| Knicks, Clips continue to work on trade for Randolph | Saturday 7/12, 8:39 PM CT |
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Reports from New York indicate the Knicks are on the verge of reaching a trade agreement with the LA Clippers that would send forward Zach Randolph west, according to Newsday.
Our View: The story was first reported Friday by SI.com, which said Knicks president Donnie Walsh turned down the Clippers' offer. It was not known which players would be going to the Knicks in the deal, but it would not have to be a salary match because the Clippers are well under the cap. Randolph has three years and $48 million left on his contract. The Knicks, with an eye on being in the same position by 2010, would not accept contracts that go beyond that year in return for Randolph, who averaged 17.6 points and 10.3 rebounds last season. It is believed that Walsh was hoping to pry Eric Gordon, the seventh overall pick in the NBA draft, as part of the deal. However, the talks continue and sources indicate these teams are trying to find an agreement that works for both. We'll keep you posted. |
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| Bobcats likely to keep Okafor | Saturday 7/12, 7:43 PM CT |
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It appears, though other suitors are seeking opportunity to entice him away, the Charlotte Bobcats are likely to be keeping forward Emeka Okafor and may go as far as to secure him to a long-term deal, according to the Charlotte Observer.
Our View: Reports from NC suggest the negotiations between the Bobcats and Okafor have gone well, and while a deal is not finalized, the former top draft pick is looking to stay where he's at. The Clippers are reportedly considering a move to get an interview and see if they would like to make an offer to the restricted free agent, but they are currently seeking time with Josh Smith. Okafor may have a new deal by the time the Clips come around, and those rumors may be driven more by the Clippers' substantial room under the cap than actual interest. Stay tuned. |
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| Augustin may battle for starting job in Charlotte | Saturday 7/12, 5:10 PM CT |
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Charlotte head coach Larry Brown is famous for his lean against rookie players and his historical trends to avoid using them in the past, but newly-drafted point guard DJ Augustin has him changing his tune, according to the Associated Press.
Our View: The Bobcats surprised many when they took the Texas sophomore with the ninth pick in the draft last month. The Bobcats needed help up front and big man Brook Lopez of Stanford was still on the board. While the Bobcats needed another point guard, they had used the fifth pick in 2005 on starter Raymond Felton. After seven practices over four days, Brown thinks Augustin has grasped the fast-moving, quick-passing offense he wants. Brown put in numerous plays during two-a-day practices, and Augustin appeared to be in firm command of the offense Friday afternoon. He barked out plays, and showed good vision and court awareness. Augustin will start in Charlotte's summer league opener Saturday against the Los Angeles Clippers, leading a team of rookies and free agents looking for training camp invitations. When training camp starts in the fall, point guard will be the most watched position as Felton tries to hold off Augustin for the starting job. |
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| Ginobili optimistic on Olympics | Saturday 7/12, 12:05 PM CT |
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Manu Ginobili continues to nurse a sore left ankle but he is optimistic he can compete in the Olympics with Argentina, according to the San Antonio Express-News. He said, "Today, I feel I am more in than out of the Olympics."
Our View: The Spurs will continue to monitor his ankle, and his status for Beijing should be determined within a week or two. |
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| Thomas practices | Saturday 7/12, 10:05 AM CT |
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Etan Thomas, who underwent open-heart surgery less than a year ago, participated in a full practice on Friday, according to the Washington Post. He reported no issues following the session and is feeling good.
Our View: He won't test himself in an NBA game until October, but this is favorable news regarding his return. |
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| Hill arrested | Saturday 7/12, 10:00 AM CT |
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Herbert Hill has been arrested on Thursday for a DUI, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. Hill was stopped around 4:30 a.m. by police officer Bryan Tierney, who caught him making an unsafe lane change. His blood-alcohol content was measured at 0.16, which is twice the legal limit.
Our View: Hill is due back in Mount Kisco Village Court for a hearing on July 24. He missed the entire 2007 season due to knee surgery, and his value has dropped even lower following his arrest.
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| Marbury attempts to please D'Antoni | Saturday 7/12, 9:56 AM CT |
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Stephon Marbury is making a final attempt to please new coach Mike D'Antoni, according to the NY Post. He showed up early for training camp in Las Vegas, and said, "Right now I've been told I'm going to be playing basketball here. I love New York. I want to finish my career here." He also commented on Antoni's up-tempo offense, "It's a system my game is built for. To have the opportunity to play in the system is definitely gratifying."
Our View: The 31-year-old is reportedly in good shape, but he is far from fixing his tarnished rep, and there remains the possibility he could be waived by the Knicks. |
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| Billups on Warriors' radar? | Saturday 7/12, 7:50 AM CT |
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The Pistons and Warriors have reportedly been discussing a potential trade involving Chauncey Billups, according to the Oakland Tribune. The Pistons want Andris Biedrins, but the Warriors are offering Al Harrington.
Our View: Billups may not be a great fit with Golden State as he will turn 32 in September and the Warriors employ a run-and-gun style. |
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| Pierce receives MRI results | Saturday 7/12, 7:32 AM CT |
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Paul Pierce received his MRI results on his ailing knee, which came back negative, according to the Boston Herald. The MRI showed that there is no significant problem that will hinder him into next season. Danny Ainge said, "It’s what we thought all along. He had a sprained MCL and a bone bruise, and he’ll be fine."
Our View: The injured knee has shown improvement and Pierce now plans to participate in full hoop workouts shortly after the ESPY Awards next week. He looks to be fine and shouldn't carry a red flag as an injury risk for next season.
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