Former NBA star Tracy McGrady to try baseball: “The retired seven-time NBA All-Star is aiming to become a baseball player, and plans to try pitching for the Sugar Land Skeeters of the independent Atlantic League. That’s the same team that Roger Clemens pitched for a couple of years ago. Jordan famously played in the Chicago White Sox organization in 1994 during his first retirement from basketball, reaching the Double-A level. A statement from the Skeeters says that it is a “lifelong dream” of McGrady’s to play baseball. “McGrady has demonstrated skill, determination and diligence during his training program,” the statement said. “We look forward to monitoring his progress.” The 34-year-old McGrady played for several teams, including the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic. He last played in the NBA in the 2012-13 season. The Skeeters last made national headlines when Clemens pitched two games for them in 2012 at age 50.”
Pau Gasol to miss two weeks due to groin injury: “The Lakers had initially penciled him out for this week’s trip with stops in Minnesota (tonight), Cleveland (Wednesday and Philadelphia (Friday). Gasol also received a platelet-rich plasma therapy injection Monday in hopes to accelerate the healing process in his groin. But the Lakers wouldn’t say what prompted the additional timetable. The Lakers haven’t currently set a date on when they will reevaluate Gasol.. But according to the Lakers’ latest timetable, Gasol will miss at least six more games, including next week’s homestand against Chicago (Feb. 9), Utah (Feb. 11) and Oklahoma City (Feb. 13). Gasol’s won’t return until after NBA All-Star weekend Feb. 14-16, perhaps as early as Feb. 19 when the Lakers host the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. That marks one day before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 20, a notable development considering Gasol’s uncertain standing with the Lakers.”
Amar’e Stoudemire says he is ready to play more: “The veteran forward said his playing time is decided by Mike Woodson. And the proud Stoudemire clearly would like to play more, starting Wednesday night at home against Portland. “From a doctor’s standpoint, there hasn’t been limitations since the first week of the season,” Stoudemire said when asked if he wanted to throw out any minutes limitations in an effort to help the New York Knicks make the playoffs. “So we can’t keep saying limitations — that’s a coach’s decision at the end of the day. “I feel great,” he continued. “I am ready to play. But it’s up to him if he wants to play me or not.” After missing seven games with an ankle injury, Stoudemire played four minutes and scored two points in a loss to Miami last Saturday. During Monday’s 101-98 loss in Milwaukee, Stoudemire played 17 minutes and had seven points and four rebounds.”
Will the Boston Celtics keep Chris Johnson around: “The Celtics must soon decide if Johnson, whose second 10-day contract expires on midnight Thursday, will be signed for the remainder of the season. There’s certainly interest on Boston’s end given the way he’s performed, but the lingering trade deadline and a need to maintain roster and salary cap flexibility is working against Johnson. The Celtics essentially have two open roster spots, but those could come in handy before Feb. 20. The bigger issue is leaving enough financial flexibility to navigate the deadline. By our rough calculations, the Celtics are currently hovering around $70.6 million committed in luxury tax calculations. That’s a little more than $1 million from the $71.75 million tax line that Boston has absolutely no desire to step over this season. Committing to Johnson for the season as early as Friday would, by our rough estimate, cost Boston about $277,000 in salary. If the Celtics make no other moves, that’s not a prohibitive number, but it’s a lot easier to stomach after the deadline when Boston’s finances would be a bit more certain.”
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Lopez likely won’t be traded unless another team throws in a good 1st round pick with a pretty good Center. LA won’t do it, but they will regret that some day.
DWill won’t be traded when his value is low.
Zach Lowe is wrong about Blatche returning to Nets (besides being insurance for Lopez and can play PF too). Blatche can be offered 25 million over 4 years with the Early Bird Exception, with a player option included. That is 3 million more than the most that can be offered with the Full MLE for 4 years. Blatche isn’t going to a bad team for more money – he tried that. Good teams don’t have cap space to spend on someone unreliable on a new team, like Blatche. Phoenix can go after someone like MELO (would be good fit if Melo wants to win). Also Proky wouldn’t hesitate to spend money to be competitive for next 2 years. Hasn’t he proven that already?
Finally, yesterday Kirilenko already was quoted yesterday that he should be around (with Nets) next year too – has player option. Blatche is already is looking to be playing for the Philippines this summer. He’s apparently not thinking of shopping around. Wouldn’t Lowe think that Blatche wouldn’t be doing that unless he has an understanding that King will be bringing him back?
Finally, Zach is off base to suggest that current team (IF HEALTHY other than Brook) isn’t a Contender. It was always about Injuries. Kirilenko is the MVP of Nets and as he is healthy and DWill continues to regain his legs Nets will be the team that Miami and IND will not want to face.
IND (and OKC) will be the team to beat. After Miami finds that out, they may start breaking up team.