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.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Phil Jackson and Roy Williams lead Hall of Fame induction class
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."
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."
Monday, September 03, 2007
Police: Body is Jameer Nelson's father
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.
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.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Butch van Breda Kolff, 84, Fiery Coach, Dies
By FRANK LITSKYPublished: 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.”
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Former NBA referee Tim Donaghy surrenders in NYC
By PAT MILTON, Associated Press WriterAugust 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
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Is Tim Donaghy The Only Corupt NBA Refree?
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.”
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Sacramento Kings Sign Center Miki Moore
By DavidKaye
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
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
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
By DavidKaye
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.
Friday, July 13, 2007
New Jersey Nets Re-Sign Superstar Vince Carter
By DavidKaye
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.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Salary cap set at $55.63 million, moratorium period ends Wednesday
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.
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
By DavidKaye
''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.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Milicic agent blasts Magic GM Smith
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
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
By DavidKaye
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
By DavidKaye
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
By DavidKaye
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.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Sacramento Kings Name Reggie Theus Head Coach
By DavidKaye
Former New Mexico State head coach Reggie Theus will be announced as the new Sacramento Kings head coach at an afternoon press conference today.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
The Third Overall Pick In The NBA Draft Is...
By DavidKaye
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
By DavidKaye
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.
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