They Still Haven’t Got A Pot To Pi_s In And A Window To Throw It Out Of But That’s What Makes The T’wolves, Oh So Funny ………

So it’s now come down to this ? He said ,”……..” And he said “…….” Which begs the question what the hell was going on within the Minnesota Timberwolves’ hierarchy to begin with ?

Ricky Rubio seen here during a shootaround for his new team in the Spanish basketball league FC Barcelona . picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Manu Fernandez ...................

For a team that has fallen upon hard times, the way a hobo takes to the streets.These are some very indifferent times for the T’wolves. And coming off a disastrous season, where they finished a positively horrendous record of 24-58 in the Northwest division of the Western Conference. The Minnesota Timberwolves were hoping for something of a respite in terms of the NBA Draft.

They lauded over the fact that they’d drafted the young Spanish phenom Ricky Rubio. The player was taken by the team in the first round, as the fifth overall pick . And a great deal was to be expected of the player and the team once he was within camp. But it’s all easier said than done. Rubio was still under contract with his Spanish league team DKV Joventut . And simply, all that was needed was a buyout of the two years remaining on the player’s contract. To the tune of $6.5million they could’ve had the player within their ranks. That being said the prohibitive rule under which the NBA applies for players who are playing abroad professionally . And are then drafted , it meant that the pursuant team can only make an outlay not exceeding $500,000 without seeking further authorization from the league in order to acquire the player.

With that in mind the haggling and wrangling began between the two parties. Handling the team’s affairs for the Timberwolves, was their erstwhile Head of Basketball Operations David Kahn. It was Kahn , who made the decision to relieve then coach , Kevin McHale of his position at the end of last season. Kahn, felt it best, that the franchise as a whole move in a completely new direction. With the accent being on acquiring young talent and with that being at its core in terms of being a competitive franchise.

But it was also imperative that the team hire a coach that’d be able to communicate with a young roster of players. And though it has to be said that there are still some seasoned veterans on the team. Much of the load will be placed on such rising stars as Corey Brewer, Kevin Love, Al Jefferson , Ryan Gomes, rookies , Wayne Ellington, Ty Lawson, Johnny Flynn and Nick Calathes. That’s not to say that the veteran leadership of Chucky Atkins and Mark Blount won’t be called upon. But it will be youth movement on this Timberwolves’ team that’ll indeed have their very own baptism of fire .

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and AP :

Rubio: NBA move too risky, complicated

BARCELONA-Spain(AP) Ricky Rubio wants to keep playing basketball in Spain, saying a move to the Minnesota Timberwolves would be too risky and complicate his life.

The 19 year old was sent from DKV Joventut to Barcelona on Tuesday after the Catalan club paid Rubio’s $5million buyout clause.

Rubio, the Timberwolves’ fifth overall pick in this year’s draft, agreed to a six year deal that included a buyout clause that allows him to leave for the NBA after two years.

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As alluded to earlier in this piece , Kahn had to seek out a coach whom he felt could best lead this team. And he sought out Los Angeles Lakers’ assistant coach , Kurt Rambis. Phil Jackson’s erstwhile assistant no doubt knew in effect that this may well be has one and only chance to finally coach a team. His previous tenure with the Lakers , albeit it a shortened one , didn’t prove to be all that successful. Now given a chance to prove himself, it would be an understatement to say that Rambis now faces something of an uphill battle. But it’s a battle that he appears only all too willing to take on. Rambis may well be only willing to impart the knowledge that made him such a character and something industrious player. Even if he lacked the talent of some of his more highly skilled teammates on those Showtime Lakers’ teams . That being said any improvement on this Timberwolves’ team, would be considered something of a success for their long tortured fans, who’ve been starved of success.

As to what we know awaits the Minnesota Timberwolves. The only thing that we’re now sure of , is that Rubio won’t be joining the team anytime soon. The player made Kahn and the Timberwolves’ organization that he’d rather remain in Europe to further hone his skills. To my mind , for want of a better word. It may well have meant that he didn’t feel his profile and image wouldn’t be magnified playing in such a small market, as in Minnesota. It’s not exactly one of the NBA powerhouses. And more likely than not, Rubio, may well have felt that his prerequisite skills wouldn’t be on display for all to see.

The player will remain in Spain , now playing for the Spanish league team Barcelona. One of the premier teams within the Spanish League. That being said, the Timberwolves still retain the NBA rights to the player. And should he fulfill his commitment to Spanish team over the course of the two years. Then in all probability, Rubio may ell seek to commence his NBA career with the Minnesota Timberwolves. But at this juncture, it’s only open to pure speculation and conjecture. As it’d appear that both sides are said to blaming one another for the apparent impasse.

In many ways Kahn had to have known the risks in trying to acquire the player. It was certainly common knowledge that Rubios wanted in effect to be drafted by a large market team. But there were no willing takers it would appear at the time. Albeit , that there were said to be rumblings that the New York Knicks might’ve shown some interest in the player. But it wasn’t to be , as they went elsewhere , in terms of their first round draft pick. Though nothing disparaging allegedly has been said between the two parties. Kahn hasn’t hide his disappointment in the choice made by the player. However, he’s stated that in two years he fully expects to see Rubio in Minnesota Timberwolves’ uniform. That being said if it is to be believed then Kahn initially feels that Rubio had reneged on joining the team.
If there was truly a zeal to acquire the player from the onset then obviously not enough was being done on the part of the Timberbwolves’ organization. It appears in retrospect that Kahn was waiting for some sort of fairy-godmother to swoop on down and assist him in acquiring the player.

In reality the Timberwolves as an organization has proven to us what we already know. They’re a poorly ran organization that possesses no real zeal for competition , much less dealing with the most acute of issues. They’d rather sit around and gaze at the world as it passes them by. In essence they’ve not a pot to pi_s in or a window to throw it out of. And the continuous excuses as to what ailed the franchise was always being made not only by their fans but also by its hierarchy. Is it any wonder that they’ve been mired in an abyss of sheer mediocrity for the last half a decade ?

Are We Not Human Do We Not Bleed ? We Do Have Emotions As Well …..

Off late I’m of the opinion that the law as it stands is an ass. Especially when it comes to its dealing with celebrities and athletes. Now I’m not prepared to use race as an aspect of making a case for any perceived argument at all.

Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane speaks after his arraignment in Buffalo City Court in Buffalo New York. Kane is accused of beating up a cab driver over a fare dispute. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey ....................

But as of late , I’ve come to the conclusion that unless the district attorneys, who handle many of the legal issues that they’re confronted with. Do so with more zealousness and show the public that they mean business. Then the public will continue to have little faith in the legal system of this country.

Plaxico Burress seen here leaving the Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday having agreed to a two year sentence on a weapon's charge. Apart from the two year sentence the player will also have to undergo two years of supervised probation in accordance with his plea agreement. Had he gone to trial and been found guilty. He'd have face anywhere between 5 1/2 to 15 years as mandated by the state of New York. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Seth Wenig ........................

I say this merely not only because I now work alongside members of the legal profession. Though I’m not involved in the field of criminal law. My field, is within the corporate law and that of fiance and international banking. However, the legal firm that I am employed by ,is a full service law firm, that’s nationally recognized and has offices, here in North America . As well as in Latin America, Europe and the Far East.

With all that has happened as of late within the NFL and NHL , concerning a number of athletes. I’m of the opinion that the hierarchy of all of the four major professional sports’ governing bodies have to be firm when it comes to dealing with their members and their apparent legal transgressions. I know that the case has to be made “….innocent until proven guilty.” But at what expense to the integrity of the very sport that the fans and members of the public seemingly take an interest in ?

Pepperdine University law professor and ESPN legal analyst Roger Cossack . picture appears courtesy of epsn.go.com/archives @ copyrighted material All rights reserved .............

Last night whilst briefly watching an item on ESPN . Where an interview was taking place with respected former criminal attorney Roger Cossack . Who also happens to be the network’s legal analyst . Cossack had the temerity to suggest that the two year sentence given to former New York Giants’ player, Plaxico Burress was ‘too harsh and that jail should be for violent felons ‘ Somehow , the absurdity of Cossack’s statement was far too bewildering for me comprehend. So I can only surmise either that Cossack didn’t equate that Burress’ crime was at all serious.

Plaxico Burress went into a nightclub , having crossed state lines with an unlicensed and concealed weapon. Wherein, he not only endangered himself but the patrons of the club who were in attendance. If Cossack can’t comprehend that, then he ought no to be involved in the legal profession at all. And as a tenured professor , teaching law and the media at Pepperdine University , I’d like to think that he’s offering his students much more insight as to the legal profession. Rather than offering an opinion that’s not worth the paper it’s written on , or being vocal with it, to begin with.

Courtesy of Yahoo Sports and the Associated Press:

Blackhawks’ Kane pleads not guilty in Buffalo

By John Wawrow AP Sports Writer

Buffalo,NY-(AP) After reiterating his innocence following a brief court appearance ,Chicago Blackhawks’ star forward Patrick Kane became emotional as he walked to his lawyer’s office Thursday.

Flanked by his parents, Patrick Sr. and Donna Kane and attorney Paul Cambria , Kane became teary-eyed as a reporter asked about the emotional toll he’s under facing misdemeanor assault, theft and harassment charges that he and his cousin beat up a cab driver over a fare.

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Now far be it for me to suggest, that it’s not just the legal profession and ruling bodies of the four major sports that ought to be held accountable. But I do also feel that the athletes themselves , also have to held to a certain standard, as to their conduct. They are continually in the public eye, even when away from the field of play.What they choose to do, behind closed doors , beyond public scrutiny, is their own business. But once it takes place within the public domain then it’s completely another matter. And therein lies the dilemma that faces MLB , NBA , NHL and NFL . When it is appropriate for them to take action against a player who runs afoul of the law ? Are they overstepping their boundaries when they seek to suspend a player prior to due legal process takes its course ? Or are they in-fact acting in good faith when they seek to impart their own action in the form of a suspension ?

DeMaurice Smith Executive Director of the NFLPA. Smith who assumed the position after the death of his predecessor Gene Upshaw. He was elected to the position by the board members of the Players' Association. Smith was a corporate litigation attorney for the DC law firm Patton Boggs. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Phillip Mitchell .............................

As we all know of late , the National Football League has faced its own PR nightmare . From the Burress affair , to Donte’ Stallworth’s trial , to the recent release of Michael Vick from a federal prison , for his involvement in the criminal enterprise of dog-fighting and illegal gambling. And while much has been made of their acts of contrition. There is the belief , that the players in question are merely saying all of the right things in order to seek the public’s empathy and forgiveness. Make of it what you will. One can either choose to take them at their word or you can choose to think that they’re just as I’d alluded to they’re saying all of the right thing for their own reasons.

With the impending collective bargaining agreement about to rescinded and opted out of by the NFL at the end of the 2010-11 season. The NFLPA and their Executive Director DeMaurice Smith feels emboldened with regard to the arbitrary actions of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell . The commissioner feels that is indeed his duty, to uphold the integrity of the game and the perceived image that the fans and public sees. And while no can deny that Smith may well have a case as to questioning Goodell’s seemingly use as to his judgement when meting out punishment. That he feels appropriate, when the players have ran afoul the league’s conduct policy and that of the law.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell . The commissioner faces a great deal of contention as to his arbitrary authority concerning the suspensions of NFL players when it comes to the league's conduct policy. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Noah Rogers ....................

Smith seeks to go in, perhaps with both guns blazing, as he seeks to usurp some of Goodell’s powers, when it comes to this specific issue , concerning his members. That being said, Smith has done nothing to suggest that he’s overly concerned by the conduct of his members.
He’s yet to make a public statement concerning either Donte’ Stallworth’s actions or that of Plaxico Burress. The only public statement he has actually made concerns the return of Vick to the NFL arena. And the mere fact that he’s happy to welcome player back into the NFL fold.

On appearance that may well seem somewhat disingenuous on Smith’s part. But the Players’ Association has never been known to act with any real responsibility as to its image. It’d appear that its greatest concern is that of, the amount of money it seemingly appears to be in conflict with the NFL over , concerning the revenues gleaned as to their overall operations. Something that Smith has in common with his predecessor , Gene Upshaw .

Whatever may well take place when the two sides meet. There is in-fact a good case to be made by either side. Goodell, has to show more transparency as to his dealings with these issues. And at the same time we have to see Smith, himself , become more proactive when incidents such as this arise concerning his members , the players. It makes no sense for him to continue to remain silent on many of these matters. On appearance alone, it suggests that he in-fact condones the conduct of the players. And Goodell for his part , ought to be moving towards the setting up of a panel that encompasses either an impartial board of intermediaries that in effect rules over the findings after player’s misconduct. Or possibly a board that seats current and former players. With there being legal counsel , to assist in any legal matters that arise. It shouldn’t as such, be left to Goodell alone to be judge and jury when it comes to meting out punishment to the players arbitrarily.

As it is , it often appears that the commissioner picks and chooses the battles he seeks to win and at the same time keep his own image in-tact . Albeit, that he feels that he’s doing this all for the greater good , in terms of the game’s image and its integrity. But as we all know this may well be only a means to an end as to the renegotiating of the collective bargaining agreement. The concerns that the fans may well have in all of this won’t be of any concern to the NFL or the union counterpart. If anything it’ll be more about the image of both parties and who comes out on top at the end of the day.

And if you think this concerns only the NFL. Then think again, as the three other major professional sports and their governing bodies have the very same problem.

Having One’s Cake And Eating It … Who Says There’s No Collusion In Sports ?

Unless you’ve had your head buried in the sand over the last few months. You may not have been aware that all four of the major professional sports governing bodies and the NCAA are prepared to challenge the states of Delaware and New Jersey in proposing a sport’s book gamling bill that they’re preparing in their respective legislatures.

On the face of it one might feel that MLB , NBA , NCAA , NHL and the NFL have nothing to worry about. Being as the fact that all four sports have a healthy relationship with the gaming industry , one way or another. In many cases, some of the four do , more than others. And without that relationship one could surmise that the relationship would be as such somewhat minute . Other than the fact that there are still indeed some well meaning and loyal fans to the respective professional franchises.

Gov Jack A Markell (D-Del) . The governor is seeking legislative bill to be passed in both houses whereing legalized gambling and most notably sports book betting will be allowable in the state of Delaware. However the four major pro sports governing bodies and the NCAA are seeking to challenge any bill passed by placing their own challgenge as to its legality in the Federal Court system. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Carol Hemmings ...........................

However , in light of this all each of the sporting bodies , headed by Bud Selig (MLB) , David Stern (NBA) , Gary Bettman (NHL), Myles Brand (NCAA) and Roger Goodell (NFL). For some reason each of the commissioners in question believe that should the legislation be passed it’d do more harm to the framework of sports in general . Than it would do good. I find that particular argument somewhat misguided , retarded but above lacking in basis in terms of a real argument.

Gov. Jon Corzine (D-New Jersey) . He, too, like his Democratic counterpart in Delaware would like to see a similar bill passed within both houses of the legislatiure in New Jersey. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / Dwayne Osario ............................

Whereas over the years each of the sports in question have profitted greatly from the gaming industry and in particular the patrons wagering on the outcomes of their games. Granted that the real problem is in-fact illegal wagering and also that of the off-shore entities that the Federal Government has no jurisdiction over. But here we’re talking about two states’ governments that are proposing bills , that in large part there’d be a an agency overseeing the operations of the various entities that would seek to operate within their jurisdiction. It is not a threat to the dominance of the existence to any of the four governing sport’s bodies. But they’d have you believe that there is indeed a perceived threat to their existence. And the very fact that with this renewed effort by both Delaware and New Jersey , that there’d be some sort of mayhem caused.

Gov Arnold Schwarzaneggar (R-Ca). He now faces a budget shortfall within the state in excess of $24 billion (dollars) and the state is now issuing IOU's to pay its creditors as a way of staving off bankruptcy. The federal government's stimulus package won't even make a dent in the state's overall situation. So much for Schwarzaneggar having declared himself a fiscally and socially aware conservative. Which is it ? picture appears courtesy of afp/ Jorge Ayala .........................

Each year , tens of billions of dollars are wagered on sporting events up and down the country. And it seems to have somehow escaped the notice of these commissioners that without the chance for bettors to do this . Sports as we know it wouldn’t be the spectacle that it is. I don’t know if there’s some sort of puritanical bias behind the argument being put forth by the quintet. But I’d like to think that they’ve somehow outgrown that sort of archaic thinking and mindset. If anything , above all it’s downright hypocritical . Given the fact that a number of college as well as professional teams have marketing tie-ins with gaming establishments and casinos.

Rep. Heath Shuler (D-Nc) . The former NFL player and now Congressman opposes any such legislation that would legalize gambling and in particular sports book betting within the states of Delaware and Nevada. picture appears courtesy ap/photo/ Tiffany Warren ......................

The gambling industry in the US is worth upwards of between $30-$45billion dollars a year and employs close to 400,000 people. So to be of the belief that there isn’t some undue benefit to the government or a state agency would be redundant to say the very least. For many states across the country with the very fact that the harsh economic environment that many now find themelves. They are indeed looking to other revenue streams in order to facilitate their budget shortfalls. The state of California this year alone faces a $24bn budget deficit shortfall this year alone. Somehow the predisposition of their Governator Arnold Schwarzeneggar to blow everything up within his midst , in order to solve a problem. Well it appears that it doesn’t seem to be working as of now, for the citizens of California. Or as a matter of fact for the state employees who are being in some cases being placed on prolonged furloughs or fired from their positions.

Now as to the wish of both states to have this legislation passed. It seems even more outlandish that Congress would also seek to make its voice heard on the matter. Most suprising of all is the very fact that former NFL player and now Congressman Heath Shuler (D-NC) should come out in opposition to the proposals of both states. But it’s easy to understand the reason why , there. No lobbyist funds may have come betwee Shuler and him making a decision. But then I digress , not every federal legislator is corrupt. And the argument can also be pit forth that not every legislator is as altruistic as they’d have you believe.

Courtesy of USA Today:

Pro leagues, NCAA resist push by states to legalize betting ….

By Michael McCarthy and A J Perez of USA Today

It’s a sign of a lagging economy : American pro leagues and college and sports teams seeking new revenue through increasingly bold marketing relationships with gambling interests. It’s why team logos have begun appearing on state lottery tickets and why some basketball games have been played at casino hotels.

Now officials in Delaware and New Jersey, facing their own budget problems, say it’s time for a bolder move ,full scale legalized sports betting in states other than Nevada,currently the only place such activity is allowed. They are pushing hard to add legalized in-casino sports betting to their states gambling offerings , which include horse racing , lotteries , slot machines, and in Atlantic City – table games.

The plans are being resisted by the nation’s four major pro sports leagues- the NFL, the NBA , the NHL, and Major League Baseball- as well as the NCAA. Despite marketing arrangements that schools have with gambling, sports officials are asking a federal court to stop the Delaware effort, saying that widespread legalized betting would threaten the integrity of their sports by creating incentives for cheating and game-fixing.

That view is not unanimous among sports owners, however.

Joe Maloof, whose family owns the NBA’s Sacramento Kings and the WNBA’s Sacramento Monarchs as well as the Palms casino resort in Las Vegas, says well regulated sports gambling would help prevent such problems. cont’d ………… see below for further details concerning this article

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The test for both legislatures will be to see if the bill is passed. And then to see whether not it can withstand the challenge of a suit as to its legitimacy within the Federal Court system by the parties concerned. In this case Major League Baseball (MLB) ,the NBA, the NFL, the NHL and finally the NCAA. In large part all five have close ties to the gaming industry in some for another. But to now see them to try and deprive a state of a way formulating a revenue stream in order to stave off economic duress. Well to my mind it smacks of hypocrisy. When these are the very same entities engratiate themselves upon states and municipalities up and down the country in order to obtain lucrative tax breaks that facilitate the building of their arenas and that in effect also allows them to conduct their very business.

Something is inherently wrong here if they are indeed allowed to challenge the veracity of what both states are trying to do. No one has yet to challenge each of the five upon the basis of how they operate and conduct their businesses. But here they are trying to dictate and legislate how states of Delaware and New Jersey ought to conduct their own by seeking recourse through the legal system.

This is something that it is odious in nature . But even more it smacks of collusion and if nothing else it is also depriving the two states and its citizens their very rights govern themselves in an appropriate fashion.

What are your thoughts on this matter ? Below also is a poll that you can participate in should you choose to. I look forward to reading your comments with a keen interest as to your responses.

The Potential Is There For Something …..I Just Don’t Know What

Far be it for me to suggest that Allen Iverson has nothing to offer a team at this moment in time. But it’d appear that a player who’s now on the downside of what one might deem an illustrious career. It would probably be in his best interest to ride off into the sunset with his head held high. And let his legacy speak for itself. Rather than him now being ridiculed as the shell of the player he once was .

A seemingly happy Allen Iverson is introduced to the Detroit media having just been acquired by the Pistons in exchange for point guard Chauncey Billups who was traded to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for the former League MVP. picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Gregory Shamus ............

Well at the end of the season Iverson became an unrestricted free agent. His tenure in Detroit proved to be a complete disappointment with the Detroit Pistons. Now very much his own man , though no longer an elite player. He now has to sit and wait for a team to show at least a modicum of interest in his talents. And for a player of Iverson’s undoubted talents, the days are long gone where’d be viewed as player that would command a king’s ransom for his services.

A smiling Allen Iverson in a Pistons' uniform. A rarity as such as his playing time was often pared due to recurring injuries and a loss of form . However on this occasion to be happy as his Pistons' team had just defeatd the Los Angeles Lakers 106-96 in a game played at the Staples Center in Los Angeles , California,. picture appears ap/photo/ Gus Ruelas ....................

These are stark and dire times economically and teams aren’t prepared to pay top dollar for marginally above average talent. Mid-level cap exemption status or not. The fall of a once great player now seems to be resonating with a number of fans across the league. The thought that we’re now seeing a player of Iverson’s caliber struggle to even find a team seems somewhat perplexing. Albeit that it may well have something to do with the player’s perceived character and his susceptibility to recurring injuries. But one thing for sure is that we all know is that as a player, in no way does Iverson lack heart ! He gives of himself and of his body, perhaps more than is actually required in the pursuit of victory.

Iverson as a Nugget playing at the team's home venue, the Pepsi Center in Denver , Colorado,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Ryan Williams ............

Amongst the peers of his generation , perhaps only the ‘The Big Man’, ‘The Diesel’, Shaquille O’Neal played with as much heart as Iverson in his heyday on the basketball court. But this is no longer a veteran’s game. Albeit that cerebral players such as Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett are said to be still at their peak. And those are the players from Iverson’s generation that we tend to associate him with.

And whilst we can contend that the failed experiment of Iverson’s tenure with the Denver Nuggets , playing alongside Carmelo Anthony , Kenyon Martin , J. R. Smith and Nene’ . But yet they could still not function as a cohesive unit , much less as a team. And for Nuggets’ coach George Karl , there was no end to the nightmare , as they set out on this doomed facsimile of an experiment. The Nuggets with Iverson in tow , was a team primarily built on the premise offense. Defense it would appear was never a part of their mindset. And it was understandable when the Nuggets as an organization sought to trade Iverson to the Pistons in exchange for hometown hero, Chauncey Billups , a Denver native. And in the end we all saw who got the better of that deal .

Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers seen here participating against the New Orleans Hornets in the NBA's Summer League. pictur appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Garret W Ellwod

The Denver Nuggets would indeed ascend whereas the Detroit Pistons, though barely having made it into the playoffs. They were jettisoned from postseason play like rancid garbage being thrown into the streets of New Delhi.

As is befitting a team and a player seemingly on the demise. The Detroit Pistons and Allen Iverson are at a crossroads as to their immediate futures. For the Pistons and their GM Joe Dumars . It is now about rebuilding a team and making them once again a perennial contender. Whereas for Iverson it’s about rebuilding his reputation and at the same time prove to any team, willing to take him. That he has indeed something still to offer a team, by way of his own contributions.

Amongst the teams or said team to be interested in Allen Iverson. It’s allegedly Donald Sterling’s Los Angeles Clippers. This couldn’t be perceived as a marriage made in heaven. But it may well have to do as far as Iverson’s career ambitions may well go.

Whilst on paper the team’s roster looks great with a mixture of seasoned veterans in Baron Davis , Marcus Camby, Ricky Davis, Zach Randolph and Chris Kaman. There’s also promising sophomore Eric Gordon and this year’s number #1 draft pick Blake Griffin to complement and round out the playing staff of this team. And as much as we’ve derided the Clippers over the years for their ineptitude. It has to be said that the possible addition to Iverson on this team. And the foundations could well be laid for a successful season.

Eric Gordon of th Clippers seen here playing against the Phoenix Suns in an NBA game from last season. It's hoped that Gordon and Bake Griffin will be viewed as the conerstone of the Clippers' long term future. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Anthony Kettering .............

But much of that percieved success would be predicated on the egos of some players being left at the door. It’s bad enough having the likes of Davis and his namesake Ricky Davis on the same team . In addition you’ve also got a malcontent and an enfant terrible in Zach Randolph added into the mix. That’s as volatile and combustible a mix as anyone would want to have to undertake as a coach of this team. Nevermind then adding Iverson into such an environment. Talk about a molotov cocktail . This may well be a Krakatoa type eruption waiting to happen. And in the midst of it all all you’ll have these two young players in Gordon and Griffin having to ingratiate themselves with their more experienced teammates.

It could either bring about a recipe for disaster. Or dare I say it , complete resounding success ? What Iverson can bring to this team as its elder statesman is a wise head and hopefully a calming influence to this team. But let’s not forget we are talking about the Los Angeles Clippers. Success for them as of late has been to play the entire regular season of 82 games and then to be mistakenly recognized as members of the Los Angeles Lakers. In reality the only thing these two teams have in common is that they share the same home venue and they both play in the Western Conference. As to comparing their competitive nature. That’s like comparing a highly priced bottle of vintage jeroboam champagne to a bottle of stale vinegar. It just doesn’t equate !

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The Potential Is There For Something…..I Just Don’t Know What

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The Birdman Can Still Fly High In Denver But Can He And The Nuggets Join The Mile High Club ?

The Denver Nuggets have resigned Chris Birdman Andersen to a 5 year deal . The deal itself is said to be worth in the region of $26m . And it’s a handsome reward for a player that seemingly resurrected his career with the Nuggets.

The high flying Chris Andersen who was resigned by the Denver Nuggets to a 5 year $26m contract. Anderson appreciatie of the commitment shown in him by the franchise. picture appears courtesy ap/photo/Mark Bartlestein ………

For coach George Karl and that of the Nuggets’ hierarchy it was a welcoming reward in the return of a fan favorite amongst the Denver crowd. He brought energy to the team’s home arena and the fans fed off that. And with his zany antics , erstwhile character and willingness to sacrifice his body in order to do the dirty work on the offensive and defensive end in terms of rebounding. It’s easy to understand why it is that the franchise were determined to retain the player.

And though the team fell short of their expectations , having been eliminated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals 4-2 after a determined effort. It has to be said that this will be a team to be reckoned with next season. A year older but much more wiser one would hope. This augurs well for the franchise and their ultimate aim of winning an NBA championship.

Ty Lawson who was selected 18th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves is seen here with Nuggets' coach George Karl after the player was acquired by the team in a trade . Lawson will be the backup to point guards Chauncey Billups and Anthony Carter . But in all likelihood he's viewed as the heir apparent to Billups. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / David Zabulowski ............

And with the experience of having a proven winner within their midst in point guard Chauncey Billups as a well as the maturation of Carmelo Anthony. It’s easy to see why this team may well be one of the few teams in the Western Conference who could give the Los Angeles Lakers a run for their money in defending their NBA title.

Carmelo Anthony (left), Chauncey Billups (center) and Nene Hilario of the Denver Nuggets are on the sidelines during the Western Conference quarter finals game played against the New Orleans Hornets at the Pepsi Center in Denver , Colorado. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Chris Farrior .............

Not lost in all of this has been the draft of the Nuggets. There’s been astute assessment in what their requirements were. And they went about picking up a very talented player. They may well have picked up the heir apparent to Billups in acquiring former Carolina Tar Heel Ty Lawson. The player was orginally taken 18th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves , who then dispatched his rights to the Nuggets via a trade. That in ofitself could well be a blessing in disguise for the team as a whole. With Lawson they get an intense and creative offensive player . Who’s also equally adept on the defensive side of the ball. And with the team’s roster almost seeminly unchanged . The cohesiveness that we saw throughout much of the regular season and into the earlier rounds of the playoffs ought to be still there as the new season beckons.

The aspirations of the franchise won’t at all be lost on the fans in Denver. They’ve shown their loyal support to the team throughout the regular season and then into the postseason itself. And even with the disappointment of the loss to the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. They could see the beginning of something fruitful as to the team’s play and the resolve shown.

Yahoo Sports.com reports: via AP Sports Writer Pat Graham …..

Anderson reaches 5-year deal to stay with Nuggets.

AP Sports Writer Pat Graham :
Denver (AP) Chris ‘Birdman’ Andersen has reached a 5 year deal to keep his high flying, shot blocking act with the Denver Nuggets , the team he revived his career with last season.

Andersen’s attorney, Mark Bryant , confirmed the agreement on Wednesday , saying it would be signed later in the day.

Andersen, who turned 31 on Tuesday could make up to $26m over the lifetime of a back-loaded contract that gives the Nuggets financial flexibility.

The Nuggets didn’t return phone calls.

Andersen will make close to $3.65 million in 2009-10, up from the $998,398 he made last season, when he averaged 6.4 points and 2.5 blocked shots in 20.6 minutes.

“You write the best scenario, think you’re dreaming and open youre eyes and it’s real,” Bryant said. “He’s very excited . They treated him as a priority.”

With his colorful tattoos and spiky hair, Andersen was an instant hit with the Denver fans, who’ve embraced his return to the court.

Andersen came back to the NBA in 2008 following a ban that lasted almost two years after he tested positive for an undisclosed “drug of abuse”.

The energetic forward known for his defensive disruption around the basket provided a spark off the bench as the Nuggets made a run to the Western Conference finals, where they fell short to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

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In order to continue reading Pat Graham’s piece in its entirety . Just click on the headlined text shown above.

Sources: Foye, Miller Traded to Wizards; Amir Johnson to Bucks

Randy Foye and Mike Miller have been traded to the Washington Wizards.  In return, the Minnesota Timberwolves acquire the 5th overall pick in this years draft, Etan Thomas, Darius Songaila, and Oleskiy Pecherov.  The Detroit Pistons have traded Amir Johnson to the Milwaukee Bucks for Fabricio Oberto.  Great trade for the Bucks and Wizards, terrible trade for the Pistons and Timberwolves.

ESPN:  The Washington Wizards are close to a deal that would send the No. 5 pick in Thursday’s draft, Oleksiy Pecherov, Etan Thomas and Darius Songaila to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Randy Foye and Mike Miller, a league source told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher on Tuesday.

The Wolves would then keep the draft pick and their own selection at No. 6 and not try to package those to move up, a source told ESPN.com’s Andy Katz.

The trade hasn’t been consummated yet because of a clerical point that Etan Thomas needs to handle, a source told Katz. Thomas has to come to the Wizards’ offices Wednesday to sign an agreement that he won’t opt out of his deal on July 1 and become a free agent. By agreeing to the trade, Thomas would receive $1.2 million. Thomas is expected to sign the note, but it is a procedural matter that must be done before a conference call with all parties can be held.

Meanwhile, Minnesota owner Glen Taylor, who is the chairman of the board of governors, was expected to meet with general manager David Kahn Tuesday night to go over the trade but wasn’t expected to balk at the move. The source told Katz that the Wizards expect this trade to become official Wednesday. Washington had made overtures regarding moving the No. 5 pick ever since the Wizards landed it on the draft lottery on May 19. Washington listened to offers from New York, Dallas, Phoenix and Portland but settled on a deal with Minnesota, looking for veteran perimeter help while getting rid of expiring contracts.

Once the trade becomes official on Wednesday, Minnesota the NBA draft board will show the Timberwolves on the clock with the fifth pick on Thursday night, not the Wizards. When trades are completed after the midday deadline on draft day the draft board doesn’t change, and teams must pick for their trade partner.

The source told Katz that until the deal is officially done, Minnesota could still work a trade to get a third party involved.

Meanwhile, the source said that Washington was thrilled to land Foye and Miller to beef up its perimeter shooting. The Wizards look at Miller as filling a 3-point shooting void on a team that was considered a playoff contender had it been healthy last season. Miller would be in the mix with Caron Butler while Foye would be a solid lead guard in a rotation with Gilbert Arenas, Nick Young and DeShawn Stevenson.

Foye is a three-year veteran who was second on the Wolves in scoring last season at 16.3 points per game. He added 4.3 assists per contest.

Miller was part of an eight-player, draft-day trade last season, going from the Grizzlies to the Wolves with Kevin Love for the rights to O.J. Mayo. The nine-year veteran averaged a career-low 9.9 points per game for the Wolves last season.

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RealGM: The Bucks have flipped Fabricio Oberto to the Pistons in exchange for Amir Johnson, according to a source.

Oberto was acquired by Milwaukee from San Antonio earlier on Wednesday.

RealGM Note: The move will save Detroit in their salary cap space pursuits, as Oberto’s contract is non-guaranteed.

Rumor: Pistons Reject Celtics’ Blockbuster Offer

The Boston Celtics offered the Detroit Pistons Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo for Rip Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey, and Tayshaun Prince, but it was immediately rejected.  It would have been a huge steal for the Celtics if it would have gone through.

RealGM: The Celtics reportedly offered Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen to the Pistons for Rodney Stuckey, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince.

League sources told Yahoo! Sports of the deal, which reportedly never made it past lower level executives as Detroit rejected the offer immediately.

The offer was made this past weekend.

76ers Bringing Back Old Logo and Colors

This will be very interesting to see.  Personally, I prefer the old logo and colors and am excited to see it next season.

ESPN: PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are going retro.

The Sixers have changed their logo and colors to revive the traditional “76ers basketball” logo and the red, white and blue color scheme.

The logo, last used during the 1996-97 season, consists of a color scheme originally established in 1963 and used during the Sixers’ two championship seasons in 1966-67 and 1982-83.

This is the first major logo change for the Sixers since 1997-98, when the logo was modernized to incorporate black, silver and gold into a stylized “76ers” that featured a red and silver star to the left and a gold ball with blue stripes below.

The new logo includes a rectangular court-shaped enclosure around the ball with “PHILADELPHIA” along the bottom and silver shaping the perimeter. 

The old 76ers logo