Hornets not even thinking of trading Chris Paul

Is it possible that the New Orleans Hornets would consider trading superstar point guard Chris Paul?

Well, lots of things in this world are possible. For example, It’s possible I am going to walk down the street here in Las Vegas into a casino, bet my life savings on Red on a roulette table, close my eyes and hope for the best. But, I’m not going to.

And, the Hornets aren’t going to trade Chris Paul.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports:

In response Friday, Hornets President Hugh Weber said the possibility of them trading Paul is zero.

“There is no chance of him getting traded,” Weber said sternly. “I don’t know how to say it any stronger, but there is just no deal we would contemplate for Chris. I can’t speak for Chris, but I think he was talking about the nature of the business and the fact that the question was asked the way it was.”

“I have not nor will I enter any discussions for him,” Bower said.”(Trading Paul) is not going to happen. I think what Chris said just shows his selflessness that he’s not different than anyone else on the team.”

Yao Ming to have left foot surgery

Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has elected to undergo surgery in order to repair the broken bone in his left foot.

The surgery, which will be performed next week by Rockets Team Physician Dr. Tom Clanton at the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute, will involve a bone graft in the navicular bone of Yao’s left foot in order to promote bone regeneration.

Additionally, Clanton will also perform a surgical procedure designed to reduce the arch in Yao’s left foot by realigning and restructuring the bones in the foot.

While no timetable has been set for his return to action, Yao is expected to be available for the team’s training camp in 2010.

“This combination of procedures should not only allow healing of his navicular stress fracture, but also improve the mechanics of his foot to reduce the stress on that bone and give him the best long-term prognosis,” said Dr. Clanton. “This surgical option is similar to the successful procedure used by Cleveland Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas in 2001.”

Statement from Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey:

“Yao and the Rockets conducted due diligence in seeking a number of expert opinions regarding his medical options. The consensus opinion was that he undergo a procedure to heal and realign his foot. We will implement all the resources available to help him make a complete and successful recovery.”

Statement from Yao:

“After much thought and reflection, I have decided to have surgery on my left foot. This surgery will allow me to continue my career playing basketball and I look forward to returning to the court. I would like to thank everyone who sent me their best wishes. I am very grateful to have the support of teammates, friends and fans as I dedicate myself to making a completely successful recovery.”

Antoine Walker arrested in casino

The Miami Herald reports:  Former NBA forward Antoine Walker, a member of the Miami Heat’s 2006 championship team, was arrested Wednesday night in Harrah’s Casino in South Lake Tahoe, Nev., NBC Sports has reported. This came a day after a warrant was issued stemming from Walker’s $822,500 in gambling debts. He is accused of three felony counts of writing bad checks. County prosecutors say he failed to make good on 10 checks totaling $1 million written to Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood and the Red Rock Resort.

InsideHoops.com editor says: This is sure to help his NBA comeback attempt!

Mercury Suspend Diana Taurasi After DUI Arrest

The AP reports: The Phoenix Mercury have suspended guard Diana Taurasi for two games without pay after she was cited on drunk-driving related charges. In a release Thursday, the team said Taurasi was suspended ”for conduct detrimental to the team.” Taurasi will miss Saturday’s game against Detroit and next Wednesday’s game against Minnesota… Taurasi faces three drunk-driving related charges, including extreme DUI, for a July 2 incident in which she also was cited for speeding. The 27-year-old guard was cited hours after she scored 22 points in the Mercury’s 93-81 victory over the Seattle Storm.

San Antonio Spurs sign 2009 second round draft pick DeJuan Blair

The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they signed DeJuan Blair. The Spurs drafted Blair in the second round of the 2009 NBA Draft with the 37th overall pick. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Blair, a 6-7, 265 lb. forward, spent the past two seasons at the University of Pittsburgh. Last season he was named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press, the Co-Big East Player of the Year and earned First Team All-Conference honors.  He was a finalist for the Wooden and Naismith Player of the Year awards.  Blair led the nation in offensive rebounding (5.6 rpg), ranked fourth in total rebounding (12.3 rpg) and 19th in field goal percentage (.593).  For the season he averaged 15.7 points and 1.54 steals in 35 games.  Blair recorded 21 double-doubles, including two 20-point 20-rebound games (one of only two players in Pitt history – along with Billy Knight – to register two 20-point/20-rebound performances in a career). In the NCAA Tournament he averaged 16.8 points and 13.8 rebounds in four games being named to the East Regional All-Tournament Team.

As a freshman Blair was named the Big East Co-Rookie of the Year and was an All-Big East Honorable Mention.  He averaged 11.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.68 steals in 37 games.  He scored in double figures 25 times and posted 14 double-doubles.  He became the first freshman in school history to surpass 400 points and 300 rebounds.

For his career Blair appeared in 72 games for the Panthers, averaging 13.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.61 steals while shooting .568 (394-694) from the field.

Yao Ming buys Shanghai Sharks

Reuters reports: Houston Rockets center Yao Ming has purchased his financially troubled former club the Shanghai Sharks, Chinese media reported on Thursday. The seven-time NBA All Star’s investment company signed a framework agreement with the club’s three co-owners who agreed to sell Yao all their shares in the club, Xinhua news agency said… The Sharks shared in the worst deficit in 14 years of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) last year and were in danger of failing to start the new season in November because of their dire finances.

Heat may offer Lamar Odom a deal

The Los Angeles Daily News (Elliot Teaford) reports (via blog): It seems likely that Lamar Odom could sign a five-season deal with the Miami Heat at the mid-level exception ($5.8 million for next season and $34 million or so for the length of the contract) by the end of the week. The Dallas Mavericks also are interested in giving Odom the same deal, but he seems less likely to land in Dallas. Reports out of Miami indicate the Heat are trying to sign Odom and trade for Carlos Boozer of the Utah Jazz in an attempt to satisfy Dwyane Wade’s demands for a beefed up roster next season.

Richard Jefferson breaks off wedding

NBA small forward Richard Jefferson, formerly of the New Jersey Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, recently traded to the San Antonio Spurs, is now a single man. The New York Post reports:

 Former Net star Richard Jefferson admitted yesterday that he told his beautiful bride-to-be that their wedding was off in an e-mail — stunning her just days before their planned posh nuptials.

Kesha Ni’Cole Nichols got the heart-wrenching message after a tense Fourth of July weekend, Jefferson told The Post.

“There was a lot of stress and tension in the relationship. We’ve been through a lot — but we just couldn’t continue,” said Jefferson, sounding upset during a telephone interview.

But at least Nichols got a nice parting gift — Jefferson, who was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the San Antonio Spurs last month, said he’s giving her a “six-figure” settlement so she can start a new life.

In speaking with the Post, Jefferson also took a moment to clear something else up:

 He insisted a rumor he’s gay had nothing to do with the breakup.

“I’m not gay,” Jefferson said. “That couldn’t be any further from the truth. I have nothing to hide.”

Denver Nuggets sign 2009 first round draft pick Ty Lawson

The Denver Nuggets have signed rookie G Ty Lawson to a contract, Nuggets Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkentien announced today.  Per team policy, terms of the deal were not released.

All NBA first round draft picks are guaranteed a contract, assuming they want one right away, so this is standard and an expected signing.

Lawson, the 18th overall selection in the 2009 NBA Draft out of North Carolina, was acquired by the Nuggets from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a draft-night trade on June 25. Named the 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year, Lawson was a key member of the Tar Heels’ 2009 NCAA Championship team.

Lawson, 5-11, 195, made his Nuggets debut last night in the team’s first game of the 2009 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. He finished with eight points and three assists in 29 minutes of action during Denver’s 78-76 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The Nuggets continue their summer league schedule tonight, taking on the Washington Wizards at 8:30 PM (Mountain Time).

Chicago Bulls re-sign Lindsey Hunter

Chicago Bulls re-sign Lindsey Hunter

The Chicago Bulls today re-signed guard Lindsey Hunter. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Hunter, a 6-2, 195-pound guard, originally signed with the Bulls on Nov. 13, 2008.  The 16-year NBA veteran appeared in 28 games with Chicago and averaged 2.6 ppg and 1.3 apg in 9.5 mpg.

For his career, he has posted averages of 8.6 ppg, 2.7 apg, 2.2 rpg and 1.21 spg in 25.0 mpg.  He owns career shooting averages of .388 from the field, .361 from downtown and .746 from the line.

InsideHoops.com editor says: Hunter is about 73 years old and can barely tie his shoes at this point. He first entered the NBA before electricity existed. He’s basically an assistant coach on the floor. Somewhere, right now, his great-grandchild just hit a winning shot in a pickup basketball game.