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

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10076

Reef May Come Off Cap: Because Sacramento Kings forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim played in less than 10 games last season, the Kings likely will be able to apply for salary cap relief due to a career-ending injury as early as November 12th.

How would that help the Kings? It would effectively remove Abdur-Rahim's $6.2 million salary this season and $6.6 million salary next season from their books. Reef would get paid by an insurance company, but not from the Kings. For the upcoming summer that would drop the Kings' salary commitments to about $54 million (after factoring in Francisco Garcia's extension). The only cap hold they have for next summer is Bobby Jackson with a number of $9.1 million.

What does all of that mean? Should they renounce their rights to Jackson, the Kings will be players in next summer's free agent frenzy.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/TheWireStory.asp?id=12648

The Houston Rockets matched the Charlotte Bobcats' offer sheet for restricted free agent forward Carl Landry on Thursday, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle. According to the newspaper, the deal is worth $9 million over three years.

The Bobcats extended the offer sheet Wednesday in an attempt to solidify a frontcourt that has been straddled by injuries and inconsistency. But the Rockets, who have lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, felt Landry was worth the commitment and did not hesitate to bring him back. "We're going to match," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey told the Chronicle. "I think we had a long time to talk about what we felt like we wanted to do with Carl, and this fell within that. It was an easy decision."

Landry became a key contributor off the bench for the Rockets last season - particularly in the second half when Yao Ming's season-ending foot injury left a void in Houston's frontcourt. Landry played 42 games last season, averaging 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds. After the Rockets fell behind, 2-0, in their first-round playoff series against the Utah Jazz, Landry played extended minutes in the rest of the series. The 6-7 Landry collected seven points and 11 rebounds in Houston's Game Three victory in Salt Lake City, and contributed a game-saving block of Deron Williams' last-second shot to preserve the 94-92 win. He added 13 points and six boards in Game Four in a losing effort. After starring at Purdue, Landry was the first pick of the second round - 31st overall - of the 2007 draft by the Seattle SuperSonics, who subsequently dealt him to the Rockets.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/TheWireStory.asp?id=12649

Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier is expected to miss the majority of the team's preseason schedule due to inflammation in his left foot.

Battier had surgery to remove bone spurs from his left ankle joint on May 9 and has experienced pain during the rehabilitation process. The Rockets announced Friday that the seven-year veteran is expected to be sidelined for up to four weeks, but should be ready for the October 29 season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Toyota Center.

Battier, 30, averaged 9.3 points and 5.1 rebounds in 80 games with the Rockets last season.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/TheWireStory.asp?id=12651

The Portland Trail Blazers announced Friday that center Raef LaFrentz underwent successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He is expected to miss six to eight months.

The 6-11 center has been plagued by injuries throughout most of his 10-year career, playing in at least 70 games five times.

Selected with the third overall pick by the Denver Nuggets in the 1998 draft, LaFrentz has averaged 10.1 points and 6.1 rebounds while playing for four different franchises.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/TheWireStory.asp?id=12650

Los Angeles Clippers guard Jason Williams announced his retirement Friday, ending his 10-year NBA career. Signed by the Clippers as a free agent in August, Williams did not appear in a game for Los Angeles but did play for the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat.

A member of the NBA Champion Heat in 2005-06, Williams started all 23 playoff games and averaged 9.3 points and 3.9 assists to help to the franchise win its first title. A West Virginia native, Williams averaged 11.4 points, 6.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.4 rebounds over 679 career games. He finished his career with a 2.77 assist-to-turnover ratio.

Williams enjoyed his best statistical season in 2001-02 when he averaged 14.8 points, 8.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds for Memphis. In his four seasons with the Grizzlies, Williams became the club's all-time assists leader. A University of Florida product, Williams was drafted seventh overall in 1998 by the Kings.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_12037

The next week or two will be extremely important for the Lakers’ medical staff in treating rookie guard Sun Yue, who was diagnosed Wednesday with mononucleosis. The disease, which is a member of the herpes group, is highly contagious, causes severe fatigue in individuals that contract it and because it can cause the spleen to enlarge, raises the risk of rupture in that body organ.

Although it commonly is called the “kissing disease,” because it often is contracted that way, specifically by the exchange of saliva between two parties, it also can be contracted in other ways, such as the sharing of a canned soda or water bottle. Although there has been no timetable set on when Sun can resume basketball activity, typically for athletes mononucleosis can stay in the body’s system for as short as a week or for as long as two months. “Anything longer than six weeks is pretty serious,” said Davion White, the head trainer for athletics, at Southern California powerhouse Long Beach Poly High School.

White said once an athlete is diagnosed with mononucleosis, then physical contact must stop, to lessen the risk of a ruptured spleen. “I would allow the athlete to perform limited conditioning, unless they complained of extreme fatigue,” White said. “And of course, anything they did do, I’d first coordinate with their doctor.”

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_12037

Looking to add maturity and defensive intensity on the wing, the Grizzlies are expected to sign free agent Quinton Ross today, increasing their roster to 14 players with training camp set to begin Tuesday. Ross, 27, was among the many Griz participants during an informal workout/pick-up game Thursday in FedExForum. The 6-6, 193-pound swingman will sign a minimum, non-guaranteed deal.

He must first earn a roster spot and then avoid being cut by several key dates to remain for the rest of the season. Griz general manager Chris Wallace said adding Ross is a win-win deal for both sides. Ross gets an opportunity after the Los Angeles Clippers opted not to re-sign him. And the Griz get an established, defensive-minded player who has been effective guarding the opponent's best shooting guard or small forward over the past four seasons.

Ross averaged 21 minutes during his career with the Clippers and could emerge as a steady backup for Rudy Gay at small forward. "He's been a very positive and productive player," Wallace said. "He has experience as a starter and he's been recognized for his outstanding defense. We like his maturity and defense." Ross floated in free agency after the Clippers made a decision to bolster their offense by acquiring veteran Ricky Davis.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_12037

The Rockets moved rapidly Thursday to lock up Landry, 25, and could do the same in the next day or two with rookie Joey Dorsey, but things could slow to a halt, though a temporary one, with Dikembe Mutombo.

Mutombo said Thursday he will give the Rockets time to make some planned cost-cutting moves before signing, a delay that could put him well into the season before returning. “I spoke with the Rockets and we are waiting on them, looking (for) a way to create cap room for me to come back,” Mutombo, 42, said. “That’s what I’m doing now, just waiting. “I like the city of Houston and I love the people there. They have embraced me in the four years, and they have helped me achieve a lot to be able to open the hospital (in the Congo). I have wonderful teammates, Yao Ming, Tracy McGrady, Shane (Battier). We have very, very special relationships. I can play one more year. I’m trying to see if I can get a chance to play there. Hopefully, I will.”

Dorsey’s agent Lance Young, in town to complete negotiations, said he and Morey have the framework of one-, three- and four-year deals and will determine in the next two days which contract works. The team is also expected to sign veteran guard Von Wafer to a non-guaranteed contract in time for training camp.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_12037

I have learned that the Kings may be able to get Shareef Abdur-Rahim's salary removed from this season's salary cap number after all.

My research had shown that it was too late to apply for the 2008-09 money to be taken off because he didn't make his decision to retire until this summer, but I've been told that's not the case. The key factor here is this: the first anniversary of his career-ending injury date. Because Abdur-Rahim played in fewer than 10 games, his date of career-ending injury could be deemed just after his final game played last season (Nov. 12).

If the league-appointed doctor confirms this timeline, then the Kings would apply for the relief just after that date this year and likely wind up getting the final two seasons of Abdur-Rahim's contract ($6.2 million and $6.6 million, respectively) off of their cap. Abdur-Rahim would be paid in full through the insurance company.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_12037

I'm also supposed to catch up with Kevin Martin soon, as he recently signed a shoe deal with the Jordan shoe brand. Martin - who will wear the shoes made in the name of his boyhood idol - spent the day with MJ himself in Portland on Wednesday in a welcome-to-the-club sort of gathering. Martin had never met Jordan, although he nearly did last season.

Kings assistant and three-time NBA champion from his Chicago days, Randy Brown, stays in touch with MJ and had a plan to spoil Martin's introduction with his idol in a scene that would have been worthy of Ashton Kutcher's "Punk'd!"

Jordan was going to rip into Martin about how he's not all that good of a player, keeping it up long enough to see how Martin would react and eventually let him in on the joke and share a good laugh. Unfortunately, Jordan wound up shooting a commercial when the Kings came to town and the plan was foiled.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... TORY_12037

This story from ESPNdeportes - by way of El Caribe of Dominican Republic - is inaccurate as it pertains to the fifth year. While they are reporting that the fifth year is worth $7 million and is Garcia's option, a source close to the negotiations tells me that the fifth year is a team option. As in the case of Mikki Moore - who will be paid $2 million of his $6 million if the Kings cut him before next season - it appears Garcia has a partial guarantee in his final year as well. What's more, Garcia is in Sacramento and not in the Dominican as the story states.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.wnba.com/games/20080926/DETNYL/recap.html

Janel McCarville scored 17 points and Shameka Christon had 11 points and 11 rebounds to help the New York Liberty hold off the Detroit Shock 60-56 in the opener of the Eastern Conference finals Friday night. Deanna Nolan scored 11 of her 22 points in the final 3 minutes and Katie Smith had 13 points for the Shock. Nolan had two 3-pointers and hit three free throws during the final stretch to keep Detroit close, but missed a potential tying 3-pointer with about 10 seconds left. New York's Erin Thorn scored five points in the final minute to seal the win.

The best-of-three series shifts to Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti for Game 2 on Sunday, and Game 3, if necessary, on Monday night. The Shock's usual home, The Palace of Auburn Hills, is unavailable due to a scheduling conflict. After trailing by nine late in the third quarter, the Liberty used a 12-1 run to take the lead with 5 1/2 minutes left. Ashley Battle hit a 3 from the left corner with 44 seconds left in the third, Leilani Mitchell hit a 3 early in the fourth and Battle followed with a layup along the baseline to pull New York to 42-41. Kara Braxton hit one free throw 20 seconds later to give the Shock a two-point lead. However, McCarville's layup with 7:13 left tied the score at 43 and Christon's jumper with 5 1/2 minutes left gave New York its first lead since midway through the first quarter. Cathrine Kraayeveld hit two free throws to push the lead to 55-50 with 1:25 left. Nolan then hit a 3 with 37 seconds left, and Thorn followed with a driving layup 14 seconds later. Nolan hit three free throws with 18.6 left to pull the Shock to 57-56, but that was as close as they got. Thorn hit two free throws with 15 seconds left, and then one more after Nolan missed her 3-pointer. New York beat Detroit at home in Game 1 of the first round last year, then lost two close contests at the Palace - including by one point in overtime in Game 3.

The Shock scored eight consecutive points to push the lead to 42-33 on Nolan's steal and fast-break layup with just over a minute left in the third quarter. The Liberty, second in the league in 3-point shooting, were 0-for-8 from beyond the arc in the first half, and finished 4-for-14 for the game. New York opened the second half with an 8-2 run, including 3s by Kraayeveld and Christon, to pull to 32-31 with 5:57 left in the third quarter. Both teams got off to slow starts. The Liberty were 3-for-16 from the field, including 0-for-6 on 3s, in the first quarter. The Shock shot 5-for-16 while taking a 13-8 lead. Detroit had a 10-0 run to take a 17-8 lead on Nolan's jumper with 8 1/2 minutes left in the second quarter. New York scored seven consecutive points, all by McCarville, to pull to 19-17 with 3:38 left in the period. Nolan's 3-pointer with 1.5 seconds left gave the Shock a 29-23 lead at halftime.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitbadboys.com/archives/ ... uls-again/

Amir Johnson’s chances to be a starter this year, and he brings up a common criticism of Johnson’s game: While appearing in a career-high 62 games last season, Johnson averaged 8.9 fouls per 48 minutes played. Only Atlanta rookie Mario West (10.9) averaged more fouls per 48 minutes among NBA players who appeared in as many games as Johnson. “A lot of it is game experience,” Curry said when asked about Johnson’s persistent foul trouble. “Amir came straight from high school. He didn’t get a lot of time the first couple years. The only (playing time) he got was in the Developmental League. He really doesn’t have a lot of game experience.”

I agree with Michael Curry, but I’ll add that I think it’s more than just inexperience — I think a big factor has been Johnson knowing that no matter how well (or poorly) he played, he probably wasn’t going to play long enough to foul out. (I know, I know; I’ve made variations of this argument several times in the past, but it’s worth repeating now that Johnson has emerged as the pre-camp favorite to start …) Yes, Johnson averaged 8.9 fouls per 48 minutes, but in 70 games (62 in the regular season, eight in the playoffs), but do you know how many games he actually finished with more than four fouls? Seven. Do you know how many he finished with no more than two fouls? 44. Johnson (like everybody else in the arena) knew his playing time was going to be limited, so when he did get in the game he admitted to being extremely eager trying to make something happen on defense. He’s a prolific shot-blocker, so it’s natural to think a lot of his fouls came from being too aggressive going for the block. As I saw it, though, that wasn’t the case; he seemed to get in the most trouble with silly reach-in fouls on the perimeter. That’s something he can avoid with regular playing time as he calms down a bit and gets into a rhythm instead of trying to impress the coaches with every step on the floor.

But don’t take my word for it, consider the career of another big man who made the jump directly from high school. In 1998-99, Jermaine O’Neal’s third year in the NBA, he averaged 6.3 fouls per 48 and 8.9 minutes per game for the Trail Blazers. The following season, O’Neal averaged 7.1 fouls per 48 and 12.3 minutes per game. Finally, in 2000-01, O’Neal’s fifth year, after being traded to Pacers and finally given a chance at real minutes, he averaged 5.1 fouls per 48 and 32.6 minutes per game. Was O’Neal’s fouls the reason he didn’t play in Portland? Of course not; ironically enough, it was because he was behind Rasheed Wallace. But once he got the opportunity, talent took over. I see no reason for hand-wringing that Johnson’s tendency to foul won’t solve itself once he gets a real honest-to-goodness chance to play on a regular basis, whether that’s starting or coming off the bench.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10064

Can the Wizards win without Gilbert Arenas? Another season, another setback for Arenas. Even though he is expected to return in December, the Wiz will still have to battle out a tough month of November without him.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/TheWireStory.asp?id=12647

Los Angeles Lakers guard Sun Yue is suffering from mononucleosis and will miss the start of training camp, according to a published report Thursday. The Los Angeles Times reported Sun skipped an unofficial practice with Lakers' teammates Wednesday morning because he felt lethargic, which he attributed to jet lag after arriving in Los Angeles from China a few days earlier.

The Chinese native became ill Wednesday night after an introductory news conference and was taken to an area hospital a few hours later, the report said. A timetable for his return has not yet been determined. "It varies on the severity of it and the individual," Lakers spokesman John Black said to the newspaper. "We simply don't know."

A second-round draft pick in 2007, the 22-year-old Sun signed a two-year contract with the Lakers last month. He averaged 6.8 points and 2.5 assists a game for the Chinese national team in the Olympics.

[nasty daddy]

http://blog.mlive.com/flintjournal/its_ ... d4she.html

We will periodically profile other bloggers, who are much better than us at this, and their sites. Enjoy. When I first started heavily reading sports blogs about two years ago, one of the first sites I came across was Need4Sheed. The graphics immediately jump out at readers and it was apparent that the author of the site was a HUGE Pistons fan. The site is a must-read for people who love the team. After the jump, an interview with the blog's author, Natalie Sitto. When did you start the site and what was the motivation for it? "I started the site after the 2005 loss to The Spurs in the finals. My real motivation for starting the site stemmed from the cartoon images I had made of the players that I turned into a screensaver. I would pass it along to a friend and then constantly get requests for a copy from other friends and their friends in turn. So to make things easier on myself I started Need4Sheed to share the screensavers and wallpapers with Pistons fans across the globe. It just morphed into what it is now because of how much fun I was having doing it."The first things that jump out about the site are the graphics. What is your background in design?:"I had a little background in graphic design when I started, but new techniques come along all the time that seem to have me learning more about the trade with each passing day. I take as much pride as I can in the graphics I create for the site. Anyone can go to a blog to read stats and box scores, but I tried to create something different for the site. Information, eye candy and a little comedy thrown in.

"How much time do you spend working on the site in a given week?: "When the season starts rolling again I'll put a minimum of 15 hours a week into the site making graphics, updating the pages, editing videos, and answering emails. And that's all when I'm not attending as many home games as my schedule permits."The site is named for Rasheed Wallace. Was there a specific Rasheed memory that inspired that?:"So many people ask about the site's name. I hate to say that there was no real inspiration to the name of the site other than my love for Sheed's spirit and game. His cartoon was also the first one I made and there was somewhat of a domino from there. Looking back the name really fits well in that I try to bring something different to the table, just like Sheed does."What was your position on the trade rumors over the summer? As much as Rasheed Wallace brings to the team, there are large and vocal fans on message boards and such who call for him to be traded. Be the voice of reason and tell everyone why he should stay. "Rasheed will always be the scapegoat for many because of his combustible personality. Yes he's older, he may not have put the numbers up in the playoffs we would have liked last season, but who's out there at PF that Detroit can score that is better than Mr. Wallace? He may stray from the post, get too many techs, but nobody seems to complain when he puts up 20 and 10 or shuts down the likes of Dwight Howard for a playoff season.It is well know that Sheed and Flip Saunders didn't see eye to eye, with a new coach on board (one that Sheed respects) we may see a different Rasheed Wallace. You also have to look at the fact that Sheed's contract comes off the books after this season. Joe will either have plenty of money to spend in cap room after the 09 season ends or he'll make a deal that includes Sheed before the trade deadline."I know some of the players check in on the site. Have you had any feedback from them? Others associated with the team? Rasheed himself?:"When you walk up to Amir Johnson with a video camera and ask him to say hello to Pistons fans at Need4Sheed and he asks you "is that you" it's a bit surreal. Until that point last season I had no idea that any other player other than Rasheed Wallace knew about the site. Amir had been great. I have come to learn quite a few of them have at least checked the site out at one time or another. I know Amir is a reader but, I don't see Sheed checking the site on a daily basis, that's just not him but I could be wrong. He does have a few Ball Don't Lie T-Shirts with his cartoon face plastered all over them so I think he's on board with the whole thing. As for the Pistons organization, they have really been great. They have embraced the site, let me guest blog on Pistons.com, let me run a contest for my readers and gave us a suite for a Pistons game and a behind the scenes tour of The Palace. I have been told by someone in the organization that I'm somewhat of a cult figure, but I think that's pushing it. All I know is when George Blaha sees me at the Palace, stops and gives me a big hug and mentions the site on his broadcasts it really can't get much better."

Do you have any predictions for the season? Other than Philadelphia, no team in the East really did much to improve itself. Where do you see the Pistons fitting in come playoff time?:"It's going to be the usual suspects again in the East this season. I don't think the Cavs improved enough, the Sixers will be better, the Bulls will be lucky if they stay out of the basement, and unless Dwight Howard's full potential comes together this season the Magic will fall flat again. Boston is the team to beat, the Champs always are. Detroit had the potential, talent and game to beat them last season in the playoffs and with the same cast of characters coming back this season there is no reason to doubt they will be fighting in the Eastern Conference Finals again. What we have to watch is the effect Michael Curry has on the team and his commitment to blending the youth movement with the seasoned vets Detroit has. If all runs smooth they could do better than anticipated."Of the young players, Stuckey gets the most attention, but who, if anyone, out of the Johnson, Maxiell, Afflalo group do you see having a breakout year this season and why? :"Stuckey got some deserved attention last season, especially after his playoff performance when Chauncey was out. He broke out quickly after he was sidelined for half the season and I think you can bank on the fact he's going to shine again. As for the big breakout, I think Jason Maxiell has already turned heads in the league and unfortunately I don't think Afflalo will get the minutes to show his stuff. Look for Amir Johnson to make a name for himself. Amir has done what he had to do since Detroit signed him as an 18 year old straight out of high school. He's has great work ethic, successful time in the D Leage and honing his skills against some of the best the NBA has to offer. We have seen flashes of what he can do and with the coaching staff ready to put him on the floor this could an 'Amirzing' season for him."Anything else I may have left out?:"The roster may not have changed, but if we really do get to see what Amir, Stuckey, Maxiell and Afflalo can do with solid minutes this should turn out to be an exciting season for Pistons fans."

[nasty daddy]

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

The Los Angeles Clippers confirm this shred of a report from Lisa Dillman on the L.A. Times website. According to the Clippers, point guard Jason Williams has decided to stop playing basketball. There is no known reason for his decision, and messages left with his agents have not been returned. Williams signed as a free agent with L.A. just in August, and evidently decided at some point since then few weeks that he has had enough. There had been talk this off-season that he might play overseas.

Williams, who played high school sports with NFL star Randy Moss, entered the league in 1998 as one of the most exciting players of his generation. His work as the ringleader of Rick Adelman's thrilling Sacramento Kings teams is the stuff of YouTube legend. I remember once clearly seeing him hold the ball behind his back, at a full run, as he popped it with his opposite elbow to a streaking teammate. Even though I saw it, I wasn't sure it had really happened.

Under old-school Coach Hubie Brown in Memphis, Williams learned to be less flashy, which may or may not have contributed to his winning a championship ring with the Miami Heat in 2006. In more recent years, Williams' star has faded somewhat as he has dealt with various injuries. At 33, however, a decade into his career, I don't think anybody suspected he may be ready to leave basketball, so needless to say this comes as a shock.

[nasty daddy]

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

Rockets forward Shane Battier (Detroit Country Day) will miss up to four weeks because of an inflammation in his left foot.

He had surgery May 9 to remove bone spurs from his left ankle. The Rockets open training camp Tuesday.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 927&lc=NBA

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Jason Williams announced his retirement from the NBA today, ending his 10-year career. Signed by the Clippers as a free agent on August 7, 2008, Williams did not appear in a game for Los Angeles.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 927&lc=NBA

"It's going to be the biggest challenge," Garnett said of repeating yesterday while promoting the NBA 2K9 video game. "But I'm telling you, man, I want to take time to enjoy these next four years. That's not to say I'm going to let up or anything like that. But I'm going to go at this [because] I like how this felt. I need a couple more short summers like this.