The Sixth Man

Garnett has successful surgery

2009-05-26T14:06:00.001-04:00

The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Kevin Garnett underwent successful right knee arthroscopy and removal of posterior knee bone spurs today at the New England Baptist Hospital. The surgery was performed by Team Physician Dr. Brian McKeon and was assisted by Dr. Michael Belkin and Dr. John Richmond.

“After this successful surgery, Kevin can now begin to focus on rehabilitating his knee, returning to top physical shape and fully preparing for the 2009-10 season,” Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge remarked.

Garnett appeared in 57 games this season for the Celtics averaging 15.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.11 steals and 1.19 blocks in 31.1 minutes per game. Garnett became the youngest player in NBA history to have played in 1,000 career games when he played against the Bulls on October 31, 2008 at the age of 32 years and 165 days. Garnett was named to the 2009 NBA All-Defense First Team for the second consecutive season and his 10^th consecutive season of being named to either the First or Second Team. The Farragut Academy product was named to his 12^th All-Star game this past season and his 12 appearances are second-most among active players behind only Shaquille O’Neal.

“I expect Kevin to return to active duty in full force and be that consummate two-way professional that he has shown all of us throughout his fantastic NBA career,” Celtics Head Coach Doc Rivers added.

NBA sets dates and times for 2009 Finals

2009-05-26T13:21:00.000-04:00

New York, NY (Sports Network) - The NBA Finals will begin on June 4 and will end, if a Game 7 is necessary, on June 18.

Dates and times for all seven games of the NBA's championship series were announced Tuesday.

The opener of the best-of-seven series is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. (et) on Thursday, June 4. The teams will then have two days off before Game 2 on Sunday, June 7 at 8 p.m. (et).

Game 3 is set for Tuesday, June 9, with Game 4 two days later. Both are scheduled for 9 p.m. (et) tips.

If necessary, Game 5 would take place on Sunday, June 14 at 8 p.m. (et). Games 6 and 7, also if necessary, are scheduled for Tuesday, June 16 and Thursday, June 18, respectively. Both game times are 9 p.m. (et).

2009 NBA unrestricted free agents

2009-05-26T11:21:00.001-04:00

2009 NBA Unrestricted Free Agents

From The Sports Network

Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Zaza Pachulia	C	ATL
Mike Bibby	G	ATL
Ronald Murray	G	ATL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Eddie House (P)	G	BOS
Stephon Marbury	G	BOS
Mikki Moore	F	BOS
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Juwan Howard	F	CHA
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Ben Gordon	G	CHI
Lindsey Hunter	G	CHI
Jerome James (P)	C	CHI
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Zydrunas Ilgauskas(ETO)	C	CLE
Joe Smith	F	CLE
Wally Szczerbiak	G	CLE
Anderson Varejao (P)	F	CLE
Lorenzen Wright	C/F	CLE
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Brandon Bass	F	DAL
Devean George (P)	F	DAL
Gerald Green	G	DAL
Jason Kidd	G	DAL
James Singleton	F	DAL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Chris Andersen	F	DEN
Anthony Carter	G	DEN
Jason Hart	G	DEN
Steven Hunter (ETO)	C	DEN
Dahntay Jones	G	DEN
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Kwame Brown (P)	C	DET
Allen Iverson	G	DET
Antonio McDyess	F	DET
Rasheed Wallace	F	DET
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Jamal Crawford (ETO)	G	GSW
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Ron Artest	G	HOU
Brian Cook (P)	F	HOU
Dikembe Mutombo	C	HOU
Von Wafer	G	HOU
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Maceo Baston	C/F	IND
Marquis Daniels (T)	F	IND
Travis Diener (P)	G	IND
Stephen Graham	G	IND
Rasho Nesterovic	C	IND
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Ricky Davis (P)	F	LAC
Fred Jones	G	LAC
Brian Skinner (P)	F	LAC
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Trevor Ariza	G/F	LAL
Kobe Bryant (ETO)	G	LAL
Lamar Odom	F	LAL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Chris Mihm	C	MEM
Quinton Ross	G	MEM
Mike Wilks	G	MEM
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Mark Blount (ETO)	C	MIA
Luther Head	G	MIA
Jamaal Magloire	C	MIA
Jermaine O'Neal (P)	F/C	MIA
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Malik Allen (P)	G/F	MIL
Keith Bogans	G	MIL
Francisco Elson (P)	C	MIL
Damon Jones	G	MIL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Rodney Carney	G/F	MIN
Jason Collins	C	MIN
Kevin Ollie	G	MIN
Shelden Williams	F	MIN
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Maurice Ager	G	NJN
Trenton Hassell (ETO)	F	NJN
Jarvis Hayes (T)	F	NJN
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Ryan Bowen	F	NOH
Devin Brown (P)	G/F	NOH
Melvin Ely	F	NOH
Sean Marks	F/C	NOH
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Eddy Curry (ETO)	C	NYK
Al Harrington (P)	F	NYK
Quentin Richardson(ETO)	F	NYK
Chris Wilcox	F	NYK
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Damien Wilkins (ETO)	F	OKC
Desmond Mason	F	OKC
Malik Rose	F	OKC
Robert Swift	C	OKC
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Adonal Foyle	C	ORL
Anthony Johnson (P)	G	ORL
Tyronn Lue	G	ORL
Hedo Turkoglu (ETO)	F	ORL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Royal Ivey (P)	G	PHI
Donyell Marshall	F	PHI
Andre Miller	G	PHI
Theo Ratliff	C	PHI
Kareem Rush	G/F	PHI
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Matt Barnes	F	PHO
Grant Hill	F	PHO
Stromile Swift	C	PHO
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Raef LaFrentz	F	POR
Shavlik Randolph	F	POR
Michael Ruffin	F	POR
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Calvin Booth	C	SAC
Bobby Jackson	G	SAC
Cedric Simmons	F	SAC
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Michael Finley (P)	F	SAN
Drew Gooden	F	SAN
Ime Udoka	F	SAN
Jacque Vaughn	G	SAN
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Shawn Marion	F	TOR
Anthony Parker	G	TOR
Jake Voskuhl	C	TOR
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Morris Almond	G/F	UTA
Carlos Boozer (P)	F	UTA
Jarron Collins	C	UTA
Brevin Knight	G	UTA
Kyle Korver (ETO)	F	UTA
Mehmet Okur (ETO)	C	UTA
Ronnie Price	G	UTA
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Juan Dixon	G	WAS
Mike James (P)	G	WAS
Etan Thomas (ETO)	C	WAS
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
(T) - Team Option
(P) - Player Option
(ETO) - Right to termina	te cont	ract
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
05/21 14:15:05 ET

Notes: * - Player was released by team

As of May 21, 2009, at 02:15 PM ET

2009 NBA restricted free agents

2009-05-26T11:19:00.000-04:00

2009 NBA Restricted Free Agents

From The Sports Network

Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Thomas Gardner	G	ATL
Othello Hunter	F	ATL
Mario West	G	ATL
Josh Childress	F	Greece
Solomon Jones	C	ATL
Marvin Williams	F	ATL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Glen Davis	F	BOS
Leon Powe	F	BOS
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Raymond Felton	G	CHA
Cartier Martin	G	CHA
Sean May	F	CHA
Sean Singletary (T)	G	CHA
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Aaron Gray	C	CHI
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Ryan Hollins	C	DAL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Linas Kleiza	F	DEN
Johan Petro	C	DEN
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Walter Herrmann	F	DET
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Rob Kurz	F	GSW
C.J. Watson	G	GSW
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Jarrett Jack	G	IND
Josh McRoberts	F	IND
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Alex Acker (T)	G	LAC
Steve Novak	F	LAC
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Shannon Brown	G	LAL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Juan Carlos Navarro	G	MEM
Hakim Warrick	F	MEM
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Joel Anthony	C	MIA
Yakhouba Diawara (P)	F	MIA
Jamario Moon	F	MIA
Chris Quinn (P)	G	MIA
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Ramon Sessions	G	MIL
Charlie Villanueva	F	MIL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Bobby Brown (P)	G	MIN
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
David Lee	F	NYK
Nate Robinson	G	NYK
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Marcin Gortat	C	ORL
Jeremy Richardson	F	ORL
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Louis Amundson (T)	F	PHO
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Channing Frye	F	POR
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Ike Diogu	F	SAC
Rashad McCants	G	SAC
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Joey Graham	F	TOR
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Paul Millsap	F	UTA
Kyrylo Fesenko (T)	C	UTA
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
(T) - Team Option
(P) - Player Option
Player	Pos	2009	2010	Details
05/21 13:48:12 ET

Notes: * - Player was released by team

NBA returns to Mexico

2009-05-26T11:18:00.000-04:00

-Courtesy of the National Basketball Association

NEW YORK, May 26, 2009 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) today
announced that as part of the league’s ongoing commitment to growing the
game in Mexico, preseason basketball will return to the country when the
Phoenix Suns face the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 18 in Monterrey. This
marks the NBA’s second visit to Monterrey and the 18th game in Mexico
overall, the most NBA games held in any country outside the United States
and Canada.

NBA Mexico Game 2009 will give fans in Mexico the chance to see two
exciting teams and some of the league’s biggest stars compete in the
state-of-the-art Arena Monterrey. Currently, the Phoenix Suns’ roster
features four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, two-time NBA Most
Valuable Player Steve Nash, and the 2006-07 NBA Sixth Man of the Year and
Brazilian native Leandro Barbosa. The Philadelphia 76ers, who made the
2008-09 NBA playoffs, are a young team on the rise, whose lineup currently
features Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand and Thaddeus Young. Tickets will be on
sale as of June 1st at www.arenamonterrey.com.

“We're thrilled about the opportunity to bring some of the NBA's most
exciting teams and accomplished players to Monterrey," said NBA Senior Vice
President of International Development and Partnerships Emilio Collins.
"Our fans in Mexico are some of the most passionate in the world, and this
year's NBA Mexico Game is sure to provide them with an unforgettable NBA
experience.”

The league first visited Monterrey in 2006, when the Golden State Warriors
defeated the Denver Nuggets in front of a sellout crowd at the Arena
Monterrey. Mexico is the only international country other than Japan and
Canada to ever host an NBA regular-season game, when the Houston Rockets
defeated the Dallas Mavericks in front of the sold-out Palacio de los
Deportes on Dec. 6, 1997 in Mexico City. The WNBA also staged an exhibition
game at Arena Monterrey in 2004, when the Detroit Shock defeated the San
Antonio Silver Stars.

NBA Mexico Game 2009 is the second preseason game the NBA has announced
that will be played outside the United States and Canada this October. The
Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz will play in London, UK on Oct. 6 as part
of NBA Europe Live 2009 presented by EA SPORTS. To date, the NBA has
staged a total of 93 games outside of the U.S. and Canada in 31 cities in
16 countries and territories.

During the 2008-09 season, a record 66 games per week were available for
fans in Mexico via television and broadband. NBA merchandise is currently
sold at retail outlets throughout the country and the annual NBA Gatorade
3x3 interschool league and tournament tipped of on April 20 and is expected
to have a record number of teams participate. At the end of the 2008-09
NBA season, NBA rosters featured 17 Latino players, including New Jersey
Nets forward and Mexican-born Eduardo Najera.

For additional informational about NBA Mexico Game 2009, please visit
www.nba.com/espanol.

J.R. Smith's dunk last night

2009-05-26T09:56:00.001-04:00

Mock Draft version 1.0

2009-05-26T09:54:00.000-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The NBA Draft Lottery is safely in the rearview mirror, so the annual rite of passage that is the mock draft has to be tackled.

I was far too busy in Secaucus cozying up to my first ever man-crush, the great Reggie Jackson, to give the draft much thought but a thrilling Thursday night at the Samuel Yellin middle school's annual recital gave my mind plenty of time to wander and get the juices flowing.

The only certainty is that the Los Angeles Clippers will take Oklahoma power forward Blake Griffin with the No. 1 overall pick, and hope he's closer to the next Dwight Howard rather than the next Michael Olowokandi.

Then the fun starts...

1. - Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin (Oklahoma), Power Forward - Griffin combines a rare work ethic with outstanding athleticism. He lacks polish on the low post, however, and isn't a can't-miss franchise guy like a LeBron James or Howard.

Think: Carlos Boozer

2. - Memphis Grizzlies - Ricky Rubio (DKV Joventut), Point Guard - The Grizzlies were the big winner at the draft lottery, vaulting from the sixth spot all the way up to No. 2. Mike Conley Jr. hasn't been the answer as the quarterback on Beale Street and Rubio has conjured up images of playmakers like the legendary Pete Maravich and Steve Nash.

Think: Nash

3. - Oklahoma City Thunder - Hasheem Thabeet (UConn), Center - The 7-foot-3 Thabeet has a long way to go on the offensive end but should be a defensive intimidator and upper-echelon shot-blocker out of the blocks.

Think: Dikembe Mutombo

4. - Sacramento Kings - Jordan Hill (Arizona), Power Forward - Sacramento fell from the top spot to No. 4 in the lottery and will have to make a decision between Hill and Arizona State shooting guard James Harden. Since Kevin Martin figures to be healthy next year, Hill looks like the obvious choice.

Think: Chris Bosh

5. - Washington Wizards - James Harden (Arizona State), Shooting Guard - Another big loser in the lottery, the Wizards need talent, and this draft falls off after the top five players. Harden may be the most NBA-ready player in the draft and should be a steady and consistent wing player very early in his career.

Think: Brandon Roy

6. - Minnesota Timberwolves - DeMar DeRozan (USC), Shooting Guard - The Wolves annual hard-luck in the lottery continued as the team fell to the sixth slot. I think they go Kevin Garnett here and take the talent with the huge upside, and that's DeRozan. An incredible leaper and explosive finisher, DeRozan already has an NBA body and may end up being the best player in this draft five years down the road.

Think: A young Vince Carter

7. - Golden State Warriors - Tyreke Evans (Memphis), Combo Guard - Evans is the type of ball-handling combo guard that will eventually thrive in Don Nelson's scheme.

Think: A more talented John Salmons.

8. - New York Knicks - Stephen Curry (Davidson), Shooting Guard - You know defense is on the pay-no-mind list for Mike D'Antoni. The Knicks want a shooter and Curry may have the best pure stroke in the draft.

Think: Allan Houston

9. - Toronto Raptors - Earl Clark (Louisville), Combo Forward - The 6-foot-10 Clark is more of a small forward who has great vision and strong interior passing ability.

Think: Rashard Lewis

10. - Milwaukee Bucks - DeJuan Blair (Pitt), Power Forward - The Bucks need help at the point and more toughness inside. Since the team seems to like Ramon Sessions, you have to look to the frontcourt, and who better to provide an inside presence than a 6-foot-6, 287-pound banger like Blair.

Think: Anthony Mason

11. - New Jersey Nets - Gerald Henderson (Duke), Shooting Guard - Henderson is the type of wing player that will excel running the floor next to Devin Harris.

Think: Latrell Sprewell

12. - Charlotte Bobcats - B.J. Mullens (Ohio State), Center - Mullens has the size and soft hands to develop into a legit center and complement Emeka Okafor in Larry Brown's frontcourt.

Think: A raw Brook Lopez

13. - Indiana Pacers - Brandon Jennings (Lottomatica Roma), Point Guard - Jennings struggled mightily overseas but has lottery-type skills and would be a nice gamble at this point in the draft. Like many young point guards, Jennings needs to develop a more consistent jumper so he can take advantage of his speed and ability to penetrate.

Think: Rajon Rondo

14. - Phoenix Suns - James Johnson (Wake Forest), Small Forward - Johnson is the rare college player with a solid mid-range game, and should fit in nicely now that Phoenix has reverted back to an up-tempo offense.

Think: Corey Maggette

15. - Detroit Pistons - Terrence Williams (Louisville), Small Forward - The Pistons need to get more athletic in the frontcourt and Williams is a great athlete with a solid basketball IQ, something that Joe Dumars usually looks for.

Think: Derek Smith

16. - Chicago Bulls - Austin Daye (Gonzaga), Combo Forward - Daye's skill set and 6-foot-10 frame have NBA scouts intrigued, but he lacks physical strength. If Daye stays in the draft, the Bulls may take the plunge since they could use a frontcourt player that can space the floor.

Think: Mehmet Okur

17. - Philadelphia 76ers - Ty Lawson (North Carolina), Point Guard - Andre Miller looks like he wants out of Philly and Lou Williams is a turnover machine so the Sixers need a legitimate point. Lawson has the speed and quickness to rival a Rondo or Devin Harris but his size will be a detriment on the defensive end.

Think: T.J. Ford

18. - Minnesota Timberwolves - Jrue Holiday (UCLA), Point Guard - Somebody is going to take a flyer on the talented UCLA freshman and Minnesota looks like a good fit.

Think: Delonte West

19. - Atlanta Hawks - Jonny Flynn (Syracuse), Point Guard - The point guard run continues, as Atlanta takes the heir apparent to veteran Mike Bibby, who is a free agent and on the downside of a very good career.

Think: Damon Stoudamire

20. - Utah Jazz - Eric Maynor (Virginia Commonwealth), Combo Guard - Maynor would fit in nicely as a third guard that could play with and also spell Deron Williams.

Think: Andre Miller with a jumper.

21. - New Orleans Hornets - Chase Budinger (Arizona), Swingman - The Hornets could use a weak-side shooter that can knock down the three consistently off Chris Paul's penetration.

Think: A more athletic Kyle Korver.

22. - Dallas Mavericks - Jeff Teague (Wake Forest), Combo Guard - The aging Jason Kidd is a free agent while Jason Terry and J.J. Barea are limited on the defensive end. Teague can give Rick Carlisle minutes at both guard positions and would have no trouble playing with any of the incumbents. Teague is a point guard that thinks shot first.

Think: Kevin Johnson

23. - Sacramento Kings - Omar Casspi (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Small Forward - Casspi is a shooter that can handle the ball very well for a wing player. Anybody who can put the ball in the basket should be considered by the Kings.

Think: Hedo Turkoglu

24. - Portland Trail Blazers - Gani Lawal (Georgia Tech), Power Forward - The Trail Blazers are very deep and will likely go the best player available route and that's Lawal, a big guy with great length that can play minutes at both center and power forward.

Think: Joakim Noah

25. - Oklahoma City Thunder - Tyler Hansbrough (North Carolina), Power Forward - Hansbrough is not going to be a star at the NBA level but his energy level will be great fit for a young team like Oklahoma City.

Think: A more skilled Mark Madsen.

26. - Chicago Bulls - Marcus Thornton (LSU), Shooting Guard - It's unlikely Ben Gordon will be back in the Windy city so Thornton would be a nice insurance policy.

Think: Ronnie Brewer

27. - Memphis Grizzlies - Sam Young (Pitt), Combo Forward - A tough, athletic guy who likes to bang in the paint and has a plus jumper.

Think: Trevor Ariza

28. - Minnesota Timberwolves - Wayne Ellington (North Carolina), Shooting Guard - The Wolves probably don't want to pay three No. 1 picks but they need the talent so my pick would be Ellington, a great college player that projects as a 20-minute guy in the pros.

Think: Aaron McKie

29. - Los Angeles Lakers - Darren Collison (UCLA), Point Guard - Normally I would expect the Lakers to take a European player and leave him overseas but anybody who has seen Derek Fisher in the postseason knows this team really does need a legit point, so why not keep Collison in town?

Think: Anthony Johnson

30. - Cleveland Cavaliers - Sergio Llull (Real Madrid), Point Guard - No use paying luxury tax on the 30th pick, so expect the Cavs to take a Euro player and leave him overseas. Llull could be a solid point guard in a few years.

Think: Jose Calderon

WWE moves Raw to Staples Center

2009-05-21T10:05:00.001-04:00

-Courtesy of World Wrestling Entertainment®

World Wrestling Entertainment® announced today that due to the debacle caused by Kroenke Sports Enterprises regarding Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs, WWE is moving the May 25, 2009 edition of Monday Night RAW® from the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO to the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The event will begin at 5:30 PM PT.

In addition, due to the overwhelming support shown by the Staples Center, Los Angeles Lakers and the California WWE Fans, WWE will hold back-to-back nights of action at the Staples Center, with a second event on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 PM PT. Both shows go on sale tonight at 11 PM EST/8 PM PT through Ticketmaster.

WWE will be returning to Denver for an event at the Denver Coliseum on Friday, August 7. Refunds for the Pepsi Center event can be obtained by returning tickets to the place of purchase.

“WWE is extremely grateful to the Lakers and the Staples Center for the hospitality and professionalism shown to WWE during this whole situation,” said Vince McMahon, Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment. “We apologize to all of the WWE fans in the Denver area who have been inconvenienced by Kroenke Sports Enterprises. We look forward to bringing two consecutive nights of WWE excitement to Staples Center this Monday and Tuesday night.”

Nuggets lack the look of a champion

2009-05-21T10:03:00.000-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Leave it to Vince McMahon to clear things up.

Until the World Wrestling Entertainment chairman's little dust-up with Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke, I couldn't explain why I picked the Los Angeles Lakers to beat the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference finals.

In case you missed it, Kroenke Sports Enterprises, the parent company of the Nuggets, leased the Pepsi Center to McMahon's WWE for a live airing of the company's flagship television show, Monday Night Raw, on May 25, the same night as Game 4 of the NBA's Western Conference Finals.

The arena booking was made way back in August of 2008 by WWE, and it will likely cost KSE in the high six-figures to make McMahon take his traveling circus down the road to Colorado Springs.

The double-booking can only be interpreted in two ways, incompetence or expectation of failure. Since Kroenke and his staff have been doing this kind of thing for years and the Pepsi Center is a regular stop for WWE, I'm betting on the latter.

The only way there would have been a conflict with Monday Night Raw taking place in the Pepsi Center next Monday is if the Nuggets advanced to the conference finals, thought to be a daunting task since they have been annually bounced in the first round. So, by booking the date, Kroenke seems to have been saying his team wasn't good enough.

To be honest, when the contract was signed, they weren't.

But the minute Chauncey Billups was acquired in the Allen Iverson deal, Kroenke should have been on the phone, rescheduling WWE.

"Even though the Denver Nuggets had a strong team this year and were projected to make the playoffs, obviously Nuggets and Pepsi Center owner Stan Kroenke did not have enough faith in his own team to hold the May 25th date for a potential playoff game," the always shy McMahon said. "Stan Kroenke is just a bad businessman."

McMahon's feigned outrage was all shtick. A phenomenal promoter, McMahon saw an opportunity to garner some free publicity and put the squeeze on Kroenke for a bigger settlement check. Monday Night Raw will draw a 3.5 cable rating whether it emanates from Denver or Colorado Springs.

In reality, Kroenke was being a good businessman. The guaranteed revenue of Monday Night Raw back in August of '08 certainly looked like the far better bet than a Nuggets home game.

However, it also points to the Nuggets' fatal flaw.

With the notable exception of Billups, I get the feeling Denver doesn't believe it belongs on this level.

The Nuggets have looked like a far better team than the Lakers since the playoffs began, and sure enough they outplayed Phil Jackson's club in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals on Tuesday night.

But, after 48 minutes of basketball, those staring up at the Staples Center scoreboard saw...Lakers - 105, Nuggets - 103.

Missed free throws, Kenyon Martin's rookie-like reach-in fouls in the waning moments, along with Anthony Carter's ridiculously lazy inbounds pass to Billups in the final minute enabled LA to take back a game Denver should have had in its back pocket.

"We lost out on a great opportunity to steal this game," said Billups. "We played probably good enough, but I think we lost the game on poor free throw shooting. We missed 12 free throws and it comes back we lost by two points."

The Nuggets just don't have the look or feel of a champion.

It took the bombastic Vince McMahon to point that out.

Clippers get a silver anniversary gift

2009-05-21T10:01:00.000-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

Secaucus, NJ (Sports Network) - The NBA Draft Lottery is one of David Stern's better ideas.

Pre-lottery, the first pick in the league's annual draft was determined by a coin toss between the two teams in each conference with the worst records.

Stung by accusations that the Houston Rockets "tanked" their 1984 season in order to obtain Hakeem Olajuwon, Stern and the NBA instituted the lottery system in 1985.

The Draft Lottery was at first a chance drawing for the top seven draft picks among the seven non-playoff teams, with each team having an equal chance of landing the number one pick.

The New York Knicks won the first lottery and the prize was Patrick Ewing. Meanwhile, the worst team that season, the Golden State Warriors, drew the seventh and final lottery draft position. That result ignited the Oliver Stone crowd and conspiracy theorists abounded, accusing the NBA of rigging the lottery in order to send Ewing to the nation's No. 1 media market.

In fact, video of the event has become the NBA's own version of the Zapruder Film with thousands of Jim Garrisons breaking it down frame-by-frame, looking for the dinged envelope.

Since then, things have evolved into a "weighted lottery" where teams with fewer wins have a greater chance at selecting higher in the draft.

Through it all, the event has become must-see television where the fans of the league's moribund clubs cling to hope like a proverbial powerball ticket.

The 25th anniversary edition of the lottery was held at the NBA Entertainment studios Tuesday night and Los Angeles' red-headed stepchild was the "big winner."

The Clippers came into the lottery with a 17.7 percent chance of jumping up and grabbing Willy Wonka's golden ticket, Oklahoma's Blake Griffin. Sure enough, as their Staples Center co-tenants prepared to hit the floor for the opener of yet another Western Conference finals series, the Clips' number came up, as the club vaulted over Sacramento and Washington to land the No. 1 pick.

"It's a great day for Clipper fans," said Clipper president Andy Roeser, who represented the franchise. "We're going to get a great player who will help our franchise for a long, long time."

Of course, Roeser never mentioned Griffin by name, but the former Sooners power forward is the consensus top pick in the June 25 draft and regarded as a potential All-Star.

Griffin is the type of player that combines rare athleticism with a tremendous work ethic but I can't help thinking that this is just the start of another disappointing chapter in Clippers history. In fact, Griffin reminds me of a silver anniversary present.

It's nice, but silver isn't gold.

And, Griffin is no surefire superstar like a LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal or Dwight Howard.

Former Kings star Chris Webber didn't hide his disappointment when he failed to deliver the No. 1 pick for his old team but he wasn't exactly devastated either. The Kings, who were an NBA-worst 17-65 and will now pick fourth, had the best statistical chance of landing the No. 1 pick at 25 percent.

"Although I didn't come away with the No. 1 pick, which is what I came for, I still think it's a good system," Webber said. "I think it's fair. The worst team shouldn't always get the best player. That's not the way it should always be. You don't want to reward losing."

It's a lot easier for the "losers" to be gracious in a year where dropping from one to four doesn't mean as much. With the fourth selection, Sacramento will likely have its choice of Arizona State shooting guard James Harden or Arizona power forward Jordan Hill.

Asked to compare the games of each player to current NBA players, one prominent scout told me Harden reminded him of Brandon Roy, while Hill compared to Chris Bosh. Asked about Griffin, the same scout brought up a series of names from Hall of Famer Karl Malone all the way down to Antonio McDyess, certainly a nice player but not worthy of the No. 1 overall selection.

In the last 15 years, only three teams with the worst record have ended with the top overall selection. The Chicago Bulls defied substantial odds last year, overcoming a 1.7 percent chance to land the top overall selection. They swept up dynamic guard Derrick Rose, who helped change the culture of the franchise and was named Rookie of the Year. The Clips have crossed their fingers hoping the same kind of thing happens with Griffin.

I can't help thinking the night's real winner may have been the Memphis Grizzlies, who jumped from the six-hole to the second pick, giving them an uncontested shot at star Spanish guard Ricky Rubio.

Rubio, a playmaker that has conjured up images of the legendary Pete Maravich and Steve Nash, will likely arrive on Beale Street without all the expectations heaped upon Griffin.

Now that's a nice gift.

NBA Draft Combine invites

2009-05-17T09:57:00.000-04:00

The following players will participate in the 2009 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

PLAYER COLLEGE/CLUB

Jeff Adrien Connecticut

Rodrigue Beaubois Cholet (France)

DeJuan Blair Pittsburgh

Jon Brockman Washington

Derrick Brown Xavier

Chase Budinger Arizona

Nick Calathes Florida

DeMarre Carroll Missouri

Omri Casspi Maccabi Elite (Israel)

Dionte Christmas Temple

Earl Clark Louisville

Darren Collison UCLA

Dante Cunningham Villanova

Stephen Curry Davidson

Austin Daye Gonzaga

DeMar DeRozan USC

Toney Douglas Florida State

Wayne Ellington North Carolina

Tyreke Evans Memphis

Jonny Flynn Syracuse

Taj Gibson USC

Danny Green North Carolina

Blake Griffin Oklahoma

Tyler Hansbrough North Carolina

Luke Harangody Notre Dame

James Harden Arizona State

Gerald Henderson Duke

Josh Heytvelt Gonzaga

Jordan Hill Arizona

Jrue Holiday UCLA

Joe Ingles Melbourne South Dragons (Australia)

Damion James Texas

James Johnson Wake Forest

Gani Lawal Georgia Tech

Ty Lawson North Carolina

Eric Maynor VCU

Jack McClinton Miami

Jerel McNeal Marquette

Jodie Meeks Kentucky

Patrick Mills Saint Mary's

BJ Mullens Ohio State

Jeff Pendergraph Arizona State

AJ Price Connecticut

Tyler Smith Tennessee

DaJuan Summers Georgetown

Jermaine Taylor Central Florida

Jeff Teague Wake Forest

Hasheem Thabeet Connecticut

Marcus Thornton LSU

Greivis Vasquez Maryland

Terrence Williams Louisville

Sam Young Pittsburgh

LeBron is unanimous selection for All-NBA Team

2009-05-13T13:20:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, May 13, 2009 – LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 2008-09 Most Valuable Player presented by Kia Motors, was a unanimous selection to the 2008-09 All-NBA First Team, the NBA announced today. Joining James on the First Team are Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic, Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat.

James, who earns First Team honors for the second straight season, ranked second in the NBA in scoring (28.4 ppg), eighth in steals (1.69 spg) and 10th in assists (7.2 apg) to go along with averages of 7.6 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. James guided the Cavaliers to a franchise-best 66-16 record overall and a 39-2 mark at home, both tops in the league. James was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month four times (November, January, March, April), tying Kevin Garnett (2003-04) as the only players to receive the award four times in one season since the NBA began voting for Eastern and Western Conference Player of the Month separately.

Bryant, the 2007-08 Most Valuable Player presented by Kia Motors, finished third in the league in scoring (26.8 ppg), while averaging 5.2 rebounds and 4.9 assists. Bryant led the Lakers to a Western Conference-best 65-17 record. Bryant earns his fourth straight First Team selection and seventh overall. Among active players, only Tim Duncan (nine) and Shaquille O’Neal (eight) have more First Team selections.

Howard, an All-NBA First Team selection for the second consecutive season, led the NBA in rebounding (13.8 rpg) and blocks (2.9 bpg), becoming only the fourth player to pace the league in both categories since 1973-74, the first season where blocks were kept as an official statistic. Howard led the Magic in scoring (20.6 ppg), while shooting .572 from the field. His 63 double-doubles ranked second in the league (David Lee, New York, 65).

Earning his fourth First Team selection, Nowitzki was the league’s fourth-leading scorer (25.9 ppg), while also averaging 8.4 rebounds. His .890 free throw percentage ranked seventh overall. Nowitzki finished the season by scoring at least 20 points in 25 straight games, the longest such streak in the NBA this season.

Wade earns his first All-NBA First Team selection after ranking first in scoring (30.2 ppg), second in steals (1.7 spg) and eighth in assists (6.7 apg). He also averaged 5.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks. Wade became only the fifth player in league history to reach 2,000 points, 500 assists, and 150 steals in a single season, as well as the only player under 6-foot, 4-inches to register 100 blocks since they became an official stat in the 1973-74 season.

The All-NBA Second Team consists of New Orleans’ Chris Paul and Portland’s Brandon Roy at guard, San Antonio’s Tim Duncan and Boston’s Paul Pierce at forward, and Houston’s Yao Ming at center.

The All-NBA Third Team includes Denver’s Chauncey Billups and San Antonio’s Tony Parker at guard, Denver’s Carmelo Anthony and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Paul Gasol at forward, and Phoenix’s Shaquille O’Neal at center.

The All-NBA Teams were chosen by a panel of 122 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The media voted for All-NBA First, Second and Third Teams by position with points awarded on a 5-3-1 basis.

Below are the results of the voting for the 2008-09 All-NBA Teams, with First Team votes in parentheses:

2008-09 ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM

Position Player, Team (1st Team Votes) Points
Forward LeBron James, Cleveland (122) 610
Forward Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas (35) 383
Center Dwight Howard, Orlando (116) 598
Guard Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers (119) 604
Guard Dwyane Wade, Miami (103) 572

2008-09 ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM

Position Player, Team (1st Team Votes) Points
Forward Tim Duncan, San Antonio (39) 378
Forward Paul Pierce, Boston (27) 330
Center Yao Ming, Houston (8) 354
Guard Brandon Roy, Portland 189
Guard Chris Paul, New Orleans (32) 424

2008-09 ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM

Position Player, Team (1st Team Votes) Points
Forward Carmelo Anthony, Denver (2) 116
Forward Pau Gasol, L.A. Lakers (2) 165
Center Shaquille O’Neal, Phoenix 68
Guard Chauncey Billups, Denver 131
Guard Tony Parker, San Antonio (1) 158

Other players receiving votes, with point totals (first team votes in parentheses): Deron Williams, Utah, 105; Kevin Garnett, Boston, 72; Chris Bosh, Toronto, 56; Joe Johnson, Atlanta, 36, Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City, 34; Danny Granger, Indiana, 25; David West, New Orleans, 12; Mo Williams, Cleveland, 10; Al Jefferson, Minnesota, 8; Steve Nash, Phoenix, 7; Antawn Jamison, Washington, 7; Ray Allen, Boston, 6; Nene, Denver, 6; Devin Harris, New Jersey, 5; LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland, 4; David Lee, New York, 4; Rajon Rondo, Boston, 2; Vince Carter, New Jersey, 1; Paul Millsap, Utah, 1; O.J. Mayo, Memphis, 1; Mehmet Okur, Utah, 1; Jermaine O’Neal, Miami, 1; Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando, 1; Derrick Rose, Chicago, 1; Caron Butler, Washington, 1; Carlos Boozer, Utah, 1; Andre Miller, Philadelphia, 1; Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia, 1.

Cuban and K-Mart's mom is just another playoff rivalry

2009-05-12T12:44:00.001-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Familiarity makes playoff basketball so much fun.

When a postseason series goes six or seven games, it's only natural that players and coaches alike get a little chippy with each other.

After all, I can't spend two hours with the better-half before she starts chirping at me. So, things are bound to bubble over when a basketball team sees the same faces over and over again for two weeks, and when the stakes are so high.

Cramped quarters breed rivalries, so you should expect certain things. Things like Dwight Howard losing his cool and throwing elbows or Shane Battier juicing more than Abdullah the Butcher.

But, Mark Cuban vs. Kenyon Martin's mother?

Now that's a rivalry no one saw coming.

The billionaire team owner became the villain in this scenario after the Mavs' controversial Game 3 loss in Dallas. The Nuggets took advantage of an NBA- acknowledged officiating mistake to beat the Mavericks 106-105 and take a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Mark Cuban took to his blog early Tuesday morning to apologize for his indiscretion.

Frustrated, the immature Cuban stormed off the court like a bull in a china shop, banging into a cameraman and trying to intimidate everything in his path.

As he was finally leaving the floor, Cuban spotted Martin's mother, Lydia Moore, wearing a Nuggets jersey. According to Cuban, a fan called the Nuggets "thugs" and he looked at Moore and said, "That includes your son."

Martin's agent told the Denver Post a far different story, claiming Cuban said, "Your son is a punk."

Martin responded with a cryptic threat at Monday's shootaround, vowing to handle things himself.

"It's a little personal, and I'm going to take care of it," Martin said. "I'm not going to do the whole media thing, back and forth. That's his thing. I'm more of a face-to-face type of dude."

Not exactly a great way to counter Cuban's original thesis.

Nonetheless, Cuban, likely feeling the pressure mounting, not to mention fearing the 6-foot-9, 230-pound man he antagonized and may or may not think is a thug, took to his blog early Tuesday morning to apologize for his indiscretion.

Coincidentally, the mea culpa only came after the Mavs finally found the win column in the series with a 119-117 triumph in Game 4 on Monday night.

"It started as a smart ass comment that I know that no one heard," Cuban wrote. "How do I know, because there was a reporter right there next to me, as well as other people who saw the whole thing and didn't hear a word of it.

"But at this point, that has become irrelevant. It doesn't matter why I said it. I shouldn't have said anything. Now, the reality is that this has gotten out of hand.

"When tempers and such start impacting the fan experience both in Dallas and Denver, and it requires special security, that's not what I want for Mavs or Nuggets fans. No one takes more abuse and gets more threats on the road than I do. So I know exactly how it feels. I've also had my family and friends spit on at games in this series. So I know how unpleasant that is as well. It's a dirty secret that all arenas need to do a better job of protection for visiting team fans, particularly during the playoffs.

"So at this point I would like to apologize to you and your mom KMart for my comment. I should have not said anything and I was wrong. Hopefully you will accept the apology and we can move on."

Cuban continued with the age-old technique of the bribe.

"When the series comes back to Dallas, your family, and the family of other Nuggets players are welcome to stay in my suite, with my family," Cuban continued. "It's amazing how tempers mellow when real people talk to each other and realize that its still just a game.

"If that isn't acceptable, I'm happy to provide a suite, free of charge to them as well and place whatever security is needed to make them feel comfortable.

"We tried to have enough additional security for them tonight as well, but I know your family and friends didn't feel as comfortable as they should. I apologize for that as well. This arena is my responsibility, we could and should do a better job.

"So if we can put this behind us, I will make sure when the series comes back to Dallas, your family and friends, and that of your teammates are very comfortable at our Arena.

"Then I hope we both take the advice of your coach and can get together this summer. Dinner for you and your family is on me."

Notice how Cuban wrote "when the series comes back to Dallas," even though Denver will be a heavy favorite to end the set in the Rocky Mountains on Wednesday night.

Cuban is a fan first and one of the best owners in sports. Sure he's a bit nutty and hasn't brought a championship to Dallas just yet, but he will. The Mavs owner just doesn't accept losing and he lives and dies with his team. He is the Y2K version of George Steinbrenner and will bring a championship to "Big D" sooner rather than later.

Cuban lost his cool, but calls for a courtside ban or a Steinbrenner-like suspension for a year are ludicrous. This is playoff basketball and tempers flared.

Winning cures everything and the Martin family will likely get the last laugh on Wednesday.

If that's not enough revenge, perhaps we can set up a Martin-Cuban mixed martial arts match. Cuban, a noted MMA fan, has built his fledgling television network, HDNet, around the sport.

Of course, that would be quite the mismatch so I envision bringing back Wilmer Valderrama's atrocious MTV show "Yo Momma," where people "battled" each other by belittling each other's mother.

I can see it now...

Cuban: "Yo momma so fat when her beeper goes off, people thought she was backing up."

Martin: "Yo momma so stupid it took her two hours to watch 60 minutes."

Cuban: "Yo momma so poor she can't afford to pay attention."

Martin: "Yo momma so ugly she made an onion cry."

I would watch that.

Granger wins most improved

2009-05-12T12:12:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, May 12, 2009 – Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers is the winner of the 2008-09 NBA Most Improved Player Award presented by Kia Motors, the NBA announced today. The annual award is presented to a player who has made a significant improvement from the previous season.

Granger received 364 of a possible 605 points, including 48 first-place votes, from a panel of 121 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The New Jersey Nets’ Devin Harris finished second with 339 points (43 first-place votes), followed by Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder with 83 points (six first-place votes). 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.

As part of its support of the Most Improved Player Award, Kia Motors America will donate either a new Borrego SUV or Sedona minivan on behalf of Granger to The Shepherd Community Center in Indianapolis. Kia Motors is presenting 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.”

In his fourth year, Granger was the league’s fifth leading scorer, averaging a career-high 25.8 points – 6.2 points higher than 2007-08 (19.6 ppg) and 9.4 points above his career average (16.4 ppg) – and becoming the first player in NBA history to raise his scoring average by at least five points in three consecutive seasons. Granger also averaged 5.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists. The 6-9 forward led the Pacers in scoring in 49 of the 67 games he played, including 13 of their final 14 games. In his last 14 games, Granger shot 43-of-96 (.448) from three-point range and his 182 three-pointers made this season rank third all time in Pacer’s history.

The 2008-09 NBA Most Improved Player 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 Sixth Man Awards. 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 2008-09 voting results and the all-time NBA Most Improved Player of the Year Award presented by Kia Motors winners:

2008-09 NBA MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD PRESENTED BY KIA MOTORS VOTING RESULTS

Player Team 1st 2nd 3rd Pts
Danny Granger Indiana 48 37 13 364
Devin Harris New Jersey 43 35 19 339
Kevin Durant Oklahoma City 6 14 11 83
Paul Millsap Utah 3 13 23 77
Nenê Denver 7 5 8 58
Rajon Rondo Boston 2 5 4 29
David Lee New York 1 3 11 25
John Salmons Chicago 2 2 1 17
Thaddeus Young Philadelphia 1 2 5 16
Von Wafer Houston 2 - 2 12
Brandon Roy Portland 1 1 - 8
Chris Andersen Denver 1 - 1 6
J.R. Smith Denver 1 - 1 6
Glen Davis Boston 1 - - 5
Jason Terry Dallas 1 - - 5
Wilson Chandler New York 1 - - 5
Aaron Brooks Houston - 1 1 4
Jameer Nelson Orlando - 1 1 4
Kelenna Azubuike Golden State - - 3 3
Dwyane Wade Miami - 1 - 3
LaMarcus Aldridge Portland - 1 - 3
Roger Mason San Antonio - - 3 3
Luis Scola Houston - - 2 2
Ronnie Brewer Utah - - 2 2
Kendrick Perkins Boston - - 1 1
Emeka Okafor Charlotte - - 1 1
Gerald Wallace Charlotte - - 1 1
Tyrus Thomas Chicago - - 1 1
Mo Williams Cleveland - - 1 1
J.J. Barea Dallas - - 1 1
Mike Conley Memphis - - 1 1
Rasual Butler New Orleans - - 1 1
Andrea Bargnani Toronto - - 1 1
Jeff Green Oklahoma City - - 1 1

ALL-TIME NBA MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD PRESENTED BY KIA MOTORS WINNERS

1985-86 Alvin Robertson, San Antonio
1986-87 Dale Ellis, Seattle
1987-88 Kevin Duckworth, Portland
1988-89 Kevin Johnson, Phoenix
1989-90 Rony Seikaly, Miami
1990-91 Scott Skiles, Orlando
1991-92 Pervis Ellison, Washington
1992-93 Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Denver
1993-94 Don MacLean, Washington
1994-95 Dana Barros, Philadelphia
1995-96 Gheorghe Muresan, Washington
1996-97 Isaac Austin, Miami
1997-98 Alan Henderson, Atlanta
1998-99 Darrell Armstrong, Orlando
1999-00 Jalen Rose, Indiana
2000-01 Tracy McGrady, Orlando
2001-02 Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana
2002-03 Gilbert Arenas, Golden State
2003-04 Zach Randolph, Portland
2004-05 Bobby Simmons, L.A. Clippers
2005-06 Boris Diaw, Phoenix
2006-07 Monta Ellis, Golden State

2007-08 Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando
2008-09 Danny Granger, Indiana

Raptors take interim tag off Triano

2009-05-11T11:53:00.001-04:00

Toronto Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo announced Monday that Jay Triano has been promoted to head coach and signed to a three-year contract. Triano took over the head coaching duties on an interim basis December 3, 2008 following the dismissal of Sam Mitchell. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Despite some difficult circumstances this past season, Jay Triano never stopped coaching, teaching and leading this team which resulted in a very strong finish,” said Colangelo. “After undertaking a thorough evaluation process, it is clear that Jay is the right coach to guide this team in the future.”

Triano is the seventh head coach in franchise history. He guided the club to a 9-4 mark in its final 13 outings this past season, including wins over Eastern Conference playoff participants Chicago, Orlando and Philadelphia, and a 12-15 record after the all-star break. He finished 25-40 overall.
Triano served seven seasons (2002-2008) as an assistant on the Raptors’ coaching staff. He became the first Canadian born and Canadian trained coach in the NBA when he was hired in 2002 as an assistant coach to Lenny Wilkens.

A native of Niagara Falls, Triano was the head coach of the Canadian men’s national team from 1998-2004 posting a 52-42 (.553) record. During his stint at the helm of Canada Basketball Triano had the opportunity to coach “Captain Canada” Steve Nash, who was voted the National Basketball Association’s Most Valuable Player in 2005 and 2006. Triano led Canada to a semifinal berth in the 2003 FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico and to a 5-2 record, second best to the United States, in the 2000 Olympics.

Triano has also served as an assistant coach of the USAB Select Team (2007 and 2008), the head coach of the NIKE Skills Academy in Vancouver (2006) and Toronto (2007), and for the past six years as a coach at the prestigious EURO CAMP in Treviso, Italy.

Triano served as interim head coach for one game during the 2007-08 season when Mitchell was away for a personal family matter. The Raptors defeated the New Jersey Nets, 109-91, on February 13, 2008 at Air Canada Centre.

Daly was one of the best

2009-05-09T13:08:00.001-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

(Sports Network) - Two months ago Chuck Daly was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Today, the Hall of Fame coach is gone.

The "Good Guy" of the "Bad Boys" passed away at the age of 78 at his home in Jupiter. Fla. on Saturday morning.

Daly is best known for leading the Detroit Pistons to a pair of NBA Championships and guiding the original "Dream Team," perhaps the greatest collection of basketball talent ever assembled, to an Olympic Gold Medal in 1992.

Daly also excelled at the college level. In his six seasons (1971-77) as the head coach of the University of Pennsylvania, he compiled a 125-38 record and won four Ivy League titles. Daly led Penn to more NCAA berths and Big Five titles than any previous head coach in school history.

The headlines are always impressive when you talk about a Hall of Fame coach.

That said, Daly's real gift was his ability to get through to his players, no matter the stakes or level.

Whether it was high schoolers in Punxsutawney, Penn., Ivy Leaguers at Penn, Dream Teamers or the ultimate test for any coach, Dennis Rodman, Daly figured out how to get it done.

Not as easy as it looks -- just ask Rick Pitino, John Calipari or Tim Floyd.

"I think Chuck understood people as well as basketball," Pistons president of basketball operations and Hall of Fame guard Joe Dumars said. "It's a people business."

Dubbed by John Salley as "Daddy Rich," for his dapper wardrobe and impeccably coiffed hairstyle, Daly understood the NBA is about talent, while the game's lower levels were more about micro-managing.

"It's a players' league," the coach once said of the NBA. "They allow you to coach them or they don't, Once they stop allowing you to coach, you're on your way out."

Most observers say Daly's greatest coaching achievement was the '92 Olympics, managing the egos assembled in Barcelona.

Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Charles Barley headlined the greatest team of all-time and Daly used a different lineup in every contest during the games, stroking all of his superstars as the "Dream Team" steam- rolled the competition.

"Chuck did a good job of keeping us together," Bird said. "It wasn't about who scored the most points, it was about one thing: winning the gold medal."

It was a few weeks earlier, however, where Daly earned the respect of the "Dream Team" when he piloted a group of college kids to victory in a controlled scrimmage before the Olympics.

That's right, Chuck Daly beat the greatest team of all-time with a bunch of college kids.

In fact, as we look back on Daddy Rich's life, the only thing the classy coach couldn't beat was cancer.

Daly dead at 78

2009-05-09T09:21:00.000-04:00

Detroit Pistons Mourn The Loss Of Hall Of Fame Coach Chuck Daly

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment mourn the passing of Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Daly. The 78-year-old, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February, passed away this morning in Jupiter, Florida on May 9 with his family by his side. Funeral arrangements are pending, but services will take place next week in Jupiter/Tequesta, Florida.

“The Daly family and the entire Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment family is mourning the loss of Chuck Daly,” family spokesman and Pistons Vice President of Public Relations Matt Dobek said. “Chuck left a lasting impression with everyone he met both personally and professionally and his spirit will live with all of us forever.”

Daly, who coached the Detroit Pistons to NBA Championships in 1989 and 1990, was dubbed by his Pistons' players as “Daddy Rich,” for his dapper wardrobe. Daly also served as head coach of the Dream Team, the 1992 Gold-Medal winning USA Basketball Olympic Team, which has been acknowledged by many as the greatest basketball team ever assembled. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1994 and the number 2 (for those 2 NBA Championships) was retired in his honor by the Detroit Pistons in 1997.

The Kane, Pennsylvania native coached the Pistons for nine seasons and is the winningest coach in franchise history with a record of 467-271 (.633). He also coached Detroit to a franchise record 71 playoff wins during his tenure (71-42, .628). Named head coach on May 17, 1983, Daly finished his first year with a 49-33 mark and a postseason appearance. The Pistons reached the NBA Playoffs in each of his nine seasons, advancing to the Conference Finals five times with two Eastern Conference Championships (1989, 1990).

In 1990, the Pistons set the top two winning streaks in franchise history. During the months of January, February and March, the club won 13 games and then 12 in a row with only one loss in between. The 25-1 streak was the third-best streak in the history of the NBA during that time.

In addition to his Pistons coaching career, Daly also made NBA head coaching stops with the Cleveland Cavaliers, New Jersey Nets and Orlando Magic.

His 30-plus years of coaching success at all levels carried over into his Pistons position. Prior to joining Detroit, Daly spent four-plus seasons as an assistant to Billy Cunningham and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers went 236-104 in the regular-season during those four-plus years, winning two division titles and finishing second twice.

In his six seasons (1971-77) as the head coach of the University of Pennsylvania, he compiled a 125-38 (.744) record and won four Ivy League titles. Daly led Penn to more NCAA berths and Big Five titles than any previous head coach in school history. He was the head coach at Boston College for two seasons (1969-71) and served as an assistant coach at Duke University for seven years (1963-69).

A graduate of Bloomsburg University, after starting his collegiate career at St. Bonaventure, Daly earned a Master’s Degree at Penn State and began his coaching career at Punxsutawney High School.

Daly is survived by his wife, Terry, his daughter, Cydney, and grandchildren Sebrina and Connor.

Playoffs heat up with Elite Eight

2009-05-05T10:55:00.000-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The NBA's marketing machine came up with the tag line "Where Amazing Happens" for this year's postseason.

We certainly got some "amazing" in the first round.

There were a couple of Game 7s, an Oscar Robertson-like effort by the Celtics' Rajon Rondo and the unveiling of Vince McMahon's newest finishing hold, Dwight Howard's bionic elbow.

The Eastern Conference held to form while the West featured a couple of minor upsets.

In the East, both the Celtics and Atlanta Hawks were taken to seven games in polar opposite series.

Boston-Chicago was a classic. With the exception of the Celtics' 21-point victory in Game 3, every other contest until Saturday's Game 7 had been decided by three points or less with four of them going to overtime. The teams played a total of seven extra sessions in the set, including an incredible 128-127 Chicago win in triple-OT during Game 6.

Yao Ming and the Rockets finally got past the first round of the playoffs.

The Hawks and Heat were on a similar see-saw in their series, but the games themselves were less than epics. Joe Johnson drained six of his eight attempts from three-point range in Game 7 as Atlanta finished off a set filled with blowout wins with a 91-78 drubbing of the Heat. None of the seven games in the series were decided by a single-digit margin, only the second time that has ever occurred.

The Hawks-Heat set featured just 15 lead changes in the entire series, and the front-runner never changed after the first quarter in each of the final three contests.

In the West, Houston got out of the first round for the first time in the Yao Ming/Tracy McGrady era by besting the talented but inexperienced Portland Trail Blazers in six games.

Meanwhile, a proud San Antonio team failed to overcome the loss of Manu Ginobili and succumbed to the Dallas Mavericks in five games, while a Chauncey Billups-fueled Denver club won a postseason series for the first time in 15 years, dismantling New Orleans in five.

With all that in the rearview mirror, it's time to take a closer look at the NBA's "Elite Eight"...

EASTERN CONFERENCE

(1) CLEVELAND vs. (4) ATLANTA
The Hawks are a young, up-and-coming team with a steady, battle-tested point guard in Mike Bibby. That sounds like a recipe for success in the postseason, but they are running into a buzz-saw. LeBron James is playing against history, not his peers, and Mo Williams looks like he was the missing ingredient, playing "Robin" to James' "Batman."

Cavs in 5

(2) BOSTON vs. (3) ORLANDO
As strange as it sounds the Celtics match-up better with a 59-win Orlando team than Chicago. The Bulls had more athletes to throw at Boston's aging scorers. On paper, the Magic, especially with Courtney Lee sidelined and Mickael Pietrus firmly supplanted in Stan Van Gundy's doghouse, don't have the perimeter quickness to make things difficult for Ray Allen and Paul Pierce. That said, Boston is coming off a grueling seven-game series and is without Kevin Garnett and Leon Powe, so Doc Rivers just doesn't have the bodies in the frontcourt to fend off Dwight Howard and his Dusty Rhodes-like elbow. Experience will win out in this one.

Celtics in 7

WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) LA LAKERS vs. (5) HOUSTON
The Rockets figure to have the edge at center and point guard, but they simply can't compete with the offense of LA's big three. Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom are all capable of taking over a game and Houston, with Luis Scola as its high scorer in the postseason, just can't match that firepower. The only way the Rockets win this series is if Yao dominates to the tune of 20 and 10 every night. But, the Lakers have too many options to throw at the Chinese star.

Lakers in 6

(2) DENVER vs. (6) DALLAS
It's hard to imagine Chauncey Billups playing at the same level for another series, but his presence and playoff-tested mettle can't be underestimated. The Nuggets swept the season series with Dallas and have already taken Game 1. More importantly, you have to like Billups and Carmelo Anthony running the pick-and-roll in late-game situations over Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki.

Nuggets in 6

Powe has surgery

2009-05-05T10:54:00.000-04:00

Boston Celtics forward Leon Powe underwent successful knee surgery Tuesday morning.

Powe suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against Chicago on April 20.

Tuesday's procedure reconstructed the ACL while also repairing a microfracture and damaged cartilage. No timetable has been given for Powe's return, but he will miss the remainder of the playoffs and is expected to make a full recovery.

Powe averaged 7.7 points in 70 regular season games in 2008-09. He injured his right knee in mid-March, coincidentally, against Chicago.

LeBron is crowned

2009-05-05T10:53:00.000-04:00

CLEVELAND – Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James has been named the winner of the Maurice Podoloff Trophy as the 2008-09 NBA Most Valuable Player presented by Kia Motors, the NBA announced today.

James received a total of 1,172 points, including 109 first-place votes out of a possible 121, from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. Players were awarded 10 points for each first-place vote, seven points for each second-place vote, five points for each third-place, three points for each fourth-place vote, and one point for each fifth-place vote received.

James becomes the first player in Cavaliers franchise history to receive the award after leading the Cavaliers to an NBA and franchise-best 66-16 (.805) record. He averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.69 steals and a career-best 1.15 blocks in 37.7 minutes per game. The 6-foot-8 forward also posted career highs in games played (81), field goal percentage (.489) and free throw percentage (.780). He was the only player in the NBA to average at least 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game this season. Leading the Cavs in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, James became just the fourth player since the 1973-74 season (when steals and blocks became official stats) to lead his team in each category.

James led the NBA in triple-doubles (7), points per game in road games (31.5) and combined points, rebounds and assists average (43.3). He ranked second in points per game (28.4) and total fourth quarter points (515), eighth in steals (1.69), ninth in assists (7.2), tied for 14^th in double-doubles (29), 23^rd in blocks (1.15) and 27^th in rebounds (7.6).

At 24 years, 106 days old, James is the youngest player to win the award since Moses Malone (24 years, 16 days) in 1978-79 and his 474-point margin of victory is the sixth-largest in MVP voting history (media began voting 1980-81 season).

During the season, the Akron native was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week an NBA all-time best seven times and tied the league record for most Player of the Month wins with four (November, January, March and April). He was named an Eastern Conference All-Star starter for the fifth consecutive season and finished runner-up to Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard for NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

As part of its support of the Most Valuable Player Award, Kia Motors America will donate a new Borrego SUV on behalf of James to The Urban League of Akron. Kia Motors is presenting 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.”

The 2008-09 NBA Most Valuable Player 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 Defensive 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.

LEBRON JAMES’ SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Led the Cavaliers to an NBA and franchise-best 66-16 (.805) record and became just the 12^th team in NBA history to win 66 or more games in a season. Also, helped Cleveland post a 39-2 (.951) record at The Q, which tied for the second-best home record in league history, and a 27-14 (.659) road record, which tied for the second-best road record in the league this season.
Helped Cleveland improve its win total by 21 games from 2007-08 (45-37), tying the 1971-72 L.A. Lakers in NBA history for the second-largest improvement in wins of all teams that won at least 45 games in the previous season.
Led Cleveland to 16 victories during March, tying the NBA all-time record for most victories in any month. Finished March with 479 points, 152 rebounds and 143 assists. The only other player in NBA history to reach each of those totals in one month is Oscar Robertson, who did it in eight separate months, most recently in January 1965.
Became just the second player in NBA history to post five consecutive seasons of at least 27.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists (Oscar Robertson)
Is the only player to average at least 27.0 points in each of the past five seasons
Became the youngest player in NBA history to score 11,000 points (23 years, 324 days) and 12,000 points (24 years, 35 days) during the season
Became the youngest (23 years, 308 days) and fastest (395 games) player to reach the following totals: 10,000 points, 2,500 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 700 steals and 300 blocks
Scored 41 points in three of the Cavs first eight games (41 vs. Chi on Nov. 5th and 8th and 41 vs. Milwaukee on Nov. 11th), becoming the first player since Michael Jordan in 1991 to score 40-or-more in at least three of a team's first eight games of a season
With 38 points, seven rebounds, six assists, three blocks and four steals versus Boston on Jan. 9, James became the first person to reach those numbers in a game since David Robinson on March 19, 1994
Totaled 23 points, 15 rebounds, 11 assists and three blocks versus Sacramento on Jan. 27th, posting at least those numbers in a game since Larry Bird in 1987
Tallied 33 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists on Jan. 24th at Utah, becoming the first player to record at least those numbers in a non-overtime game since Kevin Garnett in 2004
Made a career-high eight three-pointers on 11 attempts on his way to a season-best 55 points at Milwaukee on Feb. 20
Became only the 12th player in NBA history to have three consecutive triple-doubles (March 7th, 10th and 12th).
Posted 43 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and a block versus Orlando on March 17th, joining Larry Bird in 1992 as the only players to record at least those numbers in a game.
Is the only active player in the NBA to have five consecutive seasons with at least 2,000 points and became just the ninth in NBA history, joining legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, George Gervin, Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlin, Dominique Wilkins, Oscar Robertson, Alex English and Karl Malone all-time.
With his fourth season of at least 2,000 points, 500 rebounds and 500 assists, James became the 2nd player in NBA history (Oscar Robertson) to post at least those numbers in four seasons or more.

2008-09 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD PRESENTED BY KIA MOTORS VOTING RESULTS

Player, Team 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Total Points
LeBron James, Cleveland 109 11 1 - - 1172
Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 2 56 52 8 2 698
Dwyane Wade, Miami 7 50 41 17 4 680
Dwight Howard, Orlando 1 3 17 63 23 328
Chris Paul, New Orleans 2 1 9 23 51 192
Chauncey Billups, Denver - - - 6 15 33
Paul Pierce, Boston - - 1 2 10 21
Tony Parker, San Antonio - - - 1 6 9
Brandon Roy, Portland - - - 1 4 7
Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas - - - - 3 3
Tim Duncan, San Antonio - - - - 2 2
Yao Ming, Houston - - - - 1 1

ALL-TIME MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD PRESENTED BY KIA MOTORS WINNERS

Season - Player, Team
1955-56 - Bob Pettit, St. Louis
1956-57 - Bob Cousy, Boston
1957-58 - Bill Russell, Boston
1958-59 - Bob Pettit, St. Louis
1959-60 - Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia
1960-61 - Bill Russell, Boston
1961-62 - Bill Russell, Boston
1962-63 - Bill Russell, Boston
1963-64 - Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati
1964-65 - Bill Russell, Boston
1965-66 - Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia
1966-67 - Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia
1967-68 - Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia
1968-69 - Wes Unseld, Baltimore
1969-70 - Willis Reed, New York
1970-71 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee
1971-72 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee
1972-73 - Dave Cowens, Boston
1973-74 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee
1974-75 - Bob McAdoo, Buffalo
1975-76 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles
1976-77 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles
1977-78 - Bill Walton, Portland
1978-79 - Moses Malone, Houston
1979-80 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Los Angeles
1980-81 - Julius Erving, Philadelphia
1981-82 - Moses Malone, Houston
1982-83 - Moses Malone, Philadelphia
1983-84 - Larry Bird, Boston
1984-85 - Larry Bird, Boston
1985-86 - Larry Bird, Boston
1986-87 - Magic Johnson, L.A. Lakers
1987-88 - Michael Jordan, Chicago
1988-89 - Magic Johnson, L.A. Lakers
1989-90 - Magic Johnson, L.A. Lakers
1990-91 - Michael Jordan, Chicago
1991-92 - Michael Jordan, Chicago
1992-93 - Charles Barkley, Phoenix
1993-94 - Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston
1994-95 - David Robinson, San Antonio
1995-96 - Michael Jordan, Chicago
1996-97 - Karl Malone, Utah
1997-98 - Michael Jordan, Chicago
1998-99 - Karl Malone, Utah
1999-00 - Shaquille O'Neal, L.A. Lakers
2000-01 - Allen Iverson, Philadelphia
2001-02 - Tim Duncan, San Antonio
2002-03 - Tim Duncan, San Antonio
2003-04 - Kevin Garnett, Minnesota
2004-05 - Steve Nash, Phoenix
2005-06 - Steve Nash, Phoenix
2006-07 - Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas
2007-08 - Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers
2008-09 – LeBron James, Cleveland

NBA announces renewal of credit facility

2009-05-04T16:00:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, May 4 – The National Basketball Association announced today that all 15 lending institutions have approved the annual renewal of the NBA’s Leaguewide Credit Facility led by J.P. Morgan. Seventeen of the NBA’s 30 teams have borrowed $2 billion under the Facility since it was established in 2003.

“The renewal of the credit facility demonstrates the lending community’s continued high level of confidence in the financial strength of the NBA and the value of our teams,” said NBA Chief Financial Officer Robert Criqui.

James to be named MVP today

2009-05-04T10:18:00.001-04:00

According to a league source, LeBron James will be named the NBA Most Valuable Player this afternoon.

James has chosen to have the announcement at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron.

He will be the first Cav to win the honor in history and the second youngest ever to win the award behind Wes Unseld in 1969.

James averaged 28.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 7.6 assists this season, his sixth in the NBA

Sloan has surgery

2009-05-01T10:50:00.000-04:00

Utah Jazz head coach Jerry Sloan underwent successful right knee replacement surgery today, Jazz general manager Kevin O’Connor announced. The surgery was performed by Dr. Russell Nelson in Salt Lake City.

The longest-tenured head coach in NBA history, Sloan recently completed his 21st season at the helm of the Jazz and ranks as the NBA’s fourth-winningest coach all-time with a career record of 1,137-751 (1,043-630 with Jazz). Sloan was also selected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Class of 2009 where he will be inducted in September.

Bakersfield loses jam as team ceases operations

2009-05-01T10:49:00.001-04:00

The Bakersfield Jam announced yesterday that the organization will cease operations, effective immediately.

The decision from owners Stan Ellis and David Higdon to shut down the team was announced to the Jam front office staff Wednesday afternoon. “It’s not a reflection on the economy”, Ellis said. “Our other businesses are doing very well. It’s simply this: we have other business opportunities out there that are scary phenomenal – they’re great. There is so much more potential in those businesses that it’s not fair to the other 300 people we employ to continue to incur the losses of the Jam.”

Ellis continued, “When you have bad business deals that start to go south, you cut your losses and go on to the next one. This is a simple business decision.” When commenting on the move to cease operations, Higdon echoed Ellis. “No one has told us we made a bad business decision.”

Jam head coach Scott Roth, who led the Jam to their first winning season (26-24 record) and a playoff berth this year mentioned low attendance as the driving force in the owner’s decision. “I don’t think fans ever caught on to the Jam. With that talent level that was in our arena on a nightly basis, if you’re not getting 1,500 to an NBADL game then you have a problem.”

The 2008-09 Jam season enjoyed many highlights that included guard Trey Johnson getting two, 10-day Gatorade Call-ups to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Also, Johnson and fellow guard Derrick Byars were selected to the NBAD League All-Star west team. Johnson was also selected to the 1^st Team All NBAD League Showcase team, and he and Byars were selected to the NBAD League All League second team, while center Nick Lewis was selected to the NBAD League Honorable Mention team.

Byars also set individual, single-season records in scoring (884) and minutes played (1,918), while Lewis set single-season records in rebounds (368) and games played (51), sharing that honor with forward Terrance Thomas. Jam guard Mateen Cleaves set the single-season assist record this year (297).

Giving local TV interviews in the back of the Jam’s brand new, state-of-the-art practice facility, Ellis spoke fondly of his involvement with the community over the last three years. “While we didn’t get the fan support needed to sustain operations here, David and I were fortunate to meet so many wonderful people that we may not have met otherwise. Because of that we’ll be renting our practice facility to youth organizations and other interested parties that need the space.”

Ellis and Higdon will now direct their attention to their existing business portfolio and their new acquisitions in the clean tech/renewable energy sector.

NBA Draft Early Entries

2009-05-01T10:48:00.001-04:00

NBA ANNOUNCES EARLY ENTRY CANDIDATES FOR 2009 NBA DRAFT

NEW YORK, April 30, 2009 – The National Basketball Association announced today that 103 players, including 74 players from U.S. colleges and 29 international players, have filed as early entry candidates for the 2009 NBA Draft.

Players wishing to renounce their remaining intercollegiate eligibility and enter the 2009 NBA Draft were required to submit a letter to the NBA to be received no later than Sunday, April 26. Players who have applied for early entry have the right to withdraw their names from consideration for the Draft by notifying the NBA of their decision in writing no later than 5 p.m. ET on Monday, June 15.

Following is the list of players from U.S. colleges and institutions who have applied for early entry into the 2009 NBA Draft, which will be held Thursday, June 25, at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City:

EARLY ENTRY CANDIDATES FOR 2009 NBA DRAFT

Player School Height Status
Darion Anderson Northern Illinois 6-2 Sophomore
Ryan Anderson Nebraska 6-4 Junior
Dominique Archie South Carolina 6-7 Junior
DeJuan Blair Pittsburgh 6-7 Sophomore
Derrick Brown Xavier 6-8 Junior
Chase Budinger Arizona 6-7 Junior
Nick Calathes Florida 6-6 Sophomore
Earl Clark Louisville 6-9 Junior
Dwayne Collins Miami 6-8 Junior
Kareem Cooper Texas-El Paso 7-0 Junior
Kenneth Cooper Louisiana Tech 6-10 Junior
Brandon Costner North Carolina State 6-9 Junior
Stephen Curry Davidson 6-1 Junior
Bryan Davis Texas A&M 6-9 Junior
Austin Daye Gonzaga 6-10 Sophomore
DeMar DeRozan Southern California 6-7 Freshman
Eric Devendorf Syracuse 6-4 Junior
Devan Downey South Carolina 5-9 Junior
Osiris Eldridge Illinois State 6-3 Junior
Wayne Ellington North Carolina 6-4 Junior
Chinemelu Elonu Texas A&M 6-10 Junior
- more -
PAGE TWO
Early Entry Candidates for 2009 NBA Draft

Tyreke Evans Memphis 6-6 Freshman
Gary Flowers Chipola JC (FL) 6-8 Sophomore
Jonny Flynn Syracuse 6-0 Sophomore
Jonathan Gibson New Mexico State 6-2 Junior
Kyle Gibson Louisiana Tech 6-5 Junior
Taj Gibson Southern California 6-9 Junior
Blake Griffin Oklahoma 6-10 Sophomore
D'mond Grismore Huston-Tillotson (TX) 6-6 Junior
Rogér Guignard Texas-Arlington 5-11 Junior
Daniel Hackett Southern California 6-5 Junior
Luke Harangody Notre Dame 6-8 Junior
James Harden Arizona State 6-4 Sophomore
Kevin Harris Northwest Mississippi CC 5-11 Sophomore
Paul Harris Syracuse 6-5 Junior
Gerald Henderson Duke 6-5 Junior
Jordan Hill Arizona 6-9 Junior
Jrue Holiday UCLA 6-4 Freshman
Damion James Texas 6-7 Junior
James Johnson Wake Forest 6-9 Sophomore
Mac Koshwal DePaul 6-10 Sophomore
Gani Lawal Georgia Tech 6-9 Sophomore
Ty Lawson North Carolina 5-11 Junior
James Lewis Fresno Pacific 6-4 Junior
Darnell Lindsay Tennessee Tech 6-4 Junior
Dior Lowhorn San Francisco 6-7 Junior
Ater Majok Connecticut 6-10 Freshman
Jodie Meeks Kentucky 6-4 Junior
Nate Miles Southern Idaho 6-7 Freshman
Patrick Mills St. Mary's 6-0 Sophomore
Tasmin Mitchell LSU 6-7 Junior
B.J. Mullens Ohio State 7-0 Freshman
Ronald Ogoke Paul Quinn College (TX) 7-0 Junior
Patrick Patterson Kentucky 6-9 Sophomore
Scottie Reynolds Villanova 6-2 Junior
D.J. Rivera Binghamton 6-4 Junior
Terrence Roderick Alabama-Birmingham 6-6 Sophomore
Magnum Rolle Louisiana Tech 6-11 Junior
Junior Salters Wofford 6-1 Junior
Donald Sloan Texas A&M 6-3 Junior
Tyler Smith Tennessee 6-7 Junior
DaJuan Summers Georgetown 6-8 Junior
Shawn Taggart Memphis 6-10 Junior
Jonathan Tavernari BYU 6-6 Junior
Jeff Teague Wake Forest 6-2 Sophomore
Hasheem Thabeet Connecticut 7-3 Junior
Malcolm Thomas San Diego City College 6-9 Sophomore
Dar Tucker DePaul 6-5 Sophomore
- more -
PAGE THREE
Early Entry Candidates for 2009 NBA Draft

Jarvis Varnado Mississippi State 6-9 Junior
Greivis Vasquez Maryland 6-6 Junior
Martez Walker Riverside CC (CA) 6-6 Freshman
Michael Washington Arkansas 6-9 Junior
Jeremy Wise Southern Mississippi 6-2 Junior
Nic Wise Arizona 5-10 Junior

The following is the list of international players who have applied for early entry into the 2009 NBA Draft:

Player Team/Country* Height Status___
Amadou Aboubakar Zaki Nancy (France) 7-1 1988 DOB
Rodrigue Beaubois Cholet (France) 6-0 1988 DOB
Nemanja Bjelica Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) 6-10 1988 DOB
Georgios Bogris Ilysiakos (Greece) 6-10 1989 DOB
Omri Casspi Maccabi Elite (Israel) 6-9 1988 DOB
Victor Claver Pamesa Valencia (Spain) 6-9 1988 DOB
Vladimir Dasic Buducnost (Montenegro) 6-10 1988 DOB
Christian Eyenga DKV Joventut (Spain) 6-5 1989 DOB
Vitor Faverani Unicaja Malaga (Spain) 6-10 1988 DOB
Sergey Gladyr Mykolaiv (Ukraine) 6-5 1989 DOB
Adam Hanga Albacomp (Hungary) 6-7 1989 DOB
Bariş Hersek Efes Pilsen (Turkey) 6-9 1988 DOB
Rudy Jomby Le Havre (France) 6-6 1988 DOB
Tanel Kurbas Kalev/Cramo (Estonia) 6-6 1988 DOB
Milan Macvan Hemofarm (Serbia) 6-9 1989 DOB
Boban Marjanovic Hemofarm (Serbia) 7-4 1988 DOB
Tim Ohlbrecht Bamberg (Germany) 6-11 1988 DOB
Carl Ona Embo Biella (Italy) 6-1 1989 DOB
Nikolaos Pappas Real Madrid II (Spain) 6-5 1990 DOB
Anton Ponomarev Astana Tigers (Kazakhstan) 6-10 1988 DOB
Paulo Prestes Unicaja Malaga (Spain) 6-11 1988 DOB
Miroslav Raduljica FMP Zeleznik (Serbia) 7-0 1988 DOB
Fernando Raposo Pau Orthez (France) 6-9 1989 DOB
Ricky Rubio DKV Joventut (Spain) 6-4 1990 DOB
Evangelos Sakellariou Pagrati (Greece) 6-5 1989 DOB
Alexandros Sigkounas Olimpia Larissa (Greece) 6-7 1988 DOB
Ludovic Vaty Pau Orthez (France) 6-9 1988 DOB
Ibrahim Yildirim Banvit (Turkey) 6-3 1990 DOB
Artem Zabelin CSKA Moscow (Russia) 7-1 1988 DOB

*Country indicates where team plays, not country of nationality

Bryant regains jersey sales lead

2009-05-01T10:44:00.000-04:00

Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant excels on the hardwood and dominates on the racks, topping this year’s list of most popular NBA jerseys. Bryant reclaimed the No. 1 spot, which he held in 2006-07, after being overtaken last year by the Boston Celtics’ Kevin Garnett. The list is based on sales at the NBA Store in New York City and NBAStore.com since the start of the 2008-09 NBA season through April 2009.

Twelve players competing in the 2009 Playoffs appear on the list. The
Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James regained the No. 2 spot, where he ranked
in 2005-06, and the New Orleans Hornets’ Chris Paul climbed to No. 3, his
highest ranking. The Celtics’ “Big 3” – Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen
– appear on the list at No. 4, No. 7 and No. 12, respectively. The Orlando
Magic’s 2009 Defensive Player of the Year presented by Kia Motors Dwight
Howard appears in the Top 10 for the first time at No. 10 and the Chicago
Bulls’ 2009 T-Mobile Rookie of the Year Derrick Rose ranks No. 11.

Fans continue to demand Los Angeles Lakers merchandise as the team tops the
NBA’s list of most popular team merchandise. Lakers merchandise has been
the most popular among fans for six out of the last seven seasons. The
Celtics fall to No. 2 after holding the top spot for the first time during
its 2008 championship season. The New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers and
Chicago Bulls round out the top five.

2008-09 marks the third season with adidas as the official on-court uniform
and apparel provider for the NBA and sales of NBA jerseys increased 7
percent over last year at the NBA Store and NBAStore.com combined.

Top 15 Most Popular NBA Jerseys: Top 10 Most Popular Team
Merchandise:

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers 1. Los Angeles Lakers
2. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers 2. Boston Celtics
3. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets 3. New York Knicks
4. Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics 4. Cleveland Cavaliers
5. Allen Iverson, Detroit Pistons 5. Chicago Bulls
6. Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat 6. New Orleans Hornets
7. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics 7. Phoenix Suns
8. Nate Robinson, New York Knicks 8. Miami Heat
9. Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers 9. Detroit Pistons
10. Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic 10. San Antonio Spurs
11. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls
12. Ray Allen, Boston Celtics
13. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
14. Shaquille O’Neal, Phoenix Suns
15. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets

Pierce's game-winner

2009-04-29T09:59:00.001-04:00

Dwight Howard's elbow on Sam Dalembert

2009-04-29T09:58:00.001-04:00

Billups wins Sportsmanship Award

2009-04-28T16:07:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, April 28, 2009 – Chauncey Billups of the Denver Nuggets is the recipient of the Joe Dumars Trophy presented to the 2008-09 NBA Sportsmanship Award winner, the NBA announced today.

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

2009-04-28T16:06:00.000-04:00

The Miami HEAT announced today that forward Jamario Moon will undergo surgery to repair a sports hernia on Thursday, April 30.

The procedure will be performed by Dr. David Edelman at Baptist Doctors Hospital in Miami. Moon will rest for a period of two weeks and then be re-evaluated. He will travel with the HEAT to Atlanta for Game 5.

Moon was acquired by the HEAT in a February 13, 2009 trade. He appeared in 80 games (60 starts) during the 2008-09 season, averaging 7.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.08 steals in 25.9 minutes per game.

Raptors' Calderom has finger surgery

2009-04-28T16:05:00.000-04:00

The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday that guard Jose Calderon underwent surgery this morning to repair ligament damage and capsular laxity to the ring finger of his left hand. Recovery time is expected to be six to eight weeks.

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).

Thad's game-winner

2009-04-25T10:11:00.001-04:00

Terry takes Sixth Man Award

2009-04-25T09:26:00.000-04:00

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 22^nd 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 1^st 2^nd 3^rd 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

Sixers - Magic Game 3 Live Blog

2009-04-25T09:25:00.000-04:00

&amp;lt;a href="http://www.coveritlive.com/mobile.php?option=com_mobile&amp;amp;task=viewaltcast&amp;amp;altcast_code=722ea8ccba" &amp;gt;Sixers - Magic Game 3&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

Deron Williams keeps the Jazz alive

2009-04-24T10:51:00.000-04:00

D-Wade goes off

2009-04-23T11:39:00.001-04:00

Rose wins Rookie of the Year

2009-04-23T11:33:00.000-04:00

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 (3^rd, 1,361), scoring (3^rd, 16.8 ppg) and assists (3^rd, 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 1^st 2^nd 3^rd 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

2009-04-21T14:12:00.001-04:00

NEW YORK, April 21, 2009 – Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic is the recipient of the 2008-09 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award presented by Kia Motors, the NBA announced today.

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

Allen's game-winner

2009-04-21T11:43:00.000-04:00

Iguodala's game-winner

2009-04-20T13:58:00.000-04:00

Josh Smith lives above the rim

2009-04-20T13:56:00.001-04:00

Cavs' Brown wins Coach of the Year

2009-04-20T13:55:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, April 20, 2009 – Cleveland’s Mike Brown is the recipient of the Red Auerbach Trophy as the 2008-09 NBA Coach of the Year, the NBA announced today.

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

The NBA Playoffs are here

2009-04-18T12:06:00.002-04:00

First round will feature few surprises

2009-04-18T10:28:00.003-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The long road to the NBA postseason ended on tax day, when the jumbled Western Conference playoff picture finally came into focus.

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

This is LeBron's year.

Usually a one-eight matchup isn't all that intriguing but this series offers up a little more bang for your buck since it features division rivals trading positions. The Pistons were once the heavyweights in the East when Larry Brown and Flip Saunders were roaming the sidelines. Joe Dumars made a colossal mistake by jettisoning the underrated Saunders for Michael Curry and compounded that early in the season by trading the one of the game's most unselfish players, Chauncey Billups, for the most selfish, Allen Iverson. That said, Detroit still possesses playoff warriors like Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and Rasheed Wallace but let's face it, this is LeBron's year.

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

NBA Playoff Previews

2009-04-18T10:27:00.000-04:00

Check out The Sports Network's playoff previews by banging the link...

Spurs sign Marcus Williams

2009-04-09T10:07:00.000-04:00

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs today announced that they have signed guard Marcus Williams. Per team policy terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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.

Bulls sign Johnson for remainder of season

2009-04-08T11:23:00.001-04:00

The Chicago Bulls today signed forward Linton Johnson III for the remainder of the season. Johnson, a 6-8, 205-pound forward, has appeared in four games with the Bulls this season, and averaged 1.0 ppg in 5.3 mpg. He will be in uniform tonight when the Bulls host the New York Knicks at 7:30 p.m. at the United Center.

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

Gallinari has successful surgery

2009-04-07T15:15:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, April 7, 2009 – The New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced that forward Danilo Gallinari had successful back surgery today. The laminotomy, performed by orthopedic spine specialist Dr. Patrick O’Leary at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan, is a surgical procedure that shaves the bony plate surrounding a nerve root. Gallinari is expected to have a full recovery in 6-8 weeks.

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

2009-04-07T15:12:00.000-04:00

NEW YORK, April 6, 2009 –Courtney Sims, who appeared in 32 games with the Iowa Energy, has been named the NBA Development League’s Most Valuable Player for the 2008-09 season. Sims, a 6-11 center, who is currently in the middle of his second 10-day contract with the New York Knicks, was selected by a vote of the NBA D-League’s head coaches. NBA D-League president Dan Reed will present Sims with his award prior to the start of an upcoming Knicks game at Madison Square Garden.

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

2009-04-07T15:11:00.000-04:00

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 Bakersfield is joined by Colorado forward Josh Davis, Fort Wayne center Chris Hunter and Anaheim guard James White, who is playing for the NBA’s Houston Rockets.

The GATORADE All-NBA D-League Third Team is made up of Colorado guard Eddie Gill, Utah forward Ronald Dupree and Idaho center Lance Allred and a pair of Charlotte Bobcats, guard Dontell Jefferson who was called-up from Utah and forward Cartier Martin who was called-up from the Iowa Energy.

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

2008-09 ALL-NBA DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE THIRD TEAM
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

2009-04-07T15:08:00.000-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

[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.

LeBron is ridiculous

2009-03-27T11:55:00.001-04:00

LeBron James is being profiled on “60 Minutes” this week, and in the middle of the interview he casually drains a shot from well past half court.

USA Basketball announces 2009-2012 committees

2009-03-25T12:56:00.001-04:00

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (March 25, 2009) -- USA Basketball today announced that its Board of Directors has approved USA Basketball committees for the 2009-2012 quadrennium.

The committees, which feature representation from USA Basketball member organizations as well as elected athlete representatives, include the Men's and Women's Junior National Team Committees, Men's and Women's Developmental National Team Committees, Women's National Team Ad Hoc Committee, Finance & Audit Committee and Officials Advisory Panel.

Men's and Women's Junior National Team Committees

The 2009-2012 Men's Junior National Committee, which was formerly known as the Men's Collegiate Committee, is chaired by NCAA representative Jim Boeheim (head coach, Syracuse University) and includes NCAA appointees Lorenzo Romar (head coach, University of Washington), Bruce Weber (head coach, University of Illinois) and Roy Williams (head coach, University of North Carolina); and Athlete Representative Jay Williams, a member of the 2002 USA World Championship Team.

The 2009-2012 Women's Junior National Team Committee, also formerly known as the Women's Collegiate Committee, is chaired by NCAA representative Sue Donohoe (Vice President for Division I Women's Basketball), and includes NCAA appointees Joanne Boyle (head coach, University of California), Coquese Washington (head coach, Penn State University) and Connie Yori (head coach, University of Nebraska); and Athlete Representative Beth Cunningham (head coach, Virginia Commonwealth University), a member of the 1999 USA Pan American Games Team.

The Men's and Women's Junior National Team committees will select coaches and athletes for USA Basketball college-aged competitions, which include the 2009 and 2011 FIBA U19 World Championships; the 2010 and 2012 FIBA Americas U18 Championships; the 2009 and 2011 World University Games; and the 2011 Pan American Games. The four NCAA members on both committees represent different geographic regions of the country.

Men's and Women's Developmental Committees

The USA Basketball Men's Development National Team Committee is chaired by Sean Ford (Men's National Team Director, USA Basketball) in a non-voting position and includes National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) appointees Eric Flannery (St. Edward's High School, Ohio) and John Olive (Torrey Pines High School, Calif.); Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) representatives Ron Crawford (Arkansas Wings, Ark.) and Boo Williams (Boo Williams Summer League, Va.); and Athlete Representative Kermit Holmes (assistant coach, Lamar University), a member of the 1999 USA Pan American Games Team.

The USA Basketball Women's Development National Team Committee is chaired by Carol Callan (Women's National Team Director, USA Basketball) in a non-voting position and includes NFHS members Jill Meerman (Decatur Central High School, Ind.) and Sue Phillips (Archbishop Mitty High School, Calif.); AAU appointees Jody Patrick (Vogues AAU, Va.) and Brian Robinson (Stealers AAU, N.C.); and Athlete Representative Jamie Carey (head coach, Legacy High School, Colo.), a member of the 2003 USA Pan American Games Team.

The Men's and Women's Developmental National Team committees will select coaches and athletes for USA Basketball teams competing in the 2009 and 2011 FIBA Americas U16 Championships; and the 2010 and 2012 FIBA U17 World Championships. The Men's Developmental National Team Committee also will select staff and players for the Nike Hoop Summit.

Women's National Team Ad Hoc Committee

The 2009-2012 Women's National Team Ad Hoc Committee includes: Val Ackerman (Past President, USA Basketball); Renee Brown (WNBA Vice President of Player Personnel); Carol Callan (Women's National Team Director, USA Basketball); Jim Tooley (Executive Director, USA Basketball); and Athlete Representative Teresa Edwards, a five-time Olympic athlete and four-time gold medalist.

The role of the Women's National Team Ad Hoc Committee is to review basketball matters related to the participation of the Women's National Team in the FIBA 2010 World Championship and the 2012 Olympics. The USA Basketball Women's National Team automatically qualified for the 2010 World Championship with its gold medal finish in the 2008 Olympics. The USA women will have three opportunities to qualify for the 2012 Olympics, including a World Championship gold medal finish. Should the USA not finish with the gold medal in 2010, it would have two additional chances to qualify for the Olympics: the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship and the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Finance & Audit Committee

The 2009-2012 USA Basketball Finance & Audit Committee includes: Jerry Colangelo (Chairman, USA Basketball); Gene Smith (Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics at Ohio State University); Bob Kanaby (Executive Director of the NFHS); and Athlete Representative Steve Smith, a 2000 Olympic gold medalist.

The Finance & Audit Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Board regarding the organization's financial investments, reviewing independent auditors for USA Basketball and, if necessary, oversight, implementation and compliance with the USA Basketball Code of Ethics.

Officials Advisory Panel

The 2009-2012 USA Basketball Officials & Advisory Panel includes: John Adams (NCAA Coordinator of Men's Officiating); Sally Bell (1996 Olympic referee); Joe Borgia (NBA Director of Officiating & Development); Dee Kantner (WNBA Supervisor of Officials); Terry Moore (2006 World Championship referee); and Mary Struckhoff (NCAA Coordinator of Women's Officiating).

The primary purpose of the Officials Advisory Panel is to recommend to the Board referees that are FIBA certified from the USA to officiate at various international basketball competitions.

Bulls, Jazz to play in London

2009-03-25T12:55:00.001-04:00

LONDON – March 25, 2009 – The NBA returns to London for the third consecutive year as Luol Deng and the Chicago Bulls take on the Utah Jazz at The O2 on Oct. 6 as part of NBA Europe Live 2009 presented by EA SPORTS™ the National Basketball Association, Euroleague Basketball and EA SPORTS announced today. A second game of the NBA’s European tour will be announced at a later date.

Deng, British-born Ben Gordon and the Bulls will face the Jazz in London, who feature U.S. Senior National Team teammates and 2008 Olympic Gold medalists Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. Tickets for the game at The O2 are on sale now at www.theo2.co.uk or by calling 0844 856 0202.

“For the last three years through NBA Europe Live, I have been able to witness first-hand, the passion and excitement of basketball fans in Europe.” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “This year will be no different when two franchises rich in tradition and success, the Bulls and the Jazz, play at The O2. The continued efforts of Euroleague Basketball and EA SPORTS, together with the ongoing support of England Basketball, British Basketball and the British Basketball League, are a testament to the commitment to grow basketball in the U.K.”

Since the 1993 preseason games at Wembley Arena -- the first NBA games in Europe -- London has hosted four NBA games and seven teams. The Bulls, who are six-time NBA Champions, last played in Europe at the 1997 McDonald’s Championship in Paris.

“It has always been my dream to play for the Bulls in London.” said Luol Deng. “They were the team I supported as a kid growing up and I am looking forward to playing in front of my hometown family and friends. We will put on a great show for the fans, whilst having the opportunity to show my teammates the culture that London has to offer.”

Basketball in the U.K. has enjoyed a recent resurgence with club membership doubling over the last four years ahead of the 2012 Olympics. British Basketball, behind Deng and Pops Mensah Bonsu (Toronto Raptors), qualified for EuroBasket 2009 and will host a four-team tournament at The O2 from August 14-16. In addition, thousands of young people in London will have access to basketball coaching instruction and organized competition with the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program, in partnership with Greenhouse Schools. The NBA will also support the London Youth Games, which tips-off in May.

“We’re thrilled to be welcoming the NBA back again to The O2 for a third successive year. With home grown stars like Luol Deng playing I know that the game will be another must see sporting event at the venue,” said The O2’s Managing Director Mark Donnelly. “The event has previously drawn visitors from across the UK and Europe – and I am sure they will be flocking back again this year.”

EA SPORTS will once again serve as the presenting partner of NBA Europe Live, which it has since the inaugural tour in 2006. adidas, American Airlines, Champion and The Coca-Cola Company will also return as marketing partners, while Spalding, the official basketball of the NBA, will serve as the tour's official supplier. Carey and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) will serve as marketing partners in London and will join all partners in conducting NBA-themed promotional activities to reach basketball fans around the game at The O2.

“We’re excited to continue our support of NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS, a great platform for basketball fans across Europe to experience the world’s best basketball on a grand stage,” said Peter Moore, President, EA SPORTS. “This continues to be the perfect opportunity for EA SPORTS to help expand the NBA’s global footprint, to grow our NBA LIVE videogame franchise, and to further globalize our business.”

NBA Europe Live 2009 will again serve to raise the profile of basketball in the U.K with new events and marketing partner support across a number of activities. As part of the 2008 Europe Live Tour, the NBA’s Central Court in London provided a stage for free basketball opportunities featuring participants from the UK’s Jr. NBA program, London Youth Games and the GB Wheelchair Basketball Team. NBA Jam Van joined Europe Live making an impact in each host city, while presenting partner EA SPORTS hosted a skills challenge for fans in London and Paris. In addition to the basketball action, the NBA conducted a variety of community events and programs as part of its NBA Cares initiative, including a court refurbishment at Larkhall Park, working in partnership with Lambeth Council and the Lambeth Sports Action Zone.

The inaugural NBA Europe Live in 2006 featured the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and San Antonio Spurs playing preseason games in Barcelona, Moscow, Rome, Paris, Lyon and Cologne. NBA Europe Live returned in 2007 with the Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors visiting Rome, Madrid, London and Istanbul. In 2008, the Miami Heat faced the New Jersey Nets in London and Paris, while the New Orleans Hornets played the Washington Wizards in Barcelona and Berlin.

Bucks' Bango has surgery

2009-03-25T12:54:00.001-04:00

Bucks mascot Bango had successful surgery Monday morning to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, the team announced today.

The surgical procedure was performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Gordon, M.D., at Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital in Ozaukee, Wisconsin.

Bango will begin rehabilitation immediately and is expected to make a complete recovery in time for the start of the 2009-10 season. The popular mascot will continue to set the entertainment pace at Milwaukee’s final five home games of the season next month, and is expected back for the next home game on Wednesday, April 1 vs. the Los Angeles Lakers.

The ageless Bango has brought smiles and thrills to Bucks fans at home games, appearances, parades, school assemblies, hospital visits, festivals, and everywhere Bucks fans celebrate since 1977. He has performed throughout the United States, Canada and in China.

Raptors sign Douby

2009-03-25T12:53:00.001-04:00

NEW YORK, March 24, 2009 – The Toronto Raptors today signed Erie BayHawks guard Quincy Douby, making him the 17th GATORADE Call-Up of the 2008-09 NBA Development League Season and the first for the BayHawks in the team’s history. Douby joins fellow former NBA D-Leaguers Nathan Jawai, Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Patrick O’Bryant on the Raptors roster.

Douby, a 6-3, joined the BayHakws on March 11 and has played in five games, averaging 18.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 28.6 minutes. He scored in double-figures in all five games, including a season-high 23 points in a 107-98 loss at Albuquerque on March 21.

Selected in the first round, 19th overall, by the Sacramento Kings in the 2006 NBA Draft, Douby averaged 4.1 points and 1.0 rebounds in 10.7 minutes over 116 career games with the Kings before being released by Sacramento on January 21, 2009.

In 95 career games at Rutgers University, Douby averaged 17.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists, finishing his career ranked sixth in school history in scoring (1,690) while holding the school’s career record for points scored in a single season (839, 2005-06). During his junior year, Douby led the Big East in scoring, and finished sixth nationally, with 25.4 points per game and earned first-team All-Big East honors.

Skiles, CV31 and Twitter-gate

2009-03-25T12:52:00.001-04:00

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - I'm usually safely behind the curve in the technological revolution.

I text, and am fairly well versed in the world of computers, but I still struggle with my DVR and can't figure out how to sync up Rhapsody to my cell phone.

If it were up to me, I would still be tucking a newspaper under my arm when the mood struck, and buying CDs at Sam Goody.

I could care less about My Space and Facebook and I have never been, nor do I have any desire to be, "tweeted."

In fact, when I think "tweet," I picture a young Michael Jackson singing "Rockin Robin," or Sylvester the Cat chasing around Tweety Bird.

So, for the rest of the technically-challenged, Twitter is the latest in thing in the social networking world, a micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as "tweets."

According to the good folks at Twitter.com, "Tweets" are text-based posts of up to 140 bytes in length. Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them.

Charlie Villanueva didn't think his "tweet" would cause such a stir.

Evidently plenty of people love getting updates on the grocery-shopping skills of their favorite celebrities, politicians and sports stars.

Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva is one of a handful of NBA players that has embraced the Twitter phenomenon and has cultivated more than 1,600 "followers" subscribing to his feed.

On Sunday, Villanueva took things a little too far.

Instead of updating his fans on his latest cereal purchase or the BLT he had for lunch, the rising star posted a message to his Twitter feed from his mobile phone during halftime of the team's win over the Boston Celtics.

Using the screen name "CV31," Villanueva wrote: "In da locker room, snuck to post my twitt. We're playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half. Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up."

Certainly nothing earth-shattering but the no-nonsense coach who wanted that toughness, Scott Skiles, wasn't amused when he found out.

"We made a point to Charlie and the team that it's nothing we ever want to happen again," Skiles said after practice Tuesday. "We don't want to blow it out of proportion. But anything that gives the impression that we're not serious and focused at all times is not the correct way to go about our business."

Probably a legitimate point by Skiles but Villanueva did finish the contest with a team-high 19 points as the Bucks, who are fighting for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, topped the C's 86-77.

Skiles gave Villanueva the benefit of the doubt but made sure the former UConn star understood other people could view things very differently.

"I think a reasonable person could look at that either way," Skiles said. "I know from the comments I've gotten from some people in the game that there could be people who think it's a sign (showing lack of focus). We just want to distance ourselves, that's all."

For his part, Villanueva didn't think his "tweet" would cause such a stir but did understand that some people could jump to the conclusion that he wasn't all that focused on the task at hand.

"That wasn't the case at all, because I was very into the game," Villanueva told The Associated Press. "But you can interpret it two different ways. You can look at it like, 'OK, he's definitely going to step up' versus, 'Oh, he's really not into the game, he's not paying attention.'"

Skiles elected not to fine Villanueva for his indiscretion but called it a "no-brainer" that players shouldn't be doing such things from the locker room.

"My personal opinion is, it doesn't have any place in the locker room," Skiles said.

I'll take LeBron over Cinderella anytime

2009-03-25T12:51:00.001-04:00

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - I'm an unapologetic NBA guy, but at the end of the day, I love basketball.

In fact, I'm a little like Larry Brown or Blue Chips' Pete Bell when it comes to hoops. If Brown wasn't a Hall of Fame coach turning around yet another franchise in Charlotte, he might be piloting his local high school team...or so he says.

Meanwhile, caught up in a scandal at the fictional Western University, Bell (played by Nick Nolte) confesses to his part in the shenanigans, and walks away from his high-profile gig in order to coach high school ball.

I feel a kinship.

If I wasn't lucky enough to cover the NBA, I would probably string a few high school games for my local newspaper. Basketball is that much fun for me.

And that's why I found myself at the first round of the NCAA Tournament at the Wachovia Center on Thursday.

If you ask the average basketball fan, nothing is more fun than "March Madness." In fact, the NCAA Tournament is one of those sacred cows that's bulletproof. I've found that knocking the "Big Dance" is like kicking someone's dog, at least to the simple-minded who buy the annual hype of the thing.

And as a lifelong basketball fan, I found it amusing when I was recently attacked for telling the truth about college basketball.

You know, the common sense stuff. Things like the fact that the regular season has been rendered meaningless by greed and the mindless conference tournaments. Or the fact that maybe every kid and every coach in the country may not be all that Dick Vitale cracks them up to me.

The 16 seed has never won a game in the tournament.

Of course, it's not that I don't like the tourney -- I love it once it actually gets underway.

You see, I am enamored with good basketball so the real NCAA Tournament doesn't begin for me until Saturday. All the dregs will have been thrown out on their collective ears by that point, and most of the remaining teams actually have something to offer.

It's at this point where I can already feel the blood begin to boil and anticipate your next question -- What about Cinderella?

Well you have been hoodwinked people -- Cinderella is a fairy tale. A story of folkloric characters where the context is perceived by certain rubes as having historical significance. However, the superficial references to actual places and persons isn't steeped in reality.

Since the NCAA Tournament was expanded to 64 teams, the 16 seed is now a sterling 0-98 entering Friday's play, although some may take solace in the fact that Chattanooga kept it within eight touchdowns of UConn on Thursday.

Yep, that's great basketball -- I've seen executions that had more suspense than that. And, in case you are wondering, two seeds have dropped all of four games in the past 25 years of the tourney.

Take a look at the lowest seeds to advance "deep" into the tourney and you see the stark reality of "Cinderella" -- Two 14 seeds (Cleveland State in 1986 and Chattanooga in 1997) have made the Sweet 16. One 12 seed (Missouri in 2002) made the Elite Eight and two 11 seeds (LSU in 1986 and George Mason in 2006) made the Final Four.

Of that group, only Cleveland State, Chattanooga and George Mason would qualify as a so-called mid-major Cinderella.

But, even that misses the point -- last time I looked Cinderella wasn't a runner-up.

To me, many who tell you college hoops offers a better brand of basketball than the NBA are biased against the league and its racial makeup.

That said, the sudden death format of the NCAA Tournament certainly brings with it the opportunity for far more excitement. After all, one-and-done is always more compelling than best-of-seven.

Unfortunately, the NCAA's obsession with creating Cinderella results in far more mismatches than we deserve. There were four games at the Wachovia Center on Thursday, and I was subjected to two stinkers.

The most interesting affair of the day should have been the eight/nine game that kicked things off.

Texas A&M faced off with BYU in a first round West Regional bracket game. As expected, ninth-seeded A&M, led by senior forward Josh Carter and junior guard David Sloan, was the more athletic team.

After Jackson Emery opened the game with a three for BYU, the Aggies scored the next 11 points to establish control, and never looked back.

Things only got worse in the next game as the top-seed in the West Bracket, UConn, hit the floor against an overmatched Chattanooga club. The Huskies dominated the 16th-seeded Mocs despite the absence of coach Jim Calhoun.

Keyron Sheard opened the game for the Mocs by picking the pocket of A.J. Price and igniting the quickly-growing crowd with a fastbreak lay-up. Moments later, Nicchaeus Doaks deposited his own layup and Chattanooga, led 8-6. That was the last lead the Mocs would enjoy.

Chattanooga was down by as many as 30 points in the opening half and trailed by a ridiculous 48-20 margin at intermission. The second half was just glorified garbage time as the Huskies opened the stanza with a 15-0 run en route to tattooing the Mocs, earning a 103-47 win, one of the largest scoring differentials in NCAA Tournament history.

Am I missing something?

Is that fun?

Give me LeBron James until the real tournament games start.

Remembering the Spectrum

2009-03-14T11:21:00.000-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - A lot of sportswriters can play the elitist card like a classically trained cellist.

In fact, I personally know a number of scribes that look down upon the fans who read them.

I will admit that I can occasionally fall into the same trap. I mean, it is hard to understand a 40-year-old man who cares more about his favorite sports team than say his family or job.

That said, we all got into this business for one reason. At one time, no matter how much we deny it, every single sportswriter was a fan of some player or team before they embarked on their chosen career path.

For me, that team was the Philadelphia 76ers and the player was Julius "Dr. J." Erving.

I've long since stopped living and dying with the Sixers. Win, lose or draw, I have to write about it anyway, so I spend most of time now rooting for a compelling storyline.

Not on Friday.

The chills came back when Philadelphia's famed Spectrum hosted its final big league game after more than four decades.

Dubbed "America's Showplace" by the Sixers' parent company of Comcast- Spectacor, the Spectrum is a South Philly treasure, limping to the finish line in a sports world dominated by huge buildings with dozens of luxury boxes.

The dingy, old arena is scheduled to be demolished later this year to make way for a new hotel, entertainment and retail complex called "Philly Live."

So, the 76ers paid homage to their past, hosting the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

The game turned out to be an exciting affair but the crowd, the Sixers first sellout of the season, was really there to see Erving and other members of the Sixers' two championship clubs, the 1966-67 group that was once named the NBA's greatest team, and 1982-83 Moses Malone fueled champs.

Legendary public address announcer Dave Zinkoff and saxophonist extrordonaire Grover Washington Jr. have long since passed, but the team brought in reasonable facsimiles. Local comedian and mimic Joe Conklin filled in nicely for "Zink" with a terrific Errrrrrrrrvvvvviiiinnnggggggg and an 11-year-old prodigy blew a tribute to Grover.

"Zink called out to the players every night, all that stuff you always remember," former Sixer Earl Cureton said. "Zink did a great job as an announcer; they got his name hanging from the rafters now because of it. He is probably one of the greatest public address announcers ever in the NBA. It was special. And of course Grover Washington always in those championship series', the way he used to play the national anthem. It gave you chills."

The franchise also brought back the old Spectrum hardwood and a classic old- time organist. The only frills brought across the parking lot from the Wachovia Center were the Sixers' Dancers, the team's mascot, Hip-Hop, and his Hare Raisers, a group of gymnasts that perform during timeouts.

But, the dancers twirled to '80s music like Michael Jackson's Billie Jean, while the Hare Raisers kept a low profile, only coming out to throw t-shirts to the fans in the fourth quarter.

Former players on hand included Malone, Marc Iavaroni, Bobby Jones, Cureton, Clemon Johnson and Reggie Johnson from the '82-83 club and Wali Jones from the '66-67 team.

The only think missing was Hip-Hop's predecessor, the muppet like "Big Shot."

For me, so many indelible Sixers moments, both good and bad, came flooding back when I entered the building.

Dr. J's thunderous "cuff dunk" over Michael Cooper in the 1983 NBA Finals.

Erving notching his 30,000th point while playing in his final regular-season home game, joining Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain as the only 30,000-point scorers in the history of pro basketball history at the time.

The good Doctor's amazing up, over and around baseline move past Mark Landsberger in the 1980 Finals that is still a staple on YouTube.

"Here I was, trying to win a championship, and my mouth just dropped open," Magic Johnson, then a rookie, recalled of that play. "He actually did that. I thought, 'What should we do? Should we take the ball out or should we ask him to do it again?'"

Or how about the then-20-year-old Johnson taking over for the injured Abdul- Jabbar. and scoring 42 points, pulling down 15 rebounds and dishing seven assists as the Lakers won the NBA title by closing out the Sixers in Game 6 of the '80 Finals.

The Broad Street Bullies were the ones famous for fighting but Game 2 of the 1976-77 NBA Finals featured the Sixers' Darryl Dawkins, who once tore down a backboard at the Spectrum with one of his thunderous dunks, and the Blazers' Maurice Lucas getting into a fist fight.

But, perhaps my favorite moment was delivered by Cureton, a little known reserve center. On May 26, 1983 in Game 2 of the '83 Finals, the Sixers were in a bind when Malone left the game in foul trouble during the third quarter.

Malone's usual replacement, the underrated Clemon Johnson was injured, so Billy Cunningham went to the 6-foot-9 offensively-challenged Cureton, who stunned the Spectrum crowd by depositing a sky-hook over the master himself, Abbul-Jabbar.

To this day, I have never heard an arena explode like that.

"When you are playing the Lakers in the finals, it was huge," Cureton said. "I was getting prepared and getting psyched up, and ready to go in there and play against them.

"That was a little momentum-changer in the game. Moses was in foul trouble and it looked like they were going to take advantage of us because I came in to guard Kareem. But we took advantage of it. I answered the bell and it worked out."

On Sunday, I will be back in the Wachovia Center and while I'll certainly enjoy the wireless Internet, the extra leg room and Dwyane Wade, you can bet I will glance across the parking lot at the ugly duckling that is the Spectrum.

Philly Live indeed.

Pistons Mourn The Passing Of Owner William Davidson

2009-03-14T11:19:00.000-04:00

Detroit Pistons Mourn The Passing Of Owner William Davidson

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports and Entertainment mourn the passing of pioneer owner William Davidson. The 86-year-old passed away at home on March 13, 2009 with his family by his side.

“The entire Palace family is mourning the loss of Mr. Davidson,” said Tom Wilson, President of Palace Sports and Entertainment and the Pistons. “He was truly a pioneer in so many ways. His legacy will live forever.”

Mr. Davidson owned the Pistons since 1974 and won three NBA Championships (1989, 1990, 2004), three WNBA Championships (2004, 2006, 2008) and one NHL Championship (2004). He became the first owner in sports history to win championships in three different professional sports leagues during the 2003-04 calendar year (NBA – Detroit Pistons, NHL – Tampa Bay Lightning and WNBA – Detroit Shock). In September 2008, Davidson’s contributions to the game of basketball were honored when he was officially enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

In 1988-89, the Pistons began play in The Palace of Auburn Hills, a state-of-the-art arena built with Davidson's financial support: a privately-financed facility, which when combined with the Pistons, formed the foundation of his entertainment business. The company also added management of the DTE Energy Music Theatre in 1990 and Meadow Brook Music Festival in the summer of 1994, further developing the entertainment division of Palace Sports and Entertainment.

Davidson’s world champion Pistons were the first professional sports team to own their own plane, Roundball One. Roundball Two, a newer, larger, multimillion-dollar aircraft was purchased and refurbished in the summer of 1998 for the organization. He continued to keep the team at the league's forefront with such amenities as a state-of-the-art practice facility, solely designed for the Pistons. Updated with new offices and enlarged locker room space in 2008, it was used for the team's training camp for the 14th straight year, alleviating the need to go off-site for the preseason.

The Pistons have played in the postseason in 19 of the past 25 years, including 11 of the past 13 seasons. Davidson acquired the Detroit Pistons in 1974 from the late Fred Zollner, the man who founded the team in Fort Wayne, Indiana in the 1940s. With a franchise-record seven straight seasons of recording 50 or more wins, the Pistons have won 384 regular season games (.669 wining percentage) since 2001, including a franchise-record 63 wins in 2005-06. The club has compiled 73 playoff wins in that same span and made six consecutive trips to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history. Detroit has won six Central Division titles in the last seven seasons and nine overall since 1987-88. Only the San Antonio Spurs have won more division titles in the same 20-year span.

The Detroit Shock joined the Washington Mystics as the first two expansion teams in the WNBA in 1998 and the team was an immediate success in the upstart league. The Shock have won three championships since their inception (2004, 2006, 2008) and set a WNBA attendance record (22,076) in Game 3 of the 2004 WNBA Finals while also becoming the first team since 1890 to go from the worst team in a professional sports league to the best team.

Paul, Hornets help New Orleans rebuild

2009-03-14T11:17:00.000-04:00

By John McMullen, NBA Editor

Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - When you cover professional sports for a living, you tend to gain some perspective that the average fan may lack.

At the end of the day, every game, be it a preseason affair in Fargo or the seventh game of the NBA Finals, is just a form of entertainment. It may be fun when your team triumphs, but this stuff isn't exactly life and death.

That said, a sport like basketball can be far more powerful than you might imagine.

Hurricane Katrina made landfall onto the Gulf Coast in August of 2005. Over three years later, its effects still resonate as loudly as ever in the city of New Orleans.

Basketball was rightfully way down on the list of concerns Mayor Ray Nagin had when he thought about rebuilding his city.

After all, Katrina ended up being the costliest hurricane, as well as one of the five deadliest, in the history of the United States. The mega-storm caused severe destruction along the Gulf Coast from central Florida all the way to Texas, much of it due to the storm surge.

The most severe loss of life and property damage occurred in New Orleans, which flooded as the levee system catastrophically failed, in many cases hours after the storm had moved inland. In fact, the federal flood protection system in the bowl-like city failed in more than 50 locations.

Nearly every levee in metro New Orleans was breached as Katrina passed just east of the city limits. Eventually 80 percent of the city flooded, as did many of the neighboring parishes.

The floodwaters lingered for weeks and nearly 2,000 people lost their lives in the actual hurricane and in the subsequent floods, making it the deadliest U.S. hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane. The storm was estimated to have been responsible for $81.2 billion in damage, a number that increases every day.

"I love New Orleans more and more every day," Hornets superstar Chris Paul told The Sports Network.

Slowly but surely, New Orleans continues to rebuild from the storm and basketball, in its own little way, is playing a part.

"I love New Orleans more and more every day," Hornets superstar Chris Paul told The Sports Network. "To tell you the truth. I tell people a lot of times, it's the people that make the city, and not any of the buildings or the streets or anything like that."

To that end, the New Orleans Recreation Department is working to restore the city's communities by rebuilding facilities that house the athletic and recreational, as well as educational and cultural programs, which shut down following Katrina.

City operated playgrounds, stadiums, basketball courts, swimming pools and multi-purpose centers suffered an estimated $60 million in damages from the storm, according to NORD.

Today, NORD is operating with a staff of only 55, down from the 264 it employed before the storm and with just 60 percent of its pre-Katrina budget, Despite those funding challenges, NORD Director Larry Barabino Jr. and his staff have been able to reopen 80 of its 150 facilities, and reestablish successful youth sport seasons for over 5,000 of the city's youth.

"We're working very hard to return everything our communities lost after the storms including those centers that our youth became so accustomed to using for various reasons," Barabino said. "NORD was devastated, our budget went from $8.7 million to $87,000 at one point but thanks to the generosity of corporations and foundations, we have been able to provide New Orleans youth with safe, wholesome, fun and educational activities."

A New Orleans native and alumnus of the NORD programs, Barabino once played as a youngster in the parks and recreation centers that were flooded and then shut down to New Orleans youth and understands how important they can be.

"NORD's athletic and vocational programs are giving people a reason to return home to New Orleans," says Barabino, "The Hornets have been great with that. They always give us tickets to award the kids and just to give you a sense of their commitment, Chris Paul and the team set up a meet-and-greet after a Lakers-Hornets game where the kids got to meet Chris and Kobe Bryant. You can imagine how exciting that is for our youth."

Barabino has created a coalition of corporate, non-profit and community volunteer organizations that includes business giants like Nike and Wal-Mart to help rebuild New Orleans' basketball courts and playgrounds. The NBA and its players have also been heavily involved.

"We have been able to rebuild in these trying times because of the generosity of people like Chris Paul, Chris Duhon and Mo Pete (Morris Peterson). The spirit of care in their hearts for the kids is overwhelming."

Duhon, the New York Knicks point guard and a New Orleans native, has refurbished 16 basketball courts on his own, while the Hornets have also been a key component in New Orleans' resurgence. Owner George Shinn has committed to refurbishing five local courts and Paul has personally committed to restoring three more.

"He dedicated one to his high school (West Forsyth in Clemmons, N.C.) and one to his college (Wake Forest). I guess he will surprise us with the third," Barabino said of Paul.

"Giving back to my community is very important," Paul added. "Through my foundation and the Hornets I have been able to help the community and will always do so. New Orleans is home to me and giving back to New Orleans is something that is very important to me."

The Hornets organization is well aware of how devastating Katrina was. The hurricane caused extensive damage to the New Orleans Arena and the team was without a real home, playing the majority of its games in both the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, Okla.

"I feel like the people here in New Orleans are my family, Paul said. "When I was drafted, I was drafted here to New Orleans -- and the storm hit (about two months) later. So, I felt the devastation."

Permanent relocation was a serious possibility but the Hornets finally returned to the Big Easy for the 2007-08 season. This past January, the State of Louisiana and the Hornets ended 10 months of negotiations by signing an amended lease agreement that extends the club's lease for two years, effectively keeping the team in New Orleans through at least 2014.

"The people could easily have turned their backs on us, because there are more responsibilities than us winning basketball games. But they haven't," Paul said.

A certain sense of normalcy surrounds the city now, but there is still a long way to go. Nagin regularly battles with FEMA over aid due to his city and the surrounding parishes, but Barabino is excited and optimistic that the new Obama administration will makes things easier.

"Right now we are getting 30 cents on the dollar from FEMA but the new administration has been receptive to the city and what we think needs to be done," Barabino said.

Money is certainly the most important piece to the puzzle but a shared sense of community is also relevant.

Nothing helps bring a community together more than a championship, and that's where the Hornets come in. The Larry O'Brien Trophy wouldn't be tangible to the hundreds of thousands of people that call the city home but the sense of shared accomplishment and civic pride it would bring can't be underestimated.

Perhaps no city deserves to feel that more than New Orleans.

"Everyone here has a different story, and that's just why every time you hear a story you can't help but to get teary-eyed and get goose bumps because when you see the pictures and you see the footage on TV no way can that actually compare to the people that were here during the storm," Paul said. "We talked about it as a team, how great of a story it would be. Being back in New Orleans full-time and making a run for this thing (the NBA Championship).

"From my perspective, playing for the New Orleans Hornets, one of the best things I could do is give the city something to cheer about. People are working hard on different projects and trying to get things back to normal but it's still not where it wants to be. I understand that I have New Orleans on my chest so I represent this city and all the people in it, and that is one of the reasons why I play so hard."

Notes from TNT’s Coverage of the NBA – Thursday, February 26, 2009

2009-03-06T13:37:00.000-05:00

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

Rockets forward Ron Artest on guarding Cavaliers forward LeBron James: “Right now I’m playing at about 260-265, so it’s not really a hard task to guard LeBron. And I guess vice versa, he has to guard me on the other end. The only difference between LeBron is he’s just so much more athletic than what I am. He reminds me of a new and improved Ron Artest.”

Marv Albert: “A lot of humility there.”

Reggie Miller: “(Artest) truly believes he’s the best player in the league. He’s gifted on the defensive end, but sometimes he says some things that make you scratch your head and right there, that is one of them.”

**** **** **** **** *****

TNT NBA Tip-off presented by AutoTrader.com

Announcers: Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley

Smith on the Rockets trading guard Rafer Alston to Orlando and starting Aaron Brooks: “Rafer Alston knows how to run a team and Aaron Brooks is learning how to run a team. That’s why Orlando now has a shot to win the Eastern Conference because they now have a guy that knows how to run the show. Aaron Brooks is a good player, but he’s in training.”

Barkley on Rockets point guard Aaron Brooks: “Aaron Brooks is a good player but he’s not as good a player as (former Rockets guard) Rafer Alston. (The Rockets) know they aren’t going to win now, any success they have is icing on the cake. Aaron Brooks is a good back-up (player), he’s not a starter. He’s a score-first point guard.”

Barkley on the Cleveland Cavaliers style of play: “I don’t like the way (the Cavaliers) play. I wish they would run the ball more and let LeBron (James) finish more. When they play against really good teams, like the Celtics or Magic deep in the playoffs, I wish he (LeBron James) would finish more instead of setting other guys up.”

Barkley on long-time Utah Jazz owner Larry Miller who passed away earlier this week: “The thing I respect about (Larry Miller) was that he was a fan. I feel bad; he was a great owner and a great fan. The NBA is worse off without him.”

**** **** **** **** *****

Game #1: Cleveland Cavaliers (74) @ Houston Rockets (93)

Announcers: Marv Albert, Mike Fratello and Reggie Miller; David Aldridge reporting

Fratello on Rockets forward Luis Scola: “Luis Scola is only given credit for one year of experience (in the NBA), he was a rookie last year. He’s far from a rookie; he’s got all the international experience. He’s a veteran guy who knows how to play. He’s an excellent player.”

Miller on the Rockets lacking leadership on the floor with McGrady injured: “It’s almost by committee, (head coach Rick Adelman) mentioned Shane (Battier), Dikembe (Mutombo) also speaks his mind. They need a guy on the floor who can lead right now and I don’t think the Rockets have that.”

Albert: “A lot of humility there.”

Miller: “(Artest) truly believes he’s the best player in the league. He’s gifted on the defensive end, but sometimes he says some things that make you scratch your head and right there, that is one of them.”

Miller on the Rockets new roster: “The games will only get bigger for the Houston Rockets. Are (Aaron) Brooks and (Kyle) Lowry going to be able to handle (Ron) Artest and Yao Ming in the playoffs when the demands are going to be much higher?”

Miller on playing against former Pacers teammate Ron Artest in practice: “(Practicing against Ron Artest) depended on which Ron was going to show up. He would have different moods. For the most part, he really practiced hard, I’ll give him that. But there were times when he came in and he wasn’t there all together and the team had to come together and draw him back. He was intense, he worked hard and plays even harder.”

**** **** **** **** *****

T-Mobile Halftime Report

Announcers: Johnson, Smith, Barkley

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade joined the studio crew.

Wade on Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra: “I had a relationship with Coach Spoelstra when he was the video coordinator and now he’s the head coach and we still have good communication. I can go to him when I have something to say and he can come to me. We have a great friendship.”

Wade on the young players on the Heat: “Early (in the season) we just wanted to see if we could get in the playoffs. We drafted a 19-year-old Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers, who was 21 (years-old), and Daequan Cook, who was 20 (years-old). We have a very young team and they play a lot of minutes for us. We didn’t know what to expect but the guys have stepped up and played a great role.”

Barkley on Wade getting a ring for winning an Olympic gold medal in the 2008 Summer Games: “I played in the Olympics twice and won two gold medals and I didn’t get (a ring).”

Wade: ‘They gave them to the best team.”

Barkley: “First of all…they called you the Redeem Team.”

Smith: “What did they call you?”

Barkley: “The Dream Team.”

Wade on the top teams in the Eastern Conference: “You still have to give it to Boston, they are very tough. Even without K.G. (Kevin Garnett) they are still winning ballgames. They have a defensive mindset that’s second to none. Even though Cleveland is a very good team, I still think Boston is the team to beat in the East. Orlando is the third best team in the East. They are still coming of age and getting Rafer Alston is going to put them on a different level, but I still give it to Boston.”

**** **** **** **** *****

Albert on guard Stephon Marbury signing with the Boston Celtics: “I think it could work out because it’s probably short-term, he’s playing for his next contract, fans in Boston will be behind him. I think they’ll be enthusiastic about it and if he’s in basketball shape, he can play.”

Miller: “I think Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge are thinking that (Marbury) was once one of the premiere point guards in the league. When he’s coming in with the second unit, that will take the ball handling responsibilities off of Eddie House, who is primarily a shooter. It could be a good move and you hope it doesn’t blow up in their face. Let’s face it, every place he’s played, he’s been a disruption in the locker room. As we know, the Celtics have a very strong locker room because of the Big Three (Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen).”

Miller on the Cavaliers losing Ben Wallace for the season: “This is something that’s going to be tough to swallow because now they are going to have to rely on Anderson Varejao, who played pretty good with Zydrunas Ilgauskas out earlier in the year. They’ll have to go to the rookie J.J. Hickson more often as well.”

TNT’s David Aldridge interviewed Rockets forward Yao Ming following the game

Yao Ming on the Rockets needing to win down the stretch without an injured Tracy McGrady: “This happened when I was out (injured) last year. Time is running out and we know how tough the Western Conference is, we really need to make a run so we can survive our division.

**** **** **** ****

Game #2: Phoenix Suns (106) @ Los Angeles Lakers (132)

Announcers: Kevin Harlan and Doug Collins; Craig Sager reporting

Collins on Suns guard Leandro Barbosa: “(Barbosa) is playing so well right now, he’s got his confidence back. He’s such a key player (for the Suns). When they get (Steve) Nash back and they put Barbosa out there with Jason Richardson and Grant Hill, they can score quickly in that open floor.”

Collins on the Lakers defense slipping in recent games: “One of the things about the Lakers is their defense has been slipping a little bit. A big part is because the offense has become so easy for them.”

Collins on the trust that Kobe Bryant has with Lakers teammate Derek Fisher: “I think the important thing (about Derek Fisher) is he’s been in that (Lakers) locker room and won three championships with Kobe Bryant. I think there is a real trust factor there that Kobe knows that (Fisher) has the pulse of this team.”

Collins on the Lakers playing without injured center Andrew Bynum: “They played well and made it to the NBA Finals last year without Bynum. But they feel that in order to win the championship, they’re going to need a healthy Bynum and a bigger presence on the front line to go with Pau Gasol.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Lakers forward Lamar Odom after the second quarter

Odom on the Lakers stressing defense this season: “We are striving for perfection. To be a perfect team, you have to be the best defensive team in the league. That’s what we’re trying to do.”

**** **** **** **** *****

T-Mobile Halftime Report

Announcers: Johnson, Smith, Barkley

Barkley on the older Suns players not being able to play an up-tempo style: “There isn’t any way that Steve Nash and Shaquille O’Neal, at their ages, can play this (up-tempo) style. Shaq has had a great year and he’s the only one on the Suns who has played well all year. They are too old to get up and down the floor, they can’t sustain it, someone is going to get hurt. They are too old to play that fast, they can’t play like that.”

**** **** **** **** *****

Collins on the importance of defense to Lakers head coach Phil Jackson: “I don’t think (Phil Jackson) minds the pace of the game being up because the Lakers are creating it with their defense. He’d like for them to rebound the ball and not give up second shots.”

Collins on the number of injuries this season compared to the number of trades last season: “Last year is was all about addition with all the trades, Pau Gasol, Kyle Korver, Jason Kidd, Ben Wallace and all the teams that were trying to strengthen themselves (through trades). This year its about attrition, which team is going to be healthy at the right time and playing the best basketball.”

Collins on the leadership on the Lakers: “(The leadership) starts with the head coach (Phil Jackson) and the two leaders in the backcourt; Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher with the three championship rings. Those are the guys that set the tone every day.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed injured Suns guard Steve Nash during the fourth quarter.

Nash on the Suns chances at making the playoffs: “I think we’re going to get in (to the playoffs). It’s a real log-jam between the fifth and ninth spot and we have the potential to creep in or really move up (in the standings). I think we have enough guys in this locker room to pull it together and get in.”

Nash on Charles Barkley’s comments that the Suns are too old to play an up-tempo style of play: “I love Charles and I’m happy to have him back on the air, but we’re not geriatric yet. I think we feel good. We only have three guys who have played this style in the past. We’ve opened it up and had some success against some good teams. I think we have to get back to being comfortable at that (fast) pace again. In that case, we’ll see our team succeed and age won’t be a factor.”

Collins on the passing of Chicago Bulls legends Johnny “Red” Kerr and Norm Van Lier: “I had the good fortune when I coached in Chicago for three years to be around Johnny. He was always so positive and loved the Chicago Bulls. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. It’s just a tough day with Norm Van Lier (passing earlier on Thursday) was one of the great competitors in the backcourt with Jerry Sloan on those great Chicago Bulls teams. How fragile life is and we have to live every minute of it.”

TNT’s Craig Sager interviewed Lakers guard Kobe Bryant after the game

Bryant on if the Lakers view the Suns as a threat: “We look at everyone as a threat. We have to in order to keep that edge. In order to do that, we have to respect everyone.”

**** **** **** **** *****

Inside the NBA presented by Hyundai

Announcers: Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley

Smith on whether he thinks the Suns will make the playoffs: “The Phoenix Suns will be watching from the fishing boats of Lake Havasu.”

Barkley: “I concur, there will be no playoffs for the Phoenix Suns this year.”

Barkley on the lack of defense played by the Phoenix Suns: “Just for the record (former Suns coach) Terry Porter got the shaft. They brought him in to make the team play defense, but the players gave up, they did not want to play defense. As a player, players want to play like this. The great teams always play defense, but most players just want to run up and down the court. The Suns have played sissy ball for the last few years. It’s fun to watch, it’s exciting, but they don’t have those types of players (who can play defense).”

Barkley on Rockets coach Rick Adelman deserving recognition: “You know who deserves some credit? (Rockets coach) Rick Adelman because you look at what he’s done the last couple of years without his best player, going on a 20-some game winning streak last year and coming out this year. His teams compete night in and night out.”

Barkley on the Rockets having a 17-6 record without guard Tracy McGrady: “That doesn’t mean they are better team. That stat you showed about the little backup point guard’s numbers are better than Rafer Alston, he’s not a better player than Rafer and they are not a better team. There’s no way you’re going to tell me that a team is better without Tracy McGrady and Rafer Alston. Yao Ming has got to be their best player. We’ve been saying that for two or three years. Tracy McGrady is more of a role player, they need to get that ball inside to Yao Ming and he’ll get those three point shooters going, and Tracy, when he comes back he’s going to fit with that system.”

Smith on the Rockets’ decisive offense without guard Tracy McGrady in the line-up: “Without Tracy McGrady, they make the ball go through Yao Ming. It’s a decisive offense. When Tracy McGrady is there, there is a little indecision. But now they are decisive and when they play Sacramento, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis and Minnesota there is no doubt (about their offense), so they beat those teams and get a 17-6 record. When he’s there what he can do is elevate them to a championship contending team. They can play better without him in the regular season, but he makes them a championship contender. (McGrady) has to figure out a way to play through Yao Ming to make them effective. He’s not accustomed to playing through anyone but Tracy McGrady.”

Smith on the probable addition of guard Stephon Marbury to the Boston Celtics: “(The Celtics) have nothing to lose, they are right now 46-13, they are going to win an NBA title or have a great chance to win it whether (Stephon Marbury) is there or not. He insures them in certain positions, he’s a great insurance policy, so if he doesn’t work out, so what? They’re 46-13 and they won it last year without him. If he does (work out) and he plays anywhere like he’s capable of playing they are a team to be reckoned with for more than this year. The last part of that is Step has no other options. If you can’t play well with the Boston Celtics then you can’t play anywhere, you have to go overseas because this is a team that Doc Rivers has really meshed and made into a championship organization.”

Barkley on Stephon Marbury having no other options but to perform well with the Celtics; “With Doc Rivers and Kevin Garnett leading that team they are not going to put up with any BS. (Stephon Marbury) has no other option, if he gives them any crap they are going to cut him, and they are going to be just as good. He’s a backup player, they probably only expect him to play 15 minutes a night. He understands that he’s at the end of his contract and he wants to play again. He can say he wants to go overseas but he’s lying, everyone wants to play in the NBA. He’s going to come in there, Kevin and Doc are going put their foot on his neck, he’s going to go in there and try to play well and get them a ring. If he gets a ring he will get the last laugh.”

Spurs officially ink Gooden

2009-03-06T10:54:00.000-05:00

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they signed forward/center Drew Gooden for the remainder of the season. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Gooden, 6-10, 250 pounds, was waived by the Sacramento Kings on March 1 after being acquired from the Chicago Bulls in a trade on Feb. 18. This season he has appeared in 32 games, averaging 13.1 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 29.5 minutes while shooting .460 (166-361) from the field and .869 (86-99) from the foul line. Gooden has posted 11 double-doubles and has scored in double figures in 22 games, including seven contests with 20 or more. In 31 games with Bulls, he averaged 13.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 29.6 minutes, and in his only game with the Kings he posted 12 points and 13 rebounds in 26 minutes.

Originally selected out of the University of Kansas with the fourth overall pick of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, Gooden has played for five NBA teams (Memphis, Orlando, Cleveland, Chicago and Sacramento). For his career he has appeared in 491 games, averaging 12.1 points (.470 FG%, .730 FT%), 8.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 28.5 minutes. Gooden enjoyed his best season in 2004-05 with the Cavaliers when he averaged a career-high 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 30.8 minutes while appearing in all 82 games.

Gooden, 27, has made three trips to NBA playoffs, including the 2007 NBA Finals where the Spurs defeated the Cavaliers. In 40 career playoff games, he has averaged 10.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in 28.0 minutes.

Gooden enjoyed a stellar collegiate career at Kansas. In three seasons with the Jayhawks he averaged 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.10 blocks and 1.10 steals in 98 games becoming just the second player in school history (Danny Manning) to record at least 1,500 points, 900 rebounds, 100 blocks and 100 steals. As a junior, Gooden helped lead Jayhawks to the 2002 NCAA Final Four. Along the way he was named First Team All-America in 2002 by the Associated Press, Sporting News and Basketball News. He also was named the 2002 Big 12 Player of the Year and a 2002 Wooden Award First-Team All-American.

Timberwolves Owner Glen Taylor Introduces "No-Risk Pledge"

2009-03-06T10:53:00.000-05:00

MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL – In response to the current economic conditions facing all Minnesotans, Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor today introduced the team's new 2009-10 season ticket campaign that includes a sweeping range of programs that address fans' needs. One of the centerpieces of the campaign is the new "No-Risk Pledge," which eliminates the risk of the uncertain economy for Wolves season ticket holders by guaranteeing a refund of their unused tickets should they lose their jobs in 2009.

Along with the "No-Risk Pledge," the Timberwolves announced a rollback of ticket prices for next season – 95% of season tickets lowering in price (through July 1) and the remaining 5% staying flat – through the team's new ticket sales campaign dubbed "One Team." Also, the Timberwolves have introduced a new nine-month, no interest, no additional fees payment plan for season ticket purchases.

"The economy right now is uncertain and we've listened to our fans' concerns and responded by providing reduced ticket pricing, new payment plan options and protection against job loss - all of which are important to Minnesotans right now," said Taylor. "I don't want these uncertain times to deter our fans from coming out to Target Center and enjoying NBA basketball.

"We are in a rebuilding process with the team, but in January our fans had the opportunity to see firsthand the potential we think this team has. We believe strongly in our core group of players led by Al Jefferson, Randy Foye and Kevin Love, and also believe the future is extremely bright. As an NBA owner, I believe in the value that a franchise brings to the community, and I don't want these economic times to stand in the way of providing a home-court advantage for our team and our players."

For the third consecutive season, the Timberwolves will feature an "Early Bird" pricing program (starting today through July 1) that provides the best season ticket pricing for a limited time. Through the Wolves' "Early Bird" campaign, lower-level season ticket prices start as low as $15, and upper level seats start at only $5.
The Timberwolves have also introduced new Loge Box seating in the four corners of the arena next to the tunnels at each end of the court. The Loge Boxes provide fans spacious table seating in ideal locations complete with stats monitors, complimentary food and beverages and free parking.

The Timberwolves will continue to provide one of the most comprehensive season ticket holder rewards programs in all of sports with the team's MVP Renewal Rewards Program that was introduced last year. This program allows season ticket holders to redeem points they've earned for unique one-of-a-kind Wolves items and experiences. Fans renewing their current season tickets will be entered into prize drawings starting on March 9, in which a new prize will be awarded each Wolves game day until the end of the season.

"I really think that our 'No-Risk Pledge,' along with our reduction in ticket prices, $5 season tickets and our great service team, provides the best entertainment value in the Twin Cities and one of the best in the country," Taylor added. "I'm very proud that we are able to meet our fans' needs by providing affordable family entertainment."