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

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http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime ... ime-090530

Perishing Trend
The Nuggets have now lost each of the last eight playoff games they have played in which they faced elimination, the longest such streak in NBA history. Denver had been tied with Atlanta (1968 to 1978) and Charlotte (1992 to 2002) entering Game 6.

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http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime ... ime-090530

Salary Cap Could Hinder Denver's Progress
After two and a half months of exquisite basketball, the Nuggets were overdue for a stinker. And unfortunately, they delivered it at the worst possible time. This was a reversion to the style of play that had made them so hard to love even as they won 50 games a season ago -- lazy defense, poor offensive decisions and periodic combustibility. Denver gave up too many wide open shots, tried too many crazy passes and picked up yet another senseless technical foul in falling to the Los Angeles Lakers 119-92 in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals. "We tried to outscore them instead of outdefend them," said Nuggets coach George Karl, but his team ended up getting neither done.

For L.A., it's back to the NBA Finals, where they can head with confidence after their most complete outing of the postseason. For Denver? It's an offseason full of question marks.

First, the good news. What the Nuggets accomplished this season was borderline miraculous from a financial perspective -- Denver's front-office team of Bret Bearup, Mark Warkentien and Rex Chapman met owner Stan Kroenke's mandate to get under the luxury tax by shedding nearly $20 million in payroll, but moved up six spots in the conference standings and reached the conference finals. Once there, they gave a 65-win team everything they could handle for five games.

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http://www.freep.com/article/20090530/S ... +spotlight

Louisville's Terrence Williams takes a big leap into NBA draft spotlight
Those watching the NBA draft combine on ESPNU on Friday morning might have caught Terrence Williams' impersonation of a pogo stick. The act came during the portion of the showcase in which NBA prospects got to display their vertical leap at the Attack Athletics complex. Let's just say Williams got up pretty high. The NBA didn't release results of the leap, and Williams didn't know the height when he talked to the news media later in the day. But his display of athleticism showed why the Pistons might draft the 6-foot-6 senior shooting guard from Louisville with the 15th pick of the June 25 draft. "I hear I can end up anywhere from four to 15," said Williams, who worked out for the Pistons last week at their practice facility. "It all depends. You never know with this draft. "I won't go no later than 15 or 16, but in the end, who knows? I could go 20th. All you got to do is make sure you work hard every time you step on the court."

Williams averaged 12.5 points for a Louisville team that lost to Michigan State in the Elite Eight. He was immediately considered a top prospect. He has freakish athleticism and quickness and is a creative playmaker. The only knock on his game is a suspect jump shot. Williams, who signed with agent Aaron Goodwin, is working out in Las Vegas with former NBA star Gary Payton. Williams, a Seattle native, got to know Payton when the All-Star guard played for the Sonics and played on Payton's AAU team. Williams also has been busy going around the country trying to convince NBA teams he is worthy of a first-round pick. Besides Detroit, he has visited Toronto, Oklahoma, Atlanta and Chicago. He's growing a little weary, but he realizes it's necessary. "In the beginning it's fun because you've never done it before, but when it's the same thing over and over, it becomes like a business," Williams said. "That's the type of approach you take to it."

But he liked his visit with the Pistons. "It was an excellent workout and an excellent meeting, so we'll see what the future holds," he said. Prospects Chase Budinger and Jodie Meeks, among others, were a part of Williams' workout in Detroit, and Budinger came away impressed. "He's an incredible athlete and a great passer," Budinger said. "It's good to see someone with that kind of court vision." That vision will serve him well in the league. And no matter where he lands, Williams is confident he will fit. "I think I can fit in anywhere, and I'm not being cocky," he said. "I'm just saying I'm going to have the hard work no matter where I go."

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=12804

Sixers Grab Eddie Jordan
ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that the Philadelphia 76ers have reached an agreement with Eddie Jordan to become their next head basketball coach.

Jordan, who along with Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Dwane Casey were the only candidates to be interviewed twice. Jordan was fired by the Washington Wizards in November.

The Wizards owe Jordan nearly $4 million next season and would have to pay the difference on the contract from Jordan's new team. Jordan is 230-288 in coaching stints with the Wizards and the Sacramento Kings. The Sixers job has been open since Tony DiLeo stepped down on May 11 and returned to the front office. coach.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 530&lc=NBA

Hansbrough: 'I Have a Lot to Prove'
There was more than a touch of defiance in Tyler Hansbrough's voice as he spoke at the NBA predraft camp. "Doubt me all you want, but I think I have a lot to prove," the winner of the 2008 Naismith and Wooden awards said.

There are plenty of doubters whether Hansbrough's abilities will translate into a successful NBA career after a wildly successful college career.

Hansbrough averaged 20.3 and 8.6 rebounds for his career and led North Carolina to the NCAA championship in April.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 530&lc=NBA

Phil Jackson Wants Reffing Transparencies
Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson is still waiting for the NBA's new era of officiating ''transparency'' to improve the game.

Speaking before Friday night's Game 6 of the Western Conference finals against Denver -- a series beset by complaints about refereeing that included $50,000 in fines against the Lakers and their coach -- Jackson conceded how difficult it is to call an NBA game. ''This is the dawn of a new age, we were told in the last two years,'' he said. ''Transparency, a wonderful word, was going to be used, and we're looking for that to help us. In that regard, we want to use all these aspects, whether it's called credibility or accountability, and use it to improve everything that can happen to this game, because it's a great game.''

Jackson was speaking about some of the changes the NBA has made in the wake of the scandal involving Tim Donaghy, the former NBA ref who is serving a 15-month sentence after confessing to betting on games and passing game information to gamblers.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 530&lc=NBA

Spurs Trading Up for Omri Casspi?
The NBA draft is still nearly a month away. For everybody except the Lakers, Cavaliers, Magic and maybe the Nuggets, it's not too early to start looking ahead to June 25. For the Spurs, much of the early speculation — emphasis on the word early — has surrounded a 20-year-old Israeli named Omri Casspi. Casspi, a 6-foot-8 small forward, isn't exactly a household name in the Alamo City. Draft wonks, and certainly those in the Spurs front office, know exactly who he is. Casspi has been playing in the Euroleague since he was 17, most recently with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He has been on the Spurs radar for about as long.

He is a decent 3-point shooter (shooting nearly 40 percent for Maccabi Tel Aviv last season), in the mold of Utah's Matt Harpring. One of the Spurs' goals this offseason is to begin to get younger on the wing, and Casspi — still not old enough to drink legally in the United States — certainly fills the bill there. Unlike other European prospects the Spurs have taken in recent drafts (see Splitter, Tiago), Casspi reportedly is bedazzled with the prospect of playing in the NBA, and would likely take a financial hit to make that dream come true. So, what's to keep Casspi from taking a call from the Spurs on draft day? There are two intertwined factors.

No. 1 — There are rumors that Casspi will withdraw from the draft if he's not guaranteed to be a first round pick. At the pre-draft combine in Chicago earlier this week, he didn't exactly deny that rumor. At this point, Casspi is projected as a late first-round, early second-round selection.
No. 2 — The Spurs have no first-round pick this season, having dealt theirs (No. 25 overall) to Seattle/Oklahoma City in February 2008 as part of the Kurt Thomas deal. The Spurs do have three second-round picks (Nos. 37, 51 and 53). Don't be surprised to see the Spurs try to trade into the bottom of the first round, if they think they have a shot at Casspi. That is one storyline worth watching on draft day.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 530&lc=NBA

Stoudemire: '50% Chance' Staying with Suns
While appearing for The Vision Council, a group promoting eye protection, Suns star Amaré Stoudemire discussed his future Friday.

Besides questions about recovery from his damaged retina, Stoudemire addressed his career down the road. From February trade discussions to his ability to opt out from his Suns contract next summer, Stoudemire heard inquiries about his future in every NBA market that interviewed him on Friday To a San Antonio TV station, "What are you trying to start a riot in Phoenix?" before adding, "You never know what will happen. If I'm not going to win a championship soon, I may have to part ways."

To a D.C. radio station, there is a “50 percent chance” he would be with the Suns this fall.

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

Sixers hire Jordan: report
The Philadelphia 76ers have an agreement in principle with Eddie Jordan to become their next head coach.

A person familiar with the decision, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that Jordan was offered the job yesterday and has an agreement to coach the team.

Jordan, fired by the Washington Wizards in November, interviewed twice with Sixers president Ed Stefanski.

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

Curry case tossed
A lawsuit against Eddy Curry that accuses the New York Knicks centre of sexual harassment, among other claims, was dismissed by a judge who ruled the case will be settled in arbitration rather than by a jury.

Curry's former driver, David Kuchinsky, sued the NBA player in January, accusing him of making lewd and suggestive remarks, brandishing a gun and failing to pay $91,000 US in wages and expenses.

'A lot to prove'

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

There was more than a touch of defiance in Tyler Hansbrough's voice as he spoke at the NBA predraft camp. "Doubt me all you want, but I think I have a lot to prove," the winner of the 2008 Naismith and Wooden awards said.

There are plenty of doubters whether Hansbrough's abilities will translate into a successful NBA career after a wildly successful college career.

Hansbrough averaged 20.3 and 8.6 rebounds for his career and led North Carolina to the NCAA championship in April.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 530&lc=NBA

Tracy McGrady Has Shoulder Surgery
Rockets guard Tracy McGrady had arthroscopic surgery on Friday to ease or end the discomfort he had in his left shoulder the past two seasons, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said.

The surgery was timed to allow McGrady to resume basketball-related work when his rehabilitation from microfracture knee surgery will allow.

“It is not an issue that would keep him longer than the other rehab,” Morey said.

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http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/ar ... tml?&wired

Suns' Stoudemire talks about future
While appearing for The Vision Council, a group promoting eye protection, Suns star Amaré Stoudemire discussed his future Friday. Besides questions about recovery from his damaged retina, Stoudemire addressed his career down the road. From February trade discussions to his ability to opt out from his Suns contract next summer, Stoudemire heard inquiries about his future in every NBA market that interviewed him on Friday.

• To a San Antonio TV station, "What are you trying to start a riot in Phoenix?" before adding, "You never know what will happen. If I'm not going to win a championship soon, I may have to part ways."
• To one in Atlanta, where he just visited, "They would love for me to be in Atlanta," but adding, "I still should be in Phoenix next season."

• He said he heard it most from New York and Chicago, telling a Chicago station, "Whatever team I go to, I hope they're ready for a championship run."
• To a D.C. radio station, there is a “50 percent chance” he would be with the Suns this fall.

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http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/c ... -ques.html

For the Spurs, much of the early speculation — emphasis on the word early — has surrounded a 20-year-old Israeli named Omri Casspi.

Casspi, a 6-foot-8 small forward, isn't exactly a household name in the Alamo City. Draft wonks, and certainly those in the Spurs front office, know exactly who he is. Casspi has been playing in the Euroleague since he was 17, most recently with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He has been on the Spurs radar for about as long.

So, what's to keep Casspi from taking a call from the Spurs on draft day? There are two intertwined factors. No. 1 — There are rumors that Casspi will withdraw from the draft if he's not guaranteed to be a first round pick. At the pre-draft combine in Chicago earlier this week, he didn't exactly deny that rumor. At this point, Casspi is projected as a late first-round, early second-round selection. No. 2 — The Spurs have no first-round pick this season, having dealt theirs (No. 25 overall) to Seattle/Oklahoma City in February 2008 as part of the Kurt Thomas deal. The Spurs do have three second-round picks (Nos. 37, 51 and 53). Don't be surprised to see the Spurs try to trade into the bottom of the first round, if they think they have a shot at Casspi. That is one storyline worth watching on draft day.

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http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/spo ... 48031.html

T-Mac has arthroscopic surgery on shoulder
Rockets guard Tracy McGrady had arthroscopic surgery on Friday to ease or end the discomfort he had in his left shoulder the past two seasons, Rockets general manager Daryl Morey said.

The surgery was timed to allow McGrady to resume basketball-related work when his rehabilitation from microfracture knee surgery will allow.

“It is not an issue that would keep him longer than the other rehab,” Morey said. “They cleaned up the shoulder. It is something we talked about for awhile and they had some time now. I wouldn’t say it was necessary, but in getting some opinions, it was decided it was better to do it and to hopefully be pain-free when he gets back.”

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 530&lc=NBA

Wallace, Hollins, Gasol Met with Rubio
"We like (Ricky Rubio) a great deal, and he'll be in consideration," (said Memphis G.M. Chris Wallace). "But this is not a two-player draft. There's a wide variety of players that we will consider and that should be considered. There will be guys selected beyond the first five picks that hindsight will say should have been taken in the first five."

Wallace and head coach Lionel Hollins spent last weekend in Spain where they visited Rubio and watched him play in the third and deciding game of an ACB playoff series.

The 18-year-old point guard and his father then met with Wallace, Hollins and Griz center Marc Gasol for about 90 minutes.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 530&lc=NBA

Odom Hoping Long Break Will Cure Ails
On a weary-legged Lakers team that has played 13 physical playoff games in 26 grueling days, (Lamar) Odom is the player who will benefit most from extended time off before the Lakers open the Finals on Thursday. In addition to a lower back contusion still sore enough that he has to sleep on his stomach, he admits he’s fatigued, his body’s run down and he’s fighting a bad cold.

“Right now everyone has a little tickle in their throat,” Odom said. “Their nose is running. Their body’s tired. A day of going to the sauna, get a massage, let my body recover, eat, drink water all day would be perfect.”

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 530&lc=NBA

Nene Fractures Arm in Denver Loss
With a cast covering his left forearm, Nene had a hard time getting dressed after the game.

The Nuggets center fractured his arm late in the fourth quarter and left the game with 6:13 to play. Afterward, the Brazilian would not talk to the media about the injury or how it happened.

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http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/20 ... artner=RSS

The New York Knicks offered to buy the Grizzlies' 27th pick for $3million, according to a source. The Griz turned down that proposal.

The Knicks, according to speculation, also expressed interest in acquiring center Darko Milicic in a deal that could possibly include Quentin Richardson, whose $9.3 million contract expires after the 2009-10 season. Milicic will earn $7.5 million this upcoming season -- the last of a three-year, $21 million deal.

Oklahoma City and Sacramento are said to be interested in moving up from the third and fourth slots, respectively. Those teams have interest in Griffin and Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio. Would the Kings be willing to part with power forward Jason Thompson (a 2008 lottery pick) and the No. 4 selection for the chance to take Rubio?

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http://www.pe.com/sports/basketball/lak ... b8ed8.html

Odom to benefit most from rest
In Odom’s locker sat a bottle of cold medicine and a package of throat drops. And in his hands was a half-eaten peanut butter, jelly and banana sandwich, not exactly typical fare for a guy who seems to live on gummy candy and licorice.

On a weary-legged Lakers team that has played 13 physical playoff games in 26 grueling days, Odom is the player who will benefit most from extended time off before the Lakers open the Finals on Thursday. In addition to a lower back contusion still sore enough that he has to sleep on his stomach, he admits he’s fatigued, his body’s run down and he’s fighting a bad cold. “Right now everyone has a little tickle in their throat,” Odom said. “Their nose is running. Their body’s tired. A day of going to the sauna, get a massage, let my body recover, eat, drink water all day would be perfect.”

For Odom, the toughest part of playing with the back injury is wearing a constricting brace around his midsection that he only half-jokingly refers to as “a girdle.” “It’s really tight and it’s tough to breathe because it’s squeezing your stomach,” he said. “But what the (heck), I’ve got to suck it up.”