2011 NBA preseason officially cancelled

NBA

The NBA announced today that the entire 114-game preseason schedule has been canceled because a new collective bargaining agreement has not been reached with the National Basketball Players Association.

Representatives of the owners and players union met yesterday and today in New York City but were still unable to come up with an agreement.

It sounds like if there’s still no progress by Monday,  October 9 then the NBA may have to cancel the first two weeks of the 2011-12 regular season.

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NBA 2K12 released today

2K Sports today announced that NBA® 2K12, the top-selling and top-rated NBA video game simulation franchise*, is now available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Wii™ system from Nintendo, PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and Windows PC.

“Hoops fans have long argued about the hypothetical outcomes among basketball’s most legendary players and storied teams,” said Greg Thomas, president of product development for 2K Sports. “We took that passion to heart in creating NBA 2K12, giving gamers the opportunity to end the debate once and for all with 15 electrifying basketball icons inNBA’s Greatest mode.”

Fans can now take control of 15 hoops icons, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Julius Erving in NBA 2K12’s all new NBA’s Greatest mode. Each of these 15 basketball legends were meticulously recreated with an uncanny level of detail, including period-specific depictions of their arenas, team uniforms, signature moves, and even historically accurate broadcast presentation styles. NBA 2K12 also features a revamped shooting mechanic with Total Shot Stick Control and an all-new post-play system, which allow fans to experience an unprecedented basketball simulation.

“It’s amazing to see the attention to detail that 2K Sports captured in creating me and these great NBA players,” said six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan. “I’m honored to be part of a game that gives millions of fans a look into our careers, especially with the level of authenticity and detail that NBA 2K12 has.”

Bonus Gift with Purchase – Customers who purchase their copy of NBA 2K12 for the Xbox 360or PlayStation 3 system early will receive two bonus, historic NBA teams featuring their own NBA greats – the 1990-91 Golden State Warriors and the 2001-02 Sacramento Kings. Bonus content will be available on launch orders only, while supplies last.

David Lee interview, on the upcoming Golden State Warriors season

Power forward David Lee had a good first season on the Golden State Warriors in 2010-11, averaging 16.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.0 steals in 36.1 minutes per game. He shot an impressive 50.7 percent from the field.

The play of Lee along with teammates Stephen Curry, Monta Ellis and Dorell Wright resulted in 36 wins for the young squad. There’s enough talent on the roster for them to aim a bit higher. A big focus will have to be on the defensive end of the floor.

InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner and a few other reporters met with Lee for the following interview, which took place at Impact training gym in Las Vegas in late September:

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Andrei Kirilenko signs with CSKA in Russia

andrei kirilenko

Forward Andrei Kirilenko (30 years, 206 cm) will wear a CSKA Moscow uniform again after a 10-year American stint in the NBA. The contract with the Russian National Team leader and 2011 Eurobasket All-Tournament team member is for three years, with an out-clause to return to the NBA when that league’s lockout ends.

The conditions of the agreement allow Andrei to terminate the contract within a month after the NBA lockout ends to sign with an NBA team. Otherwise, he has to remain with CSKA until the end of the season.

The player went through medical tests in GMS Clinic yesterday and plans to practice with the team for the first time today.

Andrei Vatutin, PBC CSKA President:

“When the NBA lockout started we considered it incorrect to sign someone with a risk to leave. But after the second thought we decided to make an exception in Andrei’s case. He is a special player for CSKA and Russian basketball. First, he already played for our team. Second, the country’s best player should play for the country’s best club – we agreed on that with the management of club’s owners, Norilsky Nickel. It is also important that Andrei expressed his desire to play for CSKA himself and during all the negotiation process he confirmed several times his interest in contract with our club. This past Eurobasket proved that Kirilenko keeps his good shape, understanding of European basketball and, what is important, popularity. I am sure that he will attract the fans to the stands not only in Moscow but all over Russia.

We understand perfectly all the risks of his possible departure but we knowingly take them. In my opinion there are no minuses in inviting Andrei. Even if he leaves the team in a month or two – depending on his desire – Kirilenko will play several games, and his participation will add to the interest toward our team. I am sure that most of the fans as well as me are anxious to see Kirilenko in CSKA uniform. If the lockout finishes, and Andrei decides not to chase NBA contract, our perspectives become even better.

I’d like to note that Jonas Kazlauskas’ opinion was very important for us and in fact the final decision was taken by him. I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to Norilsky Nickel management once again for supporting our idea to invite the Russian National Team leader. That’s a perfect evidence of their attention to the team, interest in CSKA’s successes and development of Russian basketball.”

Jonas Kazlauskas, CSKA head coach:

“My opinion – you should not take the NBA player during the lockout. If they can leave you, you don’t know what to expect. And only the week teams can take this kind of step. At the same time every rule has its exception, and Kirilenko is the exception. Andrei is the star of Russian and world basketball, he means for his country as much as Sabonis for Lithuania, Pau Gasol for Spain, Nowitzki for Germany. He grew here, he played for CSKA, for Russia. I think thanks to his Eurobasket participation he stays in good shape. Surely, we will need time to embed him into team system. Hopefully, one or two weeks will be enough.”

Andrei Kirilenko:

“I am glad to be back to the team where I spent the years of adolescence. It’s a pleasure to have a chance to play for Russian fans, my friends, relatives. CSKA has a very strong team, great coach, excellent players. It’s great when the highest goals are ahead of you. It’s especially interesting to play under the load of responsibility. I am sure that we are able to solve any task together. I’d like to mention also that all the money earned in Russia I will send to Kirilenko’s Kids charity foundation. The foundation will help the children hospitals and charity-schools, sport schools, sport veterans and the basketball players who became the disabled persons.”

— Reported by the official website of CSKA

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