Category: NBA News Blog

NBA news blog

Knicks open to non-playing role for Allan Houston

The New York Knickerbockers announced today that starting immediately, there will be on-going discussions with Allan Houston about having a new role for him within the franchise.

The following is a statement by Allan Houston:

“First and foremost, my family and I would like to thank Knicks President Donnie Walsh and Coach Mike D’Antoni for their allowing me  the opportunity to be a part of the New York Knicks organization  again.  These are two of the most knowledgeable and respected men in  basketball and I look forward to learning more from them. Although I was very excited about potentially joining my teammates this year  in uniform, I believe that the circumstances suggest that I am best  suited to serve the team in a different role. I realize that we  often make our own plans in our heart, but God always has the right  plan for us. I am extremely blessed to have witnessed a special era  in New York Knicks history, and I know basketball fans everywhere,  especially Knick fans, are ready for the return of this franchise. Hopefully, I serve in being a part of that again.

I want to also sincerely and personally thank family, friends, fans,  prayer partners for all of your overwhelming support. Through  Allanhouston.com & the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation, we will stay  connected to you and remain committed to equipping our next  generation to live fruitful lives.”

Magic waive Dwayne Jones

The Orlando Magic have waived Dwayne Jones, General Manager Otis Smith announced today.  Jones appeared in three preseason games for the Magic, averaging 1.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 9.3 minutes per game.

Orlando’s roster now stands at 15 players and is set for the beginning of the 2008-09 regular season.  The Magic open the season on Wednesday, October 29 at Amway Arena against Atlanta.  Tip-off is 7 p.m.

The Magic have four new exciting ticket packages: A seven-game package for the price of six with either Boston or the L.A. Lakers as the free game; the “Stuff Yourself” all-you-can-eat ticket; the Half Howard featuring a post-game autograph session with Dwight Howard; and the 1989 season ticket plan for $585 (50 percent off). Ticket highlights for 2008-09 also include: 7,569 seats priced $25 or under per game; a $27 lower bowl ticket; and tickets priced at $10 per game.

Knicks exercise two options

The New York Knickerbockers President of Basketball Operations Donnie Walsh announced today that the team has exercised the fourth-year option on the contract for guard Mardy Collins and the third-year option on the contract for forward Wilson Chandler. As part of the collective bargaining agreement, rookie contracts are two years in length, with team options for the player’s third and fourth seasons.

Blazers waive Luke Jackson and Steven Hill

The Portland Trail Blazers waived forward Luke Jackson and rookie center Steven Hill, General Manager Kevin Pritchard announced today. Portland’s roster stands at 15 players entering Opening Night at the L.A. Lakers on Tuesday.

“We want to thank Luke and Steven for their contributions during training camp and preseason and wish them all the best for the future,” said Pritchard. “They’ve conducted themselves as real pros on and off the court and we believe both of them have a bright future in basketball.”

A former All-American at the University of Oregon, Jackson (6-7, 215) played in three preseason games, averaging 5.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 19.3 minutes. The four-year NBA veteran was 5-for-15 (33.3%) from the field and 1-for-4 (25.0%) from 3-point range.

Hill (7-0, 245) saw action in three preseason games, recording averages of 1.0 points, 0.7 rebounds, 0.67 blocks and 9.0 minutes. The rookie from Arkansas was a member of the team’s 2008 NBA Summer League squad and signed on August 27, along with Jackson and Jamaal Tatum.

NBA instant replays increase

The NBA Board of Governors voted to allow the expanded use of NBA instant replay by game officials, beginning with the 2008-09 season, the league announced today.

It’ll mainly apply to two specific situations. See the NBA instant replay changes here.

I support the use of additional instant replays provided they’re as quick as possible, and necessary in order to make sure the right call was made. The only negative is if exciting, fast-paced action gets stopped so refs can discuss and re-watch what just happened.

Nuggets waive five players

The Denver Nuggets have waived G Mateen Cleaves, F Nick Fazekas, F James Mays, G Smush Parker and F Ruben Patterson, team Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today.

Cleaves, 6-2, 188, averaged 3.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg and 2.0 apg in five preseason games (one start). Fazekas, 6-11, 253, appeared in four preseason games posting averages of 2.0 ppg and 2.5 rpg. Mays, 6-9, 230, tallied averages of 4.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg in two preseason games. Parker, 6-4, 190, averaged 5.3 ppg, 3.3 apg and 1.3 rpg in four preseason contests. Patterson, 6-5, 223, appeared in six preseason games posting averages of 7.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.2 apg.

The Nuggets roster now stands at 14 players.

Mavericks waive Keith McLeod

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have requested waivers on guard Keith McLeod.

McLeod (6-2, 190) signed as a free agent on July 11, 2008 after playing internationally with Montepaschi Siena in 2007-08.  He averaged 4.5 points, 0.3 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 14.4 minutes in four Euroleague games.  He was sidelined the entire preseason due to a right hamstring strain.

The four-year NBA veteran has played with five different teams (Minnesota, Utah, Indiana, Golden State and Dallas) and has career averages of 5.5 points, 2.7 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 200 games.

The Mavericks roster now stands at 14 players.

Sixers waive Jared Reiner

Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that the team has waived Jared Reiner.  He appeared in one preseason game for the Sixers, scoring 6 points in five minutes of play.  The roster, entering opening night against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at Wachovia Center, now stands at 14.

Reiner (6-11, 245) attended the University of Iowa and was not selected in the 2004 NBA Draft but signed as a rookie free-agent with the Chicago Bulls for the 2004-05 season.  In two seasons with the Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks, Reiner has played a total of 46 games with four starts, averaging 1.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 8.2 minutes per game.  This past summer, Reiner participated in the Sixers entry in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 1.4 points and 2.2 rebounds.  Last season, Reiner played abroad in both Spain and Germany.