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- Nov 28, 2004
still hurt about the Bulls loss
Offical 2009-10 NBA Season Thread
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by mateen cleaves,
- Start date
JD617 wrote:
League rescinds 1 Wallace technical
As A. Sherrod Blakely reported at CSNNE and NBA spokesman Tim Frank confirmed, the league took back one of the 10 technical fouls Rasheed Wallace had racked up in just 26 games this season.
NBA official Bennett Salvatore made good on his word and rescinded a tech he issued to Wallace during a Nov. 29 win in Miami. Wallace was hit with a T for yelling "And one!" after a made basket.
Wallace now has nine technicals. Should he reach 16, he would face a suspension for every other technical foul. Teammates have already expressed their concern, especially considering Wallace was on pace to reach that number by Jan. 11.
Stole this from the Celtics thread......
At what point do teams/players start tryin to piss Sheed off on purpose?He's gonna get to 14, 15 in March and teams gonna straight kick dude in the shins to make him mad.
http:// [h3][/h3]
http:// [h3]Yi to start?[/h3]
10:23AM ET
[h5]Yi Jianlian | Nets[/h5]
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Yi Jianlian should play Wednesday. He has been out since Nov. 2 while recovering from a sprained knee. He was a starter when he got hurt and he may reclaim that position.
"Obviously, he hasn't played in six, seven weeks, so it takes more than one or two practices to be ready," Kiki Vandeweghe told the New York Daily News. "But I know he wants to play very badly. I have no problem with him starting or coming off the bench. It's a judgment on how ready he is and how he looks and matchups."
http:// [h3]No moves coming for the Wolves?[/h3]
10:15AM ET
[h5]Minnesota Timberwolves[/h5]
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Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations David Kahn has no plans to make deals for a quick-fix. At this time he doesn't think he'll make a trade by the February 18 deadline.
"I haven't made one trade call since we started the regular season," Kahn told the Pioneer Press Monday. "I really feel the players we have deserve to be evaluated on a season-long basis. I would be content if we don't make a move."
http:// [h3]Jaric to Real Madrid?[/h3]
9:51AM ET
[h5]Marko Jaric | Grizzlies[/h5]
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Marca.com via Talkbasket.com is reporting that Marko Jaric has agreed to sign with Real Madrid.
Jaric is still under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies through the 2010-11 season. A buyout will need to be done with Memphis before he can sign with the Spanish Club.
http:// [h3]Griz to sign Wafer today[/h3]
9:40AM ET
[h5]Memphis Grizzlies[/h5]
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The Commercial-Appeal reports shooting guard Von Wafer went through his physical yesterday and he's expected to sign a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies today.
Wafer recently agreed to a buyout with Olympiakos. Last season he played for the Houston Rockets.
http:// [h3]Spoelstra defends Wade[/h3]
9:37AM ET
[h5]Dwyane Wade | Heat[/h5]
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During a national conference call Monday, ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy reiterated his opinion that Dwyane Wade takes his time getting back on defense.
"That wasn't a one-game thing for him in transition," Van Gundy told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I think it's something that's crept in over the past few years, that happens more than it should. And I think it could be corrected by him if he chooses to and I hope he does."
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra disagrees with Van Gundy.
"I don't think Jeff's comments are accurate," Spoelstra said. "What happens a lot of times is Dwyane attacks. He goes to the rim. In many instances, he's going to be last guy back, after some kind of layup attempt or dunk attempt at the rim."
The Heat play the Knicks Friday and the game is on ESPN.
http:// [h3]Howard better than Mourning?[/h3]
9:35AM ET
[h5]Dwight Howard | Magic[/h5]
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Stan Van Gundy has coached some excellent interior defenders, including Alonzo Mourning and P.J. Brown. Van Gundy says Dwight Howard is on a different level than both of them.
"He's a better pick-and-roll defender, probably, than Alonzo was and a better shot-blocker than P.J. was," Van Gundy told the Orlando Sentinel. "There's just not much he can't do defensively. I think as a big guy he's as good as anybody I've been around."
http:// [h3]Fisher has no plans to retire[/h3]
9:20AM ET
[h5]Derek Fisher | Lakers[/h5]
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Lakers point guard Derek Fisher was asked about his plans for the future during a chat yesterday on ESPNLosAngeles.com.
Fisher replied: "The plan is to get another contract at this point. I don't have any plans to retire at the end of this season. The plan is to continue to work hard, stay healthy, help the team accomplish the goal of winning the championship. Kind of let the chips fall where they may in terms of finding another job. I'll have to go through that process of contract negotiations, which is a natural part of our business."
http:// [h3]Physical to complete Gasol's deal[/h3]
8:57AM ET
[h5]Pau Gasol | Lakers[/h5]
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Pau Gasol has agreed to a three-year contract extension. Gasol said Monday that he still needs to take a physical to get the deal completed.
"Once it's done and signed and finalized, I'll be extremely happy and thankful once again," Gasol told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm definitely in a good place and I'm excited about it."
http:// [h3]Important day for Griffin[/h3]
8:54AM ET
[h5]Blake Griffin | Clippers[/h5]
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Blake Griffin has been out all season due to a stress fracture of his left kneecap. He will have tests today which will determine his timetable.
"We expect that tests to be very positive, for him to get the OK to put weight on his knee and ultimately putting full weight on it in practice," Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy told the Los Angeles Times.
The Clippers hope Griffin will be able to play in mid-January.
http:// [h3]Kobe's finger still hurting[/h3]
8:48AM ET
[h5]Kobe Bryant | Lakers[/h5]
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Kobe Bryant, despite a fractured index finger, was named the Western Conference player of the week on Monday.
Bryant said the hand "will probably bother me for a month or so."
As for making adjustments to compensate for the injury, Bryant told the Los Angeles Times: "I have to protect it a lot more, particularly on defense. Offensively, handling the ball is still a little bit of an issue, shooting sometimes."
http:// [h3]Billups won't rush back[/h3]
8:24AM ET
[h5]Chauncey Billups | Nuggets[/h5]
Top Email
Chauncey Billups has missed the last two games with a strained groin. He wants to play Wednesday, but he won't rush back if he's not healthy.
"I'm definitely going to be smart with it," Billups told The Denver Post. "I'm definitely going to listen to my body on this, and nothing else. But if I'm ready to play, I'm going to play. But I don't want this to hamper me any longer than it's supposed to. So I'm going to be careful with how I handle getting back out there."
http:// [h3]Old Tony Parker returns[/h3]
7:59AM ET
[h5]Tony Parker | Spurs[/h5]
Top Email
Tony Parker tried to be a pass-first point guard in the last few but he struggled. On Monday he decided to go back to attacking the rim.
"At the end of the day I just have be myself and be aggressive," Parker told the San Antonio Express-News. "The last few games I was trying to pass. Then the coach tells me, no, you have to be aggressive. So it's back like my rookie year: No, pass ... no, shoot."
"It's always better to be yourself when you play, so I'm definitely going to be more aggressive and you're going to be seeing more of the old Tony Parker now."
http:// [h3]Rockets must stay strong[/h3]
7:51AM ET
[h5]Shane Battier | Rockets[/h5]
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Shane Battier gathered his teammates after practice Monday and according to the Houston Chronicle, delivered a message of staying strong and focused.
"I was taught as a young guy that there are four times during the year when teams are soft, mentally soft," Battier said. "One is at the start of the year, when you're not battle-tested. The next is during the holidays -- you're worried about Christmas shopping, the in-laws coming in town, roasting the turkey ... your mind isn't on basketball.
"Right before the All-Star break, you're thinking about the All-Star break, and right after the All-Star break, your mind is still on the All-Star break. ... We've done well up to this point because we've been mentally tough and haven't allowed ourselves to become soft. We have to focus in these next two weeks."
http:// [h3]Marks' return getting closer?[/h3]
7:33AM ET
[h5]Sean Marks | Hornets[/h5]
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Hornets forward Sean Marks has been sidelined with a right shoulder injury. He practiced fully for the first time Monday since the injury was diagnosed several weeks ago.
"I expect the same thing (Tuesday)," Jeff Bower told The Times-Picayune. "Then we'll see how he feels after. If he's medically cleared (to play again), then it will turn into a coaching decision."
http:// [h3]Pendergraph in, Mills next?[/h3]
7:19AM ET
[h5]Portland Trail Blazers[/h5]
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Blazers rookie Jeff Pendergraph was on the activate roster for the first time Saturday afer recovering from hip surgery.
Patrick Mills, another rookie, fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in July. He began practicing Monday, but he's still not ready to play.
"I think he's a ways away from suiting up," McMillan told The Oregonian.
http:// [h3]Williams returns to starting lineup[/h3]
6:50AM ET
[h5]Lou Williams | 76ers[/h5]
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Lou Williams will be back in the 76ers starting lineup tonight. He came off the bench Saturday in his return from a broken jaw.
"I hate to sit a guy like Lou Williams who [prior to injury], the last six games or five games, was averaging over 25 points a game," 76ers head coach Eddie Jordan told the Philadelphia Daily News. "He didn't lose his job because of not performing. He wanted to come back. That's a good thing."
http:// [h3]Pierce married to Rivers' system?[/h3]
6:28AM ET
[h5]Paul Pierce | Celtics[/h5]
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Paul Pierce says it took some time to get used to Doc Rivers and his offense system, but now everything is good. In fact, Pierce says it feels like he's married to Rivers' system.
"I'd definitely say that I'm married to the system," Pierce told the Boston Herald. "It started out rocky and we had our ups and downs, like most relationships, but we were able to ride it out for the good and bad. Early years, it was tough, I was close to divorce. Didn't have my prenup in place. So I had to think twice. It's cheaper to keep her.
"It's about learning each other, and it was the same thing with Doc's system," Pierce added. "In the beginning I was just learning, and now I know exactly what he wants."
http:// [h3]Heat lacking mental toughness?[/h3]
5:47AM ET
[h5]Miami Heat[/h5]
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Heat president Pat Riley believes the team has enough talent to be a top four seed. So what's the reason for their inability to win close games? Riley says the team is lacking mental toughness.
"What I think the team lacks, a little bit, is mental toughness. A real mental toughness," Riley told The Miami Herald Monday. "Most of the teams in the NBA find those moments that are a blip on the radar screen, where everything looks like it's going down the drain, and it's [about] developing this mental toughness every night."
http:// [h3]Foye to start?[/h3]
5:32AM ET
[h5]Randy Foye | Wizards[/h5]
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Randy Foye wasn't sure why he lost his spot in the rotation, but he may not have to think about it anymore.
Wizards head coach Flip Saunders announced Monday that DeShawn Stevenson will be moved to the bench and either Foye or Nick Young will start in the backcourt with Gilbert Arenas.
"It definitely was a difficult situation, because that never happened to me before, coming in for four minutes and being taken out -- even if you make a shot. It was tough for me," Foye told The Washington Post. "But I just stayed positive, just spoke to my family. Biggest thing was don't lose my work ethic. A lot of people -- in my time since I've been in the league -- when something like this happens, they lose their work ethic and when they're put back in a situation where they are able to play, they are not ready or their conditioning isn't there. That's one of the things I try not to do."
http:// [h3]Martin could return in early January[/h3]
4:51AM ET
[h5]Kevin Martin | Kings[/h5]
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Kevin Martin will have a CT scan on his left wrist December 30 and he could return shortly after if there are no issues.
"I'll know more after that," Martin told The Sacramento Bee. "It could be early January."
Martin has been shooting for about two weeks and began dribbling drills with both hands.
http:// [h3]Deng playing with fractured thumb[/h3]
4:42AM ET
[h5]Luol Deng | Bulls[/h5]
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The Bulls disclosed Monday that Luol Deng has been playing for more than a week with a tiny fracture near the tip of his left thumb. He injured the thumb at practice and is wearing tape to protect it.
Even though it's on his non-shooting hand, it's causing considerable pain.
"It hurts a lot," Deng told the Chicago Tribune. "It affects me a little when I dribble and drive, but I want to play through it."
[h3]Gordon not getting enough calls?[/h3]
11:57AM ET
[h5]Eric Gordon | Clippers[/h5]
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After another loss to the Spurs in San Antonio last night -- their 14th straight -- Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy sounded off about what he perceives as several non-calls going against his starting shooting guard Eric Gordon.
"It's amazing how he never get calls," Dunleavy said of Gordon to the Los Angeles Times. "I don't know whether he's got to be the squeaky wheel and start getting Ts and cursing people out. It's amazing to me how a guy, who is a really good guy, who is a really good player, he doesn't get calls.
"You're not asking for the so-called superstar calls where you bail guys out. You're asking for legit calls."
Perhaps Dunleavy's suggestion is right: for as terrific as Gordon can be on the basketball court with his shot and ability to get the rim with his strength, his nice-guy demeanor is likely doing little to swing some calls in his favor.
http:// [h3]Villanueva's nagging injury[/h3]
11:25AM ET
[h5]Charlie Villanueva | Pistons[/h5]
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Besides his recently broken nose, Charlie Villanueva has also been battling through another injury: plantar fascitis in his right foot.
"It's frustrating because (there's) a sharp pain every step I make," he told NBA.com. "Can't really move out there, I'm very limited. Every step I take I'm feeling a little bit of pain."
From that description -- and knowing that plantar fascitis is rarely an injury that goes away unless you rest -- it's likely that Villanueva may miss extended time this season, and the Pistons will be lacking his scoring punch of 15.7 points off the bench.
http:// [h3]Del Negro back on hot seat?[/h3]
11:14AM ET
[h5]Vinny Del Negro | Bulls[/h5]
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There are demoralizing losses. And then there's what happened last night in Chicago, as the Bulls blew a 35-point lead in the second half to the Kings, good for the second-worst collapse in NBA history.
So, Vinny Del Negro, who's hot seat has cooled off recently, has to be feeling the heat again, no?
Ken Berger of CBS Sports thinks so.
"Rather than push the panic button too early and send the surrender message to the players, GM Gar Forman and advisor John Paxson were telling confidants that they preferred to give Del Negro until mid-January to prove this season was going somewhere," he writes. "This season went somewhere Monday night, all right. Somewhere really, really bad -- a point of no return for Del Negro.
"It's not advisable to change coaches in the air on the way to the second night of a back-to-back, with no practice time in between. In this case, it's hard to argue the alternative is any better."
Remember: the Bulls fired two previous coaches -- Scott Skiles and Tim Floyd -- on Christmas Eve. Is Del Negro next?
http:// [h3]Who's next for Bulls?[/h3]
11:12AM ET
[h5]Vinny Del Negro | Bulls[/h5]
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If Vinny Del Negro is indeed back on the hot seat and might soon be fired by the Bulls after last night's 35-point collapse against the Kings, who's his replacement?
Well, assistant Bernie Bickerstaff is the likely interim coach. Recently fired Lawrence Frank's name has also been bandied about.
But what about vice president of basketball operations John Paxson? Ken Berger of CBS Sports makes the case.
"Firing the chef and appointing the guy who bought the groceries is the new fad in the NBA," he writes. "Why not the Bulls? Why not Paxson, who relinquished the day-to-day GM duties to Forman last summer?
"'I doubt it very much," said a person familiar with the Bulls' situation, citing how Paxson's relationships with certain players are frayed. But at least he has relationships with certain players. How can Del Negro command respect in the huddle -- and vice versa, frankly -- after what happened to this team Monday night?"
http:// [h3]Injury making room for T-Mac?[/h3]
10:46AM ET
[h5]Tracy McGrady | Rockets[/h5]
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Houston rookie Chase Budinger will be sidelined two weeks with a sprained ankle.
So does that mean Tracy McGrady, who's only played 30 minutes combined in four games this season, might see an uptick in minutes?
Maybe. For at least the next two games, don't count on it.
"His schedule in the next two games won't change much," coach Rick Adelman told the Houston Chronicle. "We'll stick with that. We have enough people who can play."
http:// [h3]Buyout coming for Robinson?[/h3]
10:37AM ET
[h5]Nate Robinson | Knicks[/h5]
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We told you yesterday that Nate Robinson is seeking a trade to a contender such as Boston. If that doesn't happen, he may ask for a buyout with the team.
But are the Knicks willing to buy him out? Yes, they are.
According to the New York Post, Knicks president Donnie Walsh is open to the idea of a buyout.
"I don't know. We'll have to talk about it, OK, what is it [the number]," Walsh said to the paper about a buyout.
If the team and Robinson's agent can agree on a dollar amount that works for both parties, this may be the route to go, seeing as Robinson isn't the easiest piece to trade.
[h5]Chris Sheridan[/h5]
Robinson seeking spot with contender or a buyout
http:// [h3]Yi to start?[/h3]
10:23AM ET
[h5]Yi Jianlian | Nets[/h5]
Top Email
Yi Jianlian should play Wednesday. He has been out since Nov. 2 while recovering from a sprained knee. He was a starter when he got hurt and he may reclaim that position.
"Obviously, he hasn't played in six, seven weeks, so it takes more than one or two practices to be ready," Kiki Vandeweghe told the New York Daily News. "But I know he wants to play very badly. I have no problem with him starting or coming off the bench. It's a judgment on how ready he is and how he looks and matchups."
http:// [h3]No moves coming for the Wolves?[/h3]
10:15AM ET
[h5]Minnesota Timberwolves[/h5]
Top Email
Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations David Kahn has no plans to make deals for a quick-fix. At this time he doesn't think he'll make a trade by the February 18 deadline.
"I haven't made one trade call since we started the regular season," Kahn told the Pioneer Press Monday. "I really feel the players we have deserve to be evaluated on a season-long basis. I would be content if we don't make a move."
http:// [h3]Jaric to Real Madrid?[/h3]
9:51AM ET
[h5]Marko Jaric | Grizzlies[/h5]
Top Email
Marca.com via Talkbasket.com is reporting that Marko Jaric has agreed to sign with Real Madrid.
Jaric is still under contract with the Memphis Grizzlies through the 2010-11 season. A buyout will need to be done with Memphis before he can sign with the Spanish Club.
http:// [h3]Griz to sign Wafer today[/h3]
9:40AM ET
[h5]Memphis Grizzlies[/h5]
Top Email
The Commercial-Appeal reports shooting guard Von Wafer went through his physical yesterday and he's expected to sign a contract with the Memphis Grizzlies today.
Wafer recently agreed to a buyout with Olympiakos. Last season he played for the Houston Rockets.
http:// [h3]Spoelstra defends Wade[/h3]
9:37AM ET
[h5]Dwyane Wade | Heat[/h5]
Top Email
During a national conference call Monday, ESPN analyst Jeff Van Gundy reiterated his opinion that Dwyane Wade takes his time getting back on defense.
"That wasn't a one-game thing for him in transition," Van Gundy told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I think it's something that's crept in over the past few years, that happens more than it should. And I think it could be corrected by him if he chooses to and I hope he does."
Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra disagrees with Van Gundy.
"I don't think Jeff's comments are accurate," Spoelstra said. "What happens a lot of times is Dwyane attacks. He goes to the rim. In many instances, he's going to be last guy back, after some kind of layup attempt or dunk attempt at the rim."
The Heat play the Knicks Friday and the game is on ESPN.
http:// [h3]Howard better than Mourning?[/h3]
9:35AM ET
[h5]Dwight Howard | Magic[/h5]
Top Email
Stan Van Gundy has coached some excellent interior defenders, including Alonzo Mourning and P.J. Brown. Van Gundy says Dwight Howard is on a different level than both of them.
"He's a better pick-and-roll defender, probably, than Alonzo was and a better shot-blocker than P.J. was," Van Gundy told the Orlando Sentinel. "There's just not much he can't do defensively. I think as a big guy he's as good as anybody I've been around."
http:// [h3]Fisher has no plans to retire[/h3]
9:20AM ET
[h5]Derek Fisher | Lakers[/h5]
Top Email
Lakers point guard Derek Fisher was asked about his plans for the future during a chat yesterday on ESPNLosAngeles.com.
Fisher replied: "The plan is to get another contract at this point. I don't have any plans to retire at the end of this season. The plan is to continue to work hard, stay healthy, help the team accomplish the goal of winning the championship. Kind of let the chips fall where they may in terms of finding another job. I'll have to go through that process of contract negotiations, which is a natural part of our business."
http:// [h3]Physical to complete Gasol's deal[/h3]
8:57AM ET
[h5]Pau Gasol | Lakers[/h5]
Top Email
Pau Gasol has agreed to a three-year contract extension. Gasol said Monday that he still needs to take a physical to get the deal completed.
"Once it's done and signed and finalized, I'll be extremely happy and thankful once again," Gasol told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm definitely in a good place and I'm excited about it."
http:// [h3]Important day for Griffin[/h3]
8:54AM ET
[h5]Blake Griffin | Clippers[/h5]
Top Email
Blake Griffin has been out all season due to a stress fracture of his left kneecap. He will have tests today which will determine his timetable.
"We expect that tests to be very positive, for him to get the OK to put weight on his knee and ultimately putting full weight on it in practice," Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy told the Los Angeles Times.
The Clippers hope Griffin will be able to play in mid-January.
http:// [h3]Kobe's finger still hurting[/h3]
8:48AM ET
[h5]Kobe Bryant | Lakers[/h5]
Top Email
Kobe Bryant, despite a fractured index finger, was named the Western Conference player of the week on Monday.
Bryant said the hand "will probably bother me for a month or so."
As for making adjustments to compensate for the injury, Bryant told the Los Angeles Times: "I have to protect it a lot more, particularly on defense. Offensively, handling the ball is still a little bit of an issue, shooting sometimes."
http:// [h3]Billups won't rush back[/h3]
8:24AM ET
[h5]Chauncey Billups | Nuggets[/h5]
Top Email
Chauncey Billups has missed the last two games with a strained groin. He wants to play Wednesday, but he won't rush back if he's not healthy.
"I'm definitely going to be smart with it," Billups told The Denver Post. "I'm definitely going to listen to my body on this, and nothing else. But if I'm ready to play, I'm going to play. But I don't want this to hamper me any longer than it's supposed to. So I'm going to be careful with how I handle getting back out there."
http:// [h3]Old Tony Parker returns[/h3]
7:59AM ET
[h5]Tony Parker | Spurs[/h5]
Top Email
Tony Parker tried to be a pass-first point guard in the last few but he struggled. On Monday he decided to go back to attacking the rim.
"At the end of the day I just have be myself and be aggressive," Parker told the San Antonio Express-News. "The last few games I was trying to pass. Then the coach tells me, no, you have to be aggressive. So it's back like my rookie year: No, pass ... no, shoot."
"It's always better to be yourself when you play, so I'm definitely going to be more aggressive and you're going to be seeing more of the old Tony Parker now."
http:// [h3]Rockets must stay strong[/h3]
7:51AM ET
[h5]Shane Battier | Rockets[/h5]
Top Email
Shane Battier gathered his teammates after practice Monday and according to the Houston Chronicle, delivered a message of staying strong and focused.
"I was taught as a young guy that there are four times during the year when teams are soft, mentally soft," Battier said. "One is at the start of the year, when you're not battle-tested. The next is during the holidays -- you're worried about Christmas shopping, the in-laws coming in town, roasting the turkey ... your mind isn't on basketball.
"Right before the All-Star break, you're thinking about the All-Star break, and right after the All-Star break, your mind is still on the All-Star break. ... We've done well up to this point because we've been mentally tough and haven't allowed ourselves to become soft. We have to focus in these next two weeks."
http:// [h3]Marks' return getting closer?[/h3]
7:33AM ET
[h5]Sean Marks | Hornets[/h5]
Top Email
Hornets forward Sean Marks has been sidelined with a right shoulder injury. He practiced fully for the first time Monday since the injury was diagnosed several weeks ago.
"I expect the same thing (Tuesday)," Jeff Bower told The Times-Picayune. "Then we'll see how he feels after. If he's medically cleared (to play again), then it will turn into a coaching decision."
http:// [h3]Pendergraph in, Mills next?[/h3]
7:19AM ET
[h5]Portland Trail Blazers[/h5]
Top Email
Blazers rookie Jeff Pendergraph was on the activate roster for the first time Saturday afer recovering from hip surgery.
Patrick Mills, another rookie, fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot in July. He began practicing Monday, but he's still not ready to play.
"I think he's a ways away from suiting up," McMillan told The Oregonian.
http:// [h3]Williams returns to starting lineup[/h3]
6:50AM ET
[h5]Lou Williams | 76ers[/h5]
Top Email
Lou Williams will be back in the 76ers starting lineup tonight. He came off the bench Saturday in his return from a broken jaw.
"I hate to sit a guy like Lou Williams who [prior to injury], the last six games or five games, was averaging over 25 points a game," 76ers head coach Eddie Jordan told the Philadelphia Daily News. "He didn't lose his job because of not performing. He wanted to come back. That's a good thing."
http:// [h3]Pierce married to Rivers' system?[/h3]
6:28AM ET
[h5]Paul Pierce | Celtics[/h5]
Top Email
Paul Pierce says it took some time to get used to Doc Rivers and his offense system, but now everything is good. In fact, Pierce says it feels like he's married to Rivers' system.
"I'd definitely say that I'm married to the system," Pierce told the Boston Herald. "It started out rocky and we had our ups and downs, like most relationships, but we were able to ride it out for the good and bad. Early years, it was tough, I was close to divorce. Didn't have my prenup in place. So I had to think twice. It's cheaper to keep her.
"It's about learning each other, and it was the same thing with Doc's system," Pierce added. "In the beginning I was just learning, and now I know exactly what he wants."
http:// [h3]Heat lacking mental toughness?[/h3]
5:47AM ET
[h5]Miami Heat[/h5]
Top Email
Heat president Pat Riley believes the team has enough talent to be a top four seed. So what's the reason for their inability to win close games? Riley says the team is lacking mental toughness.
"What I think the team lacks, a little bit, is mental toughness. A real mental toughness," Riley told The Miami Herald Monday. "Most of the teams in the NBA find those moments that are a blip on the radar screen, where everything looks like it's going down the drain, and it's [about] developing this mental toughness every night."
http:// [h3]Foye to start?[/h3]
5:32AM ET
[h5]Randy Foye | Wizards[/h5]
Top Email
Randy Foye wasn't sure why he lost his spot in the rotation, but he may not have to think about it anymore.
Wizards head coach Flip Saunders announced Monday that DeShawn Stevenson will be moved to the bench and either Foye or Nick Young will start in the backcourt with Gilbert Arenas.
"It definitely was a difficult situation, because that never happened to me before, coming in for four minutes and being taken out -- even if you make a shot. It was tough for me," Foye told The Washington Post. "But I just stayed positive, just spoke to my family. Biggest thing was don't lose my work ethic. A lot of people -- in my time since I've been in the league -- when something like this happens, they lose their work ethic and when they're put back in a situation where they are able to play, they are not ready or their conditioning isn't there. That's one of the things I try not to do."
http:// [h3]Martin could return in early January[/h3]
4:51AM ET
[h5]Kevin Martin | Kings[/h5]
Top Email
Kevin Martin will have a CT scan on his left wrist December 30 and he could return shortly after if there are no issues.
"I'll know more after that," Martin told The Sacramento Bee. "It could be early January."
Martin has been shooting for about two weeks and began dribbling drills with both hands.
http:// [h3]Deng playing with fractured thumb[/h3]
4:42AM ET
[h5]Luol Deng | Bulls[/h5]
Top Email
The Bulls disclosed Monday that Luol Deng has been playing for more than a week with a tiny fracture near the tip of his left thumb. He injured the thumb at practice and is wearing tape to protect it.
Even though it's on his non-shooting hand, it's causing considerable pain.
"It hurts a lot," Deng told the Chicago Tribune. "It affects me a little when I dribble and drive, but I want to play through it."
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Perk isn't far behind Sheed. He got one the other night with the Celtics up by about 20.
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Since Wafer already went through his physical, he should be able to play tonight if his contract is signed before the game. It would be a perfect game for himto come into playing an uptempo team.
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My son 'Reke
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Amary is so soft, it sickens me. I caught the strart of the game with CHANNING FRYE guarding Shaq.Stat wants to be in the all star game as a center, but when a true center comes to town, he guards the power forward.@#$%^ &^% worthless soft @#$ bum. And then he stands there like Nash as Bron dunks all over his face.How people continue to root for the Suns is beyond me.
so your best offense player should guard shaq and get in foul trouble quick?
i swear you just hate to hate 99% of the time
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Is a Sean Marks update really necessary?
Originally Posted by Bigmike23
Amary is so soft, it sickens me. I caught the strart of the game with CHANNING FRYE guarding Shaq.Stat wants to be in the all star game as a center, but when a true center comes to town, he guards the power forward.@#$%^ &^% worthless soft @#$ bum. And then he stands there like Nash as Bron dunks all over his face.How people continue to root for the Suns is beyond me.
so your best offense player should guard shaq and get in foul trouble quick?
i swear you just hate to hate 99% of the time
Here you go again. Everything I say is hate, and never any truth to it all. So the Cavs got Shaq, but they don't wanna get him in foultrouble, so he's gonna guard Rashard Lewis instead of D12? Right? And the Lakers don't want Gasol to get in foul trouble, so we'll put him onPerkins instead of KG, right?
Does that sound about right to you?
And what is your excuse for Stat standing there 7 feet tall and not even leaving his feet to even attempt a block on Bron? He didn't want to get hurt? Hegot their too late? Bron is too good? Stat isn't tall enough? What else you got? What other excuses you wanna make up for him?
How the @#$% is any of this hate? I'm asking why Stat played like a girl and can't defend his own position.
D12 is Orlando's best offensive big man, don't want him to get in foul trouble, we'll have him guard Anderson Varejao. That's how Mike doesit.
Hate got nothin to do with what I asked, not one bit.
Chris Paul's our best offensive player, don't want him to guard Deron and get fouls all day. We'll have him guard AK47.
Now look, I know there is cross matching thru a game, no doubt about that. For stretches, sure I get. But to start a game, you're going to put a bum tinyguy on Shaq and hope that works for the best? You're tellin me that's a good plan? What I didn't finish with in my oreiginal post is Shaq shouldbe ASHAMED of himself for not dunking Frye thru the rim. Shaq should be embarrassed about how he just played. So if Shaq couldn't do work on ChanningFrye, why should Amary be worried about defending him? Why couldn't the STARTING CENTER for the West all star game defend his own position?
Please Mike, enlighten me. I just hate, I don't know anything, so please, teach me with your wisdom so I can learn and be just as bright as you are.
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you act like this is the first time a NBA team didn't let there post player guard the other one. it happens all the time to keep your post player out oftrouble
go watch when top big man go up against each other and see how often they guard each other. VERY FEW if any
just like how TD never use to guard shaq still the 4th QTR. TO KEEP HIM OUT OF FOUL TROUBLE
go watch when top big man go up against each other and see how often they guard each other. VERY FEW if any
just like how TD never use to guard shaq still the 4th QTR. TO KEEP HIM OUT OF FOUL TROUBLE
its funny you say that because if you watch the playoffs last year he was on him.
And D12 would play Andy last year cuz Z would pull him outside, this year Dwight won't be guarding Andy, he'll be in the post with Shaq. Bigdifference there.
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People need to chill on the Shaq bashing. Whoever thinks the trade was dumb is beyond a moron. The only reason he was brought in was to contain D-12. So far, he's 1 for 1 and completely took him out of his game. If he continues to do so, i will be more than happy.
cavs fan said this in the cavs VS suns thread
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Yo! Don't forget about the day after Xmas game between the Lakers and Kings at Arco! Haha. First time I will be at Arco this year! Chea!Originally Posted by CP1708
I expect at around 10:00 tomorrow night after the Cavs finish off the Kings, about 15 people will make the Lakers v Cavs thread, and countdown to the end of NT will begin with that ticking clock 24 style.
It ain't gonna be a merry Christmas for one fan base.
But yeah, Kings need to take care of the Cavs somehow. Arco FTW!
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I couldn't help but smile inside when I saw dude smiling like that last night.
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What did Delonte say in that clip?
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"I love this game"
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You mean,
I LuH Diz Gaym!
http:// [h3][/h3]
http:// [h3]Martin an option for Wolves?[/h3]
3:24PM ET
[h5]Kevin Martin | Kings[/h5]
Top Email
It's an idea that's been brought to the table before, but with Tyreke Evans willing the Kings to a huge 35-point comeback win against the Bulls last night, it bears repeating: Is Kevin Martin expendable now that Evans has shown some terrific scoring prowess -- 20.1 ppg -- as a rookie in Martin's absence?
In his chat today, ESPN's Chad Ford discusses a potential mutually beneficial trade deal for the Kings and Timberwolves that involves Martin.
[h5]Chad Ford[/h5]
Kings could get true point guard with Martin as trade bait
http:// [h3]James-Wade a real possibilty?[/h3]
2:07PM ET
[h5]Dwyane Wade | Heat[/h5]
Top Email
The Heat are in the unique position this offseason to not only re-sign Dwyane Wade, but also land a top-name free agent.
There is talk of Wade recruiting the likes of a Chris Bosh or even LeBron James to come down to Miami for the chance at a title and to enjoy sunshine and warm weather year round.
And according to New York Post, Wade and James have already discussed playing together, and plan to again after the season.
"Before we agreed to terms, LeBron and I had a couple conversations," Wade told the paper. "I can't recall exactly what we said, but the gist of it was we wanted to give ourselves the flexibility and the option to play together ...
"When the season is over, we plan to sit down and talk about it. I'm not saying it will happen. But I'm intrigued by the idea.
"I probably couldn't have handled playing with someone like LeBron earlier in my career, but I'm older now. You're talking about two big egos and meshing them. That'd take a lot of sacrifice on LeBron's part and it'd take a lot of sacrifice on my part to succeed. But we would succeed because we know winning takes care of everything."
This is a pretty candid quote from Wade, one that certainly shows that James and Wade in Miami next season is no fantasy. Both players appear to be more than willing to consider it.
If it happens, the whole league better watch out.
[h5]Chris Broussard[/h5]
Wade-James pairing is a possbility, but not likely
http:// [h3]O'Neal's off-court impact[/h3]
1:00PM ET
[h5]Shaquille O'Neal | Cavaliers[/h5]
Top Email
There's been plenty of talk about Shaquille O'Neal's on-court impact in his first season with the Cavs.
For as many detractors who are convinced all Shaq is doing is clogging the lane, there isn't a ton of evidence to support that. Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer came to Shaq's defense on that earlier this month.
And in the latest issue of ESPN the Magazine, the Mag's Chris Broussard draws similar conclusions: Shaq is having a positive impact for the Cavs on both ends of the court.
But off the court, Broussard notes LeBron remarked that Shaq "takes some of the press off me and allows me to chill sometimes."
In a year where the free agency questions are coming all day, every day, that's a good thing.
[h5]Chris Broussard[/h5]
Shaq's better at defending pick-and-roll
http:// [h3]James' star treatment[/h3]
12:18PM ET
[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers[/h5]
Top Email
One of the common gripes against LeBron James -- besides his ability to get foul calls against him -- is his ability to never commit any defensive fouls himself. Or rather, as some call it: the refs swallowing the whistle against a star player fans have paid to see. Last year, he was averaging an incredibly low foul rate.
So it's not surprising to read this note in today's Arizona Republic after the Suns-Cavs game last night.
"A rare NBA treat happened late in the second quarter Monday night," writes Paul Coro. "For the first time in four Suns-Cavaliers games, LeBron James was called for a defensive foul. He fouled Jason Richardson under the basket in the final minute of the first half, only to get another foul three minutes into the second half against Amar'e Stoudemire. James also had banged Richardson in transition with no call in the first quarter. James is a good defender, but nobody is good enough to go 130 minutes without a foul."
[h3]Cleveland's options[/h3]
3:52PM ET
[h5]Cleveland Cavaliers[/h5]
Top Email
As trading season starts to heat up in the NBA, the Cavs are one team that might look to bring in a new component to try and combat the likes of the Magic, Hawks and Celtics in the East.
So whom might they go after? In his chat today, ESPN's Chad Ford touches on some names that are on the rumored trading block: Anthony Randolph, Antawn Jamison and perhaps the best option for now: Troy Murphy.
[h5]Chad Ford[/h5]
Cavs options could be limited because they only offer cap relief
http:// [h3]Martin an option for Wolves?[/h3]
3:24PM ET
[h5]Kevin Martin | Kings[/h5]
Top Email
It's an idea that's been brought to the table before, but with Tyreke Evans willing the Kings to a huge 35-point comeback win against the Bulls last night, it bears repeating: Is Kevin Martin expendable now that Evans has shown some terrific scoring prowess -- 20.1 ppg -- as a rookie in Martin's absence?
In his chat today, ESPN's Chad Ford discusses a potential mutually beneficial trade deal for the Kings and Timberwolves that involves Martin.
Kings could get true point guard with Martin as trade bait
http:// [h3]James-Wade a real possibilty?[/h3]
2:07PM ET
[h5]Dwyane Wade | Heat[/h5]
Top Email
The Heat are in the unique position this offseason to not only re-sign Dwyane Wade, but also land a top-name free agent.
There is talk of Wade recruiting the likes of a Chris Bosh or even LeBron James to come down to Miami for the chance at a title and to enjoy sunshine and warm weather year round.
And according to New York Post, Wade and James have already discussed playing together, and plan to again after the season.
"Before we agreed to terms, LeBron and I had a couple conversations," Wade told the paper. "I can't recall exactly what we said, but the gist of it was we wanted to give ourselves the flexibility and the option to play together ...
"When the season is over, we plan to sit down and talk about it. I'm not saying it will happen. But I'm intrigued by the idea.
"I probably couldn't have handled playing with someone like LeBron earlier in my career, but I'm older now. You're talking about two big egos and meshing them. That'd take a lot of sacrifice on LeBron's part and it'd take a lot of sacrifice on my part to succeed. But we would succeed because we know winning takes care of everything."
This is a pretty candid quote from Wade, one that certainly shows that James and Wade in Miami next season is no fantasy. Both players appear to be more than willing to consider it.
If it happens, the whole league better watch out.
Wade-James pairing is a possbility, but not likely
http:// [h3]O'Neal's off-court impact[/h3]
1:00PM ET
[h5]Shaquille O'Neal | Cavaliers[/h5]
Top Email
There's been plenty of talk about Shaquille O'Neal's on-court impact in his first season with the Cavs.
For as many detractors who are convinced all Shaq is doing is clogging the lane, there isn't a ton of evidence to support that. Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer came to Shaq's defense on that earlier this month.
And in the latest issue of ESPN the Magazine, the Mag's Chris Broussard draws similar conclusions: Shaq is having a positive impact for the Cavs on both ends of the court.
But off the court, Broussard notes LeBron remarked that Shaq "takes some of the press off me and allows me to chill sometimes."
In a year where the free agency questions are coming all day, every day, that's a good thing.
Shaq's better at defending pick-and-roll
http:// [h3]James' star treatment[/h3]
12:18PM ET
[h5]LeBron James | Cavaliers[/h5]
Top Email
One of the common gripes against LeBron James -- besides his ability to get foul calls against him -- is his ability to never commit any defensive fouls himself. Or rather, as some call it: the refs swallowing the whistle against a star player fans have paid to see. Last year, he was averaging an incredibly low foul rate.
So it's not surprising to read this note in today's Arizona Republic after the Suns-Cavs game last night.
"A rare NBA treat happened late in the second quarter Monday night," writes Paul Coro. "For the first time in four Suns-Cavaliers games, LeBron James was called for a defensive foul. He fouled Jason Richardson under the basket in the final minute of the first half, only to get another foul three minutes into the second half against Amar'e Stoudemire. James also had banged Richardson in transition with no call in the first quarter. James is a good defender, but nobody is good enough to go 130 minutes without a foul."
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if your the cavs do you trade lets say big z for jamison or Murphy and then be stuck with that horrible contract if bron ant there anymore?
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Murphy's contract only runs another year past this season.
Murph or Jamison help convince Bron to stay?
If Wade and Bron join forces, good lord.
I know they would still need other guys, but dudes would line up around theblock to take less money and go win rings down in Miami of all places.
Girls, wheather, rings, for a few extra bucks? Yeah, they'll take that trade off gladly I'm sure.
If Wade and Bron join forces, good lord.
