NBA FanHouse

Redd Wants to Remain with Bucks

Chris Tomasson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:45:00 EST

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee is cutting costs. With that being no secret, guard Michael Redd doesn't deny there is a possibility he could be traded before his contract expires in the summer of 2011.

But that's not what Redd wants.

"Oh yeah, absolutely,'' Redd said Thursday in an interview with FanHouse about wanting to remain with the Bucks through the life of his deal. "I've been here for 10 years. So I've enjoyed my time here, man, and the team keeps getting better.''

Redd, 30, is making $17.04 million this season and has an $18.3 million early-termination option for next season. It would be a shock if Redd, who has played his entire career with the Bucks since entering the NBA in 2000, opted out.

"Anything is possible,'' Redd said of rumblings he could be dealt. "It's a business. We all know that. So I don't worry about it. I don't concern myself with it. All I can do is keep playing basketball and enjoy where I'm at, enjoy my teammates. Whatever happens, happens.''

The cost-cutting Bucks since June have traded Richard Jefferson to San Antonio for next to nothing, renounced the rights to restricted free agent Charlie Villanueva, making him unrestricted, not matched a Minnesota offer sheet on restricted free agent Ramon Sessions and not picked up the 2010-11 contract option on Joe Alexander.

See Also: Joe Alexander Wants to Be Traded

Redd's big contract and recent health problems could make him difficult to move. But at least the star guard is close to returning to the court after missing 42 of Milwaukee's past 44 regular season games.

Redd sat out the final 35 games last season after suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. After averaging 13.0 points in the first two games this season, Redd has missed the past seven due to left patella strain.

There had been a possibility of Redd returning as soon as Friday against Charlotte. But it now believed Redd will return next Wednesday at New Orleans.

Redd took part in a non-contact practice Thursday. But he said he wants to have a practice with contact before returning, and the next one is expected to be next Tuesday.

"Let me get hit a few times by Andrew (Bogut) and Danny (Gadzuric) and (Francisco Elson), and then we'll be ready to play,'' said Redd, although the Bucks announced late Thursday that Bogut will be out two-to-four weeks with a lower leg injury suffered Wednesday.

Redd, a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team that won gold in Beijing, said his health will be play a role on whether he will look to play for Team USA at next summer's World Championships in Turkey.

"If they ask me, I definitely would consider it, man, absolutely,'' Redd said. "I want to be healthy first and to be productive for this team. And then, when I get to that point, if they ask me, we'll definitely talk to them about it. ... I'm definitely open to it. They just haven't talked to me about it.''

A conversation with USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo could be coming soon. Colangelo told FanHouse in September he anticipates by late fall having talked to holdovers from the 2008 Olympic team and assembling a list of 25 candidates for next summer's 12-man roster.

However, it's no guarantee Redd, who averaged just 3.1 points and 9.1 minutes during the Olympics, will get an invitation. Colangelo has acknowledged that "Tayshaun Prince and Carlos Boozer ... and Michael Redd. Those guys will have competition (for a roster spot for Turkey).''

Health permitting and if he's selected, Redd has an interest in remaining with USA Basketball through the 2012 Olympics in London.

"We'll see what happens, but it definitely would be an honor,'' he said. "To experience what we experienced last year winning the gold medal. ... We can all say we would love to play together again.''

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com and on Twitter @christomasson.

Redd Wants to Remain with Bucks originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spain's Jose Calderon Says Americans Need to Send Top Players to Worlds

Chris Tomasson — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:10:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, Raptors, FIBA, USA Basketball

DENVER -- Defending champion Spain is planning to have its best players for next year's World Championships in Turkey. The nation's top point guard is recommending that the Americans do the same.

"I think they've got to do that,'' Jose Calderon of the Toronto Raptors told FanHouse. "You cannot just play for the Olympics. I think that, if you want to be on the team, you've got to be in all the good tournaments, and that is a good tournament.''

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how many members of America's 2008 gold-medal Olympic team will return for the World Championships. Several top players, namely Cleveland's LeBron James, Miami's Dwyane Wade and Toronto's Chris Bosh, are wavering about committing.

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo is on a quest to convince Olympic holdovers the importance of the World Championships, an event Americans long have given little attention. Many top basketball-playing nations consider it more important than the Olympics.

But James, Wade and Bosh all can opt out of their contracts next summer and become free agents. For that reason, they might be unwilling to give Colangelo an advance commitment.

"It's important (for Team USA to have its best players), but they've got to take care of what they've got to take care of,'' Denver forward Carmelo Anthony, who already has committed to the Worlds, said about James, Wade and Bosh. "You don't really know what's going to happen with their free agency, and you've got to take care of your own first.''

The Americans haven't won the Worlds since Dream Team II clobbered foes in Canada in 1994. Following the original Dream Team's win in the 1992 Olympics, that was the second major international competition featuring NBA players.

NBA players didn't appear in the World Championships in 1998 in Greece due to the NBA lockout and a watered-down Team USA finished an embarrassing sixth in 2002 in Indianapolis. A solid American team managed just the bronze medal in Japan in 2006, which is why Anthony hopes all the top players from the Olympics eventually will return.

"We lost in the last Worlds, so it's good to go back and defend ourselves,'' said Anthony, a starting forward in both the 2006 Worlds and 2008 Olympics who can't become a free agent until 2011 at the earliest. "But I understand if everybody can't make it.''

Spain won the 2006 Worlds and took the silver medal in the 2008 Olympics after falling to Team USA in an epic finale. Calderon, who missed the gold-medal game due to a groin injury, wants another shot at a top American team.

"You want everybody to be there,'' said Calderon, who did not play for Spain when it won the European Championships last month but will be back for the World Championships. "You want to play against the best players. That's what you want. So hopefully everybody will come back (for the Americans). ... I think they have a great team. But now you can't just go out (anyway) and win every game. ... You've got to be ready to play every night. There's no easy game anymore.''

Calderon has yet to talk to Bosh, his Raptors teammate, about the Worlds. But Bosh agrees with Calderon that the Americans likely have to send a top team to win.

"We have to,'' Bosh said. "You have to send your best players.''

Bosh is one of the best, and he hopes to play. But he said it could be too dicey if his contract situation is unsettled.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com.

Spain's Jose Calderon Says Americans Need to Send Top Players to Worlds originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bosh Not Ready to Commit to Team USA

Chris Tomasson — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:37:00 EST

Filed under: Raptors, USA Basketball

MINNEAPOLIS -- Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony and Deron Williams all have publicly committed.

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are on the fence.

Now, add Chris Bosh to the latter group as 2008 Olympians are deciding if they want to play for Team USA in next year's World Championships.

The Toronto star forward said he isn't ready to commit to going to Turkey for the event. He might not want to play next summer if his contract situation is unsettled.

"I don't know, with the possibility of becoming a free agent next year,'' Bosh said in an interview with FanHouse prior to Friday night's preseason game at Minnesota. "It's a whole bunch of things that haven't been addressed yet. ... It was fun playing in the Olympics, but it's going to take some time, though. I'm sure I'll be better able to assess the situation after the season. ... But I'm definitely considering it.''

Bosh didn't foresee any scenario other than his contract situation keeping him from going to Turkey. Bosh can opt out of his contract next summer and become a free agent.

"For the national team, (contracts are) always an issue going into competition,'' said Bosh, expected to make his preseason debut against the Timberwolves after missing the first two games with a strained left hamstring. "I know Jose (Calderon, the Raptors point guard in the summer of 2008) didn't even start practicing with the (Spanish) national team until he signed his contract. It's all about priorities and USA Basketball is right up there. But I've got to have a job.''

If Bosh opts out next summer, there will be time to sign a new deal with whichever team he chooses. Free agents can sign in the second week of July, and USA Basketball will hold training camp in the latter part of that month.

Bosh, with the salary cap likely going down and with the possibly of having to take a pay cut, might decide to not opt out of his contract, putting free agency off until 2011. Or he could sign a contract extension by June 30.

"I'm not sure,'' said Bosh, who at one point said he wouldn't consider a contract extension but now hasn't ruled it out after Toronto's strong summer. "Bryan (Colangelo, Toronto's general manager) and me haven't talked about it. We haven't even addressed it. ... We'll see how everything plays out.''

At least Bosh likes how everything played out during the offseason. The Raptors were one of the NBA's most active teams, their top moves being acquiring forward Hedo Turkoglu in a sign-and-trade, picking up free-agent guard Jarrett Jack and signing forward Andrea Bargnani to a five-year contract extension.

"(I was happy) with the aggressive nature Bryan showed with the moves,'' said Bosh, a four-time All-Star making $15.78 million this season. "Instead of saving money for next year, we locked down some guys who have a lot of potential and we got some good guys like Hedo and Jarrett Jack and a lot of good role players that can help us. It looks a little more promising, but we got to do some work.''

It will all come down to whether the Raptors, after two trips to the playoffs, can bounce back from last season's 33-49 disaster. Coach Jay Triano is optimistic they will do enough to retain Bosh.

"Our biggest goal is we want to win,'' Triano said. "And, if we win, it creates an environment in which he wants to stay. We have five of our top six guys (the others being Turkoglu, Calderon, Bargnani, Jack and rookie guard DeMar DeRozan) locked in for four or five years straight. We're hoping he's a part of it, and that's a good group to perform with.''

In the meantime, Bosh will continue to be bombarded with questions about his future. But he doesn't believe it will be a distraction.

"No, I'm used to it,'' he said. "It's been a part of my life for a year now. ... It's not really a distraction. It's only what you make it. So I'm taking everything in a positive matter, and focusing in on this season, and not focusing in on next year.''

One thing positive for Bosh is returning to good health after he tweaked his hamstring just before the start of training camp.

"My hamstring is awesome,'' said Bosh, anxious to hit the court for his preseason debut.

As for deciding whether to return to Team USA, Bosh will take his time.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com.

Bosh Not Ready to Commit to Team USA originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Al Jefferson Has Sights on Team USA

Chris Tomasson — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Timberwolves, USA Basketball, FanHouse Exclusive

MINNEAPOLIS -- After going down in a heap last February and being lost for the season with a torn ACL, Al Jefferson is no longer black and blue.

Now, he's thinking red, white and blue.

There likely will be an opening for a post player on Team USA for next year's World Championships in Turkey and quite possibly for the 2012 Olympics in London. The Minnesota center has volunteered his services

"I would love to play for USA Basketball,'' Jefferson said Thursday in an interview with FanHouse. "I would love to play. Two summers ago (2007), I was in (Las) Vegas helping the team practice and they go off and wind up winning the (Olympic) gold medal the following year (in Beijing).

"So I already have been part of it. Then I got hurt last year, and I couldn't do much. But I would love to play with my country if they invite me.''

More: Timberwolves Season Preview

Jefferson, 24, almost certainly would have been selected to be one of the 22 young players for USA Basketball's minicamp last summer in Las Vegas had he not injured his right knee.

But Jefferson is healthy now. While the Timberwolves took no chances by using him for just the first half, he scored 14 points in 16 minutes in his preseason debut last Sunday against Milwaukee.

"I'm feeling good,'' Jefferson said. "I look at it as (being) 100 percent. I've just got to get in better shape, but that is going to hopefully come the rest of the preseason.''

Next summer, the 6-foot-10 Jefferson hopes to fill a likely opening for a big man on the World Championships team.

For last year's Olympics, USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo opted to go with just three post players. He might go with a fourth for Turkey.

Orlando's Dwight Howard and Toronto's Chris Bosh are looking good for two of the spots. But Colangelo recently told FanHouse that Utah's Carlos Boozer, the third post player on the Olympic team, will join Tayshaun Prince and Michael Redd as Olympic holdovers who "will have competition'' to retain their spots.

When it comes to up-and-coming NBA post players, the list is not long. Other candidates include Portland's Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge, New York's David Lee, the Los Angeles Clippers' Blake Griffin, New Jersey's Brook Lopez and Utah's Paul Millsap.

If he remains healthy, Jefferson, who averaged 23.1 points and 10.0 rebounds in 50 games last season before being hurt, could be regarded as a more desirable option than any of those.

"I think he'd be excellent for (USA Basketball),'' said Minnesota coach Kurt Rambis. "Players today just don't play the way that Al plays. There's just not too many big guys that play and are comfortable and have the offensive prowess that he has with his back to the basket. I think he'd be tremendous (for USA Basketball). That's always a threat in any offense when you have somebody that's that capable that close to the basket.''

Rambis said Jefferson tweaked an ankle in practice earlier this week but his "knee isn't bothering him at all.'' With Jefferson expected to be fully ready by the Oct. 28 regular-season opener, Rambis wants Jefferson to take another step this season.

"I'm asking him to do a lot of things that have never been asked of him,'' Rambis said. "Step away from the basket, be able to put the ball down on the floor, be able to let the offense run through him, involve his teammates ... and just stepping up his defense. In a lot of respects, at times (last season) he saved himself on the defensive end (for offense). ... He's got to make that commitment to shore up our defense.''

Jefferson also hopes to help shore up the inside for Team USA.

"Who wouldn't want to?'' said Jefferson, who perhaps was not paying close attention as late as 2004, when numerous top players weren't interested in playing. "If they invite me, I'd be happy to do it.''

Colangelo has told FanHouse he will assemble a list of 25 candidates for the World Championships by the end of the fall. The list will be pared to 14 to 16 players being invited to training camp next July in Las Vegas. Twelve ultimately will be picked to play in Turkey.

Vegas odds might suggest Jefferson has a solid chance to be wearing red, white and blue.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com.

Al Jefferson Has Sights on Team USA originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Auriemma Takes Reins of Team USA

Michelle Smith — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: WNBA, USA Basketball

Camp Geno breaks today.

The current incarnation of the U.S. women's national team, coached by Geno Auriemma, leaves today for Ekaterinburg, Russia to take on a group of club teams in an invitational tournament.

Following six days of training camp in Washington, the 13-player roster was selected for Monday's flight. It includes 2008 Olympians Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles and Candace Parker, as well as newcomers Swin Cash, Tina Charles, Shameka Christon, Candice Dupree, Lindsey Harding, Ashja Jones, Crystal Langhorne, Angel McCoughtry, Renee Montgomery and Candice Wiggins.

This is Auriemma's first chance to serve as the head coach for the program -- a stint he will continue through the 2012 Olympics in London.

It's a chance he's always coveted and he's not shy about admitting that. Not that the Huskies coach is shy about much.

"I always wanted to do this," Auriemma said Thursday.

Auriemma served as an assistant coach under Nell Fortner in Sydney in 2000 and has worked extensively with USA Basketball in the past. And he's built such a powerhouse program at Connecticut (six national championships and all), it was obvious that is should be his turn for the job last held by Anne Donovan, who led the U.S. to the gold medal in Beijing.

When this opportunity came, he didn't think twice.

"Carol Callan called and I answered the phone and said 'yes,' " Auriemma said. "She said, 'I wanted to ask you...' and I said, 'Yes.' "

Auriemma becomes the first college coach since Stanford's Tara VanDerveer to take over the women's national team.

VanDerveer took over in 1995, leaving her Cardinal program for a year to lead the American women to an unbeaten record and ultimately a gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

"It's not the same as it was when Tara did it," Auriemma said. "It won't ever be like that again."

But the juggling will still be substantial. Auriemma will be back from Russia just in time for practice to begin at Connecticut. The national team will gather again late next spring after he is through with the college season.

And next year's World Championships take place in September in the Czech Republic and he will be home in time to go back to the sidelines for the Huskies. In other words, Auriemma family vacations could be few and far between for a while.

"It will be busy, but this is something I want to do and it keeps me involved with the game at another level," Auriemma said.

Auriemma is taking over the U.S. team at a time of transition.

Stalwarts such as Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson are out of the program. Auriemma is looking for new players, particularly in the post, to take over.

He has young, but experienced stars such as Fowles and Parker.

His camp invitations included players such as Indiana Fever forward Ebony Hoffman (who couldn't attend because of the WNBA Finals), Charles, who starred for the U.S. team in the World University Games over the summer, and Stanford standout Jayne Appel (who can't participate because she's recovering from summer knee surgery).

Auriemma is also going to Russia without Diana Taurasi and Tamika Catchings as well as Cappie Pondexter, all playing in the WNBA Finals. But his Russia roster includes five former Connecticut players.

Auriemma said Monday that he is anxious to get on the court with this team, lay the foundation for next year's World Championship team and find out which young WNBA players are part of the national team's future.

"I know we know how to practice and I know we know how to do drills," Auriemma said. "Now we're going to find out if we can take that, transfer it over to game situations and see if I can identify those players who know how to win."

Wiggins, the Minnesota Lynx guard said she is excited to work with Auriemma for the first time in her career.

"Geno is the man. It's my first time playing for him and he's probably one of the easiest people I've ever had to play for my whole life," Wiggins said. "I think he's the perfect guy for this. He's going to get the best team together. He's going to have everybody playing hard."

Auriemma Takes Reins of Team USA originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Carmelo Anthony Commits to Playing in 2010 World Championships

Chris Tomasson — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:50:00 EST

Filed under: Nuggets, USA Basketball, FanHouse Exclusive

Carmelo Anthony has committed to play in the World Championships in Turkey next year, the Denver Nuggets star told FanHouse on Tuesday.

Anthony said he made up his mind late last season that he wanted to return to Team USA for the event after winning an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in 2008. He told USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo that, but Colangelo didn't consider his answer binding until the two spoke earlier this month at the Hall of Fame inductions in Springfield, Mass.

"I just told Jerry that I was down,'' said Anthony, who also reiterated to FanHouse on Tuesday his desire to play in the 2012 Olympics in London. "He asked me again. I just told him that I was in. There wasn't really nothing to it. He asked me what I thought. He asked me about the team. I told him I was in.''

Colangelo welcomed the news Anthony would return to the team.

"That's what he said,'' Colangelo, who is overseas in preparation for Friday's announcement in Copenhagen on whether his native Chicago will land the 2016 Olympics, said Tuesday in a brief interview with FanHouse.

Anthony already has said he wants to play in the 2012 Olympics, saying that to the now-defunct Rocky Mountain News while in Beijing last year. He reiterated Tuesday his desire to get another Olympic gold medal.

"I'm trying to get the World Championship gold medal, the (Olympic) gold medal (from Beijing) and another gold medal (from London),'' he said.

Anthony said that "most likely'' the bulk of the team that won the 2008 Olympic gold will play in Turkey.

"Everybody wanted to see if everybody wanted to come back, so, once that got established, it was easy,'' Anthony said of his decision to return.

Colangelo told FanHouse earlier this month that seven players from the Olympic team -- Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Deron Williams -- told him at last February's All-Star Game in Phoenix that they would play in Turkey. Colangelo, though, still plans to double check this fall with those players to make sure they are on board.

Williams has confirmed to the media he will return. And, although James hasn't made a public statement, Anthony has little doubt he will play.

Anthony, who is good friends with James, said he believes James has already decided to return. If there is any doubt, Anthony said, "I'll get him to come back.,''

Team USA hasn't won the World Championships since 1994.

"I know that,'' said Anthony, who was on the 2006 World Championships team that settled for a bronze medal in Japan.

Chris Tomasson can be reached at tomasson@fanhouse.com.

Carmelo Anthony Commits to Playing in 2010 World Championships originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Colangelo Outlines Selection Process for 2010 World Championships

Chris Tomasson — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: FIBA, USA Basketball, FanHouse Exclusive

In August 2004, Team USA played a pair of exhibition games in Turkey before heading to Athens for the Olympics. One morning, seven miles from the team's hotel in Istanbul, two bombs went off, killing two and wounding 11.

The incident summed up the 2004 Olympic team. Numerous top players had dropped out before the Games due to terrorism threats. As for those who did make the trip overseas, they, well, bombed.

Team USA settled for a disappointing bronze medal in Athens. But that set the stage for the Jerry Colangelo era.

Colangelo, now USA Basketball's chairman, rebuilt how American international teams are chosen and brought back enthusiasm that had waned following Dream Team I in the 1992 Olympics and Dream Team II in the 1994 World Championships.

It didn't happen overnight as Team USA again settled for bronze at the 2006 World Championships in Japan. But the Americans got much of their luster back by winning the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

In one year, Team USA will return to Turkey for the 2010 World Championships. Colangelo, who has never been to the nation, is eagerly anticipating the event.

"I feel good about where we're at," Colangelo said. "We had a terrific summer."

It was a summer in which top players such as LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony finally got a break after three straight offseasons devoted to international play. With the Olympic win having earned automatic qualification for the Worlds, the only USA Basketball senior men's event over the summer was a July camp for which 22 young players were invited in Las Vegas.

Now, with NBA training camps less than a month away, it's time for Colangelo to really hone in on the World Championships, which run Aug. 28-Sept. 12, 2010 in Turkey. In an interview Thursday with FanHouse, Colangelo outlined some of the parameters that will be used in selecting the team.

"We're going to look at the national team roster that had 33 names on it, making deletions and making some additions, and we'll come up with about 25 names by late in the fall," Colangelo said. "That's around the corner, so I need to start talking to guys that represented us in the Olympics and see where they are for the World Championships."

There are 12 holdovers from last summer's Olympics along with the 22 invitees to Las Vegas in July. But point guard Jason Kidd, 36, has said his USA Basketball run concluded in Beijing.

"I would say that is probably true," Colangelo said of Kidd having retired from international competition, although he said he would speak to him as a courtesy.

Colangelo will talk this fall to all the Olympic holdovers. He spoke to seven -- James, Chris Bosh, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade and Deron Williams -- at last February's NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix.

"All of them said yes (about playing in Turkey)," said Colangelo, who in July got a commitment from Mike Krzyzewski about returning as coach at least through the 2012 Olympics in London. "But I will want another discussion with them to see where they stand."

After coming up with a 25-man roster, Colangelo said there could be some additions and deletions by next spring. Then, between 14 and 16 players from that roster will be chosen for a training camp next July in Las Vegas.

The World Champoinships roster will be 12. Colangelo said it's undecided whether USA Basketball might take more than that number to Europe for some exhibition games and pare the roster down just before the big event.

Colangelo said the team likely will play exhibition games before the Worlds in London, Spain and Greece and could play one in Chicago if the city is selected as site of the 2016 Olympics. Colangelo, a native of Chicago Heights, Ill., will be in Copenhagen for the Oct. 2 selection of the 2016 site.

It's considered a no-brainer that Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant, star of the summer camp, will find his way to Turkey. Colangelo didn't do much to dispute that.

"Let's say everybody wants to come back and we have Kevin now, and Kevin Durant is going to replace somebody," Colangelo said of the roster. "Let's put it this way. If the top seven or eight players from the Olympic team all committed (to the Worlds), you're looking at Tayshaun (Prince) and (Carlos) Boozer... and Michael Redd. Those guys will have competition."

Assuming Kidd definitely won't return, Prince, Boozer and Redd, none of whom averaged more than 4.3 points in the Olympics, are unquestionably the most vulnerable players. Even though Prince isn't an All-Star, having made the Olympic team primarily for chemistry reasons, Colangelo insisted he will continue to receive full consideration.

So which of the young players have the best chance to earn trips to Turkey? Colangelo mentioned four who participated in Las Vegas.

"Durant, Rudy Gay and the guard from Oklahoma City, (Russell) Westbrook. And Derrick Rose," Colangelo said. "(Rose) can play better than he did (in Las Vegas) but we don't base our decisions just on two or three days of camp."

Among players not currently on a USA Basketball roster who could emerge, Colangelo cited Clippers rookie forward Blake Griffin. He was going to play in Las Vegas before dropping out due to a shoulder injury.

With point guards Paul and Williams looking good for Turkey and Kidd on the way out, it would appear one spot is at that position. Rose and Westbrook appear to be the top candidates, although Colangelo said it's not a lock the team will carry three true point guards.

"It would depend on how the roster looked," Colangelo said. "Maybe we would think we needed another big man."

For now, Colangelo is hoping America's top players are finally heeding all his convincing about how important the World Championships are. Team USA hasn't won the event since Dream Team II in Toronto in 1994.

The Americans took bronze in 1998 in Greece when minor-leaguers competed due to the NBA lockout. They finished a disastrous sixth in Indianapolis in 2002 with a watered-down roster. And then came the bronze in 2006.

"The World Championships is as important in the eyes of the world (as the Olympics)," said Colangelo, who has dispatched three USA Basketball scouts to the ongoing qualifying Americas qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico and will have at least two at the European qualifying tournament that starts next week in Poland.

Nobody can complain about the job that was done in Beijing. Now, American players only hope their visit to Turkey next year will be a lot more memorable than the last time Team USA played there.

Colangelo Outlines Selection Process for 2010 World Championships originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kobe Leads 'Free Jordan Crawford' Charge Against LeBron

Tom Ziller — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Heat, Lakers, USA Basketball

Dwyane Wade appeared on Dan Patrick's radio show this morning, and Patrick brought up the subject of LeBron James' embarrassing posterization by Xavier's Jordan Crawford and the even more embarrassing confiscation of video proof of said dunk.

Wade revealed that Kobe Bryant alerted the Heat star to the controversy, and called on Wade and others to "give [LeBron] stuff" about it.

"At first I heard it and I said get out of here," Wade told Patrick. "And Kobe said, 'Man, you gotta call LeBron. You gotta give him stuff about this.' That's how we all are. When something is real we're going to say something to each other about it."

LeBron can silence photographers and college kids. But he can't silence colleagues with egos every bit as large as his own.

Kobe Leads 'Free Jordan Crawford' Charge Against LeBron originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kobe Caps Off Year With Another Honor

Elie Seckbach — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Lakers, NBA Awards, Playoffs, NBA Videos, USA Basketball, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

Kobe Bryant is on top of the world, enjoying one of his best years ever as an NBA player after his impressive haul of hardware -- the NBA championship, Finals MVP, co-MVP of this year's All-Star Game. And don't forget about the Olympic gold medal from last summer.

So how does he top it all off? By starting a new charity in China. In this FanHouse exclusive we catch up with Kobe at an awards ceremony as he was being honored by the Asia Society Southern California. We also hear from T-Mac and Tim Leiweke, the CEO of AEG, who was also honored on this night.

Check out the video after the jump.

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

Kobe Caps Off Year With Another Honor originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One-on-One With Pacers' Danny Granger

Tim Povtak — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:15:00 EST

Filed under: Pacers, USA Basketball, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

In four years, Danny Granger has gone from the 17th player picked in the 2005 draft - behind such notables as Martell Webster, Fran Vazquez and Yaroslav Korolev - to the NBA's fifth leading scorer, trailing only Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki.

His neighborhood has changed dramatically.

Granger spoke with FanHouse Tuesday afternoon, proud of his new association with EAS (Energy-Athletics-Strength, a nutrition/supplement product), but even more proud of the NBA player he is becoming.

He won the league's Most Improved Player Award in 2009, when he averaged 25.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Indiana Pacers. He has become a franchise foundation, thriving in Indiana while a major housecleaning commenced around him.

Here are parts of the conversation:

FH: Since you are the focal point of the Pacers now, what did you think of your first-round draft pick Tyler Hansbrough of UNC (taken 13th)?

DG: I watched him at North Carolina, and I've talked to him some since we drafted him. He's a confident guy. I think he'll be a great fit for us. He's one of those hard-nosed, battle-tested guys who's been through the NCAA Tournament a few times. He played four years at one of the top schools in the country. He's ready to help us now. He's probably more NBA ready than most of the other guys who were drafted.

You've won just 36 games in each of the last two seasons. Is there any reason to think this season will be better for the Pacers?

Looking at the team we had last season, it really was just all thrown together kind of last minute. We had two new point guards, two rookies. We lost our second leading scorer. We had so many new pieces trying to fit. So with a year together, we'll be better now. And in free agency, you never know what might happen. We could be a different team by the time the season starts.

What do you think of the job Larry Bird has done trying to rebuild this team?

I like what he's doing. The last two drafts have been good ones for us. He got Hansbrough this year. And the year before, we got Roy [Hibbert] and Brandon [Rush]. Those are good picks. We're going in the right direction.

Larry kind of cleaned house, tried to change the culture there, got rid of a lot of people. Was that necessary?

There was nothing wrong with the people we had, but things happen. There was an unfortunate incident, and regardless of whose fault it was, changes had to be made. It's the nature of the business. Not just in basketball, but in all of sports. It's the same thing if a player is not performing, he gets traded. It's part of the business.

Why did you hook up with EAS?

I realize that nutrition can play a big role in your success. EAS focuses on putting the right product in your body to get the best results. For an elite athlete, that's important.

Do guys in the league really pay attention to that kind of stuff?

In this league, some do, and some don't. Some guys are real sticklers about what they put into their bodies. Others don't care. There are guys who will be eating a burger and fries right before a game.

At what point did you really pay attention to nutrition?

When I was younger, I didn't pay much attention to it. When you're a kid, your metabolism is so high, you can eat almost anything. You can eat candy, then go out and play basketball because you're so wired all the time. The higher up in the game you go, the more important it is. This is my job now, and I take it very seriously."I play basketball with a little chip on my shoulder. I always have, regardless of whether it should be there or not. When the game stops, the chip comes off.

Why were you so underestimated coming into the league? A lot of guys who haven't done anything yet were taken in front of you.

I had knee surgery my senior year. I came back a little too soon because we were making an NCAA push. I never gave the knee time to rest, so when I went through the pre-draft process, all teams saw was that I had a swollen knee. I was still a good player, but I had a swollen knee, and it probably scared people away. As it turned out, it worked out fine for me. I play for a great organization now.

As the franchise star, do you know Larry Bird very well?

I work for him now, so yes, I've gotten to know him. Larry is laid back. He's from the country, a very simple guy but a very straight forward guy. He'll tell you like it is. He has a quirky sense of humor.

Have you been surprised by your success?

It used to surprise me, but as I've gotten better and better, I've set the bar higher for myself. If I don't do well, I'm disappointing my teammates, my organization, the fans. I don't expect anything less than playing at a high level.

What's your goal in this league?

My goal is to win an NBA title. That's the ultimate goal. Getting close doesn't count, either. You give it everything.''

You've been invited to train this summer with USA Basketball with a chance of being on the 2012 Olympic team. How important is that for you?

Winning a gold medal, that would be a great honor, the highest honor for any sport. Just getting invited to participate this summer is an honor.

What is about your game that people might now know?

I play basketball with a little chip on my shoulder. I always have, regardless of whether it should be there or not. When the game stops, the chip comes off. I kind of have two personalities, one on the court and another off it.

Anything else they don't know off the court?

I'm a pretty good singer, although different people may say different things about that. As part of a rookie hazing thing, I performed in front of the fans, and I didn't hear too many boos.''

One-on-One With Pacers' Danny Granger originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kobe or LeBron? Ask Coach K

Tim Povtak — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:45:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, Lakers, Playoffs, USA Basketball

ORLANDO -- Kobe or Lebron?

Who do you like more? And who would you want taking the final shot?

Not really a debate for the NBA Finals because LeBron isn't here, but because the only man who has coached both of them - and coached them together - was in Amway Arena before Game 3, it had to be asked.

Kobe Bryant was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008. LeBron James was the MVP in 2009. So who is the better player?

"Well, they are both on my team,'' said Mike Krzyzewski, coach of the USA Olympic Team that won a gold medal with them in 2008. "So I'm not going there.''

Although all the marketing executives had hoped for a matchup in the 2009 NBA Finals, James and his Cleveland Cavaliers were beaten by Orlando in the Eastern Conference final. Bryant made it here with his Lakers when they beat Denver.

"Kobe is in a different part of his career. You see what he has accomplished, and what he still is accomplishing, and LeBron hasn't done that yet,'' Krzyzewski said. "Now can he? Yeah. When it's all said and done, I think you're talking about two of the top 10 players to ever play the game.''

Krzyzewski was at the game to help the NCAA and NBA announce the beginning of iHoops, their joint basketball initiative that they hope will provide the structure and unification of youth basketball.

He also used the occasion to tell one story about LeBron James during the Olympic summer. After seeing "The Chosen One,'' tattoo on James back, Krzyzewski told his player he wanted to get a similar one for himself.

"He leaned down and said `coach, there's only one Chosen One,''' he said.

"You know what the similarity is? Krzyzewski asked. "They're both brilliant, and they're ultimate team guys.''

He did make one distinction when asked who he would want to take the final shot in the biggest game.

"I'd like LeBron to dribble it, and then hit Kobe, which is what happened in the Olympics,'' he said.

Kobe or LeBron? Ask Coach K originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bad Boys Return to Honor Chuck Daly

Tim Povtak — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Magic, Mavericks, Nets, Pistons, Playoffs, USA Basketball

TEQUESTA, Fla. -- This looked like a Bad Boys reunion.

The NBA came from around the country Wednesday to celebrate the life and mourn the death of Chuck Daly, but nothing was more impressive than his collection of pallbearers.

It was the nucleus of his two championship teams in Detroit, the ones that transformed him from just another coaching lifer into a Hall of Famer and Olympic Gold Medalist revered by all.

Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Vinnie Johnson, Rick Mahorn and Bill Laimbeer were at his side. The Bad Boy Pistons and their leader one final time.

"I think when you go through the things we did together, there is a bond that never breaks,'' said Laimbeer. "This was a sad time, but a time to celebrate who he was, and what he did, and how loved he was.''

Daly died Saturday at age 78 after a bout with pancreatic cancer. More than 400 people attended the two-hour service at the St. Jude Catholic Church. He was buried nearby at the Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery.

"Chuck was a fighter, and he fought until his dying breath,'' said Thomas, now the basketball coach at nearby Florida International University. Thomas visited with his coach several times in the final days. "But right up to the end, he was more concerned about everyone else, all his basketball friends, his coaching friends, making sure they were all right. That's the kind of guy he was. I think this turnout speaks for itself.''

The Detroit Pistons brought their entire front office staff and several friends from Michigan on the team plane, all arriving at the church in a chartered bus. Also there was John Salley, who played for the Bad Boys, and assistant coaches Brendan Malone and Brendan Suhr.

"Chuck would have liked this turnout,'' Suhr said.

The service was attended by everyone from NBA Commissioner David Stern, to a myriad of coaching peers. There were golfing buddies, longtime family friends, and most everyone he met during his retirement years.

Also there, and serving as pallbearer, was Dallas coach Rick Carlisle, who left the church immediately after the service and flew to Denver, where his team played a few hours later.

"Missing this [funeral] was not an option,'' Carlisle said.

Carlisle, president of the NBA Coaches Association, is a former assistant coach under Daly. He, too, forged a bond that never broke, like many of those that Daly touched through a life of coaching. Carlise is the one who created the CD lapel pins that coaches have been wearing through the playoffs. Everyone was wearing one Wednesday.

Other coaches have won more than Daly did - although two NBA titles and an Olympic Gold Medal are tough to beat -- but none have been so universally liked as a great person, a charismatic character, and a wonderful champion.

Among those who came to praise him were coaches and former coaches like Pat Riley, Carlisle, Michael Curry, Mike Fratello. There were coaches turned broadcasters like Dick Vitale, Dick Versace, Hubie Brown, Matt Guokas. There were coaches-turned-golfing buddies like Billy Cunningham and Rollie Massimino. There were NBA executives like Rod Thorn of the Nets, John Gabriel of the Knicks, Bob Vanderweide of the Magic.

They all laughed and cried, telling stories about Daly's impeccable dress, his always-perfect hair and his well-shined shoes. They loved talking about how cheap he really was, making millions in the last years of his coaching career, but spending very little of it.

"He never paid retail for a closet filled with designer suits,'' Massimino said. "He lived the good life, without ever spending very much. If he had known all these people were coming, he would have gotten out a brand new suit, made sure his shoes were shined and combed his hair to perfection.''

Unlike many coaches today, Daly never played in the league. He didn't reach it until he was 48 years old, as an assistant in Philadelphia. He never forget how lucky he was to be part of it. As much as anything, that's why people like him. He was a child of the Great Depression, and he always wondered if the money would disappear.

He liked looking good, and he always did. The Bad Boys even called him "Daddy Rich.'' Yet he never liked paying to look that way.

When he arrived at his last coaching stop - with the Orlando Magic from 1997-99 - Daly was talked into moving into an upscale, gated community on the southwest side of town.

Although the Magic obviously paid his moving expenses, he wanted to save and pocket a few of the dollars they were paying him. So he rented a U-Haul truck, and his assistant coaches helped carry in some of the boxes into his home.

"If you ever looked in his garage, you'd find about 900 golf clubs, every one he ever owned,'' Thomas said. "He couldn't bear the thought of throwing out the old ones. He always wondered if this would last.''

The NBA shed a collective tear - and shared a laugh - for Daly.

Bad Boys Return to Honor Chuck Daly originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 13 May 2009 20:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hanging at the House of Hoops With Chris Tucker, Ice Cube, Scottie Pippen, More

Elie Seckbach — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:18:00 EST

Filed under: Bulls, Lakers, Pistons, NBA Videos, USA Basketball, Interviews

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

It's a place that kicks collectors call heaven. The sneaker boutique where you can find almost anything basketball-related, the House of Hoops, used to only have one store, in Harlem, N.Y. But this week there was a one-of-a-kind grand opening party in Los Angeles, where hoop fans were treated to an Ice Cube concert, Chris Tucker doing stand-up (check out the "Brady Bunch" joke at 2:12), and a panel discussion with Scottie Pippen, John Salley and Ron Harper.

Our cameras were there when this event went down. Watch the full, exclusive video report after the jump.

Youtube link.

Hanging at the House of Hoops With Chris Tucker, Ice Cube, Scottie Pippen, More originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 16 Oct 2008 17:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lebron James Talks About Kobe Bryant's Worldwide Appeal

Elie Seckbach — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:41:00 EST

Filed under: Cavaliers, USA Basketball

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

With the new season approaching, LeBron James is on top of the world after leading USA Basketball to the gold medal at the Olympic games in China. In this exclusive video, we talk to LeBron about who was more popular in China, him or Kobe Bryant, and we also get the King's thoughts on London 2012. LeBron also gives his thoughts on what it takes to be a good leader.

Watch our interview with LBJ after the jump.

Youtube link.

Lebron James Talks About Kobe Bryant's Worldwide Appeal originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 09:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Bosh at Beijing's Opening Ceremonies, Guest Starring Andrei Kirilenko

Brett Pollakoff — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:42:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Videos, USA Basketball, Chris Bosh

Today we have three more offerings to share from Chris Bosh's Beijing collection. First, a look at what it was like to be on the ground in the middle of the opening ceremonies, with a cameo appearance from a Russian-speaking Andrei Kirilenko.

Also, check out a Bosh-eye view from Chris's seat at one of the U.S. women's games, as well as a quick look at a U.S. "shoot-around" that has Kobe, 'Bron, 'Melo and CP3 in it (at least according to CB4).

Chris Bosh at Beijing's Opening Ceremonies, Guest Starring Andrei Kirilenko originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard Talk About Their Oprah Appearance

Brett Pollakoff — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Videos, USA Basketball, Chris Bosh

In Chris Bosh's latest video dispatch, he discusses the awesomeness of appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show (in an episode which will air today) with his fellow Olympians.

Bosh is into appearing on the show -- it's all a part of the unique Olympic experience.

But clearly, Dwight Howard was affected a bit more by the entire experience.

Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard Talk About Their Oprah Appearance originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 12:01:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Leaked Chapter Titles From Coach K's Book

Tom Ziller — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:25:00 EST

Filed under: USA Basketball

Via The Big Lead, the New York Post reports Mike Krzyzewski has pulled a six-figure book deal for "a firsthand account of how he worked with NBA superstars LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade and Carmelo Anthony to buy into his concept of teamwork that carried them back to Olympic gold after the US team was humiliated four years earlier." The editor who landed the pitch "expects the book will be a case study in fundamental management techniques."

As the post title indicates, we have some leaked* chapter titles.

- "Step 1: Convincing LeBron I Am Not Part Elf"

- "Brainwashing Giant Black Men Into Appreciating Conservative Ideals for Dummies"

- "Nike Good, New Balance Bad"

- "How to Deal With Assistant Coaches With Wandering Eyes"

- "Nike Good, adidas Bad"

- "The Complete Guide to Ordering at the Beijing P.F. Chang's"

- "The Shaving Cream Aisle as a Sandbox for Teaching Racial Sensitivity"

- "Nike Good, Converse Also Good, Since Converse is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Nike"

* By "leaked" we mean "made up."

Leaked Chapter Titles From Coach K's Book originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 23:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WNBA's Becky Hammon Talks About Her Russian Olympic Experience

Elie Seckbach — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: WNBA, NBA Videos, USA Basketball

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

In this exclusive video we talk to the San Antonio Silver Stars' Becky Hammon. The American WNBA star reflects on her decision to play for Russia during the Olympics, a move some people called unpatriotic. We also talk to her teammates and hear what they have to say about Hammon's decision. You also might be surprised to hear just what San Antonio's Sandora Irvin thinks about Hammon's future.

Youtube link.

WNBA's Becky Hammon Talks About Her Russian Olympic Experience originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chris Bosh: Beijing Correspondent, Part X

Tom Ziller — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:40:00 EST

Filed under: Magic, Raptors, USA Basketball, Chris Bosh

Here is some new footage of Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard on the bus a few hours before the guys go to China.

Chris in the video is having fun with Dwight, taunting him with the same "Howard" chants Dwight received during the playoffs in Toronto. Enjoy.

Chris Bosh: Beijing Correspondent, Part X originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nate McMillan Dreams of Rudy Fernandez

Matt Watson — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Trail Blazers, Western, FIBA, USA Basketball

Imagine Nate McMillan's Olympic predicament. As an assistant on Mike Krzyzewski's staff, he had to concerntrate at the task at hand -- or at the very least, keep a straight face -- as Spain's Rudy Fernandez torched the Redeem Team's collection of All-Stars (and posterized Dwight Howard) for 22 points in fewer than 18 minutes.

Behind the stoic front, though, he was going nuts, just like most of the fans back in Portland. From Jason Quick of The Oregonian:

"I'm sitting there (in the gold medal game) with a straight face, trying not to smile," McMillan said. " (Spain) are the guys we have to beat, but I'm caught. That's my player and I want to (he claps his hands twice) but I gotta (he makes a serious face) because we are going up against him."

[...] "I was so impressed with him that it was to the point where after the second time I saw him, I didn't sleep that night because I was moving my rotations around," McMillan said. "I swear I did not sleep. I could not sleep thinking about him. Because I'm saying, 'We can put him here, do this with him, do that with him and Brandon (Roy), and do this... So he's playing for us. Oh yeah. I see that right now."

So what did he dream up? For now he's planning on using Fernandez on the second team alongside Jerryd Bayless and Travis Outlaw, although Fernandez will occasionaly share the court with Brandon Roy. If Fernandez plays as well as he did in Beijing (which isn't out of the question given the quality of competition he faced), can the Blazers keep him out of the starting lineup? I like Steve Blake as much as the next guy, but I don't see how they could.

Nate McMillan Dreams of Rudy Fernandez originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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