'Nasty News - Traversing Time & Space' Vol: 38

[nasty daddy]

http://www.mlive.com/pistons/index.ssf/ ... _in_n.html

Pistons adjust to changes in NBA pre-draft camp
The Detroit Pistons usually have a good feel for how things will go at the NBA's pre-draft camp. But this year's camp, which begins today in Chicago and runs through Sunday, will be unlike any the Pistons or other NBA teams have experienced. The new wrinkle: no more games. The NBA's Competition Committee voted in May of last year to eliminate the five-on-five games, a move that is taking affect this year. Instead, the camp will consist of drills and workouts similar to the NFL combine

George David, Detroit's director of player personnel, will be among the many NBA executives that attend the pre-draft camp. "Even though they're not playing games like they've done in the past," David said, "from the standpoint of the draft being only a few weeks away, you value every opportunity you have to be around the guys that you're thinking about selecting."

The decision to change the format was fueled in part by NBA teams being unhappy with the games, which included a shrinking number of potential players they might be interested in selecting. In recent years, an increasing number of draft-eligible players decided not to participate in the pre-draft camp for fear that a poor showing might hurt their draft stock. The new format will include:
• Measurements (height, weight, wingspan)
• Skill work, such as shooting and ball-handling drills.
• Strength and agility tests
• Medical testing

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2009 ... beg-Lakers

Pau Gasol wants ball, but won't beg Lakers
Pau Gasol wants the ball inside against the Denver Nuggets. Only he's not about to pull a Keyshawn Johnson and order his Lakers teammates to "just give me the damn ball." That's not the Spaniard's way. Gasol is all about finesse on and off the court, so he'll leave the angry big man approach alone. "I just want to go with what's effective and what works out there and what's been working for us and what's a strength of ours," he said after Tuesday's practice. "I think we should explore that a little more." The mild-mannered Gasol complained about only taking four shots in the second half of a 120-101 loss at Denver on Monday night that left the Western Conference finals tied at two. Gasol went 8 of 11 for 21 points in Game 4. He's shooting 62 percent in the series, but he had only four free throws in the fourth quarter Monday. "I don't think there's many people who would say there's something right about it," he said afterward. "I wish we would take more advantage of our inside game, because it's pretty effective. It's unfortunate we don't recognize it enough." Kobe Bryant knows what's keeping the Lakers from delivering the ball to Gasol in the post. "They're double-teaming him on the catch. He's got to go a little quicker when he catches it," Bryant said. "That's something I've always told him, 'When you got a shot you got to take it.'

At this late in the postseason, teams aren't going to let you back out there and spin and do some of the things he likes to do in the post. He's got to go and go quickly." Pushed on whether he would demand the ball in Game 5 on Wednesday night, Gasol didn't sound too convincing. "I'll try, but there's only so much I can do as far as demanding," he said. "I'd rather talk to our coaches and our guys and hopefully we see what's effective and what works and we go to it." The Lakers' frontcourt of Gasol, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum were no match for Denver's trio of Nene, Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen, who dominated the boards 42-25 in Game 4. "One of our main focuses was trying to get the rebound so that way we can do our running game," Andersen said. "Our best offense is our defense and rebounding is a big part of that." The Nuggets practiced in Denver on Tuesday before flying to Los Angeles. Coach George Karl believes winning Game 5 on the road would be easier than doing so in a Game 7 on the Lakers' home court. "We right now have made somewhat of a move to challenge them to try and figure us out a little bit more," he said. "Can we win the energy game down there? It would be a big step towards getting a win. My big guys were terrific last night. I don't know if I've had three big guys be so dominant on the boards."

The Nuggets rested for a week after putting Dallas away in five games in the conference semifinals. The Lakers, meanwhile, were pushed to seven games before escaping against Houston, and the fatigue appears to be showing. "They've been playing every other day since May and we've had our breaks and the advantage to heal our bodies is better than the Lakers," Andersen said. "Now we're starting to get back in our rhythm that we were at when the playoffs started." Odom said the Lakers need a dose of energy and effort Wednesday night at Staples Center, where the Nuggets won Game 2. "When you get behind, you take quick shots and you tend to give those guys some good numbers when it comes to rebounding," he said. "We want to clean up the defensive boards and keep them off the offensive boards." Odom is continuing treatment for a lower back injury, but he declined to specify just how hurt he is. "For this team to be good, I need to pick it up," he said. Bryant wouldn't concede fatigue is hurting the Lakers. "I don't think it had anything to do with how we played yesterday, they just played better," he said. "We do a pretty good job of responding to challenges and we certainly have one here tomorrow night. The challenge of the situation re-energizes me." The NBA fined Lakers coach Phil Jackson and the team $25,000 for his postgame comments on the officiating in Game 4. The fines were announced after the Lakers addressed the media, but Jackson was asked whether the Nuggets have shifted their play from physical to dirty. "There's a sense of how much people want it, how you play when you have to play hard and how aggressive you become and that's a fine line," he said. "I want to keep the topic on a positive note. I don't want to talk about that aspect of it."

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2009 ... beg-Lakers

Conference Finals
(Best-of-seven)
Western Conference
L.A. Lakers vs. Denver
Series tied 2-2
Game 1 : L.A. 105, Denver 103
Game 2 : Denver 106, L.A. 103
Game 3 : L.A. 103, Denver 97
Game 4 : Denver 120, L.A. 101
Tonight : at L.A., 9
Friday : at Denver, 9
Sunday* : at L.A., 8:30
* If necessary

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2009 ... eries-lead

Magic edge Cavaliers in OT, take 3-1 series lead
As LeBron James pulled up for the final shot, Orlando's crowd gasped, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy gulped and time stood still. Spinning through the air, James' 3-pointer looked good. Not this time, MVP. This was a Magic night. Dwight Howard scored 10 points in overtime and Orlando, raining down 3-pointers like a Florida thunderstorm, withstood 44 points and the last-second fling by James for a 116-114 victory over Cleveland on Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference finals. The resilient Magic, who have overcome injuries, double-digit deficits and a spat between their star and coach, are one win from their first trip to the NBA Finals since 1995. "You can almost taste it," said Orlando guard Rafer Alston, who scored 26. "We've got to win one more game and it's not going to be easy." The Magic, who won a Game 7 in Boston in the last round, can close out the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Thursday night. Howard finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds and again made his free throws -- 7 of 9 -- and the Magic made a team playoff record 17 3-pointers. Rashard Lewis and Mickael Pietrus scored 17 each for Orlando. "We just have to keep fighting," Howard said. "We have an excellent opportunity in front of us. We can't think that anything's going to be easy. As a team, we believe that anytime we step on the floor and play our brand of basketball we can win." James had 12 rebounds and seven assists, but he had eight turnovers for the Cavaliers. After Lewis made one of two free throws with 3.2 seconds left to give the Magic the 116-114 lead, the Cavaliers had one last chance.

Every person inside Amway Arena and millions watching on TV knew who was going to get the ball -- James, who saved the Cavaliers with a 3-pointer as time expired in Game 2. He was double-teamed on the inbounds pass but still managed to get free. Dribbling into the frontcourt, James rose from 35 feet, and with a clean look at the basket, sent his shot toward the rim. When it fell short, Van Gundy could finally exhale. "With LeBron James on the court, doesn't 3.2 seconds seem like two minutes?" he asked. "We had two guys on him and he made a move like a tight end, caught the ball and still got off a reasonable shot. This guy is unbelievable."James said the ball felt good leaving his hand. "I always feel I can make any shot I take," he said. "I was just hoping I could make one more." James, who played the entire second half and overtime, has scored more than 40 in three games in the series. Cleveland is 0-3 in them. Mo Williams, who guaranteed the Cavs would win Game 4 and the series, scored 18, none after the third quarter. Delonte West had 17 for the Cavaliers. Following the game, Magic fans chanted "One more win." History is on the Magic's side heading into Game 5. Teams with a 3-1 lead are a staggering 182-8 in series dating to 1947. "We're not happy with just winning a few games in the Eastern Conference finals," Howard said. "We want to win the whole thing." Lewis' catch-and-shoot 3-pointer on an inbounds play with 4.1 seconds left in regulation gave the Magic, who attempted 38 3s, a 100-98 lead. Cleveland set up a clear-out play for James, who drove the right side and was tripped in the lane by Pietrus with .5 seconds to play.James swished his first free throw attempt, and then after a long delay, he made his second, which danced on the rim before falling through. James said he never considered taking a 3-pointer. "If I was Rashard Lewis we would have won," James said, smiling.

Orlando called a timeout and tried a lob play for Howard, who was ridden out under the basket by Anderson Varejao. Both players tumbled out of bounds, and although there was enough contact for the officials to call two or three fouls, there was no whistle. Howard screamed in protest, pleading his case to anyone who would listen. "Are you serious?" Howard said, turning to the media section. "If that was LeBron ... " Howard took over in overtime. He dunked the first two times he touched it, shaking the backboard each time and Orlando opened what looked to be an insurmountable six-point lead with 1:11 left on his tip-in. James wasn't done. He made a left-handed scoop, two free throws and an are-you-kidding-me 3 while falling into Orlando's bench with 4.6 seconds to go. The Cavaliers put Lewis on the line, and when he short-armed his first free throw, they had life. James couldn't repeat his Game 2 miracle and must now hope the Cavaliers can regroup at home, where they are 43-3 this season. Howard picked up his sixth technical foul for taunting Varejao after a layup in the fourth quarter. Cleveland's forward had draped his arms around Howard in a failed attempt to stop him from scoring, but Howard muscled in his shot before getting his T. He'll have to behave himself from here out. A seventh technical would earn him an automatic one-game suspension in the playoffs. "I might have to get some duct tape," Howard said.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/2009 ... eries-lead

Conference finals
(Best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference
Cleveland vs. Orlando
Orlando leads series 3-1
Game 1 : Orlando 107, Cleveland 106
Game 2: Cleveland 96, Orlando 95
Game 3 : Orlando 99, Cleveland 89
Game 4: Orlando 116, Cleveland 114, OT
Thursday : at Cleveland, 8:30
Saturday*: at Orlando, 8:30
Monday*: at Cleveland, 8:30
* If necessary

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/TheWireStory.asp?id=18927

Hornets' Chandler, Posey have successful surgeries
The New Orleans Hornets say center Tyson Chandler and forward James Posey both had successful surgeries for their injuries.

Team spokesman Dennis Rogers said late Tuesday that Chandler had a procedure on his left ankle to relieve inflammation and another on his left toe. Posey's surgery was on his right knee.

Chandler, who averaged 8.8 points, missed 29 games in the regular season and the last playoff game because of the ankle injury. His trade to Oklahoma City this year was rescinded because of concerns over the toe. Posey, who averaged almost nine points as a reserve, hurt his knee in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs against Denver but played through it. Both are expected at training camp in October.

[nasty daddy]

http://postingup.2dogs.com/member/blogt ... q=1&page=0

what a game ORLANDO
a very exciting night win against king james.He cant allways hit his shots.another few less fries in his happy meal.i think james will have to start eating at jack in the box now.also thanks for that guaranteed win willams.a little more fire for the ORLANDO team great win ORLANDO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Blogs/Courtsi ... E_ID=35974

Mo Williams guarateed victory tonight, something Lebron downplayed as nothing more than a player having confidence in his team.

The funniest pre-game moment came when someone asked LeBron about someone accusing Ben Wallace of being a flopper. LeBron laughed and said:

"There's no way anyone would accuse Ben Wallace of being a flopper to his face. I guarantee you that!"

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Blogs/Courtsi ... E_ID=35974

Before you ask . . .Jameer Nelson was out on the court before tonight's game warming up, just like he would if he were healthy and ready to play. But no, he's not going to play. Not in this game, not in this series. He can shoot and go through any drill he wants, as long as there's no contact. So he's a ways away still.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Blogs/Courtsi ... E_ID=35974

Technicals Fly
Things got a little chippy midway through the third. The Cavs pushed their lead back to 7 before the Magic made another run . . .sparked by an Alston three and then a strong move by Dwight. Wearing Varejao, who was trying to foul him intentionally, Dwight managed to score a lay-up. His reaction, a pumped fist, drew him a technical foul . . .much to the extreme displeasure of the very vocal Magic crowd. In the confusion, Patrick Ewing also drew a tech. Mo Williams split the technical free throws and Dwight hit his, leaving Orlando down just 3 as play resumed.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Blogs/Courtsi ... E_ID=35974

The only real negative in the game for Orlando was that Dwight picked up his sixth technical foul of the playoffs. One more and he'll garner a suspension from the league. There's a decent chance that the league might rescind tonight's technical, as they did the last one against Anthony Johnson. It appeared Dwight was just excited about finishing a big play. He didn't taunt Varejao at all, just reacted with emotion. Don't be surprised if the league takes that one back tomorrow.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Blogs/Courtsi ... E_ID=35974

Finally, Rashard Lewis was asked to address Mo Williams' guarantee that the Cavs would win tonight. Dwight was sitting next to him, and was visibly amused by the entire situation. Rashard took the high road, saying the Magic will do their talking on the court . . .and that was the smart way to play it.

For the record . . .Mo Williams was 5-15 from the floor with 18 points on the night. Number of points scored in the 4th quarter and overtime?

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=12761

Draft Picks: Buyers & Sellers
When teams make trades for draft picks, it's not necessarily a concern at the time to worry about how many first round picks they'll have down the road. Believe it or not, having more than one first round pick (aka more than one guaranteed rookie contract) can be something of a burden, which means teams with more than one this year could be looking to sell off a pick or two.

But that's not the only reason teams sell picks, as we'll find out about a month from now when the draft actually kicks off. And when one team sells, another team's going to buy. The following are some possibilities for draft day in both those departments:

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=12761

Who's Selling?
Memphis – Most of the interest surrounding the Grizzlies is going to come from that second overall pick, which if they don't use for Ricky Rubio could potentially be had. But they're not just going to sell that pick straight out. The pick Memphis could be putting up for sale is the #27, which they've already been rumored to be shopping. The #35 pick also belongs to the Grizzlies, and it's been mentioned that that pick could be had as well. Most teams looking to buy in are looking to buy into the late first/early second round. Memphis has picks potentially available in both those areas.

Washington – No one's quite sure what the Wizards are going to do with that #5 pick since all of the players they hoped to nab in this draft will likely be gone by then. While it's possible they could look into moving that pick, it's more likely that they'll move the #33, which sits right on top of the second round. We'll see a lot of great players land in that 30-35 area because teams could look to draft Europeans late in the first round to avoid paying guaranteed contracts next season. That #33 could carry a lot of value for the Wiz.
Minnesota – There's little chance that the Timberwolves use all three of their first round picks this year (6-18-28), and while it's all but certain they'll use their #6 pick and probably the #18, that #28 could absolutely be had. For teams looking to buy into that part of the draft (see below), the Wolves could be a perfect trading partner not looking for too much in return.
Chicago – The Bulls already have a loaded roster and a ton of guaranteed money for next season, so a lot of smart basketball people seem pretty sure they'll trade their second first round pick in this year's draft. They'll use the #16 but are likely to auction off the #26.

Lakers – L.A. doesn't have two first round picks to worry about, but sources have told HOOPSWORLD that they're absolutely willing to sell off their #29 pick. The idea must be that they won't get what they want/need there, so why guarantee the salary?
Portland – With four second round picks and a GM who's known for making moves on draft day, there's no question that the Blazers will do something with at least one or two of their five picks. Selling a couple of those second rounders could be lucrative, especially when they've already got a pretty full roster.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=12761

Who's Buying?
Toronto – The Raptors are already in the lottery with the #9 pick, but it's being said that they'd also like to come back into the late picks of the first round for another selection there. With teams like L.A., Chicago, and Minnesota selling that area, they're likely to find someone they can work with.

Orlando – It appears that the Magic are very interested in getting themselves into the first round of this year's draft. Currently they don't have any pick in either round, so financially it wouldn't burden them to take on a young rook, and with the success they've had with Courtney Lee who can blame them for trying to roll the dice with another young kid? They may want to pick up some Turkoglu insurance in case they're unable to re-sign him. Or maybe a backup center should Marcin Gortat decide not to stick around either.

San Antonio – The Spurs are another team that wants to buy into the late first round because they've had quite a bit of success drafting in that area and it wouldn't kill them financially to pick up a kid that late in the round. They do well there, so it makes sense to hear they want into the first round. They've got two second round picks (the highest at #37), but they want to move up.As draft day inches closer, more and more teams will get themselves into the game, but the early indications are that these are the teams looking to buy and sell. Considering what teams are looking to get rid of and what other teams are looking to pick up, something's going to happen. It all lines up quite well, so expect lots of movement, even if that movement comes more in buying and selling than actual trades.

[nasty daddy]

http://www.nba.com/2009/playoffs2009/05 ... index.html

Lakers coach Jackson fined for criticizing officials
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson has been fined $25,000 for publicly criticizing game officials, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations. The Lakers were also fined $25,000 for their coach's comments.

Jackson and the Lakers have been fined for his comments made after Game 4 of the Lakers' series with the Denver Nuggets.

[nasty daddy]

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700037676

AFTERMATH: MAGIC LEAD SERIES 3-1
The Magic are on the brink of their first trip to The Finals since 1995. They've got three chances to close this series out, with the first coming Thursday night in Cleveland (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT).

The Cavs, after winning a league-best 66 games and cruising through the first two rounds of the Playoffs, are surprisingly on the brink of elimination.

Mo Williams, however, maintains that this series could be in his team's favor at this point. "They're a good team," he said after tonight's game. "That's evident. But just as easy as you could say it could be a sweep right now, it can easily be a 3-1 ball game for ourselves. This game is a tough game to swallow."

[nasty daddy]

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700037682

Dahntay not dirty
Jackson called out Denver defensive specialist Dahntay Jones for an “unsportsmanlike” play -- tripping Kobe Bryant. The league assessed Jones a Flagrant 1 foul today. No infraction was called last night.

“I know Dahntay Jones and I think he’s a great competitor, but I don’t think he’s a dirty player,” Karl said.

[nasty daddy]

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700037682

Zen down yen
Lakers coach Phil Jackson took a $25,000 hit from the league (the organization was fined the same) for criticizing officiating after Game 4. The Nuggets had a 49-35 advantage in free throws.

Normally, Karl believes it’s a good sign when the opposing coach starts moaning about the refs. That might not be the case with the Zen Master. “He’s good. He’s really good. His philosophical stuff is good stuff,” Karl said. “He knows how to trick you into thinking with him. I'm not that good. “I had my opportunity in Game 3 to go to the same place. I decided not to go there. I don’t think our team expects to get anything except a fair whistle. We know they’re the champs. We know Kobe is considered one of the best ever.”

[nasty daddy]

http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=5700037696

Lamar Odom's lower back might be hurting him worse than he’s let on, but he isn’t about to make a proclamation detailing his pain for two reasons:

1. “I wouldn’t make excuses, especially if I’m out on the court,” he said. “I wouldn’t blame not playing well on being hurt or injured. I’m just not playing well at the time and for this team to be good I need to pick it up.”
2. And also, “They got a physical team. I wouldn’t want anyone to take a shot at me.”

Odom played 30 minutes in Game 4, but his quickness to the ball and lift in his leaps were both lacking. Odom shot just 1-for-8 from the field and was abused by the Nuggets as both a front court player (Denver outrebounded Los Angeles 58-40) and as a key reserve (Denver’s bench outscored L.A.’s 42-24).