McGraw with more details on Deng signing
I'm quoting the whole thing, because it is damned well done: The night before Luol Deng was scheduled to depart for a two-month trip to play for the Great Britain national team, he and the Bulls finally agreed on a new contract. The deal is worth $71 million over six years, according to a…
August 18, 2008, 11:45 PM ET from Blog a Bull
ESPN.com: Deng on the verge of signing 6 year/70 million dollar deal
[Woo-hoo! Original fanpost after the jump. The article actually says 'in excess' of $70m. Hopefully some more details will be available by Wednesday. If you couldn't tell after the many discussions here over the past few weeks, I'm just happy it's done, and the offseason is now underway.…
August 18, 2008, 11:30 PM ET from Blog a Bull
Gordon considering playing overseas
Gordon considering playing overseas [From the FanShots. I do not endorse commenter mwtb's tough-guy talk. I am a big softie and want everyone overpaid and happy. -ed.] Another negotiating ploy, no one's falling for it. I will laugh my @$$ off once the dollar starts to recover vs. the…
August 18, 2008, 11:15 PM ET from Blog a Bull
BlogABull 5th Anniversary Retro-Post: "Eddie Basden: Summer League Superstar"
It's true (and a bit strange, to be honest): BlogABull (including its previous independent blogspot incarnation) is celebrating its 5th anniversary. Rather than merely the usual single self-serving post, this year I've instead decided to extend my self-congratulations through the summer. I'll …
August 18, 2008, 11:00 PM ET from Blog a Bull
Bulls Beat #58
In the latest Bulls Beat podcast, Doug echoes a lot of what I've been saying the past few weeks. Namely, Gordon's better than what many may believe, and his loss will hurt the Bulls drastically. Also some interesting analysis on what a $10m/yr player really means in the league 'market'. That all…
August 18, 2008, 10:45 PM ET from Blog a Bull
Checking the want ads
Not that the Lakers need any more bodies to cram into their crowded backcourt closet. But there is a glut of unemployed guards hoping to gain employment before the 30 NBA teams convene for training camp in the fall. The best of the bunch is restricted free agent Ben Gordon, whom the Chicago Bulls…
August 18, 2008, 8:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Michael vs. Kobe
There’s a great thread on LakersGround.net comparing Michael Jordan’s Dream Team stats against Kobe Bryant’s Redeem Team stats. The argument can go on and on, but in the Olympic Games, their careers are a draw. Michael shot 45 percent from the floor and 21 percent from three.…
August 18, 2008, 6:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Pre-pre-season rankings, now with 100% less logic
I rarely pay attention to preseason rankings, but seeing as it’s the middle of August without much happening in Pistonsville, I’m going to make an exception. So, Marty Burns of Sports Illustrated, what say you about the East? 1. Boston 2. Cleveland 3. Magic Bold! You bumped Detroit…
August 18, 2008, 6:30 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Roster still short
The Lakers’ signing Thursday of forward Josh Powell brings the number of players now under contract to 14. 1. Kobe Bryant 2. Andrew Bynum 3. Lamar Odom 4. Derek Fisher 5. Pau Gasol 6. Luke Walton 7. Vladimir Radmanovic 8. Sasha Vujacic 9. Trevor Ariza 10. Jordan Farmar 11. Chris Mihm 12.…
August 18, 2008, 6:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Stuckey and Afflalo locked up
File this under “the least surprising news of the summer”: the Pistons officially exercised their team options on Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo, extending them through 2009-10.
August 18, 2008, 6:15 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Tyson Chandler
I may be slow to the party, but there’s a great post on Tyson Chandler at Hornets247. Ryan Schwan compares the perception on Chandler to reality, namely that Chandler is a poor defender because he doesn’t have a high block shot rate and that the half court offensive is 4 vs 5 with him…
August 18, 2008, 6:15 PM ET from KnickerBlogger.Net
Artest thought he was being traded to the Lakers
Check out these comments from podcast Rockets.com. When he heard he was traded, he thought he was heading to Southern California. Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld.com reports: ”Artest explained that he learned of the trade while playing basketball in New York, when a friend told him…
August 18, 2008, 6:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Pistons namesakes
This is hilarious — from Ryan Pretzer at Pistons.com: Clifford Wade and Latanya Bussell had an agreement about the naming of their first child. If Latanya had a boy, Clifford would name him; a girl, and Latanya would have the honor. Clifford, a lifelong Detroiter who says he comes to five…
August 18, 2008, 6:00 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Laker-lympic update
The Olympic Games are helping Sun Yue’s reputation as an offensive player (whether he can play defense on the NBA level is another story). So far, Chinese Magic, who has agreed to terms with the Lakers, is shooting 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three in China’s five…
August 18, 2008, 6:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
USA Basketball Game 5: USA 106 - Germany 57
The United States finished up the pool round with a demolition of Germany. The US had already clinched the top seed in their group, so this game did not technically “matter,” but you wouldn’t notice by the way they absolutely destroyed Germany, using all of their weapons (outside…
August 18, 2008, 5:30 PM ET from KnickerBlogger.Net
Red, white and blue Lakers
Who is the greatest Laker Olympian of all time? Shaq 1996 gold medalist Jerry West 1960 gold medalist Magic 1992 gold medalist Mitch Kupchak 1976 gold medalist Kobe Bryant 2008…
August 18, 2008, 5:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Kobe wishes Lakers would have kept Marc Gasol
Oh brother. After playing against Spain this weekend, Kobe Bryant is having second thoughts about the Lakers decision to trade Spanish forward Marc Gasol. Marc was drafted by the Lakers then traded to Memphis in the deal that brought his brother, Pau, to Los Angeles. Marc, a 7-footer, is averaging…
August 18, 2008, 3:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
“I love Kobe,” says Paul Pierce
He didn’t exactly eat any humble pie, but Celtics’ Paul Pierce did chew thoughtfully on his recent comments regarding Kobe Bryant in a radio interview last Friday. Pierce told listeners of ESPN radio that his assertion of being the “best player in the world” was more of a…
August 18, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Powell welcomes new challenge
The newest Laker, forward Josh Powell, said Friday afternoon that he is excited about the upcoming opportunity to join a veteran cast that reached the NBA finals this past season. The 25-year old Powell was signed to a two-year contract Thursday and is slated to fill the slot vacated by Ronny…
August 18, 2008, 3:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Powell could be a second-unit factor
Josh Powell can only hope that he has found a home. But if he can solve the intricacies of the triangle offense, Powell could settle into a key role off the Lakers’ bench in the 2008-2009 season. It will be the much-traveled Powell’s fifth NBA team in only four…
August 18, 2008, 3:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
The one place Kobe isn’t the biggest attraction
Kobe Bryant is one of the most popular athletes in the world. But at the Olympic Games, he just a piece of a giant athletic extravaganza. Check out Scott Soshnick’s column for Bloomberg.com. Soshnick wrote: “Bryant, of all people, has become America’s foremost goodwill…
August 18, 2008, 3:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Josh Powell can play above the rim
Check out this video of Powell from last season.
August 18, 2008, 3:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Michael vs. Kobe
There’s a great thread on LakersGround.net comparing Michael Jordan’s Dream Team stats against Kobe Bryant’s Redeem Team stats. The argument can go on and on, but in the Olympic Games, their careers are a draw. Michael shot 45 percent from the floor and 21 percent from three.…
August 18, 2008, 2:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Roster still short
The Lakers’ signing Thursday of forward Josh Powell brings the number of players now under contract to 14. 1. Kobe Bryant 2. Andrew Bynum 3. Lamar Odom 4. Derek Fisher 5. Pau Gasol 6. Luke Walton 7. Vladimir Radmanovic 8. Sasha Vujacic 9. Trevor Ariza 10. Jordan Farmar 11. Chris Mihm 12.…
August 18, 2008, 2:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Artest thought he was being traded to the Lakers
Check out these comments from podcast Rockets.com. When he heard he was traded, he thought he was heading to Southern California. Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld.com reports: ”Artest explained that he learned of the trade while playing basketball in New York, when a friend told him…
August 18, 2008, 2:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Laker-lympic update
The Olympic Games are helping Sun Yue’s reputation as an offensive player (whether he can play defense on the NBA level is another story). So far, Chinese Magic, who has agreed to terms with the Lakers, is shooting 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from three in China’s five…
August 18, 2008, 2:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Powell is a Laker
Lakers spokesman John Black just confirmed that journeyman forward Josh Powell has been signed by the Lakers. The 6-foot-9 Powell spent the 2007-2008 season with the Clippers, primarily as a backup forward. However, he started extensively late in the season, when starting center Chris Kaman missed…
August 18, 2008, 12:45 AM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Kobe wishes Lakers would have kept Marc Gasol
Oh brother. After playing against Spain this weekend, Kobe Bryant is having second thoughts about the Lakers decision to trade Spanish forward Marc Gasol. Marc was drafted by the Lakers then traded to Memphis in the deal that brought his brother, Pau, to Los Angeles. Marc, a 7-footer, is averaging…
August 18, 2008, 12:30 AM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Tyson Chandler
Several weeks ago I was sucking up all the basketball related news I could find and stumbled across a bunch of comments at Ira Winderman's Sun-Sentinel Heat Blog. To my surprise someone there had brought up my Evaluation of Peja's defense from earlier in the year, sparking…
August 18, 2008, 05:15 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Hornets 2008-09 schedule released
Happy face.The NBA released the new schedule into the wilds of the internet today, and thus I know exactly what I'll be doing for 82 specific nights in the future.Highlights from the schedule include the home opener against LeBron and the Jameses, games on every imaginable Christian, Jewish and…
August 18, 2008, 05:00 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Olympic Thoughts
So here's the most important observation I have about the Olympic game - and it may be the reason why our team seems to really struggle in the half court:When you watch the other teams, who are experienced with international ball, they initiate their offensive sets about six…
August 18, 2008, 04:45 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Q&A with Gerry V
Today we've got an interview with the man, the legend, Gerry Vaillancourt. We had to go through three agents, two guard dogs and a restraining order to get our questions asked, but it was all worth it in the end. Gerry has been with the Hornets for the past 18 seasons and teams up with…
August 18, 2008, 04:30 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Your 2008-09 Honeybees
Hornets fan or not, here's 22 reasons to be cheerful on a Monday morning...(Click image for a larger version.)The ladies above were all selected to the Honeybee dance team at the House of Blues in the French Quarter yesterday, and will be responsible for the dancing and the cheering and the…
August 18, 2008, 04:15 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Who still believes in Hilton Armstrong?
I feel kinda bad for Hilton Armstrong. He seems like a nice kid, his coaches and teammates generally speak well of him, and he's been known to do some great work in the community. But the Hornets' young big hasn't lived up to expectations on the hardwood, and so he gets labeled as a…
August 18, 2008, 04:00 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
USA Basketball: Jason Kidd "Interview"
So Team USA has begun exhibition play in preparation for the Olympics, destroying Canada 120-65. The team fielded this year is crazy strong, and I would be astonished if they didn't trash the competition. One thing, however, has irritated the hell out of me in the coverage of…
August 18, 2008, 03:45 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Hornets Off-Season: No Brown or Andersen for New Orleans
The Sacramento Bee is reporting today that Bobby Brown, the star of the Hornet's Summer League team, has signed with the Kings for a two year minimum deal worth a little over a million dollars. The Hornets did reportedly make a play for Bobby's services, offering him a one year deal,…
August 18, 2008, 03:30 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Hornets Off-Season: Summer League
Despite being thoroughly convinced that the NBA Summer League games aren't worth much, I went ahead and watched four of the Hornets games. Anything to fight the symptoms of basketball withdrawl.I also wanted to watch the players and see if any of them were going to be candidates for…
August 18, 2008, 03:15 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Playoffs? Lottery may be more likely for Bobcats
There's impact, and then there's IMPACT. I think Larry Brown will make the Bobcats better next season, maybe winning five games they wouldn't have otherwise won. Doesn't mean I think they'll reach the playoffs. I think it will be harder...
August 18, 2008, 03:15 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
A Goodbye to Jannero Pargo
So Pargo is gone, off to earn in one year what teams in the NBA were only willing to pay him over two years. I don't feel betrayed or backstabbed or any sense of anger like I've seen on a few of the fan boards. Pargo learned early in his career that his hold on the NBA was…
August 18, 2008, 03:00 AM ET from Hornets247.com Blog
Weaver trade a surprise
I didn’t anticipate the Bobcats trading second-round pick Kyle Weaver, but I’m also not surprised. I’m on vacation right now, but I wanted to chime in on the Bobcats getting back their second-round pick for Weaver. Larry Brown didn’t use...
August 18, 2008, 03:00 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Some 'comps' for Okafor?
There’s a concept in real estate called, “comps,’’ as in you can’t appraise something’s value without at least two examples of what comparable properties were worth. I would argue that Milwaukee’s Andrew Bogut and Golden State’s Andris Biedrins are big...
August 18, 2008, 02:45 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Getting fair value for Okafor in sign-and-trade could be difficult
I had an interview with Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins Friday, and the most enlightening thing he said was how difficult it would be to get fair value for Emeka Okafor in a sign-and-trade. Higgins mentioned how the base-year compensation...
August 18, 2008, 02:30 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
What would reaction be if Smith played for Bobcats?
A poll of Charlotteans shows 74 percent believe the Steve Smith-Ken Lucas fight proves all NBA players are thugs and the uptown arena never should have been built. OK, I made that up. But you get the point. That Teflon...
August 18, 2008, 02:15 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Rule will complicate any Okafor trade
As if this Emeka Okafor situation won’t get complicated enough already, I’m told by front-office folk from two other NBA franchises that an NBA salary-cap rule – base-year compensation – makes it challenging to trade a restricted free agent for...
August 18, 2008, 02:00 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
What next for Okafor?
So now what? A source with knowledge of the negotiations says Emeka Okafor is ready to move on, rather than accept what the Charlotte Bobcats have offered long-term for his services. The Bobcats can hold on to him for next...
August 18, 2008, 01:45 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Brown not around for this beauty
Leaving Las Vegas on Wednesday night. Bobcats coach Larry Brown beat me out of town, departing before Tuesday night’s summer-league game against the Golden State Warriors, which led to one of the funnier scoring errors on an NBA box score....
August 18, 2008, 01:30 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Nuggets trade Camby for cap relief
It’s interesting, all the head-scratching among NBA fans about how the Denver Nuggets got so little for Marcus Camby. They got plenty; they restored financial sanity. The Nuggets dumped at least $10 million, and as much as $11.2 million, in...
August 18, 2008, 01:15 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
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