New Orleans Hornets New Logo?
Could this be the new logo of the New Orleans Hornets, the timing seems to be right based on all of the "great" news the franchise has received in the last few months.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Bulls' Deng/Watson to participate in Basketball Without Borders
Chicago Bulls players Luol Deng and CJ Watson will participate in the 10th season of the NBA's Basketball without Borders program. The pair will be part of the contingent that will visit Johannesburg, South Africa beginning on August 30th and ending September 2nd.
Basketball without Borders is a joint venture between the NBA and FIBA and it is a global basketball development program that uses the sport to create positive social change in the areas of education and health and wellness.
Basketball without Borders is a joint venture between the NBA and FIBA and it is a global basketball development program that uses the sport to create positive social change in the areas of education and health and wellness.
The Pulse: Your Take
As I woke up yesterday evening I was informed that the Hornets had won the 2012 NBA Draft Lottery. After taking a moment to digest the news, I immediately put my head down and stated the following "I should have known". I should have known that the Hornets would "win" the lottery based on their recent past. Lets have a look at the last 12 months for the Hornets.
I need to really hear from you guys today on this matter because I am torn, do you think the NBA fixed the Draft Lottery to further aid the Hornets or is all of this just one massive coincidence? Let us know at The Real NBA, please don't be shy on this matter.
- Being acquired by the league
- League owners nixing the Chris Paul trade to the Lakers for "Basketball Reasons"
- The Hornets being sold to Tom Benson and being promised the 2014 NBA All-Star Game
- Winning the Draft Lottery last evening
Not a bad year to say the least for a franchise that the NBA is trying desperately to revive and perhaps the most damming evidence of all. The following photo was allegedly taken days ago. It could be nothing but a huge coincidence or it could have been a sign of foreshadowing but there's Anthony Davis with his Hornets cap on and yes he will be the 1st overall pick.
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| Anthony Davis days ago? |
Wally Szczerbiak blasts Kevin Garnett
There was a time when the two were teammates for 7 years but apparently there was no love there. Moments after the Celtics were defeated by the Miami Heat during game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Wally Szczerbiak sent out this tweet about Kevin Garnett.
KG is another one who lacks the #clutchgene always has!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Could the Orlando Magic secure the 1st overall pick?
The Nets only have a 7.5% chance of acquiring the first picks in tonight's 2012 NBA Draft Lottery but sources indicate that if the Nets were to acquire the pick, they would be willing to trade the pick to the Orlando Magic for center Dwight Howard. It's no secret that Anthony Davis of Kentucky will be the first player selected and the Magic would be able to rebuild around him as they did Howard. By landing Howard, the Nets would almost guarantee the resigning of guard Deron Williams.
Ray Allen update
Tonight's Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 is a little over 9 hours away and Celtics guard Ray Allen is already at the American Airlines Arena putting up shots in preparation. Thus far this postseason, Allen is averaging career lows when it comes to ppg 9.4 and shooting percentage.
Allen to be limited?
It's obvious that Ray Allen isn't well and Celtics coach Doc Rivers indicated that he's not going to sit Allen for the rest of the series but he would consider playing Allen every other game in the series. Allen has been plagued by his bad ankles for the majority of the season and one can tell that his shot has fallen flat as he's tried to play through said injury.
2012 NBA Draft Lottery Odds
Tonight the face of a franchise could change forever as we all will find out who'll earn the first pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. Below are the odds for each team in the lottery of earning the first overall pick.
Gasol refutes trade claim
Lakers forward Pau Gasol denied that he'd liked to be traded from the Lakers to the Bulls. Earlier this week the internet was buzzing over the speculation that Gasol wanted to be paired with Bulls guard and former MVP Derrick Rose. The Gasol to Bulls trade senario begin gaining traction around the trade deadline and the whispers have remained, with the only roadblock seemingly being the Lakers not wanting Carlos Boozer who would be apart of a trade of this magnitude.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Jeff Van Gundy believes Bobcats tanked
While speaking on a conference call with the media this morning, Jeff Van Gundy stated that he felt as if the Bobcats organization tanked the season. Below are some of Van Gundy's comments:
“I don’t think the players and the coaching staff (tanked). I think the organization did by not getting the best roster.....You could make the case at any position that they did not have a top-15 player....What they’re doing, most (front office) people would do. But it’s by design....I don’t think you should get extra odds in the lottery for being bad,’’ Van Gundy said. “To consistently reward bad teams with extra (chances) is bad.’’
Monday, May 28, 2012
Gasol to Bulls?
According to sources, Lakers forward Pau Gasol would like to play for the Chicago Bulls along side of Derrick Rose. Gasol and Kobe Bryant have been at odds for sometime now and Gasol wants a fresh start with a new team. Any deal bringing Gasol to the Bulls would likely involve forward Carlos Boozer who the Lakers are not interested in but a 3rd team could be invited to acquire the services of Boozer should the trade be discussed again as it was earlier in the season.
Heat preps fans
The Miami Heat have always been the leader in the league for team apparel during the playoffs, tonight fans who attend the game will be able to partake in the custom shirts that spell HEAT that the franchise has supplied free of charge.
Would the Sixers waive Brand?
This senario will be quite possible in the coming months, the Sixers could very well use the amnesty clause to waive Elton Brand to free up the necessary cap space to sign more free agents. The move would be considered as additions by subtractions. Brand can still be a capable scorer on some nights but his prime years are behind him due to injuries and age. A power forward the likes of Kris Humphries would fit comfortably in the Sixers system and would be considered an upgrade from Brand. Along with Humphries, the Sixers could add a veteran point guard to aid Jrue Holiday.
Updated Playoff Previews
The Closer has updated his NBA Conference Finals playoffs picks which now includes who he thinks will be the team who represents the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Once you're done there, head over to The Real NBA blog page and check out my preview of the Heat/Celtics series which begins tonight.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Rondo doesn't fear Heat
Despite the Heat defeating the Celtics last season during the playoffs in five games, Celtics guard Rajon Rondo has no fear of the Heat. The two teams will face off tomorrow evening and one can expect fireworks. Speaking to reporters yesterday evening, Rondo stated the following:
“We feel we can beat Miami. Obviously, we got to this point. There’s no doubt in our mind we can. We got to go down there and take care of business.”
“We feel we can beat Miami. Obviously, we got to this point. There’s no doubt in our mind we can. We got to go down there and take care of business.”
Haslem reveals the truth
After the Heat's practice Saturday afternoon, Udonis Haslem admitted that he did strike Tyler Hansbrough to retaliate for Dwyane Wade being struck by Hansbrough moments earlier. The two have been teammates, friends for nearly 10 years and both have sacrificed for one another. Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh all took cuts in pay so that the Heat could resign the likes of Haslem who has turned millions down from other teams for remain with the Heat.
“I can’t imagine anything I wouldn’t do for Dwyane,” Haslem said, “It is all fun and games to beat up the Heat in the media, to say the Heat are soft....but as soon as the Heat take a stand and hit back, it’s not funny anymore. Rabbit hunting is fun. But it ain’t funny when the rabbit has the gun.”
“I can’t imagine anything I wouldn’t do for Dwyane,” Haslem said, “It is all fun and games to beat up the Heat in the media, to say the Heat are soft....but as soon as the Heat take a stand and hit back, it’s not funny anymore. Rabbit hunting is fun. But it ain’t funny when the rabbit has the gun.”
Would the Knicks sign Allen Iverson?
It's no secret that the Knicks will look to add a veteran point guard this offseason and it's no secret that Allen Iverson wants to return to the NBA bad. The questions is, would the Knicks entertain the thought of signing Iverson. Indirectly the Knicks know Iverson very well, coach Mike Woodson was once an assistant of Larry Brown while in Philadelphia and Carmelo Anthony and Iverson spent time playing together in Denver. According to sources, the Knicks consider Iverson too big of a gamble to sign but what if that perception were to change?
British hoops sends shot at Bulls
Luol Deng would love to play for the British Basketball program during the 2012 London Olympics, but a battle is brewing over who will cover the insurance for Deng due to his wrist injury. Now comes the accusation that the Bulls would like for Deng to withdraw and focus on his long term health. Chris Spice, the director of the British Basketball program recently stated the following:
"Luol Deng is hugely committed to the British Basketball program and he has maintained this stance despite recent pressure for him not to play after injuring his wrist during the highly-demanding shortened NBA season," Spice's statement said. "We admire and support his stance. Luol is a true professional and manages his body extremely well as shown by the high amount of minutes he was able to play for his club after sustaining the injury in January."
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Wizards remain quiet on the status of Wittman
Wizards Head Coach Randy Wittman compiled a record of 18-31 after he took over for the fired Flip Saunders. The largest improvement was on the defensive and the addition of Nene only made matters betters but despite having supports from him players such as John Wall, Wittman has yet to receive word from Wizards' ownership on whether or not he'll be retained. According to sources, the Wizards are close to retaining Wittman but nothing is official yet as Wittman continues to operate business as usual.
Does Kyle Lowry want out of Houston?
Kyle Lowry is still not over his issues with Rockets' coach Kevin McHale and said as such as he was leaving the team facility recently. When asked if he and McHale can coexist, Lowry stated the following.
“I don’t think so,” Lowry said. “I honestly think it would be tough. Things have to be addressed. The situation would have to be addressed.....If things aren’t addressed coaching-wise, I guess I have to be moved.”
McHale was surprised by the comments apparently having moved on from the spat the two had near the end of the season where McHale pulled Lowry into a team huddle and Lowry reacted negatively.
Del Negro in trouble?
Despite leading the Clippers to the second round of the NBA playoffs, coach Vinny Del Negro will learn his fate at some point next week according to sources. Del Negro was rumored to be fired in March when the Clippers hit a rough patch but he was able to navigate the team through that turbulent time. If Del Negro is indeed let go, two names that have come up as potential replacements are OKC Thunders' Scott Brooks and the Hornets' Monty Williams.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Jeff Van Gundy defends his brother
Yesterday Jeff Van Gundy appeared on ESPN radio and one of the topics that was discussed was the Magic's handling of Stan Van Gundy's firing.
"As you just said his coaching is beyond approach, so he doesn't need me to defend him. At the same time teams throughout professionals sports they change coaches. Now how you go about it is important. For him to have been in the office all day and the President, Alex Martins, knows that he is there and let them leave and then he calls him on the phone to fire him? It’s unprofessional. It’s unprofessional. To hide behind the fact or try to make everyone believe that Dwight Howard didn't have a part in this is absurd. Say listen we fired this guy because we know this our best chance to keep Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard and I decided to fire him. To do anything else is playing a game of semantics. It really is. Third at the press conference that they hold to be going on and on how difficult of a day it is for you personally Alex Martins to fire people? He does this every time he fires somebody at the Magic with countless disregard at how it impacts people that he just fired. Now my brother is fine financially, but he has uprooted so many other lives that to force…you want sympathy and empathy because you have it hard? Countless disregard for what normal Americans are going through. He’s fired many people there and he always comes up with the same thing that it’s been a tough day on me without any regards for their feelings. Finally and this is the biggest one to me he said that my brother is the finest ‘X and O’ coach he has been around in his 25 years in the business. Okay listen [Alex Martins] all you have done in your 25 years in the business is release press releases and run the business side. You don’t know if a ball is blown up or stuffed. You don’t know if the pick and roll coverage on the side is right or wrong. Just say that I have no knowledge about basketball. It’s offensive when someone who has no knowledge about basketball even in a positive comment tries in those ways to sort of negate what Brian Hill did as a coach or what Matt Guokas did as a coach. He doesn’t know one thing about basketball so please hold off your comments on my brothers expertise since you know nothing about basketball.’”
"As you just said his coaching is beyond approach, so he doesn't need me to defend him. At the same time teams throughout professionals sports they change coaches. Now how you go about it is important. For him to have been in the office all day and the President, Alex Martins, knows that he is there and let them leave and then he calls him on the phone to fire him? It’s unprofessional. It’s unprofessional. To hide behind the fact or try to make everyone believe that Dwight Howard didn't have a part in this is absurd. Say listen we fired this guy because we know this our best chance to keep Dwight Howard. Dwight Howard and I decided to fire him. To do anything else is playing a game of semantics. It really is. Third at the press conference that they hold to be going on and on how difficult of a day it is for you personally Alex Martins to fire people? He does this every time he fires somebody at the Magic with countless disregard at how it impacts people that he just fired. Now my brother is fine financially, but he has uprooted so many other lives that to force…you want sympathy and empathy because you have it hard? Countless disregard for what normal Americans are going through. He’s fired many people there and he always comes up with the same thing that it’s been a tough day on me without any regards for their feelings. Finally and this is the biggest one to me he said that my brother is the finest ‘X and O’ coach he has been around in his 25 years in the business. Okay listen [Alex Martins] all you have done in your 25 years in the business is release press releases and run the business side. You don’t know if a ball is blown up or stuffed. You don’t know if the pick and roll coverage on the side is right or wrong. Just say that I have no knowledge about basketball. It’s offensive when someone who has no knowledge about basketball even in a positive comment tries in those ways to sort of negate what Brian Hill did as a coach or what Matt Guokas did as a coach. He doesn’t know one thing about basketball so please hold off your comments on my brothers expertise since you know nothing about basketball.’”
Josh Smith speaks on his contract situation
Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith would like to see his contract extended. Smith currently has 1 year remaining on the contract that was signed in the summer of 2008 when the Hawks matched the offer given to Smith by the Grizzlies.
“I can’t get extended,” Smith said. “They didn’t give me the money; I had to go get it. That’s something I have to play it out and see how it goes from there.....“All I know is I have one more year on my contract so I will definitely be here....I just have to go into the offseason to better myself and do whatever I have to do to help this ballclub. I was an Atlanta Hawk after the trade deadline and I’m one now, so I have to look at some of the things I can do to help my basketball team win ballgames, especially in the postseason.”
“I can’t get extended,” Smith said. “They didn’t give me the money; I had to go get it. That’s something I have to play it out and see how it goes from there.....“All I know is I have one more year on my contract so I will definitely be here....I just have to go into the offseason to better myself and do whatever I have to do to help this ballclub. I was an Atlanta Hawk after the trade deadline and I’m one now, so I have to look at some of the things I can do to help my basketball team win ballgames, especially in the postseason.”
Bradley to miss time
Celtics guard Avery Bradley will undergo surgery today to repair his shoulder issues. Bradley will be out of action for at least four months for rehab.
The Pulse: Your Take
There's two words that resonate more than in the NBA than any others......Game Seven! Tomorrow evening the Celtics will host the Sixers in the 2nd game 7 during this years' playoffs. When I posted my playoffs prediction on The Real NBA Blog, I knew that this series would go seven games and I picked the Celtics to prevail, only through veteran leadership. I'm sticking to that of course but I want to know what you think, who'll win tomorrow nights' game 7 and why?
Magic's GM search to begin next week
Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins will begin interviewing candidates to become the teams' next GM next week. Chris Sheridan of sheridanhoops.com reported yesterday that the Orlando Magic had decided to trade Dwight Howard but sources close to the team claim that those reports were false.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
NBA Announces 2011-12 All-NBA Teams
2011-12 ALL-NBA FIRST TEAM
LeBron James, Heat (596), Kevin Durant, Thunder (591), Dwight Howard, Magic (476), Kobe Bryant, Lakers (568), Chris Paul, Clippers (484)
2011-12 ALL-NBA SECOND TEAM
Kevin Love, Wolves (365), Blake Griffin, Clippers (170), Andrew Bynum, Lakers (400), Tony Parker, Spurs (367), Russell Westbrook, Thunder (239)
2011-12 ALL-NBA THIRD TEAM
Carmelo Anthony, Knicks (154), Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs (136), Tyson Chandler, Knicks (60), Dwyane Wade, Heat (235), Rajon Rondo, Celtics (142)
Magic to trade Howard?
According to Chris Sheridan, The Orlando are prepared to trade Howard sooner rather than later. A meeting took place in Michigan between the team president and owner Rich DeVos and it was there that the conclusion was reached to part ways with coach Stan Van Gundy, GM Otis Smith, and Dwight Howard. The Magic will begin to solicit deals from Howard once the Draft Lottery has been completed next week.
Celtics to lose Bradley?
The Boston Globe is reporting that there's a 90% chance that Celtics' guard Avery Bradley will be shut down for the remainder of the playoffs due to his ongoing shoulder issues. Bradley has missed the last two games due to soreness in both shoulders and he may require surgery. If Bradley were to play and cause further damage to the injury, he could end up missing an entire season.
Udrih to remain with Bucks
Bucks backup point guard Beno Udrih has opted into the player option on his contract and will return to the team next season. It will be the final year of his contract and the 8 year vet will earn $7.8 million to return.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
OKC makes change
Due to the recent shooting after the OKC Thunder defeated the LA Lakers earlier this week, the Thunder have decided to cancel their outdoor viewing parties during games.
Breaking News
The NBA has suspended Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem for tomorrow's game 6 in Indianapolis and Heat center Dexter Pittman has been suspended 3 games.
Team USA's 1st Round Olympic Basketball Schedule released
July 29, France (9:30 a.m. ET)
July 31, Tunisia (5:15 p.m. ET)
Aug. 2, Qualifier TBD (5:15 p.m. ET)
Aug. 4, Qualifier TBD (9:30 a.m. ET)
Aug. 6, Argentina (5:15 p.m. ET)
July 31, Tunisia (5:15 p.m. ET)
Aug. 2, Qualifier TBD (5:15 p.m. ET)
Aug. 4, Qualifier TBD (9:30 a.m. ET)
Aug. 6, Argentina (5:15 p.m. ET)
Danny Granger agrees with "Soft" label
While watching his teammates practice today, Pacers' forward Danny Granger agreed with the Soft label that team President Larry Bird dropped after the Pacers' suffered a devastating defeat via the Miami Heat last evening. Granger left the game in the 3rd quarter with a sprained ankle and his playing status for tomorrow night is unknown, Granger is currently listed as day to day.
"I agree with his assessment. We did play soft. We got smacked around. We got beat up. We got bullied,'' Granger said. "And we didn't really respond well. You give up 61.4% to anybody is really uncalled for. I think they set all kinds of records for points scored and I think it was our worst playoff loss ever, so that's really unacceptable.....I've known Larry since I've been in Indiana for seven years. He's not one to hold his tongue and 99 percent of the time what he's saying is right. I think he just called out what everyone else saw. We played a soft game. We didn't come with the playoff intensity that we needed to win and he called us out.''
"I agree with his assessment. We did play soft. We got smacked around. We got beat up. We got bullied,'' Granger said. "And we didn't really respond well. You give up 61.4% to anybody is really uncalled for. I think they set all kinds of records for points scored and I think it was our worst playoff loss ever, so that's really unacceptable.....I've known Larry since I've been in Indiana for seven years. He's not one to hold his tongue and 99 percent of the time what he's saying is right. I think he just called out what everyone else saw. We played a soft game. We didn't come with the playoff intensity that we needed to win and he called us out.''
NBA's All-Defensive Team
NBA Announces All-Defensive team. First Team: LeBron James & Serge Ibaka at forward, Dwight Howard at center, Chris Paul & Tony Allen guards
The Pulse: Your Take
The Heat/Pacers 2nd round matchup at time has resembled a heavyweight boxing match. The Pacers' pushed early and last evening the Heat pushed to take control of the series. Did the Pacers' blow their chance at winning the series when they lost game 4 and do you think that the Pacers' can still win this series?
Larry Bird calls Pacers' SOFT
Pacers' team president doesn't speak often but when he does everyone listens. As Bird left the American Airlines Arena last evening, he spoke to the Indianapolis Star by phone.
“I can’t believe my team went soft,” Bird said. “S-O-F-T. I’m disappointed. I never thought it would happen.”
Bird was then asked to elaborate on the comments and he stated the following:
“That’s all I have to say.”
“I can’t believe my team went soft,” Bird said. “S-O-F-T. I’m disappointed. I never thought it would happen.”
Bird was then asked to elaborate on the comments and he stated the following:
“That’s all I have to say.”
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Danny Granger out
Pacers' forward Danny Granger rolled his ankle shortly before half time of tonight's game 5 against the Miami Heat. Granger did return to the game in the 3rd quarter only to aggravate the injury. Granger will be held out for the remainder of the game.
Wade addresses Granger's antics
One may have noticed that over the last 3 games, Pacers' forward Danny Granger has stood in the face of both Dwyane Wade and LeBron James in an effort to prove that he doesn't fear the Miami Heat. Earlier after shootaround Dwyane Wade addressed the antics of Grangers with the media.
"I'm all for standing up for your guys, but certain things you just can't keep doing," Wade said. "My message to Granger was that you just can't keep running up into people's faces for altercations. We're not fighting on this basketball court, so let's not act like we're going to fight. We can be physical and do all that, but certain things got to stop. Are you out here to play basketball or are you out here to be a tough guy?"
"I'm all for standing up for your guys, but certain things you just can't keep doing," Wade said. "My message to Granger was that you just can't keep running up into people's faces for altercations. We're not fighting on this basketball court, so let's not act like we're going to fight. We can be physical and do all that, but certain things got to stop. Are you out here to play basketball or are you out here to be a tough guy?"
Warriors to make announcement
This afternoon at 1 pm eastern time the Goldenstate Warriors are going to make an announcement regarding their future in Oakland. The Real NBA broke the news on May 14th that the Mayor of San Francisco had began to court the Warriors to move to his city based on a reliable source in the Bay Area. Yesterday, May 21st, ESPN, the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" caught wind of the situation and is making it their own story...sad. With that being said, the Warriors should announce their plans to move across the Bay later today.
Our original post can be found here.
Our original post can be found here.
Updated Playoff Previews
Head over to The Real NBA Blog to see who've I've chosen to represent the Western Conference in the 2012 NBA Finals. The Closer has also updated his NBA bracket to reflect his winner and if one looks at his bracket from start to finish, you'll understand why he's The Closer, his playoff pick percentage this season is a thing of amazement.
Adam Morrison wants back in the NBA
Former NBA player Adam Morrison is trying to get back into the league, currently Morrison is taking part in a three day mini camp by the Nets in an attempt to prove that he belongs. Morrison had previously played for the Bobcats and Lakers.
“I understand I’m never going to shake being a bust or being a failure in some people’s eyes,” said Morrison, “I’ve experienced a lot of highs in basketball, so I guess you could call it a hardship, but it’s really not. I get to play basketball for money. That’s pretty good.....It just didn’t work out. I ended up taking the year off and then played overseas last year. So one more shot and see what happens"
“I understand I’m never going to shake being a bust or being a failure in some people’s eyes,” said Morrison, “I’ve experienced a lot of highs in basketball, so I guess you could call it a hardship, but it’s really not. I get to play basketball for money. That’s pretty good.....It just didn’t work out. I ended up taking the year off and then played overseas last year. So one more shot and see what happens"
Woodson to be retained?
According to sources, the Knicks are finalizing the terms for Mike Woodson to become the teams' permanent coach for at least 3 additional seasons. Woodson had been the interim coach since mid-season when Mike D'Antoni resigned. After becoming the interim coach of the team, Woodson saved the Knicks season via help from Jeremy Lin for a time and the reemergence of Carmelo Anthony before being stopped by the Miami Heat in the 1st round of the playoffs. Woodson's new deal should be announced at some point this week due to team officials wanting to have the deal finalized before the Memorial Day Weekend.
Dwight Howard still wants out of Orlando?
According to Sheridan Hoops, Dwight Howard still wants to be traded from the Orlando Magic despite the franchise firing Stan Van Gundy and parting ways "Fired" with GM Otis Smith. This just adds to the already bizarre season that the Orlando Magic had to suffer through. The likely destination for Howard is still the New Jersey Nets but any team willing to take Hedo Turkoglu's contract along with Howard will be considered a front runner.
West fires shot at Heat?
Speaking with a reporter recently, Delonte West insinuated that NBA franchise that play the idea of "team" basketball is good for the NBA and that the notion of a superstar may not be so good.
"What you're seeing in these playoffs is that the idea of 'team' is back in the NBA,'' West said. "The collective team is bigger than the one or two great players. You look at the Spurs and Indiana, those teams are playing like teams....and I think that's good for the NBA. I think looking forward, the NBA is going to be at its greatest the next couple years because it's going to be anybody's game. To me, that makes the league more exciting.''
Monday, May 21, 2012
Celtics' Bradley out
Celtics guard Avery Bradley will miss tonight's game with his ongoing shoulder injury. Ray Allen should start in the place of Bradley tonight.
A change in the Magic Kingdom
The Orlando Magic have fired head coach Stan Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith.
Lin's return to New York isn't set in stone
Last week the NBA Players Association filed to seek an arbitration hearing based on players who lost their early "Birds Rights". According to sources the arbitration date will be set for sometime this week and it's especially important to the Knicks due to it allowing the Knicks to be able to resign Jeremy Lin and not exceed the salary cap. This is where it gets confusing: Either way the Knicks can't be outbid for the services of Lin since he's a restricted free agent however; if Lin retains his early Bird Rights, the Knicks wouldn't have to dip into their Mid Level Exemption to keep him as they would like to use the Mid Level Exemption to sign the likes of Steve Nash and/or Andre Miller to help Lin. The Mid Level Exemption is valued at $5 Million a year.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Juwan Howard Update
According to sources, before today's game 4 between the Heat and Pacers, currently in progress, Juwan Howard and Lance Stephenson had to be separated. Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw had to come in between the players and escorted Howard off the court. It was reported earlier by The Real NBA that Howard was trying to confront Stephenson yesterday before the practice before being stopped, Howard reportedly told Dahnty Jones the following:
“Tell him I’m going to f**K him up,”
“Tell him I’m going to f**K him up,”
Howard wanted to confront Stephenson?
These two have history, Miami Heat forward Juwan Howard and Pacers rookie Lance Stephenson got into a heated argument back in February which resulted in Howard being ejected from the game. Stephenson apologized yesterday for his antics the previous game by giving LeBron James the choke gesture but Howard wanted to speak to Stephenson and made his intentions known before the Heat took the practice court yesterday. Howard approached the Pacers lockerroom and searching Stephenson out. Howard was stopped by Dahntay Jones before he could reach Stephenson and Howard returned to the practice court.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
The Pulse: Your Take
The dream NBA Finals matchup that David Stern would like to see is the Miami Heat facing the Los Angeles Lakers but with both teams down in their playoff series' 2-1, the series may never come to pass. I'd like to know, what are the chances of these teams facing off in the finals and what would you consider a dream finals' matchup and why?
Four NBA Players added to Brazilian National Team
The NBA's global dominance will be showcased during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games to be held in London due to of course Team USA but also the Brazilian National team that will have at least 4 NBA players on its roster. The players to be added are Tiago Splitter of the Spurs, Leandro Barbosa of the Pacers, Anderson Verajao of the Cavs, and Nene from the Wizards.
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