Points of Interest

"Phife this, Phife that, where you going, where you at?"

Phife Dog - Butter

Yesterday Jorge Posada retired from the New York Yankees, after a a storied career which spanned 17-years in pinstripes. What was most intriguing, is that he played entirely with one club, and in this day something like that is as rare as it is admirable.

Change

The NBA is heating up, after a late post lock-out start. The complexity that is the National Basketball Association is always interesting, and now that the dust has settled...the talk of free-agency continues to loom large over a few teams. There are two names that keep owners, general managers, agents, and fans alike up at night...hoping, and praying that they can sign the likes of Deron Williams, or Dwight Howard.

Williams and Howard are the flavors of the month, and it won't stop until one or both of them are traded before the deadline in March. Deron Williams wants to stay with the Nets if they land Dwight Howard, and interestingly enough, Howard has New Jersey at the top of his list because of his former Olympic teammate Deron Williams. I see a theme here, nevertheless if nothing happens, which I highly doubt...they can sign with any franchise as free agents this summer.

As I stated at the outset it's extremely rare for an athlete to stay put for the duration of their career, no matter what the case in Orlando, if Dwight Howard stays or leaves...he became the all-time scoring leader for the franchise as of yesterday surpassing Nick Anderson.

Stay tuned sports fans, as this season will only bring more surprises.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Associated Press

The Talented Tenth

"Nine planets faithfully keepin' orbit...with a probable ten..."

Mos Def - Mathematics

The Nets have endured a season to remember...be it good or bad, this is one they will not soon forget.

Beginning to the End

Prior to this week many people wondered if the Nets would succumb to the pressures of failure, or make a decent run, and string together a few wins...well as of Monday, March 29th...the could of doubt would dissipate after a 90-84 win over the visiting Spurs.

The victory ensured that the franchise would finish the year with no less than 10 wins...one more than the lowly 1972-73 Philadelphia 76ers historically had a 9-73 record.

The question being asked now is where do they go from here...and I've covered a few Nets games this year...as they have some legit pieces that will return them back to respectability.

Like I always say and firmly believe...it's not how you start...it's how you finish.

Photo: Jesse D. Garrabrant

45 Kings

"Still ballin' in the mix..."

Slim Thug - Still Tippin'

The Mavericks defeated the hapless Nets 96-87...last night for their 45th win on the year and 13th in a row.

Major Figures

There is a saying that states: slow and steady wins the race, and if that is the case then the Dallas Mavericks are on pace to go deep into the upcoming playoffs. Since the trade for Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood, and DeShawn Stevenson...this squad has quietly gotten better, stronger, and faster.

Its never my practice to award a team or predict their future, however the Mavs are a legit threat to win it all. This group is better than the 2006 team that lost in the Finals to Miami...the reason is they are an experienced group of veterans featuring Jason Kidd, and Dirk Nowitzki, as they boast a solid bench with depth at numerous positions.

With injuries to Jason Terry, and Jose Juan Barea...others have stepped up like rookie Rodrigue Beaubois who is an all around talent...playing well at both ends of the floor.

Much has been made about Caron Butler and his preference to chew on McDonald's straws during games...however the bigger story is how the Mavs continue to win, putting the league's best teams on high alert.

There is a new kid on the block and if they are not given respect...they will gladly take it...and the win!

Photo: Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images

Prelude

Determination

"Well I can tell by your game...you're gonna start a flame..."

Ohio Players - Fire

A few weeks ago I covered the Cavaliers versus Nets game in the Meadowlands...and everyone in the world knows that I'm pro Kobe Bryant, however I walked away from that game with a new found respect for the man who would become KING.

By Any Means Necessary

The James Gang dismantled the Nets that night, and before entering the visitor's locker room...LeBron took a minute to catch up with Jay-Z, as it was interesting to see the true friendship and bond between the titans. 

Once the media availability started, I was happy to see fellow journalist, and fraternity brother Chris Broussard from ESPN the Magazine. He and I haven't seen each other in a while, and after catching up, I introduced him to the frat brothers we have in common on the Cavaliers...Lorenzen Wright, and Assistant Coach Melvin Hunt.

We spoke at length with Wright and Hunt, so much so that our opportunity to interview James had passed...but LeBron cares so much about his culture and heritage, that I honestly believe he gave Broussard and I the time to speak with him because he wants our people to work and stick together. None of us have anything against anyone else, it's just nice to see one of the top athletes in the world not only talk the talk, but walk it also.

LeBron is a friend, and the way he looks out for the African-American community, is a beautiful thing.