Jul

1

Could Tru-Warrior Be Headed To Cleveland?

Posted by Matt Loede under Main
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While the Cavs have free agent options, it’s been somewhat quiet so far on the free agency market for the team. That very well may be changing. Brian Windhorst of the Plain Dealer broke the story earlier tonight that one of the Cavaliers first calls in free agency was to none other than NBA bad boy Ron Artest.

Windhorst say that the Cavs have been been in contact with the free agent forward from the Houston Rockets, and the hookup even included a face-to-face talk from MVP LeBron James on Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

Artest’s deal last season paid him $7.4 million. The Cavs are not the only team that is talking to Artest, as reports say that a couple contenders want him, including the Celtics. Speaking of Cavs and free agents, the report even states that the Rockets have some interest in Cavs free agent forward Anderson Varejao.

Artest has a history with coach Mike Brown, as when he played for the Pacers from 2003-2005, Brown was the associate head coach of the Pacers. It’s been five years since Artest went into the crowd in Detroit to attack fans during a brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills. He’s not the typical type of player the Cavs go after, but he’s got the ability to be an impact player that can fill a void for the Cavs right now.

He averaged 15.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Rockets in 2008-09.


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Jul

1

Black Mamba To Stay In L.A.

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Free Agents, NBA News
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Last month Kobe Bryant got his first NBA Championship Title without former teammate Shaquille O’Neal. According to ESPN.com the man with the coolest nick-name in sports “Black Mamba” will be staying with the Los Angeles Lakers through next season as they are reporting he will not exercise an option that would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent.

Bryant and the Lakers defeated the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals last month for his fourth NBA Title. According to the reports Bryant will earn a cool $23 million for the upcoming campaign. Kobe also has an option to get out of his contract the following season as well however sources are stating that the two sides will try to reach a long term deal this Summer.

© Copyright 2009 thesackattack.net

Jun

30

Hope Returns To Motown As Pistons Fire Michael Curry

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Firings
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The “Associated Press” reported Tuesday that the Detroit Pistons have terminated head coach Michael Curry after one season at the helm.  Curry who was brought in last Summer to lead the Pistons in a new direction did exactly that. Unfortunately down was not the direction that Team President Joe Dumars had in mind when he brought in the rookie head coach to replace Flip Saunders.

The Pistons saw their status as an elite team in the Eastern Conference go by the wayside as Detroit barely made the Playoffs grabbing the eighth and final spot with a below .500 record. They were swept in the first round of the Playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Free agency starts on July 1, and there were reports that Dumars made the move before his team went into the courting process to try to acquire players. Detroit is far below the salary cap as they have the now vacant slot available to them from former Pistons guard Allen Iverson expired contract. So far two names have surfaced as possible replacements for Curry and both men are currently broadcasters. Reports are that Doug Collins and former Mavericks  coach Avery Johnson will be considered for the vacancy.

© Copyright 2009 thesackattack.net

Jun

30

ESPN Reports: Piston Fire Curry

Posted by Jeff Sack under ESPN Reports, NBA Firings
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Jun

27

Will Rubio Play In The NBA This Season?

Posted by Jeff Sack under 2009 NBA Draft, ESPN Reports
1 Comment 

Jun

26

An In Depth Look At The NBA Draft; The Good, The Bad And What Were They Thinking?

Posted by Jeff Sack under 2009 NBA Draft, Slam Dunk NBA Draft Central
5 Comments 

Hope you enjoyed Steve Rhodes “Real-Time” NBA Draft coverage. Now that the selections have been made lets take a look at exactly what your team did Thursday night!

#1 - Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin-PF: Oklahoma

Analysis: For the first time in what seems like forever there was no doubt about who was being taken with the number one pick. From the time the Clippers won the lottery it was known that Griffin would be the choice. Grade:  A

#2 - Memphis Grizzlies: Hasheem Thabeet-C:  Connecticut

Analysis: Gives the Grizz the size they so desperately need in the pivot. Thabeet will be a good solid NBA center not dominant but he will hold his own. Grade: B+

#3 - Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden-SG: Arizona State

Analysis: In the last three NBA Drafts the Thunder have gotten themselves a pretty good quartet of starters. In 2007 they got Kevin Durant and Jeff Green and last season they got their point in Russell Westbrook. They now have a shooting guard who should break camp as a starter. Grade: A

#4 - Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans-PG/SG:  Memphis

Analysis: Good size at 6′5″ and can play both the one and the two in the back-court. The best thing about this young man is his demeanor he plays clean plays fair but he plays to win. The Kings have more holes on their team than a slice of Swiss Cheese  so the position did not matter as much as the player. Grade: A

#5 - Minnesota Timberwolves: Ricky Rubio-PG: Spain

Analysis: The Kid who looks like he should be on the cover of Tiger-Beat Magazineis going to become a huge star in the NBA. Rubio showed the planet what he could do as part of Team Spain in the 2008 Olympics and now he is getting ready to try to show the Association. Grade: A

#6 - Minnesota Timberwolves: Jonny Flynn-PG: Syracuse

Analysis: Unless this is part of a deal that has already been arranged this pick makes no sense. No knock on Flynn who should prove to be a better than average NBA point guard. But why would the T-Wolves pick Flynn right after Rubio? First surprise of the night. Grade: C 

#7 - Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry-SG: Davidson

Analysis: Excellent selection by the Warriors as this young man is a perfect player for a Don Nelson system. Curry opened a lot of eyes in the NCAA Tournament apparently those eyes included Larry Riley’s and Don Nelson’s! Grade: A

#8 - New York Knickerbockers: Jordan Hill-PF: Arizona

Analysis: Knickerbockers fans had a right to boo last year when their team picked the rooster Danilo Gallinari. This time they were way way off base. Hill is going to show he is for real in the Association. A strong pick by the Knickerbockers! Grade: A

#9 - Toronto Raptors: DeMar DeRozan-SG:  USC

Analysis: The kid can light it up which is what the Raptors need desperately at the two spot. Whether in the starting line-up or as a sixth man this young man will be a keeper! Grade: A

#10 - Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Jennings-PG: Italian League

Analysis: My only concern is his size at 6′1″ there is no doubt this young man can play. Add three inches to his height he is a superstar. His size or lack thereof gives this observer pause. Grade: B

#11 - New Jersey Nets: Terrence Williams-SF: Louisville

Analysis: Nice upside on this young man he is a gutty take no prisoners type of player. The kind of player who will look a whole lot better after his second season than he will after his first. Grade: B+

#12 - Charlotte Bobcats: Gerald Henderson-SG: Duke

Analysis: Real Larry Brown type of player.  Henderson is gutty and not afraid to mix it up. He will thrive under Larry Brown’s tutelage. Grade: A

#13 - Indiana Pacers: Tyler Hansbrough-PF: North Carolina

Analysis: This young man is going to be a huge hit in the Hoosier State. The day to day things that may be looked past in other NBA markets will be appreciated in Indiana. Grade: A

#14 - Phoenix Suns: Earl Clark-SF: Louisville

Analysis: I like Earl Clark a lot he is a great athlete and should be a very good player in the NBA. But what could possess Suns G.M. Steve Kerr to go in this direction when you have a dearth of big men on your squad? Grade: C-

#15 - Detroit Pistons: Austin Daye-F: Gonzaga

Analysis: Players can lose it overnight we have seen too many cases over the years to question it. However Joe Dumars may be the first NBA Director of Basketball Operations to go from genius to chump in such a short time! Daye is minimum two years away from making any kind of meaningful contribution. Your team barely made the Playoffs this past season Joe. You do not have the luxury of time on your hands! Grade: C-

#16 - Chicago Bulls: James Johnson-SF: Wake Forest

Analysis: Strange pick thought that the Bulls were going to go with a big to strengthen their inside game. Johnson is not a starter at least not at this point of his career. Grade: C

#17 - Philadelphia 76ers: Jrue Holiday-PG: UCLA

Analysis: Holiday was expected to go much higher and Philadelphia got themselves a steal! Does this mean the end of the road between the Sixers and Andre Miller? Grade: A

#18 - Minnesota Timberwolves: Ty Lawson-PG: North Carolina

Analysis: Attention Minnesota Team Owner Glen Taylor. Get on the phone get on your knees do what ever you have to do to get Kevin McHale back in your front office. Hansborough for a conditional first round pick in 2010? Just a waste of a pick! Grade: D

#19 - Atlanta Hawks: Jeff Teague-PG: Wake Forest

Analysis: Solid pick Teague can play either spot in the back-court . Gives the Hawks options on whether to retain Mike Bibby or not. Grade: A-

#20 - Utah Jazz: Eric Maynor-PG: Virginia Commonwealth

Analysis:  Truly surprised at this pick. Maynor can be a credible back-up to D-Williams but I thought they would go bigger. Grade: B-

#21 - New Orleans Hornets: Darren Collison, PG, UCLA

Analysis: A gutty young man that plays very strong defense. He will be a strong back-up to CP-3.  Grade: B

#22 - Portland Trail Blazers: Nick Claver-SF: Spain.

Analysis: Claver is expected to play in Europe for the next two seasons. If this was OKC that could be a prudent move. Portland however is on the precipice of being an elite team. There were players on the board who could have helped a lot sooner. Grade: C

#23 - Sacramento Kings: Omri Casspi-Israel: PF

Analysis: Showed his toughness witth Maccabi, Tel Aviv. The native of Israel will bring the Kings back a measure of toughness they lost when they traded Tru-Warrior to the Houston Rockets last Summer. Casspi despite being just 6′9″ may match up well against a lot of power forwards in the Western conference.

#24 - Dallas Mavericks: B.J. Mullens-C: Ohio State

Analysis: The Mavericks search for that elusive center continues. Mullens has shown flashes but it is going to be a while before he is ready for big minutes. Grade: B-

#25 - Oklahoma City Thunder: Rodrigue Beaubois-PG: Guadaloupe

Analysis: Did not have a long career with the Thunder as he was traded to Dallas for B.J. Mullens. Beaubois most likely will not come to the NBA for at least another two years. Grade: C- 

#26 - Chicago Bulls: Taj Gibson-PF: USC

Analysis: Very tough young man a kind of guy who does not seem to possess fear. A nice pick-up for the Bulls. Grade: B

#27 - Memphis Grizzlies: DeMarre Carroll-SF: Missouri

Analysis:  Another young man who just will not back down and plays tough heady basketball. He will be another good element for a Grizzlies team that is starting to gel. Grade: B

#28 - Minnesota Timberwolves: Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina

Analysis: The Duke was a key factor in UNC winning the National Title this year. If the T-Wolves had just 2 picks and had walked away with Rubio and the Duke they would have had a fantastic draft. Problem though was they had four picks and wasted two. Grade: B+

#29 - Los Angeles Lakers: Toney Douglas-PG: Florida State

Analysis: Lakers had traded the pick to New York and Douglas belongs to them. A back-up at best. Grade: C

#30 - Cleveland Cavaliers: Christian Eyenga-G/F: Congo

Analysis:  Will most likely play in Europe for the next couple of seasons. See Portland above for further explanation. Grade: C-

© Copyright 2009 thesackattack.net

Jun

25

Slam Dunk Central’s Live Coverage Of The 2009 NBA Draft

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under 2009 NBA Draft, Slam Dunk NBA Draft Central
1 Comment 


Welcome to Slam Dunk Central’s live coverage of the 2009 NBA draft!!  For those of you who are unable to watch the draft, this is the place you want to be.  In the coverage, the team, the player selected where they went to school and occasional commentary on the picks. 

So sit back, relax, grab some popcorn and your beverage of choice and enjoy Slam Dunk Central’s live, real-time coverage of the 2009 NBA draft!!  Remember - to get the most up-to-date draft information, refresh the page.

Round 1

#1 - Los Angeles Clippers select: Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma

Notes:  Not surprising here.  The question here is whether Zach Randolph or Chris Kaman departs because of Griffin’s selection?

#2 - Memphis Grizzlies select: Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut

Notes:  Looks like Mike Conley’s job is safe.  This pick moves Gasol to power forward.  Good pick. 

#3 - Oklahoma City Thunder select: James Harden, SG, Arizona State

Notes:  Wow!  However, to be fair, the Thunder needed a shooting guard.  So the pick actually makes sense here.  Whether he starts or not is up for discussion, but a solid pick nonetheless.  The Kings, I predict, will select Ricky Rubio.

#4 - Sacramento Kings select: Tyreke Evans, PG/SG, Memphis

Notes:  Another point guard (hybrid maybe?) taken.  Rubio has the experience and the higher basketball IQ, but Evans is a truly skilled player of his size.  Beno Udrih better watch his back.  Can back up Kevin Martin, on occasion.  Good pick. 

#5 - Minnesota Timberwolves select: Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain

Notes: Not surprising as he is probably going to be part of the T-Wolves’ starting backcourt.  Don’t be surprised if they take a SG with their #6 pick.

#6 - Minnesota Timberwolves select: Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse

Notes: Hmmmm.  Interesting pick.  Why didn’t they take a shooting guard?  Foye’s gone, so this should make things interesting as far as who the starting PG will be in Minnesota.

#7 - Golden State Warriors select: Stephen Curry, SG, Davidson

Notes:  Good pick actually, in light of the Crawford trade.  They should’ve addressed their point guard needs, though.  Perhaps they’re saving that for later.

#8 - New York Knicks select: Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona

Notes:  Knicks fans are not happy.  But then again, are they ever?  Nonetheless, he definitely has upside.  Athletic, to boot.  Could back up David Lee.  Toronto, I predict, will select a player who is not a point guard.

#9 - Toronto Raptors select: DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC

Notes: Makes sense here.  Could make an impact with the right coaching.  Some shooting consistency will benefit him in the short- and long-term.

#10 - Milwaukee Bucks select: Brandon Jennings, PG, Italian League

Notes: Physical and quick.  The Bucks will probably nurture him as they’re not real strong at the position of point guard.

#11 - New Jersey Nets select: Terrence Williams, SF, Louisville

Notes:  Will more likely not start, despite the Nets’ loss of Vince Carter.  Will be a good defender; will need to improve his shot a bit.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a SG in the NBA.

#12 - Charlotte Bobcats select: Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke

Notes: No real frontcourt players of quality this early, so they took the NC product.  He is athletic with a wingspan of 6′10″, which serves him well as he’s a decent defender.  Kinda small for a SG but will adapt. 

#13 - Indiana Pacers select: Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina

Notes: Interesting pick.  I think that Mike Dunleavy’s days as a Pacer are numbered.  I thought they would’ve taken a PG here (Lawson especially).

#14 - Phoenix Suns select: Earl Clark, SF, Louisville

Notes: Not sure is this is a good pick or not.  With Shaq gone and the possibility of Amare Stoudemire leaving, I’d have thought they would’ve taken a PF here.  But then again, Steve Kerr works for the Suns.

#15 - Detroit Pistons select: Austin Daye, SF/PF, Gonzaga

Notes: My guess is that he’s going to back up Tayshaun Prince.  Kind of disappointed as they need some size.  Good wingspan; a project, so to speak.

#16 - Chicago Bulls select: James Johnson, SF, Wake Forest

Notes:  This pick makes me wonder if John Salmons is gonna stick with Chicago.  This also tells me that Brad Miller will be re-signed.  He’s a big’un.  Will have to play physical by necessity.

#17 - Philadelphia 76ers select: Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA

Notes: Great pick, especially in light of the uncertainty of Andre Miller’s future with the team.  Very athletic and a good defender.  In 2 years, he should be very good.

#18 - Minnesota Timberwolves select: Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina

Notes: 3 point guards?  I am guessing that one of these 3 picks will be dealt.  Not a bad player, but his selection is overkill.  Questionable pick.  This just in - Ty Lawson will be sent to Denver for a draft pick TBD.  Stay tuned.  Lawson will be dealt to Denver for a protected 1st round pick in 2010.

#19 - Atlanta Hawks select: Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest

Notes:  Good pick.  This pick hastens Mike Bibby’s departure from the Hawks.  Very good shooter with above-average skills.  Defense will need work.

#20 - Utah Jazz select: Eric Maynor, PG, Virginia Commonwealth

Notes: WIll be a very good back up to Deron Williams; is a leader and has a high basketball IQ.  Solid pick.

#21 - New Orleans Hornets select: Darren Collison, PG, UCLA

Notes: Excellent defender with good skills.  Will back up Chris Paul.  And learn from him, as well.  Nice pick here.

#22 - Portland Trail Blazers select: Nick Claver, SF, Spain.

Notes: A future pick here.  Not expected to contribute until 2011 or so.

#23 - Sacramento Kings select: Omri Casspi, Israel, PF

Notes: Probably will need to bulk up a bit.  Will probably play like a small forward with his skill set.  Sacramento did well with this pick.  If the Kings didn’t take him, then Dallas would have.  Speaking of which, they’re now on the clock.

#24 - Dallas Mavericks select: B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State

Notes:  Good pick.  Will definitely be an upgrade in time.  Dampier gets a reprieve.  His post game will need work for him to thrive in the league.

#25 - Oklahoma City Thunder select: Rodrigue Beaubois, PG, Guadaloupe

Notes:  Very athletic in the mold of Deron Williams, in my opinion.  I look for him to be a future pick.  Check back again in 2011.  This just in: Oklahoma City will likely trade Beaubois to Dallas for the rights to B.J. Mullens.

#26 - Chicago Bulls select: Taj Gibson, PF, USC

Notes:  Interesting pick.  Will Luol Deng stay at the PF or revert to the SF (hybrid)?  Good intangibles but a bit undersized for a PF.  Needs to bulk up.

#27 - Memphis Grizzlies select: DeMarre Carroll, SF, Missouri

Notes: Will probably back up Darrell Arthur.  Probably picked a bit high, in my opinion.  Good work ethic and decent shooting skills.  OK pick, I suppose.

#28 - Minnesota Timberwolves select: Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina

Notes:  Underrated player; may blossom and actually have a decent career in the NBA.  Will eventually take Foye’s spot in the lineup.

#29 - Los Angeles Lakers select: Toney Douglas, PG, Florida State

Notes:  Actually, Los Angeles is making this pick for the New York Knicks.  Douglas is a well-rounded guard who will probably translate into a hybrid guard.

#30 - Cleveland Cavaliers select: Christian Eyenga, G/F, Congo

Notes: Very athletic; has some Euroball experience.  Future pick for Cleveland.  Could be a steal.

Well, that’s it for the first round.  To view the second round picks, stay tuned to Slam Dunk Central as the selections will become available a bit later.

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