Month: July 2010

Bobcats sign Dominic McGuire

Charlotte Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins announced today that the team has signed free agent forward Dominic McGuire.  Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 6-9 McGuire was selected by the Wizards with the 47th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.  In three NBA seasons with Washington and Sacramento, McGuire has played in 200 games, averaging 2.4 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 15.4 minutes.

McGuire’s best statistical season came with the Wizards in 2008-09, when he averaged 4.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.5 in 26.2 minutes in 79 games, including 57 starts.  His 57 games started ranked third on the team behind only All-Stars Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler.  McGuire scored in double figures eight times and recorded double-figure rebounds 12 times that season, tallying four double-doubles.

McGuire earned Second Team All-WAC honors, and was also named to the conference’s All-Newcomer Team and All-Defensive Team, as a junior at Fresno State in 2006-07.  McGuire averaged 13.5 points and 9.8 rebounds and ranked fifth in the nation with 3.6 blocked shots, while recording 15 double-doubles and two triple-doubles, in his lone season at the school after transferring from the University of California.

Pacers sign second-round rookie Lance Stephenson

The Indiana Pacers announced Thursday they have signed second-round draft pick Lance Stephenson to a multi-year contract. Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Stephenson, a 6-5, 210-pound guard, was the 40th  overall pick in June’s NBA Draft.

The 2010 Big East Rookie of the Year from Cincinnati recently played for the Pacers’ summer league team in Orlando where in four games he was the Pacers’ second-leading scorer at 14.8 ppg.

He also led the eight-team Orlando summer league in field goal percentage at .733 (22-of-30) of those players with 10 or more field goal attempts, earning all-league honorable mention honors.

Thunder, GM Sam Presti agree to multi-year extension

Oklahoma City Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett announced today that the team and Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti have agreed to a multi-year extension. Per club policy, the terms of the extension were not disclosed.

“We are fortunate to have Sam leading our basketball organization. He is extremely committed to the growth of our franchise, of our players, and this community. He has helped build an identity for this organization that we can all be proud of. I look forward to our continued work together as we experience the challenges of creating sustainable success.”

Presti, who was named General Manager on June 7, 2007, has rebuilt a Thunder roster that has made steady improvement over the last three seasons. Presti was promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager prior to the 2009-10 season. The Thunder won 50 games last season capping a league best 27-game turnaround. Presti was named NBA Executive of the Year by The Sporting News after the Thunder captured the franchise’s first playoff berth in Oklahoma City.

“I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to continue our work here with the Thunder. Oklahoma City is home for me. We have a committed group of players, excellent coaches led by Scott Brooks, and a support staff in both basketball and business, that is integral to the vision of our organization and I am grateful for their partnership.  I would also like to thank Clay for his support and trust. He has been central and unwavering in our efforts to build, enhance and sustain an elite franchise. We are fortunate to work with such a committed ownership group.”

Warriors sign-and-trade CJ Watson to Bulls

The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has acquired the signed-and-traded contract of guard C.J. Watson from the Golden State Warriors in exchange for a future second-round draft choice.  Golden State will be receiving the lesser of Phoenix’s and Utah’s regular 2011 second-round draft choices, both of which are held by the Bulls.

Watson (6-2, 175) comes to the Bulls having played the last three seasons with the Warriors.  Last year, the 26-year-old Watson appeared in 65 games (15 starts) and averaged 10.3 ppg, 2.8 apg, 2.6 rpg, 1.58 spg, 27.5 mpg, .468 from the field, .310 from behind the arc and .771 from the line.  In his three years with Golden State, he appeared in 174 games (33 starts) and he owns career averages of 8.7 ppg, 2.4 apg, 2.3 rpg, 1.23 spg, 23.2 mpg, .459 shooting from the field, .351 shooting from downtown and .822 shooting from the line.

Following his collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, he went undrafted in the 2006 NBA Draft.  From there, Watson split the 2006-07 season playing in Italy and Greece.  He then played with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League in 2007-08 before his free agent call-up with the Warriors.

Greg Monroe out 3-4 weeks after foot surgery

greg monroe

The Detroit Pistons announced today that Greg Monroe underwent a successful out-patient surgical procedure on his right foot performed by Dr. Arthur Manoli. The procedure was performed at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac, MI.

Rehabilitation will begin immediately and he is expected to resume full basketball activities in three to four weeks.

The 6-foot-11 forward/center appeared in five games for the Pistons during the Vegas Summer League and averaged 14.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.8 steals in 30.3 minutes per game.  The Georgetown product was drafted by Detroit with the seventh pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.

CJ Bruton retires from international basketball

Dual Olympian C.J. Bruton has announced his immediate retirement from international basketball, ending his hopes of a berth for the upcoming World Championships and bringing to a close a remarkable career as a member of the Golden Star Australian Boomers men’s national basketball team.

Basketball Australia today confirmed reports of Bruton’s decision to retire effective immediately, with BA Chief Executive Officer Larry Sengstock praising the 34-year-old for his immense contribution to the continued success of the Boomers program.

“It was with great sadness that we heard the news that CJ had decided to end his international basketball career, but we respect his decision and thank him for all he has contributed to the Boomers and Australian basketball,” said Sengstock.  “He is a major part of the reason why the Australian men’s program has consistently ranked in the top ten countries in the world and he will be sorely missed.”

Boomers’ head coach Brett Brown explained that some niggling injuries had convinced Bruton that it was time to step back from the national team program.

“He just felt that after coming into camp and giving it his best effort, he physically would be a liability to the group,” Brown told AAP from the Gold Coast, where the Boomers are undergoing a six-day training camp in preparation for the upcoming World Championships.

“He feels with the short preparation he wouldn’t be able to get to 100 per cent and he wanted to declare that to us early so we could make plans in a reasonable time-frame.

“It’s a hell of a thing to admit you can’t play a world championships and it highlights the class he’s handled himself with from day one.”

Bruton made his debut for the Boomers back in 1998 and went on to represent Australia at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games.  He was Co-captain of the Boomers team that defeated New Zealand to win the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006.  He also represented Australia at the 2006 FIBA World Championships in Japan.  He played 104 senior international games in the green and gold.

The son of legendary National Basketball League guard Cal Bruton, CJ has compiled his own remarkable career in the NBL and will continue to play for the New Zealand Breakers when the 2010/11 NBL season tips-off on October 15.

The Boomers will now continue their preparations for the 2010 FIBA World Championships, which will be held be held in Turkey from 28 August to 12 September, without Bruton.

David Lee out six weeks with finger injury

Golden State Warriors forward David Lee, who suffered an injury to the middle (long) finger on his right hand during practice with USA Basketball yesterday in Las Vegas, was examined today by Dr. Bill Green in San Francisco.

The exam indicated that Lee suffered a “mallet finger” injury.  He is expected to wear a splint for six (6) weeks and is expected to make a complete recovery prior to the start of training camp in late September.

Thunder sign Royal Ivey

The Oklahoma City Thunder have signed free agent guard Royal Ivey to a contract, Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

 

“We are pleased to welcome Royal to the Thunder organization,” Presti said. “His defensive mentality, competitiveness and well documented professionalism adds depth to our backcourt and strengthens the identity of our basketball team.”

 

Ivey, 28, has appeared in 378 NBA games over six seasons, averaging 3.6 points, 1.2 assists and 1.2 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per contest with Atlanta, Milwaukee and Philadelphia. Last season, the 6-4 guard, averaged 2.1 points and 5.6 minutes with the Bucks and 76ers.

Hornets hire Dell Demps as GM

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that Dell Demps has been named General Manager. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released. Demps becomes the seventh general manager in team history.

“Through our extensive research with a number of GM candidates, Dell shined through as a rising star from a program in San Antonio that has a tremendous history of building a franchise into a championship contender,” said Hornets President Hugh Weber. “Beginning with the hiring of Head Coach Monty Williams, we’ve begun a path of building our basketball operations with people we feel are going to be the best in the business, and Dell Demps certainly fits into that category. Our owners Mr. Shinn and Mr. Chouest both feel confident that we are developing our organization in a way that will raise expectations. Dell along with Monty share a lot of the same philosophies and work ethic that will help lead our franchise to the next level.”

Demps has spent the last five seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, serving as Director of Pro Player Personnel. In addition, he served as the General Manager of the Austin Toros (the Spurs NBA Development affiliate) for three years. The Spurs captured an NBA Championship and two Southwest Division titles during Demps’ five seasons in San Antonio. In addition, the Spurs have won at least 50 games in each of those five seasons.

“I have been fortunate to know Dell for a long time and we share a lot of the same beliefs,” said Hornets Head Coach Monty Williams. “He wants and has a great basketball pedigree, learning from some of the best minds in the business. Dell is a winner, hard worker and does things the right way. He will be a great asset to this organization.”

Demps, born in Long Beach, Calif., had a three-year NBA career with Golden State, Orlando and the Spurs. He was teammates with Williams in San Antonio during the 1995-96 season. Demps also spent time playing in the Philippines, France, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and the CBA during his 10-year professional career.

“Dell Demps is a highly respected basketball person who has been around a model organization in San Antonio,” said Hornets Owner George Shinn. “Gary and I both have the goal to be a great organization and work towards a championship. Dell is the right guy for this position and the future is bright for the New Orleans Hornets.”

Once his playing days were done, Demps spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Mobile Revelers in the NBA D-League, helping the Revelers capture the 2003 D-League Championship. He joined the New York Knicks as a scout for the 2003-04 season and was promoted to Director of Pro Player Personnel following the 2004-05 season in New York before joining the Spurs in the fall of 2005.

“From the moment I spoke to Hugh and Monty about this opportunity, I could tell something special was building within the organization,” said Demps. “I am excited for this opportunity because the Hornets are a great organization with a lot of positive pieces. I would like to thank George, Gary, and Hugh for their faith in me and am truly looking forward to also working with Monty.”

“We are all very excited for this opportunity for Dell and his family,” said Spurs General Manager RC Buford. “Having worked closely with both Dell and Monty, I’m confident that they will provide great leadership to the Hornets franchise. Dell has been a trusted confidant and an integral part of our organization. While we will all miss him, we are thrilled for Dell and wish him success in New Orleans.”

Demps, 40, was a four-year starter at University of the Pacific, earning All-Big West honors three times. He earned both his bachelor and master’s degrees in business administration from Pacific and is a member of Pacific’s School of Business Advisory Board.

Kings trade Jon Brockman to Bucks

The Sacramento Kings today acquired Darnell Jackson and a future second-round draft pick from Milwaukee in a sign and trade that sent Jon Brockman to the Bucks, it was announced by Kings’ President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.

“I want to thank Jon for his effort and enthusiasm,” said Petrie. “He became a popular player in the short time he was here, and I’m sure he’ll be popular in Milwaukee. We’re looking forward to greeting Darnell and moving forward with the rest of the roster over the course of the summer.”

Jackson, a 6-9, 263-pound forward, who is currently entering his third NBA season, has recorded career averages of 1.5 points (.397 FGs, .167 3FGs, .683 FTs) and 1.4 rebounds per game through 79 contests with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2008-09 and 2009-10) and Milwaukee Bucks (2009-10). He enjoyed a four-year career at Kansas, averaging 6.8 points (.580 FGs) and 4.9 rebounds per game over 125 outings before being selected by the Miami Heat in the second-round (52nd overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft.

Brockman, a 6-7, 255-pound forward, averaged 2.8 points (.534 FGs, .597 FTs) and 4.1 rebounds per game through 52 contests, of which he started four in his rookie campaign last year with the Kings. He scored in double figures once, grabbed 10 or more rebounds on three occasions and recorded one double-double.

Among NBA rookies, Brockman ranked ninth in rebounds per game. His draft rights (38th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft) were acquired by Sacramento along with Sergio Rodriguez and cash considerations from Portland in exchange for Jeff Pendergraph (31st overall in the 2009 NBA Draft).

Brockman had a successful, storied four-year career at Washington, averaging 13.8 points (.534 FGs, .612 FTs), 9.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game over 131 outings, of which he started 129. He was the first player in Husky history to amass at least 1,800 career points (1,805) and 1,200 rebounds (1,283), and only player to pace UW in rebounding over four seasons. Brockman joined UCLA legends Lew Alcindor and Bill Walton as the only players to lead the Pac-10 in rebounding for three consecutive years.