Daily Basketball
NBA and NCAA blogging on an occasionally daily basis
Archive for February, 2007
February 15, 2007 at 5:04 pm · Filed under NBA, NCAA
Though the Boston Celtics did defeat the Milwaukee Bucks to end their franchise-record losing streak at 18 games, the team presents a challenge for the Memphis Grizzlies in competing for the worst record in the league. Both the Celtics and Grizzlies can, at this point, be assured at top-4 pick in next June’s NBA draft.
While this year’s college freshmen appear to have more talent than those of many past years, many have mentioned they may stay in college instead of a “one-and-done” season originally expected with the NBA draft age limit. Kevin Durant, definitely a contender for the #1 pick who’s a freshman at Texas, thinks he could stay at the school. His father, “Kevin is so young. There’s not a rush for him to go to the NBA. Right now, we’re not even talking about that.”
Greg Oden, another possible #1 pick who has the potential to start another Bill Russell-like dynasty in Boston, also entertains the possibility of another year at Ohio State University with longtime teammate Mike Conley.
If all of the NBA-quality players entered their names into the draft, June 2007 could bring a handful of ready-to-play rookies. NBAdraft.net’s current mock draft projects six freshman could go in the lottery, including the first three picks. More likely, though, many freshman will surprise us by postponing NBA fame for the college life.
One week remains until the NBA trade deadline arrives. Several names you can expect to hear involved in trade rumors: Mike James, Vince Carter, Danny Fortson, Mike Bibby, Pau Gasol, Drew Gooden, and the Boston Celtics. Jason Kidd looks like he’s off the list, though the New Jersey Nets may rid themselves of Carter since he can opt out of his contract at the end of the season.
This All-Star weekend, NBA players will announce their new union president, Derek Fisher of the Utah Jazz. Fisher, 32, will take over for Antonio Davis — who probably lost his job after going into the stands after his wife got involved in a confrontation.
February 13, 2007 at 7:14 pm · Filed under NBA, NCAA, Other
Gilbert Arenas fell awfully short of fulfilling his promise of scoring 50 points versus the Portland Trailblazers. While fans shouldn’t have expected the Trailblazers step up to the challenge, I thought game recaps said Arenas scored nine points in the first half — not in the game. Arenas has already said he plans to score 50 the next time the two teams meet, since “they won’t be expecting it”. He’s already messed that up, hasn’t he?
Ray Allen of the Seattle Sonics and Mehmet Okur of the Utah Jazz have been named as All-Star replacements for Steve Nash and Allen Iverson. The Jazz, who own the third-best record in the NBA, spent a few days without Sunday night representation because injured power forward Carlos Boozer won’t make it back in time.
NBA fans can expect bigger trades coming in the final days before the deadline, but there was a small deal between the Charlotte Bobcats and San Antonio Spurs. The Bobcats sent Melvin Ely to the Spurs for Eric Williams and a future second-rounder. The Spurs should find a big man to play next to T.D. and stick with him. Other teams would gladly take Francisco Elson or Jackie Butler if they don’t get enough playing time.
The Houston Rockets traded Scott Padgett to the Memphis Grizzlies for Jake Tsakalidis. The center averages 2.3 points and 2.8 rebounds in 11.2 minutes per game.
Jason Kidd may follow the recent trend of dropping out of the All-Star game due to injury. Kidd apparently strained his lower back, though that may just be a ploy to save himself from a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers. Local newspapers report that several players, possibly Aaron McKie and Kwame Brown, are on the table for the Nets if they’d like to trade Kidd. Rod Thorn told reporters that discussions did indeed take place, but it was several weeks ago. “I’ve spoken to 27 teams over the past month. Some talks were initiated by them, some initiated by us.”
The Duke Blue Devils no longer hold a spot in the top #25, after a tough four-game losing streak. While Duke still ranks #26, it’s the first week in over 10 years where the Blue Devils were not ranked in the top 25 nationally.
Congratulations to Henry Abbott of True Hoop, whose blog was ranked number one in our rankings late last year. Abbott announced on his blog that he has sold True Hoop to ESPN, though he still runs the site and doesn’t expect much in the way of changes. “The various executives and editors at ESPN have been nice enough to make clear, even in writing, that they aren’t interested in monkeying in any profound way with the way things happen here.”
February 6, 2007 at 8:05 pm · Filed under NBA
Okay, while there’s a little more involved than the title suggests, Chicago Bulls rookie forward Tyrus Thomas was fined by the NBA after making a comment telling his reason for participating in the Dunk Contest was to get paid. Of course, that’s what a strong majority (if not all) of the dunkers are after, considering they could be resting over the break and enjoying a short vacation.
The other dunkers involved in the contest are reigning champ Nate Robinson, Gerald Green, and Dwight Howard. The winner should be Green by a long shot. Robinson edged out Iguodala last year after 14 attemps at a single dunk, Thomas doesn’t seem to be in it for the win, and Dwight Howard may have a hard time impressing the judges at 6′11″.
This year’s judges will include a couple active players for the first time. Air Jordan himself, along with Julius Erving, Dominique Wilkins, Vince Carter, and Kobe Bryant will decide the outcome of this year’s competition. By both Carter and Bryant accepting the offer to judge, the NBA must be trying to squish rumors that both former dunk champs may try and revitalize the contest theirselves.
Dwyane Wade and Mehmet Okur are the Players of the Week for last week’s play. With Carlos Boozer injured again, Okur led the Utah Jazz to victories over the contender Spurs and Suns.
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