Len Bias and Reggie Lewis would�ve written great chapter in Boston Celtics� history

http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080901/NEWS01/809010311/1037

This article is from The Pensacola News Journal You can visit them @ http://www.pnj.com/

At age 59, it's not too late to sport new tattoos

Mark O'Brien � mobrien@... � September 1, 2008

I winced and shrugged 15 years ago when I first noticed young people racing to get tattoos.

I winced because tattoos involve needles and I'm a sissy. I shrugged because tattoos were something I neither feared nor craved.

Every generation feels the need to outdo its parents' rebellion. Just as my crowd grew long hair to upset our Great Depression parents, I figured Generations X and Y took up tattoos to emphasize their independence from their baby boomer parents.

But over time, my thinking changed. That's why I got two tattoos this summer.

My wife and my mother decided the tattoos indicate a mid-life crisis � every woman's handy explanation for all things male. Maybe they're right, but it's less expensive to put a couple human Post-it notes on my arms than to buy a motorcycle, change careers or do other middle-age crazy things.

The first tattoo began to form in my mind last winter as I watched the Boston Celtics start a run that would make them National Basketball Association champions in June, ending a long drought for a team that ruled basketball in the 1950-60s and again for much in the 1980s.

The lesson to me: If someone works hard, he can overcome hard times and be a winner. The Celtics were especially impressive because their three stars � Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen � subjugated their egos and worked together rather than seeking individual glory.

That's why the green Celtics logo with the leprechaun is on my left arm.

The idea for the Red Sox tattoo on my right arm actually has very little to do with baseball.

Instead, it reminds me of how people sometimes become obsessed with something � as I was with the Red Sox as a kid � and how we worry too much about small stuff.

There's another angle.

Many Red Sox fans hate the New York Yankees, just as some Southerners hate Northerners because of the Civil War, 145 years ago. Yet, the Yankees hardly know the Red Sox fans exist, just as Northerners seldom think of the Southerners who spend so much energy hating them.

So this tattoo, on my right arm, reminds me to keep an open mind, to take people as they are, to not prejudge them.

Even if they don't like tattoos.

See more news and views on Mark's blog, www.pnj.com/markobrien

#84318

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Mon Sep 1, 2008 11:16 am
Subject: Gene Conley put in double time in big-league baseball and basketball

joesixpack33

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-crowe1-2008sep01,1,3247911.column

This article is from The Los Angeles Times You can visit them @ http://www.latimes.com/

Gene Conley put in double time in big-league baseball and basketball

Don Montague / For The Times

Gene Conley, with his wife Kathryn at their home in Clermont, Fla., is the only athlete to win the World Series and NBA championships.

A three-time National League all-star as a pitcher in the 1950s and '60s, he moonlighted as a reserve center and forward for the Boston Celtics.

Jerry Crowe
September 1, 2008

Nobody ever double-dipped quite like Gene Conley.

A three-time National League All-Star as a pitcher, the 6-foot-8 right-hander moonlighted as a reserve center and forward for the Boston Celtics.

The only athlete to win championship rings in two major U.S. professional sports, Conley was part of a World Series-winning team with Hank Aaron and the Milwaukee Braves and won three NBA titles with the Bill Russell-era Celtics.

He struck out Ted Williams in the 1959 All-Star game at the Coliseum, played against Jackie Robinson . . . and guarded Wilt Chamberlain.

His teammates included Warren Spahn, Eddie Mathews and Carl Yastrzemski, but also Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn and K.C. Jones.

Nobody played two major professional sports longer.

"When I look back, I don't know how I did it, I really don't," Conley says from his home in Clermont, Fla., 15 miles west of Orlando. "I think I was having so much fun that it kept me going. I can't remember a teammate I didn't enjoy."

Conley, who turns 78 in November, once played 12 pro seasons over six years -- six in baseball, six in basketball -- without taking a break in between.

In April 1961, only two weeks after helping the Celtics polish off the St. Louis Hawks in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, he pitched into the ninth inning and drove in a run for the Boston Red Sox in a 6-1 victory over the Washington Senators -- with Russell and Jones looking on at Fenway Park.

"I was surprised more guys didn't do it," Conley says of his duality, noting that in his best year as a two-sport professional athlete in the late 1950s and early '60s he made only about $50,000. "In those days, ballplayers had to look for off-season jobs. We didn't get paid big money, and we were raising families. . . .

"Other guys didn't know how I could do it because they thought it was too much of a strain, but I didn't look at it as a strain. I looked at it as work, a paycheck every two weeks. You got 12 checks in the summer and 12 in the winter."

While his baseball employers urged him to give up basketball -- early on, the Braves paid him as much as $5,000 to not play basketball and the Philadelphia Phillies later offered him $20,000 to take the winter off -- Conley says the Celtics and later the New York Knicks didn't care how he spent his summers.

"Red Auerbach used to say, 'Well, Gene, the playoffs are over, the season's over, now you can go down and try to get out of shape so you can pitch,' " Conley, laughing, says of the late Celtics patriarch. "He thought baseball was a sissy game, I think. I said, 'Red, come on. You don't know what it's like to be in St. Louis or Kansas City when it's about 110 degrees on the field and you're out there sweating away with Stan Musial or one of those guys looking out at you.' He laughed."

Conley first signed with the Boston Braves, in 1951, but not before USC's Bill Sharman saw him play basketball for Washington State against UCLA. Later, after joining the Celtics, Sharman told Auerbach to keep an eye on Conley. But when Auerbach called in 1952 to ask about his availability, Conley says, "I didn't know who he was, and I didn't know who the Boston Celtics were."

Still, he liked the idea of playing basketball as an off-season job and he signed on for the 1952-53 season, appearing in 39 games.

As Conley's baseball career took off, however, the Braves paid him to stop playing basketball. Most valuable player in the triple-A American Assn. in 1953, he was a major league All-Star in 1954 and finished third in the voting for National League rookie of the year -- behind Wally Moon and Ernie Banks but ahead of Aaron. In 1955, Conley was the winning pitcher in the All-Star game.

In 1957, he helped the Braves win the World Series. Says Conley, "I thought I was through with basketball."

He was wrong.

After going 0-6 in 1958, Conley saw his salary cut by 20% and made an urgent call to Auerbach, asking again for winter work. By then, the Celtics had added Russell, Heinsohn and Frank Ramsey, won their first NBA title in 1957 and reached the Finals again in 1958, but Auerbach said he'd give him a shot.

Three years later, Conley was a three-time NBA champion. He played six NBA seasons in all, averaging six points and six rebounds in 17 minutes a game. In 11 major league seasons, he was 91-96 with a 3.82 earned-run average.

Heinsohn, his Celtics teammate, later told the Boston Globe, "Had he concentrated on basketball earlier, he would have been a really big-time, great player."

While Conley was a heavy drinker during his playing days -- he famously bolted the Red Sox during a three-day bender in New York in 1962 -- he gave up alcohol in retirement and started a paper company, running it for 35 years.

He and wife Katie, married 57 years and grandparents seven times over, lobbied for years on behalf of the National Basketball Retired Players Assn. and were instrumental in improving pension and medical benefits for old-time players. In 2004, after years of writing, Katie published her husband's biography.

She titled it, "One of a Kind."

jerome.crowe@...

#84319

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Mon Sep 1, 2008 11:20 am
Subject: Memorablila collectors have plenty of options

joesixpack33

http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080901/SPORTS/809010315

This article is from Seacoastonline.com You can visit them @ http://www.seacoastonline.com/

Memorablila collectors have plenty of options

By Mike Sullivan

September 01, 2008 6:00 AM

As summer winds down, there are a variety of card shows and autograph signings in striking distance � a relative term considering gas prices � this month.

Current and former members of the Boston Celtics are making the rounds, including starting point guard Rajon Rondo and eight-time NBA champ Tom "Satch" Sanders, as well as NHL Hall of Famer Cam Neely, among others.

Promoter Victor Andreoli is bringing in NHL great Ed Johnston to his monthly show in Methuen, Mass., on Sunday. The former Bruins goalie and general manager of "The Whale" � yep, the Hartford Whalers � is signing autographs for $15 apiece from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while the show runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Johnston doesn't do a lot of signings, so this is a nice opportunity to add him to your hockey stash. Visit www.cardshows.net or call (978) 688-5171 for the particulars.

Andreoli has also announced that NHL Hall of Famer and ex-Bruin Brad Park will be appearing at his show in October, while New England Patriots fan favorite Steve Grogan will be there in November.

Boston Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis is making a New Hampshire stop on Sept. 11, but be aware that since "Youk" has developed into an All-Star and a gold glover, his appearance fee has skyrocketed.

He is signing at BC Sports in the Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem from 6:30 to 8 p.m. that night, but the cost for an autograph on a flat item or ball is $70 and other items are $90. Inscriptions are � brace yourself � an additional $30. At those prices, you'd be best served trying to get Youkilis in spring training, or waiting until he's retired.

Log on to www.bcsports.com and click on "Player Signings" or call 893-4163 for additional information.

Rondo will be signing in Manchester at the Mall of New Hampshire on Sept. 13. The event, co-promoted by Sure Shot Promotions and Manchester-based New England Picture, is from noon to 1:30 p.m. Rondo's autograph rate has increased significantly in the wake of the Celtics' title run, but that's to be expected. He is signing for $49 on a small flat item and $59 on premium items. Inscriptions, like 2007-08 NBA Champs, will cost you $20.

Might seem pricey, but Rondo has nowhere to go but up in the NBA, and his autograph rate will follow suit. Don't you wish you had gotten him his rookie year? There's something to be said for rolling the dice on rookie memorabilia when the cost is low.

Log on to www.sureshotpromotions.com or call 818-2007 for additional info.

Also on Sept. 13, just down Route 1 in Saugus, Mass., four ex-Boston Bruins will be signing at Sportsworld from noon to 2 p.m. Jay Miller (who played his collegiate hockey here in Durham at the University of New Hampshire), Chris "Knuckles" Nilan, Lyndon Byers and Neely will all be appearing.

Four of hockey's all-time great tough guys in one room � if you're a hockey collector, you've hit the jackpot. Something tells me Sportsworld owner Phil Castinetti won't need to hire security for this event.

Neely is signing for $45 plus $10 for inscriptions � not a terrible rate for a player of his popularity and stature � while Nilan, Miller and Byers are $15 apiece with free inscriptions. Log onto www.sportsworld-usa.com or call (781) 233-7222 for further details.

Here on the Seacoast, Bill Harless and Ken Kelley's next monthly card show at the Elks Lodge on Route 108 in Dover is set for Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Harless said attendance has been down the last couple months, so if you are a collector and have some time that Sunday, stop by and check out a good, local show with free admission.

If collectors don't support the local dealers, they'll go elsewhere and then there won't be any local shows at all. Call 659-0210 or 234-0385 for information.

If you're up for a road trip, Doug Keating of Cardboard Promotions is hosting some great guests Sept. 21 in Mansfield, Mass. Gene Conley, the only man to win a World Series ring and be part of an NBA championship team, will be signing from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Conley, whose antics and unpredictable nature could be topped perhaps only by former Red Sox outfielder Jimmy Piersall, is one of sports' great characters. Athletically, he is in a class all by himself having won NBA titles with the Boston Celtics from 1959 to 1961, and also pitching for the World Series champion Milwaukee Braves in 1957. Nobody else has ever won a championship in two of what we consider to be the "major" sports.

Joining Conley that day will be Sanders. "Satch" will be at the show from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more on this show, check out www.cardboardpromotions.com or call (508) 369-2471.

It should be noted that Keating has some of the lowest rates you will see in this modern era of autograph collecting. Conley and Sanders are signing for just $8 a pop, on any item and including inscriptions. Each additional autograph is just $6. Despite tough economic times, the deals are out there. You just have to find them and spend wisely.

Mike Sullivan is a Herald columnist. He can be reached at sullywrites@....

#84320

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Mon Sep 1, 2008 11:29 am
Subject: The Cavs� idea of helping LeBron, Monta Ellis may not be in trouble, and the NBA�s silliest tattoo

joesixpack33

http://dimemag.com/2008/09/dime-smack-lebron-james-free-agent-cavs-monta-ellis-injury-controversy/

This article is from Dime Magazine You can visit them @ http://dimemag.com/

Smack / Sep 1, 2008 / 4:48 am

The Cavs� idea of helping LeBron, Monta Ellis may not be in trouble, and the NBA�s silliest tattoo

Exactly whose job is it within the Cleveland Cavaliers� organization to continually try and convince LeBron that the team really is doing what they feel is right to build a championship contender around him? And how is that person going to spin the reports we�re hearing that two of the Cavs� primary free-agent targets right now are Lorenzen Wright and Juwan Howard? And owner Dan Gilbert really wonders why so many people are writing stories about LeBron�s potential departure in 2010? If this were 1996 and we were talking about Lorenzen and Juwan, cool; that was back when Lorenzen was a Top-10 pick coming off a beastly run at Memphis, and Juwan was ballin� hard enough that teams were throwing $100 million offers his way. A dozen years later, Wright is 32 years old, Howard is 35, and both are end-of-the-bench guys at best who wouldn�t shock anyone is they lost to Big Z in a 94-foot dash. At least J.J. Hickson looks like he could be a player for Cleveland in the paint � Yesterday�s news that the Warriors were sending their own trainer down to Jackson, Miss., to investigate the cause of Monta Ellis� ankle injury � originally reported by the Contra Costa Times � is being disputed by the San Francisco Chronicle. They�re saying that since Golden State�s trainer is actually in South Africa right now as part of the NBA�s �Basketball Without Borders� outreach program (along with Caron Butler, Dikembe Mutombo, Nick Collison, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Thabo Sefolosha and Juwan Howard), the other paper got the story wrong. It brings up the question, though: If you were running the Warriors or any other team, would you do a little more digging to find out how your players get hurt off the court? Or would you take them at their word if they claimed it was simply a workout/basketball injury? � BTW, none of this Monta stuff is as hilarious as Vlad Radmanovic trying to hide that he hurt his shoulder skiing or snowboarding or whatever it was � If you thought Stephon Marbury�s �Starbury� logo tat on the side of his head was bad, J.R. Giddens supposedly has a green shamrock tatted behind his ear that he got after the NBA Draft. We haven�t seen it, but we�d imagine it�s something J.R. can cover up with a headband. Otherwise, it�ll be real awkward for him if he gets traded � Just in case the Redeem Team didn�t win the gold, Dwight Howard would�ve had a ready-made excuse: Their video-game hookup broke not long after the squad landed in Beijing. And you know how that can mess up a trip. �We had to play like Scrabble and lot of board and card games,� Dwight told the Orlando Sentinel. �I thought it was good, though. We had a little player lounge and it kept us out of our rooms. I started to do that and we bonded not only with the guys on the men�s team, but also the women�s team.� � Not sure if we mentioned this during the Olympics, but did you see the segment on when Chris Bosh and Tayshaun Prince went to the Great Wall and Bosh asked, �Do we have to walk the whole thing?� � Why is Chris Quinn slow-walking on accepting Miami�s one-year, $1 million qualifying offer? If he doesn�t watch out, Shaun Livingston might snap up his job. Some of us in the Dime office are pulling for Quinn to succeed, if only because the longer he�s in the NBA, it drives the Syracuse fans in the office crazy that Gerry McNamara isn�t in the League � Patrick Ewing Sr. said that Pat Jr. can have #33 for the Knicks if he wants it. If you were in Big Pat�s shoes, would you let your kid have your retired number? And if you were Little Pat, would you even want that? � Nikolai Valuev (the huge 7-footer) and John Ruiz (the most boring boxer ever) fought for a major heavyweight belt over the weekend. Why are those two � especially Ruiz, who must be knocking on 40 years old � still even in the championship picture? Between Valuev�s back hair and Ruiz�s style, it very well may have been the most visually unappealing sporting event to ever take place � We�re out like Juwan�s prime �

#84321

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Mon Sep 1, 2008 11:31 am
Subject: The Rebirth of JR Giddens

joesixpack33

http://redsarmy.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/the-rebirth-of-jr-giddens/

This article is from Reds Army You can visit them @ http://www.redsarmy.com/

The Rebirth of JR Giddens

August 31, 2008 - 3 Responses

JR Giddens (Photo Courtesy: Boston Herald)

For a team that is returning all but 1 of its key players from last year�s regular season, the Celtics sure do seem to have a lot of question marks. JR Giddens is one of them. Or maybe he WAS one.

Giddens was finally, officially, signed this week� and he came to town to start working out with Bill Walker and Patrick O�Bryant (and Rajon Rondo, Tony Allen, and Glen Davis� who have already been in town). And it didn�t take Bill Walker long to notice something about Giddens.

�I�ve seen J.R. play a lot of times. I know he�s athletic. I know he can shoot it. But I didn�t know his work ethic. Up close, you see it that he really works. That�s probably the most surprising thing.�

Scott Souza also reports that Giddens already has some new ink: A shamrock behind his left ear. Giddens is trying hard to get us to like him:

Giddens says he knows he�s made mistakes. But he also feels it�s time for the corrections he�s made in his life to shine through. He admits he cares about, and has worked hard to restore, his public persona and wants the developing one of him in Boston to be positive.

�Somebody may be a dog on the court - a mean guy - but off the court he�s a teddy bear. I think it�s a little bit of that effect. Out here, I�m a monster, I�m a beast, I�m all in. But off the court my friends, teammates, know I am a real nice guy.�

I�ll state again for the record� I haven�t heard a single thing since the draft that make me question why he was drafted. I�m loving this pick more and more.

What I�m not loving, and neither is anyone else, is the new Oklahoma City Thunder logo (via Slam Online).

Categorised in Author: John
Tags: bill walker, boston celtics, Glen Davis, J.R. Giddens, nba, oklahoma city thunder, patrick o'bryant, Rajon Rondo, Tony Allen

#84322

From: Joe Moriarty_2 <mustyceltic@...>
Date: Mon Sep 1, 2008 3:50 pm
Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] The Rebirth of JR Giddens

jaymori33

< �Somebody may be a dog on the court - a mean guy - but off the court he�s a teddy bear. I think it�s a little bit of that effect. Out here, I�m a monster, I�m a beast, I�m all in. But off the court my friends, teammates, know I am a real nice guy. >� (RedsArmy)

Who knows ?� Maybe this guard, is another Danny Ainge-like : (is confrontational on the court; can shoot well;� & nice guy while doing civilian life.

musty� Celtic� joe

John S wrote:

This article is from�Reds Army� � You can visit them @�http://www.redsarmy.com/

The Rebirth of JR�Giddens

http://redsarmy.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/the-rebirth-of-jr-giddens/

�

August 31, 2008 - 3 Responses

�

JR Giddens (Photo Courtesy: Boston Herald)

For a team that is returning all but 1 of its key players from last year�s regular season, the Celtics sure do seem to have a lot of question marks.� JR Giddens is one of them.� Or maybe he WAS one.

Giddens was finally, officially, signed this week� and he came to town to start working out with Bill Walker and Patrick O�Bryant (and Rajon Rondo, Tony Allen, and Glen Davis� who have already been in town).� And it didn�t take Bill Walker long to notice something about Giddens.

�I�ve seen J.R. play a lot of times. I know he�s athletic. I know he can shoot it. But I didn�t know his work ethic. Up close, you see it that he really works. That�s probably the most surprising thing.�

Scott Souza also reports that Giddens already has some new ink:� A shamrock behind his left ear.� Giddens is trying hard to get us to like him:

Giddens says he knows he�s made mistakes. But he also feels it�s time for the corrections he�s made in his life to shine through. He admits he cares about, and has worked hard to restore, his public persona and wants the developing one of him in Boston to be positive.

�Somebody may be a dog on the court - a mean guy - but off the court he�s a teddy bear. I think it�s a little bit of that effect. Out here, I�m a monster, I�m a beast, I�m all in. But off the court my friends, teammates, know I am a real nice guy.�

I�ll state again for the record� I haven�t heard a single thing since the draft that make me question why he was drafted.� I�m loving this pick more and more.

What I�m not loving, and neither is anyone else, is the new Oklahoma City Thunder logo�(via Slam Online).

Categorised in Author: John
Tags: bill walker, boston celtics, Glen Davis, J.R. Giddens, nba, oklahoma city thunder, patrick o'bryant, Rajon Rondo, Tony Allen

#84323

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Mon Sep 1, 2008 5:19 pm
Subject: NBA Rumors: Monday, Sept. 1

joesixpack33

http://www.insidehoops.com/nba_rumors.shtml

This article is from InsideHoops.com You can visit them @ http://www.insidehoops.com/

NBA Rumors

InsideHoops.com NBA Rumors | Daily

InsideHoops.com delivers NBA rumors from every newspaper and website, every day. Read by everyone in pro basketball, our NBA rumors page quotes the key rumor info from every article that matters. Click any link for a new window with the full story. And aside from the InsideHoops NBA rumor mill see NBA media links and the NBA Daily for game recaps. And discuss today's NBA rumors on the famous InsideHoops basketball forum. If you haven't yet, register for the board.

NBA Rumors: Monday, Sept. 1

InsideHoops NBA rumors updated 9:50 a.m. ET.

Travis Outlaw: He knows that with his springy legs, he can get his shot off against anyone simply by elevating over them. But he wonders if he will get enough attempts this season with the arrival of Jerryd Bayless, a shoot-first, pass-second guard, and Rudy Fernandez, a free-wheeling, long-range bomber. Both are expected to play with Outlaw on the second unit. "I saw Bayless have a great Summer League," Outlaw says. "And Rudy, he's having a great Olympics, you know? Shots are going to go down somewhere, and I feel I'm the lowest guy on the totem pole, so it may be me." Oregonian

"We have a really good team," Outlaw says. "But I don't know if they are going to be able to keep us together." His mood never dwells on his apprehensions. It seems every time they arise, he gathers in his surroundings, be it listening to the June bugs, taking in the scenery at the secluded pond he fishes, or embracing the comfort of family. It seems to ground him, and he becomes the man that is so familiar in Portland: gentle, respectful and humble. "Things come to you in due time," Outlaw says late one night. "If God has it in his will, then that's how it's gonna be." Oregonian

"I don't want to be a sixth man forever," Outlaw says. So he emphatically declares that Portland fans will see a different Outlaw this season. One who is confident. One who will hit the corner three-pointer. One who can create his own shot. And one who will rebound. In fact, his personal goal this season is to average 16 points and eight rebounds, marked increases from his career-high averages last season of 13.3 points and 4.6 rebounds. Oregonian

There's not much of a chance for conversation when riding as a passenger in Outlaw's black Cadillac Escalade, one of three cars he owns. The stereo is usually cranked, and almost exclusively, the speakers bulge to the beat of Outlaw's favorite artist, Lil Wayne. Oregonian

The conversation starts with Outlaw asking how close he was to being traded to Memphis for Mike Miller, but quickly veers to Denver's Carmelo Anthony, who the table feels was asking for a trade. "I don't understand why you would want to be traded when you have the green light to shoot from half court?" Outlaw says. "You give me that type of leeway boy, I be there ... I'm going to retire there. Give me the green light: 'Trav, you get to shoot whenever you want to, there ain't no such thing as a bad shot...'" Oregonian

Outlaw is hands-down the best dunker on the Blazers, so much so that his teammates have urged him to take part in the All-Star dunk contest, but Outlaw shied away from the chance. It's not that he doesn't like dunking, but the jumper has taken so much time and effort to perfect that he has a hard time straying from it. Oregonian

Although McMillan has said there will be an open competition at small forward in training camp, the prevailing theory -- and one McMillan has championed -- is that Webster is better suited for the starting unit. Webster, who made a team-leading 123 three-pointers last season, spreads the floor with his outside shooting, which could be a huge weapon when opponents double-team Oden and Aldridge. Oregonian

I just wanted to give you my impressions of Saturday's memorial service for Duck, along with a few thoughts, and then with the new week, we'll get back to the other, less important, stuff. The service was very well done, and I'm sure some of you reading this attended the memorial. There many Duckworth photos, and videos, and former Blazers like Terry Porter, Jerome Kersey, Buck Williams, Cliff Robinson, Tracy Murray, and Rick Adelman, attended. Terry, Jerome, and Buck were among the speakers, and Clyde, who is in Taiwan, sent in a great video message. MikeBarrettsBlog

Portland mayor Tom Potter spoke, as did Blazers founder Harry Glickman, Blazers president Larry Miller, and our VP of Communications Traci Rose, who was a good friend of Duckworth's. Team chaplain Al Egg spoke of Duck's faith, and Bill Schonely, who emceed the memorial, gave a tremendous opening prayer, and also shared several stories. There were many stories told about Duck, and there were moments of laughter, along with many tears. MikeBarrettsBlog

Jerome Kersey, who was probably Kevin's closest friend of his past teammates, had a difficult time getting through his comments. He and Duck had recently spent time together as team embassadors, on the Blazers Summer Tour that hit just about every corner of the state this summer. Jerome told of the pride Duck had in being an alum, and talked of his love of the state of Oregon and the city of Portland. MikeBarrettsBlog

What most attracted you to working with Sam Presti and this organization? Bill Branch, Oklahoma City's director of pro player personnel: It's exciting to build a team the right way. Slowly. Meticulously. Add the right pieces. Gain some salary cap (space) so you one day can land a big free agent. Doing it the right way, and working with those type of people, was very exciting to me. I feel really proud what our organization has done thus far. The city will embrace the players on this team, the character of our players and how hard they'll play. Oklahoman

OKC: When team officials announced ticket prices last month the major revelation wasn't prime seats doubled in price compared to Hornet season tickets. The news flash was the common fan will have an opportunity to attend games at a reasonable price. Even if the team could sell out the Ford Center with season tickets, team chairman Clay Bennett said that wasn't an option. Team officials said they will cap season ticket sales, if necessary, to assure every fan an opportunity to attend games. Oklahoman

The 16,000 applicants for season tickets begin choosing their seats next week. It's uncertain how many season tickets will be sold. Regardless of the final tally, it's a sound marketing strategy to offer reasonably priced tickets to school teachers and other fans who could never afford front row Hollywood seats. Oklahoman

Oklahoma City is offering 5,000 tickets for $20 or less, 11,000 tickets for $50 or less. Brian Byrnes, a vice president for Oklahoma City's NBA team, said Bennett and his partners wanted to accommodate fans in all five "buckets.� Oklahoman

The Hornets have not made any contingency plans yet if Hurricane Gustav causes damage to the Alario Center or New Orleans Arena. The Hornets do not begin training camp until October, but team spokesman Harold Kaufman said at the close of business Friday, the franchise temporarily shut down its operations so employees could make their evacuation plans. New Orleans Times-Picayune

The Hornets have more than 10,000 season-ticket holders, their largest since the franchise relocated from Charlotte, N.C., after the 2001- 2002 season. In 2005, the Hornets were forced to temporarily relocate to Oklahoma City after flooding caused damages at the New Orleans Arena, resulting from Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Darrell and Lisa Walker celebrated their 21 st wedding anniversary Saturday night. Instead of an intimate dinner at a fancy restaurant, they shared their anniversary with thousands of Arkansas football fans at Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Darrell Walker, a former Arkansas All-America basketball player who helped the Razorbacks to a three-year record of 73-18 from 1981-1983, was among nine inductees into the UA Hall of Honor introduced at halftime of the Arkansas-Western Illinois game. Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Darrell Walker: � A lot of people never thought I�d be here. They probably thought I�d be in jail locked up somewhere, let�s just be honest about it.� Walker noted that when Eddie Sutton coached the Razorbacks from 1974-1985, the players wore practice shorts and jerseys with �defense, dedication and discipline� written on the back. �I had two of those down,� Walker said. �The discipline part came later. Arkansas Democrat Gazette

�My goal is to become a head coach again in the NBA,� Walker said. �And I will do that.� Walker said Sutton has been among his most important influences as a player and coach. �He set the foundation of how to play basketball the right way and how to do things the right way,� Walker said. �I took that to me with the NBA, and things have worked out pretty well." Arkansas Democrat Gazette

One of the biggest contributors to the success story of Spanish basketball has passed away. Ernesto Segura de Luna, the former President of the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), passed away on Saturday, at the age of 86, in Matar�, a city located 30 km. away from his hometown, Barcelona. Segura de Luna lead the Spanish Basketball Federation for 25 years before he handed over reins to the current President, Jos� Luis S�ez, in 2004. Mr. Segura de Luna, who became Honorary President of FEB in 2004, was previously President of FIBA Europe, a member of the FIBA Central Board and member of various FIBA commissions, being particularly notable his contributions as a fine jurist in the FIBA Legal Commission. Fiba.com

Great Britain defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina and Portugal at the Efes Pilsen World Cup 7 over the weekend. Those triumphs were not as important as the one British Basketball claimed off the court, however, with the country�s talented Chicago Bull Luol Deng finally given clearance in America to play for the Brits in this summer�s EuroBasket qualifying games against Israel, the Czech Republic and the Bosnians. Deng played last summer in Britain�s promotion-winning campaign from EuroBasket Division B and was arguably the best player in the competition, averaging 24.5 points per game. Fiba.com

British Basketball performance director Chris Spice said in a statement: �For 2008, we are convinced that this is the best outcome for British Basketball, is the best use of our funds in the circumstances and highlights our commitment to make Great Britain one of the top basketball nations in the world by 2012." Fiba.com

�We see no medical reason why the NBA insurers have demanded this completely new element to Luol's insurance but as their demand came so late and out of the blue, we have had no choice,� Spice said. Fiba.com

Argentina star Manu Ginobili has no regrets about playing at the Olympics despite being told he needs to have an operation after aggravating an ankle injury in the semi-final against the United States. Ginobili went down in the first quarter against Team USA and didn�t play again in that game, or in Argentina�s bronze-medal win against Lithuania. "I would take this decision to go to Beijing again,� Ginobili said on his official website. Fiba.com

"I am going to undergo surgery but I would take the decision to play at the Olympics again,� Ginobili said. "The ligament is as it was two months ago. It hasn�t improved but it hasn�t worsened. "There is still no date set for the surgery. It�s something that has to be done and in these cases the recovery is from six to eight weeks.� Fiba.com

Yuta Tabuse has bounced around plenty in his career. Now, the only Japanese player to appear in an NBA game is bouncing all the way back home. The Japan Basketball League's expansion Link Tochigi Brex announced on Sunday that they have signed the 27-year-old Tabuse to a two-year deal. Daily Yomiuri

Tabuse, who played four games with the Phoenix Suns in the 2004-05 season, plans to hold a press conference Tuesday. The 1.75-meter point guard, however, said he still hasn't given up on his goal of returning to the NBA. "This decision might surprise some people, but there is one thing I can say for certain: I have not changed my mind on taking on the challenge of playing in the NBA," Tabuse said on his Web site. Daily Yomiuri

This July, Elton Brand signed a 79.8 million dollar contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Coming off a serious Achilles injury that kept him on the bench until the last month of the 2007-08 NBA season, Brand said he felt reborn.. �This is like a second chance. I�ll be 30-something in a year or two, so it�s very important to go out there and win something I�ve been on the youngest team in the league, the lowest-paid team in the league. And we made the best of it, but it�s definitely time to win. All of a sudden you�re relevant and ready to play some ball.� WhuDat

Michael Jordan Motor Sports Suzuki�s Aaron Yates today earned his third AMA Superstock championship and his fifth overall AMA National Championship. Arriving at his home track with a lead of 36 points, the Georgia native needed only three points over the second place competitor to solidify the championship this weekend at Road Atlanta. "I�m really excited to give Michael and his Jordan Suzuki team their first championship," said Yates. "My guys Rich, Karl, Pete, Ryan, DJ, Jesse, Chris W. and the rest of the crew have all been great, my Suzuki GSX-R1000 has been awesome and we�ve had a blast!" PaddockTalk

Yates resides in Georgia and is married with two children. His hobbies include dirt bike riding and jet skiing, as well as building and racing high performance Mopar cars at his local drag strip. To date, his father, Luckey, has only missed two of Aaron�s races. Legendary NBA star Michael Jordan formed Michael Jordan Motor Sports in 2004 as a result of his passion for motorcycle racing. His mission is to bring a new level of excellence and style to the motorcycle racing industry. PaddockTalk

A former NBA All-Star and Phoenix Suns point guard will kick off the Phoenix Teaching Fellows program this month. Kevin Johnson, a Sacramento mayoral candidate, will visit Phoenix Elementary and Murphy Elementary school districts. He will attend an after-school event at Murphy's Alfred F. Garcia Elementary School at 3 p.m. on Sept. 16. The Phoenix Teaching Fellows recruits, selects, and trains outstanding citizens who enter high-needs schools and teach in the areas of math, science, special education, language arts, and elementary education. The program brought 28 new teachers on board at Phoenix Elementary and Murphy Elementary school districts. About 470 individuals applied. Arizona Republic

Even the prim and proper world of professional tennis has fallen under the long, dark shadow of reviled ref Tim Donaghy. In direct response to the shocking revelation that the NBA referee had illegally bet on basketball games, officials with the United States Tennis Association have made anyone issued a credential for the US Open sign an agreement not to bet on tennis matches. NY Post

Former professional basketball player Jason Caffey shifted $120,000 to his mother after he filed for bankruptcy protection in Mobile a year ago. The transaction was reflected in an amended statement of Caffey's financial affairs that his lawyer submitted after the Press-Register reported that some of the mothers of his children were questioning his assets and debts. Press-Register

Caffey, a former star at Davidson High School in Mobile and the University of Alabama, sought bankruptcy protection in August of last year. He listed $1.9 million in debts against nearly $1.15 million in assets, and said he needed time to renegotiate child support obligations that were set when he was earning millions of dollars during his eight-year NBA career. Press-Register

Caffey has 10 children with eight women, and several of the women have battled with him over unpaid child support. His latest filing shows that he withdrew $120,000 in October from a trust fund set up for the benefit of his two children with a New Orleans-area woman, Nikki Brown. He then deposited the money into the credit union account of his mother, Rose Caffey. Press-Register

INSIDEHOOPS NBA RUMORS COMMENTARY

A raw, light, unedited response to recent NBA rumors stories

Rumors Talk: Little expected from Iran player (Aug 30, 2008 04:20)
From what little I've seen of Hamed Haddadi, the giant Iranian dude who yesterday signed with the Gr..

Rumors Talk: LeBron would go overseas (Aug 6, 2008 07:15)
Would LeBron James play in Greece, Russia or some other European country if it meant making dozens o..

Rumors Talk: On Louis Williams (Jul 31, 2008 09:12)
Lou Williams impressed me a lot last season. I'm still not sure if he's worthy of being a full-seaso..

Rumors Talk: On Rockets getting Artest (Jul 31, 2008 09:08)
I'm picturing the Rockets lineup now of Rafer Alston, Tracy McGrady, Ron Artest, Luis Scola and Yao ..

Rumors Talk: Hawks need to keep Smith (Jul 27, 2008 08:41)
July 27: It would be a real shame if the Hawks and Josh Smith are unable to work out a long-term con..

Rumors Talk: InsideHoops on overseas signings (Jul 26, 2008 11:14)
July 26: I don't think it's particularly big news that an overseas team offered Mike Finley a contra..

Rumors Talk: Maggette should join a contender (Jul 7, 2008 16:12)
July 7: If Corey Maggette has to forget about getting more than the mid-level exception and is going..

Talking Rumors: Free agent talks begin (Jul 1, 2008 11:12)
July 1: Free agent negotiations began today (Tuesday) and even more than usual, always assume that a..

ADDITIONAL RECENT NBA RUMORS

Today's NBA rumors | Yesterday's basketball rumors | 2 days ago | 3 days ago | 4 days ago

#84324

From: "JS" <js33@...>
Date: Mon Sep 1, 2008 5:21 pm
Subject: 9/1 Links

joesixpack33

http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3851&Itemid=189

9/1 Links ......

CelticsBlog

Unsure about the Nash rest plan

Red's Army

http://redsarmy.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/heres-49-sign-here-please/

Here's $49... Sign here please

Wages of Wins Journal

http://dberri.wordpress.com/2008/08/31/the-setting-suns/

The setting Suns

Fox Sports

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8508600/Q&A:-Spurs-are-in-tough-spot-with-Ginobili?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=73

Spurs are in tough spot with Ginobili and more

PCP Sports

http://pcpsports.com/2008/08/31/nba-offseason-rankings-v30/

Offseason rankings v 3.0

Hornets Beat

http://blog.nola.com/hornetsbeat/2008/08/hornets_officials_monitoring_s.html

Hornets officials monitoring storm, no contingency plan yet

Lex Nihil Novi

http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/08/docs-at-it-again.html

Doc's at it again

http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/08/ernie-d-ends-comeback-bid.html

Ernie D ends comeback bid

Bleacher Report

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/52767-the-all-time-nba-team-bench-and-alternates

All time NBA team: Bench and alternates

NBA Celtics Blog

http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/08/december-28-1955-red-auerbach-and-bob.html

Dec 18, 1955: Red Auerbach and Bob Cousy at MSG to watch Tom Heinsohn

http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/08/december-30-1955-celtics-beat-nationals.html

Dec 30 1955: Celtics beat Nationals in Bangor, ME

#84325

From: JB <JB_Celticsstuff@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 10:32 am
Subject: " how special this pair was"-Hoopsvibe

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-great-chapter-in-boston-celtics-history-ar48892.html

Len Bias and Reggie Lewis would�ve written great chapter in Boston Celtics� history

September 01 08
Every Tuesday, HoopsVibe The Blog will hit rewind and celebrate the past. We call it �Reminiscing� �
They were supposed to follow Larry, Kevin, and Robert. And they were supposed to keep Boston competitive and away from the rebuilding projects that kill franchises.
But tragedy struck. Twice. Len Bias, the green-and-white�s second overall pick in the 1986 draft, died from a drug overdose without ever playing an NBA game, while Reggie Lewis passed away in 1993 from heart complications.
Without this duo, the Boston franchise struggled. The clips below illustrate how special this pair was (first up is Bias, then Lewis).
Bias clip.
Lewis clip.
After Lewis� death, the Celtics sputtered from 1994 until 2001. They drafted average talent like Eric Montross. They signed an aging Dominique Wilkins as a stopgap measure. Rick Pitino, fresh off his NCAA Titles with Kentucky, accepted a coach-executive position but had mediocre results after not getting the draft picks he wanted.
Eventually, Walker and Pierce enjoyed some success. However, their teams were never real contenders, failing to get past the Eastern Conference and unable to compete with the top teams of the Western Conference. Only last season�s championship exercised the demons of Bias and Lewis� passing.
After all, Bias had the athleticism to complement those great Celtic squads of the eighties. When Bird and friends were hitting retirement, he would�ve conveniently been hitting his prime.
Don�t be fooled by Lewis� soft voice and kind manners. The man was a straight assassin, capable of scoring from anywhere and a deserving heir to �The Hick From French Lick�.
Together, Bias and Lewis would�ve erased the disaster of the nineties and written another chapter in Boston�s storied history. Yes, Len and Reggie would�ve been special.
Just how good were Bias and Lewis? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and return toHoopsVibe The Blog for another edition of �Reminiscing� and more NBA NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy ofthe vining.

Find this and other fine articles at:

#84326

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 11:09 am
Subject: The Sixers add a shooter, Travis Outlaw wants his shots, and Karl Malone is still a beast

joesixpack33

http://dimemag.com/2008/09/dime-smack-sixers-sign-donyell-marshall-elton-brand-andre-iguodala-blazers-travis-outlaw/

This article is from Dime Magazine You can visit them @ http://dimemag.com/

Smack / Sep 2, 2008 / 4:42 am

The Sixers add a shooter, Travis Outlaw wants his shots, and Karl Malone is still a beast

Every legit contender needs a few key pieces to complete the championship puzzle: A go-to scorer who can become the Alpha Dog in crunch time, a few guys who are dedicated to defense, a couple (ideally) dependable ball-handlers who can bring the ball up under pressure, at least one beast of a rebounder, and at least one guy who can line it up and knock down shots consistently beyond the arc. For the Sixers, trying to build their title team around Elton Brand and Andre Iguodala, they added another shooter to the roster � alongside Kareem Rush � to feed off those EB double-teams and Andre Miller drive-and-kicks when they agreed to a deal with Donyell Marshall yesterday. The only problem with Donyell is that his reputation as a solid shooter might be all he�s got: he shot 28% from three last year � If you�re old enough to remember Donyell back when he was at UConn, did you ever see his career going where it has? His last year in college Donyell dropped 25 a game and took his share of threes, but he wasn�t drafted #4 overall with the idea he�d be a spot-up shooter who can�t do anything else but shoot. Has anyone else in the League seen their game change so much from college to now? Quentin Richardson was a versatile guy who�s strictly a shooter now. Rafer Alston was a playground magician who only breaks out the goods in garbage time, if that. Shelden Williams, he went from a guy who was good to whatever you want to call him now � Travis Outlaw isn�t exactly the same player now that he was back when he came to the NBA out of high school (he averaged 10 blocks a game as a prep). In a feature story from the Oregonian, Outlaw � who for our money is the best SF on the Blazers� roster although he doesn�t start � talked about being a sixth man behind Martell Webster and having to compete for shots with second-teamers Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez. �Shots are going to go down somewhere, and I feel I�m the lowest guy on the totem pole, so it may be me.� � How bad is it that Karl Malone is 45 years old and could still put a hurtin� on a lot of NBA bigs? Malone apparently still works out for about two or three hours almost every day, including some 40-mile bike rides. Meanwhile, Eddy Curry may not even be able to identify a bike at this point � Remember Jason Caffey? He played with the Bulls for two of the three championships during Michael Jordan�s second three-peat and was on those Ray/Cassell/Big Dog Milwaukee teams. Caffey retired in 2003, and recently filed for bankruptcy despite pulling down about $28 million in NBA money over his career. It probably didn�t help finances that dude has TEN KIDS by eight women � With no basketball to watch on TV (except for the occasional 3BA repeats if you have Fox Sports Northwest and feel like watching Shawn Kemp exhausted and out of his element), we�ve watched that �NBA Vault� show of memorable playoff moments on NBA TV a few times recently. Remember when Jason Kidd had blond hair and Kobe (with an Afro) was giving him buckets back when Kidd played for Phoenix? Remember how athletic and quick Shaq used to be? Remember how every Knicks fan is mad at Reggie Miller for pushing Greg Anthony down during the 8-points/9-seconds flurry, but no one asks why Anthony Mason decided to inbound to somebody who was already on the ground? � We�re out like E-City�s cardio �

#84327

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 11:14 am
Subject: ESPN Doesn�t Get It, Part XVIII

joesixpack33

http://redsarmy.wordpress.com/2008/09/01/espn-doesnt-get-it-part-xviii/

This article is from Reds Army You can visit them @ http://www.redsarmy.com/

ESPN Doesn�t Get It, Part XVIII

September 1, 2008 - 6 Responses

Paul Pierce�s dominating performance in the NBA Finals is already ancient history, at least to the scribes over at ESPN. A team of 25 morons experts rolled out their predictions for the upcoming season. Let�s just say Paul Pierce and KG aren�t MVP candidates. Here�s how the voting breaks down:

LeBron James (16 votes)
Chris Paul (5 votes)
Kobe Bryant (3 votes)
Dwayne Wade (1 vote)

I�ll be honest, it�s tough to argue against James. But the Wade vote is absurd, if only for the fact that Miami will be lucky to be the 8th seed in the East. Pierce deserves to be mentioned with Bryant and Paul. With Bynum returning, Kobe has just as many co-stars as Pierce. CP3 may be the buzz in the Hornets, but he�s not as clutch as the Truth.

As for the standings, the Celtics get some respect, sort of. ESPN has them at 55-27, 11 wins off last year�s pace. Here�s why:

How big is the Posey problem? Enough that the departure of Big Game James helps take the Celtics down 11 wins in our survey. Plus, by next June, the Big Three will nearly be the Big 33 (Kevin Garneet, 33; Paul Pierce, 31; Ray Allen, 33). But guess what? They�re still the East�s beasts.

I�m not expecting another 66 win season. But if the Pistons were able to sleep-walk their way to 59 wins last year, I think the Celtics can do the same. Yes, the Big Three will get more rest. And some of that �drive� will be lacking, at least in the regular season. But what about the improved play of Rondo, Perkins, Powe and Big Baby? That�s got to be good for something. For those who care, here�s the Western conference predictions.

Categorised in Author: Chuck
Tags: boston celtics, ESPN, MVP, nba

#84328

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 11:31 am
Subject: NBA Rumors: Tuesday, Sept. 2

joesixpack33

http://www.insidehoops.com/nba_rumors.shtml

This article is from InsideHoops.com You can visit them @ http://www.insidehoops.com/

NBA Rumors

InsideHoops.com NBA Rumors | Daily

NBA Rumors: Tuesday, Sept. 2

InsideHoops NBA rumors updated 7:10 a.m. ET.

The 76ers have agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent forward Donyell Marshall on a minimum salary contract, the Daily News has learned. Agent Andy Miller confirmed that Marshall is scheduled to meet with the Sixers tomorrow. It is likely that he will undergo a physical examination and sign a contract within the next few days. Philadelphia Daily News

The Sixers have had interest in Marshall, 35, for many weeks, but bided their time while he remained under contract to Oklahoma City with a salary of more than $5 million. When the franchise that is transplanting from Seattle waived him in a buyout situation, the Sixers - in search of a perimeter shooter - made contact. Philadelphia Daily News

Donyell Marshall, approaching the 15th season of his NBA career as an unrestricted free agent, told agent Andy Miller he wanted to come home. For the 6-9 Marshall, who starred at Reading High in the early 1990s, that meant the 76ers. "I said OK, we'll see if we can get something done," Miller told the Daily News yesterday. "But I also said we should talk about contingencies in case it didn't work out. He said he didn't want to talk about contingencies, that he wanted to hear a yes or a no from the Sixers first." Philadelphia Daily News

The contract is likely to be for $1,262,275, the veterans' minimum for players with at least 10 seasons of experience in the NBA, with a portion of the salary coming from a league-wide pool. Philadelphia Daily News

"I don't think it was as if they were saving a spot for Donyell, it was more a case that they would have interest if he were to become a free agent," Miller said. Miller also had some doubts about interest in his client when the Sixers added Theo Ratliff as a free agent. Philadelphia Daily News

The source said the Sixers had been in discussions with Marshall since last week. A native of Reading, Pa., Marshall has played in 932 NBA games and has career averages of 11.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Philadelphia Inquirer

Ben Gordon has to be wondering why Isiah Thomas couldn't have lasted a few more months as president of the New York Knicks. Remember, Thomas stepped forward with sign-and-trade offers when ex-Bulls Eddy Curry and Jamal Crawford became restricted free agents but now is no longer in the picture. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

To recap the situation, the Bulls are believed to be offering Gordon a six-year deal worth around $59 million. Gordon's camp is asking for more like $12 million a year, since the 6-foot-2 guard has been the team's leading scorer for the past three seasons. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Gordon said recently he expects a sign-and-trade to happen, but there hasn't even been a credible rumor floating around to suggest any NBA team is hot on his trail. That doesn't mean a sign-and-trade will never occur, but in this case, no smoke probably means no fire. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

League sources continue to suggest there is little to no action on the Gordon trade market. Because of collective- bargaining rules that make it difficult to trade a player in the first year after signing a larger contract, Gordon could not be traded by himself. More players would have to be involved. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

So even if there is a team willing to meet Gordon's asking price, that team must also be ready to take someone like Larry Hughes or Andres Nocioni in the deal and send some useful players back to the Bulls. Shouldn't be a problem, right? Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Gordon doesn't want to play overseas, but a one-year deal worth, say, $10 million to play in Greece would seem to be a better option than spending an awkward, lame-duck season with the Bulls. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

The Heat is scheduled to sign center Jamaal Magloire on Tuesday, adding a bit more depth to a position in need of help. Magloire will presumably be the backup to veteran Mark Blount while providing an option in case 38-year-old Alonzo Mourning, who isn't expected back from a knee injury until January, is slow to recover. Palm Beach Post

Magloire will likely sign for the veteran's minimum of $1.9 million, or possibly less. The Heat's rotation at center now includes Blount, Malgoire, Joel Anthony, Mourning, and possibly power forward Udonis Haslem. Palm Beach Post

He�ll provide an option to Mark Blount and an insurance policy in case Alonzo Mourning, who isn�t expected back until January, isn�t the same Zo we�ve seen the past few seasons. Magloire, who averages 8.2 points and 7.6 rebounds for his career, won�t change the course of the Heat�s season, but all things considered he�s not a bad option. Palm Beach Post

But that doesn't mean Alonzo Mourning won't be back, not after all the work he's put in since last December's devastating knee injury. "We can't say, 'OK, we're slotting him in,' " Heat President Pat Riley said last week. "I mean, I'm going to absolutely respect Zo's desire to come back, but he will not be under contract at the start of the season. "I'm going to sit down and talk to Zo, and Zo's going to continue to rehab and get to the point and see what he can do." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

On Mourning: "We have to remember," Riley said, "that this guy has proven above and beyond a doubt that he is capable of coming back from anything. We can never, ever discount the size of this man's heart, his courage and his will that he could overcome this, too. So, there'll always be an open mind to that." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Rodney Stuckey could be on the verge of a break-out season that elevates him into one of the best young guards in the NBA. Emphasis on "could", because the young combo guard has not had the consistent big minutes to give fans and pundits assurances that he is what he seems to be. Michigan Live

Greg Oden: "This week has been very good one for me. Last Monday was the first day that I could play 5 on 5. I felt really good out there. The first couple of games was really hard to get back in to the grove of things but after I settled down the game became alot better for me. They still havent just thrown me into playing every game, but I play every other game and every other day." YardBarker

The 'dude' audience doesn't typically tune in for Oprah. But they might make an exception upon learning that Kobe Bryant will be on hand for an episode set to air Sept. 8. LA Times

Puerto Rico started their summer on a low after losing to Germany in the final game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament but they finished on a high by capturing gold at the Centrobasket in Mexico. Manolo Cintron�s men beat the Virgin Islands 87-70 in the final for their ninth title in the competition but first since 2003. �We managed to take gold, which was our aim,� said Filiberto Rivera, the playmaker who is instantly recognizable because of the goggles he wears on the court. Fiba.com

Lithuania international Simas Jasaitis is ready to leave his Olympic disappointment in the past and focus on his new career at DKV Joventut in Spain�s ACB where he will team up Beijing Games foe Ricky Rubio. Jasaitis, a 26-year-old forward, had an outstanding semi-final against Spain but his 19-point performance (he drilled five threes) wasn�t enough for the Baltic giants in a 91-86 defeat, and they followed that up with a bronze-medal game setback to Argentina. Fiba.com

"I know Ricky Rubio after facing him two years ago with Maccabi (Tel Aviv), and also recently in Beijing,� Jasaitis said. "He is a player with great future and one that can do things well.� Fiba.com

Polish champ Prokom Trefl Sopot has hired a pair of new point guards in a matter of days. Daniel Ewing (191, 25) arrives from Khimki of Moscow, where he was the team's second-best scorer in ULEB Cup play last season. Khimki was the runner-up to Euroleague champion CSKA for the Russian League title, too. In his European debut last season, Ewing averaged 12.1 points in ULEB Cup play for Khimki, which lost in the second elimination round to eventual champions DKV Joventut. Euroleague.net

MORE STORIES, PLUS COMMENTARY, COMING THIS MORNING. CHECK BACK.

INSIDEHOOPS NBA RUMORS COMMENTARY

A raw, light, unedited response to recent NBA rumors stories

ADDITIONAL RECENT NBA RUMORS

Today's NBA rumors | Yesterday's basketball rumors | 2 days ago | 3 days ago | 4 days ago

#84329

From: Joe Moriarty_2 <mustyceltic@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 1:30 pm
Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] " how special this pair was"-Hoopsvibe

jaymori33

How special, is OFF THE CHARTS ? In NC I had all the opportunities to watch Bias-while he played in the ACC at MD, plus exhibition games here at Fayetteville, where Len never 'failed or diminished great athleticism showings', that captivated the crowds.

Reggie was soooo special. Such an untimely passing. Sad. Could you imagine that duo, with RA, PP, KG ?�� >:o

musty joe

JB wrote:

Len Bias and Reggie Lewis would�ve written great chapter in Boston Celtics� history

September 01 08

Every Tuesday, HoopsVibe The Blog will hit rewind and celebrate the past. We call it �Reminiscing� ���

They were supposed to follow Larry, Kevin, and Robert. And they were supposed to keep Boston competitive and away from the rebuilding projects that kill franchises.

But tragedy struck. Twice. Len Bias, the green-and-white�s second overall pick in the 1986 draft, died from a drug overdose without ever playing an NBA game, while Reggie Lewis passed away in 1993 from heart complications.

Without this duo, the Boston franchise struggled. The clips below illustrate how special this pair was (first up is Bias, then Lewis).

Bias clip.

Lewis clip.
After Lewis� death, the Celtics sputtered from 1994 until 2001. They drafted average talent like Eric Montross. They signed an aging Dominique Wilkins as a stopgap measure. Rick Pitino, fresh off his NCAA Titles with Kentucky, accepted a coach-executive position but had mediocre results after not getting the draft picks he wanted.��

Eventually, Walker and Pierce enjoyed some success. However, their teams were never real contenders, failing to get past the Eastern Conference and unable to compete with the top teams of the Western Conference. Only last season�s championship exercised the demons of Bias and Lewis� passing.

After all, Bias had the athleticism to complement those great Celtic squads of the eighties. When Bird and friends were hitting retirement, he would�ve conveniently been hitting his prime.

Don�t be fooled by Lewis� soft voice and kind manners. The man was a straight assassin, capable of scoring from anywhere and a deserving heir to �The Hick >From French Lick�.

Together, Bias and Lewis would�ve erased the disaster of the nineties and written another chapter in Boston�s storied history. Yes, Len and Reggie would�ve been special.

Just how good were Bias and Lewis? Get at us in the comment box below with thoughts and return toHoopsVibe The Blog�for another edition of �Reminiscing� and more NBA NBA tidbits. Photo courtesy ofthe vining.

Find this and other fine articles at:

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-great-chapter-in-boston-celtics-history-ar48892.html

#84330

From: "Fabio" <legend33@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 6:04 pm
Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] Grizzlies GM Wallace: Iranian long on potential

fabiothefabu...

I can't believe that Wallace will last two seasons in Memphis.... (JB)


Jim, I cannot believe he lasted so long in the place previously held by
Red Auerbach, the best GM in the NBA history.
It is like saying that Pervis Ellison played in the same spot of Bill
Russell or that J.R. Bremer and Bob Cousy were point guards for the
Celtics.....


Fabio

#84331

From: "Fabio" <legend33@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 6:25 pm
Subject: Re: Gene Conley put in double time in big-league baseball and basketball

fabiothefabu...

She titled it, "One of a Kind."

And he truly was. He almost evened it with John Kiley, the only Celtics
to play for three different professional teams: only that Kiley never
won a title.
Other notable Celtics in the Major League Baseball? Danny Ainge
(Toronto Blue Jays infielder), Bill Sharman (the only major league
ejected without even going at bat), and Kevin Connors (Dodgers and
Cubs) "The Rifleman", the man who went from being the worst shooter in
the NBA to being the best shooter in the ABC....



Fabio

#84332

From: JB <JB_Celticsstuff@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 9:16 pm
Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] Grizzlies GM Wallace: Iranian long on potential

On Sep 2, 2008, at 2:04 PM, Fabio wrote:

Jim, I cannot believe he lasted so long in the place previously held by
Red Auerbach, the best GM in the NBA history.

*******

One great and lasting line, penned by not one of your favorites, Dan Shaughnessy, says it all:

"Thanks Dad!"

Whatever it is....

I'm against it.

#84333

From: "JS" <js33@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 9:27 pm
Subject: 9/2 links

joesixpack33

http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3856&Itemid=189

9/2 links ....

CelticsBlog

Thinking the Cavs got their man this time

LOY's Place

http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumors-and-free-agent-updates.html

Rumors and free agent updates - Collective bargaining edition

Hoopsworld

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9898

Morning report: 76ers nab Marshall

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9897

Monta Ellis back and forth

ESPN

http://www.philly.com/dailynews/breaking/sports/20080901_Donyell_Marshall_set_to_join_Sixers.html

Donyell Marshall set to join Sixers

And One

http://blog.cleveland.com/andone/2008/08/a_cultural_achilles_heel.html

A cultural Achilles heel

Hoopsvibe

http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-great-chapter-in-boston-celtics-history-ar48892.html
Len Bias and Reggie Lewis would've written great chapter in Celtics' history

Bleacher Report

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/53148-the-nbas-25-best-players

The NBA's 25 best players

Lex Nihil Novi

http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/bird-nique-shootout-shot-by-shot.html

Bird - Nique shoot out shot by shot

http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-guy-starts-for-boston-celtics.html

That guy starts for the Boston Celtics?

http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/quadruple-doubles.html

Quadruple doubles

http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/mark-acres-chronicles.html

The Mark Acres chronicles

TO Sports

http://www.tosports.ca/?p=817

Best small forwards for the 2008-09 season

SportsTalk

http://talkaboutsport.blogspot.com/2008/09/nba-teams-to-watch-out-for.html

NBA teams to watch out for

HoopsAddict

http://hoopsaddict.com/2008/09/01/floor-burn-tournament-finals/

Floor Burn Tournament (Battier vs Maxiell)

NBA Celtics Blog

http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/december-31-1955-celtics-end-year-with.html

Dec 31, 1955 Celtics end year with win in Rochester

http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/january-1-1956-celtics-beat-warriors-to.html

Jan 1, 1956 Celtics beat warriors to move into 1st place tie

#84334

From: <mustyceltic@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 9:32 pm
Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] 9/2 links

jaymori33

Yo John , and also the group --Am running this as a test. Tell me if you get
this please ?
musty joe

---- JS <js33@...> wrote:
>  9/2 links ....
>
>
>       CelticsBlog
>      
http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3856&Itemid\
=189<http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3856&I\
temid=189>
>       Thinking the Cavs got their man this time
>
>       LOY's Place
>      
http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumors-and-free-agent-updates.html<http\
://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumors-and-free-agent-updates.html>
>       Rumors and free agent updates - Collective bargaining edition
>
>       Hoopsworld
>      
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9898<http://www.hoopsworld.com/Stor\
y.asp?story_id=9898>
>       Morning report:  76ers nab Marshall
>
>      
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9897<http://www.hoopsworld.com/Stor\
y.asp?story_id=9897>
>       Monta Ellis back and forth
>
>       ESPN
>      
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/breaking/sports/20080901_Donyell_Marshall_set_to\
_join_Sixers.html<http://www.philly.com/dailynews/breaking/sports/20080901_Donye\
ll_Marshall_set_to_join_Sixers.html>
>       Donyell Marshall set to join Sixers
>
>       And One
>      
http://blog.cleveland.com/andone/2008/08/a_cultural_achilles_heel.html<http://bl\
og.cleveland.com/andone/2008/08/a_cultural_achilles_heel.html>
>       A cultural Achilles heel
>
>       Hoopsvibe
>      
http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-gre\
at-chapter-in-boston-celtics-history-ar48892.html<http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-b\
log/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-great-chapter-in-boston-celtics-h\
istory-ar48892.html>
>       Len Bias and Reggie Lewis would've written great chapter in Celtics'
history
>
>       Bleacher Report
>      
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/53148-the-nbas-25-best-players<http://bleache\
rreport.com/articles/53148-the-nbas-25-best-players>
>       The NBA's 25 best players
>
>       Lex Nihil Novi
>      
http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/bird-nique-shootout-shot-by-shot.html<h\
ttp://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/bird-nique-shootout-shot-by-shot.html>
>       Bird - Nique shoot out shot by shot
>
>      
http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-guy-starts-for-boston-celtics.html\
<http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-guy-starts-for-boston-celtics.htm\
l>
>       That guy starts for the Boston Celtics?
>
>      
http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/quadruple-doubles.html<http://lexnihiln\
ovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/quadruple-doubles.html>
>       Quadruple doubles
>
>      
http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/mark-acres-chronicles.html<http://lexni\
hilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/mark-acres-chronicles.html>
>       The Mark Acres chronicles
>
>       TO Sports
>       http://www.tosports.ca/?p=817<http://www.tosports.ca/?p=817>
>       Best small forwards for the 2008-09 season
>
>       SportsTalk
>      
http://talkaboutsport.blogspot.com/2008/09/nba-teams-to-watch-out-for.html<http:\
//talkaboutsport.blogspot.com/2008/09/nba-teams-to-watch-out-for.html>
>       NBA teams to watch out for
>
>       HoopsAddict
>      
http://hoopsaddict.com/2008/09/01/floor-burn-tournament-finals/<http://hoopsaddi\
ct.com/2008/09/01/floor-burn-tournament-finals/>
>       Floor Burn Tournament  (Battier vs Maxiell)
>
>       NBA Celtics Blog
>      
http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/december-31-1955-celtics-end-year-with.ht\
ml<http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/december-31-1955-celtics-end-year-with\
.html>
>       Dec 31, 1955 Celtics end year with win in Rochester
>
>      
http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/january-1-1956-celtics-beat-warriors-to.h\
tml<http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/january-1-1956-celtics-beat-warriors-\
to.html>
>       Jan 1, 1956 Celtics beat warriors to move into 1st place tie
>
>

#84335

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 9:32 pm
Subject: RUMOR HAS IT�

joesixpack33

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9897&print=yes

This article is from Hoopsworld You can visit them @ http://www.hoopsworld.com/

Rumors: Monta Ellis Back-and-Forth

By: Eric Pincus Last Updated: 9/2/08 2:41 PM ET | 3206 times read

RUMOR HAS IT�

Today's section is geared exclusively towards the latest rumors floating around the NBA �

Monta Back-and-Forth: Did the Golden State Warriors send athletic trainer Tom Abdenour to examine guard Monta Ellis after he tore the deltoid ligament in his left ankle as reported by Marcus Thompson II of the Contra Costa Times?

Or is the San Francisco Chronicle correct in saying Abdenour is overseas participating in a Basketball without Borders camp - and is not checking up on Ellis on the circumstances of his injury?

Abdenour obviously can't be in two places at once but Thompson debates the merits of his story with readers of his blog.

According to Thompson, Abdenour is in Johannesburg, South Africa - but a Warriors team official confirmed that Abdenour went to visit Ellis after the injury but before surgery.

Thompson credits unnamed sources who indicate Abdenour was not just there to check on Ellis (standard practice) but to investigate exactly what led to Ellis going down.

It would appear the story in the Chronicle was less comprehensive than the one in the Contra Costa Times - although there's no indication at this point that Ellis is guilty of any impropriety.

Regardless it's a shame to see Ellis go down, especially after getting an enormous contract as a second-round pick ($66 million) - one of the bright NBA stories of the summer. He's not expected back until the end of the year and probably won't play until January.

Josh Powell Partial Guarantee: After losing restricted free agent forward Ronny Turiaf to the Golden State Warriors, the Los Angeles Lakers turned to ex-LA Clipper Josh Powell.

In accepting a two-year minimum deal, Powell was guaranteed $200,000 in his first season with the team. None of the second season is guaranteed.

While the date LA has to decide on Powell wasn't available at this time, the Lakers are on the hook for nearly 25% which makes him likely to at least start the season with the team.

Now that the Miami HEAT signed center Jamaal Magloire, the Lakers are still in the running for free agent big DJ Mbenga. He was well liked as a late roster pickup but is looking for more of an opportunity to play than the Lakers should have this season.

Along with the projected starters of center Andrew Bynum and power forward Pau Gasol, the Lakers have center Chris Mihm and forwards Lamar Odom, Vladimir Radmanovic, Luke Walton and Powell who are all capable of front court minutes. Mbenga might be a nice insurance policy in case Mihm isn't able to return completely from the ankle injury that has hampered him for nearly two years - but that decision has yet to be made.

UPDATE: One peculiarity stuck out when researching Powell's information. He's listed on the Lakers website as a third-year player but his salary for the coming season is $854,957 - the minimum salary for a player with four years in the league. For the Lakers to pay more than the expected three-year minimum of $826,269, they would have had to use an exception (like a portion of the Mid-Level).

I got an explanation from venerable cap guru Larry Coon who notes that Powell was signed by the Dallas Mavericks back in 2003. He was cut before the season started but under the rules of the last Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) - his year count was incremented. That rule has since been changed under the current CBA, but Powell is considered a fourth-year player and is properly compensated without the Lakers using any of their MLE.

Powell is set to make $959,111 in his second year with the team, although it's non-guaranteed.

Jamaal Magloire and the HEAT: Four seasons have passed since center Jamaal Magloire was an NBA All-Star. The Miami HEAT are hoping he still has some game left after a pair of down seasons spent in Portland, New Jersey and Dallas.

Miami is coming off a horrid year but with the reassurance of a healthy Dwyane Wade and the drafting of forward Michael Beasley, the HEAT may be primed for a bounce-back season.

Magloire was brought in to help fill in at center where Miami has just Mark Blount and Joel Anthony. Forward Udonis Haslem may also get a look at the five - but the HEAT would love to see Magloire reestablish himself as a legitimate big man. For four straight seasons, Magloire averaged 11.2 points and 9.4 rebounds while playing 31.1 minutes a game.

One other option inside is center Alonzo Mourning who may join the team at some point mid-season.

Depth at guard is a question but size is crucial. If Magloire can dust off the cobwebs and contribute, the HEAT have an interesting front court.

Additionally, rookie point Mario Chalmers will get a chance to prove himself - the HEAT believe they got a steal in the second round (34th). If he can quickly acclimate to the rigors of the NBA, the HEAT could end up challenging for an Eastern Conference playoff berth.

Also on HOOPSWORLD today:

The HOOPSWORLD team is officially beginning the ramp-up to the 2008-09 NBA season. Each day, between now and the start of training camp, we'll roll out two more teams in our 2008-09 NBA Preview series. You can check out the Miami HEAT here!

Mike Moreau, HOOPSWORLD's resident basketball coach, recently wrote about a special category of NBA player - the Magic-Jordan-Bird category. How does a player get into this elite group and who do you think belongs there? Join the discussion here!

The next story in the new "From 4 Corners" series focuses on the Houston Rockets, as seen through the eyes of four NBA experts.

You can also check out the Clippers From 4 Corners, the Knicks From 4 Corners, the Golden State Warriors From 4 Corners, and the Orlando Magic From 4 Corners from this same series.

Reply | Messages in this Topic (16)

#84336

From: "JS" <js33@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 9:34 pm
Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] 9/2 links

joesixpack33

Got it

----- Original Message -----

From: mustyceltic@...

To: Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com

Cc: JS

Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 5:32 PM

Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] 9/2 links

Yo John , and also the group --Am running this as a test. Tell me if you get this please ?
musty joe

---- JS <js33@...> wrote:
> 9/2 links ....
>
>
>       CelticsBlog
>       http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3856&Itemid=189<http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3856&Itemid=189>
>       Thinking the Cavs got their man this time
>
>       LOY's Place
>       http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumors-and-free-agent-updates.html<http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumors-and-free-agent-updates.html>
>       Rumors and free agent updates - Collective bargaining edition
>
>       Hoopsworld
>       http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9898<http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9898>
>       Morning report: 76ers nab Marshall
>
>       http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9897<http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9897>
>       Monta Ellis back and forth
>
>       ESPN
>       http://www.philly.com/dailynews/breaking/sports/20080901_Donyell_Marshall_set_to_join_Sixers.html<http://www.philly.com/dailynews/breaking/sports/20080901_Donyell_Marshall_set_to_join_Sixers.html>
>       Donyell Marshall set to join Sixers
>
>       And One
>       http://blog.cleveland.com/andone/2008/08/a_cultural_achilles_heel.html<http://blog.cleveland.com/andone/2008/08/a_cultural_achilles_heel.html>
>       A cultural Achilles heel
>
>       Hoopsvibe
>       http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-great-chapter-in-boston-celtics-history-ar48892.html<http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-great-chapter-in-boston-celtics-history-ar48892.html>
>       Len Bias and Reggie Lewis would've written great chapter in Celtics' history
>
>       Bleacher Report
>       http://bleacherreport.com/articles/53148-the-nbas-25-best-players<http://bleacherreport.com/articles/53148-the-nbas-25-best-players>
>       The NBA's 25 best players
>
>       Lex Nihil Novi
>       http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/bird-nique-shootout-shot-by-shot.html<http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/bird-nique-shootout-shot-by-shot.html>
>       Bird - Nique shoot out shot by shot
>
>       http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-guy-starts-for-boston-celtics.html<http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-guy-starts-for-boston-celtics.html>
>       That guy starts for the Boston Celtics?
>
>       http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/quadruple-doubles.html<http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/quadruple-doubles.html>
>       Quadruple doubles
>
>       http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/mark-acres-chronicles.html<http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/mark-acres-chronicles.html>
>       The Mark Acres chronicles
>
>       TO Sports
>       http://www.tosports.ca/?p=817<http://www.tosports.ca/?p=817>
>       Best small forwards for the 2008-09 season
>
>       SportsTalk
>       http://talkaboutsport.blogspot.com/2008/09/nba-teams-to-watch-out-for.html<http://talkaboutsport.blogspot.com/2008/09/nba-teams-to-watch-out-for.html>
>       NBA teams to watch out for
>
>       HoopsAddict
>       http://hoopsaddict.com/2008/09/01/floor-burn-tournament-finals/<http://hoopsaddict.com/2008/09/01/floor-burn-tournament-finals/>
>       Floor Burn Tournament (Battier vs Maxiell)
>
>       NBA Celtics Blog
>       http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/december-31-1955-celtics-end-year-with.html<http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/december-31-1955-celtics-end-year-with.html>
>       Dec 31, 1955 Celtics end year with win in Rochester
>
>       http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/january-1-1956-celtics-beat-warriors-to.html<http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/january-1-1956-celtics-beat-warriors-to.html>
>       Jan 1, 1956 Celtics beat warriors to move into 1st place tie
>
>

------------------------------------

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Celticsstuff Live - The Ultimate Toll Free Call-In Webcast Talk Show Featuring: Jughead, JB and The Duke.
http://celticsstufflive.com/

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#84337

From: <mustyceltic@...>
Date: Tue Sep 2, 2008 9:38 pm
Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] 9/2 links

jaymori33

thanks, John


---- JS <js33@...> wrote:
> Got it
>   ----- Original Message -----
>   From: mustyceltic@...<mailto:mustyceltic@...>
>   To:
Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com<mailto:Celticsstuffgroup@yahoogroups.com>
>   Cc: JS<mailto:js33@...>
>   Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2008 5:32 PM
>   Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] 9/2 links
>
>
>   Yo John , and also the group --Am running this as a test. Tell me if you get
this please ?
>   musty joe
>
>   ---- JS <js33@...<mailto:js33@...>> wrote:
>   >  9/2 links ....
>   >
>   >
>   >       CelticsBlog
>   >      
http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3856&Itemid\
=189<http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3856&I\
temid=189<http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3\
856&Itemid=189<http://www.celticsblog.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view\
&id=3856&Itemid=189>>
>   >       Thinking the Cavs got their man this time
>   >
>   >       LOY's Place
>   >      
http://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumors-and-free-agent-updates.html<http\
://celticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumors-and-free-agent-updates.html<http://c\
elticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumors-and-free-agent-updates.html%3Chttp://cel\
ticsgreen.blogspot.com/2008/09/rumors-and-free-agent-updates.html>>
>   >       Rumors and free agent updates - Collective bargaining edition
>   >
>   >       Hoopsworld
>   >      
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9898<http://www.hoopsworld.com/Stor\
y.asp?story_id=9898<http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9898<http://www\
.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9898>>
>   >       Morning report:  76ers nab Marshall
>   >
>   >      
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9897<http://www.hoopsworld.com/Stor\
y.asp?story_id=9897<http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9897<http://www\
.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9897>>
>   >       Monta Ellis back and forth
>   >
>   >       ESPN
>   >      
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/breaking/sports/20080901_Donyell_Marshall_set_to\
_join_Sixers.html<http://www.philly.com/dailynews/breaking/sports/20080901_Donye\
ll_Marshall_set_to_join_Sixers.html<http://www.philly.com/dailynews/breaking/spo\
rts/20080901_Donyell_Marshall_set_to_join_Sixers.html%3Chttp://www.philly.com/da\
ilynews/breaking/sports/20080901_Donyell_Marshall_set_to_join_Sixers.html>>
>   >       Donyell Marshall set to join Sixers
>   >
>   >       And One
>   >      
http://blog.cleveland.com/andone/2008/08/a_cultural_achilles_heel.html<http://bl\
og.cleveland.com/andone/2008/08/a_cultural_achilles_heel.html<http://blog.clevel\
and.com/andone/2008/08/a_cultural_achilles_heel.html%3Chttp://blog.cleveland.com\
/andone/2008/08/a_cultural_achilles_heel.html>>
>   >       A cultural Achilles heel
>   >
>   >       Hoopsvibe
>   >      
http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-gre\
at-chapter-in-boston-celtics-history-ar48892.html<http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-b\
log/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-great-chapter-in-boston-celtics-h\
istory-ar48892.html<http://www.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-\
would-ve-written-great-chapter-in-boston-celtics-history-ar48892.html%3Chttp://w\
ww.hoopsvibe.com/nba-blog/len-bias-and-reggie-lewis-would-ve-written-great-chapt\
er-in-boston-celtics-history-ar48892.html>>
>   >       Len Bias and Reggie Lewis would've written great chapter in Celtics'
history
>   >
>   >       Bleacher Report
>   >      
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/53148-the-nbas-25-best-players<http://bleache\
rreport.com/articles/53148-the-nbas-25-best-players<http://bleacherreport.com/ar\
ticles/53148-the-nbas-25-best-players%3Chttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/53148\
-the-nbas-25-best-players>>
>   >       The NBA's 25 best players
>   >
>   >       Lex Nihil Novi
>   >      
http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/bird-nique-shootout-shot-by-shot.html<h\
ttp://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/bird-nique-shootout-shot-by-shot.html<ht\
tp://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/bird-nique-shootout-shot-by-shot.html%3Ch\
ttp://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/bird-nique-shootout-shot-by-shot.html>>
>   >       Bird - Nique shoot out shot by shot
>   >
>   >      
http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-guy-starts-for-boston-celtics.html\
<http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-guy-starts-for-boston-celtics.htm\
l<http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-guy-starts-for-boston-celtics.ht\
ml%3Chttp://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/that-guy-starts-for-boston-celtics\
.html>>
>   >       That guy starts for the Boston Celtics?
>   >
>   >      
http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/quadruple-doubles.html<http://lexnihiln\
ovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/quadruple-doubles.html<http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com\
/2008/09/quadruple-doubles.html%3Chttp://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/quadr\
uple-doubles.html>>
>   >       Quadruple doubles
>   >
>   >      
http://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/mark-acres-chronicles.html<http://lexni\
hilnovi.blogspot.com/2008/09/mark-acres-chronicles.html<http://lexnihilnovi.blog\
spot.com/2008/09/mark-acres-chronicles.html%3Chttp://lexnihilnovi.blogspot.com/2\
008/09/mark-acres-chronicles.html>>
>   >       The Mark Acres chronicles
>   >
>   >       TO Sports
>   >      
http://www.tosports.ca/?p=817<http://www.tosports.ca/?p=817<http://www.tosports.\
ca/?p=817<http://www.tosports.ca/?p=817>>
>   >       Best small forwards for the 2008-09 season
>   >
>   >       SportsTalk
>   >      
http://talkaboutsport.blogspot.com/2008/09/nba-teams-to-watch-out-for.html<http:\
//talkaboutsport.blogspot.com/2008/09/nba-teams-to-watch-out-for.html<http://tal\
kaboutsport.blogspot.com/2008/09/nba-teams-to-watch-out-for.html%3Chttp://talkab\
outsport.blogspot.com/2008/09/nba-teams-to-watch-out-for.html>>
>   >       NBA teams to watch out for
>   >
>   >       HoopsAddict
>   >      
http://hoopsaddict.com/2008/09/01/floor-burn-tournament-finals/<http://hoopsaddi\
ct.com/2008/09/01/floor-burn-tournament-finals/<http://hoopsaddict.com/2008/09/0\
1/floor-burn-tournament-finals/%3Chttp://hoopsaddict.com/2008/09/01/floor-burn-t\
ournament-finals/>>
>   >       Floor Burn Tournament  (Battier vs Maxiell)
>   >
>   >       NBA Celtics Blog
>   >      
http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/december-31-1955-celtics-end-year-with.ht\
ml<http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/december-31-1955-celtics-end-year-with\
.html<http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/december-31-1955-celtics-end-year-w\
ith.html%3Chttp://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/december-31-1955-celtics-end-y\
ear-with.html>>
>   >       Dec 31, 1955 Celtics end year with win in Rochester
>   >
>   >      
http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/january-1-1956-celtics-beat-warriors-to.h\
tml<http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/january-1-1956-celtics-beat-warriors-\
to.html<http://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/january-1-1956-celtics-beat-warri\
ors-to.html%3Chttp://celticsnba.blogspot.com/2008/09/january-1-1956-celtics-beat\
-warriors-to.html>>
>   >       Jan 1, 1956 Celtics beat warriors to move into 1st place tie
>   >
>   >
>
>
>   ------------------------------------
>
>   Boston Celtics' fans; looking for inspiration,intellect and humor.
>
>   Celticsstuff Live - The Ultimate Toll Free Call-In Webcast Talk Show
Featuring: Jughead, JB and The Duke.
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#84338

From: JB <JB_Celticsstuff@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 11:02 am
Subject: Will..."Rivers will take his foot off of the gas" ?-TSN/Chisholm

<http://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=248265&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nba>

For all intents and purposes, this season is something of an afterthought for the Celtics. Of course they would like to repeat and will no doubt make every effort in that vein, but what they sought they worked for last year and got. The question is whether or not this team will have the same measure of motivation going into this season (and through this season) that they did last year.

After all, this isn't a team that has bonded over years of attempts and failures. We're not talking about the 90's Bulls, who had several attempts and failures to reach the Finals, and we're not talking about the 2000 Lakers, who similarly had trouble reaching the top of the mountain. Those teams came together in the hard times and coalesced, established a team chemistry that carried them not only to their first title but to several thereafter. Alternatively, the Celtics were somewhat hastily assembled last summer with a series of shrewd and savvy moves by GM Danny Ainge. As much as they relied on their prodigious collective talent to win the 2008 Championship, they were also pushed along by the wave of expectations and pressures applied by all circles. They were fed by the media machine that insisted that they were destined for the title. They were spurred on by their own collective will to (finally) win a Championship.

Today, that motivation is gone.

They are no longer a trendy team. They are just another enviable assemblage of players with a title in their back pockets. They are looked upon now in the same way that San Antonio or Detroit is looked upon; as a contender with no real ownership of the title. They are now a team lumped in with several other aging teams with rings on their fingers. Could they repeat this year? Of course they could, but no one is all that motivated to talk about it outside of Boston, anymore.

Nowadays people want to talk about the Lakers with a healthy Andrew Bynum. They want to talk about a retrofitted Sixers team or about a loaded Rockets team. They want to talk about the Hornets, who nabbed James Posey away from the defending Champs with a promise of more money. No one is all that interested in talking about Boston anymore because, frankly, they did what they were supposed to do and now people have lost interest.

What remains to be seen is if the team still has interest. Without a doubt Kevin Garnett does. It's impossible for him to step out onto a basketball court at anything less than 150%. His intensity can be infectious, but it can also be exhausting. Sometimes having someone tugging at you like a kid after a pixie stick becomes tiresome.

Paul Pierce had a career year last season and was justifiably rewarded with a Finals MVP for his effort. He was often the teams best and most reliable player - a fact he has no qualms reminding people of - and yet that level of intensity and commitment was such a welcome surprise one wonders if can be repeated by a player not famous for his intensity and commitment.

The fact of the matter is that there is no reason that the Celtics couldn't, and shouldn't, win the title again this year. While the loss of Posey stings, the team is still stocked with capable talent. Any worries about let-up are purely speculation, culled simply from the disbelief that any team, especially one with the age dotting the roster that Boston has, can maintain that level of focus and pressure for a second straight year.

In all likelihood Doc Rivers will take his foot off of the gas pedal a bit this season. There is no reason to exhaust his regulars for 82-games because this team doesn't have anything to prove to themselves or anyone else during the regular season. Like Detroit and San Antonio, this team needs to make sure that it's core is ready to play next spring, not this fall, and that may mean some reduced minutes while the youngsters feast (or starve) against some real NBA competition.

The mystique surrounding this team may have abated for now, but come April there is no reason to expect they won't be even better equipped than they were last year to briskly traverse the Playoffs on their way to title number two.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP

PG - Rajon Rondo

Rondo was something of a revelation last year. Going into the season all anyone wanted to talk about was whether or not he could lead a team so loaded with superstars. He proved not only capable but indispensible. He had a feel for how to run that team that was remarkably mature. It basically amounted to allowing Pierce, Garnett and Allen to handle most of the playmaking duties while he played invasive defense and patrolled the passing lanes. On occasion he would use his speed to get to the basket but all too often passed up a wide-open layup to pass out to the perimeter. His offensive game doesn't need to be dominant, but it does need to be more reliable. Plus Pierce, Garnett and Allen aren't going to be around forever and he's going to have many years in the NBA after they retire, so it would behoove him to get that offensive game rounded out now before it actually becomes depended upon.

SG - Ray Allen

In many ways Allen became more of the leader of the supporting cast than a member of the 'Big Three'. His credentials were and are validation of a career well spent, but he simply wasn't on the same plane as his running mates last season. A good chunk of the reason is because he simply wasn't called on to be more than he was. He willingly took a backseat because that was what needed to happen. He became a highly-paidthree-point specialist and, when called upon, could shoulder more of the scoring load - like he did in the Finals. Of the three, though, Allen is the one that looked the oldest on the court last season. He's only 33, but he has a lot of mileage on his body and this role is the perfect way for a player of his stature to end his career gracefully. He may have happened into this situation, but clearly he's embraced it despite sacrificing much of the glory bestowed upon his fellow All-Star teammates.

SF - Paul Pierce

There was always a pocket of thinking that insisted that in order for Kevin Garnett to truly win, he couldn't be the best player on the team. Most talented? Sure, but he couldn't be that indefinable 'best'. Enter Paul Pierce, who simply played the most inspired basketball of his career and was, at times, the only player on his team that could push through the difficulties in the Playoffs and perform at the level that was demanded for his team to win. His awareness of what a game needed from him was unparalleled on this team, and his ability to deliver that need was all the more remarkable. Pierce has always been a marvelous talent, in the vein of a Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady, but last year he forcibly exited that class by proving that he had the intangibles that forces his team to win. Does having a roster like he had around him help? Of course it does, tremendously. But the elevation in his game last year took more than just better teammates, and all that remains to be seen is whether or not his transformation was permanent, or the result of one man possessed for one destiny-driven season.

PF - Kevin Garnett

He got his title. More than anyone on this team, Garnett and his legacy needed this title. Known as the ultimate talent without the validation of winning, Garnett came into a pressure-cooker of a situation on the most storied franchise in professional basketball and he changed the entire culture of the team by virtue of his presence, and got his validation in the process. While Pierce may have been a more instrumental part of their game-to-game success, Garnett was essential to this team's entire season-long stratagem of shutting teams down defensively for 48-minutes. His dedication to that specific end was the act that defined a season. His intense will was inescapable, and no one wanted to be the guy who didn't at least try to match it. Garnett is not a soft teammate; in fact he's barely a friendly teammate. He plays the game at a fever pitch and expects the same of everyone around him. In the end he may have needed these other guys to make him into a winner, but he was the spirit that got them that chance.

C - Kendrick Perkins

Here is last season's unsung hero for the Boston Celtics. More than any other role player, Perkins dedicated himself to post-defense in an era where the art is disappearing as fast as post-offense. His numbers aren't going to jump out at anyone, but his production in the paint was essential to this team's success. It allowed Rondo to risk his opponent's penetration while he patrolled the passing lanes. It allowed Garnett to move away from the basket to cover more mobile forwards or switch on pick and rolls. It allowed the team to play its brand of suffocating defense because Perkins knew where to be on the floor. He knew how to cut off paths to the basket. He knew how to alter shots as well as he knew how to block them. He knew that defense isn't measured by stats, it's measured by will, and he had the will to lock-up the post for Boston.

Find this and other fine articles at:

#84339

From: JB <JB_Celticsstuff@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 11:09 am
Subject: The hot picks-Hoopswprld/Camerato

<http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9896>

NBA Critical Mass

By: Jessica Camerato Last Updated: 9/2/08 1:51 AM ET

Every season there are teams that jump out as title contenders. For years the San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and Los Angeles Lakers have headlined the elite group of championship favorites. But last season the worst-to-first Boston Celtics opened the door for a new wave of front-runners. Now there are teams around the league anxiously awaiting their chance to explode into a powerhouse.

Houston Rockets: Three's company next season on the Rockets. Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming finally have another go-to in case of injury to continue to spread the floor and help lead the team. Ron Artest gives this organization hope of (finally) making it out of the first round of the playoffs, and a very real shot at a deep postseason run. The Rockets are looking to win with a balance of veteran experience and youthful hunger. In addition to their new trio, dependable vet Shane Battier and clutch shooter Brent Barry will offer proven know-how to teammates like Luis Scola, Chuck Hayes, and (if he re-signs) Carl Landry. McGrady and Yao could not get it done on their own and the welcome additions to the roster could make the difference between success and another unfulfilled season.

New Orleans Hornets: After finishing with the second-best record in the Western Conference last season, the Hornets only got better this summer. 23-year-old Chris Paul spent the offseason learning from Jason Kidd during the U.S. Olympics and will take that gold medal-winning knowledge back to New Orleans. In addition to the return of the dominating front court duo of David West and Tyson Chandler, the Hornets scored highly sought after free agent James Posey. Posey is one of the most dangerous sixth men in the league and has a knack of pushing his teams to championships. His veteran leadership helped Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo win it all -- Paul could be the next beneficiary of his title-winning experience.

Philadelphia 76ers: Even though they made the playoffs last season, the 76ers were incomplete. Led by Andre Iguodola, Philly desperately lacked a solid low post presence on both the offensive and defensive ends. However, this will change with the addition of Elton Brand. Now they have reliable options at each spot on the court, making them a serious competitor in the East. And if Brand stays healthy like he did when he led the Los Angeles Clippers to the Western Conference Semifinals, the 76ers could shake things up deep in the postseason.

Portland Trail Blazers: General Manger Kevin Pritchard made one thing clear -- the Trail Blazers are not in the business of losing their coveted players to free agency. This organization is sitting on a gold mine of young talent and is committed to keeping their top prospects in Portland for the long run. From Greg Oden to Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldrige to Jerryd Bayless, the Trail Blazers are constructed around longevity and potential. While they may not be an immediate favorite for the top seed in the West, they have the pieces (and contracts) in place to grow into a dominating threat. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and San Antonio Spurs may be getting older but the fun is just beginning for the Trail Blazers.

Utah Jazz: Last season, 37 of the Jazz's 54 wins came at home. Imagine what will happen when their home success clicks on the road. Deron William and Carlos Boozer, the Jazz's unstoppable core, have another year of experience under their belts which should help them to be a more dangerous and consistent road team. After all, the Jazz only finished three games behind the Los Angeles Lakers last season and in a conference where playoff rankings are determined by a single game, an improved road record could make the difference between the first seed and the fourth seed. Williams made a long-term commitment to the team and if Boozer does the same, the Jazz will have a formidable inside-outside threat for years to come.

Find this and other fine articles at:

#84340

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 11:30 am
Subject: Ben Gordon needs to see the money, Atlanta needs more from Marvin, and �Zo is coming back

joesixpack33

http://dimemag.com/2008/09/dime-smack-nba-free-agent-ben-gordon-europe-alonzo-mourning-comeback/

This article is from Dime Magazine You can visit them @ http://dimemag.com/

Smack / Sep 3, 2008 / 5:07 am

Ben Gordon needs to see the money, Atlanta needs more from Marvin, and �Zo is coming back

Whether it�s dollars or Euros or rubles, Ben Gordon is apparently all about comparison pricing. With the Bulls unable/unwilling to give him the money he wants on-par with Luol Deng and Emeka Okafor, BG is reportedly looking at a new offer from CSKA Moscow (Russia) as something that should be up there with the money Josh Childress is getting in Greece. Gordon does have a valid point this time around. He doesn�t have the size or versatility that Okafor or Deng bring to the table in the NBA, but by most accounts he�s more valuable than someone like Childress. And in a three-friendly international environment, he can put up copious amounts of buckets. If Drew Nicholas is doing damage overseas, BG would be a monster � Yesterday we told you about Travis Outlaw�s comments in the Oregonian where he said he wants to get as many shots as Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, or at the very least avoid getting lost in the shuffle behind newbies Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez. Well, Nate McMillan has issued his response: �That is where we have to condition the players,� McMillan said. �OK, we put together this team, now how can you help this team? We may not need as many shots (from Outlaw), but we really needed him to score for us the last two years, and we need him this year, too. But it may be in a different role. We may need defense more than his offense because of where he is playing and who we have coming in. So, understand that that is what we need to be successful. It�s not about just your shots. You will get those. I know that you need shots, and want shots. Everybody does. But you can�t be single-minded like that.� Hopefully Outlaw listens to McMillan and there�s no kind of pettiness going on in the Blazers� locker room, because they really have a chance to do big things in the very near future, and Outlaw can be a big part of that � Meanwhile, some people in Atlanta want Marvin Williams to get some of Travis Outlaw�s attitude in him. �I�m not suggesting that Marvin needs to try and be something he�s not right now,� an unnamed team source told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. �I�m only suggesting that he has to become more of a presence, more of a factor than he�s been in the past. He has to be a threat every night and not just every two or three games.� If the Hawks had lost Josh Smith it would be especially urgent for Marvin to get better ASAP, but overall we think the kid�s progressing nicely. Keep in mind he�s only 22, and most of the time someone in his position would be alright putting up about 15 points and six boards a night from the three spot like Marv did this past season. The problem is that he�s being judged against Deron Williams and Chris Paul, or even more realistically, Andrew Bogut and Danny Granger. Given that, it�s easy to look like you�re behind the curve � Between Monta Ellis and Manu Ginobili�s respective ankle injuries, there�s been a lot of attention paid lately to how NBA teams deal with what their players are doing with their bodies in the offseason. How far do you think teams should go in trying to limit what players do off the court? Tell us HERE � Mark your calendar (or your girl�s calendar) for September 8: That�s when the Redeem Team and some other U.S. Olympians will be on Oprah�s show. Will Carlos Boozer get a chance to speak, or be relegated to sitting in the audience like that episode of �Fresh Prince� where the family went on Oprah? � If the Heat can survive trotting out Jamaal Magloire and Mark Blount at center for a while, Pat Riley says he�s holding a roster spot open for Alonzo Mourning as soon as he recovers from last year�s knee injury. Would you rather have a possibly gimpy �Zo patrolling the paint, a healthy Blount acting like he�ll catch a foot fungus from the paint, or a healthy Magloire picking up constant three-seconds calls because he�s too slow to move through the paint? � Last week we had a little debate going over the merits of �Hack-a-Shaq,� so yesterday we delved further into the history of the tactic and asked you guys: Is Hack-a-Shaq a legit strategy or just insulting to basketball? Would you ever employ it if you were a coach? � And they said Coach K can�t churn out pros. Daniel Ewing just signed with Prokom Trefl Sopot (Poland), where he�ll be on the roster alongside Dajuan Wagner, Mustafa Shakur (that seems like a pretty loaded backcourt for a Polish team) and Pape Sow. Maybe Ewing has the right idea; J.J. Redick and Shelden Williams may not be far behind him on the Euroleague train � We�re out like The Landlord �

#84341

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 11:37 am
Subject: An up and coming team

joesixpack33

HoopsHype.com Articles

This article is from HoopsHype You can visit them @ http://hoopshype.com/

An up and coming team

http://hoopshype.com/articles/blazers_narducci.htm

by Marc Narducci / September 2, 2008

The first inclination is to dismiss the Portland Trail Blazers as being too young, but who wouldn�t want to have this team�s future?

And the future could be sooner than many expect. Last season without Greg Oden, the Blazers were expected to struggle mightily, a young team without its main anchor.

Instead, Portland was one of the most pleasant surprises, although the youth did finally catch up to the Blazers.

Portland ended 41-41, which would have placed the Trail Blazers tied for sixth in the Eastern Conference.

In the Western Conference, it left the Blazers as the 10th team, joining Golden State as the two best non playoff participants in the NBA.

Along the way, Portland had a 13-game winning streak that concluded on Dec. 31, but the momentum couldn�t be sustained. Portland lost seven of its final 10 games, but the poor ending aside, Portland should be optimistic about this season.

And even more optimistic about the future.

The Trail Blazers have the ability to be an NBA playoff team, but nothing is assured in the Western Conference.

So much hinges on Oden, who is expected to be ready after missing last season following microfracture surgery. Since his name has been in the news for so many years, it�s easy to forget that Oden is just 20-years-old.

Joining Oden up front will be LaMarcus Aldridge, among the most improved players last year in his second season. Aldridge averaged 17.8 points and 7.6 rebounds. He just turned 23 and has the look of a future all star.

Also in the frontcourt mix are Channing Frye and Joel Przybilla. Frye has great talent, but hasn�t always played up to his ability. Przybilla adds toughness and shot blocking ability. He was second on the team with 1.21 blocks per game. (Aldridge led Portland with 1.24 blocks per contest).

And of course there is 6-9 Travis Outlaw, who averaged a career-high 13.3 points and gives the Blazers a major perimeter threat off the bench. Outlaw will turn 24 later this month.

This doesn�t even take into consideration Ike Diogu, who was acquired from Indiana and gives the Trail Blazers another big body in the frontcourt.

And while Portland was hoping to add an experienced point guard, anybody would have to be encouraged with the performance this summer of first round draft choice Jerryd Bayless.

Known as a shoot-first point, Bayless lived up to the reputation after being named the MVP of the Las Vegas Summer League. Bayless averaged a league-best 29.8 points, but only averaged 1.3 assists.

There is always a caution not to get too excited about summer league statistics. Still, for somebody who just turned 20 in August and played just one year at the University of Arizona, his upside has the Blazers truly excited.

Portland has veteran Steve Blake at point, somebody who will remain as a steadying influence on this young team. And that is not to suggest that the 28-year-old Blake is ancient, but on this team, he truly qualifies as an old-timer.

Spanish guard Sergio Rodriguez, who averaged just 8.7 minutes per game, will attempt to push for more playing time, although it won�t be easy.

Portland�s true strength is in its wing players, led by Brandon Roy, an all-star in only his second season a year ago. Roy averaged 19.1 points and 5.8 assists. With the mature way he plays, this 24-year-old is looked on as one of the elder statesmen and leaders on this team.

Anybody watching the Olympic had to be impressed with the play of Rudy Fernandez, the 23-year-old 6-foot-5 shooting guard from silver medallist Spain.

Fernandez surely looked at home by scoring 22 points in Spain�s 118-107 loss to the U.S. in the gold medal game.

During the Olympics Fernandez showed that he isn�t afraid to take big shots and he made his share. In eight Olympic games, Fernandez averaged 13.1 points in 22 minutes per game, while shooting 16 for 40 (.400) from beyond the arc.

Besides Roy and Fernandez, Portland also has Martell Webster, who won�t turn 22 until December but is entering his fourth NBA season.

Webster is a talented, but inconsistent player and with the arrival of Fernandez, will really have to earn his minutes. Like Roy he can swing between shooting guard and small forward.

The biggest challenge that coach Nate McMillan will be to determine the minutes. There are bound to be some players who don�t get the playing time they think they deserve. If the players don�t worry about minutes and band together, this could be a truly exciting team.

For argument�s sake, a starting lineup of Blake and Webster in the backcourt with Roy, Oden and Aldridge in the frontcourt, would give Portland, power, speed, athleticism and a decent perimeter game.

A second unit of Bayless, Fernandez, Outlaw, Frye and Przybilla gives McMillan all sorts of options and depth.

And who knows if general manager Kevin Pritchard won�t be making more moves. He has done a masterful job in building this young team.

Of course so much depends on Oden. He is coming off a difficult injury and there will obviously be heightened expectations. Last season Portland proved it could be a .500 team without him.

With Oden, this is a unit that expects to earn a spot in the postseason. And if this is the case, while it would be a stretch to call Portland a Western Conference contender at this point, one thing�s for sure � nobody will relish playing this up and coming team in the postseason.

Marc Narducci s a frequent contributor to HoopsHype.com

Tell us what you think about this article. E-mail us at HoopsHype@...

#84342

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 11:41 am
Subject: Gordon going to Russia?

joesixpack33

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=232078&src=150

This article is from The Daily Herald You can visit them @ http://www.dailyherald.com/

Gordon going to Russia?

By Mike McGraw | Daily Herald Staff

Multiple Internet reports based in Europe suggested Tuesday that Bulls guard Ben Gordon has had talks with overseas power CSKA Moscow about signing a one-year contract. Gordon, a restricted free agent, and the Bulls have been in a negotiating stalemate all summer.

Reached Tuesday, Gordon said he'd prefer not to comment on the reports. His agent, Raymond Brothers, did not return a phone message.

It's possible Gordon would prefer joining a European team over signing the one-year qualifying offer from the Bulls worth $6.4 million. One site pegged CSKA's offer at $5.5 million. Either way, Gordon would become an unrestricted free agent next summer, when several NBA clubs are expected to have salary-cap room.

If he signs the Bulls' one-year qualifying offer, Gordon's playing time could conceivably drop because the team has a surplus of guards and he would be expected to leave after the season. The No. 3 pick of the 2004 draft, Gordon has been the Bulls' top scorer for the past three years.

Whether Gordon is simply trying to gain some leverage in negotiations with the Bulls or if he's serious about moving to Moscow is anyone's guess. CSKA won its second Euroleague title in three years last spring with players such as former Duke guard Trajan Langdon and ex-Bulls forward Viktor Khryapa.

The Bulls are believed to be offering Gordon a six-year deal worth around $59 million. NBA training camps will open the week of Sept. 28.

#84343

From: Joe Moriarty_2 <mustyceltic@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 2:35 pm
Subject: Re: [Celtics' Stuff ] Will..."Rivers will take his foot off of the gas" ?-TSN/Chisholm

jaymori33

< While Pierce may have been a more instrumental part of their game-to-game success, Garnett was essential to this team's entire season-long stratagem of shutting teams down defensively for 48-minutes. His dedication to that specific end was the act that defined a season. His intense will was inescapable, and no one wanted to be the guy who didn't at least try to match it. > (TSN/Chisholm)

Damn! Take the Celtics' 'blogs' . What would we have to blog about, were it not winning the
Title on a repeat this season coming?

Green bloggers have been through too many drouth years since the later 80s to "go to sleep on the issue that we are 'the kid after a pixie stick', ever not near tiresome " .

Put it another way : set up the fanship-Celtic, into sets according to age. Like me. Thats lots of age. With me its like the sun sets unalterably-there is no special luxury of time left to "go to sleep on another Championship-quest, regarding my Celtics". These Celtics gathered up, make up a LOT of basketball-playing talent.

The root in the issue, is their age in their 3 top stars. There's a shelf-life here of sorts. Thats the way my mind works. I see nothing unique here, if you want to compare stories about different NBA championship-winning teams. The Lakers-how many titles has Kobe won, without having Shaq in there game after game. Kevin Garnett to Pierce, also to Ray A., is in the same sort of matchup. It makes "the drink get stirred" . But the straw(s) have shelf life.

Hell, I have a shelf life. Coach Rivers-bless him-has a shelf life. You've got to "ride the hell out of that horse until you can no longer sit on the saddle". The other Celtics' bloggers/fans might set up in a different demographic, and might be fooling around too much with the KOOLAID.

We'll see. When the '08-'09 season gets going. We'll see--about the hollerin' , for Banner 18. I don't stop hollerin' for another Title.

Once I stop--I'm done. I ain't the tiresome little kid after the pixie stick. But.....................I'm close. "Kevin Garnett"!! I ain't going to 'let you go to sleep on me'.

WTF?? Do we need a "sudden injection of 'Auerbachian medicine', here" ? ! Russell's "straw, was always 'stirrin' ".

musty Celtic joe

JB wrote:

For all intents and purposes, this season is something of an afterthought for the Celtics. Of course they would like to repeat and will no doubt make every effort in that vein, but what they sought they worked for last year and got. The question is whether or not this team will have the same measure of motivation going into this season (and through this season) that they did last year.

After all, this isn't a team that has bonded over years of attempts and failures. We're not talking about the 90's Bulls, who had several attempts and failures to reach the Finals, and we're not talking about the 2000 Lakers, who similarly had trouble reaching the top of the mountain. Those teams came together in the hard times and coalesced, established a team chemistry that carried them not only to their first title but to several thereafter. Alternatively, the Celtics were somewhat hastily assembled last summer with a series of shrewd and savvy moves by GM Danny Ainge. As much as they relied on their prodigious collective talent to win the 2008 Championship, they were also pushed along by the wave of expectations and pressures applied by all circles. They were fed by the media machine that insisted that they were destined for the title. They were spurred on by their own collective will to (finally) win a Championship.

Today, that motivation is gone.

They are no longer a trendy team. They are just another enviable assemblage of players with a title in their back pockets. They are looked upon now in the same way that San Antonio or Detroit is looked upon; as a contender with no real ownership of the title. They are now a team lumped in with several other aging teams with rings on their fingers. Could they repeat this year? Of course they could, but no one is all that motivated to talk about it outside of Boston, anymore.

Nowadays people want to talk about the Lakers with a healthy Andrew Bynum. They want to talk about a retrofitted Sixers team or about a loaded Rockets team. They want to talk about the Hornets, who nabbed James Posey away from the defending Champs with a promise of more money. No one is all that interested in talking about Boston anymore because, frankly, they did what they were supposed to do and now people have lost interest.

What remains to be seen is if the team still has interest. Without a doubt Kevin Garnett does. It's impossible for him to step out onto a basketball court at anything less than 150%. His intensity can be infectious, but it can also be exhausting. Sometimes having someone tugging at you like a kid after a pixie stick becomes tiresome.

Paul Pierce had a career year last season and was justifiably rewarded with a Finals MVP for his effort. He was often the teams best and most reliable player - a fact he has no qualms reminding people of - and yet that level of intensity and commitment was such a welcome surprise one wonders if can be repeated by a player not famous for his intensity and commitment.

The fact of the matter is that there is no reason that the Celtics couldn't, and shouldn't, win the title again this year. While the loss of Posey stings, the team is still stocked with capable talent. Any worries about let-up are purely speculation, culled simply from the disbelief that any team, especially one with the age dotting the roster that Boston has, can maintain that level of focus and pressure for a second straight year.

In all likelihood Doc Rivers will take his foot off of the gas pedal a bit this season. There is no reason to exhaust his regulars for 82-games because this team doesn't have anything to prove to themselves or anyone else during the regular season. Like Detroit and San Antonio, this team needs to make sure that it's core is ready to play next spring, not this fall, and that may mean some reduced minutes while the youngsters feast (or starve) against some real NBA competition.

The mystique surrounding this team may have abated for now, but come April there is no reason to expect they won't be even better equipped than they were last year to briskly traverse the Playoffs on their way to title number two.

PROBABLE STARTING LINEUP

PG - Rajon Rondo

Rondo was something of a revelation last year. Going into the season all anyone wanted to talk about was whether or not he could lead a team so loaded with superstars. He proved not only capable but indispensible. He had a feel for how to run that team that was remarkably mature. It basically amounted to allowing Pierce, Garnett and Allen to handle most of the playmaking duties while he played invasive defense and patrolled the passing lanes. On occasion he would use his speed to get to the basket but all too often passed up a wide-open layup to pass out to the perimeter. His offensive game doesn't need to be dominant, but it does need to be more reliable. Plus Pierce, Garnett and Allen aren't going to be around forever and he's going to have many years in the NBA after they retire, so it would behoove him to get that offensive game rounded out now before it actually becomes depended upon.

SG - Ray Allen

In many ways Allen became more of the leader of the supporting cast than a member of the 'Big Three'. His credentials were and are validation of a career well spent, but he simply wasn't on the same plane as his running mates last season. A good chunk of the reason is because he simply wasn't called on to be more than he was. He willingly took a backseat because that was what needed to happen. He became a highly-paidthree-point specialist and, when called upon, could shoulder more of the scoring load - like he did in the Finals. Of the three, though, Allen is the one that looked the oldest on the court last season. He's only 33, but he has a lot of mileage on his body and this role is the perfect way for a player of his stature to end his career gracefully. He may have happened into this situation, but clearly he's embraced it despite sacrificing much of the glory bestowed upon his fellow All-Star teammates.

SF - Paul Pierce

There was always a pocket of thinking that insisted that in order for Kevin Garnett to truly win, he couldn't be the best player on the team. Most talented? Sure, but he couldn't be that indefinable 'best'. Enter Paul Pierce, who simply played the most inspired basketball of his career and was, at times, the only player on his team that could push through the difficulties in the Playoffs and perform at the level that was demanded for his team to win. His awareness of what a game needed from him was unparalleled on this team, and his ability to deliver that need was all the more remarkable. Pierce has always been a marvelous talent, in the vein of a Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady, but last year he forcibly exited that class by proving that he had the intangibles that forces his team to win. Does having a roster like he had around him help? Of course it does, tremendously. But the elevation in his game last year took more than just better teammates, and all that remains to be seen is whether or not his transformation was permanent, or the result of one man possessed for one destiny-driven season.

PF - Kevin Garnett

He got his title. More than anyone on this team, Garnett and his legacy needed this title. Known as the ultimate talent without the validation of winning, Garnett came into a pressure-cooker of a situation on the most storied franchise in professional basketball and he changed the entire culture of the team by virtue of his presence, and got his validation in the process. While Pierce may have been a more instrumental part of their game-to-game success, Garnett was essential to this team's entire season-long stratagem of shutting teams down defensively for 48-minutes. His dedication to that specific end was the act that defined a season. His intense will was inescapable, and no one wanted to be the guy who didn't at least try to match it. Garnett is not a soft teammate; in fact he's barely a friendly teammate. He plays the game at a fever pitch and expects the same of everyone around him. In the end he may have needed these other guys to make him into a winner, but he was the spirit that got them that chance.

C - Kendrick Perkins

Here is last season's unsung hero for the Boston Celtics. More than any other role player, Perkins dedicated himself to post-defense in an era where the art is disappearing as fast as post-offense. His numbers aren't going to jump out at anyone, but his production in the paint was essential to this team's success. It allowed Rondo to risk his opponent's penetration while he patrolled the passing lanes. It allowed Garnett to move away from the basket to cover more mobile forwards or switch on pick and rolls. It allowed the team to play its brand of suffocating defense because Perkins knew where to be on the floor. He knew how to cut off paths to the basket. He knew how to alter shots as well as he knew how to block them. He knew that defense isn't measured by stats, it's measured by will, and he had the will to lock-up the post for Boston.

Find this and other fine articles at:

<http://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=248265&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nba>

#84344

From: "John S" <js33@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 5:40 pm
Subject: Player quits Rams to join Celtics, September 3, 1958

joesixpack33

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedailymirror/2008/09/player-quits-ra.html

This article is from The Los Angeles Times You can visit them @ http://www.latimes.com/

Player quits Rams to join Celtics, September 3, 1958

By Keith Thursby
Times staff writer

K.C. Jones could have been a Ram.

The Hall of Fame guard with the Boston Celtics tried pro football during 1958 but apparently decided to stay a one-sport athlete. Jones played defensive halfback and apparently had a shot at the NFL. The Times' Cal Whorton wrote that Jones "in the minds of many camp followers stood an excellent chance of being among the 35 players to make the squad."

Jones was an all-city high school football player in San Francisco and had been drafted in the 30th round by the Rams. He attended the University of San Francisco and played with his future Boston teammate, Bill Russell, on NCAA championship basketball teams in 1955 and '56. He also won a gold medal with Russell on the U.S. basketball team in 1956.

"Jones' decision was entirely his own," Rams general manager Pete Rozelle told Whorton. "We're still keeping him on our reserve list in case he doesn't make the grade with the Celtics and decides he wants to rejoin us next season."

Looks like Jones made the right call, having won NBA titles as a player and a coach. He also was an assistant coach for another former Celtic, Bill Sharman, on the Lakers' 1971-72 championship team.

keith.thursby@...

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#84345

From: "JS" <js33@...>
Date: Wed Sep 3, 2008 5:44 pm
Subject: 9/3 links

joesixpack33