Rockets to get Artest
HOUSTON, TX -- Local and national media outlets are reporting news the Houston Rockets will acquire forward Ron Artest from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for, reportedly, veteran guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte' Greene, a 2009 first-round draft pick and cash ($1M). Sacramento may also include second-round draft picks Sean Singletary and Patrick Ewing, Jr. in the deal.
Basketballwise this deal is a no-brainer for the Rockets.
This deal will not become official until August 14 because NBA rules stipulate Greene cannot be dealt until one-month after he signed his rookie contract.
Artest, 6'7, 240, gives the Rockets physical toughness (re: nuts) -- not necessarily mental toughness like Tracy McGrady is quoted saying -- they've lacked for years. Artest can score in the post; shoot from the perimeter; create his own shot; create for his teammates; and, be a lock down defender.
However, Artest is not the most stable individual in the world. He does bring mental baggage with him -- see his off court issues and his on-court issues (remember the brawl at the Palace in Auburn Hills in 2004?). Plus, Artest can become a free agent next summer which means there's a chance the Rockets could lose Ron-Ron next summer via free agency. (However, I truly doubt the Rockets would make this deal without being certain they would re-sign Artest next summer -- unless, of course, has a mental meltdown.)
With Artest, the Rockets should move up the ladder in the Western Conference; however, the Rockets first need to move ahead the New Orleans Hornets and the aging San Antonio Spurs as well as stay in front of the, still trying to recapture their magic, Dallas Mavericks.
Artest gives the Rockets a third legit scorer and versatility on offense and defense. With Artest starting at small forward, forward Shane Battier would move to the bench which should make the Rockets' bench a stronger unit. Artest's scoring skills will lighten the load on Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming and make Rafer Alston a fourth or fifth (behind Luis Scola) scoring option.
The Rockets are taking a risk; but, a focused Ron Artest (meaning he's on his meds) makes the potential of this deal worth the risk.
Head on Select Team
HOUSTON, TX -- Houston Rockets guard Luther Head was one of 10 top young NBA players named today by USA Basketball to the 2008 USA Basketball Men’s Select Team, which will help prepare the 2008 USA Senior National Team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, scheduled to take place Aug. 10-24 in Beijing, China.
Joining Head on the USA Basketball Select Team will be LaMarcus Aldridge (Portland Trail Blazers), Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City), Jeff Green (Oklahoma City), Al Horford (Atlanta Hawks), Andre Iguodala (Philadelphia 76ers), Kevin Martin (Sacramento Kings), O.J. Mayo (Memphis Grizzlies), Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) and Rodney Stuckey (Detroit Pistons).
In addition, USA Basketball Men’s Senior National Team Managing Director Jerry Colangelo announced that two rising stars from the 2008 NBA Summer League will also be selected to join the 2008 USA Select Team. As he did last summer, Oklahoma City Head Coach P.J. Carlesimo will serve as head coach of the USA Select Team and will be assisted for a second straight summer by Toronto Raptors Assistant Coach Jay Triano.
The select squad will begin training July 20 in Las Vegas and is expected to train and scrimmage against the USA Senior National Team from July 21-24.
Rockets Introduce Brent Barry
HOUSTON, TX -- Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey announced today that the team has signed free agent guard Brent Barry to a two-year contract (for $3.9M).
"We're really excited to have Brent Barry join the Rockets," Morey said at the morning press conference. "In our push next year to get in the playoffs and hopefully replicate some of his past success as a two-time NBA champion (with the San Antonio Spurs."
"He has a high basketball IQ; and, he's someone who can play the 1 (point guard), 2 (shooting guard), or 3 (small forward). He's someone who can play with all our guards."
Barry cited Rockets' head coach Rick Adelman style of offense as a reason he decided to join the Rockets.
"After talking with Coach Adelman, and being in my situation," Barry said. "I'm really just looking to play. I think I have two more years that I'm going to play and try to run around with these guys. "I think the opportunity here in Houston to get out and play the style of basektball I'm more accustomed to is exciting to me. I think sometimes when you get later on in your career you look at things differently; and, I just think this is a great opportunity to go out playing. It's something fresh and new to re-charge my battery. I'm looking forward to it."
Barry was not taking a shot at the Spurs' organization with those comments; and, he did elaborate on the "style of play" comment.
"Coach Adelman and his past success in Sacramento with the way he likes to move the ball and spread the floor I think is a really exciting thing. Then, you add to that the opportunity to play with Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady in the prime years of their careers. Obviously, the Houston Rockets are not far off in competing for a championship.
"If the team stays healthy this year, obviously, this team will compete on a championship level; and, that's something that's very exciting."
Rockets sign Brent Barry
HOUSTON, TX -- This evening the Houston Rockets announced the signing of free agent guard / forward Brent Barry to a two-year, $3.9 M contract.
Years ago, Brent was known as "Bones" and could fly through the air and dunk the basketball with ease. Now, at age 36, Barry is a very good perimeter shooter.
Brent joins his father, Rick, and brother, Jon, in completing a family trio to play for the Rockets. Rick spent two seasons (1978-80) of his Hall-of-Fame career with the Rockets, as Jon also played in Houston over the course of two seasons (2004-06).
“Brent is a proven winner who brings a wealth of championship experience,” said Rockets Owner Leslie Alexander. “His playmaking and long-range shooting abilities are an ideal fit for Coach (Rick Adelman) Adelman’s system while his versatility allows us to use him in a variety of roles. Brent has been a consistent scorer in the playoffs and played a vital part in winning two NBA Finals championships. ”
While Barry's signing should improve the Rockets' three-point shooting, it will be interesting to see how the team utilizes his skills. Barry (6'7", guard / forward from Oregon State) holds career averages of 9.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in 856 NBA games.
The Chronicle's Richard Justice discusses how he sees the Rockets using Barry's passing and shooting skills.
NBA Suspends Brad and JamesOn
New York, NY -- The NBA just announced two suspensions:
JamesOn Curry of the Chicago Bulls has been suspended without pay for one game for pleading guilty to resisting or obstructing an officer and public urination, in violation of the laws of State of Idaho and City of Boise, respectively.
Curry will be suspended for the first game of the 2008-09 NBA regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.
Also, the NBA announced today that Brad Miller of the Sacramento Kings has been suspended without pay for five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.
Miller's suspension will begin with the first game of the 2008-09 NBA regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.
According to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, players are randomly tested four times a year, from October 1 through June 30. After the first positive test for marijuana a player is entered into the league's substance abuse program. The second positive test carries a $25,000 fine. The third a five-game suspension and the fourth a 10-game suspension, with each subsequent positive test carrying a five-game incremental suspension.
The penalties for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs will be increased from suspensions of 5, 10, and 25 games for the first, second and any subsequent violation, respectively, to 10 and 25 game suspensions for the first two violations, a one-year suspension for the third violation and disqualification from the league for a fourth violation. Penalties for testing positive for marijuana will be increased from a $15,000 fine for a second violation to a $25,000 fine and, for each subsequent violation, incremental 5 game suspensions. The first violation of the marijuana program will continue to result in the player being placed in a counseling program, with no financial penalties.
NBA Salary Cap Announced
The National Basketball Association tonight announced that the Salary Cap for the 2008-09 season will be $58.680 million. The new Cap went into effect at 11:01 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, July 8, when the league’s “moratorium period” ends and teams can begin signing free agents and making trades.
The tax level for the 2008-09 season has been set at $71.150 million. Any team whose team salary exceeds that figure will pay a $1 tax for each $1 by which it exceeds $71.150 million.
The mid-level exception is $5.585 million for the 2008-09 season and the minimum team salary, which is set at 75% of the Salary Cap, is $44.010 million.
For the 2007-08 season, the Salary Cap was set at $55.630 million, the tax level was $67.865 million and the mid-level exception was $5.356 million.
SWIC is back at UH
Speading the word...
From Jim Hicks of RCSSports.com
John Lucas is about to do it again! On Saturday (July 5th) & Sunday (July 6th) seventy-two players from across the country will compete in a variety of skills and drills @ the state of the art Wellness & Recreation Center on the University of Houston campus. The "Pied Piper" of resurrecting NBA careers and developing amateurs into prospects will be conducting his 2nd Annual SouthWest Invitational Camp. This event is specifically for high school stars, who may have been slighted or overlooked by the prestigious sneaker camps.
"We didn't go after the high major kids, nor do we compete with LeBron or Reebok Camps (for campers). That would be crazy!", explained Lucas who has a longstanding relationship with Nike Basketball.
Ironically, the Nike sponsored LeBron James Skills Academy kicks off this weekend in Akron, Ohio, while the invited campers must report to RBK All American camp in Philly on July 6th. While trying to go after birds, Lucas has appeared to nab a few young eagles in the process. Rising juniors, Tobi Oyedeji and Daniel Alexander (Austin, TX) are both ranked among the Top 8 players in Texas, and have several high major D1 offers withstanding. New Mexico native Alex Kirk (a 6'9 rising jr) is already drawing Kevin McHale comparisons and could turn out to be one of the nation's biggest sleepers. Other out of town underclassmen making the trip to Houston this weekend, hoping to live up to the hype include; Patrick Lucas Perry (Michigan), Tank Mayberry (Corpus Christi), Jacob Holmen (Whitehouse, TX), and Darius Milburn (Louisiana), and Arsalan Kazemi (North Carolina). Also, a new and improved Notre Dame bound Joey Brooks will continute his quest to develop into an impact at the next level while Marquette recruit Erik Williams will be making his return to the hardwood after undergoing leg surgery this past January.
Last year's event consisted of 60 campers, including 29 seniors (22 of those have inked Division 1 scholarships) was attended by 43 college coaches including Florida's Billy Donovan who was fresh off his national championship season. The SWIC is supported by the University of Houston MEAD Student Group, and is approved for D1 coaches to attend (only on July 6th)!
Admission is FREE to all family, friends, and coaches.
SITE ADDRESS
4500 University Drive, Houston 77204-6056 (Ph # to front desk for directions, 713-743-7529)
IMPORTANT TIMES TO REMEMBER!
Saturday, July 5th (10:30am Uniform pickup & Registration)
Saturday, July 5th (11am NCAA academic workshop - MANDATORY for ALL CAMPERS)
Saturday, July 5th (12pm Camp begins)
*Guest Speaker - Former NBA coach Del Harris
Sunday, July 6th (8am Camp resumes, Live for D1 coaches)
Sunday, July 6th (2pm Camp concludes) ***Yes, the camp ends at 2pm***
Yao Ming Foundation to Raffle
I'm spreading the word...July 2, 2008 (HOUSTON)—NBA All-Star and Olympian Yao Ming is offering a fan and his/her guest the unique opportunity to experience the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“I’m so proud that my country is hosting the 2008 Olympics and I am thrilled that I can help fans visit China, experience the Games and, at the same time, help raise money for the Yao Ming Foundation as we begin our campaign to rebuild schools in the earthquake damaged provinces,” said Yao.
The winner of the raffle will receive:
· Seven days and six nights in Beijing with hotel accommodations from August 7 – August 14 (Single Room, Double Occupancy)
· Round-trip airfare for two from a city with an international airport to Beijing
· Two tickets to the Team China vs. Team USA Olympic Basketball Game
· $1,500 cash stipend for meals and expenses
· A Guided Tour of the Great Wall of China
· Two autographed Yao Ming Houston Rockets jerseys
· Two tickets to a Houston Rockets game in the United States
· A meet and greet with Yao Ming in the United States after a Houston Rockets NBA game
· A cash prize to mitigate the Winner's tax liability
Proceeds from the raffle go to the Yao Ming Foundation, which focuses on rebuilding efforts in China following the recent earthquake. By logging on to http://www.netraffle.org, fans can use their credit cards to purchase $2 tickets (minimum five ticket purchase) for a chance to win an all expenses paid trip to Beijing from August 7 through August 13. The $2 ticket price will decrease with higher quantity ticket purchases. Contestants may enter as often as they wish and there is no limit to the number of tickets purchased. A winner will be selected at the close of the raffle on July 21.
The Yao Ming Foundation’s first mission is to support the rebuilding efforts in China with an emphasis on rebuilding earthquake-resistant, high quality schools. Information on the Yao Ming Foundation can be found at http://www.theyaomingfoundation.com. The Yao Ming Foundation is part of The Giving Back Fund, (http://www.givingback.org), a national nonprofit organization established in 1997 to provide professional philanthropic management and consulting to athletes, entertainers and other high profile individuals. With offices in Boston and Los Angeles, The Giving Back Fund has worked successfully with more than 100 professional athletes, entertainers, and business entrepreneurs, helping them achieve their philanthropic goals. While The Giving Back Fund has developed special expertise in providing philanthropic consulting to athletes and entertainers, its services are available to anyone committed to increasing the impact of their philanthropy.
Rockets Announce Summer League Roster
A few players with Houston area ties will participate on the Houston Rockets 2008 Summer League Roster.
HOUSTON - The Houston Rockets announced today the team's roster for the 2008 NBA Summer League. Guard Aaron Brooks, Forward Mike Harris and big man Loren Woods will be joined by 2008 NBA Draft class members Donté Greene, Joey Dorsey and Maarty Leunen on the 12-man roster. The Summer League entry, which will be coached by Rockets Assistant Coach Elston Turner, will play five games from July 14-20 at the Thomas & Mack Center and COX Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
The Rockets open play on Monday, July 14, against the Phoenix Suns at 7:30 p.m. (CDT), and follow up with a contest against the Cleveland Cavaliers on July 16, at 9:30 p.m. (CDT). Houston then plays the Denver Nuggets on July 18, (9:30 p.m. CDT), before a meeting with the Washington Wizards on July 19, (7:00 p.m. CDT), that will be televised on NBA TV. The Rockets conclude their five-game schedule against the Sacramento Kings on July 20, (7:30 p.m. CDT).
Houston Rockets 2008 NBA Summer League Roster
No. 0 - Aaron Brooks ---- G, 6'0, 161, Oregon.
3 - Russell Robinson - G, 6'1, 205, Kansas.
5 - Donté Greene --- F, 6'9, 222, Syracuse.
6 - Gustavo Barrera - G, 6'5, 180, Uruguay.
7 - Dijon Thompson - G / F, 6'7, 195, UCLA.
10 - Maarty Leunen - F, 6'9, 220, Oregon.
13 - Mark Tyndale - G, 6'5, 210, Temple.
15 - Joey Dorsey -- F, 6'7, 268, Memphis.
19 - Mike Harris -- F, 6'6, 240, Rice. 25 - Lanny Smith -- G, 6'3, 194, Houston.
30 - Joseph Jones - C / F, 6'9, 255, Texas A&M.
33 - Loren Woods - C, 7'2, 260, Arizona.
