- Stephen Jackson is hoping to join a contending team, and the Houston Rockets may be on his list, according to Alex Kennedy of Hoopsworld: “Stephen Jackson is currently training and hoping to join a contender. I’ve heard Houston mentioned as a possible landing spot.”
The Washington Wizards and Al Harrington have strong mutual interest, according to Marc Stein of ESPN: “Al Harrington, one of the NBA’s top available free agents since negotiating his release from the Orlando Magic earlier this month, is leaning toward signing with the Washington Wizards, according to sources close to the situation. Sources told ESPN.com that the Wizards, who have one guaranteed roster spot open, are looking to add some frontcourt scoring punch and have aggressively pursued Harrington since he cleared waivers Aug. 4. Via Twitter, Harrington recently proclaimed himself to be “almost 110% back healthy” after a harrowing run of ill health stemming from a staph infection he contracted after surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee in April 2012.”
- Jim Cleamons will join the Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports: “Bucks have hired former NBA head coach & Phil Jackson assistant Jim Cleamons as an assistant coach, a source told Yahoo! Sports. Great hire.”
The Philadelphia 76ers finally got themselves a head coach, according to Ian Thomsen of SI: “Brett Brown, a longtime San Antonio Spurs assistant and head coach of Australia at the 2012 Olympics, has agreed to become the Philadelphia 76ers’ new coach, a league source told SI.com. The 52-year-old Brown will receive a four-year guaranteed contract, a crucial investment by the Sixers as they embark on an extended overhaul of their roster with a new management team. They’ve positioned themselves to contend for the No. 1 pick in next year’s draft after trading All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday to New Orleans. Brown joined the Spurs as a player development director in 2002. He has been an assistant on the bench under Gregg Popovich for the last seven seasons.”
Jordan Hill is looking to become a stretch-four (shocker) for Mike D’Antoni, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles: “He talked about what I need to work on for this coming summer,” Hill told ESPNLosAngeles.com. “My jump shot — he definitely wanted me to work on my outside jumper.”… “That’s mostly what I’ve been focusing on this whole summer, not so much the post work because I know I can go down to the block and easily get an offensive rebound and putback,” said Hill, who ranked sixth in the NBA last season in rebounds per 36 minutes (among players who played 25 games or more), according to BasketballReference.com. “We got Pau Gasol that can focus on the paint and we got Chris Kaman that can focus on the block. So I just want to be a stretch 4. Just try to spread the floor a little bit, just show a little range. I’ve been working on it the whole summer, trying to focus on that, on my 3-ball. It got a lot better. I’m just ready to put it all together and showcase it.”
Count Kobe Bryant out for the US team next year, from Jonathan Perez of Business Mirror: “FIVE-TIME National Basketball Association (NBA) champion Kobe Bryant will no longer play for the US team in next year’s International Basketball Federation (Fiba) World Cup in Madrid, Spain. “I love competing but I will let the young guys play and represent the country,”… “I had my fun playing, just leave the NBA championships to me,” added the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and two-time Olympic gold medalist as he tries to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to another NBA title in the coming season. Bryant never had the chance to play in the Fiba Worlds because he was either injured or had a prior commitment.”
LeBron James has decided against running for a position in the NBPA, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today: “After days of careful consideration and research, Miami Heat star LeBron James decided he will not run for president or vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, a person familiar with James’ decision told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly about James’ plans. Interested in union matters and the direction of the NBPA, James had considered both executive committee positions comprised of players but concluded he would not have enough time at this point in his career to give the positions the necessary attention they require.”
Clearly Kobe is only interested in winning that 6th Championship, to tie Michael Jordan.
However, it was that mentality that drove Dwight Howard away, and with it any chance to win a 6th. With 6 teams (Spurs, Clippers, Thunder, Rockets, Grizz and Warriors) a lock to make playoffs, and Nuggets and about 5 over teams competing for the last 2 spots, Kobe likely will be “pressing” again this season, regardless of when he starts playing.
Kobe’s injury happened because he played too many minutes and was pushing himself too hard, as he saw the playoffs getting away from him. This season may be even more difficult, so I see a repeat of a season ending injury for Kobe. Lakers are an outright bad team, when you get past Kobe (post surgery), Gasol and an old Nash.
Kobe would be wise to be precautionary and sit out the start of the season.
Regarding LeBron being an NBA executive, I haven’t seen any reporter with the courage to remind people that he never went to College. People like Stackhouse have a big advantage over LeBron. Surely there are demands on the position to deal with Legal stuff and lots of CBA documentation. College people have written lengthy reports and have a clear advantage. Derek Fisher impressed me as being very capable. So does Stackhouse. LeBron just talks and plays a good game. He’s not book smart, which that position requires.