Its official VC will be in Orlando next year.
Although this means they will not be abe to resign Hedo Turkoglu, the Magic are trying to make sure they do not lose a chance at the championship again.
This also comes one day after the Cavs traded for Shaq.
Keep it here for the best up to date news.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Draft Day Rumors
Ok here are the latest rumors:
*Memphis receives:
#5 pick
#6 pick
Minnesota receives:
Devin Harris
New Jersey receives:
Ricky Rubio
Craig Smith
- Sources say the Bucks are now leaning strongly toward Brandon Jennings at No. 10. So much for that green-room drama he was facing. Over the past 48 hours the Bucks have really fallen in love with Jennings, and it's possible they would take him even if Jonny Flynn were still on the board.
- There are two theories in play that explain why the Thunder might not be taking Ricky Rubio after all.
The first is the smokescreen theory. It says that the Thunder are very tight-lipped and all of the recent leaks about Rubio are uncharacteristic of a Sam Presti team. They say that the Thunder are leaking Rubio hoping that a team like the Wolves who are hot for him would trade an asset to move up two spots.
The second theory is the Arn Tellem theory. Tellem is the agent for Russell Westbrook and some believe that he's been exerting major pressure on Presti not to take Rubio. Westrbrook wants to be a point guard and would be unhappy if he was moved to the 2.
- Report out of Houston - Aaron Brooks and Shane Battier are being offered to Memphis for the #2 pick.
- The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors have discussed a possible trade.
League executives indicate that Phoenix could send Amare Stoudemire to the Warriors for a package that would include Andris Biedrins and the No. 7 pick in the draft.
- The New Jersey Nets are in serious talks with the Magic about a deal that will send Vince Carter to Orlando for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee,
*Memphis receives:
#5 pick
#6 pick
Minnesota receives:
Devin Harris
New Jersey receives:
Ricky Rubio
Craig Smith
- Sources say the Bucks are now leaning strongly toward Brandon Jennings at No. 10. So much for that green-room drama he was facing. Over the past 48 hours the Bucks have really fallen in love with Jennings, and it's possible they would take him even if Jonny Flynn were still on the board.
- There are two theories in play that explain why the Thunder might not be taking Ricky Rubio after all.
The first is the smokescreen theory. It says that the Thunder are very tight-lipped and all of the recent leaks about Rubio are uncharacteristic of a Sam Presti team. They say that the Thunder are leaking Rubio hoping that a team like the Wolves who are hot for him would trade an asset to move up two spots.
The second theory is the Arn Tellem theory. Tellem is the agent for Russell Westbrook and some believe that he's been exerting major pressure on Presti not to take Rubio. Westrbrook wants to be a point guard and would be unhappy if he was moved to the 2.
- Report out of Houston - Aaron Brooks and Shane Battier are being offered to Memphis for the #2 pick.
- The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors have discussed a possible trade.
League executives indicate that Phoenix could send Amare Stoudemire to the Warriors for a package that would include Andris Biedrins and the No. 7 pick in the draft.
- The New Jersey Nets are in serious talks with the Magic about a deal that will send Vince Carter to Orlando for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee,
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
This Just In
Minnesota and Memphis haven't talked about a trade for the No. 2 pick yet, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation.
Memphis owner Michael Heisley and GM Chris Wallace are scheduled to meet Wednesday night to discuss their options.
As for the Timberwolves, they want to get to No. 2 to draft Ricky Rubio, but are trying to figure out who would drop to them at No. 5 if they stay put.
If Memphis keeps the No. 2 pick and takes Hasheem Thabeet, Oklahoma City picks James Harden at No. 3 and Sacramento takes Stephen Curry or Jonny Flynn at No. 4 ... then Rubio would be there at No. 5.
The other Wolves scenario where they'd at least get Thabeet could occur if Memphis picked Tyreke Evans at No. 2, Oklahoma City picked Rubio at No. 3 and Sacramento picked Flynn or Curry at No. 4. In that instance, Thabeet would fall to No. 5.
As much as Minnesota wants Thabeet and Rubio, the source said it may be too difficult to pull it off.
Memphis owner Michael Heisley and GM Chris Wallace are scheduled to meet Wednesday night to discuss their options.
As for the Timberwolves, they want to get to No. 2 to draft Ricky Rubio, but are trying to figure out who would drop to them at No. 5 if they stay put.
If Memphis keeps the No. 2 pick and takes Hasheem Thabeet, Oklahoma City picks James Harden at No. 3 and Sacramento takes Stephen Curry or Jonny Flynn at No. 4 ... then Rubio would be there at No. 5.
The other Wolves scenario where they'd at least get Thabeet could occur if Memphis picked Tyreke Evans at No. 2, Oklahoma City picked Rubio at No. 3 and Sacramento picked Flynn or Curry at No. 4. In that instance, Thabeet would fall to No. 5.
As much as Minnesota wants Thabeet and Rubio, the source said it may be too difficult to pull it off.
Big Rumors Surrounding the NBA Draft
Here are the rumors I am hearing through the grape vines. Take them with a grain of salt, as much chatter is always prevalent around this time.
-- Major talks out of Boston have Rajon Rondo on the block. The Celtics front office have come up and said this publicly. I got word yesterday there are discussions which include Rudy Gay and Mike Conley going to Boston in exchange for Rajon Rondo, and Brian Scalabrine. The logic here is the Celtics are worried with Rondo's development and after a good post season do not want his ego to get in the way of progress. Then again, why trade your best point guard who just had a monster postseason...
-- You will be hearing a lot about the New York Knicks in the next 24 hours and on. The trade talks with the Knicks are abundant starting with David Lee and Wilson Chandlers name being thrown around. Yesterday before Washington made their trade with the Timberwolves, they asked the Knicks for Chandler in exchange for the 5th pick according to rumors, the Knicks declined. New reports say that the Knicks may send cash to the Timberwolves for the 28th pick overall. The deal would give the Knicks the 8th and 28th picks in Thursday's draft. There are also talks that the Knicks will acquire former top lottery pick Darko Milicic for Quentin Richardson.
-- The Dallas Mavericks are looking to make a deal on draft day including Jerry Stackhouse. Teams like Chicago with Kirk Hinrich, Detroit with Tayshaun Prince, the Nets with Vince Carter and several other teams are looking to dumb names with long term contracts.
-- The Houston Rockets are offering Carl Landry to try and get a pick in the top 13.
*** i will continue to post should i get more news through out the day
-- Major talks out of Boston have Rajon Rondo on the block. The Celtics front office have come up and said this publicly. I got word yesterday there are discussions which include Rudy Gay and Mike Conley going to Boston in exchange for Rajon Rondo, and Brian Scalabrine. The logic here is the Celtics are worried with Rondo's development and after a good post season do not want his ego to get in the way of progress. Then again, why trade your best point guard who just had a monster postseason...
-- You will be hearing a lot about the New York Knicks in the next 24 hours and on. The trade talks with the Knicks are abundant starting with David Lee and Wilson Chandlers name being thrown around. Yesterday before Washington made their trade with the Timberwolves, they asked the Knicks for Chandler in exchange for the 5th pick according to rumors, the Knicks declined. New reports say that the Knicks may send cash to the Timberwolves for the 28th pick overall. The deal would give the Knicks the 8th and 28th picks in Thursday's draft. There are also talks that the Knicks will acquire former top lottery pick Darko Milicic for Quentin Richardson.
-- The Dallas Mavericks are looking to make a deal on draft day including Jerry Stackhouse. Teams like Chicago with Kirk Hinrich, Detroit with Tayshaun Prince, the Nets with Vince Carter and several other teams are looking to dumb names with long term contracts.
-- The Houston Rockets are offering Carl Landry to try and get a pick in the top 13.
*** i will continue to post should i get more news through out the day
Pre-NBA-Draft News
With the NBA draft 24 hours away the trades and rumors are aplenty. Yesterday we saw two major moves that will have serious impact on the upcoming NBA season.
The San Antonio Spurs, obviously frustrated with their quick exit of the playoffs to the hands of their rival Dallas Mavericks made a big trade to make sure that does not happen again.
The Spurs acquired Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto. It was later determined that the Detroit Pistons were also involved as Oberto will go to Detroit and Amir Johnson will go to the Bucks.
This trade gives the Spurs a scoring wing player they have lacked for sometime now. To go along with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs with this trade have once again become, at least on paper, a dominant team in the Western Conference.
The Washington Wizards unloaded their 5th overall pick in tomorrows draft as intended, along with Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas and Drius Songaila to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The wolves give up Randy Foye and Mike Miller, and now have the 5th and 6th picks in the draft.
Now the big question on everyones mind is what will the Wolves do with the back-to-back lottery picks. Many believe Stephen Curry is all but drafted already, but the second pick is still in the air. Big man Jordan Hill is being thrown around as is Tyreke Evans even Ricky Rubio if he falls.
This draft is the first in a very long time that every pick after the first is unknown by a large margin. We should expect fireworks of July 4th proportions.
The San Antonio Spurs, obviously frustrated with their quick exit of the playoffs to the hands of their rival Dallas Mavericks made a big trade to make sure that does not happen again.
The Spurs acquired Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto. It was later determined that the Detroit Pistons were also involved as Oberto will go to Detroit and Amir Johnson will go to the Bucks.
This trade gives the Spurs a scoring wing player they have lacked for sometime now. To go along with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs with this trade have once again become, at least on paper, a dominant team in the Western Conference.
The Washington Wizards unloaded their 5th overall pick in tomorrows draft as intended, along with Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas and Drius Songaila to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The wolves give up Randy Foye and Mike Miller, and now have the 5th and 6th picks in the draft.
Now the big question on everyones mind is what will the Wolves do with the back-to-back lottery picks. Many believe Stephen Curry is all but drafted already, but the second pick is still in the air. Big man Jordan Hill is being thrown around as is Tyreke Evans even Ricky Rubio if he falls.
This draft is the first in a very long time that every pick after the first is unknown by a large margin. We should expect fireworks of July 4th proportions.
I'm Back
Had to much to go recently so this was put on hold, but i am back now and i will be writing again. NBA draft is 24 hrs away i have several pieces in the works. Stay tuned
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Cutler At Odds With Fans
Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has already begun alienating fans in Chicago, according to the Tribune.
Cutler has apparently begun refusing to sign autographs for fans while attending baseball games at Wrigley Field.
"His lack of appreciation for fans will be his undoing in Chicago," a reader said in an e-mail to the Tribune's David Haugh.
Cutler has apparently begun refusing to sign autographs for fans while attending baseball games at Wrigley Field.
"His lack of appreciation for fans will be his undoing in Chicago," a reader said in an e-mail to the Tribune's David Haugh.
Kimbo Slice to Fight in TUF
Kimbo Slice, the controversial heavyweight who in 2008 headlined the most-viewed mixed martial arts card in history, will be one of 16 contestants on the forthcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s reality TV series.
Dana White, the UFC’s outspoken president, has repeatedly mocked Slice for his lack of fighting ability. Slice, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, became a cult figure by competing in street fights that were posted on YouTube. Slice’s “bouts” drew tens of millions of views and led him to turn professional.
He fought for the now defunct Elite XC, garnering massive media attention but getting mocked by White and others affiliated with the UFC for a lack of ability.
White has called him a “joke,” a “bum” and “not a real fighter,” among other less than kind descriptions. He said that Slice would “get murdered if he fought in the UFC” and suggested that his lightweight champion, 155-pound B.J. Penn, would “annihilate” the 230-pound Slice.
The UFC president has repeatedly insisted he would not allow Slice to compete in the UFC unless he won his way onto the show by competing on “The Ultimate Fighter.”
Slice has called White’s bluff and will appear on Season 10 of the highly rated Spike TV series, White has confirmed. Fighters live in the same house and train together, and then fight during the show in a bid to earn a UFC contract.
His appearance, along with that of former UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Rashad Evans as coaches, should guarantee massive ratings.
“It should be interesting, given some of the things I’ve said about him,” White said.
Slice, who has a 3-1 professional record, appeared in the main event of the first MMA card shown on network television in the U.S. when he fought James Thompson on May 31, 2008, on CBS.
Slice won by third-round stoppage in a bout that attracted a record 6.5 million viewers and remains the most-viewed MMA bout in history.
But Slice hasn’t fought since Oct. 4, when he was knocked out by a jab from late replacement Seth Petruzelli, a light heavyweight, just 14 seconds into another fight broadcast on CBS. The plug was pulled on Elite XC, which reportedly lost millions of dollars, in the aftermath of the fight.
White promised “some major surprises” as he announced on a Thursday conference call that Jackson and Evans, each of whom is a former light heavyweight champion, would serve as coaches on Season 10.
He declined to say anything further but urged reporters on the call not to miss media day, which is Tuesday at the UFC Training Center in Las Vegas.
White worked hard to keep Slice’s appearance on the show a secret, hoping to have unveiled him Tuesday. Season 10, which is being called “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” was originally slated to feature a cast of eight heavyweights and eight middleweights, but the UFC quietly informed the middleweights who tried out that it was going with an all-heavyweight show.
And unlike in recent seasons, where the competitors had to win a fight to earn their way into the house, there will be no such arrangement this time. All 16 fighters – Spike and the UFC are keeping names of the others a closely guarded secret – will automatically move into the house.
Though White goes to great lengths to insist that nothing on the show is scripted, it’s virtually guaranteed that Slice won’t fight early in the competition. Having him around and alive in the competition is going to keep ratings elevated.
If Slice is able to advance to the live Dec. 5 finale, with a chance to earn a UFC contract with a win, ratings would likely be the largest in Spike history.
Dana White, the UFC’s outspoken president, has repeatedly mocked Slice for his lack of fighting ability. Slice, whose real name is Kevin Ferguson, became a cult figure by competing in street fights that were posted on YouTube. Slice’s “bouts” drew tens of millions of views and led him to turn professional.
He fought for the now defunct Elite XC, garnering massive media attention but getting mocked by White and others affiliated with the UFC for a lack of ability.
White has called him a “joke,” a “bum” and “not a real fighter,” among other less than kind descriptions. He said that Slice would “get murdered if he fought in the UFC” and suggested that his lightweight champion, 155-pound B.J. Penn, would “annihilate” the 230-pound Slice.
The UFC president has repeatedly insisted he would not allow Slice to compete in the UFC unless he won his way onto the show by competing on “The Ultimate Fighter.”
Slice has called White’s bluff and will appear on Season 10 of the highly rated Spike TV series, White has confirmed. Fighters live in the same house and train together, and then fight during the show in a bid to earn a UFC contract.
His appearance, along with that of former UFC light heavyweight champions Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Rashad Evans as coaches, should guarantee massive ratings.
“It should be interesting, given some of the things I’ve said about him,” White said.
Slice, who has a 3-1 professional record, appeared in the main event of the first MMA card shown on network television in the U.S. when he fought James Thompson on May 31, 2008, on CBS.
Slice won by third-round stoppage in a bout that attracted a record 6.5 million viewers and remains the most-viewed MMA bout in history.
But Slice hasn’t fought since Oct. 4, when he was knocked out by a jab from late replacement Seth Petruzelli, a light heavyweight, just 14 seconds into another fight broadcast on CBS. The plug was pulled on Elite XC, which reportedly lost millions of dollars, in the aftermath of the fight.
White promised “some major surprises” as he announced on a Thursday conference call that Jackson and Evans, each of whom is a former light heavyweight champion, would serve as coaches on Season 10.
He declined to say anything further but urged reporters on the call not to miss media day, which is Tuesday at the UFC Training Center in Las Vegas.
White worked hard to keep Slice’s appearance on the show a secret, hoping to have unveiled him Tuesday. Season 10, which is being called “The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights,” was originally slated to feature a cast of eight heavyweights and eight middleweights, but the UFC quietly informed the middleweights who tried out that it was going with an all-heavyweight show.
And unlike in recent seasons, where the competitors had to win a fight to earn their way into the house, there will be no such arrangement this time. All 16 fighters – Spike and the UFC are keeping names of the others a closely guarded secret – will automatically move into the house.
Though White goes to great lengths to insist that nothing on the show is scripted, it’s virtually guaranteed that Slice won’t fight early in the competition. Having him around and alive in the competition is going to keep ratings elevated.
If Slice is able to advance to the live Dec. 5 finale, with a chance to earn a UFC contract with a win, ratings would likely be the largest in Spike history.
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