NBA News Blog – Page 1384 – NBA Blog

Amare Stoudemire visiting Israel to trace Jewish roots

The AP reports:

Amare Stoudemire in Israel to trace Hebrew roots

NBA star Amare Stoudemire says he has come to Israel to explore whether he has Jewish heritage.

He tells The Associated Press on Friday that he believes he has “Hebrew roots” through his mother, Carrie.

The five-time All-Star who recently signed with the New York Knicks is on a weeklong visit to learn about Israel, its language and religions.

The New York Post reports:

Two weeks ago, new Knicks power forward Amar’e Stoudemire arrived in Vegas for Knicks summer league with a tattoo of the “Star of David” on his arm.

“What’s that?,” he was asked by The Post.

“What does it look like?” Stoudemire replied.

When asked if that means he is Jewish, Stoudemire replied flatly: “Yes.”

The New York Post reports:

However, Stoudemire posted on his Twitter account yesterday: “To clear everything up: I’m studying history & want to learn about all religions. I think I might have some Hebrew Roots and I’m researching it.”

Thunder waive Kyle Weaver

Oklahoma City Thunder Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti announced today that the team has waived guard Kyle Weaver.

In two seasons with the Thunder, Weaver appeared in 68 games (19 starts) and recorded averages of 4.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19.3 minutes per contest.

Pistons re-sign Will Bynum

Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced today that the club has re-signed guard Will Bynum to a contract. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

According to Michigan Live, “A team source said this week the deal is worth a guaranteed $9.75 million over three years, while Bynum’s agent has said the contract is for $10.5 million.”

“We are pleased to re-sign Will Bynum,” said Dumars. “Will brings unique skills to our team at the point guard position and we feel his leadership and play-making abilities will continue to grow and evolve.”

Bynum, 27, appeared in a career-high 63 games (career-high 20 starts) last season, averaging career-high numbers in points (10.0), rebounds (2.3), assists (4.3), steals (0.9) and minutes (26.5). He led the team in scoring three times and assists 25 times. Bynum dished out career-high 20 assists vs. Washington (3/12) which was the most by a Piston since Isiah Thomas recorded 21 on 4/12/85.

The 6-foot guard appeared in 57 games (one start) during the 2008-09 campaign, averaging 7.2 points (.456 FG, .798 FT), 1.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 0.59 steals in 14.1 minutes per game. He scored a career-high 32 points (career-high 14-16 FT) vs. Charlotte (4/5), including a franchise-record 26 points in the fourth quarter.

The Chicago, IL native was not drafted by an NBA franchise and signed by the Pistons as a free agent on July 30, 2008. He has appeared in 120 regular season games (21 starts) during his two-year stint with Detroit, averaging 8.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 20.6 minutes per game.

Hawks re-sign Jason Collins

The Atlanta Hawks have re-signed center Jason Collins, according to Executive Vice President/General Manager Rick Sund. Per team policy, the financial terms were not disclosed.

“We’re excited to welcome Jason back to the team,” said Hawks head coach Larry Drew. “He’s a veteran presence in the locker room, and adds experienced depth to the frontcourt. Jason has worked hard in the offseason, and with his knowledge of the system we’re implementing, he’ll continue to be a valuable contributor to our club.”

Collins appeared in 24 games last season for the Hawks, averaging 0.7 ppg and 0.6 rpg in 4.8 mpg (.348 FG%). The nine-year veteran has posted career averages of 4.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.0 apg in 22.7 mpg (.410 FG%, .647 FT%) in 596 games (429 starts) with New Jersey, Memphis, Minnesota and Atlanta.

He’s also appeared in 78 postseason contests in his career (3.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg), including trips to the NBA Finals with the Nets in 2002 and 2003.

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.