Practice peek: Lakers work on catch-and-shoot
EL SEGUNDO — It resembles the old Pitch Back that I used to use for solo baseball practice when I was growing up in San Francisco. The modern version of the upright tool is used by basketball teams on all levels to simulate passing, receiving a pass and incorporating all the elements of a…
June 04, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
NBA Finals pick: Lakers in 5
BOSTON — OK, it’s time to blow off work, plop your kids in front of Baby Einstein or “Hannah Montana,” ignore your fantasy baseball team and get fully prepared for the NBA Finals by reading to achieve … My position-by-position breakdown reveals why the Lakers are…
June 04, 2008, 10:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
California dreamin’
BOSTON — The jersey may read Celtics, but nine of the 15 players on the Boston Celtics’ NBA finals roster have some sort of California connection. It starting with the native-born Californians - guard Ray Allen (Merced), guard Eddie House (Berkeley), forward Paul Pierce (Oakland),…
June 04, 2008, 9:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Joe as Hillary
Joe Dumars as Hillary Clinton (courtesy Deadspin and Skeets)
June 04, 2008, 9:15 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Kobe philosophizing on execution and trusting teammates
BOSTON — The Celtics seemed very relaxed here at home, ending their last pre-NBA Finals practice with Ray Allen taking on Paul Pierce in a very casual but loud game of 1-on-1. The Lakers seemed a little more businesslike. Here is the most basketball-accurate comment Kobe Bryant gave today, in…
June 04, 2008, 9:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
A Pro/Con List for Tom Izzo
Here’s Kevin’s snarky semi-rebuttal to my call for Tom Izzo. ___________ By: Kevin Sawyer As any loyal Wolverine would, Matt has made the case that Tom Izzo should take over the Pistons head coaching job. Here is a pro/con response: Pro: Going to Izzo proves to the fans that Detroit…
June 04, 2008, 9:00 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Joe Dumars speaks
After the press conference, Joe Dumars spoke with Stoney and Wojo on 1130 WDFN (mp3) (via Need4Sheed).
June 04, 2008, 9:00 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Kobe, Fisher voices of calm before storm
EL SEGUNDO - The Lakers spent their last day in the home confines of L.A. before they left Tuesday for the quite unfriendly venue of Boston, where hostile Celtics fans and a history of leprechauns await them. What do co-captains Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, veterans of four NBA finals who have…
June 04, 2008, 9:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
In appreciation of Flip Saunders
Dumars said the “coaching search” won’t take very long (will he even interview anyone but Michael Curry?), but before we start talking about the new guy, I just wanted to recognize the old one. Flip Saunders had his faults, sure, but don’t forget that once upon a time he was…
June 04, 2008, 8:45 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Joe Dumars: “Everybody’s in play”
Highlights from today’s presser from Keith Langlois’ blog: * Dumars saying significant change was his desire and that “everybody’s in play. There are no sacred cows here.” * Dumars saying the last 10 minutes of Game 6, when the Pistons squandered a 10-point lead and lost going…
June 04, 2008, 8:45 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Newble has unique Finals viewpoint
EL SEGUNDO — Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and Luke Walton are the lone Lakers who were on the team when it last reached the NBA Finals in 2004. But forward Ira Newble, whom the Lakers initially signed to a 10-day contract March 21, is the only player on the team who has been in the NBA Finals…
June 04, 2008, 8:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Wilcox arrested on gun charge
Sonics power forward Chris Wilcox was arrested on weapons charges in Bladen County, N.C. Saturday evening, according to the Bladen Journal. According to the report from the Bladen County Sheriff’s Department, Wilcox, 25, was charged with two counts of carrying a concealed weapon. Another…
June 04, 2008, 8:45 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Flip Saunders is fired
From the Detroit Free Press: In a statement released this morning, president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said: “Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular-seasons. However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to…
June 04, 2008, 8:30 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
This is just weird
From Sam Amick of the Sacramento Bee: As the continuing radio career of the Kings small forward continues, Artest is now hoping to interview the infamous John Green of the 2004 “Malice at the Palace” brawl. The Pistons fan is the one who hurled a plastic cup of beer at Artest as he…
June 04, 2008, 8:30 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Blakely and Jahnke: Who said Flip’s job is secure?
A. Sherrod Blakely argues today that Saunders’ job is hardly secure: The future of Detroit Pistons coach Flip Saunders is still up in the air. However, multiple league sources said Monday he still is likely to be fired, and a decision should be made within days. Joe Dumars, Detroit’s…
June 04, 2008, 8:30 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Bynum working his way back
BOSTON — Stimulus treatement, ice therapy and massages comprise a typical day for the Lakers’ Andrew Bynum.But despite not being able to play while he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery, the 20-year old, third-year center is soaking up as much of the NBA Finals atmosphere as he…
June 04, 2008, 8:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
The other side of Rasheed
Rasheed Wallace didn’t drop any controversial bombshells about Flip Saunders or his future in Detroit during his appearance at SNYX Sneaker Studio last night, but he also didn’t leave those fans who came out to see him empty handed. From Terry Foster of the Detroit News: The millionaire…
June 04, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Why not Tom Izzo?
In his press conference today, Joe Dumars said that the three guys on his list right now are Michael Curry, Terry Porter (assuming he doesn’t get the Phoenix job) and Avery Johnson. Stephen A. Smith swears that Curry will get the job, but when talking with Stoney and Wojo, Dumars scoffed at…
June 04, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
McCosky backs off comments about Flip returning
Yesterday, Chris McCosky was confident that Flip Saunders would stay put: We were all wrong. All of us who speculated that the Pistons’ loss in Game 6 to Boston spelled the end of Flip Saunders’ coaching life in Detroit were wrong. Saunders met briefly with Pistons president Joe Dumars on Saturday…
June 04, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Buy shoes, meet Rasheed
Rasheed Wallace will apparently greet sneaker heads tomorrow. From the Freep: Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace is scheduled to make an appearance Tuesday at SNYX Sneaker Studio, 8961 Linwood in Detroit, to promote the new Nike Air Force 1’s that he designed. He’ll have a private Q&A…
June 04, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
All-time Lakers: Best forward?
Part two of our pick-the-best-Lakers-ever series focuses on the forwards — and yes, we’re not splitting them up into the small and power categories (and won’t divide point and shooting guards either). Why? Couple of reasons: (1) Was Elgin Baylor a 3 or a 4? His height (6-5) said…
June 04, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Potential dance partners
Dana Gauruder of the Oakland Press names some potential trade partners. Dallas? They have Rick Carlisle, who knows this roster from coaching it (and coaching against it). Phoenix? Can you imagine Rip or Tay in that offense? Plus, Tay would be a good Kobe stopper. Charlotte? Larry Brown and Sheed,…
June 04, 2008, 7:45 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Is Mike Woodson a candidate?
Another name gets churned out by the rumor mill: embattled Hawks coach Mike Woodson. He may be on the verge of getting canned by Atlanta, but he was Larry Brown’s lead assistant in 2004. Nonetheless, I’m not impressed.
June 04, 2008, 7:45 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
George David speaks
Pistons Director of Player Personnel George David talks about the future. (Note: this was pre-Flip-fired)
June 04, 2008, 7:45 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
NoNeed4FinalsTickets
This stings: Natalie from Need4Sheed posted scans of the NBA Finals tickets that were already mailed to season ticket holders.
June 04, 2008, 7:45 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Flip Saunders apparently won’t be fired
From Chris McCosky in the Detroit News: We were all wrong. All of us who speculated that the Pistons’ loss in Game 6 to Boston spelled the end of Flip Saunders’ coaching life in Detroit were wrong. Saunders met briefly with Pistons president Joe Dumars on Saturday and all indications…
June 04, 2008, 7:30 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Joe as Hillary
Joe Dumars as Hillary Clinton (courtesy Deadspin and Skeets)
June 04, 2008, 7:15 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Joe Dumars speaks
After the press conference, Joe Dumars spoke with Stoney and Wojo on 1130 WDFN (mp3) (via Need4Sheed).
June 04, 2008, 7:00 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
A Pro/Con List for Tom Izzo
Here’s Kevin’s semi-snarky rebuttal to my call for Tom Izzo. ___________ By: Kevin Sawyer As any loyal Wolverine would, Matt has made the case that Tom Izzo should take over the Pistons head coaching job. Here is a pro/con response: Pro: Going to Izzo proves to the fans that Detroit…
June 04, 2008, 6:45 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Ariza ready to defend if called upon
EL SEGUNDO — One possible defensive matchup that the Lakers could employ against Boston is to use forward Trevor Ariza on Celtics All-Star forward Paul Pierce, who so far in the playoffs is averaging 19 points per game. Lakers coach Phil Jackson will begin with Vladimir Radmanovic guarding…
June 04, 2008, 6:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
All-time Lakers: Best center?
This NBA Finals between the Lakers and Celtics is stirring up all sorts of nostalgic feelings for the glory days of Magic, Bird, Kareem and McHale. With everyone reminiscing, we thought it would be the perfect time to dip deep into Lakers history and determine the franchise’s all-time…
June 04, 2008, 5:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Brian Shaw not going to coach Shaq in Phoenix
EL SEGUNDO — One less thing for the Lakers to worry about next season, when they’ll only be expected to go 82-0 with Andrew Bynum on this team: Brian Shaw isn’t going to coach Shaquille O’Neal with the Phoenix Suns. Shaw told me after practice today that he got word from…
June 04, 2008, 5:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Practice peek: Lakers work on catch-and-shoot
EL SEGUNDO — It resembles the old Pitch Back that I used to use for solo baseball practice when I was growing up in San Francisco. The modern version of the upright tool is used by basketball teams on all levels to simulate passing, receiving a pass and incorporating all the elements of a…
June 04, 2008, 5:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Kobe and Paul Pierce, from commiserating to the NBA Finals
EL SEGUNDO — Kobe Bryant and Paul Pierce have reached the happy-ending part of their season story. If it were a movie about the two of them this season, the opening scene would’ve taken place over the summer after they both played some pickup ball at UCLA and were commiserating about…
June 04, 2008, 5:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Back to basics... drawing Austin Croshere
Here's a little something I did, as requested by Mr. Croshere himself. I know the off season has me drawing less, and spending more time working out but you'll be seeing more of these during the off season. I'm already stoked for the 08-09 season!
June 04, 2008, 5:30 PM ET from Golden State Of Mind
California dreamin’
The jersey may read Celtics but nine of the 15 players on the Boston Celtics’ NBA finals roster have some sort of California connection. Starting with the native-born Californians - Guard Ray Allen (Merced), guard Eddie House (Berkeley), forward Paul Pierce (Oakland), forward Leon Powe…
June 04, 2008, 5:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Kobe philosophizing on execution and trusting teammates
BOSTON — The Celtics seemed very relaxed here at home, ending their last pre-NBA Finals practice with Ray Allen taking on Paul Pierce in a very casual but loud game of 1-on-1. The Lakers seemed a little more businesslike. Here is the most basketball-accurate comment Kobe Bryant gave today, in…
June 04, 2008, 5:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Kobe, Fisher voices of calm before storm
EL SEGUNDO - The Lakers spent their last day in the home confines of L.A. before they left Tuesday for the quite unfriendly venue of Boston, where hostile Celtics fans and a history of leprechauns await them. What do co-captains Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, veterans of four NBA finals who have…
June 04, 2008, 5:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Newble has unique Finals viewpoint
EL SEGUNDO — Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher and Luke Walton are the lone Lakers who were on the team when it last reached the NBA Finals in 2004. But forward Ira Newble, whom the Lakers initially signed to a 10-day contract March 21, is the only player on the team who has been in the NBA Finals…
June 04, 2008, 5:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Bynum working his way back
By ART THOMPSON III The Orange County Register BOSTON — Stimulus treatement, ice therapy and massages comprise a typical day for the Lakers’ Andrew Bynum. But despite not being able to play while he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery, the 20-year old, third-year center is soaking…
June 04, 2008, 4:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
City of Seattle, Sonics make their case
Several filings were made by both the city of Seattle and the Sonics regarding the upcoming June 16 trial late Tuesday. They included a pretrial order, which outlines the arguments both sides will make in presenting their cases, including witnesses they plan on calling to the stand and evidence…
June 04, 2008, 4:30 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Draft Measurements Are Available
caleb Said: Draft news — NBA has released official measurements and athletic testing results from the Orlando combine. http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2008/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=CombineResults-080603 On first glance I didn’t see any huge surprises. Except,…
June 04, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from KnickerBlogger.Net
Could Moe join Brown with Bobcats?
Asked how he would fill the remaining two openings on his coaching staff, new Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown said Wednesday he has talked to longtime friend Doug Moe about joining the organization. Brown and Moe are North Carolina icons...
June 04, 2008, 2:15 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Why Gasol worked, Shaq, Kidd didn't
A player-personnel executive I know had an interesting take recently on why Pau Gasol helped the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals, while Shaquille O’Neal and Jason Kidd couldn’t get their new teams out of the playoffs’ first round....
June 04, 2008, 12:45 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Beasley Beat, Rose Beat
BullsBeat 's Doug Thonus devotes a podcast to scouting each prospect. He does some work for Draft Express, so he had access to their video software (FYI, these were recorded before the measurements were released). I try not to pretend I'm a scout, but luckily for us, Doug is (or at least is…
June 04, 2008, 12:00 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Rasheed’s last days?
(Be wary of Sheed’s salty NSFW language) If these really were Rasheed Wallace’s last days in Detroit, they haven’t been pretty. Video via BallHype, Awful Announcing
June 04, 2008, 02:45 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
In appreciation of Flip Saunders
Dumars said the “coaching search” won’t take very long (will he even interview anyone but Michael Curry?), but before we start talking about the new guy, I just wanted to recognize the old one. Flip Saunders had his faults, sure, but don’t forget that once upon a time he was…
June 04, 2008, 02:30 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Joe Dumars: “Everybody’s in play”
Highlights from today’s presser from Keith Langlois’ blog: * Dumars saying significant change was his desire and that “everybody’s in play. There are no sacred cows here.” * Dumars saying the last 10 minutes of Game 6, when the Pistons squandered a 10-point lead and lost going…
June 04, 2008, 02:15 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Flip Saunders is fired
From the Detroit Free Press: In a statement released this morning, president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said: “Decisions like this are difficult to make, especially with the success we have had throughout the last three regular-seasons. However, at this time, I feel it is necessary to make…
June 04, 2008, 02:00 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
This is just weird
From Sam Amick of the Sacramento Bee: As the continuing radio career of the Kings small forward continues, Artest is now hoping to interview the infamous John Green of the 2004 “Malice at the Palace” brawl. The Pistons fan is the one who hurled a plastic cup of beer at Artest as he…
June 04, 2008, 01:45 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Michael Curry will interview with Chicago
Flip Saunders didn’t speak to reporters after leaving the Pistons’ practice facility Saturday afternoon, but assistant coach Michael Curry did, addressing both the speculation that he might replace Saunders as well as where he’s at in regards to interviewing other jobs. From…
June 04, 2008, 01:30 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Blakely and Jahnke: Who said Flip’s job is secure?
A. Sherrod Blakely argues today that Saunders’ job is hardly secure: The future of Detroit Pistons coach Flip Saunders is still up in the air. However, multiple league sources said Monday he still is likely to be fired, and a decision should be made within days. Joe Dumars, Detroit’s…
June 04, 2008, 01:15 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
McCosky backs off comments about Flip returning
Yesterday, Chris McCosky was confident that Flip Saunders would stay put: We were all wrong. All of us who speculated that the Pistons’ loss in Game 6 to Boston spelled the end of Flip Saunders’ coaching life in Detroit were wrong. Saunders met briefly with Pistons president Joe Dumars on Saturday…
June 04, 2008, 01:00 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Buy shoes, meet Rasheed
Rasheed Wallace will apparently greet sneaker heads tomorrow. From the Freep: Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace is scheduled to make an appearance Tuesday at SNYX Sneaker Studio, 8961 Linwood in Detroit, to promote the new Nike Air Force 1’s that he designed. He’ll have a private Q&A…
June 04, 2008, 00:45 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Why not Tom Izzo?
In his press conference today, Joe Dumars said that the three guys on his list right now are Michael Curry, Terry Porter (assuming he doesn’t get the Phoenix job) and Avery Johnson. Stephen A. Smith swears that Curry will get the job, but when talking with Stoney and Wojo, Dumars scoffed at…
June 04, 2008, 00:30 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Oh jeeeeeeez
Latest update of the never-ending coaching search: WSCR-AM (670) reported first and the Sun-Times confirmed that Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf wants to take as much time as he felt necessary to make sure he would be hiring Collins for the right reasons and not allow his close …
June 04, 2008, 00:15 AM ET from Blog a Bull
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