Tuesday, April 5
“The Mavericks agreed to a contract in principle with coach Avery Johnson on Monday, according to his agent, Scott Boatman. Boatman and Mavs owner Mark Cuban met Monday morning, and approved the major components of the deal. Boatman or Cuban declined discussing terms, though league sources place the contract at four years and worth around $10 million.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“The contract has yet to be finalized, and it likely won’t be signed until after the Mavs are through with the playoffs. The regular season ends April 20. Johnson took over as head coach March 19 after the surprise resignation of Don Nelson. The Mavs are 7-2 under Johnson, who returned to the team last summer in a player/coach capacity and as Nelson’s heir apparent.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“In sports writer jargon, it’s called throwing something against the wall to see if it sticks. A writer, unafraid of starting a bad rumor, writes something without contacting a viable source. That happened last weekend when a New York writer reported the Pistons were in secret talks with former Minnesota coach Flip Saunders to take over as head coach if Larry Brown resigned after the season. Brown has three years left on his contract.” Detroit Free Press
“The report about Saunders and the Pistons went out before anyone called Joe Dumars, the Pistons’ president of basketball operations. Dumars is usually pretty good about letting you know what’s on his mind and shooting down bad rumors. This was a bad one. Not only have there been no secret talks between the Pistons and Saunders, it doesn’t appear Dumars has a top candidate in mind if Brown resigns. The Pistons’ focus right now is on getting ready for another championship run and getting an up-and-down bench to play with more consistency. If Brown does leave, the Pistons’ job likely would be the best opening in the NBA, and Dumars would take his time to look at the best and brightest minds in the game. That might not be Saunders, who had the benefit of coaching one of the NBA’s brightest stars, Kevin Garnett.” Detroit Free Press
“Sacramento guard Bobby Jackson, formerly of the Timberwolves and the Gophers, said Sunday he was as puzzled by the Wolves’ seasonlong malaise as anyone. About the only thing that surprised him, he said, was that head coach Flip Saunders didn’t get fired earlier. “They had a great year last year, but the way they were going, I was really surprised he lasted that long,” Jackson said, referring to Saunders’ dismissal on Feb. 12, with the Wolves mired at 25-26.” Minneapolis Star Tribune
“Bill Laimbeer has been mentioned as a successor to Silas in Cleveland if the Cavaliers don’t retain interim coach Brendan Malone. One league source thought new owner Dan Gilbert originally intended to hire Pistons vice president of basketball operations John Hammond as the Cavaliers’ general manager after this season. But Hammond has told colleagues in Detroit that he’s happy where he is and probably would remain as Dumars’ right-hand man. Hammond remains on the hot list of possible GMs around the league.” Detroit Free Press
"Guillen and Skiles are in similar situations in that their teams hold options for their services for next season. Bulls GM Paxson has said he wants his handpicked coach around “for a long time.” Keith Glass, Skiles’ agent from his playing days and adviser since 1986, said Skiles doesn’t want his contract situation to become a distraction for his players. “We have no problem where we are now,” Glass said. “Scott loves the team. He’s as excited as can be about doing his job. Jerry is the owner of the team. He has no obligation to offer an extension. That being said, we have no obligation to accept one if we don’t want to.” Chicago Tribune
“Who else might be on the list? Perhaps it’s Leitao as No. 1, then several folks following in the pecking order. Perhaps UVa will go back to Notre Dame’s Mike Brey (there’s no evidence he was actually contacted by Virginia when his name was being floated around). Then there’s Karl Hobbs at GW, Blaine Taylor at ODU, Jeff Capel at VCU. There’s Odom, then there’s former UVa player Marc Iavaroni, rumored to be the next coach of the NBA’s Portland Trailblazers.” Daily Progress
“Former coach Phil Jackson will be at Staples Center on Thursday for the game against the Houston Rockets. Jackson was invited by Laker owner Jerry Buss, but both sides maintain it is not a business meeting.” Los Angeles Times
"He’s not making a formal announcement. But, in the clearest indication so far about his plans, Amaré Stoudemire suggested he’d like to continue his career with the Suns, saying he’s happy playing for the club. Stoudemire is eligible to sign a six-year contract extension this summer with the Suns. Asked if he wants to stick with the club, Stoudemire said, "No question about it. I love the city, the ballclub, the organization. “I don’t want to fix anything that’s not broken.” East Valley Tribune
“Kukoc admits that taking one more run at a championship next season with a team such as San Antonio or Miami “would be nice” but he says his first choice would be to return to the Bucks. Milwaukee is an easy commute for Kukoc from his home in northern Illinois and the Bucks’ losing ways this season have not soured him on returning to the team.” Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
"Robinson, who received a minimum-salary contract pro-rated for the remainder of the season, has averaged 20.8 points in 11 seasons. He hasn’t played this season, but shot well enough in a workout to convince team officials he might be able to contribute during the playoff push. “It’s an opportunity to have a guy who’s had a pretty impressive NBA career, especially offensively,” Spurs general manager R.C. Buford said. “There are nights when we really struggle to make shots. And he’s always been a shot-maker.” San Antonio Express-News
“With Devin Brown’s health still in question, the Spurs wanted to improve their depth at the small-forward position. Team officials view Robinson as a low-risk investment. The NBA’s No. 1 overall pick in the 1994 draft, Robinson became a two-time All-Star during his eight seasons in Milwaukee. He teamed with Ray Allen and Sam Cassell to help lead the Bucks to the 2001 Eastern Conference finals.” San Antonio Express-News
“Curry was discharged from the hospital Monday morning, but a few more tests were scheduled on an outpatient basis. He’s expected to resume basketball activity at the Berto Center today, while the Bulls open a three-game road trip in Miami. “We are confident that he’s going to be fine,” said general manager John Paxson. “What he had in Charlotte is not present right now.” Arlington Heights Daily Herald
“Forward Luol Deng will need surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right wrist and is most likely out for the season, including playoffs. Deng had an MRI exam on Sunday night that indicated a ligament tear and a hand specialist confirmed the diagnosis on Monday morning, Bulls general manager John Paxson said.” Arlington Heights Daily Herald
"Tim Duncan, meanwhile, said Monday he will “definitely” be ready to play in the playoffs. Duncan has been sidelined since spraining his right ankle on March 20. “I don’t have any set date,” Duncan said. “I’m going to continue to work every day, rehab and, as it feels better, I’ll keep pushing myself.” San Antonio Express-News
“Rookie point guard Jameer Nelson is hardly at full strength, but he is looking to play against the Mavs tonight. He practiced Monday for the first time since tearing a rib-cage muscle a week ago, wearing a padded vest to protect his chest area from contact while working out.” Orlando Sentinel
“The body language gave way to the more verbal form of communication near the end of the game when Allen Iverson stepped from the free throw line and had a few words for the Celts, who took exception. Rivers wouldn’t disclose Iverson’s comments, but, according to a source, he said simply, That's one game closer.'' Allen said something to our bench. Our bench reacted,‘’ said Rivers, whose club is now three games ahead of Philly, which has the tiebreaker, with nine to go. ``You know what I told them after the game? To the victors go the spoils. Allen can say whatever he wants. He showed up. He scored 38 points and he led that team to victory. He can say whatever he wants. When you’re the loser, shut up. That’s the way I look at it. I don’t mind that we wanted to fight back, but do it on the floor.” MetroWest Daily News
"Lee admitted it had gotten “personal” with the taunts, with Miller staring down the filmmaker and grabbing his crotch. But the filmmaker said, “They’ll boo him but I’ll applaud. He’s a great clutch player. All his key shots were right in front of me, too. I’ve never yelled ‘Reggie [bleeps]’ or ‘Cher-yl.’ He’s the type of player if you say stuff it fuels him more. In retrospect, maybe he was trying to incite me.” New York Post
“The Timberwolves, who say they lost $17 million last year by having to pay a luxury tax for exceeding the NBA’s salary cap, hope they won’t have to pay the tax this year but still expect to lose about $8 million.” St. Paul Pioneer Press
You first read Seth’s basketball articles online at HoopsHype.com. Now you can read his book. Seth M. Ferranti’s Prison Stories is available at gorillaconvict.com for just $15. If you want to read an excerpt of the book before buying it, click here. Seth would welcome your comments. You can e-mail him at info@gorillaconvict.com.
“Texas A&M junior men’s basketball star Antoine Wright will file the paperwork soon to declare for the NBA draft but will not hire an agent, said Elvert Perry, his mentor and former AAU coach, after meeting with Wright in College Station. Underclassmen can pull out of the draft by June 21 if they don’t hire an agent. Perry called it a 50-50 chance that Wright would forgo his final season, with his decision depending on how high of a pick he projects to be.” Dallas Morning News
“ESPN is reporting that Kentucky’s Kelenna Azubuike will test the waters and declare his eligibility for the NBA draft. Andy Katz reported that Azubuike will not hire an agent, leaving the door open for a potential return to play his senior season for the Wildcats.” Scout.com
“UK Coach Tubby Smith confirmed that open secret yesterday. Smith added that he would counsel Azubuike not to retain an agent so the player can keep the option of returning to Kentucky next season. “Let’s not go out and get an agent,” Smith said he told Azubuike. “Don’t do anything you’d regret.” Azubuike, a 6-foot-5 junior guard, led the Cats in scoring and was the team’s second-best rebounder this past season.” Lexington Herald-Leader
“Mercier said, based on his recent conversations with the family, that he didn’t think the impending imprisonment of Azubuike’s father will have any bearing on Azubuike’s decision. Kenneth Azubuike’s four-year sentence is scheduled to begin April 17. He was found guilty on 41 counts of fraud in February. He also was ordered to pay restitution of more than $340,000.” Louisville Courier-Journal
"Smith famously requested a more animated performance from Azubuike during the 2003-2004 season by noting, “Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.” Mitchell mimicked that comment. “He’s got a perfect two-body for the league,” the scout said. “Sometimes he stands out and waits for it to happen. He can’t be reactive. He has to make it happen. He’s a reactive guy.” Lexington Herald-Leader
“Pitt sophomore center Chris Taft said yesterday he will declare for the National Basketball Association draft and his former teammate, junior point guard Carl Krauser, is set to do the same. Pitt coach Jamie Dixon said he was not surprised by Taft’s announcement. He had been expecting it for a few weeks. Nor was he surprised that Taft had hired an agent. By hiring New York based agent Billy Ceisler, Taft is no longer eligible to play college basketball.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Taft could not be reached for comment, but his mother, Tareka, said it was an opportunity that was too difficult to pass up. “It was 50-50 until the last week or so,” she said. “We weighed every aspect of it. We talked about it, slept on it. It was a tough decision for us. He didn’t want to leave the University of Pittsburgh because the university has been so good for him. But this is something he’s been working for since he was a little boy. He feels like he wants to go now. He promised he was going to continue his education.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Dixon spoke with Krauser again yesterday about his forthcoming decision. Dixon said it is likely Krauser will declare for the draft as well, but that he won’t hire an agent so that he has the option of returning to Pitt should he learn that he won’t be drafted.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Marvin Williams better stay. If he doesn’t, North Carolina is looking at a complete rebuilding situation. The freshman forward was noncommittal after the title game about whether or not he would return for his sophomore season. Williams could be a top-two or three pick if he opts for the NBA draft. No one is saying he’s ready to play in the league, but his potential means he could command that type of draft status. Williams is the anchor to the Tar Heels next season. Why? The Tar Heels are definitely losing four players, and possibly six. Williams’ departure would make it seven.” ESPN.com
“North Carolina’s Rashad McCants said late Monday night he will “probably” enter the NBA Draft in June, ending a tumultuous 3-year career capped with an NCAA championship. Asked after Monday’s 75-70 victory against Illinois if this was his last college game, McCants said, “Yeah, it probably is.” Greensboro News-Record
“I’ve known for a while that Rashad would leave,” North Carolina junior Sean May said. May has said for weeks that he would return for his senior season. But that was before he was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player and was easily the most dominant big man in the NCAA Tournament. May has his national title to match his father, Scott, and soaring stock that could land him in the lottery." ESPN.com
“I’ll sit down with my father and make a decision,” May said. “Raymond [Felton] could have an opportunity to leave. The big fella, Marvin, might leave, so there’s no telling what might happen.” Felton, who is in the same junior class as May and McCants, started off his day by winning the Bob Cousy award as the top point guard in the country. Felton then came up with the clinching steal and converted key free throws to ice the championship game. He’s considered a potential lottery (or at least first-round) pick, too." ESPN.com
“Expect junior guard Deron Williams to declare for the NBA draft and likely stay in rather than check his draft status. Junior guard Dee Brown might just go through the draft process, going to Chicago before pulling out if he’s not guaranteed a first-round spot.” ESPN.com
“KU’s coach said Monday that all of his returning players had said they’d be back, including J.R. Giddens and Russell Robinson, subjects of NBA and transfer rumors. “We are full. We’ll continue recruiting guys, but we don’t anticipate anybody leaving,” Self said. Self is thrilled to be able to reward Moody, a walk-on who was a starter this past season.” Lawrence Journal-World
“Any sleeper prospects that you are particularly excited about watching at Portsmouth? RB: Let me get my list. One guy that got put on the list that I think teams need to see is Mindaugas Katelynas [UT- Chattanooga, NCAA slam dunk champion]. Here’s a guy that I’ve been following and has shown a lot of skills, with and without the basketball. Unselfishness, plus ability…when I say unselfishness, he was playing at a position that may not be his position [power forward]. I think he has skills that aren’t just for the post, and we want to see him at another position. He’s an energy player, and I think that what he showed with and without the basketball warrants a look at the next level. A lot of these kids, these young men, may have the same opportunity. There are a lot of guys that came on this year, and weren’t prospects until the end of the year, and have played above not their ability, but their expectations.” DraftCity.com
“The person who owns the domain name www.BlazersSuck.com is selling it on EBAY. The Blazers might want to jump all over this auction.” Oregonian
“A few minutes later, the reason for the commotion came through the door. Indiana Pacers forward Ron Artest had arrived for his first local rap performance. Decked out in all white, Artest took the stage for nearly 40 minutes, performing a number of raps he’s written. The 6-7 basketball star bounced around the stage, a white hat with his record label, TruWarier, emblazoned in black letters, tilted on his head. Artest seemed as comfortable on stage as he is on the court defending an opponent’s best player.” Indianapolis Star
“Pacers won, yeah, yeah, yeah,” he said as he grabbed the mike following his introduction to a crowd estimated at 500. “They say I can’t play till next year, but I’ll be back next year.” After that reference to his seasonlong suspension following a brawl in Detroit in November, Artest spent the rest of his time on stage going from one rap to the next, mixing in other singers and rappers at various points." Indianapolis Star
“Shawn Kemp, a former Sonic who helped take Seattle to the 1996 NBA Finals, was arrested early yesterday after an officer found marijuana and what was thought to be cocaine in a vehicle he was standing near. The incident occurred in the 16000 block of Aurora Avenue North when a Shoreline police officer stopped to talk to him and another man standing next to a 2005 Chevrolet pickup in a parking lot. As the officer approached the vehicle, he could smell the strong odor of marijuana, police said.” Seattle Times
Monday, April 4
"The scuttlebutt among Bucks and NBA insiders is the Bucks are now seriously looking to change coaches, head and assistant alike. While Terry Porter still has one more year remaining on his contract, it is believed he’ll be relieved of his duties with a more experienced replacement likely to be brought in. Asked about Porter’s status before a Bucks’ game last week, owner Herb Kohl said, "Talk to Larry.‘’ Kohl then walked away. Harris is the Bucks general manager and the person who, at least theoretically, will determine whether Porter stays or goes. Harris, queried about Porter’s status with the organization for next year, said nothing had “been discussed internally’’ by the Bucks’ hierarchy.” Racine Journal-Times
“But the Bucks brass will convene after the season, and all indicators point to Porter being ousted. He might not be the only one, though. There’s a possibility, one that is gaining more and more legitimacy, that there will be a transfer in the ownership of the team. Kohl came within a whisker of selling the team to a Michael Jordan-led group two summers ago, and now I’m hearing Kohl is more than casually exploring the idea of selling the team again. This time, however, Kohl could remain with the Bucks as a minority owner.” Racine Journal-Times
"Pistons president Joe Dumars vehemently denied having any contact with former Timberwolves coach Flip Saunders. A report in the New York Daily News on Sunday cited unnamed sources saying the Pistons had covertly reached out to Saunders to gauge his interest in coaching the Pistons if Brown decided to leave after this season. “Not only have I never talked to Flip Saunders, but I haven’t had anybody else reach out to him either,” said Dumars, who was clearly upset by the report, as well as with the insinuation that he would use back-room tactics to talk to a coach. “Complete (garbage).” Detroit News
"Izzo said he didn’t know what he would say if approached about an NBA job. But he also said, "I don’t think the grass is greener anywhere. … I’m happy in college. I’ve got the world’s best job in a lot of ways. … I’ve been treated about as good as a guy can be treated by an institution. … “I won’t say I never have an interest, but I’m not thinking about that at all. I’m not burned out of the job. I think I’m frustrated with figuring out how to handle it better.” Detroit Free Press
"Izzo, who once had a chance to go to Atlanta, indirectly addressed rumors about the Pistons’ job and questioned his NBA prospects in general. “People have said stuff about a lot of different jobs to me,” he said. "Personally, I hope Larry Brown coaches for 10 more years, because I think he’s great for the game. … “I don’t know if I’d be a good NBA coach, even if somebody gave me the opportunity. … Everybody has to have a college guy on their list. I think I’m the college guy they throw up there. It doesn’t mean I’m a real candidate.” Detroit Free Press
“The Pistons, long aware of coach Larry Brown’s eccentricities, were prepared to find a replacement for Brown if he had decided not to return after surgery. Friends say Brown’s wife doesn’t care for Detroit and that, despite his repeated denials, New York remains his likely landing spot. If Brown leaves, Detroit radio remains abuzz with rumors again of Tom Izzo leaving Michigan State.” Chicago Tribune
“I don’t know who’ll be the next Magic coach, but you’d think Bill Laimbeer might be John Weisbrod’s kind of guy.” Orlando Sentinel
"Not wanting a distraction with the playoffs looming, Mavs owner Mark Cuban said Sunday that Avery Johnson’s contract won’t be finalized until after the playoffs. Johnson has been working under the $1.1 million deal he signed as a player last summer. “I don’t want him thinking about anything else right now,” Cuban said. “He needs to be concentrating on what we’re doing.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram
"Some Internet scuttlebutt suggests that Steve Francis wants out of Orlando or will become trade-bait. Here’s what Jeff Fried, Francis’ agent, said when I asked him if Francis’ future was addressed in a recent meeting with GM John Weisbrod. “That was never brought up at all,” Fried said. “Steve’s extremely happy here.” Orlando Sentinel
“And so now we come to Jason Kidd. Look for Kidd to start demanding his way out of New Jersey. He has done everything but that for most of the season with his tepid support for the Nets. This from a guy who had the chance to go to the Spurs but rejected it when the Nets came up with more than $100 million through 2008-09. Of course, the Nets had to take on Alonzo Mourning for $22 million without a physical at Kidd’s urging. Mourning complained his way out of New Jersey and is with Miami and a chance for a championship this season.” Chicago Tribune
“As for Kidd, the Nets might like to accommodate him as well. One interesting scenario involves the Lakers. With the Lakers about to be eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 1994 this week, they need someone to get the ball out of Kobe Bryant’s hands. Only an All-Star will do. They talked patience and free agents after trading Shaquille O’Neal last summer, but that should disappear after a losing season and Bryant impatient for the club to improve. Lamar Odom never fit with Bryant because he defers too much and needs the ball in his hands more. He might work with New Jersey’s Carter and Richard Jefferson, is from the East and fared best when he was with Miami last season, and is younger and cheaper.” Chicago Tribune
"Kukoc’s tank isn’t empty Toni Kukoc, the Bucks’ venerable forward, told me he wants to play at least one more season. And Kukoc, who turns 37 in September, would like it to be with the Bucks. But Kukoc, who made it emphatically clear at this time last year he wanted to remain with the Bucks, is now open to playing anywhere, especially for a contender. “That would be nice,‘’ Kukoc said. Kukoc will become an unrestricted free agent this summer and can sign with the team of his choice.” Racine Journal-Times
“A lot of NBA teams are showing interest right now,” said Bell, 26, in his fourth season in Europe. “I don’t think I’ll have to play summer league this year. But a couple of European teams have already said they’re interested in signing a contract right after the season. “So I’m open to both.” The Spanish league is widely considered the best outside the NBA, and Bell has turned Leche Rio from a last-place team to a playoff contender.” Detroit Free Press
"But the family man Bell – who has a wife, Kenya, daughter Casey, 2, and son Charlie IV, 1 – admits that money is a factor in deciding where to play next. “Money is always an issue,” he said. “Before I retire I want to try to do everything I can to make sure the family’s set for life.” Bell will make $400,000 to $500,000 this season, and he said Leche Rio will offer him a two-year deal worth $2 million. “I’m really confident that the NBA is going to see how I’m producing,” he said. “But if a European team wants to give me $5 million to $10 million, then I would say no to the NBA.” Detroit Free Press
“Jeff McInnis appears to have fallen out of favor with Malone the same way he fell out with Paul Silas in his last days as coach. Silas benched McInnis in his final game as coach last month. When Malone took over, he kept Eric Snow as his starter but still planned on using McInnis off the bench. But Malone didn’t play him in the second half Friday against the Kings and McInnis didn’t leave the bench in Sunday’s victory.” Akron Beacon Journal
“Chicago Bulls center Eddy Curry was released from Rush University Medical Center on Monday morning. Curry had been hospitalized for tests on an irregular heartbeat. “The arrhythmia he experienced in Charlotte on March 30, 2005 has dissipated,” team physician Kathy Weber said.” ESPN.com
“Curry’s stay at Rush University Medical Center has been longer than expected, but Bulls insiders say the reason has been mainly to give him a thorough examination to fully identify the cause of the irregular heartbeat – and to do everything possible to prevent it from being an issue in the future. ‘‘From what they’re telling us, they’re just being cautious, that they found the problem, they’re going to fix it and it’s not as bad as we thought it was,’’ guard Chris Duhon said.” Chicago Sun-Times
“One team source said Curry’s lengthy hospital stay is to monitor how his body best reacts to a medication plan to treat and potentially cure his arrhythmia. Most tests to monitor this condition are of the outpatient variety, but Curry remains in a hospital because doctors want to closely monitor his beat, which is regulating, according to a team source.” Chicago Tribune
“The Bulls are expected to learn today when center Eddy Curry will get medical clearance to play. But even if Curry – who continues to be hospitalized while being treated for an irregular heartbeat – gets the go-ahead, it likely would be several more days before he would be ready for game action. ‘‘There’s a certain rhythm to the NBA season that guys get used to,’’ coach Scott Skiles said.” Chicago Tribune
“Bryant’s right ankle was stiff again as he continues to have problems with the injury initially suffered Jan. 13. “At the end of this season, I’m just going to get off it a little bit,” Bryant said. “Give it time to heal.” Bryant said he believes his sprain was worse than the one that is currently idling San Antonio star Tim Duncan. Former Laker Robert Horry has replaced Duncan in San Antonio’s lineup, and Horry (13 points, eight rebounds) had a strong game Saturday. Devean George got his first start of the season, which pitted him against Horry at power forward.” Orange County Register
“I feel like I’m about 40 years old,” McGrady, 25, said. “I have tendinitis in both of my knees, and it’s really painful. It’s hard to run and to explode, to do what I do on the basketball court. It’s really bothering me right now. It’s killing me.” But it was more than McGrady’s knees — or Yao Ming’s sore right calf or Jon Barry’s back spasms — that proved problematic. They merely added injury to insult." Houston Chronicle
"Injured Indiana Pacers point guard Jamaal Tinsley believes he could have been back by now if doctors hadn’t taken so long to find out what was wrong with his left foot. Tinsley likely won’t be back this season.“If they did what they were supposed to do from the beginning, maybe I would have been back,” Tinsley said Sunday. “Everybody has their own opinion of what’s wrong with me and what’s not wrong with me. I knew I was hurting.” Indianapolis Star
“Adding to the state of uncertainty the Celtics suddenly find themselves in is the status of Antoine Walker’s left knee, which caused him to miss yesterday’s game against the 76ers and may keep him out of action for the rest of the week. An MRI revealed that Walker had suffered a deep bone bruise after knocking knees with the Hawks’ Royal Ivey while diving for a loose ball Saturday night in Atlanta.” Providence Journal
“Brown said he is aiming to return April 12, the same day team officials hope to get Tim Duncan back. Both players, however, will have to improve considerably to meet that target date.” San Antonio Express-News
You first read Seth’s basketball articles online at HoopsHype.com. Now you can read his book. Seth M. Ferranti’s Prison Stories is available at gorillaconvict.com for just $15. If you want to read an excerpt of the book before buying it, click here. Seth would welcome your comments. You can e-mail him at info@gorillaconvict.com.
“I really like Rafer Alston,” Rose said after practice at the Air Canada Centre. “We get along great. We have a lot of fun times together that I can’t share with you guys.” Alston also was spreading the love. “When (Rose) comes over here, I’m going to give him a kiss,” he said. “Not on his lips, though.” Toronto Sun
"Coach Sam Mitchell then put his arm around Rose and pulled him outside the practice court for a brief chat. The main message, apparently was don’t run to the media to voice your concerns. “The bad part of this whole thing is that it was dealt with the media initially, and that’s something that should be dealt with internally,” Babcock said. “We discussed all those things and I think we got those things worked out.” Toronto Sun
"Wednesday night, the Nuggets and Golden State stayed at the same Utah hotel. Former Nuggets forward Nikoloz Tskitishvili, now with the Warriors, said several Denver players and staff members made a surprise visit to his room. “It was like 2 o’clock in the morning,” Tskitishvili said. “Everybody came into my room. Marcus Camby, Francisco (Elson). . . . We talked until like 5 in the morning.” Rocky Mountain News
“The Nuggets’ uptempo pace is a nice fit for F Eduardo Najera, acquired in a February trading-deadline deal. Najera has been piling up the minutes lately and has hit it off with the team’s conditioning crew. Folks in Denver say he has lost as much as 15 pounds since the trade.” Sporting News
“Magic ownership has been putting on its best face about the arena issue, saying the politically correct things – or, frankly, not saying much at all. This much is becoming clear: Privately, the franchise is no longer optimistic about its future in Orlando. The confidence the Magic once had about keeping the team in town has faded. At the moment – and things can change fast – Rich DeVos’ family is starting to get that same queasy feeling it did before it lost Shaq.” Orlando Sentinel
"The city offered the Magic a renovation proposal for its 16-year-old arena. The Magic are studying it and taking their own polls. But they really don’t believe renovation makes sense, even if they haven’t publicly said so. “One thing we’re clear on, we’ll do our due diligence,” Magic President Bob Vander Weide told the Sentinel. “We’ll be methodical, prudent business people, which is why we can’t say anything about renovation.” Orlando Sentinel
“Magic President Bob Vander Weide told Magic Confidential recently that the franchise could look for a limited partner or partners. The Magic say they also would be willing to listen to Michael Jordan (again) or perhaps Tiger Woods or – once he retires as a player – Shaquille O’Neal.” Orlando Sentinel
"Inexplicably, Wilkins, the ninth all-time leading scorer, was left off of that list. “I know it hurt him pretty bad when he wasn’t on that list,” said Damien Wilkins, his nephew and the Sonics’ reserve small forward. “We didn’t talk about it a lot, but when we did, you could just see the hurt in his eyes.” Back in the 1980s, Wilkins, a high-flying 6-foot-8 forward, blended Julius Erving’s aerial artistry with George Gervin’s graceful poetry above the rim. He was, as his nephew Damien described, “cool.” Seattle Times
"In the past, I’ve railed against the clandestine nature of the proceedings. Talk to a dozen or so basketball people, and no one seems to know how one gets elected or chosen for consideration. “It’s the most asinine system in the world, and I’ll never again step foot inside that place after some of injustices that have been made in the past,” said Jerry Krause, former Chicago Bulls president. “I decided that years ago. I’ll never go back. Basketball’s Hall of Fame doesn’t hold the same prestige as baseball’s and the NFL’s, and that’s because the people running it have no credibility.” Seattle Times
“Pittsburgh sophomore forward Chris Taft announced Monday on ESPN2’s Cold Pizza he would declare for and stay in the NBA draft.” ESPN.com
“Unless there is a last-minute change of heart, Pitt sophomore center Chris Taft is expected to announce his intentions to declare for the National Basketball Association draft, a source close to Taft said yesterday. The official announcement is expected to come in the next few days. Taft, 6 feet 10 and 260 pounds, is being projected as a top-15 selection. A few mock drafts have him going as high as the seventh pick, which would guarantee him an average of $2 million a year for his first three seasons in the league. Even if he fell to the middle of the first round, he would average more than $1 million a year for three years.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“Pittsburgh coach Jamie Dixon told ESPN.com’s Andy Katz that he also expected junior point guard Carl Krauser to declare for the draft.” ESPN.com
“Asked Sunday if it’s a safe assumption Williams will play professionally next season, his mother, Denise Smith, said yes. “If you’re going to be a lottery pick, what choice is there?” Smith said. Williams, already considered a lottery pick by some NBA scouts before the NCAA tournament began, has enhanced his standing with his performances in the last two weeks.” Chicago Tribune
"The Tar Heels will lose starters Jackie Manuel and Jawad Williams and seventh man Melvin Scott (Southern-Baltimore) to graduation. There has been speculation that juniors Felton, Rashad McCants and Sean May and freshman Marvin Williams, who would be a near certain lottery pick, all will apply early for the draft. “I feel like I’m a four-year guy, but if the opportunity [for the NBA] is there, it’s something that I probably would look into,” May said. “But right now, I’m in college and I love playing college basketball. Right now, I’m coming back.” Baltimore Sun
“Ager, a 6-foot-5 junior guard, however, didn’t rule out he would check into his NBA draft status. “I really don’t want to think about that right now, but there’s always a chance,” Ager said. NBA scouts are hesitant to discuss underclassmen that haven’t made themselves eligible for the draft, but Ager’s athleticism gives him pro potential.” Detroit News
"Meanwhile, Davis’ father, Joe, insisted his son had no plans to change his mind about returning for his senior season. The Davis family had announced before the Tournament that Paul would return. “Nothing has changed,” Joe Davis said. “He is coming back.” Said Paul: “Unless something changes drastically that I don’t know about, I’m definitely coming back … If somehow I was top-10 (pick), I’d think about it. Obviously, right now my mind is set on coming back. I already have my apartment for next year. I’m just going to live in the weight room all summer. That’s going to be my biggest thing.” Detroit News
“Asked if he’s closer to deciding whether he’ll return for his junior season or declare for the NBA Draft, Paul said, “Somewhat, but I still don’t know.” This wasn’t a shocking revelation. Neither was the news that Utah’s Andrew Bogut, who has swept Player of the Year citations, won the Naismith over fellow finalists Paul, Duke’s J.J. Redick and Wayne Simien of Kansas. Now it’s just a matter of waiting until the early May declaration deadline. “What’s best for me and the family,” Paul said.” Greensboro News Record
"Fisher said he still doesn’t know whether sophomore forward Marcus Slaughter will be invited to the NBA predraft camp in Chicago in June. The 6-foot-8 player has said he will declare for the draft to test his marketability (he has until May 10 to do so officially), but he won’t hire an agent so that he can return to school. Said UNLV forward Odartey Blankson, who declared early last year before returning to earn first-team All-Mountain West Conference honors as a senior: “If (Slaughter) isn’t invited to Chicago, he shouldn’t (officially) come out. If he gets invited to Chicago, he should go and see where he stands with (NBA personnel). If I were him, I’d wait until after my junior season because you can only (declare) once and return to school.” San Diego Union-Tribune
“A big guy for NBA draftniks to keep an eye on is 7-1 Chicago State sophomore Deji Akindele, the Mid-Continent defensive player of the year. He has been working out at Chicago’s Hoops the Gym with Michael Jordan’s former trainer, Tim Grover. Word is, Akindele has been impressive. He is very raw but has an NBA body and might be inclined to enter the draft because of the lack of big guys in this year’s group.” Sporting News
"The Trail Blazers have a secret. And they think that secret gives them an edge over the rest of the NBA as the June 28 draft approaches. “I’m not telling you,” Kevin Pritchard, the team’s interim coach and director of player personnel says insistently when prodded for clues. “This is our proprietary advantage. I’ve already given you way too much.” Oregonian
"In Miami, where the Bulls play on Tuesday, there are other issues. Former Bull Paul Shirley says in his Suns online diary: “Based on the crowd at the game, the use of silicone per capita in Miami has got to be the highest in the U.S. All in all, a good night for testing one’s ability to focus through distraction.” Chicago Tribune
“Former Sonic Shawn Kemp has been booked into the King County Jail in Seattle for investigation of a drug charge. The King County sheriff’s office says Kemp and another 35-year-old man were arrested about 1:00 a.m. Monday in Shoreline, north of Seattle.” Katu.com
“An officer stopped to talk with two men in a parking lot, standing around a pickup truck. After the officer smelled marijuana, he searched the truck and found cocaine, marijuana and a semiautomatic pistol. Both men were jailed for investigation of felony drug charges.” Katu.com