Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Billups wins Sportsmanship Award
A 12-year veteran, Billups was one of six divisional winners, which included Boston’s Ray Allen, Detroit’s Antonio McDyess, Golden State’s Ronny Turiaf, San Antonio’s Michael Finley and Washington’s Antawn Jamison.
Billups received 82 first-place votes (2,478 total points) of a possible 336.
For the fifth consecutive year, NBA players voted on this award, with eleven points given for each first-place vote, nine points for each second-place vote, seven points for third, five points for fourth, three points for fifth and one point for each sixth-place vote received. Each team nominated one of its players for the award. Former NBA players Mike Bantom, John Crotty, Eddie Johnson, Jalen Rose, Tom "Satch" Sanders, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber then selected the six divisional winners.
The NBA will make a donation on behalf of Chauncey Billups to Porter-Billups Leadership Academy at Regis University, a program that provides academic and leadership training to at-risk inner city students from Denver, with a goal of helping students attend college.
The NBA will also make a donation to each of the divisional winner’s charities of choice: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation & Ray of Hope Foundation on behalf of Allen; American Cancer Society on behalf of McDyess and Turiaf; the Michael Finley Foundation on behalf of Finley; and Kaboom & Wizards Care on Jamison’s behalf.
The annual award reflects the ideals of sportsmanship -- ethical behavior, fair play and integrity -- in amateur and professional basketball, a key focus of the league’s NBA Cares program efforts. The trophy is named for former Detroit Pistons guard and Hall of Famer Joe Dumars, the award’s first recipient.
Following is a list of this year’s voting totals and all-time winners of the NBA Sportsmanship Award:
2008-09 NBA SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD VOTING TOTALS
Player, Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th Points
Chauncey Billups, Denver 82 69 73 64 38 10 2478
Ray Allen, Boston 76 60 50 35 38 77 2092
Antonio McDyess, Detroit 40 82 51 43 74 46 2018
Antawn Jamison, Washington 42 46 77 74 65 32 2012
Michael Finley, San Antonio 32 49 57 73 77 48 1836
Ronny Turiaf, Golden State 64 30 28 47 44 123 1660
ALL-TIME NBA SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD WINNERS
Inaugural: Joe Dumars (1995-96) 2002-03: Ray Allen, Seattle
1996-97: Terrell Brandon, Cleveland 2003-04: P.J. Brown, New Orleans
1997-98: Avery Johnson, San Antonio 2004-05: Grant Hill, Orlando
1998-99: Hersey Hawkins, Seattle 2005-06: Elton Brand, L.A. Clippers
1999-00: Eric Snow, Philadelphia 2006-07: Luol Deng, Chicago
2000-01: David Robinson, San Antonio 2007-08: Grant Hill, Phoenix
2001-02: Steve Smith, San Antonio 2008-09: Chauncey Billups, Denver
No Moon for Heat
The
The procedure will be performed by Dr. David Edelman at
Moon was acquired by the HEAT in a
Raptors' Calderom has finger surgery
The procedure was performed by Dr. Brent Graham at Toronto Western Hospital.
This past season, Calderon averaged career highs of 12.8 points, 8.9 assists (fourth in the NBA) and 34.3 minutes in 68 games (all starts). He led the NBA in assists-per-turnover ratio (4.21) for a second consecutive season. He also established an NBA single-season free-throw percentage record of .981 (151-for-154).
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Terry takes Sixth Man Award
NEW YORK, April 24, 2009 – Jason Terry of the Dallas Mavericks is the winner of the 2008-09 NBA Sixth Man Award presented by Kia Motors as the league’s best player in a reserve role, the NBA announced today.
Terry received 576 of a possible 605 points, including 111 of a possible 121 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. J.R. Smith of the Denver Nuggets finished second with 155 points and Nate Robinson of the New York Knicks finished third with 113 points.
In order to be eligible for this award, players had to have come off the bench in more games than they started. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.
As part of its support of the Sixth Man of the Year Award, Kia Motors America will donate either a new Borrego SUV or Sedona minivan on behalf of Terry to the Rock T. Youth Foundation in Dallas. Kia Motors will present a brand new vehicle to the charity of choice of each of four 2008-09 season-end award winners as part of the “The NBA Performance Awards Presented by Kia Motors.”
A sixth man in 63 of 74 games played this season, Terry averaged 19.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.3 steals in 33.6 minutes. He shot .463 from the field, .366 from beyond the three-point line and .880 from the free throw line. Among NBA leaders, Terry ranked 10th in three-pointers made (167), 11th in free throw percentage, 17th in steals, and tied for 22nd in scoring average.
The tenth-year pro averaged more points than each of the last 18 Sixth Man of the Year winners and combined with Dirk Nowitzki for the third highest scoring average (45.5 ppg) among teammates. The 6-2 guard had 33 games in which he scored at least 20 points as a reserve and 26 contests in which he matched or outscored the opposing bench.
The 2008-09 NBA Sixth Man Award presented by Kia Motors is part of a series of on-court performance awards called “The NBA Performance Awards Presented by Kia Motors.” The awards, which are part of a multi-year marketing partnership that makes Kia Motors America the official automotive partner of the NBA, also include the Most Valuable Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and Most Improved Player Award. The series also includes the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month presented by Kia Motors. For more information on the “The NBA Performance Awards Presented by Kia Motors” visit www.NBA.com/performanceawards.
Attached are the voting results for the 2008-09 NBA Sixth Man Award presented by Kia Motors:
2008-09 NBA SIXTH MAN AWARD PRESENTED BY KIA MOTORS VOTING
Player, Team 1st 2nd 3rd Pts
Jason Terry, Dallas 111 6 3 576
J.R. Smith, Denver 3 36 32 155
Nate Robinson, New York 2 27 22 113
Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers 2 17 17 78
Travis Outlaw, Portland 1 17 19 75
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio 1 3 3 17
Ronald Murray, Atlanta 1 2 5 16
Chris Andersen, Denver -- 3 4 13
Andrei Kirilenko, Utah -- 2 1 7
Corey Maggette, Golden State -- 2 1 6
Louis Williams, Philadelphia -- 1 3 6
Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix -- 1 3 6
Eddie House, Boston -- 1 2 5
Kirk Hinrich, Chicago -- 1 1 4
Jason Kapono, Toronto -- 1 -- 3
James Posey, New Orleans -- -- 2 2
Trevor Ariza, L.A. Lakers -- -- 1 1
Michael Beasley, Miami -- -- 1 1
Hakeem Warrick, Memphis -- 1 -- 1
Paul Millsap, Utah -- -- 1 1
ALL-TIME NBA SIXTH MAN AWARD PRESENTED BY KIA MOTORS WINNERS
1982-83 Bobby Jones, Philadelphia 76ers
1983-84 Kevin McHale, Boston Celtics
1984-85 Kevin McHale, Boston Celtics
1985-86 Bill Walton, Boston Celtics
1986-87 Ricky Pierce, Milwaukee Bucks
1987-88 Roy Tarpley, Dallas Mavericks
1988-89 Eddie Johnson, Phoenix Suns
1989-90 Ricky Pierce, Milwaukee Bucks
1990-91 Detlef Schrempf, Indiana Pacers
1991-92 Detlef Schrempf, Indiana Pacers
1992-93 Clifford Robinson, Portland Trail Blazers
1993-94 Dell Curry, Charlotte Hornets
1994-95 Anthony Mason, New York Knicks
1995-96 Toni Kukoc, Chicago Bulls
1996-97 John Starks, New York Knicks
1997-98 Danny Manning, Phoenix Suns
1998-99 Darrell Armstrong, Orlando Magic
1999-00 Rodney Rogers, Phoenix Suns
2000-01 Aaron McKie, Philadelphia 76ers
2001-02 Corliss Williamson, Detroit Pistons
2002-03 Bobby Jackson, Sacramento Kings
2003-04 Antawn Jamison, Dallas Mavericks
2004-05 Ben Gordon, Chicago Bulls
2005-06 Mike Miller, Memphis Grizzlies
2006-07 Leandro Barbosa, Phoenix Suns
2007-08 Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
2008-09 Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Rose wins Rookie of the Year
NEW YORK, April 22, 2009 – Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls is the recipient of the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy as the 2008-09 T-Mobile NBA Rookie of the Year, the NBA announced today.
Rose received 111 first-place votes (574 points) from a panel of 120 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Memphis’ O.J. Mayo finished second with 246 points and New Jersey’s Brook Lopez finished third with 127 points. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.
Selected with the first overall pick in the NBA Draft 2008, Rose led first-year players in assists (6.3 apg) and was second among rookies in scoring (16.8 ppg), to go along with 3.9 rebounds in 37.0 minutes. Rose shot .475 from the field and .788 from the free throw line. He started 80 of 81 games (missed one game due to injury on March 24), and finished the season in the top three in several categories all-time among Bulls rookies, including total points (3rd, 1,361), scoring (3rd, 16.8 ppg) and assists (3rd, 6.3 apg).
A three-time T-Mobile Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month selection (Nov., Dec., March), Rose scored in double digits 71 times including 32 games of at least 20 points. Rose represented Chicago at All-Star Saturday Night in Phoenix, becoming the first rookie to win the PlayStation® Skills Challenge with a time of 35.3 seconds. A participant in the 2009 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, Rose finished with four points and a team-high seven assists. Rose is the third Bulls rookie to win the award and the first since Elton Brand in 1999-00 (co-winner with Houston’s Steve Francis).
Throughout the 2008-09 season, for every point scored by the T-Mobile Rookie of the Month, T-Mobile USA pledged to donate $20 per point scored during the month the player won the award to better the various youth communities in Phoenix, the Host City of NBA All-Star 2009. T-Mobile will donate a total of $60,340, with $16,220 coming from the 811 points scored by Rose alone during the three months he won T-Mobile Rookie of the Month. The donation is part of the overall T-Mobile Rookie Program and builds on T-Mobile’s strong appeal to the nation’s youth as the official wireless partner of the NBA. Other highlights of T-Mobile’s partnership with the NBA include the T-Mobile Rookie of the Year, T-Mobile Rookie of the Month Awards, and the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, an All-Star competition between NBA rookies and second-year players. During NBA All-Star 2009, T-Mobile and NBA Cares hosted more than 3,800 local students from five school districts in Phoenix, to sit in the lower bowl of the arena to watch this year’s T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam on Friday, February 13.
The Eddie Gottlieb Trophy is named in honor of Eddie Gottlieb, one of the NBA’s founders who coached the Philadelphia Warriors to the NBA championship in 1946-47.
Attached are the voting results for the 2008-09 T-Mobile NBA Rookie of the Year Award and the all-time list of winners:
2008-09 T-MOBILE NBA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD VOTING RESULTS
Rookie, Team 1st 2nd 3rd Total
Derrick Rose, Chicago 111 5 4 574
O.J. Mayo, Memphis 5 64 29 246
Brook Lopez, New Jersey 2 28 33 127
Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City 2 13 24 73
Eric Gordon, L.A. Clippers - 4 10 22
Kevin Love, Minnesota - 2 10 16
Michael Beasley, Miami - 2 1 7
Marc Gasol, Memphis - 1 1 4
Robin Lopez, Phoenix - 1 - 3
Rudy Fernandez, Portland - - 3 3
Mario Chalmers, Miami - - 2 2
Courtney Lee, Orlando - - 2 2
Nicolas Batum, Portland - - 1 1
ALL-TIME T-MOBILE NBA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
1952-53 - Don Meineke, Fort Wayne
1953-54 - Ray Felix, Baltimore
1954-55 - Bob Pettit, Milwaukee
1955-56 - Maurice Stokes, Rochester
1956-57 - Tom Heinsohn, Boston
1957-58 - Woody Sauldsberry, Philadelphia
1958-59 - Elgin Baylor, Minneapolis
1959-60 - Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia
1960-61 - Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati
1961-62 - Walt Bellamy, Chicago
1962-63 - Terry Dischinger, Chicago
1963-64 - Jerry Lucas, Cincinnati
1964-65 - Willis Reed, New York
1965-66 - Rick Barry, San Francisco
1966-67 - Dave Bing, Detroit
1967-68 - Earl Monroe, Baltimore
1968-69 - Wes Unseld, Baltimore
1969-70 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee
1970-71 - Dave Cowens, Boston (tie)
- Geoff Petrie, Portland (tie)
1971-72 - Sidney Wicks, Portland
1972-73 - Bob McAdoo, Buffalo
1973-74 - Ernie DiGregorio, Buffalo
1974-75 - Keith Wilkes, Golden State
1975-76 - Alvan Adams, Phoenix
1976-77 - Adrian Dantley, Buffalo
1977-78 - Walter Davis, Phoenix
1978-79 - Phil Ford, Kansas City
1979-80 - Larry Bird, Boston
1980-81 - Darrell Griffith, Utah
1981-82 - Buck Williams, New Jersey
1982-83 - Terry Cummings, San Diego
1983-84 - Ralph Sampson, Houston
1984-85 - Michael Jordan, Chicago
1985-86 - Patrick Ewing, New York
1986-87 - Chuck Person, Indiana
1987-88 - Mark Jackson, New York
1988-89 - Mitch Richmond, Golden State
1989-90 - David Robinson, San Antonio
1990-91 - Derrick Coleman, New Jersey
1991-92 - Larry Johnson, Charlotte
1992-93 - Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando
1993-94 - Chris Webber, Golden State
1994-95 - Grant Hill, Detroit (tie)
- Jason Kidd, Dallas (tie)
1995-96 - Damon Stoudamire, Toronto
1996-97 - Allen Iverson, Philadelphia
1997-98 - Tim Duncan, San Antonio
1998-99 - Vince Carter, Toronto
1999-00 - Elton Brand, Chicago (tie)
- Steve Francis, Houston (tie)
2000-01 - Mike Miller, Orlando
2001-02 - Pau Gasol, Memphis
2002-03 - Amaré Stoudemire, Phoenix
2003-04 - LeBron James, Cleveland
2004-05 - Emeka Okafor, Charlotte
2005-06 - Chris Paul, New Orleans/Okla. City
2006-07 - Brandon Roy, Portland
2007-08 - Kevin Durant, Seattle
2008-09 -Derrick Rose, Chicago
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The 6-11 center led the NBA in rebounds and blocks, averaging 13.8 boards and 2.92 blocks. He also averaged 20.6 points on .572 shooting from the floor. Howard recorded nine 20-point/20-rebound games while leading the team in scoring 39 times and in rebounds on 69 occasions.
As part of its support of the Defensive Player of the Year Award, Kia Motors America will donate either a new Borrego SUV or Sedona minivan on behalf of Howard to Orlando Day Nursery, which has served the Parramore neighborhood since 1921 and is Central Florida’s oldest early childhood education center. Kia Motors will present a brand new vehicle to the charity of choice of each of four 2008-09 season-end award winners as part of the “The NBA Performance Awards Presented by Kia Motors.”
Howard, a three-time NBA All-Star, helped the Magic to its second consecutive Southeast Division title (59-23), including a 32-9 record at home. The Magic held opponents under 100 points 54 times this season -- compiling a 43-11 record -- including a season-low 68 points allowed by New Orleans on Dec. 25. Orlando allowed 94.4 ppg (7,737 points), which ranked sixth in the NBA, and overall the team was in the NBA’s top 10 in seven defensive categories.
Howard became the fifth player in NBA history to finish the season leading the league in rebounding and blocks (1973-74 was the first season blocks were kept as an official statistic). The select group includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (L.A. Lakers, 1975-76), Bill Walton (Portland Trail Blazers, 1976-77), Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston, 1989-90) and Ben Wallace (Detroit, 2001-02).
Howard received 542 points, including 105 first-place votes, from a panel of 119 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Cleveland’s LeBron James finished second with 148 points and Miami’s Dwyane Wade finished third with 90 points. Players were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote received.
The 2008-09 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award presented by Kia Motors is part of a series of on-court performance awards called “The NBA Performance Awards Presented by Kia Motors.” The series, currently in its second season, is a significant part of the multiyear marketing partnership between Kia Motors America and the NBA, and also includes the Most Improved Player, Sixth Man and Most Valuable Player of the Year Awards. It also includes the Eastern and Western Conference Players of the Month presented by Kia Motors which are awarded during the regular season. For more information on the “The NBA Performance Awards Presented by Kia Motors” visit www.NBA.com/performanceawards.
Attached are the 2008-09 results and the league’s all-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award Presented by Kia Motors winners:
2008-09 NBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY KIA MOTORS RESULTS
PLAYER TEAM 1st Place (5 Pts) 2nd Place (3 Pts) 3rd Place (1 pt) Total Points
Dwight Howard Orlando 105 4 5 542
LeBron James Cleveland 4 36 20 148
Dwyane Wade Miami 3 20 15 90
Shane Battier Houston 2 17 10 71
Ron Artest Houston 1 13 10 54
Chris Paul New Orleans 1 9 17 49
Kobe Bryant LA Lakers 2 6 15 43
Kevin Garnett Boston 1 6 8 31
Chris Anderson Denver - 2 4 10
Rajon Rondo Boston - 2 2 8
Tim Duncan San Antonio - 1 4 7
Raja Bell Charlotte - 1 1 4
Anderson Varejao Cleveland - 1 - 3
Andre Iguodala Philadelphia - 1 - 3
Ronny Turiaf Golden State - - 2 2
Trevor Ariza LA Lakers - - 1 1
Marcus Camby LA Clippers - - 1 1
Grant Hill Phoenix - - 1 1
Joel Pryzbilla Portland - - 1 1
Josh Smith Atlanta - - 1 1
Hedo Turkoglu Orlando - - 1 1
ALL-TIME NBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR WINNERS
Season Winner, Team
1982-83 Sidney Moncrief, Milwaukee
1983-84 Sidney Moncrief, Milwaukee
1984-85 Mark Eaton, Utah
1985-86 Alvin Robertson, San Antonio
1986-87 Michael Cooper, L.A. Lakers
1987-88 Michael Jordan, Chicago
1988-89 Mark Eaton, Utah
1989-90 Dennis Rodman, Detroit
1990-91 Dennis Rodman, Detroit
1991-92 David Robinson, San Antonio
1992-93 Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston
1993-94 Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston
1994-95 Dikembe Mutombo, Denver
1995-96 Gary Payton, Seattle
Season Winner, Team
1996-97 Dikembe Mutombo, Atlanta
1997-98 Dikembe Mutombo, Atlanta
1998-99 Alonzo Mourning, Miami
1999-00 Alonzo Mourning, Miami
2000-01 Dikembe Mutombo, Philadelphia
2001-02 Ben Wallace, Detroit
2002-03 Ben Wallace, Detroit
2003-04 Ron Artest, Indiana
2004-05 Ben Wallace, Detroit
2005-06 Ben Wallace, Detroit
2006-07 Marcus Camby, Denver
2007-08 Kevin Garnett, Boston
2008-09 Dwight Howard, Orlando
Monday, April 20, 2009
Cavs' Brown wins Coach of the Year
Brown totaled 355 points, including 55 first-place votes, from a panel of 122 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Coaches were awarded five points for each first-place vote, three points for each second-place vote and one point for each third-place vote.
In his fourth season at the helm in Cleveland, Brown guided the Cavaliers to a franchise- and NBA-best 66-16 (.805) season, marking only the 12th time an NBA team has won at least 66 games. Cleveland started the season with a franchise-best 23-straight wins at Quicken Loans Arena and finished with the best home record in the league at 39-2. Cleveland is the sixth team in NBA history to record 39 home wins and the first to do so since the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls. The Cavaliers’ 21-game improvement over last year’s 45-37 record tied the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers for the second biggest improvement all-time among teams with at least 45 wins in the previous season.
Brown was named NBA Coach of the Month for December, February and March. At the All-Star break, Cleveland owned the highest winning percentage in the Eastern Conference (36-9, .800), earning Brown the spot as head coach for the East in Phoenix. It was Brown’s first appearance as an All-Star head coach and the second in franchise history (Lenny Wilkens, 1989).
Brown led the Cavaliers to at least 45 wins in each of his first three campaigns, marking only the second time Cleveland won that many games in three consecutive seasons (1991-92 to 1993-94). With a combined regular season record of 211-117 (.643) in four seasons, Brown has the highest winning percentage of any head coach in franchise history. In each of his first three seasons in Cleveland, Brown has led the Cavaliers to the playoffs, amassing a franchise-best 26-20 (.565) postseason record. In 2007, he led Cleveland to its first trip to The Finals.
Brown joined the Cavaliers after two seasons as associate head coach for the Indiana Pacers. Prior to that, Brown served as assistant coach for three seasons in San Antonio, helping guide the Spurs to the 2003 NBA championship. Brown began his coaching career with the Washington Wizards, where he spent two seasons as an assistant coach under Bernie Bickerstaff.
The Coach of the Year Award is named after legendary coach and Hall of Famer Red Auerbach who guided the Celtics to nine NBA Championships. In 1996, Auerbach was honored as one of the Top 10 Coaches in NBA History as the NBA celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Following are the balloting results for the 2008-09 NBA Coach of the Year award and the all-time list of winners:
2008-09 NBA COACH OF THE YEAR RESULTS
Coach, Team 1st 2nd 3rd Pts
Mike Brown, Cleveland 55 21 17 355
Rick Adelman, Houston 13 24 14 151
Stan Van Gundy, Orlando 13 20 25 150
Nate McMillan, Portland 15 14 10 127
George Karl, Denver 11 16 14 117
Jerry Sloan, Utah 9 9 6 78
Erik Spoelstra, Miami 2 8 19 53
Mike Woodson, Atlanta 1 3 3 17
Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 1 3 3 17
Doc Rivers, Boston 1 2 4 15
Vinny Del Negro, Chicago 1 1 1 9
Larry Brown, Charlotte - 1 3 6
Scott Skiles, Milwaukee - - 1 1
Tony DiLeo, Philadelphia - - 1 1
Rick Carlisle, Dallas - - 1 1
ALL-TIME NBA COACH OF THE YEAR WINNERS
1962-63 - Harry Gallatin, St. Louis
1963-64 - Alex Hannum, San Francisco
1964-65 - Red Auerbach, Boston
1965-66 - Dolph Schayes, Philadelphia
1966-67 - Johnny Kerr, Chicago
1967-68 - Richie Guerin, St. Louis
1968-69 - Gene Shue, Baltimore
1969-70 - Red Holzman, New York
1970-71 - Dick Motta, Chicago
1971-72 - Bill Sharman, Los Angeles
1972-73 - Tom Heinsohn, Boston
1973-74 - Ray Scott, Detroit
1974-75 - Phil Johnson, Kansas City-Omaha
1975-76 - Bill Fitch, Cleveland
1976-77 - Tom Nissalke, Houston
1977-78 - Hubie Brown, Atlanta
1978-79 - Cotton Fitzsimmons, Kansas City
1979-80 - Bill Fitch, Boston
1980-81 - Jack McKinney, Indiana
1981-82 - Gene Shue, Washington
1982-83 - Don Nelson, Milwaukee
1983-84 - Frank Layden, Utah
1984-85 - Don Nelson, Milwaukee
1985-86 - Mike Fratello, Atlanta
1986-87 - Mike Schuler, Portland
1987-88 - Doug Moe, Denver
1988-89 - Cotton Fitzsimmons, Phoenix
1989-90 - Pat Riley, LA Lakers
1990-91 - Don Chaney, Houston
1991-92 - Don Nelson, Golden State
1992-93 - Pat Riley, New York
1993-94 - Lenny Wilkens, Atlanta
1994-95 - Del Harris, Los Angeles Lakers
1995-96 - Phil Jackson, Chicago
1996-97 - Pat Riley, Miami
1997-98 - Larry Bird, Indiana
1998-99 - Mike Dunleavy, Portland
1999-00 - Doc Rivers, Orlando
2000-01 - Larry Brown, Philadelphia
2001-02 - Rick Carlisle, Detroit
2002-03 - Gregg Popovich, San Antonio
2003-04 - Hubie Brown, Memphis
2004-05 - Mike D’Antoni, Phoenix
2005-06 - Avery Johnson, Dallas
2006-07 - Sam Mitchell, Toronto
2007-08 - Byron Scott, New Orleans
2008-09 - Mike Brown, Cleveland
Saturday, April 18, 2009
First round will feature few surprises
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While thinking taxes and the NBA, I couldn't help reminisce about Otis Birdsong, the former All-Star sharp-shooter for the Kansas City Kings and New Jersey Nets, who once called the three certainties of life: "Death, taxes and my jump shot."
Now that Otis has settled into retirement, I'll make an executive decision and change that to "Death, taxes and LeBron." We are all just squirrels searching for a nut in Mr. James' world.
It's time for the coronation of the "King," and it begins this weekend.
With that in mind, let's take a closer look at this year's opening round matchups...
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(1) CLEVELAND vs. (8) DETROIT
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Cavs in 5
(2) BOSTON vs. (7) CHICAGO
Beantown woke up to some horrible news Thursday morning when Celtics coach Doc Rivers informed everyone that Kevin Garnett's balky right knee may keep him on the sidelines throughout the playoffs. Conventional wisdom said that the defending champs have been on cruise control and spent the last month of the regular season resting "The Big Ticket" as a precaution for the playoffs. No K.G. means no repeat, but Rivers' team still has more than enough to best a Bulls team that turned on the jets late behind the presumptive Rookie of the Year, Derrick Rose, and the league's best pickup at the trade deadline, the unheralded John Salmons. Chicago has some talent but a rookie coach (Vinny Del Negro) and little practical playoff experience are no match for a team that can still throw Paul Pierce and Ray Allen at you.
Celtics in 5
(3) ORLANDO vs. (6) PHILADELPHIA
With nothing to play for, Orlando faltered a bit down the stretch. Philadelphia, meanwhile, was even worse. Don't let the Magic's missteps fool you, however. The East features the haves and the have-nots and it's pretty clear which is which in this series. Dwight Howard is a monster inside and Stan Van Gundy has a host of competent-to-superlative three-point shooters that can stretch any defense to its breaking point. Meanwhile, Philly is the worst three-point shooting team in the league and needs to create offense off its defense in the transition game. This is just a terrible matchup for the 76ers. Tony DiLeo's club really struggles with perimeter defense and it's ability to drive and get to the foul line will be nullified by Howard's presence in the middle. Expect the Sixers to play jobber for a talented Orlando team. Think the Unpredictable Johnny Rodz vs. Hulk Hogan.
Magic in 5
(4) ATLANTA vs. (5) MIAMI
Dwyane Wade has had a spectacular year and can take over any basketball game, but Atlanta has played great in Philips Arena this season and has its own cold-blooded finisher, Joe Johnson. Home-court and the play of veteran point guard Mike Bibby will prove to be the difference in what should be an evenly- matched series.
Hawks in 7
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) LA LAKERS vs. (8) UTAH
This is not your typical one-eight matchup either. In fact, the Jazz are one of the most talented eight seeds in history. Injuries hamstrung Jerry Sloan's club for most of the year, but you look up at the end of the season and Utah still had 48 wins. That said, the Jazz are no match for Kobe Bryant and company. Two things killed Utah this season, the inability to win on the road and their awful play in back-to-back games. Utah finished 15-26 away from home and had a miserable 3-18 record in the second game of back-to-back sets. Only the woeful Washington Wizards had fewer wins (two) in those situations. The NBA playoff format will nullify the back-to-back problem but can't help the road woes. Meanwhile, since the NBA playoffs expanded to 16 teams in 1984, No. 8 seeds have gone 3-47 in the first round, with only Golden State in 2007, New York in 1999 and Denver in 1994 pulling upsets. Translation...
Lakers in 5
(2) DENVER vs. (7) NEW ORLEANS
Billups has been the difference in the Rocky Mountains but as good as "Mr. Big Shot" has been this season, he's no match for the Hornets' Chris Paul. Unfortunately for CP3, a lack of depth hurt New Orleans all year and don't expect that to turn around in the postseason. Carmelo Anthony, the red-hot J.R. Smith and the Pepsi Center will be the difference in this series.
Nuggets in 7
(3) San Antonio vs. (6) Dallas
If you are looking for an upset in the first round, you have to look long and hard at this series. The Mavs have played very well down the stretch while the Spurs are without their finisher, Manu Ginobili. I still think a veteran-laden San Antonio club, with all its championship experience, will have enough to oust Dallas in a Game 7 set for the Alamo City. But, anytime you are in a do- or-die situation and staring at Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry on the opposite bench, things could go wrong.
Spurs in 7
(4) PORTLAND vs. (5) HOUSTON
Houston was the big loser on the final day of the NBA season. The Rockets had a chance to win the Southwest Division and snare the No. 2 seed but blew a 14- point lead against the Mavs, losing home-court advantage in the process and drawing the West's most talented team outside of Hollywood in the young Portland Trail Blazers. Nate McMillan's team has everything a championship contender needs but experience. Portland's size, shooting ability, defensive intensity and finisher (Brandon Roy) will send the Rockets packing in the first round again. In fact, maybe those three certainties should be death, taxes and Tracy McGrady's team will lose in the first round, whether he's around or not.
Blazers in 6
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Spurs sign Marcus Williams
Williams was an All-League First Team Selection this season with the Austin Toros, the Spurs affiliate in the NBA Development League. In 45 games with the Toros, Williams averaged 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He was named the D-League Performer of the Week for the week of 3/30 after averaging a triple-double with 27.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 11.5 assists in three games.
Williams, who is in his second year, appeared in 11 NBA games last season (10 with the L.A. Clippers and one with San Antonio) where he averaged 0.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in 3.3 minutes. He also spent 36 games with the Toros where he averaged 19.2 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Williams was drafted by San Antonio with the 33rd overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
The 22-year-old Williams was an early entry candidate for the 2007 NBA Draft. He played two years at the University of Arizona, earning First Team All-Pac-10 honors after averaging 16.6 points and 6.7 rebounds as a sophomore.
At the same time, the Spurs announced that they have waived guard/forward Malik Hairston.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Bulls sign Johnson for remainder of season
Johnson, a fifth-year pro, played in two games with the Charlotte Bobcats at the start of the 2008-09 campaign.
During the 2003-04 season, Johnson played in 41 games with Chicago and posted averages of 4.2 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 17.9 mpg. He has also enjoyed stints with the San Antonio Spurs (member of the 2005 NBA Championship team), New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns and Bobcats. For his career, he has appeared in 147 games (27 starts) and posted averages of 3.9 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 14.2 mpg. He owns career shooting averages of .417 from the field and .699 from the line.
Johnson, 28, was undrafted out of Tulane University
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Gallinari has successful surgery
In 28 games this season, the 6-10, 225-pound rookie averaged 6.1 points, 2.0 rebounds and 14.7 minutes. On Mar. 4 versus Atlanta, Gallinari recorded a career-high 17 points.
Sims is D-League MVP
Prior to his GATORADE Call-Up to the Knicks on March 23, Sims was leading the Energy with 22.8 points per game, while shooting 61 percent (277-of-458) from the field to go along with averages of 11.0 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 38.8 minutes. Twice called-up by the Phoenix Suns this season, Sims appeared in one game for Phoenix this season and has yet to appear in a game for New York.
“Courtney really has earned this honor, and I’m proud of him,” said Energy head coach Nick Nurse. “His development in the last 12 months has been outstanding - he has grown his offensive game, his competitiveness and his athleticism. The improvements in his game are a total credit to him for all of the hard work he's put in over the last year and if he can improve as much in the next 12 months as he has in the last, I know he'll be a great asset to the Knicks or any NBA team.”
The Co-MVP of the 2009 NBA D-League All-Star Game in Phoenix, Sims scored in double figures in all 32 of his games with the Energy, including 21 games with 20 or more points and six 30-plus outings, including twice notching a season-high 36-points. Additionally, Sims recorded 22 points/rebounds double-doubles and one triple-double when he opened the NBA D-League season with 22 points, 17 rebounds and an NBA D-League record-tying 11 blocks in a 113-101 road win over the Sioux Falls Skyforce.
Twice honored during the season for his standout play, Sims earned NBA D-League Performer of the Week honors on Dec. 1 when he averaged a double-double of 22.5 points and 14.5 rebounds to go with 8.0 blocks while shooting 54 percent (13-of-24) from the. Later that month, Sims was named NBA D-League Player of the Month for December, as he averaged 24.3 points and 13.0 rebounds, shooting 62 percent (67-of-109) from the field, scoring in double figures in all six games and recording five double-doubles (points/rebounds) while leading Iowa to a 6-1 record during the month.
Sims appeared in three games for the Indiana Pacers during the 2007-08 season and has seen training camp, summer league and preseason action with the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets and Charlotte Bobcats since finishing his career at the University of Michigan. During his four-year career as a Wolverine, Sims averaged 10.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 131 games, earning a spot on the Big 10 Conference All-Freshman team in 2004.
“Courtney is a perfect example of what our league is about,” said Chris Alpert, vice president of basketball operations and player personnel for the NBA D-League. “He has utilized the NBA D-League as an opportunity to develop his skills and as a platform to showcase his ability to NBA teams. It's nice to see his hard work is paying off and it's encouraging to see our coaches recognize Courtney's impact he has on his team's success. Courtney has demonstrated all season that he is a top NBA prospect and we wish him the best with the New York Knicks.”
Sims joins Ansu Sesay (Greenville, 2002), current New Orleans Hornet Devin Brown (Fayetteville, 2003), Tierre Brown (Charleston, 2004), current Dallas Maverick Matt Carroll (Roanoke, 2005), Marcus Fizer (Austin, 2006), Randy Livingston (Idaho, 2007) and Kasib Powell (Sioux Falls, 2008) as winners of the NBA Development League Most Valuable Player Award
D-League announces All-Star team
NEW YORK, April 6, 2009 – Five NBA Development League players with NBA experience make up the 2008-09 GATORADE All-NBA D-League First Team, including Iowa center Courtney Sims - the 2008 NBA Development League’s Most Valuable Player currently playing for the New York Knicks - Dakota guard Blake Ahearn, Albuquerque guard Will Conroy, Erie forward Erik Daniels and Austin center Marcus Williams.
Two members of the Bakersfield Jam, guard Trey Johnson and forward Derrick Byars, earned spots on the GATORADE All-NBA D-League Second Team. The duo from
The GATORADE All-NBA D-League Third Team is made up of
In all, 13 of the 15 players selected to this year’s First, Second, and Third All-NBA D-League teams by a vote of the League’s 16 head coaches have NBA experience, while seven earned GATORADE Call-Ups this season.
“With so many talented players in the League this year, it was a challenge for our coaches to select the All-League teams,” said Chris Alpert, vice president of basketball operations and player personnel for the NBA D-League. “The League congratulates the First, Second and Third team selections, as well as the honorable mentions, for their sensational seasons.”
The All-NBA Development League team results:
2008-09 GATORADE ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE FIRST TEAM
Position Player Team
Guard Blake Ahearn Dakota Wizards
Guard Will Conroy Albuquerque Thunderbirds
Forward Erik Daniels Erie BayHawks
Forward Marcus Williams Austin Toros
Center Courtney Sims Iowa Energy*
2008-09 ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE SECOND TEAM
Position Player Team
Guard Trey Johnson Bakersfield Jam
Guard James White Anaheim Arsenal*
Forward Josh Davis Colorado 14ers
Forward Derrick Byars Bakersfield Jam
Center Chris Hunter Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Position Player Team
Guard Eddie Gill Colorado 14ers
Guard Dontell Jefferson Utah Flash*
Forward Ronald Dupree Utah Flash
Forward Cartier Martin Iowa Energy*
Center Lance Allred Idaho Stampede
2008-09 ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE HONORABLE MENTION
Position Player Team
Guard Cedric Bozeman Anaheim Arsenal
Guard Joe Crawford Los Angeles D-Fenders
Guard Malik Hairston Austin Toros#
Guard Luke Jackson Idaho Stampede
Guard Othyus Jeffers Iowa Energy
Guard Walker Russell Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Guard Curtis Stinson Iowa Energy
Forward Will Frisby Dakota Wizards
Forward Richard Hendrix Dakota Wizards
Forward Jasper Johnson Albuquerque Thunderbirds
Forward Dwayne Jones Austin Toros
Forward Nick Lewis Bakersfield Jam
Forward Antonio Meeking Albuquerque Thunderbirds
Forward David Noel Reno Bighorns
Forward Trent Strickland Rio Grande Valley Vipers
Center Joe Dabbert Colorado 14ers
Center Kurt Looby Rio Grande Valley Vipers
* - Currently in the NBA
# - Currently on assignment from the NBA
A.I.'s tarnished legacy
[The Sixth Man]
Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The act has finally worn thin.
As far as I'm concerned, Allen Iverson is a Broadway play that should close after 886 performances.
After all, who would want a 33-year-old undersized guard that struggles on the defensive end, ignores his own teammates and loathes practice?
I didn't always think that way. In fact, I used to be an Iverson apologist, enamored with his enormous talent and gritty play.
But, I handed in those keys back in December of 2006 when the Philadelphia 76ers finally shipped Iverson out to the Rocky Mountains.
After spending a decade enabling his behavior, Iverson's blowup in Philly actually made me feel kind of foolish.
[Allen Iverson]
Allen Iverson's selfish attitude
has worn thin in Detroit.
The storm clouds gathered a few days before the deal when the New York Post's Peter Vecsey reported that Iverson went to then-Sixers general manager Billy King and demanded to be traded.
Despite the usual denials, smoke quickly tuned into fire and it became quite clear that Vecsey was on the money when Iverson was summarily dismissed from the team before actually being shipped west.
In fact, Iverson was such a detriment to the Sixers by that point that he was sent home from his beloved practice and told not to show up at the Wachovia Center any longer.
King tried a cover story at first -- intimating that Iverson would be out thanks to phantom "back spasms" but that story quickly evaporated and the Sixers fessed up to what can only be described as a "suspension," without using that terminology.
Iverson struck back with a meaningless release that was typical A.I. -- blame everyone but the guy you look at in the mirror.
"In my entire career, even the doctors haven't been able to tell me not to play," Iverson harangued. "I've played through injury and illness. I think everyone knows how much I love being out on the court, competing and winning. That's why it was so disheartening to be told that I couldn't play, knowing that I was ready. It hurt even more to be told not to come at all.
"I have continued to give 100 percent night in and night out. Apparently, it hasn't been enough to help our team win. As hard as it is to admit, a change may be the best thing for everyone. I hate admitting that because I love the guys on the team and the city of Philadelphia. I truly wanted to retire a 76er. I appreciate that in my 11 years in Philadelphia, the fans have always stood by me, supported me, and gone to bat for me."
Wow, what a guy!
It's a shame his own actions contradicted everything that spewed from his mouth.
For instance, does leaving practice after an argument with then-coach Maurice Cheeks, and skipping a team bowling function for season-ticket holders sound like a guy who 'continued to give 100 percent night in and night out?'
Does missing fan appreciation night to gamble at the Borgata in Atlantic City sound like a guy who 'appreciates the fans who have always stood by and supported him?'
And does any of that seem vaguely familiar?
After all, history just repeated itself in the Motor City.
The Pistons find themselves fighting for their playoff lives but president of basketball operations Joe Dumars, who made the disastrous trade for Iverson that sent Chauncey Billups to Denver earlier this season, had no problem pulling the plug on the disgruntled one, citing "back problems."
"After talking with Allen and our medical staff, we feel that resting Allen for the remainder of the season is the best course of action at this time," Dumars said in a statement on Friday. "While he has played in our last three games, he is still feeling some discomfort and getting him physically ready to compete at the level he is accustomed to playing this late in the season does not seem possible at this point."
Translation -- Dumars, like King a few years ago, didn't want Iverson around anymore.
A.I. had just returned to the court against the Sixers on March 29 after a 16-game absence with those pesky back issues. He scored eight points in a little over 21 minutes off the bench and helped Detroit to a big win, 101-97.
But, being a role player wasn't going to cut it for Iverson. Since returning to the lineup, the 13-year veteran has averaged only 7.7 points, 2.7 assists and 1.3 rebounds in about 20 minutes a game. He quickly expressed frustration with his limited playing time and Dumars saw the writing on the wall.
I've seen Iverson hit the floor too much over the last 13 years to totally dismiss his back issues but if that 20 minutes a night turned into 40 and 20- plus shots, I can't help feeling A.I. would find a way to stay on the floor.
But, Dumars is more concerned with the playoffs than stroking the ego of a player that hasn't accomplished much in Detroit.
Perhaps, it was apropos that the Pistons' first game since exiling Iverson was in Philadelphia, the city where he built his legacy and then destroyed it.
The curtain has finally come down on "The A.I. Show" and I for one am not going to remember the All-Star appearances or the MVP trophy.
The now legendary selfishness and his reputation as a coach killer has trumped all that.
If Iverson was a hunter, he would already have the pelts of Johnny Davis, Randy Ayers, Chris Ford, Jim O'Brien and Cheeks hanging in his trophy room. Some even argue Larry Brown lost his mojo thanks to his daily struggles babysitting the world's oldest infant.
Don't worry A.I., your legacy is secure.
