Brooklyn Nets Blog – Page 90 – NBA Blog

Brook Lopez suffers stress fracture in foot, needs surgery

New Jersey Nets center Brook Lopez has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal of the right foot, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.

The injury occurred during the Nets preseason contest at New York on December 21.

Lopez will undergo surgery on Friday, December 23.

According to the Newark Star-Ledger, “The typical recovery period for such an injury is 4-6 weeks, and the Nets feel Lopez will return by early February, according to Yahoo Sports. The frame for recovery could extend much longer, however. Giants rookie Prince Amukamara suffered the same injury in training camp this season on Aug. 6 and did not play in a game until Nov. 20.”

New Jersey Nets waive forward Stephen Graham

The New Jersey Nets have requested waivers on forward Stephen Graham, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.

Graham, who signed with the Nets as a free agent prior to the 2010-11 season, averaged 3.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in 59 games last season. The six-year veteran holds career averages of 4.0 points and 1.8 rebounds in 239 NBA games.

Dallas Mavericks sign forward Sean Williams

The Dallas Mavericks announced today they have signed free agent forward/center Sean Williams. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, it is a two-year deal with the second season only partially guaranteed.

Williams (6-10, 235) was originally the first round pick (17th overall) of the New Jersey Nets in the 2007 NBA Draft. He spent three seasons in New Jersey and averaged 4.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 126 games as a Net.

Born in Arlington, Texas, Williams was a standout at Mansfield High School and attended Boston College. In his junior season at Boston College, Williams averaged 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.0 blocks per game. He set a school record when he recorded 13 blocked shots against Duquesne. Williams decided to forego his senior season and was an early entry candidate to the 2007 NBA Draft.

Williams spent last season in the NBA D-League where he was an All-Star and finished second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. In 49 games (46 starts) with the Texas Legends, Williams averaged 14.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per contest.

New Jersey Nets re-sign forward Kris Humphries

The New Jersey Nets have re-signed forward Kris Humphries, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today. It is reportedly a one-year deal for around $8 million.

“Kris had a breakout season last year, and established himself as one of the premier rebounders in the league,” said King. “We look forward to his continued progress and his addition will certainly add stability to our frontcourt rotation.”

Humphries rejoins the Nets after a career-year in 2010-11 that saw the 6-9 forward average personal bests of 10.0 points and 10.4 rebounds, while shooting .527 from the field in 74 games (44 starts). The seven-year veteran out of Minnesota ranked 5th in the NBA in rebounds per game last season, notched 29 double-doubles and grabbed a career-high 23 boards on March 23 at Cleveland.

Humphries originally came to the Nets as part of a mid-season trade in 2009-10. In 118 games with New Jersey, Humphries owns averages of 9.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Selected in the first round of the 2004 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz, Humphries went on to play for Toronto and Dallas before joining New Jersey. In 431 NBA games, Humphries holds career averages of 2.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

New Jersey Nets sign forward Shawne Williams

The New Jersey Nets have signed free agent forward Shawne Williams, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today. The contract is for two years and $6.1 million, reported the New York Post.

“Shawne is a versatile player who will add a needed dimension to our frontcourt,” said King. “He can play inside as well as shoot the three, and is a welcome addition to our roster.”

Williams, a 6-9 forward, comes to the Nets following a one-year stint with the New York Knicks where he played in 64 games and posted career-best averages of 7.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20.7 minutes per game, while shooting .401 from three point range. The University of Memphis product was chosen by Indiana in the first round (17th overall) in the 2006 NBA Draft.

Williams played two seasons in Indiana before being traded to Dallas prior to the 2008-09 season.

In January of 2010, Williams was acquired by New Jersey in a multi-player trade with Dallas, although he did not appear in any games with the Nets. Over his four-year NBA career, Williams holds career averages of 5.9 points and 2.9 rebounds over 190 games. He appeared in four postseason games with New York last season, averaging 8.0 points and 3.5 rebounds, while shooting .429 from three point range.

Nets waive Travis Outlaw, via amnesty clause

The New Jersey Nets have waived forward Travis Outlaw and designated him as the team’s amnesty player, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.

Outlaw, (6’9”, 207) played in all 82 games, 55 starts, with the Nets last season, averaging 9.2 points and 4.0 rebounds in 29 minutes per game. The eight-year veteran was acquired by New Jersey as a free agent on July 14, 2010.

Outlaw has appeared in 482 career NBA regular season games with Portland, LA Clippers and New Jersey, averaging 9.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 22.9 minutes per game.

Nets sign forward Ime Udoka

The New Jersey Nets have signed free agent forward Ime Udoka, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today. According to the New York Post, it’s a non-guaranteed contract.

Udoka (6’6”/215), a seven-year veteran who has played for five teams, holds career averages of 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 316 games. The undrafted Portland State product began his career with the Lakers in 2003-04, appearing in four contests. He then appeared in eight games with the Knicks during the 2005-06 campaign. In 2006-07 he played in 75 games with the Trail Blazers. After a full season in Portland, Udoka signed with the Spurs where he spent two seasons, 2007-08 and 2008-09. For the 2009-10 campaign he signed with Sacramento and appeared in 69 games. Last season, Udoka played in 20 games with the Spurs, totaling 14 points and 19 rebounds in 130 minutes.

Knicks hosting free open scrimmage Sunday

On Sunday, Dec. 18 the New York Knicks will open the doors of Madison Square Garden for an inside look at the team during the Knicks Orange & Blue Scrimmage.

This free event will give fans a chance to reconnect with the team and see Carmelo Anthony, Amar’e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler and their teammates go through a workout and scrimmage, as the Knicks prepare for the 2011-12 regular season that will tip off on Christmas Day at noon against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.

There will be performances by the Knicks City Dancers, Knicks City Kids and King Charles Unicycle Troupe, music from DJ Clue of Power 105.1 FM, and more.

Doors will open at 11 a.m. ET.

Note to fans: You’ll be watching Knicks players. You won’t be trying out.

Rafer Alston seeks NBA comeback

Veteran point guard Rafer Alston seemed done with the NBA, but has apparently had a change of heart and is looking to extend his pro career.

Alston’s agent and long-time friend Eddie Lau on Wednesday told InsideHoops.com editor Jeff Lenchiner that the guard, who last played in the NBA for the Miami Heat and New Jersey Nets in the 2009-10 season, wants to return to the league. Lau says he is in contact with multiple teams.

The 6-2, 175-pound Alston has an NBA career average of 10.1 points, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

Lately, he’s been coaching at the high school level.

Nets rookie Jordan Williams suffering from severe dehydration

Rookie Jordan Williams is suffering from dehydration and will miss at least five days of practice, Nets coach Avery Johnson said. The 21-year-old Williams apparently succumbed after Tuesday’s practice, when he got ill after lunch. He spent this morning at the doctor’s office, getting intravenous fluids, Johnson said.

“He’s suffering from … severe dehydration, so he’s going to be out for a while,” Johnson said of Williams. “He’s had some issues in practice, in terms of breaking down, a little bit, so we’ve got to keep a close eye on him.”

— Reported by Colin Stephenson of the Newark Star-Ledger