NBA FanHouse

The Basketball Star Who Looks Just Like Michael Jordan

Elie Seckbach — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Euroleague, NBA Videos, Summer League, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

For the past six years Robert Battle has been playing professional basketball overseas. He's doing pretty well, but it doesn't matter where he goes because everyone thinks he's none other than NBA legend Michael Jordan. In this FanHouse video we talk to MJ's look-alike about his adventures. We also hear from two members of the media, NBA writers Dave McMenamin and Sam Amick, who some people also say look alike.

Check out the video after the jump.

The Basketball Star Who Looks Just Like Michael Jordan originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blake Griffin Says He Needs More Work

Gary Washburn — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Clippers, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- Blake Griffin, who will miss USA Basketball's minicamp because of a strained shoulder, came away from the Las Vegas Summer League with much to work on, despite being named MVP of the league.

Griffin, the Clippers forward, said defense will be his biggest obstacle during his adjustment to the NBA, and he learned a great deal about communication and spacing during the five-game summer league stint.

"For me, it's just about getting the things down that I need to get down like defensive schemes and understand where to be at what time because those things won't change too much," he said. "The competition is gonna be better but for the most part the sets are the same and everything like that. Everything's been kind of what I expected and I am just trying to handle it the right way. Defense. [I've got to] learn things quickly and react off of instinct."

At times Griffin made the summer league resemble the Big 12 in terms of his dominance. But he hardly seemed impressed with his scoring and rebounding. He knows he can excel at those aspects. He wants to become a complete player.

"The biggest thing I'm trying to learn every day and get better," he said. "I'm still making too many mistakes. Didn't shoot well early on. I hit some jumpers, but like I said, I've got to keep learning, keep getting better. Defensive mistakes. A couple of times I called out the wrong defensive command and kind of got mixed up and careless with the ball a couple of times."

And his realizes his perimeter jumper must improve.

"I haven't shot well," he said. "I hit some shots but I haven't shot as well as I can. It's going to come with the reps. I've got to build my confidence shooting the ball because I never did it in college. I just didn't do it."

Blake Griffin Says He Needs More Work originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adam Morrison Impresses in Las Vegas

Elie Seckbach — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, NBA Videos, Summer League, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

Adam Morrison of the Los Angeles Lakers is an outstanding shooter, but due to a knee injury and a stacked roster, he saw limited action after being acquired at the trade deadline. But during summer league in Las Vegas earlier this month, Morrison was balling, big time -- he averaged 20.8 points and 5.0 rebounds in 32.8 minutes a game. We talked to him one-on-one about the Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown and more.

Check out the video after the jump.

Adam Morrison Impresses in Las Vegas originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smush Parker Wants to Dunk on Artest

Elie Seckbach — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, Raptors, NBA Videos, Summer League, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

In the playgrounds of New York, Smush Parker is a legend -- his game would stop traffic and he earned such nicknames as NBA Live, Grim Reaper and The Aviator. Other players who shared the courts with him included Ron Artest, Lamar Odom, Rafer Alston and 7-foot-2 big man Josh Moore, who's taken up coaching after stints playing in the NBA, China and Iran.

In a recent radio interview, Artest mentioned Smush as one of the best ballers out of New York. In this FanHouse exclusive, we ask Parker if he ever dunked on Artest -- watch the video to hear the answer.

Check out the video after the jump.

Smush Parker Wants to Dunk on Artest originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DeMar DeRozan Needs a Nickname

Elie Seckbach — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, Summer League, Interviews, NBA Twitter, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

DeMar DeRozan is a bright, young rookie selected ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors, and even though he can shoot, pass and defend with the best of them, he is missing something: a cool nickname. In this FanHouse exclusive, DeMar tells us how you can help him out.

Check out the video after the jump.

If you're on Twitter, send your nickname suggestions to @DeMar_DeRozan, and be sure to follow @NBAFanHouse and @Seckbach.

DeMar DeRozan Needs a Nickname originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thunder Waives Earl Watson, Who Could Sign With Indiana

Gary Washburn — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, Summer League, Thunder, NBA Transactions

The Thunder waived guard Earl Watson on Friday and Watson is expected to sign with the Indiana Pacers as soon as his one-week waiver period expires. The Thunder will have to pay Watson a portion of final $6.6 million of his contract and it gives Oklahoma City more roster flexibility.

The move may be an indication that former lottery pick Shaun Livingston has cemented himself as the reserve point guard and it gives Watson a chance to play significant minutes. That wasn't going to happen this season for OKC, which is preparing for the future.

Watson, 30, averaged 6.6 points and 5.8 rebounds for the Thunder last season but he became increasingly unhappy when Russell Westbrook was given the starting job. OKC has a couple more veteran contracts -- Damien Wilkins, Chucky Atkins -- that could be gone by training camp.

Watson's signing is also a sign that Indiana won't match Toronto's offer sheet to Jarrett Jack. Watson is a solid reserve point guard and good defender. And he also just married actress Jennifer Freeman (My Wife and Kids) in May, so it has been a good couple of months for the former UCLA standout.

Thunder Waives Earl Watson, Who Could Sign With Indiana originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Paul Caught Lying on Twitter?

Brett Pollakoff — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:52:00 EST

Filed under: Hornets, NBA Media Watch, Summer League, NBA Twitter

There was a time, not that long ago, when Chris Paul was not into the whole Twitter thing. In fact, due to various impostor accounts that popped up, it became kind of a joke/meme to tweet -- in all caps, of course -- CHRIS PAUL IS NOT ON TWITTER!

Right about now, he probably wishes that he wasn't.

After a report appeared in Pro Basketball News on Friday that had Paul on the record acknowledging the fact that given the Hornets' financial situation, there was the possibility that he could be traded, Paul updated his Twitter page with a complete denial, which effectively accused the reporter of making the whole thing up.

The only problem? The reporter in question, Chris Tomasson, has the whole thing on tape.

The original comments made by Paul were pretty innocuous; here's how they appeared within the context of the report:

Paul was interviewed Thursday by Pro Basketball News, and asked about his team's financial situation. The Hornets are staring at being well over the luxury tax, and might have to dump some big contracts.

"In this league, anything can happen," said Paul, at the summer league to watch his Hornets. "I can be dealt."

Paul then was asked that surely he can't be serious he could be traded.

"It's possible," he said. "It's possible."

Again, harmless. But Paul must have been catching a whole lot of grief about it, so much so that he threw out the following message on his Twitter page, which included calling out Tomasson by name:

Tomasson, a highly-respected journalist who's been covering the NBA for over 20 years, obviously felt the need to defend himself -- especially after someone on the Hornets' PR staff said Paul didn't remember the conversation, and asked Tomasson if the interview was taped.

As it turns out, it was.

It's unclear why Paul would try to deny his comments so vehemently, to the point of basically calling Tomasson a liar, when the conversation happened in a public place and was clearly being recorded at the time. Is it possible that he was being a little too candid with some inside information, and the organization reprimanded him for it?

Maybe, maybe not. Either way, if you're an NBA star speaking to a reporter at an NBA event (like Summer League, for example), and the recorder is rolling and in plain sight, guess what? Your comments are on the record unless you clearly instruct the reporter otherwise.

Saying your comments were taken out of context or misinterpreted is one thing, but flat out denying that you ever said them, when they're on tape? That makes you a liar.

Calling out the reporter that printed them by name, and accusing him of making it up? That makes you a jerk, too.

If all of this went down as it appears to have gone down, one thing is clear:

Chris Paul owes Chris Tomasson an apology.

Chris Paul Caught Lying on Twitter? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 17:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Anthony Morrow Sparkles His Way to Summer League Record

Gary Washburn — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:59:00 EST

Filed under: Warriors, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- They were chanting "50" late in the fourth quarter. A Fro-Hawked Anthony Morrow was humbled by the adulation. The former Georgia Tech standout made his way to the NBA the hard way last year and now was more popular in Las Vegas on Thursday night than Wayne Newton.

Morrow, the Golden State Warriors guard, was brilliant in an easy win over the New Orleans Hornets, setting the Summer League record with 47 points and earning whole new slew of admirers.

"I heard them say '50' and it felt pretty good," said Morrow, who exited the game in the final two minutes to a rousing ovation. "I was just trying to get off good shots and my teammates kept feeding me. It was a good feeling."

Morrow hit 18 of 26 shots, seven of nine 3-pointers and added seven rebounds in nearly 37 minutes. He scored 25 points in the first half and set the record with a 19-footer from the baseline. The previous record was set three times, most recently by Golden State teammate Anthony Randolph, who scored 42 on Wednesday.

Undrafted, Morrow earned a spot on the Warriors roster and played in 67 games last season, averaging 10.1 points, including a 37-point game against the Los Angeles Clippers and 33 against the Phoenix Suns.

"I was just having fun out there," he said. "All I want to do is keep playing hard and this is the first step. This is where I got my start last year and I really like playing here (in Las Vegas)."

Anthony Morrow Sparkles His Way to Summer League Record originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:59:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mark Cuban 'Not Worried' About Dirk Nowitzki Opting Out

Gary Washburn — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:40:00 EST

Filed under: Mavericks, NBA All-Star Game, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- Mark Cuban enjoys the attention at Summer League. As he sits in the front row of Cox Pavilion watching games, a horde of kids ask for autographs. This is an unusual occurrence for NBA owners.

Cuban is hoping that his brotherly relationship with his players and relentless desire to bring Dallas an NBA title will encourage Dirk Nowitzki to stay with the Mavericks. Nowitzki has a $21 million player option for the 2010-11 season that Cuban would prefer he accept. If not, Nowitzki will be an unrestricted free agent and part of the elite class that will include LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Cuban has signed Jason Kidd to a three-year deal, traded for Shawn Marion and continues to chase available free agents instead of rebuilding. All of that is a play to convince Nowitzki to stay.

"I've got a good relationship with Dirk," he said Thursday. "I'm not worried about it one way or another. You try to rebuild while you're winning. You try to add a young piece here and a young piece there and see what happens. We've been doing this for nine years, 10 years now and every couple of years everybody say well its time to rebuild and we don't, so we'll see."

There has been major questions about the three-year, $25 million deal signed by Kidd, who will be 39 by the time the deal ends. Many NBA pundits said there was no other club interested in signing Kidd to a three-year deal. Cuban said those types of long-term deals for veterans are customary.

"That's just part of the drill. You don't expect him to play at the same level all three years," he said. "You hope so, but at the same time, that's just the way NBA contracts work. It gives us a lot of flexibility. But Jason's a special athlete. And we have a young point guard so a lot of times you can add value beyond on the court."

Yet, there is a level of excitement in Cuban, even more than usual. His city is hosting the 2010 All-Star Game at the new Cowboys Stadium, which promises to be the biggest Texas spectacle since "Who shot J.R?"

And Cuban said he's excited about working with one-time adversary NBA Commissioner David Stern on the All-Star project. Stern has fined Cuban on several occasions for his antics regarding officials.

"I always work with commissioner Stern, we get along great," Cuban said with wry smile. "People think we don't get along. There's just times when he has to fine me and there's times I have to yell back. Other than that, we get along great.

"Oh boy it's going to be an event. Every All-Star Game is always a special week but you know everything's bigger in Texas and we're going to try to do it up. We've got a lot of great events planned, the traditional things and it will be the world's biggest ever basketball/all-star game at Cowboys Stadium, so we're definitely going to tear it up."

Mark Cuban 'Not Worried' About Dirk Nowitzki Opting Out originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Musselman Close to Coaching in Russia

Tim Povtak — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:15:00 EST

Filed under: Warriors, Euroleague, Summer League, FanHouse Exclusive

It isn't just the players on the fringe of the NBA who are leaving the country to play overseas. It's the coaches, too, who are being courted.

Eric Musselman, former head coach of the Golden State Warriors, is weighing an offer to join Spartak St. Petersburg in Russia for the 2009-10 season, according to sources at the Las Vegas Summer League.

Musselman has been around the NBA, as an assistant or head coach, since his father, Bill Musselman, coached the Minnesota Timberwolves from 1989-1991. Eric was head coach of the Warriors from 2002-04. They improved 38 games his first season, which was 17 more than they had won before he arrived.

Spartak St. Petersburg is the same team that recently signed rookie point guard Levance Fields to a two-year deal. Fields, who helped the University of Pittsburgh to the NCAA Tournament, was scouted extensively at the Orlando Professional Summer League last week. The team will play this season in the Euroleague.

Musselman was unavailable for comment, but multiple sources confirmed the offer. He is expected to accept the job over the weekend. The job previously was turned down by Tim Floyd, who has coached both the Chicago Bulls and the New Orleans Hornets.

Update: Musselman turned down the position.

Musselman Close to Coaching in Russia originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DeMar DeRozan Ready for Toronto

Gary Washburn — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:32:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, Summer League

LAS VEGAS - After dropping 20 points in 32 minutes in Toronto's 74-73 victory over Phoenix, DeMar DeRozan expressed excitement about playing in Toronto -- and he was very serious.

DeRozan said he had a dream before the NBA Draft that the Raptors would select him 10th, and although the city has not been able to retain its stars -- Marcus Camby, Damon Stoudamire, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady -- for the long run, DeRozan wants to buck that tradition.

"I am real excited [about Toronto]," he said. "I can't wait to get started, get out there and live and get the feel for everything. I think that was the best situation for me. I told everybody the day before I got drafted. I told my mom and [everyone] I wanted to go to Toronto. And I got picked by Toronto."

DeRozan has emerged as one of the more impressive players in Summer League. At 6-foot-7, he has the legitimate size for a small forward, but his athleticism and length make him a matchup nightmare. Just ask Phoenix's Taylor Griffin, who had to defend DeRozan on Wednesday.

Just four months ago, however, DeRozan was an uneven freshman guard at USC who had yet to make a significant impact. Then came the Pac-10 Tournament, when he turned into Vince Carter and was named the tourney's MVP.

"I just found my comfort zone and stuck with it and ran with it," he said. "And the beginning of the season, I wasn't as comfortable as I was going into the middle and end of the season. At the end of the season I got better, I started to figure it out. I didn't know [I would enter the draft] until about a week after we lost in the NCAA Tournament. I sat down and talked to coach [Tim] Floyd and he really gave me good advice and said do what's best for you and that's what I did."

Leaving USC was likely the best decision for DeRozan for many reasons. A few weeks after he declared, Floyd resigned because of potential NCAA violations, and the team will undergo a major rebuilding project under new coach Kevin O'Neill.

"It was shocking, coach Floyd was a great coach," he said. "And that university was on the rise with him there and all the players he had coming in. It's unfortunate for that to happen. It's real surprising. It's been up and down for the basketball team and I just wish the best for them. They should be all right."

And DeRozan will be fine in Toronto.

DeMar DeRozan Ready for Toronto originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:32:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raptors' Ekene Ibekwe OK After Summer League Scare

Gary Washburn — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:19:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, Suns, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- The lightheartedness of the NBA summer league was halted Wednesday when Toronto's Ekene Ibekwe was hurt making a game-saving block during the Raptors' 74-73 win over the Phoenix Suns.

Phoenix's Goran Dragic drove in the final seconds and his layup attempt was blocked by Ibekwe, who was undercut by Dragic. Ibekwe's chin crashed to the floor. Ibekwe was immobilized and taken off the court in a stretcher and rushed to a UMC Medical Center. He did not sustain any serious injuries, but it is uncertain if he will play in the remaining game for the Raptors.

Iwezke, who played last season in Turkey, finished with seven points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes for the Raptors.

Dragic dribbled the ball for several seconds and instead of pulling up for an open jumper, he darted toward the basket and the 6-foot-9 Iwezke leaped for the game-securing block but was flipped by Dragic's sprawling body.

Raptors' Ekene Ibekwe OK After Summer League Scare originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bulls' James Johnson Admits to Being Distracted at Wake Forest

Gary Washburn — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- Last year's Wake Forest squad had two of the first 19 picks in the NBA Draft -- James Johnson and Jeff Teague -- and another player who would have been a first-rounder had he decided to declare (Al-Farouq Aminu).

Johnson was the 16th pick of the Chicago Bulls and tallied 16 points in the Bulls' 87-72 summer league loss to Milwaukee on Wednesday. Johnson, who left Wake Forest following his sophomore season, is prepared for his next challenge, but he can't help but look back to his days at Winston-Salem, N.C.

The one-time top-ranked Demon Deacons limped into the NCAA Tournament and were soundly beaten by Cleveland State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, a crushing end to a sparkling season. Johnson admitted that he and some of his teammates may have been looking ahead to their NBA Draft prospects.

"We were great man," Johnson said of his Wake Forest team. "Fame just took us all by storm. We were a young team, no seasoning. But what happened is we crumbled. We were a great team and then we crumbled. Cleveland State played a great basketball game and deserved that win."

Johnson averaged nearly nine rebounds per game last season at Wake Forest, but he is more of a hybrid small forward with an improving perimeter game. He entered the 2008-09 college season as an unknown, and it didn't help that his hometown is Cheyenne, Wyo.

"I like where I'm at," he said. "I'm not worried about who sees me and who doesn't. It's about basketball for me and the love of the game. It's good not to sign 100 autographs when I'm walking into these places. I love just going up to my room and being a regular dude. That's what I want to be no matter how much fame I get or don't get."

Bulls' James Johnson Admits to Being Distracted at Wake Forest originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stephen Curry Isn't Gun Shy

Matt Watson — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Warriors, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- No one disputes that Stephen Curry was the best shooter taken in last month's draft, but after four games, no one can make the claim that he's the most consistent. He's enjoyed a few hot streaks, but after a 3-for-15 performance from the field on Tuesday, he's shooting just 31.4% from the field.

Despite the rough introduction to the NBA, Curry doesn't seem to be losing confidence. He's usually running the point when he's in the game, and the Warriors have encouraged him to continue being aggressive looking for his shot, and he's followed orders.

"He doesn't worry about the stat sheet, because he knows that's only going to tell half the story of the game if he continues to play," Warriors assistant coach Keith Smart said. "Of course, I'm sure at Davidson he's had games where he couldn't buy a bucket, but you got to keep playing."

More From Las Vegas: Clips Want Iverson? | Livingston's Long Road Back
Randolph Makes History | Griffin Dominates in Debut

"I remember he said, 'My next shot I feel is always going in. And all of a sudden it started to go in. What he has to do when he gets in those 0 and 8 slumps, my best thing to do is get to the basket, get a foul, go to the free throw line and see them going in. Because he's going to play with some other better players where he may not get as many attempts, he won't get as many attempts, he's got to figure out a way to manufacture points when your shot is not going in."

Curry has averaged seven free-throw attempts per game, showing a surprising ability to get into the paint and attack the basket. And to his credit, even though he's continued to look for his own shot, it hasn't come at the expense of his teammates -- he also finished with eight assists on Tuesday, and has averaged 4.5 in his first four games.

While Curry was usually the first, second and third option at Davidson, he's now surrounded with capable scoring options, and seems to be building a strong rapport with Anthony Randolph, in particular.

"[The pro game is] more open and I can make more plays as a point guard, being able to get my teammates involved and things like that," Curry said. "From a 'fun' standpoint, it's more enjoyable for me being able to make plays and play with talented guys like Randolph and other guys who can score.

"I'm still trying to learn all the names of plays and knowing where to be, and as a point guard you got to be the first one to tell everybody where to be, so that's a struggle. But I like the the freedom to make plays and get in the gaps and the way we work off each other. It's going to be fun to come into practice and games and play that kind of system everyday, so I'm looking forward to that."

The question that's come up several times throughout Curry's stay in Las Vegas is whether he's qualified to handle point guard duties in the regular season, a job ostensibly belonging to Monta Ellis. Truth be told, neither Curry nor Ellis are a "pure" point guard, and in Golden State's up-tempo offense, just about anybody can trigger the fast break.

"If you get a rebound, even Anthony can bring it up and me and Monta are running the wings, or whoever gets the ball, we're running the wings and get up and down," Curry said. "I think coach Smart has told me, you're a guard, whatever that means, just play. And that's what we did."

Stephen Curry Isn't Gun Shy originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dunleavy Doesn't Deny Interest in Iverson

Gary Washburn — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:33:00 EST

Filed under: Clippers, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- If you were looking for Mike Dunleavy to shoot down rumors of the Clippers' interest in Allen Iverson, he didn't Tuesday night.

The Clippers coach didn't mention the controversial guard by name, but he did say the club is "exploring our options with a lot of different guys and to see what's the best situation for our team, but we'll see it all plays out."

There have been numerous questions as to whether Iverson could mix with the young Clippers, a promising team that includes Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon and Al Thornton. In addition, the Clippers still have Baron Davis on contract for four more years, although it seems his tenure in Los Angeles has already turned sour.

"I always worry about chemistry, with all my players," Dunleavy said. The Clippers' brass, including owner Donald Sterling, executive vice president Andy Roeser and Dunleavy, were primarily watching Griffin, who tallied 16 points in 36 minutes. But they are expected to meet with Iverson's agent, Leon Rose, Wednesday, perhaps to discuss a free-agent contract.

Dunleavy Doesn't Deny Interest in Iverson originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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OKC's Livingston Trying to Make It All the Way Back

Gary Washburn — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:20:00 EST

Filed under: Clippers, Summer League, Thunder

LAS VEGAS -- It was five years ago that Shaun Livingston made his summer league debut for the Los Angeles Clippers. He was a rail-thin 18-year-old with a large Afro and immense talent to match. He wasn't physically developed, but the point guard from Peoria Central High School was tabbed as cornerstone for the Clippers -- he just needed time.

Time wasn't a concern for Livingston five years ago and something he still possesses at age 23. But his stock has fallen considerably because of a Feb. 2007 left knee injury that would have ended many other careers. Now the hair is short and faded on the sides. The focus is on now, not tomorrow. And his left knee continues to improve, but it may never be the same.

In case you forgot, Livingston dislocated his kneecap, tore his anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament and his meniscus, and sprained his medial collateral ligament. He also dislocated his patella and tibia-femoral joint making a jump-stop against the Charlotte Bobcats.

The gruesome injury and arduous rehabilitation limited Livingston to 12 games the past two years, and he is trying to stick with the Thunder, which has yet to guarantee his contract.

He remains 6-foot-7 with superior ball-handling and distributing skills, yet Livingston seeks a job in the NBA despite lacking the explosion of three years ago.

"It's good, just taking my time to getting back," he said following OKC's 74-68 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. "It's really about just playing for my knee, my situation's different. Obviously after six years, I wouldn't be playing summer league. But after injuries and everything else, I'm getting back into the flow and getting ready for the season."

Livingston tallied eight points, four assists and three steals Tuesday as he actually started at small forward. Point guard Russell Westbrook, attending the ESPY awards in Los Angeles, was replaced by Kyle Weaver. Livingston is hoping his versatility will garner him a guaranteed contract. With Westbrook a staple at point, Livingston may have to be satisfied with a backup role.

But he's been humbled. The Clippers renounced his rights in June 2008 to clear cap space for Baron Davis and then he had a brief stint with the Miami Heat before signing with OKC and heading to the NBDL.

"I think that says a lot about him that he was willing to go to the D-League," OKC general manager Sam Presti said. "We are talking about a guy who was the fourth overall pick. That said a lot about him and his willingness to get back."

Livingston said the knee is healthy but he still needs to get back in basketball shape; that has been the purpose of summer league.

"The knee is very sound as far the mechanics of it, strength and explosiveness is the last part that's coming along," he said. "Right now I have to be more of a different player, more pace, just learning some of the younger guys trying to work with them. It's still learning my game and still molding it."

There are no signs of gray hairs on Livingston, but he's definitely been aged by his experience. At a time when draft contemporaries are enjoying large contracts and franchise tags, Livingston just wants a role on a team. The lure of glamour and shoe contracts have been replaced by meager thoughts of making a contribution.

"There were no words for (what I have experienced), an everyday grind, one day at a time," he said. "I'm years ahead of my age. I don't think like the average 23-year-old guy that's been in the league. Some of these rookies are my age or older and I got a different role than these guys. Now I'm back, it obviously was a long road but now I'm looking forward to continuing to improve."

OKC's Livingston Trying to Make It All the Way Back originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 00:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Randolph Makes Summer League History

Matt Watson — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:35:00 EST

Filed under: Warriors, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- Golden State's Anthony Randolph exploded for 42 points in Tuesday's 95-83 win over the Bulls, tying a Las Vegas Summer League record for most points in a game, previously set by Marcus Banks and Von Wafer in 2007.

Despite rarely being featured in a starring role as a rookie, Randolph was still one of the most versatile players in the league last year, so the fact he's tearing up the court in Las Vegas is hardly a surprise. But while his rookie year was marked by inconsistency -- both in terms of his performance and opportunities -- he's yet to have an off game this summer. After four games, he's shooting 60.5 percent and averaging 26.8 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.0 blocks.

He scored his points on Tuesday mostly by being aggressive, attacking the rim and rarely settling for jumpers. It paid off: he shot 13-for-22 from the field and made 16 of 21 free throws. Randolph clearly tired as the game wore on, but he maintained his effort.

"Randolph did well with attacking the basket and just trying to play through the fatigue," Warriors assistant coach Keith Smart said. "And that's what he's going to have to do to keep growing as a pro in the NBA."

Randolph tallied a double-double in each of his first three games before finishing with just three rebounds in 34 minutes on Tuesday. Despite etching his name into the history books with his scoring, his lack of production on the glass was the focus of his first comments to the media after the game.

"I think I did OK," he said. "I rebounded poorly -- I only had three rebounds. That's not good for a 6-11 guy, to only have three rebounds in 30 or however many minutes I played. ... Of course, you have to score the ball, but I'm not just satisfied with that. I want to be able to do more than one thing. I'm versatile."

Randolph's versatility is what sets him apart from almost every big man in the league. He doesn't have much bulk (and likely never will), but he's extremely athletic and long, capable of crashing the boards, blocking shots and putting the ball on the floor in transition like a point guard.

"My goal is to work hard and one day be one of the best players in the league and be up there with LeBron and Kobe," Randolph said. "I know it's going to take hard work and effort to get there.

Randolph Makes Summer League History originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Hype Is Real: Blake Griffin Dominates in Summer League Debut

Matt Watson — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:05:00 EST

Filed under: Clippers, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- Blake Griffin made his professional debut in front of an eager crowd at the Thomas & Mack Center, and Clippers fans couldn't have asked things to go any better: he made his first eight shots on his way to posting game-high marks with 27 points and 12 rebounds, helping his teammates past the rival Los Angeles Lakers.

Griffin showed his versatility for all 30 minutes he was on the court, putting the ball on the floor, hitting shots inside the paint and out and even extending his range all the way to three-point land.

While most summer league games are played in front of a laid-back, half-interested crowd, you could tell that this was the main event that fans had anticipated for weeks. Super-fan Clipper Darrell was in attendance, of course, leading the crowd in cheers, as was commissioner David Stern.

More From Bleacher Report: Griffin's Debut Has Clippers Salivating

Assistant coach Kim Hughes is handling the head coaching duties during summer league, but Mike Dunleavy was in attendance, watching from courtside seats on the opposite end of the floor of the Clippers bench. After the game, Dunleavy was effusive with praise, especially regarding Griffin's outside shooting. The team has worked with Griffin to add more arc to his shot, as well as releasing the ball at the top of his jump instead of on the way down.

"He did everything that we expected him to do," Dunleavy said. "He's been working like crazy on his outside shot. It's really been improving for us. He hit a three earlier tonight, yesterday in practice he hit a 20-footer, then a three-pointer to end one of the games. He made six jumpers of over 20 feet yesterday in practice. We knew he could rebound and handle the ball and pass, and really play hard, but he's improving really quickly for us."

As excited as Dunleavy was, he was hardly surprised. "For a guy like him, it's hard to have a bad game because he plays so hard and he does so many things. He's very unselfish, he's going to draw a lot of attention, when he did tonight, he made the plays to the right people at the right time and got them easy scores. I just love the way he plays."

Dunleavy added that he wants Griffin to have enough confidence in his shot to never pass up an open look. "He hesitated one time in practice yesterday," Dunleavy said. "I stopped practice and I said, 'You can't turn down 17 footers that are open, you're showing the ability to make them, it'll never be questioned. When you're open, shoot the ball, don't think anything of it, be aggressive,' and that's the way we want to see him play."

Outside the Clippers' locker room, in a cramped hallway made smaller by dozens of reporters and several television cameras, Griffin was his usual low-key self. "It was the first time I played a game in about three months or so," he said. "It's great to get back out there and shake the rust off."

As it happens, there wasn't much rust to shake off -- Griffin hit his first eight shots, getting into a rhythm early that carried him the rest of the game. "That was great. That's something that I wanted to do, that first layup that I had, I really wanted to hit my first layup," he said. "Make that layup and take the edge off a little bit. I kind of settled down on my jumpers."

Although he's primarily known for his play in the post, Griffin admitted that he hopes to use his newly refined jumper more often. "I would like to shoot a little more from the perimeter. It's something that I've been working on, something that I know I can do, so I just want to get repetitions in games."

As excited as everyone was, Griffin acknowledged that there's still work for him to do. He graded his debut a "B-minus," pointing to some defensive lapses he hopes to correct.

"We won, that's great, but I did some things wrong defensively," he said. "That's the hardest part for me is picking on different things. And also just remembering plays. It hasn't been a problem in the past, but so much was kind of thrown at me over the past three days that it kind of gets jumbled up and then I messed up a few times."

New teammate Marcus Camby was in attendance, and he liked what he saw. "Very impressed," he said. "Very impressive debut. I thought he played extremely well and showed what he can do out there, shows how very versatile out there he is on the court. I definitely see him having a bright future."

With Chris Kaman, Camby and Griffin, the Clippers have a crowded frontcourt, even after the departure of Zach Randolph, who's expected to be officially traded to the Grizzlies later this week. Then again, when you consider the big lineups used by many of the top contenders in the West, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

"The way we are now, I feel like we have a team that can compete in the West," said Camby. "Last year was an abysmal season by everybody, but we all got a lot of heart and a lot of confidence that we can bounce back and have a terrific season."

Making the jump from 19 wins to the playoffs is a tall order, but if his first game as a pro is any indication, having a talent like Griffin gives the Clippers a solid foundation to build upon.

The Hype Is Real: Blake Griffin Dominates in Summer League Debut originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Progress on Lamar Odom Talks

Gary Washburn — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, Trail Blazers, NBA Rumors, Summer League

LAS VEGAS -- Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak was sitting courtside watching the Clippers' future franchise player, Blake Griffin, drop 17 first-half points on his Lakers. And the person who may defend Griffin in the paint during the regular season doesn't look any more closer to returning to the Lakers than last week.

Lamar Odom remains an unrestricted free agent and Kupchak said progress has come to a halt, despite Trevor Ariza leaving L.A. for the Houston Rockets last week. Odom is free to sign with any team and may be the league's most attractive free agent on the market. Still, Kupchak appeared bleak when asked about the prospects of bringing Odom back, which could be critical to the Lakers' chances of defending their NBA title.

"The word I used last week was 'hopeful' so let's take it from there," he said Monday at the Thomas & Mack Center. "I am really not sure where we are right now. We have made no plans to talk [with his representatives]."

It appeared imminent that the Lakers would sign Odom once two things occurred: Ariza signed with Houston, and the Lakers used their mid-level exception to sign Ron Artest, meaning money was available to sign Odom. But it is believed the mercurial Odom is seeking $10 million per season while the Lakers would like to pay him $8 million per.

The Portland Trail Blazers, who want to add another post player, may make an offer if Utah matches their offer sheet for forward Paul Millsap as expected.

"I am surprised it has taken us this long to get where we are," Kupchak said. "[Portland's situation] should really have no effect on anything."

No Progress on Lamar Odom Talks originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Omri Casspi Making NBA History

Elie Seckbach — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST

Filed under: Kings, Euroleague, NBA Videos, Summer League, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

Elie Seckbach, the Embedded Correspondent, brings his exclusive video reporting to FanHouse. Check back regularly for more videos.

Neil Armstrong was the first man on the moon, bringing lots of excitement to the American people as he made history. These days the country of Israel is experiencing similar excitement, as Omri Casspi of the Sacramento Kings is making his mark in the history books, becoming the first Israeli baller in the NBA.

Casspi, 21, has been one of the hottest names in European basketball the last few years, starring for Maccabi Tel Aviv. He now has the entire country of Israel celebrating its first representative in the best basketball league in the world. In this exclusive FanHouse video, we catch up with Casspi, a talented player known for his toughness. We also hear from his teammates Donte Greene, who tells us about Omri's hip-hop nickname, and Jason Thompson, who says Casspi reminds him and a taller, right-handed Manu Ginobili.

Check out the video after the jump.

Omri Casspi Making NBA History originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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