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

nasty daddy · Post #141 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:28 am

http://thehoop.blogspot.com/2008/09/mac ... tract.html

The imminent release of Marcus Fizer(2.02-C) from Maccabi is now a fact. The israeli team announced via their official website that the agreement has been mutually breached and so Fizer will be looking for a new team to continue his career in.

It seems that the results of the MRI-scan about the knee injury of the american center wasn't as good as they expected. This is the meniscus injury he suffered in a Euroleague game against Olympiakos last February. Fizer has also played for Chicago, New Orleans, Milwaukee and Murcia in the past.

He averaged 11.5 games 3.6 rebounds in 15 games in the Euroleague last season.

nasty daddy · Post #142 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:32 am

http://www.twincities.com/ci_10519390?s ... ost_viewed

The Timberwolves, who begin official practices next week in Mankato, Minn., have 14 players with guaranteed contracts. The most allowed by the NBA is 15. The team is not looking to make any trades.

nasty daddy · Post #143 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:41 am

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1022884.html

Maccabi Tel Aviv notified power forward Marcus Fizer he was being released yesterday. Fizer signed a contract worth $900,000 a year two seasons ago, but in February suffered an injury to his knee. The Chicago Bulls' fourth pick in the 2000 draft, he played four seasons in the NBA, averaging 9.6 points and 4.6 rebounds before making the jump to Europe. "I expected and planned to return to Israel in the next few days," the 6'8" Louisiana native told Haaretz. "I liked being in Israel very much, and I respected the people, the fans and the club. It's a real shame it had to end like this." (Vered Cohen)

nasty daddy · Post #144 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:45 am

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

The NBA last week confirmed a 10-game suspension for forward Darius Miles, who is with the Celtics on a nonguaranteed contract.

Once Miles returns (he will be eligible for a Nov. 15 visit to Milwaukee), his new teammates will be counting on him to produce the type of offensive spark James Posey provided last season. "I'm excited about Darius Miles," forward Ray Allen said. "He hasn't played in a while, and he's excited to be here and help this team. "When people see him play, he'll be a fan favorite. People say he hasn't played in a couple years, but at the same time he has a lot of basketball left in him. He's only 26 years old, and to be able to have him at this stage of his career is going to be great for us."

Miles has missed two years with a microfracture in his right knee; the suspension is for violating the terms of the NBA's antidrug program.

nasty daddy · Post #145 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 12:51 am

http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/outl ... daniels-q/

With Gilbert Arenas out of the mix until at least December, the majority of the floor general duties will likely fall on the shoulders of 12th year veteran Antonio Daniels.

What was your reaction to the news of Gil having to have another surgery this week?:A.D.: I spoke to [Gilbert] a few days ago and it seemed like he was in good spirits. I feel like he's doing the best thing. There's life after basketball and you have to think about that. When that time comes he wants to be able to walk and hold his daughter, or hold his son. It's better to get this taken care of now. And we as teammates have to be there, not only to take care of business, but also to support him and encourage him because it's hard not being able to do what he loves. So we have to be here for him.Gil said that even before the third surgery he was going to miss training camp and wasn't expecting to play until January. Was that a surprise to you?: A.D.: I don't really know. I'm not really educated enough on microfracture surgery and how long it takes, so if he had told me that he was gonna miss training camp, I'd just figure it was a precautionary move and it's an extra two weeks to rest and give it more time to heal.

Being that the Wizards have been through this before now, and you've shown that you're capable of running the show as a starter, do you all feel more comfortable now opposed to when this first happened two years ago?:A.D.: I believe guys are more comfortable this time around opposed to two years ago, having been through this [last year]. But that being said, we are a much better team with Gil on the floor and a much deeper team with me coming off the bench, doing what I've been doing my whole career. How are you doing physically? When the season ended you were planning on having your wrist surgically repaired.:A.D.: I'm feeling great. I actually didn't get anything done to the wrist. After getting a second opinion, I decided not to do anything. And after being told repeatedly, 'Don't do anything to it, don't get anything done,' I didn't. ... Just resting it has allowed it to heal and I'm feeling good. I've been playing a lot with the guys down here [in San Antonio], a lot of the Spurs guys, and I'm ready to go.

nasty daddy · Post #146 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:02 am

http://www2.kusports.com/news/2008/sep/ ... basketball

Kirk Hinrich’s jersey No. 10 will be hung in the rafters of Allen Fieldhouse in a halftime ceremony at a yet-to-be-determined game during the 2008-09 college basketball season.“It’s a great honor,” said Hinrich, starting point guard for the Chicago Bulls, referring to the highest honor that can be accorded a Kansas University basketball player. “To have my jersey up in this building — a place that means so much to me — it’s an amazing feeling.”

KU coach Bill Self says the 27-year-old Hinrich, who was a 2003 Wooden All-American, 2003 NCAA West Regional MVP and member of the ’03 all-Final Four team, is richly deserving.“Without question, he’s one of the greatest to ever play here,” Self said of Hinrich, a first-team all-Big 12 pick his junior and senior seasons. He was third-team Associated Press All-American in 2003 and honorable-mention selection in ’02. “His teams won, and he was a huge part of that. He’s been a great pro and is one of the great ambassadors of this university,” Self added.

His jersey likely will hang in the vicinity of his buddy and fellow Iowan Nick Collison’s No. 4. Collison returned for his jersey-retirement ceremony in 2004.

nasty daddy · Post #147 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:07 am

http://www.insidehoops.com/blog/?p=1724

The season is approaching, folks. Training camps open in around one week (I’m in Prague right now, haven’t looked at a calendar in a while. Tuesday I’m off to hang out in Berlin for a week, then about 8 days in Amsterdam. I’ll be back in New York City right around the start of preseason.)

The Pistons bring back last year’s team, with Rasheed Wallace and Chauncey Billups a year older.

nasty daddy · Post #148 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:18 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10027

I've met a number of basketball coaches at every level who, for whatever reason, don't seem to be fans of the game in which they are immersed during the winter months. In my case, that is the furthest thing from the truth. The fact that I am a fan of the world's greatest game gives me even more passion for my profession – they go hand in hand for me.

So, as a coach, who is also a fan, who thinks NBA League Pass is a greater invention than the internal combustion engine or winged flight, who are some of my favorites to watch? Who gets me excited?

Team: Detroit Pistons:There is just something about these guys that makes me want to watch them. They are a team that digs in and defends, and a team that runs a precision, no-nonsense halfcourt attack without a whole lot of flash and flair. They know exactly who they are, what they do, and they just do it. They are the basketball equivalent of a football team with a power running game that just wears you down, then they hit the tight end for eight yards and move the chains. They also have that soap opera element with their occasional mental lapses and with Rasheed Wallace, who you can't really appreciate unless you see him live on the road. There is nothing like seeing Rasheed hit a shot, then run down the floor yelling at all 18,000 opposing fans. Pure entertainment.

nasty daddy · Post #149 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:37 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10032

Does Josh Howard Not Get it or Just Not Care?:Anyone else getting sick of discussing Josh Howard for reasons not related to basketball? I know I am, but something had to be said about his latest antics in this space.

For those who don't know, Howard made disparaging remarks about the National Anthem while in attendance at Allen Iverson's celebrity softball game a couple of months ago. This week, though, a video surfaced in which Howard was caught saying: "The Star Spangled Banner's going on right now and I don't celebrate that (expletive). I'm black." As one would expect, many were offended by Howard's comments. Perhaps the more disturbing part of his latest indiscretion is the pattern that seems to be developing. Howard has put himself in a number of bad spots over the last six months. Like anyone in this great country, dude is allowed to have his own opinions. But as a public person, he has to learn when to voice his opinions and when to keep those opinions to himself.

I've had just a couple of interactions with Howard, as he tends to be reclusive in the locker room. As such, I'm certainly not going to make any assumptions about the guy's level of intelligence. At this point, though, you have to wonder if he doesn't get it or just doesn't care. If the latter is the case, things are going to get worse for him before they get better.

nasty daddy · Post #150 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:40 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10032

Jumaine Jones Doubles Up:Former NBA forward Jumaine Jones found himself in a precarious position earlier this month. According to The Hoop, Jones signed contracts with both Ural Great and Armani Jeans. As a result, FIBA has suspended Jones and ruled he will not be able to play for any team in Europe until August 25th of 2009.

Good times. I know the economy is down and all, but signing contracts with two different teams is a new way of doing business. Whatever it takes to make ends meet, I guess.

In all seriousness, let's hope this doesn't spell the end of Jumaine's career. Dude was a solid role player in the NBA for a number of seasons and still presumably has some basketball left in him.

nasty daddy · Post #151 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:46 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10032

Nice Guys Finish Last?:It's been said nice guys finish last. Let's hope that's not the case with Julius Hodge who is trying to make a comeback to the NBA with the New Jersey Nets. After being drafted in the first round with the 20th overall pick by the Denver Nuggets back in 2005, Hodge was never really able to hit his stride in the Association. Near the end of his rookie season in April of 2006, Hodge was shot on Interstate 76 just outside of Denver while driving. Police indicated Hodge was a random victim and the case has yet to be solved. Hodge came within minutes of bleeding to death, but fortunately help arrived in time.

During his time in Denver I had the chance to get to know Hodge quite well. He happens to be one of the really good guys in the league. Unfortunately, being a good guy doesn't guarantee one an NBA roster spot. Hodge has never been a good jumpshooter and will likely never be a traditional shooting guard despite his size. Instead, Hodge is at his best when he's playing the role of a point forward.

After having a cup of coffee with the Milwaukee Bucks and then playing overseas, former Denver Nuggets' GM Kiki Vandeweghe is hoping Hodge still has what it takes and has given him a shot to resurrect his career with the Nets. Making New Jersey's roster seems like a long-shot, but count your friendly neighborhood columnist as one who is rooting for Julius to find success.

nasty daddy · Post #152 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:49 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_11945

The Timberwolves, who begin official practices next week in Mankato, Minn., have 14 players with guaranteed contracts. The most allowed by the NBA is 15. The team is not looking to make any trades.

Owner Glen Taylor, on expectations this season: "Last year, when we put this group together, it was a year to build, to get experience. This year is different; just because last year we let a guy play a lot of minutes, if he doesn't produce this year, he won't play a lot of minutes. It will be more on productivity than youth. It'll be winning rather than getting experience."

nasty daddy · Post #153 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 1:52 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_11945

The Cavs are expected to have Ronald Dupree in camp. The 6-7 small forward has spent parts of five seasons with Detroit, Chicago and Minnesota. He's 27 and in 154 NBA games, he's averaged 3.6 points. He has a decent chance to grab one of the 15 roster spots.

nasty daddy · Post #154 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:00 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_11945

In a now-it-can-be-told admission, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak acknowledged that the trade late last season that brought forward-center Pau Gasol to the Lakers resulted in the Lakers giving up less than the Memphis Grizzlies originally sought. In that blockbuster deal, that essentially helped catapult the Lakers to the Western Conference title and into the NBA Finals, Gasol was acquired Feb. 1 in exchange for center Kwame Brown, veteran guard Aaron McKie, rookie guard Javaris Crittenton, two future first-round draft picks, and the rights to Gasol’s younger brother, forward Marc Gasol, whom the Lakers used a second-round pick in the 2007 NBA draft to select.

The Lakers had a pair of second-round picks last year. Gasol was selected 48th overall, eight picks after the Lakers drafted Sun. The younger Gasol spent the 2007-2008 season playing in Europe. In the end, the Lakers were able to hold on to Sun, primarily because of the scouting report that assistant general manager Ronnie Lester prepared for Kupchak, after Lester evaluated Sun in Singapore, a month before the trade was consummated.

So, instead of wearing the black and blue colors of the Memphis Grizzlies, Sun will be in purple and gold, after signing a two-year guaranteed contract last month with the Lakers.

nasty daddy · Post #155 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:39 am

http://lakers.freedomblogging.com/2008/ ... uited-sun/

In a now-it-can-be-told admission, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak acknowledged that the trade late last season that brought forward-center Pau Gasol to the Lakers resulted in the Lakers giving up less than the Memphis Grizzlies originally sought.

Kupchak explained the particulars of the request made by the Grizzlies in a recent Q-and-A on lakers.com.

In that blockbuster deal, that essentially helped catapult the Lakers to the Western Conference title and into the NBA Finals, Gasol was acquired Feb. 1 in exchange for center Kwame Brown, veteran guard Aaron McKie, rookie guard Javaris Crittenton, two future first-round draft picks, and the rights to Gasol’s younger brother, forward Marc Gasol, whom the Lakers used a second-round pick in the 2007 NBA draft to select. The Lakers had a pair of second-round picks last year. Gasol was selected 48th overall, eight picks after the Lakers drafted Sun. The younger Gasol spent the 2007-2008 season playing in Europe. In the end, the Lakers were able to hold on to Sun, primarily because of the scouting report that assistant general manager Ronnie Lester prepared for Kupchak, after Lester evaluated Sun in Singapore, a month before the trade was consummated.

nasty daddy · Post #156 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:12 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 922&lc=NBA

In an attempt to start filling out the training camp roster, the Cavaliers have signed guard/forward Ronald Dupree .

nasty daddy · Post #157 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:27 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 922&lc=NBA

Brown said in summer league that the center and power forward positions are virtually interchangeable in his system. I’m sure that’s true, but I expect Brown will quickly accept what former Bobcats coaches Bernie Bickerstaff and Sam Vincent did – that Okafor is most effective close to the basket, not chasing sleek power forwards all around the perimeter.

nasty daddy · Post #158 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:29 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 922&lc=NBA

Speaking of smart players and tinkering, Emeka Okafor once again spent the off-season experimenting with new training methods. He looks trimmer than he did, but says he’s slightly heavier than last season at around 265 pounds.

Okafor said he did a series of very specific exercises to work individual muscle groups. The goal was to break up some scar tissue that he felt was hurting his flexibility, without losing strength.

He looks springy in pickup games, but who’s to say if that’s about how he trained his body, or the rest he got throughout the off-season?

nasty daddy · Post #159 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:41 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 922&lc=NBA

The Celtics are trying to keep expectations under control as they come off an NBA championship season. "We have our nucleus back, so we are looking to repeat," Rondo said. "But we are going to take it one step at a time, like last year."

Pierce is not shy about stating the team's goal of attempting to win successive titles.

"I looked up and saw the banner from last season but I also saw we haven't repeated since '68-69," Pierce said. "That's more motivation to repeat. So, let's try to make more history."

nasty daddy · Post #160 » by **nasty daddy** » Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:43 am

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 922&lc=NBA

Once Miles returns (he will be eligible for a Nov. 15 visit to Milwaukee), his new teammates will be counting on him to produce the type of offensive spark James Posey provided last season.

"I'm excited about Darius Miles," forward Ray Allen said. "He hasn't played in a while, and he's excited to be here and help this team.