Grading The Deal: Warriors Unload Jackson
Stephen Jackson goes from one 3-6 non-contender with an aging, legendary, sometimes cantankerous coach to another 3-6 team with the exact same kind of coach.
Christopher Reina | Nov 16, 2009
Beyond The Injuries
In order for the Rockets to play together as a cohesive unit, Rick Adelman may have to implement more of what worked for him in Sacramento.
Christopher Reina | Nov 8, 2009
Reina's 2009-10 Season Preview
The 2009-10 season has a fairly limited set of scenarios, but here is a breakdown of each team's 'fate' and 'reason to watch'.
Christopher Reina | Oct 29, 2009
Honestly Appraising Oklahoma City's Championship Potential
When examining the future of the Thunder it is imperative to begin by looking at how Kevin Durant sensibly compares to other similar superstars.
Christopher Reina | Sep 24, 2009
Knicks Pay Off David Lee To Delay Long-Term Deal
On the eve of the 09-10 training camp, the Knicks and David Lee agreed to a one-year deal that all parties will be able to comfortably live with.
Christopher Reina | Sep 24, 2009
Five-Year Windows
With a championship or bust mindset, which teams have the best chances of hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy by 2014? We rank them from one to 32.
Christopher Reina | Sep 10, 2009
Top 10 Reasons LeBron Could Remain In Cleveland
Where LeBron James will play in 2010 won't even be secretly determined until after the coming season, but here are 10 reasons why Cleveland has to like their odds.
Christopher Reina | Aug 20, 2009
By Any Means (Big Contract) Necessary
The surest path to compete for championships is to win the lottery and get a LeBron, Duncan or Dwight. But those teams are now even resorting to taking on huge contracts.
Christopher Reina | Aug 6, 2009
Grading The Deal: Hornets Win Big Man Swap
Emeka Okafor is five days younger than Tyson Chandler, but has far fewer miles and will love playing with a point guard like Chris Paul.
Christopher Reina | Jul 28, 2009
Waiting On 2011
The two-year deals currently being signed in Cleveland could mean 2011 will be the pivotal summer for LeBron James.
Christopher Reina | Jul 23, 2009
Grading The Deal: Turkoglu Chooses Toronto Over Portland
The Raptors won the Hedo Turkoglu derby and it created a potentially positive situation in Portland as well.
Christopher Reina | Jul 8, 2009
How Much Is This Year's Free Agent Class Worth?
We have already seen Ron Artest, Ben Gordon, Trevor Ariza and Charlie Villanueva find new teams. How much does each player in this class 'deserve' in terms of on court production?
Christopher Reina | Jul 3, 2009
Grading The Draft: 2009 Edition
A number of teams improved on Thursday, but few players were drafted into ideal situations, and hence there are fairly average grades across the board.
Christopher Reina | Jun 26, 2009
13 Questions And RealGM's 2009 Big Board
Which players have the best All-Star potential? Biggest sleepers? Biggest busts? Which teams are feeling the most pressure? Plus, ranking the top-30 players.
Christopher Reina | Jun 25, 2009
Draft Report: Darren Collison Of UCLA
Darren Collison has enough special skills to play heavy minutes in the NBA, potentially as a starter if he can be paired with an elite shooting guard.
Christopher Reina | Jun 24, 2009
Draft Report: Patrick Mills Of St. Mary's
Patrick Mills is as quick as anyone in this draft and is a deadly scorer, but will his glaring limitations reduce him to a gadget player?
Christopher Reina | Jun 23, 2009
Draft Report: Omri Casspi Of Maccabi Tel Aviv
Almost immediately, Omri Casspi will be one of the most difficult covers in the NBA due to how well he creates scoring opportunities for himself when he doesn't even have the ball.
Christopher Reina | Jun 21, 2009
Draft Report: Terrence Williams Of Louisville
Terrence Williams is a smooth player in every facet of his game. The enigma that is his jumper is really the only thing separating a solid NBA career from a potential great one.
Christopher Reina | Jun 20, 2009
Draft Report: DeJuan Blair Of Pittsburgh
In a draft desperately short of low post talent, DeJuan Blair stands out as its absolute best.
Christopher Reina | Jun 18, 2009
Draft Report: James Johnson Of Wake Forest
Johnson has some very good skills for a player his size, but he is a classic case of a guy that should be a bruising power forward who is mistakenly in love with his finesse game.
Christopher Reina | Jun 17, 2009
Draft Report: Austin Daye Of Gonzaga
In terms of offensive potential, Austin Daye has as much of it as any other member of this class and could be its purest shooter behind Stephen Curry.
Christopher Reina | Jun 17, 2009
Draft Report: Earl Clark Of Louisville
Earl Clark has remarkably pure basketball skills considering his height and can score extremely well off the dribble.
Christopher Reina | Jun 16, 2009
Draft Report: Brandon Jennings Of Virtus Roma
Brandon Jennings comes to the NBA from Oak Hill via Virtus Roma, a path that could become more common if he's successful in the NBA.
Christopher Reina | Jun 13, 2009
Draft Report: James Harden Of Arizona State
James Harden has a mature presence and a throwback game, with enough skill at the shooting guard position to start on most teams.
Christopher Reina | Jun 10, 2009
Draft Report: Tyreke Evans Of Memphis
Tyreke Evans will be one of the most versatile players in league and his value will be as a player that can score at will off the dribble.
Christopher Reina | Jun 8, 2009
Draft Report: Demar DeRozan Of USC
Demar DeRozan is a slasher in the classic sense of the term with plenty of latent upside, but most scouts agree that expectations have been tempered from a year ago.
Christopher Reina | Jun 4, 2009
Draft Report: Jordan Hill Of Arizona
Jordan Hill stayed in school, improved his game, his draft stock and his net worth. He is the safest big in the draft not named Blake Griffin.
Christopher Reina | Jun 4, 2009
Draft Report: Ricky Rubio Of DKV Joventut
In terms of inventiveness as a passer at the point guard position, Ricky Rubio is better than any prospect we've seen since Jason Kidd.
Christopher Reina | Jun 1, 2009
Draft Report: Hasheem Thabeet Of UConn
Hasheem Thabeet is nothing if not a specialized basketball player. He does one thing (blocking shots) extremely well and is developing those other areas of his game.
Christopher Reina | May 26, 2009
Draft Report: Eric Maynor Of VCU
Eric Maynor is as gifted of a scorer in the lane as you will see, using his runners and pull-up jumpers. But the other parts of his game are decidedly ordinary.
Christopher Reina | May 21, 2009
Draft Report: Jonny Flynn Of Syracuse
If you can’t have a transcendent point guard with size like Kidd or Rose, then Jonny Flynn is prototypically ideal to be any NBA team’s starting point guard.
Christopher Reina | May 14, 2009
Draft Report: Stephen Curry Of Davidson
Stephen Curry can shoot, that much we all know. But his abilities as a pure point guard are better than some might realize.
Christopher Reina | May 11, 2009
Draft Report: Ty Lawson Of North Carolina
Ty Lawson's game is still largely predicated on his speed, but his improved perimeter shot makes him a significantly better prospect this year.
Christopher Reina | May 6, 2009
21 Reasons Why Knicks Shouldn't Break Bank With David Lee
Lee 'deserved' a salary of $18.1M this season, but is worth half that at best, so in honor of 42 being reduced in half, here are 21 reasons not to keep him.
Christopher Reina | May 4, 2009
Five Points For Game 7, Including Whether Or Not KG Should Dress
While coming back from a large late-game deficit (again), Boston had Game 6 won, but the basketball gods deservingly gave Chicago the Game 7 in which they earned.
Christopher Reina | May 1, 2009
Temporary Teammates For Rose's First Playoff Run
MJ battled Boston early in his career with Woolridge, Oakley, Green and Gervin. History suggests Rose's Pippen, Grant and Cartwright might not be on the roster yet.
Christopher Reina | Apr 29, 2009
Draft Report: Jrue Holiday Of UCLA
Jrue Holiday has enough tools to become an effective NBA point guard, especially with his preternatural way of driving to the bucket.
Christopher Reina | Apr 27, 2009
Previewing The First Round
After a long regular season, the 2009 NBA Playoffs are finally here and with a little help from the likes of Jay-Z, Chris Brown and Megan Fox, we preview the first round.
Christopher Reina | Apr 16, 2009
Draft Report: Blake Griffin Of Oklahoma
Blake Griffin's combination of elite athleticism and refined skills is incredibly rare, but how he performs initially in the NBA when the gap between his physicality and his opponents is fairly narrow is in doubt.
Christopher Reina | Apr 8, 2009
Draft Report: B.J. Mullens Of Ohio State
If a team is confident in the way they develop bigs, B.J. Mullens has enough natural talent and athleticism to be a worthwhile project.
Christopher Reina | Mar 27, 2009
Draft Report: Jeff Teague Of Wake Forest
Jeff Teague is in elite company in terms of being an elite playmaker off the dribble and has virtually no bust potential at the point guard position.
Christopher Reina | Mar 22, 2009
65 Players To Watch In The NCAA Tournament
The 2009 NCAA Tournament is upon us and in this space we examine 65 players who (in vast degrees of varying likelihood) could be soon playing in an NBA arena.
Christopher Reina | Mar 16, 2009
Grading The Deals: Knicks Finally Make Moves For Present, Not 2010
Almost every move the Knicks have made over the past year has been with 2010 in mind, but the two trades they made and the one they passed on did little on that front.
Christopher Reina | Feb 19, 2009
Grading The Deal: Bulls Improve With Veterans Salmons And Miller
In what will be the theme of the week, the Kings sent John Salmons and Brad Miller to Chicago in a money saving move for Drew Gooden and Andres Nocioni.
Christopher Reina | Feb 18, 2009
An Ambitious Bailout Plan
The Hornets are losing cash and have lost their shot at a championship and in a what-if world, the Blazers have the capability of offering a more fiscally sound and still competitive team.
Christopher Reina | Feb 18, 2009
Grading The Deal: Hornets Give Away Chandler
The Thunder have cashed in on Tyson Chandler in a pure salary dump.
Christopher Reina | Feb 17, 2009
Grading The Deal: Raptors And Heat Finally Pull Trigger
This is a trade that clearly benefits both teams though probably not enough to get over the top in either case (playoffs for Raptors, Conference Finals for Miami).
Christopher Reina | Feb 13, 2009
Grading The Deal: Lakers Dump Radmanovic For Morrison
The Vladimir Radmanovic for Adam Morrison and Shanon Brown trade is clearly a salary dump for the Lakers with a small potential for upside.
Christopher Reina | Feb 7, 2009
An Objective Look At The Potential 2009 All-Stars
Which players have played the best statically and deserve recognition on the 2009 All-Star teams?
Christopher Reina | Jan 22, 2009
Comparing Rose's Rookie Season To Four Elite Point Guards
Derrick Rose is having a promising rookie season. How does he compare to the first-years of Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Jason Kidd, and Gary Payton?
Christopher Reina | Jan 19, 2009
A Melo Behind The Superstars
Carmelo Anthony has never been one of the league's most efficient offensive players.
Christopher Reina | Dec 21, 2008
Which Players Have Risen Or Fallen The Most Since Last Season?
With a fair amount of the season already completed, it is an opportune time to examine which players have significantly improved or have declined. The players on the list may surprise you.
Christopher Reina | Dec 15, 2008
Grading The Deal: Suns And Bobcats Swap Puzzle Pieces
J-Rich is the best player in the trade while Diaw can possibly reclaim his 05-06 level of performance in a place where he is no longer second to Amare.
Christopher Reina | Dec 10, 2008
Hands On Buckets: Who Is Carrying The Most Weight Offensively?
Chris Paul has had a hand in more than half of his team's buckets so far this season. Who is carrying the most weight for each team?
Christopher Reina | Dec 5, 2008
What Can Make The Blazers Truly Special And Unique
Even with the Lakers and wherever LeBron ends up looming, there are any number of ways the Blazers can win multiple championships, one of them especially interesting.
Christopher Reina | Nov 21, 2008
Little Jack Or Baby Jack, Warriors Better With Morrow
When it comes to salaries, the Warriors are similar to Costanza in that they are 'extremely careful' with it. It is a good thing they keep finding undrafted Anthony Morrows.
Christopher Reina | Nov 19, 2008
Early Success For Rudy
He's already been on everyone's radar statistically, but Rudy Fernandez had his first defining NBA moment on Wednesday.
Christopher Reina | Nov 13, 2008
Who Is Playing Well In The Preseason?
Which players, like Chris Paul, are playing well in the preseason? But which players, like Richard Jefferson, are struggling?
Christopher Reina | Oct 22, 2008
The Best Team Money Can Buy?
Reina builds around Superman, Flash, and Boozer while Perna trots out King James, Nash, West, and Jax. Who has the better team worth $58.68M?
Christopher Reina | Oct 10, 2008
Grading The Deal: Williams To Cleveland In Three-Way
Mo Williams just barely outperformed the first year of his new contract, but he gives Cleveland's offense a few more teeth.
Christopher Reina | Aug 13, 2008
Grading The Deal: W's Sign Maggette And Turiaf
The Boom Dizzle era is over, and the Warriors quickly recovered by signing two nice pieces to complement their young core.
Christopher Reina | Jul 10, 2008
Grading The Deal: Brand Signs With Philadelphia
Elton Brand left the Clippers to join a Sixers' team that just entered the top half of the Eastern Conference.
Christopher Reina | Jul 9, 2008
Grading The Deal: Knicks Sign Duhon
The Knicks overpaid for a below average starting point guard, but the move should still pay dividends.
Christopher Reina | Jul 5, 2008
Grading The Deal: Baron Joins The Clips
'It was savage' but as quickly as Baron became Mr. Warrior, he now is on his way to L.A. to become Mr. Clipper.
Christopher Reina | Jul 1, 2008
2008 NBA Draft Grades
The 2008 NBA Draft has finally come and gone, but the fallout will linger for years to come. Who did well, and who passed on talent they shouldn't?
Christopher Reina | Jun 27, 2008
13 Questions And RealGM's 2008 Big Board
Here are the answers to 13 very important draft questions and my big board projecting which players will have the best careers.
Christopher Reina | Jun 26, 2008
Draft Report: International 2nd Rounders
Whether they come over this year or down the road, Damjan Rudez, Ante Tomic, Goran Dragic, and Nikola Pekovic have promising futures in the NBA.
Christopher Reina | Jun 25, 2008
Draft Report: College Bigs Of The 2nd Round
James Gist, D.J. White, Othello Hunter, and Walter Sharpe are just a few of the frontcourt names that will be competing for jobs.
Christopher Reina | Jun 25, 2008
Draft Report: 2nd Round College Players In The Backcourt
Kyle Weaver, Jamont Gordon, Shan Foster, and Sonny Weems are four very good backcourt players who would be first round picks in most draft years.
Christopher Reina | Jun 25, 2008
Draft Report: Ryan Anderson Of California
Anderson can extend the floor as a terrific spot-up shooter and has decent agility and foot speed, but he slightly labors with the ball.
Christopher Reina | Jun 24, 2008
Draft Report: George Hill Of IUPUI
Hill is another second rounder from a small school who has the potential to be a solid rotation player in the backcourt.
Christopher Reina | Jun 23, 2008
Draft Report: Will Daniels Of Rhode Island
Daniels is one of the cleverest scorers in the draft and could become a second round sleeper.
Christopher Reina | Jun 22, 2008
Draft Report: Courtney Lee Of Western Kentucky
Lee is a mid-range specialist who should be ready to contribute offensively right away.
Christopher Reina | Jun 21, 2008
Draft Report: JR Giddens Of New Mexico
Giddens is not the greatest shooter of the draft, but he is plenty athletic enough as a slasher and defender to make an immediate impact.
Christopher Reina | Jun 20, 2008
Draft Report: Richard Hendrix Of Alabama
Hendrix has finely tuned NBA-ready skills at the power forward position and one of the best set of hands in the draft.
Christopher Reina | Jun 20, 2008
Draft Report: Mario Chalmers Of Kansas
Although there is a humongous gap between him and Derrick Rose as well a space behind D.J. Augustin, he has the makings of a solid starter at the position.
Christopher Reina | Jun 19, 2008
Draft Report: L.R. Mbah a Moute Of UCLA
Mbah a Moute is one of the best defenders in this draft and has shown enough promise offensively to believe he can develop on that end of the floor.
Christopher Reina | Jun 19, 2008
Draft Report: Serge Ibaka Of L'Hospitalet
Ibaka is very agile and quick footed although he still has a distance to go on some of his basic basketball coordination.
Christopher Reina | Jun 18, 2008
Draft Report: Davon Jefferson Of USC
Jefferson will likely fall into that multi-dimensional and ever increasingly useful Jamario Moon niche.
Christopher Reina | Jun 18, 2008
Draft Report: Bill Walker Of Kansas State
Like Mike Conley last season, Bill Walker is one of the more talented bridesmaids to ever come into the NBA.
Christopher Reina | Jun 17, 2008
Draft Report: Alexis Ajinca Of Hyères-Toulon
Ajinca has as a great chance of becoming the best center in this draft because he has the best overall skill set on both sides of the ball.
Christopher Reina | Jun 17, 2008
Draft Report: Chris Douglas-Roberts Of Memphis
Douglas-Roberts is a prime example of an excellent college shooting guard with questions about whether or not he has enough tools to succeed on the NBA level.
Christopher Reina | Jun 17, 2008
Draft Report: Jason Thompson Of Rider
Thompson moves like a pro player already, and because of that and his size, his lack of experience against top competition will be largely irrelevant.
Christopher Reina | Jun 17, 2008
Draft Report: Kosta Koufos Of Ohio State
Koufos already has an offensive skill set few 7-footers ever achieve, and he should improve physically.
Christopher Reina | Jun 16, 2008
Draft Report: Ty Lawson Of North Carolina
Lawson’s game is almost completely predicated on the extreme speed of his dribble. His injury concerns are the biggest thing keeping him from the lottery.
Christopher Reina | Jun 15, 2008
Draft Report: J.J. Hickson Of N.C. State
Hickson is a throwback classic power forward, who isn’t a high-flying athlete, but has a strong 80’s NBA body.
Christopher Reina | Jun 14, 2008
Draft Report: Joey Dorsey Of Memphis
There are few people in the world that can combine such a staggering amount of strength and athleticism as Dorsey, but how will that apply to his play in the NBA?
Christopher Reina | Jun 14, 2008
Draft Report: Roy Hibbert Of Georgetown
Hibbert is not the reincarnation of Jabbar or even Ewing, but he is skilled enough offensively and should develop sufficiently on defense to be a fringe starter.
Christopher Reina | Jun 13, 2008
Draft Report: DeVon Hardin Of California
For a team that needs a muscled defender who can finish open dunks and alley-oops strongly and not much else, Hardin is worth a look.
Christopher Reina | Jun 13, 2008
Draft Report: Nicolas Batum Of Le Mans
Batum will grow into his body gradually and will eventually have the ideal body for an NBA wing who can score anywhere on the floor.
Christopher Reina | Jun 13, 2008
Draft Report: Nathan Jawai Of Cairns Taipans
Jawai is an intriguing big out of Australia who is very big and very strong but is also very raw and will get every chance to make it in the NBA.
Christopher Reina | Jun 12, 2008
Draft Report: Brandon Rush Of Kansas
Rush has superb lateral maneuverability in the air, which comes from great balance and body control and is one of the more polished wing products in the draft.
Christopher Reina | Jun 12, 2008
Draft Report: O.J. Mayo Of USC
In an NBA in which very few players can create their own offense, Mayo will be elite, and the gap separating him from Rose and Beasley may end up closing.
Christopher Reina | Jun 12, 2008
Draft Report: Robin Lopez Of Stanford
Lopez's offensive game is still only good in pieces and fragments, and he hasn’t put it all together in a dependable way.
Christopher Reina | Jun 10, 2008
Draft Report: Donte Greene Of Syracuse
Greene would have benefited from an extra year in college more than any other player in this draft, but his skills and upside are hard to ignore.
Christopher Reina | Jun 9, 2008
Draft Report: Chase Budinger Of Arizona
Budinger is one of the purest shooters and best athletes in this draft, but he has been accused of disappearing for long stretches.
Christopher Reina | Jun 9, 2008
Draft Report: Javale McGee Of Nevada
Javale McGee is a rare American 7-footer who is able to play like a guard offensively, almost like those European bigs.
Christopher Reina | Jun 7, 2008
Draft Report: Joe Alexander Of West Virginia
Alexander combines elite athleticism and a pure offensive game to emerge as one of the draft’s elite versatile scorers.
Christopher Reina | Jun 6, 2008
Draft Report: Eric Gordon Of Indiana
The imperative for Gordon’s career (and draft value) will be if he can consistently score against long NBA defenders and if he can develop into a point guard.
Christopher Reina | Jun 6, 2008
Draft Report: Marreese Speights Of Florida
With impeccable strength, athleticism, and balance, there is not a power forward prospect in this draft outside of Beasley who is more NBA-ready yet can still develop into an All-Star.
Christopher Reina | Jun 6, 2008
Draft Report: Darrell Arthur Of Kansas
Arthur has as impressive of a motor on both sides of the floor as anyone in this entire draft, which pairs with his supreme balance and athleticism.
Christopher Reina | Jun 5, 2008
Draft Report: D.J. Augustin Of Texas
Augustin is preposterously quick and nimble with the dribble, maintaining it effectively to create shots for himself and teammates with his gunslinger mentality.
Christopher Reina | Jun 5, 2008
Draft Report: Anthony Randolph Of LSU
Randolph will become another one of those multi-dimensional forwards who can do anything and everything on the floor.
Christopher Reina | Jun 5, 2008
Draft Report: Derrick Rose Of Memphis
Derrick Rose is a point guard in the truest sense of the word who will make his teammates better just like the true legends of the position.
Christopher Reina | Jun 5, 2008
Draft Report: Michael Beasley Of K-State
Michael Beasley will almost immediately become one of the NBA's best inside/outside scorers due to a great face-up game and his technique down low.
Christopher Reina | Jun 5, 2008
Draft Report: Danilo Gallinari Of AJ Milano
Gallinari has a superb handle and plays the game like he’s 6-3 instead of his listed 6-9. He is one of the safest picks in the draft, but how high is his ceiling?
Christopher Reina | Jun 4, 2008
Draft Report: Russell Westbrook Of UCLA
With superb athleticism and instincts, Westbrook should consistently make the types of plays on both sides of the floor that we only see from the very elite.
Christopher Reina | Jun 3, 2008
Draft Report: Jerryd Bayless Of Arizona, v. 2.0
While more of a scoring guard, Bayless has demonstrated the mental maturity to eventually run the point and is the third best prospect in the draft.
Christopher Reina | Jun 2, 2008
Draft Report: DeAndre Jordan Of Texas A&M
There may not be a player in this draft who will have a bigger progression between the Jordan we see on day one in the VSL and the five-year veteran Jordan.
Christopher Reina | May 30, 2008
Draft Report: Kevin Love Of UCLA
People rave about Kevin Love's passing, low post moves, and feel for the game while critics cite his lack of length, quickness, and elevation.
Christopher Reina | May 29, 2008
Win, Place And Show Options For The Lottery Teams
Picking either Rose or Beasley should be an easy decision for the winner of Tuesday's lottery, but who do you pick with the 3rd selection?
Christopher Reina | May 19, 2008
Auditing The Knicks 2007-08 Season
The Knicks once again followed their tried and true formula of poor defense, one-dimensional players, and a grossly overpaid team.
Christopher Reina | May 15, 2008
Auditing The Blazers 2007-08 Season
A young, talented, and hard-working .500 team will naturally upgrade themselves with the additions of Oden, Rudy, and a lottery pick.
Christopher Reina | May 13, 2008
Draft Report: Brook Lopez Of Stanford
For a team looking for a well-developed offensive game at center, Brook Lopez is the 2008 Draft’s best option.
Christopher Reina | May 7, 2008
Auditing The Grizzlies 2007-08 Season
Rudy Gay positively broke out this season and is the Grizzlies' focal building block moving forward, that is unless they land the number one overall pick.
Christopher Reina | May 5, 2008
Auditing The Bulls 2007-08 Season
The Bulls were thought to be a talented young team expected to take their collective game to the next level but instead played like a young team with less talent than anticipated.
Christopher Reina | Apr 30, 2008
Auditing The Warriors 2007-08 Season
The Warriors 2007-08 season or alternatively titled 'How a team can win 48 games and miss the playoffs.'
Christopher Reina | Apr 25, 2008
Upgrading Odom's Caddy Value
Kobe Bryant tried to trade Andrew Bynum and even himself, but the way in which he tried to trade Lamar Odom for Jermaine O'Neal could have been the biggest mistake of all.
Christopher Reina | Apr 21, 2008
Who Won This Year's Previous Meetings?
The Suns dominated San Antonio this season, can we expect this? The Sixers actually outplayed Detroit, can we trust this? Here we examine the 28 games first round opponents have already played against each other.
Christopher Reina | Apr 17, 2008
The Most Valuable Offensive Players?
Hands on Buckets is an easy to understand stat that we created in order to see which players carry the most weight within a team's offense.
Christopher Reina | Apr 10, 2008
An Interview With Mayoral Candidate Kevin Johnson
We recently interviewed Kevin Johnson to discuss his political aspirations, how he plans to help Sacramento, which GM would make the most successful politician and even what he thought of the Shaq trade.
Christopher Reina | Apr 3, 2008
Why The Lakers Would Beat The Warriors In The Playoffs
The Warriors and Lakers both play such an attractive brand of basketball which rewards and highlights skilled players, but here's why a playoff meeting wouldn't be as interesting as the two games this week have been.
Christopher Reina | Mar 27, 2008
The Madness Of Marchness
In a fairly wide open NCAA Tournament, how do the 65 teams rank in terms of their odds of winning the National Championship?
Christopher Reina | Mar 17, 2008
RealGM's All-NCAA Teams
With Kevin Love, Michael Beasley, and Derrick Rose enjoying terrific freshman seasons, the NBA's age limit rule has certainly improved things in one place- college basketball.
Christopher Reina | Mar 11, 2008
Prospect Report: Anthony Randolph Of LSU
A sophomore season at LSU would be useful for both Anthony Randolph and NBA scouts, but he has already shown enough present talent and future upside to become a top-10 pick.
Christopher Reina | Feb 28, 2008
Grading The Deal: Cavaliers Big Trade Not Simply Symbolic
Each of the four players acquired will find pivotal slots in Cleveland’s rotation.
Christopher Reina | Feb 21, 2008
Prospect Reports: Richard Hendrix And Alonzo Gee Of Alabama
Alabama features a pair of juniors that could be late first rounders/second rounders in Richard Hendrix and Alonzo Gee.
Christopher Reina | Feb 19, 2008
Prospect Report: Marreese Speights Of Florida
Al Horford and Joakim Noah are already looking like successful young NBA bigs, and Marreese Speights is yet another Gator well on his way to joining them in meaningful ways on the next level.
Christopher Reina | Feb 15, 2008
Grading The Proposed Deal: Kidd Returns To Dallas
As good as Jason Kidd is as a stand-alone player, his value and what he will mean to Dallas is measured with how much he improves the other players on their club.
Christopher Reina | Feb 13, 2008
Prospect Reports: Dozier, Dorsey And Douglas-Roberts
Beyond Derrick Rose, Memphis also has three other NBA prospects in Robert Dozier, Chris Douglas-Roberts and Joey Dorsey.
Christopher Reina | Feb 8, 2008
Prospect Report: Derrick Rose Of Memphis
More than any other player in the freshman class, you 'know' Derrick Rose will be a great player. The bust rate on pure point guards of his caliber is tremendously low.
Christopher Reina | Feb 5, 2008
Grading The Deal: Gasol Traded To L.A.
More than Jason Kidd and certainly more than Jermaine O’Neal, Gasol is the All-Star who will adequately complement Kobe and will give the Lakers’ title hopes more teeth.
Christopher Reina | Feb 1, 2008
The Top-23 Reina Value Players
Which players gave their teams the best value hrough the first half of the 2007-2008 season?
Christopher Reina | Jan 30, 2008
Grading The Deal: Webber Returns To Golden State
The hatchet has long been buried between Chris Webber and Don Nelson and in what could be the final NBA season for both parties, there is some real nice cachet to this reunion.
Christopher Reina | Jan 28, 2008
Prospect Report: Michael Beasley Of K-State
With as finely-tuned of an offensive arsenal as any big man you'll ever see, Michael Beasley is easily the best player in college basketball. He thinks so too.
Christopher Reina | Jan 22, 2008
Prospect Report: D.J. Augustin Of Texas
D.J. Augustin is preposterously quick and nimble with the dribble, maintaining it effectively to create shots for himself and teammates with his gunslinger mentality.
Christopher Reina | Jan 16, 2008
The Reina Value
The Reina Value is a live rating system in which the difference between a player's deserved salary and actual salary is determined.
Christopher Reina | Jan 9, 2008
Prospect Report: Jordan Hill Of Arizona
On a team with two surefire lottery picks in Bayless and Budinger, Jordan Hill has distinguished himself extraordinarily well this season and his game is quickly catching up to his exceptional athletic gifts.
Christopher Reina | Jan 4, 2008
With The First Overall Pick In The 2008 NBA Draft..
The Knicks, Wolves, Grizzlies, Clippers are the early frontrunners for the first overall pick, but for the sake of inclusion and fun, here is who each team would likely look to select.
Christopher Reina | Dec 29, 2007
Prospect Report: Jerryd Bayless Of Arizona
What has and will continue to be the most immediately impressive aspect of Jerryd Bayless' game is the extreme elevation on his jump shot. He is currently playing like a top-five pick.
Christopher Reina | Dec 20, 2007
Bynum Ahead Of Schedule
The Lakers are better right now with Andrew Bynum than they would be with a Jason Kidd or Jermaine O’Neal and the long-term advantages are bluntly obvious.
Christopher Reina | Dec 17, 2007
Prospect Report: O.J. Mayo Of USC
In an NBA in which very few players can create their own offense, O.J. Mayo will be elite. Though shorter and slightly less athletic than both Jordan and Bryant, Mayo is headed for this type of individual career.
Christopher Reina | Dec 11, 2007
Boykins Gets Call From Charlotte
Earl Boykins, one of the NBA’s most prominent remaining free agents, received a call on Thursday from Charlotte Bobcats’ head Coach Sam Vincent conveying interest in having the nine-year guard join his club.
Christopher Reina | Dec 10, 2007
Finding The Piano For 'Where Amazing Happens'
The NBA's 'Where Amazing Happens' marketing campaign is their best effort in years. Much of the strength must be attributed to the 24-year-old woman from Brooklyn who wrote it.
Christopher Reina | Dec 5, 2007
Prospect Report: Davon Jefferson Of USC
Davon Jefferson will likely fall into that multi-dimensional and ever increasingly useful Jamario Moon niche,
Christopher Reina | Dec 3, 2007
Prospect Report: Eric Gordon Of Indiana
By scoring an unreal 1.93 points per shot, Eric Gordon is leading the country in scoring with a 27.3 average. What makes this staggering is that so many of said shots are created by Gordon himself.
Christopher Reina | Nov 28, 2007
Johnson's Supporting Cast Is Ready For Him
Joe Johnson has been an overlooked player but has become overrated by being perennially underrated. When does the Hawks' stagnation as a lottery team rest with him as much as it does which point guard they did or didn't draft?
Christopher Reina | Nov 26, 2007
Conley's Promising Rookie Season Paused
Mike Conley's overall per-minute production at the point guard position was only surpassed by Nash, Paul, Billups, Calderon, Davis and Kidd before his shoulder injury.
Christopher Reina | Nov 24, 2007
Grading The Deal: Lakers Steal Ariza
Trevor Ariza was labeled a ‘situational’ player by new head coach Stan Van Gundy, so to see him traded wasn't a huge surprise, but Orlando's logic in Tuesday's trade is difficult to fathom.
Christopher Reina | Nov 20, 2007
Giving Up On Marbury Would Be A Mistake
Stephon Marbury has had slow starts in the past and his trade value is nil, so to even consider a buyout would be an absurd proposition. Starbury may be dead, but Marbury certainly still is very useful.
Christopher Reina | Nov 13, 2007
The New Era Of Restricted Free Agency
Unlike the 2003 Draft class, the 2004 class finds themselves auditioning for their extensions. Okafor, Deng, Gordon, Iguodala, Biedrins and others will be RFA's next summer, and that process can be long and frustrating. Just ask Anderson Varejao.
Christopher Reina | Nov 7, 2007
Lakers' Future Can Be Great If They Act Now
Acquiring Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah, along with an O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose would immediately put the Lakers on an ascent plan as optimistic as the ones in Portland and Seattle.
Christopher Reina | Nov 1, 2007
Counting RealGM User Mock Drafts
When it comes to draft time, everyone has an opinion and everyone has a prediction. Ever wonder exactly who other people are selecting with RealGM's Draft Simulator? Here is your chance to know, as we have compiled data on the thousands of mock drafts that were filed on RealGM in the weeks leading up to June's draft.
Christopher Reina | Jul 25, 2007
What Does Sean Williams' Baggage Look Like?
Sean Williams is perhaps the most intriguing story of this draft. He brings preternatural shot blocking abilities, a 1280 SAT score and baggage. In order to understand what that consists of we spoke with John Lucas, who knows him as well as anybody.
Christopher Reina | Jun 27, 2007
How To Get The Lakers On The Phone For Kobe
If the Lakers decide to trade Kobe Bryant, which still ultimately appears highly unlikely, these are some scenarios that it will take in order to reach the front office to get them contemplating.
Christopher Reina | May 30, 2007
Can A Gift For Oden Become One For Atlanta?
No team was better suited to make a deal for Mike Conley than the Trailblazers and no team is better suited to oblige than Atlanta.
Christopher Reina | May 24, 2007
2007 NBA Mock Draft, Version 2.0
Now that the post-lottery draft order is set, our latest mock draft breaks down the first round and takes team needs into consideration. We feel the top three players are set, but it's a free for all thereafter.
Christopher Reina | May 2, 2007
Not Really An Upset?
The Mavericks might not have won 67 games to be dominated and humiliated by a number eight seed, but the Warriors certainly didn’t wait 13 seasons on the outside of the playoffs to roll over in four or five games.
Christopher Reina | Apr 30, 2007
The First RealGM 2007 Mock Draft
The Oden or Durant debate is over in most circles and what has emerged is one of the most exciting drafts in recent memory when you have talent in the 20's that would be lottery picks any other year.
Christopher Reina | Apr 16, 2007
The Rumble In Atlanta
If Greg Oden carries Jules Winfield’s wallet, then Mike Conley is definitely a cool little Fonze, but the Florida Gators are two-time champions.
Christopher Reina | Apr 3, 2007
Even Good When They're Not The Greg Oden's
The story for Monday is which Ohio State team will we see? Will it be the top-five team that runs and scraps or will it be the best team in the country who feature one of the greatest inside/outside freshman combos in NCAA history.
Christopher Reina | Apr 1, 2007
Drafting 65 Schools For Guts And Glory
Christopher Reina and Andrew Perna sat down on Monday afternoon to draft who we believe will win the 2007 NCAA Tournament. Like two captains of rival grade school kickball teams, we had some tough choices to make.
Christopher Reina | Mar 13, 2007
Grading The Non-Deals: Big Show, No Results
It is of course easier to analyze the supposed infinite wisdom of a GM by the moves they make, but what is more difficult to quantify, yet sometimes equally important are the moves they elect to not make.
Christopher Reina | Feb 23, 2007
The Other Freshmen (Brandan Wright)
The runner-ups of this year's lottery will be the first and second losers on Greg Oden, but taking Brandan Wright with one of those consolation selections may still yield a franchise player.
Christopher Reina | Jan 11, 2007
Grading The Deal: McInnis Goes Home To Charlotte
The Bobcats acquire Jeff McInnis to give the club some veteran depth at point guard due to the absence of Brevin Knight. Meanwhile, the Nets get a potential Vincent Askew for a player they clearly didn't want.
Christopher Reina | Jan 3, 2007
Grading The Deal: Iverson To Denver
This isn’t like the pairing of Allen Iverson and Glenn Robinson, when Big Dog’s skills were already eroded. Will Iverson be able to transition from scoring small guard into a 'passing will by my 1b option' point guard?
Christopher Reina | Dec 19, 2006
The Next Carrier Of The Celtic Mystique?
You already know Gerald Green can dunk as well as anyone, but did you know that he is currently third in the league in 3-point shooting?
Christopher Reina | Dec 12, 2006
The Purest Player In College Basketball?
The University of Arizona's Chase Budinger is projected to be a top-five selection in the 2008 NBA Draft. Might he be ready for the jump after one year instead?
Christopher Reina | Dec 6, 2006
Disappearing Wrinkles?
I went to MSG on Monday night to write a piece on LeBron James and the Cavaliers, but a near miss on another comeback suckered me into another article about the Knicks.
Christopher Reina | Nov 14, 2006
2006-2007 Season Predictions
Over the past few years, the NBA has enjoyed an increase in parity, very similar to what has been the trend in the NFL. While 16 out of 30 teams make the playoffs, instead of just 12 out of 32, it makes forecasting a season almost as frustrating, but a little less futile.
Christopher Reina | Oct 30, 2006
The Extensions Of The 2003 Draft Class
This is one of the most talented and intriguing in NBA history. As far as coming out of their rookie contracts, this class will be known as the one that took less years in exchange for more freedom. Here is a list of the players selected in the first round and their current contract status.
Christopher Reina | Oct 20, 2006
Arenas Leaves Agent
Dan Fegan negotiated the $65 million contract that Gilbert Arenas signed with the Washington Wizards during the summer of 2003, but sources have confirmed that the two have part ways.
Christopher Reina | Sep 28, 2006
Reina +13: The Best Team $53.135 Million Can Buy
Inspired by the Jose +10 campaign run by Adidas during the World Cup and the NBA's announcement of the salary cap for the 2006-2007 season, here are the 13 selections of a RealGM editor, plus himself, unfortunately, at a generous salary of $412k.
Christopher Reina | Jul 14, 2006
The First Move Of The 'Countdown Isiah-Era'
The selection of Renaldo Balkman was the first transaction made by Isiah Thomas following the firing of Larry Brown. After seeing Balkman play in Las Vegas, he is the exact player that the Knicks roster needed and will make a significant impact in saving the job of his boss.
Christopher Reina | Jul 12, 2006
Summer League Rosters (Updated Friday)
RealGM will have you covered on all of the happenings of the various NBA Summer League action, including live reports from the opening weekend in Las Vegas. Here is a list of players that are confirmed participants.
Christopher Reina | Jul 5, 2006
A Running Journal From The 2006 NBA Draft
We are all the way live at the NBA Draft and this space will be keeping tabs on all the happenings going on behind the scenes that you will not get to see on ESPN. Check back throughout the Draft for live updates.
Christopher Reina | Jun 28, 2006
Born A Day Apart And Now Joined
Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis, born one day apart in February of 1977, will now combine to become the league’s most expensive backcourt and possibly one of the best. When you have the coffers of a company like Cablevision, there is really no such thing as salary cap hell and so the only question is whether or not it helps on the floor.
Christopher Reina | Feb 22, 2006
Knicks And Wolves Talk Garnett Trade
A source close to the participants in the talks told RealGM's Christopher Reina late Tuesday night that New York and Minnesota are in serious and ongoing discussions about a deal which would send Kevin Garnett to the Knicks in exchange for Penny Hardaway and Channing Frye.
Christopher Reina | Feb 21, 2006
The World’s Most Famous Disaster And More In Shots, Slams And Charges
The Knicks are in an endlessly frustrating game of double or nothing and it began long before Isiah Thomas was hired, but the most immediate problem might just be with the game's best coach, who should consider a sabbatical. Also, a Kwame Brown update and the flaw of the Warriors' Run FTD.
Christopher Reina | Feb 9, 2006
Leading In The Shadows Of His Fellow Longhorns
With a highly developed post-game, if P.J. Tucker becomes consistent enough to have his jumper respected from about 21-feet in, then you are looking at a Joe Dumars, Ron Artest, Derrick McKey caliber player, that rare combination of offense and defense from a wing player, which every coach and GM in the NBA covets.
Christopher Reina | Feb 7, 2006
Don't Call Him Bowie
Chris Paul's ROY season is bringing the Hawks selection of Marvin Williams under heavy fire. Darko Milicic, another 2nd overall pick, has a long ways to go to even sniff Sam Bowie’s league and anyone who thinks Williams is on his way to that low strata, isn't seeing the development of the NBA's next great inside/outside player.
Christopher Reina | Feb 3, 2006
Franchise Changing And More In Shots, Slams And Charges
Anyone want Steve Francis? Anyone wouldn't want David West? Anyone think Troy Murphy shouldn't wait a few more weeks to continue his local gym membership? Anyone think they can't walk off the RealGM forums and play with the Suns? All this and more in Shots, Slams and Charges.
Christopher Reina | Feb 1, 2006
The Big Blue Machine
Not only have the Pistons won consistently, if not pretty much constantly, they have flat out dominated their opponents. Nineteen of their 32 wins have been by double-digit margins. This year they have carried over their defensive intentisty to the offensive end, undoubtedly the biggest change of the Flip Saunders regime.
Christopher Reina | Jan 20, 2006
Justify Thy Streak
The Knicks win streak never was going to be judged by this column for how long it would last, but by how they would recover from their first 2006 loss. They can ill-afford to squander the momentum of their six-game win streak by going into an extended losing streak.
Christopher Reina | Jan 16, 2006
Bringing Starbury Off The Bench
After sitting through the Knicks' first two games at MSG, it will take big ideas to get the club into the win column, let alone the playoffs. Big idea number one is to bring Stephon Marbury off the bench, turing him into a Ben Gordon super-sub.
Christopher Reina | Nov 6, 2005
The Year Of The Good Ron Artest, 2005-2006 Season Predictions
The return of Ron Artest will be the biggest storyline of the 2005-2006 season. The Pacers were my pick to win it all last season and since their season was hijacked, that prediction became null and void. With Artest back and now focused, the Pacers will defeat the Spurs to win it all.
Christopher Reina | Nov 1, 2005
GM Survey Results
The NBA has released the results of a survey they conducted with all 30 general managers. As always, the results are fascinating, predictable and surprising all at once and of course are never dull.
Christopher Reina | Oct 25, 2005
Booth Signs With Washington
Calvin Booth has reached a two-year agreement to join the Washington Wizards. The second year of the deal is a player option. Booth was waived by the Bucks in August and designated their amnesty victim.
Christopher Reina | Sep 7, 2005
Finley, Payton And Booth In The Twilight Of The Summer
A cold market stands firm for Gary Payton and Latrell Sprewell. A bewildering decision from Michael Finley and another amnesty victim, Calvin Booth, finds a few teams ready to give the quality back-up a fresh start with a fresh contract.
Christopher Reina | Sep 1, 2005
What I Wanted To See This Summer
Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Michael Redd remain with the clubs that drafted them, while Larry Brown, Quentin Richardson and Joe Johnson have new addresses...not what I wanted to see happen this summer.
Christopher Reina | Aug 30, 2005
Colangelo's Remodel And The Rebuilt ATL In Shots, Slams And Charges
Bryan Colangelo's summer of 2005 will be the true test of his abilities as an executive, but it is tough to argue that he hasn't improved his team for both the present and future. Also, the tragic fall of Spree and the wait in Seattle.
Christopher Reina | Aug 22, 2005
Predicting The Future By Looking At Official Team Sites?
Remember when the Celtics printed promotional materials with and without Paul Pierce? Waiting for big moves that come from thin air can become a bore, so with a little 'investigative' reporting, the official team site of every club in the NBA was examined to see if any clues were given about their future plans.
Christopher Reina | Aug 15, 2005
A Powerhouse Or A Crumbling House In Miami?
The biggest question on Walker has never been the level of his talent, but the level of his ability to be a team player and his shot selection. This is where having the most dominant center since Wilt Chamberlain, who is approaching the twilight of his career and desperately wants a fourth title comes in handy.
Christopher Reina | Aug 3, 2005
Bows And Arrows
Almost all of the big name players have deals, but there are some big names left and this where the seductive arrows are coming from and where they will end up landing now that the moratorium has been lifted.
Christopher Reina | Aug 2, 2005
The Midseason Of The 2005 Offseason
The first half of free agent signings have begun and now we await the end of the NBA's moratorium for the second half to begin. The first half was rather predictable, but the first few weeks of August will provide the real entertainment.
Christopher Reina | Jul 26, 2005
Reloaded In Jersey
Jason Kidd was not a happy camper this time last year. While he was rehabbing his surgically repaired knee, the Nets dealt Kenyon Martin to the Nuggets in a sign-and-trade for three number one draft choices. But the Nets stole Vince Carter from the Raptors and now they have signed Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
Christopher Reina | Jul 18, 2005
Isiah Is Making All The Right Moves
With Jerome James agreeing to the midlevel, Isiah Thomas has pulled off a very non-Erick Dampier signing. James now comes to MSG and the Knicks are clearly much better than they were this time last season. With a starting line-up of Marbury, Q. Richardson, T.Thomas, James and potentially Antoine Walker in a sign-and-trade, the Knicks have a very capable five, with unique talent at each position.
Christopher Reina | Jul 14, 2005
Handicapping The Third Season Of The Western Conference
With Ray Allen re-signed in Seattle, Bobby Simmons has quickly become the most prized free agent in the Western Conference, could a sign-and-trade with an Atlantic Division team still happen?
Christopher Reina | Jul 6, 2005
Handicapping The Third Season Of The Eastern Conference
Gigantic Shaq or TMac trades are unlikely, but Steve Francis' and Paul Pierce’s name will continue to circle around the league and there will be several sign-and-trade deals, which should result in an exciting Third Season for the NBA.
Christopher Reina | Jun 30, 2005
The Draft Of The Charlie Villanueva Monkey-Wrench
When Charlie Villanueva was announced with the 7th pick of the night, heading to the Toronto Raptors, the 2005 Draft as we knew it and predicted it, changed with dramatic effect. All of those trades that my sources told me were in place, were all of a sudden unneeded and there would be no major hat-swaps.
Christopher Reina | Jun 29, 2005
The Third Of Three Letters From A Hat-Swapping Draft
Charlotte holds the 5th and 13th picks, while Toronto holds the 7th and 16th picks, making these two teams the key to the entire draft. All War Rooms will have their eyes firmly focused on what they decide to do and there are a slew of trades that depend on their activity.
Christopher Reina | Jun 28, 2005
The Second Of Three Letters From A Hat-Swapping Draft
Deron Williams is a virtual lock to be exchanging hats with another drafted player on Tuesday, but there are a small number of teams in one of the most balanced draft of all-time, who will not be seeking a trade and here are their stories.
Christopher Reina | Jun 27, 2005
The First Of Three Morning Letters From A Hat-Swapping Draft
Chris Webber and Penny Hardaway did it in 1994. Vince Carter and Antwan Jamison did it in 1998. And it is looking very likely that two North Carolina teammates will be swapping hats again on Tuesday night.
Christopher Reina | Jun 26, 2005
Quentin Richardson Dealt To The Knicks For Kurt Thomas
Quentin Richardson will be dealt to the Knicks in exchange for Kurt Thomas and a conditional number one draft choice. This deal is pending league approval and should be formally announced following Game 7.
Christopher Reina | Jun 23, 2005
The CBA, A Trade Checker Change And Game 7 In Shots, Slams And Charges
Like clockwork and to the surprise of hardly a soul, the NBA won the basketball-related negotiations of the new CBA and like clockwork, Chauncey Billups made the biggest of shots to put the Pistons into a Game 7.
Christopher Reina | Jun 22, 2005
The Picks Who Killed The Euro-Star
The time was 2002 and a German named Dirk was coming off a season where he averaged 23.4 ppg and nearly 10 rpg. Every GM wanted a Dirk of their own and little did they know that the bubble was about to burst.
Christopher Reina | Jun 17, 2005
A Marion Trade And The Jax Return In Shots, Slams And Charges
It is appearing increasingly likely that the Suns will be without Shawn Marion next season, while the Bogut bust talk and the ads on uniforms debate rages on.
Christopher Reina | Jun 15, 2005
The Finals Preview
In what should be the closest NBA Finals since Michael Jordan and the Bulls defeated the Jazz in 1998, the Spurs and Pistons will do battle.
Christopher Reina | Jun 7, 2005
The Wade Rules
In the late 1980's Chuck Daly created 'The Jordan Rules' and now Larry Brown has adapted it for Miami's Dwyane Wade. To win the series, Detroit must send Wade to those indents on the hardwood that still have the Jumpman symbol on them.
Christopher Reina | Jun 2, 2005
The Most Hated Man In The NBA And G. Green In Shots, Slams And Charges
It is hard to imagine that a man who underwent a kidney transplant could be so disliked. Also, Gerald Green in Portland and Larry Brown in Detroit.
Christopher Reina | May 30, 2005
'Milwaukee Bogie' Is The Wrong Hat For 'Aussie Bogie'
Milwaukee is the NBA’s equivalent of Siberia and they will ask Andrew Bogut to become their latest version of Lew Alcindor.
Christopher Reina | May 25, 2005
The Conference Finals Preview
We're at the Final Four and if Joe Johnson is healthy, then the Suns and Pistons will meet in the NBA Finals.
Christopher Reina | May 22, 2005
The CBA, Guarantees And AI's Future In Shots, Slams And Charges
The CBA stalls, 'Sheed follows up on his guarantee and for the sake of NBA entertainment, AI should be traded.
Christopher Reina | May 17, 2005
The LeBron Trade Fallout
After suggesting that the Cavaliers should consider trading LeBron James, I received a slew of emails, including one from RealGM's Cleveland columnist. We debated the points of King James in Cleveland.
Christopher Reina | May 11, 2005
Second Round Predictions
The playoffs started with sixteen teams and now there are already only eight and here is how From The Rafters sees the next round of battles.
Christopher Reina | May 8, 2005
Cleveland Needs To Do A Herschel Walker Style Trade
Following the model of Jerry Jones when he purchased the Dallas Cowboys and subsequently traded Herschel Walker for five roster players and six draft picks, the Cavaliers should trade LeBron James.
Christopher Reina | May 4, 2005
Sweeps And The Road In Texas In Shots, Slams And Charges
The Suns and Heat are already finished with their first round lambs and the road in Texas has been surprisingly smooth.
Christopher Reina | May 2, 2005
The Prince Of The Champions
A notice to the NBA was sent from Detroit…The Pistons are still the defending champions and Tayshaun Prince has become their most important player.
Christopher Reina | Apr 27, 2005
Unexpected Playoff Performances
The eight Game 1's saw a collection of superstar performances from unexpected sources.
Christopher Reina | Apr 25, 2005
First Round Predictions
The NBA will have eight exciting first round match-ups in this year's playoffs and here is how From The Rafters sees it happening.
Christopher Reina | Apr 21, 2005
The Lottery Awards
14 teams will miss the NBA's second season, including Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. In lieu of the playoffs, here are their awards.
Christopher Reina | Apr 19, 2005
The Age Limit Rule In Shots, Slams And Charges
The Age 20 rule is more importantly classist and Unamerican than it might be racist.
Christopher Reina | Apr 12, 2005
Shots, Slams And Charges From The NCAA Championship
Sean May’s performance is the most impressive by a player who wasn’t particularly highly touted coming into the Tournament since John Wallace of Syracuse in 1996.
Christopher Reina | Apr 6, 2005
From The Final Four On Night One
Jawad Williams looked like Antawn Jamison reincarnate on Saturday, proving to NBA scouts that he can compete at the next level.
Christopher Reina | Apr 3, 2005
Curry, Webber And Boozer In Shots, Slams And Charges
An irregular heartbeat can never happen at a good time for anyone, but particularly not right now for Eddy Curry.
Christopher Reina | Apr 1, 2005
Elite 8: Lazarus Saturday And Instant Classic Sunday
The four battles this weekend were the best series of Elite 8 games ever and From The Rafters is on its way to St. Louis for the Final Four.
Christopher Reina | Mar 28, 2005
TMac, Dirk And Reggie In Shots, Slams And Charges
McGrady's comments on Weisbrod, Reggie's last stand, a new Dunleavy, Jalen's guarantee and the nightmares of guarding Dirk.
Christopher Reina | Mar 24, 2005
The Gross Inconsistencies Of The NBA
Steve Francis’ suspension should not have been any longer, but it's brevity indicates that the NBA is grossly inconsistent in their suspension decisions.
Christopher Reina | Mar 22, 2005
The Homestretch To The Playoffs Is On
The homestretch of the season is underway and if Richard Jefferson can return, the Nets might sneak in, otherwise the Bulls will be the frontrunners for the final spot.
Christopher Reina | Mar 20, 2005
The Pacers' Season Of Misfortune
Standing firm with a healed O'Neal and a reinstated Artest may actually just make the Pacers the preseason favorites again next season.
Christopher Reina | Mar 16, 2005
A Threepeat In Boston And Shaq As Bonds In Shots, Slams And Charges
A threepeat in Boston and Shaq as Bonds in Shots, Slams And Charges.
Christopher Reina | Mar 11, 2005
On The NBA Finals Preview Tour With The Detroit Pistons
Somehow the Pistons have become the forgotten story this season.
Christopher Reina | Mar 4, 2005
The Hangover Of Trade Deadline Drunkeness
Does Antoine Walker improve the Celtics?
Christopher Reina | Feb 28, 2005
Redd In Oakland, Boozer In L.A., Davis In Philly, Only In February
Will the Bucks give up on Michael Redd?
Christopher Reina | Feb 23, 2005
A Modest Proposal On The Dunk Contest
Twelve guys on the All-Star ballot in an added section and the fans vote in four or five they want to see compete and if they refuse the fan’s invitation, then they’ll have to answer to them directly.
Christopher Reina | Feb 21, 2005
The All-Star Reserves As Announced By From The Rafters
Jason Richardson is deserving of being named to his first All-Star game.
Christopher Reina | Feb 7, 2005
Midseason Analysis And Awards In Shots, Slams And Charges
The Suns and Sonics have given basketball purists a reason to follow the NBA once again.
Christopher Reina | Jan 31, 2005
The Value Of Steve Nash And AK-47 In Shots, Slams And Charges
Steve Nash is clearly the league's MVP so far this season.
Christopher Reina | Jan 21, 2005
The Great Wade Hype And Ben Gordon In Shots, Slams And Charges
The Sonics are living and dying by the 3-pointer, but they're doing a lot of living now.
Christopher Reina | Jan 4, 2005
Toronto's New Era And Jermaine's Return In Shots, Slams And Charges
Rob Babcock was swift and bold in dealing Vince Carter to the New Jersey Nets last Friday, as he reached an agreement with Rod Thorn before letting other GM’s to boost their offers.
Christopher Reina | Dec 23, 2004
The OC And Jesus Shuttlesworth In Shots, Slams And Charges
Kobe Island is shrinking by the second.
Christopher Reina | Dec 16, 2004
The Ones Who Got Away-Northwest Division
The T-Wolves could have Ray Allen playing for them today if they wouldn't have traded him for Marbury.
Christopher Reina | Dec 13, 2004
The Could Have Been Bulls & Eddie Griffin In Shots, Slams, And Charges
The Timberwolves have become the clear favorites in the Western Conference and that is because of Eddie Griffin, who will lighten the pressure on KG.
Christopher Reina | Dec 9, 2004
The Ones Who Got Away - The Pacific Division
Warriors fans miss Gilbert Arenas and his athletic play.
Christopher Reina | Dec 6, 2004
Brooklyn, Pietrus And Trade Checker In Shots, Slams And Charges
The Nets need to get to Brooklyn quickly.
Christopher Reina | Dec 2, 2004
Artest, Stern, Amare And Hill In Shots, Slams and Charges
Funniest moment of the week...David Stern saying that the decision to suspend Artest of the season was unanimous, 1-0.
Christopher Reina | Nov 24, 2004
The Palace Massacre Sorted Out
For a whole host of reasons, the NBA is very fortunate that what happened at the Palace had never happened before, and they should consider themselves very fortunate that nobody was critically injured or was killed, because it could have happened.
Christopher Reina | Nov 20, 2004
Wade, The Sonics, and Scalabrine in Shots, Slams and Charges
Dwyane Wade is becoming the second best player in the Eastern Conference.
Christopher Reina | Nov 19, 2004
The Pacific Division's Five Key Players
Mickael Pietrus' development will be a key to the Warriors' success this season.
Christopher Reina | Nov 15, 2004
Artest, Ariza and Lebron in Shots, Slams and Charges
Lebron James is already becoming one of the league's best players.
Christopher Reina | Nov 11, 2004
Five Key Players of the Northwest Division
Marcus Camby is a key to the success of the Nuggets this season.
Christopher Reina | Nov 8, 2004
Kobe, Jamal and JRich in the First Edition of Shots, Slams and Charges
The Lakers appear to not be missing Shaq after beating the Nuggets on opening night.
Christopher Reina | Nov 4, 2004
The Pacers Will Defeat the Nuggets to Win NBA Finals
Looking ahead at the 2004-2005 season, that will see the Pacers battle the Nuggets in the Finals.
Christopher Reina | Nov 2, 2004
Joe Dumars has Quickly and Quietly Become the League's Best Executive
Joe Dumars has built one of the league's most fascinating teams around Ben Wallace.
Christopher Reina | Oct 31, 2004
Five Key Players of the Southwest Division
Josh Howard will be a key to the Mavs' success this season.
Christopher Reina | Oct 29, 2004
Who Else Would Have Hired Hubie Brown?
Jerry West has turned the Grizzlies into one of the NBA's deepest teams.
Christopher Reina | Oct 26, 2004
Five Players to Watch in the Southeast Division
Al Harrington will be a key to Atlanta's success this season.
Christopher Reina | Oct 23, 2004
Five Key Players of the Central Division
Tyson Chandler will be a key to Chicago's success this season.
Christopher Reina | Oct 21, 2004
Replacing the Legendary Logo in Los Angeles
Mitch Kupchak will be responsible for building a championship team around Kobe Bryant.
Christopher Reina | Oct 19, 2004
Five Key Players of the Atlantic Division
Ricky Davis will be a key to Boston's success this season.
Christopher Reina | Oct 16, 2004
Version Isiah Launching at the Garden
Isiah Thomas has completely reshaped his roster in just a few months.
Christopher Reina | Oct 13, 2004
Kiki has Lifted the Nuggets Out of their Mile High Hole
With Carmelo Anthony and the trade for Kenyon Martin, Kiki Vandeweghe has turned the Nuggets into a championship-caliber team.
Christopher Reina | Oct 8, 2004
Welcome to the Funhouse of the NBA’s Gypsy Culture
Never have so many NBA superstars changed teams so frequently and haphazardly as they do today.
Christopher Reina | Sep 26, 2004
Examining the 2005 Off-season
The temporary sacrifice becomes worthwhile when finally a team manages to be many millions of dollars under the cap.
Christopher Reina | Sep 13, 2004
