What Exactly Are the Lakers Doing?

By - Andy Garcia

Another NBA trade deadline came and went last week, and lo and behold, Pau Gasol is still wearing Purple & Gold.

Ever since the 2011-2012 offseason when Gasol was unofficially traded to the New Orleans Hornets in a deal for Chris Paul, there have been constant trade rumors involving the Spaniard. He has handled it as perfectly as possible, exemplifying true professionalism on and off the court, which is partly why he is still a Laker.

Photo by: Andrew D. Bernstein

It seemed to be a no-brainer for the Lakers to trade away Pau this time around, seeing as the team isn't going anywhere this season, along with the fact that it is in the organization's best interest to get under the luxury tax. To avoid the steep repeater tax that was implemented in the new CBA in order to keep franchises like the Lakers from consistently going over the salary cap, Los Angeles would have to get under the cap twice in the next couple years. Since they are one of the NBA's most profitable franchises, along with the new billion-dollar television deal with Time Warner Cable, it seems the organization isn't all that worried about having to pay a massive luxury tax. Obviously they don't want to get rid of their two-time champion with a simple salary dump, or else they would have done the Andrew Bynum deal and saved tons of money back in early January.

Gasol still has value, and they know it.

Even at 33-years-old, he remains a solid player. For what it's worth, the Lakers are expressing their faith in Pau by not dealing him. This might play a vital role in re-signing the big man this offseason. While he may not be a $19 million-a-year player anymore, he would still be a great signing if the Lake Show can get him for under $10 mill per. I can't see Gasol being unhappy or feeling disrespected enough to leave Los Angeles. He loves playing and living in Tinseltown. Just like he gets walked all over on the defensive end, I doubt Gasol will have the guts to leave the Lakers.

But possibly the most important aspect of keeping Gasol is the fact that Kobe Bryant is happy. I know this isn't the same Kobe, and he only has two years remaining on his contract, but I can name 48.5 million reasons why the organization still cares about him and what he thinks.

There were recent rumors about a possible deal in which the Lakers give up Gasol and the lottery pick they are almost certain to have this summer to the Timberwolves in exchange for 3-time All-Star Kevin Love. Of course, there was only a slim chance the T-Wolves would pull the trigger on that to begin with, and the Lakers possibly dodged a bullet in not making the trade. Love is indeed one of the best players in the game today when he is on the court.

The key part of that sentence is the latter half.

Knicks in Need of a Complete Overhaul

By - Tim Swift

When you've been consistently getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs for years on end, it eventually gets to the point where you need to reevaluate the things you do on a day-to-day basis to figure out why you've been failing for such an extended period of time.

The New York Knicks are far beyond that point.

Photo by: Seth Wenig

There needs to be wholesale changes made to this club, and it starts with trading Carmelo Anthony right now while he still has some prime years left. Let another team worry about his next long-term deal. I'm not saying this option is overwhelmingly beneficial, seeing as how they won't get anywhere near full value for the guy, but upper management needs to at least place a few calls.

Someone would bite.

The scouting department and most of the front office needs to be overhauled as well, so things can be looked at through fresh eyes. Amare Stoudemire's contract would be funny if not for the fact it's so sad, as he is due over $23 million next year. There is an early termination clause, however, and the Knicks would be wise to use it the second this season ends.

New York is currently $30 million over the luxury tax. Not that owner James Dolan has ever really cared about spending money with any sense of responsibility, but still. With Melo, Stoudemire, Andrea Bargnani and Tyson Chandler making a combined $73 mill this year, it's safe to say new spending tactics should be the focus.

Obviously when rebuilding, coaching is a big part of the overall equation. Mike Woodson has had some decent moments, but the bad has far outweighed the good. The mess between him and J.R. Smith is a perfect example of how Woodson has no real grasp of what this team needs on or off the court. His offensive sets look more like something you'd see at a Rucker Park street game, where the guy who grabs the rebound usually takes the shot, or a big man sets a screen for Melo, and he then dribbles for 20 seconds or so before throwing up a 22-footer as the shot clock expires.

The Knicks have also been bad about trading away first round draft picks, and when they have kept them, they usually have made the wrong decisions. See the likes of Renaldo Balkman, Mardy Collins, Donnell Harvey and Jordan Hill, among others. Because of the Stepien Rule, a stipulation that says you can't trade first round picks in consecutive years, New York has to keep their 2015 and 2017 first round selections.

All things considered, they don't deserve to keep them.

"Slim Reaper" Eyes First League MVP Award

By - Andy Garcia

After a long reign and practically a monopoly of Most Valuable Player Awards by LeBron James, it seems that the widely regarded "second-best" player in the game, Kevin Durant, may finally get over the proverbial hump this season and take home the hardware.

Photo by: Getty Images

With about two-thirds of the 2013-14 NBA campaign now in the books, it's beginning to look like it's Durant's award to lose. The Oklahoma City Thunder sit atop of the Western Conference standings once again, which bodes well for Durant's chances to come away with the Maurice Podoloff Trophy. Although the MVP Award shouldn't be given to the best player on the best team, it seems that it is a major deciding factor to the voters. It clearly says most valuable player, not best player.

However, it's rare to see someone take home league MVP honors whose team didn't finish in first place in their respective conference. In fact, it has only happened three times in the last 20 years. Each time it happened, the MVP was awarded to a player on a team with the second-best record (James 2011-12, Steve Nash 2005-06, and Tim Duncan 2001-02) and only because there wasn't a player who stood out on those top-seeded teams.

Kevin Durant clearly stands out on his team, though, and I will tell you why he is going to be this season's Most Valuable Player.

Let's start with the basics. To the average basketball fan, the main statistical categories are points, rebounds, and assists. Durant is starting to be more than just the best scorer in the game today, as he has taken his play to another level by getting his teammates involved as well. He is averaging an NBA-leading 31.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and a career-high 5.5 assists per game. His biggest competitor for the award this season, reigning four-time MVP LeBron James, is also having a solid year, averaging 26.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game. Not too shabby. However, I think it's safe to say KD is the front-runner in overall numbers.

Of course, you cannot simply use just these three statistical categories to decide which player is worthy of the award, but when you look at the advanced metrics, it becomes clear that KD is the man to beat.

In this sports era of "moneyball" and high-tech computer software, we can delve into the numbers to further analyze players beyond just the normal stats. One major category used to determine a player's value is PER (Player Efficiency Rating), which measures per-minute production. Durant leads the league at 30.9, while LBJ trails at 28.6. Usage Rate Percentage is the estimate a percentage of team plays used by a player while he was on the floor. In layman's terms, this is essentially a measure of how much a team may rely on a certain player. Durant's 32.1% is also among the league leaders, and more than his counterpart in question.

The Return of Rip City?

By - Tim Swift

As an avid NBA follower, I've always appreciated the Portland Trail Blazer franchise and all the knowledgeable fans who occupy one of the loudest buildings in the entire league.

Photo by: Getty Images

Unfortunately, this team has been snake bitten numerous times. Whether it was Bowie over Jordan, Oden over Durant, or the long injury saga of Brandon Roy, it seems as if a dark cloud has hung over the organization for a long time. Over the last two years, the Blazers stumbled to a 61-87 record, and people began to question if huge changes were in order.

Heading into this season, there were low expectations in "Rip City," with rumors of LaMarcus Aldridge being moved and major concerns about the bench. Few expected the Trail Blazers to competed in a deep and talented Western Conference.

But two months and 32 games later, Portland finds themselves as one of the top teams in the West.

A year ago, head coach Terry Stotts attempted to play a "small ball" style with J.J. Hickson spending a ton of minutes at center. In the offseason, the Blazers signed Robin Lopez, and he has been a surprising anchor in the middle. Outside of the change at center, there weren't any real wholesale roster moves made, which makes this story even more incredible.

The key to Portland's resurgence has been the work of their starting five; Damian Lillard, Wes Matthews, Nic Batum, Robin Lopez and LaMarcus Aldridge. These guys seem to have a chemistry that very few staring units in the NBA share. The great play has been there, in part, because this lineup has started every game together this season.

One of the fascinating things about this Portland offense is their willingness to take mid-range jump shots and 3-pointers at blistering clips. In this era of basketball, many offenses are set up off the dribble drive, with the potential to kick out to 3-point shooters. The Blazers don't use the drive very much, and without a true post-up presence, they take, and make, a lot of long-range shots, currently ranking 1st in 3-point field goal percentage.

As it sits, Portland is the top scoring unit in the NBA, primarily because of their ability to improvise, and when a set play needs to be run, the starting unit knows exactly where to be at all times.

The Kids Are Alright: NBA's Top 25-and-Unders

By - Jaquan Murphy

It appears that the NBA is smack-dab in the middle of a youth movement, with budding young stars popping up all over the league. From California to New York, 25-and-unders are slowly but surely becoming the face of the Association.

So who are the best players out of this young crop of rising stars? Here are five under 25 guys that are sure to be the staples of their teams, and the NBA, for many years to come.

DeMarcus Cousins - Center, Sacramento Kings

Photo by: Getty Images

A bona fide 20-10 guy, DeMarcus Cousins kicks off the list. At 23, he has already established himself as one of the more consistent and productive big men in the game today. Standing 6'11, 270 pounds, Cousins is no easy cover. He can overpower a weaker defender in the block or use his solid post-game to score on craftier players. Cousins averaged a double-double each of the last two seasons, but he has taken his game to the next level in 2013, averaging over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game. With his current talent level and plenty of room to grow, Cousins can undoubtedly become a top 3 big man in the very near future.

Anthony Davis - Power Forward/Center, New Orleans Pelicans

This former Wildcat has scouts and executives around the league going crazy. At only 20, Anthony Davis has shown incredible growth in only his second season. Averaging slightly under 19 points, 10 boards and almost 4 blocks per, the sky's the limit for No. 23. In addition to the big numbers he puts up, at only 220 pounds, Davis can continue to grow into his 6'10 frame. Add in his freakish athletic abilities for his size, and it's pretty easy to see why every team in the NBA would love a player with the upside that Davis has.

Kyrie Irving - Point Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers

Not very often can you look at a point guard and say he has the potential to lead the league in either scoring or assists, but with Kyrie Irving, you can. At 21, the former Blue Devil already has an All-Star appearance under his belt. Although his numbers have been a bit down this year, not many young players can step in and have an immediate impact the way Irving has; especially at the point guard position. From day one, he had a solid feel for what it took to be a successful player at the NBA level. Now that he has become a household name, he must continue to learn and evolve into the superstar that many already see him as.

Melo Drama, Part 2

By - Jaquan Murphy

In a city filled with the most fickle fan base in all of sports, Carmelo Anthony is skating on pretty thin ice.

Photo by: Getty Images

"It's definitely an opportunity that I'm willing to explore and experience," the six-time All-Star said last week when asked about free agency and opting out of his contract.

But hold on, New York. Don't grab your weapons and form an angry mob just yet.

"That doesn't mean I'm not coming back to New York or I don't want to be here. I don't want anyone to get that impression," he continued.

So what is Anthony saying? Is he in New York for the long run, or will this be his final season in the Big Apple?

Yes, Melo wants to be a free agent. Not necessarily because he wants to leave, but because he wants the thrill of feeling wanted by everyone. Plus, he wants all that extra cash the Knicks could offer; in upwards of $33 million more than any other team can.

However, there's a catch.

$33 million more will only sound enticing to Anthony if the Knicks can get him a title. Look at his counterparts from the notorious 2003 draft class; LeBron has multiple rings. Chris Bosh has multiple rings. Dwyane Wade has multiple rings. Even lower-tier players from the class of '03 have won championships (see Sasha Pavlovic, Josh Howard, Boris Diaw and Kendrick Perkins).

The Knicks hold a very distinct advantage here, because Melo wants to be in NYC. Staying put allows him to potentially be Carmelo Anthony the brand, not just Carmelo Anthony the All-Star player. Not to mention, if he can help bring a title to the city, he will instantly go down as one of the greatest Knicks of all time.

Those are reasons few would pass on.

The Nets Go Green: Good or Bad Decision?

By - Jaquan Murphy

First, the Boston Celtics shipped Doc Rivers off. Now they've sent the face of their franchise, Paul Pierce, and their unquestioned vocal leader, Kevin Garnett, to the Brooklyn Nets for a plethora of players and draft picks.

Photo by: Barton Silverman

In return for two of the most iconic figures in franchise history, the Celtics received Gerald Wallace, MarShon Brooks, Kris Humphries, Keith Bogans and three future first round picks. The Nets also acquired Jason Terry in the deal.

While Boston gets to rebuild and Brooklyn added two future Hall of Famers to complement their three All-Stars, the question remains; was this a good trade?

For the Celtics, yes, because they gained both assets and picks. Brooks has the ability to create for himself and contribute on the offensive end. Humphries will help out on the boards and Bogans and Wallace will provide defense. Boston also acquired multiple future draft picks to help in the rebuilding process. They can use these picks outright, or package them for additional picks or players in trades.

The Celtics played the rebuilding game to perfection with the Nets. They found a contender desperate enough to overspend to acquire game-changing talent.

On the other hand, this trade may not be as good as it looks for Brooklyn. Their starting five have all been All-Stars, but how will it play out on the court? Obviously the offense will go through Deron Williams, but who will be their go-to guy? Who will get more touches down low? Will Paul Pierce accept a lesser role? This squad has the potential to be either really good, or a repeat of last season's Los Angeles Lakers.

The 2013 NBA Draft: 5 Immediate Impact Players

By - Tim Swift

The 2013 NBA Draft is upon us, and as far as drafts go, this is probably one of the more weaker ones in recent memory. Many critics are saying that this could be the worst draft since 2000, which to date has seen its class tally a grand total of two All-Star appearances.

On Thursday night, GMs, scouts and coaches will try to earn their keep. With so many questions at the top of the board, there are reports that several teams are trying to get out of selections because of the perceived lack of talent.

Still, there is talent to be found, and here are 5 guys who could make an immediate impact once the season gets underway.

- Anthony Bennett, Small Forward/Power Forward; UNLV

Photo by: Isaac Brekken

The 6'7 forward burst on the college scene last year, averaging 16 points and 8 boards while shooting 53% from the field. Weighing in upwards of 250 pounds, strength shouldn't be a problem at the next level. Offensively, Bennett has an outstanding jump shot for a guy his size, shooting 38% from behind the arc. Also, with his ball handling skills, he shouldn't have a problem creating shots for himself in the pros. Bennett will have to learn to guard both forward positions in the NBA, something that he didn't do often in his one year at UNLV.

- Shabazz Muhammad, Shooting Guard/Small Forward; UCLA

Muhammad was dogged throughout the season because of bad body language and possible attitude problems. However, he might be the most NBA ready player in this year's draft. He has the speed and strength to play either the shooting guard or small forward position, and is an incredible rebounder for his size. Muhammad is going to make his money in the league putting up points, as the lefty is outstanding scoring with either hand and has real nice touch in the lane. One of the biggest things he will have to work on at the next level is his ball handling skills.

- C.J. McCollum, Point Guard; Lehigh

McCollum caught everyone's attention in the second round of 2012 NCAA Tournament when he dropped 30 points on Duke in an upset win. The guy he has been compared to most throughout the draft process is another small school guard who became the 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year; Damian Lillard out of Weber State. Similar to Lillard, McCollum is a scoring point guard who is going to have to adjust to becoming more of a floor leader. He missed the last 19 games of last season with a foot injury, but has looked fully healed during draft workouts.

NBA Game-Changers on the Market This Summer

By - Jaquan Murphy

Now that a champion has been crowned, basketball season is over, right?

Wrong.

Sure the x's and o's portion of the season is in the books, but perhaps the most important part is now upon us; the offseason. The draft is rapidly approaching, but there doesn't appear to be many immediate impact players available. Because of this, more emphasis will be placed on free agency. And while this year's free agent class will not rival the crop from 2010 (no class probably ever will), it does have its fair share of game-changers and potential missing pieces to a championship puzzle.

Photo by: Getty Images

Here are some of the players who your team may try to land this summer.

Guards:

One of the biggest names on the market this offseason is point guard Chris Paul. For sub-par teams or clubs that are rebuilding, chances are CP3 will not be interested, especially given the enticing situation he already has in Los Angeles. However, if a team that is a guaranteed contender can come up with a way to acquire him, Paul will be all ears. The organization that can pry him away from the Clippers will be looking at stability at the position for many years to come.

Every team needs a solid backcourt. If your squad is lacking a strong scoring presence, San Antonio's Manu Ginobili may be on their watch list. He hits the market after a very disappointing NBA Finals. However, the unorthodox Argentinian can provide a solid second option on virtually any team. If he is not retained by the Spurs, chances are at this stage in his career he is looking for a title contender. Perhaps a club where he can continue to provide a spark off the bench would suit him best. However, in the right system, Ginobili can start and provide an efficient 15 to 20 points per if needed.

If your team's gaping hole was bench scoring, Chicago's Nate Robinson will definitely be on their radar. The only thing diminutive about this guard is his size. He's sure to bring instant offense and energy to the court as soon as he steps on it. Filling in for the injured Derrick Rose, Robinson showed that he is capable of lighting up the scoreboard over short and long periods of time. He may seek a team where he can start, but whether he is starting or coming off the bench, Robinson will be valuable to whichever team inks him for next season.

LeBron Answers Critics, Cements Legacy

By - Keith Smith

LeBron James answered his critics, myself included, in Games 6 and 7 of the NBA Finals.

Emphatically.

Photo by: Lynne Sladky

No, I won't quit calling him LeWhine, or LeFlop, or LeCry, because I still think all of those are fitting. In fact, I may even add LeIllegalScreen to the list. But one name he won't have to endure anymore, at least from me, is LeChoke.

James responded to the Heat trailing 3 games to 2 with 32 points in Game 6's come-from-behind overtime win. Then, with the Spurs more-or-less daring him to shoot from the outside, he pumped in 37, including 5-of-10 from behind the arc, and 8-for-8 from the free throw line in Game 7.

All that to go along with 12 boards, playing 45 of a possible 48 minutes of the contest.

LeBron's reputation of not showing up when games are hanging in the balance is no more. He was spectacular down the stretch of both affairs as Miami stared down elimination without flinching. And while James still has a ways to go to match Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, and even Kobe Bryant in terms of rings, this series went a long way in cementing his legacy among the NBA's greatest players.

And what of the Spurs marquee guys? Tony Parker was held in check in Game 7 with only 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting and 4 assists. Danny Green, who wasn't a star when the series started, but became one by setting the record for 3-pointers in an NBA Final during the first five games, disappeared in the last two. He was only 1-of-12 shooting (1-6 from the arc), and finished with a mere 5 points in the finale.

What Will LeBron's Lasting Legacy Ultimately Be?

By - Lauren Dundee

It goes without saying that LeBron James is one of the greatest players to ever step foot on an NBA court. However, he has forever lived in the shadow of the great Michael Jordan, and comparisons between the two run rampant in most basketball circles.

Will LeBron's legacy eventually replace that of his childhood idol and see him as the greatest player to ever lace up a pair of sneakers?

Photo from: espn.go.com

James is attempting to lead the Heat to their second-consecutive championship, with Miami's series against the San Antonio Spurs tied at two games apiece. Exactly how will LBJ's legacy be affected by the outcome of this matchup?

If the Heat manage to repeat, they will become only the sixth team in league history to do so, joining the Bulls, Lakers, Celtics, Pistons and Rockets. If LeBron were to be named the MVP of the Finals for the second year in a row, he would become only the fifth player in history to have won the award in back-to-back seasons, joining Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Hakeem Olajuwon.

That's some pretty elite company.

But what if the Spurs win and James falls to San Antonio's "Big 3" for the second time in his career? Many will say that's it, he can never be considered the best of all time.

I'm not one of those people.

Obviously the amount of rings a player wins isn't the only thing that defines him. If that were the case, Bill Russell would be consider the best ever and Robert Horry would be a legend. So with that in mind, LeBron's legacy will not be ruined if Miami falls short of their ultimate goal.

What's Next For George Karl?

By - Lauren Dundee

May 8th, 2013: George Karl is named NBA Coach of the Year after guiding the Denver Nuggets to a 57-25 mark, the fourth-best record in the entire league.

June 6th, 2013: Less than a month later, Karl is fired as head coach of the Nuggets.

Photo by: David Zalubowski

Karl led the team to their best record in franchise history, and still had one year remaining on his contract. However, he was let go because the front office felt they were not ready for a long-term commitment after Karl requested a three-year extension.

The 62-year-old out of Pennsylvania began his coaching career as an assistant for the San Antonio Spurs. From there, he bounced around jobs within the CBA, NBA, as well as overseas.

Karl finally became a big name coach when he took over the Seattle SuperSonics. He was with the organization from 1991-1998, leading them to the playoffs every season. In 1996, the Sonics made it all the way to the NBA Finals, where they lost to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in six games.

Thanks to a lucrative contract offer, Karl left Seattle for a coaching gig with the Milwaukee Bucks following the '98 season, but the success he had with the Sonics did not continue in Milwaukee. He attempted to rebuild the program, but was fired after four years.

Still, Karl had plenty of teaching left in him, and in 2005, he was named head coach of the Nuggets, taking over from interim coach Michael Cooper. Despite battling prostate, throat and neck cancer, Karl led Denver to the postseason every year he was there, and won division titles in 2006, 2009 and 2010.

So what's next for Karl?

Tim Duncan: Best Power Forward in NBA History

By - Tim Swift

Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward in the history of the National Basketball Association.

Yeah, I said it.

I know many people will disagree, but between the numbers, rings and overall consistency, no one has had the type of impact at the position that Duncan has.

In today's 24-hour information age, the media and fans alike are quick to declare someone the greatest without the proper prospective. However, after going back and studying Duncan's career as a whole over these past few weeks, as well as other great players from years past, I can't come up with anyone that's ever done it better.

Photo by: Getty Images

It's a shame that the average fan has never fully appreciated Duncan's greatness. Yes, the NBA League Pass subscriber has always loved his game, but the casual everyday fan almost always takes the "he's good, but he's boring" approach whenever his name comes up.

Let me be clear; excellence is never boring. Duncan may not be a commercial darling, or the most athletic guy to ever lace up a pair of sneakers, but for 16 years he has been nothing short of a model of enduring brilliance.

A dominant force during his college days at Wake Forest, Duncan was the first overall pick in the 1997 draft. For the first 8 years of his career, he averaged at least 20 points, 11 rebounds and 2 blocks a game, while never slipping under 49% shooting from the field. His best season in that span was the 2001-2002 campaign, when he averaged 26 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks per while shooting 80% from the line and 51 % from the field en route to league MVP honors.

Another thing about Duncan that should be admired is his ability to rise to the occasion when the lights are brightest. His career playoff averages in points, rebounds, assists and blocks are all higher than his regular season averages, proving the true greats elevate their play in April, May and June.

The game that best defines Tim Duncan's illustrious career is Game 1 of the 2003 Finals versus the New Jersey Nets, when he exploded for 32 points, 20 rebounds, 7 blocks, 6 assists and 3 steals. Rarely is this individual performance mentioned in the same breath as Magic Johnson's Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers in 1980, or the countless heroics of Michael Jordan over the course of his postseason career, but it deserves the same type of praise.

The Evolution of Birdman

By - Lauren Dundee

Miami Heat forward-center Chris Andersen is one of the most colorful players in the NBA, both literally and figuratively. Known for his mass amount of bright tattoos, the character known as "Birdman" has gone from a drug-addicted castoff to a huge asset for a title contending team.

Photo by: Steve Mitchell

Andersen got his basketball start playing one year at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. Unselected in the 1999 NBA Draft, he opted to play in the Chinese Basketball League. Following a brief stint there, Birdman was taken first overall in the 2001 Development League Draft. After one season with the Fayetteville Patriots, he finally got his big break in the NBA.

Signed by the Denver Nuggets that same year, Andersen averaged 3.9 points per game over the next three seasons. He was picked up by the New Orleans Hornets in '04, and participated in both the 2004 and 2005 slam dunk contest, finishing third and fourth, respectively.

However, Birdman's career nearly came to an abrupt end in January of 2006, as he was kicked out of the NBA for violating the league's anti-drug policy. He had tested positive for a banned substance, believed by many to be cocaine. His suspension would last two years, after which he could attempt an appeal.

Andersen entered rehab and took a drug test every other week. He was determined to get clean and make another attempt at a career in basketball. On March 4th, 2008, he got his chance. The Players Association granted an appeal, and Birdman was successfully reinstated into the league.

The very next day, Andersen re-upped with the Hornets, but was released later that season. He then signed with the Nuggets for a second time, and his return to Denver proved to be a success. He became a fan favorite thanks to his spiked hair, tattoos and outgoing personality. Andersen spent three more years in the Mile High City before being amnestied following the 2011 season. This set in motion Birdman's descent on South Beach.

What Does the Future Hold For Dwight Howard?

By - Lauren Dundee

Aside from the playoffs themselves, a lot of the current talk in the NBA revolves around where superstar big man Dwight Howard will be playing next season.

After forcing a trade from the Orlando Magic last summer, Howard had a turbulent year with his new team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Following a first round postseason sweep at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs, many believe that the 6'11 center will be on the move again this offseason.

Photo by: Getty Images

It goes without saying that Howard will have other options if he does in fact decide to leave LA. One of the more intriguing potential landing spots for the former No. 1 overall pick is the Houston Rockets, who were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs a few weeks back after pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to six games.

A youthful squad with championship aspirations is what Howard is looking for, and the Rockets certainly have the cap space to make him a tempting offer. Rumor has it that Howard is interested in potentially signing with Houston, and James Harden has even dropped hints that he is trying to help recruit the 7-time All-Star, which would lead one to believe that the Rockets are the current front runners in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.

The youngest team in the league, really all Houston is missing is a dominant big man. The combination of Howard, Harden, and up-and-comer Chandler Parsons could make the Rockets a major force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference for many years to come.

Another team that resides in the state of Texas is in the running for Howard's services. The Dallas Mavericks are reportedly willing to trade their 13th pick in the draft to clear cap space for the 3-time Defensive Player of the Year.

The Mavs missed the playoffs this season, but have won a title in recent years. We also know that owner Mark Cuban is always trying to assemble championship-caliber talent, so that could be a big selling point as well. A frontcourt of Howard and former NBA Finals MVP Dirk Nowitzki would be very formidable to say the least.

Of course, Howard could decide to just stay with Los Angeles. They did make the postseason this year, but it's well-known that the chemistry within the Purple & Gold's locker room was notoriously shaky.

Possible X-Factors For the NBA Conference Finals

By - Tim Swift

It goes without saying that you must have a star player or two on your roster in order to reach the conference finals of the NBA playoffs. But to win a title, role players have to elevate their game to another level.

Whether it's been Steve Kerr or John Paxson on the 90's Bulls, Robert Horry coming up clutch for the Lakers in the early 2000's, or Mike Miller shooting lights out in whatever gym he was in during last year's postseason, role players always seem to be more prominent when teams are getting closer to basketball's ultimate prize.

With that in mind, here are some guys who could be the deciding factor in who takes home the Larry O'Brien Trophy next month.

- Shane Battier

Photo by: Getty Images

For years, Shane Battier has made his money by providing outstanding perimeter defense and timely 3-point shooting. During last season's playoffs, Battier was tops in 3-pointers made and attempted, and shot a solid 39% from behind the arc. Entering the Heat's current series with Indiana, he was shooting just 26%. That stat has to improve. At some point, Battier will likely be asked to guard Paul George, Lance Stephenson or David West. This will be key in giving LeBron James and Dwyane Wade a break on the defensive end. Late in the first half of Game 1, Battier was even assigned 7'2 center Roy Hibbert. The former Dukie's flexibility is very valuable to Miami's success. The offense was not there in the opener, as he missed all 4 of his shots, but Battier played key minutes in the overtime win.

- Lance Stephenson

The former Cincinnati Bearcat has emerged in this year's postseason as both an outstanding defender and ferocious rebounder, averaging 8 boards over 12 games. Still, he will have his hands full throughout the Pacers-Heat series guarding Dwyane Wade. Stephenson has taken on the identity of the rest of this Indiana squad, with in-your-face-type play that will have to come to the forefront if they are to advance to the Finals. Also, his 10-point average will have to increase with the Pacers consistently struggling to score in their halfcourt sets. Stephenson is not a natural shooter from 3-point range, but anything he can give Indiana from the outside will be a complement to his defensive prowess. In Game 1, Stephenson pulled down 12 rebounds, but was a non-factor offensively, with only 7 points in 43 minutes of action. If the Pacers want to pull off the upset, he'll have to give them more.

Durant Puts His Money Where His Mouth Isn't

By - Keith Smith

I've written in the past about the dichotomy of sports. How in the face of tragedy, like the recent Oklahoma tornadoes, these games men play are of little consequence, yet are a necessary distraction to the seriousness of everyday life.

Then when I see a gesture like the one made by Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant, I know that sports are very important.

Photo by: Getty Images

On Tuesday, Durant quietly donated $1 million to the tornado relief fund of the American Red Cross. The team later matched his philanthropic gesture.

KD didn't tweet that he was doing it. He didn't implore all the fans to donate their hard-earned money while sitting atop his closed wallet, as I've seen others do. He saw a need, and he filled it. Without fanfare, without hoopla, and without expecting anything in return.

Even positive press.

And before any of you start with the "when you make as much as he does, you can afford to do that" argument, consider this; that donation represents almost 6% of his annual salary. Have any of you pledged to donate 6% of your salary to anything other than your church lately? I haven't.

To put it in perspective, if you make $50,000 per year, that would equate to about a $3,000 donation. Most of us will be doing good to send $10 or $20 to the Red Cross for the victims.

I've seen athletes pledge, at best, $50,000 or $100,000 to causes like this before. I've also seen some show up at the disaster site and "help out" (translation - they were there because it was a good photo op for their agent to get them some positive PR). Most of those efforts are closely followed by the athlete or his handlers blasting out tweets and/or photos of how generous they are with their time and money.

Intense Bulls-Heat Series Reaches Fever Pitch

By - Lauren Dundee

While other matchups have had their fair share of drama, by far the most intense series of the NBA playoffs has been that of the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.

Photo by: Getty Images

Chicago took the opener by a final score of 93-86, in a game that saw little Nate Robinson score 27 points; even after receiving 10 stitches in his lip following a collision with LeBron James.

Miami jumped all over the Bulls in Game 2, at one point leading by nearly 50. While Chicago managed to hold LeBron to only 19 points (all of which came in the first half), five other Heat players reached double-digits. As a team, Miami shot 60% from the floor and scored 28 points off of turnovers.

An already heated game turned even hotter in the fourth quarter when both Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson were ejected for arguing with officials. The Bulls managed to score some junk points late, but still got throttled, 115-78.

As the series shifted to Chicago for Game 3, both teams were fired up and emotions were flaring. The first half alone saw three technical fouls and an ejection. The first came when Joakim Noah pushed Chris Anderson. The remainder occurred during a scuffle between Nazr Mohammed and LeBron James. Mohammed shoved LBJ to the floor and got tossed, which proved to be costly, considering the Bulls were depleted to begin with.

Chicago managed to keep it close, but Heat guard Norris Cole had one of the best games of his career, scoring 18 points in a 104-94 Miami win.

That brings us to Game 4, with the Heat holding a 2-1 series advantage. Obviously there is a lot of basketball left to be played, but with the loss of so many and tempers running wild, can the Bulls still pull the upset?

"Golden Boys" Taking the NBA Playoffs By Storm

By - Jaquan Murphy

They weren't supposed to advance past the first round. Once they did, most expected them to get blown away in the conference semi-finals. Yet here they are, standing toe-to-toe with a former 4-time champion.

For those who do not follow them religiously, this has been a coming-out party of sorts for the Warriors. Just call the "Golden Boys" from Golden State this year's Cinderella team of the NBA playoffs.

Photo by: Robert Galbraith

The Warriors finished the regular season in second place in the Pacific Division and sixth overall in the Western Conference. They proved to have a high-octane offense, finishing seventh in the league in scoring at 101.2 ppg. As a team, one of their biggest strengths has been their ability to control the boards. They averaged 45 rebounds per game this year, third-best in the NBA.

Throughout the season and into the playoffs, Golden State has shown that they are a tough, gritty bunch that can outshoot the opposition on any given night. They average 10 3-pointers per game and shoot close to 50% from the field as a collective unit.

The "Golden Boys" are led by emerging star Steph Curry, who averaged 23 points and 7 assists per game during the regular season. The sharpshooter from Davidson University has been even more impressive in the postseason, averaging 25 points and 9 dimes per contest.

Curry's partner-in-crime in the backcourt is 6'7 guard Klay Thompson. The former Washington State Cougar averaged 17 ppg during the regular season and is putting up 18 per in the playoffs, including an electrifying 34-point performance in Game 2 of their current series versus San Antonio.

Another vital part of Golden State's success has been their frontcourt, where the combination of David Lee and Andrew Bogut has been a fairly formidable matchup for any duo looking to control the paint against the Warriors. Combined, the two averaged 19 rebounds per game during the regular season. With Lee injured in the playoffs, Bogut has stepped his game up, averaging 8 points, 11 boards and 2 blocks.

Second Round Predictions For the NBA Playoffs

By - Brad Heerschop

The first round of the NBA playoffs went down without a hitch, and we are left with 8 teams competing for the glory of winning a championship.

Photo by: Getty Images

Not a lot of upsets or surprises thus far, but this round may see some of the big dogs go down. I wasn't perfect with my opening round predictions (6-2), but it could have been a lot worse. For the semi-finals, I'm going out on more of a limb.

- Miami Heat vs. Chicago Bulls

Miami rolled through the Milwaukee Bucks with ease. I was hoping for a better series, but what ensued was far from surprising. The Heat pulled a sweep, winning every game by double-digits and an average margin of victory of 14.8 points per. They appear to be unbeatable.

The injury-riddled Bulls did not have such an easy first round. However, even without star point guard Derrick Rose, they upset the Brooklyn Nets in 7 games. Joakim Noah and Nate Robinson were both great in the only series of the first round that went the distance.

The Heat and Bulls split the season series this year, winning 2 games apiece. Chicago was one of only three teams this season that took at least 2 from Miami. They were also the bunch that ended the Heat's impressive 27-game winning streak back in March. The back story makes for an interesting series outlook, because the Bulls seem to matchup fairly well with the Heat. Taking all that into consideration, I still don't think Miami will stumble. I could actually see this team going 16-0 in the postseason. They're that good.

Miami: 4, Chicago: 0