Michael Jordan Will Buy The Charlotte Bobcats
got my hands up, they playin my song
As we told you on February 16 Michael Jordan wanted to buy the Charlotte Bobcats from team owner and BET founder Bob Johnson, whom he named the team after, is getting his wish.
Jordan will still have to get the owners approval but commissioner David “Goon” Stern sees the process being an expedited approval process to be completed by the end of this month. Jordan and MJ Basketball Holdings LLC. have reached a deal to buy the Charlotte franchise beating out former Houston Rockets executive George Postolos.
Terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but the sale price is based on a franchise value of less than $300 million, in the mid to high twos. In the past two years, the team has attempted to save money by doing everything from shedding at least 40 front-office jobs to saving as much as $15,000 a night by hiring cheap halftime entertainment acts. The club has struggled at the turnstiles for years, currently ranking 22nd in the 30-team league in attendance, averaging 15,193 per game, which is roughly 80% of its arena’s capacity.
Tracy McGrady & Carl Landry Traded For Kevin Martin & Sergio Rodriguez
Moving Day
The Sacramento Kings have come out of no where to obtain the expiring $23 million contract of Houston Rockets Tracy McGrady. The Kings also receive Carl Landry, Joey Dorsey, and cash considerations for Kevin Martin, Kenny Thomas, Sergio Rodriguez, and Hilton Armstrong.
Kevin Martin is capable of being one of the league’s most efficient scorers, as his ability to hit shots and draw fouls make him valuable to any offense. He should fit in beautifully with a Rockets team that relies too heavily on Aaron Brooks and Trevor Ariza for shot creation, though the defensively-challenged Martin is a bit atypical on a roster of hard-working defenders.
Martin’s addition comes with a price: He will make $46 million over the next three seasons. Martin, 27, also has missed at least 20 games in each of the past three seasons, including 32 this season because of a broken wrist.
Houston didn’t have an easy time parting with Landry, a rugged, undersized forward who had come to personify the grit of these Rockets. Yet, the chance to secure a young, talented scorer for his offensively challenged roster was too much to pass up.
Sacramento will be reaping the benefits of having a big man rotation of Landry, Jason Thompson, and Spencer Hawes that gives the Kings a young, versatile bunch to build around, and each brings something unique to the table. Sacramento also clears out a significant long-term contract by trading away Martin, which opens the window for the Kings to be a major player in this summer’s free agent market.
McGrady has played in only six games, appearing for fewer than eight minutes in each, before the Rockets gave him a leave in December.
Rockets: Winners/Kings: Winners
Michael Jordan “Badly” Wants To Buy The Charlotte Bobcats
got my hands up, they playin my song
Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown said Monday night that Michael Jordan has told him he’s doing all he can to buy majority control of the Bobcats from owner Bob Johnson.
“He said he’s doing his best to put himself in a position to get the team,” Brown said after practice. “He wants it badly.”
Johnson is eager to sell the unprofitable club, and NBA commissioner David Stern said Saturday he expects a deal to be completed within two months.
Jordan may have some competition from former Houston Rockets executive George Postolos who has made inquiries, and it’s possible if Postolos gets control Jordan would no longer have a role with the team. Postolos has been in talks with Johnson for months.
What’s clear is Johnson is looking to unload the Bobcats. After paying $300 million for the expansion franchise that began play in 2004-05, Johnson has lost tens of millions of dollars each season as the Bobcats have struggled to draw fans and find sponsorships.
Is Yao Ming Preparing For Retirement?
Retirement Looming?
One thing everyone knows about is Houston Rockets center Yao Ming history with injuries. Since 2005 he has missed 132 out of 369 games and the number is set to increase as he isn’t expected to play at all this season. He had surgery in May to repair a hairline fracture in his left foot and has said he wants to allow enough time for his bones to fully heal.
Even a healthy Yao, no one would really expect him to play more than 12 years in the NBA due to the nature of the game but imagine the kind of stress it puts on a body that meassures in at 7-foot-6 and 310 pounds, would you reconsider and think 10 tens years?
With Yao’s aching feet being very well publicized, the other side of his life isn’t nearly so and that’s his role as owner of the Shanghai Sharks in China. Yao bought out the financially troubled team’s former owners in July for an undisclosed sum in a bid to revive its fortunes. The club currently is in fourth in the 17-team Chinese league and just two points out of first place. Yao saved the team after the loss of their main sponsor threatened to keep them out of the league in 2009-2010.
Add to the mix that earlier this month the announcement that Yao will be expecting his first child with his wife Ye Li sometime in July. The couple will be allowed to give birth to two children under China’s recently relaxed “one-child” family planning policy.
Naturally Yao will give his body rest and try to make a come back in the NBA but could another injury signal the end for him now that everything outside of professional basketball is taking shape in his life? Would the long distance separation from his family play a factor if those aching feet never heal correctly? Would you be surprised if that press release from China came during the summer announcing his retirement because rehab was not going accordingly?
I’m just saying.
Stephon Marbury To Play Basketball In China
Coming To China
Stephon Marbury has decided that his training of climbing mountains in Coney Island shouldn’t go to waste and is taking his game to the people of China.
Marbury will play for the Shanxi Zhongyu of the Chinese Basketball Association just a year after making $21 million in the NBA and splitting time with the New York Knicks and the Boston Celtics.
Shanxi Zhongyu is currently 15th in the 17-team CBA league with a 3-9 record. China Basketball Association rules state that a team can carry only two foreign born players on it’s roster at once. Shanxi roster already has former Houston Rockets Maurice Taylor and former college player Lee Benson and one will be cut when Marbury’s is signed according to Shanxi Zhongyu general manager Zhang Beihai.
Tracy McGrady Wants Out Of Houston
What Happened To All The Rings?
Tracy McGrady’s tenure with the Houston Rockets, which began in 2004 with predictions of multiple championships is likely over after six seasons of highlights, more than a 100 games missed, controversies and great but largely unrealized potential.
With McGrady coming off the bench in his return from knee surgery it seems that reduce minutes on his transition back into the lineup has bruised McGrady up a little and his representatives have asked that the Rockets trade the highest paid player in the league. McGrady is in the final year of his contract, earning $23 million salary this season.
Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has agreed to try to trade McGrady according to McGrady’s representatives.
McGrady, 30, was granted an indefinite leave of absence while the Rockets seek a trade.
Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki Plays Dentist
Who got it worse Carl Landry or Dirk Nowitzki?
BLOCK CITY: Your Victim-David Andersen
King-Father-Thursday Born-Three-Whale, you have been charged with the crime of Representin.
And the verdict is Guilty.
Former Spur King-Father-Thursday Born-Three-Whale Signs With The Toronto Raptors
King Whale Killer
Former San Antonio Spur has been claimed off waivers from the Toronto Raptors.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu was let go by the Houston Rockets last Friday, the 6-foot-9 forward finished last season with the Raptors, averaging 5.1 points in 19 games.
In February 2009, Mensah-Bonsu began playing with the Austin Toros, the San Antonio Spurs NBA D-League affiliate. In his eight games with the Toros, Mensah-Bonsu averaged 26.6 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. On 25 February, he signed with the San Antonio Spurs but latered release in March.
Mensah-Bonsu has played three NBA seasons, including this one. While also having played for Dallas and San Antonio, he’s averaged 3.8 points and 3.6 rebounds.
Ron Artest Throws Trevor Ariza Shoe Into Stands
Ron Artest is a personal favorite of the Sports Grind Entertainment family as he is never a dull moment, everything from Afghan women to the Malice in the Palace (we know where we where when that went down, do you). Now his latest involves former Los Angeles Laker now current Houston Rocket Trevor Ariza shoe.
I’m half way down now help me Lord.
NBA Attendance Only Down 2% Despite Economy
Est. 1946
It’s fairly earlier so don’t shoot the messenger but the numbers are out for early attendance in the NBA and despite the economy and the earliness of the season they are only down 2% from this point last year. Also the statistic is skewed by two teams, the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies, who are drawing less than 70 percent.
The 76ers averaged 15,802 in 2008-’09, in five home games this season they’ve averaged 11,377, and are down more than 20 percent of capacity from last year. The Memphis Grizzlies ranked 29th in attendance last year only filling 70 percent of their arena are now only filling 66 percent, only outdrawing the 76ers. The Detroit Pistons have cause for concern, dropping from first in average attendance to 16th, falling 19.6 percent. The Spurs, a team retooled and trying to avenge their first round playoff exit rank 12th but are down 8%
Not all is doom and gloom as the Chicago Bulls are up over 100 percent of capacity after filling 97.7 percent of the United Center last season. The Cleveland Cavilers are in a similar boat, selling out each home game so far after drawing 97.3 percent last season. The Atlanta Hawks have seen significant gains, rising from 89.4 to 95.4 percent. Even the Minnesota Timberwolves fans are showing support no that Kevin McHale is ruining their team by filling their stadium by 8% more than last season.
Source: SportsBusiness Journal
Average attendances and percentage for each team:
| Rank | Team | Average Attendance | % (+/-) from year prior |
| 1 | Chicago | 21,111 | +3.3% |
| 2 | Cleveland | 20,562 | +2.7% |
| 3 | Portland | 20,350 | -.8% |
| 4 | Dallas | 19,823 | -1.4% |
| 5 | New York | 19,625 | +1.7% |
| 6 | Utah | 19,611 | -1.5% |
| 7 | LA Lakers | 18,997 | (no chg) |
| 8 | Boston | 18,624 | (no chg) |
| 9 | Toronto | 18,131 | -3.2% |
| 10 | Denver | 18,039 | +4.3% |
| 11 | Washington | 17,975 | +6.7% |
| 12 | San Antonio | 17,957 | -.8% |
| 13 | Oklahoma City | 17,882 | +.5% |
| 14 | Atlanta | 17,862 | +6% |
| 15 | Golden State | 17,827 | -5.7% |
| 16 | Detroit | 17,541 | -19.6% |
| 17 | Orlando | 17,541 | +2.4% |
| 18 | Miami | 17,421 | -4.1% |
| 19 | Houston | 17,130 | -2% |
| 20 | Phoenix | 16,771 | -9% |
| 21 | Minnesota | 16,088 | +8.2% |
| 22 | New Orleans | 15,156 | -10.5% |
| 23 | New Jersey | 14,919 | -1.4% |
| 24 | LA Clippers | 14,748 | -7.4% |
| 25 | Milwaukee | 14,636 | -4% |
| 26 | Charlotte | 14,633 | +.4% |
| 27 | Indiana | 14,439 | +1.4% |
| 28 | Sacramento | 12,422 | -.9% |
| 29 | Memphis | 12,095 | -3.5% |
| 30 | Philadelphia | 11,377 | -23.7% |
BLOCK CITY: Your Victim-Rudy Gay
Carl Landry, you have been charged with the crime of Representin.
And the verdict is Guilty.
Happy Birthday NBA 3 Pointer
30 Years Old
On October 12, 1979 at the Boston Garden, Celtics guard Chris Ford drilled a straightaway three-pointer, the first in NBA history. The headlines that evening from the Garden wasn’t about Ford’s feat, they where about Larry Bird’s first NBA game in the 114-106 win over the Houston Rockets.
The American Basketball League, played its only full season in 1961-62 and whose champion Cleveland Pipers were owned by George Steinbrenner, was the first league to use the three-pointer. The three-point shot became a staple of the ABA, which was in business from 1967-76.
Nobody ever really thought about the three-pointer back then like they do today
“I think it certainly strategy-wise has changed the game, and the fans love it,” Ford said of the 30 years of the NBA having the three-pointer. “The bad thing about it is kids start shooting it at too early of an age, and we’ve lost the mid-range jumper. It’s been somewhat lost in the NBA that (Detroit’s) Rip Hamilton makes a living off the mid-range shot. It’s either dunks or three-point shots that make the highlights.”
Ford, shot 70-of-164, his three-point percentage of 42.7 trailing only Seattle guard Freddie “Downtown” Brown’s 44.3 for best in the NBA. Ford went on to be an NBA head coach for 10 seasons, including five years with the Celtics, two coaching Bird. But he’ll go down known in history for hitting that initial three.
Rockets Add Rashad McCants & New Uniforms
2009-10 New Uniforms
The Houston Rockets on reached a non-guaranteed contract with free-agent guard Rashad McCants. The spot with the Rockets would offer McCants a chance to revive a stalled career and the Rockets a no-risk look.
He was traded to the Sacramento Kings last season but the Kings declined to make a qualifying offer. The Rockets will have 18 players under contract, including Brent Barry, who is expected to be traded or released in a buyout agreement before the start of camp.
McCants, 25, has shown his scoring ability in his four-year NBA career but also gained a reputation for being a locker-room malcontent in Minnesota, especially after he was benched when Kevin McHale, the general manager who drafted him 14th overall, became coach.
The 2005 NBA draft boasted very well for the national champion Tar Heels after having four players drafted within the first fifteen picks. However, entering the 2009-10 NBA season only Marvin Williams, drafted number 2 overall, has shown any real chance of playing past the guaranteed rookie contracts. He was recently signed a five year deal worth $37.5 million dollars but hasn’t really been a standout number 2 pick. As for his teammates the NBA game hasn’t been as kind. Raymond Felton drafted 5th is still with Charlotte Bobcats only after they decided to give him a one year deal of $5.5 million. Sean May is with his second team the Sacramento Kings after being taken 13th and the Rockets being McCants third team.
In related Houston Rockets news, they unveiled new alternative jerseys for the 2009-10 NBA season that unfortunately Yao Ming will be unable to wear.
Former San Antonio Spur Brent Barry Retiring?
Good No Call Joey Crawford
Former San Antonio Spur Brent Barry doesn’t expect to be playing with the Houston Rockets this upcoming season. He more than likely will have his last year of his contract bought out if the Rockets are unable to find a taker in the trade market.
The 37-year-old Barry might end up retiring of the NBA a career that has spanned 14 years since being drafted 15th overall by the Denver Nuggets. In San Antonio Barry was a winner, winning the 1996 Slam Dunk contest when he was with the Los Angeles Clippers and two NBA titles with the Spurs.
If Barry does retire it will allow him to join everybody whose gone surfin, ’surfin u.s.a.’
TRACY McGRADY REACHES BEYOND BORDERS IN DARFUR
Absolutely Riveting.
Mess Up My Bird Rights & I’ll Mess You Up
H-town Did Me Dirty
Los Angeles Lakers Ron Artest is not to happy with Houston Rockets management these days. He claims that the Rockets “did him dirty” by “messing up” his Bird rights,so he plans on carrying out a vendetta against the Rockets.
“Houston did me dirty. I can’t wait til next year when we go to Houston. I’m not shooting. All defense. Somebody getting locked da f**k up.” “I still feel blessed but they messed up my bird rights. So it’s on as long as I’m in the league,” Artest Tweeted.
We get two rounds early in November and I can’t wait to see the first round go down on November 4th.
Cavs, Rockets, Wolves Fined For Leaking Schedules
The NBA has fined three teams an undisclosed amount for leaking details of their schedules before the league released them.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves were penalized, an official with knowledge of the decisions told The Associated Press on Monday. The official requested anonymity because the fines weren’t publicly announced.
The NBA will release its 2009-10 schedule on Tuesday afternoon. The league forbids teams to release any details before then.
