The San Antonio Express-News (Travis E. Poling) reports: Two more executives have left Spurs Sports & Entertainment, a month after the sudden departure of Executive Vice President Russ Bookbinder. The moves are part of an ongoing shake-up of the Spurs’ front office that could have more repercussions later this summer. Bruce Guthrie, Spurs vice president, and Paula Winslow, vice president of human resources, left the organization that includes the NBA franchise, the WNBA Silver Stars, hockey’s Rampage and the management of the AT&T Center.
Day: July 14, 2008
Rockets release Loren Woods
The Houston Chronicle (Jonathan Feigen) reports: The Rockets agreed to release center Loren Woods from his contract on Monday, then signed this season’s first-round pick Donte’ Greene before their first game in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League on Monday. Woods, who had been signed late last season to a partially-guaranteed contract for next season, had been receiving interest from several European teams and asked for his release. The Rockets had been considering him as a potential backup for Yao Ming, particularly if they are unable to sign free agent Dikembe Mutombo.
Greece wins Olympic qualifier
The AP reports: Greece had an easy time before a home crowd Monday and was joined by winners Croatia, New Zealand and Slovenia in a 12-nation basketball tournament that serves as a qualifier for the Beijing Olympics. Greece routed Lebanon 119-62; Croatia defeated Cameroon 93-79; New Zealand downed Cape Verde 77-50; and Slovenia beat South Korea 88-76. The other countries bidding for the three remaining Olympic berths are: Brazil, Canada, Germany and Puerto Rico. The Athens tournament ends Sunday. Nine nations have already qualified for next month’s Beijing Games: Angola, Argentina, Australia, China, Iran, Lithuania, Russia, Spain and the United States.
Artest doesn’t want to be a Nugget
The Rocky Mountain News (Chris Tomasson) reports: “I cannot play in Denver because they question my drive to finish my career off strong and not embarrass my family,” Artest wrote Sunday night. “Any player wants to win a championship is low risk.” So what’s that all about? I can’t remember anybody on the Nuggets criticizing Artest. So Artest was sent another e-mail on Monday asking who on the Nuggets might have spoken ill of him. The e-mail also asked if his thinking means he won’t consider Denver when he becomes a free agent next summer. Artest’s answer wasn’t specific. But he’s definitely down on playing for the Nuggets.
Rodney White goes to Israel
Euroleague.net reports: Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv added another new face in preparation for the upcoming season with the signing of forward Rodney White for two seasons. White (206, 28) will thicken the front line of Euroleague runner-up that already includes Marcus Fizer, Esteban Batista, Lior Eliyahu and Yaniv Green.
Pacers not raising ticket prices
The Indianapolis Star (Phillip B. Wilson) reports: While ticket prices for an Indianapolis Colts game are skyrocketing with the arrival of Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana Pacers are bucking the national trend by not raising prices for a second consecutive season… The Pacers, meanwhile, have struggled to keep fans at Conseco Fieldhouse. Their $42.39 ticket average is down from $45.79 two years ago and below the NBA’s 2007 average of $48.83. Still, attendance suffered; the Pacers’ average of 12,221 last season was worst in the NBA.