Since I couldn't find a thread where I could post preseason info, I'm starting this thread for any news or notes of significance that affect the preseason for all teams. Please feel free to join in.

Snow to have surgery on left knee; guard likely out 4-6 weeks

ESPN - Cavs' Snow likely out for preseason with hurt knee - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3044997)

I wonder how significant this may be. Snow is not young, and I wonder how he comes back after the injury. The Cavs are very thin throughout their roster.

The Cleveland Cavaliers finally made a few offseason moves, signing free agent guard Devin Brown on Saturday and trading guard David Wesley to the New Orleans Hornets for forward Cedric Simmons. Brown averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists -- all career-highs -- for the New Orleans Hornets last season. The 6-foot-5 Brown can play both guard positions as well as small forward.

Cavaliers sign Devin Brown (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070930/SPORTS0102/709300305/1127)

They had to do something. Just not sure this "something" does anything for the team.

ESPN - Bulls bend, Big Ben allowed to wear headband - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3045949)

Skiles makes an exception to headband rule for Big Ben

Should they make an exception for Ben?

first let me say.... ITS A STUPID RULE.....

but if its a team rule then it should be a rule for everybody on the team. Period.

I think it would be cool if the league allowed advertising on headbands.

http://i15.ebayimg.com/03/i/000/b9/ff/cd86_1.JPG

NIP BACARDI RUM HEADBAND SWEATBAND - (eBay item 320164779599 end time Oct-07-07 15:13:38 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/NIP-BACARDI-RUM-HEADBAND-SWEATBAND_W0QQitemZ320164779599QQihZ011QQcategoryZ 26262QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebaypho tohosting)


:hoops:

I think it would be cool if the league allowed advertising on headbands.



NIP BACARDI RUM HEADBAND SWEATBAND - (eBay item 320164779599 end time Oct-07-07 15:13:38 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/NIP-BACARDI-RUM-HEADBAND-SWEATBAND_W0QQitemZ320164779599QQihZ011QQcategoryZ 26262QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebaypho tohosting)


:hoops:
Is it not presently allowed?

Is it not presently allowed?

I don't know, but clearly an individual team can override it, if it is.

I was talking about mandated where no team could prevent a player from wearing promotional headbands if the player so chose as long as the promotion was within acceptable advertising as identified by the league in agreement with the players association.

For example, I think it would be cool if the Pistons wore headbands promoting the Shock for example. This would be one optional promotion that they could wear.

:hoops:

Here's a list of transactions by team:
The Canadian Press: Basketball transactions (http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jtBuz1k9IluSuLtcP1q7ezNSoe_Q)

Of note:
Darvin Ham signs with Mavericks (now they should be the only favorite to win it all)
Mutombo resigns with Rockets for one year
Armstrong is waived by Indiana
Mateen Cleaves signs with NJ

Here's a list of transactions by team:
The Canadian Press: Basketball transactions (http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jtBuz1k9IluSuLtcP1q7ezNSoe_Q)

Of note:
Darvin Ham signs with Mavericks (now they should be the only favorite to win it all)
Mutombo resigns with Rockets for one year
Armstrong is waived by Indiana
Mateen Cleaves signs with NJ


Other than Mumtoumbo and Maxiel, the rest of the signings look like they were added just to have enough guys to play against in camp. None will make the final roster, but I guess they all will get a paycheck for a month....

ESPN - Stoudemire has successful surgery on right knee - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/trainingcamp07/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&page=suns-071002)



On the opening day of this camp, there was little outward dread or panic to accompany the team's announcement that Stoudemire had undergone a successful arthroscopic surgery on his right knee.
"He should be on the practice floor in 2 1/2 to 3 weeks," Suns president Steve Kerr (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba<p>layers<p>rofile?statsId=177) said. "We'll see what happens from there, but there's no real concern."




Kerr and D'Antoni likewise insisted that Shawn Marion (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3332)'s recent trade demand wouldn't derail the Suns in their attempt to avenge their playoff disappointment of the past three seasons. Marion addressed the group in a team meeting Monday night after the Suns' arrival in Tucson and also met privately with Kerr.

"I'm here with this team and that's what it's all about," Marion said, vowing to put the demand "in the back of my mind and bury it for right now" after the Suns informed him that they don't plan to move him. "I said what I had to say and that's it."


As for the reaction from fellow players, Marion said: "We're fine, we're all good and we're all on the same page."

ESPN - Lakers' Brown faces misdemeanor charges in Ga. - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3047535)


Los Angeles Lakers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lal) center Kwame Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3511) faces misdemeanor charges in south Georgia following a weekend incident in which his cousin was charged with DUI, authorities said.

Police pulled over Charles Warren Jr. early Saturday for driving the wrong way down a one-way street in downtown Valdosta and began questioning him about the strong smell of alcohol in his vehicle, Valdosta police Lt. Bobbi McGraw said. Brown approached the officers and told them he was Warren's cousin and the vehicle belonged to the basketball player, McGraw said.
Brown became disruptive and tried to interfere with the officers' investigation, which led to his arrest, McGraw said. Brown was charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with an officer after his cousin arrested for investigation of driving under the influence, McGraw said.
Brown, 25, was released shortly after his arrest. Jail officials had no record of how much he paid in bond. He likely will appear in court within two months, McGraw said.

ESPN - Former NBA sixth man McKie joins Sixers' staff - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3047714)


Aaron McKie, the NBA's sixth man of the year when Philadelphia went to the NBA Finals, rejoined the 76ers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=phi) as an assistant coach on Wednesday.
McKie averaged 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds over a 13-year career with Portland, Detroit, the Sixers and the Los Angeles Lakers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=lal). He averaged 11.6 points for the 76ers and was chosen the league's top sixth man in 2001, when they lost to the Lakers in the finals.
McKie, who finished his three-year career with Temple tied for sixth on the school's career scoring list, was selected Atlantic 10 Conference player of the year in 1993.

Bullets Forever :: A Washington Wizards blog and community (http://www.bulletsforever.com/story/2007/10/3/123322/740)



Bad news from Wizards camp this morning: Etan Thomas' heart problem may be "career-threatening" (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/02/AR2007100202565.html).

Veteran Washington Wizards center Etan Thomas did not participate when training camp opened Tuesday after a recent cardiac test revealed an irregularity that could potentially be career-threatening.
Thomas, who was slated to compete with Brendan Haywood for the starting center job, learned of the test results late last week following a routine physical, according to Ernie Grunfeld, the team's president. Thomas remained in Washington on Tuesday awaiting the results of further tests. The team has not set a timeline for a possible return, and Coach Eddie Jordan indicated that he did not expect Thomas to be available before training camp breaks on Saturday.


If this remains serious, it's a backbreaker for this team, both on and off the court. The Wizards already are lacking in quality big men even with Etan, so imagine what life will be like without him. Only Tony Massenberg and the unproven Blatche/Pecherov duo can play any center behind Brendan Haywood. Also, if you subscribe to the theory that the best way to motivate Haywood is to use Thomas to take away his playing time, then that option now goes by the wayside.

Off the court, Etan is deeply respected as one of the leaders of this team, and losing him could prove to be an emotional downer.

It's still unclear when Thomas will return, but it won't be before training camp breaks Saturday.
Let's hope the best, both for Etan and for this team.


So, I guess Nazr-to-Washington is off the table now.
:stirthepot:

Former Gonzaga star waived by Knicks - Sports - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington (http://www.theolympian.com/sports/story/233400.html)


The New York Knicks waived former Gonzaga star Dan Dickau on Tuesday after completing a buyout of the veteran point guard's contract.

Wade feeling stronger, but there's no schedule for his complete recovery or timeframe for his return. Jason Williams is healthy going into the camp.
Heat's Wade continuing `to get stronger' - 10/02/2007 - MiamiHerald.com (http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/story/257413.html)

Shaq getting in shape through ultimate fighting:


Questioned on Monday how he had spent his time during the NBA off-season, O'Neal said he had been in the caged ring taking on challengers in the combination of boxing, martial arts and wrestling.

"I've been doing a lot of fighting, a lot of swimming, a lot of hunting and a lot of school work and a lot of reading," O'Neal told reporters at the Heat's pre-training camp media day.


Asked what he meant by fighting, O'Neal said: "UFC fighting, Ultimate Fighting, yeah, I'm serious.


http://www.abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3677075

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=54490


Still No Low Post Threat

The Chicago Bulls have really become the tale of the rich getting richer. The problem for arguably the deepest team in the East, is they don't have that "scare the hell out of you" low post player. Ben Wallace pledges to be more aggressive and the additions of Joe Smith and Joakim Noah will help, but Chicago still has to find that low post scoring threat.

Perhaps it's always Darko before the dawn for new Grizzly : Grizzlies : Commercial Appeal (http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/oct/02/s2griznu2/)


Strolling off the practice court with Pau Gasol alongside, Grizzlies newcomer Darko Milicic was all smiles.

It's only been a few days of training camp. That means limited interaction with teammates and coaches, and the honeymoon period in a fresh system has only just begun.

Already, though, basketball is fun again for the maligned former No. 2 overall draft pick.


Milicic said he feels supported for the first time in his NBA career, and that comfort level is buoyed by his ability to finally bury the past.

A born-again baller, that's Milicic today. The Griz hope that's him midway in the season, too.


:bs::censored:

Shaq getting in shape through ultimate fighting:



http://www.abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=3677075

Shaq should spend his off season shooting free throws

:hoops:

Model citizen and pacifist Stephen Jackson was named one of 3 Team Captains for the Golden State Convicts Warriors.

Oh yeah, the announcement was made while Jackson is serving a 7 game suspension after pleading guilty to criminal recklessness.

ESPN - Suspended Jackson named captain of Warriors - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3048676)

When I grow up, I want to be just like Stephen Jackson!

What are your thoughts? Do teams have an obligation to promote "Captains" who set the right example off the court as well as on it? Is this a slap in the face to the league and it's already not so hot image? Or does the team have the right to choose whoever they want as captain regardless?

Model citizen and pacifist Stephen Jackson was named one of 3 Team Captains for the Golden State Convicts Warriors.

Oh yeah, the announcement was made while Jackson is serving a 7 game suspension after pleading guilty to criminal recklessness.

ESPN - Suspended Jackson named captain of Warriors - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3048676)

When I grow up, I want to be just like Stephen Jackson!

What are your thoughts? Do teams have an obligation to promote "Captains" who set the right example off the court as well as on it? Is this a slap in the face to the league and it's already not so hot image? Or does the team have the right to choose whoever they want as captain regardless?
I guess that team decided that he projects good enough mage and influence on his teammates and refs to call him a captain. Whether it is good or bad I don't know, but that's what they decided to do.

SLAM ONLINE | » Chicago Bulls Season Preview (http://slamonline.com/online/2007/10/at_least_theyre_not_the_heat/)


I’m not sure what’s more frustrating—rooting for a bad team that is going absolutely nowhere, or rooting for a good team that can only go so far. (OK, actually I know full well which is more frustrating, I’m just trying to make Lang feel better.) The Chicago Bulls are a very good team. Will they make the playoffs? Yes. Will they win 50 games? Yes (52-30 sounds about right). Will they be better than last year? Yes. Will they be amongst the top four teams in the East? Yes. Will they win an NBA Championship? No (although they should reach the Eastern Conference Finals). And that’s where the problems start.

Continental Airlines Arena to be renamed Izod Center (http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071004/UPDATE/710040474/1127/SPORTS0102)


Clothing maker Izod was awarded naming rights to Continental Airlines Arena on Thursday by the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority.
The Izod Center will be home to the New Jersey Nets. The New Jersey Devils left the 26-year-old building and starting this season will play in a new arena in Newark.
The Meadowlands building has been called Continental Airlines Arena for 12 years. The airline decided to opt out of its sponsoring deal.
Two other clothing companies, Rocawear and Southpole, bid to have their name on the arena.

ESPN - Report: Injured Blazer Roy could miss preseason - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3049120)



The reigning rookie of the year, who missed 20 of the Portland Trail Blazers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=por)' first 25 games last season with the same injury, hurt his left heel in practice Tuesday and could miss all eight preseason games.

Raptors pick up option on Bargnani (http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2007/10/05/bargnani-raptors.html)


The Toronto Raptors announced on Friday that they have exercised their option to retain Andrea Bargnani beyond this season.
The move, a mere formality, was made public ahead of Saturday's exhibition game in Rome against the Boston Celtics.

Howard's working on passing game -- OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl-mnotes0507oct05,0,4083037.story?track=rss)

Orlando Magic C Dwight Howard said that passing out of the double- and triple-team defenses that he likely will see again this season is where his game might show the most improvement from a year ago.

It has been a major focus in this training camp. Howard led the Magic with 317 turnovers last season, which was almost twice as many as anyone else. He's a big reason the Magic were second in the NBA in most turnovers.

BUCKS: Transcript: Yi Jianlian’s first practice (http://www.nba.com/bucks/news/Yi_Transcript_071004.html)

Nets sign Darrell Armstrong who was just recently cut:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=5501

Ohio.com - Healed Hughes looks back to form (http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/10258572.html)


Hope springs eternal in training camp, so who knows if it will last with the injury-plagued Hughes, but his days of being limited to spot-up jumpers supposedly have ended. Hughes is 100 percent healthy, which the dunking shows, and he plans to go back to his roots offensively this season, with some schematic help from coach Mike Brown.
In the view of the coaches, his teammates and casual viewers, the first week of training camp has been highlighted by Hughes' play.
''Larry has been looking good,'' LeBron James said. ''His finger's not bothering him, his foot's not bothering him, mentally he is focused.''

Ohio.com - Cavaliers' camp to open with thud (http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/10148276.html)

NBA Notebook: Knight's condition <br>irks Clippers coach (http://www.dailybreeze.com/sports/articles/10254941.html)


Mike Dunleavy encountered something undesirable that upset him: Brevin Knight is out of shape.

Dunleavy, known for his tireless work ethic as a player, was flabbergasted by Knight's shape and said it was unacceptable.

"He's not in good shape at all," Dunleavy said. "I'm disappointed in the situation. You'd think with a veteran player, you'd think he'd come into camp ready to go."

The coach continued, "I don't know the culture of other places, where it is no big deal whether you're ready to go or not go. But it doesn't sit well with me."

Star-Telegram.com | 10/05/2007 | MAVERICKS NOTES (http://www.star-telegram.com/287/story/257832.html)

Ohio.com - Cavaliers' camp to open with thud (http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/10148276.html)

All right, so they didn't sign the qualifying offers. What does that mean? Are they required to?

All right, so they didn't sign the qualifying offers. What does that mean? Are they required to?
I don't think they are required. The qualifying offers are to maintain player in restricted status. If a player signs an offer sheet with another team, Cavs can match that.

I don't think they are required. The qualifying offers are to maintain player in restricted status. If a player signs an offer sheet with another team, Cavs can match that.

So do they become unrestricted by not signing? If you don't need to sign the qualifying offer to remain a free agent, what's the point of extending it?

Oh man, I hate the idea of trying to read parts of the CBA again.

Turns out the second MRI on Spencer Hawes' knee (http://www.sacbee.com/102/story/415630.html)already took place. The team is still waiting for more opinions, but Kings coach Reggie Theus sure made surgery seem like a strong possibility. Hawes sat out again at today's practice.

Kings Blog and Q&A - A Blog by The Sacramento Bee's Sports Department (http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/archives/008570.html)

The Canadian Press: Speedy Bobcats plan up-tempo offence under new coach Vincent (http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hW1tetT6X5ljBy7UFn81ZN2hpQfg)


After his first training camp practice, new Charlotte Bobcats coach Sam Vincent joked he was happy no one was leaning over a trash can getting sick.
When they weren't running sprints, the Bobcats were pushing the ball up the floor on nearly every possession in scrimmages. And Vincent plans to keep it up all season.
"Get the ball and go," point guard Raymond Felton said of Vincent's offensive philosophy.
When the Bobcats acquired Jason Richardson from Golden State in a draft night trade and re-signed Gerald Wallace, Vincent decided the best way to use their athleticism was to become a running team.

Warriors' Ellis reportedly could be paralyzed - NBA - MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21159491/)

Monta Ellis, a guard for the Golden State Warriors (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21159491/#), was injured Friday in a training camp accident and could be paralyzed, according to media reports.

Ellis collided with a teammate during workouts at the BYU-Hawaii campus, where the team is holding training camp. A report on SFGate.com said Ellis hit his head on a teammate's hip during the team's evening scrimmage. He was coming off a screen set by Brandan Wright (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21159491/#) when he appeared to lose his footing, fell on Wright and hit the floor.

Warriors' Ellis reportedly could be paralyzed - NBA - MSNBC.com (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21159491/)

Wow, that sucks. Hopefully he will be alright.

So do they become unrestricted by not signing? If you don't need to sign the qualifying offer to remain a free agent, what's the point of extending it?

Oh man, I hate the idea of trying to read parts of the CBA again.
As long as the team presents them with qualifying offer they remain restricted. If players don't sign it, it doesn't change their status.

Wow, that sucks. Hopefully he will be alright.

Looks like he should be OK after all.
ESPN - After scary injury, Warriors' Ellis leaves hospital - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=3051363)

A battery of tests, including an MRI and a CT scan, came back normal and the injury is being diagnosed as a neck sprain, according to team officials. Ellis is listed as day-to-day.Ellis is up "walking and laughing," a Warriors official told the San Francisco Chronicle.

Europe Takes Marc Jackson Away - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog (http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/10/08/europe-takes-marc-jackson-away/)


The eastward migration for a growing number of NBA rotation players continues, as journeyman Marc Jackson (http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/tag/MarcJackson/) has reportedly signed a one-year deal with Olympiacos (http://www.euroleague.net/news/i/15896/180), according to Euroleague.net.

Bogans to start in Magic's preseason opener tonight -- OrlandoSentinel.com (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-bk-guard100807,0,1631314.story)


Veteran Keith Bogans has won the shooting-guard spot left vacant by Grant Hill --- at least for the Magic's opening preseason game tonight against the Atlanta Hawks.

Bogans, 6-5, will start with point guard Jameer Nelson in the backcourt.

Dwight Howard will start at center, Rashard Lewis at power forward and Hedo Turkoglu at small forward.

WARRIORS / Nelson gives Harrington a D for 'dominant' (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/06/SP3USKM6U.DTL)


Al Harrington has been so impressive through the first four days of training camp, Nelson has dared to utter the D-word again.
"Al's been the best player here," Nelson said. "He's been dominant."
A sleeker Harrington showed up to camp this year with a giant self-portrait tattooed on his back and a chip on his shoulder that's nearly as large.
Harrington, who was demoted during the playoffs after starting at both power forward and center, has heard enough about his poor rebounding and conditioning.
"I feel like I got a lot to prove this year," Harrington said. "That's why every day, I'm coming in focused."

FOX Sports on MSN - NBA - 10 things: Should Roy pack it in for the year? (http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7310768)

HOOPSWORLD | NBA News, Rumors and Information (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=5568)

Teams with stability usually don't stir up a lot of questions, which is why training camp coverage of the Chicago Bulls has been pretty tame so far. Sure, Ben Gordon and Luol Deng are up for contract extensions and Ben Wallace gets to wear his headband again, but there's no real drama about injuries, or camp holdouts, or some disgruntled, peed-off vet who spent his entire summer demanding a trade that never came.

But no situation is a utopia, and the Bulls do in fact have one major issue that they'll have to address in the next few weeks: Who's going to start at power forward?

Other than Mumtoumbo and Maxiel, the rest of the signings look like they were added just to have enough guys to play against in camp. None will make the final roster, but I guess they all will get a paycheck for a month....

Cleaves might make it in NJ.

It depends on how much his outside shooting has improved.

:hoops:

http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_7125868?source=rss&nclick_check=1

Kelenna Azubuike starts in place of injured Monta Ellis

Coach Doesn't Like Magic's Effort | TheLedger.com (http://www.theledger.com/article/20071009/NEWS/710090445/1345/Sports)

"I did not see energy. I did not see much of anything that we have worked on offensively," Van Gundy said. "All these players talk about wanting to run, but it's hard to run. It requires a lot of effort. I did not see a team that wanted to run."

SportingNews.com - NBA - Pacers preview: A deal gone very sour (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=287726)

Lifestyle / Sports : NBA 2007/2008 PREVIEW: Toronto Raptors (http://allhiphop.com/blogs/lifestylesports/archive/2007/10/09/18709676.aspx)

ESPN - Hollinger: How I project PER for the upcoming season - NBA (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=hollinger_john&id=3055049)

DraftExpress: NBA Market Watch: Preview-Utah Jazz (http://www.draftexpress.com/viewarticle.php?a=2247)

In their pre-season tune up Memphis loses to Unicaja Malaga 99-102. Miller played over 35 min and Gasol over 32 min. Darko with 4 points, 2rb, 2ast, and 5 fouls in almost 16 min of action shooting 1-6 from the floor and 2-4 from FT line.

Navarro looks like he had a nice game.

Miller should be a lot more confident this year after playing with the USA team.

Overall, should be a completely different season for Memphis. Their success will depend on how well the coach can make everything mesh.

TheStar.com | Sports | Delfino quiet but productive (http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/265222)


"In Detroit, even if I was part of the team and I was great with the chemistry of the team, I never found my role in all those years. Some weeks I never played, for months I would play and then (it was) back to the bench watching games and you never get yourself in a role."

Delfino's role with Toronto is yet to be fully defined but it will be more substantial than the one he had with the Pistons. Even if he doesn't end up starting, he's going to be a key part of the rotation because he's a big guard (6-foot-6) with good shooting range and he has ball-handling skills that will allow some of the offence to run through him.

NBA Futures Betting: 2007-08 Spurs Preview - BetUS Sportsbook (http://www.betus.com/sports-betting/NBA_Futures_Betting_2007_08_Spurs_Preview-6762.aspx)


There is no doubt that the San Antonio Spurs (http://www.betus.com/nba-basketball/san-antonio-spurs/) are the best run organization in the NBA. In fact, they are probably the best run organization in all of sports. Not only do they win championships, but they make money too. That’s difficult to do in today’s sports’ world where free agency is the norm.
Of course, being a well-run organization, even the best run organization in the NBA does not guarantee a championship every year. The Spurs definitely win more than most other NBA teams, but their chances of winning the championship in the 2007 – 2008 season, like all NBA teams, must be looked at based on the overall strength of the Spurs as opposed to other teams in the NBA.

Eastern Conference's pressing questions - NBA - Yahoo! Sports (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-eastquestions100907&prov=yhoo&type=lgns)


From the moment Kevin Garnett (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3007/;_ylt=ArKTHTRI_cGxujiUEgS_BKLTjdIF) arrived in Boston this summer, there came with him a seismic shift of momentum to the East. Suddenly, there was star power under those dusty old championship banners again. There were possibilities again.
Along with Paul Pierce (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3253/;_ylt=Ar28NghSPrtCAhwjxhgAzX3TjdIF) and Ray Allen (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/3080/;_ylt=AnOT40WL66hKKO9M85iuEMjTjdIF), Garnett makes the Boston Celtics (http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/bos/;_ylt=Ag11Y_by8w3L1vTdNRPQ9ynTjdIF) the darlings of the preseason, a lottery loser transformed into an overnight contender. Across the Eastern Conference landscape, there are so many questions to be asked on the way to opening night and beyond. Here's a starting five.

Riley wants O'Neal to play soon (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/heat/content/sports/epaper/2007/10/10/a3c_heatnba_1010.html)



"That's the tough thing for me. You want to have all your troops on deck. You need everybody in there together," Riley said. "If I had everybody healthy, you'd have a mix and match."

O'Neal said this is a good opportunity for a young player like Wright to assert himself in Riley's mind. But he won't have much opportunity to play with the starters, though O'Neal said he is open to Riley playing him today.

"I'm here. I'm ready to go, so whatever," O'Neal said.

Bucks' Yi Jianlian flops in debut - USATODAY.com (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2007-10-10-2666659507_x.htm)


Rookie Yi Jianlian will have to adjust to the pace and physicality of the NBA.

The 6-foot-11 power forward from China struggled in his debut with Milwaukee, fouling out after 16 minutes and scoring three points in the Bucks' 93-88 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night.

The sixth overall pick in the draft couldn't handle the energetic Joakim Noah, who scored six points with four rebounds and four assists in 23 minutes

"The rules of FIBA and the rules of NBA are different, it takes time for me to deal with this through more training," Yi said.

NBA Blog (http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/joe-johnson-josh-childress-al-horford-can-t-compensate-for-atlanta-hawks-poor-ownership-ar45906.html)


CNNSI writer Jack McCallum argues that the Atlanta Hawks could challenge for a playoff spot next season:

LAKERS 2007: What to look for &bull; KEEPING SCORE - FOX Sports Blogs (http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/J-DIZZLE/2007/10/09/LAKERS_2007_What_to_look_for)

2007-08 NBA Season Team Preview - Minnesota Timberwolves (http://probasketball.about.com/od/minnesotatimberwolves/a/0708MINpreview.htm)

http://www.point-spreads.com/basketball/101007-miami-heat-2007-nba-preview.html


As long as Shaq and Dwayne Wade are healthy, the Heat will be mentioned in the same sentence with NBA Finals contender. The problem is that Shaq has not been healthy for an entire season of late and Wade’s reckless style of play is conducive of nagging injuries. The Heat can never afford to be without Wade’s nearly 30 points per game and the space that Shaq eats up inside for long periods of time.

With that said, last season’s 4-0 loss to the Bulls in the playoffs was embarrassing and we feel it will light a fire under the Heat. Wade is still young and the taste he got of a title two season’s ago has him hungry for another one. And of course, Shaq wants as many titles as he can get to ensure his place in history as the greatest center of all time, which he feels he is. The Heat will have to get consistent production from Antoine Walker and Jason Williams also in order to make that title run. Williams needs to stay healthy as well. He has rounded into a very nice guard late in his career. He can score in bunches from the perimeter and understands how to get the hot hands the basketball.

Minnesota Timberwolves, Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, Craig Smith, National Basketball Association - CBSSports.com (http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/10400410)

Philadelphia 76ers, Al Horford, Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, National Basketball Association - CBSSports.com (http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/10400413)

Houston is pleased with his first day at Knicks practice (http://www.nynews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071012/SPORTS01/710120459)

HOOPSWORLD | NBA News, Rumors and Information (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=5631)

SONICS: Szczerbiak Moves Past Injuries (http://www.nba.com/sonics/news/szczerbiak071011.html)

HOOPSWORLD | NBA News, Rumors and Information (http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=5630)

SLAM ONLINE | » Washington Wizards Season Preview (http://slamonline.com/online/2007/10/washington-wizards-season-preview/)

Sore knee may sideline Jones for preseason- Columbian.com (http://www.columbian.com/sports/localNews/2007/10/10122007_Sore-knee-may-sideline-Jones-for-preseason.cfm)

RealGM: Wiretap Archives: Sources: Thomas To Miss 2007-2008 Season (http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/48507/20071012/sources_thomas_to_miss_2007_2008_season/)


Washington Post -
Washington Wizards (http://wizards.realgm.com/) center Etan Thomas (http://www.realgm.com/src_playerfile/387/etan_thomas/) underwent surgery Thursday morning at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to repair a leak in his aortic valve.

Thomas is expected to miss the season, according to two league sources.

The Wizards (http://wizards.realgm.com/) said they would not provide any details on the procedure until Thomas gave permission to release medical information.

SLAM ONLINE | » Phoenix Suns Season Preview (http://slamonline.com/online/2007/10/phoenix-suns-season-preview/)

Reunion with Van Gundy will be strange for Heat - 10/12/2007 - MiamiHerald.com (http://www.miamiherald.com/594/story/268988.html)


Wade, who had offseason knee and shoulder surgeries, denied an ESPN report that he could be out until January.
''That's ridiculous,'' Riley said.
Wade said the most ''realistic'' timetable for a return ``is hopefully sometime in November, late November. At the worst case, early December.''
The Heat, which opens Nov. 1 against Detroit, plays 15 games in November.

Just want to point out a good game by one of the Spurs' new guys, Darius Washington.

18 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals for the rookie guard in only 30 minutes. He outright led the team in 4 different statistical categories!

Also, Grant Hill has 21 points mid way through the 3rd quarter. Nash with 10 assists (probably just something to do to ease the boredom).

Durant had 19 points against the Lakers and not much of anything else in 31 minutes. He took 20 shots to get the 19 points. Got only 2 free throws.

Tonight the Sonics had him sitting on the wing and when they passed the ball to him, he shot it.

:hoops:

Durant had 19 points against the Lakers and not much of anything else in 31 minutes. He took 20 shots to get the 19 points. Got only 2 free throws.

Tonight the Sonics had him sitting on the wing and when they passed the ball to him, he shot it.

:hoops:
I guess he's rich man's Jarvis Hayes. If you pass me the ball on the wing - I will shoot it.
:pound:

I guess he's rich man's Jarvis Hayes. If you pass me the ball on the wing - I will shoot it.
:pound:

I was actually thinking that, but I think since he won't be 19 until Dec, that it is most likely that he will eventually fill out is long frame and maybe even grow some more like AJ has over the last 2 years.

If Durant gets stronger even without getting bigger he will be able to get to the rack a lot more and maybe even develop an effective post up game. There is no question that the guy can shoot the rock, from short and long distances and has a very long wing span, plus lots of hops.

He needs to fill out. Not so much as Cheikh did and still does, but still needs to put at least 15 - 20 pounds of muscle on in order to have a complete game on offense, because he certainly has the ability.

But right now today, I would agree with your description of him.

I think he has a better chance of filling out than Hayes does of developing an effective dribble penetration game, which is what gets you to the foul line more than anything else.

:hoops:

I was actually thinking that, but I think since he won't be 19 until Dec, that it is most likely that he will eventually fill out is long frame and maybe even grow some more like AJ has over the last 2 years.

If Durant gets stronger even without getting bigger he will be able to get to the rack a lot more and maybe even develop an effective post up game. There is no question that the guy can shoot the rock, from short and long distances and has a very long wing span, plus lots of hops.

He needs to fill out. Not so much as Cheikh did and still does, but still needs to put at least 15 - 20 pounds of muscle on in order to have a complete game on offense, because he certainly has the ability.

But right now today, I would agree with your description of him.

I think he has a better chance of filling out than Hayes does of developing an effective dribble penetration game, which is what gets you to the foul line more than anything else.

:hoops:
Agreed. I was just making a Smart Alec comment on Durant's performance. :MusicBigGrin:

2007-08 NBA Season Team Preview - Los Angeles Lakers (http://probasketball.about.com/od/losangeleslakers/a/0708LALpreview.htm)

ESPN.com - NBA - Recap - Warriors at SuperSonics (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=271023025)


Rookie Kevin Durant (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=4244), the second pick in the NBA draft, had 21 points for the Seattle SuperSonics (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=sea) on Tuesday but left with a sprained ankle.

Durant was hurt in the final minutes of Seattle's 126-122 overtime loss to the Golden State Warriors (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=gsw). The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported that X-rays were negative, but the team did not know if he would travel with the team to Portland for Wednesday's game against the Trail Blazers.

I watched "NBA Fit" on NBAtv last night. The show detailed the off season workouts of a handful of players.

Gilbert Arenas' was a whacky. He made 100,000 jump shots. It came out to 1,300 per day I believe.

But the really impressive one was Deng. It was freaky how hard he has been working.

Some of the stuff they showed was:

football drills where he pushes the resistance sled in front of him
he has to move a 380 lb tractor tire by flipping it over and over.
he puts on a 40lb weight vest and jumps to differenent platforms to increase his vert. Has to land without letting a glass fall off the edge. This works his "decelleration" muscles, which enables him to jump again sooner.
He has a huge bucket of rice that he has to put his hands in and excercise them in different ways (besides strengthening, it is supposed to prevent finger jams)
and then he just does some other atypical things with his trainer.He's gonna be really good this year. I see why they don't want to include him in a package for Kobe.

He's gonna be really good this year. I see why they don't want to include him in a package for Kobe.
If they trade him, they'd have nobody left to play with Kobe, that's the problem with this possible trade. They would turn into another Lakers.

If they trade him, they'd have nobody left to play with Kobe, that's the problem with this possible trade. They would turn into another Lakers.

Apparently, Kobe said that if Deng left, he would veto a trade to the Bulls. So, he is looking for his Pippen, and he things Deng might be the one.

The Bulls have so many other pieces that I'm shocked, but glad that they can't work something out.

I don't think many people have talked about this specific angle very much, but isn't it possible that all this Kobe trade talk will dampen the Bulls' enthusiasm somewhat? Almost everyone on their roster is being openly discussed as trade bait for Kobe in every single media outlet. Couldn't that mess with their chemistry and/or "will to win," to some extent? Maybe not much, but I have a hard time believing that it won't affect them at all.

Deng, Hinrich, Nocioni, and Ben Wallace seem to be safe from the realistic trade talk. Tyrus and Noah probably don't care.

Ben Gordon though, it sounds like he is distracted anyway:


So the best player should be paid the most money?
''What do you think?'' he said. ''If the worst guy on the team is making more than the best guy on the team, does that make sense?''

Gordon was speaking hypothetically. Which is to say he wasn't calling Ben Wallace -- the highest-paid player at $15 million per season -- the worst on the team. But that's not to say that Gordon, as the team's leading scorer, doesn't expect Paxson to ante up something closer to Wallace's salary than the five-year, $50million offer the GM is believed to have put on the table.

Ben Wallace's salary has created a measuring stick for others. Not good for them. (also, Big Ben better tell Little Ben to shut his mouth).

Brash Gordon unlikely to get deal done :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bulls (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/626173,CST-SPT-bull30.article)

Deng, Hinrich, Nocioni, and Ben Wallace seem to be safe from the realistic trade talk. Tyrus and Noah probably don't care.

Ben Gordon though, it sounds like he is distracted anyway:



Ben Wallace's salary has created a measuring stick for others. Not good for them. (also, Big Ben better tell Little Ben to shut his mouth).

Brash Gordon unlikely to get deal done :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Bulls (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/basketball/bulls/626173,CST-SPT-bull30.article)
Nobody is going to give Gordon Wallace's money. Those deals only happen once in a while. And Gordon is nowhere the impact player that Wallace was at the time he got the deal.

Nobody is going to give Gordon Wallace's money. Those deals only happen once in a while. And Gordon is nowhere the impact player that Wallace was at the time he got the deal.

Yes, but he's not trying to hear that. He thinks that he more of impact player right now, and he could be right.