddy to look after the family.



48. Speaking of the Celtics and the greatest point guards in the L, Derrick Rose was part of another thriller against the Phoenix Suns. With 35 points Rose had a Michael Jackson for his Chicago Bulls. Sure this was no seven game series like his rookie one against Boston but a 123-115, double overtime victory was great enough. Derrick Rose last night hit as many clutch shots in one game as Derek Fisher does in a series. Chicago trailed by as many as 23 in the first half but thanks to the greatest Bull since number 23 by the end of the game the Chicago Bulls were the ones taking charge. A bouquet of Rose free throws tied the game up in regulation and with 0.1 to go in the first OT, Derricks reverse lay-up was OK to keep Chi-town in it. The other Bulls also had an impact on the box score. Brit Luol Deng doubled up in the two overtime thriller with 26 and 11. Europe best-seller Joakim Noah also was nice twice had 17 points and 15 rebounds. In this nail bitter, Chicago needed a clutch pair of hands and they got that with free agent Kyle Korvers season high of 24. After a loss to the Lakers this week Chicago have rebounded well on their west coast road trip in more ways than one.



(Looks like Miami aren't the only ones getting basketball advice from Obama)

82. The critics must be loving the struggles LeBron James and his super Miami Heat team are going through right now. With their 8-7 record including a 104-95 loss in their big Florida clash with Orlando things could be a lot better. The Heat are getting the cold shoulder and could use all the love and support they can get. It doesn't get much bigger than the White House and the presidents endorsement of Miami should help the team get a few more fan votes. This is an especially good voice of support considering President Barack Obama is a die hard Chicago Bulls fan and one that was not happy that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade didn't join the offices of his team, maybe a phone call would of helped? The basketball aficionado and expert told ABC a lot of basketball home truths. "There's no 'I' in team. So no matter how good a player is, no matter how good a group of players are, if they haven't played together before they are not going to be as good as a team that has played together a long time," he said hoping fans will be patient. "It takes some time for the team to come together," he added in support. This message of this taking time is one everybody should listen to, beyond sport. Good things come to those who wait and it still looks like both the DC and Miami offices will be making big plays in the near future. Get ready to marvel at these super heroes. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (11/24/10)

24. Orlando's Vince Carter is questionable for the big Florida clash between his Magic team and the Miami Heat. After spraining his left knee it is not certain when Air Disney will be right and cleared for takeoff. With so much hype coming into this heated rivalry and so many comments it's now uncertain whether Stan Van Gundy is just writing cheques with his mouth that his injured stars knee can't cash. Miami already gained a 96-70 advantage from their previous matchup this season. The MRI on Vince's leg was negative after he injured his knee during a loss to the Spurs on the road in San Antonio. After injuring himself on the layup line it's now up to 3 point specialist J.J. Redick to take a shot at replacing the Carter.



48. Speaking of San Antonio and North Carolina Tar Heels, all good things must come to an end but it appears the fat lady has sang pretty early for Danny Green. Less than a week since he was signed by the San Antonio Spurs Green has been left blue as the team have released him. Danny notched six points in two games for the Spurs and now the Spurs have a dozen men on their roster. Green played for Cleveland last year and the sophomore was a North Carolina Tar Heel. Let's hope he clicks his heels and finds another team soon.



82. One guy who is sticking around for awhile is Nick Collison. The centre re-upped with a multi year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The pivot, (who has delivered in the post for this team ever since they were the Seattle Supersonics) has quickly shot himself more security with the club. The 12Th pick of the '03 draft is a solid backup for the Thunder. This storm trooper bolsters the Oklahoma bench as they go to war with the stars in the west on their quest for a championship. The strong workman with a great basketball I.Q has logged an impressive 7.7 points and 6.6 rebounds over an A+ basketball career. Now that's a signing bonus for Oklahoma City. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (11/24/10)

("Why can't we be friends, why can't we be friends")

24. The looming lockout that could face the NBA next summer looks literally like it's a lock. Billy Hunter, the executive director of the NBA players association has given us some Michael Jordan like predictions, stating he's "99 percent sure" a strike will be in session next summer. The negotiations between league owners and the players association over a new collective bargaining agreement is for the moment going nowhere. Hunter is not looking positive, "I think it's highly probable that there will be a lockout and that's what I'm preparing for because I don't see anything else right now." The two parties will meet again in around two months but Hunter has some wise words for his players, "save your money". Roger Mason Jr., is a committee member of the players executive and believes, "Any way that we can make the game better as players, speaking for a lot of the guys, we're all for it. But we don't want to have a deal that's just not fair and that's what we think is being presented to us right now." With both sides not budging, speaking of Michael Jordan, I hope you like baseball. Why can't both these sides get it done? Sound off in our comments section below.



48. Speaking of Roger Mason Jr., his former team the San Antonio Spurs seem to be doing just fine. With all the beasts in the East, the best in the west and rising teams like Oklahoma City, San An were written off, but these Spurs are clicking. This weekend Tim Duncan reached a franchise and career milestone in points, (congratulations Timmy) and now the Texan titans have touchdowned their 11th win in a row (apologies for the reference, but with a potential lockout you have to look to other sports). While everyone has been talking about whether LA or Miami's superteams can eclipse the Chicago Bulls 72 win season (their not going to) San Antonio have achieved their best start in franchise history and their longest streak of 'W's' in three years. The record breakers downed the Orlando Magic like a pint of Guiness with a 106-97 yesterday. Tony Parker had 24 points and 10 assists en route to a 12-1 record.



82. After the ligament injury to foot soldier Udonis Haslem the struggling Miami Heat are looking to escape the trenches by bulking up their front line. Today the Heat look to escape being a 'Dunkin' Donut's' team by icing Erick Dampier to a one year contract (and I thought they already signed this guy??). Erick, after being waived by Charlotte almost signed a one year deal with Houston but wanted to wait for a contract from a team with championship ink (ouch!). Damp looks to help the Heat through their cold, dry spell. The 35 year old is a dependable veteran and although age isn't on his side, he is one of the last true centres around and more than a solid backup. Plus, hey with all of Miami's frontcourt toughness and tenacity suiting up with Haslem on the bench, they need him. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (11/23/10)

24. The NBA Players of the week for Monday, November 15Th, through to Sunday, November 21st have been named. Out west, the Oklahoma City Thunder's Russell Westbrook takes the honor, while on the east coast it's the New York Knicks big free agent signing Amare Stoudemire. Amare's STAT's have helped the New York Knicks go from rotten to fresh and ashy to classy. Stoudemire's being doing it B.I.G. with averages of 29.0 9.5 rebounds and 8 blocks. The inside presence has gifted his team with a 68% field goal percentage, en route to a successful 3-1 west coast road trip for the team from the city that never sleeps. Sticking with the west, Westbrook helped his Thunder weather the storm with a perfect 4 and 0 record. Russell's averages of 23.0 points, 7.8 assists and 3.5 rebounds helped this. You know Oklahoma aren't just about Kevin Durant, especially without him in the lineup. Westbrook took the heat of the leadership role, icing a close game against Milwaukee with two free throw bucks in the bank of the depreciating seconds of a game last week.



48. Miami may have a lot of new signings heating up their roster at the moment but they also rely on their South Beach favourite regulars and one Miami veteran appears to have gone cold. Unfortunately for the aspiring champs Miami ring bearer Udonis Haslem will join Mike Miller on the (OH NO! not them) injury list. Miami not only lost a buzzer beating game to the Memphis Grizzilies this weekend they also lost Haslem to a foot injury. The chiseled, tough warrior who may as well be called Edonis could be out until February Yahoo! reports. So no tough love for Miami until Valentines day? Bosh better hit the weights even harder now. The 'Power' forward has torn some ligaments and doctors are yet to determine whether he will require surgery. We are sure Udonis will be able to tough it out, but will Miami? Can they stand the heat?



82. PAU! PAU! Gasol was perfect this weekend as the Lakers took apart the less powerful version of a very talented Golden State Warriors. Golden State didn't glitter last night as it was a Sunday night whitewash for the Lake Show. With a score of 117-89 the Lakers made it another Sunday blowout win at home after trouncing Portland a fortnight back (they did lose to Phoenix at home last week though). Pau Gasol hit all his shots to lead the team with a clean 28 for the score sheet. Thanks to Gasol the Lakers gassed up the Warriors for a 30 point lead in the first half. Although Golden State battled back. The Lakers had too much firepower and defence. Kobe added 20, while Lamar Odom made his a double with 15 points and 10 rebounds (get that All-Star ballot punched). Pau deservedly sat out the last quarter after going forth with a perfect record from the field and the stripe. He also notched 9 boards and 5 dimes before the fourth quarter. The Warriors still played hard, rising talent Dorell Wright (you should have played him earlier Miami) had 16 while Stephen Curry did travel to Staples this time bagging 13. Monta Ellis had 5 before being taken out the game after falling on his hip. The GSW's will hope Monta can return to the side soon. TIM DAVID HARVEY

THROUGH THE WIRE: NEWS (11/15/10)

The start of the Lake Shows season was certainly an asset but now the Los Angeles Lakers are becoming a loss leader of sorts. The Lakers have now dropped their last two games and yesterday they suffered their first home disadvantage. Phoenix proved that even though they've lost Amare, their still hot as they burnt the Lake Show 121-116. Phoenix rose from the ashes of critical doubt and let the rainbow three's shine. In dropping the Lakers, Phoenix sunk the second most 3 pointers in NBA history and Jason Richardson had a monster performance, roaring with 34 points and 7 threes. As his team defined history for the first time, legend Steve Nash once again defied age with 21 points and 13 assists. Channing Frye and Hedo Turkoglu also contributed from deep adding a respectful 20 and 4 threes and 17 and 5 threes respectively. The Suns were just one 3 ball shy of over shining Orlando's 2009 record as they made 22 of 40 shots still Phoenix still filed away the Lakers at Staples for the first time since 2008. LA's players still saw some sunshine as Gasol hit 28, Kobe 25, Odom 22 and Artest 13. Still Phoenix's threes were too much for the Lakers to escape with one 'W'. As the clock read zero the Lakers were out gunned and out numbered.



It wasn't just the Phoenix orange that had a stellar night beyond the arc. Red head Matt Bonner was red hot with a shower of threes against the Oklahoma City Thunder as the role player stepped it up and led his San Antonio Spurs to a 117-104 win against Oklahoma. This Spur was clicking with 21 points and he too just missed a record when his 7 three's where just short of a San An franchise record. Last night Bonner netted three three's in a 21-8 run that helped the Spurs extend their winning streak to 7. You do the math, like Lil' Jon, 3, 6, 9 was a great amount of points to make the Spurs OK. Steve Smiths perfect 8 against his old Portland team in 2001 may still be the franchise record but Bonner has helped the Spurs become the best three point team in the L. Now you've got nothing to say about their age or his hair, even if Tim Duncan can tussle it.



It wouldn't be an addition of 'Through The Wire' without a trip through the injury list. It seems that a top rookie has hit the wall as Washington Wizards rising star John Wall has sprained his left foot. I guess he's going to have to take it easy on the dancing now. As the Wiz wait on his return it looks like Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young can continue to take turns in playing. The chilling list doesn't stop their for the Wizards as someone will have to spell the injured Yi Jianlian. The recent signing also left the play against the Chicago Bulls as he suffered a right foot injury. Across to the Pacific coast another new addition is out of action. Golden State forward David Lee had surgery to clean out an infection in his left elbow. Oakland's finest hope this ludicrous rebounder will be back to throwing bows in the paint in a week or so. That should give David enough time to go back to Madison Square Garden and give his former team mate Wilson Chandler his tooth back. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

SCOUTING THE ROSTER-THE B-LIST

(Our 'Contender' series continues with another Lakers piece from sister site 'LAKE SHOW VIEW')

So good there's seconds.



The Lake Show is on right now. Over the past few seasons Los Angeles have been so good they've been named champion twice. If the Lakers make it three this season they will have to rely on more than the mamba, the zen and the Spaniard however. The Lakers depth extends more than Ron Artest's wide range of extensive experience and Derek Fishers clutch range. If the Lakers are to be more successful and write history like Drake a big reason will be the bench mob which is the best they ever had. The second infantry is what will soldier this team on in a deep season and playoff campaign as the Lakers look to get presidential a year after their second, victorious term. With this in mind and on court let's scout even further.

STEVE BLAKE: Derek Fisher may have the experience but Steve Blakes the future. Derek may have the years but Steve's got the speed. Blakes three point shot has developed so much that you could bank on it rivalling Fisher's in the clutch. These backcourt mates have nothing to bicker about however. These two guards compliment each other perfectly. Steve Blake in less than ten games has shown that he would even belong in the first five. This game hero has already been a life saver for LA and there's still plenty of breathing space left for his development. A couple of years back the Lakers were a donut in the PG position but now they get the point.



SHANNON BROWN: There's more than a recent engagement to R&B singer Monica that is making this spark plug hit all the high notes. Shannon's always been more than a dunker but this year Brown is seeing the light. Shannon looks to take flight this 82 as this years slogan should be 'Let Shannon Play'. Already this season Brown's shown great versatility. He shot the lights out against Portland in a blowout win last week that wasn't even needed. A necessity however is Brwon's developing range that is measuring as high as his energy. Still Shannon's dunking is what is pined after and gawked at as much as the bikini models on Venice Beach and it's these amazing aerial displays that will keep other teams grounded in games where the Lakers team or crowd need a lift me up. Shannon Brown is the perfect definition of an energy player off the bench. Lose your spark he's ready to plug in at any given time. This pine time player is an expert in the prime time. Remember it's not who starts games, it's who finishes them.



MATT BARNES: This tattooed warrior has settled back in California looking for some championship ink. Sure to some this guy appears rough around the edges bit a player like him should make the Lakers cruise to the championship on a smooth sail. Matt is the strong, second wind behind the energy of the bench mob. With Ron Artest and the doberman, Barnes Jerry Maguires a three man perimeter defence tandem that is the best in the league. When all three bless the court at the same time even the Miami Heat will have hell to play. Plus Matt can spell both Kobe's shooting guard position and Ron's small forward spot meaning this swingman can give the Lakers an effervescent, fiery, defensive presence when the Lakers first string defenders cool off from the burn. Barnes tenacity and versatility help the Lakers adopt these characteristics as well. This defensive minded player is offensive too. Career highs of 36 points make Barnes guilty of talent on both ends of the floor.



LAMAR ODOM: He has not made an All-Star team yet (why?) and critics have written him off as the Scottie Pippen to Kobe's Michael Jordan (again why?). Still however Lamar Odom is the benches franchise player to Kobe's first team one. He may never be an MVP but if it wasn't for Bynums injuries this guy could of already been the sixth man of the year. With 'Drew out Odom can help the roster draw shape by moving to the four on the floor as Gasol takes front and centre. It's this versatility that sets guys like Odom and Garnett from the rest. If LA cloned L.O. he could play all five positions. This big guy can play in the backcourt too, now that's truly Magic. He's come on leaps and bounds over the years, but don't get it twisted he's no most improved. Lamar's always been this good. There isn't a player quite like him and until Anthony Randolph develops there won't be one still. Another unique thing about the Hollywood favourite (in more ways than one) is his unselfishness. He could be the star but he's more complimentary, not lazy. Critics may put other so called stars above Odom but he's got two things those others don't have...rings.



THEO RATLIFF: Lakers backup centres have always been reliable and entertaining but you can bank on something more eye catching with defensive presence, Theo Ratliff bringing his shot-swatting staple to the Lakers stadium. Look for Theo to be as welcome in this Lakers family as a Huxtable is to the Cosby's. There's going to be a block party in L.A this year with Ratliffs presence on the hardwood and with this D student coming off the bench the defensive minded Lakers look even better at guarding their championship throne. With Bynum off the block too LA need Ratliff more than ever. Now Theo may be the oldest Laker but even in reduced minutes he'll still bring the Lakers an asset of experience that will pay off in playoff dividends.



(Ratliff's got Pau Gasol's back in more than just this photo)

Now with a second unit as strong as this it even leaves talent like Luke Walton and Sasha Vujacic on the third team. Or if you like, the benches ideal sixth man (how strong is this?). It's this second battalions mix of fight, versatility and experience that makes these players the perfect finishing compliment to the starters. This second string ties this team together brilliantly. Meaning even when the Lakers are on the ropes they'll have the support in their corner ready to go another round. This second squad may not be a Hollywood list but it's all-star. Now don't you just love it when a B-team comes together? TIM DAVID HARVEY.