NBA News Blog – Page 940 – NBA Blog

NBA Board of Governors approves sale of Memphis Grizzlies

The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the sale of the Memphis Grizzlies to an investor group led by Robert Pera.

“We are delighted that the NBA’s Board of Governors has approved Robert Pera’s purchase of the Grizzlies,” said NBA Commissioner David Stern. “Robert will no doubt bring great energy and passion to the franchise. He has assembled an ownership group with very strong local ties, and we anticipate that their commitment to the Memphis area will greatly benefit both the team and the community.”

The league’s approval is subject to the final close of the transaction which is expected to take place shortly. Until the transaction closes, all parties to the transaction have agreed to continue to abide by the terms of their confidentiality agreements.

Pera is the founder and CEO of Ubiquiti Networks, a publicly-traded next-generation communications technology company.

Clippers waive Trent Plaisted and Hank Thorns

The Los Angeles Clippers today waived forward Trent Plaisted and guard Hank Thorns.

In three games played during the preseason, Plaisted averaged 0.7 points and 5.0 minutes per game while Thorns tallied 1.2 points and 3.4 minutes in five preseason games played.

The Clippers’ roster now stands at 16 players.

Dallas Mavericks have indefinitely suspended guard Delonte West

Guard Delonte West has personal issues, and once in a while those issues rise up and work against his ability to be a professional member of the NBA world. And, it’s happened again.

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have indefinitely suspended West.

“We have suspended Delonte for conduct detrimental to the team,” President of Basketball Operations Donnie Nelson said. “The suspension is effective immediately and no other statements will be issued.”

West has played in all seven games for the Mavericks this preseason and is averaging 5.0 points, 2.0 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 17.6 minutes per game.

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN Dallas, “When reached by ESPNDallas.com on Thursday morning, West said he was being blamed for an argument between teammates after the Mavs’ 88-76 exhibition loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night in Wichita, Kan. He said he got a text Thursday morning telling him not to come to the American Airlines Center for practice. “There was an argument between two teammates in the locker room last night that didn’t involve me,” said West, who had two points, one assist and three turnovers in 21 minutes against the Thunder. “Somehow I’m being blamed for it. I had nothing to do with it. I don’t know what’s going on.”

Sixers exercise 4th-year option on Evan Turner

The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that they exercised the fourth-year option on swingman Evan Turner.

Turner (6-7, 220) was originally the second overall pick by the Sixers in the 2010 NBA draft. As a junior at Ohio State, he became the first Division I player to average at least 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists in a single season since Oscar Robertson did so in back-to-back seasons in 1958-59 and 1959-60.

In 143 career games with 34 starts for the Sixers, Turner has averaged 8.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists. As a starter last season, he averaged 12.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 assists. Turner led all NBA guards in total rebounds in 2011-12.

Denver Nuggets waive guards Anthony Carter, Ben Uzoh

The Denver Nuggets have waived G Anthony Carter and G Ben Uzoh, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Masai Ujiri announced today. The moves bring Denver’s roster to the NBA-maximum 15 players.

Carter, 6-1, 190, averaged 4.3 points, 5.0 assists and 2.0 rebounds in three preseason games with the Nuggets.

Uzoh, 6-3, 205, appeared in one preseason game for Denver; he scored two points and handed out three assists in 20 minutes against the Golden State Warriors.

Andrew Bynum ailing, unable to practice with 76ers

On Monday, Bynum received a previously scheduled injection of Synvisc-One in both knees. It is a natural substance that lubricates and cushions the joints and is believed to provide up to six months of protection. It is not related to the platelet therapy. Bynum also plans to get another injection at the all-star break.

Bynum agreed with the team that he shouldn’t return until the pain is gone.

“The doctors and team are all cautious,” Bynum said. “We want to avoid any type of setback. I will be evaluated and am being reevaluated, and I will be all right.”

Bynum said his right knee doesn’t hurt when he walks, but it does when he takes part in stressful activity. Still, he is confident his knee will eventually be pain-free.

— Reported by Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Inquirer

Tyson Chandler leaves preseason game with hurt knee

Woodson will be front and center when the same two teams open the 2012-13 season at Barclay’s Center in downtown Brooklyn on Nov. 1. The same, however, cannot be said of starting center Tyson Chandler, who suffered an undisclosed knee injury in the first quarter Wednesday night.

Chandler, who banged knees with Gerald Wallace, left the game for precautionary reasons and did not return. The severity of the injury is unknown and if Chandler were to be sidelined the Knicks would be without the NBA’s reigning defensive player of the year.

Chandler’s back-up, Marcus Camby, has missed the entire preseason with a strained calf and Woodson is not sure if Camby will be available next week. Rasheed Wallace is available but has yet to play in the preseason while Amar’e Stoudemire is expected to miss two to three weeks with a knee injury.

— Reported by Frank Isola of the New York Daily News

Bulls waive Ryan Allen and Marko Jaric

The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has waived guards Ryan Allen and Marko Jaric (pronounced Mark-o YAR-ich).

Allen (6-3, 200), appeared in two preseason games with the Bulls and averaged 0.5 mpg.

Jaric (6-7, 224), saw action in four preseason games and averaged 0.3 rpg in 3.5 mpg.

Chicago’s roster now stands at 13. Opening night rosters throughout the league must be set by Monday, October 29 by 4:00 p.m. (CT).

New York Islanders will move to Barclays Center in Brooklyn

New York Islanders Owner Charles B. Wang, Barclays Center Majority Owner and Developer Bruce Ratner, and Onexim Sports and Entertainment announced today that the Islanders will move to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The 25-year agreement begins for the 2015-16 season.

The announcement was made at a press conference in the GEICO Atrium at Barclays Center, which was also attended by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Islanders General Manager Garth Snow, and Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark.

In support of the illustrious history of the team, the New York Islanders name and logo will remain unchanged.

“It was our goal from day one to keep the Islanders in the local New York area.” Wang said. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to play in Barclays Center, a first class arena. This has been a long journey for the Islanders family starting with our loyal fans, sponsors, and employees. I want to personally thank them for their patience, loyalty, and support. I am excited about today’s announcement and I am looking forward to a long and successful future in Brooklyn.”

“We are delighted to welcome the Islanders to Brooklyn and to bring NHL hockey to the borough for the first time,” Ratner said. “Eleven subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road come directly to Barclays Center at Atlantic Terminal, offering great accessibility for current and future Islander fans. I want to thank Charles for his determination in keeping the team in New York and for having the vision to bring his club to Brooklyn.”

“More than ever before, Brooklyn is the place where everyone wants to be,” Mayor Bloomberg said. “Barclays Center has already brought an incredible amount of excitement to Brooklyn since opening last month. Now things will get even more interesting, with Brooklyn’s first-ever NHL franchise. Whether or not you’re a hockey fan, more events at Barclays Center will lead to more economic activity and more jobs, and that’s good news for all New Yorkers.”

“Today is another great day for Brooklyn,” BP Markowitz said. “When I first campaigned for Borough President, I made the promise that I would bring a major-league sports team to Brooklyn. But never, in my wildest dreams, did I think we would be home to both the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Islanders. With the Nets and the Islanders, Brooklyn is beginning a dominant power-play.”

“The Brooklyn Nets are excited to welcome the Islanders to Barclays Center and Brooklyn!” Yormark said. “Barclays Center will offer the Islanders with an exciting opportunity to grow their fan base and to build their brand. Islander fans are going to love Barclays Center for its intimacy, sightlines, Brooklyn Taste culinary program, and customer service. We are looking forward to opening our doors for the Islanders and bringing the best in sports and entertainment to Brooklyn.”

Barclays Center will hold 14,500 seats for Islander games. Current Islander season ticket holders will have first rights to purchase season tickets in Brooklyn.

Andrew Bynum still out with right knee pain

Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum remains sidelined with right knee pain and is a long shot to play in the Oct. 31 opener.

Bynum will continue to be held out of all basketball activity as he recovers from a bone bruise suffered during an offseason workout. The Sixers had pegged Wednesday as his potential return date. Instead, Bynum was on the sidelines while the rest of the Sixers practiced.

— Reported by the Associated Press