L.A. Likes Josh Smith and Emeka Okafor, Steve Nash Gets Help, and the Lakers Could Use Some Crazy
Ron Artest, Dime #20The Clippers’ search to replace Elton Brand looks like it’s down to two main candidates: Josh Smith and Emeka Okafor. Both are restricted free agents, both are young (Okafor 25, Smith 22) and going into their fifth year in the League, both would automatically make L.A. a better defensive team, and both are tremendous upgrades over Paul Davis, who would be the Clips’ starting PF if the season started right now. Smith is more in the Shawn Marion mold of power forwards and would be a monster in an up-and-down system QB’d by Baron Davis, but he can’t shoot. Okafor is a solid guy in the paint who can replace all of Brand’s rebounding and shot-blocking and some of his scoring, but even though he pulled a Baron move and played all 82 in a contract year, he’ll always have injury concerns. Smith is clearly the priority and the preference, but Okafor (who should be cheaper) wouldn’t be a bad silver medal … Yesterday’s biggest trade rumor had the Lakers offering Lamar Odom to Sacramento for Ron Artest. This could work well for both sides. The Kings would want L.A. to take back Kenny Thomas and his terrible contract in the deal, but it’d be worth it for the Lakers to get Artest, who makes that defense downright scary (Kobe, Artest, Bynum) and gives them that little bit of crazy that every championship team needs (see: Garnett, Kevin). The Kings would get L.O.’s $14 million expiring contract — not to mention a damn good ballplayer — in exchange for Artest, who was a lock to walk away from them next year anyway … The Spurs keep making quiet moves, signing Roger Mason to basically replace Brent Barry, who’s expected to sign with the Rockets soon. Mason (9.1 ppg) got an opportunity to show off his game in D.C. while Gilbert Arenas was out, and had some nights where he got buckets, but coming over from the Wizards he’ll have to get used to playing defense if he’s gonna get burn for Pop … Kwame Brown worked out for the Bucks recently, where he’d basically take Jake Voskuhl’s place if he got picked up. (Or maybe he beats out Dan Gadzuric for the backup center job behind Andrew Bogut.) This might not work, though. Scott Skiles already chased Tyson Chandler out of Chicago, and Kwame isn’t known to be the most mentally-tough guy out there … We don’t get the Andres Nocioni-for-Marcus Williams (Nets) trade rumor. For starters, NJ has to throw more players in there, because Nocioni makes about $7 million more than Williams. Besides that, Chicago is giving up too much there and not getting enough back. Marcus is alright, but will he ever be good enough to be an NBA starter? Not like he’d start over Derrick Rose anyway, and ideally you want a vet backing up the rookie PG, not another inexperienced youngster. Giving up Nocioni also means the Bulls would have to re-sign Luol Deng, otherwise they’re too thin at the three spot … Kevin Durant’s 22-point summer league appearance was apparently a one-off thing, because he hasn’t played with Team Oklahoma City since. They got smacked by the Heat yesterday, with Michael Beasley putting up 19 points and Mario Chalmers scoring 11. Beasley is gonna have a Durant/‘Melo-ish rookie year: lots of scoring, not much defense, but at least he won’t be asked to carry a garbage team. We don’t see him pulling down 10 boards a night in Year 1 a la Al Horford, either … Russell Westbrook scored 19 in his matchup with Chalmers … Brook Lopez scored 23 and Chris Douglas-Roberts had 15 in the Nets’ win over Chicago, who was again without Rose (knee). We caught some of the game online, and the Bulls have no offense without Rose. The closest things they had to a point guard were JamesOn Curry and Keith Langford, neither of whom was a PG in college, and the only guy who seemed confident in his shot was Demetris Nichols. Which would have been cool except he went 0-for-6 beyond the arc … Patrick Ewing got his first W as a head coach, leading the Magic’s summer team to a win over the Pacers. Rookie Courtney Lee scored 18. Ewing got the rare summer-league technical foul earlier this week. No word on whether the ref T’d Pat up for sweating on him … Which kicks would you rather have: THESE or THESE? … Deron Williams is probably gonna sign a max extension this summer, but something to keep an eye on is what the rest of Utah’s core does. Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur and Kyle Korver could all opt out of their deals next summer. And you know Jerry Sloan can’t coach forever (or can he?). “It could be a whole different scenario in the next couple years,” Deron said in the Salt Lake Tribune. “I just want to make sure that things are going the right way because I’m about winning.” Deron had better watch out before he ends up like D-Wade this past year, struggling to win 20 games … In yesterday’s Smack we talked about Miami’s underrated signing of free agent James Jones. The Suns are reportedly close to another under-the-radar move that will prove to be huge down the road, as Tyronn Lue is looking like a good bet to get on with Phoenix. Lue’s not a star or even starting material, but he’ll give Steve Nash a serviceable backup for the first time in years. If Terry Porter goes the opposite way of Mike D’Antoni and doesn’t run Nash 45 minutes a night in meaningless games, that’ll protect Nash’s back and keep him fresh for the postseason … Asked about his rep for getting it in at the clubs, Chris Duhon told Newsday: “My personal life is my personal life. My main focus here is to compete and make the New York Knicks a better team. That’s my main goal and focus. I don’t really comment about anything like that.” For real? So you’re on sites like THIS more than Brett Favre is on “SportsCenter,” but it’s strictly personal? Alright, man … What’s cooler: that Dan Majerle is in a movie, that Dan Majerle is in a movie where he plays “Hunter #1,” or that Dan Majerle is in a movie where he plays “Hunter #1″ and shares the screen with Danny Trejo? … We’re out like Duhon’s privacy …
July 11th, 2008 at 5:24 am
Bruce says:
Make the trade LA, get a small forward.
Ron-ron can defend the likes of James, Pierce, Manu, Melo, and so on……
Any other small forwards out there?
July 11th, 2008 at 5:25 am
Jeff Foster says:
About time you showed me some love…
July 11th, 2008 at 5:30 am
Bruce says:
I rather have Ron-Ron than LO, Ron-ron just plain better with one exception, LO is taller. Championship or bust!
Ron-ron ain’t no Rodman either!
July 11th, 2008 at 5:33 am
Bruce says:
Quick Poll —
Team 1. MJ and Pippen
versus
Team 2. Kobe and Ron-ron.
Pay-per-view, someone call Don King!
July 11th, 2008 at 5:43 am
the_don_mega says:
@Bruce…
no need for a poll… MJ and any dude would win that match-up hands down…
@DIME
Danny Trejo is THE MAN!!!
July 11th, 2008 at 6:21 am
eric says:
nba.com frontpage
a picture shows baron and elton brand side by side with their respective new uniforms… weird
July 11th, 2008 at 6:30 am
Big Daddy says:
Agreed - i go for MJ and anyone…
As for those pics on Flickr - some of those birds look like they can’t believe their luck!
July 11th, 2008 at 6:34 am
rangerjohn (maggette:"its not about the money, PAY ME!") says:
how about freakin brent barry going to the rockets for 1.9 mil
no mention?
July 11th, 2008 at 7:00 am
kobeef says:
Russell Wesbrook is playing some solid ball in the summer league. People questioned his shot and playmaking but the kid is hitting threes and running the team better than any other PG in summer league (which is not really something to write home about…if not for the fact that Rose was in the SL also)
Did anyone else catch the press conference for Jermaine in TO? Is it just me or should this guy’s nickname be Dolphin Boy. His forehead is like 18 inches tall.
July 11th, 2008 at 7:17 am
sans says:
Yeah…loving the Dolphin Boy. We’ve been calling him Nine Head but Dolphin Boy’s cool. oh, and you have to take the Chucks over the tennis balls.
Dime, y’all seem real bored this time of year. Us too. Can’t wait for 080808.
July 11th, 2008 at 7:20 am
miamiVIS3 says:
“…gives them that little bit of crazy that every championship team needs (see: Garnett, Kevin).”
Classic.
July 11th, 2008 at 7:26 am
iain. says:
lol @ dolphin boy
wtf @ jeff foster jersey?
July 11th, 2008 at 7:42 am
YOUNGFED says:
Quick Hitters:
1.) Nicholas Montana, son of 4-time Super Bowl QB Joe Montana enrolled at Oaks Christian High School recently. So what happens when the QB son of a Hall of Fame QB applies to your school?
That the 6-foot-2 Junior QB had done so would be interesting enough. What makes it even more noteworthy is that Montana will be competing for a starting spot against the spawn of an all-time great from another sport. That would be Trevor Gretzky. You know…Wayne’s son? They would need a famous son to pass to as well. But of course. Will Smith’s son Trey is a Wide Receiver on the squad.
This has nothing to do with basketball but I thought it’s pretty cool. My pick would be Joe’s son. What if all three make the NFL?
July 11th, 2008 at 7:46 am
Tbeezy says:
Lue as Nash’s first legit backup in years? What was leandro Barbosa?
July 11th, 2008 at 7:56 am
YOUNGFED says:
THIS JUST IN:
In an interview on the Dan Patrick Show (Si.com) Elton Brand said, “If the owner would have answer my calls I probably would still be a clipper. When my agent and I contacted them we were told the owners was unavailable. So we decided to calls some people who would answer the phone.”
DIIZZZZAYYYUUUUUM!!! MUST BE TWO SIDES. LOL
Once again your friendly hood reporter bringin’ it hot off the presses….aS usually BEFORE DIME.
STEP YO GAME UP PIMPIN’
July 11th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
@TBeezy, he’s an undersized 2 guard masquerading as a point and even D’Antoni said he’s an off-guard stuck playing PG cuz they didn’t have a legit backup.
on Duhon, I saw a site a few weeks ago just ripping Duhon. So hilarious I went back and read a good chunk of the season’s stuff. It’s Bulls fans who HATED that guy. Completely hilarious, laughs at his “personal” life and his stupid T-shirts. http://www.blogabull.com/2008/7/6/565947/who-will-i-incessantly-rip
July 11th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Celts Fan, "Kobe, Tell me how my @$$ tastes" says:
oops, that’s the link to where they’re announcing him being gone.
Here’s the funny one.
http://benchduhon.blogspot.com/search/label/Chris%20Duhon
July 11th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Kobeef says:
@iain
Jeff Foster?? I was thinking the same thing. Of all the Jerseys Ron Ron could wear why Foster? Do they even sell those?
@Youngfed
What kind of School is this?
I’d actually go for Trevor Gretzky. If you compare Gretzky’s career to an NBA player’s career you’d have to say he was something like a Michael Jordan/Jason Kidd hybrid.
Gretsky had every scoring record there was but also saw the ice about 5 plays ahead of everyone else.
July 11th, 2008 at 8:43 am
YOUNGFED says:
Probably some prep school in LA. I get your Gretzky comparison. But remember they’re competing for the QB spot and Joe Montana was a great QB.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:00 am
doc says:
Whatup yall I play at 4 today 1 in the East.Im number 40 I think Fed.In them pics with the ballers and groupies Ron Ron twisting a dutch and got some more in his pocket.And that Duhon shit is funny Celts.We play G-State today I should get some minutes because real rap Im the best guard on the squad.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:28 am
YOUNGFED says:
good luck son
July 11th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Damon says:
well, ron just wants to wear the jersey of an offensive genius. so he took jeff foster over kobe…
July 11th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Blue says:
i’d be amazed if the kings did anything to help out the lakers. i think the rumor was that the lakers called the kings about artest, but the kings didn’t call back.
‘thunder’ dan majerle has always been one of my favorite players…him and danny trejo in a movie together is pretty f’in awesome if you ask me. how shitty do you think the movie is though?
July 11th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Kobeef says:
@Doc
Wow - I am impressed.
First - I had no idea you were a legit ballplayer
Second - how is is that you have never mentioned this?
July 11th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Kobeef says:
In honour of Doc I propose we rename the summer league blog “DocBlog” today at 4.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:40 am
MSkittle says:
You guys ware way off on 2 points.
1. Josh Smith isn’t that bad of a shooter. The fact that he can step outside and shoot a 3 with confidence is impressive. I’d rather have him shooting an outside shot than Lamar Odom aka Mr. Tentative
2. Beasley was such a dominant rebounder in college. As long as he gets minutes in the NBA, that should continue. Even cats like Kurt Thomas who board like that in college can still find ways to do it in the pro’s.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:52 am
isotope says:
First Scola, now Barry. Forget winning a playoff series Rockets are satisfied with just robbing the spurs.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:02 am
that's whats up says:
the rockets can take the spurs players, but they can’t take a first round series.
Who joined the spurs? George Mason? Anthony Mason? why didn’t they pick Chalmers ?!?!?!?!?!
July 11th, 2008 at 11:05 am
that's whats up says:
yeah doc - you number 40.
http://www.nba.com/summerleague2008/team/index.jsp?team=sixers
play smart - good luck
July 11th, 2008 at 11:06 am
P_Dizzle says:
Wow, that stuff on Duhon is hilarious! I haven’t laughed like that in a while. That cat flat out sucks!
In those flickr pics, the pics of Sam I Am with chicks was disturbing. Also who in their right mind would want a pic w/ Felton Spencer. That cat looked like he ate the last team he played for. Same goes for Dennis Scott he looked like he just got out of the funny farm.
Props to Ewing for getting “t’d” up.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:06 am
MSkittle says:
Crazy Duhon pics on that site, by the way. Giving lap dances? Come on Chris, you’re better than that.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Majerly choke says:
if u check the credits, Dan Majerle was not only in the movie, he co-produced it. Probably why he got some screen time…
July 11th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Austin Burton says:
Oaks Christian is a football powerhouse in California. Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame QB) went there and they had a bunch of other D-1 recruits on the same team.
July 11th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Kobeef says:
Here’s a pic of Doc playing with the Clippers in pre-season:
http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dVM9OO7ao4bW/610x.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.daylife.com/photo/0dVM9OO7ao4bW&h=512&w=610&sz=61&hl=en&start=1&sig2=zivmzZmN7KikjfAiLqz8JQ&um=1&tbnid=1FYEGiyMhw563M:&tbnh=114&tbnw=136&ei=9413SKLMJJKugwLV27HPCA&prev=/images%3Fq%3DDawan%2BRobinson%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1T4GGLJ_enCA257CA258%26sa%3DN
July 11th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Hoveys Home says:
Hahahah @ all those pictures of Duhon, that corny ass bastard. I had a friend that played against him way back in HS and told me how he was a drunk
July 11th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
GEE...She caught the vapors says:
doc do ya thing man. Congrats can’t wait to hear about your exploits. Do work!
Now the Rockets have had both Barrys. Older cat but he can shoot and and if anything the Rockets need buckets. So that is a good pick up for the low.
Glad to see the Rockets doing something. Ashame to let the offseason go with no free agency move what so ever. Posey would be an awesome pick up- but the Rockets got so many forwards already.
I guess the Rockets could get a trade on somewhere with Hayes or somebody.
I think Duhon gone take this seriously. I am not from NY but for real any NY’ers wanna name some clubs where it’s really poppin at, strip or otherwise?
I think he would get turned out in ATL quicker than NY.
Lakers need to go after Ron for real. Aside from being weird I think he would be straight and not do anything crazy. Can he master the triangle is the question?
I think LA Clips should go after Posey hard if they don’t get Josh or Okafor (I think they will get Oka) man they need something. I feel for Baron, say what you want I lost a measure of spect for Brand. You don’t tell a dude hey come over here and then leave lol that is f’ed up.
Sure B-Diddy told him go get his money, that is the mature and right thing to do. Inside you know he wants dude to stay.
All I know is dude (Brand) better stay healthy cause if he get injured errrr body gone be screaming Karma like a Big B****!
July 11th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
alaskan_fire_dragon says:
Doc reminds me of tony allen
July 11th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
BxBaller says:
Yo where were all the sisters at the flickr sight. SMH at ballers fucking with them white girls.
July 11th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
heavy d says:
Danny Trejo is the man!!!
July 11th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Homeless J says:
I can tell someone on the dime staff is a imdb junkie.
Sheldon Williams is lucky he isn’t on the same team as Jermaine O’Neal. jermaine is probably the only dude in the league with a bigger forehead and he might mess around and steal Candace Parker from him.
July 11th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
w says:
Check out this interview with mike dunleavy…
http://www.xtrasportsradio.com/pages/podcasting/
I kind of believed EB, i mean the clippers never do anything right. If dunleavy’s telling the truth though EB’s a b*tch.
I’d love the lakers to get Artest. The only thing is from the few games i saw of him last season it seems he needs to dominate the ball to get his shot up. I’d hate for him to come in and mess with our offensive chemistry.
July 11th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
nick says:
anyone seen this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PDSuhyfY28
July 11th, 2008 at 11:26 pm
k says:
The Lakers should try to get Mikey Moore in the deal. They should send Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, and Chris Mihm for Artest, Kenny Thomas, and Mikey Moore. They gotta get a little something for taking that bum contract with Kenny Thomas. Plus Sacramento gets Luke for the low low.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:19 am
LakeShow84 says:
Doc be Ballin!!