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Al Harrington Returning to Indiana Pacers...ProbablyJuly 29 06 The non-news of the day is that current Hawk Al Harrington looks set to return to the Indiana Pacers. You’ll have to forgive me if I don’t have much to say, but I used up all my good opinions six months ago when I first heard about this. What’s more, it sounds as if a thousand lawyers, agents and other assorted suits are standing between the rumour and the final signing, meaning that we could be some days from completion. “Obviously we’re disappointed at the pace of the transaction," Harrington’s New York-based agent Andy Miller said Thursday, "but I will say that everybody is working diligently to find a solution to execute.” Donnie Walsh, meanwhile, is putting this one on Billy Knight. Pacers president Donnie Walsh told the Indianapolis Star on Thursday that they are waiting on Knight. "It’s up to Billy now," he said. "We’re just waiting to here where we are. I have hope it can get straightened out, sooner rather than later. That’s important to us. But I don’t think we’ve reached a point where we say ’We have to get it done or we can’t use the [trade] exception.’ "We’ll just keep working on it and see if we can get it done." The expected trade is Harrington for John Edwards, a first-round pick and three million in cash, which, to my mind, is a steal for the Pacers. Indiana aren’t likely to find someone of Al’s calibre for the same price this year, so it’ll be worth the crap they’re having to put up with to acquire him. 
Charles Barkley: Alabama Governor?July 28 06 I’ve been trying to ignore this story since it first broke yesterday but, like a hangnail that starts bleeding, it’s turned from a minor annoyance to an issue that needs to be addressed. If you’re fortunate enough not to have heard, the word is that Charles Barkley may run for the governorship of Alabama in 2010. “I really believe I was put on Earth to do more than play basketball and stockpile money," said Barkley, known as the Round Mound of Rebound. "I really want to help people improve their lives, and what’s left is for me to decide how best to do that.” I have to preface my comments by saying what I always say about Charles Barkley: I love the dude. Unfortunately, I don’t think he has anything approaching the credibility necessary to mount a serious campaign. That’s not to say that most politicians do, however. In fact, as a rule of thumb, the more crooked, the more likely they are to gain a decent slice of the popular vote. The difference is that they’re not in the position of having had their moments of greatest shame documented in the media. - CYE 
Allen Iverson to Stay in PhillyJuly 27 06 For the “I expect him to be on the roster at the start of training camp,” the Sixers president and general manager said. Asked if this meant Iverson would not be traded, King replied: “I’ve pretty much said that I expect him to be with us at the start of training camp. Our conversations with other teams at this point going forward do not include him.” Leon Rose, Iverson’s agent, said last night that King informed Iverson of his decision yesterday in person and that the two men had “a very positive meeting regarding the future of the team.” "Allen is very excited and looking forward to the season," Rose said. "He’s happy that he can now fully focus on basketball, knowing he’s going to be here." Right. So, to summarise, Philly management spent every waking moment of their summer listening to terrible offers, until yesterday when they decided that they’d taken enough phone calls beginning “Would you consider…?” and figured they had to say something. Assuming they don’t have any tricks up their sleeve, that means that the Sixers are going to stink again next year. Assuming some enormous change doesn’t go down in the city between now and opening night ’06-’07, Philadelphia is going to be mad. Assuming Billy visits Philly at some point, he’s going to get his ass kicked. Even if things don’t perk up in Pa., at least justice will be served. - CYE 
Jason Terry Signs New Deal with Dallas MavericksJuly 26 06 Today, he of the double-width headband (or tiny forehead), Jason Terry, took himself off the market by signing a six-year, fifty-million-dollar contract with the Dallas Mavericks. With Mark Cuban apparently making no attempt at bringing in new players, it seems as if they’re expecting to take the chip with their current core. Still, Jet seems happy to be sticking with The Avery Bunch. “It means a lot to me - the commitment that the Mavs have shown to me and the support they’ve shown me all year long,” said Terry, who spent five seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. “For me, personally (coming to the Mavs) I knew it was an opportunity to play on a winning team and to finally get to the playoffs where I could showcase my skill level. “For me, it’s a no-brainer,” Terry said. “I’m at the prime of my career, so getting a long-term deal now was the No. 1 priority.”  - CYE
George Karl Likes Keith Van HornJuly 26 06 Please know this: It took every ounce of strength I have not to entitle this post “George Karl Likes Crack”. I spend, I’d estimate, a good six to seven percent of my waking hours making jokes about the man known as “Van Heezy” (to nobody), so the news that someone would be interested in hiring him as anything other than a whiteboard makes me want to dropkick a kitten. Inveterate dickhead George Karl, however, is apparently fond of Keith Van Horn, meaning that there’s a chance he may end up with the Denver Nuggets next season. Ignorance follows. "George asked me about (Van Horn) at his daughter’s wedding," said Majerus, who attended the July 15 event. "He definitely likes him. He’s always liked Keith." "I think everybody knows they need shooters, and he’s a shooter," Majerus said. "I think he would be a plus for the Nuggets." "He spaces the court," Karl said last week about what Van Horn could bring to the new attack. Still, it’s not all bad news. Selective quoting can almost spin the story positively for KVH haters. Van Horn will take a huge pay cut…  - CYE
Devean George to Join Dallas MavericksJuly 26 06 With two acquisitions in quick succession, it’s clear that the Dallas Mavericks have a plan in mind. Quite what that is, I can’t tell you right now, but knowing Mark Cuban it’s probably the sort that’s going to require a lot of money and even more faith. Of course, an official reason has been given (or conjectured) for their anticipated signing of Devean George, so it’s up to us to call shenanigans. The 6-8, free-agent forward was a vital part of the Lakers’ championship teams with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. That experience is what has the Mavericks excited about the possibility of landing him with a veteran’s minimum contract, about $1.2 million guaranteed.  - CYE
NBA Draft 2006: My Notes from MSGJune 29 06 What’s good, basketball fans? Having the good fortune to be in New York and in possession of a ticket to the draft, I decided to take notes so that you folks who didn’t have the chance to be in the Madison Square Garden theatre in person could gain a little insight into the mood in the World’s Most Famous Arena last night. What follows is a reproduction of my real-time comments as the new class of rookies found their NBA homes. Let’s get right into it. - Since I missed the press credential application deadline, my spot is out in the fifteen-dollar seating. Way out. From where I’m posted up, David Stern’s podium looks like a Pez dispenser, and the big screens are obscured by the theatre speakers. Fortunately, those of us in a different area code from the main stage have been provided with radios so that we can at least hear what’s going on. - I can’t see it, but I know that JJ Redick has shown up onscreen from the boos all around me and the repeated yells of “F*ck you, JJ” from a tubby guy behind me. I’m half-hoping New York drafts him just to see what happens. - A “Fire Isiah” chant breaks out in my corner of the arena but quickly dies down. I’ve a feeling the fans will have a better go at it later. - Minutes later, a “Sell the Knicks, Dolan” chant has greater success, but also fizzles out before it can take hold of the room. - The league is really pushing the new ball. Thousands of pamphlets extolling its virtues litter the floor, and a full rack of them is positioned prominently on the main stage. Most of the fans I’ve spoken to, however, don’t seem to give even a fraction of a crap. Keep trying, NBA. - Perhaps because they’ve had to wait so long, the crowd warmly applauds David Stern when he finally steps up to the mic. When he announces that Andrea Bargnani is the first pick of the draft, however, the cheers quickly turn to jeers. - Unsurprisingly, the expert commentary does little to sway the theatre’s opinion of Bargnani. A man two rows in front of me asks his Italian-American friend “How about your boy?” He responds with a single finger. - The best heckle of the evening thus far comes when an inebriated gentlemen wearing a Channing Frye jersey screams out “Good job, Andrea!”, pronouncing “Andrea” like the woman’s name. I guess you had to be there. - With “Chicago Bulls” showing on the screen, the New York fans see red, literally and figuratively. Two men begin a “Where’s our draft pick?” chant that quickly sweeps the arena. - A skinny kid in the lower level wearing a Jordan jersey stands up and taunts the fans in the back. They don’t like that. - The announcement of LaMarcus Aldridge’s selection isn’t received well either. That said, I’ve a feeling the crowd is lamenting their lack of a draft pick rather than attacking Aldridge himself. - Charlotte’s choice to take Adam Morrison, however, is met with approval. - An old guy a few seats over remarks that Morrison looks like an extra in a Mexican pornography movie. It’s at this exact moment that the man to my left decides that he’s had enough of his hotdog. - Dick Vitale claims that Morrison is the “most NBA-ready player in the draft.” Given that nobody plays defence nowadays, he might just be right. - Tyrus Thomas is announced as the fourth pick, and his ability to step out and shoot is immediately overstated. To paraphrase Kenny Smith, nobody misses in the highlights. - Stephen A. Smith (known as “Screamin’ A.” around here) makes his first hyperbolic comments of the evening, and the crowd lets him know they’d rather he didn’t talk. It doesn’t discourage him. - Shelden Williams is booed as much as anyone but JJ Redick thus far. It’s hard to tell whether that’s a standard reflex against a Duke player or something more personal. - The crowd anticipates Randy Foye, and the announcement of Brandon Roy initially causes confusion when fans mix up the names. - Apparently, the Blazers wanted Brandon Roy at seven, as did Houston, who are now said to be planning to trade the eighth pick for Shane Battier. - Is it just me, or does Brandon Roy sound a lot like Guru? - Randy Foye might be the most popular player in the building. The cheers continue through his highlight reel and beyond. I find it funny that he’s given a Boston cap. - As expected, Rudy Gay goes at eight, although it’s pretty clear that he won’t end up in Houston. Screamin’ A suggests that they keep him, but there’s not much logic to his argument. - Patrick O’Bryant is taken at nine, and the crowd’s response is a mixture of laughter and half-hearted cheers. I think I’d rather be booed. - There’s talk of a Brandon Roy-Randy Foye swap on the cards. Easier done than said in this case. - “Moo-uh...ham-m-mad Sene” is Stern’s best attempt at the tenth pick’s name. There’s a reason we know him as “Saer”, Dave. - He might be, as is said more than once, “raw as sushi”, but a 7’8’’ wingspan means he’ll at least be able to provide a few blocks and boards as he learns the game. - JJ Redick’s name is met with a mixed reception. Most disapprove, but a section of college kids in front cheer wildly and wave banners. A chant of “D-U-I” doesn’t last long. - A chant of “o-ver-rated” does, however. - I don’t know much about Hilton Armstrong, but I find it unfortunate that he’s immediately compared to Elden Campbell. - Dave steps out and announces that Thabo Sefolosha has been selected. So that’s how you pronounce it. - He might allegedly have experience and toughness, but that doesn’t sell most of the fans in my section on him. - “Do I keep the hat on?” I like this guy already. - While Ronnie Brewer gets a moderate cheer, nobody seems to care much about Cedric Simmons. The crowd quickly turns their attention back to heckling James Dolan. - Rodney Carney’s selection brings the noise level up again, and Dave’s ominous “We have a trade” nearly causes a riot. New York fans are expecting something that affects them, but it turns out that LaMarcus Aldridge and a future second-round pick have been swapped for Tyrus Thomas and Victor Khryapa. - When Shawne Williams goes at seventeen, Marcus Williams’ name is brought up seriously as the Knicks’ potential pick for the first time. - Oleksiy Pecherov is taken at nineteen, but the focus is all on Marcus Williams now. A handful of fans start to scream “One pick more” and the stands slowly rise to their feet in anticipation of New York’s pick. - By the time the last syllable of “Quincy Douby” has left Dave’s lips, a deafening chant of “Mar-cus Will-iams” has broken out. - When it dies down, it’s replaced by the loudest – and funniest – chant of the night: “Let’s go, Knicks. Don’t f*ck it up!” - “With the twentieth pick of the NBA draft, the New York Knickerbockers select Ro…” That’s the last thing I remember before the riot broke out. - One of the men in front of me turns back and says “Sucks, doesn’t it?” I’m pretty proud to be able to tell him that I support the Heat. He doesn’t find it all that funny. - Spike Lee, ever the optimist when it comes to his team, calls Ro’ a “sleeper” pick. I think he’s confusing sleep and unconsciousness there. - Rajon Rondo’s selection doesn’t garner much attention. By now, the New Jersey fans who took the trip across the Hudson are focused on their upcoming picks. - Marcus Williams is finally gone, having the dubious distinction of being the last guy to get out of the green room. - The Knicks might be a lost cause, but a man behind me salvages some hope for New York with his yells of “Coming to Brooklyn! Coming to Brooklyn!” - When the Nets take Josh Boone with the next pick, I get the feeling that much of the crowd has begun to count the days until the 2009 season tips off. If the Knicks aren’t careful, they’re going to lose Brooklyn when the Nets move across the river, and there’s a good chance The Bronx and Queens will switch allegiances as well. - Honestly, from here on out, there’s not much I could add to what you would have seen on television. The Knicks’ twenty-ninth pick (Mardy Collins) causes many of the fans take of their caps or jerseys, and most of the crowd has filtered out by the time Russ Granik takes the stage. By the time the thirty-fifth pick has been announced, I’m shattered, and decide that I’ve seen enough kids get rich for one evening. - CYE
Bonzi Wells Wanted by Detroit PistonsJune 10 06 Following a postseason that turned out to be about as successful as Kobe’s attempts at rapping, it’s no shock that the Bad Boys are looking to upgrade. While re-signing Ben Wallace is obviously their top priority, the word on the street is that Bonzi Wells may also be with the Detroit Pistons next season. The rumour is nothing more than a series of speculative articles based on “insider” reports right now, but until I’ve heard a formal denial from Joe Dumars, I’m not going to assume anything.How about Bonzi Wells, Grant Hill and Jalen Rose? Dumars can’t speak about Hill and Rose because they are under contract with their respective teams. Wells, originally drafted by the Pistons, is a free agent. Moles say Wells is the most likely to sign. Wells appeared ticketed for Auburn Hills last offseason. Many expected Memphis would buy him out of the last year of his contract. Instead, he was traded to Sacramento. Despite the negative press he’s received over the years, I think Bonzi would be a decent addition to the Pistons. It’s already been shown that he’s capable of getting his without requiring a central role in the offence, and his rebounding (nearly eight per game last season) would make Detroit even stronger in the middle. What’s more, the last time the Pistons acquired an unpredictable former Trailblazer, it ended in a chip. - CYE
Pat Riley Isn’t HappyJune 09 06 Given Miami’s disturbing performance in yesterday’s nightmare fourth quarter, it’s little surprise that Pat Riley is steaming mad. Still, it’s been a while since a game has bothered him and his hair this much, and he doesn’t seem to be alone in his frustration with the outcome of game one. "They should be disgusted," the Heat coach said Friday. "Disgusted and frustrated." "The truthbox doesn’t lie," Heat backup center Alonzo Mourning said after a 90-minute film session. "I’m talking about the television. When we watch tape, that truthbox does not lie. And you can see the mistakes, the lack of rotation, the lack of help, the things of that nature. ... It just wasn’t there."Dangerously for Miami, their unpleasant evening appeared to have had an effect even on the psyche of the man whose cup usually runneth over with confidence. While Heat fans were hoping for a little good-humoured arrogance and a snappy quote or two, The Big Quotable instead showed up to the post-game press conference with a gut full of humble pie."The burden is always going to be on me and I’ve accepted that ever since 1992," O’Neal said. "Whenever we don’t play well, I take a lot of it on my shoulders, anyway. The key is not to have two games like that in a row. So I’ll be hard on myself these next two days. And then hopefully on Sunday, I could play a little bit better." Should we consider this to be the first sign of concern, or simply some classic psychological Shaqtics from the Diesel? Whatever the case, it means that he’s likely to be the big story in game two, whether for a good night or not. If he can find it in himself to shake free from the incessant off-the-ball fouls of Diop and Dampier and knock down the occasional charity shot, the Heat will find themselves in a position to draw the series even. If not, they may well have a long, unpleasant summer ahead of them. "We come out, and — if I know this team — we will respond to the challenge, come out and be better defensively and give ourselves a chance to win in Game 2." - CYE
Zach Randolph’s Car and Guns Seized by PoliceJune 09 06 An article appearing in today’s Oregonian reminded anyone who had forgotten his undeniable talent for finding himself in compromising situations reminded us that trouble follows Z-Bo like bad smells follow Vladimir Radmanovic. The latest Zach Randolph saga involves all the classic elements of a terrible car movie: illegal racing, concealed weapons and, uh, missing keys.Trail Blazers forward Zach Randolph had a car and two loaded guns taken by police after an incident in downtown Portland early Thursday morning. Randolph was a passenger in a Dodge Magnum he owns that was involved in speed racing at 3:15 a.m. on Southwest Broadway. Taquan Portis, 22, who was driving the Dodge, was cited for speed racing, careless driving and failure to obey a traffic signal. He is scheduled to appear in court July 6. Throw in a few ounces of marijuana and a nanny, and this could be an amalgam of every report I’ve read involving a Portland player over the past few summers. What sets this sordid story apart from the others, however, is one little piece of paper. Randolph had two loaded handguns in the car, but he was not cited because he has a concealed weapons permit in Clackamas County. - CYE
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