NBA News Blog – Page 1517 – NBA Blog

University of Memphis basketball career of Derrick Rose erased from record books

Michael O’Brien of the Chicago Sun-Times reports: Bulls guard Derrick Rose’s college career at Memphis officially was erased from the record books Thursday. The NCAA Committee on Infractions concluded that a player on the 2007-08 team was ineligible to compete because of an invalidated SAT score. According to the NCAA, the athlete played for the Tigers only in the 2007-08 season and the 2008 NCAA tournament. Only one player — Rose — fits that description. The committee also found that Memphis provided a player’s brother with $1,713.85 in impermissible benefits. That person is believed to be Rose’s older brother Reggie. As a result of the infractions, Memphis will forfeit all 38 victories and its Final Four appearance. The school is on probation until Aug. 19, 2012, and must return all the money it received from appearing in the NCAA tournament. “I know I didn’t do anything wrong,” Rose said two weeks ago at his basketball camp in Deerfield.

Shannon Ryan of the Chicago Tribune reports: The Educational Testing Service’s cancellation of the player’s test score fit into the NCAA’s “strict liability” category and the infractions committee did not need to investigate further because it meant Rose already was ineligible before the season began. The NCAA attempted to contact Rose twice to attain proof he took the exam, according to the report, but he didn’t respond. The Memphis men’s basketball team also received punishment for failure to monitor itself because a player’s relative — thought to be Rose’s brother Reggie — received free accommodations and travel on several occasions. Memphis lost in the national championship game to Kansas and the Bulls made Rose the first overall pick in the NBA draft in 2008 after his freshman season. He was named the NBA’s rookie of the year.

Assault charge against Jayson Williams dropped

The AP reports: An assault charge against former NBA star Jayson Williams stemming from a fight outside a North Carolina nightclub has been dismissed. Multiple media outlets reported Wednesday that Wake County Assistant District Attorney Phillip Cowan dismissed the charge at the request of Ahmad Sulimon Nazari of Cary.

InsideHoops.com editor says: I still remember Williams as a player, cutting down the middle of the paint, catching lobs and slamming them home. Those were the good days, before a million different legal problems and the “accidently shooting a guy” thing.

Thunder will not keep Desmond Mason

Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman reports: Would Oklahoma City re-sign Desmond Mason? The long-awaited verdict finally came down Wednesday, 126 days after the season finale and 50 days into this summer’s free agency period. The Thunder will not bring back the former Oklahoma State standout and fan favorite. It’s a decision that brings an end to a relationship that spanned four years in Stillwater with the Cowboys and improbable stints with two different NBA franchises in Oklahoma City over the past four seasons.

More from the Oklahoman: “We value and appreciate Desmond’s contributions to the Thunder,” said Thunder general manager Sam Presti. “However, at this time it is important for us to retain flexibility with our roster as we move into training camp. This was a difficult decision, certainly not the last one we will be faced with. But at this point in time we wanted to make sure we communicated with Desmond on our thought process so he could focus on other opportunities.”

InsideHoops.com editor says: Mason makes any team better. But the Thunder are a young squad of the future. Whether he stays or goes really doesn’t matter too much in the big picture. Someone else will sign him.

Orlando Magic sign Jason Williams

The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard Jason Williams, General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed. We’ll post contract info later today. We’re guessing it’s a very short deal for the league minimum or something close.

“Jason (Williams) provides depth and leadership to our backcourt,” said Smith. “He is a veteran point guard that knows what it takes to help us reach our ultimate goal. We are excited to add him to our team.”

Williams (6’1”, 190, 11/18/75) did not play during the 2008-09 season after announcing his retirement on Sept. 26, 2008. He last played in 67 games during the 2007-08 campaign with Miami, averaging 8.8 ppg., 4.6 apg., 1.9 rpg. and 1.24 stlpg. in 28.1 minpg.

Originally selected in the first round (seventh overall) of the 1998 NBA Draft, Williams has played in 679 career NBA regular season games with Sacramento, Memphis and Miami, averaging 11.4 ppg., 6.3 apg., 2.4 rpg. and 1.28 stlpg. in 31.2 minpg. He has also played in 53 career playoff contests, averaging 9.8 ppg., 3.7 apg. and 2.2 rpg. in 29.1 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.

InsideHoops.com editor says: J-Will, aka “White Chocolate,” is back! Well, sort of. He’s old now and will add bench depth at the point guard spot. Tough to say how good he’ll actually be if forced to ever play real minutes. Usually when a team seeks an old veteran they want a tough, smart, high basketball-IQ player. Williams was talented but not a defensive stopper and a fun, wild player. Still, he can probably still keep defenders on their toes in limited minutes. Though, he’ll be 34 in November. But, maybe he’s spent his time getting into incredible shape or something. We’ll have to wait and see.

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Nate Robinson arrested for driving without license

The New York Daily News reports: Pint-size Knicks star Nate Robinson was slam-dunked in the Bronx Tuesday for driving without a license. The high-octane guard, whose driver’s license has been suspended since June for an outstanding summons, was booked Tuesday night at the 52nd Precinct stationhouse. He held a magazine to shield his face as he hopped into a waiting car after receiving a summons.

The New York Post reports: “According to DMV records, Robinson’s license has been suspended five times in 14 months. Robinson, an instigator in the infamous Denver brawl three seasons ago, still treated the latest pullover as it was a joke, showing he doesn’t learn from mistakes.”

InsideHoops.com editor says: Nate should have simply jumped the entire distance of where he wanted to go. As for the Knicks, they’re hesitant to add any long term contracts at all, with an eye on top superstars possibly available in 2010. Robinson is a very good scorer and entertainer but the Knicks aren’t big fans of other aspects of his game.

August 25 Update: The issue has been cleared up. Nate can drive again.

Bucks trade Amir Johnson, Sonny Weems to Raptors for Carlos Delfino, Roko Ukic

The Milwaukee Bucks have acquired guard/forward Carlos Delfino and guard Roko Ukic (pronounced ROE-co OO-kitch) from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for forward Amir Johnson and guard/forward Sonny Weems, General Manager John Hammond announced today.

“After drafting DeMar DeRozan and trading for Marco Belinelli, Hedo Turkoglu and Antoine Wright, Carlos made it clear he would prefer to play elsewhere if he were to return to the NBA,” said Raptors President and General Manager Bryan Colangelo. “There were limited sign and trade scenarios available, but acquiring Amir Johnson in this deal gives us another long, talented young big man whose best basketball is ahead of him.”

Delfino (6-6, 230) played for BC Khimky Moscow last season in the Russian-A Superleague and averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 26 games. In 10 Eurocup contests, the 26-year-old registered 13.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals, while shooting 41.7 percent from three-point distance for the Eurocup finalists. Delfino started his professional career in Argentina in 1998 and in 2000 began a four-year stint in the Italian League. Selected by Detroit in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft, Delfino played three seasons for the Pistons (2004-2007) and was traded to Toronto prior to the 2007-08 season. He enjoyed his best statistical season in the NBA in 2007-08 when he averaged 9.0 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Raptors while connecting on 38.2 percent (120-314) from the three-point arc.

A native of Sante Fe, Argentina, Delfino earned a Gold Medal for Argentina’s Men’s Olympic Basketball Team in 2004 and a Bronze Medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Last season, Ukic (6-5, 190) appeared in 72 games for the Raptors and totaled 4.2 points and 2.1 assists (7th among rookies) per game. Ukic began his professional career with KK Split in the Croatian League in 2000 where he played through 2005. He joined Tau Ceramica of the Spanish League in 2005 and played the following season with FC Barcelona. In 2007-08, Ukic competed in the Italian League for Lottomatica Virtus Roma and in 43 games averaged 12.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.7 steals while shooting 59.9 percent from the field and 74.8 percent from the free throw line. In 19 Euroleague games, he averaged 11.4 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.1 steals per game. The 24-year-old Croatian was originally drafted by Toronto with the 41st pick in the 2005 NBA Draft.

Johnson (6-9, 210) was acquired from Detroit in a three-team deal that included San Antonio on June 23. He participated in the Bucks NBA Summer League entry and in five games averaged 9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. In 135 career NBA games, Johnson averaged 3.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots in 13.6 minutes per game.

Weems (6-6, 203) was acquired from Denver along with Walter Sharpe and cash considerations for Malik Allen on July 31. He appeared in 12 games for the Nuggets as a rookie and averaged 1.6 points in 4.6 minutes per game. He also saw action in 21 contests for the Colorado 14ers of the D-League where he posted 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Weems was the 39th overall pick by Chicago in the 2008 NBA Draft and traded to Denver for a second round pick in the most recent 2009 Draft.

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Warriors hire Calbert Cheaney as special assistant

The Golden State Warriors have hired 13-year NBA veteran Calbert Cheaney as a Special Assistant, the team announced today.

In this role, Cheaney will work closely with the team’s players to assist with their overall personal and professional development, while also assisting the entire basketball operations staff with various functions, including pro player evaluation. He will report to General Manager Larry Riley.

“We’re really fortunate to have an individual the caliber of Calbert Cheaney return to our organization as a member of our basketball operations staff,” said Riley. “Throughout his NBA career, Calbert was regarded as a consummate professional and one of the classiest individuals in the game. We look forward to his contributions and the positive impact he will have on our players and our organization overall.”

Cheaney, 38, rejoins the Warriors after playing the final three seasons of his NBA career with the team (2003-04, 2004-05 & 2005-06), during which time he appeared in 176 games with Golden State. Overall, the Evansville, IN, native played 13 seasons in the NBA, amassing career averages of 9.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 26.7 minutes in 825 regular-season games with Washington, Boston, Denver, Utah and Golden State. Prior to joining the NBA, Cheaney played four seasons at Indiana University, culminating in his being named College Player of the Year and winning both the Wooden and Naismith Awards following his senior season. In 2003, he was inducted into the Indiana University Sports Hall of Fame.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to return to the Warriors’ organization, and look forward to contributing on many different levels,” said the 13-year NBA veteran. “My family and I had a great experience during my playing days in the Bay Area and we’re very excited about our return. I’ve always envisioned rejoining the NBA in some capacity following my playing career, and this is the perfect situation. The Warriors are a great organization with tremendous fan support, and an extremely talented young team. I look forward to playing a role in our continued growth, both on and off the court.”

Since retiring from the NBA, Cheaney and his wife, Yvette, have resided in the Washington D.C. area with their two children, Julian and Sydney.

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Phoenix Suns sign Taylor Griffin

The Phoenix Suns today announced the signing of forward Taylor Griffin, the club’s second-round selection (48th overall) in the 2009 NBA Draft. We will try to post contract info tonight.

“Taylor is an excellent athlete, a hard worker and very much team-oriented,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr. “He fits right in with the kind of people we want in our organization, and he has a chance to develop into a very good player.”

The 6-7, 238-pound Griffin most recently appeared as a member of the Suns’ entry in the 2009 Las Vegas Summer League, where he averaged 6.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.0 steal in five games (all starts).

A four-year performer at the University of Oklahoma, Griffin enjoyed his best statistical season as a senior in 2008-09, averaging 9.6 points and 5.8 rebounds while starting all 36 games. Known for his hustle, the 23-year-old led the team in steals during his senior campaign and ranked second in blocks.

Griffin is a two-time Second-Team Academic All-Big 12 selection (2007, 2008) who became the fifth Oklahoma product drafted by Phoenix in franchise history, joining Ted Evans (1974), Tom Holland (1974), Ring of Honor member Alvan Adams (1975) and Bo Overton (1983).

The son of a high school basketball coach, Griffin was named the 2005 Gatorade Oklahoma Player of the Year as a senior in high school after leading his school to state titles in both his junior and senior seasons. He is the older brother of former Oklahoma teammate Blake Griffin, who was taken by the L.A. Clippers with the first overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft.

Jorge Garbajosa signs in Spain

Euroleague.net reports: One of the most experienced power forwards in European basketball will make his Euroleague return this season after the news that Jorge Garbajosa has inked a two-year deal with Real Madrid. Garbajosa (205, 31) arrives from BC Khimki Moscow region, where he averaged 9.2 points and 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 13 Eurocup games last season. He helped Khimki reach the Eurocup and the Russian League finals. Garbajosa had joined Khimki from Toronto of the NBA, where he was limited to just seven games during the 2007-08 campaign before undergoing season-ending surgery.

Hawks may sign Joe Smith

Various reports quoted over the last month on the InsideHoops.com NBA rumors page stated that the Atlanta Hawks have had interest in the services of veteran forward/center Joe Smith. And now they may be set to sign him.

According to ESPN.com, “Joe Smith has agreed to a one-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks for the veteran’s minimum, a source told ESPN’s Ric Bucher on Friday.”

Since entering the league in the 1995-96 season, the 6-10, 230-pound Smith has career averages of 11.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game.

Last season he played for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per outing.

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