Steve Nash out for season

Steve Nash out for season

Due to a recurring back injury, Lakers point guard Steve Nash will be out for the season, it was announced today. After consultations with Lakers medical staff, both Nash and the organization believe it is best to focus on rest and rehabilitation at this time.

“Being on the court this season has been my top priority and it is disappointing to not be able to do that right now,” said Nash. “I work very hard to stay healthy and unfortunately my recent setback makes performing at full capacity difficult. I will continue to support my team during this period of rest, and will focus on my long-term health.”

This could wind up being the end of Nash’s fantastic NBA career. The 2014-15 season was possibly going to be his last, but lingering health problems could push Nash into making it official.

“As disappointed as we are for ourselves and our fans, we’re even more disappointed for Steve,” said Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak. “We know how hard he’s worked the last two years to try to get his body right for the rigors of the NBA, and how badly he wants to play, but unfortunately he simply hasn’t been able to get there up to this point in time. Steve has been a consummate professional, and we greatly appreciate his efforts.”

According to the Associated Press, “Nash has battled numerous injuries since joining the Lakers in July of 2012, appearing in just 65 of a possible 164 regular season games. The future Hall of Famer was limited to 15 games and 10 starts last season due to nerve damage from a leg injury he suffered the season before.”

Nets waive Willie Reed

Nets waive Willie Reed

The Brooklyn Nets have requested waivers on forward/center Willie Reed, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.

Reed, who was signed to the Nets’ training camp roster on September 25, 2014, posted averages of 4.0 points and 4.0 rebounds in two preseason contests.

The NBA regular season begins Tuesday, October 28. The Nets on paper appear to have a weaker roster this season than last.

Andrea Bargnani still not healthy yet

Here’s the New York Post reporting on Knicks forward Andrea Bargnani, who continues to be unable to help the team as he slowly — very slowly — recovers from his latest injury:

Andrea Bargnani still not healthy yet

Andrea Bargnani said he’s not sure when he will return from a right hamstring strain and admitted he’s frustrated by the injury.

When two reporters from Italy interviewed him after he spoke to the New York media for the first time since being shut down Oct. 9, he said in Italian he underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday, but didn’t say what it revealed.

That Bargnani had an MRI exam reveals the Knicks are surprised his injury hasn’t healed yet. When he missed the Oct. 11 game at the Mohegan Sun, Knicks coach Derek Fisher indicated he could’ve played if it were the regular season.

Houston Rockets sign Geron Johnson, waive Akil Mitchell

rockets

The Houston Rockets have signed guard Geron Johnson and requested waivers on forward Akil Mitchell, General Manager Daryl Morey announced today.

Johnson (6-3, 203, Memphis), appeared in 67 contests at Memphis University holding career averages of 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in 28.3 minutes. An Ohio native, Johnson spent his junior and senior season as a Memphis Tiger after transferring from Garden City Community College (KS). In his senior season at Memphis, he guided his team to a 2014 NCAA Tournament win over George Washington.

Mitchell (6-9, 230, Virginia), appeared in 133 contests and held career averages of 6.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists as a Virginia Cavalier. He was a participant on Houston’s Las Vegas and Orlando Summer League teams, but has not appeared in a preseason game.

Suns forward T.J. Warren suffers thumb injury

TJ Warren

Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren has sustained a small crack in a bone in his left thumb. He will be treated with a splint and rest. There is no timetable for his return.

Warren, a rookie from North Carolina State, was selected by the Suns with the 14th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He has averaged 5.0 points and 12.2 minutes in five preseason appearances.

Sixers Dancers have new Signature Dress

The Philadelphia 76ers today unveiled the Sixers Dancers “Signature Dress” by Nicole Miller.

All 22 members of the Sixers Dancers will wear the dress – created in the team’s signature blue and red colors, and accented with a silver Sixers logo pin – on the court during pregame introductions and the National Anthem at the Philadelphia 76ers’ Opening Night on Saturday, November 1 and at every Sixers home game this season. The team will also wear the dress at select off-court appearances throughout the season.

Vanilla Ice to perform at Minnesota Timberwolves home opener

Vanilla Ice to perform at Timberwolves home opener

Ice, ice, baby.

The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that multi-platinum recording artist Vanilla Ice will perform at halftime of the team’s regular season home opener against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, Oct. 30.

Back long, long ago, Vanilla Ice topped the charts for 16 weeks with his multi-platinum breakthrough album To The Extreme, which became the fastest selling hip-hop album of all time. Featuring the smash hit “Ice Ice Baby,” To The Extreme , peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and sold 17 million copies worldwide.

A two-time American Music Award winner, Vanilla Ice currently stars in “The Vanilla Ice Project” that recently aired its 4th season on the DIY Network.

We know that you care. You do. It’s Vanilla Ice. Whether you want to sing/rap along, laugh or whatever, you are fascinated by this. And we’re happy to inform you of it.

Wizards 2014-15 alternate jerseys

The Washington Wizards today unveiled images of their new 2014-15 alternate uniform which is primarily navy blue with red color-blocking at the top and “Washington” listed on the front while the navy shorts feature the secondary “Monument” logo.

The Wizards will wear these navy alternate 2014-15 jerseys for every road game played on a Wednesday as well as at home on Dec. 3 against the Los Angeles Lakers and on Mar. 25 when they face the Indiana Pacers.

Fans will also have a chance to see the team wear their red road jerseys at home on Nov. 21 against the Cleveland Cavaliers and Apr. 3 against the New York Knicks.

Jimmy Butler thumb injury is a sprain

Jimmy Butler

Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler injured his left thumb in Monday night’s game against the Charlotte Hornets.

Subsequent examinations and an MRI confirmed that Butler has a sprain of thumb ligaments.

Butler will not practice this week and will not play in the Bulls’ final preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He will be re-evaluated after that.

Mavericks waive Eric Griffin and Yuki Togashi

mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have requested waivers on forward Eric Griffin and guard Yuki Togashi.

Griffin (6-8, 194) was originally signed on July 18 after representing the Mavericks at the Las Vegas Summer League where he averaged 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 1.3 steals and 19.3 minutes. He saw action in two preseason games for Dallas.

Togashi (5-7, 143) was signed by the Mavericks on Oct. 15 and did not play in a game for Dallas.

The Mavericks roster now stands at 18 players.