Kostas Bolos Archive

Columnist

Van Gundy On Even Shorter Leash
Stan Van Gundy remains head coach of the Miami Heat. But Tuesday’s five-team, 13-player blockbuster trade which saw Antoine Walker, Jason Williams and James Posey find their way to South Beach ensures that Van Gundy - if he wasn’t already - is on borrowed time, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Aug 3, 2005

Despite Breakout Season, Suns Better Off Without Johnson
While Joe Johnson may have established himself as one of the NBA’s most versatile players after a breakout season in ’04-’05, the Phoenix Suns are better off without him - and his big ego - in the fold, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Aug 1, 2005

Brown’s “Dream Job” May Prove To Be A Nightmare
Larry Brown has always dreamed of coaching the New York Knicks? Well, the Hall of Famer appears to be getting his wish, but just don’t expect the grass to be greener on the other side, especially in New York, where the Knicks remain perennial pretenders.
Kostas Bolos | Jul 22, 2005

Showtime In South Beach?
With Shaq unhappy and the Heat on the cusp of championship glory, it’s no coincidence Pat Riley wants to return behind the bench. Whether or not Riley can come in and help put Miami over the hump is anyone’s guess; Riley hasn’t exactly enjoyed a ton of success since his Showtime days in L.A.
Kostas Bolos | Jul 15, 2005

End The Drama, Let Brown Walk
Even though he may not want to, it’s time Pistons team president Joe Dumars put an end to the “Larrygate” scandal and part ways with his Hall of Fame head coach, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Jul 11, 2005

Third Time’s A Charm
While Milwaukee’s Michael Redd and Seattle’s Ray Allen may have been so-called sexier free-agent names, the Cavaliers are better off with Larry Hughes as LeBron’s sidekick, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Jul 8, 2005

Make-or-Break Off-Season For Cavs
With boat loads of money to spend this off-season, the Cleveland Cavaliers will look to buy their way into respectability, Kostas Bolos says. But beware; money doesn’t always buy free-agent love.
Kostas Bolos | Jul 1, 2005

Another Babcock Draft Blunder
Another year, another first-round reach for Raptors general manager Rob Babcock. If last year’s selection of Araujo was, to say the least, a bona fide reach, then what can you say about the first of his two first-round picks, Connecticut power forward Charlie Villanueva, whom Babcock selected, yes, seventh overall?
Kostas Bolos | Jun 29, 2005

Draft Dilemma: Need vs. Best Talent Available
To draft for need, or the best available talent? That is the question NBA general managers must ask themselves on draft night, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Jun 26, 2005

Duncan Legacy Talk Nonsense
As if there was any doubt, Tim Duncan solidified his status as one of the NBA’s all-time greats, putting an end – finally – to all the foolish legacy talk, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Jun 24, 2005

Stern, NBA On Cloud Nine
With a new collective-bargaining agreement in place and a Game 7 on the horizon, NBA Commissioner Stern has to be feeling pretty good about himself and his league these days, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Jun 22, 2005

Mission Accomplished: Spurs Head Back Home In Control Of Destiny
The Spurs’ Palace venture may have been less than memorable, but thanks to their leader (Tim Duncan) and biggest clutch player (Robert Horry), the defending champs now find themselves on the ropes heading back to San Antonio.
Kostas Bolos | Jun 20, 2005

Two Down, One To Go
The Pistons are now in the driver’s seat, you say? Not until they win Game 5, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Jun 17, 2005

Finals Over
A less than alluring NBA Finals to begin with just keeps getting more unbearable to watch. But at least it’ll be over soon, Kostas Bolos writes.
Kostas Bolos | Jun 13, 2005

The NBA Finals No One Wants To See
The Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs are the NBA’s top two teams, but why do we have to see them in the Finals?
Kostas Bolos | Jun 8, 2005

Gilbert’s Impatience Wearing Thin
New Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert should just take a deep breath (for once) and remain patient in his courtship of Larry Brown.
Kostas Bolos | May 29, 2005

Enjoy OK Corral Basketball While It Lasts
With the Phoenix Suns on the brink of elimination, enjoy the Wild West shootouts while they last, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | May 26, 2005

No Hype, No Problem
While it would have been nice to have some build-up prior to the Western Conference finals, the Suns and Spurs are doing their talking on the court, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | May 22, 2005

NBA Heading Down A Slippery Slope
A breakdown in communication between the NBA and its Players’ Association will result in labor Armageddon, RealGM’s Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | May 19, 2005

Are The Wizards Better Without Arenas?
Washington’s Gilbert Arenas had an outstanding season. But he was also a detriment to his team in the playoffs.
Kostas Bolos | May 15, 2005

Shaq Who?
You can officially stick a fork in the Wizards, because they’re done.
Kostas Bolos | May 13, 2005

Bitter End To A Sweet Season
The Baby Bulls showed their age at the most inopportune time. Teams with veteran savvy do not relinquish 2-0 leads; they keep their foot down on an opponent’s throat and close them out.
Kostas Bolos | May 8, 2005

Kings Traded Away The Wrong Star
Chris Webber may have his skeptics, but the Sacramento Kings will never win a title with Peja Stojakovic as its franchise cornerstone, says RealGM’s Kostas Bolos.
Kostas Bolos | May 5, 2005

Supporting Cast Key In Heat Sweep
While Dwyane Wade was spectacular and Shaq merely pedestrian, credit Miami’s role players for sweeping the Nets.
Kostas Bolos | May 1, 2005

Bulls Doing Their Talking On The Court
Too much trash talk has the Wizards looking at an early playoff exit.
Kostas Bolos | Apr 28, 2005

Playoffs Won’t Be Your Usual Snorefest
Without a truly dominant team, this year’s NBA playoffs should be highly entertaining.
Kostas Bolos | Apr 21, 2005

Blame Raptors For Carter Saga
Though fans had every right to jeer Vince Carter Friday night, don’t blame him for wanting out of NBA Siberia.
Kostas Bolos | Apr 15, 2005

Patience Key In Bulls’ Turnaround
Chicago's storybook season only goes to show how the best things come to those who wait.
Kostas Bolos | Apr 10, 2005

Are The Mavericks Texas’ Best Team?
Looking for a sleeper team in this year’s playoffs? How about the Avery Johnson-led Dallas Mavericks?
Kostas Bolos | Apr 8, 2005

Where’s Skiles In Coach Of The Year Debate?
For some reason, Chicago’s Scott Skiles fails to enter the discussion when it comes to Coach of the Year candidates.
Kostas Bolos | Apr 4, 2005

Time For League To Impose Gag Order On Pending Free Agents
Free agents-to-be who openly discuss playing for other teams during the season should start pulling out their pocketbooks, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Mar 31, 2005

Basketbore?
No brawls in the stands between players and fans, no beer tossing, no bombs, no fun, right? RealGM’s Kostas Bolos looks at the hypocrisy surrounding Friday’s Pacers-Pistons Palace reunion.
Kostas Bolos | Mar 26, 2005

NBA’s Coaching Carousel Ahead Of Schedule
NBA teams appear to be in full-fledged panic mode as the playoffs draw near.
Kostas Bolos | Mar 22, 2005

NBA Random Thoughts
In his latest installment of NBA Random Thoughts, RealGM's Kostas Bolos looks at a rejuvenated Reggie Miller, Antoine Walker's renaissance, Rob Babcock's latest blunder and Chicago's huge road win Saturday night in Phily.
Kostas Bolos | Mar 20, 2005

Shaq, Heat Put Final Nail In Lakers’ Coffin
After all but ending Kobe and the Lakers' playoff aspirations, can life get any better for The Big Aristotle and the Eastern Conference-leading Heat?
Kostas Bolos | Mar 18, 2005

NBA Can Do Without Prep-to-Pros
An entry-level age limit may be a sticking point in CBA negotiations, but it’s exactly what the NBA needs.
Kostas Bolos | Mar 13, 2005

Jackson A Fraud If He Returns To L.A.
Legendary coach Phil Jackson a fraud? If he returns to the Lakers he'll be, Kostas Bolos says.
Kostas Bolos | Mar 6, 2005

Raptors’ Rose Rodney Dangerfield Of NBA
Jalen Rose is one of the league's most maligned and underappreciated players.
Kostas Bolos | Mar 2, 2005

Much Ado About Nothing? NBA Trade Deadline More Bark Than Bite
As is the case on almost an annual basis, the February trading deadline produced a whole lot of talk – in the form of an abundance of far-fetched rumors from various league ‘insiders’ - but little action.
Kostas Bolos | Feb 24, 2005

Time For NBA To Revamp All-Star Weekend Format
All-Star weekend once again was nothing more than a veritable snooze fest.
Kostas Bolos | Feb 21, 2005

Dunk Contest Needs LeBron
The NBA could really use a dunk contest involving Lebron James.
Kostas Bolos | Feb 18, 2005

New Era, Same Futility In RaptorLand
Maybe Vince Carter had good reason for wanting out of Toronto, after all.
Kostas Bolos | Feb 13, 2005

Is K.G. A Leader?
Just when you thought Minnesota Timberwolves All-Everything Kevin Garnett had finally escaped the shadows of his harshest critics, he finds himself having to prove the skeptics wrong yet again.
Kostas Bolos | Feb 9, 2005

James v. Wade NBA’s Next Big Rivalry?
Two of the Association’s super sophomores and marquee talents were on display Thursday night in Miami, as King LeBron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers squared off with Dwyane Wade and the Eastern Conference-leading Heat.
Kostas Bolos | Feb 3, 2005

Can’t Stand The Heat, Stay Out Of The Kitchen
Point guard Rafer Alston appears to be a growing malcontent.
Kostas Bolos | Jan 30, 2005

Karl The Mile High City Cure-All?
George Karl will be coaching Kenyon Martin.
Kostas Bolos | Jan 28, 2005

Suns’ Nash League’s Undisputed MVP?
With all due respect to ‘The Big Aristotle,’ is there any doubt whatsoever Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash is the league’s Most Valuable Player to date?
Kostas Bolos | Jan 23, 2005

No Bull: Chicago Once Again Talk Of League
The Chicago Bulls haven’t been this hot since M…Um…Let’s not go there just quite yet.
Kostas Bolos | Jan 19, 2005

Let The Crazy Trade Talk Begin
While the NBA’s Feb. 24 trade deadline may still be more than a month away, let’s not fool ourselves into thinking the hot stove league isn’t already in full swing.
Kostas Bolos | Jan 14, 2005

NBA Random Thoughts
As part of relief efforts aiding victims of last month’s tsunami disaster in Asia, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Jermaine O’Neal, Jalen Rose, Pau Gasol, Mike Miller and Bob Sura agreed to donate $1,000 to UNICEF for every point scored in a game played this week.
Kostas Bolos | Jan 8, 2005

Bzdelik’s Borrowed Time Was Up
Carmelo Anthony will have a new coach in Denver.
Kostas Bolos | Dec 29, 2004

A RealGM Christmas Wish List
Because of the Shaq-Kobe factor, Miami-L.A. could become the next big NBA rivalry.
Kostas Bolos | Dec 25, 2004

‘Air Canada’ Set For Takeoff; Carter Deal Paves Way For Bosh To Emerge
Babcock finally preformed the inevitable on Friday by dealing away the much maligned and disgruntled Vince Carter to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Alonzo Mourning, Eric Williams, Aaron Williams and two future first-round draft picks.
Kostas Bolos | Dec 18, 2004

Rose, Heat, Would Be A Match Made In Heaven
Two of the bigger names rumored to be on the block so far this season includes the Raptors’ Vince Carter and Jalen Rose.
Kostas Bolos | Dec 12, 2004

Turmoil in T.O. Raptors GM Babcock Stuck Between Rock, Hard Place
Rob Babcock may only be six months into his tenure as general manager of the Toronto Raptors, but his job security could very well rest with how he eventually handles the never-ending Vince Carter saga.
Kostas Bolos | Dec 8, 2004

With League-Wide Parity, NBA Following in NFL’s Footsteps
Kobe Bryant wasn’t the only one to get his wish when Shaquille O’Neal was sent packing for South Beach over the off-season.
Kostas Bolos | Dec 3, 2004

NBA Random Thoughts
Seemingly left for dead a week ago, Indiana is off to a surprising 2-1 start without the suspended trio of Ron Artest, Jermaine O’Neal and Stephen Jackson- the team’s top three scorers- in the lineup.
Kostas Bolos | Nov 26, 2004

Blame begins and ends with Artest in Palace brawl
Ron Artest wasn't the only guilty party, but he should be considered the primary culprit.
Kostas Bolos | Nov 20, 2004

Trade demand or not, Curry on borrowed time with Bulls
Eddy Curry may be on his way out of Chicago.
Kostas Bolos | Nov 14, 2004

NBA Random Thoughts
A new rap album? During the season? Huh?
Kostas Bolos | Nov 11, 2004

New-look Raptors NBA’s most pleasant surprise
A new general manager, a new head coach, and an up-tempo style of play has the Toronto Raptors off to their best start in franchise history.
Kostas Bolos | Nov 8, 2004

Have the winds of losing changed in the Windy City?
While Hinrich enters the season as the starting point guard, his best fit for this team might be at shooting guard.
Kostas Bolos | Nov 6, 2004

'Skip to my Lou' the toast of T.O.
While the off-season saw a myriad of blockbuster trades and free-agent acquisitions, the Toronto Raptors were able to quietly go about their business and nab point guard Rafer Alston from the Miami Heat.
Kostas Bolos | Nov 4, 2004

Knicks GM Thomas could use a lesson in chemistry
Thomas doesn't seem to be acquiring players with chemistry in mind.
Kostas Bolos | Oct 29, 2004

Bulls, Wizards add a little excitement to pre-season
After the Bulls and Wizards battled it out, who said the NBA’s pre-season wasn’t exciting?
Kostas Bolos | Oct 26, 2004

NBA's top 10 'most-to-prove' list
Kobe Bryant is at the top of the 'most-to-prove' list.
Kostas Bolos | Oct 21, 2004

A season of 'No Excuses' for Bulls GM Paxson
Paxson had decided to try to use Ben Gordon to replace Jamal Crawford.
Kostas Bolos | Oct 15, 2004

Time for ‘Air Canada’ to take flight out of Toronto
Carter, arguably the league's most popular player, has helped put a hockey-crazy town like Toronto on the NBA map.
Kostas Bolos | Sep 18, 2004