Dust off the No. 3 jersey. Allen Iverson is with the 76ers again.
Team president Ed Stefanski announced the signing Wednesday on the team's Web site. Iverson is expected to make his debut Monday at home against the Denver Nuggets.
"In light of the recent injury to Lou Williams, which will sideline him for close to eight weeks, we felt that Allen was the best available free agent guard to help us at this time," Stefanski said in a release.
Williams, who averaged 17.4 points and 5.1 assists, broke his jaw in Philadelphia's loss to Washington on Nov. 24.
Iverson, his agent and business manager met with Stefanski, coach Eddie Jordan and two other members of the organization Monday.
The 34-year-old Iverson announced his retirement last week after an ill-fated stint with the Memphis Grizzlies. The 10-time All-Star was NBA MVP in 2001 when he led the Sixers to the NBA finals.
"We had, at times, a rocky road with Allen Iverson, but we also had a fantastic run with Allen," Peter Luukko, COO of Comcast-Spectacor, which owns the 76ers and Flyers, told The Associated Press. "The expectations with Allen have changed dramatically. We're not looking for Allen to individually lead this team the way he has in the past."
Iverson was offered a one-year, non-guaranteed contract Tuesday, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the talks were private.
The Sixers would owe just under $650,000 if they guarantee his contract for the remainder of the season on Jan. 10. Stefanski plans to talk about Iverson's return in a noon teleconference.
"The whole situation wasn't about the contract and the money," Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, told The AP. "It was about the opportunity and the chance to come to Philadelphia."
In 10 seasons with the Sixers, Iverson posted the highest scoring average in team history (28.1), was second on the points list (19,583) and holds the record for 3-pointers (877). He was a seven-time All-Star, won four scoring titles and two All-Star game MVPs.
The Sixers (5-13) have lost seven straight entering Wednesday night's game at Oklahoma City and need Iverson to spark sagging ticket sales and their playoff chances.
Luukko said Iverson's deal was "absolutely, strictly a basketball decision."
This reconciliation was once thought foolish after their acrimonious split three years ago. Iverson's last game with Philadelphia was Dec. 6, 2006 in Chicago. He refused to play the fourth quarter and was banished from the team two days later. He was eventually traded to Denver as part of the Andre Miller deal, and bounced to Detroit before landing in Memphis.
"Certainly, the way it left off, it's surprising," Luukko said.
Rose said he wasn't surprised both sides put their bitter parting behind them.
"It was a good situation that made sense for them," Rose said. "Allen has always had an affinity for the city of Philadelphia, the fans, the memories of playing here. He's always talked about the opportunity to come back. Now is the time where it really makes sense for everybody."
The 6-foot Iverson played three games this season with Memphis before taking a leave of absence to attend to personal matters. He was waived after the two sides agreed to part ways.
The New York Knicks considered signing Iverson after he cleared waivers, before deciding he would take too much playing time from younger players they are trying to develop.
He will likely start for the Sixers with Williams out. Iverson's refusal to come off the bench ended his time in Detroit and Memphis on a sour note.
Iverson would get another look at his former teams after playing Denver. The Sixers, who have not won a playoff series since 2003, play at home Dec. 9 against Detroit.
Iverson was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1996 draft, but his 10 turbulent seasons in Philadelphia were marred by his rants about practice, run-ins with former coach Larry Brown, arrests and a failed rap career.
Iverson often arrived late for practices or missed them entirely. In one infamous blowup at the end of the 2002 season, he repeated the word "practice" nearly 20 times during a rambling monologue.
"Times change, situations change," Luukko said. "The best way was to make this a basketball decision. Don't get personal with it."
Iverson has a career average of 27 points in 889 games over 14 seasons. He is tied for the fifth-highest scoring average in NBA history and ranks third among active players.
Iverson has played in 71 playoff games and has the second-highest postseason scoring average (29.7 ppg) in NBA history, trailing only Michael Jordan (33.4 ppg).
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NBA. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Iverson, Grizzlies part ways after tumultuous start
The saga of Allen Iverson and the Memphis Grizzlies lasted less than two months. Monday, the two sides agreed to release the 34-year-old from his one-year contract, meaning Iverson will become a free agent when he clears waivers.
Iverson, who'd signed a $3.5 million contract in September, had been away from the team for the past 10 days, taking a leave of absence from the team to deal with what both he and the team called a private family matter. But it also was crystal clear that Iverson was not going to abide by the team's decision that he come off the bench instead of start, and that meant a long-term relationship between the two was ultimately going to be impossible.
"I'm sorry it didnt work out," Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said by telephone in confirming the agreement, first reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "We had our problems but he also has personal problems. We just couldn't put it together. The people of Memphis are doing to be disturbed and I'm disturbed, because I was really looking forward to it. But that happens in this business sometimes."
Heisley insisted several times that he wasn't angry with Iverson, who only played in three regular season games for Memphis, averaging 12.3 points, after suffering a torn hamstring early in training camp that caused him to miss the whole preseason. Once he came back, Coach Lionel Hollins had chosen to go with Mike Conley as his starter at the point, and preferred Iverson come off the bench. Iverson chafed at that potential role, and said that he had never discussed his place in the rotation with Hollins during his absence.
His third and last game with Memphis was Nov. 6 in Los Angeles against the Lakers. The next day, he requested and was granted a leave of absence, saying he had to attend to a family matter. Heisley met several times with Iverson, his longtime business manager, Gary Moore, as well as his agent, Leon Rose. Heisley spoke with Rose as late as Monday morning trying to reach an accommodation before the team decided to agree to the release.
"He said he had a personal problem and came in to talk to me about that," Heisley said. "I said 'go back and take whatever time you need, and when you're ready you can come back'...I feel like he's being honest with me. I think he respects me. I've leveled with him all down the line. I've always understood that it was going to be very difficult for Allen. He wants to start. He is a player who has a reputation.
"We made it clear that he would have to earn time because we've moved down the road. He wasn't angry about that. He was disappointed. I don't want you to think I'm not deeply disappointed. I am. But in no way am I going to put it on Allen. If he hadn't been injured during training camp it may have been different, because he would have had a chance to prove that he deserved to play more minutes."
Heisley said his "biggest sorrow" is that fans in Memphis didn't see Iverson play. "They were really looking forward to it, and I'm sure I'm going to get a lot of heat for that," he said. He also insisted that the team's signing of veteran point guard Jamaal Tinsley this weekend was completely unrelated to the Iverson issue. He said that if Iverson had come back, the team hoped to play him more at shooting guard, with Tinsley playing the point. Tinsley has been out of basketball for more than a year, after being told by the Indiana Pacers in the spring of 2008 not to return to the team and to stay away from the Pacers' practice facilities while they tried to trade him.
Indiana spent all of last season trying to make a deal, before finally agreeing to settle on the final two years and $14.7 million on his contract, buying him out for more than $10 million.
"I thought there was a good chance he might come back," Heisley said. "But he really did have a personal problem. I don't know what it is and frankly I didn't want to get into it...I guess he just felt rather than try and play, he would step aside. I don't know if somebody's going to pick him up this season. I hope so. Even if he doesn't play for me, I hope he does, because I think he's a fantastic player. I think it's good for Allen and good for the league that he's playing...It just didn't work out. My attitude is I have no ill feelings one way or another. I'm glad he gave us the opportunity to try and make it work."
Iverson came to Memphis after playing most of one season in Detroit, following his trade from the Denver Nuggets to the Pistons early last season. He averaged 17.4 points in 54 games, but had the same issues with the Pistons that he ultimately had with Memphis, saying he would rather retire than come off the bench, as he did late in the season once Richard Hamilton returned from an injury.
The 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player has scored 24,020 regular season points in 13 seasons, led the 76ers to the Finals in 2001 and made nine All-Star teams. He remains one of the league's most popular players, with jersey sales annually among the top 10 players.
Iverson, who'd signed a $3.5 million contract in September, had been away from the team for the past 10 days, taking a leave of absence from the team to deal with what both he and the team called a private family matter. But it also was crystal clear that Iverson was not going to abide by the team's decision that he come off the bench instead of start, and that meant a long-term relationship between the two was ultimately going to be impossible.
"I'm sorry it didnt work out," Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said by telephone in confirming the agreement, first reported by the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "We had our problems but he also has personal problems. We just couldn't put it together. The people of Memphis are doing to be disturbed and I'm disturbed, because I was really looking forward to it. But that happens in this business sometimes."
Heisley insisted several times that he wasn't angry with Iverson, who only played in three regular season games for Memphis, averaging 12.3 points, after suffering a torn hamstring early in training camp that caused him to miss the whole preseason. Once he came back, Coach Lionel Hollins had chosen to go with Mike Conley as his starter at the point, and preferred Iverson come off the bench. Iverson chafed at that potential role, and said that he had never discussed his place in the rotation with Hollins during his absence.
His third and last game with Memphis was Nov. 6 in Los Angeles against the Lakers. The next day, he requested and was granted a leave of absence, saying he had to attend to a family matter. Heisley met several times with Iverson, his longtime business manager, Gary Moore, as well as his agent, Leon Rose. Heisley spoke with Rose as late as Monday morning trying to reach an accommodation before the team decided to agree to the release.
"He said he had a personal problem and came in to talk to me about that," Heisley said. "I said 'go back and take whatever time you need, and when you're ready you can come back'...I feel like he's being honest with me. I think he respects me. I've leveled with him all down the line. I've always understood that it was going to be very difficult for Allen. He wants to start. He is a player who has a reputation.
"We made it clear that he would have to earn time because we've moved down the road. He wasn't angry about that. He was disappointed. I don't want you to think I'm not deeply disappointed. I am. But in no way am I going to put it on Allen. If he hadn't been injured during training camp it may have been different, because he would have had a chance to prove that he deserved to play more minutes."
Heisley said his "biggest sorrow" is that fans in Memphis didn't see Iverson play. "They were really looking forward to it, and I'm sure I'm going to get a lot of heat for that," he said. He also insisted that the team's signing of veteran point guard Jamaal Tinsley this weekend was completely unrelated to the Iverson issue. He said that if Iverson had come back, the team hoped to play him more at shooting guard, with Tinsley playing the point. Tinsley has been out of basketball for more than a year, after being told by the Indiana Pacers in the spring of 2008 not to return to the team and to stay away from the Pacers' practice facilities while they tried to trade him.
Indiana spent all of last season trying to make a deal, before finally agreeing to settle on the final two years and $14.7 million on his contract, buying him out for more than $10 million.
"I thought there was a good chance he might come back," Heisley said. "But he really did have a personal problem. I don't know what it is and frankly I didn't want to get into it...I guess he just felt rather than try and play, he would step aside. I don't know if somebody's going to pick him up this season. I hope so. Even if he doesn't play for me, I hope he does, because I think he's a fantastic player. I think it's good for Allen and good for the league that he's playing...It just didn't work out. My attitude is I have no ill feelings one way or another. I'm glad he gave us the opportunity to try and make it work."
Iverson came to Memphis after playing most of one season in Detroit, following his trade from the Denver Nuggets to the Pistons early last season. He averaged 17.4 points in 54 games, but had the same issues with the Pistons that he ultimately had with Memphis, saying he would rather retire than come off the bench, as he did late in the season once Richard Hamilton returned from an injury.
The 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player has scored 24,020 regular season points in 13 seasons, led the 76ers to the Finals in 2001 and made nine All-Star teams. He remains one of the league's most popular players, with jersey sales annually among the top 10 players.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Nuggets' Smith returns from suspension with different name
Suspended for the season's first seven games, Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith returned Tuesday with a new outlook and a different name.
He wants to go by his given name, Earl Smith III.
Smith said there are "a lot of personal reasons" that "I can't really explain at this time" for the switch. He went with J.R. because he was often called "Junior," but now he's going back to his given name as part of an effort to fix an image that's taken some hits over the years because of a poor driving record that resulted in the suspension.
Smith says he plans to phase in his new -- or given -- name over the next few weeks, although the Nuggets plan to keep calling him J.R. On Tuesday, Smith was expected to come off the bench against the Chicago Bulls in his first appearance after a tumultuous offseason.
Denver's Kenyon Martin returned after missing a game with a bruised left fibula.
Smith went from finishing second in the voting for the NBA's Sixth Man award and helping Denver reach the Western Conference finals last season to spending 24 days in a New Jersey correctional facility during the offseason after pleading guilty to reckless driving. He was involved in an accident in 2007 that caused the death of a passenger in his car.
"I always learn from my mistakes," Smith said. "I definitely have a different outlook on life, on basketball, on everything."
He wants to go by his given name, Earl Smith III.
Smith said there are "a lot of personal reasons" that "I can't really explain at this time" for the switch. He went with J.R. because he was often called "Junior," but now he's going back to his given name as part of an effort to fix an image that's taken some hits over the years because of a poor driving record that resulted in the suspension.
Smith says he plans to phase in his new -- or given -- name over the next few weeks, although the Nuggets plan to keep calling him J.R. On Tuesday, Smith was expected to come off the bench against the Chicago Bulls in his first appearance after a tumultuous offseason.
Denver's Kenyon Martin returned after missing a game with a bruised left fibula.
Smith went from finishing second in the voting for the NBA's Sixth Man award and helping Denver reach the Western Conference finals last season to spending 24 days in a New Jersey correctional facility during the offseason after pleading guilty to reckless driving. He was involved in an accident in 2007 that caused the death of a passenger in his car.
"I always learn from my mistakes," Smith said. "I definitely have a different outlook on life, on basketball, on everything."
Monday, October 26, 2009
NBA, referees agree to two-year deal, ending lockout
The regular referees made the call. They're coming back to work.
The referees union and the NBA agreed on a two-year contract Friday, ending a lockout of more than a month and saving the league from using replacements when the regular season starts.
The officials voted to ratify the deal that was reached earlier this week. No details of the vote were provided, nor were terms of the agreement.
"We are pleased to reach this agreement," NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement. "The negotiations extended further than either side had hoped, but when our regular season tips off on Tuesday we'll have the best referees in the world officiating our games."
The referees union didn't comment.
The 57 referees were set to begin a three-day training camp Saturday and be ready when the regular season starts Tuesday night. The league used replacement officials during exhibition play.
The referees' contracts have usually been for five years, but the NBA consented to a two-year deal at the request of the union, which hoped it could renegotiate sooner with the economy hopefully in better shape.
The sides agreed on a salary structure that would give the refs a slight raise in the second year, but they remained apart on proposed changes to the referees' pension and severance packages, as well as a plan to develop younger officials by having them work in NBA games.
The contract between the league and the National Basketball Referees Association expired Sept. 1, and the league announced on Sept. 18 that it was locking out the officials, saying they had rejected its final contract offer.
The NBA decided to go with replacements late last month after the referees rejected a deal the league said its negotiators had already agreed to.
That raised the possibility of the league starting the season with backup officials for the first time since 1995. But progress was made in a meeting this week at league headquarters that included Stern, who rejoined the talks this week at the request of the referees.
He previously had withdrawn from negotiations after the referees' lead negotiator Lamell McMorris criticized the commissioner's behavior.
"It was always our intention to make a deal and our hope. I thought that perhaps the rhetoric had gotten a little bit too heated and it would be better for me to withdraw," Stern said earlier Friday during a conference call.
"But it was requested by the other side that I return and that they were coming in to make a deal and they asked me to be there, and I thought I owed them out of my respect to them to honor that request."
The league used a roster of 62 replacements, mostly from the NBA Development League and WNBA, during the lockout. Stern said the backups "responded very well" and predicted that many would referee NBA games again.
Replacement officials were criticized for calling too many fouls, though the amount decreased later in the exhibition season, which ended Friday night.
"As the preseason went on, they were better," Houston coach Rick Adelman said. "I don't think they were arrogant, or anything like that. They gave the explanations, and they were doing the best they could.
"The first couple (games) were just foul after foul and call after call, and there was no rhythm to the games," Adelman added. "After that, I thought it settled down fairly well. They just called things differently than the normal officials. They're pretty much going by the book."
The referees union and the NBA agreed on a two-year contract Friday, ending a lockout of more than a month and saving the league from using replacements when the regular season starts.
The officials voted to ratify the deal that was reached earlier this week. No details of the vote were provided, nor were terms of the agreement.
"We are pleased to reach this agreement," NBA commissioner David Stern said in a statement. "The negotiations extended further than either side had hoped, but when our regular season tips off on Tuesday we'll have the best referees in the world officiating our games."
The referees union didn't comment.
The 57 referees were set to begin a three-day training camp Saturday and be ready when the regular season starts Tuesday night. The league used replacement officials during exhibition play.
The referees' contracts have usually been for five years, but the NBA consented to a two-year deal at the request of the union, which hoped it could renegotiate sooner with the economy hopefully in better shape.
The sides agreed on a salary structure that would give the refs a slight raise in the second year, but they remained apart on proposed changes to the referees' pension and severance packages, as well as a plan to develop younger officials by having them work in NBA games.
The contract between the league and the National Basketball Referees Association expired Sept. 1, and the league announced on Sept. 18 that it was locking out the officials, saying they had rejected its final contract offer.
The NBA decided to go with replacements late last month after the referees rejected a deal the league said its negotiators had already agreed to.
That raised the possibility of the league starting the season with backup officials for the first time since 1995. But progress was made in a meeting this week at league headquarters that included Stern, who rejoined the talks this week at the request of the referees.
He previously had withdrawn from negotiations after the referees' lead negotiator Lamell McMorris criticized the commissioner's behavior.
"It was always our intention to make a deal and our hope. I thought that perhaps the rhetoric had gotten a little bit too heated and it would be better for me to withdraw," Stern said earlier Friday during a conference call.
"But it was requested by the other side that I return and that they were coming in to make a deal and they asked me to be there, and I thought I owed them out of my respect to them to honor that request."
The league used a roster of 62 replacements, mostly from the NBA Development League and WNBA, during the lockout. Stern said the backups "responded very well" and predicted that many would referee NBA games again.
Replacement officials were criticized for calling too many fouls, though the amount decreased later in the exhibition season, which ended Friday night.
"As the preseason went on, they were better," Houston coach Rick Adelman said. "I don't think they were arrogant, or anything like that. They gave the explanations, and they were doing the best they could.
"The first couple (games) were just foul after foul and call after call, and there was no rhythm to the games," Adelman added. "After that, I thought it settled down fairly well. They just called things differently than the normal officials. They're pretty much going by the book."
Former Kings guard Bobby Jackson retires after 12 seasons
Bobby Jackson is retiring from the NBA.
The 12-year veteran guard, who spent six seasons with Sacramento, made the announcement Friday night before the Kings' preseason finale against the Utah Jazz.
Jackson averaged 9.7 points per game in his career. He was the league's Sixth Man of the Year in 2002-03 with averages of 15.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
The former University of Minnesota star played for Sacramento last season but was not re-signed in the offseason.
"It's a tough day for me because I'm retiring from professionally playing the game I love," he said. "But it's also a happy day because I'm retiring on my own terms."
Jackson will work with the Kings as an ambassador, promoting the team in local appearances and handling some scouting.
The 12-year veteran guard, who spent six seasons with Sacramento, made the announcement Friday night before the Kings' preseason finale against the Utah Jazz.
Jackson averaged 9.7 points per game in his career. He was the league's Sixth Man of the Year in 2002-03 with averages of 15.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists.
The former University of Minnesota star played for Sacramento last season but was not re-signed in the offseason.
"It's a tough day for me because I'm retiring from professionally playing the game I love," he said. "But it's also a happy day because I'm retiring on my own terms."
Jackson will work with the Kings as an ambassador, promoting the team in local appearances and handling some scouting.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Iverson could miss 3 weeks with partial tear in hamstring
Memphis Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson could miss three weeks after an MRI revealed a partial tear in his left hamstring.
The Grizzlies made the announcement before Wednesday night's exhibition game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If the timetable is correct, Iverson would miss all of preseason, and his status for the season opener at home against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 28 would be in jeopardy.
"The way I see it, I'm glad it's happening right now rather than in the season," Iverson said in a pregame press conference. "That's the only positive thing I can take out of the whole thing."
Iverson, declaring himself a quick healer, said he expects to be back in time for the opener. He was hurt during the Grizzlies' training camp in Birmingham, Ala. last week and said he was just starting to get into shape after not playing basketball for five months waiting to see where he was going to land for this season.
"My legs were starting to feel a lot better than they had the first three or four days," Iverson said. "Then, just like that, I hurt the hamstring."
Entering his 14th season, the four-time NBA scoring champ signed with the Grizzlies last month, the biggest name ever to join the franchise. Iverson said he has never dealt with hamstring problems in his career and wants to make sure he is completely healed before returning to the court.
"My whole thing is to work as hard as I can to try and get back to 100 percent," Iverson said. "I don't want to try and come back too early and have this thing lingering on throughout the whole season."
The Grizzlies made the announcement before Wednesday night's exhibition game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. If the timetable is correct, Iverson would miss all of preseason, and his status for the season opener at home against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 28 would be in jeopardy.
"The way I see it, I'm glad it's happening right now rather than in the season," Iverson said in a pregame press conference. "That's the only positive thing I can take out of the whole thing."
Iverson, declaring himself a quick healer, said he expects to be back in time for the opener. He was hurt during the Grizzlies' training camp in Birmingham, Ala. last week and said he was just starting to get into shape after not playing basketball for five months waiting to see where he was going to land for this season.
"My legs were starting to feel a lot better than they had the first three or four days," Iverson said. "Then, just like that, I hurt the hamstring."
Entering his 14th season, the four-time NBA scoring champ signed with the Grizzlies last month, the biggest name ever to join the franchise. Iverson said he has never dealt with hamstring problems in his career and wants to make sure he is completely healed before returning to the court.
"My whole thing is to work as hard as I can to try and get back to 100 percent," Iverson said. "I don't want to try and come back too early and have this thing lingering on throughout the whole season."
Stern forsees NBA expanding into European cities one day
The NBA envisions having franchise teams in European cities, although commissioner David Stern said Thursday there was no timetable for the move.
Stern was speaking in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, before the first ever NBA exhibition game on the island.
"There's some good possibility over the course of many years, that if there's appropriate arena development in Europe, there could be actual NBA franchises in Europe," he said. "That's the way we see the development of basketball in the world."
Earlier this week, Stern said the league was also planning a regular-season game in London sometime before the city hosts the 2012 Olympics.
The only regular NBA games ever staged outside North America were in Japan in the early 1990s.
In addition to European expansion, Stern said the NBA also sees affiliated leagues in other continents.
"The model in Asia, probably in Latin America, possibly in Africa will lead us -- if there's adequate arena development -- to having NBA affiliated leagues, with partners in local basketball federations," Stern said.
In Thursday's Taipei exhibition, the Denver Nuggets take on the Indiana Pacers. A capacity crowd of 13,000 is expected.
Stern was speaking in the Taiwanese capital of Taipei, before the first ever NBA exhibition game on the island.
"There's some good possibility over the course of many years, that if there's appropriate arena development in Europe, there could be actual NBA franchises in Europe," he said. "That's the way we see the development of basketball in the world."
Earlier this week, Stern said the league was also planning a regular-season game in London sometime before the city hosts the 2012 Olympics.
The only regular NBA games ever staged outside North America were in Japan in the early 1990s.
In addition to European expansion, Stern said the NBA also sees affiliated leagues in other continents.
"The model in Asia, probably in Latin America, possibly in Africa will lead us -- if there's adequate arena development -- to having NBA affiliated leagues, with partners in local basketball federations," Stern said.
In Thursday's Taipei exhibition, the Denver Nuggets take on the Indiana Pacers. A capacity crowd of 13,000 is expected.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wolves send Songaila, Brown to Hornets for Daniels
The New Orleans Hornets agreed to trade reserve point guard Antonio Daniels and a 2014 second-round draft pick to Minnesota on Wednesday in exchange for forward Darius Songaila and guard Bobby Brown.
"This move gives us added depth at the guard position and the power forward position," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. "Darius brings toughness and experience to bolster our frontcourt. We know Bobby pretty well from when he played on our summer league team and are excited to add his speed and scoring ability."
The move will cut the Hornets' payroll by $1.3 million this season, but Songaila has two years left on his contract, while Daniels' contract expires after next season.
The Timberwolves take on a little more salary this season, but get out from under Songaila's player option for next year, which will cost about $4.8 million.
"Antonio has the ability to play both guard positions and will provide a veteran presence and added flexibility to our backcourt," said David Kahn, the Timberwolves' president of basketball operations. "This trade also provides increased flexibility for personnel moves beginning next summer."
Songaila, who is 6-foot-9, has been in the NBA for six seasons, averaging 7 points. He spent the past three seasons in Washington and was acquired by Minnesota in June. He averaged 7.4 points in 77 games for the Wizards last season. He was drafted 50th overall by Boston in 2002.
Like Hornets star point guard Chris Paul, Songaila also played at Wake Forest. Songaila, Paul, and fellow Hornets David West and James Posey all were coached by the late Skip Prosser in college.
Brown, who was on the Hornets' summer league team in 2008, played 68 games with Sacramento and Minnesota last season, his first in the NBA. He will have to compete with Hornets 2009 first-round draft pick Darren Collison for playing time.
Daniels, 34, is a 12-year veteran. He was acquired by the Hornets last season from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Mike James. Daniels played in 61 games for New Orleans last season, averaging 3.8 points and 2.1 assists. He has one season left on his current contract, worth about $6.5 million next season.
Drafted by the Grizzlies when the franchise was still in Vancouver, Daniels also has played for San Antonio, Portland and Seattle. He has averaged 7.6 points and 3.4 assists during his career.
"This move gives us added depth at the guard position and the power forward position," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. "Darius brings toughness and experience to bolster our frontcourt. We know Bobby pretty well from when he played on our summer league team and are excited to add his speed and scoring ability."
The move will cut the Hornets' payroll by $1.3 million this season, but Songaila has two years left on his contract, while Daniels' contract expires after next season.
The Timberwolves take on a little more salary this season, but get out from under Songaila's player option for next year, which will cost about $4.8 million.
"Antonio has the ability to play both guard positions and will provide a veteran presence and added flexibility to our backcourt," said David Kahn, the Timberwolves' president of basketball operations. "This trade also provides increased flexibility for personnel moves beginning next summer."
Songaila, who is 6-foot-9, has been in the NBA for six seasons, averaging 7 points. He spent the past three seasons in Washington and was acquired by Minnesota in June. He averaged 7.4 points in 77 games for the Wizards last season. He was drafted 50th overall by Boston in 2002.
Like Hornets star point guard Chris Paul, Songaila also played at Wake Forest. Songaila, Paul, and fellow Hornets David West and James Posey all were coached by the late Skip Prosser in college.
Brown, who was on the Hornets' summer league team in 2008, played 68 games with Sacramento and Minnesota last season, his first in the NBA. He will have to compete with Hornets 2009 first-round draft pick Darren Collison for playing time.
Daniels, 34, is a 12-year veteran. He was acquired by the Hornets last season from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Mike James. Daniels played in 61 games for New Orleans last season, averaging 3.8 points and 2.1 assists. He has one season left on his current contract, worth about $6.5 million next season.
Drafted by the Grizzlies when the franchise was still in Vancouver, Daniels also has played for San Antonio, Portland and Seattle. He has averaged 7.6 points and 3.4 assists during his career.
Iverson to sign one-year deal with Grizzlies
Allen Iverson will sign a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Memphis Grizzlies in the next 24 to 48 hours, ending a summer-long pursuit of a team that wanted the 34-year-old's game and cache and would provide him an opportunity for the playing time he still desperately covets.
The contract will have incentives that could make the deal larger, but the Grizzlies will not renounce their rights to guard Juan Carlos Navarro, which would have freed up another $900,000 in salary cap room.
The Grizzlies' braintrust, including owner Michael Heisley, general manager Chris Wallace and head coach Lionel Hollins, flew to Atlanta on Labor Day to make its offer to Iverson, who has a home there and has been training there this summer with NBA TV analyst and former teammate Eric Snow. The meeting went well and after looking over the remaining options, Iverson took the deal.
Iverson confirmed his decision on his Twitter feed Wednesday morning.
"God Chose Memphis as the place that I will continue my career," he wrote. In a post a few minutes later, he said, "I feel that they are committed to developing a winner and I know that I can help them to accomplish that. I feel that I can trust them."
Reached by telephone Wednesday, Heisley said that Iverson verbally committed to the Grizzlies late Tuesday evening.
"He told us he was very interested in playing with the young team we've assembled," Heisley said. "He thought he could help us win and he was looking forward to helping the young players, and helping them to develop. Frankly, I'm ecstatic to have him."
Iverson didn't have a lot of suitors this offseason. Memphis, Miami and Charlotte were most aggressive in their pursuits, but the combination of a cut in next season's cap, down to $57.7 million, along with the prospect of even lower cap and luxury tax numbers for the 2010-11 season, dried up most of the potential marketplace for veterans. Portland, one of the few teams with room this summer, had no interest in Iverson, and the contending teams with mid-level exceptions went in different directions.
Signing a one-year deal will make Iverson an unrestricted free agent next summer, joining a strong free agent class. But Iverson would likely have to wait again next summer like he did this one, as teams line up to woo younger stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
"We know it's going to be difficult for us to keep him past next year," Heisley said. "But he told us we shouldn't think he's going to just jump at the next opportunity. We have to win."
The 10-time All-Star will be looking to resurrect his career in Memphis, after failing to boost the Nuggets and Pistons into contention the last two seasons. Iverson's teams have not gotten past the first round of the playoffs since 2003, when the 76ers lost to Detroit in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Since then, Iverson has only been in the playoffs three times, not including last season, when he was not on the Pistons' postseason roster.
Iverson said a back injury made it impossible for him to play, and the Pistons concurred, though it also coincided with then-coach Michael Curry's decision to bring Iverson off the bench in favor of starter Richard Hamilton. Iverson chafed at the role and said he would rather retire than come off the bench in the future.
Heisley said that he was giving Iverson a clean slate.
"I don't buy into all of the stuff that's gone on," he said. "I'm not saying none of it happened. Some of it did...but I know Allen is an excellent player. He's going to the Hall of Fame. Pau [Gasol, the former Grizzlies star forward and current Laker] might someday. The city of Memphis is going to be ecstatic to have him. We've never had a Hall of Famer, a guy of Allen's stature playing in Memphis. I feel Allen is going to be outstanding for us."
However, Iverson will expect to start in the backcourt for the Grizzlies, and that would mean benching either bench third-year point guard Mike Conley, Jr., who came on toward the end of last season with Hollins backing him, or second-year shooting guard O.J. Mayo. Both guards need all the reps they can get as they continue their development. After trading Gasol to the Lakers early in 2008, the Grizzlies went back to the drawing board, looking to build a new core group around Conley, Mayo, forward Rudy Gay and center Marc Gasol, Pau's younger brother, who came from Los Angeles in the trade for his older brother.
Memphis added center Hasheem Thabeet and forwards Sam Young and DeMarre Carroll in this year's excellent draft, and acquired forward Zach Randolph from the Clippers in the summer for guard Quentin Richardson. But Randolph, like Iverson, needs a lot of touches to be most effective.
"Your whole team changes when Allen is on it," said an Eastern Conference executive. "And he's not that kind of player anymore."
Of course, Iverson feels differently. He said his jumper was "still very wet" in a Twitter post this past weekend, and has said previously he would "lead by example" on his next team.
Iverson should also positively impact the Grizzlies' business side. Memphis was next to last in the league in average attendance this past season, drawing just more than 12,700 a game to the 18,000-seat FedEx Forum, filling around 70 percent of the available seats, the worst percentage in the league.
But Heisley said that was not his motivation in signing Iverson.
"He said, 'you're not bringing me here to sell tickets, are you? 'Cause I'm not interested,'" Heisley said. "I said no, we want to win ... we want to really be a contending team."
Iverson posted career lows both in scoring average (17.5) and minutes (26.7) last season, mostly with the Pistons, who acquired him from Denver in November in a trade that sent Chauncey Billups to the Nuggets. That Billups and the Nuggets, who had lost in the first round four straight seasons, then went on to the Western Conference finals before falling to the eventual champion Lakers was an even more bitter tonic for the Pistons, who were quickly swept in the first round by Cleveland.
But Iverson remains one of the league's most popular and iconic players. His Pistons jersey was the fifth-highest seller among individual jerseys at the NBA Store in New York last season, trailing only Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Chris Paul and Kevin Garnett. And Heisley believes that Iverson will fit right in with Memphians and not overwhelm them with his outsized personality.
"I think Allen will get the kind of attention in Memphis that he did in Philadelphia," Heisley said. "I think he will be a major, major figure in the city. I think Allen will do the right things. I think people will be very surprised around the league."
The contract will have incentives that could make the deal larger, but the Grizzlies will not renounce their rights to guard Juan Carlos Navarro, which would have freed up another $900,000 in salary cap room.
The Grizzlies' braintrust, including owner Michael Heisley, general manager Chris Wallace and head coach Lionel Hollins, flew to Atlanta on Labor Day to make its offer to Iverson, who has a home there and has been training there this summer with NBA TV analyst and former teammate Eric Snow. The meeting went well and after looking over the remaining options, Iverson took the deal.
Iverson confirmed his decision on his Twitter feed Wednesday morning.
"God Chose Memphis as the place that I will continue my career," he wrote. In a post a few minutes later, he said, "I feel that they are committed to developing a winner and I know that I can help them to accomplish that. I feel that I can trust them."
Reached by telephone Wednesday, Heisley said that Iverson verbally committed to the Grizzlies late Tuesday evening.
"He told us he was very interested in playing with the young team we've assembled," Heisley said. "He thought he could help us win and he was looking forward to helping the young players, and helping them to develop. Frankly, I'm ecstatic to have him."
Iverson didn't have a lot of suitors this offseason. Memphis, Miami and Charlotte were most aggressive in their pursuits, but the combination of a cut in next season's cap, down to $57.7 million, along with the prospect of even lower cap and luxury tax numbers for the 2010-11 season, dried up most of the potential marketplace for veterans. Portland, one of the few teams with room this summer, had no interest in Iverson, and the contending teams with mid-level exceptions went in different directions.
Signing a one-year deal will make Iverson an unrestricted free agent next summer, joining a strong free agent class. But Iverson would likely have to wait again next summer like he did this one, as teams line up to woo younger stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
"We know it's going to be difficult for us to keep him past next year," Heisley said. "But he told us we shouldn't think he's going to just jump at the next opportunity. We have to win."
The 10-time All-Star will be looking to resurrect his career in Memphis, after failing to boost the Nuggets and Pistons into contention the last two seasons. Iverson's teams have not gotten past the first round of the playoffs since 2003, when the 76ers lost to Detroit in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Since then, Iverson has only been in the playoffs three times, not including last season, when he was not on the Pistons' postseason roster.
Iverson said a back injury made it impossible for him to play, and the Pistons concurred, though it also coincided with then-coach Michael Curry's decision to bring Iverson off the bench in favor of starter Richard Hamilton. Iverson chafed at the role and said he would rather retire than come off the bench in the future.
Heisley said that he was giving Iverson a clean slate.
"I don't buy into all of the stuff that's gone on," he said. "I'm not saying none of it happened. Some of it did...but I know Allen is an excellent player. He's going to the Hall of Fame. Pau [Gasol, the former Grizzlies star forward and current Laker] might someday. The city of Memphis is going to be ecstatic to have him. We've never had a Hall of Famer, a guy of Allen's stature playing in Memphis. I feel Allen is going to be outstanding for us."
However, Iverson will expect to start in the backcourt for the Grizzlies, and that would mean benching either bench third-year point guard Mike Conley, Jr., who came on toward the end of last season with Hollins backing him, or second-year shooting guard O.J. Mayo. Both guards need all the reps they can get as they continue their development. After trading Gasol to the Lakers early in 2008, the Grizzlies went back to the drawing board, looking to build a new core group around Conley, Mayo, forward Rudy Gay and center Marc Gasol, Pau's younger brother, who came from Los Angeles in the trade for his older brother.
Memphis added center Hasheem Thabeet and forwards Sam Young and DeMarre Carroll in this year's excellent draft, and acquired forward Zach Randolph from the Clippers in the summer for guard Quentin Richardson. But Randolph, like Iverson, needs a lot of touches to be most effective.
"Your whole team changes when Allen is on it," said an Eastern Conference executive. "And he's not that kind of player anymore."
Of course, Iverson feels differently. He said his jumper was "still very wet" in a Twitter post this past weekend, and has said previously he would "lead by example" on his next team.
Iverson should also positively impact the Grizzlies' business side. Memphis was next to last in the league in average attendance this past season, drawing just more than 12,700 a game to the 18,000-seat FedEx Forum, filling around 70 percent of the available seats, the worst percentage in the league.
But Heisley said that was not his motivation in signing Iverson.
"He said, 'you're not bringing me here to sell tickets, are you? 'Cause I'm not interested,'" Heisley said. "I said no, we want to win ... we want to really be a contending team."
Iverson posted career lows both in scoring average (17.5) and minutes (26.7) last season, mostly with the Pistons, who acquired him from Denver in November in a trade that sent Chauncey Billups to the Nuggets. That Billups and the Nuggets, who had lost in the first round four straight seasons, then went on to the Western Conference finals before falling to the eventual champion Lakers was an even more bitter tonic for the Pistons, who were quickly swept in the first round by Cleveland.
But Iverson remains one of the league's most popular and iconic players. His Pistons jersey was the fifth-highest seller among individual jerseys at the NBA Store in New York last season, trailing only Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Chris Paul and Kevin Garnett. And Heisley believes that Iverson will fit right in with Memphians and not overwhelm them with his outsized personality.
"I think Allen will get the kind of attention in Memphis that he did in Philadelphia," Heisley said. "I think he will be a major, major figure in the city. I think Allen will do the right things. I think people will be very surprised around the league."
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Source: Iverson meets with Grizz, but does not sign deal
Free agent Allen Iverson met with Memphis Grizzlies officials on Monday in Atlanta, but has not yet agreed to accept the team's one-year, $3.5 million offer after speaking with owner Michael Heisley, general manager Chris Wallace and coach Lionel Hollins, according to a league source.
Iverson and the Grizzlies have been dancing around each other for a few weeks, and it still appears likely that the 34-year-old guard will wind up there after trying all summer to find a new home. Memphis can give him the playing time he craves, and he can help generate interest in a young, rebuilding team that has increased its talent dramatically this offseason and could benefit from Iverson's veteran leadership -- as well as his ability draw fans to FedEx Forum.
"Our meeting went well," Wallace said via text message Monday evening, "and now we will see what comes next."
Iverson has been working out in Atlanta this summer with former 76ers teammate and current NBA TV analyst Eric Snow after he and the Detroit PIstons agreed to part company just before the Playoffs. Iverson said he had a back injury that wasn't getting better, but that coincided with his expressed displeasure at coming off the Pistons' bench behind starter Richard Hamilton.
Detroit had no interest in re-signing Iverson, and got far enough under the cap after renouncing his rights to be able to sign free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.
Miami and Charlotte have also looked at Iverson, but the Heat seem to have gone in another direction. Charlotte's interest may be stunted both by negotiations by owner Bob Johnson to sell his controlling interest in the team (a new owner certainly would not want to accept a hefty pricetag for a player like Iverson) and the team's ongoing discussions with restricted free agent guard Raymond Felton. Felton and the Bobcats are far apart on a new contract, and the team can't go forward on Iverson until it knows one way or another what will happen with Felton.
Iverson and the Grizzlies have been dancing around each other for a few weeks, and it still appears likely that the 34-year-old guard will wind up there after trying all summer to find a new home. Memphis can give him the playing time he craves, and he can help generate interest in a young, rebuilding team that has increased its talent dramatically this offseason and could benefit from Iverson's veteran leadership -- as well as his ability draw fans to FedEx Forum.
"Our meeting went well," Wallace said via text message Monday evening, "and now we will see what comes next."
Iverson has been working out in Atlanta this summer with former 76ers teammate and current NBA TV analyst Eric Snow after he and the Detroit PIstons agreed to part company just before the Playoffs. Iverson said he had a back injury that wasn't getting better, but that coincided with his expressed displeasure at coming off the Pistons' bench behind starter Richard Hamilton.
Detroit had no interest in re-signing Iverson, and got far enough under the cap after renouncing his rights to be able to sign free agents Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva.
Miami and Charlotte have also looked at Iverson, but the Heat seem to have gone in another direction. Charlotte's interest may be stunted both by negotiations by owner Bob Johnson to sell his controlling interest in the team (a new owner certainly would not want to accept a hefty pricetag for a player like Iverson) and the team's ongoing discussions with restricted free agent guard Raymond Felton. Felton and the Bobcats are far apart on a new contract, and the team can't go forward on Iverson until it knows one way or another what will happen with Felton.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Orlando Magic sign free agent Jason Williams
The Orlando Magic have announced signing free agent guard Jason Williams.
General Manager Otis Smith said Wednesday that Williams will provide depth and leadership to the team's backcourt. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Williams retired in September 2008 after playing a season for the Miami Heat, where he average 8.8 points per game. He did not play the 2008-09 season.
Williams was a first-round draft pick and seventh overall in 1998. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team that season.
Williams has played in 679 career NBA regular season games with Sacramento, Memphis and Miami. He has also played in 53 career playoff games.
General Manager Otis Smith said Wednesday that Williams will provide depth and leadership to the team's backcourt. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Williams retired in September 2008 after playing a season for the Miami Heat, where he average 8.8 points per game. He did not play the 2008-09 season.
Williams was a first-round draft pick and seventh overall in 1998. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team that season.
Williams has played in 679 career NBA regular season games with Sacramento, Memphis and Miami. He has also played in 53 career playoff games.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Big Ben chimes again: Pistons re-sign Wallace
Ben Wallace says he was very close to retiring before deciding to rejoin the Detroit Pistons.
After three seasons away from Detroit, the four-time All Star signed a free-agent contract Wednesday with the Pistons. Wallace won an NBA title with Detroit in 2004 and went back to the finals in 2005.
In July 2006, he signed a free-agent deal with Chicago, and was traded to Cleveland in 2008. This summer, he was traded to Phoenix in the Shaquille O'Neal trade, only to have his contract bought out by the Suns.
Wallace said he considered retirement, but said that his good memories from Detroit and encouragement from former teammates Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince helped him decide to come back.
After three seasons away from Detroit, the four-time All Star signed a free-agent contract Wednesday with the Pistons. Wallace won an NBA title with Detroit in 2004 and went back to the finals in 2005.
In July 2006, he signed a free-agent deal with Chicago, and was traded to Cleveland in 2008. This summer, he was traded to Phoenix in the Shaquille O'Neal trade, only to have his contract bought out by the Suns.
Wallace said he considered retirement, but said that his good memories from Detroit and encouragement from former teammates Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince helped him decide to come back.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Agent: Roy, Blazers agree to five-year extension
Now that two-time All-Star Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to a five-year contract extension, his agent says it is possible Roy will stay in his native Northwest for his entire career.
Agent Bob Myers confirmed to The Associated Press late Wednesday night that Roy has agreed in principle to a five-year contract at the NBA maximum salary. Myers said the fifth year, ending in 2015, is at Roy's option.
Myers said he's expecting the Blazers to hold a news conference on Friday to announce the deal, which was first reported Wednesday by Yahoo! Sports.
The extension could be worth more than $80 million, depending on what the league's salary cap is for the 2010-11 season. That would be the second-richest in Portland's history.
The 25-year-old Roy will earn just under $4 million this season, the final year of his rookie contract. The new deal is likely to net him around $14 million for the 2010-11 season, and he will receive 10.5 percent raises on his base salary each season from 2011-2012 through the end of the deal.
Myers acknowledged it is rare for players today to remain with one team for their entire careers because of free agency and the salary cap, but said Roy "is one of the unique players to have a chance to have that sort of relationship with one team."
"Both sides would benefit in that arrangement," Myers said.
The 25-year-old Roy led the Blazers with 22.6 points and 5.1 assists per game last season, his third in the league. The Seattle native and 2006 Pac-10 player of the year at Washington was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2007 as the No. 6 overall pick by Minnesota, who traded his rights to Portland.
The versatile, high-scoring guard helped the Blazers go 54-28 last season, which they began as the second-youngest team in the NBA and ended with their first postseason appearance since 2003. Roy scored 52 points in a game against Phoenix in December, the second-most points scored in a game by a Blazers player.
In the process, he and the team won back a fan base that had been jaded by the so-called Jail Blazers of the recent past.
Portland was 21-61 in the season before Roy arrived.
Agent Bob Myers confirmed to The Associated Press late Wednesday night that Roy has agreed in principle to a five-year contract at the NBA maximum salary. Myers said the fifth year, ending in 2015, is at Roy's option.
Myers said he's expecting the Blazers to hold a news conference on Friday to announce the deal, which was first reported Wednesday by Yahoo! Sports.
The extension could be worth more than $80 million, depending on what the league's salary cap is for the 2010-11 season. That would be the second-richest in Portland's history.
The 25-year-old Roy will earn just under $4 million this season, the final year of his rookie contract. The new deal is likely to net him around $14 million for the 2010-11 season, and he will receive 10.5 percent raises on his base salary each season from 2011-2012 through the end of the deal.
Myers acknowledged it is rare for players today to remain with one team for their entire careers because of free agency and the salary cap, but said Roy "is one of the unique players to have a chance to have that sort of relationship with one team."
"Both sides would benefit in that arrangement," Myers said.
The 25-year-old Roy led the Blazers with 22.6 points and 5.1 assists per game last season, his third in the league. The Seattle native and 2006 Pac-10 player of the year at Washington was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2007 as the No. 6 overall pick by Minnesota, who traded his rights to Portland.
The versatile, high-scoring guard helped the Blazers go 54-28 last season, which they began as the second-youngest team in the NBA and ended with their first postseason appearance since 2003. Roy scored 52 points in a game against Phoenix in December, the second-most points scored in a game by a Blazers player.
In the process, he and the team won back a fan base that had been jaded by the so-called Jail Blazers of the recent past.
Portland was 21-61 in the season before Roy arrived.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Carter wants to fit into supporting role in Orlando
Vince Carter isn't looking to replace Dwight Howard as the face of the Eastern Conference champion Orlando Magic.
Not even close. The recently acquired Carter just wants to fit with his new team and get the prize that has eluded him for a decade in the NBA -- a championship ring.
"I think we have a wonderful team," Carter said of the Magic during a break at his basketball camp. "On paper it's pretty darn good. It's the preparation and work we put in, and not becoming complacent."
Carter admitted on Wednesday that he was surprised by the June trade that sent him and forward Ryan Anderson from the New Jersey Nets to the Magic for center Tony Battie and guards Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston.
However, the thought of playing near his home and sharing the court with Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson has rekindled the championship hopes that disappeared in New Jersey over the past two years with the trades that shipped Jason Kidd to Dallas and Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee.
The acquisition of Carter gives the Magic a proven go-to player who has averaged 23.5 points in his 10 NBA seasons. He is also a versatile scorer who can prevent opponents from focusing all their defensive efforts on stopping Howard's inside game.
The trade also gives Orlando, which lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals in five games, an immediate replacement for Hedo Turkoglu, who was shipped to Toronto in a sign-and-trade deal.
The one thing Carter isn't looking to do is to be the focal point of the Magic, something that he has been throughout his career in Toronto and New Jersey.
"If you think about it, I never really said 'This is my team,"' Carter said of his four-plus seasons in New Jersey. "I said, 'I'm going to help this team win.' When I first got here, it was Jason's team. I just want to help make (Orlando) better. He (Howard) can be the face all he wants. My concern is more so just getting wins. I kind of leave that for people to say or debate on. I think for me, it's 'Can Vince come in and do his part for the Orlando Magic?' That's more so my goal."
Carter conducted his camp at the Nets' training facility on Wednesday. He had committed to the youth camp before the trade and the Nets allowed him to hold it.
But Carter enjoyed being back and seeing old friends. He talked to coach Lawrence Frank, Nets president Rod Thorn and a couple of former teammates.
The only regret he had was not finishing the job he started, which was to get the Nets a title.
"I mean, I worked my butt off to gain the trust of each and every player here and every staff member and really to instill the mentality and belief that we could win," Carter said. "I don't think we were expected to win as many games as we did. It was just creating a mentality and making it a habit."
Carter was the player the Nets counted on for scoring and leadership in recent years, and he said now it will probably fall to All-Star guard Devin Harris to fulfill the role.
"I mean, Devin can do it," Carter said. "He has seen it done and he's been around. It's just if he wants it. He has definitely established himself in the NBA as a player and that's the next level for him."
Carter spoke highly of the players the Nets acquired from Orlando, saying Lee was unbelievable, Battie was a proven veteran who has been to the championship round and that Alston is a great leader.
For the Nets to be successful next season, he said it will take a team effort in a year where not much is expected.
Carter did not know how the Nets would fare in the 2010 free agency market when LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade might all be available.
"It will be a great opportunity for somebody, maybe a guy who wants an opportunity to build a team around him and play with Devin," Carter said. "You give them another guy or another stud, anything can happen. I think it's possible. I really do."
For now, all Carter is thinking about is the Magic, admitting he still feels weird.
"It's hard to say Vince Carter, Orlando Magic right now," he said. "It won't be once we start doing things as a team."
Not even close. The recently acquired Carter just wants to fit with his new team and get the prize that has eluded him for a decade in the NBA -- a championship ring.
"I think we have a wonderful team," Carter said of the Magic during a break at his basketball camp. "On paper it's pretty darn good. It's the preparation and work we put in, and not becoming complacent."
Carter admitted on Wednesday that he was surprised by the June trade that sent him and forward Ryan Anderson from the New Jersey Nets to the Magic for center Tony Battie and guards Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston.
However, the thought of playing near his home and sharing the court with Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson has rekindled the championship hopes that disappeared in New Jersey over the past two years with the trades that shipped Jason Kidd to Dallas and Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee.
The acquisition of Carter gives the Magic a proven go-to player who has averaged 23.5 points in his 10 NBA seasons. He is also a versatile scorer who can prevent opponents from focusing all their defensive efforts on stopping Howard's inside game.
The trade also gives Orlando, which lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals in five games, an immediate replacement for Hedo Turkoglu, who was shipped to Toronto in a sign-and-trade deal.
The one thing Carter isn't looking to do is to be the focal point of the Magic, something that he has been throughout his career in Toronto and New Jersey.
"If you think about it, I never really said 'This is my team,"' Carter said of his four-plus seasons in New Jersey. "I said, 'I'm going to help this team win.' When I first got here, it was Jason's team. I just want to help make (Orlando) better. He (Howard) can be the face all he wants. My concern is more so just getting wins. I kind of leave that for people to say or debate on. I think for me, it's 'Can Vince come in and do his part for the Orlando Magic?' That's more so my goal."
Carter conducted his camp at the Nets' training facility on Wednesday. He had committed to the youth camp before the trade and the Nets allowed him to hold it.
But Carter enjoyed being back and seeing old friends. He talked to coach Lawrence Frank, Nets president Rod Thorn and a couple of former teammates.
The only regret he had was not finishing the job he started, which was to get the Nets a title.
"I mean, I worked my butt off to gain the trust of each and every player here and every staff member and really to instill the mentality and belief that we could win," Carter said. "I don't think we were expected to win as many games as we did. It was just creating a mentality and making it a habit."
Carter was the player the Nets counted on for scoring and leadership in recent years, and he said now it will probably fall to All-Star guard Devin Harris to fulfill the role.
"I mean, Devin can do it," Carter said. "He has seen it done and he's been around. It's just if he wants it. He has definitely established himself in the NBA as a player and that's the next level for him."
Carter spoke highly of the players the Nets acquired from Orlando, saying Lee was unbelievable, Battie was a proven veteran who has been to the championship round and that Alston is a great leader.
For the Nets to be successful next season, he said it will take a team effort in a year where not much is expected.
Carter did not know how the Nets would fare in the 2010 free agency market when LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade might all be available.
"It will be a great opportunity for somebody, maybe a guy who wants an opportunity to build a team around him and play with Devin," Carter said. "You give them another guy or another stud, anything can happen. I think it's possible. I really do."
For now, all Carter is thinking about is the Magic, admitting he still feels weird.
"It's hard to say Vince Carter, Orlando Magic right now," he said. "It won't be once we start doing things as a team."
Mavs sign big man Drew Gooden
The Dallas Mavericks have signed big man Drew Gooden, expecting him to back up Dirk Nowitzki at power forward and play alongside him at center.
The deal, agreed to late last week, was announced Thursday.
Gooden is joining his seventh team, having also played for Memphis, Orlando, Cleveland, Chicago, Sacramento and San Antonio. Over his career, he averages 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
"We are very pleased to add Drew to our front line for the upcoming season," team president Donnie Nelson said. "Drew is a veteran player with NBA finals experience that is entering the prime of his career at 27 years old. He will provide valuable minutes at both the center and power forward positions with his tenacity in the paint, rebounding and ability to knock down shots."
The deal, agreed to late last week, was announced Thursday.
Gooden is joining his seventh team, having also played for Memphis, Orlando, Cleveland, Chicago, Sacramento and San Antonio. Over his career, he averages 12.0 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.
"We are very pleased to add Drew to our front line for the upcoming season," team president Donnie Nelson said. "Drew is a veteran player with NBA finals experience that is entering the prime of his career at 27 years old. He will provide valuable minutes at both the center and power forward positions with his tenacity in the paint, rebounding and ability to knock down shots."
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Bobcats, Hornets swap centers Okafor, Chandler
The New Orleans Hornets have finally found a taker for Tyson Chandler. It took a deal with tinkering Charlotte coach Larry Brown, who was willing to jettison the Bobcats' first draft pick.
Emeka Okafor was dealt to the Hornets on Tuesday for Chandler in a deal involving 26-year-old centers, a trade that brought different financial relief to both teams and hopes they'll thrive under different big men.
The Hornets have been trying to unload the 7-foot-1 Chandler for several months. Last season they sent him to Oklahoma City, but the trade was rescinded after Chandler failed a physical amid concerns aver a lingering toe injury.
Brown was willing to gamble on the injury-prone big man who is more athletic and can also play power forward. It comes at the expense of Okafor, who at 6-foot-10 is shorter than Chandler and had trouble guarding the NBA's top big men.
"We're getting a young kid who is long and athletic and can play multiple positions and fills a need that we obviously have," Brown said.
But the Hornets were intrigued by Okafor's superior rebounding and durability, giving New Orleans a reliable big man with a longer contract as they try to recover from last season's first-round playoff exit.
"Emeka is one of the premier centers in the NBA with All-Star caliber scoring and rebounding averages throughout his career," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. "His potential to improve is endless once you put him on the court running with Chris Paul."
The deal is the fourth trade Charlotte has made since managing partner Michael Jordan hired Brown before last season. Brown, in his record ninth NBA head coaching job, has continued his history of numerous trades to mold the team into his versatile, defensive-minded liking.
Now it includes sending the centerpiece of Charlotte's new franchise to the city's old team.
Two years after the Hornets left Charlotte for New Orleans, the expansion Bobcats took Okafor with the No. 2 pick in the 2004 draft -- after Orlando grabbed Dwight Howard.
Okafor, who won a national championship at Connecticut, had injury problems early in his career. But he has played all 82 games in each of the last two seasons while providing Charlotte with solid, if unspectacular, play.
Okafor averaged 13.2 points and 10.1 rebounds last season, but his style didn't mesh with Brown, who questioned his basketball fire at the end of the season.
"I wanted him to have a passion and work on his game," Brown said Tuesday. "I think he made unbelievable progress in that regard. When we had an exit meeting this past season he told me he was going to do that, he was going to work on his game. ... This was a basketball decision. It had nothing to do with Emeka."
But Chandler is coming off surgery, and despite their identical ages, Chandler has played four more seasons than Okafor because he came to the NBA directly from high school in 2001.
"We appreciate what Tyson has done for our club in the past and wish him the best, but our intention this summer was to improve our team and this trade is definitely a positive move in that direction," Bower said.
Chandler, averaged 8.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in only 45 games last season. He then underwent procedures on his left ankle and toe in May after being ineffective in the first-round series loss to Denver.
General manager Rod Higgins said Chandler will be in Charlotte for a physical later this week, but they're confident he'll be ready for the start of training camp.
For the Hornets, it immediately lowers their payroll would reduce luxury tax payments. Okafor is scheduled to make $10.5 million next season and Chandler $11.8 million. The Hornets entered the week with a payroll of about $78 million, triggering a dollar-for-dollar tax over the NBA's luxury tax threshold of $69.9 million.
But the Bobcats unload a much longer long-term commitment. Okafor still has five years left on a six-year, $72 million deal he signed last year. Chandler would make $12.7 million in a player option in 2010-11, the final season of his deal.
Bobcats owner Bob Johnson, who is looking to sell the team after losing millions of dollars, has ordered management not to reach the luxury tax threshold. Getting Okafor's big contract off the books will help achieve that goal in future seasons.
"Emeka is a great kid, but we all felt that with the way Tyson plays, with his quickness and his ability to handle the ball and his length, that was something that was very important to us," Brown said. "That was the overriding factor."
Emeka Okafor was dealt to the Hornets on Tuesday for Chandler in a deal involving 26-year-old centers, a trade that brought different financial relief to both teams and hopes they'll thrive under different big men.
The Hornets have been trying to unload the 7-foot-1 Chandler for several months. Last season they sent him to Oklahoma City, but the trade was rescinded after Chandler failed a physical amid concerns aver a lingering toe injury.
Brown was willing to gamble on the injury-prone big man who is more athletic and can also play power forward. It comes at the expense of Okafor, who at 6-foot-10 is shorter than Chandler and had trouble guarding the NBA's top big men.
"We're getting a young kid who is long and athletic and can play multiple positions and fills a need that we obviously have," Brown said.
But the Hornets were intrigued by Okafor's superior rebounding and durability, giving New Orleans a reliable big man with a longer contract as they try to recover from last season's first-round playoff exit.
"Emeka is one of the premier centers in the NBA with All-Star caliber scoring and rebounding averages throughout his career," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower said. "His potential to improve is endless once you put him on the court running with Chris Paul."
The deal is the fourth trade Charlotte has made since managing partner Michael Jordan hired Brown before last season. Brown, in his record ninth NBA head coaching job, has continued his history of numerous trades to mold the team into his versatile, defensive-minded liking.
Now it includes sending the centerpiece of Charlotte's new franchise to the city's old team.
Two years after the Hornets left Charlotte for New Orleans, the expansion Bobcats took Okafor with the No. 2 pick in the 2004 draft -- after Orlando grabbed Dwight Howard.
Okafor, who won a national championship at Connecticut, had injury problems early in his career. But he has played all 82 games in each of the last two seasons while providing Charlotte with solid, if unspectacular, play.
Okafor averaged 13.2 points and 10.1 rebounds last season, but his style didn't mesh with Brown, who questioned his basketball fire at the end of the season.
"I wanted him to have a passion and work on his game," Brown said Tuesday. "I think he made unbelievable progress in that regard. When we had an exit meeting this past season he told me he was going to do that, he was going to work on his game. ... This was a basketball decision. It had nothing to do with Emeka."
But Chandler is coming off surgery, and despite their identical ages, Chandler has played four more seasons than Okafor because he came to the NBA directly from high school in 2001.
"We appreciate what Tyson has done for our club in the past and wish him the best, but our intention this summer was to improve our team and this trade is definitely a positive move in that direction," Bower said.
Chandler, averaged 8.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in only 45 games last season. He then underwent procedures on his left ankle and toe in May after being ineffective in the first-round series loss to Denver.
General manager Rod Higgins said Chandler will be in Charlotte for a physical later this week, but they're confident he'll be ready for the start of training camp.
For the Hornets, it immediately lowers their payroll would reduce luxury tax payments. Okafor is scheduled to make $10.5 million next season and Chandler $11.8 million. The Hornets entered the week with a payroll of about $78 million, triggering a dollar-for-dollar tax over the NBA's luxury tax threshold of $69.9 million.
But the Bobcats unload a much longer long-term commitment. Okafor still has five years left on a six-year, $72 million deal he signed last year. Chandler would make $12.7 million in a player option in 2010-11, the final season of his deal.
Bobcats owner Bob Johnson, who is looking to sell the team after losing millions of dollars, has ordered management not to reach the luxury tax threshold. Getting Okafor's big contract off the books will help achieve that goal in future seasons.
"Emeka is a great kid, but we all felt that with the way Tyson plays, with his quickness and his ability to handle the ball and his length, that was something that was very important to us," Brown said. "That was the overriding factor."
Monday, July 27, 2009
Nike giving back LeBron James dunk tapes
Nike says it is returning videotapes it confiscated of NBA star LeBron James getting dunked on at a recent basketball camp.
Nike said it is giving back tapes to two accredited journalists who filmed Xavier's Jordan Crawford dunking over James during a recent pickup game at a skills academy run by the superstar at the University of Akron. The sports apparel giant said only one of the tapes captured the infamous dunk, which has been an Internet sensation.
Nike said it took the tapes based on its media guidelines that no pickup games be filmed.
This week, videos emerged of Crawford's dunk in which he drove the lane and slammed over James, who was not guarding him and was the last defender between Crawford and the basket.
In its statement, Nike said it did not take the footage because James was dunked on.
"It was never about the play or the player, it was always about our media policy," Nike said. "The interest in the tapes has greatly overshadowed the focus of the camp, which is to help young athletes improve their skills, and that is regrettable. It was Nike's decision to take these tapes based on our media guidelines, which we will continue to enforce."
There was general disappointment in Crawford's dunk among online viewers when it began appearing on various Web sites in recent days. Crawford beat another defender down the lane and was able to gather himself before finishing over James, the current league MVP who has been subjected to worse treatment by his pro peers.
Nike said it is giving back tapes to two accredited journalists who filmed Xavier's Jordan Crawford dunking over James during a recent pickup game at a skills academy run by the superstar at the University of Akron. The sports apparel giant said only one of the tapes captured the infamous dunk, which has been an Internet sensation.
Nike said it took the tapes based on its media guidelines that no pickup games be filmed.
This week, videos emerged of Crawford's dunk in which he drove the lane and slammed over James, who was not guarding him and was the last defender between Crawford and the basket.
In its statement, Nike said it did not take the footage because James was dunked on.
"It was never about the play or the player, it was always about our media policy," Nike said. "The interest in the tapes has greatly overshadowed the focus of the camp, which is to help young athletes improve their skills, and that is regrettable. It was Nike's decision to take these tapes based on our media guidelines, which we will continue to enforce."
There was general disappointment in Crawford's dunk among online viewers when it began appearing on various Web sites in recent days. Crawford beat another defender down the lane and was able to gather himself before finishing over James, the current league MVP who has been subjected to worse treatment by his pro peers.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Agent: Pacers' Daniels will join Celtics
Former Indiana Pacers guard Marquis Daniels will play for the Boston Celtics next season.
Agent Glenn Schwartzman said on Saturday that his client has committed to go to Boston as a free agent or as part of a sign-and-trade deal with Indiana.
Schwartzman said both teams would prefer that the sign-and-trade works out, but the Celtics will use the biannual exception to sign Daniels if trade talks fizzle. Schwartzman wouldn't say which other players would be involved in a deal.
Yahoo! Sports first reported that Daniels would join the Celtics.
Daniels averaged a career-high 13.6 points last season, but Indiana chose not to pick up its $7.3 million team option on him last month. The Pacers said they only comment on official deals.
Agent Glenn Schwartzman said on Saturday that his client has committed to go to Boston as a free agent or as part of a sign-and-trade deal with Indiana.
Schwartzman said both teams would prefer that the sign-and-trade works out, but the Celtics will use the biannual exception to sign Daniels if trade talks fizzle. Schwartzman wouldn't say which other players would be involved in a deal.
Yahoo! Sports first reported that Daniels would join the Celtics.
Daniels averaged a career-high 13.6 points last season, but Indiana chose not to pick up its $7.3 million team option on him last month. The Pacers said they only comment on official deals.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Rockets' McGrady changing jersey number to No. 3
Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady will swap his No. 1 uniform number for No. 3.
McGrady's old number will go to new teammate Trevor Ariza, the Lakers forward who agreed to a multiyear deal with Houston on July 2.
McGrady wore No. 3 in high school. He is making the switch to promote his humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of the Sudan and a documentary on his summer 2007 visits to refugee camps in the region. The documentary, "3 Points," is set for release this fall. The title refers to goals of peace, protection and punishment.
McGrady has donated $75,000 to a humanitarian project in Darfur. He had microfracture surgery on his left knee in late February. Doctors say he needs up to 12 months to recover.
McGrady's old number will go to new teammate Trevor Ariza, the Lakers forward who agreed to a multiyear deal with Houston on July 2.
McGrady wore No. 3 in high school. He is making the switch to promote his humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of the Sudan and a documentary on his summer 2007 visits to refugee camps in the region. The documentary, "3 Points," is set for release this fall. The title refers to goals of peace, protection and punishment.
McGrady has donated $75,000 to a humanitarian project in Darfur. He had microfracture surgery on his left knee in late February. Doctors say he needs up to 12 months to recover.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Free agent McDyess chooses Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs landed free agent Antonio McDyess on Wednesday in another big offseason pickup for the aging NBA power that apparently isn't ready to fade away just yet.
McDyess, who despite being 34 was among the most sought players on the market this summer, reached a deal with the Spurs and is expected to sign later this week, team spokesman Cliff Puchalski said.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Spurs had their full midlevel exception, worth about $5.85 million this season, to offer the 6-foot-9 forward. McDyess spent the last five seasons with Detroit, which also officially lost Rasheed Wallace on Wednesday when the veteran signed with Boston.
The Spurs reportedly sought Wallace, too, but got what they were looking for in McDyess: a big and proven frontcourt presence alongside Tim Duncan. The Spurs have won four NBA championships in the Duncan era, but their star centerpiece will be 33 come next year's playoffs.
With their window for a fifth title shrinking, the Spurs began a busy offseason in June by trading for Milwaukee swingman Richard Jefferson in a four-player deal that pushed San Antonio into the luxury tax.
Between Jefferson and McDyess, the Spurs have added two former Olympians to their lineup after being ousted in the first round of the playoffs last season for the first time since 2000. Following that series, the Spurs candidly admitted to not packing the same firepower as Dallas.
McDyess averaged 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds in his 14th NBA season. His rebounding average last season was the third highest of his career.
The second overall pick in the 1995 draft, McDyess spent six seasons in Denver and also had stops in Phoenix and New York. He has never won an NBA title, going to Detroit the year after the Pistons won their last in 2004.
San Antonio also added a lesser-known big man Wednesday in Marcus Haislip, the former first-round pick who spent the past two years in Spain after fizzling in his first three NBA seasons. The 6-10 forward was picked 13th overall by Milwaukee in 2002 before going to Europe to work on his game.
The Spurs also brought back forward Malik Hairston, who played 15 games with the Spurs last season and spent much of the year in the NBA development league.
San Antonio needed size after dealing backups Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas in the Jefferson trade. The deal amounted to a salary dump for the Bucks, who wanted to shed the $29.2 million owed Jefferson over the next two seasons.
McDyess, who despite being 34 was among the most sought players on the market this summer, reached a deal with the Spurs and is expected to sign later this week, team spokesman Cliff Puchalski said.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Spurs had their full midlevel exception, worth about $5.85 million this season, to offer the 6-foot-9 forward. McDyess spent the last five seasons with Detroit, which also officially lost Rasheed Wallace on Wednesday when the veteran signed with Boston.
The Spurs reportedly sought Wallace, too, but got what they were looking for in McDyess: a big and proven frontcourt presence alongside Tim Duncan. The Spurs have won four NBA championships in the Duncan era, but their star centerpiece will be 33 come next year's playoffs.
With their window for a fifth title shrinking, the Spurs began a busy offseason in June by trading for Milwaukee swingman Richard Jefferson in a four-player deal that pushed San Antonio into the luxury tax.
Between Jefferson and McDyess, the Spurs have added two former Olympians to their lineup after being ousted in the first round of the playoffs last season for the first time since 2000. Following that series, the Spurs candidly admitted to not packing the same firepower as Dallas.
McDyess averaged 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds in his 14th NBA season. His rebounding average last season was the third highest of his career.
The second overall pick in the 1995 draft, McDyess spent six seasons in Denver and also had stops in Phoenix and New York. He has never won an NBA title, going to Detroit the year after the Pistons won their last in 2004.
San Antonio also added a lesser-known big man Wednesday in Marcus Haislip, the former first-round pick who spent the past two years in Spain after fizzling in his first three NBA seasons. The 6-10 forward was picked 13th overall by Milwaukee in 2002 before going to Europe to work on his game.
The Spurs also brought back forward Malik Hairston, who played 15 games with the Spurs last season and spent much of the year in the NBA development league.
San Antonio needed size after dealing backups Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas in the Jefferson trade. The deal amounted to a salary dump for the Bucks, who wanted to shed the $29.2 million owed Jefferson over the next two seasons.
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