Basketball Blog

The Milwaukee Bucks have requested waivers on guard Lynn Greer, General Manager Larry Harris announced today.

Greer (6-1, 175) appeared in 41 games with the Bucks last season and posted averages of 4.1 points and 1.3 assists per game.  Greer had a career-high 19 points and 4 assists vs. the Hornets on April 3.  He also tallied 14 points, including 3-3 on three-pointers, in the Bucks 101-90 win vs. San Antonio on March 15.

Prior to joining the Bucks for the 2006-07 season, Greer spent four seasons playing in Europe.  He averaged 22.6 points, 3.3 assists and 2.2 rebounds in 40 games for Carpisa Napoli of the Italian League during the 2005-06 season.  Greer also spent time playing in Poland, Russia and Greece.

A native of Philadelphia, Greer, 28, was undrafted out of Temple University.

The Golden State Warriors have signed free agent guard Troy Hudson, it was announced today by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin.  Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

Hudson, 31, appeared in 34 games last season with the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 5.9 points and 2.1 assists in 16.3 minutes per game.  He scored a season-high 26 points at Boston on March 4, one of three 20-plus point outings (also 22 at Phoenix on January 21, and 20 vs. New Orleans on November 18).  Additionally, his three-point field goal percentage (.350) marked the fifth time in the last six seasons in which he shot at least 35% from behind the arch.

“We’re excited to add a player of Troy’s caliber to our team,” said Mullin. “He’s had a productive NBA career and, most importantly, will provide us with additional depth in the backcourt.  He has the ability to run a team and some of his other strengths – such as three-point shooting – will fit in well with our style of play.”

The 10-year NBA veteran has spent the last five seasons in Minnesota, where he enjoyed his most productive campaign in 2002-03, registering career-high averages in scoring (14.2) and assists (5.7).  He ranked second that season in the NBA in free throw percentage (90.0) and 16th in assists (5.7), highlighted by a career-best 15 vs. Cleveland on February 28, 2003.  Later that season, the 6’1” guard averaged 23.5 points and 5.5 assists during the Timberwolves’ First Round series against the L.A. Lakers in the 2003 NBA Playoffs.

Hudson, who has played for four teams during his decade-long career (Utah, L.A. Clippers, Orlando and Minnesota), enters the 2007-08 season having averaged 9.1 points, 3.4 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 508 regular-season contests overall.  He finished fifth in voting for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award following the 2001-02 campaign, when he averaged 11.7 points and 3.1 assists in 22.9 minutes with the Orlando Magic.  Additionally, he has shot at least 81% from the free throw line eight times in the last nine years and has averaged 14.9 points and 3.4 assists in 14 post-season appearances.

Hudson will wear uniform #6.

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has re-signed guard Roger Mason.  Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Roger is a versatile player who has worked hard on his overall game this past summer,” said Grunfeld.  “He played with us last season and is familiar with our system.  We are glad to have him back as a member of our team.”

Last season, Mason (6-5, 212) averaged 2.7 points per game in 62 games.  He tied his career-high with 18 points and connected on a career-best four three-point field goals at New Jersey on February 27, 2007.  Mason appeared in four playoff games with the Wizards last season and averaged 6.0 points in 14 minutes per game, including a career postseason-high 10 points at Cleveland on April 25, 2007.

“My heart is in DC,” Mason said. “I feel like I can have a great role with the Wizards and that we have a chance to be a great team this year.”

Mason originally entered the league in the 2002 NBA Draft as a second round draft pick (31st overall) of the Chicago Bulls.  He was traded to the Toronto Raptors for Rick Brunson on December 16, 2003.  In 43 games over two seasons during his first stint in the NBA (2002-03, 2003-04), he averaged 2.9 points per game for the Bulls and Raptors.  Mason played professionally in Israel for two seasons prior to signing with the Wizards as a free agent on September 14, 2006.

Mason, 27, played collegiately at the University of Virginia and prepped at Good Counsel High School in Wheaton, Maryland.

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed forward Michael Ruffin (6-8, 248) to a free agent contract, General Manager Larry Harris announced today.  Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

“Michael has made a career out of being a high-character, high-energy player who does the little things to help his team,” said Harris.  “He is a very good rebounder and excels on the defensive end of the court.”

A seven-year NBA veteran, Ruffin played the last three seasons with the Washington Wizards averaging 1.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 185 games.  He played in 19 post-season games with the Wizards during the last three seasons, averaging 1.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.  In the 2004-05 season he ranked 5th in the NBA in offensive rebounds per 48 minutes (5.0), and in 2005-06 he ranked 3rd in the NBA (5.8) in the same category.

Ruffin, 30, was originally a second round draft choice (32nd overall) of Chicago in 1999 and played two seasons with the Bulls.  He averaged a career-high 2.6 points and 5.8 rebounds in 45 games during the 2000-01 season.  Ruffin played 15 games for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001 before signing with Caprabo Lleida of the Spanish League.  In 54 games over two seasons in the Spanish League, Ruffin recorded averages of 6.2 points and 7.7 rebounds.

The Utah Jazz signed Ruffin as a free agent prior to the 2003-04 season.  In 41 games for the Jazz, Ruffin averaged 2.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.0 assist per contest.

In 327 career regular season NBA games, Ruffin owns averages of 1.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.

A native of Denver, CO, Ruffin earned his degree in chemical engineering from the University of Tulsa.  Ruffin is the only player in Tulsa history to surpass 1,000 points and 1,000 rebounds in his collegiate career, and set a school record by playing 128 games in his four years.  In his senior year, Ruffin was named to the Academic All-America First Team.

Houston Rockets five-time All-Star center Yao Ming will miss the first two practices of the team’s training camp in order to participate in the opening ceremonies of the 2007 Special Olympics World Games in his home town of Shanghai, China on Tuesday, October 2. As per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Yao will receive a fine for missing media day and team practices. Yao will join the team for the remainder of training camp immediately following the ceremony.

“This is a difficult situation for both our organization and Yao given the importance of these initial practices,” said Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey. “Yao understands the value of being with his team at the start of training camp but considers this a vital obligation. Yao is an extraordinary player who is often asked for extraordinary service to his nation and home city.”

Based on the possibility that Yao may have to play this extremely important role, he has been working extra sessions with the coaching staff in both Houston and China since the season ended to mitigate some of the impact.

“As a Global Ambassador of Special Olympics, I was requested to participate and play a role in the opening ceremony of 2007 Special Olympics World Games in my hometown of Shanghai. I feel it is an obligation that I must meet,” said Yao. “I realize that missing the first few days of camp will put me behind my teammates in learning our new coach’s system, but I will work very hard to make sure that I do not hurt our team’s progress as we prepare for the start of the new season.”

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Charlie Bell to a multi-year contract, General Manager Larry Harris announced today. Bell originally signed an offer sheet with Miami on September 17, and because of his restricted free agent status, the Bucks had one week to determine whether to match the Heat offer.

“From a basketball standpoint, signing Charlie was an easy decision. He is a terrific player and a very important part of what we are doing both this season and in the future,” said Harris. “We’ve said all along that we wanted to have him remain on our team. Charlie is a high-character individual first and foremost, and he gives it his all in practice, in games and in the community.

“Once again, this decision continues to show Senator Kohl’s commitment to winning and to the community by keeping Charlie on our team,” Harris added.

Bell, 28, enjoyed a breakout season for the Bucks last year, posting career-high averages of 13.5 points, 3.0 assists and 2.9 rebounds in 34.7 minutes per game. He scored double-digits in 60 games, including 20 games of 20 points or more. He ranked 5th in the NBA in steal-to-turnover ratio (0.92:1) and T-32nd in steals per game (1.18). Bell (6-3, 200) scored a season-high 28 points on three separate occasions and was also the only Buck to appear in all 82 games (64 starts).

“It’s been a long and emotional process for Charlie and his family throughout the summer,” said Bell’s agent, Mark Bartelstein. “The Bucks, however, have demonstrated how important Charlie is to their team, both now and in the future.

“Senator Kohl, along with Larry Harris and the Bucks organization, continue to prove that they will do whatever they can to bring a winner to Milwaukee,” Bartelstein added.

Not drafted out of Michigan State University, Bell originally signed with the Bucks on August 8, 2005 and averaged 8.4 points, 2.2 assists and 2.0 rebounds during the 2005-06 campaign.

“I look at Charlie as that final piece of the puzzle,” said Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak. “Charlie is a consummate pro who gives us versatility at a number of positions. He is a tough, hard-nosed player who never takes the easy way out. I’m really excited about the make-up of our roster as we head into training camp next month.”

The Golden State Warriors have requested waivers on guard Sarunas Jasikevicius after reaching a contractual buyout agreement, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin announced today.  Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.

“We think this was in the best interest of both parties,” said Mullin.  “As a competitor, Sarunas obviously would like to have an opportunity to play a significant role on a team. This could potentially open up other avenues that will allow him to pursue that opportunity.”

Jasikevicius, 31, was originally acquired by Golden State on January 17, 2007, as part of an eight-player trade with Indiana.  Following the trade, Jasikevicius appeared in 26 regular-season games with Golden State, averaging 4.3 points and 2.3 assists in 12.0 minutes per contest.  Overall last season, he appeared in 63 games combined between Indiana and Golden State, averaging 6.1 points, 1.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game.  Since joining the NBA prior to the 2005-06 season, the Lithuanian native has appeared in 138 regular-season games, averaging 6.8 points, 1.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 18.3 minutes.

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Royal (roy-AL) Ivey (6-4, 215) to a one-year contract, General Manager Larry Harris announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Royal has shown that he can play both the point and off-guard positions,” said Harris. “He has good size and athleticism, and brings a defensive mentality to our roster.”

Drafted by Atlanta in the second round (37th overall) in 2004, Ivey has played the last three seasons with the Hawks. In 188 career games (89 starts), Ivey has averaged 3.4 points and 1.2 assists in 12.4 minutes per contest.

Last season, Ivey, 25, appeared in 53 games (18 starts) averaging 3.0 points and 1.0 rebound in 10.0 minutes per game. During the 2005-06 campaign Ivey produced his best statistical season of his young career. Starting in a career-high 66 games (73 total), he led all NBA guards in fewest turnovers per 48 minutes (1.1). He finished the 2005-06 season averaging career-highs in points (3.6) and minutes (13.4). During his rookie season of 2004-05, Ivey appeared in 62 games, posting averages of 3.6 points and 1.7 assists in 13.0 minutes.

A native of Harlem, NY, Ivey enjoyed a four-year collegiate career at the University of Texas. He was selected twice to the Big 12 All-Defensive team, as well as finishing as UT’s all-time career leader in games started (126). During his four-year career, Ivey helped lead the Longhorns to four NCAA Tourney appearances, including three consecutive “Sweet 16” berths and one Final Four appearance. He finished his career at UT with averages of 7.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists.

Fan editorial by Jason M. Williams

Allan Houston is contemplating a return to the NBA. But the question is – to what team? A recent online poll suggests that Allan Houston should return to the hardwood as a member of the New Jersey Nets. But how much will Houston to the Meadowlands affect his legacy in New York?

Houston began his career in Detroit, but prospered in New York, where he signed as a free agent after his third year in the pros. He quickly supplanted the aging Patrick Ewing as the face of the franchise after leading the New York Knicks to the 1999 NBA Finals, becoming the first eighth seed in NBA history to accomplish the feat. Soon after, he was awarded with an outlandish $100M contract that eventually stifled the Knicks cap maneuverability and caused the Knicks to spiral downward into mediocrity and disgrace.

The star shooting guard was a team leader and an All Star caliber player. But injuries forced him out of the game and left the Knicks with an injured player who accounted for nearly one-third of their entire salary cap figure. Eventually, Houston decided that his continual cycle of failed rehab attempts was not worth it, and he retired from the league on his own terms prior to the 2005-06 season.

However, the rules in the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement state that the salary of his contract still counts against the Knick salary cap figure, despite him not being a member of the roster. The only reason his retirement was beneficial to the team was because instead of his salary being paid by owner James Dolan, the bill would now be footed primarily by the medical insurance policy on his contract.

This upcoming season marks the first year After Houston’s contract. The Knick front office is finally free to escape the shadow of the ridicule they have faced because of his exorbitant contract. And all of a sudden, he is now conveniently feeling good enough to play?

Isiah Thomas joined the Knick organization in the 2003-04 season, and engineered a trade with Phoenix that brought Stephon Marbury to New York in exchange for Antonio McDyess and spare parts. Thomas’ vision was to put together one of the most dynamic and fearsome backcourts since his days teaming with Joe Dumars in Detroit. With Houston’s remarkable spot shooting capability and Marbury’s knack to penetrate and find the open man, it seemed as if it was a match made in basketball heaven.

The Knicks used this backcourt to fight their way into the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs that season, but came up short in the first round, notably because Allan Houston was shelved with yet another setback to his bum knee. The years have passed and Houston has left the game, but the recent failures of the Knick ability to construct a competitive team have hinged on their inability to move Houston’s contract.

Now that this weight is removed from the chest of the Knick organization, he wants to return? And of all places, he is considering the rival New Jersey Nets, who have dominated the Knicks to a tune of 22-4 record over the past 26 meetings? If Houston does in fact sign with the Nets for this upcoming season, you can bet the fans of New York will not hesitate to throw away their old Allan Houston jersey, now the victim of a freshly cut hole located directly in the center of the back.

The Los Angeles Lakers have signed free agent forward Elton Brown, it was announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not released.

Brown, a 6-9 forward out of the University of Virginia, finished 20th on Virginia’s all-time scoring list with 1,356 points and 13th on the all-time rebounding list with 660 rebounds.

Brown spent the 2005-06 season in Greece playing for Makedonikos Kozani, where he led the league in rebounds while being the only player in the league to average a double-double, averaging 13.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

Brown was a member of the NBDL’s Colorado 14ers during the 2006-07 season, where he averaged 18.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 50 games.

InsideHoops.com editor says: I’ve used this line already this summer but I’m saying it again: Someone find Kobe Bryant and videotape his reaction to this signing.