Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Softball complex is renamed after Larry Miller

The Deseret News reports:

Salt Lake County officials and members of the Larry H. Miller family will unveil new signage at the Cottonwood Regional Softball Complex Friday, Oct. 1, at 3 p.m. when it will be renamed the Larry H. Miller Softball Complex. A brief ceremony will be held at the park, at 4350 S. 1300 East. Of his fastpitch softball career, Miller once said, “Other than the times I’ve spent with (his wife) Gail, I will say that some the happiest times of my life were when I was in uniform competing at the ballpark.”

Earlier this year, the Salt Lake County Council unanimously approved the name change.

“Softball was a big part of my dad’s life,” said Greg Miller, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies.

Danilo Gallinari announces release of autobiography

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports:

Danilo Gallinari announces release of autobiography

The Knicks’ history is well-documented and now the same can be said of Gallinari. The Milan native began his homecoming early Thursday with a press conference to announce the release of his autobiography. Yes, his autobiography.

“You got to read it,” Gallinari said. “I can’t tell you everything from right now.”

When an American journalist pressed him about the subject matter, Gallinari joked: “It’s about cooking and how you have to cook the pasta.”

The book, printed in Italian, is titled “Da Zero a Otto,” or “Zero to Eight.” It tells the story of Gallinari from the time he was born right through his first two seasons in New York. Eight is his favorite number – he was born on on 8/8/88 – and that is the number on his Knicks jersey. The book is up to date. It includes the Knicks signing Stoudemire and trading David Lee to Golden State.

“It’s my story since the day I was born,” Gallinari added. “It’s nice stories that nobody knows. A little bit more about me comes out.”

Have Knicks opinions? Discuss them in the New York Knicks forum.


New York Knicks Danilo Gallinari reacts after making a basket in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden in New York City on April 12, 2010. The Knicks defeated the Wizards 114-103. UPI/John Angelillo Photo via Newscom

NBA dress code update: Collars required for coaches

Chris Forsberg of ESPN reports:

Doc Rivers got a memo from the NBA this offseason on an updated dress code and promptly launched it into the nearest trash basket.

“I saw the dress code and I didn’t even look at it,” admitted Rivers. “I thought, ‘I don’t think I’m breaking the dress code, so I’m pretty good with it.'”

Apprised Thursday of the league’s new decree requiring collars on coaches, a change directed at Orlando head man Stan Van Gundy and his penchant for turtle necks, Rivers expressed disappointment.

“I like Stan’s style,” he said. “I really thought Stan had set the bar on the dress code. We should stay with that; It was nice… I actually [wore no collar] a couple times, even tried the collar with no tie, I just didn’t like it.”

Rivers doesn’t think the league needs to regulate any coach’s attire.

“I don’t think anyone dresses poorly,” said Rivers. “I think coaches dress pretty well. That’s fine, though. If [the NBA] thinks we need to look different or something, I’m fine with it.

InsideHoops.com editor says: I am completely joking here — I think this is the NBA’s way of telling Stan Van Gundy that his roundish figure would appear to be more sharply defined with the assistance of a collared shirt.


May 18, 2010 - Orlando, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES - epa02163674 Orlando Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy reacts during the third period of game two of the NBA Eastern Conference finals at the Amway Arena in Orlando Florida USA 18 May 2010.The Celtics won 95-92 to take a two games to none lead in the best of seven series.

Donte Greene adds 25 pounds

Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee reports:

Donte Greene adds 25 pounds

It’s not as easy to push around Donté Greene these days.

The Kings forward showed up for his third NBA season weighing 251 pounds – 25 more than his listed weight.

Now, when he has his post-practice workouts with assistant coach Shareef Abdur- Rahim, Greene has more bulk to use with the post moves he learns from Abdur-Rahim.

“I try to (mimic Abdur- Rahim) by watching film, but ‘Reef was a beast,” Greene said. “I’m just watching film and listening to what he tells me and trying to put it to work.”

Have an opinion to share? Discuss it on the Sacramento Kings forum.

NBA fines Wizards owner Ted Leonsis

The NBA has fined Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis $100,000 for unauthorized public comments regarding the league’s collective bargaining negotiations, it was announced today.  Leonsis made his comments earlier today.

According to Darnell Mayberry of the Oklahoman newspaper, “Leonsis earlier today told business leaders in Northern Virginia that he expects the league will soon have a hard salary cap.”

Jason Williams to have knee surgery

Jason Williams to have knee surgery

Orlando Magic guard Jason Williams will undergo arthroscopic surgery tomorrow on his left knee, General Manager Otis Smith announced.  Williams is expected to miss approximately four weeks of action.

Williams (#44, 6’1”, 190, 11/18/75) played in all 82 games last season for the Magic, averaging 6.0 ppg., 3.6 apg. and 1.5 rpg. in 20.8 minpg., while shooting .380 (84-221) from three-point range.  He started in 18 outings, averaging 8.6 ppg., 5.1 apg., 2.7 rpg. and 1.11 stlpg. in 29.6 minpg. during that span.  Williams ranked seventh in the NBA in assists-to-turnover ratio (3.43, 298/87).  He also appeared in all 14 playoff games, averaging 2.6 ppg. and 1.6 apg. in 13.7 minpg.

Originally selected in the first round (seventh overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft, Williams has played in 761 career NBA regular season games with Sacramento, Memphis, Miami and Orlando, averaging 10.8 ppg., 6.0 apg., 2.3 rpg. and 1.21 stlpg. in 30.1 minpg.  He has also played in 67 career playoff contests, averaging 8.3 ppg., 3.3 apg. and 1.9 rpg. in 25.9 minpg.  Williams was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1998-99, currently stands as Memphis’ all-time leader in assists (2,041) and helped Miami capture the 2005-06 NBA Championship.


Apr. 01, 2010: Orlando Magic guard Jason Williams drives past the Dallas defense during an NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX Orlando defeated Dallas 97-82.

Bucks sign Brian Skinner

Bucks sign Brian Skinner

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed forward-center Brian Skinner (6-9, 255) to a contract, General Manager John Hammond announced today.

A 12-year NBA veteran, Skinner has played in 605 games and holds career averages of 4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 49.4 percent from the field. Skinner spent the 2009-10 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played in 16 games and tallied 1.6 points and 1.7 rebounds in 7.7 minutes per contest.

A Temple, TX native, Skinner was selected by the Clippers with the 22nd overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, and spent the first three years of his career in Los Angeles.  A trade to the Chicago Bulls in July 2001 marked the beginning of a nine-year stretch in which Skinner played for eight different teams, including two seasons (2003-04 and 2006-07) with Milwaukee. He enjoyed his best statistical season in 2003-04 when he averaged 10.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in 56 games as a Buck.

The Milwaukee Bucks Training Camp roster now stands at 20 players.

Aaron Brooks wants contract extension

Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle reports:

Aaron Brooks wants contract extension

Brooks had hoped his breakthrough season and status as the NBA’s Most Improved Player award winner would prompt the Rockets to offer a contract extension. Instead, he said the Rockets’ unwillingness to work on a new deal for beyond this season is “bothering” him.

“It’s kind of stressful,” Brooks said. “I was hoping we maybe could get something done this summer, but we couldn’t, so I’m stuck in the position I’m in.

“I understand, but it’s bothering me. It’s the business of basketball. You have to take it like it is. I’m stuck with that.”

Brooks’ agent, Leon Rose, is scheduled to meet with general manager Daryl Morey today to discuss the situation, but he would not comment other to confirm the meeting.

Asked if he felt he deserves a contract extension, Brooks said, “Oh, no doubt. I deserve at least discussions.”

Discuss your opinion on the Houston Rockets forum.


February 17, 2010 Milwaukee, WI. Bradley Center..Houston Rockets Aaron Brooks brings he ball up the court, Brooks had 15 points and 12 assists to help the rockets to victory..Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Houston Rockets 99-127. Mike McGinnis/CSM.

Gordon Hayward buys a new car

Tim Buckley of the Deseret News reports:

Still unaccustomed to the actual purchase power of his newfound riches, Hayward — 20-year-old Hoosier, Jazz rookie millionaire, newly minted Larry H. Miller dealership loyalist — is not nearly spoiled enough yet to think so ostentatiously.

He got a Honda Accord.

“That’s a good, practical car for me,” Hayward said Tuesday, after his first session of fall two-a-day training camp. “The first car I’ve ever owned, so that was real exciting when I drove off with it the first time.”

The Accord — most sticker well under $30,000 — is a little more low-to-the-road than the minivan, but not far removed from the class in which he’s been rolling.

InsideHoops.com editor says: I wonder if it came with an AM radio, and maybe a cassette deck.