February 2011 – Page 6 – NBA Blog

Spurs sign Steve Novak to second 10-day contract

The San Antonio Spurs today announced they have signed forward Steve Novak to a second 10-day contract. Novak signed his first 10-day contract with the Spurs on February 8 becoming the eighth call-up of the 2010-11 NBA Development League season.

Novak, a 6-10 forward, appeared in five games for the Spurs, averaging 2.6 points in 4.3 minutes per game, while shooting .444 (4-9) from the field and .429 (3-7) from three-point territory.

Prior to joining the Spurs, Novak appeared in two games with the Reno Bighorns, averaging 18.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in 29.5 minutes, while shooting .684 (13-19) from the field and .643 (9-14) from three-point range. Earlier this season, Novak averaged 1.6 points in 2.6 minutes in seven games with the Dallas Mavericks. Overall, he has appeared in 207 career games with Houston, the L.A. Clippers, Dallas and San Antonio with averages of 3.9 points in 9.8 minutes per game. For his career, he is shooting .435 (293-673) from the field and .406 (194-478) from three-point land.

Blazers recall Armon Johnson from D-League

The Portland Trail Blazers recalled guard Armon Johnson from the NBA Development League’s Idaho Stampede, it was announced today by General Manager Rich Cho.

In nine games (one start) with the Stampede, Johnson notched averages of 18.2 points (59.7% FG), 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 27.6 minutes. He netted more than 20 points in five games.

Johnson, 21, is averaging 3.1 points, 1.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 8.1 minutes in 28 games this season with the Trail Blazers.

Portland selected Johnson in the second round (34th pick overall) of the 2010 NBA Draft out of the University of Nevada-Reno.

Nuggets trade Carmelo Anthony to Knicks

Benjamin Hochman and Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post report:

The Nuggets traded Melo to the New York Knicks tonight, a league source said. Denver gets Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, the Knicks 2014 first-round draft pick, the Warriors’ 2012 second-round pick, the Warriors’ 2013 second-round pick and $3 million in cash.

Anthony will go to New York, along with Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman.

Grizzlies sign Rodney Carney to 10-day contract

The Memphis Grizzlies have signed swingman Rodney Carney to a 10-day contract, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.

A four-year star at the University of Memphis, the 6-7, 205-pound guard/forward returns to the Bluff City after averaging 5.0 points on .421 shooting (45-of-107 FG), including a career-best .459 mark from three-point range (17-of-37 3FG), in 13.2 minutes in 25 games for the Golden State Warriors earlier this season. The Warriors waived Carney on Jan. 4.

Currently in his fifth NBA season, the 26-year-old owns career averages of 6.0 points and 2.0 rebounds on .422 shooting in 15.5 minutes in 297 games (48 starts) with the Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers.

Carney finished his collegiate career with the Tigers ranked third in school history in scoring (1,901 points), second in games played (133) and first in three-pointers made (287). In his senior season (2005-06), Carney posted 17.2 points and 4.3 rebounds, earning the Conference USA Player of the Year Award and leading the Tigers to an Elite Eight appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

Clippers recall Willie Warren from D-League

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that they have recalled rookie guard Willie Warren from the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Warren, 21, was assigned to Bakersfield on Feb. 2 and appeared in six games with the Jam, averaging 21.0 points, 7.0 assists 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3-point land. The Jam went 5-1 with Warren in the lineup from Feb. 4 – 16.

Warren has appeared in 14 games with the Clippers this season and is averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 assists in 7.8 minutes per game.

The former Oklahoma University standout was selected by the Clippers in the second round (54th overall pick) of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Troy Jackson died: Troy Escalade Jackson dies

Troy “Escalade” Jackson, the brother of former NBA point guard Mark Jackson and a beloved member of the streetball and general basketball community, died this weekend.

Mere days earlier here in Los Angeles myself and many others were happy to catch up with Escalade at parties during NBA All-Star weekend. With close friend and fellow streetballer “The Professor” by his side, Escalade, given that nickname due to his large size, seemed his usual happy self. I only hung out with him briefly as we caught up with each other after not being face-to-face for many months. It’s shocking to be with someone one night and have them be gone the next.

Escalade dying is beyond sad. I can honestly say that everyone in basketball who knew him, loved him. In a sport and world filled with huge egos, Escalade was genuinely nice, and impossible to dislike. He’ll truly be missed.

More on Troy “Escalade” Jackson’s death:

“Our hearts are heavy today and we are deeply saddened by the passing of a teammate, friend, and inspiration. Today, the world of streetball lost its ambassador, and the world of basketball lost a great entertainer. Escalade led both his life and our team with a joy that can never be replaced. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. We ask his fans around the world to keep all those dear to him in their prayers,” said Demetrius Spencer, CEO and Commissioner of Ball Up.

Troy “Escalade” Jackson has been a big brother and member of the Murray family since we were kids. He was always the most positive, giving, and caring person you could be around. He never forgot a face. And, anyone who met him never forgot him. His mother was his biggest fan and support system, and his brother Mark was the most supportive big brother, always proud to tell everyone about his little BIG brother!!! If you did not get the opportunity to meet Troy “Escalade” Jackson, you truly missed out on meeting one of the GREATEST “Wonders” of the World!!! Troy, you have left us sad and full of hurt. But HEAVEN already has won with the arrival of such a BEAUTIFUL person, with a HEART and SOUL that will live with me and others around the world!! You changed my life ONCE, and you just changed my life AGAIN!!! I LOVE YOU BIG BRO!!! Cameron Murray Partner of BallUp and Friend

Brother to NBA Veteran Mark Jackson, Troy “Escalade” Jackson, named one of the 50 greatest playground legends by Slam Magazine, stood at an impressive largeness in person of 6’10” tall, and weighed just under 400 pounds, was just as big in personality and heart. Troy Jackson was born in Queens NY and attended University of Louisville on a basketball scholarship. In addition to playing in 3 NCAA tournaments, among Es’s accomplishments are being recognized as one of the 20 most popular athletes in Louisville history. Troy was a former Harlem Globe Trotter, Current Ball Up Player and Ambassador to the world of Streeball.

Jarrett Jack charged with DUI, speeding in Georgia

The AP reports:

Police in an Atlanta suburb say New Orleans Hornets’ backup point guard Jarrett Jack has been arrested and charged with drunken driving.

Snellville Police Chief Roy Whitehead said in an e-mail Monday the 27-year-old former Georgia Tech star was pulled over early Sunday by an officer who clocked him at 66 mph in a 45-mph zone. Police say Jack’s Mercedes was also weaving.

Dwyane Wade hurt in All-Star Game

Michael Wallace of ESPN reports:

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade injured his right ankle in the third quarter of Sunday’s All-Star Game and did not return.

Wade sustained the injury midway through the quarter when he landed awkwardly on guard Deron Williams’ foot. Wade, a starting guard for the Eastern Conference team, had scored 14 points in the game before he limped off the court after East coach Doc Rivers called a timeout with 5:04 left in the quarter. He also had four rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes of the East’s 148-143 loss to the West.

Paul Pierce is saving money at All-Star game

The AP reports:

Paul Pierce is glad to be back home for the All-Star game, even though the Boston Celtics star is hearing some boos.

“To come back here for a second time and play in an All-Star game really means a lot—just to save money on plane tickets and hotels for my mom and my aunts,” he said, laughing.

Pierce is from nearby Inglewood, where he used to sneak into the Forum growing up to see the Lakers play.

The boos Pierce has heard are reminiscent of Kobe Bryant getting booed when the All-Star game was played in Philadelphia, where he was a high school star.

“When you play for L.A.’s biggest rival, it’s tough getting booed by the fans. But I’m sure if Kobe Bryant was from Boston, he’d get booed, too, if he went back there,” Pierce said.

Bucks assign Larry Sanders to D-League

The Milwaukee Bucks have assigned rookie forward Larry Sanders to the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (Indiana) of the NBA Development League (D-League), General Manager John Hammond announced today. Fort Wayne is led by Head Coach Joey Meyer, who previously coached the Bucks D-League affiliate in Tulsa. Sanders will meet with the team today in Fort Wayne and his first game with the Mad Ants will be Tuesday against Springfield.

“This is an opportunity for Larry to receive regular minutes and continue his skill development,” Hammond said. “We’re looking forward to seeing his progress as he works with Coach Meyer and his Fort Wayne teammates.”

Sanders, 22, was drafted by the Bucks with the 15th overall selection out of Virginia Commonwealth University in the 2010 NBA Draft. He has appeared in 36 games this season (eight starts) and averaged 4.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.2 blocks. He is tied for the NBA single-game high of eight blocks this season and his 44 blocks leads all first-year players.