Jul

30

Bulls Get Deng Deal Done

Filed Under NBA Free Agents | Leave a Comment

The “Chicago Tribune” reported Wednesday that the Chicago Bulls have come to terms with restricted free agent Luol Deng on a contract that will keep him in Bulls uniform for the next six years. The deal according to the report is worth $71 million, and with incentives could be worth up to $80 million. Chicago General Manager John Paxson issued confirmation of the deal. Deng is the third restricted free agent that the Bulls have signed since July 1. They earlier this month signed Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni to deals. The only player they have yet to re-sign from last year’s roster is Ben Gordon.?Reports out of Chicago are that there may not be the salary cap room to bring back Gordon.

? Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net?

Jul

30

ESPN: The Rookie: Episode 7

Filed Under ESPN Reports, NBA Rookies | Leave a Comment

Jul

30

Nenad Says “Nyet” To NBA Signs For Two Seasons In Moscow

Filed Under Euro-League, NBA Free Agents | Leave a Comment

The “Chicago Tribune” reported Tuesday that former New Jersey Nets center Nenad Krstic will be the sixth NBA player this Summer to leave the Association for the Euro-Leagues. Krstic whom the Chicago Bulls were trying to acquire via a sign and trade with New Jersey will play for Russian team Triumph Moscow. He will be paid 3 million euros per season. With the euro being worth more than the U.S. dollar, and taxes paid by the team it works out reportedly to $9 million. The seven foot center played for four seasons in the Association, and was a restricted free agent. Since July 1, Josh Childress, Bostjan Nachbar, Juan Carlos Navarro, Jorge Garbajosa, Carlos Delfino, Primoz Brezec, and now Krstic have left the NBA for more money in the Euro-Leagues.

? Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Jul

30

Okafor Get Six Year Deal From Bobcats

Filed Under NBA Free Agents | 1 Comment

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The “Associated Press” reported Tuesday that the Charlotte Bobcats have a verbal agreement with restricted free agent Emeka Okafor. The reports say that the power forward will sign a six year deal said to be worth $72 million. New Charlotte head coach Larry Brown had said earlier this Summer his biggest priority was getting Okafor, who just completed his fourth year in the?Association,back in the fold. Looks like coach got his wish. Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins told reporters?”It was very important for us to get a deal done. He creates a sense of security around the basket for us. He’s a guy that I think his skills are still developing in a lot of ways. Having Larry as our head coach now, Emeka will benefit having a great coach to teach him.” Okafor has averaged a double-double each of his four seasons in the Association.

? Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Jul

30

ESPN: Ron Artest Reportedly Set To Be Traded To Rockets

Filed Under ESPN Reports, NBA Trades | Leave a Comment

Jul

30

A Thank You To The Portland Tribune & Mr. Dwight Jaynes

Filed Under SDC Appreciation | Leave a Comment

Back in April Pritchard said he was ?optimistic? that the physicians would rule that Miles is physically unable to play, and his NBA career would be over. (Pritchard ?Optimistic? Miles Can No Longer Play.) Frankly the statement made my skin crawl! I would like nothing better than to see? Darius play 11 games, just to stick it to Pritchard. Kevin, Karma will get you every time! D-Miles Has Impressive Workout For Celtics

I want to thank legendary Portland Tribune columnist Dwight Jaynes “Oregon’s Godfather of professional sports reporting” for including a link to Slam Dunk Central? in his July 29, column. The link was to our original story on Darius Miles in Mr. Jaynes column entitled “More on Miles and the HIPAA, minus the emotional outbursts.”

?(http://portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=121728641118861100)

Mr. Jaynes has forgotten more about sports than many in my profession will ever know! To say that it is an honor that Mr. Jaynes would use Slam Dunk Central?as a reference source is an honor is a severe understatement! It is also gratifying to know that Slam Dunk Central?has gotten the reputation across the USA, and around the Planet. And that is due to you, our daily reader, and your continued support. I humbly thank you.

? Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net

Jul

30

Artest Traded From Kings To Rockets

Filed Under NBA Trades, SDC COMMENTARY | Leave a Comment

The Houston Chronicle reported Tuesday night that the Sacramento Kings have traded forward Ron Artest to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets will in return receive veteran guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Green and a first round pick in the?2009 NBA Draft. Thus ends a roller-coaster month for “Tru-Warrior“.? Artest had the chance to opt out of his contract before July 1, and chose not to do so. Almost as soon as the calendar turned to the month of July Artest started to express remorse. Artest made statements that the team owners Joe and Gavin Maloof did not appreciate him, and then he took it to another level. Artest told reporters that he was seeking a trade, and that he was now representing himself. This news came as quite a shock to ?Tru-Warrior?s? agent who when contacted by reporters, told them that their relaying the story was the first he had heard of that information.

Team owner Joe Maloof responded to Artest?s dramatics. The ?Sacramento Bee? spoke with the Kings owner about the ongoing situation. Maloof told reporters ?He has to balance the way he acts. He?s got to control his emotions a little better. You?ve got to try and keep your cool a little bit! Take a deep breath and quit flying off the handle with comments that don?t make sense. I hate to say it that way, but that?s how I feel. It doesn?t make sense to me.?

The Kings owner said that Artest?s statements have ?never changed our opinions of him. We brag about him every chance we get. We speak out about how appreciative we are for everything he?s done. And he?s done a lot. People like him. We like him. He?s just got to settle down.?

Apparently the situation became irrevocable, which forced the trade on Tuesday. There has never been any doubt about “Tru-Warrior” as a player, his talent and effort shine through. However the internal demons that exist within this man, are almost like a time bomb. The Rockets got themselves a great ballplayer, but we shall see how he co-exists in his new location.

? Copyright 2008 thesackattack.net?