MVN - Most Valuable Network

Reviewing The NBA Draft And Two Blockuster Deals

With the NBA Draft completed and two blockbuster deals already in the books, I went back into the studio to record the latest Hoops Addict Podcast.

Some of the topics we covered on this Podcast include:

* Matt from Blog A Bull explaining why Bulls fans are so excited about Derrick Rose
* Sarah Rothschild from The Miami Herald talking about Michael Beasley’s future in South Beach and if the HEAT will deal Shawn Marion this summer
* Geoff Calkins from The Memphis Commercial Appeal breaking down the impact O.J. Mayo will have with the Grizzlies and gushing about how big of a steal Darrell Arthur was
* Adam from Raptors HQ debating with me over the Jermaine O’Neal deal and whether Jose Calderon should have been dealt instead of T.J. Ford
* Frank from Brew Hoop sharing how he scored an exclusive interview with new GM John Hammond and shared his thoughts on the Richard Jefferson deal

Exclusive Interview With James White

Most basketball fans know James White due to his dunks on YouTube that make you jump out of your seat in awe and amazement. But he’s more than just a high flyer. After spending the past year in Turkey winning a Euroleague Championship, White’s added some new aspects to his game and he’s hoping to return to the NBA next fall.

After a workout with the Toronto Raptors, White took some time with Ryan McNeill to chat about whether he can touch the top of the backboard when he dunks, his experiences playing in Turkey, how he’s evolving as a basketball player, and a wide range of other topics.

In The Scrum With Canada’s Senior Men’s National Head Coach Leo Rautins

Following Canada’s win over Lebanon on Monday evening, Canada’s Senior Men’s National Head Coach Leo Rautins talked with the media about how his playing rotating is coming together, how Joel Anthony is fitting in with the team, the strong play of Jermaine Anderson running the offense, and a host of other topics.

Washington Introduces JaVale McGee

With the 18th pick in last Thursday’s NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected forward/center JaVale McGee out of the University of Nevada. Today, Team President Ernie Grunfeld and head coach Eddie Jordan officially introduced McGee. Grunfeld and Jordan spoke about their expectations for McGee, the adjustments he may have to make, and how Jordan’s prior relationship with McGee’s mother played a role in the draft process. McGee spoke about what he brings to the Wizards, the differences between the pro and college game, and his mother’s role in his basketball development

In The Scrum With Ernie Grunfeld

Just minutes after drafting sophomore forward/center JaVale McGhee from University of Nevada, Wizards’ President Ernie Grunfeld spoke to the media about McGhee’s upcoming role with the Wizards, how he compares to current Wizards’ forward Andray Blatche, the challenges of drafting young players out of college, how the Wizards brass prepared for the draft, and just missing out on Roy Hibbert.

NBA Draft Preview

With the NBA Draft happening in a couple of days I was able to chat with Randy from Rush The Court, Matt from Ridiculous Upside and Darren from Dynasty Sports Reps to give listeners the scoop on the NBA Draft.

Some of the topics we covered include:

* Matt from Ridiculous Upside talking about why Derrick Rose should be drafted by the Chicago Bulls
* Darren from Dynasty Sports Reps explaining what an agent does to prepare a client for the draft
* Randy from Rush The Court justifying why he would take Michael Beasley with the top pick

Exclusive Interview With Rod Benson

It’s not too often that a player from the D-League can steal the show at the Air Canada Centre. However, that’s just what happened this weekend when the Toronto Raptors held a free agent camp and one of the more prominent names in attendance was Rod Benson. The talented 6′10″ bruising big man has played in the D-League All-Star game the past two seasons but that’s not why most basketball fans know him, instead it is due to his rising to fame on the internet through Ball Don’t Lie and his own personal blog. Benson has achieved a level of notoriety that most D-League players haven’t as he’s found a way through the internet to connect with fans across the globe due to his honesty, engaging personality and unique sense of humour.

After a grueling workout on Friday evening, Benson took some time to talk with Hoops Addict about the free agent camps he’s attended, the Boom Tho Movement, and a host of other topics.