NBA Draft Watch: Giannis Antetokounmpo

The double standard for foreign early entry candidates to be under the age of 19 allowed Giannis Antetokounmpo to enter this year's NBA draft. American prospects must have either attended college, or be at least 19 years of age. Though the  6'10" Greek guard-forward combo has received a considerable amount of attention for his length and athleticism, his talent level remains a mystery. He plays for second division Greek club Filathlitikos, so his level of competition is pretty low. Still, with a 7'3" wingspan, a decent handle, and a smooth shot, this kid has managed to draw comparisons to Nicolas Batum, and even Kevin Durant. With the future of the franchise up in the air, look for the Boston Celtics to take a gamble on Antetokounmpo with the 16th overall pick in the draft.

NBA Must Penalize Cheap Shots More Harshly

If J.R. Smith was suspended one game for clearing the air space that he is entitled to as an offensive player by throwing an elbow into the jaws of Jason Terry, there should be numerous other plays in these playoffs that should be under review by the league offices. The fact is, what Smith did looked really bad, but for those of us who actually play the game, I think we all know that Terry deserved a shot to the chops for cutting off Smith's room to operate offensively.

After calling a timeout during game 2, Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook was undercut by Rockets guard Patrick Beverly, injuring Westbrook's knee. The play was clearly not accidental. Westbrook knew what Beverly had done as soon he slapped the press table in frustration. Beverly took out Westbrook's knees. It was a cheap shot, and one that could seriously dash all title hopes for the Thunder, who now must rely on the inexperienced Reggie Jackson to carry the load in the back court. It was a play that was much more condemnable than the one Smith had made, and yet there was not even a foul call, much less a suspension.

Thunder guard Russell Westbrook falls to the ground after being knocked over by Rockets guard Patrick Beverly. Westbrook is now out for the remainder of the season. (Photo by Sue Ogrocki/AP)

Westbrook was not the only one to be the recipient of a cheap blow. Though Carmelo Anthony stayed in the game, he was the victim of a dirty play on the part of Kevin Garnett. After setting a screen, Garnett yanked Anthony's shoulder, the same one Melo had injured earlier in the season. Carmelo was in pain for a couple of minutes, but stayed on the court. These types of cheap shots that are meant to injure other players have no place in the game. Garnett clearly intended to injure Anthony by pulling his arm. This is something that should garner a suspension. While Smith's blow to Terry's head looked bad, this act on the part of Garnett was absolutely deplorable. Further stoking Carmelo's fire, Jordan Crawford opened his big mouth and said less than savory things about Carmelo's wife. If there's any way to fuel a fire of an opposing team, it's talking about another player's loved ones.

Simply put, these cheap shots and out of line trash talk have no place in the game, and should be penalized far more harshly than Smith's elbow. The NBA needs to consider the fact that some plays just look bad, but that some really are bad, and are deserved of stiffer penalties, especially if they result in the effective injury of another player.

Celtics Storm Past Wizards

The Washington Wizards had lost both of their previous two meetings with the Boston Celtics this season coming into Sunday night's game at TD Garden. In the first meeting on November 3rd, Boston had escaped with an 89-86 victory at the Verizon Center. Four days later, the Celtics defeated the Wizards again, this time by a score of 100-94 up in Boston.

Washington then swung a deal with the Celtics at the trade deadline, sending Jordan Crawford to Boston in exchange for Leandro Barbosa and Jason Collins, neither of whom suited up on Sunday for Washington.

Tonight, the Celtics led 56-52 at the half, and held on for a 107-96 victory over the Wizards behind 20 points from Brandon Bass. Former Wizard Jordan Crawford only managed 6 points in just over 16 minutes.

Wizards guard John Wall gets bottled up by Celtics guard Courtney Lee, left, and forward Paul Pierce, right (Photo by USA TODAY Sports)

John Wall led the Wizards with 16 points and 10 assists. A.J. Price added 15 points off the bench.

Washington will visit New York on Tuesday to take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, before returning home to square off with Miami on Wednesday night in D.C.

Wizards Send Crawford To Celtics For Barbosa

The Washington Wizards have parted ways with Jordan Crawford, sending him to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Brazilian combo guard Leandro Barbosa and veteran center Jason Collins. Crawford had been averaging 13.2 points and 3.7 assists on the season. Meanwhile, Barbosa who's league minimum $1.2 million contract is expiring at season's end, will miss the remainder of this season due to a tear of his left anterior cruciate ligament. Collins, the former Stanford product who started his career with the New Jersey Nets, had been averaging 1.2 points in just over 10 minutes per game this season for the Celtics.

Jordan Crawford is heading to Boston

The Wizards acquired Leandro Barbosa and his expiring contract prior to Thursday's trade deadline. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Washington also received 12-year NBA veteran Jason Collins

Rondo Locks Down Williams, Celtics Knock Off Nets

The Brooklyn Nets jumped out to an early first quarter lead, but that was the only time they were ever really in the game. Rajon Rondo's stifling defense held Deron Williams to only 10 points, scoring 19 points himself in the 93-76 victory. Joe Johnson, who was double-teamed for most of the day was only able to manage 12 points on 4-14 shooting from the field. Rondo led all scorers, but the Celtics received nice contributions from Jared Sullinger, who had 16 points and 7 rebounds, and Jeff Green who chipped in 15 points off the bench.

Celtics forward Paul Pierce drives on Nets guard Keith Bogans. Pierce finished with 8 points and 10 assists.