ESPN Insider - July 7th

[Guest NaturalBornThriller4:20]

Ford: The Heat is on O'Neal

By Chad Ford

NBA Insider

Send an Email to Chad Ford Monday, July 7

Updated: July 7

1:34 PM ET

 

 

When NBA GMs vote for executive of the year at the end of next season, expect (former) Heat point guard Anthony Carter to get at least one vote.

 

 

Anthony Carter

Point Guard

Miami Heat

Profile

 

 

2002-2003 SEASON STATISTICS

GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%

49 4.1 1.7 4.1 .356 .660

 

 

 

Carter did in one fell swoop what no other GM in the league has been able to do -- produce $4 million worth of cap space out of thin air.

 

Word leaked late Thursday that Carter failed to exercise an opt-in provision in his contract. Carter had until June 30 to notify the Heat that he was opting in. His (or his agent's) mistake will cost him $4 million in guaranteed salary and kicks him onto an already brutal free-agent market.

 

It also will have huge ramifications in that market. By stripping an extra $4 million off its salary total, the Heat are looking at roughly $11 million in cap space this summer -- enough to sign a top-flight free agent to a max-type deal.

 

That news will come as a major blow to the Pacers, Spurs, Nuggets and Jazz. Why? Because Miami, even with its abysmal record the past few seasons, is considered one of the premier free-agent destinations in the NBA.

 

Between the beaches, weather, a chance to play for a legend like Pat Riley and nice core of talent -- Caron Butler, Brian Grant, Eddie Jones and rookie Dwyane Wade -- the Heat are now serious players in the free-agent market.

 

 

 

O'Neal

 

Expect target No. 1 to be Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal. O'Neal, who plans to visit San Antonio and possibly Dallas this week, will likely add Miami to his free-agent visit list, a source close to O'Neal told Insider.

 

The Pacers have remained confident all along that O'Neal ultimately would return to Indiana. Their thinking, in large part, was based on the fact that they believed O'Neal didn't want to play in the power forward-laden West or play second fiddle to Tim Duncan.

 

But if a prime job in the East opened up? O'Neal would be joining a team that has a nice combination of young talent and veterans. In Miami, he'd still have the role he desperately wants to keep -- the go-to guy on his team. Combine that with O'Neal's long-standing desire to return to the south (he grew up in South Carolina), and Pacers GM Donnie Walsh can start sweating a little. Scratch that -- a lot.

 

Adding O'Neal and Wade should give Riley the firepower he needs to propel the Heat right back into the playoffs next season. But don't count out the Pacers just yet. They can offer him an extra year, 2.5 percent more in raises and a starting salary that exceeds the Heat's by around $1.5 to $2 million. Add that up and O'Neal could make an extra $35 million over the life of the deal if he re-signs with Indiana.

 

O'Neal won't be the Heat's only target. If he decides to stay in Indiana or join Duncan in San Antonio, the Heat have more options. Riley is fond of Clippers center Michael Olowokandi. Olowokandi recently bought a home in the Miami area, so you know he'd head there in a heartbeat. Riley has also been a Lamar Odom fan since he worked him out right before the draft. Would the Heat be willing to risk a big chunk of that money on a restricted free agent?

 

Other possible targets include Gary Payton, Gilbert Arenas, Andre Miller, Brad Miller and Juwan Howard. However, Payton almost certainly will sign with the Lakers. Adding a guy like Arenas or Andre Miller isn't as important now that the team believes Wade can make the transition to point. Brad Miller or Howard would be solid additions if O'Neal and Olowokandi fall through.

 

Around the league

 

Who says that NBA free agents will always go where the money is? The remarkable reports coming out of L.A. the last few days appear to be grounded in truth. Multiple sources tell Insider that Karl Malone has indeed told the Lakers that he'll play for the $1.5 veteran's exception if they can lock up Gary Payton.

 

Will Payton come? His agent, Aaron Goodwin, told the L.A. Times this weekend that Milwaukee was out of the hunt. And while Goodwin held open the possibility of a sign-and-trade with Portland or Miami, the Times, citing sources close to the situation, is reporting that Payton could announce as early as today that he's joining the Lakers.

 

The Lakers with Payton and Malone? That's too good to be true right? On paper, a team starting Payton, Kobe Bryant, Malone and Shaquille O'Neal would be one of the greatest ever assembled. How often do you see four Hall of Famers on the court together?

 

While chemistry problems will still be an issue -- there aren't enough shots in the Western Conference for all four of these guys -- I'm starting to warm to the idea. Sort of. In a perfect world, you'd like to think that Bryant and Shaq would learn to share and Malone and Payton would learn how to win it all. If that's how it plays out, then Dream Team Five will be the story of the year and a shoo-in for an NBA Championship.

 

However, if Malone and Payton don't get enough love, or if the team doesn't come out of the gate firing on all cylinders (it will take Shaq three months to get into playing shape), Phil Jackson will finally start to earn his money. Unlike other Hall of Fame-caliber veterans, neither Malone nor Payton is renowned for his leadership abilities. When things go sour (not an uncommon occurrence in either player's career) they can whine with the best of them.

 

Either way, there's finally hope that something will eclipse the growing LeBron nightmare. I'm not sure I can watch 82 Cavs games this year.

 

The Spurs began their wining and dining of Jason Kidd on Sunday -- including a gourmet meal at coach Gregg Popovich's house. Tim Duncan was there to woo his friend, but one Spur was conspicuously absent.

 

Tony Parker

Point Guard

San Antonio Spurs

Profile

 

 

2002-2003 SEASON STATISTICS

GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%

82 15.5 2.6 5.3 .464 .755

 

 

 

Starting point guard Tony Parker apparently is having a hard time swallowing the courting of Kidd. Can you blame him?

 

"He loves San Antonio and would love to finish his career there," a person close to Parker told the N.Y. Times. "But he feels like he's a point guard and doesn't want to play a two-guard position. Nor does he want to play a backup to a player he won a championship against.

 

"He's made it clear to the team that if they choose to do that, he would want to be playing elsewhere."

 

Did he? GM R. C. Buford told the San Antonio Express News that he was under the impression that Parker was all for adding Kidd to the roster.

 

"Pop has talked to Tony continually throughout the process and as late as this afternoon," Buford said Sunday. "Their conversations have always been positive. Tony has said he thinks they would be great together."

 

It's hard to believe that Parker would really feel that way. He doesn't have the size or the scoring mentality to be a two guard in the league. Besides, Emanuel Ginobili's a better fit at the two anyway. In all likelihood, Parker would either be traded or spend year three coming off the bench.

 

Am I the only one left on the planet who can't figure out why the Spurs are going ga-ga over Kidd? While Kidd clearly outplayed Parker in every aspect during the Finals, Parker is still one of the best young point guards in the league. He just barely turned 21 years old. He's going to get even better.

 

Meanwhile, the Spurs have no center, are thin at the small forward and shooting guard, and have just four players under contract for next season. Assuming they re-sign Duncan and max out Kidd, that would bring the total to six. The Spurs' other six players would have to be minimum-type players. The team wouldn't even have its mid-level exception because it got under the cap to sign Kidd.

 

Under that scenario the Spurs would likely lose Stephen Jackson this year and Ginobili the next year when he hits free agency. Since Ginobili has only a two-year contract with the team -- the Spurs would be in the same situation the Warriors are in with Gilbert Arenas. The capped out Spurs would only be able to offer Ginobili a deal up to the mid-level exception.

 

With the Lakers building a dream team, the Mavs and Kings getting deeper by the minute and the T-Wolves making some major strides this offseason -- will Kidd and Duncan be enough to topple some the other giants in the West? Or are they one big injury away from playing the lottery next summer?

 

Alonzo Mourning still hasn't heard anything from the Heat. And it doesn't sound like he's going to hang around for an offer.

 

"It's very disappointing to me, but at the same time I understand," Mourning told the Palm Beach Post. "It doesn't surprise me."

 

"I've said this before, my heart is here in Miami. This is where I want to play, but unfortunately the Heat haven't given me an offer yet. . .But to tell you the truth I'm not in position to wait around. The longer I wait the less chance people are going to have that room for me, so I've got to make some decisions."

 

There continues to be strong evidence that Juwan Howard is leaning toward signing with the Timberwolves on July 16th. However, that hasn't stopped his agent from trying to get Howard more money to play on a team like the Pistons or Magic.

 

According to the Denver Post, agent David Falk has called the Nuggets numerous times about several sign-and-trade proposals Howard. They include Howard to the Pistons for forward Corliss Williamson, point guard Chucky Atkins and center Ratko Vardo. The other was with the Magic that included point guard Darrell Armstrong.

 

The Nuggets aren't interested in the deal because of the amount of salary-cap space they'd eat up.

 

Clipps free agent Michael Olowokandi will finally get his visit to Denver late this week. Remember, Olowokandi huddled with GM Kiki Vandeweghe in Denver last summer while he was a restricted free agent.

 

Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe had a lengthy meeting Wednesday in Los Angeles with Warriors restricted free-agent point guard Gilbert Arenas; Arenas' father, Gilbert Sr.; and agent Dan Fegan the Denver Post reported. However, Arenas only has scheduled visits with the Jazz and Heat this week.

 

Hawks restricted free agent Jason Terry remains in limbo until the team is finally sold. "Jason wants to stay here," agent Raymond Brothers told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. "He wants to be part of this team, bottom line. . . . He feels like with the right situation, right ownership, right coaching, [the Hawks] are just around the corner from turning this thing around."

 

Point guard Darrell Armstrong is still waiting to hear from the Magic. In the meantime he's talked to the Cavs, Wizards and Heat the Daytona Beach News Journal reported.

 

Summer Love

 

The NBA summer leagues got underway on Sunday in L.A. ...

 

When the crowd starts chanting "Pargo! Pargo!" you know we're all a little hard up for a little hoops fix. Second year point guard Jannero Pargo had 27 points and six assists as the Lakers beat the Canadian national squad 91-87 in the first game of the L.A. Summer Pro League.

 

"It was pretty cool,' Pargo told the Long Beach Telegram. "Our team was having trouble bringing the ball up the court. With me, being a point guard, they wanted to see me get back in there, get the game under control and finish out the game.'

 

Kareem Rush added 20 points. Rookie Brian Cook had seven points and nine boards. Rookie Luke Walton had two points, five rebounds and four assists.

 

Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said he was focusing on the "veterans."

 

"I think the summer league is bigger for Kareem Rush and Jannero Pargo than it is for the rookies,' Kupchak said. "For the rookies, they're just trying to adjust. With Kareem and Jannero, we want to see how they develop from last year and see what other ways we can use them.'

 

The Mavs and Grizzlies play their first games tonight.

 

The Mavs have an interesting roster including veterans like Ike Austin as well as a few intriguing rookies like last year's pick Mladen Sekularic, this year's pick Josh Howard, and undrafted rookies Josh Powell and Marquis Daniels. Of course, it wouldn't be the Mavs if they didn't have a little international intrigue. Point guard Yuta Tabuse of Japan is providing that. The 5-foot-9 point guard has already impressed assistant coach Donnie Nelson. "He's pretty darn good," Nelson told the Fort Worth Star Telegram. "He's a nice backup, and he makes everybody else better."

 

The Grizzlies' squad will give us our first taste of Troy Bell, Dahntay Jones and Polish center Cezary Trybanski.

 

Several interesting free agents have cropped up on the rosters of the Orlando Pepsi Pro Summer League.

 

The Cavs are giving Marquette's Robert Jackson, Oklahoma's Hollis Price and Latvia's Kristap Valters a look. Not surprisingly, Smush Parker isn't on the roster. The Cavs are through with him.

 

The Pistons won't have any of their three draft picks -- Darko Milicic, Carlos Delfino or Andreas Glyniadakis -- on their roster. Contract disputes for Milicic and Glyniadakis and a sore ankle for Delfino will keep them out. Tayshaun Prince will have to shoulder most of the load for Detroit. LSU's Ronald Dupree and Florida's Justin Hamilton lead the undrafted rookies in camp.

 

The T-Wolves also have an interesting roster that includes veteran Quincy Lewis (who starred in Europe this year), John Wallace, and Cal Bowdler. On the youth side, this year's picks Ndudi Ebi and Rick Rickert, will be joined by Wisconsin's Kirk Penney, and Texas Tech's Kasib Powell.

 

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2003 NBA Free Agent Watch

By Chad Ford

NBA Insider

Send an Email to Chad Ford Tuesday, June 17

Updated: July 7

9:59 AM ET

 

 

Updated July 7 What a weekend. The Lakers appear to be on the verge of producing a Dream Team if Karl Malone and Gary Payton both sign in L.A. Jason Kidd spent his Fourth of July chilling in San Antonio. And the Heat became players in the Jermaine O'Neal sweepstakes

 

 

Here's Insider's latest look at who's going where.

 

Exclusive complete 2003 free agent list

Key = ® - restricted free agent

 

1. Tim Duncan, PF, Spurs

In the mix? Spurs

Outlook: All signs still point to Duncan staying in San Antonio. He did just opt out of his deal but there's almost zero chance he bolts San Antonio this summer.

Insider Prediction: Duncan will be flying the flag in the Alamo for years.

 

2. Jason Kidd, PG, Nets (PO)

In the mix? Nets, Spurs, Mavs

Outlook: Kidd is still determined to play the free-agent market. Kidd was in San Antonio on Sunday checking out the sites. He may also visit the Mavs after his Spurs visit. No other visits are scheduled.

Insider Prediction: Jason stays in bed with the Nets. No Kidding.

 

3. Jermaine O'Neal, PF, Pacers

In the mix? Heat, Pacers, Spurs, Mavs

Outlook: O'Neal was considered a lock to re-sign with Indiana until a late-season swoon put that into question. The Spurs, Jazz and Nuggets would all love to have him. And with the recent cap windfall to the Heat, Pat Riley's also in a position to lure O'Neal to Miami. O'Neal confirmed last week that he'll meet with the Spurs and Mavs this week. A source close to O'Neal told Insider this weekend he'll also likely add Miami to his visit list. While Pacers sources continue to insist that O'Neal has not wavered in his commitment to re-sign with the organization, the addition of the Heat to O'Neal's free agent shopping list could pose a major problem.

Insider Prediction: There's no place like home. The question is, which home. The Pacers can offer him the most money and he's a big fan of Isiah Thomas. The Heat can offer him warm weather and one of the best coaches in the league. Right now, it's 50-50 between the Heat and Pacers.

 

4. Elton Brand, PF, Clippers ®

In the mix? Clippers, Spurs, Jazz

Outlook: Everyone has interest, but so do the Clippers. The latest has them offering Brand a five year, $65 million contract (basically max for five years). Will Brand take it? Brand doesn't want to re-sign with L.A. unless Donald Sterling also forks over some cash for a few more free agents. Expect the Jazz and Spurs to flirt with him, but in the end, Brand will probably take the Clips' offer or he'll snag the one-year tender and hit unrestricted free agency next summer.

Insider Prediction: Brand has to endure the Clippers for one more year.

 

5. Gilbert Arenas, PG, Warriors ®

In the mix? Nuggets, Warriors, Heat

Outlook: He was the hottest free agent on the market. But with Denver cooling on his price tage, he may be out of suitors quickly. The Warriors desperately want to keep him, but the most they can offer him is $4.5 million next season. Expect the Nuggets to offer him a contract starting at around $7 million a year. Arenas' agent, Dan Fegan, claims Arenas needs closer to $9 million a year, but who's going to pay it? The Heat are an option if talks fall through between Miami and O'Neal.

Insider Prediction: Arenas strikes gold with the Nuggets.

 

6. Corey Maggette, SG/SF, Clippers ®

In the mix? Nuggets, Spurs, Clippers

Outlook: No one's stock has risen more this season than Maggette's. We've known for a while that he's one of the best athletes in the league. But his development of a consistent long-range jumper has really opened up the game for him. Again, he's likely to be another casualty of the Clippers' salary-cap woes. The Nuggets look like they're the most interested in bringing him into the fold. He was in Denver last week and said after the visit that he hopes the Nuggets make him an offer. Don't be surprised if the Spurs try to get in on the action.

Insider Prediction: Expect a fierce bidding war on Maggette, and expect the Nuggets to come out on top.

 

7. Alonzo Mourning, C, Heat

In the mix? Mavs, Heat, Blazers, Nuggets

Outlook: Mourning said he's been cleared to play next season and the Mavs and Nuggets were quick out of the gate to get a long look at him. Can Mourning really desert the Heat after all they've done for him? He claims that they haven't made him in offer and evidence suggests that they'd prefer to go younger.

Insider Prediction: Mark Cuban will lure Zo to Big D.

 

8. Andre Miller, PG, Clippers ®

In the mix? Jazz, Nuggets

Outlook: The Clips can't afford to pay everyone, and most feel that Miller will be the casualty. Despite a terrible season, after Kidd and Arenas, he's the best point guard on the board. Expect the Jazz to make him a big offer. He wants to return to Utah and the Jazz would love to have him. He's a perfect fit in the Jazz's system and a great heir to John Stockton. The Nuggets are also taking a look just in case Arenas keeps up his ridiculous demands.

Insider Prediction: It's Miller time in Utah.

 

9. Juwan Howard, SF/PF, Nuggets

In the mix? T-Wolves, Lakers, Magic, Bulls, Pistons, Sonics, Nuggets

Outlook: Howard will likely go from being one of the most overpaid players in the history of the league to one of the best bargains. He's gained a huge amount of respect for the way he handled himself on the lowly Nuggets this year. The Nuggets want him back, but expect him to try to work out a sign-and-trade with a team in a better position to win now. The T-Wolves, Lakers, Magic, Bulls, Pistons and Sonics all remain good possibilities. Howard claims he could decide as early as this weekend. Sources claim Howard has the most interest in the Wolves, Lakers and Magic. The Lakers, however, may be out of the running now that it appears they're close to locking up Karl Malone and Gary Payton.

Insider Prediction: Howard wants to win without riding Shaq and Kobe's coattails, which is why he'll go to the T-Wolves for the mid-level.

 

10. Gary Payton, PG, Bucks

In the mix? Lakers, Blazers, Heat

Outlook: Payton's agent told the L.A. Times this weekend that he's no longer interested in re-signing with the Bucks. And while his agent held open the possibility of a sign-and-trade with Portland or Miami, the Times, citing sources close to the situation, is reporting that Payton could announce as early as Monday that he's joining the Lakers.

Insider Prediction: It appears that Payton has his heart set on playing with the Lakers.

 

11. Karl Malone, PF, Jazz

In the mix? Lakers, Jazz, Mavs, Spurs, Nets

Outlook: He turns 40 in July, but the Mailman continues to deliver. It will be interesting to see what the Jazz and Malone do this summer. The team would like to start rebuilding, but it also wants to see him retire in Utah. Malone couldn't command a huge, long-term contract anywhere, but he can still help a playoff contender if he's willing to settle for the mid-level exception. He was in L.A. on Wednesday talking to Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak. The latest has Malone willing to take the Lakers $1.5 million execption to play in L.A. if the team can also land Gary Payton. But can Malone really leave Utah?

Insider Prediction: It looks like the Mailman wants to deliver to the Lakers.

 

12. Lamar Odom, SF, Clippers ®

In the mix? Heat, Nuggets, Spurs, Clippers

Outlook: If he's healthy and gets his head on straight, he's a top-five talent. Pat Riley loves him. But so does Elgin Baylor. Will the Heat give him some love? If Jermaine O'Neal and Michael Olowokandi fall through, they might try to steal Odom away from the Clips. If they do, will the Clippers match? Odom's not in a bad situation either way.

Insider Prediction: Depends on what Miami does. If they don't make an offer, Odom will take the Clips one year tender.

 

13. Michael Olowokandi, C, Clippers

In the mix? Heat, Nuggets, Spurs

Outlook: His stock has dropped considerably since last summer. Olowokandi held out for a max contract last summer, and right now it doesn't appear that the gamble has paid off. Injuries, a bad attitude and a terrible Clippers squad will haunt him as he tries to find another team willing to pony up the cash. The Heat, Spurs and Nuggets are all interested in Olowokandi, but at what price? If Sterling is willing to spend, a sign-and-trade isn't out of the question either.

Insider Prediction: The Kandi-man wants to play in Miami. If the Heat land O'Neal, however, he'll try to fill David Robinson's shoes in San Antonio.

 

14. Brad Miller, C, Pacers

In the mix? Pacers, Heat, Nuggets, Spurs

Outlook: It's not a great year for big men in free agency or the draft. That could mean very big things for Miller despite a so-so year. Indiana wants to re-sign him, but don't be surprised if the Spurs come after Miller if Kidd and Olowokandi don't pan out

Insider Prediction: The Pacers keep the other Miller home.

 

15. Rasho Nesterovic, C, T-Wolves

In the mix? T-Wolves, Knicks, Spurs

Outlook: Next to Maggette, no one has helped his stock more this year than Nesterovic. He's been a solid force in the middle for the T-Wolves. This time, agent Bill Duffy's gamble, he turned down a six-year deal from the Wolves last summer, paid off big time. The Knicks are trying to swing a deal, but the just don't have the cap space. The Wolves want him, and they'll have to pay handsomely to keep him.

Insider Prediction: Nesterovic sticks in Minnesota.

 

16. Richard Hamilton, SG, Pistons ®

In the mix? Pistons, Spurs

Outlook: He had a big year in Detroit, meaning that the Pistons are trapped in the same dilemma they faced with Stackhouse. They really want to re-sign him, but what is he worth? Hamilton can play the free-agent market all he wants, but with the free-agent talent pool so deep, there may not be any money left by the time Rip bubbles to the top. Look for the Pistons to get a real bargain on Rip.

Insider Prediction: Hamilton keeps ripping the nets in Detroit.

 

17. Jason Terry, SG, Hawks ®

In the mix? Hawks, Nuggets, Sonics

Outlook: 6-foot-2 shooting guard anyone? Anyone?

Insider Prediction: The Hawks drafted a big point guard in Boris Diaw so they can afford to keep Terry around as a bargain.

 

18. P. J. Brown, PF, Hornets

In the mix? Magic, Spurs, Lakers, Mavs, Cavs

Outlook: He's not the flashiest player on the list, but his toughness in the paint could really help a team like the Lakers, Mavs, Sonics or Magic. If he wants to bolt New Orleans and he's willing to play for the mid-level exception, he should be very popular this summer. He has a visit scheduled this week in Orlando

Insider Prediction: Could Brown be the missing piece of the puzzle in Orlando?

 

19. Kenny Thomas, SF/PF, Sixers ®

In the mix? Sixers

Outlook: He's one of the best young power forwards available, but don't expect him to be out on the market for long. The Sixers really want him back. If there's any truth to the six-year, $50 million offer he'll get from the Sixers, there's no way he leaves Philly.

Insider Prediction: Time to quit doubting Thomas Sixer fans.

 

20. Speedy Claxton, PG, Spurs

In the mix? Knicks, Pistons, Wizards, Cavs, Nuggets

Outlook: His heroic play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals will earn him a lot of cash. Size will be an issue, but with so many teams clammering for a point guard, he'll land on his feet somewhere.

Insider Prediction: The Knicks, Pistons and Pacers look like frontrunners.

 

Best of the Rest (in order by team): Dion Glover, SG, Hawks; DerMarr Johnson, SG, Hawks; Jumaine Jones, SF, Cavs; Donnell Harvey, PF, Nuggets; Jon Barry, SG, Pistons; Earl Boykins, PG, Warriors; James Posey, SG, Rockets ®; Reggie Miller, SG, Pacers; Eric Piatkowski, SG, Clippers; Travis Best, PG, Heat; LaPhonso Ellis, SF, Heat; Darrell Armstrong, PG, Magic; Kenny Anderson, PG, Hornets; Tyrone Hill, PF, Sixers; Derrick Coleman, PF, Sixers; Scott Williams, C, Suns; Antonio Daniels, PG/SG, Blazers; Scottie Pippen, SF, Blazers; Jim Jackson, SF, Kings; Stephen Jackson, SF, Spurs; Elden Campbell, C, Sonics; Predrag Drobnjak, PF, Sonics; Rafer Alston, PG, Raptors; Voshon Lenard, SG, Raptors

 

--------------

 

Peep Show:

 

Los Angeles Lakers: Say it isn't so, Kobe. The Laker guard turned himself in to Eagle County Sheriff's Detention Facility in Vail, Colorado on Friday after a warrant was issued for his arrest for felony sexual assault. "Kobe is innocent," Pamela Mackey, Bryant's attorney, said in the L.A. Times. "Can you imagine being accused of this? It's awful . . . It's very distressing. that the sheriff's office, who is supposed to be conducting the unbiased investigation, ignores what the district attorney says and goes out and gets a warrant. It's outrageous." Mackey claims that the sheriff department acted hastily in issuing the warrant ad without consent of the District Attorneys office. The incident allegedly involved a 19-year-old girl on Tuesday while Bryant was in the resort town for rehabilitation work on his surgically repaired shoulder. "I don't know yet whether I'll file charges," DA Mark Hurlburt said the Vail Daily. "I need to review the report, review the evidence." Bryant has since been released on $25,000 bail.

 

Detroit Pistons: Larry Brown may have already seen what Tayshaun Prince can do during the playoffs. Now, he wants to see what he can't do. "I am going to challenge him," Brown told the Detroit News. "He's going to learn to play everywhere. The biggest thing is for him to get ready to play major minutes . . . I want him to be a basketball player. If he has to play point guard, the two (shooting guard), the three (small forward), I don't care. The biggest thing with him is defense. Every night he is going to play against great players. I want him to really expand his game on the defensive end."

 

San Antonio Spurs: The Beijing Star Daily is reporting that the Chinese Basketball Association has given Menk Bateer permission to play for the Spurs during the Summer League. Bateer played for the Spurs last year during the regular season before his contract expired but was left off of the playoff roster. "The invitation gives a hint that the Spurs are considering extending the contract with Bateer," Xia Song said. "But the team need to watch him in the summer league."

 

New York Knicks: The man credited for discovering Michael Sweetney for the Knicks has resigned his position in New York in order to take an assistant coaching position with the Toronto Raptors. The N.Y. Daily News is reporting that Jim Sann had become one of the league's up-and-coming minds and was earmarked for a possible GM position in near future for the Knicks. Sann had been with the Knicks for 11 years.

[Guest CanadianChris]

Um, I hate to be a wet blanket, but couldn't Dames get in trouble for having copyrighted material that you have to pay for on his site?

[Guest NaturalBornThriller4:20]

Sorry,

 

I didn't think of that. Just figured it would be a good idea to keep ya'll updated on what's happening.

 

Today's edition will not be posted.

[Guest Choken One]

Well...Looks like DENVER, MIAMI and San Antonio are gonna be the big spenders this year..

[Guest Human Fly]

Denver really intrigues me. They could be one of the more exciting teams to watch next season.

 

As far as posting copyrighted material is concerned. I don't think ESPN has any inkling that this sight even exists, and even if they did is there anything on their sight that says you can't print that info up anywhere else. You gave proper credit.

[Guest CanadianChris]

You can reprint the free stuff, no problem, as long as you give credit.

 

The problem is in reprinting stuff you have to pay for. It'd be like reprinting the latest Harry Potter book in here...it's copyrighted material from which ESPN derives revenue. And I wouldn't ever assume that no one knows what you're doing on the Internet.

[Guest Vern Gagne]

Sorry,

 

I didn't think of that. Just figured it would be a good idea to keep ya'll updated on what's happening.

 

Today's edition will not be posted.

It's cool that you posted this stuff. But really how much of this stuff is new? Another thing is must of these reports turn out not to be true. Not that it really matters.