Basketball Blog

The Miami HEAT announced today that they have signed guard Charlie Bell to an offer sheet. Under NBA rules, the Milwaukee Bucks now have seven days to match the offer or the restricted free agent will be a member of the HEAT. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Bell, a 6’3”, 200-pound guard, appeared in all 82 games (64 starts) for the Bucks last season and averaged 13.5 points, 3.0 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1.18 steals and 34.7 minutes. A three-year NBA veteran, Bell began his NBA career after signing with the Phoenix Suns as an undrafted free agent on July 23, 2001. In addition to playing for the Suns and Bucks, he also saw action with the Dallas Mavericks during the 2001-02 season. For his career he has averaged 10.9 points, 2.6 assists, 2.5 rebounds and 28.2 minutes while shooting 43.7 percent from the floor and 75.7 percent from the foul line.

NBA referee Joey Crawford has been reinstated to the officiating staff, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced today.  Crawford was suspended indefinitely on April 17, for improper conduct toward Tim Duncan during the San Antonio Spurs-Dallas Mavericks game on April 15.

“Based on my meeting with Joey Crawford, his commitment to an ongoing counseling program, and a favorable professional evaluation that was performed at my direction, I am satisfied that Joey understands the standards of game management and professionalism the NBA expects from him and that he will be able to conduct himself in accordance with those standards,” said Stern.

The Golden State Warriors and Head Coach Don Nelson have reached a new contractual agreement, it was announced today by Warriors’ President Robert Rowell.  Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not announced.

Nelson, 67, returned to Golden State for his second stint as the team’s head coach prior to the 2006-07 season, leading the Warriors to a 42-40 record, a second place finish in the Pacific Division and their first trip to the NBA Playoffs in 13 years.  Additionally, Nelson guided Golden State to a First Round triumph over the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks, marking the first time that a #8 seed had defeated a #1 seed in a seven-game series.

“We think Don is a great coach,” said Rowell. “His style has always been well accepted by players and is a natural fit for our team.  I know that everyone is anxious and looking forward to the exciting, successful brand of basketball that he will once again orchestrate for our team and our fans.”

“I’m really excited about the beginning of training camp in a couple of weeks,” said Nelson. “I can’t wait to get back in the gym, back to work and watch this team continue to grow.  I’m optimistic that we can capitalize on some of our momentum from last season and build on that in 2007-08.”

Last season, Golden State ranked second in the NBA in points per game (106.5 ppg) and led the NBA in fast-break points per game (19.2 ppg), while also ranking first in steals per game (9.15 spg) and points off turnovers (21.2 ppg).  Following a mid-season, eight-player trade with Indiana, Nelson’s squad posted a 23-20 record that included a 16-5 mark over the final 21 games of the season – the only 21 games following the trade in which all of his rotation players were healthy.  That 16-5 record, which was the best record in the NBA from March 5 through the end of the season, was highlighted by a 9-1 record over the final 10 games of the campaign.  Over those final 10 games, Nelson’s “small-ball” lineup, which featured no starter over 6-9 in height, averaged 117.4 points per game.

Entering his 29th season as an NBA head coach in 2007-08, Nelson is the second-winningest coach in NBA history (1,232), trailing only Lenny Wilkens (1,332).  He also ranks 20th on the all-time winning percentage list for NBA coaches (.572), having compiled an overall 1,232-920 record in 2,152 regular-season games over a span of 28 years.  Only Wilkens has coached more NBA games (2,487).

Nelson, who has led his teams to 18 playoff appearances, is tied for ninth on the NBA’s all-time playoff winning list (75). He was named one of the top 10 coaches in NBA history during the league’s 50th anniversary season in 1997 (selected by a panel of former coaches, players and media).

Insidebayarea.com is reporting Gary Payton will make a decision regarding his future this week. The veteran point guard has played 18 years in the league, most recently with the Miami Heat. Payton, an Oakland native, is mulling retirement or possibly signing with the Golden State Warriors according to his agent.

According to the Detroit News, Flip Saunders, is strongly considering Antonio McDyess as the starting power forward alongside Rasheed Wallace on the front line. McDyess has reportedly been informed to that possibility. “He has come back to Detroit a month early to get a head start on his conditioning, something he hasn’t done since his knee surgeries.”

Also from the Detroit News, Rasheed Wallace has dropped 25 pounds since the end of the season. He has been around the facility all summer and is so skinny, Joe Dumars has taken to calling him Slim Jim.

The Houston Chronicle is reporting the agent for unsigned draft pick Carl Landry is frustrated with the Rockets’ and their contract proposal, calling the offer “disturbing and confusing.” The agent stated the team’s offer is not on par with other second-round selections and some undrafted free agents.

General Manager Larry Harris announced today that the Bucks have signed Jarinn Akana (a-KAH-na) to a contract as an assistant coach for player development.  Akana joins the Bucks after spending the last six seasons with the Denver Nuggets, most recently serving as a scout from 2005-07.  Akana joins Tony Brown, Brian James, Bill Peterson and Jim Todd on the coaching staff of Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak.

“Jarinn brings a great deal of developmental coaching experience to our club,” said Krystkowiak.  “He understands the game and how to get the most out of players.  I am very excited about what he brings to our team.”

While with the Nuggets, Akana also held the positions of Assistant Coach/Player Development (2003-05), Assistant Coach (2002-03) and Player Development/Asia Scout (2001-02).  Prior to his stint with Denver, Akana spent one season (2000-01) with the Dallas Mavericks, serving as the Assistant Director of Player Development.

Akana has five years of collegiate coaching experience, including two seasons serving as an assistant for the University of Hawaii (1995-97) and three seasons at Brigham Young University – Hawaii (1997-00).  He has also done some guest coaching for the Chinese National Team (2000).

“I would like to thank Senator Kohl, Larry Harris and Head Coach Larry Krystkowiak for this great opportunity to join the Milwaukee Bucks organization,” said Akana.  “We have a great staff and a talented group of players with a lot of potential.  I look forward to this upcoming season and contributing all I can to make this team better.”

Akana, a native of Molokai, Hawaii was a three-year letterman at the University of Hawaii from 1991-94.  He helped lead the Rainbow Warriors to a 1994 NCAA Tournament berth.  Akana graduated from Hawaii in 1995 with a degree in communications.

Statement from Pacers forward Shawne Williams

“I am very disappointed that I put myself in this position and I take full responsibility and want to be held accountable for my actions.  I want to apologize to Mel and Herb Simon, the Pacers front office, my teammates, my family, and most importantly, the fans.  I am accepting the three-game suspension and will not appeal.  Again, I want to apologize to my family and the fans and get back to playing basketball and helping the Pacers succeed.”

The Phoenix Suns are still looking to add pieces to the puzzle. The Arizona Republic reports that the Phoenix Suns are “Looking to fill the frontcourt void created when they traded Kurt Thomas and his $8 million contract to Seattle, the Suns held workouts this week with free agents Elton Brown, Vitaly Potapenko and Michael Ruffin.

Phoenix hopes to bring in Brian Skinner next week and has scouted Esteban Batista. Mike Sweetney appears out of the picture.

The Suns have 12 guaranteed contracts but must carry 13 players. Any player they sign will cost double his salary due to the luxury tax.

“That’s our weakness,” Suns coach Mike D’Antoni said of his team’s size. “I don’t think people understand that because we have a weakness there, we’re able to keep our nucleus and perimeters together. Otherwise, you would not have a Raja Bell or you wouldn’t have a Leandro Barbosa. You wouldn’t have a Boris Diaw. Something’s got to give.”
Brown, Ruffin, Skinner and Batista are 6 feet 8 or 6-9, rugged rebounders and decent defenders with limited offensive skills.

Potapenko, 32, is a 6-10 veteran who played three games last season in Sacramento. He blamed his conditioning for his lack of playing time but said he has lost 25 pounds since then to get to 285. He impressed the Suns staff in his first workout Thursday.”

Nellie will be back with the Golden State Warriors for at least one more season. The San Jose Mercury News reports that “Don Nelson said Thursday that he has reached an agreement in principle with the team on a reworked deal that will bring him back for at least one more season.

Nelson, who originally signed a three-year deal in August 2006, relented and accepted the team’s initial offer made several weeks ago. His base salary for each of the remaining two years will jump to $5.1 million from $3.1 million, but the final season is now a team option rather than guaranteed cash.”

Derek Anderson to return to the Bobcats? Well if Bobcats’ coach Sam Vincent has his way, he will surely be back. The Charlotte Observer reports that “Bobcats’ head coach Sam Vincent said he favors re-signing guard Derek Anderson if it makes sense from a salary cap- and roster-management perspective. Anderson could serve as an emergency third point guard. Otherwise, the Bobcats would go to camp counting on two point guards (Raymond Felton and Jeff McInnis), with the option to sign a third point guard out of the developmental league during the season.”

Hornets make Ely’s signing official. The Times Picayune reports that “On Thursday, the Hornets signed veteran forward/center Melvin Ely to a two-year contract to improve their frontcourt, which includes inexperienced second-year players Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons. Financial terms were not released.”

Raptors are working on their player-coach of the past couple of seasons to be back with the team (aka Darrick Martin). The Toronto Star reports that ” Veteran Raptors point guard Darrick Martin, whose negotiations on a new deal with Toronto are progressing smoothly, has been on loan to Euroleague giant CSKA Moscow for about the last three weeks. Martin has lent them his playing expertise and it has allowed him a chance to get in top shape before NBA camp begins later this month.

Martin, a free agent looking at another one-year deal in Toronto, was farmed out to CSKA Moscow because four of its top guards are playing for Russia in the European championship and the team needs to get ready for the domestic season, which begins in October.

Raptors president and GM Bryan Colangelo said the team had no problem with Martin working out with another team and that the Raptors are still seriously interested in having the 6-foot-1 guard back for another season. However, to keep some flexibility on the roster – Toronto already has 14 players with fully guaranteed deals, not including Martin – the Raptors are looking at a new one-year pact that wouldn’t be fully guaranteed”

The NBA Rumors for 9-14-07

ESPN.com reports, “Prosecutors decided not to file marijuana possession charges against Pacers forward Shawne Williams on Thursday following his arrest this week, but the team suspended him for three games for poor judgment.”

After a disappointing season, the Hornets are looking to bounce back. The Times Picayune reports, the New Orleans Hornets signed veteran forward/center Melvin Ely to a two-year contract to improve their frontcourt, which includes inexperienced second-year players Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons. Financial terms were not released.

Brown, a former Utah 2nd round pick, may have to look for a new home. “I don’t think he’s going to be back with us,” said Deron Williams, who played with Brown at Illinois. “I mean, we have three point guards.”He said there’s not much incentive for Brown to sign Utah’s offer. “He doesn’t have nothing guaranteed,” Williams told the Deseret Morning News. “It means they could cut him after two weeks and he gets nothing, and it’s too late to go overseas. That’s just a gamble.”

The AP reports, “Boston Celtics great Bill Russell and former North Carolina coach Dean Smith were among 20 former players, coaches and technicians inducted into FIBA’s Hall of Fame on Wednesday. Russell, winner of 11 NBA championships and an Olympic gold medal, led a list of 12 players from 10 different countries, while Smith headlined the four coaches.”

Back for more? According to the San Jose Mercury News, Don Nelson has agreed to a new multi-year deal with the Warriors. Nelson said he alerted team leaders Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson to his return. The news was celebrated by recently re-signed forward Matt Barnes, who produced career-best numbers under Nelson last season.

Its sad to see such a good guy get hurt. In fact, Oden apologized over 20 times about having his surgery which the Trail Blazers only authorized after having 3 separate opinions from specialists according to team officials who spoke to the Oregonian.

Forget about watching Greg Oden this year,  poor guy can’t stay healthy.  The AP reports, via the Chicago Tribune: “Earlier in the day, the former Indiana high school star and No. 1 pick in the June draft went in for an exploratory procedure on his right knee and ended up having microfracture surgery, which means he will sit out the season.”

The Knicks sexual harrassment case takes a Clintonian turn, as the New York Times reports: “Stephon Marbury, the Knicks’ star guard, testified in federal court yesterday that he had sex with an intern for the team after a group outing to a strip club in 2005. The intern worked for Anucha Browne Sanders, who is suing Isiah Thomas, the team’s coach and president, for sexual harassment. ”

The New York Daily News has another tabloid-esque tibit from the trial as Sanders makes some allegations about the Rangers exec’s: “The fired Knicks honcho claims she told her Madison Square Garden bosses in 2005 that members of the Rangers’ front office were keeping a Kama Sutra wish list they would like to try out on members of the team’s on-ice cheerleading troupe, her lawyer says. ”

 Allan Houston to pull a reverse-Mutombo?  The NY Daily News reports: “Though Houston has received invitations from several teams to attend training camp, he is seriously weighing the Nets’ offer.”

Then again, the NJ Star Ledger has Houston’s agent saying the opposite – “Let’s be realistic,” Bill Strickland said last night. “Given his tenure with the Knicks — and this is me speaking, not Allan — I would think they had a slight advantage over any and every team, given his history with the team.”

Harris is staying put in Dallas, as the AP, via Candian Press Reports: “The Dallas Mavericks and Devin Harris have agreed on a five-year contract extension worth roughly US$42 million, locking up the speedy point guard through the 2012-13 season.”

Forget about seeing Charlie Bell back with the Bucks.  The Racine Journal Times reports “According to Mark Bartelstein, Bell’s agent, Bell has made the decision not to accept the Bucks’ multi-year offer or qualifying offer for one year.”
 

The Arizona Republic reported: “The Suns and Utah Jazz tossed around the idea of a trade sending Shawn Marion to Utah for Andrei Kirilenko last month but did not move past the stage of talks and the discussion of swapping versatile forwards has been tabled for weeks.”

The New York Post reported: “[Allan Houston] The ex-Knick shooting guard, who retired after the 2004-05 season with knee woes, has “an open invitation” to attend the Nets’ training camp, also with a non-guaranteed, make-good situation, sources said.”

The Deseret Morning News reported: “Utah Jazz restricted free agent Dee Brown has spent the past two days working out with several other guards for the Milwaukee Bucks, according to Brown’s personal Web site blog. The Bucks, who are apparently interested in covering themselves in case they were to lose restricted free-agent guard Charlie Bell to an offer bigger than what they’d want to match, on Tuesday afternoon told Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel writer Bob Wolfley that they were working out some players but would not name them.”

The Arizona Republic reported: With free agent P.J. Brown in no hurry to sign, the Suns are looking at other frontcourt options. Today, they will work out NBDL rebounding champion Elton Brown, 6-foot-8 veteran Michael Ruffin, ex-Sun Zarko Cabarkapa and ex-Arizona State star Mario Bennett, 34. Vitaly Potapenko, an 11-year pro who is back in shape, will visit Thursday, and wide body Mike Sweetney, center Brian Skinner and 20-year-old wing Yaroslav Korolev are expected next week. Phoenix scouted Esteban Batista in the FIBA Americas Championship and has not ruled out Pat Burke.”

The Contra Costa Times is reporting: “The Warriors have extended a $3.5 million qualifying offer to Mickael Pietrus. That’s much more than he’ll get from anyone else for next year. So unless the Warriors get a deal they like from Miami or Dallas, or Pietrus is willing to take a mil or two less and sign with another team, he’ll be accepting that qualifying offer and bolstering the Warriors bench.”