Who are this year’s international men of mystery whose names will be called at the 2014 NBA draft? We already have looked at Dante Exum, who is a near lock for the top five, as well as Dario Saric and Jusuf Nurkic, a pair of bigs playing in Croatia who could be in the lottery. However, this international class goes a bit deeper, with a few established players who can play right away, plus the usual draft-and-stash candidates who could come to the league after a few years of
Want to know what David Stern’s legacy will be? Just take a look at NBA rosters on Opening Night. More than 20 years ago – when he was a relative pup as a commissioner – Stern worked with Russ Granik, USA Basketball and FIBA to clear the way for NBA players to play in the Olympics. That led to the creation of the “Dream Team,” which, among others, featured the holy trinity of Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Team USA
// The NBA will not be expanding to Europe anytime soon … if ever. After years and years of promoting and researching the idea, commissioner David Stern has come to the conclusion that it would be unrealistic to expand with a European Division that would have placed teams in London, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. The reasons: _ Not enough NBA-style arenas. _ Too much financial uncertainty related to the Euro. _ Not enough fan support … especially among customers willing to pay the prices
While the Heat, Celtics, Spurs and Thunder have been slugging it out chasing an NBA title, teams from all over Europe have been battling to win their domestic league championships. With a stable of recent NBA draft picks, former NBA players and former NCAA stars currently playing high-pressure playoff games in Europe, now is a good time to check and see who has been stepping up this time of year. Spain (ACB) – Semifinals Regal Barcelona took a 2-1 advantage over Valencia
TEL AVIV, Israel — After a tiresome five-month negotiation process, there finally will be a new CBA that will ensure uninterrupted quality NBA basketball for at least the next six years. Throughout the duration of the lockout, many fans and analysts have openly shared their dismay that the owners and players couldn’t come to a fair agreement quicker, without losing any games. However, the collective bargaining process is a luxury unique to the NBA, and is something that allows the NBA to
After less than two weeks in Israel, J.J. Hickson packed his bags and was on a 10 a.m. flight back to America. Despite an upcoming matchup against a Rishon Lezion squad that knocked the team out of the playoffs last season, Bnei Herzliya had such an issue with Hickson’s attitude and behavior that they sent him home 24 hours before the game. Though he arrived with tremendous hype as one of the more acclaimed NBA players to play in Israel, Hickson’s stint
On Thursday night, Jordan Farmar’s Maccabi Tel Aviv squad was able to squeeze by a strong Real Madrid squad led by Rudy Fernandez in Round 3 of the Euroleague, 88-82. It was Day 126 of the NBA lockout in America, but Israeli spectators were treated to a star-studded game featuring three current NBA players – Farmar, Fernandez, and Serge Ibaka of the Thunder, plus eight players who were either former draft picks or NBA players – Sokoflis Schortsanitis (Clippers), Keith Langford (Spurs),
This past Friday, Sacramento Kings forward J.J. Hickson signed with Bnei Hasharon/Herzliya of the Israeli Basketball Super League for the duration of the NBA lockout. In a bizarre twist, Hickson landed in Israel several months after being traded from Cleveland in exchange for Israel’s first NBA player, Omri Casspi. The fifth current NBA player to sign in Israel during the lockout, Hickson’s acquisition comes with a mountain of expectations, considering that he is the most heralded prospect to make the leap. Despite having all the