Archive for the 'NBA' Category

NBA / Jul 5, 2009 / 1:04 pm

The other Ben Gordon

Once upon a time, somebody in the Dime office told me Nate Robinson would be out of the NBA within three years. Today, stubborn as ever, that same guy still insists Robinson is inevitably headed to Europe, even though “Krypto-Nate” has already established himself as one of the most explosive scoring guards in the League and one of its most popular players.

And this summer, with Ben Gordon headed to Detroit, Nate is the best remaining free agent for a team looking for a quick-strike perimeter scorer off the bench. Read More »

NBA / Jul 4, 2009 / 2:31 pm

Bold Prediction: Steve Nash Will End Up In New York This Summer

All the ducks are in a row. Steve Nash spends his off-seasons in the Big Apple, Mike D’Antoni is one of his best friends and the Suns are about to implode. Although the two-time MVP isn’t an unrestricted free agent until next season, I’d bet money that Nash ends up in NYC this summer. Read More »

NBA / Jul 4, 2009 / 2:11 pm

Someone Needs To Sign Gerald Green

If you’ve followed what I’ve written over the past year on Gerald Green, then you already know I’m a fan. And while everyone has been targetting the Ben Gordon’s and Hedo Turkoglu’s of the world, it’s time for NBA GMs to focus on my man G-Money. Read More »

NBA / Jul 4, 2009 / 12:19 am

Update: Hedo Turkoglu going to Toronto, not Portland

Earlier today, multiple media outlets reported that Hedo Turkoglu had reached an agreement with the Blazers on a five-year, $50 million.

Turns out, according to the Toronto Globe & Mail, while Hedo was actually in Portland on a visit with the Blazers, he changed his mind and decided to go with the Raptors. The Toronto deal is reported to be worth around $56-60 million for five years.

NBA / Jul 3, 2009 / 3:39 pm

Free agent moves: Hedo to Portland, Kidd to Dallas

In the last hour, it’s been reported by multiple sources that Hedo Turkoglu has agreed to a deal with the Blazers, and Jason Kidd has agreed to return to the Mavs.

Hedo was believed to have a five-year, $50 million offer on the table from Portland, which he was weighing against a five-year, $60 million offer from Toronto. Read More »

NBA / Jul 3, 2009 / 3:13 pm

Get off Trevor Ariza’s back

I don’t have to go into the historic and societal depths of why, when it comes to the NBA Draft, NBA free agency or college basketball recruiting — or any other time high-profile, talented Black men are making high-profile decisions — us f*cking people in the news media suddenly turn into everybody’s parents. He needs to stay in school … He needs to go to school … He needs to shut up and accept whoever drafts him … He should sign with them … He shouldn’t sign with them … He should’ve taken less money and gone for a ring … He needs to hurry up and pick a college … If he’s smart, he’ll go to that college … Read More »

NBA / Jul 3, 2009 / 2:27 pm

What Book Does Phil Give Ron Artest?

ESPN is reporting that there is a 99% chance that Phil Jackson will return to coach the Lakers. That leaves this obvious question - What book will Phil give to Ron Artest?

Jackson has become infamous for giving each one of his players a specific book that will “help” the player on the court (or I suppose off of it as well). The books are intended to strategically assist in the development of the player’s personality. Any thoughts on what book Phil could possibly give Artest?

NBA / Jul 3, 2009 / 11:55 am

Allen Iverson to the Bulls?

The Detroit Free Press, via cbssportsline, mentions a far fetched scenario where Ben Gordon and Allen Iverson are actually dealt for one another in a sign in trade (rather than a straight BG signing by the Pistons).

It’s the first we’ve heard of the Bulls strong interest in AI. Good fit? We can’t decide. Marketing wise, most definitely. The city will love Iverson. Scoring wise, the Bulls could use Iverson, but would probably rather Loul Deng step up his game. Speak up Chicago (and everywhere else):

Do you want to see Iverson in a Bulls uniform?

Latest News, NBA, NBA Draft / Jul 3, 2009 / 10:33 am

Ricky Rubio Not Gone Yet - What Will Happen/What Should Happen

Today’s Smack dropped the “Out like Rubio”. Well, maybe not. The report that Ricky Rubio was officially headed back to Spain appears to be more of a rumor than a report. Team Rubio is insisting that no decision has been made.

Here are what seems to be Rubio’s options:

1. Continue to sue his Spanish team in hope of a lower buyout and sign with the Timberwolves now.

2. Drop the lawsuit and return to Spain to fulfill his contract.

3. Continue to negotiate a buyout in Europe and sign with a different Euroleague squad.

4. Force the Wolves to trade his rights (and continue negotiating the buyout).

5. Sit out one full year of basketball and re-enter the draft (yes that is a real option).

What do you think WILL happen and what do you think SHOULD happen?

NBA / Jul 2, 2009 / 7:50 pm

Ron Artest says he’s a Laker

Who knows what to read into what comes out of Ron Artest’s mouth (or his Twitter page) these days, but actual real-life Ron-Ron just told a CBS Sports reporter that he is in fact signing with the Lakers.

“I’m definitely going to L.A. — to sign, yeah,” Artest said. “Lakers, Lakers, Lakers. I’m in L.A. right now. I don’t really care about the money. I’ll play there for nothing. … L.A. was very interested in me, and they got me.”

Artest says it’s a 5-year, $32 million deal. Presumably this means Trevor Ariza is gone, as he’s getting interest from the Cavs and Rockets, among other teams. Now do the Lakers still go after Lamar Odom, let him sign elsewhere?

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