As reported here yesterday, J.R. Smith confirmed via twitter that he will indeed sign with the Knicks. In order to make room for Smith, the Knicks will release Renaldo Balkman.
New York Knicks It Is!
New York Knicks It Is!
Chris Kaman back on the trade market
It seems as if the Hornets are still going to try to acquire young talent/draft picks by using Chris Kaman's expiring contract as trade bait.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future or what’s going to happen in the next five days,’’ Kaman said. “I don’t know if there will be a trade or won’t be one. I just play and try not to worry about it, but it does stress me out a little bit. I go home at night and have some rough nights sleeping once in awhile thinking about it, but it’s out of my control."
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future or what’s going to happen in the next five days,’’ Kaman said. “I don’t know if there will be a trade or won’t be one. I just play and try not to worry about it, but it does stress me out a little bit. I go home at night and have some rough nights sleeping once in awhile thinking about it, but it’s out of my control."
J.R. Smith to Knicks?
According to sources, the Knicks are close to finalizing a deal to land guard J.R. Smith who spent the last few months playing in China.
The 2012 Slam Dunk Contest Contestants are......
C.L. Anthony | 8:19 PM | 2012 slam dunk contest , chase budinger , Derrick Williams , Iman Shumpert , nba all star weekend 2012 , paul george
Norris Cole, Jeremy Lin added to Rising Stars Challenge
C.L. Anthony | 8:14 PM | jeremy lin , nba all star weekend 2012 , Norris Cole , Rising Stars Challenge
In stunning news, Lin-Sanity will be involved with the NBA's All-Star Weekend. Jeremy Lin and Heat reserve point guard Norris Cole were selected today to play in the Rising Stars Challenge.
Pau Gasol to T Wolves?
Reports are that the Timberwolves would like to acquire Pau Gasol from the Lakers. At this point in time, the T-Wolves are willing to part with Derrick Williams and draft picks.
Deron Williams is not following Lin-Sanity
C.L. Anthony | 7:30 AM | deron williams , jeremy lin , lin-sanity , New Jerseys Nets , New York Knicks
The Nets are in a losing streak and their overall record is 8-22, but a reporter asked Deron Williams about Lin-Sanity and they received a salty response.
“Why would we get excited about the Knicks? We’re [8-22], I’m worried about us, not what Jeremy Lin’s doing,” said Williams, admitting the hype and publicity gets overblown in the area because “they’re the Knicks.”
Contestants for the 2012 3-Point Contest
C.L. Anthony | 7:25 AM | 3-point contest , anthony morrow , James Jones , joe johnson , Kevin Love , mario chalmers , nba all star weekend 2012 , ryan anderson
Rose to miss another game
With the back pains continuing, Bulls guard Derrick Rose will likely be out versus the Boston Celtics tonight. If Rose does miss tonight's game it will be the fourth game in the row that he's missed.
"He's still day-to-day," Thibodeau said. "He's still not quite ready. We'll see where he is. Each day he has gotten better. So we're encouraged by that."
"He's still day-to-day," Thibodeau said. "He's still not quite ready. We'll see where he is. Each day he has gotten better. So we're encouraged by that."
Russell Westbrook makes history
OKC Thunder guard Russell Westbrook joined a list last evening of two All-Time greats. Westbrook, in his first 274 games has scored over 5,000 points, handed out over 1,900 assists, and grabbed over 1,300, joining Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson as the youngest ever to do so.
“That's pretty good, huh?” Thunder coach Scott Brooks said, confronting doubting reporters with a smile. “Just think if he played the way you want him to play.”
Bogut wants to avoid surgery
Bogut, who's been out since January 25th with a fractured right ankle is looking to avoid having surgery and missing the remainder of the season.
"Everything is kind of relying on this next scan," Bogut said. "I've got all my swelling out. It's obviously still painful. I'm doing physio almost every other day, but I can't leave the house because I don't want to risk walking on it unless I really have to."
"Everything is kind of relying on this next scan," Bogut said. "I've got all my swelling out. It's obviously still painful. I'm doing physio almost every other day, but I can't leave the house because I don't want to risk walking on it unless I really have to."
Shaquille O'Neal speaks on Dwight Howard again
From his home in Orlando, Shaquille O'Neal fielded questions during a TNT teleconference with reporters. Dwight Howard presence at All-Star Weekend in Orlando was among one of the topics that O'Neal was asked about.
"Orlando's come a long way since the '92 All-Star Game," O'Neal added. "The nightlife here is fabulous. The real estate has been fabulous. You still have Disney around the corner for you to bring your family. So I think it's going to be a great event. It'd be good if he could put on a show and get the love and the support from the fans here and win the MVP. Hopefully, he stays, because that arena there is one of the best arenas in the country. If he leaves, it'll be a travesty."
"Orlando's come a long way since the '92 All-Star Game," O'Neal added. "The nightlife here is fabulous. The real estate has been fabulous. You still have Disney around the corner for you to bring your family. So I think it's going to be a great event. It'd be good if he could put on a show and get the love and the support from the fans here and win the MVP. Hopefully, he stays, because that arena there is one of the best arenas in the country. If he leaves, it'll be a travesty."
Danny Granger injured
Danny Granger sprained his right ankle in the 1st half of tonight's game versus the Miami Heat. Danny Granger will not return to the game and it is currently unknown if he'll miss any significant time.
Zach Randolph to return soon?
Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph has been cleared to participate in non-contact basketball drills. The timetable to Randolph to return to action is early March barring no setbacks.
Eric Gordon to miss more time
New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon is scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee later today and should be out a minimum of 6 weeks. This could force Gordon to miss the remainder of the season.
"After consulting with our medical staff, we concluded surgery was the best route and in the best interest of Eric for the long term," general manager Dell Demps said in a statement released by the club late Tuesday night, after the Hornets' 86-80 victory over Utah. "Eric is eager to return to the court and we are confident Hornet fans will get to see him soon."
"After consulting with our medical staff, we concluded surgery was the best route and in the best interest of Eric for the long term," general manager Dell Demps said in a statement released by the club late Tuesday night, after the Hornets' 86-80 victory over Utah. "Eric is eager to return to the court and we are confident Hornet fans will get to see him soon."
Doug Collins feels for Michael Jordan
The Charlotte Bobcats are chasing history, even in a reduced season due to the NBA lockout, the Bobcats are flirting with having the worst season in NBA history and that can't sit well with owner Michael Jordan. The Sixers handed the Bobcats their latest lost and Sixers head coach Doug Collins spoke after the game.
“The most competitive human being I’ve been around in my life – bar none – is Michael Jordan. I just know from his standpoint, how difficult this is,’’ Collins said. “The No. 1 thing for him is compete every single moment. I’m sure that’s the message he’s trying to send to this franchise: ‘We do have some young pieces, we’ve had some injuries, but you have to compete every single moment.’ ’’
“The most competitive human being I’ve been around in my life – bar none – is Michael Jordan. I just know from his standpoint, how difficult this is,’’ Collins said. “The No. 1 thing for him is compete every single moment. I’m sure that’s the message he’s trying to send to this franchise: ‘We do have some young pieces, we’ve had some injuries, but you have to compete every single moment.’ ’’
Lin-Sanity: A doubled edge sword?
There are times when the name says it all when it comes to NBA success. The name can say it all and help define careers, create legacies, and yes even ignite myths based on past performances. Some of the greatest players that have stepped foot on the hardwood floors of the NBA also had the best names MJ, The Black Mamba, The Iceman, Flash, Chocolate Thunder, and yes Sir Charles. This past week, a new name was born, a new legend was created by a fan base so thirsty that they still believe that Willis Reed is walking through the tunnel. Jeremy Lin has taken New York City by storm and yes it's time for Lin-Sanity! Sometimes all one needs is an opportunity to show Read more
Carmelo insists he can mesh with Jeremy Lin
Carmelo Anthony should return by the end of the week and there's already some in the media who feels as if Melo will have a hard time adjusting without the ball in his hands due to the fact that he is known as being a "ball stopper."
"When I get back Jeremy will have the ball in his hands and I'm playing off of that," Anthony said on Monday, I know there's questions about, 'Can I fit in?' and stuff like that, but this is like a dream come true to me," Anthony said. "It takes some pressure off of me. I don't have to play point guard. I don't have to try to get Amare 20 points, try to get this guy 20 points, me try to go out there and get 25-30 points a night, play defense, rebound do the whole thing."
"When I get back Jeremy will have the ball in his hands and I'm playing off of that," Anthony said on Monday, I know there's questions about, 'Can I fit in?' and stuff like that, but this is like a dream come true to me," Anthony said. "It takes some pressure off of me. I don't have to play point guard. I don't have to try to get Amare 20 points, try to get this guy 20 points, me try to go out there and get 25-30 points a night, play defense, rebound do the whole thing."
Kyrie Iring to return?
Having missed the teams last three games with a concussion, Kyrie Irving took part in practice today but only the parts of practice that were none contact. As of now he is scheduled to take part in a full practice on Tuesday.
Jeremy Lin sees Yao Ming as a role model.
Isn't it a crime that these two never had the chance to play together in the NBA. Jeremy Lin considers Yao Ming as a friend and a role model.
“I talk to Yao after every game,” Lin said. “He’s taken me out to eat every time we’re in the same city. He’s obviously a role model and a big brother to me and we keep in touch all the time.”
“I talk to Yao after every game,” Lin said. “He’s taken me out to eat every time we’re in the same city. He’s obviously a role model and a big brother to me and we keep in touch all the time.”
Warriors Mark Jackson clears the air on Lin
Tired of being blamed for cutting Jeremy Lin, Mark Jackson finally decided to speak out.
"I got a text message from Spike Lee (on Saturday) morning, thanking me, like I had something to do with it. I never saw him do a layup, so people can stop asking me. He never practiced for us, so leave me out of it."
"I got a text message from Spike Lee (on Saturday) morning, thanking me, like I had something to do with it. I never saw him do a layup, so people can stop asking me. He never practiced for us, so leave me out of it."
Dwight Howard a closer?
Dwight Howard is ready to take the next step in his career and become known as his team's closer. Simply put Howard wants the ball in the 4th quarter with the game on the line.
"I want to become a closer. The only way you get there is by getting the ball and have coach have the confidence in giving me the ball....That's one thing that I want for myself, so I can become the guy who finishes games for my team. I want to be that guy whose team wants him to close games out for them. Coach just needs to have confidence in me."
"I want to become a closer. The only way you get there is by getting the ball and have coach have the confidence in giving me the ball....That's one thing that I want for myself, so I can become the guy who finishes games for my team. I want to be that guy whose team wants him to close games out for them. Coach just needs to have confidence in me."
Jerry West to be more involved
Jerry West is a member of the Warriors executive board but has admitted that he hasn't been involved as much as he should.
"I'm going to be up here a lot more. I think something can be done here, and it's kind of fun for me," said West, who watches every game on a 60-inch TV from his Bel Air home and talks regularly with general manager Larry Riley, assistant GM Bob Myers and co-owner Joe Lacob. "It's a challenge, but it can happen in a year's time if we can get lucky with a few things."
"I'm going to be up here a lot more. I think something can be done here, and it's kind of fun for me," said West, who watches every game on a 60-inch TV from his Bel Air home and talks regularly with general manager Larry Riley, assistant GM Bob Myers and co-owner Joe Lacob. "It's a challenge, but it can happen in a year's time if we can get lucky with a few things."
Rose out versus Celtics?
Due to his recurring problem with a soar back, Derrick Rose could be out of today's showcase game against the Boston Celtics.
"I really don't know," Rose said about playing Sunday. "When I wake up, I usually can tell. … It's just sore and stiff. I don't know what to do. Hopefully it will heal in a matter of time."
"I really don't know," Rose said about playing Sunday. "When I wake up, I usually can tell. … It's just sore and stiff. I don't know what to do. Hopefully it will heal in a matter of time."
Cavs Varejao out
The Cleveland Cavaliers learned today that center Anderson Varejao will be out for weeks after fracturing his right wrist.
Brooks to coach West All-Stars
OKC Thunder Head Coach Scott Brooks will coach the Western Conference All-Stars in the 2012 NBA All-Star game.
Pistons problems are not over
Despite the fact that the Detroit Piston have won 4 straight games, Tayshaun Prince is still not impressed.
"Just because we've won four straight doesn't mean it's peaches and cream," Prince said. "We still have to develop chemistry over a period of time."
"Just because we've won four straight doesn't mean it's peaches and cream," Prince said. "We still have to develop chemistry over a period of time."
Brook Lopez to return?
According to sources, Brook Lopez's return is imminent. The date of his return that has been circled on the calender is February 28th when the Nets take on the Dallas Mavericks.
Deng motivated by "hate"
During the spring of 2009 while Luol Deng was sidelined, he was caught off guard by some of the comments that the fans and media had made about the severity of the stress fracture in his right leg.
"Sitting there and reading everything in the papers and from the fans … that was the craziest thing I've ever had to go through," Deng said Friday. "Before that, I kind of felt like I was loved by everyone. I had never experienced that — if you want to call it hate, or whatever it was. (But) I think it really helped me to bounce back, knowing how things work."
"Sitting there and reading everything in the papers and from the fans … that was the craziest thing I've ever had to go through," Deng said Friday. "Before that, I kind of felt like I was loved by everyone. I had never experienced that — if you want to call it hate, or whatever it was. (But) I think it really helped me to bounce back, knowing how things work."
Josh Smith blames politics for not be chosen for the All-Star team
Josh Smith was not chosen as a reserve for the 2012 NBA All-Star and he feels as if politics had something to do with his omission.
“You’ve got to factor in there is a lot of politics involved in the All-Star selection,” Smith said Friday. “Once you get that it’s really about politics, then nothing really surprises you. I call it ‘Nothing But Associates,’ NBA. It’s all who you know.”
“You’ve got to factor in there is a lot of politics involved in the All-Star selection,” Smith said Friday. “Once you get that it’s really about politics, then nothing really surprises you. I call it ‘Nothing But Associates,’ NBA. It’s all who you know.”
Jennings interested in a big market?
Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings told ESPN's Chris Broussard that once his contract ends at season's end, that he will consider all options including leaving the Bucks for a big market team.
Nets Bogans out for season
New Jersey Nets guard Keith Bogans suffered a complete tear of his deltoid ligament Wednesday evening versus the Detroit Pistons. Bogans will be out for the year with what is listed as a fractured ankle.
Eric Dampier to Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have signed veteran center Eric Dampier to a 10 day contract. Dampier last played for the Miami Heat last season.
Steve Blake to return?
After missing the last 13 games due to a rib injury, Lakers guard Steve Blake is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday when the Lakers face the Boston Celtics.
Nuggets Gallinari out for a month
The injury is listed as a severe ankle sprain
"Four weeks — if it can be faster, it's better, but with these kind of things, you want to take your time and have it heal in the right way," said Gallinari
"Four weeks — if it can be faster, it's better, but with these kind of things, you want to take your time and have it heal in the right way," said Gallinari
Participates of the Rising Stars Challenge
C.L. Anthony | 4:37 PM | Blake Griffin , charles Barkley , john Wall , Rising Stars Challenge , shaq
Rookies:
Brandon Knight
Kawhi Leonard
Markieff Morris
Tristan Thompson
Kemba Walker
Derrick Williams
Ricky Rubio
Kyrie Irving
Second year players:
Blake Griffin
DeMarcus Cousins
Landry Fields
Paul George
Gordon Hayward
Greg Monroe
Tiago Splitter
Evan Turner
The players above will be selected by the two GM's of the Game, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal to play for their teams, Team Chuck and Team Shaq. The draft will be held on February 16th on NBATV.
Kobe Bryant has never met Larry Bird
Larry Bird stated earlier this week that he would rather be a teammate of Kobe Bryant versus LeBron James. Kobe Bryant appreciated the love but stated that he's never met Larry Bird but wish he had.
"That means the world to me because I looked up to him and his worth ethic," Bryant said today. "With him kind of being a staple of a blue collar player that's been blessed with a great deal of talent. His determination, his motivation. I remember some quotes that I heard from Tommy Heinsohn describing Larry Bird that were very moving to me when I was a kid and if I could be that way I feel I could be pretty good so I kind of followed his lead in that regard. To hear him have that kind of praise for me means a lot....I never met him because I never see him," Bryant said. "During the All-Star Game in Cleveland (in 1997) our paths never crossed. It's crazy."
"That means the world to me because I looked up to him and his worth ethic," Bryant said today. "With him kind of being a staple of a blue collar player that's been blessed with a great deal of talent. His determination, his motivation. I remember some quotes that I heard from Tommy Heinsohn describing Larry Bird that were very moving to me when I was a kid and if I could be that way I feel I could be pretty good so I kind of followed his lead in that regard. To hear him have that kind of praise for me means a lot....I never met him because I never see him," Bryant said. "During the All-Star Game in Cleveland (in 1997) our paths never crossed. It's crazy."
Heat rookie Norris Cole shut out of the Rising Stars Challenge
In what has become a bit of a shocker, Miami Heat rookie point guard Norris Cole was not selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend. The Rising Stars Challenge was previously known as the Rookie Game.
The City of Houston to host the 2013 NBA All-Star Game
Houston last hosted an NBA All-Star game in 2006 and now later today the NBA will announce that it's All-Star Weekend will return to the city next season.
Paul Pierce is #2
During the Celtics game against the Charlotte Bobcats, Celtics forward Paul Pierce moved past Larry Bird on the Celtics All-Time scoring list to claim the #2 spot. Celtics legend John Havlichek is in the #1 spot with 26,395 points scored.
Ginobili close to returning?
Since breaking his hand on January 2nd, the San Antonio Spurs have missed Manu Ginobili. During his absence, the Spurs have a record of 14-7 and they are currently 3rd in the Western Conference. Help is on the way as the Spurs are expecting Ginobili to return by All-Star Weekend.
Brandon Jennings would be overjoyed to be named an All-Star
Quietly due to playing in a small market, Brandon Jennings is having an All-Star caliber year and could be rewarded with a reserve berth on the roster of the 2012 NBA All-Star Game. The reserves will be named Thursday evening on TNT.
"I would think I would have tears of joy if I did make it," Jennings said. "I can just remember me playing as a kid in Europe that everybody doubted and said I would never make it......And (people) saying I'd never be a consistent player or I'd never be an all-star."
Carmelo Anthony is day to day
Carmelo Anthony had to leave last evening's game with a strained groin and did not return. Anthony is now listed as day to day with said injury.
“He’ll be revaluated [today],’’ D’Antoni said. “It’s usually a day or two [to see] does it swell up or is there blood? We’ll find out [today]. But it’ll be a couple days before we know the extent of it.’’
Update: Carmelo Anthony will miss 1-2 weeks.
Update: Carmelo Anthony will miss 1-2 weeks.
Keith Bogans felt disrespected by Bulls
After playing in all 82 games last year for the Chicago Bulls, the Bulls decided to cut Keith Bogans on December 16th 2011 and he'll never forget.
"When I walked in the gym and they told me I wasn't practicing after they had seen me all week since Monday, that was kind of a slap in the face," Bogans said. "I've been through a lot in this league but nothing like that. It definitely made me a better man, a better person and a better basketball person....I put everything on the line each night. I played with a hurt knee 82 games. I took a pill 82 games to get that (release) in return. Every time I play them for the rest of my career, it will give me something added."
"When I walked in the gym and they told me I wasn't practicing after they had seen me all week since Monday, that was kind of a slap in the face," Bogans said. "I've been through a lot in this league but nothing like that. It definitely made me a better man, a better person and a better basketball person....I put everything on the line each night. I played with a hurt knee 82 games. I took a pill 82 games to get that (release) in return. Every time I play them for the rest of my career, it will give me something added."
Billups likely done for season
According to sources, Clippers guard Chauncey Billups has a torn achilles tendon and may miss the remainder of the season.
Kevin Love apologizes after suspension
After learning that he was suspended for 2 games following stomping on the face of Luis Scola, Timberwolves forward/center Kevin Love apologized for his actions.
"I don't want to be known for that," Love said after practice. "I want to be known as a stand-up guy who happened to make a mistake with a size 19 shoe and just move on. So everybody knows there were no ill intentions there."
"I don't want to be known for that," Love said after practice. "I want to be known as a stand-up guy who happened to make a mistake with a size 19 shoe and just move on. So everybody knows there were no ill intentions there."
Kobe Bryant closes in on 5th All-Time
Kobe Bryant will return to his home town of Philadelphia tonight with an opportunity to pass Shaquille O'Neal on the NBA's All-Time scoring list. Bryant is only 24 points away from passing his one time teammate and sometime rival.
Ben Wallace: Defense born, not made
During his prime NBA years, Ben Wallace was a 4 time winner of the Defensive Player of the year award. He feels as if the Piston can become a good defensive team but perhaps not a great one.
"You are born with it; you can't teach that," Wallace said. "It's tough to get to the league and not be a great defender and turn into one. You can be a great team defender. But as far as taking control of the game, it's one of those things where you are born with that intensity or with what we call that 'dog' in you."
"You are born with it; you can't teach that," Wallace said. "It's tough to get to the league and not be a great defender and turn into one. You can be a great team defender. But as far as taking control of the game, it's one of those things where you are born with that intensity or with what we call that 'dog' in you."
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