What's up ?

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What's up, dear NBA ?

• The big news today is the resignment of Jerry Sloan. The coach of Utah, after 23 years as head coach of the Jazz, had a discussion last night with GM O'Connor, after the tough home loss against Chicago. 23 years as head coach, he has the longevity record around north american leagues (NFL, NHL, MLB & NBA). This is a big news. Tyrone Corbin will take over. The Jazz lost 12 of their last 14, notably owing to D-Will's injury. Sloan was held accountable for the situation in Utah, which is not desesperate (6th in the West, 31-23). Let's hope that this upheaval was necessary. Sources say that the relationship between the All-Star Deron Williams and his coach has been in decline.

• Ray Allen is about to become the greatest long-range shooter of all-time. He's now 1 three-pointer away of Reggie Miller's record (2,560 3PM), while having played more than three hundred games less. Ray-Ray played so far 1,073 games, and Miller played 1,389 of those through his career. And, if everything comes right in place, the record will be broken tonight against the defending champs. At 2 am in France, the Lakers are taking their revenge at the Banknorth TD Garden of Boston.

• The Mavs are doing great, thanks ! They won 11 of their last 12, including a 10-0 run since the loss in Chicago on Jan, 20. With Dirk playing with a 80% healthy knee, and without Caron Butler, a chemistry is slowly taking place. Stojakovic is starting, and the Jet or JJ Barea are scoring off the bench (last night, it was the second game with them both above 20 points). For the time being, the team ranks now 2nd in the Western conference, only one win better than the Lakers. With a bench, a superstar, two-three role players, and Beaubois' return, we have a title contender.

• Another comeback ? MJ, His Greatness, practices with the Charlotte roster this afternoon. The Bobcats' owner suited up for Thursday work out. "He's Mike. He's been kicking our butts. He's still has it" Gerald Wallace said. "He's holding these guys accountable and it's great. I love him out here," coach Paul Silas said. "He's teaching them how to protect the basketball, how to play hard on defense, how to talk. It's a good thing." Jordan, who turns 48 next week, has been spending more time at practices and shootarounds, getting on the floor and doing some teaching. Thursday's practice was his most involved yet.

• Great news in Portland: despite the snubbing of LaMarcus Aldridge, rallied around by teammates, coaches and fans, the Blazers announced the return on the court of Brandon Roy and Marcus Camby. The 8th spot is not secured yet. And with a bad period in Denver, Portland is aiming a better spot in the Playoff race.

• While Melo talks have liven up the NBA week (NY ? Lakers ? who knows ?), Knicks' coach Mike D'Antoni asked the NY fans to stop chants for Melo. He said it was affecting his players, and most of all those who are concerned by the deal, such as Wilson Chandler. Last night, the Clippers were visiting the Knicks at MSG, and Blake Griffin and his friends got away with a W, in an intense non-defending game. Mozgov went for 4 dunks in the QT1 (18 points) and Baron Davis had 13 assists for the first half only. 

Jb - Posterdunk