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Wallace Committing to C's

By Celticsfanatic | July 5, 2009 | Celtics 17

Globe is reporting:An NBA source said tonight forward Rasheed Wallace has committed to sign with the Celtics Wednesday, the first day free agents are eligible to sign. "Once (Wallace) had a chance to reflect on everything, and realizing what his objectives are, he just decided this was the best fit for him, all the way around," said Bill Strickland, Wallace's agent. Wallace is expected to receive a two-year deal using the mid-level exception (expected to be about $5.6 million to $5.8 million). The Celtics All-Star trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, owner Wyc Grousbeck, coach Doc Rivers, and president Danny Ainge met with Wallace last week. Wallace turned down overtures from Orlando and San Antonio to commit to Boston.That's the way, uh huh uh huh, I like it, uh huh uh huh!We love you, you big (expletive)!!...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celtics, NBA, Rasheed Wallace

Rumor/Free Agent/Story Updates

By Celticsfanatic | July 4, 2009 | Celtics 17

Celtics 17: No Laker fans, you're not champs yet: 2009-10 will be memorable.Swing and a miss: Ariza > Artest according to Plaschke.Red's Army: Detroit to pursue Tom Thibodeau. CelticsBlog: More reasons why Boston may be right fit (for Sheed).Cavalier Attitude: He-gone: how Hedo alters Cavs plans.Globe: Report: Turkoglu to Raptors.Jackson returning as Lakers coach....

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Hedo Turkoglu, NBA, Rasheed Wallace, Tom Thibodeau, Toronto Raptors

No Laker Fans, You're Not Champs Yet: 2009-10 Will Be Memorable

By Celticsfanatic | July 4, 2009 | Celtics 17

HEDO NOT A BLAZER!Wallace will wait a week to accept/decline offer."Wow it's 7/02/09 and the Los Angeles Lakers have already been crowned champions!" That was one of the first comments on Marc Stein's story two nights ago, breaking the Artest-to-LA news. Unfortunately for the fanatics in Hollywood, that isn't the case. It isn't the case for the Celtics either if they are able to insert Rasheed Wallace into their already threatening frontcourt.The Magic aren't favorites either, despite the recent addition of Vince Carter.Nor Cleveland, even though they just patched up a hole in their game by acquiring Shaquille O'Neal.San Antonio also will have to battle their way to the top, although they were the winners of last Thursday's NBA Draft, on top of trading for Richard Jefferson.The Nuggets hope to build too. But that won't allow them to breeze through this season.The fact is, the NBA is the best it's...

Read more | 5 Comments | Tags: Andrew Bynum, Boston Celtics, Chris Andersen, Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Orlando Magic, Pau Gasol, Paul Pierce, Phil Jackson, Rasheed Wallace, Ray Allen, Richard Jefferson, Ron Artest, San Antonio Spurs, Shaquille O'Neal, Vince Carter

NBA Talk: Plans Change In Detroit With Villanueva and Gordon Added

By Josh Dhani | July 3, 2009 | Pacers Pulse

We all remember the heartbreaking move for Detroit when they sent Chauncey Billups to the Denver Nuggets while Detroit brought in Allen Iverson. It wasn't good for the Pistons as they got destroyed in the playoffs. Then here they are with Iverson gone and Rasheed Wallace aging a bit. And Richard "Rip" Hamilton can't do everything by himself. How can Detroit survive? I'll tell you why. With two standout adds of Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, the Pistons look like a viperous team coming into the 2009-10 season as they look to strangle their opponents. And another good thing is that they haven't reached 30 yet, as they are both in there mid-20s, which is acceptable for this offense. Bringing in Gordon really helps out Rip and Rodney Stuckey being the "sixth man" of the group. Gordon makes a monumental difference towards the squad. It'll look like the "good ol'...

Read more | 3 Comments | Tags: Allen Iverson, Ben Gordon, Boston Celtics, Charlie Villanueva, Chauncey Billups, Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Jason Maxiell, Julian Wright, Kwame Brown, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamlilton, Rodney Stuckey, San Antonio Spurs, Tayshaun Prince, Tyson Chandler

Big NBA News: Feat. Josh Childress (Iverson Going for Memphis?)

By Josh Dhani | July 3, 2009 | Pacers Pulse

Hello, and welcome to another edition of Big NBA News. We got some good stuff in for us today so let's go. These are some pretty big rumors and I really do think these are the ones you definitely don't want to miss! Mike Bibby Atlanta Hawks point guard was given some rumors that he may go to Philadelphia to play for the Sixers. But Sixers fans, you might want to stop cheering and put your hands down. The Sixers aren't interested in Bibby, according to the Inquirer. But heck, it would be real nice for Philly to get him. But as for right now, he's chilling in Atlanta. He is also looking to bring the Hawks to the playoffs again and hopefully passing the second round and not getting killed by the Cleveland Cavaliers. My bad, Atlanta. Sorry for bringing back bad memories. Ricky Rubio Jeez Ricky! I really...

Read more | 5 Comments | Tags: Allen Iverson, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Brandon Bass, Hedo Turkoglu, Indiana Pacers, Jake Voskuhl, Josh Childress, Maceo Boston, Memphis Grizzlies, Mike Bibby, Mikki Moore, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, O.J. Mayo, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Richard Jefferson, Ricky Rubio, Rudy Gay, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors

Swing and a Miss: Ariza > Artest According to Plaschke

By joshb | July 3, 2009 | Celtics 17

This is the start of what I hope to be a series on Celtics 17. I will find stupid basketball columns and show them to you.The first is a column by Bill Plaschke of the LA Times. You know, the guy with the egg-shaped head on "Around the Horn" who thinks the Dodgers are better without Manny Ramirez. This is his opinion on the Lakers' Ron Artest signing."Less than three weeks after the parade, the NBA champion Lakers have already met the biggest threat to their throne. Themselves.What are they thinking? What are they doing?" Well, I'm just a blogger so what do I know? But from the looks of it I'd say that the Lakers are trying to improve."They just won a title that would not have been possible without the strong defense and stunning shooting of a 24-year-old kid with a limitless ceiling."Plaschke is referring to Trevor Ariza,...

Read more | 9 Comments | Tags: Adam Morrison, Bill Plaschke, Derek Fisher, Dodgers, Dwight Howard, Gary Payton, Karl Malone, Kings, Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Lamar Odom, Manny Ramirez, Michael Jordan, NBA, Pacers, Pau Gasol, Pistons, Randy Johnson, Robert Horry, Rockets, Ron Artest, Shane Battier, Spurs, Steve Kerr, Tracy McGrady, Trevor Ariza, Yao Ming

Yup, Danny Ainge is a Genius

By Celticsfanatic | July 3, 2009 | Celtics 17

Marbury feels (short) Celtics days are done.Bill Strickland, Sheed's agent, on the contract offer.I used to hate -- no, DESPISE -- Danny Ainge. After his deal which sent the then-admirable Antonie Walker packing, to then only sign Brian Scalabrine, it was clear to me that this guy was just not a fit for the Celtics.Then came the 2006-07 season, a year where the Celtics not only had shameful results, but left a humiliating mark on both their legendary name and Boston's fans. And just when I thought both Danny Ainge and Doc Rivers were "outta here," a meeting was arranged between Celtics star Paul Pierce, and Danny Ainge himself. Pierce told Ainge that "he wanted to be a Celtic for life," but if the C's didn't find veteran help for him that offseason, he'd prefer leaving Beantown and heading to a contender.Little did he know that Mr. Ainge expected a...

Read more | 2 Comments | Tags: Al Jefferson, Antoine Walker, Bill Walker, Boston Celtics, Brian Scalabrine, Danny Ainge, Delonte West, Eddie House, Glen Davis, James Posey, Justin Reed, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Lester Hudson, Mikki Moore, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, NBA Draft, Orlando Magic, Paul Pierce, PJ Brown, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Sam Cassell, Scot Pollard, Seattle SuperSonics, Stephon Marbury, Tony Allen

One More Thing -- Hoopsvine.com Interview with Jay Bilas

By Zach Harper | July 2, 2009 | Talk Hoops

Before I leave you for the Fourth of July celebration weekend, I wanted to make sure that everybody checks out the Hoops Vine interview with Jay Bilas about the NBA Draft. The Hoops Vine brand name has been around for a while but the new and improved Hoops Vine social basketball network is a growing entity powered by the genius and hard work of Lang Greene. Lang is a friend of Talkhoops and has even let me be so kind as to let me answer a mailbag for his readers (last April). Lang is a really smart basketball mind and great at covering the sport and furthering the discussion. I highly recommend this interview with Jay Bilas and Hoops Vine in general. It should definitely be a part of your daily internet rounds. Lang: I wanted to get your thoughts on the draft. What were your initial feelings when the...

Read more | Discuss | Tags: 2009 NBA Draft, Hoops Vine, Jay Bilas, NBA

NBA Outsider: Memphis Grizzlies Draft Follow Up

By Staff Report | June 30, 2009 | MVN Outsider

3 Shades of Blue tells how this years draft picks are not super stars but certainly upgrades.WHEN THE DRAFT GIVES YOU LEMONS..... The Memphis Grizzlies exercised all three of the picks with which they entered the 2009 NBA draft-nos. 2, 27, and 36, selecting Hasheem Thabeet, Demarre Carroll, and Sam Young. Sure, when the year 2020 comes around, the potential for this year's draft crop to be viewed as one of the best ever is pretty low-but as the title states, the draft might give you lemons...and sometimes the lemonade takes a bit longer to make and isn't quite as good as Grandma's on a 90-degree day, but it should still be pretty tasty. What Michael Heisley has stated many times is that he wants to field a more defensive-oriented team (a philosophy with which I heartily agree), and this draft bears his mark in bold ink. Thabeet, Carroll, and...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, NBA Draft, NBA Outsider

NBA Awards: The Best of the Best

By Joe Boikess | April 14, 2009 | MVN Outsider

With only two more days remaining in the NBA regular season, it's about time to hand out my awards for the best individual performances of the season...Rookie of the Year - Derrick Rose (Bulls)My Ballot:1. Rose2. O.J. Mayo3. Brook LopezThe rookie class of 2009 was incredibly deep, but Rose gets my vote for a number of reasons. As the number one overall pick in last year's draft, he shouldered a ton of pressure and responsibility as the Bulls' new starting point guard, and yet he managed to put up consistent production for a team that was in the playoff hunt all year long. He averaged over 16 points and six assists per game and shot better than 47 percent from the field.Mayo had a great first season as well, especially in the scoring department where he averaged 18.4 points and shot a decent 38 percent from downtown. But his team,...Read more

Read more | 10 Comments | Tags: NBA

NBA Great Debates: Reaching the Conference Finals

By Staff Report | April 9, 2009 | MVN Outsider

NBA Outsider's Adam Sweeney and Joe Boikess debate the issue: Who will be the final four playoff teams alive in the NBA conference finals?Adam Sweeney argues that the Magic and Rockets will join the Lakers and Cavaliers:As huge of a college hoops fans that I am, the Final Four was about as exciting as watching Fast and Furious (sorry if anybody liked that movie). In honor of the Final Four and merciless beat down the North Carolina Tar Heels gave the Michigan State Spartans, why don't we choose our own Final Four for the NBA playoffs? Are you up for that, old chap? Sorry Joe. I'll never call you old chap again.I think we can both agree that the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers are going to make it to their respective conference finals. L.A. has shown itself to be the elite team in the Western Conference and Cleveland...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: NBA, NBA Playoffs

NBA Great Debates: Cuban Criticizes Refs Via Twitter

By Staff Report | April 3, 2009 | MVN Outsider

NBA Outsider's Joe Boikess and Adam Sweeney debate the issue: Did the NBA go too far by fining Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban for his Twitter remarks?Joe Boikess believes the NBA is out of line:In the interest of full disclosure, I should probably confess one thing before getting into this topic. As many of my readers know, I am a near-lifelong fan of the Dallas Mavericks and its colorful owner, Mark Cuban. For objectivity's sake, I have put my allegiance as a Mavs fan aside for this debate.With that in mind, I can still confidently say as a neutral follower of this issue that the NBA was once again out of line in fining Cuban for criticizing the referees, this time via Twitter.Since Cuban became the Mavericks owner more than nine years ago, he's racked up a bill with the NBA for more than $1.5 million, mostly for criticism...Read more

Read more | 1 Comment | Tags: Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, NBA, Twitter

NBA Stock Market: Raptors Finding Late Season Groove

By Joe Boikess | March 30, 2009 | MVN Outsider

Toronto gets some love this week for their improved play, while the Suns and Mavericks are both trying their best not to move up in the West standings...Rising:Toronto Raptors - If only the Raptors were playing this well at the beginning of the season. Despite surrendering a 17-point lead and giving up 42 fourth quarter points to the Bulls (winners of seven of eight games), Toronto was able to hold on in overtime and win their season-high fourth game in a row. Jose Calderon dropped a career-best 19 dimes, Chris Bosh had 31 points and 15 rebounds, and Andrea Bargnani added 28 points to pace the Raptors in their highest scoring game in franchise history. Toronto is currently seven games out of the East's eighth spot with nine games remaining. Might we be seeing a last-ditch, come-from-behind attempt at sneaking into the playoffs from a team that has woefully underachieved...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors

NBA Great Debates: Which Team Has the Best Chance of Pulling Off a First-Round Playoff Upset?

By Staff Report | March 26, 2009 | MVN Outsider

NBA Outsider's Joe Boikess and Adam Sweeney debate the issue: Which team has the best chance of pulling off an upset in the first round of the 2009 NBA playoffs?Joe Boikess believes the Jazz will upset the Rockets:At this point in the NBA season, with so much yet to be decided and only a few weeks worth of games to sort it all out, it's tough to predict what the playoff matchups will look like. The standings are changing in both conferences every day. Three division races still have yet to be wrapped up, and two of those (the Southwest and Northwest) likely won't be settled until the last day of the season. But nevertheless, basketball junkies like myself just love to prognosticate. In the West, the eight playoff teams are pretty much set, unless the Phoenix Suns can somehow overcome a three game deficit with 11 to play...Read more

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NBA Power Rankings: Cavaliers Surge Past Lakers

By Joe Boikess | March 24, 2009 | MVN Outsider

The Cavs and Lakers appear to be the only horses left in the race for the league's best record. Cleveland moved up to number one thanks to their nine-game winning streak, their third win streak of at least eight games this season, and the Celtics and Rockets both jumped up a spot after notching big wins over the Spurs...1. Cleveland Cavaliers (57-13) - Even though the Cavs are pulling away from the rest of the East, fantasy owners of LeBron James can rejoice that Cleveland's ongoing quest for home court advantage should mean that James will continue to flirt with a triple-double every night.2. Los Angeles Lakers (55-14) - At this point the Lakers are just doing some minor fine tuning and hoping that Andrew Bynum gets healthy soon enough to make a contribution in the playoffs. They'll have the West wrapped up within a week.3. Boston Celtics (54-18) -...Read more

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NBA Great Debates: Eastern Conference's Eighth Seed

By Staff Report | March 22, 2009 | MVN Outsider

NBA Outsider's Joe Boikess and Adam Sweeney debate the issue: Which team will earn the Eastern Conference's eighth and final playoff spot?Joe Boikess believes the Bulls have the edge:In the Western Conference, probably the biggest story to follow for the last month of the regular season centers on playoff positioning. The teams that make up second through eighth place are separated by only four-and-a-half games, and the potential playoff matchups change with each and every day that's checked off the schedule.But in the East there's a race that's just as tight, except this one is just for one spot: the eighth seed. Six teams still have a realistic shot at getting in: the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Bobcats, New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, and Indiana Pacers.So which team will have enough to get into the postseason, giving them the right to play what's likely to be the...Read more

Read more | Discuss | Tags: Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks

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