Heard It Through the Grapevine

Posted by Rob Mahoney on May 12, 2010 under The Grapevine |

• The Nets’ honeymoon with Devin Harris is long since over, and they could be looking to trade him in anticipation of nabbing the #1 overall pick in the draft. This is more of an indication of John Wall’s value than it is Devin’s, but it’s interesting to see the way things have turned since the trade in 2008.
• Brendan Haywood, on the difference in professionalism between Dallas and Washington (via Dan Steinberg of D.C. Sports Bog): “Um, yeah, it was very obvious. It was very obvious. They had established the way things were done around there, and you were forced to basically adhere to a certain standard. We came from D.C., and that wasn’t always enforced. In Dallas, it was something totally different, and we liked it. Just look at the structure, how things were done, the no-nonsense attitude and just how everybody got along and the family atmosphere. There was no agendas. That was something totally different for us.”
• Fun times with Mark Cuban, Ross Perot Jr., and law suits. As is usually the case with the off-court issues, I’m staying away from this one.
• Dirk talks about Germany and the World Cup (via Tas Melas).
• The French national team has some interest in Rodrigue Beaubois. It’s no secret that Mark Cuban isn’t fond of Dirk risking his health playing for the German team over the summer, and should Beaubois become the long-time Mav many want him to be, he’ll give Cuban headaches for another decade or so if he decides to play for France.
• Late linking these, but so, so worth it: Trey Kerby of Ball Don’t Lie presents the Most Bloggable NBA Photos. Mav appearances at #14, #9, #6 (former), and #2. Make sure to check out all of the selections though. Priceless.
• The Texas Legends are hosting a few promo events in Carrollton and Plano, for those in the burbs.
• Shaquille O’Neal to Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated: “‘I still don’t know how we won that championship [in 2006]. F—— partied every night in Miami.’”
• I respect Eddie Sefko’s wondering aloud whether or not the Mavs helped to end the Spurs’ playoff run, but I just don’t see it. I saw a San Antonio team that struggled to cover the Suns and couldn’t quite compensate for the pressure on Manu Ginobili, and that has nothing to do with the Mavs. It’s all on the Spurs for their inability to execute, and the Suns for playing a terrific, terrific series.
• ADDED: Mike Prada of Bullets Forever reviews Quinton Ross’ season as a Wizard, a personal favorite of mine whose jersey will undoubtedly hang in the AAC rafters someday.