http://www.yardbarker.com/content/team/74 Recent articles about the Charlotte Bobcats en-us Herald Mavs nix deal for Artest (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/other_nba/view.bg?articleid=1107937 format=text) Globe Party for Pierce (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/extras/celtics_blog/2008/07/party_for_pierc.html) Loss by Lakers was homeless shelter's gain (http://www.boston.com/news/local/breaking_news/2008/07/loss_by_lakers.html) CelticsBlog Runnin' Fives: Charlotte Bobcats (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=3635 Itemid=189) CelticsStuff Live Sunday with Jessica Camerato (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=3640 Itemid=189) Got it need it (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=3636 Itemid=189) LOY's Place Is there more scandal ahead for the NBA? (http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/07/is-there-more-scandal-ahead-for-nba.html) Rumors and free agent updates - Greg Norman edition (http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/07/rumors-and-free-agent-updates-greg.html) Celtics 17 The back up SF situation: Think Barnes (http://mvn.com/nba-celtics/2008/07/18/the-back-up-sf-situation-think-barnes/) Perkisabeast Consider the Beast lair firmly entrenched on the Bill Walker bandwagon (http://perkisabeast.com/blog/2008/07/18/consider-the-beast-lair-firmly-entrenched-on-the-bill-walker-bandwagon/) Hattiesburg American (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080719/SPORTS/807190308) Posey deal a good step for Hornets (http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080719/SPORTS/807190308) Examiner Ranking the NBA coaches (http://www.examiner.com/x-441-Golden-State-Warriors-Examiner~y2008m7d18-Ranking-the-NBA-coaches-Phil-Jackson-at-top-Randy-Wittman-at-bottom)... Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:50:33 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292518 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292518 A Daily Babble Production Welcome to the inaugural edition of the CelticsBlog NBA page's newest feature, Runnin' Fives. Over the course of the next few months, we'll be picking a five-man all-time team for each of the Association's thirty currently active franchises. The rules are simple: The goal is to put together the best possible standard five-man line-up (two guards, two forwards, one center, with some room for finagling if need be) for each team based on the performance of the players while with said team. For instance, it's hard to imagine Michael Jordan making the Washington squad or Karl Malone or Gary Payton challenging for spots in Los Angeles (or Mark Blount making any team, anywhere). We'll be progressing from youngest franchise to oldest at the rate of one to two teams per week, pursuant to the workings of the NBA's news cycle and availability of sources as we'll be checking in with bloggers, beat writers, fans and anybody else we can get a hold of for insight on their teams. And of course, we're always looking for your input, and we invite all readers to submit their own line-ups, honorable mentions, dishonorable mentions and everything in between in the comments section... Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:16:16 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292473 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292473 Word on the street is that Iggy is asking for a 5 year, 65 mil deal... Is he serious? After shooting less than 25% in the playoffs? Ok... you have improved each year... you did average 20 ppg, 5 rpg, and 5 apg... and you are only 24 and can jump out of the gym... but com' on... So what you're tellin' me is that you're as good as Baron Davis??? Please... just sign the contract... or try and solicit for the Grizzlies to sign you... cause they are the only ones that have that type of money... and if you dont sign... then just sign the tender so that you can be a unrestricted free agent next year... and we will see how many offers you get with everybody going after Lebron and D-wade... Here are some other players that arent making 13 mil, that are better than you or at least just as good... Gerald Wallace (8.2), Josh Howard (10), Tayshaun Prince (9.5), Richard Hamilton (10.5), Corey Maggette (10), Rudy Gay (2.5), Mike Miller (9), David West (9.8), L. Barbosa (6.1), Kevin Martin (9.2), Ron Artest (8.4), Tony Parker (11.5), Manu Ginobli (10), Carlos Boozer (11.5), Caron Butler (9)... and I could continue but what is the point... Sign the contract... the offer is probably exactly what youre worth and maybe a little more!!! Sat, 19 Jul 2008 00:16:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292462 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292462 Rotoworld.com is a great resource for breaking news, but I often disagree with their NBA analysis. So here are a few examples of how my fantasy basketball opinions differ from Rotoworld's (I will continue to update the original post over the summer). My intentions are not to simply badmouth Rotoworld's fantasy hoops content, but to point out the differences between their analysis and mine. I should first thank them, because if it wasn't for an email that they sent me 5 years ago, I wouldn't be here today. You see, I purchased Rotoworld's "Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide" in 2003, and was very disappointed with their "expert" analysis and stat projections. I sent them an email citing examples of projections that did not seem very logical to me, and they responded by saying something like: Clearly, you are knowledgeable and experienced in fantasy basketball, but our draft guides are geared towards more novice players. I was extremely offended by that email. Why would someone sell a guide (of ANY kind) without putting maximum effort into it in hopes that even the most experienced person could gain some kind of knowledge or insight from it? Since that day, I've been on a mission to create my own Fantasy Basketball Draft Guide to the best of my ability. Over the last 5 years, I've won over $15,000 playing fantasy basketball, which is no easy feat considering the lack of high-stakes hoops leagues. After years of keeping my rankings and projections to myself, I released my first comprehensive Draft Guide last year on 82games.com, to much acclaim (see below). So before you purchase Rotoworld's 2008 NBA Draft Guide, perhaps you should take note of the differences between Rotoworld and RotoEvil. My 1st update includes differences of opinion regarding: Kevin Love & Minnesota's frontcourt, David Lee's trade prospects, Jason Williams' fantasy value, Brandon Rush's player comparisons, and whether or not Chris Duhon is really an NBA player. Click on the link to compare for yourself! Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:07:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291945 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291945 This off-season has been a star-studded event more so than any other off-season in recent memory. You have guys that are perennial All-Stars and home town favorites moving. Who would have expected Baron Davis to be moving before the off-season started? I certainly couldn't imagine him in any other uniform besides the Warriors, but all of a sudden he is wearing Clipper red and hoping to play well in the revamped team. www.rawsportsblog.com Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:02:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291552 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291552 With 5 games in play, Jason Thompson highlighted the whole day when the Kings won with his game-winning 3 point play in OT to edge the Blazers by one point. Along with two 30 point games by Marco Belinelli and D.J. Augustin, the summer league's top stars continue to shine. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:43:52 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291359 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291359 Summer League: Midway Point Awards July 16, 2008 2:31 PM By Maurice Brooks (espn.com) A lot of general managers, coaches and fans are hoping that what happens in Vegas, doesn't really stay in Vegas when it comes to the performances of their players at NBA Summer League. They want some of the experiences and lessons learned to carry over to October when the basketballs get rolled out for real -- that goes for the positive experiences and the negative ones, too. Since we are at the midway point of the 10-day, 53-game extravaganza, let's take a quick look at some of the best and worst so far. MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Jerryd Bayless, Blazers In both of the games he has played, he has been the best player on the court and it hasn't been close. Using his speed and exceptional handle to set up defenders, the combo guard has made a living at the charity stripe, attempting a two-game total of 39 freebies (making 31). He followed up his 28-point, four-rebound debut against the Wizards by hanging 26 and six on the Kings. BEST SINGLE-GAME PERFORMANCE: Donte' Greene, Rockets His 40-point outburst against the Suns may have been the greatest game in NBA Summer League history. How can you argue? In 36 minutes, he didn't commit a turnover, needed only 20 shots to get his 40, drained 50 percent of his 10 3-point attempts and added three rebounds, three assists and two steals. And his team won. WORST SINGLE-GAME PERFORMANCE: George Hill, Spurs, and Julian Wright, Hornets When training camps open, nobody will remember, but for now it's hard to forget Hill missing all 10 of his shots against the Hornets from both close range and afar. Throw in the fact that he was floored by a Hilton Armstrong pick and it just wasn't a good night. Wright's opening day line of 12 points on 4-for-17 shooting with 11 turnovers was as ugly as the numbers seem. BIGGEST SURPRISE: Bobby Brown, Hornets He has faced the Grizzlies' Mike Conley, the Bobcats' D.J. Augustin and the Spurs' George Hill and come out as the best point guard on the floor each time. The unheralded playmaker is good not only at dialing up his own number -- scoring 46 points on just under 50 percent shooting -- but also at getting good looks for his teammates (18 assists). BEST REBOUNDER: Kevin Love, Timberwolves Houston fans may have beef with me on this selection since Mike Harris is tied with Love for the rebounding lead -- although they have played only one game each. But Love gets the nod because I watched him fight for every ball that came off the glass/rim like his life depended on it and because Harris' numbers are inflated since they came in the how-quickly-can-we-shoot-game between Houston and Phoenix. BEST PLAYMAKER: Ramon Sessions, Bucks He is very good at changing up the speed of play, controlling the game and taking what the defense gives him. Against the Grizzlies, he took just four shots, but handed out a game-high nine assists. He was more shot-oriented yesterday against the Pistons, scoring 21 points on 6-for-11 from the field, but still found time to give out four helpers, while reducing his turnovers from seven to two. BEST DEFENDER: Julian Wright, Hornets On offense, he has been turnover prone. Luckily, he has a tendency for making up for his miscues on the other end of the floor. He has thrived at jumping into passing lanes and picking up loose balls. Through three games, he is averaging 1.3 blocks and 3.0 steals per outing. BEST INJURED PLAYER: Eric Gordon, Clippers Although he didn't shoot well, Gordon gave L.A. fans a glimpse of the future, averaging 19 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games before shutting it down with a strained left hamstring. BEST DUNK: O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies Here is some friendly advice to the Hornets' Hilton Armstrong. Next time get out of the way. Watch BEST BUZZER BEATER: O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies Proof that practice does make perfect, the third pick made a 69-foot heave at the buzzer against the Spurs. Watch "I thought it wasn't going to make it to the rim," Mayo said. "I was surprised. After practices recently, we have been practicing half-court shots. I made a few there." Grizzlies, Hornets, Bobcats, Clippers, Blazers, Bucks, Timbwolves, Rockets Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:54:15 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291237 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291237 There are enough reasons why the Marcus Camby trade doesn't make much sense for Denver: - They got less than nothing in return. - He isn't even the heftiest contract on the Team - Camby put the only D in Denver etc. But that got me thinking, maybe this i s just the tip of the iceberg. Even though Denver are already way over the cap (thanks to A.I, Nene and K-Mart costing about $40mil by themselves), this atleast gives Denver the option signing someone with the trade exception they recieve from this deal. Which means they could potentially go after some higher market free agents, such as Emeka Okafor or Josh Smith. I'm not too familiar with the financial intricacies of these deals but I think Denver only has a trade exception matching the contract that they gave up (Marcus Camby earns roughly $8mil a year), which would presumptively not be enough for either J-Smoove or Okafor. So for this to pan out like it is in my mind Denver would need to make a few more moves (possibly involving a sign and trade with Charlote/Atlanta). At the moment this is just 100% pure speculation, but if it did come to frution, and Emeka Okafor did become a Nugget, I would go as far as calling them a much better defensive team (yes even without DPOY + 12 boards and 3 blocks a game = Marcus Camby). Not to be down on Camby but most of his blocks even he says are from the weakside, which is skillful, don't get me wrong, but its not exactly a bruising body down in the paint that can alter a offensive gameplan. And Camby gets a majority of rebounds because the rest of the team is already halfway down the court on the break. Again, like I said this is just me thinking out loud, and I might have the financial issues all wrong, but I figure there has to be something more to this trade, unless Denver are taking the first step into a rebuilding phase (lose some cap room next year with Iverson off the books, trade their superstar player along with some big contracts to free up more space -i.e. melo + k.mart... you never know) ok I'll shut up now.. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:23:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291089 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291089 The Rockets' rookie Greene exploded for 40 points in a 100-97 thriller edging the Suns, and Wilson Chandler led the Knicks with 26 points in a 97-93 win over the Cavs. Six games in all with some pretty good performances, debuts and the return of Tractor Traylor. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:11:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290807 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290807 Bobby Brown rises in summer league scoring 20 points including the go-ahead shot, while Arron Affalo and Marco Bellinelli each scored 25 points leading to wins for their teams, and see why Clippers' lottery pick Eric Gordon is out for the rest of summer league after playing 2 games. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:32:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290271 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290271 A Daily Babble Production Last week in this space, we discussed (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=3597 Itemid=260) the downsides to a westward move for Charlotte big man Emeka Okafor. As it turns out, he has been unseated for the top spot on the list of players who would really be best served to stick around for some further time with the Bobcats. That's because the new regime in Charlotte may be most crucial to the development of swingman Gerald Wallace. Unlike restricted free agent Okafor, Wallace doesn't really have a choice in the matter. He is under contract and can only be moved through a trade at this point. But there over the early portion of the summer, there has been a flurry of rumors of trade talk, both real (http://www.charlotte.com/sports/story/710959.html) and imagined (?option=com_smf Itemid=64 topic=21118.msg329538), regarding the possibility of Wallace being sent out of town. The passionate vote and hope here (since the vote doesn't count for all that much in the Charlotte front office) is for the 'Cats to hang on to their versatile forward so that he has a shot to both continue to be part of the foundation there and to learn from one of... Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:43:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290040 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290040 Those of you waiting to see some more of Eric Gordon in the NBA will have to wait until the regular season kicks off this fall. Gordon was injured in Saturday's Summer League game against the Charlotte Bobcats and according to Marc Stein of the World Wide Leader, he'll miss the rest of the Summer League [...] Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:38:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289942 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289942 Spencer Hawes, O.J. Mayo, D.J. Augustin and Dhantay Jones all starred leading their teams to wins. Augustin, Joe Alexander and the little known lottery pick Jason Thompson made their summer league debut. After 2 days of action, here's the early player and rookie rankings of summer league. Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:21:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289827 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289827 Herald A champion on the green (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1106702 format=text) Ray stays in Posey’s court (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?articleid=1106703 format=text) Bobcats grooving to young D.J. (http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/other_nba/view.bg?articleid=1106704 format=text) Globe Not one to simmer (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2008/07/13/not_one_to_simmer?mode=PF) After win, missing the green (http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2008/07/13/after_win_missing_the_green/) MetroWest Daily Courtside View: For Pierce, there's peace (http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/x1816441180/Courtside-View-For-Pierce-theres-peace) Celtics.com Finalist gallery from Dancers auditions (http://aol.nba.com/celtics/dancers/2008_audition_waltham_finalists.html) CelticsBlog Following up Knicks-Clips talks: Greed abounds (index.php?option=com_content task=view id=3601 Itemid=189) LOY's Place Sunday rumors and updates (http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/07/sunday-rumors-and-updates.html) Gerald Green is still dunking (http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/07/gerald-green-still-dunking.html) Hoopsworld Jermaine O'Neal reborn with the Raptors (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9450) In Vegas: Green flying high (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9452) Red's Army It's us vs New Orleans (http://redsarmy.wordpress.com/2008/07/13/its-us-vs-new-orleans/) The Rip City Project The Knicks WON'T trade Randolph?... Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:42:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289767 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289767 The NY Post reports that Stephon Marbury had a new tattoo inscribed on his left temple. The "3" logo found on his Starbury sneaker and apparel line is now a permanent part of his bald head. His future with the Knicks is still up in air. Marbury desperately wants to stay with the Knicks and has done everything he can to ingratiate himself with his new coach including showing up at the Vegas summer league and joining the team for practice. If waived, Marbury has told confidants that the Celtics are on his radar because of his ties with Kevin Garnett and Boston's need of point-guard depth. Paul Pierce was quoted recently saying that the Knicks should cut Marbury so he could go to a veteran team where he would fit much better. Like the Celtics maybe? Ron Artest has decided to change his name. The SacBee has this to report: The latest from the Ron-Ron show: he's decided to change his name. OK, so technically he wants to go by his middle name of William. The thinking? Since Ron Artest is back to getting so much negative media coverage, maybe going by Bill - as he requested to be called - could give him a fresh start. Ok, so the NBA won't have Ron Artest to kick around any more. But, I don't expect Bill Artest to behave any better than Ron did. The Nets have signed 32 year old Eduardo Najera to a 4 year, $12 million contract. His contract is front loaded so that in 2010 when the Nets want to have the room to go after LeBron it will be down to 2.6 million. The NY Post has a funny tidbit on the Nets and Najera: Quick aside on Najera: in annual anonymous poll conducted throughout league, Nets voted him among the league's dirtiest players (one guy, no longer with team, voted for Najera EVERY year). Bruce Bowen, Danny Fortson were other annual staples. Several of the Celtics will be in Boston on Monday for the preview of the new DVD on their championship season. Rondo, Pierce, Perk, Powe, House and Posey will all be promoting it individually around town on Monday and Tuesday also. You can click here for a schedule of where they will be. The majority of the Celtics will be back in LA this week for the taping of the ESPYs. KG, Doc and the Celtics team are all up for awards. The only Celtics not expected to be there are Tony Allen and Scot Pollard. Life is busy for the World Champions. The Clippers search for a replacement for the recently departed Elton Brand continues. ESPN reports that the most likely scenario is signing one of the top restricted free agents to an offer sheet. According to NBA front-office sources, the Clippers have expanded their list of restricted candidates beyond Josh Smith and Emeka Okafor who they targeted at first to Chicago's Luol Deng and Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala. This could drag out because with every offer they make, they will have to wait up to 7 days for the team to match it before moving on to the next. They could get lucky and nab the first one they go after. It is thought that the Hawks won't match an offer for Smith if it is large enough. ESPN reports that there is little chance of the Lakers matching the offer sheet that Ronny Turiaf received from Golden State. Word is that they will pursue the trade with the Kings that could bring Kenny Thomas and Bill Artest (see above) to the Lakers in return for LaMar Odom. From ESPN: The Lakers' interest, by all accounts, remains hot after their toughness and defense were repeatedly punked in a six-game NBA Finals loss to the Boston Celtics. Word is L.A. believes that any fears about Artest's reliability can be assuaged by the fact that Phil Jackson would be coaching him and that Kobe Bryant would be his teammate. Kobe and Ron-Ron share a mutual respect that suggests no threat to the Lakers' pecking order. Insists one source close to the process: "[Lakers owner] Jerry Buss actually likes Ron Artest's game and his personality." With several other free agents already off the market, James Posey is the most coveted right now. It seems that the major suitors are Boston and New Orleans as reports are that the Cavs are out of the running, even though Posey is a Cleveland native. Washington is also in the mix, but they would have to shed some salary to make an offer. It seems that the first team to offer him that 4th year at the mid level will win the race. The Miami Heat have said that they would like to keep Shawn Marion but so far, their offers haven't come close to what Marion is looking for. In the meantime, he is garnering a lot of interest from other teams including the Clippers and Warriors. Sun, 13 Jul 2008 10:00:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289758 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289758