Hoops Links

On this date in 2007, troubled forward Eddie Griffin died in a car crash in Houston.  The former Seton Hall star had more than three times the legal alcohol limit in his system when he crashed.  Griffin was drafted with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2001 draft, a testament to his talent and athleticism, but was never able to put it all together at the next level.

Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors?  Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.  Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…

• Six Championship Drive talks Greg Monroe and the qualifying offer.
• Indy Cornrows is glad to see Paul George‘s positive attitude.
• Red Rock Fantasy Basketball joined in on an industry mock draft.
• Pounding The Rock discusses Kawhi Leonard‘s next deal.
• Bullets Forever looks at how the Wizards can stop the Cavs.
• Welcome To Loud City examines OKC in a year from now.
• The Bird Writes discusses Omer Asik‘s defensive impact.

On this date in 1920, legendary Knicks coach Red Holzman was born in Brooklyn, New York.  From 1967 to 1982, Holzman manned the sidelines for the Knicks and helped lead them to two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.  Holzman’s lengthy stint as Knicks coach was interrupted only in 1977 when his former star pupil Willis Reed took over coaching duties, but he would return back to his rightful place on the bench near the start of the 1978/79 campaign.

Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors?  Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.  Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…

• Fully Clips explains how Sam Cassell helped the Clippers land Chris Paul.
• The Daily Dribble gives us their all-time Sonics/Thunder starting five.
• Indy Cornrows makes a plea on Paul George‘s behalf.
• Canis Hoopus says the Cavs and Wolves need to tread lightly.
• Bullets Forever looks back on a pivotal moment from this past season.
• Celtics Blog can wait for fireworks.

On this date in 1949, the Basketball Association of America (BAA) merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA.  The BAA included the Boston Celtics, Minneapolis Lakers (later Los Angeles Lakers), New York Knicks, Philadelphia Warriors (later Golden State Warriors), and the Rochester Royals (later Sacramento Kings). The NBL included the Syracuse Nationals (later Philadelphia 76ers) and the Tri-Cities Blackhawks (later Atlanta Hawks).

Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors?  Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.  Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…

• Red Rock Fantasy Basketball laments the Paul George injury.
• The Daily Dribble gives us their all-time Grizzlies starting five.
• Hot Hot Hoops looks at what George’s injury means for the Heat.
• SLC Dunk tries to figure out what the Jazz have in Rudy Gobert.
• Grizzly Bear Blues sizes up Quincy Pondexter.
• At The Hive looks at the Hornets’ offseason agenda between now and training camp.

On this date in 1993, Celtics star Reggie Lewis died after collapsing on a Brandeis University basketball court during practice. Lewis, who played six years for the C’s and earned an All-Star nod in 1991/92, was just 27 years old.

Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors?  Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.  Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…

• Red Rock Fantasy Basketball makes the case against Michael Carter-Williams.
• Six Championship Drive likes the Pistons’ signing of Jodie Meeks.
• Detroit Bad Boys pitches some Pistons-themed sitcoms.
• The Bird Writes talks corporate knowledge.
• Legion Report turns in their summer league notes.
• SLC Dunk looks at rookie head coaches.

On this date in 2000, Isiah Thomas was named head coach of the Pacers, replacing Larry Bird, who stepped down following the 1999-2000 NBA season. Thomas, then 39, was a 12-time All-Star and led the Pistons to two NBA championships and was the Finals MVP in 1990. He also led Indiana University to the NCAA championship in 1981. As with Bird, who was the 1997-98 NBA Coach of the Year, the Pacers’ job was Thomas’ first coaching experience.  Thomas coached the Pacers to three consecutive winning seasons, though each campaign ended with a first-round ouster.

Got a great basketball blog post that you want to see featured on Hoops Rumors?  Send it to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.  Here’s this week’s look around the basketball blogosphere…

• Six Championship Drive talks D.J. Augustin and Caron Butler.
• RotoWire looks at Lance Stephenson‘s fantasy value in Charlotte.
• FanDuel has seven ways LeBron James‘ return impacts the Cavs.
• There Is No Clutch has some thoughts on LeBron leaving Miami.
• The Starting Five says it’s business, not personal, for LeBron.
• Legion Report looks at more potential offseason moves for the Cavs.
• Red Rock Fantasy Basketball talks Trevor Ariza and more in this week’s podcast.
• Lakerholicz has six reasons why Carlos Boozer makes sense for L.A.
• The Daily Dribble gives us their all-time Lakers starting five.

Please send submissions for Hoops Links to Zach at HoopsLinks@gmail.com.