O.J. Mayo and Eric Gordon’s pro debut, T-Mac trade rumors, and the newest Boston Celtic
O.J. Mayo, Dime #17In that dead space between the draft and training camp (thankfully we have the Olympics this year), what’s better than overlapping NBA summer league ball? The last day of the Orlando Pro Summer League was also the first day of the Vegas Summer League; the NBA’s premier summer run, featuring 21 teams and actually getting live TV coverage. We previewed the VSL by putting you up on the players to watch (Part 1 and Part 2) over the next week and a half … The main event in Vegas was the Hornets/Grizzlies game, otherwise known as O.J. Mayo’s pro debut. Splitting time at the one, two and three in a small Memphis lineup where Darrell Arthur was playing center, O.J. put up 15 points, five dimes and three steals, but committed eight turnovers in the process. The big highlight came when O.J. got a steal, lined up Hilton Armstrong on a breakaway, took off from the dotted line and hammered one in Hilton’s mug. But since Grizzlies/Hornets wasn’t one of the games on TV (why would we all want to watch the No. 3 pick in the draft’s first game?), reader Kudabeen summed up most people’s experience in our summer league live blog: “I missed it on this wack video feed. O.J. just banged on someone. I just heard the reaction. Damn.” … The first TV game saw the Pistons knock off the Lakers, whose patchwork summer league team includes only one guy from the actual big-league squad (Coby Karl). Basically putting on their Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton suits for a day, Rodney Stuckey (21 pts) and Arron Afflalo (15 pts) dominated. With the playoff experience they picked up this past year, the difference between those two and the rest of the D-League types on the floor was obvious. Stuckey could take MVP of this league in his sleep … The Clippers then cracked the Mavs, getting 23 points from Eric Gordon (5-for-18 FG’s) and 20 from Al Thornton. It wasn’t the best start to the second phase of Gerald Green’s career; he shot 4-for-11 (12 pts), got one rebound and committed six fouls while getting served by Thornton … The standout Vegas player of the day, though, was Anthony Randolph. He dropped 30 on the Sixers along with eight boards, two steals and two blocks. Granted, it’s summer league, but we didn’t expect Randolph to come out of the gate scoring like that. Brandan Wright was also impressive, putting up 17 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in the win — he got Thaddeus Young (27 pts) on a sick block where Thad tried to dunk on him and got sent packing … For the most part, summer league teams run the same offenses as their NBA counterparts. Watching the Sixers yesterday, they were making a point to constantly dump the ball into Marreese Speights and generating their offense through that — in other words, you can see how the Philly system is gonna look once Elton Brand gets on the court. Speights took 19 shots and finished with 22 points and 13 boards. The rook had better get his now, too, ’cause you know when Brand is healthy, anyone backing him up won’t see the court much … Another summer league highlight for us was watching regular DimeMag.com reader/poster “Doc” — a.k.a. former Rhode Island point guard Dawan Robinson — run with the Sixers. He came off the bench to get five points, four dimes and three rebounds in 22 minutes. Good luck, Doc … What was up with C.J. Watson playing in a long-sleeved shirt? Again, the video feed wasn’t the best, but it looked like just a plain old sweatshirt … Which kicks would you pick: the Hyperdunk McFly or the Jordan Olympia? … Wrapping up the Orlando summer league, Michael Beasley hit the Magic up for 25 points and eight boards. The Heat lost, though, after Courtney Lee went berserker (30 points on 21 shots and 13 free throws) … We don’t think they gave out an official award, but we’d say Brook Lopez was the MVP of the Orlando league. He finished up his week-long run (19.6 ppg) by dumping 25 points on the Pacers. Aside from a rough first outing, Lopez was getting buckets. His rebounding numbers weren’t great and he picked up more than his share of fouls — no surprise for a rookie big getting his first NBA clock — but he was more impressive than we thought he’d be … Meanwhile, the Nets signed Jarvis Hayes and Ed Najera. Between those two, Vince Carter, Yi Jianlian, Chris Douglas-Roberts, Bobby Simmons and Trenton Hassell, that’s a lot of people with which to split up those minutes at the SG/SF positions. And does this mean that Boki Nachbar definitely isn’t being re-signed? … And we understand the Nets’ whole thing with trying to get as much cap space as possible for 2010, but shouldn’t they at least have some players under contract when that day comes? As it stands, Vince is the only one definitely getting paid by the Nets in 2010-11, and that’s assuming he doesn’t get dealt; everyone else is either working on a team-option or a qualifying offer that year. Do you think LeBron (or D-Wade or Chris Bosh) will sign with a team when he has absolutely no idea who he’ll be playing with? … Still in that “I just won Finals MVP/Can’t tell me nothing” state of mind, Paul Pierce didn’t go the diplomatic route when he was asked about Stephon Marbury. The truth according to Pierce: Steph’s old, he gets paid a crapload of money, and any team calling itself rebuilding should trade him or buy him out. OK, maybe he wasn’t that blunt about it, and Pierce did give Steph credit as a ballplayer. He might have even been greasing the wheels for the rumored Marbury/Boston marriage, although we really can’t see that happening … Early yesterday morning we were hearing seemingly legit rumors of the Pistons and Rockets discussing a Tracy McGrady-for-Chauncey-and-Rasheed trade. As the day went on, though, it turned out that wasn’t exactly the case. Various sources out there denied any discussions took place … Oddball trade rumor of the day: Carlos Boozer to Charlotte for Gerald Wallace and Sean May. The only reason that even makes sense for Utah is that Booz could opt out of his deal next summer, whereas Wallace is locked up more long-term. But with Gerald’s durability concerns (not to mention May’s), that could be more of a risk than anything. And forget the ‘08 playoffs for now: Boozer is too good to give up for a borderline All-Star talent who’s smaller and plays the same position as AK-47 and an out-of-shape, banged-up role player … It’s hilarious how some people are delusionally optimistic about their teams. Whenever the Celtics pick up a new player, no matter awful said player has been throughout his career, one of the Dime crew’s die-hard Boston fans always finds a way to convince himself it was a good move. Yesterday we witnessed a new low, when word came down that the C’s signed Patrick O’Bryant. Our guy immediately started talking himself into O’Bryant as a serviceable piece. Really? We’re just trying to imagine what happens when Pat and Kendrick Perkins have their first conversation; O’Bryant talking about Tiger Woods 08 while Perk would rather discuss syrup sandwiches … We’re out like New Jersey’s roster in a couple of years …
July 12th, 2008 at 4:38 am
Kev says:
1st!!!!! stuck n affolo billups n rip lite!!
July 12th, 2008 at 7:00 am
K Dizzle says:
props to doc for comin with the complete game….
new point list:
CP3
DWill
Nash
Chauncey
Kidd
Baron
Parker
Rondo
Calderon
Felton
Harris
Fish
Dawan “Doc” Robinson
Mo Williams
Ramon Sessions
TJ Ford
Bibby
Udrih
Conley
Heinrich
Boobie
a pizza
a cheesesburger
…..then Marbury
peace but not g’night
July 12th, 2008 at 7:27 am
Damon says:
I would include myself in this list.
at least i have a better jump shot than marbury.
but you can probably say that about half of those guys…
July 12th, 2008 at 7:30 am
sans says:
i’d take marbury over boobie…if they were at the same price tag. Oh, the Olympia’s are tight, almost like dress shoes.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:26 am
that's whats up says:
the McFly’s look like some snow boot you would wear in Alaska.
I’ll take the Olympia’s
July 12th, 2008 at 9:54 am
ERIC says:
Say what you want about Marbury but he does have a sweet (yet streaky) jumpshot. He gets so much elevation on his jumper and his midrange percentage is actually very high.
Yea he’s a “cancer” in the locker room and a selfish player, but he’s still one of the most skilled and physically gifted PG’s in the league.
If he can get on a team like the Heat/Lakers/Celtics he’ll have the veterans to get on his @ss and keep him in line.
On the Knicks, HE was the veteran which he cannot be in that role. He’s a role player now.
July 12th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Markail says:
Put Stuckey above Rondo and you have a decent pg list.
July 12th, 2008 at 10:25 am
OKC Hicks says:
Haha the Patrick O’Bryant thing made me laugh. If only I were that tall I’d be killing cats in the league. What a waste…
I thought the rumor about T-Mac was something like T-Mac for Rip? I don’t know though but I thought Rip was involved in some trade talk. If it was Chauncey and Rasheed, that would be insane for Houston. I’d play Sheed at the 3, Deke at the 4, and Yao at the 5. Tell me who gonna stop that front court? Shit nobody could score on that, especially if they played a zone for a little bit. Aight I’m getting off topic…
ERIC:
Say what you want about Marbury, but dude sucks. He can shoot, but so can a shit ton of other guys. Hell, J.J. Redick can shoot and I’d say I would take him over Steph if I’m looking for a scorer. As far as him being skilled as a PG, I wouldn’t say that. Whenever a PG thinks his shot is more valuable than his teammates’ ability to get shots, then he has no value in my opinion. Just my opinion though…
July 12th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Damon says:
@ OKC
sheed at the 3? you mean defending lebron, melo or pierce?
he is a great defender, no question. but a sf? never
July 12th, 2008 at 11:36 am
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Olympias no question. Props to doc. I can see Eric Gordon averaging 12-18 pts on that clipper team but shooting well under 40%. Dude was jacking mad shots. He’ll get his mostly from the stripe.
I think the the celtics signed patrick o’bryant to appease their Irish American fan base. How good will will that Irish surname lookvon the back of a Celtic jersey?
July 12th, 2008 at 11:54 am
tim says:
Yeah I think Stuckey is better than everyone on that list behind Parker already….ok, maybe i’m slightly delusional…
July 12th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Mr. Make It Rain on Them Hoes says:
I love smack.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Maybe not delusional but wishful thinking. Stuckeys not there yet but he could be in a few seasons.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Lee says:
WOW .. A JJ Redick mention !! I’m sure he could find a home on a team somewhere and get some playing time. I could see him playing with nash in phoenix or kidd in dallas, not saying he would start. Hell .. the spurs could probably use him as they’ve lost Barry. I’m suprized no one has gone after him.
July 12th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
JHov says:
Mayne..can’t nobody tell that Stuckey dosen’t look like 50 cent!! Magic need to let Redick go to the Sixers..it’s only right..Thorton is gonna be so trill next yr..cant wait!! The McFly’s just to sit on a shelf for ppl to hate on..and the Jordans Olympia when I’m walking down the street listening to “Stepped on my Js”!
July 12th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
John Starks says:
Stephon has a new tat…on his face, left temple… of the number 3.
Dude is swiftly becoming the Mike Tyson of basketball.
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07122008/sports/knicks/pressure_point_119536.htm
July 12th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
johnsacrimoni says:
If I were Detroit I would do a Rip/Sheed for T-Mac deal but never for Chauncey.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Tony says:
Doesn’t Yi play PF though? At least that’s one off of the list to compete for PT at SF/SG.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
JC says:
LOL y’all can take Trenton Hassell off the list of players who will demand playing time for the Nets. Besides, it’s not like all those players will be healthy at the same time anyway. I guess CDR will be the odd man out and get assigned to the D-League. With the obligatory injury to either Bobby Simmons or VC coming soon to theaters near you, you could probably say the Nets are “deep” at the 2/3, but I don’t think there will be a logjam.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Meica says:
The McFlys are, well, fly! I’d take them any day over the non-descript Olympias.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Meica says:
Actually, if you ask me, the Converse Pro Leather ‘76 and the ‘72 are where it’s at. I really like those shoes; they’ve really got some style.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Homeless J says:
Good showing doc, let us know if you play again.
The funniest part about steph getting that 3 tatted on his temple is that it’s a logo for his now-nonexistant Starbury shoes. he would’ve been better off tatting I AM ON THE NEW YORK KNICKS on his forehead because at least that’s still true, for now. say what you will about Iron Mike, but at least they didn’t stop making ugly tribal tattoos after he got the huge one on his face.
I like the olympias a lot. they look smooth, even a bit, dare I say, classy.
last but definitely least: I would be delighted to discuss syrup sandwiches with k-perk. I remember one time I got really stoned and I was looking around in the fridge. I was all out of bread but I had sandwich meat and waffles, so naturally, I cooked two waffles, put sliced turkey in between, dumped maple syrup all inside of it and ate it like a sandwich. it pleases me to know that NBA players could possibly be using this as a training diet (especially jerome james and eddy curry.)
July 12th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
OKC Hicks says:
Forgot to say in my earlier post…BIG UPS TO DOC, keep doing your thing man.
Haha I was just playing around about the Sheed playing 3 thing. It would just be funny to see like 3 7-foot dudes playing in the same frontcourt at the same time. I know it’s not realistic haha Bron would blow by Sheed every time.
Haha Homeless J is wild’n man. Eddy Curry should at least take advantage of his immobility. Get on some IHOP commercials or some shit Ed, come on now. If I was his agent I’d be having him singing that dumbass McDonald’s tune constantly to make some dough, cause you know the next contract he signs is either his last or real real weak.
July 12th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
P_Dizzle says:
If the Jazz trade Booz for those servicable players then they might as well let D-Will go because they will have officially thrown in the towel.
I’ve got to give props to Jaycee Carroll on the Nets Summer League. Dude didn’t get drafted but sure brought his jockstrap to the Summer League. He’s an undersized combo guard, but can flat out shoot. Here’s to hoping he gets picked up by someone.
July 12th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Homeless J says:
hahaha @ okc.
The only reason he hasn’t done that yet is probably because it would make mickey d’s and denny’s look even worse than they already do.
picture Eddy Curry in a year or two, sitting down to enjoy a big mac and fries. he finishes the big mac in one solid gulp, without chewing, before looking into the camera. “I used to be a star athlete in high school. then I ate myself out of the league. Thanks, McDonald’s!”
then he can take the money he saved to start Eddy Curry’s Big Fat Fucking House of Pancakes. featuring such exclusive favorites as the “torn ACL with hash browns”, the “Pat Riley Keeps Yelling At Me To Lose Weight and I’m Not Even On His Team” (comes with your choice of extra sausage or bacon), and the “I Got Traded Because of a Potentially Fatal Heart Condition So I Really Shouldn’t Be Eating This Shit” special (with cherries on top, and whipped cream)
July 12th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
GEE...disoriented says:
First props to the D.o.c. glad you got ya shine on.
Homeless J I got to question yo homeless-ness if you actually had some type of meat to put on your syrup sandwich …which I don’t think makes it an actual syrup sandwich at that point.
Pimpin when my fam. was po (poor) we had to get plain bread (the generic kind in a black and white plastic bag) and pour syrup on it and eat. If it was a good day we could have two slices of bread, otherwise just get one pour on they syrup and fold that ish and dine lol.
So with you talkin bout cookin waffles and turkey and stuff man please you was feasting lol, granted you did say you were stone….ewww at turkey and syrup though pimpin lol.
Other famous sandmiches:
two slices of bread with butter in the middle (toast sandmich sugar optional to pretend you got french toast)
the lettuce sandmich with bread, mayo and lettuce
(tomatos optional)
the straight sugar sandmich with just bread and sugar lol (call it the hyper)
and the famous no burger sandmich where you ain’t got no meat so you just put ketchup and mustard on that bread and wish lol.
Glad and thought the Tracy rumor was false, I just want him to get out that first round as a Houston Rocket.
Somehow it seems as if LeBron’s move to Brooklyn - Jersery is going to most def. happen. Cleveland better milk dude and get all they can out of him.
When is Posey going to decide to go somewhere?
What if Coach K was coaching the Hawks with Josh Smith …I am wondering if they would have beat the Celtics and a large part of me thinks so.
Anyway yea bringggg onnnnn they games! Olympics that is.
July 12th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
2 Easy says:
The Nets are the new Bucks lol Ironic no?
July 12th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
dapro says:
That’s a good look Doc. Good luck fam
July 13th, 2008 at 12:52 am
raro says:
@K Dizzle
I like how you left Andre Miller off that list.
July 13th, 2008 at 4:04 am
LakeShow84 says:
Brook Lopez and Mario Chalmers- Lakeshows Sleeper picks for ROY
July 13th, 2008 at 4:04 am
jamesinva says:
taking the mcflys for sure. i dont care if some people think they are ugly or wutevers, A. the are limited edition B./ I personally think they look tight and C. the MCFLYS are the biggest and baddest kicks in movie history!
I cant believe Obryant turned into a bust where the team just lets him go and he signs with the celts. wtf?? the warriors quit on him after what 2 years? 3 years now?its just so sad seeing and hearing about these lotto pick BUSTS
July 13th, 2008 at 4:06 am
LakeShow84 says:
And i would rock the McFly’s!
July 13th, 2008 at 6:17 am
YOUNGFED says:
BIG UPS DOC
I wanna see you go nutz and put up 40. lol
July 13th, 2008 at 11:36 am
doc says:
Thanks for the love fellas Im out here doing my point guard thing for the Sixers summer league.I got a run in the Clippers training camp before playing with the real team but this even better on the strength its the team I ride for when I aint nowhere around this shit.@Fed I wish I could dog but you gotta do what the coaches say in shit like this when you in my position because if I didnt play stricly point,finding the open man,getting the play started in a timely fashion,playing D,and talking to my teamates I know they could get somebody else to run to this league from wherever they at in the world feel me.I just gotta hit the open shot when it come.I could just break off and break dudes down easily but I would be fucking up.Thad got the green light he the only one who can do that shit but he earned it and he tough as shit out there.He got my respect.He got the skills to be better than Iggy if he apply hiself.We 0-2 though and off today and Monday as far as games go.Tuesday we play the Lakers at 5.Im here doing what I do though and the support real thourogh.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:26 am
clark says:
so cool guy,does he still hook up with those tall beauties on the tall dating site ___Tallmingle.com___ ???The last time I saw his profile is last monday, hope he does not leave.
July 14th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Justice says:
doc ya’ll don’t get paid for the summer league do you?