NBA Business Blog by SBS

Manute Bol dies at 47: Bol's sprit of giving not well known

2010-06-19T23:48:00.001-07:00

Manute Bol

Former Golden State Warriors player Manute Bol (who also played with the Philadelphia 76ers, Seattle Supersonics, and Washington Bullets) sadly passed away Saturday at the young age of 47 and do to complications from "Stevens - Johnson syndrome," which Bol reportedly contracted while in Sudan.

Bol is being celebrated as one of the NBA's best defensive players in history, but Bol's also praised for his work in the sprit of giving. The Kansas City Star reported in May - as Bol was in the hospital for the condition that would ultimately take his life - that Manute Bol's charitable work for Sudan was not well-recognized by the public.

Bol's focus was helping those less fortunate in his home country of Sudan. One of the organizations Bol supported is called "Alliance For The Lost Boys of Sudan."

Alliance For The Lost Boys is an organization that supplies medical and dental coverage as well as educational funding and school supplies for the boys of Sudan. Specifically, the estimated 27,000 Sudanese boys who were displaced from their families during the Second Sudanese Civil War. A war where Bol himself lost several hundred family members. A war that saw 2 million killed; 3,800 boys were orphaned in America, mostly in the State of Arizona, Chicago and the State of Florida.

(That Arizona has Sundanese orphans makes one wonder if they too are being harmed by that states' Hitler-like illegal immigration law and the intense racism expressed by some there.)

This comment summed up Bol's thoughts: "There’s no way I can put the money in my pocket while my people are getting beat up. Whatever I can do to help my people I will do. I feel whatever I make here I make for my people."

The Kansas City Star 's Sam Mellinger wrote that Bol "has given so much and received little in comparison." And in a set of paragraphs that makes any one want to cry, Mellinger wrote:

He was once lured back to his home country with the promise of a cabinet post, only to find out he would be required to convert to Islam. When he refused, he was stranded for nearly five years. His trust and good intentions have been abused so many times.

Even while playing, he went into war zones to help the Lost Boys and other refugees. Sometimes, those visits were interrupted by bombings from warlords who viewed Bol as a threat.

His family was wiped out by Darfurians, but when that country became victims, Bol was one of the first Sudanese to speak out in support. A Christian, he told his people that extremists were the enemy, not Muslims.

he uncomfortable part of this is that we’ll appreciate Bol, 47, more when he’s gone, whenever that comes.

You know, there are times when I have said "I wish someone would have told me about that; I'd have done what I could to help." Manute Bol's story is one of those times I wish someone had contacted me. A person's story is a collection of small contributions; that's one I would have certainly made.

Manute Bol's in a better place. And, while it's after his passing, we should stop to celebrate Manute Bol's time on Earth.

God bless Manute Bol.

Kobe Bryant and LA Lakers Are Western Division Champions

2009-05-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

The L.A. Lakers just won the NBA's Western Division beating the Denver Nuggets 112 to 92. The Lakers return to the finals for the 30th time (!). The top scorer was Kobe Bryant with 35 points, followed by Paul Gasol with 20. Now, we wait for the winner of the Orlando Magic / Cleveland Cavaliers series.

Will LeBron meet Kobe?

Eddy Curry Gay? - LIMO DRIVER DAVID KUCHINSKY ACCUSES KNICKS C EDDY CURRY OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT - New York Post

2009-01-13T13:54:00.001-08:00

More at New York Post: “Knick center Eddy Curry was slapped with a shocking sexual-harassment suit yesterday by his former driver, who claims the 6-foot-11 hoopster tried to solicit gay sex from him.

Stunning court papers charge that Curry, a married father of several kids, repeatedly approached chauffeur David Kuchinsky "in the nude," saying, "Look at me, Dave, look" and, "Come and touch it, Dave."

Knicks End Road Trip With Hornets Win

KNICKS BLOG

Curry, 26, also made Kuchinsky perform "humiliating tasks outside the scope of his employment, such as cleaning up and removing dirty towels [into which Curry had ejaculated] so that his wife would not see them," the Manhattan federal court suit says.”

Report: D’Antoni takes Knicks’ job

2008-05-10T14:37:00.000-07:00

Bringing in a coach for six million per season will not solve the extensive problems facing the Knicks. Unfortunately, D'Antoni's high octane coaching style does not fit in well with the current Knicks roster or their long standing philosophy of how to play.

NEW YORK (TICKER) —Mike D’Antoni will become the next head coach of the New York Knicks, Sports Illustrated reported on its web site Saturday.

According to SI, the former Phoenix Suns coach accepted New York’s offer of a four-year contract worth $24 million. The Knicks have yet to comment on the report.

D’Antoni, who had two years remaining on his contract with the Suns that would have paid him nearly $9 million, reportedly also was mulling an offer from the Chicago Bulls.

D’Antoni appeared to have no future with the Suns when the team granted him permission earlier in the week to speak with other clubs about their head-coaching vacancies.

The Arizona Republic reported that the relationship between D’Antoni and Suns general manager Steve Kerr has been strained since the two had an argument in November.

D’Antoni, who turned 57 on Thursday, interviewed with the Knicks and Bulls. His personality alone would seem to be a breath of fresh air in New York after the disastrous reign of Isiah Thomas.

D’Antoni is known for his laid-back approach and stresses up-tempo basketball. Under his watch, the Suns were one of the NBA’s highest-scoring and most entertaining teams, although they were unable to advance beyond the Western Conference finals.

This year, the Suns were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in five games, their first opening-round exit from the playoffs since 2003.

D’Antoni posted a 253-136 record in his four-plus seasons as coach of the Suns.

In New York, he would have the tall task of trying to rebuild the league’s most dysfunctional franchise while changing its culture of losing.

One of the first moves made by new Knicks president Donnie Walsh was to fire Thomas, who posted a 56-108 record in his two seasons as coach.

New York has endured seven straight losing seasons, including a 23-59 mark this year that matched the worst record in the franchise’s history.

Thomas also alienated the team’s fan base for his decisions as general manager. He loaded up on expensive contracts - creating major salary cap problems - while failing to build a competitive team.

Thomas also found controversy off the court, causing further embarrassment for the franchise.
In November, Madison Square Garden reached an out-of-court settlement for $11.5 million with former executive Anucha Browne Sanders, who had filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Thomas, Knicks owner James Dolan and the Garden.

In addition, Thomas spent most of the season feuding with guard Stephon Marbury and benched center Eddie Curry.

Thomas says he’s not talking with Indiana about coaching Hoosiers

2008-03-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

It's time to permanently leave Isiah. All of New York will be elated that you did.

By GEORGE HENRY, Associated Press Writer

ATLANTA (AP)—Embattled New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas said he is not a candidate for the Indiana University job.

Thomas, whose Knicks have lost seven of eight and 14 of 16, has a 53-102 record in two seasons with the team. Though he helped Indiana win the 1981 NCAA championship, Thomas has never coached in college.

He indicated the Hoosiers haven’t consulted him about becoming their head coach.

“No, I have a job,” Thomas said before the Knicks played the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday.

Thomas, also the Knicks’ team president, said he hopes interim coach Dan Dakich is named full-time at Indiana.

In February, Dakich replaced Kelvin Sampson, who resigned following the release of an NCAA report that said he committed five “major” violations involving recruiting. Prior to the start of the NCAA tournament, the school appointed a 10-member committee to search for a replacement for Sampson.

After Dakich—an assistant under Sampson and a former Indiana player and assistant under Bob Knight—took over, the Hoosiers (25-8) lost four of their final seven games, including a shocking last-second defeat against Minnesota in the Big Ten tournament quarterfinals and an 86-72 loss to Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

“He’s done an excellent job,” Thomas said. “He understands the program. He’s been intimately involved on the coaching side and also on the playing side.”

“Of all the former players, he’d definitely have the support of mine and others. I hope he’s someone they do name as the coach of Indiana.”

Thomas acknowledged that he might have interest in coaching one day in college.

“You never say never in terms of where you’ll end up and who you’ll be with,” he said. “So you just try to take the day as it comes.”

Right now, Thomas is trying to save his position with New York, which has reportedly talked with former Indiana Pacers president Donnie Walsh about taking charge of the organization.

Walsh hired Thomas as coach of the Pacers in 2000. In three years with Indiana, Thomas led the Pacers to a 131-115 record and three playoff appearances.

When Walsh brought in Larry Bird to run the Pacers in 2003, Thomas was fired.

With the NBA’s fifth-worst record at 20-53, Thomas seemed to dislike a question about some of his players calling for a new coaching change.

“That player should put his name on it, if there is such a player,” Thomas said. “But I think you have the opportunity and the access to all our players and you can ask them. I think it’s safe to say that in any locker room, football, basketball or hockey, I don’t think there’s a coach coaching today that has 15 happy players. You have some that’s unhappy and you have some that’s happy. That’s coaching.”

Voters to decide on $121 million proposal aimed at luring NBA to Oklahoma City

2008-03-03T15:00:00.000-08:00

It'll be intriguing tomorrow to witness if Oklahoma City receives the go ahead vote to entice a prospective team to their budding city. Currently, Seattle seems like the ideal team to land in the OKC.

By JEFF LATZKE, AP Sports Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)— Oklahoma City voters will decide Tuesday on a $121 million plan aimed at luring an NBA team.

Oklahoma City mayor Mick Cornett’s proposal would spend $97 million to upgrade the Ford Center and another $24.6 million to build an NBA practice facility in hopes of completing the city’s courtship of the Seattle SuperSonics.

While Cornett has been promoting the improvements to the Ford Center as mandatory to show Oklahoma City’s long-term commitment to the NBA, David Glover has been spearheading opposition to the plan that would extend a one-cent sales tax increase for another 15 months.

Cornett considers the improvements to the Ford Center necessary even if the SuperSonics, owned by Oklahoma City businessman Clay Bennett, don’t end up relocating. Without them, Cornett says Oklahoma City will fall behind competitors for concerts, the Big 12 tournament and other events.

Bennett declined interview requests from The Associated Press and through a spokesman refused to say what would happen if the vote fails. The SuperSonics are in the middle of a court battle to break their lease in Seattle, and the NBA Board of Governors will vote in April on Bennett’s request to relocate to Oklahoma City.

While reserving comment on the specific proposal in Oklahoma City, NBA spokesman Tim Frank said “the NBA will always support teams’ and cities’ efforts to enhance the experience for our fans.”

The cost of adding restaurants, clubs, suites and other amenities to the Ford Center—which hosted the New Orleans Hornets for two years following Hurricane Katrina—falls about in the middle of the cost fronted by new NBA cities when the past two franchises relocated.

Two men plead not guilty in NBA betting scandal

2008-03-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK (AP)—Two men charged in a betting scandal involving disgraced basketball referee Tim Donaghy have pleaded not guilty to conspiring to defraud the NBA.

Prosecutors said James Battista, a professional gambler with nicknames “Baba” and “Sheep,” and Thomas Martino entered the pleas during a brief appearance Friday in Brooklyn.

A trial date was set for April 28. Each man remains free on $250,000 bond.

In a guilty plea in August, Donaghy said he started making NBA bets four years ago, even wagering on games he worked. He admitted recommending bets to high-stakes gamblers and collecting $5,000 if his picks hit.

The former referee faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when he is sentenced April 18 for conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting betting information through interstate commerce.

Ben Wallace to Cavs in 11-player deal

2008-02-27T14:51:00.000-08:00

The acquisition of four-time defensive player of the year Ben Wallace completely transforms the trajectory of the Eastern Conference. It's very realistic to expect the Cavaliers to catapult to one of the the top two teams in the conference if James and Wallace are able to mesh together.

CLEVELAND (TICKER) —LeBron James wanted the Cleveland Cavaliers to improve their roster. The Cavaliers shook it up Thursday, acquiring Ben Wallace in an 11-player, three-team megadeal.

The Cavaliers also received guard Wally Szczerbiak, forward Joe Smith and guard Delonte West in a deal involving the Chicago Bulls and Seattle SuperSonics. The Bulls also sent the Cavaliers their second-round pick in 2009.

The deal was completed right before the league’s 3 p.m. EST trade deadline and, according to Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry, sets up a bright future for his club.

“We’re very excited about what these players bring to us by adding a new dimension, and that we were able to impact this team without compromising future draft picks,” he said. “This again demonstrates (owner) Dan Gilbert’s dedication to this organization and city.

“At the same time, we have great respect for the guys that are leaving us and feel like they all contributed to our success.”

The Bulls received guard Larry Hughes, forward Drew Gooden, forward Cedric Simmons and guard Shannon Brown while the SuperSonics got swingman Adrian Griffin and forwards Ira Newble and Donyell Marshall.

Chicago executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson admitted that Thursday’s deal was made with the development of his team’s young roster in mind.

“We are all very much aware that this season has not advanced as we anticipated. With that said, we will continue to evaluate and re-shape our roster where necessary, until we can get to where we want to be as a team,” Paxson said. “This particular trade gives us the opportunity to solidify a couple of positions, as well as provide our team with some much needed scoring.

“The continued development of our young, big frontline is crucial and this move will allow them to gain valuable minutes on the court, which in turn will allow us to make the key decisions we are going to be faced with in the very near future.”

It was a long-awaited trade for Cleveland, which grew unhappy with the oft-injured Hughes and sought a revamped roster in its push for a second straight trip to the NBA Finals.

Most importantly, James said during All-Star Weekend that he thinks the Cavaliers should make a deal to keep up with other clubs in one of the most active trade seasons in recent memory.

The face of the Cavaliers - and possibly the league - James’ voice most likely carried a lot of weight in a deal which landed Cleveland Wallace, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, and a slew of expiring contracts.

The trade came just days after the Cavs’ offer for veteran point guard Mike Bibby, who many feel is the perfect compliment to James, was reportedly rejected by the Sacramento Kings. Bibby then was traded to the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.

Instead, Cleveland chose to change its frontcourt with the acquisition of Wallace, who is primarily a defender and rebounder but brings the toughness needed to compete in the postseason.

However, he is just two years into a four-year, $60 million free agent deal from the Bulls, who most likely realized that the 33-year-old forward is on the downside of his career. Wallace has averaged 5.1 points and 8.8 rebounds this campaign.

While he is not Bibby, the 24-year-old West is a capable combination guard with some promise. But he has yet to blossom in his first season with the SuperSonics after three with the Boston Celtics, averaging just 6.8 points and 3.2 assists this campaign.

Szczerbiak, who has averaged 13.1 points this season, spreads the floor and gives the Cavaliers another shooter on a team which allows James to freelance and find teammates on the perimeter.

A former first overall pick, the 32-year-old Smith has averaged 11.2 points and 5.3 rebounds in his first season in Chicago. But his value most likely is his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

The contracts of Szczerbiak and West expire after the next campaign - and Wallace’s deal is up after 2009-10, allowing the Cavaliers some flexibility when James can opt out of his contract and become a free agent that summer.

In the short term, the Cavaliers rid themselves of Hughes, who has been a disappointment in Cleveland, averaging just 12.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.4 assists in his third season with the Cavaliers.

He also grew unhappy with his role in an offense which forced him to stifle his desire to slash to the basket.

The Bulls, who have been rumored in numerous deals in recent seasons, finally acquired a back-to-the-basket scorer in Gooden, who is capable in the post and one the game’s toughest rebounders.

The fourth overall pick in the 2002 draft, the 26-year-old Gooden has averaged 11.3 points and 8.3 rebounds this season.

While the 22-year-old Brown has shown some promise in 15 games this season, Simmons - who is the same age - has appeared in just seven contests and has not provided much for the Cavaliers.

The rebuilding Sonics received three expiring contracts, as Newble’s is up after this season while Marshall and Griffin come off the books after next campaign.

A Lackluster Team Off To A Despondent Start- The New York Knicks

2007-11-25T09:31:00.000-08:00

By David
Kaye

Over the course of the first eleven disparaging games, beleaguered New York Knicks president and head coach Isiah Thomas has transformed his team into a shell of what they once were.

At 3-8, New York is not only the laughing stock of the league on the court, but they are the first rate model of incompetence, mismanagement and hopelessness in the front office. Thomas has driven the unbridled and distasteful organization into unchartered territories over the course of the past several weeks as the Knicks have endured a disheartening eight losing streak, tension and disarray in the locker room and public lashings from sports writers, terrestrial radio personalities and fans across the tri state area.

During a west cost swing in which the team went 0-4 and was outscored nightly by 13 points per game, Thomas and disappointing point guard Stephon Marbury engaged in a unheralded fiasco over the player’s contribution to the team and role as a positive leader on and off the court. After indicating to his disgruntled and angered point guard to leave the team if he could not handle being benched, Thomas sheepishly permitted Marbury to rejoin the team in Los Angeles.

His blatant mishandling, miscommunication and complete bungling of this situation further lends to the notion that he is ill equipped in several facets to not only coach, but guide the Knicks organization on a consistent basis.

Outside of the ’’Fire Isiah’’ chants heard regularly at Madison Square Garden, Thomas has positioned the Knicks in a less beneficial environment than when Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown was roaming the sidelines. His apparent lack of responsibility for any events that transpire under his tutelage as headmaster of the team, his sickening and demeaning smile and lack of urgency to resurrect an already sinking ship all serve as principle reasons for the Knicks destructive debacle through the first month of the season.

At the current juncture, the best operative is to fire Isiah Thomas, rid him of all responsibilities within the front office and establish a clean slat in which to work with.

Undoubtedly, the opportunity to secure a playoff spot in the porous eastern Conference has been eliminated as players have stopped performing for their coach, the post court presence of Eddy Curry and Zack Randolph is as clear as Alex Rodriguez’s credibility and embattled veteran Stephon Marbury has accrued more boarding passes than victories this month.

Wizards G Gilbert Arenas undergoes left knee surgery, to miss 3 months

2007-11-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

By MIKE CRANSTON, AP Sports Writer
November 21, 2007

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Washington Wizards leading scorer Gilbert Arenas underwent two different surgical procedures on his left knee on Wednesday and will miss about three months.

Arenas had been experiencing swelling and soreness in the knee which he had surgically repaired late last season. After sitting out the past two games, Arenas did not travel with the team to Charlotte and underwent an MRI Wednesday morning, which revealed a cartilage tear.

"I'm just going to sit in my sorrows again. I have three months to (be) back positive again, but right now, it's hard," Arenas said in a posting on his blog Wednesday. "I need to start thinking about longevity in my career instead of just this injury right now. Every great player has missed at least one year."

Team physician Dr. Marc Connell repaired a partial tear of the meniscus and performed microfracture surgery on a non-weight bearing bone on the side of his knee.

"It's not as bad as the injury in April, but it's tough," wrote Arenas, who will begin rehabilitation next week.

"We expect Gilbert to make a full recovery," Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld said.

The 6-foot-4 Arenas is averaging 22.4 points. The Wizards won both games against struggling Portland and Philadelphia without Arenas and earned their sixth straight victory hours after Arenas went under the knife, outlasting Charlotte 114-111 in overtime Wednesday.

"We did win two games in convincing fashion without him, but it wasn't like it was the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs," Wizards center Brendan Haywood said before the win over the Bobcats. "Playing without Gilbert Arenas is going to hurt this team."

Arenas began the season by playing as though nothing was wrong, averaging about 40 minutes per game. But after Washington's third game, he said his knee felt stiff, "like a 5-pound weight is on it."

He then had excess fluid drained from the knee for the second time in three weeks on Nov. 7. He played the next night, a loss to New Jersey that dropped the Wizards to 0-4, but had a long conversation with Nets star Jason Kidd on the court after the final buzzer. Kidd offered advice about dealing with a return from surgery.

Arenas stayed in the lineup until missing Saturday's game against Portland, then sitting again Tuesday against Philadelphia. Without Arenas, coach Eddie Jordan said Antonio Daniels will continue to play point guard.

"Every team goes through it, and every team tries to find a way to win on a consistent basis," Jordan said. "We've gotten better at moving the ball."

This whole ordeal has all been a bit new to Arenas -- a three-time All-Star -- whose only previous significant injury in the NBA was an abdominal problem that limited him to 55 games in 2003-04.

He finished third in the league in scoring average in 2006-07 at 28.4 points, but missed the last two weeks of the regular season and all of the playoffs after having knee surgery.

"Gilbert worked extremely hard this summer to be ready for the beginning of the regular season," Grunfeld said. "This is very unfortunate because he was starting to play at a high level prior to the surgery."

It's another blow to the Wizards, who lost Arenas and Caron Butler to season-ending injuries late last season. Etan Thomas is out this season after undergoing heart surgery, while Oleksiy Pecherov is recovering from a broken ankle.

Haywood didn't play against the Bobcats because of a sprained left ankle, leaving Washington with only nine healthy players.

"That's the business, man," Haywood said. "Life's not always fair. He's out right now and everybody is down about it. Everybody wishes him the best. Right now all we can do is pray for him and hope he has a speedy recovery."

Jordan wouldn't say whether he'll push management to sign another player.

AP Sports Writer Howard Fendrich in Washington contributed to this report.

Nets G Carter out indefinitely with ankle sprain

2007-11-14T04:19:00.000-08:00

November 12, 2007
EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey (Ticker) -- New Jersey Nets guard Vince Carter will be sidelined indefinitely with a right ankle sprain, the team announced Monday.

The injury occurred while Carter was dunking in the third quarter of Saturday's 112-101 loss to the Boston Celtics.

A MRI on Monday revealed a grade-one sprain. Carter will continue to receive treatment on his ankle, and the team has set no timetable for his return.
In New Jersey's first six games of the season, Carter averaged 17.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists. The eight-time All-Star swingman signed a four-year contract extension this past offseason reportedly worth $61 million in guaranteed money.

Guard Stephon Marbury leaves Knicks, Thomas says he's welcome back

2007-11-14T04:16:00.000-08:00

By BOB BAUM, AP Sports Writer
November 13, 2007

PHOENIX (AP) -- Stephon Marbury has left the New York Knicks and there is no word on when, or even if, he might rejoin the team.

Marbury was absent from the team's morning shootaround, and failed to show up when the Knicks played the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Coach Isiah Thomas would only confirm Marbury had left and that the guard would be welcome back.

"That is an in-house matter, and we'll continue to keep it in-house," Thomas said after the shootaround. "However, he is welcome back, and we want him as a member of this team."

WNBC New York and The New York Post reported Marbury contacted them electronically to say he had Thomas' permission to leave the team.
"I would never leave my team on my own," Marbury told The Post. "What I'm telling you is that I got permission to leave from Isiah. He said I could go home."

Thomas would not confirm that he allowed Marbury to leave. In fact, the Knicks' coach avoided the subject altogether in his meeting with reporters before the Suns' game.

"We'll talk about the Phoenix Suns and the game at hand," he said. "Whatever matters we have in-house we'll try to keep in-house."

The Post reported on its Web site that Marbury had flown back to New York and did not plan to join the team in Los Angeles for its game against the Clippers on Wednesday night.

Marbury's absence followed a story in Tuesday's New York Daily News indicating the Knicks were trying to reduce his role or get rid of him. A trade seems unlikely, because Marbury is scheduled to earn $42 million over the next two seasons.

Several of Marbury's teammates said his departure took them by surprise, but they expressed no hard feelings.

"You always support your teammates," forward Jared Jeffries said. "A lot of people on the outside don't understand what guys go through with their family, their friends, with this team, with anything. Whenever somebody goes through a tough time you support your teammate."

Mardy Collins got the start in Marbury's place, but said he would love to have him back.

"Yeah, definitely. He's been nothing but good to me ever since I've been here. There's not a bad thing I can say about Steph," Collins said. "Whatever happens, happens. I'm just here and whenever my number is called I go out there and compete."

At the shootaround, Thomas said this was not the first time this kind of incident has happened.

"It seems like he and I go through this every November, then a couple of weeks go by and we kind of kiss and make up, then we go back to the business of trying to win basketball games."

Following a contentious relationship with former coach Larry Brown, Marbury soon learned playing for Thomas would not be any easier.

Early last season, Marbury found himself spending extended time on the bench in the second half of games, including some in which he didn't start the third period.

"... Make no mistake about it, if I don't get exactly what I want, then there'll be consequences," Thomas said then.

As president of the Knicks, Thomas brought Marbury back to his hometown in 2004 and the two seemed to be close. That changed, however, when Thomas also became the head coach last season.

"My relationship as a coach is definitely a different relationship as president," Thomas said. "When you're coaching, I don't think there's a player that I've ever coached that hasn't at some point in time not liked me. But that's what coaching's all about."

Bulls GM Paxson Denies Kobe to Chicago Trade Rumors

2007-11-02T04:07:00.001-07:00

By ANDREW SELIGMAN
Posted Nov 1 2007 7:16PM

DEERFIELD, Ill., Nov. 1 (AP) -- Kobe Bryant won't be joining the Chicago Bulls anytime soon.

General manager John Paxson basically squashed the notion that the Los Angeles Lakers' superstar will wind up in Chicago, saying the teams were never on the verge of a deal and talks were over for now.

"There's not a deal done,'' he said Thursday. "There's not going to be a deal done. All the things that were out there were really unfair to all of us who were trying to do our jobs. The misinformation ... I think gets in the way of the process. It's just such a complicated thing and we kind of put it to rest now.''

Paxson said they discussed "parameters,'' but the sides "never got down to the nuts and bolts of it because there was never a deal to be done.''

"That's the reality of it,'' he said. "People can make what they want of it, but what I know is that part of it is over with.''

Paxson's comments came a day after a flurry of rumors. Speculation picked up Wednesday, with one report saying the Bulls, Sacramento Kings and Lakers were discussing a three-way deal that would bring the superstar to Chicago.

That scenario had Paxson sending Ben Gordon and a signed-and-traded P.J. Brown to Sacramento, with Chicago's Ben Wallace and the Kings' Ron Artest heading to Los Angeles. Paxson dismissed the rumor, saying a deal involving Brown would send the Bulls over the luxury tax threshold -- something they're reluctant to do.

Bryant, speaking before news of Paxson's comments reached the Lakers' El Segundo, Calif., practice facility, said he is monitoring the rumors "just to keep tabs on how my teammates are reacting to it.''

"We've been doing a pretty good job of staying focused,'' he said. "I've talked to them. From that standpoint, I don't think it's that difficult. If you didn't speak to them or kind of fill them in, it would get a little confusing.''

Bryant drew some boos during introductions before the Lakers' season-opening 95-93 loss to Houston on Tuesday, after calling the front office a mess and asking to be traded during the offseason. The jeers turned to cheers as Bryant scored 18 of his 45 points in the fourth quarter to lead a comeback.

The trade deadline isn't until February, so it's possible talks between the Lakers and Bulls could resume.

"Who knows?'' Paxson said. "The reality is that right now, it's done.''

Paxson was concerned the issue would become a distraction, so he decided to put it to rest.

"I think today sends a message that our guys don't have to worry about anything right now,'' Paxson said.

Then again, coach Scott Skiles wondered: "What's resolving anything in all sports until the trading deadline?''

"Just because this rumor at some point dies down, does that mean another one's not going to crop up in two weeks?'' he asked. "It's ongoing, it's all the time. Now, this is one that involves a very, very high profile player, so I understand the extra attention on it.''

With the rumors swirling, Chicago played a flat first half and was just as bad at the end in losing the season opener 112-103 at New Jersey on Wednesday. Just about every Bull's name has surfaced in rumors, and Luol Deng acknowledged the Kobe questions are wearing on him.

"I am,'' he said when asked if he's annoyed by them. "But you guys want to get to the bottom of it so I've just got to keep answering your questions.''

Several issues stand in the way of a Bryant deal.

Bryant has a no-trade clause and can opt out in the summer 2009, although he has said he wouldn't mind playing in Chicago. Paxson does not want to gut his roster or part with Deng, who appeared to be on the verge of stardom last season.

Would Bryant want to go to a Bulls team without Deng?

And if there's no deal with Chicago, where does that leave the Lakers?

"Maybe having our cake and eating it, too,'' said coach Phil Jackson, speaking after word of Paxson's comments had reached the Lakers' facility. "Dr. (Jerry) Buss reiterated many, many times that we do not want to trade Kobe Bryant but we'll listen to any comments that come our way that would give us equal parity for him.''

Paxson and Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf met with Bryant when he was a free agent in 2004. He wound up re-signing with the Lakers for seven years and $136.4 million, with that opt-out clause.

"He liked what he heard,'' Paxson said. "For that reason, he likes the Chicago Bulls, which is obviously flattering.''

But he apparently won't be joining them in the near future.

Mavericks douse Cavaliers' party

2007-11-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

By Associated Press | November 1, 2007

LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers raised a championship banner last night - and then flagged.Jason Terry made six 3-pointers and scored 24 points, Dirk Nowitzki added 15, and the Dallas Mavericks, whose NBA title pursuit last season ended with a stunning first-round exit against Golden State, opened 2007-08 with a 92-74 victory over the host Cavaliers.

"We got our behinds kicked," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. "Dallas came in here and did what they wanted to do offensively and defensively."

The Mavericks held a foul-plagued James scoreless in the first half - and to 10 points overall - in an impressive debut.

Jerry Stackhouse added 17 points and Devin Harris 13 for Dallas.

James shot just 2 of 11 from the field, made five turnovers, and was mostly a nonfactor in the Cavaliers' most lopsided home loss since April 5, 2005.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 17 points and 18 rebounds for Cleveland, which before the game unfurled the franchise's first Eastern Conference championship banner.

"It's the first game. Hopefully, we can put it behind us," James said. "We didn't play well - at all. . . . We didn't do anything right. We didn't play hard. We didn't execute."

The Mavericks schooled the Cavaliers with ball movement, help defense, and a go-for-the-throat attitude from the start. Dallas led by 14 after one quarter, 20 at halftime, and built a 25-point advantage before the Cavaliers closed down the stretch.

The Mavericks rolled despite playing without All-Star swingman Josh Howard, serving a two-game suspension for his role in an altercation with Sacramento's Brad Miller in a preseason game.

Nuggets 120, SuperSonics 103 - Carmelo Anthony bottled up rookie Kevin Durant on defense, and showed him a move or two on offense, finished with 32 points to lead Seattle to a victory in Denver.

Durant's shot was off in his NBA debut, but he still scored 18 points (on 7-for-22 shooting) in 31 minutes.

Allen Iverson had 25 points and 14 assists, and Linas Kleiza chipped in 18 points and hit five 3-pointers for the Nuggets.

Pacers 119, Wizards 110 - Jamaal Tinsley scored 16 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, as Indiana beat visiting Washington to give coach Jim O'Brien a win in his Pacers debut.

Mike Dunleavy had 25 points and 12 rebounds, and Danny Granger added 20 points and 13 boards for the Pacers.

Gilbert Arenas led Washington with 34 points, including a 3-pointer as time expired in regulation to force overtime.

Antawn Jamison had 27 points and 16 rebounds, Caron Butler had 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Brendan Haywood added 10 points and 13 boards.

Nets 112, Bulls 103 - Antoine Wright scored 14 of his career-high 21 points in the fourth quarter and overtime to lead host New Jersey over Chicago.

Richard Jefferson added 29 points and 10 rebounds, Vince Carter had 24 points and a big steal late, and Jason Kidd handed out 13 assists to lead the Nets to their 12th straight win over Chicago in New Jersey.

Hornets 104, Kings 90 - Chris Paul had 22 points and 12 assists, while Peja Stojakovic showed some of his All-Star form of old with 19 points to help host New Orleans beat Sacramento.

Spurs 104, Grizzlies 101 - Manu Ginobili scored 30 points, including the go-ahead basket with 32 seconds left, as visiting San Antonio moved to 2-0 by beating Memphis.

Raptors 106, 76ers 97 - Andrea Bargnani scored 20 points as Toronto began its defense of the Atlantic Division title with a victory over visiting Philadelphia.

Magic 102, Bucks 83 - Rashard Lewis scored 26 points and Hedo Turkoglu had 24 to lift Orlando over Milwaukee

Trade has upside, potential pitfalls for Heat and T'wolves

2007-10-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

By CHRIS PERKINS
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Thursday, October 25, 2007

MIAMI — The Heat filled several deficiencies with one trade Wednesday when it acquired swingman Ricky Davis and center Mark Blount from Minnesota, and sent forwards Antoine Walker and Wayne Simien, center Michael Doleac and a conditional first-round pick to the Timberwolves.

The major components of the deal are Davis and Walker, talented but sometimes troubled players, although neither is considered a bad seed.
Tom Heinsohn, the Hall of Famer, former coach and longtime television analyst of the Boston Celtics, has rare insight on the deal. He saw Walker, Davis and Blount on a nightly basis when each played for Boston. He said the trade reestablishes Miami as a favorite to win the Eastern Conference title, but added everything still rests on center Shaquille O'Neal.

"If Shaq isn't 100 percent they're going to struggle even with Ricky Davis and Dwyane Wade," Heinsohn said.

Heat President and coach Pat Riley was unavailable for comment Wednesday.

Davis, a multitalented 10th-year player, likely will start at small forward for Miami, be the No. 3 scorer when guard Wade returns from off-season shoulder and knee surgeries, and serve as a three-point shooter. In addition, he's athletic, can play perimeter defense and occasionally play backup shooting guard. Each is a valuable role for the Heat.

Davis was with the Heat in the 2000-01 season but played just seven games. Last season he averaged 17 points, 3.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists for Minnesota. He shot 46.5 percent from the field, including a career-best 39.7 percent on three-pointers. He has averaged 16.5 ppg in the past six seasons.

But Davis has served at least two team-imposed suspensions in the past five years because of his conduct and was involved in one of the NBA's most infamous plays in recent memory in 2003 when he tried to complete the first triple-double of his career in what many considered unethical fashion.

Davis, playing for Cleveland at the time, tried to intentionally shoot at the wrong basket so he could grab a rebound and attain his 10th board. Cleveland was leading Utah by 25 points at the time and only six seconds remained in the game. Utah guard DeShawn Stevenson, outraged by the act, wrapped his arms around Davis, preventing the attempted shot.

Said Davis: "They should be mad. Any team that gets beat that bad shouldn't be happy. But I wouldn't do it again. I just wouldn't."

This came a few months after Davis served a two-game suspension imposed by Cleveland coach John Lucas for "disciplinary reasons."

In January, Davis served a team-imposed one-game suspension after he refused to reenter Minnesota's 104-98 double overtime loss against Detroit.

"Ricky is very, very competitive if guided in the right direction," Heinsohn said.

But, Heinsohn warned, "If he feels like he's not part of what's going on he could rebel because he's a strong personality."

Walker, a multitalented 12th-year player, drew Riley's ire twice this year. He served a four-game suspension in January for being over the team-mandated body-fat limit and sat out at least one training-camp practice this month for the same infraction.

The Timberwolves say they aren't concerned.

"Pat's idea of conditioning and the rest of us, I think we're a little different," said Kevin McHale, Minnesota's vice president of basketball operations. "I'd say he's probably in pretty good shape."

Both teams made out OK salary-wise.

Blount, 31, averaged 12.3 points and 6.2 rebounds last season but brings a big contract. He's due $7.6 million this year and $8.2 million next year. There's a player option for $8.8 million in 2009-10, meaning Blount could opt out and become an unrestricted free agent, but it's unlikely because he'd never get as much from another team.

Still, Blount should be an upgrade over Doleac as the No. 3 center behind O'Neal and Alonzo Mourning. And he'll slide in as O'Neal's primary backup when Mourning retires after this season, solving another Heat worry.

Davis will earn $6.8 million this season but he's in the final year of his deal.

Doleac's agent, Glenn Schwartzman, who is based in West Palm Beach, said his client is upbeat.

"It's been good," he said of Doleac's three seasons with the Heat. "When we first signed the deal three years ago he was brought in to be Shaq's backup. Obviously (with center Alonzo Mourning's return), his role has changed. I think he's excited to go to another place and play as a regular like he did his first year here."

Kings G Mike Bibby out 6-8 weeks with injured thumb

2007-10-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

October 27, 2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby will miss at least the first six weeks of the regular season after tearing a ligament in his left thumb.

Bibby was injured during Thursday's practice, and an MRI revealed the tear Friday night. The injury could sideline the point guard for two months or longer, the team said.

Bibby averaged 17.1 points and 4.7 assists last season while playing in all 82 games for the Kings, who missed the playoffs for the first time in nine seasons. The 10th-year pro, a former No. 2 overall draft pick, has been with Sacramento for the past six seasons, missing just two games over the previous four years.

Bibby played through a serious injury to his right thumb last season. With a tendon detached from the bone, he finished with the worst shooting percentage of his career.

The Kings already lost rookie center Spencer Hawes to a knee injury during training camp, and forward Ron Artest is suspended for the first seven games of the regular season after pleading no contest to a charge related to domestic violence.

Quincy Douby, a second-year pro from Rutgers, will take Bibby's place in the starting lineup. He scored 12 points while starting in the Kings' preseason finale in Las Vegas on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Griffin autopsy shows alcohol in system when hit by train

2007-10-27T05:36:00.000-07:00

October 26, 2007

HOUSTON (AP) -- Former NBA player Eddie Griffin had more than three times the legal alcohol limit in his system when he crashed his sport utility vehicle into a moving train and died this summer, according to an autopsy report released Friday.

The Harris County Medical Examiner's office said the 25-year-old Griffin died of "multiple blunt force injuries." The medical examiner's office performed tests on Griffin's bile and blood from his heart and liver and determined his blood-alcohol level was 0.26. The legal limit in Texas is 0.08.
Tests found no traces of cocaine, amphetamines or any other narcotics.

The 6-foot-10 Griffin was killed about 1:20 a.m. on Aug. 17. His injuries from the fiery crash included two collapsed lungs, a lacerated liver and kidney, four broken ribs and burns over most of his body.

Griffin was born in Philadelphia and was considered one of the nation's top prospects coming out of Roman Catholic High School. He averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks as a freshman at Seton Hall, but he got into a fight with a teammate during the 2000-01 season, a sign of the problems to come.

He was drafted seventh overall in 2001 by New Jersey, and was immediately dealt to Houston. Griffin averaged 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.63 blocks over his first two seasons with the Rockets. In November 2003, he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, after a woman claiming to be his girlfriend accused him of punching her in the face and shooting a pistol at her car as she drove away.

Griffin missed practices and a team flight, and the Rockets suspended him, then cut him in December 2003. He quickly signed by the Nets, but he was soon jailed for a violation tied to the shooting incident and linked to a late-night fight at a New Jersey hotel.

Minnesota signed him for 2004-05 season. He occasionally put up big numbers with the Wolves, but also continued to find trouble off the court.

He pleaded guilty early in the 2006-07 season after hitting a parked car while out late one night in Minneapolis. He was later suspended by the NBA for five games in January for violating the anti-drug program and the Wolves cut him in March 2007.

Griffin was living in Houston at the time of his death and talked about making a professional comeback only weeks before the fatal crash.

Houston ends comeback attempt with Knicks

2007-10-21T17:16:00.000-07:00

NEW YORK (AP) -- Allan Houston ended his comeback attempt with the New York Knicks on Saturday, saving Isiah Thomas from possibly having to cut one of the top scorers in franchise history.

Houston rejoined his former team late last week, two years after he was forced to retire because of chronic knee pain. However, the Knicks already had the maximum 15 players under contract, and Thomas said he only gave the 36-year-old guard an invite to camp because of his history in New York.

Houston's chances were even slimmer because he didn't join the team until 10 days after practices began. He cited the timing issue in his decision to walk away again.

"While my body and my knees, in particular, feel fine, I know what is required for me to be truly effective in the NBA again, and it involves a timing and progression that would not be fair to Isiah and the Knicks right now," Houston said in a statement released by the Knicks. "With the season opening less than two weeks away, I think it is best for the team to move on without me. I appreciate the opportunity that Isiah and the Knicks have given me, and I wish the team nothing but success."

Houston played only six minutes in his lone preseason appearance Wednesday at Boston, then sat out a game at New Jersey the next night.

Houston spent nine seasons with the Knicks and is fourth on the team's career scoring list. He said upon his return that he didn't think he would try to latch on with another team if he didn't stick with the Knicks.

Jason Kidd Accused Of Grabbing Women's Crotch In Club - NYDaily News

2007-10-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

Jason Kidd's idea that he can do whatever he wants to women has not ended, it seems.

Model claims Jason Kidd molested her in club
BY MIKE JACCARINO, ALISON GENDAR and TINA MOORE
DAILY NEWS POLICE BUREAU
Thursday, October 18th 2007, 8:40 AM

A 23-year-old aspiring model who came to the city to find fame has instead found herself embroiled in a scandal with a big-time sports star.
The woman told cops New Jersey Nets guard Jason Kidd groped her crotch at a Manhattan club on Oct. 10 and then grabbed her a second time when she complained, a police source said.
"This is a young girl and she is very shaken by this, and I have to let the justice system run its course," said the woman's lawyer, Russell Adler. "The DA is working on the case right now."
A spokeswoman for the Manhattan district attorney's office said she could not confirm whether her office was investigating. Adler, of Fort Lauderdale, refused to provide further details about his client's allegations.
"This isn't a regular person," Adler said of Kidd. "This is a basketball player, so you have to be very careful."
The complaint says Kidd was partying at club Tenjune on Little West 12th St. when he walked up to the woman and grabbed her crotch at about 2:30 a.m., a police source said.
The woman said she and Kidd got into an argument and he grabbed her a second time, the source said. Bouncers broke up the spat. Kidd was not ejected from the club, the source said.
The woman filed a complaint against the NBA All-Star the following day, the source said. The Daily News does not publish the names of alleged sexual assault victims.
A police source said cops hadn't talked to Kidd as of yesterday afternoon.
Kidd has had a stormy relationship with his ex-wife, Joumana Kidd, for years. Kidd pleaded guilty in a domestic-violence incident six years ago while playing for the Phoenix Suns.
In January 2001, Kidd was arrested after his wife alleged that he slapped her in the face during an argument.
Kidd pleaded guilty to spousal abuse, was fined $200 and ordered to take anger-management training.
He claimed in divorce papers earlier this year to be the victim of spousal abuse himself. The filing came a day after a court issued him a temporary restraining order against her.
tmoore@nydailynews.com

LeBron James Looms Large in Shanghai for NBA and Nike

2007-10-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

By STEPHEN WADE, AP Sports Writer
Posted Oct 16 2007 6:07PM

SHANGHAI, China, Oct. 16 (AP) -- LeBron James looms large in Shanghai.

He hovers over a basket in billboards around the city leading to Wednesday's NBA exhibition game between his Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic and another game Saturday in the former Portuguese territory of Macau.

"For me, growing up, I never thought about having a billboard anywhere,'' James said Tuesday, slipping off a white NBA headband and replacing it with a Cleveland Indians cap.

"You see them (billboards) locally, and then you start seeing them a little bit nationwide. And now worldwide. It's like, wow. It's like extra credit. It's unbelievable. You would never think that you could have your face somewhere else where you don't even live.''

James' shoe sponsor converted a Shanghai art gallery into a LeBron James showroom. Dubbed the "LBJ Museum,'' the promotion this week includes a freshly shellacked basketball court, aimed at pitching James in China, where 300 million people - the population of the United States - play basketball.

Nike also unveiled the latest version of James' signature shoe on Tuesday. It's the second time it's picked China - ahead of the U.S. - to show off James' newest offering. The "limited edition'' shoe was selling Tuesday for almost $200.

Nike's newest TV spot featuring James also kicked off this week in China, several weeks ahead of its U.S. premiere.

James is a hot property in basketball's most dynamic marketplace. And the NBA and Nike know it, both looking toward next year's Beijing Olympics, where James would surely capture world attention if he leads the beleaguered American basketball team to a gold medal.

Several hundred Chinese reporters and photographers showed up for Tuesday's practice at the Lu Wan Stadium. They engulfed James at the far end of the floor when he stopped shooting. He squatted on a low-slung bench, back against the wall, and stared up to answer questions, cutting deep furrows across his forehead.

"Every time I'm here it's the same response: It's great, the fans love us, the kids are great,'' James said. "The spirit the Chinese have for the game of basketball is great. Nothing surprises me now.''

He was asked whether the Cavaliers will reach the NBA finals again and the pressures facing him as another season awaits.

"I don't believe in pressure,'' he said. "So it's not hard to reduce it when you don't believe in it.''

James is one of the four most popular NBA players in China. Kobe Bryantis probably No. 1, with China-born Yao Ming, James and Allen Iverson jousting for the next spots. At 22, James is the youngest and - get this - might be more popular than Yao.

"The Chinese are looking for individual heroes,'' said Huang Risheng, a reporter with the Chinese-language Titan sports newspaper. "We are not open enough, not extroverted enough. We like the individual effort, just one man saving the whole team like James.''

"I think those three are more popular than Yao Ming. It's a contradiction. Maybe I should say we like their style of play better.''

Like the NBA, Nike's business is soaring in China. The country could generate $1 billion next year, up from about $100 million just five years ago. The NBA's does about $50 million annually and should follow Nike's growth pattern.

Nike has fashioned the preseason games in China around James, who reportedly has a seven-year deal with the shoemaker worth $90 million. Shoe rival Adidas is also promoting the games, stringing up its ads on Huaihai Road, a swanky street that includes many of the city's high-end boutiques.

Adidas' main star is the Magic's Dwight Howard, whose thundering dunks carry the company's pitch.

Nike doesn't liken James to Michael Jordan, but others have. That included at least one Chinese reporter.

"It's great to be compared to one of the greats, but my game and his game are totally different,'' James said.

The "LBJ Museum'' - it's unclear how many people recognize the initials as those of a former U.S. president - is aimed at drawing young fans. It is located near the historic French Concession area in central Shanghai. The museum offers 3-on-3 games in the run-up to this week's exhibitions and introduces James with childhood photos, jerseys from high school and shoes he's worn with Nike.

There's also a history of his NBA career starting with a photo alongside NBA commissioner David Stern from June 22, 2003, when James was chosen No. 1 in the draft.

"The idea is to help Chinese youth understand who he is, his career, his history and his personality,'' Nike spokesman Alan Marks said.

The museum also displays a copy of James' birth certificate: Dec. 30, 1984, born in Akron, Ohio, to Gloria James.

"For the first years of his life LeBron is raised by his mother and grandmother, Freda, on Hickory Street in Akron,'' reads a caption. "A milk crate hung on a telephone pole serves as the neighborhood basketball hoop attached by a few nails at whatever height the tallest available boy can reach.''

Teammate Drew Gooden said James' popularity hinges not on charm or athletic skill but on being genuine and delivering.

"He came into the league as a superstar, but for him to fill those shoes makes it all that much better,'' Gooden said. "When you live up to the hype people respect that, especially fans.''

That includes Chinese fans.

Lakers owner Jerry Buss says he'd consider trading Kobe Bryant

2007-10-12T05:10:00.000-07:00

October 12, 2007

AP - Oct 12, 12:52 am EDT

HONOLULU (AP) -- Jerry Buss has already shown that he'll part with superstars. Yet upon hearing that the Los Angeles Lakers' owner would consider trading Kobe Bryant, even Shaquille O'Neal was shocked.

"I guess it's business before loyalty. But, wow. He said that?" O'Neal said Thursday in Miami after learning Buss told reporters he would trade Bryant under the right circumstances.

Buss indeed did, telling three Los Angeles-area beat writers covering training camp in Honolulu on Wednesday that he "would certainly listen" to trade offers for the two-time NBA scoring champion.

"At any time, I think you have to do that with anybody," Buss said, discussing Bryant publicly for the first time since the often-frustrated Lakers' star asked to be traded at the end of last season. "It's just part of the game, to listen to somebody who has a dissatisfied player that you think is going to fit.

"You can't keep too many loyalties. You've got to look at it as a business. He looks at it the same way I look at it."
Buss made his comments to reporters from the Los Angeles Times, the Orange County Register and the Riverside Press-Enterprise.

Before Thursday night's exhibition game against Golden State in Honolulu, some members of the Lakers said they weren't aware of Buss' comments.

"I didn't hear them," Lamar Odom said. "For us, we're players so, you know, I didn't hear the comments myself so I wouldn't know why there would be a different mood or a different feeling at shootaround today."

Forward Ronny Turiaf agreed that the reports did little to affect the team.

"We just play basketball. I really have nothing to say, that's between Kobe and management," he said.

The Lakers won three championships and reached the NBA finals four times in five years before O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in July 2004. They haven't won a playoff series since O'Neal left, and O'Neal has since helped the Heat win the 2006 NBA title.

"Anyone can be traded, but mine was different because I walked into the office and demanded a trade," O'Neal said. "I don't take loyalty lightly. If you tell me you're going to do something, I expect you to do it. And then when you change your mind without telling me, that means you're disloyal so we can't be down anymore."

Bryant has four years worth $88.6 million left on the seven-year contract he signed a day after O'Neal was traded, but can terminate the deal in two years. That would leave $47.8 million on the table.

"I tend not to think in basketball terms that many years down the road because things change so dramatically, but he could test the waters at that point," Buss said. "If he still is in that frame of mind, then hopefully we can do a sign-and-trade and get some comparable talent. I would like to think that we win between now and then so it doesn't come up."

Following his trade request, Bryant kept a low profile regarding the Lakers until reporting with his teammates Oct. 1 on media day -- before the team left for Hawaii. Bryant told reporters that frustration led to his blowup. Otherwise, he said the time had come to move forward.

Buss recalled an offseason meeting in Barcelona when he tried to talk Bryant out of the trade request.

"He listened very carefully for 30, 45 minutes," Buss said. "I tried to explain to him how much the city of Los Angeles loved him, and that to leave 10 million sweethearts for unknown territory might not be the right thing to do. But when I was finished, he said he basically felt the same way. And I said, `OK. With that, I will proceed to see what's available."'

Buss didn't elaborate other than saying he might have acted on a trade offer that was "within reason."

"You have to get comparable value when you make a trade," Buss said. "It's very hard to trade somebody like him because people who have enough material to make it worthwhile are usually contenders and they don't want to make the trade."

Buss also said he occasionally told Bryant of certain offers, none of which he found fair to the Lakers, and acknowledged frustration at losing out to Boston for Kevin Garnett's services.

"I told him that I would try my best to accommodate his wishes, but that I could not afford to let him go unless we got comparable talent -- if there was such a thing," Buss said.

The 29-year-old Bryant is about to begin his 12th NBA season -- all with the Lakers.

"Dr. Buss's comments today provided more insight to a conversation we shared in Barcelona earlier this summer," Bryant said in a statement issued Thursday. "I have touched on this conversation and other conversations within the Lakers' organization during the recent months and again at the Lakers' media day. I have nothing further to add and look forward to the upcoming season with my teammates."

Lakers coach Phil Jackson said if Kobe stays, he must put the distractions aside.

"My message to Kobe was that if you could play with your heart in this game, on this team, you'll be fine. If you can't, if you have divided loyalties, then you can't do it."

When asked if Bryant is focused, Jackson said, "No, he's not. He's distracted, obviously."

However, Jackson acknowledged Buss must keep to his word to Bryant.

"His first initial statement was that we're not interested in trading Kobe Bryant, but when you have a disgruntled player, an unhappy player or whatever, you have to consider you made that gentlemen's agreement with Kobe and I think that's appropriate," Jackson said.

Lakers Star Arrested In Georgia DUI Incident

2007-10-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Problems continue to mount for the troubled Lakers center. If he was so active and involved on the court as he has been off the court his team would be in a much more productive situation.

VALDOSTA, Ga. -- Los Angeles Lakers center Kwame Brown faces misdemeanor charges in south Georgia following a weekend incident in which his cousin was charged with driving under the influence.

Valdosta Police Department Lieutenant Bobbi McGraw says police pulled over Charles Warren Junior early Saturday morning for driving the wrong way down a one-way street. McGrawn says officers began questioning Warren about the strong smell of alcohol in his vehicle.

McGraw says Brown approached the officers and told them he was Warren's cousin and that the vehicle belonged to the basketball player.

McGraw says Brown became disruptive and tried to interfere with the officers' investigation, which led to his arrest. Police charged Brown with disorderly conduct and inferring with an officer after his cousin was charged with DUI.

The 25-year-old Brown was released shortly after his arrest. McGraw says jail officials had no record of how much he paid in bond.

Brown attended Glynn Academy High School in Brunswick, Ga. and was the High School Player of the Year his senior year. He was set to play for the University of Florida, but decided to go directly to the NBA after high school in 2001.

Lakers officials told the Los Angeles Times they are aware of the charges but declined to comment further.

Brown, the top draft pick in 2001, was accused of sexual assault in May 2006 by a college student, but prosecutors rejected the case because of a lack of evidence.

Copyright 2007 by WSBTV.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Jury: Isiah Thomas harassed executive, but the team should pay

2007-10-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Isiah Thomas is a complete disgrace and embarrassment to the Knicks organizations and should be relieved of his duties immediately.

By TOM HAYS, Associated Press Writer
October 2, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- In an end to a salacious three-week trial, a jury ordered the owners of the New York Knicks to pay $11.6 million to a former team executive who endured crude insults and unwanted advances from coach Isiah Thomas.

The jury of four women and three men found Thomas and Madison Square Garden sexually harassed Anucha Browne Sanders, but it decided only MSG and chairman James Dolan should pay for harassing and firing Browne Sanders from her $260,000-a-year job out of spite.

The result: The Garden owes $6 million for condoning a hostile work environment and $2.6 million for retaliation. Dolan owes $3 million. Though Thomas is off the hook for any damages, he leaves the case with a tarnished image.

Outside court, a beaming Browne Sanders insisted her victory was more about sending a message than the money.

"What I did here, I did for every working woman in America," she said. "And that includes everyone who gets up and goes to work in the morning, everyone working in a corporate environment."

Earlier, Thomas emerged from the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan with his trademark smile but flashed anger as he reasserted his innocence amid a crush of reporters and cameras.

"I'm extremely disappointed that the jury did not see the facts in this case," he said. "I will appeal this, and I remain confident in the man that I am and what I stand for and the family that I have."

MSG said it will appeal, also denying wrongdoing in a case widely viewed as a public relations disaster for a franchise struggling to regain credibility. The team hasn't won a playoff game since Thomas was signed as president in December 2003 and has wasted millions this decade on a series of free-agent busts.

The verdict also amounts to another blemish on the resume of Thomas, a two-time NBA champion whose post-playing career has been marked by one failure after another.

Jurors, who needed roughly two days to decide on the allegations but only about an hour to determine damages, declined to talk about the verdict or how they came to their decision.

In a lawsuit filed last January, the 44-year-old Browne Sanders sought $10 million in punitive damages, but the jury was free to deviate from that figure. The verdict also means the judge will determine and award compensatory damages in the coming weeks.

The harassment verdict was expected after the jury sent a note to the judge Monday indicating it believed Thomas, the Garden and Dolan sexually harassed Browne Sanders, a married mother of three and former vice president for marketing.

The jurors had heard Browne Sanders testify that Thomas, after arriving as new team president, routinely addressed her as "bitch" and "ho" in outbursts over marketing commitments. He later did an abrupt about-face, declaring his love and suggesting an "off-site" liaison, she said.

Thomas, while admitting to using foul language around the plaintiff, insisted he never directed it toward her.

Degrading a woman in the workplace "is never OK," said Thomas, a married father of two. "It is never appropriate."

Dolan and a string of other executives also took the witness stand to deny they tolerated or witnessed sexual harassment. They testified Browne Sanders was fired because she was incompetent on budget matters, and because she later sought to undermine an internal inquiry into her allegations against Thomas.

The trial also made headlines with its testimony about an admitted tryst involving star Knicks guard Stephon Marbury and an MSG intern, an encounter the plaintiffs' attorneys argued demonstrated the organization's frat house mentality.

At the Knicks training camp in South Carolina on Tuesday, Marbury and other players said it was time for the team to move past the off-court controversy. Thomas was expected to arrive Wednesday.

"It's a tough situation and the only thing we can do now is go forward," Marbury said.

Forward Malik Rose predicted the team would rally behind Dolan and Thomas.

"We all know what kind of guy 'Mr. D' is," he said before the jury awarded punitive damages.
"We all know what kind of guy Isiah is and how they treat us. I'm sure all you guys agree this is a first-class organization."

MSG is owned by Cablevision Systems Corp., based in Bethpage, N.Y., and Dolan is Cablevision's CEO. Shares fell 35 cents, or 1 percent, to $34.71 in afternoon trading.

Associated Press writers Larry Neumeister in New York and Bruce Smith in Charleston, S.C. contributed to this report.

NBA referee Joey Crawford reinstated 5 months after suspension for improper conduct

2007-09-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

September 17, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- NBA referee Joey Crawford was reinstated by commissioner David Stern on Monday, five months after he was suspended indefinitely for improper on-court conduct.

San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan contended that Crawford challenged him to a fight during a game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 15. Crawford ejected Duncan while the player was laughing on the bench. Stern cited a pattern of similar acts in suspending Crawford.

"Based on my meeting with Joey Crawford, his commitment to an ongoing counseling program, and a favorable professional evaluation that was performed at my direction, I am satisfied that Joey understands the standards of game management and professionalism the NBA expects from him and that he will be able to conduct himself in accordance with those standards," Stern said in a release.

Crawford enters his 32nd season as an NBA referee. He has officiated more than 2,000 games during the regular season and 266 in the playoffs, including 38 in the NBA finals.

Phil Jackson and Roy Williams lead Hall of Fame induction class

2007-09-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

By JIMMY GOLEN, AP Sports Writer
September 7, 2007

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) -- Phil Jackson learned to coach from Red Holzman, and he practiced the craft on superstars like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.

"Who could have been more fortunate than I am, to have stumbled into this success?" Jackson said Friday night in his induction speech at the Basketball Hall of Fame.''

Jackson won nine NBA championships as a coach -- tying Red Auerbach for the record -- and one more as a player. But it was with the New York Knicks in their championship season of 1969-70, when Jackson was recovering from spinal fusion surgery, that he found his future calling.

Soaking up knowledge from his Hall of Fame mentor, Jackson developed the approach that allowed him to integrate lesser talents into a team with stars like Jordan and O'Neal.

"He treated the superstars and the role players in very much the same manner," said the Los Angeles Lakers' coach, who was using a cane because of offseason surgery to replace his left hip. "Everybody has to be treated with respect. But everybody has to be treated as individuals."

Jackson was inducted into the Springfield shrine on Friday night along with North Carolina coach Roy Williams; the 1966 NCAA champion Texas Western team; four-time WNBA championship coach Van Chancellor, the longtime women's coach at Mississippi recently hired by LSU; former NBA referee Mendy Rudolph; and international coaches Pedro Ferrandiz of Spain and Mirko Novosel of Yugoslavia.

Former USA Today, Chicago Tribune and New York Times writer Malcom Moran and longtime Phoenix Suns broadcaster Al McCoy were honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award. Dikembe Mutombo was the first recipient of the Mannie Jackson-- Basketball's Human Spirit Award, named for the Harlem Globetrotters chairman and given for using basketball to help the community.

Texas Western was the first team in NCAA history to win a title with five black players, beating an all-white Kentucky team in the 1966 final. The achievement is considered a turning point in the integration of college athletics, and it was the subject of the movie "Glory Road."

"Our only purpose was to be the best team in the country," said captain Harry Flournoy, who spoke on behalf of the team. "We didn't have a social agenda. But God had an agenda, and he chose us to open doors -- not only for black people, but for all people who had doors shut in their face."

Phil Jackson credited Holzman for teaching him to coach, and called his time with Johnny Bach and Tex Winter as assistants under Doug Collins in Chicago, "graduate school in basketball." But asked if Jordan was the reason he was in Springfield on Friday, Jackson said, "Yes, it is."

"It was the result, of course, of the magnificent play of Michael Jordan, who had the insight to incorporate his teammates, those lesser angels, into his realm," Jackson said in his speech.

Williams didn't have a single to player to thank as much as a whole team. The longtime Kansas coach took the Jayhawks to the Final Four times but didn't win it all until he went to his alma mater and won the NCAA championship in 2005.

"I've heard folks say that seals the deal," Williams said. "Coach (Dean) Smith said, 'You're going to make it (into the Hall of Fame) as soon as you're eligible.' I said, 'Coach, that national championship is pretty big."'

Williams has a 530-131 record and six coach of the year awards to his credit, with 15 straight 20-win seasons and 18 consecutive NCAA tournament berths. He's the third coach in NCAA history to take two schools to the championship game.

In an emotional speech, Williams thanked, "my family at home, and my family on the court."

"More than anybody who has ever stood before you, I am the luckiest man alive," Williams said. "Lou Gehrig said it and made it famous, but I feel it."

Mentioning former Kansas players Paul Pierce, Raef LaFrentz and Jacque Vaughn, Williams said, his voice cracking, "I failed you, because I didn't get you to the Final Four."

Novosel led Yugoslavia to three Olympic medals. "Don Pedro" Ferrandiz is credited with bringing the fast break to Europe while leading Real Madrid to a record 12 Spanish League titles and four European Cup championships.

Rudolph, who died in 1979, was the first referee to officiate more 2,000 NBA games, including eight All-Star Games and at least one game of the NBA Finals for 22 consecutive years. He also wrote the league's officiating manual and had a cameo in a Miller Lite commercial in which he ejected Celtics star Tommy Heinsohn from a bar.

"He was a referee, and we've got to love those guys, too," Williams said, "because somebody's got to do that job."

Auerbach was honored with a video tribute that featured Hall of Famer Bill Russell. Although the Celtics patriarch died on the eve of last season, Jackson jokingly said that Auerbach has been up to his old tricks this summer.

Noting that Kevin Garnett was traded from Minnesota to Boston by ex-Celtics star Kevin McHale, now the basketball boss of the Timberwolves, Jackson lamented that the old Celtics network was kept the Lakers from improving their team this summer.

"We lost out on the Kevin Garnett sweepstakes," Jackson joked. "Red Auerbach came out of the grave and told Kevin to give him to the Celtics so the Celtics can get back in the running. That was a blessing, that connection. We just didn't have the connection to make that happen for us."

Police: Body is Jameer Nelson's father

2007-09-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

September 2, 2007

WILMINGTON, Del. (AP) -- The body pulled from the Delaware River was positively identified as the missing father of Orlando Magic star Jameer Nelson.

Floyd "Pete" Nelson, a 57-year-old welder for a tugboat company, was last seen Thursday working in a dry dock area in the Philadelphia suburb of Chester, Pa. Divers and trained dogs searched the river Friday until about 4 p.m.

The Delaware Medical Examiners office will provide the cause of death and how the body was identified once they finish their investigation, police said Sunday.

Police in Delaware said a boater called 911 on Saturday after spotting the body of a black male floating in the river near Fox Point Park in Wilmington.

Floyd Nelson's lunch and car keys were found in the tug's kitchen area, and his car was nearby, Chester police said. Nelson has worked for the tugboat company for about a decade.

Jameer Nelson starred at Chester High School and Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He was a first-round pick in the 2004 NBA draft and starts at point guard for the Magic.

Butch van Breda Kolff, 84, Fiery Coach, Dies

2007-08-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

By FRANK LITSKY
Published: August 24, 2007

Butch van Breda Kolff, a happy-go-lucky nonconformist who from 1951 through 1994 coached more than 1,300 college, professional and high school basketball games, died Wednesday in Spokane, Wash. He was 84 and had lived in Spokane for the last year.

He died of multiple illnesses, including Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia, his son, Jan, said.

Van Breda Kolff used to say that except for a chosen few, coaching basketball was a vagabond profession, and he was a prime example. He held 13 head-coaching jobs and for one season, when he was 61, he coached a high school team.

“I’ve had some good jobs that I’ve left, or they fired me,” he once said. “At the time, I thought it was the right thing for me to do. Whether it turned out right later, who cares?”

He coached Bill Bradley as a collegian and Wilt Chamberlain as a professional and never seemed fully satisfied with either player. When Bradley played for him at Princeton, he said, “Bill is not hungry.” He felt the same way about Chamberlain, who played for him with the Los Angeles Lakers.

In the final minutes of the seventh and deciding game of the National Basketball Association’s 1969 championship playoffs, Chamberlain benched himself during the fourth quarter with what van Breda Kolff considered a minor knee injury. When Chamberlain asked to return to the game, van Breda Kolff refused, and the Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics by 2 points.

We played better when he was out,” van Breda Kolff said. “I have no regrets because in my mind at the time I thought it was the right thing to do. The only regret I’ll have would be if I don’t have a team.”

Shortly after, van Breda Kolff resigned, but as usual he soon had another team.

His coaching style never changed. When he was 71 and coaching his final season, The New York Times described him as the “animated, nonstop-gesticulating, chair-kicking, sideline-pacing, expletive-spewing Butch of days gone by.” But his teams were well-schooled, emphasizing teamwork, a patient offense and a tough defense.

Willem Hendrik van Breda Kolff was born Oct. 28, 1922, in Montclair, N.J., and grew into a 6-foot-3, 185-pound playmaking guard. After World War II service in the Marines, he returned to Princeton and became the basketball and soccer captain.

His coaching career (always as a head coach) began in 1951 at Lafayette (1951-55). He left after four years because, he said, “They wouldn’t give me a $200-a-year raise.” Then came seven years (1955-62) at Hofstra and five (1962-67) at Princeton. Next were 10 seasons with the pros: the Lakers (1967-69), the Detroit Pistons (1969-72), the Phoenix Suns (1972-73), the Memphis Tams of the American Basketball Association (1973-74) and the N.B.A.’s expansion New Orleans Jazz (1974-77).

He then coached the University of New Orleans men (1977-79) and the New Orleans Pride of the Women’s Professional Basketball League (1979-81). When the women’s league collapsed, he became a door-to-door salesman, but as he recalled: “Guys wanted to talk basketball. I don’t think I ever sold anything.”

Next came four seasons of pro basketball, all with the Knicks. He averaged 4.7 points a game.

After spending two years away from the sport and being desperate to coach again, he accepted a job coaching basketball and teaching world history to 10th-graders at Picayune (Miss.) Memorial High School. He said it was “sometimes very humbling, but I’m glad I did it.”

When Lafayette asked for recommendations for its coaching vacancy, he nominated himself. He returned there for four seasons (1984-88) and then returned to Hofstra, his final coaching stop, for six more seasons (1988-94).

When his last team started its season with a 1-14 record, he said, “I was embarrassed to have my friends see them play.” The team then won 8 of its last 14 games and the East Coast Conference tournament title in double overtime. He retired with a 483-272 record for 28 college seasons and 287-316 for 10 pro seasons.

“People are always asking me if you had the chance to do it all over again, would you do anything different?” he said. “I say, not a bit. I wouldn’t change one thing. You do what you’re going to do and make the best of it.”

He was legally separated from his wife, the former Florence Smith. In addition to his son, Jan, a former head coach at Cornell, Vanderbilt, Pepperdine and St. Bonaventure, he is survived by three daughters: Karen Young of Columbus, Ohio; Kristina, of Spokane; and Kaatje, of Cleveland; and seven grandchildren.

“All my grandchildren call me Uncle Butch,” he said years ago, “because I don’t want nobody calling me grandpa. I’m too old.”

Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy surrenders in NYC

2007-08-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

By PAT MILTON, Associated Press Writer
August 15, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy surrendered Wednesday for his anticipated plea to gambling-related offenses, a person familiar with the probe told The Associated Press.

Donaghy surrendered early Wednesday for an appearance Brooklyn federal court, the person, who was not authorized to speak publicly about the case, told the AP on condition of anonymity.

The charge to which Donaghy would plead was not immediately known.
NBA spokesman Tim Frank told the AP on Tuesday that the league was informed Donaghy would take a plea on Wednesday, but was given no further information

Is Tim Donaghy The Only Corupt NBA Refree?

2007-07-24T00:51:00.000-07:00

From the NY Times:

N.B.A. Referee Is the Focus of a Federal Inquiry

By ALAN SCHWARZ and WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM
Published: July 21, 2007

Law enforcement officials are investigating allegations that the veteran N.B.A. referee Tim Donaghy influenced the outcome of professional basketball games on which he or associates of his had wagered, several people familiar with the inquiry said yesterday.

Investigators were looking into allegations that N.B.A. referee Tim Donaghy had been in contact with people connected with organized crime.

According to a person with direct knowledge of the matter, federal officials are investigating whether Donaghy bet on N.B.A. games during the past two seasons, and whether since December 2006 he made calls that affected any game’s margin of victory while being coerced by members of organized crime.

A federal grand jury in Brooklyn is reviewing the case, which has been going on for several months and is expected to be concluded within a few weeks.

Donaghy, 40, who completed his 13th season in the N.B.A., could not be reached for comment. People involved with the situation said he was aware of the investigation, had resigned from his N.B.A. position about 10 days ago, and would surrender to law enforcement officials if charges were brought against him.

An F.B.I. spokesman, Neil Donovan, and Donaghy’s attorney, John Lauro, declined to comment. Lauro was an assistant United States attorney from 1986 to 1988 in the same Eastern District of New York office that is investigating Donaghy.

N.B.A. Commissioner David Stern issued a statement that said, “We would like to assure our fans that no amount of effort, time or personnel is being spared to assist in this investigation, to bring to justice an individual who has betrayed the most sacred trust in professional sports, and to take the necessary steps to protect against this ever happening again.” Stern added that the league would hold a news conference next week.

By agreement with the league, referees are forbidden to speak with the news media. But one veteran official said yesterday in a telephone interview: “You never think one of your own, your colleagues, would do something so stupid as to bet on games and manipulate the score.”

The official added that a group of referees may hold a news conference in the near future.

Kobe Bryant, the Los Angeles Lakers star who was in Las Vegas for workouts with the national team, was more matter of fact.

“It’s a hard pill to swallow,” Bryant said. “But it’s just the reality of the matter. As basketball players, all we can do is go out and play hard and leave it all on the floor.

“And it’s a great association. And the commissioner, I’m sure he’s going to take care of it.”

The New York Post first reported the investigation yesterday morning but did not identify the referee.

According to a person directly involved with the case, it involves no other N.B.A. official and it is focusing on whether Donaghy affected the margin of victory in about 10 or 15 games of the 60 he officiated since December 2006.

The person said that Donaghy had been betting on games before that, fell into debt, and ultimately fell under the influence of a person representing himself as a member of organized crime, who threatened to report Donaghy to the N.B.A. or harm his family if he did not cooperate.

An estimated $250 million is wagered on N.B.A. games annually, with most bettors predicting not which team will win, but whether the winner’s margin of victory will be above or below a specific number.

Improperly influencing the outcome of games typically runs afoul of either the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act or other federal and state statutes regarding mail and wire fraud.

Donaghy’s time in the N.B.A. has been dotted with controversy. After officiating a game against the Portland Trail Blazers in January 2003, he was physically threatened by the temperamental Portland star Rasheed Wallace as they encountered each other in the arena’s loading dock. Wallace, whom Donaghy had called for a technical foul during the game, was suspended by the league for seven games; Donaghy was not reprimanded.

In April 2005, Boston Celtics Coach Doc Rivers, after Donaghy ejected him from a game, accused Donaghy of being biased against him. The Boston Globe reported that Rivers lodged a complaint with the league, but it appears the matter did not go much further.

Donaghy has faced controversy away from the basketball court as well. He was sued by a neighbor in a Pennsylvania civil court in January 2005 for yelling obscenities and setting fire to a tractor. The plaintiffs in that case, Peter and Lisa Mansueto of West Chester, Pa., declined to discuss how that case was resolved in a telephone interview last night.

According to STATS LLC, Donaghy officiated 131 regular-season and 8 postseason games the last two seasons. Donaghy called games involving every N.B.A. team during that period. He saw some teams a handful of times, like the Chicago Bulls (five games), and others a lot more, like the Miami Heat (15).

This is the third time in recent months that N.B.A. officials have come under scrutiny for their behavior.

In April, the longtime official Joey Crawford was suspended for the rest of the season for improper conduct toward Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan, who had been whistled earlier for a technical foul, was ejected by Crawford late in the third quarter for laughing from the bench after a teammate was called for a foul.

Two weeks later, two Ivy League academics completed a study that said white and black officials called fouls at different rates against white and black players — though the variance was not considered different from other interactions.

The N.B.A. has repeatedly said its system of monitoring and statistically analyzing referee calls ensures the highest level of fairness, with Stern often saying, “They are the most ranked, rated, reviewed, statistically analyzed and mentored group of employees of any company in any place in the world.”

Godzilla v. Charles Barkley - Classic Nike Commercial - Video

2007-07-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sacramento Kings Sign Center Miki Moore

2007-07-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Nine-year veteran Miki Moore is leaving the New Jersey Nets to sign with the Sacramento Kings. According to Kings' President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie, both parties agreed in principal to a contract on Friday.

Moore, 31, filled in for injured center Nenad Kristic last season and averaged 9.8 and 5.1 rebounds in 79 games played. He lead the NBA in field goal percentage last season with a .609 mark.

Moore became a dependable source down in the paint for Jason Kidd and played a major part in the Nets advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

In the six game series with the Cavaliers, he averaged 14.8 points and 4.7 rebounds. Moore's breakout play during the regular season and postseason parlayed into a handsome contract offering by Sacramento. Usually, he'd have to wait until just before training camp or when a play got injured for a team to start calling.

The Orangeburg, South Carolina native has also played for Detroit, Boston, Atlanta, Utah, Seattle and the Clippers.

He will bring toughness, energy, strength and a passion for the game to the Sacramento Kings.

Foyle undergoes emergency appendectomy

2007-07-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

July 14, 2007

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Golden State reserve center Adonal Foyle underwent an emergency laparoscopy appendectomy on Friday at nearby Saint Louise Regional Hospital.

Foyle was in the area taking part in one of five basketball camps he is hosting in the Bay Area this summer.

The 6-foot-10 Foyle is expected to remain in the hospital overnight and should be ready for the beginning of training camp in early October.

Foyle averaged 2.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in limited play last season. He appeared briefly in two playoff games.

Updated on Saturday, Jul 14, 2007 1:02 am EDT

Memphis Grizzlies Sign Darko Milicic

2007-07-14T04:41:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

A draft bust in 2003 with the Detroit Pistons, Darko Milicic was traded to the Orlando Magic in February of 2006 to revitalize his career.

Although he averaged 7.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.84 blocks in 23.1 minutes per game in 110 games, his agent Marc Cornstein labeled general manager Otis Smith a ''liar and said he had been ''deceitful, disrespectful and a disgrace'' in the way he handled Darko's contract situation.

I have a serious problem with any person openly blasting another individual in public, let alone stating his feelings in a major newspaper where the entire world can hear his thoughts. New Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace must have been feeling a sense of uncertainty when he signed the 22-year old native of Serbia-Montenegro. Wallace could be the next victim of Cornstein's aggression if his client does not get what he desires.

It's unfortunate because Milicic has the potential to blossom into an all-star center if he can improve his skills, athletisim and attitude. At 7-0, 250-pounds he can transform his career from being a life long benchwarmer where he averaged 5 points and 3.3 rebounds, to 20 points and 9 rebounds.

Luckily in Detroit, Darko was exposed to a winning environment and was a member of the Pistons 2003-04 Championship team. In Orlando, he had the opportunity to play along side a rising phenom in Dwight Howard and receive minumul playoff experience. He has played in 21 career playoff games and he can now help out the majority of his teammates who have never come close to reaching the playoffs.

New Jersey Nets Re-Sign Superstar Vince Carter

2007-07-13T16:06:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Vinsanity will continue to reek havoc on opposing teams as a member of the New Jersey Nets throughout at least the 2010-11 season.

On Friday, Vince Carter agreed to a four-year, $66 million contract with a partial guarantee for a fifth year. When all is set and done the eight time All-Star could make as much as $80 million.

There was speculation during the course of the season that Carter would opt out of the final year of his contract and on July 1st he did just that. Fortunately, he could not imagine himself dawning the uniform of another team and therefore agreed to a multi-year contract with the team he has played for the last three seasons.

''I knew it could happen'' said Carter. ''It's about patience and waiting for the right time.'' General manager Rod Thorn added ''we certainly would have been remiss if we'd Vince get away.''

If the Nets, who finished the season 41-41 and were defeated in the second round of the playoffs by the eventual Eastern Conference champions Cleveland Cavaliers, let Carter sign with another team, they would have missed a player who played in all 82 games and averaged 25.2 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game and 4.8 assists per game.

Salary cap set at $55.63 million, moratorium period ends Wednesday

2007-07-11T13:27:00.000-07:00

July 10, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- The NBA set next season's salary cap at $55.63 million Tuesday, paving the way for teams to begin signing free agents.

The new cap goes into effect Wednesday, when the league's moratorium period ends and trades can be made. Teams have been allowed to negotiate with free agents since July 1, but the deals couldn't be completed until the new cap was determined.

The salary cap will rise about $2.5 million from last season's $53.135 million figure.

Also, the mid-level exception is rising from $5.2 million to $5.36 million, and the tax level is $67.87 million, up from $65.42 million. Teams will have to pay a $1 tax for every $1 they exceed that figure by.

The minimum team salary is $41.72 million, 75 percent of the salary cap.

Chauncey Billups Signs 5-year, $60 million With Pistons

2007-07-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

''Mr. Big Shot'' is staying with the team he helped win 5 straight Eastern Conference finals and one NBA championship after signing a 5-year contract worth up to $60 million.

Billups is guaranteed $46 million over four-years and there is a team option for the fifth. The two time all-star and 2004 Finals MVP opted out of his contract at the end of the season and became an unrestricted free agent.

Keeping their team captain was Joe Dumars's ''top priority'' during the off season and there was little doubt that Billups would stay in the Motor City. Detroit was the only team willing to pay Chauncey what he was asking for and as a result it was a win-win situation for both parties.

When discussing who the best point guards in the league are Phoenix's Steve Nash, New Jersey's Jason Kidd and San Antonio's Tony Parker come to mind. It's time to delegate Billups into the mix.

Milicic agent blasts Magic GM Smith

2007-07-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

After praising GM Otis Smith for his diligence and the great job he's doing in shaping the Magic into a solid team, I run across this story.

July 4, 2007

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (TICKER) -- Darko Milicic's career with the Orlando Magic appears to be over.

The Magic have withdrawn their qualifying offer to Milicic, making the Serbian center an unrestricted free agent.

The agent for the 7-footer went on to blast Orlando general manager Otis Smith saying his client never will play for the team again.

Agent Marc Cornstein reacted to the Magic's decision by branding Smith a "liar" in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel. He said Smith had been "deceitful, disrespectful and a disgrace" in handling Milicic.

Smith had said re-signing Milicic was a "priority" but on Tuesday notified Cornstein the team was withdrawing its offer.

Milicic averaged 8.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per game last season for the Magic, but that was not enough to convince Smith that he is worth the $10 million per season he reportedly is seeking.

The Magic retain the qualifying veteran exception, or Bird Rights, to Milicic, allowing them to exceed the salary cap to re-sign him.

Smith has claimed the team still wants to bring Milicic back. Cornstein insisted it would not happen.

"There's no chance. Put it in big capital letters," Cornstein said. "You can say that as long as Otis Smith is the general manager of the Orlando Magic, there's no chance."

Milicic, 22, was selected second overall by Detroit in the 2003 draft, putting him ahead of the likes of Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Bosh in a loaded class.

After struggling to command playing time in 2 1/2 seasons with the Pistons, Milicic was eventually traded to Orlando along with Carlos Arroyo in February 2006, with Detroit receiving Kelvin Cato and a first-round pick.

The Magic's decision not to withdraw their offer to Milicic comes after they reportedly on Tuesday agreed to a "maximum contract" with free agent forward Rashard Lewis, who was with Seattle last season.

"If Otis Smith had been a decent human and told us that Rashard Lewis was the player they wanted and would have to sacrifice Darko to get him, my reaction wouldn't have been happiness," Cornstein added. "But I would have said, 'I appreciate you telling me.'

"Instead, the guy told us Darko was a priority, and he lied."

Updated on Wednesday

Charlotte BobCats Trade Eigth Overall Pick Brandon Wrigh To Golden State For Jason Richardson

2007-07-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Golden St.Warriors General Manager Chris Mullin decided on draft night that youth superseded veteran leadership as he traded 6-year veteran Jason Richardson to Charlotte for Brandon Wright.

Richardson, 26, had been a staple in the Warriors lineup and a major presence in the community. On the court, he played in 438 career games and averaged 18.3 ppg, 5.4 rpb, 3.2 asp, shot 43.3% from the field, 35% from behind the line and 69.2% from the charity stripe.

J-Rich was the winner during the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 season of the Warriors community service award which represent the Warriors player ''who has best exemplified the spirit of community service through outstanding commitment of time, service and financial support to children and their families in the Bay Area community.''

Why Michael Jordon and the Charlotte Bobcats would make this deal I don't know. Richardson is owed $48 million over the next four years and he does not adjust well to the Bobcats style of play or the players on their roster. Emeka Okafor, Raymond Felton, Sean May and Adam Morrison are the corner stones of a franchise that could have used the services of Brandon Wright and his 7'2 wingspan.

Wright was a standout at the University of North Carolina where he averaged 14.7 ppg, 6.2 rpb, 1.8 bpg,one assist per game and one steal per game for coach Roy Williams. Additionally, the 20-year old Wright was ACC Rookie of the Year, ALL-ACC Second Team selection, won Tournament MVP honors, broke the ACC single-season freshman record with a ridiculous .646 shooting percentage and earned ACC Freshman of the Week honors six times.

There is nothing that this kid can't do and because he attended UNC he'd be an instant hit with the fans. Bobcat fans would be bleeding Tar Heel blue every night they entered the arena. Ticket sales would be through the roof and it would be a win-win scenario for everybody. This was not the Wright trade for MJ and the Bobcats.

In my opinion, this trade was a steal for Chris Mullin and the Golden State Warriors from a talent and financial stand point.

Zack Randolph Traded To The Knicks

2007-07-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Welcome to NYC Zack Randolph. Be prepared for your off the court incidents to be scrutinized and revealed in detail by the New York media.

Even though Randolph is an excellent presence up front who averaged over twenty and ten with the Trail Blazers last season, he will have to adjust to the constant attention he'll receive from fans and reporters. It will be nothing like the six seasons he spent in Portland.

Speaking of Randolph, he was acquired along with Dan Dickau and Fred Jones on draft night in exchange for Steve Francis and Channing Frye. If Eddy Curry and Randolph are able to coexist down in the paint they could form one of the premier duos in the NBA.

Last season, Curry averaged 19.5 ppg, 7.0 rpb and shot 57.6% from the field in all 81 games. As the leader of an inexperienced Blazers last season Randolph averaged 23.6 ppg, 10.1 ppg and shot 46.7% from the field in 68 games.

Maybe the addition of a dominant big man will be able to propel one of the league's laughing stocks over the past several years into a bonified contender in the Eastern Conference?

Rashard Lewis Signs Max Contract With Orlando Magic

2007-07-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

According to WKMG radio in Orlando, Rashard Lewis and the Magic have agreed on a five-year contract worth at least $75 million.

During nine seasons in Seattle, Lewis averaged 16.6 ppg, 5.8 rpb, shot 46.1% from the field and 80.1% from the free throw line. After scoring over 22 points a night and grabbing 6.6 rebounds, Lewis became the most sought-after free agent of this year's class.

Although he is unable to sign his name on the dotted line until July 11th, Lewis will make a major splash very quickly. The instant buzz he will provide a city that has not seen a true winner since the early 1990's will be extraordinary because he'll be that glimmer of hope that can elevate the Magic past the first-round and deep into the playoffs.

General manager Otis Smith has been extremely busy this summer having to deal with the botched coaching attempt of Billy Donovan, then having to search for a new head coach, preparing for the NBA draft and signing players in the off season.

Lewis, who came out of Alief Elsik High School in 1998, was the longest-tenured player on the Sonics roster until he decided to chase the money being offered to him by Orlando's management. I believe that with the uncertainty as to if the Sonics would stay in Seattle and with the recent youth movement they were exhibiting, it was time for him to leave. Ray Allen, who was his right hand man on the team was dealt to Boston and there was no coach in place when the free agency period began.

Look for Lewis and 6'11 all-star Dwight Howard to form a dynamic duo in the Magic city that will reek havoc on opposing defenses for many years to come. The one added addition that Lewis brings to the table is his ability to knock down three-point shots. He leaves Seattle as their all-time leader in three-point field goals made with 973. That is better than Gary Payton, Ray Allen, Dale Ellis, Brent Barry and Sam Perkins.

Also, he is fourth all-time on the points list with 10,251, fifth on the games played list with 617, fourth with 20,921 minutes played and fifth with 3,595 rebounds.

Back in March he said ''I've been here eight, nine years, and hopefully I can continue my legacy and not stop it after this year.'' He'll embark on a new legacy beginning this fall with the Orlando Magic.

Sacramento Kings Name Reggie Theus Head Coach

2007-06-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Former New Mexico State head coach Reggie Theus will be announced as the new Sacramento Kings head coach at an afternoon press conference today.

The Third Overall Pick In The NBA Draft Is...

2007-06-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Once Greg Oden and Kevin Durant are selected one and two in next weeks draft the Atlanta Hawks will have the biggest decision of the draft to make. Do they select the ''total package man'' in Florida's Al Horford, Yi Jianlian of China, Ohio State point guard Mike Conley Jr. or UNC's Brandon Wright?

During the past three drafts Atlanta has not made the wisest decisions when it came to improving their ball club. Josh Smith, Josh Childress, Marvin Williams and Sheldon Williams have all endured disappointing starts to their basketball careers as members of one of the worst teams in the league.

Instead of adding another tall and talented power forward like Florida's Al Horford, General Manager Billy Knight woulld be smartest to pick point guard Mike Conley Jr. Even though Conley Jr. could be available when the Hawks select at number eleven, he is the best guard in the draft and is most ready to make an impact right away.

So, with the third pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, Mike Conley Jr. should hear his name called by Commissioner David Stern.

L.A. Lakers Superstar Kobe Bryant Demands Trade, Again

2007-06-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

For the second time in the past several weeks disgruntled shooting guard Kobe Bryant has asked for a trade from Lakers management.

Last month in an interview with 1050 ESPN Radio Kobe said that there was no conceivable way that the Lakers could keep him. Not a chance at all for L.A. to keep their superstar who has been an integral part of the team and community for over a decade.

In a twisted turn of events the two-time scoring champion stated that he had reconciled with coach Phil Jackson and that he and the team now saw eye to eye. All along Bryant's number one complaint or as I see it his number one excuse for wanting to leave the only team he has ever played for is their lack of winning and a viable direction for the future.

Wait, wasn't it Kobe himself who wanted complete control over the Lakers so that he can prove he could win without another prominent superstar by his side. Since Shaq departed for South beach L.A. has not made it out of the first-round of the playoffs.

With 4-years and $88.6 million left on his contract Bryant will look to add his name to the record books in another NBA city. Although he's the only player in the league to have a no trade clause, it appears that he'd be willing to waive it to play for the Chicago Bulls.

Unfortunately, Lakers' General Manager Mitch Kupchak will have a steep asking price when he sits down to discuss the parameters of the deal with Bulls' General Manager John Paxson. Reportedly L.A. would be seeking center Ben Wallace, guard Ben Gordon, forward Luol Deng and the ninth pick in June 28th's draft.

In my opinion that deal would be too sweet for the Lakers who are currently in the rebuilding mode, and it would serve no purpose for Chicago. Despite the major impact he'd make in the Windy city, it would be foolish for the Bulls to take on nearly $90 million and lose three of their best players.

Bryant,28, said on his website http://www.kb24.com/ today that ''Now there is a new road ahead. I am gonna keep grindin and keep working to get back to competing for Championships. Sometimes the trek up the mountain is tough. But, I know we'll get there.

Luckily for Kobe he will be winning no more championships in the Staples Center. The Lakers will look to trade their superstar before next weeks draft and if they are unable to it might be a long Summer ahead for both parties.

Two Major Trades Around The NBA

2007-06-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

While the San Antonio Spurs were celebrating their fourth title in the last nine years, the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves were all completing trades.

On Thursday, Minnesota dealt point guard Mike James and forward Justin Reed to Houston for veteran Juwan Howard. When I initially read the headline about this trade I was surprised because all three players are not household names and I didn't expect any team to exchange players before the NBA finals were over.

Vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale who was been lambasted for poor decisions he has made in the past said ''Juwan is a veteran low-post player who is a proven scorer and rebounder.'' Howard, a twelve-year veteran was a member of the fab five at the University of Michigan and will provide great leadership to the Twolves locker room.

In 25.1 mpg last season in Minnesota's back court James averaged 10.1 ppg and 3.6 apg. The Amityville, New York native will have the opportunity to do well playing along side Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming.

On Friday, the Toronto Raptors added some more international spice to their roster as they acquired Carlos Delfino from the Detroit Pistons. Delfino, a native of Argentina, was traded for a second-round draft pick in 2009 and 2011. At 6-foot-6, 230 pounds Delfino will be a positive addition to an already potent Toronto lineup.

Reigning Executive of the Year and General Manager and President of the Raptors Bryan Colangelo said ''Carlos is a talented basketball player that should thrive in our system.''

NBA finals hits record low on TV

2007-06-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

June 15, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- The NBA finals were a television bust.

San Antonio's four-game sweep of Cleveland finished with a record-low 6.2 television rating and 11 share on ABC, Nielsen Media Research said Friday. That was down 27 percent from the 8.5/15 for Miami's six-game victory over Dallas last year and 5 percent under the previous low, a 6.5/12 for San Antonio's six-game win over New Jersey in 2003. The NBA finals averaged 9.3 million viewers this year.

San Antonio's series-winning 83-82 victory on Thursday night got a 6.5/12, down 17 percent from the 7.8/14 for Game 4 last year.

The NHL Stanley Cup finals also hit a record low this year, with NBC averaging a 1.6/3 for the final three games of Anaheim's five-game victory over Ottawa. The first two games were televised on the cable network Versus.

The rating is the percentage watching a telecast among all homes with televisions, and the share is the percentage tuned in to a broadcast among those households with televisions on at the time. A ratings point represents 1,114,000 households.

Updated on Friday, Jun 15, 2007 5:44 pm EDT

San Antonio Spurs Win The NBA Finals

2007-06-15T04:36:00.000-07:00

With an 83-82 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers the Spurs have swept the series and secured their fourth NBA title in the last nine years.

San Antonio Spurs In Control Of The NBA Finals

2007-06-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Two games through the 2007 NBA Finals Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs are embarrassing LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Entering the series it was clear that the Spurs were the better team, but no one could have expected the Cavs to sleep walk through the first two games in the lone star state.

At the end of the third quarter in game one Cleveland was down by ten points and it got progressively worse Sunday night in game two as they dug themselves a 27 point deficit. Team leader LeBron James was no where to be found in his first finals appearance, going 4-16 from the field and scoring a dismal 14 points Thursday night.

Tim Duncan and Tony Parker exerted their force over an inexperienced team in the first two games of the series, combining for 104 points, 18 assists and 30 rebounds.

Mike Brown's club will look to rebound tonight at home in game three of the finals as thy host their first finals game in team history. If they are unable to win tonight it will be all but certain that the Spurs will capture their fourth championship since 1999.

Stan Van Gundy Named Head Coach of Orlando Magic

2007-06-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

After Billy Donovan bolted from his obligation as Magic head coach last week, General Manager Otis Smith had a vacancy to fill.

He thought that he found the perfect guy in Donovan who guided the Florida Gators to back-to-back national championships and established the basketball program as a power house among all NCAA teams. Unfortunately, Donovan had a change of heart and returned to Gainsville.

Luckily, Smith would not have to leave the state of Florida to find the right guy to lead an up and coming young group of players. Former Heat head coach Stan Van Gundy was targeted by many teams including the Sacramento Kings, but felt that he had the best opportunity to succeed with the Magic.

When you have a budding superstar like Dwight Howard and an organization that is determined to bring a winning ball club to the city of Orlando, who would not want to become the ninth head coach in team history?

The one attribute that made Van Gundy so desirable by many teams is his winning track record and knowledge of the game. During eight seasons as a college head coach, including three at the University of Wisconsin he compiled a record of 135-92.

His next challenge in life would be tackling the NBA and he found the perfect fit with the Miami Heat. He spent twelve fantastic years in the Heat organization, including six as an assistant and two plus seasons manning the sidelines.

Van Gundy took a struggling franchise to new heights during his coaching tenure, recording a regular season record of 112-73 and a postseason record of 17-11. After acquiring all-star Shaquille O'Neal in 2004 Van Gundy coached the team to a 59-23 record. They eventually were eliminated by the Pistons in the Eastern Conference finals, but the mark he left on the team was staggering.

He was Dwayne Wade's first head coach and has shaped the superstar into the player he has evolved into today. Most importantly he set a benchmark for success that the Heat still follow today. The countless hours he spent going over film to improve the team's level of play was an integral part of why Miami was able to capture their first NBA title in 2006.

Many times in sports one manager or coach lays down the winning formula and foundation for success, only to see his successor lead the team to the championship game. That was the case with Pat Riley who lead the Heat to the NBA finals due in large part to the work of Stan Van Gundy.

The Orlando Magic hired an exceptional coach and great person in Van Gundy who will elevate the club to new heights.

Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers Hire New Head Coaches

2007-06-02T21:41:00.000-07:00

The Memphis Grizzlies and Indiana Pacers employed different styles when it came to selecting head coaches.

While the Grizz, who sported the leagues worst record this season, went for youth in Phoenix assistant Marc Iavaroni, Larry Bird and the Pacers went for leadership in former head coach Jim O'Brien.

O'Brien, who previously coached the 76ers and Celtics, will replace Rick Carlisle who was dismissed as head coach back in April. During his five-year coaching career O'Brien compiled a record of 182-158 and lead the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals in 2001.

During his one season in Philadelphia players perceived O'Brien as a tough coach to play for. It will be interesting to see if he has reformed his coaching techniques during his time off and can return the Pacers to the playoffs.

If all indications are correct he will not have the services of all-star Jermaine O'Neal who's expected to be dealt to the Lakers at some point this month. That would be a major blow for a coach that has had superstars like Paul Pierce and Allen Iverson to work with in the past.

The hiring of Marc Iavaroni is a wise decision for a Memphis club that is looking to steer themselves in the right direction. Iavaroni learned for many years under Mike D'Antoni, and the Grizzlies are hoping that he will be able to implement some offensive fire power into their system.

With the uncertain future of big man Pau Gasol and a team that went 22-60 last season, it will be a difficult task for Iavaroni to turn the Grizzlies into a winner.

What's Next For The Detroit Pistons?

2007-06-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Two straight trips to the Eastern Conference finals, home court advantage, the best record in their league, but zero NBA finals appearance.

Point guard and team leader Chauncey Billups is a free agent, hometown kid Chris Webber is contemplating retirement, fiery power forward Rasheed Wallace continues to implode and head coach Flip Saunders might be on the way out.

With all that said what's next for the Detroit Pistons?

Every season they dominate the Eastern Conference, steam roll through the first two rounds of the playoffs and fall apart in the Conference finals. After taking the first two games of the series it seemed inevitable that the playoff tested Pistons would defeat the Cavaliers.

Unfortunately, LeBron James guaranteed that would not happen as he went from a superstar to one of the best players in league history. What he has done in the first four years of his career is better than what Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and other tremendous players accomplished at such a young age.

After scoring 48 points and 25 consecutive in game five at the Palace, LeBron displayed that he was ready to take his team to the promise land. Whatever barriers that were put before him would be overcome and the only thing that could stop him would be himself.

In terms of what lies ahead for the Pistons, there is increased uncertainty that Flip Saunders has lost control of the locker room and many players don't respect him. Rasheed Wallace definitely showed that during this series and it wouldn't be a surprise to see another person behind the bench next season.

Chauncey Billups has been an integral part of the Pistons' streak of success and has laid down the foundation that will make Detroit a winner for many years to come. Billups might not be around to see his team reach another Conference finals because he becomes a free agent this Summer and many teams will be knocking on his door.

With tonight's lose, the pieces that have been so critical to Detroit's success might have just begn to unravel.

Cleveland Cavaliers Advance To The NBA Finals

2007-06-02T20:40:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

For the first time in franchise history the Cleveland Cavaliers are headed to the NBA Finals.

After winning at home in game six of the Eastern Conference finals by the score of 98-82, LeBron James and his teammates have done the impossible: dethrone the feared Detroit Pistons.

I have to admit that I was part of the majority of skeptics who believed that the young and inexperienced Cavs' had no chance at all of defeating a veteran and experienced lead ball club like the Pistons.

The job that second-year coach Mike Brown has done is next to amazing and the city of Cleveland should be ecstatic. During the presentation of the Eastern Conference trophy Hall of Famer Bill Russell told the Cavaliers ''make me proud'', and that is what the Cavs' intend to do against the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.

Ironically, head coach Mike Brown and general manager Danny Ferry were part of the Spurs' organization for several years and won a championship with the club in '03. It will be interesting to see what the game plan of both men will be when they take on Greg Popovich and the Spurs.

In game six against Detroit rookie Daniel Gibson took over the game, scoring 31 points en route to his first appearance in the finals. Gibson, a second-round draft pick, became the first rookie since Magic Johnson in 1980 to score at least thirty points in the playoffs.

Phenom LeBron James attempted a mere 11 shots and scored 20 points to help his team advance to the next step in their quest to bring a title to the city of Cleveland.

It's now time for LeBron and company to tackle ''the big bad wolves of the west.''

Portland Trail Blazers Forward Zack Randolph Intrigued By Trade Rumors

2007-05-31T20:17:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

The Portland Trail Blazers are determined to trade beleaguered star Zack Randolph before this months NBA draft.

General manager Kevin Pritchard has been searching for buyers since his team secured the number one pick in the draft last month. Boston, Chicago and several other teams have distinguished themselves as front runners to acquire the 25-year old forward.

Randolph, who averaged 23.7 ppg and 10.1 rpb last season, has been the leader on the court for the Blazers since 2001. Unfortunately, his numerous off the court incidents and managements displeasure with his attitude has placed him on the trading block.

When you break down Portland's roster it makes sense for them to deal Randolph. Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge proved last season that he has a bright future, Brandon Roy won Rookie of the Year, point guard Jarrett Jack continued to improve and various bench players displayed their skills.

The key to Randolph's departure will be how much GM Kevin Pritchard is able to receive in exchange for their best player. In a perfect world he would like to acquire a top ten pick in the upcoming draft, specifically Greg Oden's teammate Mike Conley Jr.

Randolph recently told The Oregonian "I'd like the chance to compete for a championship, and if I was able to be with the Bulls, I think I would be able to compete for a championship,"

Lakers owner arrested on suspicion of DUI

2007-05-30T20:55:00.000-07:00

May 29, 2007

CARLSBAD, Calif. (AP) -- Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss was arrested early Tuesday for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol.

The 74-year-old Buss was taken into custody shortly before 1 a.m. after he drove his gold Mercedes-Benz station wagon the wrong way on a street in an unincorporated section of Carlsbad that has double yellow lines, California Highway Patrol Officer Tom Kerns said.

''Although I was driving only a short distance, it was a bad decision and I was wrong to do it," Buss said in a statement issued by the Lakers. "It was a mistake I will not make again."

A 23-year-old woman in the vehicle with Buss wasn't arrested, Kerns said.

He said Buss was "relatively cooperative" when placed under arrest, and was booked into the Vista jail for investigation of drunken driving and driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or above.

Buss was released around 10:30 a.m., according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department Web site. Kerns said the final results of Buss' blood alcohol test won't be available for about three weeks.

Highway Patrol officers Sal Gutierrez and Julie Cahill administered field sobriety tests using an alcohol screening device, Kerns said.

Lakers spokesman John Black said Buss was in the Carlsbad vicinity because he has a home in north San Diego County. Buss' primary residence is in the Los Angeles suburb of Playa del Rey.

16 wins. 16 teams. 1 trophy. Tune in to the NBA Playoffs to see who is left standing as NBA champion

Updated on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 6:00 pm EDT

Once-suspended Richardson to coach Oklahoma City CBA team

2007-05-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

By JEFF LATZKE, AP Sports Writer
May 24, 2007

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Micheal Ray Richardson, a former NBA player whose anti-Semitic comments to a newspaper last season drew a suspension from the CBA, was hired Thursday as the head coach of the Oklahoma City Cavalry.

Richardson coached the Albany Patroons to the Continental Basketball Association championship series but was suspended after Game 1, when the league began investigating a report that he told the Times Union of Albany he had "big-time Jew lawyers" working for him.

Richardson, 52, was cleared by the league earlier this month and allowed to return to coaching, but Albany had already decided not to renew his contract.

"It was totally blown out of proportion," Richardson said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "It's over. Life goes on, you know what I mean? It was totally, totally, totally false."

Richardson said he has a lawsuit pending against the newspaper but is looking forward to a new start and another chance to win a championship.

"I really want to win it this year. I really, really want to win it," said Richardson, who was suspended for the final two games of the Yakama Sun Kings' three-game sweep. "I was so close last year, but I really want to win it this year."

Baron Hopgood, the owner of the newly formed Cavalry, said he considers Richardson cleared of any misconduct and views him as a proven CBA coach who understands the strategy needed to win in the league's system.

"I like those type of edgy individuals because they get the attention of the players and the media," Hopgood said.

The fourth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft, Richardson was a four-time All-Star before he was banned in 1986 for violating the league's drug policy three times. He played eight seasons with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and New Jersey Nets.

Richardson won a CBA championship as a player for Albany in 1988. He has also played in Europe and said he lives in southern France.

"The object of the game is to win. I want to win," Richardson said. "Every quarter of every game I want to win."

Hopgood said the Cavalry intend to play in Oklahoma City until the city becomes home to an NBA franchise. The CBA has already given permission to the franchise to move to a location in Texas if that occurs.

It's not clear where the Cavalry will play its home games. Hopgood said that the team would use Oklahoma City University's Abe Lemons Arena, but OCU athletic spokesman Rich Tortorelli said Thursday night that would not be the case.

"We're not here to try to compete with the NBA," Hopgood said. "We're just here to keep the excitement, as a conduit until the league comes."

16 wins. 16 teams. 1 trophy. Tune in to the NBA Playoffs to see who is left standing as NBA champion

Updated on Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:43 pm EDT

Mavericks coach thinks Bobcats made good choice with Vincent

2007-05-25T05:03:00.000-07:00

Breaking News: Sam Vincent will be announced as the new head coach of the Charlotte Bobcats at a 1 P.M. news conference today.

MIKE CRANSTON
AP Sports Writer

With Sam Vincent set to be hired as coach of the Charlotte Bobcats, there are questions about his experience.

While Vincent has coached men's and women's teams all over the world and in the minor leagues, he's spent only one season in the NBA - as an assistant.

But his former boss isn't concerned, and for good reason. Dallas coach Avery Johnson spent less than a season as an NBA assistant before taking over the Mavericks.

"You've got to start somewhere. Every head coach, somebody had to give them a shot," Johnson said Thursday. "When I took over, or Gregg Popovich or Phil Jackson or anybody, you always look back at your first opportunity."

Johnson took advantage of his chance, going 16-2 after he took over for Don Nelson late in his first season as an assistant. He's gone 143-39 in three seasons and is considered one of the NBA's top coaches.

Bobcats part-owner Michael Jordan said in March he'd be looking for the next Johnson when he replaced Bernie Bickerstaff. It led Jordan to choose Vincent over experienced head coaches Paul Silas, Stan Van Gundy and Mike Fratello, and longtime NBA assistants Lionel Hollins and Herb Williams, who all interviewed.

"I'm really excited for him," Johnson said. "Sam really did a good, solid job here. He made his first year on the bench seem like he'd done it before and that's what I wanted. He knows what he's doing. He's very competent. I knew he would become a head coach pretty quickly."

The 44-year-old Vincent, like Johnson, is a former NBA point guard. A first-round pick by Boston in 1985, Vincent had an average seven-year career that included two seasons playing with Jordan in Chicago in the late 1980s.

Vincent then set on a whirlwind tour, coaching teams in South Africa, Greece and the Netherlands before leading the Nigerian women's team to its first Olympic victory in 2004.
He also coached the Nigerian men's team before becoming the head coach of the Fort Worth Flyers of the NBA Development League in the 2005-06 season. There he came under the wing of Lee Rose, the former college coach and NBA assistant who is paid to mentor the D-League coaches.

"He's very poised in everything he does, and he's very thorough, cerebral," Rose said of Vincent.

"I found him to be a really outstanding candidate that would be able to work his way to an NBA head job. Obviously, it's happened.

"The big thing is he is a very good people person. And I think that is one of the qualities that the good coaches like Popovich and some of these guys have that are in the NBA."

It's expected many of Bickerstaff's assistants, including veteran Jeff Capel, will remain on Vincent's staff. Rose thinks that's critical, much the same way former NBA head coach Del Harris has helped Johnson in Dallas.

Speaking by phone Thursday, Johnson sounded excited that Vincent is getting his chance _ and feels his international experience will help in a league that is bringing in more foreign players.

"He went through a lot of highs and lows and has coached in a lot of different environments, learning how people think," Johnson said. "He was able to deal with a variety of personalities.

"He's got a lot of young kids to work with and he'll come prepared and do a nice job."

Coaching Changes Around The NBA

2007-05-23T16:53:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Rick Adelman is in as Rockets' head coach, replacing the fired Jeff Van Gundy, and Brian Hill has been let go by the Orlando Magic.

Adelman is the quintessential choice for Houston because they already have in place two superstars in Yao and T-Mac, and they are ready to make another deep run into the playoffs. As coach of Portland and Sacramento Adelman made the playoffs 14 out of 14 times.

Most of all, Rick is a respected coach who understands how to manage a game and will get the most out of his player night in and night out.

After two unproductive seasons with Orlando Brian Hill will not have the opportunity to right the ship with the Magic. The team went 40-42 this year and were embarrassed in the first-round of the playoffs by the Pistons. The series was never close as Detroit never lost a game.

With budding talent around him, I was surprised that Hill was not able to accomplish more with the club. All-Star Dwight Howard is emerging into a superstar in the league, point guard Jameer Nelson does a solid job running the point, big man Darko Milicic has an abundance of talent and last year's first-round pick J.J. Redick is money from outside.

Since Hill's departure as head coach in 1997 the Magic have not advanced past the first-round, but if the correct coach is put in place Orlando could enjoy a great deal of success in the 2007-2008 season.

Notes: Former heat head coach Stan Van Gundy rejected the Pacers' head coaching offer, opting to stay with his family in South Florida.

Results From 2007 NBA Draft Lottery Show

2007-05-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Tonight's selection show to determine what pick each of the fourteen non-playoff teams would have was full of surprises and intrigue.

It looks like losing purposely to win the Greg Oden or Kevin Durant sweepstakes did not pane out for Boston or Memphis who will have the fifth and fourth selections respectively in next month's NBA draft.

The Portland Trail Blazers, who finished 32-50 last season and played to win each and every night were rewarded with the number one pick in the draft. The second pick is staying in the Northwest as the Seattle Supersonics secured the second overall pick in June 28th's draft.

It now appears that Ohio State phenom Greg Oden will be joining Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy, point guard Jarrett Jack and forward Zack Randolph to bring a winning ball club back to Portland. With last year's acquisition of LaMarcus Aldridge and the soon to be selection of Oden, Nate McMillan and his team have a formidable front court that has the potential to reek havoc on Western Conference opponents for the next 10-15 years.

Not only are the Blazers not a push over anymore, they are a team that can compete for a playoff spot in the ardent Western Conference next season. I'm smelling early season honors for Nate McMillan, former leader in Seattle, for the Coach of the Year award.

Ironically, the ping pong balls played many tricks on fans, the media and every club in the draft lottery. It was a consciences, almost a guarantee as ESPN analyst Jon Barry put it that the Celtics and Grizzlies would have the first two picks. When NBA deputy commissioner Larry Silver pulled out of the envelope the C's logo with the fifth overall pick I was stunned.

Based on the odds, it seemed much more likely that Boston with a 19.9% chance or Memphis with a 25% opportunity would secure the number one overall pick. There was no conceivable way that the Blazers, with a 5.3% chance of winning the lottery, could win the rights to a franchise player like Greg Oden or Freshman of the Year Kevin Durant.

One notable club that has a lot to be thankful for are the Chicago Bulls, who advanced to the second-round of the playoffs and are now the proud owners of the ninth pick in the draft.
Their good fortune is due to the stupidity of Knicks general manager Isiah Thomas who traded for the services of Eddy Curry several seasons ago.

Other teams that made out very well with their draft position include: the Atlanta Hawks with pick number three, the Charlotte Bobcats at pick number eight and the Milwaukee Bucks at pick number six.

X Factors In The Western Conference Finals Between The Utah Jazz And San Antonio Spurs

2007-05-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

In my opinion, there are four x factors in this series. Derek Fisher and Mehmet Okur of the Jazz, and Manu Ginobili and Michael Finley of the Spurs.

Fisher is one of the few veterans on Utah's roster that has extensive playoff experience. He provides leadership and a confidence boost to his teammates and most importantly starting point guard Deron Williams. Fisher also has the ability to sink shots in clutch situations and he could be called upon by head coach Jerry Sloan later in the series.

Okur might be the biggest x factor of all in what will be a competitive and grueling series. He's tall enough to be a major presence in the paint, but also has the range to step back and drill three-pointers on a consistent basis. The effectiveness of his shot will be a major determinant towards his teams success.

For San Antonio, Manu Ginobili will key integral to their success. The 29-year old Argentinian has struggled so far in the playoffs, shooting a dismal 38% from the field and averaging 15.8 points per game. If he can duplicate the success he enjoyed during game six where the Spurs eliminated the Suns, then his team will be in good shape.

He went off for thirty-three points, eleven rebounds, six assists and four steals in game six, while shooting 11-17 from the field.

Twelve-year veteran Michael Finley is in his second season with the Spurs and would love to reach his first ever NBA finals. I consider him an x factor due to his propensity for knocking down big time shots from behind the ark.

So far in this year's playoffs he's averaging 14.5 points per game on 44.1% shooting from the field and 45.9% from three-point land. He is also shooting 88% from the charity stripe during the first two rounds of the postseason.

Western Conference Finals Preview

2007-05-19T20:34:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

The red hot Utah Jazz square off against the veteran lead San Antonio Spurs tomorrow in game one of their best of seven series to decide who will represent the Western Conference in the NBA finals.

Both teams are very similar in their style of play, each trying to play aggressive defense and make timely baskets on offense. Neither wants to run the score into triple digits like their semifinal opponents Golden State and Phoenix did, with Utah holding the Spurs to 85.5 points per game in their two victories during the regular season.

It's important to note that Utah is winless in their last 16 games at San Antonio and for the Jazz to return to the finals for the first time since 1998 they will have to take at least one-game in front of a hostile Spurs' crowd. Conversely, Gregg Popovich and his club are looking to advance to their third NBA finals in the last five seasons.

There are several key matchups that could decide the outcome of this series. The battle up front between all-star forwards Carlos Boozer and Tim Duncan will determine who has the advantage in the rebounding department and ultimately what team wins the series. While Duncan is one of the best power forwards of all-time, Boozer is making a strong case that he is the MVP of the playoffs. Through the first two rounds he's averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds, but more importantly he has served as that dominating force down low that the Jazz were looking for.

The second critical matchup in this series involves point guards Deron Williams and Tony Parker. Williams, 22, is playing in his first postseason, while Parker is looking to win his third championship in the past five years. Williams had a magnificent regular season and followed it up by averaging 16.8 points and 9.6 assists in the second round against the Warriors.

He is the table setter for Utah, the leader on offense and the one player in this series for the Jazz that can guard and contain the offensive prowess of Tony Parker. If his team is to have any chance against the Spurs he must do a superb job defensively against Parker. Consequently, the native of France must be able to contain the quickness and shot making ability of Utah's point guard.

Even though my heart says to go with the Jazz, my mind says to stick with the experience of the Spurs. San Antonio will prevail in a grueling six game series.

New Jersey Nets' Fall To The Cleveland Cavaliers In Six Games

2007-05-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Friday, May 18th, 2007 might have been the last time Vince Carter took the court as a member of the New Jersey Nets.

After falling to the Cavs at home 88-72, the Nets lost their best of seven series by the count of 4-2. They had the opportunity to tie up the series in front of their home fans, but LeBron James and his teammates made sure there would be no game seven .

With free agency looming, it is possible that Carter might be too expensive for New Jersey to keep and he would have to look elsewhere if he wants to receive the estimated three-year, $60 million contract that he has been rumored to be asking for.

After being down by twenty-two points in the first half New Jersey mounted a fierce comeback in the third quarter, but it was not enough to prolong the series. The Nets went on a 14-0 run in the quarter and trimmed Cleveland's lead to 61-60 going into the fourth.

But LeBron James and veteran Donyell Marshall were too much for the undersized Nets who ended up losing the game by sixteen points. Marshall, who celebrated his 34th birthday yesterday, was all smiles as he went six for ten from behind the ark and finished the game with eighteen points. Superstar LeBron James scored twenty-three points, grabbed eight rebounds and had eight assists to advance to his first ever Eastern Conference Finals.

When the Nets look back on their season they will find disappointment in the fact that they were not able to accomplish their goal of reaching the NBA finals, but at the same time Lawrence Frank and his players reached the playoffs for the sixth straight season. After upsetting the third seeded Raptors' in the first-round, New Jersey gave a valiant effort against a much better Cavaliers team.

Due to a season-ending injury to 23-year old center Nenad Krstic and chronic aliments to forward Richard Jefferson the Nets were not able to secure a higher seed in the playoffs. Their window of opportunity to reach the finals might have ended last night with the possibility of Vince Carter leaving due to free agency and Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson being traded. These three players represented one of the best tandems in the league and it's unfortunate that they were not able to reach their full potential together.

Notes: Point guard Jason Kidd averaged 14.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 10.9 assists over the Nets' playoff run. He joins NBA legend Oscar Robinson as the only two players to average a triple double during the playoffs.

Detroit Pistons Advance To Their Fifth Straight Eastern Conference Finals

2007-05-18T15:12:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

The young and energetic Chicago Bulls gave the veteran Pistons a scare, but in game six at the United Center Mr.clutch Chauncey Billups guided his team to their fifth straight Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

After being down 3-0, Chicago mounted a courageous comeback winning games four and five, but faltered at home in game six. In front of a hostile environment, the Pistons won game six 95-85 and outscored the Bulls 52-37 in the second half.

Even though he struggled from the field, point guard Chauncey Billups was a perfect 14-14 from the free throw line and added seven assists. Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince combined for 40 points and Rasheed Wallace chipped in with thirteen rebounds.

Detroit will now have several days off before they face the winner of the Cleveland/New Jersey series. Currently, the Cavs are ahead 3-2 in the best of seven series.

The Chicago Bulls, lead by Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon and veteran center and former Piston Ben Wallace, put fourth a valiant effort against the Pistons, but they were no match down the stretch.

The Pistons are a tight knit, cohesive unit that decided winning a championships is more important than striking it rich in free agency. In an era where players are constantly leaving their teams due to free agency, the Pistons have stayed together and as a result have been extremely successful.

It's quite ironic that Ben Wallace, four-time defensive player of the year and main piece to the Pistons run of success, left Detroit in the off season to sign a four-year, $60 million contract with the rival Bulls. Many critics said that the departure of Wallace would leave too big of a rift in the Pistons defense and that they would not be able to compete with the best teams in the East.

Detroit went on to sport a 53-29 record, fourth best in the league and are now four victories away from reaching yet another NBA finals.

Notes: With their victory last night, the Pistons became the fifth team in the past 30 years to advance to five straight conference finals.

Plethora of NBA Coaching Vacancies Around The League

2007-05-15T15:11:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

With one month remaining in the season, there are at least half a dozen vacancies in the coaching ranks.

Sacramento, Indiana and Seattle fired their head coaches at season's end and Charlotte, Memphis, Toronto and most likely Houston will be left without coaches by the end of the playoffs.

Management with the Bobcats stated during the regular season that Bernie Bickerstaff would not be running the sidelines next season, Memphis ended their relationship with interim coach Tony Barone Sr., Toronto is likely to low ball coach of the year Sam Mitchell with a new contract offer, forcing him to look elsewhere, and there is a genuine consciences around Houston that Jeff Van Gundy will retire.

This leaves seven coaching positions to be filled and most general managers would like that position filled sooner rather than later because the draft is only six weeks away. A lot will be determined May 22nd when the lottery is announced and teams know what selection they will have for June 28th's draft.

If the Grizzlies are able to secure the first or second pick and land either Greg Oden or Kevin Durant, coaching legend Larry Brown would be very intrigued by the Memphis job and most likely gain control of yet another franchise.

Two Western Conference teams, the Kings and Sonics, have conducted countless interviews so far in their search for a new head coach, but it appears that both clubs will continue to wait until they find their right man. The latest report out of the Chicago Tribune has the Sonics very interested in Lakers' assistant Jim Cleamons to succeed the fired Bob Hill.

With the retirement of Jeff Van Gundy all but certain, it appears that former Kings head coach Rick Adelman would be next in line for the job. While Adelman would fit in very nicely with the veteran Rockets, there have also been rumblings that ex-Hornets coach Paul Silas is in the running for the job.

Could Jermaine O'Neal Be Headed To The L.A Lakers?

2007-05-14T16:02:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

There is no question that if Kobe Bryant and the Lakers want to advance past the first-round of the playoffs they will need a dominating presence down low.

If Mitch Kupchak, general manager of the Lakers, is able to clear out enough salary, it looks apparent that Pacers' all-star Jermaine O'Neal could be headed to the city of angels.

The only road block preventing O'Neal from joining the underachieving Lakers is his massive salary. The 28-year old will make $18.1 million this season and effective July 1st his salary will accelerate to a ridiculous $19.7 million. Beyond next season, the five time all-star has two years and $44.4 million left on his massive contract.

The one chip the Lakers will be forced to surrender is 19-year old center Andrew Bynum who is slowly progressing into a quality NBA big man. Last season, the tenth pick in the '05 draft averaged 7.8 ppg and 5.9 rpb in 21.5 minutes per night. I feel that it would be a mistake for L.A. to trade Bynum who is not only inexpensive compared to O'Neal, but has a promising career ahead of him.

Even though Kobe and the Lakers want to win now, taking on an excessive salary like O'Neal's would not be a wise choice because there is no guarantee that he and Bryant can coexist on the court. Both superstars will constantly want the ball and I think that Kobe has made it clear that the Lakers are his team and they will only go as far as he takes them. Unfortunately, he has only been able to take them to the first-round of the playoffs and not any further.

If the Lakers were to acquire O'Neal, they would be forced to trade several more players
besides Bynum. If anything, L.A. needs to find a true point guard to replace Smush Parker and players who can play defense on a consistent basis.

Utah Jazz One-Game Away From Defeating Golden St.Warriors

2007-05-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

The Golden St. Warriors could not have suffered their first playoff loss behind their raucous home fans at a worse time.

After demolishing the Jazz in game three by the final score of 126-105, it looked inevitable that Baron Davis and the high flying Warriors would tie their best of seven series with the Jazz at two games a piece.

Unfortunately, someone forgot to send that memo to all-star Carlos Boozer and his teammates who defeated Golden St. 115-101 last night to take a commanding 3-1 series lead. For the first time in months it appears that the Warriors luck is coming to an end.

To be able to win games five and seven in front of a hostile Utah crowd would be down right amazing, but that task seems even more difficult than having to defeat the Mavericks in the first-round.

Jazz forward Carlos Boozer dominated the smaller Golden St. defenders as he exploded for 34 points and twelve rebounds in game four. Going into this series I was worried that the undersized Warriors would not be able to defend big men like Boozer, Okur and Millsap, and my doubts might have come true last night in Oakland.

Warriors Shock Utah In Game 3 - Win By 20 Points At Oracle Arena

2007-05-12T09:58:00.000-07:00

The Golden State Warriors, elevated by the energy of an amzing home crowd, motored out to as much as a 30-point lead and coasted to a 125 to 105 victory. The series picks up again on Sunday, in Oakland.

The game was spiced by what will go down as one of the most amazing dunks in NBA history. Baron Davis -- the spritual leader of the Warriors through the year -- slides past Utah's defense and shocks the arena.

The video is here:

Can The New Jersey Nets' Come Back To Defeat The Cleveland Cavaliers?

2007-05-09T12:59:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Two games into the Eastern Conference semifinals and the New Jersey Nets' find themselves down 2 games to none.

After upsetting the third seeded Raptors in the first-round New Jersey was primed to do the same thing to LeBron and the Cavs. With veterans Jason Kidd and Vince Carter leading the way against an inexperienced Cleveland club it appeared as if the Nets had a feasible opportunity against the second best team in the East.

In game one, New Jersey played a defensive oriented style of basketball as they fell 81-77 to the Cavaliers. VC, Vince Carter struggled from the field going 7-23 and was held to 21 points. Point guard Jason Kidd who was unstoppable in round one scored a measly seven points and went 2-11 from the field.

The main reason New Jersey lost in game one was because of a lack of rebounding. Cleveland's big guys, led by Drew Gooden and Zydrunas Ilgauskas combined for 28 rebounds and collectively as a team the Cavs outrebounded the Nets 51-37. If New Jersey expects to win the series they can not permit LeBron and company to capture 20 offensive boards.

In game two Tuesday night at Quicken Loans Arena the Cavaliers continued to roll against the under sized Nets. Just like in game one New Jersey had no answer for the Cavs big guys as they were outrebounded 49-32. Nets coach Lawrence Frank later said ''they are just kicking our tails on the boards.'' Due to a lack of rebounding, the chances of New Jersey coming back in the best of seven series is very slim.

While Vince Carter struggled to assert himself as a leader on the court, LeBron James stole the show. Number 23 scored 36 points and 12 assists to lead his Cavs past the Nets. Unlike in previous postseasons when he was unable to receive adequate assistance from his teammates, his supporting cast came to play. Forward Sasha Pavlovic chipped in a career playoff-high 17 points and Drew Gooden added 14 boards.

With game three Saturday night in the Meadowlands, LeBron and the Cavs will look to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series.

Study: NBA sets records for minority VPs, league office

2007-05-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

By TRAVIS REED, Associated Press Writer
May 9, 2007

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- When it comes to handling race in sports, nobody does it better than the NBA.

So says a new study released Wednesday that found the NBA had the highest ever percentages of minority vice presidents and league office personnel in men's sports history -- 15 and 34 percent, respectively. The study was conducted by the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida.

The findings follow a separate report last week from a University of Pennsylvania professor and a Cornell graduate student concluding white referees called fouls against black players at a higher rate than they did against white players.

UCF researcher Richard Lapchick, who specializes in diversity in sports, said his report focuses on the bigger picture: Who's getting top NBA jobs, not whether unconscious racial bias could affect the game.

"Was there validity to the (referee) study? It's hard for me to tell," Lapchick said. "If (the bias) is true, it's more of a reflection of what's going on with society. Decisions made by corporations, decisions judges make."

Pro hoops has received top diversity marks among men's sports in Lapchick's study for the last decade and a half.

Fifteen percent of NBA team vice presidents were minorities, 3 points higher than last year, according to this most recent study that used data from the 2006-07 season. Thirty-four percent of professionals in the league office were minorities, a 2-point climb.

The NBA also has the only black CEOs and presidents in professional sports. The CEOs are Terdema Ussery, Dallas Mavericks; Fred Whitfield, Charlotte Bobcats; Steve Mills, New York Knicks; and Billy King, Philadelphia 76ers. The presidents are Joe Dumars with the Detroit Pistons and Isiah Thomas with the New York Knicks.

About 79 percent of NBA players were minorities. The proportion of black players jumped two points from last year to 75 percent, amounting to 330 players, while Latino players remained constant at 3 percent (13 players). There were 91 white players, slipping a point for the second straight year to 21 percent of the total.

The proportion of white players has hovered just above 20 percent for most of the past 16 seasons Lapchick has studied. It peaked at 28 percent in the 1990-91 season and dropped to a low of 18 percent in 1994-95.

NBA commissioner David Stern "has long felt that a diverse workplace is the only workplace," spokesman Brian McIntyre said. "It's just something we kind of do as a normal way of doing business."

The NBA also had 12 black head coaches, the best in pro sports and 40 percent of the league's total. The league has far more black coaches across its history than any other -- 53, compared with 25 for Major League Baseball managers, the second-best total.

According to Lapchick's study, sixty-four percent of the NBA's referees were white, 32 percent black and 3 percent Latino. One of the 59 referees was a woman.

Not all the news in the report was sterling. The percentage of women in the league office dipped for the third straight year, down 2 points to 39 percent overall. Still, the study said it was the highest total in men's pro sports.

On the Net:

Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport: http://www.tidesport.org

16 wins. 16 teams. 1 trophy. Tune in to the NBA Playoffs to see who is left standing as NBA champion

Will Rockets' Head Coach Jeff Van Gundy Return Next Season?

2007-05-07T16:08:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Houston Rockets' head coach Jeff Van Gundy has the critical decision of deciding his future NBA plans in the coming weeks.

The NY Post reported that after his team lost at home in game seven of the first-round against Utah that Van Gundy would be retiring for the second time in his coaching career. Previously, Van Gundy, the brother of former Heat head coach Stan Van Gundy, retired mid-way through the 2001-2002 season with the Knicks and later resurfaced with Houston in 2003.

Although he has been successful as coach of the Rockets, winning over 50 games for the second time in four years and taking his team to the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, he has yet to elevate the Rockets passed the first-round.

For whatever reason this recent playoff exit has taken a strenuous toll on him and his superstar Tracy McGrady who was extremely frustrated Saturday night when he failed to yet again win a first-round series. McGrady has never advanced to the second-round of the playoffs either in Orlando or here in Houston.

Personally, T-Mac has placed added pressure on his shoulders because he wants to transform into more of a team leader and guide his team to the finals.

Van Gundy has one-year left on his contract and by all accounts it seems that he will step away from coaching. Still, that doesn't mean he won't return in the future when the situation is right and he feels comfortable with a new organization.

Houston has not won a playoff series since 1997 and despite the progress they have made they are not a serious contender in the Western Conference. That is real disappointing considering they have two superstars in McGrady and Yao playing together.

Jeff Van Gundy said ''I'm disappointed that I haven't been able to help'' and this past season might have been the last opportunity Van Gundy had to help the Rockets win.

Golden State Warriors Upset Dallas Mavericks In First Round

2007-05-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

The eighth seeded Golden St. Warriors pulled the unthinkable by defeating the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the playoffs.

At the end of February Golden St. was coming off a 21-point loss at Milwaukee and a 30-point beat down at the hands of the Bulls. Entering March it was an after thought that they'd make the playoffs, but with a stellar performance in March and April the Warriors demonstrated that they did in deed believe.

Golden St. went 16-7 through the final two months of the season and ended the 2007 regular season by winning their final nine out of ten games. They were able to hold off the feisty Clippers on the last day of the season and were rewarded with a matchup with the best team in the NBA. Dallas steam rolled through the regular season, going 67-15 and appeared primed for a return to the NBA finals.

Luckily, the high flying Warriors went 3-0 against the Mavs in the regular season and would continue their success in the playoffs. Under the leadership of head coach Don Nelson and veterans Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis, the Bay Area quickly transformed into a city that was excited about playoff basketball. That fact was made evident by the record crowds at Oracle Arena.

In winning the first-round series 4-2, Golden State became the first eigth seeded team to knock off a number one in a best of seven series. Point guard Baron Davis single handily took over the series by averaging 25 ppg, 6.2 rpb, 5.7 apg and shooting a handsome 54% from the field and 45.5% from three-point land.

As a team, the Warriors elevated their game to the next level and many of their young players like Matt Barnes and Monta Ellis stepped their games up big time. Conversely, the Mavericks did not resemble the team that won 67 games during the regular season and dominated every opponent they faced.

Dirk Nowitzki struggled mildly in the series and did not play like the MVP that he was during the regular season. He will continue to receive negativity by critics who say that he's not a leader and can't carry his team when it counts the most.

That argument was supported by his performance in game six where the Warriors clinched the series. Dirk went a dismal 2-13 from the field with eight points and 10 rebounds. Dallas' defense that played so well during the season did not show up in the playoffs. In each game they allowed at least 97 points and on four occasions the Warriors scored over 100. On the flip side, Golden State allowed the Mavs to score at least 100 twice and three times they were held to 91 points or less.

Along with players and fans I believe in the Warriors and hope they can advance past either Houston or Utah and have the opportunity to knock off the Suns or Spurs. Eight more wins is all Golden State needs to reach the NBA finals.

Nuggets are five - and finished

2007-05-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

Nuggets bow out of NBA playoffs in five games for fourth consecutive season
By Anthony Cotton

Denver Post Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 05/03/2007 01:04:49 PM MDT

San Antonio

While it may be true that there was very little difference between the Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs during their opening-round playoff series, the NBA postseason isn't about shades of gray.

As the ubiquitous television commercials state, it's win or go home. So it is that, despite five closely contested battles, Denver found itself eliminated Wednesday night in a 93-78 defeat.

The loss marked the fourth straight season Denver was eliminated in the first round.

Unlike those previous years, the Nuggets clearly belonged on the floor with their favored opponent - none of the previous four games were decided by more than nine points. However, the Spurs ultimately proved too experienced and too savvy to overcome.

Michael Finley, a 34-year-old guard playing in his 12th NBA season, was the latest San Antonio player to bedevil the Nuggets. He scored a game-high 26 points, setting a Spurs playoff record with eight 3-point baskets.

"I look at them and I see where we want to get to," Nuggets guard Allen Iverson said. "I see what we can be if we get into training camp next year and get an identity of how we want to play all year on both ends of the court."

There was a numbing inevitability Wednesday night at the AT&T Center, the sense that no matter how much the Nuggets competed in Game 5 of their opening-round playoff series, no matter how close they came to scaling the formidable mountain that is the San Antonio Spurs, the climb would fall short.

That had been the case over the previous week, and it happened once again in what proved to be the Nuggets' season finale. The visitors fought hard, but the Spurs used a timely 3-pointer here or offensive rebound there in a convincing 93-78 clincher.

"I can't say they were the better team than us. Each game was close, each one could have been flip-flopped to our advantage," center Marcus Camby said.

That was certainly a slight upgrade from how the Nuggets played in opening-round losses the previous three years, each of which ended, like this series, in a 4-1 deficit. But perhaps it was being so tantalizingly close in losses in games 2, 3 and 4 that left Carmelo Anthony sighing in the visitors' locker room.

"This is the worst feeling ever," the Nuggets' star forward said.

Ultimately, the Spurs proved too experienced, too savvy. After shooting down the Nuggets on Monday night with a late 3-pointer by veteran Robert Horry, the Spurs turned to another veteran, Michael Finley, Wednesday night. The 34-year-old set a Spurs playoff record with eight 3-pointers; the fourth cut the Nuggets' 48-44 halftime lead to a single point. The fifth, coming with 1:30 remaining in the third quarter, extended his team's lead to six points.

Not long after two 3-pointers from Allen Iverson helped cut the Nuggets deficit to 77-71 with 7:16 to play, Finley made No. 7 to push the Spurs to an 11-point edge.

No. 8 was just overkill, a bomb from the left corner that put San Antonio ahead 89-76 with 2:32 remaining.

Soon, Spurs fans were dancing in the aisles and the team's coaches were beginning preparations for their Western Conference semifinal series.

"He was ridiculous," San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich said of Finley.

The Nuggets, while earnest, weren't able to sustain a consistent offensive threat and scored
a franchise playoff low in a half with 30 in the final two quarters. Anthony, who averaged 26.8 points in the series, had 21 and just three in the fourth quarter. Guard Steve Blake, who rallied Denver from an 11-point opening-half deficit by making four 3-pointers, went scoreless in the second half.

And Iverson, despite his near-heroics in the fourth quarter, ended a disappointing postseason by missing 16-of-22 shots. For the series, Iverson made but 37 percent of his field-goal attempts.

"I felt like this was the worst playoff series of my career," he said. "It was frustrating; I came to Denver, wanting to be the one to get this team over the hump, but I didn't play the way I was capable of playing."

In the end, what may have hurt the Nuggets the most were the after-effects of a tumultuous regular season that included Anthony's 15-game suspension for fighting and, soon after, its trade for Iverson. While the team was able to come together enough to win 10 of its final 11 games, gaining the sixth seed in the West, that wasn't enough to avoid meeting the battle-tested Spurs in the opening round.

"You don't want to play Phoenix or Dallas or San Antonio in the first round," coach George Karl said. "The only way to avoid it is to win 50-55 games during the season."

And, as the players slowly emerged from the showers and packed their bags to mark the end of the season, the Nuggets were indeed already beginning to think about how to do just that.

"I look at them and I see where we want to get to," Iverson said. "That's the way we want to play. We have to get into training camp next year and get an identity for how we want to play all year on both ends of the court."

Staff writer Anthony Cotton can be reached at 303-954-1292 or acotton@denverpost.com.

THAT'S THREE!!!

2007-04-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

Warriors put Mavs on ropes

Janny Hu, Chronicle Staff Writer
Monday, April 30, 2007

The Warriors might want to add more words to their playoff slogan:

We Believe ... in the Unbelievable.

Like Baron Davis banking in a three-pointer from near midcourt to end the first half.

Like the Warriors erasing nine-point deficits in both the second and third quarters.

Like the Warriors -- the eighth-seeded, underdog, we're-just-happy-to-be-here Warriors -- suddenly one win away from one of the biggest upsets in playoff history after rallying one last time for a 103-99 thriller over Dallas in Game 4.

"We refused to lose tonight," Matt Barnes said. "We've got a whole lot of heart on this team, and we refuse to lose. That's the bottom line."

Believe it or not, the Warriors will head to Dallas today with a 3-1 series lead and three chances to become the first No. 8 seed ever to eliminate a No. 1 seed in a best-of-seven format.

The last time the Warriors won a playoff series was in 1991 against San Antonio. They're so close to making history now, they can feel it.

"Hell, yeah," Al Harrington said. "We're just one game away."

On Sunday, Golden State took Dallas' best shot and swatted the Mavericks all the way to the edge of elimination. After allowing the Mavs to dictate the tempo all night, the Warriors were down 90-86 with four minutes left.

Then they unleashed a 10-0 run off three-pointers and hustle plays, and the one that got them over the hump was symbolic on so many levels: Jason Richardson swiped a pass and outletted to Davis, who streaked past Dirk Nowitzki for the go-ahead layup.

For the first time in the fourth, Golden State led 91-90 with 2:33 to go, and the sold-out crowd went wild. And it only got louder after Davis found Andris Biedrins for a slam dunk, louder after another Richardson steal, louder after Davis hit a fadeaway, and louder still after Barnes nailed a three-pointer for a 99-93 lead over the shell-shocked Mavs with 23.3 seconds left.

"They never really closed the door on us and we kicked it back open at the end of the game," said Barnes, who had eight points and seven rebounds off the bench.

"I know when I first came here, we're down like that, big-time-caliber game like it is now, I don't think we would've fought back," added Stephen Jackson, who had 19 points. "We're learning to keep our composure, to find ways to win."

Davis tied his playoff-career high with 33 points. Richardson added 22 and reserve Mickael Pietrus delivered an energizing 16 points, five rebounds and two steals.

This one didn't come easy, though. The Mavs -- perhaps spurred by a players'-only meeting called by Jason Terry and Jerry Stackhouse on Saturday -- put together a solid effort and probably their grittiest of the series.

Dallas coach Avery Johnson started his third lineup in four games, pulling center Erick Dampier for DeSagana Diop, and the switcheroo appeared to work as Diop collected four rebounds and a block in his opening stint.

The Warriors were a step slow defensively, leaving Mavericks open across the court, and Josh Howard, Nowitzki and Stackhouse finally snapped out of their shooting slumps. That led to a quick nine-point deficit and numerous substitutions before Pietrus provided the much-needed lift off the bench.

In a two-minute span, he slammed home a missed Richardson jumper, skied for a defensive rebound over three Mavericks, and came out of nowhere to block a Terry layup from behind. He followed that by hitting a pair of threes, the second of which knotted the game at 42-42 with 2:14 left in the first half.

Pietrus also delivered the game-sealing play after Nowitzki hit a pair of late threes to give the Mavs a short-lived lifeline. With the Mavs by three and 1.8 seconds left, Pietrus stole the final inbounds pass to clinch a Game 4 win and give Golden State a head full of confidence heading into Game 5 in Dallas -- its first chance to close out the series.

"As long as we believe in ourselves, we'll be all right," Davis said.

Nuggets' Camby wins Defensive Player award

2007-04-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

Camby was more than deserving of the award after he posted phenomenal defensive statistics this season.

April 27, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- Denver Nuggets center Marcus Camby was voted the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year on Friday after leading the league in blocked shots for the third time.

Camby averaged 3.3 blocks to go with 11.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game. He also averaged 1.24 steals, tops among centers. He received 70 first-place votes and 431 points from a panel of sports writers and broadcasters.

Camby also led the league in blocks last season and in 1997-98. He is one behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Mark Eaton for the most blocked shot titles.

Hakeem Olajuwon, Dikembe Mutombo, Theo Ratliff and George Johnson also led the league in blocks three times.

San Antonio forward Bruce Bowen was second with 206 points, while teammate Tim Duncan had 158 points and finished third.

The Nuggets and Spurs are tied at a game apiece in their Western Conference first-round series.

Updated on Friday, Apr 27, 2007 1:47 pm EDT

Pacers fire coach Carlisle after 4 tumultuous seasons

2007-04-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Drastic changes will need to be made in the off season if the Pacers expect to return to a contending team in the Eastern Conference.

April 25, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Rick Carlisle was fired Wednesday after four tumultuous years as coach of the Indiana Pacers, who failed to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade.

Carlisle said he understood it was time for the Pacers to hear a "new voice." Team president Larry Bird said Carlisle has an option to return to the team in another capacity. Carlisle was appointed vice president in October and has until June 15 to decide if he wants to keep that title.
The Pacers finished the season 35-47, their worst since 1988-89. Indiana was 29-24 shortly after the All-Star break, but lost its next 11 games to fall out of playoff contention. A loss to Detroit on April 3 clinched the Pacers' first losing season since 1996-97.

Carlisle struggled to manage talented but volatile players. Ron Artest and Stephen Jackson were the two most prominent players in the 2004 brawl between Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans. That brawl started the unraveling of a team that was expected to make several title runs.

"This came down to what was in the best interests of the franchise going forward," Carlisle said. "Coaching is something that gets in your blood. But then again, when you know it's time, you know it's time."

Carlisle acknowledged his struggles to connect with the players.

"It's a people business, and communication is really important," Carlisle said. "You can never be too good a communicator. It's something I want to continue to work on."

Carlisle isn't sure if he wants to coach again, retain the Pacers management position or take time off to be with his family. Seattle has fired its coach, as has Sacramento -- where Artest now plays.

"He's got an opportunity to stay here," Bird said. "But you know Rick, he'll be out there networking and if he gets another job, he gets another job."

Carlisle and Bird said the coaching search will include candidates within the organization. Carlisle said Pacers assistants Johnny Davis and Chuck Person are ready to make the move. Davis has made head coaching stops in Orlando and Philadelphia. Bird said he's not interested in coaching the team he led to the NBA finals in 2000.

In the Pacers' first year under Carlisle in 2003-04, they went 61-21 for the best record in the NBA, and the club reached the Eastern Conference finals. Indiana started the 2004-05 season in similar fashion, winning six of its first eight games.
Then came Nov. 19, 2004.

Artest went into the stands after a Detroit Pistons fan he thought doused him with a beverage, and some of his teammates joined in the melee. Artest was suspended for 73 games and the playoffs, and teammates Jermaine O'Neal, Jackson and Anthony Johnson were given shorter suspensions.

The remaining Pacers clawed their way to a 44-38 record and the second round of the playoffs, but Pacers fans were upset that Miller's final season ended that way.

Even with the brawl year, Carlisle said this season was the toughest he's had in coaching, the situation made more difficult because of his close friendship with Bird. Carlisle said he spoke with Bird on Tuesday and they decided that whichever of them dies first, the other will read the eulogy.

"I've seen other friends part ways and never speak again," Bird said, "but that's not the way it's going to be with us."

Updated on Wednesday, Apr 25, 2007 5:18 pm EDT

Bulls' Hinrich fined $25,000 by NBA

2007-04-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

April 23, 2007

CHICAGO (AP) -- Chicago Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Monday for throwing his mouthpiece into the stands during a playoff victory over the Miami Heat.

Hinrich fired his mouthpiece into the stands after picking up his fourth foul early in the third quarter, and got a technical. The guard finished with two points and five fouls in the Bulls' 96-91 win at United Center on Saturday.

Hinrich, a captain, averaged 16.6 points during the season.

A phone message left with the Bulls was not immediately returned.

Updated on Monday, Apr 23, 2007 5:43 pm EDT

Action From The NBA Playoffs

2007-04-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Sixteen teams have entered the playoffs with one goal and that is to capture the NBA championship. New Jersey, Chicago, Houston, Cleveland and Phoenix took one step closer to that mission by winning their opening round game.

Currently, the Denver and San Antonio game is in progress with the Nuggets on top 72-71. Later on tonight the Warriors and Mavericks do battle in Dallas. There are many question marks entering the playoffs and as the first round unfolds many of those questions will be answered.

In the east, can Washington defeat LeBron and the Cavs despite missing their two best players in Caron Butler and ''Agent Zero'' Gilbert Arenas? Also, can the hobbled Heat defend their NBA title by knocking off the young and energetic Chicago Bulls? They were not able to in game one and if Dwyane Wade wants to win his second title with Shaq he will have to step up his game.

In the west, how will Allen Iverson fair in his first playoff series with the Nuggets and can he and Carmelo pull off the first round upset of the Spurs? While Denver has the talent to do so, San Antonio has the playoff experience led by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Additionally, can the run and gun Warriors continue their regular season success against the NBA's best, the Dallas Mavericks. An 8-1 upset is possible and Golden State would be the perfect team to shock the Mavs. I'm rooting for the Warriors and so is the rest of the Bay Area.

The NBA playoffs is a long and argues process that takes many weeks until a champion is crowned. My prediction for the finals is Detroit against Phoenix, with the Suns pulling it out. While Phoenix is an offensive juggernaut, San Antonio and Dallas came at you with stellar defense and timely offense.

It might sound mundane picking the Pistons to come out of the east, but I can't envision another team knocking them off. LeBron and the Cavs have the ability to top their division rival, but it will not occur this season. If New Jersey can escape Toronto they have the best opportunity in my opinion to challenge Detroit. Jason Kidd is the ideal leader who can do it all and Vince Carter is in his final year with the Nets. It's time for him to take it to the next level and shine in the playoffs.

Kings fire Musselman after 1 season

2007-04-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Eric Musselman was not able to continue the winning tradition in Sacramento.

April 20, 2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- The Sacramento Kings fired coach Eric Musselman on Friday after just one tumultuous season.

The Kings went 33-49 and missed the playoffs amid infighting and unimpressive play. The club, which reached the postseason eight consecutive times before coach Rick Adelman was fired last summer, wasted no time removing Musselman, but intends to take plenty of time to choose his replacement.

"We've got to sit down and look at the process and how we did it," Geoff Petrie, the Kings' president of basketball operations, said of last summer's coaching search.

"There was some concern -- not that we were out of the playoffs, but the way we were out of it. We just couldn't get the level of consistency that would allow us to (make the postseason)."

The firing is a disastrous end to an experiment by Sacramento owners Joe and Gavin Maloof, who dropped Adelman last summer against Petrie's apparent wishes. The Maloofs eventually chose Musselman, a longtime NBA assistant coach who presided over two decent seasons with the Golden State Warriors from 2002-04.

But Musselman was a disappointment from Oct. 20, when he was arrested on a drunken-driving charge after Sacramento's first preseason game. Musselman later pleaded no contest to the charge and served a two-game suspension in February.

The Kings, who won two Pacific Division titles and reached the 2002 Western Conference finals under Adelman, struggled after an 8-5 start under Musselman. They eventually collapsed into a season-ending 5-17 skid despite returning largely the same roster that scared the San Antonio Spurs in a first-round series last season.

Petrie thought he had assembled a team capable of challenging for a playoff spot even while the club retools its roster, but the Kings fell out of contention during a 1-8 skid in March that included losses to Charlotte, Atlanta and Minnesota.

Sacramento finished the season with a 117-106 home loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night to cap a 20-21 record at Arco Arena. The Kings have sold out 354 consecutive home games, but those raucous crowds had little to cheer.

After years of dazzling the NBA with Adelman's uptempo offense, the Maloofs wanted to see an improved defensive team in the mold of San Antonio or Detroit. Though Musselman had a background in defensive coaching and an inexhaustible supply of motivational material, the Kings never took to his approach while yielding 103.1 points per game -- seventh-worst in the league -- even with vaunted defensive stopper Ron Artest in the lineup.

And the Kings' problems weren't confined to the court, where guard Kevin Martin's breakout season was perhaps the only major improvement. The unpleasant locker room was filled with infighting, and veterans Artest, Mike Bibby and Brad Miller all failed to take charge.

"They sense they all could have done more themselves, and more as a group," Petrie said of his end-of-season interviews with the players.

The season was among the most discouraging in the history of a franchise that knows all about miserable basketball, including 15 consecutive losing seasons from 1984-98.

The club moved from Kansas City to Sacramento in 1985 and reached the playoffs twice with losing records before Adelman, Chris Webber, Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic transformed the team in 1999 -- also the same year the Maloofs bought the team.

But most of the key players on those teams aged and departed over the last three seasons, leaving Petrie to rebuild around Bibby and Artest, who added to his volatile reputation with another bizarre year. Animal control officers and police were called to his suburban home at different times during the winter, and he occasionally criticized teammates and disrupted practices.

After weeks of rumors surrounding Musselman's departure, the Kings made the move after Musselman met Friday with Petrie, who acknowledged he already was "leaning that direction." The Maloofs must pay Musselman about $5 million for the remaining two seasons of his contract.

"When the speculation about anybody's job security gets as heavy and personal as it has in the last few days, it's unfair to let that kind of thing drag on," Petrie said, citing widespread predictions of Musselman's demise in the Sacramento media.

Attempts to reach Musselman weren't immediately successful. Joe Maloof also didn't return a phone call seeking comment.

The Kings don't intend to start a coaching search until Petrie returns from an upcoming scouting trip to Europe, though Petrie intends to have a coach in place before the draft.

Musselman's assistants, including Scott Brooks, are still under contract to the Kings. Brooks could be among the candidates -- but the Kings seem more likely to go after an established NBA coach after attempting to tame a difficult locker room with a relative neophyte.

Longtime Spurs assistant P.J. Carlesimo interviewed for the job last summer, and the Maloofs have long spoken highly of Larry Brown, now an executive vice president with the Philadelphia 76ers.

And the day just got worse for the Kings: They also lost tiebreakers with Charlotte and New York, who also finished 33-49, to drop from eighth to 10th in the overall draft order.

Updated on Friday, Apr 20, 2007 7:01 pm EDT

PLAYOFFS, AT LONG LAST

2007-04-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Warriors and head coach Don Nelson. Unfortunately, Golden State has a first round match up with the leagues best team, the Dallas Mavericks.

Newcomers, Richardson score big in romp

Janny Hu, Chronicle Staff Writer
Thursday, April 19, 2007

(04-19) 04:00 PDT Portland - -- On the eve of the biggest game of his career, Jason Richardson slept like a baby. Now, he isn't sure when he'll catch his next wink, knowing that what's eluded him ever since he's been a Warrior is finally here.

The postseason. The real season.

"I've been trying for the last five years and coming up short," Richardson said. "I'm so excited, I might not sleep for the next two nights."

Golden State's 12-year playoff drought officially ended Wednesday with its 120-98 romp over the Blazers at the Rose Garden. The Warriors will meet at their practice facility in Oakland today to begin preparing for their first-round series against Dallas that starts Sunday.

Only one eight-seed has ever knocked off a No. 1, that's the beauty of the playoffs. Once you get there, anything can happen. And the Warriors' are about to embark on their posteason journey since April of 1994, the same month Denver upset top-seeded Seattle.

"The basketball gods have a funny way of giving you what you deserve, and we deserved this," said Baron Davis.

On Wednesday, it was as if every lay-up and three-pointer they fired in had some sort of cathartic effect, and no one showed it more than Richardson. The sixth-year guard has carried the heaviest load of any Warrior, and he unloaded it by scoring 25 points, but his biggest score was simply knowing that the Warriors were going to the playoffs for the first time in his Warriors career.

It's why he raised his arms in triumph when the final horn sounded, why teammates took care to find and hug him after the game, and why he and backcourt mate Baron Davis let loose for the biggest embrace.

"Once you play here, you're a part of the history of the franchise and everything," forward Matt Barnes said. "Especially for J-Rich, someone who's been putting his heart and soul out there for six straight years and always going home on the last day of the season.

"So definitely, (we had) to do this for him and the fans and all the people that supported us the 13 years before."

Warriors' coach Don Nelson, who was on the sidelines when the Warriors last made the playoffs in 1994, said he felt vulnerable coming to Portland; that for all his team had accomplished late in the season, anything other than the playoffs would have been a failure.

He didn't have to worry. The Blazers offered about as much resistance as the Mavericks did the previous night, trotting out a junior, junior varsity line-up missing Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, Zach Randolph and Joel Pryzbilla.

Wednesday's finale symbolized the best of the Warriors turnarounds. They won on the road. They swept a back-to-back set. And they did it with the unselfish team play that's typified their closing sprint.

Baron Davis netted a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 14 assists. Stephen Jackson scored a team-high 31 points, and Al Harrington added 24.

The Warriors (42-40) closed out the season with five straight wins, matching their longest streak of the year, and posted their first winning record in 13 years.

"When we were (nine) games under, we could have easily packed it in," Harrington said. "Baron could have said he's going to rest his knee or rehab. But guys said 'No, we're going to keep practicing. Let's see where we're at and if we're right there, we'll make that push."

"It didn't always look so good," Nelson added. But we achieved a great goal on the last day. Each one of these games has been bigger and bigger, and this was the biggest."

Now, it's time for the playoffs. And Jackson, the only Warrior with a championship ring, is calling in reinforcements. He's bringing the bling out of safe-deposit box and showing it off to his teammates for inspiration.

"Once you make the playoffs, all you need is 16 wins and you're the NBA champ," Jackson said. "That's the easiest way to look at the championship."

This article appeared on page D - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Referee Crawford suspended in Duncan flap

2007-04-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

April 17, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- Joey Crawford is done ejecting players and coaches this season. On Tuesday, he was the one getting tossed.

The veteran NBA referee was suspended indefinitely by commissioner David Stern for his conduct toward Tim Duncan, who contends the official challenged him to a fight during a game in Dallas.

Crawford has worked more postseason games than any active ref. His suspension will last at least through the NBA finals, and he apparently will have to meet with Stern after that to discuss reinstatement.

"Especially in light of similar prior acts by this official, a significant suspension is warranted," Stern said in a statement. "Although Joey is consistently rated as one of our top referees, he must be held accountable for his actions on the floor, and we will have further discussions with him following the season to be sure he understands his responsibilities."

Crawford ejected Duncan from San Antonio's loss after calling a second technical foul on the Spurs star while he was laughing on the bench.

"He looked at me and said, 'Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?"' Duncan said. "If he wants to fight, we can fight. I don't have any problem with him, but we can do it if he wants to. I have no reason why in the middle of a game he would yell at me, 'Do you want to fight?"'

Crawford was cited for "improper conduct" and "inappropriate comments made to Duncan during the game." Stern said Crawford's actions "failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees."

The NBA also fined Duncan $25,000 for verbal abuse of an official. Crawford said Duncan referred to him with an expletive.

Crawford was the first referee suspended since Rodney Mott was banned three games on Jan. 12 for making an obscene gesture toward a fan and also using inappropriate language in Portland.

Crawford comes from an officiating family. His brother, Jerry, is a major league umpire, as was his father, Shag.

Joey Crawford is in his 29th season as an NBA referee. He has officiated more than 2,000 games during the regular season and 252 in the playoffs, including 36 in the NBA finals.

But his temper has gotten him noticed before, especially in Game 2 of the 2003 Western Conference finals, a matchup involving the same teams as in Sunday's game. Crawford called four technical fouls in the first 10-plus minutes, leading to ejections of then-Mavs coach Don Nelson and assistant Del Harris.

Crawford also called a technical in a recent game against Duncan, who said Sunday that Crawford has a "personal vendetta against me."

Duncan was called for his first technical foul Sunday with 2:20 remaining in the third quarter for arguing about an offensive foul. Crawford hit him with the second technical 1:16 later after Duncan was on the bench laughing about a call that went against the Spurs.

With Duncan gone, the Mavericks rallied to beat the Spurs, ending San Antonio's chance of earning the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

Updated on Tuesday, Apr 17, 2007 4:39 pm EDT

Lawmakers won't vote on Sonics arena this session

2007-04-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

It would be a real shame if the Sonics were forced to leave Seattle and relocate, possibly to Oklahoma City.

April 17, 2007

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) -- Seattle SuperSonics majority owner Clay Bennett said a decision by the Washington state Legislature not to vote on a measure to finance a new arena has all but doomed efforts to keep the team in the state beyond next season.

"Clearly at this time the Sonics and (WNBA) Storm have little hope of remaining in the Puget Sound region," the Oklahoma City-based Bennett said in statement issued soon after the Monday night decision.

Seattle has been the NBA Sonics' only home for 40 seasons.

At a meeting involving Gov. Chris Gregoire and House and Senate leaders, lawmakers decided there wasn't enough time to resolve the issue before the session adjourns on April 22. But they said the issue was not dead.

"We know we're not going to take a vote this session because we're really running out of time," said Sen. Margarita Prentice, D-Renton, and the arena's strongest champion. "There's a number of issues we feel we should resolve."

The $500 million arena plan ran out of time largely because of two factors. First, Bennett did not take control of the team until Nov. 1, 2006, when the NBA finally approved his $350 million summer purchase from Starbucks Corp. Chairman Howard Schultz. Then complications in determining the most viable arena site delayed the plan from reaching the Legislature until Feb. 13 -- five weeks after Bennett's target date.

Sonics spokesman Jim Kneeland said the team has committed to work with the Legislature until Nov. 1 on plans for an arena, but "this is a very serious blow to try to keep the team here."

The team is looking to replace KeyArena in Seattle, where the Sonics hold what NBA
commissioner David Stern called the league's worst lease. The purchase agreement that Bennett and his Oklahoma-based co-owners have stipulates that if Bennett doesn't have a new arena deal in place by Oct. 31, he is contractually free to move the teams. But the Sonics did not file a franchise relocation request with the NBA by the March 1 deadline, meaning they are obligated for at least one more season in Seattle.

Gregoire could call a special session to bring lawmakers back to Olympia after April 22. That appears to be the only way the Sonics could get legislative approval to send their arena plan to King County by Nov. 1. But Monday, lawmakers and a spokeswoman for Gregoire's office said there's been no discussion of a possible special session.

The next legislative session does not convene until January 2008.

"By its inaction, the Legislature has delivered the message that they are indifferent to the notion of the Sonics and the Storm leaving the market," Bennett said.

Lawmakers sounded more optimistic, promising to look at a large-scale arena plan they say could be an asset to the entire state -- not just the Sonics.

Last Friday, Prentice's committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, approved a $278 million package of local taxes to help build the new events center in Prentice's hometown of Renton, south of Seattle. Bennett has said the proposed facility would hold at least 18,500 fans and could accommodate national political conventions and other sports such as hockey.

But the plan has run into stiff opposition in the state House, where discussions among House Democrats have been lukewarm, and where the powerful speaker, Rep. Frank Chopp of Seattle, had all but pronounced the plan dead.

House Majority Leader Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, said a straw poll taken throughout Monday showed "there wasn't significant support for the proposal right now, but perhaps if the discussion turns to a statewide multipurpose event center that might change the dynamics.

"We don't know because that's not what we were presented with," she said.

Bennett has asked the Legislature for $300 million in public money for the facility, which could cost in excess of $500 million. The city of Renton has been asked to contribute money as well, but that amount hasn't been determined yet. Neither has the Sonics' contribution to the arena's cost.

Updated on Tuesday, Apr 17, 2007 12:57 am EDT

Oden, Durant and Afflalo Declare For NBA Draft

2007-04-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

College Basketball phenoms Greg Oden, Kevin Durant and Aaron Afflalo have all elected to take their games to the next level, the NBA. Ohio State's Greg Oden and Texas' Kevin Durant, both freshman, are regarded as the two best players in this year's draft. UCLA star Aaron Afflalo will forgo his senior season, instead hoping to make a major impact in the NBA.

The 2006 draft was very uneventful and has not produced the talent level which has been seen in previous drafts. I had the opportunity to attend last June's draft and meet countless players, but I feverishly am awaiting the upcoming draft which will produce a plethora of excellent basketball talent.

At 18, Kevin Durant exploded onto the college scene and had an impactful season. The AP Player of the Year averaged 25.8 ppg, 11.1 rpb and shot 47% from the field. He was also an impressive 40% from three-point range and 82% from the foul line. Additionally, Durant was named Big 12 Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year. Despite a short career at the University of Texas, the All-American forward will leave Austin as one of the best college players in recent memory.

Even though there has been extensive debate over who the number one pick in this year's draft will be, I think Durant answered that question very quickly. He proved on countless occasions that he is a game changing player who can take over a game in a split second. He's capable of 20 and 10 every night and at 6'7, he shoots very well from the field.

Conversely, Greg Oden is a dominant force on the defensive side of the ball. He does not need to have the ball in his hands to completely switch the momentum of the game and that attribute makes him very attractive to many teams. I compare him to Ben Wallace, except that he has offensive ability. As seen in the tournament, Oden has a propensity to get into foul trouble and that must be a note of caution as he begins to prepare for his NBA career.

Luckily for all three men, they will receive hefty contracts and endorsement deals beginning this summer. Afflalo is a major attraction on the West Coast and Durant has gained national recognition in a short period of time for his excellent play. After the draft, Oden, Durant and Afflalo will have financial security for the rest of their lives.

Bobcats' Morrison fined $25,000 for obscene gesture

2007-04-10T17:25:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to meet Morrison last June and I would have never suspected that the former Gonzaga star would overreact in the way he did. Sometimes the heat of the moment gets to young players.

April 10, 2007

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Charlotte Bobcats forward Adam Morrison was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Tuesday for making an obscene gesture to a fan during a game in Miami.

Morrison made the gesture while sitting on the bench late in overtime during Charlotte's 111-103 win over the Heat on Sunday. Morrison did not play in the game because of a sprained knee, the first game he missed this season.

Morrison said he was being heckled throughout the game.

"I've got to learn to take it, I guess, but I think the guy went over the edge a little bit, calling me 'white trash' over and over again," said Morrison, who also sat out Tuesday's game against Miami. "I reacted naturally and I made a mistake. I hurt the organization and the team. I'm sorry about it and it will never happen again."

Morrison, the No. 3 overall pick in last year's draft, is averaging 11.9 points and is shooting 38 percent from the field this season. Bobcats coach Bernie Bickerstaff said he's still learning how to react to hostile crowds.

"Adam has those sonar ears, like a bat," Bickerstaff said. "That's another thing a rookie has to learn. ... When you move to this level, you've got fans, they're as good at what they as the players on the court."

Updated on Tuesday, Apr 10, 2007 7:04 pm EDT

Source: C’s want Doc to stick around -- Extension in works

2007-04-09T19:38:00.000-07:00

Doc Rivers and the Celtics can only hope that they land the first or second pick in this June's draft and are able to select either Kevin Durant or Greg Odom.

By Steve Bulpett

Boston Herald Sports Reporter
Monday, April 9, 2007 - Updated: 04:57 AM EST

ATLANTA - Doc Rivers will have an opportunity to coach the Celtics [team stats] next year and beyond. According to league sources, the club is prepared to offer Rivers a contract extension following this season.

Rivers’ original four-year deal ends after next season, and he has stated he didn’t want to be in a lame duck position, though he did stop short of saying he would leave if the team didn’t extend his contract.

Now it appears that issue will be moot. While the salary figures and length of the new contract have yet to be discussed, both sides seem willing and eager to get something done.

Neither director of basketball operations Danny Ainge nor Rivers would confirm the news, but both made clear their satisfaction with the way things have gone this season under circumstances that include a far too young roster and a series of key injuries.

There were reports earlier in the year that some in the highest reaches of the organization were very open to a coaching change, but Rivers’ efforts in improving some of the young talent and keeping the team playing hard through a trying time have apparently altered that stance.

Ainge refused to get into Rivers’ contractual situation, but when asked in general about his coach, he said, “I think Doc likes what he sees in the future of this team and the players, and we like what Doc has done. Doc and I have a great relationship, a great deal of trust. He believes in the young players on this team and he doesn’t feel we’re that far off.”

Rivers avoided discussion of his situation.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Rivers said yesterday as the Celtics prepared for the last six games of their season, including tomorrow night’s tilt against the Atlanta Hawks, “but the ownership and Danny have been absolutely terrific with me. The city’s been terrific. It’s a great situation. When you put all those things together, things usually work out for the better for everybody.”

Though his coaching performance has become a target, Rivers remains confident in his ability.

“I have no doubt about it,” he said. “I’ve always believed in that. Every time I’ve had a decent team we’ve won. Just think about it. I’d never been under .500 in my career until these last two years. I’ve never been a big winner either, and one day I want to be that. I hope we can do that here, but I’m going to need some help. We have to improve still. We’re extremely young. Whoever we draft, that’s great, but we’ve still got to add some age to our team.”

At least, in part, because the Celtics have so many players still learning the pro game, Rivers spent a great deal of time being loud with his team the last two years. He acknowledged the concern that continuing this way could shorten his shelf life with the club, though he added the sideline style would change with a more experienced group. [continue]

I have to do a lot of coaching,” Rivers said. “Some of it is yelling, some of it is encouraging. You spend so much time doing that, you worry as a coach that when they finally do get it, are they going to hear you anymore? That shouldn’t stop you from doing it though, because you have to. It’s not what you want to do, and you know if the right group of guys gets it you won’t have to do it at all, but right now to get them going you have to do it. Either that or you get different guys.

“You can look at it a lot of ways, but it’s something you’re always concerned about because every coach who has to go through these rebuilding stages with young teams will tell you that a lot of the time when they get ready to really play, they don’t want to hear your voice anymore.”

Asked about this issue, Ainge pointed to the development of players whose ears have been ringing.

“A coach has to do what’s best for the team, and what Doc has done has made our players better,” he said. “But we all still have a lot of work to do.”

Heat G-F Posey arrested on drunken driving charges- Yahoo!Sports.com

2007-04-09T19:32:00.000-07:00

April 9, 2007

MIAMI (TICKER) -- Miami Heat swingman James Posey was arrested on drunken driving charges early Monday morning, according to a newspaper web site.

The Palm Beach Post reported that Posey, 30, was arrested in Miami Beach and taken to Miami-Dade County Jail, where he was held on $1,000 bond.

According to police reports, Posey's car was stopped in the middle of a two-lane road and and he was talking to pedestrians and occupants of other cars before being stopped by police.

"I apologize for any embarrassment or concern this has caused," Posey said. "I acknowledge that professional athletes are often held out as role models, and you may rest assured that I accept this tremendous responsibility willingly."

However, the veteran swingman denied being at fault.

"For now, please know that I was neither intoxicated nor was I driving at the time," Posey said. "However, out of respect to the police, and to the legal process which must follow, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further at this moment."

Posey missed four games earlier this season after being suspended for failing to meet the team's conditioning requirements. He is averaging 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 67 games.

This is not a new situation this season for the Heat, who forced reserve guard Robert Hite to spend time away from the team after being arrested for driving under the influence.

Although the charges eventually were dropped, Hite was released after the team signed veteran guard Eddie Jones.

Updated on Monday, Apr 9, 2007 9:31 pm EDT

Las Vegas pitch to NBA holds the line on gambling

2007-04-06T16:27:00.000-07:00

By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY, Associated Press Writer
April 5, 2007

LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Local officials made no offer to restrict betting on NBA teams in a pitch for a franchise sent to commissioner David Stern on Thursday.

The proposal, requested by Stern in February, emphasizes Nevada's gambling regulatory record and argues the system "should provide sufficient cause for the association to permit a franchise to exist comfortably in Las Vegas without concern of corruption or interference by unsavory individuals."

Stern has said he was opposed to expansion into Las Vegas as long as gambling on NBA teams was allowed. But during NBA All-Star week in Las Vegas, the commissioner invited a proposal from local officials that would address his concerns, a move many took as a sign that his opposition was softening.

The league also asked city officials to address the need for a new arena after pronouncing the Thomas & Mack Center below professional standards. Stern promised to bring the proposal to the association's Board of Governors meeting later this month.

Many believed local officials, led by Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman, would answer with a proposed ban on betting on a Las Vegas team -- a revival of a rule previously applied to the state's college teams at UNLV and Nevada. The rule was abolished in 2001 by regulators who viewed it as a hypocrisy that implied gambling was wrong.

Casino companies -- whose sports books accepted $635.4 million in college and professional basketball bets last year and who have been closely involved in drafting the NBA proposal -- also have publicly opposed the rule.

Goodman defended that position Thursday.

"I believe it would be hypocritical for us to even suggest it," Goodman said at a news conference. "We have to be true enough to ourselves."

But the mayor would not rule out that his position might change as negotiations continue, joking "I could be a hypocrite for the right reasons."

He suggested it was the gambling industry's opposition that led him to hold the line on sports betting, at least for now.

"It's not me, I am the mayor. I'm the guy trying to get this on for the benefit if the community," said Goodman, whose city boundaries do not encompass the Las Vegas Strip. "I'm dealing with people who have the major industry here and whose input I have to have. I wasn't about to go off half-cocked. No good could come of that."

Casinos banned betting on the All-Star game at the league's insistence.

The letter also was signed by Clark County Commission Chairman Rory Reid and Rossi Ralenkotter, the head of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Authority.

The plan suggested gambling on NBA teams in Las Vegas could be "monitored jointly" by the league and state agencies, and that legislation could be passed to assure the NBA "that no improprieties will occur."

"Anything that's needed in order to keep the sport honest," Goodman said.

The letter also said city officials were considering proposals for a world-class arena and offered to include NBA in planning.

NBA spokesman Mark Broussard confirmed Stern had received the letter and said it would be discussed by team owners April 20.

Goodman has said the push to bring a professional basketball team to Las Vegas is a top priority of this third and final term, which he won Tuesday with 84 percent of the vote.

His plans hit a public relations roadblock in February when the All-Star game led to a spike in arrests and complaints about rowdy behavior from fans. The week ended with a triple shooting at a Las Vegas strip club, where Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and two friends are being investigated for their roles in an earlier brawl.

Updated on Thursday, Apr 5, 2007 7:01 pm EDT

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2007-NBA.com

2007-04-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to all the inductees on a job well done.

Posted Apr 2 2007 2:01PM

SPRINGFIELD, MA – April 2, 2007 – Phil Jackson, who led the Lakers and Bulls to a record nine NBA titles, the 1966 NCAA Champions from Texas Western, University of North Carolina Coach Roy Williams, four time WNBA Championship coach Van Chancellor, referee Mendy Rudolph and international coaches Fedro Ferrandiz and Mirko Novosel were announced today as the newest members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2007. The announcement was made today in Atlanta, Georgia, site of the 2007 NCAA Men’s Final Four.

Jackson and Texas Western were elected in their first year of consideration for election into the Hall of Fame. Novosel, Rudolph and Williams were first-time Finalists this year who had previously been reviewed by Screening Committees. Chancellor and Ferrandiz had been named Finalists in prior years.

To be elected a Finalist needs 18 of 24 votes from the Honors Committee for election into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The Class of 2007 will be enshrined during festivities in Springfield, Mass. September 6-8, 2007. Tickets to the 2007 Enshrinement Gala and Induction Celebration are on-sale now and available by calling the Hall of Fame at (413) 781-6500. Additional Enshrinement Weekend information can also be found at http://www.hoophall.com/.

PHIL JACKSON – Coach, has been at the helm of not one, but two of the great dynasties in NBA history. A native of North Dakota, where he also starred in college before playing professionally for the Knicks and Nets, Jackson coached the Chicago Bulls to six NBA Championships (1991,1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998) and the Los Angeles Lakers to three straight titles (2000, 2001, 2002). His nine Championships tie him with the legendary Red Auerbach, and he was the fastest coach in NBA history to reach 900 wins. Under Jackson the Chicago Bulls posted the best regular season record in NBA history at 72-10, and was the NBA Coach of the Year in 1996. Jackson also claimed a CBA title and coach of the year honors with Albany in 1984, and was a player on the NBA Champion New York Knicks in 1973.

MARVIN “Mendy” RUDOLPH – Referee, officiated 2,112 NBA games in his career, a record at the time of his retirement. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Rudolph was considered one of the greatest officials of all time, and was selected to referee eight NBA All Star Games and at least one NBA Finals game for 22 consecutive seasons – including the 1961 Finals, when along with Earl Strom, he officiated all seven games, the only time in NBA history the same officials worked an entire Finals series. As the NBA Head of Officials, Rudolph wrote the NBA Official’s Manual and Case Book, and was widely respected by fellow officials, coaches, players and members of the media. Mr. Rudolph passed away in 1979 at the age of 53.

TEXAS WESTERN - Team, the 1966 NCAA National Champions, became the first team in NCAA history to win a title with five starting African-American players, beating an all-white Kentucky squad in the Championship game. Regarded by many as a key turning point in integration and increased equality in athletics, the highly publicized and inspirational Championship game also capped an amazing 28-1 season for Texas Western, led by Bobby Joe Hill and David Lattin. Coached by Hall of Famer Don Haskins, this true ‘team’ was comprised of African-American and white players, with seven different players leading the team in scoring. In 2006, forty years after the Miners captured the national title, their story was made into a major motion picture, “Glory Road”, the team visited the White House and was honored at halftime of the 2006 NCAA Men’s Championship Game.

ROY WILLIAMS – Coach, a native of Asheville, NC, is the third coach in history to lead two schools to an NCAA National Championship game, and has led both Kansas and North Carolina to a total of five Final Fours (1991, 1993, 2002, 2003, 2005), three national title games (1991, 2003, 2005), and won an NCAA Championship with North Carolina in 2005. Williams also played on the freshman team at North Carolina and was an assistant in Chapel Hill before accepting the head coaching job at Kansas in 1988. His teams have made 18 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, winning at least one tournament game in each. Williams is a six-time National Coach of the Year, and in his 18+ years of coaching he has become the fastest coach ever to reach the 500 win mark.

VAN CHANCELLOR - Coach (Finalist in 2005, 2006), a native of Louisville, Mississippi, led the Houston Comets to four straight WNBA Championships (1997-2000) and won 439 games as the Head Women’s Coach at Ole Miss (1978-1997). Chancellor coached the undefeated United States gold medal team at the 2004 Olympic Games, and has a spotless 38-0 record in international competition. In leading the Comets to a 211-111 record (1997-2006), Chancellor has been named WNBA coach of the year three times (1997, 1998, 1999). In addition, the 1998 Comets hold the record for the highest winning percentage in the history of NBA and WNBA basketball (27-3, .900 winning percentage). Chancellor was named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year three times (1987, 1990, 1992).

PEDRO FERRANDIZ - Coach (Finalist in 2001, 2003, 2006) a native of Alicante, Spain, is considered one of the greatest coaches in European history and has compiled an overall coaching record of 437-90 while leading Real Madrid to a record 12 Spanish League titles, 11 Spanish Cup titles, and four European Cup championships. He recorded three undefeated Spanish League seasons and was known for bringing the concept of the “fast break” to the European game. Along with Cesare Rubini, Ferrandiz founded the World Association of Basketball Coaches and served as the organization’s first president. He is the recipient of the Olympic Order from the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland, the only such basketball coach in history to earn the award (1977). He was honored by the Central Board of FIBA and conceded Order of Merit (2000). Ferrandiz has also been awarded the Blue Cross of Mention in Sport (2002).

MIRKO NOVOSEL – Coach, born June 30, 1938 in Zagreb, led the Yugoslavian team to the 1980 Olympic gold medal, 1976 silver medal and a bronze in 1984. Novosel also coached the Yugoslavian national team to a silver medal at the World Championships of Basketball in 1974. While coaching on the professional level in Europe, Novosel led Cibona to three national titles, a record seven Yugo-Cups, two Cup of Cup titles and captured the Cup of Champions in 1985. Novosel was named European Coach of the Year in 1985 and is one of only four coaches to win 3 or more Olympic medals.

Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the birthplace of basketball, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame promotes and preserves the game of basketball at every level worldwide – professional, collegiate, men and women. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.hoophall.com/ or call 1-877-4-HOOPLA.

CBA coach Richardson suspended for remarks- espn.com

2007-03-28T16:40:00.000-07:00

The comments by Michael Ray Richardson were inappropriate and disrespectful to the Jewish race. I am proud to be a Jew and I take offensive to the litany of comments he made about my religion.

While his comment that Jews are ''crafty'' might carry some validity, it was out of place for a person who is in the public spotlight to make those remarks. Richardson has been given several attempts to resurrect his life and be permitted to be around basketball, so for that he must know when it is time to keep his mouth shut.

ESPN.com news services

Former NBA All-Star Micheal Ray Richardson appeared to be getting his life back on track after his league suspension in 1986 for drug use. He was coaching in the Continental Basketball Association and had led his team, the Albany Patroons, to the playoffs. But as they say: What goes up, must come down.

The Patroons have suspended Richardson for the rest of the CBA championship series for comments made to the Albany Times Union on Tuesday.

Before Tuesdays game against the Yakima Sun Kings, Richardson made anti-Semitic comments to two reporters in his office when discussing the contract general manager Jim Coyne had offered him Monday to coach his team in the CBA and USBL

I've got big-time lawyers," Richardson said, according to the Times Union. "I've got big-time Jew lawyers."

When told by the reporters that the comment could be offensive to people because it plays to the stereotype that Jews are crafty and shrewd, he responded with, "Are you kidding me? They are. They've got the best security system in the world. Have you ever been to an airport in Tel Aviv? They're real crafty. Listen, they are hated all over the world, so they've got to be crafty."

And he continued, "They got a lot of power in this world, you know what I mean?" he said. "Which I think is great. I don't think there's nothing wrong with it. If you look in most professional sports, they're run by Jewish people. If you look at a lot of most successful corporations and stuff, more businesses, they're run by Jewish. It's not a knock, but they are some crafty people."

And the offensive remarks didn't stop there.

According to the Times Union, Richardson told a fan who heckled him early in Tuesday's game, "Shut the [expletive] up." And near game's end, he shouted at another heckler, "Shut the [expletive] up, you [derogatory term for gay men],"

Assistant Derrick Rowland will coach the Patroons for the reminder of the series. Richardson will not be allowed into the Washington Avenue Armory during practices or games.

"It's terrible and I don't think it's fair," Richardson told the Times Union regarding the suspension. "But I want to make an apology if I offended anyone because that's not me."

The Patroons released a statement apologizing for the coach's remarks.

The Albany Patroons' organization sincerely apologizes to any individuals or ethnic groups that these alleged statements may have offended," the statement read.

The release also stated that the team and league "shall conduct a full and complete investigation as to the validity of these allegations. If these allegations are true, appropriate action will take place immediately."

Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 1978 draft, is best known for an embattled NBA career that ended because of drugs. He was the subject of a 2000 film "What Happened to Micheal Ray?" documenting his troubled life.

In his second year, Richardson became only the second player in NBA to lead in both assists and steals. In 1986, the four-time NBA All-Star was banned for drug use in what David Stern called "the hardest thing I've ever had to do as commissioner."

Richardson played 14 seasons in Europe before making a comeback in American basketball as a coach.

Seattle Sonics Superstar Guard Ray Allen To Miss Remainder of Season

2007-03-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

By David
Kaye

Seven-time All-Star Ray Allen has decided to shut it down for the season after discovering bone spurs in his left ankle. In his 11th NBA season Allen has established himself as the leader of the Sonics and one of the best guards in the league.

Unfortunately, Seattle has not enjoyed success on the basketball court as they have posted a 27-42 record and with 13 games left in the season they are at the bottom of the Northwest division. Much of their struggles have occurred on the road as they have lost 25 out of their 33 games away from Key Arena.

General Manager Rick Sund said ''it makes sense for Ray to go forward and have the surgery.'' With the team now looking forward to June's draft it was a logical choice for the UCONN alum to shut it down and return next season 100% healthy.

It's disappointing that Ray had to end his season early because he was enjoying his best success on the court. Allen had averaged a career-high 26.4 ppg, 4.5 rpb and 4.1 apg in 55 games played. Not to mention the 11-year pro was shooting 90.3% from the charity stripe and 43.8% from the field. He also added in a 54 point game earlier this year against the division leading Jazz.

End of this streak can be a good thing for this team- latimes.com

2007-03-26T15:16:00.000-07:00

Kobe's miraculous four-game streak of 50 or more points ended last night with a victory over Golden State. L.A. is currently the sixth seed in the Western Conference and sit 6 games behind Houston for the fifth seed.

March 26, 2007

OK people, move along, nothing to see here. Kobe Bryant scored only 43 points Sunday night.

What's up with that?

"I had an off night," Bryant said.

And the Lakers are better off for it. His four-game streak of 50 or more points served its purpose, got the Lakers back to winning and got the Bryant discussion back to his ranking among the game's greatest scorers instead of its dirtiest players. (Bryant said a change in his follow-through precipitated the 225-point binge; apparently not whacking people in the head anymore helped).

But by Sunday, the points-fest became detrimental as the Lakers veered out of the normal realm of basketball and became just as Kobe-centric as the fans at Staples Center calling for him to shoot every time he touched the ball.

It led to strange things, like Luke Walton bypassing an open path to the hoop on the fastbreak, dribbling to his right and feeding a bounce pass to Bryant. Or Sasha Vujacic heeding Bryant's command to throw him the ball, even though there were three defenders around Bryant, any one of whom could — and did — knock the ball away.

The Lakers really had become a one-man team, and when Bryant cooled off after scoring 19 points in the first 13 minutes, so did the Lakers. They went from a 19-point lead in the second quarter to a 10-point deficit in the second half before the old Lakers reappeared.

Remember the team that looked like one of the four best squads in the Western Conference? It put in a cameo appearance in the fourth quarter. Familiar sights such as Walton creating shots for his teammates, Ronny Turiaf taking to the air or hitting the deck to grab the ball, Lamar Odom making timely plays and putting up All-Star type numbers (24 points and 19 rebounds).

Fun time is over.

"The streak's been so fun and he's been so on fire, it's like, 'Let's keep getting him the ball,' " Walton said.

But in the fourth quarter, "We had to come up with some stops on D and make plays, as opposed to throwing it to Kobe and seeing what he could do."

That's the mode they'll have to get back to down the final regular-season stretch and into the playoffs if they want to even duplicate what they did last year.

That said, let's pause for a moment to appreciate what we've just witnessed. If you're in Generation X or younger, you never got to see Wilt Chamberlain wreaking havoc on the league, so this is the closest approximation we've had. That's saying something.

How did the streak affect your life?

It had me online checking the live box score of the Lakers-Hornets game while covering the USC-North Carolina NCAA tournament game.

Sunday my cell phone battery was dying, but I was afraid to run to the Chick Hearn Press Room because I was afraid I might not get back before the timeout ended and Kobe would have another six points.

Bryant's run even put him back in the most valuable player discussion, which had been a two-man race between Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash. The problem is it's impossible to ignore the losing streaks of six and seven games that occurred on his watch this season.

An MVP should be a component of a great team. People who score such a large percentage of the squad's points usually aren't a member of a great team.

A bad sign for the Lakers: None of the other players with streaks of three or more games with at least 50 points (Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor and Michael Jordan) won championships in those seasons.

Another bad sign: This 50-point spree brought to mind his run of nine consecutive 40-point games in 2003. That was his best season to that point, the first (and only) time he played in all 82 games, averaging a then-career high 30 points. In the off-season he needed knee surgery.

Last year Bryant averaged 35 points, going for 40 or more 27 times. He launched 2,173 shots. And in the off-season? Knee surgery.

Continuing at this pace, playing at least 44 1/2 minutes every night, putting up 30-plus shots, would wear him out.

Before the game I asked Phil Jackson if and when he would tell Bryant to end the party.

"He's going to know whether he's hot or not at some point," Jackson said. "He's going to know when enough's enough. He's been around this game long enough and shot enough shots to know when it feels right."

Apparently that point arrived after Bryant shot three for 10 in the third quarter. With his meter on cool and the Warriors sending extra defenders his way every time he touched the ball, Bryant took only five shots in the fourth quarter. And the Lakers still outscored the Warriors, 30-25, to pull off a 115-113 victory.

There's still a five-game winning streak to discuss.

And besides, as Odom said, "43 ain't bad."

J.A. Adande can be reached at j.a.adande@latimes.com. To read previous columns by Adande, go to latimes.com/Adande

NBA fines Lakers, Jackson $50,000 each- AP

2007-03-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2007

NEW YORK (AP) -- The Los Angeles Lakers and Phil Jackson were fined $50,000 apiece by the NBA on Thursday after the coach said the league was conducting a "witch hunt" against Kobe Bryant.

Bryant recently received two one-game suspensions this season for striking players in the face after taking a shot. The league retroactively assessed Bryant with a flagrant foul for an elbow to Philadelphia's Kyle Korver last week, a play that didn't even draw a foul when it happened.

NBA executive vice president Stu Jackson said the fine was for Jackson's "public criticisms of the NBA."

Bryant, speaking in Denver before the fine was levied, said he appreciated Jackson standing up for him.

"He was defending his player," Bryant said at a shootaround for a game against the Nuggets.

Jackson clearly was upset with the NBA's actions.

"It shouldn't even have been a flagrant 1," Jackson said Tuesday. "That's crazy. That's a vendetta. They have a witch hunt going on. It's nuts. Guys riding somebody. Everybody does that in this league. It's just becoming a witch hunt now."

Bryant said the suspensions won't change his shooting style. He's second in the league in scoring behind Denver's Carmelo Anthony.

"You have to be careful about how you play the game," he said. "Go out there and play hard and do the best you can. Hopefully you don't get suspended or anything like that."

Asked if the league was overreacting, Bryant said: "I don't really want to get into it too much. You can't say anything about it without saying something inflammatory. I'd rather leave it alone and focus on the game."

Jackson was fined $25,000 in November for critical remarks. He said Wednesday he wasn't afraid of his comments leading to another fine.

Jackson didn't speak to the media after the shootaround in Denver.

Sports Writer Pat Graham in Denver contributed to this report.

Updated on Thursday, Mar 15, 2007 4:02 pm EDT

Milwaukee Bucks Dismiss Head Coach Terry Stotts

2007-03-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Terry Stotts was not successful during his tenure as Bucks head coach and on Wednesday he paid the ultimate price by being fired by general manager Larry Harris.

Stotts had lead Milwaukee to a 23-41 record, second worst in the Eastern Conference and dead last in the Central division. He was not aided by the fact that his best player Michael Redd was out for an extended period of time, as was Maurice Williams, Charlie Villanueva, Earl Boykins. Bobby Simmons and Dan Gadzuric. After being the eighth seed in last year's playoffs there were high expectations for the Bucks.

Assistant coach Larry Krystkowiak agreed to a multi-year deal and will become the next head coach for Milwaukee. The former Montana head coach will get his first taste as an NBA head coach tonight against the Spurs.

The best thing going for the Bucks right now is that they will receive an early pick in this June's NBA draft.

Rasheed Wallace Suspended Due to Technical Fouls- NBA.com

2007-03-10T15:24:00.000-08:00

Posted Mar 10 2007 5:32PM

NEW YORK, March 10, 2007 -- Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace has received an automatic one game suspension without pay after receiving his 16th technical of the 2006-07 season, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President Basketball Operations.

A player or coach receives an automatic one-game suspension after receiving his 16th technical foul. Every other technical foul beyond 16 (18, 20, 22, ect.) will also result in a one-game suspension without pay.

Wallace received his most recent technical foul with 4:56 remaining in the second period of last night’s 95-82 win over the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Wallace will serve his suspension tomorrow, Sunday, March 11, when the Pistons travel to Los Angeles to face the Clippers at the STAPLES Center.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant Suspended By NBA For One Game - ESPN

2007-03-08T03:30:00.000-08:00

Kobe serves one-game suspension against Bucks
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN.com

The NBA suspended Lakers guard Kobe Bryant for Wednesday night's game at Milwaukee for making contact with the face of Minnesota Timberwolves guard Marko Jaric on Tuesday night.

Bryant was called for a foul on the play. Bryant struck San Antonio guard Manu Ginobili in the face in similar fashion in the waning seconds of the Lakers' 96-94 overtime loss Jan. 28 against the Spurs.

Bryant was not called for a foul on that play, but was suspended for the Lakers' next game.

"I was very surprised to see a similar type of play occur," NBA vice president Stu Jackson said, adding that he'll likely issue a longer suspension if Bryant makes similar contact in the future.

Bryant was suspended in that incident for what Jackson called driving "a stiff arm backward."

The suspension cost the Lakers. Already short-handed due to injuries to Lamar Odom and Luke Walton, Los Angeles was routed by the Bucks on Wednesday night 110-90.

Jaric said he was surprised that Bryant was suspended.

But Jackson stands by his decision.

"I'm not in the business of reading players' minds, I'm simply evaluating the play as a basketball play," Jackson told The Associated Press. "And when you take a shot and follow through, followed by driving an arm back in an aggressive manner that strikes a defender in his face, that's what we evaluated to be a non-acceptable play."

Lakers coach Phil Jackson weighed in on the suspension and defended Bryant, who will forfeit about $161,000 in salary for the missed game.

"If they're going to make a call, even if they're wrong, they'll still be consistent," Jackson said before facing the Bucks.

He added, "I think I'm going to have to put about 50 clips of Kobe shooting his shot and his arms going out like that so the judger of this deed of Kobe's sees that he does this a lot," Jackson said. "It's not an unnatural basketball motion."

It is the fifth time that Bryant has been suspended by the NBA. In December 2005, Bryant caught Memphis' Mike Miller with an elbow in the throat and was suspended two games. In March 2002, Bryant had to sit two games for throwing a punch and fighting with Indiana's Reggie Miller at the conclusion of a Lakers-Pacers game. Then in April 2000, Bryant received a one-game suspension for retaliating by throwing a punch against the Knicks' Chris Childs.

Chris Sheridan covers the NBA for ESPN Insider. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Sheriff's report: Kings forward Artest slapped victim- AP

2007-03-06T16:43:00.000-08:00

Maybe David Stern and the NBA needs to institute a three strikes and your out rule for its players. NFL players brought this subject up several weeks ago and it would be a smart idea for all leagues to have this rule. Unfortunately, the Kings embattled forward Ron Artest would serve as the poster boy for the rule in the NBA.

By DON THOMPSON, Associated Press Writer

March 6, 2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest slapped a woman's face and grabbed her repeatedly, causing visible injuries, according to a sheriff's report made public Tuesday.

Artest was arrested Monday after a woman inside his home in a Sacramento suburb called 911 and said she had been assaulted. In a portion of the 911 tape released by authorities, the woman described injuries to her hand and leg.

"Victim sustained visible trauma after being repeatedly grabbed by Artest and pushed to the floor," said the Placer County Sheriff's Department report. "Artest then slapped victim's face (and) by use of force prevented victim from leaving."

The report also said Artest took a phone from the woman the first time she tried to call 911.

Artest was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence and using force or violence to prevent the woman from reporting a crime. He was released from custody after posting a $50,000 bond and is awaiting a March 22 arraignment.

In the 911 tape, released Tuesday by the sheriff's department, the woman calls a police dispatcher upset that Artest is leaving in a vehicle. After learning it's registered in both their names, the dispatcher says Artest has the legal right to take the vehicle.

The woman starts to hang up, then mentions "domestic violence."

"Ma'am, is there some fighting going on right now?" the dispatcher asks.

"Yeah, and he's upset," the woman replies.

"Did he hit you?" he asks.

"Oh, yeah, my hand is bleeding; I've got a scratch on my leg," she replies.

"Do you need medical, ma'am?"

''No. No. My finger's just bleeding. It's not stopping, but it's just bleeding. I'm not worried about my finger," the woman says.

The department released the initial 82 seconds of the call, which continued for about 15 minutes until deputies arrived at the home, said sheriff's department spokeswoman Dena Erwin.

Erwin said she could not elaborate on the nature of the woman's injuries. She also would not disclose the woman's relationship to Artest.

Authorities said a 3-year-old girl was inside the house at the time of the argument. She can be heard in the background of the 911 tape, talking to "daddy" and "mommy."

Placer County Deputy District Attorney Dan Quick said his office had yet to receive the report, but that prosecutors would review the 911 tape, photographs taken at the scene and other evidence.

"In cases like this, we don't do anything special as far as our treatment of them," Quick said.

"We want to see what evidence was gathered before we make a charging decision."

Artest's agent, Mark Stevens, said he planned to release a statement later Tuesday.

"We're trying to get the facts straight," he said.

Kings coach Eric Musselman told reporters Tuesday that he spoke to Artest by telephone Monday night but would not describe their conversation. The Kings indefinitely removed Artest, the central figure in the 2004 brawl between Indiana Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans, from the team while they seek more information about the arrest. Artest, who joined the Kings in January 2006, continues to receive his salary.

"We're just kind of wait and see," team spokesman Troy Hanson said. "I think there's a lot of things we still need to look at."

Sheriff's deputies were called to Artest's five-acre estate in a gated community 25 miles northeast of Sacramento about 9:30 a.m. Monday. They said they found the player sitting quietly outside, the windshield of his Hummer shattered by a pot thrown by the woman.

Monday's incident was Artest's latest run-in with local authorities. Last month, county animal-control officers seized his Great Dane, Socks, because it wasn't being fed.

Updated on Tuesday, Mar 6, 2007 7:13 pm EST

Rockets' Yao Ming Returns To The Lineup After Leg Injury

2007-03-06T14:33:00.000-08:00

By David
Kaye

Houston center Yao Ming played in his first game Monday night after missing 32 games. He had been out since December 23rd with a non-displaced fracture in his right tibia. The team was optimistic that he would be out only six weeks, but he ended up missing a little over eight weeks of action.

In his first game last night against LeBron and the Cavaliers' Yao had 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. In 27 minutes of play Ming looked rusty as he shot a disappointing 5 for 15 from the field. He was not helped out by the fact that teammate Tracy McGrady went a woeful 10 for 32 from the field.

It will take a few games for the All-Star center to return to form, but when he does Houston will be very competitive in the ardent Western Conference. The Rockets' are 36-24 on the season but have dropped 6 out of their last 10 games. They currently are the fifth seed in the West and would have a first round matchup with the Jazz if the playoffs started today.

Miami's Dwyane Wade Delays Surgery In Hope Of Returning For The Playoffs

2007-03-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

By David
Kaye

Miami's superstar guard Dwyane Wade decided that rehab was the right answer for him and not surgery. After dislocating his left shoulder the NBA Finals MVP had the strenuous choice of either shutting it down for the season with the anticipation of being fully healthy for next season, or risking further injury by attempting a comeback towards the end of this season.

I'm not shocked by D-Wade's decision, but I feel that it is the wrong choice to make for a player who is 25, is entering the prime of his career and is one of the best players in the league. Is it worth returning for the playoffs when your team has no chance of winning? Granted, Dwyane Wade at 75-80% is better than anything Miami presently has, but what happens if his shoulder pops out of its socket and he re-injures himself, then what? At that point, it will be obvious to everyone that he should have opted for the surgery.

The Heat are currently 30-29 and hold the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. The East is woeful, but at any point a team like New Jersey, Orlando, Indiana or even New York can over take Miami for their playoff spot. They are being lead by a 35-year old Shaquille O'Neal who can break down at any moment and their best shooter Jason Kapono just went down with a severely sprained ankle. The NBA's best three-point shooter will now be out indefinitely.

I congratulate Wade for being brave and attempting to return, but I just worry for his long- term health. He plays relentless and fearless basketball and that can result in him hurting his shoulder very easily. I understand that he's ''Flash'' but he will be forced to tone his game down once he returns. I also question if it's worth returning just to defend the NBA title when Wade will have numerous opportunities in his career to return. Shaq probably has another 2-3 years with the Heat and after he moves on Wade will still have the bonus of playing in the East.

Dwyane Wade proved during last year's playoffs that he's a clutch shooter, leader and premier NBA guard, but maybe ''Flash'' is trying to do too much. Remember, he's been in the league for a mere four seasons and the Heat's franchise player must look to his future, not the present situation.

Kings' Ron Artest Arrested Monday On Domestic Violence Charge

2007-03-06T11:27:00.000-08:00

Wow. He's sealed his fate now. What is going on in his head?

Kings forward Artest arrested after woman reports violence
By JULIET WILLIAMS, Associated Press Writer
March 5, 2007

AP - Mar 5, 7:49 pm EST
More Photos

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest was arrested Monday and excused indefinitely from the team after a woman said he shoved her to the floor inside his home and prevented her from calling 911.

Placer County sheriff's authorities said the woman reported she and Artest were arguing inside the home Monday morning when he pushed her. The argument moved outside when Artest tried to leave in his Hummer, sheriff's Sgt. Andrew Scott said during a news conference.

"It resulted in some pushing," Scott said of the argument. "Mr. Artest had shoved the victim to the floor several times, then he attempted to leave."

The woman threw a pot at the Hummer, shattering its windshield, Scott said. He would not disclose the woman's relationship with Artest but said a 3-year-old girl was inside the house during the incident.

Deputies arrived around 9:30 a.m. at Artest's five-acre estate in the Sacramento suburb of Loomis and arrested him on suspicion of domestic violence, sheriff's spokeswoman Dena Erwin said. He also was arrested on suspicion of using force or violence to prevent the woman from reporting a crime.

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"He was very cooperative," Scott said of Artest, found sitting calmly outside the home. "He gave no problems to any of the officers on scene."

Artest, the central figure of the infamous 2004 brawl between Indiana Pacers players and Detroit Pistons fans, was booked into the Placer County Jail and released later on $50,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled for March 22.

Sheriff's deputies have been called to Artest's home at least once before, but there were no arrests, Erwin said.

Geoff Petrie, the Kings' president of basketball operations, said the team was removing Artest from the team, pending a full investigation.

"The Kings have excused Ron Artest indefinitely from any further participation with the team due to his arrest today for domestic violence," Petrie said in a statement.

Team spokesman Troy Hanson told The Associated Press that Artest had not been suspended and still was being paid.

An emergency protective order obtained by sheriff's officials prevents Artest from returning to his home or contacting the woman until she can obtain a restraining order. Scott said this was normal procedure.

Sheriff's officials said the woman had injuries but would not describe them. She declined medical treatment.

Artest, who joined the Kings from the Indiana Pacers in January 2006, has had previous run-ins with police.

He was at the center of the Nov. 19, 2004 brawl between Pacers players and Pistons fans at The Palace in Detroit. Just when a confrontation between players seemed to be over, Artest, lying on the scorer's table, was hit with a cup filled with an icy beverage. He bolted into the stands in a rage, followed by fist-swinging teammate Stephen Jackson. Artest and teammate Jermaine O'Neal later slugged fans on the court.

Two days later, Artest was suspended for the rest of the season -- 73 games, plus the playoffs -- in a move that cost him almost $5 million.

Artest and Jackson were sentenced to one year of probation and 60 hours of community service after pleading no contest to misdemeanor assault charges. In January, Artest was released from that probation.

Artest has spent nearly 14 months with Sacramento since the Kings acquired him in a blockbuster trade for fan favorite Peja Stojakovic. His short tenure is following a familiar script for the volatile former St. John's star: Initial excitement and outstanding play, followed by disinterest, distractions -- and now, more legal trouble.

Last month, county animal control officers seized Artest's Great Dane, Socks, from his home in a gated community about 25 miles northeast of Sacramento. They said the animal wasn't being fed.

Last season, Artest guaranteed the then-struggling Kings would make the playoffs shortly after he arrived, and they surged to the No. 8 seed and an impressive performance in a first-round loss to San Antonio.

Artest's dogged defense and passion fit in well with Sacramento's devoted fans, who adopted him as a community favorite.

This season hasn't been as easy for Artest, who's averaging 18.7 points and 6.6 rebounds while the Kings struggle at 27-32. Sacramento, which hosts Artest's former Indiana teammates on Tuesday night, has battled poor team chemistry and inconsistent play under new coach Eric Musselman.

Though Artest had been a model teammate in his abbreviated first season, he sparked controversy two months ago by indirectly criticizing Mike Bibby's defense. Artest also missed a handful of games with a knee injury that came as news to the Kings -- and last month, he sat out of the Kings' visit to Indiana for undisclosed personal reasons.

The Kings were rumored to be exploring trades for Artest but didn't make a deal at last month's trade deadline.

Sacramento has won its last three games, with Artest playing well in road victories over Portland and the Los Angeles Lakers -- after shaving the word "Kings" into the back of his head.

AP Sports Writer Greg Beacham in Tucson, Ariz., contributed to this report.

TOD LEIWEKE TO ASSUME MANAGEMENT OVERSIGHT FOR THE PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS- BLAZERS.com

2007-03-01T17:01:00.001-08:00

It will be a long and ugly road ahead for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Steve Patterson to Resign

Immediate Search Begins For a Team General Manager and New President of Business Operations

PORTLAND, March 1, 2007 -- Vulcan Inc. announced today that Tod Leiweke will assume management oversight for Trail Blazers Inc., which operates the Portland Trail Blazers franchise in the National Basketball Association. It was also announced that Steve Patterson has resigned as President and General Manager of the Portland Trail Blazers, effective immediately. Mr. Leiweke announced that an immediate search would be conducted to name a team General Manager and find a new President of Business Operations, both will be Portland-based positions responsible for the day-to-day operations of the franchise. Mr. Leiweke will continue his role as Chief Executive Officer of the Seattle Seahawks.

"I am excited about this new opportunity and look forward to being a part of the Trail Blazers," said Mr. Leiweke. "Over the last couple of years, we’ve created some great memories for Seahawks fans. I look forward to creating the opportunity for Portland and all the Trail Blazer fans to have those same experiences."

"Under Steve’s direction many of the fundamental pieces have been put in place," said Paul Allen, owner of Vulcan, Inc. "I look forward to Tod’s leadership in building our Portland based management team and executing our transition and improvement plan so we can again assume our rightful position as one of the premier franchises in the NBA. Putting the Portland Trail Blazers and the Seattle Seahawks under a common management umbrella underscores my commitment to the future of both franchises. Tod has done great things for the Seahawks, and I fully expect similar results for the Trail Blazers."

"With my contract soon to expire and after discussions with Paul and Tod I concluded this was simply the right time to step away," said Mr. Patterson. "I take great pride in what we achieved during my time in Portland and am confident we have placed this organization on a path that will result in success for many years to come. We have faced and overcome significant challenges in the past four seasons and now is the right time for the team to push ahead with new management. I would like to wish Paul Allen and Tod Leiweke success going forward and thank all the Blazers fans for their support during these past seasons of transition."

Mr. Leiweke also will become the CEO of a newly formed management company, Vulcan Sports & Entertainment ("VSE"). VSE will assume oversight responsibilities for all of Paul Allen’s sports-related properties including the Trail Blazers, the Rose Garden Arena and Memorial Coliseum, upon the successful completion of Vulcan’s negotiations with Portland Arena Management and all properties currently run by the Seattle Seahawks.

Mr. Leiweke, 47, has spent over 24 years in professional sports. Under Mr. Leiweke’s supervision, the Seattle Seahawks have achieved success both on and off the football field. In 2005, the Seahawks were named the NFL Sports Fan's Quality Award as the league's "Fan Friendliest" team. Additionally, the Seattle Seahawks won the NFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl XL. In 2006, the Seahawks won their third straight NFC West title and increased their consecutive game sellout streak to 35. Prior to joining the Seahawks organization, Mr. Leiweke served as President of the Minnesota Wild and Chief Operating Officer of Minnesota Sports & Entertainment (MSE). Under Mr. Leiweke's tenure, the Sports Fans of America Association, Inc. awarded its NHL Sports Fan's Quality Award to the Wild as the league's "Fan Friendliest" team. Moreover, in an ESPN survey conducted in the same year, among 123 sports franchises, the Minnesota Wild ranked first in stadium experience and second in fan relationships. Leiweke has also held executive positions with the PGA TOUR, the NHL's Vancouver Canucks and the NBA's Golden State Warriors.

About Trail Blazers Inc.
Founded in Portland, Oregon in 1970, the Portland Trail Blazers won its only World Championship in 1977 under the leadership of basketball great Dr. Jack Ramsay. The team has a rich history of community involvement supporting issues focused primarily on children and education. With a corporate culture that promotes volunteerism, the Blazers Community Builders employee volunteer program was a key centerpiece in the Trail Blazers receiving the prestigious National Points of Light Award for Excellence in Corporate Community Service. The Trail Blazers were the first and continue to be the only professional sports team to achieve this honor.

About Vulcan Inc.
Vulcan Inc. creates and advances a variety of world-class endeavors and high-impact initiatives that change and improve the way people live, learn, do business and experience the world. Founded in 1986 by investor and philanthropist Paul G. Allen, and under the direction of president and CEO Jody Patton, Vulcan oversees various business and charitable projects including real estate holdings, investments in more than 40 companies, including Charter Communications, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Digeo Broadband, the Seattle Seahawks NFL and Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchises, First & Goal Inc., Vulcan Productions, the Seattle Cinerama theatre, Experience Music Project, the Science Fiction Museum & Hall of Fame, and the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation. For more information about Vulcan, please visit www.vulcan.com.

He always rose to the occasion- BostonGlobe.com

2007-02-23T05:09:00.000-08:00

By Jackie MacMullan, Globe Columnist February 23, 2007

He was the guy who would miss 11 straight shots, then come down the court with everything on the line and drill the game-winner without blinking.

That's how I will remember Dennis Johnson, the freckle-faced bulldog who joined the Celtics in 1983 and was a pivotal member of the 1984 and '86 championship teams. DJ's role was often diminished amid the long shadows of Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, yet he was the one Bird singled out as "the best teammate I've ever played with."

Johnson collapsed and died yesterday in Austin, Texas, where he was the coach of the Austin Toros of the NBA Development League. He was 52 years old, too young to have his life cut so terribly short.

"What a sad, sad day," said McHale. "I tell you, this one really hits you. I was just talking to a friend who had just talked with DJ, and he was telling me how excited DJ was about his team. I guess his guys had started out losing eight in a row, or something like that, but lately they had been winning, and no one was happier about that than him.

"I can't believe this has happened. First Reggie [Lewis] and now him. We're too young to be losing teammates like this."

A Quiet Trade Deadline

2007-02-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

By David
Kaye

When the clock struck 3 P.M. Jason Kidd and Vince Carter remained New Jersey Nets', Mike Bibby was still a King and Pau Gasol was not a member of the Bulls.

Only three trades were completed on Thursday and those deals ended up being extremely minor. Veteran guard Anthony Johnson was dealt to the
Hawks for a draft pick, former Maryland star Juan Dixon went north of the border to Toronto for Fred Jones and big man Alan Henderson went
to the Jazz.

Today's trade deadline passed without any major deals getting done. Usually at the least, one or two big names would have been dealt, but that was not the case this year. I wonder what we owe the apprehensiveness of NBA general managers to trade players and draft picks to?

As it turns out, the biggest trade of the season did not occur today, but rather December 19th when Allen Iverson became a member of the Denver Nuggets.

Wade hurts left shoulder. Heat says injury is a dislocation- PalmBeachPost.com

2007-02-22T00:52:00.000-08:00

Without D-Wade, the Heat have no chance of winning. Hopefully flash is back for the playoffs, but if he's out for an extended period of time Miami will have a difficult time of reaching the postseason.

By Chris Perkins
Palm Beach Post Staff Wrtier

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Guard Dwyane Wade left the court in a wheelchair in the fourth quarter of Miami's 112-102 loss Wednesday after sustaining what is initially being called a dislocated left shoulder.

"It looks like Dwyane might be out for a while," said coach Pat Riley, who returned to the bench after missing 26 games to have knee surgery and hip-replacement surgery.

Wade, the Heat's do-it-all, on-court leader, got hurt reaching in to defend Houston forward Shane Battier while Battier was making a spin move in the lane with a little more than 10 minutes left.

Wade was taken to a Houston area hospital for X-rays. A team spokesman said the wheelchair was only a procedural/precautionary measure.

Riley said the Heat is trying to arrange to get Wade, the league's fourth-leading scorer at 28.8 points per game, back to Miami "as quickly as possible." The Heat usually has players undergo MRIs in Miami.

"We're disappointed about the loss, but we're just worried about Dwyane," Riley said.

"Really concerned about him."

This is the same shoulder Wade bruised against Portland on Feb. 13, Miami's last game before the All-Star break.

In that game, Wade was attempting a layup and landed awkwardly on the body of Trail Blazers center Joel Pryzbilla, but Wade returned to the court relatively quickly.

There was no such luck Wednesday.

Heat center Alonzo Mourning had one thought when he saw Wade grab his shoulder.

"Not again," Mourning said.

"I don't know what it is. Injuries are part of the game, but it seems as though this year we've been behind the eight ball when it comes to injuries."

Miami is 1-6 without Wade this season.

Wade's immediate absence would, of course, severely hinder Miami's chances of defeating Dallas, its NBA Finals opponent, in tonight's game at AmericanAirlines Center.

Beyond that, however, an extended absence could mean Miami, which is hanging on to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, has little hope of drastically improving its playoff positioning.

"I do know this," Mourning said, "we still have enough in here to get it done."

In a season in which it appears the Heat won't stay healthy for any length of time Wade's injury, depending on its severity, would be the most crushing blow of all.

In a way, it figured Wade (27 points, nine assists), or some other Heat player, would get injured against the Rockets.

Wednesday marked the first time this season the defending NBA champion Heat got its full complement of players and coaches on the court together.

This was Riley's first game on the bench since Dec. 30.

Miami was 13-17 under Riley and then went 13-9 under interim head coach Ron Rothstein, who is now back to being Riley's top assistant.

Riley's presence, as well as that of guard Jason Williams, who was listed as questionable because of his torn abdominal muscle, made Miami whole for the first time this season.

That comes very late considering Wednesday was its 53rd game.

Last season, the Heat got what turned out to be its eight-man rotation on the floor in the 27th game.

Still, it was largely encouraging to get everybody back considering the Heat returned 13 of the 15 players from last season's title squad.

Heat center Shaquille O'Neal posted his second double-double of the year with 20 points to go along with a season-best 16 rebounds in a game in which the Heat never led.

Riley said O'Neal, who has missed 39 games because of to injury, will likely become the focal point of the offense now.

"Over the next couple of days, we'll find out the extent of his injury and then we'll go to the drawing board on what we have to do," Riley said.