Official NBA offseason thread

Snuggles the DESTROYER · Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:17 pm

HipHoppin wrote:http://nba.fanhouse.com/2010/09/15/shaq ... d=fanhouse

Shaquille O'Neal is being sued in Dade County, Florida, by a former employee of his, Shawn Darling.

This type of thing (people suing rich, famous people) happens every single day. But the details of Shaq's lawsuit aren't your average, every day civil complaint from an ex-employee.

Radar Online reports that Darling is suing Shaq for some pretty heavy stuff: computer hacking and destruction of evidence. (A PDF of the public document is here.)

Darling claims that he worked for O'Neal -- and O'Neal's wife, Shaunie, as well as his "associates" and children as well -- from late 2007 until November 2009, and that during that time, Shaq had him "wipe" Shaq's computers and delete the information in his "AOL" account in relation to other legal issues.

Darling also claims that Shaq conspired with former members of law enforcement to help plant child pornography on Darling's computer, that Shaq tried to break into Darling's voicemail account, that Shaq destroyed evidence by throwing a personal computer into a lake and that there's proof of many extramarital affairs on various forms of electronic correspondence owned by O'Neal.

It's quite the nasty little lawsuit and it's not the type of thing that O'Neal probably wants to deal with.

I imagine Shaq throwing the laptop into the lake as Job throwing the letter into the ocean in Arrested Development.

Escobar305 · Post by **Escobar305** » Sat Sep 18, 2010 10:24 am

LeBron James taking his talents to Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base
September 16th, 2010 | Air Force Basketball | Posted by Mike Hoffman

The Miami Heat are bringing their traveling all-star team to Hurlburt Field to hold training camp Sept. 28. (AP photo)

If youגre an airman at Hurlburt Field working out at the base gym and think youגre hallucinating because Lebron James or Dwyane Wade walked by ג youגre not.

The U.S. Dream Team Miami Heat will hold their weeklong training camp at Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base starting Sept. 28.

Of course, the Heat dominated headlines this summer when James announced on a national television he planned to take his talents to South Beach instead of re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers. For good measure, Chris Bosh joined James and Wade to form what some are calling the best team since the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls.

Airmen will have a chance to watch some of the teamגs practices and scrimmages, although space will be tight. Hurlburtגs Aderhold Fitness Center holds a maximum of 300 people. The team will close some practices to avoid allowing other teams from learning too much, said Master Sgt. Katherine Grabham, a 1st Special Operations Wing spokeswoman. The Heat plan to hold events on Hurlburt and Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., allowing airmen to meet and talk to the players, Grabham said.

Lebron and Co. will not only practice on base, they will live on it. The players and coaches will live in the new billeting opened this year on the shores of the Santa Rosa Sound. However, you wonגt find Wade inside the mess hall waiting for pancakes in the morning. The team will bring a kitchen staff to attend to the playersג specialized diets, Grabham said.

In between workouts, the Heat players will also use Hurlburtגs weight room, so itגs conceivable you could look over and find some very tall individuals lifting dumbbells if you are assigned to Hurlburt.

For those not impressed by NBA players and who just want to get a workout, the gym will stay open while the team is using it, Grabham confirmed.

Itגs a brilliant move by Heat president Pat Riley. What better way to shield the team from the circus that is sure to follow the Heat all year than hold training camp on one of the most restricted bases in the Air Force?

Itגs surprising that the Air Force agreed to host it at the home of Air Force Special Operations Command, though it could turn into a weeklong commercial for the service, as you can expect to see plenty of live shots on ESPN from Hurlburt Field. I wouldnגt be surprised if Rick Bucher isnגt scoping out a hotel reservation in Destin, Fla., right now. But I would be worried if I was James having that many special operators living on the same base. Odds are at least a couple grew up in Cleveland

http://militarytimes.com/blogs/afteract ... pat-riley/

Sounds like a good move.

Positive A · Post by **Positive A** » Sun Sep 19, 2010 11:44 am

http://www.slamonline.com/online/nba/20 ... k-up-game/
Will anything go right for the Raps and their fans? I mean ever?

perabigail · Post by **perabigail** » Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:54 pm

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/n ... id=5597398

SAN DIEGO -- Ron Artest of the Los Angeles Lakers says he's motivated to win another NBA championship because he's going to auction his ring from last season's title to raise money for mental health counseling in schools.

Artest says initial plans are to make it a raffle auction so fans everywhere will have a chance to end up with the ring. He says some celebrities and investors have offered him between $50,000 and $100,000 for the ring.

During an interview after the Lakers clinched the title with a Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics in June, Artest thanked his psychiatrist for helping him relax during the playoffs.

Artest was in San Diego to promote an exhibition game against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21.

Sankofa · Post by **Sankofa** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 4:43 pm

perabigail wrote:http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/n ... id=5597398
SAN DIEGO -- Ron Artest of the Los Angeles Lakers says he's motivated to win another NBA championship because he's going to auction his ring from last season's title to raise money for mental health counseling in schools.

Artest says initial plans are to make it a raffle auction so fans everywhere will have a chance to end up with the ring. He says some celebrities and investors have offered him between $50,000 and $100,000 for the ring.

During an interview after the Lakers clinched the title with a Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics in June, Artest thanked his psychiatrist for helping him relax during the playoffs.

Artest was in San Diego to promote an exhibition game against the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 21.

more like

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 5:37 pm

The Denver Nuggets' resistance to trading star forward Carmelo Anthony is fading away, according to sources with knowledge of Denver's thinking.

The Nuggets still aren't aggressively shopping Anthony and haven't withdrawn their long-standing offer of a contract extension, but numerous sources told ESPN.com that Denver officials have in recent days let other teams know for the first time that they will listen to pitches after previously resisting such discussions.

"I'm not sure how soon, but I do think they're going to trade him [between now and February]," said one rival GM.

Said another source briefed on Denver's plans: "There's no doubt they are working on it. Eventually they're going to pull the trigger."

Reports have persisted for weeks that Anthony, who can become a free agent at the end of the coming season, wants out.

ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher reported Aug. 16 that it was "a matter of when, not if, Anthony and the Nuggets will go their separate ways," while CBSSports.com quoted "multiple sources" last week as saying that the 26-year-old "has not wavered in his desire to be dealt" and that the New Jersey Nets are making the hardest active pitch for Anthony.

Several league sources on Monday told ESPN.com that they believe the Nets have emerged as the front-runner to secure Anthony. Not only is Anthony willing to sign a contract extension with the Nets, sources say the club is willing to make an intriguing offer of Derrick Favors (the No. 3 pick in this year's draft), the expiring contracts of Troy Murphy and Kris Humphries, and at least one future first-round pick to Denver to land Anthony.

A source close to the Nets told ESPN.com that he wasn't ready to concede that the Nets were the front-runners for Anthony's services, nor was the source willing to confirm what the Nets would offer. However, the source did acknowledge that New Jersey was in serious consideration based on the Nuggets' reluctance to trade Anthony to a Western Conference team and the Nets' combination of expiring contracts, draft picks and a young player with serious upside.

A number of others teams including the Knicks, Bulls, Rockets, Clippers and Warriors have been pursuing Anthony as well. However, sources on several of those teams were pessimistic that they could match what the Nets have to offer.

"They've got what the Nuggets want," one general manager told ESPN.com. "We're trying to put a package together that matches what the Nets can offer, but it's tough."

Although Anthony has not made any such declarations publicly, it appears that Nuggets management is growing increasingly resigned to the fact that it won't be able to change its franchise player's mind.

One source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Anthony has been no more communicative with the organization since the hiring of Masai Ujiri as Denver's new vice president of basketball operations in late August than he was before Ujiri's return to the Nuggets. Ujiri began his front-office career as a Nuggets scout during Anthony's rookie season in 2003-04 and spoke optimistically about arranging a face-to-face meeting with Anthony -- which sources say has not yet taken place -- and trying to sell him on the team's plans for the future at his introductory news conference.

The Nuggets, during Ujiri's first two weeks in the office, consistently told teams calling to register trade interest in Anthony that they weren't ready to discuss the subject.

But the Nuggets, sources said, have relaxed that stance and are starting to explore how much they might be able to get in return for the high-scoring small forward. To agree to a deal, Denver would expect at least one topflight young player it can market along with salary-cap relief and multiple future first-round picks.

Trading Anthony, however, is not as simple as merely seeking out the best deal or even recruiting a third team to help facilitate a trade, because of Anthony's ability to become a free agent in July. It's widely assumed in NBA front-office circles that any team trading for Anthony would expect him to commit to a contract extension as part of the deal -- as Kevin Garnett did when Minnesota sent him to Boston in the summer of 2007 -- which gives Anthony some measure of input into his trade destination.

Yet sources say that Denver, after watching LeBron James and Chris Bosh devastate Cleveland and Toronto, respectively, by bolting to Miami in July, is determined to avoid the same fate with Anthony and will ultimately work with him on a trade before the February trading deadline if the alternative is potentially losing him outright in free agency.

Ujiri, in particular, just lived through the Bosh saga as a member of Toronto's front office before taking the Nuggets job.

By sidestepping questions about his future, Anthony has contributed to the mounting tension in Denver all summer while the Nuggets' three-year extension offer worth $65 million remains unsigned. Around the time of the draft in June, Nuggets officials were quietly optimistic that Anthony was about to sign.

The Nuggets' annual media day is Sept. 27, with training camp scheduled to open the following day.

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 5:39 pm

CHICAGO -- Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen said he would not trade Bulls center Joakim Noah for Carmelo Anthony, and that acquiring the Denver Nuggets star would be a "huge gamble" for Chicago.

ESPNChicago.com reported earlier this month that the Bulls were having internal discussions about whether to include Noah as part of a potential trade package to land Anthony. The Nuggets offered Anthony a three-year, $65 million extension through 2014, but numerous sources told ESPN.com that Denver officials have in recent days let other teams know for the first time that they will listen to pitches after previously resisting such discussions.

"I would definitely think about it very hard," Pippen said Tuesday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "But I don't know ... if I'm a GM, I don't know that I could pull the trigger based on Carmelo's ... sort of what he's doing now. Based on his reputation, I'd probably have to stay with Joakim because you know that this kid is going to come out and play night in and night out. There's no excuses. He's a great teammate. That's what you want."

Pippen said Anthony's reported handling of his situation should give the Bulls reason to pause.

"I think there's been some problems there with him and the coaching and the organization," Pippen said. "I think that could be a problem when you come to a team like the Bulls, an organization that is still trying to get off the ground and get themselves in a position that they are an established playoff team. You don't want to lose a guy like Joakim and have a guy like Carmelo come here. Hey, he might not like it here. Next year he may be wanting to get out of here and go play somewhere else.

"I think it would be a huge gamble for the Bulls. It could set them back or it could push them up. I like Joakim, so for personal reasons I would probably keep him."

Several league sources on Monday told ESPN.com that they believe the Nets have emerged as the front-runner to secure Anthony. Not only is Anthony willing to sign a contract extension with the Nets, sources say the club is willing to make an intriguing offer of Derrick Favors (the No. 3 pick in this year's draft), the expiring contracts of Troy Murphy and Kris Humphries, and at least one future first-round pick to Denver to land Anthony.

Noah, 25, averaged 10.7 points and 11 rebounds a game last season for the Bulls. He will make $3.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. The center would become a restricted free agent next season unless the Bulls extend his contract.

"I think you have to say that he is one of the top two players on the team as far as value," Pippen said. "He brings a lot to the table. You can't forget that this kid is a winner, who is coming off his college career [with] two championships [at Florida]. He still wants to win, and he plays very hard. He's not the most attractive player in terms of [style] out on the basketball court. He gets the job done, and he plays at a very high level. You can call him a poor man's Dennis Rodman. He's a presence out on the basketball court."

Hayzoos · Post by **Hayzoos** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 5:48 pm

As much as I love Carmello, I would not give up Noah for him.

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 5:53 pm

Hayzoos wrote:As much as I love Carmello, I would not give up Noah for him.

True dat. With training camps about to open next week, if the Nuggets don't trade Carmelo soon, he will be a malcontent in the locker room. Shit would be mad awkward until they unload him.

HomeSkillet · Post by **HomeSkillet** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 10:07 pm

There will always be room for Melo in DC.

Reason · Post by **Reason** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 10:35 pm

melo goin to nj is most plausible rumor yet

Positive A · Post by **Positive A** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 10:46 pm

Reason wrote:melo goin to nj is most plausible rumor yet

Don't know if you saw PTI today, but Simmons was batting the idea around that Houston might be the best spot (financially more than anything)...just sayin.

Reason · Post by **Reason** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 11:30 pm

Positive A wrote:
Reason wrote:melo goin to nj is most plausible rumor yet
Don't know if you saw PTI today, but Simmons was batting the idea around that Houston might be the best spot (financially more than anything)...just sayin.

word but if the rumored package that includes favors AND a future 1st rounder is true that has to be the sexiest package...i mean favors could be as indispensable/unique as noah is now and listen to all the people sayin they don't wanna trade noah for melo (which i agree with)

AND a 1st rounder? daaamn

Hayzoos · Post by **Hayzoos** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 11:38 pm

I can't even begin to imagine how bad the Bulls defense would be if our starting lineup consisted of Rose, Melo, and Boozer with no Noah in the middle

Plus, losing Kirk and the Crafty Veteran (

) in the off season was bad enough, I don't think I can deal with losing Noah now too.

Gregg Popabitch · Post by **Gregg Popabitch** » Tue Sep 21, 2010 11:58 pm

Hayzoos wrote:I can't even begin to imagine how bad the Bulls defense would be if our starting lineup consisted of Rose, Melo, and Boozer with no Noah in the middle

Plus, losing Kirk and the Crafty Veteran ( ) in the off season was bad enough, I don't think I can deal with losing Noah now too.

that's exactly what i'm saying.

plus young, mobile and good big men don't grow on trees.

Hayzoos · Post by **Hayzoos** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 12:33 pm

I love it

Reason · Post by **Reason** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 1:04 pm

hahahah

anyone read that "worst players of the franchise" bit online? i forget but i think it might've been espn insider not sure

anyway scalabrine topped the list for the celts rofl

Hayzoos · Post by **Hayzoos** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 2:03 pm

Scalabrine >>> Wade, Bosh, Lebron, Melo

I've seriously never been so excited for an NBA season to start in my life.

Gregg Popabitch · Post by **Gregg Popabitch** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 2:23 pm

Scalabrinianity

Hayzoos · Post by **Hayzoos** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 2:57 pm

FUCK LEBRON UP!!!

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G1lVaYcJ5bQ?fs ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G1lVaYcJ5bQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

I think Brian Scalabrine just became my new favorite Bull

Gregg Popabitch · Post by **Gregg Popabitch** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 3:05 pm

LOL @ SUCK ON YOUR BOOBBIE (GIBSON!!!!)

vermillion · Post by **vermillion** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 2:19 am

Hayzoos wrote:FUCK LEBRON UP!!!

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/G1lVaYcJ5bQ?fs ... ram><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/G1lVaYcJ5bQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

I think Brian Scalabrine just became my new favorite Bull

Roy Johnson · Post by **Roy Johnson** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 1:47 pm

I read in the paper yesterday that Thibodeau loves Scalabrine's professionalism in the locker room. Quite the asset.

Reason · Post by **Reason** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 2:34 pm

Vlad Analogue · Post by **Vlad Analogue** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 5:19 pm

My nickname for Scalabrine has always been TiScal. Say it in a Method Man voice whenever he gets in. Good times. He was a sure sign that a squad was getting blown out (nh) at the Garden.

HomeSkillet · Post by **HomeSkillet** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 8:31 pm

Wizards new uniform will be red white and blue, there are serious rumors that they will be changing their name to the Federals.

Da'Feds is in town will be our new theme song as well as many mexican folk ballads about the Federales. Fuck this wizards gayness I'm so ready to move on.

Positive A · Post by **Positive A** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 9:11 pm

HomeSkillet wrote:Wizards new uniform will be red white and blue, there are serious rumors that they will be changing their name to the Federals.

Da'Feds is in town will be our new theme song as well as many mexican folk ballads about the Federales. Fuck this wizards gayness I'm so ready to move on.

Yes. This is good news on both fronts. I heard about changing the jerseys/colors, but to change the name as well is excellent. Wizards was awful for a team based in the capital. So many possibilities.

Any rumor about going back to the old school bullets style? Probably not, but I love those uni's.

Reason · Post by **Reason** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 9:59 pm

federals = awesome

HomeSkillet · Post by **HomeSkillet** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:42 pm

Basically if it wasn't for Guiltybert Arenas we would be the Bullets again, Ted Leonsis has been an outspoken critic of the pussy shit name change (with all due respect to da gawd Abe Pollin).

Big Breeze · Post by **Big Breeze** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 11:30 pm

Nellie ball is over. Most overrated coach ever in NBA.

Nellie ball = No championships