October 2009 – Page 11 – NBA Blog

Michael Redd returns to the hardwood

Remember Milwaukee Bucks shooting guard Michael Redd? He’s fallen off the map recently but looks to remind everyone that he still exists.

The team has not accomplished much recently and in 2009-10 could take another step backward — unless Redd is his old shooting star self again.

Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports:

Michael Redd stepped back on the Bradley Center floor Saturday for the first time since Jan. 24, when he crumpled to the court after tearing ligaments in his left knee.

The occasion was only an intrasquad scrimmage for the Milwaukee Bucks, not a real game.

But it still was a huge step for Redd, who scored 18 points while showing little rust as the Bucks players performed for an enthusiastic crowd of 5,864.

“I was a little nervous, to be honest with you,” Redd said. “I felt comfortable and just played. I’m a little sore right now, which is natural, but I felt good playing again.”

Aside from watching rookie point guard Brandon Jennings, it’s worth keeping an eye on Redd to see if he looks up to carrying a team.

Brandan Wright hurts shoulder

The AP reports: Golden State Warriors forward Brandan Wright injured his shooting shoulder during practice Friday and could miss extended time. The team says Wright will undergo an MRI exam Monday to further determine the severity of the injury.

InsideHoops.com editor says: Wright played just 38 games as a rookie in 2007-08. And 39 games last season, though in 17.6 minutes he put up a respectable 8.3 points and 4.0 rebounds. His injury issues are almost getting scary, though.

Oct 2: Bulls 104, Pacers 95

The AP reports: Rookie Taj Gibson had 19 points and nine rebounds to help the Chicago Bulls beat the Indiana Pacers 104-95 on Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams. Derrick Rose added 17 points, and Luol Deng and John Salmons had 15 each for the Bulls. Danny Granger led the Pacers with 27 points in 26 minutes. Luther Head scored 14 points, and Brandon Rush scored all 13 of his points in the second half for Indiana. Chicago’s Tyrus Thomas left the game in the third quarter because of a concussion.

Bill Walker has right knee surgery

The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Bill Walker underwent successful right knee arthroscopic surgery today at the New England Baptist Hospital.

Walker sustained a meniscus tear on the first day of training camp.

Surgery was performed by Team Physician Dr. Brian McKeon and assisted by John Rand, PAC. No timetable has been set for his return.

InsideHoops.com editor says: Walker’s had about 29,500 knee surgeries in his basketball playing days. Yet he maintains crazy hops.

Spanish-speaking OKC Thunder fans get full home coverage

The Oklahoma City Thunder announced today that the team will broadcast all 41 home games in Spanish language on both radio and television.

For the second straight season, the radio network will include Spanish language broadcasts on WKY 930 in Oklahoma City. Spanish language television broadcasts of the Thunder’s home games can be seen by selecting the Secondary Audio Program (SAP) option on your television.

“Bringing the Spanish broadcasts to the community on radio and TV through the use of the secondary audio is another important step for the Thunder to connect with our fans through all possible platforms,” said Ken Adelson, Thunder Senior Vice President and Executive Producer.

Veteran announcer Eleno Ornelas will be back as the Thunder’s Spanish language play-by-play voice for the second straight season. Ornelas brings a wealth of professional play-by-play experience in several different leagues. He currently serves as the coordinator of Spanish broadcasting for Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers. He is the play-by-play announcer for all Rangers home and away Spanish radio broadcasts on KFLC 1270 AM. In addition, he contributes to the Rangers Hispanic marketing and community initiatives in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

“It’s going to be great to be back in Oklahoma City again this season,” Ornelas said. “The Ford Center was a loud and exciting arena last year, and I can’t wait to be a part of it again. I’m happy to be able to provide the NBA in Spanish to Thunder fans listening and watching all over the state of Oklahoma. I’m sure the Hispanic community will show up at the Ford Center again this year to support the Thunder.”

Ornelas joined the Rangers’ Spanish radio broadcast team in 2000 and did both play-by-play and analysis, working with Edgar Lopez, before becoming the full-time play-by-play announcer in 2003. Prior to joining the Rangers full-time, he worked in the sports department for 1270 AM.

The Juarez, Mexico native began his broadcasting career in the Dallas-Fort Worth area at KRVA Radio in Dallas before joining KESS-AM in 1998. In addition to the Rangers, Ornelas was the play-by-play announcer for the Dallas Mavericks and has covered the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Burn soccer team during his tenure with 1270 AM.

Oct 1: Jazz 103, Nuggets 87

The AP reports: C.J. Miles and Deron Williams scored 16 points apiece and the Utah Jazz beat the Denver Nuggets 103-87 on Thursday night in an uneventful debut for replacement referees in the NBA preseason… Williams also had six assists in 21 minutes, Miles was 5 for 7 from the field and Mehmet Okur had 10 points and seven rebounds for the Jazz. Anthony led the Nuggets with 13 points.

Andre Miller fails Trail Blazers conditioning test

Jason Quick of The Oregonian reports: Andre Miller was the only player with a guaranteed contract who didn’t pass the Trail Blazers conditioning test on Tuesday night, while Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw and Greg Oden recorded notable times. In each of his five training camps, coach Nate McMillan holds a conditioning test that requires players to run the length of the court and back five times, or in other words, 10 lines. They have to do this in four different sets. Guards are allowed 61 seconds to do 10 lines, forwards 64 seconds and centers 65 seconds. Players are allowed to “bank” time in each set, meaning if they finish under the designated time for one set, it carries over to the next sets.

InsideHoops.com editor says: Miller isn’t especially quick or fast. He also can’t make outside shots. Yet he’s been a successful NBA point guard. That’s pretty unique. He’s like a rich man’s Anthony Carter.

Brad Miller has TV show

Chicago Bulls center Brad Miller’s NBA career has tapered off in recent seasons, but his celebrity status just got a boost in the world of people who love the great outdoors.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports:

Miller got to travel the world filming footage for “Country Boys Outdoors,” a new TV show he’s co-hosting that premieres on The Sportsman’s Channel this month.

A self-described “hick” from Kendallville, Ind., who long has been passionate about hunting and fishing, Miller found himself chuckling over his good fortune when he, say, hunted red stagg or rabbits in New Zealand.

“We’ve been filming stuff for over three years,” Miller said.

That’s eight less than the number of seasons the wily veteran has played after leaving Purdue as an undrafted free agent.

“Obviously, you approach the offseasons a little differently now because you’re looking more just to stay healthy,” Miller said. “You don’t recover as much as the young guys. So a lot more Advil, more time icing and just maintaining your body. Or hunting.”

Nothing beats a summer spent doing what you love and getting paid in the process. Dude is lucky.