| Thomas cleared to play | Tuesday 6/24, 11:37 PM CT |
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The Washington Post reports that Etan Thomas has been cleared for all basketball-related activities after undergoing open-heart surgery less than a year ago.
Our View: This is big news for the Wizards. They are one of vry few teams with depth at the center position, which also includes Brendan Haywood and Andray Blatche. |
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| Tinsley may be traded | Tuesday 6/24, 5:21 PM CT |
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Don't expect to see Jamaal Tinsley playing for the Pacers next season. The Indianapolis Star reports that Larry Bird told a room full of reporters that he was "below" thin ice.
Our View: Tinsley does not shoot very well and he cannot defend but he did manage to average over eight assists per game last season. A team desperate for a point guard will take a flyer. |
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| Maggette to Phoenix? | Tuesday 6/24, 5:17 PM CT |
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Corey Maggette, a restricted free agent of the Los Angeles Clippers, could be going to Phoenix. ESPN.com's Chad Ford tells us Maggette and the no. 7 pick may go to Phoenix for Leandro Barbosa and the no. 15 selection.
Our View: Why L.A. would give up the better player and the higher pick to get a younger version of somebody else on their roster (Cuttino Mobley) makes very little sense to us. Chad Ford might just be blowing more hot air, which is very typical for this time of year. |
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| Williams on thin ice | Tuesday 6/24, 4:41 PM CT |
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At a pre-draft press briefing, Larry Bird said Shawne Williams was "on thin ice" in regards to being traded, according to indycornrows.com. He did add that Jamaal Tinsley was below him.
Our View: Williams has likely been on thin ice since being busted for marijuana possession last summer. He did show some NBA ability as a rookie last season and a team may swap a second round selection for him. |
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| Shaq ordered to give back his badge | Tuesday 6/24, 4:18 PM CT |
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According to ESPN.com, Shaquille O'Neal's use of racially derogatory language in his freestyle rap that dissed former teammate Kobe Bryant has forced the Maricopa County sheriff to revoke Shaq's deputy badge.
Our View: Suns ownership wishes it were only so easy to remove his contract, which is due to pay the aging center $40 million, from their payroll. |
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| Howard cleaning up rep | Tuesday 6/24, 3:14 PM CT |
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Josh Howard is attempting to clean up his tarnished reputation following his comments regarding marijuana use during the off-season, according to the Dallas Morning News. Howard said, "People's first reaction is that I just got high all day every day. I've got nothing to hide. I ain't scared. There's been no backlash."
Our View: He will address his comments and give advice to refrain from illegal substances during his four-day basketball camp that begins on Monday, with around 137 kids expected to attend. This is a good step for him and his comments should blow over by the start of the new NBA season. |
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| James in the Knicks plans | Tuesday 6/24, 10:53 AM CT |
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New Knicks general manager Donnie Walsh isn't just building for the near future. His long-term plan calls for the Knicks to land LeBron James when the superstar becomes a free agent in two years, the New York Daily News reports.
Our View: The Knicks will presumably overhaul their roster to include young talents and expiring contracts. They're putting a lot of eggs in the LBJ basket and presuming LeBron will want to leave his native Ohio two years from now. The fallback may be that they end up with enough cap space to pursue other studs in 2010, like maybe Dwyane Wade. |
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| McHale not tipping hand | Tuesday 6/24, 10:45 AM CT |
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Wolves general manager Kevin McHale isn't tipping his hand heading into Thursday night. When asked if he had a gut feeling about if the Wolves would keep or trade the No. 3 pick, McHale tells the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, "I've got one of those. I'm not going to share it with you... Up until now, there have been a lot of people throwing some stuff out there. It'll get more serious today and tomorrow. On Thursday, you'll get a good offer."
Our View: Chances are pretty good the Wolves will trade down, as some team in the No. 4-10 range will begin to get itchy about their favorite guy not falling to their spot. We have the Wolves targeting O.J. Mayo at No. 3, but they aren't short on needs and could still get a very good player after moving down a few spots. |
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| Barbosa, Diaw on the block | Tuesday 6/24, 10:42 AM CT |
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The East Valley Tribune reports that the Suns continue to entertain offers for Leandro Barbosa and Boris Diaw as Thursday's draft nears. The Trail Blazers and Nets may be interested in Barbosa, while Diaw is drawing interest from the Raptors and Bobcats.
Our View: The Suns are looking to get younger by adding another first-round pick, and they have to trade away guys like Barbosa or Diaw to do that. We'll be able to analyze the situation if or when a deal goes down. |
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| Beasley could land in Memphis | Tuesday 6/24, 10:35 AM CT |
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The Grizzlies and Heat are discussing trade options regarding the No. 2 and No. 5 picks. The Memphis club wants to move up in order to draft forward Michael Beasley, and the Heat could receive a point guard (Mike Conley or Kyle Lowry) in return, ESPN.com reports.
Our View: Consider this one of many rumors floating around as we head into Thursday's draft. If Beasley ended up in Memphis, though, he'd have a fairly open path to stardom. Rudy Gay is the Grizzlies' star, but Beasley could step into 15-18 points and 10 boards. |
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| Anthony pleads guilty | Tuesday 6/24, 10:14 AM CT |
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Carmelo Anthony has pleaded guilty this morning in his DUI case, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Anthony will get one year probation and be required to perform 24 hours of community service.
Our View: Anthony was suspended for two regular season games, and it remains to be seen if he will serve it on the Nuggets' bench next season. |
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| Redick isn't likely to be dealt | Tuesday 6/24, 10:07 AM CT |
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J.J. Redick isn't likely to be dealt by the Magic, according to the Orlando Sentinel. GM Otis Smith said, "We're not looking to move J.J. If it doesn't make sense, we're not going to move him just to move him. He wants to play, and rightfully so. He thinks he hasn't been given the opportunity."
Our View: Redick has talent and was the 11th overall pick of the 2006 NBA Draft, but he was reduced to only 8.1 minutes of action per game in 2007-08. He wants to be dealt, but it doesn't look like the team will grant his wish. |
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| Knicks targeting Westbrook? | Tuesday 6/24, 9:49 AM CT |
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The Knicks are reportedly interested in UCLA point guard Russell Westbrook with their first-round pick in the draft, according to the NY Post. New coach Mike D'Antoni noted that he wants an "engine" to propel his run-and-gun offense, and is also looking for a guard to defend the perimeter that has been lacking in New York.
Our View: Westbrook is as athletic as he is tough, and Arizona guard Jerryd Bayless is reportedly fading on the Knicks' draft radar. Westbrook was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year last season, and would perfectly fit the bill for what the Knicks are looking for. |
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| Harrington could be dealt to Cavs? | Tuesday 6/24, 7:39 AM CT |
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Sources indicate that the Warriors are discussing a trade that would send Al Harrington to the Cavaliers in exchange for Anderson Varejao, according to the NY Post.
Our View: Harrington averaged 13.6 points and 5.4 rebounds with the Warriors in 2007-08, but is capable of better numbers, and his fantasy value would potentially improve with Cleveland, who could have used his presence in the post during their playoff exit to the Celtics. |
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