Los Angeles Clippers Blog – Page 76 – NBA Blog

Cavaliers trade Mo Williams, Jamario Moon to Clippers for Baron Davis, pick

The Los Angeles Clippers today acquired point guard Mo Williams and forward Jamario Moon from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for point guard Baron Davis and a first round pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

Williams, who has averaged 13.8 points, 5.0 assists and 3.1 rebounds over his eight-year NBA career, is currently averaging 13.3 points, 7.1 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 36 games played this season. He has notched 10 points-assist double-doubles on the year and has recorded eight games this season in which he has scored 20 or more points.

“Mo Williams is a 28 year old All Star whose skill set not only compliments our front court players but is an excellent running mate with Eric Gordon on both ends of the floor,” stated Clippers’ Vice President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey. “Jamario is an elite athlete that can play multiple positions and will help us improve defensively.”

Williams turned in his most productive campaign in 2008-09 when he tallied 17.8 points and 4.1 assists while being named to the Eastern Conference All-Star Team. He helped propel the Cavaliers to the 2009 Eastern Conference Finals, scoring in double-figures in 13 of 14 playoff games played that season and tallying 20 or more points in four playoff games. In 30 career playoff games played, Williams has averaged 14.1 points and 4.2 assists per game.

Originally selected in the second round (47th overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, Williams spent four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to Cleveland on August 13, 2008.

In his fifth NBA season, Moon has averaged 6.7 points and 4.5 rebounds over his career. During the 2010-11 season, Moon has tallied 4.7 points, 3.0 rebounds and 19.1 minutes in 40 games played.

Moon was signed by the Cavaliers as a free agent on July 24, 2009 after having spent the 2008-09 season with the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors. As an undrafted rookie with the Raptors in 2007, Moon turned in a productive rookie year, averaging 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds.

“On a personal level this was a difficult decision and I will miss Baron but it was the right move for the organization now and for the future,” Olshey said.

Originally signed by the Clippers prior to the start of the 2008-09 season, Davis has averaged 16.5 points and 7.3 assists over his career. In 43 games played this season, Davis has tallied 12.8 points and 7.0 assists.

Baron Davis, Mo Williams trade expected

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers both have tons of trouble racking up digits in the win category, and Thursday they are reportedly going to swap point guards. Scoring point Mo Williams will head to the Clippers where, when not shooting, he gets to dish to Blake Griffin. And aging Baron Davis will leave the warmth of Los Angeles to head to freezing Cleveland, where he gets to pass to old Antawn Jamison and bench players who act as starters.

It should be… interesting. Ramona Shelburne and Chad Ford of ESPN report:

The Los Angeles Clippers and Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed in principle to a trade that would send Baron Davis and the Clippers’ 2011 first-round draft pick to Cleveland in exchange for Mo Williams and Jamario Moon, league sources confirmed to ESPN.com.

The deal saves the Clippers considerable money the next two seasons while giving them a younger point guard who made the All-Star team while playing with LeBron James.

Davis is still owed nearly $28 million over the next two seasons and the balance of his $13 million contract this year. Moon’s contract expires after this season. Williams is owed the balance of his $9.3 million salary this season and, with player options of $8.5 million for each of the next two years, potentially could get out of his contract altogether. The savings should give the Clippers more flexibility in free agency the next two seasons.

The Clippers are getting the better player and a better contract, but they’re also giving up a first round draft pick.

Read fan reaction and discuss your own opinion in this forum topic.

La La Vazquez, wife of Carmelo Anthony, gets VH1 reality show

Apr. 25, 2010 - Salt Lake City, UTAH, USA - epa02131979 Denver Nugget's Carmelo Anthony drives to the basket during a game against the Utah Jazz in the first half of their Western Conference first round playoff game at the Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, 25 April 2010.

VH1 has teamed up with actress and television personality La La Vazquez for the new series “La La’s Full Court Life” (working title). Slated for premiere in August, 2011, the 10 episode, 30 minute docu-series, which began filming in January, will continue where the wedding special, “La La’s Full Court Wedding” left off as La La and her husband, NBA Forward Carmelo Anthony, prepare for a sudden move to New York City, where he will play for the New York Knicks.

The wedding may be over but the fun is just beginning for La La. With the sudden news that her husband is being traded to the New York Knicks, La La will deal with new adventures in matrimony and parenthood as she prepares to move back home to New York City. Along the way, viewers will also see La La juggle her busy acting and television hosting career and seek advice from some of her famous friends, including 50 Cent, Kelly Rowland, Trina and Serena Williams to name a few.

“Viewers connect with La La because despite the fairy tale wedding and NBA star husband, she is a real, down to Earth, hardworking woman who stays true to herself,” said Jeff Olde, EVP, Original Programming and Production, VH1. “The best thing about the new series is that while pursuing and realizing her dreams, La La gets to take us back to her home in New York, where her story began.”

VH1’s “La La’s Full Court Life” is executive produced by Cris Abrego for 51 Minds Entertainment, La La Vazquez and Carmelo Anthony for Krossover Entertainment, and Steven Grossman on behalf of The Collective. The series was created by Cris Abrego, La La Vazquez, and Steven Grossman. 51 Minds is an LLC Endemol Company, who also produced the record-breaking series “Rock of Love,” “Flavor of Love,” “Charm School,” and “I Love New York.” The production teams’ programming launched VH1 into their highest ratings ever. Ben Samek and Rabih Gholam are also executive producers for the series and the company. For VH1, the series is executive produced by Jill Holmes, Kristen Kelly and Jeff Olde.

Clippers recall Willie Warren from D-League

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that they have recalled rookie guard Willie Warren from the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Warren, 21, was assigned to Bakersfield on Feb. 2 and appeared in six games with the Jam, averaging 21.0 points, 7.0 assists 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3-point land. The Jam went 5-1 with Warren in the lineup from Feb. 4 – 16.

Warren has appeared in 14 games with the Clippers this season and is averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 assists in 7.8 minutes per game.

The former Oklahoma University standout was selected by the Clippers in the second round (54th overall pick) of the 2010 NBA Draft.

Troy Jackson died: Troy Escalade Jackson dies

Troy “Escalade” Jackson, the brother of former NBA point guard Mark Jackson and a beloved member of the streetball and general basketball community, died this weekend.

Mere days earlier here in Los Angeles myself and many others were happy to catch up with Escalade at parties during NBA All-Star weekend. With close friend and fellow streetballer “The Professor” by his side, Escalade, given that nickname due to his large size, seemed his usual happy self. I only hung out with him briefly as we caught up with each other after not being face-to-face for many months. It’s shocking to be with someone one night and have them be gone the next.

Escalade dying is beyond sad. I can honestly say that everyone in basketball who knew him, loved him. In a sport and world filled with huge egos, Escalade was genuinely nice, and impossible to dislike. He’ll truly be missed.

More on Troy “Escalade” Jackson’s death:

“Our hearts are heavy today and we are deeply saddened by the passing of a teammate, friend, and inspiration. Today, the world of streetball lost its ambassador, and the world of basketball lost a great entertainer. Escalade led both his life and our team with a joy that can never be replaced. Our deepest condolences go out to his family. We ask his fans around the world to keep all those dear to him in their prayers,” said Demetrius Spencer, CEO and Commissioner of Ball Up.

Troy “Escalade” Jackson has been a big brother and member of the Murray family since we were kids. He was always the most positive, giving, and caring person you could be around. He never forgot a face. And, anyone who met him never forgot him. His mother was his biggest fan and support system, and his brother Mark was the most supportive big brother, always proud to tell everyone about his little BIG brother!!! If you did not get the opportunity to meet Troy “Escalade” Jackson, you truly missed out on meeting one of the GREATEST “Wonders” of the World!!! Troy, you have left us sad and full of hurt. But HEAVEN already has won with the arrival of such a BEAUTIFUL person, with a HEART and SOUL that will live with me and others around the world!! You changed my life ONCE, and you just changed my life AGAIN!!! I LOVE YOU BIG BRO!!! Cameron Murray Partner of BallUp and Friend

Brother to NBA Veteran Mark Jackson, Troy “Escalade” Jackson, named one of the 50 greatest playground legends by Slam Magazine, stood at an impressive largeness in person of 6’10” tall, and weighed just under 400 pounds, was just as big in personality and heart. Troy Jackson was born in Queens NY and attended University of Louisville on a basketball scholarship. In addition to playing in 3 NCAA tournaments, among Es’s accomplishments are being recognized as one of the 20 most popular athletes in Louisville history. Troy was a former Harlem Globe Trotter, Current Ball Up Player and Ambassador to the world of Streeball.

Dwyane Wade hurt in All-Star Game

Michael Wallace of ESPN reports:

Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade injured his right ankle in the third quarter of Sunday’s All-Star Game and did not return.

Wade sustained the injury midway through the quarter when he landed awkwardly on guard Deron Williams’ foot. Wade, a starting guard for the Eastern Conference team, had scored 14 points in the game before he limped off the court after East coach Doc Rivers called a timeout with 5:04 left in the quarter. He also had four rebounds and two assists in 21 minutes of the East’s 148-143 loss to the West.

First arrival in L.A. for 2011 All-Star weekend

By Jeff Lenchiner

I arrived Tuesday night in Los Angeles for 2011 NBA All-Star weekend. (Yeah. I’m a bit early. If you experienced New York City’s extra cold winter these last two months, you’d leave early for California, too.)

Nothing crazy here, but I figured I’d capture the first All Star-related store display I saw in the airport. You always remember your first. Here it is:

Also, the outdoor support beams that keep Los Angeles airport (LAX) from falling onto people’s heads have been customized to promote the big weekend. This is from right outside the airport near the baggage claim area:

There’s at least one huge long row of these things. Here’s the other side of that same beam:

Cavs win! 26-game Cavaliers losing streak ends

By Jeff Lenchiner

Cleveland Cavaliers Forward Antawn Jamison (4) scores during 1st half action against The Miami Heat at the American Airlines Arena, in Miami Florida, December 15, 2010. UPI/Susan Knowles... Photo via Newscom

The Cleveland Cavaliers 26-game losing streak ended Friday night at home with a 126-119 overtime win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

Cavs forward Antawn Jamison led with 11-of-20 shooting for 35 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Center J.J. Hickson shot 12-of-19 for 27 points and 14 rebounds, though he had one assist with seven turnovers. And today’s game marked the return of usual starting point guard Mo Williams, who came off the bench and took 18 shots for 17 points and 14 assists with just two turnovers.

In the loss for the Clippers, Blake Griffin had 32 points and 13 rebounds, Baron Davis had 26 points and seven assists, and Randy Foye scored 23.

According to the Associated Press, “Antawn Jamison scored 35 points and made the game’s biggest basket, a 3-pointer with 22 seconds left in OT for the Cavs. Daniel Gibson scored 10 in overtime and J.J. Hickson, playing like a man possessed all night in a matchup with Blake Griffin, added 27 points and 14 rebounds. The Clippers quickly cut a six-point deficit to 120-119 on Randy Foye’s 3 with 44 seconds to go. But Jamison responded by popping outside and draining his 3 from the left wing to revive the hopes of Cleveland fans, whose emotions went up and down all night.”

Prior to tonight’s victory, the Cavs had not won since beating the New York Knicks 109-102 in Cleveland on December 18. And before that, they hadn’t won since November 27 when, playing at home, they beat the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Cavaliers host the Washington Wizards Sunday and the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday as they try to build upon tonight’s short burst of much-needed success.

Pistons in talks with Calif investor on purchase

The AP reports:

The owner of the Detroit Pistons on Friday confirmed she is in negotiations with a California billionaire interested in buying the struggling NBA franchise.

Michael Layne, a spokesman for owner Karen Davidson, confirmed the two-week “exclusivity” window and that the owner was working with investor Tom Gores.

“The parties are continuing to work in a cooperative manner,” Layne said.

It was a rare public statement from Davidson, who has stayed mostly silent about the potential sale. About three hours later, a spokesman for Gores also broke his silence on the matter.

“We look forward to continued discussions with Karen Davidson and her team,” said Mark Barnhill, a principal at Platinum Equity, the investment group founded by Gores in 1995. “We are making progress, and both sides are working hard in hopes of reaching an agreement.”

Barnhill said reports that a deal was in place were “incorrect.”

Clippers assign Willie Warren to D-League

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that they have assigned rookie guard Willie Warren to the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League.

Warren, 21, has appeared in 14 games with the Clippers this season and is averaging 2.2 points and 1.4 assists in 7.8 minutes per game.

The former Oklahoma University standout was selected by the Clippers in the second round (54th overall pick) of the 2010 NBA Draft.