Official 2008-09 NBA Thread

[Ultimate_Superman]

I really do not know what happened to my Wizards this season!!! :( :( :( :( :(

[Go Web Go!]

I really do not know what happened to my Wizards this season!!! :( :( :( :( :(

They signed Jamison & Arenas to ridiculous deals and the team's hurt. The End.

[Mister J]

Jordan Among 16 Naismith Hall Finalists (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3905350)

PHOENIX -- Michael Jordan, John Stockton and David Robinson were among the 16 finalists for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced on Friday.

NBA coaches Don Nelson and Jerry Sloan and Rutgers women's coach C. Vivian Stringer also made the cut from a field of 164 nominees, as did former NBA stars Dennis Johnson, Chris Mullin and Bernard King, and two-time WNBA MVP Cynthia Cooper.

"I'll step out on a limb and speak for all of them and say thank you," said Robinson, the former San Antonio stalwart and lone finalist who attended the announcement during NBA All-Star Game festivities. "We understand the honor that goes along with being nominated. We know everyone doesn't get in."

The election announcement will be made on April 6 at the NCAA Final Four in Detroit, with enshrinement in September at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. All 16 finalists may be elected, according to Hall policy.

Jordan, regarded by many as the greatest player in history, led the Bulls to six NBA titles and won an NCAA championship at North Carolina. He was a five-time NBA MVP and a six-time NBA Finals MVP. He also won two Olympic gold medals.

Jordan and Stockton dueled in two memorable NBA Finals, with Jordan's Chicago Bulls defeating Stockton's Utah Jazz in 1997 and 1998.

Stockton retired as the NBA's career leader in assists and steals, and he also won a pair of Olympic gold medals.

Jordan and Stockton were teammates on the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team, and now they're poised to enter the Hall together.

"I mean, those two are a lock," Robinson said. "But think about the rest of these guys. Who's not going to get in?"

Other finalists include former Golden State coach Al Attles, who was nominated as a contributor; Bob Hurley Sr., who has more than 900 wins at St. Anthony's High School in New Jersey; Vladimir Kondrashin, who coached the Soviet Union to the 1972 Olympic gold medal, defeating the U.S. in a controversial final; Pereira "Ubiratan" Maciel, a player known as "The King" in his native Brazil; Richie Guerin, a six-time NBA All-Star with the New York Knicks and a former player-coach with the St. Louis and Atlanta Hawks; and Johnny "Red" Kerr, a longtime Chicago Bulls commentator who was named NBA Coach of the Year in 1967 after leading the expansion Bulls into the playoffs in their first season.
Anyone who doesn't vote for Stockton or Robinson should have their membership revoked. Anyone who dosesn't vote for Jordan should have their membership revoked and be placed under arrest.

I think Jerry Sloan and Bernard King are pretty solid to go in too. If not this year, Nellie and Kerr will eventually get in. I'd like to say the same about DJ, but I think he's in for an Adrian Dantley-type wait. I believe he should have been enshrined a while ago.

[Double Down]

That is going to be one heck of a class.

[Dr. Evil]

I noticed that 4 members from the 1992 Dream Team are going to be a part of that class.

Stockton, Jordan and Robinson are locks. Not sure about Mullin. Jerry Sloan is a lock as well. Nellie is going to have to wait.

[Mister J]

According to a party with the details of the deal, the Heat will receive a first-round pick from Toronto in 2010, unless that pick is among the first 14 (lottery) selections.

Should Toronto be in the draft lottery in 2010, in essence not make next season's playoffs, the Heat then would receive a 2010 second-round pick from the Raptors.

The first-round pick then would be sent to the Heat in any year, from 2011 through 2014 that it is not among the first 14 selections (the next year Toronto makes the playoffs).

Should the Heat not get the first-round pick by 2014, it then would receive a 2015 first-round pick from the Raptors.

In addition, the Heat gained a $4 million trade exception in the transaction, which it can use to balance salaries in a deal for the next 12 months. To complete the transaction, the Heat will send cash to Toronto, with $3 million the maximum allowed by the league in such transactions.

Good Lord, Riley. :up:
Word is, he's still on the phone trying to make something else happen. Maybe a backup PG.

[Mister J]

I noticed that 4 members from the 1992 Dream Team are going to be a part of that class.
No need to specify the year. There's only one Dream Team. :word:

What an amazing roster. 10 HOFers.

[Ziggyman]

PER ESPNEWS:

Jermaine O'Neal & Jamario Moon to Miami for Marion & Banks

YESSSSSS!

Raptors Acquire Marion From Heat (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3905146)

Thank Zeus. Beasley stays. :applaud
Nice doing business with you guys...:woot:

I take it you guys are happy...

I know I am...

P.S. O'neal been playing very well last few games...But me thinky he was auditioning to other teams to get out of T.O.

[Go Web Go!]

Good Lord, Riley. :up:
Word is, he's still on the phone trying to make something else happen. Maybe a backup PG.

The man knows how to get **** done, plain & simple. Since getting to Miami in'95 he's traded for 3 of the top players the Heat have ever had: Mourning, Hardaway, and Shaq. He acquired Antoine Walker, Jason Williams, & James Posey in '05 (which landed them a title the following year) for BLEEPING Eddie Jones & Rasual Butler. This guy flat-out ROBS other teams. He got rid of Shaq's bloated deal, got Marion out of dodge, and now Miami has the most cap space out of ANY team in 2010. Nasty, Riles. Nasty. :word:

[Go Web Go!]

Nice doing business with you guys...:woot:

I take it you guys are happy...

I know I am...

P.S. O'neal been playing very well last few games...But me thinky he was auditioning to other teams to get out of T.O.

Indeed. Not that Marion is as terrible as I made him out to be. He just didn't fit in with this team or this system. I wouldn't be surprised to see a significant jump in his numbers now that he's playing on a more fast-paced team. At least the man went out on a high note with that game winner against the Bulls last night. We'll be seeing ya, Matrix. Good luck.

[Ziggyman]

Hopefully, O'Neal's knees continue to hold, adding a much needed post presence and defensive prowess, and Moon can prove a viable starter at the 3 while Jones continues to work his way back.

At the very least, the albatross of Marcus Banks' contract is gone, freeing up another ~5M in 2010 and Jermaine is a huge expiring next year if this goes horribly awry.

Hell of a last play for Marion to go out on. I really think Toronto will be better for him, if they're talking about playing at a higher pace with Calderon pushing things.

I don't know if Banks will be any use to us with Calderon, and the sudden and un-expected emergence of Roko Ukic...But from what I've heard...A lot of good can happen from this even if Banks doesn't pan out...Marion can either leave at the end of the year...18 mil out of the way...Or he can re-sign at maybe 15-18 mil for maybe 2 years and help us get to where we were suppose to be with O'neal...

...Marion definitely fits our up-tempo pace a lot more than O'neal did and he strengthens our rotation more...Calderon/Ukic/Banks(G), Parker/Kapono(G/F), Marion/Graham(F), Bosh/Humphries/Bargnani(F/C)

And hopefully Jawai turns out and becomes the Aussie Shaq that we're expecting!

[Mister J]

Nice doing business with you guys...:woot:

I take it you guys are happy...

I know I am...

P.S. O'neal been playing very well last few games...But me thinky he was auditioning to other teams to get out of T.O.
I do think the primary pieces are good fits (good luck with Banks though). Calderon is the kind of established PG that can get Marion into his type of rhythm in that offense.

The man knows how to get **** done, plain & simple. Since getting to Miami in'95 he's traded for 3 of the top players the Heat have ever had: Mourning, Hardaway, and Shaq. He acquired Antoine Walker, Jason Williams, & James Posey in '05 (which landed them a title the following year) for BLEEPING Eddie Jones & Rasual Butler. This guy flat-out ROBS other teams. He got rid of Shaq's bloated deal, got Marion out of dodge, and now Miami has the most cap space out of ANY team in 2010. Nasty, Riles. Nasty. :word:
I love the title on Ira's blog; 'The man's a friggin' genius.' :woot:

[Ziggyman]

You guys got Alonso the second time because he didn't freakin' want to report to us when we got him for Carter...

...You can understand why I don't really like him...

[R_3]

I'm happy that Marion is coming to the Raptors simply because its a change - period. This year's team has not been working. In fact, I have no idea how they beat the Spurs without Bosh and Calderon. Bargniani has actually improved this season. Just like I was at the beginning of the season when JO was making his start with the team, I'll be exited to see how Shawn Marion does with the Raps. I'm not too sad to see Moon go either. There was never any part of his game that was truly impressive. He could jump, but shooting or driving? Not so much.

[Ziggyman]

Hey...Another Raps guy...Good to see...!

[Etienne]

Anyone who doesn't vote for Stockton or Robinson should have their membership revoked. Anyone who dosesn't vote for Jordan should have their membership revoked and be placed under arrest.
:up:

[Dr. Evil]

No need to specify the year. There's only one Dream Team. :word:

What an amazing roster. 10 HOFers.

Jordan, Magic, Bird, Robinson, Barkely, Malone, Ewing, Stockton, Drexler and Mullin.

Amazing. Too bad Laetner (sp?) sucked as a NBA player.

Jordan should be unanimous.

[Go Web Go!]

So I clicked on over on ESPN to see the annual celebrity game to kick off AS weekend. So terrible...Not even seeing Majerle on the court can console me.

[Dr. Evil]

Maybe they should replace the celebrity game next year.

With the Harlem Globetrotters.

[Double Down]

I just turned it on and the Globetrotters were doing something. It was actually kind of boring.

[Mister J]

Not unless Alyssa and Gabrielle are wearing their respective Dr. J and Magic masks/bodysuits ...which is a frightening thought by the way. :(

That would add a little spice though.

The Globetrotters are the only thing remotely interesting about this. I'm just killing time until Dollhouse anyway.

[Mister J]

I just turned it on and the Globetrotters were doing something. It was actually kind of boring.
Sweet Georgia Brown always seems to get my attention. I suspect it's because of all the times I hit myself in the face and head with the ball as a child trying to emulate the routine. Eh.

[Ziggyman]

Not unless Alyssa and Gabrielle are wearing their respective Dr. J and Magic masks/bodysuits ...which is a frightening thought by the way. :(

That would add a little spice though.

The Globetrotters are the only thing remotely interesting about this. I'm just killing time until Dollhouse anyway.

If only Eliza was there...!

[Dr. Evil]

I seriously wonder what the NBA players think of the Globetrotters.

[Mister J]

All those kids at the Rookie/Sophomore Game were like the constant presence of screaming banshees. It was piercing.

[Go Web Go!]

Nice showing by Beasley with 29 tonight. Durant had 46, though, which kinda trounces that.

[Silver Knight]

The man knows how to get **** done, plain & simple. Since getting to Miami in'95 he's traded for 3 of the top players the Heat have ever had: Mourning, Hardaway, and Shaq. He acquired Antoine Walker, Jason Williams, & James Posey in '05 (which landed them a title the following year) for BLEEPING Eddie Jones & Rasual Butler. This guy flat-out ROBS other teams. He got rid of Shaq's bloated deal, got Marion out of dodge, and now Miami has the most cap space out of ANY team in 2010. Nasty, Riles. Nasty. :word:
I knew you would be a happy man but JO's contract does suck! Something like 21 mil next season.

[Go Web Go!]

$23 mil, actually, but it also comes off the books after next season which is the point. Miami wouldn't have wanted a contract that expires after this year, otherwise they would have to drop the money they gain from Marion's departure on a terrible free agent class. By acquiring JO, they may have very little to work with this coming summer, which isn't great news, but it will surely pay off in the long run.

[Lobo]

T O's dunk was the highlight of the celebrity game.

So, what's everyone's predictions for the dunk contest tonight?

[Go Web Go!]

Meh. I'm looking forward to HORSE & the 3 point shoot out more than I am the dunk contest. I'm not one of those people that thinks it should be done away with completely, but there really isn't much else that can be done. It's to the point where guys have to use props to make their dunks look spectacular.

[Silver Knight]

$23 mil, actually, but it also comes off the books after next season which is the point. Miami wouldn't have wanted a contract that expires after this year, otherwise they would have to drop the money they gain from Marion's departure on a terrible free agent class. By acquiring JO, they may have very little to work with this coming summer, which isn't great news, but it will surely pay off in the long run.
Good looks. I see where you guys are going with this.

[Etienne]

Meh. I'm looking forward to HORSE & the 3 point shoot out more than I am the dunk contest. I'm not one of those people that thinks it should be done away with completely, but there really isn't much else that can be done. It's to the point where guys have to use props to make their dunks look spectacular.
Same here, heck I'm looking forward to the skills competition more than the dunk contest. I forgot all about HORSE.

[Lobo]

I'm looking forward to horse the most. But, i always enjoy the dunk contest.

[Lobo]

I'm looking forward to horse the most. But, i always enjoy the dunk contest.

[R_3]

Meh. I'm looking forward to HORSE & the 3 point shoot out more than I am the dunk contest. I'm not one of those people that thinks it should be done away with completely, but there really isn't much else that can be done. It's to the point where guys have to use props to make their dunks look spectacular.

Woah! HORSE is now an event at All-Star weekend? That's sounds amazing.

Side Note: Go Kapono! 3-time 3 point champ tonight!

[Immortalfire]

Jordan, Magic, Bird, Robinson, Barkely, Malone, Ewing, Stockton, Drexler and Mullin.

Amazing. Too bad Laetner (sp?) sucked as a NBA player.

Jordan should be unanimous.

Robinson = my favorite player of all time

[Bunker]

Joe Alexander should be in the dunk contest. :(

[The Guardian]

I can't wait to see what Dwight Howard comes up with tonight, he was freaking awesome last year!!!:D:up:

[Nightmare]

Who won the Horse competition? I was watching some of it, but it was pretty lame so I left.

[SolarTiger]

I like the trade for Marion for Toronto. I think he fits Toronto's system better then Miami's and finally gives them a TRUE small forward.

And Howard did NOT dunk the ball last year:cmad:

[Mister J]

Who won the Horse competition? I was watching some of it, but it was pretty lame so I left.
Kevin Durant. He got hot as it went along, but it turned out to be a glorifed 3 pt. contest.

[Nightmare]

Thanks J.


Skills Competition up next.

[The Guardian]

I like the trade for Marion for Toronto. I think he fits Toronto's system better then Miami's and finally gives them a TRUE small forward.

And Howard did NOT dunk the ball last year:cmad:

YES HE DID!!!:mad::mad::mad::o:oldrazz::D

[Ghostvirus]

D-Rose Baby!!! Didn't even need to try, & still won the Skills competition!!!!:up:

So I am now taking bets on how many tries it will take Nate to dunk this year. I say 7.

[Etienne]

Side Note: Go Kapono! 3-time 3 point champ tonight!
He's out.

[Ghostvirus]

Most Underwhelming Three Point Competition ever....:down:

[Mister J]

Daequan with the win! :up:

[Etienne]

Most Underwhelming Three Point Competition ever....:down:
Wow that was bad. Lewis with 7 threes in the final round. :dry:

[The Guardian]

YEAH BABY, WAY TO GO DAEQUAN!!!:applaud:applaud:applaud

[Ghostvirus]

All Star Saturday Night is missing The Chuck Wagon.:csad:

Who the F**k is this ***** band!?

[Mister J]

More trade rumors.
Boozer Headed To Houston? (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=11578)
Houston radio today is reporting that the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz are discussing a trade that would land Carlos Boozer in Houston in exchange for Ron Artest and Luis Scola. There is no confirmation from either side of the equation, and no reason to believe this is anything more than Trade Deadline Rumor #2,178.

Carter Buzz Heating Up (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/courtside/2009/02/carter-buzz-hea.html)


That Vince-Carter-to-Spurs rumor seems to have heated up overnight, with some sources indicating San Antonio to be the most likely destination for the mercurial New Jersey shooting guard.

The latest scenario would have the Spurs sending Roger Mason, George Hill, Fabricio Oberto and Bruce Bowen to New Jersey for Carter. New Jersey would then immediately waive Oberto and Bowen, to get themselves under the 15-man roster limit.

The benefit for the Spurs would be obvious: They would acquire an elite, All-Star caliber scorer on the wing. The deal, however, would not be painless: They would have to part with Mason, a top-notch 3-point shooter, and Hill, a rookie point guard who had figured prominently into the team's long range plans.

The benefit for the Nets would be mostly financial. They would clear Carter's $16.1 million salary from the books.

No deal was imminent as of this morning, but this development will be something worth monitoring throughout All-Star Weekend.

UPDATE: One problem with the deal proposed here. Under NBA rules, it would be illegal. In order for a team to take four players for one, it must make room on the 15-man roster BEFORE the deal is consummated. It doesn't matter if the plan is to waive a couple of the incoming players after the deal is done.

In order for the Spurs and Nets to make this deal, the Nets -- who are already at the 15-man limit -- would have to waive three of their own players first. Obviously, that's not going to happen. Doesn't neccesarily mean there is no deal for Carter in the works, but it isn't this deal.

[Mister J]

Rudy Fernandez just got robbed.

[fu manchu]

so far rudy fernandez had the best dunk, to bad he got penalized for those failed attempts.

[Ghostvirus]

*Yawn*

[batman44]

Dunk Contest was kinda "meh" imo and Reggie Miller should be barred from further commentary.... man he's annoying.

Edit: I agree that Rudy Fernandez had the best dunk of the night.

[Mister J]

Kinda anticlimactic.

Although, I doubt it happens, if LeBron is in it next year, maybe they can get Vince Carter too. I'd like to see Vince again.

Regardless, they need to get better judges too. That scoring was weak.

[batman44]

Agree on both accounts.

[Ghostvirus]

"I missed A Couple Dunks" LOL!

[Etienne]

Reggie Miller should be barred from further commentary.... man he's annoying.
He's about as bad (or worse) than Doug Collins. :o

[Ghostvirus]

I find Kenny Smith to be much more annoying.

[Silver Knight]

I NEED Robinson's green shoes!

[Nightmare]

Nate The Great

[Etienne]

Porter looks to be on way out (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/135517)

Terry Porter's days as Suns coach appear to be numbered. Reached Saturday night, general manager Steve Kerr did not shoot down reports that Porter would be fired on Monday.

"We've got a lot of stuff to deal with, a lot to contemplate," Kerr said as he watched the proceedings at All-Star Saturday night.

Kerr also clarified a comment he made Friday morning, when he labeled as "totally false," a New York Post story saying Porter would be fired.

"I was asked if I would be the coach," Kerr said. "That's totally false."

Porter has been on shaky ground the last couple of weeks. The Suns were 6-10 in their final 16 games before the All-Star break and, at 29-23, are in ninth place in the Western Conference.
A team source said Saturday that if Porter is fired, lead assistant Alvin Gentry likely would be his replacement.

Porter signed a three-year deal, but the third year isn't guaranteed, so the Suns would have to pay him about $2 million in remaining salary.

Any announcement wouldn't come until Monday because the NBA doesn't want the Suns to proceed while they're hosting All-Star weekend.

Porter was hired to instill a more defensive-minded approach, but the players, including point guard Steve Nash, never bought into his system.

Porter recently loosened the reins, allowing Nash to dictate the game's pace, but even as his job status became an issue, none of the players spoke up on his behalf until Shaquille O'Neal said Porter deserved to stay during Friday's All-Star media session

[Mister J]

Terry Baldhead isn't necessarily the problem. This is:
Porter was hired to instill a more defensive-minded approach, but the players, including point guard Steve Nash, never bought into his system.
Porter could do more to emulate the hybrid style D'Antoni played after the Shaq trade, where Phoenix finished up 15-5, but the majority of that roster needs to understand that run n' gun stuff is limited and will ultimately send their asses home (again) in the playoffs.

A number of the parts already there are too good to not use in a more open system, but they have to buy into the halfcourt stuff too, just not exclusively. If Porter is smart, he's reaching out to Nash over the break to try to come to some common ground.

[Lobo]

I want the shirt :o

http://i39.tinypic.com/dg15cl.jpg

[Silver Knight]

Bron Bron in the 2010 Dunk contest baby!

[Lobo]

^I hope that briings out all the best to compete against him. Iguadola, Richardson etc.

[Silver Knight]

I have a feeling he will. I think other stars will want to show him what they have got.

[Go Web Go!]

Good God, that had to be THE worst dunk contest I can ever remember watching. Do something new, do something original. Little Nate already jumped over someone. Howard already dunked wearing a damn cape - and by the way, something that just kind of annoys me - who annointed DH Superman? Was Shaquille O'Neal not "Superman" for a decade and a half before any of his dunk contest shennanigans? Blah.

Good job by D. Cook last night, though. I knew he had it in him. Here's hoping the game tonight lives up to it's billing - and here's hoping JBJ doesn't win the damn MVP award...again.

[Docker2.0]

Dwight Howard got robbed! :cmad: Anyway, I now know why Dwight Howard is the leading vote getter in the All-star game. Dude put the dunk contest back on the map and seems to be very down to earth, he's making other all-stars want to get back in the contest. I'd love for him to go up against Vince Carter who argubly had the best all star dunk show ever. But Dwight Howard is creative! He's a 7 footer but he still keeps you on the edge of your seat! If he didn't let Nate dunk on him, no way he wouldve lost but he still shouldve won.

[Go Web Go!]

I would have put my arms up during Nate's dunk if I were DH. ;)

[Wylie Times]

Good God, that had to be THE worst dunk contest I can ever remember watching.

You must have not seen very many, there have been more bad dunk contests than good ones.

[Double Down]

You must have not seen very many, there have been more bad dunk contests than good ones.

I didn't watch the dunk contest, but I must say that your logic is flawed. Even if every contest was bad, one of them would still be "the worst." He was saying that this one was the worst.

[Excel]

LeBron said hell compete in 2010???

[Go Web Go!]

You must have not seen very many, there have been more bad dunk contests than good ones.

I've probably watched every single one for the last decade and this was the 1st time that I wasn't impressed or entertained at any point.


LeBron said hell compete in 2010???

Seemed like the folks over at TNT put him on the spot, but that's what he said.

[R_3]

I felt bad for Rudy Fernandes. The guy takes off his jersey to reveal the name Martin and everyone was like "who?". Then they show a graphic to explain the who it is so we miss his dunk. Then his second dunk was attempted too many times.

I'll admit, Howard bringing in the second net than going into the telephone booth got me excited but the actual dunk was anti-climatic.

Nate's green "Kryptonite" uniform, shoes and basketball was cool.

[Mister J]

Fernandez's first dunk was underrated. That was a hard move to pull off, on the run, with one hand and on the first try. He just made it look easy. That garbage that J.R. Smith threw up even scored higher. :down

The phone booth was definitely nice. They even had the Williams theme going. :super: :up:
The dunk would have been better if he did a trick though, even if it meant slightly lowering the basket (which I wouldn't think was necessary, judging how high he can get). A more thunderous tomahawk dunk would have did it for me. But hey, it was a 50, right? :dry:

[Dr. Evil]

The NBA Story nobody is talking about:

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-38-177/The-NBA-Story-No-One-s-Talking-About.html

[X-Ray]

Pretty sick intro with Shaq & Jabba. :word:

[Ziggyman]

Pretty sick intro with Shaq & Jabba. :word:

Oh the hilarity!

[Ziggyman]

Terry Porter has been fired!

[Etienne]

Terry Porter has been fired!
The announcement should be on Monday.
Porter looks to be on way out (http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/135517)

[Mister J]

Pretty sick intro with Shaq & Jabba. :word:
Shaq is the the best comedy guy in league history. :up:

[Ziggyman]

Don't know if y'all have seen this, but I'll put it out there anyway...!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9LmHXXWiJs

[Go Web Go!]

Oh the hilarity!

Even with his messy departure I can't help but like the guy.

[Ziggyman]

I'm torn between waiting for the Wolverine TV spot or watching the game...

[Go Web Go!]

This crowd is pretty dead.

[Ziggyman]

Well...It is Phoenix...!

[fu manchu]

HAHA Shaq is hilarious! I hope he wins MVP!

[Go Web Go!]

If Shaq weren't so damn lazy & played like this every night he'd probably still be in South Beach.

[Mister J]

Who knew Shaq's dance would be more entertaining than the game itself? :dry:

[Ghostvirus]

Crazy ass prediction- Shaq will be back on the Lakers before the trade deadline.

[Go Web Go!]

Yeah, it's exactly that. Crazy ass. Not going down.

[Mister J]

Aww. Shaq & Kobe, Co-MVPs. Ain't that sweet?

[Go Web Go!]

Kobe & Shaq are co-MVP's? How cute.

[Trainwreck2100]

Crazy ass prediction- Shaq will be back on the Lakers before the trade deadline.

Yeah cause teams always trade All Stars to Division Rivals

[Bond]

Aww. Shaq & Kobe, Co-MVPs. Ain't that sweet?

Kobe & Shaq are co-MVP's? How cute.
Y'all are the same person. :wow:

[Darthphere]

Yeah, people watch the All-Star game for the crazy alley-oops, off the backboard passes, Shaq breaking Yao on a crossover dribble. The game was too serious for the first 2 and half quarters. Relax guys, the game means nothing.

[Etienne]

Aww. Shaq & Kobe, Co-MVPs. Ain't that sweet?
Kobe & Shaq are co-MVP's? How cute.
"Reunited, And It Feels So Good." I'm bored. :dry: Well I bet they enjoyed sharing that. :hehe:

[Bunker]

Worst All-Star weekend ever.

Yep.

[Etienne]

It was pretty bad then again they've been pretty mediocre at best.

[Go Web Go!]

Worst All-Star weekend ever.

Yep.

Can't say I disagree. To quote Sir Charles...TERRBULL!

[Go Web Go!]

Things aren't so "Sunny" in Phoenix. Fired Porter this morning as expected & now...

AZFAMILY.com reports today that NBA player Jason Richardson has been charged with reckless driving and endangerment after he was popped for speeding Sunday night in Phoenix.

Sgt. Mark Clark said the officer followed Richardson onto 64th Street, where Richardson’s car hit speeds up to 90 mph. The speed limit there is 35 mph. The officer pulled Richardson over. The 28-year-old Suns player stopped without incident, identified himeself as a Suns player and admitted to speeding, Clark said.

Richardson’s 3-year-old son was in the back seat of the car. Police said the little boy was not in a child seat, which is required by Arizona law. Clark said Richardson told the officer he had taken his son to dinner and was on his way home. Richardson’s wife met him and officers at the scene of the stop and took her little boy home.

[Mister J]

Sgt. Mark Clark said the officer followed Richardson onto 64th Street, where Richardson’s car hit speeds up to 90 mph. The speed limit there is 35 mph.
Richardson’s 3-year-old son was in the back seat of the car. Police said the little boy was not in a child seat, which is required by Arizona law.
Irresponsible idiot.

[Immortalfire]

Damn, what a fool.

[Dark Donnie]

So any good trade rumors?

I read The Sixers might send Dalembert and Willie Green for Tyson Chandler and Rasual Butler.

[Silver Knight]

Things aren't so "Sunny" in Phoenix. Fired Porter this morning as expected & now...
C'mon man.. how could he do that!

In other news I just want some trades to go down already!

[Go Web Go!]

In other news I just want some trades to go down already!

The one I wanted to go down did, so it's all good. :woot:

[Nightmare]

So any good trade rumors?

I read The Sixers might send Dalembert and Willie Green for Tyson Chandler and Rasual Butler.

Thats one i havent heard. But I did hear The Thunda could make a push for chandler offering up joe smith and chris wilcox.

[Go Web Go!]

I read about that one earlier today. I don't see how it would help/improve the Hornets.

[Mister J]

It's primarily a luxury tax consideration for next year.

Chandler's relative underperformance and near 12M price tag makes him expendable.

[Nightmare]

I thought the hornets were just lookin to slash payroll cause their losing money?

Could be either of the two.

[Docker2.0]

I still don't see how that will improve the Hornets. Even though Chandler is having a down year, he's a VITAL part of that team, and if they trade him.....unless they got Stoudemire back, I don't see them going anywhere near thr Finals. Eh....what do I know.

[Go Web Go!]

I still don't see how that will improve the Hornets. Even though Chandler is having a down year, he's a VITAL part of that team, and if they trade him.....unless they got Stoudemire back, I don't see them going anywhere near thr Finals. Eh....what do I know.

I never thought about that. It would be pretty nasty if NO could pull an Amare trade off. Part with whoever you must as long as it isn't CP. Can you imagine those 2 together? Sick.

[Mister J]

With Porter gone and Gentry, the only holdover from D'Antoni's staff, getting the job, I doubt Amare is going anywhere. With the hinted-at changes, you've now got a happy Nash and Stoudemire.

[Go Web Go!]

Don't overlook the fact that the Suns owner is a notorious cheap-ass & is reportedly "deperate" to rid himself of Amare's contract. We'll find out for sure by Thursday. I'm hoping there are a few big deals in the works just to shake things up.

[Mister J]

Sarver has wanted to reduce payroll for a while now. Firing Porter just cost him to pony up the better part of 4M by the end of next season for nothing. My thoughts were that it'd be one or the other; fire Porter, take the hit, go back to the old style and try to make a deep playoff push (gaining more tevenue from the postseason) or trade Amare, reduce costs for next year and take your chances on the playoffs.

Following through with the trade now would that front office even more overreactionary than I thought.

I am surprised the Marion/O'Neal hasn't triggered more activity. These thing usually go with a Domino Effect.

[Go Web Go!]

A few snaps from my seats at the Miami/Charlotte game last weekend -

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p162/danielitus/Sports/HEAT/DSCI1311_0001_0001.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p162/danielitus/Sports/HEAT/DSCI1312_0001.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p162/danielitus/Sports/HEAT/DSCI1315_0001.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p162/danielitus/Sports/HEAT/DSCI1305.jpg
http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p162/danielitus/Sports/HEAT/DSCI1290.jpg

[Go Web Go!]

-Celtics trade Sam Cassell to Sac-Town for cash

-There are reports that Amare won't be traded, but then you have this:

The Amare Stoudemire trade talk still has the Bulls among the teams most involved, but a new scenario making the rounds has the Bulls taking part in a three-team deal that would bring Toronto Raptors star Chris Bosh to Chicago. The rumored swap would send Stoudemire to Toronto and land the Phoenix Suns a package of players and draft picks from the Bulls, likely to include Drew Gooden and his expiring $7.2 million contract, Tyrus Thomas and a first-round pick. -- Chicago Sun-Times

[Etienne]

Suns’ Richardson suspended for a game after arrest
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=As.koVGKjMgo67e9APcelGy8vLYF?slug=ap-suns-richardsonarrested&prov=ap&type=lgns

PHOENIX (AP)—The Phoenix Suns have suspended Jason Richardson for one game without pay as the result of his arrest on allegations he was driving 55 mph above the limit with his unrestrained 3-year-old son in the car.

In a brief statement late Monday afternoon, the Suns said Richardson would miss Tuesday night’s home game against the Los Angeles Clippers “for conduct detrimental to the team.”

[Lobo]

I want these sneakers http://www.nicekicks.com/2009/02/nike-foamposite-lite-krypto-nate/

[Go Web Go!]

Do they glow in the dark

[Mister J]

Do they help you jump over 6'11 centers?

[Go Web Go!]

Miami apparently offering Daequan Cook for Raymond Felton. Come on, Riles. As badly as Miami needs a PG you can't give up the best outside shooter on your team.

[Ghostvirus]

-Celtics trade Sam Cassell to Sac-Town for cash

-There are reports that Amare won't be traded, but then you have this:

I give up. Paxson, just like every year isn't going to make a move. With his absolute lack of willing to change I can't believe he was able to put together the team they have now. What a waste of management.:whatever:

[Go Web Go!]

This one is no longer close to going down. It did go down, says the 4 letter network -

The New Orleans Hornets and Oklahoma City are closing in on a deal that will send center Tyson Chandler to the Thunder, according to NBA front-office sources.

Two sources with knowledge of the trade parameters told ESPN.com that the deal is likely to be completed later Tuesday.

Although the entirety of the package New Orleans would receive for Chandler was not immediately known, ESPN.com reported early Monday that the Hornets -- who are looking to move Chandler mostly for financial reasons -- were in talks with the Thunder on a trade that would net the expiring contracts of forwards Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox.

The Thunder also possess numerous draft picks to sweeten trade packages, including five first-round picks in the next two drafts.

[Lobo]

Do they glow in the dark

Do they help you jump over 6'11 centers?

To both questions, yes.

[Mister J]

Miami apparently offering Daequan Cook for Raymond Felton. Come on, Riles. As badly as Miami needs a PG you can't give up the best outside shooter on your team.
It doesn't really make a lot of sense. Felton will be a RFA this summer and looking for a long-term deal. Either you sign him to such (ain't happening), watch him sign with someone else without matching (lose him for nothing) or pay the 5.5M next year, if no one is interested and watch him walk in 2010. None of those sounds any good.

Lowry isn't even worth considering for Cook. I'd still start Chalmers over him.

I thought the 4.2M trade exception was largely going to be used a backup PG bait ...unless Brother Pat has something larger brewing. :ninja:
I think that's unlikely before Thursday, but still :ninja:.
I give up. Paxson, just like every year isn't going to make a move. With his absolute lack of willing to change I can't believe he was able to put together the team they have now. What a waste of management.:whatever:
Makes you wonder how much truth there is to those rumors that he's stepping down at the end of the season.

[Go Web Go!]

So, former Heat great Shawn Marion basically called out his old team at his Toronto press conference, indirectly saying that it was boring to play in Miami's offense. Enjoy getting your numbers in Canada & then watching your old team in the postseason.

Oh, and good news - Sir Charles is back on TNT this week. Thank God. Kenny gets on my nerves & I just flat out can't stand Webber. Welcome back, Chuck.

[Etienne]

Oh, and good news - Sir Charles is back on TNT this week. Thank God. Kenny gets on my nerves & I just flat out can't stand Webber. Welcome back, Chuck.
Nice. The few games I've seen on TNT recently had Gary Payton, needless to say that dude still talks a lot of ****. :o I agree with you about Webber. Good to hear Chucks back.

[LastSunrise1981]

Nice. The few games I've seen on TNT recently had Gary Payton, needless to say that dude still talks a lot of ****. :o I agree with you about Webber. Good to hear Chucks back.

I actually liked seeing Payton and Webber on TNT. They actually had an intelligent viewpoint and were serious, whereas it seems Kenny, Barkley, and Ernie just want to joke and not talk about basketball in a respectable and serious fashion.

One of the things I like was when Payton and Webber would get angry and passionate in their debates. Whenever I watch analysis on basketball I'll tune into NBA Shootaround with Greg Anthony, Tim Legler, and Greg Saunders.

[Ziggyman]

Man...At the press conference for the new Raps...I love everything that Marion said...Truly makes me believe that he can average around 16-20 points and 7-9 boards a game while he's a Rap...

Shows that he wants to play here, wants to be a focal point on offense...I'm pretty excited for this "run" for a playoff spot which is totally reachable!

[Go Web Go!]

What did Marcus Banks say? :o

[Bond]

Raptors? Playoffs? Bwahahaha. Brilliant.

[Go Web Go!]

Raptors? Playoffs? Bwahahaha. Brilliant.

That's almost as crazy as the Knicks making the playoffs.

[Mister J]

Riley emphatically shot down ESPN.com speculation that shooting guard Daequan Cook was being shopped in potential deals for Charlotte's Raymond Felton and Memphis' Kyle Lowry.

"That's absolutely erroneous, it really is," he said. "We're not doing any talking about Daequan."
That's more like it.
--------------------------
Sources: Nets, Rockets, Blazers Talk
(http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3913836)
Will New Jersey Nets swingman Vince Carter have a new home by Thursday's NBA trade deadline? Sources say the Nets have talked to multiple teams over the course of the past week about a possible Carter trade.

On Monday, ESPN.com learned that the Nets were discussing a Carter deal with the Houston Rockets. On Tuesday afternoon, the Portland Trail Blazers were the latest team to enter the Carter fray.

Currently the Blazers and Rockets are both haggling over what the Nets will get in return for Carter.

Sources say the Blazers and Nets have discussed a deal that would send Carter to Portland for Raef LaFrentz and his expiring contract along with Travis Outlaw and Sergio Rodriguez.

On Monday, sources said the Rockets had been pushing a trade that sends Tracy McGrady to the Nets for Carter and Trenton Hassell. However, on Tuesday, Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said that McGrady wouldn't be dealt before the deadline.

"I don't think we're going to part ways with Tracy," Alexander said. "We acquired a great superstar and everybody wants us to trade the great superstar. You don't get superstars that often."

However, that doesn't rule out a Carter trade to the Rockets. The Nets have countered with a proposal that would send Carter and Josh Boone to the Rockets for a combination of Ron Artest, Shane Battier, Luther Head and Carl Landry.

The Nets' proposal is related to both talent and finances. The contracts of Artest and Head expire this summer, clearing around $8 million off the team's cap in the summer of 2009. Sources say the team is looking for immediate cap relief in any deal for Carter. However, management doesn't want to completely gut the team and believes that Battier and Landry could play important roles in the future.

At this point sources say that the ball is in the Rockets' court. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Rockets were still mulling over the Nets' proposal. While the Rockets have strong interest in Carter, they may be reluctant to take on the remaining two years and $37 million left on his contract if they can't move McGrady as part of the transaction. They would also lose two valuable pieces for them in Battier and Landry. Is Carter good enough to make up for their losses?

Meanwhile the Blazers have moved into the fray with perhaps a more enticing offer. LaFrentz's $12.7 million comes off the books this summer and Outlaw is an upgrade to the Nets situation at the three. As for the Blazers, adding Carter gives them a veteran small forward who has more playoff experience than most of the players on Portland's roster.

The Blazers also have been shopping Channing Frye, who also could be included in a Blazers-Nets trade if New Jersey added on one or two spare parts from the trio of Stromile Swift (expiring $6.2 million contract), Sean Williams (1.52M this season, 1.62M next season) and Hassell ($4.35 million player option for next season).

The Rockets and Blazers aren't the only team the Nets have spoken with concerning Carter. The Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs and Cleveland Cavaliers have all shown interest, though it sounds as if the Rockets deal has the highest probability of happening. The Rockets have been shopping McGrady hard over the past month to a number of teams but have struggled to find takers given his injury history and contract.
If Carter is traded for McGrady, Lord knows when I'll be able to stop laughing.

[SolarTiger]

Why do I feel like the Raptors can still make the play-offs?

[Go Web Go!]

Damn straight, Riles...though he did previously shoot down rumors about the Heat dealing Shaq. Hmm.

In other news:

HOUSTON (AP)—Houston Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said Tuesday that oft-injured star Tracy McGrady won’t be dealt before Thursday’s trade deadline.

McGrady sat out Tuesday’s game against New Jersey as he seeks input from doctors on the best course of treatment for his troublesome left knee. He’s missed 18 games this season with the injury, the aftermath of offseason surgery. He sat out another game with a sprained ankle.

Alexander said “there will probably be some news” about McGrady in “a couple of days,” but it won’t be an announcement that the seven-time All-Star has been traded.

“I don’t think we’re going to part ways with Tracy,” Alexander said. “We acquired a great superstar and everybody wants us to trade the great superstar. You don’t get superstars that often.”

The Rockets acquired McGrady from Orlando in June 2004. He’s due to make over $23 million next season, the last year of his contract.

“We’re not looking to run away from Tracy,” Alexander said. “I always thought he was injured and he had problems. But he’s a great player when he’s healthy, and a great competitor.”

Alexander also said he wants to keep All-Star center Yao Ming for his entire career. Yao’s contract is due to expire after the 2010-11 season.

“When you have great players, we want to keep them, guys who work as hard as he does,” Alexander said. “He’s a model NBA player. We want to keep him for the rest of his career.”

Alexander also announced a partnership with Uni-President China Holdings, a Chinese distribution company. The company will team with Alexander’s foundation to build educational facilities for schools in China.

[Go Web Go!]

Dwight Howard with a career high 45 tonight vs. MJ's kitties. Not a bad way to start the 2nd half.

[Mister J]

81 points in the 1st half on 76% shooting, without Richardson in the lineup. :dry:

Looks like Phoenix is back to their old tricks.

[Go Web Go!]

Speaking of PHX, I just heard on ESPNEWS that Doughboy Randolph just socked someone on the Suns & got ejected. I wonder who was worth the impending suspension & hefty fine.

[Lobo]

Knicks beat the Spurs in overtime. One more win and we tie our wins for last season. My goal for this season has been 35-38 wins.

[Mister J]

Speaking of PHX, I just heard on ESPNEWS that Doughboy Randolph just socked someone on the Suns & got ejected. I wonder who was worth the impending suspension & hefty fine.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3914674

The way it reads, it sounds pretty deliberate (not one of those 'in the moment' deals). Might be 2 or 3 games/35K.

[Ziggyman]

Raptors? Playoffs? Bwahahaha. Brilliant.

That's almost as crazy as the Knicks making the playoffs.

5 games out of the play-offs...27 games left...:o

[Go Web Go!]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3914674

The way it reads, it sounds pretty deliberate (not one of those 'in the moment' deals). Might be 2 or 3 games/35K.

Just caught it on NBA Coast to Coast. Didn't look as bad as it sounded. The guy just stumbled a few steps back once Randolph connected - still inexcusable.

[Ziggyman]

Why do I feel like the Raptors can still make the play-offs?

I like your feelings!

[Kargo Warrior]

The Pistons are a mess right now.:csad:

I miss Chaunsey :o....and Flip :o:o:o:oldrazz:

[Go Web Go!]

It's not very often that Joe Dumars looks foolish for a move he makes. He's looking like it right about now.

[Immortalfire]

Knicks beat the Spurs

Does not compute...:huh:

[Silver Knight]

I love the trade we just made. Paul will make Wilcox and Smith look like stars.

[Trainwreck2100]

Does not compute...:huh:


Parker played like dog turd and manu stayed in san antonio, which sucks cause Manu plays well against D'antoni's style.

[Go Web Go!]

McGrady out for the year...or did that go without saying?

The season has been a major disappointment for Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets. It might have just gotten worse.

The forward told ESPN.com's Stephen A. Smith on Tuesday that his troublesome left knee will end his season and that he will undergo microfracture surgery.

McGrady's name had come up earlier Tuesday in reported trade discussions between the Rockets and New Jersey Nets. The Nets were leery of McGrady's contract and health in discussions involving Nets forward Vince Carter.

McGrady had arthroscopic surgery on the knee last May and has been slow to recover. The seven-time All-Star missed much of January trying to get the knee back in shape and had an MRI last week to try to discover why it was still bothering him.

"The last couple of games, I've regressed," McGrady said during halftime of last Wednesday's game. "I've felt pain."

McGrady's numbers are down across the board this season. He is the Rockets' third-leading scorer at 15.6 points per game and is averaging 4.4 rebounds and 5.0 assists per contest. He is shooting a career-worst 39 percent from the field.

After trading for Ron Artest in the offseason to create a triple threat with McGrady and Yao Ming, the Rockets were expected to challenge for one of the top spots in the Western Conference. But all three players have missed time due to injuries and Houston sits in fifth in the conference, with only two games separating them from the eighth and final spot.

Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire is an example of the tough road that comes with microfracture surgery. His procedure ultimately cost him all but three games of the 2005-06 season. He returned the next season, however, to play in 82 games and regained his All-Star form.

[Etienne]

Parker played like dog turd and manu stayed in san antonio, which sucks cause Manu plays well against D'antoni's style.
Young teams always seem to play harder against the Spurs. Manu is a HUGE part of the Spurs offense/defense and they were missing him tonight.

[Silver Knight]

T-Mug needs to retire.

[Nightmare]

T-Bag should take the rest of this year off and all of next season as well. Heal his wounds. He's been injury prone for the past 5 seasons it seems like.

[BigSams50]

T-Bag hahaha good one

[The Riddler]

finally the stacy mclady drama is almost over.

now the rockets can get down to business and start winning games.

[Silver Knight]

finally the stacy mclady drama is almost over.

now the rockets can get down to business and start winning games.
Stacy McLady. Dude thats awesome.

[Lobo]

Does not compute...:huh:

I wish I could have typed that in 99 :csad:

Nate had 32 points and 10 reb though :)

[Immortalfire]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3914674

The way it reads, it sounds pretty deliberate (not one of those 'in the moment' deals). Might be 2 or 3 games/35K.

I saw the punch this morning...banish his ass :down

[Etienne]

81 points in the 1st half on 76% shooting, without Richardson in the lineup. :dry:

Looks like Phoenix is back to their old tricks.
Seems that way.
The Suns felt like they got their team back on Monday afternoon when they practiced for the first time under interim coach Alvin Gentry. With orders to return to a "breakneck pace," there were non-stop scrimmages with a five-second backcourt rule reinstalled. Talking and walking was gone. Running and gunning was in. The session marked the return of an unabashed desire to push the tempo, one that remained after the addition of center Shaquille O'Neal last season. In their final 20 games last season, the Suns averaged 112.5 points and were 15-5. Monday's coaching change - Gentry replaced first-year coach Terry Porter, who was fired on Sunday night - was welcomed by the players, and they might get their wish to stay together.Bottom line, Terry Porter's fate was sealed the day on national TV earlier this season when Steve Nash threw him and his slow-down-on-green offensive philosophy under the psychedelic bus. For legal precedents, see Magic Johnson v. Paul Westhead and Penny Hardaway v. Brian Hill. Last week, owner Robert Sarver and GM Steve Kerr reconfirmed it's a players' league when they flew to Atlanta to hear gripes about Porter. Unless you're a superstar coach or have the unremitting support of ownership, you become a human sacrifice when matched up against a Nash and a Grant Hill.

[Trainwreck2100]

so the suns are going to win games with their old style, only to lose to the Spurs in the playoffs again

[Mister J]

That's how the story usually ends (4 times out of 4 since 2003).

[Raiden]

so the suns are going to win games with their old style, only to lose to the Spurs in the playoffs again

After flirting with 500 this season, I think Suns players just want to have another shot at making the playoff again.

[Ghostvirus]

Not exactly the trade I was look form but I supposed I will take it. Although Nocioni will be missed.:csad:

The Sacramento Kings are the latest NBA team to engage in cost-cutting moves that will pare money from the team's books next season.



The Kings agreed on Wednesday to a trade that sends forward John Salmons and center Brad Miller to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for forwards Drew Gooden and Andres Nocioni, according to league sources. The deal will reduce Sacramento's obligations next season, saving the Kings millions on the salary cap and keeping them well under any potential luxury tax payments. Gooden, making $7.15 million this season, will likely come off the team's cap after this year, and now, the team is free of the $5.4 million due to Salmons in 2009 and the $12 million due to Miller in '09.

This will be Miller's second go-round in Chicago; he played two-plus seasons in Chicago after being traded from Charlotte in 2000 before being dealt to Indiana in a trade that also sent Ron Artest to the Pacers in exchange for Jalen Rose.

Sacramento will absorb the remaining four years and $28.4 million on Nocioni's contract, but Nocioni's contract actually goes down after next season, when he's scheduled to make $7.5 million, to $6.8 million in 2010 and $6.6 million in 2011 before going back up to $7.5 million in the final season -- a season that will be the Kings' option to pick up.

The Kings have gotten good financial news all week. They traded a future second-round pick to Boston for veteran Sam Cassell on Monday in a deal that will net Sacramento approximately $500,000. And yesterday, the Kings learned that the league will grant them financial relief on the remaining two seasons on the contract of forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim, who has retired after years of knee problems. Because he hasn't played this season, the league will allow insurance to pay 80 percent of his remaining salary. So while he'll stay on the team's books, its out-of-pocket payments will be reduced significantly.

With second-year center Spencer Hawes and rookie forward Jason Thompson playing big minutes for Sacramento, Miller was a luxury. And Salmons' good play this season made him a candidate to be moved, with Dallas in hot pursuit for several weeks. The Mavericks had hoped to entice Sacramento with the contract of guard Jerry Stackhouse, who is guaranteed only $2 million of his $7.2 million salary next season (Stackhouse would get the full amount if his team wins the NBA title, unlikely in the extreme if he had been sent to the Kings).

Miller's presence could conceivably clear the way for Chicago to move one of its young pivotmen, either Tyrus Thomas or Joakim Noah, in another deal. Thomas was part of a package the Bulls were trying to move to Phoenix for forward Amar'e Stoudemire, but the Suns have indicated in recent days that they're more likely to keep Stoudemire now that they've replaced former coach Terry Porter with assistant Alvin Gentry.

The Bulls have also been looking to cut costs for next season, and have been shopping Nocioni hard for months. Chicago is still looking for a suitor for Larry Hughes, who has essentially been deactivated from the team in the last month by coach Vinny Del Negro while management seeks a deal for him. Sources indicate Hughes could still potentially be sent to Washington in exchange for guard Mike James and center Etan Thomas if the Bulls don't make any other big deals.

ESPN.com first reported the discussions between the Kings and Bulls.

[Go Web Go!]

Hmm. I hadn't heard about that. Seems like a good deal for the Bulls. Salmons is a nice player & they could use a true center like Miller. Nocioni is a decent player, but he's too damn inconsistent.

By the way, the NBA suspended Zach Randolph for 2 games without pay. Weak.

[Etienne]

Trade talk: Rockets interested in dealing McGrady for Baron Davis
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AkYIwZGpKwZJfqiRDOZRdPO8vLYF?slug=tradet alkrocketsinterest&prov=tsn&type=lgns
With Thursday’s 3 p.m. trading deadline rapidly approaching, a look at some of the latest deals on the rumor mill …

There could be a new guard in town for the Rockets—and it’s not Vince Carter. Houston has moved into negotiations with the Clippers for point guard Baron Davis, a source close to Davis told SportingNews.com on Wednesday. “It would be best for everyone if Baron moved on,” the source said.

The Rockets, still smarting from the loss of shooting guard Tracy McGrady, who will miss the rest of the season with knee surgery, apparently have not given up on the 2008-09 season. The team has played well without McGrady, going 13-6 (they were 20-15 with him), but needs another scoring presence if it is to rescue this season.

Bringing on Davis would have some risk. He is in the first year of a five-year contract that will pay him $65 million, and he was supposed to be a building block for the Clippers. But Davis and Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy have not meshed well, and Davis is averaging 15.5 points, his lowest total in nine years. The team is just 13-41, coming off a humbling 140-100 loss to the Suns.

If the Clippers can get out of Davis’ contract now, they will seize the opportunity, even if it means taking back the oft-injured McGrady in return.

Kings, Bulls swing a deal

Kings small forward John Salmons, a hot topic of trade conversation, finally was dealt—he’ll head to Chicago with Brad Miller for Drew Gooden and Andres Nocioni, according to NBA.com

The trade signals that Chicago is done trying to shake Stoudemire loose and that Phoenix likely will keep their big guy, hope to get their chemistry back under new coach Alvin Gentry (again, 140-100 is a good start) and address their tax problem before the draft.

Pistons aren’t desperate …

One team that figures to remain quiet on Thursday is the Pistons, who have done a lot of shopping of forward Rasheed Wallace’s expiring contract, but to no avail. Detroit fell to 27-25 with a loss on Tuesday, but is not desperate to make a move. With Wallace and Allen Iverson sitting on expiring deals, the Pistons shouldn’t be. “They understood from the beginning that trading for Iverson was as much a long-term thing as a short term thing,” one East general manager said.

… neither are the Nets

Have talks for shooting guard Vince Carter cooled altogether? It seems that way. The Nets, remember, are looking to trade Carter in order to get far under the 2010 salary cap, so that they can make a move for a major free agent. Thus, they are not under the kind of luxury-tax pressure that prompted the Hornets to deal center Tyson Chandler for expiring contracts this week. The Nets can wait until the offseason to make a move for Carter.

[Go Web Go!]

GST would be crazy to take a guy like McGrady, who not only has an extensive history of injuries, but is going to be coming off microfracture surgery when next season starts. Ask around and a lot of people will tell you that can damn near end a man's career, or at the very least cut it short.

Again, I know these are all rumors & may not even happen, but even these fabricated trades annoy me. Sheesh.

Anyway, looking forward to seeing how O'Neal & Moon do in their first game with the Heat tonight. Let's hope it works out.

[Mister J]

That's purely a salary dump. The Clippers would jump all over a chance to get rid of Boom Dizzle and what's left on thay 5Y/65M deal. That is not working ...at all.

They suck even with Davis, he and Dunleavy clash all the time, they'd still be under the luxury tax next year and McGrady's contract has only one year left on it. That's as close to erasing the mistake of that signing as the Paper Clips will come.

[Go Web Go!]

Yeah, I guess now that you put it that way Houston would be the ones looking like idiots by taking on Baron's deal. Either way I don't picture it going down.

[Mister J]

I don't think anyone wants that contract. Davis is shooting 35% and essentially refusing to listen to the coach. Good luck with that one, LA. :funny:

[Go Web Go!]

Ugh. Great way to start the 2nd half of the season, Miami - losing to a **** team like the Timberwolves & getting out played by Brian F'N Cardinal & a bunch of scrubs. God, I haven't been this disgusted over a loss in some time. Good debut by O'Neal, but the way these guys played from mid-way through the 2nd quarter & beyond just ****'s all over that effort.

[Mister J]

After the first quarter, it was just pathetic. They haven't played that poorly on defense since the Portland away game.

[Go Web Go!]

Yeah. Tonight was not the time to lay an egg, but sure enough...Can't wait to see how they hold up against this next stretch of teams that are also clawing for the 4 spot: Sixers, @ Magic, Pistons, @ Hawks. And it's not going to get any easier the rest of the season with 3 more games against Boston, 2 against Cleveland, 2 against Detroit, and a few more playoff teams sprinkled throughout. Time to butch the hell up, Miami.

[Ziggyman]

What was O'neal's stat sheet...?

[Etienne]

Thunder Rescind Chandler Trade
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=11637
The Oklahoma City Thunder have rescinded the trade that brought them Tyson Chandler from the New Orleans Hornets. The official word is that Chandler, who has been out nursing an ankle injury, failed his physical upon arrival in Oklahoma City.
New Orleans Hornets GM Jeff Bower says the team will "welcome Chandler back with open arms."


HOOPSWORLD's Steve Kyler is in New Orleans tonight, with the hope being that we could get some interviews and photos of Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith, the newest members of the Hornets. The two didn't suit up, however, and were not made available to the media pre-game, as had been expected.



We now know that the Hornets were waiting for word from OKC that Chandler had passed his physical.
It's expected that the Thunder will make a subsequent deal to move their highly-coveted front court players elsewhere, though it seems unlikely they would land a player of Chandler's caliber with so little time left between now and the trade deadline to work out the details.

[Go Web Go!]

13 pts, and a couple of rebounds & assists in 27 mins. Sat out a good chunk of the 2nd half after getting nailed in the face with an elbow. Moon wasn't a factor, nor do I expect him to be unless Riley moves a few guys around before tomorrow's deadline.

[Go Web Go!]

Thunder Rescind Chandler Trade
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=11637

That's not good

[Bond]

Damn. :csad:

[Ziggyman]

13 pts, and a couple of rebounds & assists in 27 mins. Sat out a good chunk of the 2nd half after getting nailed in the face with an elbow. Moon wasn't a factor, nor do I expect him to be unless Riley moves a few guys around before tomorrow's deadline.

Not bad...

Moon is a tremendously athletic player but is so soft...And doesn't make good use of his jumping ability...

I don't expect him doing very much on a team that has quite a bit of depth...and is known for tough play...

Marion had 10 pts, 6 boards and 6 dimes...Very impressive showing from the vet...He also limited BronBron to 20, not too shabby if I must say, not too shabby at all!

[SolarTiger]

Yeah Moon can jump high, and that's pretty much it. He plays soft, doesn't drive to the hoop and loves taking far away jumpers even though he sucks at them.

I can't wait to see Calderon Marion and Bosh on the floor together. Marion held James to his lowest point total against the Raptors in 21 games.

[Ziggyman]

Yeah Moon can jump high, and that's pretty much it. He plays soft, doesn't drive to the hoop and loves taking far away jumpers even though he sucks at them.

I can't wait to see Calderon Marion and Bosh on the floor together. Marion held James to his lowest point total against the Raptors in 21 games.

I've said all this before and i can't agree enough with all of that!

Looks like we have pretty decent depth at the SG/SF spots with...Parker, Kapono, Marion and Graham who has played very well this season...!

[Mister J]

Thunder Rescind Chandler Trade
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=11637
Surprising. You don't usually see this happen.

I don't know about Wilcox, but word is Boston would love Joe Smith.

[Silver Knight]

Dam.. that sucks.

[Darthphere]

Jermaine O'Neal coming up big for one board. :dry:

[Go Web Go!]

Suns drop 142 on the Clippers after scoring 140 on them previous night. Glad you can get buckets against one of the league's bottom-dwellers, now do it against the teams ahead of you in the playoff race before we start with "The Suns are back!" non-sense.

[Darthphere]

Jermaine O'Neal says he hopes to get 3 rebounds next game.

[Go Web Go!]

Lets keep our fingers crossed

[Darthphere]

He'll go up for a fourth but will blow out his knee in the process.

[Lobo]

Things in here should be interesting until about 3 pm :)

[Etienne]

Things in here should be interesting until about 3 pm :)
:ninja:

[Silver Knight]

He'll go up for a fourth but will blow out his knee in the process.
So true.
Things in here should be interesting until about 3 pm :)
I really hope some blockbusters go down.

[Raiden]

Suns drop 142 on the Clippers after scoring 140 on them previous night. Glad you can get buckets against one of the league's bottom-dwellers, now do it against the teams ahead of you in the playoff race before we start with "The Suns are back!" non-sense.

I agree. Suns were run-and-gun back when D'Antonio were the coach, and in fact they did it better then. Still couldn't get anywhere in those times with a high-octane offense, and I don't see why they should suddenly become the contenter just because they destroy a cellar-dweller in Clippers. Btw, I think Clips should seriously thinking about firing their coach/GM Dunleavy. While it's true that Clippers have been ravaged by injuries, you can tell the team (esp. Baron Davis) lost the will to win games even after they came back. Clippers actually have some decent talents so their record is inexcusable.

[Go Web Go!]

That's the thing. They're just decent. Thornton is a good player & Gordon's turning out to be a nice player, but after that what? A broken down & overpaid Baron Davis? Chris Kaman? Fat Zach Randolph? Eh. Some of their guys can get their numbers, but they're not good players because of it. I agree something has to be done about their personnel/coaching situation, but I'm not so sure their record would or should be considerably better if they were healthy. Playing in the West doesn't help either.

By the way, the latest rumor floating around (heard this one on the radio) Shaq to Cleveland.

[BigSams50]

Yea just heard tho that they are far away from the shaq clevlend pick, i just hope joe smith makes it past the deadline so that the hornets buy him out and the celtics get em.

[Mister J]

POSTED: Feb. 19 -- 12:03 p.m. ET

Marc Stein: Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James?

ESPN.com contributor Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the Cavs have offered Ben Wallace and Sasha Pavlovic to the Phoenix Suns for O'Neal.

And sources close to the process have confirmed to ESPN.com that the teams are indeed in talks involving O'Neal, which would offer the Suns some of the payroll relief they've been seeking. Because only $1.5 million of Pavlovic's contract is guaranteed next season, Phoenix would slice $5.5 million off of its 2009-10 payroll if it agreed to send Shaq to the Cavs.

It's believed, though, that the Suns are resistant to taking back Wallace and thus trying to convince Cleveland to part with Wally Szczerbiak's $13.8 million expiring contract instead, which would turn this into a huge financial windfall for Phoenix.

UPDATE (12:29 p.m. ET): Multiple sources with knowledge of the talks between Cleveland and Phoenix today are saying as of noontime that a deal actually coming together to team Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James is very unlikely.

No one is denying that the teams have talked, but we're getting strong hints now that this deal is in no way close.
Gotta love the trade deadline.

[Mister J]

The Chicago Bulls have reached agreement to trade guard Larry Hughes to the New York Knicks for Tim Thomas and Jerome James, two NBA executives said.
All 2010 contracts. Other than the bonus for Chicago of getting rid of Larry Hughes, I don't really get it. Maybe a conditional is involved too.

[Darthphere]

Jermaine O'Neal bent over to pick up a quarter this morning. Torn ACL, out for season.

[Wylie Times]

If the Cavs were to make any trade for Shaq they would deserve to get eliminated in the first round.

[Lobo]

All 2010 contracts. Other than the bonus for Chicago of getting rid of Larry Hughes, I don't really get it. Maybe a conditional is involved too.

Knicks haven't had a true two guard since Crawford was traded, seeing as how Mobley retired. So Hughes will fill that spot for the last 30 games.

This is the 2nd time the Knicks have traded Tim Thomas to the Bulls lol.

[Lobo]

Knicks swap Malik Rose for Wilcox

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3918993

[Go Web Go!]

Hey, let's trade lottery busts: Rashad McCants to the Kings & Shelden Williams to the Wolves

[Ziggyman]

Boring!!!

Nothing happened today!

[Go Web Go!]

The biggest deal was the Heat/Raptors trade last week. It's only a quarter passed 3, so I'm sure a couple of deals will leak, but nothing major. Big poo-poo for all the names that were thrown around.

[FlawlessVictory]

Knicks haven't had a true two guard since Crawford was traded, seeing as how Mobley retired. So Hughes will fill that spot for the last 30 games.

This is the 2nd time the Knicks have traded Tim Thomas to the Bulls lol.

Plus, Gallinari will play even more now, taking up those Thomas minutes. Thank God for Walsh, with James being traded today, almost all of the garbage is gone.

Kinda sad to see Malik go though, guy is the consumate professional. Never complained or sad a bad thing during all these catastrophic years.

[Lobo]

I hope so, unless D'antoni gives Q more minutes at the 3 again :(

I always liked Malik, but I'm very ahppy with Wilcox in return.

I see NYK next starting line up like this

C Wilcox
PF Lee
SF Chandler
SG Hughes
PG Duhon

Off the bench we'd have Nate, Gallinari, and Q

also we have two open roster spots now.

[FlawlessVictory]

I hope so, unless D'antoni gives Q more minutes at the 3 again :(

I always liked Malik, but I'm very ahppy with Wilcox in return.

I see NYK next starting line up like this

C Wilcox
PF Lee
SF Chandler
SG Hughes
PG Duhon

Off the bench we'd have Nate, Gallinari, and Q

also we have two open roster spots now.

You left out Harrington. You think Wilcox can start? I'm not so sure. I could see them upfront going with Harrington, Lee and Q at the 3, sorry. And Duhon and Chandler in the backcourt to start. Maybe Hughes gets in the starting lineup eventually, but I think he might have to prove himself a little here first. Plus, what do we do with Jefferies? He is completely awful offensively, but at least he bothers to play some D, which can't be said for everyone.

Regardless of the configuration, it feels good to finally see there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

[Ghostvirus]

Bulls get Tim Thomas. Finally Paxson is starting to beef up the middle a bit. FINALLY!! I am going to be really curioius what happens for the rest of the season now.

[Go Web Go!]

-Magic get Rafer Alston from the Rockets

[Mister J]

Also, with that, the Rockets get Kyle Lowry ; Memphis gets a 1st rounder.

It'd been nice if Miami could have gotten in on some of that PG action. Chris Quinn needs to take a seat.
---------------------------------------
Ginobili Diagnosed With Stress Reaction (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3919551)
vSAN ANTONIO -- Spurs star Manu Ginobili will be sidelined 2-3 weeks with a stress reaction in his right ankle.

The team announced the injury to Ginobili's right distal fibula Thursday, saying it was diagnosed after X-rays, an MRI and a CAT scan. It's not the same ankle that Ginobili had surgery on last summer after the Olympics, forcing him to miss the first 12 games of the season.

Ginobili missed Tuesday's loss at New York. He also won't play Thursday at Detroit or at Washington on Sunday, when the Spurs wrap up an eight-game road trip.

Ginobili is the third-leading scorer for the Spurs, averaging 16.1 points off the bench. The Spurs (35-17) have lost two in a row, but are still in first place in the Southwest Division.

[Silver Knight]

What a bore.

[LastSunrise1981]

Great to see Barkley back. Now, can they please start discussing basketball? He doesn't need to explain himself for all the politically correct morons outside of the media and in the media world.

[Ziggyman]

Three way trade!

Raps- Will Solomon out; Patrick O'Bryant in
Celtics- Patrick O'Bryant out; conditional 2014 second-round pick in
Kings- conditional 2014 second-round pick out; Will Solomon in

With the arrival of Banks and the solid play of Roko Ukic and of course Calderon starting...Solomon, a man expected at the beginning of the season to play back-up, just didn't pan out and became expendable...

Good move, with Jermaine gone we needed some depth down the middle since we were in the words of Coloangelo "stacked at the point guard position"!

[Lobo]

You left out Harrington. You think Wilcox can start? I'm not so sure. I could see them upfront going with Harrington, Lee and Q at the 3, sorry. And Duhon and Chandler in the backcourt to start. Maybe Hughes gets in the starting lineup eventually, but I think he might have to prove himself a little here first. Plus, what do we do with Jefferies? He is completely awful offensively, but at least he bothers to play some D, which can't be said for everyone.

Regardless of the configuration, it feels good to finally see there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Yeah I think we'll start him at the 5, he's 6'11, can run and block some shots, which we need. Yeah i forgot Harrington, add him and we have a 9 man rotation with Q getting the least minutes.

As for Jeffries, I'm pretty sure we tried to get rid of him today I'm sure next trade deadline, he and Curry go.

2010 should be VERY interesting for us :)

[Kargo Warrior]

The Pistons are down by one,have the last possesion and what do they do?

The have Rasheed shoot a jumper over Duncan...tsk,tsk,tsk...horrible,just horrible.

[Mister J]

I'd have gone with Iverson. He had the hot hand.

At any rate, I wouldn't have gone with whomever TD was guarding.

[Kargo Warrior]

I'd have gone with Iverson. He had the hot hand.

At any rate, I wouldn't have gone with whomever TD was guarding.

Exactly...at any rate,you're the home team,attack the rim,go for free throws.

It's like an avalanche...it's all going down and there's no stopping any time soon...bad coach,terrible chemistry,no desire whatsoever...this season is basically done.

[Silver Knight]

LOL at Matt Bonner torching the Pistons.

[Ziggyman]

The 'Red Rocket' does scorch!

[Go Web Go!]

Just heard over the radio that Jason Williams is ending his retirement & looking to make a comeback.

[Silver Knight]

Just heard over the radio that Jason Williams is ending his retirement & looking to make a comeback.
I read about that. I wonder if he will sign with Boston?

[Mister J]

Suns: Stoudemire Could Miss 8 Weeks
(http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3921500)
A day after deciding to let the trade deadline pass without making a major money-saving move, the Phoenix Suns' inactivity has turned incredibly costly.

The beleaguered Suns announced Friday that Amare Stoudemire was forced to undergo eye surgery to repair a partially detached retina suffered in a Wednesday night rout of the Los Angeles Clippers. It is Stoudemire's second eye injury since October and the All-Star forward could miss the rest of the regular season.

Stoudemire's return to physical activity has been estimated at eight weeks by the Suns. He underwent surgery Friday morning, although the club said in a statement that "recovery varies on a case-by-case basis."

[Go Web Go!]

Well, he's technically still under contract with the Clips, but he is trying to resolve that because there isn't exactly a point in coming back to play with an awful team.

[Go Web Go!]

Hell of a season in Phoenix. Good God.

[Mister J]

Well, he's technically still under contract with the Clips, but he is trying to resolve that because there isn't exactly a point in coming back to play with an awful team.
I doubt it's a coincidence he waited unil the day after the trade deadline to file his paperwork. He'll seek a buyout and likely try to ride someone's coattails to another ring.

[Silver Knight]

Dam. I hope Amare gets better fast.

[Go Web Go!]

I'd say with him being out for so long the Suns can kiss the playoffs goodbye. They're in the 9 spot with him, imagine without him.

[Etienne]

The 'Red Rocket' does scorch!
Red Rocket showed why he should of made the 3 point shooting contest.

[Ghostvirus]

LOL! Man am I glad that Paxson didn't make that move.

[Immortalfire]

Jazz owner Larry Miller has died..http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Agd44A8cCoXo3lCQbnAExOS8vLYF?slug=ap-obit-miller&prov=ap&type=lgns

A result of diabetes, poor guy. RIP :csad:

[Ziggyman]

Can no one mention the Raps/Knicks game tonight...Thank you!

[Lobo]

We won by 30 :grin:

[R_3]

The Toronto Raptors: Where "forget about the playoffs" happens.

[Excel]

Lebrons dropped 53 and missed 7 ft

[Ghostvirus]

Da Bulls come out of the second half gate nicely.:up:

[LastSunrise1981]

I'm just curious. Does anyone think that they'll start rebuilding the Pistons? I can't see Sheed, Tayshaun, or Rip staying there after this season.

[Ghostvirus]

I think with what Dumars did with the AI trade. He pretty much has no choice now.

[Silver Knight]

With Stat being out for the season it will be intresting if his played his last game as a Sun.

[Go Web Go!]

Probably not.

[Raiden]

Nice OT win by the Lakers, and it snapped Hornet's streak of OT wins as well.

[Raiden]

I doubt it's a coincidence he waited unil the day after the trade deadline to file his paperwork. He'll seek a buyout and likely try to ride someone's coattails to another ring.

Sounds like Sam Cassel.

[Docker2.0]

The Toronto Raptors: Where "forget about the playoffs" happens.

So happy they are losing! The way they fired Mitchell was so stupid and unnecessary, just like the Wizards firing Eddie Jordan. It was to early in the season to determine what was the true cuase of the loses.
Oh! How about my Knicks? Can someone say playoffs? :cool:

[Go Web Go!]

I doubt it's a coincidence he waited unil the day after the trade deadline to file his paperwork. He'll seek a buyout and likely try to ride someone's coattails to another ring.

I read he's most likely to return to the Heat. J-Will seems like a guy who's more about getting his minutes than another ring, so going back to Miami seems to be a good fit. They have zero depth at PG and Wade has stated he's not looking to play the position should Chalmers or Quinn get hurt, get in foul trouble, etc. I'd welcome him back.

[Silver Knight]

So happy they are losing! The way they fired Mitchell was so stupid and unnecessary, just like the Wizards firing Eddie Jordan. It was to early in the season to determine what was the true cuase of the loses.
Oh! How about my Knicks? Can someone say playoffs? :cool:
I agree with the statements above.

[Mister J]

Sounds like Sam Cassel.
Cassell played his part well enough for his first two rings, but he might as well have worn a mask and brandished a revolver when he picked up #3. He was so awful that there was a running joke that he was part of a special NBA edition of Celebrity Mole.

I read he's most likely to return to the Heat. J-Will seems like a guy who's more about getting his minutes than another ring, so going back to Miami seems to be a good fit. They have zero depth at PG and Wade has stated he's not looking to play the position should Chalmers or Quinn get hurt, get in foul trouble, etc. I'd welcome him back.
Not even accounting for how long it'd take J-Dub to get back in game shape, I don't know how much more valuable he'd be than Quinn. Triggering the offense would be fine enough, but, man, that 'Olé!'-style defense would be just the same if not worse.

There does need to be some depth added though, if for no other reason than to lessen Quinn's PT. I rather see the rumored buyouts for Chucky Atkins and/or Bobby Jackson take place and have Miami go after one of them. Even Steve Francis or trying to pull Jannero Pargo back from Europe. See whaat's up with Shaun Livingston's rehab. Anything.

[BigSams50]

Lake show got a lucky call in OT which helped them win. And pauls mistake in the 4th quarter cost the hornets the game, and i hope KG cums bak soon and his knee be a 100%

[Go Web Go!]

Ugly win, but I'll take it. Philly's on Miami's tail for that #5 spot, so it's nice to pick up a victory against them. Also, you wouldn't want to go into tomorrow night's game against Orlando having lost 2 in a row.

[empire]

Lakers continue to roll. Great win in OT last night.

[Mister J]

That Jamario Moon is quite the athlete.

[Go Web Go!]

I'll be a fan as long as he stays close to the rim. He took some ugly shots tonight. I'm hoping he replaces Diawara in the line-up while Jones is out. He had another bad game.