Brooklyn Nets Blog – Page 110 – NBA Blog

Bobcats re-sign Tyrus Thomas

Charlotte Bobcats General Manager Rod Higgins announced today that the team has re-signed restricted free agent forward Tyrus Thomas to a multi-year deal. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. We’ll post contract details later today.

“Re-signing Tyrus was one of our top offseason priorities,” Higgins said. “In his short time with us last season, we saw the contributions he could make to our team and we are confident he will continue to improve and play an important role for us moving forward.”

The Bobcats acquired Thomas from Chicago on February 18, 2010, in exchange for Acie Law, Ronald “Flip” Murray and a future first-round draft pick. In 25 games with the Bobcats, Thomas averaged 10.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, while scoring in double figures 14 times. In four playoff games against Orlando, Thomas averaged 8.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 17.0 minutes, including a 21-point, nine-rebound performance in Game Four.

The fourth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, the 6-10 Thomas has appeared in 279 career NBA games with averages of 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks. In 21 career playoff games, Thomas has averaged 7.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.

Thomas last month received the Jefferson Award as the Outstanding Athlete as a Newcomer in Service and Philanthropy for the work of his non-profit organization, Tyrus Thomas Inc., which focuses on youth outreach, community development and organizational support in cities including his hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Charlotte Bobcats, who became the NBA’s 30th team when they joined the league in 2004-05, finished the 2009-10 season with a franchise-best 44-38 overall record (31-10 at home) and first-ever playoff appearance.

Jordan Farmar will join Nets

The New Jersey Nets have reached an agreement in principle with free agent guard Jordan Farmar, Nets President Rod Thorn announced tonight. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released. The agreement is contingent on the passing of the required physical.

The deal is for three-years, $12-million, reports the Los Angeles Times.

“Jordan will be an excellent complement to Devin in the backcourt,” said Thorn. “He comes to the Nets with championship pedigree, which will prove to be invaluable to his teammates.”

Farmar, 6’2”/180, is a four-year NBA veteran with career averages of 6.9 points and 2.1 assists in 18.1 minutes over 301 career games with the Los Angeles Lakers. The UCLA product was selected by the Lakers in the first round (26th overall) of the 2006 NBA draft. Farmar helped the Lakers win back-to-back championships in 2008-09 and 2009-10. In 69 career postseason contests, Farmar holds playoff averages of 5.9 points and 1.4 assists in 15.0 minutes per game Last season, Farmar appeared in all 82 games for the Lakers, posting averages of 7.2 points on 43.5% shooting and 1.5 assists in 18.0 minutes per game.

Knicks sign-and-trade David Lee to Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have acquired All-Star forward/center David Lee in a sign-and-trade deal with the New York Knicks, in exchange for Kelenna Azubuike, Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and a 2012 second round draft pick, the team announced today. Per team policy, financial terms of Lee’s deal were not released. We’ll post contract details tonight.

Lee, 27, appeared in 81 games for the Knicks last season, averaging 20.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.05 steals in 37.3 minutes per contest, while shooting 54.5% (686-1,258 FG) from the field and 81.2% (268-330 FT) from the line en route to being named to the Eastern Conference All-Star Team. One of only three players in the NBA last season to average at least 20 points and 10 rebounds (joining Chris Bosh and Zach Randolph), Lee ranked fourth in the league in rebounding, fourth in double-doubles with 53 (trailing only Dwight Howard, Zach Randolph and Carlos Boozer), ninth in field goal percentage and 15th in scoring.

“David Lee is a terrific basketball player and an All-Star,” said Warriors’ General Manager Larry Riley. “His skill-set addresses two areas where we need to improve: rebounding and passing, plus, we know he will score. He is a proven talent in this league and we like the way that his talents fit with the other core players on our roster. We thank Kelenna, Anthony and Ronny for their contributions to our team and organization during their time here, and wish them nothing but the best. This decision was not easy, but, at the end of the day, we feel that this was the right move for our organization and we are excited that David Lee is now a member of the Golden State Warriors.”

A five-year NBA veteran, Lee owns career averages of 13.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 30.0 in 368 games (all with New York), while shooting 55.7% from the field and 77.4% from the free throw line. Following a four-year collegiate career at the University of Florida, Lee has continued to improve each year of his NBA career, including an increase in scoring every season – averaging 5.1ppg as a rookie in 2005-06, 10.7 in 2006-07, 10.8 in 2007-08, 16.0 in 2008-09, and 20.2 last season. In fact, over the last four seasons (not counting rookie year of 2005-06) the 6’9’’ forward/center has averaged 14.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game, making him one of only seven players in the NBA to average at least 14.0 points and 10.0 rebounds over that four-season span (joining Carlos Boozer, Chris Bosh, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard, Al Jefferson and Zach Randolph). Lee is currently a member of the 2010-12 USA Basketball Men’s National Team program alongside Warriors’ guard and teammate Stephen Curry.

Lee scored 20-or-more points 46 times last season (including five 30+ games), grabbed 10-or-more rebounds 54 times, 15-plus boards 23 times and had three 20-plus rebound efforts. He posted 20-points & 10-rebounds in the same game 31 times, including his first career triple-double with a career-high 37 points, 20 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists at Golden State on April 2 to become the first NBA player to register at least 30 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists in a game since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar did so in March of 1976.

Azubuike, 26, appeared in nine games (seven starts) with Golden State last season, averaging 13.9 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 25.7 minutes. He missed the final 73 games of the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon in his left knee on November 14 at Milwaukee and undergoing surgery for the injury on November 18. Originally called-up from the NBA D-League by the Warriors on July 17, 2007, Azubuike owns career averages of 10.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 24.4 minutes in 205 regular-season games over three seasons with Golden State.

Randolph, 20, appeared in 33 games (eight starts) last season for the Warriors, averaging 11.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.55 blocks in 22.7 minutes per contest. He missed 48 games due to injury, including the final 47 contests of the season due to a sprained left ankle that occurred on January 8 vs. Sacramento. Originally selected by the Warriors with the 14th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, Randolph owns career averages of 9.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.30 blocks and 19.6 minutes in 96 games over two seasons with Golden State.

Turiaf, 27, appeared in 42 games (20 starts) with Golden State last season, averaging 4.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.29 blocks in 20.8 minutes per contest. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round (37th overall) of the 2005 NBA Draft and signed as a restricted free agent by the Warriors on July 10, 2008, Turiaf owns career averages of 5.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.42 blocks and 17.9 minutes in 294 regular-season games over five seasons with the Lakers and Warriors.

Bulls, Nets Clippers statements on not getting LeBron James

Following is a statement from Neil Olshey of the Los Angeles Clippers regarding tonight’s decision by LeBron James: “Our goal remains unchanged. We will continue to be exhaustive and use every available resource to assemble an exciting and successful team. We have a dynamic new head coach who will lead the very talented roster we already have in place. We will use the free agent market to enhance that roster. We expect to compete at a very high level.”

The following statement was issued by Nets Principal Owner Mikhail Prokhorov: “We have a vision of a championship team and need to invest wisely and for the long term. Fortunately, we have more than one plan to reach success, and, as I have found in all areas of my business, that is key to achieving it. To Nets fans past, present and future, the goal of making the playoffs this season remains intact and we reiterate our commitment to winning a championship within five years.”

Gar Forman (Chicago Bulls) statement regarding LeBron James: “I remain convinced that this organization made the strongest of bids to acquire LeBron James during this free agency period. While we’re disappointed he chose to go to another franchise, our strategy for the future competitiveness of this organization did not begin or end with James, and we feel today’s addition of two-time All-Star Carlos Boozer significantly strengthens our team’s already talented roster. It is our goal to keep exploring every avenue that it may take, whether through trades or free agency, to continue to build this team to compete at a championship level.”

LeBron James signs with Miami Heat

LeBron James announced on national television Thursday night that he is signing with the Miami Heat

The free agent NBA superstar forward has spent his entire career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he’s decided to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in South Beach.

It’s a gathering of two superstars in LeBron and Wade and a star in Bosh.

The three know each other’s games quite well and familiar with their strengths and weaknesses.

Nets agree to sign Travis Outlaw

The New Jersey Nets have reached an agreement in principle with free agent forward Travis Outlaw, Nets President Rod Thorn announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released. The agreement is contingent on the passing of the required physical.

According to the New York Post, “Multiple sources have confirmed The Nets agreed to a five-year, $35 million deal with Travis Outlaw.”

“We are very pleased to add Travis to our roster,” said Thorn. “He is a young, athletic player who will fit in very well with the style of play that Avery has installed.”

Outlaw, a seven-year NBA veteran, played in 34 games last season for the Portland Trail Blazers and Los Angeles Clippers. On February 16, the Starkville, Mississippi native was traded from Portland to Los Angeles along with Steve Blake in exchange for Marcus Camby and cash considerations. In 11 games with Portland, Outlaw averaged 9.9 points and 3.5 rebounds in 21 minutes before being traded. In 23 contests, including six starts with the Clippers, he tallied 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds in 22 minutes per contest. Selected out of Starkville High School in Mississippi, Outlaw was chosen by Portland in the first round (23rd overall) of the 2003 NBA Draft. Over his seven NBA seasons, he has played in 400 career games, averaging 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds in 22 minutes while shooting .441 from the field and .363 from behind the arc. In six career playoff games, Outlaw holds averages of 9.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 28 minutes per contest.

Carlos Boozer will join Bulls

The AP reports:

Carlos Boozer is headed to the Chicago Bulls.

A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that the two-time All-Star forward agreed to a deal on Wednesday and is leaving the Utah Jazz after six seasons. The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the contract doesn’t become official until Thursday, did not reveal the terms…

With about $30 million in salary cap room, the Bulls were looking to make a big splash in free agency after back-to-back first-round playoff exits.

Adding Boozer strengthens their standing in the Eastern Conference and maybe makes them more attractive to James.

Opinion: I am cool with LeBron James announcing signing decision on TV

Thursday night at 9 p.m. ET, Cleveland Cavaliers free agent LeBron James will announce to the world which team he is signing with. The event will be a one-hour special.

The teams who may win LeBron’s services are the Cavs, Bulls, Heat, Knicks, Nets and Clippers. And I listed those squads in order of who I think has the best shot to get him.

I believe that LeBron’s signing is worthy of being on national television. Simply because everybody cares about it. The world wants to know. So, put it on TV!

That’s it. There’s nothing more to it.

There’s a good chance I will not pay particularly close attention to the early stages of the special. It could be great stuff, but as someone who follows this stuff closely and covers it for a living, I probably already know everything that’ll be said. There will probably be some cool highlights to glance at. I’ll keep it on in the background with the sound up while I work on my laptop or something.

But, I will listen. And when the announcement does come, I’ll rotate my desk chair and stare right at the TV. So will you. And that’s why it deserves to be televised.

UPDATE: It appears LeBron plans on making his decision early, within about 10 minutes. We’ll see!

–Jeff

Cavs meet with free agent LeBron

Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports:

LeBron James’ free agent meetings are in the homestretch, the Cavaliers hoping the focus is on the “home” part.

The Cavs met with James for around 90 minutes Saturday, making perhaps their final pitch to re-sign him in a meeting that focused on the team’s familiarity with the star and his comfort level with the franchise.

New coach Byron Scott, general manager Chris Grant, assistant general manager Lance Blanks and owner Dan Gilbert were the principals in the meeting. In addition to presentations from Scott and Grant about their plans, sources said the Cavs also planned to show James a cartoon featuring him and his friends as characters.

It was made in a Family Guy style, which is one of James’ favorite shows, and featured some inside jokes related to the team. Those who know James personally know that he loves cartoons, inside jokes and cheap laughs. The central part of the Cavs’ pitch is that they know him the best.

Clippers statement on LeBron James meeting

“We can only surmise how the meeting went from our standpoint, and from our standpoint, it went very well. We approached it in a very honest and direct way, and we felt that their reaction was considerate and receptive.”

“We’re not going to go into any details about the meeting’s specifics. But it was our goal to present tangible and very obvious reasons as to why we think LeBron choosing our organization is his best option: we clearly have the best team already in place for him to join, we have the best city, the best arena, the best practice facility – overall the best situation.”

“By communicating all of that in a sincere way, we accomplished our preliminary goal.”

“Now what we can do is wait and see how it all resonates, plus continue to be comprehensive in our efforts to improve our team for the upcoming season.”

“No matter what, we’re getting at least one great new player this summer: his name is Blake Griffin.”