Tag: NBA

  • Boston Celtics In Istanbul With Very Different Team for the 2012-13 NBA Season  Read more: http://www.irishcentral.com/story/sport/sports-central/boston-celtics-in-istanbul-with-very-different-team-for-the-2012-13-nba-season-172873081.html#ixzz28WiPhyR9

    Boston Celtics In Istanbul With Very Different Team for the 2012-13 NBA Season Read more: http://www.irishcentral.com/story/sport/sports-central/boston-celtics-in-istanbul-with-very-different-team-for-the-2012-13-nba-season-172873081.html#ixzz28WiPhyR9

    If the Boston Celtics were anything in the 2011-12 NBA Season, they were a weary boxer. This boxer was entering the season hoping, rather than expecting, to compete for a title. However, he had to overcome both his own limitations and the ever improving opponents who stood in his way.
    81Early on the boxer’s legs quivered. He stumbled through the early rounds of his first fight, a fight that tested his attrition and technique over the ability to land knockout blows. A lockout prior to the fight was supposed to have helped the boxer. He was more experienced and had less to find out about himself. Yet, that didn’t prove true initially. If anything, the lockout looked set to hurt the older boxer. Instead of facing 10 tough rounds, he was instead facing nine rounds that were twice as taxing.
    The boxer didn’t panic though. He knew he was only struggling because of an early shot to his right arm. The boxer had historically relied on his right hook, a punch that was so good it was nicknamed ‘The Truth’ by an opponent in a bout 10 years previous. That right hook was shelved early on as the arm was too limp to be fully effective.
    After holding his opponent to a 5-9 gap however, ‘The Truth’ finally made his presence felt. ‘The Truth’ carried the boxer to a 15-12 lead by the next interval, before eventually winning out 39-27 after nine excruciating rounds.
    The boxer was beaten and bruised, but not defeated. He carried all the bruises and cuts of his previous fight into the next stage of his supposed swan-song. After sweeping by an inferior opponent, the weary boxer outlasted a tough matchup in a fight that went the full seven rounds. That left him one fight away from contending for the title, but that fight was against the oddsmakers’ favourites. That fight was the one that was one step too far.
    In that fight, the Boston Celtics eventually were forced to surrender to the might of the Miami Heat and Lebron James.
    It was supposed to be a fairytale ending for the Celtics in their final season with the big-three, but James eventually dismantled their hopes in the Eastern Conference finals. James then stole the Celtics’ fairytale ending by winning the ring that they felt was meant for them.
    All was lost. It was time for the franchise to dive into full-on rebuild mode and start from scratch. Kevin Garnett will retire, Ray Allen will leave and Paul Pierce could be traded. The team was going to be about Rajon Rondo and whatever they could get in the NBA draft with their two first round picks. It was a dark time for the basketball fans of Boston.
    But then, the purveyor of light in Boston for so many years shone once again.
    Celtics head coach Doc Rivers didn’t buy the hype. He didn’t care for age, Rivers only cared about building his team to beat the NBA’s best…now, not later. Rivers entered the off-season with all the optimism of one of the coaches of one of the most famous franchises in sports should do. First he spoke about bringing back the big three, then he set about doing it.
    Rivers and general manager Danny Ainge re-signed Kevin Garnett once he decided not to retire. Garnett was surprisingly given a three year deal with hefty compensation, but that may just reflect how ageless his career has been in recent times. Garnett was joined by another veteran NBA champion, as Jason Terry was signed from the Dallas Mavericks.
    Terry’s signing was melancholic for some, as many read it as a sign that Ray Allen would not return. Doc Rivers was attempting to bring back Allen despite signing Terry, but just as the Celtics’ optimism was about to multiple, Lebron James’ Miami Heat swept in to steal the limelight once again. Allen joined the Heat over the Celtics, despite the Celtics offering him more money.
    Allen had issues with Rajon Rondo, but blatantly saw the Heat as a more favourable championship contender. Even though he never said a word about it, the decision to leave was damnation enough to demoralize a fanbase and franchise.
    Once again Rivers wasn’t ready to give in.
    Allen’s loss may have proved to be a blessing in disguise as the Celtics replaced him with Courtney Lee. A much younger, more athletic perimeter player who arrived from the Houston Rockets in free agency. The combination of Lee, Terry, Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley offers the Celtics a huge amount of flexibility that wasn’t present last season. Bradley must return from a shoulder injury, but with he, Rondo and Terry all capable of playing point guard, with various skill-sets, the Celtics can ask more questions of defenses. While Lee, Rondo and Bradley are all outstanding defensive players who will improve the team’s buffer on the edges.
    The Celtics problems weren’t going to be solved by simply replacing Ray Allen though.
    Garnett may have been re-signed, but the power forward come center needed better help in the backcourt. Impressive starter Brandon Bass was re-signed as a free agent, while Chris Wilcox returns from a heart condition that caused him to miss much of last season. The two first round picks that were previously thought of as potential cornerstones were turned into Jared Sullinger and Fab Melo, a center-power forward combination with differing skill-sets. Throw in veterans Jason Collins and Darko Milicic to make the Celtics vastly improved in the paint this year.
    The bigs that the Celtics signed will be important, but the true gamechanged could prove to be Jeff Green. Green was re-signed in the off-season after missing all of last season with a heart condition. Green was the primary piece that the Celtics received from the Oklahoma City Thunder for Kendrick Perkins two seasons ago. If fully healthy, Green will give the Celtics a very athletic small forward to spell Paul Pierce.
    Pierce looked tired towards the end of last season, even before his knee injury, after carrying the roster through the regular season. Green’s ability to match up to the faster perimeter players in the league today will afford the Celtics the opportunity to better manage Pierce’s valuable minutes. The Celtics have relied on Pierce for a long time, but this year the roster is set up to alleviate the pressure on him.
    Rajon Rondo’s continued ascension as a superstar, Jason Terry’s scoring ability, as well as Courtney Lee, Avery Bradley and Jeff Green’s defensive versatility will allow Pierce to take a back-seat in certain aspects of the game. Pierce has spent vast junctures of his career carrying the franchise, but now it is time for the franchise to carry him. That can only be beneficial for Doc Rivers’ side on the whole.
    The Celtics entered last season in a swan-song year as the form of a weary boxer. Their off-season moves this year have removed any notion of a swan-song while nobody is weary as the team enters training camp in Istanbul this week.
    It is yet to be determined if the Boston Celtics of this season will be better than last, but one thing is for sure.
    This is going to be a very different season compared to last year’s.
    Read more:
  • Celtics Coming To A City Near (And Far From) You

    Celtics Coming To A City Near (And Far From) You

    There may be no team more busy than Boston this off-season. Not only does Danny have to fill out a fifteen man roster than only boasts four signed players and decide two first round picks (and another at #51), the Celtics have a very busy schedule before even the pre-season starts.

    Celtics Dancers
    Celtics Dancers

     

    Boston is signed up for both summer leagues in Orlando and Las Vegas. Click on the link for schedules. The Celtics will also join the Dallas Mavericks to represent the league in the NBA Live Europe 2012 showcase.

    NBA Europe Live 2012 To Showcase Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Top Euroleague Teams

    The four-game tour tips off on Oct. 5 when the 17-time NBA Champion Boston Celtics play five-time Turkish Champions Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul at the newly opened, state-of-the-art Ulker Sports Arena in Istanbul, Turkey…Next stop is Milan, Italy, where 25-time Italian Champions EA7 Emporio Armani will match up against the Celtics at the Mediolanum Forum on Oct.7.

    People have cited a lack of training camp as a big reason why Purduo–JaJuan Johnson and E’Twaun Moore–didn’t see a lot of floor time last season. They’ll get a lot of run in the summer leagues and we’ll get to see how JJJ plays with his added weight. My fingers are crossed that he can take an Avery Bradley-like leap next season. There’s also picks #21 and #22. There are rumors that the Celtics might be looking to trade up, but if they stand pat, those are two guys that will also definitely compete in Orlando and Vegas. There really hasn’t been a star turn for a Celtic in summer league play, but guys can definitely play themselves into an invite to training camp and maybe even the team. I remember when Luke Harangody was drafted at #52 and nobody expected him to even make the team. He shined in Orlando and made the cut.

    With the two game trip to Europe, it sounds like 2007 all over again. That year, the newly formed Big Three went to Rome and bonded as a team. Nine months later, they were beating the Lakers in The Finals and bringing home #17. Doc is on record saying that he likes taking training camp overseas:

    Passports needed for 2012-13 preseason

    “I love when we go [away for camp],” said Rivers. “I’ve always liked it, if it’s done right. And we will find that out later — we don’t know if we’re going to go over there and be our training camp, or if we’re going to do the quick trip. I’m not a big fan of the quick trip. I think when you go over there, go over there, and have camp there. I think it’s a great team-bonding trip. I’m hoping that’s what we do, but that hasn’t been clarified yet.”

    Ray and KG, please re-sign. For a minute, forget about the chance to win another ring in Boston and retiring your numbers in the Garden. Istanbul and Milan are beautiful in October.

    via Celtics Coming To A City Near (And Far From) You – CelticsBlog.

  • Nets Star Has Deal to Play in Turkey

    Nets Star Has Deal to Play in Turkey

    By HOWARD BECK and PETE THAMEL

    Deron Williams is set to become the biggest N.B.A. star to play in Europe — a development that is bursting with intrigue, risks and caveats.

    Chris Trotman/Getty Images  The Nets consider Deron Williams, a two-time All-Star point guard, as a key to their future.
    Chris Trotman/Getty Images The Nets consider Deron Williams, a two-time All-Star point guard, as a key to their future.

    Williams, the Nets’ star point guard, has agreed in principle to a one-year deal with the Turkish club Besiktas, according to the team’s coach. His commitment would begin Sept. 1 — when the N.B.A.’s lockout would be two months old — and the deal includes an escape clause allowing him to return when the lockout ends.

    “It’s the biggest signing in the history of European basketball,” Ergin Ataman, Besiktas’ excitable coach, said Thursday.

    The agreement was confirmed by Misko Raznatovic, a European agent who works with Jeff Schwartz, the Los Angeles-based agent who represents Williams. Ataman and Raznatovic first met last month in Istanbul to discuss possible deals involving N.B.A. players.

    Reports have pegged Williams’s salary between $200,000 and $350,000 a month, or $2 million to $3.5 million for the 10-month Turkish league season. Raznatovic said that Williams, 27, would get between $1 million and $5 million, plus a car, housing and the tax breaks associated with playing overseas. He will also be provided with a security guard, driver and personal assistant, all of them available 24 hours a day. Ataman later told SI.com that Williams’s deal would be paid for by a sponsor.

    Ataman said he expected the deal to become official within 24 hours, and that the club’s president, Yildirim Demiroren, would hold a news conference in the United States next week.

    Besiktas opens its season Sept. 27. If Williams is on the court, he would be — by far — the biggest N.B.A. star to play overseas in his prime. But that day is far away, and Williams must first gain approval from the N.B.A. and FIBA, the world governing body for basketball.

    In general, FIBA and the N.B.A. have an arrangement that precludes teams from signing players who are already under contract. But that agreement became moot July 1, when the N.B.A.’s labor deal expired and the league locked out its players.

    “If there’s a lockout, the players are free; their contracts are suspended,” Commissioner David Stern said in February. “It’s that simple.”

    N.B.A. officials reaffirmed that position Thursday, but indicated that they had not received any inquiry from FIBA regarding Williams.

    FIBA has the authority to reject the deal if it determines, for instance, that signing N.B.A. players poses a risk to the stability of the European leagues — because those players could leave at any time once the lockout ends. But there are no indications that FIBA intends to intervene.

    FIBA has not yet been approached by Besiktas or the Turkish league regarding the Williams deal, according to a spokesman. It also has not established a policy for N.B.A. players under contract.

    “We are currently working on a statement that will be sent to our membership and their clubs, that will clarify the legal situation,” Patrick Koller, FIBA’s head of communications, said in an e-mail.

    Even if he gains approval, Williams could be risking the $34 million and two years left on his deal with the Nets. N.B.A. contracts are not insured against injuries sustained in another league. Conceivably, Besiktas could pay to insure Williams’s Nets contract, but it could cost as much as $6.8 million.

    The Nets have no ability to block the move. Nor can team officials comment publicly, because Stern has prohibited all N.B.A. personnel from talking about players during the lockout.

    News of Williams’s deal with Besiktas was greeted with surprise and heavy skepticism by a number of N.B.A. agents and executives Thursday. One prominent agent said it was not worth the risk and expressed doubt that Williams would ever put on a Besiktas uniform.

    “A lot can happen in two months,” said the agent, who did not want to be named discussing a player he did not represent.

    Skeptics also cited a weak European economy and a history of European clubs failing to pay their players. Last season, Besiktas players briefly staged a strike when the team fell behind in paying them.

    Although some N.B.A. stars have played overseas — notably Dominique Wilkins and Bob McAdoo — all of them made the move in the twilight of their careers. Allen Iverson played briefly for Besiktas last season, because no N.B.A. team would sign him. In 1989, Danny Ferry, the No. 2 pick in the draft, left for Italy rather than play for the dysfunctional Los Angeles Clippers. Despite his high draft standing, Ferry never became a star once he returned to the N.B.A.

    Williams is different. He is a two-time All-Star and is widely regarded, along with Chris Paul of New Orleans, as one of the game’s top two point guards. The Nets are counting on him to be their franchise player for years to come, and to help attract crowds when they move to Brooklyn in 2012.

    If Williams plays for Besiktas, he will likely be an anomaly. Few teams in Europe have the resources to pay top N.B.A. players. And the best teams, including those in the Euroleague, will be reluctant to break up their rosters just to rent an N.B.A. player for a month or two.

    “This will be, I think, a fairly unique situation,” said Marc Cornstein, an N.B.A. agent who represents several international players. “Because you’re just not going to find a real combination of teams that can afford these kind of salaries, but also be willing to let a guy go the minute the lockout ends.”

    Ataman said Zaza Pachulia, who plays for the Atlanta Hawks, also has an agreement to play for Besiktas. And the club is not done recruiting locked-out N.B.A. players, he said.

    “If there’s a possibility, we’ll talk with Kobe if he’d like to play in Europe with Deron and with other guys to play we can talk with him,” Ataman said. “If Kobe would like to play with us, we will also contact his agent and maybe with him.”

    Ataman acknowledged the risk that the lockout would end and Williams would leave. But, he said, “We’re happy, because Turkish boys will watch him play live.”

    Pete Thamel contributed reporting.

    A version of this article appeared in print on July 8, 2011, on page B10 of the New York edition with the headline: Nets Star Has Deal To Play In Turkey.
  • Turkey’s U.S. ambassador issues statement supporting Jazz’s Kanter

    Turkey’s U.S. ambassador issues statement supporting Jazz’s Kanter

    Namik Tan, Turkey’s ambassador to the United States, issued a statement about the Jazz drafting Enes Kanter.

    “The Utah Jazz’ selection of Enes Kanter extends the rich bilateral basketball relationship between the United States and Turkey. Enes becomes the sixth Turk to currently play in the NBA, joining Hedo Turkoglu, Mehmet Okur, Semih Erden, Omer Asik and Ersan Ilyasova. As a country, Turkey is proud of its basketball roots and its growing ranks in the NBA.

    “I’m confident Enes has all of the tools to be a great player in the NBA for many years to come and I’m looking forward to watching him play when he comes through Washington. I would like to extend my congratulations to Enes and his family on this terrific honor. Kudos as well to the Utah Jazz on a very wise selection.”

    Brian T. Smith

    Twitter: @tribjazz

    facebook.com/tribjazz

    via Turkey’s U.S. ambassador issues statement supporting Jazz’s Kanter | Utah Jazz Notes | The Salt Lake Tribune.

  • Hornets Cheerleaders in Istanbul

    Hornets Cheerleaders in Istanbul

    NEW ORLEANS—The New Orleans Hornets Honeybees participated in the NBA 5 United in Istanbul, Turkey during the first week of June.

    1011HB gallerygroup

    Six members of the squad traveled to Istanbul where they performed, signed autographs and connected with fans. In the past, members of the Honeybees have had the chance to participate in similar events in China, Spain, Germany and France, as well as a military tour in Kosovo.

    “Being able to travel overseas with the Honeybees and bring the excitement of the NBA to fans all over the world is an amazing opportunity,” said Honeybee Manager and Choreographer Ashley Deaton. “The girls who have had the chance to participate in such events have had a blast and made some lasting memories. Interacting and entertaining our international NBA fans is always the best part. They have been so adoring.”

    The NBA 5 United Tour 2011 is a grassroots tour that combines competitive outdoor 5-on-5 tournaments with fun interactive basketball elements. Fans can also participate in dunk and skills contests, interact with NBA players and dance teams in autograph sessions and see performances by the dance teams.

    The event for the NBA 5 United was located right off the shores of the Marmara Sea. They had set up four small courts for the 5-on-5 tournament. Hundreds of players were in attendance wearing jerseys of their favorite NBA team, Hornets included. During the performances, fans were holding up our posters, chanting “Honeybees”, and clapping along to the music.

    Joe’s take- Sending Hornets cheerleaders around the globe in what will likely increase the number of Hornets fans? Sounds like a good plan to me.

    via Hornets Cheerleaders in Istanbul | New Orleans Hornets | Hornets247.com.

  • Turkish center Kanter hopes Wizards pick him

    Turkish center Kanter hopes Wizards pick him

    ept sports rumors 163100049 1305886627 thumbThe Washington Wizards only won 23 games this past season and will pick sixth in the upcoming draft. The Washington Post reports that there is at least one player who would really like to find himself in D.C.: 6-11 Enes Kanter.

    “If I had the choice, I like Washington,” Kanter told reporters, according to the Post. However, Kanter, who grew up in Turkey, is expected to be selected before the Wizards get a chance, the paper notes.

    The Post suggests that more realistic options for the Wizards are San Diego State sophomore swingman Kawhi Leonard, Texas freshman forward Tristan Thompson, Kansas twin junior forwards Markieff Morris or Marcus Morris, center Jan Vesely from the Czech Republic, or Lithuanian forwards Jonas Valanciunas or Donatas Motiejunas.

    The Wizards met with Kanter Wednesday and have an interview set up with another possibility, Arizona Wildcats forward Derrick Williams, but the Post notes that he too will likely be gone by the time the Wizards pick.

    The 18-year-old Kanter is currently an assistant coach at Kentucky because he’s been ruled ineligible to play in the NCAA due to receiving money from a team in Turkey.

    via Turkish center Kanter hopes Wizards pick him – Scoop Du Jour – MLB Blog – Yahoo! Sports.