March 2009 NBA Wiretap

Evans Will Hire Agent, Stay In Draft

Apr 30, 2009 11:41 PM

Tyreke Evans said on Thursday evening that he will remain in the NBA Draft and hire an agent.  Evans has not officially hired an agent, but he indicated that he will do so shortly.

"I?m helping Josh (Pastner, new UM coach) recruit, trying to keep the thing going down here," Evans said. "A lot of people are doubting us next year, saying we won?t be as good, so I?m down here helping out."

Commercial Appeal

Tags: NBA, NBA NBA Draft

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Lee's Sinus Surgery Goes Well, Return Unclear

Apr 30, 2009 11:37 PM

Courtney Lee underwent successful surgery on Thursday to repair a fracture in his left sinus cavity.

"Things went well. There doesn't appear anything major," General Manager Otis Smith said.

It is unclear how long the Orlando rookie will be out, but he should return for the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Orlando Sentinel

Tags: Orlando Magic, NBA

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Bulls Force Game 7 In Triple-Overtime Epic

Apr 30, 2009 11:06 PM

Derrick Rose rejected Rajon Rondo's potential game-winner with less than ten seconds left to help the Bulls beat the Celtics 128-127 in three overtimes to force Game 7.

John Salmons led Chicago with 35 points and 6 rebounds, Brad Miller posted 23 points and 10 boards, and Rose added 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists in the win.

After rejecting Rondo's shot, Rose streaked down the court and was fouled by Brian Scalabrine. He missed both free throws, and Rondo took the rebound to half court before launching a prayer off the left side of the backboard.

The Bulls shot 50% from the field, while holding the defending-champions to 43% at the United Center.

Ray Allen exploded for the Celtics, scoring 51 points on 18-for-32 shooting, including a playoff-record nine three-pointers.

Kendrick Perkins had 12 points and 12 rebounds, Paul Pierce tallied 22 points and 9 boards, and Rondo stuffed the stat sheet with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 19 assists.

As would be expected in a triple-overtime game, a number of players fouled out.

The Bulls lost Ben Gordon, while the Celtics lost Pierce, Perkins and Glen Davis to fouls.

Miller made a driving layup for Chicago with thirty seconds left, after drilling a wide-open three-pointer on the previous possession, to force the first extra period.

Davis and Salmons then traded jump shots to extend the game to the second overtime.

Allen drilled yet another clutch three to send the game into a third overtime, where Chicago pulled out the win.

Andrew Perna/RealGM

Tags: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, NBA

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Von Wafer Plays In Game 6 After All

Apr 30, 2009 10:30 PM

Von Wafer ended up being available for Houston's Game 6 against the Blazers after he was ruled out due to back spasms.

"I felt good in the workout," Wafer said before Rockets team physician Tom Clanton cleared him to play. "It?s not really tough. I just want to be out there with my teammates. I was home today. I thought I wouldn?t be able to play. I just thought about my teammates. I wanted to be there. I just want to play."

Houston Chronicle

Tags: Houston Rockets, NBA

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Magic Advance To 2nd Round With Game 6 Win

Apr 30, 2009 10:27 PM

The Orlando Magic advanced to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 114-89 in Game 6 on Thursday.

Orlando's best player, Dwight Howard, served a suspension due to an elbow he leveled against Samuel Dalembert in Game 5.

AP

Tags: Orlando Magic, Philadelphia Sixers, NBA

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West: We Need To Find More Help For CP3 In Offseason

Apr 30, 2009 10:09 PM

The New Orleans Hornets have had two consecutive successful seasons, but the need for changes is evident following their five-game dismissal by the Nuggets.

"We've got to get healthy, but outside of that, we've really got to bring some guys in here that can take the load off Chris," said David West. "He's a great player that's going to put up great numbers. But he has to know that on some nights he can be able to rely on a second, third and fourth guy to carry the load. There were times this season where I felt we were outgunned and overmatched."

"I still feel like we're a couple of pieces away from being a contender," said Tyson Chandler, who said he wants to return next season. "If they do decide to keep the pieces, they cannot do the same thing as last year -- let players go before trying to mix and match. You have to add on to what works. If we had Jannero Pargo along with James Posey and other pieces, it would have made a difference."

Times-Picayune

Tags: New Orleans Pelicans, NBA

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Rondo And Hinrich Tussle Into Scorer's Table

Apr 30, 2009 8:16 PM

Rajon Rondo and Kirk Hinrich tussled near the end of the first quarter in Game 6.

Rondo and Hinrich were tangled up as the latter was attempting to screen out the former on a rebound.  The two were interlocked and Rondo swung Hinrich into the scorer's table.  Hinrich then reacted demonstratively to Rondo, which brought both team's coaches and players to intervene.

Rondo received a flagrant foul, category one, while Hinrich was given a technical foul.

RealGM Staff Report

Tags: Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, NBA

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Wafer Will Miss Game 6 With Back Spasms

Apr 30, 2009 7:37 PM

Von Wafer will not be available for the Rockets in their Game 6 contest with Portland on Thursday night.

Wafer, who is averaging 10.6 points and 1.2 assists in the series thus far, underwent MRI exams on Wednesday which revealed back spasms that were caused by a bulging disk.

Originally drafted in the second round of the 2005 draft by the Los Angeles Lakers, Wafer has been an integral part to Houston's success this year.  He has found a consistent spot in Rick Adelman's rotation, mainly due to the injury of regular starter Tracy McGrady.

There is no word yet if Wafer will be available for a potential game seven.  He is listed as day-to-day.

ESPN

Tags: Houston Rockets, NBA

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April 30th Edition Of RealGM Radio

Apr 30, 2009 7:34 PM

Tonight at 9:00PM EST/6:00 PST on RealGM Radio, hosts Andrew Perna and Jeff Duncan will discuss the NBA playoffs, the day in sports history, and provide some recap of last weekend's NFL Draft.

Jeff and Andrew will also be joined by RealGM's Jarrod Rudolph to discuss the hot topics in the NBA including, Dwight Howard's elbow, how the second round is shaping up and whether or not the league should shorten the regular season.

Click here to listen to past shows as well as tonight's broadcast -- RealGM Radio

You can also discuss the show on RealGM's forums -- RealGM Forums

RealGM Staff Report

Tags: NBA

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Wade: Hawks Have Behaved 'Unprofessional'

Apr 30, 2009 5:24 PM

Dwyane Wade's back felt better on Thursday and he seemed more concerned with the sportsmanship of the Hawks than his injury.

"I'm at the point where whatever is wrong with me, it doesn't matter," said Wade. "I am just moving on from my injuries."

Josh Smith attempted a between the legs dunk during Atlanta's blowout win in Game 5.

"It is [disrespectful]," said Wade. "One thing I go back to is something my high school coach always told me: "Act like you've been there before."

"He used to hate when I dunked and pounded my chest all the time. Win, lose or draw you are supposed to be classy. [There are] some unprofessional things that [the Hawks] have to take care of."

Sun-Sentinel

Tags: Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat, NBA

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Gallinari Finally Able To Sleep In Peace

New York Post

Redick And Gortat To Start Game 6

Orlando Sentinel

NBA Releases Official Early Entry List For 2009 NBA Draft

Press Release

Rose And Mayo Unanimous All-Rookie Selections

Press Release

Curry's Conditioning Program Set To Begin

Newsday

RealGM Recaps For First Round Games On Apr. 29th

RealGM Staff Report

Swine Flu Becomes A Concern For NBA

SI.com

Stu Jackson: Rondo Was Making A Basketball Play On Foul

Boston Herald

Artest: Roy Is Better Offensive Player Than Kobe Or LeBron

NBA.com

Finley Unsure If He Wants One More $2.5M Payday

Express-News

NBA Sends Out Hypothetical Declining Cap Projections To Teams

USA Today

Mo Williams Sees One-Man Teams As Potential 2nd Round Foes

Plain Dealer

Gooden To Test Free Agent Market

Express-News

Bucks Will Likely Look At Deep PG Crop In Draft

Journal Sentinel

Dumars: Pistons To Alter Roster

Sports Illustrated

'Melo Advances To Second Found For First Time

ESPN

Mavs Want Kidd Back Despite Terry's Comments

Dallas Morning News

Cleveland's Sweep Gives Pavlovic Time To Get Married

Cleveland Plain-Dealer

Bynum Fully Expecting To Face Yao, Houston

Globe and Mail

League Doesn't Punish Rondo For Foul

Chicago Sun-Times