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Goodfellas
06-17-2009, 04:20 PM
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Kevin McHale is out as coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/timberwolves).

New president of basketball operations David Kahn announced the move Wednesday, ending McHale's 15-year stint with the Timberwolves. In a statement issued before a news conference, Kahn lauded McHale's contributions as an executive and a coach, but there are many changes on the way and it "would have been difficult for everybody involved to put Kevin in this position."

McHale, a northern Minnesota native and Hall of Fame player who won three NBA titles with the Boston Celtics (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/celtics) in the 1980s, met several times with Kahn before the decision was reached.

"I was willing to come back, but they never offered me a contract," McHale told the St. Paul Pioneer Press. "They told me last week they were going in a different direction. I said, 'I think you're making a mistake, but that's up to you guys."'

Goodfellas
06-17-2009, 04:21 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Television ratings for the NBA Finals are down from last year.

The five games on ABC between the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/lakers) and Orlando Magic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/magic) averaged an 8.4 rating. That's down close to 10 percent from last season's 9.3 for the six-game Lakers-Celtics series, which was boosted by Boston's large market and traditional rivalry with LA.
It's still up 35 percent from the record-low 6.2 for San Antonio's sweep of Cleveland two years ago.

The five games averaged nearly 14 million viewers and were the five most-watched programs so far in June.

Ratings represent the percentage of all households with televisions tuned into a program.

Goodfellas
06-17-2009, 04:21 PM
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Trevor Ariza (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3860) said Tuesday he would love to return to the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/lakers) next season.

The fifth-year forward becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, along with teammate Lamar Odom (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3327), who made $14.1 million this season and turns 30 in November.

The downtrodden economy, however, could play a part in how much other teams are willing to offer free agents this summer.

Ariza earned $3.1 million this season and he raised his price considerably during the postseason, when he averaged 11.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists during the Lakers' run to their 15th NBA championship.

Goodfellas
06-17-2009, 04:22 PM
Houston also seems to be very active in trade talk, particularly in trying to move Tracy McGrady we're told. McGrady will be out for the first 20-30 games of the regular season, but there is some thought that he might be able to help a playoff team down the stretch, particularly since he's in a contract year. Its tough to see how many teams would be able to absorb the 20+ million dollars he's owed next season. The New York Knicks might be one of them. Houston would be looking for a shooting guard in return.
DraftExpress.com (http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/#Word-on-the-Street-June-16th-3263)

Goodfellas
06-17-2009, 04:23 PM
The talk is that Monta Ellis is unhappy with the direction the organization is heading in, and still holds a bit of grief over the way they held his contract status in limbo for months following his moped injury. For weeks we've heard that Ellis is no longer interested in playing for Golden State, and apparently it had reached a point where it was "close to popping off" in the words of one NBA executive -- meaning going to the media and publicly demanding a trade. General Manager Larry Riley and head coach Don Nelson reportedly flew to Atlanta to meet with Ellis this week, and basically have made every attempt possible to defuse the situation, at the very least in order to not lose leverage in any trade talk they will inevitably be involved in. One NBA executive we spoke with believes that Ellis was promised that the Warriors will not be picking a point guard with the #7 pick, and that he will be the one running the show for them next year.
DraftExpress.com (http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/#Word-on-the-Street-June-16th-3263)

Goodfellas
06-17-2009, 05:40 PM
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06-17-2009, 05:46 PM
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06-17-2009, 05:47 PM
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06-17-2009, 05:48 PM
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06-17-2009, 05:48 PM
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06-17-2009, 05:49 PM
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06-17-2009, 05:51 PM
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Goodfellas
06-18-2009, 07:58 AM
Donaghy is headed from federal prison to a Florida halfway house to serve the rest of his 15-month sentence in a gambling scandal.
Donaghy was traveling on Wednesday from the Saufley Field minimum-security prison camp in Pensacola to the halfway house in Tampa.

A New York judge sentenced Donaghy last year to 15 months after the referee said he took thousands of dollars from a professional gambler in exchange for inside tips on NBA games -- including games he worked. Donaghy said he was a gambling addict.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce in the tips-for-payoffs scheme. Donaghy is scheduled for release in October.

Goodfellas
06-18-2009, 07:59 AM
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Former NBA player Jerome "Pooh'' Richardson passed along a tip from a police officer friend that federal agents were about to raid the home his half-sister shared with a drug kingpin, according to an indictment unsealed Wednesday.

Richardson, 43, is not charged in the indictment, which accuses only the Philadelphia detective with criminal wrongdoing. The officer, Rickie Durham, is a longtime friend of Richardson's who received a car, event tickets and other expensive gifts from the athlete over the years, the document said.

Prosecutors declined to say whether Richardson is cooperating or whether he broke the law in relaying the tip.

Goodfellas
06-18-2009, 08:04 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- The White House. A movie premiere in Maryland. A store opening in Harlem.

LeBron James (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3704) is making the rounds this summer.

Fully recovered after undergoing surgery two weeks ago to have a benign growth on his jaw removed, the NBA's MVP is keeping a busy schedule.

On Monday, Cleveland's All-Star forward and a group of close friends visited President Barack Obama and were given a tour of the West Wing before attending the U.S. premiere of More Than A Game, a documentary about the basketball star and his friends' rise to national champions while playing at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio.

James contributed to Obama's campaign and first met the nation's No. 1 hoops fan at a talk show taping last year.

On Tuesday, James and pop music star Rihanna celebrated the opening of the Carol's Daughter Hand & Foot Spa in New York.
These were James' first public appearances since his five-hour operation at the Cleveland Clinic on June 1.

More Than A Game, which chronicles how James and his tight circle of friends accomplished a childhood goal, kicked off the AFI SilverDocs Documentary Film Festival in Silver Spring, Md. Several of James' teammates attended the premiere as well as former teachers, administrators, alumni from the school and the film's director, Kris Belman.

After the screening, James gave an inspirational speech to the audience, reminding them that he was from a small town and has made it to the international stage. He asked a few in the crowd to reveal their dreams and talents and encouraged them to follow their hearts.

The 24-year-old won his first MVP this season after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/cavaliers) to 66 regular-season wins. They lost in the Eastern Conference finals to the Orlando Magic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/magic).

MJ23
06-18-2009, 10:43 AM
Many thanks for all these info !! :)

Goodfellas
06-18-2009, 11:38 AM
Many thanks for all these info !! :)

No problem expect this info everyday!!

Goodfellas
06-18-2009, 11:54 AM
An NBA executive told the Boston Globe that the Minnesota Timberwolves is working a deal with the Phoenix Suns that would send former Celtics forward Al Jefferson and their sixth pick in next week's NBA Draft for All-Star Amar'e Stoudemire. The Suns, which have dangled Stoudemire for some time, found a suitor in Minnesota that is in transition. The team announced today that coach Kevin McHale has ended his 15-year association with the team. New basketball of operations David Kahn is looking to take the franchise into another direction.
(Boston Globe)

Goodfellas
06-18-2009, 12:18 PM
In just about every playoff series, there was at least one unrestricted free-agent-to-be whose play might result in a fatter-than-expected payday this summer. The Detroit Pistons, one of the few teams with money this offseason, are expected to be in the running for most of them. One player who will get a lot more attention based on his play in the postseason is Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza.
(MLive.com)

Goodfellas
06-18-2009, 03:32 PM
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06-18-2009, 03:33 PM
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06-18-2009, 03:36 PM
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MJ23
06-19-2009, 03:20 AM
Could be good to have AMARE for the Wolves. That would create a possible good 1-2 punch with the PG....will see...

Clip of KOBE really nice !!!

Many thanks again !

Goodfellas
06-19-2009, 08:08 AM
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Lamar Odom (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3327) wants to return to the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/lakers), and he hopes the team will keep both him and starter Trevor Ariza (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3860).

Odom and Ariza become unrestricted free agents on July 1.
"You want to keep the team together," Odom said Thursday. "We just won a championship, you don't want to see one piece not there. Hopefully we can keep everybody here."

Odom met with coach Phil Jackson and general manager Mitch Kupchak during an individual 20-minute exit interview.

"Hopefully, it won't take that long," he said, joking about upcoming contract negotiations. "In and out, three years, 80 million."

Goodfellas
06-19-2009, 08:27 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- NEW YORK (AP) -- Mike Krzyzewski still hasn't decided if he will return as U.S. basketball coach. He'll need to make up his mind soon.

Krzyzewski led the Americans to the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics, and said Thursday the coaching job has been offered to him again. However, he said he didn't want to make any decisions until after the NBA season ended, so he could talk to some players and assistants.

Krzyzewski and USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo plan to announce the coaching decision before the Americans begin a minicamp for young players July 22-25 in Las Vegas. The camp is being used to identify prospects for available spots on the 2010 world championship and 2012 Olympic teams.

Speaking before hosting an offseason broadcast of his Sirius XM radio program "Basketball and Beyond with Coach K," Krzyzewski said he wanted to make sure he could juggle the requirements of the U.S. job with his other responsibilities.

"You have to do justice to both, to all three: family, Duke and USA Basketball," Krzyzewski said.

Goodfellas
06-19-2009, 12:52 PM
Shaquille O'Neal takes nothing seriously. It's his blessing and his curse. It's why he can entertain millions of fans with his comedy, dancing and critical observations. It's why he can miss more than 5,100 free throws in his career and never win a rebounding title. It's part of the reason why Steve Nash met with general manager Steve Kerr in New York on Thursday, as the point guard wants some roster assurances before moving forward with a contract extension. The problem isn't a personality clash. It's that Nash and O'Neal can't co-exist on the court. You could not piece together a worse combination to defend the pick-and-roll, one of the most elementary plays in the NBA. It's one of the glaring flaws in this basketball team, and for that and other reasons, O'Neal must be traded in the coming months.
Arizona Republic (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2009/06/18/20090618bickley0619.html)

Goodfellas
06-19-2009, 12:53 PM
Heat president Pat Riley won't authorize any drastic roster changes until he has Dwyane Wade's signature on a contract extension. Riley, speaking at length Thursday about the team's offseason plans, said he has prepared the proposal he will forward to Wade and his agent one minute after midnight July 12, the earliest Wade can sign an extension. Although Wade has indicated he likely would hold off on an extension until next summer, Riley remains optimistic about a commitment.
Miami Herald (http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/basketball/miami-heat/story/1104210.html)

Goodfellas
06-19-2009, 12:55 PM
Dallas Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki wants sole custody of his ex-girlfriend's unborn baby, now a Jefferson County inmate, if it's proven he is the father, according to a petition filed last week in a Dallas County courthouse. The inmate, Crystal Taylor, was arrested May 6 at Nowitzki's Dallas home on a warrant out of Jefferson County for on a theft of services charge. She was served at the jail Monday with a petition to adjudicate parentage. Nowitzki's name does not appear on the court documents.
Beaumont Enterprise (http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/local/court_papers__nowitzki_wants_sole_custody_of_inmat e_s_child_06-18-2009.html)

Goodfellas
06-19-2009, 12:56 PM
An NBA source said today that Minnesota forward-center Al Jefferson is not being traded to the Suns with the sixth overall pick for Suns All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire. An NBA executive told The Globe on Wednesday that the teams discussed the trade. But another source acknowledged the discussion, but also said the Suns were quickly turned down. The source added that the Wolves new general manager David Kahn has even called Jefferson, an ex-Celtic, to tell him the trade would not happen. As for Stoudemire, the cost-cutting Suns definitely seem interesting in moving him and his hefty salary.
Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2009/06/jefferson_stayi.html)

Goodfellas
06-20-2009, 07:20 AM
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Kobe Bryant (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3118) said he plans to stay with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/lakers) even he if opts out of his contract this summer. Phil Jackson said his health will dictate whether he returns as coach.

Bryant met with Jackson and general manager Mitch Kupchak for an individual exit interview Friday.

The finals MVP can terminate the last two years of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He's spent his entire 13-year career with the Lakers, winning four NBA championships. But he could get a new, more lucrative and longer deal if he opted out.

Asked by reporters if he would opt out, Bryant said, "I've been deflecting that all year and I ain't going to stop now."

Pressed to explain, he responded, "I'm not going anywhere. I know I ain't going nowhere, so it's just a waste of our breaths just talking about it."

Bryant turns 31 in August. He averaged 32.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.6 rebounds during the finals, when the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/magic) in five games.

Kupchak met with reporters before Bryant did and said, "We have no indication of what he may or may not do."

Jackson, who turns 64 in September, said he'll decide about next season after he gets some health issues checked out.

Goodfellas
06-20-2009, 07:22 AM
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06-20-2009, 07:23 AM
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06-20-2009, 07:25 AM
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06-20-2009, 07:26 AM
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06-20-2009, 07:27 AM
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06-20-2009, 07:28 AM
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06-20-2009, 07:29 AM
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06-20-2009, 07:30 AM
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Goodfellas
06-20-2009, 11:41 AM
For all the Portland Trail Blazers' usual misdirection plays about moving up in the draft, few say they're sincere in climbing into the lottery. Ultimately, it's thought that the Blazers are trying to clear cap space -- perhaps as much as $10 million -- and multiple league executives think Portland is determined to sign Orlando Magic free agent Hedo Turkoglu. For now, the Blazers are trying to find a taker for point guard Sergio Rodriguez and his $1.6 million salary. They're interested in Dallas Mavericks free agent Jason Kidd, too. The Mavericks want to keep Kidd, who will probably ask for $8 million a season.
Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AnnG13QYnfazOQAvGb_6.sQ5nYcB?slug=aw-draftnotes061909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

Goodfellas
06-20-2009, 11:41 AM
In an interview with the blog NBA WebSportiva, Anderson Varejao is quoted in Portuguese as saying: "I've had two conversations with [Dallas Mavericks owner] Mark Cuban this month and he offered me a three-year deal worth $11 million [about $19 million U.S.]. But I told him that I would like to remain in Cleveland, unless they do not want renew my contract and I can analyze the proposal of Dallas." It is a little rough in translation. Or lost depending on who you ask. To understand the reaction, know that if Cuban or anyone from the Dallas organization had contacted Varejao before July 1, when he is expected to become a free agent, it would be tampering and subject to punishment by the NBA. A source close to Varejao said Friday that Varejao did not make those statements and that he has not talked to Cuban. Varejao is currently on vacation in Miami. A Mavericks source said Cuban has never spoken directly to Varejao at any time in his career.
Cleveland Plain Dealer (http://www.cleveland.com/sports/index.ssf/2009/06/cleveland_cavaliers_anderson_v.html)

Goodfellas
06-20-2009, 11:42 AM
The Memphis Grizzlies are trying to talk tough, saying they're unafraid to draft Ricky Rubio with the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft, but no one believes them. Nevertheless, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace finds himself in a tough spot. He has a volatile owner, Michael Heisley, puffing out his chest, and a player agent, Dan Fegan, threatening to embarrass the franchise should it try to take Rubio. Apparently, Heisley has been as impatient as ever with Wallace. This ebbs and flows, but league sources say Pau Gasol's marvelous play in the Los Angeles Lakers' championship run has Heisley coming down on Wallace all over again for last year's trade. Of course, Heisley pushed for the lousy Lakers deal, but that's been lost in the revisionist history.
Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AnnG13QYnfazOQAvGb_6.sQ5nYcB?slug=aw-draftnotes061909&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

Goodfellas
06-20-2009, 12:19 PM
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06-20-2009, 12:22 PM
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Goodfellas
06-20-2009, 07:52 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- The NBA will play its first game in Taiwan in October.

The league said Friday the Denver Nuggets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nuggets) will face the Indiana Pacers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pacers) on Oct. 8 in an exhibition game at Taipei Arena.

Taipei will become the seventh Asian city to host an NBA game. The others are Beijing, Guangzhou, Macao, Shanghai, Tokyo and Yokohama.

The NBA will conduct community events while in Taipei. The league opened its office in the city in 1997.

Goodfellas
06-20-2009, 07:55 PM
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06-20-2009, 07:56 PM
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06-20-2009, 07:57 PM
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Goodfellas
06-21-2009, 12:39 PM
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- A judge on Monday will consider whether former NBA star Jayson Williams should be sentenced for covering up a fatal shooting at his mansion in 2002, given Williams' recent erratic behavior, including an assault arrest in North Carolina.

Williams, 41, was acquitted of aggravated manslaughter in 2004 but convicted on four counts of trying to cover up the shooting of a hired driver at his Hunterdon County mansion. The jury couldn't reach a verdict on a reckless manslaughter count, and State Superior Court Judge Edward M. Coleman has delayed sentencing pending Williams' retrial on that charge.

Prosecutors are asking the judge to reconsider the sentencing delay due to Williams' recent run-ins with the law.

In April, police used a stun gun on Williams during an altercation in a New York hotel room, and in May he was arrested in North Carolina and charged with assault for allegedly punching someone in a barroom dispute. Earlier this year, his wife filed divorce papers claiming he was abusive and had a drug problem.

The four cover-up counts on which Williams was convicted -- including witness and evidence tampering -- carry a combined maximum sentence of 13 years in prison. However, Williams was not expected to receive a term longer than five years, the maximum sentence for the most serious charge.

Goodfellas
06-21-2009, 04:21 PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Hasheem Thabeet canceled a pre-draft workout with the Grizzlies on Sunday citing a shoulder injury, but he also had plans to talk to other teams.

"Thabeet was a combination of he's had some shoulder situations and he wanted to talk to some other teams," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said of the 7-foot-3 center out of Connecticut. "It's also what goes on this time of the year with guys showing, not showing, that type of thing. The gamesmanship of the draft."

Memphis officials have already met with Thabeet twice in preparation for Thursday's NBA draft. Wallace said he expects to meet Thabeet later this week, but probably not for a workout.
The draft's top-rated big man, Thabeet averaged 13.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 4.2 blocks (second in the nation) for the Huskies last season, when he was co-Big East player of the year.

Goodfellas
06-21-2009, 04:29 PM
Contrary to a Yahoo! report, the Nets have had no conversation with the Cavaliers since mid-February regarding Vince Carter for anybody, much less Sasha Pavlovic and Ben Wallace, who talked about retiring but is not about to forfeit $14M. Zero!
New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06212009/sports/nets/wave_of_rumors__no_substance_to_carter_t_175377.ht m)

Goodfellas
06-21-2009, 04:31 PM
The chatter in the league is that the Cavs are very interested in moving up in the draft. They have been talking to teams just outside of the lottery (starting with the 15th pick) down into the low 20s. Typically, the Cavs would have a good idea of who is willing to move where and then act on draft night. As they look to move up, the Cavs might be targeting three players who most certainly will not be there when they draft at 30. One is Ty Lawson. Another is Sam Young. The last is Earl Clark.
Cleveland Plain Dealer (http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/12455730305700.xml&coll=2)

Goodfellas
06-21-2009, 04:32 PM
David Lee walked through a hard rain yesterday at an NBA function at the South Street Seaport in possibly his last public appearance as a Knick. Portland will be Lee's strongest suitor. Detroit, with cap room, has interest, too. Lee declined to say whether he'll be in the Rose City July 1 for a recruiting trip. "I haven't discussed it," Lee said. Portland likely has to work out a sign-and-trade with the Knicks to get the 6-foot-9 power forward. Lee is expected to command between $7-10 million per year on an offer sheet, which the Knicks can match. If he gets an offer sheet at the spectrum's high end, Donnie Walsh is prepared to trade Lee or let him go with the idea of preserving 2010 cap space.
New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06212009/sports/knicks/lees_career_reaches_high_pressure_time_175310.htm)

Goodfellas
06-21-2009, 04:34 PM
A source with knowledge of the situation said Rubio was visited in Los Angeles today by the Oklahoma City Thunder, who have the No. 3 pick in the June 25 draft. This matters mostly because Rubio's visit in Sacramento this week came with unspoken terms, an understanding of sorts that a Rubio promise on the Kings' part could have stopped his American tour with just one concert. But that clearly never happened, and certainly not only because Rubio was unable to get on the floor Thursday when he fell ill. So he continues to interview away, certainly hoping to not fall below the fourth spot if only because that $6.6 million buyout has to be paid for somehow. There has been talk of a second Sacramento visit, but I'm not sure that's plausible now since he is believed to be headed back to Spain on Sunday.
Sacramento Bee (http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/2009/06/ricky-rubio-mee.html)

Goodfellas
06-22-2009, 02:45 PM
SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) -- A New Jersey judge says retired NBA star Jayson Williams will remain free on bail.

The judge rejected a prosecutor's request Monday to revoke Williams' bail and send him to prison for covering up the shooting of a hired driver more than seven years ago.

The judge says Williams hasn't been convicted of anything since his 2004 trial.

The prosecution argued Williams is going through a divorce in which his estranged wife has claimed he's violent.

Williams has been free on bail since the 2002 killing of the driver. Sentencing has been delayed pending his retrial on a reckless manslaughter count.

The judge says it "doesn't make sense" to sentence Williams now. The judge also denied a request to increase his bail.

Goodfellas
06-22-2009, 02:47 PM
The Knicks have not given up hope on Ricky Rubio and are still trying to interview the 18-year-old Spanish point guard phenom this week before Thursday's NBA Draft, according to a source. Rubio will be in New York for the draft but hasn't worked out for teams. Rumors are circulating that Rubio could fall because of the complexity of his $6 million buyout and the Kings are no lock to take him at No. 4. Rubio has sued his Spanish club and a court hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. A Spanish source said he would not be surprised if Rubio starts the preseason in Spain. If the Kings pass, Rubio, some people in the league predict, could fall as low as eight to the Knicks, who are trying to trade up for Stephen Curry or the Spaniard.
New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06222009/sports/knicks/knicks_pointing_at_rubio_175481.htm)

Goodfellas
06-22-2009, 02:48 PM
Turns out the Grizzlies weren't snubbed by Hasheem Thabeet after all. After learning late Friday that Thabeet canceled his visit to Memphis because of a "shoulder injury," the Grizzlies dispatched executives and coaches to Los Angeles for a meeting with the 7-3 center out of Connecticut. Griz general manager Chris Wallace, scouting boss Tony Barone Sr., head coach Lionel Hollins and assistant coach Johnny Davis hopped an afternoon flight on Saturday and headed for Hollywood. They spent about three hours in Los Angeles and returned to Memphis late Saturday night. Is this the strongest signal yet that the Griz want to take Thabeet with the No. 2 overall pick? Well, I'm told the purpose of the meeting - the Grizzlies' third with Thabeet - was twofold. Hollins wanted to meet Thabeet and the Grizzlies had specific areas of concern they wanted Thabeet to address after studying him over the past month.
Memphis Commercial Appeal (http://www.thememphisedge.com/)

Goodfellas
06-22-2009, 02:49 PM
LSU's Marcus Thornton recently had a solid workout for the Hornets, and while a couple of teams who pick after the Hornets have Thornton very high on their draft boards, it's very likely the Hornets would take him at 21. He's as good behind the three-point arch as anyone in the class, and though he's a little undersized for an NBA two at 6'4", he's a player who can create instant offense as a key member of someone's second unit.
hoopsworld (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13010)

Goodfellas
06-22-2009, 02:50 PM
The Blazers' mental pursuit of Vince Carter was about taking pressure off Brandon Roy to carry the team offensively in the playoffs. They decided against tampering with chemistry. However, in light of how Roy was converged upon like bouncers in a bar fight, the new plan is recruit a free agent veteran (Hedo Turkoglu, specifically) or acquire one. "No disrespect to Hedo, but he's not consistent enough for the kind of money I expect he'll demand ($11M per; four years)," an east coast executive declared. "He wants the ball with the game on the line and responds real well under pressure, but then he'll disappear for a game or two. That's all that's stopping him from becoming a perennial All-Star."
New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06212009/sports/nets/wave_of_rumors__no_substance_to_carter_t_175377.ht m)

Goodfellas
06-23-2009, 06:54 AM
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- New Sacramento Kings (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/kings) coach Paul Westphal hired Mario Elie, Jim Eyen and Leonard "Truck" Robinson as his assistant coaches Monday night.

Westphal also retained 78-year-old assistant Pete Carril, the Hall of Fame coach from Princeton who has been affiliated with the Kings for much of the past 13 years.

Elie, a three-time NBA champion as a player, has been an assistant coach in Dallas, Golden State and San Antonio. He spent the last two seasons with the Mavericks while Westphal was an assistant coach and an executive in Dallas.

"He was one of the first guys that I targeted," Westphal said. "He's going to really help us with his defensive intensity."

Eyen is an 18-year NBA coaching veteran, spending most of his years working under Mike Dunleavy (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3601) during stints with four franchises. He spent the past six seasons on the Los Angeles Clippers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/clippers)' bench.

Robinson was Westphal's teammate in Phoenix and New York during an 11-year playing career. He spent last season as a scout for Washington, but has never coached in the NBA.

Westphal said Carril, the winningest coach in Ivy League history, will be "the one we all learn from."

"He'll be around quite a bit," Westphal said. "He won't travel to all the games, but he'll be a presence at practice, home games and meetings."

Goodfellas
06-23-2009, 06:55 AM
SAN DIEGO (AP) -- LeBron James (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3704) is moving his King's Academy summer basketball camp from his hometown of Akron, Ohio, to the campus of UC San Diego.

The NBA MVP and star of the Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/cavaliers) has scheduled his camp, for boys and girls between 8 and 18, for July 24-28.

Moving the King's Academy gives kids in another part of the country the chance to experience it, camp director Damon Haley said Monday.

"He's a guy who's a family guy, and he's a guy who needs a vacation in the offseason, so that's where San Diego came into the realm of possibility," said Haley, who also mentioned the number of courts at UCSD.

The cost is $650 for overnight campers and $510 for day campers.

Goodfellas
06-23-2009, 06:57 AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Terrence Williams was so nervous at seeing Michael Jordan (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3464) he was sweating profusely -- while stretching. Gerald Henderson was drier, but had to endure relentless grief about being a Duke guy.

As Jordan sat on an exercise bike just off the Bobcats' practice court Monday, Williams and Henderson did their best to impress Charlotte's managing partner, who could decide between the two shooting guards with the 12th pick in Thursday's draft.

"He was talking all that Carolina mess," Henderson said of the Tar Heels' most famous hoops alum. "He said he had his old shorts underneath his jeans and if he took them off I'd be scared to death. He's always talking junk. It's cool, though."

While it was the second time this month Henderson and Williams, from Louisville, auditioned for Bobcats coach Larry Brown, it was the first time Jordan attended one of Charlotte's pre-draft workouts.
With the Bobcats lacking depth at shooting guard and with both players holding the defensive pedigree Brown craves, Jordan's presence could signal the Bobcats are prepared to choose between the two if they're still on the board Thursday night.

"They told me in my interview that Mr. Jordan was coming into town and they wanted me to come back," Williams said. "It was an honor to be in the same city as Jordan, let along the same gym."

Jordan, Charlotte's part-owner with the final say on basketball decisions, knocked down some mid-range jumpers after the workout, then slipped out a side door and didn't address reporters.
It left Brown to offer his critique of Henderson and Williams, athletic, strong defenders who have slightly different games.

Brown sees the 6-foot-4, 215-pound Henderson, who left Duke after averaging 16.5 points as a junior, as strictly a shooting guard.
"I don't think he's even come close to tapping what he's capable of doing," Brown said.

Williams, listed at 6-6 and 220 pounds and a four-year starter with the Cardinals, could play both shooting guard and small forward and bring the ball up the court to beat a press, according to Brown.
"I think he's a little bigger and stronger (than Henderson) right now," Brown said. "I think they're both going to have long NBA careers and be very productive."

The Bobcats need to get starting shooting guard Raja Bell (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3467) help. Bell turns 33 in September and was plagued with injuries late last season. There is no clear backup on the roster.

Charlotte may not get to choose between Henderson and Williams. New Jersey, which holds the 11th pick, is bringing in both players for a workout Tuesday.

"There are sources that say that with the Bobcats it's between me and Gerald. There are sources that say with New Jersey it's either me or Gerald," Williams said. "It's just an honor to be mentioned with those teams at those positions where they're picking, not 20-something or 30-something."

Neither player is a great shooter. Williams has steadily improved his 3-point shot but made 58 percent of his free throws last season. Henderson made just 33 percent of his 3-point shots with the Blue Devils.

Yet Henderson, who said his shooting has improved as he's traveled to workouts this month, thinks he'd be a good fit in Charlotte.

"I think I can bring a presence and really defend somebody out on the perimeter," Henderson said. "Coach Brown was preaching that all workout so I think I can bring that to the Bobcats."

Williams believes he'd be a good choice for Jordan, too.

"He didn't know my hands were that big. My hands are the same size as his," Williams said. "I think it was a great showing. It's three days away so hopefully I'm a Bobcat, to be honest with you."

If Henderson ends up in Charlotte, he knows he'll face constant ribbing from Jordan, Brown and the numerous other North Carolina alums in the organization.

"I can give it back, too," Henderson said.

If it's Williams, he'll have to learn to calm down in Jordan's presence.
"It's too much pressure," Williams said, smiling. "I'm sweating when we're doing stretching because he's over there sitting down. The last 10 minutes I got to talk to him. But it's still not really reality to me that I'm in the same gym."

Goodfellas
06-23-2009, 08:23 AM
The Boston Celtics (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4542) appear willing to make major roster changes to balance a chance for a championship run and future financial flexibility. The Celtics (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4542) offered Ray Allen (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4136) and Rajon Rondo (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/7035) to the Detroit Pistons (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4548) for a package that included Richard Hamilton (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4226), Tayshaun Prince (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4338) and Rodney Stuckey (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/7929), league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Boston general manager Danny Ainge and Detroit's Joe Dumars never spoke, but rather the Celtics (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4542) had a lower-level executive make the pitch to a Pistons (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4548) official over the past weekend, league sources said. Detroit immediately rejected the idea, and it never advanced to the two top executives speaking about particulars. This isn't an uncommon occurrence for a GM like Ainge to dispatch an underling to make that kind of a call, if for no other reason to give the top executive some level of deniability that he's shopping his stars.
Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AtiU_r5bSIC3VI_dyeS.vRq8vLYF?slug=aw-celticspistons062209&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)

Goodfellas
06-23-2009, 08:24 AM
The Bulls (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4544) have held trade talks with several teams about packaging the 16th and 26th picks into one higher selection, with two league sources insisting the target is Duke shooting guard Gerald Henderson.
Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-23-bulls-draft-chicago-jun23,0,3324174.story)

Goodfellas
06-23-2009, 08:24 AM
About half of the teams in the league have spoken with the Wizards (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4567), according to a league source, and most of those discussions have revolved around their No. 5 draft pick. Some teams, though, have also asked about the availability of the Wizards (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4567)' top players, with most focusing on Caron Butler (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4329). Multiple sources have confirmed that the Wizards (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4567) engaged in conversations with the Phoenix Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) about acquiring all-star forward Amare Stoudemire (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4328) last month, but the talks stalled when the Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) demanded Butler. Another league source added that Golden State and Portland have also attempted to land Butler, but President Ernie Grunfeld hasn't budged.
Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/22/AR2009062202748.html)

Goodfellas
06-23-2009, 08:25 AM
Don't be surprised if the Cavaliers (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4545) come away with a rotation player in Thursday's NBA draft. It probably won't happen if they stay at their current picks -- 30th and 46th -- but with teams hurting for money and the Cavs (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4545) flush with cash from a strong playoff run and LeBron-mania, it puts them in superb position to add some money to that 30th pick and move up. It's a draft with a glut of point guards, and the Cavs (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4545) could use one. There also are some intriguing wing players. Which brings us to Sam Young, the 6-6, 210-pound small forward from Pittsburgh.
Cleveland Plain Dealer (http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2009/06/theres_plenty_to_ponder_as_the.html)

Goodfellas
06-23-2009, 08:25 AM
According to an NBA source, super active Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn has offered Mike Miller (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4255) to the Los Angeles Clippers (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4552) in exchange for Chris Kaman (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4364). The Clippers (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4552) shot down that trade, but countered with Marcus Camby (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4138).
DraftExpress (http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/#Word-on-the-Street-June-22nd-3276)

Goodfellas
06-23-2009, 01:13 PM
WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) -- The Boston Celtics (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/celtics) will try to get back to the top of the NBA without counting on help in the draft.

The Celtics, who won the NBA title in 2008 but lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/cavaliers) this season, hold only one pick in Thursday night's draft: The 28th pick in the second round. Few players picked that low ever see significant playing time.

Boston general manager Danny Ainge said he thinks it's unlikely the team will make a deal to move up.

Goodfellas
06-24-2009, 06:26 AM
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- The Philadelphia 76ers are going retro.
The Sixers have changed their logo and colors to revive the traditional "76ers basketball" logo and the red, white and blue color scheme.

The logo, last used during the 1996-97 season, consists of a color scheme originally established in 1963 and used during the Sixers' two championship seasons in 1966-67 and 1982-83.

This is the first major logo change for the Sixers since 1997-98, when the logo was modernized to incorporate black, silver and gold into a stylized "76ers" that featured a red and silver star to the left and a gold ball with blue stripes below.

The new logo includes a rectangular court-shaped enclosure around the ball with "PHILADELPHIA" along the bottom and silver shaping the perimeter.

Goodfellas
06-24-2009, 06:28 AM
EAST RUTHERFFORD, N.J. (AP) -- In the closing minutes of his eighth and final workout prior to the NBA draft, Tyler Hansbrough stood along the baseline of the New Jersey Nets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nets)' practice court wearing a sweat saturated gray jersey, catching his breath before another shooting drill.

After former Duke rival Gerald Henderson shot his way around the perimeter and back, Hansbrough stepped into the corner and started the same drill, taking passes from a Nets' assistant.

The first four shots hit nothing but net. The next couple clanged off the rim until Hansbrough reached the opposite corner. He then worked the drill in reverse, surprising most observers with his shooting ability.

The 23-year-old Hansbrough is one of the question marks heading into Thursday's draft. The player of the year in 2007-08, the power forward capped his career by leading North Carolina to a national championship this past spring, leaving Chapel Hill as the ACC's all-time leading scorer (2,872 points).

However, there is debate where the 6-foot-9, high-intensity player will be picked. Some think top 10. Others believe he will last until the 20s.

Hansbrough insists that he doesn't care either when he is taken or by whom.

"I just want to go in and make sure I take care of business after the draft," he said. "Wherever I go, I'll be happy and I'll be ready to get to work and help them out."

Goodfellas
06-24-2009, 06:39 AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- After four years of seemingly never-ending knee and weight issues, Sean May (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3939) faces an uncertain summer as an unrestricted free agent after the Charlotte Bobcats (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bobcats) decided not to make a qualifying offer to their former first-round pick.

Plagued first by chronic knee pain that led to microfracture surgery, May struggled to get into proper playing shape last season for coach Larry Brown, who refused to play the 6-foot-9 power forward for long stretches until he lost weight.

Appearing in only 82 of a possible 328 games since being the 13th pick in the 2005 draft, the Bobcats declined to give May a one-year, $3.7 million offer that would have made him a restricted free agent.
"I think it's a combination of things," general manager Rod Higgins said Tuesday. "I think there's production that comes into play. That with the addition of salary, for us it just didn't make sense for that commitment right now for what we're trying to do with the team."

Higgins didn't rule out trying to re-sign May, but it would surely be for less than the qualifying offer. The Bobcats have little depth behind starting power forward Boris Diaw (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3724) and Bobcats officials have been monitoring May's offseason workouts.

Goodfellas
06-24-2009, 06:41 AM
DALLAS (AP) -- Mavericks star Dirk Nowitzki (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3252) says he is recovering from his soured relationship with jailed former fiancee Crystal Taylor and still wants to have a family someday.

Speaking in his home country to Germany's Bild newspaper, the All-Star forward opened up about his romance with Taylor for the first time in a question-and-answer format that was posted online Tuesday.

Nowitzki said he was "disappointed, sad and furious" in May after Taylor was arrested at his Dallas home but that he thinks he will recover from the ugly breakup.

"I still want to have a family, but first the wounds must heal," said Nowitzki, who turned 31 last week. "However, I still want to have a few little Dirks running around later. But it won't be easy to win my heart."

Taylor, who was indicted in 2006 for allegedly failing to pay a Beaumont dentist for thousands of dollars in dental work, remains in the Jefferson County Jail on theft warrants and a probation violation out of Missouri.

Taylor told The Dallas Morning News in a jailhouse interview that she was pregnant with Nowitzki's child. Nowitzki has filed for custody of the child if a paternity test proves he's the father.

Nowitzki said he didn't want to get into airing "dirty laundry" in response to things Taylor has said about him. The 7-foot former NBA MVP verified that the couple met in a phone call.

Goodfellas
06-24-2009, 06:43 AM
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban joined the show to discuss sports blogs and more.

-- Cuban said there are so many blogs, everyone has to really work hard to stand out. "The shortcut is just to make something up," Cuban said.

Cuban said that bloggers will claim an inside source when it's not legitimate.

He also blamed traditional media for not trusting their own sources and abilities and following every blog rumor.

-- Cuban lets all bloggers in to cover his game. Cuban said he can't differentiate between good bloggers and bad bloggers.

-- Cuban says he watches players' Tweets very closely.

“Following the Tweets of free agents is like the best thing ever. It gives you such insight into players and their minds.” Cuban said.
He said he recently saw Kevin Durant was in the weight room at 7 a.m. Cuban said he likes a player like that.

-- Cuban said the Mavs and Lakers did talk about a straight-up Kobe Bryant for Dirk Nowitzki trade. But Cuban paused. He said if he had said yes at first, the deal might have had a chance. Cuban said it got to the point where he was talking to Lakers owner Jerry Buss. When owners talk to other owners, it's serious.

-- Cuban also explained why he traded Steve Nash. He said the coaches were about to cut Nash's minutes because they were afraid he'd break down.

-- Cuban said the key to drafting is having a psychological interview. Cuban pointed to the success they had taking Devin Harris, who did well in an interview

Goodfellas
06-24-2009, 01:12 PM
While there has been talk around the NBA from several scouts that the Celtics (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4542) have been shopping guard Rajon Rondo (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/7035), he isn't expected to be dealt. While unlikely, one Eastern Conference executive said the latest trade rumor included Rondo and forward Brian Scalabrine (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4311) going to Memphis for guard Mike Conley (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/8017) and swingman Rudy Gay (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/7022).
Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2009/06/spears_latest_d.html)

Goodfellas
06-24-2009, 01:15 PM
With Thursday's draft drawing near and the Kings (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4563)' workout schedule having been completed with Ricky Rubio's visit Monday, the deliberating about the team's No. 4 pick continued internally. And while their list of top candidates is believed to include Rubio, Memphis' Tyreke Evans, Syracuse's Jonny Flynn and Davidson's Stephen Curry, it appears Evans is heading the group entering the final days.
Sacramento Bee (http://www.sacbee.com/kings/story/1971983.html)

Goodfellas
06-24-2009, 01:16 PM
Forget Mike Fratello as a Timberwolves (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4556)' coaching candidate. He's not coming.
St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_12676157)

Goodfellas
06-25-2009, 06:12 AM
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- The NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/lakers) will likely unload at least one of their three draft picks.

They have the 29th pick in the first round and the 42nd and 59th picks in the second round of Thursday's draft.

General manager Mitch Kupchak said Wednesday that there was a "better than even likelihood" the team would get rid of its first-round pick.

"There's a lot of interest, absolutely," he said. "Certain teams, they may want to preserve cap space for the next year or two and they may need to add players. A good way to add talent at a fixed price is to have a lot of draft choices and then you can still maintain cap space a year from now."

The Lakers are hopeful they will re-sign Trevor Ariza (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3860), Shannon Brown (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4153) and Lamar Odom (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3327), all of whom become unrestricted free agents on July 1. If so, that would bring the roster to the league-minimum 13 players, making it unlikely the team would add another player

Goodfellas
06-25-2009, 06:17 AM
HOUSTON (AP) -- Yao Ming (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3599)'s broken foot is not healed and the Houston Rockets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/rockets) say the All-Star center is out indefinitely.

Yao suffered a hairline fracture in his left foot in the Rockets' second-round playoff loss to the Lakers on May 8. The team initially said Yao would miss eight to 12 weeks, but team doctor Tom Clanton examined Yao's foot in Houston on Wednesday and said the injury has not responded to the treatment program.

A bone scan conducted Wednesday night revealed the fracture had not healed. The team now says no timeline is set for Yao's return to basketball activities, though Clanton said Yao is experiencing no pain in his foot.

The team said the original treatment plan called for Yao to cease all physical training and to use a walking boot to immobilize the foot and promote healing.

Team spokesman Nelson Luis said late Wednesday night that Yao and the Rockets will consult with doctors before proceeding with a new course of treatment

Goodfellas
06-25-2009, 06:19 AM
TAMPA (AP) -- Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/cavaliers) guard Tarence Kinsey Jr. has been charged with drunken driving.

Hillsborough County Jail's online records show that Kinsey, a high school standout at Tampa's Jefferson High School, was arrested for DUI early Wednesday morning and later released on his own recognizance.

Kinsey joined the Cavaliers as a free agent last August and averaged 2.0 points in 50 games last season. He has a $995,000 non-guaranteed contract with the Cavs for the 2009-10 season.

Goodfellas
06-25-2009, 06:20 AM
Former Davidson star Stephen Curry joined the show to discuss the NBA draft.

Curry said he knows less now because there's a lot more trade talk going on. Curry says he's getting a lot of information, but he's not sure what it all means.

"You don't know who to believe when you hear stuff from GMs," Curry said.

Dan asked Curry about the workouts with different teams. Curry said that he's worked out for the Knicks, Bobcats and Wizards. He will work out with the Kings soon.

Dan asked Curry which team really loves him. "If I had to put any kind of money on it, I'd say New York," Curry said. Curry said the Knicks are also looking at Johnny Flynn and Brandon Jennings.
Curry also said he really likes the situation in Washington. The Wizards have the No. 5 pick. Curry said he thinks he has a good shot of going in the top five.

Dan asked Curry which guy that he's worked out with in these NBA tryouts has really impressed him. Curry said Duke's Gerald Henderson is better than he thought.

Goodfellas
06-25-2009, 11:50 AM
The Knicks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4558) are on the verge of acquiring the second pick of the NBA draft. The second pick of the 2003 draft, that is. A deal that would send Quentin Richardson (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4265) to Memphis for Darko Milicic (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4360), the player selected after LeBron James (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4359) and before Carmelo Anthony (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4361) and Dwyane Wade (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4363), is close to being finalized. The 7-foot Milicic has been a disappointment since entering the league but he would give the Knicks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4558) a shot-blocker on their front line. Both Milicic and Richardson are entering the last year of their contracts. For weeks, team president Donnie Walsh has been trying to trade up to acquire Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, who coincidentally could be drafted second by Memphis.
New York Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2009/06/25/2009-06-25_donnie__darko.html)

Goodfellas
06-25-2009, 11:51 AM
According to the same source that disclosed Terry Porter was about to be fired as Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) coach, the Rockets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4550) are leaning toward swapping Tracy McGrady (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4169)'s expiring $22M contract, Carl Landry (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/8033) and Aaron Brooks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/8015) for Leandro Barbosa (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4384) and Amare Stoudemire (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4328), who owns an escape clause after next season and is demanding an extension this summer to waive it.
New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/06252009/sports/moresports/wolves_on_path_of_kahn_176015.htm?page=2)

Goodfellas
06-25-2009, 11:51 AM
With Rajon Rondo's name continually popping up in trade rumors, Celtics (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4542) president Danny Ainge spoke once again this morning about his point guard, stressing his value to the team while also saying "he's got to grow up" in some areas and making other critical comments. Ainge said Rondo needed to take more of a leadership role and revealed the 23-year-old was fined for showing up late to a playoff game.
Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2009/06/ainge_critical.html)

Goodfellas
06-25-2009, 11:52 AM
Dealing Shaquille O'Neal could mean the Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) look at the only center option at No. 14 in Ohio State's 20-year-old B.J. Mullens. He would be an athletic, offensively skilled balance to Robin Lopez but he is raw.
Arizona Republic (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2009/06/24/20090624shaqtrade-CR.html)

Goodfellas
06-26-2009, 07:56 AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Charlotte Bobcats (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bobcats) are for sale and Michael Jordan (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3464) is interested.

First, he has to put an ownership group together.

Addressing the issue on Thursday night for the first time since the news last month that majority owner Bob Johnson is seeking to sell, Jordan shied away from going into detail about his plans. But Jordan, who holds a minority stake in the team and runs basketball operations, made it clear he'd like to gain majority control.

"I would like to put together a team to do that, yeah," Jordan said.
Jordan then quickly turned the attention back to his selection of Gerald Henderson of Duke with the 12th pick in the NBA draft and didn't take further questions on the ownership issue.

It remains unclear if Jordan is close to securing the investors and money needed to buy the team, for which Johnson paid $300 million.

Goodfellas
06-26-2009, 07:57 AM
Kevin Durant rookie of the year Derrick Rose (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4387) and college player of the year Blake Griffin are among the 25 players who have accepted invitations to participate in the USA Basketball national team minicamp.

The roster of players was announced Thursday in Las Vegas, where the Americans will train from July 22-25. The minicamp will be used to identify prospects for openings on the U.S. teams in the 2010 world championships and 2012 Olympics.

Durant nearly made the U.S. team that played in the Olympic qualifier two years ago and is a leading candidate to wear a USA uniform. Griffin was expected to be the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft later Thursday by the Los Angeles Clippers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/clippers).

Also expected at the minicamp are: Portland's Greg Oden (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4243), Brandon Roy (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4134), LaMarcus Aldridge (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4130) and Jerryd Bayless (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4473); Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4390) and Jeff Green (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4247); Memphis' O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4136); New Jersey's Devin Harris (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3822) and Brook Lopez (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4472); Utah's Ronnie Brewer (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4142), Paul Millsap (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4175) and Kyle Korver (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3754); Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3826) and Thaddeus Young (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4290); the Lakers' Trevor Ariza (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3860); New York's David Lee (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3956); Minnesota's Kevin Love (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4391); Atlanta's Josh Smith (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3834); Charlotte's D.J. Augustin; Indiana's Danny Granger (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3943); and Boston's Glen Davis (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4313).

Some of the players trained with the Americans on the select team of young players who scrimmaged against the national team in 2007 and last summer before the Olympics.

The camp will close with a blue-white exhibition game at Thomas & Mack Center on July 25. An announcement is expected that week on whether Mike Krzyzewski will return to coach the team.

Goodfellas
06-26-2009, 11:29 AM
A day after the Magic acquired Vince Carter (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3248) from the New Jersey Nets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nets), Turkoglu's agent said Friday that he sent a notice to Orlando earlier this week that his client will opt out of his contract to become a free agent. Agent Lon Babby said the Magic had made Turkoglu an initial offer that Orlando general manager Otis Smith described as a "jumping off point."

But Carter's acquisition signals the Magic are jumping in another direction.

Orlando's payroll will likely dip into the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history, and Turkoglu is looking for a big payday after helping the Magic reach the NBA finals last season. He will be a free agent July 1.

"We will see what the market holds on July 1, but that market will surely be robust for Hedo," Babby said.

Turkoglu's decision was first reported by The Orlando Sentinel.

Goodfellas
06-26-2009, 03:27 PM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Utah Jazz (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/jazz) have made a qualifying offer to forward Paul Millsap (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4175), giving the team the right to match any other offers he receives as a restricted free agent.

The Jazz had until Tuesday to make the offer and there was no doubt they would.

Millsap averaged 13.5 points and 8.6 rebounds last season, playing mostly as a reserve. He stepped in when starter Carlos Boozer (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3632) missed 41 games with a knee injury and had a string of 19 straight double-doubles.

Although the Jazz will have the option of matching any offer in order to keep Millsap, they won't know how much money is available until Boozer, center Mehmet Okur (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3547) and forward Kyle Korver (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3754) decide whether to opt out of the final year of their contracts.

Goodfellas
06-26-2009, 03:30 PM
Four months after his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4565) was rescinded, the New Orleans Hornets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4543) have apparently resumed trade talks for center Tyson Chandler (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4288). According to multiple league sources, the Hornets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4543) were involved in trade talks this week with the Cleveland Cavaliers (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4545) regarding Chandler, but no agreement was reached. On Thursday morning, Hornets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4543) officials declined to say if they had been in trade discussions with Cleveland or the Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) to possibly obtain O'Neal.
New Orleans Times-Picayune (http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/06/sources_say_hornets_center_tys.html)

Goodfellas
06-26-2009, 03:31 PM
One direction the Mavericks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4546) should avoid is re-signing Jason Kidd (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4104), who will be a free agent. If people close to Kidd are to be believed, he doesn't want to come back to Dallas. Kidd wants to win a championship and at age 36, he's no longer a franchise player. He's still very good and he did a nice job for the Mavericks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4546) last season. But he's not the key player to winning a title, and you can be sure he knows that.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1455278.html)

Goodfellas
06-27-2009, 08:40 AM
One of the teams who were very interested in moving up to take Hasheem Thabeet was the Houston Rockets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4550), who were rumored to also have Thabeet on their wish list as a replacement for Dikembe Mutombo (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4081). The Grizzlies (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4569), though, opted to keep the pick and land Thabeet for all of the same reasons other teams were targeting him.
hoopsworld (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13103)

Goodfellas
06-27-2009, 08:40 AM
The word is former player and current broadcaster Mark Jackson is at the top of the Wolves (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4556)' list of coaching candidates. Del Harris wants back into the league, but this time he wants to be back in the big chair. No more guidance counselor jobs for Harris, he wants to lead his own team once again. A source close to Harris told HOOPSWORLD that he would like nothing better than to take on the challenge of an exciting young team like the Timberwolves (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4556), and the Timberwolves (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4556) would do well to hear what Harris has to say before they commit their foreseeable future to an inexperienced coach.
hoopsworld (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13103)

Goodfellas
06-28-2009, 11:49 AM
Dallas Maverick Brandon Bass is going to have suitors, including perhaps Orlando, which is eager to add big bodies after acquiring Vince Carter (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4193). The Magic (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4559) may also go after Rasheed Wallace (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4123) in free agency, according to some reports.
Dallas Morning News (http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/062809dnspomavslede.3e7bf61.html)

Goodfellas
06-28-2009, 11:49 AM
The trade talk between the Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) and Warriors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4549) did not die with Thursday's draft fallout. More insiders have backed up the assertion that Phoenix thought it had a done deal going into the Warriors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4549)' No. 7 pick on Thursday night and believed it had Davidson point guard Stephen Curry once the pick came up. If the Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) did not think that Curry was Phoenix-bound, would they have taken UCLA point guard Jrue Holiday at No. 14 instead of Louisville forward Earl Clark?
Arizona Republic (http://www.azcentral.com/members/Blog/PaulCoro/56410)

Goodfellas
06-28-2009, 11:50 AM
The Nuggets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4547) are expected to extend a qualifying contract offer to forward Linas Kleiza (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4487), which would mean roughly $2.7 million for him for one season, and the Nuggets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4547) retain his restricted free agent status. Kleiza's stats were down across the board last season after a promising 2007-08 campaign when it appeared he was one of the NBA's rising stars.
Denver Post (http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/2009/06/27/kleiza-in-line-for-qualifying-offer/)

Goodfellas
06-28-2009, 11:51 AM
President Donnie Walsh has indicated that he hopes to be able to re-sign both David Lee (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4489) and Nate Robinson (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4481), but that is highly unlikely. What also appears unlikely is that either will be involved in a potential trade for Timberwolves (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4556) draft pick Ricky Rubio, despite some apparently baseless reports out of Spain. The Knicks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4558)' interest in the Spanish guard is not great enough to take back a contract, which is the only way a deal would work that would involve Lee or Robinson.
St. Paul Pioneer Press (http://www.twincities.com/ci_12705094?nclick_check=1)

Goodfellas
06-29-2009, 10:15 AM
Referencing a rumor in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale, speculation revolved around the possibility of a deal sending Miami's Jermaine (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4154) O'Neal and Daequan Cook (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/7934) to the Sixers (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4560) for Elton Brand (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4220). The speculation was apparently based on the fact that the Heat (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4554) had signed Brand to an offer sheet several years ago, only to see the Los Angeles Clippers (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4552) match. When asked about the rumor, Ed Stefanski said, "Absolutely not."
Philadelphia Daily News (http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20090629_Holiday__Christmas__Speights_to_play_on_S ixers_Nets_team_in_summer_league.html)

Goodfellas
06-29-2009, 10:16 AM
There was speculation Sunday that Oklahoma City might be preparing to make a push to sign Paul Millsap (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/7061) as a restricted free agent. Former Jazz (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4566) director of player personnel Troy Weaver now is an assistant general manager with the Thunder. The Thunder unsuccessfully tried to sign away C.J. Miles from the Jazz (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4566) last summer. They are expected to have $11 million in salary-cap space and could offer a contract in the neighborhood of five years and $65 million to a free agent. Detroit and Portland also could be potential Millsap suitors.
Salt Lake Tribune (http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_12709369)

Goodfellas
06-29-2009, 10:17 AM
Mehmet Okur (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4312) is "leaning toward opting out" of his contract with the Jazz (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4566) and could make the decision official as soon as today, Okur's agent, Marc Fleisher, said Sunday. Okur would be opting out of $9 million he is due to make this season in order to become a free agent, raising the stakes for the Jazz (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4566) as they attempt to keep their starting center, who also was the NBA's sixth-best three-point shooter last season.
Salt Lake Tribune (http://www.sltrib.com/jazz/ci_12709369)

(http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/108531-okur-likely-to-opt-out-of-utah)

Goodfellas
06-29-2009, 10:18 AM
managing partner Michael Jordan might not speak often with the media, but when he does he's generally pretty candid. Most recent example -- Raymond Felton (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4466)'s impending free-agency. Here's what Jordan said about re-signing Felton to a long-term deal: "I don't see any situation where he's not with us," Jordan replied. "I anticipate us keeping Raymond Felton (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4466), without a doubt." That reflects how much Felton won over coach Larry Brown and, by extension, Jordan, too.
Charlotte Observer (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/423/story/805017.html)

Goodfellas
06-29-2009, 03:20 PM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indiana Pacers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pacers) will not exercise their team option on guard Marquis Daniels (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3764).

Daniels' agent, Glenn Schwartzman, told The Associated Press in an e-mail on Monday that the Pacers have indicated that they will not pay the final year of the deal. Daniels would have made $7.3 million next season, but now he's an unrestricted free agent.

Daniels averaged a career-high 13.6 points per game last season, but Brandon Rush (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4475) emerged late and is the favorite to start at shooting guard next season.

Daniels has been successful during his three years as a Pacer, but he missed 73 games the past three seasons with an assortment of injuries.

Goodfellas
06-29-2009, 08:51 PM
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- The Milwaukee Bucks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bucks) have made qualifying offers to restricted free agent guard Ramon Sessions (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4333) and forward Ersan Ilyasova (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3962), but will not make an offer to forward Charlie Villanueva (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3933) -- allowing one of their top scorers from last season to become an unrestricted free agent.

Meanwhile, the team also is dealing with a potentially embarrassing YouTube moment from first-round draft pick Brandon Jennings.
Bucks general manager John Hammond said Monday that the team already had sent offers to Sessions and Ilyasova, giving Milwaukee the right to match any contract offers from other teams. But with Tuesday's deadline for teams to make offers to their restricted free agents looming, the team decided not to make an offer to Villanueva.

Posting on his Twitter account Monday evening, Villanueva noted that "my journey in Milwaukee has come to (an) end," thanking fans and Bucks owner Sen. Herb Kohl for "three great years."

With a mid-level exception at their disposal, the Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/cavaliers) are expected to have interest in signing Villanueva -- and the interest sounds mutual. Perhaps anticipating his free agency, Villanueva posted Sunday that "Cleveland fans are showing me mad love on twitter, appreciate the love."

Hammond said he did not want to elaborate on the reasons behind the free agent decisions. But he did address another issue facing the team this week: Jennings' involvement in a profanity-laced and provocative video clip that was posted on the Web site YouTube.
"We are aware of the story," Hammond said. "This is a team matter, and we've been in contact with Brandon regarding it."

The clip, which showed rapper Joe Budden having a speakerphone conversation with someone identified as Jennings, had been removed as of Monday afternoon.

But according to a partial transcript of the clip posted on sportingnews.com, Jennings said he was confident that Sessions would not return to the team, boasted that he would beat out Luke Ridnour (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3717) for the Bucks' starting point guard job and made a profane comment about the New York Knicks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/knicks) for not drafting him.

"He did not know he was being taped and it's already been addressed to Brandon by the Milwaukee Bucks as well as Bill Duffy and BDA Sports," said Ilana Nunn, spokeswoman for Jennings' agency. "When you're not told your being taped, you don't know what's going on."

Jennings previously had mentioned his friendship with Budden on his Twitter account, which had been taken down as of Monday afternoon.

The incident could raise questions about the maturity of Jennings, who decided to play professionally in Italy instead of going to college.

And Jennings apparently was wrong about Sessions' future with the team.

After showing flashes of his potential toward the end of the 2007-08 season, Sessions played in 79 games last year -- including 39 starts -- and averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 assists per game. Ilyasova, the Bucks' second-round pick in 2005, played for Milwaukee in the 2007-08 season but has been playing professionally in Spain since then.
Villanueva, the seventh overall pick in the 2005 draft, played three seasons in Milwaukee after being traded by Toronto. He averaged a career-best 16.2 points last season, teaming with Richard Jefferson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3523) to make up for the scoring void left by significant injuries to guard Michael Redd (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3442) and center Andrew Bogut (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3927)

Goodfellas
06-30-2009, 08:10 AM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- The Utah Jazz (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/jazz) know at least one player with the option to leave is staying.

Now, for the other two.

Kyle Korver (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3754) told the Jazz on Monday that he will not opt out of the final year of his contract, taking the guaranteed money over becoming a free agent.

"We are thrilled to have Kyle remain with the Jazz," general manager Kevin O'Connor said in a release Monday.

Korver's decision was the first of three that are due before Tuesday's free agency deadline. Center Mehmet Okur (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3547) and forward Carlos Boozer (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3632) can also opt out of their remaining season. The Jazz had no updates other than Korver's on the eve of the deadline.

Goodfellas
06-30-2009, 09:52 AM
The NBA is changing by the day and, it seems, it always affects the Cavaliers (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4545). In a move that was considered shocking in corners Monday, the Milwaukee Bucks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4555) decided not to offer young free-agent power forward Charlie Villanueva (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4468) a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent. He now will be unrestricted, which makes him significantly easier to sign because the Bucks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4555) will not have matching rights. According to sources, Villanueva now will be one of the Cavs (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4545)' free-agent targets when teams are allowed to speak with them Wednesday.
Cleveland Plain Dealer (http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/06/cleveland_cavaliers_target_unr.html)

Goodfellas
06-30-2009, 09:52 AM
general manager David Kahn fielded offers for Al Jefferson (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4423) on draft day -- including one from New Jersey that offered Devin Harris (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4413), Yi Jianlian (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/7931) and the No. 11 in some sort of package -- but don't think they were considered all the seriously.
Minneapolis Star Tribune (http://blogs2.startribune.com/blogs/wolves/2009/06/28/anybody-seen-ricky-rubio-at-el-meson/)

Goodfellas
06-30-2009, 09:53 AM
Ron Artest considered the Rockets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4550) a championship contender when he indicated last month that he hoped to remain with the team. The Rockets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4550) could find out quickly if he and other free agents still feel that way. Artest's agent, David Bauman, declined to comment on the impact Yao's injury might have on Artest's decision.
Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6503064.html)

Goodfellas
06-30-2009, 09:54 AM
We suspect that Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) General Manager Steve Kerr was double-crossed by Golden State's Don Nelson on draft day. As you know by now, the Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) evidently believed they had an arrangement with the Warriors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4549) that would have sent Amar?? Stoudemire to Golden State for a package of players and Stephen Curry, whom the Warriors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4549) selected with the seventh pick in the draft. Only the Warriors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4549) hadn't anticipated Curry falling into their laps. When he did, the deal went Kerr-boom. We aren't alone in this thinking, either. e aren't alone in this thinking, either. Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News, a dependable long-time NBA and Warriors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4549) observer, wrote in his blog: "Nelson's reputation on these matters precedes him, and this perceived 11th-hour pullout only adds to the sense that the Warriors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4549) with Nelson are extremely difficult trade partners, and possibly borderline untrustworthy in these matters." It's clear, though, that the Suns (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4561) are willing to part with Stoudemire - maybe even to the Warriors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4549).
Arizona Republic (http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2009/06/28/20090628spt-p2young.html)

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 06:08 AM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Carlos Boozer (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3632) has reconsidered free agency, or at least put it off a year.

Boozer let the Utah Jazz (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/jazz) know on Tuesday that he will stay with the team for the final year of his contract rather than opting out and becoming a free agent -- which he once said he intended to do.
Boozer backed off his original statement and said when the season ended he wanted to consider all of his options.

He chose not to chance an iffy free agent market for more money and possibly a long-term deal, taking the $12.7 million he's guaranteed next season from the Jazz.

Boozer took until the final day to reach a decision.

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 06:09 AM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Center Mehmet Okur (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3547) has decided to stay with the Utah Jazz (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/jazz) for the final year of his contract.

Okur joins teammates Carlos Boozer (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3632) and Kyle Korver (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3754), who also had the option of skipping the final year of their contracts and becoming free agents.

None of the three chose to test the market, keeping the Jazz lineup intact for a hefty price.

Okur is due $9 million next season. He has averaged 16 points and eight rebounds since joining the Jazz five years ago and is the team's top 3-point shooter.

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 07:30 AM
NORTHBROOK, Ill. (AP) -- The Dream Team is still dominating.
The star-studded team that featured Michael Jordan (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3464), Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Charles Barkley and won the gold medal in Barcelona headlines this year's inductees for the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. The class, which also includes Michael Johnson, Picabo Street and Peter Ueberroth, will be formally announced Wednesday morning and inducted Aug. 12 in Chicago.

The other inductees are: Teresa Edwards (basketball); Mary T. Meagher (swimming); and Willye White (athletics); skier Sarah Will (Paralympian); Abie Grossfeld (coach, gymnastics); and Andrea Mead-Lawrence (veteran).

The inductees "have inspired many generations in this country with their courage and thrilling Olympic performances," said Stephanie Streeter, the U.S. Olympic Committee's acting CEO.

The 1992 Games were the first in which NBA players were allowed, and the Dream Team didn't disappoint. Jordan, Johnson, Bird, Barkley, Clyde Drexler, Patrick Ewing (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/106), Christian Laettner (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/837), Karl Malone (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/213), Chris Mullin, Scottie Pippen (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/268), David Robinson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/288) and John Stockton (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/326) bulldozed their way through Barcelona, winning their eight games by an average of 44 points.

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 07:31 AM
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Cavaliers forward Anderson Varejao (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3847) did not exercise his option on a $6.2 million contract for next season, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The hustling Varejao posted career-highs in starts (42), scoring (8.6), field-goal percentage (.536) and minutes (28.5) per game last season for the Cavs, who won 66 regular-season games but were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals by Orlando.

Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/110) has stated his intent to re-sign Varejao and the Cavs may offer him a contract during the free-agency signing period which starts on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-11 Varejao sat out a large chunk of last season in a contract dispute with Cleveland, but has said he wants to stay with the Cavs.

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 07:33 AM
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Golden State Warriors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/warriors) forward Corey Maggette (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3336) has undergone minor surgery on his right wrist.

Maggette had the surgery Monday in Los Angeles to relieve pain that bothered Maggette intermittently during his first season with Golden State. The 10-year pro hobbled through 51 games last season with several injuries, including a sprained right hand, a sore back, a torn hamstring and post-concussion syndrome.

Maggette, who averaged 18.6 points and 5.5 rebounds last season while mostly playing as a reserve, will be able to resume basketball activities in three weeks

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 07:34 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Damien Wilkins (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3900) will be back with the Oklahoma City Thunder (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/thunder) for another season.

Wilkins' agent, Mark Bartelstein, said in an e-mail Tuesday that the guard would not terminate the player option on his contract.
Wilkins averaged a career-low 5.3 points last season as he fell out of the rotation and played in only half of Oklahoma City's 82 games.

Before then, he had been a regular in the lineup during the franchise's days in Seattle. He played in every game for the SuperSonics over a two-year span and averaged 9.2 points in 76 games in the team's final season in Seattle.
Wilkins indicated after the season that he planned to return.

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 07:35 AM
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Veteran guard Michael Finley (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3023) has told the Spurs he plans to return for another season.

The 36-year-old Finley held the option on his contract for the 2009-10 season, which will be his fifth in San Antonio. The team announced Finley's decision Tuesday.

Finley finished his 14th season with averages of 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 81 games. He shot a career-best 41 percent from 3-point range.

Among active players, Finley is fourth in games with 1,057 and fifth in 3-pointers with 1,422. He has career averages of 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3 assists.

Finley played nine seasons in Dallas after starting his career in Phoenix.

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 07:36 AM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indiana Pacers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pacers) have made a qualifying offer to point guard Jarrett Jack (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3948), making him a restricted free agent.
Jack's agent, Jeff Schwartz, said Tuesday that his client has enjoyed playing for the Pacers.

Jack averaged a career-high 13.1 points per game last season while sharing the starting job with T.J. Ford. Team president Larry Bird said at the end of the season that he wanted to make the offer to Jack, but as the draft approached said the right point guard could make Jack expendable.

The Pacers did draft Connecticut point guard A.J. Price last week

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 07:37 AM
PHOENIX (AP) -- The Phoenix Suns Tuesday exercised the second-year team option on the contract of forward Louis Amundson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4190).
Amundson saw action in a career-high 76 games, including the final 61 consecutive contests and all 31 contests under head coach Alvin Gentry.

The 6-9, 238-pound Amundson averaged 4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 13.7 minutes in 2008-2009 and posted six double-digit scoring efforts after entering the season with a career-best of eight points.
Amundson was signed by the Suns on Aug. 14, 2008

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 08:42 AM
Two high-placed NBA sources said Tuesday that Amare Stoudemire (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4328) has little interest in joining the Warriors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4549), especially with a roster he apparently feels would be depleted by the terms of the trade. Stoudemire apparently believes he'll be surrounded with more talent if he stays in Phoenix alongside Steve Nash (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4146), and also is recoiling from the assumption that center is his natural position in Don Nelson's system.
San Jose Mercury News (http://www.mercurynews.com/sportsheadlines/ci_12728067?nclick_check=1)

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 08:42 AM
Once the Toronto Raptors (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4568) figure out that Chris Bosh (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4362) will be departing via free agency a year from now, they may be inclined to trade him this summer. Their choice is to trade him to the Rockets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4550) now and get something in return, or wait until he signs with the Rockets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4550) a year from now and get nothing. If they decide to deal him, Rockets (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4550) general manager Daryl Morey almost certainly would like to be at the front of the line.
Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6503637.html)

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 08:43 AM
Stephon MArbury who becomes a free agent again today, believes star players should be cautious about signing with the Knicks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4558) because of Mike D'Antoni's offensive scheme and the way the organization treats people. "I wouldn't want to play in that system,'' Marbury told The Post. "That system can't win championships. You can't win championships if you don't talk about defense. In Boston, the coaches even play defense.'' Marbury said he believes being exiled for four months "mentally damaged'' him and effected his Boston performance.
New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/07012009/sports/knicks/marbury__stars_shouldnt_sign_with_knicks_176914.ht m)

Goodfellas
07-01-2009, 08:25 PM
DETROIT (AP) -- A person with the knowledge of the negotiations says the Detroit Pistons (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pistons) have agreed in principle to contracts with free agents Ben Gordon (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3820) and Charlie Villanueva (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3933).

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday night on the condition of anonymity because NBA rules prohibit teams from announcing free agent signings until next week.

Gordon, the third pick in the 2004 draft by the Chicago Bulls (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bulls), agreed to a 5-year deal for at least $50 million. He was the Bulls' top scorer the past four years and became an unrestricted free agent after the season. Chicago officials had said bringing him back next year was a top priority.

The 26-year-old Gordon averaged 20.7 points during the regular season before scoring 24.3 points during the playoffs when the Bulls lost to the Celtics in seven games.

Villanueva, the seventh overall pick by Toronto in 2005 who has played the last three of his NBA season with the Milwaukee Bucks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bucks), also agreed to a five-year deal. His contract is worth at least $35 million.

Villanueva averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season for the Bucks.

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 06:36 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3415) will visit this week with the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers), who are looking to bolster a young squad that made the playoffs for the first time since 2003 last season.

In an e-mail to The Associated Press, agent Lon Babby says Turkoglu will be in Portland on Thursday. He did not elaborate. A spokesman for the Blazers also confirmed that Turkoglu was visiting the team.
Turkoglu, who helped Orlando to the NBA finals this past season, informed the Magic he planned to opt out of his contract last week when the team acquired Vince Carter (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3248) from the New Jersey Nets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nets), Babby said earlier.

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 06:37 AM
CHICAGO (AP) -- New York Knicks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/knicks) center Eddy Curry (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3514) has filed a lawsuit against his former agent and business manager.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday in Cook County Circuit Court comes just two days after a bank filed a motion to foreclose on Curry's $3.7 million Burr Ridge home.

In the lawsuit, Curry alleges Lamont Carter failed to account for how much money he received and spent on Curry's behalf.

Curry, who began his career with the Chicago Bulls (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bulls), was sued earlier this year by his former limo driver, who alleged verbal abuse and sexual harassment.

The murder of Curry's former girlfriend and daughter in January also drew Curry into a custody battle over his 3-year-old son, Noah Henry.
A judge awarded him full custody of the boy

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 06:38 AM
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Shaquille O'Neal took his first look at his new basketball home.

The 15-time All-Star center toured the Cavaliers' suburban practice facility and took his physical on Wednesday, one day before he is formally introduced as superstar LeBron James (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3704)' newest teammate.
O'Neal and a small group of associates met briefly with Cavs coach Mike Brown and others at the Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio. The Cavaliers are hoping O'Neal, who has won four NBA titles, can be the missing piece to help James win his first championship and end the city's title drought dating to 1964.

The Cavaliers have scheduled a 1 p.m. news conference on Thursday to welcome O'Neal. He was acquired in a trade with the Phoenix Suns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/suns) last week.

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 06:40 AM
HOUSTON (AP) -- If LeBron James (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3704) or Kobe Bryant (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3118) are looking for a little help, Ron Artest (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3339) is taking calls.

The Rockets star forward, an unrestricted free agent, will consider a team's chances of winning an NBA championship when deciding where he'll bring his skills next season, his agent says.

David Bauman said Wednesday that his client would like to return to Houston, but Artest would also think about signing with a contending team -- and that might rule out the Rockets if Yao Ming (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3599)'s broken left foot keeps him out for the season.

Bauman wouldn't say which teams have contacted him about Artest. But he said he would expect Artest to talk to James and Bryant if the Cavaliers or Lakers teams were interested in him.

"All the superstars are very savvy and great recruiters," Bauman said. "The superstars are sometimes even better recruiters than the general managers or their staffs. Between Kobe and Ron or LeBron and Ron, there are always conversations that occur. I think I'll just leave it at that at this point."

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 06:41 AM
DALLAS (AP) -- Mavericks owner Mark Cuban probably slept pretty soundly after his early morning meeting with Jason Kidd (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/2625).

Cuban had a 12:01 a.m. meeting Wednesday with Kidd in New York, a symbolic gesture aimed at letting the free agent point guard know how much the club values him and wants to keep him.

Later Wednesday, Cuban wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press that the get-together "went well, i was really happy how it turned out."

Kidd also met Wednesday with Knicks president Donnie Walsh and coach Mike D'Antoni at Madison Square Garden. Several other clubs are expected to woo the 36-year-old star, perhaps including a top contender like the Cavaliers.

Kidd's agent, Jeff Schwartz, did not immediately respond to phone messages left at his office.

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 06:42 AM
DETROIT (AP) -- The Detroit Pistons (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pistons) don't plan to wait long to name a replacement for fired coach Michael Curry (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/915).

Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president for basketball operations, doesn't have a "complete list" of candidates but wants to act in less than a week, before next Tuesday's opening practice for the NBA developmental league.

"My goal is to have a head coach in place by the time we go out to Las Vegas," Dumars said in a video posted on the team's Web site. The NBA Summer League runs July 10-19.

The Pistons are in a good position to improve their lineup for the coming season with about $20 million under the salary cap to work with, to say nothing about four of the first 44 picks in the NBA draft.

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 06:43 AM
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- First-round draft pick Eric Maynor has officially signed with the Utah Jazz (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/jazz).

Maynor signed the two year deal on Wednesday as the Jazz summer league team began a minicamp in Florida. The Jazz will play in Orlando starting July 6.

As the 20th overall pick in the draft, Maynor gets $1.3 million his rookie season.

The Jazz plan to use Maynor to back up starting point guard Deron Williams (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3929).

Maynor was the two-time Colonial Athletic Association player of the year at Virginia Commonwealth and led the league in assists per game his last three seasons.

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 06:44 AM
HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Rockets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/rockets) launched an all-out bid to sign Polish center Marcin Gortat (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3983) on Wednesday, including an offer for the Orlando Magic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/magic) backup player.

With the future of star Yao Ming (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3599) uncertain, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey showed up at Gortat's home in Orlando just after midnight local time, virtually the minute that NBA teams were officially allowed to begin negotiating with free agents.

Morey even announced the meeting on his Facebook page and urged fans to leave notes for Gortat at an e-mail address -- [email protected]. Morey said that within 10 minutes of his face-to-face meeting with Gortat, more than 100 e-mails had already arrived and the number climbed above 2,000 by noon Wednesday

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 03:28 PM
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Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 03:30 PM
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Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 03:30 PM
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Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 03:31 PM
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chitownmscle
07-02-2009, 03:40 PM
Stephon MArbury who becomes a free agent again today, believes star players should be cautious about signing with the Knicks (http://www.fannation.com/tags/show_tag/4558) because of Mike D'Antoni's offensive scheme and the way the organization treats people. "I wouldn't want to play in that system,'' Marbury told The Post. "That system can't win championships. You can't win championships if you don't talk about defense. In Boston, the coaches even play defense.'' Marbury said he believes being exiled for four months "mentally damaged'' him and effected his Boston performance.
New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/07012009/sports/knicks/marbury__stars_shouldnt_sign_with_knicks_176914.ht m)

:confused: Mentally damaged??? How can he even say that when this is the same player where everywhere he goes players around him have gotten worse. Starbury hasn't been Starbury for some years now. This is the same guy who said he couldn't play with KG because he wanted to be the MAN of the team. Yeah, that got him real far

chitownmscle
07-02-2009, 03:45 PM
DETROIT (AP) -- A person with the knowledge of the negotiations says the Detroit Pistons (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pistons) have agreed in principle to contracts with free agents Ben Gordon (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3820) and Charlie Villanueva (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3933).

The person spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday night on the condition of anonymity because NBA rules prohibit teams from announcing free agent signings until next week.

Gordon, the third pick in the 2004 draft by the Chicago Bulls (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bulls), agreed to a 5-year deal for at least $50 million. He was the Bulls' top scorer the past four years and became an unrestricted free agent after the season. Chicago officials had said bringing him back next year was a top priority.

The 26-year-old Gordon averaged 20.7 points during the regular season before scoring 24.3 points during the playoffs when the Bulls lost to the Celtics in seven games.

Villanueva, the seventh overall pick by Toronto in 2005 who has played the last three of his NBA season with the Milwaukee Bucks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bucks), also agreed to a five-year deal. His contract is worth at least $35 million.

Villanueva averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season for the Bucks.

You know we have this love hate relationship with Gordon, he was a great scorer at times but a lot of times he would just disappear in games, he thinks he is starter material but has never shown the consistency to be a starter.

Villanueva I'm still upset at how he just left Illinois hanging and backed out at the last second to go play at UConn

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 03:52 PM
:confused: Mentally damaged??? How can he even say that when this is the same player where everywhere he goes players around him have gotten worse. Starbury hasn't been Starbury for some years now. This is the same guy who said he couldn't play with KG because he wanted to be the MAN of the team. Yeah, that got him real far

Amazing that the press even still talks to Stephon.

Goodfellas
07-02-2009, 03:53 PM
You know we have this love hate relationship with Gordon, he was a great scorer at times but a lot of times he would just disappear in games, he thinks he is starter material but has never shown the consistency to be a starter.

Villanueva I'm still upset at how he just left Illinois hanging and backed out at the last second to go play at UConn

Im still mad 'Melo only stayed one year.

chitownmscle
07-02-2009, 06:59 PM
Yeah, had Melo had stayed all four Syracuse would have had at least another title if not two, that team was stacked if I recall correctly

chitownmscle
07-02-2009, 08:52 PM
szX_moJBqJ0

Anyone who saw Ronnie play knew he was the King of Chicago at that time. One of the greats never to make it

dallas3
07-03-2009, 12:34 AM
HOUSTON (AP) -- If LeBron James (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3704) or Kobe Bryant (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3118) are looking for a little help, Ron Artest (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3339) is taking calls.

The Rockets star forward, an unrestricted free agent, will consider a team's chances of winning an NBA championship when deciding where he'll bring his skills next season, his agent says.

David Bauman said Wednesday that his client would like to return to Houston, but Artest would also think about signing with a contending team -- and that might rule out the Rockets if Yao Ming (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3599)'s broken left foot keeps him out for the season.

Bauman wouldn't say which teams have contacted him about Artest. But he said he would expect Artest to talk to James and Bryant if the Cavaliers or Lakers teams were interested in him.

"All the superstars are very savvy and great recruiters," Bauman said. "The superstars are sometimes even better recruiters than the general managers or their staffs. Between Kobe and Ron or LeBron and Ron, there are always conversations that occur. I think I'll just leave it at that at this point."

Since LA got Artest, they're the team to beat going into next season. Going to be tough with the league's best scorer and defensive player on the same team.

Goodfellas
07-03-2009, 05:57 AM
Yep I agree. The Cavs need to make another big move.

Goodfellas
07-05-2009, 01:19 PM
The Jazz, it's been learned and confirmed, engaged in recent trade talk with the Houston Rockets about a possible deal that would have brought seven-time NBA All-Star swingman Tracy McGrady to Utah for small forward Andrei Kirilenko. The Jazz, however, have no current desire to make the trade -- for reasons including, but not necessarily limited to, McGrady's health situation and contract status
Deseret News (http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705314842/Utah-Jazz-talked-Kirilenko-for-McGrady-trade.html)

Goodfellas
07-05-2009, 01:19 PM
Remember Jannero Pargo? The Bulls do. Pargo, who spent parts of the 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 seasons with the Bulls, is in discussions to sign a one-year deal to help offset the loss of Ben Gordon, who has verbally committed to the Pistons. League sources confirmed the Bulls are hopeful to sign Pargo. Pargo, who spent last season overseas, is a career 37 percent three-point shooter who could fill the role of a space-the-floor shooter for Derrick Rose that also comes at cheap price.
Chicago Tribune (http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/2009/07/bulls-talking-to-pargo.html)

Goodfellas
07-05-2009, 01:20 PM
Rasheed Wallace is not expected to decide on the Celtics??? contract offer for at least a week. Wallace will meet with other teams next week. Orlando and San Antonio could offer him a starting position, which the Celtics won???t do. Charlotte is also interested in Wallace, who owns a home in North Carolina.
Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/07/04/wallace_will_wait_marbury_on_outs/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Boston+Celtics+news)

chitownmscle
07-05-2009, 02:59 PM
Remember Jannero Pargo? The Bulls do. Pargo, who spent parts of the 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06 seasons with the Bulls, is in discussions to sign a one-year deal to help offset the loss of Ben Gordon, who has verbally committed to the Pistons. League sources confirmed the Bulls are hopeful to sign Pargo. Pargo, who spent last season overseas, is a career 37 percent three-point shooter who could fill the role of a space-the-floor shooter for Derrick Rose that also comes at cheap price.
Chicago Tribune (http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/2009/07/bulls-talking-to-pargo.html)

That's actually good news to me. I always thought Jannero was always underrated, hometown guy, I can't wait to see what his brother does once he gets into the League. Jeremy is a beast

Goodfellas
07-05-2009, 03:01 PM
I am actually looking forward to the NBA this year.

Goodfellas
07-06-2009, 02:08 PM
While David Lee waits for an offer from the Portland Trail Blazers, the club is still debating whether to throw its resources at Lamar Odom or Andre Miller, according to a source close to the team. The Blazers had a verbal agreement with Hedo Turkoglu on Friday, only to lose him hours later to the Toronto Raptors. Odom, who is looking for a deal that would pay him $10 million annually, has skills similar to those of Turkoglu.
New York Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2009/07/05/2009-07-05_blazers_mull_options_beyond_signing_knicks_davi d_lee.html)

Goodfellas
07-06-2009, 02:08 PM
The Cavaliers are on the move in NBA free agency. Team General Manager Danny Ferry and head coach Mike Brown flew to Los Angeles Sunday for a clandestine free-agent meeting. Team officials refused to confirm who they're hoping to sign, but the Cavs obviously are trying to land one of their free-agent targets as the market heats up again following the July 4 holiday. Dan Fegan, the agent who represents both Cavs forward Anderson Varejao and Toronto forward Shawn Marion, is based in Los Angeles and often conducts in-person negotiating sessions there. Fegan did not return messages on Sunday. A league source said the Cavs did not meet with Marion in person on Sunday.
Cleveland Plain Dealer (http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2009/07/cleveland_cavaliers_gm_danny_f_1.html)

Goodfellas
07-06-2009, 02:09 PM
There is a good chance that Stephen Marbury, who got his NBA start with the Wolves and Flip Saunders, will sign with the Wizards, who will be coached by Saunders this year.
Minneapolis Star Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/49984202.html?page=3&c=y)

chitownmscle
07-06-2009, 07:43 PM
There is a good chance that Stephen Marbury, who got his NBA start with the Wolves and Flip Saunders, will sign with the Wizards, who will be coached by Saunders this year.
Minneapolis Star Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/49984202.html?page=3&c=y)

Eh, Marbury just doesn't do it for me anymore, he has been a head case so long that I stopped paying attention.

chitownmscle
07-06-2009, 07:44 PM
Yea the NBA is going to be interesting this year. LeBron and Shaq, the will to see if Kobe can repeat. It's got some interesting stories out there

Goodfellas
07-07-2009, 06:33 AM
Eh, Marbury just doesn't do it for me anymore, he has been a head case so long that I stopped paying attention.

Too bad cause he did have talent.

Goodfellas
07-07-2009, 06:33 AM
DETROIT (AP) -- Charlie Villanueva (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3933) posted a message on his Twitter account, informing his followers he will sign with the Detroit Pistons (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pistons).
"It's a clear summer day in LA. I got my workout this morning," Villanueva tweeted Monday. "Now I'm off to Motor City: the process continues... physicals, signing on Wed."

He and Ben Gordon (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3820) agreed to five-year contracts with the Pistons, a person with the knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press last week, for at least $35 million and $50-plus million, respectively.

"Well I'm a Piston," Villanueva posted under his "CV31" screen name on July 2. "Long day yesterday, but got it done, God is good.
"Deeeeeeetrooooooiiiiittttttt basketballllllllllllll

Goodfellas
07-07-2009, 09:15 AM
President of basketball operations Danny Ainge confirmed that Phoenix free agent Grant Hill is on the Celtics' wish list. "We have interest in him," said Ainge, who could offer Hill a $1.9 biannual-exception contract. Hill met yesterday with the Knicks, a team that could offer him considerably more than the Celtics. The Celtics offer Hill a chance to play for Rivers, his former coach in Orlando, and the chance to play on a championship contender.
Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/07/07/hill_is_ainge8217s_new_target/)

Goodfellas
07-07-2009, 09:15 AM
ESPN.com and CBSSports.com are reporting that Shawn Marion might land in Dallas via a sign-and-trade deal. The deal, which would use Jerry Stackhouse's valuable buyout, isn't said to be imminent. CBSSports.com reports that the Mavs are trying to get Memphis or Oklahoma City involved as a third team in the deal to help Toronto clear out the cap space necessary to sign Hedo Turkoglu.
Dallas Morning News (http://mavsblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/07/reports-mavs-working-on-sign-and-trade-f.html)

Goodfellas
07-07-2009, 09:16 AM
It could take time before the Celtics and Glen Davis reach agreement on a new contract, as the restricted free agent continues to monitor what has historically been a late developing part of the free agent market. Though Otis Smith may have been attempting to deflect attention from his true interest, the Orlando general manager - said to be interested in the young power forward - downplayed the Big Baby factor last night. Dallas, another team said to have an interest, was seemingly taken out of the running for Davis by its outspoken owner, Mark Cuban, who tweeted his feelings on Sunday. "Contrary to reports, we are not interested in Glen Davis. Great player, but we like our guys," Cuban posted on Twitter about the restricted free agent.
Boston Herald (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view/20090707magic_gm_downplays_interest_in_big_baby/)

chitownmscle
07-07-2009, 02:10 PM
Too bad cause he did have talent.

I agree, I think he is one of the athletes that could have been mentioned as the greatest Point Guards of all time. Instead he went and did his thing

Sandpig
07-07-2009, 05:38 PM
Welcome Rasheed!:D

Goodfellas
07-07-2009, 05:51 PM
Welcome Rasheed!:D

Great addition

Goodfellas
07-08-2009, 08:40 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Mike Krzyzewski appears set to go for more gold.
USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said Tuesday that "all leads point to Coach K coming back," following a report by the Boston Globe that Krzyzewski has agreed to return as U.S. Olympic basketball coach.

The Globe report cited two sources close to the situation.
Krzyzewski led the Americans to the gold medal in the 2008 Olympics, their first major championship in eight years. He also guided them to a bronze in the world championships two years earlierlo said he was aware of the speculation regarding Krzyzewski, but wouldn't confirm a decision had been reached. However, he hoped the coach he picked in 2005 to guide the program would return.

"With the success that we had, I would do everything in my power to keep everything intact," Colangelo told The Associated Press.

Goodfellas
07-08-2009, 11:09 AM
Warriors owner Chris Cohan recently engaged in serious discussions with a buyer for the franchise, possibly agreeing in general terms, but talks broke off when the final price couldn't be agreed to, according to an executive with broad ownership contacts. The person hoping hardest for Cohan to sell the Warriors is Commissioner David Stern, who loves and understands the Bay Area market and has quietly (or maybe not so quietly) been hoping for an active Warriors owner to fully embrace and take advantage of the huge NBA audience here.
San Jose Mercury News (http://blogs.mercurynews.com/kawakami/2009/07/07/cohan-stoudemire-and-the-potential-tangled-warriors-motivations/)

Goodfellas
07-08-2009, 11:10 AM
The Spurs have emerged as the frontrunner in the chase to land free-agent forward Antonio McDyess. According to a league executive with knowledge of the negotiations, the Spurs have offered McDyess a three-year deal starting at the full mid-level exception, with the third year partially guaranteed. It has been widely speculated that McDyess, 34, will play only two more years. If the Spurs' rumored bid is true, the Spurs have essentially sweetened their best two-year offer by guaranteeing McDyess a bit of money for retirement in 2011-12.
San Antonio Express-News (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/07/spurs-out-in-fr.html)

Goodfellas
07-08-2009, 11:10 AM
The Knicks couldn't out-bid Dallas for Jason Kidd but they may have blown Phoenix away with their offer to Grant Hill. According to NBA sources, Hill was presented with two offers: a one-year contract worth $5 million or a three-year deal worth $10 million. It is believed that the Suns were hoping to re-sign Hill for two years at approximately $2 million per season. Hill is deciding between Phoenix, Boston and New York but sources close to the player feel that his final decision will come down to the Suns and Knicks because those clubs can offer him a starting job.
New York Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2009/07/08/2009-07-08_knicks_are_one_of_3_teams_for.html)

Goodfellas
07-08-2009, 03:08 PM
DENVER (AP) -- Chris "Birdman" Andersen has reached a five-year deal to continue his high-flying, shot-blocking act with the Denver Nuggets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nuggets).
Andersen's attorney, Mark Bryant (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/42), confirmed the agreement on Wednesday, saying it could be signed later in the day. The deal was first reported by the Denver Post.

Andersen could make up to $26 million over the lifetime of the contract. It's a backloaded deal to give the Nuggets financial flexibility.
He'll make close to $3.65 million in 2009-10, up from the $998,398 he made last season.

The energetic forward known for his defensive disruption around the basket provided a spark off the bench as the Nuggets' made a run to the Western Conference finals, where they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/lakers).

Goodfellas
07-08-2009, 03:54 PM
BOSTON (AP) -- The Boston Celtics (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/celtics) have signed veteran forward Rasheed Wallace (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3006), one of this year's most coveted free agents.
Boston announced the move Wednesday, the first day teams were allowed to sign free agents.

Terms of the deal were not released. Wallace earned $13.68 million last season as he finished up a five-year contract with Detroit.

The 35-year-old Wallace, a four-time All-Star, can play the low post and has exceptional shooting range. He averaged 12 points per game for the Pistons last year.

Celtics general manager Danny Ainge said the team was "ecstatic" to add a player with Wallace's talent and championship experience. He won a title with Detroit in 2004.

Goodfellas
07-08-2009, 06:21 PM
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) -- Ron Artest (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3339) has signed with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/lakers), the team he says he wanted to join for years.

Artest, who played for the Houston Rockets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/rockets) last season, received a five-year deal worth about $33 million, according to his agent, David Bauman.

Seated next to Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak, Artest professed that he has wanted to be a Laker for several years, but the timing was never right.
He agreed to a deal last week, but couldn't sign it until Wednesday. The Lakers also re-signed guard Shannon Brown (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4153)

Goodfellas
07-08-2009, 07:41 PM
AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (AP) -- Twentysomethings Ben Gordon (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3820) and Charlie Villanueva (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3933) joined the Detroit Pistons (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pistons) on Wednesday, signaling the start of a new era for a new-look team.

"They're making a lot of changes," Gordon said. "They still have a few pieces from the championship team, but there's definitely some new blood and we're hungry."

Gordon, one of the top NBA free agents this summer, signed a $55 million, five-year contract in leaving the Chicago Bulls (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bulls) and Villanueva inked a $35 million, five-year deal as he bid farewell to the Milwaukee Bucks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bucks).

The 26-year-old Gordon averaged 20.7 points last season for Chicago, leading the team in scoring for the fourth straight year. Villanueva, who turns 25 next month, averaged 16.2 points and 6.7 rebounds last season with Milwaukee

Goodfellas
07-08-2009, 07:42 PM
SAN ANTONIO (AP) -- Antonio McDyess (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3004) is leaving the Detroit Pistons (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pistons) for the San Antonio Spurs (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/spurs).

The sought-after free agent reached a deal with the Spurs and is expected to sign later this week, team spokesman Cliff Puchalski said Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Spurs had their full midlevel exception, worth about $5.6 million this season, to offer McDyess.

The 34-year-old forward averaged 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds in his 14th NBA season last year.

It is the second big offseason pickup for the Spurs, who acquired swingman Richard Jefferson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3523) from Milwaukee last month in a four-player deal

Goodfellas
07-09-2009, 05:44 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- The NBA players' association is upset with the league over a warning it sent teams projecting a significant decrease in the 2010-11 salary cap.

The memo sent early Wednesday morning told teams the salary cap and luxury tax levels are expected to drop, echoing comments commissioner David Stern has made at various times this season.
But the union believes the predictions could discourage teams from offering big deals to free agents, who were eligible to begin signing Wednesday.

"A memo of this nature can have a chilling effect on the market for free agent and rookie signings," executive director Billy Hunter said through a spokesman. "If it later turns out that the league did not have a good faith basis for making these projections, the NBPA will pursue all available legal remedies, including a treble damages claim for collusion."

The NBA didn't consult with the players' association before releasing the memo, and Hunter said the union has no basis to confirm the projections in it. Lawyers for the league and union had been in contact throughout the week to establish the 2009-10 salary cap, which was set Tuesday night at $57.7 million, about $1 million less than last season.

"The memo speaks for itself and it was issued to give our teams our best, good faith projections," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said.
The league had warned teams in February that the 2010-11 figure might be below this year's, a result of the economic difficulties that Stern said could lead to as much as a 10 percent reduction in revenues next season. The memo Wednesday projects a steeper drop than previously predicted, ranging anywhere from $50.4 million to $53.6 million.

Hunter isn't sure, arguing that a large portion of next year's "basketball related income" -- a formula which generally includes all income received by teams through basketball operations and is used to set the salary cap -- is already committed.

"On various occasions the NBA has publicly speculated on revenue projections for the 2008-09 season that have since been proven inaccurate," Hunter said. "The salary cap and luxury tax projections for 2009-10 based on these revenue projections have thus likewise been proven inaccurate."

The summer of 2010 is expected to feature one of the deepest free agent classes in history, possibly headlined by LeBron James (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3704) and Dwyane Wade (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3708). Half the league could have enough salary cap space to bid on a maximum contract player.

With teams wanting to save money for that group, some players have found it tough to land deals this summer. Former All-Star Allen Iverson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3094) remains unsigned, as do productive young players such as Paul Millsap (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4175) and David Lee (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3956).

The NBA and union are expected to begin discussions this month toward a new collective bargaining agreement. The current deal runs through the 2010-11 season

Goodfellas
07-09-2009, 05:46 AM
ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Hawks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/hawks) are making another move to keep their playoff roster together by reaching an agreement to re-sign center Zaza Pachulia (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3745).

The Hawks and Pachulia have agreed on a four-year contract, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The person requested anonymity because the deal has not been announced.

Hawks general manager Rick Sund declined comment.
Point guard Mike Bibby (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3245)'s agent said Tuesday that Bibby, an unrestricted free agent, has agreed to a three-year deal to remain in Atlanta.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution first reported the agreement with Pachulia.

The 7-foot Pachulia averaged 6.2 points and 5.7 rebounds in 77 games, including 26 starts. He has played primarily as a backup behind Al Horford (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4245) the last two years.

Goodfellas
07-09-2009, 05:47 AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- The Charlotte Bobcats (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bobcats) have signed guard Gerald Henderson, less than two weeks after he was the 12th pick in the draft.

Under the NBA's rookie pay scale, the former Duke star will receive about $1.6 million next season and $1.75 million a year later. The Bobcats hold options for a third year at about $1.88 million and a fourth season at $2.58 million.

With the Bobcats not fielding a summer league team, Henderson will play for Minnesota's entry in Las Vegas beginning Sunday.
Henderson averaged 16.5 points for the Blue Devils as a junior last season. He's expected to provide depth at shooting guard behind Raja Bell (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3467).

The move Wednesday comes as the Bobcats remain silent in free agency. Charlotte is looking to add depth at power forward.

Goodfellas
07-09-2009, 10:56 AM
After a series of trades fell through this week, the Trail Blazers have settled on their next target: Utah power forward Paul Millsap. Although Millsap is a restricted free agent, meaning the Jazz can match any offer, the Blazers are preparing what one source called a "toxic" offer designed to exterminate interest from other teams.
The Oregonian (http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindblazersbeat/2009/07/blazers_preparing_offer_for_ut.html)

Goodfellas
07-09-2009, 10:57 AM
Tracy McGrady, recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee, has one year left on his contract. The Rockets are listening to trade offers and quite likely will move McGrady by next season's trade deadline, which is probably about the time he will be ready to return to action.
Houston Chronicle (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/6520548.html)

cook
07-09-2009, 11:44 AM
Hey Goodfellas, do you know if that Shawn Marion to Dallas deal got done?

Goodfellas
07-09-2009, 11:47 AM
Hey Goodfellas, do you know if that Shawn Marion to Dallas deal got done?

Nothing on the sports site I use or Dallasmavericks.com. Dont worry soon As I see I will put up.

cook
07-09-2009, 11:58 AM
Nothing on the sports site I use or Dallasmavericks.com. Dont worry soon As I see I will put up.
cool, thanks

Goodfellas
07-09-2009, 12:37 PM
TORONTO (AP) -- Italian forward Andrea Bargnani (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4129) was re-signed by the Toronto Raptors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/raptors) to a $50 million, five-year contract extension on Wednesday starting in 2010-11.

Bargnani averaged career-highs of 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.24 blocked shots in 78 games last season.

His game particularly picked up once Jay Triano replaced Sam Mitchell (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/233) as coach and entrusted the 7-footer with more minutes and responsibility.

"Jay was very important for me, for my growth," Bargnani said. "He gave me the possibility to stay on the court and my minutes were not dependent on my mistakes.

"That was the most important thing for me because I was able to do mistakes, I was able to try to do things that I was not able to do."
Continued improvement by the 23-year-old is being counted on to help the Raptors avoid a repeat of last season's wreckage.

Goodfellas
07-09-2009, 03:32 PM
TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Raptors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/raptors) confirmed their acquisition of forward Hedo Turkoglu (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3415) on Thursday, perhaps the most significant free agent addition in the team's history.

The 6-foot-10 forward was one of the most coveted free agents available, coming off a season in which he helped the Orlando Magic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/magic) reach the NBA finals.

The nine-year NBA veteran appeared poised to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers) last Friday before Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo swooped in and nabbed the Turkish forward.
Turkoglu's agent Lon Babby said the player and his wife Banu were intrigued by Toronto's ethnic diversity, including a large Turkish community.

Turkoglu opted out of his contract in Orlando when the team acquired Vince Carter (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3248) from New Jersey. Turkoglu was due $7.3 million next season, the final year of a $36-million, six-year deal with the Magic.

He averaged 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds last season, and has averaged 12.3 points and 4.2 rebounds over his career, which included stints with Sacramento and San Antonio before he signed with Orlando as a free agent in 2004.

Turkoglu is a 38.5 percent shooter from 3-point range.
He'll join a team that already has a distinctly international flavor, with Jose Calderon (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3989) of Spain, Croatia native Roko Ukic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4345), and Italian centre Andrea Bargnani (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4129), who agreed to a five-year contract extension Wednesday.

Goodfellas
07-10-2009, 06:10 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- After losing out on Hedo Turkoglu (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3415), the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers) are considering Paul Millsap (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4175).

Turkoglu, who helped Orlando to the NBA finals, arrived in Portland last week to speak with the Blazers before negotiations were abruptly cut off. He has since been acquired by the Toronto Raptors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/raptors).

"We got to a point where we both felt comfortable," Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard told reporters on Thursday. "But here's what I do know and that is if it wasn't right for him, then it isn't right for us."

Pritchard said the Blazers are still actively seeking players who could improve the team. Portland is $7.7 million under the salary cap for the 2009-10 season.

He confirmed reports that the Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers) were looking at Utah's Millsap, as well as other players he did not name. Millsap is a restricted free agent, meaning the Jazz would have seven days to match any offer the Blazers might make.

Millsap averaged 13.5 points last season, getting double-doubles in 19 straight games while starting for Boozer, and has career averages of 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds since the Jazz selected him with the No. 47 pick in the 2006 draft.

"We're looking at all our options. We're excited about all the possibilities and maybe they happen tomorrow, maybe they happen in two months, maybe they happen at the trade deadline," Pritchard said.

Pritchard also addressed reports that talks concerning contract extensions for All-Star Brandon Roy (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4134) and forward LaMarcus Aldridge (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4130) -- who anchor the Blazers -- have stalled.

"It's amicable. We plan to make it amicable. More importantly, Brandon and LaMarcus will be here for a long time," he said.

Goodfellas
07-10-2009, 08:54 AM
Does anyone believe Erick Dampier is actually going to be in Dallas on opening night? While it sounds nice to say Shawn Marion and Josh Howard could play together on the wings in Dallas . . . and they might just be able to . . . it seems more likely the Mavs continue to shop Erick Dampier. Second, the Detroit Pistons are currently without a center and are shopping guard Richard Hamilton. Rip's number also matches up with Dampier's, and again, the Pistons have seen both of their centers sign with other teams over the last few days.
hoopsworld (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=13253)

Goodfellas
07-10-2009, 08:55 AM
If Grant Hill elects to re-sign with the Phoenix Suns, the Knicks will consider making an offer to free agent point guard Andre Miller, according to a team source.
New York Daily News (http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2009/07/10/2009-07-10_knicks_could_look_to_andre_miller_as_plan_b.htm l)

Goodfellas
07-10-2009, 08:55 AM
Jason Kidd said he believes Grant Hill will sign with the Knicks this July but doubts LeBron James is coming to New York next July. In an interview on the Dan Patrick Show yesterday, Kidd claimed James' status wasn't a factor in his decision to spurn the Knicks for Dallas, but still doesn't feel James will leave Cleveland. Kidd was James' teammate on the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic Team last summer.
New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/07102009/sports/knicks/guard_sees_hill__but_not_lebron__in_ny_178492.htm)

Goodfellas
07-10-2009, 08:56 AM
Several people with knowledge of the Bulls' situation downplayed an ESPN.com report claiming the Bulls had engaged in substantive talks on a three-team deal involving Utah and Portland that would land them All-Star power forward Carlos Boozer. The report had Kirk Hinrich going to Portland and Tyrus Thomas moving to Utah. While Utah is gauging the trade market on Boozer, trading Hinrich from a thin backcourt without getting a guard in return makes little sense.
Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-10-bulls-bits-jul10,0,4975283.story)

Goodfellas
07-10-2009, 08:56 AM
Dwyane Wade's recent public criticism of the Heat's lack of roster moves so far this summer was in response to a painful stance team president Pat Riley took last month regarding the guard's contract status. Wade reiterated Thursday that no rift exists between the two, but he also said he did not agree with Riley's decision to hold off on any major roster upgrades until Wade commits to a long-term extension. 'Coach Riley opened up the wound when he said, `Until Dwyane signs back, we can't do anything,' '' Wade said Thursday.
Miami Herald (http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/basketball/miami-heat/story/1134771.html)

Goodfellas
07-11-2009, 06:17 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers) signed restricted free agent forward Paul Millsap (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4175) to an offer sheet Friday.

The Utah Jazz (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/jazz) have seven days to match the offer. The terms were not disclosed by the Blazers because of team policy.

Millsap's agent did not immediately respond to phone calls and e-mails from The Associated Press seeking comment.

Millsap averaged 13.5 points for the Jazz last season, getting double-doubles in 19 straight games while starting for Carlos Boozer (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3632), and has career averages of 9.4 points and 6.4 rebounds since the Jazz selected him with the No. 47 pick in the 2006 draft.
The Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers) were $7.7 million under the salary cap after the league set it at $57.7 million for next season. The cap is determined by a percentage of league revenue from the previous season.
ESPN.com reported Friday night that Portland's offer to Millsap was for four years and up to $36 million.

Should the deal go through, the 6-foot-8 Millsap could back up Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4130).

Goodfellas
07-11-2009, 06:18 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers) draft pick Patty Mills broke his right foot during practice and won't play in the NBA's summer league.

The Blazers said Friday that Mills fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during practice Thursday night. He'll have surgery on his foot on Monday, the team announced.

A timetable for the point guard's return hasn't been determined.
`You never want to see a player get injured, but it is especially heart wrenching to see a young man go down on his first day of camp,' Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard said. `We'll do everything we can to help Patty get back on track to realize his NBA future.'

After starring for Australia in the Beijing Olympics and for Saint Mary's in college, Mills was selected by the Blazers with the 55th overall pick in the NBA draft last month.

The six-foot, 175-pound Mills averaged career highs of 18.7 points, 4.0 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 steals during his sophomore season with the Gaels before deciding to turn pro

Goodfellas
07-11-2009, 06:19 AM
PHOENIX (AP) -- Phoenix Suns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/suns) forward Amare Stoudemire has undergone outpatient surgery on his right eye.

The Suns said Friday the procedure was part of the recovery process from a Feb. 20 operation to repair a partially detached retina.
Team ophthalmologist Dr. Jay Schwartz said in a statement that a small amount of residual fluid was removed and called the surgery "routine."

After a workout at U.S. Airways Center on Wednesday, the All-Star forward said he was looking forward to next season and "ready to rock."

Goodfellas
07-11-2009, 06:22 AM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- The Memphis Grizzlies (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/grizzlies) have waived Jerry Stackhouse (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3005), just a day after acquiring the NBA veteran in a four-team, eight-player trade.

General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced the move Friday after Thursday's blockbuster deal involving the Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/mavericks), Toronto Raptors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/raptors) and Orlando Magic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/magic).

As part of the trade, Grizzlies guard Greg Buckner (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3296) was sent to Dallas, and the Grizzlies also received a second-round pick and cash from Toronto and cash from Dallas.

The 34-year-old Stackhouse was due more than $7 million with the Mavericks next season, but his contract could be bought out for $2 million -- likely the amount of cash Memphis received in the trade

Goodfellas
07-11-2009, 06:24 AM
Dwyane Wade joined the show to discuss his offseason and some of the moves around the NBA ...

-- Wade said he would definitely be interested in adding Allen Iverson to the Heat.

"To hear Iverson say that he wouldn't mind being here is great because he's one of the best scorers," Wade said. "I say that he's one of the best offensive talents to ever put on a jersey. So you can never frown your nose up or your eyebrows up to that because he's a plus to any team, especially that runs the style of offense that he likes -- that's to clear things out and open the court up some."
Dan asked Wade if he would take less money to sign more guys. Wade said depended on the players. Dan pointed out that other great players like Michael Jordan have taken less money. Wade pointed out those guys weren't on their second NBA contract like he is.

-- Dan asked Wade if he and LeBron had ever talked about playing together.

"We considered it years ago. We think about, wow, we could play on the same team one day? Wow, that would be great," Wade said.
But Wade said he doesn't want to go to Cleveland.

"I don't like the weather up there," Wade said. "I've been in Miami for six years and my blood is thin."

-- Dan asked Wade if he heard about Jordan Crawford dunking on LeBron at his summer camp.

Wade said: "Have I? I've heard about it from a lot of different people. Actually, I was talking to Kobe the other day and Kobe told me. That's how I knew it was really serious. At first I heard it and I said get out of here. And Kobe said, 'Man, you gotta call LeBron. You gotta give him stuff about this.' That's how we all are. When something is real we're going to say something to each other about it."

Goodfellas
07-11-2009, 08:06 AM
Grant Hill has decided to re-sign with Phoenix, and a large part of the decision is based on the belief that Steve Nash is close to reaching an agreement on a contract extension, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The terms of the Nash extension are unclear, although one source believes it is a two-year deal worth about $33 million.
Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AjN87iSg4TdJeU89FbqLB7C8vLYF?slug=aw-hillsuns071009&prov=yhoo&type=lgns&)

Goodfellas
07-11-2009, 03:04 PM
NEW YORK (AP) -- First-round draft pick Jordan Hill has signed with the New York Knicks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/knicks).

The Knicks announced Saturday that they had signed the forward from Arizona. Hill was the eighth overall pick in the draft.
He would earn about $4.3 million over two years under the rookie salary scale.

The 6-foot-10, 235-pound Hill averaged 18.3 points and 11.0 rebounds in his junior year with the Wildcats. He is expected to play for the Knicks' summer league team in Las Vegas starting Tuesday

Goodfellas
07-11-2009, 07:39 PM
DALLAS (AP) -- The Mavericks have re-signed Jason Kidd (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/2625).
The team announced that free agent point guard signed on Saturday, five days after owner Mark Cuban confirmed that Kidd was returning. Kidd agreed to a three-year contract worth more than $25 million.

The 37-year-old Kidd could finish his career where it started in 1994 -- with the Mavericks. The No. 2 pick out of California returned to Dallas in a trade last year with New Jersey, where he made two trips to the NBA finals with the Nets.

The nine-time All-Star is third on the NBA's career list in assists (10,199) and triple-doubles (103).

Kidd has averaged 13.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 9.2 assists in 15 NBA seasons.

Goodfellas
07-12-2009, 06:44 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma City Thunder (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/thunder) have signed guard James Harden, center B.J. Mullens and forward Serge Ibaka (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4486).
Terms of the deals were not disclosed Saturday.

Harden, the third overall pick in the draft, was a first-team All-American and the Pac-10 player of the year after averaging 20.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists during his sophomore season at Arizona State. He can earn about $4 million as a rookie.

Mullens was the sixth man of the year in the Big Ten. Ibaka spent this past season playing professionally with Ricoh Manresa of the Spanish ACB League

Goodfellas
07-14-2009, 05:49 AM
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Los Angeles Clippers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/clippers) center Blake Griffin didn't wait long Monday night to show why he was the top pick in last month's NBA draft.

Griffin scored seven points in the opening 75 seconds of the Clippers' first NBA Summer League game and finished with 27 points and 12 rebounds in a 93-82 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/lakers).
"Right now, just like everyone else, I'm trying to show my coaches and teammates what I can do," Griffin said. "It was just another game. I was relaxed. I hadn't played a game in months, so it was nice to get back out there."

With NBA commissioner David Stern sitting courtside at the Thomas & Mack Center, the 6-foot-10 Griffin went 6 of 6 from the field in the first half and didn't miss a shot until the third quarter. He finished 11 of 15 from the field and played 29 minutes.

"That was really cool," Griffin said of Stern being in attendance. "It shows he cares about how I play and wants to pay attention to me

Goodfellas
07-14-2009, 05:50 AM
ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Hawks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/hawks) are hustling to keep pace with the Eastern Conference's elite teams.

The Hawks, who traded for guard Jamal Crawford (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3407) last month, on Monday announced they have re-signed unrestricted free agents Mike Bibby (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3245) and Zaza Pachulia (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3745).

The Hawks finished the 2008-09 regular season as the No. 4 team in the conference. Coach Mike Woodson said moves made by Eastern Conference powers Boston, Orlando and Cleveland put pressure on the Hawks to also be active this offseason.

Goodfellas
07-14-2009, 05:51 AM
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Getting paid $34 million to back up Dwight Howard (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3818) on the Orlando Magic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/magic) for the next five years might sound like a good gig.

It's just that Marcin Gortat (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3983) was looking forward to having the chance to start for the Dallas Mavericks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/mavericks).

The Magic surprised -- and disappointed -- Gortat and the Mavericks on Monday, matching an offer sheet to keep the Polish big man.
Gortat's agent, Guy Zucker, said the center "was definitely very disappointed today." He said Gortat was back in his native Poland, where he'd already been telling everyone he was headed to the Mavericks

Goodfellas
07-14-2009, 05:52 AM
PHOENIX (AP) -- The Phoenix Suns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/suns) have reached a contract agreement with free-agent center Channing Frye (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3934).

The team scheduled a news conference Tuesday to introduce the former University of Arizona star.

Frye agreed to a two-year contract with the second year at his option. He will earn about $2 million next season.

The 6-foot-11 Frye is entering his fifth NBA season. He has averaged 8.2 points per game in two seasons with the New York Knicks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/knicks) and the last two with the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers). He averaged just 4.2 points last season.

As a senior, Frye averaged 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in 2004-05 for an Arizona team that came within one game of making it to the Final Four.

Goodfellas
07-15-2009, 06:55 AM
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- NBA commissioner David Stern said Tuesday he hopes the league can come up with a plan to return itself to profitability as it grapples with decreasing revenues.

"The losses that are being shown by the league and the decrease in business, although our decreases are less than many other businesses, are going to be delivered in some detail to the players with an understanding that whatever further details they need they'll have," Stern said after a Board of Governor's meeting in Las Vegas.

The commissioner said less than half the teams in the league made a profit this past season.

Goodfellas
07-15-2009, 06:58 AM
PHOENIX (AP) -- Channing Frye (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3934) grew up cheering for the Phoenix Suns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/suns). Now he'll play for them.

"It feels good to be home," Frye said at a U.S. Airways Center news conference Tuesday. "I know I'm comfortable here. I know I can win in this state."

The 6-foot-11, 250-pound Frye agreed to a two-year contract with the second year at his option. He will earn about $2 million next season.

The Suns formally introduced Frye, not that he needed it. His news conference was held in the arena where he led St. Mary's High School to the 5A state championship in 2001.

Goodfellas
07-15-2009, 07:40 AM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Dahntay Jones (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3723) smiled and shook his head when asked about the flagrant fouls he picked up for Denver during the playoffs this past season, including one for tripping Kobe Bryant (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3118) during the Western Conference finals.

The defensive stopper won't hesitate to commit a few more with the Indiana Pacers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pacers) if necessary.

"It comes as a part of the territory in this game of basketball and with taking the betterment of my team personally and trying to win basketball games and doing my job," Dahntay said Tuesday.
That job will be with the Pacers for the next four years at $11 million, according to his agent, Aaron Mintz

Goodfellas
07-15-2009, 07:41 AM
CHICAGO (AP) -- Forward Tim Thomas (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3170) and the Chicago Bulls (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bulls) have agreed on a contract buyout, ending the veteran's second stint with the Bulls.

The team announced the move Tuesday.

Acquired from the New York Knicks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/knicks) in February, Thomas averaged 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 18 games with Chicago. He was scheduled to make about $6.4 million next season, but the Bulls had no room for him after drafting forwards James Johnson and Taj Gibson last month.

The 32-year old Thomas has averaged 11.6 points and 4.1 rebounds for six teams in 12 years. He was also dealt from the Knicks to the Bulls before the 2005-06 season, but played just three games for Chicago and was waived the following March.

Goodfellas
07-15-2009, 07:42 AM
ATLANTA (AP) -- The Atlanta Hawks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/hawks) traded the rights to forward-center David Andersen (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3634) to the Houston Rockets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/rockets) on Tuesday for an undisclosed second-round draft choice, cash and future considerations.

The 6-foot-11 Andersen was a second-round draft choice of the Hawks in 2002. He has spent his professional career in his native Australia and in Europe, most recently in the Spanish League with FC Barcelona.

The Rockets have been scrambling to find a center since the team announced last month that Yao Ming (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3599) was out indefinitely with a hairline fracture in his left foot.

Andersen averaged 11.1 points and 4.1 rebounds to help FC Barcelona win the 2008-09 Spanish National Championship and a berth in the Euroleague Final Four. Andersen was a member of Euroleague championship teams with Virtus Bologna (2001) and CSKA Moscow (2006 and 2008).

"David has been a winner with every team he has played for in Europe," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said. "He is a very well-rounded player who possesses good offensive skills and a very good shooting touch for a big man."

Andersen played for Australia in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.

Goodfellas
07-16-2009, 09:49 AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Raymond Felton (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3931)'s agent went to Las Vegas confident he was close to hammering out a long-term deal with the Charlotte Bobcats (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bobcats).

Kevin Bradbury left the meeting with Charlotte general manager Rod Higgins disappointed and far apart in negotiations.

"We're definitely not close as far as what we're discussing and what we think fair market (value) is for Raymond," Bradbury said Wednesday, a day after the meeting.

While Bradbury declined to discuss numbers, he indicated there was a surprisingly hefty difference in the deals he and Higgins proposed for the restricted free agent point guard.

Bradbury said both sides remain interested in a lengthy contract

Goodfellas
07-16-2009, 09:50 AM
CHICAGO (AP) -- Veteran guard Lindsey Hunter (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/1281) has re-signed with the Chicago Bulls (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bulls) and will return for a 17th NBA season.
The team announced the move Wednesday.

Hunter signed with the Bulls last November and averaged 2.6 points and 1.3 assists in 28 games. More important was the leadership and mentoring he provided, particularly to eventual Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4387).

Hunter has averaged 8.6 points and 2.7 assists for five teams over 16 seasons -- most of them with Detroit.

Goodfellas
07-16-2009, 09:51 AM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indiana Pacers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pacers) plan to re-sign free agent forward Josh McRoberts (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4314).

McRoberts' agent, Bob Myers, wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Wednesday that the parties had agreed to terms in principle. He did not say what those terms were.

The Pacers made a qualifying offer to McRoberts last month, making him a restricted free agent. The athletic post player averaged 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds last season. He had career highs of 12 points and nine rebounds on April 8 against Toronto.

The Pacers have until the weekend to respond to Toron
to's offer for guard Jarrett Jack (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3948), another player the Pacers made a restricted free agent with a qualifying offer.

Goodfellas
07-16-2009, 07:36 PM
The Utah Jazz (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/jazz) have officially decided to match the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers)' offer for Paul Millsap (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4175), thus committing to keep the 6-8 power forward in Utah, a league source tells SI.com.

The Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers) signed the 24 year old restricted free agent last week to a four-year, $32 million offer sheet. The Jazz were expected to match that offer and take ownership of Millsap's new contract even though veteran power forward Carlos Boozer (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3632) declined to opt out of his contract, leaving Utah with more than $20 million committed to two power forwards next season.

The Jazz are working to deal Boozer, with Miami a possible destination as part of a rumored three-team proposal.

Goodfellas
07-17-2009, 06:00 AM
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) -- Colorado athletic director Mike Bohn says basketball coach Jeff Bzdelik had a "casual" conversation with the Minnesota Timberwolves (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/timberwolves) about their head coaching vacancy.

Bohn told the Daily Camera in Boulder he believes Bzdelik is committed to the Buffaloes. Any further discussions with the Timberwolves would require permission from Colorado.
Bzdelik was on a recruiting trip Thursday and unavailable for comment. He told the Rocky Mountain Independent in Denver earlier Thursday he spoke with Timberwolves general manager David Kahn at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Bzdelik became the Denver Nuggets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nuggets)' head coach for 2002-03 and was fired midway through 2004-05.

After the Nuggets, Bzdelik went to the Air Force Academy and then Colorado

Goodfellas
07-18-2009, 06:18 AM
NEW YORK (SI.com) -- Free agent Marquis Daniels (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3764) has agreed to terms with the Celtics, according to reports in the Boston Herald and Boston Globe.

The Pacers guard, on the heels of averaging 13.6 points per game last season and logging significant minutes after Mike Dunleavy (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3601), Jr.'s injury, will reportedly sign for the Celtics' $1.9 million biannual or factor into a sign-and-trade deal between Boston and Indiana.

Last month, the Pacers declined Daniels' $7.3 million option, immediately freeing him to shop his services elsewhere

Goodfellas
07-18-2009, 06:19 AM
ATLANTA (AP) -- Josh Childress (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3823) said Friday the Atlanta Hawks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/hawks)' "hardball" negotiations forced him to return for a second season in Greece with Olympiakos.

Childress signed a three-year, $20 million deal with Olympiakos last year after scoring in double figures in each of his four seasons with the Hawks.

The Hawks retained rights to Childress, who as a restricted free agent could negotiate with other NBA teams. Meanwhile, Childress also faced a Wednesday deadline to commit to his return to Greece.
Childress and his agent, Jim Tanner, said in a telephone interview on Friday that they visited Milwaukee and had interest from other teams. They said those teams couldn't reach an agreement with the Hawks.

"I knew I didn't have a ton of time and honestly didn't want a ton of time," Childress said, referring to this week's deadline with Olympiakos. "If (the Hawks) wanted to get something done it would get done early."

The Hawks will again retain the NBA rights to Childress after next season. Childress said "it's not out of the question at all" for him to return to Atlanta

Goodfellas
07-18-2009, 06:20 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma City Thunder (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/thunder) have waived guard Earl Watson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3549).

Watson, an eight-year NBA veteran, appeared in 68 games and started in 18 with Oklahoma City this past season and averaged 6.6 points, 5.8 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 26.1 minutes per contest.
Watson, a 6-1 guard out of UCLA, holds career averages of 7.3 points, 4.6 assists, 2.2 rebounds in 597 career games with the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Denver Nuggets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nuggets), the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/grizzlies) and the Seattle Supersonics.

Watson's waiver was announced Friday by Sam Presti, the Thunder's executive vice president and general manager.

Goodfellas
07-19-2009, 05:18 PM
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/cavaliers) have signed restricted free agent Jamario Moon (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4342) to an offer sheet.

Moon spent last season with the Heat, who on Sunday confirmed the offer first reported by ESPN.com. Terms were not disclosed.
Calls to Joel Bell, Moon's agent, were not returned.

Miami has seven days to match the offer. Moon averaged 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 26.5 minutes per game last year.

The Heat already have a glut of wing players and team president Pat Riley has often said often over the past few weeks that salary cap and luxury tax restrictions could force Miami to keep as few as 13 players on the roster as opposed to the maximum 15.

Moon has spent four seasons in the NBA, the first three with Toronto, averaging 7.8 points and 5.4 rebounds.

Goodfellas
07-20-2009, 06:47 PM
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- The only thing keeping Ricky Rubio from joining the Minnesota Timberwolves (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/timberwolves) right now is a multimillion-dollar buyout from his professional contract in Spain.

The price tag could reach as high as $6.6 million. That's enough to make any 18-year-old think twice about chasing his dream of playing in the NBA.

But several sports marketing experts say a move to the United States could bring Rubio millions in endorsements to help offset the buyout.

Matt Hazell works for Los Angeles-based Davie Brown Talent. He says Rubio's combination of good looks, flashy play and international appeal could help him earn enough and more.

Goodfellas
07-21-2009, 06:59 PM
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Well-traveled free-agent forward Matt Barnes (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3643) has agreed to a two-year contract with the Orlando Magic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/magic).
Barnes' agent, Aaron Goodwin, who also represents Magic All-Star center Dwight Howard (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3818), confirmed the deal in an e-mail Monday, but declined to disclose financial terms.

The Magic said they had nothing to announce yet.
The 6-foot-7 Barnes averaged a career-high 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 77 games last season for the Phoenix Suns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/suns). The Magic will be his seventh team in his seven NBA seasons.

Barnes is the latest offseason acquisition for the Eastern Conference champions, who earlier added Vince Carter (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3248), power forward Brandon Bass (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3959) and power forward Ryan Anderson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4483).

Goodfellas
07-22-2009, 07:43 AM
HOUSTON (AP) -- Rockets center Yao Ming (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3599) had surgery Tuesday to repair a broken bone in his left foot.

The team announced the surgery was performed at Memorial Hermann Hospital by Dr. Tom Clanton, the Rockets' team physician, along with Dr. Bill McGarvey.

Surgeons grafted bone onto the tarsal navicular bone and realigned his foot to reduce stress on the repair. The seven-time All-Star is slated to remain in the hospital for several days.

"Everything went according to play, and we were able to achieve not only fixation of the broken bone but also realignment of the bones to improve the stress pattern on his foot," Dr. Clanton said in the statement. "We expect him to be immobilized in a cast and using crutches for at least 6-8 weeks."

Yao is expected to miss the 2009-10 season, but be ready to go for training camp in 2010.

Goodfellas
07-22-2009, 07:47 AM
TORONTO (AP) -- The Toronto Raptors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/raptors) introduced Jarrett Jack (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3948) on Tuesday after signing him to a $20 million deal over four years.

The Raptors signed the restricted free agent to an offer sheet on July 13, giving the Indiana Pacers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pacers) a week to match the offer. They opted not to, clearing the way for Jack to land in Toronto as general manager Bryan Colangelo remakes the Raptors' roster.

"This is another piece of the puzzle that is hopefully going to bring it all together," Colangelo said at a news conference at the Air Canada Centre.

Toronto also acquired forward Hedo Turkoglu (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3415) in a four-way deal and signed center Andrea Bargnani (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4129) to a $50-million, five-year deal.

Goodfellas
07-23-2009, 06:56 AM
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- The wife of basketball star Shaquille O'Neal is recovering from a minor fender bender.

Florida Highway Patrol spokeswoman Kim Miller says Shaunie O'Neal was a passenger in a town car that was rear-ended by another car at an intersection in Orlando Tuesday.

Authorities say the town car had stopped at the intersection when the light turned yellow. The driver of the other car didn't stop.

O'Neal, along with the town car's driver and a 20-year-old passenger, were taken to a hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the other car was ticketed for careless driving.

On her Twitter page, O'Neal wrote Wednesday that she was feeling stiff but better.
Shaquille O'Neal now plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/cavaliers).

Goodfellas
07-23-2009, 06:57 AM
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (AP) -- The Detroit Pistons (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pistons) have signed free agent forward Chris Wilcox (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3606) to a multiyear contract.

The 26-year-old Wilcox has appeared in 448 NBA games since the Los Angeles Clippers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/clippers) drafted him eighth overall in 2002. He also has played for Seattle/Oklahoma City and New York, averaging 9.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 21.7 minutes per game in his career.

In 62 games with Oklahoma City and New York last season, Wilcox averaged 7.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 17 minutes per game. His best two seasons came in 2006-07 and 2007-08 when he averaged 13.5 points and 13.4 points, respectively, for Seattle.

The Raleigh, N.C., native played two seasons at Maryland, helping the Terrapins win the NCAA championship in 2002.

Goodfellas
07-24-2009, 11:39 AM
LOS ANGELES (AP) -Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3601) said he doesn't expect Blake Griffin's shoulder injury to have a lingering effect on the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft.

The club revealed on Wednesday that Griffin has a strained right shoulder that will require three to four weeks of rest. He was hurt in a July 16 summer game against Memphis in Las Vegas and will miss this week's minicamp for USA Basketball.

Clippers physician Dr. Steven Shimoyama diagnosed the injury Tuesday and it was confirmed again by Dr. Lewis Yocum in a second examination.

"The good news was they never mentioned surgery or any kind of a deal,'' Dunleavy said Thursday. "That was the first great news.

Goodfellas
07-24-2009, 11:40 AM
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- David Lee (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3956) thought his best season in the NBA would lead to easy negotiations on a new contract with the New York Knicks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/knicks).Instead, he's three weeks into free agency and nowhere close to a deal.

Lee said Thursday he's frustrated by the lack of progress, and not sure if an agreement will ever be reached with the Knicks.

"I don't feel disrespected or angry at anybody," Lee said. "I understand that this is a business and it's a process, especially for restricted free agents. We understand that, but it doesn't make it an optimal fit for what we're trying to do right now

Goodfellas
07-24-2009, 11:41 AM
MILWAUKEE (AP) -The Milwaukee Bucks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bucks) have agreed to contract terms with Ersan Ilyasova (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3962), potentially bringing the forward back to Milwaukee after two seasons overseas.

The Bucks took Ilyasova in the second round of the 2005 draft, and he appeared in 66 games for Milwaukee in the 2006-07 season before playing the past two seasons with Spain's Regal FC Barcelona. According to the Bucks, the deal with Ilyasova is subject to a clearance letter from Barcelona. Terms were undisclosed.

The 6-foot-10 Ilyasova averaged 6.1 points and 2.9 rebounds in 2006-07.

Goodfellas
07-24-2009, 11:42 AM
Mike Krzyzewski joined the show to discuss his decision to coach the Olympic team again.

-- Krzyzewski said that he never considered the Lakers job. He points out that L.A. has a pretty good coach already with Phil Jackson.

-- Coach K had an explanation for the LeBron summer camp dunk. He said that players at these camps are fired up, but the pros are only at 80 percent.

-- Coach K said he did take some time to think about the Olympic job. He wanted to make sure he didn't short-change his family or Duke.

-- Coach K said he's not thinking yet about whether he'll retire after the 2012 Olympics.

-- Coach K is in the car with Steve Wojciechowski. Wojo got on the phone to take Dan's challenge. DP was banging the floor throughout the interview.

Danpatrick.com

Goodfellas
07-26-2009, 04:53 AM
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Kevin Durant (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4244) had 20 points and eight rebounds to lead the way to a 100-81 win in a Team USA intrasquad exhibition game on Saturday night.

Rudy Gay (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4136) scored a game-high 27 points for the losing Blue team.
Durant, playing for the White team, continued to make his case for a spot on the national team roster. The Oklahoma City Thunder (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/thunder) forward has a chance to be a part of next year's team at the world championships in Turkey. It is possible there will be two or three open spots on the roster.

"I can only control what I do," Durant said. "I gave it the best I could and that's all I can do. It went well."

The 20-year-old former Texas star went 9 for 9 from the free throw line, 5 for 12 from the field and 1 for 4 from 3-point range.
"He is an explosive player and he plays hard," U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "Ten seconds to go and he's trying to block shots."
Greg Oden (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4243), the first pick in the 2007 draft, scored seven points and added eight rebounds to cap his first experience with the national team. The Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers) center had missed the past three national team summer camps with injuries.

New Jersey Nets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nets) center Brook Lopez (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4472) scored 18 points and added five rebounds for the Blue team.

Goodfellas
07-26-2009, 04:53 AM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Toronto Raptors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/raptors) expect to sign free agent center Rasho Nesterovic (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3260).

Nesterovic's agent, Bill Duffy, wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Saturday that the former Indiana Pacer has agreed in principle to a one-year, $2 million deal.

The agreement first was reported in the Toronto Star.
The 7-footer from Slovenia started 19 games for the Pacers last season and averaged 6.8 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 51 percent from the field. He had played in Toronto before going to Indiana.

He started 111 games in two seasons with the Raptors. The 11-year veteran has career averages of 7.0 points and 5.3 rebounds.
The Raptors already had signed former Pacers point guard Jarrett Jack (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3948).

cook
07-28-2009, 01:37 PM
I just heard the Mavericks signed Tim Thomas.Has anybody seen him play lately? I remember a couple of years ago he was with the Suns and he gave the Mavs alot of problems. Anyone know if he`s got anything left?

Goodfellas
07-29-2009, 07:11 AM
I dunno he is up there in years now....

Goodfellas
07-29-2009, 07:11 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- One star who has played with Shaquille O'Neal thinks he'll fit in just fine with LeBron James (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3704).

"I think he realizes that he's not in the prime of his career, so to speak," two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3103) told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Nash's Phoenix Suns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/suns) traded O'Neal to the Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/cavaliers) last month, where the 37-year-old center will try to bring James his first championship.

O'Neal is "still a great player, but LeBron is going to be the focal point," Nash said. "I think he's happy with that. At the same time, he'll get a lot of opportunities to be in the spotlight, and he's great at it."

Goodfellas
07-29-2009, 07:18 AM
DALLAS (AP) -- The Dallas Mavericks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/mavericks) have signed free agent forward Tim Thomas (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3170).

The 6-foot-10 Thomas, a 12-year veteran, played for the Los Angeles Clippers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/clippers), New York Knicks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/knicks) and Chicago last season. He averaged 8.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in his 64 games, 36 with the Knicks, 18 with the Bulls and 10 with the Clippers. He played 191/2 minutes a game.
Thomas has made 946 career 3-pointers, shooting 37 percent from long range in 806 games. He made 41 percent of his 3-point attempts last season.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed Tuesday. Thomas has also played for Philadelphia, Milwaukee and Phoenix

Goodfellas
07-29-2009, 07:19 AM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indiana Pacers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pacers) have signed free agent guard Earl Watson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3549) to a multiyear contract.

Terms of the deal were not released Tuesday.

The 6-foot-1 veteran was waived earlier this month by Oklahoma City. He also has played with Seattle, Memphis and Denver in eight NBA seasons.
Watson adds depth to an Indiana team that has already lost one guard, Jarrett Jack (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3948), in free agency and is likely to lose another, Marquis Daniels (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3764), this offseason. Last week, the Pacers declined to match Toronto's $20 million offer sheet for Jack. Daniels' agent has said he is heading to Boston.

Watson has averaged 7.3 points and 4.6 assists over his career, including 6.6 points and 5.8 assists last season for the Thunder.

Goodfellas
07-29-2009, 05:20 PM
CLEVELAND (AP) -- The Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/cavaliers) have waived reserve guard Tarence Kinsey (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4195).

Kinsey made three starts last season for the Cavs and appeared in 50 games, averaging 2 points and 5.5 minutes per game. He played in nine playoff games.

Following the season, Kinsey was charged with drunken driving in Tampa, Fla. He joined the Cavs as a free agent last August.

Kinsey recently played on Cleveland's summer league team and averaged 12.8 points and 4.4 rebounds in five games.

Goodfellas
07-30-2009, 06:58 AM
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Chris Paul (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3930) was so taken by basketball's popularity in China during the Beijing Olympics that he's adding a Chinese flair to his signature shoe and making a return trip for the first time since receiving his gold medal.

Paul said he felt like a member of the Beatles while touring the country with Team USA last summer and that he continues to be amazed at China's passion for the sport.

"When you're engulfed in something like that, I'm just taking it all in, realizing that it's a dream to be able to travel to China and people want to see you play, they want to know what you're doing," Paul began. "It's still something I can't totally grasp."

Paul's second trip back to the Far East in as many years will be among the highlights of a busy offseason that saw him become a father, go back to college and add a little bulk to his physique.

The Hornets' All-Star point guard and 2008 Olympic gold medal winner will arrive in Tianjin on Aug. 2 and move on to Guangzhou on Aug. 3-4, hosting basketball clinics and dedicating an outdoor court on the grounds of a Guangzhou school.

The trip will include the launch of the Jordan CP3 II China Edition basketball shoe, which will be decorated with Chinese characters symbolic of Paul's life, such as the year he was born (1985), and the No. 61, which relates to Paul scoring 61 points in a high-school game to honor his 61-year-old slain grandfather. It also will include the No. 106, a nod to his NBA record for consecutive games with a steal.

Though the shoe will be sold in the United States, Paul said it only makes sense to also market it in China. He took in some youth-level basketball games last year and came away impressed.

"Man, they can really play. That's the thing," Paul said. "I'm excited about going back to see some of top point guards over there because you never know, these might be some of the guys I'm playing against in the World Championships or even in the Olympics in 2012. ... Everyone thinks we know all the tricks here in the NBA, but you can learn some different things when you travel because different players are doing different things."

Paul spoke about his trip on Wednesday before wrapping up a three-day basketball camp in New Orleans, during which his foundation donated about $55,000 to charities in the New Orleans area.

During breaks at the camp, Paul hovered over a baby carriage, attending to his 2-month-old son, Christopher Emmanuel Paul II. The NBA star had the child with Jada Crawley, his girlfriend since college at Wake Forest. Paul said he loves fatherhood and raves about his son's prodigious appetite and playfulness, and posted a picture on Twitter.
Last weekend, Paul dedicated the second of three public courts he is refurbishing in New Orleans.

Paul has begun most days this offseason with workouts aimed at improving his strength, and his new bulk was evident at his basketball camp. Last season, he often logged close to 40 minutes a game and was worn out by the playoffs, when New Orleans appeared punchless in a lopsided first-round loss to Denver.

Paul estimated that he is now between 10 and 15 pounds heavier than he was as a rookie in 2005-06.

"It's to make sure I'm durable for the season, for the amount of minutes I play," he said.

He has spent much of the summer in his hometown of Winston-Salem, N.C., dining out with relatives and performing more charity work. He also took three summer classes at Wake Forest, where he played for two seasons. Eventually, he intends to graduate with a degree in religion.
"I'm a Christian. I'm Baptist, and I think a lot of times people tend to believe what they believe because that's what their parents told them," Paul said. "I just wanted to find out more information about other religions, so I could know why I believe what I believe."

When the summer traveling is over, Paul looks forward to getting back in the familiar confines of New Orleans Arena, where he draws the loudest cheers when he is the last starter introduced.

"I really use that as energy to get ready for the game, to know they really have that confidence in me," Paul said. "I think a lot of times, people are thinking, 'Man, that's a lot of pressure.' But I use it as fuel. I'm extremely grateful."

Goodfellas
07-30-2009, 07:00 AM
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Elton Brand (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3324) is ready to give the Philadelphia 76ers what they paid for.

When the oft-injured power forward arrives at training camp in late September, Brand will be healthy and eager to put the last two abbreviated seasons way behind him. Quickly labeled a bust in his first season in Philly, Brand believes he can return to form and be the double-double presence in the post that earned him two All-Star berths and an $80 million contract from the Sixers.

"It's been an insane two years," Brand said by phone on Wednesday night. "It all pushes you to be better. I want to show the fans. They don't know. I'm excited to really show them what kind of player they really have and what kind of team they really have."

The Sixers only saw the occasional game that showcased what type of player they signed in Brand.

Brand hurt his shoulder Dec. 17 against Milwaukee, opted for rest and rehabilitation instead of surgery, and returned after missing 16 games over a six-week layoff.

He wasn't the same player in his brief return -- showing hesitancy with the ball and a cautiousness when banging down low -- and had season-ending shoulder surgery in early February.

All the Sixers got from Brand in the first season of a five-year deal was 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds in 29 games -- a steep decline from the 20.3 points and 10.2 boards he averaged in his first nine seasons.

Even worse, Brand had to hear criticism that the Sixers were better off without him. The Sixers stumbled to a slow start as they ditched their transition game for a halfcourt pace to accommodate Brand. They tried hard to adapt their play around Brand, who thrives more in a set offense, instead of incorporating him into their fast-paced style of play.

"I had a feeling that it would have worked out," Brand said. "I think a good mix would bode well for the playoffs and that's what I'm bringing. That's what I brought."

Brand says after rehab sessions on his right shoulder, he's regained full stability and range of motion. He also strengthened his left leg, which was weakened after he ruptured his left Achilles' tendon in August 2007. Brand played in only eight games in his final season with the Clippers, and looked slower around the basket last year than he did in his prime with Los Angeles.

The 30-year-old Brand concedes he wasn't all the way back at the start of last season.

"It wasn't all the way there, but it is now," he said. "You hear it takes 18 months and all that stuff and you don't know. But you do now. I like to play aggressive, and that banging, that balance, I didn't have it from having that time off."

Brand believes he could have played in the NBA finals had the Sixers advanced that far in the playoffs. But they were bounced in the first round for the second straight season, and lost free agent point guard Andre Miller (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3331) to Portland.

"Not being able to play, that was the toughest part, especially in the playoffs," Brand said. "The team's out there, they're working hard and you're trying to root for them. But not being out there to feel that crowd, feel that excitement, that was the part that really hurt the most."
While Shaquille O'Neal was traded to Cleveland, Vince Carter (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3248) joined Orlando, and Rasheed Wallace (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3006) went to Boston, Philadelphia's biggest pickup has been 3-point specialist Jason Kapono (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3734). Kapono's a needed piece, but not the kind of player that will bring a title to Philly.
"This year we're not going to have as high expectations, but I know personally, I'm ready," Brand said.

Brand pumped Andre Iguodala (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3826) as an All-Star candidate and believes Lou Williams can successfully run the point. Brand also believes he can help bring out the best in erratic center Samuel Dalembert (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3534). The 6-foot-11 Haitian has never developed a consistent offensive game and his choppy play has long plagued the Sixers.

"If I have to play the five, I'm all for it," Brand said. "I did it in the West and the West is much better. But I'm going into it like that's Sam's spot. He's been working hard and he's prepared to hold that spot. I think that would be the best opportunity for us to win in the long run. But I could certainly play the five."

Brand was recently in Philadelphia for workouts with new coach Eddie Jordan, who taught the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft the finer points of the Princeton offense.

The rehab is finished. All that's left is waiting for camp.

Elton Brand is finally healed.

"If the season started today, I'd be ready," Brand said. "Training camp, I'm ready. I'm revved up."
(http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/interactive_legal.html#AP)

Goodfellas
07-31-2009, 06:10 AM
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Golden State Warriors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/warriors) have acquired guard-forward Devean George (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3346) and cash from the Toronto Raptors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/raptors) for guard Marco Belinelli (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4296).

The trade was announced on Thursday.

The Warriors, who drafted Davidson star Stephen Curry last month and have Monta Ellis (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3966) slated as their point guard, like George's versatility to play more than one spot in coach Don Nelson's up-tempo offense.
The 31-year-old George, a 10-year NBA veteran who has played the last three seasons with the Mavericks, averaged 3.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 16.5 minutes for Dallas last season.

Goodfellas
07-31-2009, 06:11 AM
Cablevision Systems Corp. said Thursday that its board has approved a plan to spin off as a separate company its Madison Square Garden business, owner of the New York Knicks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/knicks), Rangers and the famed sports arena where they play.

In a widely anticipated move, the Bethpage, N.Y.-based company said the unit will be spun off to existing shareholders by the end of the year. The Dolan family, who controls Cablevision through a special class of shares, will retain control of the new company.

Investors liked the move, driving up shares of Cablevision $1.66, or 8.8 percent, to $20.59.

The diversified company that owns cable systems and channels and the newspaper Newsday in addition to its sports and entertainmnet properties also reported an 8 percent drop in second-quarter earnings despite climbing revenue.

Cablevision said it earned $87 million, or 29 cents per share, in the most recent quarter, compared with $94.7 million, or 32 cents per share a year ago. Revenue rose 9.8 percent to $1.88 billion

Goodfellas
07-31-2009, 06:12 AM
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- The Indiana Pacers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/pacers) have signed free-agent forward Solomon Jones (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4161) to a multiyear contract. He spent the past three seasons with Atlanta.

The deal was announced Thursday, and Pacers president Larry Bird says Jones can help the team's interior defense. Jones averaged 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds last season and shot 60 percent.
Jones played at South Florida and was drafted by the Hawks in the second round in 2006

Goodfellas
07-31-2009, 06:13 AM
CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Bulls (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bulls) have waived forward Linton Johnson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3804) III and guard DeMarcus Nelson (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4534).

In his second stint with the Bulls, Johnson played in eight games and averaged 1.1 points and 1.0 rebounds. He was signed to two 10-day contracts in March before getting a deal for the remainder of the season on April 7.

A former Duke star, Nelson was the Golden State Warriors (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/warriors)' starting point guard on opening night, but he quickly fell out of favor with coach Don Nelson and played in just 13 games before being waived. He signed with the Bulls on April 4 but didn't play for them.

Goodfellas
07-31-2009, 06:28 PM
DENVER (AP) -- The Denver Nuggets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nuggets) have acquired Malik Allen (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3507) from the Milwaukee Bucks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bucks) in exchange for Walter Sharpe (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4495) and Sonny Weems (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4501).
The Nuggets announced the deal Friday.

Allen played in 49 games for Milwaukee last season, averaging 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds.

In 409 games over an eight-year career, he has averaged 5.4 points and 3 rebounds. He also played for Miami, Charlotte, Chicago, New Jersey and Dallas.

Sharpe came to the Nuggets in a July 13 trade after spending his rookie season in Detroit, where he appeared in eight games and averaged 1 point.

Weems appeared in 12 games for the Nuggets last season, averaging 1.6 points.

Goodfellas
08-01-2009, 07:10 AM
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Forward Hakim Warrick (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3945) has agreed to a one-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/bucks).

His agent, Bill Duffy, announced the deal on Friday.

The former Syracuse star played the last four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/grizzlies), averaging 11.6 points and 5.0 rebounds in 82 games last season.
Duffy said the Grizzlies' decision to rescind a tender offer they made to Warrick as a restricted free agent is a sign of tough economic times for NBA teams.

Terms were not released because the deal has not been completed, but its value is expected to exceed $3 million. The agreement was reported by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and yahoo.com earlier Friday

Goodfellas
08-01-2009, 05:28 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma City Thunder (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/thunder) has signed free agent guard Kevin Ollie (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3237).

The 36-year-old Ollie has appeared in 637 games over 12 seasons spread over 11 different teams. He has averaged 3.8 points, 2.3 assists and 1.6 rebounds.

Last season, the 6-foot-2 guard averaged 4.0 points, 2.3 assists and 1.5 rebounds in 50 games, including 21 starts, with the Timberwolves.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced Ollie's contract Saturday. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Presti says Ollie brings experience, leadership and professionalism to the team as it develops its roster on and off the floor.

Goodfellas
08-05-2009, 10:06 AM
NEW YORK (AP) -- Jason Williams (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3250) has worked out for the New York Knicks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/knicks), though the team made no contract offer to the point guard.

Williams, who worked out Tuesday, is attempting a return from retirement this summer and the Knicks claimed him off waivers last week. They will retain exclusive negotiating rights if they make a contract offer by Thursday.

Williams spent 10 seasons in the NBA before retiring last September, less than two months after signing with the Los Angeles Clippers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/clippers). He said he retired because his wife had complications during her pregnancy.

Goodfellas
08-11-2009, 08:13 AM
KINSHASA, Congo (AP) -- Former professional basketball star Dikembe Mutombo (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/425) gave U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton a guided tour Monday of a hospital he founded in his native Congo.

Mutombo, who played 18 seasons in the NBA, smiled playfully at infants in a maternity ward and explained why he donated $19 million of his own money to fund the Kinshasa facility named for his late mother.

"This hospital was such a dream and today it is becoming a reality and so important to so many people," the 42-year-old Congo native said. "We think that Congolese people deserve better health care and we hope that what we are doing here is setting an example so that people can have hope."

Dwarfed by the 7-foot-2 Mutombo, Clinton was clearly impressed by the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, which opened in December 2007. She recalled having met Mutombo's mother in 1994 when the basketball star visited the White House while she was first lady.

"For me, it's like coming full circle having met his mother and knowing how much she inspired and supported him," she said. "Now he has taken his extraordinary success as a basketball player and has one of the biggest foundations in Africa, working not only here in his home country but around the continent to help provide services to people."

"It's a great tribute to his mother and to the values she raised him with," Clinton said.

Later, at a town hall meeting with students at a Kinshasa college, Mutombo said he had been moved to build the hospital after his mother, who lived just outside the Congolese capital, died in 1998 because a curfew kept her from getting to a hospital in the city.

Mutombo also noted that he had hoped to become a doctor and was studying medicine at Georgetown University in Washington before his basketball talent was discovered.

He played for six NBA teams, was the league's top defensive player four times and was selected for eight All-Star games during his career.

Goodfellas
08-18-2009, 06:03 AM
PHOENIX (AP) -- The Phoenix Suns (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/suns) have signed second-round pick Taylor Griffin (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4652) to a contract.

Griffin, the older brother of first overall pick Blake Griffin (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4561), averaged 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds as a senior at Oklahoma. Terms of the deal Monday were not disclosed.

The forward averaged 6.2 points, 3 rebounds and one steal in five games for the Suns in the Las Vegas Summer League.

Goodfellas
08-18-2009, 06:04 AM
DENVER (AP) -- Carmelo Anthony (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3706) is suing his former business manager, alleging he misappropriated more than $2 million of the Denver Nuggets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/nuggets) star's assets.

The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Sacramento, California on Monday, alleges that Anthony's former business manager, Larry W. Harmon, and employees of Larry Harmon & Associates breached their fiduciary duties by transferring $1.75 million of Anthony's money without his knowledge or consent to a company formed by Harmon, most of it in 2008.

Another $265,500 was discovered to have been invested in third parties without Anthony's knowledge or consent between 2005 and 2008, according to the lawsuit, which seeks recovery of the approximately $2 million, plus punitive damages.

Goodfellas
08-18-2009, 06:05 AM
ATLANTA (AP) -- A Maryland judge has ruled the eight owners of the Atlanta Hawks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/hawks) and Atlanta Thrashers are back in business under the same operating agreement they shared before their split in 2005.

Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Durke G. Thompson ruled Monday that the contract the owners reached that would allow the seven owners to buy out Boston-based Steve Belkin was too ambiguous.
The judge encouraged the owners to settle the feud, based in part on a disagreement on the value of Belkin's 30 percent share of the teams, without outside intervention.

Also at stake are the operating rights to Philips Arena, where the Hawks and Thrashers play.

Goodfellas
08-18-2009, 06:06 AM
PLAYA VISTA, Calif. (AP) -- Clippers general manager and head coach Mike Dunleavy (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3601) is confident the addition of swingman Rasual Butler (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3650) will help address one of the team's biggest weaknesses -- outside shooting.

The Clippers ranked 23rd in the league in 3-point shooting percentage last season.

They acquired the 6-7 Butler and cash last Wednesday from the New Orleans Hornets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/hornets) in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in 2016.
Butler averaged career highs in points with 11.2 per game and rebounds with 3.3 per game last season for the Hornets. He shot 39 percent from behind the arc during the regular season and made 52.6 percent of his 3-pointers in five playoff games.

Goodfellas
08-20-2009, 07:50 AM
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Free agent Desmond Mason (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3416) will not be returning to the Oklahoma City Thunder (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/thunder) next season.

Mason's agent, Roger Montgomery, confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday night that talks between the nine-year NBA veteran and the Thunder had broken down and the two sides wouldn't be agreeing on a new contract.

Mason was one of the Thunder's most popular players after playing in college at Oklahoma State and later returning to Oklahoma City when the New Orleans Hornets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/hornets) spent most of two seasons in the city after Hurricane Katrina. He had expressed his desire to remain in Oklahoma City after a hyperextended right knee forced him to miss the second half of last season.

Montgomery said the two sides weren't able to agree on a role for Mason, who still wants to make significant contributions.

Goodfellas
08-21-2009, 07:24 AM
HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Rockets (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/rockets) have reached a verbal agreement on a contract with British free agent Pops Mensah-Bonsu, a television station reported.

Mensah-Bonsu, a forward who split time between San Antonio and Toronto last season, told KRIV-TV in Houston that it feels good to be a Rocket.

Mensah-Bonsu, who played 12 games for the Dallas Mavericks (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/mavericks) in the 2006-07 season, has career averages of 4.1 points and 3.9 rebounds after playing a total of 34 games over two years

Goodfellas
08-21-2009, 07:26 AM
MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Carlos Delfino (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3728) trusted Bucks general manager John Hammond to pave the way for his return to the NBA. All the Bucks must trust that Andrew Bogut (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/3927)'s injured back will be ready for training camp.

Bogut, rehabbing from a stress fracture that wiped out the second half of last season, said Thursday his goal is to be ready for camp.

"I think it's on pace," he said. "If I can be ready to go then, the goal will be achieved. But, obviously, it'll be re-evaluated all throughout September."

Bogut has been working out on a limited schedule since July trying to strengthen the muscles around the injury and his core. While he's been shooting, he hasn't been able to participate in contact drills. That's forced the 7-footer to play ping pong and card games like Uno in an effort to stay competitively sharp.

Goodfellas
08-22-2009, 06:49 AM
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The Portland Trail Blazers (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/teams/trail_blazers) signed draft pick Dante Cunningham (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4638) to a multiyear contract on Friday.

The 6-foot-8 power forward was the 33rd overall pick in the June draft out of Villanova. He averaged 16.1 points and 7.5 rebounds last season as a senior and was named the Big East's most improved player.

"This is a dream come true and I can't wait to get to work with my teammates," Cunningham said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to moving to Portland and helping this team in any way that I can."
He will wear No. 33 for the Blazers.

Goodfellas
08-24-2009, 05:17 AM
DENVER (AP) -- Nuggets reserve forward Renaldo Balkman (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/players/4148) has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Florida.

Balkman, 25, was arrested by Temple Terrace, Fla., officers at 4 a.m. Saturday after he refused a blood-alcohol test, according to a police report on the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Web site.

Balkman was released after posting $500 bond.

Nuggets executive Mark Warkentien said the team was aware of Balkman's arrest but declined further comment "out of respect for the legal process."
Balkman averaged 5.0 points and 3.8 rebounds last season, his first with the Nuggets.