Headlines Widget updated to include your blog posts posted by Earn Money Blogging
We've added some additional functionality to our "Headline Widget" so that our bloggers can now promote their blog posts through the widget.  Simply go the "Headline Widget" page, type in your username in the appropriate blank, and copy the HTML to any webpages (i.e. your MySpace profile page or your personal blog) where you want your blog posts to appear.
 
The "Headline Widget" can be customized to display in any color and it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. 
 
Important: The widget is geared towards displaying headlines and blog posts for a particular sport or team, so if you want the widget to display all of your blog posts no matter what the subject of the blog post is, be sure to choose "All Sports Headlines" for the first customization option.
 
This widget is a great way to promote your blog.  Get as many people as you can to put the widget on their webpages.  For example, tell your friends with MySpace and blogs to paste your widget into their pages.  Or contact other sports bloggers and see if they would put the widget on their blog page.  The widget is simply HTMl code, so any page where you're allowed to post HTML is a good place to post the widget.  We've had local television stations use this widget on their website to get up-to-date information about the local professional sports teams so there's no telling who might find your blog posts interesting and be willing to post your widget on their website.  Email the webmasters of... [read more]

Inbound link contest winner announced! posted by Earn Money Blogging

A big thanks to everyone who participated in the "Inbound Link Contest".  We have a winner!  A big congratulations go out to Marija.  Thank you for all your hard work on this.  While we had a lot of people participate, Marija was able to win with only 4 links!  So it wouldn't have taken a lot to win this contest!  We'll be having another contest soon so stay tuned.

The whole purpose of this contest was to get our bloggers networking with other webmasters and to start to build up their inbound links which will help their traffic.  Even a few links can help you with the search engines as they will see you as more of an authority on your topic the more inbound links you have.

To learn more about marketing your blog check out this post: http://www.nbabasketballonline.com/sports_content-rev_share_faq.html#my_faq_2971

Marija's blog can be found here.  If you're a Knicks fan, check it out: http://www.newyorkknicksnews.com/marijak

The original post announcing the contest can be found here: http://www.nbabasketballonline.com/bloggers/weblog/2984.html

And if you're not already signed up with Google AdSense and making money from your blog, check out our Revenue Share FAQ page: http://www.nbabasketballonline.com/sports_content-rev_share_faq.html

 ... [read more]

Inbound link contest - Win $100! posted by Earn Money Blogging

To try and motivate our bloggers to get inbound links we're going to have a contest to see which blogger can get the most inbound links to their blog. The contest begins now and ends July 31st, 2008. To be entered in to the contest all you have to do is go out and get as many websites to link to your blog as you can and at the end of the month send us an email listing all those links. All links must be active from August 1st through August 7th when we'll be judging the entries - a winner will be announced on August 7th. All entry emails must be received by Midnight on July 31st, 2008. You can email them to sportsfan@nbabasketballonline.com

We're going to impose some restrictions on the types of links you can get so please see below for the full list of links that do NOT count.

To get started simply go to Google and find other websites and blog that are about the sports and teams that you write about. Email the website owner and ask them for a link by explaining that you think your blog would be a good resource for their readers. Or offer to write a guest post for them with your by-line and URL at the bottom of the article. Or offer to exchange links with them by writing a quick write up of their site and a reciprocal link back to them. Some webmasters will be happy to add you to their blog roll even if you don't give them a link back (which is ideal) but some may want you to link back to them - you can easily do this with a quick blog entry on your blog about their website.

To learn more about inbound links and marketing your blog in general check out this post:--b... [read more]

Chris Wallace is Smart! posted by Jordan Ikeda
Let’s not be too harsh to judge Chris Wallace. The more and more I study the Gasol trade, the better and better I think the Grizz actually made out.

Numbers tell a story.

Marc Gasol’s PER in Europe was 27.5. He averaged 16.2 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.3 spg, and 1.8 bpg in only 33 minutes while shooting a blistering 65 percent. Those per 40-minute numbers: 19 and 10 with over 2 blocks. The rebounding is still not where he should have it. He should be grabbing closer to 11 or 12 just based on his height alone. But, apparently he’s heard the criticism about his brother, and spent a great deal of time in the weight room. This kid’s a beast. 7-1 and probably closer to 275 than his listed 265 weight. He’s 23-years-old, so he’s got a couple of years on some of the other rookies, but those years have been spent perfecting technique and game smarts against polished professionals (not college teenagers). He shoots a scalding 37.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Of course, in the NBA, that mark is about three feet further away, but his range could extend to the sideline three-point shot given some practice. He’s got Sabonis form. Think about that for a minute. I thought Sabonis could have been one of the greatest centers in the NBA. I’m not trying to pump up Pau’s little bro Marc too much, but think blue sky upside.

In fact, this kid’s a good passer too. Not nearly as polished or refined as his elder brother’s (or Sabonis obviously), but still good enough to average around 3 or more assists p... [read more]

From the NBA to MLB, the Arms Race Has Begun posted by Anthony "The Moneyball" Moniello

"It's not a game, it's an arms race" - Kanye West and Fallout Boy belt this hook over and over again on a recent hit with that same title. In that context, Kanye and the Fallout Boy guys are referring to the battle of musical artists not only surviving in a competitive worldwide market, but one with hindrances around every music sharing online ripping program. While that's an issue for another day and another blogsite, it's relevance is crucial when talking about the current state of Major League baseball and the National Basketball Association.

It all began on one fateful day in January when the Memphis Grizzlies gift-wrapped a late Christmas Gift for the Los Angeles Lakers in the mold of Pau Gasol, the center that solidified Showtime as the front-runner in the Western Conference. The arms race began! The domino effect led to two desperate acts of self-destruction in Shaquille O'Neal to the Phoenix Suns and Jason Kidd to the Dallas Mavericks. Those moves pushed the usually level-headed Spurs into making a level-headed move in picking up Kurt Thomas... yet the games had just begun. 

Now, in the baby driven NBA, it shouldn't be a shock that the newest game craze is not guitar hero, but the preschool favorite musical chairs. The winner seemingly being the Philly Sixers- who just landed the Worst Friend of the Year Winner Elton Brand who's handshake and word are seemingly as reliable as a teenager making curfew or A-Rod making curfew. (While I will get back to A-Rod later in the week, didn't anybhody learn from the Carlos Boozer fiasco a few years ago? A... [read more]

Draft Analysis: Picks 1-6 posted by Sam Rosen
    So I missed out on being able to write during the greatest basketball month in the history of my fandom, but luckily for me, the League wisely places the NBA Draft at the perfect time. Just as the dust has settled on the Finals and fans everywhere have mentally prepared themselves for the blankness of the off-season, we get one more chance to scrutinize, debate, and celebrate our favorite teams. This year’s draft was tagged as unpredictable early on, and it certainly lived up to that billing. The beauty of the Draft is that the discussion is pretty much never-ending, as any player’s legacy is up for grabs until the day he hangs it up, but here are one fan’s initial thoughts, coming at you six picks at a time.

 Chicago Bulls- Derrick Rose, Fr, G, Memphis.

Grade: B+

It’s hard to give this pick a real grade, because the choice between Rose and Beasley was pretty clear for Chicago all along. I’m still not sold on Rose being the “best talent available”, as Beasley consistently put up disgusting numbers despite constant triple teams, even going Barbra Walters (20-20) twice early in the season, but Rose was definitely the right pick for Chicago. For starters, he’s the safer of the two picks, but he still has Beasley’s Hall of Fame potential. With the exception of his one year in Memphis, he’s played in Chicago his entire life, and clearly cares more about leading the Bulls in the locker room than leading them in scoring. Most importantly, however, Rose is a true point guard, a commodit... [read more]

Seattle loses Sonics, but gains NBA's respect posted by Z.V. Sanders

In case you didn't hear, the Sonics have made a deal with the city of Seattle and will be leaving for Oklahoma City for this season. In return, the City will recieve 45 million dollars from owner Clayton Bennett, and could recieve an extra 30 million if the City does not recieve a new NBA team by 2013. The City also keeps the Sonics' names, records, etc.

Mayor Greg Nickles spoke at a press conference and addressed many factors. Some of them include that the NBA will notify the city if any teams become available. The NBA also decided that the Key Arena would be a viable option if the proposed 300 million dollar renovation plan goes through.

By letting the Sonics go, the city gets back on David Stern's good side. Supposedly, the Grizzlies are going to become available for sale soon (if they are not already), so Seattle could have a new team very soon. 

I believe the City made the correct decision to settle. Even if they did win the lawsuit (sounds like they would have), they would have only had 2 years of the Sonics, and even then the NBA and David Stern would turn their back on the city for good. ... [read more]

Davis to be a Clipper posted by Z.V. Sanders

ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that Baron Davis has an agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers to join the team for the 08-09 season and beyond. Details of the contract are not yet available (5 yr, 65 mil as rumor has it)

If the Clippers can bring back Elton Brand, as they are expected to do fairly quickly, they could be real contenders next season. Here is what their lineup could look like:

C: Chris Kaman
PF: Elton Brand
SF: Al Thornton
SG: Eric Gordon
PG: Baron Davis

With Shaun Livingston's return (assuming he resigns), and Cuttino Mobley on the bench, this team would have moderate depth as well.

The signing of Davis also signifies the end of the Corey Maggette era in L.A. Where will he sign? My guess is the Grizzlies or 76ers, who have the cap room necessary to acquire him at a high contract. Rumor has it, the world champions Celtics have contacted Maggette and offered him the mid-level exception (approx. 5.8 mil).

Look for the Clippers and Blazers to be a part of the playoff hunt next year in the loaded Western Conference, and the Nuggets and Warriors to drop out. ... [read more]

NBA Draft: Dishing out the Love posted by Z.V. Sanders

Well, another NBA Draft has come and gone. There were a few surprises, and more than a few things went as projected. Here's a rundown

Rose and Beasley went 1/2, respectively

OJ Mayo was selected 3rd by Minnesota, who eventually traded him to Memphis for Kevin Love in an 8 player deal

The Sacramento Kings selected Jason Thompson at 12. Don't know what they were thinking. At that point, he isnt even the most skilled big man in the draft, or the one with the most potential. The least you could do is move down, I mean c'mon. Can't say I was shocked though, after all it is the Sactown Queens.

J.J. Hickson (NC State) was selected by the Cavs at 19. I cannot begin to tell you how much I LOVE this pick. Hickson will be a very solid post presence for years to come. I see him averaging 13 and 8 if he gets good playing time. Hickson has all the tools; Strength, Size, Athletiscism, Inside Scoring, Mid-range Scoring. If he doesn't turn out, I will be shocked.

The Seattle SuperSonics selected Serge Ibaka (F/C, Congo) at 24. Has GM Sam Presti not seen their roster yet? The Supes already have 2 projects and 1 injury prone player (Petro/Sene and Swift). Do they really need another one? At the very least, keep Ibaka in the Euroleagues for awhile and season him up.

Come back next year for even more excitement! Players to watch in next years lottery: Blake Griffen, Demar DeRozan, Ty Lawson and many more. ... [read more]

"Who's Paul Gasol?" posted by Krew Keth

                                                         

First of all, its not Paul Gasol.  If you made that mistake, don't feel too bad.  Just don't let it happen again.  It's Pau.  Although, Paul Gasol does have somewhat of a ring to it.  And suitably, a ring is what Pau Gasol is going to help lead the Lakers to. 

Gasol, the latest edition to the Los Angeles Lakers, was acquired by the Lakers in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies in early February.   In the trade the Lakers gave up Kwame Brown (sigh of relief), Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, two first round draft picks, and draft rights to Marc Gasol.  And yes, they are brothers.  In return from the Grizzlies, the Lakers received Pau Gasol and and a second round draft pick.  Wi a championship ring, who needs draft picks anyway.

Prior to the Gasol acquisition, the Lakers were ranked first in Western Conference.  The upcoming post season looked promising until the young center Andrew Bynum suffered a knee injury and was projected to be out for 8-10 weeks.  Then the Lakers made a move that "shook the league".  Pau Gasol played his first game in a Lakers uniform against the New Jersey Nets, scoring 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 4 assists.  This game was the second... [read more] (3 comments)

Hawks match offer sheet for Josh Smith (AP)

Josh Smith will remain with the Hawks after Atlanta quickly matched an offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. "Tonight, the Hawks organization received an offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies for Josh Smith," Atlanta general manager Rick Sund said in a statement. "We are happy to announce that we will match their offer sheet. [read full article]

Posted Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:42:55 PDT - via Yahoo! Sports

Hawks match offer sheet for F Smith (AP)

Josh Smith will remain with the Hawks after Atlanta quickly matched an offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. "Tonight, the Hawks organization received an offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies for Josh Smith," Atlanta general manager Rick Sund said in a statement. "We are happy to announce that we will match their offer sheet. [read full article]

Posted Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:42:55 PDT - via Yahoo! Sports