NBA FanHouse http://nba.fanhouse.com NBA FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://nba.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NBA FanHouse http://nba.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/The Nets Aren't Kidding About Brooklynhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/09/the-nets-arent-kidding-about-brooklyn/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/09/the-nets-arent-kidding-about-brooklyn/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/09/the-nets-arent-kidding-about-brooklyn/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On Tuesday night, the New Jersey Nets held a reception for about 40 season ticket holders at the Barclays Showroom in Midtown Manhattan. That would be the showroom in advance of the Barclays Center. And that, dear friends, is where the Nets have been rumored to be moving in 2010. There's been a lot of speculation about the development, whether it will get done, how the progress is going, and if the New Jersey Nets might end up just staying in New Jersey.

The Nets have news for you. Brooklyn's the spot.

At the reception, team officials told the ticket-holders that "Brooklyn is happening" and said they plan to break ground on the new development in the fall.

Go ahead. Insert your own LeBron James joke here.

The team also verified that they will be called the Brooklyn Nets, and that there might be a logo and color change. No word yet on whether they intend to change the logo to a silhouette of James. But don't worry, Cleveland fans. What with your dramatic trade for Michael Redd... no. Well, I mean, with the fact that you landed Elton Brand...no. Um... no worries! Everything's fine!

The Nets Aren't Kidding About Brooklyn originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>brooklynnetslebronjamesMatt MooreWed, 09 Jul 2008 13:18:00 EST Marbury's Fate Won't Be Decided Soonhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/09/marburys-fate-wont-be-decided-soon/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/09/marburys-fate-wont-be-decided-soon/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/09/marburys-fate-wont-be-decided-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Stephon MarburyYou have to feel a little sorry for Stephon Marbury. Not only is today the day that Steve & Barry's, the company that produces his signature shoe line, expected to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but it's also the day that Chris Duhon, the man Donnie Walsh recruited to replace him in the starting lineup, can officially sign with the Knicks.

But while losing his biggest endorsement and (most likely) his starting gig has to sting, at least he can go to bed at night sleeping on a pile of money. He's set to make $21 million this year, the final year of his contract, and there's a good chance he won't have to do anything to earn it. While he's still going through the motions of preparing to play for the Knicks this year, no one on the team actually expects that he'll be around come the start of the season. From Alah Hahn of Newsday:
Most of the Knicks players aren't expecting Marbury to be there, despite his reported plans to come to Las Vegas this weekend to participate in voluntary workouts with other Knicks veterans while the team prepares for the NBA Summer League opener Monday. Marbury's effort to show up in Vegas is viewed by some teammates as a ploy, not a sincere effort.

"He's trying to show he's still dedicated," said one Knicks player, who asked not to be identified. "Come on, man, your teammates know. We see it every year."
Assuming he does get bought out (a salary dump trade would be difficult given the Knicks' desire to avoid taking on long-term contracts in return), there's a good chance that he'll stick around in the NBA -- assuming, of course, he doesn't make good on his vow to play in Italy. But according to Hahn, Walsh won't make his final decision until late in the summer until he exhausts all of his options.

Everyone knows that Marbury is a disaster waiting to happen when he's the face of the franchise and the highest-paid player on the team. But as a backup point guard on a team with an established heirarchy already in place, he could end up being a bargain. Hahn suggests the Spurs, Celtics, Warriors and Heat as possible destinations. I think he'd be better off going someplace where he knows he's just a small piece of the puzzle and won't overestimate his own value, so I'd cross Miami and Golden State off that list.

But either way, expect to see Marbury in the league next year -- he just won't be wearing blue and orange.

Marbury's Fate Won't Be Decided Soon originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 12:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chris DuhonChrisDuhonDonnie WalshDonnieWalshStephon MarburyStephonMarburyMatt WatsonWed, 09 Jul 2008 12:15:00 EST No Ewing - Knicks Interview Because the Magic Were in the Playoffs ... Suuuuure, Donniehttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/08/no-ewing-knicks-interview-because-the-magic-were-in-the-playof/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/08/no-ewing-knicks-interview-because-the-magic-were-in-the-playof/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/08/no-ewing-knicks-interview-because-the-magic-were-in-the-playof/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Patrick Ewing is considered one of the most popular New York Knicks of all time. He is also a coach on a professional basketball team. You would think, then, that he might get a shot at some sort of coaching position with the 'Bockers should spots in the staff clear out. They did, and he did not.

So, uh, what gives Donnie Walsh? You know, since you never told him the first time around.
Ewing, head coach of Orlando's summer-league team, said he spoke with Knicks President Donnie Walsh during the predraft camp in Orlando.

"Donnie just said why I didn't get an interview [with the Knicks] was because we [the Magic] were in the playoffs," Ewing said.

Asked why the Knicks couldn't wait until Orlando's postseason ended, Ewing said, laughing, "I don't know. That's what I was told."
Right. That's like saying that you never called a girl you met because your cellphone. (Read: Come up with a better fib.) Ewing did not get the call because, as Ziller has previously mentioned, he likes to chat it up with dancers before the game instead of preparing his players.

So, it's not a real knock on Walsh for using that excuse, but a simple "I wanted to let Mike fill out his own staff, Pat" would have sufficed.

No Ewing - Knicks Interview Because the Magic Were in the Playoffs ... Suuuuure, Donnie originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Donnie WalshDonnieWalshPatrick EwingPatrickEwingWill BrinsonTue, 08 Jul 2008 22:00:00 EST Richard Jefferson Doesn't Think the Nets Will Be Very Good Any Morehttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/07/richard-jefferson-doesnt-think-the-nets-will-be-very-good-any-m/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/07/richard-jefferson-doesnt-think-the-nets-will-be-very-good-any-m/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/07/richard-jefferson-doesnt-think-the-nets-will-be-very-good-any-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Crisis averted, if you let the reports Richard Jefferson had been displeased at being shipped to Milwaukee bother you much. As often happens with these things, Jefferson made to Milwaukee and seems happy now. In his introductory press conference today, Jefferson revealed what made the trade sweeter than originally perceived.
After calming down and evaluating I looked at the opportunity here. An opportunity to get back to the playoffs and I really don't think the Nets are going to be headed there in the next couple years. They've voiced that with some of the moves they've made.
The two moves, of course, being Jefferson's trade (for Yi Jianlian) and the Jason Kidd-Devin Harris swap. To be honest, the point guard maneuvering likely served to make the 2008-09 Nets more potent than the previous version. But Jeff's right: there's no way to dust the Yi/Bobby Simmons acquisition as anything but "building for the future."

Meanwhile, though some have penciled Milwaukee in for contention for a lower Eastern playoff seed, it seems like Jefferson's ability has been sold short. He's a greater scorer (9th per-game last season) but an efficient shooter who gets to the line and takes the bad three sparingly. His rebounding has fallen off -- with little team-based excuse -- in recent years, and (as Jefferson admits in the presser) his defense needs to be resuscitated. Let the magic of Scott Skiles' perfectly manicured fingertips take control.

Richard Jefferson Doesn't Think the Nets Will Be Very Good Any More originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 23:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>RichardJeffersonTom ZillerMon, 07 Jul 2008 23:35:00 EST Chris Duhon Decides New York Is the Place for Him to Battle for a Starting Spothttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/04/chris-duhon-decides-new-york-is-the-place-for-him-to-battle-for/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/04/chris-duhon-decides-new-york-is-the-place-for-him-to-battle-for/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/07/04/chris-duhon-decides-new-york-is-the-place-for-him-to-battle-for/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Just the other day, I asked myself, "What do the Knicks need?" And of course the answer is "Another offensively shaky and underwhelming point guard!" Because you can never really have enough of those.

It is in that spirit that the Knicks today signed free agent point guard Chris Duhon to a two year, $6.5 million contract. The former Bull is expected to compete with Stephen Marbury for the starting point guard spot, according to the report by the New York Post today.

Duhon does have some potential. He scored 34 against Golden State this year (but then again, who didn't score against Golden State), and had 22 against Milwaukee. He also had a whole lot of the dreaded DNP-CDs. He's solid in some spots, brilliant occasionally, terrible in stretches, and mediocre a lot of the time. However, you have to wonder how much of that was the coaching in Chicago which was less than supportive of guard play. Compare that with D'Antoni's speed-first guard system, and this could turn out well.

The Magic were said to be heavily interested in Duhon as support for Jameer Nelson, but apparently their indecision on Duhon versus Keyon Dooling was enough to convince Duhon to head to New York, for what may have been less money. With Duhon off the books, it's likely that Dooling will resign with Orlando.

Chris Duhon, Jared Jeffries, Danilo Gallinari, and Zach Randolph. Let's get excited, Big Apple!

Chris Duhon Decides New York Is the Place for Him to Battle for a Starting Spot originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>chrisduhondanilogallinarijaredjeffrieskeyondoolingzachrandolphMatt MooreFri, 04 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST Why No One Takes the <em>N.Y. Post</em>'s NBA Coverage Seriouslyhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/29/why-no-one-takes-the-em-n-y-post-em-s-nba-coverage-seriously/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/29/why-no-one-takes-the-em-n-y-post-em-s-nba-coverage-seriously/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/29/why-no-one-takes-the-em-n-y-post-em-s-nba-coverage-seriously/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

One Marc Berman story on the Knicks' rebuilding plan, annotated:

"Other young free-agent point guards available for mid-level money are Chris Duhon, Brooklyn's Sebastian Telfair, Keyon Dooling and Tyronn Lue."

Dooling is 28 years old, and Lue just turned 31. Not exactly NBA youngsters.

"The Bulls, who desperately tried to get David Lee in the Eddy Curry deal three years ago, are also expected to shop Kurt Heinrich and restricted free agent Ben Gordon."

I hear this Kurt Heinrich fellow could be a real catch. Much better than that Kirk Hinrich guy.

Those mistakes are cosmetic, sure. But when Berman then tosses a theory like this at the wall, you give a little less credence, yeah?

Golden State's Monta Ellis is a wonderful point-guard-of-the-future candidate but that has to be a sign-and-trade scenario because Warriors general manager Chris Mullin would match a two-year deal. Walsh and Mullin are close, making a transaction doable.

Ay ay ay. Ellis would not sign a two-year deal with the Knicks or anyone, not when teams would line up around the block to give him a five-year deal. And Mullin isn't going to hand his "wonderful point-guard-of-the-future" over to the Knicks just because Donnie was nice to him in Indianapolis in the '90s. I understand contrasting the Walsh regime with the Isiah Thomas Reign of Terror, but at some point the nonsensical Pollyanna theorizing becomes a farce, yeah?

Why No One Takes the N.Y. Post's NBA Coverage Seriously originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 10:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>ChrisMullinDonnieWalshKirkHinrichMontaEllisTom ZillerSun, 29 Jun 2008 10:25:00 EST You Can't Accuse Danny Ferry of Not Tryinghttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/28/you-cant-accuse-danny-ferry-of-not-trying/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/28/you-cant-accuse-danny-ferry-of-not-trying/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/28/you-cant-accuse-danny-ferry-of-not-trying/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The roster around LeBron James is, for the most part, lamentable. The Global Icon carried his team almost single-handedly to the Finals in 2006-07 and to a seventh game against the would-be NBA Champions this season. He's basically a two-time defending MVP without any trophies. He desperately needs some help.

Danny Ferry takes plenty of lumps for the minor disaster around LeBron, but at least he tries. He has spent plenty of Dan Gilbert's money to put guys who at one point could play a little around James, and he pulled off a major trade at the deadline (though the return package remains circumspect). And apparently, he's off to an active start this offseason, according to the Newark Star-Ledger's Dave D'Alessandro.
As they were putting some of the finishing touches on the Richard Jefferson-Yi Jianlian deal, the Nets received a call from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who offered them Wally Szczerbiak and his expiring, $13.2 million salary for Vince Carter.

According to two Eastern Conference executives, who asked for anonymity so as not to spill Rod Thorn's secrets, the Nets considered it -- but not for very long.
The one thing Ferry has in his favor: he can take all the bad contracts he wants, because the single goal going forward is proving to LeBron this team can take him back to The Finals repeatedly. Teams will always been pawning off stars for expiring contracts, and so long as you employ LeBron you wouldn't be slipping into that Knickerbocker despair.

The funny thing about this trade offer, of course: Ferry wants Carter to help LeBron win a title and resolve to stay in Cleveland. Thorn would want to trade Carter to help free up the cap space to sign LeBron. I imagine these two teams will be hesitant to work with each other in the next few seasons.

You Can't Accuse Danny Ferry of Not Trying originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 28 Jun 2008 09:48:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>DannyFerryLeBronJamesVinceCarterWallySzczerbiakTom ZillerSat, 28 Jun 2008 09:48:00 EST In Which Kevin Love Totally Recognizes That Stephen A. Smith Loves Cheese Doodleshttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/27/in-which-kevin-love-totally-recognizes-that-stephen-a-smith-lov/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/27/in-which-kevin-love-totally-recognizes-that-stephen-a-smith-lov/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/27/in-which-kevin-love-totally-recognizes-that-stephen-a-smith-lov/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Stephen A. Smith Heckling Society of Gentlemen is one of the true American traditions revolving around the NBA Draft. Just like Stephen A. himself, the Society gets in everyone's face and yells a lot. Only with a sock puppet.

In the video below, you will see nine minutes of heart gripping hilarity along the lines of Triumph the Comic Insult Dog. Highlights include (the entire freaking thing really) attacking Kenny Smith (2:25), "E tu, Bilas?" (3:00), the parading of the first round draft picks (3:25) in which Kevin Love drops a Cheesy-Doodle line (3:50) and Stephen A. "writes" a letter to ESPN (6:00). But seriously, watch the whole thing.



Thank you, kind sirs, for making my Friday less painful. Oh via AA, and of course, it's dedicated to Leitch, who's leaving or something today.

In Which Kevin Love Totally Recognizes That Stephen A. Smith Loves Cheese Doodles originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Kevin LoveKevinLoveO.J. MayoO.j.MayoStephen A. SmithStephenA.SmithWill BrinsonFri, 27 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST Lopez Twins Off the Board, Ready to Partyhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/lopez-twins-off-the-board-ready-to-party/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/lopez-twins-off-the-board-ready-to-party/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/lopez-twins-off-the-board-ready-to-party/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Brook Lopez went #10 to New Jersey, and brother Robin Lopez landed in Phoenix at #15. Two Disney Channel lovin' 20-year-old twins, promised NBA millions. Watch out New York City.

Lopez Twins Off the Board, Ready to Party originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 21:02:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>BrookLopezRobinLopezTom ZillerThu, 26 Jun 2008 21:02:00 EST "The Knicks Select ... Danilo Gallina<em>BOOOO!!!</em>"http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/the-knicks-select-danilo-gallina-em-boooo-em/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/the-knicks-select-danilo-gallina-em-boooo-em/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/the-knicks-select-danilo-gallina-em-boooo-em/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

New York took Italian forward Danilo "The Rooster" Gallinari with sixth pick. New York fans did not respond kindly.

As the crowd assembled at Madison Square Garden did on every mention of Gallinari before the draft began, Knicks fans booed and booed and booed. When the cameras hit them, they booed. When Gallinari told Stephen A. Smith he thinks New York is the best city in the world, they booed. When he smiled uncomfortably, clearly fearing for his life, they booed.

FanHouse friend Nathan Fowler is at MSG. He said that before the draft, fans were particularly rough in mocking the Rooster's highlight reels. But assuming Gallinari is in fact legit -- which everyone says he is -- they'll get on board. I mean, Quentin Richardson's corpse and Jared Jeffries manned the position last season! The Knicks are immediately better for this pick.

Memo to Fran Fraschilla, though: This guy, no matter how good he becomes, isn't pushing sneakers in this country.

"The Knicks Select ... Danilo GallinaBOOOO!!!" originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>DaniloGallinariJaredJeffriesQuentinRichardsonTom ZillerThu, 26 Jun 2008 20:18:00 EST Let's Hope Darrell Arthur and Robin Lopez Brought Their GameBoys to the Green Roomhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/lets-hope-darrell-arthur-and-robin-lopez-brought-their-gameboys/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/lets-hope-darrell-arthur-and-robin-lopez-brought-their-gameboys/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/lets-hope-darrell-arthur-and-robin-lopez-brought-their-gameboys/#commentsFiled under: ,



There are your green room attendees, ladies and gentlemen. It's hard to make out some of the faces, so some help from the left: Joe Alexander, D.J. Augustin, Brandon Rush, Eric Gordon, Darrell Arthur, Jerryd Bayless (in all white!), Robin Lopez (in an afro wig!), Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, Emperor David Stern, Brook Lopez, O.J. Mayo, Danilo Gallinari, Russell Westbrook, Anthony Randolph and Kevin Love.

Everyone here should go in the top 20 ... but watching Arthur or the hirsute Lopez slip into the mid 20s wouldn't be a surprise. It takes five minutes a pick, so either of those fellows could be chilling until 10 p.m. Eastern or so, if the worst happens. Grab a book!

Also: someone get Randolph a cheeseburger or four. Thanks.

Let's Hope Darrell Arthur and Robin Lopez Brought Their GameBoys to the Green Room originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:22:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>DarrellArthurRobinLopezTom ZillerThu, 26 Jun 2008 19:22:00 EST NBA Draft Live Blog: Thursday at 7http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/nba-draft-live-blog/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/nba-draft-live-blog/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/nba-draft-live-blog/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


There's already been plenty of movement around the league leading up to this draft -- including the Clippers/Sonics rumor and the Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee (sucka!) deal -- and no one really knows what's going to happen tonight. (Except the guy above, Rose, who's kicking it because he's going early, he's gonna be rich, and he knows it.)

We think Chicago is going to take Derrick Rose, but really, with the loose cannon that is John Paxson running that ship into the ground they might not. As for number two, Pat Riley could do anything. He's been posturing all week and acting more like Phil Helmuth than the GM of an NBA team, pretending to have "secret workouts" and such, in an attempt to scare Chicago into doing whatever it is that he wants.

Which is anyone's best guess. Anyway, I'll be hear live blogging the event with some special guests* throughout the evening, so swing by and drop your comments in the live blog.

The draft starts at 7:00 pm but we'll try and get things going a little earlier for everyone's sake.

NBA Draft Live Blog: Thursday at 7 originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brook LopezBrookLopezDerrick RoseDerrickRoseJohn PaxsonJohnPaxsonMichael BeasleyMichaelBeasleyRobin LopezRobinLopezWill BrinsonThu, 26 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST Yi Jianlian to N.J. for Richard Jeffersonhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/yi-jianlian-to-n-j-for-richard-jefferson/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/yi-jianlian-to-n-j-for-richard-jefferson/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/yi-jianlian-to-n-j-for-richard-jefferson/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Blockbuster No. 2, my friends: SI.com's Ian Thomsen says the Nets have agreed to ship expensive small forward Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for Chinese star Yi Jianlian and highway bandit Bobby Simmons. No picks involved, says Thomsen.

If this happens, it is a monumental deal. While J.O-for-T.J. might matter more on the court next season, Yi landing in New York City (err, at least a few minutes away) is a huge coup. While Milwaukee had adopted Yi as well as any Midwestern city could, the po$$ibilities with the Nets are just phenomenal.

For Milwaukee, this bolsters an already potent offense, shores up the most troublesome position, and either destroys or preserves the common belief Joe Alexander is going here at #8 in tonight's draft, depending on whether the Bucks think JoeAl can play power forward. If not, could Alexander slide down to #10 into N.J.'s waiting grasp? Remember, Alexander speaks Mandarin, and the Nets definitely need a new small forward, assuming Yi sticks to power forward, which he played at in Milwaukee.

Thomsen also notes that Simmons' contract expires in 2010, which is the summer LeBron James potentially becomes a free agent. I could not be more sure that this is only an incredible coincidence.

Yi Jianlian to N.J. for Richard Jefferson originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>BobbySimmonsJoeAlexanderLeBronJamesRichardJeffersonYiJIanlianTom ZillerThu, 26 Jun 2008 15:41:00 EST How to Get Booed on Draft Night: Move Downhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/how-to-get-booed-on-draft-night-move-down/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/how-to-get-booed-on-draft-night-move-down/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/how-to-get-booed-on-draft-night-move-down/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It probably makes sense to ignore the Knicks faithful within Madison Square Garden on NBA Draft night -- I seem to remember some misplaced giddiness last year. But Donnie Walsh might be taking the idea too far if this rumor from Howard Beck of the New York Times has heat:
According to executives with two teams, the Knicks are discussing a swap of first-round picks with Portland. The Knicks would send the No. 6 pick, forward David Lee and another player to the Trail Blazers for the 13th and 27th picks and a player, possibly Steve Blake or Jarrett Jack.
Just imagine the outpouring of love when David Stern announces the Knicks have traded the coveted #6 pick for a late-lottery and late-first ... and sent David Lee out of town in the process! I imagine it'd be far worse than the infamous reaction for the Renaldo Balkman, which you can see below at around the 55-second mark.

How to Get Booed on Draft Night: Move Down originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 10:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>DavidLeeDonnieWalshRenaldoBalkmanTom ZillerThu, 26 Jun 2008 10:10:00 EST Thierry Henry Not So Anonymous in New Yorkhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/thierry-henry-not-so-anonymous-in-new-york/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/thierry-henry-not-so-anonymous-in-new-york/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/26/thierry-henry-not-so-anonymous-in-new-york/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Thierry Henry once said that he would love to live in New York City because he wouldn't get the kind of attention he gets in Europe.

"When I'm in America I can be myself, I have no eyes on me. If I want to stop and buy a slice of pizza, pay man and just sit on a bench I can do that."

After last night's "Showdown in Chinatown," he might want to rethink that notion. Adam Spangler at This is American Soccer noted that Henry had plenty of eyes on him -- perhaps even more than NBA stars like Steve Nash, Baron Davis and Jason Kidd, or former Red Bull Jozy Altidore. Adam has an excellent photo essay on the event here, and you can find some decent Flickr photo sets here and here.

Thierry Henry Not So Anonymous in New York originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>SteveNashThierryHenryDavid J. WarnerThu, 26 Jun 2008 08:35:00 EST NBA Draft Crystal Ballin': New York Knickshttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/25/nba-draft-crystal-ballin-new-york-knicks/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/25/nba-draft-crystal-ballin-new-york-knicks/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/25/nba-draft-crystal-ballin-new-york-knicks/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Crystal Ballin' takes a team-by-team look at what should, could, and probably will happen in the June 26th NBA Draft.

It's almost sad that, with the NBA Draft in New York, we won't get to see Knicks fans freak out and boo whoever they take simply because Isiah Thomas is in charge. They still might boo, but it will likely be a force of habit thing rather than because they think Donnie Walsh and Mike D'Antoni will screw this thing up. But to think that the Knicks will be a quick rebuild seems a bit too much to ask.

Picks: #6

Needs: They're gonna need a new point guard (Stephon Marbury "might" not use that option, but he's still gone sooner than later), they need a tough inside presence (Zach Randolph/Eddy Curry = notsomuch) and they need players that fit D'Antoni's system. Good thing they have so many picks.

Best case scenario: Jerryd Bayless falls into their laps at six, which is looking more and more likely as word seems to slip out that Seattle is interested in Russell Westbrook. On the other hand, there wouldn't be anything wrong with getting someone to take #6 and Zach Randolph (contract that lasts past the two year window they're clearly eying) in exchange for a move down the board.

More likely scenario: Zeke calls Donnie and offers him Marbury and the number six for Randolph. Things get awkward. Then, the Knicks take Bayless or Eric Gordon, depending on how the top five shakes out.

Please don't take: Danilo Gallinari. Perhaps I trust D'Antoni's gut more than I should, but I'm not that high on this kid. Besides, if Mike D gets a chance to install his system anew, don't you think he wants to do it with as many high octane players who can also play defense as he can? I do.

Trade possibilities: People are saying the Knicks are certainly willing to move this pick -- and those "people" include Walsh, et al -- but who's taking a huge contract back? The Knicks would want to move Randolph (four years) or perhaps Jared Jeffries, since the other stink bombs expire after this season or next. I say no move.

NBA Draft Crystal Ballin': New York Knicks originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>crystalballin2008Donnie WalshDonnieWalshEddy CurryEddyCurryEric GordonEricGordonisiah thomasIsiahThomasJerryd BaylessJerrydBaylessMike DAntoniMikeDantoniStephon MarburyStephonMarburyZach RandolphZachRandolphWill BrinsonWed, 25 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST NBA Draft Sports Betting Propositions Are, of Course, Ridiculous(ly Fun)http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/25/nba-draft-sports-betting-propositions-are-of-course-ridiculous/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/25/nba-draft-sports-betting-propositions-are-of-course-ridiculous/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/25/nba-draft-sports-betting-propositions-are-of-course-ridiculous/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


America (and the Interwebs) is great because you can bet on anything. And since you can bet on anything, it should be no shock that there are a slew of various proposition bets available for the NBA Draft. BoDog has been kind enough to appease the Jones in all of us.
What will Miami do with the #2 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft?
Draft Michael Beasely and Keep him -- 5/6
Trade Pick or Draft Michael Beasley and Trade him -- 5/6
Draft O.J. Mayo -- 2/1
Draft Any Other Player -- 5/1
Now, Beasley seems like the sensible player to take here, no? But Mayo at 2 to 1 odds (note they were a whopping 5.5:1 yesterday)? With Pat Riley in charge?

There was some pretty good value there, but now at 2:1 it's obviously far more risky, considering Riley is slinging smokescreens lately.
Who will be the #3 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft?

O.J Mayo
4/13
Kevin Love
9/2
Jerryd Bayless
15/2
Brook Lopez
15/4
Other
6/1
Again, if you feel like Riley is going to take Mayo with the second pick, this would be a pretty nice option; Michael Beasley is inexplicably an automatic 6:1 guy. Love isn't horrible either, since you kinda feel like Kevin McHale could do something crazy. (Also note that these could be readjusted by this afternoon following trades, etc.) And so could Rod Thorn apparently, since BoDog is giving him is own "Danilo Gallinari" prop.
What will the New Jersey Nets do with the #10 pick in the NBA Draft?

Draft Danilo Gallinari
27/20
Draft any other player
1/2
Trade Pick
4/1
This particular wager didn't move at all today, meaning Vegas still likes the Nets to take Danilo ... if he's there. I kind of back the trade pick wager here for something small, at least if you're forced to bet on it.

The remaining picks are tough to really shake out -- primarily because they're just straight wildcards on who a particular team will take, and "Other" is usually given pretty bad odds. For instance, note the Bobcats options at nine.
Who will be the #9 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft?
Brook Lopez -- 10/11
DJ Augustin -- 11/2
Donte Greene -- 11/2
DeAndre Jordan -- 10/1
Other -- 10/11
Obviously, Brook Lopez is a lock if he falls (seems kind of unlikely) so that's horrible value. Other is equally as bad, but if you don't take one of those two, you're stuck assuming Michael Jordan is a horrible basketball executive. Oh. Right. Maybe DeAndre is my money maker this year after all.

NBA Draft Sports Betting Propositions Are, of Course, Ridiculous(ly Fun) originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brook LopezBrookLopezDeAndre JordanDeandreJordanDerrick RoseDerrickRoseKevin LoveKevinLoveMichael BeasleyMichaelBeasleyO.J. MayoO.j.MayoPat RileyPatRileyWill BrinsonWed, 25 Jun 2008 12:45:00 EST Thierry Henry to Join Steve Nash in Charity Soccer Game Tonight in New Yorkhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/25/thierry-henry-to-join-steve-nash-in-charity-soccer-game-tonight/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/25/thierry-henry-to-join-steve-nash-in-charity-soccer-game-tonight/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/25/thierry-henry-to-join-steve-nash-in-charity-soccer-game-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hey, New York Red Bulls supporters, want to get a preview of the next star striker your team will sign within about two years?

Barcelona forward Thierry Henry is schedule to join his pal Steve Nash and other NBA stars in a charity soccer match tonight in New York City. "The Showdown in Chinatown" will also feature Red Bulls midfielder Claudio Reyna, former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler, and NBA players Baron Davis, Jason Kidd, Raja Bell and Leandro Barbosa.

Nash put the game together to raise money for his foundation, but he got a welcome boost for his cause from Henry, thanks to France's dismal early exit from EURO 2008.

The 8-on-8 friendly kicks off at 5:30 p.m. tonight in Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Admission is free, though I suspect Nash will gladly accept your donations.

(H/T: Goal)

Thierry Henry to Join Steve Nash in Charity Soccer Game Tonight in New York originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 08:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>SteveNashThierryHenryDavid J. WarnerWed, 25 Jun 2008 08:50:00 EST Will Grizz Skip Kevin Love to Nab David Lee?http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/24/will-grizz-skip-kevin-love-to-nab-david-lee/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/24/will-grizz-skip-kevin-love-to-nab-david-lee/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/24/will-grizz-skip-kevin-love-to-nab-david-lee/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A few folks in the know have reported the possibility of Memphis-New York swap which would send David Lee and Malik Rose to the Grizzlies in exchange for the #5 pick and Brian Cardinal's ugly contract. Andy Katz, an ESPN college hoops virtuoso, pressed this rumor a few times Tuesday, including in this blog post.

The theory is that the Knicks would use picks #5 and #6 on Danilo Gallinari and either Russell Westbrook or Eric Gordon. My interest comes from the Memphis angle. Many mocks have sent Kevin Love to the Grizz at #5, where he'd project to be an awesome rebounder and nifty, efficient offensive player ... which is exactly what Lee has been for three seasons.

So, if you're Memphis, why do pull this trigger? Lee's up for an extension; you don't have to give it to him this summer, but he'd be a restricted free agent next July in that case. He has tremendous value around the league, and will fetch a pretty penny. Losing Cardinal has value on the surface, but The Custodian is only signed through 2009-10. I mean, is Memphis really going to make a big free agent splash one year from now? I don't think so.

The #5 pick will make less than $8 million the next two seasons. Lee will likely make the same (he's ultra-cheap for 2008-09, likely pricey in 2009-10 and beyond). Cardinal will make $13 million, and Rose is owed $7.6 million for one more year. So, for Memphis, the opportunity to save a whopping $6 million over the next two seasons is enough incentive to own the rights to the 25-year-old Lee over the 19-year-old Love? This makes no sense.

(It's brilliant for the Knicks; as sweet as Lee is, he'll get expensive at just the wrong time, and the backcourt is in such a'shambles parting with Lee is worth the potential fix two top-6 picks can offer. Also: Cardinal has a magical "expiring in 2010" contract. Beautiful.)

Will Grizz Skip Kevin Love to Nab David Lee? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:39:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>BrianCardinalDaniloGallinariDavidLeeEricGordonKevinLoveMalikRoseRussellWestbrookTom ZillerTue, 24 Jun 2008 23:39:00 EST An Old Western Barroom Brawl in Portland, Starring Zach Randolphhttp://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/14/an-old-western-barroom-brawl-in-portland-starring-zach-randolph/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/14/an-old-western-barroom-brawl-in-portland-starring-zach-randolph/http://nba.fanhouse.com/2008/06/14/an-old-western-barroom-brawl-in-portland-starring-zach-randolph/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Via HoopsHype, the Portland Tribune's Kerry Eggers updates us on Zach Randolph's latest visit to Rip City on May 31.
Zach was out enjoying himself at Ohm nightclub when, at 1:30 a.m., police responded to a 911 call about a disturbance.

"We were told Zach showed up with an entourage and got into a disagreement with a known gang member and drug dealer," Mike Reese, central precinct commander for the Portland Police Bureau, tells the Portland Tribune's Nick Budnick.

When police arrived, the scene at Ohm "looked like an old western barroom brawl, with chairs and tables being thrown around ... the bar was trashed," Reese says. Police emptied out the remaining patrons and shut down the club.
Aah, Z-Bo. How the police officers of Portland missed you. How Portland has missed you. It seems worth nothing the reason why Z-Bo was in Portland: he had a May 30 court date for a January incident where a man alleged Zach and old buddy Qyntel Woods beat him up for snitching about Qyntel's dog situation. (Randolph settled, Eggers surmises.)

No word on whether Z-Bo punched anyone in the airport terminal, the McDonald's drive-thru, in the hotel lobby, at the precinct, or anywhere else.

An Old Western Barroom Brawl in Portland, Starring Zach Randolph originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 10:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>QyntelWoodsZachRandolphTom ZillerSat, 14 Jun 2008 10:05:00 EST