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NBA suspends Telfair for 3 games

Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Sebastian Telfair was suspended Tuesday for three games for a recent conviction.

Telfair, 23, was sentenced last month to three years probation after pleading guilty to criminal possession of a weapon.

Telfair was arrested at a traffic stop in Yonkers, N.Y., on April 20, 2007, when he played for the Boston Celtics.

Police found a loaded .45-calibre handgun under the front passenger seat of his car.

Telfair averaged 9.3 points, 5.9 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 32.2 minutes in 60 games (51 starts) with the Timberwolves last season, missing the final 21 games because of a sprained ankle.

He is eligible to return to the Timberwolves on Nov. 5.

Sam Cassell stays with Celtics

The Boston Celtics have re-signed guard Sam Cassell. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Cassell, a 6'3", 195 pound guard, is a veteran of 15 NBA seasons. Cassell won his third NBA title as a member of the Celtics last season after signing mid-season from the L.A. Clippers. Cassell averaged 7.6 points and 2.1 assists in 17 regular season games with the Celtics last season and finished the season with combined averages of 11.2 points and 3.9 assists per game. The 2003-04 All-Star scored 20 or more points 10 times last season including a season-high 35 points against the Indiana Pacers on November 7. He scored a high of 22 points with the Celtics against the Knicks on April 14.

Gilbert Arenas will miss first month of the season due to knee operation

Gilbert Arenas had a third operation on his bothersome left knee Wednesday morning, once again throwing into doubt his status for an upcoming Washington Wizards season.

Arenas had a "moderate amount of debris" removed from the knee after experiencing swelling and discomfort during his rehabilitation. The Wizards offered no timetable for his return — beyond the fact that he obviously won't be ready for the start of training camp next week — but Arenas told The Washington Post that he plans to be back on the court in early December, which would rule him out for the first month of the season.

The surgery is the third on the knee in 17 months for Arenas, who missed 69 regular-season games last season and had to shut himself down in the playoffs. It also raises more doubt about the wisdom of the Wizards' decision to give him a six-year, $111 million contract in July.

Arenas first hurt his knee in a game against Charlotte in April 2007. He tried to rush back and was playing in summer league games a few months later. The overzealous approach resulted in a second operation in November, causing him to miss most of the season.

Arenas vowed to take a more cautious approach to rehabilitation this summer, but the knee has not responded the way he would like.

The doctor who performed the operation Wednesday said debris buildup is common in Arenas' type of injury, and that an MRI showed the knee to be structurally sound.

"This was a proactive procedure that will enhance his rehabilitation process," said Dr. Marc Connell, the Wizards' team physician.

Despite the knee problems, the three-time All-Star decided to opt out of his contract at the end of last season and make himself a free agent. He re-signed with the Wizards, saying he accepted $16 million less than what was offered because he wanted to give the team more flexibility under the salary cap. Nevertheless, the $111 million deal was the richest in franchise history.

Arenas has proven to be one of the most exciting players in the NBA when healthy, averaging 22.8 points, 5.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds in his seven-season NBA career.

The Wizards' hopes of becoming a top Eastern Conference team have been disrupted by injuries to top players for the past two seasons. This was the season, they hoped, that everyone would stay more or less healthy.

"He had worked extremely hard over the summer and we know how much he's looking forward to returning to help the team," team president Ernie Grunfeld said. "However, our team has proven its resiliency in dealing with injuries in the past and we're approaching the start of training camp with confidence that they will once again compete at a high level until Gilbert's return."

Heat seeks help from Jamaal Magloire

The Heat signed the former All-Star center, Jamaal Magloire, on Tuesday, four days after agreeing to basic terms with the nine-year veteran. Magloire will likely compete with Mark Blount when training camp begins later this month for the starting center position.

The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Magloire has averaged 8.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his career. He spent his first five seasons with the Charlotte and New Orleans Hornets, and has now been with five teams since the start of the 2005-06 season — Milwaukee, Portland, New Jersey, Dallas and now Miami.

Magloire has worn four different uniforms over the past three seasons, and spent last season as a forgotten man at the end of the New Jersey and Dallas benches. He doesn't think he's finished, and the Miami Heat apparently agree.

Luol Deng will play in Great Britain's European Championship

Luol Deng will play in Great Britain's European Championship qualifying games after the national association bumped up the insurance to cover his lucrative NBA contract.

Deng signed a new deal with the Chicago Bulls last month reportedly worth up to $80 million. British Basketball had been struggling to pay the insurance for the 23-year-old Sudanese-born player, who moved to London as a child to escape the conflict in his homeland.

However, the association said Saturday it had "reluctantly" agreed to increase his coverage, meaning Deng can play against Israel in Tel Aviv on Wednesday and against the Czech Republic in London next Saturday.

Deng is Britain's biggest basketball star, and the team would have little hope of reaching next year's Eurobasket tournament in Poland without the forward. He is also the cornerstone of Britain's push to have a competitive team at the 2012 London Olympics.


Credits to FoxSports.

Ankle sprain sidelines Monta Ellis for three months

Golden State guard Monta Ellis will be sidelined for at least three months after severely spraining his ankle during an offseason workout, forcing the Warriors to start the season without the player expected to lead their restructured roster this fall.

Ellis, who got a six-year contract extension worth $66 million on July 24, sprained his ankle and tore a deltoid ligament while working out in his hometown of Jackson, Miss., last Thursday, said Chris Mullin, the Warriors' top basketball executive.

Ellis underwent surgery Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala., to repair the ligament, and returned to the Bay Area later in the day. Ellis' ankle will be immobilized for six weeks, followed by at least six weeks of off-court rehabilitation before the guard can return to basketball workouts.

2008 Olympics: Team USA wins gold!

They have done it!

The United States won the gold medal in Olympic men's basketball Sunday with a 118-107 victory over Spain.

Culminating a three-year mission to end years of embarrassment, the U.S. Olympic team survived a huge challenge from Spain, winning 118-107 Sunday in the gold-medal game.

After overwhelming everyone for seven games, the Americans led by only four points with under 2 1/2 minutes to play, then proved they could handle the close game that seemed would never come in Beijing.
Their prize: the first U.S. gold medal since the 2000 Olympics.

Nobody else had been close to the Americans in Beijing. This team's only Olympic competition had been history, in a Dream matchup with guys named Jordan, Magic, Bird and the rest of the U.S. team that dominated the Barcelona Games in 1992.

The Americans had won their first seven games by 30.3 points, including a 119-82 rout of Spain. But they never had control of this game, giving up open looks from the perimeter and plenty of points in the paint. But Bryant, who waited so long to finally wear the red, white and blue, hit two 3-pointers in a big fourth quarter to add the gold medal to the only piece of hoops hardware he didn't already own. The NBA MVP pounded his hands toward the floor in celebration at the end.

Dwyane Wade scored 27 points for the Americans, who found a much gamer Spanish team than the one they humiliated by 37 points earlier in the tournament. Kobe Bryant added 20. LeBron James scored 14 points, while Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul had 13 apiece for the Americans, who had won bronze medals in their last two international events, the 2004 Olympics and '06 world championships.

The U.S. started planning for this game after that first event, the low point in its hoops history, following a sixth-place flop two years earlier in the world championships. Jerry Colangelo was given control of USA Basketball and constructed a national team program in 2006, requiring those who wanted to play to commit to three years.

On the other hand, Argentina won the bronze with an 87-75 victory over Lithuania.


Credits to FOX Sports.

2008 Olympics: USA beats Australia (116-85)

The US Basketball Team is near in getting those gold medals; they are up to it! As the US expected, with the gold medal getting closer, the games are getting tougher.

The 2008 U.S. Men's Olympic Team (6-0) demolished Australia (3-3) in the second and third quarters on its way to a 116-85 win and a 2008 Olympic semifinal berth Wednesday night at Wukesong Arena in Beijing, China. The victory improved the USA record to 6-0 and advanced the squad into the semifinals. The United States will play defending champion Argentina on Friday night for a spot in Sunday's gold medal game. The Argentines beat Greece 80-78 in a quarterfinal victory watched from behind the baseline by Bryant and members of the U.S. coaching staff.

Kobe Bryant turned in a 25-point performance as all 12 U.S. players scored in the contest, including five in double figures. LeBron James added 16 points for the Americans, who are guaranteed a chance to play for a medal. They need two more wins for their first gold medal in a major international competition since the 2000 Sydney Games. Anthony had 15 points for the Americans, who blew by the 103 points they averaged in group play and shot 57 percent.

Former NBA star Kemp agrees to play basketball in Italy

If more current players flee the NBA for Europe, they will see a familiar face.

The Italian team Premiata Montegranaro announced on Sunday that 38-year-old Shawn Kemp has agreed to play for the team starting in November.

"I am happy that a player that has made basketball history would come to Montegranaro," coach Alessandro Finelli said.

Finelli believed that the six-time NBA All-Star, who last played in the NBA in 2002-03, could still contribute.

"He is very motivated," Finelli said. "And he has been staying in shape to show up at our camp in good shape."

Kemp averaged 14.6 points and 8.4 rebounds over 14 NBA seasons. He played eight years with Seattle, three with Cleveland, two with Portland and finished with one season in Orlando.

Finelli did not know, however, if Kemp would be the key to the season for the Premiata, which plays in the top division of Italian basketball.

"We will discover with work in the gym if he will be a key player for our team," Finelli said. "Now, it's too soon to say that."

Kemp has flirted with attempting a comeback in the NBA many times since his last season in the league, working out for a number of teams but not sticking with any of them.


Credits to ESPN.

2008 Olympics: U.S. Basketball team crushes Germany

They are still unbeaten! They are stoppable! They are going for gold!

The U.S. Basketball team are now 5-0 after beating Dirk Nowitzki and Germany with a crushing score of 106-57. The win had advance Team USA to a quarterfinal matchup against Australia. It's noted that the Aussies had given the Americans the toughest test in China.

Dwight Howard scored 22 points and LeBron James had 18, 16 in the first half, Monday as the United States completed an undefeated march through pool play. Kobe Bryant finished with 13 points as the Americans shot 55 percent from the floor and tossed in 11 more 3-pointers after making 12 in their last game.

The Americans were scoring so easily, they practically got in each other's way. Chris Paul led a 3-on-1 break and threw an alley-oop that could have gone to either James or Dwyane Wade. James jumped higher and got it to lay it in, then stepped outside to hit his second 3 for a 23-5 bulge.

Nowitzki, the Dallas Mavericks All-Star, scored 14 points for Germany (1-4), which completed a disappointing Olympics. The Germans looked like contenders in a 95-66 rout of Angola in their opener, but then dropped four straight.

Kaman, who joined the Germans this summer after getting German citizenship, managed just six points.

2008 Olympics: Team USA is 4-0 after beating Spain

Still unbeaten! Four down, four to go. The U.S. Basketball Olympic team is getting back to the top of the basketball world.

Every U.S. player scored — even Jason Kidd for the first time in Beijing — as the Americans turned the matchup of unbeatens into their easiest victory yet. Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony each finished with 16 points.

The win put the U.S. at 4-0 in pool play and clinched the top seed in Group B. After finishing the round robin phase with a game against Germany on Monday, the Americans face the fourth-place finisher in Group A - likely Australia - on Wednesday. Unleashing a lethal 3-point barrage for the first time in Beijing, the Americans turned the marquee matchup of the preliminary round into another romp, beating Spain 119-82.

With the packed crowd still buzzing from China's thrilling victory against Germany earlier in the night session, the Olympic basketball arena had an energy that had been missing since the Americans' victory against the Chinese on opening night.

James was already walking toward the Spanish team's line of players for the pregame handshakes and exchange of gifts before Spain's national anthem was even finished.

Ben Gordon thinks of playing somewhere else

I knew this will happen for the Chicago Bulls franchise ever since they had opted to pick Derrick Rose for the first overall last NBA draft. I was hoping the club will pick Michael Beasley for they definitely need a big help for their inside plays, offensively and defensively, sinceBen Wallace had already left the team. I was a little bit shocked back then when they chose to have an additional guard since their roster has a lot of backcourt players.

Bulls' superstar Ben Gordon safely claimed that he had played his last game in a Bulls uniform and he is thinking to play elsewhere since Chicago's backcourt is seemingly full, with 2008 NBA Draft number one pick Derrick Rose, Larry Hughes and Kirk Hinrich. Playing in Europe is also a possibility for the guard.

Gordon refused to sign the Bull's one-year qualifying offer of $6.4 million; it's known that he had also turned down a five-year $50 million contract extension last season.

Mo Williams will be helping LeBron James

Now LeBron James will be getting help from somebody!

The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired guard Mo Williams from the Milwaukee Bucks, Cavaliers General Manager Danny Ferry announced today. In exchange, the Cavaliers sent guard Damon Jones to the Milwaukee Bucks and forward/center Joe Smith to Oklahoma City. The additional components of the three-team trade included Milwaukee acquiring guard/forward Adrian Griffin and guard Luke Ridnour from Oklahoma City and Oklahoma City acquiring forward Desmond Mason from Milwaukee.

Williams, 25, averaged 17.2 points in 36.5 minutes per game and posted career highs in assists per game (6.3), field goal percentage (.480), three-point shooting (89-231; .385) and free throw percentage (.856) in 66 games (all starts) during the 2007-08 season. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound guard was one of just six players in the NBA (Baron Davis, LeBron James, Andre Miller, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade) to post averages of at least 17.0 points, 6.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds last season. A five-year veteran, Williams has played in 329 games (226 starts) and has career averages of 12.5 points on .444 shooting, 3.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists.

2008 Olympics: Team USA beats Angola

It was a good game, a very good game! Team Angola played basketball well but it's just not enough to bring down the USA Basketball Team.

LeBron James simply knocked aside overmatched Angola players like a schoolyard bully, going wherever he wanted on the basketball court. Dwyane Wade scored 19 points, James dominated the game with his size and strength on both ends, and the U.S. men's Olympic team wrapped up the easy portion of its schedule with a 97-76 victory Tuesday night.

The United States improved to 4-0 against Angola, starting with the Dream Team's Olympic debut in 1992. That romp is best remembered for Charles Barkley's elbow to an unsuspecting Angolan player in a 116-48 victory.

The U.S. Team will face Greece, the team that stunned them two years ago in the semifinals of the world championship. The Greeks are physical, and they should provide the first test of these games for the United States.

Dwight Howard added 14 points and James finished with 12 for the Americans, who had another rough night from 3-point range but don't appear to be stoppable in the open court. Wade was perfect from the field in Beijing until missing in the third quarter.


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2008 Olympics: Team USA beats China

They have started it and they will dominate all through out. Team U.S.A. (Basketball) is definitely great!

In one heartpounding minute in the first half, LeBron James dunked off a nifty underhanded feed from Dwyane Wade. Then Kobe Bryant flew in and jammed. Then it was Chris Bosh's turn to rattle the rim. As the backboard swayed, some might have recalled the fabled Dream Team. The final score - U.S. 101, China 70 - might also draw comparisons.

This was the biggest basketball game in China's history and perhaps the most-watched basketball game ever - and the U.S. wanted to turn in a performance to match the moment as it took its first step toward Olympic hoops redemption.

The sparkling Wukesong Indoor Stadium began to buzz an hour before tipoff. But it didn't feel like much of a homecourt for the Chinese. Team USA took the floor to a roar that was every bit as loud as the cheer when China came out of the dressing room. Bryant got as much applause as Chinese icon Yao Ming during pregame introductions.

With President Bush and his father watching alongside Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi, this was as much a spectacle as a basketball game. The president visited with the U.S. players in the locker room before the game.

The U.S. had beaten China in each of their first nine meetings by a combined 363 points. In their last meeting, the Americans blasted China 121-90 in the world championships two years ago in Sapporo, Japan, harrying the Chinese into 25 turnovers.

Although the U.S. won this game by 31 points, the Chinese hoped to send a message. They're relative newcomers on the international hoops stage, but they aren't going away.

Yao, who led China with 13 points, seemed to make that point as he came off for the last time with 4:43 to play and China trailing 87-54.

Yao raised his right fist to the crowd, sparking a long, loud ovation.

China had lost. But basketball won.

Credits to FoxSports.

2008 Olympics: Argentina failed to pass Lithuania

The defending Olympic basketball champion Argentina failed to show victory and stumbled to a narrow 79-75 defeat to Lithuania in its opening Group A match on Sunday.

Manu Ginobli's 19 points wasn't enough to carry his country in what is supposed to be sweet first win. The opening loss clearly stung Ginobili. In what had been a tight game, the San Antonio Spurs' shooting guard and his teammates were nearly shut down in the third quarter as Lithuania ran up a 51-45 lead. Ginobli and Houston Rockets forward Luis Scola were restricted to just two points each in the period.

Argentina rallied and, with 2:40 left, Ginobli sunk a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to four points. Quickly regaining possession, Ginobli bounced a 3-pointer off the rim that was buried by Toronto Raptors guard Carlos Delfino to make it a two-point game, and with less than 90 seconds left, his pass connected with Scola inside the paint for the layup to level the score.

But with 2.1 seconds left in regulation, Linas Kleiza nailed a 3-pointer and captain Ramunas Siskauskas drilled a free throw to pull off the four-point win, setting off celebrations among the raucous, flag-waving Lithuanian cheering section in the 18,000-seat Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium.

Kleiza led the scoring with 13 points for Lithuania, which placed fourth at the 2004 Athens Games. Robertas Javtokas, a 2001 second-round draft pick for the Spurs, added 12 points. Delfino scored 13 for Argentina and Scola 10.

Argentina next faces Australia on Tuesday night.



Credits to FoxSports.

The Hawks keeps Josh Smith

Did the Atlanta Hawks waited for an offer from another team just to keep superstar Josh Smith on their roster?

The Hawks had done a very good move in keeping the swingman Smith on their team, however they've just done such action after they have received an offer for Josh from the Memphis Grizzlies. Well, still, it is a good thing for Atlanta to keep the superstar for they need someone who can score and defend.

The Hawks drafted the 6-foot-9, 235-pound Smith out of high school in the first round in 2004. Smith averaged 17.2 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in helping the Hawks make the playoffs last season.

Boykins signs a $3.5 million with an Italian team

Unrestricted free agent Earl Boykins signed a one-year, $3.5 million deal Tuesday to play with Virtus Bologna of the Italian league, the latest NBA player to sign a deal with an overseas club.

The 32-year-old point guard will be the highest-paid player in Italy for the 2008-09 season. He also will participate in the sponsorship and marketing income of the team. He has been in the NBA for 10 years, and averaged 9.4 points. He played for the Charlotte Bobcats last season and has also played for the New Jersey Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks.

U.S. Basketball Team, unbeatable!

They are unbeatable!

Five wins with zero defeat, that's the record of the U.S. Olympic basketball team as they've wrapped their exhibition games prior to the Olympic games. However, the last game will be considered the toughest test; though they pulled away to beat Australia 87-76.

Australia had definitely performed very well in keeping the Americans sink those shots. The U.S. team relied on an aggressive defensive effort to overcome a horrendous night from 3-point range and the free throw line, the same areas that proved costly in their semifinal loss to Greece in the world championships two years ago.

Wade scored 22 points and LeBron James had 16 for the Americans, who finished 3-of-18 from behind the arc and 20-of-33 (61 percent) at the foul line.

Bryant scored 13 points and Carmelo Anthony had 12 points and 10 rebounds for the United States, which faces host China on Sunday in its Olympic opener.

Carlos Arroyo signs with an Israeli team

After Josh Childress opted to play for team Olympiakos in Greece, leaving the Atlanta Hawks, for a guaranteed salary of $20 million (after taxes), the latest NBA player to bolt overseas is Orlando Magic's pointguard Carlos Arroyo.

The 29-year-old Arroyo signed a one-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv, an Israeli team.

Arroyo has averaged 7 points and 3.3 assists per game during his seven-year career that included previous stops in Toronto, Denver, Utah and Detroit. He averaged 6.9 points and 3.5 assists last season, primarily off the bench.

Nenad Kerstic left the New Jersey Nets and Carlos Delfino and Jorge Garbajosa left the Toronto Raptors to sign with a Russian team.

Kwame Brown signs with the Detroit Pistons

The former No. 1 overall draft pick by the Washington Wizards (2001), free agent center Kwame Brown, was signed by the Detroit Pistons. According to Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars the team is pleased to add Brown to their roster. “Kwame is a player that gives us depth at the center position and we feel that he will have the opportunity to grow within our system.”

The star was acquired by the Grizzlies on February 1 from the Lakers along with Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the rights to Marc Gasol, two future first round picks and cash considerations in exchange for Pau Gasol and a 2010 second round pick.

Team U.S.A. beats Russia

After beating Lithuania on their third exhibition game with a score of 120-84, the U.S. Basketball team had dominated the court again when they faced team Russia.

NBA's MVP last season, Kobe Bryant, scored 19 points to help the U.S. team beat Russia with 89-68. However, on this game, it was clear that U.S. have had a defensive struggle and it was so far their most competitive tuneup game yet.

Carmelo Anthony posted 17 points and Dwyane Wade had 16 as they continue to play strong. On the other hand, Utah Jazz forward and shot-blocker Andrei Kirilenko scored 18 points and American point guard J.R. Holden added 17 for the European champions.

One more exhibition game to go. The United States will be facing Australia on Tuesday. Will the once called "Dream Team" go for 5-0 or will the Aussies hand them their first defeat?

Team USA had done it again!

They've done it again! And I'm sure they will do the same thing during the Olympic games.The USA BAsketball Team is going for gold and glory!

On the first exhibition game, Team USA played without superstar LeBron James but that didn't affected the team's performance as they slaughtered the team Canada with a score of 120-65. That definitely is something big!

When they played team Turkey last Thursday it was again another victorious performance by the U.S. squad. Led by James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant, they were able to finish the game with 114-82. The crowd went rumbling as they were able to watch how the NBA players play. They are just great.

The Turkey team played better compared to Canada but it is not enough to bring down the once called "Dream Team" of the USA.

We will surely be seeing more of them this coming Olympic games.

Luol Deng and the $80M contract

The Chicago Bulls may be spending big for star forward Luol Deng but it's worth it. It is definitely a good decision by the Bulls management to keep Deng in the roster.

$80 million for a six-year contract is just too high for other players, but to my opinion it's just a good deal for a player like Luol Deng. Playing as a starter that averaged 17 points and 6.3 rebounds last season, he had definitely contributed to the Bulls stint for a possible playoff appearance (which failed) and performed well.

The Bulls are hoping Deng will be a big part of their future along with Derrick Rose, a guard out of Memphis selected by Chicago with the No. 1 pick in last month's draft.

Artest is Rockets' prospect

Ron Artest is not going to the LA Lakers. Instead, he may be joining superstars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming in Houston. What impact could this do to the Rockets?

If the trade will happen, wherein the Sacramento Kings have agreed to send the forward to the Rockets, it will definitely create an impact to Houston's performance most especially to their defensive plays. In return, the Kings will receive guard Bobby Jackson, a No. 1 draft pick next season and another player — probably rookie Donte' Greene.

Artest, 28, is best known as the central figure in a brawl with fans in Auburn Hills, Mich., four seasons ago. The NBA suspended him for 73 games following that incident, and Artest has a history of illegal and erratic behavior. But the 6-7, 248-pound forward also is among the NBA's premier defenders and a versatile offensive player. The 2003-04 NBA Defensive Player of the Year while with the Indiana Pacers, he averaged 20.5 points last season for the Kings.


Credits to MSN.

The 76ers signed Kareem Rush

A sharpshooter had just been added to the roster of the Philadelphia 76ers. The shots will be raining and will be drained down when he plays. Kareem Rush goes to Philly!

The 76ers signed the free agent Rush for the team is lacking help for their beyond the arc shooting. Averaging 39 percent from 3-point range is just too good for the team.

Rush was the 20th overall pick in the 2002 draft by Toronto before his rights were traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He also played for the Charlotte Bobcats.

The Hawks acquired Evans

Now it's time to panic! Every Hawks fans get loose and shout! It has been finalized and done.

The Atlanta Hawks had come out to a deal with guard Maurice Evans as a replacement for their sixth-man Josh Childress. Evans, 6-foot-5, inked a 3-year deal worth $7.5 million. Man that is way less than how much Childress will be making in Greece.

Well, we know that Evans is a defender and that he can switch position between guard and forward but can he top or just equal what Josh had done for the team? For my opinion, maybe but it will take time. Well maybe not. The answer will be witnessed next season.

Andris Biedrins staying in Golden State

The well-improved Andris Biedrins had reached an agreement with the Golden State Warriors and was retained for a six-year contract worth more that $62 million.

Last season, Biedrins averaged career-highs 10.5 points and 9.8 rebounds; he had led the NBA in field-goal percentage of 62.6%. He was drafted eleventh overall in the 2004 NBA draft. Biedrins has improved his scoring average in each of his seasons with Golden State, developing from a skinny rebounding specialist into an all-around player and a low-post scorer for the uptempo Warriors.

The team will surely put him in the starting lineup along with Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette, and Al Harrington. Warriors will surely be an explosive team in the league next season.

The Warriors Keeps Monta Ellis

Explosive guard Monta Ellis will still be playing for the Golden State Warriors after he was re-signed to a six-year deal worth about $66 million. The Warriors had made sure that they will keep the young guard star after Baron Davis opted out of his contract earlier this month to join his hometown team, the LOS Angeles Clippers.

The 22-year-old Ellis is expected to take over at the point guard position next season. He was named the Most Improved Player of the NBA after the 2006-07 campaign.

Fans will be expecting slams and jams in Golden State knowing that Ellis and swingman Corey Maggette is in the roster.

Eddie House and Tony Allen will stay in Boston

The Boston Celtics, after losing sixth man James Posey, had retained two free-agents from their championship team. Guards Eddie House and Tony Allen will stay in Boston after reaching an agreement. House will make $2.7 million next season and has a $2.9 million player option for a second season. On the other hand, Allen agreed to a two-year deal wherein he will be receiving $2.5 million each season.

Hoping to repeat their championship performance, the Celtics' Big Three will be getting a big help from their bench again. Way to go Boston!

James Posey Looking for a 3rd Ring

Robert Horry had won championship rings more than James Posey, that's the fact.

Horry had won seven titles; 2 in Houston, 3 in Los Angeles and 2 in San Antonio. Posey had one each from Miami and from Boston. The question now is, "Does he have the Horry Aura and score one in New Orleans this time?"

Posey, a 6-foot-8 forward who last season helped the Boston Celtics win their first title since 1986, agreed Wednesday to a four-year, $25 million contract with the New Orleans Hornets. He had averaged 6.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game last season.

With the Hornets, Posey could compete for a starting role as a small forward; an opportunity that he didn't have from the Celtics.

Keyon Dooling drives in New Jersey

The Orlando Magic have traded their eight-year veteran guard Keyon Dooling to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for cash considerations. It's a move that had created a little space for the Magic's salary cap.

Last season, Dooling had posted an average of 8.1 points and 1.8 assists in 72 games in Orlando. Originally he was the 10th overall pick in the 2000 NBA Draft and previously played for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Miami Heat.

Chandler will not practice with the U.S. team

Powerhouse Tyson Chandler will not practice with the U.S. Olympic team next week because he has an inflamed big toe.

The New Orleans center wasn't selected for the team, but was invited to training camp in case he was needed to replace an injured player. Instead, USA Basketball announced Saturday that Chandler was the one who was hurt.

Chandler played on the U.S. team that won the FIBA Americas tournament last summer but wasn't chosen for the squad headed to Beijing, even though Orlando's Dwight Howard is the lone center on the roster.

The US Team will practice from Monday through Thursday before playing an exhibition game against Canada on Friday.

Marcus Camby will be playing with Baron Davis in L.A.

The trade of Marcus Camby to the Los Angeles Clippers will not just let the Denver Nuggets create a salary cap space but also for them to make a deal to whoever player they are aiming. Also in return, the Nuggets have the right to switch 2nd-round draft picks in the 2010 draft with the Clippers. Camby is set to make $11.25 million in '08-09, followed by $10.9 million in '09-10.

Camby is a very good defensive player. In fact he led the league in blocks last year with a whooping 3.61 per game and he also ranked second in the league in rebounds averaging 13.1. He was also the NBA's defensive player of the year in 2006-07.

Camby played in Denver for six seasons after four years with the New York Knicks.

The acquisition of Marcus Camby will definitely give Baron Davis a big help for the Clippers' plan to be a strong contender in the Western Conference.

Ron Artest going to Lakers?

Would it be a gamble worth taking for the Los Angeles Lakers if they are going to include Ron Artest in their franchise? Getting Artest from the Sacramento Kings would definitely mean Lakers will have to let go some of their guys. There are rumors around that LA is offering Lamar Odom but the Kings will only agree if LA will also let Kenny Thomas, and the $18M still owed to him, off from the Kings roster. Now that's where the complication enters.

If ever the rumored trade will happen, what the Lakers franchise will have to observe and understand is that if their superstar Kobe Bryant can build a good chemistry with Artest? Well here are some points that LA can expect from Ron-Ron:

• An excellent 3-point shooter. Artest can also create off the bounce by driving either way with equal success and equal intensity. If he'd rather cross over left-to-right, he can spin, pull, and shoot heading in the opposite direction just as effectively.
  
• When he's on his feet, Artest is an absolutely fearless lock-down defender, plus he's adept at ripping wayward handles and at poaching the passing lanes. It's no secret that his aggressive, intimidating defense against small forwards and power forwards, as well as many shooting guards, is precisely what the Lakers need to win the very last game of the season.
  
• A powerful and resourceful scorer in the low post. Also better offensive than defensive rebounder.
  
• A willing and semi-accurate passer who tends to make poor decisions with the ball.
  

If Lakers can dish-off Odom then I believe it would be better if they will have to let go of Radmanovic and Walton as well. Shake the roster and hope for a better one.

Obviously this rumored trade is a gamble for the Lakers; it's a risk. If I can say something to the Lakers then I would definitely say take the risk. It will worth it.

Ex-Clippers Superstars

Elton Brand heads East to join Philadelphia 76ers! Corey Maggette will be a Warrior!

$82 million is the estimated amount that former Los Angeles Clippers superstar Elton Brand will be receiving from the Philadelphia 76ers in a five-year deal. The movement of Brand to the Sixers will spurn what was claimed to be a great tandem between him and Baron Davis. As we know, Davis shocked the Golden State Warriors by opting out of his contract and agreeing to a five-year deal with the Clippers. Now, what could be considered as a slam-dunk tandem would be Brand and Andre Iguodala in Philadelphia.

On the other hand, another former Clippers superstar swingman Corey Maggette had reached an agreement from the Golden State Warriors; the deal is for five years and worth around $50 million. The Warriors conceded defeat in the chase for Brand's signature by quickly dealing with Maggette. Golden State responded to the loss of Baron Davis to the Clippers by offering Brand a five-year deal worth an estimated $90 million, but the Warriors never came as close to luring Brand away from L.A. as the Sixers.

Beasley Outblooms Rose in Summer League

I was hoping the top two picks will show their baller skills during their team match-up in the Summer League and leave the fans thinking who is better but I, somewhat, hoped wrong. The Miami Heat played against the Chicago Bulls but the Heat was not extinguished and came out victorious. The final score is 94-70.

Second overall pick Michael Beasley of Miami played a good game scoring 28 points and 9 rebounds in 23 minutes. Now that is a very good start for a rookie to let the people know what you can do but the regular season is yet to start.

On the other hand, 1st pick overall Derrick Rose tried to play his game but simply never took over the game offensively the way Beasley did. The Bulls' rookie who lifted Memphis to run for the NCAA title game past season had posted 10 points and 4 assists but with 5 turnovers. He is not just on top of his game and there's still a lot of room to grow for the big games. Not every game a player shines.

US Basketball Team in 2008 Beijing Olympics

The NBA had already announced the lineup for the US Basketball Team for the coming 2008 Beijing Olympics.

When the 2008 U.S. Men’s Olympic Basketball team hits the court in Beijing this August, it will feature several experienced Olympians leading the way as the United States begins its quest to recapture the gold medal.

The 12-player U.S. team, which was announced June 23, will include Olympic gold medalist and veteran team leader Jason Kidd, who plays professional basketball for the Dallas Mavericks. Kidd was a member of the 2000 Olympic team that earned the gold at the Sydney Games. Four additional members of this year’s squad have previous Olympic experience: Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets, Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat all were members of the 2004 team that won the bronze medal in Athens, Greece.

After finishing third in Athens, USA Basketball created a new system to select players and field an Olympic team. This year’s 12-man team was selected from a pool of 33 NBA players that has competed as the USA Senior National Team since 2006, earning a combined overall record of 23-1.

Also on the 2008 Olympic team are Chris Bosh (Toronto Raptors), Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic), Chris Paul (New Orleans Hornets), Tayshaun Prince (Detroit Pistons), Michael Redd (Milwaukee Bucks) and Deron Williams (Utah Jazz).

The Wolves Not Holding on to the Whole Package

The Minnesota Timberwolves will not be holding on to O.J. Mayo for long. They are going to involve the player they had considered as a whole package to a blockbuster trade. The Wolves will be doing transaction with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Wolves have reached an agreement in principle with the Memphis Grizzlies that will send the draft rights to Mayo, Marko Jaric, Antoine Walker, and Greg Buckner to the Grizzlies in return for the draft rights to Kevin Love, Mike Miller, Brian Cardinal and Jason Collins.

Read the full story.

RJ is Going to the Bucks

Richard Jefferson traded to the Milwaukee Bucks?! Now this will surely create an impact to the New Jersey Nets. They are letting go of a superstar and getting Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian. This move will make the Nets stronger in the inside but how about the outside and penetration? Well, Vince Carter is still there but he needs help in running around the court and do the shots. We all know that they have traded another superstar during the season; Jason Kidd was sent to Dallas Mavericks making Devin Harris as the starting point guard.

The Bucks had acquired a great player. Letting go of Simmons and Yi will do less harm to their roster for they still have strong big man on the lineup. Charlie Villanueva and Andrew Bogut are still together. The bucks had another scorer in addition to star Michael Redd. The trade will surely shake Milwaukee. Watch out for those slams!

Chicago Bulls had chosen Derrick Rose!

The chosen one! Will he be a great one?

The Chicago Bulls had selected Derrick Rose, a 6-3, 190-pound point guard out of the University of Memphis, as the No.1 pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. This addition to the roster of the Bulls will eventually make them a fast team in the league. “In this league, point guards are really hard to find," Bulls EVP of Basketball Operations John Paxson said after making the pick. "He’s got a strength about him that most guards don’t have in this league at that position. He’s got a great burst and he’s very fast with the ball. I think he’s going to make other players better, and I think he’ll give us some leadership abilities as he goes on that we really need. For us, it was the right pick.”

Rose has a rare combination of speed, elite athleticism and poise at the point guard position and that helped him emerged as a candidate to be the NBA Draft's top pick.

On the other hand, the Miami Heat selected forward Michael Beasley with the second pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. The team will surley have an additional player in the inside who has strength, power and athleticism. This would also make the team strengthen their defensive plays.

USC guard OJ Mayo goes to the Minnesota Timberwolves as the 3rd pick overall. The managers of the Wolves had already considered Mayo as the whole package and the fans will surely love him.

Click here to see the entire draft board.

Pacers and Raptors Agreed to a Trade Deal

As the clock ticks for the NBA Draft the Toronto Raptors and the Indiana Pacers had posted an agreement already. A trade between their players hoping to make their roster more efficient.

As I was about to setup my computer for work my teammate had fed me again a news about what's going on in the NBA. He is also an NBA fanatic, a great fan of the Boston Celtics. Man he cried when the Celtics won the championship, isn't that awesome? Hehehe! Well, he told me that the Pacers will be trading their star player Jermaine O'neal to the Raptors in exchange for T.J. Ford; so I immediately browse the internet to read more about the news. What I've known before is that Ford will be traded with Boris Diaw of the Phoenix Suns. Just some rumors though. Now I had the full detail of the agreed Pacers-Raptors trade. O'neal will go to the Raptors in exchange for T.J. Ford, Rasho Nesterovic and the No. 17 pick in Thursday's (Friday in Manila) NBA draft.

I am thinking why would the Pacers let go of their supposed to be franchise star player? Who are they going to pick for their No. 11 and No. 17 first round picks? Pacers will be another team of young and hopeful players. On the other hand, the Raptors will improve more defensively and on their low-posts. O'neal and Chris Bosh on the floor at the same time? Whoow, they can dominate the boards and better take outside shots for if you get near the rim you can see the basketballs flying out like a volleyball game!

If this trade will push thru then this will surely make an impact to the league's season. Anything will happen in the NBA.

2008 NBA Draft

The nba season is over and I believe it would be a sweet vacation for the Boston Celtics; imagine winning the NBA Championship crown after 22 long years. Great!

Off-season begins, what could be the highlight event? the NBA Draft!

The Chicago Bulls had won the first pick option; followed by the Miami Heat and the Minnesota Timberwolves respectively. The big question is who will be the lucky draftee to enter the league first? Will it be Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose? The clock is ticking for the Bulls, the NBA Draft will be this thursday (friday in Manila).

I've read some articles on the internet, watched YouTube videos as well, regarding Beasley and Rose and I can say that they are both good ballers and they both deserved to be a contender for the No. 1 pick for the 2008 NBA Draft.

Here are some points for the top prospects that the Bulls can consider:

Michael Beasley: An explosive combination of strength and athleticism. Can score from virtually anywhere on the basketball floor. Utilizes his length, quickness, and leaping ability to grab rebounds both in and outside his area. Plays with aggression and confidence. He is left-handed.

Derrick Rose: A rare combination of speed, elite athleticism and poise at the point guard position. Uses quickness and strength to power his way to the basket and can finish with incredible body control. Makes good decisions in the open floor.

After trading Ben Wallace and Joe Smith, I think the Chicago Bulls will be needing a low-post player and someone who can grab the boards. The Bulls have plenty of players on the guard position. The play-makers and outside scorers are still in the roster. Kirk Hinrich and Chris Duhon can do the plays; Ben Gordon and Larry Hughes (trade from Cleveland) will sink the shots. Most likely the Bulls will be picking Beasley. However, looking on the Bulls' roster, it's a team of young and ambitious players. There might be a chance, though slight, the Bulls might trade or acquire a veteran player after the draft. Well, anything is possible.

NBA Champions Once Again!

I was on my way to the office this morning in a taxi, already late, but what I was thinking is that if I can make it early to watch the Game 6 of the NBA Finals. All of a sudden, after the taxi driver turned on the radio, I heard the DJ announced the current score of the game and I was shocked by it; the Boston Celtics are leading for about 30 points and it's already in the 3rd quarter. I thought about my colleagues and their reactions on what's happening on that game; may be the Lakers' fans are dead silence now and the Celtics' fanatics are jumping with excitement, rejoicing! I already know and accepted that with that lead the Boston Celtics will be the NBA Champions again after 22 long years.

As I entered the office I already heard noise; every shot made by the Boston players I heard shouting, trash talks! I sat and watched with my office mates as the game was still in progress but the outcome is already predicted, the Cs will win! The lead is still a long way for Kobe and the Lakers to cope with but Ray Allen and his teammates just won't stop sinking those shots. The hometown crowd are going crazy! Finally their great team are on top again. How sweet it could be winning the crown in your hometown? For Boston, the sweetest!
At last, Boston was able to win the game and returned to glory. They've waited 22 years, it's their 17th NBA championship and first since 1986. The final score for the final game was 131-92; the Cs biggest lead for all the games that they've won for the series. Paul Pierce was the Finals MVP.

I saw the tears of joy flowing from Kevin Garnett's eyes while he was being interviewed. He will be wearing his first ever NBA Champions ring for his entire 12 year NBA career. Same with Ray Allen and Pierce, this is also their first NBA Champions experience. On the other hand, It was a very good season for the LA Lakers despite being the best in the West, they got their Season MVP as well. Kobe Bryant's career is always shining, he is one of the best players of the league (now being compared by some critics to the legendary Michael Jordan). Well I hope he will still be on-top of his games next season and helped his team reach the Finals again.

The question now is whether the Celtics' Big Three will still be playing together and continue their journey of being part of the circle of the greatest player in the NBA? Will they continue bringing excitement to their fans in every game? Will they continue being a threat to other teams? These will all be answered next season. The NBA 2008-09 season will be exciting, satisfaction guaranteed!

Going Back to Boston for Game 6

Everyone in the office watching the Game 5 of the NBA Finals were on the edge of their seats, kept a straight look on the TV as the clock is ticking for the final minute of the game. The Lakers lead by 2 points and the ball is in the possession of the Celtics. All of us were waiting on what the C's are going to do; some of my office mates were chanting "Defense! Defense! Defense!" Obviously they are the Lakers fans. Some are expecting also that the Celtics will give the ball to any one of the Big Three. All of a sudden Paul Pierce had committed a turnover! That turnover had given Kobe and the Lakers a fastbreak opportunity; Kobe slammed it for a 4 point lead! The Lakers fans are rejoicing! They can sense Game 6 on the go.

Boston's Pierce scored a total of 38 points for the game but that didn't gave them a series finisher to own the crown. Kevin Garnett posted a double-double, 13 points and 14 rebounds; Ray Allen contributed 16 points. On the other hand, both Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol had a double-double performance with LO notching 20 points and 11 boards, Gasol had scored 19 and grabbed 13 boards. Season MVP Kobe Bryant had 25 points and had a big helped from vetern point guard Derek Fisher with 15 points.

I was thinking maybe Game 5 is really for Kobe and the Lakers, they've just played a good game. I was also thinking maybe it is sweeter for the Celtics to win the NBA Championship in Boston, in their home infront of a crazy-happy fans. With a 1 game and a homecourt advantage, the Cs can do it. Well anything will be possible. We have the best in the west going against the best in the east; it's a great rivalry in NBA history!

Celtics' defense will be a key...

I can say that the Game 4 of the current NBA Finals, won by the Boston Celtics, was one of the greatest comebacks in the leagues finals' history. Rallying from a 24-point deficit and sealed the game with a victory infront of a stunned audience, that was awesome! It's a defense-to-offense game by the Celtics; well their defense, spearheaded by Kevin Garnett, was great.

Well, to be honest, I like both teams. I had always time to browse the internet to read about the C's especially when the Big Three emerged. I've always believed that they will reach the Eastern Conference Finals and that it's either the Detroit Pistons or the Cleveland Cavaliers that they will face. I've imagined Paul Pierce doing the offense, Ray Allen as a playmaker, and of course KG on defense; they will be champions! On the other hand, at first place, I predicted the Los Angeles lakers and the Houston Rockets will meet at the Western Conference Finals; well I was half-correct.

As I've observed, and I know everyone did, it's the Celtics defense that helped them earn a one-more-win advantage to become the NBA Champions. It's the defense that made Kobe Bryant and the Lakers lose their rhythm of the game, especially their shooting rhythm. On the last quarter, the Lakers had open shots but they missed them.

In Game 5 what will happen will happen. The Celtics will just play their good game; involve all of the Big Three and the other guys in both offense and defense then it will be their time to wear that champions' ring. If Phil Jackson will come up to a better play to counter the defense of the Celtics, and if Kobe Bryant will playing another MVP-worthy game then they can force a Game 6.

What a Comeback!

The Boston Celtics stunned tha LA Lakers in Game 4 and take a 3-1 lead by posting a 97-91 victory. In NBA Finals history, the game was considered as one of the most exciting and stunning turnarounds; the Celtics overcame a 24-point deficit to defeat the Lakers. One more win and the Celtics will bring home the crown.

Five players of the C's posted double digit points; the Big Three, James Posey and Eddie House. The trio scored a total of 55 points, Posey had 18 and House had 11. On the other hand, the Lakers was lead by Lamar Odom with 19 points and 17 each for Bryant and Gasol.

Kobe shines in Game 3

Kobe Bryant was on top of his game as he scored 36 points to avoid the possible 0-3 deficit against the Boston Celtics for the current NBA Championship series. The Lakers' superstar had another MVP-worthy performance as he not only made the shots and the plays but also got some help from his teammates; Shasha Vujacic posted 20 points and Pau Gasol flexed his muscles and grab 12 boards.

The Celtics' trio however was not so productive leaving Ray Allen as the only player to go more than 20 points. Captain Paul Pierce was stopped to only 6 points. Allen scored 25 points - 15 on 3-pointers - for the Celtics, but only one-third of Boston's Big Three showed up.

Kobe and the Lakers will look forward to even the series as they will play Game 4 with another homecourt advantage. Will the Celtics' Big Three put on a good game as they have done in the first two games? Or, will the Lakers' stars keep shining?

2008 NBA Finals Results

The Boston Celtics are the NBA Champions!
The Celtics won the series 4-2 over the LA Lakers.

Game 1 (@ Boston): Celtics 98/Lakers 88
Game 2 (@ Boston): Celtics 108/Lakers 102
Game 3 (@ LA): Lakers 87/Celtics 81
Game 4 (@LA): Celtics 97/Lakers 91
Game 5 (@LA): Lakers 103/Celtics 98
Game 6 (@Boston): Celtics 131/Lakers 92
Game 7 : n/a

Click here for more info

NBA Finals 2008

LAKERS-BOSTON

(History repeats itself!)

The best in the West will battle the best in the East as the Los Angeles Lakers will go against the Boston Celtics for the NBA Championship. The Lakers lead by MVP Kobe Bryant along with Pao Gasol and Lamar Odom will try to take the team's 4th title in 9 years (3peat from 1999-2002). On the other hand, the Boston Celtics' trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett will help the Celtics bring home the crown after more than 20 years of title drought; and also for the trio to taste their first ever NBA title.

Unfinished Business!

It has taken four years and a few stumbles along the way to get the rematch finalized! On the 15th of March (March 16 in the Philippines) the Filipino Pride and 'Mexican Killer' Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao and the Mexican 'Dinamita' Juan Manuel Marquez will square it off and finish a business left years ago.

The two fighters first met back in 2004 when then WBA and IBF featherweight champion Marquez eked out a draw against the Filipino icon after hitting the canvas three times in the first round. That disastrous frame however would prove to be Marquez as the proud fighter battled back and fought effectively over the following eleven exciting rounds. Now Marquez and Pacquiao are prepared to engage in a rematch dubbed ‘Unfinished Business’ and the ‘Dinamita’ is thirsting for revenge.

The Pacman's career defining victories over Mexican icons Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera have earned him the nickname ‘The Mexican Killer’. The sobriquet has had a disquieting affect on Marquez who bristles at the notion that he is being lined up as the third pelt in Pacquiao’s trophy case.

"Manny is very strong," the 'Dinamita' admits, "but he is not technical. He doesn’t like it when you go looking for the fight. He’s called the terminator of Mexican fighters but with me, no."

"There is so much pride," Marquez said. "There is so much feeling in me. I want so badly to beat Manny."

On the other hand, Pacquiao spoke of his nationalistic pride and his respect for his opponent. "I don’t want to take this fight easy. That’s why I want to prepare hard," he claims. "It is not about the belt, it’s about the honor of my country."

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