Phoenix Suns Blog – Page 63 – NBA Blog

Rumors Talk: Keepin it real

It’s nice when NBA players are totally honest about stuff that pisses them off. Amar’e Stoudemire is the current example of that, revealing that he’s not a Tracy McGrady fan. The NBA needs more personal grudges. Ideally between players who guard each other. Let’s all root for Amar’e to develop a grudge against, say, David West, or a guy he goes up against. I support such things. Grudges are good. They make the games more fun.

The main thing Chucky Atkins can offer teams at this point isn’t his basketball ability. It’s his name. It’s just fun to say “Chucky.” Seriously, try it. Yell “Chucky!” at a friend, even if that’s not his name. Chucky!!!

Don’t be surprised by any Phil Jackson Lakers stories that come out, unless they claim that he actually won’t be back. When in doubt, assume he’ll return.

The constant talk about where LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, etc. may go always gets big attention. But in reality, LeBron will probably stay with the Cavs, Wade with the Heat, but Bosh I’m not sure about. He could jet. But there’s a good chance he has no idea where he’ll go. Any stories that name actual favorites are probably just semi-educated speculation at this early point.

Andres Nocioni could contribute more to the Sacramento Kings than he currently is, but it’s just sort of pointless for them to really focus on using him. They’re a bad team, with plenty of young talent for the future, and Nocioni simply probably won’t be a part of it. Ideally, they can trade him this summer to a competitve team that needs a good backup forward.

The Timberwolves ‘may’ offer Darko Milicic a multi-year contract. That’s not particularly huge news. It’ll probably be something close to the minimum, and less than Darko can earn in Europe. He probably has no idea where he’ll be next year, but it does sound like Europe is still the favorite.

I think I could score 30 on the current Pistons frontcourt.

Will 76ers guard Jrue Holiday be better than Lou Williams by next season? Is he better right now?

The next Nets owner, Mr. Russian billionaire, will be on 60 Minutes Sunday. I’ll be watching for sure. Hope he says something interesting and doesn’t just stick with boring, politically correct statements. Also, watch and see if he buys the show, or the entire TV network, after the interview, just so he has a new toy to play with.

The NCAA tournament is flying by. Watch every game! By Sunday night we’ll be down to the Final Four already.

Go INSIDE HOOPS every day.

Talk to you Sunday.

This feature is an editorialized take on the day’s hot NBA rumors stories.

Amare Stoudemire does not like Tracy McGrady

Frank Isola of the New York Daily News reports:

According to Amar’e Stoudemire, his beef with Tracy McGrady dates back to the fall of 2001, when Stoudemire was a high school All-America in Florida and McGrady was entering his fifth NBA season. At the time, McGrady was attending his brother’s football game when Stoudemire approached and asked for advice about making the jump from high school to the pros.

“He pretty much didn’t say anything,” Stoudemire remembered. “So I look at myself as being successful in the NBA and if a kid from my hometown came up to me and said, ‘Amar’e, I’m thinking about going to (the NBA),’ I would say, ‘It’s a tough process, college is very important. Education is very important,’ so forth and so on. But I didn’t get any of that.”

“He doesn’t remember,” Stoudemire said. “I’m not surprised he doesn’t remember.”

McGrady disputed Stoudemire’s recollection, saying he and Stoudemire had a phone conversation about him turning pro. McGrady added that the two were together in New York as recently as last September following a Jay-Z concert.

Steve Kerr does not see D-League assignment as demotion

Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic reports:

Those who labeled Suns rookie Earl Clark’s three-game assignment to D-League affiliate Iowa as a demotion last week have raised the ire of Suns General Manager Steve Kerr.

“It’s stupid,” Kerr said. “I don’t know why people look at it that way. I’m hopeful that someday, after it’s collectively bargained, you’d be able to send a guy down on an injury stint, like Major League Baseball.”

Players are limited to three D-League trips per season in their first two years. Kerr attended the final two of Clark’s three games with Iowa, for which he averaged 21 points and nine rebounds.

Clark shot decent from mid-range but did not take a 3-pointer. He has tried five 3s, making two, in Suns games. Clark puts in extra shooting after games and before practices but still has work to do with his mechanics.

Suns recall Earl Clark from D-League

The Phoenix Suns today recalled rookie forward Earl Clark from the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League, it was announced today by Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr.

The 6-10, 225-pound Clark was originally assigned to the Suns’ D-League affiliate on March 15 and appeared in three games with the Energy. Clark averaged 20.7 points, 9.0 rebounds and 1.0 block in 34.3 minutes in those three contests, shooting 50.0 percent from the field overall (24-of-48).

Clark’s stint included two double-doubles, 16 or more points in every game, and a 27-point, 12-rebound performance in his debut with the Energy on March 17.

A three-year standout at the University of Louisville, Clark was selected by the Suns with the 14th overall pick (first round) of the 2009 NBA Draft and has appeared in 45 games this season for Phoenix.

Currently fifth in the Western Conference, the Suns (43-26) return to action tonight, taking on the eighth-place Portland Trail Blazers (42-28) at US Airways Center at 7:30 p.m. The game can be seen locally on both FOX Sports Arizona and ESPN and heard on Sports 620 KTAR.

Earl Clark rocks first D-League game

Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic reports (via blog):

Suns rookie Earl Clark went to Iowa to get some playing time and Iowa got some quality time out of the deal.

In his D-League debut Wednesday night with the Energy, Clark tallied 27 points, 12 rebounds, five assists and a block in 45 minutes of play during Iowa’s 135-132 overtime victory against Dakota. He missed the Suns’ NBA season high scoring game Tuesday but helped Iowa’s second highest scoring game of the season.

Clark made his first six shots of the game, including two he made at the rim while getting fouled. He had 25 of his points through three quarters of play in front of 1,955 fans at Des Moines’ Wells Fargo Arena. Clark scored 12 of his points on layups or dunks but was 5 of 8 from the perimeter, all taken inside the 3-point arc.

Suns destroy Wolves 152-114

Tuesday night in Phoenix, the Suns went bonkers against the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 152-114 win.

Offensively, the Suns were unstoppable. They shot 55-of-98 (56.1%) from the field and hit 15-of-31 three-pointers. They also hit 27-of-29 free throws. Phoenix also won the assists category 37-18.

Jason Richardson led the way for Phoenix with 27 points. Amar’e Stoudemire had 25, but just four rebounds and no assists. Louis Amundson came off the bench to shoot 10-of-13 for 20 points and seven rebounds. Five other Suns players scored in double-digits. Steve Nash dished 14 assists.

The Wolves had what under normal circumstances would have been a good offensive night, shooting 46.2% and hitting half of their 14 three-point attempts. They were simply unable to withstand the Phoenix offensive hurricane.

Leading the Wolves was Corey Brewer with 21 points and little else. Ryan Gomes scored 18. Al Jefferson had a quiet 13 points and eight rebounds.

The Suns scored 38 points in the first quarter, 41 in the second, 35 in the third and 38 in the fourth.

Rumors talk: Aches and pains

In the latest shocking news, Eddy Curry continues to feel pain, tightness, sharpness, aches and whatever other unhealthy words you can think of. At this point it doesn’t really matter if he plays or not. The main thing the Knicks want to do is trade him, and that’s pretty hard to pull off if he can’t even get on the court, let alone play well.

The Bucks have gone nuts lately and while credit goes to the whole team, Andrew Bogut is big-time out there. He’s moved up a notch in the eyes of many.

I look forward to seeing how Phoenix Suns rookie Earl Clark does in the D-League. He’s not expected to be there long. Chances are he doesn’t do anything special for one or two games, and then unleashes something nasty once he gets the hang of it. And then gets called back to the Suns.

The Heat will reportedly sign Kenny Hasbrouck, who I bet at least 12 of you have heard of.

Amar’e Stoudemire is a monster out there lately.

Glen Davis and Shaq should sumo-wrestle it out.

I can appreciate Matt Bonner feeling that every shot he takes should go in. I feel the same way about my own shot. Typically, out in the park if I shoot and miss, I take the basketball, kick it out of the playground while declaring it defective, curse at everybody and call city maintenance to come measure the rims. It makes a positive impression on the guys I’m playing with and sends a clear message that my shot is not to be trifled with.

Tyreke Evans is putting up some Lebron-like stat-lines. Kid is nasty.

Talk to you tomorrow.

InsideHoops.com Rumors Talk is an editorialized take on today’s NBA rumors stories.

Suns assign Earl Clark to D-League

The Phoenix Suns today assigned rookie forward Earl Clark to the Iowa Energy of the NBA Development League, it was announced today by Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Steve Kerr.

The 6-10, 225-pound Clark was selected by the Suns with the 14th overall pick (first round) of the 2009 NBA Draft and has appeared in 45 games this season for Phoenix. Clark will spend his first stint in the D-League.

The three-year standout at the University of Louisville, Clark owns averages of 2.7 points and 1.1 rebounds in 7.6 minutes this season for the Suns. Clark has scored in double figures three times in 2009-10, including a career-high 14 points off the bench Nov. 27 at Minnesota.

Currently sixth in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, the Suns (41-26) return to action Tuesday night, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves (14-53) at US Airways Center at 7 p.m. Phoenix time. The game can be seen locally on FOX Sports Arizona and heard on Sports 620 KTAR.

NBA suspends Kirk Hinrich, fines Alvin Gentry

Kirk Hinrich of the Chicago Bulls has been suspended one game without pay for making contact with a game official and, in a separate incident, Phoenix Suns head coach Alvin Gentry has been fined $25,000 for improper conduct towards a game official and for not leaving the court in a timely manner following his ejection, it was announced today by Stu Jackson, NBA Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations.

The incident involving Hinrich occurred with 4:43 remaining in the fourth period of the Bulls’ 108-95 loss to the Miami Heat on Friday, March 12, at the American Airlines Arena. Hinrich will serve his suspension on Tuesday, March 16 when the Bulls face the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum.

The incident involving Gentry occurred with 5:06 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Suns’ 102-96 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, March 12 at the US Airways Center.

Robin Lopez scores 30 on Clippers

The AP reports:

Robin Lopez went to the free-throw line two points from tying the family’s single-game scoring mark.

He didn’t get it, but his career-best 30 points and 12 rebounds were more than enough to help the Phoenix Suns beat the Clippers 125-112 on Friday night for their fifth straight victory.

“I wasn’t even aware of it,” said a smiling Lopez, a former San Fernando Valley resident whose twin brother, Brook, leads the fraternal competition with a 32-point game. “I was just trying to catch (teammate) Goran Dragic’s 32 points.”

Lopez made 13 of 16 shots for the Suns, who beat the Clippers for the seventh straight time.