NBA News Blog – Page 1375 – NBA Blog

Ariza, Murphy, Collison traded in Nets, Rockets, Hornets, Pacers deal

The New Jersey Nets have obtained forward Troy Murphy from the Indiana Pacers as part of a four-team trade which also involved the Houston Rockets and New Orleans Hornets, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today. As part of the transaction, the Rockets acquire Nets guard Courtney Lee and send Trevor Ariza to New Orleans, with Indiana acquiring Darren Collison and James Posey from the Hornets.

“We are very pleased to add Troy to our roster,” said King. “He is a quality power forward who has the ability to stretch the floor, and we feel that he will be a very positive addition to our frontcourt rotation.”

Murphy, 6’11”/245, is a nine-year NBA veteran with career averages of 12.1 points and 8.6 rebounds in 29.4 minutes over 621 career games (477 starts) with Golden State and Indiana. He has shot .447 (2,707-6,054) from the field and .394 (569-1,443) from behind the arc. The Notre Dame product was selected by the Golden State Warriors in the first round (14th overall) of the 2001 NBA Draft. Murphy has averaged a double-double in five of his nine years and had his best season in 2004-05 when he averaged 15.4 points and 10.8 rebounds in 33.9 minutes for Golden State. In 2008-09, he became the only player in NBA history to rank among the league’s top five in both rebounding average (11.8) and three-point field goal percentage (.450, 161-358). Last season, Murphy appeared in 72 games, including 69 starts, posting averages of 14.6 points on 47.2 percent shooting and 10.2 rebounds in 32.6 minutes for Indiana. In addition, Murphy ranked 10th in the NBA in double-doubles with 39.

Ariza (6-8, 210), who was drafted in the second round (43rd overall) by New York in the 2004 NBA Draft, averaged 14.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 72 games (71 starts) last year in his first season with the Rockets. Ariza, 25 years old, posted 12 20-point games last year and also registered 10 double-doubles. He spent the five previous seasons with New York, Orlando and the L.A. Lakers, including winning an NBA Championship in 2009 with the Lakers. During the title run, Ariza started all 23 postseason games for the Lakers, averaging 11.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.57 steals. He led the Lakers with 40 triples made in the post-season. Ariza holds career averages of 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.25 steals in 383 games (123 starts) in six NBA seasons.

Collison (6-0, 160) was selected in the first round (21st overall) of the 2009 NBA Draft, averaged 12.4 points, 5.7 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 27.8 minutes in 76 games (37 starts) in his rookie year for the Hornets. In 37 starts, averaged 18.8 points, 9.1 assists (most among rookies in starts), and 3.5 rebounds in 40.3 minutes per game. Collison was named the February T-Mobile Rookie of the Month and registered his first career triple-double with 18 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists vs. Indiana on Feb. 19. For the season, he ranked second in free-throw percentage (.851), and third in assists (5.7), third in three-point percentage (.400) among rookies.

Posey (6-8, 217), averaged 5.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 22.5 minutes over 77 games (two starts) in his second year with the Hornets. He had 11 games with 10 or more points and hit back-to-back game-winners for New Orleans in January. Posey, who has won championships with both Boston and Miami, holds career averages of 8.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 27.5 minutes in 815 games (479 starts) during time spent with the New Orleans Hornets, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets.

Lee (6-5, 200, Western Kentucky) owns career averages of 10.3 points (.442, 581-1,315 FG; .854, 211-247 FT), 2.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.14 steals in 148 career games (108 starts) with Orlando and New Jersey. A consistent shooter from beyond the arc, Lee also owns a career mark of .369 (158-428 3FG) from 3-point range, which included 82-of-203 (.404) treys made with the Magic in 2008-09. During the 2009 postseason, Lee played in 21 games (16 starts) and averaged 8.0 points in helping the Magic reach the NBA Finals. He also poured in playoff-career-high 24 points vs. Philadelphia (4/22/09). Selected by Orlando in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft, Lee was a key piece in a trade to New Jersey along with Rafer Alston and Tony Battie in exchange for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson on June 25, 2009.

Lee, who averaged 14 points per game after last season’s All-Star Break, finished the season with averages of 12.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 33.5 minutes per contest in 71 games (66 starts) with the Nets in 2009-10. A player who also prides himself on defense, his versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions and post 1.31 steals per game last season. He hit .436 (338-775 FG) from the field, .338 (76-225 3FG) from downtown and finished sixth on New Jersey’s top-10, single-season free throw percentage list at .869 (133-153 FT). In his 66 starts, Lee averaged 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 34.6 minutes. Overall, Lee improved in 10 statistical categories from his 2008-09 rookie season with the Magic where he averaged 8.4 points and 2.3 rebounds.

February 17, 2010 Milwaukee, WI. Bradley Center..Houston Rockets Trevor Ariza drive into the lane, Ariza had 22 points in the game against the Bucks..Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Houston Rockets 99-127. Mike McGinnis/CSM.

Hornets hire Tim Connelly and Gerald Madkins

The New Orleans Hornets announced the hiring of Tim Connelly as Assistant General Manager and Gerald Madkins as Vice President of Player Personnel today. Per team policy, terms of the contracts were not released.

“Tim and Gerald are very well respected people in the NBA as two of the top, young talents in the league,” said Hornets General Manager Dell Demps. “Tim has a keen eye on international talent and has been a key asset to the Wizards basketball operations department for the last decade. Gerald has a wealth of experience in this league as a player and in scouting roles. We are excited and fortunate to be adding them to our staff.”

Connelly comes to the Hornets from the Washington Wizards where he most recently served as the Director of Player Personnel. Connelly’s recent roles at the Wizards as Director of Player Personnel including head scouting, salary cap and database management, player evaluation responsibilities, as well as assisting Tommy Sheppard, the Vice President of Player Personnel, with all front office duties.

The Baltimore native has traveled to five continents to identify top talent in the basketball world. Well-known both internationally and domestically in basketball circles, Connelly enjoyed a rapid ascent in the Wizards organization.

Connelly began working for the Wizards as an intern in the basketball operations department in 1996, and after his graduation from DC’s Catholic University in 1999, Connelly was named to the Wizards scouting staff as Assistant Video Coordinator. In 2000, Connelly became a full-time scout for Washington, and later assumed the head scouting role.

Connelly’s service to the game of basketball has spanned the globe in recent years. During the summer of 2006, Connelly served as a coach for the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program in South Africa, as well as at the Seed Academy in Dakar, Senegal. In the summer of 2007, Connelly visited Dublin, Ireland to help raise youth awareness of cultural diversity and integration through the sport of basketball, and to work with the Irish federation on future basketball related initiatives. More recently, with his brother and Wizards scout Pat, Connelly visited England in his personal efforts to aid the globalization of basketball.

A graduate of Towson Catholic High School, Connelly has aspirations to further his involvement in grass-roots basketball programs in his hometown of Baltimore. One of seven children and five brothers, each of Connelly’s brothers — Joe, Pat, Daniel and Kevin — played basketball at Towson Catholic; the powerhouse Baltimore program. Joe is currently a coach and teacher at Baltimore Freedom Academy; Pat is employed as a scout with the Wizards and Daniel works as an assistant coach at Princeton.

Madkins comes to the Hornets from the Houston Rockets where for the last two seasons served as the Director of Scouting. At the Rockets, Madkins was responsible for scouting colleges and developmental leagues. The UCLA product served as the Director of West Coast College Scouting for the Seattle SuperSonics during the 2007-08 season and as a scout for the New York Knicks from 2003-07.

The Merced, California native served as an assistant coach for the men’s basketball team at his alma mater, UCLA, from 2001-03 and at California State University from 2000-01.

After a stellar playing career with the Bruins during college, Madkins began an eight-year professional career in 1992 that included stints in the Continental Basketball Association (Grand Rapids, Rockford), NBA (Cleveland, Miami and Golden State), Spanish Basketball League (Joventut Badelona) and French Basketball League (Pitch Cholet). He was named the 1993 CBA Rookie of the Year.

Danny Granger injures finger at Team USA training

The AP reports:

The U.S. national team brought its injury bug east.

Danny Granger injures finger at Team USA training

Indiana forward Danny Granger dislocated a finger on his right hand Tuesday as the Americans scrimmaged during the opening day of their training camp in New York.

Granger was hurt when he banged his hand on the rim while playing defense. Team officials didn’t believe the injury was serious, but Granger planned to see a doctor after practice.

With his ring and middle fingers taped together and a splint over the ring finger, Granger said he wasn’t sure of his status, having never before injured his shooting hand.

March 14, 2010 Milwaukee, WI. Bradley Center..Indiana Pacers Danny Granger pulls up for the mid range jumper, Granger had 29 points and 4 rebounds against the Bucks today..Milwaukee Buck won over the Indiana Pacers 98-94. Mike McGinnis/CSM.

Knicks sign Roger Mason

New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that the team has signed guard Roger Mason, Jr. as a free agent. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Mason Jr., 6-5, 212-pounds, has career averages of 7.2 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 19.2 minutes in 346 games (88 starts) over six NBA seasons with Chicago, Toronto, Washington and San Antonio. The Washington, D.C. native averaged 6.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 19.2 minutes in 79 games (five starts) with San Antonio during the 2009-10 season. Originally selected by Chicago in the second round (31st overall) of the 2002 NBA Draft, following his junior season at University of Virginia, Mason averaged career-highs of 11.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 30.4 minutes while playing in all 82 games (71 starts) with the Spurs during the 2008-09 campaign.

Mar. 29, 2010 - East Rutherford, NEW JERSEY, UNITED STATES - epa02098167 The Spurs' Roger Mason (L) drives past the Nets' Terrence Williams (R) during the first half of the game between the San Antonio Spurs and the New Jersey Nets at the Izod Center in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on 29 March 2010.

Celtics waive Rasheed Wallace

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have waived forward/center Rasheed Wallace after coming to a mutual agreement following which Wallace plans to retire.

“We would like to thank Rasheed for everything that he did for this team and organization last season,” said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations. “We would like to wish Rasheed and his family the best as they move on into the next phase of their lives. He will always be a member of the Celtics family.”

Wallace, a 6’11” center/forward, averaged 9.0 points and 4.1 rebounds in 22.5 minutes per game last season for the Celtics. He averaged 6.1 points, 3.0 rebounds and shot 34.5% from three-point land during the Celtics run to the 2010 NBA Finals. The 15-year pro was originally signed by the Celtics as a free agent on July 8, 2009.

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June 15, 2010 - Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES - epa02204208 Boston Celtics' Rasheed Wallace reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half of game six of the NBA Finals at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, USA, 15 June 2010. The Celtics lead the series 3-2.

Nets may change names once they reach Brooklyn

The New Jersey Nets are scheduled to play in Newark for the next two seasons, and if their eventual Brooklyn home is ready, they’ll make the move. And once they do relocate to Brooklyn, the Nets may or may not still be called the Nets.

Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News reports (via blog):

Prokhorov’s camp confirmed this morning that they’ve sent a request to the league to change the team’s name.

What does this mean? Maybe nothing.

Changing a team’s nickname, uniform or city name is a long process requiring that the owner gives the NBA notice 25 months in advance. This is to allow time for the creative process and the time it requires to make and market new uniforms. There doesn’t have to be a plan with the proposal, just a desire.

I actually like the sound of the name “Brooklyn Nets” and was hoping they’d keep it. It’ll be fun to see what happens.

Celtics sign second round rookie Luke Harangody

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have signed 2010 second round draft pick Luke Harangody. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Harangody, a 6’8” forward, was recently named to the 2010 AirTran Airways All-Summer League First Team after averaging 16.6 points and 6.8 rebounds in five contests. He also shot 50.0% from beyond the arc in the five games. Harangody, who was drafted with the 52nd pick in the Second Round of the 2010 NBA Draft, had a storied career at Notre Dame. He was named First Team All-Big East his final three seasons and finished as the third all-time leading scorer in Big East history with 1,329 and second leading rebounder with 662 rebounds. His senior year he led the Irish with 21.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game and recorded 21 games with 20-or-more points.

NEW YORK - MARCH 10: Luke Harangody #44 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish handles the ball against the Seton Hall Pirates during the second round of 2010 NCAA Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 10, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Michael Jordan to present Scottie Pippen for Hall of Fame induction

Lacy J. Banks of the Chicago Sun-Times reports:

When Scottie Pippen is inducted Friday into the Basketball Hall of Fame, he will be presented by Michael Jordan, his teammate for nine of the 12 seasons Pippen played for the Bulls.

Pippen will be inducted with former Utah Jazz star Karl Malone, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss and former WNBA great Cynthia Cooper.

It’s only fitting that Jordan will present Pippen because they were the only players on all six of the Bulls’ championship teams during the 1990s.

Nets sign Sean May

The New Jersey Nets have signed free agent forward Sean May, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released. Multiple reports have said the contract is not guaranteed.

May, 6’9”/266, is a four-year NBA veteran with career averages of 6.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in 15.7 minutes over 119 career games with Charlotte and Sacramento.

As the Most Outstanding Player in the 2005 NCAA Tournament, May helped North Carolina capture the 2005 National Championship.

He was selected by the Bobcats in the first round (13th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft. In three seasons with Charlotte, May appeared in 82 games with his best season coming during the 2006-07 campaign, where he averaged 11.9 points and 6.7 rebounds in 23.9 minutes.

He signed with Sacramento as a free agent on August 3, 2009 and played in a career-high 37 games during the 2009-10 season, averaging 3.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 8.9 minutes.

March 10, 2010: Sean May of the Sacramento Kings during the game between the Sacramento Kings and the Toronto Raptors at Arco Arena in Sacramento, CA. Ben Munn/CSM.

Timberwolves sign Anthony Tolliver

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced the team has signed free-agent forward Anthony Tolliver. Per team policy, terms of the contract offer were not disclosed.

“Anthony is a talented and versatile player who will fit nicely with the young team we’re assembling,” said David Kahn, Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations. “He made significant strides during his time in Golden State last season and we’re excited to see the continued growth of his game here in Minnesota.”

Tolliver, 25, appeared in 44 games for the Golden State Warriors last year after a midseason call-up from the NBA D-League. The 6-8 forward averaged 12.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game for the Warriors, including career bests of 34 points (April 7 at Minnesota) and 21 rebounds (March 27 vs. Dallas). Tolliver scored in double figures in 29 of his 44 games with the Warriors and grabbed 10+ rebounds 13 times, including 12 double-doubles.

Despite going undrafted out of Creighton University during the 2007 NBA Draft, Tolliver has appeared in 65 career NBA games during stints with San Antonio, Portland and Golden State, and owns career averages of 9.1 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Tolliver has also appeared in 56 games in the D-League over the last three seasons, averaging 14.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He averaged 21.4 points and 11.4 rebounds in 14 games for the Idaho Stampede last season before earning the call-up to the Warriors.

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