Michael BeasleyMichael Beasley (sternum) is in fact going to suit up for today’s summer-league game between the Heat and Bulls in Orlando, where we’ll get the first look at both him and Derrick Rose with some of their new teammates. Rose is dealing with his own minor knee tendinitis, but hasn’t missed any practice time and will play Monday. The first game of the day, Pacers vs. Sonics, tips at 3 p.m. EST, with the Heat/Bulls game starting 20 minutes after that one is over, which will be followed by Nets/Magic. You can watch the Orlando Summer Pro League games HERE … If there are announcers for these games, it’ll be interesting seeing how they handle the whole “Sonics”/OKC situation. The team formerly known as the Sonics doesn’t have a name yet … Joining the Spurs, Celtics, Jazz, Sixers and Warriors, you can now add the Pistons to the Corey Maggette chase. Just like the other legit championship contenders, Detroit can’t offer much more than the mid-level exception (about $5.8 million), but they can offer a chance to win for a guy who’s experienced more than his share of losing since coming into the League. Would you want Maggette on your team for the right price? Some like his aggressive offensive style and how he can create offense for himself when his team’s being stagnant; others think he’s just a ballhog who can ruin team chemistry and offensive flow, almost a Ron Artest without the stellar defense. Where do you stand on Maggette? … If you’re the Celtics, how far do you go to keep James Posey? He’s hot on the market right now and will command at least the mid-level exception somewhere. That’s significantly more than what Boston paid him this past season, but after Posey’s showing in the NBA Finals, his stock is high right now. Can the Celtics repeat if they lose Posey, P.J. Brown (probably retiring) and Sam Cassell (free agent)? Could they replace Posey for a cheaper model in Quinton Ross, get someone like Theo Ratliff to fill P.J.’s role, and bring in a younger backup PG (Tyronn Lueeveryone wants to play for them now, especially vets in search of a ring … One guy whose name was being tied to the Celtics as a possible P.J. Brown replacement was Dikembe Mutombo, but he’s believed to be very close of re-upping with Houston … The Heat are still looking for a point guard, and remember that Jason Williams is a free agent and no lock to return. We’ve heard Miami might be interested in Stephon Marbury or Jamaal Tinsley, but only if they’re bought out by the Knicks and Pacers, respectively. Miami’s also supposedly keeping an eye on Kyle Lowry, Kirk Hinrich, Andre Miller and Monta Ellis … Manu Ginobili still hasn’t gotten a good medical report on his ankle, and if his upcoming MRI comes up problematic, the Spurs may ask him to sit out the Olympics. Team Argentina will still be solid with the likes of Andres Nocioni, Carlos Delfino, Luis Scola and Fabricio Oberto, but Manu is the unquestioned leader and MVP who makes them a legit gold medal threat … Some of the squads who are out of the Olympic running still have qualifying tourneys for their respective ‘09 continental championships to handle this summer. Luol Deng and Ben Gordon both plan to play for Team Great Britain in the European championship qualifying tourney, while Joakim Noah said he’s decided not to go out for Team France … We caught a Law & Order: Criminal Intent re-run yesterday where a NYC investment banker had a superstition where he always kept his account at $11 million in honor of Jamal Crawford. A framed Crawford Knicks jersey got a cameo in the episode … We’re out like Joakim …
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July 7th, 2008 at 4:06 am
Remy N says:
OKC BENEDICKS!
July 7th, 2008 at 4:16 am
Remy N says:
Those damned Lakers better start wheeling and dealing!
Our year came one year early, I will be damned. Go sign a small forward. L-Sprewell needs to feed his family!
Freaking DeSagana (Lasagna) Diop gets a $31 Million and Shawn Kemp is looking for a job?
How about this linuep?
1. Nick Van Excel/Tim Hardaway
2. Allan Houston/
3. Sprewell
4. Kemp
5. PJ Brown
July 7th, 2008 at 4:28 am
Remy N says:
I do not want Maggette on my squad. He is a career loser, just like Starbury!
July 7th, 2008 at 4:30 am
the real marcus says:
well, that nick / spree combo would mean conduct detrimental to the team on a regular basis, the pj / h20 combo would mean re-upping a team’s medical insurance, and shawn kemp is a substance abuse threat day-in day-out…
…that line-up wouldn’t probably even play 10 games together…
we’re out like proposing a jurassic line-up…
July 7th, 2008 at 5:32 am
Ding Dong We Got Danilo Gallinari? says:
How does Rose start the summer league with tendinitis?
Dance Dance Revolution
July 7th, 2008 at 7:09 am
SD32 says:
Man I’m having basketball withdrawals already, so much that I actually can’t wait for summer league games. Will be interesting to see how rose/beasley go though. Not that summer league means much…
July 7th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Ashlov says:
Beasely’s getting 20/10 in his first outing. He’s also going to pull Rose’s short down at some point, and breakdance after his first dunk.
July 7th, 2008 at 9:16 am
Kobeef says:
@Ashlov
Yup - Beasley is going to go OFF in his summer league match wtih Rose. I can see a moment like Gerald Green’s summer league dunk coming from Beasley…
and yeah…I have no doubt that the kid is going to be out of control in a 7th grader who lost his ritalin kind of way (but he is a good kid and I don’t think he will be out of control in an SJax gun shooting, brawl starting kind of way).
Awesome that they Summer League games are streaming. Need my fix!
Sagana Diop got $31 Million? I think that number is wrong. I think he got $10 million over three years or something close to that.
July 7th, 2008 at 9:30 am
OKC Hicks says:
If an NBA team were to ask one of it’s international stars to sit out the Olympics, what would happen if they went out anyways and played? I understand the risk of injury and whatnot, but someone like Z, who has had past injuries but is not injured right now must seem somewhat frustrated, don’t you think? Would they get suspended if they played or fined? I don’t know about you guys, but as long as my injury isn’t career threatening, I’d rather play for my country than have the risk, not certainty, of missing time for my NBA team.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:13 am
MSkittle says:
Maggette is underrated. 22ppg last year
July 7th, 2008 at 10:49 am
rell says:
In order to repeat, Boston need to resign Posey back. We can lose Cassell and it will not hurt us. PJ will hurt some but I think the Celts can upgrade this position. Replacing Posey with a cheaper Ross is a major downgrade. Posey provide defense, hustle, 3 point shooting and also a good free throw shooter. Posey is calm during crutch time and is not afraid to pull the trigger when the game is close. The only thing Ross can do is play D. Do you think Ross can help win us a game with his offense like Posey did in game 4? Nall. Boston just sign Posey back and be done with it.
July 7th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Myrie says:
I’ve been saying on here for 2yrs that the team that needs Corey Maggette the most is the San An Spurs.
Their offense is dismal. They need a wing scorer to fill the break and they need a power rebounder and shot blocker.
July 7th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Three Stacks says:
Corey Maggette sucks. I hope to God the Spurs sign him. He’s got an inconsistent jumper and coasts through a lotta games.
July 7th, 2008 at 11:42 am
K Dizzle says:
I hope the Celts do somethin stupid like lettin Posey go cuz I know my Lakers could use him
July 7th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
GEE...be still boy no need for static says:
Yea Houston needs to go ahead and get Deke back. Even at 40 or 50 something (whatever you feel) he still can give you boards and a presence inside if nothing else.
I am hoping Houston doesn’t start throwing their name around in trying to get Corey. A pg guard in a trade for Alston yes (even though I like Alston but I think he would be better served as a back up).
Posey would be a cool pick up if you letting someone on the squad go.
How many teams would be going nuts even more to get Ron Ron if he wasn’t so weird and unstable.
Internet streaming is nice but they should televise these games for the public, cause I am sure on some station it would get ratings, cause I am sure others like me are still wanting to see ballin. Olympics can’t come fast enough.
Would it not be the biggest upset ever if this Olympic squad loses even 1 game. Anything less than a 20 piece McNugget on squads is a let down to me.
Not that anyone cares but, my 2k8 squad via fantasy draft is pretty tight check it.
Course I run the point, but I didn’t try to make myself like with all 99’s in everyspot, so I play a decent point, anyway.
pg - Me
sg - Redd
sf - T-Mac
pf - Al Harrington
C - Kurt Thomas
Bench:
Jamal Crawford, Kyle Korver, Bruce Bowen, LaMarcus Aldridge, Robert Horry, Spencer Hawes, Marko J, Armstrong Darrell, and two cats who never see the light of day.
The team raiting is low but so far I am blowing teams out (undefeated).
Man I am missing the real season so much.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
jimmhumm says:
If someone has their video game linup on here it must be a slow day. Magette IS good. And can play a Stackhouse role with any contender and be the man on a wack squad.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
GEE...be still boy no need for static says:
Slow day for me pimpin lol. I ain’t even got to work right now so just doing whatever.
I would most def. rather play for my country. Still the NBA team you ball for is who pays you so I am sure if they say no, you can’t play then, you or that player prolly should fall back.
Be mad, but fall back lol.
What is likely the starting five for Team USA?
July 7th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
J says:
damn why all the rooks injured, good look on the website link, i’ll be tuning in to see bulls/heat
July 7th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
GEE...be still boy no need for static says:
Since the expected starters for USA are possibly
Chris Paul or Kidd
Kobe Bryant,
LeBron James,
Carmelo Anthony
Dwight Howard
What crew could possibly beat this startin 5 that ain’t playing for Team USA?? I am going to say
Baron Davis
Allen Iverson
T Mac
KG
Duncan
July 7th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Kudabeen says:
@GEE
Video game line up?
Then you have Kurt Thomas and Al Harington starting of LaMarcus Aldridge?
I think Maggette with flourish with a real team. Whatever his temperament is doesn’t matter if he goes to the Spurs, Pistons, Lakers, or Celtics. These are Vet teams with bankable Leaders. Now from how Van Gundy describes Dwight’s new found game face (circa 2008 playoffs) Magic may be able to keep his Alleged attitude in check. He is more than a “Jacker”. He is an excellent rebounder, athletic enough to guard multiple positions (how well depends on the quality of coaching and teammate accountability), and on top of that he can come of the bench and get minutes at the 2/3 while being the number one option for your second unit. I like him for 9mil or less.
@OKC
I think it’s wrong for teams to try to pressure guys to not play for their country’s sans a contractual obligation. If I were Big Z, I’d play. One he is 7-3 with a jump shot and is load down low. It’s not like he is Amare, where one jump and poor landing could be his career. If you don’t have any contractual obligations/prohibitions then why wouldn’t you ball in one of the toughest most competitive tournaments? What kinda heart do you have if you shy away from such a challenge, based on the probability of injury. Don’t mess up your money, but if you are a ball player wouldn’t this level of competition and challenge almost be a necessity. When Coach K was describing Kobe tearing up when he got his jersey, that was the epitome of how a real competitor should feel.
Sidebar:
Anyone know all the circumstances in why Kobe has never participated before (98, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004,) I know there where injuries and long seasons, but was he overlooked at one point?
July 7th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Kudabeen says:
@ GEE
I like that lineup, but I’d replace Baron with long athletic defender/slasher, who can also take advantage of the ball moment and hit open shots with some regularity like Joe Johnson or Andre Iguodala (biased, but he gives you D/slasher/finisher and one of the only guys in the league that can run with LeBron/Kobe in the open court)
I would consider Brandon Roy as Well
July 7th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Austin Burton says:
Since Kobe was coming off of long, championship-winning seasons in 2000 and 2002, I can see why he wouldn’t want to play with Team USA if he was invited.
As far as the other years I don’t know. He did come up during a time when it was popular for the top-flight stars to reject Team USA, so maybe he was just following the crowd.
July 7th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
DurrtyInjun says:
I love AI…but after what we saw not too long ago…how can you put him in over Pierce? I don’t like your choice in PG either…but I guess there is no American better that is left.
July 7th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
Kudabeen says:
Iverson played well in the last Olympic competition…
As far as American Point Guards or even PGs worldwide. How Many PGs are better than Baron Davis?
American PGs even in discussion:
Andre Miller
Rondo
Chauncey
Steph Maurbury
Raymond Felton
Jamal Tinsley
Rafer Alson
Jason Williams
Steve Blake
Stuckey, Rose, Chalmers, Augustin, Marcus Williams(The Young and unproven)
Baron Davis = Top 5 PG in the World
July 7th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
OKC Hicks says:
Billups over B-Diddy anyday of the week…
Baron Davis is a top 5 AMERICAN point guar…and that’s a maybe…But definitely NOT in the top 5 of all point guards in the world, believe dat.
July 7th, 2008 at 8:19 pm
OKC Hicks says:
To add on to my last post…
Point Guards Better than Baron Davis (in no particular order):
Nash
Parker
Deron Williams
CP
Chauncey
Hell I’ll even say J-Kidd
Once B-Diddy does something in the playoffs, tell me…
July 7th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
GEE...be still boy no need for static says:
@ kubadeen I actually let the game set the starters and they have LA on the bench. Kurt starts because he is a center and Al has a higher rating than LA so there you have it. Again I am undefeated thus far so it’s working.
2k9 is going to be interesting with no Sea-town team. Wow it’s just going to be weird. Does that make 2k8 a collectors edition? I like the idea of Brandon though.
Kubadeen as far as you replacing Baron, I could see that but I put him in as a solid point. The dudes you suggested ain’t really pg’s.
Durrtyinjun Kubadeen is right AI did play well in the olympics and he is going to give you points. I think the biggest thing you have to worry about with him and Baron is turnovers.
Paul is a very decent choice too though.