If you don’t appreciate Carmelo Anthony, this might help change your mind: he played through the playoffs with a partially torn labrum, according to Frank Isola of Daily News: “Carmelo Anthony played 12 playoff games with a partially torn left shoulder, the Daily News has learned. An MRI of Anthony’s shoulder revealed a partially torn labrum, according to a Knicks source and there is a possibility that Anthony may need surgery. The Knicks are hopeful that the injury will heal on its own and the club has told Anthony to rest for the next three to four weeks at which point he will be re-evaluated. The Daily News reported on Monday that Anthony was scheduled to have his shoulder examined by team doctors after experiencing chronic pain dating back to April 14th when he originally injured his arm against the Indiana Pacers.
The Cleveland Cavaliers may be willing to move its first overall pick in the upcoming draft, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN: “The Cleveland Cavaliers, who scored the top pick at Tuesday night’s draft lottery, will be willing to listen to trade offers for it. “You want to look at all your options and make the best decision for your team,” Cavs general manager Chris Grant said. “This is a valuable asset that we can add to the group, whether it’s in trade or keep it and add a player.” The Cavs are in a favorable position to make a deal. The team has more than $20 million in salary cap space, the No. 1 pick plus the No. 19, No. 31 and No. 33 picks, and a roster with young prospects that could be used in a deal. Because of a more penal luxury tax that will be in place next season, having cap space to absorb contracts could be especially valuable. The Cavs also own three future first-round picks plus their own selections.”
T.J. Simers of Los Angeles Times detailed his conversation with Donald Sterling about why Vinny Del Negro wasn’t kept beyond this season: “Was this done,” I asked, “just to hang on to Chris Paul?” “I always want to be honest and not say anything that is not true,” Sterling said. “So I’d rather not say anything. “But you know, the coach did a really good job. I think he did. And I liked working with him. There are just factors that make life very complicated and very challenging.”… “Here you have two inexperienced people running your basketball operation in [GM] Gary Sacks and [son-in-law] Eric Miller,” I told Sterling. “And Andy Roeser doesn’t have the greatest track record when it comes to basketball personnel decisions. “So I wonder, is this decision being made because the players are now calling the shots? Am I off base?” “No, you’re not off base,” Sterling said. “This is a players’ league, and, unfortunately, if you want to win you have to make the players happy. Don’t you think that’s true?” I answered: “No. Money makes players happy.” “It’s not entirely true. Money is not the only thing that makes them happy,” Sterling said. “They want to win, and they want the best opportunity to win. Do they know what the best opportunity to win is? I frankly don’t know. “But if you have special players, and special players think that they know the best opportunity to win, you have to support them.”
Tony Parker reportedly got an indirect death-threat call during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, from Alex Navarro of Ksat: “The Bexar County Sheriff’s office is investigating death threats made against Tony Parker. Sunday night, someone called 911 with about five minutes left in the game and made a threat against Tony Parker. The information was passed on to the sheriff’s office, who handles security at the AT&T Center. Security was increased immediately, but it was determined there was no immediate danger. Parker was escorted to his home by deputies, just to be safe. The incident is still under investigation.”
Glen Grunwald and Mike Woodson apparently have a different understanding about the future of Jason Kidd, from Marc Berman of New York Post: “Knicks GM Glen Grunwald said Jason Kidd gave him no indication he was retiring. “We had a great meeting with Jason yesterday,’’ Grunwald said in a end-of-season press conference with the media. “He was a big part of our success and we look forward to having him back next year.’’ Asked if Kidd hinted at all about having to reevaluate his future despite having two years and $6.2 million left on his pact, Grunwald said, “Not yesterday. It sounded like he was coming back.’’ However, Mike Woodson piped in, “I thought he was based on our conversation. But that could change, you never know.’’
- Jerry Stackhouse detailed some of his fight stories with Dan Le Batard, including how he gave his good friend Christian Laettner a black eye (via @JonesontheNBA):
Very important stuff in this Blog.
Most significant may be that Phil Jackson is basically giving Dwight Howard his blessing to leave the Lakers (for Houston?). Not something Phil’s fiancee would be happy about, but Dwight should feel good. Dwight will be happier in Houston anyway.
Also, as someone who doesn’t like the Knicks (besides not liking the Lakers), I hope Melo doesn’t find out about Acupuncture treatment, to get his shoulder to heal quicker, and avoid surgery. Dwight Howard was using acupuncture and electric acupuncture on his injuries, and he posted a photo a few months back. Looks like Howard was feeling better at end of season, and never required surgery for his torn labrum.
Thanks for reading, Jerry.