August 2009 – Page 4 – NBA Blog

Bucks trade Amir Johnson, Sonny Weems to Raptors for Carlos Delfino, Roko Ukic

The Milwaukee Bucks have acquired guard/forward Carlos Delfino and guard Roko Ukic (pronounced ROE-co OO-kitch) from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for forward Amir Johnson and guard/forward Sonny Weems, General Manager John Hammond announced today.

“After drafting DeMar DeRozan and trading for Marco Belinelli, Hedo Turkoglu and Antoine Wright, Carlos made it clear he would prefer to play elsewhere if he were to return to the NBA,” said Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo. “There were limited sign and trade scenarios available, but acquiring Amir Johnson in this deal gives us another long, talented young big man whose best basketball is ahead of him.”

Delfino (6-6, 230) played for BC Khimky Moscow last season in the Russian-A Superleague and averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 26 games. In 10 Eurocup contests, the 26-year-old registered 13.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals, while shooting 41.7 percent from three-point distance for the Eurocup finalists. Delfino started his professional career in Argentina in 1998 and in 2000 began a four-year stint in the Italian League. Selected by Detroit in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft, Delfino played three seasons for the Pistons (2004-2007) and was traded to Toronto prior to the 2007-08 season. He enjoyed his best statistical season in the NBA in 2007-08 when he averaged 9.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Raptors while connecting on 38.2 percent (120-314) from the three-point arc.

A native of Sante Fe, Argentina, Delfino earned a Gold Medal for Argentina’s Men’s Olympic Basketball Team in 2004 and a Bronze Medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Last season, Ukic (6-5, 190) appeared in 72 games for the Raptors and totaled 4.2 points and 2.1 assists (7th among rookies) per game. Ukic began his professional career with KK Split in the Croatian League in 2000 where he played through 2005. He joined Tau Ceramica of the Spanish League in 2005 and played the following season with FC Barcelona. In 2007-08, Ukic competed in the Italian League for Lottomatica Virtus Roma and in 43 games averaged 12.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 59.9 percent from the field and 74.8 percent from the free throw line. In 19 Euroleague games, he averaged 11.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The 24-year-old Croatian was originally drafted by Toronto with the 41st pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.

Johnson (6-9, 210) was acquired from Detroit in a three-team deal that included San Antonio on June 23. He participated in the Bucks NBA Summer League entry and in five games averaged 9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. In 135 career NBA games, Johnson averaged 3.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots in 13.6 minutes per game.

Weems (6-6, 203) was acquired from Denver along with Walter Sharpe and cash considerations for Malik Allen on July 31. He appeared in 12 games for the Nuggets as a rookie and averaged 1.6 points in 4.6 minutes per game. He also saw action in 21 contests for the Colorado 14ers of the D-League where he posted 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Weems was the 39th overall pick by Chicago in the 2008 NBA Draft and traded to Denver for a second round pick in the most recent 2009 Draft.

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Warriors hire Calbert Cheaney as special assistant

The Golden State Warriors have hired 13-year NBA veteran Calbert Cheaney as a Special Assistant, the team announced today.

In this role, Cheaney will work closely with the team’s players to assist with their overall personal and professional development, while also assisting the entire basketball operations staff with various functions, including pro player evaluation. He will report to General Manager Larry Riley.

“We’re really fortunate to have an individual the caliber of Calbert Cheaney return to our organization as a member of our basketball operations staff,” said Riley. “Throughout his NBA career, Calbert was regarded as a consummate professional and one of the classiest individuals in the game. We look forward to his contributions and the positive impact he will have on our players and our organization overall.”

Cheaney, 38, rejoins the Warriors after playing the final three seasons of his NBA career with the team (2003-04, 2004-05 & 2005-06), during which time he appeared in 176 games with Golden State. Overall, the Evansville, IN, native played 13 seasons in the NBA, amassing career averages of 9.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 26.7 minutes in 825 regular-season games with Washington, Boston, Denver, Utah and Golden State. Prior to joining the NBA, Cheaney played four seasons at Indiana University, culminating in his being named College Player of the Year and winning both the Wooden and Naismith Awards following his senior season. In 2003, he was inducted into the Indiana University Sports Hall of Fame.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to return to the Warriors’ organization, and look forward to contributing on many different levels,” said the 13-year NBA veteran. “My family and I had a great experience during my playing days in the Bay Area and we’re very excited about our return. I’ve always envisioned rejoining the NBA in some capacity following my playing career, and this is the perfect situation. The Warriors are a great organization with tremendous fan support, and an extremely talented young team. I look forward to playing a role in our continued growth, both on and off the court.”

Since retiring from the NBA, Cheaney and his wife, Yvette, have resided in the Washington D.C. area with their two children, Julian and Sydney.

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Phoenix Suns sign Taylor Griffin

The Phoenix Suns today announced the signing of forward Taylor Griffin, the club’s second-round selection (48th overall) in the 2009 NBA Draft. We will try to post contract info tonight.

“Taylor is an excellent athlete, a hard worker and very much team-oriented,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr. “He fits right in with the kind of people we want in our organization, and he has a chance to develop into a very good player.”

The 6-7, 238-pound Griffin most recently appeared as a member of the Suns’ entry in the 2009 Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 6.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal in five games (all starts).

A four-year performer at the University of Oklahoma, Griffin enjoyed his best statistical season as a senior in 2008-09, averaging 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds while starting all 36 games. Known for his hustle, the 23-year-old led the team in steals during his senior campaign and ranked second in blocks.

Griffin is a two-time Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 selection (2007, 2008) who became the fifth Oklahoma product drafted by Phoenix in franchise history, joining Ted Evans (1974), Tom Holland (1974), Ring of Honor member Alvan Adams (1975) and Bo Overton (1983).

The son of a high school basketball coach, Griffin was named the 2005 Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year as a senior in high school after leading his school to state titles in both his junior and senior seasons. He is the older brother of former Oklahoma teammate Blake Griffin, who was taken by the L.A. Clippers with the first overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Jorge Garbajosa signs in Spain

Euroleague.net reports: One of the most experienced power forwards in European basketball will make his Euroleague return this season after the news that Jorge Garbajosa has inked a two-year deal with Real Madrid. Garbajosa (205, 31) arrives from BC Khimki Moscow region, where he averaged 9.2 points and 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 13 Eurocup games last season. He helped Khimki reach the Eurocup and the Russian League finals. Garbajosa had joined Khimki from Toronto of the NBA, where he was limited to just seven games during the 2007-08 campaign before undergoing season-ending surgery.

Hawks may sign Joe Smith

Various reports quoted over the last month on the InsideHoops.com NBA rumors page stated that the Atlanta Hawks have had interest in the services of veteran forward/center Joe Smith. And now they may be set to sign him.

According to ESPN.com, “Joe Smith has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks for the veteran’s minimum, a source told ESPN’s Ric Bucher on Friday.”

Since entering the league in the 1995-96 season, the 6-10, 230-pound Smith has career averages of 11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game.

Last season he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per outing.

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Nuggets re-sign Anthony Carter

The Denver Nuggets have re-signed G Anthony Carter, Nuggets Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today. The Denver Post reports that the deal is for one-year, $1.306 million.

“AC’s loyalty to Stan Kroenke, George Karl and Denver is exemplary; rarely seen in professional athletics today,” said Warkentien. “We are very happy to have him back again for the 2009-10 campaign.”

Carter, 34, owns career averages of 5.2 ppg, 4.1 apg and 2.2 rpg in 512 regular season games during his 10-year NBA career with Miami, San Antonio, Minnesota and Denver. In 150 games over the previous three seasons with the Nuggets, he has averaged 6.4 ppg and 5.1 apg.

This past season, Carter helped the Nuggets advance to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1984-85, registering 5.3 ppg, 4.7 apg, 2.6 rpg and 1.23 spg in 22.9 minutes per contest. He ranked ninth in the NBA in both assists per 48 minutes (9.8) and steals per 48 minutes (2.58). Last season Carter actually posted the highest assist average in the entire NBA among players who averaged fewer than 27 minutes.

Carter signed with Denver as a free agent each of the past two summers, returning to the Nuggets on August 31, 2007 and then again on July 9, 2008.

InsideHoops.com editor says: When you watch Carter on the court or read his statistics he doesn’t seem to do much, but he keeps getting NBA jobs so clearly he’s doing something right that.

Laker sponsored by tequila company

Proximo Spirits, Inc. and 1800® Tequila announced today a groundbreaking partnership with legendary NBA team the Los Angeles Lakers, winner of the 2009 NBA Championship, marking 15 NBA Titles in total. Part of a multi-million dollar investment deal including TV advertising and on and off-premise logo rights, the LA Lakers will align with 1800 Silver Tequila, the fastest growing super-premium tequila on the market.

This is the first time that a spirits company has signed an exclusive tequila deal with the NBA Champion Lakers. Based in Los Angeles, CA, the Lakers play their home games at the Staples Center. Holding records for the most wins, the LA Lakers have the longest consecutive winning streak, the highest winning percentage, the most NBA Finals appearances and the second-most NBA championships. 1800 Tequila is thrilled to make their foray into the professional sports arena with the support of such a celebrated team.

“In creating a partnership for our Super-Premium Tequila with a legendary sports franchise, the LA Lakers were a perfect choice for us,” said Elwyn Gladstone, VP of Marketing for Proximo. “Just as the LA Lakers represent the pinnacle of their sport in terms of dynamism and brand recognition, 1800 Silver Tequila represents the most exciting name in Tequila.”

As part of the deal, 1800 Tequila will produce extensive advertising and promotions featuring the LA Lakers logo. All messaging will be connected with a responsible drinking statement. The partnership is part of a multi-million dollar advertising and promotional campaign for the brand, including a new ad campaign (OOH, TV, On-Line, Print), national sampling campaign and multiple sponsorships.

“Our goal is to ensure that Lakers games are the most enjoyable and exciting games to watch” said Los Angeles Lakers Chief Marketing Officer Tim Harris. “Through this groundbreaking partnership, 1800 will provide Lakers fans with the familiar flavor of the super-premium spirit and a variety of beverage choices to enjoy while celebrating courtside, while ensuring that we communicate responsible drinking.”

Jeff Foster gets college degree

Mike Wells of the Indianapolis Star reports: Jeff Foster put his college education on hold 10 years ago so he could focus on his NBA career after his senior season at Texas State University. Today in front of about 20 friends and family members, the Indiana Pacers center will receive a degree in applied arts and sciences at a ceremony in San Marcos, Texas. “I promised myself and I promised my family that I would get this finished,” said Foster, who was three classes shy of a degree when he left. “I dropped all my classes except one the final semester there because I had to get ready for the draft. Once we had kids, I really realized I needed to get this done.”

Houston Rockets sign 2009 first round draft pick Chase Budinger

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed Arizona forward Chase Budinger to a multi-year contract. He was a first round pick so a contract was guaranteed.

Budinger, who was selected by Detroit in the second round (44th overall) of the 2009 NBA Draft, had his draft rights acquired by the Rockets from the Pistons in exchange for a future second-round pick and cash considerations on June 25, 2009.

Budinger (6-7, 218, Arizona) recently led the Rockets in scoring during an undefeated (5-0) run at the 2009 NBA Summer League presented by EA SPORTS, averaging 17.8 points (.681, 32-47 FG; .727, 8-11 3FG; .944, 17-18 FT) in five games (two starts). An early entry candidate for the 2009 NBA Draft, Budinger averaged 17.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in three seasons with Arizona. He finished ranked 11th on Arizona’s career scoring list with 1,697 career points, which stands as the highest point total in three seasons or less by a UA player.

A First-Team All-Pac-10 selection as a junior, Budinger also earned All-America Honorable Mention for a second straight year from The Associated Press after averaging 18.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 35 appearances. Budinger added All-District IX selection by the USBWA and Second-Team All-District 20 honors from the NABC in 2008-09. He finished in double figures 31 times, including 16 20-point games. As a sophomore, Budinger was named Third-Team All-Pac-10 and Second-Team All-District 15 by the NABC. Budinger was also selected as the 2007 Pac-10 Freshman of the Year, as well as MVP of the 2006 Nike Junior World Championships held in Douai, France as a member of Team USA.

Timberwolves trade Quentin Richardson to Heat for Mark Blount

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has traded guard/forward Quentin Richardson to the Miami Heat in exchange for center Mark Blount.

According to the Associated Press, “Richardson is due to earn about $9 million this season. Blount was to make around $7.9 million.”

Also, according to the AP, “Like Richardson, Blount also is in the final year of his deal.”

“We are very excited to add Quentin Richardson,” said Heat President Pat Riley. “Over the course of his career, he has proven to be a fierce competitor, a great locker room presence and a very prolific three-point shooter who may be one of the strongest perimeter players in the NBA. We feel that he will be able to match-up well against the top scorers in the league. We also want to thank Mark Blount for his contributions to the Heat. He provided a solid veteran presence to our team the past two years.”

Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 18th overall pick of the 2000 NBA Draft, Richardson has appeared in 601 games (389 starts) during his nine-year NBA career and has averaged 11.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 28.0 minutes. He has shot 39.8 percent from the floor, 35.4 percent from three-point range and 71.2 percent from the foul line. Five times, including the 2008-09 season, he has averaged double figures in points. Additionally, four times, including last season, he has hit at least 100 three-point field goals during a season. During the 2004-05 season, with Phoenix, he tied for the league lead in three-point field goals made with a career-high 226. His 940 career three-point field goals made are tied for 65th place all-time in NBA history and ranked 31st among players who played during the 2008-09 campaign.

Richardson (6’6”, 235 pounds) appeared in 72 games (51 starts) for the New York Knicks during the 2008-09 season and averaged 10.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 26.3 minutes while shooting 39.3 percent from the floor, 36.5 percent from three-point range and 76.1 percent from the foul line. He scored in double figures on 26 occasions, with at least 20 points nine times and a pair of 30-point performances. The Chicago native recorded season highs in points (34), field goals made (11), three-point field goals made (seven), rebounds (12) and minutes (44) in New York’s Nov. 22 win over Washington. Richardson hit multiple treys 30 times last season, including nine games where he hit at least four in a game.

At the conclusion of the 2008-09 season, Richardson was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies in a draft night trade for Darko Milicic. He was subsequently dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers on July 17 for Zach Randolph and then to the Timberwolves on July 20 for Mark Madsen, Craig Smith and Sebastian Telfair.

Blount, a nine-year NBA veteran, was acquired by the Heat along with Ricky Davis from the Timberwolves on Oct. 24, 2007 in exchange for Antoine Walker, Michael Doleac, Wayne Simien and a conditional first-round draft choice. In two seasons with the Heat, Blount appeared in 89 games (46 starts) and averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 19.7 minutes while shooting 45.2 percent from the floor, 39.4 percent from three-point range and 63.6 percent from the foul line. For his career, he has appeared in 605 games (393 starts) and has averaged 8.2 points, 4.6 rebounds and 23.1 minutes while shooting 50.4 percent from the floor, 35.9 percent from three-point range and 72.3 percent from the foul line.

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