Television ratings for Game 3 was down from last season, according to Kurt Helin of Probasketballtalk: “Blowouts are not good for television ratings, and two of the three 2013 NBA Finals games so far have been Joel Anthony and Tracy McGrady showcase time. That’s not the only reason ratings have been down, but it’s one. Game 3 of the NBA Finals Tuesday night drew just more than 14 million viewers. That’s down about nine percent from a year but falls pretty much in line with the previous games in this series. Why are ratings down after a couple of years of steadily climbing? Probably a combination of things, starting with the Spurs never being a big draw. You don’t tune in to watch Tim Duncan. Never have. Not like you do other stars. The blowouts don’t help. And the national hatred of all things Heat has subsided somewhat as well (people aren’t tuning in to see them lose in the same numbers).”
Alvin Gentry will have a chance to prove himself worthy of being the next Memphis Grizzlies head coach, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports: “Former Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry will interview for the Memphis Grizzlies’ head-coaching job on Friday, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Gentry was contacted by the Grizzlies on Wednesday and is expected to interview with owner Robert Pera and CEO Jason Levien in Washington, D.C. Other coaching candidates include Grizzlies assistant coach Dave Joerger, former Denver Nuggets coach George Karl and Chicago Bulls assistant coach Ed Pickney, a league source said. Memphis is expected to conduct interviews through next week… Gentry could give a jolt to the Grizzlies’ struggling offense, which was ranked 26th in the NBA scoring last season with 93.4 points per game.”
The Denver Nuggets are focusing in on Lionel Hollins and Brian Shaw, from Spears: “The Denver Nuggets have focused their search for a head coach on Lionel Hollins and Brian Shaw and will only consider other candidates if they are unable to hire one of those two coaches, a league source told Yahoo! Sports. The Nuggets’ head-coaching job became open with the firing of George Karl on June 6. The Nuggets are scheduled to interview Hollins, the former Memphis Grizzlies head coach, on Saturday in Denver. Shaw, the Indiana Pacersassociate head coach, is expected to interview next week, but an exact date has yet to be set. The Nuggets have a list of other coaching candidates, including former Phoenix Suns coach Alvin Gentry, that will only be seriously considered if Hollins or Shaw are not hired.”
- Check out Andre Drummond putting Chris Brown on a mighty-fine poster:
Donnie Walsh says bringing back David West is the team’s number one priority in the offseason, from Kurt Helin of Probasketballtalk: ““He’s our priority No. 1,” Team president Donnie Walsh said at a press conference Thursday. “We want David back, we think he’s one of the anchors of our team. He’s a terrific player and we want him back.” “I would add one thing to that,” Pacers GM Kevin Pritchard said. “He knows that we’re in a great position going forward. He’s priority No. 1 and come July 1 we will have a lot of conversations.” July 1 is the first day teams can talk to free agents about new deals. West has said he wants to return to the Pacers, but you can be sure other teams will come calling. But the Pacers can’t just bring back the same guys and expect to step past the Heat. They need some depth. “I think we can get better shooting, as every team in the league can get,” Walsh said. “I think we could get a defensive player or two at different positions, playmakers. So we’re looking at those elements.”
- According to Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld, the Brooklyn Nets are among teams still very much interested in Dwight Howard:
Sources also say that the field for Howard’s free agency has widened considerably… Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, San Antonio, LA and Brooklyn
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 13, 2013
Brooklyn would have to complete a complex sign & trade to get at Howard, but sources say they are willing to do whatever it takes.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 13, 2013
Metta World Peace was critical of how LeBron James and Chris Bosh has played in the Finals, from Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles: “”Mentally, the Spurs are strongest right now,” Los Angeles Lakers forward Metta World Peace told ESPNLosAngeles.com prior to the Heat’s 113-77 loss to the Spurs on Tuesday. “I think LeBron and (Chris) Bosh, they want it to be given to them. I don’t think they’re taking it upon themselves like a (Michael) Jordan would have done.” Referring to the Heat, World Peace added, “They do have the best team, but if they don’t play like the best team, they’re going to lose and the Spurs will take advantage of opportunities.” “Chalmers, he wants it,” World Peace said. “He gets it. He’s not as talented as LeBron, but he has more heart. That’s those Derek Fisher type of players. Players that have more heart that are not as talented and play hard.”
