NBA News Blog – Page 1383 – NBA Blog

Another arrest warrant issued for Eddy Curry

Samuel Goldsmith of the New York Daily News reports:

A Chicago judge has issued an arrest warrant for the troubled New York Knicks center for the second time since June, it was reported yesterday.

The judge signed the warrant after learning the ballplayer hasn’t finished paying a $660,000 payout for sex with an underage girl, the Chicago Sun Times said.

The payout stems from a 2001 case in which Curry, then 18, was sued for having sex with a 14-year-old girl. He agreed to settlement in 2007, but still owes nearly $200,000.

Kings hire Otis Hughley as assistant coach

The Sacramento Kings’ Head Coach Paul Westphal today announced an addition to his coaching staff, reaching an agreement with Otis Hughley to join the team as an assistant coach.

“Otis has a wealth of experience working with young players and is ready to jump to the NBA,” said Westphal. “We’re very excited to add him to our staff to replace Bryan Gates.”

“It’s an exciting time,” Hughley said. “I’m looking forward to being with an organization that’s proven and that’s exhibited class. I’m really looking forward to working with Coach Westphal and his staff.”

Hughley had coached at LeFlore High School in Mobile, Ala. for seven years (2004-2010), guiding the Rattlers to six straight regional appearances and a 6A state title in 2007. While at LeFlore, he coached current Kings center Demarcus Cousins. Before coaching at LeFlore, Hughley was an assistant coach at several universities, including Wright State, Liberty, and Southern. Hughley’s experience also includes coaching for the league’s NBA China program and working over 10 years at Pete Newell’s “Big Man Camp.”

Spurs release Malik Hairston

The San Antonio Spurs today announced that, per his request, the team has released Malik Hairston from his contract.

The guard is reportedly set to sign in Italy.

“We’ve enjoyed having Malik in our organization,” said Spurs General Manager RC Buford. “He is a hard-worker, a talented basketball player and an outstanding young man. After Malik approached us we were happy to honor his request as it will, after he clears waivers, allow him to pursue an excellent overseas basketball opportunity.”

Hairston was selected by the Phoenix Suns, with the 48th overall pick, in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft. In a draft night deal he was then traded to San Antonio – along with a 2009 second round pick – in exchange for the draft rights to Goran Dragic.

In two seasons with the Spurs, Hairston appeared in a total of 62 games, averaging 2.4 points in 7.6 minutes. During each of his two seasons with San Antonio he also saw action with the Austin Toros (the Spurs NBA Development League team). With the Toros he averaged 24.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in a total of 45 regular season games.

Former HS star Jeremy Tyler signs in Japan

The AP reports:

Former high school star Jeremy Tyler has signed with the Tokyo Apache of Japan’s professional basketball league.

The team announced the signing Thursday on its official website. The 19-year-old Tyler will play for former NBA coach Bob Hill, who was hired by the team last month.

“We are extremely excited for Jeremy to join our team in Tokyo,” the team said in a statement. “His athleticism and size will be a major presence in our frontcourt this season.”

Stephon Marbury to China for 3 years

The AP reports:

Former NBA All-Star Stephon Marbury has agreed to three more years with a Chinese basketball team, whose owners will set up a company to produce and sell his line of athletic apparel and shoes, the team said Thursday.

Marbury played 15 games last season with Shanxi Zhongyu of the Chinese Basketball Association. The point guard was a fan favorite in the rustbelt city of Taiyuan, showing none of the defiant personality that had alienated management, teammates and fans in the U.S.

Marbury, 33, will play two more years and may be asked to become an assistant coach in the third, Shanxi said in an announcement on its website.

Grizzlies issue statement on the death of Lorenzen Wright

Memphis Grizzlies Majority Owner Michael Heisley issued the following statement today regarding the death of Memphis native and former Grizzlies player Lorenzen Wright.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Lorenzen Wright. We lost a member of the Grizzlies family. Lorenzen delighted fans on the court with his passion and off the court with his generosity in a Memphis community that watched him grow throughout his playing career at Booker T. Washington High School, the University of Memphis and the NBA.

“In his five seasons with the Grizzlies, Lorenzen played an integral role in guiding this franchise to three consecutive playoff appearances and was a member of the inaugural Memphis Grizzlies team in 2001.

“On behalf of the entire Memphis Grizzlies organization, we would like to express our sincerest condolences to Lorenzen’s family during this difficult time.”

Wright, a 13-year NBA veteran with the Grizzlies (2001-06), Los Angeles Clippers (1996-99), Atlanta Hawks (1999-2001, 2006-08), Sacramento Kings (2007-08) and Cleveland Cavaliers (2008-09), averaged 9.4 points and 7.1 rebounds in 336 games with the Grizzlies. He ranks in the club’s all-time Top 10 in rebounds (2,386, 4th), blocks (250, 7th), games (7th), minutes (8,883, 8th) and points (3,148, 10th) and still holds the club’s all-time single-game record of 26 rebounds, set on November 4, 2001 vs. Dallas.

Andrew Bynum has right knee surgery

Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a tear of the lateral meniscus in his right knee, it was announced today.

The surgery was performed in New York by Dr. David Altchek.

Bynum, who suffered the tear in Game 6 of the Lakers’ First Round series with Oklahoma City, started each of the team’s 23 postseason games despite the injury, averaging 8.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.57 blocks in 24.4 minutes.

In 65 regular season contests, Bynum averaged a career-best 15.0 points on .570 shooting from the field, 8.3 rebounds and 1.45 blocks in 30.4 minutes.

Bynum is expected to be available on a limited basis at the start of training camp and make a full recovery by the start of the regular season.

Lorenzen Wright found dead

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports:

Law enforcement officials have found the body of missing Memphis basketball star Lorenzen Wright in a wooded area at Hacks Cross and Winchester in southeast Memphis.

A law enforcement source confirmed the body was that of Wright, who has been missing since July 19, though the Memphis Police Department won’t officially comment.

The body was found by someone who called police today.

InsideHoops.com note: This page will be updated later today.

Clippers re-sign Rasual Butler

The Los Angeles Clippers today re-signed free agent forward Rasual Butler. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not announced.

Butler, who averaged a career-high 11.9 points to go with 2.9 rebounds and 33.0 minutes in 82 games played with Los Angeles last season, also connected on 41 percent of his field goals on the year. He was originally acquired by the Clippers along with cash considerations from the New Orleans Hornets on August 12, 2009 in exchange for a conditional second round draft pick in 2016.

On April 4, 2010 against the New York Knicks, the eight-year NBA veteran established a new Clippers’ franchise record for most three-pointers made in a season, surpassing Terry Dehere (1995-96) when he knocked down his 140th three-pointer of the 2009-10 campaign. In addition to his career mark in scoring, Butler finished the season with career-highs in three-pointers made (145) as well as attempted (432 – also a Clippers’ franchise record).

Butler was originally drafted by the Miami Heat in the second round (53rd overall) of the 2002 NBA Draft. Over his career, he has tallied 8.8 points and 2.7 rebounds while connecting on 40 percent of his field goals and 36 percent of his three-point attempts.

Rockets trade David Andersen to Raptors

The Toronto Raptors announced Wednesday they have acquired centre David Andersen and cash considerations from the Houston Rockets in exchange for a 2015 protected second-round pick obtained from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the Hassan Adams trade January 7, 2009.

Andersen, a 6-foot-11 native of Carlton, Australia, appeared in 63 games last season for the Rockets, averaging 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds during his rookie NBA campaign. He posted a career-high 19 points November 15, 2009 against the Los Angeles Lakers and reached double figures in scoring 12 times.

“David is a skilled big that gives us some insurance at the backup centre position,” said Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo. “He will also bring a veteran presence and savvy to a relatively young team.”

Andersen was selected 37th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2002 NBA Draft. He remained overseas to claim three Euroleague titles with Virtus Bolonga (2001) and CSKA Moscow (2006 and 2008). During the 2004-05 season he was named first-team All-Euroleague after averaging 12.4 points and a career-best 7.0 rebounds playing for CSKA Moscow. In 2007-08 he averaged a career-best 12.8 points during CSKA’s Euroleague championship run. Anderson posted strong numbers again in 2008-09 with Regal FC Barcelona, averaging 11.1 points and shooting .554 from the field in 23 games. He helped FC Barcelona win the ACB Spanish National Championship and a berth in the Euroleague Final Four.

In nine seasons abroad Anderson won four Russian National Championships, two Italian League Championships and an ACB Spanish National title. He also competed twice in the Summer Olympics (2004 and 2008) for the Australian National Team. Andersen’s draft rights were traded to Houston on July 14, 2009.

InsideHoops.com editor says: Andersen is a good backup center.