AP Photo/John Raoux

By Paul Gotham

Van Gundy criticizes Carter’s defense…or lack thereof

It sure didn’t take long, and it sure comes as no surprise that Stan Van Gundy voiced his displeasure with Vince Carter’s defensive effort in practice.  On the second day of practice, Wednesday, Carter decided to take off a play and let JJ Redick go back door for an easy deuce. Van Gundy let Carter know of his dissatisfaction and commented that an individual video session was in the eight-time all-star’s future.

The Magic’s acquisition of Carter continues to be a head-scratcher. During last year’s playoffs, Orlando thrived on perimeter ball movement. In the past, Carter has demonstrated that he is one-man flow-of-offense hindrance.  Should we guess as to the over / under on the number of times Van Gundy and Carter air their differences this season.

Knicks playing the waiting game

When the Knicks traded Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph they freed $27.3 million for their 2010-11 salary. Now Eddie Curry and his $11.3 million contract becomes the question. Will Curry show he is worth the investment and reach his potential?  Or will Curry become valuable trade bait? Or will Curry be a bust?

Mike D’Antoni and Donnie Walsh will have to bide their time before they can take advantage of the upcoming free agent class. Whatever happens, the Knicks will look to improve on 2008-09 when they finished seven games out of the playoffs at 32-50. The Knicks haven’t qualified for the post-season since 2004.

Super subs

Peja Stojakovic and Kirk Hinrich will settle into new roles this season coming off the bench. Stojakovic enters his twelfth season of play. Last year, the native of Serbia played just 61 games because of back ailments. Stojakovic is the highest paid player on the Hornets’ roster.

After last season, Hinrich thought he would be traded. The trade did not occur. Now, with Derrick Rose and John Salmons penciled in as the Bulls’ starting back court, Hinrich will come off the bench this season – his seventh in the NBA.

Recovering from knee surgery Al Jefferson is looking to earn a spot with Timberwolves this season.  The center dropped 31 pounds this summer. Jefferson credits Subway for his leaner look.  Dining on ham and turkey footlongs have helped Jefferson get ready for the season. And, no, he doesn’t even have a deal with the sandwich maker.

Arenas injured again

Grilling outside has taken another hit. No, it’s not Gilbert Arenas’s surgically repaired knee. Arenas sat out scrimmages on consecutive days due to an injured finger. Get over it!!!!

Scab …errr replacement refs to start pre-season

The lockout between the NBA and its officials has not ended, and replacement officials will blow whistles for at least the pre-season. Here’s hoping that the background checks on these guys include any possible gambling history.

Pacers got the injury bug

Mike Dunleavy(knee), Tyler Hansbrough(shin), and Travis Diener(toe) will all watch from the sidelines when Indiana opens pre-season play versus Chicago.  Troy Murphy is questionable as he recovers from a sprained ankle.

Got any NBA splinters? Share them here.

Courtesy of NBA.com

By Paul Gotham

The mysterious Chicago Bulls

Two years ago the Chicago Bulls seemed ready to make a run at the Eastern Conference crown. Third-year coach, Scott Skiles (he took over during the 03-04campaign) guided the Bulls to their first playoff series win in nine seasons. Led by young guns Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, and Kirk Hinrich the Baby Bulls swept the reigning champs, Miami, before falling to Detroit 4-2 in a hard-fought series.

The future seemed  to favor Chicago. Gordon, Hinrich, Deng along with Andres Nocioni and Ben Wallace prepared for the 07-08 season.

Then, discontent between Wallace and Skiles surfaced. The Baby Bulls started slowly, 9-16. Management showed Skiles the door, and Chicago earned a ping pong ball for the draft lottery.

Despite injuries to Deng and Nocioni the Bulls finished 08-09 at .500. Rookie Derrick Rose led an upstart crew against a hobbled Boston Celtics in an epic first-round series. Few professionals find solace in moral victories. Taking the reigning champs to overtime in four of seven contests lends hope to the future of the United Center denizens.

Chicago added James Johnson (Wake Forest) and Taj Gibson (USC) through the draft. Gone is Gordon. Long gone is Wallace (if he was ever truly there). The East is getting stronger. Where will the Bulls fit?

Anybody have room for a 16 / 10 guy?

The Utah Jazz matched Portland’s offer for Paul Millsap. Are the Jazz ready to part ways with Carlos Boozer? Two years ago Boozer and Deron Williams seemed like the perfect pick-and-roll successors to John Stockton and Karl Malone.

Courtesy of NBA.com

Now the Jazz appear ready to window shop.

Miami looks like the best suitor. Dwyane Wade has expressed concerns over floundering through the upcoming season without another viable option in the lineup. Boozer averaged 16 points and 10 boards for the Jazz last season. Can the Alaskan native handle the near tropics?

Talkin’ ’bout PRACtice?

It’s August. The NBA season opens in two and half months. For the first time in 14 years, Allen Iverson is unsure which uniform he will put on this season.

The Clippers, Heat, and Grizzlies have all shown interest. Yet, Iverson still hasn’t found a dotted line to autograph. At 34 years old and #16 on the all-time scoring list, will Iverson consider playing in Europe?

Got some splinters to share? Post them here and let’s discuss.