Saturday Slam: Should the Golden State Warriors be resting their players?

     The Golden State Warriors have had the #1 seed in the Western Conference locked up for a while and the #1 overall seed in the league for at least the past week. Still, despite having nothing to play for until the playoffs, the Warriors continue to play each game like it's a playoff game. In Saturday's win against the Timberwolves, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson both played over 35 minutes and Andre Iguodala played 30 minutes. As for Thursday's win over the Trail Blazers, Curry and Thompson also played north of 35 minutes each.

    While I understand the importance of having your team maintain momentum going into the playoffs, one does have to wonder whether or not Steve Kerr is playing his star players too much down the stretch. With less than two minutes to go in their game against the Timberwolves, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson were both still on the floor, and as I saw that, the only thing I could think was "Why are they still playing?" They've played more than enough minutes to get into a rhythm and now all that can happen is something bad. Even if the odds are remote that something bad happens, why risk it? Why risk all the hard work you've done by having those guys play the final two minutes of a meaningless game?

     To be fair, Stephen Curry has sat out the entire 4th quarter of 16 games this year, so it isn't like Kerr doesn't think about resting his guys. But what I don't understand is why he wouldn't be resting them in games like tonight against the Timberwolves or at the very least have them on a 24 minutes restriction. I don't care what excuses you make, 35+ minutes is too many minutes for those guys to be playing in a meaningless game against the Timberwolves.

     It's not even about the risk of injury. It's about keeping them rested and mentally charged for the playoffs. Fatigue is a huge factor in the NBA playoffs, and I'm more concerned about Curry and Thompson getting fatigued in the playoffs than I am about them getting hurt.

     One could certainly reply to me and say "So what? These guys are young. Does an extra 10 minutes per game really affect them?" My reply to this response would be that perhaps it really does affect them more than we think. The risk of injury certainly goes up and they certainly get a little more tired. Either way, I'm surprised more people aren't questioning Steve Kerr for not letting off the gas a little bit.

     Perhaps he will rest them on Monday night against the Grizzlies and in their season finale, but even if he does, it doesn't justify the way he has allocated his minutes in these past couple of games. Even the most fit of athletes can benefit from a little time off and if there is any group of athletes who deserve a little time off, it's the guys playing for the Golden State Warriors.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news 

Wednesday Windmill: Regardless of record, the Spurs should be favored to win the NBA title

     The San Antonio Spurs have now won nine straight games and only are half a game back of the #3 seeded Houston Rockets. While the Golden State Warriors have rightfully stolen the show for the regular season, the San Antonio Spurs appear poised to steal the show in the playoffs and repeat as NBA champions.

     What is especially alarming about their winning streak is that they've beaten some really good teams and in the process gained some serious ground in the standings. The Spurs have beaten the Thunder, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Warriors, and Rockets over these last nine games, and as a result look likely to have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

     The only thing that other teams in the West could hang their hat on before this streak began was that the Spurs would likely have to go on the road to win every series they played. Not that the Spurs can't win a series without home court advantage, but having to win four straight series' without home court advantage is too tall of an order for even the best of NBA teams.

      But now that the Spurs look likely to enter the playoffs with a really good seed, there really is no reason to pick against them. They are playing really good basketball, beating really good teams, and seem to be peaking at the right time. The only thing that can stand in the way of the Spurs and another NBA title is injuries. Tony Parker has experienced some tightness in his Achilles, which is scary for the Spurs, but so far he appears to be ok. So long as nothing catastrophic happens to Parker or any other key member on this Spurs team, they have to be considered the favorite to come out of the West and win the NBA championship.

     We would be fools to doubt their ability to win it all after seeing how they torched the Heat less than one year ago. I'm not saying the Warriors can't take out the Spurs or that they shouldn't have confidence to beat the Spurs, because they should. But if we are using history as a guide, we have to look at how the Spurs are playing right now as an indicator that they are likely to come out of the West and demolish whichever team it is that they face in the NBA Finals.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord 

Bear Territory Tuesday: Cal could be SCARY next season

   
     The California Men's basketball team could be SCARY next season. With all this talk about Ivan Rabb, Jaylen Brown, and Caleb Swanigan joining forces at Cal, the word "scary" in all capital letters is about the only way I can describe this without failing to do the hype justice. If you read my write up about Ivan Rabb last week, you already got a good taste of who he is. He's a 6'11, 210 pound 5-star power forward projected to be a Top-Five pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

     As for the other two guys, they too have tremendous potential. Jaylen Brown is a 6'7, 220 pound small forward who is also projected to be a Top-Five pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and Caleb Swanigan is a 6'8, 275 pound forward, who despite not being a projected Top-Five pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, is still a five-star recruit like Rabb and Brown.

     Cal is looking at the possibility of having three five-star recruits, two of which are projected to be Top-Five picks in the 2016 NBA Draft. If that isn't "SCARY" enough for you, I don't know what is. That's Kentucky and Duke kinda scary. We're not talking NCAA Tournament anymore with Cal if they get these three guys. We're talking Final Four and a possible NCAA championship.

     Let's not forget that Cal already has a commit from 4-star shooting guard Davon Dillard for this upcoming season, two outstanding junior guards in Jabari Bird and Jordan Mathews, and two seven-footers in Kingsley Okoroh and Kameron Rooks. Plus, it's very likely that NBA bound point guard Tyrone Wallace comes back for his senior season.

     If you add these three five-star freshmen, what's not to like about this team? This team would have it all: Size, talent, versatility, depth, and veteran leadership. Even the best of teams sometimes are lacking in one or two of these areas, but Cal would have it all. There really wouldn't be a weakness that teams could easily spot. Cal would have multiple go-to guys, the ability to beat teams inside and out, and also NBA-level talent to hang with the likes of Kentucky, Duke, and Arizona.

     I don't want to count our chickens before they hatch, but I am saying that if the very best possible outcome happens for Cal, which is to land Rabb, Brown, and Swanigan, there's no reason for Cal fans to doubt that they could see their team playing in the Final Four. The only reason for Cal fans to doubt is that they've never seen a Cal team this good before. But if you strip away the uniforms and just look at the roster, this team would have Final Four written all over them. Go Bears!

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news. 
   

Daily Dunks: 4/6-4/12

                                                   (Credit: Andy Melton. Click here for source). 

      Here is my Daily Dunks page for April 6, 2015 through April 12, 2015. Throughout the week this page will be updated with news and scores from across the NBA until a Daily Dunks page is created for the following week.

Monday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Spurs power forward Tim Duncan has passed Paul Pierce to become #15 on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

#2. Nate Robinson's knee is doing ok. He is expected to strike a new deal with the Clippers (Click here for details).

#3. John Calipari, Dikembe Mutumbo, and others have been elected to the 2015 Basketball Hall of Fame (Click here for the full list).

#4. Brook Lopez and James Harden won player of the week honors (Click here for details).

#5. The Celtics waived forward Shavlik Randolph and signed guard Chris Babb to a multi-year deal (Click here for details).

#6. Suns point guard Brandon Knight is likely done for the season due to a bone bruise in his heel (Click here for details).

#7. Kings forward Carl Landry got a one-game suspension for the leaving the bench during an altercation with the Jazz (Click here for details).

#8. Hawks power forward Paul Millsap (shoulder sprain) won't play Tuesday or Wednesday (Click here for details).

#9. Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard scored 36 points.

#10. Nets center Brook Lopez scored 32 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Monday's NBA Final Scores: 

Nets 106  Trail Blazers 96.

Monday's NCAA National Championship: 

Duke 68 Wisconsin 63.

Tuesday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Timberwolves signed forward Arinze Onuaku for the rest of the season (Click here for details).

#2. Kings forward Rudy Gay dropped 33 points on the Timberwolves in his return from a concussion. However, he is still experiencing headaches, so he won't play on Wednesday against the Jazz (Click here for details).

#3. Pistons center Greg Monroe is returning on Wednesday to face the Celtics after practicing on Monday (Click here for details).

#4. Pelicans small forward Tyreke Evans hit the game-winning free throws to defeat the Warriors after a phantom foul call on Andre Iguodala. The Pelicans now have the #8 seed in the West with the Thunder's loss (Click here for a video).

#5. Spurs point guard Tony Parker is dealing with tightness in his right Achilles (Click here for details).

#6. The Kings may shut down DeMarcus Cousins for the rest of the season (Click here for details).

#7. Clippers shooting guard Jamal Crawford (calf) returned on Tuesday. He played 19 minutes.

#8. Many NBA executives expect Brook Lopez to opt out of his contract this summer (Click here for details).

#9. 76ers guard Isaiah Canaan is done for the season with a strained foot (Click here for details).

#10.  Point guard Jorge Gutierrez signed a multi-year deal with the Bucks (Click here for details).

Tuesday's NBA Final Scores: 

Pelicans 103 Warriors 100. Kings 116 Timberwolves 111. Hawks 96 Suns 69. Heat 105 Hornets 100. Spurs 113 Thunder 88. Clippers 105 Lakers 100.

Tuesday's D-League playoff scores: 

Mad Ants 104 Red Claws 103. Jam 117 Spurs 79. Mad Ants and Jam lead their series' 1-0.

Wednesday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Bulls point guard Derrick Rose returned. He played 19 minutes and scored 9 points.

#2. The Mavericks hope to have Chandler Parsons back before the playoffs (Click here for details).

#3. Mikhail Prokhorov says he isn't looking to sell the Nets (Click here for details).

#4. Pacers small forward Chris Copeland, his former fiancé, and another woman were stabbed outside of a NYC night club. Thabo Sefolosha and Pero Antic of the Hawks were arrested for obstruction of justice and quarreling with some police officers (Click here for details).

#5. Suns forwards Marcus Morris and Markieff Morris are under investigation for assault (Click here for details).

#6. The Knicks signed guard Ricky Ledo for the rest of the season (Click here for details).

#7.The Nuggets claimed forward Shavlik Randolph off waivers from the Celtics (Click here for details).

#8. Rockets center Donatas Motiejunas (back) is done for the season (Click here for details).

#9. Report: Vlade Divac is now the #1 decision making guy in the Kings' organization (Click here for details).

#10. The Cavaliers have clinched their first Central Division title since 2010.

Wednesday's NBA Final Scores: 

Grizzlies 110 Pelicans 74. Jazz 103 Kings 91. Trail Blazers 116 Timberwolves 91. Magic 105 Bulls 103. Wizards 119 76ers 90. Raptors 92 Hornets 74. Celtics 113 Pistons 103. Hawks 114 Nets 111. Pacers 102 Knicks 86. Cavaliers 104 Bucks 99. Spurs 110 Rockets 98. Nuggets 119 Lakers 101. Mavericks 107 Suns 104.

Wednesday's D-League Playoff Scores: 

Charge 119 Skyforce 93. Warriors 105 Blue 98.

Thursday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Duke freshman Jahlil Okafor has officially declared for the NBA draft (Click here for details).

#2. Hawks guard Thabo Sefolosha is out for the season after breaking his ankle in an altercation with a cop (Click here for details).

#3. Bucks head coach Jason Kidd decided not to play Giannis Antetokounmpo for reasons unknown (Click here for details).

#4. Gerald Green and Jeff Hornacek aren't getting along in Phoenix (Click here for details).

#5. A whole bunch of Kentucky guys leave for the NBA Draft (Click here for details).

#6. Rockets center Donatas Motiejunas has undergone back surgery. His season is over (Click here for details).

#7. Bulls shooting guard Jimmy Butler is dealing with a left calf injury. He didn't play on Thursday (Click here for details).

#8. Knicks head coach Derek Fisher thinks his team can win 63 games next season (Click here for details).

#9. Matt Barnes says Lakers management is why free agents don't come to join the Lakers (Click here for details).

#10. Warriors point guard Stephen Curry had 45 points and 9 assists. Also, he broke the NBA's record for most three-point shots made in a season, a record previously held by himself.

Thursday's NBA Final Scores: 

Warriors 116 Trail Blazers 105. Bulls 89 Heat 78.

Friday's NBA Daily Dunks: 

#1. The Nuggets signed guard Jamaal Franklin for the rest of the season (Click here for details).

#2. The Kings have signed point guard David Stockton to a multi-year deal (Click here for details).

#3. Rockets guard James Harden is campaigning for MVP (Click here for details).

#4. Allen Iverson used to spend tons of money at strip clubs (Click here for details).

#5. Trail Blazers shooting guard Arron Afflalo is out 1-2 weeks with a shoulder strain (Click here for details).

#6. Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday returned from his leg fracture on Friday. He played 16 minutes and is on minutes restrictions (Click here for details).

#7. The NBAPA is investigating whether or not Thabo Sefolosha is the victim of police brutality (Click here for details).

#8. Report: Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah will have their minutes restrictions lifted in the playoffs (Click here for details).

#9. The Grizzlies-Jazz game ended in a very controversial fashion (Click here for details).

#10. The Charlotte Hornets have been eliminated from playoff contention.

Friday's NBA Final Scores: 

Grizzlies 89 Jazz 88. Lakers 106 Timberwolves 98. Raptors 101 Magic 99. Hawks 104 Hornets 80. Celtics 99 Cavaliers 90. Pacers 107 Pistons 103. Nets 117 Wizards 80. Bucks 99 Knicks 91. Pelicans 90 Suns 75. Spurs 104 Rockets 103. Thunder 116 Kings 103. Mavericks 144 Nuggets 143 (2OT).

Friday's D-League Playoff Scores: 

Warriors 109 Blue 97. Warriors win series 2-0.

Saturday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio will undergo left ankle surgery. He is out indefinitely (Click here for details).

#2. The Clippers signed guard Lester Hudson to a multi-year deal (Click here for details).

#3. Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley has a sprained foot. His injury could linger into the playoffs (Click here for details).

#4. Magic GM Rob Hennigan is determined to re-sign Tobias Harris (Click here for details).

#5. According to Frank Isola of the NY Daily News, Greg Monroe to the Knicks is essentially a done deal (Click here for details).

#6. The Suns signed guard Jerel McNeal through the 2015-16 season (Click here for details).

#7. The Kings are shutting down DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay for the season (Click here for details).

#8. Lakers guard Jeremy Lin is dealing with knee soreness (Click here for details).

#9. Tarik Black may or may not be back with the Lakers next season (Click here for details).

#10. 76ers head coach Brett Brown expects Joel Embiid to play Summer League (Click here for details).

Saturday's NBA Final Scores: 

Clippers 94 Grizzlies 86.  Jazz 111 Trail Blazers 105. Warriors 110 Timberwolves 101. Knicks 80 Magic 79. Raptors 107 Heat 104. Bulls 114 76ers 107.

Saturday's D-League Playoff Scores: 

Spurs 98 Jam 86. Series tied 1-1. Mad Ants 121 Red Claws 111. Mad Ants win series 2-0.

Sunday's Daily Dunks: 

#1. Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook picked up his 16th technical foul. The league rescinded it, which means he won't be suspended for Monday's game (Click here for details).

#2. The Pacers and Nets are tied for 8 in the Eastern Conference and the Pelicans and Thunder are tied for 8 in the Western Conference. The Pelicans and Nets have the tiebreakers.

#3. The Spurs have now jumped up to the #2 seed, Grizzlies fall to the #5 seed. Spurs up by just half a game.

#4. The Bucks clinched a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

#5. Wisconsin forward Frank Kaminsky wins the John R. Wooden Award (Click here for details).

#6. Ohio State freshman guard D'Angelo Russell will declare for the NBA Draft (Click here for details).

#7. Rockets shooting guard James Harden scored 30 points.

#8. Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried scored 30 points and had 7 rebounds.

#9. Spurs power forward Tim Duncan had 22 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday.

#10. Bucks guard O.J. Mayo had 17 points off the bench on Sunday.

Sunday's NBA Final Scores: 

Celtics 117 Cavaliers 78 *. Bucks 96 Nets 73. Pistons 116 Hornets 77. Nuggets 122 Kings 111. Pacers 116 Thunder 104. Wizards 108 Hawks 99. Rockets 121 Pelicans 114. Spurs 107 Suns 91. Mavericks 120 Lakers 106. *LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love, and J.R. Smith rested for the Cavaliers.

Sunday's D-League Playoff Scores: 

Spurs 90 Jam 88: Final. Spurs forward Jonathan Simmons had 28 points. Spurs win series 2-1.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news 

Satire Sunday: The New York Knicks should trot out their D-League team to finish the season

     With a league-worst 14-62 record, the New York Knicks are in the driver's seat to be guaranteed a 25% chance at the #1 overall pick in June's draft, the highest percentage possible under the current NBA lottery format. While perhaps a delusional Knicks fan might be hoping for the team to "finish strong" and win four of their remaining seven games, we all know it is in the best interest of the Knicks to go 0-7 and solidify their position as the team with the highest odds to get the #1 overall pick.
   
     While the league's lottery system often gets criticized for rewarding teams who "tank", I actually think it's way better than the NFL's current system which rewards the team with the worst record by giving them the #1 overall pick. Even with the NBA's lottery system, it is still in the best interest of the Knicks to lose out, and so I think they need to do literally everything in their power to lose their remaining games.
   
     While there are many things the Knicks can do to "tank" down the stretch, the most blatant option on the table is to call up players from the Westchester Knicks, their D-League team, to finish the season. While this option may seem like a slap in the face to the league office, there are several reasons why the Knicks should do this.

     The number one reason they should do this is that doing so almost guarantees that they lose their remaining games. No D-League team can beat an NBA team. We all know this. So, if the Knicks trot out the Westchester Knicks to play at Madison Square Garden, there is no way things can go wrong. And by "go wrong", just so we're clear, I mean "win a game". In addition, the Westchester Knicks were a horrible D-League team, finishing with a 10-40 record, which just further cements this as a no-brainer option.

     Secondly, the Westchester Knicks have some players who the New York Knicks may want to consider for their training camp roster next season. The most obvious player is Thanasis Antetokounmpo, whose brother is Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Bucks. Thanasis was drafted in the late second round and has shown some promise. What better time to see if he can hang with NBA players than right now, when winning is no longer a concern?

     Another player on the Westchester roster who is interesting is 7'2 center Jordan Bachynski from Arizona State. I saw him play against Cal during his senior season and he showed some promise. There aren't a lot of 7'2 guys in the league and the Knicks could certainly use some size up front. Why not give him a shot in some NBA games, too?

     The third reason why the Knicks should do this is it would send a message to the rest of the players on their roster. Some of their players need to understand that the line between them and D-League players is very blurred. I think it would motivate them going into next season to see guys from their farm team get their minutes to finish the season.

      All in all, playing the Westchester Knicks to finish the season makes sense on all levels. It would give the Knicks a guaranteed 25% chance at the #1 pick, a chance to see who might make their team next season, and it would motivate their players. I don't see any drawbacks to doing this and I think it would be foolish of the team to do anything that might jeopardize their current position in the standings.

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord 

Friday Fresh NBA Power Rankings: Friday, April 3, 2015

                      NBA Power Rankings 

     Here are my NBA Power Rankings for Friday, April 3, 2015. Enjoy! 


#1. Golden State Warriors (62-13): They have won 11 straight games during a period in which they've already had home court advantage locked up for the entire playoffs. If that doesn't scare opposing teams, I don't know what will. 

#2. Cleveland Cavaliers (49-27): The Cavaliers are heating up at the right time, having won 8 of their last 10 games. 

#3. Atlanta Hawks (56-19): I don't want to sleep on the Hawks because they've had such a wonderful season, but their lack of a true superstar still leaves room for doubt. 

#4. Houston Rockets (52-24): James Harden is literally willing this team into the NBA championship picture. If Dwight Howard can get back to full strength, these guys just might win it all. 

#5. Memphis Grizzlies (51-24): They have a huge game at home against the Thunder tonight. Even more crucial for them is that they secure the #2 seed in the West. 

#6. Los Angeles Clippers (50-26): Jamal Crawford is aiming to be back on Tuesday. This is definitely good news for the Clippers. 

#7. San Antonio Spurs (49-26): The Spurs have won 8 of their last 10 games and have really turned on the jets as we head into the playoffs. We've all seen this movie before. 

#8. Portland Trail Blazers (48-26): They have won just 4 of their last 10 games and are starting to slide. The absence of Wesley Matthews is huge. 

#9. Dallas Mavericks (46-30): There is a very weird vibe surrounding this team that is largely due to Rajon Rondo's presence. Still, the talent is there to make a run. 

#10. Chicago Bulls (45-30): Once again, the Bulls are crossing their fingers that Derrick Rose can return to full strength.

#11. Toronto Raptors (45-30): The Raptors go into tonight's game against the Nets riding a three-game winning streak. Maybe these guys can get something going before the playoffs. 

#12. Oklahoma City Thunder (42-33): Without Kevin Durant, there is no hope for this team to make any sort of run in the playoffs. 

#13. New Orleans Pelicans (40-34): They are just 1.5 games back of the Thunder for the #8 seed in the West. With Ryan Anderson back, there is hope.  

#14. Washington Wizards (42-33): I've never seen a team fall more quickly from contender status to pretender. 

#15. Phoenix Suns (38-38): I don't want to call this a disappointing season for the Suns, but looking at where they were last season, it's hard to say that it isn't. 

#16. Milwaukee Bucks (37-38): I think we are seeing that this team really does need Jabari Parker healthy in order to be a serious threat. 

#17. Brooklyn Nets (34-40): I can't believe the Nets have the #7 seed in the Eastern Conference. I mean seriously, that's a joke. 

#18. Utah Jazz (34-41): The Jazz have made tremendous strides this season. Look for this team to perhaps capture the #8 seed in the West next season. 

#19. Boston Celtics (34-41): It helps to have Isaiah Thomas back. With him healthy, they have a real shot at making the playoffs. 

#20. Miami Heat (34-41): It's hard to figure how good this team would be with a healthy Chris Bosh, but it would stand to reason that they would be threatening the Bucks for the #6 seed in the East. 

#21. Charlotte Hornets (32-42): The Hornets are still alive, just 1.5 games back of the #8 seed, which is currently held by the Heat. 

#22. Indiana Pacers (32-43): I doubt Paul George comes back. Even if the Pacers make the playoffs, I don't see the point in bringing him back. 

#23. Detroit Pistons (29-46): It's kinda painful to think that with Brandon Jennings healthy, this team would probably be in the playoffs. 

#24. Denver Nuggets (28-47): The Nuggets have so many issues. I don't know where to begin. Kenneth Faried and Ty Lawson are the only real bright spots that they have. 

#25. Sacramento Kings (26-48): DeMarcus Cousins is seriously the only player to give Kings fans hope. The Kings would be idiotic to move him. 

#26. Orlando Magic (22-53): Aaron Gordon has been averaging 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game. So far, he's looking like a bust. 

#27. Los Angeles Lakers (20-54): Steve Nash's retirement was a merciful decision on his end. Going forward, this team has no base or anything to give them hope for the future. 

#28. Philadelphia 76ers (18-58): The only thing that can excite this team is that Joel Embiid is on track to play in Summer League. 

#29. Minnesota Timberwolves (16-59): Andrew Wiggins is the real deal. The Timberwolves have a legitimate superstar on their hands. 

#30. New York Knicks (14-61): The lottery better be kind to them. 

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord 

Wednesday Windmill: John McEnroe is a great addition to the Knicks' organization

     New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson has made the decision to hire John McEnroe as a team consultant. Jackson has given the tennis legend free rein to advise the team in any capacity that he wants including draft choices, trades, and salary cap related moves. "He is a passionate fan with a brilliant mind for sports. I figured he would be a great addition to our organization, especially since he knows what it takes to win championships in New York City." Jackson was alluding to McEnroe's four US Open championships, which were all won in New York City.

     In my opinion, as crazy as it sounds, this move just might do wonders for the Knicks. First of all, John McEnroe is a brilliant analyst of tennis, so it stands to reason that he is also a brilliant basketball analyst, judging by all the Knicks games he attends. Secondly, John McEnroe has tremendous pride in New York City, and will instill that same pride in Knicks players. Third, McEnroe can be a guy who Phil Jackson can go to if he needs somebody to yell at his players.

                                         (Credit: Edwin Martinez. Click here for source)

     "Mac's ability to yell at people is truly a talent. He possesses the ability to really get in the face of people and make them feel inferior and worthless", said Knicks head coach Derek Fisher. "With Mac, there are no excuses, and we need to have a no excuses kind of mentality." Carmelo Anthony also lauded McEnroe for the same reasons, adding "There are days when I need somebody to get in my face and remind me that I have no championships and only one appearance in a conference final."

     The only concern I have with this hire is whether or not John McEnroe will really have the time to be effective with his role given all the tennis he has to cover for ESPN. However, Phil Jackson doesn't seem to be worried about that: "We are fine with him continuing on as tennis analyst. The key thing is that he is welcome to text message me at any time with his advice and also is welcome to go wherever he pleases at Madison Square Garden at all times."

     McEnroe will have free rein to access the owner's box, locker rooms, and every other square inch of the legendary arena. "Having the freedom to walk into the locker room and yell at the players with impunity really excites me", McEnroe said. "I'm also excited to have access to the owner's box and see what James Dolan keeps in his refrigerator."

     "I think just having him around will do wonders for our team", said Knicks owner James Dolan. "Our players certainly will have extra motivation to step up their game knowing that John McEnroe could be there waiting for them in the locker room with an earful of complaints and criticism."

     "Does it make me want to play harder? Absolutely", said Andrea Bargnani, a player who has often been criticized by the New York media. "McEnroe has told me many times that I am over-paid and lazy. Knowing he could be there at my locker after a game will certainly motivate me to play even harder."

     In conclusion, I think hiring John McEnroe is a great move for the Knicks. The Knicks don't have a lot to be hopeful about, and adding a legendary sports figure to their front office is definitely exciting. In addition, McEnroe is one of the brightest and most articulate minds in all of sports. I can guarantee that he has great ideas that the Knicks will benefit from. Happy April Fools!

---Ben Parker: follow me on twitter @nba_lord for NBA news