Month: July 2008

Hawks GM reaction to Childress heading overseas

Hawks GM Rick Sund on Josh Childress signing to play in Greece:

“We were informed this morning by Josh Childress’ representatives that he has signed with Olympiakos in Greece, and we want to wish him the absolute best with his future career in FIBA.

“We have a great deal of respect for Josh and appreciate his contributions to our franchise.  We were very comfortable when we began this process that if Josh were to play in the NBA, he would remain with the Hawks.  This is a unique situation with Greece, and to my knowledge it is believed to be the highest contract ever awarded in Euroleague history.

“We feel we presented a very fair and competitive offer to keep him in Atlanta, and we will now move forward with the options we have to improve our roster.”

Suns minority owner Sidney Craig dies

Jenny Craig Inc. Co-Founder and former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board Sidney Craig, who with his wife Jenny built the largest and most successful centre-based weight loss company in the world, died on Monday, July 21st.  He was 76.  Sid Craig is survived by his wife, their five children and 13 grandchildren.

“Sid was a true pioneer in the weight loss industry having been involved for over 40 years. Together, he and Jenny built the strong foundation of our Company’s values, culture, and mission of improving people’s lives by helping them lose weight and keep it off.   I personally feel so very fortunate to have known such a talented and generous mentor and friend.  He will be dearly missed,” said CEO Patti Larchet.

Born March 22, 1932 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Craig came from a family of three children.  His career began in the mid-1950s as a part-time instructor and entrepreneur at Arthur Murray Dance Studios, where Sid purchased five studio franchises over time.  Upon the company’s takeover, he was elected to the new Board of Directors.

In the 1970s, he would own a stake in a small chain of salons before forming a new corporation of ladies figure control salons, Body Contour, Inc. and positioned it for rapid expansion including the New Orleans market where he met Jenny Guidroz Bourcq, who would soon become his National Director of Operations and, in 1979, his wife.

In her 2004 autobiography, “The Jenny Craig Story: How One Woman Changes Millions of Lives,” Jenny said “Sid … has the charisma of a Jack Kennedy, the intelligence of an Alan Greenspan, the creative mind of a Steven Spielberg, and the humor of a Jackie Mason, along with the good looks of a Clark Gable.”

“I’ve learned that everyone has a soul mate somewhere, and if we’re lucky enough to find them to share our life with, then we are more fortunate than most.  I thank God every day for allowing me to find mine.  Sid has enriched my life in more ways than I can count.”

In 1982, the Craigs sold their interest in the 200+center Body Contour, Inc, moved to Melbourne, Australia, and developed Jenny Craig Inc, a chain of weight loss centres whose comprehensive approach emphasized health, moderation and long-term weight maintenance.

A marketing expert, Sid boosted the young weight management company into overnight success when he placed live advertisements on “New Faces”, Australia’s top talent show, earning Jenny Craig Inc. the 14th-highest company name recognition in the country.

Sid’s leadership built Jenny Craig, Inc. from a small Australian company into a multi-national business with 655 Centres operating in four countries.  In 2006, Nestlé purchased Jenny Craig Inc. for $600 million.

An avid sportsman, Sid and Jenny Craig purchased a 237-acre thoroughbred horse racing stables, breeding operation and training center in Rancho Santa Fe, California in 1995.  They also own a minority partnership in the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association.   An active car enthusiast, Sid collected classic cars previously owned by high profile celebrities and political figures including Franklin D Roosevelt’s touring limousine, Dean Martin, and Al Capone among many others.  Sid especially enjoyed the history behind his cars; which was the prime motivation behind each purchase.

In April 2007, Sid and Jenny were awarded the Horatio Alger Award in Washington D.C.  It was the first time in the organization’s 60-year history that the award was presented to a couple.  Sid considered that to be one of the highlights of his career.

Philanthropically, Sid and Jenny Craig have contributed their support to organizations such as San Diego Hospice, Easter Seals, United Way/CHAD, and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. In 1992, Sid Craig pledged millions to CSUF for the School of Business and Administrative Sciences, which was renamed The Sid Craig School of Business.  In 1996, Sid and Jenny Craig committed another very large donation to the University of San Diego, which was used to build the Jenny Craig Pavilion, a multi-use sports pavilion that was dedicated in October 2000.

The Craigs were quick to come to the aid of Hurricane Katrina victims as one of the largest donors.  They were among the first to respond to the needs of fire victims in San Diego, where they reside. Their support and concern for the disadvantaged was their way of giving back in appreciation for their many blessings.

Suns sign Matt Barnes

The Phoenix Suns have signed free-agent forward Matt Barnes to a one-year contract, the club announced yesterday.

“We’re excited to add a player of Matt’s caliber to our roster,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr.  “He has a chance to have a big impact on our team.  His athleticism and versatility at both ends of the court will be important for us along with his playoff experience.”

The 6-7, 226-pound forward joins the Suns after a two-season stint with the Golden State Warriors in which he averaged 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 149 games in 2006-07 and 2007-08.  Barnes enjoyed a career year with the Warriors in 2006-07, averaging a personal-best 9.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists during the regular season.  The 28-year-old Barnes played a key role in Golden State’s historic upset of the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 2007 NBA Playoffs, tallying 11.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 11 games.

The UCLA product is a career 43.8-percent shooter from the field, including 32.4 percent from three-point range.  Barnes shot 33.8 percent from long range the last two seasons with the Warriors, where he made 159 of his 169 career three-pointers.

Barnes joins his sixth NBA team after spending time with the L.A. Clippers (2003-04), Sacramento Kings (2004-05), Philadelphia 76ers (2004-05, 2005-06), New York Knicks (2005-06) and Warriors.  He owns career averages of 6.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 286 NBA games.

Originally selected by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round (46th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft but traded that day to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Barnes is one of many NBA success stories that began their professional careers in the NBA Development League.  The five-year veteran spent the 2002-03 season with the Fayetteville Patriots of the D-League, where he averaged 9.7 points and 3.3 rebounds in 50 games.

The Santa Clara, California-native attended Del Campo High School in Sacramento.

The Suns’ roster currently stands at 11 players.

Nets trade Marcus Williams to Warriors

The New Jersey Nets have traded third-year guard Marcus Williams to the Golden State Warriors for future draft considerations, Nets President Rod Thorn announced Tuesday.

“Marcus is a good, young ballplayer with outstanding skills,” said Thorn.  “This transaction allows us to acquire another future asset, and we wish Marcus the best in his basketball future.”

Williams, 22, was a member of the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team with New Jersey following the 2006-07 campaign, when he averaged 6.8 points and 3.3 assists in 79 games (16.6 mpg).  He was selected to play with the rookie squad in the 2007 Rookie Challenge during All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas and his season assist total (260) represented the third-most all-time for a Nets’ first-year player. His rookie season was highlighted by a career-high 27 point performance against the Suns in Phoenix (11/24/06).

“We are happy to add a player like Marcus to our roster,” said Mullin.  “We felt that we needed to acquire another point guard and a player who is capable of running our offense and expanding our depth. We feel that Marcus can contribute to our cause next season.”

Last season (2007-08), Williams averaged 5.9 points and 2.6 assists in 53 games with the Nets (16.1 mpg), highlighted by a season-high 25 point performance 2/20 vs. Chicago and career-best 13 assist outing 2/23 vs. Indiana.  Additionally, the 6’3” guard averaged 11.7 points and 4.6 assists in 17 outings last season when logging at least 20 minutes. He missed the first 23 games of the campaign due to a fractured fifth metatarsal in his right foot.

The first round selection the Nets obtained from Golden State will either be lottery protected 1-14 in 2011, lottery protected 1-11 in 2012 or lottery protected 1-10 in 2013. If the Nets do not use any of these picks, the Nets will receive Golden State’s second round picks in 2013 and 2015.

Raptors front office promotions

The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday that the following changes have been made to the structure of the basketball operations department:

Maurizio Gherardini (formerly Vice President/Assistant General Manager) has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations. Since joining the Raptors prior to the 2006-07 season, Gherardini’s knowledge and vast international experience have been instrumental in helping facilitate a multitude of transactions involving both domestic and international players.

Marc Eversley (formerly Director of Basketball Operations) has been promoted to Assistant General Manager, Player Development. Eversley who joined the Raptors prior to the 2006-07 season will continue to play an integral role in off-court development and relationship management of the players.

Masai Ujiri (formerly Director of Global Scouting) has been promoted to Assistant General Manager, Player Personnel. Since joining the front office in July of last year, Ujiri has played a key role in the player procurement process, including all aspects of scouting, talent assessment and related data management.

Jim Kelly (formerly Director of Player Personnel), entering his 15th season with the team, has been promoted to Senior Director of Player Personnel. In addition to his prominent scouting role of all college, professional and international prospects, Kelly has managed the team’s recent free agent camps, draft workouts and summer league team.

Steve Fruitman (formerly Director of Basketball Finance) has been promoted to Senior Director of Basketball Administration. Fruitman’s extensive knowledge of the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, insurance programs and other related business complexities have made him invaluable to the organization.

Micah Nori (formerly Advance Scout) has been promoted to Director of NBA Scouting. Nori, entering his 11th season with Toronto, will take over the management of the video scouting/editing suite and will continue to serve as the interface with the coaching staff as it relates to advance (opponent) scouting.

Raptors President and General Manager, Bryan Colangelo said, “We have assembled an exemplary front office and all of these individuals deserve to be recognized as key contributors to our successes on and off the court.”

OKC team gets practice facility

Oklahoma City’s new NBA team has reached an agreement in principle to purchase the Performance Sports Center building in north Oklahoma City to use as its temporary home for practice and basketball operations offices, team officials announced today. The 30,000 square foot facility will serve as the team’s practice facility until a permanent one is constructed at a still to be determined location.

“We were quite impressed with what Performance Sports Center was able to offer for our temporary needs.  The NBA size court and weight and training facilities are efficient for us in the interim ” said team General Manager Sam Presti. “It’s an excellent location and we feel our players, coaches and staff will fit in well there. The Oklahoma City area offered several good facilities but we decided this best met our needs,” Presti said.

The facility will require some minor improvements to meet temporary team needs and NBA specifications including changes to the locker rooms, training area, office space, meeting rooms and media room. The team plans to move in once the improvements are made, which should be by the time training camp opens in late September. The City of Oklahoma City is assisting in providing the temporary facility.

Presti added it’s more than just a place to practice basketball. “This is a very important piece of our basketball operations. It’s the players’ office, where they spend a great deal of time practicing, conditioning and continuing to develop as a team.”

Timberwolves re-sign Sebastian Telfair

Minnesota Timberwolves Vice President of Basketball Operations Kevin McHale today announced the team has re-signed free-agent guard Sebastian Telfair. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Sebastian showed a lot of growth as a point guard and decision-maker last season and bringing him back was a priority for us this offseason,” McHale said. “He gives us another experienced playmaker in the backcourt and I look forward to his continued development.”

The Timberwolves acquired Telfair on July 31, 2007 in a trade with Boston. In his lone season with Minnesota, the 6-0 guard averaged 9.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and a career-high 5.9 assists per game, finishing the season ranked 10th in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.20-to-1). Telfair appeared in 60 games for the Wolves, starting 51, before missing the final 21 contests with a sprained left ankle.

Originally selected by Portland with the 13th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Telfair played two seasons with the Blazers before being dealt to Boston in a draft-night trade on June 28, 2006. In his four seasons with the Blazers, Celtics and Wolves, Telfair has appeared in 274 games, posting career averages of 7.8 points, 1.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game.

Celtics re-sign Tony Allen

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have re-signed guard Tony Allen.  Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Allen, a 6’4”, 213lb guard, has spent his entire four year career with the Celtics after being drafted with the 25th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft.  The former Oklahoma State Cowboy recorded career highs in minutes (1373), assists (114) and points (494) in 75 games last season as he worked to return from his January 2007 knee injury.  Allen posted averages of 6.6 points and 2.2 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game during the 2007-08 campaign.  In his 11 starts last season Allen averaged 9.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.45 steals in 29.2 minutes per game including a 16 point performance in a 110-91 victory over the Lakers in Los Angeles on December 31, 2007.  The Celtics had a 9-2 record in games that Allen started last season.  Allen has posted career averages of 7.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.01 steals in 236 career games.

Spurs re-sign Kurt Thomas

The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have re-signed forward/center Kurt Thomas.  Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The 6-9, 235-lb Thomas joined the Spurs on 2/20/08 in a trade with the Seattle Sonics in exchange for Brent Barry and Francisco Elson .  He appeared in 28 games for the Silver and Black, averaging 4.5 points and 4.9 rebounds in 18.7 minutes per game.  Thomas saw action in all 17 playoff games, averaging 4.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in 15.8 minutes per contest. The former Texas Christian University standout started the season with the Sonics where he played in 42 games, averaging 7.5 points and 8.8 rebounds.

For his career Thomas has played for six NBA teams (Heat, Mavericks, Knicks, Suns, Sonics and Spurs).  In 817 career games he has averaged 9.7 points and 7.4 rebounds in 27.3 minutes.

Magic sign-and-trade Keyon Dooling to Nets

The New Jersey Nets have acquired guard Keyon Dooling from the Orlando Magic in exchange for cash considerations, Nets President Rod Thorn announced today.

“Keyon is a versatile NBA veteran, and we are pleased to add him to our roster,” said Thorn.  “His ability to play both the point and shooting guard positions will add flexibility and depth to our backcourt rotation.”

Dooling, a 6-3, 195 pound guard, averaged 8.1 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 72 games, including one start, for Orlando during the 2007-08 season.  The eight-year NBA veteran has appeared in 465 games with the Clippers, Heat and Magic, holding career averages of 6.8 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists.  Originally drafted with the 10th overall pick out of Missouri in the 2000 NBA Draft, Dooling has averaged 7.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 29 career postseason contests for the Heat and Magic.

InsideHoops.com says: The Nets now have about 64 players on their roster. This could mean the team may try to trade Marcus Williams, maybe for a protected first rounder, or a pair of second rounders plus cash or something. They also may try to package a pair of big guys, like Sean Williams or Josh Boone and get one big guy back in return.

As of now the Nets look like a lottery team. Unless this new cast develops really magical team chemistry, making the playoffs could be tough.

Good deal for the Nets though. Dooling makes any team better.