NBA News From Around FanSided
By Dante Nelson
Nov 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics former center Bill Russell watches during the first half of a game between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Hey everybody! A feature I tried running when I was editor round these parts was NBA News From Around FanSided. Did you know that FanSided has some great writers? I did and I wanted to showcase the writers and their sites. Plus, this serves as a link dump of sorts. This is your place to catch up on the latest NBA news that you may have missed or want to revisit. Topics will include rumors, trades, signings, injuries, and other general news. I won’t really be handling game recaps.
For today, I’ll go from Tuesday, the start of the season, to last night, Friday. Normally, the news I gather are from Saturday-Sunday, with the round up being Saturday morning.
Okay, so, let’s get to it!
A Bill Russell statue was unveiled. Bill was there. And no, it wasn’t Morgan Freeman. Hardwood Houdini talks about this and what kind of awesome guy Russell is: http://hardwoodhoudini.com/2013/11/01/bill-russell-greatest-member-boston-celtics-even-better-human/
Carmelo Anthony wants to retire as a Knick. As our pals at Buckets Over Broadway mention, just a couple of weeks ago, Anthony said he desired to test free agency. Does the man know what he wants? Perhaps he’s just saying that, while he would love to stay a Knick, he’s gotta look at all options. Can’t blame him: http://bucketsoverbroadway.com/2013/11/01/carmelo-anthony-will-melo-really-retire-knick/
Bulls exercised their team options on Jimmy Butler and Marquis Teague: http://pippenainteasy.com/2013/10/30/chicago-bulls-pick-14-15-options-jimmy-butler-marquis-teague/
Bobcats also picked up some options. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Kemba Walker, and Bismack Biyombo: http://robertogato.com/2013/10/31/bobcats-exercise-team-options-2014-15/
In NBA 2k14, the Hawks drafted me in MyCareer. So, I’ve been playing with the team and kinda have an idea of the talent over there. So, when I heard the real life Hawks picked up a team option on John Jenkins, I was okay with that: http://soaringdownsouth.com/2013/11/01/atlanta-hawks-pick-up-option-on-john-jenkins-not-jared-cunningham/
A report says that Thunder guard Russell Westbrook could be back in action in two weeks: http://thunderousintentions.com/2013/10/29/report-russell-westbrook-return-two-weeks/
Wesley Matthews is struggling. And by struggling, it’s off the court stuff. One thing was an irregular heartbeat. I’ll be keeping this guy in my prayers. Right now, it doesn’t seem serious but, let’s hope it doesn’t get serious: http://ripcityproject.com/2013/10/29/portland-trail-blazers-wesley-matthews-sleep-caused-heart-problem/
Kobe Bryant may be injured…or recovering from injury, but, he’s still getting paid. And paid a lot up front. Thanks to his contract details, he grabbed $24 million in one paycheck. My goodness. http://lakeshowlife.com/2013/11/01/kobe-bryants-24-million-payday/
It looks like Quincy Pondexter is getting a four year extension. Story also says that Ed Davis probably won’t because a deal just can’t be reached: http://bealestreetbears.com/2013/10/31/quincy-pondexter-contract-extension/
Dallas Mavericks’ owner, Mark Cuban, has been in the news recently. A couple of stories. First, apparently he and GM of the team Gerssan Rosas, didn’t see eye to eye. Rosas said he wasn’t given full control of the team: http://thesmokingcuban.com/2013/10/29/dallas-mavericks-gm-gerssan-rosas-part-ways/
Also, and this news is a little more popular, Cuban says Dwight Howard made a mistake going to Houston. As the article breaks down his quote, apparently he’s saying that Dwight went to Houston if only to form a formidable partnership with James Harden: http://fansided.com/2013/10/31/mark-cuban-dwight-howard-wrong-go-rockets/
Sixers fans that loved Jrue Holiday probably love him more after his latest oopsie. He was addressing the Pelicans’ crowd. He then proceeded to say that he was peaking on behalf of himself and the Sixers. Uh…yeah. The link has the video. Nice to know he still thinks of at least the team: http://fansided.com/2013/10/31/jrue-holiday-still-thinks-he-plays-for-the-76ers-video/
Rockets’ Patrick Beverley is expected to miss two weeks due to a rib injury: http://spacecityscoop.com/2013/11/01/houston-rockets-patrick-beverley-miss-2-weeks/
Lastly, Rockets picking up option on Terrence Jones and Donatas Motiejunas: http://spacecityscoop.com/2013/10/30/houston-rockets-will-pick-contract-options-terrence-jones-donatas-motiejunas/
So, that’s all I got for this week. Thanks for stopping by!