Hornacek looked great last year until they made some bad trades. Still finished close to a .500 record.
This year was a disaster but the team was wracked with injuries.
Problems were more of the GM's making than the coach.
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Hornacek looked great last year until they made some bad trades. Still finished close to a .500 record.
This year was a disaster but the team was wracked with injuries.
Problems were more of the GM's making than the coach.
A Suns fan pointed out that by trading away Dragic and Isaiah Thomas last year, the Suns gave away around 40 ppg.
Steve Williams
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It's usually the coach that goes. Having said that I am fascinated about the Blake Griffin rumors
Steve Williams
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Ballmer says Griffin will face ‘consequences’ for scuffle — The Los Angeles Clippers are about a week into the four-to-six-week timeframe they’re looking at being without All-Star power forward Blake Griffin. He is out with a broken hand, suffered during an off-the-court fight with a team equipment manager in Toronto a few weeks ago. While the NBA is investigating the incident, team owner Steve Ballmer says there will be repercussions for Griffin, writes Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times:
In his first interview since Blake Griffin punched out the team’s assistant equipment manager, the Clippers owner sounded as if he was prepared to discipline his All-Star forward.
Asked Wednesday night if he felt it necessary for the Clippers to take the kind of action that would represent what they stand for, Ballmer didn’t hesitate.
“There needs to be consequences,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
Citing a team investigation into the incident that resulted in a broken right hand for Griffin, Ballmer didn’t offer any details, so it’s not known whether the Clippers might add to whatever punishment the Kia pitchman receives from the NBA. Still, Ballmer made it clear that employee-on-employee violence would not be tolerated.
If his actions back his words, good for him.
…
Ballmer was measured when speaking of Griffin, condemning the player’s actions without tossing him under the proverbial bus.
“Just remember, Blake is a key part of his team,” Ballmer said.
At this moment, the courtside goofball in Ballmer emerged, as he extended his arms to mimic an embrace.
“We will welcome him back,” he said with a smile as broad as his shoulders.
This is something of a new experience for Ballmer. As the chief executive of Microsoft, he said there were times when key employees under-performed as a result of doing something stupid. However, he conceded, “We didn’t ever have a situation quite like this.”
Ballmer continued, “You know, everyone’s going to heal, and we’re going to have an opportunity to move forward. We’re going to finish our investigation, decide what needs to happen and move forward. Blake’s a key part of our team. There’s no question about that.
“He certainly has been remorseful, which is great, and we’ll find a way to move past it. That’s part of life. An important part of life is learning how to have consequences.”
In his first interview since Blake Griffin punched out the team’s assistant equipment manager, the Clippers owner sounded as if he was prepared to discipline his All-Star forward.
Asked Wednesday night if he felt it necessary for the Clippers to take the kind of action that would represent what they stand for, Ballmer didn’t hesitate.
“There needs to be consequences,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do.”
Citing a team investigation into the incident that resulted in a broken right hand for Griffin, Ballmer didn’t offer any details, so it’s not known whether the Clippers might add to whatever punishment the Kia pitchman receives from the NBA. Still, Ballmer made it clear that employee-on-employee violence would not be tolerated.
If his actions back his words, good for him.
…
Ballmer was measured when speaking of Griffin, condemning the player’s actions without tossing him under the proverbial bus.
“Just remember, Blake is a key part of his team,” Ballmer said.
At this moment, the courtside goofball in Ballmer emerged, as he extended his arms to mimic an embrace.
“We will welcome him back,” he said with a smile as broad as his shoulders.
This is something of a new experience for Ballmer. As the chief executive of Microsoft, he said there were times when key employees under-performed as a result of doing something stupid. However, he conceded, “We didn’t ever have a situation quite like this.”
Ballmer continued, “You know, everyone’s going to heal, and we’re going to have an opportunity to move forward. We’re going to finish our investigation, decide what needs to happen and move forward. Blake’s a key part of our team. There’s no question about that.
“He certainly has been remorseful, which is great, and we’ll find a way to move past it. That’s part of life. An important part of life is learning how to have consequences.”
Something to get excited about for a C's fan. Boston surprised LeBron and company with a 3 point buzzer beater to win by 1. 
C's were down big early but fought back to take a 7 point lead late fourth only have to trail by 4 with a about a minute left. The rest is history, we socked LeBron in his house.
C's were down big early but fought back to take a 7 point lead late fourth only have to trail by 4 with a about a minute left. The rest is history, we socked LeBron in his house.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Here's a great read about KD and GSW.
If it comes Bout whose team would it be Steph's or KD. I have memories of Shaq and Kobe.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/how-th...letter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nba
If it comes Bout whose team would it be Steph's or KD. I have memories of Shaq and Kobe.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/how-th...letter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nba
Nice segue to to Blake Griffin.
Very stupid move on his part. He went from hero to goat in record time.
I always thought CP3 or D'Andre Jordan were more likely to be traded. Not so much any more.
The Celtics are looking good with great upside. Lots of draft picks to maneuver with, too. Hope the Dwight Coward trade to Boston rumors aren't true. He's not a team player.
Nice segue to to Blake Griffin.
Very stupid move on his part. He went from hero to goat in record time.
I always thought CP3 or D'Andre Jordan were more likely to be traded. Not so much any more.
The Celtics are looking good with great upside. Lots of draft picks to maneuver with, too. Hope the Dwight Coward trade to Boston rumors aren't true. He's not a team player.
Lots of Blake trade rumors scenarios. He might be gone by trade deadline. Yes, I always thought he was a gentle man, taking so much hits and shots in the past.
Ainge has has a lot of assets to play with to get an impact player if he comes along. Howard, now I can't understand why he gets $22m for such inconsistent play.
I have never been to OKC. I grew up in the inner city of DC. I promise you that is "culture shock."With the internet and cheap air fare he can access a amjor urban city pretty easily.Russell Westbrook may be more of the problem. In that case why would he want to go to GSW.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
so as of yesterday the GSW are 46-4 with 32 games left.
They have a 41 game unbeaten streak at home which is the equivalent of an entire season of being unbeaten at home. This team is truly exceptional and one can only wonder if it will be a good thing or a bad thing if KD joins the Warriors. Whose team will it be
They have a 41 game unbeaten streak at home which is the equivalent of an entire season of being unbeaten at home. This team is truly exceptional and one can only wonder if it will be a good thing or a bad thing if KD joins the Warriors. Whose team will it be
If I am Golden State why would I want Durant?
They have a great thing going. Why rock the boat?
Durant is an alpha dog. He'll want to run the pack.
That would upset the incredible chemistry the Warriors have achieved.
Very risky move in my opinion.
They have a great thing going. Why rock the boat?
Durant is an alpha dog. He'll want to run the pack.
That would upset the incredible chemistry the Warriors have achieved.
Very risky move in my opinion.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Knicks fire coach Fisher, name Rambis interim coach
By BRIAN MAHONEY, AP
NEW YORK (AP) — Derek Fisher was fired as New York Knicks coach Monday, with his team having lost five straight and nine of 10 to fall well back in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Associate head coach Kurt Rambis was promoted to interim head coach. He went 56-145 in two seasons as Minnesota's coach.
Fisher was midway through his second season. The Knicks are 23-31 and went 40-96 under Fisher. Team President Phil Jackson hired his former player in June 2014 shortly after Fisher ended his playing career.
Fisher thanked Jackson, Madison Square Garden Chairman James Dolan, along with his players and staff.
"This is a very talented team with strong character and I am confident they will succeed," Fisher said in a statement. "Obviously, I'm disappointed, but have learned an immense amount from this experience and hope to grow from it."
The Knicks went 17-65 last season but upgraded their roster during the summer with the drafting of Kristaps Porzingis and the signing of veterans Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez.
They had the look of a playoff team most of the season but are stumbling into the All-Star break, and fans loudly booed when they fell behind by 19 points Sunday during a 101-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Fisher accepted some of the blame for the team's recent slow starts after the game, though All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony said that was the responsibility of the players.
Fisher was a five-time champion playing under Jackson with the Lakers and known as one of the league's smartest players. Jackson turned to him as his second choice after Steve Kerr chose to take the Golden State Warriors' job after he was on the verge of accepting the Knicks' offer.
By BRIAN MAHONEY, AP
NEW YORK (AP) — Derek Fisher was fired as New York Knicks coach Monday, with his team having lost five straight and nine of 10 to fall well back in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Associate head coach Kurt Rambis was promoted to interim head coach. He went 56-145 in two seasons as Minnesota's coach.
Fisher was midway through his second season. The Knicks are 23-31 and went 40-96 under Fisher. Team President Phil Jackson hired his former player in June 2014 shortly after Fisher ended his playing career.
Fisher thanked Jackson, Madison Square Garden Chairman James Dolan, along with his players and staff.
"This is a very talented team with strong character and I am confident they will succeed," Fisher said in a statement. "Obviously, I'm disappointed, but have learned an immense amount from this experience and hope to grow from it."
The Knicks went 17-65 last season but upgraded their roster during the summer with the drafting of Kristaps Porzingis and the signing of veterans Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez.
They had the look of a playoff team most of the season but are stumbling into the All-Star break, and fans loudly booed when they fell behind by 19 points Sunday during a 101-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets.
Fisher accepted some of the blame for the team's recent slow starts after the game, though All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony said that was the responsibility of the players.
Fisher was a five-time champion playing under Jackson with the Lakers and known as one of the league's smartest players. Jackson turned to him as his second choice after Steve Kerr chose to take the Golden State Warriors' job after he was on the verge of accepting the Knicks' offer.
KD would be a huge, huge upgrade over HB. If KD comes, he comes into an existing system, an existing style of play. If KD comes, he's buying into the system.
If he comes, however, the price is steep. It probably means Bogut, Iggy and HB are gone. 3 bodies for 1. The Dubs lose depth. The Dubs lose a great rim protector and passer in Bogut. And when Bogus and Dray are on the court together, there are very few lay ups given up. Festus hasn't shown he can stay healthy for a whole season and he is a foul waiting to happen as soon as he steps on the court. Of course, Bogut hasn't shown he can stay healthy either.
The Dubs also would lose their rock, their 2nd string quarterback with great defensive hands, maybe the best hands in the game, and LBJ stopper in Iggy.
It's a tough, tough call for the Dubs if KD is interested. I say the Dubs go for it, if possible.
Speaking strictly with my Clippers fan hat on, I hope the Warriors sign Durant. Takes out OKC as a competitor in the West and weakens the Warriors - my opinion of course - and I've been wrong before.
On another topic, surprised to see Derek Fisher get fired by his mentor Phil Jackson. Bet Matt Barnes is a happy guy today.
On another topic, surprised to see Derek Fisher get fired by his mentor Phil Jackson. Bet Matt Barnes is a happy guy today.
Clippers trailed the 76ers almost the entire game and had to go to overtime to beat Philly.
LAC played so poorly I was rooting for the 76ers to win at one point.
Reminded me of the bad old days with the Clippers in the early 2000's - they'd lead a good team until crunch time and then give then game away.
LAC played so poorly I was rooting for the 76ers to win at one point.
Reminded me of the bad old days with the Clippers in the early 2000's - they'd lead a good team until crunch time and then give then game away.
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Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Rumor: Lakers would fire Byron Scott for Luke Walton
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The Lakers reportedly view the rest of the season as a tryout for Byron Scott.
Unless Warriors assistant Luke Walton wants the job. Then, Scott is out.
So says a notable Lakers rumormonger.
I’m hearing he’s gone if Luke Walton wants to come in and take the job next season, that if he wants to do that, that obviously they would move beyond the Byron Scott era and bring in Luke Walton, that Luke Walton, however, as much as he loves the Lakers and California, may not find that to be an attractive job unless they position themselves to acquire somebody like a Ben Simmons. That is what I have heard.
I have also heard that it’s very, very possible that Jeanie Buss is going to keep her word and fire her brother Jim Buss – thank the good lord – and that Mitch Kupchak may very well not be safe as well.
How definitive that is remains to be seen. But that is the chatter in NBA circles.
Walton played for the Lakers, and Kobe Bryant still respects him. Though Kobe will retire after the season, his endorsement could still carry weight – especially as it speaks to players’ perception of Walton.
The Golden State assistant impressed while filling in for Steve Kerr as acting head coach. He has already been linked to the Knicks and Suns, and he could get other offers.
If the Lakers keep their top-three-protected first-round pick, they’d have an intriguing job with D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, a promising rookie, matching rights for Arenas-provision-limited Jordan Clarkson and tons of cap space. If the Lakers lose their pick, the job would look a lot worse. Either way, staying in California and leading one of the NBA’s premier franchises could appeal to Walton.
It’s this interest that makes me believe Scott’s “tryout” is little more than a courtesy for a former player who helped the Lakers win championships. If they’d fire Scott for Walton, how many other replacements would warrant dumping Scott? My list would be long enough to ensure he gets canned.
As far as Jim Buss, his deadline for turning around the team or losing his job has been a source of contention. But even Jeannie, who gives him less time than he gives himself, said he had until the summer of 2017.
Lakers fans might have to settle for exercising one one of their demons.
8 Comments
The Lakers reportedly view the rest of the season as a tryout for Byron Scott.
Unless Warriors assistant Luke Walton wants the job. Then, Scott is out.
So says a notable Lakers rumormonger.
I’m hearing he’s gone if Luke Walton wants to come in and take the job next season, that if he wants to do that, that obviously they would move beyond the Byron Scott era and bring in Luke Walton, that Luke Walton, however, as much as he loves the Lakers and California, may not find that to be an attractive job unless they position themselves to acquire somebody like a Ben Simmons. That is what I have heard.
I have also heard that it’s very, very possible that Jeanie Buss is going to keep her word and fire her brother Jim Buss – thank the good lord – and that Mitch Kupchak may very well not be safe as well.
How definitive that is remains to be seen. But that is the chatter in NBA circles.
Walton played for the Lakers, and Kobe Bryant still respects him. Though Kobe will retire after the season, his endorsement could still carry weight – especially as it speaks to players’ perception of Walton.
The Golden State assistant impressed while filling in for Steve Kerr as acting head coach. He has already been linked to the Knicks and Suns, and he could get other offers.
If the Lakers keep their top-three-protected first-round pick, they’d have an intriguing job with D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, a promising rookie, matching rights for Arenas-provision-limited Jordan Clarkson and tons of cap space. If the Lakers lose their pick, the job would look a lot worse. Either way, staying in California and leading one of the NBA’s premier franchises could appeal to Walton.
It’s this interest that makes me believe Scott’s “tryout” is little more than a courtesy for a former player who helped the Lakers win championships. If they’d fire Scott for Walton, how many other replacements would warrant dumping Scott? My list would be long enough to ensure he gets canned.
As far as Jim Buss, his deadline for turning around the team or losing his job has been a source of contention. But even Jeannie, who gives him less time than he gives himself, said he had until the summer of 2017.
Lakers fans might have to settle for exercising one one of their demons.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
Clippers suspend Griffin four games without pay
By BETH HARRIS, AP
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Blake Griffin was suspended four games without pay on Tuesday for punching a team staff member, and the Los Angeles Clippers will dock the star forward's pay for an additional game because he broke his shooting hand.
In all, Griffin will lose $859,442 from his season salary of $18,907,725.
A team spokesman said the suspension will begin when Griffin is healthy, cleared to play and active. He was expected to be out four-to-six weeks while his hand heals from the Jan. 23 altercation in Toronto.
The spokesman said the fine was issued by the Clippers, with the NBA assisting in the investigation of the incident as well as in the disciplinary process. No other punishment from the league is expected.
The Clippers end a four-game road trip Wednesday night in Boston before the All-Star break this weekend. They resume play with a four-game homestand starting Feb. 18 against San Antonio.
The Clippers will donate Griffin's salary from the five games to charities that help disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles. The team said Griffin asked to donate his time to the organizations.
"We have made it clear that this conduct has no place in the Clippers organization," team owner Steve Ballmer and coach Doc Rivers said in a joint statement. "Blake is remorseful and has apologized for his actions. He is a valued member of our Clippers family and we support him as he rejoins the team."
Ballmer and Rivers, who also is president of basketball operations, said Griffin is eager to get back to work, which starts immediately with rehab, appearances and attendance at games.
Griffin has been away from the team since he punched assistant equipment manager Matias Testi last month. Testi has yet to rejoin the team, although he is expected to at some point.
The Clippers are 18-4 without Griffin, who has been out since Dec. 26 with a partially torn left quadriceps tendon. He was close to returning from that injury when he punched Testi, who sustained multiple facial injuries. Both men were sent back to Los Angeles, where Griffin underwent a procedure on his hand.
There was no immediate comment from Griffin. He has been off Twitter since Jan. 26 when he posted an apology on the social media site, where he is a frequent user. He and Testi are friends and Griffin described him as "someone I care about."
A person with knowledge of the incident said last month that Griffin and Testi got into an argument during dinner that escalated. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Clippers had not confirmed those details publicly. Rivers said later that both men had been drinking.
Griffin was averaging 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists before being sidelined. He missed being selected to the All-Star game in Toronto for the first time in his six-year career because of his absence.
By BETH HARRIS, AP
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Blake Griffin was suspended four games without pay on Tuesday for punching a team staff member, and the Los Angeles Clippers will dock the star forward's pay for an additional game because he broke his shooting hand.
In all, Griffin will lose $859,442 from his season salary of $18,907,725.
A team spokesman said the suspension will begin when Griffin is healthy, cleared to play and active. He was expected to be out four-to-six weeks while his hand heals from the Jan. 23 altercation in Toronto.
The spokesman said the fine was issued by the Clippers, with the NBA assisting in the investigation of the incident as well as in the disciplinary process. No other punishment from the league is expected.
The Clippers end a four-game road trip Wednesday night in Boston before the All-Star break this weekend. They resume play with a four-game homestand starting Feb. 18 against San Antonio.
The Clippers will donate Griffin's salary from the five games to charities that help disadvantaged youth in Los Angeles. The team said Griffin asked to donate his time to the organizations.
"We have made it clear that this conduct has no place in the Clippers organization," team owner Steve Ballmer and coach Doc Rivers said in a joint statement. "Blake is remorseful and has apologized for his actions. He is a valued member of our Clippers family and we support him as he rejoins the team."
Ballmer and Rivers, who also is president of basketball operations, said Griffin is eager to get back to work, which starts immediately with rehab, appearances and attendance at games.
Griffin has been away from the team since he punched assistant equipment manager Matias Testi last month. Testi has yet to rejoin the team, although he is expected to at some point.
The Clippers are 18-4 without Griffin, who has been out since Dec. 26 with a partially torn left quadriceps tendon. He was close to returning from that injury when he punched Testi, who sustained multiple facial injuries. Both men were sent back to Los Angeles, where Griffin underwent a procedure on his hand.
There was no immediate comment from Griffin. He has been off Twitter since Jan. 26 when he posted an apology on the social media site, where he is a frequent user. He and Testi are friends and Griffin described him as "someone I care about."
A person with knowledge of the incident said last month that Griffin and Testi got into an argument during dinner that escalated. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the Clippers had not confirmed those details publicly. Rivers said later that both men had been drinking.
Griffin was averaging 23.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists before being sidelined. He missed being selected to the All-Star game in Toronto for the first time in his six-year career because of his absence.
+1
The GSW team is superb as it is. They need to focus on retaining their current rosters.OTOH the Lakers need KD... and a lot more. They're so pathetic I haven't bothered to watch any of their games
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Owner, Administrator
+1
The GSW team is superb as it is. They need to focus on retaining their current rosters.OTOH the Lakers need KD... and a lot more. They're so pathetic I haven't bothered to watch any of their games
I agree Frantz. KD would be a distraction on an already great team
Do you think Jeannie will follow through and fire brother Jim and possibly Mitch
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