ENJOY THE PLAYOFFS!

Looking for a nice, lengthy post next week. Lakers, Suns look to have their places locked for the Conference Finals. So do Magic. Not so sure on the Cavs, though.

For your entertainment, here's Shimmy:

1. Bobcats got sweeped by Magic, 4-0. Their last two games came close, but it wasn't enough. Oh well, it was their first time ever in the playoffs. I can understand. With Jordan as owner and Larry Brown hopefully still at coach, anything's possible for next year.
2. Cavs shut out the Bulls 4-1. No surprise there. I expected a sweep and a 4-2 series win for Orlando. Oh well, close. LeBron did great, however.
3. Milwaukee is doing strong against the Hawks. Series lookin' good. Although I originally liked the Hawks in this one, I'm voting for the Bucks here now!
4. POR can still get Phoenix. But I see the Suns winning.
5. How about them Thunder? Lakers look to close the series out tonight but I hope the Thunder win and stretch this out to a seven-game series.
6. I really wish all the best for Denver and I hope they can get back in this series and extend it to seven games.
7. Wish the same for the Mavs. Okay, no I don't! KILL EM SPURS!
8. Can't wait for Celts-Cavs
9. Go Pacers

The fine folk of TWolves Blog, blissfully ignoring the fact that the NBA Playoffs are proceeding without the presence of the Minnesota Timberwolves, have some great fun in store for us. TWB has a couple of Draft Lottery Mascot Challenges running, in order to select some mascots to bring the TWolves luck in the all important NBA Draft Lottery. The brackets work in an elimination, tournament style.

Firstly, we have the Celebrity Region, featuring the likes of Chuck Norris vs Mr T and Kanye West vs Taylor Swift. This is going to be the best bracket of all time. Of ALL TIME, you hear me Kanye?

Secondly, we have the Athlete Region of the bracket, where Joe Mauer takes on Robert Swift and Starbury battles Employee #8, amongst many others.

Get on over to TWB and vote on your favorites across both regions as the bracket of 64 gets whittled down. You can find both of them here:

• TWB NBA Draft Lottery Mascot Challenge: Celebrity Region
• TWB NBA Draft Lottery Mascot Challenge: Athlete Region

The Bloguin crew also recognized the performances of Hornet teammates Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton. Darren did not receive ballot love from Dave (TWolves Blog) and David (BlueBlitz). Thornton appeared on three ballots ( Don, With Malice, Pace, Pacers Pulse and Kirk, Cleveland's Curse) while DeJuan Blair was picked for the final spot on four ballots (Jeff, Project Spurs; Lives, Knicks Fanatics; Sheed, Bustabucket; and Zach, Talk Hoops) but accumulated fewer points.

Other rookies to receive consideration included Terance Williams, Jonny Flynn, Reggie Williams, Taj Gibson, Serge Ibaka, and Omri Casspi

For the final vote, the panelists included the following distinguished bloggers: Don, With Malice; Jeff, The Hoops Manifesto; Pace J. Miller, Pacers Pulse; Jeff Garcia, Project Spurs; College Wolf, TWolves Blog, Mookie, A Stern Warning; Kirk Lammers, Curse of Cleveland; Sean Francois, HoopsHeadsNorth; Brendan Bowers, Stepien Rules; Zach Harper, Talk Hoops; Gene Zarnick, Favre Dollar Footlongs; Sheed, BustaBucket; David Franzoni, Blueblitz; and Lives (me) of Knicks Fanatics Blog.

BLOGUIN'S ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

#1

TYREKE EVANS

Also check out:

Bloguin's 2009-2010 Final MVP Rankings; The Winners Are. . .

For more work from Knicks Fanatics Blog, you might enjoy the following:

Gullible Returns with The 10 Commandments of 2010 Knicks Optimism!
Exit, Stage Right, Almost No One Left: Inside the Knicks Exit Interviews 2010
Has Donnie Walsh Out-done Isiah Thomas Yet?

"I wish I had it to do all over again, and starting 20 years ago, I'd be suspending Phil and Pat Riley for all the games they play in the media, because you guys know that our referees go out there and they knock themselves out and do the best job they can. We have coaches who will do whatever it takes to try to work them publicly," Stern said. "What that does is erode fan confidence, and then we get some of the situations that we have. So, our coaches should be quiet because this is a good business that makes them good livings and supports a lot of families, and if they don't like, they should go get a job someplace else."

So calm down NBA coaches. Jeez.

Last night showed some nice games. Probably an off night really for the top teams. Maybe they were paying too much to the NFL Draft and see if their city gets a nice player. Maybe that's why the Cavs lost. They are probably paying attention to see if the Browns get Dez Bryant or Jimmy Clausen, someone like that. Instead, they got Joe Haden, who ain't that bad. But the Cavs have this series, so it's all good.

As for Los Angeles, they probably didn't care. I think the Thunder played really hard. I also liked that freakish dunk by Russell Westbrook on Lamar Odom. Go on YouTube or something and check it out. You can just type in "Russell Westbrook Lamar Odom" and it might pop up. Cool dunk. I liked it. What I also liked is that the Thunder won. They are now back in the series. Now they just need to tie it up at 2 and see if they can get this Lakers team scared.

On the other hand, a team that should be scared are the Blazers. This Suns team looks to take control. I like what they're doing. Keep it up Phoenix.

On another note, a team that shouldn't be scared are the Magic. During warmups in Game Two, the Magic players were just playing around. That's when Bobcats' coach Larry Brown started to get pissed. He pretty much said something like this: "What they did during warmups is how effing serious they're taking us." The Bobcats struggled big in Game Two. Stephen Jackson needs to step it up. So does Felton. So does everybody, actually! I think I see the Bobcats winning Game Three tonight. Brown probably had a big talk here.

You guys heard of the rapper Wacka Flocka? I know, the name's weird but you should've heard his hit song before on the radio or somethin'. O Let's Do It! Good beat, good tone, I like it. But now, have you ever seen LeBron Flocka? Here he is, and it's swagga:

Props for the pic to my man Kerby. By the way man, I hope you return to The Blowtorch someday. Really enjoying blog.

For Raptors' fans, it's time to worry. I guarantee y'all that Chris Bosh is moving. You can't bribe him. He's done so much for the team and you guys still can't make the playoffs. Even with Hedo freakin' Turkoglu. Even with freakin' Jose, freakin' Bargnani, freakin' everyone! Bosh is moving. And now there are some talks of him going to the Thunder?? Wow. Imagine how great the team would be, eh?

Congrats to Aaron Brooks. He was named MIP. He deserves it. He did real good this season. He became a star during the playoffs and that's when the legend became.

Is Baron Davis starting to be a Caveman? He's starting grow his beard real big now. I like that. Soon, we'll be seeing this guy in the Geico commercials.

Geico

So easy, a Baron Davis can do it.

You know, that can actually fit really really well. I'd like to see that someday.

Okay guys, this wraps up Ballin' in the Barn for today. See y'all next week. Keep Ballin my friends!

-JD

For the final vote, the panelists included the following distinguished bloggers: Don, With Malice; Jeff, The Hoops Manifesto; Pace J. Miller, Pacers Pulse; Jeff Garcia, Project Spurs; College Wolf, TWolves Blog, Mookie, A Stern Warning; Kirk Lammers, Curse of Cleveland; Sean Francois, HoopsHeadsNorth; Brendan Bowers, Stepien Rules; Zach Harper, Talk Hoops; Gene Zarnick, Favre Dollar Footlongs; Sheed, BustaBucket; David Franzoni, Blueblitz; and Lives (me) of Knicks Fanatics Blog.

Voters were asked to rank their top ten MVP selections. In all, 22 players received at least one vote which seems to speak well of the quality of individual balling this past regular season. Among those who did not make the final 10 cut were Amare Stoudimire, Joe Johnson, Manu Ginobli, Tim Duncan and Chauncey Billups. Those who received a single vote at the final spot on a bloggers list included Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer.

The most interesting ballot amongst the bloggers was that of scholar Mookie of A Stern Warning. He identified several ballers not recognized by most other voters. After selecting Kobe Bryant over LeKing as the MVP for 2010, Mookie selected Manu Ginobli, who had a stellar year, at the 6th spot followed by Chauncey Billups (7th), and Andrew Bogut (8th) above Steve Nash (9th) and Deron Williams (10th).

Only LeBron, Kobe and Durant graced all of the ballots. Tim Duncan made three ballots (David's, Brendan's & Zach's) and Zach Randolph received 10th place votes on two of them (Lives and Dave).The only Rookie to get a vote was Brandon Jennings (Gene). Bosh got one lone homer vote from Sean.

At the end of the day, or the season, it was clear that the LeBron James was the most valuable player in the NBA. He was a statistical phenom averaging 29.7 points per game (2d best in the league), 7.3 rebounds per game and 6.5 assist per game (Ranks 6th in NBA). He was also 2nd n free throws made, 1st in field goals made and 10th in steals. His play was spectacular and he capably ran the point position when the team was shorthanded while leading the Cavs to the best record in the league.

Congratulations and thanks to LeBron for an enjoyable season.

BLOGUIN MVP

#1

LEBRON JAMES

Next: Bloguin's Rookie Of The Year Selections

And the Winner Is…

The NBA’s first season has concluded, and the real season starts this weekend. With that being said, it was an entertaining and fun NBA season. As my esteemed colleagues and I are all Wolves fans, please excuse us if we seem negative or antagonizeable (screw you spell check, I’m saying it is a word). It has been a painfully looong season for some of us. But, we will try to eliminate the pathetic Wolves from our minds, and focus on the stars and success stories from this stanza. Before I introduce the participants, here are some things I enjoyed immensely in the 09-10 season: Joakim Noah, the Zach Randolph resurrection, the continued fantasy agony of Nellieball and the Golden State Warriors, Brandon Jennings’ hairdo’s, NOT the dunk contest, Kenny making fun of Charles’ weird chest hair, Wolves in-game announcer Natalie Kane, Jo Noah’s hair, Ginobili’s streaks of brilliance, Turbo aka Corey Brewer’s dunks, Jeff Van Gundy, Kevin Harlan and Mike Tirico, NOT Hubie Brown, Rondo, gambling on the NBA w/ College Wolf, TNT Thursday’s, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Jo Noah’s sideburns.

Now on to the picks! I am very excited to share the forum with my distinguished panel of party animals and Wolves fanatics. We have The Don – College Wolf, the controversial Roundhouse, and the man known simply as Pants. Don’t let these foolish names fool you – these guys know their stuff. Now onto the Lebron James award…

Please click "Read More" for the rest of the weekly NBA Jam goodness and awards...

MVP:

1 – Lebron (40 pts – unanimous #1) As College Wolf states: “This should clearly be a clean sweep. Anyone that puts someone else first is just being obnoxious.” True that. And I have heard rumors that some idiot in the media said he didn’t vote King James #1 because he sat out the last week of the season?! Unacceptable. That man should be stripped of his vote in the future.

2 – The Durantula (28 pts - unanimous #2) Pants offers an interesting and true perspective: “Given that 90% of national games in the last 4 years involve one of Lebron, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, KG or Carmelo, it is great having a new guy to appreciate.” This is a nice point. It was hard for me to fathom that KD was really the 2^nd best player in the league already this year. Then I finally got to see him play on TV twice in the past two weeks. And he is THAT good.

3 – D. Wade (10 pts) All three of the other contributing members to this panel had similar sentiments regarding Wade. Basically, the Heat are horrid without him. “With the exception of Lebron, nobody means more to his team than Wade does. The Heat would be truly awful without him.” – Roundhouse. “Has anyone else in the NBA done more with less this season?” – College Wolf. “Would that team be worse than the Wolves without him?” -Pants

4T – Melo (9) The Melo Man was my MVP runner up for much of the season. His strength and power make him a nearly unstoppable offensive threat. And he gets extra bonus points for housing the beautiful Lala Vasquez.

4T – Kobe (9) Although no one on the panel seems to like Kobe Bryant the person, his skills are undeniable. Despite my negative feelings toward him, he is probably my favorite player to watch other than Lebron and Rondo.

6 – Dwight Howard (8) I was the one that neglected him from my top 5. To me, he is not an elite offensive threat, and the five guys above him clearly are.

Rookie Of The Year:

1 – Ty Evans (16 pts) As College Wolf puts it, “Total, complete stud. Averaged 20/5/5 as a rookie, rarified air with MJ, Oscar, and Lebron.” Pants chimes in “That was a terribly consistent rookie year. Would anyone take a different play #1 if they redrafted?” I say no, although The KAHNman would still make a case for Jonny Flynn.

2 –Brandon Jennings (14) The panel was split on this decision, with both Roundhouse and I giving Jennings the ROY nod. Roundhouse states why: “Evans and Curry have put up bigger numbers, but Jennings gets the top spot for being the starting PG and key part of an overachieving playoff team. His defense is underrated as well.” Voters tend to have short memories, as evidenced by several people now mentioning Steph Curry’s name over Brandon Jennings. I am a big Curry guy, but his numbers are inflated due to Nellie ball, and Jennings had a way greater impact on his team and the whole league in general.

3 – Steph Curry (6) All I know is that by getting him for only $8 in our $200 Western Conference Only High-Stakes Keeper Basketball Auction League I definitely got the steal of the draft. I could not believe I heisted him for that amount in October, and my enthusiasm continually grew as the season wore on.

Coach Of The Year:

1 – Scott Skiles (16) Mr. Skiles was my pick for coach of the year too, and College Wolf sums it up well: “I guarantee no one in a million, billion years had the Bucks winning over 40 games this season and making the playoffs. And they've dealt with injuries. And their defense is TOUGH. Bravo Mr. Skiles.”

2 – Scott Brooks (10) As Pants shows, the Wolves are never too far from our hearts: “His good young players keep getting consistently better. As Wolves fans we know that doesn’t just happen.”

3 – Jerry Sloan (9) The fact that Jerry Sloan, one of the best 5 coaches of the past 25 years (joining Phil, Pop, Larry Brown, Pat Riley), has never won Coach of the Year award is just obscene. Pants makes his case by explaining: “Too much credence is given to the coach who turns around a bad team or has the very best team over the years. It’s his time. How often do guys like the two (above) have good years, win this award only to have something go wrong two years later and be on the chopping block. It seem like a legitimate coach of the year should be quitting on his own terms (at least shortly their after).”

Honorable Mention: Nate McMillan (1), Rick Adelman, Alvin Gentry

Defensive Player of the Year:

1 – Dwight Howard (20 points, unanimous #1) - I will let College Wolf and his man-crush do the talking: “Led the league in rebounding and blocks. Eats small children for lunch.”

2 – Josh Smith (7) Roundhouse makes a very compelling case for J-Smoove: “One of my favorite players, I love how unique and versatile he is. He's 3rd in the league in blocks, 11th in steals (every player in front of him is a guard), and 18th in rebounds.”

3T – Rajon Rondo (3) Don’t blame the dip in the Celtics defense on Rondo – he defends and grabs steals and boards as well as any guard in the league. Blame KG’s knees, Rasheed Worthlesses’ lovehandles, and Big Baby Davis’ C cups.

3T – Thabo Sefolosha (3) According to Roundhouse, Thabo is “The best 1-on-1 perimeter defender in the league.”

Honorable Mention: Lebron James (1), Joakim Noah (1), Gerald Wallace (1)

All NBA 1^st Team:

G – Deron Williams (16 pts) I always thought D-Will was MY guy, but two of the other members of the panel had him on the 1^st team. He is still overlooked by many as one of the very top point guards in the league.

G – Dwayne Wade (16) Stud.

F – Lebron James (20 – unanimous) SuperStud.

F – Kevin Durant (20 – unanimous) SkinnyStud.

C – Dwight Howard (20 – unanimous) MeatheadStud.

All NBA 2^nd Team:

G – Steve Nash (9) I had Nash on my 1^st team, but College Wolf, with his defensive-minded voting failed to include him on the 1^st or 2^nd team.

G – Kobe Bryant (10) Once again, College Wolf’s disdain for him influenced the final numbers.

F – Carmelo Anthony (12) We all had him on our All-NBA Second Team.

All NBA 3^rd Team:

G – Rajon Rondo (3) Rondo was undeniably the MVP of this year’s Celtics. If you would have told me that two years ago I would have thought you were really, really high.

G – Joe Johnson/Brandon Roy (1) Both are underappreciated leaders of playoff teams and quiet assassins.

F – Tim Duncan (6) Timmy continues to do work in his typical ho-hum fashion.

F – Amare Stoudamire (4) He may have the biggest ego in the league of anyone not named Kobe, but his game is on point.

C – Andrew Bogut (4) Who would have ever thought The Aussie would be on this list before the season started?

With the big awards out of the way, the panel gets their chance to speak on some other important awards:


Most Disappointing Timberwolf:

BonK - Ramon Sessions – Could the Timberwolves’ biggest free agent signing in the last five years have had less of an impact? Seriously. If he didn’t miss key free throws in the clutch I wouldn’t even notice he is out on the court.

Pants – Kevin Love – I’d feel a hell of a lot better about this team it had one guy I was sure was good. Kevin came back from his injury like a man possessed. He was the best rebounder in the NBA, hitting threes, and the team was way more competitive. Then January came and his minutes dropped and it seemed like his heart just wasn’t in fighting the good fight while losing. He isn’t mentally cut out for being on a horrible team. It’ll take a miracle for next year to be when he (and the team) breaks out.

Roundhouse - Corey Brewer...just kidding! For me, it's a tie between Jonny Flynn & Ryan Hollins. I was never on board with the whole Jonny Flynn thing, but I didn't think he'd be this bad. The only areas that he excels in are ballhogging and dribbling the air out of the ball. As for Hollins, well, he's one of the most useless NBA players I've ever seen. The guy is crazy athletic and 7 feet tall but yet can't get a stinking rebound! Nor can he shoot, play defense, or do anything associated with the game of basketball.

College Wolf - Everyone except Corey Brewer and Ryan Gomes (super STUD).

2009 T-Wolf Alum MVP:

BonK - Craig Smith – The Rhino put in averages of 8 points and 4 boards per game in only 16 minutes of play, with an efficient shooting percentage of 57%. CSmeezy continues to flourish as a backup forward in this league, despite no one believing in him. And yes, I am still bitter that we gave him and Bassy Telfair (my two favorite Wolves a year ago) up for Mark Blount’s lifeless body and expressionless face.

College Wolf - Mike Miller - This was almost nearly by default. Plus, he has been putting up huge stats now that he's basically one of the only 3 options in DC (go figure.) And really, whom else? Foye? (Barf) Booth, Bobby Brown, Madsen, and McCants (OoLS - Out of League Suckas) Jason Collins, Shellhead Williams, or Kevin Ollie? (Hahahahahaha)

Pants - Sebastian Telfair – Well since everyone else was horrible I’m giving this based on one good game while Lebron was sitting. Mike Miller contributed the most stats to the most games. But in CLASSIC Miller form he waited until the Wizards season was 6 feet under before contributing anything. I find his 2nd half numbers more annoying than if he wasn’t playing at all.

There is plenty of playoff excitement ahead! Look for some 1^st round thoughts from yours truly coming soon… have a good weekend, and keep it sexy.- BonK

Sorry I haven't done Ballin In the Barn for a while. Computer got messed up, then there was Spring Break. But Ballin in the Barn is back. Though we do this column every Thursday, I just wanted to do this really quickly for this Friday. Okay, so let's get to it.

Click "Read More" to go on

Okay, so it seems that ESPN keeps talking about Dwayne Wade and the NBA Free Agency. I've been seeing this everyday. And when I go to ESPN today, whaddya know? I see a picture of Wade with sunglasses and it writes: Leave sunny Miami? It's not out of the question. Our experts take a look at D-Wade's situation heading into the summer. No, no, just stop right there. Cut it out! Really! Wade isn't going anywhere? Trust me. He won't go to the Knicks, he won't go to the Nets, no, not the Bulls either. He's staying in Miami. I see the Heat giving him a big contract during free agency. He isn't going to go anywhere but Miami. It's just that simple.

Now if we are talking LeBron James or Chris Bosh, it could be a different scenario. If the Raptors don't make the playoffs, Bosh is gone. But if the Raptors do and become a first round exit, Bosh is still gone. Now if they make it to the second round and beyond, there's a chance. But right now, I see Bosh leaving. And then there is James. He could move. He's been giving this team so much for last few seasons. Read this from what I wrote about a month ago:

The Cavaliers now have gotten everything LeBron wants...pretty much. LeBron wanted Amare Stoudemire in the trade deadline. The Cavs were close to getting him, but they got someone who is better and would not want to call for the ball and just play basketball. He'll be assigned of what he's asked. That's Antwan Jamison.

Now let's go back further. LeBron needed a sidekick. Neither Delonte West or Mo Williams were working out well to his suiting. Ben Wallace was playing like his age. It was just horrible. Wally Sczerbiak was struggling. In the offseason, the Cavs made many changes and acquired Shaquille O'Neal. They also brought in former Harlem Globetrotter, JaMario Moon.

Now LeBron has everything he wants. He has a good lineup and along with that, he has guys stepping up this year. J.J. Hickson has been a powerful contributor at forward and has been in many dunk highlights. Daniel Gibson is looking good, too, along with his streaky shooting from behind the three-point line.

With all this, the Cavs are destined for the NBA Finals. They are destined to be champions. For so many years, the city of Cleveland has suffered pain, annoyance, and frustration. Browns can't win, Indians can but they suck in the playoffs. And they're the Cavs. They've been playing some good ball since LeBron came and have been to the Finals, but got their butts kicked by San Antonio there. Cleveland has a curse. LeBron is the sports hero of this place. In fact, the messiah. Everyone counts on him for him to win. This may be the year.

But hey, we all don't know that. In my opinion, I think the Cavs will make it to the Finals. They have to. This is their year. LeBron deserves his first ring. He's been playing too hard to have this deserved to him. Heck, now you got people hating on him, making all this stupid stuff up about him being Satanic and all that. None of it's true. People want him to win the Finals.

LeBron has everything. He has a big guy that can easily rebound and everyone afraid to try to fight against him (enter Shaq). They have a guy who's not selfish, can shoot from three, and can take advantage of his big size (enter Antwan Jamison), and LeBron is the biggest piece to the puzzle.

But, what if nothing is destined for Cleveland. What if they turn out to be a first-round exit? What if they fail in the semifinals? Conference finals? Heck, if they make it to the Finals, what if they lose there? LeBron can't go through another loss in the NBA Finals. 0-2 with Cleveland there? No, no, it can't be. But hey, it can happen easily.The Cavs were the number one team last year and they lost to the Magic in the Conference Finals. Look what has happened to other teams like the Mavericks who were a number one team. How about those Pacers in like 2003?

It is possible. All of you have heard those rumors about LeBron going to teams like the Knicks, Nets, Clippers, Heat, etc. in 2010 Free Agency. If all else fails this year, these rumors will be heating up and could eventually turn out to be true. Why? LeBron has been here since 2003. He has brought everything. With all the weapons this season, he has to win the Finals. And if not, it's over with him in Cleveland in my opinion. The Cavs could give LeBron all the cash, but then some weapons on the Cleveland squad may go away. That can be the problem.

Yes, yes, the Knicks have gone through some problems. But what makes us know that he will even go to the Knicks. He can. The Knicks can pay LeBron all sorts of money and LeBron may accept. Al Harrington might stay, and so can Tracy McGrady. David Lee can stay also, I can see. The Knicks did better than expected this year. They can go beyond that next season if they acquired a player such as LeBron.

I can see the Nets. LeBron has been linked with Jay-Z and with the star rapper owning a part of the Nets franchise, I won't be surprised seeing a jersey being stitched out "James" on the back with a front side that says "New Jersey." Represent. With Chris Douglas-Roberts, Brook Lopez, and Devin Harris, it'll all be good. And they can get LeBron in a trade, too. They can use their first-round draft-pick and maybe a player or two for LeBron. I wouldn't be surprised if this came out true.

The Clippers can also be an idea. Eric Gordon is a good weapon along with Chris Kaman and others. Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw were recently added to the team. LeBron can be the centerpiece. The Heat was another thing I've seen, too. But the Heat was will be more of less chance of landing. Two megastars sharing the ball on the same court? They have to be able to share the ball a lot, share minutes. It'll all be hectic.

The Knicks, Clippers, and Nets are all good options. But hey, that's if the Cavs won't make it to the championship. Who knows what will happen?

But if all else fails, don't be too surprised of a Knicks, Nets, Clippers, or any other team uniform having a LeBron James jersey ready for him coming the 2010 season.

Sounds pretty reasonable. Good deal locked up for Manu Ginobili, signing a 3-year $39M deal with the Spurs.

In other news, Isaiah Rider has been arrested in Arizona. Not really much of a surprise. Good idea for No Brian Activated, eh? The 39-year-old former NBA player was arrested for assualting his fiance and reneging on a $150 cab fare. Come on Rider? You can't be that stupid! God! In more sad news, former NBA player Derrick Coleman owes creditors $4.7M in debt, according to Wall Street! Damn! First it was Antoine Walker and now it's Coleman.

Here's what Coleman's lawyer has to say: "Mr. Coleman was focused on investing in various communities throughout the city of Detroit by developing real estate, creating jobs and revitalizing business opportunities. Due to the state of the economy, including the decline in the real estate market, Mr. Coleman's investments could not be sustained."

Here's what Ball Don't Lie has to say: According to Basketball Reference, Coleman made more than $87 million during his 15 year career with the Nets, 76ers, Hornets, and Pistons. But now he has only about $1 million in assets, including a 1997 Bentley convertible, five fur coats, and $3,000 in jewelry. Not exactly appreciating assets.

Yikes. Come on Coleman!

Also, um, what's wrong with Dirk Nowitzki here?

Umm, okay?

So I was The Cleveland Show the other day and I liked this episode really much. Now trust me, what I am talking about here is related to the NBA. It shows Scottie Pippen. He starts singing along with Cleveland Jr. and talks about him in his NBA days about him and his other players not making as much money in basketball in their times as they do in present day. Kinda funny.

So this concludes Ballin in the Barn today. See you next week on a Thursday or Friday.

And for a nice ending, here's Cleveland, Cleveland Jr., and....Scottie Pippen. Ladies and gentleman: