1. The Dr. Will Be In Shortly
If you’re a Miami Heat fan, then today is a big day. That’s because Dwyane Wade will receive the much anticipated second opinion on his left shoulder. After that, D-Wade will make his decision between beginning a straight rehab program or opting for a season ending surgery. Obviously, fans want Wade to return this year so that the Heat will have a shot at defending their title, but, in reality, it’s all about the dolla dolla bills, ya’ll. Just ask Pacman Jones. Like all athletes, health is Wade’s most valuable asset, so don’t be surprised when he decides to undergo the operation and leaves Shaq to carry on the hopes and dreams of an entire city. The Heat have moved past Orlando and now sit four games behind the division leading Wizards. But catching the Wiz isn’t going to be easy since they are expected to have their tremendous trio reunited on Friday as Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison both return from injuries.
2. What’s My Name!?!
LaMarcus Aldridge showed everyone why he was selected second overall in the draft. Last night, Aldridge scored a career-high 30 points as the Trailblazers utterly destroyed Charlotte, 127-90. By the end of the third quarter, Aldridge had already put in all of his points while helping Portland build a 37 point lead. His previous high of 18 was achieved in a pair of games against the Wizards and the Lakers last month. The 30 points marked the best offensive game by a Portland rookie in 22 years! But Aldridge wasn’t the only young gun on the Jailblazers to bitch slap the wretched Bobcats. Martell Webster came off the bench to score 20 points and Brandon Roy blew up for 14 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. While Aldridge still has a long way to go before he lives up to his high selection in the draft, it’s good for Portland to see a solid performance out of the franchise’s future; even if it is against Charlotte.
3. Jazz Hole
As the media blitz continues to rush at John Amaechi, he continues to answer the endless questions coming from reporters, and he continues to do so honestly. When on Fox Sports Radio, host Andrew Siciliano asked Amaechi if Utah coach Jerry Sloan is the worst coach he’s ever dealt with. At first, Amaechi took the high road — “No, he’s the best coach I’ve ever played for in terms of his technical ability.” Then John revealed his true feelings about the old-school ball coach. “And without a doubt, he’s the worst person I’ve ever met in my entire life, in terms of dealing with people.” At least nobody can accuse Amaechi of sugar coating the situation.
Thursday’s Player of the Day: Rashard Lewis vs. Los Angeles Clippers 45 min, 31 pts (FG: 10-19, 3FG: 2-5, FT: 9-10), 7 reb, 5 ast, 2 stl, 1 blk
Friday’s Game to Watch: Orlando (28-31) @ San Antonio (39-18) These two had quite a contest back on February 9 when Dwight Howard’s last second inbounds slam capped off an 18 point comeback as the Magic slipped past the Spurs, 106-104. But after losing four of five, San Antonio has ripped off a six game winning streak. Orlando desperately needs a victory as they have fallen to third in their division, five games behind Washington. The Magic have lost 17 of their last 23 games, but it’s not due to a lack of effort from their All-Star. In February, Howard averaged 23 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks per game, and threw down a couple of sick slams over All-Star weekend. Who knows, maybe Howard will “kiss the rim” on a breakaway during the game.
Buzzer Beater: Dennis Rodman is undergoing negotiations that would enable him to get back on the court this season. Where is the Worm heading, you ask. Maybe Dallas since the whole Reggie Miller talk fell through? Or Cleveland who was pursuing Scottie Pippen? The Lakers perhaps? Nope, Rodman is in talks with the ABA’s Rochester Razorsharks. If everything works out for Rochester, the eccentric rebounder would suit up as the team’s celebrity “13th Man” in one of the two final regular season home games which will be played on Tuesday and Thursday. But the Razorsharks might want to consider shying away from the term “celebrity” in their promotions. While Rodman is one of the best defensive players the NBA has ever seen, he is now joining local bar owner Moe Alaimo as the most recent “celebrities” to hoop it up with the defending league champions.
TMZ has learned the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident, which allegedly took place at Hennessy’s Tavern in Dana Point, near Laguna Beach. One source says the ex-basketball star allegedly slapped the woman’s rear so hard, it left a “major mark.”
