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.”

It’s The NBA Cheerleaders! Guys You Just Gotta Love This Game!

It’s never a dull thing to see the cheerleaders of the franchises entertain the voiciferous fans of the NBA. In large part, besides the game itself, that may well be one of the primary reason why more than 60% of the males attend a game. Other than for the alcoholic beverages and the camaraderie of the male bonding that no doubt takes place. But then I digress, as it’d be totally impudent to think that’s the only thing on our mind when we attend a game ? We’re there to show our rabid support for our favorite NBA team, or for the band-wagon jumpers amongst us , our favorite teams.

' Come on and shake it , come on shake it like a Polaroid picture ! The Los Angeles Lakers Cheerleaders . Need one say anymore ?

I’m not saying that I’m an astute scout of the female form and talent. But I know what I like when I see it. And let’s just leave it at that. Those of you with a differing opinion , feel free to participate in the discussion. However, do remember to leave the smut at the door , as this still remains a public domain.

That's it girls keep those pointed assets upfront. You we like 'em ! The Boston Celtics Cheerleaders at the TD Banknorth Garden Center in Boston, Mass,.

And off-course I know that we all have our favorites when it comes to the cheerleading teams. Those on the West Coast’ll no doubt favor the teams out west. Whereas those in the East may well show that East coast bias. Be that as it may, you’ve gotta’ love these girls ! Hey Bruno , we don’t need your type here ! LOL, LOL, LOL !!!

Well these young ladies from the 76ers' cheerleading squad certainly know their stuff. They've got the balls . Now let's see how far they're prepared to travel ?

Need I remind you that these are but my humble offerings to you all. You’re quite welcome to make your own suggestions in this instance. As they’re always welcomed.

Los Angeles Clippers Cheerleaders. Afterall they're the Clippers. And at least they did something right . You've got to give credit where it's due haven't you ?

Before , during the intervals at half-time and post-game , these are the girls that the organizations rely upon to provide us all with the majority of the entertainment. Nevermind the fact that they also work within their various communities providing assistance in a number of beneficial ways , socially and charitably.

When Nets' CEO Bruce Ratner moves the team to Brooklyn. I suppose the Nets' name may well be vanquished . But then again if Jay-Z has anything to do with it , they'll still be known as the Nets in form or another. The cheerleaders of the New Jersey Nets.

Now there those amongst who may well feel that this isn’t necessary and it has nothing at all to do with the game of basketball. But less we forget the business of sports is primarily about entertainment. And anything that’s gleaned from it financially is merely a bye-product of that success.

Well unashamedly proud as I am. I share the delight in bringing you the dancers of the San Antonio Spurs' cheerleading and dance squad.

As an avid and unabashed supporter of the San Antonio Spurs , I can’t go without showing you their cheerleaders. It’s not as if they aren’t glamorous enough to look at. But then again that’s the bias now coming out in me.

Well now that owner Dan Gilbert and GM Danny Ferry have seen fit to acquire 'The Big Aristotle' and then to sell a 25% equity stake in the team and Quicken Loans Arena to a Chinese entrepreneur. One has to wonder if members of the Cavaliers' cheerleading squad will begin to learn Mandarin ? It could very well help should the 'bottom' fall out for the Cavaliers this upcoming seasn

And what of the only professional NBA team in the state of Ohio , the Cleveland Cavaliers , I hear you ask ? Well as long as they’ve got LeBron James , that team will somehow still remain relevant. And now with the Shaquille O’Neal now in the mix, there. The expectations for the organization and the team is undoubtedly high. And I’d dare say that the team’s new-found Chinese investors are expecting an immediate return of dividends for that somewhat large investment. Team owner Dan Gilbert , may not have sold his soul to the Devil. But the feeling is, he might as well have.

Considered to be amongst the very best of the dance troupes in the NBA . The Miami Heat dancers take it to a level all of their own, and then some !

Within the state of Florida , where I reside . We have two professional NBA franchises, with two very distinct identities. But only of these two teams, only one can lay claim that they’ve been a champion. The Miami Heat are that team. Whereas, the Orlando Magic came close, but it was most certainly nowhere near close enough.

The Orlando Magic dancers performing at their home-court venue, the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida.

For the Magic , though the season for them could be deemed a magical one . The fact that the disappointment of losing in the NBA Finals (2009) to the Los Angeles Lakers was deemed a tremendous blow for the organization and their very rabid fans.

So guys, as I close out this post. I hope that at least you’ve found it to be enjoyable , somewhat informative and refreshing. If not then I can only conclude that you live a very hum-drum life, without any real excitement within it. But then again, I’d like to think that my assumption is wrong. Hit me up with a comment concerning the piece. I’ll looking forward to reading them all with a great deal of intent. Thanks, as always !

Free Agency News Round-Up

Allen Iverson interested in joining the Memphis Grizzlies

The Oracle’s Take: Allen Iverson isn’t wanted by any of the contending teams, so going to the Grizzlies would be the best move for him and, surprisingly, the Grizzlies.  Allen Iverson wants to get paid more than the minimum, and the Grizzlies would likely give in the mid-level exception and the Memphis Grizzlies desperately need to sell more tickets, and Iverson is one of the most exciting players in the league.

 Allen Iverson is interested in playing for the Grizzlies, according to a league source.

Iverson, a free agent for the first time in his career, had minor discussions with the Heat after free agency opened on Wednesday.

Memphis had no comment on Iverson’s interest in playing for the team.

The Grizzlies are believed to be weighing the pros and cons of signing Iverson, who would likely be asked to come off the bench.

Iverson wrote about his free-agent status on his Twitter page Thursday.

“I’m a Free Agent, healthy again, and capable of signing with any team,” he wrote. “My only preference will be to play for a coach that knows what I bring to the table and that I am going to bring it every night! Someone that knows how to best utilize my skills to make our team the very best that we can be.”

Toronto Raptors offer Shawn Marion 4-year deal

The Oracle’s Take: The Raptors aren’t anywhere near contending for a championship, in fact, it would be a surprise if they were able to make the playoffs.  The shouldn’t be spending their money on 31 year-old players who’s games are based solely on athleticism.  They should save the money and start rebuilding, starting with the trade of Chris Bosh before he leaves as a free agent next season anyway.

The Raptors have offered free-agent forward Shawn Marion a four-year deal worth more than $32 million, according to the Globe and Mail.

The deal could be worth as much as $34 million, according to the report, and is longer and more lucrative than the three-year, $21 million offer Toronto was reported to have made to Marion.

Jason Kidd intends to stay in Dallas

The Oracle’s Take: I believe that the Mavericks are overpaying for Jason Kidd.  If he was younger he would be worth that money for the stats and impact that he has, but he is getting older and won’t be an elite point guard for much longer.

Jason Kidd intends to return to the Mavericks for a three-year, $24 million deal, according to HoopsWorld.

HoopsWorld cited an “informed source.”

Kidd said that he would take the holiday weekend to mull over offers from both New York and Dallas.

Barring an unforeseen development, Kidd is expected to tell the Mavericks on Monday that he will accept the offer.

New Orleans Hornets are shopping Tyson Chandler Again

The Oracle’s Take: Even with the talented nucleus of Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, David West, and James Posey, the Hornets aren’t anywhere near competing for the championship.  The Hornets should start rebuilding around Chris Paul with better players before it is too late.  If they can get Phoenix to take Chandler for Ben Wallace like it has been rumored, or trade Chandler for an expiring contract, then they should do it.

A number of sources said last week that the Hornets are again shopping center Tyson Chandler.

New Orleans general manager Jeff Bower could work on making a trade before he offers a contract to any free agent.

In addition, the Hornets could look to move one of their veteran guards, such as Morris Peterson, Antonio Daniels or Devin Brown.

The Hornets are also interested in bringing guard Jannero Pargo, who played overseas this past season, back.

Stephon Marbury doesn’t think he will be coming back to the Celtics

The Oracle’s Take: Stephon Marbury doesn’t deserve more than the Celtics offered him, especially considering his attitude problems and lack of productivity last season.  No team with offer him more than the Celtics did.

Free agent Stephon Marbury, the former New York Knicks guard who joined the Celtics midseason, says he doesn’t foresee a return to Boston after the team offered a veteran’s-minimum deal that would’ve paid $1.3 million, according to The Boston Globe.

“Thank you Boston for allowing the world to see me play again after all that went on in N.Y.,” Marbury said in an e-mail to The Globe. “The fans treated me with open arms and that’s all anyone can ask for.”

Marbury, 32, joined the Celtics on Feb. 27 after a buyout of his $22 million Knicks contract. Marbury told the Boston newspaper that three other teams, which he wouldn’t name, were interested in signing him for next season.

Marbury averaged 3.8 points, 3.3 assists and 18 minutes in 23 games last season with the Celtics.

Bah Humbug!

It was never really about the San Antonio Spurs being cheap. Hell the team owner Peter Holt is a multi-millionaire several times over. And had he wanted to, he could’ve exceeded the league’s luxury tax ($58.68m) to acquire players this past season. Somehow he and his executive staff preferred to stand pat.

Peter Holt seen here holding the NBA championship trophy aloft alongside members of the San Antonio Spurs’ team. The trophy is one of four won by the team under Holt’s tenureship as the team’s owner. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/Kelly Gibson……

But at times I really began to wonder. When in R C Buford as the team’s GM and team coach Gregg Popovich you’ve got two of the most astute minds in the NBA as there ever is to be . The two between them have garnered four NBA championships as architects of the Spurs’ dynasty.

Richard Jefferson seen here playing for the Milwaukee Bucks is a the newly acquired player for the San Antonio Spurs. He was traded in exchange for Spurs' players Bruce Bowen , Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Morry Gash .............................

But this past season became really telling for this team. They became old , weary but most of all too susceptible to injury. And the fact of the matter was this wasn’t the San Antonio Spurs of old. A team who their fans could rely upon to get the job done even in the most adverse of conditions.

Well this past season with posting a (54-28) record they won the Southwest Division over their instate rivals the Houston Rockets by a mere one game. That notwithstanding having qualified for the postseason their task was made all the more difficult with the loss of their superstar sub, and perhaps their most creative and incisive player in Manu Ginobli to a season ending injury in the latter part of the regular season.

Gregg Popovich (left) is seen here alongside the Spurs' General Manager R C Buford. The duo together are considered the architects of the Spurs' dynasty they built together that've won four NBA titles in the past ten years. picture appears courtesy of afp/ Maggie Salter ...............

As an avid Spurs’ fan my allegiance knows no boundaries when it comes to this team. Suffice to say if a choice had to be made on whether or not I had to deal with a nagging girlfriend and having to watch the Spurs. Then off course the girlfriend would have to be shown the door. At my age I don’t need a female to be bearing down on me when I’m enjoying my life at this stage. One marriage was enough and boy , oh boy, I’m not about to get ensnared and go down that proverbial path again !. What’s the saying ? Been there done that no thanks !

Well having made the playoffs as the number 3 seed behind the Los Angeles Lakers (#1) and Denver Nuggets(#2) respectively. The team had the unenviable task of having to meet a divisional and instate in the Dallas Mavericks. And if that wasn’t enough there was as such something of a budding and intense rivalry that’d been built up between the two teams from the Lone Star State.

It was envisaged that if we could playing something of an up tempo game and try to keep the Mavericks in check through much of the series then we’d fare well against the team . Well the best laid plans of men don’t necessarily work out when one of the most reliable weapons in your arsenal is unable to part and parcel of that plan. The team was summarily dispatched with a great deal of ease in an emphatic 4-1 series drubbing at the hands of the Mavericks. In fact the sole Spurs’ victory in the series was in game two . Wherein it was the only time the team played with a sense of purpose and poise in attaining a 105-84 victory over Dallas. And on that night it was Tony Parker who proved to be the foil in the win scoring 38 points and dishing out 8 assists. I can only surmise that Eva Longoria-Parker , Tony’s wife, must’ve provided him with an added incentive if he performed well.

With that in mind and the NBA Draft about to take place on Thursday night from the Wamu Theater in Madison Square Gardens in New York City. I can only express my cause for optimism. As I’m hoping that the team can find themselves one or two players that are able to contribute almost immediately upon their arrival. Whilst I’m not overly enamored that we possess one of the oldest rosters in the league based on their average age. It’s somewhat disturbing to think that beyond Tim Duncan , Parker and Ginobili there isn’t a great deal that you’d find enticing or inviting about this team. But yet they’ve managed to maintain a level of consistency not often seen within the NBA. And that if anything is a credit to the due diligence shown by R C Buford and Gregg Popovich in assembling this team.

Now it’s time for a change and though it doesn’t necessarily have to be an emphatic one. It ought to be one that shows , that finally the ways of old are no longer going to be the only way of striving for success. This in part has to be done in a way that works best for the franchise will be what’s also best for it’s immediate and future beyond Tim Duncan. And as good as Timmy has been. The days where he could make even the most athletic of defenders do a double take are no longer there. He’s still the most cerebral player to have graced the league in a decade. And what he now lacks in athleticism , he more than makes up for with in his astonishing basketball IQ.

With the draft in mind and the fact that the teams has three picks in the second round. Those being numbers 7, 21 and 23 , their overall places being 37, 51 and 53 . It ought to bode well that we should at least be able to find a diamond in the rough. That with a great deal of polishing and willingness to learn will add further luster to this team. We may well be able to find perhaps a Duncan for the future and quite possibly another Ginobili or Parker in the making ? Albeit that those guys mentioned will be around for a while. Well at least another two to five year it is hoped !

With that in mind and the new that the team sought a trade in obtaining Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto. To my mind that trade is a steal for the Spurs. As I for one feel that Jefferson still has a great deal to offer a team given the right setting. His heady days with the Nets are behind him. And if anything I for one didn’t feel that the Bucks were a comfortable fit for him to begin with. But with a new ownership in place in New Jersey. The cost cutting exercise had begun. And with the talk of them now being moved to Brooklyn. Then quite possibly being a part of the LeBron James sweepstakes in 2010. It all adds up and begins to make sense. And I need I remind you LeBron , himself wasn’t amused with the outcome of the Eastern Conference Finals this season against the Orlando Magic.

So all in all this particular Spurs’ fan may well have something to relish not only in the NBA Draft . But quite possibly with the future direction of the franchise. I’m not about to start to second guess the executives of the franchise as they’ve served we the fans, well ! I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing all four of their NBA championships. Which is more than can be said for some of the franchises around the NBA. Many of whom have failed their fans miserably and still continue to do so to this day.

Sources: Spurs Acquire Richard Jefferson for 3 Players

I think this is a great trade for the Spurs.  When Manu Ginobili is injured they will have a replacement, and when he is healthy they will actually have an offense.  Richard Jefferson is also a good defender.  The Spurs traded Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto, and Kurt Thomas.

ESPN: The Milwaukee Bucks agreed to trade Richard Jefferson to the San Antonio Spurs for Bruce Bowen, Kurt Thomas and Fabricio Oberto a Bucks source told ESPN.com.

The two teams have agreed to the deal in principle. A trade call to make the deal official is coming later Tuesday.

The move gives the Spurs a dynamic wing scorer to play alongside Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. The Spurs had promised to make their team better this summer and adding Jefferson for role players should give them a huge shot in the arm.

The Bucks incentive to make the trade is largely financial. Bowen, Oberto and Thomas are all in the last year of their contracts. The deal will clear $15 million off the books for the Bucks next season and give Milwaukee more flexibility for next year. It also saves them roughly $3 million this year. That may give the Bucks the wiggle room to sign one of their restricted free agents — either Charlie Villanueva or Ramon Sessions — next year.

Bowen, Oberto and Thomas also give the Bucks some veterans who will fill key holes for the team. The move also opens up some playing time for the Bucks lottery pick last year, Joe Alexander.

However, Bowen has a nonguaranteed contract for next season, so the Bucks could release him, further saving about $4 million next season and giving them a better chance of retaining Sessions and Villanueva. In that case, Bowen might return to San Antonio later this summer.

The Writing Was On The Wall ……… Somehow Some Didn’t Heed The Warning

Last night the San Antonio Spurs were unceremoniously dumped out of this year’s playoffs in the NBA.  Having succumbed at the hands of their instate foe divisional rival the Dallas Mavericks.  It has to be said that this was all foreseen the very moment they lost their indomitable super sub Manu Ginobli before the start of the playoffs.  If nothing else this was as much a gut wrench to the team as it was for their fans.

Josh Howard of the Dallas Mavericks dunks the ball while the Spurs' Michael Finley looks on.

 Popovich in large part was outcoached by his counterpart Rick Carlisle throughout much of this series.  But then again the Mavericks’ players also stepped up to the plate and answered the call of their coach to go out there and execute.  And nowhere was this more apparent than with the play of Josh Howard who proved to be the catalyst for the Mavericks through much of the series when it mattered most.  There were also valid contributions from Dirk Nowitzki and Jason  Kidd.  For Nowitzki he may well be now cast off that name tag of being considered just a regular season player, instead of being a postseason performer.

 

 And that if anything has proven to be the difference between the two teams.  When asked for the contributions to be made in whatever way possible it was the players of the Mavericks who stepped and answered the call.  For the Spurs it was the complete opposite but for the exceptions of Duncan and Parker.  The Spurs were languid and slow to the touch and but for their sole victory in game 2 of the   series.  This would definitely have been a blowout for the Dallas Mavericks.  The heroics of Tony Parker in that 105-84 triumph cannot be underscored.  Parker himself single handedly willed the team to victory and ended up scoring 38 pts in his team’s sole triumph.