NBA News from FanSided: LeBron James and the Dunk Contest, Crawford to Griffin, Derrick Rose almost ready, and More!

Another week with another bunch of NBA news to cover.

Let’s start off with the Miami Heat. They are currently winners of 16 straight as they head into tonight’s game vs the Sixers, who have lost their last 10 of 11. This current winning streak is the longest in franchise history. The Heat blew a big lead and almost lost the game vs the Magic but LeBron James did his thing. Check out the video of the game winning layup by James.

Now to probably bigger news. While Derrick Rose has been cleared to play by his doctors, Rose himself isn’t quite ready to take the court. The biggest quote is him saying he wants to be able to dunk off his left foot. Injuries like this take a while to recover from. Not just physical, but mental too. Again, his body is ready. But, I guess he’s still not comfortable yet to step out into the court. And that’s fine. Besides, there really is no rush bringing him back since his return wouldn’t really spur a run for the championship. Take your time, Derrick. Some folks have said that he’s not interested in playing basketball. I don’t follow Rose enough for me to say I know but I always saw Rose as a fierce competitor and I think he’s been itching to get back on the court. But, he also wants to be able to dominate. I guess if he feels he’s not ready we really just have to sit back and respect his decision.

Former Sixer Maalik Wayns was signed to a 10 day contract with the Clippers. He really loves his Red, White, and Blue. Wayns served as the Sixers backup “PG” early this season but was let go just before his contract was guaranteed.

In other Clippers news, Jamal Crawford and Blake Griffin put on a show for Lob City and I gotta say it was actually impressive. Jamal tossed up a pass for a Blake slam. It sounds like a regular play but no. Crawford jumped and put the ball between his legs and then tossed to Blake who did a windmill slam. Oh yeah, Crawford did all that in one jump. Check it.

Marcin Gortat of the Suns is out for at leas the rest of March. 3-4 weeks on the sidelines for a sprained right foot. Marcin himself doesn’t think he’ll play for the Suns again this season. I wouldn’t mind the Sixers going after him. Anybody.

Rockets think their GM is doing a good job and have extended him for 4 years. Daryl Morey has done a great job rebuilding the Rockets after losing Yao Ming, their franchise star, to an early career ending injury. The Rockets were never terrible during this time and yet have gathered a lot of talent. Young talent. Could use him on the Sixers.

Baron Davis is making a move to television as a host of a TV show. The show is basically about style from NBA players, musicians, celebrities, etc. He suffered a torn ACL (lots of players tore their ACL in that lockout season). I’m sure he’ll be a good host.

There was some low blow (literally) in the Thunder-Clippers. Serge Ibaka punched Blake Griffin in the “groin”. As a guy, I felt that. Ibaka was fined $25,000 and was not suspended. Video and more info here. In the video, it doesn’t seem as intentional but any time you are able to ball up your fist and land into another man’s “groin” there was probably some awareness going on there.

Now for some “stupid” news. Magic Johnson is leading a charge to get LeBron James in the dunk contest. He wants him there so bad he’s offered James 1 million dollars. Why? Well, the dunk contest has been pretty bland in recent years. I swear the last good one was in 2006 but that’s my opinion. Anyway, I guess James is supposed to save the contest. I’ll admit, when James dunks inside the games, he’s filthy. No mercy. You will be hurt. Kevin Durant offered some cash too. Why are we throwing money to one of the highest paid players/people in North America? Leave the man alone, I say. I guess they want yet another thing to compare him to MJ for.

Tony Parker is hurt and will be out for 4 weeks. This injury happened on the 2nd of this month so he’s got 3 more weeks to basically. Can the Spurs hang on? Yes. Will Parker, who was drawing some MVP praise be able to jump right back into the fire come playoff time which happens shortly after he should be ready to play again? I don’t know. We’ll see.

And lastly, Brandon Roy returned to Portland for the first time since his mini retirement and then joining the T-Wolves. Portland welcomed him back with open arms. Between Oden and Roy, it’s been a tough lost promise for the Blazers.