Navigation
Contact
Buy the Book
All 518 Daily Articles for Basketball News Services
This is an archive of all the shorter, team-specific articles I wrote for Basketball News Services, an average of two or three per day.
Also see the list of 79 weekly articles, which are longer, more analytical columns.
- When Cat Roars, Rockets Soar
- Cuttino Mobley wants to see his name in lights. He wants fans screaming his name and billboards the size of a grizzly bear bearing his likeness. He wants to be an All-Star, a Hall-of-Famer, a legend. He wants to be the best. If he keeps playing like he did last night -- 31 points on 10-of-17 shooting including 6-for-9 from beyond the arc in a 97-86 win over New Orleans -- he'll get there. Complete Article (20040312 - Houston) »
- Can the Spurs Still Get the Top Seed?
- Of the Spurs' remaining 17 games, only seven are on the road, with ten at home. Extrapolating by their record-to-date, that means they should get seven or eight home victories plus four or five road victories, thus ending the season 56-26,and it wouldn't take anything other than what they've been doing all season. On the other hand, if they take care of business against weaker opponents and step up their games in just six key games, they could virtually clinch the top seed in the division, the conference, and the league. Complete Article (20040312 - San Antonio) »
- Rockets Don't Deserve a Playoff Berth
- The Rockets lost 99-97 to the Phoenix Suns, the worst team in the Western conference, a team that can't seem to beat anybody in the league except the Houston Rockets. There's no other way to put it: the Houston Rockets just don't deserve to go to the playoffs. They'll waste everybody's time there and just get eliminated in the first round. Give someone else a chance; even the Phoenix Suns have a chance to make some waves. They did, after all, nearly knock off the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs in last year's first round. Does anyone really expect these Rockets to upset anybody except their coach? Complete Article (20040316 - Houston) »
- Spurs Minus MVP Are Less than Warriors
- The Spurs continue to lose with reigning MVP Tim Duncan, dropping the latest game by a 97-80 margin to the otherwise woeful Golden State Warriors. If only one of the Warriors had had some kind of monster game, or even if there were some overwhelming turnovers committed by the Spurs, then you could chalk it up to a one-day lapse, or just plain bad luck. Perhaps if the game had been close and a shot had rattled in and out, or a desperation shot by the Warriors had sunk the Spurs, then you could think, fine, it just wasn't meant to be this night, we gave it our best, what can you do. Instead, the only excuse the Spurs can look to is that they were tired on the second of a back-to-back road game after a loss in Sacramento. Complete Article (20040316 - San Antonio) »
- Time for Jazz to Get Physical
- Over their next five games, the Jazz face an underwhelming cast of teams that they should be able to triumph over. That could potentially mean that when the Jazz face the Nuggets for their fourth and final meeting of the season on March 27, they would be in the midst of a five game winning streak, and snapping at Denver's heels for the playoffs. That, plus revenge, should be more than enough motivation for Utah to play their game their way. Complete Article (20040316 - Utah) »
- Yao v. Shaq VI Brings Lifetime Series to 3-3
- In last night's episode of Yao vs. Shaq, the sixth in the lifetime series so far, the little guy Shaquille O'Neal, underdog and lilliputian, worked hard to contain the much taller Yao Ming, and succeeded. Yao just had a bad night while being defended almost solely by Shaq without a double-team in sight. He finished with just six points on 3-of-15 shooting, and the Lakers got their tenth consecutive victory by beating the Houston Rockets 93-85. The biggest difference in the game was getting to the line: the Rockets got 16 free throws attempts while the Lakers got 42. Complete Article (20040402 - Houston) »
- Idle Jazz Cling to Eighth Spot But Face Spurs Tonight
- With Portland's victory over the Sixers last night, the Jazz find themselves with the exact same record as the Blazers, and each only half a game ahead of the Denver Nuggets, but the Jazz are clinging to the secondary tie-breaker with Portland of having a better conference record. Hence, the Jazz are just barely in the eighth spot right now. Let's hope they don't have to face any tough opponents in these last few days of the regular season. Who's up tonight? Oh, the defending world champion San Antonio Spurs. Complete Article (20040402 - Utah) »
- Can Maverick Small Ball Beat All?
- Don Nelson's small ball lineup has won its fourth straight game, beating the tired and depleted Phoenix Suns 124-103 on Saturday. Dirk Nowitzki had 34 points in 34 minutes on 14-of-22 shooting to lead all scorers while Steve Nash tallied up 14 assists. The Mavericks as a team passed the ball well, getting a total of 37 assists. Even Antoine Walker got into the swing of playing center, attempting just two three-pointers instead of his usual six hundred. He missed both but was 5-for-8 overall from the field en route to a near double-double with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Unfortunately for Dallas, their small-ball lineup would face the biggest and most dominant obstacle in basketball in the very first round of the playoffs if they started today. The Mavericks would have to try to beat the Lakers on their home court, and they would have to do it with Walker guarding Shaquille O'Neal. Walker had a difficult enough time trying to guard Kenyon Martin in series past, how would he do against Shaq? Complete Article (20040405 - Dallas) »
- Nuggets Rout Houston, Carmelo Chats Today
- On Friday night, Denver scored more in regulation than any other opponent Houston has faced all season. With their 110 points, the Nuggets showed the Rockets that the running and passing game is not just a crowd-pleasing gimmick but a powerful basketball strategy. The Nuggets had eight players in double-figures as they beat the Rockets 110-100. Every Nugget who scored got at least 10 points, with Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby getting team-high scoring honors with 20 points apiece. At 2pm MT (4pm ET) today, Carmelo Anthony will chat online. He appears in many of his quotes to be a cocky rookie but really he is probably as nice a guy as anybody else facing the same insecurities and challenges. Today's NEWS@ Midwest Report contains some pointers for his question-and-answer period to help him avoid appearing cock-sure and overconfident. As the West Coast counterpart in what is supposed to be the next Magic-Larry rivalry, Carmelo could take some pointers from Magic Johnson about how to praise teammates, coaches, and opponents, rather than constantly promoting yourself. Complete Article (20040405 - Denver) »
- Sloan Looks to Bench to Beat Clippers
- Head coach Jerry Sloan was not happy with the play of his starters so he looked to his bench to start the second half and play with passion and vigor, and they came through. The Jazz beat the Clippers 97-92 last night at Staples Center. Mikki Moore, Raja Bell, and Maurice Wiliams got oodles of playing time to help the Jazz overcome a 40-34 halftime deficit. Meanwhile, Greg Ostertag, Tom Gugliotta, and Raul Lopez combined for just 24 minutes of playing time. Complete Article (20040405 - Utah) »
- Can Mavs Still Get Home Court Advantage?
- The final stretch of games has arrived for Dallas, and the sixth-seeded Mavericks are in virtually no danger of slipping to the seventh seed, yet are only half a game behind Memphis for the fifth seed, and are still within optimistic striking distance of San Antonio for the fourth seed and the coveted home court advantage. For Dallas in particular, playing at home vs. playing on the road is the difference between winning and losing. Dallas has the best home record in the league, with only five losses and a whopping 33 wins, but they have only won 15 road games while dropping 23. For Dallas, home court advantage could mean the difference between going home in the first round or sticking around for the second. Does the schedule give them a real opportunity to get that fourth seed? Complete Article (20040406 - Dallas) »
- A Nugget of Wisdom: How to Be Rookie of the Year
- After an unfortunate incident two weeks ago in Detroit in which Carmelo Anthony refused to return to the court in the fourth quarter, an uncharacteristically unprofessional act by Carmelo, he realized that his chances of winning or sharing the Rookie of the Year award with LeBron James was all but shot. Though his numbers are comparable to LeBron's, he is just slightly below him in virtually every category. However, there is one way that Carmelo could skyrocket his chances of getting or sharing the award, or at least ensure a much better justification for feeling underappreciated. That one, secret way? Make the playoffs. Complete Article (20040406 - Denver) »
- Don't Count Dallas Out
- The Mavericks outran, outrebounded, out-free-throwed, and basically outplayed and outlasted the Sonics last night to oust them 118-108. Steve Nash continued his outpouring of assists with 14 and Marquis Daniels started out in just his ninth game of the season. You get the feeling something went out? So do the Memphis Grizzlies. With their fifth straight win, the Mavericks have now tied the Grizzlies for the fifth spot in the playoffs. Right now, Memphis wins the tiebreaker, but if Dallas beats them next Tuesday to even the series, the Mavericks currently lead the second tiebreaker with a better conference record. What does that mean? It means this late surge the Mavericks are putting on has them with a good chance of getting the fifth spot, and still within enough striking distance of fourth to keep the Spurs on their toes. Complete Article (20040407 - Dallas) »
- The Buzz About Coach Buzz
- What's all the buzz about Coach Buzz? The Denver Nuggets have won more games than they lost for the first time since Stan Kroenke bought the franchise during the offseason before the 2000-2001 season, and they've done it despite being in the toughest division in the tougher conference. Head coach Jeff Bzdelik is a candidate for Coach of the Year. Yet despite all their progress, the simple fact that GM Kiki Vandeweghe will not address coach Buzz's status for next year seems to have many observers buzzing "replacement." All those insects should bug off. Coach Buzz ain't going anywhere. The reason, based on financial option pricing theory, is in today's NEWS@ Midwest Report. Complete Article (20040407 - Denver) »
- For Jazz, Any More After Four?
- The Utah Jazz have just four regular season games left. The question on everybody's minds is, will they play after that? Each of their main rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Denver Nuggets, have five games, and both have one game tonight. Probably nothing will be clinched until the last game of the regular season; until then, we can all watch with clenched teeth. Complete Article (20040407 - Utah) »
- Mavs Have Finesse But Jazz Can Get Physical
- Tonight's Dallas game between the Mavericks and the Jazz means a lot more to Utah than it does to Dallas. If Dallas prevails, all they will be able to say is that they downed yet another lottery or near-lottery team. But if Utah prevails, they draw ever closer to their dream of making it to the Western Conference playoffs. Tonight's game will be a battle between the finesse and fast pace of small ball where the only thing rarer than game-stopping whistles are missed shots, and the physical and scrappy play of Sloan ball where the only thing more common than fouls is rebounds. Complete Article (20040408 - Dallas) »
- Nuggets Beat Suns to Grab Eighth Again
- Denver beat a team that dressed only eight players and was missing one of its stars, yet the victory is still something to be proud of. The Nuggets defeated the unfortunate Phoenix Suns 111-96 last night to squeeze into the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. All three teams have exactly identical records but Denver owns tiebreakers against both rivals Utah and Portland. In last night's game, Carmelo Anthony exploded for 36 points and 11 rebounds to lead the way. Complete Article (20040408 - Denver) »
- Nuggets Pumped Up for Pivotal Weekend
- The Denver Nuggets fell asleep with the barest of leads over the Utah Jazz for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot and woke up with an additional half-game margin over the Jazz and within 2 games of Houston, who they face tonight. A win tonight and tomorrow night against their other rivals, the Portland Trail Blazers, would be a huge boost for Denver's playoff chances, head coach Jeff Bzdelik's Coach of the Year chances, Earl Boykins's Sixth Man of the Year chances, and Carmelo Anthony's Rookie or Co-Rookie of the Year chances. In other words, to put it bluntly, the Nuggets are pumped up for this pivotal weekend. Complete Article (20040409 - Denver) »
- Turns Out Enough Talent Beats Even Hustle
- The Jazz dropped an important game to the Mavericks last night, getting run out of Dallas's building 117-94 with their tails between their legs. As Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan told multiple sources, Dallas destroyed Utah last night, and it was because of the Mavericks imposing talent, pure and simple. Sloan didn't especially fault the Jazz's effort, instead saying that Dallas is an extraordinarily talented team and should have won more than it has this season. The loss drops the Jazz to the tenth spot in the playoff standings, half a game behind Denver and Portland, who square off against each other tomorrow night while the Jazz take on the currently seventh-seeded Rockets. Complete Article (20040409 - Utah) »
- Why the Rockets Clinched
- The Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 106-103 Friday night to clinch their first playoff berth since the lockout-shortened 1998-1999 season. Elated, overconfident, or just doing their best to keep the Nuggets out of the playoffs, the Rockets lost to the Utah Jazz 82-69 the next day, keeping the drama for eighth place alive. Indeed the drama is so strong that if the Rockets lose their last two games, there's a good chance they will be occupying the bottom seed of the Western Conference postseason standings. In fact, the Rockets would not even have clinched the playoffs if it weren't for Denver's March 14 victory over Utah. Complete Article (20040412 - Houston) »
- Jazz are Half a Game Back With Two Games to Play
- The Utah Jazz waved off early elimination on Saturday with a huge 82-69 victory over the Houston Rockets, beating the team that beat the Nuggets the night before. But the transitive property isn't going to be enough for the Jazz to get into the playoffs. Although Utah and Denver have the same number of wins and losses, because Denver owns the tiebreaker, Utah is essentially half a game behind. In order for them to make the postseason, they need to win more of their remaining two games than Denver wins of its remaining two games. A win by Denver and a loss by Utah tonight is all that is needed to clinch the playoffs for the Nuggets and secure an early summer for the Jazz, and though the Jazz face the top-seeded Western Conference team on the road in Minnesota, Denver's task is not much easier, as they host the second-place Kings. Complete Article (20040412 - Utah) »
- Rockets Seal Seventh Seed
- Playing without a backcourt that is nursing injuries, the Houston Rockets beat the Seattle SuperSonics 111-107 to seal the seventh seed in the postseason. The two Jacksons, Mark and Jim, led the way as the replacement backcourt with a combined 47 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists. The Rockets will now face either the Kings or the Lakers in the playoffs. Houston has just one meaningless game left, a home game against intrastate rivals Dallas Mavericks. What would it take for us to see a Yao-Shaq matchup in the playoffs? Complete Article (20040413 - Houston) »
- Spurs Can Still Catch Wolves
- The Spurs extended their league-best winning streak to ten games with a 78-66 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. They are now just one game behind division leading Minnesota for both the Midwest division title and the number one seed in the Western Conference. Complete Article (20040413 - San Antonio) »
- Utah Loses Game and Postseason Dreams
- The Utah Jazz had the poor luck of having to play against the one man in the NBA that steps up every single night for every single game. Kevin Garnett would go all-out even playing against toddlers. Unfortunately, the Jazz did not equal that intensity, and lacking their trademark hustle, the Jazz fell 104-90 to the Timberwolves. Because Denver won last night, Utah is now eliminated from the postseason after a string of 20 straight playoff appearances, and will participate in the draft lottery for the first time in franchise history. Should Jerry Sloan be eliminated from consideration as Coach of the Year? Complete Article (20040413 - Utah) »
- Rockets Will Face Lakers or Kings
- This is it -- the last time we can speculate about who the Rockets will face in the first round. After tonight, the bracket will be etched in stone, forever available in the History section of the NBA's web site. Will it be Yao vs. Shaq? Or Yao vs. Vlade? A Rockets-Lakers series could be one for the ages, one that our grandchildren will be watching on the History channel. For an optimistic estimate of the probability of such a matchup, read today's NEWS@ Midwest report. Complete Article (20040414 - Houston) »
- Salt Lake City Full of Tears
- The Utah Jazz are going home after tonight. No more practices, no more games, no more film sessions. There goes Jerry Sloan's chances for Coach of the Year; there goes Andrei Kirilenko's chances for Most Improved and Best Defensive Player. Who would vote for players and coaches on teams that aren't even in the playoffs? No legends will be told of this team, no songs composed. Utah's Salt Lake will get a little saltier as more tears are shed, but Jazz fans worldwide now have an unfamiliar task ahead of them: calculating the odds of Utah getting the number one pick. Complete Article (20040414 - Utah) »
- Yao vs. Shaq in Playoffs! Oh, and Rockets Lost to Mavs
- Yesterday I calculated that the odds of a Yao vs. Shaq playoff series was optimistically a coin toss, or 50%. Kobe proved that prediction right. The Kings lost to the Warriors despite a late surge by Sacramento and the Lakers won on a Kobe Bryant shot at the buzzer in double-overtime. That sounds like the definition of 50% to me. Thanks to Kobe's heroics, Yao Ming will face him and Shaquille O'Neal in a matchup that couldn't be more exciting, and is probably the best matchup the Rockets could have hoped for, as they split the regular season series with the Lakers. Oh, and in other news, the Rockets dropped a meaningless 92-89 contest to Dallas in their last game of the regular season. Complete Article (20040415 - Houston) »
- The Swan Song in Jazz Minor
- The Jazz turned out not to have enough air in their trumpets for the postseason and in their finale encore game, they just wanted to go out on a winning note. Unfortunately, Phoenix was singing a different tune. The Jazz's unfinished symphony ended on a minor chord as the Suns beat them 89-84. Complete Article (20040415 - Utah) »
- Time for Stevie Franchise Experiment to Pay Off
- Steve Francis and Jeff Van Gundy have been at odds all season about how to best utilize Francis's quickness and ability to break down the opponent. Basically the debate comes down to this: Francis wants to do it and Van Gundy won't let him. During the regular season, when Van Gundy was looking to institute better defense, lower turnovers, and more team play, the coach did the right thing in enforcing his rules, sometimes by limiting Francis's playing time. But in the playoffs, all set offenses and defenses can be prepared for and broken down. But it's hard for any team to prepare for the creativity of a Stevie Franchise. Could the playoffs be the payoff from the Steve Francis investment that we've all been waiting for? Complete Article (20040416 - Houston) »
- Will Utah's Big O Go No Mo'?
- Greg Ostertag becomes a free agent July 1. "It is kind of weird to walk in here and think when I walk out that door, it's the last time I'll ever dress in this locker room," he told The Salt Lake Tribune while packing up his belongings and saying goodbye along with his teammates in the Delta Center yesterday. "But you never know." Will this summer mark the end of the nine-year veteran's run with the Jazz? If so, the Jazz would be to wise to consider hawking their salary cap space to teams interested in the Big O as a free agent; they could do a sign-and-trade with a team looking for a meaty center and a way to dump some other contract. Complete Article (20040416 - Utah) »
- Magic Need a Defensive Three, Not Another Young Five
- If next year the Magic are all healthy and Johnny Davis plays his best players in the starting lineup, we will see Grant Hill at point, Tracy McGrady at the two, Pat Garrity at the three, Drew Gooden at the four, and Juwan Howard at the five. Looking at this potential lineup, GM John Weisbrod sees the center spot as the biggest weakness for the club. But really the biggest weakness is the small forward position. Garrity is a great offensive player when healthy, but what the Magic really need is a defensive-minded spot-up shooting wingman like a Raja Bell or even a Bruce Bowen. Complete Article (20040419 - Orlando) »
- Wizards Are Building Up to Up-Tempo
- The best thing the Wizards have going for them is head coach Eddie Jordan. Washington dreams of becoming an exciting and competitive team, able to run with anybody. They want to be the next New Jersey or Sacramento. At first blush it appears the crux of those teams is fast breaks; therefore, the Wizards should play up-tempo ball. That's true, as far as it goes. But the reason their fast breaks work is because the Kings and Nets have great passing veterans at every position and the nucleus of each team has been together for years. Kwame Brown, Gilbert Arenas, Jarvis Hayes, and Jared Jefferies are all 22 years old. That nucleus will likely be together for years to come. So the key to the Wizards prospering as an up-tempo team is coaching stability. The key is Eddie Jordan. Complete Article (20040419 - Washington) »
- Keep Coach Terry Stotts?
- He's not up for nomination as coach of the year, but Terry Stotts has done a great job with the Atlanta Hawks. He was able to coach a team with less talent than Orlando or Chicago to a better record than either of them. He weathered numerous trades and was the team's sole source of stability in a year marred by impatient questions about new ownership. What is it about his approach that had non-stars playing like superstars? Complete Article (20040420 - Atlanta) »
- Warriors Will Be Battling Themselves Next Season
- The Warriors have been building to have salary cap space at the end of next season, and if Nick Van Exel does not opt out (it appears likely he will not), then that is exactly what they will get. His expiring contract could potentially be used as trade bait for other teams looking to get below the cap, but most likely the Warriors just want to have flexibility when the new Collective Bargaining Agreement is signed. Unfortunately, that strategy is likely to result in the lottery again for the Warriors next season, and a lot of bickering: the Warriors may end up battling themselves. Complete Article (20040420 - Golden State) »
- A Bobcat By Any Other Name
- I've always been partial to people with duplicated names, like Boutrous-Boutrous Ghali, the former Secretary General of the UN. It sounds more solid and insistent. I've often considered introducing myself as Philip Philip Maymin but could never summon the courage. Plus, I didn't think anyone would appreciate it as much I do. Do the Charlotte Bobcats share my penchant? It shouldn't be too much of a stretch to think that a team named after its owner would prefer players with storied names. Today's NEWS@ Southeast Report looks at Ruben Boumtje Boumtje, Calvin Booth, Corie Blount, and Travis Best. Complete Article (20040421 - Charlotte) »
- The Break vs. The Paint
- Brian Grant only scored two points in game 1 against the Hornets but New Orleans coach Tim Floyd called him the Most Valuable Player of that game. Why? Because Grant, along with Udonis Haslem, were able to take away the paint, the area where the Hornets were expecting to dominate over the smaller and faster Heat. Yet in game 1, the Heat actually got more points in the paint (34) than the Hornets (28), and a big reason was Grant. Complete Article (20040421 - Miami) »
- Johnny Davis May Get Extended
- Orlando GM John Weisbrod suggested that head coach Johnny Davis may get his contract extended so that he doesn't go into next season as a so-called lame duck. Weisbrod indicated somewhat mysteriously that even if his contract is not extended, Davis will still have control over the players. But is a coach in his last season really powerless to mold his team? Or is the lame duck theory just a red herring? Complete Article (20040422 - Orlando) »
- When Will Kwame Brown Get Sick of the Comparisons?
- With a potentially ridiculous number of high school students going straight to the NBA this year, the worry on every scout and GM's mind is: will this kid be the next Amare or the next Kwame? The GMs in the lottery have to decide between college graduate Emeka Okafor and high schooler Josh Howard for the top pick. Those guys have it the worst. "Man," they shake their head, "I hope Josh Howard's not another Kwame." When will Kwame Brown get sick of all the comparisons and go out and prove everyone wrong? Complete Article (20040422 - Washington) »
- Why Stephen Jackson > Bob Sura > Jason Terry
- Jason Terry is Atlanta's only star, yet the Hawks had two other combo guards - Bob Sura and Stephen Jackson - making less money and producing about as much as Terry. Did Terry's game go down after signing a three-year contract last summer? Or did the other players step up their games in a contract year? Or is head coach Terry Stotts a genius at bringing out backcourt talent? Analysis inside today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040423 - Atlanta) »
- Elden Campbell Back to Charlotte?
- With a bench deeper and taller and stronger than most teams, the Detroit Pistons face quite a challenge in deciding which of their eight non-free agents to protect and which to leave available to the Bobcats for the picking. One possibility is for Detroit to allow Elden Campbell to leave. Campbell, a 16-year-veteran of the league, would be a solid performer and a superior tutor for whatever big man the Bobcats draft with their fourth selection. It would also be a bit of a prodigal son returns for Campbell, as he played for the Charlotte Hornets for four seasons back in the 1999-2002 seasons. Complete Article (20040426 - Charlotte) »
- Heat Fall to Hornets
- The Hornets stung the Heat with their defense, beating them 77-71 as the young Miami team was unable to play its uptempo game on the road in the Big Easy. After scoring 18 fast break points in each of their first two games, the Heat were held to just seven fast break points in their first road game. New Orleans actually got more fast break points (eight) for the first time all series. Miami now leads the series 2-1 with the fourth game tomorrow night. Complete Article (20040426 - Miami) »
- Mutually Beneficial Boston-Orlando Trades
- The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic have been linked in unfulfilled trade talks all season long. Could this summer see some triggers being pulled? Orlando needs more help in the point guard department than either the draft or Grant Hill, who is a more natural swingman, can provide. Meanwhile, they have a slight surplus of power forwards, something the Celtics could use. Plus, the Magic need to consider both possibilities for next season: great improvement or great loss. If they lose McGrady, they'll want to be sitting on expiring contracts so they can be players in the free agency market next offseason. Complete Article (20040427 - Orlando) »
- Big Changes Needed
- Gilbert Arenas is not a pure point guard. Kwame Brown is Kwame Brown. Jerry Stackhouse? Who even knows what's going on there. That leaves Larry Hughes, rookies, and sophomores for your team. The Wizards should examine every deal that comes their way and look to orchestrate themselves: this team needs big, sweeping changes. Complete Article (20040427 - Washington) »
- Terry Stotts to Boston?
- Terry Stotts has been reported as being on the rumored short list for Boston's recently vacated head coaching position. Would he be a good fit there? Read today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040428 - Atlanta) »
- Rivers Runs North
- Doc Rivers has been speculated for virtually every vacant head coaching job, and even some that are not vacant. The most persistent rumor had been that he would go to Atlanta, where he played his best basketball as a player, replacing Terry Stotts. Instead, the Boston Celtics have plucked the former Head Coach of the Year to run their storied franchise. Complete Article (20040429 - Orlando) »
- The Legacy of Kwame Brown is Undone by LeBron James
- After Kwame Brown appeared to be written off as a bust by many observers, it could be argued that fewer high school students than otherwise expected looked to turn pro, despite the fact that he had just been the first ever overall #1 selection to go straight from high school. If, for example, Brown had quickly become a powerful force in the league, that might have convinced others, including Carmelo Anthony, to skip Syracuse altogether. Now, with LeBron James's obvious and immediate superstardom, and with Anthony also only one year out of high school, a record number of high school players are projected to get chosen in the first round. Complete Article (20040429 - Washington) »
- Rivers Runs North
- Doc Rivers had been speculated for virtually every vacant head coaching job, and even some that were not vacant. The most persistent rumor had been that he would go to Atlanta, where he played his best basketball as a player, replacing Terry Stotts. Instead, the Boston Celtics have plucked the former Head Coach of the Year to run their storied franchise, officially introducing him yesterday. Complete Article (20040430 - Orlando) »
- The Legacy of Kwame Brown is Undone by LeBron James
- After Kwame Brown appeared to be written off as a bust by many observers, it could be argued that fewer high school students than otherwise expected looked to turn pro, despite the fact that he had just been the first ever overall #1 selection to go straight from high school. If, for example, Brown had quickly become a powerful force in the league, that might have convinced others, including Carmelo Anthony, to skip Syracuse altogether. Now, with LeBron James's obvious and immediate superstardom, and with Anthony also only one year out of high school, a record number of high school players are projected to get chosen in the first round. Complete Article (20040430 - Washington) »
- Attend Me, Hawk Fans
- Of the 20,300 seats available at Philips Arena, the Hawks averaged 13,798 fans this season and 12,894 last season. That means about one in three seats were empty. If there's a person to the left of you and a person to the right, then you must not be there. Solutions to Atlanta's woes are inside today's NEWS@ Southeast Report. Complete Article (20040503 - Atlanta) »
- Delighting in Detritus
- For the Hornets, building the future may mean profiting from the past. In our continuing look at potential expansion draft prospects, we look at two minor players involved in the blockbuster Antawn Jamison for Nick Van Exel trade: centers Even Eschmeyer and Danny Fortson. We also look at the Lakers' Derek Fisher, a tough, gritty, defensive and explosive point guard who can't be left open for a millisecond, especially when the game is on the line. Complete Article (20040504 - Charlotte) »
- For Home Court, Sweet Home Court, Be Grateful to Grant
- The home team has won every game in what has become the first seven-game series of the 2004 playoffs: the first round matchup between the fourth-seeded Miami Heat and the fifth-seeded New Orleans Hornets. What a difference a win makes. If Miami had lost to New Orleans back on November 25, 2003, instead of winning by four points to notch their fourth win of the season, the Hornets would have had home court advantage in this series. Complete Article (20040504 - Miami) »
- Just What We Need, Another Power Forward
- Why couldn't the best players in the upcoming draft be monstrous centers or lightning quick point guards? Why do the two top picks of Emeka Okafor and Dwight Howard both have to be power forwards or undersized centers, a position that the Magic are already stocked at? The problem, the Magic will find, is that you can't corner the market on big men. Their values do not soar just because you have a lot of them. If you don't take an immediate hit, you will end up doing a firesale later, after many seasons of mediocrity at best. Let's just hope the Magic don't become what the Knicks used to be: a team of eight power forwards. Complete Article (20040505 - Orlando) »
- The Wizards Need a Midrange Shooter and Defender
- Since they've lost Rip Hamilton, the Wizards are the quintessential example of a team that can't shoot or defend the midrange jumper. They can hit threes the same as anyone else, but when it comes to overall field goal percentages, or even free throw percentages, the Wizards are at the bottom of the pile. Complete Article (20040505 - Washington) »
- Expansion Draft Genie Grants Brian Grant
- He's one of only eight starting centers still playing in the postseason, and he's a big reason his team is even in the playoffs. Yet Brian Grant's large salary means he will likely be left unprotected by the Miami Heat. Conventional wisdom says the Bobcats should pass on his $13mm+ annual salary for the next three years. But Grant is a solid, ironman player, and his expiring contract in the third year come be useful trade bait in a year that the Bobcats would be most looking for a blockbuster trade. Grant could be the Rasheed Wallace of the 2006-2007 season. Complete Article (20040506 - Charlotte) »
- Monday Can't Come Soon Enough
- The Heat lost to the Pacers 94-81 at Indiana last night in their second round series opener. The Heat had a 14-0 edge in fast break points and outrebounded the Pacers by eight, but it was Indiana's 50% shooting from the three point line and their 32-18 edge in trips to the charity stripe that gave the Pacers the win. The Heat have yet to win a road game this postseason. The series continues tomorrow in Indiana and comes to Miami on Monday. It can't come soon enough. Complete Article (20040506 - Miami) »
- Othella Harrington's Revenge
- Othella Harrington is a Knick in name only. Harrington was left off of New York's playoff roster and will probably be unprotected in the expansion draft; if the Bobcats don't pick him up, he is likely to be either traded or released, according to published reports. This doesn't sit well with Harrington at all. "Revenge," he recently told The New York Daily News , "is best served cold." Could the Bobcats use a cold-blooded defensive and rebounding machine with a nice hook shot? Could they even finagle some cash out of New York in order to select Harrington? Complete Article (20040510 - Charlotte) »
- Heat Home Court is Sunshine, Lollipops, and Rainbows!
- Over the regular season the Miami Heat had the third-best home record in the Eastern Conference, behind only Indiana and Detroit with 29 victories, but the worst road record of any playoff team, with only 13 victories. In five road games so far this postseason, the Heat haven't won once. But in their four home games so far this postseason, they haven't lost once. The silver lining in being down 2-0 to the Indiana Pacers after a 91-80 loss on Saturday is that they get to come home to Miami tonight, and finally have the building and the fans on their side. Tonight in Miami, the prediction is sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows, and the re-emergence of Eddie Jones. Complete Article (20040510 - Miami) »
- Trade the #1 Pick?
- Apparently it's "well-known" that if the Magic were to win the lottery and get the overall #1 pick, they would be looking to trade it for immediate veteran help. One example of a potential trade in today's Orlando Sentinel is sending Grant Hill plus the #1 to Dallas for Antoine Walker plus filler. Such a trade would involve four mistakes for the Magic: they shouldn't lose Hill, they shouldn't lose the #1 pick, they don't need more power forwards, and they certainly don't need more filler. Complete Article (20040510 - Orlando) »
- Could Del Harris Make a Hawk of Kobe Bryant?
- The argument against Atlanta stealing Del Harris away from Dallas to be the next Hawks head coach is that he's not a big-name draw. No one doubts that he's experienced -- the man has overseen both more wins and more losses than all but about a dozen others. But the Hawks need a big-name. There are few names bigger in all of sports than Kobe Bryant. Harris has the distinction of not only having coached Kobe in Los Angeles, but also Kobe's father in Houston back in 1982-83. Could Harris help draw this offseason's most coveted free agent? Complete Article (20040511 - Atlanta) »
- Please Don't Make Us Draft a Schooler
- The Wizards are cursed with a high lottery pick -- that's right, cursed. The most talented player available to them may well be a high schooler, and they can't bring themselves to draft another schooler. At the same time, they can't bring themselves to draft anyone but the best available talent when it comes to their turn. So what choice do they have but to look to deal their pick? Complete Article (20040511 - Washington) »
- Detroit Demands Asterisk, But Nets Prefer Forward Slash
- In complaining about the officiating during game three, Rasheed Wallace declared the Nets victory would get an asterisk in his book, pointing to a footnote about bad officiating. Not only is Wallace simply wrong on the facts, but he and his legendary coach Larry Brown are both doing their team a disservice with their arrogance. Ironically, it is the veteran Pistons who are acting immature and childish, while the rookie head coach of the Nets carries himself like a Net, which is to say, with dignity and aplomb. In the battle of punctuation that continues tonight, the Nets look to brush off arbitrary asterisks and duplicate instead the forward slash of game three, as they hope that Richard Jefferson can again carry this team to victory. Complete Article (20040511 - New Jersey) »
- Troy Hudson, Ryan Humphrey, and Steven Hunter
- The Bobcats must select at least 14 players in the expansion draft and can take as many as 29. The Bobcats will be looking for contracts that expire within the next three years at most, for veterans that can mentor younger players, and for health. They will have their opportunities to take players like Troy Hudson from the Timberwolves, who has health problems as well as a player option this offseason, but they would likely pass. They will also have opportunities to take players still on their rookie contracts, such as Ryan Humphrey of the Grizzlies and Steven Hunter of the Magic: these are not wily veterans but rather seasons professionals who can make an instant contribution, and can also be packaged together as trade bait later for other teams looking to get younger. Complete Article (20040512 - Charlotte) »
- Another Pair of 2-2 Ties?
- Last night both the Nets and the Lakers brought their series to 2-2 ties. Can the Heat and the Kings accomplish that same feat tonight? Miami is playing not only to prove to naysayers that they belong in the playoffs, but to ensure at least one more home game. A loss tonight means Indiana can close out the series at home this weekend. Complete Article (20040512 - Miami) »
- As Gooden As Gone?
- Is there really a chance Drew Gooden will stay in Orlando? His latest comments to The Orlando Sentinel have him wanting to stay and make another go of it, even if it means playing alongside Juwan Howard again. But with Orlando likely drafting high, where all the big power forwards lurk, and with the Magic already saying they might want to trade their draft pick for a big man, Gooden may fall to the third-string. Jerry West and the Memphis Grizzlies gave up on him; will the Magic follow suit? Complete Article (20040512 - Orlando) »
- Hawks Talk to Sonics Associate Head Coach Dwane Casey
- The Hawks continue their neverending quest of talking with other assistants in their search for a new head coach. A day after looking to talk to Denver assistant John MacLeod, the Hawks have targeted Seattle associate head coach Dwane Casey. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports tomorrow's possibilities include Detroit assistant head coach Mike Woodson and Indiana associate head coach Mike Brown. Is this the right way to find a coach? Or is it just busywork reflective of a lack of focus for the franchise? Complete Article (20040513 - Atlanta) »
- How the Winning Terps Got Lost
- Sixty percent of the starting lineup for Maryland's 2002 NCAA national champions are now Wizards. So why can't they compete in the NBA? Complete Article (20040513 - Washington) »
- Keeping Up With The Johnson's
- Two Johnson's may become available in the expansion draft, and in our continuing look at potential players available to Charlotte, we examine these neighbors for potential value. They are point guard Anthony Johnson of the Indiana Pacers and Ervin Johnson of the Minnesota Timberwolves: both players with major minutes for championship-contending teams still in the playoffs. Complete Article (20040514 - Charlotte) »
- It is Time to Win on the Road, Simba
- No time like the present. Today is the first day of the rest of Miami's life. Their distance to the trophy is the same as the Lakers, Kings, Wolves, Pacers, and Spurs. It's a three game series with one home game. It's time for Miami to win on the road. Complete Article (20040514 - Miami) »
- Forget Terrorism and Forget Patriotism and Do What's Fun
- We're not soldiers here or communists. Living in a free country means doing what you enjoy so long as you don't infringe on other people's ability to enjoy themselves. Tracy McGrady shouldn't skip the Olympics because of worries about terrorist, but neither should he attend out of a feeling of patriotism. He should do what's fun. Complete Article (20040514 - Orlando) »
- Trade Lottery Pick? Depends on What You Get
- It's easy to come up with hard-and-fast rules that seem to limit risk: that's all bureaucracy is. But those rules themselves are potentially even more risky than the outcomes they're trying to prevent. It's easy to say "don't draft high schoolers" or "don't trade a lottery pick," but it all depends on the opportunity cost. Especially for trades, how can you pass up all possibilities without a rational consideration? Complete Article (20040517 - Orlando) »
- For the Uncertainty Averse, the Third Pick's a Thinker
- Though the draft lottery is less than two weeks away and the draft itself only about a month after that, there is tremendous uncertainty about who the Wizards should draft if they end up with the third pick. In Hoopsworld.com's most recent mock draft, four editors predict four different choices may still be available: Luol Deng, Emeka Okafor, Dwight Howard, and Martynas Andruiskevicius. For those keeping track at home, that's a small forward, two power forwards, and a center. In other words, the Wizards' primary need is in the frontcourt. But the real uncertainty is about high schoolers and foreign players. Are the Wizards averse to uncertainty? Complete Article (20040517 - Washington) »
- Working Out Without a Coach
- The fact that Atlanta doesn't have a head coach yet is not stopping them from bringing in players for workouts starting today. Here's who the Hawks will work out today: swingman Michael Haynes of Fordham, shot-blocking center Herve Lamizana of Rutgers, forward James Moore of New Mexico State, and Croatian forward Damir Omerhodzic who is said to have NBA three-point range. They will also start interviewing Denver's John MacLeod for the head coaching position today through Thursday, and then Seattle's Dwane Casey later in the week. Complete Article (20040518 - Atlanta) »
- Mad Dog and the Glory of Offensive Boards
- Here are three more players the Bobcats will be looking at for their expansion draft: little Tyronn Lue of Orlando and big offensive rebounders George Lynch of New Orleans and Mark Madsen of Minnesota. Offensive rebounding is an unheralded skill but my personal favorite. It's like getting extra possessions. The Bobcats have a chance to grab the NBA's tenth-best offensive rebounder per 48 minutes for a minimum salary and just a one-year contract. How can you pass that up? Complete Article (20040518 - Charlotte) »
- End of an Era or 48 Minutes Away From ECF?
- Will tonight's Miami home game mark the end of an incredible season and home court era, or will the Heat pull out yet another stunner to go back to Indiana for a game 7, where they will find themselves just 48 minutes away from the Eastern Conference Finals? Indiana's Jamaal Tinsley says the Pacers are the top dogs. Dwyane Wade and Malik Allen both guaranteed wins tonight. In perhaps the Heat's final home game of the season, the fans will be raucous, the players will be pumped, and the game will be nasty, brutish, and physical. Complete Article (20040518 - Miami) »
- The 2001 ROY and the Guy Who Took the 2003 ROY's Spot
- A team's roster depth turns from blessing to curse when an expansion draft rolls around, and the Memphis Grizzlies may find themselves making some tough decisions. With 13 players under contract at least for next season, their prized asset and captain Mike Miller may be left unprotected in the hope that the Bobcats pass on his enormous contract. But will they? Cleveland faces the same difficulty, though while LeBron James will surely be protected, the guy who replaced him in the starting lineup at point guard, Jeff McInnis, may be left dangling. These are two potentially huge acquisitions for Charlotte. Look in today's NEWS@ Southeast report for a detailed analysis of these two possibilities. Complete Article (20040520 - Charlotte) »
- Heat in Elite Company With Kings and Spurs
- The Heat went as far in the postseason as the Kings and the Spurs; now who would have predicted that? With Chris Webber's last-second three-pointer sailing wide last night, the Kings ended their season just one postseason game after the Heat. The Heat pushed the team with the league's best record to six games and was itself within a Rafer Alston three of a seventh game. With persistent rumors of Webber potentially being shopped, and the Heat looking for a big post player, could there be a mutually beneficial deal here? Complete Article (20040520 - Miami) »
- T-Mac Out, Musselman In?
- Two hot rumors today for Orlando, going coast-to-coast. New York's Peter Vecsey, citing an anonymous confidant of Tracy McGrady, claims T-Mac will officially inform the Magic after the Finals that he is leaving, and that he has narrowed his choices to the Suns, Rockets, Spurs, and Lakers. Meanwhile, California's Jeff Faraudo says that reports indicate Orlando was waiting for coach Eric Musselman's availability before making a decision with their coaching staff. Which of these rumors has the ring of truth? Find out in today's NEWS@ Southeast Report. Complete Article (20040521 - Orlando) »
- Complete Radio Silence
- No article has been published in the major media about the Wizards in weeks. No rumors appear to be escaping anyone's lips with Wizards still on them. Only these daily NEWS@ reports provide any update on what's going on in Washington. Why the complete radio silence? Most stories come from leaks and talks with the media. If the Wizards aren't leaking or talking, it's for one of two reasons. Either they have nothing to leak or say, or they have something huge that they have taken extraordinary lengths to keep under wraps. Complete Article (20040521 - Washington) »
- Being Perfectly Blount
- Mark Blount has a house in Boca. The Heat have a team in Miami. Blount can exercise his option to become a free agent center. The Heat are looking for a free agent center. A match made in heaven? Here is the scouting report for the Heat about Blount: he has a nice, soft outside shot, and he can run the floor, and he can play good defense, but he has slippery fingers. Complete Article (20040601 - Miami) »
- Darling You Gotta Let Us Know: Will You Stay or Will You Go?
- It's as if your girlfriend were telling you she's thinking about other guys. There's this rich guy, Phoenix, and this young guy, Houston. Of course others want her too: the accomplished Spurs and the high-society Lakers. But I'm looking for someone with whom I can really have a good time, she tells you. What about me, you silently scream. What's wrong with me? C'mon Tracy, you're breaking our hearts. You think we want to lose? The one thing worse than losing is the thought of losing you. This torture is killing us. Darling, you gotta let us know: will you stay or will you go? Complete Article (20040601 - Orlando) »
- Should Ernie Grunfeld, Master of Late Draft Picks, Trade Down?
- The Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld is looking at the highest draft pick he has ever had the pleasure to consider. How have his past draft picks worked out? An in-depth look at the big successes (e.g. Michael Redd drafted 43rd overall and T.J. Ford drafted 8th overall) and the big flops (e.g Marcus Haislip drafted 13th overall and Joel Przybilla, acquired via draft-day trade, drafted 9th overall) of his career so far. It appears Grunfeld is better at picking second-rounders than first-rounders. Does this mean the Wizards should look to get some immediate help and trade down, very far down? Complete Article (20040602 - Washington) »
- Last Coach Standing
- There are just two head coaching jobs still available in the NBA, and only one of those teams has a GM (Toronto appears to have no front office at all). The Hawks offer the world's last opportunity to coach an American NBA team... at least until turnover rears its ugly head once more. The Hawks have interviewed apparently everybody under the sun. They have already worked out 28 potential draft choices. Isn't it time for a decision? Isn't it time for a coach? Complete Article (20040603 - Atlanta) »
- Kurt Thomas and Gerald Wallace
- Two players that will potentially be left unprotected by their respective teams in the next two weeks for the expansion draft are New York's Kurt Thomas and Sacramento's Gerald Wallace. Thomas is an aging yet still improving veteran center and Wallace is an explosive forward who would be a graduating senior this year had he stayed in school. Two potentially great pick-ups for Charlotte if they are left unprotected. In draft news, the Bobcats worked out Andris Biedrins and Andre Iguodala yesterday. Complete Article (20040603 - Charlotte) »
- Another Draft Day Steal?
- With two consecutive years of drafting gems at #10 (Caron Butler) and #5 (Dwyane Wade), can the Heat's good fortunes continue now that they have the #19 pick? Jameer Nelson will work out for Miami soon. If he is available to the Heat, could he be the next gem? Could Nelson be the Heat's point guard of the future? If the Heat also pick up free agent-to-be Mark Blount, they would be loaded at each position, and could make next year a special one. Complete Article (20040604 - Miami) »
- Dwight Howard Looking to Usurp Emeka Okafor's #1 Spot
- According to Orlando GM John Weisbrod, Emeka Okafor is no longer the obvious #1 pick. Of the 15 teams that have contacted him looking to trade for the Magic's #1 draft pick, about half are looking to use it on Dwight Howard. Weisbrod himself also has no predispositions, and he says the Magic will work both players out and make an objective decision. Howard's agent Aaron Goodwin, of course, compares Howard to Kevin Garnett, and says there'd be no doubt he'd be the #1 pick had he spent a year in college. Howard calls himself a cross between KG and Tim Duncan. Can Howard usurp the throne or is this just the hype machine working in overdrive? Complete Article (20040604 - Orlando) »
- Dwyane Wade, Olympian?
- Could rookie Dwyane Wade's year culminate in a sensational Olympics appearance? Team USA is reportedly assuming that Mike Bibby will not be in Athens this summer, and so they will be looking for a point guard to backup Stephon Marbury. He would join LeBron James as the only other rookie on the Olympic team. Complete Article (20040607 - Miami) »
- Can/Should Wizards Make Move for #1 Pick?
- Kwame Brown, the much-maligned overall #1 pick from three years ago, is only six months older than Emeka Okafor. Is there any doubt that had Brown gone the traditional NCAA route and declared this year he would be the consensus #1 pick, or at least give Okafor and Dwight Howard a good run? Many observers have felt that Brown still has tremendous upside and simply needs a change of location and a clean slate. Could he fit in well with Tracy McGrady? Would the Magic consider a #1 for #5 swap if it also lands them a young, athletic, promising big man? Should the Wizards consider making a move for the #1 pick? Complete Article (20040607 - Washington) »
- Hawks Offer Jason Terry Plus #6 for Clippers' #2
- The Hawks will do anything to get Dwight Howard into a Hawks jersey. The latest rumor is that Atlanta has offered Jason Terry and their #6 pick to the LA Clippers for their #2. But they don't seem to be doing much to put anybody into the coach's seat. Will Billy Knight pull a Dick Cheney and pick himself as head coach? Complete Article (20040608 - Atlanta) »
- Tough Williams
- Two players that could be left unprotected by their respective teams are Jerome Williams of the Bulls and Frank Williams of the Knicks. Either Williams would bring immediate toughness to the Bobcats at their positions, and either would be a great sparkplug off the bench. Complete Article (20040608 - Charlotte) »
- Mark Blount To Officially Opt Out
- Mark Blount has notified the Celtics that he will officially opt out of the last year of his contract to test the free agency waters this week, before the expansion draft, so the Celtics would not need to protect him. He has expressed interest in playing for Miami, and Miami would love to have him, but both he and Boston have expressed a potential desire to stay together. Complete Article (20040609 - Miami) »
- Battle for #1
- Dwight Howard and his agent have made his case to the media that he should be Orlando's selection with the #1 overall draft pick. Not to be outdone, Emeka Okafor and his agent are now doing damage control. "At the end of the day," Okafor's agent Jeff Schwarz told The Orlando Sentinel , "they'll take Emeka." Complete Article (20040609 - Orlando) »
- The Poetic and Political Etan Thomas
- Etan Thomas is a restricted free agent this summer and will be an unrestricted free agent next summer unless he signs an extension with the Wizards. And though there may be interest from other teams in signing the rugged center to an offer sheet, Thomas would likely prefer to stay in Washington, where he can roam the poetry bars and participate in anti-death-penalty rallies. Look for Thomas to entertain potential offers only from big city teams, unless of course, someone is willing to drastically overpay him. Complete Article (20040610 - Washington) »
- Atlanta's #6 and #17 Picks Are Worth More Than #2
- Atlanta's two picks are worth slightly more than the Clippers' #2 overall pick if the rookie scale contracts are an indication of value (which they can be considered to be since they are the result of a collective bargaining agreement). That means the Clippers should be willing to trade with Atlanta. However, the Hawks have competition: Utah's three draft picks together are worth even more. Complete Article (20040611 - Atlanta) »
- Preview - Uros Slokar, Delonte West, Viktor Khryapa
- Today is the deadline for all but the two Finals teams to submit their list of protected players. While the lists are not intended to be made public, things have a way of leaking. As usual, you can expect a few surprises. Also, while the Bobcats have the fourth pick in the first round of the NBA draft, they also have the fourth pick in the second round. Three players that could be available there are Uros Slokar, Delonte West, and Viktor Khryapa. Complete Article (20040611 - Charlotte) »
- Expansion Draft No Big Deal; Odom to Olympics?
- The Heat have reportedly left Brian Grant, Eddie Jones, and Loren Woods exposed to the Charlotte Bobcats for the expansion draft. Woods was likely to be released anyway and though the Bobcats could trade any player they pick up in the expansion draft, Grant and Jones are unlikely to be attractive to anyone because they are each set to earn about $15 million a year over the next three years. In Olympic news, Lamar Odom may be asked to join Team USA. Complete Article (20040614 - Miami) »
- General Manager Tracy McGrady?
- Tracy McGrady thinks the Magic will be contenders if they can pick up some veterans this offseason. Is he willing to bet his career as a player on his novice advice as a GM? Complete Article (20040614 - Orlando) »
- Bobcats May Like Kittles
- Kerry Kittles, the most expensive Net after Jason Kidd, was left unprotected by the Nets for the expansion draft, and the papers in Charlotte say the Bobcats might just take him. Earlier speculation thought that one of the cheaper unprotected Nets, namely Tamar Slay, could get the nod, but Kittles could be valued for his streaky yet fearless shooting touch, his scoring prowess, and his ability to run the floor. Complete Article (20040614 - New Jersey) »
- Bulls Want to Deal #3 to Wizards for #5 Plus Jarvis Hayes
- The Chicago Bulls have reportedly offered to swap draft picks with Washington if the Wizards also include Jarvis Hayes. In exchange, the Bulls would offer Chris Jefferies and salary-cap filler. The Wizards are seemingly uninterested in the deal in its current form, though it's not completely off the table. Presumably if the Bulls showed even passing interest in Jerry Stackhouse the Wizards would jump at the opportunity. Complete Article (20040615 - Washington) »
- Spurned Stephen Jackson Still Longs for Spurs
- Last year, the Spurs spurned Stephen Jackson's demands for a big contract, making him what he felt was a lowball offer, which he rejected out of principle and became a free agent. Unfortunately his free agency contract with the Hawks was at an even lower price, but now Jackson is looking to opt out of his contract, become a free agent again, and start his advances with the team that rejected him in the first place. Stephen Jackson wants to be a Spur again. Complete Article (20040616 - Atlanta) »
- Preview - Tony Allen/Kris Humphries/Jameer Nelson
- Today's Charlotte draft preview looks at a one-two-three punch of a lottery point guard in Jameer Nelson, a late first round small forward in Kris Humphries, and a second round shooting guard in Tony Allen. If Charlotte were to trade down in the draft, it could potentially get three such selections. One team that owns the #13, #23, and #47 picks, all of which have excellent chances of drafting the appropriate player, is Portland. If the Bobcats give the Blazers their fourth pick, they could land themselves a young, athletic, yet mature one-two-three punch, all in one day. Complete Article (20040616 - Charlotte) »
- Don't Bet on Pat Riley Coaching Lakers Next Year
- When a team is a champion, its history is but a backdrop to its current achievements. When a team is a loser, its history is a source of nostalgia. That is why rumors are sprouting faster than Hollywood gossip that the Lakers may look to get Pat Riley to come back as a coach. But if you live in LA, you might consider hopping on I-15 North, driving five hours to Vegas, and betting the farm that it won't happen. There's just no reason for Riley to give up the security of a 10% ownership stake that vests next year for the stress, travel, scrutiny, and crapshoot that is coaching the Lakers. Complete Article (20040617 - Miami) »
- Pacers Trying to Deal for Tracy McGrady; Are Celtics Out of the Question?
- The Indiana Pacers are willing to deal almost anybody except Jermaine O'Neal in an attempt to land presumed disgruntled Magic star Tracy McGrady. According to Indiana's Donnie Walsh, the Magic are having low-key conversations with several clubs expressing potential trade interest. The only playoff team that seems to be out of the picture is the Boston Celtics; but is it really not an option? In the meantime, Magic owner Rich DeVos's much-anticipated meeting with McGrady is tomorrow, after which point we will either have a lot more clarity or a lot more secrecy. Complete Article (20040617 - Orlando) »
- Last Look at Luol
- Luol Deng will have what he says is his last workout for any team today as he displays his wares to the Washington Wizards from 10:30am - 11:30am. This may well be the last anybody sees of him until David Stern calls out his name on June 24. He is a lock for the top five spots, though he hasn't cracked the top two. Complete Article (20040618 - Washington) »
- Del Harris a Frontrunner But Timing Unknown
- Dallas assistant coach Del Harris is reportedly a frontrunner for the still-vacant head coaching position for the Hawks but the next few days are going to be such busy ones both for Harris and the Hawks that naming him their new leader might be almost unworkable. Between the expansion draft, the real draft, and Harris coaching China's national team in Dallas, there's little time for lunch, let alone a press conference. The other reported frontrunner for the Hawks coaching job is Indiana associate head coach Mike Brown. Complete Article (20040621 - Atlanta) »
- Stackhouse As Good As Gone?
- Jerry Stackhouse is one of the premier names left unprotected by the Wizards in advance of the Charlotte Bobcats' expansion draft tomorrow night, and he is considered to be one of Charlotte's strong possibilities for being taken. Particularly if Washington pays up to the maximum $3 million or offers draft picks. It would be foolish of the rebuilding Wizards to offer particularly high draft picks but paying some cash to get his big, long contract off the books could be worth it. Complete Article (20040621 - Washington) »
- Bobcats to Select Second and May Get Emeka Okafor; PLUS: Preview - Ben Gordon/Andre Iguodala/Shaun Livingston
- The Charlotte Bobcats pulled off their first trade last night, sending their fourth picks in the first and second round to the Clippers in exchange for the second overall pick and a promise to take Predrag Srobnak in the expansion draft tonight. In other widely reported rumors, the Orlando-Houston trade sending Tracy McGrady et al. for Steve Francis et al. may get a hiccup if the Bobcats choose to intervene and select key players needed to match salaries in the trade either from the Rockets or the Magic. One report suggests that the Bobcats could be bribed into silence by an Orlando promise to draft Dwight Howard, letting the Bobcats build around favorite Emeka Okafor. Complete Article (20040622 - Charlotte) »
- Grant and Jones Safe?
- In just a few hours, the Charlotte Bobcats will read the names of the players they've selected in the expansion draft, live on NBA TV. At this late stage, it seems as if Miami's bloated and exposed contracts of Brian Grant and Eddie Jones are safe. Meanwhile, largely unfounded rumors about Pat Riley returning to coach the Lakers continue to swirl. Complete Article (20040622 - Miami) »
- T-Mac Packs; Goodbye Juwan, Hello Dwight?
- The Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets are potentially just hours away from finalizing a deal that would exchange Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, Andrew DeClercq, Tyronn Lue, and Reece Gaines for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley, and Kelvin Cato. The biggest hangup apparently is not the possibility that the Bobcats will select Cato just to throw a wrench in the proceedings, and it is not any difficulty with the consummate professional Juwan Howard. Rather it is reportedly Reece Gaines. If the Bobcats select Gaines over the expected Orlando selection Zaza Pachulia, it would mean the whole deal needs to be reworked. One possibility to placate Charlotte may be a guarantee by the Magic to draft Dwight Howard, leaving Charlotte favorite Emeka Okafor for their new-found second overall pick, thanks to the Clippers, as their building block of the future. Complete Article (20040622 - Orlando) »
- What? You Don't Want Alan Henderson?
- The Atlanta Hawks have only a handful of players under contract yet the expansion rules dictated they must expose at least one player for the Bobcats to select. So the Hawks exposed Captain Alan Henderson, whose $8.5 million salary next season was expected to dissuade the Bobcats from selecting him, whether for themselves or as trade bait for someone else. The ploy worked perfectly. Captain Henderson is still a Hawk. Complete Article (20040623 - Atlanta) »
- One Wizard Down
- The Washington Wizards lost restricted free agent Lonny Baxter to the Charlotte Bobcats in the expansion draft last night. In the preceding days and weeks, speculation had mounted that either the expensive Jerry Stackhouse or the up-and-coming Juan Dixon would be taken off of the Wizards' hands. Instead, it was the third player Washington had left unprotected who was the first named called by the Bobcats as they revealed their selection in alphabetical order by the players' last names. Complete Article (20040623 - Washington) »
- Preview - Dwight Howard/Emeka Okafor
- The Bobcats have pulled off trades to hold the second and forty-fifth selections in tonight's lottery, and they may not be done dealing. It's no secret that the Bobcats are short a point guard, and Charlotte is putting out feelers to teams in the mid-teens that if Jameer Nelson is available, the Bobcats would be very interested. But perhaps their more important decision is what to do with the second pick. Should they prefer Dwight Howard or Olympian center Emeka Okafor? The final 2004 draft preview is in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040624 - Charlotte) »
- Riley Had Talks; Caron Butler to Orlando?
- There are three news items of note for the Miami Heat. First and most obvious, they have the 19th pick in the draft tonight. Secondly, there are rumors out of Orlando that Caron Butler may be included in a three-team deal involving Tracy McGrady and Steve Francis. Finally, Pat Riley has admitted to having "philosophical" talks with the Lakers that ended in mutual agreement that there was nothing to do. Complete Article (20040624 - Miami) »
- The Eerie Calm of Trade Waters Before the Storm
- The previously reported Houston trade involving essentially a Steve Francis for Tracy McGrady swap has been either shelved or postponed as the Magic continue to entertain both complementary and alternative possibilities. As many as seven teams are involved in serious discussions with the Magic for either McGrady or the top pick or both, ranging from Indiana's well-publicized alternative offer to Seattle and Miami's complementary offers to take Steve Francis in exchange for either Ray Allen or Caron Butler. It could even come out to be a four-or-more team trade. Orlando is well-posed to be the leading drama queen in tonight's prom-like draft. And its king seems more and more likely to be Dwight Howard. Complete Article (20040624 - Orlando) »
- Are You Joshing Me? Childress Over Luol Deng and Smith Over Jameer Nelson!
- The Atlanta Hawks went Joshing last night, selecting Stanford wingman Childress at the sixth spot and high school small forward Smith over such still available players as Luol Deng and Jameer Nelson. Is lacking a head coach causing the Hawks to have less flexibility in selections? Were they unable to adjust to the surprise availability of players expected to go earlier? Complete Article (20040625 - Atlanta) »
- Fifth Pick: Antawn Jamison Plus Cap Space
- With the fifth pick in the 2004 draft, the Washington Wizards essentially selected Antawn Jamison. This is the second draft for Jamison, who was earlier selected as the fourth overall pick of the 1998 draft. The actual draft pick was Devin Harris, but the Wizards moved Harris, Jerry Stackhouse, and Christian Laettner to Dallas for Antawn Jamison and cash. Jamison reunites with former Golden State Warrior Gilbert Arenas. GM Ernie Grunfeld also may have continued his excellent second round picking streak (see Michael Redd, Flip Murray) by taking 7-3 Puerto Rican center Peter John Ramos. Complete Article (20040625 - Washington) »
- Why Dorell Wright?
- Pat Riley says he sees a bit of Penny Hardaway in Dorell Wright. Does that mean that in two-three years we will see Wright, a 6-7 forward out of high school, playing the point? If so, then who exactly will be his mentor? There's no Tim Hardaway on the Heat roster. Perhaps there were other reasons for selecting Dorell Wright. Complete Article (20040628 - Miami) »
- Finally a Point Guard... or Two or Three
- By the end of today, the Magic will have introduced at least one new point guard onto their roster. Jameer Nelson is scheduled for a press conference this morning, and the Steve Francis hostage situation may soon be over. "I was mad," Francis said, "but now I'm cool about everything." If it all works out, the Magic could be fielding a starting lineup that is a tandem of power forwards (Drew Gooden and Dwight Howard) flanked by a trio of point guards (Francis, Nelson, and Grant Hill). Exciting, yes. Effective? We'll see. Complete Article (20040628 - Orlando) »
- A Class Act in Washington, D.C.? It Happened. Antawn Jamison for President!
- Antawn Jamison was introduced by the Wizards yesterday and he took the press conference by storm. His ebullient optimism, his faith in the promise of his free fellow men, and his win-first/team-first attitude were a shocking breath of fresh air for a town that was built on a swamp. But what kind of politician is Jamison? Does he believe what he says? Will he stick by his faith even if losses mount? Listening to Jamison you might get the idea that the Wizards are about to enjoy a golden period of victories and joy. The amazing thing is that Jamison just might be right. Complete Article (20040629 - Washington) »
- If Only 'Nique Still Wanted to Coach...
- If Dominique Wilkins were still interested in coaching, he would be an ideal choice for the Hawks. GM Billy Knight has brought in versatile and athletic swingmen; who better to coach and mold them than one of the most versatile and athletic swingmen of all time? But it's too late. Like many of their other decisions, the Hawks slept on this one. Years ago, Wilkins would have been interested. Now, he seems to have no cares. Instead, the Hawks' exasperating search for a head coach culminates today in their interview with final candidate Mike Woodson, currently an assistant with the Pistons. Complete Article (20040630 - Atlanta) »
- Brokaw Works With Mitchell Out, Second-Tier Bobcats Have Work Out
- Charlotte's Lead Assistant Coach Sam Mitchell is out, going to the Toronto Raptors to be their new head coach. Director of Player Personnel Gary Brokaw is being elevated to Lead Assistant Coach as a replacement. Meanwhile, the Bobcats held their first summer workout yesterday. Most of the top names, including Emeka Okafor and Gerald Wallace, attended but did not participate for various reasons. Complete Article (20040630 - Charlotte) »
- Except Me Too, Except Me Three
- There are two exceptions the Heat have available to pursue two big men and a point guard: the $5.1 million mid-level exception and the $1.6 million exception (which is unfortunately still called the million dollar exception). Pat Riley says re-signing Rafer Alston is the team's number one priority, but Alston wants three years. To be able to offer him a three-year contract, the Heat have to dip into the $5.1 million MLE. That means they need to get a free agent big man signed to a two-year, $1.6 million deal and split the mid-level exception between Alston and another big man. So is Mark Blount out of the question? Complete Article (20040701 - Miami) »
- Battle of Egos Leads to Invasion of the Roster Snatchers
- The origin of the term "no love lost" suggests two people that have lots of love, just not for each other. Both Tracy McGrady and John Weisbrod seem to have plenty of love for Rockets. They just happen to dislike each other... a lot. Surprisingly, it is the young player who is displaying more tact and character than the ostensibly more sensible GM. That discord has led to an invasion of the roster snatchers as the three former Rockets are likely to all start. If the two prize rookies also start, that means the Magic could field a brand new starting lineup come October. Complete Article (20040701 - Orlando) »
- Haywood You Rebound That For Me?
- According to 82games.com, Brendan Haywood was the fourth best in the league last year at rebounding his own missed shots. Kwame Brown was sixteenth overall in the league. But in terms of putting up shots that their other teammates would rebound, not one Wizard cracked the top thirty. Maybe it's time to start shooting shots that have a chance at being rebounded? Antawn Jamison was the 29th best player in the league in that department last year. Coincidence? I think not. Complete Article (20040702 - Washington) »
- New Head Coach Mike Woodson
- Atlanta GM Billy Knight has finally hired a head coach for the Atlanta Hawks. Knight hired his 1983 Kansas City Kings teammate and until recently Detroit Pistons assistant head coach Mike Woodson. Woodson had been first in line to replace Larry Brown should Brown pull one one his trademark exits but now he will have his own team to run, as he becomes the tenth Hawks coach of the past thirty-six years. Complete Article (20040706 - Atlanta) »
- Okafor Will Miss Both Summer Leagues; First Game Tonight
- The first game for the Charlotte Bobcats is tonight, but Olympian Emeka Okafor will not play. Okafor will not participate in either of the two Charlotte summer leagues as he is preparing to represent his country for once in his life. He will represent his team for the rest of his life. The Bobcats play their first game against outside competition tonight in Minnesota as they face the Toronto Raptors summer league at 6 p.m. EDT. Complete Article (20040706 - Charlotte) »
- Dorell Wright Scores 30 Points in Debut
- Dorell Wright played two games in last night's summer league opener against the Washington Wizards. In the first half, he struggled mightily and made every Heat fan on Earth wonder why Miami shrugged past Jameer Nelson, as Wright got just five points to go with his five turnovers and the Heat trailed the Wizards 47-19. Then, when it finally didn't matter anymore, Wright exploded in the second half to finish with a game-high 30 points on 12-of-22 shooting. The Heat lost 89-59 and the rookie out of high school scored more than half his team's points in the losing effort. Complete Article (20040707 - Miami) »
- Dwight "No Offense" Howard
- Dwight Howard played his first NBA game last night and though it was merely a summer league game (the opener of the Pepsi Pro Summer League hosted by the Magic), it was his first chance to display his skills against professional competition. The verdict, to quote lead Basketball News Services analyst Steve Kyler, was straightforward: "No offense, sporadic defense." Howard finished with seven points after hitting just one of his thirteen shots. From the silver lining department, he got four blocks, four offensive rebounds, and 11 total rebounds, all game highs, in the 89-73 loss to Cleveland. Complete Article (20040707 - Orlando) »
- Blake Takes Cake
- Steve Blake was the hero du jour for the Wizards last night, scoring the game-winning jumper with 1.8 seconds left to defeat the Orlando Magic 79-78. Blake recorded 20 points, 7 assists, and 6 defensive rebounds, all game-highs. He also had two steals and a block, playing perhaps his best game as a professional. Last year's second-round pick by the Wizards hit 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, including two in a row in the second quarter during which he scored nine points. Complete Article (20040708 - Washington) »
- Now Officially Head Coach, Woodson Woos Grand Kenyon
- The Hawks officially and formally introduced Mike Woodson to the press yesterday, naming him the new head coach, and he didn't waste any time getting down to business. He, his longtime friend and Atlanta GM Billy Knight, and Atlanta's most famous alumni Dominique Wilkins took Kenyon Martin out to dinner last night and reportedly offered him the $85 million, six-year maximum deal he has been longing for, helping Martin agree with Utah to cancel his trip there after the Jazz made an offer on Cleveland's Carlos Boozer. Will the Nets match Martin to a max deal? Or will the Grand Kenyon relocate to Atlanta? Complete Article (20040709 - Atlanta) »
- Bobcats Trounce Bucks to Remain Undefeated in Summer League
- Emeka Okafor was officially named to the Olympic team and apparently has received Charlotte GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff's blessing. Okafor can now join the ranks of those rare athletes who won both an NCAA title as well as the Olympic gold before playing their first NBA game. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Bobcats keep on winning in summer league, besting the Milwaukee Bucks 74-63 last night. Apparently the games are so unfair, Bickerstaff is not bringing his two best players so far -- Gerald Wallace and Tamar Slay -- to the Salt Lake City summer league. No word on whether the rest of the players will play with one hand tied behind their backs. Expansion, shmexpansion: it's just too easy! Complete Article (20040709 - Charlotte) »
- Al Harrington Will Be A Hawk, But Not Kenyon Martin?
- Indiana's Al Harrington has been looking to start and now he will with almost all certainty be traded for a re-signed Stephen Jackson at the stroke of midnight Wednesday morning, making him the belle of Atlanta's ball. Harrington's Cinderella story is not an illusion however, and he expects to keep both shoes firmly attached to his feet: he will finally start at the three or the four with the Hawks next season. Meanwhile Kenyon Martin seems unlikely to agree to Atlanta's offer sheet unless Denver chooses not to offer one at all, as most observers expect New Jersey to match any Martin deal. Complete Article (20040712 - Atlanta) »
- Gerald Wallace, The Other Draft Night Steal
- Emeka Okafor may have been the steal of the NBA draft for the Bobcats but Gerald Wallace has been playing like the steal of the expansion draft. The former Sacramento King has played his heart out on in the summer league, leading the Bobcats to a 5-0 record and the distinction of Pepsi Pro league champions. He's played so well, he will likely be left off this week's summer league team so GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff can evaluate less obvious talents. Complete Article (20040712 - Charlotte) »
- Pfund and Van Gundy Extended as Shaq Countdown Continues
- About a minute after midnight tonight, the process of bringing Shaquille O'Neal to Miami officially gets underway. The two teams will call the league office and schedule a conference call to go over the details. But the details are secondary. The big picture is the Big Aristotle. Shaq will be coached by recently-extended head coach Stan Van Gundy and presided over by recently-extended GM Randy Pfund. The timing of those announcements yesterday were clearly intended to signal that Pat Riley will remain in the front offices and will not be returning to coach. Complete Article (20040713 - Miami) »
- The Coming Battles
- This coming season will have lots of interesting stories as the Magic play against their Southeast division rivals. From the battle of the top picks when playing Charlotte, to vengeance-seeking against Shaq and the Heat, there are four intriguing divisional matchups for the Magic, and even with the addition of the Big Aristotle to their neck of the woods, they are not necessarily going to drop further than the second-best spot. Complete Article (20040713 - Orlando) »
- Is Etan Thomas Worth the MLE as a Wizard?
- The Milwaukee Bucks will offer Etan Thomas a six-year MLE contract worth in excess of $35 million total. The Wizards would like to keep him, but is he worth that much money to ride the proverbial pine? Thomas would likely start on the Bucks squad but he would likely sub in on the Wizards for either starting center Brendan Haywood or starting power forward Kwame Brown. Is a center worth the mid-level exception to a team that would only use his as a reserve? Complete Article (20040713 - Washington) »
- Harrington a Happy Hawk But K-Mart Opts For Denver's Blue-Light Special
- Al Harrington will become a happy Hawk today in exchange for a possibly even happier re-signed Stephen Jackson going to the Pacers. But Jackson is not the only player optimistic Atlanta fans won't see next year: Kenyon Martin has opted for Denver's blue-light special over a similar offer from the Hawks. Complete Article (20040714 - Atlanta) »
- Ely and House Join Drobnjak on the Charlotte... Clippers?
- Two big deals this morning: the Bobcats signed Jason Hart and also traded future second round draft picks to the Clippers for Melvin Ely and Eddie House. Ely and House will reunite with Predrag Drobnjak, bringing to three the total of bench Clippers now playing on Charlotte's roster. Between the Charlotte Clippers, the Washington Warriors, the Orlando Rockets, and the Miami Lakers, only young Atlanta is not a ghost of a former Western Conference team. Complete Article (20040714 - Charlotte) »
- Al Harrington Will Be A Hawk, But Not Kenyon Martin?
- Indiana's Al Harrington has been looking to start and now he will with almost all certainty be traded for a re-signed Stephen Jackson at the stroke of midnight Wednesday morning, making him the belle of Atlanta's ball. Harrington's Cinderella story is not an illusion however, and he expects to keep both shoes firmly attached to his feet: he will finally start at the three or the four with the Hawks next season. Meanwhile Kenyon Martin seems unlikely to agree to Atlanta's offer sheet unless Denver chooses not to offer one at all, as most observers expect New Jersey to match any Martin deal. Complete Article (20040715 - Atlanta) »
- Gerald Wallace, The Other Draft Night Steal
- Emeka Okafor may have been the steal of the NBA draft for the Bobcats but Gerald Wallace has been playing like the steal of the expansion draft. The former Sacramento King has played his heart out on in the summer league, leading the Bobcats to a 5-0 record and the distinction of Pepsi Pro league champions. He's played so well, he will likely be left off this week's summer league team so GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff can evaluate less obvious talents. Complete Article (20040715 - Charlotte) »
- Shaq Officially in Black
- With Shaquille O'Neal now officially a member of the Miami Heat (subject only to the formality known as "passing the physical"), both he and the Heat organization are bending over backwards to make each other happy. It's a honeymoon, so what can you expect? O'Neal has promised Pat Riley he will come to training camp at or under the 10 percent body fat that is the Heat standard for big men, while Riley and GM Randy Pfund have brought in Michael Doleac to provide a backup center for Shaq, something he says he never really had. Free agents are flocking to Miami. Fans are snapping up tickets. Let the good times roll! Complete Article (20040715 - Miami) »
- Hello Hedo
- Shaq? Who needs Shaq? Though Orlando's most famous and most missed former player may now be officially a member of their division and state rivals, the Magic tried to distract some attention to their own ostensibly positive steps forward as they signed Hedo Turkoglu to a six-year deal worth $38 million. The Spurs renounced Turkoglu in order to have cap room for their own purposes, freeing Orlando to sign him immediately as a free agent rather than having to wait the 15 days it would have required had he been a restricted free agent. Complete Article (20040715 - Orlando) »
- Etan Thomas Signs Bucks Offer Sheet
- The Milwaukee Bucks signed Wizards center/poet Etan Thomas to an offer sheet of a six-year deal worth about $38 million. The Wizards have stated that their intention in general is to keep Etan, and the price of this contract does not appear too high, but the only kink when the Wizards review it may be the 15% trade kicker the Bucks have thrown in. On the other hand, Thomas wants to stay in D.C. and the Wizards would like to keep him. In six years, Thomas would be the same age that Shaq is now. Expect Washington to match, though not necessarily immediately. Complete Article (20040715 - Washington) »
- Jackson-for-Harrington Official
- The long-awaited Stephen Jackson sign-and-trade with Indiana for forward Al Harrington was officially consummated and Harrington couldn't be happier to be joining a rebuilding franchise. Atlanta GM Billy Knight helped draft Harrington back in Indiana and is looking forward to letting him develop with big minutes. Meanwhile, Philadelphia assistant coach Bob Bender may become an assistant in Atlanta. And on the latest great news with a great attitude front, Atlanta captain Alan Henderson is declaring himself healthy for the first time in a long time. Complete Article (20040716 - Atlanta) »
- Don't Worry, Be Happy
- Curtis Borchardt was relieved that the Bobcats passed on him in favor of selecting Sasha Pavlovic from the Utah Jazz. He is now finally healthy and ready to play. Richie Frahm was relieved that the Bobcats selected him from Seattle, making him a free agent. He is now signing with the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, two non-free-agents the Bobcats kept, Gerald Wallace and Melvin Ely, are not relieved at all. Instead, they are bitter at their old teams, and Charlotte GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff wants them to relax their worries and be happy. Complete Article (20040716 - Charlotte) »
- Point Out a Point Guard
- Just for a moment, imagine if the Heat had known they'd be frontrunners for Shaq's services on draft day 2004. Is there any doubt they would have picked Jameer Nelson? In a similar mold, Rafer Alston went to Toronto because he couldn't wait to see what would happen in Miami, and he couldn't risk Toronto changing its mind. Now, the Heat have a little bit more money to spend and could have used it on Alston. They certainly could have afforded Nelson. Now, they are reportedly talking to Damon Jones. He would be a great pickup for the Heat. Complete Article (20040719 - Miami) »
- Dwight Howard Outplayed Top Summer League Player
- Dwight Howard put the clamps on Boston's Al Jefferson and helped Keith Bogans become the Reebok Summer League scoring champion with a league-high 25.5 points per game. The summer league was also a change for 7-footer Mario Kasun to turn some heads... up. He was also one of the league's leading scorers. Howard has his best game to end the league yesterday with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Complete Article (20040719 - Orlando) »
- Wiz Beat Hapless Cavs by 48 and Celtics by 20
- The Wizards finished their second summer league with an identical result to their first, a dominating 4-1 record. How dominating was it? Just ask the cavalier Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost by 48 points to the Wizards on Saturday, or the Celtics, whose hometown point guard was held scoreless in 19 minutes of action. These young Wizards are nobody's fools, but can they make the official roster? Complete Article (20040719 - Washington) »
- Hawks Passing on Dampier?
- Erick Dampier met with Atlanta GM Bobby Knight, the man who helped draft him tenth overall in 1996, as the two mutually considered whether Atlanta would like to offer, and whether Dampier would like to accept, a six-year contract starting at more than the $9 million that the Knicks can offer in a sign-and-trade with Golden State. It appears as if the Hawks will pass on making a mighty offer to the mighty center. The next target for Atlanta's $12 million free agent war chest seems to be Memphis's Stromile Swift, a restricted free agent for whom Jerry West has promised to match any offer. The Hawks sure do like a challenge. Complete Article (20040720 - Atlanta) »
- Nelly Gets Bobcats Hot in Herre
- Cornell Haynes Junior is now a part-owner of the Bobcats. Better know as Nelly behind such hits as "Hot in Herre," he becomes the second rap star after Jay-Z to get an ownership stake in an NBA franchise. Complete Article (20040720 - Charlotte) »
- The Millenium Goliath: "I'm Going to Bring a Championship To Miami. I Promise."
- Over 3,000 screaming fans lined up as much as three and a half hours before Shaq's arrival. They were in for a four-hour treat. They cheered and laughed at Shaq's stand-up comedy routine as he was ostensibly introduced to the media last night. Always a funny guy, Shaq delivered some one-liners and some sustained routines, including opening with his own personal rendition of "Hail to the Chief," in the literally red-carpet event which included his receiving keys to the city of Miami and the county of Miami-Dade. Let's hope he wasn't joking when he delivered his most important words to Miami: a promise of a championship. Complete Article (20040721 - Miami) »
- Most Magical Center
- Though they may be done for the offseason, if the Orlando Magic could do any trade, it would be to get a big center. With the recent small snag encountered with the anticipated Erick Dampier sign-and-trade to New York, Orlando would love to get their hands on him to counter Shaq in Florida. Unfortunately, they don't have either enough cap room to sign him as a free agent or enough expensive tradable pieces to interest the Warriors. Their own big trading chip is the relatively cheap contract of Drew Gooden; the irony is that if Gooden were earning more, it would be easier. Unfortunately, the type of players that Gooden can be exchanged for salary-wise are such young and less accomplished men as DeSagana Diop of Cleveland, and though the Cavs are desperately searching for a power forward to replace Carlos Boozer, is Diop really going to grow into a Shaq-stopper? Complete Article (20040721 - Orlando) »
- Countdown to Etan Thomas
- While the Bucks may think they have a chance at landing Etan Thomas, my crystal ball tells me he's going to stay. Last night, he spoke at the Russell Senate Office Building, along with Sen. Robert F. Bennett (R-Utah), at a ceremony and reception for teenage winners of a contest for writing about youth violence. Can Milwaukee offer him that kind of extracurricular lifestyle? It's only a matter of time before Washington GM Ernie Grunfeld matches the Bucks offer for the restricted free agent center. Is Milwaukee being used? Find out inside today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040721 - Washington) »
- Hawks Offer Dampier $37 Million Over Four Years
- The Hawks offer to Dampier is reportedly $37 million over four years. Dampier would earn $8 million his first year and get 10% pay raises in each subsequent year. A sign-and-trade deal between the Warriors and the Knicks appears to be stuck now that the Warriors don't have a need for any of New York's bigs in return, but Atlanta still is not the only team in pursuit of last year's breakout center. Memphis and Indiana are also in the hunt. Meanwhile, Atlanta also appears to be making overtures to Denver's Jon Barry. Apparently Atlanta doesn't have enough swingmen. Complete Article (20040722 - Atlanta) »
- Emeka Okafor vs. The Millenium Goliath
- No, it's not a new comic-book or movie: The Rookie vs. The Millenium Goliath is merely the title of Emeka Okafor's first season in the NBA. The Olympian-to-be will face the most-dominant more than he will face any other center (barring midseason trades). How will he stack up? Complete Article (20040722 - Charlotte) »
- Heat Offer Fans Chance to Send Fond Farewell
- In a move that has been called unprecedented, the Miami Heat are letting fans email the Heat players traded to the Lakers to receive Shaq. You can email Brian Grant, Caron Butler, and Lamar Odom in Los Angeles to wish they well, bid them good luck, or just thank them for their effort. Complete Article (20040723 - Miami) »
- Magic Talk With Mavs About Gooden
- The Dallas Mavericks have reportedly joined the throng of teams lining up to get Drew Gooden, whom apparently the whole world knows will soon be traded. The Mavs have competition from the Cavs, Wolves, and Warriors for Gooden's services. Dallas would probably be looking to unload one of their new-found expensive contracts in either Jerry Stackhouse or Christian Laettner. Orlando may need to include Andrew DeClercq to help match salaries. Read today's Southeast report for a breakdown of all the possibilities. Complete Article (20040723 - Orlando) »
- Extend Kwame?
- Kwame Brown becomes a restricted free agent at the end of this coming season but by that time, the NBA may have implemented a new collective bargaining agreement, one that many player agents and representatives fear may limit the length of new contracts. Brown could lock in a longer deal this summer by inking an extension with the Wizards, but is Washington ready to double-down on their still-unrealized gamble? Complete Article (20040723 - Washington) »
- Hawks Not Willing to Overpay Dampier
- Erick Dampier opted out of the last two years of his Golden State contract at about $8 million per year in order to sign a secure, long-term deal. As teams above the cap, most notably the Knicks, fall by the wayside in sign-and-trade deals due to Golden State's reshuffled lineup, only teams with cap space can offer the unrestricted free agent more than the mid-level exception. Atlanta is reportedly offering Dampier only a three-year deal worth about $25 million, or also about $8 million per year. Dampier wants more years AND more salary. But why should Atlanta bid against itself? Complete Article (20040726 - Atlanta) »
- Jason Kapono, Rocky Mountain Revue MVP
- The Charlotte Bobcats finished the Rocky Mountain Revue with a 4-2 record, good for third place. The winner of the summer league was Denver, who went undefeated 5-0. But the winner as far as Charlotte was concerned was Jason Kapono, who was named the league's MVP. Complete Article (20040726 - Charlotte) »
- McHale: Mailman Making a Miami Delivery
- Kevin McHale knows a little something about the power forward spot. He redefined the position as a Hall-of-Famer on three championship Boston Celtics teams and has bet his career as an executive on Kevin Garnett, who this past season won his first MVP award. McHale recently summoned all that wisdom to come to this pronouncement: Karl Malone will make a sunny delivery this offseason to rejoin Shaquille O'Neal in Miami. Complete Article (20040727 - Miami) »
- The Man, The Plan, It's Banal: Age
- GM John Weisbrod is going through the same growing pains as Danny Ainge did last offseason, where every initially headshaking trade brings questions about "The Plan," as if it could be about anything other than winning. I am pleased to report that I have cracked the elusive code and, if you allow me to mix metaphors, I can take you behind the scenes and through the iron wall for a peek at the blueprints. It's all very simple really. Despite drafting a high school player, Weisbrod has aged the team. Complete Article (20040727 - Orlando) »
- Thomas Minus 48 Hours
- Etan Thomas has given no indication that he wants to be a Buck beyond pointing out the simple fact that Milwaukee has fewer big men on their roster than Washington, and that therefore he could likely be a starter there. Yet in a matter of 48 hours, he could well find himself there, far removed from the impassioned political scene in Washington, D.C. unless Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld matches Milwaukee's offer. Complete Article (20040727 - Washington) »
- Cap Space is King
- Erick Dampier may find himself in Atlanta almost against his will. The center opted out of his contract nearly a month ago expecting a sign-and-trade deal with the Knicks but Chris Mullin reportedly reneged on that deal two weeks ago. Now, Dampier is finding few possible suitors for his demands for a greater than MLE salary. Memphis, Indiana, and New York are all interested but seem unable to get Golden State's attention. Phoenix may become interested to pursue him with its own cap space if the Clippers match the Suns offer on Quentin Richardson but otherwise Dampier seems to have no choice but to go to Atlanta. In fact, the Hawks could just sign him, and look to trade him in December, the soonest they would be allowed to do so. Memphis and Indiana have reportedly already approached Atlanta about exactly such a scenario. Complete Article (20040728 - Atlanta) »
- Emeka Okafor Injures Ankle
- One day after signing a guaranteed $10 million contract over three years, and one hour into Team USA's second practice for the Olympics, Emeka Okafor sprained his ankle during a routine drill. He was taken for precautionary X-rays (negative) and will sit out today's practice as his condition is re-evaluated. Complete Article (20040728 - Charlotte) »
- Heat Re-Sign Rasual Butler To Replace Caron Butler
- The Heat re-signed 2002 second round draft pick Rasual Butler to a two-year deal worth about $2.9 million. The 6-7, 25-year-old Butler is expected to start at the small forward spot. Known as "Instant Offense" in his days at La Salle for his ability to quickly put a lot of points on the board, he has been an on-again, off-again sparkplug for the Heat whose liabilities appear to be ballhandling and defense. He is working on improving both. His per-minute numbers appear comparable to the recently departed Caron Butler though his three-point shooting is significantly better. Complete Article (20040729 - Miami) »
- No More Trades
- The Orlando Magic are probably finished dealing, as they have temporarily run out of chips. Only Grant Hill has a large enough contract to potentially get anything in return value, but given that he is significantly overpaid, and it's not even an expiring contract, he would need to be packaged with very young and cheap players to get any deal. Other than Hill, the Magic have only two players left without trade kickers or trade restrictions: Keith Bogans and Andrew DeClercq. In other words, the Magic are probably done dealing. Complete Article (20040729 - Orlando) »
- Pieces Falling Into Place
- With Etan Thomas being retained by the Wizards through their matching of Milwaukee's offer sheet, GM Ernie Grunfeld is looking to secure his roster for many years to come. Next on the agenda are relatively unhurried extension negotiations with Kwame Brown and Brendan Haywood. Extensions can be offered until October 31. Complete Article (20040729 - Washington) »
- How the Hawks Will Land Dampier
- The primary suitors for Erick Dampier continue to be Indiana, Memphis, New York, and Atlanta, with Phoenix a possibility. Only Atlanta can sign Dampier outright. The remaining teams need to negotiate both with Dampier and Chris Mullin to get a sign-and-trade. It appears as if the parts the rest are willing to offer, Mullin doesn't want, and the players Mullin wants, the others aren't willing to offer. Of course, should Shawn Marion become available, that would change everything. Meanwhile, Atlanta may have a high-priced steal on their hands. More accurately, the Hawks' reasonable offer to Dampier may be the best he gets. Complete Article (20040730 - Atlanta) »
- Bobcats Sign Corey Benjamin
- Dreams can come true. The Bobcats signed free-agent Corey Benjamin after impressive summer league play. Benjamin, 26, played four positions in the five-game Minnesota summer league, averaging 7.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 17.2 minutes. The 6-6 Benjamin played with the son of GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff at Oregon State before going on a four-year journey of the NBA, three in Chicago and one in Atlanta, then playing last year in France. One phrase said it best: "He has played for seven teams in five leagues in three countries over the past four seasons." Complete Article (20040730 - Charlotte) »
- Mark Twain on Shaq
- Diversification is supposed to mitigate risks but of course it doesn't; it merely spreads it out. The right approach, as Mark Twain reputedly advised, is to "put all your eggs in one basket and WATCH THAT BASKET." The Miami Heat now have all their eggs in the world's biggest basket. Bringing in Shaq was not just the biggest trade in the franchise's history; it involved a paradigm shift in the way the team approaches building. Before, they used to value a portfolio of options. Now, they are left with just one really big option. Complete Article (20040802 - Miami) »
- DeClercq, Bogans, Garrity, and Hill Survive Wave of Exile
- Andrew DeClercq, Keith Bogans, Pat Garrity, and Grant Hill have so far survived the wave of exile that has plagued their teammates. These four are the only holdovers from last year's bottom-of-the-barrel team. If only it were because they each figure prominently in the Magic's future. Alas, like Leo Tolstoy's unhappy families, they appear to each be untradeable in their own way. Read more about each of them in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040802 - Orlando) »
- Kwame Brown Broke His Ankle?
- One as yet unconfirmed report has suggested that Kwame Brown has either turned or broken his ankle in a pick-up game Georgia and that he is scheduled for surgery either tomorrow or Wednesday. Is it true? And what would it mean for the Wizards if it were? There would be three main areas of concern for the Wizards. Read more in today's NEWS@ Southeast report. Complete Article (20040802 - Washington) »
- Antoine Walker to Hawks for Terry, Henderson
- Antoine Walker, former Celtic, former Mav, is soon to be a former Hawk. Dallas reportedly traded him to Atlanta for Jason Terry and captain Alan Henderson, according to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post. Walker is in the last year of his deal and will be a free agent come summer 2005. Is Al Harrington going to take an unexpected back seat to Walker in terms of playing time? Or will Walk be playing an undersized center again, like he did in the last part of the season with the Mavs? Complete Article (20040803 - Atlanta) »
- First Home Game Is Opponent's Homecoming
- The first-ever game in Bobcats franchise history will be a home game but will also be the homecoming of their opponent's star player. Southeast division rivals Washington Wizards pay the world's first visit to the Bobcats on November 4, giving the fans split emotions over who to cheer for: their newfound expansion team or Providence High alum Antawn Jamison. Complete Article (20040803 - Charlotte) »
- The Untelevised Divisional Matchups
- Though Shaq and the Heat will appear an amazing 33 times on national TV, only two Southeast divisional matchups will make it to the national audience, and both of them are against Orlando. One is the first meeting between the two clubs, a home game on December 19, and the other is is the February 27 road game at Orlando. None of the four games each against the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Bobcats, or Washington Wizards are currently slated for a national audience. Complete Article (20040804 - Miami) »
- Unusual National Television Schedule
- While the Orlando Magic technically have quite a few national TV games slated for the coming season, all but three of them are to be broadcast on NBA TV. Only one matchup each against Houston, Miami, and Detroit gets either ESPN or TNT coverage. The Detroit game in particular is an unusual decision for a national audience. Don't be surprised when it's rescheduled later in the year. Complete Article (20040804 - Orlando) »
- Kwame Brown Undergoes Successful Surgery
- Kwame Brown's surgery yesterday was successful, according to the team doctors. Brown is expected to be ready for training camp in October. No reports on whether anybody is willing to place money on it or what kind of odds they would give. Complete Article (20040804 - Washington) »
- Antoine Halker and Tony Delt
- It's official. Antoine Walker is a Hawker and Tony Delk's been dealt. Atlanta gave up Jason Terry, Alan Henderson, and a complicated first round pick that starts next season and comes from Philadelphia, but potentially doesn't get delivered to Dallas (in which case Atlanta pays a penalty of $1 million). Complete Article (20040805 - Atlanta) »
- Bobcats Done?
- After the expansion draft was held to populate Charlotte's roster, GM/coach Bernie Bickerstaff ominously declared that he didn't expect that group of players to be the final group that takes the floor come November. After some relatively small trades and free agent signings, including most recently Omar Cook and with the possible future addition of Loren Woods, Bickerstaff is now admitting that "unless some revelation comes along, I'm willing to roll the dice with what we have." Complete Article (20040805 - Charlotte) »
- Heat Get Great Pickup in Damon Jones
- The Miami Heat have signed unrestricted free agent Damon Jones to a two-year deal starting with the remaining $2.5 million from the MLE it had available and giving Jones a player option for the second year. Despite the fact that Jones is now the Heat's third point guard and will be battling with hometown hero Keyon Dooling for the chance to backup Dwyane Wade, and despite concerns about Miami's continued hole in the frontcourt, Damon Jones is a terrific pickup for the club. Complete Article (20040806 - Miami) »
- Turkoglu Still the Best Turk
- Both of Turkey's bright young stars signed six-year agreements this summer. Hedo Turkoglu will earn a total of $40 million from the Magic. Mehmet Okur will earn 25% more for a total of $50 million from the Jazz. Yet in Turkey's matchup with New Zealand two nights ago, it was the cheaper Turkoglu who was named "man of the match" after hitting a key three-pointer followed by an even more pivotal three-point play. Complete Article (20040806 - Orlando) »
- Wiz Barely Home Except in January-February
- If you want to see the Wizards play some rested and meaningful home games, your only choices are January and February. Every other month has more road trips than home games except April, which comes too late in the season to likely be meaningful. Complete Article (20040806 - Washington) »
- Hawks Eye Troy Hudson
- If Troy Hudson was healthy last year, we might have seen the Timberwolves in the Finals. In some ways, it is that fact that is keeping the Wolves from re-signing Hudson to what everyone thought was essentially a done deal. Language involving guarantees and injury protection have slowed contract talks, and the Pioneer Press is reporting that Hudson is getting frustrated. So frustrated that he would consider a contract offer from the Hawks. Complete Article (20040809 - Atlanta) »
- When Okafor Comes Home
- Emeka Okafor will not play in Connecticut this upcoming season but there will be plenty of opportunities for Huskies fans with access to automobiles and gas stations to see him in neighboring states. One of Okafor's first games will be an exhibition in New Jersey on October 19, though his first real nearby NBA game will be in Boston on November 12. Complete Article (20040809 - Charlotte) »