R.I.P. Lorenzen Wright
R.I.P.
NBA free agent Lorenzen Wright who had vanished on July 19 was found dead at the age of 34. The former Los Angeles Clipper, Atlanta Hawk, Memphis Grizzlie, Sacramento King and Cleveland Cavalier was last seen July 18 when he was expected to fly out of Memphis.
His body was found in Southeast Memphis in a wooded area and according to the Commercial Appeal “police sources confirmed earlier that they are investigating a 911 hangup call from Wright’s cellphone made July 19.” During the call, at least ten gunshots could be heard.
Sgt. Alyssa Macon-Moore of the Memphis Police Department wrote in an e-mail to the AP that police were investigating the death of an unidentified man beside a wooded area about 15 miles south of downtown Memphis. Asked if the man was Wright, she wrote they could not confirm the victim’s identity Wednesday night.
Wright left the University of Memphis early for the NBA, and the Clippers made him a lottery pick with the No. 7 selection overall.
He averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in 778 career games.
2010 San Antonio Spurs Summer League Schedule Announced
Via Spurs Press Release
[Via Spurs Press Release]
Twenty-two NBA teams, including 11 that appeared in the 2010 NBA Playoffs, will compete in this year’s NBA Summer League. For the second consecutive year, a team of NBA Development League Select players will also participate in the action taking place at the Thomas & Mack Center and the COX Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Marketing partners included in the event are adidas, EA SPORTS, Gatorade and T-Mobile.
A 58-game schedule of action will tip off on Friday, July 9, with four games scheduled at COX Pavilion. Teams slated for action on opening day include the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Hornets and Phoenix Suns.
“While the NBA Summer League continues to grow, its core mission remains the same: allowing NBA teams to evaluate young talent and free agents, giving rookies the chance to get acclimated to the NBA and providing veterans a chance to fine-tune their games,” said Stu Jackson, Executive Vice President of NBA Basketball Operations.
This year’s event will feature the Washington Wizards, who won the top overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Other participating teams with top five selections in this year’s draft include the Minnesota Timberwolves (fourth overall pick) and the Sacramento Kings (fifth overall). Additionally, 10 of the top 14 picks are expected to participate in Las Vegas this summer.
“NBA fans have the chance to get a sneak peek at the league’s newest stars in an up close and family-friendly venue at NBA Summer League,” said Gail Hunter, NBA Senior Vice President of Events and Attractions.
Joining the above-mentioned teams scheduled to appear in Vegas this summer are the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards.
Tickets for the 2010 NBA Summer League are on sale and can be purchased by calling 702-739-FANS, through UNLVtickets.com or by visiting the Thomas & Mack Center Box Office and UNLV Ticket Outlets. All general admission tickets are $25 for the day; seniors and children (3-12) are $15 for the day; and children two years and under are admitted free of charge.
2010 NBA Summer League Game Schedule:
All Times listed are local Las Vegas time.
Monday July 12
Thomas & Mack
3:30 PM – San Antonio vs. Minnesota
Wednesday July 14
Thomas & Mack
3:30 PM – Atlanta vs. San Antonio
Thursday July 15
COX Pavilion
1 PM – LA Lakers vs. San Antonio
Saturday July 17
COX Pavilion
5 PM – LA Clippers vs. San Antonio
Sunday July 18
Thomas & Mack
1:30 PM – San Antonio vs. Memphis
Another Former NBA Player Files For Bankruptcy
Thank You Tim Duncan
Antoine Walker, the three-time NBA All-Star who made about $110 million during his 13-year career playing for Boston Celtics,Dallas Mavericks,Atlanta Hawks,Miami Heat,Minnesota Timberwolves,and Memphis Grizzlies has filed for bankruptcy.
Walker worked out a payment plan last year with Las Vegas casinos after he was arrested for writing $1 million in bad checks. But he since was hit with a $2.3 million foreclosure lawsuit on a Chicago-area property he purchased for his mother.
Walker, 33, lists liabilities of $12.74 million and assets of $4.28 million in his filing. The assets include his 2006 NBA championship ring, valued at $6,000. The petition also lists nearly $650,000 in gambling losses in 2008-09.
Memphis Grizzlies Zach Randolph Implicated In Drug Investigation
Nate Newton Give Any Tips?
All season long Memphis Grizzlies Zach Randolph received high praise for turning over a new leaf on the court with his new team the Memphis Grizzlies. However off the court, he is now accused of being a “major marijuana supplier,” in Indianapolis according to TheIndyChannel.com.
Recently Indy authorities, seized marijuana and ammunition stowed inside a Cadillac Escalade with hidden compartments registered to Randolph, driven by Arthur Boyd. Then based off of what cops found in the Escalade, a northeast side storage facility where Randolph rents four lockers and in two of the four units police found more controlled substances.
Randolph hasn’t been formally charged with any wrong doing, but he has become the focal point of a drug ring investigation in Indianapolis and has been called a “financier for known drug dealers in Indianapolis.”
Hasheem Thabeet’s Impressive D-League Debut
A lot of people have rushed to labeling Memphis Grizzlies Hasheem Thabeet a bust because he was sent down to the NBA Developmental League. I know it’s not a good look especially being the number 2 overall draft pick and you might not have agreed with him being picked that high on draft night.
Lets just keep a few Thabeet factors in mind before labeling him a bust, like: he hasn’t been playing basketball his whole life, Marc Gasol is averaging 15 points and 10 rebounds a night, and why not keep him in tune or basketball shape instead of riding the 12th man spot on the bench. I know you’ll might not agree but that’s just what I see when I’m sitting down at the table.
Thabeets final D-League debut numbers was 18 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 assists.
Memphis Grizzlies Fan Hits Head Dunking
When did the NBA allow fans to attempt trampoline dunks during timeouts? This fan obviously botched it but at least he’s getting fifteen minutes out of it.
Zach Randolph Forever Linked To Tyrus Thomas
I’m not your typical NBA fan that is going to rate every NBA dunk as a facial or act like we never seen anything that impressive before. But being an NBA fan you realize that every now and then there comes those million dollar moment for a hoopster and its a rarity to be included on that list on this site.
This season we have seen a few that get that distinction of forever linking one player to another like Derrick Rose to Goran Dragic,Paul Milsap to Carmelo Anthony or like Dwyane Wade being linked on both sides of the spectrum to J.J. Hickson and Anderson Varejao.
Now we have our latest inclusion of Charlotte Bobcats Tyrus Thomas million dollar moment on Memphis Grizzlies Zach Randolph. That two handed put down with extension is very impressive.
Another Game Winner For KOBE!!!
Kobe Bryant is back at it after being out for 5 games with an injury in his first game back with the Lakers he gets 32 points including the game winning 3 pointer with 4 seconds left to show why he is the best. That’s what he does.
Take a seat for awhile LeBron.
BLOCK CITY: Your Victim-O.J. Mayo
LeBron James, you have been charged with the crime of Representin.
And the verdict is Guilty.
Memphis Grizzlies Rudy Gay’s Brain Fart
In night that should have been all about Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant becoming the teams all time leading scorer by passing Laker legend Jerry West in that department, Memphis Grizzlies Rudy Gay provided us with this gem.
The funny thing is in the midst of Gay’s brain fart Kobe is still involved when he knocks down the quarter ending three. Nike, you wasted the Witness campaign on the wrong athlete, what is there this guy can’t do?
NBA Announces All-Star Reserves
February 14, 2010
The NBA is set to announce the All-Star reserves during tonight’s TNT games but Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski got a hold of a leaked list of the 2010 NBA All-Star reserves
Eastern Conference Reserves:
Rajon Rondo – Boston Celtics
Derrick Rose – Chicago Bulls
Paul Pierce – Boston Celtics
Chris Bosh – Toronto Raptors
Gerald Wallace – Charlotte Bobcats
Joe Johnson – Atlanta Hawks
Al Horford – Atlanta Hawks
Western Conference Reserves:
Deron Williams – Utah Jazz
Chris Paul – New Orleans Hornets
Pau Gasol – Los Angeles Lakers
Kevin Durant – Oklahoma City Thunder
Dirk Nowitzki – Dallas Mavericks
Zach Randolph – Memphis Grizzlies
Brandon Roy – Portland Blazers
It will be the All-Star debuts for seven players: Williams of Utah, Chicago’s Rose, Boston’s Rondo, Charlotte’s Wallace, Memphis Randolph, Atlanta’s Horford and Oklahoma City’s Durant.
Among the notable candidates left off the team are the Los Angeles Clippers Chris Kaman, New York Knicks David Lee and Denver Nuggets Chauncey Billups.
Spurs & USAA To Honor Men & Women Serving Our Country With Spurs Military Appreciation Night
Via Spurs Press Release
[Via Spurs Press Release]
The San Antonio Spurs and USAA have teamed up to recognize the men and women who serve our country when the Spurs host the Memphis Grizzlies for Military Appreciation Night, presented by USAA on Friday, January 29 at 7:30 p.m.
The night will be dedicated to honoring and celebrating the courageous efforts of those who serve our nation, especially the men and women stationed in San Antonio .
The first 3,000 active military members or veterans through the doors will receive a one-of-a-kind 2010 Spurs Military Appreciation Night Coin, a military challenge coin representing the dedicated sacrifice of our service members around the world. Coins can be picked up at tables located at Sections 127 and 224.
“USAA is extremely proud to work with the Spurs to again honor the men and women who are currently serving or have served our great nation,” said Rear Admiral (ret) John Townes, vice president of military affairs for USAA. “USAA’s 22,000-plus employees are dedicated to serving those who serve our country. This night recognizes all those who have worn or wear the uniform and the families that support them.”
In honor of the service men and women in attendance at the game, Country music star Jack Ingram will perform a special tribute at halftime. During the game, the Spurs will pay tribute to local military members with special messages from Spurs players played on the Lighthouse. In addition, one military family in attendance will receive a message from their family member who is serving overseas.
Fans are encouraged to participate in the night as well by stopping by section 217-218 to record a message of appreciation to our service men and women that can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube courtesy of USAA.
To help make the night special for local military members and their families, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, USAA and Spurs season ticket and suite holders have joined together to donate over 1,600 tickets to Friday night’s game so families and service men and women can take part in the night that honors their service.
Tickets are available and can be purchased at all TicketMaster Ticket Center locations, charge by phone at (210) 225-TEAM, online a spurs.com or ticketmaster.com or at the AT&T Center Southeast Box Office. The Box Office is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and at 10 a.m. on weekend event days. All USAA members will receive $3 off AT&T Center parking with USAA membership identification.
About USAA
USAA provides insurance, banking, investment and retirement products and services to 7.3 million members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving or have honorably served our nation in the U.S. military – and their families. For more information about USAA, or to learn more about membership, visit usaa.com.
O.J. Mayo Says He “May Have Some USC Money Left Over”
Where The Cash At
From the Orange County Register comes a story of Memphis Grizzlies O.J. Mayo doing an interview with Kenny Mayne for ESPN the Magazine and in it he says “may have some USC money left over.”
Mayo, formerly of USC and currently of the Grizzlies, was the subject of Kenny Mayne’s Outtakes. At the end of the Q&A, Mayne invited Mayo to the Breeders Cup.
Mayne: “… I want you to bring all the cash. Bring the NBA money.”
Mayo: “I’m just a rookie, man. I mean, I’m just a second-year player.”
Mayne: “Aren’t there mandatory minimums? You guys all make $40 million by this point.”
Mayo: “Well, I may have some USC money left over.”
It’s well documented that he received thousands from Rodney Guillory who was allegedly serving as a runner for an agency and reports that coach Tim Floyd even hand delivered cash to Guillory.
But the quote comes at an interesting time for USC because of the news that came out that they were self-imposing punishments on their basketball program for NCAA violations that occurred while Mayo was in school. A move to pretty much to saves the football team in the Reggie Bush investigation.
The university spares the football team by self imposing sanctions on the basketball team which include a loss of one scholarship, no postseason play for a team that’s going nowhere, paying money back to the Pac-10 that the football team will gladly take care of and smoke screen of trying to right the wrong that still is continuing on the other side of the campus. Just ask Joe McKnight.
Los Angeles Clippers Announcer Out On Bail For Felony Grand Theft Charges
That's Just Wrong
Los Angeles Clippers announcer Michael Smith is out on bail after pleading not guilty on grand theft charges of stealing of $735,000 from a golfing buddy in a development deal.
Smith, who was suspended one game in November by Fox Sports Prime Ticket network for inappropriate comments about Iranian-born Memphis Grizzlies center Hamed Haddadi, and his business partner Bruce Furst were charged on December 21 with felony grand theft.
Orange County district attorney’s spokeswoman Farrah Emami says Smith posted $25,000 bond today and a pretrial hearing is scheduled for Febuary 5.
According to prosecutors, Smith persuaded his friend, a retired school teacher with an inoperable brain tumor, to put up his paid-off Dana Point home in January 2008 as collateral for a $735,000 loan, so Smith and Furst could develop land in Dana Point. Prosecutors said the pair lied and said the loan was safe and would be 100 percent guaranteed. They also failed to deliver as promised the $7,200 monthly mortgage payment the victim now must make on his house. The victim is expected to lose his home.
Smith and Furst face up to five years in prison if convicted. Furst posted bail Monday
Pau Gasol Signs Extension Through 2013-2014 With Los Angeles Lakers
Which One Is Pau?
Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol has just signed a three-year extension with the team. This extension comes almost two years prior until it will actually go into effect, showing how bad both sides really wanted this to actually happen.
Gasol is making $16.5 million this season and $17.8 million next year. The extension will run through the 2013-2014 season and could be worth more than $60 million depending on future salary caps. His price will increase as follows: $18,714,150 in 2011-12, $19,000,000 in 2012-13 and $19,285,850 in 2013-14.
His impact on the Lakers has been undeniable as the team is an astonishing 101-23 in regular-season games with Gasol in the lineup.
The extension allows non Laker fans to continue to curse the name Memphis Grizzlies.
Darko Milicic NBA Days Are Over
BYE
One of the top five all time NBA worst draft picks Darko Milicic is hanging up his NBA game at the end of 2009-10 season.
If you recall back in the summer of 2003 Joe Dumars choose to pass up NCAA champion Carmelo Anthony because their roster already included Tayshaun Prince for overseas superstar Darko Milicic with the number two overall pick.
Milicic began his career buried on the Detroit Pistons bench, then buried on the bench in Orlando, Memphis, and now New York. The latest has finally run its course on Darko as he has decided to take his game back overseas no matter the outcome of this season.
“Whatever happens, I’m going back next year,” the 7-foot-1 Milicic said to the New York Post. “It’s 100-percent certain. I have to be real and not lie. I’m not going to get it done in the NBA. I’m not going to get another opportunity and there’s nothing wrong with going back to Europe. I don’t want to create a bad atmosphere here, but it’s not working in the NBA. I don’t give a bleep about the money,” Milicic said. “I just want to enjoy the basketball. I’d like to have the ball in my hands and have an offense run through me. I’m not just a defensive player.”
I remember that summer asking that there was no way Dumars had watched any of the NCAA tournament in March, because if he had he would have for sure would have given former coach Larry Brown an opportunity to tinkle with Prince and Anthony in the lineup.
Other possible Pistons: Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kirk Hinrich, David West, hell Dumars could have taken the Red Rocket Matt Bonner and things might have worked out better than Darko.
Allen Iverson Returns To Philadelphia 76ers
A sellout crowd of 20,664 stood and roared in approval when Allen Iverson was introduced and planted the kiss on the centercourt logo and saw him score 11 points on 4-for-11 shooting in 38 minutes in his first game since November 2 with the Memphis Grizzlies. He added six assists, five rebounds and only one turnover. His numbers where almost idenical to that night as he went 5-for-9 scoring 11 points but in 18 minutes.
Final Answer?
Please Don't Go
After walking away from the Memphis Grizzlies and being rejected by the New York Knicks, Allen Iverson had nowhere to turn so, for the time being, he’s decided to walk away from the game, announcing his plans to retire in a statement made to Stephen A. Smith’s.
The statement expressed gratitude to his sponsors, fans and family for their support and inspiration as well as resentment for the lack of interest NBA teams have shown toward signing him as a starter.
“I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case. I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.”
It’s worth pointing out that he hasn’t actually “retired” as Comcast SportsNet confirms, Iverson has not filed formal retirement papers with the league, meaning he’s free to change his mind at any point. If he does file papers, he’ll be ineligible to sign another contract for an entire calendar year.
One of the NBA’s great scorers, Iverson entered this season with a career average of 27.1 points that ranked fifth all time. Yet there was almost no interest in him this summer before he went to the Grizzlies on a one-year deal.
I don’t believe Iverson will be filing any paper work this year or he would have done so instead of trying to create buzz through the media of his intentions. I’m 100 there is a job for him in the NBA and he doesn’t need to have a meeting with his former coach John Thompson to figure that out , he just has to accept the role of sixth man.
Allen Iverson & Memphis Grizzlies Part Ways
Anyone Hiring?
The saga of Allen Iverson and the Memphis Grizzlies lasted less than two months. Monday, the two sides agreed to release the 34 year old from his one-year contract, meaning Iverson will become a free agent when he clears waivers.
Iverson, who’d signed a $3.5 million contract in September, had been away from the team for the past 10 days, taking a leave of absence from the team to deal with what both he and the team called a private family matter. But it also was crystal clear that Iverson was not going to abide by the team’s decision that he come off the bench instead of start, and that meant a long-term relationship between the two was ultimately going to be impossible.
I didn’t expect Iverson and the Grizzles to part ways prior to the Jamaal Tinsley signing, thinking a brief hiatus and the Iverson would kiss and makeup. I really thought he would be back in Memphis. Then came the signing of Tinsley Saturday night and I heard general manager Chris Wallace lie to me and say the signing had nothing to do with the Iverson ordeal.
Now the question turns to does Iverson find a job. A job in which we know by now means starter. The job search begins but whats his options?
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% |
Memphis Grizzlies Sign Guard Jamaal Tinsley
Fraud
The Memphis Grizzlies signed Jamaal Tinsley, the former Indiana Pacers point guard who hasn’t played in nearly two years, the middle of the 2007-08 season, and was told to stay away from the Pacers because of his off the court distractions and his displeasure with his diminished role. He was presumably signed by Memphis to replace Allen Iverson, who is dealing with a personal issue after his displeasure of coming off the bench. That’s what I call irony.
The Grizzlies have already committed their back-court to Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo but are looking for a veteran to rain in the youngsters from time to time. In his seven seasons with Indiana, Tinsley averaged 10.4 points and seven assists. The assists average puts him seventh among active players.
General manager Chris Wallace said the Iverson situation was not a factor in the decision. Liar. His signing could have come four years from now it’s not like general managers where banging on the Tinsley family door asking whats he’s been up too.
Coming out of Iowa State University, Tinsley was originally drafted by the Vancouver Grizzlies with the 27th pick in the 2001 draft and from I saw I thought he had game maybe be some type of Tim Hardaway clone, expect he turned out to be a fraud Tinsley.
BLOCK CITY: Your Victim-Rudy Gay
Carl Landry, you have been charged with the crime of Representin.
And the verdict is Guilty.
Allen Iverson Already Unhappy Part Tres
Surprising?
Memphis guard Allen Iverson returned to his home in Atlanta after receiving permission to leave the team to attend to personal business. Team owner Michael Heisley gave Iverson permission to skip the Grizzlies’ game Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers following a 114-98 loss to the Lakers the night before.
According to a team spokesman, Iverson participated in a walk through at the team’s hotel in the morning and then hopped a flight in the afternoon after he and personal manager Gary Moore met with Heisley.
“It’s a personal issue that they asked for permission to go attend to,” coach Lionel Hollins said. “It was granted, and it’s indefinite. I have no other information.” Asked if he had any timetable as to when Iverson might start for the Grizzlies, Hollins said: “I have no comment about that.”
Iverson reiterated his displeasure about coming off the bench minutes after the loss to the Lakers.
“It’s something that I never did in my life, so obviously it’s a big adjustment,” he said. “I’m so tired of discussing that, talking about that, every single day. It’s just not something that I want to discuss. That’s something you’ve got to ask the coach. He makes all the decisions around here. Obviously, they signed me for a reason. They’ve been watching me play this game for 13 years, and they know what I do on the basketball court.”
Is this already the end for Iverson in Memphis? Don’t believe so.
