Author: Inside Hoops

InsideHoops.com has been a world leader in NBA basketball coverage for over 20 years. Read our blog, but also be sure to read our main website on www.insidehoops.com

Earl Watson suffers knee injury

Earl Watson

The following is a medical update on Utah Jazz guard Earl Watson:

Watson injured his right knee during the second quarter of the Jazz’s April 8 game at San Antonio.  Watson was examined by Jazz team orthopedist Dr. Lyle Mason the following day and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests revealed a torn medial meniscus within Watson’s right knee.  Watson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on April 17 in New York City performed by Dr. David Altchek, during which his meniscus was repaired.  Watson will miss the remainder of the Jazz season, but should be fully recovered in time for the 2012-13 season.

In this, his 11th NBA season and second with the Jazz, Watson (6-1, 199, UCLA) appeared in 50 games (two starts) and averaged 3.0 points, 2.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 20.7 minutes per game.  He has not appeared in a game since injuring the knee April 8.

Metta World Peace suspended 7 games for elbowing James Harden

ron artest

The Lakers’ Metta World Peace has been suspended for seven games without pay for striking the Thunder’s James Harden in the head with his elbow, the NBA announced today.

The incident, which resulted in a Flagrant Foul Two and ejection, occurred with 1:39 remaining in the second quarter of the Lakers’ 114-106 victory over the Thunder on April 22 at Staples Center.

“The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area,” NBA Commissioner David Stern said. “We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of  NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations.”

The suspension will begin with the Lakers’ next game at Sacramento on April 26.  The remaining games of the suspension will be served over the next six games in which the player is eligible and physically able to play, including this season’s playoffs.

To view the incident, click on this link.

The Los Angeles Lakers have issued the following statement from General Manager Mitch Kupchak following the NBA’s announcement of the suspension of Metta World Peace:

“Metta has for the most part been a model citizen both on and off the court since joining the Lakers. Still, his most recent lapse in judgement is not to be condoned or accepted. His actions could have seriously injured another player, and his absence during this suspension will hurt our team as well. While we accept the league’s decision, we will be supportive of Metta and try to help him be more professional on the court.”

Courtney Lee hopes to stay with Rockets

Courtney Lee

Because guard Courtney Lee is a restricted free agent, his future is in the Rockets’ hands. The team can match any offer sheet he signs, but he said that would be fine with him.

“I’d love to stay in Houston,” Lee said. “I have little control over that. The only thing I can control is how I play every night and give 100 percent effort. The off-the-court stuff is up to the front office and owner. I’d like to stay, but that’s their decision.

“Houston is always going to be my first choice. It’s up to those guys, if I get an offer, whether they match it or if they just come out and give me an offer.”

— Reported by  Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle (Blog)

Kris Humphries hopes to stay with Nets

Kris Humphries

“Of course,” Humphries replied when asked if he wants to re-sign with the Nets. “I think everyone wants to come back and be a part of Brooklyn. But we understand that we probably won’t have the same exact team as this year, so hopefully, as many guys as possible can be a part of it.”

The Nets, though, could be headed in another direction. Sources have told ESPN NewYork.com that the team will pursue free agents Kevin Garnett, Ryan Anderson and Ersan Ilyasova in the offseason.

Reported by Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York

Wizards agree to new contract with President Ernie Grunfeld

The Washington Wizards announced today that they have agreed to a new contract with President Ernie Grunfeld.

“Ernie has led the charge to rebuild and change the direction of the Wizards and I’m pleased that we will continue to work together to improve upon what we’ve accomplished,” said Monumental Sports & Entertainment Majority Owner, Chairman and CEO Ted Leonsis.  “In the process of almost completely turning over the team’s roster in the last two years, we have accumulated and developed young players and added veteran players while maintaining cap flexibility, all of which will help us build a competitive team going forward.”

“I’m excited to continue the process of rebuilding this team and excited about the direction that we’re headed,” said Grunfeld.  “We’ve seen significant progress from our young players and positive contributions from our veterans that have us very optimistic about our future and very eager to take the next steps to continue to improve.”

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie says GOOD RIDDANCE to Nets

As the Nets were preparing their farewell, the Governor of New Jersey was kicking them out the door.

Speaking after signing a bill in Newark, Gov. Chris Christie, a Newark native and Republican, was in typical unabashed form when asked about the Nets.

“I’m not going to the Nets game tonight and my message to the Nets is ‘Goodbye,’ ” Christie said. “If you don’t want to stay, we don’t want you. Seriously, I’m not going to be in the business of begging people to stay here. That’s one of the most beautiful arenas in America that they’ve had a chance to play in. It’s in one of the country’s most vibrant cities.

“They want to leave here and go to Brooklyn? Good riddance. See you later.”

— Reported by Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News

Wizards likely keeping Ernie Grunfeld

Ernie Grunfeld will return as president of the Washington Wizards, according to two league officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Grunfeld and owner Ted Leonsis have tentatively agreed to a deal that is believed to be for more than one year, a deal that would keep the team’s architect in Washington contractually until at least the end of the 2013-2014 season. Financial terms were not known, but Grunfeld’s present deal was set to expire at the end of this season. He has been the Wizards’ chief decision-maker since the late Abe Pollin hired him to take over the franchise in 2003.

The team is expected to make an announcement as early as Tuesday, the officials said. A Wizards official declined comment before Monday night’s game against the Bobcats at Verizon Center.

— Reported by Michael Lee of the Washington Post Blog

James Harden injury: Day-to-day after suffering concussion

james harden

James Harden continued to undergo tests today in Oklahoma City that followed NBA protocol for the concussion he suffered in yesterday’s contest against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Harden participated in a series of limited activities per NBA guidelines, but has additional steps that must be taken under the league-mandated concussion policy before he can make his return to the court.

He will be re-evaluated tomorrow and is currently listed as day-to-day.

Tyrus Thomas ejected for throwing elbow

Tyrus Thomas

Charlotte forward Tyrus Thomas was ejected from the Bobcats’ game with the Wizards for throwing an elbow at Washington’s James Singleton late in the first quarter on Monday night.

Thomas was dribbling and Singleton was defending him when the Charlotte forward elbowed him with 3.6 seconds remaining in the quarter. He was immediately called for a flagrant 2 foul and ejected.

— Reported by the Associated Press