New Album & The Beginning of Basketball Season

[WLVCA]

Clippers made a strange selection with the 28th pick - CJ Wilcox, a shooting guard from the University of Washington.

Clips already have a logjam at SG and really need backup bigs. Doc says he took the best player available.

Donald Sterling remains the one "player" the team really needs to be gone! The son of a gun apparently intends to make everyone miserable for as long as he can.

 

[MylesBAstor]

And the Zenmaster continues to reshape the Knicks. Their second round/#34 pick sounds like another Scottie Pippen. Only thing left is whether in this deep draft there are any hidden nuggets that might be signed as free agents? Think there's a 7-2 center from Arizona still out there and as you know, can't teach anyone to be 7-0 ft. tall!

 

[jadis]

July 1 is going to be interesting. Free Agents will be called by various teams. Melo to Chicago or Houston or just stay put in New York? Since Phil Jackson is hoping Melo stays in NY for less money (max deal in NY spells $130 for 5 years), he could very well do that in Chicago or Houston without waiting for a rebuilt. So I wouldn't be surprised if Melo bolts.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...ing-less-money-to-stay-a-knick-205414318.html

 

[MylesBAstor]

July 1 is going to be interesting. Free Agents will be called by various teams. Melo to Chicago or Houston or just stay put in New York? Since Phil Jackson is hoping Melo stays in NY for less money (max deal in NY spells $130 for 5 years), he could very well do that in Chicago or Houston without waiting for a rebuilt. So I wouldn't be surprised if Melo bolts.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...ing-less-money-to-stay-a-knick-205414318.html

At this point, I actually think Phil hopes Carmelo will leave. Then next year the whole roster opens up with no Amare, Carmelo, Chandler and Smith. Another good draft and good FA signings and Phill has molded the team in his image

 

[jadis]

With Dirk and Chandler reunited at 4 and 5. Monta Ellis at PG, and if Melo signs in, he will be the perpetual shooter that was Jason Terry a few years ago. Mark Cuban has a chance to make things right again.


http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer...e-roster-with-chandler-keep-max-slot-for-melo

Ken Berger
NBA Insider
Mavs upgrade roster with Chandler, keep max slot for ... Melo?
June 25, 2014 6:25 pm ET


FANTASY FOOTBALL IS BACK! FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY, SAVE OVER 10%. ACT TODAY!
Ken Berger
NBA Insider
Mavs upgrade roster with Chandler, keep max slot for ... Melo?
June 25, 2014 6:25 pm ET

More: Mavs, Knicks benefit from Chandler trade | Report: Melo to meet with Mavs

In what is expected to be a massive trading frenzy in the NBA, the Mavericks and Knicks struck first with a deal sending Tyson Chandler back to Dallas.

In the six-player trade agreed to in principle Wednesday, the biggest news wasn't the former defensive player of the year returning to the city where he won a championship in 2011. It was the Mavericks gaining entry to this summer's coveted free-agent sweepstakes.

Chandler and Raymond Felton go to Dallas, which sends Jose Calderon, Sam Dalembert, Wayne Ellington and Shane Larkin to the Knicks, along with the 34th and 51st picks in Thursday's draft.

The Mavs add about $3 million to their salary obligations for 2014-15, but here's the catch: With Chandler back in the fold and the possibility of Dirk Nowitzki re-signing on a multi-year deal that could substantially reduce his $24 million obligation for next season, the Mavs are on their way to having an attractive roster and a max slot for a free agent.

The trade left the Mavs with $33.5 million in cap room, about $24 million of which is eaten up by the cap hold for Nowitzki, who is a free agent. A multi-year deal that brings Nowitzki back at about $10 million less than that would open up a slot to offer LeBron James, Chris Bosh, or ... wait for it ... Carmelo Anthony a four-year deal starting at $20 million.

ESPN The Magazine reported that Anthony plans to visit the Bulls, Rockets and, you guessed it, the Mavericks when the free-agent negotiating period opens on July 1.

The initial reaction from a Western Conference executive was that Anthony is more of an "East Coast-West Coast guy" and may not be enthralled with the possibility of playing in Dallas. Indeed, the Lakers already are planning their free-agent pitches to both James and Anthony. But with Nowitzki, a rejuvenated Monta Ellis and a former teammate in Chandler -- not to mention owner Mark Cuban and a championship in the not-so-distant past -- there is the potential for a compelling pitch to be made to Anthony.

Of course, the Mavs also intend to make a pitch to James at the start of free agency, a league source said. James' teammate, Bosh, is a Dallas native.

The Knicks acquired Chandler in December 2011, after the lockout and six months after the Mavs beat Miami's newly formed Big Three in the NBA Finals. Four years later, the Big Three -- James, Bosh and Dwyane Wade -- are all free agents. So is Anthony, with whom the Knicks paired Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire to form their own Big Three.

The Knicks got two playoff berths out of that group, including a 54-win season and second-round appearance in 2012-13. But the key move that paved the way for New York to acquire Chandler -- amnestying Chauncey Billups -- now haunts them as they no longer have the one-time provision to use on Stoudemire and his failing knees.

The Knicks shaved about $3 million off their salary obligations for next season, but added about $5 million in 2015-16. The summer of 2015 is when the new regime led by team president Phil Jackson planned to spend on a max free agent to pair with Anthony, if the All-Star decides to stay in New York.

 

[jadis]

No Kidding...

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....ermission-to-speak-with-jason-kidd/?cid=Yahoo


Report: Nets grant Bucks permission to speak with Jason Kidd

Brett Pollakoff

Jun 28, 2014, 10:01 PM EDT
31 Comments
Jason Kidd Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd got off to an extremely rough start in Brooklyn in his first year as head coach, but eventually was able to gain his players’ trust and guide the team to a trip to the second round of the postseason.

Kidd was feeling pretty good about the job he did in his rookie campaign, apparently, and went at ownership with a demand to gain more control over player personnel decisions.

After his request was denied, the Nets granted the Bucks permission to speak with Kidd about an opportunity within their organization.

From Tim Bontemps of the New York Post:

According to a league source, Kidd recently approached ownership with a series of demands, including the role of overseeing the Nets’ basketball operations department in addition to his head coaching responsibilities. The source said Kidd didn’t want general manager Billy King to be dismissed, but wanted to be given a title and placed above him in the organizational hierarchy.

Ownership declined to grant Kidd that kind of power, which is rare for any coach in the league to have. The source said ownership felt Kidd wasn’t ready for that kind of responsibility after having only one year of coaching experience — the team finished his first season on the bench with a 44-38 record, good for sixth in the Eastern Conference — and allowed Kidd to seek other opportunities.

The franchise then was approached by the Bucks for permission to speak with Kidd about the prospect of hiring him, and the Nets granted permission.

This, essentially, is pretty nuts.

Every head coach in the league would want to have input on the players they end up coaching, but even those long-tenured in their position don’t go to ownership with these kinds of demands. Kidd turned things around after a slow start, but didn’t do anything to prove he knows better than anyone else who would best fit the team from a personnel standpoint.

Depending on how contentious the talks between Kidd and the front office were, if I’m the Nets, my message is this: Have fun in Milwaukee.

The Bucks have been historically terrible, and play in a small and undesirable market where no free agents will sign. Contrast that with Brooklyn’s billionaire owner that will pay whatever it costs to assemble a roster capable of contending, and it’s tough to imagine a scenario where Milwaukee would be a more favorable choice, even with the more prestigious title and the added responsibility.

As to the question of, ‘why the Bucks?,’ Ken Berger of CBSSports.com has an idea.

Ken Berger ? @KBergCBS
Follow

Bucks new co-owner Mark Lasry is close with Kidd, serving at one time as his financial advisor.
9:52 AM - 29 Jun 2014

 

[MylesBAstor]

No Kidding...

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports....ermission-to-speak-with-jason-kidd/?cid=Yahoo



Report: Nets grant Bucks permission to speak with Jason Kidd

Brett Pollakoff

Jun 28, 2014, 10:01 PM EDT
31 Comments
Jason Kidd Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd got off to an extremely rough start in Brooklyn in his first year as head coach, but eventually was able to gain his players’ trust and guide the team to a trip to the second round of the postseason.

Kidd was feeling pretty good about the job he did in his rookie campaign, apparently, and went at ownership with a demand to gain more control over player personnel decisions.

After his request was denied, the Nets granted the Bucks permission to speak with Kidd about an opportunity within their organization.

From Tim Bontemps of the New York Post:

According to a league source, Kidd recently approached ownership with a series of demands, including the role of overseeing the Nets’ basketball operations department in addition to his head coaching responsibilities. The source said Kidd didn’t want general manager Billy King to be dismissed, but wanted to be given a title and placed above him in the organizational hierarchy.

Ownership declined to grant Kidd that kind of power, which is rare for any coach in the league to have. The source said ownership felt Kidd wasn’t ready for that kind of responsibility after having only one year of coaching experience — the team finished his first season on the bench with a 44-38 record, good for sixth in the Eastern Conference — and allowed Kidd to seek other opportunities.

The franchise then was approached by the Bucks for permission to speak with Kidd about the prospect of hiring him, and the Nets granted permission.

This, essentially, is pretty nuts.

Every head coach in the league would want to have input on the players they end up coaching, but even those long-tenured in their position don’t go to ownership with these kinds of demands. Kidd turned things around after a slow start, but didn’t do anything to prove he knows better than anyone else who would best fit the team from a personnel standpoint.

Depending on how contentious the talks between Kidd and the front office were, if I’m the Nets, my message is this: Have fun in Milwaukee.

The Bucks have been historically terrible, and play in a small and undesirable market where no free agents will sign. Contrast that with Brooklyn’s billionaire owner that will pay whatever it costs to assemble a roster capable of contending, and it’s tough to imagine a scenario where Milwaukee would be a more favorable choice, even with the more prestigious title and the added responsibility.

As to the question of, ‘why the Bucks?,’ Ken Berger of CBSSports.com has an idea.

Ken Berger ? @KBergCBS
Follow

Bucks new co-owner Mark Lasry is close with Kidd, serving at one time as his financial advisor.
9:52 AM - 29 Jun 2014

Guess Nets weren't all that thrilled with Kidd either. 'Course there has to be something in it for the Nets eg. Player, draft pick, etc. they're not letting Kidd go for nothing either. What did Doc cost?

 

[jadis]

Guess Nets weren't all that thrilled with Kidd either. 'Course there has to be something in it for the Nets eg. Player, draft pick, etc. they're not letting Kidd go for nothing either. What did Doc cost?

C's got the Clippers' 2015 1st round draft pick. And if the Bucks are crazy enough to let go of their coming 1st round draft picks, the Nets will be jumping for joy to get a high draft (Bucks just got No. 2 overall a few days ago) and to get rid of Kidd to boot. The immediate future of the Nets is cloudy. Pierce and KG may bolt as well, and they just lost 2 first rounders for virtually nothing, not even an Eastern Finals.

 

[rblnr]

July 1 is going to be interesting. Free Agents will be called by various teams. Melo to Chicago or Houston or just stay put in New York? Since Phil Jackson is hoping Melo stays in NY for less money (max deal in NY spells $130 for 5 years), he could very well do that in Chicago or Houston without waiting for a rebuilt. So I wouldn't be surprised if Melo bolts.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-b...ing-less-money-to-stay-a-knick-205414318.html

Should be a fun FA/trade season.

Can't fathom why the Bucks want (and particularly would give anything up) for Kidd who did little to distinguish himself with the Nets. Seems like there are a ton of better choices out there, and with a young team you might look at the college ranks too.

 

[FrantzM]

Should be a fun FA/trade season.

Can't fathom why the Bucks want (and particularly would give anything up) for Kidd who did little to distinguish himself with the Nets. Seems like there are a ton of better choices out there, and with a young team you might look at the college ranks too.

Kidd was an awful choice for the Nets. They are trying to find ways to dump him. If I were his friend, I would advise him to be careful. He is not the coach he think he is .. Not yet anyway. If he goes on being arrogant and mediocre his coaching days will be very soon behind him.

 

[rblnr]

Kidd was an awful choice for the Nets. They are trying to find ways to dump him. If I were his friend, I would advise him to be careful. He is not the coach he think he is .. Not yet anyway. If he goes on being arrogant and mediocre his coaching days will be very soon behind him.

Yeah, and why not go for Mark Jackson then if you're looking for a former player?

 

[Steve williams]

Yeah, and why not go for Mark Jackson then if you're looking for a former player?

Maybe even VDN

 

[jadis]

Well, Kidd may be bragging about his Nets sweeping the season series against the Heat - REGULAR GAMES, that is (and the only team to do so) when he asked for more power in the higher position. Honestly, I felt he underused KG ( I think 20 min/g or even less) all throughout. The 'spiritual team' leader that KG was in Boston was not there with the Nets. I think KG should retire if that is just going to be his role.

Mark Jackson could be a candidate, but he just clashed with the higher ups in GS.

Vinnie? If he comes in, that's a sign that Prokhorov is selling his team for at least $2b.

 

[jadis]

Free agent shopping time in a couple of days. Wow, the Heat and the Lakers have a ton of FAs. But is is assumed that the Big 3 of the Heat are opting out to help Riley get in more help via salary restructuring. And I am not counting out Melo in their plans. Melo can be an easy substitute for Ray Allen, though not of the catch and shoot variety, he can bring in 27ppg each night.

I'd love to see Diaw and Patty Mills back with the Spurs. They were the 'X-men' in Finals.


The NBA free-agent negotiating period begins on July 1. Players can agree to new deals starting then but can't sign until July 10. Below is the list of free agents for each team, excluding players who have nonguaranteed contracts for 2014-15. Keep in mind that players who are listed as restricted free agents would become unrestricted free agents if they do not receive a qualifying offer from their current teams by June 30.

ETO: Early Termination Option | P: Player Option | R: Restricted Free Agent | T: Team Option

Atlanta Hawks: Gustavo Ayon (R), Elton Brand, Shelvin Mack (R), Cartier Martin, Mike Scott (R)

Boston Celtics: Avery Bradley (R), Jerryd Bayless, Kris Humphries

Brooklyn Nets: Alan Anderson, Andray Blatche, Jason Collins, Shaun Livingston, Paul Pierce

Charlotte Hornets: Chris Douglas-Roberts, Josh McRoberts Jannero Pargo, Luke Ridnour, Anthony Tolliver, D.J. White

Chicago Bulls: Jimmer Fredette, Kirk Hinrich, Mike James, Nazr Mohammed

Cleveland Cavaliers: Luol Deng, Spencer Hawes, C.J. Miles

Dallas Mavericks: DeJuan Blair, Vince Carter, Devin Harris, Bernard James (R), Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki

Denver Nuggets: Aaron Brooks, Jan Vesely

Detroit Pistons: Chauncey Billups (T), Jonas Jerebko (P), Greg Monroe (R), Rodney Stuckey, Charlie Villanueva

Golden State Warriors: Hilton Armstrong, Steve Blake, Jordan Crawford (R), Jermaine O'Neal

Houston Rockets: Troy Daniels (T), Francisco Garcia (P), Jordan Hamilton, Chandler Parsons (R)

Indiana Pacers: Lavoy Allen (R), Rasual Butler, Lance Stephenson, Evan Turner (R)

Los Angeles Clippers: Darren Collison, Glen Davis, Danny Granger, Ryan Hollins, Hedo Turkoglu

Los Angeles Lakers: Kent Bazemore (R), MarShon Brooks, Jordan Farmar, Pau Gasol, Xavier Henry, Jordan Hill, Wesley Johnson, Chris Kaman, Ryan Kelly (R), Jodie Meeks, Nick Young

Memphis Grizzlies: Ed Davis (R), James Johnson, Mike Miller, Zach Randolph (P), Beno Udrih

Miami Heat: Ray Allen, Chris Andersen (P), Michael Beasley, Chris Bosh (ETO), Mario Chalmers, Toney Douglas, James Jones, Udonis Haslem (P), LeBron James, Rashard Lewis, Greg Oden, Dwyane Wade (ETO)

Milwaukee Bucks: Jeff Adrien, Ramon Sessions, Ekpe Udoh (R)

Minnesota Timberwolves: Dante Cunningham, Robbie Hummel (R), Othyus Jeffers

New Orleans Pelicans: Al-Farouq Aminu, Darius Miller (R), Anthony Morrow (P), Brian Roberts (R), Jason Smith, James Southerland (R), Greg Stiemsma

New York Knicks: Cole Aldrich, Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin, Toure Murry (R)

Oklahoma City Thunder: Caron Butler, Grant Jerrett (T), Thabo Sefolosha

Orlando Magic: E'Twaun Moore (R)

Philadelphia 76ers: Byron Mullens, Adonis Thomas

Phoenix Suns: Leandro Barbosa, Eric Bledsoe (R), Channing Frye, Emeka Okafor, P.J. Tucker (R)

Portland Trail Blazers: Mo Williams, Earl Watson

Sacramento Kings: Jared Cunningham, Aaron Gray, Isaiah Thomas (R)

San Antonio Spurs: Aron Baynes (R), Matt Bonner, Boris Diaw, Patty Mills

Toronto Raptors: Nando De Colo, Kyle Lowry, Patrick Patterson (R), Greivis Vasquez (R)

Utah Jazz: Andrid Biedrins, Gordon Hayward (R), Richard Jefferson, Brandon Rush, Marvin Williams

Washington Wizards: Trevor Ariza, Trevor Booker (R), Drew Gooden, Al Harrington, Marcin Gortat, Kevin Seraphin (R), Chris Singleton, Garrett Temple

 

[MylesBAstor]

Well, Kidd may be bragging about his Nets sweeping the season series against the Heat - REGULAR GAMES, that is (and the only team to do so) when he asked for more power in the higher position. Honestly, I felt he underused KG ( I think 20 min/g or even less) all throughout. The 'spiritual team' leader that KG was in Boston was not there in the Nets. I think KG should retire if that is just going to be his role.

Mark Jackson could be a candidate, but he just clashed with the higher ups in GS.

Vinnie? If he comes in, that's a sign that Prokhorov is selling his team for at least $2b.

I'm not sure how you can say Kidd underused KG. Garnett missed much of the season with a lower back injury; even after Garnett returned, his minutes were limited--not to mention Garnett was out of shape and could only play so much.

 

[jadis]

I'm not sure how you can say Kidd underused KG. Garnett missed much of the season with a lower back injury; even after Garnett returned, his minutes were limited--not to mention Garnett was out of shape and could only play so much.

In the games where KG was healthy he looked alright and was a starter in all playoff games, IIRC. He was still ok with medium pop shots. Then he wouldn't be seen much in the 4th quarter anymore. That is the reverse of how Doc used KG even in this last season in Boston.
And Blatche too saw little time, there were 2 games in the Eastern semis where he played only 4 minutes each. Maybe Kidd was trying to play small ball too.

 

[rblnr]

Maybe even VDN

Yes! My favorite

 

[MylesBAstor]

In the games where KG was healthy he looked alright and was a starter in all playoff games, IIRC. He was still ok with medium pop shots. Then he would be seen much in the 4th quarter anymore. That is the reverse of how Doc used KG even in this last season in Boston.
And Blatche too saw little time, there were 2 games in the Eastern semis where he played only 4 minutes each. Maybe Kidd was trying to play small ball too.

I think Blatche wore down by the end of the season. Just my impression....

 

[jadis]

I think Blatche wore down by the end of the season. Just my impression....

And Blatche just became a naturalized Filipino citizen and will help our Philippine national team in August at the FIBA championship in Spain.

 

[jadis]

Not a bad place to start for Melo.


Report: Carmelo Anthony to visit Bulls first in free agency

http://www.si.com/nba/2014/06/29/carmelo-anthony-free-agent-agency-bulls-mavericks-rockets

Free-agent-to-be Carmelo Anthony will make his first official visit to the Chicago Bulls on the opening day of free agency, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported Sunday.

Anthony is expected to visit with at least the Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks on his upcoming free-agency tour. The Miami Heat have also reportedly looked into the possibility of their "Big Three" restructuring their contracts to fit Anthony, and the Phoenix Suns are reportedly looking to make a move for both Anthony and LeBron James. Anthony, who has an offseason home in Los Angeles, is also expected to meet with the Los Angeles Lakers, according to Stein.

Anthony plans to meet with Chicago soon after free agency officially begins at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Stein reported. According to the report, he would then travel to meet with Houston on Wednesday morning and Dallas in the afternoon.

Anthony, a seven-time All-Star, will be one of the most highly sought-after free agents following his decision to opt out of the final year of his contract with the New York Knicks. In free agency, Anthony will be in position to sign a five-year contract with New York that could be worth approximately $129 million if he decides to return. With another team, the most he could sign for is $95.8 million over four years.

According to Stein, the Knicks are "increasingly optimistic" about their chances of re-signing Anthony. The Knicks are preparing to make a push for free-agent forward Pau Gasol to replace Tyson Chandler, who they traded to Dallas last week.