http://www.yardbarker.com/content/team/84 Recent articles about the Portland Trail Blazers en-us A little bit of history happened tonight at the NBA Draft when you weren't lookinmg...Idaho Stampede guard Mike Taylor was selected with the 55th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers becoming the first player from the NBA Development League to be drafted by an NBA team. A member of the 2008 NBA D-League Champion Stampede, Taylor was then traded to the Los Angeles Clippers for a future second round draft pick. "Everyone at the NBA D-League joins me in congratulating Mike on his history-making achievement," said Dan Reed, NBA D-League President. "Mike is a shining example of the NBA D-League's core mission – to develop top prospects into NBA players." In 39 games for the Stampede this past season, Taylor averaged 14.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists primarily as the team's sixth man, scoring 20 or more points on 11 occasions, including during the deciding Game 3 of the NBA D-League Finals presented by Delta. During that game, Taylor connected on four three-pointers in a three-minute span in the fourth quarter to solidify the Stampede's first NBA D-League Championship. "Mike brings a tremendous amount of ability and quickness to the NBA," said Idaho Stampede head coach Bryan Gates. "He really is a spark of energy and a breath of fresh air whenever he enters a game."Source: NBA D-LeagueOTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK SEE IT: Red Sox/AAA Ford Fusions to Run Sat. and Sun. at New Hampshire Motor Speedway - The Biz of Baseball Deadline Pushed Back to July 31st for Cubs/Wrigley Field Sale - The Biz of Baseball Dunkin?' Donuts Promo Features Joba Chamberlain and Jonathan Papelbon - The Biz of Baseball Astros GM Ed Wade Attacked by Pitcher Shawn Chacon - The Biz of Baseball Dodgers Surpass 3 Million Tickets Sold for 2008 - The Biz of Baseball Ducks owner Henry Samueli Suspended by NHL - The Biz of Hockey NHL 2K9, First Officially Licensed Game by NHL and NHLPA for Wii, Coming this Fall - The Biz of Hockey Dion Phaneuf Selected for Cover of EA Sports "NHL 09" - The Biz of Hockey NBC Reports 6.8 Million Viewers for Game 6. Up 111% from 2006 - The Biz of Hockey Papa Replaces Gumbel as NFL Network's Play-by-Play Announcer - The Biz of Football NFL Network May Partner Up With ESPN - The Biz of Football NFL Players Help Hometown Tornado Victims - The Biz of Football Recently Retired Strahan Joins Fox NFL Pregame Show - The Biz of Football Anheuser-Busch to Sponsor New Meadowlands Stadium - The Biz of Football Big Ten Network Nearing First Major Cable Deal with Comcast - The Biz of Football TNT Lands Full Slate of Sponsors For "Wide Open Coverage" Telecasts - Maury Brown's Biz of Sports Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer.Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:11:19 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287774 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287774 The Portland Trail Blazers reached an agreement to sign Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez, it was announced today by general manager Kevin Pritchard. "I am so excited about joining the Trail Blazers and the NBA," said Fernandez. "The whole staff did a tremendous job making me feel like a very important team member to them and made me forget about the economic issues because of the rookie scale. "My dream has been to play in the NBA and Portland is giving me this opportunity. I was amazed about everything that Mr. Allen, Kevin Pritchard, Coach McMillan and the rest of the guys did to show me how much they wanted me. Brandon Roy, Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge, I can't wait to play with them. We will do nice things!"Fernandez, 23, spent the past seven seasons playing for DKV Joventut Badalona in the Spanish ACB League, and is a regular member of the Spanish National Team. "We are thrilled to finally have Rudy Fernandez in a Trail Blazers jersey," said Pritchard. "Rudy is a tremendously talented player who has achieved great things in Spain and Europe. His work ethic and character will fit well with the culture we've created here, and we're very excited to get him on the floor after the Olympics."Portland acquired Fernandez in a 2007 Draft Day trade with Phoenix that was finalized July 11, 2007. The Trail Blazers received the draft rights to Fernandez (selected by the Suns with the 24th overall pick) and James Jones in exchange for cash considerations.The 6-6 guard is coming off his best professional season to date in 2007-08, when he averaged 21.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 2.2 steals and shot 41.0% from 3-point range in 30 league games. DKV Joventut Badalona won both the ULEB Cup and The Copa del Rey this season, with Fernandez taking home MVP honors in both competitions.A longtime member of the Spanish National Team, Fernandez played a key role for his country in the 2004 Olympic Games (7th place), 2006 FIBA World Championships (Gold Medal) and 2007 FIBA European Basketball Championships (Silver Medal). He is scheduled to play in the 2008 Olympic Games this summer. With the move to Portland, Fernandez will become the eighth Spaniard to play in the NBA and the third for the Trail Blazers, joining Fernando Martin (1986-87) and Sergio Rodriguez (2006-present). Source: Portland Trial Blazers OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK Derek Jeter Joins "Gillette Champions" Ad Campaign - The Biz of Baseball MLB, NYC, Bank of America to Host Free Concert by Bon Jovi - The Biz of Baseball Fukudome and Braun in Tight Race for All-Star Game - The Biz of Baseball Oakley and MLB Properties Enter Agreement for Eyewear - The Biz of Baseball MLB Sets New Interleague Attendance Record - The Biz of Baseball Aw, Tapioca! Kozy Shack the Official Pudding of the Mets - The Biz of Baseball Ducks owner Henry Samueli Suspended by NHL - The Biz of Hockey NHL 2K9, First Officially Licensed Game by NHL and NHLPA for Wii, Coming this Fall - The Biz of Hockey Dion Phaneuf Selected for Cover of EA Sports "NHL 09" - The Biz of Hockey NBC Reports 6.8 Million Viewers for Game 6. Up 111% from 2006 - The Biz of Hockey Don Imus, "Pacman" Jones and Media Correctness - The Biz of Football 15,000 General Admission Tickets for London NFL Game Sell Out in 30 min. - The Biz of Football Papa Replaces Gumbel as NFL Network's Play-by-Play Announcer - The Biz of Football NFL Network May Partner Up With ESPN - The Biz of Football NFL Players Help Hometown Tornado Victims - The Biz of Football Recently Retired Strahan Joins Fox NFL Pregame Show - The Biz of Football Anheuser-Busch to Sponsor New Meadowlands Stadium - The Biz of Football Big Ten Network Nearing First Major Cable Deal with Comcast - The Biz of Football TNT Lands Full Slate of Sponsors For "Wide Open Coverage" Telecasts - Maury Brown's Biz of Sports Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer.Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:11:17 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287770 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287770 NBA Jam was the truth back in 1993. Looking back 15 years later is just as, if not even more fun. Check out these pairings and what became of who in the Western Conference! Tue, 08 Jul 2008 19:46:08 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287665 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287665 The Portland Trail Blazers announced Monday that Joe Prunty has been named an assistant coach.The announcement was made by Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard Prunty spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the Dallas Mavericks. Prior to his time in Dallas, he served for nine seasons with the San Antonio Spurs as assistant video coordinator, video coordinator, advance scout and most recently, assistant coach. During his time with the Spurs, the team won three NBA Championships. "We couldn't be more thrilled to add a talented, hard-working and experienced individual like Joe to the organization," said head coach Nate McMillan. "He brings to us a blend of player development and basketball knowledge that will be a tremendous asset to the coaching staff." The Sunnyvale, Calif., native joins a McMillan coaching staff that includes lead assistant coach Dean Demopoulos, assistant coach Monty Williams and assistant coach Maurice Lucas. Prunty starts work immediately as the team prepares for the 2008 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.Source: Portland Trail Blazers OTHER NEWS ACROSS THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS NETWORK Linkin Park, MLB Properties Hook-up For 3rd Year - The Biz of Baseball Wrigley Field It Is: NHL Outdoor Classic in Chicago Jan. 1 - The Biz of Baseball Passing Gas? Rays, Hess to Give Away $5 Cards on July 18 - The Biz of Baseball All-Star Game Starters, Reserves, and Pitchers Announced - The Biz of Baseball Is the Ed Wade/Shawn Chacon Altercation a First? - The Biz of BaseballYou Really Like Me! Rays See Highest TV Ratings Ever - The Biz of Baseball Cellphone to Throw Away at the All-Star Game - The Biz of Baseball Six GMs on the Hot Seat - The Biz of Baseball Chicago's Wrigley Field to Host Next Outdoor Classic on New Years Day - The Biz of Hockey Jaromir Jagr First Major NHL Player to Crossover to Continental Hockey League - The Biz of Hockey Free Agent Signings - July 1, 2008 - The Biz of Hockey NHL Free Agent Listing As of July 1, 2008 - The Biz of Hockey Ducks owner Henry Samueli Suspended by NHL - The Biz of Hockey NHL 2K9, First Officially Licensed Game by NHL and NHLPA for Wii, Coming this Fall - The Biz of Hockey Dion Phaneuf Selected for Cover of EA Sports "NHL 09" - The Biz of Hockey Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann to Reumite for NBC's "Football Night in America" - The Biz of FootballXM Satellite Radio Locks Up SEC. Adds Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Vanderbilt - The Biz of Football Don Imus, "Pacman" Jones and Media Correctness - The Biz of Football 15,000 General Admission Tickets for London NFL Game Sell Out in 30 min. - The Biz of Football Papa Replaces Gumbel as NFL Network's Play-by-Play Announcer - The Biz of Football NFL Network May Partner Up With ESPN - The Biz of Football NFL Players Help Hometown Tornado Victims - The Biz of Football Recently Retired Strahan Joins Fox NFL Pregame Show - The Biz of Football TNT Lands Full Slate of Sponsors For "Wide Open Coverage" Telecasts - Maury Brown's Biz of Sports Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey. He is contributor to Baseball Prospectus, and is available as a freelance writer.Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:42:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287222 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287222 Who wouldn't want to get back on the court after a year of doing nothing but this? Thanks to ESPN Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:15:14 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287205 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/287205 If you haven't noticed already, today's content is blocked out to give the Spaniards props for their athletic excellence. Rudy Fernandez is a 6-5 two guard for the Spanish National Team. He possesses quick hops, a smooth shooting stroke, and some nice handles and court vision. Professionally, Rudy had been playing for DKV Joventut of the ACB, but he will be taking his Smooth Criminal Act to the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2008-09 season. Thanks to fooonfi ( Go to original article for links to more goodies! ) Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:41:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286412 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286412 I did some research on the traffic ranking of Streetball.com compared to the other websites in the video and the scary thing is, they might be right. Mon, 07 Jul 2008 02:19:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286396 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286396 Steve Kelley from the Seattle Times wonders if Sonic fans will become Blazer fans after Clay Bennett took the team to Oklahoma. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:20:44 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286314 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286314 If Stephen A. Smith is wondering why people might not like him, He should watch these videos. Sun, 06 Jul 2008 17:53:01 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286305 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286305 Dear Seattle, I really do feel bad for out neighboring fans up north for having the PooperSonics oops I mean SuperSonics stolen from you. So I am going to take it upon myself to introduce you to your NEW Northwest franchise "The Portland Trail Blazers". Now don't worry these guys are easy to love. But I do have a few things you need to be prepared for before you come over to the scarlet and black side. To start things off comfortably I want to remind you of a few familiar faces you should all know of. (These guys really are great not only have they lived in your beloved city, but they also saw the light was a lot brighter when you drive south down I-5/I-205.) Paul Allen- Owner/Multi-Billionaire. Paul is one of the best owners in the league. He attends over half of the games during the season and once he sees a contender window opening he is not afraid to open up that pocket book. He loves athleticism and up tempo basketball. Nate McMillan-Head Coach/Mr. Sonic As you all know Nate is one of the best coaches in the league. A former Sonic himself which also had his number 10 retired in the rafters. Now don't think that we can just retire #10 now that your Sonics are extinct. Besides thats Joel "Tha Thrilla" Przybilla's number. But if we can get a title or two maybe we can do something for him. Maurice Lucas-Ass.Coach/Frmr Sonic "The Enforcer" is better known as a Trail Blazer. But I do want to recognize that he wore a Sonic uniform to. Luc plays an important role in developing the bigs. Brandon Roy-SG/All Star/UW Husky Here is a Seattle born boy you all will be proud of. I don't need to speak much of him because you all should already know. But in our eyes he is our next "Clyde the Glyde". In a few years we should see "The Natural" on the Olympic team and maybe a Wheaties box. Martell Webster-SF/SeattlePrep Another Seattle product. Martell is a great young talent. A fan favorite, and he has the smoothest jump shot this side of the State of Massachusetts. Hard to believe he is only 21. Huge future for this cat. Although you will still need to be patient with him. He has improved his game both offensively and defensively every season. I live near the practice facility and I see his slick silver Chrysler 300 with the big shiny wheels all of the time which means he is a hard worker. So OK, how about that. We have a few Seattle natives in our organization. I hope I made you feel a little more welcome. Now before I introduce you to the rest of the guys we do have a few catchy phrases you will need to know. So next I will list a few of our broadcasters new and old along with where they came from etc.... Rip City!- Very popular phrase around town. Bill Schonley our legendary broadcaster of 30 years coined that phrase in the 70's. It can be used in many different ways. For example, if Greg Oden is doubled down low then kicks it outside to Martell Webster who then drains a three. You can scream out an emphatic RIP CITY!. Or if you want to sound a little more like "The Schonz" you can then follow up the "Rip City" with a "Yes Sir". OK now say it with me, "Rrrrip City,Yes Sir". Very nice. You may also use this any time the Blazers make a great play. Other Famous Bill Shonley phrases... Holy Backboard Lickedy brindle up the middle He took a hop, skip and a jump. Good evening basketball fans where ever you may be. Just so you don't get confused our current radio commentator is Brian Wheeler. Most of the new school fans only recognize the man known as "Wheels". He's a great radio personality and also has a few coined phrases of his own. (I will list them below.) He has been on board with the Blazers for about I believe 7 plus seasons. He probably will not reach the legendary status of Bill Shonley (Especially if every contract year we hear rumors of him talking with the Lakers.) but we are very lucky to have such a knowledgeable and dedicated broadcaster. He also has his own afternoon radio show on 95.5 The Game (www.955thegame.com) called Wheels After Work. You get little insider local trail blazer info and he always has great guests year round. I would recomend tuning in ASAP just so you can get familier with him. So like I mentioned before here are Wheels coined phrases you will need to get familiar with.... Wheels Phrases, Boom Shaka Laka! OOOOH That was nasty! Sloan looks Mystified, mortified, etc... Their are more but you will have to listen this season on 95.5 or online @ www.955thegame.com to get the full experience. We play all of our home games at the Rose Garden, I have linked Map quest directions for you from Seattle right here. (http://www.mapquest.com/mq/4-2gwxg5d8) It seems to be a three hour drive. But remember at the Rose Garden you need to plan to be early and stay late! Just so you are prepared Portland is a very knowledgeable basketball town. You may be able to get away with wearing a Seattle shirt for one season and we will be forgiving. But year two you better have saved the cash to purchase the scarlet and black. Keeping that in mind we don't want some fairwheater fan either. Seeing as we are going to be hanging some banners shortley you better educate yourself and be a loyal fan. How about now I introduce you to the rest of the guys. I really think we will have this roster together for a while so I think it will be safe for you to open yourself up to these guys. C) Greg Oden We don't know much about Greg yet. But from what we have scene is they don't make 7 footers like him. He will be a fast defensive minded shot blocking, rebounding machine. His offense should improve as he gets more experience. Having him ready this season is going to be fun to watch. PF) Lamarcus Aldridge LA or Stretch is a Texan with game similar to Rasheed Wallace and maybe a little Tim Duncan. He is not to their level yet. But last year in his first full season he averaged 18 and 7. He will be a great compliment to Oden on the defensive end next season. (Welcome to the block party.) He is also a great charicter guy. On another note it would be good to see him bulk up, just a tiny bit. And get a little more nastiness to his game. SF) Travis Outlaw T-Law or TrOut is a long freak of an athlete. This country boy from Mississippi can touch the top of the backboard. Not quite a Shawn Kemp. But he has improved his game every season in the league since he came out of high school. He has an improving jumper that extends out to the three. Very good fourth quarter producer with the ball in his hands. Defensively he is not that great one on one but off the ball he wreaks havoc. Still improving. SG) Rudy Fernendez "The Spanish Fly" is going to be a rookie this season. He has won many olympic medals and MVP awards overseas. He appears to have a nice step back jumper and can get to the rim. He is very thin so we will have to see how he holds up through the entire season. PG) Steve Blake Won an NCAA championship at the U of Maryland. Blake is just a solid point. Probably better suited as a backup. But he shoots a good percent, makes good desitions and is an underrated defender. C) Joel Przybilla Tha Thrilla is a great rebounder/shotblocker. Offensively you will hold your breat unless he dunks it. He is a great team player and can probably kick Shaq's butt. (His hobbies include Kickboxing) Has had a handful of 5 plus block games. Also 15 plus rebound games. Will be the best backup in the league once Oden is ready. PF) Channing Frye Channing is Mr. Happy Go Lucky. He is happy to be here. But will also be happy play more somewhere else. He is a very nice piece off our bench with his range, but could be one of the expendable guys also. He is a great interview if you ever get to hear him. PG) Sergio Rodriguez Spanish Chocolate was a spark plug his rookie year, but fell off the map last year. He easily could become your favorite with his Nash style, but he has shown he shoots terrible and cannot play D. Serg has a lot of improving to do to get into the rotation. He also has become a mental head case with a few comments he has made this offseason. PF) Ike Diagu Don't know much yet. We just got him from the Pacers. From what I do know is he is an undersized 4 that was an exceptional scorer/rebounder in college. Ike was a lottery pick, but has had injury troubles the past season. PG) Jerryd Bayless He is our prized rookie from Arizona. Slotted as a top 5 pick he fell to us at 11. He has a lot of developing to do but should prove to be a above average point in two seasons. Shoots well and can get to the rim, but needs to work on playmaking passing skills. Trade Bait, I mean PF/C) Raef LaFrentz I am not gonna waste time with his skill set because I don't know. He has not played hardely since he has been here. His huge 12 million dollar expiring contract will be dangled untill the deadline. But only if we need a certain peice. Well, thats the group. I do have some homework for you. The blazers have a handful of Euros overseas. Please research them and then you can post an anilazation of their games on yardbarker. Lets see have I missed anything... Oh yeah you must follow these simple 5 rules below. #1) Hate the Lakers #2) Any time Kobe touches the ball you must boo. #3) *Practice "In KP We Trust"* #4) Be a confident Blazer fan, not cocky #5) Thank Paul Allen for KP *Definition for #3* In KP we trust, means no matter how many trades or if it seems like a roster move does not make any sence at all. Always remember who turned Ratliff/Telfair/Khryapa and some draft pick swapping into BRoy and LA. The man who ridded Portland of the wanna be thugs, and drug addicts. The man who changed the Jail Blazers back into the Trail Blazers. We have to trust the man with the given name Kevin Pritchard. And always remeber to thank Paul Allen for finaly buying in to him as well. From, Your New Fellow Trail Blazer Fans! Please purchase your merchandise here http://www.nba.com/blazers/index_main.html Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:19:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286053 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286053 We are signing this petition to voice our concern over the issue that most Oregonians cannot view our Portland TrailBlazer games. We wish that Comcast and the Satellite dealers would please settle whatever differences they have so us Oregonians could view our beloved team play. Please click the link and sign the petition. www.petitiononline/blazer22/ Thanks, Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:57:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286019 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286019 Streetball.com is changing the game and they not backin down from no Web 2.0 company or old school media company in the basketball and hip-hop space. In less than 6 months since launch, Streetball.com, according to Alexa.com, has passed or will pass most of the logo's you see in Streetball Video by the end of the summer. "We Global and We Local with Uniques by the Pound." Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:53:19 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285926 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285926 The Celtics made an offer to Corey Maggette. No they didn't. Yes they did. So, did they or didn't they? First, the Globe said that the Celtics made an offer to both Posey and Maggette on the first day of free agency. The Celtics have made contract offers to two forwards: Their own free agent, James Posey, and Clippers free agent Corey Maggette, sources told the Boston Globe. The most the Celtics could offer is the mid-level exception (about $5.8 million), and it's doubtful that they could sign both players. The terms of the offers were not disclosed. So, Celtics fandom spent the day trying to figure out how they planned to sign both if both accepted the offers. Did they offer Posey the MLE and Maggette the LLE or veteran's minumim and a chance for a ring? Or, did they offer Posey a non-Bird rights contract and Maggette the MLE? Or, some were even speculating that they were offering Ray to the Clippers in a sign and trade for Maggette. Speculation was running rampant. Then, the next day, Danny threw some water on the fire as this article appeared in the Herald: A team source insisted no offer was made to the former Clippers swingman, though Danny Ainge reportedly has talked to a number of players, including Maggette, as he attempts to build a pool of candidates in the event his top priority - signing James Posey - falls through. OK, so Danny didn't make an offer to Maggette. But then, in today's Globe there is this: A day after talking with Celtics coach Doc Rivers, a longtime family friend, Clippers free agent forward Corey Maggette said he is seriously considering an offer to join the NBA champions. Maggette said he is still in awe about being contacted by the Celtics and has been mulling over their contract offer as well as interest from several other teams. An NBA source said the Celtics offered Magette the full midlevel exception, expected to be worth $5.8 million. It gets curiouser and curiouser. So, Danny did make an offer to Maggette. According to this, he offered the full MLE to Maggette, but the same article says they offered only 12 million/3 years to Posey. Now, to me, getting Posey back is more important than luring Maggette. If they are willing to offer Maggette the full MLE, why not Posey. If they would go the full MLE over 3 years maybe Posey would consider it. Posey is a defensive stopper. Maggette is not. Defense wins championships. Enough said. If it takes a 4 year full MLE contract to keep Posey, Danny needs to do it. He is a winner if he goes to one of our rivals, he immediately puts them into title contention. All this as the San Antonio Express News reports that the Spurs are at the head of the line for Maggette's services as he is leaning toward going to the Spurs. And also the Philly Inquirer reports that Maggette is expected there next week. The Sixers are also talking to Josh Smith and Josh Childress. The LA Times reports that the Warriors are also trying to lure Maggette as they await news from Elton Brand on their offer to him. Hoopsworld reports that Maggette has narrowed his choices to the Spurs and the Celtics. It has been reported that the Lakers have offered a 5 year full MLE deal to Posey and if Boston doesn't match it, he will likely leave. Unlike most free agents, Posey has already won 2 rings and for him it is about the money. Although, wherever Posey goes, he will likely make them a winner as well. More on this to come, I am sure. Along with the offer to Posey and maybe offer to Maggette, Danny has been working out some other free agents in addition to the mini camp that ends today. The same Globe article lists center David Harrison, swingman Kirk Snyder, center Patrick O'Bryant, forward Darius Miles and Chris Andersen. Of that group, my choice would be Andersen. Other free agent news includes Gilbert Arenas agreeing to a $111 million 6 year deal. This is $16 million less than the max deal that the Wizards offered him. Arenas had this to say about the deal: "I'm basically giving back $16 million,'' Arenas told the Washington Times. "This is in line with what I've been saying the whole time. You see players take max deals and they financially bind their teams. I don't wanna be one of those players and three years down the road your team is strapped and can't do anything about it.'' Newsday is reporting that Monta Ellis has received interest from 9 teams including the Knicks. Ellis reportedly is very interested in joining the Knicks. With new management and a real coach in Mike D'Antoni, New York is no longer the cesspool it was under Isiah Thomas and free agents are interested in going there. Last season the Lakers-Celtics rivalry was renewed. Could the Knicks-Celtics rivalry be renewed this season? ESPN Insider reports that the Mavs would like to re-sign Tyronn Lue but he is looking hard at Boston and Phoenix. No mention has been made in the Globe or Herald about any offer being made to Lue, but it wouldn't be surprising if they did since Lue is one of KG's best friends. I still think re-signing House and going with Pruitt is a better avenue for the Celtics to take since Eddie can play both guard spots very adequately and Pruitt seems to be poised to make a leap this season. Speaking about Phoenix, they are still searching for a back up point. Think they would like to take back that deal to send Rondo to Boston? Fri, 04 Jul 2008 09:22:55 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285746 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285746 With the recent news of Chris Kaman aligning himself with the German National Team, The BearDown started thinking...What? In case you don't feel like following the link I'll sum it up. The 7 foot Clipper Center who's Great Grandparents were German has received German citizenship and will be playing with the German team this summer in Beijing. This leads me to wonder, what type of precedent does this set. Will we see other NBA-ers.... Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:51:42 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285518 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285518 So with all the drama going on today I had epiphany. Join us! Hop on to the "Portland Bandwagon"! Its never too late, we are not like LA fans, we love our team and our fans, and support them all. Our owners and GM's nurture our players, and pay our players what they are worth. Our players love our city, and they love the fans. Our star players, don't "opt-out", they "opt-in"(James Jones does not count). With so much talent, and great personalities how can you not love this team, and this city. It is the new Western Mecca of a Basketball Dynasty. Let me break this down for you all that are thinking of hopping on our bandwagon. Our list of Talented basketball assassins: Greg "Babyface Beast" Oden, the guy has not even stepped onto the Gardens floor and he is already a legend in the city. This dude is prepared to tear heads off, and dunk on everyone including your mom. He dunks so hard he impregnates all the women in the stands. Brandon "The Natural" Roy, how high does this guys ceiling go? Their is none, sky's the limit. He cures prostate cancer with his crossover. Travis "Trout, Trout Law" Outlaw, well bread, well fed, native of Mississippi, this guys un-orthodox jumper makes the Pope's eye bleed. He could easily be the highest scorer on this team. Will see another break out season from this dude. Loves his BBQ, I think that is all that needs to be said about Troutlaw. His jumper cures glaucoma. Rudy "The Matador" Fernandez, people call him the next Ginobili, I don't know why? This dude is straight finesse, slick as the country he comes from. Expect big things from the two time MVP. Jerryd "Pay up" Bayless, our new point guard is going to shake coma patients out of their comas. He is on the floor to kill the other guards that guard him. Straight fire. Martell "The Prophet" Webster, he does not even have to step on the floor, but when he does all the girls break up with their boyfriends because they are all now dating "The Prophet" now. He is the ladies favorite of the team. So all you GSW Boom fans, we have something for you as well! Lamarcus "Horseface" Aldridge, okay that was mean. His nickname is not "Horseface" but it sure in hell should be. Next Timmy D here folks. Just quicker, bigger, and meaner. "Why long in the face LA ?" Thats just the way he looks. Joel "The Vanilla Gorilla" Pryzibilla, a beast. That's the only way to put it. You better whip out some weapons when JPryz and Oden step on the floor together, or get Andre the Giant, because these fools are the "Garbage men". And when I say"Garbage men" I don't mean they guard the crap centers, these guy will murder your players, then dig a hole under your stadium and bury your whole team! (Ill bring the lime) Sergio "Spanish Chocolate" Rodriguez, do you hear that? Didn't think so. That's Sergio giving your whole team a heart attack. They simply cant keep up with him. Break out season for this guy. No need to submit applications, were already prepared for you guys, hop on. The Portland TrailBlazers Bandwagon has room for all of you. Sick of your GM's and owners making head scratching decisions? We don't do that in Portland anymore, Kevin Pritchard is almost more popular then the players. I say he should run for Mayor, maybe even Governor, maybe even Pope. Paul Allen, billionaire god. Thats it. Nothing more to be said about the generosity of this guy. So how about it ? GSW fans are being thrown to the side, Seattle fans, Dallas fans, Phoenix fans, anyone! Come hop on board, we would love to have you. Why not be part of something that will blossom into something wonderful. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:27:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285320 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285320