OFFICIAL 2010-2011 NBA PLAYOFFS THREAD : VOL. MOST. ANTICIPATED. PLAYOFFS. EVER?
- Thread in 'Sports & Training' Thread starter Started by bigmike23,
- Start date
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As someone said earlier in here:
Believe me, WE KNOW.
Believe me, WE KNOW.
- 13,094
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As someone said earlier in here:
Believe me, WE KNOW.
Believe me, WE KNOW.
do be doo
Banned
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Me too CP. Me too.
do be doo
Banned
- 6,589
- 547
Me too CP. Me too.
mr marcus
Banned
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mr marcus
Banned
- 26,572
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dontsteponmyshoes
Supporter
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Thats why i mess with Yao. I remember one time way back in the day I watched a documentary on him. I dont remember what it was called or him with his interpreter, this lil white dude. Watchin it made me realize Yao was cool as hell. He was funny and @#+! and that dude worked so hard on his English it was crazy. I never watched Yao expecting him to just dominate the league, but he was nice. He was just never built to play at that high of a level especially for a long time. China put crazy pressure on this dude they wanted all that money. Anyways Im high so im ramblin but Yao is that dude.Originally Posted by SHUGES
CP went WAAAAAAY off on a tangent over a simple statement.
Oh, and someone let me know when the PS3 finally has full BC again.
P.S.
Glad to see Yao has his sense of humor intact.
T0INE
formerly toine2983
- 67,151
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Originally Posted by Proshares
Ahhhh, Resident Evil <3 those games were/are amazing. In RE3 when Nemesis jumps through the window in the police station I yelled, threw my controller and shut off the PS1
It's not that bad Kev, once you get used to it and have a party to run with it's fun as hell.
Man, RE2 is still the scariest game I've ever played, that game gave me nightmares.
From the zombies breaking through windows trying to grab you, the suprise attacks from lickers, and the fights with the Tyrant I was in a constant state of terror playing that game.
Great game though.
Getting back on topic;
While not surprising, the injury news about Yao is depressing.
Manu a HoFer? I never really thought of that. Hmm...
I can see it. You gotta remember it's the Pro Basketball HoF, not just the NBA. His NBA success coupled with his success with the Argentina National team could get him in.
Really looking forward to the Heat/Knicks game tonight, I wanna see how the Knicks respond to that tough loss against the Celtics.
I hope none of you Knicks' fans *cough* DubA *cough* get yourselves arrested trying to "come at" Lebron during the game.
T0INE
formerly toine2983
- 67,151
- 73,545
Originally Posted by Proshares
Ahhhh, Resident Evil <3 those games were/are amazing. In RE3 when Nemesis jumps through the window in the police station I yelled, threw my controller and shut off the PS1
It's not that bad Kev, once you get used to it and have a party to run with it's fun as hell.
Man, RE2 is still the scariest game I've ever played, that game gave me nightmares.
From the zombies breaking through windows trying to grab you, the suprise attacks from lickers, and the fights with the Tyrant I was in a constant state of terror playing that game.
Great game though.
Getting back on topic;
While not surprising, the injury news about Yao is depressing.
Manu a HoFer? I never really thought of that. Hmm...
I can see it. You gotta remember it's the Pro Basketball HoF, not just the NBA. His NBA success coupled with his success with the Argentina National team could get him in.
Really looking forward to the Heat/Knicks game tonight, I wanna see how the Knicks respond to that tough loss against the Celtics.
I hope none of you Knicks' fans *cough* DubA *cough* get yourselves arrested trying to "come at" Lebron during the game.
dontsteponmyshoes
Supporter
- 13,220
- 16,320
Thats why i mess with Yao. I remember one time way back in the day I watched a documentary on him. I dont remember what it was called or him with his interpreter, this lil white dude. Watchin it made me realize Yao was cool as hell. He was funny and @#+! and that dude worked so hard on his English it was crazy. I never watched Yao expecting him to just dominate the league, but he was nice. He was just never built to play at that high of a level especially for a long time. China put crazy pressure on this dude they wanted all that money. Anyways Im high so im ramblin but Yao is that dude.Originally Posted by SHUGES
CP went WAAAAAAY off on a tangent over a simple statement.
Oh, and someone let me know when the PS3 finally has full BC again.
P.S.
Glad to see Yao has his sense of humor intact.
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Yao need to wear Nike because Reebok is killing his knee and feet
- 5,270
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Yao need to wear Nike because Reebok is killing his knee and feet
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[h1][/h1]
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[h1][/h1]
[h3]Howard waiting on doctor's clearance[/h3]
2:54PM ET
[h5]Josh Howard | Wizards[/h5]
For the last week or so, there's been indication that Josh Howard is about ready to return to action after knee surgery in March has kept him out all season for the Wizards so far.
And as Michael Lee of the Washington Post tweeted, Howard is visiting with a doctor Friday afternoon.
If he's cleared, it's expected he'll make his season debut Saturday against the Heat.
It's likely Howard will ease back into the rotation in a reserve role behind Al Thornton on the wing to begin, but don't rule out him eventually snagging a starting role if he performs well.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's John Hollinger[/h5]
Howard should play to defense and energy once he returns from injury
http://[h3]Roy out next three games[/h3]
2:14PM ET
[h5]Brandon Roy | Trail Blazers[/h5]
According to the Trail Blazers' official Twitter account, Brandon Roy will miss the team's next thee games due to a sore left knee.
He's set to be re-evaluated later next week.
The news doesn't necessarily come as a surprise, as Roy's tender knees have been an ongoing issue for him this season.
Nicolas Batum may re-assume the starting small forward role with Wesley Matthews moving to shooting guard while Roy rests the injury.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's Chris Broussard[/h5]
Due to knees, Roy may never return to All-Star form
http://[h3]Miller's return in sight[/h3]
1:54PM ET
[h5]Mike Miller | Heat[/h5]
When Mike Miller injured his thumb in October, it was reported he wouldn't return until January.
But it's looking like his return is imminent.
"Miller declared himself fit for a return after snapping off a series of 3-pointers [Friday at Madison Square Garden], but coach Erik Spoelstra said he would like to get a few more practice sessions for the offseason free-agent acquisition," wrote Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
As such, it appears possible Miller could be ready for Miami's Christmas Day bout with the Lakers next week, something ESPN's Brian Windhorst notes in his report on Miller.
Miller's presence in the lineup will give the Heat a more-than-capable shooter to flank on the perimter opposite LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
But James Jones has performed well in that role so far this season -- he's hitting an impressive 46 percent of his 3-pointers this season -- so Miller may not be guaranteed solid rotation minutes to start.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Thomas likely safe[/h3]
1:31PM ET
[h5]Tyrus Thomas | Bobcats[/h5]
Earlier Friday, we highlighted a report from Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer that said the Bobcats are gauging trade value of several players, including Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace.
But one Bobcat that's likely to stay put is Tyrus Thomas.
"Thomas is least likely to be dealt [of Bobcats who signed over the summer]; the Bobcats are high on his prospects and his new contract makes him a base-year compensation player, an impediment to most trades," wrote Bonnell.
Thomas is also sporting a career-high PER (23.20) in a reserve role this season, ranking him sixth among all power forwards.
If the team ends up trading Boris Diaw -- remember: he was set to head to Utah as part of the four-team Carmelo Anthony deal that fell through --Thomas would likely step in and start at power forward for the remainder of the season.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Okur to debut Friday[/h3]
12:57PM ET
[h5]Mehmet Okur | Jazz[/h5]
UPDATE: Looks like not only will Okur play during the trip, he'll debut in the first game against the Hornets on Friday night, according to Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune.
"Okur will come off bench; minutes will be limited," he tweeted.
---
For the last few weeks, there have been signs Mehmet Okur was rounding back into form as he rehabs from the Achilles injury he suffered back in April.
Yet, the Jazz have publicly remained cautious and despite some in the organization proclaiming Okur could be back quite shortly, the team has not released a timetable for his return.
But as Jody Genessy of the Deseret News tweeted Thursday afternoon, Okur is now indicating he's at 80 percent and is "hopeful" he'll play during the team's pre-Christmas road trip.
If Okur is able to play in the next week or so, it's probably a bit much to expect him to reassume the starting center role for Utah.
Al Jefferson will likely keep that gig upon Okur's return -- and may even keep it for the rest of the season even when Okur gets back to 100 percent.
As such, Okur could provide some quality depth at center for the Jazz, which should be especially helpful for them once the playoffs roll around.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Randolph could be dealt for pick[/h3]
12:24PM ET
[h5]Anthony Randolph | Knicks[/h5]
UPDATE: While not specifically talking about a potential Anthony deal, Knicks president Donnie Walsh told the New York Post a first-round pick can indeed be had.
"I'm feeling very confident we can be in position to get a first-round pick if we want it," Walsh told the paper.
As such, it seems likely that if the Knicks need a first-round pick to better position themselves for Anthony, they shouldn't have much problem snagging one -- with Randolph a solid chip with which to acquire it.
---
Now that the Nets have stockpiled some picks in an apparent effort to strengthen their offer to the Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony, it's looking like the Knicks might be able to pull a similar move if necessary.
"Here's reception I'm getting around NBA: If Nets can get a (first-round draft pick) for (Terrence Williams), the Knicks can definitely get one for Anthony Randolph if need be," tweeted Alan Hahn of Newsday.
As ESPN's Chris Sheridan reported earlier this week, the Knicks are looking to acquire a No. 1 pick via trade to bolster their offer as well.
And with Randolph pretty much out of the rotation for New York, he would be a logical piece to flip for one.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]Chris Sheridan[/h5]
What a Nuggets-Knicks deal might look like
http://[h3]Portland's play with Miller, Roy[/h3]
12:17PM ET
[h5]Andre Miller | Trail Blazers[/h5]
As we noted earlier this week, Brandon Roy voiced some displeasure about having to play alongside Andre Miller -- essentially saying they aren't a good fit.
And while Roy later apologized for the comments, ESPN's Chris Broussard is citing a source saying Roy went to Portland management less than two weeks ago, and said something like this: "This is not going to work, so you should trade one of us. Whether it's him or whether it's me, somebody needs to be traded because this is not going to work."
Broussard reports that both Roy's agent, Bob Myers, and Blazers GM Rich Cho deny such a conversation took place.
Whether or not the conversation took place, it's been reported the Blazers could be active at the trade deadline -- meaning Miller, who would likely be easier to move than Roy, could be in play in trade discussions.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's Chris Broussard[/h5]
Why Miller has more trade value than Roy
http://[h3]Daniels' NBA prospects[/h3]
11:48AM ET
[h5]Antonio Daniels[/h5]
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Antonio Daniels, who's playing for the D-League's Texas Legends, will miss 4-6 weeks due to a hand injury -- one that will probably require surgery.
Stein also noted that the Trail Blazers were giving "strong consideration" to signing the 35-year-old point guard due to "their own backcourt crisis with star guard Brandon Roy clearly playing hurt."
Considering Roy's knee troubles are reportedly ongoing, it's possible Portland could still look to add Daniels when he becomes healthy again -- though they may look elsewhere now.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Martin nearing a return[/h3]
11:28AM ET
[h5]Kenyon Martin | Nuggets[/h5]
Due to offseason knee surgery, Kenyon Martin has yet to play for the Nuggets this season.
But according to Chris Tommason of FanHouse, coach George Karl has indicated Martin will return to practice next week, and there's a chance he may play next week as well.
While it may not happen in Martin's season debut, expect Shelden Williams -- who's started all 25 Nuggets games so far this season -- to eventually slide back into a reserve role with Martin assuming the starting power forward role.
Despite being a tad undersized, Martin is a talented defender at the 4, so he should help bolster the team's interior defense.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's John Hollinger[/h5]
Martin improved rebounding last season
http://[h3]West targeting a mid-January return[/h3]
11:16AM ET
[h5]Delonte West | Celtics[/h5]
UPDATE: West is still singing the early return song.
"I might be back a lot sooner than people think," he told CSNNE.com following the Celtics-Hawks game on Thursday night. "I'm pushing for mid-January."
While west is hoping for a mid-January return, it's looking like there will be a better indication of his progress in two weeks when his cast gets taken off, according to the website.
How he feels and progresses from there could ultimately decided whether he can indeed hit his mid-January goal.
---
When Delonte West went down with a broken right wrist on Nov. 24 and underwent surgery on it shortly after on Nov. 30, not much was known about his return.
The team released no official timetable. There was worry he could be out the rest of the regular season, though teammate Shaquille O'Neal speculated a return after the All-Star break was in play.
But West told A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast SportsNet New England on Dec. 6 that he may be beating both these projections.
West said the wrist is healing up well enough that it won't need a hard cast.
"Even though we're (six) days out of surgery, I'm going to be back a lot quicker than we thought," West told CSNNE.com. " ... Just stimulate it with treatments, and I'll be back to working out within the next two weeks."
We'll caution that athletes are often more optimistic about their return from injury than they should be, but from the sound of things, it seems highly unlikely that West will miss the rest of the regular season or even be out until the All-Star break.
If West is able to return at some point in January, look for rookie Avery Bradley and Von Wafer to see their backcourt roles decrease upon his inclusion back into the lineup.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]N.O. businesses buying tickets[/h3]
11:09AM ET
[h5]New Orleans Hornets[/h5]
As has been noted here before, if the Hornets fail to average 14,735 fans by Jan. 31 at the New Orleans Arena, they can opt out of their lease.
And with some struggling attendance, it's possible they won't meet the benchmark.
Yet, as John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Friday, local businesses are trying to make sure this doesn't happen.
"After the Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region pledged to buy $50,000 worth of Hornets tickets for games through January, a group of New Orleans-area business leaders announced Thursday the formation of the Hornets Business Council," he wrote. "The group plans to raise money to buy tickets, and in the first 24 hours since its formation, Hornets Business Council member Greg Rusovich said they had received $200,000 in pledges from area businesses to buy tickets."
Essentially, it's a play to keep the team in New Orleans. As Reid notes, should the team not meet the benchmark, the franchise and the NBA would have leverage in which to move the team to another city.
But if the attendance mark is met or surpassed, the idea is that New Orleans will have a better chance of keeping the team.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher[/h5]
Hornets seem likely to leave New Orleans
http://[h3]Louisville's NBA pursuit[/h3]
10:50AM ET
[h5]Louisville[/h5]
On Thursday, Sheldon S. Shafer of the Louisville Courier-Journal reported that the Louisville Metro Council voted to pay attorney J. Bruce Miller an additional $29,000 in an effort to continue to fund his quest to bring an NBA team to town.
"Miller, who has discussed Louisville's NBA efforts with NBA Commissioner David Stern, said NBA officials have not said they are 'uninterested' in the Louisville market," he wrote. " ... He concluded the memo by saying he believes there is a 'genuine possibility' he can swing the NBA deal."
With word it's possible the Hornets could be on the move from New Orleans, Louisville has been named as a possible market the team could move to -- so such a decision by the council would seem to speak to this speculation.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Bobcats shopping Wallace, Jackson?[/h3]
10:33AM ET
[h5]Stephen Jackson | Bobcats[/h5]
According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, the Bobcats have been "gauging the trade value of various players, including co-captains Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace, two NBA sources confirmed Thursday."
The Bobcats, a playoff team last season, have struggled in 2010-11, and Bonnell wrote that "one source said it's his impression the Bobcats are canvassing much of the league, to judge what they could do to salvage this season."
There was a report that Michael Jordan is trying to get into the mix for Carmelo Anthony, but that's not a likely prospect at this time.
ESPN's Chad Ford also wrote in his chat earlier this week that the Bobcats may have interest in Richard Hamilton, so if they end up dealing Jackson, Wallace or anyone else, it's possible they could receive Hamilton in return.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Bobcats may have interest in Hamilton
[h5]ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher[/h5]
Bulls in mix for Jackson?
[h3]Howard waiting on doctor's clearance[/h3]
2:54PM ET
[h5]Josh Howard | Wizards[/h5]
For the last week or so, there's been indication that Josh Howard is about ready to return to action after knee surgery in March has kept him out all season for the Wizards so far.
And as Michael Lee of the Washington Post tweeted, Howard is visiting with a doctor Friday afternoon.
If he's cleared, it's expected he'll make his season debut Saturday against the Heat.
It's likely Howard will ease back into the rotation in a reserve role behind Al Thornton on the wing to begin, but don't rule out him eventually snagging a starting role if he performs well.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's John Hollinger[/h5]
Howard should play to defense and energy once he returns from injury
http://[h3]Roy out next three games[/h3]
2:14PM ET
[h5]Brandon Roy | Trail Blazers[/h5]
According to the Trail Blazers' official Twitter account, Brandon Roy will miss the team's next thee games due to a sore left knee.
He's set to be re-evaluated later next week.
The news doesn't necessarily come as a surprise, as Roy's tender knees have been an ongoing issue for him this season.
Nicolas Batum may re-assume the starting small forward role with Wesley Matthews moving to shooting guard while Roy rests the injury.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's Chris Broussard[/h5]
Due to knees, Roy may never return to All-Star form
http://[h3]Miller's return in sight[/h3]
1:54PM ET
[h5]Mike Miller | Heat[/h5]
When Mike Miller injured his thumb in October, it was reported he wouldn't return until January.
But it's looking like his return is imminent.
"Miller declared himself fit for a return after snapping off a series of 3-pointers [Friday at Madison Square Garden], but coach Erik Spoelstra said he would like to get a few more practice sessions for the offseason free-agent acquisition," wrote Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
As such, it appears possible Miller could be ready for Miami's Christmas Day bout with the Lakers next week, something ESPN's Brian Windhorst notes in his report on Miller.
Miller's presence in the lineup will give the Heat a more-than-capable shooter to flank on the perimter opposite LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
But James Jones has performed well in that role so far this season -- he's hitting an impressive 46 percent of his 3-pointers this season -- so Miller may not be guaranteed solid rotation minutes to start.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Thomas likely safe[/h3]
1:31PM ET
[h5]Tyrus Thomas | Bobcats[/h5]
Earlier Friday, we highlighted a report from Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer that said the Bobcats are gauging trade value of several players, including Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace.
But one Bobcat that's likely to stay put is Tyrus Thomas.
"Thomas is least likely to be dealt [of Bobcats who signed over the summer]; the Bobcats are high on his prospects and his new contract makes him a base-year compensation player, an impediment to most trades," wrote Bonnell.
Thomas is also sporting a career-high PER (23.20) in a reserve role this season, ranking him sixth among all power forwards.
If the team ends up trading Boris Diaw -- remember: he was set to head to Utah as part of the four-team Carmelo Anthony deal that fell through --Thomas would likely step in and start at power forward for the remainder of the season.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Okur to debut Friday[/h3]
12:57PM ET
[h5]Mehmet Okur | Jazz[/h5]
UPDATE: Looks like not only will Okur play during the trip, he'll debut in the first game against the Hornets on Friday night, according to Brian T. Smith of the Salt Lake Tribune.
"Okur will come off bench; minutes will be limited," he tweeted.
---
For the last few weeks, there have been signs Mehmet Okur was rounding back into form as he rehabs from the Achilles injury he suffered back in April.
Yet, the Jazz have publicly remained cautious and despite some in the organization proclaiming Okur could be back quite shortly, the team has not released a timetable for his return.
But as Jody Genessy of the Deseret News tweeted Thursday afternoon, Okur is now indicating he's at 80 percent and is "hopeful" he'll play during the team's pre-Christmas road trip.
If Okur is able to play in the next week or so, it's probably a bit much to expect him to reassume the starting center role for Utah.
Al Jefferson will likely keep that gig upon Okur's return -- and may even keep it for the rest of the season even when Okur gets back to 100 percent.
As such, Okur could provide some quality depth at center for the Jazz, which should be especially helpful for them once the playoffs roll around.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Randolph could be dealt for pick[/h3]
12:24PM ET
[h5]Anthony Randolph | Knicks[/h5]
UPDATE: While not specifically talking about a potential Anthony deal, Knicks president Donnie Walsh told the New York Post a first-round pick can indeed be had.
"I'm feeling very confident we can be in position to get a first-round pick if we want it," Walsh told the paper.
As such, it seems likely that if the Knicks need a first-round pick to better position themselves for Anthony, they shouldn't have much problem snagging one -- with Randolph a solid chip with which to acquire it.
---
Now that the Nets have stockpiled some picks in an apparent effort to strengthen their offer to the Nuggets for Carmelo Anthony, it's looking like the Knicks might be able to pull a similar move if necessary.
"Here's reception I'm getting around NBA: If Nets can get a (first-round draft pick) for (Terrence Williams), the Knicks can definitely get one for Anthony Randolph if need be," tweeted Alan Hahn of Newsday.
As ESPN's Chris Sheridan reported earlier this week, the Knicks are looking to acquire a No. 1 pick via trade to bolster their offer as well.
And with Randolph pretty much out of the rotation for New York, he would be a logical piece to flip for one.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]Chris Sheridan[/h5]
What a Nuggets-Knicks deal might look like
http://[h3]Portland's play with Miller, Roy[/h3]
12:17PM ET
[h5]Andre Miller | Trail Blazers[/h5]
As we noted earlier this week, Brandon Roy voiced some displeasure about having to play alongside Andre Miller -- essentially saying they aren't a good fit.
And while Roy later apologized for the comments, ESPN's Chris Broussard is citing a source saying Roy went to Portland management less than two weeks ago, and said something like this: "This is not going to work, so you should trade one of us. Whether it's him or whether it's me, somebody needs to be traded because this is not going to work."
Broussard reports that both Roy's agent, Bob Myers, and Blazers GM Rich Cho deny such a conversation took place.
Whether or not the conversation took place, it's been reported the Blazers could be active at the trade deadline -- meaning Miller, who would likely be easier to move than Roy, could be in play in trade discussions.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's Chris Broussard[/h5]
Why Miller has more trade value than Roy
http://[h3]Daniels' NBA prospects[/h3]
11:48AM ET
[h5]Antonio Daniels[/h5]
According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Antonio Daniels, who's playing for the D-League's Texas Legends, will miss 4-6 weeks due to a hand injury -- one that will probably require surgery.
Stein also noted that the Trail Blazers were giving "strong consideration" to signing the 35-year-old point guard due to "their own backcourt crisis with star guard Brandon Roy clearly playing hurt."
Considering Roy's knee troubles are reportedly ongoing, it's possible Portland could still look to add Daniels when he becomes healthy again -- though they may look elsewhere now.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Martin nearing a return[/h3]
11:28AM ET
[h5]Kenyon Martin | Nuggets[/h5]
Due to offseason knee surgery, Kenyon Martin has yet to play for the Nuggets this season.
But according to Chris Tommason of FanHouse, coach George Karl has indicated Martin will return to practice next week, and there's a chance he may play next week as well.
While it may not happen in Martin's season debut, expect Shelden Williams -- who's started all 25 Nuggets games so far this season -- to eventually slide back into a reserve role with Martin assuming the starting power forward role.
Despite being a tad undersized, Martin is a talented defender at the 4, so he should help bolster the team's interior defense.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's John Hollinger[/h5]
Martin improved rebounding last season
http://[h3]West targeting a mid-January return[/h3]
11:16AM ET
[h5]Delonte West | Celtics[/h5]
"I might be back a lot sooner than people think," he told CSNNE.com following the Celtics-Hawks game on Thursday night. "I'm pushing for mid-January."
While west is hoping for a mid-January return, it's looking like there will be a better indication of his progress in two weeks when his cast gets taken off, according to the website.
How he feels and progresses from there could ultimately decided whether he can indeed hit his mid-January goal.
---
When Delonte West went down with a broken right wrist on Nov. 24 and underwent surgery on it shortly after on Nov. 30, not much was known about his return.
The team released no official timetable. There was worry he could be out the rest of the regular season, though teammate Shaquille O'Neal speculated a return after the All-Star break was in play.
But West told A. Sherrod Blakely of Comcast SportsNet New England on Dec. 6 that he may be beating both these projections.
West said the wrist is healing up well enough that it won't need a hard cast.
"Even though we're (six) days out of surgery, I'm going to be back a lot quicker than we thought," West told CSNNE.com. " ... Just stimulate it with treatments, and I'll be back to working out within the next two weeks."
We'll caution that athletes are often more optimistic about their return from injury than they should be, but from the sound of things, it seems highly unlikely that West will miss the rest of the regular season or even be out until the All-Star break.
If West is able to return at some point in January, look for rookie Avery Bradley and Von Wafer to see their backcourt roles decrease upon his inclusion back into the lineup.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]N.O. businesses buying tickets[/h3]
11:09AM ET
[h5]New Orleans Hornets[/h5]
As has been noted here before, if the Hornets fail to average 14,735 fans by Jan. 31 at the New Orleans Arena, they can opt out of their lease.
And with some struggling attendance, it's possible they won't meet the benchmark.
Yet, as John Reid of the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Friday, local businesses are trying to make sure this doesn't happen.
"After the Business Council of New Orleans and the River Region pledged to buy $50,000 worth of Hornets tickets for games through January, a group of New Orleans-area business leaders announced Thursday the formation of the Hornets Business Council," he wrote. "The group plans to raise money to buy tickets, and in the first 24 hours since its formation, Hornets Business Council member Greg Rusovich said they had received $200,000 in pledges from area businesses to buy tickets."
Essentially, it's a play to keep the team in New Orleans. As Reid notes, should the team not meet the benchmark, the franchise and the NBA would have leverage in which to move the team to another city.
But if the attendance mark is met or surpassed, the idea is that New Orleans will have a better chance of keeping the team.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher[/h5]
Hornets seem likely to leave New Orleans
http://[h3]Louisville's NBA pursuit[/h3]
10:50AM ET
[h5]Louisville[/h5]
On Thursday, Sheldon S. Shafer of the Louisville Courier-Journal reported that the Louisville Metro Council voted to pay attorney J. Bruce Miller an additional $29,000 in an effort to continue to fund his quest to bring an NBA team to town.
"Miller, who has discussed Louisville's NBA efforts with NBA Commissioner David Stern, said NBA officials have not said they are 'uninterested' in the Louisville market," he wrote. " ... He concluded the memo by saying he believes there is a 'genuine possibility' he can swing the NBA deal."
With word it's possible the Hornets could be on the move from New Orleans, Louisville has been named as a possible market the team could move to -- so such a decision by the council would seem to speak to this speculation.
-- Ryan Corazza
http://[h3]Bobcats shopping Wallace, Jackson?[/h3]
10:33AM ET
[h5]Stephen Jackson | Bobcats[/h5]
According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, the Bobcats have been "gauging the trade value of various players, including co-captains Stephen Jackson and Gerald Wallace, two NBA sources confirmed Thursday."
The Bobcats, a playoff team last season, have struggled in 2010-11, and Bonnell wrote that "one source said it's his impression the Bobcats are canvassing much of the league, to judge what they could do to salvage this season."
There was a report that Michael Jordan is trying to get into the mix for Carmelo Anthony, but that's not a likely prospect at this time.
ESPN's Chad Ford also wrote in his chat earlier this week that the Bobcats may have interest in Richard Hamilton, so if they end up dealing Jackson, Wallace or anyone else, it's possible they could receive Hamilton in return.
-- Ryan Corazza
[h5]ESPN's Chad Ford[/h5]
Bobcats may have interest in Hamilton
[h5]ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher[/h5]
Bulls in mix for Jackson?
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Originally Posted by henz0
@ Teague.. Why isnt he getting more minutes over bibby ??
i was at that game, he came to play. that crossover and baseline dunk was
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Originally Posted by henz0
@ Teague.. Why isnt he getting more minutes over bibby ??
i was at that game, he came to play. that crossover and baseline dunk was
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