| Kidd expects to play Sunday | Friday 8/8, 1:47 PM CT |
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Jason Kidd missed Wednesday's practice due to a head cold, but the Team USA point guard plans on playing in Sunday's Olympic opener against China, according to the Dallas Morning News. He said, "The rim is still 10, the ball is still round, so I didn't have to go see another gym. And I don't shoot that much, anyway."
Our View: Kidd should play less of a factor than fellow guards Chris Paul and Deron Williams for Team USA. |
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| Smith tears ACL | Friday 8/8, 12:41 PM CT |
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Jason Smith has torn a left ACL, according to the AP. He suffered the injury during normal basketball activity on Wednesday. GM Ed Stefanski said, "It’s unfortunate that this happened, but Jason is resilient and he’ll receive the best treatment available. At this point, we will continue to explore all available options in order to add an additional big man to our roster."
Our View: In the recently completed Las Vegas Summer League, the center averaged 18.6 points and 8.0 rebounds in five games.
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| Yue agrees to two-year deal | Friday 8/8, 12:37 PM CT |
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Chinese point guard Sun Yue has agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers, according to the LA Daily News. He is expected to sign within the next few days.
Our View: Sun's signing gives the Lakers increased depth in the backcourt heading into camp. He will compete with starting point guard Derek Fisher and backup Jordan Farmar for playing time. He also can play shooting guard. He is known as the "Chinese Magic Johnson," so it is fitting that he lands with the Lakers.
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| Bogut healthy enough to play | Friday 8/8, 12:33 PM CT |
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Andrew Bogut stated today that his sore right ankle is healthy enough for him to play in Team Australia's first game of the Olympics, according to the AP.
Our View: He is fine with no swelling and pain is minor. Australia's first test will come against Croatia on Sunday. |
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| Foster to play in Europe | Friday 8/8, 9:51 AM CT |
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Mavericks' second-round pick Shan Foster has signed a one-year deal to play in Europe next season, according to the Dallas Morning News. Donnie Nelson said, "This gives him valuable playing experience in one of the top leagues in Europe. He performed well in summer league, but this gives him a chance to improve. His future is very bright, and we're excited about him rejoining us next summer. This also gives the Mavs roster flexibility, which may prove valuable in the current free-agent market."
Our View: Foster wasn't likely to play much in Dallas next season anyway, but could be ready to contribute in 2009-10 if he develops his skills favorably in Europe. |
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| Anthony not in the best shape | Friday 8/8, 9:45 AM CT |
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USA Basketball managing director Jerry Colangelo stated on Thursday that Carmelo Anthony is not in the best physical shape yet, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Colangelo said, "Carmelo still has work to do in terms of getting ready. He came up with a little cramp because of conditioning in Thursday's practice. We need a lot out of Carmelo."
Our View: Team USA opens the Olympics Sunday against China. Anthony disagrees with Colangelo and feels his conditioning is fine and not a problem. |
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| Smith signs offer sheet with Memphis | Friday 8/8, 9:39 AM CT |
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Restricted free agent Josh Smith has signed an offer sheet with the Grizzlies worth $58 million, according to the Memphis Edge.
Our View: The Grizzlies are said to be the last team with significant room under the cap, and decided to target Smith, who averaged 17.2 points and 8.2 boards with Atlanta last season. The Hawks have said they would match any contract offer for Smith, but are on the hook next season with big contracts for Mike Bibby and Joe Johnson. If Smith lands in Memphis, he will play power forward alongside Rudy Gay at small forward.
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