10 replies to this topic

[jcisco loboe'77]

July 1,2009-Feb. 18,2010.



February 2010
Thursday, Feb. 18
• Charlotte acquired Tyrus Thomas from Chicago for a future first-round draft pick, Flip Murray and Acie Law. Acquired Theo Ratliff from San Antonio for a future second-round draft pick.
• Chicago traded John Salmons and 2011 and 2012 second-round draft picks to Milwaukee for Joe Alexander and Hakim Warrick.
• New York acquired Tracy McGrady from Houston for Jared Jeffries, Jordan Hill, a protected 2012 first-round pick and the right to exchange first-round picks in 2011. Traded Nate Robinson and Marcus Landry to Boston for Eddie House, J.R. Giddens, Bill Walker and a future conditional second-round pick.
• Houston received Kevin Martin and Hilton Armstrong from Sacramento for Carl Landry and Joey Dorsey.
• Sacramento received Larry Hughes from New York for Sergio Rodriguez.
• Philadelphia acquired Jodie Meeks and Francisco Elson from Milwaukee for Primoz Brezec, Royal Ivey and a 2010 second-round draft pick.
• Utah traded Ronnie Brewer to Memphis for a future first-round draft pick.
• Washington traded Dominic McGuire to Sacramento for future second-round draft pick and cash.

Wednesday, Feb. 17
• Cleveland trades Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the rights to Emir Preldzic and 2010 first-round draft pick to Washington for Antawn Jamison.
• L.A. Clippers trade Sebastian Telfair to Cleveland.
• Washington trades Drew Gooden to L.A. Clippers.
• New York trades Darko Milicic and cash to Minnesota for Brian Cardinal.

Tuesday, Feb. 16
• L.A. Clippers trade Marcus Camby to Portland in exchange for Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake.
• L.A. Clippers waive Ricky Davis.

Monday, Feb. 15
• Chicago re-signed forward Chris Richard to a second 10-day contract.

Saturday, Feb. 13
• Dallas trades Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson to Washington in exchange for Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quinton Ross.

Monday, Feb. 8
• Houston sign guard Garrett Temple from Rio Grande Valley of the NBA D-League to a 10-day contract.

Saturday, Feb. 6
• Chicago suspended forward Tyrus Thomas for one game for conduct detrimental to the team.

Friday, Feb. 5
• Chicago signed forward Chris Richard to a 10-day contract.
• New Orleans signed guard Jason Hart to a 10-day contract.

Thursday, Feb. 4
• Houston recalled guard Jermaine Taylor from Rio Grande Valley (NBA D-League).
• L.A. Clippers announced Mike Dunleavy will step down as head coach and will remain general manager. Named Kim Hughes interim coach.

Tuesday, Feb. 2
• New Jersey announced the resignation of assistant coach Del Harris.
• Cleveland signed guard Cedric Jackson to a second 10-day contract.

Monday, Feb. 1
• Atlanta signed guard Mario West for the remainder of the season.

January 2010
Sunday, Jan. 31
• Golden State signs guard Coby Karl to 10-day contract.

Thursday, Jan. 28
• NBA fined Cleveland forward LeBron James $25,000 for kicking a water bottle during a game vs. Minnesota.

Wednesday, Jan. 27
• NBA suspended Washington guards Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton for remainder of season.

Tuesday, Jan. 26
• NBA fined Denver forward Kenyon Martin $35,000 for actions surrounding his ejection from a Jan. 25 game against Charlotte.

Monday, Jan. 25
• Chicago acquired guard Devin Brown from New Orleans for center Aaron Gray.
• Utah signed guard Sundiata Gaines for the rest of the season.

Saturday, Jan. 23
• Cleveland signed guard Cedric Jackson to a 10-day contract.

Friday, Jan. 22
• Los Angeles Clippers signed guard JamesOn Curry to a 10-day contract. Waived forward Kareem Rush.
• Atlanta signed guard Mario West to a second 10-day contract.
• NBA fined Boston forward Glen Davis $25,000 for directing inappropriate language toward a fan during a Jan. 20 game at Detroit.

Wednesday, Jan. 20
• Phoenix recalled forward Taylor Griffin from Iowa (NBA D-League).

Tuesday, Jan. 19
• Milwaukee signed forward Jerry Stackhouse for the remainder of the season.

Monday, Jan. 18
• New Jersey announced assistant coach Tom Barrise would become a special assistant to the president and associate coach-advance scout Jimmy Sann would replace Barrise.

Friday, Jan. 15
• Utah signed guard Sundiata Gaines to a second 10-day contract.
• New Jersey waived forward Shawne Williams.

Thursday, Jan. 14
• San Antonio assigned guard Malik Hairston to to Austin (NBA D-League).

Wednesday, Jan. 13
• Houston recalled forward Joey Dorsey from Rio Grande Valley (NBA D-League).

Tuesday, Jan. 12
• Atlanta signed guard Mario West to a 10-day contract.

Monday, Jan. 11
• Dallas acquired forward Eduardo Najera from New Jersey for forward Kris Humphries and forward Shawne Williams.
• New Jersey waived forward Sean Williams.
• Sacramento acquired forward Hilton Armstrong from New Orleans for a conditional 2016 second-round pick and cash considerations.

Friday, Jan. 8
• Oklahoma City recalled forward D.J. White from Tulsa (NBA D-League).
• Memphis claimed guard Lester Hudson off waivers.

Thursday, Jan. 7
• Miami signed guard Rafer Alston for remainder of season.

Wednesday, Jan. 6
• Cleveland waived guard Coby Karl.
• Portland waived forward Shavlik Randolph.
• NBA indefinitely suspended Washington guard Gilbert Arenas.

Tuesday, Jan. 5
• Atlanta requested waivers on forward Othello Hunter.
• Miami traded guard Chris Quinn to the New Jersey Nets for a second-round pick in 2012.
• New Jersey announced they have reached a buyout agreement with guard Rafer Alston.
• Utah signed guard Sundiata Gaines to a 10-day contract.
• Toronto released forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

Monday, Jan. 4
• Golden State waived center Mikki Moore.
• Milwaukee waived guard Roko Ukic.


December 2009
Tuesday, Dec. 29
• Minnesota acquired forward Alando Tucker, a second-round draft pick and cash from Phoenix for guard Jason Hart.

• Phoenix reassigned forward Taylor Griffin to Iowa of the NBA D-League and waived guard Jason Hart.

• Portland waived forward Anthony Tolliver and assigned guard Patty Mills to Idaho of the NBA D-League.

• Sacramento signs president of basketball operations Geoff Petrie to a three-year contract extension.

Monday, Dec. 28
• NBA fined New York guard Nate Robinson $25,000 for public statements detrimental to the NBA.

Friday, Dec. 25
• Boston activated forward Glen Davis from the injured list.

Wednesday, Dec. 23
L.A. Lakers agreed to terms with forward Pau Gasol on a three-year contract extension through the 2013-14 season.

Tuesday, Dec. 22
• Oklahoma City acquired guard Eric Maynor from the Utah Jazz for the rights to 2002 draft pick Peter Fehse. Agreed to take on the contract of injured forward Matt Harpring. Waived guard Shaun Livingston and guard Mike Wilks.

Tuesday, Dec. 15
• Boston assigned guard Lester Hudson to Maine of NBA D-League.

Monday, Dec. 14
• NBA suspended Houston forward Trevor Ariza for one game for swinging his elbow at the head of the Toronto forward DeMar DeRozan in a Dec. 13 game.
• Miami waived forward Shavlik Randolph.
• Phoenix recalled forward Taylor Griffin from Iowa (NBA D-League).


Sunday, Dec. 13
• New York signed forward Jonathan Bender.

Monday, Dec. 7
• San Antonio recalls guard Malik Hairston from the Austin Toros (NBA D-League).
• NBA fined Chicago center Joakim Noah $15,000 for throwing the ball into the stands and striking a photographer during Saturday's game against Toronto.
• Phoenix sends forward Taylor Griffin to Iowa (NBA D-League).

Friday, Dec. 4
• NBA suspended Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles one game for his actions directed at a game official and for not leaving the court in a timely manner following his ejection in a Dec. 2 game against Washington.

Wednesday, Dec. 2
• Philadelphia agreed to terms with guard Allen Iverson.
• Utah extended the contract of coach Jerry Sloan through the 2010-11 season.

Tuesday, Dec. 1
• New Jersey named general manager Kiki Vandeweghe coach for the remainder of the season.

November 2009
Monday, Nov. 30
• Charlote assigned center Alexis Ajinca to Maine (NBA D-League).

Sunday, Nov. 29
• New Jersey fired head coach Lawrence Frank.

• NBA fined Boston forward Rasheed Wallace $30,000 for public criticism of the officials following the Nov. 27 games against Toronto. Fined Phoenix forward Amar'e Stoudemire, and Charlotte center Tyson Chandler $7,500 apiece for the posting of messages on their Twitter accounts during games.

Saturday, Nov. 28
• Orlando forwad Matt Barnes was fined $20,000 by the league for tossing a ball into the stands.

Thursday, Nov. 26
• Oklahoma City signed guard Mike Wilks.

Wednesday, Nov. 25
• Oklahoma City waived forward Ryan Bowen.

Tuesday, Nov. 24
• Oklahoma City recalled guard Kyle Weaver from Tulsa (NBA D-League).

Friday, Nov. 20
• Golden State signed forward/center Chris Hunter.

Tuesday, Nov. 17
• Memphis waived guard Allen Iverson.

Monday, Nov. 16
• Golden State traded guard-forward Stephen Jackson and guard Acie Law to Charlotte for guard Raja Bell and forward Vladimir Radmanovic.

Saturday, Nov. 14
• Memphis signed guard Jamaal Tinsley

Friday, Nov. 13
• Houston waived forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu.

Thursday, Nov. 12
• New Orleans fired coach Byron Scott. Named Jeff Bower coach.
• Toronto released guard Quincy Douby.

Wednesday, Nov. 11
• Washington signed guard Earl Boykins. Waived center Paul Davis.

Tuesday, Nov. 10
• NBA fines Orlando center Dwight Howard $15,000 for public criticism of the officiating that appeared on his personal blog.
• Philadelphia named Mark Gullett vice president of marketing.

Thursday, Nov. 5
• Minnesota named Darrick Martin assistant director of player development.
• Memphis waived forward Trey Gilder.

Wednesday, Nov. 4
• Sacramento signed swingman Ime Udoka.

Monday, Nov. 2
• Boston signed guard Rajon Rondo to a multiyear contract extension.
• Minnesota exercised their contract 2010 options on forward Corey Brewer and forward Kevin Love. Declined their 2010 option on Oleksiy Pecherov.

Sunday, Nov. 1
• Indiana xercised contract options on center Roy Hibbert and guard Brandon Rush.

October 2009
Saturday, Oct. 31

• Cleveland activated guard Delonte West.

Friday, Oct. 30

• Phoenix exercised their options on the contracts of forward Jared Dudley and center Robin Lopez for the 2010-11 season; declined the option on the contract of guard-forward Alando Tucker.
• Washington exercised the 2010-11 contract options on guard Nick Young and center JaVale McGee for the season.

Thursday, Oct. 29

• Toronto exercised their fourth-year contract option on guard Marco Belinelli.
• Charlotte exercised their third-year contract option on center Alexis Ajinca.

Wednesday, Oct. 28

• Orlando waived forward Linton Johnson III.
• San Antonio exercised the option on guard George Hill's contract for next season.

Monday, Oct. 26

• Chicago exercised the 2010-11 contract options for guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah.
• Cleveland exercised the 2010-11 contract option on forward J.J. Hickson.
• New Orleans exercised the 2010-11 contract option on forward Julian Wright.
• Phoenix announced the team was awarded the rights to center Jarron Collins.


Friday, Oct. 23

• Boston named Tyronn Lue director of basketball development.
• Houston waived guard Brent Barry.
• Miami waived guard John Lucas.
• Oklahoma City waived forward Mike Harris. Exercised the fourth-year contract options on Kevin Durant and Jeff Green.

Thursday, Oct. 22

• Boston waived forward Mike Sweetney.
• Charlotte waived guard Dontell Jefferson and guard Antonio Anderson.
• Chicago waived forward Chris Richard.
• Cleveland waived guard Andre Barrett, guard Russell Robinson and center Darryl Watkins.
• Dallas waived center Jake Voskuhl. Houston waived guard Will Conroy.
• New Jersey waived guard Will Blalock, forward Bennet Davis and forward Brian Hamilton.
• New York waived guard Joe Crawford and forward Chris Hunter.
• Oklahoma City waived forward Michael Ruffin.
• Philadelphia exercised the third-year contract option on forward Marreese Speights and fourth-year contract options on center Jason Smith and forward Thaddeus Young.
• Portland signed forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension.
Waived forward Ime Udoka and center Jarron Collins.
• San Antonio waived guard Curtis Jerrells.
• Utah waived forward Ronald Dupree and guard Paul Harris.
• Washington waived guard/forward Vincent Grier.

Wednesday, Oct. 21
• Atlanta waived guard Mario West, center Garret Siler and center Courtney Sims.
• Detroit waived forward Maceo Baston.
• Houston waived guard Romel Beck and guard Garrett Temple.
• L.A. Lakers waived guard Thomas Kelati.
• Minnesota waived center Jared Reiner.
• Philadelphia waived forward Brandon Bowman and guard Dionte Christmas.
• Phoenix waived guard Dan Dickau and forward Carlos Powell.
• Sacramento waived center/forward Melvin Ely and guard Lanny Smith.
• Oklahoma City waived guard Tre Kelley.
• Utah waived forward/center Goran Suton, forward Spencer Nelson and forward Alexander Johnson.

Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Atlanta released guard Mike Wilks and guard Juan Dixon.
• Miami exercised the third-year contract option on forward Michael Beasley and fourth-year contract option on guard Daequan Cook. Waived forward Anthony Tolliver.
• Minnesota acquired forward Nathan Jawai and cash from Dallas for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2012.

Monday, Oct. 19
• L.A. Clippers waived guard Jerel McNeal and guard Anthony Roberson.
• Minnesota waived guard Devin Green and guard Mustafa Shakur.

Friday, Oct. 16
• NBA fined Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy $35,000 for publicly criticizing game officials.
• Portland signed guard Patrick Mills. Exercised options on center Greg Oden, forward Nicolas Batum, forward Rudy Fernandez and guard Jerryd Bayless.

\Wednesday, Oct. 14
• NBA fined Charlotte coach Larry Brown $35,000 for verbally abusing game officials and failing to leave the court in a timely manner and $25,000 for publicly criticizing the referees in a game on Oct. 12 and fined the Charlotte organization $60,000 after Brown's ejection. Fined Memphis coach Lionel Hollins $25,000 for criticizing officials after a game on Oct. 12.

Tuesday, Oct. 13
• Atlanta waived guard Aaron Miles and guard Frank Robinson.
• L.A. Clippers exercised their third-year contract option on guard Eric Gordon and the fourth-year option on forward Al Thornton.
• San Antonio released forward Dwayne Jones.

Monday, Oct. 12
• Miami signed guard Carlos Arroyo.
• Philadelphia waived guard Sean Singletary and forward-center Stromile Swift.

Saturday, Oct. 10
• Golden State suspended guard Stephen Jackson for two exhibition games for conduct detrimental to the team.
• L.A. Lakers waived forward Mickael Gelabale, forward David Monds and forward-center Michael Fey.

Thursday, Oct. 8
• Suspended Miami center Jamaal Magloire for two games and Detroit forward Jonas Jerebko one game and for their roles in an altercation that took place during an Oct. 5 game.
• Rockets named Gersson Rosas general manager of Rio Grande Valley (NBA D-League).
• L.A. Clippers waived forward Taj Gray.

Wednesday, Oct. 7
• New York waived forward Warren Carter, guard Ron Howard, guard Gabe Pruitt and guard Sun Yue.

Tuesday, Oct. 6
• Charlotte exercised the contract option for the 2010-11 season for guard D.J. Augustin.

Monday, Oct. 5
• Denver waived forward Keith Brumbaugh.
• Philadelphia waived forward Rashad Jones-Jennings.

Friday, Oct. 2
• Chicago waived guard Curtis Stinson.
• Milwaukee cut guard Dominic James and forward Charles Gaines.

Thursday, Oct. 1
• Chicago wavied center Steven Hill.
• Milwaukee waived forward Marcus Hubbard and guard Mark Tyndale.

September 2009
Wednesday, Sept. 30
• L.A. Lakers signed guard Thomas Kelati.
• Philadelphia signed forward Rashad Jones-Jennings.

Monday, Sept. 28

• L.A. Lakers signed forward Tony Gaffney, forward David Monds, forward Mickael Gelebale and forward Michael Fey.
• Philadelphia signed forward Brandon Bowman, guard Dionte Christmas, guard Sean Singletary and guard Stromile Swift.
• Charlotte signed guard Antonio Anderson and forward Stephen Graham.
• Memphis signed guard Thomas Gardner, forward Leon Rodgers and forward Mike Taylor.

Saturday, Sept. 26
• Denver signed forward Joey Graham.
• Minnesota promoted Fred Hoiberg to vice president of basketball operations. Demoted assistant general manager Jim Stack to a scout. Named Jerry Sichting director of pro player personnel and Rob Babcock will be the director of scouting/administration.
• Portland signed forward Ime Udoka.

Friday, Sept. 25
• New York re-signed guard Nate Robinson.
• Indiana signed coach Jim O'Brien to a contract extension through the 2010-11 season.
• Washington signed center Paul Davis and guard/forward Vincent Grier.

Thursday, Sept. 24
• New York signed forward David Lee to a one-year contract.
• Miami named Alonzo Mourning vice president of player programs.
• Charlotte signed guard Ronald "Flip" Murray to a one-year deal.

Wednesday, Sept. 23
• Charlotte signed guard Raymond Felton to a one-year contract.

Tuesday, Sept. 22
• Chicago re-signed center Aaron Gray.
• Denver acquired guard/forward James White from Houston for draft rights to forward Axel Hervelle.
• Minnesota waived guard Chucky Atkins.

Thursday, Sept. 17
• Houston promoted director of player personnel Gersson Rosas to vice president of player personnel.
• Portland signed forward Juwan Howard to a one-year contract.
• Minnesota signed guard Sasha Pavlovic to a one-year contract.
• New York signed guard Sun Yue.
• Sacramento signed guard/forward Desmond Mason to a one-year contract.

Wednesday, Sept. 16
• L.A. Clippers re-signed forward Brian Skinner.

Tuesday, Sept. 15
• The NBA fined Golden State guard/forward Stephen Jackson $25,000 for public statements detrimental to the NBA.
• Philadelphia signed guard/forward Rodney Carney.
• Phoenix agreed to terms on a contract buyout with guard/forward Sasha Pavlovic.
• Sacramento signed forward Jon Brockman.

Monday, Sept. 14
• Dallas re-signed forward James Singleton. Released guard Greg Buckner.

Tuesday, Sept. 8
• Portland signed forward Jeff Pendergraph.

Wednesday, Sept. 2
• Golden State signed center Mikki Moore.
• Atlanta signed center Jason Collins.

Tuesday, Sept. 1
• Boston signed guard Marquis Daniels.

August 2009
Friday, Aug. 28
• Suspended Denver guard J.R. Smith for seven games without pay for pleading guilty to reckless driving. and Phoenix forward Jason Richardson for two games without pay for pleading guilty to driving under the influence.

Thursday, Aug. 27
• Memphis signed forward Trey Gilder.
• Denver re-signed center Johan Petro.

Tuesday, Aug. 25
• Atlanta signed forward Joe Smith.
• Cleveland signed guard/forward Danny Green.

Friday, Aug. 21
• Portland signed rookie forward Dante Cunningham to a multi-year contract.
• L.A. Clippers waived forward Mark Madsen.

Wednesday, Aug. 19
• Orlando signed guard Jason Williams.

Tuesday, Aug. 18
• Golden State named Calbert Cheaney special assistant.
• Milwaukee acquired guard/forward Carlos Delfino and guard Roko Ukic from Toronto for forward Amir Johnson and guard/forward Sonny Weems.

Monday, Aug. 17
• Phoenix signed forward Taylor Griffin.

Friday, Aug. 14
• Denver re-signed guard Anthony Carter.
• Oklahoma City named Maurice Cheeks and Rex Kalamian assistant coaches.

Wednesday, Aug. 12
• Cleveland signed forward Leon Powe to a two-year contract.
• Houston signed center David Andersen to a multiyear contract.
• L.A. Clippers acquired guard Rasual Butler and cash from New Orleans for a 2016 conditional second-round draft pick.

Tuesday, Aug. 11
• Washington signed forward/center Fabricio Oberto.

Monday, Aug. 10
• Boston re-signed forward Glen Davis.
• Detroit named Brian Hill assistant coach.
• Minnesota named Kurt Rambis head coach.
• Philadelphia re-signed guard Royal Ivey.

Friday, Aug. 7
• Atlanta re-signed forward Marvin Williams to a five-year contract
• Boston signed center/forward Shelden Williams
• Denver traded Steven Hunter, a 2010 first-round pick and cash to Memphis a future second-round draft pick
• Portland signed guard Brandon Roy to a multiyear contract extension

Thursday, Aug. 6
• NBA suspended Orlando forward Rashard Lewis 10 games for violating anti-drug policy

Wednesday, Aug. 5
• Detroit signed forward Austin Daye
• Houston signed guard Jermaine Taylor to a multiyear contract
• Philadelphia named Randy Ayers assistant coach

Monday, Aug. 3
• Minnesota signed center Ryan Hollins to an offer sheet

Saturday, Aug. 1
• Oklahoma City signed guard Kevin Ollie
• Milwaukee requested waivers on guard/forward Bruce Bowen

July 2009
Thursday, July 30
• Chicago waived forward Linton Johnson and guard DeMarcus Nelson
• Dallas signed forward Drew Gooden.
• Indiana signed forward Solomon Jones to a multiyear contract
• Toronto traded guard/forward Devean George and cash to Golden State for guard Marco Belinelli. Signed center Rasho Nesterovic to a one-year contract.

Wednesday, July 29
• Cleveland waived guard Tarence Kinsey
• New Orleans signed free agent forward Ike Diogu
• Memphis signed Sam Young to a multi-year contract

Tuesday, July 28• Indiana signed point guard Earl Watson
• Milwaukee signed point guard Brandon Jennings
• Dallas signed free agent forward Tim Thomas.
• Charlotte acquired center Tyson Chandler from New Orleans for forward/center Emeka Okafor

Monday, July 27
• Oklahoma City acquired center Etan Thomas, a second-round selection and a conditional second-round selection in the 2010 NBA Draft from Minnesota for guards Chucky Atkins and Damien Wilkins
• Golden State waived forward Jermareo Davidson

Saturday, July 25
• San Antonio signed center Theo Ratliff

Friday, July 24
• Portland signed guard Andre Miller to a three-year deal
• Miami announced it will not match the offer sheet Cleveland issued forward Jamario Moon

Thursday, July 23
• Milwaukee agreed to terms with forward Ersan Ilyasova

Wednesday, July 22
• Detroit signed forward Chris Wilcox
• Indiana re-signed forward Josh McRoberts to a multi-year contract
• Miami re-signed center Jamaal Magloire

Tuesday, July 21
• Philadelphia signed guard Jrue Holiday
• Sacramento agreed to terms with forward Sean May
• Toronto signed guard Jarret Jack
• Orlando agreed to terms with forward Matt Barnes on a two-year contract

Monday, July 20
• Atlanta signed rookie guard Jeff Teague
• Chicago waived guard Anthony Roberson
• Indiana announced it will not match the offer sheet Toronto issued guard Jarrett Jack
• L.A. Clippers acquired guard Sebastian Telfair, forward Craig Smith and forward Mark Madsen from Minnesota for forward Quentin Richardson
• Miami re-signed center Joel Anthony
• Phoenix agreed to terms with guard Steve Nash on a two-year contract extension.

Sunday, July 19
• Memphis signed center Hasheem Thabeet
• Cleveland signed forward Jamario Moon to an offer sheet.

Friday, July 17
• Utah matched Portland's four-year offer sheet to forward Paul Millsap.
• Los Angeles Clippers acquired guard/forward Quentin Richardson from the Memphis Grizzlies for forward Zach Randolph.
• Oklahoma City waived guard Earl Watson.

Thursday, July 16
• San Antonio signed forward DeJuan Blair.

Wednesday, July 15|
• Denver signed guard Ty Lawson.

Tuesday, July 14
• Atlanta traded the rights to forward/center David Andersen to Houston for an undisclosed second-round draft pick, cash and future considerations.
• Chicago reached a contract settlement with forward Tim Thomas and requested waivers on him.
• Indiana signed guard Dahntay Jones to a four-year contract.
• New Jersey Nets promoted Aaron Harris to senior director-public relations.
• Utah re-signed G Ronnie Price.

Monday, July 13
• Atlanta re-signed guard Mike Bibby and center Zaza Pachulia.
• Charlotte signed forward Derrick Brown.
• Chicago signed guard Jannero Pargo.
• Cleveland signed guard/forward Anthony Parker.
• Denver acquired guard Arron Afflalo and forward Walter Sharpe from Detroit for a future second-round draft pick and cash.
• Orlando matched Dallas' five-year offer sheet to center Marcin Gortat.
• Phoenix agreed to terms with foward/center Channing Frye on a two-year contract.
• Toronto signed guard Jarrett Jack to an offer sheet.

Sunday, July 12
• L.A. Clippers named Tony Brown assistant coach

Saturday, July 11
• Dallas re-signed guard Jason Kidd.
• New York signed forward Jordan Hill
• Oklahoma City signed guard James Harden, center Byron Mullens and forward Serge Ibaka
• Toronto signed guard Jarrett Jack to an offer sheet

Friday, July 10
• Minnesota signed guards Jonny Flynn and Wayne Ellington
• Orlando signed forward Brandon Bass
• Phoenix signed forward Earl Clark
• Sacramento signed forward Omir Casspi
• San Antonio signed forward/center Antonio McDyess
• Utah signed center Mehmet Okur to a multi-year contract extension
• Memphis waived guard/forward Jerry Stackhouse
• Portland signed forward Paul Millsap to an offer sheet
• Portland extended coach Nate McMillan's contract through 2011 season

Thursday, July 9
• Chicago signed forwards James Johnson and Taj Gibson
• Cleveland signed forward/center Anderson Varejao to a multi-year contract
• Dallas traded guard Jerry Stackhouse and cash considerations to Memphis for guard Greg Buckner; traded forwards Devean George and Antoine Wright to Toronto for forwards Shawn Marion, Kris Humphries, center Nathan Jawai and cash considerations as part of a four-team deal• Detroit named John Kuester coach
• Orlando traded forward Hedo Turkoglu to Toronto for cash considerations and acquired cash considerations from Dallas as part of a four-team deal
• Toronto traded forwards Shawn Marion, Kris Humphries, center Nathan Jawai and cash considerations to Dallas; acquired forwards Devean George and Antoine Wright from Dallas and forward Hedo Turkoglu from Orlando; sent cash considerations to Orlando and a 2016 second-round pick to Memphis as part of a four-team deal
• L.A. Clippers signed forward Blake Griffin
• Toronto signed forward DeMar DeRozan

Wednesday, July 8• Atlanta re-signed guard Mike Bibby to a three-year contract.
• Boston signed forward Rasheed Wallace to a two-year contract.
• Charlotte signed guard Gerald Henderson.
• Dallas signed guard Quinton Ross.• Detroit signed guard Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva to a five-year contract.
• Golden State signed guard Stephen Curry.
• Houston signed forward Trevor Ariza to a multiyear contract.
• Indiana signed forward Tyler Hansbrough.
• L.A. Lakers signed forward Ron Artest to a five-year contract and re-signed guard Shannon Brown to a two-year contract.
• Milwaukee signed guard Jodie Meeks to a three-year contract.
• Sacramento signed guard Tyreke Evans.
• San Antonio agreed to terms with forwards Antonio McDyess, Marcus Haslip and Malik Hairston.
• Toronto re-signed forward/center Andrea Bargnani to a five-year contract.

Tuesday, July 7
• Dallas signed guard Rodrigue Beaubois.

Monday, July 6
• Dallas signed guard Jason Kidd to a three-year contract.

Wednesday, July 1
• Chicago named Randy Brown director of player development.
• Boston announced guard Eddie House declined to exercise his option for free agency.
• L.A. Lakers announced guard Kobe Bryant declined to terminate the final two years of his contract.
• Philadelphia named Mike O'Koren associate head coach. Retained Jim Lynam and Aaron McKie as assistant coaches.
• Toronto named Alvin Williams and Francesco Cuzzolin assistant coaches. Re-signed Eric Hughes assistant coach.
• Utah signed guard Eric Maynor to a two-year contract.

[jcisco loboe'77]

Any comments about any of the ABOVE????

[jcisco loboe'77]

http://www.nba.com/2...math/index.html

Art Garcia has covered the NBA since 1999.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.


How some teams look heading into the Summer of 2010.

Posted Feb 19 2010 11:14AM

"Bring on the summer.

The offseason everyone has talked about for years has been waiting patiently, with the allure of a debutante calmly longing for a worthy dance partner. Line 'em up. The passing of the Thursday's trade deadline means it's on. Charles Barkley once tried, unsuccessfully, to lobby LeBron James not to talk about 2010.

Well, Chuck, that's next on the dance card. After a late flurry that put a cap on 11 trades involving 39 players (and Drew Gooden twice), NBA rosters can't be significantly altered until the free-agency period that begins after The Finals. The ranks of teams with money to spend -- nine have at least $10 million burning a hole -- grew once the dust settled on the wheeling and dealing.

Until it's time to cue the music and set up the chairs in July, here's a footloose guide to the Summer of 2010:

Let's Dance
Cavaliers: Did the squad with the league's best record have a need? Yes, and Antawn Jamison fills it. The debate will rage on whether 'Tawn or Amar'e Stoudemire was the best fit, especially if the title drought continues in Cleveland.

But there's no question the three-team deal, which also adds Sebastian Telfair, enhances the odds of Cleveland landing/re-signing the Alpha Male of free agency. LeBron James has to stay if the Cavs win it all, right? If not ... the beads of sweat are already forming on Danny Ferry's forehead.

Mavericks: In the same luxury-tax heaven as the Cavs, the Mavs thrust themselves into summer spending not by carving out cap space, but by acquiring assets. Mark Cuban's crew has Erick Dampier's fully non-guaranteed contract ($13 million) to play with and pieces to use in a sign-and-trade, starting with freshly acquired Caron Butler.

Dallas isn't looking to part with Butler now, but what if LeBron or Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh is looking to play an extra game or two at Cowboys Stadium? (Cuban is thinking about using All-Star site on occasion.) Though the Mavs aren't the frontrunners for any of the "top" guys, they've emerged as the top fallback option.

Rockets: They're not going to win a title this year and that was obvious before the season started. Uncooperative body parts never gave the Yao Ming-Tracy McGrady union a chance, and that rocket ship has sailed. Houston forges forward with a new No. 2 (Kevin Martin) while No. 1 heals, a lottery pick (Jordan Hill), and a versatile big (Jared Jefferies).

No one in Clutch City wanted to part with Carl Landry, but that's an appropriate price to pay for a proven backcourt scorer to pair with Aaron Brooks. Martin has been injury prone -- always a concern in H-town -- but he's played for Rick Adelman, and T-Mac had no future there. Don't count on the Rockets making a serious charge this season. The scene changes next.

[jcisco loboe'77]

Next Song
Knicks: What does $30-plus million in cap space buy the New Yorkers, besides nearly the entire Grizzlies' roster? Puppet hope. Most estimates actually put the Knicks in the $32-36 million range, which is easily enough to pursue not one, but two max-level free agents. Why stop at LeBron when you can add D-Wade or Bosh or Joe Johnson or T-Mac circa 2005.

Knicks president Donnie Walsh did exactly what he set out to do when he arrived in Gotham, and the deadline-beating rush that jettisoned six players for six with expiring contract included the league's highest-paid player in McGrady. Only four are under contract next season -- Danilo Gallinari, Eddy Curry, Wilson Chandler and Toney Douglas -- forming a less-than-intimidating core. And the King and a buddy. Much better.

Nets: Moving to Newark should never be considered an upgrade, but that's not the only oxymoronic circumstance in the Garden State. The worst team in the league (history?) could be in line for the best offseason. That's what at least $26 million and a revamped front office can do.

Mikhail Prokhorov, once approved as owner, is posed to usher in a Russian Revolution starting at the top. Every name from Colangelo to Krzyzewski to Wooden has been thrown out there as potential Nets' employees. The appeal of Brooklyn and Jay-Z is tailor made for a worst-to-first scenario if the right guys come onboard. We all know who they are.

Wizards: Everyone's preseason darlings are reinventing themselves thanks to a pair of blockbusters and other minor moves orchestrated by general manager Ernie Grunfeld to beat the deadline.

The Wiz had cleared around $19 million in cap space and that can soar beyond $23 million if Randy Foye is renounced. The possibility of voiding Gilbert Arenas' deal is another wildcard. Grunfeld also endeared itself to agents by moving Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and Co. to better situations. Don't underestimate that.

Bulls: Come home, Dwyane Wade. That'll be the pitch in the Windy City for M.J.'s old team, which begins the shopping spree with at least $18 million to throw around. Bringing in the stud to team with Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and Kirk Hinrich (for now) is a solid start on the road back to contention.

[jcisco loboe'77]

Top 10 Free Agents
1. LeBron James* (Cavaliers)
The ultimate prize. Everyone is after the King. Only a select few have a real chance.

2. Dwyane Wade* (Heat)
The best 2-guard around after Kobe. Healthy again and unstoppable again.

3. Chris Bosh* (Raptors)
A notch below the top two, but the best big on the market. Plays both ends.

4. Joe Johnson (Hawks)
True free agent is somehow still overlooked despite being an All-Star. All-around skills.

5. Amar'e Stoudemire* (Suns)
Opting out is not as certain as top three. Could be on the block again if no extension.

6. Dirk Nowitzki* (Mavericks)
On list out of respect. Former MVP is among most likely of top free agents to stay put.

7. Paul Pierce* (Celtics)
Same situation as Nowitzki. Not going to find more money elsewhere.

8. Carlos Boozer (Jazz)
Owns Olympian and All-Star credentials. Still one of the top power forwards.

9. Ray Allen (Celtics)
Being bandied around in trade talk can't be pleasant. Perfect fit for team ready to win.

10. Manu Ginobili (Spurs)
If healthy, one of the true game-changers. Injury concerns and age (32) are an issue.

* Can opt-out of contract to become free agent.

[jcisco loboe'77]

On the Wall
Jazz: The hottest team in the Western Conference decided to keep Carlos Boozer and not mess with chemistry. Getting rid of starter Ronnie Brewer is nothing more than a money move, though Utah has adequate swingman depth.

Spurs: Talk of Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess -- the two offseason prizes -- being on the market signaled a sense of panic in the Alamo City. The Spurs don't do panic, but they have to realize were they stand in relation to the Lakers, Nuggets and Mavs. It's not tall.

Suns: Amar'e Stoudemire lives to wear orange and purple for at least another two months. STAT appeared disappointed the Cleveland deal fell through, and Suns management had a smooth-things-over dinner planned Thursday night. Phoenix GM Steve Kerr didn't throw in the towel on the season, but it still feels that way.

Heat: This is a franchise with over $21 million in cap room projected for this summer and somehow it feels hollow. The prevailing opinion was Pat Riley had to make a major move to bring in a top-flight complement to keep D-Wade happy. Riles has done that before with Shaq and it netted a title. Where's the loyalty, Dwyane?

Celtics: There wasn't a better player out there for Ray Allen, so Danny Ainge was smart not to deal for deal's sake. Still, there's something that feels played out in Beantown. If the C's are healthy -- big if -- they right in the thick of it. You have to wonder, though, if the Boston Three Party has run its course. Think Detroit.

Lakers: Why mess with a good thing? The champs remain the favorites, even though the gap seems to have closed in several locales. L.A. made its upgrade last summer with Ron Artest, has the best frontline in the game and Kobe Bryant remains the premier closer. They're ready for all comers."

[jcisco loboe'77]

Cap space following 2010 Trade Deadline
----TEAM------SALARY AMOUNT--UNDER
New York------$21,571,737--$32,028,263
New Jersey----$27,170,659--$26,429,341
Miami---------$32,254,326--$21,345,674
Washington----$34,454,130--$18,943,379
Chicago-------$35,662,116--$17,937,884
Sacramento----$36,454,130--$17,145,870
L.A. Clippers-$38,235,273--$15,364,727
Minnesota-----$41,004,156--$12,595,844
Oklahoma City-$42,104,151--$11,495,849

Projected salary cap for next season is ~$53.6 million.

[jcisco loboe'77]

http://www.nba.com/2...ider/index.html

Shaun Powell is a veteran NBA writer and columnist.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
Posted Feb 19 2010 9:48AM

Winners, losers emerge from deadline-day deals.



"Well, it's over, the annual marathon known as the trading deadline. And now it's time to sift through the rubble and take stock of the people who influenced what we saw the last few days, and those who will be influenced by what just happened.

Gilbert Arenas. Where would the Cavaliers and Mavericks be if he'd kept his guns at home? You could say, with one regretful decision, Arenas built two championship contenders (Dallas and Cleveland) and wrecked a playoff contender (Washington). If the gun incident wasn't shocking enough, the tremors spread far and wide from the Washington epicenter. Depending on how this plays out, Arenas was responsible for tilting the balance of power in the NBA, and the Lakers aren't too happy about it.

Ted Leonsis. The incoming Wizards owner essentially told general manager Ernie Grunfeld to strip it down and start over. It was a feeding frenzy until the end, blood in the shark-infested waters, with bargain hunters galore. Would Abe Pollin have done that same?

Antawn Jamison. I think he just set the speed record from Washington to Cleveland. And he didn't travel by train, bus, car or even plane. He just floated ... very quickly. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy, by the way. Jamison deserved better than a Wizards rebuilding process.

Daryl Morey. Mr. Moneyball, the guy with the computer science degree from Northwestern who personifies today's geeky, stat-obsessed general managers, just earned his stripes in Houston. He saved the Rockets roughly $10 million with some nifty maneuverings that didn't weaken the club; if anything, he strengthened the Rockets' future. Of course, that all depends on whether or not Jordan Hill is a bust and if Kevin Martin can bring it. But the Rockets, on paper anyway, are a better-looking team.

Dwyane Wade. He's now the unofficial No. 1 free agent next summer, since we all suspect LeBron James just removed himself from contention. It's a tough decision upcoming for Wade: Does he convince Chris Bosh to join him in Miami? Or New York? Or does he go home to Chicago and take lob passes from Derrick Rose? Wish all of our "problems" were that difficult.

Dan Gilbert. The best owners hire the right people, keep their stars happy and spend money. Is there any question that Gilbert's got it? He made it possible to absorb contracts belonging to Mo Williams, Shaq and now Antawn Jamison, which means he'll have to write a hefty luxury tax check. While other owners are cutting corners and are downright allergic to the tax, Gilbert is trying to win a championship. And don't think LeBron hasn't noticed.

Pat Riley. He couldn't pull the trigger to get Carlos Boozer and now must hope he has better luck with Wade this summer. As of right now, all Riley can promise Wade is sunshine, while keeping his fingers crossed that Michael Beasley doesn't have an offseason like the last.

Amar'e Stoudemire. He didn't go anywhere for a few reasons. First: Teams were worried about giving up assets for a player who could sign elsewhere next summer. Second: Teams were worried about Stoudemire keeping his $17 million option for next summer and putting them into luxury-tax land. Third: Teams were worried Stoudemire, who tends to pout, would be a disruption and not worth the 19 points and nine rebounds he delivers. And fourth: That's a lot of money for someone who plays no defense.

Drew Gooden. He's now with his seventh team, and next season, it'll probably be eight. This wasn't supposed to be blueprint for someone who was a fourth-overall draft pick.

Isiah Thomas. It was a rather tame transaction at the time: Knicks sign Jared Jeffries in 2006 to a reasonable contract. Who knew it would take so much to erase another one of Isiah's mistakes? In order to dump Jeffries and his $6 million contract to free up more money for this summer, the Knicks essentially surrendered a pair of first-round picks and last season's top pick, too. There's still one last Isiah fingerprint on their roster: Eddy Curry, the immovable object.

Joe Dumars. He spent his money last summer on a pair of players (Charlie Villanueva and Ben Gordon) who are turning out to be nothing special. So the Pistons had to sit this one out, because nobody wanted the contracts of Tayshaun Prince and/or Rip Hamilton. Basically, the Pistons are still paying the cost of that 2004 championship.

Larry Brown. The best teacher in basketball loves to get his hands on raw players with promise and then make them productive. Well, wish him good luck. Brown has his hands full with Tyrus Thomas, who's all athlete, no skill.

Bob Ferry. He built the Bullets into a world champion and perhaps his son, Danny, is in the process of doing the same with the Cavs. Bob is still around, helping Danny with scouting, and no doubt a very proud father right now.

Mike Dunleavy. Now a full-time general manager, can he convince someone -- anyone -- to take Donald Sterling's money this summer? Even better, can he convince Sterling to spend money this summer?



Line Score of the Week
Stephen Curry, Warriors: 40 minutes, 10-for-15 field goals, 15 assists, three steals, 24 points against the Kings.

Sure, this was the same game C.J. Watson came up with the performance of his life, getting 40 on the Kings. But Curry's effort, and his last month-and-a-half actually, are what the Warriors are excited about (when there's little else to be excited about). Once they get around to stripping themselves of all the worn and unwanted parts and moving toward the future, Curry will be the centerpiece of any rebuilding process.

The reasons are obvious: He's a good guy, works hard, plays well and makes people pay to see him.

While Monta Ellis was a borderline All-Star this season, and right now is a better player than Curry, he's not the future. Curry is showing what he's capable of doing without Ellis around, and the Warriors should take note. If they can move Ellis this summer for any combination of young talent and cap relief, it would be the right step.



Line Score of the Weak
Charlotte Bobcats: 96 minutes, 0-for-2 this season, vs. the Nets. Boy, if the Nets do finish with the worst record all-time, how do you suppose the Bobcats will feel?





Dis an Dat
Tough season for A.I. just got tougher. The one team he always placed above all others is the team back home. You don't have to be an Iverson fan to wish all the best for his daughter and his family as they deal with her health issue, which caused Iverson to take some time off, including the All-Star Game.

Is the economy putting a pinch on coaches' salaries? George Karl got a one-year deal from the Nuggets. The Hawks will wait until the summer to deal with Mike Woodson, and even then, he may not get a big raise. Before player salaries are scaled back, you can bet coaches will be lighter in the wallet.

By getting John Salmons, the Bucks believe they're in position to make a run at a playoff spot in the East, which says plenty about Milwaukee's moxie (and also something about the lack of it in the East).

Nate Robinson will not wear out a welcome in four months, which is why he fits in Boston ... for now.

Speaking of Boston and Robinson, what do you think Larry Bird would've done if one of his teammates intentionally took a shot at the wrong basket?

Carmelo Anthony's earning potential just got better for the summer of 2011.

This Sunday. Cavaliers. Magic. In Orlando. Watch."

[jcisco loboe'77]

http://www.nba.com/2....run/index.html
Fran Blinebury has covered the NBA since 1977.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.
Posted Feb 19 2010 10:08AM


Every team has a pressing question as stretch run starts.

"The clock has struck midnight, the trade deadline has passed and now what's left is the race down the stretch to the finish line in the regular season and a basket full of questions.

Atlanta Hawks -- Wouldn't it have helped to have added a defender in the middle who could go toe-to-toe with Orlando's Dwight Howard in the playoffs?

Boston Celtics -- Does tiny Nate Robinson do enough allow the 2008 champs to think big again if Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen don't step up and play better?

Charlotte Bobcats -- Larry Brown got the big man he wanted on his frontline, but can Tyrus Thomas stand up to the driving demands from the coach who can take him to the next level?

Chicago Bulls -- Do the fans in Chicago still think the Bulls' priorities are on making the playoffs this spring rather than making a free-agent splash next summer?

Cleveland Cavaliers -- With Antawn Jamison as the most perfect fit of any deadline deal, do the Cavs have any excuse left for not raising the Larry O'Brien Trophy in June?

Dallas Mavericks -- Did the pickup of Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood do anything more than solidify the Mavericks' ability to get out of the first round of the playoffs?

Denver Nuggets -- No deadline changes, but after Carmelo wins the showdown with LeBron, if they bring their "A" game, is there any team they could face in any round that is clearly superior?

Detroit Pistons -- No deadline changes with Rip Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince. Do they even have an "A" game and how many shovels does Joe Dumars need to dig his way out of this massive hole?

Golden State Warriors -- Corey Maggette stays put, so does the franchise's state of confusion. Do the Warriors fork over the bucks to see Nellie break the career record for coaching wins -- next season?

Houston Rockets -- Could the Rockets have gotten a better free agent over the summer than Kevin Martin, not to mention potentially fleecing the NY Knicks out of two first-round draft picks?

Indiana Pacers -- They couldn't ship Troy Murphy to Cleveland, couldn't ship T.J. Ford to Charlotte, so now will they get around to plugging the holes in that defense?

Los Angeles Clippers -- After saving themselves money this season and clearing out salary cap space, can the Clippers really attract LeBron, D-Wade or Chris Bosh to challenge Kobe's stardom in Hollywood?

Los Angeles Lakers -- Do the defending champs really need outside help more than they need a mystical healer to fix whatever is ailing Kobe Bryant's left leg?

Memphis Grizzlies -- Does the arrival of Ronnie Brewer snap the Grizzlies out of their funk and get them back into the Western Conference playoff race?

Miami Heat -- With no trade deadline arrivals of Shawn Marion or Jermaine O'Neal this year, how can Pat Riley convince Dwyane Wade that anything but the view on South Beach ever changes?

Milwaukee Bucks -- After helping the Bulls make their run to the playoffs last season, can John Salmons provide the same finishing kick to help the Bucks get there this time around?

Minnesota Timberwolves -- Will Darko Milicic find the Land of 10,000 Frozen Lakes as the place to call home rather than taking his frustrated career back to Europe?

New Jersey Nets -- Really, unless it's a multiple-team package that delivers LeBron, Kobe, D-Wade and Melo, is there anything that jumpstarts a 5-49 season?

New Orleans Hornets -- Is there anything that Jeff Bower could have gotten in a trade that would have made a bigger difference than getting a healthy Chris Paul back in his lineup?

New York Knicks -- So if the Knicks don't land LeBron, Wade or Bosh and they've also given up two more first-round picks in 2011 and 2012; do they turn Madison Square Garden into a dinner-theater?

Oklahoma Thunder -- When you're GM Sam Presti and already have the best bunch of up-and-comers in the league, is there any reason to panic and try to rush the process?

Orlando Magic -- Can the Magic use the last 27 games of the regular season to develop some consistency in Vince Carter's up-and-down game and pick up where they left off last spring?

Philadelphia 76ers -- After dangling Andre Iguodala, Samuel Dalembert and Elton Brand, did it figure that the best the Sixers could reel in to save the season were Jodie Meeks and Francisco Elson?

Phoenix Suns -- So now that Amar'e Stoudemire sticks around for the rest of this season, haven't the Suns only delayed making the big decision that will move the franchise forward?

Portland Trail Blazers -- If they can get a healthy Brandon Roy back into the lineup and in rhythm, doesn't the addition of Marcus Camby give them potential to beat someone in the playoffs?

Sacramento Kings -- Once it became apparent that Tyreke Evans and Kevin Martin weren't going to work together in the backcourt, doesn't it make sense to get frontcourt help in Carl Landry?

San Antonio Spurs -- Since they couldn't unload Richard Jefferson with a Mercedes-Benz duct-taped to his back, isn't the Spurs' only real hope for Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to turn back the clock in the playoffs?

Toronto Raptors -- Isn't the only hope to hold onto free agent Chris Bosh for the Raptors to keeping charging after the 11-17 start and prove to him that they can get something done in the playoffs?

Utah Jazz -- When you've won 15 of your last 17, have moved within an eyelash of the No. 2 in the West and have the most harmonious family this side of the Von Trapp's, why would the Jazz trade Carlos Boozer?"

[jcisco loboe'77]

http://www.nba.com/2...ek16/index.html

Can upgrading teammates help -- or hinder -- MVP contenders?
By Steve Aschburner, for NBA.com
Posted Feb 19 2010 10:57AM
Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA for 25 years.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.


"With only a smattering of games since the All-Star break, there wasn't much opportunity for players to climb or fall in The Race -- although Carmelo Anthony sure seized what was there Thursday night in Cleveland, didn't he?


That doesn't negate the need for the committee's weekly meeting, though. No post-All-Star snooze for The Race, not with post-trading deadline news to address.

The trading deadline generated a flurry of team activity to factor into The Race. No one among the many fellows sent packing -- or, to take a half-full perspective -- "hotly pursued" Thursday had suited up in time for this week's monitoring, but they all had arrived in spirit and on paper.

How do spirit and paper impact The Race before they impact the standings? Easy: It changes supporting casts. While none of our Top 10 changed teams, several of their teammates did and it's well-established that teammates, pro and con, can dramatically affect an NBA star's MVP prospects. The more help a No. 1 guy has -- the closer his team gets to having a 1A and 1B, rather than clearly defined Nos. 2 or 3 -- the more his MVP claims tend to dip.

In essence, The Race is a sort of Strongman contest. The greater the load a candidate has to carry, and the farther he carries it, the higher he ranks in the eyes of the committee. When you really think about it, this turns the traditional views of team-building topsy-turvy.

An NBA star who does everything he can to chase a ring cannot help it if his GM doesn't surround him with sufficient help to get that job done. Meanwhile, an MVP candidate who does everything to win that particular bauble cannot help it if his GM surrounds him with so much help that his need to be super-human -- and really impress all of us -- is lessened.

That gets us back to the original point: Did Cleveland, by acquiring forward Antawn Jamison, improve itself enough around LeBron James that James' MVP prospects are dimmed? After all, Jamison seems like an ideal choice to provide enough firepower and defensive size to cope with or push rivals in Orlando, Boston and Atlanta. There could be nights when the emancipated Washington Wizard paces the Cavs in scoring or rebounding, giving LBJ a breather. His unbridled joy at winning the equivalent of an Eastern Conference lottery -- stuck in Washington's mess one moment, landing on Cleveland's championship-focused express the next -- could boost chemistry off the floor, too; even without the joy, he is a solid character guy on a team with lots of them.

And by my count, the Cavaliers now have four current or former All-Stars -- James, Jamison, Shaquille O'Neal, Mo Williams -- among their top eight. There even was rumbling Thursday that a fifth, trusty center Zydrunas Ilgauskas, could be headed back if Washington cuts him loose and he opts to wait the required 30 days before returning.

So is James less likely to win the MVP now? Nah.

The Race regrets pulling the rug out from under its own preamble, but as long as Cleveland motors along with the league's best record, as long as James stays healthy and as long as he can produce numbers like he did in defeat to Denver Thursday (43 points, 13 rebounds, 15 assists), he can count on having a second Maurice Podoloff trophy to bookend the one he got in 2009."

[jcisco loboe'77]

http://www.nba.com/2...ek16/index.html

Can upgrading teammates help -- or hinder -- MVP contenders?
By Steve Aschburner, for NBA.com
Posted Feb 19 2010 10:57AM
Steve Aschburner has written about the NBA for 25 years.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Turner Broadcasting.


1. LeBron James, Cavs (43-12)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
55 39.0 30.1 7.2 8.4 1.6 1.0 .505 .353 .774
Last Week's Rank - 1
What's not to like about James' third triple-double of the season and the 27th of his career? Well, he did miss some crucial free throws down the stretch, finishing 12-of-17 from the line. And he went three-happy, shooting 1 of 9 from the arc (and 0 of 4 in overtime). Over his past three games, James is 4 of 19 on three-pointers. Still, that sample size is way too small to even rattle him in this perch.

2. Kevin Durant, Thunder (31-21)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
52 39.8 29.7 7.5 2.9 1.4 0.9 .481 .377 .876
Last Week's Rank - 2
Got to cut Durant some slack, considering how busy he was during All-Star Weekend, doing his duty for his vast regional fans at the game in Dallas. He missed 19 of his 28 shots in his return to real action, but scored 25 to keep alive his streak of 26 consecutive games with at least that many points (next up to catch: Allen Iverson's streak of 27). Durant also had 12 rebounds and three blocks as the Thunder beat the Mavericks and moved within a half-game of them in the West standings.

3. Kobe Bryant, Lakers (42-14)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
51 38.6 28.0 5.3 4.6 1.7 0.3 .461 .327 .814
Last Week's Rank - 3
There's a saying in sports that you don't lose your starting job to injury, and The Race has a similar version: An MVP candidate doesn't lose his Top 3 ranking to an injury that doesn't require surgery or figure to sideline him for more than a few weeks. Hey, committee's Race, committee's rules. Besides, Bryant's case might have been helped when he wasn't around to take (and make?) the final shot in the Lakers' 87-86 loss to Boston. The one-game losing streak bolsters his MVP claims, too, after those four inconvenient Kobe-less victories.

4. Dwight Howard, Magic (37-18)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
55 35.1 18.2 13.4 1.6 1.1 2.8 .604 --- .608
Last Week's Rank - 5
The Race was impressed by Howard's 33 points, his 17 boards, his seven blocks and his five dunks in the post-All-Star spanking of Detroit. But it was wowed by his 11-of-13 foul shooting. Don't look now but the Orlando specimen is showing a nice touch, making 18 of his last 23 free throws and 51 of 73 in February (not counting 2-of-3 in the All-Star Game).

5. Carmelo Anthony, Nuggets (36-18)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
41 37.9 29.5 6.4 3.4 1.3 0.4 .463 .376 .854
Last Week's Rank - 6
There was a season or two in which Carmelo Anthony was said to be neck-and-neck with James as a franchise-type young star from the Class of 2003. There were several more during which the comparisons got a little awkward, with only Anthony and those who love him claiming much proximity, skills- or status-wise, to the guy in Cleveland. And then there was Thursday, with the two defending each other and posting monster numbers, all the while enjoying the matchup. Anthony smiled a little more, even before his overtime winner with 1.9 seconds left.

6. Chris Bosh, Raptors (29-24)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
53 36.4 24.5 11.4 2.3 0.6 1.1 .525 .375 .790
Last Week's Rank - 4
After a strong outing at Cowboys Stadium, Bosh put up pretty numbers in a loss to Memphis: 32 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, 11 of 22 from the floor, 10 of 10 from the line. He was around till the end but suffered an ankle sprain that threatened his availability for two games this weekend.

7. Tim Duncan, Spurs (31-21)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
49 32.2 19.1 11.0 3.1 0.6 1.8 .516 --- .750
Last Week's Rank - 7
"Worst shooting night of my career," Duncan said after going 4-of-23 for eight points at Indiana Wednesday. That's horrible for an MVP candidate. What wasn't horrible, though, were Duncan's 26 rebounds -- 11 of San Antonio's 17 in the game -- his five assists or the Spurs' road victory.

8. Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs (33-21)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
53 37.7 24.7 7.8 2.5 0.8 1.1 .474 .349 .897
Last Week's Rank - 8
He averaged 26 points, eight boards and 4.5 assists as the Mavericks split their first two games back. But gee, his supporting cast is looking a lot better now since that trade with Washington; Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood were among Dallas' six scorers in double figures in beating Phoenix Wednesday. Remember how we started this: Better crew, tougher MVP chances.

9. Deron Williams, Jazz (34-19)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
48 37.0 18.5 4.1 9.9 1.1 0.3 .484 .366 .785
Last Week's Rank - 9
New Orleans rookie Darren Collison did a reasonable Chris Paul impersonation (24 points, nine assists) but Williams won the pseudo-matchup anyway by helping the Jazz to a victory, the second in back-to-back road games. Williams had 16 points and 10 assists with four turnovers, after posting 17, 15 and four at Houston Tuesday.

10. Steve Nash, Suns (32-23)
G MPG PPG RPG APG SPG BPG FG% 3P% FT%
55 33.7 17.9 3.3 11.2 0.5 0.2 .513 .426 .940
Last Week's Rank - 10
Nash was about as busy as Durant over the break, after carrying the Olympic torch up in Canada, winning the skills competition and dishing 13 assists in the All-Star Game. Maybe that explains his 5-of-17 shooting (1-of-8 from the arc) in two games back, though he had 28 assists to five turnovers and helped the Suns split road back-to-backers.