Remembering the Last NBA Lockout

Odds are that there will be another NBA lockout this offseason. Previously, there have been three NBA lockouts. In 1995, a lockout lasted three months but did not cut into the regular season. In 1996, the lockout was very, very short - only a couple of hours. However, the third NBA lockout in 1998 was the first work stoppage in NBA history. It ended up cutting out nearly half the 1998-1999 season; the result was a 50-game regular season schedule played in 90 days. There were sequences where teams played 3 days in a row. That is otherwise unheard of in the NBA.

A meeting is scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday, June 30th) to further discuss NBA labor negotiations. Here's hoping to no lockout in 2011 or, at the very least, no lost regular season games in 2011-2012. Until then, here are some interesting story lines that were going on around the time when the NBA owners locked out NBA players in 1998. **Please be warned that some of the content is more mature in theme.**

> Choking Altercation & Suspension: During the 1997-1998 season, Latrell Sprewell served a 68-game season-ending suspension for his infamous choking altercation with then Golden State Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo. Sprewell had been an up-and-coming star at that point, while Carlesimo had much success coaching Seton Hall University's men's basketball team and moderate success coaching the Portland Trail Blazers. During a heated practice, Sprewell and Carlesimo got into a heated argument, leading to the incident. After the lockout ended, the Warriors traded Sprewell to the New York Knicks in a multiplayer trade that also included Knicks fan favorite John Starks. The Knicks would advance to the 1999 NBA Finals and fall at the hands of the San Antonio Spurs.

> Former NBA Jam Tag Team Scuffle: During a heated first round playoff series, former Charlotte Hornets star teammates Alonzo Mourning (Miami Heat) and Larry Johnson (Knicks) got into a skirmish, throwing more slaps than punches. As the two tried to grapple, Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy got into the mix, grasping onto Mourning's leg in hopes of stopping the fight.

> Second Three-Peat by the Bulls & End of an Era: In their final appearances with the team, icon Michael Jordan and coach Phil Jackson led the Chicago Bulls to their third consecutive NBA Championship and sixth NBA Championship in eight years. To close out the 1998 NBA Finals, Jordan again outmaneuvered rival defender Bryon Russell of the Utah Jazz and made a jump shot at the free throw line. With economics and the lockout affecting the team, Jordan went into his second retirement (later came back with the Washington Wizards in 2001), GM Jerry Krause pushed out Phil Jackson by not renewing his contract (Krause omitted longtime friend Jackson from his daughter's 1997 wedding but invited other Bulls' personnel)(Jackson went on to win his first of five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers starting in 1999-2000), Scottie Pippen was traded to the Houston Rockets to try and help Charles Barkley win a championship (traded to Blazers in 1999-2000 and lost to Jackson's Lakers in 2000 NBA Playoffs; returned to the Bulls briefly before retiring in 2004), and Dennis Rodman was released (later to join the Lakers and be released by them in 1999). Also, Steve Kerr was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in 1999 (winning two more championships), while Ron Harper was released before the 1999-2000 season (winning two more championships with Jackson and the Lakers).

> Carrying on/Passing on the Torch: In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal left the Orlando Magic to join the Los Angeles Lakers, while draft prospect Kobe Bryant refused to play for anyone in the NBA other than the Lakers. In 1997, the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Draft Lottery, allowing coach Gregg Popovich to pair #1 pick Tim Duncan with former #1 pick David Robinson. In 1999, Phil Jackson joined the Lakers. The duo of Shaq and Kobe (with coach Jackson) and the duo of Duncan and Robinson (with coach Popovich ) would follow the Bulls' six championships/Houston Rockets' (Hakeem Olajuwon/coach Rudy Tomjanovich) two championships in the previous 8 years by winning the next 5 NBA championships. Robinson retired in 2003, while O'Neal was traded by the Lakers in 2004 after a loss in the NBA Finals to the Detroit Pistons. Despite these moves and Jackson's temporary hiatus as coach of the Lakers (replaced by Tomjanovich), the Spurs and Lakers would win four championships in six years from 2004-2005 to 2009-2010. While O'Neal teamed with Dwyane Wade and coach Pat Riley to win a championship for the Miami Heat in 2006, Kobe and coach Jackson fell in the 2008 NBA Finals to the Boston Celtics. Adding Tomjanovich to the four players and two coaches, at least one of these players/coaches was involved in the NBA Finals for two decades (1991-2010).

> Where's Daddy?: Former Miami Heat intern Grant Wahl emerged as a successful writer for the magazine Sports Illustrated, gaining mass attention with his 1998 cover story entitled "Where's Daddy?". A number of NBA players were revealed to have multiple children out of wedlock with multiple mothers. Included in this was All-Star Shawn Kemp, who was rumored to have been battling alcoholism during the 1996 NBA Finals. Kemp would emerge from the lockout at least 40-50 pounds overweight.

Meanwhile, Corrie Bird appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, seeking to regain contact with estranged father Larry Bird. Bird and high school girlfriend Janet Condra had a brief marriage in 1976-1977, in which Corrie was conceived and born. Corrie's story later was covered by the ABC news program 20/20 and Sports Illustrated. Fortunately, the father-daughter relationship has improved over the past few years.

In 2000-2001, other news emerged about a scandal involving strippers and a handful of players, including former NBPA president and All-Star Patrick Ewing. The scandal ruined Ewing's marriage.

> Crossing the Lockout Lines: Coach Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers would headline the list of lockout violations, engaging in multiple practice sessions during the 1998 lockout. The move would benefit the team, as they would win the 2000 NBA Eastern Conference championship before falling at the hands of the Lakers in the 2000 NBA Finals. Bird stepped down as coach after the season.

Game 6 Preview: 2011 NBA Finals

The Dallas Mavericks are 1 win away from becoming the 2011 NBA Champions. However, the Miami Heat are 2 wins away, with Games 6 & 7 scheduled for play in South Beach. Look for some possible coaching strategies and tactics below.

Miami Heat: Erik Spoelstra

> LeBron James could run more point guard today. This could mean Mike Bibby comes off the bench today, with Mike Miller starting.

> If not, Mario Chalmers could start in place of Mike Bibby as well. Chalmers has played well overall in this series.

> James Jones should get time today. He can hit shots in bunches and plays well with James. He might also draw the defensive assignments of J.J. Barea, Jason Terry, and Jason Kidd.

> Udonis Haslem could also start today. Joel Anthony has done his job in logging minutes and covering players on defense, but otherwise he has not brought much to the table in this series. With him out, Zydrunas Ilgauskas could get time as the backup center, as he also plays well with James.

> Mario Chalmers could end up covering Jason Terry at the end of the game. This could shift LeBron James onto Kidd with Wade covering either Barea, Marion, or Stevenson depending on the Mavericks' end of game lineup. James has the ability to force a lot of turnovers on Kidd or at least neutralize Kidd's veteran 3-point shooting.


Dallas Mavericks: Rick Carlisle

> Keep the switch with J.J. Barea in the starting lineup and DeShawn Stevenson coming off the bench. If the Heat do run with Bibby off the bench, then they may need to put Stevenson or Stojakovic in to handle Miller.

> Continue to run plays with Jason Terry at the top of the 3-point arc. His presence at the top of the arc helps him to create space and neutralize the impact of double-teaming by James and the Heat.

> Keep Brian Cardinal in the rotation, even if Brendan Haywood is back in the rotation. Haywood is dealing with a nagging injury, while Cardinal brings versatility as a hardworking defender, good pick setter, and streaky jump shooter. If Haywood needs to stay inactive, then Ian Mahinmi should get some minutes as well, as he played well enough in Game 5 to warrant another look.

> Get Peja Stojakovic back in play. Although he has not yet earned his stripes in the playoffs, he also has not sat out and observed from the bench as he has in this series. He might bring a hot shooting touch into the lineup to close out this NBA Championship run for Dallas.

> Run the pick and roll with Kidd, Barea, and Terry at the point and Chandler, Haywood, Nowitzki, Cardinal, and Marion as the post player. The Heat defense prides itself on eliminating the opposition's movement; the key for the Mavericks is to keep the flow going on offense and avoid isolation sets unless the situation warrants it.

Dirk Yes, LeBron No?: 2011 NBA Championship

In 2007, ABC queued up "It Ends Tonight" by The All-American Rejects early in Game 4 of the 2007 NBA Finals. This was the game where the San Antonio Spurs finished a four-game sweep of the Cavs. This was also the same game where Eric Snow tried to will the team to victory in between the 3rd and 4th quarters with a memorable speech.

In 2009, TNT queued up "It's Not My Time" by 3 Doors Down early in Game 5 of the 2009 NBA Eastern Conference Finals. In this game, the Cavaliers cut a 3-1 series deficit to 3-2. Then, they went down hard, falling behind early in Game 6. Delonte West tried to carry the team on his back, but it was not enough.

In 2011, what song will they queue up for Game 6 of the 2011 NBA Finals? Will LeBron James have proven that his South Beach rant ("Not one, not two, not three, not four. Not five, not six, not seven.") actually meant eight points and zero championships? Perhaps the song will be "Superstar" by Lupe Fiasco featuring Matthew Santos.

Let's go Cavs! Let's go Mavs! Let's go Cavs for Mavs!

2011 NBA Finals, Game 5 Preview

With the series tied 2-2, both head coaches--Rick Carlisle and Erik Spoelstra--and their staffs will do whatever they can to help their team gain an advantage in the pivotal Game 5 tonight. Here are some observations.

Dallas Mavericks

Positives from Game 4

• DeShawn Stevenson transitioned nicely onto the Mavericks bench. On offense, Stevenson filled the void caused by Peja Stojakovic's recent slump. On defense, Stevenson served as Shawn Marion's backup in guarding LeBron James--again a void that Stojakovic and others could not fill in the first 3 games. Stevenson and Marion led the way in giving James multiple looks, angles, and pressures on defense.


• In turn, J.J. Barea fit in nicely in the Mavericks starting lineup. Rather than continuing to struggle in his matchup with Mario Chalmers, Barea was matched up with Mike Bibby, who no longer has the quickness like Chalmers to shut down Barea.


• Brian Cardinal made a valiant effort in filling some of the minutes that Brendan Haywood was unable to play on Tuesday night. While Cardinal looked rusty, he stayed active while on the court.


• Jason Terry had a solid 4th quarter. It appears that Coach Carlisle was able to get Terry set up at the top of the 3-point arc and from the wing rather than just in the corner. As a result, LeBron James lost his favorable wingspan advantage and trapping capabilities that he and his teammates were using in the previous 3 games to slow down Terry.


• Tyson Chandler had a fantastic game at center in Game 4. His physical play helped the Mavericks keep an even battle with offensive rebounds and also put more pressure on the Heat offense and defense to make plays to stop him.


• Shawn Marion also scored nicely in Game 4. He did well with having strong ballhandling guards in at all times.

Adjustments

• With Nowitzki feeling better, look for him to dominate the ball from the high and low post today. As he feels more comfortable taking shots, he opens up shots for Jason Kidd, DeShawn Stevenson, and Peja Stojakovic.


• If James Jones plays for the Heat, Peja Stojakovic will likely get some time guarding him. His height is something that Jones has not faced much this season at the guard position.


• The team will have to be careful with how they use Tyson Chandler in Game 5. With Brendan Haywood battling injury problems, Cardinal and Nowitzki become the primary backups for Chandler. An alternate play would be Ian Mahinmi, who could match up well with Joel Anthony and may be worth testing on Bosh and Haslem.


• With Haywood out, Cardinal may also become a useful pick and roll play with Barea, Terry, and Kidd.

Miami Heat

Positives from Game 4

• Dwyane Wade was well prepared to carry the offensive load for the Heat. Aside from a couple shaky plays down the stretch, he continued to score at will. Furthermore, he made his presence felt on defense, blocking a dunk attempt by Tyson Chandler in crunch time.


• Chris Bosh kept a smooth offensive touch in also scoring well in Game 4. He and Udonis Haslem have actually caused more matchup problems for the Mavericks than Wade and LeBron James have caused.


• Miami had control of the majority of the game, much like the first 3 games. The ability of Dallas to continue making comebacks every game may come into question in Game 5.


• Mario Chalmers had 6 assists off the bench on Tuesday night. He also had 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Whether or not he is scoring, he is staying engaged in games.


• The bench players all had positive +/- ratios. They are filling in nicely in relief of the Heat starters.

Adjustments

• LeBron James needs to get re-engaged in the series. Look for more pick and roll and spot-up shooting opportunities for him. If Haslem and Howard are not able to run the pick and roll, Zydrunas Ilgauskas--if placed on the active roster--can provide a familiar look for James to get more comfortable. Likewise, the Heat should consider mixing in the sharpshooting of James Jones. His ability to stretch the Mavericks defense may also open things back up for James to make powerful drives to the basket, also giving Jones open looks from the 3-point arc.


• Despite having a decent Game 4, Joel Anthony will likely see a cut in his minutes. Taking him out of play gives more time to Mike Miller and Udonis Haslem and also possibly James Jones and Zydrunas Ilgauskas. This also gives Coach Spoelstra the consideration to use LeBron James at center, a la Magic Johnson.


• A possible alternate play tonight to also help James is to have him handling the ball early with some picks set by Mike Bibby. Bibby can then slip or curl out to set up for midrange jumpers and 3-point shots.


• On defense, look for the Heat to make Jason Kidd and Shawn Marion carry more of the offensive load. Both players have scoring potential but also are past their primes.

Game 4: Heat at Mavericks

The Miami Heat pulled out an 88-86 victory in Dallas in Game 3 to take a 2-1 advantage over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals. Word is that Dirk Nowitzki, among others, has already referred to Game 4 as a "must win game". Here are some keys on both sides to pulling out a Game 4 victory.

Miami Heat

• Feed Wade the ball


• Keep Haslem out of foul trouble


• Continue to put James on Terry and Haslem on Nowitzki down the stretch


• Continue forcing turnovers and scoring points off turnovers and aim to take the Dallas crowd out of the game


• Do not let Barea or Stojakovic catch fire - neither has done so yet in this series

Dallas Mavericks

• Make minor lineup changes - as of a couple hours before gametime, it appears that Barea will be starting at guard in place of Stevenson


• Consider Brewer or Cardinal as a change of pace substitute - especially if Stojakovic struggles or Haslem dominates the paint


• Get Terry the ball at the middle of the court/wings as opposed to the corners


• Utilize Kidd's consistent spot-up shooting and passing ability, giving Terry, Stevenson, Barea, Stojakovic, Nowitzki, and Marion open jump shot or clean inside looks on cuts from Kidd passing from the wing


• Make Bosh dominate the ball and convince him to take midrange jumpers off the dribble


• Send a blind side defender on James when he drives to the hoop


• Consider having Stevenson covering James more with Marion on Wade and Haslem in certain situations down the stretch

Game 2 2011 NBA Finals - Dallas Mavericks Possible Adjustments

More Likely Adjustments

• Jason Kidd to spend more time guarding Dwyane Wade


• Tyson Chandler and Brendan Haywood to play some time together to help neutralize rebounding of Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony, and Juwan Howard


• Use Peja Stojakovic to help give rest to Dirk Nowitzki


• More usage of zone defense

Less Likely Adjustments

• Play with smaller lineups - Dirk Nowitzki at Center; Jason Kidd and J.J. Barea playing at the same time


• Put in Brian Cardinal - have him play physical defense, use fouls on Chris Bosh and LeBron James


• Use Corey Brewer if J.J. Barea and Peja Stojakovic continue to struggle


• Have Jason Terry and Shawn Marion run some plays to free up Jason Kidd and keep him out of traps set by LeBron James and other Heat players

News Clips

• Shaquille O'Neal announced his retirement yesterday.


• Mike Brown is in as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.


• Kevin McHale is in as Head Coach of the Houston Rockets.


• Jay Triano has been relieved of his duties as Head Coach of the Toronto Raptors.


• Ricky Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves appear to have reached a contract agreement in order to allow the 2009 NBA Draft pick to leave Europe and join the team next season.


• The NBA had a collective bargaining meeting yesterday for Commissioner David Stern, owners, and players. Last week, NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter and the NBPA had filed an unfair labor complaint against the NBA's approach to labor negotiations over the past year, hoping to prevent a lockout from occurring again this offseason.