July 21 NBA News & Notes

Richardson was traded for the third time this summer, this time to the Timberwolves.

Here are some recent news & notes you may have missed in what has been a very boring NBA offseason thus far:

Q-Rich to T-Wolves, Telfair to Clip Joint

Quentin Richardson has been traded – again. Shortly after acquiring Richardson from the Grizzlies in the Zach Randolph deal, the Clippers sent him to the Timberwolves in exchange for Craig Smith, Mark Madsen, and Sebastian Telfair.

This was another puzzling move between two of the dumbest franchises in the NBA. Telfair played well at times for the Wolves last seen and would have added depth. Ricky Rubio is still way out of the picture, leaving Minnesota with Jonny Flynn as the only point guard on the roster. The Clippers certainly didn’t need Richardson, but probably don’t need Telfair either. L.A. is in hot pursuit of Bucks guard Ramon Sessions and already has Baron Davis and his huge contract.

This trade would seem to signal the end of the Allen Iverson courtship, but you just never know with the Clippers.

Jarrett Jack heading to Canada

The Raptors offseason has been very impressive to say the least. The signing of Jarrett Jack to a four-year, $20 million deal is the latest solid move. Jack provides insurance behind the aging Jose Calderon, who battled injuries throughout last season. The former Georgia Tech point guard averaged a career-best 13.1 ppg for the Pacers last season.

Meanwhile, Larry Bird’s puzzling moves continued Monday. He signed Earl Watson as a replacement for Jack, adding to a dismal free agent class of Dahntay Jones and Josh McRoberts. Yuck.

Heat poised to add Boozer, Odom?

With Lamar Odom at odds with the Lakers, Miami appears ready to offer a five-year deal to the versatile forward. Financially, this move is a no-brainer, but it’s not that simple. Odom’s maturity (who would have thought) makes staying in L.A. to win another title his most desirable option. This could drag on for a few more weeks.

Carlos Boozer spoke highly of playing in Chicago last week, and now he is talking about how he would love to play in Miami. Boozer told the Miami Herald the Heat are his “Number one option.” He lives in Miami during the offseason and is close to Dwayne Wade. Boozer spent last week talking about how he would love to play in Chicago and seems ready to play just about anywhere – except Utah.

Misery in Memphis? Grizzlies appear to be A.I.’s only option

Allen Iverson might be seriously considering retirement. The Clippers aggressive pursuit of Ramon Sessions (sources say they are poised to offer a five-year, $34 million contract) suggests that talks with Iverson have stalled. Last week, ESPN reported the Clips wanted to speak with AI about coming off the bench before offering him a contract.

Miami would be a decent fit for AI, but is focused on signing Lamar Odom and working out a deal for Carlos Boozer. Iverson is merely an afterthought at this point.

That leaves Memphis as the one remaining team interesting in signing Iverson. The Grizz would likely offer Iverson the mid-level exception, meaning a one-year deal at around $5.6 million.

Clippers finally ready to make right decision in the draft

Unlike some many others before him, Blake Griffin probably won't fade into obscurity while playing for the Clippers.

The Los Angeles Clippers woeful draft history has been well-documented and is a big reason the franchise is one of the most abysmal in all of professional sports.

But the 2009 NBA draft could be the start of something special in L.A.

The Clippers are telling anyone who will listen it plans to select Blake Griffin with the first pick in the draft.  The franchise already has posted pictures of the Oklahoma star on its website in an attempt to boost ticket sales for next year.

Griffin’s athletic pedigree is impressive, his work ethic outstanding, and his competitive drive and intensity admirable.

Blake Griffin could be the player who turns around years upon years of futility for L.A.’s other team.

He is arguably more athletic and explosive than Amar’e Stoudemire, and his offensive game improved dramatically last year while facing constant double and triple-teams in college.

With Eric Gordon, Al Thornton, and Baron Davis playing alongside, he won’t have to score right away to make an impact.

Unlike Amar’e, Griffin is willing to crash the boards and play defense – something the Clippers desperately need.

He is also a highly marketable player who could help the Clips climb out of the NBA’s financial doldrums.

The Clippers have improved drafts over the last couple years, selecting Al Thornton in 2007 and Eric Gordon last year.  If Baron Davis stays away from McDonald’s and gets some motivation back, the Clip Joint could hover around the .500 mark next season.

Now if only there was an easy way to unload Zach Randolph.

March 28 NBA News & Notes

AI may return this week: Pistons coach Michael Curry said Iverson could return this week, and Iverson said he could return Tuesday.  I believe it when I see it.

Kevin Garnett may sit for a few more games: KG didn’t play last night against the Hawks due to lingering soreness in his knee.  After the game, Celtics coach Doc Rivers said KG might be held out of the next few games.

The Celtics have limited Garnett to under 20 minutes of action since his return, and he is still hurting.  This really doesn’t look good for Boston.

Stephen Jackson, Marcus Camby, and Mike James done for the season: Captain Jack had a great season but his production (and interest) had been tailing off for a couple weeks.  Jack plans to have surgery Tuesday to remove bone chips from his left big toe.

Camby has an ankle injury and will most likely sit out the rest of the season.  I still don’t know why I drafted him in two of my fantasy leagues.

Mike James has a broken finger and is done for the season.  The Wizards are expecting Gilbert Arenas back tonight and like Jarvis Crittenton, so James’ injury isn’t a big deal.

Will Bynum flourishing in Detroit: The Pistons may have found an answer to its point guard struggles: Will Bynum.  The former Georgia Tech guard has dropped 20+ points in three of the last four games and exploded for 25 points and 11 assists against the Lakers Thursday.

With Rodney Stuckey struggling, Bynum will continue to get big minutes.  He and the Clippers Mike Taylor are the hottest fantasy options right now.

Surprise!!! Baron Davis is hurt again: After not playing last night because of flu-like symptoms, B Diddy said he has an ulcer.  With Mike Taylor on scoring spree, don’t expect the Clippers to play Davis again this season.  The signings of Davis and Camby look worse everyday.

Nate Robinson’s minutes dwindling: Little Nate has been crabby lately and Mike D’Antoni may have seen enough.  Robinson has played less than 20 minutes in the last two games, and with the Knicks out of playoff contention, D’Antoni can afford to show discipline.  Stay tuned, a suspension could be forthcoming.

Troy Murphy’s knee still hurting: Murphy will have plenty of time to enjoy the tanning booth while he waits for his sprained knee to heal.  He should return late next week, but the Pacers won’t rush him back.

This is Dwight Howard impersonating Shaq

All-Star weekend is officially in full swing, and I couldn’t be happier after finding Dwight Howard’s impresession of Shaq.

Enjoy the dunk contest, everyone.

Feb. 6 Link Dump

MIDGE IN THE HOUSE!!!

Because the NBA is a sweaty, masculine place, let’s inject some estrogen into the equation. This is Paris Hilton and Fergie with their wee friend. Even his drink is miniature.

(By the way, what is wrong with Fergie’s ass? Does she have diapers on to make sure this doesn’t happen again?)

While you stare at Paris’s stoned expression, eat your Frosted Flakes and ponder the questions of the world – This morning’s quagmire: If I don’t wash my hair, will it smell? More importantly, will it look cooler?- enjoy the following links…

How about LaMarcus Aldridge for Amare Stoudemire? Sounds terrible to me (the Bulls should get STAT).

– Ball Don’t Lie 2-on-2 tourny. I’m down.

– Ok. Here’s what everyone who knows Elliott needs to do. Call him right now (as you read this), and ask him “Where the F*CK is your Big-10 round-up, asshat?” Do it. Please?

– Yeah, yeah. No Elton Brand is good for Philly. Whatever. This subject is tired. Let’s let Elton rest for a little while.

– Ray Allen gets the All-Star nod in place of Jameer Nelson.

– Apparently we’re not supposed to compare Rodney Stuckey to Dwyane Wade. Who started those comparisons? Oh wait, it was draftexpress.com.

– Baron Davis hangs out with Jon Lovitz.

– Chris Bosh is going to be out Friday night. Me too.

– “Tony and Eva Eat Out A Lot”

– Cool synergy between a Celtics and Lakers blog. Which reminds me: Yardbird. If you’re reading, we need to hook up on something. Leave a comment and we’ll get down to business.

– I agree. What’s going on with the Chicago Bulls?

– Bonzi Wells is out of China, but with his (excessive) weight and China’s air pollution, it’s clear his lungs will never recover.

Expect another round-up later today.

Jan. 29 Wake-Up Call

pic via Sylvievdvaart.nl

Because the NBA is a sweaty, masculine place, let’s inject some estrogen into the equation.  This is Sylvie Van der Vaart, who’s married to Dutch soccer God Rafael Van der Vaart, who’s making the old country proud.

While you stare at Sylvie’s ears, eat your Frosted Flakes and ponder the questions of the world – This morning’s quagmire: Can I get testicle cancer from laptops? – enjoy the following links…

– Ray Allen thinks it’s an honor to play in the All-Star game. 

– T-Mac says he’s back.  No one believes him.

– OJ Mayo needs to show more passion, according to Fox Sports.  You try playing on Memphis (and in Memphis).

– Turns out that Eddy Curry was the father of one of infant that was killed alongside Curry’s ex-girlfriend.

– Cuban and Nellie are going to mediation to settle their contract dispute.  My money’s on Cubes.

– Rajon Rando’s jumper scares me.

– Should the 76ers trade Andre Miller?

– Stating the obvious: Paul Millsap isn’t leaving Utah.

– So yeah, Baron Davis and Marcus Camby came back last night.  And the Clip show still lost by 20 to the lowly Bulls.

Massive TTT Special: Trades that Should Happen but Probably Never Will (Part 2)

Golden State Warriors – Not sure where to begin with this mess. Everyone on the Warriors is on the block, with the possible exceptions of Andris Biedrins and Monta Ellis. The Warriors lost Baron Davis to the Clippers prior to the start of the season, and then perhaps out of spite decided to sign Corey Maggette. And so began GM Chris Mullin’s obsession with shooting

Captain Jack and Golden State are struggling in lovely Oakland

guards.  Flat Top needs to move Maggette or Stephen Jackson once Ellis returns, and also is apparently trying to trade Brandon Wright. Maybe he should also look to move newly-acquired Jamal Crawford, who has the lowest winning-percentage of any NBA player in history. It won’t be easy for Mullin reshape the Warriors because of bad contracts, bad attitudes, and bad players. At least Warrior fans should be able to watch Rob Kurz for the remainder of the season. Enjoy!

Houston Rockets – Things are complicated in Houston thanks to T-Mac and Ron Artest. Both players have been largely ineffective due to mysterious injuries that don’t seem to be getting better. During the Christmas Day NBA broadcast, ABC/ESPN analyst foolishly predicted the Rockets to win the Western Conference. The Rockets are making their former coach look like a fool. Houston could move Carl Landry to acquire some perimeter help, but don’t expect the Rockets to be very active in the trading frenzy this year. Rick Adelman could be stuck with Von Wafer and Brent Barry for the remainder of the season…Go crazy.

Indiana Pacers – The Pacers have a large amount of bad white players who probably won’t be moved. Jamaal Tinsley is still technically on the Pacers roster, but is not an attractive option to NBA teams. He is also probably about 280 pounds, and who knows where he is or what he is doing. It is possible that the Pacers could look to move T.J. Ford or Marquis Daniels, but not very likely.

L.A. Clippers – The Clippers are glad that they didn’t re-sign Elton Brand, but very unhappy that they broke the bank to sign Baron Davis. B Diddy is rumored to want out of La La land, but his large contract will make that difficult to accomplish. The Clippers need to move Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, and Ricky Davis to ensure that Eric Gordon and Al Thornton can develop.

L.A. Lakers – Last year’s trade to acquire Pau Gasol means that the Lakers don’t need to make a move this season. L.A. is set.

Memphis Grizzlies – The Grizz are a puzzling bunch. They could look to move Mike Conley Jr. or Kyle Lowry and maybe even Darko Milicic. Memphis has potential to improve if they don’t screw this up, but let’s face it, the Grizz are probably doomed forever.

Miami Heat – The Heat really need a big man and want to move Shawn Marion, who is making 17 million in the final year of his contract. The Matrix has been awful this year, averaging just 11 points and eight rebounds while battling mysterious injuries…like back spasms. The Heat have some decent young players that they can move, including DeQuan Cook and Dorrell Wright, but Marion must be moved to create more minutes for Michael Beasley.

Milwaukee Bucks – Many people forget that the Bucks exist, but they have some players that could be attractive for contenders. Luke Ridnour and Dan Gadzuric could be moved, as could the small-eared Richard Jefferson. Scott Skiles should start to give Ramon Sessions more minutes, making Ridnour expendable.

Minnesota Timberwolves – Well now, this is a real mess. Everyone should be available, especially Brian Cardinal (gasp) and Mike Miller. Al Jefferson is a franchise player and the T’Wolves should keep him unless the price is right. The problem is that Kevin McHale has no idea what he is doing. McHale is the Matt Millen of the NBA, and needs to be fired ASAP before things get any worse in Minnesota.

New Jersey Nets – Maybe the Nets should trade Devin Harris to acquire a veteran point guard…Just kidding.  Aside from Jarvis Hayes and Bobby Simmons, the Nets don’t really have many players who could be moved.  Don’t look for the Nets to be active prior to the trading deadline.

New Orleans Hornets – The Hornets can count on Chris Paul, David West, and James Posey. But the rest of the roster is unreliable and inconsistent. Tyson Chandler has been especially inconsistent, so acquiring another big man wouldn’t hurt. But the Hornets really need a shooting guard, possibly Mike Miller or Ben Gordon. The problem is that New Orleans doesn’t have much to deal besides Hilton Armstrong and Julian Wright, who has been a huge disappointment this year.

Check back for Part 3 of 3 tomorrow, and enjoy the BCS Championship tonight.