UPDATE: The Pre-ordered TLN Shirts will be shipped this Friday. Enjoy. If you haven't pre-ordered yet, what are you waitin' for? Do it now!

Archive for June, 2007

Dallas “seriously” entering the discussions for KG?

Published by Chris Manning on June 29, 2007 in Articles. 24 Comments

Found this tidbit this morning. David Aldridge mentioned that Dallas was on the phone yesterday to Minnesota about KG. However, they couldn’t find a deal in terms of the specifics. Add Dallas to the “we want KG” list:

McClatchy News Service: Meanwhile, trade talks for Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett shifted from a possible Phoenix destination, with the Dallas Mavericks seriously entering the discussions for the first time, according to a league source. The teams talked extensively Thursday but could not reach an agreement on specifics, according to another source.

ESPN Insider gives Lakers B+ on their draft

Published by Chris Manning on June 29, 2007 in Articles. 18 Comments

ESPN Insider grades all the teams. This year they gave a B+ to our Los Angeles Lakers. Here is what they had to say:

Phil Jackson like big point guards who can shoot. and Crittenton has the talent to make the Lakers very happy — if they’re patient. Crittenton’s not ready now, though he could be soon.

The Lakers also did a nice job with those second-round picks. Sun can sell tickets in L.A — and become an effective understudy for Luke Walton. Gasol doesn’t have the talent or athleticism of his brother, but he is a big body who can be a nice role player down the road.

Also, Chris Sheridan made an interesting comment about Gasol during his chat:

Nate (Portland, OR) : Biggest steal of the draft? McRoberts at #37? Splitter at #28?

Chris Sheridan: (12:43 PM ET ) My gut reaction last night was Marc Gasol to the Lakers at 48.

Did we draft the “Chinese Magic Johnson?”

Published by Chris Manning on June 29, 2007 in Articles. 34 Comments

Wow, a story out Dallas all about our 40th pick, Sun Yue. They claim he is the “Chinese Magic.” The Mavs were extremely high on this guy and the Dallas news wrote up a really inspiring story on him. Take a look at the “Chinese Magic!”

Dallas News: Some nicknames are overused and unfair. The next Michael Jordan, for instance.

And then there’s this one: the Chinese Magic Johnson.

It’s equal parts unfair and unheard of.

In addition, here is a Sun Yue mix. Check out some of his passes and highlights:


McHale on KG - too late for KG trade now?

Published by Chris Manning on June 29, 2007 in Articles. 68 Comments

Kevin McHaleI found this interesting in the latest report from the Star Tribune. McHale makes it seem like there were legit KG trade rumors going around, but now since they didn’t obtain another top 10 pick, it may be that Garnett remains a Timberwolf come fall.

Star Tribune: Finally, after a week of smoke, some fire:

The newest Timberwolves first-round draft pick is Corey Brewer, an athletic, versatile — and, yes, fiery — forward with a championship pedigree and enough character references to fill a bunch of résumés. And one of his new teammates is, at least for now, Kevin Garnett.

Oh, the rumor mill was rolling. Los Angeles. Phoenix. Atlanta. Late in the day, Charlotte. There were rumors of two-team trades as well as three- and four-team trades that would have had players and picks traveling all over the country, rumors that gathered steam as draft time approached. Don’t expect them to slow any time soon.

But in the end Garnett stayed put. And with the seventh overall pick, the Wolves grabbed Brewer, who brings with him two NCAA championship rings from Florida, the ability to blanket both guards and forwards on defense and an offensive game that continues to improve but is already clutch.

Continue reading ‘McHale on KG - too late for KG trade now?’

Greek team officials deny Lakers made offer to Papaloukas?

Published by Chris Manning on June 29, 2007 in Articles. 7 Comments

This is interesting. Remember the Greek point guard the Lakers made their offer to a few days ago? Well according to some Greek newspapers, team officials denied the report. I’m confused.

L.A. Times: Team officials denied a report in a Greek newspaper that said the Lakers had offered a contract to Theodoros Papaloukas, who is generally considered to be one of the best point guards in Europe.

Papaloukas, listed at 6-7, was the Euroleague player of the year last season with CSKA Moscow.

L.A. Times: Bryant’s status is matter at hand

Published by Chris Manning on June 29, 2007 in Articles. 2 Comments

Well this article basically reassures us Kobe is priority #1 this off-season. The Times wrote this article on the whole ordeal.

L.A. Times: The Lakers aren’t interested in trading Bryant despite his demand to be dealt, Kupchak said. Jackson took it a step further.

“In my heart of hearts, I believe that when it comes time in Hawaii for this team to step on the floor [for training camp], Kobe Bryant’s going to be wearing a Laker uniform,” Jackson said.

Did Warriors just move one step closer for KG?

Published by Chris Manning on June 29, 2007 in Articles. 8 Comments

Found this in a new L.A. Times article about the entire draft. Mentions Warriors might be centering in on KG.

L.A. Times: Garnett, sought by the Lakers and Phoenix Suns in multi-team talks that broke down this week, may still be traded … with speculation now centering on the Golden State Warriors.

Whether it was part of a deal the Warriors are working on with Minnesota or not, they traded guard Jason Richardson to Charlotte for North Carolina’s Brandan Wright, a promising young big man whom the Bobcats drafted at No. 8.

The Warriors may now offer Wright with center Andris Biedrins and guard Monta Ellis and enough salary to make the deal work to Minnesota for Garnett.

Phil speaks on Kobe in press conference held earlier today

Published by Chris Manning on June 28, 2007 in Articles. 26 Comments

While the draft had most of the attention, Phil Jackson had a press conference during the NBA Draft! AM570 has a link to the entire press conference but there was a key quote about Kobe in it.

AM570: “In my heart of hearts I believe when it comes time in Hawaii for this team to step on the floor Kobe Bryant’s gonna be wearing a Lakers uniform.”

- Phil Jackson

Listen to the Press Conference below: