Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert to build two casinos
Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports:
Last Tuesday night was a potentially huge win for the Cavaliers’ franchise. And not just because they had a nice comeback victory against the Wizards.
A couple hours after the game, there was a massive party underway on The Q’s fourth-floor practice court. The team’s owners, especially majority owner Dan Gilbert, and top officials were celebrating and hugging amidst tables with high-end food and top-shelf alcohol. There was even a disc jockey. If not for the dozens of Issue 3 banners, you could have mistaken it for a five-star wedding reception.
Voters have cleared the way for Gilbert to build two casinos within the next three years, including one across the street from the arena he controls. The effect it will have on downtown is debatable, but there’s no doubt the impact it will have on the Cavs.
Gilbert’s victory — which amounted to pulling the sword from the stone after casino issues had failed four times before — can be attributed in part to how well he’s managed the Cavs since he bought them in 2005. It may have only been the beginning.
Gilbert should consider encouraging Cavs players to gamble there. Maybe they’ll lose all their money back to him.
Stephen Jackson sticks up for Baron Davis
Friday night the Golden State Warriors, playing at home, lost to the Los Angeles Clippers, who enjoyed very good games from Baron Davis and Chris Kaman.
As you surely recall, Davis used to be a Warrior and helped inject some nice life into the team while he was there.
Baron’s buddy Stephen Jackson, currently an unhappy Warrior who has requested to be traded, does not support any boos from Golden State fans in Baron’s direction.
The AP reports:
Jackson took exception to the fans’ reception of Davis, who was making his second appearance in Oakland since leaving the Warriors. Davis was booed every time he touched the ball.
“Baron is a great player,” Jackson said. “What upsets me is they boo him but they have short memories. They forgot the reason they’re still coming here is because of what he did when he was here. The organization was in the trash can before we had that year.”
The way I see it, the Warriors currently have so many issues, the last thing any members of the team need to worry about is how fans react to former players or anyone wearing the wrong jersey.
Allen Iverson leaves Grizzlies to deal with a personal matter
Ronald Tillery of the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports:
The Allen Iverson saga has taken another turn as the veteran guard asked for and was granted permission to leave the Grizzlies to deal with a personal matter, according to an NBA source.
Iverson, 34, met with Griz owner Michael Heisley Friday night following the team’s 114-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. The pair met again this morning, and Iverson was expected to depart for Atlanta this afternoon.
Atlanta is where Iverson lives during the offseason.
But things were going so well! Seriously, I wonder — and this is just logical guesswork — if there’s a chance the team and Iverson will part ways, either now or in the very near future.
I say the Grizzlies should have a final discussion with Iverson and explain to him what they see his role being for the rest of the season. And if the two sides can come to some sort of agreement, end the disputes and agree to start again. But if the Grizzlies still see Iverson as a super-scorer off the bench rather than one of the team’s core top two or so guys, and Iverson simply cannot stomach that, they should immediately discuss a buyout.
Read fan reaction and discuss your own opinion in the InsideHoops NBA forum.
Chris Douglas-Roberts has swine flu
Nets forward Chris Douglas-Roberts, who has been sidelined with flu-like symptoms, has tested positive for the H1N1 virus, according to Nets President Rod Thorn. Douglas-Roberts has been treated accordingly for the illness and the Nets have followed all precautionary measures as mandated by NBA guidelines.
Tayshaun Prince has ruptured disc in lower back
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The Detroit Pistons announced today that Tayshaun Prince will be out of the line-up indefinitely due to a small rupture of a disc in his lower back. The injury was confirmed following an MRI exam and evaluation by team doctors conducted this week.
Prince will continue to receive treatment for the injury and further updates on his status will be provided when appropriate.
The 6-foot-9 forward has appeared in three games this season averaging 12.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 38.7 minutes per game.
Dwight Howard gets hacked a lot
Orlando Magic star Dwight Howard is a bad free throw shooter, so it’s a good gamble for defenders about to give up a potential easy inside shot to be sure to foul him and force him to sink the charity stripe shots.
Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel reports:
The Hack-a-Howard is in a lot of opponent’s game-plans just as the Hack-a-Shaq was when O’Neal was a young Magic center.
The Magic have no more answers today for Howard than they did in the early-to-mid ’90s with Shaq.
The club complained to the league back then about the intentional, body-jarring fouling and little changed. Ditto in the Dwight era.
On Friday, General Manager Otis Smith threw up his hands and said, “What’s the league going to do?” Coach Stan Van Gundy has talked like a defense attorney this season on behalf of Howard, hoping the NBA might get the message through the media.
The answer?
“We — and Dwight — have to adjust to the situation the way it is,” Van Gundy said.
Howard for his career shoots 56.9% from the field, and only a little better, 60.2% from the free throw line.
Kobe Bryant youngest player to score 24,000 points
The AP reports:
Kobe Bryant scored 41 points while becoming the youngest player to reach 24,000, leading the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers to a 114-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.
Ron Artest had 19 points and seven assists in the fourth straight win for the defending NBA champions, who played without injured big men Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol.
Lamar Odom managed just three points before fouling out on his 30th birthday, but Bryant carried the Lakers while reaching his latest scoring milestone 38 days before Wilt Chamberlain did. With a second-half surge, he even overtook Grizzlies guard Allen Iverson for 16th place on the NBA’s career scoring list.
Kevin Martin to have surgery
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Sacramento Kings’ guard Kevin Martin will undergo surgery Monday, November 9th at the UC Davis Medical Center to repair a non displaced hairline fracture of the navicular bone in his left Wrist. Dr. Robert Szabo will perform the procedure. Martin is expected to miss a minimum of eight weeks.
Considering the team is set to endure another losing season, it probably makes sense for Martin to have this problem fixed correctly rather than trying to play through it.
It’s tough to say who on the Kings will make up for Martin’s scoring. There was a huge gap between him and everyone else.
Have Kings opinions? Share them on the InsideHoops Sacramento Kings forum.
Tyrus Thomas breaks left arm
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Chicago Bulls forward Tyrus Thomas suffered a fractured radius of his left forearm during a weight training session this morning at practice. X-rays confirmed the injury and he will undergo surgery tomorrow. The surgery will be performed at Rush, by team physicians Dr. Brian Cole and Dr. John Fernandez, and assisted by Dr. Mark Cohen.
Thomas is expected to be out four to six weeks. In four games (three starts) this season, the Louisiana State product has averaged 8.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.75 bpg in 21.0 mpg.
Currently in his fourth year with the Bulls, Thomas has appeared in 229 games (95 starts) and posted averages of 7.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.34 bpg and 0.82 spg in 19.9 mpg.
Have Bulls opinions? Discuss them on the InsideHoops Chicago Bulls forum.
Timberwolves file lawsuit over signage rights
The Minnesota Timberwolves Limited Partnership filed a lawsuit today in Hennepin County District Court seeking resolution of a dispute with AEG, the operator of the Target Center, arising out of AEG’s failure to give its consent to the Minnesota Timberwolves’ proposal to install signs on the Second Avenue North exterior face of the Target Center.
The lawsuit alleges that the contractual arrangements relating to Target Center provide that AEG’s consent is required in order for the Minnesota Timberwolves to install additional exterior signs on Target Center, and that AEG is not permitted to withhold its consent “unreasonably.” The Minnesota Timberwolves claim AEG has unreasonably withheld its consent.
“We generally have a fine relationship with AEG and regret that we have been forced into filing this lawsuit,” said Rob Moor, CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He added that the parties had engaged in months of negotiations and mediation in an effort to settle the dispute, “but the parties simply have a fundamental disagreement over our contractual rights.”
The Minnesota Timberwolves are seeking a temporary injunction to prohibit AEG from erecting signs of its own on the exterior to the Target Center or from seeking to negotiate with the City of Minneapolis or potential advertising sponsors with respect to exterior signage, asserting that AEG has no right to do so.
Chris Dudley to run for governor
The AP reports:
Chris Dudley’s free throw shots were always iffy propositions. Now the former Phoenix Sun and Portland Trail Blazer is in a new arena taking aim at a governor’s chair - and Oregon’s Republicans think he can score.
Dudley hasn’t formally announced a bid for the post, but he filed paperwork last week to create a campaign committee.
“I’ll make a decision soon and report back. One way or another, I intend to help change Oregon for the better,” he said in a statement.
Dudley, 44, wouldn’t be the first professional athlete to make the transition into politics. The late Congressman Jack Kemp of New York was an NFL quarterback, and former Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey was an NBA standout for years.
Hornets Owner George Shinn has prostate cancer
Hornets Owner George Shinn announced today that he has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer but remains healthy, optimistic and committed to maintain his regular schedule that includes serving the New Orleans community and leading the organization to championship performance on and off the court.
“My wife, Denise, and I remain strong in our faith and will maintain a positive attitude as I battle this with intense fervor and drive. This is not the first obstacle that I have had to overcome in life, but it will be another one that will be conquered. Those closest to me understand my commitment to God and belief in the power of prayer, so all that I ask is for people to add me to their prayers. I’m proud of the fact that I will be joining the ranks of cancer survivors around the world who exemplify the greatest strength and resilience. I am consulting with the finest doctors and they are also optimistic that this will be another example of overcoming the struggles that life can throw your way. Thanks to the medical staff at Ochsner where I am convinced many of the finest doctors in the country are employed.”
Ty Lawson off to hot start
Denver Nuggets rookie point guard Ty Lawson has immediately shown he’s worthy of being a part of a winning team’s rotation. Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post reports:
Lawson was projected to have to scratch and claw for playing time, but he has averaged 21.2 minutes per game and has backed it up by averaging 11.8 points to go along with 2.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game.
“He reminds me a little bit of, when I came (into the league), a fast little guard was Brevin Knight,” Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups said. “The only reason I say that is because Brevin was really, really fast but he was never out of control. He was really fast and didn’t look like he was moving that fast. Ty is really, really fast, and most guys have to get low instead of standing straight up. He’s got a special gift.
“He’s small in stature, but he’s stronger than people think. You can’t just knock him around. He’s low to the ground, like a pit bull. But a lot faster than a pit bull.”
At 5-11, 195 pounds, Lawson is worth keeping an eye on.
The Nuggets are off to a hot start in 2009-10 and as of Friday are undefeated with a 5-0 record.
Kevin Martin has fracture in left wrist
An MRI taken today on Sacramento Kings guard Kevin Martin’s left wrist revealed a non displaced hairline fracture of the navicular bone. The treatment options are currently being evaluated. More information will be be posted here when it’s known.
Martin is the lone big offensive option Sacramento has. In five games this season he’s average 30.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.0 steals in 41.8 minutes per game. He was shooting 42.3% from the field and a terrific 44.7% from three-point range.
The team is 1-4 in the regular season so far.
Timberwolves hire Darrick Martin
The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that the team has named 13-year NBA veteran Darrick Martin as the team’s Assistant Director of Player Development. Martin will aid Assistant Coach/Director of Player Development J.B. Bickerstaff with the all of the team’s player development initiatives.
“I’m very excited to welcome Darrick to our staff,” Timberwolves Head Coach Kurt Rambis said. “He’s been around this league a long time and will be a tremendous resource for our players, both on and off the court.”
Martin began his NBA career with the Timberwolves, joining the team as a free agent midway through the 1994-95 season. He went on to play 13 seasons in the league, including stints with the Vancouver Grizzlies, L.A. Clippers, Sacramento Kinds, Dallas Mavericks and Toronto Raptors. Martin’s best statistical seasons came during the 1996-97 and 1997-98 campaigns, when he appeared in all 82 games both years for the L.A. Clippers and averaged 10.9 and 10.3 points per game, respectively. The UCLA alum owns career averages of 6.9 points and 2.9 assists in 514 career games.
Despite beginning his career with the Timberwolves, Martin is best remembered for his second stint with the team during the 2003-04 season. After joining the Minnesota midway through the season, Martin went on to appear in 16 of Minnesota’s 18 playoff games during the Wolves’ run to the Western Conference Finals, and was the starting point guard for Games 4, 5, and 6 of the conference finals series vs. the L.A. Lakers.
Kings waive Desmond Mason
The Sacramento Kings Thursday requested waivers on swingman Desmond Mason, according to President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.
Mason, currently in his 10th NBA season and first with the Kings, averaged 2.6 points (.417 FGs, .750 FTs) and 2.6 rebounds per game through five outings (started four) for Sacramento.
The Kings are facing rough times lately. Star shooting guard Kevin Martin has suffered a hairline fracture in his left wrist. And forward Andres Nocioni was recently arrested for suspicion of DUI.
Grizzlies waive Trey Gilder
The Memphis Grizzlies waived forward Trey Gilder, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.
In two regular season games with Memphis, the 6-9, 205-pound forward collected two points, one rebound and a steal in a total of five minutes of action.
After signing with the Grizzlies as a free agent on Aug. 27, the 24-year-old appeared in six preseason games, averaging 4.3 points and 1.5 rebounds in 9.8 minutes.
The current roster stands at 14 players.
Ron Artest regrets time on Houston Rockets
Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times reports:
Artest’s return to Houston wasn’t exactly akin to Brett Favre’s return to play in Green Bay, where he spent 16 seasons.
“There’s nothing really to get too excited about,” he said.
In fact, Artest estimated that he lost $20 million in potential salary because he came off the bench for part of last season, in a contract year, until Tracy McGrady’s knee injury allowed him to move into the starting lineup.
Artest said he regretted playing in Houston for one season.
“Yeah, I do,” he said. “I’ve been blessed to get paid to play basketball. One percent tells me I wish I could have been somewhere else. Things didn’t go the way I wanted it to.”
Then, after thinking about it for a split second, he hedged his words: “I was fine with that even though I was in my contract year.”
During his NBA career, Artest has generally been paid on the slightly lower end of what he was probably worth. A defensive superstar who isn’t quite as good offensively as his stats suggest, he’s basically gotten fair paychecks, but still probably could have landed an inflated deal somewhere along the way.
Oleksiy Pecherov shining for Wolves
Ray Richardson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports (via blog):
Timberwolves forward Oleksiy Pecherov has become the team’s most improved player, and he’s done it in the past three games. When Pecherov, as Wolves coach Kurt Rambis puts it, “learns how to compete in this league and gets a better understanding of our offense and defense,” the Wolves might get quality production out of a player they weren’t sure about.
The 7-foot Pecherov, a three-year veteran from Ukraine, came to the Wolves from the Washington Wizards in June in the draft-day trade that shipped out Mike Miller and Randy Foye. Pecherov was a relative unknown, but that could change.
Rambis has started Percherov the past four games, and his career-high 24 points against Boston Wednesday night will keep him in the starting lineup.
No penalty on Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul
The AP reports: The NBA will not penalize Chris Paul or Rajon Rondo for an incident between them after a recent game in Boston. Paul pursued Rondo toward the Celtics’ locker room and was blocked by Boston assistant coaches after the Celtics’ 97-87 victory over New Orleans on Sunday night.
The Boston Globe reports (via blog): After egging each other on for much of Sunday’s game, Rondo and Paul got into a mixup as the teams were shaking hands and had to be separated by Paul Pierce among others. The details from that point are all over the place, with Chris Paul seen going back and forth with Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau and reports that Ray Allen went into the Hornets locker room to apologize to Paul (which Allen explained as him simply going to Paul for autographs).