Posted by Joey Mills on August 29, 2009
The Warriors aren’t going anywhere, so this isn’t surprising. I think the Cavaliers would be the best fit for him. I have a trade idea that I think would get the deal done. The Warriors would trade Stephen Jackson and would receive Delonte West, J.J. Hickson, and Darnell Jackson.
ESPN: Golden State Warriors forward Stephen Jackson says he has requested a trade and prefers to be dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers or any of the NBA’s three teams in Texas.
Jackson’s wishes are rooted in a desire to play for a team that consistently makes the postseason, he says, something the Warriors have done only once in the past 15 seasons.
“At this point, I’m 31 years old. I have four or five years left,” Jackson told Dime Magazine on Friday. “I want to be in a situation where I can continually be in the playoffs and get another ring. So that’s where my mind is at now.”
Jackson, speaking to the magazine in New York during a promotional event for a shoe line, said the status of his demand is pending.
“It’s not about a decision I made,” he told Dime Magazine. “It’s just things are in the air right now. I really can’t get too much into it right now.”
When prompted with a question from the event’s host about the Warriors’ playoff chances, Jackson, who was attending the event with former teammate Al Harrington, told the crowd: “I don’t think I’ll be a Warrior next year. I’m looking to leave.” Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Rockets, Spurs, Trade, Warriors | Tagged: Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Darnell Jackson, Delonte' West, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, JJ Hickson, NBA, Rumors, San Antonio Spurs, Stephen Jackson, Trades | 1 Comment »
Posted by abritishman on August 11, 2009
One can’t but help feel sorry for Lakers’ former assistant coach Kurt Rambis . They say ‘….. everyone’s deserving of a second bite of the apple’ . But in Kurt’s case that wasn’t about to be forthcoming , as far as the coaching position was, with the Los Angeles Lakers . Phil Jackson remains an irremovable force and not until he’s ready to finally call it quits. Will there be someone appointed by the organization to step into the fray and take over from the legendary coach.
Rambis seen here in his duties as an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers speaks with former player Chris Mihm. picture appears courtesy of los angeles times / Alex Gallardo .............
For Rambis , a titlist , as a player and as an assistant coach with the franchise where he made his name. He’s now agreed in principle to assume the reins from fired former coach, Kevin McHale of the Minnesota Timberwolves . And it’d remiss to suggest that Rambis hasn’t got his work cut out for him in trying to turn around the fortunes of a franchise , that has seemingly lost direction.
And for a franchise coming off a horrendous (24-58) season . Wherein, they were 34 games under .500 and finished 30 games behind the Northwest Division winning Denver Nuggets . To suggest that their season was one of underachievement wouldn’t do the franchise any justice at all. Their season bordered on sheer ineptitude and mediocrity ! And much of the travails within the organization stemmed from the lack of authority and communication between McHale and that of the Timberwolves’ hierarchy , once he assumed the role as the team’s coach.
Randy Foye of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks to evade the defensive play of the Celtics' Paul Pierce during a regular season game played at the TD Banknorth Center in Boston , Massachussetts,. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Elsa .................
And for McHale , though his dismissal wasn’t at all a complete surprise. To apportion blame solely upon his shoulders would be indeed unfair. The front office and in particular the actions of GM David Kahn and owner, Glen Taylor , left a great deal to be desired , with the their all too lack of authority and forthrightness. Nevermind the fact that as an owner Taylor became more of a spendthrift , rather than loosening the purse strings when it came to pursuing roster personnel that’d stengthen the team and franchise, as a whole . And make them somewhat more competitive on the field of play.
For the incoming Rambis , he’ll now have to assess the talent that’s in place. Not only from the roster personnel wise. But also when it comes to the coaching staff , therein. As it’s customary for an incoming coach to always want to bring in his coaching staff. Merely, from the fact that he’s use to working with them. Somehow , in this case I don’t feel that Taylor or Kahn will be that magnanimous. So it would like this will be an ongoing process for Rambis and his assessment of the roster and incumbent coaching staff.
T'wolves' GM David Kahn and the team's owner Glen Taylor answer questions from the convened press at a team press conference. picture appears courtesy of espn.com/ ap/photo/ Martin Geshell ...................
The nucleus of this Timberwolves’ roster is affixed with some tremendous young talent . But on appearance alone, one can see that it’s completely devoid of veteran leadership. That’d create a calming influence for some of the young novices on this roster. Their most experienced player is former NBA journeyman Chucky Atkins . Highly unlikely, that he’d be the sort of player that Rambis would be turning to , to lead this young roster. But make of it what you will . As someone has to .
Posted in Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, Sports | Tagged: Basketball, David Kahn, Glen Taylor, Kevin McHale, Kurt Rambis, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, Phil Jackson, Sports | 6 Comments »
Posted by abritishman on August 7, 2009
Coming off something of a disappointing season and the losing of a series in the Eastern Conference Finals in the NBA . One can well understand the urgency of Danny Ferry as GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers . Ferry knows that in order for the franchise to remain relevant and to be still in the good graces of their superstar , LeBron James . The GM will have to surround the player with talent that’s commensurate to James’ liking and his talent.
LeBron James (left) and Shaquille O'Neal seen here prior to the 2006 NBA All Star Game . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ L . Otero ............
Now , while many might question the team’s acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal from the Phoenix Suns via a blockbuster trade, as seemingly is the custom concerning O’Neal. As of late the only thing that one can associate with O’Neal and his game . May well be the fact that he’s still somewhat quicker on his feet than that of former star of the ” The Golden Girls ” , Betty White . Agility and guile are no longer a part of Shaq’s repertoire. But Ferry’s presence of mind may well have been , that in order to keep his erstwhile star happy, he had to do something extravagant. O’Neal’s game though with flashes of brilliance still, as he deems fit to use it. It’s a long way off from what it once was. In Phoenix , he was ill-suited to the team’s up tempo style. And seeing him lumbering up and down the US Airways Arena like a pregnant pachyderm wasn’t at all how one likes to remember the once dominant superstar.
In the midst of this all we now have to remember that James is in the final year of his contract. And with the gluttony of elite free agents due in 2010 . It’s understandable that the player is hedging his bets at present. He’s stated that it is his wish to remain a Cavaliers’ player at present. But it wasn’t so long ago , he was stating that he could see himself spending his entire career with the franchise. That may well have been pleasing to ear of the franchise’s owner, Dan Gilbert . Bearing in mind, that Gilbert got a large cash infusion by selling a minority stake in the franchise, to a prominent Chinese businessman. And he no doubt views having James within the fold , will make the franchise much more of marketing tool for the Far Eastern market. And at the same time raise both theirs and that of James’ visibility, there also in that particular market.
James (center) seen here with Rich Paul (left) and and former high school teammate Brandon Weems (right) at an event for the launch of the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII shoes , held at the Ed Davis Community Center in Akron , Ohio . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Jason Miller ................
Clearly this’ll be a make or break year , for not only James but also for O’Neal and the Cavaliers’ franchise. And if they’re to have any semblance of success. Then it’ll not only James and O’Neall but also the rest of the team to makes themselves all the more prominant in that success on the field of play. The nucleus of the team will be built around James , Mo Williams , Zydrunas Ilgauskas , Anderson Varejao and Daniel Gibson. But much of that’ll also be predicated upon the benchwarmers also contributing to the productivity of the team as well.
And for coach Mike Brown , he too can ill afford to have this team underachieve this season. Anything short of an appearance in the Confernce Finals . And more likely than not , he’ll be out of his position as coach of the Cavaliers. The situation for the franchise is as grave as that !
Source Yahoo Sports in conjunction with AP :
LeBron says he wants to keep his options open
By Tom Withers AP Sports Writer
AKRON, Ohio-(AP) LeBron James is unlikely to accept a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers until after the 2009-10 season, when he can become a free agent.
At an event to unveil his latest signature sneaker for Nike , James , who has given no indication as he plans to leave the Cavs, made his strongest comment yet about to his future. The NBA’s reigning MVP said he signed a contract in 2006 with an option so he could have more flexibility once it expires . cont’d …………….
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In no uncertain terms, anything less than appearance in either the conference or NBA Finals. And a win of the latter and the probability will be that James will depart from the franchise , where he’s made it his home for the last six years. And as much as it might anguish the Cavaliers’ fans. The player has done as much as he possibly can, given the resources made available to him. That being said when one considers that this time around he’ll have O’Neal in his corner. If he should fall short of what had been previously accomplished by both Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade , with Shaq as a partner . Then the daggers may well come out and questions’ll be asked if James is now merely cashing it all in , merely for the riches from a franchise willing to shell out a king’s ransom for his services.
Global icon or not at the end of the day if it ain’t about the success. Then it’s got to be about those lovely bones !
Posted in Basketball, Cleveland Cavaliers, NBA, Sports | Tagged: Anderson Varejao, Basketball, Cleveland Cavaliers, Danny Ferry, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Mo Williams, NBA, Phoenix Suns, Shaquille O'Neal, Sports, Zydrunas Ilgauskas | 4 Comments »
Posted by abritishman on August 4, 2009
I don’t know what it is that Mike D’Antoni and Donnie Walsh are aspiring to do when it comes to the New York Knicks’ organization. But at first-hand I get the impression that the days of when Isaiah Thomas was at helm , still remains to this day. And that was in his dual capacity of coach , and President of Basketball Operations.
Mike D'Antoni (left) and Knicks' team president Donnie Walsh (right) speak to the convened press in Madison Square Garden, New York City , New York,. picture appears courtesy of getty images_North America / Mike Stobe ................
But now we’ve come full circle with Thomas now elsewhere , having been hired within the college ranks. We now have D’Antoni as the team’s coach and Donnie Walsh , for all sense and purpose as the President of Basketball Operations , overseeing all personnel matters and decisions. That doesn’t mean to say that D’Antoni has no input as to the team’s recruiting matters. But much of that now falls on the shoulders of Walsh. If they can return the franchise to prominence . Then in the eyes of the NBA , that has to be a good thing. Especially, when one considers the mediocrity that has been shown by the franchise for nearly a decade.
Al Harrington of the New York Knicks signs an autograph at an NBA organized event in Pembroke Pines , Florida. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Isaac Baldizon ................
Coming off a (32-50) season, wherein this team merely was cannon fodder for some of their more erstwhile opponents within the Eastern Conference as well as around the NBA. It has to be said that anything that could’ve been gleaned from such a disastrous season won’t at all be lost on either D’Antoni or Walsh.
Jason Williams formerly of the Miami Heat . The player who'd since retired is due to make an imminent return to the NBA. And it has been rumored that the Knicks are showing an interest in the former point guard. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Richard Chalmers .................
Now as much as the Knicks are viewed as one of the more valuable jewels in the crown when it comes to the empiric value of an NBA franchise . And the very fact that its home venue is perhaps most famous sporting venue in the world. When it’s all said and done the Knicks and its alleged $ 1 billion price tag and that of Madison Square Garden doesn’t count for squat ! If the product and brand name bearly now resonates with the fans of the game. Much less the Knicks’ own embattled and embittered fans. I know that Spike Lee can’t stand to hear the truth. But hear it is Spike , ‘…… the Knicks still suck ! And they’ll continue to do so , until they get a core group of players that understand and play the game from and as a team concept’.
Unfortunately , however , when one looks at this Knicks’ roster , it certainly doesn’t inspire a great deal of confidence at all. It encompasses players that at best , are merely not worthy of being back-ups for a number of teams around the league, given their positions. Their two best players may well be seasoned veterans Eddie Curry and Al Harrington . Anything beyond that, as a bye product mightn’t on appearance be all that conducive to begin with. And though the franchise isn’t still saddled with the burden of a vast payroll. It wouldn’t be remiss to suggest that one or two of the players on the current roster are being vastly overpaid for their efforts.
Curry and teammate David Lee watch from the sidelines during an NBA game played at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Pierce Roulange .....................
What is now even more perplexing , it is being rumored that the organization is said to be showing an interest in former Heat point guard and often injured, Jason Williams . Now pardon me, for saying this , but everyone knows that Williams’ contributions to the Heat’s ascent to the top of the NBA world , as champions , could be counted on the fingers of one’s left hand . If you’d at least care to remove quite possibly one or two digits. But then, it’s often viewed as to the overall perception as to the player’s talent , thereof. Williams’ best days are indeed behind him . So one can only surmise that D’Antoni and Walsh are envisioning him to provide quite possibly some veteran leadership and act as a backup to starting point guard Chris Duhon . That being said what Williams may well be able to offer a team that finished with the tenth best record in the Eastern Conference is clearly beyond my own grasp at present.
James Dolan of Pres & CEO of Cablevision as well as that of Madison Square Garden Ent & Holdings. The entity also owns the NHL's New York Rangers under the holding company umbrella Madison Square Garden Holding L.P. which controls all of the family's sporting interests. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Richard Matthews ......................
This upcoming season if the Knicks as an organization, moreover , as a competitive basketball team are to acquit themselves well. They’ll have to give an effort far exceeding anything that they’ve produced over the past five years , at least. The Dolan family, despite their enormous wealth and the mere fact that with Cablevision as part of the various holdings under their custodianship , have been able to print money like the US Treasury. And as with a number of US Federal agencies, their ‘mea culpa’ has always been the fact that when it comes to showing mere common sense and intelligence. It has been few and far between when it has come to their custodianship of this NBA franchise.
Walt Frazier in his prime. One of a gala of dashing players on the Knicks' roster during their halcyon days of the early seventies when they were a dominant force within the NBA. picture appears courtesy of nba.com/archives ......copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ...........
As to what portends for this Knicks’ franchise this upcoming season. One can only speculate upon , at this juncture. But it wouldn’t be at all be unwise to suggest that should they not at all fare well. Then it’ll be back to the proverbial drawing board for both D’Antoni and Walsh. It’s not as if we haven’t all seen this coming to begin with. Mediocrity afterall , has been the acceptable norm for the franchise for the past decade . So much so, that their fans tend to harken back to the years under Riley’s coaching heroics and the years of Willis Reed , Walt Frazier and Red Holzman . Their two NBA championships in 1970 and ‘ 73 , apart from the 8 conference titles and 9 divisional championships tend not to count for much now. Given the fact that the franchise is now approaching 10 years since their last appearance in the 1999 NBA Finals . Wherein , they were summarily despatched by the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
A limping Willis Reed of the New York Knicks. His heroics in the 1973 NBA Finals led to Reed being named MVP of the series in their defeat of the Los Angeles Lakers. picture appears courtesy of nba.com/history/archives ..... copyrighted material @ All rights reserved ..............
The only comforting thought , may well be the luscious history that the franchise has. That if anything is all that it now has to rest its laurels upon. Since those halcyon days there’s nothing to suggest that the franchise can once again ascend to those heights. Not by any stretch of the imagination.
Posted in Basketball, NBA, New York Knicks, Sports | Tagged: Al Harrington, Basketball, Chris Duhon, Donnie Walsh, Eddie Curry, Isaiah Thomas, Jason Williams, Mike D'Antoni, NBA, New York Knicks, Red Holzman, Spike Lee, Sports, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed | 10 Comments »
Posted by abritishman on July 29, 2009
Well coming off a rather disappointing season , wherein the Charlotte Bobcats finished with (35-47) record. It has to be said that management and the executives felt that the roster was in need of a real upgrade.
Emeka Okafor seen here playing for the Charlotte Bobcats in an NBA game against the Cleveland Cavaliers' JJ Hickson. Okafor was traded to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for Tyson Chandler. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mark Duncan ..........................
Coach Larry Brown and GM Rod Higgins along with minority equity owners Michael Jordan and erstwhile rap star Cornell ‘Nelly’ Haynes , all felt that it’d be in the franchise’s best interest to make that their immediate priority in the offseason. That being said with the ungrowing uncertainty as to the immediate direction that the franchise would be taking. Being as the principal owner of the franchise, billionaire , Robert L. Johnson has made his intentions clear that he’s prepared to sell his stake in the franchise to an interested party at the earliest convenience. Thus far , there’ve been no serious takers as to a proposed transaction. Not even Jordan , himself , who at one time was said to be very interested in such a proposal.
Tyson Chandler seen here in an NBA game against the Denver Nuggets. A deal has been finalized whereby the player will be sent to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Emeka Okafor of the Bobcats. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Bill Haber ......................
Recently the franchise offloaded their star player and who at one time was viewed as the face of the franchise , in Emeka Okafor . The player was traded to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for their center and power forward Tyson Chandler . The Hornets’ player if one remembers, was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in midseason. Only for the trade to be rescinded when the Thunder felt that the player had their stringent medical tests and scrutiny. Chandler had come off a sever foot injury. And one could well understand the Thunder’s apprehension in taking a player who’d been continually been breaking down, while , with the Hornets.
And now it’d appear that Brown and the Bobcats are prepared to show their faith in a player. Who Brown believes brings versatility , a defensive and offensive presence to the team. If that’s the case , then what was Okafor meant to be for the Bobcats in the first place ? One has only but to look at the player’s stats to see that if anything , Okafor and Chandler are somewhat similar in style as to their play. Albeit , that Chandler may have a slight advantage in the offensive edge, as to their overall play. This is something of a risk that the Bobcats are said to be taking. But in actuality for the franchise the only way is up for them at present. They can’t sink any lower to the depths of mediocrity than they’re now said to be in.
Charlotte Bobcat owners seated from left to right, principal equity stake partner Robert L Johnson , rapper & entrepreneur , Cornell 'Nelly' Haynes (center) and former NBA star Michael Jordan. The three were in attendance at a Bobcats' home game at the Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte , North Carolina . picture appears courtesy of afp / Mark Sloane .................
From the franchise’s very inception there didn’t appear to be a great eye for detail as to the assembly of the team’s roster. And it can be said that with Jordan at the helm initially overseeing the personnel matters at the behest of Johnson. It has to be said that a number of moves made by the former NBA star just didn’t seem to make a great deal of sense at the time. Somewhat , reminiscent of his days when he was at the helm of the Washington Wizards . At the time Jordan may have felt that his experience and undoubted knowledge of the game would serve the franchise and its owner Herb Kohl , in good stead. I suppose when you pin your hopes on someone like Kwame Brown , you get what you pay for !
Coach Larry Brown of the Charlotte Bobcats at a postgame press conference trying to explain away another team loss. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Marcus Shaw ..............
Now it remains to be seen what type of an addition that Chandler will mean to the franchise. And at the same time whether or not the player can acclimatize himself to the Bobcats’ style of play. This is more than a gamble for the franchise at this juncture. They now can ill afford to have the player not play up to the presumed form that Brown, himself , believes the player is no doubt capable of. At the same time it must be said that on appearance alone , the Hornets may well have gotten away with a steal in terms of this very trade .
As to the ambitions of both teams this upcoming season. It has to be said that their aspiration if anything at best. Most definitely it’ll be to see an improvement on last year’s woes and misfortunes. And in particular the uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the Bobcats as it now stands. Any success that’s gleaned on the floor professionally as well as of it commercially. It may well quieten the preceived tumult that’s said to be going on within the inner sanctum of the franchise.
The New Orleans Hornets for their part may well struggle to reattain the form and promise shown just a year previous. Whereby they were very much the surprise team within the Western Conference and across the entire NBA. And very much at a time when All Star point guard Chris Paul was riding high on the crest of a wave to all of the acclaim being thrown his way from the fans, his peers and analysts from within the game. Now they too seemingly on appearance are in a rebuilding mode. It is hoped that any semblance of success will be productive for both the fans and the entire franchise.
At this juncture both teams are very much in need of that and a great deal more !
Posted in Basketball, Charlotte Bobcats, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, Sports | Tagged: Basketball, Charlotte Bobcats, Cornell 'Nelly' Haynes, Emeka Okafor, Herb Kohl, Larry Brown, Michael Jordan, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Robert L Johnson, Rod Higgins, Sports, Tyson Chandler, Washington Wizards | 4 Comments »
Posted by abritishman on July 28, 2009
So the Dallas Mavericks have signed free-agent Drew Gooden . All with the hope that the journeyman player will be able to add something to the team. Now I say this with all deference to the player. But in light of his overall career there’s little that I can see that he can offer a team that over the years has underachieved and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Drew Gooden seen here playing for the San Antonio Spurs attempts the shot under the defensive presence of the Portland Trailblazers' LaMarcus Aldridge. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ San Antonio Express News / Edward A Ornelas ........................
Perhaps for Gooden, it was the thought that once again we have a player who felt because Mavericks’ owner Mark Cuban has shown him some love by offering a large some of money to impart his skills amongst his new found teammates. He felt he was unwanted elsewhere ? But with the Mavericks he’ll finally have found what he’s been allegedly looking for . Let’s hope for Gooden’s sake that those skills aren’t as over-hyped we’ve witnessed over the years.
The Mavericks for their part are merely once again plugging holes with in a jig-saw puzzle , where the prerequisite pieces aren’t at all a sure fit. This is an aging that’s long in experience but completely short in attitude and resolve. And Cuban for his part still acts like the immature child we all know him to be , despite his immense wealth and alleged business acumen.
Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks . picture appears courtesy of / icon smi/ Kevin Reece ...................
And though for the Mavericks they made the playoffs this past season. In all honesty were they really expected to go any farther than they did ? Jason Kidd is no longer the player he once was and in terms of someone within the franchise’s midst to impart leadership. There is no one there at all. Dirk Nowitzki for his own part , is going through his own private hell both on and off the court. And perhaps the team’s most gifted all-round player when he sets his mind to it, actually choose to play. We may at times only in rare flashes of brilliance see what this team is quite capable. But such can be the unevenness in terms of brilliance of Josh Howard . That he can become the Mavericks’ own version of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde .
The few bright spots on this team can put down to the fact that franchise may well have found someone in Jose Juan Barea , who displayed a great deal of prowess during the playoffs. And if anything showed that he can be of impact for this team in the future. That being said when looking at the roster of the Mavericks , you do indeed see that it is long in the tooth ! But for their rookie signees Ahmad Nivins and Rodrigue Beaubois . One can view the Mavericks as still a work in progress as they try to re-invent themselves. However. in large part many of the other players on the roster have limited experience within the NBA.
Mavericks' center /power forward Dirk Nowitzki . picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Ron Hoskins ...................
And for the team’s coach Rick Carlise , his struggles will be continuous throughout the upcoming season. As he tries to instill a great deal of discipline and defensive mindset into the team’s play. If there’s one thing that we’ve known to be true about the Dallas Mavericks. It is that defensively it has never their forte’ from the outset. They’d rather try to outscore an oppoent. Rather than playing on both ends of the floor. What Gooden may well bring to the team in that aspect is primarily based upon how one’d view the player’s defensive capabilities.
AP source in conjunction with Yahoosports :
Gooden says he’s headed to Dallas
By Jaime Aron , AP Sports Writer
DALLAS (AP)- A source to the negotiations tells the Associated Press that the Dallas Mavericks have reached an agreement with free agent big man Drew Gooden .
The source who did not wish to be identified because a contract hasn’t been signed yet, said Monday that the deal is “verbally done”.
Gooden said on his Twitter page Monday that he had three deciding factors in his decision to join the Mavs: winning , playing time and money. He wrote: “Dallas is the team !”
Owner Mark Cuban did not return an e-mail seeking confirmation of the deal, but did post , “Welcome Drew” on his Twitter page.
Gooden, 27, played 19 games for the San Antonio Spurs last year , 9.8 points and 4.4 rebounds. The 6′ 10″ Gooden averages 12 points and 7.9 rebounds and will help a frontcourt that lost Brandon Bass to free agency.
The Mavs would be his seventh team.
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The thinking may well be that with the addition also of Shawn Marion , the team can finally show itself to be a legitimate contender for postseason honors . What Marion brings to this team is a player with great scope on both ends of the floor. And someone who in combination with Kidd and Nowitzki can provide the added offensive presence needed. But on the defensive side of things , also , someone who’s not afraid to do the real dirty work as and when needed.
Gooden may well feel that he’s finally landed in his own personal Utopia. But he’d better make sure that from the outset he’s going to be prepared to earn the money that’s being paid to him at the largesse of Mark Cuban. The owner may well like to party like a rock star when it comes to his NBA franchise. But in these dire and uncertain economic times even the rock stars are said to be now tightening their belts. And Cuban is no different !
Posted in Basketball, Dallas Mavericks, NBA, Sports | Tagged: Ahmad Nivins, Basketball, Dallas Mavericks, Dirk Nowitzki, Drew Gooden, Jason Kidd, Jose Juan Barea, Josh Howard, Mark Cuban, NBA, Rick Carlisle, Sports | 2 Comments »
Posted by Joey Mills on July 23, 2009
Who is the Best Shooter in the NBA?
Joey Mills – Ray Allen
Ryan Drescher - Jason Kapono
David Downs – Ray Allen
Jace Puckett – Ray Allen
Nathan – Ray Allen
Marlowe Alter – Ray Allen
Eric Johnson Jr. – Rashard Lewis
Timothy Tan – Ray Allen
Who is the Best Dunker in the NBA?
Joey Mills – Jason Richardson
Ryan Drescher – Dwight Howard
David Downs – LeBron James
Jace Puckett – Vince Carter
Nathan – Vince Carter
Marlowe Alter – Jason Richardson
Eric Johnson Jr. – Nate Robinson
Timothy Tan – Vince Carter
Who is the Best Passer in the NBA?
Joey Mills – Chris Paul
Ryan Drescher – Chris Paul
David Downs – Chris Paul
Jace Puckett – Chris Paul
Nathan – Steve Nash
Marlowe Alter – Steve Nash
Eric Johnson Jr. – Steve Nash
Timothy Tan – Steve Nash
Who is the Best Perimeter Defender in the NBA?
Joey Mills – Shane Battier
Ryan Drescher – Kobe Bryant
David Downs – Shane Battier
Jace Puckett – Kobe Bryant
Nathan – Kobe Bryant
Marlowe Alter – Shane Battier
Eric Johnson Jr. – Ron Artest
Timothy Tan – Shane Battier
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in The Basketball Oracle Special | Tagged: Chris Paul, DJ Mbenga, Dwight Howard, Dwyane Wade, Jason Kapono, Jason Richardson, Kenyon Martin, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Nate Robinson, Ron Artest, Shane Battier, Steve Nash, The Basketball Oracle Special, Vince Carter, Yao Ming | Leave a Comment »
Posted by abritishman on July 23, 2009
Well the off-season proved to be an upheaval for a number of teams around the NBA . And that’s to be expected , as many teams felt that they had a rather disappointing season. For the Los Angeles Lakers who came off winning their 15th NBA title, it was something of a well executed season, all-round.
Kobe Bryant the Finals' MVP seen here in Manila , Philippines. While there , the player will be conducting several Nike sponsored youth basketball coaching clinics. The player will also be traveling to Tapei , China. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Richard Chao ............................
And for the team’s All Star guard Kobe Bryant , it was a for a prophecy fulfilled. Those who cast doubt as to whether or not he could win a title without Shaquille O’Neal. Finally saw that Bryant could do it without him, given a good complement players to surround the player with the facets needed.
Lakers' first round pick Chinemelu Elonu (left) and the Clippers' Marcellus Kemp battle for a loose ball during an NBA Summer League Game played in Las Vegas , Nevada. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Laura Rausch ............................
Well for the Lakers this off-season was no different with the departure of one their heroes in the postseason, in Trevor Ariza. The player seeking a commmitment from the team in terms of a long term contract paying him considerably more money. It was felt by the player that would be the Lakers’ form of showing loyalty to him for his contributions to the team’s success. Alas, it wasn’t to be as they were not prepared to acquiesce to his demands. He eventually signed as a free-agent with the Houston Rockets. And much to everyone’s surprise moving in the opposite direction from the Rockets was Ron Artest, who was signed by the Lakers.
Artest has let it be known that he has come to the Lakers to contribute further, to the team’s success and fulfill his ambition of winning an NBA title. Well that’s what he’s got to say at this juncture . But I guess we can believe him. For Bryant , he’s welcomed the player with open arms and admits that he’d rather have Artest as a teammate , rather than having to play against him on a regular basis within the Western Conference.
Free-agency and the problems that it can sometimes create. Well for the general manager of the teams, they’ve got to be financially prudent and at the same look to improve the team’s roster in the places necessary. At times it may well mean having to lose a valuable asset. But then it can mean having to acquire a player without having to overpay for that talent. However, when it comes to a situation that’s now fomenting with regard to Odom and his desire to be paid commensurate to what he believe is his perceived value. It in effect puts the Lakers and their GM Mitch Kupchak in something of a dilemma. Bryant is optimistic that the player will remain with the team. Odom is an unrestricted free-agent.
Lakers' GM Mitch Kupchak who has worked closely in unison with the team's coach Phil Jackson in assembling the Lakers championship winning team. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elisio Gonzalez .........................
Overtures have been made towards the player by the Miami Heat . And Dwyane Wade of the Heat has made it known that it his desire to see Odom become a Miami Heat player. It could very well become a tug of war for the player’s services. But much of that’ll be predicated on the deisres of both teams. The Heat for their part are also pursuing Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz . And it remains their number one priority at present. But that’s not to say that their interest in Odom is on the decline.
The perceived view is that Odom while a very good player. He remains an enigma for all who’ve seen him play. At his very best he’s player who can give you 20pts , 10reb’s on regular basis, were it his desire to do so. And it plainly comes down to <strong desire and his willingness to contribute to a team consistently. And therein lies the enigma with regard to Lamar Odom. For the Los Angeles Lakers, they might not defer to Bryant when it comes to a final decision on the issue. Although they’ll probably listen to any input on the matter from the player. Coach Phil Jackson for his part has kept his cards close to his chest. And for the Lakers’ fans it’s not really hard to see where their loyalties lie on this very issue. They’re probably 70-30 in favor of seeing Odom leave. He was viewed as a valid member of a championship winning team. But his time has come , and it’s viewed that he ought to be bid , a hearty farewell and thanks for memories. If nothing it’s the least that the fans could do for the player.
Kobe Bryant (left) and teammate Lamar Odom (right) of the Los Angeles Lakers. It remains to be seen as to whether or not Odom will remain a Laker for the forseeable future. As it'd appear that contract negotiations have stalled. The player is also said a desired target of the Miami Heat. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Elvis Takahida ...................
Possibly at the end of it all the player’ll remain with the Los Angeles Lakers. Whether or not he’d be prepared to play for the team at a reduced salary remains to be seen. The mid-level salary cap would be the preferable option for the team. And at between $4.5m-$6m it wouldn’t appear to be an excessive amount to be playing a veteran such as Odom. Though the player himself. may well feel that he could be in line for a better offer from the Miami Heat. And it’s rumored that he’s looking for a long term contract of between 4 and 5 years paying $30-$35m at between $6-$7m per year .
Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat. It is Wade's desire to see the Heat reacquire the player. But it'd appear that the team's pursuance of Carlos Boozer is of the utmost priority for the franchise. That's not to suggest that their interest in Odom has waned . picture appears courtesy of weblogs.com @ copyrighted material All rights reserved .................
The business side of any sport is littered with decisions that’ve been to the detriment of a team , or what ultimately proves to be of benefit to them. As to the decision to be made by the Lakers’ hierarchy. They know that for all sense and purpose this just won’t be about positives far outweighing the negatives with regard to Lamar Odom. But more in line with what’s best for the team from a financial and competitive aspect.
Posted in Basketball, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Sports | Tagged: Basketball, Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers, Mitch Kupchak, NBA, Phil Jackson, Ron Artest, Shaquille O'Neal, Sports, Trevor Ariza | 4 Comments »
