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Links:
- The Wizards trio of rookies received a combined zero votes for the NBA's all-rookie teams, which doesn't sound so bad until you realize that friggin' Gustavo Ayon got a vote. Yeesh. [Washington Examiner]
- In the end, it was always "Can't Say I Do." Though I only got half of my #QUOTESANITY Final Four predictions correct, I guessed right on the half that mattered and had "Can't Say I Do" taking down "Valentine's Shorties" in the final. Congrats to "Can't Say I Do," champion of the first annual #QUOTESANITY tournament.
- BNIE asks if you are confident in the Wizards training staff and, well, the answer seems pretty clear.
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Nice FanPost here exploring some possible trades that could net the Wizards additional first-round draft picks in exchange for taking on the contract of another team's veteran.
- TAI has posted its season reviews for James Singleton and Roger Mason Jr.
- Like everyone else, Wizards Extreme gives Andray Blatche a failing grade for his 2011-2012 season.
- Mike posted breakdowns of two prospective free agents: Nets forward Kris Humphries and Jazz guard CJ Miles.
- A one-minute video of John Wall chatting about his offseason thus far. [WashingtonWizards.com]
- Frank Hanrahan expects Mason to be playing somewhere next year as a three-point sniper. [CSN Washington]
- The Wizards and Caps have been nominated for a combined five Capital Emmy Awards for the documentary series chronicling their respective 2011-2012 seasons. So at least there's that.
- The Heat crushed the Pacers last night 115-83 to take Game 5 and a 3-2 series lead, but the main takeaway was how chippy things got as the Heat tried in one game to pay the Pacers back for what has been a series full of hard fouls. But first, recaps: [Daily Dime | Ball Don't Lie | SB Nation | SI | AP]
- We all got on Lance Stephenson for his choke mime in the Pacers' Game 3 win, but this elbow from Dexter Pittman to Stephenson's throat was a) obviously intentional, b) obviously retaliatory and premeditated and c) should warrant a multi-game suspension, if not an outright ban from the rest of the playoffs. Seriously, there was a dozen different ways Stephenson could have been seriously injured, and something like that could collapse a dude's windpipe and kill him. I get the Heat were looking to send a message, but the league needs to send on right back to goons like Pittman.
- Oh, and in case there are some of you who still aren't convinced that Pittman's elbow was intentional, yeah.
- I'm not the only one that was ticked off my Pittman's elbow, which was far from the only hard foul last night. More reaction here, here, here and here.
- Anyone watching Heat-Pacers last night would be hard-pressed to label either team soft. Well, except for Larry Bird, that is. [SB Nation, Ball Don't Lie]
- Is is panic time for the Pacers yet? [Heat Index]
- One wonders whether Mike Miller will be getting any shoe deals in the future now that has demonstrated how unnecessary they are on the basketball court.
- As we've discussed before, the Thunder are the model for any team (like the Wizards) looking to rebuild through the NBA Draft. But Steve Perrin wonder whether the formula repeatable. [SB Nation]
- Andrew Sharp apologizes for ever doubting Russell Westbrook. [SB Nation]
- Having dispatched Kobe Bryant and the Lakers, the Thunder must now go through Tim Duncan and the Spurs to make it to the NBA Finals. [Washington Times]
- Mike Wise remembers his time on the court with Scott Brooks and marvels at his unyielding dream to play basketball at the highest level. [Washington Post]
- In more serious news, at least eight people were shot minutes after the Thunder beat the Lakers in Game 5. Police have two suspects in custody.
- Finally realizing that anything related to (male) facial hair is awesome and manly, Mike has come around on the beard masks in Oklahoma City.
- Bomani Jones wouldn't complain if the NBA did everything within its power to secure a Heat-Celtics matchup in the Eastern Conference Finals.
- Kevin Garnett carried the Celtics in Game 5, but he also took a shot at Philly's fans, which hasn't always been the smartest thing to do.
- Jay King on the disappointing decline of Ray Allen. [SB Nation]
- Bill Simmons on his crazy weekend in L.A. [Grantland]
- ESPN writers assess the Lakers' season and future.
- Bryant doesn't plan on "fading in to the shadows" anytime soon. [Wizards Insider]
- Andrew Bynum was decidedly noncommittal when asked after the Lakers Game 5 loss to the Thunder whether he intends to remain in L.A. long-term.
- Scoop Jackson thinks the Lakers' 2011-2012 season was a bit of fool's gold.
- Dave McMenamin says the Lakers need a major shakeup, as does Zach Lowe.
- The future could be uncertain for both the Lakers and Clippers.
- Brian Cardinal noticed that Kobe didn't seem too interested in passing the ball in Game 5.
- Stan Van Gundy has been fired, Brian Shaw and Mike Malone are the early favorites to replace him in Orlando, and Dwight Howard wants to traded anyway. Fun!! [SB Nation, ESPN]
- So what's next for Orlando? [TrueHoop]
- Jemele Hill wonders why Howard would have any incentive to stay with the Magic now.
- Sounds like Mike Woodson will remain with the Knicks after all. [SB Nation, ESPN]
- The Warriors have announced their intention to move to San Francisco in 2017.
- For those with ESPN Insider, John Hollinger takes a look at which players have improved their stock the most this postseason.
- What are the top 10 moments in NBA playoff history?
- Tom Ziller revisits the 2007 and 2008 and NBA Drafts.
- At The Hive explores what the Hornets need to do in order to retain Eric Gordon.
- Sweet lord. Does anybody remember how much fun Adam Morrison was to watch at Gonzaga? What. Has. Happened. [SB Nation, Crossover Chronicles]
- Here is a list of all the rookies set to attend next month's 2012 NBA Draft combine, courtesy of Ben Standig. [CSN Washington]
- Not sports-related, but definitely D.C.-related, Grantland remembers Chuck Brown.