Tag: 2010 NBA free agents (Page 48 of 54)

Manu Ginobili does not expect to re-sign with Spurs

For those that speak Spanish, the original article is on Clarin.com, but the translation below is from the HoopsHype rumor page.

It was hard to face what he suspected, but now assumes: Manu will not be a Spur anymore on July 1, alter three championships in eight seasons. The news comes out of his mouth with unmistakable words: “I am pretty sure I will be a free agent and that in July and August I will have to make a decision where to go” – he acknowledges – “I do not even expect the team to offer me an extension.”

This is rather surprising given Ginobili’s history with the franchise. He is still playing very well (PER of 20.32, down a bit from previous seasons but still good enough to rank 5th amongst SGs), though he spent much of last season sidelined with an injury to his left heel.

Maybe the Spurs haven’t talked extension because they want to see how he comes back from injury and handles a full 82-game season. I find it hard to believe that San Antonio would let a core piece walk in free agency if they were to make it to the Western Conference Finals. The problem with Ginobili is that he’ll turn 33 this summer and already has a reputation for being injury-prone. Still, the Spurs will be over the cap, so it’s not like they can turn around and sign someone younger and better.

If the Spurs make a run, I think Ginobili will be back. If they crash and burn in the postseason, they may let him walk.


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Bill Simmons on watching LeBron in person

The Cavs visited the Clippers recently, and Bill Simmons was in attendance. Here’s what he thinks of LeBron up close.

To say the least. He’s the most charismatic athlete of his generation, only you wouldn’t fully know it until you studied him in person. Command of the room. He might dunk in the layup lines. He might try to make a one-handed half-court shot. He might call for an alley-oop and soar above his incredulous teammates just for the hell of it. Simply saying “bursting with energy” wouldn’t do him justice. It’s like watching a super-coordinated, mutant 4-year-old dealing with a severe sugar rush.

I’m gonna go block Delonte’s shot from behind! HAH! He didn’t see me coming! Wait, I’m in the mood for an alley-oop. I need me some oop. Mo, throw me an oop. Ah, yes … it’s in the air … I’m jumping … DUNK! What now? I want to try a one-handed shot from the corner. Jamario, come play with me. Hold on, I just saw Baron Davis! Hey Baron! What up, dog! Watch this, I’m gonna make a half-court shot with my eyes closed … DAMN! Just missed it. You know what I really feel like doing? Jumping on Shaq’s back. Look out, Big Fella, eeeeeeeeeeee-yah!!!!!!!

Jordan saved his legs before games, using that time to stretch, practice specific shots and butter up referees. LeBron can’t pace himself. Even when he walks from Point A to Point B, there’s no loping or strolling. He prances. He hops up and down. And if all these people are staring at him anyway, why not rile them up with a couple ridiculous dunks?

On the chances of him leaving Cleveland at the end of the season…

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Stoudemire ‘would love to stay’ in Phoenix

The Arizona Republic reports that the Suns are going to speak with Amare Stoudemire’s camp about an extension.

Suns General Manager Steve Kerr and Managing Partner Robert Sarver will meet with Stoudemire’s agent, Happy Walters, this week for their first formal discussion. Walters declined comment.

“We’ll definitely talk about it,” Kerr said of an extension. “We have a lot to consider.

“Amar’e has been great all year. We’re thrilled with the way he’s played and the effort he’s put forth, returning from the injury to his eye.”

“It’s always about what’s the best situation for the Suns organization and myself,” Stoudemire said. “Wherever there is an equilibrium or common denominator, we can settle on that. Winning is the most important thing to me. Being a contender. If we can do it here, then I would love to stay.”

Stoudemire says that winning “is the most important thing,” but he also thinks that he’s a max contract player, so one wonders if he’d sign an extension with the Suns if Kerr offered him a deal for less than the max. Chris Bosh is more coveted because he’s a better defender. Stoudemire is a superior offensive player and is a nice fit with a team that pushes the ball and doesn’t stress shutdown defense. The Knicks immediately spring to mind.

While the Suns are 24-17, they started the season 14-3, so they have lost 14 of their last 24 games. If that trend continues, the Stoudemire trade talk will heat up.


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Bosh to OKC? Unlikely.

While Art Garcia wonders on NBA.com if a Jeff Green-for-Chris Bosh deal makes a lot of sense for both the Raptors and Thunder, Darnell Mayberry of The Oklahoman thinks there is probably too much risk in trading for Bosh before the deadline.

The organization’s long-term motives have not changed, although Bosh certainly would fit the bill of a player that makes sense both now and in the future.

The problem is, trading for Bosh now doesn’t guarantee he’ll be around in the future. Acquiring Bosh would be a big-time risk that could blow up in July if he decides to bolt for, say, the beaches of Miami or Broadway in New York. The Thunder will have then traded valuable assets for nothing. It’s that risk that partially explains why Phoenix was unable to move Amar’e Stoudemire last season after all the fuss and trade rumors regarding where he’d land.

For the Thunder to pull the trigger on a Bosh trade, especially one that included promising youngster Jeff Green (who is averaging 14.0 points and 5.9 rebounds this season), they would have to feel like they had a great chance to re-sign him this summer. The weather in OKC is not as nice in Miami nor is the city as glitzy as New York (or even Chicago), but if Bosh wants to win, the Thunder are a great fit. Maybe a half season with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook would be enough to convince him to re-sign, but what if it wasn’t? Then they would have lost Green and have nothing to show for it.

Heat won’t wait on LeBron

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So says Barry Jackson, of the Miami Herald

“They’re going to get a feel for who they have the best shot at and will craft their strategy accordingly,” a source close to the Heat said. “They will pursue more than one guy. James is their top choice, but if they get a yes from Chris Bosh or Amare Stoudemire, I’d be shocked if they told either to hold on so they can wait on LeBron” — unless Miami has strong reason to believe James is coming. “If they get one of those three, they would feel confident they can keep Wade. Their biggest anxiety is losing Wade.”

Here is what would have to happen for the Heat to land LeBron:

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