KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City is reporting the team's name will be the Oklahoma City Thunder. That's the nickname that won The Oklahoman's contest, which was determined by internet fan balloting. The ABC affiliate cited a source close to the ownership group that Thunder will be the nickname for the NBA franchise that moved to Oklahoma City from Seattle earlier this month. The Oklahoman conducted a 64-team NCAA Tournament-like bracket contest. Thunder defeated Outlaws in the finals. Oklahoman
NBA officials said earlier this week said they expect something to be announced next month but added the entire process - a nickname, logos and uniforms - could stretch into September. Oklahoma City owner Clay Bennett has said privately he prefers a nickname that ends with the letter "s" instead of a singular name nickname, but Bennett added that he and his partners would consider several options. Oklahoman
Sources say all 30 teams were notified this week by league memorandum that the drug which earned Portland Trail Blazers castoff Darius Miles a 10-game suspension to start next season -- if Miles can find a job -- is the appetite suppressant Phentermine. A weight-loss drug, basically. ESPN.com
Josh Smith and Mike Woodson are fine, one confidante insists. Smith's frustration with the Hawks is the slow-moving state of negotiations, with Smith apparently still waiting for a serious contract proposal nearly three weeks into free agency. ESPN.com
NBA execs are far more concerned about the rising strength of the euro vis-a-vis the declining fortunes of the American dollar. ESPN.com
Sources say Carlos Delfino (in Russia) will be earning nearly 3 million euros annually -- tax free, of course -- with his new club. One expert on the matter says that equates to an NBA salary of more than $9 million when you factor in the exchange rate and the tax money Delfino won't have to give back. ESPN.com
Yet we have found at least one prominent target for the big foreign clubs who is determined to stay stateside. New Jersey Nets restricted free agent Nenad Krstic has been repeatedly linked to my favorite club abroad -- Israel's Maccabi Tel-Aviv --
but Krstic is determined to play out his comeback from a knee injury in the best league in the world, with the Nets quietly willing to move Krstic in a sign-and-trade if they can't work out a short-term deal to keep him. ESPN.com
One Eastern Conference executive is convinced that Anthony Tolliver will make San Antonio's roster as a "shooting 4-man." Some recent second-round picks have been eye-catching as well: P.J. Tucker as an undersized (but rugged) power forward on the Grizzlies' squad and Nathan Jawai, Toronto's so-called Australian Shaq, just to name two. ESPN.com
Look for James Posey to be formally introduced as a member of the New Orleans Hornets by the middle of next week. ESPN.com
Luke Jackson had an impressive recent tryout for the Mavs (who haven't abandoned the idea of trying to make roster room for him) and is said to be looking sharp and sturdy. He's likewise getting interest from Memphis and Atlanta as a member of the Hawks' summer team at the Rocky Mountain Revue in Utah. ESPN.com
The probability of swingman Devean George returning to the Mavericks next season appears to be decreasing every day.(YES!!!) George, a free agent, has at least a half dozen other teams interested in signing him. The Mavericks, however, only have two open roster spots left with little money to work with after signing center DeSagana Diop. The Mavericks have the option of re-signing George for more than a minimum contract, however, because he was on their roster last season for about $2.3 million, but Mavs president Donnie Nelson isn't optimistic that they will get a deal done. Dallas Morning News
The Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and New Orleans Hornets have expressed interest in George(WHY?!?!). And the NBA champion Boston Celtics could be next in line after they lost 6-8 forward James Posey in free agency. Posey recently signed a four-year, $25 million contract with the Hornets. Posey also happens to have the same agent - Mark Bartelstein - as George. Dallas Morning News
The Warriors, wanting to spare Monta Ellis from inheriting all of Baron Davis' minutes at point guard, are seriously considering signing Philadelphia guard Louis Williams to an offer sheet, ESPN is reporting. It's not yet clear whether Golden State would have enough leftover salary-cap space to extend an offer to Williams sufficiently prohibitive for the 76ers to match. The Warriors are expected to re-sign restricted free agents Ellis and center Andris Biedrins. San Francisco Chronicle
The Warriors' acquisition of restricted free-agent forward Ronny Turiaf has been finalized, vice president Chris Mullin said. The Los Angeles Lakers declined their right, under terms of the collective bargaining agreement, to match the Warriors' four-year, $17 million offer for Turiaf by the end of the day Friday. San Francisco Chronicle
Ronny Turiaf, the 6-foot-10, 250-pound big man, is officially a Warrior. The Los Angeles Lakers declined to match the four-year, $17 million offer sheet he signed with Golden State last week, letting their seven-day window expire. So Turiaf is bringing his caffeinated act to the electric atmosphere of Oracle Arena. After star point guard Baron Davis surprisingly opted out, after getting their big-money offers rejected by Brand and Gilbert Arenas, the Warriors' dramatic and hectic offseason is expected to calm down now that Turiaf is a Warrior. So, with the major moves in the rearview mirror - provided the Warriors don't pull off a blockbuster trade between now and November - it's time to look at the big picture. Contra Costa Times
"My game is going to be the same," said Turiaf, Gonzaga's fourth all-time leading scorer. "I'm still working on my conditioning. That's a point of emphasis for me. What I bring to the table is a guy who plays for his teammates. A guy who blocks shots, rebounds, scores in the post - if asked to do so - and knocks down jump shots - if I'm asked to do that." Contra Costa Times
Between Turiaf and swingman Corey Maggette, whom the Warriors signed away from the Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State has spent about $13 million on next season. The Warriors now have more than $4 million left before reaching the salary cap, which they could use to address their point guard need. Starting the offseason under the cap means they aren't allowed any exceptions. They can only re-sign their own free agents once the cap space is gone. Contra Costa Times
The Knicks forward David Lee was at the game, representing the Garden family. He joked about the rumors of his being traded imminently, but said he would probably start the season with the Knicks.
Lee said he met with the new coach, Mike D'Antoni, at the Las Vegas summer league. "He said that anything can still happen, but if it was up to him, he'd like me on the team," Lee said. NY Times
More than a few general managers and scouts approached me today and spoke glowingly of Jason Thompson. One Eastern Conference GM, whose office is located within the same area code as Thompson's alma mater, described the 6-foot-11 rookie as "smooth, efficient, and knows how to play." He further insisted that most of his peers projected that Thompson would be taken between 12-18. Sacramento Bee
Kevin Love's relentless summer-league play has impressed more than the scouts sitting courtside: USA Basketball on Saturday selected him as one of two final players picked for a young select team that will practice and scrimmage against the U.S. Olympic team in Las Vegas this coming week. Love and Robin Lopez join O.J. Mayo, Derrick Rose, Rodney Stuckey, LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Luther Head, Al Horford, Andre Iguodala and Kevin Martin on a 12-man team that begins four days of training against the Olympians on Monday. Oklahoma City's P.J. Carlesimo will coach that team. Minneapolis Star Tribune
The Wolves continue to negotiate with restricted free-agent forward Ryan Gomes and unrestricted free-agent point guard Sebastian Telfair. The team also is pursuing trade talks for a point guard, a position at which only Randy Foye is under contract. "We want to get them back," McHale said. "I told Craig I'm happy to have him back here, not only as a player but as a person. I feel the same way about Bassy and Ryan. They're just a joy to have around. You never know until you re-sign them. We're having meaningful conversations with both of them. We'll try to get something done, but it's a process." Minneapolis Star Tribune
Then, the question is how did the Cavaliers convince Daniel ''Boobie'' Gibson to sign a five-year, $21 million deal last Wednesday? There was never any question whether Gibson would return to the Cavs. His agent, Lewis Tucker, was unable to find any teams willing to sign Gibson to an offer sheet. Other teams figured the Cavs would just match the offer. Morning Journal
The Cavs' next order of business is to attempt to sign point guard Delonte West, another restricted free agent. West's agent, Noah Croom, wisely waited to see what kind of contract Gibson received. Now, he'll likely ask for more money than Gibson got because West is the Cavs' starting point guard. Morning Journal
Besides trying to reduce their luxury-tax hit, the Nuggets wanted to free up some money to re-sign guard J.R. Smith. He wants more than the mid-level. Morning Journal
Timberwolves forward Ryan Gomes' name has been linked to the Cavs. He would be a nice player to bring off the bench. He's an above average mid-range shooter. A source said he might want at least a two-year deal of the full mid-level. Morning Journal
Keyon Dooling: The Nets and Magic have worked out the trade that still needs league approval. The Magic get a $3.3 million trade exception that the Nets picked up in the Jason Kidd deal plus cash. Dooling, including three draft picks certain to make the roster, represents the eighth new player imported since draft day. He will bring defense, versatility and experience to an overall very young team. "It's exciting," coach Lawrence Frank said, regarding the personnel turnover. "With so much new, you've got everyone starting from square one." NY Post
Marcus Camby: The Hartford native recently learned about a "real-life family issue" back home that has caused great stress. And after playing the past six seasons in a city he had grown to love, he was surprisingly dealt. "With everything I've been dealing with off the court, this is the lowest point of my life," said Camby. The 2006-07 NBA Defensive Player of the Year has led the league in blocked shots each of the last three seasons and departs as the No. 2 shot-blocker in Nuggets history. "I was there for the lows and the highs," said Camby, who averaged a career-high 13.1 rebounds to go with 9.1 points and 3.6 blocks last season. "I thought the fans appreciated what I did." Boston Globe
"I'm the only one they traded, so they are putting the onus and the blame on me," Camby said. "I was supposedly the one with all the injuries. But I held the fort down. I played hurt, played in games I shouldn't have played in. But I held my own and this is how I'm repaid?" Boston Globe
Camby was also disappointed to get no indication of a potential trade when he worked out with the Nuggets' summer league team in Las Vegas a week ago. New Jersey also had interest in Camby and could have brought him close to home. "Nobody said a word," said the 34-year-old Camby. "They could have saved me a trip to Vegas. That was one of the things that really irked me. No one said anything about the [family] situation I was going through, either." Boston Globe
An NBA source has said that James Posey will get starter's minutes with the Hornets next season after playing 24.6 minutes per game off the bench with the Celtics in 2007-08. But will Posey, who accepted a four-year, $25 million offer from New Orleans last week, get those minutes as a true starter? He will not start over sharp-shooting small forward Peja Stojakovic, but could compete with Morris Peterson for the starting shooting guard position. Peterson averaged a career-low 8 points per game last season. Boston Globe
Posey is gone to New Orleans, P.J. Brown is expected to retire, and Pollard isn't likely to return, but an NBA source said the Celtics are still strongly interested in signing two of their free agents, guards Eddie House and Tony Allen. The source, however, said House and Allen are receiving interest from other teams, and are seeking three-year deals. Boston Globe
[h2]
Report: OKC FranchiseNicknamed Thunder[/h2]
Jul 20, 2008 2:28 AM EST
The newOklahoma City franchise has nicknamed itself the Thunder, according to a report Saturday on the web site of the city's ABC affiliate.
Citing a source close to ownership, KOCO-TV reported that the "registrar for all of the NBA's Internet domain names werereserved okcthunderbasketball.com and okcthunderbasketball.net on July 10," suggesting that the franchise formerly known as the Seattle SuperSonics willsoon be renamed.
Via KOCO-TV
Oklahoma City
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[h2]
J.R. Smith Receiving LittleAttention[/h2]
Jul 19, 2008 8:07 PM EST
Nuggets'restricted free agent J.R. Smith hasn't gotten much attention this month, according to The Rocky Mountain News.
"I haven't heard from anybody," Smith said Friday.
Smith said he hasn't gotten an offer from the Nuggets, other than the option to return next season for the $3.04 millionqualifying offer.
"I'm not sure yet. I'd have to go over that with my people," said Smith, who said he plans to talk to hisrepresentatives "at the end of the month."
Via The Rocky Mountain News
Denver Nuggets
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[h2]
Maccabi Interested InKrstic[/h2]
Jul 20, 2008 12:36 PM EST
New JerseyNets restricted free agent Nenad Krstic has been repeatedly linked to Israel's Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
But Krstic is determined to make his injury comeback in the NBA.
Via ESPN
Euroleague Basketball, New Jersey Nets
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[h2]
Smith Irked By Lack OfOffer, Not Woodson[/h2]
Jul 20, 2008 12:34 PM EST
JoshSmith's increasing reluctance to return to the Atlanta Hawks has little to do with Mike Woodson, despite repeated media suggestions that Smith is eager toplay for a new coach.
Smith and Woodson have a fine working relationship, one confidante insists. Smith's frustration with the Hawks is the slow-movingstate of negotiations, with Smith apparently still waiting for a serious contract proposal nearly three weeks into free agency.
Via ESPN
Atlanta Hawks
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[h2]
Agent: Warriors MadeNo Effort To Keep Baron[/h2]
Jul 20, 2008 12:33 PM EST
Baron Davis isa member of the Clippers and the reason he's no longer with Golden State was the choosing of the club if you ask his agent.
Davis' agent, Todd Ramasar, said, "The organization wasn't committed to Baron Davis long-term." There was "Noeffort to retain him."
Via ESPN
Golden State Warriors
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[h2]
Gomes Linked ToCleveland[/h2]
Jul 20, 2008 12:30 PM EST
Timberwolves' forward Ryan Gomes has been linked to the Cavs.
A source said he might want at least a two-year deal of the full mid-level.
Via Morning Journal
Cleveland Cavaliers,Minnesota Timberwolves
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[h2]
WarriorsConsidering Big Run At Louis Williams[/h2]
Jul 20, 2008 12:20 PM EST
The GoldenState Warriors are intrigued about the idea of signing Sixers guard Louis Williams to an offer sheet.
It is unclear how large of an offer they will be able to make while keeping Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins in their plans.
Via ESPN
Golden State Warriors,Philadelphia 76ers
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[h2]
Report: GinobiliNamed To Argentina Olympic Team[/h2]
Jul 20, 2008 4:24 AM EST
Manu Ginobili,despite a lingering sprained left ankle, was named to the Argentina Olympic team on Friday, according to a report on ESPN.com.
Spurs' Coach Gregg Popovich said in June that Ginobili should "definitely not" play in the Olympics if his ankle, whichhe injured in the playoffs, doesn't improve.
"I had been playing more the last few days, and it had improved," said Ginobili earlier this month. "It feels great,and that makes me very happy."
Via ESPN
San Antonio Spurs
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[h2]
George's Return ToDallas More Unlikely[/h2]
Jul 20, 2008 3:02 AM EST
At least sixteams are interested in Devean George, according to the Dallas Morning News, but after signing DeSagana Diop there may not be any money left for him inDallas.
"I wouldn't hold out a lot of hope right now," Donnie Nelson said. "We're pretty far apart as far as thenumbers go."
The Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New Orleans Hornets have expressed interest inGeorge. According to the report, Boston may also enter the mix after losing James Posey to the Hornets.
Via Dallas Morning News
Dallas Mavericks,San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers
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[h2]
Pacers' Williams InTrouble Yet Again[/h2]
Jul 19, 2008 8:04 PM EST
Pacers'forward Shawne Williams was skating on thin ice after a pair of legal transgressions last season, but he may have fallen through after another one of hisfriends got in hot water recently, according to The Indianapolis Star.
Friday afternoon, Carmel police arrested Darrell Smith Jr., 21, a passenger in the car Williams was driving, after discovering Smithhad a small amount of marijuana.
"Shawne Williams was not charged with anything," Horner said. "He was given a window tint and seat belt violation. Mr.Smith's marijuana charge is a misdemeanor."
The car Williams was driving was not his.
The team issued this statement: "While Shawne Williams was not involved in any arrest or any criminal wrongdoing, we areextremely upset and hugely disappointed he once again has put himself in a position that jeopardizes Shawne's future as a member of the Indiana Pacers. Iplan to meet with Shawne as soon as possible to discuss this further."
Via The Indianapolis Star
Indiana Pacers
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[h2]
Love, RobinLopez Added To U.S. Basketball Select Team[/h2]
Jul 19, 2008 7:59 PM EST
Rookies KevinLove (Minnesota) and Robin Lopez (Phoenix) were added on Saturday to the US Select team to scrimmage against America's Olympians, the Associated Press isreporting.
Both players were chosen after strong performances in the NBA summer league.
Love has averaged 20.7 points and 15 rebounds in three games for the Timberwolves, while Lopez averaged 16 points and 7.7 rebounds inhis first three games for Phoenix.
Via ESPN
Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns
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[h2]
Nets Agree ToSign-And-Trade For Dooling[/h2]
Jul 19, 2008 9:38 AM EST
The Netsreportedly have an agreement in principle to make a sign-and-trade for free agent guard Keyon Dooling, according to The Star-Ledger.
"I'm hopeful...that we can make a trade," was Thorn's closest statement resembling a confirmation Fridaynight.
An eight-year veteran, Dooling would be added with the $3.3 million trade exception the Nets obtained in the Jason Kidd deal lastFebruary.
Via The Star-Ledger
New Jersey Nets, Orlando Magic
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[h2]
'Antoni EnjoysKnicks' Summer Win Over Suns[/h2]
Jul 19, 2008 9:33 AM EST
Knicks coachMike D'Antoni enjoyed watching his new team defeat the Suns in summer league play on Friday, according to The Associated Press.
"It's already canceled out," D'Antoni said of any loyalties he had towards the Suns. "I've movedon."
'Antoni has left the summer league coaching duties to assistant coach Phil Weber. New York defeated Phoenix 85-80.
Via ESPN
New York Knicks
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[h2]
Philly's Miller LikesBrand Signing[/h2]
Jul 19, 2008 9:28 AM EST
Sixers'point guard Andre Miller is very excited about the acquistion of Elton Brand, according to The Philadelphia Daily News.
"I think it's great that Elton Brand chose to sign with us," Miller said. "The way we came together at the end oflast year was the first step, and adding one of the best power forwards in the league shows that we aren't satisfied with just making theplayoffs."
Miller played with Brand for one season, the 2002-03 campaign, in Los Angeles.
"I really think we can do great things this year, and I'm excited to be a part of it," Miller added.
Via The Philadelphia Daily News
Philadelphia 76ers
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