Apr 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (12) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs in game four of the first round of the 2013 NBA playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

I am really hoping that this summer can be a Dwight Howard drama-free offseason.  While he is going to be the most coveted free agent, we could be in for a long, waiting game for Howard to make his ultimate decision.

According to ESPN, Howard was one of several players who had an extended separate meeting with GM Mitch Kupchak after his exit interview with the team.  The conversation was centered on his frustrations with head coach Mike D’Antoni, as Howard has said that he felt marginalized and misused, specifically in regards to D’Antoni favoring to Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash for leadership and suggestions throughout the season, and discounting Howard.

This comes after Kupchak stated that he was “hopeful” and “optimistic” that Howard would be back with the Lakers for next season and beyond, but there have been several developments that could impact his decision.

The Lakers have announced that D’Antoni will not retain assistant coach Chuck Person, who the Lakers brought in this season to be Howard’s confidant.  Also, assistant coach Steve Clifford, who was with Howard for five seasons in Orlando, has become a head coaching candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Bobcats.  Howard has the closest relationship with the two assistants.

This could dramatically impact Howard’s choice, and make signing with the Houston Rockets a more likely scenario.  The Rockets are considered a top choice for the perennial all-star according to multiple reports.

There are a number of reasons why Houston is a top choice for Howard, most notably the fact that there are no state income taxes in Texas, the Rockets’ young core led by James Harden, and his relationship with Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon from working out with him two summers ago.

The Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks reportedly are the other suitors.  Whatever the case may be, get ready for another season of the Dwight Howard-saga this summer.

Jan 4, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Houston Rockets assistant coach Chris Finch (right) talks with player Jeremy Lin as their team plays the Milwaukee Bucks at the Bradley Center. Houston defeated Milwaukee 115-101. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports

According to reports, the Philadelphia 76ers are rumored to target Houston Rockets assistant coaches Chris Finch and Kelvin Sampson as their top candidates to be their next head coach.  This comes as no surprise considering new general manager’s Sam Hinkie’s background with Houston.

Sampson is also currently a candidate for the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons head coaching positions, along with another Rockets assistant coach, J.B. Bickerstaff.

Finch, 43, played in the British Basketball League in the early 1990’s, before earning his first head coaching job with the Sheffield Sharks, and was named the BBL Coach of the Year in the 1998-’99 season.   He began coaching in the states in 2009, when he was named as head coach of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, and was named D-League Coach of the Year in the 2009-2010 season.  Finch has been touted by some in the Rockets organization as a potential successor to current coach Kevin McHale.

Three of the four assistants on the current staff have all emerged as head coaching candidates, and it’s a possibility that Sampson, Bickerstaff, and Finch can all be on the bench as a head coach for some team next season.

May 3, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Vinny Del Negro looks on from the bench against the Memphis Grizzlies in game six of the first round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at FedEx Forum. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 118-105. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

The Los Angeles Clippers have announced that they will not renew the contract for head coach Vinny Del Negro.  This comes after the Clippers disappointing first round loss to the Memphis Grizzlies three weeks ago.

After Los Angeles won the first two games of the series, they dropped four in a row, and looked like a completely different, dysfunctional team from the squad that won 56 games in the regular season.

Del Negro was hired by the Clippers in July 2010 after two years as head coach of the Chicago Bulls.  After two 41-41 playoff seasons in Chicago, Del Negro coached the Clippers to their first division title this season.

While the Clippers have seen success in the last two seasons, there had been plenty of tensions between Del Negro and some of the players in the locker room, mostly stemming from playing time. The latest altercation came in April, when reports surfaced that a few of the Clippers players had been feuding with the coaching staff about playing time.

As one of the most talented teams, and one of the deepest teams in the league, it’ll be interesting to see which direction the organization goes.  They have to figure out what they want to do with Chris Paul, and if they want to continue to stack their roster with talented veterans.

June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; Anthony Davis (Kentucky), right, is introduced as the number one overall pick to the New Orleans Hornets by NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

It’s that time of the year again, when 14 NBA teams’ offseason plans begin with the drop of one ping-pong ball.  The 2013 Draft Lottery is set for Tuesday evening at 8:30 PM EST(7:30 CST) on ESPN.

The Orlando Magic have the highest chance of winning the number one pick, at 25 percent, but history has shown that the team with the highest chance of getting the first pick, might not even end up with a top 3 pick.

Ironically, the last time the team with the worst record (and best chance of winning) who won the lottery was the Magic in 2004, and selected Dwight Howard.

This year’s draft field may be one of the weakest in several years.  Kentucky big man Nerlens Noel has been universally considered as the number one selection, even though he has been recovering from an ACL injury.  Kansas guard Ben McLemore, Georgetown forward Otto Porter, Victor Oladipo of Indiana, and Michigan guard Trey Burke are all also atop the draft class.

Each of the 14 lottery teams will be assigned four-number combinations based on their record with 1,000 possible. Teams with the most likely odds to win the first overall pick will have more potential combinations assigned to that pick. For example, the Magic and their 25 percent shot at winning will own 250 of the lottery combinations for the first pick.

The first through third picks will be selected by the lottery system, and the remaining 11 lottery teams will follow in order of their records and any previously-decided tiebreakers.

April 17, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (15) drives past Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Reports came out over the weekend that the Charlotte Bobcats franchise was preparing to begin the process of changing their nickname from the Bobcats back to the Hornets. Now, a source close to the team said Charlotte will make the announcement official Tuesday.

Team owner Michael Jordan will detail the timetable for the change at a press conference Tuesday, and NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver has stated that any name change would take 18 months to process.  If that rule holds up, it means Charlotte would have to wait until the 2014-2015 season to be the Hornets.

Silver said in April that, Silver said in an April interview if the Bobcats decided to change their name to the Hornets it would be “an enormously complex process and a very expensive process for the team. From everything to the uniforms, to the building, to the letterhead to the signs on the offices — all of that has to be taken into account.”

While he didn’t say how much the change would cost, Silver did say the fact that the league owns the rights to the name Hornets could help speed up the transition process.

The Bobcats have been a doormat of the NBA since the franchise started in 2004.  They have only recorded just one playoff appearance in nine seasons, in 2010, when they got swept by the Orlando Magic in the first round.

The Hornets were in Charlotte from 1988-2002, and at one point, were one of the most popular teams in the NBA, even with their lack of playoff success over the years.  In the 1990’s, the franchise had a sellout streak of 364 games.

May 19, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) drives to the basket during the second quarter as Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) defends in game one of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at AT

San Antonio Spurs 105 Memphis Grizzlies 83

 How San Antonio Won: For the eighth time in the last 15 years, the Spurs are in the Western Conference Finals and cruised for much of the game.  After San Antonio initially burst out to a 17 point lead in the first quarter, the Grizzlies would climb back to a 6 point deficit.  The Spurs then cruised in the fourth quarter and stretched the lead to 21 and closing the win.

Tony Parker lead the way with 20 points and 9 assists, but San Antonio got contributions from their surrounding cast.  Kawhi Leonard scored 18 points and Danny Green added 16 points.  Matt Bonner made four three-pointers off the bench, while Gary Neal chipped in with 11 points.

The Spurs three-point shooting was one of the main reasons they were able to control the opening game.  They shot a franchise-playoff best 14 for 29 (48 percent) for the game, while the Grizzlies made just 5 three-pointers.

 How Memphis Lost: It’s easy to point the finger at Zach Randolph, who finished with just 2 points and 7 rebounds, but the Grizzlies defense was next to non-existent for most of the game.  The Spurs perimeter players, primarily Parker and Manu Ginobili, were able to drive the lanes at ease, opening up the three-point shooting.  The NBA’s number 1 ranked defense seemed exposed against a team that spreads everyone out on offense and focuses primarily on ball movement.  Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Grizzlies were able to shift their entire defense in the direction of Kevin Durant, but they won’t be able to just key in on any one player in this round.

 Marc Gasol lead the way with 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Mike Conley added 14 points and 8 assists.  Quincy Pondexter scored 17 points off the bench.

 It Was Over When:   After a Jerryd Bayless steal and dunk with under 4 minutes left in the third quarter cut the Spurs lead to 62-56, Ginobili hit a three on the next possession, which helped spark an 11-1 run that pushed the lead to 16.

 Quote of the Night: “I can promise you this: Nobody’s happy in our locker room, because we were up 2-0 (in the West finals) last year and we lost, it’s just one game. It means nothing. We still have a long way to go.” – Tony Parker

Box Score:

May 18, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA;Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert (55) goes to the basket against the New York Knicks in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Indiana Pacers 106 New York Knicks 99

How Indiana Won: The second ranked defense in the NBA this season didn’t show up for most of the game, but when it mattered the most, the Pacers were able to grind it out on defense.

With the Knicks up 92-90 with five minutes remaining, Carmelo Anthony drove the lane and went up for a dunk, only to have it blocked by Roy Hibbert, which lead to a Lance Stephenson layup.  The Pacers then went on an 11-2 and sealed the win.

 Paul George scored 23 points for the Pacers, while Hibbert added 21 points and 12 rebounds.  But the biggest contribution came from Stephenson, who finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds.  Indiana also dominated in the paint, having a 52-20 edge in points in the paint, and a 12-0 advantage in points in the paint.

The Pacers will be heading to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2004, when they lost to the eventual champions Detroit Pistons.

 How New York Lost: The Knicks played their hearts out, but just didn’t execute down the stretch.  Although New York shot just 40 percent from the field, they shot 13 for 30(43 percent) from the three-point line that helped keep them in the game.

Anthony led the way with 39 points and 9 rebounds, while Iman Shumpert added 19 points including making five three-pointers.  J.R. Smith scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds off the bench.

But the achilles heel for the Knicks this season will be the last five minutes of the game.  They shot just 2 of 6, committed 3 turnovers, and was outscored 16-7.

 It Was Over When: After Hibbert’s block on Anthony led to a Stephenson basket that tied the game, Anthony turned the ball over the next two Knicks possessions, the latter leading to a Stephenson 3-point play.  Of the 11-2 run, Stephenson scored 7 of the Pacers points.

 Quote of the Game:  “That’s why they pay me the big bucks this summer, so I have to protect the paint, all else fails, meaning the offense, I have to protect the paint.” 

-Roy Hibbert

Box Score:

April 17, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Kemba Walker (15) drives to the basket as he is defended by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 105-98. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

CBSSports.com has reported that the Charlotte Bobcats have started the process of changing their name back to the Charlotte Hornets.  While there is no timetable for how long the process will take, NBA commissioner-in-waiting Adam Silver has said that the name change would take 18 months.

The Charlotte franchise started as the Hornets in 1988 through 2002 when the franchise moved to New Orleans.  The Bobcats franchise began its expansion season in 2004 and has made only one playoff appearance in nine seasons.  Owner Michael Jordan said in February that the franchise was conducting research to see how fans would react about reverting back to the original name.

It sure would be interesting to see if this goes through.  The Hornets logos and jerseys became highly fashionable in the early 1990′s.  Not only was the mix of teal, purple, and white unique, but the Hornets were one of the first teams to have pinstripes on their jerseys, which started a fashion trend that other NBA teams would use.

The Bobcats at this point have a solid bunch of young talent, but it seems like we’ve said that about them year after year.  The name change can cause for a lot of excitement in a franchise that has been relatively doormat since the days of Baron Davis, David Wesley, and Jamal Mashburn in the early 2000s.

Apr 12, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan (21) takes a shot over Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (right) during the second half at the AT

The storylines of the Western Conference Finals will have basketball fans on the edge of their seats. The San Antonio Spurs verses the Memphis Grizzlies. The experience of Tony Parker verses the youth of Mike Conley Jr. The extent to which well-coached team can manage the game and execute their plan to perfection.

But the storyline that only real basketball fans are going to truly appreciate is that of the defensive battle about to take place. Both of these teams are preparing for war. These are two tough-minded, defensive oriented teams that are ready for a tussle.

Tim Duncan and Tiago Splitter have already proven they can manage the toughness and size of some of the best bigs in the league. Duncan and his partner-in-the-post resorted to their sound fundamentals to help the Spurs sweep Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and the Los Angeles Lakers. After a test of the undersized, not under-hearted, Golden State Warriors, the Spurs will again face size and physicality from two of the best big men in the game.

When it comes to toughness of duos, Grizzlies big men Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol are the cream of the crop. Nobody in the NBA loves to bump, grind, push and shove as much as these two do. Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers can attest to that. Griffin was bumped by Randolph up and down the court for six games during the first round of this year’s playoffs. Meanwhile Gasol won this season’s Defensive Player of the Year award.

The Grizzlies had statistically the best defense in the NBA during the regular season, only allowing 89.3 points per game. The Spurs have experienced toughness though, that can only come from Duncan’s four NBA Championship rings. A brawl is definitely in order.

The two teams split their four matchups during the regular season, but those games a tough gage of how this series may play out. Rudy Gay played for the Grizzlies during the first three before Tayshaun Prince was brought in as a, believe it or not, defensive upgrade. Memphis won the only contest in the post-Rudy Gay era 92-90 when Conley Jr. made a lay-up with 0.6 seconds left on the clock. The Spurs played that game without Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and Kawhi Leonard.

Duncan, however, averaged 19.7 points against Memphis this season while neither Gasol nor Randolph averaged above 15 points against Spurs.

This upcoming battle between two of the toughest frontcourts in the NBA will be a heavyweight bout for the ages. While these divisional foes respect each other, they certainly are ready to wage a grind-it-out war. Tip-off for Game 1 is set for 2:30 CST.

May 15, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls small forward Jimmy Butler (21) defends during the second half in game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Miami Heat won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

There’s no question that all the talk of the Houston Rockets offseason priorities are aimed at Dwight Howard.  But early reports have pointed towards Howard staying with the Los Angeles Lakers.  If that’s the case, then the Rockets don’t have too many options with big men.

The only other viable free agent options would be Josh Smith, Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson, and Andrew Bynum.  Smith is the most talented player out of the bunch, but will demand a maximum contract.  While he would fit in perfectly with the Rockets as the power forward with his defense, versatility, athleticism, and rebounding, his inconsistencies throughout his career makes it a huge risk to sign Smith to that level of money.

Millsap could be a safer choice, and the Rockets can sign him to a shorter-term contract, but I’m not sure how much better of a player he is at this point than what Greg Smith, Terrence Jones, or Donatas Motiejunas can turn out to be.  Jefferson would be a horrible fit for the Rockets because of his lack of defense, and the Rockets front office most likely will not want to roll the dice by bringing in Bynum.

With Houston not owning a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, the Rockets really can save their salary cap space for next summer.  That’s when Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, and Carmelo Anthony all will have options to become free agents.  Beyond them, Pau Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, Danny Granger, Luol Deng, and Paul Pierce.

It might also make more sense financially as the Rockets need to re-sign Chandler Parsons soon to a fair deal (two years remaining for a combined $2 million). Both Omer Asik and Jeremy Lin will also have their contracts set to expire the following season as well.

In both cases, the Rockets are in a good place.  Houston has no need to commit to a questionable player such as Smith, Millsap or Bynum out of desperation this summer. The Rockets have the luxury of surveying their options and seeing what makes sense for them this offseason, all while being able to save their decisions until next offseason.