'Nasty News - Traversing Time & Space' Vol: 63

[nasty daddy]

http://twitter.com/CV31

watching police academy, this movie is a classic

[nasty daddy]

http://twitter.com/CV31

Heard coach Calhoun took a medical absence from the team, I wish him well, uconn boys need to step it up

[nasty daddy]

http://www.ridiculousupside.com/2010/1/ ... e-assigned

Bucks' Joe Alexander to be assigned to D-League's Mad Ants
That was Joe Alexander after he was selected as the eighth overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks on draft night.

Since then, Alexander's played in 59 games with zero starts, became the highest pick to have his rookie option turned down (only other two? Patrick O'Bryant and Reno's Yaroslav Korolev) and has missed all of this season with a lingering hamstring injury. He will get a chance to show what he's able to do soon, however, as league sources tell Ridiculous Upside that Alexander will be assigned to the D-League's Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

I have no indication as to how long Alexander will be assigned, but I'd assume at least until he's back into basketball shape and probably until he's able to be showcased as part of a trade package with the glut of expiring veterans on the roster.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_23747

Garnett: Knee Issues Unrelated to '08-'09
Kevin Garnett has been assured that the knee problems that caused him to miss much of last season (bone spur) and the last nine games of this season (hyperextension) are unrelated. “That’s why you get the CAT scans and MRIs,’’ Garnett said after returning for a full-court scrimmage yesterday, his first full practice since late last month. “I try to acknowledge myself, not only with injuries, but how to better the muscles and things around it and not have to go through this twice.’’

Garnett believes the cautious approach to recovery is paying off. After going through a one-hour workout, he was on the verge of pronouncing himself ready to return to action.

But Celtics coach Doc Rivers will stick to the plan of activating Garnett for Friday’s game against Portland and not tonight against Detroit, though Garnett did travel with the team. “No chance,’’ Rivers said. “No means no. He’s just had one practice. I’d rather wait and see. Right now the plan is Friday. If he gets sore or anything, we’ll push it back to the next game.’’

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_23747

Prince: Wallace Was 'Ultimate Teammate'
No one on the Pistons quite knew what to expect with Wallace’s arrival. He was known as a hot-headed player with a propensity for technical fouls, and he was joining a team that had several All-Star-caliber players with their own distinct personalities. “It took a while,’’ said Prince, who was in his second season when Wallace arrived. “I don’t care what player you bring to a team, it’s going to take a while to jell. It took us some games, but right before the playoffs started, we knew what we were going to get out of him and what he was going to bring to our team. “He was the ultimate teammate, definitely one guy in our league who is very misunderstood. What he brought to us was that inside-outside presence, the ability to spread the floor, and he was so good on the defensive end. Him alongside Ben [Wallace] as our defensive bigs at the time, we built that chemistry.’’

Understated in Portland was Wallace’s defensive prowess, and his blend with Ben Wallace gave the Pistons a nearly insurmountable presence in the paint. That helped catapult them past Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and the Lakers in the 2004 Finals.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_23747

Reggie Evans Shoots for Feb. 17 Return
It has been the most repeated question of the Raptors season: When is Reggie Evans going to play?Try Feb. 17, Toronto's first game after the NBA's all-star break, at home against the Memphis Grizzlies.

At least that's the answer Evans, the defensive specialist who hasn't played a game on account of a pre-season foot sprain, was giving on Tuesday.

And even if the date is a goal more than a set-in-stone promise, it's better than the previous stock answer to the question of when he'd return – specifically, that nobody in the organization had any real idea. "That's my goal, the game after all-star," Evans said. "My spirit's real high. My energy is getting there. ... But don't congratulate me just yet."

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_23747

Brandon Roy Set to Return
(Brandon) Roy said after participating in Tuesday's practice that he will play against the 76ers after missing the past two games because of a strained right hamstring. "I'm ready to go,'' Roy said.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_23747

Chad Ford: Stoudemire Could be Dealt
Yes. I was skeptical last week when I did my trade story. But since then I've had several signals come out of Phoenix that Amare is available for the right price. I think the Suns are really concerned that he wants to leave for a bigger market. I would've said last week there was a 10 percent chance he gets traded. I'd up it to 40 to 50% now based on what I'm beginning to hear.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basket ... 6-sun.html

SONNY AND SORE
Backup wing Sonny Weems was a last-minute scratch when he strained his rib cage during the pre-game warmup. Weems has been a revelation for the Raptors this season, often infusing energy and athleticism when called upon off the bench. Weems' inability meant the Raptors activated seldom-used backup centre Patrick O'Bryant.

[nasty daddy]

http://need4sheed.com/2010/01/the-pisto ... ics-3.html

The Pistons vs. The Celtics
The Return of SHEED!
The 14-26 Pistons are hosting Rasheed Wallace and the 27-12 Boston Celtics tonight at The Palace of Auburn Hills. For those of you who aren’t in the know about the Celtics, they will play a 10th straight game without Kevin Gartett when Wallace take court in Green for the first time at The Palace.
Ben Wallace on Sheed via The Detroit Free Press
“He’ll get some cheers, and he’ll get some boos. It’ll make for some exciting basketball, since he’s one of those guys who had never fouled anyone since he has been in the league. “He leads by example. He’s always telling guys where they need to be, making sure everyone is on the right page and always talking; letting you know where the help is coming from and where to send your man so you can get help. I think Boston is a great fit for him.”

Injury Report:
No Will Bynum, but it’s possible we see Ben Gordon and Tayshaun Prince.

Tip is at 7:30 pm EST and will be televised on Fox Sports Detroit. For the radio broadcast tune in to 97.1 The Ticket or follow the action over at NBA.com.

[nasty daddy]

http://blog.mlive.com/fullcourtpress/20 ... ns_th.html

Detroit Pistons giving fans the opportunity to upgrade old jerseys
There's no way Full-Court Press co-author Patrick Hayes is the only one who bought this jersey.Did you ever buy a Detroit Pistons jersey that hasn't quite stood the test of time? Obviously anything from the teal era (especially Christian Laettner) comes to mind. How about that sweet, red Chris Webber jersey you picked up the night of his debut? Maybe you just want to dump that Rasheed Wallace jersey (#30 or #36) because the thought of watching him play for the Celtics makes you sick to your stomach. I'm looking at you Natalie. Well, the Pistons official store, The Palace Locker Room, is giving you a chance to trade in any old Pistons jersey for a $20 credit toward the purchase of a new jersey.

NBA.com: Beginning January 15 and running through February 6, the Pistons Locker Room stores are offering a “Cash For Clunkers” trade-in deal. Fans bringing in a “clunker,” which is a non-giveaway jersey of any former Pistons player or a jersey from the team’s teal era, will receive $20 off the purchase of a current Pistons player jersey.

This promotion is significantly better than the the shenanigans the Detroit Lions tried to pull last year, overwriting players names on old jerseys and giving them away as prizes. You can view a list of Pistons Locker Room locations by clicking here. For the record, I'll give you $30 for an official Cozell McQueen or Pete Chilcutt jersey. Hell, I'd be willing to go $40 for the epically awesome Fennis Dembo Wyoming jersey.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.971theticket.com/pages/3824327.php

Despite record, playoffs still possible for Pistons
A 14-26 record normally wouldn't be acceptable. But considering the Pistons have missed Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Ben Gordon and Will Bynum for significant amounts of time, first-year coach John Kuester probably would take it (if you could get him to be candid).

[nasty daddy]

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/ne ... id=4842666

Wallace: 'So many bogus [calls]'
The NBA fined Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace $35,000 for publicly criticizing game officials following Monday's 99-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. "[The officials] don't like tough defense on [Dirk Nowitzki], so, of course, I get a whole lot of [expletive] calls," Wallace said after Monday's game in which foul trouble limited his minutes. "That's how the story goes, I'm not worried about it. We'll see them again."

The Mavericks made a late third-quarter run with Wallace sidelined with four fouls. Asked if he thought that was the difference in the game, Wallace added, "Actually, I honestly can't remember which one the fourth foul was, there was so many bogus [calls], but I'm not worried about it."

Wallace was fined $30,000 earlier this season for critical comments on the officiating after Boston's 116-103 victory over Toronto in November. Wallace's latest fine was announced Wednesday by NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson.

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http://blog.mlive.com/ottoman-empire/20 ... _been.html

Rasheed Wallace's return a sad reminder of what the Detroit Pistons could have been
Rasheed Wallace returns to the Palace of Auburn Hills tonight for the first time since leaving the Pistons to join the Boston Celtics as a free agent this off-season. And he's still up to the old tricks that first made him a fan favorite, then got him vilified here in Detroit, as witnessed by the following press release sent out today by the NBA. January 20: Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace has been fined $35,000 for publicly criticizing game officials,it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations. Wallace was fined for his comments made following the Celtics’ 99-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, Jan. 18. Sheed's former teammates here in Detroit will welcome him back with hugs and smiles tonight at the Palace, but they also know his world-famous mouth won't be far behind. Many fans will cheer. Some fans will boo, because that's what fans do. I'll just be thinking about what might have been.

Wallace's arrival here in Detroit in February of 2004 may have been President Joe Dumars's finest moment. Sheed was the missing piece that eventually helped the Pistons win their first championship since 1990. And it wasn't just his play that did it. Rasheed gave this team an attitude. A swagger. An identity. They needed Sheed in 2004. Unfortunately, he stayed through 2008. I like Dumars as a front office man. His biggest asset in my opinion is that he doesn't let his ego get in the way of making the team better. He drafts poorly. Very poorly. But he also realizes his mistakes, and trades them away to try and help the team. He somehow managed to get good draft picks or decent players in exchange for the likes of Mateen Cleaves, Jud Buechler, Rodney White and Darko Milicic. And he did a great job bringing in the players that eventually led the team to six straight appearances in the Conference Finals. Besides Rasheed, he traded for Ben Wallace, Corliss Williamson and Rip Hamilton, and inked free agents Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess. But his big failing was getting swept up in the emotion after upsetting the Lakers for the 2004 Championship. Dumars knew they would not have won the trophy without Wallace, and he wanted to keep a good thing going, so he re-signed Rasheed.

It was a move that I and many other Piston fans applauded at the time. But Rasheed coming back meant that there was not room for Mehmet Okur. And in hindsight, this team would be much better off today if Memo was still here. Okur signed with the Utah Jazz, and hasn't looked back, averaging around 15 points and over seven rebounds per game. He is a center with the size and skills that the Pistons have desperately been looking for since he left. Of course things didn't go too badly for the Pistons without Memo. They made it back to the Finals in 2005, and continued to be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference until last year. But Rasheed's antics grew tiring. His defensive lapse against the Spurs in 2005, his poorly timed technicals, his suspensions and eventually his lack of confidence in the team's direction that helped drive a wedge between the players and their last two coaches all led to both his and their demise here in The D. We'll never know if the team would have been as successful the last four season had Dumars kept Okur instead of Wallace, but I certainly believe they wouldn't be as bad as they are now if Memo were still wearing Piston red, white and blue.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.freep.com/article/20100120/S ... 000-by-NBA

Rasheed Wallace fined $35,000 by NBA
Boston Celtics forward Rasheed Wallace has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing officials. NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jackson announced the decision in a released statement today.

Wallace, a former Detroit Piston, was fined for comments he made following the Celtics’ 99-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday. "You know, they don't like no tough defense on (Dirk Nowitzki), so of course I get a whole lot of (expletive) calls, but that's how the story goes," Wallace said, according to weei.com. "I ain't worried about it. We'll see them again. Honestly, I can't remember which one the fourth foul was, there were so many bogus (calls). I ain't worried about it. Like I said, we'll see again. We go down there in about a month or so. There will be retribution."

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http://twitter.com/DetPistons

Rasheed Wallace returns to The Palace for the first time tonight as a member of the Boston Celtics. Read the PRE... http://bit.ly/4O3uBX

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http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/30421

Tommy (Chicago)
Whoa, Ben Gordon was their best scorer last year, not best player. That is a big difference.

David Thorpe (12:58 PM)
Right, but he was both last year.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.freep.com/article/20100120/B ... allace-was

Knowledgable folks know how valuable Rasheed Wallace was
I just heard the dumbest thing I’ve heard in a long time. Somebody just called one of our local sports talk stations and said Rasheed Wallace was “just on the team” for the Pistons’ 2004 world championship and that the team should have let Wallace walk after that season and focused on retaining Mehmet Okur.

I know you are asking for it when listening to sports talk, but really?

Regardless, Wallace should get nothing but cheers tonight when he returns in a Celtics uniform. At the end of the day, he was the missing piece to the Pistons' championship team.Saying anything else is revisionists history.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/0 ... ef:nbahpt1

1: Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
2: Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
3: Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks
4: Jonny Flynn, Minnesota Timberwolves
5: Omri Casspi, Sacramento Kings

6: DeJuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs
7: James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder
8: Marcus Thornton, New Orleans Hornets
9: Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls
10; Jonas Jerebko

Honorable Mention: DeMar DeRozan, Raptors: Not only got the nod for the Dunk-in, but averaged 13.6 points on 52 percent shooting in three games this week; Ty Lawson, Nuggets: Dropped out of Top 10, but returned from four-game absence by scoring 11 points in 27 minutes on Sunday in win over Jazz; Jodie Meeks, Bucks: Had 21 points in 31 minutes of action in Bucks' loss to Blazers. Was 3-for-7 on 3-pointers and could see his role increase with Michael Redd done for the season; Austin Daye, Pistons: Had 16 points and six rebounds in second career start, a 99-91 loss to the Knicks; Chase Budinger, Rockets: Averaged 14.5 points and was 5-for-9 on 3s In Rockets' last two games this week; Wayne Ellington, Wolves: Had back-to-back 17-point games and averaged 13.6 points in three games this week; Serge Ibaka, Thunder: Continued his solid play by closing out this week with back-to-back 10-rebound games; Jordan Hill, Knicks: Has been very active on the boards and defensively since seeing bump in playing time. Averaged 6.0 points and 3.5 rebounds in last two games; Sundiata Gaines, Jazz: D-League call-up hit game-winning 3-pointer to beat the Cavs. Check out David Aldridge's story for more on the rookie out of Georgia

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http://www.nba.com/2010/news/features/0 ... ef:nbahpt1

10. Jonas Jerebko, Detroit Pistons
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
38 27.8 8.5 5.4 0.6 0.6 0.3 .468 .254 .704
Last Week: 6 | Drafted: 39
While Casspi let his lack of playing time get to him, Jerebko is taking his minutes in stride. Jerebko saw his playing time dip with the return of Tayshaun Prince, but he's since been re-inserted into the starting lineup, and the Pistons have won three of their last four. "I just got to be ready when Coach calls my name," Jerebko told the Detroit Free Press. "I just practice and stay ready. I know I'm a rookie, and I'm going to take what time I can get." Pistons coach John Kuester is eating up Jerebko's attitude. "With him, he had gone through that stretch, and sometimes, you got to sit back and watch what's going on, and now he's in the mix," Kuester said. "He's a major part of what our future is with the Pistons. He's got a big chance to be very, very good."