NBA News Blog – Page 986 – NBA Blog

Utah Jazz, Paul Millsap talking extension

All signs continue to point toward 21-year-old big man Derrick Favors as a major centerpiece of the Jazz’s future.

While Favors crisscrossed Utah this week, strengthening his bond with fans by visiting remote towns as part of the annual Junior Jazz program, initial contract negotiations quietly began between the small-market organization and longtime power forward Paul Millsap.

The sturdy six-year veteran was offered a three-year extension worth about $25 million, The Salt Lake Tribune has learned, which is the maximum extension Millsap can receive under the new collective bargaining agreement. The proposed deal features an annual 7.5 percent raise, would kick in after Millsap’s current contract expires June 2013, and could keep the career Jazzman in a Utah uniform through June 2016.

Initial indications are Millsap won’t agree to the extension, though, preferring to enter free agency in 2013 with plans to cash in on an inflated 2012 market that saw mid-tier forwards such as Gerald Wallace, Andrei Kirilenko, Nicolas Batum and Ryan Anderson recently receive lucrative multiyear contracts.

— Reported by Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune

Patty Mills scores 39 for Australia against Great Britain

Patty Mills scored a tournament-high 39 points and Australia beat Britain 106-75 on Saturday to earn a spot in the quarterfinals of the men’s Olympic basketball competition.

The San Antonio Spurs guard and former Trail Blazer had 15 points in the third quarter to spark Australia’s comeback. Matt Dellavedova made all three of his 3-point attempts in the period as Australia rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit…

Joel Freeland, the 6-foot-10, 250-pound Englishman the Blazers drafted in 2006, had 16 points for Britain, now 0-4 in its Olympic debut. Freeland signed a three-year contract with the Blazers in July.

— Reported by the Associated Press

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Hornets center Robin Lopez undergoes knee surgery

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that center Robin Lopez underwent successful surgery to correct a tear of his medial meniscus in his left knee.

Lopez was acquired July 27 along with forward Hakim Warrick and cash considerations from the Phoenix Suns. The 7’0’’ center averaged 5.4 points and 3.3 rebounds for the Suns last season in 14.0 minutes over 64 games.

The procedure was performed by Dr. El Attrache at the Kerlan Jobe Clinic in Los Angeles. Lopez is expected to make a full recovery and be ready for training camp this fall.

Paul Pierce discusses his future with Celtics

Paul Pierce on his contract, which has a team option for 2013-14: “I think I am going to play this one out. I want to see what it feels like to be a free agent for once in my life. I think I am going to play this one out. A lot can change in two years. My body (may not) be where I want it to be, I could retire, a lot of things could happen. It’s not about the money at this point. I love the game. I made as much money as I possibly can. It’s about winning a championship and if I feel like it’s the right thing to do, maybe so (come back) but I really don’t know the specifics on the KG deal or Jason Terry’s deal. If i solidify my third year, maybe they opt out, so it’s about keeping your options open.”

— Reported by Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe (Blog)

Oklahoma City Thunder sign Daniel Orton

The Oklahoma City Thunder signed forward Daniel Orton to a contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.

Orton (6-10, 255 pounds) appeared in 16 games (two starts) during the 2011-12 season as a member of the Orlando Magic and recorded averages of 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in 11.7 minutes per contest.

After attending Bishop McGuiness High School in Oklahoma City, Orton spent one year at the University of Kentucky where he averaged 3.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.40 blocks during his freshman season.

Hornets sign guard Roger Mason

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed guard Roger Mason.

Mason, an eight-year NBA veteran, holds career averages of 6.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 18.1 minutes per game over 424 contests (88 starts). The 6’5’’ guard, originally selected 30th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls, averaged 5.5 points and 1.3 rebounds in 52 games for the Washington Wizards last season. The Hornets will be Mason’s sixth NBA franchise, with previous stops including the Bulls (2002-04), Toronto Raptors (2003-04), Washington Wizards (2006-08 and 2011-12), San Antonio Spurs (2008-10) and New York Knicks (2010-11).

The Washington, D.C. native has appeared in the playoffs in five of his eight seasons, playing in 24 games. Mason tied for the NBA-lead in games played (82) in 2008-09 and was 10th in three-point field goals made that same year (166).

Mason will wear #8 for New Orleans.

Zack Rosen signs deal with Israeli club

Zack Rosen’s dream has come true, even if it’s 6,000 miles away.

The standout Penn point guard signed his first pro contract Thursday night, with Hapoel Holon of the Israeli Super League. Rosen broke the news himself, putting up a picture of the contract on his Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Rosen, 23, played for the Quakers from 2008-12 and graduated as Penn’s all-time leader in assists (588), games started (115) and minutes played (4,198). The reigning Ivy League Player of the Year also ended his Penn career third in school history in points, threes made and free throw percentage.

— Reported by CSN Philly

Paul Pierce discusses Ray Allen leaving Boston

Paul Pierce discusses Ray Allen leaving the Celtics

Boston Celtics captain Paul Pierce admitted he’s a “little bitter” about Ray Allen’s decision to go to Miami and said it will be “weird” going up against him on opening night next season, but Pierce expressed gratitude for what Allen brought to Boston, including helping the Celtics win a title.

“Ray made the best decision for him,” Pierce told the team’s official website Thursday in his first public offseason comments during a video interview. “That’s what it’s all about: You get in these situations, you become a free agent, and you make a decision based on what’s best for you and your family. Ray will always be a brother for me. If it wasn’t for him, I probably wouldn’t be wearing a championship ring. So the things he was able to do for this organization, will never be forgotten.”

Asked if he’s talked to Allen since he spurned Boston’s two-year, $12 million offer to sign with Miami for half the value, Pierce said, “A couple texts. I’m a little bitter that he went to Miami, but he’s still a brother of mine.”

— Reported by Chris Forsberg of ESPN Boston

Hornets sign deal with WWL radio

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed a multi-year deal with Entercom Communications to broadcast all Hornets games live on WWL radio beginning with the upcoming 2012-13 season.

The broadcast team is anchored by Sean Kelley, who will begin his eighth season as the team’s play-by-play voice. Kelley will be joined by John DeShazier as he begins his first season as color analyst. DeShazier joins the broadcast team after working on the Times Picayune’s sports staff since 1992. Since the Hornets arrived in the Crescent City in 2002, DeShazier has been the primary columnist on Hornets and NBA related matters, including being featured on local and national radio and online interviews related to basketball in New Orleans.

The agreement, along with full game coverage, will include a post-game show, as well as a weekly Thursday night coach’s show with Hornets Head Coach Monty Williams hosted by Deshazier.

“We enjoy a great partnership with WWL radio and are thrilled that Hornets games will be broadcast on New Orleans’ leading radio station and become part of the great momentum we are enjoying this summer,” said Owner/Chairman of the Board Tom Benson. “WWL radio has long been the recognized leader in sports coverage. We couldn’t be happier about this partnership for Hornets basketball.”

“WWL radio, the News, Talk & Sports leader in the Gulf South, home of the New Orleans Saints and everything LSU, is proud to add New Orleans Hornets basketball to our lineup,” said Chris Claus, Vice President and General Manager of Entercom New Orleans. “The Hornets had the NBA’s best off-season and we are proud to have the opportunity to broadcast their games. Great new ownership, top draft picks, terrific free agent signings and smart trades have the entire region talking. We can’t wait to deliver Anthony Davis, Eric Gordon, Austin Rivers…exciting Hornets basketball to WWL listeners beginning Halloween night against San Antonio.”

In addition to using the power of WWL radio, Entercom will use its other amazing radio stations B-97, Magic 101.9, Bayou 95.7 and ESPN 1350am to market and promote Hornets basketball to the New Orleans metro and beyond.

“The announcement of WWL radio as our flagship radio station is another addition to the excitement surrounding our upcoming season,” said Owner/Vice Chairman Rita Benson LeBlanc. “With both Hornets and Saints games broadcasting on WWL radio, as well as extensive coverage of both teams, it truly is our city’s leading station in regards to New Orleans sports.”

C.J. Miles likely joining the Cavs

Unrestricted free agent small forward C.J. Miles has agreed to terms with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a league source told The Salt Lake Tribune on Friday.

Miles is expected to sign a two-year deal with Cleveland and compete for a starting spot during the 2012-13 season.

Miles, 25, drew interest from several teams during free agency, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas, Milwaukee and Houston. His growing bond with Cavaliers coach Byron Scott and the opportunity Cleveland presented him heavily factored into his decision.

“He’s so happy,” the source said.

— Reported by Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune Blog