Derrick Rose Gets His Own Skittles Machine

August 22nd, 2010

RoseSkittlesDerrick Rose Gets His Own Skittles Machine

Perhaps you think getting a big fat salary and being adored by millions of fans is more than enough for your average NBA player. However, there’s now another perk that comes with being an all-star baller, your very own candy machine.

Chicago Bulls superstar Derrick Rose has received a custom-made candy machine that dispenses Skittles.

The candies’ maker, the Wrigley Company, has been supplying Rose with product ever since they learned he had a hankering to “Taste the Rainbow.”

The machine has “D. Rose” emblazoned on the lower right corner and was delivered to the point guard’s home in early August.

Not only does the vending machine bear Rose’s name but it has a sensor that plays a recorded message when someone walks past (that might be a bit annoying).

No word on the nature of the message but Basketball Central believes it’s probably Tom Thibodeau shooting out offensive sets.

Rose is one of a select group of celebrities to receive their own customized candy machine. No word on whether or not Lamar Odom-Kardashian will receive one. The Los Angeles Lakers forward is known far and wide for having a legendary sweet tooth.

Odd as it sounds, the company has no plans to market the device. So at least in the immediate future, the only place to can get Skittles from a Derrick Rose Skittles machine is at Derrick Rose’s house.

Had I known that being an NBA star meant there was a chance that I could have received my very own candy machine, I would have worked on my jump shot a whole hell of a lot more.

Yes, the massive checks and the hot chicks are nice, but really, does anything beat your very own candy machine?

That’s what I thought, nothing does.

As for myself, my candy machine would dispense Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with a bottom row that’s half Snickers and half Peanuts M&M’s.

So, what would be in your custom candy machine?

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Brandon Roy Apologizes For Being In Music Video Featuring Drug References

August 19th, 2010

BRoy2Brandon Roy Apologizes For Being In Music Video Featuring Drug References

Portland Trail Blazers star Brandon Roy has issued an apology for appearing in a rap video featuring drug references. The video in question is “What They Want” from Cali & Cavalli.

As someone who watched the video let me just say Roy shouldn’t be the one apologizing, you hear me Cali & Cavalli?

BBC is just playin’. Nonetheless, Roy issued the following statement:

“It’s a situation where I should have been more responsible and usually I am. I didn’t know the guys that were shooting the video and I wasn’t participating in what they were talking about. I didn’t even know what the topic of the video was. For me, you know, I was trying to be nice and at the same time I don’t’ want to be part of something like that.

“I don’t want to make any excuses for it. I shouldn’t have been involved. I don’t smoke marijuana. I don’t think kids should do it. I feel really bad that’s associated with my name and my family and that’s not what we’re about.”

Also appearing in the video was Jamal Crawford of the Atlanta Hawks and former Washington Husky hoopster Will Conroy.

Roy appears in the video for maybe five seconds. During that time he just stands there looking tall. There is nothing even remotely associated with drugs during the time he’s on screen—there’s nothing even remotely entertaining about the time he’s on screen.

The video itself is low budget and fairly benign. It could be shown during primetime on any of the major television networks—the video doesn’t feature scantily clad women shaking their money makers or gallons and gallons of Cristal flowing all over the place. Almost certainly you’ve seen and heard worse.

How the story goes: a couple of old friends asked Roy to appear in the rap video. To be nice, the NBA All-Star said yes. Roy said he spent a couple of minutes on the “set” and was nothing more than a bystander—all which appears to be true.

It just goes to show that for many professional athletes the biggest threats comes from the old neighborhood.

The alacrity, the length, and the sincerity (at least for those lacking cynicism) in which Roy apologized shows how sensitive both he, the Trail Blazers (formerly the Jail Blazers), and the NBA are to these type of things.

While rap music and the NBA are closely intertwined, the latter romanticizes several things the former wishes to avoid.

Now, I’m a staunch opponent of drug use, even the recreational use of marijuana, but this video did nothing to raise my ire—I confess though that I had to watch it twice in order to see the short clip of the “Mary Jane” (I blinked the first time). Still, in the grand scheme of things it’s harmless.

The video was far less offensive than Roy’s performance in last season’s playoffs.

I was more upset by the use of the “n” word and the misogynistic overtones than by the drug references (most of which went over my head anyways). Sadly, we live in a culture that hyperventilates when it sees an ounce of pot but doesn’t even flinch when a woman is called “bitch.”

Yes, Roy should have been more careful but he has profusely apologized. He completely understands what he did was wrong and he probably won’t be doing it again.

A lot of fans in Portland are still upset by this video but they shouldn’t be. This incident does not speak for B-Roy. He’s much better than this. The fact that he apologized is proof.

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The Big Leprechaun: Shaquille O’Neal Signs With Boston Celtics

August 4th, 2010

ShaqThe Big Leprechaun: Shaquille O’Neal Signs With Boston Celtics

Shaquille O’Neal has reportedly signed a 2-year deal worth $3 million with the Boston Celtics.

“I am honored to be joining the Celtics,” O’Neal said in a statement. “I have played against Paul, Ray, Kevin, Rajon, and Jermaine for many years and it will be great to be able to call them my teammates. I cannot wait to get to Boston to get started in pursuit of another championship.”

If O’Neal plays out his contract with the C’s and retires, he’ll finish his career with 20 seasons and at least four NBA championships.

However, this is Shaq’s fourth team in as many years. He was traded from the Miami Heat to the Phoenix Suns in 2008. After the 2008-09 season, he left the Valley of the Sun and signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He played just 53 games with LeBron James and company during the 2009-10 campaign.

Including Boston, this is Shaq Fu’s sixth NBA team of his career. He was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1992 and then signed with the Lakers in 1996. He spent eight seasons in Los Angeles, winning three titles, before relocating to South Beach prior to the 2003-04 NBA Season.

It’s obvious that The Big Aristotle’s skills have diminished. He hasn’t averaged 20 points a game since 2005-06 and he’s only once averaged more than 15 points a game since 2007-08. His rebounding numbers are also down.

NBA’S OLDEST TEAMS (Number of Players Over 30)
Lakers 30.0 (9)
Celtics 28.4 (6)
Heat 28.1 (7)
Mavericks 27.9 (6)
Nuggets 27.7 (5)

Yet, he is still coveted by teams—at least those vying for a championship. Apparently, an old Shaq is better than no Shaq at all.

“It is not every day that you can add a player of Shaquille’s caliber to your team,” said Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge via a statement. “His past experience speaks for itself and we believe that he is a great fit for our roster.”

It’s clear that Shaq’s main weapons nowadays are experience and his ebullient personality.

Those attributes didn’t fit in Phoenix and the team in Cleveland had more serious problems then melding with an aging center.

The Celtics are hoping that the NBA’s biggest hired gun will finally hit his target. Fortunately for the Big Sidekick he’ll have three other Hall of Famers to lean on while in Bean Town.

But which Shaq will we remember? The dominating Diesel in Los Angeles or the sad wandering vagabond playing out the twilight of his career with whatever team would have him?

Perhaps a little of both, but more than likely O’Neal will be remembered for being “Shaq” far more than he’ll be remembered for his 28,000-plus points, his nearly 13,000 rebounds, his NBA MVP, or his 15 All-Star appearances.

Shaq is one of the greatest players of all-time and sometimes we want our legends to go out on our terms. But it’s his career and he can do with it what he wants.

Whether the upcoming season ends in a championship run or a lottery let-down, let’s just hope Shaq can go out on his terms.

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Heat Take On Celtics To Open NBA’s Primetime TV Schedule

August 3rd, 2010

HeatvsCelticsHeat Take On Celtics To Open NBA’s Primetime TV Schedule

If you can’t stand the Heat then don’t watch the NBA.

Ha! See what we did there?

Actually the Miami Heat are not on the NBA’s just-released primetime television schedule all that much. In fact, it’s surprising how little “Heat” the NBA has.

Of course the NBA has made Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Chris Bosh’s debut as Miami’s “Big Three” their primetime television season opener on Oct. 26. The Heat travel to Boston to play the Celtics and their “Big Three” in a game televised on TNT.

Three nights later (Oct. 29), the Heat and the Orlando Magic renew their rivalry on ESPN. I can already hear the “sucking up” from the sycophants in Bristol.

Next, the Heat battle the reigning champs, the Los Angeles Lakers, on Christmas Day. The game is one of two broadcasted on ABC and one of five the NBA has planned for the Yuletide.

The schedule, released by the Association on Tuesday, just encompasses nationally televised primetime games for the season’s opening week, Christmas, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 17)

The networks involved are TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV.

A full schedule is due out Aug. 10.

So far, the Heat are scheduled to play as many games on national television as the Celtics and the Portland Trail Blazers (3).

However, NBA TV is holding its fist Fan Night game on Nov. 2. The Heat could be part of that affair.

The Lakers, the Magic, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Chicago Bulls each grace primetime four times.

The NBA’s other opening night primetime game is the Lakers hosting the Houston Rockets. The contest marks the return of Yao Ming who missed all of last season with a foot injury he suffered in the 2009 NBA Playoffs.

The next night, Oct. 27, ESPN starts their NBA 2010-11 broadcast schedule with a double-header featuring the Bulls at the Thunder followed by the Clippers hosting the Blazers.

Washington Wizards’ number one overall draft pick John Wall makes his nationally television debut against the Magic on Oct. 28 on TNT.

The New York Knicks make one appearance, Christmas Day at Noon ET on ESPN. Their opponent is their archrival the Bulls.

Overall, 19 of the NBA’s 30 teams are slated to be on national television at least once by the end of MLK Day. One of the eleven teams not participating in a nationally televised broadcast is the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Courtesy of NBA.com.

Courtesy of NBA.com

UPDATE: The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer is reporting that the Heat will travel to Cleveland on Dec. 2 and that that game will be broadcasted on TNT. The Cavs travel to Miami for games on Dec. 15 and Jan. 31 according to multiple reports. The Cavs will once again host the Heat on March 29.

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Chris Paul: Trade Him To Orlando Now!

July 25th, 2010

chris_paul_2Chris Paul: Trade Him To Orlando Now!

The New Orleans Hornets need to trade Chris Paul to the Orlando Magic and they need to do it yesterday.

It doesn’t matter that the Dallas Mavericks have the most to offer the Hornets, or the Portland Trail Blazers, New Jersey Nets, and Charlotte Bobcats are interested in the three-time all-star too.

The NBA needs Paul in Orlando. Think about it. What a great rivalry that would create between the Miami Heat with their big three—Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh—and the Orlando Magic with their big three—Paul, Dwight Howard, and Stan Van Gundy.

The Sunshine State would have five of the best 10 basketball players in the world and quite possibly all five members of the All-NBA First Team. Not only that but then the Magic’s two best players would have four first names (Chris, Paul, Dwight, and Howard).

What if the Hornets don’t like what the Magic have to offer?

No biggie. David Stern will intervene and sweeten the pot. Perhaps he can compensate the Hornets with a draft pick or seven. While he’s at it, he’ll throw in some pristine beach-front property for the state of Louisiana (surely Florida has some to spare).

If he needs to Stern can always sweeten the gumbo with a defensive back and/or a wide receiver for the Saints (Big Easy residents care more about that team anyway).

Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter how the Hornets are compensated for surrendering Paul to the Magic Kingdom. The franchise isn’t going to win anything anyways with or without him.

You see, Paul has to go to Orlando not for the sake of basketball fans but for the sake of ESPN and TNT. Just think of the television ratings when every week the Heat battle the Magic on basic cable (yes, weekly! The NBA would change its scheduling so the Heat and Magic could clash every six to eight days). Just think of the poor ad executives with families and mistresses to feed.

It doesn’t matter that Miami (apart from college football and when the Dolphins are winning) is one of the worst sports towns in America or that Orlando is one of the worst towns in America. The hype machine can take this match-up—which has about as much tradition as a summer league game—and turn it into a rivalry as rich and as hallowed as Clippers-Bucks. Wow, I just gave myself chills.

It doesn’t matter that Paul agreed to a four-year, $68 million extension before the start of last season. Contracts are just words on paper. It’s not like it’s an actual commitment. It’s not like Paul bumped fists with the Hornets organization.

It doesn’t matter that the majority of this ordeal is predicated on feeling left out. All of Paul’s friends are getting the sycophantic free agency treatment and he wants some of that attention too. Hey, when you have a nickname as awesome as “CP3″ you should feel entitled to such pampering.

It doesn’t matter that Paul has no real gripe against the Hornets. Yes, the franchise cast-away his friends (coach Byron Scott and center Tyson Chandler) but Paul is just a player and ultimately has no say whatsoever (nor should he) in personal decisions.

Yes, the team went 37-45 last season and as their best player he’s majorly responsible for that futility, but we should just ignore all that. After all, shoe commercials tell us Paul is a great player, and as we all know show commercials never lie.

Listen here naysayers, we’re talking about Chris “f-ing” Paul and Dwight “f-ing” Howard playing together on the same team. Just think of how all those Paul to Howard alley-oop dunks will benefit SportsCenter.

It also doesn’t matter that Paul is drenched in self-importance and narcissism. He talks like he’s the only member of the New Orleans organization that wants to win a championship. Did Monty Williams take the heading coach job just to boost the profile of his basketball camp? Did new general manager Dell Demps come aboard just so he could meet Jay-Z when the team travels to New Jersey?

You see basketball folks, Paul wants to win a NBA Title and in his world he’s one of four or five players who share that goal. He doesn’t care where he wins one as long as he wins one. It could be in New Orleans (although he doesn’t think so). It could be in New York or Portland or New Jersey or Timbuktu or Kalamazoo (by the way those last two cities were in the running for the franchise that’s currently in Oklahoma City).

It doesn’t matter where HE wins a championship as long as HE wins a championship because Paul is all about winning… and by winning we mean being on a team where winning is easy not the actual drive to compete and make the players around you better (that’s so 1990’s).

That’s why he needs to go to Orlando. Playing with Howard gives HIM a great (and easier) chance to win the championship HE so desperately wants. Besides, I’ve spoken with a colorist and Paul would look great in light royal.

It also doesn’t matter that his desires seem to perpetuate the dangerous trend of superstar consolidation. While Paul has expressed great interest in playing in O-town, his ultimate dream is to play in the Big Apple with Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony.

Fortunately for the trillions of hoop fans that don’t want to see the Association’s best 15 ballers play on just five teams, that “Big Three” is unlikely to happen. However, the “Big Two and of half” of Howard, Paul and Brandon Bass is doable, especially if the commissioner drops everything and makes Paul to Magic a reality.

After all, just think of how cool it would be to have Wade, James, & Bosh in Miami and Howard & Paul in Orlando—to have all five superstars in one state, in one division, just four hours apart. That would be very cool and isn’t being cool what the NBA is all about?

By the way, if Paul is traded to my favorite team than I take back everything I said in this article.

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Jordan & Barkley Put James In His Place

July 20th, 2010

lebron-james-cavaliersJordan & Barkley Put James In His Place

By signing with the Miami Heat to play with superstars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, LeBron James let everyone know that he’s not the next Michael Jordan but the next Scottie Pippen.

In other words, James isn’t the transcendent, once-in-a-lifetime talent we were told. He’s not “The King” but just a prince.

Don’t take Basketball Central’s word for it, just read what Michael Jordan had to say about James’ move to South Beach:

“There’s no way, with hindsight, I would’ve ever called up Larry [Bird], called up Magic [Johnson] and said, ‘Hey, look, let’s get together and play on one team. But that’s … things are different. I can’t say that’s a bad thing. It’s an opportunity these kids have today. In all honesty, I was trying to beat those guys.”

The best part of Jordan’s statement is the word “kids.” Ouch! If that doesn’t explain James’ actions nothing does. After all, how can you be “The Man” when you’re still just a kid?

But listen, if James wants to go to Miami and play with two other superstars so his path to championship glory can be easy, then fine. However, that decision comes with consequences such as he’s no longer “The Man,” and his team is no longer his team.

Again, don’t take our word for it, just read what Charles Barkley had to say:

“He’ll never be Jordan. This clearly takes him out of the conversation. He can win as much as he wants to.

“There would have been something honorable about staying in Cleveland and trying to win it as ‘The Man’ … LeBron, if he would’ve in Cleveland, and if he could’ve got a championship there, it would have been over the top for his legacy, just one in Cleveland. No matter how many he wins in Miami, it clearly is Dwyane Wade’s team.”

Predictably, ESPN disagrees with Chuck (and Michael). Then again the world wide leader in sports has lodged nary a negative word against James since he made his decision.

Writer Henry Abbott spent Monday defending James against Jordan and Barkley’s scathing remarks. The bald basketball bard wrote, “If refusing help when it’s available is the end goal, then in my mind we have cooked up one silly, old-fashioned definition of being the man.”

Abbott’s point is it really shouldn’t matter if a superstar wants to ditch a loyal franchise so he can play with two other superstars in a market that barely tolerates sports other than college football as long as the superstar helps ESPN sell ad time (that may contain a bit of hyperbole).

Like his fellow ESPN hacks, Abbott misses the point Jordan, Barkley, and BBC are trying to make. That is James’ decision to play with Wade and Bosh in Miami conflicts with what ESPN has been telling us to expect from “The King” for years. Namely, that LBJ is the next MJ.

James could have gone anywhere he wanted–it’s his career–but his decisions affect how he’s perceived.

People would be saying something completely different had James stayed in Cleveland. People’s opinion would be decidedly different had he signed with the Knicks or the Bulls or the Clippers or Olympiakos.

Remember, contrary to the narrative ESPN wants to shove down our throats, James must create his own legacy. His legacy shouldn’t create him. Jordan and Barkley realize this fact. ESPN doesn’t. That’s why they are constantly making excuses for the “man we thought would be king.”

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Chicago Bulls Turning Into ‘Chicago Jazz’: 2010 NBA Free Agency Update

July 16th, 2010

ChicagoJazz

Chicago Bulls Turning Into ‘Chicago Jazz’: 2010 NBA Free Agency Update

They may not be Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh but they are still a pretty good trio of basketball players.

This offseason the Chicago Bulls have acquired three former Utah Jazz players through free agency: Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, and Ronnie Brewer.

Brewer just signed with the Bulls. He agreed to a 3-year deal worth $12.5 million on Friday, July 16.

Eight days prior to Brewer’s announcement, the team officially introduced Boozer. He signed a 5-year contract worth $80. Korver joined the fray the following Wednesday. His deal is for 3-years, $15 million.

Last season, Brewer was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies from Utah prior to the trading deadline. He played five games with the Grizz before suffering a campaign-ending injury.

The Bulls tried to obtain a couple of the superstars mentioned in this article’s first sentence, but when that didn’t work, they went with Plan B.

It’s not that bad of Plan B either. The Bulls have a projected starting lineup of point guard Derrick Rose, shooting guard Brewer, small forward Luol Deng, power forward Boozer, and center Joakim Noah. Korver and second-year forward Taj Gibson will come off the bench.

As you can see by that solid one-through-seven, the Heat weren’t the only team in the east that made themselves better this summer. Basketball Central can’t wait to watch Rose lead this team next year. In some ways, the Bulls will be more exciting to watch than the Miami Heat.

Incidentally, the Jazz’s head coach, Jerry Sloan, is known as “The Original Bull,” since he was the first player acquired by the franchise when they came into the league in 1966. Sloan is also the first player to have his jersey retired by the Bulls.

Utah has just one free agent left for Chicago to poach. Center Kyrylo Fesenko—of the Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine Fesenko’s—is a restricted free agent.

NEW TEAM SALARY
Jason Collins
Joe Johnson Resigned 6 years, $119M
Randolph Morris
Joe Smith
Josh Childress – Restricted
Mario West – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Ray Allen Resigned 2-year, $20M
Tony Allen
Marquis Daniels
Michael Finley
Paul Pierce (ETO) Resigned 4-year, $61M
Nate Robinson Resigned 2-year, $8M
Brian Scalabrine
Shelden Williams Nuggets 1-year, .915M

NEW TEAM SALARY
Tyson Chandler (ETO) Resigned Final Year
Raymond Felton Knicks Undisclosed
Stephen Graham
Larry Hughes
Theo Ratliff
Tyrus Thomas – Restricted Resigned 5-year, $40M

NEW TEAM SALARY
Joe Alexander
Devin Brown
Acie Law
Brad Miller Rockets 3-year, $15M
Ronald Murray
Jannero Pargo
Hakim Warrick Suns 4-year, $18M

NEW TEAM SALARY
Zydrunas Ilgauskas Heat 2-year
LeBron James Heat 6-year, $110.1M
Shaquille O’Neal
Jawad Williams – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Brendan Haywood Resigned 6-year, $55M
Dirk Nowitzki Resigned 4-year, $80M
Tim Thomas

NEW TEAM SALARY
Malik Allen
Anthony Carter Resigned 1-year, $1.352M
Joey Graham
Johan Petro Nets 3-year $10M
Linas Kleiza – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Kwame Brown
Ben Wallace Resigned 2-year, 3.8M
Will Bynum – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Devean George
Chris Hunter
Anthony Tolliver
Anthony Morrow – Restricted
C.J. Watson – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Kyle Lowry – Restricted
Luis Scola – Restricted Resigned 5-year, $47 M

NEW TEAM SALARY
Luther Head Hornets Pending Physical
Earl Watson

NEW TEAM SALARY
Steve Blake Lakers 4-year, $16M
Rasual Butler
Drew Gooden Bucks 5-year, $32M
Steve Novak
Travis Outlaw Nets 5-year, $35M
Brian Skinner
Craig Smith
Bobby Brown – Restricted
Mardy Collins – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Shannon Brown
Derek Fisher Resigned Undisclosed
D.J. Mbenga
Adam Morrison
Josh Powell
Jordan Farmar – Restricted Nets Pending

NEW TEAM SALARY
Steven Hunter
Jamaal Tinsley
Marcus Williams
Ronnie Brewer – Restricted Bulls 3-year, $12.5M
Rudy Gay – Restricted Resigned 5-year, $80M

NEW TEAM SALARY
Rafer Alston
Carlos Arroyo
Yakhouba Diawara
Udonis Haslem Resigned 5-year, $14M
James Jones Resigned 1-year, $1M
Jamaal Magloire
Jermaine O’Neal Celtics 2-year
Shavlik Randolph
Quentin Richardson Magic 3-year, $7.5M
Dwyane Wade Resigned 6-year, $107.5M
Dorell Wright Warriors 3-year $10M
Joel Anthony – Restricted Resigned 5-year, $18M

NEW TEAM SALARY
Primoz Brezec
Royal Ivey
Luke Ridnour Timberwolves 4-year, $16M
John Salmons (ETO) Resigned 5-year, $39M
Jerry Stackhouse
Kurt Thomas

NEW TEAM SALARY
Brian Cardinal
Darko Milicic Resigned 4-year, $20M
Sasha Pavlovic
Oleksiy Pecherov
Damien Wilkins
Nathan Jawai – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Tony Battie
Trenton Hassell
Jarvis Hayes
Chris Quinn
Bobby Simmons
Josh Boone – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Ike Diogu
Sean Marks
Aaron Gray – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Jonathan Bender
Earl Barron
Brian Cardinal
Chris Duhon Magic 4-year, $15M
J.R. Giddens
Al Harrington Nuggets 5-year, $33M
Eddie House
David Lee Warriors 6-year, $80M
Tracy McGrady
Sergio Rodriguez

NEW TEAM SALARY
Kevin Ollie
Mustafa Shakur
Etan Thomas

NEW TEAM SALARY
Matt Barnes
Adonal Foyle
Anthony Johnson
Jason Williams
J.J. Redick – Restricted Resigned 3-year, 19M

NEW TEAM SALARY
Rodney Carney
Francisco Elson
Allen Iverson

NEW TEAM SALARY
Louis Amundson
Jarron Collins
Channing Frye Resigned 5-year, $30M
Amare Stoudemire (ETO) Knicks 5 years, $99.7M

NEW TEAM SALARY
Travis Diener
Juwan Howard
Patrick Mills – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Sean May
Ime Udoka
Jon Brockman – Restricted
Dominic McGuire – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Keith Bogans
Matt Bonner Resigned Tentative
Ian Mahinmi
Roger Mason

NEW TEAM SALARY
Chris Bosh Heat 6-year, $110.1M
Amir Johnson Resigned 5-year, $34M
Rasho Nesterovic
Patrick O’Bryant
Antoine Wright

NEW TEAM SALARY
Carlos Boozer Bulls 5-year, $75M
Kyle Korver Bulls 3-year, $15M
Kyrylo Fesenko – Restricted
Wes Matthews – Restricted Trail Blazers 5-year, $32.7M

NEW TEAM SALARY
Earl Boykins
Javaris Crittenton
Randy Foye Clippers Unannounced
Josh Howard
Cedric Jackson
Shaun Livingston Bobcats 2-year, $7M
Cartier Martin
Mike Miller Heat 5-year, $25M
Fabricio Oberto
James Singleton

Key: ETO = Early Termination Option
Updated 07-19-10/05:25

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James & Bosh Join Wade, Give Miami ‘Big Three’

July 11th, 2010

BoshJamesWade

James & Bosh Join Wade, Give Miami ‘Big Three’

If Pierce, Garnett, and Allen are the “Big Three.” Then what are Wade, James, and Bosh? The “Huge Three?” The “Gigantic Three?” The “Humongous Three?”

The nicknames will work themselves out but what we know for sure is the Miami Heat have resigned Dwyane Wade and signed LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

James, the most coveted free agent of the summer (of all-time for that matter), took less money so he could play in South Beach with Wade and Bosh. But even the most ardent and avid James fan has to admit the way he announced his decision was insulting and narcissistic.

So James’ image has taken a hit–big deal. He can easily change all that. All he and his cohorts have to do is win multiple NBA Championships. That’s all, nothing to major.

To help them in that quest, the Heat are looking to fill out their roster with the likes of Mike Miller, Udonis Haslem, Derek Fisher, Raja Bell, Chris Quinn, Quentin Richardson and Jamaal Magloire. At the time of writing this article, Miller and Haslem appear to be locks to join “Miami Thrice.”

While you wouldn’t want to count on those guys they would more than compliment an NBA Finals MVP, a 2-time league MVP, and 20-10 per night 5x All-Star.
Read the rest of this entry »

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Amare Stoudemire Agrees To Be A Knick: 2010 NBA Free Agency Update

July 5th, 2010

AmareAmare Stoudemire Agrees To Be A Knick: 2010 NBA Free Agency Update

The 2010 NBA Free Agency period rewarded yet another baller with a dump truck load of money.

On Monday, the New York Knicks reached an agreement with free agent power forward Amare Stoudemire. The contract is for five years and it’s worth $99.7 million. The deal will reunite Stoudemire with his old coach, Mike D’Antoni.

“The fact that Amare really wanted to come here and stepped up front, it got to the point that we had to acknowledge that,” said team president Donnie Walsh. “That means something to us.”

Now, before Knicks fans hyperventilate the deal was made with the “permission” of LeBron James. In other words, signing Stoudemire means the Knicks are still in the running to hold King James’ court.

Stoudemire has been in contact with his Highness. Both he and the Knicks remain optimistic that James will choose the Big Apple when he announces his decision late this week.

“I’m definitely going to reach out to him again and see if we can get him to come,” said Stoudemire. “I really have no reading on which way he is leaning at all, but again, he’s totally open right now, he hasn’t made a decision yet, and hopefully I can get him to choose us.”

This deal, which can’t be finalized until Thursday, means a couple of things. One, Chris Bosh and David Lee won’t be playing in New York next season. Two, it just got a whole lot easier for the Los Angeles Lakers to repeat in the West.

Stoudemire was the best player on the Western Conference’s second best team, the Phoenix Suns. Remember, Phoenix made it all the way to the conference finals last year.

The Suns may have lost Stoudemire but that doesn’t mean they have to stand around and feel sorry for themselves. In fact, they’ve already replaced Stoudemire by signing Hakim Warrick and resigning Channing Frye.

And no we didn’t write that with a straight face.
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2010 NBA Free Agency Scorecard

June 30th, 2010

lebron-james-23-birthday-big2010 NBA Free Agency Scorecard

The 2010 NBA Free Agency period is all about LeBron James. Where is the King going? Will he go to the Big Apple? Does he suit up in Chi-Town? How about relocating to Brooklyn? Or perhaps he’ll just stay in Cleveland.

Since his season ended the number one question in the basketball universe has been about LeBron’s future. That’s fine, but besides his majesty there are more than 150 restricted and unrestricted free agents hitting the market on July 1.

Included in the century-and-a-half of ballers looking to possibly apply their talents to new teams are big names like Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amare Stoudemire, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Tyson Chandler, Joe Johnson, Tracy McGrady, and Dirk Nowitzki.

To help you track all of the comings and goings, Basketball Central has created this handy-dandy 2010 NBA Free Agency Scorecard. Hoop fans can print this scorecard and then use it to record who goes where and for how much.

NEW TEAM SALARY
Jason Collins
Joe Johnson
Randolph Morris
Joe Smith
Josh Childress – Restricted
Mario West – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Ray Allen
Tony Allen
Marquis Daniels
Michael Finley
Paul Pierce (ETO)
Nate Robinson
Brian Scalabrine
Shelden Williams

NEW TEAM SALARY
Tyson Chandler (ETO)
Raymond Felton
Stephen Graham
Larry Hughes
Theo Ratliff
Tyrus Thomas – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Joe Alexander
Devin Brown
Acie Law
Brad Miller
Ronald Murray
Jannero Pargo
Hakim Warrick

NEW TEAM SALARY
Zydrunas Ilgauskas
LeBron James
Shaquille O’Neal
Jawad Williams – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Brendan Haywood
Dirk Nowitzki
Tim Thomas

NEW TEAM SALARY
Malik Allen
Anthony Carter
Joey Graham
Johan Petro
Linas Kleiza – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Kwame Brown
Ben Wallace
Will Bynum – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Devean George
Chris Hunter
Anthony Tolliver
Anthony Morrow – Restricted
C.J. Watson – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Kyle Lowry – Restricted
Luis Scola – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Luther Head
Earl Watson

NEW TEAM SALARY
Steve Blake
Rasual Butler
Drew Gooden
Steve Novak
Travis Outlaw
Brian Skinner
Craig Smith
Bobby Brown – Restricted
Mardy Collins – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Shannon Brown
Derek Fisher
D.J. Mbenga
Adam Morrison
Josh Powell
Jordan Farmar – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Steven Hunter
Jamaal Tinsley
Marcus Williams
Ronnie Brewer – Restricted
Rudy Gay – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Rafer Alston
Carlos Arroyo
Yakhouba Diawara
Udonis Haslem
Jamaal Magloire
Jermaine O’Neal
Shavlik Randolph
Quentin Richardson
Dwyane Wade
Dorell Wright
Joel Anthony – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Primoz Brezec
Royal Ivey
Luke Ridnour
John Salmons (ETO)
Jerry Stackhouse
Kurt Thomas

NEW TEAM SALARY
Brian Cardinal
Darko Milicic
Sasha Pavlovic
Oleksiy Pecherov
Damien Wilkins
Nathan Jawai – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Tony Battie
Trenton Hassell
Jarvis Hayes
Chris Quinn
Bobby Simmons
Josh Boone – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Ike Diogu
Sean Marks
Aaron Gray – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Jonathan Bender
Earl Barron
Brian Cardinal
Chris Duhon
J.R. Giddens
Al Harrington
Eddie House
David Lee
Tracy McGrady
Sergio Rodriguez

NEW TEAM SALARY
Kevin Ollie
Mustafa Shakur
Etan Thomas

NEW TEAM SALARY
Matt Barnes
Adonal Foyle
Anthony Johnson
Jason Williams
J.J. Redick – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Rodney Carney
Francisco Elson
Allen Iverson

NEW TEAM SALARY
Louis Amundson
Jarron Collins
Channing Frye
Amare Stoudemire (ETO)

NEW TEAM SALARY
Travis Diener
Juwan Howard
Patrick Mills – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Sean May
Ime Udoka
Jon Brockman – Restricted
Dominic McGuire – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Keith Bogans
Matt Bonner
Ian Mahinmi
Roger Mason

NEW TEAM SALARY
Chris Bosh
Amir Johnson
Rasho Nesterovic
Patrick O’Bryant
Antoine Wright

NEW TEAM SALARY
Carlos Boozer
Kyle Korver
Kyrylo Fesenko – Restricted
Wes Matthews – Restricted

NEW TEAM SALARY
Earl Boykins
Javaris Crittenton
Randy Foye
Josh Howard
Cedric Jackson
Shaun Livingston
Cartier Martin
Mike Miller
Fabricio Oberto
James Singleton

Key: ETO = Early Termination Option

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