| James sprains ankle in practice | Tuesday 7/22, 7:16 PM CT |
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ESPN.com reports that LeBron James left Tuesday's Olympic team practice with a mild ankle sprain after landing awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot.
Our View: "He thinks it's a mild sprain," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "Our trainers think it's a mild sprain. So we'll find out tomorrow. But I don't think it's anything serious. Obviously, we'll look and see what happens tomorrow." |
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| Giricek bound for Europe | Tuesday 7/22, 7:01 PM CT |
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The East Valley Tribune reports that Gordan Giricek is almost certain to land in Europe. The Suns will not be needing him after signing Matt Barnes.
Our View: Good. He was terrible in the NBA. |
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| Batum signs with Portland | Tuesday 7/22, 6:35 PM CT |
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The Sports Ticker reports that the Portland Trail Blazers signed first-round draft pick Nicolas Batum on Tuesday. It's unclear whether he will play in Europe or the NBA next season.
Our View: The Blazers roster is full and includes small forwards Martell Webster and Travis Outlaw so don't be surprised if they let the 19-year-old continue to develop in Europe for a season or two. |
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| Calderon stars against Argentina | Tuesday 7/22, 6:29 PM CT |
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According to Slam!, Jose Calderon scored 18 as the Spain defeated Argentina 90-88 on Tuesday in an Olympic warm-up game.
Our View: Calderon rarely lets you down. In a game featuring Manu Ginobili, Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro and Luis Scola among others, he was the star. Fantasy-wise, Calderon can be considered among the top-5 point guards in leagues that count turnovers. |
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| Suns and Barnes make deal official | Tuesday 7/22, 5:26 PM CT |
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Matt Barnes and the Phoenix Suns have officially come to terms on a one-year deal.
Our View: This could actually have some fantasy impact for managers in need of a late-round three point specialist. The Suns have fielded a number of excellent marksmen next to Steve Nash and Barnes was very good from behind the arc two years ago. He will be splitting time with the aging Grant Hill but expect him to have a rebound season. Mark him down for 100 threes. |
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| Frazier calls Gallinari a project | Tuesday 7/22, 3:46 PM CT |
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Knicks' legend Walt Frazier is not sure Danilo Gallinari will be solid as a rookie and considers him to be a project, according to the NY Post. Frazier said, "No one knew about the guy. The highlights, it looks like he's a scorer, but he has the same weaknesses: defense, rebounding. Plus the kid is only 19. Come on, he's going to be overwhelmed by New York. You're looking at a project. He's a project at best. I don't think he's going to be much help this year."
Our View: The Knicks are namely concerned about his durability, and, like Frazier, are also unsure if Gallinari will contribute this season. He has missed valuable game time in the summer league due to a sore back. |
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| Arenas targets championship | Tuesday 7/22, 3:04 PM CT |
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Gilbert Arenas has set expecations high as he is targeting a championship with the Wizards, according to the AP. He believes the Wizards are among the five best teams in the NBA when healthy, and he said, "We just have a great group of guys. We’re going to put a banner up there, a championship banner. We’re going to do it for team owner Abe Pollin. This is where I need to be. This is where I need to finish my legacy."
Our View: Arenas is a three-time All-Star, and recorded a career-best 29.3 points per game with the Wizards back in 2005-06, meaning he can light it up on any given night (when healthy). If he and his supporting cast in Washington can stay intact next season, Arenas could be headed for a strong bounce-back campaign. |
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| Williams in talks with Sixers | Tuesday 7/22, 2:37 PM CT |
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The Sixers are in talks with Lou Williams regarding a new contract, according to the Philadelphia Daily News. The Sixers repeatedly state that they intend to ink Williams, as well as Andre Iguodala, who is also a restricted free agent.
Our View: The Warriors, as well as a few other teams, have displayed interest in Williams, but he is yet to be given an offer sheet. Williams is a solid bench performer for the Sixers as he averaged 11.5 points over 23.4 minutes per game last season. |
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| Williams dealt to Warriors | Tuesday 7/22, 2:21 PM CT |
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Marcus Williams has been dealt from the Nets to the Warriors in exchange for a future first round draft pick, according to the AP.
Our View: Williams only averaged 5.9 points per game with the Nets last season, and was viewed as expendable following the acquisition of Keyon Dooling. Williams will be given a shot to start at point guard with the Warriors, and could emerge as a sleeper candidate for next season. |
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| Thomas remains in San Antonio | Tuesday 7/22, 12:27 PM CT |
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The Spurs re-signed big man Kurt Thomas on Tuesday, the Sports Network reports. Terms were not disclosed.
Our View: Thomas doesn't have any fantasy value at this point, but he can still board and knock guys to the floor. |
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| Pacers won't buy out Williams | Tuesday 7/22, 10:23 AM CT |
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Larry Bird mentioned that he has no intention of buying out the contract of Shawne Williams, according to the Indianapolis Star. Bird said, "We hear this buyout stuff all the time. I think these guys should earn their money. If you can't trade them, let them stay at home. We're in some situations here where the same people continue to get in trouble. We have to deal with it. We'll deal with it the way we think is appropriate."
Our View: Bird has repeatedly noted that he is unsure if Williams will be back with the Pacers next season. |
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| Pacers not interested in Harrison | Tuesday 7/22, 10:17 AM CT |
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The Indianapolis Star states that the Pacers are not interested in re-signing big man David Harrison.
Our View: The Pacers could use depth in the middle, but the team is going in another direction rather than re-sign the seven-foot center, who only averaged 4.2 points and 2.1 boards in limited action last season. He was also suspended last season for failing a drug test. |
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| Wade being sued | Tuesday 7/22, 9:27 AM CT |
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Dwyane Wade is being sued by a pair of restaurant owners for breach of contract after two of their "D. Wade's Sports Grill" businesses closed within a few months of opening, according to the Miami Herald.
Our View: The lawsuit claims that Wade failed to meet his advertising and promotional appearance obligations. Those obligations included making appearances at least four times a year at the restaurants and attending the grand opening of each new location (in Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton). The suit contends that Wade's failure to promote the restaurants contributed to the closings.
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| Gordon not close to new deal | Tuesday 7/22, 9:06 AM CT |
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Ben Gordon and the Bulls are not close to reaching a new deal, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Our View: The two sides are still far apart, and a new deal may not be agreed upon until later in the fall. |
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