Elton Brand to Philly, Corey Maggette to Golden State, Brandon Jennings to Europe
Brandon Jennings is changing the gameIn a series of three transactions yesterday, the Sixers took a big step toward becoming legit Eastern Conference contenders, the Warriors got that much closer to becoming the Hawks of the West, and the Clippers’ hopes of seriously threatening Western Conference supremacy took a big hit … Getting into the Elton Brand sweepstakes well after the Clips and Warriors, the Sixers traded Rodney Carney, Calvin Booth and a pick to the Wolves for extra cash, and it worked: Brand accepted Philly’s reported five-year, $82 million offer. If they can re-sign Andre Iguodala, the Sixers have a nucleus that can make some noise in the playoffs with Brand, Iguodala, Andre Miller, Sam Dalembert and the youngsters like Thad Young, Louis Williams (free agent) and Jason Smith. Brand fills the team’s most glaring need — a consistent low-post scorer and rebounder — plus he beefs up the defense; plenty of shots will be sent back between Elton and The Dalembeast. He also allows Iguodala to move into a #2 spot instead of being the alpha dog, a role that doesn’t really suit A.I.’s game … Soon after news of the Brand deal broke, it was reported that Corey Maggette agreed to sign with the Warriors. Although he was a distant Plan B behind Brand, Maggette is a proven scorer who doesn’t rely on jumpers like so many of Golden State’s other players. But does bringing in another guy at a wing position solve the Warriors’ problems? With Maggette, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Anthony Randolph, Brandan Wright and Al Harrington — not to mention free agents Matt Barnes and Kelenna Azubuike — this team is overloaded with guys who can play the two, three and/or four, yet they’re still in need of legit rebounders and defenders and a point guard. They should score a lot of points (again), but will get murdered on the glass (again) and end up watching the playoffs from home (again) … And where does all of this leave the Clippers? The Baron Davis/Brand tandem is no longer a reality, but they do have some good pieces with Baron, Chris Kaman, Al Thornton and Eric Gordon. They really should regroup and refocus their efforts on Josh Smith. He’s still out there, and the Clips obviously have a lot of money to throw at him and possibly scare the Hawks away. Can you imagine Baron running the break with J-Smoove and Thornton on the wings and Gordon trailing, spotting up beyond the arc? That’s buckets galore … Michael Beasley showed why you shouldn’t go too far in making judgments after one summer league game. Beasley was everyone’s Rookie of the Year front-runner (including ours) after dropping 28 points in his debut. Then yesterday, we (and he) got a reality check: Being harassed by Sean Williams (11 pts, 7 rebs, 3 blks) most of the time, The Bease went 1-for-13 from the field (9 pts), turned the ball over five times and committed seven fouls. (You get 10 fouls in summer league; Eddie Najera would love it there.) Mario Chalmers shined again, however, putting up 19 points, nine assists and three steals in a Miami win. Brook Lopez and Ryan Anderson finished with 18 points and seven boards apiece … We had a Julius Hodge sighting. He started at PG for the Nets and scored four points … Derrick Rose struggled with his shot again in Chicago’s win over the Pacers, but overall he improved on his debut, putting up nine points, six boards, seven assists and three steals … Jeff Green went for 28 points (13-for-15 FT’s) in Oklahoma City’s win over Orlando, in what was a surprise appearance for Kevin Durant (22 pts). We were almost certain KD wouldn’t play summer league this year. Does anyone remember if LeBron played summer league ball going into his second season? Did he play going into his rookie year? … Russell Westbrook added 19 points and three steals for OKC … We love hearing blatant cases of summer-league nepotism. For example, Chauncey Billups‘ younger brother Rodney Billups (University of Denver) is a regular on Detroit’s summer league squad; LeBron’s best friend and teammate from high school, Romeo Travis (Akron), played with the Cavs; and one of Carmelo Anthony’s best friends from Baltimore, Dontaye Draper (College of Charleston), played with the Nuggets before signing with a pro team in Australia. Our first case of overt nepotism in 2008? Chris Bosh’s kid brother, Joel Bosh, somehow landed on Toronto’s summer league team. Dude averaged six points and four rebounds a night at Alabama State, only saw the court for 13 minutes in their first-round NIT loss to Arizona State, and he’s getting an NBA look? Really? Somewhere Arthur Agee and William Gates are shaking their heads … Brandon Jennings is headed to Europe, says his family’s lawyer, not even waiting to see his latest SAT results. Word is “Young Money” could field offers starting at $300,000 to play in Italy or Spain. This can’t be what David Stern had in mind when he upped the age limit. Do you think an American high school superstar can succeed as a pro overseas? The style of play is a lot different than NCAA ball or even the D-League, and these will be grown-ass men Jennings is playing against, not teenagers and young adults. Nor will this be like the NBA where his team will coddle him and give him every opportunity to succeed, especially when they know he’s likely only there for a year and will bolt for the NBA as soon as possible … Question for the men out there: Would you play ball in THESE? What if they weren’t Candace Parker’s signature kicks? Does that matter? … The day after Richard Jefferson took a shot at the Nets in his first press conference with the Bucks, someone in Jersey clapped back at RJ. According to a “source within the organization” cited in the Bergen Record, Jefferson had become jealous of Vince Carter towards the end of his run with the Nets, and was so obsessed with making the All-Star team that he stopped playing D and rebounding and only cared about scoring. In other words, he’ll fit in perfectly with the Bucks … We’re out like Joel Bosh getting NBA burn …
July 9th, 2008 at 2:45 am
QQ says:
Did Bron played in the summer league going into his rookie year? Yeah, and he pretty much sucked. So players who suck in summer L play will basically become superstars in the real game. And no name players who average 30 per in the summer will still be no name players come November. Uno….
July 9th, 2008 at 2:48 am
marc says:
1st!
July 9th, 2008 at 2:50 am
Remy N says:
Two stupid Dukies made the headlines!
July 9th, 2008 at 2:51 am
Remy N says:
Yep, LaBron played in the summer league going into his rookie year. Lebron got dunked on, bad! I remember that dunk and I know some of you do too!
July 9th, 2008 at 2:53 am
daquest?on says:
sixers wuhuu my old fav team is getting back in it! and f u stern i hope every one a done goes to europe and skips college so that david stern lose sleep
July 9th, 2008 at 2:54 am
PEGM says:
Well, it would have been very nice to see how that Davis/Brand worked out, and although it would have been quite an exciting team with Kaman, Mobley, Gordon & Thornton they would have still fall out of the playoffs.
If they push hard enough and get Josh Smith it will take some of the sting away from the Brand thing and give a little hope in the upcoming seasons as the young guys grow.
Philly will definitely make things a lot more interesting in the East with a core of Miller, AI, Brand and the Dalembeast… but will that be enough for Boston Big 3? or Detroit? or LeBron? even Washington?… in 3 or 4 years by the time Boston & Detroit aren’t around anymore adn King James it taking over, Brand and Miller will be in the mid 30’s or near it… so enjoy it while it lasts.
Corey Maggette went for the money & losing team instead of being the difference maker on a championship caliber team like the Celtics, Spurs, Pistons or Jazz. If it was your choice to make what would you do?
July 9th, 2008 at 3:16 am
Damon says:
well, maggette could have gotten the full MLE from the spurs or pistons, but he took the same money on a losing team.
weak…
July 9th, 2008 at 3:19 am
Damon says:
ok, he took a little bit more, but not that much.
after losing every year, he went to a team were he would lose again.
I really don’t get it.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:24 am
Arno says:
12 months ago, Marco Belinelli dropped 34 for his 1st summer league appearance and Nelson said he could well be a starter…
July 9th, 2008 at 3:28 am
Ding Dong We Got Danilo Gallinari? says:
You think any of those teams would have taken Maggette?
It will be disappointing to see Josh Smith leave the Hawks because the Celtics playoff series was good to watch. If only Smith stopped relying on his jumpshot…
July 9th, 2008 at 4:32 am
bill says:
hmmmmmm, drama city with free agents he he.
*waits for smoke to clear…
July 9th, 2008 at 5:00 am
jim says:
william gates was offered a reserve spot by MJ…..but he turned it down….as he got injured again!
July 9th, 2008 at 6:24 am
YOUNGFED says:
It’s “Blasphemy” to call Andre Iguodala “A.I.” SMH and WTF.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:27 am
that's whats up says:
that’s what I call Brand Management.
Nice move Philly.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:39 am
kobeef says:
Karma is kicking the Clippers in the ass again.
While LA has to be crushed by Brand’s change of plans you have to agree that Brand will be on a much better team in Philly.
It is going to be really interesting to see how Iggy responds to a loud and clear statement by Philly that they don’t see him as a #1 player. Does he even stay in Philly? Maybe he goes to Clipperland?
I do feel for Baron who is now unexpectedly on possibly the worst team he has ever played on.
Can anyone tell me if Davis can back out of his verbal commitment with LA? Oddly enough a return to GS for Baron would give him a much better team than he’ll have in LA.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:43 am
how can we get rid of james dolan? says:
Wasn’t lebron busy with the olympics after his 1st season? so i dont think he played summer leagueknci
July 9th, 2008 at 7:11 am
YOUNGFED says:
Question: Hey Dime does a player get money to play in the D-league if he’s not signed and is it more than they would make in Europe?
If not it’s a no brainer decision to play in Europe over the D-league or College.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:16 am
Yoooo says:
Lebron played summer league and that white dude BANGED it on him. Like one of those embarrassing joints where even you start laughing. That dude never made the league but somewhere he’s taking shots of tequila and reminding people around him about this one time…
Good management moves by the 76ers. Theyre kinda lucky in the sense that NO ONE thought they’d be decent once AI got traded. But some great play from average ass players and a few good personnel choices has them sitting pretty good. They still won’t win jack spit though. And they still shouldve kept Korver. But maybe they wouldn’t have the cap room they do now…
Brandon Jennings is going to be a bum. Kid is too cocky man. Fake ass superstar. He’s got Omar Cook written all over him. Them big ass Europeans are gonna put his lil ass on his backside, early!
July 9th, 2008 at 7:17 am
YOUNGFED says:
NBA Quotable: Gilbert Arenas - Detroit Freepress
With you at the starting shooting guard, can you name four other NBA players for your starting five?
“Chauncey Billups (Detroit Pistons) at point guard, Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics) at small forward, Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs) and Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic) at center.”
Seems like Gil thinks what I do, that Chauncey is the best point gaurd in the league. Forget a CP3 or D-Will.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:01 am
P H I LLY says:
Let’s go Sixers! Let’s go Sixers!….and please don’t call him the DAlembeast….he’s the Dalembum until he can consistently produce…And no man who rocks a mohawk with side braids is a Beast…I’m out like Lebron’s summer league play!
July 9th, 2008 at 8:10 am
rangerjohn (maggette:"its not about the money, PAY ME!") says:
i keep reading how maggette went from a losing team to a losing team, last i checked the warriors, while not a title threat, have had some pretty nice season records. would have mae the playoffs last season had it not been for all the other 50 win teams. warriors over the clippers is a HUGE step up right now. not as much of a step up as a real contender but a step up none the less.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Ross says:
Youngfed, don’t all those guys have the same shoe deal?
July 9th, 2008 at 8:25 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
LeBron played in the Boston Summer League (at UMass Boston, which is a garbage school/gym, now the Vegas League - definitely an upgrade even though I can’t go no more) and got hurt in his first game. Got there a few hours early to sit center court front row and watch the King when he was barely 18 (dude still looked like a linebacker then.) It was AMAZING to see in person, up close, even if he played like crap, he had one breakaway dunk (his signature dunk, and really the only play he made the game I was at - vs. the Bucks) that blew the roof off the place.
TJ Ford was doing some RIDICULOUS dunks pregame too (he had some SERIOUS hops before the back injuries.) Got the crowd chanting “TJ’s better” til LeBron decided to throw one down in the layup line too. That ish stopped real quick.
@Youngfed, DLeague guys do get paid. If you’re signed w/ an NBA team you get your salary, if not, they make like $30K.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:26 am
Kermit the Washington says:
I’m so glad Jennings is trying to bring the high-top fade back…I hope it makes a huge comeback
July 9th, 2008 at 8:27 am
djkianoosh says:
i’m with you PHILLY, sammy needs to be much much more consistent. hopefully Brand slaps him upside the head a few times when he makes one of his boneheaded mistakes once a half.
mario chalmers might be a very underrated pickup for the heat. is he their starter by opening day?
I think the sixers still need to get a 3pt shooter, and of course they gotta re-sign iggy. they can’t drop that ball now. that would be stoooopid.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:32 am
SD32 says:
@ Ross - Yeah, I have an adidas poster from another mag with just those 5 players on it…
July 9th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
*LeBron played before his rookie year.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:36 am
SD32 says:
Actually I just checked the poster & it has t-mac not dwight but close enough
July 9th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
@ everyone criticizing the Dalembeast (besides the RowHawk, that shit was TERRIBLE) remember, he did average 10, 10 and 2 last year. Not exactly all star #s, but no bum either. Now that he can just focus on the glass and defense and not have to be a post scorer (let’s be real, his buckets should be put backs and dunks, that’s it) he’s in good shape. He was asked to do too much last year, that’s all.
The real bum in Philly is Willie Green.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:49 am
YOUNGFED says:
@Ross, Actually I don’t know. That might be a question you should ask Dime or google. But anyway they would still be one of the best starting 5’s in the NBA. I’d replace Gil with Kobe and Garnett with Lebron though.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:53 am
YOUNGFED says:
@Celt’s
Good looking out. I think all 4sure Highschool NBA talents should go overseas for a year a get paper over college. Go overseas for a couple monts get a couple “milli” a come to the NBA at age 19. Sounds like a plan to be
July 9th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Kobeef says:
@Ross
Nice job spotting the “blatant plug for my shoe sponsor” in Arenas’ comment re. the best starting 5 in the NBA.
I was suspicious when Chauncey was listed at PG when he is clearly a notch below the best in the game but did not see the Adidas connection….so lame on Arenas part.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Data says:
First things first Brand is Cold Blooded like Rick James. Backing out on management is one thing they’ve been know to screw players over but backing out on your boy BD is just harsh. Dude left a good situation cause they had a plan to play in LA and Brand just peaced on him. Interesting to see how the clipper fans react when he comes back to town. Will he be booed by the crowds og 6000.
@celts fan
couldn’t agree more if Dalambert can focus on blocking shots and rebounding he is an asset to philly when he’s trying to score that’s not a good look for him. Alley oops, put backs and drop-step dunks are his range.
Brandon Jennings has no isdea what he’s gotten himself into. Euro ball is the most fundmental ball in the world he just doesn’t have the knowledge of the game and fundementals to habng with those cats from europe. It’s not about quickness orhops overseas it’s about being crafty. They’re like those old timers at the gym that are slow as hell but they are so effiecient that they find a way to score even though you’re younger, quicker, and more athletic. Not to mention he doesn’t even speak the language and is going to be in a completely foreign land. This is not a good move. I wish him the best. I just feel like this is going to set a dangerous precedent.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
I don’t think going overseas is the answer for most HS guys. It’s like going straight to the NBA, only with a language/culture barrier and lower level of comp (but still higher than 99% of colleges.) Some guys would excel, but I can only imagine how alone you’d feel in the wrong situation…
Having said that, if anyone wants to look out for themselves and pad their pockets for a year and bypass the system that has them making billions for the NBA and getting nothing but a free education (good enough for most, but I can see why the .001% that are stars and will be surefire NBA 1st rounders don’t like it) the NBA set up, that’s the way to do it and I’m all for it. At the very least, if you were to get injured there, you at least made some money. If you get hurt here in college, you get NOTHING.
Ask Jason Frazier if he could go back and do it all over which one he’d choose (was an All American big man - legit 6′10″ - went to ‘Nova, blew out both knees, one twice I think, went from 1st rounder had he gone straight from HS to nowhere on the league’s radar now that he graduated college.)
July 9th, 2008 at 9:09 am
BALLZ says:
I would almost rather wear the Starbury’s than the Candace Parkers.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
@Data, that’s the risk you take going overseas. It should be good experience for him though. As long as he’s mature enough to handle the situation (not all guys are. I sure as hell wasn’t as a HS senior) he should benefit from playing fundamental guys and pick up some new moves and tips from playing with/defending them every day. If Jennings is even close to as good as advertised and has the maturity/attitude to handle it, this can only be good for him. Not to mention, he’s going to either Italy or Spain - 2 very beautiful places, the 2 best leagues in Europe, and some $$$. Don’t see any downside if the kid’s wired right…
July 9th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Data says:
@celts
I gotta disagree with you on that. The Spanish league puts an emphasis on point guard play and we all know pg is the hardest position to pick up so as a point he’s gonna have to adapt his game to a new style of play and learn a whole bunch of schemes and offenses he’s never been taught cause playing in HS he just ran the show. It will take him at least a year to get comfortable and i don’t see a team trying to develop him for a year and allow him to lead the team knowing that he’s gone the next year and they won’t get anything out of their investment. I agree withj you that there are a select few players that could have done the overseas thing but i think it would be hard for a pg to do it. Like i said i before i hope he proves me wrong but i just don’t think it’s the best thing. Night in night out he’s going to have guys going after him cause they feel like showing up will get them some looks he’s going to have a huge target on his back. Not to mention the fact that euro fans are some of the most hostile fans in the world the make philly fans look like soccer moms.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Zach says:
I’m still waiting for the next phenom (jennings is not a phenom, Lebron was) to come up and just sign his shoe deal out of HS. If this rule was in effect when Lebron came out he still could’ve gotten $75 mil (instead of $90) from Nike and wouldn’t have even had to play overseas (I’m sure nike would rather have him wait the year instead of risk injury overseas) and his shoes would be hot on the market before he ever played his first NBA game.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Ocka says:
Jennings will struggle over there, wherever he plays or practice-plays but it’s inevitable that it will make him a much better player through the experience alone. The guy is a really good pg but learning, developing his game and most importantly, gaining a maturity level by playing in Europe will make him a much better player, even if he never gets any burn. The one thing good young American players lack is an appreciation and knowledge of how the International game is played.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:17 am
iain. says:
Somewhere in Arizona, Chase Budinger is weeping into his volleyball pads..
July 9th, 2008 at 10:20 am
yallallreadyknow says:
corey maggette is a born loser. wasting his prime years. hahaha. sucks for him. and golden state is downright foolish (mullin?!!?) for giving him $10 mil a year….
elton brand has no business in philly. 76ers gave $82 million…clips were offering $75 million….really elton…$7 million is the reason you bounced?…sheeeeit, GS offered you over $90 million..why go to illa delph?
i dont know brandon jennings, but of the bum cant get a 750 on the SATs to qualify for ncaa play, he shouldnt be allowed to leave the country.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Austin Burton says:
Are we assuming Jennings is going to play in the “A”-level leagues in Europe? He could go overseas and play for the lower-level leagues, the same ones that college teams often play in exhibitions and usually beat and sometimes destroy. Plus, from watching Jennings play several times in person, his greatest asset is his court vision and passing. That will help him succeed on any level, so long as he tones down his knack of getting too showboat-style. But then again, every time I’ve watched him play was in a setting where guys tend to hot-dog it: All-American games, summer camps, national TV games, etc.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:35 am
OKC Hicks says:
Just like I said in yesterday’s Smack, the summer league games, not even preseason, don’t matter at all to me. 1-13? Could be a fluke, could be a sign of things to come, but I’m not going to judge him by 2 summer league games just yet…
@Yallready
Why go to Philly? First, it’s in the East, where the Sixers already made the playoffs while the Clips have not. Second, Brand has a better chance of making the All-Star team in the East, which usually is tied in to incentives in contracts to make a little bit more dough. Judging by all that, and the fact that he could be the go-to guy, whereas the shots might not come as easy with Baron in L.A., I can’t blame the dude for thinking Philly might be better for his career.
Brandon Jennings is probably going to benefit the most out of this. David Stern, this is what you get when you try to prevent people who think they are ready to make a living. If the idea of straight from high school players means that owners are going to lose money because they might flame out, then how about the GM’s don’t draft them. Does that mean that those players shouldn’t be given the chance to pursue their dreams, whether their 18 years old or not? Nah. I commend Brandon because not only is the competition probably better, but (don’t hate me for saying this) doesn’t it seem that Euro players are a little bit more well-rounded in all facets of the game except for maybe defense, which half the superstars in our league don’t really do anyway? Just my opinion though…
July 9th, 2008 at 10:42 am
MSkittle says:
LeBron did play in his rookie year summer league. And Jennings averaged 34 ppg at Oak Hill Academy. He will kill overseas.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Data says:
@Austin
If the deal is reported to be in the 300k range i think it’s safe to assume that its in the A league. I have a a friend who played int spains 3rd division and was only making 500 a moth so i’m pretty sure it’s division 1.
@Ocka
I agree with you it will allow him to improve and pick up stuff he wouldn’t learn in college. But it will expose a lot of his weaknesses and might hurt his draft stockif he gets little playing time or can’t produce good numbers.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Mac says:
Seriously, grown-up US players struggle to get a handle on playing and living in Europe. What about a kid who can’t even pass his SATs!?!? Also, imagine BJ going to a Greek, Turkish or, even Italian club. How will he deal with the fans, the nut-job coach and the crazy-ass management? And what will happen when he starts doing his dumb-ass AAU stuff on 30-ish Yugo teammates with Serbian military police tattoos? Believe me, this is going to end very badly indeed.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:00 am
rangerjohn says:
people seam to be forgetting that brand is now in the LEASTERN conf. he is going to philly, where the competition is easier, where they where border line “upsetting” the pistons. put brand on that team and it would have been a 76er celtic conf finals. it was not the 7 mil more, or the 8 mil less, it was a chance to be on a team i nthe east where he has a better chance of getting to the playoffs, and winning AND he got a nice check.
for get the numbers it was about playing in a conf where he can win and he will not have to face the lakers,spurs,rockets,mavs,jazz,nuggets,hornets,blazers,suns, he will just have to face the knicks, the bobcats, the bucks, the heat, i mean the only tough teams he will face? celtics, pistons, cavs (maybe), wiz (maybe) hawks (maybe), heat (maybe), bulls (maybe) raps(maybe) lmao couple good teams and a whole lot of maybes and no ways!
all about winning, well sorta
July 9th, 2008 at 11:02 am
OKC Hicks says:
Haha people with lesser profiles go overseas all the time, so why is it any different for him? Remember, locals of Spain that are good sometimes start playing pro-ball at like 15, so I think Jennings can handle his…
July 9th, 2008 at 11:02 am
doc says:
Fuck them overseas leagues.If he a top 5 pick he will kill them soft ass bums over there.Everybody got hate in they blood today.Why Magette take 10 mill,why Elton take 82 over 75.What the fuck is wrong with yall.why the fuck do you pricks go to work everyday.Im sure its not to be with your fucking friend.It all about money thats how this world is run.WTF do you mean why do they leave for more money when ALL of you pricks would leave your job for a 100 gas card on top of your checks every week.Contradictory homos.@Celts you definitly right about Willie Green being our worse player.Sammy good money for what he do.He just got in situations where he tried to do too much but thats what happens when you dont have a number 1 scorer.But we have one now!
July 9th, 2008 at 11:04 am
doc says:
I see dudes get picked in the lottery from overseas and they be averaging like 5 points.He gonna be a top pick regardless.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:13 am
Jim says:
Somewhere in Europe, Britton Johnsen* is waiting for Brandon Jennings.
*Answer to the trivia question.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:20 am
stones rolling says:
hahahaha at post 46… Yugo’s with military police tattoos…
it won’t be that bad. Jennings will be fine, and considering the average European high schooler is more intelligent/educated than the average American COLLEGE student, he’ll probably come out of this knowing more about the world than he ever would have coming out of Arizona.
And the Euros will totally eat that And-1 shit up. Are you kidding me? Trust me, whatever team picks him up is going to make a lot of money off this kid’s image.
And its not like he’s not going to be able to work on his PG skills over there. He will sign with an offensive team and will get a chance to develop offensive creativity, not just be some chach mindlessly executing what his college coach tells him to run.
This is a good move for him, fuck Sternbag.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:21 am
Data says:
@OKC
the difference is these kids have grown up playing the euro style of basketball and more importantly they speakl the language and are in theor home country. BJ is going to have to not just play basketball he’s going to have to live in a foreign country where he’s an outsider. It’s one thing to do your 4 years of college then go play overseas compared to being fresh out of HS and trying to make the leap. I mean if he doesn’t have the grades to get into college as a top recruit i worry how he’s going to do living in europe.
@doc
Being a top 5 NBA pick doesn’t mean anything playing in europe. Kwame Brown was a number one pick and he would have gotten killed in europe. Yes Jennings is killing in it ih HS but those are boys with limited fundementals in europe he’ll be playing grown men playing the game a way he’s never been exposed to. So don’t give the he’s a top 5 pick so he’ll dominate line.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:42 am
OKC Hicks says:
@Doc
Completely agree with what you said about the money. People were getting on Gilbert (and me) when I said “at least he let go of 16 million” so the team could sign Jamison and maybe make other moves. He even structured it so he would make less earlier on and the more later on, as the salary cap increases on an annual basis. Now people hating on Brand saying “it’s only 7 million, he shoud have signed with the Clips…” Only 7 million? Damn, either you guys are really really rich or really really dumb, cause I’m pretty sure even if I made all the money these dudes make, an extra 7 million for my children to make sure there lives are better off would be the deciding factor. And some cats are talking about loyalty. Oh really? If there’s one thing I learned from my years on this planet, it’s that you gotta do what’s best for you and yours, fuck what your friends say or do. So what, Baron is probably a little bit pissed off that he ain’t going to the team he thought he would be going to. Big deal. If Brand had known that Philly would trade dudes to open up space for him, I’m sure he wouldn’t have said shit to Baron, but even if he did, at least EB is looking out for his well-being. I really doubt he cares about what he might or might not have said to B-Diddy. This reminds me of the Carlos Boozer situation a few years back. Everyone getting on his nuts for not signing with the Cavs even though he “verbally agreed” to some shit. Hell, I verbally agree to a lot of things, and then I don’t do them. Is it cause I’m a bad man? Nah it’s cause I gotta look out for me, son. Boozer went for more money, EB going for more money, and Baron Davis a damn fool for not keeping his more money at G.S.
Had to get that off my chest…
July 9th, 2008 at 11:43 am
doc says:
@Data Kwame Brown probaly will beast them pussies in Europe.Name me some European monsters because I cant think of one.What Europe center will kill Kwame?Yall keep talking like that Europe league mean something.He might be the shit in the REAL league so he will bust they ass over there too.Yeah some vets can teach him some things but he has more talent then anty of them pricks any day of the week.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:45 am
doc says:
He meaning BJ not Kwame so people dont think im crazy.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:49 am
that's whats up says:
@ OKC
then why did brand leave another 15 Million behind at Golden State?
Brand is from NY - close to Philly (but a world away from the Knicks)
July 9th, 2008 at 11:51 am
YOUNGFED says:
Ya’ll crackin’ me up today, definetly post #41 and 49. I didn’t know my topic about BJ would spark such heated emotion. But I think all players should forgoe college straight to oversea’s
“GET DAT PAPUUUURR” - YOUNGFED
@Doc
That was straight “Truth” my brother 4real
July 9th, 2008 at 11:56 am
Phileus says:
I want to see Jennings end up in the Spanish league and go against Ricky Rubio, the best PG prospect in Europe.
Though like Austin said, he probably won’t be playing in a high-level club (if he wants to get a lot of minutes) and instead will just kill in a low-level league.
I don’t understand why people think he won’t do well in Europe. Fringe NBA players or people not good enough to get drafted look to Europe to make their careers, but you’re saying a sure talent like Jennings can’t succeed there?
July 9th, 2008 at 11:58 am
doc says:
They know its the truth Fed.A couple years ago I was in the Clippers training camp,played preseason and everything and Sam Cassell got cool with me.He said youngin I dont give a fuck what nobody say you in this for the paper.Its a JOB and like any JOB,you get what you deserve on the market for whatever it is you do.He like a 15 year vet so he know how the game work.Them GMs shit on you in a second if they want.You sign for 6 years and get traded to East bubblefuck 2 months later.You better get the most pay you can.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:59 am
YOUNGFED says:
@Kobeef
Almost forgot bout you. That wasn’t a plug for some shoe add. That was Gill speakin’ the truth. Name one guard that Chaucey ain’t beastin’. Don’t forget he had to stepdown for CP3 or D-Will to even make the Olympic squad.
PAY HOMAGE TO THE GAWD CHAUNCE BILL-HOVA…..LMAO
July 9th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Bron42 had springs before slamball says:
first off, britton johnson, the white guy who dunked on lebron during summer league, did make the league for like a day with the magic and the hornets.
Seconds tons of american guys with less talent then jennings kill overseas so lets not make it like its fucking super elite ball over there. Like i said before, casey jacobson held his own overseas. Maceo Baston held his how. Anthony parker. Hawkins. Pops mesobonsu. Will bynum etc…All jennings will have to do is learn how to play the point effeciently to go along with his scoring. If he does that he’ll murder on any team over there. If he doesn’t then he’ll just be a 1 dunk highlight who gets paid 300,000 for one year and then goes pro. Either way hes fine. And sadly, if kwame could catch the ball, he’d hold his own overseas too against bums like splitter and gasol. Its really not that serious. If your at least someone what athletic overseas you get shine. The only real difference is the enviornment.
@data, um both doc and I have played overseas, so your not gonna surprise us with some “o its soo much harder over there” talk. once you adjust to the fan craziness and the risk of your league goin bankrupt lol its not that bad.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
rell says:
If Brand wanted to leave L.A. he should have atleast gave B.Diddy some kind of warning before he agreed to come there. I read on another site that the Clip’s were willing to increase it pass the 75 million mark by renouning some player rights. It could have got to atleast 80million. This is Boozer all over again. Golden State giving Magette 10 million dollar those not make any sense. He play the same position at Jax and would rather have Jax on my team than Maggette. How can they afford both Bredrins and Monta Ellis now?
July 9th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Bron42 had springs before slamball says:
jennings is at least better than guys like spanish chocolate,carlos arroyo and the bums drafted this year or any of the french guys not named parker.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Data says:
@doc
Kwame isn’t versatile enough to kill anybody in europe. That’s what you don’t understand. if you’ve never seen a euro game you will never understand what the style of play is out there. NBA talent doesn’t necessarily translate to europ success. If Kwame played in a div one league in spain or italy he wouldn’t start and he’d be marginal at best. & footers out there would be raining 3s on him and taking him off the dribble and droppong up fakes and shkes he’s neevr seen. I’ve played in euro games, ncaa games, and seen nba games played at the highest level. Unless you’ve seen euro games live or played in them you don’t know how different the game is. If you wanna base your opinion on the fact that euros are soft cause you’ve seen them play in the NBa or seen youtube clips there’s no point in me even continuing this discussion.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
doc says:
@data Im not new to this dog,I did more than play over there.I averaged 25 over there so please with the Europe players is the best nonsense.@Bron You still training for the Nets?Are yall gonna be in Vegas this week?Check me out yall i just found out ima be on NBA tv next week ballin for my favorite team in the summer league.Guarentee I get numbers.Should get a invite to somebodies training camp.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Bron42 had springs before slamball says:
@data, lol ya just the same way bargani, hermann,alberto,sene, and darko are such beastly versatile players right? if baby shaq can kill in greece and he cant hit a jumpshot, kwame would hold his own and at least give ya 8 points and get drafted like that bum the bobcats took at 20 who averaged a whoopin 5 points and 4 boards. like i said, been there played that. the only thing kwame would have to adjust to is the up tempo. The simple fact that hes trash and still athletic enough to keep up with 90% of eurobigs would even it out. And the same way they would be drainin 3s, he would be punishing them down low since they a) play no defense b) arent used to the physical contact. I’m not sayin he would dominate but stop makin it like euro teams are so elite and guys cant hang when guys who dont get drafted CONSTANTLY go overaseas and hold their own lol. Andre barret, dejaun wagner couldnt cut it in the league and are both playin overseas. Keydren clark didn’t even get draft and is playin overseas.
@Doc
I’ll be out there at the end of the month lookin at some of the guys for the overseas tryouts around the 25th (greece, phillipines etc..) cuz right now I’m working with some college guys who didn’t get drafted.
July 9th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Austin Burton says:
If Khalid El-Amin puts in work overseas, I’m sure Brandon Jennings will be fine.
As far as Elton Brand, did anyone stop to consider maybe some of his decision had to do with the people he’d be working with? Maybe he really liked Mo Cheeks, thinks Don Nelson is a d-bag, and is indifferent on Dunleavy. Or it could be the owners that made an impression on him, teammates, etc. It’s not always about money or winning. Sometimes it’s about liking the people you have to spend 8-9 months out of the year around all day.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
that's whats up says:
@ Austin “Sometimes it’s about liking the people you have to spend 8-9 months out of the year around all day.”
…then why you still workin’ at DIME ??? - lmao
July 9th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Data says:
Bron,
My argument was never a question of euro leagues being better than the nba… that would be a ridiculous comment what my argument was is that the two games are completely different and that HIGH SCHOOL players are not tailored for the euro game or ready to make the transition of living overseas and making the necessary adjustments to be successful in that type of environment. Nowhere did i say that the nba was an inferior league that’s ridiculous. And yes there are lots of players that have flopped in the NBA and played in europe but you gotta understand that there are hundreds of teams in europe so of course there are more opportunities for players to play. But if you’re talking in the elite leagues in spain and italy the competition is intense and they are not just lining up to take the nba’s scraps
July 9th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
@Doc, congrats on balling in the summer league man.
Euros do tend to be more versatile, all-around players, but they are soft. I think both stereotypes are usually true, but at the same time, Americans tend to be better at the 1 or 2 aspects of the game they’ve honed in on all their lives than the Euros are at any 1 of the skills they’re good at. Ya, Andrea Bargniani is wicked versatile, and he averages like 10, 5, 3, and 1. Marcus Camby is extremely 1 dimensional, but he OWNS the paint in Denver.
In the NBA, you need to have a skill or 2 that you are GREAT at, not just be good at all of them. I’d rather have a 7 footer that plays like a 7 footer, even if you never want him shooting a jumper than a 7 footer that plays like he’s 6′5″ but can knock down a shot, cuz there’s only been 1 (Dirk) that’s been a legit difference maker (talking the Euro bigs that can shoot.) Most of these Euros with their “all around skill sets” end up being glue guys or 4th/5th options as starters, supplimenting the guys that have firm roles and a GREAT skill or 2. You can always count on Ray Allen to make a jumper or AI to rain down his 25 and embarrass a guy or ten, even if their defense is iffy. What can you honestly count on most of these Euros to do? They do “all the little things well,” which is the same rationale we heard when the Celtics signed Scal.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
*I’m not anti-Euro at all either btw, just like I’m not anti-white centers, but both, when drafted highly, tend to perform well below their draft slots. Just saying…
July 9th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
*There are some I like too (Ricky Rubio’s gonna be sick,) it just seems (channeling Dick Vitale here) that we over-inflate their stock from overseas and over-analyze and nitpick our own players. Michael Beasley’s gonna be a problem in South Beach, but Gallinari partied w/ models all the time in Milan. What’s the difference?
July 9th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Austin Burton says:
@#69 — No comment
July 9th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Homeless J says:
A lot of people are acting like Brandon Jennings walks up to doors and stares at the knob for a few minutes thinking “what do I do with this strange alien contraption” before someone sees him standing there and walks over and opens the door for him.
like he’s only taking the overseas money so he can have those physical disability button sensors that open the door for you, that they have at the bathroom in the mall.
Some people just don’t have the patience to sit down for two or three hours and do a bunch of school work. Judging by what people are saying about him being flashy and a little full of himself sometimes, he’s probably one of those guys who aren’t necessarily dumb, but would need to pop a whole bottle of ritalin if they’re going to sit down for even a half hour and focus on something they think is boring. especially if he’s got his mind made up that he’s making a ton of money anyway, no matter what. If you knew that, barring a major injury that could happen in college anyway, you’re going to make that much money in the same amount of time, and you have an option where you can make an incredibly decent amount of money that most normal people would still kill for right now to go to a beautiful place and not have to keep his grades up and attend class regularly for a degree he’s never going to complete or have any use for, would you make any other decision than the one he made?
July 9th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
doc says:
@data All them leagues over there got the NBA scraps.
July 9th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Homeless J says:
I can picture Jennings doing all three of his SAT tests the same way I used to take my yearlies in grade school - by randomly marking mostly A’s and C’s and finishing in about two minutes so I could go to recess.
except ‘recess’ to him is a grip of money and exotic women in europe.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Lee says:
We’re not really in Europe, but I could see some american talent coming to England if we sort our league out .. no language barries to start with. And our leauge is filled with Americans already.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
Under the radar signing: the Heat grabbed James Jones. Taht’s a good get for them. Dude can play D and stroke the 3.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
jamesinva says:
that idiot mark posting “1st”. first of all you werent first, second i dont get why these idiots continue to make those stupid posts.
jennings is making a mistake IMO. he should just stay here, get a damn SAT tutor or something. (or he should have)
but gotta admit, lookin at the kid, hes got that arthur agee haircut look. kenny smith will be proud
July 9th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Bron42 had springs before slamball says:
i understand what your sayin data, but brandon jennings isn’t just some high school bum. He was #1 in the nation for a reason. Thats like tellin me monta ellis wouldnt hold his own overseas (he averaged 40 a game as a high school senior, Brandon averaged like 34)…If brandon could play alil more under control he’d light up almost any euro guard you throw out there. I mean its kinda like why the USA 18 and under team owns all the euro competitions. while the euro guys are usually more fundamental, the american teens are atheltic enough to get away with stuff. So if he just has somewhat of a basketball IQ, he’d hold his own easy.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
OKC Hicks says:
I used to train with dudes that were making dough overseas before I busted up my knee, and they used to tell me that the only thing that sucked about it was being so far away from home and the fact they had to adjust to life in another country (language, culture, food, etc.). If those guys, people you’ve probably never heard of, were doing big things then I’m almost positive that Jennings can go there and make a name for himself. Not only that, think of Mike D’Antoni’s system in PHX just with every other team and not as athletic. I’m pretty sure a scorer could fit in…
Good look by the Heat picking up Jones. Ever since Kapono left they haven’t really had a spot up shooter. Unless you count Chris Quinn as one…
I wonder though if Jennings is going to be one of the few people to do such a thing as going overseas? Could you really see more people wanting to go through all that for just a year before they can declare for the draft? Hopefully not, because college basketball will suffer a huge blow if that does in fact happen. But then again, I’d like to see Stern’s face if it does work out that way…
July 9th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Bron42 had springs before slamball says:
bein able to go overseas would of saved lenny cookes career since he couldnt get his SATS straight either and instead entered the draft without bein ready.
The head didn’t really need a spot up shooter though since they don’t have a lost post presence. At least james jones isn’t the defensive liability that kapono was.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
tim says:
someone tell YOUNGFED that that lineup Gilbert was quotes as his other starting 5 are all his Adidas sponsored friends…..
and as a Pistons fan…I like Stuckey over Billups..
When is Detroit sign and trading for Josh Smith?
July 9th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
that's whats up says:
well, I gotta say….. If Bogut is getting 14 mill a year for 14 points and 10 boards per, then fuckin’ A…..get that paper.
but damn, whether or not he’s worth it, he’s worth that amount now.
If you can get someone to pay you that much, then you are worth that much
July 10th, 2008 at 2:34 am
Buck Fush says:
Well ranger looks like the Spurs are getting Roger Mason, Jr