NBA FanHouse

Sean May Is Not Only Alive, but May Actually Make Camp (No Pun Intended)

Matt Moore — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:16:00 EST

Lost in the dismal implosion of the Bobcats last season, which was neither a bang, nor a whimper, but a kind of depressing grunt, was the myriad of injuries they were forced to endure. The biggest of which was Sean May.

Now, May wasn't exactly lighting the world on fire before his succumbing to microfracture surgery last October on a knee that's been bothering him since he was drafted, but he is a valuable asset to the new Bobcats regime. On top of that North Carolina connection that the Cats are so fond of, May provides them with a scoring presence inside, which will help to ease the dismay held by Bobcats' fans after their selection of D.J. Augustin.

So it's good news then, that May is reported to be cleared for basketball activities, will be hanging around the team in Las Vegas for Summer League, and will "definitely be at camp in October." May may not be the key to unlocking the puzzle of the Bobcats' stagnant growth, but he could be a significant improvement for the team under new head coach Larry Brown.

Sean May Is Not Only Alive, but May Actually Make Camp (No Pun Intended) originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 03 Jul 2008 16:16:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Michael Jordan Recives 'Citizen of the Carolinas' Award;

Will Brinson — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:46:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, NBA Media Watch, Charlotte, Carolina

Prior to the recent announcement that Michael Jordan would be the 2008 Citizen of the Carolinas, his greatest accomplishment in life was his minor league batting title. Well, whew. Now we don't have to worry about MJ's self confidence, as the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce awarded him the title this past weekend.

The basketball legend is this year's Citizen of the Carolinas, joining the ranks of his former Tar Heels coach, the Federal Reserve chairman and other VIPs with Carolinas ties, the Chamber announced Friday.

The award is given annually to a person from North Carolina or South Carolina who has brought positive recognition to the states.

Jordan made the cut because of his success on and off the court and his charitable contributions, Chamber officials said in a press release.

And because the Bobcats have been so freaking good since he got there! Zing! (What? It was way more appropriate than making some "Free Lexus to College Students Program" joke.)

Now, it is interesting and great and all that Jordan won this award. My issue is that the award really only seems to focus on glad-handing a famous celebrity, since it, by very definition, requires previous public recognition to actually be achieved. Plus, all charitable donations aside, it totally fails to acknowledge the recent less than stellar news about Jordan regarding his personal life that have come forward. Oh. And the Bobcats.

Michael Jordan Recives 'Citizen of the Carolinas' Award; originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:46:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Did Mike Krzyzewski Create USA Basketball in Duke's Image?

Sportz Assassin — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:13:00 EST

Filed under: Duke Basketball, ACC Basketball, NCAA Basketball Coaches, Carolina, USA Basketball, Americas

One of the biggest complaints about the announcement of USA Basketball's 12-man roster is the lack of big men. We are sending just one true center (Dwight Howard) along with two true power forwards (Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer).

There are quite a bit of guys that excel at slashing to the basket (Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Carmelo Anthony) ... who also need the ball in their hands a lot. We also will send a gutty, defensive point guard in Jason Kidd.

Hmmm. This sounds an awful like how Mike Krzyzewski ... coach of Team USA ... constructs his usual team: the Duke Blue Devils.

Anyone who has followed Duke knows that they team has really had issues with depth and talent in the frontcourt in recent years ... while running a bunch of same-sized players on the perimeter. It works alright for a while, but them crumbles as the season wears on.

It could happen in Beijing as the group that Team USA will be in is rather weak, but they will see the big dogs in single-elimination play.

Sure, the talent level on this USA team is unreal and wearing down won't be an issue. The fact that Kobe, LeBron, Melo and Wade on the same team is unfair. Still, we've all come to find out that the most talent doesn't equal gold ... especially when the single elimination portion of the Olympics comes. The rest of the world have out-coached us by playing zones against our weak shooting teams (we bring just one true shooter this time around -- Michael Redd).

Now, that doesn't sound like Duke. The Blue Devils have become a firing squad from the three point line, running a spread offense of high screens and finding open shooters. If the rest of the world plays zone on us again, that may be what the red-white-and-blue do.

Oh, and they've had to use small forwards at the power forward spot. That's why the plan seems to be in Beijing -- using Carmelo Anthony as the big forward. That's great and all, but leaves the United States at a disadvantage there rebounding. Anthony is more likely to hang around the perimeter, leaving Howard, Bosh and Boozer to take care of the boards.

Ask the Devils' Kyle Singler about that.

Of course, it will all come down to Coach K. It seems ... at least in recent years ... that Olympic coaches want to enforce our speed and athleticism down the throats of our opponents. America then looks like an All-Star game where the guards and wings control the ball and the offense and no really intricate set plays are run.

Also, Coach K has never coached in the NBA and since pro basketball players have been able to compete in the Olympics, all we've had is NBA coaches heading up the team. The Olympics seems to be more like the college game (more physical, yet tighter calls, five fouls, more ball movement, less "star" treatment) which should serve Krzyzewski well.

I think Coach K will really excel in this setting ... and with the star power he has on this team (unlike recent teams) he will be willing to make adjustments that should turn an All-Star team into Olympic gold medalists. Sure, Duke has been in some tough times of late, but Krzyzewski has shown an ability to turn his most talented teams into champions.

Did Mike Krzyzewski Create USA Basketball in Duke's Image? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:13:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ty Lawson Rolls Ankle. Again.

Sportz Assassin — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:09:00 EST

Filed under: Wizards, Nuggets, UNC Basketball, ACC Basketball, NBA Prospects, Charlotte, Carolina

Let me tell ya: this whole Ty Lawson saga just keeps getting weirder. After announcing he will enter the NBA Draft, he's had nothing but drama.

He bitched about people saying he's testing the waters.
He didn't like Tar Heels fans slamming him.
He announced he'd come back to school if he wasn't guaranteed to go in the top twenty picks.
After playing one game in the NBA's Pre-Draft camp, he sat the rest of the time with a hip pointer.
He doesn't show up to a workout with the Nuggets, who hold the #20 pick.
He gets arrested for drinking, playing loud music and other stuff.

Mind you, he still has a week to make a decision on whether or not to come back to North Carolina (he hasn't signed with an agent, keeping his eligibility), so lord knows what else could go wrong.

Well, add this to the list: Lawson rolled his ankle while working out for the Washington Wizards. The Wiz hold the #18 pick and ... let's just say ... they have a thing for UNC players (Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, assistant coach Mike O'Koren).

Remember that Lawson has hurt his ankle during the past season at UNC.

Is this a trend that will scare off NBA teams? I'm sure it will. Lawson missed a lot of time last season due to hurting his wrist early in the season (causing him to miss some time) and his ankle late in the season (causing him to miss a month of action). Add the mysterious hip pointer at the pre-draft camp and this ankle injury ... and NBA teams have to be concerned.

After all, whomever drafts Lawson will do so because of his speed and quickness. Bad ankles and hips really take a bite out of those things -- as we saw from Lawson when he came back from his injury.

With the arrest (which isn't a huge deal, but it does show a lack of good judgement) and missing workouts (word now is that Lawson cancelled due to a minor injury which was before he was hurt in the workout with the Wizards), teams have to be scared off.

So, what is Lawson going to do? He seems to have his heart set on going pro, yet doesn't seem to be that highly regarded. If he stays in the draft, he runs the risk of being drafted very late, not getting a nice payday and missing on an opportunity to be on a great college team. If he goes back to UNC, he faces the wrath of Roy Williams' doghouse (he's been there before) and fans in opposing gyms in every ACC city. Do you think the Cameron Crazies will forget any of this?!?!?!

Again, he has one more week to figure this out. Judging by this past week, we have no idea what he may decide to do.

Ty Lawson Rolls Ankle. Again. originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:09:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NC State's J.J. Hickson Says He Is Staying in the NBA Draft

Sportz Assassin — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:07:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, NC State Basketball, NBA Prospects, Carolina

The NBA Draft has taken another "one-and-done" player: NC State forward J.J. Hickson. Hickson, who had been testing the draft waters, announced that he's going to dive on in:

"I would say that I'm definitely in the draft. I came out just testing the waters but since I'm hearing a lot of good things about my game I'm not going to pull my name out."

"I'm not really hearing anything, but I think I've given a bunch of good showings. I'm coming in here and I'm trying to impress the scouts and that's why I think I'm going to keep my name in. I think I'm having good showings."

Now this announcement came courtesy of the Phoenix Suns official web site after Hickson worked out for the team. Phoenix has the #15 pick in the draft and it's curious that he'd choose to make this announcement now. After all, it really wasn't any shock that he'd keep his name in the draft ... just that he chose now to make it official.

He has worked out for Sacramento (#12, #42, #43), Seattle (#4, #24, #32) and Cleveland (#19) with trips to Denver (#20) and Philadelphia (#16) coming up. NBADraft.net has him selected with the final pick in the first round (Boston) while DraftExpress has him as the first pick of the second round (Minnesota).

NC State's J.J. Hickson Says He Is Staying in the NBA Draft originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:07:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adam Morrison Reappears on Easter Weekend

Will Brinson — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Gonzaga Basketball, Eastern, NBA Media Watch, Charlotte, Carolina, Davidson Basketball

In case you were curious where Adam Morrison and his 13% shooting percentage and total and utter disdain for defense have been hiding, well, it's probably Charlotte. His alma mater Gonzaga played and got beat by the Davidson Wildcats earlier today, and since the game was in Raleigh, it means it was just close enough for him to crawl out of bed, take a shower, comb his mustache and drive the two and a half hours to the RBC.

Unfortunately for ~~Jeebus~~ Morrison, the Zags apparently can't play well when they're not a sub-nine seed, and were sent out of the tournament in the first round, primarily because Stephen Curry did his best Morrison imitation, but with a taste of defense. Fortunately for Morrison, the cameras neglected to let us know whether or not he actually wept following the L this year. Odds are probably good he did.

And in case you're curious, here is Morrison's final stat line for 2007-08: 0 GP, 0 PPG, 0 RPG, etc. Needless to say he's not playing quite as well as Brandon Roy or Danny Granger. Or Rudy Gay. But hey, he does have a smaller head than Shelden Williams. And a mustache too boot! Sigh.

Adam Morrison Reappears on Easter Weekend originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Duke Brings Phoenix Suns Basketball to College and May Turn it Into a Championship

Sportz Assassin — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:49:00 EST

Filed under: Suns, Duke Basketball, ACC Basketball, Carolina

You want to see how the NBA's Phoenix Suns run their offense? Just watch the Duke Blue Devils. They do it pretty darn well. A team filled with a bunch of 6-6 guys who all can dribble, drive, pass and shoot may be the best team in college basketball.

Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski doubles as the USA Basketball head coach where he works alongside the Suns' coach Mike D'Antoni. Coach K came away from that experience with an idea of how to incorporate what the Suns do to the college game ... where three pointers are shorter and zones are more prevalent.

Does it work? Watch Duke's spanking of North Carolina last night. The Blue Devils spread the Tar Heels out used movement and high screens to create mismatches and ended up with any shot they wanted. It also negated the Tar Heels' biggest advantage -- their size. UNC had to go smaller and ended up so spaced out that they weren't in good rebounding position.

What amazes me is that fact that Coach K has done this at all. This is a man who has had as much success as any coach could want, yet flips it all and tries something new. It has paid off very, very quickly. This Duke team had the ACC's worst offense last year; now they rank 3rd in the nation. Duke has five guys averaging between 10 and 15 points per game ... with four guys averaging between four and six rebounds.

Last year, this team struggled to create any kind of shot on their own. This year, they are so tough to stop.

Of course, the big test will come in March during the NCAA tournament. While the NBA's Phoenix Suns have been so successful during the regular season, they don't have any championships nor a trip to the Finals to show for it. The playoffs slow down with defense and an inside game becoming the style. In a slow down game, it hasn't worked that well for Phoenix.

This idea doesn't hold up as much in college hoops. The NCAA tournament comes down to guard play and Duke has about six pretty darn good guys who can fit that spot. As we saw against the Tar Heels, they can give up 28 points to a guy like Tyler Hansbrough and still win handily. Not to mention that it will be extremely tough for a coach to prepare his team for an offense that they have yet to see.

Duke Brings Phoenix Suns Basketball to College and May Turn it Into a Championship originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nets Looking Hard at Josh McRoberts

Sportz Assassin — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 11:24:00 EST

Filed under: Nets, Duke Basketball, ACC Basketball, Eastern, NBA Draft, NBA Prospects, Carolina

According to Yahoo! Sports, the New Jersey Nets are liking what they see out of Duke forward Josh McRoberts. So much so that they may tell McRoberts that they'll draft him with the #17 selection if he's there.

Josh McRoberts is intriguing to the New Jersey Nets at No. 17, so much so there was some discussion within the franchise of guaranteeing the 6-foot-11 Duke forward the spot.

The Nets do need help at the forward spot. Clifford Robinson will turn 41 years old this year; Mikki Moore is a free agent; Jason Collins and Josh Boone are all that's left. Plus, McRoberts is more of a playmaking forward with great passing skills, a decent jump shot and plays tough defense.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Nets Looking Hard at Josh McRoberts originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 03 Jun 2007 11:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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