'Nasty News - Traversing Time & Space' Vol: 42

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http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gall ... s=Itemnr=1

Meet Ben Gordon

Pictures of Ben Gordon in the link above^.

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http://www.freep.com/article/20090702/S ... th+Pistons

College teammates to be reunited with Pistons
Pistons president of basketball operations Joe Dumars rolled up his sleeves on the first day of NBA free agency and grabbed two young up-and-coming players. The Free Press learned Wednesday evening that the Pistons made major moves to shore up their three-point shooting and perimeter athleticism by agreeing to deals with coveted free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. And while teams can't publicly comment on free agents until July 8 -- the first day players can sign -- the Gordon deal is believed to be worth $55 million over five years and Villanueva's is thought to be worth $35 million over five years. And just like that, Dumars accomplished his goal of adding two major pieces in a short amount of time to cap a whirlwind day when the former Connecticut standouts flew in to Detroit to meet with Dumars. As it stands, the Pistons now have 10 players under contract for next season -- not including their three recent draft picks. For argument's sake the Pistons could field a starting lineup of Kwame Brown at center, Villanueva at power forward, Tayshaun Prince at small forward, Rip Hamilton at shooting guard with Rodney Stuckey at point guard. That would leave Gordon to come off the bench in a Vinnie Johnson-type role as he doesn't mind not starting. .

But more than likely Dumars has more work to do since the team is still woefully thin up front. Villanueva can score from anywhere, but he probably doesn't need to spend a lot of time battling in the paint as he is more of a perimeter threat. And while Brown has value, is he truly a starting center? So that leaves Hamilton and Prince as potential trade bait for a frontline center (possibly the Hornets' Tyson Chander or the Clippers' Chris Kaman). But there's plenty of time to speculate on the future. As for now, Dumars targeted two players and brought them aboard quickly. The Pistons came into the free-agency period with between $18 million and $20 million in salary-cap space. Wednesday's deals average $18 million a season, but it isn't known yet what the salary-cap figure for next season will be for the new deals. Both contracts are significant raises from last season. Gordon made $6.4 million with the Bulls; Villanueva earned $3.4 million with the Bucks.Gordon, 26, has been nailing three-pointers and creating his own shot since he came into the league as the third pick of the 2004 draft.

He is scorer who is a great shooter and adept at running the pick-and-roll. He stands 6-feet-3 and carries a career scoring average of 18.5 points. His compact body allows him to get into the paint and finish through contact. The only real knock is that he's too short for shooting guard since he lacks the playmaking skills to play the point. That leads to defensive mismatches when he's paired against taller and more athletic players such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade. Gordon has been on the Pistons' radar for quite some time, and he upped his value after he averaged 24.3 points during a classic seven-game series against the Boston Celtics in this year's playoffs. Villanueva, 24, is a 6-10 forward with a budding inside-outside game. He's coming off career highs in scoring (16.2) and rebounding (6.7). He is a four-year veteran whose career has been marked by inconsistency, but when Milwaukee declined to tender him a qualifying offer, a possible emerging talent hit the open market. As for other free agents, reports have the Pistons interested in Magic forward Hedo Turkoglu, but his age (30) and price tag should keep the Pistons from a deal. Also, the Pistons waived Fabricio Oberto. Oberto was acquired last month from San Antonio in a three-team deal that sent former Piston Amir Johnson to Milwaukee in a salary-cap move. Oberto was under contract for $3.5 million, but only $1.8 million was guaranteed, so the Pistons clear $1.7 million under the salary cap.

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http://www.freep.com/article/20090702/S ... th+Pistons

Coach watch
The Pistons have contacted former Mavericks coach Avery Johnson, former Pistons coach Doug Collins and former Pistons assistant John Kuester as possible replacements for Michael Curry, who was fired Tuesday after one season.

DOUG COLLINS
Age: 57.
Background: Former All-Star player spent three seasons coaching the Bulls, 2 1/2 years with the Pistons and two seasons with the Wizards. He took teams to the playoffs in his first five seasons but didn't in his final three (he was fired halfway through his final year in Detroit).
AVERY JOHNSON
Age: 44.
Background: As a journeyman point guard, he is best known for playing an integral role with the 1999 NBA champion Spurs. He hit the title-clinching shot in Game 5. He was a player/coach under Don Nelson in Dallas before taking over the team at the end of the 2004-05 season and then three full seasons. The Mavs lost to Miami in the 2006 NBA Finals.

JOHN KUESTER
Age: 54.
Background: He played parts of three NBA seasons with three teams. In 1983 at age 28, he became the youngest Division I head coach at Boston University. He spent two seasons there before five seasons at George Washington, including a 1-27 campaign in 1988-89. He then went to the NBA as an assistant for seven seasons, including two stints with the 76ers. He spent the 2004 season with the champion Pistons and now is an assistant with the Cavaliers (offensive specialist).

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Motown-bound
G BEN GORDON
Vitals: Age 26, 6-3, 200 pounds.
College: Connecticut.
Hometown: London.
CHICAGO GP PTS REB AST 3PT%
2004-05 82 15.1 2.7 2.0 .405
2005-06 80 16.9 2.7 3.0 .435
2006-07 82 21.4 3.1 3.6 .413
2007-08 72 18.6 3.1 3.0 .410
2008-09 82 20.7 3.4 3.4 .410
Career 398 18.5 3.0 3.0 .415

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http://www.freep.com/article/20090702/S ... th+Pistons

F Charlie Villanueva
Vitals: Age 24, 6-10, 232 pounds.
College: Connecticut.
Hometown: Queens, N.Y.
TORONTO GP PTS REB AST FG%
2005-06 81 13.0 6.4 1.1 .463
MILWAUKEE GP PTS REB AST FG%
2006-07 39 11.8 5.9 0.9 .470
2007-08 76 11.7 6.1 1.0 .435
2008-09 78 16.2 6.7 1.8 .447
Career 274 13.4 6.3 1.2 .451

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 702&lc=NBA

Boston Interested in McDyess, Lue?
According to Andy Miller, agent for Tyronne Lue - a reserve guard for Orlando who is close to (Kevin) Garnett - and forward Antonio McDyess, (Danny) Ainge has expressed interest in both players. McDyess was expected to return to the Pistons, but began checking other options because Detroit signed Charlie Villanueva, who agreed in principle to a contract yesterday, according to the Associated Press.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 702&lc=NBA

Lakers Passing On Ariza?
Trevor Ariza's short but sweet stay in Los Angeles might be coming to an end. The 24-year-old swingman, who played a key role in the Lakers' run to their 15th NBA championship, is on the verge of leaving the club, sources close to the situation said on Wednesday.

With at least five teams pursuing Ariza, the Lakers are currently unwilling to pay him more than the $5.6 million mid-level exception. "They're letting him go," one of the sources said.

Cleveland is making a hard push for Ariza, and the Cavaliers' coaching staff was speaking with him on Wednesday. While Cleveland can only offer the mid-level as well, Ariza's disappointment with the Lakers' stance has moved other suitors ahead of his current team. The Rockets, Clippers, Raptors and Blazers are also showing interest in Ariza. Portland and Toronto could each offer more than the mid-level exception.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 702&lc=NBA

Leon Powe Hits Free Agent Market
Leon Powe will be testing the free agent market.

Powe, who tore a knee ligament in the first round of the playoffs, is not expected to play until February. “They didn’t feel like waiting on me, and they decided not to pick up my option,’’ Powe said in a telephone interview from California. “I was planning on coming back, but I was told otherwise. So, I called my agent and we’re going to find another team.’’

Powe said he was surprised when Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge called. “I thought they were going to take care of me with a long-term deal until I got back on my feet, at least give me an offer,’’ Powe said. “So, I was confused when [Ainge] called. But they just probably made a business decision. They said they had a lot of other problems. I always worked hard and I told Danny I always come back, from anything. But they didn’t feel like paying the money and waiting for me.’’

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 702&lc=NBA

Raptors Bargain Hunting for Linas Kleiza?
(David) Lee's name is added to a list that began with Charlie Villanueva – who ultimately signed a five-year, $40 million deal with the Detroit Pistons – and Denver's Linas Kleiza, a solid if unspectacular part not in the class of Lee.

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

Garnett ‘feeling great’
Ainge said team trainer Ed Lacerte has been working with Kevin Garnett, who is recovering from knee surgery.

“The rehab is going very well, he is feeling great,’’ Ainge said of Garnett.

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

Powe headed to open market
Leon Powe will be testing the free agent market.

Powe, who tore a knee ligament in the first round of the playoffs, is not expected to play until February. “They didn’t feel like waiting on me, and they decided not to pick up my option,’’ Powe said in a telephone interview from California. “I was planning on coming back, but I was told otherwise. So, I called my agent and we’re going to find another team.’’

Powe, a restricted free agent, said he is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. He will return to Boston for a medical checkup in August and could rejoin the Celtics. “We love Leon, everyone in Boston is a big fan of Leon,’’ Ainge said. “He is one of the most pleasurable guys I’ve been around in pro sports. I’d love to see him get a chance with a team. We’re going to watch his progress. “If he wants to come back, we’d love to have him back. I’m confident he will be the player he was before the injury. He is a dedicated person. But the reality of it is we don’t have any advantage with Leon anymore. A lot of teams will be checking on his status and see how Leon is turning out and will be anxious to give him an opportunity. We’ll certainly keep tabs on Leon and see how he’s coming along, if he hasn’t signed with another team.’’

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

The Celtics’ interest in Wallace is not for the long term, though. Wallace, 34, might be the most intriguing of free agent candidates, his relationship with Celtics forward Kevin Garnett a possible advantage.

Strickland confirmed the Celtics’ contact with Wallace with a text message: “The interest is mutual.’’

Asked if Wallace, who earned $13 million with the Pistons last season, could join the Celtics as a mid-level exception, Strickland said: “We will see how things work out.’’ Charlotte, Cleveland, Orlando, and San Antonio have also shown interest in Wallace.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 702&lc=NBA

Glen Davis Recieves 'A Couple' of Calls
Glen Davis’ first free agent experience appears to be off to an expedient start.

The Celtics forward’s agent, John Hamilton, received what he termed “a couple” of calls from potential suitors after midnight Tuesday.

“Things are generally slow for restricted free agents, but I was pleased to have a couple of them call,” said Hamilton, who declined to name the teams. “I guess some teams have identified him.”

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 702&lc=NBA

Pistons Hope to Land Coach by July 9th
The Detroit Pistons don't plan to wait long to name a replacement for fired coach Michael Curry.

Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president for basketball operations, doesn't have a ''complete list'' of candidates but wants to act in less than a week, before next Tuesday's opening practice for the NBA developmental league. ''My goal is to have a head coach in place by the time we go out to Las Vegas,'' Dumars said in a video posted on the team's Web site. The NBA Summer League runs July 10-19.

The Pistons are in a good position to improve their lineup for the coming season with about $20 million under the salary cap to work with, to say nothing about four of the first 44 picks in the NBA draft.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 702&lc=NBA

Clippers Re-Acquire Richardson for Randolph
HOOPSWORLD has learned that the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies have agreed to a deal sending forward Zach Randolph to Memphis for former Clipper Quentin Richardson. Because of the July moratorium, the deal cannot be officially announced until July 8th.

The Clippers acquired Randolph last season midseason for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas from the New York Knicks. Because the Grizzlies are under the salary cap, the trade is legal despite the salaries not matching. L.A. saves $24.6 million in the deal, gaining a trade exception of approximately $7.4 million.

By shaving off Randolph's $17.3 million, the Clippers stand to have approximately $39 million against the cap in the summer of 2010. If the cap comes in as low as $56 million, L.A. stands to have $17 million in spending power.

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http://www.hoopsworld.com/HeadlineStori ... 702&lc=NBA

Hornets Still Shopping Tyson Chandler?
Although Hornets General Manager Jeff Bower initially said addressing the team's frontcourt depth was a priority in free agency, one of the first calls he made after midnight Wednesday morning was to guard Jannero Pargo's agent, Mark Bartelstein.

Teams could begin negotiating with free agents at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, but players cannot sign contracts until July 8. "I talked with Jeff, and they remain interested in Jannero," Bartelstein said. "But he said they still have things to work out with their roster."

Bower could be working on a trade before any contract offer is extended to a free agent. Multiple league sources said last week the Hornets have been shopping starting center Tyson Chandler. In addition, New Orleans could be interested in moving one of their veteran guards -- Morris Peterson, Antonio Daniels or Devin Brown -- in a trade. Bower declined to discuss any trade discussions.

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http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/bask ... 0&srvc=rss

Glen Davis monitors offers
Glen Davis’ first free agent experience appears to be off to an expedient start

The Celtics forward’s agent, John Hamilton, received what he termed “a couple” of calls from potential suitors after midnight Tuesday. “Things are generally slow for restricted free agents, but I was pleased to have a couple of them call,” said Hamilton, who declined to name the teams. “I guess some teams have identified him.”

Big Baby, who is aiming for a mid-level exception contract (about $5.8 million), is a young, budding star who could draw a larger-than-life offer

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http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/07 ... ss&emc=rss

Dumars Says He Wants New Coach by Next Tuesday
The Detroit Pistons don't plan to wait long to name a replacement for fired coach Michael Curry.Joe Dumars, the Pistons' president for basketball operations, doesn't have a ''complete list'' of candidates but wants to act in less than a week, before next Tuesday's opening practice for the NBA developmental league. ''My goal is to have a head coach in place by the time we go out to Las Vegas,'' Dumars said in a video posted on the team's Web site. The NBA Summer League runs July 10-19.

The Pistons are in a good position to improve their lineup for the coming season with about $20 million under the salary cap to work with, to say nothing about four of the first 44 picks in the NBA draft. ''We're definitely in the mode of reshaping our roster,'' Dumars said last week. ''We need to add about three or four talented players by drafting them, signing them or trading for them.'' Dumars announced Curry's dismissal Tuesday. The first-year coach led the Pistons to a 39-43 regular-season record and a four-straight-game loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the opening round of the NBA playoffs. In the video, Dumars said Detroit needs a more experienced coach as it moves to integrate new players with remaining veterans.

''We think it's best to move forward with a more experienced coach to get us through these times right now,'' Dumars said. ''We're going through a transition now where we're bringing back some of the veterans, we're implementing some of the younger guys. ''That's probably a little bit too much for a first-time head coach. ... It's a little bit unfair of me to put him in that situation.'' Dumars and Curry played together at Detroit, but that wasn't enough to save Curry's job after he led the team to a losing regular-season record and four lopsided playoff losses to the Cavaliers after six straight Eastern Conference finals appearances.

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http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2009/0 ... _to_1.html

New Orleans Hornets looking to sign help, make trades
Bower could be working on a trade before any contract offer is extended to a free agent. Multiple league sources said last week the Hornets have been shopping starting center Tyson Chandler. In addition, New Orleans could be interested in moving one of their veteran guards -- Morris Peterson, Antonio Daniels or Devin Brown -- in a trade. Bower declined to discuss any trade discussions.

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http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/1465674.html

Cuban added that the Mavericks touched base with each of their free agents, or talked to their agents, on Wednesday. Cuban said they had a couple more targets to talk to but was reluctant to divulge who they were.

One of them may be Rasheed Wallace, the 6-11 center who was in Dallas this week. His presence was purely coincidental, although Wallace is on the Mavericks’ wish list of free agents.