The NBA draft can make or break the future of a franchise. Using the third overall pick to select Adam Morrison ahead of Rudy Gay can set your franchise back for over a half a decade. Landing a gem such as Tony Parker with the 28th overall pick can put a team in position to be a title contender for years. With the increased luxury tax penalties of the new CBA set to be implemented in the 2013-2014 season, it has become
Ben Gordon was once the linchpin of the Detroit Pistons’ rebuilding plan after their long run of Eastern Conference finals appearances ended. He turned out to be such a bad signing – OK, not as bad as Charlie Villanueva that same summer of 2009 – that Joe Dumars had to sacrifice a future No. 1 pick just to get rid of him. The Pistons traded Gordon to the Charlotte Bobcats on Tuesday for Corey Maggette, another free agent bust from a couple
If there is one thing athletes and celebrities can learn from the mistake Amare Stoudemire made over the past weekend, it’s to utilize the “block” button when encountering an unpleasant “fan” on twitter. In today’s news, you’ll find out just how much Stoudemire had to pay for his short-sighted decision, the Rockets grand plan and their subsequent trade with the Timberwolves, changes in the Pacers front office and much more. Stoudemire was fined for the derogatory direct message he sent to a
The soon-to-be No. 1 overall draft pick Anthony Davis had a little fun last night, joining “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” to discuss his excitement of being drafted on Thursday (6/28/12) and how his patented eyebrow has a life of its own in the form of twitter and facebook. He also plays a game of “free throw” contest with Fallon, throwing strange objects and food at the basket (is that fun?). Along the way, we learn of Davis’ superstition of
// Just one day until the NBA draft, and things have started to heat up. Houston appears to be one of the most aggressive teams trying to trade up. The Rockets just completed a deal with Minnesota for the 18th pick for Chase Budinger and Lior Eliyahu. There are reports that Houston might parlay all their picks and Kyle Lowry into something bigger – like Dwight Howard. Sacramento, for its part, has not only made the fifth pick available, but sources have said that Tyreke
16. Houston Rockets – Moe Harkless, SF, St. John’s With two high picks, Houston will be one of the more aggressive teams on draft night, as GM Daryl Morey must propel the Rockets into the playoffs and is rumored to be willing to package whatever it takes to get Dwight Howard. As a fallback, don’t be surprised to see Houston package both of these picks to move up for a player like Andre Drummond. If the Rockets stand pat, Harkless was the
31. Charlotte Bobcats – Doron Lamb, SG Kentucky Lamb is one of the best shooters in the draft, can play either guard spot in spurts or come off the bench as a shooter. We had the ‘Cats taking Miles Plumlee here in Mock 4.0, but we are now thinking MJ goes for a scorer over a big. Of course, if the Bobcats wheel and deal as many expect, pick No. 30 could be someone else’s. 32. Washington Wizards – Festus Ezeli, C,
