A Busy Summer For Chris Bosh
It’s absolutely been a wild summer for Miami Heat forward Chris Bosh. His summer started when several NBA teams courting him before he finally settled in on the decision to come play back to the states and play with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in south beach. He’s filled up the rest of his time by appearing in HBO’s Entourage to getting engaged to girlfriend Tammy Brook. Bosh was able to find another suitor to fit into his brand he’s been building in the United States and this time it’s Sports Illustrated.
Shirley Temples? Never would have guessed but I’m still riding.
Hedo Turkoglu Slams Toronto Raptors Organization
You Both Quit
The feud between Chris Bosh and Toronto Raptors president Bryan Colangelo has expanded to another former Raptor. Hedo Turkoglu, who recently left Canada and signed with the Phoenix Suns, joined in on the fun and backed up his former teammate.
Turkoglu told Fox Sports Arizona that “people have to realize something is wrong with that organization and nobody wants to go there any more.”
Turkoglu supported Bosh’s statements and went after Colangelo. “If he was feeling this way, why not have the guts to say it during the season? Why not say it to Chris? Now that Chris has left, it’s not nice to say those things.”
Turkoglu went onto say that he didn’t think Bosh quit during the final stretch of the season but I say go to the tape because you both did.
Chris Bosh Finally Receives The LeBron James Treatment From Former Employer
No More CB4
Finally someone within the Toronto Raptors origination has spoken out about forward Chris Bosh departure to play alongside LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in Miami. First Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert ripped James in a letter for leaving his hometown immediately after his one-hour ESPN special and now Raptors president Bryan Colangelo has joined the party in talking about Bosh sitting out the finally weeks of the season.
Colangelo said that Bosh didn’t care down the stretch of the 2009-2010 season as the Raptors were battling with Chicago for the last playoff spot. He said Bosh chose not to play during the final games, despite being cleared to play.
“Whether he was mentally checked out or just wasn’t quite into it down the stretch, he wasn’t the same guy,” Colangelo said. “I think everybody saw that, but no one wanted to acknowledge it.”
So we now also have another NBA executive acknowledging that there was never really any control and just let Bosh do as he pleased as was the case with Gilbert.
Please Stay Chris Bosh, Please Stay Already Begins
This summer free agent forward/center Chris Bosh has probably the highest probability of leaving his current team rather than fellow free agents LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, coming in at about a 99 percentile. That hasn’t stopped Raptors fans like Kathy Anderson in her pursuit of trying to keep Bosh to stay in Toronto with this little melody.
I however think this YouTube comment from rowbotham23 said it best “Dear Chris Bosh; Please don’t leave, you can’t…. because you do infact look like a raptor.”
BLOCK CITY: Your Victim-Corey Maggette
Amir Johnson, you have been charged with the crime of Representin.
And the verdict is Guilty.
Former Utah Jazz Player Arrested With Weed Between His Buttocks
"spread your cheeks and give me two big coughs"
Police in Salt Lake County arrested former Utah Jazz center Robert Whaley and found marijuana between his buttocks according to a jail document.
Whaley, 27, had warrants for his arrest for absconding from a probation in Michigan. A police document filed with the Salt Lake County jail says gang detectives stopped a car about 4:30 a.m. Thursday. Whaley was a passenger and was not wearing a seat belt, the document says.
Gang detectives were monitoring the apartment complexes due to recent crime problems when detectives spotted an occupied car sitting in a parking lot with no lights on and decided to investigate. Whaley identified himself to police as Kareem Johnson but the detectives recognized him as being a former Jazz player. Police discovered Whaley had a warrant for his arrest.
But Whaley made it all the way to the jail and thats where he was found to be in possession of several baggies of marijuana that he was holding between his buttocks. The amount was not released. Whaley remained in the Salt Lake County jail until his extrodiation to Michigan and is being held on $100,000 bail. The state of Michigan lists Whaley has having a 2008 conviction for maintaining a drug house. It says he has absconded from parole in that state.
In December 2005, Whaley and his then teammate Deron Williams had a run-in with the law. The pair were at Harry O’s nightclub in Park City and had a confrontation with Denver Nuggets fans.Some garbage cans were thrown and somehow Whaley slit his hand. But again in 2005 Whaley used a fictitious name to Park City police and received misdemeanor citations for providing false information. Whaley also lied to the Jazz about how he received the cut.
Whaley gave his name as “Bobby Williams” while Williams gave “Torrey Ellis.”
The Jazz drafted Whaley in the second round of the 2005 draft. He appeared in 23 games for the team the following season. The Jazz traded Whaley to the Toronto Raptors in June 2006. The Raptors waived him before he played a game. Whaley returned to the Jazz for training camp a few months later but never played another regular season game in the NBA.
Reggie Evans Named NBA’s Dirtiest Player
Why Your Hand Down There The Ball Is By His Face
In a recent poll conducted by Sports Illustrated they asked 173 NBA players who they thought was the dirtiest player in the league was. According to the players it was Reggie Evans. Los Angeles Clippers Chris Kaman and Philadelphia 76ers Samuel Dalembert could not agree more. Here’s the rest of the list:
- Reggie Evans, Toronto Raptors (21%)
- Ron Artest, Los Angeles Lakers (13%)
- Andres Nocioni, Sacramento Kings (6%)
- Anderson Varejao, Cleveland Cavaliers (5%)
- Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers (4%)
Interesting though that Washington Wizards Fabricio Oberto who leads the league in fouls per 48 minutes, averaging 9.1, did not receive a single vote.
Who do you think is the NBA’s dirtiest player?
Toronto Raptors Mascot Eats Cheerleader & Falls On Its Face
You’d never see the Coyote fail like that.
WTF: Reggie Evans
Why Your Hand Down There The Ball Is By His Face
Seriously, Reggie Evans, you gay. This the second time you’ve tried to reach in and grab a pair of Spaldings.
First it was Los Angeles Clippers Chris Kaman when you where with the Denver Nuggets and now molesting Samuel Dalembert of the Philadelphia 76ers.
You gay.
Juan Dixon Test Positive For Steriods In Europe
"Damn homie, in high school you was the man, homie"
Another athlete has been suspended indefinitely from play but this time the player isn’t affiliated with baseball. It’s former Maryland star Juan Dixon, who is the program’s all-time points leader, tested positive for the steroid nandrolone and was indefinitely suspended by the International Basketball Federation. Dixon is currently playing in Europe for the Spanish team Unicaja. He took the drug test in November.
He was drafted by the Washington Wizards, then played with the Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons and was cut by the Atlanta Hawks last October before resorting to earning a paycheck overseas.
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.
San Antonio Spurs Consider Adding Phoenix Suns Amare Stoudemire
Your Newest San Antonio Spur?
[Via Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports]
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports thats the Spurs are considering making a bid on the Suns star Amare Stoudemire.
Multiple league sources say the Spurs front office has researched and debated pursuing Stoudemire to play alongside Tim Duncan.
The possibility of an athletic, offensive force like Stoudemire has become too irresistible to easily dismiss. The Spurs (25-18) have lost five of their past six games, and have fallen into sixth place in the Western Conference.
For Phoenix and San Antonio, there could be a different urgency. The Suns are motivated to move Stoudemire out of a growing belief they’ll never come to terms with him on a contract extension. Stoudemire can opt out of the $17.7 million owed him next season. Suns owner Robert Sarver has been in constant cost-cutting mode, and although he does want to keep Stoudemire, it’s become increasingly unlikely that will happen.
The Spurs have always maintained an interest in Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh, a Texas native, but Raptors’ general manager Bryan Colangelo has yet to show a strong inclination to trade his star before his impending free agency this summer.
You won’t find an ounce of Stan blood in me for Amare but if this was to go down this could present the perfect opportunity for Stoudemire to go ahead and hide behind the talents of Duncan. Not to mention the foot of head coach Gregg Popovich constantly in his ass could be what he needs.
NBA Announces Rookie Challenge Participants
Rookie Challenge
Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, the reigning T-Mobile Rookie of the Year, and Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans, the leading scorer among first-year players, lead a list of 18 players selected for the 2010 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam to be held on Friday, Febuary 12 in Dallas during NBA All-Star 2010. San Antonio Spurs forward DeJuan Blair will also be making an appearance for the Rookie Team.
The participants in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam were selected by the NBA’s assistant coaches, with each team submitting one ballot.
At halftime of the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam, the Los Angeles Clippers Eric Gordon and the Toronto Raptors DeMar DeRozan will compete in the first NBA All-Star Slam Dunk-In, a single-round slam dunk competition. Fans will be able to vote via text message and at NBA.com to determine who will advance to the Sprite Slam Dunk the following night.
The Sophomore Team:
| Player (Team) | Position | Height | School |
| Michael Beasley (Heat) | F | 6-9 | Kansas State |
| Marc Gasol (Grizzlies) | C | 7-1 | Spain |
| Danilo Gallinari (Knicks) | G-F | 6-10 | Italy |
| Eric Gordon (Clippers) | G | 6-3 | Indiana |
| Brook Lopez (Nets) | C | 7-0 | Stanford |
| Kevin Love (Timberwolves) | F-C | 6-10 | UCLA |
| O.J. Mayo (Grizzlies) | G | 6-4 | USC |
| Derrick Rose (Bulls) | G | 6-3 | Memphis |
| Russell Westbrook (Thunder) | G | 6-3 | UCLA |
The Rookie Team:
| Player (Team) | Position | Height | School |
| Omri Casspi (Kings) | F | 6-9 | Israel |
| DeJuan Blair (Spurs) | F-C | 6-7 | Pittsburgh |
| Stephen Curry (Warriors) | G | 6-3 | Davidson |
| Tyreke Evans (Kings) | G | 6-6 | Memphis |
| Jonny Flynn (Timberwolves) | G | 6-0 | Syracuse |
| Taj Gibson (Bulls) | F | 6-9 | USC |
| James Harden (Thunder) | G | 6-5 | Arizona State |
| Brandon Jennings (Bucks) | G | 6-1 | Lottomatica Roma Italy |
| Jonas Jerebko (Pistons) | F | 6-10 | Sweden |
NBA Announces Slam Dunk Partipants
Will It Be The Year Of The Little Man Again?
The NBA has announced it’s participants for its Slam Dunk contest on February 13, held during All-Star weekend this year at Jerry World’s. One notable absence is that of Cleveland Cavaliers LeBron James.
Those who will participate are Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown, New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson and Charlotte Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace. A fourth player will be determined through a “dunk-off” between Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon and Toronto Raptors forward DeMar DeRozan.
Robinson won the event last season and in 2006.
I care to see “TNT Legs” Brown win it but I’m going to put my money down on Wallace of Charlotte.
King-Father-Thursday Born-Three-Whale Needs A Job
I’m actually shedding a tear this morning as I’m finding out that Pops-Mensah-Bonsu aka King-Father-Thursday Born-Three-Whale has been waived by the Toronto Raptors.
If you are an NBA or NBA Developmental general manager PLEASE GIVE POPPSY a job now!
Mark Cuban Speaks The Truth In Describing The NFL
O No You Didn't
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is upset that the NFL and its television partners has scheduled the Cowboys home playoff game for Saturday night.
The timing conflicts with the Mavericks home game that night. The ‘Boys take on Philadelphia Eagles at 7 p.m. (CST) in Jerry’s World while his Mavericks play at home against the Utah Jazz at 7:30 p.m. and he anticipates a high number of no-shows. The Mavericks play Friday night at San Antonio, which eliminates the possibility of moving Saturday’s game up earlier in the day.
“I know we’re just little pissants compared to the NFL, but seriously, the NFL is turning into the ugly American when it comes to sports leagues,” Cuban said before Tuesday’s home game against Detroit. “They don’t give a crap about anybody but themselves.”
Word! Speak the truth Cuban!
Cuban continued to make his point on Twitter, pointing out that the Boston Celtics host the Toronto Raptors at 12 p.m. (CST) on Sunday, while the New England Patriots open their playoffs at home against the Baltimore Ravens… at the same time!
Cuban also made it clear that it’s not a shot at owner Jerry Jones but the league itself, a league that has never shown any interest in developing a scheduling cooperative with the NBA so each league can try to avoid overlapping.
“It’s not a Jerry Jones issue – Jerry’s great,” Cuban said. “But at some point in time, that will catch up to [the NFL] and hurt them in a big way.”
I love the NFL too but some of the NFL’s actions disgust me at times and I’ll gladly repeat myself in saying speak the truth Cuban!
King-Father-Thursday Born-Three-Whale Sings Canadian Anthem
With all my previous posting of Pops-Mensah-Bonsu aka King-Father-Thursday Born-Three-Whale I think I had a revelation that I am a fan of Poppsy
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.
Jonathan Bender Signs With New York Knicks
Welcome Back
The New York Knicks have signed free agent Jonathan Bender, marking the oft-injured forward’s return to the NBA after a three-year absence.
The 7-foot Bender enjoyed his best season in 2001-02, when he averaged career highs of 7.4 points and 3.1 rebounds in 78 games. But injuries forced Bender to miss 172 games over the next three seasons before chronic knee pain sidelined him indefinitely in February 2006.
Bender was selected out of high school by Toronto Raptors with the fifth overall pick in the 1999 draft and was acquired by Indiana in a trade on Aug. 1, 1999. He formed a relationship with former Pacers president and current Knicks president Donnie Walsh during their time together in Indiana.
BLOCK CITY: Your Victim-DeMar DeRozan
Carlos Delfino, 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.
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% |
Matt Bonner Is Your Next Slam Dunk Champion
Sports Grind Entertainment can’t stress this enough on how big of a fan Calvin Casey is of Matt Bonner, so when the future 2010 Slam Dunk Champion takes off and goes above the rim, it means heavy rotation of his favorite San Antonio Spur.
Your wish is granted my friend.
