Enough credit is not given to Haslem for what he means to the team. A lot of questions were raised when he and Dwyane Wade were Miami Heat’s team captains, because of LeBron’s entrance. The message being sent was that even though James was most likely the most athletic on the team, there were already pieces there and everything would not be shifted just because he was putting on a Miami jersey. Udonis Haslem was not able to play for a large chunk of the season, and people were beginning to wonder if he would be able to return at such a critical time in the postseason when Miami faced Boston. After the Heat put away the Celtics in five games, he was more than ready to prove his position and warranted respect in the Chicago series. [..]

Weight, Height: 180 lbs, 6’2

College: Wake Forest

Team, Position: Atlanta Hawks, Guard

Draft Year: 2009 1st round, 19th pick by Atlanta Hawks

Kirk Hinrich was down and out. He was a key element to instrumental offensive and defensive plays for Atlanta during the Orlando series. How would they fair without him? Who would replace his effort? Jeff Teague stepped forward and has refused to step back. [..]

The current Sixth Man of the Year award recipient is Los Angeles Laker’s Lamar Odom. However, last year there was another man standing strong in that position. Jamal Crawford was the outstanding performer in that category last season and rightfully so. He may have come off of the bench in all 79 games he played in, but his first season with Atlanta produced 18 points per game. Crawford’s journey to where he is standing now, the second round of the Eastern Conference, has been a long one. [..]

Weight, Height: 211 lbs, 6’6

College: Washington

Team, Position: Portland Trailblazers, Shooting Guard

Draft Year: 2006 1st round, 6th by Minnesota Timberwolves

Brandon Roy was injured and had to sit out two months, while watching his team build towards the playoffs without him. That would be emotional for anyone, however, his feelings were deeply hurt when he was not able to play against Dallas in the Game two loss in which the Mavericks held the home court advantage. Should he have made his feelings known? No. This is the postseason and far from the time to put your emotions front and center. Portland is already a lower seeded team than  Dallas and at the time were at a 2-0 series disadvantage. [..]

GM!BOW: Joakim Noah

Weight/Height: 232 lbs/6’11

Team, Position: Chicago Bulls, Center

College: Florida

Draft Year: 2007, 1^st round by Chicago Bulls

As a member of the league leading Chicago Bulls, Joakim Noah’s defensive presence was missed earlier in the season after having surgery to repair a torn ulna collateral ligament in his right thumb. For all who do not understand what that means, he hurt his thumb and he had surgery on it that took him out of 30 games. [..]

Wednesday, Dorell Wright stepped outside of the line and hit a three-pointer setting the franchise record for single season daggers. He walked off of the court as a time out was called and was congratulated by his coach and teammates for achieving such an incredible feat. Wright is one amongst many on the Golden State Warriors team that are more so criticized than praised for their effort and potential.

Just last Sunday, during the IAMNBA.com blog talk radio show, Boe and I were discussing how irrelevant Golden State has become in the Western Conference. We would love to spotlight their successes, but before lately those praises have come few and far in between. [..]

Weight/Height: 210 lbs, 6’4

Team, Position: Los Angeles Lakers, Guard

College: Michigan State

Draft Year: 2006, 1st round, 25th by Cleveland

What conclusions can we draw from last night’s duel between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks? A: The Dallas Mavericks will play as hard as they need to in order to win a game. There is no soft bone in their body. B: The Lakers will retaliate anytime they feel a teammate is being fouled hard on a play.

The game became a little more physical than I believe anyone expected and one of the five men to be ejected was none other than the high flying Shannon Brown. After defending his teammate, Pau Gasol, Brown was tossed out of the game. He has not always been such an aggressive player. He has not even always been a Laker for that matter. [..]

Weight/Height: 220 lbs, 6’9

Team, Position: Small Forward, Chicago Bulls

College: Duke

Draft Year: 2004 1^st round, Phoenix Suns

It is amazing how everyone’s story is so different from the next, especially when it comes to some of these professional athletes that we admire so much. Luol Deng is one of those men who you just stand in awe when you realize exactly what he has been through and the steps he has taken to become the star athlete he is now. [..]

Weight/Height: 185 lbs, 6’6

Team, Position: Portland Trailblazers, Shooting Guard

College: None

Draft Year: 2007, 1st round, 24th by Phoenix Suns

Earlier this week Rudy Fernandez was spotted on the website for his part in the Three Goggles phenomenon.( http://www.iamnba.com/2011/03/three-goggles-phenomenon/), but now he will be spotlighted for his contributions to his team as they make strides towards the 2011 NBA Playoffs [..]

Google Me!  Baller of the Week

Height/Weight: 6’1/190 lbs

Position: Guard

College: Arizona State

Draft Year: 2000 (2nd round, 8th pick) Miami Heat [..]