Dec 13, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Hi, how are ya? Let’s get right to it.
Rumors
Kyle Lowry rumors have been on fire since Rudy Gay got traded to the Kings. The Knicks got him. Hm? Oh, you say the Knicks owner shut that thing down? Oh…well Lowry’s destination has been New York in the rumors. Nets and Knicks have expressed interest. Both teams could use him.
It would seem Knicks are ready to trade anybody except for Carmelo Anthony.
Remember last week I mentioned that Carmelo was recruiting Rajon Rondo? Weeeellll…they both deny these talks.
We still have the Omer Asik rumors. Latest report is that he won’t be heading to the Bucks or Pelicans. The Rockets are running out of teams to deal with and may not get what they want. They’ll have to come to terms with that growing reality. Cavaliers have emerged as potential trading partners. Anderson Varejao is a target. Not sure Rockets trade for a Center that hasn’t been very healthy recently. Plus, Cavs have Bynum. Is Bynum going to be the long term starter, or will it be Asik, who wants out of Houston because he doesn’t wan to be behind Howard, going to start? Would Bynum be willing to accept a long term bench role after being known as second best Center in the league and still fairly young in NBA standards? Basically, I think the egos are too big right now. Could be wrong.
Thunder could be willing to trade Jeremy Lamb for help off the bench.
Kings looking to move Jason Thompson.
The Grizzlies could move Zach Randolph. Preference is Ryan Anderson of the Pelicans.
Now, keeping the story above in mind, there’s some talks that perhaps Pau Gasol could return to the Grizzlies. Pau is open to it. And Grizzlies are shopping Randolph. If the Grizzlies don’t trade Zach, he still has a player option. If he opts out, and leaves, then perhaps Pau comes over. But, I mean, wouldn’t be interesting to see Pau play with his brother, not to mention that, in a sense, Pau was traded for his brother to the Lakers. Ha. The Morris twins are working out for the Suns; just saying.
Injuries
Ramon Felton is going to be out for a time. 2-3 weeks is the call. Strained hamstring.
Bucks have struggled with injuries. As of Monday, Behind the Buck Pass has updates on various injuries.
Brandon Wright hasn’t played this season. He’s set to play for the Mavericks later today (Dec. 14th).
Rodney Stuckey is dealing with a knee injury.
Jimmy Butler seems to be close to playing again.
Good news and bad news for the Wizards. Bradley Beal is getting closer to playing again. Al Harrington is out for four weeks.
Reggie Bullock is out until December 15th with an ankle injury.
Steve Blake goes out with an elbow injury. Six weeks. Lakers have no more PG’s so I would expect a signing or maybe even a trade soon. Goodness.
Jermaine O’Neal has been playing with a sprained write for a while. He finally had surgery. No timetable but the article has a tweet by O’Neal as he indicates how long he’d be out. It’s not much help but it gives something.
Off the court:
NBA All-Star game voting has been going on for quite a while. NBA has released its results so far. Check it out to see if your player(s) made it.
Corey Brewer was caught flopping and got himself a $5,000 fine.
This made me smile. A dad saved his kid from being decimated by a player diving into the stands. Based on where the girl was and where the player ended up, if dad didn’t snatch his baby girl, she would’ve been screwed. Just my opinion. Also, and I’ll let the story tell you, but this man is a somewhat powerful man in the entertainment industry.
Bobcats are ready to reveal their new look as the Hornets. December 21st, vs the Utah Jazz, they will show logos and such for when they make the change to be the Charlotte Hornets.
The Suns are willing to stop the tank! Holy, stacy, brooks! Yes, Suns’ GM is willing to trade a couple of their four first round picks for the 2014 draft for an established star in the league. We’ll see how that shapes up.
Roster Moves
D.J Augustin was released by the Raptors after that Rudy Gay trade. Bulls, ever so desperate, pick him up.
Bobcats signed Chris Douglas-Roberts and released James Southerland.
Clippers sign Stephen Jackson, looking for a scoring punch with J.J. Redick being out and all.
Warriors, in light of a thinner frontcourt, have signed Hilton Armstrong
Perhaps our first major trade of the season, the Raptors sent Rudy Gay, Aaron Gray, and Quincy Acy to the Kings for John Salmons, Chuck D Hayes, Patrick Patterson, and Greivis Vasquez.
Milestones
Blazers shot a regular season record of 3 point % in a game shooting 73.9% vs the Jazz. Yup, NBA history.
Seems like a long list this week. Fantastic news from around a fantastic network. All we do is win. Or something.