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Tag: Basketball

  • Jeanie Buss Reveals Feelings of Betrayal in Memoir

    In an updated version of her memoir, Laker Girl, Jeanie Buss reveals her true feelings towards the Lakers’s hiring of Mike D’Antoni over Phil Jackson this past year. Buss, the executive vice president of business operations for the Lakers and Jackson’s fiance, was “stunned” when Jackson informed her that D’Antoni was chosen over him and felt that the incident was a “betrayal”:

    “The sequence of events — Phil almost coming back and then being told someone else was better for the job — practically destroyed me. It almost took away my passion for this job and this game. It felt like I had been stabbed in the back. It was a betrayal. I was devastated.”

    The incident nearly killed Buss, but how did Jackson – the man actually affected by the decision – feel? According to Buss’s memoir, Jackson appeared to be fairly nonchalant about the choice:

    When he hung up, I asked him what that was about, and he said, “Mitch called to tell me they’ve hired D’Antoni. He said that they feel given the personnel they have that D’Antoni is a better fit. He said they know they are going to take a bit of a PR hit, but he thinks it will blow over in a month…”That was really odd,” he said in the quiet of our bedroom as he replayed the conversation in his mind.”

    Jackson appeared to be able to relay the news in a calm manner, and his only comment was that the decision was “odd”. This is a reaction that makes sense. Jackson retired after the 2011 season, after coaching for 27 years and winning 11 NBA championships – 6 with the Bulls and 5 with none other than the Lakers. Jackson had already had his chance in LA with Kobe, and as Buss stated, “Phil wasn’t looking for the job.” (Even thought Jackson apparently thought that he was a better coach for Dwight Howard than D’Antoni.)

    Perhaps the most interesting and ironic comment by Buss was when she said, “I hope the flirtation with Phil wasn’t just a PR stunt. I still can’t get my head around the whole story.” If one takes the time to read the excerpt of the memoir released to the LA Times, the entire thing reads as a huge PR stunt. Buss had to be sent home from the gym because she was crying; the decision “practically destroyed” her; she felted betrayed and devastated…. And she wasn’t even the one who wasn’t hired.

    And better yet, Buss and Jackson seem to be capitalizing from the life of ownership drama Buss now lives, following her father, Jerry Buss’s, death, in a new Showtime drama.

    Unfortunately, it seems as if Phil Jackson wouldn’t have been the saving grace the Lakers were looking for, regardless. Kobe Bryant faced an injury-prone season once again, Steve Nash seemed older than ever, and Dwight Howard was….Dwight Howard. Since the end of the season (in which the Lakers were crushed in the first round of the playoffs by the Spurs), Howard has taken his talents to the Rockets over disagreements with D’Antoni (OK – so perhaps Jackson was a better coach for Howard), and Bryant has stated that he will not look to take a pay-cut in order to land a big-name free-agent next year.

    In her memoir, Buss stated that the decision to hire D’Antoni probably came due to her father’s wishes “to go back to playing Showtime basketball.” It seems as if Jerry Buss is going to get his wish, only in a slightly altered, and much more dramatic, manner.

    Image via Twitter

  • Elena Delle Donne: Gorgeous Amazon Wins Rookie Of The Year at WNBA

    Elena Delle Donne may not be the tallest WNBA player ever, but her place in basketball history was immortalized this past Friday when she won the 2013 rookie of the year award.

    Donne secured all the 39 first place votes and was presented with the glittering coveted trophy by WNBA president Laurel J. Ritchie before Chicago Sky vs Indiana Fever playoff opener.

    ”I had the pleasure of watching Elena Delle Donne compete in her first WNBA game…and in my very, very humble estimation it seemed to have taken her maybe 10 minutes to make the transition from the college game to the professional game,” an excited Richie exclaimed.

    The gorgeous 6-foot-5 Amazon averaged 18.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and shot 93 percent from the free throw line to help the team from Illinois make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. What’s more, Chicago Sky earned the top spot in the Eastern Conference.

    Delle Donne, who has struggled with emotional and psychological burn-outs during her young mercurial career had this to say, ”I’m definitely humbled to be receiving this award among such a talented rookie class this season.”

    In her earlier years while playing college basketball Donne was facing emotional problems due to separation from her family. Donne has a deep unwavering bond with her older sister Lizzie, who is deaf, blind and has cerebral palsy. Eventually, she bounced back from the turmoil and performed better than ever. Watch Elena describing her relationship with her sister http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3BHHoBv8kc

    At the award ceremony, Delle Donne was joined by two of her teammates, center Sylvia Fowles and forward Swin Cash who were also honored by WNBA. Here is what Elena tweeted later:

    Not content with the award, she is pretty much raring to win the next game. Delle Donne also had some nice things to say about team mates which will certainly boost the team spirit and camaraderie – ”Truthfully, I talk about them because the individual accolades and the individual success doesn’t come without them…’They’ve helped me rise to the occasion game after game, practice after practice…I owe them a ton.”

    So will Elena help Chicago Sky win the WNBA championship this season? We will be watching closely.

    [image from twitter]

  • Lebron James Weds Girlfriend Savannah Brinson

    With two NBA championship rings under his belt, LeBron James has added yet another ring to his laudable collection – a wedding ring. According to E! Online, James’ wed his long-time girlfriend, Savannah Brinson, Saturday afternoon at the exclusive Capella Chapel at the Grand Del Mar Resort in San Diego, California. The three-day nuptial celebration began with a ‘welcome barbecue’ for guests on Friday, and concluded with a ‘farewell brunch’ on Sunday. The lavish festivities were orchestrated by high-end event planner Preston Bailey.

    Among the estimated 200 guest in attendance were notable stars such as James’ NBA colleagues Chris Paul, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony, Miami Heat owner Mickey Arison, Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, Dwayne Wade and girlfriend Gabrielle Union, R&B sensation Ne-Yo, and a plethora of other notable figures. Several sources also claim that Jay-Z and Beyonce, who’s currently on a Brazilian tour, took a moment to make a special guest appearance, performing their notable 2003 hit record “Crazy in Love” in dedication to the long-time couple.

    Brinson and James’ whirlwind romance dates back to their high school years where they met and fell in love. Brinson is also the mother of James’ two sons, LeBron James Jr., 8, and Bryce Maximus James, 6. James’ proposed to Brinson at the Shelbourne Hotel in South Beach on New Year’s Eve 2011. Brinson had previously spoke with Harper’s Bazaar in regards to her expectations of her relationship with James’ where she said, she’d often dreamed of being a bride since the age of 6. “I want it to be forever,” admitted Brinson in regards to her marital expectations. James has also gone on record with fond words of his new wife. “A person like myself always needs a great sidekick and a person you can rely on no matter the circumstances. And she’s that. She’s got my back and I love her for that,” James said with glowing admiration.

     

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

     

     

  • Allen Iverson: Ex Wants Child Support Upfront

    Allen Iverson, father of five, is waiting on a ruling from the court system on whether or not he should pay his ex, Tawanna Turner, upfront for the next 13 years. Iverson dodged jail time less than two months ago by giving Turner $40,000 in owed child support. Iverson apparently failed to pay because he felt they could reconcile.

    After battling in court numerous times, Iverson has a record of failing to pay this lump already. It wasn’t until Iverson was threatened with jail time, that he decided to pay her the owed amount, and NOT go to jail. Not only was Iverson in court for his lack of paying child support, but he was alleged by the courts and his ex in July that he abducted his children when refusing to return them, which he denied. Allen Iverson said on the Mo’nique show in July 2008, before youngest baby Dream arrived, “I’ve got four kids and one on the way. I’m the coach in that house. If I’m not setting a good example, then I’m failing as a father. That’s the last thing I’d want to do is fail my kids.” Tawanna has sole legal and primary physical custody of their children. Father of the year right?

    Tired and angry, Turner has now asked the courts for Iverson to pay up for the next 13 years worth upfront, totaling over $1.2 million. For an ex All-Star NBA player, this seems like pocket change.

    Iverson is stacked with athletic credentials including: former No. 1 overall pick out of Georgetown, the 1997 Rookie of the Year, the 2001 MVP, a three-time All-NBA First-Team selection and a four-time scoring champion. Iverson’s has not played in the NBA since 2010 and his professional career ended in 2011 playing in Turkey. Over the course of 1996 to 2010, he made over $150 million in his NBA career.

    According to divorce documents revealed in December, Iverson has some serious financial issues. Not to mention, is preparing to retire very soon, according to SlamOnline.

    Depending on the courts ruling, Iverson could face essentially paying Turner child support in its entirety now, instead of making payments through October 2026, when their youngest turns 18 years old. Allen has five children: oldest daughter Tiaura (b. 1995), son, Allen II (b. 1998), another son, named Isaiah, and second youngest daughter, named Messiah Lauren born in 2005. Dream Alijha is the youngest, born October 7, 2008.

    Turner plans to put this money in a trust for all the children. The courts as of yet, have not ruled on this decision.

  • Hermes Leather Basketball To Sell For $12,900

    Some items just make it abundantly clear that some people in the world have more money than they know what to do with. That is where companies like French fashion label Hermes come in to offer them ridiculously posh items that the common man could never afford and wouldn’t really want if they could.

    The latest such item is an all leather basketball produced by the company. And we’re not just talking any old leather, this is hand-stitched calfskin leather. It’s the same technique used in the companies “Birkin” bag, which is known for its extravagance and craftsmanship.

    The ball is also a unique shade of blue, which the company claims is meant to bring to mind “the sky, the ocean and all the beautiful pools that are a way of life in LA and Southern California.” I’m assuming that way of life only applies to the few that could afford this thing.

    American CEO of Hermes, Robert Chavez, was reassuring that the ball is game ready, even adding “The leather is sturdy, and why not make such a unique item come to life on the court?” The answer, Robert, is because you paid nearly $13,000 for it. Shooting free throws at the park with a hand-stitched leather ball that cost more than a car is the very definition of rich person craziness.

    Luckily, Hermes isn’t getting away from their bread and butter of making high fashion handbags. The company has only produced two of the basketballs, although they can special ordered, for those of you just dying to play a game of h-o-r-s-e with your child’s college fund.

    [Thanks to Design Taxi. Head over there for a look at the ball.]

  • Allen Iverson Will Soon Announce Retirement

    Allen Iverson, a past NBA star, will soon be announcing his retirement. His decision to make the announcement was just recently finalized and we should expect the news coming from him soon, says emerging reports.

    Iverson, one of the greatest guards to ever play for the National Basketball Association, has not played in the NBA since the 2009-2010 season. At that time, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers. He was a member of the NBA for 13 years and averaged 27 points per game during his career.

    He won a MVP regular season award and was a 11- time All-Star. During his NBA career, in 1996, he was the number one draft pick out of Georgetown. He has not, however, played basketball since 2011, when he played pro ball in Turkey.

    He has five children and recently commented on how they are a top priority in his life. In late March, when asked if he would ever return to the NBA, he replied to the public by saying “My No. 1 goal is trying to accomplish to be the best dad that I can. And if basketball is in my near future, then God will make that happen. But if not, I had a great ride and I’ve done a lot of special things that a lot of guys have not been able to accomplish and people thought I couldn’t accomplish.”

    In the past few years, Iverson has also been in and out of court. In January of this year, his divorce with Tawanna Turner was settled. They knew each other since high school and were married since 2001. She is the mother of his children.

    Since the divorce was filed in March of 2010, it has been brought up in the news that Allen Iverson has struggled with finances. His Atlanta mansion was sold in a foreclosure auction this past February.

    Although he has had a bumpy past few years, he will long be remembered as a legend in the NBA world. Could he possibly even be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame?!

    Be on the lookout, his decision regarding his retirement will probably become public in the next few days.

  • Kyrie Irving Will be on the Cover of NBA Live 14

    Video game publisher EA hasn’t put out an NBA Live game since 2009. NBA Live 13 was to have been released last year, but was abruptly cancelled in September. Despite EA Sports‘ lack of NBA titles over the past few years, the publisher is still insisting that NBA Live 14 will hit next-generation consoles this fall.

    In a sign that suggests the game actually is on the way, EA announced today that Kyrie Irving will be the cover athlete for NBA Live 14.

    Kyrie Irving on NBA Live 14

    “I’m so proud to be the face of this franchise as it makes its much-anticipated return,” Irving said. “I’ve been on the court with the development team and I’ve seen first-hand some of the amazing things EA Sports is doing with NBA Live 14. The fans are going to love it.”

    Irving was the overall first pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. During his short career for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Irving was named the 2012 NBA Rookie of the Year and a 2013 NBA All-Star.

    In addition to the announcement, EA has released a short teaser trailer featuring Irving. The trailer claims to show “actual in-game footage” from NBA Live 14. Though the graphics on the digital Irving look nice, the synchronized audience clapping in the background suggests there may still be work to be done on the next-gen title.

  • Fox News Host Nails ‘Trick Shot Titus’ in the Face – or Brian Kilmeade Makes Toddler Cry on National Television

    It didn’t take long for “Trick Shot” Titus Ashby, the toddler with amazing basketball skills, to make his way from YouTube star to national sensation. He’s taken his unique over-the-head shot all over the talk show circuit, impressing millions with his incredible accuracy.

    Nothing can stop him! Except maybe a ball to the face.

    Here’s Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade nailing Trick Shot Titus in the nose and making him cry on national television. For shame, Kilmeade, for shame.

    It’s ok. When he grows up, Titus will always have this epic moment to look back on with a smile:

  • Brad Stevens Hired As New Celtics Coach

    The Butler Bulldogs will play their first season in the revamped Big East next season, but they will do so without wonderboy coach Brad Stevens.

    As reported by ESPN this afternoon, the Boston Celtics have hired Stevens to replace former coach Doc Rivers. Rivers parted with the Celtics earlier this week to become coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. Rivers is highly respected around the NBA and losing him was seen as a major blow to Boston, but they wasted no time in bringing in an exciting replacement.

    Stevens first gained national attention as the young, strategically brilliant coach of an overachieving Butler team that found their way to the National Championship game against Duke; a game in which the Bulldogs nearly captured the title on a last-second shot. A repeat performance the following year cemented Stevens as one of the hottest names in coaching, collegiate or otherwise.

    Stevens will become Boston’s coach despite having a contract with Butler University that was to extend to the 2021-2022 season. While he had turned down prestigious coaching offers in the past, the lure of the green and white proved to be enough, as sports writer J.A. Adande expressed on Twitter following the announcement of the hire.

    The move proves that even the most dedicated of college coaches can be pulled away by the possibility of greatness on the next level, not to mention the salary increase. Stevens joins the ranks of such other coaches as Rick Pitino, John Calipari, and Larry Brown, who all made the jump to the pros. Brown remains the only coach to win a championship at both collegiate and professional levels, doing so with the Kansas University Jayhawks and the Detroit Pistons respectively. Whether or not Stevens can become the second is the question on everyone’s mind.

  • NBA 2K14 Will Include Euroleague Teams

    Basketball video games have traditionally been only NBA- or NCAA-branded. Professionals and soon-to-be professionals in the U.S. were almost all the world could play as on home consoles. Now, 2K Sports is ending that trend by including Euroleague teams and players in the next NBA 2K game.

    2K Games and Turkish Airlines Euroleague basketball have announced that “top teams” from the Euroleague will be included in NBA 2K14. For the first time, 14 Euroleague teams will be included in an NBA 2K game: Alba Berlin, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, CSKA Moscow, EA7 Emporio Armani Milano, Montepaschi Siena, Fenerbahçe Ülker Istanbul, Anadolu Efes Istanbul, Olympiacos Piraeus, Panathinaikos Athens, Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv, Zalgiris Kaunas, Unicaja Málaga, and Laboral Kutxa Vitoria.

    “We are very proud to collaborate with 2K Sports by introducing our teams and players into the best basketball video game in the world,” said Jordi Bertomeu, CEO of Euroleague. “With this partnership, we’re able to bring fans one step closer to the action by ushering the Euroleague into the global gaming community.”

    Despite the addition of the Euroleague teams, the NBA will still be the major focus of NBA 2K14. LeBron James will be the cover athlete for the game, even in Europe.

  • Here’s a Nice Map of NBA Finals Facebook Buzz

    According to Facebook, there were over 100 million interactions (posts, comments, likes) about the NBA Finals before Thursday night’s Game 7.

    And 70% of the buzz about individual players belonged to none other than LeBron James. In fact, James was discussed more than 8 times as much as the guy who was discussed the second-most, the Spurs’ Tony Parker.

    Facebook has published this nice little map of all the buzz generated about the NBA finals. As you can see, discussions involving the Miami Heat domiated the coasts.

    Oh, and they throw in this tidbit that show just how popular LeBron James really is on Facebpok:

    “In fact, Miami was already the most popular NBA team on Facebook leading into the Finals, thanks to LeBron James. James is the most popular NBA player on Facebook, with more than 14 million fans and nearly 400,000 fans in Texas alone. That means he has more fans in the Spurs home state than San Antonio’s five starters, plus teammate Manu Ginobili, combined.”

    Wow.

  • Allen Iverson Accused of Kidnapping Children

    Former NBA all-star Allen Iverson has been accused of kidnapping his own children.

    According to TMZ, Allen’s ex-wife has filed courtroom documents claiming that Iverson has not returned his five children after taking them on vacation. Tawanna Iverson states that Allen took their children, who range in age from three to 16, on a trip to North Carolina on May 22. The children were supposed to have been returned to Tawanna by May 26, but have still not been handed over.

    Tawanna also claims that the children were subsequently to be returned to her on June 4th, but that Allen did not show up for the exchange. She believes that Allen is keeping the children at a hotel in Georgia. Allen has also filed court documents claiming that Tawanna’s assertions are untrue.

    Tawanna and Allen have been battling it out over custody and child support payments for years. Tawanna filed for divorce from Iverson in 2010, and has full custody of the children. She has filed court documents in the past claiming that Allen has not paid child support since their divorce.

    The divorce came just as Allen’s NBA career was coming to an end. Though he had signed on once again with the Philadelphia 76ers, he began missing games, he claimed, to attend to the health of his daughter Messiah. Reports at the time began surfacing that Iverson had been indulging in heavy drinking and gambling, and was in significant debt as a result.

    (via TMZ)

  • Mike Mussina Becomes High School Basketball Coach

    Former Major League pitcher Mike Mussina has been named the head boys basketball coach at the high school from which he graduated. The Montoursville School Board voted unanimously on Tuesday to name Mussina the head coach at Montoursville Area High School.

    Mussina graduated from Montoursville Area High School in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in 1987. He played both basketball and baseball during his time at the school, scoring an impressive 1,382 points during his time on the basketball team.

    Mussina was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles immediately after high school, but elected instead to go to college. He attended Stanford University, where he graduated with a degree in economics and spent three years as one of the Standford baseball team’s top pitchers. He was drafted by the Orioles a second time after college in 1990. After only two years in the minors he made his debut with the Orioles in 1992. He played in Baltimore until 2001, when he went to the New York Yankees. He played seven seasons with the Yankees before retiring in 2008.

    During his time in the majors he was a five-time All Star and a seven-time Gold Glove winner. He also made two appearances in the World Series, in 2001 and 2003 with the New York Yankees.

    The Montoursville Warriors have had a rough few seasons. According to the Williamsport Sun Gazette, they went 5-17 last season and have not made the playoffs since 2008. Mussina will be the team’s third coach in five years.

    Mussina, who has coached youth baseball and basketball since retiring from the Yankees, will earn a stipend of $4,170 for coaching the Montoursville this season.

  • Maria Menounos Parties With Kardashians, Dishes Dirt On Nicholson

    Maria Menounos is in headlines this week after celebrating her birthday with the Kardashians and then dishing some dirt on Jack Nicholson.

    Menounos threw herself a birthday fete at her home last week and invited the reality-show family as well as Derek Hough, Julianne Hough, and Mel Gibson. The luau-themed celebration was prefaced with a pool-party, during which everyone got hammered on all-you-can-drink Patron.

    “My pre pool party was so fun I am wasted am trying to get sober for my real party at 8!” she tweeted. “Over 50 people showering and getting ready in my house right now! So fun!”

    The “Extra” host also visited Conan O’Brien this week and talked about her run-in with Jack Nicholson at a Lakers game.

    “We made it our business, our second job, to go to all these games and really rally for our team,” she explained. “And all of a sudden — we’re courtside, I’m screaming, going crazy — I get booted! These guys come and pull us out! I’m like, ‘What is going on?’”

    Apparently Nicholson is a die-hard Lakers fan and didn’t appreciate that Menounos was wearing the Boston Celtics’ signature green. Later, after bumping into him in the Chairman’s Lounge, Menounos realized what had happened.

    “He’s like, ‘Heh, heh, heh, heh.’ And I thought really quickly and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, what if he…’ And he’s like, ‘I see they moved your seat.’ He got me kicked out! I heard later he called [late Lakers owner] Jerry Buss and had me removed!”

  • Patrick Ewing Signs on as Charlotte Bobcats Assistant Coach

    The Charlotte Bobcats this week hired legendary NBA star Patrick Ewing as an assistant coach.

    According to the Charlotte Observer, the NBA team has hired Ewing to serve as “top” assistant to head coach Steve Clifford. His title will be “associate head coach.”

    Ewing retired from NBA basketball in 2002, after a 16-year career. He was the first pick in the 1985 NBA Draft, and played for the New York Knicks for 15 years before finishing his career with the Seattle SuperSonics and the Orlando Magic. He was named an NBA all-star 11 times during his playing days, and was NBA Rookie of the Year in 1986. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.

    After retiring, Ewing began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets. In 2007 he moved on to an assistant coaching position with the Orlando Magic, working under coach Jeff Van Gundy until now.

    (Image courtesy Seidenstud/Wikimedia Commons)
    (Via Charlotte Observer)

  • Shaq, 2-Year-Old Compete in Shooting Contest [VIDEO]

    Earlier this year, a 2-year-old nicknamed “Trick Shot Titus” gained internet fame for a video that depicted his amazing trick-shot basketball shooting ability. Now, late night television has pitted him against one of the NBA’s most notoriously poor free throw shooters.

    Jimmy Kimmel had Titus on Jimmy Kimmel Live this week, and pitted him against none other than Shaquille O’Neal. Both Titus and Shaq got 30 seconds to sink as many shots as possible. Both of the nets were set to each contestant’s height. Titus shot from six feet away, while Shaq shot from 16.

    It’s unclear exactly why Shaq signed up for possibly embarrassing himself. Without spoiling too much, Titus now has the perfect video to show off to the girls in his future preschool class:

  • LeBron James is the NBA 2K14 Cover Athlete

    While EA Sports has been canceling its yearly NBA video games, 2K has been dominating the basketball video game segment. This year appears to be no exception.

    2K Sports today announced that LeBron James will be the cover athlete for NBA 2K14. In contrast to EA Sports titles that partially take fan voting tournaments into consideration, 2K seems to have chosen James for his broad popularity and for being NBA MVP for the past two seasons.

    “My friends, family, and fans all know how much I love NBA 2K,” said James.” “I remember, as a kid, getting so excited for the game to come out and see who was on the cover and it’s amazing to be a part of this great tradition. I love partnerships and opportunities that connect me directly with fans. I know from my own experience and now watching my own kids, NBA 2K is among the coolest and purest ways for fans to connect to the NBA. I love being a part of it.”

    James will also be a part of NBA 2K14‘s pre-order DLC, which has been titled the King James Bonus Pack. The add-on content comes with extra “virtual currency,” extra content for the “Path to Greatness” mode, a “LeBron James Signature Skill” for players’ “MyPlayer,” and unlocks James for “Blacktop Mode” play.

    NBA 2K14 cover

  • Jason Kidd Retires From NBA Basketball

    NBA star Jason Kidd today announced his retirement from basketball.

    “My time in professional basketball has been an incredible journey, but one that must come to an end after 19 years,” said Kidd. “As I reflect on my time with the four teams I represented in the NBA, I look back fondly at every season and thank each every one of my teammates and coaches that joined me on the court.”

    Kidd was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft. During his career, he moved on to play for the Phoenix Suns, the New Jersey Nets, and the New York Knicks. He returned to play for the Mavericks in 2008, and led the team to an NBA Championship in 2011.

    Kidd was named to the NBA All-Star team ten times during his career, and was co-Rookie of the Year in 1995. He also won two Olympic gold medals playing for the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team in 2000 and 2008.

    “Jason’s value to the Knicks and the National Basketball Association cannot be quantified by statistics alone,” said Glen Grunwald, general manager of the Knicks. “Everyone here in New York saw firsthand what a tremendous competitor he is and why Jason is considered to be one of the best point guards, and leaders, the game has ever seen.”

    Kidd’s announcement comes just after fellow NBA star Grand Hill announced his retirement. Hill was also an NBA All-Star who had a 19-year career in the NBA. He shared the 1995 NBA Rookie of the Year award with Kidd.

    (Image courtesy Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons)

  • Grant Hill Retires From NBA Basketball

    After a long 19-year career, NBA star Grant Hill has announced his retirement. The 40-year-old has been an NBA All-Star seven times, and will end his career with averages of 16.7 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game.

    “The entire Clippers organization wants to congratulate Grant on an incredible career,” said Gary Sacks, Los Angeles Clippers VP of basketball operations. “For 19 years, Grant has always been the embodiment of class, a true professional and not only one of the best players – but one of the finest individuals I have been around. We were fortunate to have Grant with us last season, and we wish him all the best in his next endeavor.”

    After winning two NCAA Championships with Duke University, Hill was drafted in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. IN 1996 he won a gold medal with the U.S. men’s national basketball team (‘Dream Team III’) in the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Hill played for the Pistons until 2000, when he signed with the Orlando Magic. Just before the end of his stint as a Piston, Hill injured his left ankle, an injury that would plague him throughout his career.

    In 2007, Hill signed with the Phoenix Suns, where he would play until 2012. His final season was played for the Los Angeles Clippers, though he missed much of the season due to a knee injury.

    Hill has been married to singer Tamia Hill for over 13 years. The couple have two children, an 11-year-old, and a 5-year-old.

    (Image courtesy Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons)

  • Tim Duncan Divorce Could be Put on Hold For Playoffs

    San Antonio Spurs basketball star Tim Duncan is reportedly in the midst of a divorce.

    According to a report from a local San Antonio news station, Duncan and his wife Amy are getting divorced after 13 years of marriage. The couple share two young children, one daughter and one son. The couple were reportedly trying to keep the divorce quiet by using their initials in court documents.

    The Spurs organization has stated that Duncan’s divorce will not affect the team or the NBA playoffs.

    A TMZ report has also cited court documents that state Duncan has requested the divorce proceedings be postponed until after after the NBA playoffs, which the Spurs stand a chance of winning. The report also shows that the divorce was filed by Duncan’s wife, who claims the marriage is full of “discord and conflict.” The couple allegedly has a prenuptial agreement that Duncan is attempting to enforce.

    (Image courtesy Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons)

  • Dwight Howard Report: Interested in the Rockets, Mavs

    Dwight Howard is scheduled to become a free agent this summer, and the Lakers are hoping to lock the NBA star down to a long-term contract. However, it seems that other teams may have an interest in the 27-year-old center.

    A CBS Sports report this weekend stated that Howard is “far” from re-signing with the Lakers. The report also sparked rumors that Howard is intrigued by the possibility of signing with the Houston Rockets.

    Citing unnamed “multiple people briefed on internal conversations surrounding Howard’s free-agent decision,” the report points out that Houston’s line-up could easily be adjusted to make room for Howard. The sources also stated that Howard could be very interested in the Dallas Mavericks. In addition to that, an unnamed “person briefed on [Howard’s] plans” also told CBS that Howard will be taking “a hard look” at several different teams.

    Despite Howard’s apparent interest in Texas, the Lakers still do have the advantage over other teams when bidding for the star. As CBS points out, the Lakers will be able to offer Howard a five-year deal with a 7.5% annual salary increase, which exceeds the 4.5% annual salary increase other teams will be offering.