The "blueprint for greatness" sadly, is not a collaboration album between Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov and rapper Jay-Z. In actuality, it is a rather large mural/billboard that happens to be place directly over Madison Square Garden, home of the Knicks. Owner James Dolan has reportedly called Jay-Z to tell him that the depiction was "intimidating" to employees - no word from the big homey as of now.
The lone free agent signing for today has been Drew Gooden, who signed on with the Bucks earlier in the day. As thrown around as Gooden is, he is a solid backup, especially with Milwaukee's lack at the forward slot. The man has a beard on the back of his head, enough said.Darko Milicic stole a 4 year, $20 million dollar deal from the Timberwolves, this and the signing of Nikola Pekovic (Who? and he's worth $13 million?) leads me to believe that the Timberwolves as a team will be leaving for overseas soon. The Timberwolves are stupid, I condemn the entire organization.
Joe Johnson has reportedly been offered a max-deal from his prior team, the Atlanta Hawks. The crowd that rightfully booed JJ in the playoffs will now be able to see the master of isolation dribble around for 6 more years to the tune of $127 million. He should take this as soon as possible, as it was widely believed he played himself OUT of a maximum contract last season. Unfortunately for Joe, he did play himself out, and the Hawks will definitely regret bringing him back for that much money.
The Denver Nuggets have been seeking a big man to add to their roster, and the search has led them to target Golden State center Andris Biedrins. No word on the pieces that could be involved, but one would assume Kenyon Martin's $16.5 expiring contract for next year would be valuable trade bait. Biedrins is a good fit, as his presence would allow Nene to slide down to the 4, and Andris is a good player that fell out of favor in Golden State and was injured last year, put still averaged a double-double the year before.
Today, New York talked to Joe Johnson, Miami talked to Amar'e, and the Nets talked to Lebron.
Lebron has stated that he would like to reach an agreement with a team by the fifth of July.
In coaching news...the Cleveland Cavaliers have hired Byron Scott! Though yesterday it had been reported that Lakers assistant Brian Shaw had reached an agreement for the spot, he withdrew his name from the candidacy citing "timing issues" and the fast pace of events. This is tremendous for the home team, and in my opinion, Scott was the right hire from the very moment Brown was fired. Lebron has said he would like a former player who has championship experience, and Scott's three rings with the Lakers certainly fulfill that request. His resume includes back-to-back appearances in the finals (losses) with the Nets, and a Coach-of-the Year award with the Hornets. Now, he was fired from the Hornets job, but the firing was regarded as more of a financial move and visibly upset superstar Chris Paul.
Scott is certainly a different personality than Mike Brown, who can be labeled as an "appeaser" of sorts. Byron Scott has a reputation for being completely honest with his players, and while this may upset some, for the most part, knowing where one stands within the team will definitely help. He will hold Lebron accountable, assuming he stays, and I feel as if a coach who uses his roster better (prime example would be holding on to J.J. Hickson because of how much we valued him, and then not using him in the playoffs. Also, where in the world is Leon Powe?), and actually calls plays at the end of the game will improve our chances significantly. Also, the thought of a run-and-gun west coast style offense with the Cavs, and Lebron doing his freight train act in transition all game long excites me. And then, there's the pipe-dream that Scott, who has ties to Chris Paul, will be able to lure the guard our way. Chris Paul and Lebron James would be ridiculous...
Joe Johnson has reportedly been offered a max-deal from his prior team, the Atlanta Hawks. The crowd that rightfully booed JJ in the playoffs will now be able to see the master of isolation dribble around for 6 more years to the tune of $127 million. He should take this as soon as possible, as it was widely believed he played himself OUT of a maximum contract last season. Unfortunately for Joe, he did play himself out, and the Hawks will definitely regret bringing him back for that much money.
The Denver Nuggets have been seeking a big man to add to their roster, and the search has led them to target Golden State center Andris Biedrins. No word on the pieces that could be involved, but one would assume Kenyon Martin's $16.5 expiring contract for next year would be valuable trade bait. Biedrins is a good fit, as his presence would allow Nene to slide down to the 4, and Andris is a good player that fell out of favor in Golden State and was injured last year, put still averaged a double-double the year before.
Today, New York talked to Joe Johnson, Miami talked to Amar'e, and the Nets talked to Lebron.
Lebron has stated that he would like to reach an agreement with a team by the fifth of July.
In coaching news...the Cleveland Cavaliers have hired Byron Scott! Though yesterday it had been reported that Lakers assistant Brian Shaw had reached an agreement for the spot, he withdrew his name from the candidacy citing "timing issues" and the fast pace of events. This is tremendous for the home team, and in my opinion, Scott was the right hire from the very moment Brown was fired. Lebron has said he would like a former player who has championship experience, and Scott's three rings with the Lakers certainly fulfill that request. His resume includes back-to-back appearances in the finals (losses) with the Nets, and a Coach-of-the Year award with the Hornets. Now, he was fired from the Hornets job, but the firing was regarded as more of a financial move and visibly upset superstar Chris Paul.Scott is certainly a different personality than Mike Brown, who can be labeled as an "appeaser" of sorts. Byron Scott has a reputation for being completely honest with his players, and while this may upset some, for the most part, knowing where one stands within the team will definitely help. He will hold Lebron accountable, assuming he stays, and I feel as if a coach who uses his roster better (prime example would be holding on to J.J. Hickson because of how much we valued him, and then not using him in the playoffs. Also, where in the world is Leon Powe?), and actually calls plays at the end of the game will improve our chances significantly. Also, the thought of a run-and-gun west coast style offense with the Cavs, and Lebron doing his freight train act in transition all game long excites me. And then, there's the pipe-dream that Scott, who has ties to Chris Paul, will be able to lure the guard our way. Chris Paul and Lebron James would be ridiculous...
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