Javaris Crittenton continues to be in headlines for the wrong reasons, from John Barr and Greg Amante of ESPN: “Javaris Crittenton, a former first-round NBA draft pick perhaps best known for his gun-in-the-locker-room confrontation with former Washington Wizards teammate Gilbert Arenas, was indicted Wednesday on drug charges in Atlanta, where he’s already awaiting trial for his alleged role in the shooting death of a mother of four. Crittenton and 13 other people were named in the indictment that was initially the result of an investigation conducted by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, according to a source close to the investigation. According to that source, Crittenton conspired to deal cocaine and marijuana in the months before he was indicted last year for his alleged role in an August 2011 Atlanta shooting death.”
The Suns have been the surprise team of the season thus far, but it’s not from crisp passing, according to Pau Coro of The Arizona Republic: “One way or another, the Suns are the worst passing team in the NBA and on pace for their lowest assists average in the franchise’s 46-year history. “To be a playoff team, you have to be able to pass the ball,” Suns coach Jeff Hornacek said. “Teams are going to take certain things away from you, and the openings are only there for a little bit. If you don’t make the pass at the right time, then you usually end up with a bad shot. We have to get better at that.”… “If we’re quick with our reactions, we might get some good shots,” Hornacek said. “But if we have that one- or two-second hesitation, that lets the good teams rotate and then get back into position.”
Andrew Bogut had some interesting things to say about the Toney Douglas trade, from Rusty Simmons of San Francisco Chronicle: “You never want to get too comfortable in the locker room, because you could get that phone call. But, at the same time, you know that it’s nothing personal and they’re trying to get better,” Bogut said. “You better put your work in every day and play as hard as you can if you want to stay in this organization. “History has shown with the Warriors that you could have stayed here, just getting by and going through the motions. But now, there is a demand on professionalism and a demand on guys doing what they’re supposed to do and what they’re paid to do. If you don’t want to do that, I think they look to move you out.”
If the Chicago Bulls fail to land anyone big in the offseason, they may go after Lance Stephenson, according to Joe Cowley of Sun-Times: “That means looking forward to meetings with soon-to-be free agents such as LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony and trying to sell them on taking a leap of faith on Rose as well. The upcoming offseason could define the Paxson/Forman era. If they fail to land a star of the magnitude of Anthony or James, there is a consolation prize. The Bulls would love to nab Lance Stephenson from the Indiana Pacers, move Jimmy Butler to the three and add highly touted Nikola Mirotic after using the amnesty clause on Carlos Boozer. That would give them a talented roster, but still not a great one.”
Gerald Wallace has been calling out his team all season long, and today is no exception, from Mark Murphy of Boston Herald: “You’re sitting, only playing 17 or 18 minutes a game,” Wallace said. “You’re watching, you know you can still play, and you watch guys in front of you who don’t play with effort, don’t respect the game and don’t think team first. It kind of frustrates you and (ticks) you off. You have to deal with it.”… “This season is a slap in the face, having to change my game and fine-tune it,” he said. “First of all, it has to come mentally. You accept your situation, but there’s two sides to your brain. One side is fighting the other side because of the predicament you’re in. You feel you can still perform at the level you always have, but at the same time, you’re doubting yourself.”
According to Frank Isola of Daily News, Smith’s latest benching may have to do with his argument with Mike Woodson: “J.R. Smith’s benching in Charlotte Tuesday night may have been a direct result of Smith sitting most of the overtime in Monday’s win over Phoenix. According to a source, Smith was vocal with coach Mike Woodson about not starting the extra session against Phoenix after missing what would have been a game-winning shot at the end of regulation… Smith did not start overtime and went in as sub with 47.2 seconds left and came back out with 2.2 seconds left. Smith did not play in the loss to the Bobcats on Tuesday night and spent most of the night sulking on the end of the bench… Acording to the same source, Smith and Woodson spoke briefly immediately after Tuesday’s game and both appeared upset.”
Nerlens Noel may be able to play sometime after the All-Star break, according to Jeff Goodman of ESPN: “After careful consideration and numerous discussions with our medical and performance teams, the consulting physician and rehabilitation staff, and Nerlens’ representatives, some of the restrictions on Nerlens have been lifted and he is now able to participate in limited on-court work,” 76ers president and general manager Sam Hinkie said in a statement. “There are several benchmarks Nerlens still must meet, and during that time we will closely monitor his progress and regularly evaluate his status. Our goal remains the same, which is to give Nerlens every opportunity to ensure a long, productive NBA career.”… sources told ESPN.com that Noel, the No. 6 pick in this past June’s NBA draft, could return to game action within the next four to six weeks barring a setback.”
James Park is the chief blogger of Sheridan Hoops. You can find him on twitter @SheridanBlog.
Pages: 1 2