'Nasty News - Traversing Time & Space' Vol:12

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/

Rasheed also appeared on WDFN’s Stoney and Wojo show and didn’t hold back dumping on Flip Saunders. You can listen to the whole segment here, but here are some highlights:

“No, he wasn’t (tough enough). In my opinion, he wasn’t. He let too many things slide. And that goes as far as myself, and what some of my teammates have done. With L.B. (Larry Brown), I think really, honestly, it was a respect level. Everyone respected Larry. Even though then, we had more of a veteran team, but everyone respected Larry, and everyone respects Mike now.”

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/

Why does Curry get his automatic respect even though he’s a first-year coach? Because he played the game.

“If you mess up a guy’s desk and throw coffee on it every day and he doesn’t do anything to stop you, are you going to respect him?”

That’s all well and good, but if you’re messing up a guy’s desk and throwing coffee on it every day, why should he respect you? I recommend listening to the whole thing - it’s pretty entertaining.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/

Antonio McDyess was stuck in Houston for Hurricane Ike, but fortunately came out unscathed:

“That was the worst thing I ever went through,” said McDyess, who lives in Houston during the offseason. “And the crazy thing about it, the airport was open to 6 p.m. So me and my wife, we had a flight at 12 p.m. They closed the airport down at 10, so we had to go back home. I had never seen nothing like that in my life.”

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/

Speaking of McDyess, Vince Ellis of the Free Press notes how he was more productive in the past coming off the bench:

During the 2004-05 season, McDyess’ first with the Pistons, he only started seven games, but put up 598 shots in less than 1,800 minutes. Last season, he started 78 games and logged just under 2,300 minutes. His shot total? Try 600 — just two shots more than his first season with the Pistons.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/

The Free Press has a nice gallery of pictures from media day, including a shot of Rip Hamilton’s absolutely incredible offseason beard. Sadly, Rip told the media he was shaving before today’s practice, but not before Jason Maxiell seemed to take a shot at Rip’s hairline:

Jason Maxiell, a man of few words, was among those cracking on Rip’s long beard. “I have no idea what he’s doing,” Maxiell said. “Maybe it (hair) can grow up top now.”

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/

Speaking of Max, no news yet on his contract:

“We’re just talking; there’s nothing going on there yet,” Maxiell said. “I am not going to focus on that now. Either way, I am coming back, so I just have to get ready for this training camp.”

If he can’t get a new deal by October 31, he’ll become a restricted free agent next summer.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/

Okay, one more Max nugget:

One of the main purposes of media day, which just wrapped up at the Pistons’ practice facility, is allowing all the major media outlets – the area’s newspapers, TV and radio stations, the NBA and The Palace’s TV production department – to get pictures and video clips of the players in their uniforms.

While Jason Maxiell was wielding a sledgehammer for the Pistons’ TV and in-arena uses, the business end of it flew off, crashed to the basketball court and skidded a good 40 feet away. Not too many minutes before that, Chauncey Billups had just emerged from the locker room at right about the spot where Maxiell’s runaway sledgehammer crash landed.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/

Chauncey Billups on sharing the backcourt with Rodney Stuckey (same link as above):

“It really enhances everything,” he said. “You’ve got another guy out on the court who can make plays, get to the paint and distribute and do the things that for the last five, six years, I’ve been pretty much the only one out there who can get into the paint and create for everybody else. There are going to be times when we both are going to be out there and it causes havoc trying to play against two guys like that for the other team.”

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... SPORTS0102

Here's a team-by-team look at who's playing where in the Western Conference this season following offseason player movement.

DALLAS :Added: DeSagana Diop (New Jersey), Keith McLeod (free agent) Lost: Malik Allen (Milwaukee), Tyronn Lue (Milwaukee), Jamaal Magloire (Miami) DENVER : Added: Chris Anderson (New Orleans), Dahntay Jones (free agent), Renaldo Balkman (New York) Lost: Marcus Camby (Clippers), Eduardo Najera (New Jersey), Yakhouba Diawara (Miami)GOLDEN STATE : Added: Corey Maggette (Clippers), Ronny Turiaf (Lakers), Marcus Williams (New Jersey), Anthony Randolph (rookie) Lost: Baron Davis (Clippers), Matt Barnes (Phoenix), Mikael Pietrus (Orlando), Patrick O'Bryant (Boston) HOUSTON Added: Ron Artest (Sacramento), Brent Barry (San Antonio), Joey Dorsey (rookie)Lost: Steve Novak (Clippers), Bobby Jackson (Sacramento) L.A. CLIPPERS :Added: Eric Gordon (rookie), Baron Davis (Golden State), Ricky Davis (Miami), Marcus Camby (Denver), Brian Skinner (Phoenix), Jason Hart (Utah), Steve Novak (Houston) Lost: Elton Brand (Philadelphia), Corey Maggette (Golden State), Josh Powell (Lakers), Dan Dickau (Italy), Brevin Knight (Utah), Jason Williams (retired) L.A. LAKERS : Added: Josh Powell (Clippers) Lost: Ronny Turiaf (Golden State) MINNESOTA : Added: Kevin Love (rookie), Mike Miller (Memphis), Brian Cardinal (Memphis), Jason Collins (Memphis), Calvin Booth (Philadelphia), Rodney Carney (Philadelphia) Lost: Marco Jaric (Memphis), Antoine Walker (Memphis)

MEMPHIS :Added: Antoine Walker (Minnesota), Marco Jaric (Minnesota), Hamed Haddadi (Iran), O.J. Mayo (rookie), Darrell Arthur (rookie) Lost: Kwame Brown (Detroit), Juan Carlos Navarro (Spain), Brian Cardinal (Minnesota), Mike Miller (Minnesota), Jason Collins (Minnesota) NEW ORLEANS : Added: James Posey (Boston), Devin Brown (Cleveland), Sean Marks (Phoenix)Lost: Chris Andersen (Denver) OKLAHOMA CITY : Added: Russell Westbrook (one of six rookies), Joe Smith (Milwaukee), Desmond Mason (Milwaukee)Lost: Francisco Elson (Milwaukee), Luke Ridnour (Milwaukee), Adrian Griffin (Milwaukee) PHOENIX :Added: Matt Barnes (Golden State), Robin Lopez (rookie), Louis Amundson (Philadelphia), Sean Singletary (Houston) Lost: Brian Skinner (Clippers), Gordan Giricek (Turkey), Sean Marks (New Orleans), D.J. Strawberry (Houston) PORTLAND :Added: Rudy Fernandez, Ike Diogu (Indiana), Shavlik Randolph (Philadelphia) Lost: Jarrett Jack (Indiana), James Jones (Miami) SACRAMENTO :Added: Bobby Jackson (Houston), Jason Thompson (rookie) Lost: Ron Artest (Houston), Anthony Johnson (Orlando), Lorenzen Wright (Cleveland), Sean Singletary (Phoenix), Shareef Abdur-Rahim (retired) SAN ANTONIO :Added: Roger Mason (Washington), Salim Stoudemire (Atlanta), George Hill (rookie) Lost: Brent Barry (Houston) UTAH :Added: Kosta Koufas (rookie), Brevin Knight (Clippers) Lost: Jason Hart (Clippers)

[nasty daddy]

http://www.nba.com//news/bryantgasol_pr ... 80930.html

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol might sit out some of the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason games after a hectic offseason. Bryant helped lead the United States to a victory over Gasol and Spain in the gold medal game in the Summer Olympics. Bryant and Gasol each took only a few weeks off before reporting for the first day of training camp Tuesday. Bryant and Gasol played a carefree game of one-on-one near the end of the first of the Lakers' two practices. Their teammates, meanwhile, ran a set of wind sprints at the conclusion of their morning workout. "This week I'm just seeing how they feel, how's their energy level, and then we'll adjust,'' coach Phil Jackson said. "I was told not to say that I wasn't going to play Kobe in exhibition games. "So I'm not going to say Kobe's not going to play in this exhibition game or that exhibition game. But there is a chance they may not play in an exhibition game.''

Jackson said last week he was determined to monitor Bryant's playing time more closely this season. The reigning NBA MVP, who turned 30 on Aug. 23 and is entering his 13th season, averaged 28.3 points in 38.9 minutes in leading the Lakers to the NBA finals last season. "Phil does a good job of making sure we stay in good condition, but that he doesn't overexert us too much because of the long summer we had,'' Bryant said. "I feel great. I could run all day. I'm in shape, so I'm ready to go.''

The Lakers play their first preseason game Oct. 7.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.nba.com//news/bryantgasol_pr ... 80930.html

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol might sit out some of the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason games after a hectic offseason. Bryant helped lead the United States to a victory over Gasol and Spain in the gold medal game in the Summer Olympics. Bryant and Gasol each took only a few weeks off before reporting for the first day of training camp Tuesday. Bryant and Gasol played a carefree game of one-on-one near the end of the first of the Lakers' two practices. Their teammates, meanwhile, ran a set of wind sprints at the conclusion of their morning workout. "This week I'm just seeing how they feel, how's their energy level, and then we'll adjust,'' coach Phil Jackson said. "I was told not to say that I wasn't going to play Kobe in exhibition games. "So I'm not going to say Kobe's not going to play in this exhibition game or that exhibition game. But there is a chance they may not play in an exhibition game.''

Jackson said last week he was determined to monitor Bryant's playing time more closely this season. The reigning NBA MVP, who turned 30 on Aug. 23 and is entering his 13th season, averaged 28.3 points in 38.9 minutes in leading the Lakers to the NBA finals last season. "Phil does a good job of making sure we stay in good condition, but that he doesn't overexert us too much because of the long summer we had,'' Bryant said. "I feel great. I could run all day. I'm in shape, so I'm ready to go.''

The Lakers play their first preseason game Oct. 7.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.nba.com//news/bryantgasol_pr ... 80930.html

Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol might sit out some of the Los Angeles Lakers' preseason games after a hectic offseason. Bryant helped lead the United States to a victory over Gasol and Spain in the gold medal game in the Summer Olympics. Bryant and Gasol each took only a few weeks off before reporting for the first day of training camp Tuesday. Bryant and Gasol played a carefree game of one-on-one near the end of the first of the Lakers' two practices. Their teammates, meanwhile, ran a set of wind sprints at the conclusion of their morning workout. "This week I'm just seeing how they feel, how's their energy level, and then we'll adjust,'' coach Phil Jackson said. "I was told not to say that I wasn't going to play Kobe in exhibition games. "So I'm not going to say Kobe's not going to play in this exhibition game or that exhibition game. But there is a chance they may not play in an exhibition game.''

Jackson said last week he was determined to monitor Bryant's playing time more closely this season. The reigning NBA MVP, who turned 30 on Aug. 23 and is entering his 13th season, averaged 28.3 points in 38.9 minutes in leading the Lakers to the NBA finals last season. "Phil does a good job of making sure we stay in good condition, but that he doesn't overexert us too much because of the long summer we had,'' Bryant said. "I feel great. I could run all day. I'm in shape, so I'm ready to go.''

The Lakers play their first preseason game Oct. 7.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... 10391/1051

The sweat glistening on Rodney Stuckey's face spoke volumes. The Pistons had just concluded their first of two workouts Tuesday on the first day of training camp and had put a good three hours of hard work in the film room, conditioning and half-court drills. And the training camp staple: full-court gassers to finish things.

As team captain Chauncey Billups said later, all training camps are hard, but there was a different air Tuesday as new coach Michael Curry's promise to have a better-conditioned team this season seems to be more than just talk. "It was a lot different," said Stuckey, comparing the day to his first training camp last season. "We were getting after it. There was a lot more full court and a lot more transition stuff. He's trying to make sure we're in shape and that's not a bad thing."

During the off-season and Monday's media day, Curry has repeatedly said that lack of conditioning is one reason for the team's Eastern Conference finals flameouts the last three seasons.And Curry isn't just being a tough guy just because he has the whistle now. He plans to employ more full-court transition play with trapping on defense and running on offense. Curry also wants to return to the days when opponents could go almost entire quarters without getting an open look at the basket. And he wants to get more offense from the low post, which requires strong legs and endurance to bang and get good position in the paint. "With a new coach, he's trying to put his foot down and set a tone for the team and the season," Billups said. "We're going to have some long practices and tough practices, but that's just the nature of the beast. "You know he's trying to get something accomplished. He's not just having us out here just to have us out here and say we had a three-hour practice. We're getting something done."

[nasty daddy]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... 10391/1051

MIX AND MATCH: Another new look for the first day was Curry spreading Billups, Rip Hamilton, Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess and Tayshaun Prince over three teams.

Because of fatigue and foul trouble, there are many times during games when the core group will have to play an extended period of time with the other players, and Curry said practice is good place to develop that chemistry.

"I don't see the need to have five starters playing together all the time, because many times different groups of players may find themselves on the floor," he said.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 001&lc=NBA

Ben Gordon said he would practice Wednesday as a Bull.

Whether he will do so after signing a one-year qualifying offer or a long-term extension is known to Gordon and some close confidantes, who said the fifth-year guard had made his decision.

Gordon, who watched Tuesday's practices from the sideline, wouldn't comment. If he signs the one-year deal worth $6.4 million, Gordon will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... 10391/1051

NOTEBOOK: While it appears that Curry's preference is to bring McDyess off the bench this season, he didn't rule out that the 13-year power forward could find himself back in the starting lineup in the frontcourt alongside Wallace. The other candidates are Jason Maxiell, Kwame Brown and Amir Johnson.

Curry gave no timetable for a decision.

"It's a long month," Curry said with a grin about the exhibition season.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/arti ... 10391/1051

Today: Individual game tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. at the Palace box office, online at www.pistons.com, by calling 248-377-0100 or at any Ticketmaster outlet.

Thursday: Free open practice at Oakland University's Athletic Center Arena, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 5:30. There will be entertainment from Automotion, Hooper and the Flight Crew. For more information, call 248-377-0100 or go to www.pistons.com.

Oct. 8: Preseason home opener vs. Milwaukee, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 29: Season opener vs. Indiana at the Palace, 8 p.m.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 001&lc=NBA

The back soreness that has plagued Danilo Gallinari since July was caused by a bulging disk. The disk has since receded, and Gallinari is showing improvement after taking two cortisone shots in the last two weeks.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 001&lc=NBA

Rookie forward Michael Beasley sat out much of this morning's practice because of his strained left groin, but he's hopeful he'll practice Wednesday.

Beasley, who sustained his injury Monday, the third day of training camp, said he has visited a doctor. "They said I look pretty good," Beasley said.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dl ... 10326/1127

The names on the roster might be the same. The expectations are certainly the same. But the culture and the identity of this Pistons team will in no way resemble the team that lost in the conference finals the last three seasons. At least not if new coach Michael Curry has his way. "The culture we changed over the summer," Curry said. "We went back to staying here throughout the summer. Guys came in and competed every day. They worked with coaches and made sure they got better. We established that workmanlike attitude over the summer." The change in identity, he said, starts now. Curry welcomed his team to training camp Tuesday with a physically-intense, three-hour practice. It included individual fitness work with strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander, an hour of player development drills and another hour, the last hour, of high-intensity, hard-hitting, five-on-five, half-court drills. "We are going to be aggressive in everything we do," Curry said. "I told the guys, even if you play the same way you played last year, you still have to re-establish your identity every year. "What we want to do is establish ourselves as a team that's going to compete at a high level every night."

What will this new identity look like? The Pistons are going back to playing rugged, man-to-man defense. They will mix in some zone coverages, but predominately, they are going to lock in man on man. They will trap more than they have in the past, especially when young players such as Rodney Stuckey, Arron Afflalo, Jason Maxiell and Amir Johnson are on the floor. Offensively, Curry is adamant about pushing tempo and getting quick offense off turnovers and missed shots, but in the half-court he is dead set on establishing a consistent low-post presence. "We are going to be really good defensively and offensively we are going to be a team that can beat you 120-110 or we can beat you 80-70," Curry said. Talk to a young player, like Johnson, and you'd think the Pistons are going to run all the time. "When we had our team meeting (Monday night), he (Curry) didn't talk much about the past," Johnson said. "He just said, come with the mind-set like you are starting fresh, like new -- new atmosphere, new coach, new everything. I think what he wants is for us to be able to trap and run up and down and get easy buckets before we have to set up." Talk to a veteran and you get a different answer. "We are never going to be a run-and-gun basketball team unless you bring (Knicks coach Mike) D'Antoni or somebody like that in here," Chauncey Billups said. "We are never going to be that. That's not who we are. But we do have some young guys who can play that way and we can use that. We are going to be able to do both and do them very well."

Even though the Pistons did not add a proven low-post scorer, Billups believes they can improve their post offense simply through emphasis and conditioning. "The reason why in the past we never got too many points in the paint is because it takes a lot of work to get on that post and grind and mix it up down there," he said. "Even from the perimeter point of view, to dribble-penetrate and score at the basket and then get back, that takes an unbelievable amount of conditioning. MC understands that." Billups likes the emphasis on defense, too, but he made it clear that the team never veered from its defensive roots. "The bottom line is, even last year we were the second-best defensive team in the league and we've never been worse than No. 3 or No. 4 since I've been here," he said. "I just think you will see a different intensity as far as defense. We are going to be a lot more locked in and in tune." That's exactly Curry's mission. He's trying to build consistency in focus, in effort, in intensity and, thus, in execution. "We want to build every day," Curry said. "We have a lot of drills where we teach. We have a lot of drills where we get out and compete. Guys came in with good focus. They were really good. But last year guys came in good shape and we didn't monitor their conditioning throughout the year and they lost their conditioning." You get a real sense that's not going to happen this year.