Daily Basketball
NBA and NCAA blogging on an occasionally daily basis
Archive for October, 2006
October 12, 2006 at 4:15 pm · Filed under NBA
The NBA has sent representatives to teams around the league showing a tape of player reactions that the referees plan to have zero tolerance for this season. Rasheed Wallace can’t really be excited as he says about the fining and suspension system associated with the bad behavior, “It just means I must be doing something right. Any time they change the rules of the game for one specific player, you must be doing something right.” Wallace was suspended one game last season for getting too many technical fouls, which kept the Detroit Pistons from starting the same players for the entire year.
Dallas Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson has had his contract re-structured. Johnson will know be making $20 million over the five years of his contract. Johnson is now under contract until 2010-11.
The New York Knicks plan to run a Phoenix Suns-like offense this season (who hasn’t said this?), which will be led partially by underachiever Steve Francis. “I’ve done everything but win games, and that’s what I’m out to do.” This season will be a make-or-break year for the franchise, with Isiah Thomas’ front offic and coaching job on the line.
Robert Horry has acknowledged that this season may be the last of his storybook career. “If I can’t go, I’m not going to force myself out there to where I hurt the team. Just treat me regular and let me play, and whatever happens, happens.” To see just a small fraction of the game-winners and clutch blocks by Horry, check out this video entitled “Robert Horry Saves the Day“.
October 11, 2006 at 4:57 pm · Filed under General
Click here to join the Daily Basketball fantasy basketball league!
Join our first annual fantasy basketball league, hosted by Yahoo! The draft will take place near October 25th, and is an autopick draft so you shouldn’t have any problem finding time for it.
The league is rotisserie-style, but with the following categories:
Games played
Field Goal %
Three-point %
Free-throw %
Points scored
Total Rebounds
Assists
Blocks
Assist-to-turnover ratio
Use the following information to join:
League ID: 95883
Password: dbfantasy
Click here to join the Daily Basketball fantasy basketball league!
October 11, 2006 at 2:41 pm · Filed under General, NBA
T.J. Ford can be added to the list of a plethora of players frustrated with the NBA’s new ball. “Once the ball hits the floor it kind of sticks.”, Ford said. The Toronto Raptors‘ point guard is just one of many players who have publicly complained about the ball. The league has looked into the situation and briefly considered keeping the old ball, but the league doesn’t seem to be worried.
The preseason hasn’t featured many storylines so far, but the Detroit Pistons have shown that they can play without Ben Wallace. During the blowout victory in their preseason game in Puerto Rico against defending champion Miami Heat, new starting center Nazr Mohammed led the team in points, rebounds, and blocks.
Aaron McKie is aware that his time left in the league is running out, “The fat lady is warming up her pipes”. It isn’t known whether McKie will play the upcoming season with the Los Angeles Lakers or if the team will save the roster spot and give a rookie the plentiful minutes behind Kobe Bryant.
After being traded and then waived by the Golden State Warriors, Devin Brown may once again return to his hometown San Antonio. Brown’s agent says that there are several quality teams that have shown interest in Brown, but Brown has spent much of his life in San Antonio (including a couple seasons with the Spurs) and the home team would probably have the inside track on signing Brown.
New Jersey Nets‘ point guard Jay Williams will be on the court for his first game in a couple years after rehabbing from the motorcycle accident and struggling to find a roster spot. The former #2 draft pick is excited for tonight’s game against the Indiana Pacers. “I am going to be ready for it.”
Now that the preseason is about to begin and teams are preparing for the season, it’s the perfect time to sign up on our basketball forums. Generally unoccupied, we’re looking for valuable members to contribute in discussions about all things basketball.
October 6, 2006 at 5:18 pm · Filed under NBA
Amare Stoudemire is still struggling to play on his two knees, and recently sat out multiple practices. The team hasn’t said much about how Stoudemire is doing, but it looks like he could find himself playing extremely limited minutes to start the season.
Darius Songaila has sat out for the last couple of days with a pinched nerve in his back. Songaila will be playing his first season with the Washington Wizards.
Yao Ming is going to sit out for a couple days to rest a bruised toe. Ming practiced with the injury suffered minimal discomfort but the Houston Rockets are taking precautions to make sure their All-Star center is ready after rehabbing from a broken foot and playing in the World Championships.
The Orlando Magic have four players involved with injuries. J.J. Redick is sitting out because of torn tissue on the bottom of his foot. Tony Battie tweaked his knee along with a sore foot. Jameer Nelson and Dwight Howard required stiches after a head-on collision during Friday’s practice. The two knocked heads and and Howard (6′ 11″) sent Nelson (5′ 10″) down hard. “We’re worried about his head. . .about headaches and stuff,” Coach Brian Hill said.
Dwyane Wade received good new when the MRI on his right hand came back negative. Depending on how well medication relieves the pain, he may have his minutes reduced.
Neither Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks or Mickael Pietrus of the Golden State Warriors will be getting a contract extension before the season begins. While both teams plan to retain the players, contract negotations are unlilkely to be completed before the Halloween deadline.
If you’ve missed it, NBA bloggers around the league are compiling their season previews on one blog. You can read them here.
October 2, 2006 at 7:42 pm · Filed under NBA
Gilbert Arenas is taking every opportunity he can to improve his play this season. Arenas told the media that his house was “converted to the Colorado altitude, so I am always above sea level,” and he will have portable tent to take with him on the road. The idea is that he will naturally improve his conditioning by living in thinner air. Arenas was offended after being left off of the USA Basketball team, and made it know he has taken it personal.
Shaquille O’Neal says he would have retired if Pat Riley hadn’t decided to remain on the sidelines. While this source is New York Daily News, rumors are he considered leaving the $80 million on his deal if Riley retired.
A quick roundup of signings around the NBA:
- The Minnesota Timberwolves signed veteran forward and former Seattle Sonics star Vin Baker.
- Melvin Ely has signed a one-year, $3 million qualifying offer with the Charlotte Bobcats.
- The New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets signed their second-round pick, Marcus Vinicius.
- The Houston Rockets are going to welcome Scott Padgett back to the team.
- The New York Knicks signed lottery bust Nikoloz Tskitishvilli.
- The New Jersey Nets signed Darvin Ham, among others.
- The Miami Heat signed Antonio Burks.
The list continues has pretty much every team in the league has signed multiple players (mostly rookies, international and veterans) to contracts extending at least through training camp.
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