Outlaw Injured

The Oregonian reports

Trail Blazers forward Travis Outlaw has a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal in his left foot, suffered in the first quarter of the Blazers game at Charlotte.

Outlaw, who played only 50 seconds, suffered the injury 20 seconds after he checked into the game. Television replays show that Outlaw apparently suffered the injury when he tried to close the distance between himself and Charlotte forward Gerald Wallace. When Wallace started to drive, Outlaw put on the brakes, and the force of the stop caused the injury. Wallace drove past Outlaw for a layin.

X-Rays revealed a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal – the small bone on top of the foot near the small toe. It is the same injury, to the same foot, that teammate Martell Webster endured last season.

Andrew Bynum Producing

I haven’t been watching the Lakers play much here in the early goings (not the prettiest basketball around with Gasol is out) … I was watching the fourth quarter of the Rockets-Lakers game last night and I was surprised to hear what type of numbers Bynum has been producing.

• Games — 8
• Minutes per game — 39.3
• Rebounds per game — 11.9
• Field Goal percentage — 59.6%
• True Shooting percentage –62.7%
• Points per game — 20.8
• Blocks per game — 1.88

2010: Joe Johnson

The Hawks have 8 wins and 2 losses in their first 10 games with a margin of victory of eight points per game.

The Hawks early success in the regular season is a bad sign for any teams who were hoping to tempt Joe Johnson away from Atlanta next summer. The Hawks are looking like a 55+ win team right now and they still have enough youth/potential to improve further. It will be hard for teams to offer a better situation than the one Atlanta is offering.

Secondly, with Atlanta winning the Hawks front office will reluctant to let Joe leave. Questions over whether a player is max contract worthy, or how many years you want to commit to a player, those questions have a habit of dying down when teams are winning.

Okafor Trade Rumour

Sam Amick reports

A source with knowledge of the situation says the Kings are discussing a trade with New Orleans that would send Kenny Thomas to the Hornets and bring center Emeka Okafor to Sacramento.

The deal would be ideal for the Hornets, as Thomas’ expiring contract worth $8.7 million is just the kind of contract that would trim their enormous payroll. The question, of course, is whether the Kings see Okafor as a big man solution worth the five years and $62.5 million left on his deal.

No deal is imminent and this is merely a discussion between the two sides at this point.

Thoughts

I don’t believe there’s any truth to the rumour.

Hornets Thoughts

Wandering thoughts on various things on the Hornets + their players.

Chris Paul Off The Court

The Hornets have looked lost whenever Chris Paul has been off the court. Even worse than last year. At least last season the team had an idea of what it was trying to do while he was sitting down. Now they just look aimless out there.

Bobby Brown

I have no idea why Byron Scott was playing Bobby Brown ahead of Darren Collison. Brown is a poor player who was playing terrible basketball while Collison is a good-to-excellent backup point guard with an all-round game + NBA ready game.

Rockets Waive Pops

The Houston Chronicle reports

With a pair of moves Friday made for very different reasons, one surprising and one expected, the undersized Rockets trimmed two big men from their roster, sending center Joey Dorsey to the NBA Development League and waiving forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

The reason for the move

Mensah-Bonsu, however, had played well enough in the preseason to move past Dorsey, and had played 13 minutes in four of the Rockets’ eight games. The Rockets wanted the roster spot open should they need a fill-in, a concern that became more obvious when Aaron Brooks turned his ankle on Tuesday even though Brooks did not miss any playing time.

Keith Bogans

Good article in the San Antonio Express on Bogans

It is a general truism that every NBA player possesses at least one NBA skill. It didn’t take long for Keith Bogans to discover his.

He’s built a career on his uncanny ability to be the most annoying guy in the room.

“I want to annoy guys,” said Bogans, the Spurs’ latest starter at shooting guard. “I want guys to know when I’m guarding them, it’s going to be a tough night. I don’t want anybody to think it’s going to be a walk in the park. See me, and put a smile on your face? No, that’s not me.”

An afterthought for much of the preseason, Bogans has emerged as perhaps the biggest early-season surprise for the Spurs. His defensive prowess earned him a spot in the starting lineup three games ago, and he has done little to relinquish it.

Jermaine O’Neal Scoring Efficiency

A stats heavy post

Some stats courtesy of 82games.com

	2009/10 (Heat)	2008/09 (Heat)	2008/09 (Raptors)	2006/07 (Pacers)	2005/06 (Pacers)	2004/05 (Pacers)	2003/04 (Pacers)
eFG% Inside Shots	56.1%	41.4%	39.7%	37.2%	38.1%	40.4%	37.8%
eFG% Jump Shots	70%	59.8%	62%	57.7%	66.4%	57.4%	58.9%

Notes

• Edit — Sorry, I left out the 2007/08 season in the table above, the numbers for that season were 36.3% on jump shots and 65% on interior shots.
• The above is the last five/six years plus the early part of this season of Jermaine O’Neal’s career.

Game Time: Miami vs Cleveland

Good test for the Miami Heat tonight. The Cavs aren’t in great shape, or even very good shape, at the moment but they are playing at a good level. The Heat have been in excellent form lately and have been playing very good basketball so they’re a bit ahead of the Cavs at the moment. That said, I think the Heat are playing above themselves, and the Cavs are under-performing, so tonight will be a good “see where we are game” for both sides.

I’m expecting a very close game, eminently winnable for either team, with Wade + LeBron going off for huge nights. Pretty much canceling each other out. Whichever player gets more of a hot hand from their supporting cast will end up being the victor.

Miami matches up better with Cleveland than most title contenders due to the Cavs over-reliance on LeBron James. It allows their defense to be more effectual.

Starting lineups

• Cleveland Cavaliers — Mo Williams + Anthony Parker + LeBron James + JJ Hickson + Shaquille O’Neal
• Miami Heat — Mario Chalmers + Dwyane Wade + Quentin Richardson + Michael Beasley + Jermaine O’Neal

Raptors Waive Douby

Raptors.com reports

The Toronto Raptors announced Thursday they have released guard Quincy Douby. Douby had been on the inactive list since October 28 and did not appear in any regular season games. He averaged 3.0 points, 1.7 assists and 10.5 minutes in six preseason outings.

About bloody time. There was absolutely no point to Douby remaining on the roster.

Jose Calderon and Jarrett Jack have all of the point guard minutes locked up on the Raptors team. Then there’s Marcus Banks who will be stuck on the Raptors for another season past this one due to his contract. That’s three point guards combining to earn $17.8 million this season who are filling the starting point guard slot, the primary backup guard (and sixth man) slot, and the third string point guard role.

There was absolutely no need to waste a roster spot on another point guard.

Hornets Fire Byron Scott

ESPN reports

The New Orleans Hornets have responded to their 3-6 start by making the first coaching change of the young NBA season, firing Byron Scott on Thursday.

The Hornets made the decision to dismiss Scott following New Orleans’ 124-104 loss in Phoenix on Wednesday night and formally announced the move later Thursday.

Scott will be replaced by general manager Jeff Bower, with Tim Floyd as his top assistant, the team said. Floyd formerly coached the Hornets and the Chicago Bulls in the NBA and most recently at USC.

Team owner George Shinn thanked Scott for his service, but said Bower “knows this team better than anyone” and gives the Hornets “our best opportunity to reach our goals this season.”

Wally Szczerbiak To Retire?

This is from about a week ago … the NY Post reports

The unsigned Szczerbiak told The Post yesterday he underwent knee surgery three weeks ago at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan and is seriously considering retiring in the coming weeks.

The surgeons have told the Cold Spring Harbor product another knee injury could affect his ability to lead a normal life because he lacks enough cartilage in the knee after three surgeries.

A source said the decision’s been all but made to retire because he wants to be able to play with his kids. But Szczerbiak said yesterday an official decision hasn’t been reached.

Game Time: Orlando vs Cleveland

Big game tonight between the Cavs and Magic. Good opportunity to see how the new look Cavs, Shaquille O’Neal in particular, defend Dwight Howard and company.

• Magic lineup — Shaq + Hickson + James + Parker + Williams
• Cavs lineup — Dwight + Bass + Barnes + Vince + Nelson

First Quarter

• Delonte West is inactive tonight. The team hasn’t released the reason why … only to say there needs to be accountability for all players.
• Nice help defense by Nelson coming over from the weakside to break up the pass by LeBron to Hickson under the rim.
• Mo Williams knocks down a jumper. Jameer Nelson replies with a pull up J of his own from 18 feet on the right elbow extended.
• James isolation on the right wing against Barnes, James settles for the jumper, hits a 22 footer. He can beat Barnes for speed all night long. Look to drive.
• Cavs post up Shaquille O’Neal, foul on Howard in the post. His first. Sideline ball, Cavs post up Shaq again, he turns middle, hesitates, gets himself in trouble, takes a one handed short shot in the middle of the paint, misses.

Kings Sign Udoka

The Sacramento Kings have signed free agent Ime Udoka

That was the rough logic behind the Kings’ signing of Ime Udoka on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-5, sixth-year swingman spent the last two seasons as a key reserve for San Antonio, averaging 18.0 and 15.4 minutes, respectively.

He was a strong defensive presence and an occasional three-point threat, although his 32.8 three-point percentage last season was the worst of his career (37.4 percent overall).

According to sources, Udoka has a nonguaranteed contract for the veteran’s minimum salary that will run through the end of the season and pay him a prorated amount of $1.03 million. It won’t be fully guaranteed until Jan. 10, 2010.

“I’m thinking of him in terms of the (shooting guard) and (small forward positions),” Westphal said. “He’s a versatile player, a good three-point shooter.

“He’s been part of winning programs, and I think he can help anybody in this league. … If you can add a guy like that to your team, it’s a good thing to do.”

Kevin Martin Has Surgery

ESPN reports

Sacramento Kings leading scorer Kevin Martin underwent surgery on his injured left wrist.

The team says Martin had the procedure to repair a hairline fracture in his left wrist on Monday at the UC Davis Medical Center. Martin will be released from the hospital later in the day.

Martin is expected to miss at least eight weeks with the injury. He is averaging 30.6 points a game for the Kings.

Sacramento has won both games since Martin was sidelined. Rookie Tyreke Evans is averaging 27.5 points per game in those contests.

Chuck Hayes Article

Nice article in the Houston Chronicle on Chuck Hayes

Chuck Hayes is the most remarkable player on the NBA’s most remarkable team. How’s that for an opening sentence? Good one, huh?

Don’t believe me? Let’s check in at Toyota Center and run it past some people who should know.

“Luis Scola and I were talking in the weight room this morning,” Shane Battier said, “and we both agreed Chuck Hayes is our favorite player in the NBA.”

How so?

“It’s pretty amazing what he does,” Battier said. “He’s a huge reason we’ve been one of the best defensive teams in the league the last few years.”

How about you, Carl Landry? Do you love Hayes as much as the rest of us?

“He’s the perfect player,” Landry said. “He rebounds, plays defense, takes charges, gets steals. He does the dirty work.”

Game Time: Utah vs San Antonio

Utah Jazz at home against the Spurs tonight.

First Quarter

San Antonio leads 3-2 after one minute as Deron Williams hits a layup in transition.

• Tony Parker pick and pop with Tim Duncan, nice help defense by Brewer to dissuade Duncan from taking that jump shot immediately, Okur recovers, Duncan facing him up on the left wing, takes it, misses it.
• Okur gets good position in the middle of the paint, eight from the rim, against Bonner, turns around and hits the short shot.
• Ronnie Brewer knocks down a 17 footer off the left elbow. Nice catch and shoot.
• Tony Parker pick and pop with Matt Bonner on the right wing, three pointer Bonner, miss.
• Boozer is getting booed loudly as he misses a 16 footer on the right wing.

Excellent Article By Feschuk On Oakley

Here’s the link … and some of Oakley’s thoughts:

On Butch Carter, former Raptors coach

“Butch is probably one of the best coaches, as far as Xs and Os, that I’ve been around. I’d put him up there with Pat Riley. He knows the game. Unfortunately, some things happened. But I think he can come back in this league and be a great coach. People learn from their mistakes. That’s what the NBA needs … they need coaches like Butch Carter. He had game plans. He’d be great for Cleveland. LeBron, if he’s a 10 now, his game would go up two or three levels. Look what Butch did for Vince Carter.”

On Vince Carter’s early success in Toronto

“It was all Butch. Butch got in his ear and told him, `Do you know what you have with you? You’ve got some guys who care for you and are going to look out for you.’ Me, Antonio (Davis), Kevin (Willis), we said, `Hey, Vince, we got your back.’ Vince would have never excelled the way he did if it wasn’t for Butch and some of the guys on the team, because we kept pushing him.

Rip Hamilton’s Absence Felt

Good article on Mlive.com

The immediate reaction to Pistons losses against Oklahoma City and Milwaukee was the fact that the Pistons relied primarily on one-on-one basketball.

The stats showed it, as they had 20 assists in the win over Memphis and just 29 combined in the next two games, which also just so happened to be without Rip Hamilton.

The article continues

But is one player enough to make the assist total go down that much? According to last season, yes.

Hamilton missed 15 games a season ago. When he was on the court, the Pistons averaged 21.3 assists per game. When he was out, the averaged 17.4 per game.

Game Time: Miami vs Phoenix

Fun matchup here. Two undefeated teams battling one another.

• Dwyane Wade put on a show against the Suns last season putting up 43 and 6 in Phoenix + 35 and 16 at home leading the Heat to two wins out of two versus the Suns.
• No Barbosa tonight. He’s out injured.

This should be a good game.
First Quarter

Miami lead 4-2 after 75 seconds following two Beasley free throws.

• Nice pass by Steve Nash from the left elbow out to the right wing to an open Richardson for a three pointer, miss.
• Beautiful bounce pass by Nash from the top of the key to Richardson who cut down the baseline and got himself a wide open dunk for his troubles.
• Channing Frye looks like a small forward out there. The way he moves, the positions he takes up.
• Q-Rich knocks down a triple out of the let corner. Good pass by Jermaine O’Neal to set that one up.

Article On Oden + Blazers

Good article by Jason Quick in the Oregonian

I like the analogy made by Coach Nate McMillan near the start of the article, so let’s start there:

Less than 12 hours after the Blazers’ defense had been sliced and diced for 111 points in Houston, leading some players to question the effort of the team, coach Nate McMillan talked to the Blazers about a simple concept: family.

“Would you allow your brother to continue to do something he shouldn’t be doing? Or would you say something to him?” McMillan remembers telling his team. “And that’s what it is all about. They are brothers out there, this is a family, and if we are not playing defense or you are not covering your man, say something to him. It’s not personal. It’s holding each other accountable.”

The article goes on to talk about Greg Oden’s vocal presence defensively against the Thunder

Interesting Snippet On Player Heights

ESPN’s Daily Dime

Currently, there are 433 players in the NBA and 225 are 6-8 or taller (58.9 percent).

The tallest player is Houston’s Yao Ming at 7-6. There are two players listed at 7-3: Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Hasheem Thabeet.

The average NBA player is currently 6-7 (actually 6-feet, 7.3 inches). The shortest player in the NBA is Nate Robinson at 5-9.

Some fun stats on the average height for NBA players + almost 60% of the league is 6 foot 8 or bigger, wow!

Possible Injury To Pau Gasol

The LA Times reports

Lakers forward Pau Gasol underwent a sonogram that showed a possible tear in his right hamstring, and he is not expected to play on the team’s upcoming two-game road trip, the team said.

Gasol also had a more complex MRI exam today on his hamstring, and those results will be known by Tuesday.

There was another article on this about a half hour later

No results yet, but that’s the big news from practice Monday in El Segundo, ahead of the Lakers’ first road trip of the season. Phil Jackson used the word “tear” speaking to the media and a sonogram on Gasol’s hamstring may indicate that possibility.

Redd Difficulties With Knee

ESPN reports that Michael Redd is having trouble with the knee he had surgery on last season

Michael Redd of the Milwaukee Bucks will miss at least two weeks after experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired left knee.

Redd underwent surgery in March to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and he left Saturday night’s game against Detroit during the third quarter because of discomfort in the knee. He underwent an MRI on the knee on Sunday.

Let’s hope this is only a two week rest-bite and not something that ends up ruining his season.

No Michael Redd, no Bucks’ run for a playoff spot.

Rondo Signs Contract Extension

Yahoo Sports reports

The Boston Celtics and Rajon Rondo have reached an agreement in principle on a contract extension, Rondo’s agent, Bill Duffy, said early Monday.

League sources said the extension is for five years and guarantees Rondo at least $55 million. With the two sides facing a Monday deadline to get a deal done, Duffy said he called Celtics president Danny Ainge on Sunday to inform him Rondo was prepared to play out his contract and become a restricted free agent next summer because they weren’t satisfied with the team’s previous offers. Ainge, however, surprised Duffy by responding that Rondo’s contract hopes would be met.

“As much as we were willing to wait his contract out, the Celtics stepped up to the plate to meet the original request,” Duffy said by phone. “This is a really fair contract. We wanted him to be paid like one of the top five point guards around. It also allows the Celtics to maintain continuity to continue to be one of the best teams at this time.”

Game Time: Oklahoma vs Portland

Good matchup here between two of the young squads over in the Western Conference. An up and coming Thunder squad versus an already established Blazers. These two squads could be fighting one another in the playoffs for the next 5-10 years.

First Quarter

• Greg Oden just beast-ed Krstic in the low post before he ever got the ball. He’s too strong for Krstic to handle. Oden will be able to get deep position all night long, plus he can seal him away from the pass extremely well. Superb matchup for the Blazers.
• Sloppy passing from the Blazers … almost turned it over three times — Aldridge’s four foot pass to Blake off target, Blake runs it down to the sideline, trapped, throws it to Oden, Oden can’t catch the ball, spills it heading out of bounds, saves it, Westbrook intercepts it but falls out of bounds in the process — Portland lucky to hang onto possession there.

No Trade Clauses

ESPN’s Daily Dime has a list of players who can veto a trade this season:

There are 21 more players this season who can block trades through three other provisions. Sixteen of those 21 players possess one-year contracts that require them to give consent before being included in any deal because they are also eligible for Early Bird or Full Larry Bird free-agent rights at the end of the contract. Bird rights are not transferrable to a new team in one-year deals.

Three more players signed two-year contracts that are treated in the same manner as the aforementioned one-year contracts because the deals include a player option for Year 2.

Including Kobe Bryant, then, there are 22 players in a league of 430-plus players who begin the season with a say in trades. They break down into three groups:

Nuggets Sign Balkman To Extension

ESPN reports

The Denver Nuggets have signed backup Renaldo Balkman to a contract extension and also exercised the fourth-year option on guard Arron Afflalo, who was acquired from Detroit last summer.Known for his hustle and ability to slip through defenses for easy baskets, Balkman averaged a career-best five points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting a career-high 55.8 percent in 53 games with Denver last season.

Terms of Balkman’s deal were not disclosed.

Bucks Decline Joe Alexander’s Option

Yahoo Sports reports

After drafting forward Joe Alexander with the eighth overall choice in the 2008 NBA draft, the Milwaukee Bucks will make him the highest pick ever to have his rookie contract option declined, league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Friday.

For Milwaukee general manager John Hammond, the rejection of Alexander’s 2010-11 contract option is a sobering admission that his organization made a major misjudgment with the first pick of its regime. The Bucks have until Monday to pick up the $2.7 million option or allow Alexander to become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Three Raptors Thoughts

#1 Hedo Turkoglu

If Hedo Turkoglu isn’t allowed to control the basketball and run the offense then he’s only a role player. You’ll get the contribution we saw from him during his time in Sacramento, San Antonio and in Orlando pre-Stan Van Gundy.

Turkoglu is only a high end player when he’s given large amounts of time on the ball + a huge amount of freedom to do as he pleases + is a key playmaker (creator) for your team.

So far, Toronto isn’t giving him those opportunities. If the Raptors continue down this path then (1) The team is going to be significantly worse than it should be (2) his $50 million contract is going to become an albatross (3) The team won’t be able to trade him until the final two years of his contract and will stuck with his overpaid under-productive self.

The Raptors (coach + point guards) have done a very poor job of getting Hedo Turkoglu enough opportunities in the first two games.

Comment On The Picket Fence

I was reading Tim W’s latest article on his website The Picket Fence and I noticed an interesting comment by Mike G

“Yes, I’m hard on him, but when you have the kind of talent he has, it’s a shame to waste it.”

Can’t a guy just have a bad game. Bargnani will never be a defensive monster but has a unique skill set that will allow him to impact most of the games he’ll play in.

Rashard Lewis and Lemarcus Aldridge are also below average rebounders but I never see anybody complaining about their sub-standard defence to this extent.

I started to write a response in the comments section but next thing you know I had over 700 words written … so I decided to post my thoughts on the topic here instead of clogging up Tim’s comment box.

Game Time: Chicago vs San Antonio

Not a game log, just a few thoughts on the game.

San Antonio Spurs Thoughts

Starting Lineup

• Tim Duncan
• Matt Bonner — poor rebounder
• Richard Jefferson — below average rebounder
• Michael Finley — very poor rebounder
• Tony Parker — mediocre rebounder

Can we please get Timmy more help on the backboards? He’s the only above average rebounder in the lineup.

Bargnani’s Debut To The Season

I wrote this earlier in the comments section

Shaq was terrible last night. He can’t come anywhere close to defending a shooter of Bargnani’s caliber in the high pick and roll, and he can’t defend the ball-handler either. That’s a very nice flaw for the Raptors opposing team to have … one they can pummel the opposition with over and over and over again.

Andrea Bargnani did a very good job defending Shaquille O’Neal in the low post too. His post defense was good-to-very good last season … hopefully he can take another leap defensively in that area again this season too.

Andrea Bargnani had a very good game. Offensively he was brilliantly and defensively he was good (very good one-on-one, particularly in the post).

Nets Decline Option On Sean Williams

RealGM has the press release

The New Jersey Nets have exercised third year contract options on Courtney Lee and Brook Lopez, and a fourth year contract option on Yi Jianlian, while declining to pick up the fourth year contract option on Sean Williams, Nets President Rod Thorn announced today.Lee, Lopez and Yi are now signed through the 2010-11 season.

2010 Teams With Cap Space

In a couple of days time I’m going to begin looking at the teams who have substantial cap space heading into next summer.

Here is a quick list of the teams that I’ll be looking at:

• New York – $27 million in salaries
• Miami – $31 million in salaries
• New Jersey – $23-28 million in salaries
• Oklahoma – $39 million in salaries
• Minnesota – $40 million in salaries
• LA Clippers – $42 million in salaries
• Chicago – $43 million in salaries

Cavs Need Power Forward

The Cleveland Cavaliers need a power forward who can play above average defense and in particular play defense out on the perimeter while also supplying good jump shooting, preferably three point shooting ability. They need this skill-set to make their offense and their defensive more cohesive after the acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal.

This is a rare mix of skills and is thus hard to find. So let’s have a look around the league and eye up some of the potential targets:

Power forwards who are above average defenders who can play defense on the perimeter and can shoot the ball reasonably well:

• Atlanta — nobody (Marvin Williams?)
• Boston — KG
• Charlotte — Boris Diaw

Jax Trade Discussions Heating Up?

ESPN’s Chris Broussard reports

For now, this is a rumor because I haven’t verified it with sources close to the situation, but I’ve been told by a few people around the league that the Stephen Jackson trade talk is heating up. I’m told that Golden State is mulling several offers, and one person told me he expects something to happen within the next few days.

I don’t know the particulars of any supposed offers, but I’m told Cleveland, Denver, San Antonio, New Orleans and the Los Angeles Clippers are all interested in Jackson.

Donaghy’s Book

ESPN reports that the publication of Donaghy’s book has been canceled.

Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy’s tell-all book has been canceled by Triumph Books and parent company Random House, the publisher said.

“Blowing the Whistle: The Culture of Fraud in the NBA” was slated for publication later this month. The book was to have covered Donaghy’s experience as an NBA referee and the events leading up to his conviction on federal wire fraud charges.

During the process of editing and vetting the manuscript, which Triumph received from Donaghy in the spring, Random House and its imprint made the joint decision to cancel the book out of “concerns over potential liability,” according to an e-mail from a Triumph representative.

But Deadspin.com has a few excerpts for us to flick through though:

Game Time: Toronto vs Cleveland

First Quarter

• Nice intro video + music from the Raptors
• Bosh and Shaq jump up it … Bosh wins the tip. Calderon dribbles forward, pick and roll, over to Bargnani who ran around the baseline, Varejao is defending him, head fake, drives baseline, dunks over Varejao. Nice move.
• Bargnani is defending Shaquille on the other end. Mo Williams misses from the corner, Varejao beats Bosh to the rebound.
• Chris Bosh posts up on the right box, turns middle, lefty hook, well defended by Varejao, miss.

Thunder Extend Thabo Sefolosha

RealGM reports

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed guard Thabo Sefolosha to a multi-year contract extension, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti. Per team policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We are excited that we were able to reach an agreement that will keep Thabo a part of our core group moving forward,” said Presti.

“Thabo represents many of the qualities that we look for in our players, great competitiveness, a team first mentality, and a strong work ethic. We believe Thabo’s best basketball is ahead of him, and his desire to remain a part of the Thunder family allowed for us to make this happen.”

Jennings To Start

JSOnline.com reports

Ready or not, rookie Brandon Jennings will be in the Milwaukee Bucks’ starting lineup on opening night Friday in Philadelphia.Bucks coach Scott Skiles confirmed after Tuesday’s practice that Jennings would start and veteran Luke Ridnour would be the primary backup.

“I felt like both guys played really well in the preseason in most of their minutes,” Skiles said. “It’s just my call. Even when I talked to Luke, it’s not like I could give Luke five set reasons.

“It’s something I’m electing to do, start him (Jennings) from opening night and see what happens. It will then depend on how he plays, how we play, all those issues.”

Heat Set Starting Lineup

ESPN reports

Haslem is out of Miami’s starting lineup for the first time in six years, paving the way for Michael Beasley to open at power forward. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra announced the starters Wednesday: NBA scoring champion Dwyane Wade and Mario Chalmers at guard, Jermaine O’Neal at center, Quentin Richardson at small forward and Beasley.

Spoelstra called it a “difficult and uncomfortable” decision.

Korver Out For Six Weeks

The Salt Lake Tribune reports

As Kyle Korver prepares to undergo surgery today in New York to remove a bone spur from his left knee, the Jazz could be without the three-point shooting guard for the season’s first six weeks.

The Jazz have yet to set a timetable for his return, but Korver is believed to be operating under the assumption that he will be out for that long.

If Korver were to miss six weeks, the Jazz likely would be without both him and C.J. Miles (thumb surgery) for all of November.

Discussions On Rondo Extension

Ric Bucher reports that the talks have resumed … but only one piece of the article really interests me, and, here it is:

Duffy said he is looking for a deal that would make Rondo one of the NBA’s top five highest-paid point guards. According to Duffy, the Celtics “feel differently,” Yahoo! Sports reported.

An unnamed source told Boston sports radio station WEEI that the Celtics offered Rondo a five-year, $45 million extension (an average of $9 million per year), but Rondo is seeking a five-year deal worth between $55 million and $60 million (an average of $11 million to $12 million per year).

Game Time: Cleveland vs Boston

First Quarter

• Cavs win the tip … inside to Shaq, KG helps inside, passes out to Varejao who knocks down the midrange jumper.
• Ray Allen runs off an excellent screen from Perkins, out onto the right wing, catch and shoot from three, miss.
• LeBron James and Kevin Garnett exchange baskets. James with a jump shot and Garnett with a drive out of the post over Varejao.
• Varejao with a nice pump fake, Perkins bites, Varejao takes the bump but goes up too slowly after the bump and doesn’t get the foul …
• Great ball movement from Cleveland resulting in an Anthony Parker three pointer … timeout Boston.

Glen Davis Out 6-8 Weeks

WEII.com reports

According to an NBA source, Celtics forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis underwent successful surgery on his right hand on Tuesday, and will now be out 6-8 weeks.

In an interview with The Big Show, Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck confirmed that Davis suffered a broken thumb. Though he did not give a specific timetable for the forward’s return, he did suggest that such injuries “are usually not season-threatening. … It’s a broken thumb. I don’t think it’s going to be that long.”

Grousbeck did say that the team expected to “suspend or fine” Davis.

Cavs Close In On Daniels

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports

According to league sources, the Cavs are close to signing free agent guard Antonio Daniels.

The team has been weighing the need for another guard during the preseason and has been interested in Daniels since he was waived last week by the Minnesota Timberwolves following a contract buyout. Daniels, a 14-year veteran, can play both guard positions. He will clear waivers today and the Cavs could act fast and pull the trigger.

Blake Griffin Injured

RealGM reports

Los Angeles Clippers’ rookie forward Blake Griffin may miss up to six weeks with a stress fracture of his left patella suffered during the Clippers’ last preseason game vs. the New Orleans Hornets on Friday, October 23rd.

Do the Clippers fold while Griffin are out? Or do keep their new-found energy + excitement and handle business without him?

I think the Clips will play better than last season but will be a poor squad (27-33 win type squad) while without Griffin. I think the loss offensively, and the overall loss of talent, will hurt them pretty badly.

Power Rankings

The power rankings on this site will be made at five different points in the season – Preseason, First Quarter, Halfway, Third Quarter, prior to the Playoffs.

Teams under these Power Rankings are being judged when at full capacity (healthy), and judged on where they stand within the league when at full capacity rather than through their current form. So teams that are losing because of injuries will not suffer, and teams who are top squads but are not playing to their usual high standards and lose 7 of 9 will not be downgraded because of it.

This is the final power rankings prior to the commencement of the 2009/10 season.

Eastern Conference

#1 Boston Celtics

They’re the frontrunner until someone proves they can knock off a healthy Celtics team.

Kevin Garnett looks primed for another brilliant season.

Suns Claim Collins Off Waivers

RealGM reports

The Phoenix Suns today announced that the club has been awarded the rights to center Jarron Collins. Collins, who spent the preseason with the Portland Trail Blazers, became available after being waived October 22, 2009.

he 6-11, 249-pound Collins is an eight-year NBA veteran who has spent every career regular season with the Utah Jazz. The 30-year-old owns career averages of 4.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 16.9 minutes in 480 games (206 starts).

Chris Paul Off The Ball

Nola.com reports

After watching hours of film from last season’s first-round playoff disaster against the Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Hornets Coach Byron Scott accepted the need to make changes in his offensive strategy.

Scott saw how the Nuggets’ guards easily hemmed Chris Paul to one side of the floor because of the Hornets’ predictable offensive attack that featured Paul and David West, or some other big man, on the pick and roll.

Paul handled the ball at the start of possessions a majority of the time, allowing Denver to stack the middle with the defenders, keep the lanes sealed and force the ball out of his hands with traps.

It eventually wore down Paul and rendered the Hornets’ offense ineffective.

Ray Allen’s Sniper Lessons

Nice article on ESPN’s Celtics Blog

Ray Allen has been called a sniper before because of his accurate shooting from the perimeter. But the Celtics 14th-year guard actually studied up on snipers a few years back to improve on his free-throw shooting.

Asked about trying to better his already sterling free-throw percentage this season, Allen talked about how reading a book on snipers a few years back helped him start raising that number.

“I’m raising the bar so high, it has to continue to improve over the years,” joked Allen. “I’ve understood free-throw shooting more and understanding my heart rhythms and trying to relax.

Some Preseason Stats

This post is just some notes on stats that jumped out me during the preseason.

#1 — Michael Beasley

• 14.4ppg and 5.8rpg in 30.4 minutes
• 43.5% field goal percentage with a true shooting percentage of 50.9%

Similar problems for Beasley in preseason as in last season. He puts up a lot of shots but scores with very poor shooting efficiency and his rebounding is very poor for a big man. Combine this with his poor-to-very poor defense.

It doesn’t look good for fans hoping to see Beasley breakout this season.

Antoine Walker Is Broke + In Debt

The Boston Globe reports

In the early morning hours of July 16, two Douglas County sheriff’s deputies were combing through the crowds around the gaming tables at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe casino in Stateline, Nev., trying to find a certain high-roller, a sort-of celebrity, a wanted man. They carried a snapshot with them, just to be sure they arrested the right guy.

It wasn’t a face they knew well, but we do.

It was Antoine Walker.

Free Agent: Ime Udoka

The Oregonian reports

“I’ve been through a lot in my career, and after all I’ve been through, I kind of thought these times were behind me,’’ Udoka said. “But I’m not going to sit around and be depressed. I’ve worked this hard and put in the work, and I have to be ready for the next opportunity. All I can do is hope one comes up.’’

Udoka said he is hoping to sign on with another team, and is awaiting word from his agent, Mark Bartelstein, who has been talking to other teams. Udoka said some potential suitors could be Oklahoma City, Denver, Sacramento and Utah.

Stuckey Article

Good article on Pistons.com about Rodney Stuckey

Like his mentor Larry Brown, John Kuester doesn’t look at statistics – and especially not point totals – in assessing the play of his point guard.So ask Kuester to assess the performance of third-year point guard Rodney Stuckey through the first three weeks of training camp and the preseason and he evokes Brown in saying, “He is going to go through parts of this season where he might not score a point and have a great game. That’s one of the things – not only him, but the entire team – understanding we have to make certain sacrifices in order for us to be a complete team. He understands his role is important to us from a defensive and offensive standpoint and I expect big things out of Rodney Stuckey.”

Pops’ Approach To Coaching Blair

The San Antonio Express reports

You get a new rookie, the tendency is to want to coach him up right away. You look at all he can’t do, and you want to start making corrections and fiddling with his game.

When it comes to first-year forward DeJuan Blair, the Spurs coaching staff is fighting that temptation for now.

They aren’t remaking his shooting form. They aren’t in his ear constantly about playing defense. They aren’t trying to teach him post moves he doesn’t have. They aren’t trying to make him Mark Price at the foul line, or Dikembe Mutombo at the rim.

For the time being, they are just letting Blair be.

Nets Test Lineup

Dave D’Alessandro reports

A coach’s prime directive is to put his five best players on the floor whenever practical, and since it has become apparent that three of the Nets’ top five guys all play the wing position, Lawrence Frank has a dilemma to wrestle with.Is there a legitimate way to play Chris Douglas-Roberts, Courtney Lee and Terrence Williams for stretches together – along with point guard Devin Harris, and Brook Lopez as the only big man in the quintet?

Jamison Out For A Month

RealGM reports

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that forward Antawn Jamison’s right shoulder has been re-evaluated and that the findings were consistent with the original diagnosis of a subluxation.He is expected to miss from four to six weeks from the date of the injury (Jamison sustained the injury in the Wizards’ 109-104 win in Cleveland on Oct. 14).

Bobby Jackson Retires

The Sacramento Bee reports

Bobby Jackson will announce his retirement from the NBA on Friday.”You’re sad because every player hates for this day to come,” Jackson, 36, said Thursday. “But also, you look ahead to the future and you see that you can walk away from the game when you wanted to walk away. Everything is intact. My family is happy.”

That’s too bad. Bobby Jackson could have helped somebody this season.

Aldridge Signs Contract Extension

ESPN reports

The Portland Trail Blazers have verbally agreed in principle to a contract extension with forward LaMarcus Aldridge, a source close to the process told ESPN.com on Wednesday.

The extension is for five years and $65 milliion and will go into effect next season, the source said.

Mayo’s Growth

Good article in the Memphis Commercial

The 6-3 guard has never deferred to anyone in his basketball life. But Mayo now cheerfully operates as the guy most tuned into what it’s going to take for the Grizzlies to be successful this season.

He has brought a pass-first, do-the-little-things mindset to training camp in hopes of accomplishing a few things.

Raja Bell Injured

Hat Tip to Khandor

ESPN reports

Charlotte Bobcats starting shooting guard Raja Bell has a partially torn ligament in his left wrist and will soon decide whether to have surgery which would sideline him up to four months.The severity of Bell’s injury, announced after he sat out Charlotte’s 94-87 exhibition win over Milwaukee on Tuesday, is a major blow for the Bobcats, who could be without their best defensive player and team leader.

Bell was injured when his wrist bent awkwardly as he tried to grab a loose ball in Sunday’s game against Utah.

“The way I understand it, surgery would be 6-8 [weeks] in a cast with pins and then 6-8 [weeks] worth of rehab,” Bell said.

Kevin McHale Back In Broadcasting

Tremendous news folks from BDL

Big news via Sports Media Watch today: Former Minnesota Timberwolves vice president Kevin McHale has found a new job, joining Ernie Johnson and Chris Webber on NBA TV’s Tuesday “Fan Night” telecasts, replacing my friend, and yours, Gary Payton.

I remember McHale’s work as television analyst for the Wolves prior to taking over the club and he was fantastic. He has a great sense of humour and a brilliant knowledge of the game. Very enjoyable to listen to.

McHale is one of the very best commentators/analysts in the NBA today. It’s great news that he’s back working in this industry and that’s he’s now on the national stage.

Sophmore Brandon Rush Aricle

The Indy Star reports

The way Brandon Rush finished last season is the way the Indiana Pacers think he’s capable of starting this one.

Slated to start at shooting guard, Rush finished an up-and-down rookie season on a tear.

In his final 13 games, Rush averaged 16.9 points and missed scoring in double figures only once.”If he plays like he did that last month, we’ll be a very, very good basketball team,” said All-Star forward Danny Granger, the Pacers’ leading scorer last season. “He was scoring the ball. He was defending. He was playing very, very well.”

Wolves Acquire Jawai

USAToday reports

The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired forward Nathan Jawai from the Dallas Mavericks.The Timberwolves also received cash from the Mavericks for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2012. The deal was announced Tuesday.

The conditional draft pick is protected through the 55th overall slot.

Nuggets Unafraid To Make Big Move

Interesting headline over at RealGM and the Denver Post

Though Denver is expected to be one of the best teams in the NBA this season, Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said the organization would not be hesitant to make a deal to improve the team if the circumstances warrant doing so.

“We’ll see where we’re at,” Warkentien said. “I think one thing, and history’s proven it, if we indeed have slipped and we get to that analysis, I think our group has proven that we’ll take the driver out and give it a big swing.”

Nets Selling Player Appearances

ESPN reports

For $25,000, you can watch the New Jersey Nets from courtside — and have a player stop by your son’s birthday party.In a tough economy, it’s the Nets’ latest marketing effort to sell its pricey courtside seats. It’s called ‘Your Ticket to a Player.’

For $25,000, the Nets are offering four courtside tickets for 10 games, parking, access to a private lounge at the Izod Center with free food and beverages and something more — a one-hour appearance by a Nets player of your choice at your home, office, school or party.

“It will be interesting to have an NBA player come to your birthday party or come to your Bar Mitzvah or even just coming to your house for dinner for an hour when your friends are over,” Nets chief executive Brett Yormark said. “That’s a terrific thing and it’s tough to put a price tag on it.”

Ronnie Brewer’s Contract Extension

The Desert News reports

“That’s not really in my hands right now,” Brewer said of the call on whether or not he’ll come to agreement on an extension of his rookie contract with the Jazz, which is something that must be decided by the end of the month.

“If it happens it happens,” added Brewer, who apparently wants it to happen — but would become a restricted free agent if no agreement is reached soon. “I mean, I just feel like it’s a great opportunity. I enjoy playing (in Utah). But my focus is on just getting better this year, and helping this team out.”

Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor has vowed to talk this week with Brewer’s agent about a possible extension — up to five new seasons can be added — but he’s unwilling to characterize the likelihood of a deal.

Rondo’s Defense

Good quotes and article in the Boston Globe on Rondo’s defense

By his own admission, Rajon Rondo would roll the dice more than a few times a night. He’d let the point guard get by him, then swipe at the ball from behind, trying to poke out a steal, or “back-tipping’’ as he put it.

“I used to be good for four, five, six of those a game,’’ Rondo said.

Sometimes they turned into highlights. Sometimes they turned into buckets the other way. This preseason, they have been scaled back. And that alone, said coach Doc Rivers, is what could be the next step in improving a point guard who already was second-team all-defense a year ago.

“I think he’s a better defender this year than he was last year by far because he’s doing more team things,’’ Rivers said. “He’s not gambling as much, he’s staying in front of the ball, he’s doing a fantastic job of getting over pick-and-rolls. That was one of his weak points last year. He would reach on pick-and-rolls instead of getting in front of the ball and squaring it up.’’

Dudley Modeling Himself After Bowen

The Arizona Republic reports

The distinctive, effort-laden play that has made Dudley a popular reserve with Suns fans is modeled after Bowen, the retired San Antonio enemy.

“For me to play a long career, I have to defend like that and shoot the ball,” Dudley said. “I’m not someone who will take you off the dribble. For me to play 10-12 years, I have to do that and knock down 3s. I can come off the bench and stretch the floor. Defensively, I get after you. At the end of the game, you never know, if I’m doing good on LeBron (James), Coach will say, ‘Hey, keep him in.’ That’s my strategy.”

Bird To Leave Pacers?

NY Post reports

Agreed, it’s hard to imagine Larry Bird walking away from a multi-million contract that has one year remaining after this one. Nevertheless, two NBA management sources, one inside the Pacers organization and one former employee whose initials are not D.W., contend the team president will call it quits at the season’s conclusion — citing health and lack-of-enjoyment issues.

LeBron Tutors Hickson

I’ve heard this story three times already in preseason and will surely hear it countless times again during the season … but it is an interesting story so here it is:

Given that confluence of events, it’s easy to see why Hickson, 21, is looking forward to showcasing his skills this year.

”Last year, I would say I was playing on eggshells with [coach] Mike Brown and his defense, but this year, I’m a lot more comfortable with the defense and I know a lot more,” he said. ”I know the ins and outs of the defense and the offense. I’m playing real comfortable right now.”

During this preseason, Hickson’s play has been an eye-opener to coaches and fans. He’s averaging 12.8 points, 4.3 rebounds in 21 minutes per game.

What accounts for his improvement? Hickson will tell you the reason, first and foremost, is being healthy.

”The back is at 110 percent right now,” he said. ”I did a lot of rehab over the summer and I’m ready to go in the season.”

He rested for much of the summer, then began hitting the weights. The result: Hickson looks stronger, plays with aggression and a lot more confidence. Where the power came from is obvious. The confidence? He got a little help from LeBron James, who took him under his wing the second half of the summer.

”Everywhere I went I had him with me because I knew the potential he had,” James said. ”And he’s definitely implementing everything he learned this summer from myself and himself.”

Hickson said they worked on his low-post game and shooting form. The results can be seen in his improved mid-range jump shot.

The article continues

”Before teams would dare him to shoot, and now he is shooting a lot better,” center Zydrunas Ilgauskas said.

The learning hasn’t stopped for Hickson either. With Shaquille O’Neal in a Cavs uniform, it’s only gotten more intense. O’Neal has stressed to Hickson the need for him to be consistent in his play.

”He’s a young kid who has a lot of raw talent. The good thing about him is he’s got a lot of good players to work with him,” O’Neal said. ”I was telling him you have to watch the so-called greats.

”You have to watch your so-called favorites and do what they do. Add a little bit of your own, then become the first J.J.”

More on the LeBron connection

”The maturity level has gone up in J.J. on the floor and off the floor to a certain degree,” Brown said. ”That’s not to say he was a kid last year.

”Yes, he was a young fellow and he did act his age, but just being around LeBron, who is a professional, helps anybody at that stage in their career.”

Hickson has been wise in taking James’ counsel. Given the way James came into the league and handled all the expectations and attention like a wily veteran, his advice is invaluable.

”When you’re a young guy, it’s about disciplining yourself,” James said. ”You come into the league and you’re so excited to be in the league, but you don’t know what it takes to be really good and what it takes to be outstanding on the court.”

James stressed to Hickson that he needs to be a professional at all times.

”You have to carry that attitude with you wherever you are,” James said. ”It’s more than just basketball and once he figures that out, basketball comes easy. It took him a year, but he’s back in focus and I think he realizes what it’s going to take for him to get on the court.”

Hickson sounds like he gets it.

”I’m just going to try to play. Whatever coach wants me to do, I’m with it,” he said. ”If I don’t play, I don’t play. I’m going to be a good teammate.”

It just goes to show you how much confidence LeBron James has in JJ Hickson’s ability.

Looking forward to seeing more from Hickson this season.

Love Breaks Hand

ESPN reports

Minnesota forward Kevin Love fractured a bone in his left hand during the Timberwolves’ 94-90 preseason loss to the Chicago Bulls on Friday night and will likely miss about six weeks.

Love banged his hand against teammate Oleksiy Pecherov’s elbow trying to go for a rebound on a missed free throw late in the third quarter and fractured the fourth metacarpal. The injury is to his non-shooting hand and he hopes to return at the end of November or early December.

Graham Impressing Nuggets

The Denver Post reports

Joey Graham is holding out hope of making the Nuggets roster.

He shouldn’t have to worry. It’s all but certain.

Graham, 27, has impressed Nuggets coach George Karl so much that Karl has already talked about fitting the 6-foot-7, 225-pound forward in the rotation during J.R. Smith’s seven-game suspension when the season starts.

Those decisions are still to be determined, but what is clear is how much Karl likes the hard- working, rough-and-tumble Graham.

“There’s a ‘how we played’ last year that I don’t think any of us want to change,” Karl said. “Joey has that Dahntay Jones personality. They are different players, going to do it in different ways. But from the standpoint of courage and toughness and the desire to defend, Joey has those personalities.”

Jodie Meeks

Jodie Meeks has played three preseason games now and so far we’ve seen a recurring theme

	Minutes	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Steals	Blocks
Chicago	14	6	1	0	0	0
Houston	19	5	1	1	0	0
Chicago	24	10	0	0	0	0

Notes

• In 57 minutes of game action Jodie Meeks has only mustered up two rebounds and one assist. No steals and no blocks.

Okay, we’ll come back to this at the end … but for now … I want to show Meeks problems in the past in these non-scoring before talking more about this.

Damon Jones Heads To Italy

RealGM reports

Damon Jones has signed a one-year deal with Napoli in Italy’s top division, according to agent Andy Bountogianis of Cleveland-based Mark Termini Associates.Jones decided to seize this opportunity to grab a firm offer in one of Europe’s top leagues as opposed to holding out for another NBA job, with numerous veteran guards still searching for roster spots.

Good decision by Damon Jones.

Ben Gordon and the Point

Ben Gordon as a point guard … is he able to play at the position or not?

Yes, I think he can.

Ben Gordon, The Point Guard

I think Ben Gordon is as much of a point guard as Mo Williams is. This means that he can succeed as a point guard so long as his duties as a creative playmaker are minimized.

This can be done in a couple of ways:

Option One – Key Passers/Playmakers

The easiest way to make this work is to put a Mo Williams or a Ben Gordon alongside a playmaking wing like a LeBron James or a Brandon Roy. Someone who can help with the ball handling and playmaking duties in a major way, a player who can be a lead playmaker for a team.

Jacks Loses Captaincy?

The San Francisco Chronicle reports

Stephen Jackson, fresh off a two-game suspension for “conduct detrimental to the team,” met with coach Don Nelson and general manager Larry Riley on Tuesday, practiced with the team and addressed the media. The headline of the 10-minute interview was Jackson’s request to have his captain duties removed.

“I don’t want these young guys to try to follow me,” Jackson said. “I can’t be a role model to guys who make the same amount of money as me. We’re all in the NBA. I don’t want to be a role model.

“Control your own game and what you do. Anytime I say something or get suspended, I don’t blame it on coaches or teammates. I man up, take it and am responsible.

Link: Sonicsgate

There are two ways to watch the movie:

• In two parts in high definition (60 min each)
• In one part in standard definition (120 mins)

I haven’t watched the entire documentary yet, but the parts that I have seen were excellent. It looks like a fantastic in depth look at how Seattle was robbed of their Sonics team. So for anyone who wants to know more about that situation, this documentary is a must-watch for you.

Links: to Sonigsgate.org and their page on Vimeo

Update: I finished watching the documentary awhile ago, and, it’s very good. Interesting throughout and full of information.

Miami Sign Arroyo

RealGM has the press release

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed free agent guard Carlos Arroyo.

Arroyo, 6’2”, 200 pounds, has appeared in 433 regular season NBA games (113 starts) and averaged 7.0 points, 3.3 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 18.2 minutes while shooting 43.2 percent from the field, 31.8 percent from three-point range and 80.1 percent from the foul line.

Bad Fit

Do these two qualities sound like complementary skills in a point guard who will playing alongside Dwyane Wade?

• Needs to dominate the ball in order to be effective
• Mediocre to slightly below average jump shot

Arroyo needs to be treated like a star (touches, shots, time on the ball) in order to be effective.

Best Pre-Season Team

I’ve got to watch the Cavs, Celtics, Lakers and Magic play two pre-season games apiece now and one Spurs game (they’ve been resting their main players more than the rest).

The Best Team

The team that has impressed me the most is the Celtics. They’ve been far and away the best team here in pre-season.

That’s not altogether unexpected though. The other teams are all dealing with larger offseason changes – Vince Carter & Co.  in Orlando + Artest in LA + Shaq & Co. in Cleveland + RJ in San Antonio – while the Celtics are bringing back all of their main players and only adding a pair of key bench players.  Their additions haven’t impacted their style of play much.

Detroit’s Pre-Season Starting Lineup

The Detroit Free Press reports

Don’t be surprised if center Kwame Brown and forward Ben Wallace begin the year as starters for Pistons coach John Kuester.

“We still have a lot more preseason to go — we’ve got two weeks,” Kuester said Sunday. “There are a number of challenges ahead of us to see how this all plays out. There are so many guys deserving of time, so it’s been challenging that way.”

Kuester acknowledged that Brown and Wallace “set a tone defensively for you.”

The coach wants people who understand “what it’s going to take for us to be successful defensively.”

Cisco Breaks Wrist

The Sacramento Bee reports

Kings forward Francisco Garcia fractured his right forearm during a weight-lifting session this morning before practice. He will undergo surgery Saturday.

Garcia started the first two preseason games at small forward. His injury would seem to guarantee a roster spot for Desmond Mason, who signed a non-guaranteed contract last month and would have started the first preseason game if not for back spasms.

Haywood + Free Agency

The Washington Times reports

Haywood dedicated himself this offseason to returning in the best possible shape and having another career year. He had no shortage of motivation. In addition to making up for lost time, he wanted to see his Wizards back in the playoffs, where they had become a fixture the previous four seasons. And this time he wanted to go further. Additionally, Haywood is entering the final season of a five-year, $25 million contract.

But Haywood – who is the longest-tenured Wizards player and said he wants to finish his career with Washington – said a big payday is the last thing on his mind as the Wizards prepare for their redemption tour.

“My biggest thing is winning. If we come out here and win, first of all everybody looks good. Second of all, I feel like I’m going to have a big part in it,” he said.

Game Time: Celtics vs Knicks

I think this is preseason game number two for both sides. The Celtics lost to the Rockets the other day, whilst the Knicks beat the Nets with Gallinari showing off his impressive passing skills and with Wilson Chandler having one of those make-you-drool-over-his-potential games.

First Half

• The Celtics have looked amazing in the first few minutes of the first quarter. They’ve pushed ahead 17-8, mainly due to their activity defensively. Offensively they’re pushing the ball right back at NY, I love it.
• The Knicks were a lot of fun to watch while David Lee was on the floor. Unfortunately he picked up three quick fouls and had to sit down. While he was on the floor, he was picking up rebounds like a fiend and setting bone crunching screens (one beautiful screen on Rondo which took Rajon right out of the play). Offensively, he provides great balance for the Knicks. When he goes off the floor they have problems with spacing and with an interior/pick and roll threat.

Rookie Expectations

For those that haven’t read the blog in the past – some information — I don’t watch college basketball so this is based entirely on what I have read/heard about the players over the past few months and from what I have seen during some of the summer league games I managed to watch during the summer.

Okay, so, the following are my expectations for each of the rookies taken in the first round as we head into the regular season. It’ll give you an idea of how much I expect each player to contribute to their team.

#1 — Blake Griffin

A near All-Star caliber season that sees Blake Griffin put up 18-21 points and grab 9-10 rebounds while being the best or second best player (depending on Baron’s performance) on the Clippers roster.

Iverson Out Three Weeks

The AP is reporting

Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson could miss three weeks after an MRI revealed a partial tear in his left hamstring.The Grizzlies made the announcement before Wednesday night’s exhibition game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If the timetable is correct, Iverson would miss all of preseason

Blake Griffin – Rookie Milestones

Introduction

I think Blake Griffin is going to have an excellent rookie season. I feel like he’s got a good shot at putting up 18-21 points per game while shooting a decent-to-good percentage from the field, and while also grabbing 9-10 rebounds a night.

But just how good are those numbers? How do they stack up against the top rookies from the last 10-15 years? How do they compare to the top big men from that time period?

Well, let’s have a look …

Trial: New Layout

This is the third or fourth time I’ve tried a new layout in the past six months. I’m liking this new edition the best.

However, each time I’ve changed the layout in the past, well, about a week later I switch I tire of it and switch back to the previous version … so we’ll wait and see how this one stands the (short) test of time.

Any thoughts on the layout would be appreciated!

• Like it?
• Dislike it?
• Makes no difference either way?

Links: NBA.com GM Surveys

2009/10 GM Surveys

Which teams and players are leading the GM’s predictions this year?

• Division, Conference and Title Favourites – link
• Player Predictions – MVP, breakout player, best at each position  – link
• Opinions on Coaches – link
• Rookie and International Players – link
• Talking Defense – player orientated – link
• Off-season moves – link
• Miscellaneous – most fun to watch, best shooter, most athletic, quickest player … lots of stuff like that – link

Knicks Notes

Lineups

Mike D’Antoni has been experimenting with a load of different lineups during training camp.

• He’s even brought up the idea of playing Danilo Gallinari as a point guard in a big lineup where all the players are 6-8 are bigger.
• And D’Antoni could just easily go with a three point guard lineup with Duhon, Nate and Toney alongside two big men … or one big and a combo forward.
• D’Antoni has all sorts of options with the big men. He has a perimeter orientated scorer in Al Harrington. A top rebounder and pick roll player in David Lee. A 300lb low post scorer in Eddy Curry. And a 6-11 defensive anchor in Darko Milicic. Coach also has Jordan Hill, an athletic 6-10 power forward who rebounds well and has a nice spot up jumper out to 18 feet. They are very different types of players who’ll give D’Antoni great flexibility and versatility in his lineups.

Dragic Splits

I didn’t pay much attention to the Suns following Amare’s injury so I missed most of their second half of the season games. As a result, I missed Dragic’s improved play.

Actually I had no idea that he played better in the second half of the season until I saw it written somewhere … I think it was a John Hollinger chat? I don’t know, I’m not sure.

Hornets Notes

Media Day Interviews

There’s a great article on Hornets 24/7 by Niall Doherty full of video interviews from media day. Niall talked to several of the players as well as the Hornets GM Jeff Bower. A lot of good stuff there. Well worth checking out.

Also, a follow up report from Niall Doherty with video interviews with Byron Scott and Chris Paul. Byron Scott sounds very happy with the team’s improved depth, and seems to have a lot of confidence in the new players that have been brought in. Chris Paul feels this is the deepest bench he’s had there in New Orleans.

Lakers Notes

Fisher’s Minutes

Phil Jackson wants to keep Derek Fisher down to around 22 minutes a night next season. He also said that he wants somebody else to step up and claim those other minutes, meaning Jordan Farmer or Shannon Brown needs to step up their game and make those minutes their own.

I vaguely remember Phil wanting to lower Fisher’s minutes at the start of last season, but that, as the season wore on and as Farmer firstly got injured and secondly failed to perform at a reasonable level post injury … Phil ended up playing Fisher more than he wanted to.

In fact, Fisher’s 29.8 minutes a game where the fifth highest minutes per game of his thirteen year career, and the third highest in total minutes.

Bobcats Notes

Felton Turned Down Contract

Rick Bonnell writes

I’ve been told by someone who should know that Felton turned down a long-term contract from the Bobcats that would have paid him about $7million a season.

Barring a huge improvement in his performance, I don’t know that anyone will offer him more than that next summer. More pertinent, I find it a reach that the Bobcats would offer him more next summer

A $7 million a season offer would be around $35 million over five years.

More On Gallinari

Some good quotes from Mike D’Antoni in a NY Post article

Yesterday, D’Antoni clarified last week’s grand statement in which he called Gallinari “the best shooter I’ve ever seen.” D’Antoni explained he is not calling Gallinari a great scorer, but a great spot-up 3-point marksman, admitting he still cannot create his own shot.

Big difference, and a big problem when the Knicks need a big shot in the big moments.

Kapono Jersey Number

Phily Burbs reports

New Sixers’ sharpshooter Jason Kapono is wearing No. 72 for a reason.

Since he couldn’t get 24 – Bobby Jones’ jersey is retired – and he’s known for his 3-point shooting, Kapono simply multiplied 24 by three.

I have never seen a player wear this number before, so I became curious and looked up basketball-reference.com to find out how many previous players have worn the #72 jersey. The answer is none. Jason Kapono will be the first player in NBA History to suit up with that number on his back.

Jason Kapono = groundbreaker

Willie Green = Point Guard?

The Phily Burbs reports

Willie Green’s detractors claimed he was too small and shot too much to start at shooting guard in the NBA.

Yet Green, a career 9.5-point scorer, found a way to start 171 games at the “two” position over the past three seasons.

While he’s unlikely to continue in that role, now that new coach Eddie Jordan seems intent on using Andre Iguodala in the backcourt opposite Lou Williams, Green has been the backup point guard during training camp at St. Joseph’s University.

Marc Gasol

The Memphis Commercial reports

Marc Gasol insists he couldn’t be more ready to patrol the paint for the Grizzlies. Why wouldn’t the 7-footer be, following his summer workout program?Forget for a second that Gasol played a lot of basketball this offseason, helping his national team capture the European Championship.

He tackled something much bigger than tournament games in preparation for his second NBA season.

“Collseroz By Tibidabo,” Gasol said, naming the mountain in Spain that he regularly ran for eight miles to shed 25-30 pounds. “It was great because when you get to the top you can see all of Barcelona.

“But it’s not easy getting there.”

Joe Johnson Turns Down Extension

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports

Hawks captain and All-Star Joe Johnson said he will not sign a contract extension with the Hawks and will play out the final year of his contract this season.

Johnson will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The Hawks extended a four-year, $60-plus million contract offer to Johnson this summer. But Johnson said he decided not to sign the extension after mulling it over during the offseason.

Othello Hunter

Sekou Smith reports

Like all the other free-agent invitees in the Hawks’ training camp, Othello Hunter has designs on securing one of the open roster spots that are available.

But unlike most of them, he has extensive experience in coach Mike Woodson’s system. He knows the ins and outs of the offense and what Woodson is looking for on defense.

He also knows that the key to making the right impression is playing at a breakneck pace on both ends of the floor at all times, courtesy of spending his rookie season with the Hawks last year.

“I just feel like I have to play like that all the time,” Hunter said. “It doesn’t matter if I was already signed here [to a guaranteed contract] or not.

Brandon Wright Shoulder Injury

Yahoo Sports reports

Golden State Warriors forward Brandan Wright suffered a left shoulder injury Friday that could require surgery and keep him out four to six months, an NBA source told Yahoo! Sports.Wright suffered the injury when a defender slapped his left arm hard during a shot attempt in Friday’s evening practice. He is being evaluated over the weekend by the Warriors’ medical staff and will have an MRI on Monday.

Glen Davis

Projo.com has a very good article on Glen Davis

Davis said he will take this opportunity to learn from Boston’s veteran All-Star big men and hopefully help the Celtics win their second NBA title in three years.

“I’m just trying to help my team,” Davis said. “[Playing less] would be a problem if I hadn’t already established myself in the NBA. It would be tough, like, ‘Man, I haven’t really gotten a chance to really play and show what I can do,’ but last year, having the opportunity to [show] what I can do in the league, it’s like, ‘You can play the game, so don’t worry about it if you don’t play as much.’

“Everybody knows I can play. Everybody knows I can hit big shots. My focus is still there, so it’s not about proving myself anymore. It used to always be about proving. I’ve got to prove myself to the coaches. I’ve got to prove myself to the world that I can play. Now it’s about becoming the best player I can be. I think this year is going to help me build that base of becoming that great player.”

Pacers Notes

Luther Head

It looks like Luther Head will get some minutes in the wing rotation while Mike Dunleavy is out injured at the start of the season.

The competition is fairly weak for the backup point guard minutes — Earl Watson + Travis Diener — Head should have a shot of earning some minutes there once Dunleavy returns. Having a good jump shooting point guard (not Earl Watson) is useful in that gun-slinging Pacers offense … Deiner and Head should battle that one out … although I expect the minutes are unfortunately going to be handed to Watson.

Solomon Jones

On another note, Solomon Jones has been impressing the Pacers coaching staff with his athleticism and activity. They’re loving his shot blocking ability. He started the first pre-season game tonight and could be threat for substantial minutes this year.

Bynum Dumps Jabbar?

The LA Times is reporting

I t certainly feels like a stretch making such a claim about anybody at the ripe old age of 22 (rounding up). But while Andrew Bynum clearly has plenty of maturing ahead of him, it appears that he’s reached a “big boy” milestone of sorts.  The Times and the Daily News are reporting that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’swork with Bynum will be scaled back this season.  Ditto Cap’s involvement with the team.

James Johnson

Nice description of Bulls rookie James Johnson in the Chicago Sun Times

”He’s very skilled, can make plays off the dribble, has a good feel for the game and has good versatility, but he’s young and he’s gonna make mistakes,” coach Vinny Del Negro said. ”He has to work through it, but he does some things you can’t teach. He loves to play; he’s a tough kid. He’ll give us versatility at the three [small forward] and the four [power forward], but time will tell.”

Before the draft, Johnson was listed as a power forward, and he has the size (6-9, 245) to play there. But the Bulls always saw him as someone capable of playing both forward positions. That’s how Johnson sees himself.

Heisley On Grizzlies Moves

A quote from Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley

“I know I’m going to be held a lot more accountable,” Heisley told the Memphis Commercial Appeal. “I don’t want to downgrade (general manager) Chris Wallace or (coach) Lionel (Hollins). Allen Iverson is here because of me and Zach Randolph is here because of me. O.J. Mayo is here because of me and Chris because I don’t think that was what the majority of people in the room were talking about doing (in 2008). I’m the guy who is going to take the heat on (No. 2 overall pick) Hasheem Thabeet. I don’t have any problem with that. The reality is if we start winning then people will be happy.”

Bill Walker Knee Injury

Another knee injury for young Bill Walker

Doc says meniscus tear for Bill Walker and he’ll have surgery within a week. Expected out at least 6-8 weeks.

Reggie + Bargnani

Great report from Michael Grange

But for all the changes the Toronto Raptors have made in the off-season, the addition of the 6-foot-8, 245-pound chainsaw has paid the earliest dividends, sticking out for all the right reasons on a team built around finesse and skill.

He had his first impact before training camp even started in an informal scrimmage last week at the Air Canada Centre when he gave Bargnani a dose of mid-season nasty. Bargnani took note and came back a day later with a sense of purpose to the delight of those who watched.

“They went at it pretty hard,” said Raptors president Bryan Colangelo, who acquired Evans from the Philadelphia 76ers for Jason Kapono in June. “The first day . . . by the end of it [Bargnani] was like a punch-drunk prize fighter. He looked like he was exhausted. It was fighting on the glass; it was trying to exert more energy on the offensive end because he had someone defending him – whether it was at the three-point line or inside – with physical force.

“I saw him come back the next day with a little different approach and he was more prepared for it. I said wow, if that’s any indication of how Reggie is going to make others on the floor better, it happened in 24 hours.”

Knicks Smile At Gallinari’s Showing

Very good article in the NY Times

Danilo Gallinari’s scouting report came to life Tuesday night, with dunks, deft passes and fluid moves. From the sideline, Mike D’Antoni could only smile and try not to get carried away.

It was just one training-camp scrimmage, the Knicks’ first of 2009. But watching a healthy, energetic Gallinari run the floor and make plays underlined what D’Antoni, the Knicks’ coach, has been saying all along: the kid can play.

“I’m excited,” D’Antoni said. “I’ll try to tone it down. But you see that he knows how to play.”

Peja Stojakovic’s Summer

NY Times reports

Peja Stojakovic’s summer on the beaches of Greece wasn’t all about relaxation.

”You think I was sitting over there drinking cocktails? Yeah, I was doing that, too, but I had to jump in the water once a day to refresh myself. It’s too hot,” joked Stojakovic, a native of Serbia who makes his offseason home in the Greek city of Thessaloniki.

Of course you weren’t just sitting on the beach partying and drinking tequila Peja … so what was he doing out there?

When the New Orleans Hornets’ sharpshooter waded into the Mediterranean Sea, he did so with a purpose — conducting a series of low-impact exercises while immersed in salt water he believes can be therapeutic.

Who’s Losing or Gaining Weight?

I’ll be using this post here to keep track of players who have lost or gained a substantial amount of weight this offseason. It’ll be interesting to see how many players, and specifically which players, benefit from drastically changing their physique over the summer.

This is only an early draft, and I’ll be adding more names as I come across them over the next few days. If there’s anybody I should be aware, please point them out in the comments!

*********************************************

Which players are losing or gaining a lot of weight this offseason?

Losing Weight

Big Names

• Al Jefferson lost 31 pounds and is now down to 262 pounds. I like that playing weight for Big Al.
  • Good article with some good quotes from Jefferson in Sporting News.
• Eddy Curry lost 40 pounds and is now down to 317 pounds. And, I think he’s still at least forty or so pounds overweight.

Delonte West MIA

Yahoo Sports reports

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Delonte West skipped a second consecutive training camp practice Tuesday night and the front office is unsure when the troubled shooting guard will return to the team, sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Beyond the fact that he’s in his Cleveland apartment, one associate said, the reason for West’s absence is still a source of speculation for Cavs general manager Danny Ferry and coach Mike Brown.

Two consecutive practices? What the heck?

Marko Jaric Trade Request

ESPN reports

Memphis Grizzlies guard Marko Jaric is expected to seek a contract buyout from the Grizzlies if a team willing to trade for Jaric can’t be found, his agent said Monday.

The Grizzlies announced earlier Monday that they have given agent Bill Duffy permission to search for a new home for Jaric after the sides mutually agreed that the 30-year-old would not attend Memphis’ training camp in Birmingham, Ala, or play in preseason games.

In 53 games, Jaric averaged just 2.6 points in 11.4 minutes per game and shot 33.1 percent from the field.

“This is pretty much a mutual thing,” Jaric’s agent, Bill Duffy, said Monday. “Very much cooperative between the Grizzlies and us. We would also likely consider a buyout if a trade is not tenable. This just gives us freedom to look around.”

Bryan Colangelo – 50 Win Target

Toronto Sun reports

The happiest day of the year (media day) came and went yesterday with an optimistic Colangelo announcing that not only does he expect the Raptors to qualify for the playoff this season, he expects his rebuilt squad to actually make a run in the post-season.

“And that means probably putting yourself in a position (to be) the fourth or fifth seed (in the Eastern Conference),” the always-dapper GM said, while adding that the Raptors likely will have to win more games than the previous club record of 47 to accomplish that goal. “Are (we) shooting for a target of 50 games? Yeah, I think that’s what we should be realistically looking at.”

Olajuwon Works With Kobe + Thabeet

Great article on MyFoxHouston

Olajuwon said Bryant reached out to him for help with his moves in the post.

“He gave me the biggest compliment,” Olajuwon said. “(He said) You are the best (at the) mid-post and post move.

“He wanted me to show my moves to him.”

Olajuwon said his style of play in the paint is really suited for a guy like Bryant.

“In my mind most of my moves for a guy (with) that agility can use it better than the big guy,” Olajuwon said. “Because my moves are not really for the big guy.

“It’s for the guards and small forwards. So he would benefit most on the post because of his agility.

SVG Wants VC To Spot Trying To Fit In

Nice article by Tim Povtak over at NBA Fanhouse

Ever since he was traded to the Orlando Magic almost three months ago, Vince Carter has said all the right things. He’s talked endlessly about fitting in with a team that reached the NBA Finals last season, about altering his game to fit with center Dwight Howard, and about being happy to change the way he has played his entire career.

On Friday, coach Stan Van Gundy finally asked him to stop.

2009 Free Agent List – Part Six

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, Jannero Pargo, Juan Carlos Navarro, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Royal Ivey, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Luther Head, Sean Singletary, Cartier Martin, Will Solomon, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Marcus Williams, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Will Conroy, Pooh Jeter, Dan Dickau, Eddie Gill, Steve Francis, Mateen Cleaves, Blake Ahearn, Jeff McGinnis, Alex Acker

Joey Graham Finally Gets A Job

NBA Fanhouse reports

Meanwhile, the Nuggets will sign Graham, who averaged 7.7 points last season with Toronto, to a one-year non-guaranteed contract worth $884,881. Sources confirmed the deal. Nuggets guard J.R. Smith said he has heard Graham will sign, and called him “really athletic.”

Udoka Returns To Portland

NBA Fanhouse reports

Udoka’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, confirmed Friday his client will sign with the Trail Blazers. It will be a one-year minimum contract worth $959,111 and likely partially guaranteed.

“We talked a lot with Denver,” Bartelstein said about Udoka, who played last season with San Antonio. “But it’s a good fit (for Udoka). They really let us know they wanted him.” Udoka, who previously played for the Trail Blazers in 2006-07, was born and raised in Portland, and played collegiately at Portland State.

Rockets Sign McCants

The Houston Chronicle reports

Seeking another offensive option for training camp, the Rockets on Thursday reached agreement on a non-guaranteed contract with free agent guard Rashad McCants, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

In a move reminiscent of last season’s addition of Von Wafer, also a talented scorer who turned a longshot chance into a strong season, the spot with the Rockets would offer McCants a chance to revive a stalled career and the Rockets a no-risk look.

Charlotte Signs Flip Murray

ESPN reports

Free-agent guard Flip Murray has reached an agreement in principle to join the Charlotte Bobcats, according to NBA front-office sources.

Murray and the Bobcats have a one-year deal at the NBA’s bi-annual exception of $1.99 million, with a formal signing forthcoming as early as Friday, sources said.

Murray’s agent, Mark Termini, confirmed the deal when reached Thursday night by ESPN.com.

Wolves Waive Atkins

Jerry Zgoda reports

The Wolves on Tuesday waived veteran guard Chucky Atkins, agreeing to pay him the due $760,000 for a $3.48 million contract that was most non-guaranteed. That cost savings is why Kahn traded Etan Thomas and two future second-round picks to Oklahoma City in late July for Atkins and Damien Wilkins.

At the time, Kahn hinted that Atkins’ contract might soon be traded away for another piece of the proverbial puzzle. That never happened, and Tuesday they cashed in the $2.72 million savings themselves.

Knicks Keep Lee

RealGM reports via Alan Hahn’s twitter

The Knicks have come to agreement with David Lee on a 1-year contract of $7 million with a $1 million bonus if the Knicks make the playoffs.

Good signing for the Knicks.

I’m not sure why NY are signing Lee + Nate to contracts above their qualifying offers, but they’re still getting them at good prices so it’s too bad. Anyway … nice signing.

Spurs Waive Jack McClinton

RealGM reports

The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have waived guard Jack McClinton.The 6-1, 185-pound, McClinton was drafted by San Antonio in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft, 51st overall.

Eastern Landscape — Middle of the Pack Teams

I made this comment over at Raptors Republic a short while ago

The one thing that makes me quite nervous about the Raptors going .500 or slightly over is the number of other teams who have similar hopes.

There’s about five teams generally agreed upon as having a shot at the #7 and #8 seed — Phily, Miami, Toronto, Detroit, Charlotte — and even if you beyond that, to Indy, Milwaukee and NY, you have three teams that if they’re healthy (Dunleavy, Redd + Bogut, Gallinari) that are capable of winning 35+ games. That’s 14 teams …

There’s going to be no easy games in the East next year.

Felton Takes Qualifying Offer

Sporting News reports

Restricted free agency is only getting tougher, and Bobcats guard Raymond Felton is the latest to figure that out. After discussing a long-term deal last week, talks between Felton and Charlotte have broken down, and multiple sources now say that rather than continuing negotiations, Felton will simply sign the one-year, $5.5 million qualifying offer put forth by the Bobcats.

Nate Robinson Stays In NYC

Alan Hahn wrote on his blog

Nate Robinson will be signed to a one-year contract today and, according to a person with knowledge of the situation, Robinson, who was a restricted free agent who earlier this summer told the Knicks he had no interest in playing anywhere else, will get more than his $2.9M qualifying offer. There are also performance bonuses included in the deal.

Rockets Trade White

The Denver Post reports

The Nuggets acquired swingman James White from the Houston Rockets in exchange for the draft rights to forward Axel Hervelle, a 2005 pick who has yet to play in the NBA.

White has an average of 5.7 points and 2.0 rebounds in 10 career games with San Antonio and Houston.

Bulls Sign Gray

RealGM has the press release

The Chicago Bulls re-signed center Aaron Gray on Tuesday.Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Spurs Sign Bogans

NBA Fanhouse reports

Free-agent swingman Keith Bogans will sign a one-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs, sources confirmed Monday to FanHouse.

Bogans, a solid defensive player, is being looked at as an heir apparent to Bruce Bowen, who retired recently after being San Antonio’s perimeter defensive stopper throughout much of the decade. The Spurs had been grooming Ime Udoka for that role, but they are electing not to bring him back as a free agent after he played two seasons with the team.

Flip Murray

Beware The Career Year

Last season Flip Murray had a career year in scoring efficiency. It wasn’t just his best season to date, it was by far his best season, unlike anything he’d ever produced before.

Check it out:

Year	eFG%	TS%
2003-04	46.2%	49.7%
2004-05	39.4%	43.3%
2005-06	44.2%	48.7%
2006-07	43.2%	47.4%

Lakers Ink Gelabale

RealGM reports

Mickael Gelabale will join the Lakers in training camp.”It’s a dream come true for me,” Gelabale told HoopsHype. “It’s a legendary team, with guys like Magic, Kareem, Kobe … I was a fan of the team as a kid.”

Gelabale will sign a non-guaranteed contract with Los Angeles prior to camp.

Link: A.Parker On His Euro Experiences

There’s a very good interview on Cavs.com with Anthony Parker discussing his experiences playing in Europe.

Talk about the social-political aspect of playing in Tel Aviv? You were exposed to the violence right away. What was that like, living with that threat while trying to focus on basketball?

Parker: That was an interesting story, because two weeks after we got there the whole second Intifada started. Ariel Sharon went to the Temple Mount and basically the whole situation blew up. And the conflict was essentially 45 minutes from our doorstep.

But when you’re in Israel and you’re in the country, you don’t feel it. People are going to the mall, people are going out to eat. Kids are going to school. Life is normal. But you know that 45 minutes away, there’s a war going on.

Portland Signs Juwan Howard

RealGM reports

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent forward Juwan Howard to a one-year contract, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.“Juwan Howard will add a wealth of experience and veteran savvy to our young, talented roster,” said Pritchard. “We look forward to Juwan’s contributions on the court and in the locker room.”

Bargnani vs Player X

I am going to compare Bargnani to made up player.

Introducing Player X

Player X is a set of general characteristics — average defender + average rebounder while being a slightly below average scorer with poor scoring efficiency.

Also, let’s assume Bargnani and Player X are equal as passers + screeners + turnovers per minute. To avoid overly complicating things.

Pacers Sign Luther Head

Conrad Brunner reports

Just such a player was snagged today when the Pacers signed free agent Luther Head, a combo guard who spent most of his first four seasons with Houston.

“Luther is a guy we have had our eye on,” Bird said in a statement released by the team. “He can shoot, he has speed and quickness and he will fit in well in our up-tempo game. I think he’s going to be a good addition to our basketball team.”

KG Injury Update

The Boston Globe reports

The Celtics are looking forward to the return of Kevin Garnett. And Garnett is progressing in his recovery from knee surgery, according to president of basketball operations Danny Ainge.

“Kevin looks good, he’s in here working out every day,” Ainge said today from the team’s practice facility in Waltham. “He’s doing his training but he’s not playing fullcourt basketball, yet.

Bargnani’s Rookie Season

Let’s wind our memories back to Andrea Bargnani’s rookie season.

Andrea Bargnani improved consistently throughout his rookie year. He got off to a rocky start in November, but improved considerably in December and January, and then took his game up to another notch in February. Unfortunately the young Bargnani would suffer an injury, one that would disrupt his strong finish to the season.

Chuck Swirsky was convinced that Bargnani’s strong play from February onwards would have continued, and he even felt that Bargnani may improve on his performances. I mention this because I agree with Chuck, not with the rookie of the year vote, but that Andrea Bargnani was rolling and only likely to get better before the season ended.

So let’s have a look see at how Bargnani was performing back then.

Arenas Updates

The Washington Times reports

And now, less than two weeks before the Wizards start training camp, Arenas and Mr. Grover say the guard is at full strength and better than ever – a claim that, if true, makes his decision to finally work with Mr. Grover look brilliant and, perhaps, career-saving.

“Nobody could guard me before, and can’t nobody guard me now,” Arenas, 27, told The Washington Times last week, breaking a silence he maintained since departing for Chicago in July. “If I hadn’t come up here, I’d be starting off the season with a 95 percent chance that I’d be sitting out more games. … [Mr. Grover] saved my career.”

Clippers Bring Back Skinner

RealGM has the press release

The Los Angeles Clippers today re-signed unrestricted free agent forward Brian Skinner.

Per team policy terms of the contract were not released.

In 51 games played with the Clippers last season, Skinner averaged 4.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 16.5 minutes per game. Over his 11 year NBA career, Skinner has tallied 4.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 18.3 minutes per game.

Andrea Bargnani’s 2009 Stats

Bargnani’s 2009 Stats

I’m always ball parking Bargnani’s stats from New Year’s until the end of the season. Well, I’ve finally had enough, and took ten minutes to scribble down his stats for that period.

Firstly, the games

Month	Games	Minutes
January	16	569
February	12	441
March	12	399
April	6	201
Total	46	1610

• Andrea Bargnani played 46 games
• Andrea Bargnani averaged 35 minutes a night

Wolves Sign Pavlovic

Wow, that was quick … Yahoo Sports reports

After completing a buyout with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, guard Sasha Pavlovic has agreed in principle on a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Well, now we know why Sasha was willing to give up the $250 … because he found a team that was willing to pay him more than the veteran’s minimum.

The Wolves need all the help they can get on the wings, so Sasha is a solid addition for them.

Power Rankings

Late off-season power rankings — A quick check up to see how teams who’ve made major changes fare after their moves.

There will be another power rankings edition near the the end of training camp just before the regular season starts.

Eastern Conference

#1 Boston Celtics

A 65+ win team that could win 70 games.

They’re the team to beat until somebody proves otherwise.

#2 Orlando Magic

The Magic have an unbelievably talented roster right now.

They have the dominant interior presence, the dynamic go-to guy on the perimeter, the combo-forward third scoring option, and an All-Star quality point guard.

Suns Buyout Pavlovic

At long last, the Suns have bought out Sasha Pavlovic

The wait on the expected release of Sasha Pavlovic turned out to be worth it for the Suns.

The Suns and Pavlovic, acquired from Cleveland in June in the Shaquille O’Neal trade, agreed to a buyout that would save $500,000 more than the Suns stood to save by simply waiving the guard.

Phoenix made the O’Neal deal for Pavlovic and Ben Wallace with the savings in mind. Wallace stood to make $14 million this season but took a $10 million buyout and signed with Detroit. Pavlovic had only $1.5 million of his $4.95 million salary guaranteed but accepted a $1.25 million buyout, giving the Suns an extra $250,000 savings in salary and another $250,000 saved from the luxury tax it would have cost.

Singleton Returns To Dallas

The Star Telegram reports

The Mavericks are set to retain the services of James Singleton, who is expected to accept their qualifying offer and sign his contract today or Tuesday, a pair of NBA sources said.

Singleton averaged 5.1 points and 4 rebounds last season, but improved as the year went along as he recovered from serious knee surgery.

The 6-8 Singleton also played four different positions during the course of the season and showed 3-point shooting range in addition to being a solid rebounder.

Knicks Sign Sun Yue

RealGM reports

The Knicks have signed point guard Sun Yue to a partly guaranteed contract.Yue’s agent, Charles Bonsignore, told the New York Times of the signing.

The 6′9″ point guard was drafted by the Lakers in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft.

Josh Smith Making Sense

AJC.com reports the following [quote from Josh Smith]

“I wanted to work more on my decision-making than anything. I handle the ball so much on the fast break and in transition that I wanted to make sure I’m thinking the game the way I need to be. I also worked on my handles and knocking down that mid-range jumper. I’m really not worried about the 3-point ball right now. We have so many guys on this team that can make that shot.

“I don’t have any business being out there this season with Joe Johnson, Mike Bibby, Jamal Crawford, Marvin, Mo and [Jeff] Teague all doing work out there.

Ray-Ray Wants His Payday

The Boston Globe reports

Ray Allen said Friday night that he would like to negotiate a contract extension with the Celtics beyond this season. Allen, who turned 34 in July, is entering the final year of a five-year, $85 million deal he signed with the team formally known as the Seattle SuperSonics. Allen will earn $19.7 million this season.

“Of course, but it will be dealt with in its time,” said Allen, when asked whether he would like to play more years in Boston. “My job doesn’t change. I gotta go out and do the same things. We get paid to play basketball. We’re all in a great situation so we can’t look past this year.”

Harpring Update

NBA Fanhouse reports

But some of that might be out of his hands. Harpring said he will have his Jazz physical on Monday, and doctors will have a say in whether he can continue to play.

“We’ll see once I get up there,” Harpring said from his offseason home in Atlanta about going to Salt Lake City. “We’ll have some MRIs and I’ll talk to (doctors)… There’s been talk over the past couple of years of whether I’m going to play (the next season).”

Clippers Sign Novak

RealGM has the press release

The Los Angeles Clippers announced on Friday that the team has re-signed restricted free agent forward Steve Novak. Per team policy terms of the deal were not announced.In 71 games played for the Clippers last season, Novak averaged 6.9 points in 16.4 minutes per game. Completing his third NBA season, the sharpshooter out of Marquette connected on 119-286 three-pointers (.416) on the year.

Knicks Sign Pruitt

RealGM has the press release

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that free agent guard Gabe Pruitt has been signed to a contract.Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Pruitt, 6-4, 170-pounds, has career averages of 2.0 points and 7.4 minutes in 62 games over two NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics. The Los Angeles, CA-native was selected by Boston, following his junior season at the University of Southern California, in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft.

Randolph Morris Lost Weight

Sekou Smith from AJC.com reports

One of the favorite punching bags around here, Randolph Morris has done his fair share of work this summer as well. In fact, I’d argue that no [Hawks] player has undergone a more radical physical transformation this summer than Morris, who has shed some 60 pounds from his 6-11 frame in an effort to break into the playing rotation in his second season with the team.

Grizzlies Withdraw Qualifying Offer To Navarro

RealGM has the press release

The Memphis Grizzlies have withdrawn their qualifying offer to guard Juan Carlos Navarro, making him an unrestricted free agent, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced on Thursday.

In his only NBA season (2007-08), Navarro averaged 10.9 points and 2.2 assists in 82 games and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

Grizzlies Sign Iverson

RealGM has the press release

The Memphis Grizzlies today released the following statement from General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace.“The Memphis Grizzlies have agreed in principle to enter into an agreement with free agent guard Allen Iverson. We anticipate signing him to a contract very soon.”

And — link

The Memphis Grizzlies signed guard Allen Iverson, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced on Thursday. “We are excited to announce the signing of Allen Iverson,” Wallace said. “He is one of the all-time great guards in the history of the NBA. This is a great day for the Grizzlies organization, our loyal fans and the city of Memphis.”

Hornets Acquire Songaila

Trade

New Orleans Hornets acquire: Darius Songaila + Bobby Brown

Minnesota Timberwolves acquire: Antonio Daniels + 2nd round pick

Link

Yahoo Sports announces

The New Orleans Hornets have traded Antonio Daniels and a future second-round draft pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Bobby Brown and Darius Songaila, a league source told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday afternoon.

The trade removes about $1.3 million off the Hornets’ payroll. Brown played well for New Orleans in the 2008 Las Vegas summer league.

Sixers Bring Carney Back

The Phily Inquirer reports

The 76ers have agreed to terms with forward Rodney Carney, this according to a source familiar with the situation.

Carney, 6-foot-7, has agreed to a 1-year deal. Previously, Carney spent two seasons with the Sixers: 2006-07, 2007-08. In July of 2008, Carney was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he played last season.

In his 3-year career, Carney has averaged 6.5 points and 2.0 rebounds a game.

Ilyasova Musings

Good article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on Ersan Ilyasova

Forward Ersan Ilyasova might not be recognizable to Milwaukee fans who last saw him at the end of the 2006-’07 season, when he played for a Bucks team coached by Larry Krystkowiak.

That’s the opinion of Bucks assistant coach Bill Peterson, who was in Turkey for a clinic recently and had a chance to watch Ilyasova during a practice session with his Turkish national team. Ilyasova will compete for Turkey in the EuroBasket tournament, beginning Monday in Poland.

“He’s improved greatly from when he played here for the Bucks,” Peterson said. “I think he will be a great fit in Scott’s (coach Scott Skiles) system.

Lue Close To Signing With PAOK

TalkBasket reports

The rumours which insisted that PAOK was close to signing an NBA player whose name would have an impact in Europe are coming true as the club is close to getting Tyronn Lue.

Lue has great NBA experience as he has played 11 full seasons there after his graduation from Nebraska College in 1998. Last season he had a limited role at Milwaukee Bucks where he averaged 4.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg in 13.1 minutes (30 games)

Minny Offer Sheet — Sessions

ESPN reports

The waiting and wondering is finally over for restricted free agent Ramon Sessions, who agreed Friday to sign a four-year, $16 million offer sheet with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

A source told ESPN.com that the paperwork on the deal was being processed Friday morning. After Sessions signs, the Milwaukee Bucks will have seven days to match the offer, which they are not expected to do.

Bowen Retires

ESPN reports

After helping the San Antonio Spurs win three championships and establishing himself as perhaps the premier perimeter defender of his generation, Bruce Bowen is retiring at 38.

Bowen told ESPN.com that he will formally announce his retirement at a Thursday afternoon news conference and said he would elaborate more on his decision then.

Collins Joins Hawks

Hawks.com reports

The Atlanta Hawks have signed veteran center Jason Collins, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, terms were not announced.

“Jason provides us with additional size and a good interior defensive presence,” Sund said. “He has extensive experience, having started in two NBA Finals with the Nets, and is another player with strong character and leadership qualities.”

A nice signing for the Hawks here.

Ricky Staying In Spain

ESPN reports

Ricky Rubio won’t be coming to the NBA until 2011 at the earliest, sources told ESPN.com Monday.

Rubio and the Minnesota Timberwolves were informed late Monday night in Spain that Rubio’s former club, DKV Joventut, had agreed to trade his rights to FC Barcelona.

Rubio will be able to get out of his Barcelona contract in the summer of 2011, when the fifth pick of last June’s draft will be free to join Minnesota.

The news broke two days ago … and it’s terribly disappointing. Ricky Rubio is one of the most exciting players in world basketball and he would have been delight to watch in the NBA over the next two years. But alas, we’ll have to wait until 2011.

CJ Watson Takes Qualifying Offer

RealGM reports

C.J. Watson has decided to pass on Golden State’s three-year, $5.6 million extension and will sign for the qualifying offer worth just over $1 million, multiple sources confirmed to RealGM’s Alex Kennedy.Watson will play out the remainder of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent next summer. Golden State could enter the season with as many as five point guards on their roster and playing time was a big factor in this decision.

Stephen Jackson Wants Trade

ESPN reports

Golden State Warriors forward Stephen Jackson says he has requested a trade and prefers to be dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers or any of the NBA’s three teams in Texas.

Jackson’s wishes are rooted in a desire to play for a team that consistently makes the postseason, he says, something the Warriors have done only once in the past 15 seasons.

“At this point, I’m 31 years old. I have four or five years left,” Jackson told Dime Magazine on Friday. “I want to be in a situation where I can continually be in the playoffs and get another ring. So that’s where my mind is at now.”

Jackson, speaking to the magazine in New York during a promotional event for a shoe line, said the status of his demand is pending.

“It’s not about a decision I made,” he told Dime Magazine. “It’s just things are in the air right now. I really can’t get too much into it right now.”

“I’m just looking to go somewhere where I can go and win a championship,” Jackson said.

Warriors Sign Mikki Moore

ESPN reports

After a half-season stint with the Boston Celtics, Mikki Moore is going back to the West Coast.

Moore’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, told ESPN.com on Monday that the free-agent center agreed to a one-year contract with the Golden State Warriors over the weekend.

Moore’s deal is for the $1.3 million, the veteran minimum.

A decent signing by Golden State. Moore is a serviceable player that will add some insurance to the Warriors, as deep big man depth.

Link: Joe Dumars Interview

There’s a two part interview with Joe Dumars by Keith Langois on Pistons.com — links to part one and part two — that’s worth checking out.

Here’s a snippet — Why Dumars decided to split his cap space the way he did

KL: This is probably an oversimplification, but when you look, a year later, what the Chauncey trade achieved was to allow you to shrink and make as painless as possible the transition period. Now that you’ve used the cap space, did you envision being able to get as much done with it as you did?

Orlando Re-Sign Foyle

The Orlando Sentinel reports

Lon Babby, Foyle’s agent, said the agreement is a one-year deal worth slightly more than $1.3 million. The Magic, who are over the salary cap, could offer Foyle only the minimum salary for a veteran with at least 10 years of NBA experience.

Foyle, 34, will back up starting center Dwight Howard and reserve Marcin Gortat.

Magic GM Otis Smith adds

“If you need him to bang against the bigger bigs, he can,” said Magic General Manager Otis Smith. “But he brings leadership, which he’s always done since he’s been in the league, and he brings professionalism, which he’s one of the best at. As a human being you’re putting around your team, he’s one of the better guys in our league, and he’s shown that year after year.”

Hornets Re-Sign Sean Marks

Nola.com reports

The New Orleans Hornets re-signed veteran center/forward Sean Marks, bringing their roster total to 14, one below the league maximum and a number the team carried all of last season.

Marks, who turned 34 Sunday, is believed to have signed a one-year deal for the veteran minimum, which last season was about $1.045 million.

Hornets GM Bower + Head Coach Scott added these words

“We really liked how he continued to improve as the season went on,” Bower said of Marks

Denver Re-Sign Petro

The Denver Post reports

The Nuggets renewed their insurance policy on Thursday, re-signing reserve center Johan Petro, who at worst is a commodity as a 7-footer, and at best could develop into a reliable role player.

Petro, 23, signed a one-year, league-minimum deal for $825,000, multiple sources said.

Also, the Post reports that the Nuggets are continuing their search for more help on the wings to fill that final league minimum required 13th roster spot.

Grizzlies Sign Trey Gilder

RealGM has the press release

The Memphis Grizzlies have signed former NBA Development League standout and free-agent forward Trey Gilder, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Chrisholm Article — Triano Interview

Very good interview (oh, and part two is here) by TSN’s Tim Chrisholm with Jay Triano. I fully recommend all interested in the Raptors to read the whole thing.

There were a couple of sections which stood out for me though, and I’d like to note them down:

First Area Of Interest

The rookie and the starting two guard position

I don’t know if we really looked at the style of play so much because when you look at us you ask ‘are we a running team?’ No, but we are a transition team.

I don’t think with this starting lineup we’re going to outsprint anyone down the floor, but we’re going to be moving the ball and we’re going to be wise in how we attack. We get guys like (Hedo) Turkoglu, who can make plays, Jose, who can make plays. We added (DeMar) DeRozen, who’s going to be our athlete in that group to run and then we’ve got those toughness guys that I talked about. Then it’s going to come down to Chris and Andrea (Bargnani) being able to defend and play in the low-post area.

Two More To Europe

Taureen Green is heading to Greece — RealGM reports

Former Florida Gators star Taureen Green has signed a deal with AEK in Greece.Green played with CAI Zaragoza in Spain last season, averaging 10.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game.

He was the 52nd overall pick by Portland in the 2007 NBA Draft.

Good Article On Kevin O’Connor

Very good article in the Salt Lake Tribune on Utah Jazz GM Kevin O’Connor.

“Kevin is a great guy — a very bright guy,” said Rod Thorn, the president of the New Jersey Nets who is also a friend.

“I have tremendous respect for him because he’s worked his way up through the system and has become one of the best in the business. He doesn’t get the notoriety that some bigger-name guys do, but I don’t know anybody who does a better job.”

It’s well worth reading — it gives a great account of what type of man O’Connor is and how he rose to the position of Utah’s GM

Cedric Simmons To Europe

The Hoop reports

According to superbasket.gr, Cedric Simmons (2.06-PF) is about to be announced by Peristeri, the team that returned to the A1 League after 5 years. The administration of Peristeri working in conjunction with the best scout in Greece, Steve Yatzoglou, managed to secure another great transfer in their effort to make sure that Peristeri has returned for good.

Cedric Simmons isn’t an NBA caliber player.

I would be surprised if he makes it back to the NBA. Simmons was too far lacking in both the technical + mental aspects of the game.

Fred Jones To Italy

Slamonline.com reports

The 6-2, 225-pound guard Fred Jones has agreed to terms with the Italian team Biella Angelico. The American has officially agreed to a one-year deal.

In 2004 Jones won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, beating out ex-champion Jason Richardson.

Madsen Waived By The Clippers

RealGM reports

The Los Angeles Clippers today waived forward Mark Madsen.Madsen was acquired from the Minnesota Timberwolves on July 22nd along with Sebastian Telfair and Craig Smith in exchange for Quentin Richardson.

The Clippers’ roster currently stands at 12 players.

NBA.com’s 2006 NBA Draft GM Survery

I was reading Raptors HQ a few days ago and came across an interesting comment by Tinmann near the bottom of an Andrea Bargnani article

I will always go back to that ESPN poll with NBA GM’s prior to Bargnani’s draft. The main thing I remember is a question asked
“who would be the best players five years from now” and Bargnani was the first choice of a substantial number of the GM’s.

Another commentator, Assistant GM, recalled the same article + result, except remembered the article was on NBA.com. I had no recollection of the survey myself, but I was intrigued and wanted to see exactly how many GM’s did pick Bargnani as the best player from the draft in five year’s time.

So, I tracked down the article and here are the results:

Rockets Sign Pops Mensah-Bonsu

SI.com reports

The Houston Rockets have reached a verbal agreement on a contract with British free agent Pops Mensah-Bonsu, a television station reported.Mensah-Bonsu, a forward who split time between San Antonio and Toronto last season, told KRIV-TV in Houston that it feels good to be a Rocket.

Nice signing for the Rockets.

Trade Rumour: Carroll for Banks

Dallas Mavericks receives: Marcus Banks

Toronto Raptors receives: Matt Carroll

Link

This is just a rumour … Doug Smith reports

According to a couple of league sources and I can’t corroborate this with any of my most trusted Toronto folks, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo’s got another deal bubbling, one that would send guard Marcus Banks to the Dallas Mavericks for Matt Carroll, adding a little long-term salary but providing coach Jay Triano with a shooter that he could use deep on the bench.

Orlando Sign Jason Williams

RealGM reports

The Magic have signed free agent guard Jason Williams, General Manager Otis Smith announced on Wednesday.

“Jason (Williams) provides depth and leadership to our backcourt,” said Smith. “He is a veteran point guard that knows what it takes to help us reach our ultimate goal. We are excited to add him to our team.”

Dunleavy’s Return – Start Of Season?

Mike Wells of the Indy Star reports

Injured Indiana Pacers shooting guard Mike Dunleavy might be back sooner than expected, his coach said today.

“Our medical people are very pleased with his progression,” Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien said. “I’ve changed my view point to a pessimistic one from a standpoint of him being ready in the middle of the season to one that I’m hoping he’ll be ready to go for game one.”

Negative Reviews on James Johnson

Doug Thonas reports

While I was at summer league all the talk of James Johnson was wonderous and hopeful. I overheard one Bulls staffer telling someone James Johnson was the second best player in the draft.  However, with the media gone, the news leaking out to me hasn’t quite so positive.

The Bulls are privately concerned about his work ethic and attitude which was the one area I had some concerns with myself.

Bucks Close To Acquiring Delfino

Sign and Trade

Milwaukee Bucks acquire: Carlos Delfino + Roko Ukic

Toronto Raptors acquire: Amir Johnson + unnamed other

Source

This deal isn’t done yet … but appearantly it’s close to completion.

The Toronto Star reports

They are on the verge of finalizing a two-for-two deal with Milwaukee that sends swingman Carlos Delfino and point guard Roko Ukic to the Bucks.

Young big man Amir Johnson is headed to Toronto and ESPN reported Monday afternoon the other player is raw swingman Sonny Weems.

Cavs Sign Two to Non-Guaranteed Deals

Brian Windhorst reports via Twitter

Source tells Plain Dealer Cavs have agreed with combo forward Rob Kurz on a nonguaranteed contract. Quality shooter who can play 3 & 4.

And, the second report

Cavs have also signed center Darryl Watkins to a training camp contract. He will compete with Kurz for a roster spot with Kurz as favorite.

2009 Free Agent List — Part Five

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, Jannero Pargo, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Royal Ivey, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Luther Head, Sean Singletary, Cartier Martin, Will Solomon, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Marcus Williams, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Will Conroy, Pooh Jeter, Dan Dickau, Eddie Gill, Steve Francis, Mateen Cleaves, Blake Ahearn, Jeff McGinnis, Alex Acker

Where Teams Stand With Their MLE

Quick Checkup

Who has spent their MLE?

• Boston Celtics — Rasheed Wallace
• Cleveland Cavaliers — Jamario Moon + Anthony Parker
• Los Angeles Lakers — Ron Artest
• Orlando Magic — split between Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes
• San Antonio Spurs — Antonio McDyess

Who has spent part of their MLE?

• Dallas Mavericks — the Mavs spent $4.5 million to $5 million on Drew Gooden.

Joe Smith Joins Hawks

ESPN reports

Joe Smith has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks for the veteran’s minimum, a source told ESPN’s Ric Bucher on Friday.

Smith, a 6-foot-10, 225-pound center, is a 14-year veteran. He was picked No.1 overall by the Golden State Warriors in 1995 and has played for nine teams.

Smith picked Atlanta over Cleveland Cavaliers, where here played last season and which was offering the same deal.

Nuggets Hold Onto Carter

Yahoo Sports reports

The Denver Nuggets have re-signed veteran point guard Anthony Carter to a one-year contract for $1.3 million, a league source said.

Carter averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 assists in 78 games for the Nuggets last season.

Ira Newble Euro Bound

RealGM reports

Ira Newble plans to sign with Aris BC in Greece.

Trade: Q-Rich for Blount

Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Mark Blount

Miami Heat receive: Quentin Richardson

The Link

ESPN reports

Quentin Richardson and Dwyane Wade are regular workout partners during the offseason. They’re about to get a chance to play together all year long.

Richardson’s wild summer tour of the NBA continued Thursday night, when he was traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Miami Heat for center Mark Blount.

Clippers Acquire Rasual Butler

Hat tip to Dino Gunner for the heads up on the trade

Los Angeles Clippers acquire: Rasual Butler

New Orleans Hornets acquire: More cap flexibility, and a future second round pick

The Report

ESPN reports

The New Orleans Hornets have agreed to trade swingman Rasual Butler to the Los Angeles Clippers for a future second-round pick, according to NBA front-office sources.

The trade is expected to be announced later Wednesday.

Butler is scheduled to earn $3.9 million next season. With the Clippers looking for an extra shooter and depth at both shooting guard and small forward, sources said the team was amenable to absorbing the final year of Butler’s contract, which will save New Orleans nearly $8 million when factoring in the luxury-tax implications.

Kleiza + Von Wafer To Olympiakos

Yahoo Sports reports (Kleiza)

Denver Nuggets restricted free-agent forward Linas Kleiza has agreed to a two-year, $12.2 million contract with Greek team Olympiakos, his agent Bill Duffy told Yahoo! Sports on Monday.

The contract has an opt-out clause, which allows Kleiza to again become a restricted free agent next summer.

Interbasket.net reports (Von Wafer)

After signing Josh Childress away from the Atlanta Hawks during last year’s offseason, Greek outfit Olympiakos is at it again, signing Houston Rocket’s sub Von Wafer to a contract worth $5 million over 2 years.

Powe Close To Deal With Cavs

Marc Spears reports

Free-agent forward Leon Powe will sign a two-year contract for the league minimum with the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday if the team’s doctors are satisfied with the progress of his injured left knee, a league source said.

Powe tore his anterior cruciate ligament and cartilage in his knee during Game 2 of the Boston Celtics’ first-round series against the Chicago Bulls. He had reconstructive surgery on May 5 – his third major knee surgery – and has been rehabilitating in Los Angeles. Powe hopes to be back on the court by this season’s All-Star break, and the Cavaliers are willing to take a low-risk gamble on him pending the results of his physical.

The Cavaliers will hold the option for the contract’s second season.

Celtics Near Contract With Davis

Yahoo Sports reports

Glen “Big Baby” Davis is close to signing a two-year contract to stay with the Boston Celtics, a league source told Yahoo! Sports on Friday night.

The deal is expected to be signed early next week.

Davis tried to get several teams to offer him the mid-level exception, but a depressed financial market made it hard for that to happen. A handful of teams – including Detroit, New Orleans and New Jersey – discussed sign-and-trade scenarios with the Celtics, but Boston general manager Danny Ainge never wanted to lose him.

Small Moves For Toronto

Okay, this feels like a pointless exercise … since Colangelo is settled, or close to, on his roster for the start of training camp … but I can’t help it so here we go.

I think the Raptors could benefit from making a couple more small moves — losing some of the dead weight on the end of their roster, and then signing a couple of solid minimum contract players who’ll provide more impact for the Raptors.

Here’s a few small moves Toronto could make to flesh out their bench

Dead Weight

Toronto have 14 players on their roster currently. They can only depend on 10 of those players, and I think one of those 10 guys isn’t good enough to be a rotation worthy player on a team with solid depth.

The guys who I consider to be dead weight are — Marcus Banks, Roko Ukic, Quincy Douby and Patrick O’Bryant.

Another Salary Dump To Memphis

RealGM has the press release

The Memphis Grizzlies received a protected 2010 first round draft pick, along with center Steven Hunter and cash considerations from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for a future conditional second round draft pick, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

The future protected first round draft pick from Denver could potentially give the Grizzlies three first round selections in next year’s NBA Draft. In addition to its own pick, Memphis is owed the Lakers’ 2010 first round draft pick to complete the Pau Gasol trade with the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 1, 2008. ”

Detroit Brings Back Big Ben

ESPN reports

Free-agent center Ben Wallace agreed to terms with the Detroit Pistons on Friday, according to a league source.

The contract is for one year at the veteran’s minimum of $1.3 million, according to sources.

Smart move + good signing.

I was more enthusiastic about this situation a few weeks ago … what changed?

Phily Move On Brezec

Phily Daily News reports

Agent Marc Cornstein’s two longest-standing active clients are Samuel Dalembert and Primoz Brezec. By sometime next week, both will be members of the 76ers.

Brezec, 29, is expected to come to Philadelphia to accept what a source is terming a 1-year contract for the veterans’ minimum. According to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, Brezec – with seven seasons of service in the NBA – is entitled to $1,107,572.

Wolves Sign Hollins (offer sheet)

ESPN reports

The Minnesota Timberwolves have signed restricted free-agent center Ryan Hollins to an offer sheet and seem likely to get him.The Dallas Mavericks have seven days to match the offer, but they don’t have much need for a third- or fourth-string center. The Mavs signed Drew Gooden last week and are counting on him to back up starter Erick Dampier. Power forward Dirk Nowitzki can also log minutes at center.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban even posted this to his Twitter account Monday: “congrats to ryan hollins. wish him the best w twolves.”

Terms of Minnesota’s offer were not immediately available.

Judging from Mark Cuban’s reaction, this is pretty much a done deal.

Ivey Returns To Phily

The Phily Daily News reports

The 76ers are finalizing a deal to bring back combo guard Royal Ivey on a 1-year contract.

The two sides have agreed to terms, although a contract probably will not be executed until at least the end of the week.

Ivey, who joined the Sixers last season, opted out of the second leg of his 2-year contract. A source familiar with the situation indicated the deal is for slightly more than the league minimum.

Celtics Sign Shelden Williams

The Boston Globe reports

Forward Shelden Williams has agreed to a one-year contract with the Celtics. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Williams, 25, was the fifth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks after a decorated college career at Duke. He was a first-team All-American in 2006 and graduated as the program’s all-time leader in blocked shots and rebounds.

But the 6-foot-9-inch, 250-pound Williams has struggled in his five NBA seasons; while he plays with an aggressive style, he’s undersized for a power forward and not quick enough to play

2009 Free Agent List — Part Four

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, Jannero Pargo, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Royal Ivey, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Luther Head, Sean Singletary, Cartier Martin, Will Solomon, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Marcus Williams, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Will Conroy, Pooh Jeter, Dan Dickau, Eddie Gill, Steve Francis, Mateen Cleaves, Blake Ahearn, Jeff McGinnis, Alex Acker

Wings: Hedo Turkoglu, Ron Artest, Shawn Marion, Trevor Ariza, Grant Hill, Carlos Delfino, Marquis Daniels, Bostjan Nachbar, Wally Szczerbiak, Anthony Parker, Keith Bogans, Quinton Ross, Hakim Warrick, Bonzi Wells, Mickael Gelabale, Dahntay Jones, Walter Herrmann, Von Wafer,  Rodney Carney, Desmond Mason, Ime Udoka, Kareem Rush, Matt Barnes, Rashad McCants, Joey Graham, Bobby Jones, Jerry Stackhouse, Fred Jones, DeMarr Johnson, Ronald Dupree, Mo Ager, Michael Dickerson, Patrick Ewing Jr, David Noel, Morris Almond, Ruben Patterson, Gerald Green, Stephen Graham, James Singleton, Luke Jackson, Richie Frahm, Derrick Bryars, Bobby Jones, Hassan Adams, Steve Novak, Brandon Wallace, Demetris Nichols, Thomas Gardner, Othello Hunter, Marcus Williams, Ira Newble

Big Men: Anderson Varejao, Lamar Odom, Charlie Villanueva, Rasheed Wallace, Zaza Pachulia, Leon Powe, Ben Wallace, Drew Gooden, Brandon Bass, Rasho Nesterovic, Joe Smith, Channing Frye, Fabricio Oberto, Chris Wilcox, Chris Andersen, Pops Mensa-Bonsu, James Augustine, Jason Collins, Brian Skinner, Ike Diogu, Johan Petro, Tim Thomas, Robert Swift, Adonal Foyle, Mikki Moore, Chris Mihm, Shelden Williams, Josh Duncan, Jake Voshkul, Maceo Baston, Stromile Swift, Melvin Ely, Sean May, Sean Marks, Malik Rose, Ryan Bowen, Paul Davis, Rob Kurz, Austin Croshere, Jamaal Magloire, Primoz Brezec, Antoine Walker, Chris Richard, Michael Doleac, Jelani McCoy, Dwayne Jones, Cheikh Samb, Mouhamed Sene, Donyell Marshall, Theo Ratliff, Raef LaFrentz, Shavlik Randolph, Jarron Collins, Calvin Booth, Michael Ruffin, Mike Harris, Andre Brown, Chris Taft, Lance Allred, Cedric Simmons, Lorenzon Wright

Restricted Free Agents

Guards: Ramon Sessions, Raymond Felton, Nate Robinson, Jarrett Jack, Juan Carlos Navarro, Shannon Brown

Wings: Marvin Williams, Josh Childress, Linas Kleiza, Ersan Ilyasova, Jamario Moon, Mario West, Jeremy Richardson

Big Men: Paul Millsap, Marcin Gortat, David Lee, Glen Davis, Aaron Gray, Solomon Jones, Joel Anthony, Josh McRoberts, Ryan Hollins

Retirement

Eric Snow, Dikembe Mutombo, Sam Cassell

Grizzlies Sign Marcus Williams

Pro Basketball News reports

Marcus Williams had a banner NBA Summer League. And it made a difference.

Williams’ agent, Calvin Andrews, confirmed to Pro Basketball News on Wednesday afternoon his client will sign with the Memphis Grizzlies within the next few days. The point guard will get a one-year deal for the NBA minimum of $855,189.

Warrick Joins Bucks

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports

Hakim Warrick, an athletic 6-foot-9 forward who played the past four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, has reached agreement with the Bucks on a one-year deal, sources indicated Friday.

Warrick averaged 11.6 points and 5.0 rebounds while appearing in all 82 games for the Grizzlies last season, primarily in a bench role.

Warrick is able to play both the small forward and power forward positions and should have an opportunity to start for the Bucks, who have lost Richard Jefferson (in a trade) and Charlie Villanueva (to free agency) this summer

Lakers Re-Up Odom

ESPN reports

Free agent forward Lamar Odom will return to the Los Angeles Lakers, an NBA source said Thursday.

“I always wanted to come back because we won the championship,” Odom told ESPN.com. “I’m playing for the biggest brand in the world. And I’m playing with the most fluid, talented center in the world in Pao Gasol, Andrew Bynum’s coming back and of course Kobe Bryant.

“But to now get an opportunity to play with Ron Artest, a guy I’ve known 16 years, it means a lot. I told Ron Ron a few weeks ago I couldn’t walk away. I still had to fight. Everytime negotiations didn’t go the way I thought, I just took a step back, like them pulling the offer off the table, I just knew I had to fight.”

Grizzlies Sign Sam Young

Via Marc Stein

One more Grizzlies item: Memphis’ deal with second-round pick Sam Young is a three-year contract worth $2,658,000. The third season, at $947,800, is a team option. Taken No. 36 overall in June’s draft, Young averaged 13.6 points (a team high) and 4.2 rebounds on 51.9 percent shooting in summer league play, helping the Grizz go 5-0.

Atlanta Re-Signs Marvin Williams

Yahoo Sports reports

The Atlanta Hawks and restricted free-agent forward Marvin Williams agreed in principle to a five-year contract worth about $40 million on Wednesday, sources told Yahoo! Sports. The deal isn’t expected to be signed until next week.

Not the best deal in the world for Atlanta, but a decent one. I suppose Marvin is worth that type of money.

Marvin Williams has turned himself into an elite role player over the past year or so. He’s developed into one of the finest defensive players in the league at his position, a good rebounder, and a good offensive player who can shoot from distance. He’s a player that consistently adds major value to his team in a supporting fashion.

Raptors Acquire Belinelli

Yahoo Sports reports

After failing to meet the initial expectations that surrounded his arrival as a first-round pick two years ago, the Golden State Warriors have traded guard Marco Belinelli to the Toronto Raptors, league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday night.

The Raptors will send Devean George to the Warriors.

Toronto GM Bryan Colangelo and his assistant GM, Maurizio Gherardini, have long been admirers of Belinelli and tried to draft him in 2007.

Doug Smith is reporting that the Raptors also included “a little bit of cash” in the trade.

Update: NBA Fanhouse says the cash considerations will pay for most of George’s contract. So, the Warriors saved a little money but gained no cap flexibility.

Hornets Sign Diogu

NBA.com reports

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed free agent forward Ike Diogu. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

“We’re excited to have Ike join our team and expect him to help the frontline off the bench this season,” said Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower. “He has shown a lot of potential as an inside scorer and as an effective rebounder.”

This is likely a minimum contract signing.

Thoughts

I’m not a fan of Ike Diogu. There’s no doubt that he has talent, he can score and rebound at an NBA level, but he plays very poor defense and is self-involved offensively (plays like a star when he’s not) which limit his on-court value in a large way.

Mavericks Add Tim Thomas

Dallas Morning News reports

Looking to bolster their 3-point shooting, the Dallas Mavericks announced the signing of free-agent forward Tim Thomas on Tuesday. Terms were not disclosed.

Some quotes from Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson

“He is a really good 3-point shooter that can spread the floor for us and will immediately make us a better 3-point shooting team,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban said via e-mail. “Plus, he is a far better 1-on-1 post defender than he gets credit for. His defensive points per possession in the post the last couple years has been very good. His length and experience really pay off.”

Stat Of The Day: Boozer + Korver

Who blocks more shots? Korver or Boozer?

Last Season

Carlos Boozer blocked an abysmal seven shots in 37 games, or better said, 7 shots in 1197 minutes. That averages out to 0.189 blocks per game, or 0.58 blocks per 100 minutes.

Kyle Korver blocked 30 shots in 78 games, in 1874 minutes. That averages out to 0.47 blocks per game, or 1.6 blocks per 100 minutes

So, Korver got roughly three times as many blocks as Boozer did on a per minute basis.

Trade: Tyson for Emeka

Charlotte Bobcats receive: Tyson Chandler

New Orleans Hornets receive: Emeka Okafor

Link

Sports Illustrates reports

The Charlotte Bobcats are finalizing a trade that would send Emeka Okafor to the New Orleans Hornets for Tyson Chandler, two people familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Monday.

The swap of 26-year-old centers could be completed later Monday, the people said on condition of anonymity because an official announcement has not been made. It was not immediately clear if more players would be involved.

Small Trade – Oklahoma + Minnesota

Oklahoma City receives: Etan Thomas + Minny’s 2010 second round draft pick + a conditional 2010 second round draft pick

Minnesota receives: Chucky Atkins + Damien Wilkins

Link

RealGM has the press release

The Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired veteran center Etan Thomas, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

Phily Looking For 4 More Players

A small quote from the bottom of an Andre Miller article

The Sixers have been searching for four players to fill out their roster on 1-year contracts, the same way they added Kareem Rush, Royal Ivey, Donyell Marshall and Theo Ratliff last summer. In a touch of irony, two of the guards in whom they have shown interest, Sacramento unrestricted free agent Bobby Jackson and Orlando unrestricted free agent Tyronn Lue, are also represented by Andre Miller.

I thought it was interesting to hear the Sixers were looking for four more, likely minimum contract, players to round out their rotation + roster.

Chicago’s Roster Set

Good roundup of the Bulls roster by Sam Smith

“The roster (is set) as of now,” said Bulls general manager Gar Forman, who is here with coach Vinny Del Negro to watch Rose’s play in the USA Basketball mini-camp. “We talk to a lot of teams to see if we can make ourselves better. Outside of a major type trade, I really don’t see us doing anything. We would anticipate we will carry 13 players.

We have a qualifying offer out to Aaron Gray and all indications are that he will sign it and return.
 I like our roster. We like our young core and where we’re at. We feel pretty good going into the season.”

Roster

Guards — Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich, Jannero Pargo and Lindsey Hunter

Wings — Luol Deng, John Salmons, James Johnson

Big Men — Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas, Brad Miller, Taj Gibson, Aaron Gray, Jerome James

Cleveland Signs Jamario Moon

This story is a few days old, catching up on old business

ESPN reported the Cavs signing Moon to an offer sheet

The Cleveland Cavaliers have continued their offseason remodeling by signing restricted free agent Jamario Moon to an offer sheet.

Full details of the offer sheet are unlikely to be known until Monday, when the contract is submitted to the league office. But sources said that the deal signed Friday — which Heat officials confirmed after an ESPN.com report earlier Sunday — spans two guaranteed years.

The Miami Sun Sentinel’s Ira Winderman discussed two other issues facing the Heat’s decision on whether or not to match Moon’s offer sheet

Marquis Daniels Agrees To Join Celtics

This story is a few days old, catching up on old business

Yahoo Sports reports

Free-agent guard Marquis Daniels has committed to sign with the Boston Celtics, a league source said Friday.

Daniels will receive the Celtics’ $1.9 million biannual salary-cap exception if the Indiana Pacers aren’t interested in a sign-and-trade deal.

The 6-foot-6 Daniels averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games with Indiana last season, his third with the team. Daniels previously played three seasons with the Mavericks.

Negotiations are still on-going about a sign and trade

Pistons Sign Wilcox

This story is a few days old, catching up on old business

Yahoo Sports reports

Chris Wilcox agreed to a a two-year, $6 million contract with the Detroit Pistons, league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Saturday.

Pacers Sign Solomon Jones

The Indy Star reports

The Indiana Pacers have agreed to a two-year deal for forward Solomon Jones, a person familiar with the situation confirmed today.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Jazz Match Millsap Offer

This story is a few days old, catching up on old business

RealGM has the press release

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has exercised its first right of refusal and retained restricted free agent forward Paul Millsap, pending the results of a physical. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced. Utah had seven days to match an offer sheet made to Millsap by Portland.“Keeping Paul on our roster was one of our main goals this offseason,” said Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “We look forward to watching him play a key role on this team for many years to come.”

“We are excited to keep Paul with the Jazz,” said Jazz President Randy Rigby. “Since he arrived in 2006 he has been an integral part of our team, establishing himself as one of the up-and-coming power forwards in the NBA.”

Dallas Sign Gooden

ESPN reports

The Dallas Mavericks have struck a deal with unrestricted free agent Drew Gooden to make use of some of the money they got back when Orlando matched their offer sheet earlier this month to restricted free agent Marcin Gortat.

Gooden announced via his Twitter feed shortly past midnight Saturday that he is signing with the Mavericks. “Dallas here I come,” he wrote. In response, Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted: “Welcome Drew.”

Sources with knowledge of the deal told ESPN.com that Gooden is receiving a one-year contract worth a guaranteed $4.5 million with incentives that will likely take it beyond $5 million by season’s end. A formal announcement of the signing is expected Monday or Tuesday.

Grizzlies Withdraw Warrick’s Qualifying Offer

ESPN reports

That power forward is Hakim Warrick, who was taken by surprise Thursday night when the Grizzlies rescinded their $3 million qualifying offer to him to give themselves more flexibility on the free-agent market.

Warrick will remain on Memphis’ cap for the time being at $6.2 million — 300 percent of his salary last season — but the Grizzlies could move about $9 million below the cap if they formally renounce their rights to him or move him in a sign-and-trade deal.

Rasho Returns To Raptors

Doug Smith reports

Rasho Nesterovic is coming back to his adopted hometown.

The veteran centre, who spent two seasons with the Raptors before being traded to Indiana a year ago, has agreed in principle to a one-year deal worth about $1.9 million (all figures US), the so-called biannual exception to the NBA’s salary cap.

Portland Make Miller An Offer + Sign Him

ESPN reports

The Portland Trail Blazers have offered point guard Andre Miller a three-year contract after failing in their efforts to acquire New York Knicks restricted free agent David Lee, sources close to the process said Friday.

Miller’s contract would be worth $21 million, with $14 million guaranteed and $7 million included as a third-year team option, a source said.

Bad Fit

I think Andre Miller is a very poor fit in Cleveland …

Wolves Acquire Q-Rich

A trade from a few days ago

Minnesota Timberwolves receive: Quentin Richardson

Los Angeles Clippers receive: Sebastian Telfair, Craig Smith and Mark Madsen

Link

A link to SI.com’s report on the trade — starts of by considering what this means for Ricky Rubio rather than the actual trade.

“This is not a precursor of any sort,” Kahn said Monday from New York shortly before he was scheduled to hop a flight across the Atlantic. “We have no feel yet as to whether Ricky will be joining us.”

Mike Dunleavy summarizes the move for the Clippers

“We are really excited to add these three players to our team,” Clippers general manager and coach Mike Dunleavy said. “This move really gives some much needed depth.”

Spurs Sign Blair

This news is from a few days ago

Jonathon Givony reports from his twitter account

DeJuan Blair has signed a guaranteed three-year contract with the Spurs for $2.7 million, Jonathan Givony has learned.

Blair was an excellent pickup in the second round. Good decision by the Spurs to give Blair a three year contract, now they have him locked up for three years on a low contract and will have his full bird rights when his deal expires. Smart decision.

Indiana Waives Tinsley

Conrad Brunner reports

The press release was brief. Its impact will be profound.

The announcement Wednesday evening a resolution has been reached avoiding arbitration and allowing the Pacers to waive Jamaal Tinsley brings welcome closure for the franchise and the player.

Spurs Sign Theo Ratliff

The San Antonio Express reports

The Spurs have gotten younger and more athletic this summer, but their newest addition proves they still value veteran big men who can defend.

Miami Bring Back Magloire

The Miami Herald reports

The Heat re-signed backup center Jamaal Magloire on Wednesday, giving the team four centers under contract.

Magloire signed a one-year contract for $1.18 million, the veteran’s minimum for a player with his length of service.

Pacers Keep McRoberts

RealGM has the press release

The Indiana Pacers announced Wednesday they have re-signed free agent forward Josh McRoberts to a multi-year contract. Per club policy, teams of the contract were not closed.

Earl Watson Joins Indiana

I’m catching up on some of the news from the past few days …

Oklahoma City Thunder

Let’s start with the Oklahoma City Thunder side of things:

The Oklahoma City Thunder waived guard Earl Watson it was announced today by Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

Bucks Sign Ilyasova

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports

Forward Ersan Ilyasova is returning to the Milwaukee Bucks after playing the past two seasons for Regal FC Barcelona in Spain.

Basketball sources confirmed Thursday that Ilyasova and the Bucks had agreed on a three-year deal estimated at nearly $7 million, with a first-year salary of $2.1 million.

Link: Jerry Reinsdorf Interview

Good interview with Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf in the Chicago Sun Times from a few days ago. Well worth a read.

Raptors vs 2010/11 Luxury Tax

The main issue with the Raptors remaining summer spending isn’t this year’s luxury tax threshold, but the 2010/11 mark. That is due to three main issues (1) Bargnani’s extension (2) Pay increases for top earners (3) The likelihood of the luxury tax line falling in a large way.

So, let’s have a quick look at the Raptors payroll for this coming season and the 2010/11 season … and try to figure out just how close the Raptors are to the luxury tax in both seasons, and how much they can spend

2009/10

The Raptors salaries

• Chris Bosh – $15.78 million
• Hedo Turkoglu ~ $9 million (ball park figure)
• Jose Calderon – $8.22 million

Kings Sign Sean May

Sports Illustrated reports

Free-agent forward Sean May agreed in principle to a one-year contract with the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, hoping for a fresh start for a career that has been derailed by injuries.

The Kings announced the agreement Tuesday but did not disclose terms of the contract.

Nuggets Trade For Malik Allen

The Denver Post reports

The Nuggets have agreed to a trade that would net them veteran power forward Malik Allen from the Bucks in exchange for Sonny Weems and Walter Sharpe, an NBA source said Tuesday afternoon. The trade will likely become official later in the week.

Miami Re-Sign Joel Anthony

RealGM reports

The Miami Heat announced Monday that they have re-signed center Joel Anthony.

Magic Sign Matt Barnes

The Orlando Sentinel reports

The Orlando Magic were on the verge of another bold acquisition late Monday, reaching an agreement in principle on a two-year deal with free-agent forward Matt Barnes.

Aaron Goodwin, the agent who represents both Barnes and All-Star Magic center Dwight Howard, confirmed the deal early Tuesday morning in a text message to the Orlando Sentinel.

“He has agreed to a two-year deal, and I believe that Dwight’s recruitment of him truly sealed the deal,” Goodwin wrote.

Nash Signs Two Year Extension

ESPN reports

After receiving an improved offer last week and taking a few more days to deliberate, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash notified the Phoenix Suns over the weekend that he is accepting their two-year extension offer worth $22 million.

Nash’s agent, Bill Duffy, has confirmed that his client will formally sign the extension as early as Tuesday after ESPN.com reported the deal earlier Monday.

Herrmann Leaves For Spain

Euroleague.net reports

Tau Ceramica agreed to terms of a contract with small forward Walter Herrmann, who inked a two-year deal with the Euroleague powerhouse on Friday.

Jack Goes To Toronto

Jarrett Jack spoke to the Indy Star

The Indiana Pacers will not match the four-year, $20 million offer the Toronto Raptors made to restricted free agent Jarrett Jack, Jack told The Indianapolis Star in a telephone interview late Sunday night.”It took a minute, but I was able to secure a contract for four years,” Jack said. “I’m looking forward to playing with Chris (Bosh) again. It will be like our freshman year (at Georgia Tech) all over again.”

The Pacers had until today to make a decision.“It was a very difficult decision because Jarrett proved last season what he can bring to a team,” team president Larry Bird said in a statement this afternoon. “We thank Jarrett for his contributions to the Pacers, both on and off the court, and wish him the best in Toronto.”

Bulls Waive Anthony Roberson

RealGM reports

The Chicago Bulls announced on Monday that the team has waived guard Anthony Roberson.

Yao Out For Season

ESPN reports

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has elected to have extensive surgery on his fractured left foot that almost certainly eliminates his chances of playing next season but offers hope that he can resume his NBA career and not fracture the foot a career-ending third time.

After consultation with a battery of doctors, Yao, 28, has decided to undergo a bone graft to heal the existing fracture and have his arch surgically lowered to reduce the stress on his foot.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas also went through this surgery, and he’s recovered brilliantly in terms of both good health and in maintaining his previous performance levels. Yao actually talked to Big Z about the surgery before deciding.

What’s the timetable for Yao’s return?

Utah Re-Signs Ronnie Price

RealGM has the press release

The Utah Jazz announced today that the team has re-signed guard Ronnie Price. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.

“Keeping Ronnie on our roster was important to us,” said Utah Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor. “He is someone who knows our system and has proven capable of stepping in whenever called upon. Over the last two seasons he has shown a commitment to working hard and improving his game, and as a result, we expect his growth to continue.”

Bulls Waive Tim Thomas

RealGM has the press release

The Chicago Bulls made a settlement with forward Tim Thomas on Tuesday. In accordance with that move, the Bulls have requested waivers on Thomas.

Lakers Pull Offer Given To Odom

Lamar Odom

The LA Times reports

Lakers owner Jerry Buss, an avid poker player, called Lamar Odom’s bluff at the negotiating table Tuesday, following through with his threat to pull the offer to Odom.

The Lakers admitted that the offer Buss presented to Odom and his representatives has been available for over a week, but that because the unrestricted free agent never responded, Buss grew upset and broke off all negotiations.

“Yes, we have taken the deal off the table,” Lakers public relations director John Black said. “Talks have broken down for the time being.”

Boozer Is On The Trade Block

Is Carlos Boozer On The Way Out?

The Desert News reports

Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer told a Chicago radio station today that he expects to soon be traded, and that he’ll be happy if he is.

According to a transcript from WMVP 1000-AM, the ESPN affiliate in Chicago, Boozer — who has not spoken to Utah media since the Jazz’s season ended in late April — said this when asked if he thought he’d be dealt: “Yeah I do. I had a talk with the Jazz. The Jazz told me they want to go in a different direction and I respect their decision. We mutually agreed to work out a trade that was beneficial for them and beneficial for my family and me. So with that being said, I’m gonna be traded relatively soon or in good time.”

Houston Acquire David Andersen

RealGM has the press release

The Atlanta Hawks today traded the rights of David Andersen to the Houston Rockets for a future second round pick, cash and future considerations, it was announced by Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund.

Previously selected by the Hawks in the second round of the 2002 Draft – the 37th pick overall – Andersen is an Australian professional basketball player who has played internationally since the 1998-99 season, most recently in the Spanish League with FC Barcelona.

I like David Andersen, he’s an NBA quality player, and good acquisition by the Houston Rockets. Nice pickup.

Nachbar Returning To Europe?

Good interview with Boki Nachbar on Hoopshype

You announced on Twitter yesterday that you were going to make a decision on your new team today or so. Have you made a decision already?

BN: I’m really close to signing a contract with Efes Pilsen, the Turkish champion, for one year. They’ve been calling me for the last two weeks and I’ve been  postponing it because I was trying to get a good NBA contract. But I don’t want to let go this offer from Efes because financially it was so much stronger than anything in the States, especially with the market in the NBA being so tight this year and good players getting such low contracts. It’s hard to get a long-term, solid contract. So it makes sense for me to wait one more year and go for free agency then. Unless something dramatic happens today, it looks like I’m going to sign with Efes Pilsen.

The Dallas Mavericks Post-Gortat

Thoughts On The Mavs

#1 Assets

What assets do the Mavs have?

• Eric Dampier’s expiring contract ($12.12 million)
• 2010 cap space should they fail to find a Dampier trade (about $47 million on the books if they part with Josh Howard)
• 2009 MLE … and 2010 MLE if the Mavs make a Dampier trade
• Josh Howard as a trade asset

So, the Mavs only realistic opportunity to add an elite talent is either through a Dampier trade or a free agent signing in 2010.

#2 Nowitzki At Center

The Mavericks don’t have enough assets to be able to acquire a high quality center, and to add an elite star to play alongside Dirk. I think they’ll only be able to acquire one or the other, and that elite star player is far more valuable to the Mavericks than the new center will be.

Ergo, the Mavs are hugely unlikely to be able to find a highly talented center and would instead have to settle for a mediocre body up front. I think the Mavericks have far better options by moving Dirk to center, and then signing more talented power forwards or keeping Marion at the four and signing more talented wings for their money, rather than the mediocre center they’re likely to get with the MLE.

Wizards Make Oberto An Offer

The San Antonio Express reports

The Washington Wizards have made a contract offer to former Spurs center Fabricio Oberto, traded to the Detroit Pistons as part of the package that brought Richard Jefferson to the Spurs in a three-team, pre-draft trade with the Milwaukee Bucks last month.

Terms of Washington’s offer to Oberto aren’t known. He was released by the Pistons after the deal was completed.

Childress To Stay In Europe

Sekou Smith reports

Josh Childress is going back to Greece.

The former Hawks swingman said he is returning to Olympiakos for the 2009-10 season and will not opt out of his contract and return to the NBA.

Suns Buyout Ben Wallace

Ben Wallace Is A Valuable Free Agent

Arizona Republic reports

Ben Wallace was gone before he was here.

The Suns completed a contract buyout Monday for Wallace, whom they acquired for such financial motivation in the Shaquille O’Neal trade in June. The Suns negotiated a $10 million buyout for a contract that would have paid him $14 million this season.

2009 Free Agent List – Part Three

We’ve just passed the two week mark in free agency. Most of the big money names are off the board at this stage.

Unrestricted Free Agents

Guards:  Andre Miller, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Mike Bibby, Stephon Marbury, Ronnie Price, Jannero Pargo, CJ Watson, Brevin Knight, Royal Ivey, Kevin Ollie, Flip Murray, Anthony Carter, Bobby Jackson, Jason Hart, Damon Jones, Luther Head, Sean Singletary, Cartier Martin, Will Solomon, Tyronne Lue, Juan Dixon, Marcus Williams, Lindsey Hunter, Jacque Vaughn, Mike Wilks, Will Conroy, Pooh Jeter, Dan Dickau, Eddie Gill, Steve Francis, Mateen Cleaves, Blake Ahearn, Jeff McGinnis, Alex Acker

Jazz Likely To Match?

Interesting analysis from Ross Siler in the Salt Lake Tribune

This is just my interpretation of what was said Saturday, but Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor made three comments that suggested the team was inclined to match the four-year, $32 million offer sheet Paul Millsap signed with Portland.

O’Connor has vowed to match any offer to Millsap that isn’t in the realm of the “really outrageous.” His comments Saturday seemed to suggest that an $8 million a year offer by the Trail Blazers doesn’t fit that definition.

First of all, talking about following through on the pledge to match, O’Connor mentioned “it might be a little different” if Millsap had been offered $11 million or $12 million a season.