The Official NBA Discussion Thread II

[Legacy]

New discussion thread for NBA. :) Lets get started.....

I personally am a Wizards fan, but sadly they didn't make it, so Im rooting for the Lakers to go all the way in the playoffs.

[Mr. Pink]

go celtics!!!!!!

[Hears All]

Cavaliers all the way! Boston and Chicago had an amazing series, one of the greatest ever!

[Mr. Pink]

i know... i couldn't do any hw last night between watching that game and the very one sided sox-tb game

[RyanRXP]

Which match up do you guys think will be the best of the second round?

I think that all of them will be great, but I think that the two best will be Houston/Lakers and Boston/Orlando.

In Lakers/Houston, you have Kobe vs two of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA, and the battle of the bigs, Odom/Bynum/Gasol vs Yao/Scola(it would have been even better if Mutombo never went down)

In Orlando/Boston, you have more questions than in any other match up: How will Boston play after such a draining first round? How will Howard deal with the Celtics' bigs(as Howard tends to get easily fustrated with players that play physical with him)? Will KG ever play? Can the Magic step up their game? Did the Magic learn anything from Howard's suspension?

[lpmoora]

Which match up do you guys think will be the best of the second round?

In Orlando/Boston, you have more questions than in any other match up: How will Boston play after such a draining first round? How will Howard deal with the Celtics' bigs(as Howard tends to get easily fustrated with players that play physical with him)? Will KG ever play? Can the Magic step up their game? Did the Magic learn anything from Howard's suspension?

Should be a good matchup, If the Lakers lose I'll be a happy fan..end of story.

[Hears All]

Im a Houston guy, so the key is to abuse Gasol down low, he isint that strong. Houston has an excellent chance of containing Kobe since they've got some of the best perimter defenders in the NBA, Ron Artest and Shane Battier. Overall, like every series its going to come down to defense, Houston dosen't have homecourt advantage so they need to come down hard and not allow the crowd to get to into the game

[Blueranger]

I'm a Knicks fan (Go Hometown team). But, I'm liking the Cavs this year.

I think the Lakers/Rockets match up will be pretty damn epic. There pretty dominant and even without T-Mac they have been getting it done.

[Mr. White]

Pfffft you guys got it wrong its all about the Lakers

[Mr. Pink]

I hope the Celtics can keep it up.... definitely a good time to be a Boston fan... Bruins, Celtics, and Sox!

[Mr. Silver]

Personally, I'm a Mavericks and Cavs fan but I'm not blind to the fact that Dallas' chances are slim to none this year.


In Orlando/Boston, you have more questions than in any other match up: How will Boston play after such a draining first round? How will Howard deal with the Celtics' bigs(as Howard tends to get easily fustrated with players that play physical with him)? Will KG ever play? Can the Magic step up their game? Did the Magic learn anything from Howard's suspension?

It took Boston seven games to contend with a young, hungry, yet inexperienced Bulls team with a Rookie guard and head coach. The true question is that how are the Celtics' big men going to contain Howard, seeing as they are obviously depleted and they don't have that one answer for Dwight like if KG was there. As long as they constantly feed him the big man then Orlando should move right along to play Cleveland in the East Final.

The Lakers/Rockets series has already been mentioned, so I won't repeat what's already been said.

The intruiging and underrated series in my eyes is that Dallas/Denver matchup. Most are writing it off as a Denver walk to the West Finals, but most fail to mention that out of the four games played prior to playoff time, two were decided by 3 pts or less and could have easily swung the other way. The other thing is that in a playoff setting, Dallas is an entirely different animal than New Orleans who lived and died with Chris Paul. The way Denver deals with the adversity that's going to come either in game two or three is going to go a long way in determing what happens in this series. If they maintain their composure, I have no reason to believe that Denver won't advance in 5 or 6 games, but if we get the old Denver who would get served by Timmy and the boys, then I could picture them losing this series.

Cleveland/Atlanta I view as a warmup for LeBron and crew to get ready for most likely Dwight Howard and company. I'd be shocked if Cleveland doesn't win in 4 or 5.

[RyanRXP]

As long as they constantly feed him the big man then Orlando should move right along to play Cleveland in the East Final.

The intruiging and underrated series in my eyes is that Dallas/Denver matchup. Most are writing it off as a Denver walk to the West Finals, but most fail to mention that out of the four games played prior to playoff time, two were decided by 3 pts or less and could have easily swung the other way. The other thing is that in a playoff setting, Dallas is an entirely different animal than New Orleans who lived and died with Chris Paul. The way Denver deals with the adversity that's going to come either in game two or three is going to go a long way in determing what happens in this series. If they maintain their composure, I have no reason to believe that Denver won't advance in 5 or 6 games, but if we get the old Denver who would get served by Timmy and the boys, then I could picture them losing this series.

Cleveland/Atlanta I view as a warmup for LeBron and crew to get ready for most likely Dwight Howard and company. I'd be shocked if Cleveland doesn't win in 4 or 5.

1. Howard is not Shaq, and never will be. He is not anywhere near as good as people want to make him out to be. The fact is that Boston is a physical team, and that is exactly what Orlando did not want to face. The 76ers were able to play physical with Howard, and that is why they were so hard for the Magic to beat them. If the Celtics stay close, then the have a chance to win a few games.

2. The reason why people are writting off Dallas is because they are finaly realizing that Denver is the clear #2 team in the west. Dirk is not going to be as big of a match up problem for Denver as he would be for other teams because Martin and Anderson both move very well and can stay with him. I think that out of all the match ups, this is the only one with a real good chance of going 7 games, but I think that Dallas has almost no chance to win the series.

3. I think you are both giving the Cavs too much credit, and the Hawks too little credit. Atlanta has somne really good players and if they can get going, then they can beat any team out there. The only problem is that they are not consistant, but they can still can get a few games on the Cavs. Cleveland is in a very bad position, they run a good chance of being too relaxed. Too be honest, they were facing a team that just gave up in the first round. I was not impressed at all by them beating the Pistons, as I think that even the 9th(Pacers) and 10th(Bobcats) teams could have given them a much better fight. Detroit is in a serious rebuilding mode and would have been in a much better place if they tanked a few games and got into the lottery. Lets face it, if the Cavs had problems with Will Bynun(who I am still made at for going to Detroit), how are they ever going to stop Mke Bibby? Atlanta is a team that no one ever gives any repect, but they have a good mix of young talent and experienced veterans, and I expect them to give Cleveland a real challenge.

[Legacy]

My predicitions for this week...

Houston Rockets @ L.A. Lakers (MON 5/4)

Orlando Magic @ Boston Celtics (MON 5/4)

Dallas Mavericks @ Denver Nuggets (TUE 5/5)

Atlanta Hawks @ Cleveland Cavaliers(TUE 5/5)




God I hope Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets win tonight, because if they don't we could possibly looking at another Championship Game of Lakers vs. Celtics....BORING!

[Mr. Pink]

I'm sick of Lakers-Celtics but I will take any banner anything I can get...

[Hears All]

Are people forgetting Cleveland? Their easily the best team in the East. The only people that could have stood up against them was Boston, but they lost Garnett, and Orlando dosen't have a good enough PG running their team.

Cleveland vs. Lakers in the Finals should be amazing, Kobe vs. Lebron!

[Mr. Green]

I don't think that Boston's going to repeat. The loss of Garnett is too huge for them to overcome.

I say the Cavaliers will win it all.

[Legacy]

Looks like one of my 4 predictions will be right. Loosk like Boston is OUT! :)

EDIT:

Magic Wins! Magic Wins!!! :) I wonder how far they will go?

Okay so Rockets or Lakers? I predicted Rockets....

[Mr. Green]

I say Lakers.

[RyanRXP]

I say Lakers in 5 or 6(The Rockets can maybe steal the first game[tonight], and one in Houston)

If the Lakers win this game, they are in very good shape to win the series.

[Mr. Pink]

honestly im not surprised the celtics lost... chicago was a long series....

[Legacy]

Tonights game I predict the that the Nuggest will beat the Mavericks....AND!!!!....That the Cavaliers will DESTROY the Hawks.

[RyanRXP]

I say Denver wins, and I hope that the Hawks win(as I don't like LeBron James[I really think I am the only Knicks fan who wants him to stay with the Cavs])

[Hears All]

Tonights game I predict the that the Nuggest will beat the Mavericks....AND!!!!....That the Cavaliers will DESTROY the Hawks.

Lebron James is the King for a reason, if he wins the title this year we can be witnessing history!

[lpmoora]

I say Denver wins, and I hope that the Hawks win(as I don't like LeBron James[I really think I am the only Knicks fan who wants him to stay with the Cavs])

Good thinking :lol:, He also will kill your salary cap!

[RyanRXP]

Good thinking :lol:, He also will kill your salary cap!

We will have around 30 million to send out when he becomes a free agent(enough to get him and another big player).

I don't want him because I would ratther get two allstars that fit into the system(like maybe Dirk and Nash, or Dirk and Joe Johnson[what I really want], or even Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire[to reunight them with their former coach])

Sure, LeBron would but I'd rather get 2 player who are just under his level than him and a player that is a boarderline allstar(either way it would be good for the Knicks)

[lpmoora]

We will have around 30 million to send out when he becomes a free agent(enough to get him and another big player).

I don't want him because I would ratther get two allstars that fit into the system(like maybe Dirk and Nash, or Dirk and Joe Johnson[what I really want], or even Nash and Amar'e Stoudemire[to reunight them with their former coach])

Sure, LeBron would but I'd rather get 2 player who are just under his level than him and a player that is a boarderline allstar(either way it would be good for the Knicks)

I can understand that, but isn't he going to command around at least 20 million? I'm not very sure because the NBA's salaries is unknown to me.

I wrote salary wrong, I meant to say the flexibility of having a more balanced team. From my perspective, I would want a team with more threats to spread around as well. Chris Bosh, Sacramento 2010 PLEASE :cool: .

[RyanRXP]

I can understand that, but isn't he going to command around at least 20 million? I'm not very sure because the NBA's salaries is unknown to me.

I wrote salary wrong, I meant to say the flexibility of having a more balanced team. From my perspective, I would want a team with more threats to spread around as well. Chris Bosh, Sacramento 2010 PLEASE :cool: .

I think that it will take about 18 million a year for 5 years. But he won't take any deal if they don't have a chance to win a title, so it all comes down to what we can do with the other 10+ million(also, it comes down to how well he can improve his marketing). I just don't think that getting LeBron will do as much help as people say. Compare that to about 14 million a year for both Johnson and Dirk(who can both run and shoot, which is what we need)

As for Bosh, if he leaves Toronto, the common thought is that he would not want to go to one of the bigger markets, so he might go to the Kings.

[Hears All]

I say Denver wins, and I hope that the Hawks win(as I don't like LeBron James[I really think I am the only Knicks fan who wants him to stay with the Cavs])

I also think your one of the only Knick fans

Bosh won't leave Toronto, he loves it to much, watch all the charity work he does and all the stuff hes done for the city. Raptors are making a serious push next season, with Bargnani becoming a serious threat, Bosh in his prime, Calderon running the point and Shawn Marion giving them some desperatly needed perimater defense

[Blueranger]

I can understand that, but isn't he going to command around at least 20 million? I'm not very sure because the NBA's salaries is unknown to me.

I wrote salary wrong, I meant to say the flexibility of having a more balanced team. From my perspective, I would want a team with more threats to spread around as well. Chris Bosh, Sacramento 2010 PLEASE :cool: .

I doubt he'll sign with the Kings. I think you can expect him to sign with Miami.

Sacramento is a good time that needs some inside help like a Yao Ming or Dwight Howard to go along with Kevin Martin as their franchise players.

[Mr. Pink]

CELTICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

112-94

woot!

[lpmoora]

I doubt he'll sign with the Kings. I think you can expect him to sign with Miami.

Sacramento is a good time that needs some inside help like a Yao Ming or Dwight Howard to go along with Kevin Martin as their franchise players.

Sure, we need help at center. The thing we need though is a superstar. The Kings could really use a super icon. The Seats at Arco are empty since Bibby left. One of those 2 surely would change that, and a big threat inside!

[RyanRXP]

Sure, we need help at center. The thing we need though is a superstar. The Kings could really use a super icon. The Seats at Arco are empty since Bibby left. One of those 2 surely would change that, and a big threat inside!

I don't know what the money situation is, but there is always Shaq(if they can get over all the times he insulted the Kings)

But, if the Knicks can't get Nate to sign a resonable contract(as we are trying to keep as much 2010 cap room as possible), the Kings might go after him. Sure, he might not be a superstar, but he will play hard and well, and is sure to help get fans into the team again.

[lpmoora]

I don't know what the money situation is, but there is always Shaq(if they can get over all the times he insulted the Kings)

But, if the Knicks can't get Nate to sign a resonable contract(as we are trying to keep as much 2010 cap room as possible), the Kings might go after him. Sure, he might not be a superstar, but he will play hard and well, and is sure to help get fans into the team again.

Good Times...the rivalry! Kings will have a lot of cap too if we can dump Kenny Thomas and Donte Greene. We already dumped Miller and Salmons, so we are looking at around 13 million in free? Thomas makes areound 9 million additional.

[RyanRXP]

Good Times...the rivalry!

Here is a great video about that rivalry:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKFtRQNStGA

[Blueranger]

Sure, we need help at center. The thing we need though is a superstar. The Kings could really use a super icon. The Seats at Arco are empty since Bibby left. One of those 2 surely would change that, and a big threat inside!

Not really. They don't need a superstar since they already have one in the making, they just need someone that can dominate inside. When 2010 rolls around they can pick up Yao Ming which I really see happening.

The reason why seats were empty was cause The Kings sucked these last two seasons.

[RyanRXP]

To help out people, here is a list of the free agent situation for the next two off seasons:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=FreeAgents-09-10



Update, Lakers win 108-94.

Also, if you watched the game, the Artest flagrant 2 call was one of the worst call I have ever seen. I don't even think it was a flagrent 1 foul. It was nowhere near a flagrant 2. To be a flagrant 2 foul, it needs to have exsesive contact, which I don't think that play had.

[lpmoora]

Not really. They don't need a superstar since they already have one in the making, they just need someone that can dominate inside. When 2010 rolls around they can pick up Yao Ming which I really see happening.

The reason why seats were empty was cause The Kings sucked these last two seasons.

Good old days...funny video

Who is this in-the making? I don't see someone on the Kings roster that is playing at an extreme level? Kevin Martin? He is a great player, but isn't a game changer till he get's some support from the starters. Jason Thompson? He has shown he can play defense and plays well inside, but I don't see it from him either. Spencer Hawes maybe, but again I don't see all the "star power" here. What I'm trying to say is a "star" brings fans to their seats, a good example being Wayne Gretzky. He brought hockey to Cali, and fans started filling up the Staples Center.

Edit- If you look at the Kings all-time roster, not many big names jump out at you either...mainly

Chris Webber
Vlade Divac
Oscar Robertson
And Mitch Richmond

[RyanRXP]

Yao is out for the rest of the playoffs:


Yao Ming had an initial test taken in the early morning hours on Saturday following the game," said Rockets Team Physician Dr. Tom Clanton. "The original diagnosis of the left ankle sprain was based on the results of that test. Further diagnostic procedures performed later in the day, revealed a hairline fracture on the top of his left foot. In order for the bone to heal properly, Yao will need to immobilize the foot by wearing a walking boot. No surgery is required and he should be able to resume his regular workout routine sometime between the next eight to 12 weeks.

http://www.nba.com/2009/playoffs2009/05/09/yao.out.playoffs/index.html

[Mr. Silver]

Also, if you watched the game, the Artest flagrant 2 call was one of the worst call I have ever seen. I don't even think it was a flagrent 1 foul. It was nowhere near a flagrant 2. To be a flagrant 2 foul, it needs to have exsesive contact, which I don't think that play had.

That my friends is what we like to call a reputation call. Had that be Battier or someone like that, it's only called a personal. But since it's Artest, he gets the raw deal, much like in the previous game where he got ejected for that minor contact with Bryant that did not involve a real push, slap or punch and again if that had be someone else, at most its a technical foul, not an ejection.

EDIT: Now we can add a series changing missed call to the list of officiating blunders this post season. At the end of the Nuggets/Mavericks game, the refs "missed an intentional foul" as stated by league officials. As a result, Anthony was able to get up a three point and win the game, essentially killing any legitimate chance the Mavs had of getting back into this series.

Now I can respect them for coming out and admitting to their errors, but unfortunately the Nuggets/Mavs error can't be rectified by a simple downgrade as Artest's was and it kills me to see the team who played hard the entire night and deserved to win that game, lose it in the final moments due to an error not of their own doing.

[lpmoora]

That is a huge stunner for the Rockets...terrible. Yao must be disappointed, he won't be able to carry the team himself.

[RyanRXP]

Well, on the Denver/Dallas game, I am not sure that the blame is being placed on the right guy. The ref that was closest to the play(the one that is getting blamed) was not in position to look for a foul, he had to look to be sure if Anthony wasn't out of bounds, and the shot was behind the line, the Blame should be on the other 2 officials(who should have been watching for this)
Personally, if I was Mark Cuban, I would be demanding the ending to be redone. The next game is in Dallas(so it is not like they would have to interupt the playoffs too much) and this did directly effect the outcome of the game, so I think it qualifies for this option.


But the reason why I think that the Artest foul was so bad is because the officials are supposed to use replay on all flagrant 2 foul calls, and on the replay it was clear it was not a flagrant 2.

[Mr. Silver]

Well, on the Denver/Dallas game, I am not sure that the blame is being placed on the right guy. The ref that was closest to the play(the one that is getting blamed) was not in position to look for a foul, he had to look to be sure if Anthony wasn't out of bounds, and the shot was behind the line, the Blame should be on the other 2 officials(who should have been watching for this)
Personally, if I was Mark Cuban, I would be demanding the ending to be redone. The next game is in Dallas(so it is not like they would have to interupt the playoffs too much) and this did directly effect the outcome of the game, so I think it qualifies for this option.


But the reason why I think that the Artest foul was so bad is because the officials are supposed to use replay on all flagrant 2 foul calls, and on the replay it was clear it was not a flagrant 2.

Knowing Mark, I'm sure that if he could pull it off, he would demand that the ending be redone. The only reason why I think this non call is so much worse than Artest's call is that the one with Dallas/Denver cost Dallas any hope of winning this series. Do I think they would have won it in the end? Probably not, but going into game four down 1-2 instead of 0-3 makes all the difference in the world.

[Blueranger]

Dallas got owned by Carmelo. Instead of whining even though they have a good argument, foul harder.

[Mr. Silver]

Dallas got owned by Carmelo. Instead of whining even though they have a good argument, foul harder.

There's no argument. When the league office comes out and officially says that the refs missed that one, there's no need to argue. The bottom line is that the refs blew it and Denver benefitted from that error, its as simple as that.

[Blueranger]

Still no reason for the Dallas players to want to fight the refs. It was an obvious foul but it could have been harder.

[Mr. Pink]

i need to have more faith in my teams...

[Blueranger]

Why can't the Celtics just die?

Orlando has the better team, yet they keep losing to the Celtics. I still don't understand why they didn't foul soon as the ball was in bounded in Game 4. Last night, Dwight Howard cost them a chance of winning that game.

The Rockets are screwed, nuff said.

[Mr. Pink]

because the Celtics have heart! They still have fight left in them, just like the Bruins

there have been bad calls on both sides, I've dealt with it.

[Blueranger]

Well, even if they do advance heart isn't gonna save them from The King and his court.

Denver is headed to the conference finals.

God I can't wait for Lakers vs. Nuggets.

[lpmoora]

Well, even if they do advance heart isn't gonna save them from The King and his court.

Denver is headed to the conference finals.

God I can't wait for Lakers vs. Nuggets.

Who said the Lakers are advancing yet? So tired of the Lakers, it's not even funny anymore.

[Blueranger]

...Did you see the last game?

[Warrior Red]

I'm just waiting for the Celtics to lose and for the Cavs to win it all.

[Mr. Pink]

Nope.. the celtics will win :)

[Hears All]

Nope.. the celtics will win :)

Without Garnett they dont stand a chance. Cleveland and Lakers in the finals, Cleveland taking it in 6 :D

[Mr. Pink]

Celtics will keep the faith alive! Boston teams are resilient!

[RyanRXP]

I'm just waiting for the Celtics to lose and for the Cavs to win it all.

It won't be that easy. Remeber that the Cavs have been extremely lucky so far in the teams they have been playing. Detroit stopped even trying before the playoffs even began, and Atlanta had injuries to key players. The next round is going to be the first time they have to face a real team, and the Celtics still have experience, toughness, and defense. If they face the Magic, they have to deal with a team that can match up with them(because of the fact that Orlando's bigs are very mobile, and Hedo and Lewis can shoot very well)
If the Cavs make it to the finals, they better hope they are not facing Denver.

[lpmoora]

...Did you see the last game?

Of course, and did you see the game before? That was without Yao and T-mac.

[Mr. White]

Lakers are going to kick the rockets out just wait and see

[Legacy]

Former player Tisdale dies at age 44 after bout with cancer

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/05/15/tisdale.obit.ap/index.html

[Mr. Pink]

come on celtics! dont choke like the bruins!

[lpmoora]

Edit-Crud...Lakers won. Oh Well, Time to move on to the Nuggets.

[Mr. Pink]

I will cry if the Celtics lose

[Mr. White]

Hope the Celtics lose and the Lakers win take that Laker Haters!!!:p

[Mr. Pink]

Lakers better lose! Celtics better win!

[Mr. Pink]

nnoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

Well they had a good season at least considering all of the injuries ;(

[RyanRXP]

The Cavs now have to face the one team that they didn't want to face. Orlando won the season series with the Cavs and Orlando is going to be a very hard challenge for the Cavs.

[Mr. White]

WAHOO!!! Celtics lost Lakers won this is a good day for me:)

[Mr. Silver]

Whoo! The Celts are done! Celebration is in order! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNRLhTZn9b0&feature=related)

[Mr. Pink]

This week was cruel... I would have been fine if just the Bruins moved on but both were eliminated... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

[Hears All]

Theres no way Orlando is going to beat Cleveland. I really want to see Lakers/Nuggets, since the Lakers played so poorly against the Rockets, Nuggets are a high energy team so it should be a fun series

[Mr. Pink]

Lakers better go down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RyanRXP]

Well, it is the NBA vs the WWE for monday in Denver:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZW1Y4Lg9yM

[Blueranger]

Lakers better go down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Too be honest, I see Denver going to the finals.

[Hears All]

Well, it is the NBA vs the WWE for monday in Denver:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZW1Y4Lg9yM

Is that even real? The sportscaster used to be part of the WWE, IIRC he used to go backstage and interview the wrestlers before their fights

[RyanRXP]

Is that even real? The sportscaster used to be part of the WWE, IIRC he used to go backstage and interview the wrestlers before their fights

The video is from ESPNEWS, and was released yesterday, here I will find the EPSPN.com page for it:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4176082

[Mr. Pink]

this is almost as entertaining as that story about the Rays messing up their lineup the other day

[BanditHiro]

wth i though vince mcmahon died

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRkBYkaRIUA&feature=related

[Mr. Pink]

who should i follow now that the Celtics are out and I hate the Lakers and Magic?

[BanditHiro]

who should i follow now that the Celtics are out and I hate the Lakers and Magic?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLAaXtOU-as

[Mr. White]

Go for the Lakers even though you hate them:D

[Mr. Pink]

only if it secures a win for Ran/ Kim/ or Xander lol

[RyanRXP]

The WWE issue was solved, the NBA gets Denver and the WWE goes to the LA:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs/2009/news/story?id=4188189

[Mr. Green]

Well, I hope everyone who had wrestling tickets gets a refund.

Though in all honesty, did Vince McMahon actually expect the conflict to move the Nuggets\Lakers game instead of wrestling?

[RyanRXP]

Though in all honesty, did Vince McMahon actually expect the conflict to move the Nuggets\Lakers game instead of wrestling?

I really doubt it, he was just is using it as advertisement.

[Legacy]

http://www.rangercrew.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9233

There you guys go ;)

[lpmoora]

Go Magic..Hedo Turkoglu is still on the Magic from the Kings roster!

[RyanRXP]

Go Magic..Hedo Turkoglu is still on the Magic from the Kings roster!

Go Hidayet!

Anyway, the Magic beat the Cavs in a close game tonight.

[Blueranger]

The Clippers get the number one pick in the draft. Who think will be the top 3 players to get drafted this year?

[Mr. Silver]

To be honest, after Griffin goes to the other L.A. team, it's truly a crap shoot.

[RyanRXP]

To be honest, after Griffin goes to the other L.A. team, it's truly a crap shoot.

Actually, I think that Rubio looks to be the best rookie from this draft. But as for the rest, I agree, I don't see any other real talent.

As for LA, I think they should trade the pick. The last thing they need is another big guy(they already have 3 who are way better than him) I think that they should try to trade the pick in order to improve their bench, or maybe even using it to get rid of Davis(who doesn't even want to be there)
Before the trade dead line they were trying to trade for Kidd, I say go back into that, but add the #1 pick and another Dallas player, you have a good Clippers team. They were only that bad last year because of injuries, if they can be healthy and improve the team environment(which trading Davis for Kidd would do) you are looking at a good team.


The Clippers get the number one pick in the draft. Who think will be the top 3 players to get drafted this year?
#1 Griffin
#2 Rubio
#3 Thabeet

[RyanRXP]

Trade rumors are now heating up around Shaq and the Cavs.
The trade would be Shaq for Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic. This trade would just mean that the suns are trying to dump a ton of money(almost 10 million)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4257421



Ben Wallace has already said he wants to retire this offseason and Pavlovic is expected to be cut as well.

For the Cavs, this is very interesting. It means that Ilgauskas is not going to play as much(if he does not become a free agent), and it also runs the risk of hurting them on defence.
But the big risk for the Cavs is that the team might lose Varejao, Wright, and Smith as well leaving them with almost no big men. The Cavs have a lot to do this offseason and it looks like they are off to an early start.






Also, as the NBA offseason is almost here, look at this link to see what players are/can become free agents:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=freeagents-09-10

[RyanRXP]

ESPN says that Hedo says he will become a free agent using his ETO.


Anyway atleast Kobe is now tied with Shaq as both have 4 titles.

And now they must keep the team together so he can win more, he does have 3 to 4 years before he reaches the age where players start going downhill. Plus the Lakers do have many young players who will only be getting better. Odom has said he will take a pay cut in order to stay, and I think Ariza will take a lesser contract in order to stay. This Lakers team stands a good chance of giving Kobe 2 more titles and making him the most successful Laker of all time(currently Mikan, Magic, an Kareem have 5)

[Legacy]

Hmm I wonder what team he would go to. Maybe the Celtics?

[Mr. Blue]

Just merged Ryan's thread to this existing thread.

[RyanRXP]

Ryan, we already have a NBA thread so I merged your thread to this one so you don't have to post the info again.

I did not make any new NBA thread.

[Mr. White]

So is anyone going to the parade on Wednesday for the Lakers? I'm not My cousin went to it one time but she woke left around 5:00 AM for it lol so she could get a good view of it but I don't think she did:lol:

[lpmoora]

Well, good for Kobe. I can say that much at least, he showed he can totally take over the game like no other at this point in time.

[Hears All]

Shaq in Cleveland is a bad idea. Cleveland is a defensive team, they are built around Lebron, everyone is capable of hitting atleast mid range shots, Shaq isint. He will slow down the team to much, he should just stay in Phoenix or go to a team where theres a lot of rookies and young guys that need a good mentor, like Oklahoma

[Mr. Silver]

Shaq in Cleveland is a bad idea. Cleveland is a defensive team, they are built around Lebron, everyone is capable of hitting atleast mid range shots, Shaq isint. He will slow down the team to much, he should just stay in Phoenix or go to a team where theres a lot of rookies and young guys that need a good mentor, like Oklahoma

Agreed. The only thing that Shaq would probably be able to provide is a threat in the low post, but other than that he's not good for much else. He can't guard the pick and roll anymore and the the main thing that the Cavs need in their big man is someone that's mobile and he's not going to be able to keep up with KG or D.Howard for a long period of time.

If the Cavs really want to make a splash to make sure that the King stays in Cleveland, they main things that they need are a 4 man that can score and a decent/borderline good 5 man.

[RyanRXP]

If the Cavs really want to make a splash to make sure that the King stays in Cleveland, they main things that they need are a 4 man that can score and a decent/borderline good 5 man.

You mean like trying to make a run at Rasheed Wallace? If they buy out Ben Wallace, convince Ilgauskas to leave, and let Szczerbiak go, they should have enough cap room to sign Rasheed.

[Mr. Silver]

You mean like trying to make a run at Rasheed Wallace? If they buy out Ben Wallace, convince Ilgauskas to leave, and let Szczerbiak go, they should have enough cap room to sign Rasheed.

If he is brings anything close to what I think he can bring, then yes. Bottomline, they need that kind of 4 man and they need it desperately. Otherwise, its gonna be a repeat of what happened this year by either Orlando(If Turkoglu resigns, which I think he will) or by Boston if KG's healthy.

[RyanRXP]

Well, here is all of the PF/C that the Cavs can look at(not counting the Cavs' free agents)
r=restriced free agent
p=player option
eto=early termination option

Glen Davis(r)
Leon Powe(r)
Sean May(r)
Aaron Gray(r)
Brandon Bass
Chris Andersen
Walter Herrmann(r)
Antonio McDyess
Rasheed Wallace
Lamar Odom
Hakim Warrick(r)
Charlie Villanueva(r)
David Lee(r)
Eddy Curry(eto)
Al Harrington(p)
Marcin Gortat(r)
Drew Gooden
Paul Millsap(r)
Carlos Boozer(p)
Mehmet Okur(eto)

[Mr. Silver]

Well, here is all of the PF/C that the Cavs can look at(not counting the Cavs' free agents)
r=restriced free agent
p=player option
eto=early termination option

Glen Davis(r)
Leon Powe(r)
Sean May(r)
Aaron Gray(r)
Brandon Bass
Chris Andersen
Walter Herrmann(r)
Antonio McDyess
Rasheed Wallace
Lamar Odom
Hakim Warrick(r)
Charlie Villanueva(r)
David Lee(r)
Eddy Curry(eto)
Al Harrington(p)
Marcin Gortat(r)
Drew Gooden
Paul Millsap(r)
Carlos Boozer(p)
Mehmet Okur(eto)

The ones in bold are the only ones that I'd call definite fits. to fit that 4/5 role for the King. Some of the others could work as well, but the ones in bold are the ones that I'm sure of, regardless of their success with their most recent team or their history in Cleveland.

[RyanRXP]

The Spurs are trading for Richard Jefferson:


The Milwaukee Bucks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mil) agreed to trade Richard Jefferson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1006) to the San Antonio Spurs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=sas) for Bruce Bowen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=83), Kurt Thomas (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=846) and Fabricio Oberto (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2805), a Bucks source told ESPN.com.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4281291

In the link ESPN breaks down the trade.

It looks like this is a money trade for the Bucks:


The deal will clear $15 million off the books for the Bucks in 2010-11 and give Milwaukee more flexibility for the 2009-10 season. The Bucks expect to save $6.35 million next season after releasing Bowen (only $2 million guaranteed) and Oberto (only $1.9 million guaranteed), a source told ESPN.com.


ESPN says tht this deal should get done tonight.




There are also reports of the Celtics trying to trade Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo to Detroit for Stucky, Hamilton, and Prince. ESPN is saying that it was immediately rejected by Detroit.

[Hears All]

The ones in bold are the only ones that I'd call definite fits. to fit that 4/5 role for the King. Some of the others could work as well, but the ones in bold are the ones that I'm sure of, regardless of their success with their most recent team or their history in Cleveland.

Theres no way Odom is leaving the Lakers, I heard he's even willing to take less money

[Mr. Silver]

Theres no way Odom is leaving the Lakers, I heard he's even willing to take less money

I never said he would leave, I just said that he'd fit well with James. Anybody who thinks that Odom would leave barring a major breakdown in negotiations is crazy.

[RyanRXP]

The Hawks and Warriors are in talks for a trade for Crawford.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284512 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284512)


Also, Dallas and Portland are involved in a trade for draft picks.
Portland gets the 22nd pick for 3 Dallas picks:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284712 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284712)


And Minnesota now has 4 first round picks in the draft after a trade with Washington:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284494 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4284494)




One more thing, remember the NBA draft is tomorrow.

[Blueranger]

Cavs/Suns deal and Warriors/Hawks deal has both been finalized according to ESPN news.

Cavs Get:

-Shaq

Suns Get:
-Ben Wallace
-Sasha Pavlovic
-46th Pick in the 09 Draft.
-500,000 in cash.

--

Hawks Get:

-Jamal Crawford

Warriors Get:

-Speedy Claxton
-Ace Law.

The Knicks/Grizzlies are in trade talks that would send Q-Rich to Memphis. Which is a bad idea IMO.

[Mr. Green]

And in other NBA news, the Nets and Magic are in talks of a deal to send Vince Carter to Orlando.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4287197

Also, the Knicks purchased the 29th pick in the draft from the Lakers for $3,000,000.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285133

[Hears All]

Shaq to Cleveland? I dont think its gonna work

Richard Jefferson going to San Antonio is going to be awesome, I expect big things from them

Jamal Crawford is going to make the Hawks an even more deadly team

[Blueranger]

And in other NBA news, the Nets and Magic are in talks of a deal to send Vince Carter to Orlando.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4287197

Also, the Knicks purchased the 29th pick in the draft from the Lakers for $3,000,000.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4285133

Aww that's nice. The Nets are willing to have a crappy season just for 2010. Bravo...>_>

They don't need to trade away Vince yet. I would wait until 2010, do they really want to have bad chemistry?

My Knicks are looking good so far. They don't need to pull the trigger on the Memphis trade until later on tonight. If necessary and I don't think they need Darko right now.

Good move by the Lakers. They don't need any draft picks but they do need a little extra money if they want to keep Odom and Ariza.

[Mr. Green]

And in other NBA news, the Nets and Magic are in talks of a deal to send Vince Carter to Orlando.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4287197

Looks like a done deal now.

[Blueranger]

It's been finalized. Vince is headed to Orlando.

[Hears All]

Orlando is gonna be amazing next season, I still like Boston though lol

[Legacy]

is Shaq really with the Cavs now?

[Blueranger]

Yes, The deal was finalized around 2:30am this morning.

[Legacy]

NBA draft istonite. So you guys think Blake Griffin going No.1?

[BanditHiro]

NBA draft istonite. So you guys think Blake Griffin going No.1?

yea he is the best player in this very weak draft

[AoBlue]

Shaq only got 25 more teams and he will have been on them all. First Orlando, then LA, followed by the Heat, after that the Suns and now the Cavs.

[Hears All]

Shaq only got 25 more teams and he will have been on them all. First Orlando, then LA, followed by the Heat, after that the Suns and now the Cavs.

Are you trying to be funny? He'll never be on all 25 teams

[RyanRXP]

The draft is over, so who is your big winners/losers?

[Blueranger]

Yes he's trying to be funny.

Knicks traded Quentin Richardson to the Grizzlies for Darko Milicic.

Also, Proposed Trade that is will happen:

Warriors Get:

-Amare Stoudemire

Suns Get:

-Stephen Curry
-Andris Biedrins
-Braden Wright
-Marco Belinelli

The Trade can't be made official until next Wednesday.


http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/article/2009-06-25/stoudemire-reportedly-heading-warriors

[RyanRXP]

The Suns/Warriors trade is only in the works and no one is confirming it to be near completion.
I know that David Aldridge says that he doesn't think it will happen. And to be honest, I don't see any reason for this to happen unless Nash calls up Kerr and demands this to happen.

[BanditHiro]

The draft is over, so who is your big winners/losers?

the wolves really didn't accomplish a lot with all their picks i pick them as my biggest loser.

my biggest winner is probably the San Antonio Spurs. They did not have a first round pick yet the accomplished a lot. They got an absolute steal in Dejuan Blair who in most mock drafts he was a mid to late 1st round draft pick and with that addition they address the void they left after trading Oberto and Thomas for RJ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTnDkOAuwYs

they guy is a beast and will be a more effective blue collar player than oberto was because Blair can also score as well.

[RyanRXP]

I have 3 losers:
1. The Bucks
2. The Clippers
3. The Jazz

I don't think that these teams gained anything in this draft. Griffin does not help the Clippers because they have 3 big men who are all a lot better than him(they really needed to trade this pick). And the Bucks 100% wasted their first round pick with Jennings. And the Jazz had the worst draft of them all, they could have gotten a player they could use, but they took a PG.


As for my winners:
1. Minnesota
2. Denver

I think that the Wolves now have a great core of PGs that can help them out a lot. They still need a SG, but they should be in for a much better season next year. Denver will be overlooked by many for this draft, but with Ty Lawson, they now have a reat back up PG who will be an upgrade for a top level team.


As for my teams:
I think the Knicks did very well here. Hill looks like agood replacement for Willcox and he looks like he will fit into the Knicks very well. I also am interested in Douglas, if he can be a decent back up he will help them out a lot.

As for the Lakers, they didn't do much, but they did get a few future picks who might come into play at some point.

[Hears All]

My Raptors signed Demar DeRozan, im hoping he will fix our SG problem. He needs to develop a shooting game, but hes a high energy high flyer that is fun to watch. If we re-sign Marion we should hopefully made a serious playoff run next year

[Legacy]

How did the Washington Wizards do? Their considered my hometeam.

[RyanRXP]

How did the Washington Wizards do? Their considered my hometeam.

They left the draft with no picks. But they did pick up Randy Foye and Mike Miller before the draft so they look to be in good shape for next year.


ESPN has grades for every team:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=DraftGrades-090626 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=DraftGrades-090626)

[BanditHiro]

They left the draft with no picks. But they did pick up Randy Foye and Mike Miller before the draft so they look to be in good shape for next year.


ESPN has grades for every team:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=DraftGrades-090626 (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2009/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=DraftGrades-090626)

yea it seems like i got my winners and losers right

spurs with the steal of the draft and Minnesota just having a dumb draft considering they had tons of picks in the first round.

[Blueranger]

The Suns/Warriors trade is only in the works and no one is confirming it to be near completion.
I know that David Aldridge says that he doesn't think it will happen. And to be honest, I don't see any reason for this to happen unless Nash calls up Kerr and demands this to happen.

Well, It's no surprise since the Suns stated they were looking to get rid of their entire team due to money issues. Shaq was first, Amare was in trade talks since 2007/08.

My winners for the draft: Thunder & Grizzlies.

The Thunder not only drafted James Harden a skilled player that can help out Westbrook but they picked up BJ Mullens that can help out Krstic in the center spot.


The Grizz picked up Thabeet who will dominate the center spot but they also got Q-Rich who can help out there 3 point shooting.

[Legacy]

I heard Ricky Rubio is unhappy.

[RyanRXP]

I heard Ricky Rubio is unhappy.

I think it is more a case of his handlers(in this case his father) wanting to put him in a good location and using his exisisting contract as leverage.(Both Yao and Yi went through all this, and in those cases, they just wanted to play in the NBA and didn't care where)
But his father does not have the leverage he thinks he has. The GM of the Wolves said he will just wait for Rubio for a year or two because he knows the Wolves are not winning anything anytime soon. The only way Rubio doesn't play for the Wolves is if a team offers a good player in a trade.

[lpmoora]

I was hoping the Kings would take Curry or Flynn, but they HAD to go for Evans CRUD. I have a very bad feeling like 4-5 years from now, Rubio is going to make us regret the pick.

[RyanRXP]

I was hoping the Kings would take Curry or Flynn, but they HAD to go for Evans CRUD. I have a very bad feeling like 4-5 years from now, Rubio is going to make us regret the pick.

The Kings can always hope to get back Hedo or Bibby.
But it could also be that they are looking for a veteran PG(as they do need a PG).

Here is a list of all free agent PGs that could really help out a team:
Mike Bibby
Josh Childress(R)
Stephon Marbury
Eddie House
Raymond Felton(R)
Jason Kidd
Jamal Crawford(ETO)
Ramon Sessions(R)
Nate Robinson(R)
Andre Miller
Anthony Parker


And I know that Parker and Crawford are SGs but I believe they can both be good PGs.


And for a complete list of potental Free Agents here is a link to a list:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=freeagents-09-10

The link is a little old and does not include any of the recent trades, but it is a complete list and it shows the options(meaning Player/Team/Early Termination options)

[Hears All]

I heard Ricky Rubio is unhappy.

I would be too if I was him. He was projected #2 and got picked #5. He also has to deal with possibly splitting his time with another developing PG. Minnesota is so dumb for making that move

[RyanRXP]

I would be too if I was him. He was projected #2 and got picked #5. He also has to deal with possibly splitting his time with another developing PG. Minnesota is so dumb for making that move

Why was it a dumb move? Telfair will not be a good PG to have as your starter if you plan on going anywhere. They are no where near winning a title and are willing to wait for Rubio to come over. Rubio was saying that he might not even be able to play for the Kings(a team that he clearly wanted to play for) because of his contract.
Right now the Wolves are in a really great position. Many teams want Rubio so they can trade for the SG that they are lacking, or they can wait a few years and have a high class PG duo.
In a few years, if they wait for Rubio(he is only 18), they can have a really great team. They have one of the best PF/Cs in the NBA and they have a young team that will only get better. I mean, the Wolves can just tell Rubio to work on his shooting, and if Rubio can get a better jumpshot he can be their missing SG.
There is also no reason for why Rubio and Flynn can't play together. People always say that about any duo, but most often it does work. People said that about Shaq and Amare, but they figured it out. People said that Randoph and Curry could work together on offence, but they did a great job(but neither could play defense so they broke that up) and have we forgotten about MJ and Pippen? They both play the exact same positio, and they both needed the ball and they won 6 titles together. Also, remember Frazier and Monroe, they both were PGs who everyone said couldn't work together, but they won a title.

And Rubio was not projected to be #2, he was projected to be in the top 5, with most thinking he was going #4 to the Kings.

Also, Rubio never said he didn't want to play for the Wolves, or that he was even unhappy. The only thing Rubio said was that it was his dream of playing in the NBA and that he was willing to play even if his buyout cost him all of the money he would make in his rookie deal(aka he will play for free) ANd as for his father, he didn't say anything about not wanting to play for the Wolves, he said that he might have to stay for a year or two before he can come over.


Right now, it is possible that Ricky plays a year or two more in Europe

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Report-Ricky-Rubio-s-father-says-son-may-remain?urn=nba,172985


As it stands now, it looks like it is just a case of him not having enough money to pay for a buy out. If he was taken at #2, he would have 5 million more in his contract, which means the buy out would be covered.
I have seen nothing that points to Rubio not wanting to play for the Wolves, only his current team wanting a lot for him. Which is far more than Rubio's contract with them. If the Wolves wait a year the buy out would be cheeper, or if they wait two years his contract would be up. That is the only reason for why he is not with the team now.
And for all this talk of his father being upset(even though the quote doesn't support the media's claim) the GM of the Wolves has said he will do anything he can to help Rubio as long as it is in the rules, to which Rubio's mother was quoted to be relieved at.

Here is a good article about the situation:
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-41-157/Ricky-Rubio--Playing-Minnesota-Poker.html

[Hears All]

Telfair will not be a good PG to have as your starter if you plan on going anywhere

So PG's can only be on the starting lineups? What happened to coming off of the bench? Telfair would be really good off the bench


Right now the Wolves are in a really great position. Many teams want Rubio so they can trade for the SG that they are lacking, or they can wait a few years and have a high class PG duo.

I guess you didn't see the interview with the T'Wolves Manager saying he could see these two point guards developing together. He said their two styles worked well together, Rubio is a passer and Flynn is a scorer.


People always say that about any duo, but most often it does work. People said that about Shaq and Amare, but they figured it out. People said that Randoph and Curry could work together on offence, but they did a great job(but neither could play defense so they broke that up) and have we forgotten about MJ and Pippen?They both play the exact same positio, and they both needed the ball and they won 6 titles together. Also, remember Frazier and Monroe, they both were PGs who everyone said couldn't work together, but they won a title.

To bad most of those duos are two point guards, Frazier and Munroe dont mean anything since their one duo in the entire NBA's history that was able to work together, they won one title, that could have been a fluke. If their looking to become a premiere team in the future, they need their stars to dvelop and take big roles.

[RyanRXP]

So PG's can only be on the starting lineups? What happened to coming off of the bench? Telfair would be really good off the bench

I guess you didn't see the interview with the T'Wolves Manager saying he could see these two point guards developing together. He said their two styles worked well together, Rubio is a passer and Flynn is a scorer.

To bad most of those duos are two point guards, Frazier and Munroe dont mean anything since their one duo in the entire NBA's history that was able to work together, they won one title, that could have been a fluke. If their looking to become a premiere team in the future, they need their stars to dvelop and take big roles.

1. Telfair was their starting PG, but now he is not. Rubio has the size to be a PG/SG and it gives them alot of versitility. Much more than just having Flynn and Telfair. And I don't see Flynn starting over Telfair because Telfair is a better passer and they need someone to give Jefferson the ball.

2. No, you misunderstood my point. They can trade Rubio for a SG right now(because they do need a SG) or they can wait on him and have a good PG duo.

3. It was not a fluke and they are not the only dou to work, just this year you had one that worked with th Cavs(as Mo Williams is a PG) The 76ers did it will Snow and Iverson, and there are many other examples. In fact, if you look at the article I recomended the GM of the Wolves lists a few more:


If you think of the Detroit Pistons backcourt during their championship run, with Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars and Vinnie Johnson, or the Celtics with their backcourt of Danny Ainge and Dennis Johnson (and before Ainge there was Gerald Henderson), or the Lakers with Jerry West and Gail Goodrich, or the Knicks with Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe, there are many instances of championship success that is not so paint-by-the-numbers.



So like I said, the Wolves are in a very good position with the draft. They have more good options right now than any other team in the NBA.

[Hears All]

1. Telfair was their starting PG, but now he is not. Rubio has the size to be a PG/SG and it gives them alot of versitility. Much more than just having Flynn and Telfair. And I don't see Flynn starting over Telfair because Telfair is a better passer and they need someone to give Jefferson the ball.

Rubio can only play PG since he dosen't have much of an offensive game, Flynn is to small to play SG. Rubio is most likely starting with Flynn coming off the bench, and Telfair either only playing if their hit with injuries or being traded


2. No, you misunderstood my point. They can trade Rubio for a SG right now(because they do need a SG) or they can wait on him and have a good PG duo.

Why would they trade Rubio when they just traded away Mike Miller and Randy Foye, two solid SG's

[Warrior Red]

Yao might miss next season, mabye even longer.

[RyanRXP]

Rubio can only play PG since he dosen't have much of an offensive game, Flynn is to small to play SG. Rubio is most likely starting with Flynn coming off the bench, and Telfair either only playing if their hit with injuries or being traded


SO are you still saying getting Rubio was a mistake? It seems less and less like that(I am just curious about that)
ANy way, right now Telfair is still better than both of them and Rubio is most likely not playing in the NBA next year, so Telfair is starting next year.

And don't say that Rubio can't shoot, it is very easy to work on. Ariza went from having no shot at all to being a good shooter. Shooting and free throws are the easiest parts of a players game to improve, they just have to work at it. Rubio is only 18, he is nowhere near where he is going to be in a few years.



Why would they trade Rubio when they just traded away Mike Miller and Randy Foye, two solid SG's

1. They played Foye as more of a PG and Mike Miller is not a starting caliber SG in the NBA.

2. They are looking for a great SG, not some random one. If they wanted, they can trade for a very high class young SG who can help them for many years to come(an that is the only real situation where he gets traded)

[Hears All]

SO are you still saying getting Rubio was a mistake? It seems less and less like that(I am just curious about that)
ANy way, right now Telfair is still better than both of them and Rubio is most likely not playing in the NBA next year, so Telfair is starting next year.

And don't say that Rubio can't shoot, it is very easy to work on. Ariza went from having no shot at all to being a good shooter. Shooting and free throws are the easiest parts of a players game to improve, they just have to work at it. Rubio is only 18, he is nowhere near where he is going to be in a few years.

Drafting two good point guards back to back was dumb. Trading their two SG's was really dumb. Being stuck with possibly (if Rubio does play next season) 3 PG's is just bad planning. Rubio HAS to play point guard, hes been doing it since he was 14, he will never be a SG, if he develops a perimiter game he will be a better PG, but it will never make him a SG


1. They played Foye as more of a PG and Mike Miller is not a starting caliber SG in the NBA.

13.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 3.2 apg are good enough to keep him on a starting lineup Timberwolves team that plays around Al Jefferson. Plus he's better than the SG the Wolves have now, oh right they dont have a SG


2. They are looking for a great SG, not some random one. If they wanted, they can trade for a very high class young SG who can help them for many years to come(an that is the only real situation where he gets traded)

Every team in the NBA wants a great young shooting guard. I would rather have Mike Miller than no SG at all. Are you also forgetting that Rubio is supposed to be an amazing passer? What was the logic in trading a good 3pt shooter that would be (supposedly) getting better shots with Rubio running the team?

[RyanRXP]

Drafting two good point guards back to back was dumb. Trading their two SG's was really dumb. Being stuck with possibly (if Rubio does play next season) 3 PG's is just bad planning. Rubio HAS to play point guard, hes been doing it since he was 14, he will never be a SG, if he develops a perimiter game he will be a better PG, but it will never make him a SG


Why can't he play as the SG? Flynn is planned on being a scorrer, so if he takes over the scoring load Rubio would be a great playmaking SG. He is still 6' 5" and they want to play him with Flynn so who is going to be the SG? A guy that is 6'5" or a guy that is 6' 1"? It seems like a very easy choice to me.
And how is it bad to have 3 very good PGs? If one doesn't work out, you still have two more in your rotation. And if they all work out, you trade the weakest one.



13.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 3.2 apg are good enough to keep him on a starting lineup Timberwolves team that plays around Al Jefferson. Plus he's better than the SG the Wolves have now, oh right they dont have a SG


The do have a SG, Wayne Ellington, who is not much worse than Miller as he is now. After a few years, he will be much better than Miller. Don't think that this is a deal for now, it is a deal for the future. And they still do have a lot of SFs who can swing to the SG spot, so it is not like they are desperate for a SG.
And by the way, those not Millers stats from last year(just to inform you)



Every team in the NBA wants a great young shooting guard. I would rather have Mike Miller than no SG at all. Are you also forgetting that Rubio is supposed to be an amazing passer? What was the logic in trading a good 3pt shooter that would be (supposedly) getting better shots with Rubio running the team?

Yes, every team wants a great young SG, but they don't have any trading chips to get him, the Wolves do. Every team wants a great young PG who is a great playmaker, who will only develop into a better player as time goes by.

And if they trade Rubio, it will be for a great player, not just a shooter.
And if you are wondering why they traded for Rubio, they were just trying to get a great young player, they didn't expect Rubio to be there. Most likely they were trying to get James Harden, or Tyreke Evans(two very good SGs) but with them gone they went with the best player available(knowing that there pick is still going to be there at 6) It came down to Rubio or Curry and they obviously have more faith in Rubio than Curry.

[Hears All]

Why can't he play as the SG? Flynn is planned on being a scorrer, so if he takes over the scoring load Rubio would be a great playmaking SG. He is still 6' 5" and they want to play him with Flynn so who is going to be the SG? A guy that is 6'5" or a guy that is 6' 1"? It seems like a very easy choice to me.
And how is it bad to have 3 very good PGs? If one doesn't work out, you still have two more in your rotation. And if they all work out, you trade the weakest one.

Listen Batman Begins is not a reboot boy, Ricky Rubio is a point guard, its the way the world works. Flynn's size makes him a point guard.


The do have a SG, Wayne Ellington, who is not much worse than Miller as he is now. After a few years, he will be much better than Miller. Don't think that this is a deal for now, it is a deal for the future. And they still do have a lot of SFs who can swing to the SG spot, so it is not like they are desperate for a SG.

Mike Miller would have been a good scorer, Ellington might be better than Miller. Atleast with Miller your now what your getting, are you really going to put all your faith in a rookie?


And by the way, those not Millers stats from last year(just to inform you)

Career totals


And if they trade Rubio, it will be for a great player, not just a shooter.
And if you are wondering why they traded for Rubio, they were just trying to get a great young player, they didn't expect Rubio to be there. Most likely they were trying to get James Harden, or Tyreke Evans(two very good SGs) but with them gone they went with the best player available(knowing that there pick is still going to be there at 6) It came down to Rubio or Curry and they obviously have more faith in Rubio than Curry.

You didn't justify trading Miller or Foye, but whatever. Rubio dosen't have enough value to get them any good player, they wont be getting an all-star calibur player. Unless the team is a rebuilding franchise, ie: Phoenix

[Mr. Silver]

Listen Batman Begins is not a reboot boy,

Can we try not to start that again?

In other news: Houston, we have a problem...


The Houston Rockets already said that Yao Ming's recovery from a broken foot was behind schedule, but that setback might now cost him all of next season or worse.



Yao

"At this point, the injury has the potential for him missing this next season and could be career threatening," team physician Tom Clanton said, according to the Houston Chronicle. "One of the things we are trying to get is a consensus opinion on that, to make certain there is no option we are overlooking that would provide an earlier return or would be an option for treatment that he would prefer rather than doing additional surgery."

Yahoo! Sports first reported that Yao could miss next season.

The team is weighing different options. Yao suffered a hairline fracture of the tarsal navicular bone of 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 a bone scan last week revealed that the fracture is not healing properly.

"We are not going to comment," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said, according to the Chronicle, "until we have all the facts."


Bucher:


The Rockets face a terrible scenario of not knowing if they can count on All-Star center Yao Ming heading into the 2009-10 campaign. Bucher

While Yao could face surgery to insert a pin in the foot, a bone graft or even realignment of the foot, but the team is trying immobilization for right now. They are hoping that the fracture heals on its own.

"I don't think that is necessarily a longshot," Clanton said, according to the newspaper. "It takes a lot of time. It may be best to take more time. Sometimes that is the best option."

The Rockets are encouraged because Yao is not feeling any symptoms of the fracture.

"He has no tenderness, no swelling, no redness," Clanton said, according to the Chronicle. "When he came back in, he was feeling like everything was perfect, and he would start rehabilitation and get ready to play. The findings on the CT were shocking for him and for us."

Yao missed 21 games in 2005-06 because of an infection in his left big toe, then broke a bone in his left foot in April. He broke his right leg in the 2006-07 season and sat out 32 games, then suffered a stress fracture in his left foot in 2007-08 and missed the playoffs.

He played in 77 games last season before injuring the same troublesome foot again in Game 3 against the Lakers.

Yao averaged 19.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game last season and 17.1 and 10.9 in the playoffs before he went down.

Yao is due to make over $16 million next season with a player option for 2010-11 that would pay him over $17 million. He was the top overall pick by the Rockets in the 2002 draft.

The Rockets already expect Tracy McGrady to miss at least the first half of next season after microfracture surgery on his left knee.

Taken from: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4295729

[RyanRXP]

Listen Batman Begins is not a reboot boy, Ricky Rubio is a point guard, its the way the world works. Flynn's size makes him a point guard.



Mike Miller would have been a good scorer, Ellington might be better than Miller. Atleast with Miller your now what your getting, are you really going to put all your faith in a rookie?



Career totals



You didn't justify trading Miller or Foye, but whatever. Rubio dosen't have enough value to get them any good player, they wont be getting an all-star calibur player. Unless the team is a rebuilding franchise, ie: Phoenix

1. No, you know nothing if you think a PG that is 6'5" is not able to switch to the SG postition. If you plan on playing both Rubio and Flynn(as the Wolves do) one has to play the SG position, and being 6'5" gives Rubio the job(unless you want to give the job to a guy who is 6' 1") If Rubio stays with the Wolves, he is most likely going to be a PG/SG. IF Ellington becomes a good enough SG, Rubio will start at PG and swing to SG when they bring in Flynn. But if Ellington only becomes a 6th man type of plaer than Rubio and Flynn will both start and Rubio would be the starting SG.

2. Mike Miller was not a big scorrer and is on a downward spiral that has been going on for years. And the only time Miller was a good scorrer was years ago when he was comming off the bench. And why are you so insistant on how they will do next season? They know they are not going to win for at least 4 years and have stated that many times. THe fact is that Miller was not going to get better while a young player will.

3. Career totals do not show how a player is currently. Miller is not a scorrer and the only time he was a good scorrer was when he was a 6th man back with Memphis.

4. Yes I did. They wanted to get a young SG with a lot of talent so they traded a washed up Mike Miller and Foye in order to get a high class rookie SG. But no, they should listen to you and keep the team that is a sub-.500 team and not plan on making a title run in a few years(which they are now in a position to do). And as for Rubio's value, the Wolves have already turned down a deal for Shane Battier and Aaron Brooks, and another deal for Willson Chandler, so don't say that he doesn't have a ton of market value. And as for being in a rebuilding year, that is exactly what the Wolves are in. They are in a rebuilding mode that their own GM has said will last 3-4 years(a fact that you seem to be 100% forgetting here)

[Hears All]

1. No, you know nothing if you think a PG that is 6'5" is not able to switch to the SG postition. If you plan on playing both Rubio and Flynn(as the Wolves do) one has to play the SG position, and being 6'5" gives Rubio the job(unless you want to give the job to a guy who is 6' 1") If Rubio stays with the Wolves, he is most likely going to be a PG/SG. IF Ellington becomes a good enough SG, Rubio will start at PG and swing to SG when they bring in Flynn. But if Ellington only becomes a 6th man type of plaer than Rubio and Flynn will both start and Rubio would be the starting SG.

Jason Kidd is 6'4, he does not play SG. Gary Payton is 6'4, he does not play SG. There are many more. I dont think you understand the purpose of players playing a certain position, Rubio is a talented passer, if he is playing SG he will not be able to create oppurtunities, its waste of good talent, its simple to understand. Right now he's not a talented scorer, maybe in a few years.


2. Mike Miller was not a big scorrer and is on a downward spiral that has been going on for years. And the only time Miller was a good scorrer was years ago when he was comming off the bench. And why are you so insistant on how they will do next season? They know they are not going to win for at least 4 years and have stated that many times. THe fact is that Miller was not going to get better while a young player will.

But why did they trade him? I understand their rebuilding, but to throw away a young SG (Foye) and (worst case scenerio) good sixth man in Miller?


4. Yes I did. They wanted to get a young SG with a lot of talent so they traded a washed up Mike Miller and Foye in order to get a high class rookie SG. But no, they should listen to you and keep the team that is a sub-.500 team and not plan on making a title run in a few years(which they are now in a position to do). And as for Rubio's value, the Wolves have already turned down a deal for Shane Battier and Aaron Brooks, and another deal for Willson Chandler, so don't say that he doesn't have a ton of market value. And as for being in a rebuilding year, that is exactly what the Wolves are in. They are in a rebuilding mode that their own GM has said will last 3-4 years(a fact that you seem to be 100% forgetting here)

A good shooting guard isint going to make them a playoff team, they have a two all-star big men, and two good PGs. They need a guy who can shoot, he dosen't have to be that good, someone who is going to be open for Rubio and someone Jefferson can kick out to in the double team. They also need a bench, your so caught up in their starting lineup and getting stars and forgetting everything else.

Give me links to those trades, I think you made them up

[RyanRXP]

Jason Kidd is 6'4, he does not play SG. Gary Payton is 6'4, he does not play SG. There are many more. I dont think you understand the purpose of players playing a certain position, Rubio is a talented passer, if he is playing SG he will not be able to create oppurtunities, its waste of good talent, its simple to understand. Right now he's not a talented scorer, maybe in a few years.



But why did they trade him? I understand their rebuilding, but to throw away a young SG (Foye) and (worst case scenerio) good sixth man in Miller?



A good shooting guard isint going to make them a playoff team, they have a two all-star big men, and two good PGs. They need a guy who can shoot, he dosen't have to be that good, someone who is going to be open for Rubio and someone Jefferson can kick out to in the double team. They also need a bench, your so caught up in their starting lineup and getting stars and forgetting everything else.

Give me links to those trades, I think you made them up

1. There is a big difference, we are not talking about just a player, we are talking about a team who is set on playing both Rubio and Flynn. Both are natural PGs, but if they ever want to play at the same time, one is going to have to be able to be a combo gaurd(and Rubio fits that frame) I don't see why you are saying he will only be a PG. There are only 5 positions on the court and if you want to play to PGs one needs to be able to become a combo guard(or else they will not be able to be on the court at the same time). And no, scorring is not the only thing a SG can do, if Flynn is on the court with Rubio, Flynn will be the perimeter scorrer. And why are you talking about right now? He can not make it to the NBA this season, he won't make enough money to cover the buyout.

2. Why did they trade Miller? Easy, he is a washed up player who has a large contract, if they wanted to do anything he needed to be shipped out of there, they got a good deal and they thought they would be able to get a good young SG to replace him, but they could not so they went with the best player at the time. Foye had to be shipped out because it was the only way they could trade Miller's large contract. Stop looking at next year because the Wolves are not, they are looking 3-4 years down the line and they are trying to build a title contending team. In order to do that they needed to make a few sacrifices, and Foye was a sacrifice.

3. What two allstar big men? The only all star calliber player they have if Jefferson. And like I keep on saying, you are forrgetting that the Wolves are far from done, they are working on building up a title contending team, and that will take a few years. They are not concerned with only making the playoffs, they want to win and they are willing to wait to win. They beleive that Flynn is a great scorrer and that they can pick up a few free agents and good draft picks to fix the problems. After all, that is why they traded Lawson, to get another first round draft pick for next year.
As for a bench, they have a bunch of good SFs(Brewer, Carney, Gomes) and most people feel that their second round pick, Nick Calathes will be a good player after a few more years in Europe. And they have a multiple first round picks in the next draft, and we are going into two straight deep free agent pools.

And if you want the link:
http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/knicks/2009/06/knicks-dont-have-knack-to-land.html



the Wolves turned down a deal with the Houston Rockets that would have resulted in Aaron Brooks and Shane Battier headed to Minnesota for Rubio




Donnie Walsh is offering Wilson Chandler


It was said on ESPNEWS earlier today that the Wolves turned down the deal for Chandler(and I am very disapointed at Walsh for offering Chandler[who I feel should be a big part of NY's future])


Look, the Wolves are a work in progress, and they may have made a big mistake, but we will just have to wait and see.

[Hears All]

^^ You know what, your right. Timeberwolves made an excellent pick and are going to win the NBA title...and Batman Begins is indeed not a reebot, sarcasm of course. I can't believe I wasted that much time talking to someone who honestly believed Batman Begins was not a reebot...im actually dissapointed in myself :(

[RyanRXP]

The Detroit Pistons have fired their head coach, Michael Curry.



Hours before the start of NBA free agency, Detroit Pistons (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=det) president Joe Dumars (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3689) made a splash of a different sort, firing coach Michael Curry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=176) on Tuesday after just one season amid reported concerns that keeping Curry could hamper Detroit's offseason business.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4297296

[Hears All]

Sad news about Yao, he's one of the best centers in the NBA, it would be a shame to lose him so early in his career

[Blueranger]

-According to reports due to the Yao's situation, Eddy Curry might get traded to Houston for T-Mac. Curry has been working his *** off to get in shape for the Summer League.

http://dimemag.com/2009/06/nba-trade...to-the-knicks/

- Jason Kidd will meet with the Knicks to talk about signing. He's Free Agent.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basket...,1682392.story

[RyanRXP]

The Detroit Pistons (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=det) made the biggest early splash in free agency on Wednesday, agreeing to terms with Ben Gordon (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2381) and Charlie Villanueva (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2792).

Former Bulls guard Gordon will receive a five-year, $55 million deal, while former Bucks forward Villanueva gets a five-year deal for $40 million, sources told ESPN.com's Chris Broussard

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4301111

[Mr. Silver]

With Gordon now on the team and Doug Collins being one of the two main canidates for the coaching job in Detroit, how many people here think Hamilton's days in Motown are numbered?

[RyanRXP]

The team agreed to trade power forward Zach Randolph (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1017) to the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mem) for swingman Quentin Richardson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=703), sources told ESPN.com's Chad Ford. The deal was first reported by the Los Angeles Times.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4301324

[Hears All]

With Gordon now on the team and Doug Collins being one of the two main canidates for the coaching job in Detroit, how many people here think Hamilton's days in Motown are numbered?

I doubt Hamilton is leaving, he's a fan favourite and one of the Pistons who won the title a few years back. If I was living in Detroit I would hope Iversons days are being numbered...

[Blueranger]

Portland is very interested in Hedo Turkoglu.

http://www.columbian.com/article/20090702/SPORTS01/707029936/Blazers+will+meet+with+Turkoglu

[Hears All]

I can't believe Detroit picked up Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, if they can stay healthy they could make a serious run this season

[RyanRXP]

The Globe, citing a single NBA source, said that Celtics managing partner Wyc Grousbeck, team president Danny Ainge (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3622), coach Doc Rivers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1579) and all-stars Kevin Garnett (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=261), Paul Pierce (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=662) and Ray Allen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=9), all met with Wallace for three hours in Detroit.

The Celtics are reportedly offering a contract using the mid-level exception, the Globe reported. The newspaper said that Wallace didn't make a decision during the meeting. The Boston Herald reported that Wallace has informed teams courting him that he won't make a decision quickly.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303449

[Mr. Green]

Free-agent forward Ron Artest says he's leaving the Houston Rockets to join the Los Angeles Lakers.

In a text message to ESPN.com on Thursday night, Artest wrote: "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A."

ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard reports that Artest and the Lakers have reached a verbal agreement on what is believed to be a three-year contract worth an estimated $18 million. Wednesday is the first day free agents are permitted to sign new deals.

Artest's decision was first reported by CBSSports.com. The mercurial swingman was initially courted by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In his text message, Artest said that he met Thursday with Lakers owner Jerry Buss and had spoken to coach Phil Jackson about the move to Los Angeles, where Artest has been spending his offseasons.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303679

[RyanRXP]

ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan reports that Ariza, according to sources, will receive the Rockets' full mid-level exception, which is being projected to come in at $5.8 million for next season. If the exception for the 2009-10 season is indeed set at $5.8 million Wednesday when the league announces next season's salary cap and luxury tax, Ariza's deal would be worth $33.5 million.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303862

[Mr. Silver]

I doubt Hamilton is leaving, he's a fan favourite and one of the Pistons who won the title a few years back. If I was living in Detroit I would hope Iversons days are being numbered...

Iverson leaving is automatic. If he played another game in Detroit, it would surprise the hell out of me.

Also, I see what you're saying about Rip, but him being popular and one of the Pistons from the title team doesn't guarantee him staying. But now that Collins has taken his name out of coaching consideration and Avery Johnson being the apparent front runner, RIP in Detroit seems a bit more likely than it did a few days.

[RyanRXP]

Where do you guys think Iverson will end up next year?

I am thinking two team, Bulls and Bobcats. The Bulls could use a replacement for Gordon and Iverson might fit into that team.
As for the Bobcats, I think he wants to play for Larry Brown again:


my only preference will be to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night!


http://twitter.com/alleniverson

Also, ESPN's John Hollinger believes that the Bobcats are the best fit for Iverson:


I still think Charlotte makes the most sense. He has the relationship with Brown and the Bobcats have the need.

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/27257/nba-with-john-hollinger



And a David Lee update, the Knicks have offered him a 4 year deal for 8 million a year. The issue here is that Lee is most likely going to be offered moe than that by other teams and he is looking for 10 million a year. But if you are looking for Walsh to match offers by other teams you might want to think again:


The Knicks are expected to remain frugal throughout the summer as they position their salary cap for next year’s free agency bonanza. That means that the team will likely keep its offer around the $8 million per season mark and won’t be as willing to match a larger offer

http://progators.blogs.gatorsports.com/10044/the-courting-of-d-lee-has-begun/


Peronally, I am starting to wish that Walsh would get fired. I don't have any faith in him as a GM, none of his moves since taking over the Knicks make much sense and he is the #1 reason for the Knicks bad record last year, and it looks like the Knicks will be lucky to win 20 games next year. He thinks that big name free agents will sign with the Knicks in 2010, but I don't think that anyone would want to go to a team that as no players and that is a big of a mess as the Knicks are now. As of right now, I would much rather have Thomas running the team than Walsh.

[Blueranger]

I know it might sound crazy but I think Houston is better for Iverson.


Peronally, I am starting to wish that Walsh would get fired. I don't have any faith in him as a GM, none of his moves since taking over the Knicks make much sense and he is the #1 reason for the Knicks bad record last year, and it looks like the Knicks will be lucky to win 20 games next year. He thinks that big name free agents will sign with the Knicks in 2010, but I don't think that anyone would want to go to a team that as no players and that is a big of a mess as the Knicks are now. As of right now, I would much rather have Thomas running the team than Walsh.

You can't be serious. Walsh has been a savior so far, the reason their record sucked was due to their players. Duhon and Lee where the best players but they do it alone. He did make a mistake by trading away Crawford but Walsh has done nothing but help the team.

I'm pretty sure Thomas would have never thought of bringing in the players Walsh has so far. The Knicks are on the verge of getting Jason Kidd (hopefully) and possibly Tracy McGrady.

However, I do believe they are banking on 2010 way to much. They need to keep Lee and try getting their "All Star" players some other way.

[RyanRXP]

You can't be serious. Walsh has been a savior so far,

Just what are you basing that on?


the reason their record sucked was due to their players. Duhon and Lee where the best players but they do it alone. He did make a mistake by trading away Crawford but Walsh has done nothing but help the team.


No, the problem is that Walsh 100% destroyed their core. And as for trading Jamal as the only problem, what about trading Randolph? He was a 20, 10 a night player and fit in very well with the team. All of the issues he had in his first year was gone and he was their second best player. Also, what about trading Q and Rose? He got rid of the two biggest leaders on the team.

And the joke is that they didn't even get much for these deals, most of the cap room we got was from trading Randolph, every other deal was just trading players who would have come off the cap by 2010 anyway.


I'm pretty sure Thomas would have never thought of bringing in the players Walsh has so far. The Knicks are on the verge of getting Jason Kidd (hopefully) and possibly Tracy McGrady.


What players? He got rid of far more talent than he brought in.

Also, why on earth would getting Kidd be a good thing? They don't need a starting PG, they have a very good one now. The last thing the team needs is a passing PG.

If they really want to win a title, they need to keep Lee, Chandler, Gallinari, and Duhon. If you do that you should have a great core by 2010 and you should be able to get one or two all stars to make a great team.
But Walsh dosn't care about building a team, only getting more cap room, if you want proof, look at the list of players who could be gone after 2010:
1. David Lee
2. Nate Robinson
3. Cris Wilcox
4. Joe Craford
5. Chis Hunter
6. Eddy Curry
7. Chris Duhon
8. Al Harrington
9. Larry Hughes
10. Jared Jeffries
11. Darko Milicic
12. Mouhamed Sene

SO tell me, who is left after 2010?

But you are right about getting T-Mac, this looks like a deal that will help out both sides very well, and might make Walsh increase his offer to Lee(as you leave a lot of money once T-Mac's deal is over in 2010), but the #1 priority must be to get back Lee, and if not take a run at Robinson(as he keeps on getting better and is a good combo gaurd).

Now I apologize if this is turing into a gaint rant, but I am a big Knicks fan and I no longer see any bright side to the team right now.









Now to move on from that(and to aviod derailing this thread):

I know it might sound crazy but I think Houston is better for Iverson.

I agree with you, he would fit in with the team.





And to add some news:
Hedo update:


Hedo Turkoglu (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=862) has reached an agreement in principle to join the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=por), according to sources.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4304805



Marbury Update:


Free agent Stephon Marbury (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=509), the former New York Knicks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=nyk) guard who joined the Celtics (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=bos) midseason, says he doesn't foresee a return to Boston after the team offered a veteran's-minimum deal that would've paid $1.3 million, according to The Boston Globe.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4304855


Raptors Update:


The Toronto Raptors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=tor), after repeatedly being linked to Portland-bound Hedo Turkoglu (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=862), focused their free-agent efforts on re-signing forward Shawn Marion (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=510).
However, signals are mixed regarding how close the sides are to a new deal.

The Toronto Globe and Mail reported Friday that the Raptors have a four-year deal on the table worth more than $8 million per year, but sources close to the situation told ESPN.com later Friday that a verbal agreement is not imminent.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4305237


Lakers Update:
Phill is staying for next year:


"After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff postseason," Jackson said in the statement. "All things point to go!"

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4304612

Knicks Update:


To that end, a source said Robinson would consider signing the Knicks' one-year qualifying offer, believing the economy will be stronger in 2010.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/06302009/sports/knicks/knicks_to_clear_up_lee__nate_situations_176765.htm



Knicks other free agent, Chris Wilcox, won't be re-signed.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07012009/sports/knicks/knicks_may_struggle_to_get_point_guards_176927.htm


Bibby Update:


According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the 76ers reached out this week to the agent for Atlanta Hawks guard Mike Bibby, only to find that the 10-year veteran is intent on staying with the team he played for the last two seasons.

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20090703_76ers__interest_in_Mike_Bibby_not_mutual. html


Orlando Update:
They want Rasheed, and not Gortat:


Orlando Magic GM Otis Smith told the The Orlando Sentinel that the team has contacted free agent forward Rasheed Wallace’s agent Bill Strickland. No word on how far talks have gone.

The Orlando Magic also do not plan on matching the offer made to backup center Marcin Gortat by the Dallas Mavericks

http://nationalsportsreview.com/sports/us/digitalsportsdaily/2009/07/03/magic-contact-rasheed-wallace%E2%80%99s-agent/


Cavs Update:


According to a league source, the Cavaliers have begun homing in on Toronto Raptors free-agent guard Anthony Parker after both Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza appeared set to go to other teams.


Another source said the Cavs also have spoken to another Raptors free agent, former All-Star Shawn Marion, though it was not clear late Thursday if the two sides had gotten serious.

Another league source said the Cavs also have been in contact with Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Linas Kleiza.

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1246609887254460.xml&coll=2


I will try to find some more information on free agents and post them some time soon

[RyanRXP]

ESPN is saying on ESPNEWS that the Hedo deal is off now.

I will post an article as soon as I see one.


I found one:


Free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=862) has broken off negotiations with the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=por), a source told ESPN's Ric Bucher on Friday night

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4305310

[Mr. Silver]

No need. I got it.


Free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu has broken off negotiations with the Portland Trail Blazers, a source told ESPN's Ric Bucher on Friday night.



Turkoglu

The Portland Oregonian reported that Turkoglu broke off talks.

Earlier Friday, ESPN.com's Henry Abbott reported that Turkoglu had agreed in principle to a deal with the Trail Blazers, citing sources. The report, which said the deal couldn't be formally signed until the NBA salary cap is set next Wednesday, followed a Wednesday night dinner in Orlando between Turkoglu and Blazers head coach Nate McMillan, followed by two days of negotiations.

Friday afternoon, Bucher reported that the Turkish star remained in Portland, where he and the team were working on a deal.

After ESPN.com reported the agreement in principle, the Oregonian reported that Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard and Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, had not confirmed the deal, but that talks were continuing.

Turkoglu, a 6-10 forward from Turkey who played a prominent role in the Orlando Magic's recent trip to the NBA Finals, had been looking for a five-year deal in the neighborhood of $50 million.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4305310

[RyanRXP]

No need. I got it.


Thank you, but it looks like we both got it at the same time.



Von Wafer Update:
Wafer was expecting to be resigned by Houston, but after signing Ariza his agent think he will not be going back:


Wafer’s agent, Mitchell Butler, said he was "floored" that the Rockets pursued Ariza, saying "it’s definitely highly unlikely he would be back.
"None of it made any sense to me," Butler said. "We had a good conversation with them prior to free agency. I expected they would look at a center and then come back and look in-house."
Wafer, a guard who averaged 9.7 points in 19.4 minutes per game this season, made the team as a free agent with a non-guaranteed training-camp contract.
Originally drafted by the Lakers, Wafer, 23, was a spark off the bench for the Rockets while Tracy McGrady was out of the lineup due to injury.
"They had a great young player in Von Wafer they could have nurtured," Butler said. "His ceiling is to be determined. From what I heard, they made a half-hearted effort to keep Ron and no effort to keep Von."
Butler said several teams have expressed interest in Wafer, but he would not name them.
"If they (the Rockets) really wanted Von, they would have expressed that by now," he said. "We didn’t feel that at all. He was a big part of their success last season. He thought he found a home, he loved the coach … the players, the city and fans. Now we’re going to have to start from scratch."

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/6510520.html

Channing Frye Update:


PORTLAND, Ore. -- Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard says backup forward Channing Frye won't return to the team next season.

He told The Oregonian newspaper that the team decided not to make a qualifying offer to the free agent

The move allows Frye to become an unrestricted free agent, and prevents the Blazers from having the right to match an offer from another team.

Frye would have made more than $3 million, so the move opens up space under the salary cap.

http://kdrv.com/page/132704

[Hears All]

Marion looks like he's returning to the Raptors, there were rumours of Hedo coming to Toronto, but I doubt that will happen

[RyanRXP]

Marion looks like he's returning to the Raptors, there were rumours of Hedo coming to Toronto, but I doubt that will happen

Its funny you said that because:


Free agent forward Hedo Turkoglu (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=862) changed his mind Friday and decided not to join the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=por), opting instead to accept a five-year $53 million offer from the Toronto Raptors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=tor), sources told ESPN.com.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4305310

[Blueranger]

Just what are you basing that on?



No, the problem is that Walsh 100% destroyed their core. And as for trading Jamal as the only problem, what about trading Randolph? He was a 20, 10 a night player and fit in very well with the team. All of the issues he had in his first year was gone and he was their second best player. Also, what about trading Q and Rose? He got rid of the two biggest leaders on the team.

And the joke is that they didn't even get much for these deals, most of the cap room we got was from trading Randolph, every other deal was just trading players who would have come off the cap by 2010 anyway.



What players? He got rid of far more talent than he brought in.

Also, why on earth would getting Kidd be a good thing? They don't need a starting PG, they have a very good one now. The last thing the team needs is a passing PG.

If they really want to win a title, they need to keep Lee, Chandler, Gallinari, and Duhon. If you do that you should have a great core by 2010 and you should be able to get one or two all stars to make a great team.
But Walsh dosn't care about building a team, only getting more cap room, if you want proof, look at the list of players who could be gone after 2010:
1. David Lee
2. Nate Robinson
3. Cris Wilcox
4. Joe Craford
5. Chis Hunter
6. Eddy Curry
7. Chris Duhon
8. Al Harrington
9. Larry Hughes
10. Jared Jeffries
11. Darko Milicic
12. Mouhamed Sene

SO tell me, who is left after 2010?

But you are right about getting T-Mac, this looks like a deal that will help out both sides very well, and might make Walsh increase his offer to Lee(as you leave a lot of money once T-Mac's deal is over in 2010), but the #1 priority must be to get back Lee, and if not take a run at Robinson(as he keeps on getting better and is a good combo gaurd).

Now I apologize if this is turing into a gaint rant, but I am a big Knicks fan and I no longer see any bright side to the team right now.





I do agree on getting rid of Q, Rose should have stayed but Wilcox did help them since they were short handed due to injuries. The reason they traded away Q was because Walsh has confidence in Gallinari being their Hedo type player.

Now, the reason he traded away Randolph was because his contract was too damn huge. If Randolph was with the Knicks right now they would be in a gutter since his money hungry contract would have hurt the chances of Lee, Nate or anyone else signing for more money.

Kidd coming to NY can help since Duhon isn't made for being a starting PG. He can also help them on the boards and he fits in the the fast pace offense.

Nate Robinson was questionable since Walsh had to choose to resign Lee or Nate.

I do agree on what you are saying but hopefully he can pull a rabbit out the hat like the Celtics did.

[Hears All]

Its funny you said that because:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4305310

I didn't believe it when I heard it on the radio this morning lol

[Mr. Green]

Rasheed Wallace is joining the Boston Celtics, giving the Celtics one of the most important free agents on the marketplace as they attempt to return to the championship.

Bill Strickland, Wallace's agent, told the Boston Herald and the Boston Globe on Sunday night that the 34-year-old forward told him to call off meetings the agent was in the process of scheduling with the Orlando Magic, San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks.


The Boston Globe reported Wallace will sign for two years at the mid-level exception.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4307834

[RyanRXP]

Jason Kidd (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=429) has given the Dallas Mavericks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=dal) a verbal commitment that he will re-sign with the team Wednesday, according to NBA front-office sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that Kidd, 36, will receive a 3-year, fully-guaranteed contract worth in excess of $25 million.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4307928

[Mr. Silver]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4307928

Definitely good news for my Mavs!

[Blueranger]

It's not like It's gonna help them win a title. They will continue to be lackluster, Mark Cuban is the biggest Idiot I've ever seen.

[Mr. Silver]

It's not like It's gonna help them win a title. They will continue to be lackluster, Mark Cuban is the biggest Idiot I've ever seen.

Seriously, must you rain on my parade? Of course one signing isn't going to guarantee them a ring but it was a good move in the right direction. Cuban's idiocy however is a conversation best saved for another day.

EDIT: Marion possibly on the way to Dallas.


The Dallas Mavericks, after striking verbal agreements over the past few days to retain Jason Kidd and sign restricted free agent Marcin Gortat to an offer sheet, have identified their latest target: Shawn Marion.

The Mavericks and Toronto Raptors, according to NBA front-office sources, are discussing a sign-and-trade deal that would bring Marion to Dallas.


Although no trade appeared imminent Monday night, Dallas has emerged as perhaps the best option for Marion. He appeared to be heading for a new deal with the Raptors when Toronto succeeded in wooing Hedo Turkoglu away from the Portland Trail Blazers with an 11th-hour bid on Friday after Turkoglu had committed to the Blazers.


If the Mavericks and Raptors can strike a deal -- with a third team potentially needed to help make the salary-cap math work -- sources say that former All-Star guard Jerry Stackhouse will almost certainly be headed to the Raptors in the exchange. Stackhouse is scheduled to earn $7 million next season at age 34, but only $2 million of his salary is guaranteed.


Without a sign-and-trade, Marion's options for landing a contract that starts above the projected mid-level exception of $5.8 million next season would appear to be exhausted, with neither Portland nor Oklahoma City -- teams that still have cap space to burn -- expected to make him an offer.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4310011

[Mr. Green]

Bibby re-signs with Hawks: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4310653

The Pistons have chosen Cavaliers assistant John Kuester as their next head coach: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4311090

[RyanRXP]

Dever Update:


DENVER -- Chris "Birdman" Andersen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1135) has reached a five-year deal to keep his high-flying, shot-blocking act with the Denver Nuggets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=den), a team he revived his career with last season.
Andersen's attorney, Mark Bryant, confirmed the agreement on Wednesday, saying it could be signed later in the day. The deal was first reported by The Denver Post.

Andersen, who turned 31 on Tuesday, could make up to $26 million over the lifetime of a back-loaded contract that gives the Nuggets financial flexibility.
He'll make close to $3.65 million in 2009-10, up from the $998,398 he made last season, when he averaged 6.4 points and 2.5 blocks in 20.6 minutes.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4312934


USA Basketball Update:


Coach K and Team USA will be together for four more years.
ESPN.com learned Tuesday that coach Mike Krzyzewski has given word to USA Basketball officials that he will remain as coach of the national team at the 2010 world championship in Turkey and at the 2012 London Olympics.

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=4312673


Dallas Update:


DALLAS -- The Dallas Mavericks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=dal) are bringing Quinton Ross (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2188) home.
Terms of the deal with the 6-foot-6 guard were not disclosed Wednesday.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4313978


James Update:


On Monday, Jordan Crawford, a sophomore at Xavier (by way of Indiana), reportedly dunked on LeBron during a pick-up game at the LeBron James Skills Academy. Garry Parrish of CBSSports.com wrote that one high school player said, "it was bad" (http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6271764/15932164). (We can only assume he meant "bad" in the Michael Jackson sort of way.)
LeBron must have agreed, because he had Nike officials confiscate the two videos that were taken of the dunk (http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/blogs/entry/6271764/15942689). (Parrish blames Nike, but reading between the lines it seems like the censorship was orchestrated by LeBron himself.)

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/basketball/blog/the_dagger/post/LeBron-gets-dunked-on-by-Xavier-player-confisca?urn=ncaab,175293


Nash Update:


NBA superstar Steve Nash remains confident that he will sign a contract extension with the Phoenix Suns this summer. But if an agreement isn’t reached, Nash said he would like to play for the New York Knicks.

“I would preface it by saying that I love Phoenix and that’s what I’m focusing on right now,” Nash said. “But I live in New York City, and I love it there, and [Knicks head coach] Mike D’Antoni was one of my favourite coaches. If it didn’t work out in Phoenix, obviously that would be a place I’d consider.”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/nash-remains-confident-of-contract-settlement/article1204958/

[Mr. Green]

Nash Update:


NBA superstar Steve Nash remains confident that he will sign a contract extension with the Phoenix Suns this summer. But if an agreement isn’t reached, Nash said he would like to play for the New York Knicks.

“I would preface it by saying that I love Phoenix and that’s what I’m focusing on right now,” Nash said. “But I live in New York City, and I love it there, and [Knicks head coach] Mike D’Antoni was one of my favourite coaches. If it didn’t work out in Phoenix, obviously that would be a place I’d consider.”http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/basketball/nash-remains-confident-of-contract-settlement/article1204958/

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h276/kissyruth/schwing.jpg

[RyanRXP]

Iverson Update:


free agent guard Allen Iverson placed Miami atop his wish list of potential destinations.

"The fact that Dwyane is there and Pat Riley has something to do with personnel, it seems like a great situation,'' Iverson said after his charity foundation presented scholarships to students from his hometown. "I just want a situation where I can win and be happy. Being that those two guys are there, man, it just seems it'll be a good deal.''

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/basketball/v-fullstory/story/1131926.html


Marion Update:


It appears that the Dallas Mavericks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=dal) and Toronto Raptors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=tor) have successfully recruited the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mem) to help them complete a trade that would eventually route free-agent swingman Shawn Marion (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=510) to the Mavericks, according to NBA front-office sources.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4314637




Salary Cap News:


The N.B.A. (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/national_basketball_association/index.html?inline=nyt-org)’s salary cap will decrease next season for only the second time in its 26-year history — a reflection of the economic recession.


The league announced late Tuesday that the cap for 2009-10 will be $57.7 million, a 1.6 percent decrease from last season.


The league also announced that the luxury tax would be set at $69.92 million next season. Any team exceeding that amount will pay a dollar-for-dollar tax. The tax threshold was $71.15 million in 2008-9.


Finally, the league announced that the midlevel exception — a salary slot available to teams that are over the cap — would be $5.854 million next season, an increase from $5.58 million. The midlevel exception is based on the average player salary from the prior season.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/08/sports/basketball/08NBA.html



Any team whose player payroll at the end of next season exceeds that figure will pay a $1 tax for each $1 by which it is over.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705315608,00.html



In the private memo to teams, the NBA reported what the seven franchises paying luxury tax had to give up to the rest of the league. The list included: The New York Knicks (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/nyk/;_ylt=Aqw7jVG9x0PsbMRAiFHr9E3TjdIF) ($23.7 million), Dallas Mavericks (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/dal/;_ylt=Av.bzoAPqckccWdW3QVn5lrTjdIF) ($23.6 million), Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/cle/;_ylt=ArAyTYesFiU3YYyO6AToHT7TjdIF) ($13.7 million), Boston Celtics (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/bos/;_ylt=AmK.HHU4thGYocppkwgarPTTjdIF) ($8.29 million), Los Angeles Lakers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal/;_ylt=AvXANg0VJDa6.HChyvP_TPrTjdIF) ($7.1 million), Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/por/;_ylt=Aq1dc9v6hmZ1a6yWluLtsVrTjdIF) ($5.8 million) and Phoenix Suns (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/pho/;_ylt=AqkDCAiFlr4PWvRAh6MaF_fTjdIF) ($4.9 million).

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-salarycap070709&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[RyanRXP]

Houston Update:


The Rockets applied for a disabled player exception from the NBA a few weeks ago, betting that their center will miss next season as he recovers. The NBA agreed that Yao's return is unlikely and approved the request, freeing up about $5.7 million that the Rockets used to sign free agent Trevor Ariza (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2426) from the Lakers.

Because the league granted the injury exception, Morey and the Rockets retained their midlevel exception (also equal to about $5.7 million) to offer to another free agent. The injury exception can be used only on one player, but the midlevel exception money can be divided and used on multiple players.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4314726


McDyess Update:


SAN ANTONIO -- The San Antonio Spurs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=sas) landed free agent Antonio McDyess (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=530) on Wednesday in another big offseason pickup for the aging NBA power that apparently isn't ready to fade away just yet.
McDyess, who despite being 34 was among the most sought players on the market this summer, reached a deal with the Spurs and is expected to sign later this week, team spokesman Cliff Puchalski said.
The deal is for three years, $15 million, sources told ESPN's Chad Ford and Ric Bucher.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4314974


Hawks Update:


The Hawks have agreed to a four year, $19 million dollar deal with center Zaza Pachulia (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2016), a source close to the negotiations told ESPN.com's Chad Ford.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4315036

NBAPA Update:


The National Basketball Players Association strongly disagrees with the NBA's decision to issue a memo Wednesday projecting a salary cap between $50.4 million and $53.6 million for the 2010-11 season.
Billy Hunter, executive director of the NBPA, says the league neglected to share its evidence or reasoning for making such a serious declaration with the players union. It has been common practice for years for the league and the union to share such pertinent information, according to a spokesman for the NBPA.


"The NBPA has no basis whatsoever to confirm the projections the NBA has released for the 2010-11 season," Hunter said. "The NBA has not shared these forecasts or the basis for the projections with us. What we do know is that a large portion of next year's Basketball Related Income -- especially national and local broadcasting deals and many sponsorships -- is already committed and locked in with increases for next year."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4314858


Heat Update:


Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (http://fantasybasketball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NBA&id=931), waiting to sign an extension to see whether the club is serious about building a championship contender, welcomes the idea of signing Iverson.

"With AI, you look at a guy who is one of the best to ever put on an NBA jersey," Wade said in an interview with Miami's WQAM-AM radio this week, "a guy who can still score in the right offense, in the right flow. So you can never turn your nose up at a guy like Allen Iverson (http://fantasybasketball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NBA&id=409)."

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2009-07-08-free-agents_N.htm


Jazz Pistons Trade Talk:


Talks continue between the Detroit Pistons (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/det/) and Utah Jazz (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/uth/) about a Carlos Boozer (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3632/)(notes) (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3632/news)-Rip Hamilton trade, according to the News-Herald in Northern Ohio.
Hamilton didn't fit with Allen Iverson (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3094/)(notes) (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3094/news) this season, and he won't fit with newly acquired Ben Gordon (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3820/)(notes) (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3820/news). In fact, Gordon has become Iverson. He has no conscience when taking shots.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors/post/Pistons-Jazz-still-talking-about-Boozer-for-Hami?urn=nba,174897


Marion Trade Update:


Sources close to the negotiations told ESPN.com on Wednesday night a trade call has been scheduled with the league office for Thursday, indicating all sides have agreed to the terms of a transaction that, in its final form, will also involve the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mem) and the Orlando Magic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=orl).




The deal, according to sources, calls for the Mavericks to acquire Marion and Kris Humphries (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2433) from Toronto and Greg Buckner (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=111) from Memphis, with Marion to receive a five-year contract worth an estimated $39 million. Buckner has had two previous stints with the Mavericks but is likely to be released, sources said.

The Grizzlies will land Jerry Stackhouse (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=802) from Dallas, Quincy Douby (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3000) from Toronto and a substantial cash payment to buy out Stackhouse's contract. Only $2 million of Stackhouse's $7.25 million salary next season is guaranteed, as long as he is waived by Aug. 10.

The Raptors will receive Devean George (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=267) and Antoine Wright (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2801) from the Mavericks, while also preserving their $5.9 million mid-level exception for the coming season by turning their acquisition of Turkoglu -- who is getting a five-year deal worth an estimated $53 million -- into a sign-and-trade as opposed to an outright signing. Assembling the trade this way could also enable Toronto to re-sign Carlos Delfino (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1999), after it appeared that the Raptors would have to renounce Delfino to help make room for the Turkoglu signing.

The Magic, meanwhile, were motivated to join in the trade because their participation, as opposed to merely letting Turkoglu walk, will create a valuable trade exception they can use in future deals worth around $7 million.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4314637

[Blueranger]

I thought Delfino played overseas last year?

[RyanRXP]

I thought Delfino played overseas last year?

I think he did too, but he wa under contract by the Raptors. NBA players normally don't get out of contracts when they play in Europe.



Speaking of NBA players in Europe:


Stephon Marbury told The New York Post last night he won't be returning to the Celtics and is eyeing Europe stronger than ever.

"If I have to give it overseas, I'll give it overseas," Marbury said. "I like the Europe option to bring the Starbury (sneaker) brand there and sponsor soccer players."

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/9787536/With-NBA-interest-fading,-Marbury-eyes-Europe


Boozer could go to Chicago


Another major multi-team trade might be looming in the NBA with the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=por), Utah Jazz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=uth) and Chicago Bulls (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=chi) having discussed a deal that would be headlined by Carlos Boozer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1703) and Kirk Hinrich (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1981), according to NBA front-office sources.

Sources stressed to ESPN.com that no deal was imminent Thursday and that both Portland and Utah are still evaluating additional trade scenarios. But two sources with knowledge of the three-team proposal confirmed that there have been substantive talks aimed at landing Boozer in Chicago, Hinrich in Portland and Tyrus Thomas (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3032) in Utah.

A deal featuring those main components would deliver the elite low-post scorer that the Bulls have been chasing for years in Boozer while also positioning them to have significant salary-cap space for the summer of 2010 to court Chicago native Dwyane Wade (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1987) or Chris Bosh (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1977) in free agency, since Boozer is entering the final year of his contract.

Hinrich, meanwhile, is a lead guard that Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2710) has been known to covet for some time as a potential backcourt mate for Brandon Roy (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3027).

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4317515

Okur Update:


The Utah Jazz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=uth) and center Mehmet Okur (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1014) have agreed in principle to a two-year contract extension worth just under $21 million, according to NBA front-office sources.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4317973

NY Knicks Update:


NEW YORK -- The New York Knicks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=nyk) have signed guard Toney Douglas (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=22111), the second of two players they picked up in the first round of the NBA draft.

The Knicks said Thursday they expect Douglas, who averaged 21.5 points last season for Florida State, to play for their summer league team in Las Vegas. Douglas was the Atlantic Coast Conference defensive player of the year.

New York still has to sign Jordan Hill (http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/player/profile?playerId=31643), the No. 8 pick.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4317065

[Legacy]

It'd be crazy if the Wizards signed Iverson. I would love that! Too bad it prob. won't happen, but maybe one day the Wizards will win a championship. :)

RyanRXP-Any news about the Washington Wizards?

[RyanRXP]

RyanRXP-Any news about the Washington Wizards?

I looked and I found an article about their off-season:



According to a league source, the Wizards have already reached out to several free agents since July 1. They are using the Stevenson sales pitch (come here, have a successful one-year run and it could lead to more money down the road) with the current crop of free agents that they are considering to provide some balance to their roster

The list of players who interest the Wizards include Fabricio Oberto, Rasho Nesterovic, Channing Frye, Sean Marks, Jamaal Magloire, Chris Wilcox and Brian Skinner. The key for the Wizards is finding a big man with a specialized skill (i.e. shot-blocking, rebounding, hustle) and not just signing someone because he's a big body.


The article says that they will most likely wait untill the prices of players go down:


The Wizards understand that what they are willing to offer -- a one-year deal at the league minimum (or perhaps the full bi-annual exception at $1.99 million) -- isn't attractive right now, but it could be next month or even in September when teams start running out of money and about 20-25 guys are fighting for about 10-15 jobs.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2009/07/wizards_being_patient_with_fre.html?wprss=wizardsi nsider

[NoodleZ]

The Suns are gonna really suffer after we got Shaq in shape and shipped him off plus they wanna get rid of Amare who has been with us since hge was a rookie thats BS

[Legacy]

I looked and I found an article about their off-season:



The article says that they will most likely wait untill the prices of players go down:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/wizardsinsider/2009/07/wizards_being_patient_with_fre.html?wprss=wizardsi nsider

I like Jamaal Magloire and Brian Skinner, they'd be fine additions to the team. Brian of course could bring the veteran experience.

[Hears All]

The Suns are gonna really suffer after we got Shaq in shape and shipped him off plus they wanna get rid of Amare who has been with us since hge was a rookie thats BS

Phoenix said there rebuilding now, which dosen't make sense since their trading their amazing young big man Amare Stoudamire

[Blueranger]

The Suns are gonna really suffer after we got Shaq in shape and shipped him off plus they wanna get rid of Amare who has been with us since hge was a rookie thats BS

Getting rid of Shaq was the best thing they ever did. It would be a great thing if they got rid of Amare too, he is a beast but I'd rather take 3 players that can run the fast offense other than one guy who can't do everything alone.

If they traded for Amare they would get back: Andris Biedrins, Marco Belinelli and Brandan Wright.

That's a great deal. Throw in Monta Ellis and the Suns will be back on top.

[NoodleZ]

Getting rid of Shaq was the best thing they ever did. It would be a great thing if they got rid of Amare too, he is a beast but I'd rather take 3 players that can run the fast offense other than one guy who can't do everything alone.

If they traded for Amare they would get back: Andris Biedrins, Marco Belinelli and Brandan Wright.

That's a great deal. Throw in Monta Ellis and the Suns will be back on top.

With the first trade we were really ripping ourselves off if anything id like to see nash go first

[RyanRXP]

Hill to saty win Suns:


Grant Hill (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=336) will return to the Phoenix Suns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=pho) for $3 million next season and a player option for a second year, his agent said Friday.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4319673

Frye update:


Free-agent forward Channing Frye agreed to terms with the Phoenix Suns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=pho) on Friday, a source close to the process told ESPN.com.
Frye, who was with the Portland Trail Blazers the past two seasons, is believed to have signed a two-year deal for the team's biannual extension (roughly $2 million per year) and will have an option on his second year of the contract.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4319829


Blazers draft pick hurt:


PORTLAND, Ore. -- Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=por) 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. A timetable for the point guard's return has not been determined.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4319431


Bass Update:


DALLAS -- Brandon Bass (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2745) is going from backing up Dirk Nowitzki (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=609) to likely starting next to Dwight Howard (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2384).

Bass agreed Friday on a four-year, $18 million contract with the Orlando Magic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=orl), a source close to the process told ESPN.com's Chad Ford.
NBA.com, which first reported the deal, said it included an escape clause after three years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4319818

Jazz Update:


The Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=por) have offered Utah Jazz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=uth) free agent Paul Millsap (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3015) a four-year contract worth between $32 million and $36 million, according to league sources.
The offer includes a hefty signing bonus that will make it difficult for Utah to match. The Jazz will be presented with the offer Saturday and have seven days to match because Millsap is a restricted free agent

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4320029


Stackhouse Update:


MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mem) have waived Jerry Stackhouse (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=802), just a day after acquiring the NBA veteran in a four-team, eight-player trade.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4319870

[Blueranger]

Hill is a sellout. >_>

[Legacy]

What did the Magic earn from this 4 team deal?

[Mr. Silver]

^ "cash considerations" for the most part

[Legacy]

Lol wow. Oh well. The Wizards shouldn'tof never given they 1st round pick away. :(

[RyanRXP]

What did the Magic earn from this 4 team deal?

The official transaction:


Toronto traded forwards Shawn Marion, Kris Humphries, center Nathan Jawai and cash considerations to Dallas; acquired forwards Devean George and Antoine Wright from Dallas and forward Hedo Turkoglu from Orlando; sent cash considerations to Orlando and a 2016 second-round pick to Memphis as part of a four-team deal

http://www.nba.com/transactions/current_month_transactions.html


So Orlando gets a lot of money:


The Magic did not receive any players in return, but the exception is expected to be worth between $8 and $9 million.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/orl-sportsmagic-hedo-10071009jul10,0,6523737.story

[Legacy]

DAMN!!!!! Lol I wonder how they will use it.

[AoBlue]

That's an interesting trade... wonder how the Magic will use their money.

[Blueranger]

They'll hire a Magician.

[Mr. Green]

They'll find a cure for Superman's weakness to Kryptonite ;)

[Legacy]

There is....his name is KryptoNate

http://sneakermestupid.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kryptonate.jpg

HOWEVER! if you ask me, Superman became weak after he was confronetd with Kobe-nite :p

[Hears All]

That's a great deal. Throw in Monta Ellis and the Suns will be back on top.

When were the Phoenix Suns ever at the top?

[RyanRXP]

The Vegas summer league has started. If you want highlights and scores go to NBA.com. Also, if you want to watch the games your team's local channels might cover the games.

The Knicks will start off on tuesday and have their two rookies with them, and Ewing Jr is back and still trying to make the team(it is really obvious that he only wants to play for NY)

Tuesday is Memphis and Thabeet, and I am looking foward to seeing how Thabeet does.





That's an interesting trade... wonder how the Magic will use their money.

They used it to get Brandon Bass:


Orlando, FL (Sports Network) - The Orlando Magic signed free agent forward Brandon Bass to an undisclosed contract on Friday.
The 24-year-old Bass played significant minutes off the bench for Dallas the past two seasons, tallying career-highs of 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in roughly 19 1/2 minutes per game during the 2008-09 campaign.
"Brandon (Bass) is a physical, athletic frontline player," said Magic general manager Otis Smith. "He will fit in well with our young core and we are excited to have him join the Magic family."
The 6-foot-8 LSU product has averaged 6.9 points and 3.9 boards in 210 regular season games with Dallas and New Orleans, which selected him in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft.

http://www.seattlepi.com/scorecard/nbanews.asp?articleID=261156

And NBA.com's transaction page confirms the Bass signing

[Legacy]

Bass, Carter? Wow the magic are sure stocking up.

[RyanRXP]

An update on Danilo:


The signs are good. Gallinari, who had minor back surgery in April, is running again and with minimal pain. He said he expected to be pain-free by training camp in October. He has a hop in his step, and his 3-point stroke is as fluid as ever. He even looks a little thicker in his shoulders and upper arms, a good sign for a growing young power forward. He turns 21 next month and is still filling out his 6-foot-10 frame.
“I feel good,” Gallinari said after doing some core conditioning work with the team trainers. “Not pain-free completely, but I feel good. Nothing compared with what I was feeling when I was injured.”
Gallinari’s N.B.A. (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/national_basketball_association/index.html?inline=nyt-org) career began here last year and was instantly altered by a single play — a collision in the lane with the beefy Robert Traylor. Gallinari came away with an injured back that wiped out most of his rookie season. He played in 28 games before opting for surgery.
But he showed enough during that time to reassure team officials that they made the right choice in drafting him sixth over all in 2008. Gallinari is the Knicks’ best shooter and a deft playmaker with a high basketball intellect. He may also have to serve as their top recruiter.


It also looks like he is in their long term plans:


So when the time comes next July for LeBron James (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/j/lebron_james/index.html?inline=nyt-per) to consider a new home and new teammates, the Knicks’ sales pitch might well begin with the 20-year-old Gallinari, the most intriguing player on their roster.
“I think a lot of it depends on Gallo,” Coach Mike D’Antoni (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/d/mike_dantoni/index.html?inline=nyt-per) said Saturday morning, when the Knicks held their first summer league practice.
D’Antoni later mentioned Wilson Chandler and the still-unsigned David Lee as additional selling points for wandering free-agent superstars. But Gallinari possesses the greater skills and the most star potential, provided he is healthy.

“We have to show, hey, Gallo’s a budding star, or Wilson’s a budding star, or whoever,” D’Antoni said.



Curry Update:


In a recent interview with Newsday (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/n/newsday/index.html?inline=nyt-org), one of Curry’s trainers, Jerry Powell, said that Curry had lost nearly 50 pounds. Team officials have greeted the report with a mix of hope and skepticism.
“All the reports are that Eddy is working hard and he’s looking a lot better,” D’Antoni said. “I still think he’s got a ways to go; he knows that. But I think it’s a great start.”
Curry is listed at 285 pounds, but he has not been anywhere near that weight in years.
If it is true that Curry has shed 50 pounds, he might still be hovering around 315, at least 15 pounds heavier than the Knicks prefer.
“He spent a whole month doing what he’s supposed to be doing, and I think it’s encouraging,” D’Antoni said. “At the same time, I’m not going to say yes, it’s a done deal. But I think it’s very encouraging and we’re really rooting for him.”



Ewing Jr update:


Patrick Ewing Jr. withdrew from the Knicks’ summer league team because of a medical issue. Ewing, who attended the Knicks’ training camp last fall, injured his knee while playing in the N.B.A. Development League


And an update on the Miller/Duhon trade:
[Quote]
Mike D’Antoni scoffed at a report that suggested the Knicks might swap point guards with Philadelphia, sending Chris Duhon to the 76ers (http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/sports/probasketball/nationalbasketballassociation/philadelphia76ers/index.html?inline=nyt-org) for Andre Miller, who would have to agree to a sign-and-trade deal. “What was that?” D’Antoni said. “I can’t believe that.”
[Quote]

All updates are from this source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/sports/basketball/12knicks.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

[Blueranger]

I foresee, Eddy being traded for a better center by the start of the season. They should at least make some offers to the Bucks who have more big men then they need.

[RyanRXP]

I foresee, Eddy being traded for a better center by the start of the season. They should at least make some offers to the Bucks who have more big men then they need.

The only problem is that no one wants Eddy's contract. He is being paid a lot of money and is under contract after the 2010 off season, so he is almost untradable, especially with the cap being estimated to be around only 50-53 million for 2010/11(as opossed to the previous expectation of 63 million)
If they can pull off the T-Mac trade(as it seems to be the only trade option for Curry) I would be happy, but with Yao having a 2010 ETO(along with Scola being a free agent in 2010), I doubt that they would add any large long term contracts.

[Blueranger]

I highly doubt the T-Mac trade will go down after they lost Ron Artest. Looks like the Rockets will have to find another way to get a back up center.

[RyanRXP]

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. -- Broadcaster Doug Collins and sports writer Peter Vecsey will receive this year's Curt Gowdy Media Awards from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
The awards, given annually to members of the print and electronic media who have made a significant contribution to the game of basketball, will be presented during the Hall of Fame's enshrinement ceremonies Sept. 10-11.
Collins, a former NBA player and coach, is being honored for his work as a color commentator on NBA and Olympic broadcasts for NBC and Turner Sports.
Vecsey, a longtime NBA columnist, will receive the print award. He wrote for the New York Post from 1976 through 1989, then covered the NBA for USA Today until September 1993, before returning to the Post.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4324662



T-Mac Update:


The Houston Rockets today announced that guard/forward Tracy McGrady will be switching to jersey #3 for the upcoming 2009-10 campaign. Recently signed guard/forward Trevor Ariza will wear jersey #1 with the Rockets.
McGrady, who also wore the #3 in high school, will make the switch to bring attention to his “Darfur Dream Team” humanitarian project and the “3 Points” documentary that chronicles his journey to the refugee camps in Chad, Africa during the summer of 2007. McGrady says his visit to Chad was life changing and having the privilege to have freedom and peace in his life is something he will never take for granted. By wearing #3, he honors those who are forced to live without that freedom and peace

http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=4560


Cavs Update:


CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Cavaliers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=cle) have signed veteran free-agent Anthony Parker (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=635) to add depth to the backcourt.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4324074



Detroit Update:


LAS VEGAS -- The Detroit Pistons (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=det) on Monday traded Arron Afflalo (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3187), Walter Sharpe (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3458) and cash considerations to the Denver Nuggets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=den) for a future second-round pick.

The deal clears nearly $2 million extra in salary-cap space for the Pistons to search for a free-agent big man
After the recent signings of Ben Gordon (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2381) and Charlie Villanueva (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2792), Detroit will have an estimated $3.5 million in cap space after completing this deal.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4324317

[Hears All]

I never knew T-Mac was such a humanitarian :D

[RyanRXP]

The Orlando Magic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=orl) will keep Marcin Gortat (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2758) by matching the five-year, $34-million offer sheet extended to him by the Dallas Mavericks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=dal), the Orlando Sentinel first reported Monday.
Sources close to the process told ESPN.com that Magic general manager Otis Smith has informed the Gortat camp that Orlando is indeed matching.
Gortat's agent, Guy Zucker, told the Dallas Morning News his player is "very, very disappointed."

Retaining Gortat and adding Bass will likely take the Magic's payroll into the $80 million range for next season, which would force Orlando to cut a luxury-tax check of roughly $10 million in July 2010.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4324941

[Blueranger]

Damn Orlando. Stop hogging all good talent.

Also, I hope T-Mac just subliminally stated that he is giving up his spot as the "franchise" player.

[Mr. Silver]

Damn Orlando. Stop hogging all good talent.

Damn you, Magic!! So close...

[RyanRXP]

No offense to T-Mac, but he should have listened to his cousin and stayed in Toronto. That way both Vince and T-Mac could have had a good shot at the Finals in 02.


But back to my updates:

Iverson Update, a 4th team has expressed interst in Iverson:


The makeover of the Los Angeles Clippers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lac) may include a former scoring champion.
The team is in "very serious" talks with Allen Iverson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=366) on a contract, the Los Angeles Times reported on Monday. ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported on Sunday that the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mem) have been pursuing Iverson, but owner Michael Heisley thought the Miami Heat (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mia) had the inside track. The Charlotte Bobcats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=cha) were also reported to have interest.

The Clippers may be prepared to offer their full mid-level exception of $5.8 million on a one-year contract. The Grizzlies are reportedly willing to offer something in the same neighborhood, but the Heat are thought to be interested in paying him less than half of that figure.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4325388


Boozer Update:


The Boston Globe on Sunday reported that Detroit turned down a trade proposal that would have sent Boozer to the Pistons for Tayshaun Prince, but the newspaper didn't time-reference the rejected deal.
Utah also spoke earlier this offseason with Detroit about swapping Boozer for guard Rip Hamilton, as has been widely reported, but that didn't happen either

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705316531/Boozer-to-Miami-trade-talk-warms.html?pg=1



But in a sign that Wade may have forced Riley's hand, Miami is among the teams reportedly (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4320029) interested in Carlos Boozer's services. Rumors of a Boozer-Heat marriage have always persisted because Boozer owns a home in Miami, is friendly with team owner Micky Arison and played with Wade on the Redeem Team during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It seemed the Heat was moving away from Boozer when it drafted Michael Beasley -- who, like Boozer, is a power forward -- last year.


Throughout this off-season, the door has seemed to opened back to Boozer, though. Riley and Coach Erik Spoelstra spoke of developing Beasley into a small forward. And now, Miami appears to have entered the Boozer sweepstakes. Utah appears to be intent on trading Boozer.


The Heat does not have a whole lot of trade bait to entice Utah to trade away someone who averaged 21 points and 13 rebounds during the 2009 playoffs, anyway. O'Connor has no interest in expiring contracts since Boozer has an expiring contract. Udonis Haslem may be a nice backup to Millsap, though. The Jazz may have an interest in Daequan Cook as a shooting guard to pair with Kyle Korver on the perimeter. Nonetheless, that doesn't nearly equate to the skills that Boozer possesses.


A third team -- probably one of those teams under the cap -- would have to be added to sweeten the pot so that Utah can make room for Millsap. Whatever happens, it must be done in the next week so that the Jazz can still retain Millsap.


http://mvn.com/leavingitallonthecourt/2009/07/boozer-miami-marriage-in-works.html

And the last word on Boozer goes to David Aldridge:


At any rate, it's clear that Boozer is due for a change of scenery. But the Jazz won't have much problem making a deal happen. Remember, Boozer is now an expiring contract, at a large number ($12.6 million) that will be attractive to teams looking to be 2010 ready. If the Heat wanted to make a deal, a package of Udonis Haslem (expiring at $7.1 million) and James Jones (partially guaranteed in each of the last three seasons of his contract, which has four years remaining) would get the job done easily. Miami also has a juicy $4.3 million trade exception from last season's Shawn Marion deal that it could use to take, say, a C.J. Miles from Utah for a draft pick.

If Detroit, which has been rumored for some time now, wants to move Rip Hamilton for Boozer, a straight up deal for Hamilton ($11.6 million) fits the bill. And Hamilton fits the bill of a Jerry Sloan two-guard, running sets to perfection, the best in the league at coming off screens, and able to run all day.

If Houston wants to hedge its bets against Yao Ming's future, and give Luis Scola some help inside, if only for a year, it has the document -- Tracy McGrady's expiring $22 million contract -- to get to chatting. It's unlikely Utah would part with Boozer and Matt Harpring, long a Sloan favorite, for basketball reasons. But that would be a relatively painless way for the Miller family to get out of tax hell relatively quickly.

What is not going to happen is a three-way deal between Utah, Chicago and Portland that was out in the trade winds last week. I don't deal in rumored trades because they're just that -- rumors, and someone else's sources are not mine. I will just say this: two of the three teams mentioned in that potential deal have told me, flat out, that there was never one minute's discussion about that reported deal in their offices. If these guys are lying to me, it's the first time, and while anything is possible during this silly season, it would be terribly disappointing.

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/07/13/millsap.offer/

I would recommend people to check out that last link if you want to read a good article, plus it has a video to go along with it.

Also, NBA.com's free agent tracker:
http://www.nba.com/freeagents/2009/

[RyanRXP]

Lakers Update:


LAS VEGAS -- Lamar Odom (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=617) and the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lal) had reached an agreement on annual salary before the Lakers pulled out of contract talks with their versatile sixth man, sources with knowledge of the talks said on Tuesday.
Sources told ESPN.com that Odom and the Lakers had reached an accord entering the weekend on a per-season wage of $9 million for the 29-year-old. But Odom balked at L.A.'s unwillingness to extend an offer spanning more than three years in length and spent the past few days weighing his options.
The Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site earlier Tuesday night that Lakers owner Jerry Buss, upset that he was still waiting for Odom's response, has decided to take the offer off the table. Yet one source told ESPN.com that Odom was never given a deadline to accept or pass on the Lakers' three-year, $27 million pitch.

Lakers spokesman John Black acknowledged to the Times that "talks have broken down for the time being" but conceded that a resumption in negotiations is "within the realm of possibility," which most rival teams would expect given Odom's importance during the Lakers' championship run last season and the fact that the only apparent issue between the sides is contract length.

Asked in a Monday telephone interview with the L.A. Times why a deal was not yet done, Odom said: "I don't know. That's why there are negotiations. I don't know. Of course I hope they can get it done. It's negotiations. Both sides are going to give and take. That's part of it. I don't know how long it's going to take. ... The Lakers have been too good to me to rub people over there the wrong way. The Lakers have been nothing but great to me, and I want to keep the relationship great."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4328376



But they don't. The prevailing view in Vegas remains that Odom will wind up staying with the Lakers because the newly crowned champions surely recognize that what makes them such a monster -- apart from the guy wearing No. 24 -- is the long-limbed trio of Pau Gasol (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=996), Andrew Bynum (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2748) and Odom. I keep hearing that Odom doesn't have the leverage to hold out for the $10 million annual salary he wants, given that only Oklahoma City and Portland (if Utah matches the Blazers' offer sheet to Paul Millsap (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3015)) have the salary-cap space to sign him outright in that range, but I would dispute that. For a couple of reasons.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=Chatter-090714

Iverson Update:


Before they commit to Allen Iverson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=366) for one year, the Los Angeles Clippers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lac) want to look him in the eye and ask him about coming off the bench.
Iverson's answer, if the meeting happens, will go a long way toward determining whether "The Answer" will land in Los Angeles for a one-year contract for the midlevel exception of $5.8 million.

Sources told ESPN.com Tuesday that Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, was traveling to Las Vegas to arrange a meeting with the Clippers as the next step in the process of finding a new home for Iverson, the former MVP and four-time scoring champion who is an unrestricted free agent.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4326602

Boozer Update:


SALT LAKE CITY -- Carlos Boozer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1703) doesn't expect to be playing for the Utah Jazz (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=uth) this season.

Just two weeks ago, Boozer opted to remain with the Jazz for the final year of his contract. But the two-time All-Star told a Chicago radio station Tuesday he expects the Jazz to trade him.
"The Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction and I respect their decision," Boozer said Tuesday during an interview with WMVP. "We mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial for them and beneficial for my family and me. So with that being said I'm gonna be traded relatively soon or in good time."
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4327927


No concrete evidence has materialized -- yet -- that the Heat are preparing to send Udonis Haslem (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2184)'s expiring contract to Utah for the expiring contract of Carlos Boozer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1703).
But one trade scenario, presented online Monday by David Aldridge of TNT and NBA.com, would appear to have some promise for the Jazz, who long to find a way to move Boozer and take back less money, which generally requires the involvement of a third team.
Trading Haslem and James Jones (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2009) to the Jazz would allow Miami to give Boozer a one-season test drive without endangering its 2010 salary-cap space and conceivably would help Utah out by fitting C.J. Miles (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2778) into its $4.3 million trade exception in exchange for a future draft pick in another transaction.
It's also true that the Jazz have until February to find a new trade home for Boozer before the luxury-tax implications of matching Portland's offer sheet to Paul Millsap (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3015) start setting in. Which means they don't have to rush and make the first Boozer trade they can complete.

• The Warriors insist that, contrary to ongoing speculation, they are not chasing a trade for Boozer. At all. Seems they're rather pleased with a summer league star named Anthony Randolph (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3455), who is reminding everyone in town why he's as close to untouchable as anyone on Golden State's roster.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=Chatter-090714



I have some more updates that I will add later today.

[Hears All]

Its funny how Iverson used to be one of the best Players in the NBA, now he can't find a team, and even if he does he's going to be coming off the bench. I don't think he realizes he's not what he used to be

[AoBlue]

Most players don't until a reality check comes their way.

[RyanRXP]

Its funny how Iverson used to be one of the best Players in the NBA, now he can't find a team, and even if he does he's going to be coming off the bench. I don't think he realizes he's not what he used to be

I don't think he is anywhere near as bad as people say he is. In Detroit, he was playing an offense that was not built for a player like Iverson, but he still managed 17 PPG and 5 APG. And before the trade he averaged 18.7 PPG and 6.7 APG. And in te 07-08 season, he averaged 26.4 PPG and 7.1 APG and 2 SPG.
Teams don't want him because most teams have a SG that they like, and because not many people ever want a 6' SG. Teams also are under the impression that he hurts teams and that he won't help developing players, but I don't see that. Iverson plays with far more heart than any other player in the NBA. If you ask me, players like Griffin would be helped much more by a player like Iverson than Baron Davis(who spends his free time saying how much he hates being on the team)
He knows who he is and he knows that he can turn a team into a contender. And there is no reason for him to come off the bench for any of the teams that want him. In Maimi, Wade can play PG, in Memphis, Mayo can play PG, and in LA, Iverson is far better than Eric Gordon.




Now for some more updates:
Yao Update:


BEIJING -- Houston Rockets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=hou) center Yao Ming (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1722) has purchased his financially troubled former club the Shanghai Sharks, Chinese media reported on Thursday.
The seven-time NBA All Star's investment company signed a framework agreement with the club's three co-owners who agreed to sell Yao all their shares in the club, Xinhua news agency said.
"I grew up in the city and became a professional player in this team, so I hope I can do something to help," Yao was quoted as saying on Shanghai TV.
The Sharks tied for the worst deficit in 14 years of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) last year and were in danger of failing to start the new season in November because of their dire finances.
The 28-year-old Yao topped the Forbes list of the wealthiest Chinese entertainers with an estimated income of 388 million yuan ($56.81 million) in 2008.
Running the Sharks will cost about 20 million yuan a year, according to the China Business News newspaper.
"In consideration of Yao's affection for the team, his accomplishments in basketball and the experience and vision he has gained from the seven years in the NBA, we believe he is the most appropriate person to the take over the team," said Shanghai Sports Bureau chief Yu Chen.
Yao started playing for the Sharks as a teenager, leading them to their only CBA title before he left for North America in 2002.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4330776

Tim Thomas Update:


If you're wondering how the Bulls signed guards Jannero Pargo and Lindsey Hunter without exceeding the league's luxury tax figure, here's how: According to Sam Smith of Bulls.com, the team recently quietly negotiated a buyout of forward Tim Thomas' contract.


Thomas' $6.46 million contract was set to expire following this season, so it won't affect the Bulls having roughly $25 million worth of expiring contracts. And judging by how little he played down the stretch in the playoffs, the move isn't a surprise.


The buyout means the Bulls likely have enough room under the league's $69.92 million luxury tax threshhold to sign a veteran big man to a minimum contract this summer. Pargo signed a one-year, $2 million deal while Hunter's contract calls for one year and $1.3 million.
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/fullcourtpress/2009/07/bulls-buy-out-thomas.html

As for where he will go:


LAS VEGAS -- A third Knicks' stint for Tim Thomas (http://www.nypost.com/topics/topic.php?t=Tim_Thomas)? It could happen.
Team president Donnie Walsh (http://www.nypost.com/topics/topic.php?t=Donnie_Walsh) is investigating the possibility of signing the 6-foot-10 Thomas, likely for the veteran's minimum ($1.9 million), after he was released yesterday by the Bulls.

"We have interest," Walsh told The Post. "I'm looking into it. He played well for us [last year]. He's a pro."
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07162009/sports/knicks/thomas_could_join_knicks_for_3rd_time_179485.htm

Knicks Update:


According to a league source, New York is one of Boozer's preferred destinations. Utah is trying to save money and offering up Cuttino Mobley's expiring contract with insurance covering a portion of it is a possibility.
Walsh also appears close to making Sixers point guard Andre Miller a formal offer for the one-year, $5.8 million midlevel exception, feeling there is a chance of stealing him. The Sixers will not offer Miller more than a one-year deal.

More than two weeks into July's free agency, Walsh hasn't signed anyone or retained his own two free agents, Lee and Nate Robinson (http://www.nypost.com/topics/topic.php?t=Nate_Robinson). Lee had been seeking more than $10 million a year, but that's above current market value. Agent Mark Bartelstein has talked to the Jazz about Lee, but the miserly ownership may not want to go as high as $10 million either.
The gap between the Knicks and Lee appears significant. Earlier this week, Walsh said if he couldn't get a deal done with Lee or Robinson by week's end, he never will.
But Walsh said he's not pulling any offers off the table.
"I'm not at that point," Walsh said. "Not yet. At some point if we can't get it done, where do we go?"
Walsh did not sound too displeased if Robinson took off to Greece for a season because the Knicks retain his rights. Agent Eric Goodwin said Robinson has a chance to play for Olympiakos with a salary believed to be $5 million per season.
"Players can always go to Europe if they want to," Walsh said. "If they want to come back to the NBA, they can come back to the team with their rights. I have not been encouraging it. If he goes, it's his preference."
The Knicks seem suspicious at the figure because Goodwin has not mentioned the Greek offer to Walsh in negotiations.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/07162009/sports/knicks/thomas_could_join_knicks_for_3rd_time_179485.htm



A slimmed-down, more-limber Eddy Curry (http://shots.snap.com/explore/71269/?key=06028f986cd52d8275d29a0001c8914b&svc=Snap_Shot_Custom%257CNew_York_Post%257CNYPost_ Sports_Players%257CWithAds&tag=Eddy%20Curry&src=&cp=&asp=Eddy%20Curry&dfs=10&tol=engage)Eddy Curry http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.0.0.1/t.gif joined the Knicks summer league team on the practice court, dunked with ease and moved with grace at Valley High School.
According to Donnie Walsh, Curry has lost 30 pounds. You see it in his face first - a taught jaw reminiscent of his Bulls rookie year.

There is now legitimate hope that Curry will be a genuine part of this Knicks' team. At the very least he could be a tradeable commodity if Walsh has to open up more cap space for 2010.
"It's definitely different,'' Curry said after the practice in which he did not scrimmage. "My body just reacts a lot faster. Before everything I did was real calculated. Now it's instant.''
"I just want to make the best of the situation,'' Curry said. "I want to salvage this. "The last two years I want to show the fans in New York and the organization what they brought me here for.''
Curry knows he could be still dealt because of his contract that could help open more 2010 cap space. "I'm going to be ready, no matter what, whether here, whatever,'' Curry said. "I'm going to be ready.''
Curry's regimen at Oakland University in Detroit has included pool work, lifting weights and strict eating schedules. He's still got a few more weeks on the program. So far, so very good.

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2009/07/curry_i_will_pr.html


To everyone who think Curry needs to be traded:


LAS VEGAS - Eddy Curry (http://shots.snap.com/explore/14364/?key=06028f986cd52d8275d29a0001c8914b&svc=Snap_Shot_Custom%257CNew_York_Post%257CNYPost_ Sports_Players%257CWithAds&tag=Eddy%20Curry&src=&cp=&asp=Eddy%20Curry&dfs=10&tol=engage)Eddy Curry http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.0.0.1/t.gif looked good, moved good, talked good. He's lost 30 pounds and still feels he has more to go. I don't think it's just talk this time.
I believe he's going to have a season and I also believe trading him for more 2010 cap space is not a no-brainer. As we watched practice Sunday night, we were looking at internet photos of Curry as a young Bull. You saw the youthful face and a more tapered physique. He's on his way.
He's 26. Two years ago, we talked about him as an All-Star. Why is it such a given that the Knicks (http://shots.snap.com/explore/93546/?key=06028f986cd52d8275d29a0001c8914b&svc=Snap_Shot_Custom%257CNew_York_Post%257CNYPost_ Sports_Teams%257CWithAds&tag=New%20York%20Knicks&src=&cp=&asp=Knicks&dfs=10&tol=engage)New York Knicks http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.0.0.1/t.gif must trade him as soon as he gets some market value. Frankly, I'm tired of the 2010 free-agent talk, tired of this belief they can woo two major free agents as a tandem. Let's see how Curry plays before you ship him out for a bag of balls like they did Zach Randolph (http://shots.snap.com/explore/60896/?key=06028f986cd52d8275d29a0001c8914b&svc=Snap_Shot_Custom%257CNew_York_Post%257CNYPost_ Sports_Players%257CWithAds&tag=Zach%20Randolph&src=&cp=&asp=Zach%20Randolph&dfs=10&tol=engage)Zach Randolph http://i.ixnp.com/images/v6.0.0.1/t.gif.
D'Antoni never gave Curry a chance and the sensitive Knicks center knew it. When D'Antoni was talking the other day that they need Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari to step up this season and show free agents they should want to join them, the Knicks coach missed an opportunity to plug Curry. Curry should have somehow been mentioned in the sentence. Stop thinking of Curry as Isiah's guy and start thinking of him as a big, burly center who can actually help.

http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/knicks/archives/2009/07/dantoni_needs_t.html


As for my opinion on the Knicks Summer League, Hill and Douglas seem to have a lot of promise. Hill will fit in very well with the Coach's system and Douglas looks to have a lot of leadership qualities and looks to be a very good passer. As for the free agents trying to make the team, Morris Almond looks like he has a good chance of making the team and Nikoloz Tskitishvili also looks good(but I doubt there is a spot on the Knicks for a player like him)




Rubio Update:


MINNEAPOLIS -- The Minnesota Timberwolves (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=Min) cannot do much financially to help Ricky Rubio with a multimillion-dollar buyout of his contract with DKV Joventut in Spain.
So team president David Kahn will head across the Atlantic next week to meet with the team personally in hopes of lowering the $6.6 million price tag that has threatened to keep the wunderkind point guard in Europe for at least next season.
Kahn confirmed his plans to travel to Spain in a text message to The Associated Press on Thursday, but declined further comment.

The one thing holding him back appears to be money. Rubio made less than $100,000 playing for Joventut last season, so it is no surprise that the prospect of being on the hook for millions of dollars before he even plays a game in the United States would give him pause.
Further complicating the matter is a rule in the NBA's collective bargaining agreement that stipulates the Timberwolves can only pay $500,000 of that large sum to help offset the cost.
From the day Kahn drafted Rubio, to the delight of the Timberwolves fan base, the new president has taken a pragmatic approach to a sticky situation. He said the young and rebuilding team would be willing to wait a year, or even two, if Rubio could not reach an agreeable buyout agreement with Joventut.
Before joining the NBA, Kahn was an attorney at the law firm Proskauer Rose, the same firm that produced NBA commissioner David Stern. That experience could help him as the Timberwolves try to navigate what he has called "a thorny" legal issue.
"We will be totally supportive of Ricky and his family and [agent Dan] Fegan in any way, shape or form," Kahn said the day after Rubio was drafted. "If there's anything we can do to be of assistance or of help, as long as it is within the rules, we will."
The Timberwolves cannot set up Rubio with lucrative endorsements, but it doesn't appear that he will have any problem in that department.
Rubio has the floppy hair and baby face of a teen idol and the slick passing skills of a streetballer that make him inherently marketable. He is already appearing in a television commercial for Gillette, along with Tiger Woods (http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/players/profile?playerId=462), Derek Jeter (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=3246) and Roger Federer (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tennis/players/profile?playerId=425).

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4331938




Bobcats Update:


CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Raymond Felton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2753)'s agent went to Las Vegas confident he was close to hammering out a long-term deal with the Charlotte Bobcats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=cha).
Kevin Bradbury left the meeting with Charlotte general manager Rod Higgins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3734) 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.
"At this point I'm not as encouraged as I was a day ago or even a week ago, but that doesn't mean that it can't get done," Bradbury said. "We just have to keep talking."


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4329989


Ben Wallace Update:


Add another name -- a familiar name -- to the list of candidates to bolster the Pistons' thin frontcourt.
Former Piston Ben Wallacehttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif (http://www.detnews.com/article/20090715/SPORTS0102/907150343/1127/sports0102/Ben-Wallace-considers-return-to-Pistons#) accepted a $10 million buyout from the Suns on Tuesday. If he clears waivers, he will be an unrestricted free agent.
Wallace indicated at the end of last season he would consider retirement because of his age (35) and lingering injuries. But, according to sources, Wallace is considering trying to play at least one more season and has reached out to the Pistons.
He still owns a home in Oakland County.
The Pistons have $3.5 million still available under the salary cap. In taking the buyout, Wallace left $4 million still on the table in Phoenix. (The final year of his contract was worth $14 million.)
The Pistons likely would offer Wallace the veteran's minimum ($1.3 million, which does not count against the cap).
Pistons president Joe Dumars, who is considering several options, would not comment on the possibility of bringing Wallace back.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090715/SPORTS0102/907150343/1127/sports0102/Ben-Wallace-considers-return-to-Pistons

[Legacy]

I wish that the Wizards would sign Lamar Odom. hell I may be forced to switch to a new favorite team, if the Wizards don't start doing better. Ill probably start cheering for the Knicks.

[RyanRXP]

I wish that the Wizards would sign Lamar Odom. hell I may be forced to switch to a new favorite team, if the Wizards don't start doing better. Ill probably start cheering for the Knicks.

Did you forget that they brought in Foye and Miller before the draft? They are in a decent spot and will get better, all they need is some big men. Miller is a decent back up SG and Foye is a very good player who can set up the offense better than anyone on the team last year. As for them getting Odom, there is no chance of it, they are near, or over, the luxury tax and can't sign anyone like Odom. But there are a few good big men out there who they could get for cheep later in the off-season(they are not expected to do anything until late in the off-season)

[Legacy]

Did you forget that they brought in Foye and Miller before the draft? They are in a decent spot and will get better, all they need is some big men. Miller is a decent back up SG and Foye is a very good player who can set up the offense better than anyone on the team last year. As for them getting Odom, there is no chance of it, they are near, or over, the luxury tax and can't sign anyone like Odom. But there are a few good big men out there who they could get for cheep later in the off-season(they are not expected to do anything until late in the off-season)

OMG! I forgot about that! :0 Thanks ryan! ;)

Man, I just want the Wizards to win a NBA Championship before its like 2025 or something. lolz

[Blueranger]

I wish that the Wizards would sign Lamar Odom. hell I may be forced to switch to a new favorite team, if the Wizards don't start doing better. Ill probably start cheering for the Knicks.

They don't need him at all.

[RyanRXP]

Wolves Update:


The Los Angeles Clippers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lac) agreed to trade Quentin Richardson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=703) to the Minnesota Timberwolves (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=min) for Sebastian Telfair (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2417), Mark Madsen (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=496) and Craig Smith (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3031) on Monday.
Madsen spoke to his agent on Monday to confirm the deal.
The trade is expected to be announced later Monday after the teams complete a trade call with the league.
The trade will give the Clippers a solid backup point guard behind Baron Davis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=194) and give them some depth at the power forward position.
The deal was also fiscally responsible for the Clippers. Madsen and Smith are in the final year of their contracts while Telfair has a player option for 2010-11 at a modest $2.7 million.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4342057


Suns Update:


After receiving an improved offer last week and taking a few more days to deliberate, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=592) notified the Phoenix Suns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=pho) that he is accepting their two-year extension offer worth an estimated $22 million.
ESPN.com first reported the agreement earlier Monday and his agent, Bill Duffy, confirmed it to The Associated Press later in the day.
Sources told ESPN.com that Nash is expected to formally announce his decision via his Twitter feed (http://www.twitter.com/THE_REAL_NASH) later Monday
The Suns offered Nash a two-year, $20 million extension two weeks ago in addition to the $13.1 million he's owed next season, then bumped it higher in a meeting in Las Vegas last Wednesday attended by Suns owner Robert Sarver, president of basketball operations Steve Kerr (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=425) and Nash's agent Bill Duffy.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4341269

[Blueranger]

I know Q-Rich is pretty pissed. Could you imagine being traded 3 times during the off season. The Clippers a retards just for that move alone.

[Hears All]

I know Q-Rich is pretty pissed. Could you imagine being traded 3 times during the off season. The Clippers a retards just for that move alone.

He's getting paid 9.3 Million and he dosen't deserve half of that. He shouldn't be complaining

[lpmoora]

He's getting paid 9.3 Million and he dosen't deserve half of that. He shouldn't be complaining

Seriously, if I was making 9.3 million dollars to play basketball.. :o_O: ..lol. Anyways, Kenny Thomas is worse. 8.5 to sit...which is terrible, and Stephon Marbury isn't nearly as bad, cause at least he played.

[Blueranger]

He's getting paid 9.3 Million and he dosen't deserve half of that. He shouldn't be complaining

Oh yeah he doesn't deserve that...he should be payed more. He's a great player, who could have done alot for the Clippers but they would rather trade him away for a bunch of popcorn farts.


Seriously, if I was making 9.3 million dollars to play basketball.. :o_O: ..lol. Anyways, Kenny Thomas is worse. 8.5 to sit...which is terrible, and Stephon Marbury isn't nearly as bad, cause at least he played.

Stephon Marbury is a piece of crap, he was one of my favorite knicks players but I can't stand him now. He didn't do crap for the Celtics, so I don't know why people defend him.

[Hears All]

Oh yeah he doesn't deserve that...he should be payed more. He's a great player, who could have done alot for the Clippers but they would rather trade him away for a bunch of popcorn farts.

Telfair and Madsen are most likely going to make the Clippers better. Q-Rich is garbage, he averages roughly 10ppg and 4rpg. Hes a giant ball and chain to any team he's on, he got traded so much because he gets paid so much and hes on his last year of his contract

[NoodleZ]

Stephon Marbury is a piece of crap, he was one of my favorite knicks players but I can't stand him now. He didn't do crap for the Celtics, so I don't know why people defend him.

he was my favorite suns player

[Blueranger]

Telfair and Madsen are most likely going to make the Clippers better. Q-Rich is garbage, he averages roughly 10ppg and 4rpg. Hes a giant ball and chain to any team he's on, he got traded so much because he gets paid so much and hes on his last year of his contract

Garbage? He was the best player when he was with Phoenix. He may have lost most of his spark due to injuries but he's FAR from injuries and he hasn't been in trouble with the NBA not once unlike Telfair who was in trouble with a gun charge. Mark Madsen won't do **** for the Clippers and any NBA fan knows this.

[RyanRXP]

Telfair and Madsen are most likely going to make the Clippers better. Q-Rich is garbage, he averages roughly 10ppg and 4rpg. Hes a giant ball and chain to any team he's on, he got traded so much because he gets paid so much and hes on his last year of his contract

Q is a very good player. He might not be one of the elite 3-point shooters anymore but he is good with his back to the basket and he is still a very good defender, plus he is a leader out on the court.

Telfair won't get much time unless Davis gets injured and Mark won't do much at all. Unless the Clippers are set on trading Davis this move makes no sense.


I know Q-Rich is pretty pissed. Could you imagine being traded 3 times during the off season. The Clippers a retards just for that move alone.

He avoids the Clippers, no one is ever mad when they avoid going to the Clippers.



Stephon Marbury is a piece of crap, he was one of my favorite knicks players but I can't stand him now. He didn't do crap for the Celtics, so I don't know why people defend him.

He missed 95% of the season last year, no one can miss that much time and not lose a few steps. If D'antoni didn't bench him he would have had a great season. He was under 200 lbs for the first time since he was with the Wolves, and in the preseason, he was averaging around 15 points and around 30 minutes off the bench. The bottom line is that he was in for a great season but never got the chance because of a coach who didn't even want to give him the chance to play.

[Legacy]

I dont know how valuabvle this is, btu this is apparently the video of Lebron being dunked on.

http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=f21ecae1-4984-4ba4-9216-94ee996cd4c1

[Blueranger]

It's ridiculous that Nike actually felt people would not buy Lebron's shoes cause of that crappy tape.

[RyanRXP]

Miller Update:


Free-agent point guard Andre Miller (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=557) has signed with the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=por), the team announced on Friday.

Miller's contract is a three-year deal worth $21 million, with $14 million guaranteed and $7 million included as a third-year team option, sources close to the process said.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4354227


USA Update:


LAS VEGAS -- Pencil in Kevin Durant (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3202) for a spot on the 2010 version of Team USA.
Better yet, put it in ink.
Team USA coach Mike Krzyzewski singled out Durant and showered him with praise following the first day of a three-day minicamp for a group of 20 young players trying to make the senior national team.
Durant was the most dominant player on the floor in the team's 12-minute scrimmage after the squad spent the bulk of Thursday's practice working on drills. Friday's practice was expected to be more focused on scrimmaging.
"Everyone who was watching from our group said you could tell that Durant was a little bit on a mission -- and that's good for them to see that; it picks everybody up," Krzyzewski said. "He's that versatility guy, and the other thing is he's a shooter, and with the way we were playing defense for most of the Olympics, with his length, he could be a heck of a
defender.
"So he's really at the head of the list for me."

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=4352887

Memphis Update:


Suddenly, another power forward has become available on the unrestricted free-agent landscape -- and it could impact Allen Iverson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=366)'s chances of possibly playing for the Memphis Grizzlies (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mem) next season.
That power forward is Hakim Warrick (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2794), who was taken by surprise Thursday night when the Grizzlies rescinded their $3 million qualifying offer to him to give themselves more flexibility on the free-agent market.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4354901


Nets Update:


EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- New Jersey Nets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=njn) owner Bruce Ratner has been getting feelers from individuals interested in buying a piece of the struggling NBA team that hopes to move to Brooklyn in 2011.
"We have received interest from potential investors in the team," Nets chief executive Brett Yormark said in a statement the team sent on Friday. "That interest is growing as it is clear that we are moving to Brooklyn. Our ownership group is as committed as ever to the success of the Nets and to the Barclays Center."
A real estate developer who heads Forest City Ratner, Ratner bought the Nets in 2004. The team has seen its attendance drop the past two years as it missed the playoffs.
Despite the troubled economy, Ratner has never expressed an interested in selling the team.
However, Rod Thorn has cut salary over the same span, trading Jason Kidd (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=429), Richard Jefferson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1006) and Vince Carter (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=136), who was dealt to Orlando last month.
Ratner must start construction of the arena by the end of 2009 to qualify for tax-exempt bonds. The Nets have maintained that they will break ground before the deadline and move into the new arena for the 2011-12 season.
The arena is part of a project known as Atlantic Yards, where more than a dozen skyscrapers are planned on a 22-acre site. The project has been stalled by financing problems in a crippled real estate market, high-priced designs and lawsuits by residents opposing the use of some condemned property to build the arena. New York's top appeals court has agreed to hear a challenge to the state's use of eminent domain to obtain all the land for the project.
Ratner recently released Frank Gehry from designing the arena and all the other buildings in the project.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4354504


Raptors Update:


The Toronto Raptors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=tor) have come to an agreement in principle on a one-year contract with free-agent center Rasho Nesterovic (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=598), a source close to the process told ESPN.com
The deal is worth $1.9 million according to the source. The Raptors will use what is termed their bi-annual exception to sign Nesterovic.
The 33-year-old center played for the Raptors from 2006-2008 before being traded to the Pacers last season in the Jermaine O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=615) trade. Nesterovic helps shore up the Raptors in the middle and he's expected to come off the bench behind Andrea Bargnani (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2987).

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4354954



I dont know how valuabvle this is, btu this is apparently the video of Lebron being dunked on.

http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=f21ecae1-4984-4ba4-9216-94ee996cd4c1 (http://www.tmz.com/videos?autoplay=true&mediaKey=f21ecae1-4984-4ba4-9216-94ee996cd4c1)

That is not the tape, but they are giving back the tapes now:


CLEVELAND -- Nike says it is returning videotapes it confiscated of NBA star LeBron James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1966) getting dunked on at a recent basketball camp.
Nike said it is giving back tapes to two accredited journalists who filmed Xavier's Jordan Crawford dunking over James during a recent pickup game at a skills academy run by the superstar at the University of Akron. The sports apparel giant said only one of the tapes captured the infamous dunk, which has been an Internet sensation

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4353489

[Blueranger]

I'm really getting sick of this Nike videotape crap.

[lpmoora]

I'm really getting sick of this Nike videotape crap.

Yeah, it's really getting old. Lebron is a human after all, it's such a big deal for no reason.

[RyanRXP]

Hornets Update:



The Hornets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=nor) and Bobcats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=cha) are in advanced discussions on a trade that would send center Tyson Chandler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=984) to Charlotte in exchange for fellow big man Emeka Okafor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2399), according to NBA front-office sources.
It was not immediately known if the teams are ready to complete the swap -- or if the deal would expand to include other players or teams -- but sources close to the process said talks featuring Chandler and Okafor as the main components have been ongoing since late last week.


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359609



Wade Update:


MIAMI -- Miami Heat (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mia) guard Dwyane Wade (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1987) is embroiled in a multimillion-dollar legal mess with former business partners that could prove costly for the NBA star.
A deal to open a restaurant chain -- D. Wade's Place -- which Wade and a friend, Marcus Andrews, hoped would go nationwide barely got off the ground. And now those former business associates claim Wade walked away from a binding contract.

Wade has also filed a $100 million libel lawsuit against von Houtman over e-mails his former partner sent to Heat president Pat Riley.

All this comes as the 27-year-old Wade is going through a messy divorce from his wife, Siohvaughn, and an arbitration proceeding over claims that he improperly walked away from a Miami charter school for at-risk kids that was supposed to bear his name.

The original plan to market a line of T-shirts, according to von Houtman and court documents, quickly turned to talk of upscale, sports-themed restaurants that would sell all sorts of Wade memorabilia. Von Houtman brought in Mark Rodberg, who had experience in developing restaurants, and the two of them inked the D. Wade's Place deal with Wade and Andrews on Aug. 6, 2007.
Wade was to be paid $1 million as well as receive 10 percent ownership in the venture, with Andrews getting a 2 percent stake. The rest would go to von Houtman and Rodberg.
Wade's agent Henry Thomas -- who had worked with Wade on his Heat contract and endorsements for T-Mobile, Gatorade, Converse and others -- was not in on the deal.
"He was doing this in connection with Marcus and a group of friends that he had indicated to me that he wanted involved in his life to pursue different things," Thomas said in a court deposition.

As the deal progressed, Wade said in his deposition there was talk among the partners of the "Shaq component," bringing in another high-profile NBA star such as Shaquille O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=614), who along with Wade had led the Heat to the 2006 NBA championship.
"They just wanted to get him involved, and wanted me to talk to him about getting him involved," Wade said in his deposition.
There was an incentive: Andrews gave Wade a suitcase from von Houtman with $100,000 in cash as a bonus for O'Neal. Wade said von Houtman also promised him another $100,000, so when O'Neal rejected the restaurant overture Wade kept the cash "like a sign-on bonus," Wade testified.
O'Neal's agent did not respond to email inquiries from the AP about this incident.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359780



Timberwolves update:



OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Minnesota Timberwolves (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=min) picked up point guard Chucky Atkins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=26) from Oklahoma City on Monday in exchange for veteran center Etan Thomas (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=851) and four second-round draft picks next year.
Minnesota also got Oklahoma City guard Damien Wilkins (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2506) in the deal. Timberwolves president of basketball operations David Kahn, who has been busy reshaping the roster he inherited from Kevin McHale, said the swap gives the team flexibility when it comes to the roster.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359294



Bender Update:


Former Indiana Pacers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=ind) teen prodigy Jonathan Bender (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=50) is plotting an NBA comeback after a injury-forced retirement.

Bender left the Pacers midway through the 2005-06 season because of persistent knee troubles that limited him to just 237 games in seven NBA seasons. But he recently revealed his intent to put a growing business career on hold to give professional basketball one more shot.
"My potential is still enormous and I can still do a lot for a team," Bender told ESPN.com. "If it happens, then everything flows. And if it doesn't, at least I tried."
Now 28, Bender has developed various entrepreneurial ventures in Houston and New Orleans. When asked in March 2008 if he missed playing basketball, Bender replied by saying it was a "tough question."
That question, though, has since been answered.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4359580

[PRMistress]

Miami Heat & Orlando Magic fan here...

GO HEAT!
GO MAGIC!

[Mr. Green]

Hornets\Bobcats Update:



CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Hornets (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=nor) have officially found a taker for Tyson Chandler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=984) in the Charlotte Bobcats (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=cha), trading for fellow center Emeka Okafor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2399) and signaling an unexpected shift in thinking that suggests New Orleans does plan to try to keep up with the contenders and spenders in the Western Conference.
Charlotte coach Larry Brown was willing to jettison the Bobcats' first draft pick in a deal involving 26-year-old centers, a trade that brought different financial relief to both teams and hopes they'll thrive under different big men.
The Hornets have been trying to unload the 7-foot-1 Chandler for several months. Last season they sent him to Oklahoma City, but the trade was rescinded after Chandler failed a physical amid concerns over a lingering toe injury.
Brown was willing to gamble on the injury-prone big man. It comes at the expense of Okafor, who at 6-foot-10 is smaller than Chandler and had trouble guarding the NBA's top big men.
"We're getting a young kid who is long and athletic and can play multiple positions and fills a need that we obviously have," Brown said.
But the Hornets were intrigued by Okafor's superior rebounding and durability, giving New Orleans a reliable big man with a longer contract as they try to recover from last season's first-round playoff exit. The deal was consummated just days after star guard Chris Paul (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2779) wondered aloud about the Hornets' relative inactivity this offseason at the NBA's annual summer league in Las Vegas.
"We looked at this trade as an opportunity to improve our team," Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins said. "Tyson brings that unique level of athleticism in a 7-footer that puts us in a position to compete night in and night out with the other quality centers in the league."


http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4361334

[RyanRXP]

Free agent forward Lamar Odom (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=617) will return to the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lal), an NBA source said Thursday.
One source with knowledge of the talks told ESPN.com the four-year deal is worth $33 million if the Lakers exercise the final season.
One source close to the process said Odom will come away with a guaranteed $27 million from the new contract, matching the original value of the three-year, $27 million deal Lakers owner Jerry Buss pulled off the table earlier this month.
It's believed that the structure of the new deal calls for Odom to earn $25 million over the first three seasons, with the Lakers owing him $2 million in the fourth year if they elect not to pick up their team option.
Reached Thursday evening, Odom's agent Jeff Schwartz declined to discuss specifics but confirmed that the sides have an agreement in principle.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4367213

[Hears All]

Raptors just traded Devan George for Marco Bellinelli

[RyanRXP]

Raptors just traded Devan George for Marco Bellinelli


The Toronto Raptors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=tor) have traded small forward Devean George (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=267) for Golden State Warriors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=gsw)' guard Marco Belinelli (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3190).
George, 31, was part of the complex four-team deal that landed the Dallas Mavericks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=dal)' Shawn Marion (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=510) earlier this summer.
Belinelli, a teammate with Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=2987) on the Italian national squad, missed 25 games because of injury and was nearly dealt in a draft-night trade to Phoenix to acquire Amare Stoudemire (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=1727).
Belinelli, 23, played sparingly as a rookie and at the start of last season, but other injuries forced the Warriors to play him consistently and he had a 13-game stretch where he averaged 16 points and shot better than 50 percent in eight of those games. He also made 46 of his last 113 3-point attempts (40.7 percent.).

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4365317

[Hears All]

Im so excited hearing all these awesome moves Toronto is making! Our years of underachieving is over! Expect us to atleast be in second round this year :D

[Legacy]

Hey Ryan is it ture that the Wizards signed Fabricio Oberto?

EDIT: He sure is! w00t!!!! *dances*

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/sports/wizards/index.html?nid=roll_nba

[Blueranger]

Apparently the Knicks are in serious talks with Jason Williams. That's not saying much right now since they almost picked up Jason Kidd and Andre Miller but failed.

I'm not sure if getting him would really help, he pretty much lost the speed and quickness he had after his run with the Miami Heat.

[RyanRXP]

Apparently the Knicks are in serious talks with Jason Williams. That's not saying much right now since they almost picked up Jason Kidd and Andre Miller but failed.

I'm not sure if getting him would really help, he pretty much lost the speed and quickness he had after his run with the Miami Heat.

The Knicks have exclusive rights to negotiations with him untill August 6th. Apparently Memphis is also interested in him.


The New York Knicks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=nyk) have been awarded exclusive rights to negotiate with veteran guard Jason Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=933) through Aug. 6 after putting in a waiver claim Friday, according to NBA front-office sources.
All 30 teams were notified Friday that the Knicks will have five business days, until next Thursday, to offer Williams a contract. Without an offer in that time frame that meets league guidelines, Williams would then become an unrestricted free agent.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4369594


The Knicks are also looking into Iverson, and it looks like Williams is not going to affect a deal for Sessions or Iverson.



It is believed that the Knicks' pursuit of Williams is separate from their well-chronicled interest in Milwaukee Bucks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=mil) restricted free agent Ramon Sessions (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?playerId=3231), who is soon expected to sign an offer sheet with the Knicks.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4369594



Ramon Sessions (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Ramon+Sessions) could receive a contract offer from the Knicks (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/New+York+Knicks) as early as Friday, assuming they don't have a change of heart and shift their point-guard focus to Allen Iverson (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Allen+Iverson).
Mike D'Antoni (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Mike+D'Antoni) is said to favor Sessions, a restricted free agent who enjoyed a breakout season for Milwaukee (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Milwaukee+Bucks) last year. However, Iverson could be a cheaper alternative because the perennial All-Star is willing to accept a one-year contract that would cost the Knicks their $5.85 million mid-level exception. Sessions, 23, is hoping to receive a multi-year contract starting with the mid-level exception. The Bucks would have seven days to match the offer.
According to a team source, Knicks president Donnie Walsh (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Donnie+Walsh) and Iverson's agent, Leon Rose (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Leon+Rose), met two weeks ago to discuss the possibility of Iverson joining the Knicks. Iverson had a subpar year last season with Detroit (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Detroit+Pistons) and desperately wants to salvage his career.
Although Walsh is responsible for signing players he also values D'Antoni's opinion. For example, Walsh had D'Antoni meet with free agent point guard Jamaal Tinsley (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Jamaal+Tinsley) on Wednesday in New York. Tinsley remains a long-shot option.
The Knicks would sign Iverson only if D'Antoni endorsed the move. Iverson, 34, has a history of clashing with head coaches, which would obviously concern D'Antoni. However, there is also a feeling that Iverson will thrive in D'Antoni's free-flowing offense.
Plus, signing Iverson would generate buzz for the Knicks, who have thus far been shut out in the free agent market. They failed to land Jason Kidd (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Jason+Kidd), Grant Hill (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Grant+Hill) and Andre Miller (http://www.nydailynews.com/topics/Andre+Miller). In fact, the Knicks have yet to sign a player in what is historically the busiest month for transactions.


http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/2009/07/31/2009-07-31_knicks_options_are_sessions_iverson.html

[RyanRXP]

Protecting their six-year, $66 million investment in Tony Parker, the Spurs on Friday summoned their point guard back to San Antonio so their medical staff can examine injuries Parker suffered a week ago in France.
Parker has been training with and competing forLes Bleus, the French national team, as they prepare for a six-team tournament that will determine the final qualifier for the European championships. The Eurobasket tournament is in Poland in September.
Parker collided with an Austrian player in a game in Strasbourg, France, on July 23, leaving the court on crutches after injuring both his right thigh and ankle. An MRI exam showed no ligament damage, but the Spurs this week requested Parker's return so they could perform their own tests.
Spurs general manager R.C. Buford, responding by text message to a question about the need for Parker to return to San Antonio, said the Spurs were “being cautious” with the three-time NBA All-Star, who led the Spurs in scoring in both the regular season (22.0 points per game) and playoffs (28.6).
Pointing out that the French team does not play again until Wednesday, when it takes on Italy as part of the Eurobasket play-in tournament, Buford said the tests, scheduled for today, will let the Spurs “know what we're dealing with.”
In a media release issued by the French team, Parker was quoted as saying he did not understand the Spurs' insistence that he return to San Antonio. Noting that a representative of the Spurs' training staff had been on the scene in France this week, he said he didn't like having to leave the national team.
“Honestly, I don't understand this decision, because of all the tests done with the French doctors and the Spurs,” Parker was quoted in the release. “I regret what is going on.
“I am obligated to follow what my (NBA) club wants me to do, but I hope to come back (to France) as soon as possible to participate in the qualification with the French national team.”
Parker has had previous ankle injuries, adding to the Spurs' concerns. In the summer of 2007, he sprained his left ankle while training with the French team, missing most of the preseason. He missed 13 regular-season games in 2007-08, all because of left ankle problems.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/52233317.html

[Blueranger]

Bruce Bowen released from Bucks


Defensive stalwart Bruce Bowen has been released by the Milwaukee Bucks and will be an unrestricted free agent next week if he clears waivers.

The Bucks announced the move Friday night after their monthlong attempts to trade him -- including talks this week with the Denver Nuggets -- did not result in a deal.

Bowen's full $4 million salary for next season would have been guaranteed if he was not released by Aug. 1. The Bucks will save half that amount by waiving Bowen and paying him the required $2 million buyout stipulated in Bowen's contract.

Bowen, 38, joined the Spurs in the summer of 2001 and was part of three championship teams (2003, '05 and '07) in his eight seasons in San Antonio. It's believed that a return to the Spurs in free agency is highly unlikely but contenders such as Orlando, Cleveland and Boston have been mentioned as potential suitors for Bowen.

The Bucks have tried all month to trade the veteran stopper since acquiring him from San Antonio on June 23 as part of a three-team trade that sent Richard Jefferson to the Spurs and also netted Kurt Thomas from San Antonio and Amir Johnson from Detroit. Fabricio Oberto went from the Spurs to the Pistons to complete the trade. It was understood from the start that Milwaukee would waive Bowen if it could not utilize him in a trade in July.

Via his Twitter account Friday night, Bowen wrote: "Just got off the plane [and] got word that I will not be in Milwaukee for Christmas!"

Bowen was one of five NBA players waived Friday, joining Boston guard Gabe Pruitt, Los Angeles Clippers guard Mike Taylor, Los Angeles Lakers swingman Sun Yue and fellow Buck Salim Stoudamire. All five players will be unrestricted free agents if they are not claimed by another team before 6 p.m. ET next Friday.

Marc Stein is a senior NBA writer for ESPN.com.


Well, they had a nice chance to make the Playoffs...now they screwed it up.

Ramon Sessions update:


There were strong indications Thursday night that the New York Knicks were assembling the final details of an offer sheet they believe will ultimately land Milwaukee Bucks restricted free agent Ramon Sessions.

Terms of the proposed deal were not immediately available, but NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that the Bucks were indeed bracing for the offer sheet and also more likely to pool the free-agent cash they're prepared to spend this summer to try to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers to the signature of athletic power forward Hakim Warrick rather than matching what's coming to Sessions from the Knicks.

One trusted source insists that the Knicks believe they can extend Sessions far enough to dissuade Milwaukee from matching but without affecting their well-chronicled strategy to leave enough salary-cap space to recruit one maximum-salaried free agent in the summer of 2010. An offer sheet to a restricted free agent must be for at least two years, but it remains unclear how much of New York's $5.9 million mid-level exception Sessions would receive.

Committing the next two seasons (or more) to Sessions, after fruitless free-agent flirtations with Jason Kidd and Grant Hill earlier this month, becomes easier for the Knicks to stomach if restricted free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson indeed return on one-year contracts bumped into the $6 million range. Lee and Robinson would thus become unrestricted free agents next summer while helping the Knicks maintain maximum flexibility.

ESPN.com reported earlier Thursday evening that Warrick, who was transformed from a restricted free agent to an unrestricted free agent last week when the Grizzlies withdrew their qualifying offer, was deciding between Cleveland, Philadelphia and Milwaukee and preparing to choose his new team as early as Friday.

He averaged 11.6 points and 5.0 rebounds last season for the Grizz. If the Cavs could add Warrick to Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon -- with their $2 million bi-annual exception to offer, as Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer helpfully reminds -- that would be three interesting bargains to supplement their trade for Shaquille O'Neal and the pricey re-signing of Anderson Varejao.

Outbidding Cleveland for Warrick, though, would still be far cheaper for the Bucks than trying to win the Sessions game. Milwaukee would still have rookie Brandon Jennings and Luke Ridnour at point guard if the Warrick-over-Sessions signals prove true.

Although the Los Angeles Clippers continue to prefer Sessions over Allen Iverson and other combo guards they've looked at, L.A. expects Sessions to favor signing with the Knicks because he's a lock to start in New York and highly likely to get more money there, too. He'd be a third guard in L.A. behind Baron Davis and Eric Gordon.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=Chatter-090730

[Hears All]

I like Roman Sessions, good work for NY if they pick him up