Report: Stephen Jackson Wants Trade to Contender

The Warriors aren’t going anywhere, so this isn’t surprising.  I think the Cavaliers would be the best fit for him.  I have a trade idea that I think would get the deal done.  The Warriors would trade Stephen Jackson and would receive Delonte West, J.J. Hickson, and Darnell Jackson.

ESPN: Golden State Warriors forward Stephen Jackson says he has requested a trade and prefers to be dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers or any of the NBA’s three teams in Texas.

Jackson’s wishes are rooted in a desire to play for a team that consistently makes the postseason, he says, something the Warriors have done only once in the past 15 seasons.

“At this point, I’m 31 years old. I have four or five years left,” Jackson told Dime Magazine on Friday. “I want to be in a situation where I can continually be in the playoffs and get another ring. So that’s where my mind is at now.”

Jackson, speaking to the magazine in New York during a promotional event for a shoe line, said the status of his demand is pending.

“It’s not about a decision I made,” he told Dime Magazine. “It’s just things are in the air right now. I really can’t get too much into it right now.”

When prompted with a question from the event’s host about the Warriors’ playoff chances, Jackson, who was attending the event with former teammate Al Harrington, told the crowd: “I don’t think I’ll be a Warrior next year. I’m looking to leave.”

What’s In A Number? Someone Ask Tracy McGrady, Please?

So the Houston Rockets’ Tracy McGrady will be looking to wear the #3 jersey when the new season opens up for his team . With the newly signed Trevor Ariza seemingly in to make an easy transition after the departure of Ron Artest westward bound to the Los Angeles Lakers . One would surmise that the Rockets will be looking towards legitimacy as a contender within the Western Conference.

Chase Budinger (10) of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket in an NBA Summer League game played against the Minnesota T'wolves at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas, Nv,. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Garrett W. Ellwood ............

However , with the impending loss of All-Star center Yao Ming quite possibly for a season , if not an abrupt end to an already tangible career within the NBA. It has to be said that the future as to the Rockets’ fortunes may well rest squarely on the shoulders of McGrady. In some circles Tracy McGrady has been viewed as the quintessential player. In others he’s viewed as a players who’s never quite lived up to the early promise shown. Be it either through a lack of maturity on his part. Or the mere fact he’s merely not a team player and who’s merely about the stats alone.

Rockets' guard Tracy McGrady . picture appears courtesy of globesports.com/ Everett Cooper .................

One thing is most definitely certain is that this year will either be a make or break year for both McGrady and the Houston Rockets. After last year’s disappointment of the postseason ,wherein the loss to the Lakers in the conference semi-finals 4-3 brought about an abrupt end to their postseason ambitions in the NBA. Another season of disappointment and GM Dary Morey and the team’s coach Rick Adelman will have to take good , long and hard look at the team’s roster.

Jermaine Taylor of the Houston Rockets shoots a free throw against the T'wolves in an NBA Summer League Game played at the Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas , Nv,. picture appears courtesy of nbae/ getty images/ Garrett W Ellwood .........

The team’s draft was deemed to be a success. And with the additions of Chase Budinger , Sergio Lull and Jermaine Taylor as rookies on the roster. These players ought to complement a core group of talented players that showed some promise initially in the playoffs. And in particular the play and contribution made by third year point guard Aaron Brooks. The player , himself , showed a great deal of maturity and leadership throughout much of the playoffs. And were it not for the unevenness of the team’s play and then the loss of Yao Ming in conference semi-finals to the Lakers. We may well never have known how the might’ve ended up faring . But the games aren’t about suppositions , as it’s about the events that take place and the the facts presented that determine the results at the end of the day.

As to McGrady and his wish to wear the #3 jersey in order give an identity to a man-made crisis the Darfur region of Sudan. I commend the player on his altruism and philanthropical efforts. At the end of the day the plight of the refugees means nothing to the most ardent of NBA fans. As their only concern is what takes place on the basketball court. And state of the team that they suppport. Whilst this is a magnanimous and magnificent gesture on the part of the player. Unless his game excels on the court and reaches the levels that we know it is capable of reaching. But above all he shows that he can not only become the vocal and physical leader of this Houston Rockets’ team. Then all of the these gestures will count for nothing in the eyes of the fans. No matter how stoic and virtuous his intentions might be.

Trevor Ariza seated alongside Rokckets' GM Daryl Morey having just been acquired by the Rockets from the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent. picture appears courtesy of nbae/getty images/ Bill Baptist ............

If McGrady really seeks a platform to make his voice heard and to further publicize his efforts . Then what better way than to raise the level of his play and lead this Rockets’ team with some authority in the absence of his teammate Yao Ming. Afterall over the years we’ve questioned his leadership and maturity. But never his undoubted skills. If its his intention to prove to us all that he has what it takes. Then let now be the time for him to step up to the plate once and for all. And then at the same time just forget about a numbered jersey and what it apparently signifies.

McGrady amongst the midst of a man-made dissaster of immeasurable proportions in the Darfur region of Sudan.

McGrady amongst starving refugees at a camp in the Darfur region of Western Sudan. picture appears courtesy of afp/oneblackplanet/ Michael Olagwenyuwu .................

At the end of the day that number may well mean something to him. But to the mere fan in attendance it mightn’t signify nothing to them at all. The numbers on a jersey is nothing compared to figure on a piece of legal tender ! And that is afterall the real donation that we as fans contribut to a a worthwhile and just cause !

As to McGrady let’s hope that he too can prove that the lessons he’s now said to be learning will serve him in good stead as far as his professional career goes. And also in his philanthropic endeavors.

Yahoosports.com :

McGrady switching jersey numbers

HOUSTON-(AP) Houston Rockets’ star Tracy McGrady will swap his Number 1 uniform number for No. 3.

McGrady’s old number will go to new teammate Trevor Ariza , the Lakers’ forward who agreed to a multi yeard deal with Houston on July 2.

McGrady wore No.3 in high school . He is making the switch to promote his humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of the Sudan and a documentary on his 2007 summer visits to refugee camps in the region. The documentary, #3 Points*, is set for release this fall. The title refers to goals of peace, protection and punishment.

McGrady has donated $75,000 to a humanitarian project in Darfur. He had microfracture surgery on his left knee in late February. Doctors say he needs up to 12 months to recover.

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Yao Decision Coming

Last week, news came out that Rockets’ center Yao Ming’s fractured foot injury could be career-ending. A team doctor told the Houston Chronicle that Yao was facing the possibility of missing the entire upcoming season, and possibly his career. Sources also said that Yao was going to consult second and third decisions before deciding whether he would have surgery or let the injury heal on its’ own. Reportedly, Yao has received all of the necessary information regarding the knee, and a decision is coming soon. ESPN.com:

Amid reports that next season and perhaps his career could be in jeopardy, Yao Ming will make a decision regarding treatment for his fractured foot in the next few days, sources told ESPN The Magazine’s Ric Bucher.

The Houston Rockets center has now gathered all the information on his options, sources said.

Yao could keep his left foot in a boot for three months and see if the fracture of the tarsal navicular bone heals on its own. He could undergo surgery to repair the fracture and reduce the chances of subsequent fractures, but he would most assuredly miss the entire season under that scenario. There are also combinations of rest and surgery that he could consider.

Yao sustained a hairline fracture in a May 8 playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Rockets said last week that the injury has not healed and he was out indefinitely. Last week, the team doctor said that the injury could cost Yao all of next season or even be career threatening.

Hopefully will make make a calculated decision that is in his best interests.  While missing an entire season would be difficult for a player as competitive as he is, it could save the rest of his career. If that’s the case, it should be an easy decision. The Rockets lineup without Yao is a small one, but they did take the Lakers to seven games. You have to feel bad for Yao, who has had foot issues his entire career. These type of injuries are common for a person of his stature, and it’s unfortunate since he is a good guy and talented basketball player. Let’s hope he can get back on the court as soon as possible.

Offseason Report: The Remaining Free Agents

The 2009 Offseason has started to heat up with the contract agreements of Ron Artest with the Lakers, Hedo Turkoglu with the Raptors, and Trevor Ariza with the Rockets, and Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva with the Pistons, but there are still many top-level free agents available that could mean the difference between a championship and disappointing June for many teams.  For example, the Lakers are no guarantee to repeat if they aren’t able to re-sign Lamar Odom, and the Celtics will be low on big men and wins if they can’t sign Glen Davis or Rasheed Wallace.

Among the biggest names still available are Lamar Odom, Shawn Marion, Paul Millsap, Jason Kidd, and Mike Bibby, though it is reported that Bibby with reach an agreement to return to the Hawks soon.  Jason Kidd has recieved interest from the New York Knicks and his team last season, the Dallas Mavericks.  Most likely he will reach a deal soon, or go to the Lakers or Cavaliers for the veteran minimum for a chance to win a ring.  After a disastrous 08-09 season, Allen Iverson is looking for a team that will take him.  Last season, he was traded to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups, the team instantly got worse and barely made the playoffs while the Nuggets instantly got better and become championship contenders.  Iverson has been reported to be interested in the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte Bobcats, two lottery teams that aren’t anywhere close to championship contention.

Most likely, Lamar Odom, Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd, Ramon Sessions, Andre Miller, and Glen Davis will re-sign with their teams, but free agents such as Shawn Marion, Anderson Varejao, Leon Powe, Nate Robinson, David Lee, and Rasheed Wallace are looking for a new home.  Wallace has received a ton of interest from the Boston Celtics and their Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce, while also getting calls from the Orlando Magic.  The Celtics have already said that they will not be re-signing Leon Powe because he is injured, so expect him to sign with a team part-way through the season once he is healthy.  Glen Davis on the other hand, did excellent for the Celtics in the postseason in place of the injured Garnett and will be demanding the mid-level exception from teams.

Timmy’s Take: Trevor Ariza

Trevor Ariza, a key member of the 2009 NBA Champions, has left for Houston. Was it because the Lakers didn’t want him back? No. Was it because Ariza didn’t want to come back? No. Was it because he requested too much money? Yes. The Lakers’ desperately wanted Trevor back in a Laker uniform for years to come but because of 1 good season he had, his agent thinks his client deserves a $50 Million contract. Hell no. We love you Ariza, but you arent worth anymore than $6 Million a year. He was that guy who would be at the corner waiting for the ball to come for him to hit the three. He was that guy who hustled for every loose ball. He was a fan favorite in LA. Everyone loved him. The Los Angeles Lakers made Ariza who he is today.

Craig Hodges, one of the greatest shooters to ever live, taught him how to shoot, the Laker’s offense allowed him to be open for those big shots. The Lakers’ defense even, allowed him to make epic steals to close out games. And he thanks us by telling us he wants a $50 million dollar contract, one that wasn’t deserved after just one season. Let me tell you guys now, Ariza will not get open looks in Houston, Ariza will not score big in Houston, Ariza will not flourish in Houston period. The Lakers were willing to give David Lee and his client, Ariza Mid-level exception money, for over 5 to 6 years even. Lee said he wanted a $50 Million dollar contract for his client, we refused, we got out and got an even better player, shooter, and defender in Ron Artest. Ariza decides to join the Rockets for the same money we offered him.

David Lee says “…it was more about respect than money”. David, you’re full of bulls**t. You can’t request a huge contract like that and then say it wasn’t about money in the end. And if it was about respect, we gave him plenty of respect, we gave him a shot, we gave him his name, the fans gave him love and respect and support. That’s all you can ask for as a basketball player. Or did you want the type of respect as in “show me the money” type of respect? It was all about the money all along. David Lee screwed his client out of a very promising position. Ariza will not be the player he was in LA. Why not take our MLE offer when you were gonna take an MLE offer in the end anyway? You both disrespected the city of Angels, the franchise of the Los Angeles Lakers, and the fans who loved and supported you all the way to the NBA Championship last year. I’m telling you now, if you wanted to come back to LA, make sure you mean the LA Clippers, because seeing you as a Laker again will make me puke. Thank you Ariza for everything you have done for us…oh… and Thank y0u for getting us Ron Artest.

The Trevor Ariza-Ron Artest Situation

For all of the people out there that think the Lakers are worse now because they aquired Artest and lost Ariza – you have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. Let me tell you something Trevor Ariza is a good player, but let me ask you this. Where the HELL has this man been prior to his stint with the Lakers?

I’ll tell you, he was sitting on his butt just as much as you and I. He improved with the Lakers but it’s not that difficult to improve when you have Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol on your team. Trevor is an NBA player, he is expected to hit wide open shots.

Now I’m not saying that he’s gonna turn out to be like every other ex- Laker and fizzle away (much like Brian Cook, Maurice Evans, Smush Parker, Devean George, Tyronne Lue, Vladimir Radmonivic, Derek when he left the first time, Ronny Turiaf the list goes on and on) but the man will just be ordinary, he’ll get his steals and some dunks, but as far as those open looks are concerned…I don’t think so, especially with McGrady and Yao sidelined. The Lakers offense was a perfect fit for the Trevor Ariza not the other way around.

Trevor and/or his agent were really feeling themselves when they commanded that type of money, if Mitch had said ok we’ll give you whatever you want — I definitely would have thought he was smoking the good stuff (not to mention that the Lakers didn’t have that type of money to spend). Trevor hardly deserved the $5.8m that he’s getting, he’s a role player on a championship team, not a star, and you wouldn’t even consider drawing up a play for him in any situation. He flowed well in this offense and his decision to play hardball and risk leaving the Lakers will cost him dearly.

His agent says he wanted to go to a place where he was wanted. Wanted?! What team out there wanted him more than the Lakers and their fans? Don’t give me that nonsense—you bluffed the Lakers called your bluff and in turn got a much better player than you.

I’m not going to sit here and cry over a guy that really started to think he was an MVP. He had a chance to stay in the city he’s from, possibly winning multiple rings and he blew it. Maybe he can come and sit in the crowd with me at the Lakers next parade.

Now that I’ve said what I needed to say about Trevor Ariza, let’s address the FANTASTIC addition of Ron Artest.

  Artest is a far superior player to Ariza. Artest is one of the best on the ball defenders in the league– Trevor is a master of getting in passing lanes, but as far as him muscling up one on one–he’s simply not strong enough to do so. Even when Trevor was on the Lakers, you still saw Kobe guarding Lebron or Paul Pierce–with Ron Artest Kobe will not have to do that any longer. Moreover Ron Artest can create his own shot and shoots the 3 ball at a 40% clip. Let me ask you the last time you have seen Trevor create his own shot? Go ahead I’ll wait………….Ron Artest has had his moments in the past, but just like every human being you mature with age. Ron has been on good behavior the past 3 or 4 years, why do you think that is going to change all of a sudden–especially when he has veterans like Lamar, Kobe, and Derek Fisher around (not to mention the Zen Master himself).

The bottomline is if the Lakers can get back Lamar Odom (which I’m fairly certain they will) this is an unbelievably HUGE upgrade for the Los Angeles Lakers. With Artest they now have a better defender (arguably the best backcourt defense in the league) they have a better shooter, and now they have an enforcer when other teams try to strong arm the Lakers. Oh and did I mention they have now added an all-star, defensive player of the year, 4 time All-defensive team recipient veteran player who himself is HUNGRY for a championship ring? He said himself that he did not care about the money he just wants to win. That statement in itself shows his growth.

This situation could not have worked out better for Los Angeles, for those of you wondering why the Lakers would make such a move, you need to ask yourself what is your thought process opposing this decision.

Like Colin Cowherd said, “Trevor Ariza just left the hot sexy girlfriend who is a renowned cardiologist (Lakers), for a cute cocktail waitress at Ruby Tuesdays (Rockets).”

Sources: Ariza Reaches Agreement with Rockets

This deal doesn’t really help the Rockets considering that they already have Shane Battier and neither of them are shooting guards.  The Rockets just downgraded this offseason by basically trading Artest for Ariza with the Lakers.  Ariza took the same amount of money that he was offered by the Lakers, but instead is playing on the Rockets, who won’t be winning a championship anytime soon.

NBA.com:  HOUSTON (AP) — A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that the Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with free agent Trevor Ariza.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because NBA rules prohibit announcing free-agent deals until next week, said the Rockets offered Ariza the full mid-level exception for the first year, about $5.6 million.

Ariza is coming to Houston just as Ron Artest decided to leave and play for the Lakers. Ariza is likely to take Artest’s spot in the Rockets’ starting lineup.

The 6-foot-8 Ariza averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Lakers last season, which ended with the NBA championship.

Report: Yao’s foot injury is career-threatening

This would really suck for Yao Ming, Houston Rockets, and just NBA fans in general.  Yao Ming is widely considered the 2nd best center in the league, and was just now starting to become an NBA superstar.  Hopefully his foot will heal and he will be able to continue playing in the NBA.

NBA.com: HOUSTON (AP) — Rockets center Yao Ming’s broken left foot could be a “career-threatening” injury.

Dr. Tom Clanton, the Houston Rockets’ team physician, told the Houston Chronicle on Monday that Yao’s injury “has the potential for him missing this next season and could be career-threatening.”

Yahoo! Sports first reported the Rockets and Yao’s representatives were concerned the 7-foot-6 All-Star would never play again. Yahoo! Sports quoted “multiple league executives, officials close to Yao and two doctors with knowledge of the diagnoses.”

Yao suffered a hairline fracture of the tarsal navicular bone late in a May 8 playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The team said last week the injury hasn’t healed and he was out indefinitely.

Yao played in 77 regular-season games in 2008-09, his most injury-free year since 2004-05, when he played in 80. Before last season, Yao missed chunks of previous three seasons with leg and foot injuries.

He missed 21 games in 2005-06 after surgery to heal an infection to his left big toe, then broke a bone in his left foot with four games left in the regular season.

In 2006-07, Yao missed 32 games after breaking his right leg and he suffered a stress fracture in his left foot in 2007-08, underwent surgery and sat out 26 games.

Yao hurried back from that foot injury to represent China in the Beijing Games. He made it through the Rockets’ season and the first round of the playoffs before breaking his left foot late in the Rockets’ 108-94 loss to the Lakers in Game 3 of the second round at the Toyota Center.

Two days later, Yao said he didn’t believe the injury was as serious as any of his previous ones. The Rockets said he would miss only 8-12 weeks.

But last week, the team said Yao would undergo additional tests and consult with other doctors to map out a new course of treatment.

Yao is due to make over $16 million next season with a player option for 2010-11 that would pay him over $17 million. He was the top overall pick by the Rockets in the 2002 draft.

The Rockets already expect Tracy McGrady to miss at least the first half of next season after microfracture surgery on his left knee.

Houston acquired McGrady in a trade with Orlando in June 2004, hoping the All-Star duo would carry Houston back to the NBA’s top tier. But one or the other has been injured for almost their entire time as teammates. The Rockets are 146-74 in the 220 games McGrady and Yao have played together, a low total across five seasons.

General manager Daryl Morey said last week Yao’s uncertain status wouldn’t affect any of his offseason plans for trades or free-agent signings. He has said the Rockets are interested in re-signing free agent Ron Artest.

Morey said after last week’s draft he would not comment on Yao’s health beyond the statement released by the team that was out indefinitely.