We are getting into the heavy-hitters, with each remaining list littered with first-ballot Hall of Famers and multi-time All-Stars. Believe it or not, though, I’d venture to say that the last few lists were a great deal stronger than this one.
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
On Sunday I will be leaving for a much-needed vacation, which will leave you without my brilliance for a few weeks. If you’re wondering, I’m going on an Alaskan cruise. It actually pains me to leave behind the Scoop, but at the urging of my entire family – notably Ms. Scoop – I am leaving my trusty laptop at home.
Enjoy the next two weeks because when I get back Madden 2009 will be on the horizon, training camps will be in full swing, the pennant races will be heating up, and free agency will be nearing an end in the NBA!
Marcus Cambyhas admitted that he was shocked to learn that he had been traded from the Nuggets to the Clippers. I would feel weird if I won the Defensive Player of the Year award a year ago and found myself traded for the right to swap second round picks in the future too. He’s certainly still an above-average player, so that’s hope he takes his frustration out on the Western Conference alongside Baron Davis.
The Suns are reportedly monitoring the situation surrounding point guardShaun Livingston, who hasn’t played since February 2007. The Clippers allowed him to become an unrestricted free agent, and there were mere murmurs earlier in his career that he possessed some Magic Johnson-esque qualities. If I were running an NBA team, I’d sign him for a few million and hope he’s finally healthy. The risk is worth the possible reward.
Surprisingly, a number of teams appear interested in the services of forward/center Francisco Elson. The Nuggets, Bobcats, Nets, Lakers, and the soon-to-be-named Oklahoma City franchise are all rumored to covet him. With Camby in Los Angeles, I believe Denver needs him more than anyone else.
The Sixers have opened up talks with restricted free agent forwardAndre Iguodala in hopes that they’ll be able to retain him after adding Elton Brand this offseason. Philadelphia might be able to make some substantial noise in the East with Iguodala playing second fiddle to Brand as many questioned his ability to be numero uno in the first place.
Speaking of Philadelphia, their very-talented Haitian centerSamuel Dalembert has parted ways with the Canadian national team. It is not known whether he was kicked off the team or left on his own terms. He reportedly had a run-in with a team official, which ultimately led to him “leaving” the team.
The Marlins have reportedly inquired about Tigers' catcher Pudge Rodriguez, but Detroit doesn’t seem interested in moving him. Florida enters the second half of the season less than two games behind Philadelphia while the Tigers trail the White Sox by seven games. By the way, Ivan spent one very successful year with the Marlins back in 2003.
The ratings for this year’s All-Star Game increased eleven percent over the 2007 affair. I’m sure the location had something to do with that, in edition to the presence of yours truly, who undoubtedly spiked ratings singlehandly.
Clint Hurdle approached David Wright about pitching for the National League as Tuesday night’s All-Star Game wore on. Wright may have even taken the mound in the sixteenth inning, had the AL not won it in the fifteenth. My question is, why did he consult Wright, who claims he hasn’t pitched since little league? Surely there was someone more qualified.
Mike Hampton tweaked his groin during a rehab start in Class AA ball on Wednesday night, just the latest in a long line of derailments. There is still a chance that he’ll return to pitch from the Braves this season, but with him you can’t count your chickens before they hatch.
The Packers wanted the NFL to discuss tampering charges against the Vikings regarding Brett Favre, but the league does not plan to do so. This whole saga is getting out of control, and I just wish it was over. Maybe we can place Brett Favre, the Packers, and any interested teams in a vacuum and only allow them to come out when a decision has been reached.
Eagles' cornerback Lito Sheppard has hired super agent Drew Rosenhaus, and we all know that he’s unhappy with his current contract. Drew will likely become a major pain in the butt of Andy Reid and Joe Banner, just as he did when representing Terrell Owens.
