Fans of the NBA.

NBAFans LJ Fantasy Bball: Need one more player

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 15:47:06 GMT

The NBAFans LJ Fantasy league needs one more player to even out the league. Come on and join the fun. Click here for league info and to join.

Edited to add: sign up through the Yahoo fantasy basketball home page (http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba), select the sign up now option, the join an existing league option, then the join custom option.

League ID: 49947
Password: nbafans

Lying liar who lied gets 30 day suspension

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 09:09:48 GMT

Warriors suspend Ellis for mo-ped accident

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Monta Ellis knew he was in trouble after he seriously injured his ankle in a mo-ped accident and then lied to the Golden State Warriors about it this summer.

The high-scoring guard probably never imagined that trouble would cost him about $3 million—and neither did his coach or the man who drafted him.

Warriors president Robert Rowell suspended Ellis for 30 games without pay Saturday for violating his lucrative new contract, a decision that apparently went against the wishes of top basketball executive Chris Mullin and coach Don Nelson.

Ellis, who agreed to a six-year deal worth $66 million in July, severely sprained his ankle in a low-speed crash in late August. The 22-year-old then compounded his mistake by telling the Warriors he hurt himself playing pickup ball in his native Mississippi, only coming clean about the accident several days later.

Owner Chris Cohan’s decision to suspend Ellis seems to expose a rift between the Warriors’ top brass and the Mullin-Nelson team, which directed Golden State to its first playoff berth in 13 seasons in 2007, followed by 48 victories last season.

When the Warriors opened training camp last month, both Mullin and Nelson were leaning toward allowing Ellis to return without punishment. Cohan and Rowell instead decided to risk alienating the player expected to be the centerpiece of Nelson’s up-tempo offense after Baron Davis’ defection to the Los Angeles Clippers.

“Chris Mullin made it perfectly clear to both Mr. Cohan and myself that he didn’t think this was a big deal at the beginning, and we happen to think it’s a very big deal,” Rowell said. “We happen to think that it’s a big deal for our fans, it’s a big deal for our season ticket-holders, it’s a big deal for our business partners, it’s a big deal for the Warriors organization.”

Both Mullin and Nelson are in the final seasons of their contracts with Golden State, and neither had been approached about an extension by late last month.

The Warriors counted four preseason games in the suspension’s length, which means Ellis can’t return to the club until after Golden State’s 26th regular-season game, against Indiana on Dec. 17. The guard will be allowed to spend time at the Warriors’ training complex for rehabilitation during his suspension.

More here

Outdoor basketball!!!

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:43:03 GMT

Coming Saturday, October 11, the Nuggets and Suns will play what is being billed as the first outdoor NBA game ever in the U.S. at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, CA.. Game to be broadcast on TNT at 10 EDT.

It would almost be worth it to drag my ass out to the desert and go to the game just so I can cheer against the Denver Nuggets.

ATTN: OKC Thunder

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 18:46:11 GMT

Way to make your new jerseys the SAME EXACT colors that the Bobcats have! I caught a glimpse of their pre-season game and saw the uni's and was confused. If you're thunder, I'd expect maybe... some yellow? That's what comes to mind when I have to associate a color with a thunder bolt. Like a yellow on black jersey (if done right) might look good, and would atleast be original. A color scheme similar to the Saints in the NFL, except not as gold. What I saw last night looked like a Bobcats practice jersey.

Elgin Baylor out as Clippers VP

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:02:00 GMT

Baylor out as Clippers executive

LOS ANGELES - Elgin Baylor is out as vice president of basketball operations with the Los Angeles Clippers, and coach Mike Dunleavy will assume his responsibilities as general manager.

Dunleavy said Baylor had decided to resign after spending 22 years as an executive with the team.

"We greatly appreciate Elgin's efforts during his time with the Clippers, and we wish him the very best," Clippers owner and chairman of the board Donald T. Sterling said in a statement issued Tuesday.

The 74-year-old Baylor became vice president of basketball operations with the Clippers in 1986 after an outstanding 14-year playing career with the Lakers and a brief stint as coach of the New Orleans Jazz.

He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1976, chosen as one of the NBA's 50 greatest players during the league's 50th anniversary celebration in 1997, and named the NBA executive of the year following the 2005-06 season.

The Clippers have been one of the NBA's least successful franchises over the years, but they beat Denver in the first round of the playoffs following the 2005-06 season and extended the Phoenix Suns to a seventh game in the second round before being eliminated.

Source

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:21:33 GMT

We have 5 teams already in the NBAFans LJ Fantasy League. There's room for more, we should try to get at least 8 managers in the league. Sign-up, and remember, the draft time is open to change if the current time isn't convenient for enough players.

Click here for league info and to sign up.

I'm a little disappointed that there's no Sauce's Cogs this year. :-(

NBAFans LJ Fantasy League

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:07:24 GMT

NBAFans LJ Fantasy League is now setup. Join now! Draft time is open for change, so post any suggestions for another draft day/time here.

My team name: Delta City Blues

League ID#:	49947
League Name:	NBAFans LJ Fantasy League
Password:	nbafans
Custom League URL:	http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/league/ljnbafans
Draft Type:	Live Draft
Draft Time:	Sun Oct 19 3:00pm PDT
Max Teams:	12
Scoring Type:	Head-to-Head
Max Moves:	No maximum
Max Acquisitions per Week:	6
Max Trades:	No maximum
Trade Reject Time:	2
Trade End Date:	March 19, 2009
Waiver Time:	2 days
Can't Cut List Provider:	None
Trade Review:	League Votes
Post Draft Players:	Follow Waiver Rules
Weekly Deadline:	Daily - Tomorrow
Start Scoring on:	Week 1
Roster Positions:	PG, SG, G, SF, PF, F, C, C, Util, Util, Util, BN, BN, BN
Stat Categories:	FTM, 3PTM, PTS, REB, AST, ST, BLK

Tinsley, Atkins in Pacers-Nuggets trade

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:29:57 GMT

Locked-out Pacers point Jamaal Tinsley was traded to the Nuggets for Chuckie Atkins and Stephen Hunter, The Post has learned. The deal is contingent on Tinsley passing a physical. Chronically injured over the last four years (only once playing more than 42 games) and embroiled in violent encounters on three separate occasions (none of which he instigated), he spent all summer in Atlanta rehabbing his body and is said to be a great condition. Denver assumes his $21M, 3-year debt. Atkins is due $3.24M and $3.48M while Hunter is guaranteed $3.86M and $3.69M. Less than half of their total salary remaining is guaranteed.

New York Post

Can someone explain to me, why the heck Nuggets have traded away Camby in cost saving move and then trade for point guard who has more chances to be on police report than play more than 42 games a season and is owned 21M over three years??

Mavs Players Wanted Out If Avery Johnson Stayed

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:27:41 GMT

Cuban reveals rift between Dallas Mavericks, former coach

Mark Cuban said multiple players told him they wanted to be traded if Avery Johnson returned as coach this season.

The Mavericks owner revealed the gravity of the rift between Johnson and his players at Monday's media day when asked how he came to the conclusion that he needed to fire Johnson.

"I knew after I had so many people asking to be traded," Cuban said. "I mean, I had to deal with either the players and moving them or the coach and moving him."

Cuban said these sentiments were relayed to him by the players or their agents over the course of last season. After each complaint Cuban would assure the players that he and Donnie Nelson, the team's president of basketball operations, would work with Johnson in an effort to smooth things over.

Cuban said the players did not speak in generalities. They told him they didn't want to come back if Johnson was still the coach.

"As you started looking deeper and deeper and deeper into things, we didn't have a choice," Cuban said. "I didn't want to fire him. That wasn't my goal."

When asked if more than five players requested a trade, Cuban said yes. More than seven?

"Close," Cuban said.

More here

Aw, shucks, White Chocolate is retiring

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 22:39:27 GMT

Los Angeles Clippers point guard Jason Williams announced his retirement from the NBA today, ending his 10-year career. Signed by the Clippers as a free agent on August 7, 2008, Williams did not appear in a game for Los Angeles.

Williams enjoyed a 10-year NBA career that saw him take the court for three different teams, (Sacramento 1998-2001, Memphis 2001-2005 and Miami 2005-2008). A member of the NBA Champion Miami Heat in 2005-06, Williams started all 23 playoff games and averaged 9.3 points and 3.9 assists for Miami in helping to win the organization’s first title.

The West Virginia native leaves the NBA with career averages of 11.4 points, 6.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 2.4 rebounds while shooting 39.6 percent from the floor, 32.5 percent from three-point range and 81.6 percent from the foul line in 679 total games. Williams finishes his career with a 2.77 assist-to-turnover ratio.

He enjoyed his best statistical season in 2001-02 when he averaged 14.8 points, 8.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds for Memphis. In his four seasons with the Grizzlies, Williams became the club’s all-time assists leader and all-time leader in three-point field goals attempted in addition to being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player for the 2002-03 season by Sports Illustrated when he finished tied for second in the league in assists per game.

Originally drafted with the seventh overall selection in the 1998 NBA Draft by Sacramento after one season at the University of Florida, Williams was named to the 1998-99 NBA All-Rookie Team following an electrifying first season that saw him average 12.8 points and 6.0 assists. Over the next nine seasons, Williams emerged as one of the most dependable point guards in the NBA, averaging double-figures in scoring and at least five assists per game in eight of his ten years in the league.

Source

Fantasy Basketball

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:58:52 GMT

So, any interest in an NBAfans fantasy basketball league this season? Anyone who's interested, say so here. If enough people want to join (say, at least 10 managers), I'll start one up over at Yahoo.

Boston's Darius Miles suspended 10 games for drug use

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:28:34 GMT

NEW YORK -- Boston Celtics forward Darius Miles has been suspended without pay for 10 games for violating the terms of the anti-drug program at the end of the 2007-08 season.

Miles' suspension will begin with the first game of the 2008-09 regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play. Miles has missed the past two NBA seasons because of knee injuries. He has averaged 10.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in his career.

The 26-year-old was selected third overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2000 draft.

He signed with the Celtics last month.
----------------
Darius Miles=pure waste of talent

So, who is dumber, Josh Howard, or some the people bitching about his comments?

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:55:02 GMT

Cuz as dumb as Josh Howard may be, the people e-mailing Mark Cuban to bitch about Josh Howard are the definition of fail.

Shaq to retire when contract is up in two years?

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:13:10 GMT

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3582605

Personally, I don't believe it. After the Brett Favre fiasco, I am hesitant to believe any "big name" athlete when they say they are going to retire. I can totally see Shaq not retiring and doing a big "HAHA" to everyone.

And Oklahoma City's new team nickname is...

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 02:07:02 GMT

The Thunder.

...

They could have done so much better.

Link

And the new team logo:

Fantasy Basketball

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:15:05 GMT

Anyone need help this season with fantasy basketball, look here:

http://givemetherock.com/2008/09/03/insanity-unleashed-give-me-the-rock-fantasy-draft-guide/

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 23:43:56 GMT

So with Gustav bearing down on New Orleans 2 months before the season, the Hornets might again find themselves looking for a temporary home if this becomes another Katrina sized mess. OKC has filled their vacancy, so where would CP3 and company go? Vegas? Seattle?

Dr. J: Greatest move ever

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 23:18:40 GMT

I'm just sayin'.

See more of Charles Barkley than you ever wanted to

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:24:48 GMT

Inside scoop on Charles Barkley

GET READY to look deep inside Charles Barkley. The former Sixers superstar has been asked to undergo a televised colonoscopy as part of the "Stand Up to Cancer" special being aired Sept. 5 by NBC, CBS and ABC.

Barkley said yesterday he's flying to Alabama today to prepare for the procedure on Friday.

Sir Charles, 45, says he was surprised that the show approached him, but was happy to participate in promoting awareness for colonoscopies, which screen for colorectal cancer, polyps and other conditions of the large intestine or colon.

Barkley said that when he told his friend Fred Lavner, of NB2 Apparel, about being asked to undergo the procedure on television, Lavner replied they were "probably just looking for the celebrity with the biggest ass."

USA - Spain

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 19:43:44 GMT

Holy Sh**, who watched the USA vs Spain finals last night?

My rants:
When did Mike D'Antoni become the head coach? Did it seem like we were playing like the Phoenix Suns? High scoring, fast paced, but absolutely no defense at all?

Dwyane Wade was solid, MVP of the game imo, but that guy needs to buy new shoes that don't slip.

Chris Paul = future captain of Team USA. Calm, and composed. That moment when he held back Wade, when he was trying to yell at the refs before halftime, was pure class.

Chris Bosh = finally a "big guy" who can shoot free throws. Watching Howard in the lineup, with his 40% FT, in the final minutes made me nervous.

Rudy Fernandez - Holy crap! dunking over Dwight Howard. Portland has a gem if he plays like that next year.

Juan Navarro - master of the floating shot. For every one of Kobe's or Lebron's dunks, he had an answer by floating an underhanded shot in.

Talk all you want about Kobe playing superb in the final 5 minutes, but did anyone else wanted to yell into the TV, "Don't you dare take that ugly 3 point attempt, again". His 4-point play, though, was incredible.

So that's why we beat Greece...

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:49:14 GMT

Dwyane Wade corrals a rebound over Christopher "Big Black" Boykins and Rob Dyrdek during the United States' 92-69 win over Greece in the Preliminary Rounds of the Olympic Basketball Tournament.
(Please note: Not meant to be racist, caption obviously not real. [Photo is real, however.] Completely the opposite of the Spain is insane photo that's going around.)

--Keith

Olympic hoops

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:36:36 GMT

For anyone interested in watching Olympic basketball live online, go to http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/index.html for live online video.

The basketball results and schedule can be found here: http://www.nbcolympics.com/basketball/resultsandschedules/index.html

Josh Howard busted for speeding and drag racing

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:04:19 GMT

Howard charged with speeding, drag racing

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) - Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard was arrested in his hometown after police said he was drag racing at nearly 40 mph above the posted speed.

He is charged with going 94 mph in a 55 mph zone, careless and reckless driving, and speed competition. He has been released from the Forsyth County jail on a written promise to appear in court Sept. 23.

Police said an officer saw a black Lexus and a silver Volkswagen speeding along U.S. 421 in Winston-Salem late Thursday night. The officer stopped the Lexus, and Howard was identified as the driver. Authorities didn't identify the other driver.

Howard played in high school in nearby Kernersville and was a standout at Wake Forest.

On January 12, 2000, Bobby Phills of the Charlotte Hornets was killed in a similar incident.

Phills was traveling behind teammate David Wesley at more than 75 mph when his Porsche spun and crossed into oncoming traffic. It hit another car, which in turn was struck in the rear by a minivan. Phills was pronounced dead at the scene. The drivers of the other two vehicles recovered.

New Uni Day

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:47:42 GMT

The Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, and Orlando Magic will all be sporting new uniform designs, ranging from minor changes to all new looks.

Image links: Minnesota Timberwolves

Sacramento Kings

Orlando Magic

Also, Uni Watch on ESPN.com invited fans to submit their ideas for what the former Seattle Supersonics unis should look like. Some of the submissions are pretty damn good, along with a little revenge from Sonics fans.

Click here to read the entire story and see more entries.

Detroit chocolate cake lovers beware

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:26:21 GMT

Kwame Brown is a Piston.

I wonder how sauce1977 feels about this.