Derrick Rose sat out of the Chicago Bulls loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday after suffering from back spasm and the Bulls point guard now plans to visit with a back specialist in Chicago on Monday.

Rose admitted to suffering from back issues for the last several weeks:

“The first time I remember (the back problems) happening were in high school,” Rose revealed. “But college I didn’t have it. First couple of years (in the NBA) I didn’t have it. All of a sudden it just happened now. Hopefully, (Monday) I’ll meet with some people and try to figure something out.”

According to Rose his back was giving him issues since the Chicago Bulls started their nine-game road series on Jan. 29 in Miami.

“It was the whole trip,” Rose said. “I just played through it and the more I played through it, it tended to get worse after every game. At the time I was really worried about it, but (I’m) just trying to stay positive and hopefully I’ll be all right.”

Rose also revealed that he has had a lot of pain when trying to handle even small tasks including walking.

Speaking of his star players turn for the worse Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau revealed:

“You’re always concerned. It’s something that he’s had before. He had it when he was in high school. So we’re hopeful that it gets cleared up shortly, but we want to make sure … back are tricky, so that’s why he’s going to see a specialist (Monday).”

Also out of Sunday’s game was Rip Hamilton who was attending to a personal matter. Rip has missed all but 11 games this season because of injuries, his last game occurring on Jan. 29.

With 22 points and 7 assists per game Derrick Rose will be missed if an extended leave is required.

Chicago Bulls Point Guard Derrick Rose To Meet With Back Specialist is a post from: The Inquisitr

Buried deep on the bench a little more than a week ago (so deep, in fact, that he was often mistaken for a trainer when arriving at games), Lin was recently called up to start in the absence of marquee players Carmelo Anthony (groin injury) and Amare Stoudemire (bereavement leave).

In his first three games as a starter, Lin has propelled the Knicks to three straight victories with point totals of 25, 28 and 23 against the Nets, Jazz and Wizards.

And even though the humble 23-year-old faced a much bigger opponent in Kobe Bryant and the LA Lakers on Friday, “Linsanity” once again prevailed as the Harvard grad scored a career high 38 points and led the Knicks to their fourth straight win, tying their longest streak of the season.

“I didn’t try to see this game as any different,” Lin said following his amazing performance, which also included 7 assists and two steals. “I just try to make sure that when I get there on the floor, I play as hard as I can and try to do everything I can to help the team win.

“The only thing we established tonight is four in a row. Now we try to go for five tomorrow. I’m not too worried about proving anything to anybody. As a team we’re growing and trying to build on the momentum.”

Not everyone, however, was as nonchalant about Lin’s recent play.

“What he’s doing is amazing,” Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni said. “He answered a lot of questions tonight. Can he make an outside shot? Can he pull the trigger in a big moment? He hit two 3s that just broke the game open. There’s so much stuff that he’s doing.”

Kobe, who a day earlier said he knew nothing of Lin’s game, also had nothing but praise for Lin following the Knicks-Lakers matchup.

“I think it’s a great story,” Bryant said. “I think it’s a testament to perseverance and hard work. Good example for kids everywhere.”

Watch Jeremy Lin‘s highlights from his 38-point performance against the Lakers below and decide for yourself if he lives up to the hype:

Jeremy Lin Drops 38 as Knicks Defeat Kobe, Lakers 92-85 [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

No one is more surprised by the success of New York Knicks Point Guard Jeremy Lin than the man himself.  Lin is a second year starter coming out of Harvard University.

Lin’s contract has recently been picked up by the Knicks for the remainder of the season.  Even though he has played against statistically inferior teams, Lin has propelled the Knicks to three straight wins with point totals of  25, 28 and 23 against the Nets, Jazz and Wizards.

Lin was asked about his success in an interview recently and he said,

“I can’t sit here and say I knew this would happen or something like that. I think it’s something that I’ve been working towards, to try to kind of establish myself in the rotation, but to have this happen so fast has been miraculous and I’m just so thankful to God, my teammates, and this organization for giving me this opportunity. It’s been an unbelievable week.”

A lot of commentators are comparing Lin to none other than Tim Tebow.  Lin actually like the comparison because of his high level of respect for Tim Tebow.

He spoke about his admiration for the evangelical quarterback,

“Actually a lot of inspiration just because he’s such a polarizing figure, but I think the things he says in interviews, his approach to the game is just unbelievable and I respect him so much. I want to be able to do some of the things that he does in terms of the amount of charity work and the non-profit work, and the way he impacts people off the field. I think that is what is most inspiring to me about him.”

Do you think it is always good to have an underdog story like Jeremy Lin to root for?

Watch the highlights of Jeremy Lin’s 28 point game against the Jazz (Warning there are some SICK plays in this one)

Jeremy Lin Surprised by His Success, Inspired by Tim Tebow [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Billups, a five-time all-star, suffered the injury with 5:48 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Clippers’ overtime win on Monday over the Orlando Magic. After missing a 3-point shot, Billups was going for the offensive rebound when he crumpled to the floor in obvious pain.

As play went the other way, Billups assessed his injury and knew right away something was terribly wrong.

“When I first went down, it felt like someone kind of kicked me,” Billups said. “But when I tried to get back up and step on it, I didn’t feel anything and I knew it was something I had never felt before and I knew it was bad.”

Tests taken Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic confirmed the Achilles tear, a serious injury requiring eight months of recovery time. Billups returned to Los Angeles on Wednesday. Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said Billups will meet with a specialist before it’s decided when he’ll have surgery.

Despite the devastating injury, Billups, 35, assured fans he has no plans of hanging up his sneakers just yet.

“No, sir. My career is definitely not over,” Billups told reporters. “There is no way I’m going to crawl out of the league.I’m going to be back. Trust me.”

Prior to his injury, Chauncey Billups, whom the Clippers claimed off waivers in December, was averaging 14.9 points and 4.0 assists in 30.4 minutes per contest this season.

Chauncey Billups Injury: Clippers Guard Out for the Season with Torn Achilles Tendon is a post from: The Inquisitr

It’s no secret that Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard wants to leave the team after his contract expires at the end of this season but he could stay in place if Magic owner Richard Devos has anything to say about it.

The 85-year-old wheel-chair bound Devos made an unexpected visit to the teams dressing room on Wednesday where in no specific terms he said:

“I don’t want to trade him.”

He continued by revealing that talks with Dwight’s reps have been progressing:

“We like to think we’re making headway. But I don’t know. He probably won’t know until the end and I won’t either.”

While his sentiments may be true he didn’t receive a warm reception from Howard who virtually ignored the owner’s presence in the locker room while players Jason Richardson and Daniel Orton both headed over to greet their boss when he entered the room.

When asked if he would be willing to give a percentage to the chance that Howard will stay with the Magic he said ”I don’t gamble on that, I just plan on him staying.”

In the meantime it’s the owners younger son Richard Devos Jr. who is in charge of negotiations with Howard and he says of current talks:

“You never give up. We’ve got a great talent, a great young man. He’s got to look at his options (and) what’s best for him and I have to tell him what I think is best for him. I’m selfish.”

At just 26-years-old Howard still has a good amount of basketball ahead of him and with an average of 20.9 points per game with 15.1 rebounds it would be a shame for the Orlando Magic to lose him.

Do you think Dwight Howard will stay in Orlando or leave for another team at the end of the current season?

Orlando Magic Owner Wants Dwight Howard To Stay In Florida is a post from: The Inquisitr

Analysts and fans alike have engaged in the great debate of whether or not Kobe Bryant or LeBron James is the better player, but none of us are quite as qualified to weigh in as Larry Bird, one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Bird was asked which player he would prefer to be on a team with, Kobe or LeBron–and Bird provided a surprisingly honest and detailed answer. Here’s what he had to say:

“Well, probably Kobe, because of the fact that … well, of course he wouldn’t have been shooting as much as he does now … but his desire to win, his dedication, to always get better, uh, and he’s just, he’s just tough. He’s just a tough cat.

“But, if you want to have fun, like I did with Bill Walton, play with LeBron. It would have probably been more fun to play with LeBron, but if you want to win and win and win, it’s Kobe. Not that LeBron’s not a winner, just that (Bryant’s) mindset is to go into every practice, every game, to get better.”

So, there you have it. If you want to win, you go with Kobe. If you want to have fun and, well, maybe win, you go with LeBron.

Do you agree with Larry Bird?

Larry Bird would team with Kobe to win, LeBron for fun is a post from: The Inquisitr

In making the announcement, NBA executive vice-president Stu Jackson said the incident had been upgraded by the league office to a flagrant foul two.

The incident occurred with 8:34 to play in the third quarter of Minnesota’s 100-91 victory over Houston in Minneapolis.

Scola and Love had tangled first on the Timberwolves’ offensive end, wrangling for a rebound. The tussle between the two physical players continued in the Rockets’ end, with Scola posting up Love.

Scola first had the ball swiped by a hard whack from Love, then tumbled to the floor. Love stomped on Scola, in the throat/upper shoulder area, before heading back up the floor. No foul was called on the play, with Love credited for a steal.

At the other end, the Rockets bench was called for a technical foul, and the contest became increasingly physical from that point onwards.

On Saturday, Timberwolves coach Rick Adelman said he was pleased his players didn’t back down from a physical challenge.

“You have to be mentally tough to play through anything,” Adelman said.

Love said via Twitter on Monday, however, that he had gone too far.

“I want to publicly apologise to Luis Scola and the Houston Rockets,” he said. “My intention is to never hurt another player on the basketball court. … I’ve always had the utmost respect for the game of basketball and all of my opponents.”

Due to the suspension, Love – who is averaging 25.0 points and 13.7 rebounds per contest this season – will miss Tuesday’s home game against the Sacramento Kings and Wednesday’s game at the Memphis Grizzlies.

Here is a video clip of Kevin Love stomping on Luis Scola’s face:

Have you lost any respect for Kevin Love after the Scola face stomp incident? Do you think a 2 game suspension was enough punishment for the forward’s actions?

Kevin Love Suspended Two Games for Luis Scola Face Stomp [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Mark Cuban isn’t happy with the officiating in the NBA this year and for the good of competition he’s saying something about it. Cuban lashed out at officials today saying that the reffing in the NBA in 2012 has been “off the charts bad.”

The LA Times reports that Cuban has been upset about the officiating all year. On ESPNDallas.com, Cuban singled out the ejection of Mavericks Coach Rick Carlisle and a series of no calls during the final minutes of the Mavs – Thunder game.

“These were officials that have been part of the league for years, and it was just off-the-charts bad. And, if no one ever says anything, nothing ever happens…”

Cuban said that the officials are going through the same fatigue as the players due to the jam-packed season but that the bad officiating is having on impact on games.

Cuban added:

“Some of these guys are having really bad nights, and it’s having an impact. The league’s got to come out and say, ‘OK, look, we understand they’re going through some tough travel or whatever. It’s just the way it is.’ Otherwise, if that’s not an impact, you have to wonder how some of these crews are still on the court.”

Cuban has been fined $75,000 for his comments.

Do you think the officiating in the NBA this year has been bad?

Mark Cuban Slams NBA Officiating, Fined $75,000 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Just one month ago when asked if he would like to play for the Chicago Bulls Dwight Howard refused to say one way or another, it’s amazing what 30 days will do to a man. Howard this week has said he wouldn’t mind a Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard pairing.

The Orlando Magic player told the Chicago Tribune:

“If I could play with Derrick right now and God wanted that to happen, it will happen. It has nothing to do with me not wanting to play with Derrick Rose. I love him. That’s my brother.”

Rumors circulated earlier in the month that sponsor Adidas who reps both Howard and Rose wouldn’t want two of their stars playing in the same market, to that Howard told the Tribune:

“It has nothing to do with adidas. In fact, adidas would love that because me and Derrick have the same guy.”

Speaking about the possibility that he could be playing with Howard Rose said on Monday:

“Me and Dwight definitely have a relationship, especially because of adidas. Our market and the city speaks for itself if someone was interested to come to the Chicago Bulls. Dwight, he’s a great player. Who wouldn’t want to play with him? But you never know what’s going to happen.”

Howard would bring his 20.2 points per game average to the Bulls with a complimenting 15.5 rebounds per game.

At this time there is no indication from the Chicago Bulls front office that they are persuing Dwight Howard.

Would you like to see Dwight Howard and Derrick Rose playing for the same team?

Dwight Howard Wouldn’t Mind Playing For Chicago Bulls is a post from: The Inquisitr

If producers of the reality TV show Basketball Wives have their way Vanessa Bryant will soon be appearing on their series. According to a VH1 source the shows producers are attempting to put together an offer she simply can’t refuse.

According to sources if she’s not a regular on the show she’ll at least be a “recurring character” that joins the storyline.

One source tells TMZ:

“Vanessa has more than enough storyline and would bring the show to another level.”

The timing of the deal arrives after it was discovered that Vanessa Bryant bagged at least $75 million in her divorce settlement along with three homes in Newport Beach, California that are said to be worth a combined $18.8 million.

People close to the production say the shows creators have wanted Vanessa Bryant on the show all along but didn’t believe she would be receptive to the idea.

Following the couples divorce Vanessa recently acknowledged that Kobe Bryant has slept with at least 105 women.

Considerations were also recently made because Basketball Wives is now one of the highest rated shows on VH1 which has afforded producers with more money to offer Vanessa Bryant.

If she accepts the deal the former wife of Kobe Bryant would immediately become the star of the Los Angeles scene for the show.

Would you be more likely to tune in for an episode of Basketball Wives if Vanessa Bryant was part of the hoopla? Or would you rather skip the series entirely and watch an NBA game starring Kobe Bryant?

Vanessa Bryant Being Sought Out For VH1 “Basketball Wives” Series Role is a post from: The Inquisitr

Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng had an MRI performed on Sunday to determine the extent of his injured left wrist. According to team officials his write will be re-evaluated by team physicians on Monday.

The forward’s left wrist was injured in fourth quarter play during the Bulls win over the Charlotte Bobcats. It was Deng who asked head coach Tom Thibodeau to take him out of the game in order to be examined by team physicians.

An initial x-ray following Saturday nights game was negative but Deng continued to hold a large ice pack on his wrist in the locker room.

Deng didn’t seem over worried about the injury stating:

“I just got hit on it, but it will be fine.”

Luol isn’t the only Chicago Bulls player to be suffering from injury, point guard Derrick Rose has been nursing a turf toe injury which caused him to miss the teams last four games. Also out on Saturday night was Joakim Noah who missed Saturday night’s game with an ankle injury he sustained on Friday night in the teams win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In more serious condition is Taj Gibson who injured his ankle on Friday night and was spotted wearing a walking boot during Saturday nights game.  Speaking about his injury Gibson noted:

“We can’t even put a timeline on it,” while adding, “Hopefully this thing goes away in the next couple of days, or I can get some feeling back so I can play. But right now it’s about icing. That’s the best thing I can hope for right now.”

Also out on Saturday night was John Lucas III who has been suffering a groin injury.

In a shortened season an injury that keeps a player out for even a few games can be costly, for the Chicago Bulls it’s turning into a domino effect yet they continue to win games and stand 2.5 game ahead at the top of their division.

Do you think the Chicago Bulls can continue to win games as injuries become a regular occurrence during the shortened season?

Chicago Bulls Forward Luol Deng Undergoes MRI For Wrist, Team Plagued With Recent Injuries is a post from: The Inquisitr

Kobe Bryant has lost big in his divorce settlement against ex-wife Vanessa Bryant. According to reports she has not only walked away with half of the couple’s $150 million fortune, she also took a significant amount of property in the finalized divorce.

Celebrity site TMZ is reporting that Vanessa has been awarded all three of the couple’s properties in Newport Beach. Those properties include the home Vanessa currently lives in, the home of her mother and the new estate that was under construction for two years and just finished being built.

According to reports the deal has already been signed, sealed and delivered, giving Vanessa sole control of the former couple’s three Newport Beach properties.

Original reports said Kobe Bryant would move into the new home but in the end Vanessa and her claims that Kobe Bryant cheated on her with 105 women won out in court leading to the forfeiture of all three homes.

Do you think Vanessa Bryant deserves all of the couple’s properties given what Kobe Bryant put her through in the last several years?

Kobe Bryant’s Wife Wins Three Homes In Divorce Settlement is a post from: The Inquisitr

Michael Jordan’s retirement from the National Basketball Association (NBA) left a huge void that pundits, analysts and just about everyone else has tried to fill with comparisons to the greatest basketball player of all time. We hear it all the time “LeBron James is the next Michael Jordan” or “Vince Carter is the next Michael Jordan.” When all is said and done however MJ believes only one person deserves that title and it’s LeBron James.

Jordan book writer Roland Lazenby tweeted on Sunday:

Kobe’s ultimate competition is MJ. That’s why MJ watches him. MJ made people think what he was doing wasn’t human. Ditto the Kobester.

I never said Kobe was better than MJ. MJ just told me Kobe’s the only one to have done the work, to deserve comparison.

The comparison to Kobe Bryant in many ways makes sense, after all both men have the same type of work ethic, putting in long hours when others have quit for the day, studying the game and understanding their opponents. Kobe Bryant has also shown very few signs of slowing down which could mean a long career much like Michael Jordan but hopefully without the various retirements to mare an otherwise impressive career.

It’s still to call anyone the “next Jordan” but regardless of stats, years played, respect earned by players, coaches, reports and fans there is obviously only one Michael Jordan. Gaining Jordan’s respect on the other hand, regardless of how great your career ends up being has to be a huge honor, even for someone as arrogant as Kobe Bryant.

Would you agree that Kobe Bryant is the closest comparison to Michael Jordan we’ve had since his retirement?

Michael Jordan Says Only One Player Deserves To Be Compared To Him is a post from: The Inquisitr

With 9:35 left in the third quarter and Washington trailing by six, point guard John Wall found McGee open at halfcourt. As the 7-footer raced toward Houston’s unguarded basket, he fired the ball off the glass before finishing the play with a thunderous jam.

Although the dunk was athletic and definitely fun to watch, Wizards head coach Flip Saunders was less than impressed with the feat and immediately benched McGee for the remainder of the contest.

“I told him that’s unacceptable,” Saunders in a post-game interview. “Maybe I’m too old-school, but you see that and the [lobbying] for the All-Star Game, that right there is where we have to get to where we identify with meat and potato basketball. Playing hard, setting screens, playing the right way, and not highlight-type play. We’ve said this many times. We have some players that look for highlights instead of substance.”

Javale’s teammate Wall also agreed with the coach adding:

“A dunk is a dunk. It would have been better if he went in and did a regular dunk. We’re 1-11,” Wall said. “There was no point in doing that. I know he was excited, but if we make a basket, that’s all that counts.”

McGee, however, defended his actions, saying he didn’t regret the self alley-oop.

“I feel like I was trying to get the team hyped and trying to make a good play,” McGee explained to reporters. “And we made a run from there, but I guess not.”

The Wizards lost the game 106-114 to fall to 1-12 on the year. McGee, who has been one of the Wizards more productive players this season, finished the night with eight points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots.

Watch the McGee’s breakaway dunk in the clip below:

What do you think readers? Do you agree with Flip Saunders move to bench Javale McGee for the showy dunk?

Javale McGee Benched for Showy Breakaway Dunk [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Dwayne Wade received a 2012 McLaren MP4-12C luxury sports vehicle valued at $230,000 this weekend in Miami and the car dealer that gave him the vehicle for free had it airlifted by crane in for his 30th birthday celebration.

Apparently the car dealer wanted the car to be featured on a platform in the middle of a hotel pool and since they couldn’t drive the car  through the hotel they had a crane airlift the vehicle into the pool.

The McLaren was loaded onto the crane and then very carefully hoisted above the hotel wall and then lowered onto the pool platform that was specially designed to present the luxury sports car.

Once settled into place Dwayne Wade accepted his new toy in front of his very famous friends who included Common, Usher, T.I., LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

If that wasn’t enough glitz and glamour Dwayne Wade even received a shoutout from Vogue chief Anna Wintour who said:

“I hope we’ll see you back at NY Fashion Week in September, because you’re my favorite person to sit next to at the shows.”

Do you think the car dealer went a little overboard in using a crane to present the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C to Dwayne Wade?

[Image via TMZ]

Dwayne Wade Receives $230,000 McLaren MP4-12C Via Crane is a post from: The Inquisitr

Anthony sprained his right ankle and his left wrist Thursday in Memphis, then sat out Saturday’s game in Oklahoma City. The Knicks lost both games by double digits.

Anthony, who is averaging a team-high 26.6 points per game along with 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists, said of his ankle injury:

“It’s sore, but if I can go, I will go,” he said Sunday, between rounds of treatment that included jogging in the pool. “It’s time to get going right now.”

With Anthony sidelined, the Knicks (6-6) are on a two-game losing streak after reeling off a season-best four straight wins.

Slated to be a high-scoring club going into the season, the Knicks have struggled on both ends of the floor — but particularly on offense.

“We’re not playing with a high level of confidence right now,” Anthony told ESPN on Sunday. “… I think we need to get back to that and get back to having fun.”

In addition to Carmelo Anthony, the NY Times reports that the Knicks could also be welcoming Baron Davis to the lineup soon.

Davis, who signed with the Knicks in December and has been rehabilitating a herniated disk for several months, has increased his activity in recent days and may begin practicing as soon as next week, Coach Mike D’Antoni told reporters.

via NY Daily

Carmelo Anthony Injury Update: Melo Will be Game-Time Decision for Knicks/Magic Matchup is a post from: The Inquisitr

Dwayne Wade has played through various injuries during this shorted NBA season including a strained calf, a bruised left foot and other “maladies” according to the Miami Heat and while he has missed several games it’s his most recent injury that will keep him out of play this week.

Wade was injured in the fourth quarter of Friday’s 117-104 loss in Denver when he twisted his ankle while scrambling for a loose ball. Immediately following his injury Wade left the game and didn’t return.

After the game Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Wade’s x-rays were negative but that he would sit out of the teams next game. Spoelstra did not speculate on how long Wade would could be listed as injured.

“He’s up walking around … but we’re not going to put a timetable on when he’ll come back,” Spoelstra said. “Thankfully, he’s not in a cast or a boot. So we’ll see how he responds each day, and we’ll go from there.”

Wade told reporters after the Denver game that the pain was the worst he had ever felt from a sprain and admitted that his older age may have been a factor. Wade turns 30 on Tuesday.

In the meantime LeBron James has continued to lead the Heat. During his last two games he has averaged 32.5 points, 11 assists and 7.5 rebounds.

Speaking to ESPN James said

“I have to step it up even more offensively and defensively,” and “Revert back to some of the ways when I was back in Cleveland, when I, for the most part, had to be the number one option offensively. I had to — not say force — but just put a little more pressure on myself.”

In the meantime Mike Miller could step up in Wade’s place after coming off his own hernia surgery which was performed during the offseason.

Do you believe the Miami Heat can continue to win games with Dwayne Wade out of the equation for an undisclosed amount of time.

Miami Heat’s Dwayne Wade Won’t Start This Week, Dealing With Three Injuries is a post from: The Inquisitr

The star 7-footer was only needed for 22 minutes and finished the game with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting as the Mavericks cruised on to win the game – their fourth straight victory – 102-76 at American Airlines Center.

“Twenty-three thousand is great, but I think I say it over and over, right now that’s not really what I’m playing for,” Nowitzki told ESPN in a post game interview. “All the milestones are going to be great when I look back on my career in 10, 15 years, but as of right now, I’m trying to keep going and help this team and this franchise win as many games as I can. We’ve been playing better so that’s really all I’m worried about right now.”

According to ESPN, Nowitzki needs 326 points to surpass Elgin Baylor, Adrian Dantley and Robert Parrish and crack the top-20 on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.

Nowitzki, 33, is in his 14th NBA season. Acquired by the Mavericks during a draft-day trade, Nowitzki is the team’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, field goals, field goal attempts, games and minutes.

In addition to his recently acquired 2011 NBA Finals MVP, Dirk’s other awards include: 2006-2007 NBA MVP, All-NBA first team four times and 10 All-Star selections.

“He’s one of 12 or 13 players to be a 10-time All-Star, a league MVP and a Finals MVP. So, that puts him in the top 12 or 13,” Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle said. “I don’t think that can be disputed. He’s had a staggeringly awesome career. There’s no debate now, he’s up there.”

Dirk Nowitzki talks about reaching his milestone 23,000th career point in the video clip below:

Dirk Nowitzki Scores Milestone 23,000th Career Point in Win over Bucks is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Atlanta Hawks have lost center Al Horford for up to four months after tearing his left pectoral muscle.

News of the centers stoppage came from a tweet by Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports:

Hawks center Al Horford expected to be out 3-4 months with torn left pectoral muscle

Horford suffered his injury after being blocked by Roy Hibbert during his teams Wednesday loss to the Indiana Pacers.

While Horford will be missed by the Hawks he hasn’t exactly been having a career season, averaging 15.3 points per game with 9.3 rebounds and 55 percent shooting.

During his last full game on Monday against the New Jersey Nets Horford was showing true to form however with 14 points, nine rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block.

Taking over at the center position will be ZaZa Pachulia who scored 11 points with seven rebounds in 30 minutes during his teams loss to Indiana on Wednesday.

The move is a big one for Pachulia who has only had two seasons in his career where he has averaged more than 20 minutes per game. With ZaZa on the court the Hawks lose their shot-blocker and are left with a center who struggles to finish at the rim. They do however gain an aggressive player who may help them wear down opponents over four quarters of play.

Do you think ZaZa Puchulia will be able to step up and take over for the injured Al Horford or has his placement hurt the Atlanta Hawks for the rest of the shortened NBA season?

Al Horford To Miss 4 Months After Tearing Left Pectoral Muscle is a post from: The Inquisitr

Dallas Maverick’s player Delonte West won’t be joining his 2011 championship team during their visit to meet President Barack Obama at the white house after he was “banned” from the landmakr.

Two year’s ago West was involved in a high profile arrest and after the President’s security team ran a routing background check they chose to deny Delonte West access to the White House and the President.

West told the Fort-Worth Star-Telegram

“I’m banned from going to the White House, so I’m not going to make it,” while adding, ”But I’m going home to D.C., I’m just not allowed to go to the White House. That’s what happens when you make bad decisions in your life. You can’t go to the White House.”

I’ve been there 100 times in my lifetime,” said the D.C. born west “I live right around the corner. I live in D.C. It’s going to be a ashamed the President isn’t going to get a chance to meet me. I’m the president of my house.”

After his omission West went on Twitter and began attacking just about everyone who has covered him over the years. He has since deleted those tweets.

Since 2004 Delonte West has been a dynamic player to watch however even under his most medicated of days his tantrums remind his fans and reporters just how childish he truly is.

Do you think Delonte West got what was coming to him? I’m personally glad he won’t be stinking up the White House with his own special brand of stupidity.

In the meantime here’s a screen grab of Delonte West using his Twitter account to practice his favorite swear words:

Delonte West Banned From White House Ahead Of Dallas Mavericks Visit is a post from: The Inquisitr