Marbury Could Be Joining the Celtics

Ah yes it’s a new year which means more time to discuss the saga that is the Stephon Marbury situation.  The buyout talks between Steph and Donnie Walsh had reached a stalemate but there were rumors flying around that Walsh would start the talks back up in early January.  Marbury also wrote a blog post for the New York Post that was somewhat bizarre to read.  Everyone knows when Steph blogs, he really drops some knowledge:

I once heard it said that experience is not what happens to a man, experience is what a man does with what happens to him. That’s real science, so I’ll drop that one again. Experience is not what happens to a man, experience is what a man does with what happens to him.

He did even express the fact that he just wants to have a chance to play.  He also claims he didn’t want to be a distraction despite the fact that he sat courtside for a Lakers-Knicks game in LA like a creepy stalker:

I didn’t want to be a distraction for the team first and me second. I honestly came to help the team win. Real talk. I was willing to put in the work necessary to earn my starting spot and humble enough to accept coming off of the bench.

It was unfortunate that the coach wanted to go in a different direction and didn’t want me to be part of the team. I just wish it had been handled correctly from jump. I could understand the fact they didn’t want Chris Duhon looking over his shoulder but if you don’t want me, just pay me and let me go. I just want to play basketball.

Now Marc Stein of ESPN.com is reporting that both the Celtics and Marbury are interested in a deal provided that he can secure a buyout from the Knicks:

Although it has been widely assumed that Celtics forward Kevin Garnett would resist a reunion with the controversial point guard — after Marbury broke up their Minnesota parternship in less than three seasons together by forcing a trade to New Jersey — one Celtics source insists that Garnett has voiced no opposition to the idea of signing Marbury for the rest of the season to strengthen Boston’s backcourt depth behind starters Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen.

When asked specifically about the likelihood of Marbury joining the Celtics this season, the source predicted that “it will happen.”

I’m still not entirely convinced that we will have a resolution to the situation anytime soon.  For someone who claims to be desperate to just have another chance to play, he sure does not seem eager to part with any of the $20+ million that is owed to him this year.  I just don’t think this buyout is going to be as simple as one might think.  Donnie Walsh is very opposed to the idea of paying Marbury his entire salary, or close to it, and still have to watch him play on a winning team and contend for a title.  The only question for the Knicks is how desperate they will be to free up the roster space.

From the perspective of the Celtics, I’m not really sure what to think.  They do need to add some depth to their roster because the truth is that the Cavaliers and Lakers are deeper than them.  Their bench could be what causes their downfall in the postseason if they do not address it.  But they really could use some depth with their bigs as I think you can survive with Eddie House backing up Rajon Rondo.  Plus with the way Rondo has improved this season, there will not be all that many minutes for the backup PG to have.  Rondo has a PER of 19.93 which is 7th best among point guards.

I just don’t think it would be worth the risk to bring Steph in here when the amount of minutes for him to get will be fairly low.  Marbury is also a guy that has quit on his team many times in the past, and who knows how his relationship would be with Kevin Garnett at this point.  Plus I don’t buy the idea of Marbury being able to really help a team when he has never done that in his career.  He has been shipped to a different team three times and each time that team has regressed.  The Nets lost 12 more games with Marbury his first year, the Suns dropped 15 more games from the previous year, and the Knicks had a 4 game drop.  The Celtics should be careful with this decision.

Even if the buyout doesn’t work out for Steph he still seems content with collecting his paycheck.  Who can forget his memorable quote while being interviewed on television at the Lakers-Knicks game?  “I’m still earning my check by doing nothing.”  Classy as always.

The Uptempo Coach’s Criticism

Mike D’Antoni has always been accused of not bothering coaching defense which is rediculous.  A lot of times people have looked at the amount of points per game his team’s have given up and automatically assumed that they were terrible defensively.  The truth is that in Mike D’Antoni’s uptempo system, they take shots quicker and therefore there are more possessions in the game for both teams.  So obviously teams they play against will allow more points because they get more chances than they would against most other teams.  This is why defensive efficiency, or points allowed per 100 possessions, is a much better measure of a team’s defense.  

George Karl brought his Nuggets to the Garden on Sunday and his teams of the passed have come under similar criticism.  He plays an uptempo style and always here the same things that D’Antoni has.  Ken Berger of Sportsline.com chatted with George Karl who had some interesting things to say about that type of crticism and of the new coach in New York:

“I feel for him,” Karl said after the Nuggets escaped the dreaded matinee at Madison Square Garden with a 117-110 victory over the Knicks. “My feeling is, when you give up a lot of points, nobody’s going to think you’re defending. Last year in our halfcourt defense, we were a pretty good defensive team. But no one would ever write that, because we were awful in transition and we were awful in giving up a lot of numbers. So I don’t know that anybody is ever going to give the due.”

On the cusp of the 30-game mark in D’Antoni’s first year in New York, the Knicks (11-18) are a far cry from the hardnosed, defensive-minded teams that had so much success in the 1990s. They also are nothing at all like the meandering teams that occupied basketball’s most famous venue for all the years since — bumbling along with no apparent plan other than spending money and committing the worst sin of all: failing to entertain.

The Knicks are nothing if not entertaining. For the first time in years, they inspire curiosity for the right reasons. The last vestige of the previous failed regime, Stephon Marbury, is enjoying a paid vacation until after New Year’s, when buyout talks will crank up again. Other than that, the Knicks are embroiled in the most drama-free six-game losing streak in their recent history. The Knicks are still losing, but who cares? Can’t you see the future?

Karl can. The first difference he noticed in watching film of D’Antoni’s Knicks is how frustrating they are to play. He noticed upon personal inspection that the energy has returned to the building, too. And it was nothing like the sky-is-falling drama that Karl remembers from past visits, such as the one marred by the infamous brawl between the Knicks and Nuggets two years ago.

“You can’t grow or build without a positive belief that this is going to be better in a year or three years,” Karl said.

There is reason to root for this team again, reason to hope. Many believe this is because of the future plans of a certain MVP candidate who wears No. 23 in Cleveland. In reality, it all emanates from a regular-looking guy with salt-and-pepper hair and a mustache, stomping around on the sideline in an expensive Italian suit and flashing indecipherable hand signals.

“Mike is an interesting hire,” Karl said. “My recollection of New York is the city game, the street game, the playground game. And he plays as fast and free as any coach I’ve ever played against. I know the Knick (teams) have been based on defense. But I was kidding with one of my assistants that I would like to see Mike D’Antoni get a Carolina or Kentucky or Kansas job, because people don’t think (his style) can win. People don’t think it can win championships. And I think that’s crazy.

“I think if you get the best players,” Karl said, “this style will be incredibly difficult to play against –- impossible, maybe, to play against. But we have so many experts who think that you have to play defense, you have to rebound, you have to be a possession coach, you have to execute. I just laugh. Explosive offense is not as intimidating as dominant defense. But it is scary when you don’t know how to stop someone.”

Coast to Coast: 12/26/08

Let’s go coast to coast with the stories and views from around the league:

• Steve Dilbeck of the LA Daily News: “The Lakers came into their showdown with the Celtics an impressive 23-5, and very much needing to beat Boston down. Needing reason to truly believe they are as good they like to think they are, that they are that much better than the team Boston drummed in the NBAFinals last June.  The Celtics came into Staples Center on a roll, having won a franchise- record 19straight games. Still looking focused and determined, and playing with a mature consistency that has eluded the Lakers.  But the Lakers needed this one more, needed to brush aside the perception they were soft, too weak mentally, just too inferior to the mighty Celtics.  Despite the great run the Celtics were on, despite the glare of a nationally-televised Christmas Day game, this game was more important to the Lakers, and ultimately they played like it.  They may not have been dramatically better, but it was the Lakers who answered the challenge, who made plays down the stretch and came away with the 92-83 victory that reeked of playoff intensity.”
• Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer: “Which brings us to the Cavs, the surprise team of the NBA after Thursday’s 93-89 victory over Washington. The 25-4 Cavs are right behind the 27-3 Celtics in the race to be the best in the Eastern Conference.  Was it reasonable to expect the Cavs to win 50 games this season? Of course, assuming LeBron James stays healthy. But a 25-4 start with only five players remaining from this time a year ago?  It’s a product of chemistry…make that trust…much like Boston a year ago.”
• Mark Heisler of the LA Times: “Yet to be determined is whether the Lakers have undergone an actual attitude adjustment and will play hard all the time.  On the other hand, when you think of their fans booing them off the court at halftime in their last game here, when they trailed the New York Knicks by 15, followed by losses in Miami and Orlando and a rally from five points behind in the last 3:30 to win in Memphis, Christmas marked some turnaround.  The Lakers defended energetically, if not always well.  They showed that their physical advantages over the Celtics in size and depth matter.”
• From the Detroit News: ”Chris Paul of the Hornets saw his league-record string of 108 games with at least one steal end in the Hornets’ 88-68 loss to the Magic on Thursday. Paul, the NBA steals leader (3.7 average), and most of the starters came out early in the fourth quarter with the Magic up by at least 20. “Half the time when I got a steal I didn’t even know it,” said Paul, who was unaware his streak ended until after the game. “It was going to end at some point so why not Christmas?”“
• Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News: “The NBA went all out to make the late-night portion of its Christmas Day extravaganza a real yuletide experience. The uniforms were green for the Mavericks, red for Portland.  Given the festive atmosphere, you half expected the teams to come out wearing Santa hats.  But by the third quarter, good tidings were officially over.  A flurry of technical fouls and some elbows-first kind of play turned the game into a nasty, rugged affair devoid of any Christmas cheer.  That was just fine with the Mavericks, since they ended up grinding out a 102-94 victory over the Trail Blazers in probably their most commendable victory of the season.”
• Mike Monroe of the San Antonio Express-News: “Irate, Duncan grabbed Stoudemire so that referee Jason Phillips was forced to call a foul, and that gave Duncan time to give the whistle blower his opinion.  Fifty-nine seconds later, Duncan rued the momentary loss of his stoic demeanor. Whistled for bumping O’Neal as the Suns center looked for a cutting teammate, Duncan knew he was one foul shy of disqualification.  Somehow, he managed to avoid a sixth personal while stopping three drives to the basket by Stoudemire in the final 1:53, each time rebounding the miss.  It was a clutch performance Popovich called “absolutely spectacular.”  Duncan’s defense kept things just close enough for the dramatic ending. Spurs guard Roger Mason Jr. launched a 3-point shot from the left corner that beat the buzzer as it left his hand and beat the Suns when it went in the basket.”
• Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic: “Being plucked from a bad franchise and put into a successful one two weeks ago was like a Christmas present for Jason Richardson.  The new Sun wants so badly to help. Too badly.  His decision to help on defense Thursday against San Antonio’s Tony Parker made the NBA’s third-ranked 3-point shooter, Roger Mason, look as alone in the corner as a Christmas tree once the presents are gone. Mason, subbed in for that play, made good on the 3-point shot to beat the buzzer and the Suns, 91-90, at US Airways Center.”

Coast to Coast: 9/26/08

Let’s push the ball up the court as we go from coast to coast with the stories from around the league.

• AP is reporting that the Kings have agrred to a multiyear deal with Francisco Garcia.  He was eligible to become a free agent at the end of this season.  Good move by Sacramento as Garcia is a good two way player that they desperately need.
• AP is reporting that no punishment has been decided for point guard Monta Ellis.  It turned out his injury occurred in a moped accident after signing a 6-year, $66 million deal in the offseason.  This is a tough situation for an organization.  You don’t want to create any friction between the organization and your centerpieces of the franchise.  However, something needs to be done to assure that Ellis has learned his lesson.
• AP is reporting that the Rockets have matches the Bobcats’ offer sheet for restricted free agent Carl Landry.  It is an offer sheet of 3 years and $9 million.  This is an absolute must for Houston.  I thought Landry and Luis Scola really played hard and gave them great energy down low.  You also cannot afford to lose his size with the injury concern of Yao Ming.
• AP is reporting that Cavs owner Dan Gilbert is not pleased with all the talk of LeBron eventually leaving Cleveland in free agency.  ”It’s kind of an insult to the city of Cleveland in my opinion — an insult to the Midwest,” said Gilbert.  It is also a bit of an insult to continue to be unable to give James a good supporting cast in Cleveland.  Playing with Larry Hughes will make a lot of people want to leave places.
• AP is reporting that after signing free agent Elton Brand, the 76ers and the city of Philadelphia are expecting some big things.  So am I.  The 76ers are my sleeper team to contend for an Eastern Conference title.
• AP is reporting that Sun Yue, the newest Laker, has mononucleosis and will miss the beginning of training camp.  The real problem for Yue will be finding playing time in the crowded backcourt for LA.
• AP is reporting that guard Chucky Atkins of the Denver Nuggets will miss six weeks after undergoing surgery on his right knee.
• The Rocky Mountain News speculates on the future of Allen Iverson.  AI is in the final year of his contract worth just over $20 million.  They seem to believe he is a strong candidate to be dealt before the regular season trading deadline.  I agree since it is doubtful the Nuggets will contend this year or be willing to give Iverson a long term deal.
• Newsday is reporting that our New York Knicks are trying to convince fatso Jerome James to retire.  Worst free agent signing in NBA history.  Period.

NBA Top 10 PG Rankings

As we get closer and closer to the opening tip of the NBA season we will be doing some positional rankings in the next couple weeks.  I will be ranking the top 10 players at each position.  So let’s get started with the top 10 point guards in the Association.

1. Chris Paul, New Orleans: This guy might be the best overall player in the whole NBA.  He had a PER of 28.39 last year which was 2nd in the league and by far the best among point guards.  He will win multiple MVPs and has elevated the franchise to bring a legitimate contender.  Plus he is just 23.  Look out.
2. Deron Williams, Utah: Here is another young and emerging star in the NBA.  He is tough to keep out of the paint, but the thing that really makes him special is his outstanding shooting range.  I think we all remember the big shots he hit in the Olympics gold medal game against Spain.  I look forward to several Western Conference playoff battles between Paul and Williams for years to come.
3. Steve Nash, Phoenix: Everyone knows that his vision and shooting ability are unmatched.  However, the fact that he is not capable of keeping other guards out of the paint is a mjaor problem.  It’s too bad that the championship window for the Suns has closed.
4. Tony Parker, San Antonio: Probably still one of the more underrated players in the league.  His speed and energy is really what makes the Spurs offense go.  He also excels under pressure where he is as cool as the other side of the pillow.
5. Chauncey Billups, Detroit: He has not played at the same high level recently but he is still Mr. Big Shot.  I think Billups and the Pistons will have a big bounce back year and be in the mix for a championship.  What we really need to see is the hunger and tenacity from Billups again.  His skills are unquestioned.
6. Baron Davis, LA Clippers: When Davis plays a full 82 games, he is one of the best players in the league.  He showed that in Golden State where he led them to the 2nd round of the playoffs two years ago.  However, his supporting cast in LA leaves a lot to be desired.
7. Gilbert Arenas, Washington: Agent Zero’s confidence and shooting ability are not in doubt.  However, he has become a major health concern.  He has another knee surgery to overcome and you wonder just how much more we will get to see him out on the floor.
8. Monta Ellis, Golden State: The injury was a disappointment because with Davis gone, this was supposed to be the major breakthrough year for Ellis.  He had a PER of 19.01 last year which was 9th among point guards.  When he returns he will remind people just how tough he is to defend.
9. Jason Kidd, Dallas: Kidd helped lead USA basketball to another gold medal but he was more of a coach and leader than a clutch performer.  He still has the smarts and vision to be a good point guard but his athleticism has declined.  He cannot defend anymore and his career is winding down at the moment.
10. Andre Miller, Philadelphia: This is another aging point guard but not as old as Kidd.  Miller has always been underrated since he continues to be one of the best assist men in the league.  Putting him together with Andre Iguodola and Elton Brand will be very exciting for Philly fans to see this year.

That’s it.  That’s the list.

Also receiving votes: Jose Calderon, TJ Ford, Kirk Hinrich, Mo Williams, Jason Terry

Coast to Coast: 9/25/08

Let’s push the ball up the court as we go from coast to coast with the stories from around the league.

• KTAR.com is reporting Goran Dragic of the Suns had his first practice with the Suns and he is comparing his game to Tony Parker’s.  ”I like to penetrate, play pass basketball,” he said. “I’m a good defender, I like to play defense and make some [opportunities] for other teammates.”  Remember the backup to Steve Nash is a very important position.  You don’t want to have to go into a funk offensively when Nash is on the bench.
• The Seattle Post Intelligencer is reporting that the Spurs have signed George Hill, the team’s first round draft pick.  Hill and free agent addition Salim Stoudamire need to help rejuvenate the Spurs bench.  Their bench was old and ineffective last year and was their ultimate undoing.]
• The Rocky Mountain News is reporting that the Nuggets are bringing Nick Fazekas to training camp on a nonguaranteed contract.  I can see him as a good fit in Denver because of his scoring ability and his indifference towards playing defense.
• Frank Isola of the Daily News is wondering the same thing as all of us: how is what Jay Z doing not tampering with LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Says Isola, “Did you happen to see the photo of Jay-Z and LeBron James in last Friday’s Daily News? The Nets minority owner and the NBA’s second best player were together attending a fundraiser in Manhattan (and no, it wasn’t to help finance the Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn.)  These two guys are spotted together so often that Beyonce is starting to ask questions. At what point will the Cleveland Cavaliers start accusing the Nets of tampering?”  Yes Frank, it is enough to make you sick.  Maybe the Nets should consider getting some NBA level talent before expecting LeBron to come to a terrible team.
• The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Hedo Turkoglu will likely opt out of his contract at the end of the season.  This is somewhat of a problem for Orlando.  Sure he is old but he is still arguably the best scorer on their roster and someone they look to in the clutch.
• The Orange County Register had an interesting Q & A with Andrew Bynum.  The most interesting quote was this: “Yet perhaps the most revealing and key bit of information Bynum shared with a near-capacity room of Lakers fans during the Register-sponsored Q&A was that his surgically repaired knee is in “super” condition.”  Look out Western Conference.

Coast to Coast: 9/23/08

Let’s push the ball up the court as we go from coast to coast with the stories from around the league.

• The big news around the league, especially around the Knicks, has to do with the inevitable release of Stephon Marbury.  One thing to remember is that it is not official yet, but it is expected to be by the end of the week.  The only thing holding things up at the moment is the approval of The Clown himself, James Dolan.
• Henry Abbout of TrueHoop on Marbury: “He has had opportunities galore. He was Kevin Garnett’s sidekick — and it didn’t work out. He was supposed to be the point guard who lifted the Nets of Kenyon Martin to fulfill their potential … instead they did that the moment he left town was replaced by Jason Kidd. And the Knicks spent like drunken sailors to surround him with the best (or at least, most expensive) coaches and talent money can buy, and it became a cautionary tale for the ages.”
• The Wizards have lost Gilbert Arenas for a significant chunk of the season.  However, they did make a move on Tuesday by signing free agent Juan Dixon, as the AP has reported.  “Juan is a proven NBA player and we like what he brings to our team,” said Grunfeld.
• The Wizards also made other news with the interview involving Grunfield and coach Eddie Jordan.  Despite the loss of Agent Zero they are keeping expectations high as CBS Sportsline is reporting.  Good luck with that.  ”We feel very confident in the players that we have and the way we played last year, the way we shared the ball, moved the ball, played defense and made the playoffs,” Jordan said.
• However, the uncertainty around Arenas remains.  ”We don’t have a time frame for when he’s going to be back,” Grunfeld said. “It’s a process. We expect him to be back and be an outstanding player in this league. This, for us, is not a two- or three-month proposition. We’re looking at the long term here. He’s only 26.”
• Disgraced ex-NBA ref Tim Donaghy has reported to federal jail to serve his 15-month sentence, CBS Sportsline is reporting.  He may be removed from society for over a year, but the black cloud that his scandal has created over NBA officials remains.
• Miami Heat fans should be excited about their new trio of Shawn Marion, Dwayne Wade, and Michael Beasley.  However, the Miami Herald reports that he is on the last year of his deal and will likely head into the start of training camp without an extension.  So this trio may not be together for that long.  I think it also might be a good idea to see how the three of them coexist before giving Marion a big deal.
• The writing appeared to be on the wall this summer for Jamaal Tinsley.  The Pacers brought in point guards TJ Ford and Jarrett Jack to take over his job.  But the way they are pushing Tinsley out the door does seem a bit rough.  Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star reports, “Jamaal Tinsley remains on the roster, but the Pacers have taken steps to distance themselves from the point guard. They’ve removed Tinsley’s nameplate from the locker he used at Conseco Fieldhouse and he is not expected to be at the team’s media day Monday.”
• Good news for USA basketball: Jerry Colangelo is considering staying on board and taking aim at more success with the national team, as the Seattle Times is reporting.  ”I’m kind of leaning toward continuing, but we still have some things that we’re talking through just in terms of organization,” Colangelo said Monday at a luncheon benefiting the Special Olympics of Arizona. “I’m kind of inclined to continue because it is my connection to basketball.”  Maybe we will see him at the World Championships in 2010.

Coast to Coast: 9/23/08

Let’s push the ball up the court as we go from coast to coast with the stories from around the league.

• The biggest news of the last 24 hours has to be the retirement of Shareef Abdur-Rahim as the USA Today is reporting.  He played 12 seasons and averaged 18.1 points, 7.5 boards, and 2.5 dimes for his career.  ”I came to grips with the fact that, health-wise, I won’t be able to get back to the condition and level that is needed to play in the NBA,” Abdur-Rahim said. “My right knee has become arthritic over the years, and is to the point where it won’t allow me do the things and play at the level at which I’m accustomed to playing. As tough as it is to come to grips with, it’s the reality.”  
• Hoopsvibe is reporting that the Spurs have signed former Hawk Salim Stoudamire.  This is a good move by the Spurs to bolster their bench.  Their lack of depth and age was exposed in the playoffs against the Lakers.  Stoudamire can shoot it as well as anyone and can become their three point sniper off the bench.  
• The Boston Globe is reporting that the NBA has confirmed that Darius Miles will be suspended for the first 10 games of the season.  Miles’ contract is nonguaranteed but the Celtics want him to contribute and help fill the void left by the departure of James Posey.  Do not expect Miles to make any significant contributions.  You just can’t count on him at the moment.
• The Oklahoman is reporting that the Thunder is expected to reveal the official team uniforms on Monday.  The rumor is that the road unis will be sky blue and the home ones will be white.
• Chris Herrington of the Memphis Flyer on Mike Conley: “Rudy Gay is the best player the Grizzlies have, and rookie O.J. Mayo will likely be the most talked about. But I tend to think that second-year point guard Conley is the most important played on this year’s team.”  I agree somewhat but I do believe that O.J. Mayo will become a star and end up being the best player from this past year’s draft.
• Chad Ford of ESPN.com is reporting something interesting about the draft class of 2009.  ”NBA scouts continue to offer dire warnings about the NBA draft class of 2009. After two stellar years, thanks to amazing college freshman classes, a draft drought may be on the way.  ”Even if you assume everyone declares for the draft next June,” one longtime NBA executive said, “you’ll struggle to find much star power or depth next year. My scouts are walking around depressed already and it’s September.”"
• Mike Bibby of the Atlanta Hawks on last year’s playoffs, from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “I think we definitely could have beaten them,” Bibby said. “We just didn’t play well on the road at all, and I mean at all. But things happen for a reason. Maybe that was the start for us to excel this season.”

Coast to Coast: 9/2/08

Hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend.  Let’s go coast to coast.

• The Philadelphia Daily News is reporting that the 76ers are to sign free agent Donyell Marshall.  The contract is likely to be for the veterans’ minimum.  The team was in need of bolstering their outside shooting so Marshall seems to be a good fit for coming off the bench.
• The Ben Gordon saga appears to be far from over.  The Arlington Daily News is reporting that the Bulls are offering a 6-year, $59 million deal.  Gordon reportedly wants around $12 million a year.  Gordon has also stated that he expects a sign and trade soon.  However, league sources claim that there is not one credible rumor of a team that is seriously interested.  He also claims he’d rather play in Greece for one year at $10 million than stay for one awkward season with the Bulls.
• The Palm Beach Post is reporting that the Miami Heat will sign free agent Jamaal Magloire.  The Heat are in desperate need of some help at center and don’t have much cap room to spend.  But Jamaal Magloire won’t exactly help much.
• ESPN has come out with some of their preseason predictions.  You can see them here.  For the awards they are predicting LeBron James to win MVP, Michael Beasley to win Rookie of the Year, Elton Brand to be the best newcomer, and Baron Davis and Jermaine O’Neal to be the worst newcomers.
• ESPN has also released predictions for how they think the Eastern Conference will shake out.  According to them the playoff teams from the East will be Boston, Detroit, Cleveland, Orlando, Philadelphia, Toronto, Washington, and Miami.
• They have also come out with their predictions for the Western Conference.  The predicted playoff teams are Los Angeles, New Orleans, Houston, Utah, San Antonio, Phoenix, Dallas, and Portland.
• There are pictures flying around the internet of what the logos and uniforms of the Oklahoma City franchise will be.  It is expected that they will be named the Thunder but nothing has been official.  Everything is supposed to be announced this week.  But it can’t hurt to look at what the uniforms and logos are rumored to be.
• The USA Today is reporting that the Phoenix Suns and head coach Terry Porter are planning on limiting Steve Nash’s minutes in the regular season to make sure that he is fresh for the playoffs.  I’m not sure if this matters much.  Their championship window appears to have closed especially with how much the Western Conference has improved over the last couple years.
• Slow news day around the league.  Over the next couple months I’ll be posting my breakdown of each of the divisions in the NBA as well as my preseason power rankings.  So stay tuned.

Two Things: Ginobili and Ewing Jr.

If you haven’t heard by now, there has been some breaking news that has come out of San Antonio today.  The AP is reporting that Spurs guard Manu Ginobili needs surgery to repair a ligament in his left ankle.  This is the injury that Manu aggravated in the semifinal game at the Olympics between Argentina and the United States.  Tough break as he might miss the first month of the regular season.

As far as the Knicks go, they made a minor trade today as they acquired Patrick Ewing Jr. from Houston for the draft rights to Frederic Weis.  This move now puts the Knicks at 16 players which is one over the maximum.  This will of course start rumors of the possibility of cutting Stephon Marbury.  We’ll see what happens as we approach training camp.  Ewing Jr. is athletic and the Knicks think he could be a decent player at running the floor in an uptempo offense.  However, he is undersized at 6′8″ which is a problem. 

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That’s all for today and now it is time for Labor Day Weekend.  Everyone enjoy yourselves and have fun.  Hopefully I’ll talk to you again on Tuesday (as long as everyone isn’t too hungover then).  Peace.