layupdrill
02-16-2009, 08:25 AM
The World Famous Layup Drill RumorMill
2/16/09 As we reported to you first (http://layupdrill.com/2009/02/terry-porter-on-his-way-out-of-phoenix/), Terry Porter is now out in Phoenix. Many around the league feel that the naming of Alvin Gentry as interim head coach, and his run-n-gun philosophy, will be enough to keep Amare Stoudemire in Phoenix. There had been talks with many teams over the past week and a half, including the Bulls, Thunder, Grizzlies, Blazers, and other teams. Thoughts around the league now is that if the Suns are to move a player this week, it would be their other low post presence, Shaquille O’ Neal. Shaq’s market is very limited though, and finding a suitor could be difficult.
One team that many major media outlets would love to see Shaq on now would be the Lakers. Fresh off another great All-Star appearance and co-MVP with former teammate Kobe Bryant, Shaq entertained questions with Kobe, and while Shaq seemed to be open and willing to talk about the past, and potential future of a Phil-Shaq-Kobe reunion, Kobe seemed to keep things in perspective, and want to focus on the Lakers teammates that he does have currently. Some feel that even though the Lakers may be able to benefit in the short term with a post presence like Shaq when the Conference Finals or NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant would rather lose in the NBA Finals on his own, then have to win the title because Shaq came to save the day.
In other news, it seems the Clippers roster is being looked at by many teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers have already sent feelers about the availability of Marcus Camby (http://layupdrill.com/2009/02/nba-trade-rumor-update-february-14/), and today, the Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-16-bits-nba-all-starfeb16,0,6748210.story) reports the Bulls are also monitoring bringing in either Camby or Chris Kaman should the Clippers start listening to trade offers.
Fresh off the success of the NBA All Star weekend in Phoenix, the league now focuses on the 2010 festivities, which will be in Dallas. The new Cowboys stadium, which will have the capacity to hold nearly 100,000 people, could raise the bar for all future All-Star games. The Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/2009/02/16/this_application_may_not_sit_well/) reports today that the Celtics want to be the host of the 2011 or 2012 All-Star weekends. The league is accepting bids for the future All-Star games, with many feeling that the Orlando Magic and their new stadium being a potential destination in 2011 as well.
In a move that did not make much headlines, the Detroit Pistons cleared more cap space late yesterday, by trading guard Alex Acker to the Clippers for future draft picks. The Pistons, according to the Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090215/SPORTS0102/902150336/1127), will have 23 million dollars to spend on free agents this summer, if they want to.
2/16/09 As we reported to you first (http://layupdrill.com/2009/02/terry-porter-on-his-way-out-of-phoenix/), Terry Porter is now out in Phoenix. Many around the league feel that the naming of Alvin Gentry as interim head coach, and his run-n-gun philosophy, will be enough to keep Amare Stoudemire in Phoenix. There had been talks with many teams over the past week and a half, including the Bulls, Thunder, Grizzlies, Blazers, and other teams. Thoughts around the league now is that if the Suns are to move a player this week, it would be their other low post presence, Shaquille O’ Neal. Shaq’s market is very limited though, and finding a suitor could be difficult.
One team that many major media outlets would love to see Shaq on now would be the Lakers. Fresh off another great All-Star appearance and co-MVP with former teammate Kobe Bryant, Shaq entertained questions with Kobe, and while Shaq seemed to be open and willing to talk about the past, and potential future of a Phil-Shaq-Kobe reunion, Kobe seemed to keep things in perspective, and want to focus on the Lakers teammates that he does have currently. Some feel that even though the Lakers may be able to benefit in the short term with a post presence like Shaq when the Conference Finals or NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant would rather lose in the NBA Finals on his own, then have to win the title because Shaq came to save the day.
In other news, it seems the Clippers roster is being looked at by many teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers have already sent feelers about the availability of Marcus Camby (http://layupdrill.com/2009/02/nba-trade-rumor-update-february-14/), and today, the Chicago Tribune (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-16-bits-nba-all-starfeb16,0,6748210.story) reports the Bulls are also monitoring bringing in either Camby or Chris Kaman should the Clippers start listening to trade offers.
Fresh off the success of the NBA All Star weekend in Phoenix, the league now focuses on the 2010 festivities, which will be in Dallas. The new Cowboys stadium, which will have the capacity to hold nearly 100,000 people, could raise the bar for all future All-Star games. The Boston Globe (http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/articles/2009/02/16/this_application_may_not_sit_well/) reports today that the Celtics want to be the host of the 2011 or 2012 All-Star weekends. The league is accepting bids for the future All-Star games, with many feeling that the Orlando Magic and their new stadium being a potential destination in 2011 as well.
In a move that did not make much headlines, the Detroit Pistons cleared more cap space late yesterday, by trading guard Alex Acker to the Clippers for future draft picks. The Pistons, according to the Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090215/SPORTS0102/902150336/1127), will have 23 million dollars to spend on free agents this summer, if they want to.