2013 Random Offseason Rumours

As a sidenote, it's kind of funny how mentions of Bynum's agent David Lee on Yahoo! NBA articles (and presumably other such sites) are automatically linked to the profile of David Lee, the player.

I wish David Lee represented David Lee.

Magic negotiating buyout with Hedo Turkoglu

The Orlando Magic are progressing on contract buyout talks with forward Hedo Turkoglu, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

With the Magic working to construct the franchise around a rapidly improving young core, team officials and Turkoglu are eager to part ways.
No buyout deal is imminent, but the sides have been moving closer on possible terms, sources said.

I assume Al Harrington is next?

This is one of the suffering stemmed from Brian Colangelo's incompetence. Makes me wonder if Rudy Gay's gonna walk the similar path.

CANADIAN TOP PROSPECT WIGGINS WANTS TO PLAY FOR THE RAPTORS
http://www.tsn.ca/nba/story/?id=427946

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu... I be so sad if Wiggins ends up at a city I despise.............. this kid sounds 2 awesome

Representatives of All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge met with Trail Blazers general manager Neil Olshey on Sunday to seek several trade scenarios, according to a report from Chris Haynes of Comcast SportsNet.
The meeting that reportedly took place in Las Vegas was amicable, with Aldridge seeking a move to a team better suited to contend. But even if the Trail Blazers were inclined to trade their best player, getting equal value might be unlikely this offseason.
The report infers that the Bulls, Timberwolves, Clippers, Hawks and Pelicans have so far declined trading key players in a deal including Aldridge and the Blazers.

This would be a huge blow for the Blazers who finally looked like they were back on track...

Here's update on couple players.

Nerlens Noel (ACL surgery) will likely be sidelined "until around Christmas at the earliest," according to 76ers writer Jason Wolf.
GM Sam Hinkie stressed that Noel's long-term health is the team's sole focus, and he "would not say whether [Noel] could miss the entire season." The Sixers' rookie has begun running and taking layups, and he had been optimistically targeting a return as soon as November, but fantasy owners should hedge their bets on draft day.

Best of luck to this kid. Please let him make a full full recovery before you let him step on the court, CLE.

Timberwolves president Flip Saunders will travel to New York to meet with Nikola Pekovic's reps early next week, according to owner Glen Taylor.
Pekovic's contract negotiations have dragged on for weeks as the restricted free agent continues to hold out hope for a max offer. The Wolves reportedly have offered something close to four years and $50 million. "We made an offer and they made a counter offer," Taylor said. "And they decided they should get together and talk about it in person rather than over the phone." We still think the deal will get done eventually

I don't know... His NBA career is young but he's not young physically. He's missed bunch of games and always had injury issues. And even at his best, I don't know if any team wants to max pay him. $50 mil sounds more than right. What you guys think?

Best of luck to this kid. Please let him make a full full recovery before you let him step on the court, CLE.

CLE? He's a Sixer.

I don't know... His NBA career is young but he's not young physically. He's missed bunch of games and always had injury issues. And even at his best, I don't know if any team wants to max pay him. $50 mil sounds more than right. What you guys think?

$50 million isn't unreasonable. He plays in a decent (but not great) percentage of games for a big and he's emerged as a quality centre, so you could get away with slightly overpaying for him. That's usually what happens, though perhaps not so much under the current CBA. Definitely not a max player, though.

Ma bad. Sixer then.

Danny Ainge Says Tanking Not an Option in Beantown
Yeah right. I understand he still need to bring in the crowd and all that with keeping Stern in check but that's just folly.

I remember one game in particular, when David Wesley was hitting jump shots and 3-pointers all over the floor. I had to get him out of the game.

He came over to me and said, 'Coach, what are you doing? I just hit four shots in a row.' I said, 'I know, David, but I'm experimenting.'

I expect to see a lot of these thingies happening for the Celtics this season. Keith Smart did it for the Kings last season, sitting down Isaiah for entire fourth after him scoring 30 in 3 quarters.

Couple updates.

Greg Oden could sign an NBA contract as early as Monday, as he chooses between the Heat, Pelicans, Kings, Spurs, Hawks and Mavericks.
"There might be less pressure if he tries this with a team that's rebuilding," said his agent, Bill Duffy. "Then again, the quality of the medical staff will matter. Maybe a winning team has chemistry that's good or his role would be clearly defined." That brilliantly non-committal agent-speak could make a case for any of the six teams in contention for Oden, but we won't have to wait long to learn which one he chooses. Jul 27 - 9:31 AM

Mondy here we go!

When asked who he believes is the best player in the NBA right now, Derrick Rose answered, "Derrick Rose."
Rose lacked confidence in his knee last season, catching tons of flak around the league. He doesn't lack for confidence anymore, which is a great sign for his 2013-14 outlook. Coach Tom Thibodeau said Rose will play starter's minutes during the preseason as he assimilates back into the game after a full year off. "His overall strength is terrific," Thibs said of Rose. "He's put a lot of work into his body. I know he's anxious to get out there and play. He's played some pickup but not a lot, but he feels great, and that's the most important thing."

The best player is eager to return. He didn't lose no confidence.

Yeah, I can't agree with Rose on that one. LeBron is clearly the best player in the league right now and even if you're talking best point guard, there are a few worthy candidates in competition for that title. Still, at least it's not as bad as Monta Ellis claiming to be as good as Dwyane Wade or Jordan Crawford claiming he's as good as or better than Michael Jordan. I like his confidence, it sounds like he's well and truly ready to return.

As for Oden, I'd have to imagine that there isn't going to be a lot of pressure no matter where he ends up. Expectations are going to be kept to a reasonable level, he'll be a low risk experiment.

I like it. The last time Rose was that confident was when he considered himself a MVP candidate even before the season started, and eventually was voted as the MVP.

Who's the best player in the NBA right now? What kind of a dumb question is that?

I don't know what Rose is thinking, this will only make room for more criticism when he isn't really playing like his MVP season. And this is insulting to the elite point guards out there like Westbrook & CP3.

But I hope he is at his full this season. Won't want anyone using that "half-dead" team shit...and maybe this will happen again:

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Derrick Rose played that series with an injured ankle iirc.

No, you are correct. He played with a sprained ankle.

Brandon Jennings: Pistons can become new Lob City

"They're going to make my job a lot easier, and of course I'm going to make their job a lot easier," Jennings said today at the Palace on front of Palace Sports & Entertainment employees and the media. "I guess you could say we can bring Lob City to Detroit this year."

Former Bucks are speaking out.

Ellis = Wade
Jennings = Paul?

Bring Lob City to Detroit like beat Heat in Game 6, I guess.