Just three installments remain in the series, with this chapter housing names like Michael Jordan, Kevin McHale, and Carmelo Anthony. It was incredibly hard to leave off a number of players, and I’m sure after reading you’ll see exactly whom I decided skip over this time around.
The Supersonics franchise is ecstatic about their impending move to Oklahoma City, and why shouldn’t they be? Buster Gunning, a Seattle native, recently took a trip through “The Big Friendly” (it is really called that) and can whole-heartedly agree with the players' excitement.
Born within six months of each other in opposite corners of the world, two seven footers who are finalists for the Basketball Hall of Fame this fall are two of the best ever to play the center position.
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by Andrew Perna
I’ve been able to see and do some pretty unbelievable things during my three-plus years at RealGM, but nothing can compare to the few days I spent in New York City covering the 2008 Major League Baseball All-Star Game this week.
The stories and memories are something that I’ll share with my children and grandchildren until I can no longer physically do so. America’s pastime sure knows how to treat the press – lavishing us with freshly made sandwiches, up-to-the-minute stat and transcript updates, and more on-field access than many could handle.
I rubbed elbows with legends, both past and present, as both the American and National League took batting practice on Monday and Tuesday. In addition to all the athletic talent on the field, I was also able to meet stars like Kenny Chesney, Mike Lupica, and Alyssa Milano.
I’ve covered too many NBA games, drafts and events to count, but attending the most historic All-Star Game in the history of baseball as my first non-basketball assignment was truly magical. As a life-long Yankees' fan, nothing compared to walking onto that hallowed field, sitting in that scared dugout, and walking through the same tunnel that so many immortals have.
I hope you enjoyed my Home Run Derby blog and the dozen or so stories I added to our MLB Wiretap over the past few days. Many of the players were more than cordial, and I hope and pray that I never forget a single second of the past few days.
The Magic have had discussions about trading for Javaris Crittenton of the Grizzlies. They could certainly use a young guy behindJameer Nelson, who also happens to be young. However, a change of pace could suit the Magic off the bench with Crittenton’s speed. With that said, I don’t know how serious they are about Javaris, having signed Anthony Johnson on Tuesday.
Ron Artestwants a trade, but does not want to play for the Nuggets. He claims that someone within the organization ‘disrespected’ him at some point, turning him against playing in Denver alongside Carmelo Anthony and others. We don’t know for sure if the Nuggets would have truly wanted to acquire the volatile forward, but I suppose this should end all speculation.
Dwight Howard claims that he’s all healed heading into the Beijing Olympics next month. He suffered a fractured sternum during Orlando’s second round series with Detroit and missed practice with Team USA in June because of the injury. I am a real American (excuse the Hulk reference), and I’m hoping to see Dwight and Co. bring home a gold medal.
The Clippers have acquired All-Star centerMarcus Camby from the Nuggets for a future second round draft pick. L.A. was able to make such a deal because of the cap space freed up by the departures of Elton Brand and Corey Maggette. He’ll be a hit for the Clippers, who have added Baron Davis and now a former Defensive Player of the Year in the paint alongside Chris Kaman.
Joe Johnsonbelieves that it is vital for the Hawks to retain both Josh Smith and Josh Childress this summer despite the restricted free agent status of both players. If Atlanta wants to make the postseason in the improving Eastern Conference again next April, they’ll certainly have to keep at least Smith, who is a borderline All-Star thanks to his versatility.
Dan Haren admitted earlier this week to RealGM that he fully expected the A’s to trade Rich Harden. Haren has a point because that seems to be how Billy Beane likes to operate in Oakland. Dan was just one of the many players I was able to meet and speak with in New York City earlier this week, and as I mentioned earlier, it’s certainly an experience I’ll never forget.
Justin Morneau admitted that the Twins knew they’d miss Johan Santana after dealing him to the Mets this winter but is excited about where the team is headed. Minnesota has always had plenty of young talent, and they fielded a trio of All-Stars in Morneau, Joe Mauer, and Joe Nathan this week. Bringing home the Home Run Derby trophy to Minnesota should energize fans, as well.
Ryan Braun expects to have a better second half for the Brewers, quite the feat considering the first half he enjoyed in Milwaukee this season. Braun seemed very excited about the addition of C.C. Sabathia to the Brewers’ pitching rotation and expects the race in the National League Central to go down to the wire. I just hope the Brewers and Cubs don’t forget about the Cardinals, who are right in the thick of the race with Chris Carpenter waiting in the wings.
Boston outfielder J.D. Drew expects the second half to be very exciting in the American League. The Sox overtook the Rays for first place on Sunday, and the Yankees are lurking, as well. If Boston could figure out a way to play better on the road, they’d be way ahead of both Tampa Bay and New York.
The Bears have signed running back Kevin Jones to a one-year deal. Jones will fortify their backfield nicely after they released Cedric Benson and his off-field issues earlier this offseason. If healthy, Jones should step right in and start for Chicago, who has the other Adrian Peterson and rookie Matt Forte under contract.
Rams' owner Chip Rosenbloom claims that the team is not for sale. If I were a St. Louis fan, I would be a little worried about a change of ownership. Rosenbloom’s reasoning for the hiring of a sports investment firm was to field inquires so that he and team President John Shaw don’t have to…
Dallas has signed safety Ken Hamlin to a six-year deal, making him one of the best-paid safeties in the NFL. He’ll receive $15 million in guaranteed money, which means he made more on Tuesday than I’ll make in my lifetime.
Peyton Manning had minor surgery on his left knee on Monday and will miss four-to-six weeks of action for the Colts. In all likelihood he will miss training camp, which isn’t likely to hinder him substantially in 2008, but it’s never something you want to hear.
Chargers' cornerback Antonio Cromartie is looking to get some more exposure, and he will appear on a number on ESPN programs this summer. If he’s looking to get more “face” time he need look no further than right here. Antonio, we’d love to have you blog for RealGM!
