NBA FanHouse

Stephen Jackson: Winning Wasn't a Priority for Golden State

Chris Tomasson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST

Filed under: Bobcats, Warriors

MILWAUKEE -- Four months after Stephen Jackson arrived in Golden State in January 2007, the Warriors won their first playoff series in 16 years. They went 48-34 the following season, their best record in 14 years.

Jackson would like to take plenty of credit for it.

"The Warriors were (garbage) when I got there, so look what happened,'' Jackson said in an interview Friday with FanHouse. "So I love challenges.''

That's why the 10th-year swingman is ecstatic about his trade last Monday from the Warriors to Charlotte. Even though the Bobcats (3-8 entering Friday) never have made the playoffs since entering the NBA as an expansion team in 2004, Jackson believes it's "a great opportunity for me to be part of something great.''

Also: Don Nelson Opens Up About Issues with Monta Ellis

Stephen Jackson: Winning Wasn't a Priority for Golden State originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Nelson Opens Up About Issues With Ellis

Matt Steinmetz — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:15:00 EST

by Matt Steinmetz

Filed under: Warriors

Warriors coach Don Nelson doesn't give a lot up to the media these days. He's acknowledged losing interest in the daily give-and-take with the team's beat writers and looks to end his postgame press conferences as quickly as he can.

Nelson has said, though, that he likes doing radio because it's a way to speak directly to the fans. To that end, Nelson had one of his most open exchanges on Thursday while speaking on his weekly radio show on KNBR.

Nelson Opens Up About Issues With Ellis originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Knicks Reportedly Pass on Allen Iverson

Matt Watson — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST

by Matt Watson

Filed under: Bobcats, Heat, Knicks, NBA Rumors

A four-time scoring champ leading Mike D'Antoni's up-tempo offense? It looked like a match made in heaven on paper, but the Knicks have apparently decided the intangibles surrounding Allen Iverson -- including ugly exits with two teams in the span of seven months -- outweighed the potential gains.

According to Howard Beck of the New York Times, the Knicks went back and forth on the issue, with a team source suggesting Thursday afternoon there was a 90 percent chance the team would offer a contract. Ultimately, however, the team's brain trust decided that "Iverson posed too great a risk" -- a damning indictment if there ever was one, considering the 2-7 Knicks are currently on pace for a 15-win season.

Knicks Reportedly Pass on Allen Iverson originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Tracy McGrady Reportedly Puts on Uniform, Demands Answers

Tom Ziller — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:25:00 EST

Filed under: Rockets, NBA Injuries, NBA Rumors, NBA Coaches

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! has a half-harrowing, half-hilarious tale out of Minneapolis, where sources say Tracy McGrady put on his uniform Wednesday to confront coach Rick Adelman about the team's timetable for the fallen star's return. Woj reports that McGrady -- who may or may not have told Yahoo! last week that he'd planned on returning Wednesday against the Wolves, a plan the Rockets quickly squelched -- is angry the team is holding him off the court, and wanted answers from Adelman.

What resulted (with McGrady in full uniform after warming up with teammates before the game) was a heated closed-door argument, Woj reports. The writer's sources claim Mac demanded to know why team management wouldn't let him get back on the court sooner than next week's scheduled MRI.

Tracy McGrady Reportedly Puts on Uniform, Demands Answers originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Redd Wants to Remain with Bucks

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

Filed under: Bucks, USA Basketball

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.

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.

Questions Surround ESPN's NBA Latino Power Rankings

Tom Ziller — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:33:00 EST

Filed under: FIBA, NBA Media Watch

ESPN has assigned its Spanish-speaking correspondent Alfred R. Berrios to keep up a weekly ranking of the NBA's Latinos for its ESPN Deportes property. Celebrating the game's Central and Southern American tentacles is a positive thing, and the NBA has long sought to integrate the multitudes of Spanish-speaking sports fans in the United States and abroad into its fold.

But ESPN's list is just weird in terms of inclusion and exclusion.

Questions Surround ESPN's NBA Latino Power Rankings originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Pau Gasol to Return Against the Bulls

Brett Pollakoff — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST

by Brett Pollakoff

Filed under: Bulls, Lakers, NBA Injuries

After missing the Lakers' first 11 games of the season with a hamstring injury, Pau Gasol appears ready to make his return to the court tonight in a nationally televised matchup against the Bulls.

"I think that I'll be able to go tomorrow," Gasol told reporters on Wednesday. "It felt great today and I don't plan on any reason why it wouldn't feel the same way tomorrow."

Gasol's return will be a welcome addition for a team that has struggled offensively on the nights when Kobe Bryant didn't score 40 or more points. Thankfully for L.A., Bryant has managed to do that in four of the team's 11 games so far, and every time it resulted in a win for the Lakers.

Pau Gasol to Return Against the Bulls originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

'Art of a Beautiful Game' Explored by Sports Illustrated Scribe

Tom Ziller — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: NBA Media Watch

Sports Illustrated's Chris Ballard probably couldn't have happened into a worse time to release a book about the NBA. The economy is bad. ESPN's Bill Simmons released a tome on the league last month which reached the New York Times' non-fiction best-seller list. The fawning NBA fan has already possibly purchased the LeBron James quasi-autobiog, and the statheads have likely buried themselves in the Pro Basketball Prospectus 2009-10 or Wayne Winston's Mathletics. There are a lot of options, and typically little interest in basketball books.

But fans who whistled by Ballard's effort -- The Art of a Beautiful Game: The Thinking Fan's Tour of the NBA, published by Simon & Schuster -- are missing a great view into the league we love. With a certain mix of comfort and curiosity, Ballard has put together a wonderful collection of NBA insights straight from the horses' mouths.

Jack McCallum: Rich Season for Basketball Books

'Art of a Beautiful Game' Explored by Sports Illustrated Scribe originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

How Low Will the Winless Nets Go?

Chris Tomasson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Clippers, Heat, Nets

MILWAUKEE -- As the New Jersey Nets are ringing up losses, Scott Hastings has a vested interest.

Hastings, you see, was on the expansion 1988-89 Miami Heat that set the record for most losses to start an NBA season at 17. So Hastings is hoping the Nets will knock the Heat out of the record book, right?

Try again.

"Absolutely not,'' Hastings said. "We were a bad team. We deserved our record, and I'm disappointed any time anybody gets close. Go Nets.''

How Low Will the Winless Nets Go? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Durant Struggles Against Childhood Hero

Tim Povtak — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:50:00 EST

by Tim Povtak

Filed under: Magic, Thunder

ORLANDO -- You figured it might be a long night for young Kevin Durant and his Oklahoma City teammates after he spent a good portion of his pre-game chat Wednesday talking about idolizing Magic veteran guard Vince Carter.

"When I was growing up, I always thought Vince was the best. I still look up to him, and I'm still a big fan,'' Durant said. "I used to watch his highlights as a kid. When I was about 11, my mom bought me a Vince Carter jersey and shorts, his Raptors uniform, and I wore it to every game. I guess that's a little embarrassing to say now, but it's something I'll never forget.''

Durant's innocence was refreshing. It made him and everyone around him smile. But it's probably not the kind of competitive edge that the Thunder needed from him. He is on the verge of becoming an NBA All-Star, but he sure didn't play like one Wednesday night, sinking to his worst performance of the season.

Durant Struggles Against Childhood Hero originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Bucks' Alexander Wants to Be Traded

Chris Tomasson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:10:00 EST

Filed under: Bucks, FanHouse Exclusive

MILWAUKEE -- Two weeks after the third-year option on his rookie contract wasn't picked up, Milwaukee forward Joe Alexander says he wants to be traded.

Alexander's 2010-11 option for $2.76 million was not picked up by the Nov. 2 deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent next summer. In an interview with FanHouse before Tuesday's win over the Nets at the Bradley Center, Alexander was asked if he believes that means the Bucks could deal him as the February trade deadline approaches.

"They made it pretty clear that they don't see me having a future here,'' said Alexander, the No. 8 pick in the 2008 draft who averaged 4.7 points last season as a rookie. "So I'm assuming a trade would definitely be one of the options.''

Bucks' Alexander Wants to Be Traded originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:10:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Report: Knicks to Pursue Iverson

Tom Ziller — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Rumors

Just a few days after the Grizzlies announced they'd cut loose disgruntled legend Allen Iverson, Howard Beck of the New York Times reports the Knicks do plan to pursue the guard. Beck has sources who indicate coach Mike D'Antoni is sold on the addition of the legendarily difficult scorer, and the Knicks plan to offer A.I. at least a minimum contract worth $1.3 million.

The Knicks have been dreadful this season, and it's getting worse all the time. (The Knicks visit currently winless New Jersey on Saturday in what could be the return of Devin Harris and Courtney Lee. Giving an 0-13 [pending tonight's Nets-Bucks result] New Jersey team its first win? Rock. Bottom.) Iverson is still useful as a scorer, and despite the N.Y. talking points about developing the kids, the Knicks as an organization have little to lose by letting The Answer run loose for a few months. Win, win, win. (That third one is for Spike Lee.)

Report: Knicks to Pursue Iverson originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Williams: Magic More Talented Than Heat Championship Team

Tim Povtak — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

by Tim Povtak

Filed under: Magic

ORLANDO -- Veteran point guard Jason Williams takes over the reins of the Orlando Magic Wednesday night, drawing his own comparison to the Miami Heat team he piloted four seasons ago to the NBA title.

"I've said if from the day I got here: this team is more talented than the championship team I played on in '06,'' Williams said Wednesday morning after a morning practice. "There are more weapons here."

Williams, who turned 34 on Wednesday, is replacing Jameer Nelson, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Wednesday morning. Nelson is expected to be out from four to six weeks, leaving the team in the hands of Williams and journeyman Anthony Johnson.

Williams: Magic More Talented Than Heat Championship Team originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

NBA Power Rankings: Soaring Hawks

Brett Pollakoff — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

by Brett Pollakoff

Filed under: Cavaliers, Celtics, Hawks, Lakers, Magic, Mavericks, Nuggets, Pacers, Suns, Trail Blazers, NBA Power Rankings

The Atlanta Hawks find themselves at the top of our rankings this week, thanks to a five-game winning streak against some strong competition -- a gritty overtime win over the Blazers and a road win in Boston were both impressive. Now, let's see if they can avoid the top-spot-jinx on Wednesday night, when they'll host Miami in a rematch of last year's first round playoff series. As for the other 29 teams? Read on to see how they stacked up.

NBA Power Rankings: Soaring Hawks originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Stinkface Chronicles: Lawson Order

Rob Peterson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:15:00 EST

by Rob Peterson

Filed under: Cavaliers, Heat, Lakers, Nuggets, NBA Fans, NBA Videos

Some people never learn. D.J. Mbenga may be one of them.

Now, D.J. is a good guy and he makes a decent living as the backup center for world champion Los Angeles Lakers, but there's a reason he's a backup center. Besides a talent deficiency, Mbenga is not quick and therefore slow to rotate on help defense and recover on pick-and-rolls.

This often puts him in an awkward position, that position being Mbenga on a poster on his keister.

Such was the case again Friday when Nuggets rookie Ty Lawson went medieval on Mbenga.

(The pair of pliers and the blowtorch after the jump.)

Stinkface Chronicles: Lawson Order originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Hawks' Patience Finally Paying Off

Tim Povtak — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST

by Tim Povtak

Filed under: Hawks

The surprising Atlanta Hawks -- and the way they were built -- should become required study for those NBA general managers who wheel and deal too fast, making change for the sake of change, always searching for the quick fix.

The Hawks are proving that patience does work.

The Hawks (9-2) have become the top team in the East, quietly moving past the freer spending Celtics, Cavaliers and Magic, the high-profile contenders who previously thought it was a three-team race to the top of the conference.

No. 4 has crashed the party.

More: Hawks Soar to Top of NBA Power Rankings

Hawks' Patience Finally Paying Off originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Vinny Del Negro Learning on the Job

Matt Steinmetz — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST

by Matt Steinmetz

Filed under: Bulls, NBA Coaches

SACRAMENTO -- Vinny Del Negro is 10 games into his second season as the coach of the Chicago Bulls. He was hired in June 2009, despite never having been a head coach on any level. FanHouse caught up with Del Negro before Chicago's 101-87 win over the Kings on Tuesday night and talked to him about the challenges of his unique situation.

Vinny Del Negro Learning on the Job originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Bosh Will Consider Joining Wade

Chris Tomasson — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST

Filed under: Heat, Raptors, FanHouse Exclusive

DENVER -- LeBron James is the first choice. But Chris Bosh certainly would be a solid backup for the Miami Heat next summer in free agency.

And he's willing to consider it.

The Heat, which figures to have more than $15 million of salary-cap room, is looking for a superstar to pair with Dwyane Wade. And Wade, who talked last week about possibly luring James to South Florida while also mentioning Bosh, is positioning himself as a recruiter.

"Anything is possible, I guess,'' Bosh, the Toronto star who can become a free agent next summer, told FanHouse in an interview before Tuesday's game at Denver about the possibility of going to Miami. "I guess that seems to be an attractive place, you know, playing with Dwyane and playing in Miami and everything. I guess if they had the right chemistry, the right guys, that they could persuade guys to get there. But we'll see.''

Bosh Will Consider Joining Wade originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Kelenna Azubuike Out for the Season

Matt Moore — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

by Matt Moore

Filed under: Warriors, NBA Injuries

How could this season get worse for the Warriors? Their coach seemingly has no interest in developing their young talent, teaching defense, fighting for wins or managing the team. Their captain had his captaincy revoked after asking for a trade, which he eventually received. Their star is currently asking for a lifeboat and the nearest emergency exit. They don't have cap space for 2010, they're losing games left and right and they've even been hit with swine flu. How could this possibly get any worse?

Oh.

The Warriors announced today that Kelenna Azubuike has a torn patellar tendon in his right knee which will require season-ending surgery.

Kelenna Azubuike Out for the Season originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.