KG to Cs

Updated 3:05pm, July 31,
The deal is done -- BostonCeltics.com.
Updated -- 1:51pm, July 31,
According to Shira Springer of The Boston Globe, the deal is "getting closer".
According to espn.com, the deal is done.


First things first, -- No, I'm not heading to the Boston Celtics.

Kevin Garnett, the other (more popular and, by far, the richer) KG, is, according to various reports close to being traded from the Minnesota Timberwolves to the Boston Celtics.

According to the reports, the Cs are trading the basketball equivalent of the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase (five players and two future first round draft choices) to the T-wolves for "The Big Ticket".

The deal is not yet final; but, I hope it happens becomes the NBA needs more good and exciting teams in the Eastern Conference. Plus, as one of the historic and landmark franchises in the NBA, the Boston Celtics need to be good and matter to the basketball public once again.

If the deal is finalized, the Celtics will have three star players (Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce) and little else. The Cs should be exciting on the court and successful in the win-loss column; however, despite the Cleveland Cavaliers reaching the NBA Finals in the 2006 - 2007 season, the Celtics, in my opinion, without improving the team's depth, won't be better than the Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls in 2007 - 2008.

Assuming the deal is finalized, it's enjoyable to talk basketball in the NBA once again rather than "Donaghy stuff".

Wet my Beak

I'm not going to take credit for this idea because, despite all of the showings of "The Godfather" movies on AMC in July, I never gave this notion a thought for one second. Friday night, a few of us (the members of the Sam Andrews Black Fantasy Football League) got together after Sports Rap to do two of the things we like to do: drink a few cold ones and talk sports. Our discussion turned to the NBA's ref scandal; but, two of the guys added a twist to the scandal that I hadn't thought of at all:

Other mobs / mafia involved.

Reportedly, Tim Donaghy "got in deep" with members of the mafia and agreed to "fix" NBA games in order to pay his gambling debts. The point which was mentioned Friday night is this: if Donaghy helped the mob, those "goodfellas" had inside info which would help them win money thanks to "a sure thing". Well, who's money were these mobsters winning / stealing? Obviously, they were not stealing from themselves. Therefore, Donaghy's calls were allowing these mob guys to win big bucks from other mob families.

Assuming this to be the case, I'm sure those mob families are pissed off because they were taken advantage of which resulted in them losing big time bucks on the basketball games which involved Donaghy's "help".

If Donaghy's mob people would have simply allowed their business "rivals" to, in the words of Vito Corleone, merely "wet my beak" and participate in this money making "endeavor", many more people could have made huge amounts of money with Donaghy on their hook. Assuming that opportunity wasn't offered, those mob members who were left out of the money loop may take out their collective frustrations on their enemies in ways only they know how.

America's fascination with the mob continues...

Fix Perception gets Fuel

Update: 7/22, 9:00 am:
I won't add links to all of the articles posted about this incident; but, here's one I just read: "NBA referees dealing with questions of credibility"


Yesterday, basketball fans (sports fans in general) who believe professional basketball is fixed and referees intentionally make bad calls, received fuel to their proverbial fire with the news an NBA referee, reportedly Tim Donaghy, is under investigation for allegedly betting on NBA games in which he officiated during the 2005 - 2006 and 2006 - 2007 seasons.

For years, I've heard people call into sports talk shows stating an NBA playoff series will go six or seven "because the refs will make sure of it" or "the sponsors have to get their money's worth". When I was a kid, I thought the refs "had it in" for my favorite team; but, as I got older, I stopped believing those perceptions; but, clearly numerous people share that opinion.

According to this AP article, people studying Donaghy's games might have noticed some trends regarding his officiating the last two seasons.

When the home team was favored by 0-4 1/2 points, it went 5-12 against the spread in games officiated by Donaghy this season, according to Covers.com, a Web site that tracks referee trends. Home underdogs were 1-7 against the spread when it was 5-9.5 points.

Donaghy was part of a crew working the Heat-Knicks game in New York in February when the Knicks shot 39 free throws to the Heat's eight, technical fouls were called on Heat coach Pat Riley and assistant Ron Rothstein, and the Knicks won by six. New York was favored by 4 1/2 .

Despite NBA Commissioner David Stern's statement on the investigation, the NBA will have a very difficult time dismissing this news as an isolated incident. Unless Donaghy constantly kept to himself and never spoke to his fellow officials before, during, and after games, other referees must have, at the very least, talked with Donaghy when they questioned some of his decisions during the games.

Donaghy has given a black eye to all NBA referees. Referees were hardly trusted by most basketball fans to make the correct calls; but, thanks to Donaghy, whatever trust fans did have for the refs has completely disappeared.

NBA Commish Comments on 'Fix'

July 20, 2007,

NBA Commissioner David Stern has issued the following statement:

"As we previously stated, we have been cooperating with the FBI in their investigation of allegations that a single NBA referee bet on NBA games that he officiated. As part of that cooperation, we were asked by the Government not to comment about the investigation; but, in light of the widespread press coverage and the naming of the referee, Tim Donaghy, we consider it appropriate to make a fuller statement. We would like to assure our fans that no amount of effort, time or personnel is being spared to assist in this investigation, to bring to justice an individual who has betrayed the most sacred trust in professional sports, and to take the necessary steps to protect against this ever happening again. We will have more to say at a press conference that will be scheduled for next week."

If you haven't seen or heard about the news Commissioner Stern is referring to:
"Reports: NBA Referee Bet on Games"

Welcome back, Steve

By now it's no secret Steve Francis has re-joined the Houston Rockets. Francis has signed a two-year deal (second year at his option) to return to the club which traded him to the Orlando Magic in a deal involving Tracy McGrady.

Now, T-Mac and "Stevie Franchise" are teammates.

Let the debates begin.

Fans have already chosen sides about Steve's return. One side thinks the signing is a great move while the other side thinks the deal is simply awful.

Currently, I don't like the move for the Rockets. Too many players who want the basketball; but, there's still just 1 basketball. Will Steve defer to Tracy? Will Tracy defer to Steve? What about Yao Ming? Heck, what about Bonzi Wells and Mike James? Each of those guys loves to shoot the basketball -- and, unfortunately, none of the perimeter players is a great outside shooter.

I haven't forgotten about new big man Luis Scola.

New coach Rick Adelman has a lot of talented pieces to fit into one puzzle; and, it's up to him to make the pieces fit.

While Francis helped build the Toyota Center -- "brick by brick" as some people have joked -- he played in only 44 games in 2006 - 2007 and 70 games in 2005 - 2006. Those numbers may indicate his body is beginning to break down which means Steve has one more thing in common with McGrady and Yao Ming: the three of them can no longer play 80 plus games in a regular season and none of them has advanced past the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Welcome back, Steve.

Rockets P.C.

How's this for cryptic?

Tomorrow the Rockets will hold a press conference.

This is from the Rockets:
Press conference to announce major player transaction

The 'major player transaction' is the signing of Steve Francis.

Francis adds to the tremendous glut of guards for the Rockets:
Francis, Luther Head, Mike James, Tracy McGrady, Rafer Alston, Aaron Brooks, and (for the time being) John Lucas III and Bob Sura.

Courtney out at TSU

While on my lunch break, I checked my email.

Here's some big news...

Texas Southern Athletics Director Alois Blackwell announced today that Ronnie Courtney has been released as the Head Coach of the Men's Basketball Program.

Coach Courtney led the Tigers basketball program for seven seasons with an overall record of 76-99. He made four trips to the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Championship Tournament. His 2002-2003 team was the SWAC Tournament Champions and they went to compete in the NCAA Tournament play-in game versus UNC - Asheville.

Men's Basketball Assistant Coaches John Howie and Keith Berard were also released.

"Courtney did a good job for us here...his most successful season coming in his second year," says Blacwell. "However, we believe it is time to move in a different direction under new leadership."

The search for a new Men's basketball coach will begin immediately.


Barring any new developments, Calvin Murphy will be the next TSU's next men's basketball head coach.

Murph to TSU

Though he just started his new radio show yesterday, Calvin Murphy, reportedly, may not host that show for long.

No, Murph isn't going to be fired by the radio station. According to Ralph Cooper, Calvin is going to be the named the next head coach of the men's basketball team at Texas Southern University.

This evening, Cooper, host of Sports Rap on KCOH 1430 AM, mentioned Calvin will replace Ronnie Courtney as head coach. According to Cooper, Courtney does not have a contract for the 2007 - 2008 season which, given the mess that is TSU's athletics program, is not hard to believe one bit; therefore, Murphy could replace Courtney without a fuss.

However, since TSU's athletic program is in such shambles, I must admit I wonder if Calvin has a good understanding of the numerous (and mountainous) problems he would be inheriting.

Stay tuned...

Scola Press Conference

The Houston Rockets will hold a press conference tomorrow afternoon to introduce new Rockets F Luis Scola.

Instead of "announcing the signing of", "introduce" is how the press release is stated.

Unfortunately for me, because I'll be working in the office, I won't be able to attend.

Rockets sign Harris

Considering I covered him when he played collegiate ball at Rice University from his freshman year through his senior season, I'm not surprised by this bit of news...

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed free agent F Mike Harris to a non-guaranteed contract. As per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

Harris (6-6, 240) is currently a member of the Rockets NBA Summer League team entry playing in Las Vegas, NV, where he is averaging 19.9 points and 9.5 rebounds through two games. The 24 year-old averaged 6.0 points and 2.4 rebounds in five games with the Milwaukee Bucks, and 11.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 48 contests with the NBDL's Colorado 14ers last year. The former Rice University forward spent the 2005-06 season playing for BC Kyiv in the Ukrainian League, where he posted averages of 10.4 points and 6.5 rebounds in 29 games.

Mike's defense has never been a strength; but, he's definitely a much better scorer than Chuck Hayes.

GMI this weekend

DON'T FORGET THIS WEEKEND IN HOUSTON!
July 14-15: GEORGE MCCLELLAN INVITATIONAL (GMI) @ JONES HS!

George McClellan is the late father of former Milby HS All American Jawann McClellan.

George suffered a heart attack in summer 2005. George's countless contibutions to the local basketball scene will forever remain in our minds and hearts. 100% of the entry fees will be used to fund college scholarships for at least two participants in this year's event.

More info, including the brackets, can be found on RCSSports.com.

Rockets deal Billy, get Scola

Update 7:10am, July 13: From San Antonio: "Spurs find home for Scola, Butler -- in Houston"

The Houston Rockets may have solved their gaping hole at the power forward spot with a trade with the San Antonio Spurs.

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has obtained the draft rights to Argentinean F Luis Scola and added F/C Jackie Butler in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs. As part of the trade, Houston sends G Vassilis Spanoulis, a second round draft pick in the 2009 draft and other considerations to San Antonio.

"Luis is one of the top five international players not currently in the NBA," said Morey. "He adds experience and toughness at a position of need on our roster and is an NBA-ready player with a very high basketball I.Q. We expect him to have an immediate impact on our team."

More info on the deal is in the Houston Chronicle; but, Scola (6-9, 245) was originally selected by the Spurs with the 56th overall selection of the 2002 NBA Draft. The Spurs retained his draft rights while he continued to play with Tau Ceramica in the Euroleague. The 27 year-old averaged 15.5 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists this past season for Tau Ceramica on his way to earning All-Euroleague First Team honors. His seven-year totals with Tau Ceramica include averages of 14.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 144 career games.

As a member of the Argentinean National Team in 2004, he averaged 17.6 points and 5.0 rebounds en route to helping the team secure the nation's first Olympic gold medal in basketball. Scola was twice (2005, 2006) named Spanish League regular season MVP.

Scola isn't a spectacular athlete; but, he's got good size. He's a skilled, physical big man. If the Rockets can sign Scola to play in the NBA for 2007 - 2008, the Rockets could be a very, very good team.

Butler (6-10, 260) was signed by the Spurs as a free agent on July 21, 2006 and saw action in 11 games last season, averaging 3.7 points and 2.0 rebounds. The 22 year-old began his NBA career with the New York Knicks where he spent two seasons and averaged 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds in 58 games for the Knicks. His career averages are 5.0 points and 3.0 rebounds in 69 games.

Butler is a talented big man; but, he has battled weight problems. If Butler keeps his weight under control and his game continues to develop, the Rockets' days of having an undersized, but aggressive front court may be replaced with tall, skilled and aggressive big men.

On paper, this deal looks too good to be true because Spanoulis and his agent both stated V-Span's days as a Rockets player were over; so, for Morey and the Rockets to acquire a skilled big man like Scola and another big man (Butler) -- with potential -- for practically nothing is impressive.

HS Unsigned Senior Showcase

I received this email (along with a lot of people, too) yesterday:

1st Annual High School Unsigned Senior Basketball Showcase

JULY 26th, 2007Smiley High School
10725 Mesa Dr.
HOUSTON, TEXAS 77078

We are looking for exceptional players from ages 17-21 who still have 3-4 years of college eligibility wanting to play college basketball in Mexico! Representatives from 25 Mexican Universities will be on hand to scout, and if selected, you may be offered a full scholarship to one of their universities!

Registration Fee: $30.00
Fee at the Door: $40.00

For more information and details contact:
PATRICK PELLERIN/DIRECTOR @ (713) 491-0949 or (832) 647-7653
Or
EMAIL: patrick.pellerin@ndcornergroup.com

Very interesting...

Rockets' Summer League Roster

The Houston Rockets announced today the team’s roster for the 2007 NBA Summer League. Veterans John Lucas and Steve Novak will join 2006 draftee Lior Eliyahu and 2007 draft selections Aaron Brooks, Carl Landry and Brad Newley on the 14-man roster.

The team, which will be coached by Rockets assistant coach Elston Turner, will play five games in six days from July 10-15 at Cox Pavilion and the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

0 -- Aaron Brooks (G, 6'0", 161, 1/14/85, Oregon -- Rookie).
32 -- Drake Diener (G,6'5", 2001, 2/19/81, DePaul -- Rookie).
8 -- Lior Eliyahu (F, 6'9", 225, 9/9/85, Israel -- Rookie).
3 -- Andre Emmett (G, 6'5", 230, 8/27/82, Texas Tech -- 1 year).
22 -- Carl English (G, 6'5", 205, 2/2/81, Hawaii -- Rookie).
19 -- Mike Harris (F, 6'6", 240, 6/15/83, Rice -- 1 year).
2 -- Jeff Horner (G, 6'3", 185, 8/1/83, Iowa -- Rookie).
33 -- Antanas Kavaliauskas (C, 6'11", 237, 9/9/84, Texas A&M -- Rookie).
14 -- Carl Landry (F, 6'9", 248, 9/19/83, Purdue -- Rookie).
12 -- Ron Lewis (G, 6'4", 200, 7/7/84, Ohio State -- Rookie).
15 -- John Lucas (G, 5'11", 165, 11/21/82, Oklahoma State -- 2 years).
23 -- Ivan McFarlin (F, 6'8", 240, 4/26/82, Oklahoma State -- 1 year).
21 -- Brad Newley (G, 6'7", 201, 2/18/85, Australia -- Rookie).
20 -- Steve Novak (F, 6'10", 220, 6/13/83, Marquette --1 year).


Summer League Schedule
July 10 Houston vs. L.A. Clippers (T&M 9:30 p.m. CDT) - webcast
July 12 Dallas vs. Houston (COX 7:00 p.m. CDT) - NBATV, webcast
July 13 Houston vs. Washington (COX 9:00 p.m. CDT) - NBATV, webcast
July 14 Houston vs. Sacramento (T&M 7:30 p.m. CDT) - webcast
July 15 Houston vs. New Orleans (T&M 7:30 p.m. CDT) - webcast