http://www.yardbarker.com/content/team/84 Recent articles about the Portland Trail Blazers en-us In the "Keep Your Picks" Playoff, the Portland Trail Blazers have defeated the Phliadelphia 76ers 108-99. PF Zach Randolph was named MVP of the game. The Blazers will play the Pistons in round two. For complete game stats, check out the NBA DraftNation page. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:42:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294504 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294504 In the final game of round one, the Blazers, very similar to their actual team, have a nice collection of young talent. However, it's tough to pass up a lineup of A.I., Larry Hughes and Andre Iguodala with good depth behind them. Someday the Blazers will be a legit contender. Don't expect it to be today, though. Expert Picks: Pickard: Philadelphia 76ers Estimated Game Time: Wednesday July 23 (4 PM EST) Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:02:12 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294396 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294396 Options are dwindling for both teams and free agents as teams continue to make moves. Here is what is going on around the league today: Josh Childress has indeed left the Hawks to play in Greece. The Journal Constitution is reporting that Childress has agreed to a a three-year, fully guaranteed contract worth far more than the $20 million originally proposed. It will remain to be seen how this affects NBA free agency in the future. Any player not getting what they want can flaunt a European contract at their team and will have to be taken seriously. But, there are still many players who want to be in the NBA even if they are making far less than they could in Europe. Josh Smith, the Hawks' other big free agent, was wined and dined by the Sixers and then they signed Brand. Then, he was wined and dined by the Clippers before they got Camby. Now, the only team under the cap that could offer him more than the MLE is the Grizzlies but they are in cost cutting mode. So, it seems that Josh Smith is stuck with the Hawks unless they can work a sign and trade with someone. Sources say that the Hawks are offering Smith a six-year deal worth $60 million. The Journal Constitution is reporting that this isn't true, however and that the Hawks have never offered anything near that. The San Antonio Spurs re-signed 36 year old Kurt Thomas on Tuesday. Thomas joined the Spurs last season in the trade that sent Brent Barry and Francisco Elson. In a rather fishy move, Barry was released by the Sonics and went back to the Spurs to join new teammate Kurt Thomas. Thomas' return could put in question the return of Robert Horry and Michael Finley's to the Spurs. When the Nets acquired Keyon Dooling, Marcus Williams vowed to fight for his job as the Nets' point guard. He may be fighting for his job, but not with the Nets as they traded him to the Warriors for a future first-round pick. The Warriors are going to give Williams a chance to start along side of Monta Ellis, who is more of a shooting guard than a point. First Camby was traded to the Clippers for a second round pick and now Williams traded for a first round pick. Must be nice to be under the cap and able to pick up players for peanuts (and draft picks). The Warriors pick has plenty of strings attached, though. The pick is lottery protected for 2011. If it goes to 2012, the pick is protected 1-11. It's protected 1-10 for 2013. If they still haven't received the pick by 2013, the Nets get second-round picks in 2013 and 2015. ESPN reports that Detroit has offered to trade Chauncey Billups and Tayshaun Prince twice this off season already. The first time was to try to pry Carmelo Anthony away from Denver. The second offer was to Houston for Tracy McGrady. Both offers were rejected. With the rumors that Detroit is considering making a bid for Artest they could be making a 3rd attempt to trade Billups and Prince. There seems to be some smoke here and there may be some fire behind it. It would be interesting to see the crowd react to Ron Ron being introduced to the Palace crowd for the first time as a Piston. Talk about mixed emotions. Personally I wouldn't want Artest for anything. The guy has been a cancer and a distraction everywhere he has gone. Ryan Gomes is such a classy person. The Star Tribune reports that Gomes is participating in the Wolves' summer promotional caravan. He doesn't have a deal with the Wolves but is on their promotional tour. "I made a commitment at the end of the season to do this," Gomes said from Mankato. "They (the team) asked me if I'd like to do this and I'm a community guy, so I said yes. I don't know where I'm going to be yet. I made a commitment and stuck with it." Gomes is looking for the full MLE but chances of getting it are dwindling. It seems unlikely that the Wolves wouldn't match anything less. I would really like to have him back in Celtics Green but all the Celtics could offer is half the MLE and unless Danny has incriminating pictures of McHale, the Wolves would probably match any offer we could afford to give. At this point in his career, he is looking for some security and possibly accepting the qualifying offer and then seeing what he can get as an unrestricted free agent next season could be his best move. As hard as Gomes works, his value should only improve. Mark Bartelstein has said that several teams, including the Celtics have inquired about his client, Devean George. In his interview on WEEI, Danny said that he hasn't had any talks with George. So, either Bartelstein is floating rumors to try to get other teams to make an offer before another team snaps him up or Danny is not wanting to tip his hand. I remember Danny being interviewed on WEEI another time as the trade deadline approached when he said that the Celtics had nothing in the works and nothing even close. Four hours later, the Celtics traded for Wally Szczerbiak. So, you can't trust what an agent says or what Danny tells you for that matter. The News Herald reports that Bartelstein is also in talks with the Cavs concerning George. Now that the Celtics have signed House and Allen, Danny says that he is taking some time off. He may make another deal, or he may roll the dice with the team we have. The Celtics lost Pollard, PJ Brown, Cassell and Posey. The Celtics have 2 promising rookies who could fill in the blanks. Gabe Pruitt should be able to fill in at the Point along with House. Tony, if healthy, can replace Posey's defense. Giddens and Walker may get a chance to prove themselves. Danny may go with what we have now and then save space to pick up someone if there is a need later on. The Charlotte Observer reports that negotiations with Emeka Okafor are at an impasse. He has one more year left and if they don't agree on an extension, he can walk after next season as an unrestricted free agent. Rather than let him walk for nothing next season, the Bobcats may try to arrange a sign and trade. Some possibilities for a sign and trade swap are Shawn Marion, Anderson Varejao, Andris Biedrins, Al Harrington, and Luol Deng. Delonte West is still unsigned. The News Herald reports that the Cavs want to sign him but that they aren't close to an agreement at this point. Other teams are interested but have been scared off by his restricted tag, figuring that since the Cavs do want him, they will just match any offer made. Daniel Gibson signed a 5 year contract with the Cavs that starts at $3.7 million and West is looking for more since he is the starting PG and Gibson is the back up. Of course, if they can't reach an agreement, Delonte could just accept the Cavs' qualifying offer of $2.76 million, play out the year, and the become an unrestricted free agent next year. That could be good or bad for him. If he has a great year, he will demand even more money next season. If he continues to be nagged with little injuries and struggles, then as a restricted free agent, he may not get as much as he would now. It's a gamble that may or may not pay off. The Express News is reporting that it appears that Robert Horry's days with the Spurs are over. Big Shot Bob has won 7 rings in his 16 seasons in the league. He has said that he wants to play another season in the league but the Spurs don't seem inclined to bring him back. Unless he gets an offer from another team, he may be forced to retire. Could Big Shot Bob be the next aging veteran to come on board the Celtics? Danny loves these guys who seem to be on their last legs but who have tremendous experience and can help a team in little ways. Horry fits the profile. The Portland Trail Blazers signed first-round pick Nicolas Batum on Tuesday. Batum was actually drafted by Houston with the 25th overall pick and then traded to the Blazers for two draft picks. This brings the team's roster to 14 players. They still have not made a decision on whether to sign Petteri Koponen. They don't feel he is ready for the NBA this season, but if they don't sign him now, he will likely sign a long term contract in Europe. If they sign him, he could spend some time in the D-League and accelerate his development. The Clippers signed Golden State forward Kelenna Azubuike (8.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg) to a three-year, $9.3 million offer sheet last week and the Warriors have until Friday to match the offer, but according to sources they won't match it because they signed forward Maurice Evans to a three-year, $6.4 million deal. We are about to enter into the quiet (read completely dead) part of the season for Celtics fans. Danny is going to take some time off. He lost one free agent and brought back 2 others. He still has to deal with the Celtics 2 draft picks and possibly pick up another free agent or even make a minor trade. But keep in mind, it wasn't until the end of August that Danny signed Posey last season and so he may wait until the dust settles to make another move. Reports are that Bill Walker is working hard to come back from the knee surgery and depending on how he looks, Danny may not make another move. If ready to contribute, Walker could be the back up at the 3 that the Celtics still need. I like the kid and think he could prove to be the steal of the draft. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:51:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294294 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294294 Fans are discussing the signing of Nicolas Batum and having Peter Kopponen play in Europe. The Blazer brass want a veteran. Ike Diogu at age 24 has not played many NBA games due to injuries. I would not categorize him as the veteran Nate had in mind. Every team will have bench warmers. Agonizing over player signings is the owner's job. There are behind the scenes business issues such as the value of the Euro and deciding whether you wait to sign a player or not. Kopponen has limitations but he is a true point guard. He needs to work at dribbling to his left. His defense is good. He looks to pass first before shooting, also good. Point guards are judged more critically by the coach because he was a point guard. I believe the Blazers feel Batum has more future potential than Kopponen. Although I disagree with the Blazers' decision to sign Batum, I understand their motives. Regarding Bayless as the Blazers future point guard, I don't see it. He is a 'look for his own shot first and if you're lucky he might pass' type of point guard. Just bring him in as off guard. Either Roy plays point guard or have Bayless come off the bench. Nate has other point guards. Either play or trade. Waiting for Sergio to learn to play defense after all the years he's sat on the bench is fruitless. Either work with him one on one or trade him. Blake is a very good point guard but not a superstar. He is steady and consistent. However, if you really want the best point guard out there, make arrangements to move up in the draft for when Ricky Rubio becomes available to draft in the NBA. He's 17, makes difficult passes with pinpoint accuracy and does tricks with the ball to rival Maravich. He is the starting point guard for the best team in Spain. Look for him in the Olympics. You can find some of his highlights on NBA.draftexpress. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:23:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294258 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/294258 Greg Oden and Dwight Howard put their best comedic foot forward in their audition tapes to host the ESPY's. Pretty much a play on the Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly skit. But what would you expect since Ferrell is part of the funnyordie.com website. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:32:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293775 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293775 It's July and there's absolutely nothing on TV other than reality dog and pony shows. As i fliped and flipped through channels and after watching fantasy island it finally arrived. LAS VEGAS SUMMER LEAGUE!!!! I watched a few games of different teams coming away impressed with OJ Mayo & Eric Gordon however i couldn't wait to watch my Blazers. I ended up watching many games on NBA TV and after watching my Blazers I came away with Jerryd Bayless-itis. The dude can flat out play with the best of them. He just kept on out doing his previous performance game after game and adapted to what the defense gave him. The game against the Suns on Saturday night was awesome. Hopefully many of you saw it. I actually got into it so badly i started yelling at the TV as it went down the wire. I thought to myself you know this is a summer league game right? what in the hell are you getting all excited for. It's fricking summer league basketball. I am more excited about the Blazers 2008-09 season now more than ever. Well summer league is over i am back to watching the Hoff on America's got Talent. Hopefully they'll replay some Bayless Highlights..He needs a nickname.... Any suggestions? Mon, 21 Jul 2008 18:35:52 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293485 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293485 Last summer the Knicks were 5-0 in summer league play and Nate Robinson won the MVP. This summer league did not treat the Knicks as kindly as they finished with a 2-3 record under assistant coach Phil Weber and a player they passed up in the draft won the MVP. In the team's three losses they lost by an average of 22 points to the Suns, Bobcats and Timberwolves. Second-year player Wilson Chandler shined in both of the Knicks victories leading the team with 26 points against the Cavs and 31 points vs. the Suns. The 21-year old led the team in points scored per game (16.2), rebounds (7.8), shot 47% from the field and 81% from the foul line. He seems to be poised to have a solid season in Head Coach Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo system. Overall, he finished 22nd in points and 11th in rebounds. Anthony Roberson, who impressed team management, was signed to a two-year deal. The former Florida Gator finished second on the team averaging 14.8 points per game. In the team's final game vs. the Wolves he led the Knicks with 23 points and knocked down three from downtown. However, he shot just 39% from the field and dished out 0.8 assists per game. Roberson has unlimited range and quickness, but his passing distribution needs to improve if he wants to develop as a point guard. Renaldo Balkman's summer was also cut short due to a high-ankle sprain he suffered in the second game vs. the Spurs. Nate Robinson played in only two games, but was seen cheering from the stands and receiving frequent advice from D'Antoni. He shot just 2-16 in his limited action but had his jersey retired at halftime during the T-Wolves game for last year's performance. 1st round draft pick Danilo Gallinari played only one game due to a sore back. He scored 14 points in his debut with all of them coming in the second half. "Gallo" showed a deep shooting range, mental toughness and good ball handling ability. However, he had a difficult time defending the 285-pound Robert "Tractor" Traylor in the paint. Team brass was being cautious with the 19-year old Italian and an MRI revealed there was no further damage. The player the Knicks passed on to get Gallinari, former Arizona guard, Jerryd Bayless, lit up the Vegas summer league averaging a league high 29.8 points per game. He slipped to Indiana at #11 on Draft Day when some scouts saw him going as high as #3 to Seattle. The Pacers then dealt him to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jarret Jack and Brandon Rush. Bayless, who is the same age as Gallinari, relied on his quickness, shooting range and scoring aggressiveness to capture the summer league MVP. The 19-year old was also very comfortable and was fearless going to the rack. He thrived in his first game against the Kings, scoring 26 points, and capped off his summer with a 36 point outburst vs. the Suns on Saturday. The 6'3" combo guard also averaged 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. If the Vegas Summer League is any indication of what is to come, Bayless has a bright future and will form a solid, backcourt duo with third year All-Star, Brandon Roy. Bayless was also named to the USA basketball select team which is helping prepare the 2008 senior national team for the Beijing Olympics. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:00:47 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293410 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293410 Trailblazers, 76ers, Bulls, Heat, Grizzlies Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:58:53 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293339 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293339 Would taking a chance on Darius Miles be right for the Washington Wizards? His love for the game has been questioned....among other issues....and he's also received his share of 2nd and 3rd and 4th chances. I guess it comes down to who the Wizards want backing up Caron Butler at the 3 spot. Judging by his performance in the Vegas Summer League, Dominic McGuire is raising his hand and speculation around Matt Barnes coming to DC can be thrown out the window as he has signed with the Suns. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 10:54:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293225 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/293225 So yeah, did your team pick Kevin Love, DJ Augustin, Derrick Rose, Brooke Lopez? Really, that sucks. Because we picked Brandon Rush, then traded him for Jerryd Bayless, and guess what? He was just awarded Summer League 08? MVP. Yeah he has been slicing teams up left and right this summer. I am venturing to say that this guy is going to be one of the best players on the Blazers. Do I dare say this guy is going to be better then everyone else at the 2 other then BRoy? I think we will have three rookies fighting for Rookie of the Year. Oden, Fernandez, Bayless. Honestly, think about that one. Bayless does not seem like a point guard and to me seems more of a Monta Ellis type player, he is so fast it hurts my eyes.He is a true 2 guard. It does not bother me at all that he is either. I could care less who runs the point at this point. BRoy can easily run the point, Sergio will have a break out season, and we still have good ole' reliable Steve Blake. I honestly cannot wait until the pre-season and season. I think the Blazers need to start investing more PR and marketing into Bayless. We are over flowing with 2-3's now, so I think signing PKopenen is a must. He really seems like a good substitute for Blake. I honestly see Bayless starting this year. He is going to shock a lot of people. My lineup has changed once again. BRoy - Point on Offense JBayless - 2 Guard on Offense, will guard point on Defense TOutlaw - SF LAldridge -PF GOden - C So what are your thoughts on Bayless averaging 30 points and 5 rebounds this summer league? Do you think I am over hyping him? Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:44:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292996 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292996 Greg Oden tries out to be the host for ESPN's ESPY awards Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:04:38 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292978 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292978 Hey whats up guys back with another article, Now its on to say what sophmore i feel will make the biggest impact this coming year. First off the most underrated rookie last year was most definately Al Thorton. This is the guy who i feel in the long run will be the best player in the draft, sure I haven't seen Greg Oden yet, sure I think Kevin Durant is a great and going to be greater player but have you seen the way this guy plays. Hi energy, strong, skilled player with great size and speed, he can handle the ball and also shoot it. Another guy we saw practicly nothing of last year who happens to play for the Phoenix Suns is named Alando Tucker. Yes i have not watched this man play on an NBA floor yet once. I love this guys potential. If you look at his d-league numbers and yes it is the d-league however still impressive. He scored over 25 points a game and played with versatility. Alando not that this counts for anything at all ends up to be a 99 in NBA live in the future and is the best out of all the players he went in the draft with. Don't comment back on that but i do think he is going to be a great player. He is a player very alike to Thorton. Big skilled player who can score rebound and do multiple things. The Suns have a diamond in the rough and im telling you this right now is the break-out player of the year, that is if he plays. Those are the sophmores that i feel will have the biggest impact in the coming year. Great picks and I see alot of great surprising players to come this year. This will probably the most surprising year you see. I might be jumping the gun but from looking close at these guys and others and see a big surprising year coming out of the NBA. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:36:38 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292962 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292962 The Globe has a little tidbit buried at the end of an article about Marcus Camby. They report that the Celtics are still strongly interested in signing Eddie House and Tony Allen. The source said House and Allen are both also receiving interest from other teams as well. According to this, both are seeking three-year deals. I am sure the Celtics would want to sign as many 1 year minimum contracts as they can to limit their lux tax hit. They do have their MLE that they can split among players now that Posey is out of the picture. I think bringing both back would be a good move. If Tony can stay healthy, he can bring a lot of what they lost in Posey defensively. The Lakers have decided to let Ronny Turiaf go to the Warriors when they didn't match the offer made by Golden State. It is believed by many that the Warriors are over-paying for Turiaf just as many believe that the Hornets over paid for James Posey. The Lakers' off season approach is completely different from the Celtics' approach. The Celtics had 6 free agents and will more then likely let the majority of them go. They will have 2 rookies coming in and would not go the 4th year to retain Posey who was a crucial part of last season's team. The Lakers on the other hand are trying to keep their team from last year together as much as possible. There is much to be said for building chemistry and keeping a team together. It is a pretty risky move by Danny to think that you can bring in 5 or 6 new players and expect the same chemistry that led the Celtics to 66 wins and a title to return. The Warriors-Clippers-Sixers triangle continues as word is that the Warriors are now targeting the Sixers' restricted free agent Louis Williams. Williams' scoring knack would make him an intriguing fit in Don Nelson's system. Sources are reporting that the Warriors are planning to make a "big run" at him. This you take my player so I'll take yours is very interesting stuff. The Warriors are also reportedly interested in former Celtic Delonte West and the SF Chronicle reports that West might be close to signing an offer sheet. Since Delonte is a restricted free agent, the Cavs could match any offer the Warriors make to him. The Cavs are negotiating with West who reportedly seeking Beno Udrih type money (5 year/$32 million) and are also looking into possible replacements just to cover their backs. One possible alternative could be Orlando's Carlos Arroyo. The Dallas Morning News reports that the Mavs are unlikely to re-sign free agent 6-8 guard/forward Devean George. They also list a number of teams interested in the 6'8" guard/forward who averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds last season for Dallas. The Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Hornets have expressed interest in George and they project that with the loss of Posey, the Celtics may be the next in line to take a look at him. Dime reports that the team formerly known as the Seattle Supersonics will now be called the The Oklahoma City Thunder. I wonder what the mascot will look like. I don't think I have ever seen a thunder. Lightning...yes, thunder... no. Maybe they will have a puffy cloud type thing. I may be old school but I prefer the old names that ar plural like the Celtics, Bucks, Knicks, Lakers, etc. Players can say, "I am a Celtic" and it sounds good. Or I am a Laker or I am a Knick. It just sounds wrong to say I am a Heat. Or I am a Magic. Or I am a Thunder. Slow news day and too much time to ponder on all these things. Marc Stein has some interesting stuff on Darius Miles' suspension. Sources say all 30 teams were notified this week by league memorandum that the drug which earned Portland Trail Blazers castoff Darius Miles a 10-game suspension to start next season -- if Miles can find a job -- is the appetite suppressant Phentermine. A weight-loss drug, basically. Steep as a 10-game ban is, then, Miles' mistake is nothing bound to scare teams away from signing him. He's tried out for at least four clubs already this month -- Boston, Dallas, New Jersey and Phoenix -- and is expected to command no more than a minimum salary in his comeback from long-standing knee problems, because the 26-year-old still has $18 million in salary coming from the Blazers. I say he is worth taking a chance on. A minimum salary, partially picked up by the league isn't much to gamble on a kid with his potential, versatility and length. Danny said that he was impressed by his workout for the Celtics so I believe that Miles may still be in the mix to fill one of the Celtics' remaining spots. Danny has taken a chance on two other players who were passed over because of knee problems in Leon Powe and Bill Walker. Powe has worked out great and I have a feeling that Walker will too. But if Danny continues to wait, the Mavs are very interested in Miles as well and may be the team that takes a chance on him. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:02:58 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292786 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292786 Utah Jazz free agent, CJ Miles signed a four-year, $15 million offer sheet with Oklahoma City on Friday. Utah will have seven days to decide whether they want to match the offer sheet and keep him. In Oklahoma, Miles would be able to compete for a starting position, something he would not be able to do in Utah. Philadelphia 76ers General Manager Ed Stefanski phannounced on Friday that the Sixers have signed rookie Marreese Speights who was the 16th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Speights played in five games for the Sixers Summer League team in Las Vegas, averaging 18.2 points along with team-highs of 10.2 rebounds and 2.20 blocks. He is one of only three player averaging a double double in Vegas. Sounds like the Sixers have a player. Yahoo Sports (via Hoopshype) reports that Carlos Delfino is leaving the NBA to sign with Khimki Moscow. Delfino may not be the only NBA player to bolt for Europe as Basket Central (again via Hoopshype) reports that Greek team Olympiakos is courting former Celtic Ricky Davis. The Suns second round pick, Goran Dragic, will stay in Spain next season. The Suns sure are having problems with point guards ditching them. Think they would like to take back the deal that sent Rajon Rondo to Boston? The Sacbee reports that Brad Miller is determined to rebound after his third suspension for testing positive for marijuana. He will be suspended for the first 5 games of next season and will lose approximately $700,000 in salary. He is determined to get past this and get his life back in order. He told the SacBee that the lost wages don't matter nearly as much as the importance of changing his ways. We all wish Brad the best and hope that he can get past this and get his career back on track without the drugs. League sources report that the Nets and Magic are close to a sign-and-trade for combo guard Keyon Dooling. Reports are that Dooling would sign a three-year deal approximately $10 million and then be sent to the Nets for their $3.3 million trade exception that they acquired in the Jason Kidd trade. This gives the Nets 16 players under contract and the odd man out appears to be Marcus Williams. They will probably try to deal him for a draft pick or package him with another player to try to free up a roster spot. The Rocky Mountain News is reporting that restricted free agent JR Smith has not heard from any teams having interest in signing him this off season. His only offer has been the option to return to the Nuggets next season for the $3.04 million qualifying offer. This may be his best bet as he will have a chance to increase his value over the season and become an unrestricted free agent next season. Matt Barnes is a player who definitely would be a good fit for the Celtics to help replace what they lost with James Posey. The Washington Post reports that the word is that teams are going to wait him out and get him at a good price. The Wizards, who have only around $1.5 million left under the luxury tax threshold, are interested but since Barnes made $3 million last season, he isn't going to jump at an offer that his half as much. The Celtics could split their MLE between Barnes and another player and would be an attractive destination because they can offer him a chance at a ring. Teams may be trying to wait him out and get him cheaper, but like Posey, some team out there will give him what he wants. Darius Miles continues his hopes to return to the NBA. He might be a possibility for the Celtics. The Mavs are seriously considering signing him as well. He has several benefits. One, he appears to have matured considerably since his troubled early days in the league. Second, he has worked very hard to come back from what was considered to be a career ending injury so he is motivated and has a good work ethic. Third, and best of all for a team like the Celtics who are over the Lux Tax, he will come cheap. He is only looking for a 1 year minimum contract and will play very hard to make good on that contract to prove he deserves more next season. He looks like another of those low risk, high reward signings. This is a great story. Greg Norman is doing very well in the British Open. He is on his honeymoon after his marriage to tennis great Chris Evert 3 weeks ago. He is 53 years old and he is right at the top of the pack in the British Open. His last victory was 10 years ago in Australia at the Greg Norman Holden International. He hasn't been this close to the lead at the halfway point of a major since he was leading the '96 Masters. I know by now you are thinking why is this on a Celtic blog's updates? Well, Greg Norman used to live not far from me when I lived in the Palm Beach area and is a big Celtics fan. You would often see him out and about wearing a Celtics hat. I always wear a Celtics tee shirt and one day, he stopped me in a store and we talked about the Celtics for awhile. He is a very nice person and I am pulling for him. Us Celtics fans have to stick together. Maybe it was the Celtics 17th championship after all these years that has energized him in the Open. Who knows? Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:15:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292509 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292509 The Mavericks reportedly were willing to offer forward Brandon Bass and guard Jerry Stackhouse for Artest. The Kings wanted Josh Howard included in the deal and this seemed to halt all discussion between the 2 teams. Unless the Mavs are willing to give up Howard or the Kings get desperate (not likely) to settle for less, a deal is not likely to get done. Today is the deadline for the Lakers to let Turiaf and the Warriors know of their decision about the restricted free agent. Signs point to the Lakers letting Turiaf go. The Warriors have front loaded his contract and the Lakers currently have 10 players signed to guaranteed contracts for a total of $75.135 million and aren't likely to pay another 4.5 million to bring back a role player off the bench. The Clippers and Warriors are still playing a game of swapping players. The Clippers made the latest move by signing the Warriors' restricted free agent Kelenna Azubuike to an offer sheet Thursday. Azubuike, 24, agreed to a three-year deal, with his option for the third season. The deal is for $9.3 million, with his salary being $2.9 million, $3.1 million and $3.3 million. The Warriors have 7 days to match the offer if they want to keep Azubuike. This adds to the already swapped players of Barron Davis and Corey Maggette. According to the Globe, Tyronn Lue was hoping to join the Celtics before he signed a two-year, $5 million contract with the Bucks. Lue said he was asking the Celtics for $1.8 million a year, but the Celtics were holding firm on their offer of a one-year, $1.2 million (the veteran minimum) offer. Lue said he was disappointed in the Celtics because they wouldn't go the extra $600,000. But from the Celtics point of view, it was a lot more than $600,000. The league picks up a portion of league minimum contracts and since the Celtics are over the luxury tax, that $600,000 would have cost them 1,200,000. Along with Tyronn Lue, the Bucks also signed 30 year old veteran, Malik Allen to a contract on Thursday. Allen endeared himself to coach Scott Skiles during two seasons with the Chicago Bulls and now will be reunited with Skiles in Milwaukee. Allen will fit in a power forward rotation with fourth-year pro Charlie Villanueva and 6-8 rookie Joe Alexander, the eighth overall pick in the June draft. The Jazz have come to terms with their point guard, Deron Williams. Williams signed a 3 year deal with a year option that should be worth around $70 million dollars. Williams had wanted to reach an agreement on a contract extension before he left for USA Basketball training camp in Las Vegas. He is scheduled to leave Sunday for the Vegas and was happy to have the contract negotiations out of the way. Samuel Dalembert became a Canadian citizen and planned to play for the Canadian team in the Olympics, but there has been some controversy along the way. Supposedly, he had alienated his teammates by moving his group into a penthouse in the team's hotel headquarters, and that he had demanded more shots. Dalembert was dismissed from the team by coach Leo Rautins after a disagreement outside the team bus before they left for a game with Korea. Dalembert had this to say: "Now I see why it has been so difficult to get [NBA] guys to play for Canada," he said. "I'm very disappointed. I know how to differentiate business and pleasure. This is children's stuff. I don't throw people under the bus. I don't trash the coach. "But I read stuff that came from 'a source.' I like people to come forward. I heard that I'm a prima donna. Anyone who knows me knows I don't do that. I said I'd do anything to help raise money for Canada. I had one bad game, and I'm not committed? Please." SI speculates that Vince Carter could be the next Net to be changing teams. The Nets already have sent out two of their three stars packing, sending Jason Kidd to the Mavs and Richard Jefferson to the Bucks. Carter could be next to go as New Jersey continues to try to clear up cap space for a possible run at LeBron James in 2010. Carter, 31, has a huge contract (three more years, $49 million), but he is also a seven-time All-Star who averaged 21.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists last season. The Mavericks are the latest team to work out Darius Miles. The Celtics were impressed with his workout for them and now he has also impressed the Mavericks. A member of the Mavericks' camp said that Miles was much better than they had thought and that on a scale of 1-10 he was a solid 8. In recent weeks, Miles has had workouts with the Nets, Celtics, Suns and Mavericks, some of which went as long as 2 hours. Miles is trying to become the first player to return from an injury that was considered to be career-ending by the NBA. If he were to sign a new contract and play in 10 or more games this season, his $9 million salary would go back on Portland's books so, Portland is more than likely hoping his comeback bid fails. For his part, Miles insists that he is 100% and is hoping to catch on with a contender. He is looking for a 1 year minimum contract and with the Celtics missing out on the Posey sweepstakes, the Celtics may consider him a bit more as well. One factor that has to be considered in signing Miles is that he will be suspended for the first 10 games of the season for testing positive for what has been speculated to be a performance enhancing drug. The Pistons haven't been big players in the free agent market as GM Joe Dumars has said that he is looking for a trade rather than to sign a free agent. Speculation is that he will trade one of his veteran starters who have been together almost forever, it seems. They have been very impressed with their young point guard, Rodney Stuckey and either Chauncey Billups or Richard Hamilton will have to be moved if Stuckey is to move into the starting lineup. The word going around is that while the Pistons would probably prefer to part with Billups, the most teams would prefer the younger and cheaper Hamilton. Don't be surprised to see the Pistons shake it up this summer. I am very optimistic about Bill Walker's future as a Celtic. The kid already has the Celtics type attitude and work ethic. Scott Souza is reporting that Walker has been a familiar sight at the Celtics' workout facility. Just over two weeks after he had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee for a torn meniscus, the third knee surgery of his basketball career, Walker was back on the court yesterday firing up a succession of 3-pointers and free throws. Souza reports: Walker looked much bigger in a T-shirt and long shorts (which covered any brace on his knee, though it was apparent he was not wearing any Tony Allen-type contraption) than he did wearing a sport shirt and jeans at his introductory press conference two weeks ago. At first glance, you wouldn't even think it was the same player (the LeBron James comparison suddenly make slightly more sense). A Celtics spokesman confirmed he has been a frequent sight at HealthPoint since his surgery. Walker seems determined to come back from this surgery just as he did from the previous two, although the first 2 were much more serious. He also seems very determined to make a difference for the Celtics this season. Unlike JR Giddens, the Celtics first round pick who left Boston when he couldn't come to terms on a contract, Walker has stayed in town and has been working out with the Celtics trainers and coaches. I like this kid and hope Danny keeps him around this season. He may just be the steal of the draft. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:36:34 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292230 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292230