Under the affiliation system with the D-League, NBA teams can assign up to two players who are rookies or in their second season to their D-League affiliate. Players can stay with the D-League team for as long as the team wishes, and be recalled back to the NBA at any time. A player can only be sent to the D-League a maximum of three times during the season.
More information:
http://www.nba.com/dleague/news/season_primer.html
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Breaking Up the Nets
After 44 games, the New Jersey Nets and Portland Trail Blazers have opposite records to most people's suprise, 18-26 for the Nets and 26-18 for the Blazers. As Jason Kidd and Vince Carter get older, the Nets need to make sure to move these players before their value dips too low.
Portland has a great deal of depth and nice, young players, but to really make a run in the playoffs they need a veteran. Jason Kidd, with two years remaining on his contract, would be the perfect fit to lead Portland into a decade of potential dominance.
This trade would allow the Nets to rebuild quickly before they move to Brooklyn and Portland would immediately become a legitimate contender this season.
Nets receive:
Raef LaFrentz, $12,440,787, 2 Years Remaining
Channing Frye, $2,487,240, 2 Years Remaining
Darius Miles, $8,250,000, 3 Years Remaining
Sergio Rodriguez, $817,000, 2 Years Remaining
2008 First Round Pick
Portland receives:
Jason Collins, $6,100,000, 2 Years Remaining
Jason Kidd, $19,728,000, 2 Years Remaining
Malik Allen, $770,610, 1 Year Remaining
This trade would give Portland a starting lineup of Jason Kidd at point guard, Brandon Roy at shooting guard, Martell Webster at small forward, LaMarcus Aldridge at power forward, and Joel Pryzbilla at center. With this trade, Portland's bench would get even deeper with Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack at guard; James Jones, Travis Outlaw, and Josh McRoberts at forward; and Malik Allen and Jason Collins at center. Portland would be two deep at each position and with Greg Oden coming back next year, they would certainly be one of the favorites going into the 2008-09 season.
For the Nets, more big talent would be the benefit of this trade. With Marcus Williams waiting in the wings, Kidd may be expendable. Plus, Rodriguez at 21 years old, has shown some flashes of brilliance at the point guard. Additionally, Frye is only 24 and has shown an ability to stand-out on the defensive end. Miles is coming off an injuy and could be a factor off the bench for the Nets. LaFrentz has two years left in his contract, and after this season, his contract could potentially become an asset to add another player down the line.
Although the Nets clearly would not get equal value for their best player, Jason Kidd, they would be moving him out to the Western Conference and would give themselves some future flexibility. If the Nets wait any longer, all they will have is a player with less value and a team that struggles to even make the playoffs.
Portland has a great deal of depth and nice, young players, but to really make a run in the playoffs they need a veteran. Jason Kidd, with two years remaining on his contract, would be the perfect fit to lead Portland into a decade of potential dominance.
This trade would allow the Nets to rebuild quickly before they move to Brooklyn and Portland would immediately become a legitimate contender this season.
Nets receive:
Raef LaFrentz, $12,440,787, 2 Years Remaining
Channing Frye, $2,487,240, 2 Years Remaining
Darius Miles, $8,250,000, 3 Years Remaining
Sergio Rodriguez, $817,000, 2 Years Remaining
2008 First Round Pick
Portland receives:
Jason Collins, $6,100,000, 2 Years Remaining
Jason Kidd, $19,728,000, 2 Years Remaining
Malik Allen, $770,610, 1 Year Remaining
This trade would give Portland a starting lineup of Jason Kidd at point guard, Brandon Roy at shooting guard, Martell Webster at small forward, LaMarcus Aldridge at power forward, and Joel Pryzbilla at center. With this trade, Portland's bench would get even deeper with Steve Blake and Jarrett Jack at guard; James Jones, Travis Outlaw, and Josh McRoberts at forward; and Malik Allen and Jason Collins at center. Portland would be two deep at each position and with Greg Oden coming back next year, they would certainly be one of the favorites going into the 2008-09 season.
For the Nets, more big talent would be the benefit of this trade. With Marcus Williams waiting in the wings, Kidd may be expendable. Plus, Rodriguez at 21 years old, has shown some flashes of brilliance at the point guard. Additionally, Frye is only 24 and has shown an ability to stand-out on the defensive end. Miles is coming off an injuy and could be a factor off the bench for the Nets. LaFrentz has two years left in his contract, and after this season, his contract could potentially become an asset to add another player down the line.
Although the Nets clearly would not get equal value for their best player, Jason Kidd, they would be moving him out to the Western Conference and would give themselves some future flexibility. If the Nets wait any longer, all they will have is a player with less value and a team that struggles to even make the playoffs.
Scouting Report: Rajon Rondo
Player Name: Rajon Rondo
Current Team: Boston Celtics
NBA Position: PG
Drafted: 21st (Phoenix Suns)
Height/Weight: 6'1"/171
Birthdate: 2/22/86
Hometown: Louisville, KY
College: Kentucky
Agent:
Notes:
Went to Louisville's Eastern High School for three years and then transferred to Virginia's Oak Hill Academy for his senior year; Played in the 2004 McDonald's All-American Team Originally committed to Louisivlle, but then changed to Kentucky; Played for the 2005 USA Men's Under-21 World Championship Team; Traded on draft night from the Suns to the Celtics along with Brian Grant for the Cleveland Cavaliers' first-round draft pick in the 2007 draft and cash considerations
Strengths:
Explosive first step; Tough defender on small guards; Knack for stealing passes; Pressuring ball-handler; Getting into the paint; Quick leaper; Great deal of energy; Improving in catch-and-shoot situations; Big hands; Great rebounder for his size; Large wingspan.
Weaknesses:
Shooting is clearly his biggest fault - both from the perimeter and free throw line; Opposing teams do not challenge Rondo in screen-and-rolls; No interest in finishing in the paint with his left hand; Bigger point guards can take advantage of him on the low block.
Outlook:
Rajon Rondo is an emerging point guard in the mold of a Tony Parker-type. Rondo is one of the best defensive point guards in the league, even though he is on the small side. He provides terrific ball pressure and plays with a great deal of energy. The offensive side of the ball is where Rondo still needs to make some strides. He is not a big enough threat when he does not have the ball in his hands, and teams can afford to give him space when he does have the ball because he is not a strong enough shooter. Also, he often forces himself into more difficult shots than necessary because he does not want to finish at the basket with his left hand. If Rondo can shoot a higher percentage from the field, then it will allow him to use his quickness much better. He certainly has the talent to be one of the best, young point guards in the league, right after Deron Williams and Chris Paul.
Video:
Current Team: Boston Celtics
NBA Position: PG
Drafted: 21st (Phoenix Suns)
Height/Weight: 6'1"/171
Birthdate: 2/22/86
Hometown: Louisville, KY
College: Kentucky
Agent:
Notes:
Went to Louisville's Eastern High School for three years and then transferred to Virginia's Oak Hill Academy for his senior year; Played in the 2004 McDonald's All-American Team Originally committed to Louisivlle, but then changed to Kentucky; Played for the 2005 USA Men's Under-21 World Championship Team; Traded on draft night from the Suns to the Celtics along with Brian Grant for the Cleveland Cavaliers' first-round draft pick in the 2007 draft and cash considerations
Strengths:
Explosive first step; Tough defender on small guards; Knack for stealing passes; Pressuring ball-handler; Getting into the paint; Quick leaper; Great deal of energy; Improving in catch-and-shoot situations; Big hands; Great rebounder for his size; Large wingspan.
Weaknesses:
Shooting is clearly his biggest fault - both from the perimeter and free throw line; Opposing teams do not challenge Rondo in screen-and-rolls; No interest in finishing in the paint with his left hand; Bigger point guards can take advantage of him on the low block.
Outlook:
Rajon Rondo is an emerging point guard in the mold of a Tony Parker-type. Rondo is one of the best defensive point guards in the league, even though he is on the small side. He provides terrific ball pressure and plays with a great deal of energy. The offensive side of the ball is where Rondo still needs to make some strides. He is not a big enough threat when he does not have the ball in his hands, and teams can afford to give him space when he does have the ball because he is not a strong enough shooter. Also, he often forces himself into more difficult shots than necessary because he does not want to finish at the basket with his left hand. If Rondo can shoot a higher percentage from the field, then it will allow him to use his quickness much better. He certainly has the talent to be one of the best, young point guards in the league, right after Deron Williams and Chris Paul.
Video:
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Bulls Problem Defense, Not Offense
This season, the Bulls are winless when they allow 100 or more points in a game. After Houston's win earlier this week over Seattle, 109-107, the Bulls became the only team in the NBA to not win a game when they give up 100 or more points. In all other games, the Bulls record is 17-7.
So, although many point out the struggles for the Bulls to score in the paint and their other offensive deficiency, perhaps it is the defense that is the root of the problem. The Bulls most impressive victories this season have come against Detroit. In games against the Pistons, the Bulls have held them to 93 points, 91 points, and 81 points.
Some key defensive categories and the Bulls current rankings:
Three Point Percentage, .382 (28th)
Free Throws Attempted, 1073 (13th)
Total Rebounds Per Game, 43.1 (21st)
Fast Break Points per game, 13.1 (23rd-tied)
Starting Thabo Sefolosha over Ben Gordon, giving Joakim Noah time over Ben Wallace, and playing Tyrus Thomas less, should help the defensive issues the Bulls have. Sefolosha especially, allows Kirk Hinrich to defend point guards rather than bigger, shooting guards.
So, although many point out the struggles for the Bulls to score in the paint and their other offensive deficiency, perhaps it is the defense that is the root of the problem. The Bulls most impressive victories this season have come against Detroit. In games against the Pistons, the Bulls have held them to 93 points, 91 points, and 81 points.
Some key defensive categories and the Bulls current rankings:
Three Point Percentage, .382 (28th)
Free Throws Attempted, 1073 (13th)
Total Rebounds Per Game, 43.1 (21st)
Fast Break Points per game, 13.1 (23rd-tied)
Starting Thabo Sefolosha over Ben Gordon, giving Joakim Noah time over Ben Wallace, and playing Tyrus Thomas less, should help the defensive issues the Bulls have. Sefolosha especially, allows Kirk Hinrich to defend point guards rather than bigger, shooting guards.
Scouting Report: Rudy Gay
As the Memphis Grizzlies continue to struggle this season, one bright spot has been the emergence of Rudy Gay. Gay started to come on last season after the all-star break and has continued to stay aggressive this season. Along with point guard Mike Conley, Gay is clearly the focus of the Grizzlies for years to come.
Player Name: Rudy Gay
Current Team: Memphis Grizzlies
NBA Position: SF
Drafted: 8th (Houston Rockets)
Height/Weight: 6'9"/220
Birthdate: 8/17/86
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
College: Connecticut
Agent: Octagon Sports
Notes:
Traded on draft night to Memphis with Stromile Swift for Shane Battier; As a sophomore, he was named an All-Big East First Team selection, and an NABC All-America First Team and Associated Press All-America Second Team member; 2006-07 NBA First All-Rookie Team
Strenghts:
Explosive; Long and athletic; Uses length on defense to force turnovers; Big-time scorer; High arching jump shot; Perimeter range; Finishes well in traffic; Prototypical NBA body; Vertical jump; Quick feet; Ball handling still needs to improve
Weaknesses:
Consistency is still somewhat of an issue; Struggles when he does not stay aggressive; Competitiveness on offense sometimes does not match on defense.
Outlook:
Gay has proven this year that he is a big-time scorer in the NBA. He will be one of the top thirty scorers in the league for a majority of his career. To get to the next tier of players, Gay needs to continue to stay aggressive and improve on the defensive end. As the Memphis Grizzlies grow and improve around Gay, Conley, and Milicic, Gay will by the key for this franchise to move up in the Western Conference.
Video:
Player Name: Rudy Gay
Current Team: Memphis Grizzlies
NBA Position: SF
Drafted: 8th (Houston Rockets)
Height/Weight: 6'9"/220
Birthdate: 8/17/86
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
College: Connecticut
Agent: Octagon Sports
Notes:
Traded on draft night to Memphis with Stromile Swift for Shane Battier; As a sophomore, he was named an All-Big East First Team selection, and an NABC All-America First Team and Associated Press All-America Second Team member; 2006-07 NBA First All-Rookie Team
Strenghts:
Explosive; Long and athletic; Uses length on defense to force turnovers; Big-time scorer; High arching jump shot; Perimeter range; Finishes well in traffic; Prototypical NBA body; Vertical jump; Quick feet; Ball handling still needs to improve
Weaknesses:
Consistency is still somewhat of an issue; Struggles when he does not stay aggressive; Competitiveness on offense sometimes does not match on defense.
Outlook:
Gay has proven this year that he is a big-time scorer in the NBA. He will be one of the top thirty scorers in the league for a majority of his career. To get to the next tier of players, Gay needs to continue to stay aggressive and improve on the defensive end. As the Memphis Grizzlies grow and improve around Gay, Conley, and Milicic, Gay will by the key for this franchise to move up in the Western Conference.
Video:
Monday, January 21, 2008
NBA Agents
BDA Sports Management
Bill Duffy, President
Other Agents: Calvin Andrews, Kevin Bradbury, Michael Conley, Sr.
Website: http://www.bdasports.com/
Top Players include: Carmelo Anthony, Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr., Steve Nash, Yao Ming, Leandro Barbosa
Octagon Sports
Jeff Austin, Senior Vice President
Other Agents: Chris Emens, Lance Young
Website: http://www.octagonbasketball.com/Default.aspx/Home
Top Players include: Rudy Gay, Chris Paul, Kirk Hinrich, David West
Priority Sports & Entertainment
Mark Bartelstein, President
Website: http://www.prioritybasketball.biz/basketball/
Top Players include: Adam Morrison, Bobby Simmons, Mo Williams, Charlie Bell, Luther Head, Antoine Walker
Goodwin Sports
Aaron Goodwin, President
Other Agents: Eric Goodwin, Noah Croom
Website: http://www.goodwinsports.com/
Top Players include: Al Horford, Chris Webber, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Jamal Crawford
Fegan & Associates
Dan Fegan
Top Players include: Shawn Marion, Jason Richardson, Nene Hilario, Jason Terry, Stephen Jackson, Anderson Varejo
ASM Sports
Andy Miller, President
Other Agents: Justin Zanek
Website: http://www.asmsports.com/
Top Players include: Kevin Garnett, Chauncey Billups, Cuttino Mobley, Antonio McDyess, Stromile Swift, Sebastian Telfair
Pinnacle Sports
Marc Cornstein,
Website: http://www.pinnaclehoops.com/index.php
Top Players include: Samuel Dalembert, Darko Milicic, Nenad Krstic, Beno Udrih, Sasha Pavlovic
CSMG Sports
Henry Thomas, EVP of Basketball
Other Agents: Alex Saratsis, Marty McGlothan, Kim Hills
Website: http://www.csmgsports.com
Top Players include: Chris Bosh, Michael Finley, Devin Harris, Dwyane Wade, Shaun Livingston, Anthony Parker
Interperformances, Inc.
Herb Rudoy, President
Other Agents: Luciano Capichhioni
Website: http://www.interperformances.com/enter.phtml?sp=b
Top Players include: Mickael Pietrus, Raja Bell, Manu Ginobili, Carlos Arroyo, Sergio Rodriguez, Zydrunas Ilgauskus, Lina Kleiza
http://www.hoopshype.com/agents/andy_miller.htm
Bill Duffy, President
Other Agents: Calvin Andrews, Kevin Bradbury, Michael Conley, Sr.
Website: http://www.bdasports.com/
Top Players include: Carmelo Anthony, Greg Oden, Mike Conley Jr., Steve Nash, Yao Ming, Leandro Barbosa
Octagon Sports
Jeff Austin, Senior Vice President
Other Agents: Chris Emens, Lance Young
Website: http://www.octagonbasketball.com/Default.aspx/Home
Top Players include: Rudy Gay, Chris Paul, Kirk Hinrich, David West
Priority Sports & Entertainment
Mark Bartelstein, President
Website: http://www.prioritybasketball.biz/basketball/
Top Players include: Adam Morrison, Bobby Simmons, Mo Williams, Charlie Bell, Luther Head, Antoine Walker
Goodwin Sports
Aaron Goodwin, President
Other Agents: Eric Goodwin, Noah Croom
Website: http://www.goodwinsports.com/
Top Players include: Al Horford, Chris Webber, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Jamal Crawford
Fegan & Associates
Dan Fegan
Top Players include: Shawn Marion, Jason Richardson, Nene Hilario, Jason Terry, Stephen Jackson, Anderson Varejo
ASM Sports
Andy Miller, President
Other Agents: Justin Zanek
Website: http://www.asmsports.com/
Top Players include: Kevin Garnett, Chauncey Billups, Cuttino Mobley, Antonio McDyess, Stromile Swift, Sebastian Telfair
Pinnacle Sports
Marc Cornstein,
Website: http://www.pinnaclehoops.com/index.php
Top Players include: Samuel Dalembert, Darko Milicic, Nenad Krstic, Beno Udrih, Sasha Pavlovic
CSMG Sports
Henry Thomas, EVP of Basketball
Other Agents: Alex Saratsis, Marty McGlothan, Kim Hills
Website: http://www.csmgsports.com
Top Players include: Chris Bosh, Michael Finley, Devin Harris, Dwyane Wade, Shaun Livingston, Anthony Parker
Interperformances, Inc.
Herb Rudoy, President
Other Agents: Luciano Capichhioni
Website: http://www.interperformances.com/enter.phtml?sp=b
Top Players include: Mickael Pietrus, Raja Bell, Manu Ginobili, Carlos Arroyo, Sergio Rodriguez, Zydrunas Ilgauskus, Lina Kleiza
http://www.hoopshype.com/agents/andy_miller.htm
Memphis, Chicago & Orlando Up For a 3-Way Trade?
With the Bulls floundering at seven games under .500 and Memphis looking to the future as they sit in last place in the Western Conference's Southwest Division, both teams look like they are ready to make a move. In Orlando, Stan Van Gundy has struggled to find an effective big man. So, here's a three-way trade that would get each team closer to their short-term and long-term goals.
Memphis gets:
PF Pat Garrity ($3,818,750, 1 Year Remaining)
C Adonal Foyle ($1,219,590, 1 Year Remaining)
PF Tyrus Thomas ($3,505,320, 2 Years Remaining)
C Ben Wallace ($15,500,000, 3 Years Remaining)
SG Ben Gordon ($4,881,669, 1 Year Remaining)
Future Orlando First Round Pick
Chicago gets:
SG/SF Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 2 Years Remaining)
C Pau Gasol ($13,735,000, 4 Years Remaining)
PF Andre Brown ($770,610, 1 Year Remaining)
Orlando gets:
PF/C Stromile Swift ($5,800,000, 1 Year Remaining)
In this trade, Memphis gets more young talent (Gordon, Thomas, first round pick), cap flexibility (Foyle, Garrity, and potentially Gordon), and veteran talent (Wallace). Adding Thomas and Gordon to the core in Memphis of Rudy Gay, Mike Conley Juan Carlos Navarro, Kyle Lowry, Darko Milicic, Hakim Warrkick gives general manager Chris Wallace a great start to turning this team around. With this trade, the Grizzlies would have just about forty million dollars for seven player - Milicic, Brian Cardinal, Damon Stoudamire, Gay, Lowry, Ben Wallace, and Tyrus Thomas. Even with the option of bringing back Ben Gordon long-term and eating into their payroll, the Grizzlies would still have a significant amount of cap room to bring in a veteran post player.
The Bulls would be able to re-make this team in a short period of time. Gasol clearly would fill the void the Bulls have had in the post since Eddy Curry was traded to the Knicks. Averaging 19 points per game and almost nine rebounds, Gasol would be the focal point of the Bulls offense. Mike Miller would also be a great addition to the team. Playing Miller (6-8) next to Luol Deng (6-9) on the wing would allow the Bulls to turn a negative (size at the wing) into a positive. Miller is also a veteran scorer that would take some pressure of Deng and Kirk Hinrich. With averages of 16.5 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, and 3.9 assists per game, Miller would be a perfect fit in the Bulls offense. Andre Brown is a young, power forward from Chicago, who the Bulls would get a half of a season to take a look at.
For Orlando, this trade would The Magic have had a great deal of success this season playing a smaller front line with Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis playing the forward spots. Off the bench, the Magic have gotten very little production from their big men - Brian Cook, Pat Garrity, Adonal Foyle, and James Augustine. Adding Stromile Swift to this Magic squad would give the team athleticism, shot blocking, and post defense off the bench. Swift has a player option after the 2007-08, but could become an unrestricted free agent. In this trade, Garrity and Foyle are little used big men who are free agents after this season.
Memphis gets:
PF Pat Garrity ($3,818,750, 1 Year Remaining)
C Adonal Foyle ($1,219,590, 1 Year Remaining)
PF Tyrus Thomas ($3,505,320, 2 Years Remaining)
C Ben Wallace ($15,500,000, 3 Years Remaining)
SG Ben Gordon ($4,881,669, 1 Year Remaining)
Future Orlando First Round Pick
Chicago gets:
SG/SF Mike Miller ($8,376,194, 2 Years Remaining)
C Pau Gasol ($13,735,000, 4 Years Remaining)
PF Andre Brown ($770,610, 1 Year Remaining)
Orlando gets:
PF/C Stromile Swift ($5,800,000, 1 Year Remaining)
In this trade, Memphis gets more young talent (Gordon, Thomas, first round pick), cap flexibility (Foyle, Garrity, and potentially Gordon), and veteran talent (Wallace). Adding Thomas and Gordon to the core in Memphis of Rudy Gay, Mike Conley Juan Carlos Navarro, Kyle Lowry, Darko Milicic, Hakim Warrkick gives general manager Chris Wallace a great start to turning this team around. With this trade, the Grizzlies would have just about forty million dollars for seven player - Milicic, Brian Cardinal, Damon Stoudamire, Gay, Lowry, Ben Wallace, and Tyrus Thomas. Even with the option of bringing back Ben Gordon long-term and eating into their payroll, the Grizzlies would still have a significant amount of cap room to bring in a veteran post player.
The Bulls would be able to re-make this team in a short period of time. Gasol clearly would fill the void the Bulls have had in the post since Eddy Curry was traded to the Knicks. Averaging 19 points per game and almost nine rebounds, Gasol would be the focal point of the Bulls offense. Mike Miller would also be a great addition to the team. Playing Miller (6-8) next to Luol Deng (6-9) on the wing would allow the Bulls to turn a negative (size at the wing) into a positive. Miller is also a veteran scorer that would take some pressure of Deng and Kirk Hinrich. With averages of 16.5 points per game, 6.8 rebounds per game, and 3.9 assists per game, Miller would be a perfect fit in the Bulls offense. Andre Brown is a young, power forward from Chicago, who the Bulls would get a half of a season to take a look at.
For Orlando, this trade would The Magic have had a great deal of success this season playing a smaller front line with Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis playing the forward spots. Off the bench, the Magic have gotten very little production from their big men - Brian Cook, Pat Garrity, Adonal Foyle, and James Augustine. Adding Stromile Swift to this Magic squad would give the team athleticism, shot blocking, and post defense off the bench. Swift has a player option after the 2007-08, but could become an unrestricted free agent. In this trade, Garrity and Foyle are little used big men who are free agents after this season.
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