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							<description>eWallstreeter - NBA Feed</description>
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							<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 16:52:34 EDT</pubDate>
							<lastBuildDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 16:52:34 EDT</lastBuildDate>
							<category>NBA</category>
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							<image><url>http://ewallstreeter.com/images/nba2.jpg</url><title>eWallstreeter</title><link>http://ewallstreeter.com/</link></image>
							<item><title>Sources: Del Negro out as Clippers head coach</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/sources-del-negro-out-as-clippers-head-coach-4108/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[The Los Angeles Clippers have fired coach Vinny Del Negro, sources confirmed to ESPN's Chris Broussard.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 16:06:34 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Knicks unsure if Amar'e can start next season</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/knicks-unsure-if-amar-e-can-start-next-season-4201/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[The New York Knicks are unsure whether Amar'e Stoudemire, their highest-paid player, will return to a starting role next season.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 16:04:10 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Durant to donate $1M to OKC tornado relief</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/durant-to-donate-m-to-okc-tornado-relief-3708/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Oklahoma City isn't just a place where Thunder star Kevin Durant lives these days. It's home.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:58:37 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Twitter Reacts to Clippers Parting Ways with Vinny Del Negro</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/twitter-reacts-to-clippers-parting-ways-with-vinny-del-negro-5651/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[After three seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, Vinny Del Negro will no longer serve as the team's head coach.Del Negro led the team to a 56-26 record this season, although the squad lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Memphis Grizzlies in six games. Overall, he put together a 128-102 regular-season record in Los Angeles with a 6-11 mark in the postseason.    Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports first reported the news via Twitter:Of course, he was not the last person to comment on the move. Plenty of experts and average fans have an opinion on the situation one way or another. Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo! Sports was one of the first to poke fun at the coach's style:The parody account Not SportsCenter seems to think that a picture of a good coach can be better than a bad one in person:Chris Emma of Fox Sports compares the coach with another sports figure who is currently looking for a job:It is simply not easy to keep a job as a basketball coach in Los Angeles, according to Doug Gottlieb of CBS Sports:Maybe Del Negro should start coaching football instead.Still, it was not always bad for the man in charge of the Clippers. Ethan J. Skolnick of the Palm Beach Post points out the fact that Del Negro did earn one first-place vote for Coach of the Year:That voter does seem to be in the minority, though, when it comes to the coach's perceived success. This has some people thinking that there are good times on the horizon. Josh Newman of SNY.tv believes that the Clippers are now a very attractive spot for a new coach:With so much talent on the squad, Los Angeles is likely to get whoever it wants as the next man in charge.     Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated speculated that Phil Jackson could be in play, although no contact has been made:Ethan Strauss of ESPN comes up with another possibility for the next coach:The big question still is what this means for the future of Chris Paul. The point guard is a free agent this year, but the team wants to keep him around.Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News seems to think the All-Star has a lot of say in the process:Either way, it is mostly speculation at this point. We must all wait to see whether the next coach can take the Clippers further than Del Negro, and whether Del Negro can land with another organization in the near future.Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com...]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:50:43 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Clippers let Del Negro go after historic 56-win run</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/clippers-let-del-negro-go-after-historic-win-run-4639/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Clippers let Del Negro go after historic 56-win run]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:45:33 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Kobe: Working to help Lakers keep Howard, Gasol</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/kobe-working-to-help-lakers-keep-howard-gasol-4246/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Kobe: Working to help Lakers keep Howard, Gasol]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:45:33 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Knicks uncertain about role of Amare Stoudemire</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/knicks-uncertain-about-role-of-amare-stoudemire-4501/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Amar&#8217;e Stoudemire will go into next season with $45 million left on his contract and no guarantee of a starting job.
He also could remain a reserve who plays restricted minutes.
Searching for ways to improve next season, the New York Knicks could use a reliable second scorer and dependable low-post option. They have no way of [...]]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:44:06 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Phil Jackson tells Dan Patrick he thought he was offered Laker job; talks Kobe vs. Jordan</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/phil-jackson-tells-dan-patrick-he-thought-he-was-offered-laker-job-talks-kobe-vs-jordan-8056/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Phil Jackson was on the Dan Patrick show Tuesday — Jackson&#8217;s new book &#8220;11 Rings&#8221; is on sale as of today — and sat down for a long interview. I mean long — this is nearly 30 minutes, so you should only listen to this at work and not spend your valuable personal time on&#8230;]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:34:46 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Boeheim: Melo needs better supporting cast</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/boeheim-melo-needs-better-supporting-cast-4027/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Jim Boeheim is convinced Carmelo Anthony will continue to fall short of a championship if the New York Knicks maintain the core of their current lineup.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:31:06 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Clippers not keeping coach Vinny Del Negro</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/clippers-not-keeping-coach-vinny-del-negro-3928/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Vinny Del Negro is out as the Los Angeles Clippers&#8217; coach, sources confirmed to ESPN&#8217;s Chris Broussard.
Following one of the best seasons in franchise history, the Clippers opted not to offer a new contract to Del Negro, whose current deal will expire on June 30, sources told ESPNLosAngeles.com&#8217;s Ramona Shelburne.
Del Negro coached the Clippers to [...]]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:30:49 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Best laughs — Joakim Noah dancing or DeAndre Jordan dunking on an unsuspecting reporter?</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/best-laughs-joakim-noah-dancing-or-deandre-jordan-dunking-on-an-unsuspecting-reporter-8613/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[NBA centers get silly in the offseason.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:30:32 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Jamaal Franklin Video Scouting Report</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/jamaal-franklin-video-scouting-report-3514/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Mike Schmitz breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Jamaal Frankin with the help of San Diego State game footage.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:16:40 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Report: The Clippers have let go of Vinny Del Negro as coach</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/report-the-clippers-have-let-go-of-vinny-del-negro-as-coach-5379/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Clippers owner Donald Sterling created a little stir when he was near the court watching Game 1 between the Spurs and Grizzlies Sunday — he didn’t bother to attend all of his own team’s playoff games, why was he suddenly at this one? Was he scouting potential coaches such as the Grizzlies Lionel Hollins or&#8230;]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:07:38 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>NBA Draft Lottery: Which Team Deserves the No. 1 Pick?</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/nba-draft-lottery-which-team-deserves-the-no-pick-4589/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[The 2013 NBA Draft Lottery is tonight. Outside of the 14 NBA cities with a rooting interest, I can't imagine it moves the needle all that much for the rest of the population. There is no once-in-a-generation force like or LeBron James, or even a compelling who-ya-got? a la Greg Oden and Kevin Durant.Most draft experts seem content with Nerlens Noel in the top spot, a defensive force&mdash;probably, once that small matter of a torn ACL heals up&mdash;but whose offensive game is charitably characterized as "raw." Maybe Trey Burke, an undersized point guard, slips into the top spot. Perhaps NCAA Tournament flame-outs Otto Porter or Ben McLemore go No. 1.Regardless, there's not the usual amount of drama the NBA is looking for. But for a fan base that's been through an ugly season&mdash;and if you're in the lottery, you slogged through some muck&mdash;winning the lotto puts a nice little pep in its collective step.So which franchise deserves that No. 1 spot this year?14. Oklahoma City (Toronto)The pick is Toronto's if it's in the top three, but in all likelihood, the Thunder will control it. Two reasons why Oklahoma City is last on this list: Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. If there was a draft from all players on lottery teams, those are the first two picks. Besides, they've already proven they can't be trusted with three blue-chippers.13. Dallas The Mavs are just few short years removed from winning a title. That fanbase has experienced enough joy recently, even if their owner lackadaisically took an ax to their title defense and has led them on a slow descent into mediocrity. Enjoy Dirk's one-legged jumpers and the 13th pick. That's plenty.12. New OrleansThe Pelicans won the lottery last year. No one should be that lucky in one calendar year.11. PortlandThe Trail Blazers were gifted the reigning Rookie of the Year when Brooklyn inexplicably agreed to one of the most irrational, least thought-out trades in the history of the NBA.Yes, the whole history.That type of trade should be named, the way Ted Stepien had his moniker attached to his specific brand of insanity. Anytime a team gives up its youngest, most valuable asset for something it could have gotten two months later for basically free, let's call it a Prokhorov. 10. UtahI'd have Utah a bit higher, but I'm not sure they'd know what to do with, or even want, more young pieces. That team should have been turned over to Gordon Heyward, Enes Kanter, Alec Burke and Derrick Favors last year; instead they rode Al Jefferson and Mo Williams to the ninth seed.That's not really their fans' fault, but they're also blessed with a stable of bigs unmatched in the NBA. Noel would almost be overkill.9. MinnesotaFor all the bumbling and mismanagement that marked the David Kahn era, trading Mike Miller and Randy Foye for Ricky Rubio was a savant's move (he literally almost immediately undermined and botched it, but still). The memory of Rubio throwing behind-the-back bounce passes through a defender's legs to Kevin Love should be enough.8. ClevelandThis falls under the same logic as the Trail Blazers or the Timberwolves: They blindly stumbled into Kyrie Irving when the Clippers unnecessarily passed on protecting their draft pick (pretty sure Cleveland still signs off on the deal if it is top-two protected).Perhaps blindly stumbled is unfair; it isn't their fault L.A. gave up too much. But still, tough to ask the basketball gods&mdash;the old or the new&mdash;to smile on your franchise that often in so short a window. (Although those gods did allow the greatest player of the era to just walk away, so maybe Cleveland is entitled to pick first for as long as LeBron is still in the league. Depends how you look at it, I guess).7. PhiladelphiaThe Sixers should actually be owed a little luck tonight after the huge bet they placed on Andrew Bynum came up snake eyes. 6. Detroit There's a good deal of young talent here, right? Why aren't the Pistons better? Steal of the Draft Andre Drummond fell all the way to them at No. 9 last year, so they burned through a good bit of their luck reserves. Still...shouldn't the Pistons be better?5. CharlotteIf they win the lottery, I'll dig up my old Starter Hornets jacket. If not, they have to move to Seattle.4. WashingtonI dunno, I guess. Whatever.3. SacramentoKings fans should be rewarded for the effort they put forth to keep their team in their city. I've no idea how they rallied back from what seemed like a foregone conclusion. That the Maloofs are...]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 15:07:00 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Vinny Del Negro Fired as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Clippers</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/vinny-del-negro-fired-as-head-coach-of-the-los-angeles-clippers-5623/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[A franchise-record 56 wins and two straight playoff appearances weren't enough for Vinny Del Negro, who has been fired by the Los Angeles Clippers. The news comes from Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski:It's been a truly polarizing run for the 46-year-old head coach.On one hand, he took over a franchise that had been to the playoffs just once in the last 13 years, and immediately guided it to two postseason appearances in three seasons.During his time in L.A., he compiled a record of 128-102. On the other hand, however, his in-game decisions and coaching strategy often left much to be desired (via CBS Sports' Ken Berger):And that's putting it very lightly. In fact, Del Negro's coaching ability has become somewhat of a running joke within both media and fan circles&mdash;and it's not exactly difficult to see why (via The Basketball Jones' J.E. Skeets):Most recently, Del Negro not only received a boatload of criticism for the lineup decisions he made against the Memphis Grizzlies, but his team was also noticeably flat en route to a disappointing first-round exit. He wasn't just drawing crestfallen reviews from the fans and media, either, as the players also chimed in (via HOOPSWORLD's Alex Kennedy):It's difficult to put yourself on the hot seat after following up a Western Conference semis appearance with a 56-win season, but Del Negro is special that way.The Clips have yet to announce a replacement for the incredibly maligned head coach, but time is of the essence. All-world point guard Chris Paul is set to hit free agency this summer&mdash;and finding a coach who increases the chances of bringing CP3 back to Los Angeles is of the utmost importance. In early May, ESPN's Ric Bucher suggested a potentially fascinating idea that was being tossed around:A tantalizing candidate to be the Clippers' next head coach posited by one NBA executive if the team would like to maximize its chances of Chris Paul re-signing with the franchise: Chauncey Billups. I can't tell you if Billups is interested in retiring as a player at this point, or even if being a head coach is what he wants to do next, but he certainly knows the game well enough, has long held unusual authority among his peers on the court and in the locker room. No matter who replaces Del Negro, most see this as a major step forward for the Clippers organization. Read more NBA news on BleacherReport.com...]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 14:48:39 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>The Memphis Grizzlies feature a historically disproportionate amount of left-handed players</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/the-memphis-grizzlies-feature-a-historically-disproportionate-amount-of-left-handed-players-8918/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[A typical Memphis Grizzlies possession will sometimes feature left-handed point guard Mike Conley bringing the ball up court, spying left-handed forward Tayshaun Prince as he peels off of a screen to set up shop on the “elbow” of the court. Prince will receive a pass from Conley and then attempt to make an entry pass into the post, where left-handed power forward Zach Randolph loves to work from. If that combination works well and the Grizzlies end up blowing out their opponent, left-handed coach Lionel Hollins can empty his bench, and bring young left-handed prospects Troy Wroten and Ed Davis off of the pine to round out the contest.
Lotta lefties, is what we’re saying. Real Kucinich-styled stuff. A legendary amount of lefties, though? Or, most importantly to Memphis, enough to make a difference in the franchise’s first trip to the Western Conference finals?
Kevin Helliker, Chris Herring, and Stu Woo did fantastic work on Tuesday in publishing a piece for the Wall St. Journal that talked up potential advantages to having so many left-handed players on a roster. Here’s one snippet, referencing physician Frank Lawler, who studies these sorts of off-hand things:

In December 2011 Lawler, along with his son, published a paper called "Left-Handedness in Professional Basketball" in the journal Perceptual and Motor Skills. Lawler studied 3,647 professional basketball players who played in at least five games between 1949 and 2009. He found that lefties made up just 5% of the total, roughly half the rate of left-handedness in the general population. In baseball, by contrast, about 20% of all players are southpaws. "There seems to be some kind of bias against left-handed basketball players," said Lawler, chief medical officer of the state of Oklahoma's Employee Group Insurance.
If that finding was surprising, this one was even more so: The lefties who did make it into professional basketball boasted better performance averages when it came to points scored, rebounds and blocks. "It may be that to make it as a left hander you have to be above and beyond the rest," Lawler said.
The Wall St. Journal crew dug in from there, informing us that the Grizzlies are second only to the 1967-68 New York Knicks (featuring Dick Barnett, Willis Reed, and Phil Jackson amongst its notable lefties; in more ways than one, in Jackson’s case) in terms of the percentage of points scored by left-handers in the postseason. The crew also referenced the long-held and spot-on belief that left-handed defenders have an advantage over their right-handed counterparts defensively, because the defender’s stronger arm is matched up with the typical shooting arm of the player trying to score.
None of this helped the Grizzlies in Game 1, the team was completely incapable of establishing its low post attack, and San Antonio’s spacing and movement made that left-to-right arm closeout a moot point as the Grizzlies failed to close out on shooters. The Spurs, using right and left-brain thinking, seemed far more prepared to take down the Grizzlies on both sides of the floor, and though many picked the Grizzlies to win the series, Memphis is facing a formidable task if it continues to whiff on establishing its low post game, or find Spurs scorers in the corners.
This significant hurdle shouldn’t take away from what is a pretty cool quirk, though, one we haven’t seen since a left-leaning Indiana Pacers team made the NBA Finals back in 2000. The Grizzlies have become quite a few fans’ second-favorite team over the last few years for various reasons, and now it appears as if the Ned Flanders’ of the world have found a team of their own.]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 14:45:29 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Knicks Unsure About Stoudemire's Role</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/knicks-unsure-about-stoudemire-s-role-3501/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Amare Stoudemire will go into next season with $45 million left on his contract and no guarantee of a starting job.    ...]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 14:38:58 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Durant donates $1 million to Oklahoma City tornado disaster relief efforts</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/durant-donates-million-to-oklahoma-city-tornado-disaster-relief-efforts-6995/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[We don’t need more people like Kevin Durant in basketball, we need more people like Kevin Durant on the planet. Kevin Durant has donated $1 million to Red Cross disaster relief efforts in the wake of a devastating tornado that ripped through the suburbs of Oklahoma City, leaving 24 dead and devastating the community. The&#8230;]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 14:31:19 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>The Pick-and-Pop: Checking back on the wackiest predictions of the NBA preseason</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/the-pick-and-pop-checking-back-on-the-wackiest-predictions-of-the-nba-preseason-7295/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Andrew Unterberger checks in with some crazy predictions from before this season.]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 14:30:05 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Jim Boeheim thinks Carmelo Anthony needs better supporting cast on Knicks</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/jim-boeheim-thinks-carmelo-anthony-needs-better-supporting-cast-on-knicks-6953/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Knicks GM Glen Grunwald declined to fire back Tuesday at Jim Boeheim for the longtime Syracuse coach&#8217;s published comments eviscerating the team assembled around former Orange star Carmelo Anthony.
&#8220;Jim&#8217;s a great coach and he&#8217;s obviously very loyal to Melo,&#8221; Grunwald said. &#8220;So I understand where his comments came from.&#8221;
Boeheim, whose lone championship at Syracuse came [...]]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 14:25:34 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Odds for the NBA Draft Lottery (that teams don’t care if they win)</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/odds-for-the-nba-draft-lottery-that-teams-don-t-care-if-they-win-6277/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[The NBA lottery is totally fixed, but in the interest of appeasing the NBA, we’re going to share the odds the league says each team has of receiving each pick. We will add that it&#8217;s been a long time since there was this little buzz around the NBA about the lottery — because nobody really&#8230;]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 14:03:05 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Needs for every team in NBA draft lottery</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/needs-for-every-team-in-nba-draft-lottery-3764/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Fourteen teams have a shot to grab the No. 1 pick in tonight's NBA draft lottery. All of them have holes to fill. Rob Mahoney sizes up what each lottery team is looking for in the draft.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:36:32 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Detroit Pistons may favor Ben McLemore in NBA Draft</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/detroit-pistons-may-favor-ben-mclemore-in-nba-draft-4594/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[The Pistons are content with their young big men — third-year power forward Greg Monroe and rookie center Andre Drummond, who will represent the Pistons on stage tonight when the TV lights pop on at Times Square Studios.
So whom would the Pistons select if Drummond provides the luck needed to parlay a 3.6% chance into [...]]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:33:10 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>A list of reasons the Raptors are only kind of firing Bryan Colangelo</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/a-list-of-reasons-the-raptors-are-only-kind-of-firing-bryan-colangelo-6397/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Bryan Colangelo only kind of got fired by the Raptors, so why is he still there?]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:30:12 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Jim Boeheim says Knicks problem is not Carmelo, it’s everyone else</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/jim-boeheim-says-knicks-problem-is-not-carmelo-it-s-everyone-else-6570/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[A good coach always has his players’ backs in public. Even if he hasn’t coached them in a decade. Enter legendary Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim, who like a lot of people in the great state of New York was watching Carmelo Antony lead the Knicks to eventual second round playoff elimination this year. You’ll remember&#8230;]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:15:14 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>NBA Draft 2013: Safest Picks Available in First Round</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/nba-draft-safest-picks-available-in-first-round-4490/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Everyone wants to draft the next LeBron James, but sometimes it is better to go for a safer pick in the first round.While this year's class has no sure-fire superstars, there are plenty of high-upside players. Guys like Nerlens Noel and Alex Len have the potential to be All-Star centers, although they could also end up struggling immensely at the next level and being out of the league in a few years.For some teams without a lot going for them, this is absolutely worth the risk. For others that are close to contention, it might be smarter to know what you are going to get out of a young player.These prospects might not end up being Hall of Famers, but they are certain to be impact players in a rotation very early in their careers. Otto Porter, SF, GeorgetownIt seems the only thing that will hold back Otto Porter from being a true superstar is his mentality.Last season at Georgetown, the wing proved that he can fill up the stat sheet in almost every category. He can run the offense like a point guard, rebound like a forward and shoot as well as anyone in the class. Additionally, he has great length which he uses to be an excellent on-ball defender.Porter has the size and athleticism to enter an NBA lineup and play as well as he did in college.The problem is that he is almost too unselfish, and will often pass up a shot when he should be the one with the ball. He was easily the best player on his team last season, but he rarely took over the game.Still, if he goes to a team with talented players around him, he will help generate a lot of wins. Mason Plumlee, C, DukeMason Plumlee improved a great deal in every season at Duke. By his senior year, he averaged 17.1 points and 10 rebounds per game while being a major part of a very good team.He has excellent technique around the basket that helps him score on a consistent basis from inside of 10 feet. On defense, he is not a great shot-blocker but is always in the right spot and helps out a lot on pick and rolls.Additionally, Plumlee is much more athletic than people give him credit for and can finish huge dunks above the rim.The only downside is that teams do not see much room for improvement at 23 years old with a nearly finished game. General managers would rather grab a player who could be great than one they know will be good, but Plumlee will very good at the next level. Victor Oladipo, SG, IndianaCalling Victor Oladipo safe will depend highly on when he is drafted and what is expected out of him.If he is taken with one of the top-three picks to a team that expects him to be a big-time scorer, he will not reach that level. On the other hand, he is the type of player that will be around the league for a long time.Oladipo is the best on-ball defender in this class. He has the strength, wingspan and quickness to guard multiple positions on the floor and this will make him a valuable player for a long time. Offensively, the Indiana player turned himself into an excellent shooter this season and proved that he has good range when he gets an open look at the basket.While he will not be the best player on a good team, Oladipo could be similar player to Bruce Bowen and stick around for over a decade. Jeff Withey, C, KansasThere are few players in this class ready to contribute immediately as much as Jeff Withey. At about 6'11", he has the size to play center and the skill to be a rotational player for a competitive team.Withey is known as one of the best interior defenders in the class after finishing third in the nation in blocks per game last season. What he lacks in pure athleticism he makes up for in timing and experience inside.The four-year player also learned to avoid foul trouble to allow him to stay in the game longer. This is not easy for a shot-blocker, but it is important for an NBA team looking for someone to help off the bench.Although it is hard to imagine Withey lighting things up on the offensive end, his size and skill on defense should be enough to help a contending team win a championship.  Follow @TheRobGoldbergRead more NBA news on BleacherReport.com...]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:09:51 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Kevin Durant donates $1 million to disaster relief efforts in Oklahoma</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/kevin-durant-donates-million-to-disaster-relief-efforts-in-oklahoma-6551/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Kevin Durant has a very good reputation, and his generous actions today only solidified that sentiment.
On Tuesday, May 21, 2013, Durant through his family foundation pledged $1 million to the American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Oklahoma.
“The Red Cross relies on its donors to perform its mission in relieving human [...]]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:07:23 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Kevin Durant donates $1 million to the Red Cross to help with Oklahoma disaster relief</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/kevin-durant-donates-million-to-the-red-cross-to-help-with-oklahoma-disaster-relief-7925/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Via Daily Thunder:@kdtrey5 steps forward and gives $1mil matching gift to the ARC for disaster relief, text "REDCROSS" to 90999 for a $10 donation.— Red Cross Oklahoma (@redcrossokc) May 21, 2013Regional Red Cross: “Mr. Durant’s gift and support to Okla. comes at a time of great need and we’re forever thankful for his generosity.” — Royce Young (@dailythunder) May 21, 2013It's also well-worth mentioning that Kevin Durant did not announce this donation. Rather, the Red Cross was the first to point out Durant's contribution; and while we'd guess that Kevin will come out with a statement eventually, for now he is letting his donation do the talking.There's isn't much to add beyond this. The devastation in Oklahoma was as stunning as it was swift, and any little bit helps. The Red Cross' localized branch is the best place to go if you want to contribute as Kevin did.NBA video from Yahoo! Sports:Related coverage on Yahoo! Sports:• Draft prospect denies San Antonio Spurs his phone number• Is LeBron James-Frank Vogel controversy overblown?• Nets pump in 'signature scent' for fans at Barclays Center]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:05:23 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Toronto Raptors keep Bryan Colangelo as president, will seek a general manager</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/toronto-raptors-keep-bryan-colangelo-as-president-will-seek-a-general-manager-7357/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment President and CEO Tim Leiweke announced Tuesday that he has revamped the senior leadership of the Toronto Raptors in preparation for next season. Bryan Colangelo has had his contract extended as the team’s President and will report directly to Mr. Leiweke. The club has also created a new position of [...]]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:26 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Stephen A. Smith and Ryan Ruocco: 5/21</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/stephen-a-smith-and-ryan-ruocco-3140/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[How can the Knicks improve on this season? Glen Grunwald says they took a good step forward for the franchise but they have some decisions to make to ...]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 12:51:44 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>OKC's Durant gives $1M to tornado relief efforts</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/okc-s-durant-gives-m-to-tornado-relief-efforts-4303/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[OKC's Durant gives $1M to tornado relief efforts]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 12:46:58 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Tracy McGrady understands his limited playing time, but reminds that ‘if called on, I’ll be ready’</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/tracy-mcgrady-understands-his-limited-playing-time-but-reminds-that-if-called-on-i-ll-be-ready-10312/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Tracy McGrady turns 34 on Friday, and most would probably assume that the best possible gift he could receive during his birthday week would be his first made basket as a San Antonio Spur. The seven-time All-Star has played just over 15 minutes in total since signing with the team just before the regular season ended, and he’s missed all four shots of his from the field during mostly garbage time spent coming off of the San Antonio bench.
So, the guy has to be itching to get back on the scoreboard, right? To showcase some of that all-around ability that made him one of the NBA’s greats? To make his mark on what could be one last championship run for these Spurs?
Nah, says T-Mac. He just wants to contribute when called upon, doing whatever Spurs coach Gregg Popovich asks. From the San Antonio Express-News:
“It's very different, a championship-caliber organization,” he said.

McGrady discovered the difference in that out-of-the-blue phone call from Spurs coach and president of basketball Gregg Popovich in mid-April.
“A lot of people in the past would tell me one thing, but their actions don't speak what their words were telling me,” he said. “I had a very transparent conversation with Pop. I understood the situation and respected that. It was a great thing, and it was up to me to take that opportunity.
“He said, 'I might play you; I might not, and I need to know if you're cool with that.'
“For him to put that out on Front Street in our first conversation, I said, 'Pop, I'm cool with that. I understand. If called on, I'll be ready; if not, I'll support the guys while I'm here.'”
Monroe, one of the greats in this business, went on to report that McGrady is eight pounds lighter than when he showed up to the Spurs in mid-April, clearly taking advantage of the time off following the regular season, and relative pittance of just 11 Spurs games since their postseason tipped off on April 21.
The comparison to make in the wake of a revelation like this is too easy, but it’s the appropriate one. McGrady was signed to provide wing depth in the absence of the disgruntled and ultimately waived Stephen Jackson. Jackson refused to admit that certain Spurs wings – Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard – were better players than him at this stage of Jackson’s career; and honestly there’s nothing wrong with that. Confidence is key, especially in this league.
What is wrong is rocking the boat, as Jackson apparently was. There weren’t many on record indications of Jackson’s frustrations prior to his release, but he was clearly destructive enough that the Spurs decided to let him go without receiving any compensation in return, less than a year after Jackson’s defense and clutch shooting (however smallish the sample size was) helped the team stay afloat in its Conference finals defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Manu’s talents, Green’s shooting, and Leonard’s ascension, Jackson was probably going to receive McGrady-styled minute allotments in the playoffs as it was, even if the Thunder (had the team stayed healthy, sadly) made it to a third round rematch.
In the meantime, between those short bursts, McGrady remains “cool” with it all. Fans tend to perk up when the onetime MVP candidate enters during the ends of one-sided games, but the cheering you hear doesn’t have anything to do with novelty. Fans – knowledgeable Spurs fans, especially – are mindful of McGrady’s past, his gifts, and how a series of bad injuries and bad luck with teammates kept him out of the later stages of the playoffs.
You’d think, at least on the inside, McGrady would be chomping at the bit to lead a 12-2 Spurs run to finish the first quarter. The Spurs don’t work that way, though. McGrady wouldn’t even be on this team if he had designs on bit-chomping, which makes this a perfect pairing.
(We’re chomping at the bit, though. Give Tracy McGrady a bit more playing time, Coach Pop. Be “cool” with it.)]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 12:45:20 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Bryan Colangelo Out As Raptors GM</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/bryan-colangelo-out-as-raptors-gm-2971/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Marc Stein discusses the Raptors' decision to remove Bryan Colangelo from his role as general manager.]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 12:42:51 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>NBA Lottery Odds 2013: Breaking Down Each Team's Chances to Land No. 1 Pick</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/nba-lottery-odds-breaking-down-each-team-s-chances-to-land-no-pick-6133/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[The 2013 NBA draft lottery will take place on Tuesday night, finally cluing in the teams participating in the event as to where and what order they will pick in come June&rsquo;s draft. It&rsquo;s an exciting occasion for fans as well, as they can view the results of this drawing in multiple ways, including television and live stream fashion. Finding out whether your team landed a top pick can be quite a thrill, especially with some great players available at the top of this class. Let&rsquo;s take a look at where you can catch the lottery, what the odds are for each participant to win, some of the prized prospects waiting for the victors and more.   2013 NBA Draft Lottery Info When: Tuesday, May 21, at 8:30 p.m. ET Where: Disney/ABC's Times Square Studios, New York City Watch: ESPN Live Stream: ESPN3 (Blacked out in several states, please check coverage map here)   Each Team&rsquo;s Chance to Land Top Pick  Odds and trade notes courtesy of USA Today. 

Team 2012-13 Record Chance of No. 1 pick


Orlando Magic 20-62 25 percent


Charlotte Bobcats 21-61 19.9 percent


Cleveland Cavaliers 24-58 15.6 percent


Phoenix Suns 25-57 11.9 percent


New Orleans Pelicans 27-55 8.8 percent


Sacramento Kings 28-54 6.3 percent


Detroit Pistons 29-53 4.3 percent


Washington Wizards 29-53 2.8 percent


Minnesota Timberwolves 31-51 1.7 percent


Portland Trail Blazers* 33-49 1.1 percent


Philadelphia 76ers 34-48 0.8 percent


Toronto Raptors** 34-48 0.7 percent


Dallas Mavericks 41-41 0.6 percent


Utah Jazz 43-39 0.5 percent

*If Portland's pick falls outside of the top 12, it will be sent to Charlotte. **If Toronto's pick falls outside of the top three, it will be sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder via the Houston Rockets.   Potential No. 1 Picks Nerlens Noel, C, KentuckyDespite an injury that may keep him sidelined through Christmas, Noel is the closest thing to a consensus top pick this class has to offer. The Wildcats' big man is a shot-blocking phenom that already brings plenty to the table and has the potential to add much more to his game in the near future. Noel is extremely athletic and uses his great leaping ability to sky for rebounds on both ends of the floor. He utilizes big, quick hands to come up with steals in the low post and isn&rsquo;t afraid to provide quick help on a defensive rotation. He has two major areas of concern, though, as Noel only weighed in at 206 pounds at the combine. That&rsquo;s painfully thin for a power forward prospect, let alone a center&mdash;which is the position the UK star has been listed at. Noel is also extremely raw offensively, although his high ceiling, athleticism and non-stop motor should help him to improve rapidly in that department. While he&rsquo;s not an immediate game-changer, some work in an NBA weight room, a new diet and a lot of time in the gym will turn Noel into a starting-caliber big man that helps a contending team for years to come.   Victor Oladipo, SG, IndianaOladipo is an intriguing prospect that is generating small but significant buzz as a potential top pick in the draft. ESPN&rsquo;s Chad Ford is reporting (behind Insider pay wall) that the Hoosiers star did well for himself at the combine in Chicago, measuring out better than expected, performing well during the interview process and blowing away observers with his athletic abilities.A number of anonymous general managers commented that Oladipo is their favorite player and has the most upside, but none committed to having him as their No. 1 prospect on the big board. Regardless, much could change in the next five weeks. This young man&rsquo;s defensive mindset and ability to impact a game in a positive manner without the ball in his hands are two things most teams in the lottery are looking for. Add in the fact that he&rsquo;s a freakish athlete that can knock down open shots with ease and you are looking at a complete 2-guard in the modern NBA.   Trey Burke, PG, MichiganThe Wolverines point guard led his team on a magical run to the national championship game, but fell just short on the biggest stage. Regardless, the sophomore phenom is ready to take the next step and join the Association. Burke not only thinks he&rsquo;s capable, but also should in fact be made the No. 1 pick come June. As per Ford, Burke said: I feel like I can be [the No. 1 pick], absolutely. It depends on where the [lottery] balls drop, and depending on that team's needs, I defini......]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 12:36:29 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Pacers' Vogel says Heat series to be decided on 'substance'</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/pacers-vogel-says-heat-series-to-be-decided-on-substance-5326/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[   The extended break before the start of the Eastern Conference finals has allowed ample time for all the ancillary issues to be pushed aside, the talk of respect, the recap of last season's bad blood between the teams.]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 12:26:00 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Why LA Lakers Must Ditch Mike D'Antoni If It Means Keeping Dwight Howard</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/why-la-lakers-must-ditch-mike-d-antoni-if-it-means-keeping-dwight-howard-6277/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Mike D'Antoni, your chariot to the outskirts of Los Angeles awaits&mdash;if Dwight Howard wants it to.There are no delusions when it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers. They need Howard to re-sign. For the sake of winning now and having a superstar to build their future around, they need him back.To make that happen, the Lakers must do whatever it takes, even if that includes severing all ties with D'Antoni. And according to Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com, that may be exactly what it takes:
Howard was one of several Lakers -- Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol being the most noteworthy -- to have an extended separate meeting with the GM after his exit interview with both Kupchak and D'Antoni, multiple sources confirmed to ESPNLosAngeles.com. According to sources with knowledge of the situation, part of the discussion between Howard and Kupchak centered around Howard's frustration with D'Antoni -- particularly how the center felt marginalized as the coach looked to Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions and discounted Howard's voice.
Nothing against D'Antoni&mdash;I'm one of his biggest advocates&mdash;but if Howard is willing to abandon the Lakers because of him, he has to go.Now, McMenamin adds that the relationship between the two is not irreparable. "It's not a, 'It's me or Mike,' situation for Dwight," a source told him.But what if it becomes one?Dwight was deliberate when assessing the job D'Antoni did with the Lakers this season."We had to just sell out to whatever he wanted, whether we liked it or not," he said of D'Antoni following his exit interview (via McMenamin).A mutual understanding doesn't appear to exist between the two. It can't. Not if Dwight feels D'Antoni is undervaluing him as a leader.If a happy medium cannot be established, the Lakers will be forced to make a decision. And they'll have to choose Howard.Which isn't to say that I, you or anyone else should condone the potential ultimatum. We shouldn't. In an ideal world, Howard would understand that there are times when he has to quietly submit to the coach's will, and D'Antoni would make more of an effort to relate to his big men.This isn't a perfect world, though. The Lakers aren't a perfect team and neither Dwight nor D'Antoni is the perfect player or coach. Rifts happen. Sometimes they can be mended, other times they can't. When they can't, action must be taken. In this case, that would comprise of the Lakers ditching D'Antoni (if they had to).What Los Angeles is attempting to build is bigger than Magic Mike. Heck, it's bigger than Howard himself. But the latter is far more important to the cause.Howard isn't just a part of the Lakers' future; he is Los Angeles' future. The Lakers cannot build around D'Antoni. There are only a handful of coaches that possess that kind of power, and he isn't one of them. Even if he was, Tinseltown wouldn't be able to justify retaining him if it meant Dwight would sign elsewhere.Remember, Los Angeles is at a crucial juncture in its development. Kobe Bryant isn't going to be around forever, or even much longer. Pau Gasol is right behind him and the 39-year-old Steve Nash isn't someone the Lakers can place future sock in either. Howard is.These Lakers are on the verge of a facelift. Their cosmetic makeup is going to change drastically. Soon enough, they'll be journeying into the unknown, a jaunt that becomes much more promising with Howard in hand.There are any number of reasons we could find to justify the Lakers holding on to Howard at any expense. All of which are true.He single-handedly carried the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 2009 and though still ringless, he's one of just four players in league history to average at least 18 points, 12 rebounds, one steal and two blocks per game through the first nine seasons of his career. The other three are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Hakeem Olajuwon and Elvin Hayes, all of whom are Hall of Famers.Next time you find yourself being force fed the notion that Howard isn't one of the greatest big men the league has ever seen, don't let your ego&mdash;or his, for that matter&mdash;prevent you from recognizing the truth: Dwight is a game-changer, one of the best there ever was.His failure to obtain a ring doesn't matter. What he did in Orlando with the supporting cast he was given over those eight years is incredible. Few players could have found as much success as he did under those circumstances.Our perception of the perpetuall......]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 12:25:43 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Report: Tony Parker got death threats during Game 1</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/report-tony-parker-got-death-threats-during-game-4676/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[This isn’t about Grizzlies fans or Spurs fans. This is about every city having a few complete idiots. The Sherriff’s office in Bexar County – which includes San Antonio — is investigating death threats leveled at Tony Parker during the Spurs/Grizzlies Game 1 Sunday, reports NBC’s WOAI in the city. The Bexar County Sheriff&#8217;s Office&#8230;]]></description>
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								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 11:57:34 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Ep. 990: ECF, Colangelo, Hornets</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/ep-ecf-colangelo-hornets-2524/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[On Tuesday's episode of "The Fix," The Jones discuss the Eastern Conference Finals, Spurs-Grizzlies, tonight's NBA Draft Lottery, Bryan Colangelo, and the return of the Charlotte Hornets.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 11:51:34 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Report: Clippers (read: Chris Paul) have eyes on free agent David West</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/report-clippers-read-chris-paul-have-eyes-on-free-agent-david-west-6269/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan and… David West? What could go wrong? David West has been a rock-solid veteran big man for the Pacers this season and has talked repeatedly about how much he loved playing there this year. But the NBA is a business and West is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Teams are&#8230;]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 11:43:40 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Colangelo Out as Raptors GM, Still President</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/colangelo-out-as-raptors-gm-still-president-4033/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Bryan Colangelo is still president of the Toronto Raptors, but he's no longer the club's general manager.    ...]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 11:36:52 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Sources: Howard felt marginalized by D'Antoni</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/sources-howard-felt-marginalized-by-d-antoni-4212/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Los Angeles Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said he was "hopeful" and "optimistic" that Dwight Howard will be back with the Lakers next season and beyond.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 11:32:57 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Jim Boeheim doesn’t think Carmelo Anthony can win a title with ‘that team,’ meaning the Knicks</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/jim-boeheim-doesn-t-think-carmelo-anthony-can-win-a-title-with-that-team-meaning-the-knicks-9918/</link>
								<guid isPermaLink="true">http://ewallstreeter.com/jim-boeheim-doesn-t-think-carmelo-anthony-can-win-a-title-with-that-team-meaning-the-knicks-9918/</guid>
								<description><![CDATA[Syracuse men’s basketball head coach Jim Boeheim has long been known for being somewhat … irascible? Is that the nicest way to put it?
He doesn’t often put things nicely, but because he is an NCAA champion all is usually forgiven. New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony led Boeheim’s team to that championship back in 2003, but Carmelo has had a rough go of things in his ten pro seasons following – only twice making it out of the first round of the playoffs. Most stars that fail to make extended playoff runs can usually blame their lacking teammates for that failed advancement, but they typically tend not to in the newspapers.
Why would they, when Jim Boeheim can do the work for them? From the Syracuse Post-Standard, in an interview with Chris Carlson:
"Not on that team," Boeheim said. "He did what he can do. He played very well the final game. Everybody's killing him but Tyson Chandler just didn't try to catch the ball. He threw him the ball and Tyson Chandler went like this (Boeheim dodged in a chair in his office in the Carmelo K. Anthony Center). He was wide open. He should have been looking for the ball right here.

Kenyon Martin should have been looking for the ball. They both went like this (Boeheim dodged again). Carmelo gets turnovers and the announcers aren't smart enough to even think, 'Well, the guy should try to catch the ball.' "
(This is probably ill-conceived.)
"Those guys weren't great players where they were and now they're asking them to be second and third options," Boeheim said. "In Miami the second and third options are Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Your fourth option is Ray Allen, who is still in good shape. Your fifth option is Shane Battier, who is still a good player. The New York Knicks have who?"
[…]
"Hibbert is really good," Boeheim said of the former Georgetown star. "(Paul) George is really good. They're all-stars, both of them. George Hill is really good. (David) West is a (former) all-star. That's three all-stars. It's not even close."
There. That’s somewhat better. The Knicks just aren’t an elite team. They were able to pile up wins during the regular season because the schedule ships teams in and out of cities sometimes four times in five-day spans. When faced with a coaching staff and defense that could make denying certain aspects of New York’s attack a priority, though, the team faltered.
And the Indiana Pacers are a better basketball team. Because of Roy Hibbert’s early season struggles and the slow adaptation to life without Danny Granger, Indiana didn’t ring up a ton of early-season wins this year, but there was a reason I picked Indiana to take this series before the playoffs even started, and re-iterated that guesswork prior to the conference semis. They’re growing, while the Knicks have maxed out.
Beyond that disrespect from Boeheim, there’s the personal criticism. Which stinks.
Tyson Chandler gutted through so, so many injuries in 2012-13. We’re sorry that he wasn’t at his most flexible this season – Knick fans and Syracuse coaches – but it’s not very easy to bend over backwards for these supposedly pinpointededly perfect Carmelo Anthony passes with 7-2 Roy Hibbert’s long arms closing in. The Pacers (and Boston Celtics, in their two first round victories) won because they baited Anthony into either one-on-one play (which didn’t work, as Anthony struggled in most fourth quarters during this series), or to disappearing off the ball.
And in the absence of a second star, the Knicks faltered. As should be expected.
Still, Jim Boeheim doesn’t have to get all … Jim Boeheim-y about it.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 11:30:06 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Kobe tweets he wants Howard and Gasol back with Lakers</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/kobe-tweets-he-wants-howard-and-gasol-back-with-lakers-4980/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Kobe Bryant thinks this Lakers roster can work. Well, he at least thinks his chance at a much-coveted sixth ring is more likely if the Lakers bring back two of the top big men in the game, as opposed to having just one and restructuring the lineup to be closer to what Mike D’Antoni prefers.&#8230;]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 11:11:16 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Cavaliers fan/’lucky dude’ wins video contest, earns trip to 2013 NBA Draft Lottery</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/cavaliers-fan-lucky-dude-wins-video-contest-earns-trip-to-nba-draft-lottery-8312/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[This is Roy Tate Moore. He's a lucky dude. And because of that, he's going to Tuesday's 2013 NBA Draft Lottery with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Here's the explanation for Moore's video and trip, courtesy of Cavs.com:
Last Friday, May 17th, [Cavaliers owner Dan] Gilbert put out the call to his @cavsdan Twitter followers to produce and tweet a :30 second or less original video that creatively expressed why they should travel with him to New York for the lottery proceedings and help represent the Cavaliers. @RoyTateMoore did just that with a winning submission that demonstrated his positive karma to prove that he is “one lucky dude.” [...]
“I am so excited and thankful for this amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to be a part of this night and help represent the Cavaliers with Dan and Nick,” said Moore.

Take advantage of an NBA franchise's interest in social media interaction, make some jokes, get your mom to say something on camera, get a free trip to New York. Pretty good deal, my friend.
Moore and another Cavs fan — Gerry Burma of Brecksville, Ohio, a season ticket-holder who won a random drawing of the team's "Wine & Gold United" club members — will join the Cavaliers' traveling party in New York for the lottery, which means they'll get to chill with fellow traveler/Cleveland hip-hop artist Machine Gun Kelly, which is really the luckiest part of this whole thing, obviously.
Fans Moore and Burma will get to hang back for the festivities, but the Cavaliers will be represented on stage at ABC's Disney Times Square Studios by Nick Gilbert, son of owner Dan Gilbert and the good-luck charm who bucked the odds to bring home the No. 1 and No. 4 selections in the 2011 lottery, which the team turned into All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving and promising power forward Tristan Thompson.
Sure, Nick also repped the Cavs at last year's lottery — where Cleveland had the third-best shot of coming away with No. 1, but slipped down to No. 4 and eventually selected guard Dion Waiters — but that's neither here nor there. Between Nick's bow-tie mojo, Moore's butter-side-up swag and MGK's wispy gangsterism, it's all but a lock that the top pick will be Ohio-bound. Lock it in, brethren. Sorry, Other Lottery Teams.
Hat-tip to friend of the program Ananth Pandian.]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 11:00:02 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Los Angeles Clippers eyeing David West?</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/los-angeles-clippers-eyeing-david-west-3610/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Five dribbles of chatter from the league's front-office and coaching grapevines: Among the immediate concerns for the Indiana Pacers heading into the...]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 10:50:50 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Why there’s a 100 percent chance the NBA lottery is fixed</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/why-there-s-a-percent-chance-the-nba-lottery-is-fixed-5460/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[The NBA lottery is fixed. There’s no question about it. Just as last year’s draft order was determined by a David Stern-led conspiracy, this year’s will be determined the same way. Think about it. If the NBA lottery really were legitimate, why not conduct the draw publically rather than in a back room? If the&#8230;]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 10:40:01 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Heat vs Pacers Eastern Conference Finals Game 1: Big Baby Preview</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/heat-vs-pacers-eastern-conference-finals-game-big-baby-preview-5767/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[The Eastern Conference Finals are near so Glen "Big Baby" Davis joins Bleacher Report to preview Game 1 between the Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat. In one corner, you have the Indiana Pacers, the league's top defense anchored by big man, Roy Hibbert. In the other corner, you have the Miami Heat, the NBA's most explosive offense led by 4-time MVP, LeBron James. Will Indiana's defense be able to rattle the Heat and steal home-court from the defending champs? Watch now to find out who "Big Baby" thinks will take Game 1.Let us know what you think in the comments below. Follow Big BabyRead more NBA news on BleacherReport.com...]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 10:39:31 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Report: Howard tells of frustrations with D'Antoni</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/report-howard-tells-of-frustrations-with-d-antoni-4760/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Report: Howard tells of frustrations with D'Antoni]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 10:37:57 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Stan Van Gundy will not coach in NBA next season</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/stan-van-gundy-will-not-coach-in-nba-next-season-4313/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Stan Van Gundy will not coach in NBA next season]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 10:37:57 EDT</pubDate>
							</item><item><title>Anthony wants J.R. back</title>
								<link>http://ewallstreeter.com/anthony-wants-j-r-back-2039/</link>
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								<description><![CDATA[Anthony wants J.R. back]]></description>
								<category>Up-to-the-minute Financial Market Links</category>
								<pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2013 10:37:57 EDT</pubDate>
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