NBA News Blog – Page 1451 – NBA Blog

Free state tax returns for Nets fans Friday

The New Jersey Nets come up with some seriously cool promotions for fans. Here’s their latest:

Roni Deutch Tax Center, one of the nation’s fastest growing tax preparation franchise companies, will provide all New Jersey residents 18 years and older who attend the NETS-Orlando Magic game at the IZOD CENTER on Friday, March 5 with a coupon for preparation of a free state tax return.

Through a new partnership with NETS Basketball, Roni Deutch Tax Center will have representatives on site at NETS Tax Night on March 5 to answer tax-related questions before and during the game.

In addition, NETS fans who attend any upcoming home game at the IZOD CENTER this season, other than March 5, can receive a coupon in the NETS Game Program good for up to $50 off of tax preparation services at a Roni Deutch Tax Center in Hackensack, Bergenfield, and Fair Lawn. Upon completion of their returns, Roni Deutch customers will also receive NETS tickets for this season, while supplies last.

“My life’s mission is to empower every American to take charge of their tax lives,” said Roni Deutch, president and founder of Roni Deutch Tax Center. “Partnering with NETS Basketball is our opportunity to get involved in the community, ensuring that local taxpayers and basketball fans have the information they need to be prepared this tax season and save big bucks on their taxes.”

Warriors sign Reggie Williams to 10-day contract

The Golden State Warriors have signed forward Reggie Williams to a 10-day contract, the team announced today.

Williams, 23, is a call-up from the NBA Development League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce, where he has appeared in 31 games this season, averaging 26.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.55 steals in 40.0 minutes per contest. For the season, he has shot 57.6% (298-517 FG) from the field, 41.0% (57-139 3FG) from three-point range and 82.4% (164-199 FT) from the line. Williams, who currently leads the D-League in scoring amongst all players who meet the statistical minimums to qualify, has scored 20-or-more points 23 times this season, including 12 games of 30-or-more and three 40-plus efforts.

A 6-6, 210-pound forward, Williams played professionally in France last season after going undrafted out of VMI in 2008. He led the nation in scoring in each of his last two collegiate seasons, averaging 28.1 points per game as a junior in 2006-07, and 27.8 points per game as a senior in 2007-08.

Golden State’s roster now stands at 16 players. The Warriors are able to add Williams to the roster under the NBA’s hardship rules, which allow a team the ability to sign an additional player if that team already has 15 players on its Active and Inactive Lists and has four-or-more players unable to perform playing services due to injury or illness for an extended period of time.

Williams will wear uniform #55. He is the 16th Call-Up from the D-League to the NBA this season, and the fifth by the Warriors.

Allen Iverson will not return to 76ers this season

Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that guard Allen Iverson will not return to the team for the remainder of the 2009-10 season.

“After discussing the situation with Allen, we have come to the conclusion that he will not return to the Sixers for the remainder of the season, as he no longer wishes to be a distraction to the organization and teammates that he loves very deeply,” Stefanski said. “It has been very difficult for Allen and the team to maintain any consistency as he tries to balance his career with his personal life.”

The team will release any additional updates on Iverson’s status as they become available.

Tim Thomas dealing with personal issue

Eddie Sefko of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports:

For most of the last two months, Tim Thomas hasn’t been with the Mavericks because some things are far more important than basketball.

The 6-foot-10 forward has been caring for his wife, Tricia, who has been suffering from serious health issues for over a year.

“I had to give up doing something I love to take care of someone I love,” Thomas said in a telephone interview.

During his time away from the team, the Mavericks and Thomas have not commented on the reason for his absence. Every game, the same explanation is given: not with the team, personal reasons.

LeBron James files for change to number 6 jersey for 2010-11 season

Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports:

LeBron James fans, get ready to make some room in your closet for No. 6 jerseys.

James told The Plain Dealer on Monday that he’s filed the paperwork with the NBA office to switch his jersey number from No. 23 to No. 6 next season. He had to make the decision this week, the deadline to make the request to the NBA is Wednesday.

James first brought up the idea in November, saying he wanted to give up No. 23 out of respect to his hero, Michael Jordan. At that time he said he was “50/50” on switching to No. 6, his Olympic number and the day of the month his first son was born. That now seems to be 100 percent.

“I’ve done it,” James said. “I already sent it in. I’m going to be No. 6.”

Chris Webber being sued over restaurant business

M.S. Enkoji of the Sacramento Bee reports:

Former Sacramento Kings star-turned restaurateur Chris Webber is being sued for nearly $3 million in connection with Center Court With C-Webb, his Natomas restaurant that closed in November.

In a lawsuit filed Feb. 23 in Sacramento Superior Court, Promenade, which owns the Promenade at Sacramento Gateway Shopping Center, is suing for $1.8 million under terms of the 20-year lease signed by Webber and partner Jeff Dudum, of Dudum Sports and Entertainment, in 2005 with Opus West Corp., which has since filed for bankruptcy protection.

The landlords are also asking for $1 million to help re-lease the property, $134,997 in overdue rent, $50,000 in cleanup fees and another $41,399.32 a month until the court renders a judgment.

Wizards waive Mike James

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has waived guard Mike James after coming to a mutual agreement on a contract buyout.

James appeared in four games for the Wizards this season, averaging 4.5 points and 1.3 assists. Overall, he averaged 9.3 points and 3.5 assists in 57 games with the Wizards after being acquired from New Orleans in a three-team deal that sent Antonio Daniels (from Washington) to New Orleans, a conditional draft pick (from Washington) to Memphis and Javaris Crittenton (from Memphis) to Washington on Dec. 10, 2008.

Spurs waive Mike Finley

Today, to honor Michael Finley’s request to be released from his contract, the San Antonio Spurs waived the veteran guard. This move will allow Finley to sign with another team and be eligible to participate in the 2010 NBA Playoffs.

“Michael Finley was an outstanding professional during his time with the Spurs,” said Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich. “Both on and off the court he was great example for all to follow.”

The 6-7, 225-lb Finley appeared in 347 games over five seasons with San Antonio. He averaged 9.3 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 25.3 minutes while shooting .417 (1,212-2,905) from the field, .382 (490-1,282) from three-point land and .849 (309-364) from the line. Finley ranks fourth all-time for the Spurs in three-pointers made and attempted. In 55 postseason games with San Antonio he averaged 9.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 26.9 minutes per game.

Finley was originally signed by the Spurs on 9/2/05. The two-time All-Star has also spent time with the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks. Over his 15-year NBA career, he has appeared in 1,082 games and has averaged 15.9 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 34.8 minutes. Finley has also appeared in 101 career postseason games and averaged 13.0, 3.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 33.3 minutes.

Michael Redd to have more knee surgery

Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Redd is scheduled to undergo surgery tomorrow to repair the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, General Manager John Hammond announced today.

The surgical procedure will be performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Cole, M.D., in Oak Park, IL. Redd, 30, will begin rehabilitation immediately following surgery.

Redd injured his left knee on January 10 in the Bucks game against the Lakers at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. In 18 games this season, Redd averaged 11.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.06 steals in 27.3 minutes.

A 10-year NBA veteran, Redd passed Bob Dandridge (11,478) for fourth in franchise history (January 5 at New Jersey) for scoring and stands at 11,510 points, 85 points from passing Sidney Moncrief (11,594) for third. At 568 games played, Redd is tied with Glenn Robinson for seventh in Bucks annals. Along with Junior Bridgeman and Sidney Moncrief, Redd is one of three players to play ten seasons in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform.

Timberwolves waive Mark Blount

Minnesota Timberwolves center Mark Blount has no particularly special basketball skills. He’s tall, though.

As great as that sounds, the Timberwolves today announced the team has waived Blount.

The Timberwolves acquired Blount from Miami on August 13, 2009 in exchange for Quentin Richardson. Blount did not appear in a game for the Wolves this season.

A 7-0 center, Blount has appeared in 605 career games over his nine-year NBA career, including stops in Boston, Denver, Minnesota and Miami. Originally selected by Seattle with the 54th overall pick of the 1997 NBA Draft, Blount owns career averages of 8.2 points and 4.6 rebounds. He played for the Wolves in 2005-06 and 2006-07, averaging 11.6 points and 5.7 rebounds in 124 games.

It’s possible Blount does get signed by another team in the near future, but it would likely be an unguaranteed deal for the league minimum.