Ever heard of a team named New Orleans Pelicans? Yes, they are the team that was formerly named Hornets, the team that was formerly NBA-owned. Almost one year after Tom Benson bought the team and made promises for better years to come; the team has already found its way to build a strong ensemble.
The New Orleans Pelicans Are An Emerging Power In The West
L.A. Clippers star Chris Paul debuts new commercial (video)
As you may have seen, yesterday, State Farm debuted a commercial starring NBA player Chris Paul. During the commercial, Paul assumes two roles: himself and his long-lost twin, Cliff Paul. The two lead completely different lives, but they share one common trait; both are “born to assist.”
Watch it after the jump
Follow paulmbanks2012-2013 NBA Rookie of the Year prediction
Is this really fair? I think we all know who will be Rookie of the Year once the season is over. Anthony Davis is the consensus choice for ROY and here is why. [Read more…]
Follow paulmbanksPaying a Price for Trading a Superstar
There is no denying that Dwight Howard is a superstar and superstars only come around every so often. Teams are rarely willing to trade their superstar unless it’s for another superstar or a group of solid players and draft picks. That being said, I have no words for what took place last night. [Read more…]
Follow paulmbanksTeam USA gets by Tunisia
Disappointing wouldn’t be the exact word to describe Team USA’s first half against and over-matched Tunisia team. Pathetic or embarrassing would be more like it. Thankfully Team USA’s second unit, led by Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love, helped them cruise to an easy victory in the end.
Follow paulmbanksTeam USA down Argentina, faces Spain in final tune-up
From the opening-tip it looked like we were in for a blow-out. Team USA got off to a hot start, opening the game on a 14-1 run thanks to Kevin Durant draining threes like they were free-throws. Of course, the scrappiness of the Argentines kept them in the game until the final buzzer.
Follow paulmbanksLos Angeles Clippers look to take next step this off-season
I’d say, “they’re back” but let’s be honest; the Los Angeles Clippers were never truly here to begin with. For just the fifth time since the franchise made the move across country to the west coast, the Clips made the post-season, even advancing to the semifinals. The arrival of Chris Paul played a major role in the team stepping out of the shadow of the Lakers. However, there are still some moves to be made this off-season if the Clippers are going to take the next step of emerging as a legit Western Conference title contender.
Follow paulmbanksNBA Finals: My NBA Finals Christmas List
With the NBA Finals tipping-off in a little over seven hours, I have made a list of 10 things that I am hoping to see from the Finals this year. I know making a list sounds silly and I probably won’t get half of what I put on my list (happens to me every Christmas). But here is a short story: Two years ago, I made a Christmas list of 10 things, roughly, that I wanted. Some of the things were simple items like: a gas card, socks, shorts, and headphones. The other part of the list consisted of some bigger items: groceries (I am a college kid), money, and I think I wrote down something outrageous, like a new laptop. OK. I am getting side-tracked. Here’s my list:
Follow paulmbanksWill the Lakers trade Andrew Bynum?
One thing is clear: the Lakers need to shakeup their roster and GM Mitch Kupchak noted that today. After getting bounced in the second round of the playoffs for the second year in a row, the Lakers are looking for answers. They tried to acquire Chris Paul but the league denied it. They were “shopping” Andrew Bynum, but only for Dwight Howard. They ended up keeping Bynum and he had a very productive season. Despite having his best season of his career, Bynum might be on the move. But with his care-about-nothing attitude could probably care-less. So what could the Lakers get for him?
Follow paulmbanksTop 25 Toughest Players to Guard in the NBA: 5-1
It’s going to make me cry but this is the last installment of “Top 25 Toughest Players to Guard in the NBA. It has been a fun four day ride but, like all good things, it must come to an end. Today I unveil players 5-1. Here we go! (Tear, tear)
5. Chris Paul – Is there anything Paul can’t do? He is a magician with the ball, a fierce competitor, strong as hell, and super-talented. He might not be the biggest, quickest, or most explosive point guard; like Derrick Rose or Russell Westbrook, but this possesses all the intangibles that make him the toughest point guard to guard in the league. He can fend-off the bigger guards with his strength and blow-by them with his quickness. He is a clutch performer and brings a winning attitude everywhere he goes. He will keep coming at you all night long.
NBA Playoffs: Bad Officiating, Stars Getting “Treatment”
I have had it with NBA officials in the playoffs. The league is softening up to protect stars and I don’t like it one bit. It’s hard to watch a game when there are nearly 50 fouls called per game. The playoffs are about letting defensive players get away with more, not about giving the stars more “star treatment”. I understand that the NBA is a star-driven league. It’s easier to fire a coach than it is to trade a star player. But what I have seen so far has been ridiculous and I have a feeling that it’s only going to get worse.
Follow paulmbanks