NBA Inside Scoop by Jasper King

[Dr. Jack]

NBA Inside Scoop
by Jasper King

What I am hearing?

I am hearing rumors of teams such as the Miami Heat, Ny Knicks and yes even the Chicago Bulls talking about a possible run at the playoffs.

The word around the NBA is that despite numerous injuries to their star player and a banged up roster that Lenny Wilkins will not survive February with the Raptors. The only one falling faster than the Toronto Raptors, maybe Vince Carter. Once compared to Michael Jordan, it seems Carters stock is falling fast. Believe it or not but the Cleveland Cavaliers turned down a chance to get Carter in a package for forward Darius Miles and center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. It appears that Jerry Krause and the Chicago Bulls are trying to put together a package to land shooting guard Wally Szczerbiak from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Phil Jackson has been bragging about the "easy" schedule the Lakers are facing in January and expects the Lakers to be right in the mix at the end of the month. Will someone please tell Jackson, that the Lakers are now one of those "easy" wins for opponents.

After Denver traded forward James Posey, Marcus Camby was quoted as saying, "Denver is just like New York and right now I am not sure if we are trying to win now or later". Camby must not remember all of the playoff games with the Knicks and I sure hope the plan is to win later because it's sure not happening now.

The New Jersey Nets improved to 5-0 against teams that has beaten them in the previous meeting and have a 16-2 record in the same situation the last two years. If that trend continues and the Nets get home court throughout the playoffs, New Jersey could find themselves winning the NBA Championship.

Don't get to excited Knicks fans. New York has five sets of back-to-back games in January. New York is 0-5 on the second set of back to back this year and the last three have seen the Knicks lose by a combined 56 points.

Things look bright for the Indiana Pacers who have cruised to a 23-10 record and have played an NBA high 14 of the last 19 on the road. Beginning Sunday the Pacers will play the next 12 of 16 at home.

Shaquille O'Neal is challenging Ben Wallace of the Detroit Pistons to play him one on one and O'Neal claims he'll score 30. Maybe O'Neal should focus on the Lakers winning a road game first.

Jasper King will be providing the Cappers Mall audience, the inside scoop around the NBA on a bi-weekly basis. Comments, questions and suggestions are always welcome.

[actionsportscentral]

How about Marcus Camby play in a game for Denver before he starts criticizing the organization & their direction? He is so worthless it's ridiculous. He's been hurt for about 4 years now, hasn't he?

[Jasper King]

Marcus Camby has been hurt for most of his NBA career. New York fans were upset when the trade was made, but most experts agreed it was a great trade. The Knicks have not seen the plus of that trade yet, but they will.

[Dr. Jack]

Jasper - See it's easy to post! lol

[TThrash]

Welcome aboard Jasper!!

Can you give us a rundown on your credentials? I am sure the folks want to know.

Thanks....appreciate the information!