NBA News Blog – Page 1305 – NBA Blog

Bulls trade James Johnson to Raptors

The Toronto Raptors announced Tuesday they have acquired forward James Johnson from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for a 2011 first-round draft pick. The Raptors received the pick from the Miami Heat this past July (Bosh sign and trade).

“James Johnson is a strong, athletic and versatile small forward that we have had our eye on dating back to the 2009 NBA Draft,” said Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo.

Johnson, 6-foot-9, 245 pounds was a first-round selection by the Bulls (16th overall) in the 2009 NBA Draft. He has appeared in 78 games (with 11 starts), averaging 3.8 points, 1.9 rebounds and 11.3 minutes. He posted a career-best 20 points in a career-high 43 minutes at Miami on March 12, 2010.

Johnson saw action in eight games recently with the Iowa Energy in the NBA D-League. He averaged 19.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.5 blocks in 32.1 minutes.

A product of Wake Forest, Johnson averaged 14.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 61 collegiate games with the Demon Deacons. He earned Freshman All-American honours and was runner-up for the Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year in 2008.

The Raptors are in Charlotte tonight to face the Bobcats before returning home to play host to Chicago on Wednesday. Game time is 7 p.m. ET (Sportsnet One/Sportsnet Radio The FAN 590).

Johnson is expected to arrive in Toronto on Wednesday.

Read fan reaction and discuss your own opinion in this forum topic.

Tyreke Evans out at least three weeks

Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee reports:

The Kings will be without Tyreke Evans for at least three weeks because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot, the team announced this afternoon.

Evans underwent the first of three extra corporeal shockwave treatments on his left foot after being re-examined by Dr. Richard Ferkel in Los Angeles following Monday’s MRI. Evans will wear a walking boot and be re-examined after the treatments.

Evans leads the Kings in scoring, assists and steals. The Kings are just 1-6 in games that Evans has missed this season.

The injury has bothered Evans most of the season but became too much to deal with Feb. 13 in Phoenix. Evans finished that game but hasn’t played since.

Babymomma of Chris Bosh to be on VH1 Basketball Wives

TMZ reports:

Miami Heat superstar Chris Bosh has a brand new reason to watch VH1 — TMZ has learned his baby mama Allison Mathis will be selected as a cast member on the next season of “Basketball Wives.”

Sources close to the production tell us … Allison completed three rounds of interviews with show execs recently and was so impressive … producers will be offering her a spot on Season 3.

Carnegie Deli in NYC to launch Melo Sandwich

TMZ reports:

Carmelo’s trade to the New York Knicks isn’t even official yet, but Sandy Levine, owner of the Carnegie Deli, tells TMZ they are already launching the new Melo Sandwich and it is packed with everything you could ever want on a sandwich:

— Pastrami
— Corned Beef
— Salami
— Bacon
— Tomato
— Russian dressing
— On rye bread

The sandwich will run you a cool $21.95 and that price was chosen for a reason — if they sell around 3,000,000 of them … it equals the $65 million contract Melo is likely to sign with the Knicks.

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.

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.