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smokey16
Maurice Cheeks out as Coach of Philly? blink.gif

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081213/ap_on_...rs_cheeks_fired
Joe in Philly
I didn't think they'd fire Cheeks so quickly after giving him an extension during the summer. But I guess their expectations were much higher after getting into the playoffs and then adding Elton Brand.
LarryC
QUOTE(smokey16 @ Dec 13 2008, 10:26 AM) *

Word is around Memphis that Wallace plans on signing Darius Miles. Not sure if he's trying to screw over the Trailblazers or force Pritchard's hand in a trade. Either way it's sure to bite the Grizzlies in the butt- we get Miles to destroy what little team we have (if Darius had anything left in his tank, he would be playing for Boston) or we'll make another enemy, or BOTH! mad.gif

I have to thank you, because word is the Clippers were thinking of signing him. If Memphis "wins" the race, that will spare my other home team!

As for the Cheeks firing, GMs certainly seem to have a quick trigger finger this year. I think Theus would have beat him to the pink slip line, if the Lakers hadn't saved his job (for now), but falling on their faces against Sacto last week.
smokey16
Memphis lost.....I mean won the race! blink.gif

http://www.nba.com/grizzlies/news/grizzlie...les-081213.html


Theus and Iavaroni should have been gone, long before Mo. Maybe Cheeks can take over the Grizzlies after Heisley finally fires Marc at the end of the season.

smokey16
Theus gone!

http://www.nba.com/2008/news/12/15/121508k...ring/index.html
smokey16
IPB Image
smokey16
The Grizzlies set Walker free. He never shimmied in Beale Street Blue!

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/...antoine-walker/
LarryC
I'm sure there's going to be an absolute stampede of teams trying to sign him off waivers. smile.gif
canmark
Steve Francis to the Grizz.
QUOTE
Nearly a decade after he was reluctantly drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies, Steve Francis is going to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Yet it remains to be seen whether the injury-plagued guard -- who convinced Vancouver to trade him to the Houston Rockets before he ever played an NBA game -- makes it onto the court in Memphis.

The Grizzlies acquired Francis on Wednesday in a trade with the Rockets in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in 2011. The trade also calls for Memphis to reacquire a 2009 second-rounder, which it had dealt to Houston on draft day in June, and for the Rockets, according to NBA front-office sources, to pay the remainder of Francis' $2.6 million salary for this season.

Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace told ESPN.com that the trade was made with the intent of keeping Francis and giving the 31-year-old an opportunity to prove that he can still play. But Francis, whom the Grizzlies expect to report by the weekend, has been out since February after having surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right knee.
canmark
Merry Christmas, Boston Celtics... your 19-game winning streak is o-vah!

Interesting that on Christmas Day there are four teams with very impressive records: Celtics (27-3), Cavaliers (25-4), Lakers (24-5) and Magic (23-6). Meanwhile, there are a pair of teams whose records are as dismal as those are impressive: Thunder (3-26) and Wizards (4-23).
LarryC
QUOTE(canmark @ Dec 25 2008, 05:58 AM) *

Steve Francis to the Grizz]

That one completely baffles me. Memphis gives away the promising Crittenton for nothing, and then picks up an over the hill, bad attitude, injured PG to replace him? Smokey, have you returned your season tickets yet? ?)

And let's hear it for the Lakers! I still think Boston is a big favorite to repeat, barring injuries, but it's certainly nice for now.
canmark
Don't look now, but the Boston Celtics are now on a 2-game losing streak, falling 99-89 to the Warriors.

Finally Kevin McHale gets his first win as head coach of the Minnesota T-wolves (1-8 under his leadership), 120-107 over the falling Knicks, now last in the Atlantic division.
smokey16
QUOTE(LarryC @ Dec 26 2008, 11:59 AM) *

That one completely baffles me. Memphis gives away the promising Crittenton for nothing, and then picks up an over the hill, bad attitude, injured PG to replace him? Smokey, have you returned your season tickets yet? ?)

And let's hear it for the Lakers! I still think Boston is a big favorite to repeat, barring injuries, but it's certainly nice for now.



Actually Larry, this move makes sense to me.

First off, never look for Steve Francis in a Grizzlies uniform. This move was to help the Rockets. Memphis is under the salary cap, and could take on salary. Houston needed to lose some salary in order to sign Mutombo and stay under the luxury tax. The Rockets gave the Grizzlies more cash than Francis' 2.6 million dollar salary, so the Rockets in fact will be paying Steve's salary. For helping the Rockets, the Grizzlies get cash plus their second round 2009 draft pick back, while giving up a conditional 2nd record pick in 2011. It's a sweet deal for the Grizzlies. Francis is a non-factor in the move.
Now the Darius Miles thing, I still don't understand and Chris Wallace is being tight-lipped about that move.
LarryC
Ah, the joy of the NBA salary cap. One team paying another to take a player from them...

Now, I wish the Clippers would pay someone to take Ricky Davis (who now has a 5 game drug suspension, which probably is a good thing). In other bizarre Clipper news, Baron Davis (who has sucked big time) "confides" in Stephen Jackson that he wished he were back with Golden State. And Golden State wishes they'd never massively overpaid Cory Maggette. Although this came about through free agent signings, it's sort of like a trade that was terrible for both teams. And to top that, there's Elton Brand (now injured) who probably wishes he'd stayed with the Clippers. You know things are bad when you wish you had stayed with the Clippers!
canmark
The finger-wagger is back: Dikembe Mutombo signs with the Rockets.

The Celtics are dropped by the Blazers and now have lost 3 of their last 4. So much for their dream season.
LarryC
Apparently, the Blazers scored a basket on a power play. They had 6 men on the court, and the refs let the basket count! This is surely the ultimate triumph of rules over common sense. David Stern -- after his suspension of Stoudemire and Diaw in the 2007 playoffs -- must be proud.
canmark
ESPN.com: Marbury to Celtics?
LarryC
The Celtics' key to success seems to be to pick up discarded players for nothing -- they wouldn't have won last year if they didn't get opportunists like Cassell and P.J. Brown signing on for a ring. It's a just a tad sleazy, but I guess whatever works.
Travelpat
Heading out in a few minutes to walk over to the ACC for the Magic and Raps game and don't have a clue what to expect. The December Raps who could not beat anybody - or the Raps who looked like defensive monsters in completely shutting down Yao Ming and the Rockets the other night in a 20 point victory. A feat they accomplished without Jermaine ONeal and Calderon. Both are doubtful for today's game.

I would not be surprised if the Raps lose by 20 points - but would not be all that surprised if they pull out a win. I just can't predict with this team. Everytime I'm ready to write them off they come up with an effort like the other night. Then just when I believe they have turned a corner - they come up with a couple of real stinkers. Oh well I'm outta here and guess I'll know in about an hour which Raptor team I'll be watching today.
Travelpat
Wow - that was a thriller! As Canmark's post over in the Raptors thread describes a TOTAL TEAM effort. Parker with 26, the two back up point guards fantastic, Bargnani's third excellent game in a row. The Raps may have gotten booed off the court a couple of times back in December - but today the sell-out crowd of 19,800 were with them all the way with it being playoff-like loud in the exciting final minutes.

2 - 0 for 2009, but still a disappointing 14 - 20 for the season. It begs the question - will the team continue to be inconsistent with more losses than expected - or is this going to be more like a repeat of the 2006 - 2007 season for the Raptors? That season at around this time of year everybody was wanting Mitchell fired and the Raps were 13 - 19. Then they righted the ship and ended the year at 47 - 35. This week may give us a clue with three very winnable games for the Raps - at Milwaukee and Washington, then home to Memphis on Friday night. One can always hope. smile.gif
LarryC
Not to take anything away from your Raps, but yesterday was a bizarre day in basketball. Cleveland loses to the crummy Wizards, and the Celtics and Mavericks get trounced by the Knicks and Grizzlies. Heck, the Clippers almost beat Detroit. And then in college, UNC loses to an unranked team.
canmark
Boston Celtics lose again, 114-106 in OT to the Charlotte Bobcats. From 27-2, the Celtics lost 5 of their next 7. 29-7 is still not too shabby, but they no longer hold the best record in the NBA. They now trail the Lakers and Cleveland.
Travelpat
OK - so tha Raps lost the first of three 'winnable' games this week. They should be able to beat lowly Washington tonight - BUT - still no Calderon or O'Neal - and now no Moon either. The reason for Moon's absence isn't bad injury news though - it is good news as he is down in Alabama to be with his wife who is due to give birth to the couple's first child. Still - that does hurt for tonight.

And a stupid trade rumour has taken a life of its own here in Toronto. Bargnani and Parker to Dallas for Josh Howard, Antoine Wright and DeSagana Diop. As the Star basketball beat report Doug Smith says today in his blog that would be a STUPID trade for Toronto. Bargnani is actually looking very good as of late under new coach Triano for the Raps - and Anthony Parker salary wise is a steal for the Raps. Antoine Wright is useless and Diop is said to have one of the worst contracts for value in the league with foru years and $25 million to still run on it.
LarryC
QUOTE(canmark @ Jan 6 2009, 07:37 PM) *

Boston Celtics lose again, 114-106 in OT to the Charlotte Bobcats. From 27-2, the Celtics lost 5 of their next 7. 29-7 is still not too shabby, but they no longer hold the best record in the NBA. They now trail the Lakers and Cleveland.

Well, so much for my comment that Boston is still the heavy favorite. They've been losing and to bad teams (one recent loss was to Portland, but they were playing without Roy).

Apparently, teams are stifling Rando by putting a bigger guard on him. Not sure why that works -- you'd think he could blow by those guys -- but if it works, great. And their bench stinks. Of course, after the Celtics pick up Marbury, Joe Smith and P.J. Brown for dirt cheap, it will all be a different story.
canmark
Cavs carve up the Celtics tonight, 98-83. Bron Bron playing like the MVP he is (38 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, 4 steals). Celtics next play a back-to-back against the Raptors on Sunday/Monday.

The Raptors have some confidence going, having won 4 of their last 5. Bosh has returned to form, with 24.6 pts/9 rebounds over the last 5 games. And Andrea Bargnani has averaged 20.8 pts/6.2 rebounds over the last 5 games (incl. 16/24 from downtown).
smokey16
What a dumb PR move by the Portland Trailblazers...that Darius Miles e-mail is going to cost them cap-space. What were they thinking?
canmark
I see that the Grizz are not scared of the Blazers: Report: Grizzlies ignore Blazers' threat
QUOTE
Apparently the Memphis Grizzlies have chosen to ignore the Portland Trail Blazers' recent request.

The Grizzlies have re-signed Darius Miles, who is attempting a comeback from major knee surgery, to a 10-day contract, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported Friday night.

If Miles plays in two more games this season, Portland will be on the hook for $18 million -- the amount remaining on Miles' contract, which would count against Portland's salary cap and could force the team to pay luxury tax.
* * *
Miles, who was the third overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2000 draft, signed a six-year, $48 million deal with Portland in 2004. The Blazers waived Miles at the end of the 2007-08 season after an independent doctor determined he hadn't recovered from microfracture surgery on his right knee in November 2006.


They gave him a 6-year $48 million deal in 2004? Based on what? Miles' career numbers: 10.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 47.1 FG%, 58.6 FT%.
LarryC
QUOTE(smokey16 @ Jan 10 2009, 07:51 AM) *

What a dumb PR move by the Portland Trailblazers...that Darius Miles e-mail is going to cost them cap-space. What were they thinking?

That is so bush league. It's also legally questionable -- if Miles doesn't get a contract he would have a great lawsuit against Portland. I'd also think Stern must be furious.
Smokey, what happened with Memphis? First I read they cut Miles, now I read they resigned him? Was it just a series of short-term contracts?

Canmark: Miles actually showed great potential when he came into the league. The Clippers picked him out of high school with the #3 (I think) pick. I remember Michael Jordan saying that Miles should have been the #1 pick. Of course, we can now see that statement as the kiss of death smile.gif, but back then Jordan actually had some credibility. Miles's problem has always been his attitude, although now with a blown-out knee he obviously doesn't have the same physical ability he used to.
smokey16
QUOTE(LarryC @ Jan 12 2009, 12:52 PM) *

Smokey, what happened with Memphis? First I read they cut Miles, now I read they resigned him? Was it just a series of short-term contracts?

If the Grizzlies would not have cut Miles has contract would have been guaranteed for the rest of the season. Miles has shown improvement, but is still not in game shape. It is my understanding the Grizzlies signed him to a 10-day contract (all about the benjamins) to see if he continues to improve, if he does he will be offered a second 10 contract, after that he would be guaranteed for the rest of the season.

What is funny to me is that Tom Penn was legal for the Grizzlies, before moving to his position with the Trailblazers. I always thought he was a clever guy. I can't believe he didn't null and void that e-mail. Now if Miles doesn't play in 10 games, the players association will have Portland's butt, and if he does, they lose capspace. It will be interesteding to see how this plays out. And oh by the way, it's never a good idea to threaten Heisley. Stan Meadows will have your balls for breakfast!
LarryC
So the latest is that the Blazers tried to claim Miles off of waivers! With the intention of taking him out of reach of other teams but, of course, never playing him a second. Stern put a stop to that nonsense.

Oh the irony. The Blazers have spent the past many years successfully ridding themselves of sleaze and scum on their roster. Now that they've assembled an exemplary group of young players, the owner and managment decide to start wallowing in sleaze and scum.
canmark
Rudy Fernandez has been voted into the All Star Slam Dunk competition, along with Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson and Rudy Gay.
Ms. de Blazer
QUOTE(canmark @ Jan 21 2009, 12:58 AM) *

Rudy Fernandez has been voted into the All Star Slam Dunk competition, along with Dwight Howard, Nate Robinson and Rudy Gay.


Rudy va!
smokey16
Finally, Poison Ivy is out in Memphis! biggrin.gif

http://commercialappeal.com/news/2009/jan/...-marc-iavaroni/
Travelpat
Tough winter season to be a sports fan in Toronto. Both the Raps and Leafs are struggling and here's the proof of just how bad it is here.

We're No. 15

Collective winning percentage of basketball and hockey teams in cities and areas that are home to both NBA and NHL clubs:

.758 Boston
.632 Detroit
.567 Denver
.539 New Jersey
.534 Phoenix
.517 Philadelphia
.506 Dallas
.494 Miami
.489 Chicago
.480 L.A.
.471 Atlanta
.438 Washington
.433 New York
.419 Minnesota
.363 Toronto

Sigh!

LarryC
QUOTE(smokey16 @ Jan 22 2009, 07:55 PM) *

I haven't heard that sobriquet before. So, you think he was a big part of the problem?
canmark
The Milwaukee Bucks, clinging to a playoff position, are dealt a devastating blow: Michael Redd out for the season.

Announced 2009 All Star Game starters:

EAST
Allen Iverson (Detroit)
Dwyane Wade (Miami)
LeBron James (Cleveland)
Kevin Garnett (Boston)
Dwight Howard (Orlando)

WEST
Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers)
Chris Paul (New Orleans)
Tim Duncan (San Antonio)
Amare Stoudemire (Phoenix)
Yao Ming (Houston)
George Twins fan
I went to the Knicks game last night at the Garden against the Lakers. I couldn't believe the number of Laker fans at the Garden. Kobe was out of this world, setting a Garden record with 61 points on 19/31 FGs and 20/20 FTs. The crowd was chanting MVP from the start of the game! I'm going tomorrow when LeBron visits...I can only imagine how the crowd will be with him, especially given the rumors of LeBron coming to NY in '10.
LarryC
George, I can't tell you how envious I am! I bet LeBron tries for 62 (and may get it).

Great show by Kobe, but the Lakers are toast. Once again, like clockwork, just when Bynum starts playing well, he goes down with a major knee injury. Just like last year, they're saying he might be back in April, but I'm sure he won't be back at all this season. Even if the Lakers get back to the finals, they're never going to beat the Celtics or Cavs without Bynum. (I don't know if they could beat Orlando either, but I'd be shocked if Orlando got there.)
George Twins fan
Another funny thing that happened last night...when the Knicks scored their 100th point, this big graphic appeared on the Jumbotron telling the fans the Knicks have scored 100 points. Kind of a nominal feat given they were down by 15+ points at the time.
Joe in Philly
Do they have some sort of giveaway (like a free burger at a fast-food chain) if the Knicks reach 100? Maybe that's the reason for the graphic.
canmark
QUOTE
Do they have some sort of giveaway (like a free burger at a fast-food chain) if the Knicks reach 100? Maybe that's the reason for the graphic.

At Raptors games you get a free pizza slice when the Raptors score 100pts. It used to be that I would claim my slice on the way home from a game, but then they changed the rule and now it's only valid the following day (with your ticket stub). mad.gif
LarryC
Heck, when the Clippers reach 100, they call a press conference.
Travelpat
Hey Mark:I think our only chance at free pizza slices in future games at the ACC this year are if they give free pizza slices when the visiting team scores 100. The free-falling and pathetic Raptors hit new lows last night in Cleveland. For the third consecutive game the team simply did not show up - AT ALL, falling behind by 22 in the FIRST QUARTER! And Lebron scored 16 points in the FIRST SEVEN MINUTES! So he was on pace for 109! LOL

Mercifully they sat and rested Lebron for extended periods after the first quarter and he started dishing off the ball and he only ended up with 33 points on the game.

But the really scary thought for the brutal Raps - next up is a visit tonight from Kobe and the Lakers. Kobe fresh off his 61 point gem at the Garden against the Knicks may be able to give his personal best a run for the money the way the Raps are mailing it in these days. You remember that 81 point nightmare against...... that's right - our pathetic Raps. This could get ugly!



George Twins fan
So I went to the Knicks-Cavs game last night. Seeing Kobe score 61 on Monday was pretty amazing. but LeBron's performance last night was MUCH better. He didn't surpass Kobe in points as he managed "only" 52 points. But he also doled out 11 assists, pulled down 10 rebounds and threw in 2 blocks. He was out of this world. Plus the Knicks' Al Harrington scored 39 with 13 boards. What a great night. Not sure what to expect Friday night with the Celtics coming to town.
George Twins fan
What an amazing week...Kobe and LeBron's performances at the Garden, the Lakers OT win at Boston last night, and now we have the Spurs at Celtics and Lakers at Cavaliers on Sunday.
LarryC
Yup. And the Lakers needed that win at Boston more than the Celtics did, so I'm particularly glad they got it.
George Twins fan
Wow what a week at the Garden...thankfully not a Knicks fan! I got to see Kobe, Pao, Lebron, and the Boston Three Party all for free (with free beer and food to boot!). Next up is the Feb. 17th game against my Spurs after they return froma three game west coast trip. So in four consecutive home games the Knicks have to endure the Lakers, Cavs, Celtics and Spurs. I can't imagine any team ever has hosted the league's top 4 teams in consecutive home games like this.

Last night's game was at least alot closer than the previous two. I have to say the Knicks are certainly an entertaining team to watch and really look forward to seeing what D'Antoni can do down the road.
canmark
Lakers trade Vladimir Radmanovic for Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown. Odd trade for the Lakers. At 6' 10", Radmanovic seems a good role player for the Lakers--a big man who can shoot the three. 'Stache has struggled, averaging only 4.5 ppg this season (vs. 11.8 ppg in his rookie season). Along with Kwame Brown, Morrison has turned into another flop pick by Michael Jordan.

ESPN.com is saying that the Suns are willing to trade Amare Stoudemire and Shaq.
WSU Cougars
QUOTE(canmark @ Feb 7 2009, 08:28 PM) *

Lakers trade Vladimir Radmanovic for Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown. Odd trade for the Lakers. At 6' 10", Radmanovic seems a good role player for the Lakers--a big man who can shoot the three. 'Stache has struggled, averaging only 4.5 ppg this season (vs. 11.8 ppg in his rookie season). Along with Kwame Brown, Morrison has turned into another flop pick by Michael Jordan.

ESPN.com is saying that the Suns are willing to trade Amare Stoudemire and Shaq.


It's gonna be weird sorta "liking" the Lakers with Morrison. I wish he didn't get traded to LAL.
LarryC
The Lakers did the trade purely for cap relief -- Rad's contract goes through 2011. Otherwise, it was a trade of one useless player for another (or another two, I guess). The funny, or sad, thing is that Radmanovic has a lot of talent and Morrison supposedly had a lot of promise, but both have been busts.
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