NBA News: Morning Link Dump – May 2
May 1, 2013; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale is congratulated by Rockets assistant coach Kelvin Sampson in action againsnt the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The Rockets defeated the Thunder 107-100. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Here are links to some of the hottest NBA related stories around the web today.
“Most obviously, when the Thunder were lining up around the three-point line, there was a distinct lack of the playoff-style pressure Russell Westbrook brought in the first two games.”
“There are a lot of things you can say about Kings fans; one thing you can’t say is we’re not loyal. Despite the Kings fielding a subpar product for the majority of their stay in Sacramento, we’ve managed to come out in droves.”
“The Celtics can make history and complete an unprecedented comeback, but only if certain trends continue. Here are the ifs for the scenario where New York completes the ultimate belly flop: the first-ever NBA loss after a 3-0 series advantage.”
“The Charlotte Bobcats will interview former Suns head coach Alvin Gentry next week for their vacant head coach job, according to league sources. The Bobcats will also interview longtime assistant coach Elston Turner, who was Gentry’s assistant in Phoenix before Gentry was fired early this season.”
“There, I said it. He’s fun. He’s goofy. He smiles. He’s engaging. He talks to you in the locker room before games, about lots of stuff, when most “stars” are buried in their Beats or iPads or simply avoiding the 45-minute open locker room period as if it’s Matt Bonner coming for a bear hug.”
“Hammond also promised a broad search, saying it won’t be limited to candidates with previous head coaching experience or defensive specialists.”
“Howard, who will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, was examined on Wednesday by Dr. James Tibone of the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Group.”
“In a move that should definitely work, CBS Chicago is launching a campaign encouraging fans to write “open letters” to injured Bulls star Derrick Rose asking him to return for the playoffs. Here’s the pitch:”
“There never has been a unanimous NBA MVP selection in the 56 years the award has been handed out. The closest anyone has come was when Los Angeles Lakers center Shaquille O’Neal received 120 out of 121 possible first-place votes from a media panel in 2000.”
“Before I start shoveling dirt on Josh Smith, Larry Drew and the Hawks, it’s worth mentioning that we’ve seen this before.”
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