Knicks sign center Didier Mbenga

Knicks sign center Didier Mbenga

New York Knicks President Phil Jackson announced today that the team has signed center Didier Mbenga.

Mbenga, 7-0, 240-pounds, holds career averages of 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds over 6.7 minutes in 234 games (four starts) over seven seasons with Dallas, Golden State, L.A. Lakers and New Orleans. The Democratic Republic of Congo-native, who won two NBA titles with the Lakers (2009 & 2010) and last played in the NBA for New Orleans in 2010-11. He spent the last two seasons playing overseas in China (2012) and the Philippines (2013) after beginning his professional career in Belgium (2001-04).

Pacers sign coach Frank Vogel to contract extension

Pacers sign coach Frank Vogel to contract extension

The Indiana Pacers announced Wednesday that Head Coach Frank Vogel has signed a multi-year contract extension.

The 41-year-old Vogel is entering his fourth full season as coach after taking over on an interim basis in January, 2011. The Pacers finished that season 20-18 and reached the NBA Playoffs for the first time in four seasons. In July, 2011, the interim tag was removed and in the three seasons since, the Pacers have reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice and Eastern Conference Semifinals once with a record of 147-82 (.641 winning percentage). Last season, the Pacers earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Vogel and his coaching staff also earned Eastern Conference All-Star coaching honors. He has been named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month twice.

“We’re very happy to extend Frank’s contract,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “I believe he has done a great job and I look forward to continuing our relationship and working together to achieve all of our goals.”

Milwaukee Bucks hire Peter Feigin as team president

Milwaukee Bucks hire Peter Feigin as team president

Today, the Milwaukee Bucks announced the hiring of Peter Feigin as the team’s new president. Feigin brings decades of sports, corporate management and marketing experience to the Bucks organization. As president, Feigin will spearhead the growth of the Bucks’ business operations and lead the organization’s talented executive team.

Since purchasing the team in May, new owners Wes Edens and Marc Lasry have worked to put together a personnel team they hope will do great things for the team.

Feigin comes to the Bucks with a depth of experience in both in the NBA and the corporate world. As the chief marketing and revenue officer of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, he managed global business units and handled branding across the international entertainment company. Prior to working at Deluxe, Feigin was president and COO of Marquis Jet Partners and helped lead its acquisition by NetJets. From 1998 to 2004, he worked for the New York Knicks and rose to become vice president of marketing – increasing profits, season subscriptions and suite revenue during his tenure. Additionally, Feigin has served as a senior advisor to the Milwaukee Bucks since the ownership change, helping reorganize and refocus its business operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Franklin and Marshall College and completed the University of Chicago Booth School of Business’ Financial Executive Program.

“I’ve known Peter for many years and can’t think of a more capable person to drive growth for the Bucks organization,” said Marc Lasry. “Peter’s been an invaluable advisor and will be a terrific leader for a talented group of people working to build a world-class franchise. He brings a tremendous amount of NBA expertise and management experience to Milwaukee.”

Sixers sign Drew Gordon and Malcolm Lee, waive Keith Bogans and Jarvis Varnado

76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers today announced they have signed free agents Drew Gordon and Malcolm Lee.

In conjunction with these signings, the Sixers have waived Keith Bogans and Jarvis Varnado.

Gordon (6-9, 245) spent the past two seasons playing overseas after finishing his collegiate career at New Mexico in 2011-12. He averaged a team-high six rebounds per game for the Sixers in the 2014 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Lee (6-5, 200) was originally the 43rd overall pick by Chicago in the 2011 NBA Draft following his junior season at UCLA. He spent the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons with Minnesota.

Alex Len suffers fracture in finger

Alex Len suffers fracture in finger

Phoenix Suns center Alex Len is sidelined with a fracture of the right hand fifth finger (pinky). He will be re-evaluated next Wednesday, October 15.

The Suns begin preseason play tomorrow, Oct. 8, against Flamengo of the Brazilian national league at US Airways Center. The game will tip at 7 p.m. and will be televised by FOX Sports Arizona and carried on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM.

Nick Young has thumb surgery, out 8 weeks

Nick Young undergoes thumb surgery, out 8 weeks

Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young will have to unleash his swagger in entirely off-court situations for the time being.

Young, who injured his right thumb in practice last Thursday, underwent successful surgery this morning to repair a torn radial collateral ligament in the thumb. The surgery was performed by Dr. Steven Shin of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.

Young is expected to miss approximately eight weeks.

Pac-Man logo Hawks court is back

Here’s the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporting on a Hawks development that a lot of old-school fans will appreciate:

The team’s new secondary logo, a revision of the old Pac Man look, is now dominant at center court. The large white-and-red logo replaces the primary logo that had been the centerpiece of the court. The new secondary logo has been popular with the fan base and its use will likely grow in the future. It will eventually replace the current primary logo of the Hawk with spread wings.

“I was pretty excited to see it,” Al Horford said of the new logo at center court. “It’s pretty powerful. I like it.”

The court underwent several other revisions. The free-throw lanes have been painted bright red. The apron surrounding the court is blue. The apron displays “Atlanta Hawks” painted in white block-style letters with red trim along both baselines. The team web site address and Twitter and Instagram handles are painted along the baselines opposite the team benches.