NBA 2k11 Association update: January

Bulls 97 (25-11)
Celtics 93 (29-7)


Boozer's 25 pts and 16 rebs ended the Celtics 13 game win streak. It was a tough and gritty win for the Bulls. Both teams played excellent defense most of the game with the Celtics forcing 15 turnovers out of the Bulls. The Bulls were down by as many as 5 pts with 2 minutes to go in the 4th quarter but late turnovers by the Celtics and an alley-oop from Rose to Smith sealed the win for them. Both Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were in foul trouble most of the game and really found it hard to get going offensively. Rose struggled from the field mightily most of the game but made clutch baskets when needed. The Bulls host the Detroit Pistons next at the United Center.

News around the NBA:


Cleveland Cavaliers trade J.J. Hickson and Christian Eyenga to the Rockets in return for Luis Scola. The Rockets, who earlier this month made a trade for McGrady and Ben Wallace are continuing their transitional phase to revamp their roster. They get a 23 year-old Hickson who has been averaging 17.5 ppg and among the favorites to win both the most improved player and 6th man awards this season. However, he is expected to start at the PF position, something he didn't get to do in Cleveland. Cavalier fans are in shock after the deal. Hickson was one of the most promising players on this roster and had been continuing to improve each year. However, there had been reports of Hickson not being happy with his bench role and contract situation and wanted out. In return, the Cavs get one of the better skilled fowards in the game in Luis Scola. He is expected to slide to the center position and play alongside Jamison. As a throw in, the Rockets also get Eyenga but he's not expected to contribute much this season.

NBA off-season update: Should Kobe play in Turkey?

Just like Deron Williams of the NJ Nets, Kobe Bryant is considering playing in Turkey during the lockout next season. Bryant, who is going to turn 33 in August and has played in 1311 NBA games, is still pondering the decision to head overseas. Bryant in the past has been open to the media about possibly playing overseas when his days in the NBA are numbered. This idea isn't new to him or his fans. However, with Bryant still chasing the elusive 6th championship and his multitude of injuries, his decision now might comeback to bite him in the future. Unlike D-Will, Bryant is battling his arthritic knee that has plagued him last few seasons. It's been clear that his athleticism has been declining sharply along with shooting range. He's no longer the perennial go to guy in LA anymore. He is no longer going to score 50+ points on any given night. His NBA career is in its twilight stages and had been really evident last season when he struggled mightily in the playoffs especially against an inferior team like the New Orleans Hornets. An arthritic knee is one that has no cure and something that's not going to get better with time. The more he plays, the more arthritic the knee is going to become. Playing in Turkey and possibly risking even more injuries just does not make any sense for Bryant. Beside, his top competitors are not going anywhere either. LeBron, Rose, D-Wade, Stoudemire, Duncan, and Paul are some of the NBA stars who are staying stateside and rest their body. At this moment, it seems best that Bryant continue to rest up his knee and try to comeback with a vigor to capture another championship in the NBA. With the season likely shortened, this will only help Bryan't chances of being fresh in time for the playoffs.

NBA 2k11 Association update: January

Matchup preview:


Battle for the East 


Celtics (28-6) vs. Chicago Bulls (24-10)

Celtics put their 12 game win streak on the line against Bulls' 7 game win streak        

NBA 2k11 Association update: January

News around NBA:

Kuester out as Pistons coach Percy Carroll takes over
Jason Maxiell done for season with torn MCL
Paul Westphal on the hot seat in Sacramento

Trade:

Pistons trade T-Mac and Ben Wallace to Rockets in return for Chuck Hayes and Courtney Lee
"Houston is where I want to end my career" -McGrady

NBA 2k11 Association update: December

Christmas game presented by ESPN:


Bulls 100
Knicks 93


Heat 97
Lakers 83


Celtics 96
Magic 83

News around NBA:

Kurt Rambis out as Minnesota Timberwolves (10-20) coach after 2 years
Warriors (1st Western conference) and Bucks (4th Eastern Conference) are early season surprises

NBA off-season update: Yao Ming's retirement

As the lockout looms over the NBA off-season, Yao Ming has announced his retirement from professional basketball today. Yao, a former number one overall pick of the Houston Rockets back in 2002, spent 8 total seasons in the NBA while playing only 486 games out of possible 656 games. He had limited success in the playoffs and never came close to obtaining a NBA championship. His longest run in the playoffs was the Western conference semi-finals in 2009 when they lost to the Lakers in 7 games. Although he was one of the most dominant centers during the last decade alongside Shaq, it is hard to say what kind of impression he will leave to the rest of the fans. His career was often muddled with injuries and unfulfilled potential that many people don't normally overlook. He was an all star player at this level and there was no question he would have continued being an all star if it wasn't for his ongoing foot problems. Despite the disappointing end to his career, he will surely be remembered as the first Asian born player to make it big in the NBA and open the sport to the Chinese. His stats or his accomplishments on the court weren't hall of fame caliber but his ultimate contribution, globalizing the sport, will never be forgotten.

NBA 2k11 Association update: December 22

News around NBA:

Flip Saunders out as Wizards coach after management felt his coaching was not developing the young players. Having the worst record in the league (7-19) also did not help the situation. Luther Pederson is expected to be the next coach.The Wizards currently have one of the youngest rosters in the league with Wall, Young, Crawford, McGee, and Blatche after trading away old veterans such as Arenas, Butler, Haywood, and Jamison. So far, the number 1 pick and the new face of the franchise, John Wall, has yet to develop or show signs of becoming a perennial all star everyone expected before the season. Despite averaging 38.6 minutes per game, which is top 5 in the league, he has only averaged 15.6 ppg and 7.4 apg. He also often seemed to disappear during games and has been criticized for the lack of effort on defense and the ability to score in the paint. When asked Flip about his mid-season departure, he commented that "it's certainly disappointing not having to grow up with these players and make them the best players I can make them". Saunders, who coached the Detroit Pistons to deep playoff runs many times before becoming the Wizards coach, is expected to be one of the most sought out coaching candidates in the off-season. The Wizards will face the Chicago Bulls in their next game.

Christmas triple header presented by ESPN:
     Number 1 in Eastern Conference Celtics takes on Howard and the Magic
     LeBron and the Heat visit Kobe in LA
     Rose and the Bulls takes on Anthony and Stoudemire in NY

Chicago Bulls at New York Knicks (ESPN 12 pm est)
Miami Heat at L.A. Lakers (ABC 3 pm est)
Boston Celtics at Orlando Magic (ABC 6 pm est)