NBA FanHouse

Maybe Turkoglu Can Play For 2 Teams

Tim Povtak — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST

For awhile Friday, it sounded like Hedo Turkoglu was trying to become an NBA double dipper, playing for two different teams at the same time. Or like one of those traveling salesmen who quietly kept different wives in different cities.

And maybe he thought since the teams -- Portland and Toronto -- are in different countries, he might be able to slip by. You could just imagine that sly smile of his as he nodded yes to both teams.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. Either Turkoglu got cold feet or several news organizations got it wrong.

Maybe Turkoglu Can Play For 2 Teams originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Celtics Reportedly Offer MLE to Rasheed

Gary Washburn — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST

by Gary Washburn

Filed under: Celtics, Pistons, NBA Rumors

The Boston Celtics' courting of Rasheed Wallace culminated with a contract offer, according to the Boston Globe, believed to be for two years at the mid-level exception, approximately $5.8 million.

Wallace, formerly of the Detroit Pistons, has his share of suitors and is in no hurry to make a decision. Orlando and San Antonio have expressed interest in Wallace, who re-signed a five-year, $57 million deal with Detroit in July 2004. The Pistons decided to allow Wallace to walk and agreed to deals with Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva. Free agents aren't allowed to officially sign until July 8.

Celtics Reportedly Offer MLE to Rasheed originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Magic Say Goodbye to Gortat

Tim Povtak — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:33:00 EST

by Tim Povtak

Filed under: Magic, Mavericks

The Orlando Magic will say goodbye to backup center Marcin Gortat, unwilling to match the offer sheet that he will sign next week with the Dallas Mavericks. The price, they have decided, is too high.

The Mavericks and Gortat agreed Thursday to a multi-year offer that starts at the $5.6 million mid-level exception. He made an estimated $800,000 last season, serving as the backup to All-Star Dwight Howard.

Although the Magic liked Gortat - a restricted free agent - they have only nine players under contract for $67 million. The luxury tax, a dollar for dollar penalty designed to control league spending, is expected to start at $68 million next season. The Magic still have to sign at least four players, which makes bringing back Gortat almost cost prohibitive.

Magic Say Goodbye to Gortat originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blake Griffin: The Clippers Are Going to Be Explosive

Elie Seckbach — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:04:00 EST

by Elie Seckbach

Filed under: Clippers, NBA Draft, NBA Videos, Interviews, FanHouse Exclusive

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

The Los Angeles Clippers and their fans could not presently be any happier. Last week, they added an outstanding player in Blake Griffin, who was, of course, the first overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. In this FanHouse exclusive, we talk to Blake about his new team and his expectations. We also hear from Eric Gordon, former NBA stars Sean Rooks and Michael Cage, and Clippers assistant general manager Neil Olshey.

Check out the video after the jump.

Blake Griffin: The Clippers Are Going to Be Explosive originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:04:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Portland Lands Hedo

Tom Ziller — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:41:00 EST

by Tom Ziller

Filed under: Magic, Trail Blazers, NBA Rumors, NBA Transactions

Update: Hedo may not be headed to Portland after all -- reports now suggest he ended negotiations abruptly and will sign with the Raptors.

Henry Abbott of TrueHoop is reporting that the Blazers have landed top free agent Hedo Turkoglu for the princely sum of $50 million (or more) over five years. Hedo had been the expected target of Portland's largess before the Magic acquired Vince Carter. That move made this move rather logical from every perspective.

... well, except the perspective that it's unclear exactly why Portland needs a ball-dominant small forward. After all, the Blazers do have one Brandon Roy, eternal All-Star, under contract. And with Roy dominating the ball this season, the Blazers finished with the league's finest offense. In terms of offense, this is a bit like the Lakers adding Ron Artest: sounds good on the surface, but when you look at the details, you get a bit worried.

Report: Portland Lands Hedo originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:41:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Phil Jackson Confirms He'll Return

Matt Watson — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

by Matt Watson

Filed under: Lakers

Shortly after the Lakers' championship run, Phil Jackson admitted that he'd like to return to the sidelines for the final year of his contract but couldn't commit until doctors put him through a series of medical tests. He did so this week, and he was given the thumbs up.

"After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff postseason. All things point to go!" Jackson said in a statement posted on the Lakers official site.

Phil Jackson Confirms He'll Return originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lakers Learned From Previous Champs

Tim Povtak — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST

by Tim Povtak

Filed under: Cavaliers, Lakers, Magic, Rockets, NBA Transactions

There is a reason nothing stays the same in the NBA. It's never good enough -- even at the top.

What the Los Angeles Lakers learned from the previous four NBA champs - Detroit, Miami, San Antonio and Boston -- was that the status quo will just get you beat the next season.

It's why there have been no repeats lately.

By landing Ron Artest to replace Trevor Ariza -- a huge upgrade -- the Lakers did what others before them didn't do. They got better after they won.

Lakers Learned From Previous Champs originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rockets Triple-Threat of Yao, McGrady and Artest Short-Lived

Terrance Harris — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:40:00 EST

by Terrance Harris

Filed under: Lakers, Rockets, NBA Transactions

The Boston Celtics aligned their three stars and rode them all the way to a NBA championship in 2008.

The Houston Rockets hoped to do the same when they added unpredictable yet talented Ron Artest with their superstar duo of Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming last summer. But a year later, their dream has unraveled.

McGrady and Yao are sidelined with potentially career-threatening injuries and Artest left Thursday in free agency, heading to the world champion Los Angeles Lakers to join forces with Kobe Bryant for a three-year deal.

Rockets Triple-Threat of Yao, McGrady and Artest Short-Lived originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Allen Iverson One of Five People To Think Memphis Sounds Nice

Matt Moore — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:17:00 EST

by Matt Moore

Filed under: Grizzlies

Allen Iverson needs to lay low for a while.

After establishing himself as a potential Hall of Fame guard, with offensive skills never before seen in the league and establishing himself as a perennial winner who's only flaw was that he was surrounded by insufficient backup, the last year has done a lot to tarnish that reputation. After being traded to Detroit he was an outright disaster, unable to find his place in the offense or in the locker room. Meanwhile the guard he was traded for, Chauncey Billups, lead his team to the Conference Finals.

As a free agent this summer, Iverson needs to go somewhere quietly and rebuild his image, much the same way that his old coach Larry Brown has in Charlotte. But it might be another small market team Iverson ends up with. One that now features an... eclectic makeup of personalities.

Iverson might be headed South for the Winter.

Allen Iverson One of Five People To Think Memphis Sounds Nice originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RoundCast: Breaking Down Artest to L.A.

Brett Pollakoff — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:35:00 EST

by Brett Pollakoff

Filed under: Bulls, Cavaliers, Celtics, Lakers, Magic, Pistons, Rockets, NBA Rumors, NBA Transactions

Bloggers knee-jerking on the phone + roundtable style = RoundCast.

One of the biggest moves of this free agent season went down on Thursday, when it was learned that Ron Artest will be heading to the Lakers. Matt Moore and I break down what is effectively going to be L.A. trading Trevor Ariza for Artest, as it was also announced that Ariza agreed to a deal with the Rockets.

After plenty of Artest talk, we also review some of the other deals that have gone down, and ponder the fates of some other would-be contenders like the Cavaliers, Pistons, Magic, and Celtics.

Free agent talk at it's finest, after the jump.

RoundCast: Breaking Down Artest to L.A. originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mavs to Call Magic Bluff on Gortat

Tim Povtak — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:40:00 EST

by Tim Povtak

Filed under: Magic, Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks are about to call the bluff of Magic general manager Otis Smith.

A day after Smith said that he planned to match any offer for restricted free agent Marcin Gortat, the Mavs brought the Magic's backup center to town, hoping he agrees to their contract offer that he can sign next week.

According to at least one NBA source, the Mavs offer will start with the mid-level exception of $5.6 million, extending it out at least three years.

Mavs to Call Magic Bluff on Gortat originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ariza Taking Artest's Place in Houston

Gary Washburn — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:15:00 EST

by Gary WashburnWell, the Houston Rockets didn't waste any time getting back at the Los Angeles Lakers for nabbing Ron Artest. According to two reports, the Rockets are discussing a deal with free-agent forward Trevor Ariza, who was likely nudged out of Los Angeles by Artest's arrival. (Update: ESPN's Marc Stein reports Ariza has verbally commtted to Houston.)

Ariza expressed disdain that the Lakers only offered the mid-level exception (approximately $5.6 million per season) and said he would take a comparable contract elsewhere. The Rockets can only offer the mid-level but with Yao Ming likely to miss next season with a left foot injury and Tracy McGrady coming off microfracture knee surgery, Ariza would have a chance to shine with the Rockets.

Ariza Taking Artest's Place in Houston originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Artest in L.A. Could Most Hurt Gasol

Tom Ziller — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:37:00 EST

by Tom Ziller

Filed under: Lakers, Rockets, NBA Rumors

As we all attempt to grok Ron Artest: Los Angeles Laker, much will (rightfully) be made of the strange relationship Kobe Bryant and our antihero Artest enjoy. Off the court, the stars claim to be best friends. On the floor, there has been some serious (and recent!) bad blood.

But in real basketball results, Pau Gasol might be the most endangered Laker in all of this. Kobe ain't giving up shots to Ron-Ron ... but someone will have to, unless you think Artest -- who has in the past placed himself in the same league as Kobe and LeBron James -- will shave half his offense to become Trevor Ariza II. I sincerely doubt our protagonist will be so generous. So the Laker attacker who requires the ball to be fed -- Pau -- figures to suffer.

Artest in L.A. Could Most Hurt Gasol originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:37:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumors Swirl Rubio May Stay in Spain

Matt Watson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:15:00 EST

by Matt Watson

Filed under: Knicks, Timberwolves, NBA Rumors

While most NBA draft picks are preparing for summer league play in Orlando and Las Vegas next week, rumors continue to swirl that Ricky Rubio may wait a year -- and perhaps even longer -- until he makes the jump to the NBA.

According to El Periodico, a Spanish newspaper, Rubio has already ruled out playing this coming season, and in fact plans to drop the lawsuit he filed against DKV Joventut, his current Spanish team, regarding his buyout clause, which he previously argued was too much money for what Joventut has been paying him.

Before fans in Minnesota get too upset, they should consider the source: El Periodico's report neither cites a source nor includes a byline -- this could be nothing more than re-hashed speculation that we've been hearing all week.

Rumors Swirl Rubio May Stay in Spain originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ron Artest Joining Kobe, Lakers

Matt Watson — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:17:00 EST

by Matt Watson

Filed under: Lakers, Rockets, NBA Transactions

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. That's the mindset that Ron Artest has apparently taken following today's news that he's agreed to join Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles. Artest was instrumental in helping the Rockets take the eventual champion Lakers to seven games during the Western Conference semifinals. Instead of serving as Kobe's antagonist, he'll become Kobe's sidekick.

According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, Artest met with Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss and spoke with Phil Jackson on Thursday before instructing his agent to get a deal done. Details of the agreement -- both the length and the amount -- are still unknown, but from the sounds of it, Artest isn't about to quibble over the details.

Povtak: Lakers Learned from Previous Champs
Ziller: Adding Artest Means Less Pau | Washburn: Ariza to Houston

Ron Artest Joining Kobe, Lakers originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shaq Meets the Media in Cleveland

Brett Pollakoff — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:17:00 EST

by Brett Pollakoff

Filed under: Cavaliers, NBA Transactions

The Cavaliers traded for Shaquille O'Neal a week ago, but his introductory press conference didn't happen until Thursday afternoon. And for the most part, it was worth the wait. As we've come to expect when Shaq gets in front of a microphone, there were plenty of interesting and entertaining quotes that came out of his first meeting with the Cleveland media.

Shaq kicked things off by flashing the picture to your right, claiming that when he received the initial call from Cavs' GM Danny Ferry, he had to Google him, and when he did, this was the one of the first things to pop up.

Nice way to break the ice, Big Fella. Here are some more highlights from Shaq's first official day as a Cavalier.

Shaq Meets the Media in Cleveland originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What Does It Take to Become a Knicks City Dancer?

Ariel Helwani — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:53:00 EST

by Ariel Helwani

Filed under: Knicks, NBA Videos, FanHouse Exclusive

Earlier this week, I lived out a dream by standing on the New York Liberty's home court inside an empty Madison Square Garden. I know, some guys have all the luck.

Oh, I also got to attend the 2009-10 Knicks City Dancers auditions. That was pretty exciting, as well. If you aren't familiar with "KCD," you should know that they are one of the most popular cheerleading squads in all of sports, for obvious reasons. Check out the video of my day with 80 KCD hopefuls below.

What Does It Take to Become a Knicks City Dancer? originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:53:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NBA's Big Moves Have Already Happened

Matt Steinmetz — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:42:00 EST

by Matt Steinmetz

Filed under: NBA Transactions

As you take in the NBA's free agent period and try to sort out which players are going to which teams and what is a report as opposed to a rumor, you can't help but think of that cartoon Hall-of-Famer Foghorn Leghorn, who once said: "You're doin' a lot of choppin' but no chips are flyin.'"

Sure, there's stuff going on. Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon are going to Detroit. Dallas wants Jason Kidd back, but the Knicks are making a run at him. The Blazers want Hedo Turkoglu big-time, but the Raptors may yet appear.

Ron Artest is out there and so are Mike Bibby and Lamar Odom. Not to mention Trevor Ariza, Andre Miller, Shawn Marion, Allen Iverson and plenty of others. Some of these players are sure to be nice acquisitions for some club, even their own ones.

NBA's Big Moves Have Already Happened originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:42:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ron Artest's Agent Denies Authenticity of Client's Verified Twitter Account

Nate Jones — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:17:00 EST

by Nate Jones

Filed under: Rockets, NBA Media Watch, NBA Rumors, NBA Twitter

Ron Artest caused a bit of a flurry Wednesday night when he went on his Twitter account and announced he was signing a new deal. Of course it was all a joke/publicity stunt. However, the activity on his twitter account -- particularly the farewell to Houston tweet -- made Artest's agent David Bauman come out and claim that the Twitter account is a fake.

As athletes have been burned by fake accounts before, we have become pretty good at identifying fake Twitter accounts, and it seems Bauman is wrong about the account in question being a fake.

Ron Artest's Agent Denies Authenticity of Client's Verified Twitter Account originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:17:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ten Players Under 30 Fighting for Their NBA Lives

Gary Washburn — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:52:00 EST

by Gary Washburn

Filed under: NBA Transactions

Free-agent time should be like Christmas for these under-30 former first-round picks. If they had played better, stayed healthy or fulfilled their potential, they would be cashing in on new contracts or contract extensions. Instead they are fighting for their NBA lives, afterthoughts in free-agent time, hoping to find one interested team for another opportunity to stay in the league.

The alternative might be Europe or perhaps even the NBDL. With each NBA team holding on tight to free-agent dollars because of the economy and the 2010 free-agent class, contracts -- especially lucrative ones -- will be difficult to procure. So while names such as Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Trevor Ariza and Hedo Turkoglu will fill the offseason newswires, these 10 players will be searching for work in virtual obscurity.

Here is the list and their stories:

Ten Players Under 30 Fighting for Their NBA Lives originally appeared on NBA FanHouse on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:52:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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