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Phoenix Suns Name Lance Blanks General Manager


The Phoenix Suns have named former player and veteran NBA executive Lance Blanks the club’s general manager, the team announced today.

“After a thorough search, we believe we have found the perfect choice to serve as our general manager,” said Suns President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby. “Lance Blanks is a first-rate talent evaluator, basketball executive and person. We are thrilled that he will be joining the Phoenix Suns.”

An experienced and successful talent evaluator, Blanks combines the high basketball IQ of a former player with a 10-year track record in the front offices of two of the league’s most successful franchises over the last decade. The 43-year-old Blanks joins the Suns after spending the last five seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers as vice president of basketball operations and assistant general manager, a tenure during which the Cavs owned an overall record of 272-138 (.663).

Prior to joining the Cavaliers in 2005, Blanks spent the previous five seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, originally joining the club in 2000 as a scout. Blanks was then promoted to the role of director of scouting in September 2002. During his time in the Alamo City, the Spurs won two NBA Championships and drafted Tony Parker and Luis Scola.

Selected in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft (26th overall) by the Detroit Pistons, Blanks spent two seasons with the Pistons and one with the Minnesota Timberwolves, appearing in 142 career NBA games. He played one season in the CBA and three in Europe where he led teams in Hungary and Cyprus to league championships. A former Texas “Mr. Basketball” as a high school standout in 1985, Blanks attended the University of Texas and led the Longhorns to the Elite Eight in the 1990 NCAA Tournament. Blanks’ 20.0-point collegiate scoring average ranks third-highest in Longhorn history.

PROLOGUE

Sitting in his office Lance Blanks was making a plan. His smart mind was calculating possibilities, though it seemed there aren't many. It was clear. Rebuild or play the old guys. It wasn't that tough.
The change was needed, it was a must. But he had no idea what to do, who to trade. He started writing on the paper. He was sitting in the office for 13 hours. He didn't move. Silence and the sound of the pen were filling the air. Finnaly he got to a conclussion...

NBA WIRETAP

Cavaliers unlikely to chase Fernandez



The Cavaliers aren't expected to pursue acquiring Trail Blazers swingman Rudy Fernandez in a trade, according to Bob Finnan of The News-Herald.
Fernandez is unhappy with his role in Portland and is reportedly open to sitting out the final two years of his contract so he can return to Europe.

Ager In Talks With Knicks



There have been a number of reports that the Knicks are in serious talks with free-agent Maurice Ager.
Ben Q. Rock of The Pinstriped Post reported on his Twitter page that Ager will sign with New York soon.
Ager was the 28th pick in the 2006 NBA Draft and spent last season in the NBA D-League.

Oden Says Recovery Is On Schedule



Portland center Greg Oden says he's on track in his recovery from a major knee injury.
"The doctors tell me I'm on time," he said Saturday. "We're going at a pace that they've got for me. Things are looking pretty good."
However, being "on time" doesn't mean Oden will be ready for the start of training camp or even necessarily the team's season opener against Phoenix on Oct. 26.
"By saying 'on time,' means I'm on schedule to heal," he said.
Last December, Oden's season ended when he fractured the patella in his left knee in a game against the Rockets.
"I'm feeling good," he said. "I have been running. But I have not played yet."

Suns in contact with West



Phoenix Suns are reportedly in contact with former Cavaliers shooting guard Delonte West. Sources close to the situation state that Delonte is interested in Suns but wants a long-term contract.
Suns are not willing to offer Delonte West nothing more than a one-year 4.05 million deal. Delonte is also drawing interest from Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings, but Suns remain the first option.

CHAPTER 1

It was a rainy day in Phoenix, a special day. Lance Blanks was nervous. He knew his status in Phoenix is going to change in a few hours. He'll become hated all over the Arizona.
But he decided to do it, to give it a try. He called the greatest basketball player ever.

Suns, meanwhile had a training session in Suns training facility. Players were shooting around while Steve Nash was doing some football tricks with the basketball.
Suddenly, Lance Blanks entered the hall and yelled. “ Steve, Steve... Come here. Come here. ”. 36-year old playmaker was surprised.
“ What it is it, Lance ?”
“ I did it Steve, I did it. It's done. ”
“ What you talking about ? What happened ? ”
“ This guys behind you, are not your team anymore. You were traded.”
Steve was shocked but at the same time the small hope was growing in him. Is it Miami? Maybe Lakers? Or is he going to Boston to play with other veterans. He saw the trophy in his head, a championship trophy.
He couldn't ask Lance where he was traded. Because his hope was still there and he didn't want to lose it. But Lance said itself “ You were traded to Charlotte. It's an OK team you can go far. I tried to give you a chance to win a championship. But I couldn't. Good luck and thank you... ”
Steve walked towards the wardrobe. “ Oh yeah, Steve, I almost forgot. Tell Grant, I think he is in weight room, to meet me here. ” Steve turned around and walked away, he was dissapointed...

WOOT! Steve Nash in Charlotte! I'm definitely following this!

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THIS MEANS WAR!

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