'Nasty News - Traversing Time & Space' Vol: 27

[nasty daddy]

http://blog.mlive.com/fullcourtpress/20 ... 29_pi.html

Something else that Royce Webb brings up in his factoids is interesting. It's been reported by the Detroit media that Rasheed threw that second towel at the official, but Webb(among others) suggests that Wallace threw it in the direction of Piston head coach Michael Curry. Growing animosity between Rasheed and the Piston coach has been reported by some in the national media, so one has to wonder if the growing tension is about to erupt. Webb also puts out another suggestion.

[nasty daddy]

http://pistonsnationblog.com/2009/02/26 ... eing-nice/

Game #56: Rip’s done being nice
02/26/09 10:11 AM Pistons (87) @ HORNETS (90)
“I said I would come off the bench as long as we win,” Hamilton said. “But we’ve been losing. We are 4-12 with me coming off the bench. Something’s got to give. Something’s got to change. I am on board with doing whatever for the team but coming off the bench and we’re not winning, that’s something totally different.” I was relieved when I read this quote. Finally a break from the company line. Finally a break from a “we’ll be fine we just need to stick together” line. It’s painfully obvious it’s not working and it’s about time someone on the team acknowledged it.

I’ve always thought the Pistons have a better chance of winning with Rip/Stuckey. I don’t think it should be lost on anyone that the Pistons played better team basketball after Iverson went out with a stiff back. The offense had a purpose and defense was more aggressive. They actually had opportunities to win this game down the stretch but didn’t get the breaks (read key defensive rebounds) you need as opposed to lack of effort.

There were still issues. Like the perimeter guys not crowding CP3, instead letting him survey the whole court and pick the Piston’s poison for them. The also did a poor job of containing the Hornets on the glass with David West and Tyson Chandler combining for 27 boards.It also didn’t help that Rasheed (16 pts, 7 rbs) threw in the towel, literally. Rasheed’s towel pitching earned him a second tech for the game and 16th on the season which of course means an automatic one game suspension. But hey, it’s not like we could use him down low against Dwight Howard right? Keep that back stiff Iverson. We’re counting on you.

[nasty daddy]

http://blog.mlive.com/fullcourtpress/20 ... 29_pi.html

On Wed., the Pistons seemed poised to end their losing streak, leading the Hornets early in the fourth quarter, but Wallace suffered the kind of meltdown that's punctuated his career. With the game tied 71-71, Wallace gave up an offensive rebound to Hornets reserve forward Sean Marks, allowing New Orleans to score the basket that put them ahead to stay in a game they would win by just three points.

After the Marks play, Wallace complained demonstratively to get technical foul No. 15, and shortly thereafter angrily knocked a towel from a Hornets ballboy's hand into the crowd for technical foul No. 16. He followed that by throwing a towel in the direction of his coach, Michael Curry, who had just seconds before removed him from the game. All of this raises the possibility that Wallace will face what would probably be the NBA's first-ever triple suspension -- the automatic suspension for his 16th technical foul of the season, a league suspension for knocking a towel into the crowd and a team suspension for his actions toward his coach.

Or might the Pistons just release him now, with only 26 games remaining on his contract? In any case, Sheed's tenure in Detroit, which began in spectacular fashion in 2004 with an NBA title (remember his championship belt?), is reaching an ignominious end.

[nasty daddy]

http://blog.mlive.com/fullcourtpress/20 ... 29_pi.html

Would Dumars just release Rasheed for the final 26 games? Doubtful, but if he did one has to believe that Wallace would be on the first plane to San Antonio to join Tim Duncan and the Spurs. If this is truly the end of the current group of Pistons and their ability to get to the Eastern Conference Finals, why not offer both Rasheed and Iverson a buyout?

[nasty daddy]

http://blog.mlive.com/fullcourtpress/20 ... 29_pi.html

It could give Joe Dumars his final evaluation of Michael Curry, or depending on the buyout amount allow Joe to bring in a new coach to take Curry's place(something most fans would like to happen). Saving a few million from both Rasheed and Iverson would allow Dumars to pay off the rest of Flip Saunders contract most of Michael Curry's. It's not going to happen, but it's an option if things in the Piston locker room get too volatile. With Rip Hamilton consistently questioning Curry's decision making, and now almost demanding to be a starter again, things might get a lot worse before they get better.

[nasty daddy]

http://pistonsnationblog.com/2009/02/26 ... gic-maybe/

Rasheed may play against Magic. Maybe. Posted by pistonsnation
Although Wallace picked up his 15th and 16th technical fouls of the season last night — which should have earned him a one-game suspension — a team official learned this morning that two of Wallace’s technicals from earlier this season (Dec. 23 and Feb. 7) have been rescinded.

That seems weird. Why would it take this long to find out that two of Rasheed’s techs had been rescinded? Did the league send word by carrier pigeon? As Blakely goes on to say it’s not clear whether the league will want to discipline Wallace for throwing a towel towards referee Bill Kennedy.

Terry Foster of the Detroit News wouldn’t mind if Rasheed didn’t suit up for the Pistons tomorrow or ever again: The Pistons should suspend Wallace. It is time for Dumars to make a statement about Wallace. He is lost and there is no reaching out to him. I would not mind if Dumars decided to release Wallace and say so-long. It is time for his ride to end. All this losing is making for a very tense situation all around the Pistons Nation. I don’t even think a couple of wins is going to squash what has been mounting. I’d really like to hear Joe Dumars come out and address the unrest in this team. I mean really get down to it and not just spike lobs given to him by Keith Langlois.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/d ... index.html

Overall Rankings - Week 17
1. Derrick Rose, G, Chicago
2. Russell Westbrook, G, Oklahoma City
3. O.J. Mayo, G, Memphis
4. Eric Gordon, G, L.A. Clippers
5. Brook Lopez, C, New Jersey

6. Michael Beasley, F, Miami
7. Kevin Love, F, Minnesota
8. Marc Gasol, C, Memphis
9. Jason Thompson, F, Sacramento
10. Mario Chalmers, G, Miami

The Next 10 (alphabetical order): Ryan Anderson (NJN), D.J. Augustin (CHA), Rudy Fernandez (POR), Roy Hibbert (IND), George Hill (SAS), Courtney Lee (ORL), Luc Mbah a Moute (MIL), JaVale McGee (WAS), Greg Oden (POR), Marreese Speights (PHI)

[nasty daddy]

http://slamonline.com/online/nba/2009/0 ... revisited/

Rodney Stuckey : What I wrote: “The youngster was the real centerpiece in Detroit’s A.I.-Billups trade. There was no way Dumars was going to let Stuckey waste away for the four remaining years on Billups’ contract. So Joe cleared space and time. Was it the right move? We’ll see.”

I still think Dumars’ move was prescient—since the two major motivations were Stuckey and 2010—provided he nabs a Stoudemire or Bosh in 2010. As for Stuckey, well, he’s toggled between impressive and underwhelming. In his defense, the Detroit situation hasn’t been the most nurturing. I wish he would have had one more season under Billups. I still like how he’s developing, but he wasn’t as consistently dynamic as I thought he’d be.

[nasty daddy]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3936991

NBA lines up $200 million for teams
The NBA has lined up $200 million to distribute to teams interested in additional cash, which the league considers a sign it remains strong in a slumping economy. Between $13 million and $20 million will be available to each of 12 teams that have expressed interest in the funds, commissioner David Stern said Thursday. The money can be used for any purpose, including helping teams deal with operating losses incurred because of the economy. It should not, Stern said, be construed as a bailout. At a time when credit markets have been frozen, investors saw the NBA as a safe bet. "It's exactly the opposite" of a bailout, Stern told The Associated Press "This was a show of strength in the creditworthiness of the NBA's teams."

The NBA declined to name the teams interested in the money. The league has an existing $1.7 billion credit facility, essentially a line of credit established by lenders from which teams can borrow. The league had been interested in growing the facility when the credit markets seized up last fall. "They told us there's no chance of any additional funds being raised for any sports league, and indeed, the credit facilities that had come up for other leagues were being termed out rather than renewed," Stern said. JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America recently approached the league to say $150 million might be available, a figure that eventually grew to $200 million. "It's a great sign of confidence in us and that's wonderful that the market is opening up, so we'll take it," Stern said. "And we turned to our teams and said, 'OK, we've got this much more to distribute under the facility for those of you who want it now.'" The 12 interested teams aren't necessarily those in the worst financial shape. "Many of them are doing well," Stern said. Still, the additional credit comes at a time when pro sports leagues are cutting staff and teams are slashing ticket prices and payroll. The NBA announced last October that it was eliminating about 80 jobs in the United States, or about 9 percent of its domestic workforce, and teams have also felt the pinch of a struggling economy.

Charlotte Bobcats owner Bob Johnson has acknowledged losing tens of millions of dollars since paying $300 million for the expansion franchise, which began play in 2004-05.The Bobcats would not say whether they are among the 12 teams interested in the money. "We don't disclose our financial information," Bobcats spokesman Michael Thompson said Thursday. "But the fact that NBA teams get opportunities like this really speaks to the strength of our business." SportsBusiness Journal first reported that a credit deal was in the works. Alex Martins, chief operating officer of the Orlando Magic, told the journal that the money would help the Magic offset losses of between $15 million and $20 million and "bridge the time period between now and when we move into our new events center in 2010." Magic spokesman Joel Glass said Thursday the team would not have additional comment until the league addresses the issue. Paul Andrews, executive vice president of Kroenke Sports Enterprises, was unsure whether the Denver Nuggets will take advantage of the available money."We're still researching the situation and don't have enough knowledge today to give an educated opinion," Andrews said.

[nasty daddy]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3936097

Pruitt arrested on suspicion of DUI
Boston Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt apologized Thursday after he was stopped on a Hollywood street and arrested for investigation of misdemeanor drunken driving.

Pruitt was pulled over around 3 a.m., hours after playing five minutes in the Celtics' 93-91 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He failed a field sobriety test, police said. He was released at 8:30 a.m. on $5,000 bail, police Officer April Harding said. Pruitt is from the Los Angeles area and played college basketball for Southern California. "I sincerely apologize for my actions which have caused unnecessary embarrassment to my family, my team, and the Celtics organization," the 22-year-old Pruitt said in a statement issued by the team. "I used poor judgment and I am really disappointed in myself.""I made a mistake and I have learned a valuable lesson," he said.

Pruitt was detained for stopping at a green light and because his Mercedes S550 had dark tinted windows that are illegal in California, Harding said.

[nasty daddy]

http://myespn.go.com/nba/truehoop

One Fit Too Many From Rasheed Wallace?
With the game tied 71-71, Wallace gave up an offensive rebound to Hornets reserve forward Sean Marks, allowing New Orleans to score the basket that put them ahead to stay in a game they would win by just three points. After the Marks play, Wallace complained demonstratively to get a technical foul, and shortly thereafter angrily knocked a towel from a Hornets ball boy's hand into the crowd for a second technical foul and automatic ejection. He followed that by throwing a towel in the direction of his coach, Michael Curry, who had just seconds before removed him from the game.

All of this appeared to raise the possibility that Wallace would face what could have been the NBA's first-ever triple suspension -- the automatic suspension for his 16th technical foul of the season, a league suspension for knocking a towel into the crowd and a team suspension for his actions toward his coach. However, it was revealed on Thursday that the NBA had rescinded two of Wallace's previous technical fouls, giving him only 14 for the season.

But instead of suspending him, might the Pistons just release him now, with only 26 games remaining on his contract? In any case, Sheed's tenure in Detroit, which began in spectacular fashion in 2004 with an NBA title (remember his championship belt?), is reaching an ignominious end.

[nasty daddy]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-3 ... lace-.html

Dan Feldman of PistonPowered compares video of this meltdown to another Wallace tirade that may have cost the team a game. He's nervous that a free agent Wallace could land with a major rival.But after last night, Feldman is firmly of the opinion that the Pistons should let Wallace walk when his contract ends this summer.

There are two schools of thought here. One is that all this somehow proves the Pistons were on borrowed time from the moment they got Wallace, who has a history of wearing out his welcome. Another is that to win championships, which they have done with Wallace playing a major role, you have to find ways to get many different personalities to work together for a time.

There is also a third school of thought: Maybe Chauncey Billups was an even better leader than everyone realized. In any case, with all these losses, bickering, and expiring contracts for Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace, it's starting to feel like the Pistons will look very different a year from now.

[nasty daddy]

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports ... r-all.html

NBA Says Pistons' Wallace Won't Be Suspended After All
Piston forward Rasheed Wallace has avoided being suspended after all for the team's game against the Magic on Friday night.

It appeared that Wallace would face a one-game suspension because he picked up two technical fouls in Wednesday night's 90-87 loss to the Hornets. NBA rules say that a player must be suspendedfor a game when he reaches 16 technical fouls.

But technicals against Wallace on Dec. 23 and Feb. 7 were rescinded, NBA vice president of basketball communications Tim Frank said in an e-mail Thursday to The Associated Press. That leaves Wallace with 14 this season.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball ... ltics+news

Celtics guard Pruitt arrested for DUI in Hollywood
Boston Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt apologized Thursday after he was stopped on a Hollywood street and arrested for investigation of misdemeanor drunken driving.

Pruitt was pulled over around 3 a.m., hours after playing five minutes in the Celtics' 93-91 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. He failed a field sobriety test, police said.

Pruitt was detained for stopping at a green light and because his Mercedes S550 had dark tinted windows that are illegal in California, Harding said.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball ... ltics+news

If everything goes as expected and Marbury signs with the Celtics tomorrow, he said he will gladly answer questions.

Celtics president Danny Ainge has had contract discussions with NBA Players' union deputy counsel Hal Biagas, who is serving as Marbury's agent. An NBA source said if Marbury clears waivers tomorrow and signs with the Celtics for a prorated veteran's minimum of $1.3 million, he could play against Indiana tomorrow. Marbury acknowledged he is in New York City working out.

Marbury told the Globe via e-mail yesterday he won't speak on the record until he is a free agent.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/spo ... 81593.html

Since moving back to the starting lineup with Tracy McGrady out for the year, Ron Artest has been much more effective and consistent than when he filled in for McGrady or Shane Battier.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spur ... rgery.html

Duncan requires rest, not surgery
The good news from the doctors who examined Spurs All-Star Tim Duncan's sore right knee Wednesday morning: no initials.

No ACL, MCL, PTL, or any other combination of letters typically used to describe a torn ligament or damaged cartilage.

Rather, Duncan has tendonosis in his right quadriceps tendon, a degenerative condition. Technically, the injury could be described as a minor problem with Duncan's RQT, but the diagnosis requires rest, not surgery. For that, the Spurs are grateful. “It's none of those letter things,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. “He's got (tendonosis), so we'll see how he feels on Friday.”

[nasty daddy]

http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sport ... s-to-come/

Scal out next two games; more tests to come
Brian Scalabrine will undergo more tests tomorrow and will miss the next two games.

GM Danny Ainge said tonight that Scalabrine has already gone through some tests to see if the neck injury he suffered Monday in Denver is realated to his two recent concussions.

Ainge said that the further tests are precautionary.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf ... elo_1.html

West saw a hand specialist after arriving in Houston on Wednesday and tests confirmed his fractured right wrist, injured on Jan. 15, was not 100 percent healed. West had returned to the lineup and scored 25 points on Sunday against Detroit, but experienced soreness and swelling in the wrist after the game. He was then held out of Tuesday's home victory over Memphis.

West said doctors have told him the risk of re-injury is not high and his ability to play will be determined on his pain tolerance and flexibility. That's why he's decided to return tonight, but he admits his minutes might be limited and he's unsure whether he'll be able to recover in time to play at San Antonio on Friday.

Guard Sasha Pavlovic took part in shootaround today for the first time since suffering a high right ankle sprain on Feb. 8 against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was expected to be out at least a month, but has recovered faster than anticipated and is hoping to be able to return in another week or so.

[nasty daddy]

http://stats.mlive.com/nba/preview.asp? ... e=19&vis=8

The Orlando Magic have had no bigger nemesis in recent years than the Detroit Pistons, who have dominated them in the regular season and eliminated them in the past two postseasons. If the Pistons keep playing the way they have lately, they won't be around to try to take the Magic out again. Looking nothing like a playoff team over the past three weeks, Detroit will look to avoid a ninth straight loss for the first time in nearly 15 years Friday night when it visits Southeast Division-leading Orlando. The Pistons (27-29) have won seven of their last nine regular-season games against the Magic, and eight of their nine postseason meetings, sweeping them in the first round in 2007 and winning in five games in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. But as Orlando (42-15) has turned into the Southeast's powerhouse, Detroit's four-year reign as rulers of the Central Division is coming to an end. The Pistons have lost eight in a row and are clinging to the seventh spot in the East. Detroit hasn't dropped nine in a row since a 13-game skid to end the 1993-94 season.

It finished its latest loss, 90-87 in New Orleans on Wednesday, without Allen Iverson or Rasheed Wallace. Iverson left with a back strain after playing only eight minutes, while Wallace was ejected with 7:55 left in the fourth quarter after picking up his second technical foul in 27 seconds. "I tried to get him out before he got it," coach Michael Curry said. "He's an emotional guy. We got unraveled a little bit." The second technical was Wallace's 16th this season, which would warrant a one-game suspension. The Pistons, though, were notified Thursday that two of his earlier technicals were rescinded, meaning he will be in the lineup in Orlando. Iverson's status, meanwhile, is unclear after he aggravated a back injury suffered in Tuesday's loss at Miami. Rodney Stuckey will be available, but perhaps not in the starting lineup. The second-year guard has started Detroit's past 37 games, including the last 16 in place of three-time All-Star Richard Hamilton.Stuckey, however, is averaging 5.4 points on 31.3 percent shooting over the last five games, and Hamilton, second on the team behind Iverson at 17.0 points per game, is growing frustrated. "I've said I'm happy to come off the bench as long as we're winning," Hamilton said. "But we're losing. We're now 4-12 with me coming the bench. Something's got to change." A sore groin kept Hamilton on the bench and out of Detroit's first meeting with the Magic, an 88-82 home win on Dec. 29.

Dwight Howard and Hedo Turkoglu combined for 32 points in that game, a total Turkoglu surpassed by himself in Orlando's latest game. The NBA's 2007-08 most improved player had a game-high 33 points on 11-of-17 shooting Wednesday as the Magic topped New York 114-109.Howard, meanwhile, controlled the paint, finishing with 24 points and 21 rebounds, his sixth 20-20 game this season. "I think (Turkoglu) was the key to the game for us offensively after the first quarter," coach Stan Van Gundy said. "Dwight got us off to a great start." Turkoglu was only hitting 32.6 percent of his 3-pointers through Orlando's first 36 games, but he's shooting 44.5 percent from beyond the arc since Jan. 9. Rashard Lewis' shooting, though, has tailed off. After averaging 19.2 points and shooting 42.5 percent on his 3s through Feb. 1, his numbers have slipped to 14.4 points per game and 35.4 percent in his last 11 games.