RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Bobcats In Process To Change Name Back To Hornets

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:23:05 EDT

The Charlotte Bobcats have started the process to rename the team back to "Hornets," according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

There is no timetable for the switch and Adam Silver has said such a change would take at least 18 months to implement.

Charlotte's NBA team was known as the Hornets from its 1988 inception through 2002 when then owner George Shinn moved the team -- and mascot -- to New Orleans.

The New Orleans franchise changed its name to Pelicans after this season, which opened the door for Charlotte to reclaim its old name.

MLSE Hires Firm To Search For New Raptors' GM, No Decision Yet On Colangelo

Fri, 17 May 2013 18:30:00 EDT

MLSE, owner of the Toronto Raptors, have hired a firm to search for a possible replacement for Bryan Colangelo.

The Raptors have until Monday to make a decision on whether to pick up their option on Colangelo's contract for the 13-14 season.

Kevin Pritchard and Troy Weaver are two names being mentioned as candidates to replace Colangelo, should the Raptors make a move.

Tim Leiweke became CEO of MLSE last month and will have final say on the Raptors' general manager position.

Hansen-Ballmer Decline Refund Of $30M Non-Refundable Deposit From NBA's Other Owners

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:57:23 EDT

The NBA owners offered to refund a $30 million non-refundable deposit made by the Chris Hansen-Steve Ballmer ownership group that was made when entering into a purchase agreement with the Sacramento Kings.

The Seattle-based group had agreed to buy the team from the Maloof family.

Hansen and Ballmer declined to accept the offer, which would have come from each of the NBA's 30 owners.

Thunder May Anticipate 6th Man Role For Reggie Jackson

Sat, 18 May 2013 00:32:05 EDT

After sporadic playing time as a rookie last season, Reggie Jackson emerged as a critical guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists in the playoffs.

With Russell Westbrook set to return next season, the Thunder might be anticipating a sixth man role for Jackson.

“If that's the number that's called,” Jackson said, “I'm doing my best to just be ready for whatever situation I'm thrown into next year.”

“I'm excited about his future, about what he was able to do during the minutes that he had," Brooks added.

Kevin Garnett To Rest Ankle Injury, Won't Have Surgery

Sat, 18 May 2013 02:12:45 EDT

After battling an inflammed left ankle late in the season, Kevin Garnett will continue to rest it and will not have surgery.

The Boston Celtics' medical staff is confident rest will heal Garnett's ankle.

Danny Ainge recently said the Celtics are awaiting for final word from Garnett about whether he will return for next season.

Harrison Barnes Enjoyed Playing Small Ball Power Forward

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:56:16 EDT

Due to the injury to David Lee, the Golden State Warriors were forced to be inventive and play Harrison Barnes minutes at power forward.

Many in the media had proposed that Barnes play as the Warriors' small ball power forward previously in the season in order to space the floor due to their lack of playmakers able to get to the basket off the dribble.

"It was fun to kind of play that style," said Barnes. "We’d never really done that before this season. Really, I’d never really played that at Carolina. I’ve always been so accustomed to having two bigs, especially fixtures on the block.

"So just to be able to play that spread out basketball, kind of drive and kick… it was fun to have four people who could handle the ball, just get out on the break, we all had different mis-matches. It was exciting."

Larry Drew Will Interview For Bucks' Head Coaching Job Monday

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:26:42 EDT

Larry Drew will interview for the Milwaukee Bucks' head coaching vacancy on Monday and is receiving interest from a second team.

The Bucks called Danny Ferry about speaking with Drew, who is still under contract with the Atlanta Hawks until June 30, and they were granted permission.

“I’ve moved on from the situation,” Drew said. “We had a very professional talk just trying to get things in order since I’m still under contract.”

While Drew is prepared to part ways with the Hawks, the door is not completely closed on him returning as coach.

“There is not a sadness,” Drew said. “This is a business. We left open that this could evolve back. If it doesn’t, I have to move on. That’s how this business works. I knew that. Nine years is a good run. There is a business side to this profession."

Carlisle Has Studied Past Drafts, Places Value On Experienced Prospects

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:49:24 EDT

Rick Carlisle has studied past NBA drafts and is aware of the talent that figures to fall to the Mavericks on June 27.

“You know, if you look at the history of drafts, which I have in the last couple of weeks, and if you look at the last 10 drafts, there’s a history of being multiple guys 13 and below that turn out to be really good, solid, long-term NBA players,” Carlisle said, while standing on the sideline during day 2 of the NBA draft combine. “So, you know, there’s value in this draft. Our job is to find it.”

The Mavericks will pick in the lottery for the first time since 2004, when they selected Devin Harris with a pick acquired from the Washington Wizards.

Carlisle is confident the Mavericks will add a player capable of stepping in right away.

“Well, you want to get a guy with as much experience as possible,” Carlisle confessed. “One of the reasons that (Jae) Crowder was in our rotation most of the year last year and one of the reasons that Bernard James did a good job for us when he played was because those guys had experience and they were older players. I think there’s been a move towards putting a value on maturity and for good reason.”

Greg Oden 'Looks Ready To Go'

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:46:49 EDT

Greg Oden is attempting to return to the NBA after not playing since 2009.

Oden has received interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat, amongst other teams.

Deshaun Thomas, who attended Ohio State like Oden, said on Thursday that the two have been working out.

"Man, he looks unbelievable," he said at the draft combine. "He's running. He's lifting weights. You might be seeing a comeback. He looks like he's ready to go. He's running, getting in shape. I'll tell you one thing. For a big 7-footer that's all he does, running and getting in shape. He's looking right."

Knicks Could Lose Chris Copeland In Free Agency

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:42:56 EDT

The New York Knicks could lose Chris Copeland this summer in restricted free agency.

Copeland will measure his market value after posting several strong performances in the Eastern Conference semifinals, including a 13 point, 4-rebound showing in the Knicks’ 85-75 win over the Pacers Thursday night.

The Knicks will extend a qualifying offer to Copeland, making him a restricted free agent, but they may be prohibited from matching any offer more than $3 million.

Michael Reinsdorf Believes Mirotic Would Be Lottery Pick In This Year's Draft

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:50:35 EDT

Michael Reinsdorf believes that Nikola Mirotic would be a lottery in this year’s NBA draft.

Mirotic was acquired by the Bulls after he was drafted 23rd overall in 2011.

Reinsdorf is proud of the Bulls’ recent draft record, pointing to the 2011 selection of Jimmy Butler.

“This is a guy who was the 30th pick in the draft that any other team could have had,” Reinsdorf said of Butler. “He played nearly every minute against Miami and LeBron James. If you saw how LeBron James embraced Jimmy Butler after that game, to me, it was the ultimate show of respect and that Jimmy has arrived as a ballplayer.”

Afflalo Wants To Play To His Strengths Next Season

Fri, 17 May 2013 20:51:45 EDT

Arron Afflalo is looking forward to playing to his strengths next season.

"I'm kind of getting to the age now where I'm kind of settling into being great at something," Afflalo said. "Whether it's being a high-level defensive player, a high-level shooter, an efficient scorer, doing the things where I'm really playing to my strengths. That's something I'm looking forward to."

With Afflalo often acting as the team’s go-to scorer, the Magic lost 62 games this season.

"It is what it is," Afflalo said. "We had a lot of firsts in terms of role definition, in terms of learning, in terms of the coaching staff. And when you're fully committed to doing better and trying to win it all at some point in time, you have to go through experiences like this. All we can do is try to learn from what happened this year and move forward into next year."

Otto Porter Patterns Game After Tayshaun Prince

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:45:26 EDT

Otto Porter patterns his game after Tayshaun Prince.

Porter, a small forward out of Georgetown, measured at 6-8.5 in shoes with a 7-1.5 wingspan at the NBA draft combine.

“Yeah, Tayshaun Prince,” Porter said when asked who his game is modeled after. “Long, lanky and can do a lot of things on the floor. Can defend, rebound, kind of a glue guy.”

Porter averaged 16.2 points and 7.5 rebounds, while shooting 47.9 percent from the floor, in 35.4 minutes per game last season for the Hoyas.

Kings Not Expected To Keep Petrie, Could Consider Mullin

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:25:34 EDT

With Vivek Ranadive agreeing to purchase the Sacramento Kings, Geoff Petrie is not expected to be retained as chief decision-maker on basketball personnel moves.

One candidate for the position could be Chris Mullin, who was in the Golden State Warriors' front office from 2004 until 2009.

Ranadive and Mullin have met several times, but have not discussed the possibility of working together.

"I definitely would (be interested in the job)," Mullin said. "But you know, it's something that's got to be the right fit. It's gotta be – they need my expertise…I'm not one of those people to go solicit it. But a guy like him, if he called me and he needed me, I'd love that."

Mike Malone Expected To Be Candidate For Kings

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:22:20 EDT

Mike Malone is expected to be a leading candidate for the Sacramento Kings' head coaching position.

Keith Smart is not expected to be retained, according to a report.

Malone is familiar with prospective Kings' owner Vivek Ranadive due to their connection with the Golden State Warriors.

Jackson Admits Kobe's 2003 Arrest Impacted Relationship

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:14:41 EDT

In a new book, Phil Jackson writes that charges of a sexual assault committed by Kobe Bryant in 2003 impacted their relationship.

Jackson's daughter, Brooke, had been sexually assaulted by an athlete while she was in college, so Bryant's situation "cracked open an old wound."

Jackson left the Lakers following the 03-04 season.

"The Kobe incident triggered all my unprocessed anger and tainted my perception of him. ... It distorted my view of Kobe throughout the 2003-04 season," Jackson writes. "No matter what I did to extinguish it, the anger kept smoldering in the background."

Jackson eventually returned to the Lakers and enjoyed an effective working relationship with Bryant.

Jackson also extensively compares the game and personality of Bryant with Michael Jordan.

"Michael was more charismatic and gregarious than Kobe," Jackson writes. "He loved hanging out with his teammates and security guards, playing cards, smoking cigars, and joking around.

"Kobe is different. He was reserved as a teenager, in part because he was younger than the other players and hadn't developed strong social skills in college. When Kobe first joined the Lakers, he avoided fraternizing with his teammates. But his inclination to keep to himself shifted as he grew older. Increasingly, Kobe put more energy into getting to know the other players, especially when the team was on the road."

Source: Warriors Believe Purchasing Draft Pick An Option

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:06:03 EDT

The Golden State Warriors believe they can purchase a first or second round pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, according to a source.

The Warriors' first round pick belongs to the Utah Jazz.

The Warriors acquired an extra first round pick last season from the San Antonio Spurs by taking on the salary of Richard Jefferson. Golden State selected Festus Ezeli with the pick.

Hawks Interview Stan Van Gundy, Mike Budenholzer For Coaching Vacancy

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:31:01 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks have interviewed Stan Van Gundy and Mike Budenholzer for their vacant head coach position.

Nate McMillan previously interviewed for the position.

The Hawks are reportedly in the middle stages of the hiring process.

Report: Redick Unlikely To Return To Bucks

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:29:49 EDT

J.J. Redick is unlikely to return to the Milwaukee Bucks, according to a report.

Redick will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Redick is coming off a reported 3-year, $20 million contract.

Hawks Seriously Considering Ettore Messina

Fri, 17 May 2013 02:43:39 EDT

Ettore Messina has emerged as a serious candidate to become the next head coach of the Atlanta Hawks.

Messina was born in Italy and is the current coach of CSKA Moscow. Messina is a four-time Euroleague championship coach and two-time Euroleague coach of the year. 

Messina was part of the Los Angeles Lakers' coaching staff during the 11-12 NBA season.

Messina left the NBA to take a $1 million-plus a year job with CSKA.

Danny Ferry recently scouted CSKA at last weekend's Euroleague Final Four.

Stan Van Gundy and Quin Snyder are also candidates.

Maloofs Agree To Sell Kings To Ranadive Group For $535M

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:36:27 EDT

The Maloofs have agreed to sell the Sacramento Kings to a group led by Vivek Ranadive for $535 million, according to a source.

The Maloofs had hoped to sell the Kings to a group led by Chris Hansen and Steve Ballmer, but the NBA's Board of Governors voted against the sale by a 22-8 margin. The Hansen-Ballmer group intended to move the Kings to Seattle, which lost their NBA franchise to Oklahoma City in 2008.

Ranadive is currently a part owner of the Golden State Warriors.

The new ownership group is hoping to build a new arena in downtown Sacramento with public financing.

Deshaun Thomas Refused To Give Spurs His Cell Number At Draft Combine

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:26:54 EDT

Deshaun Thomas interviewed with the San Antonio Spurs at the NBA draft combine on Thursday.

Among the questions asked of Thomas was his cell phone number and email address.

Thomas declined to give the Spurs his phone number.

“I can’t go around giving it out to everyone,” Thomas said Thursday with a laugh. “Now if they want to draft me, I’d be happy to give it to them.”

Thomas is currently projected as a second-round pick.

Nerlens Noel Targeting Christmas Return From Torn ACL

Thu, 16 May 2013 22:24:05 EDT

Nerlens Noel will not be ready for the NBA season opener and is targeting Christmas as his debut date.

Noel said he is ''ahead of schedule” in his rehab from a torn ACL in his left knee.

''I've started to shoot some free throws the last week with a different type of brace on,'' said Noel, who has yet to start running again. ''I'm 100 percent confident of not just gaining what I had but definitely being stronger, coming back better. During this time that I won't be playing basketball I'll just be working on a lot of things that I needed to polish when I was playing.''

Noel called shooting among his needed areas of improvement.

''I think I'm at a good point, but obviously I can't do too much right now,'' Noel said. ''I'm just doing a lot of form shooting right now. I think when I come back I'll be able to knock down that 15-footer and be able to take my game to another level.''

Sloan Not Interested In Coaching Bucks

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:21:41 EDT

Jerry Sloan is not interested in taking the Milwaukee Bucks’ vacant head coaching position.

Sloan met with Bucks officials last week.

"The bottom line is, Jerry doesn't really feel it's the right fit for him right now," Keith Glass, Sloan’s agent, said on Thursday. "He's interested (in coaching again). He's in Chicago now watching the Pre-Draft. And his name keeps popping up with every job, and he hasn't applied for anything. He had a real nice meeting with them. They came to see him on his farm (in downstate Illinois). They had a great meeting just in terms of liking each other. (Bucks general manager) John Hammond said 'I wish I could have stayed and watched the game with him.' It's just not the right fit for Jerry, from Jerry's point of view. That's not a negative thing; that's just the reality."

Glass said that Sloan would be interested in coaching a playoff-level team.

"Jerry probably is a lot like Scott, in that the working conditions and where the team is (contender-wise) are important," Glass said. "For Jerry to go to a place that's going to take years to build—and I'm not talking about Milwaukee, I'm talking about anywhere—that's just not right for him. They have to be able to compete. Jerry is a competitor, and he wants to compete and teach."

Sources: Mike Zarren Turned Down Offer To Become Sixers GM

Thu, 16 May 2013 21:20:39 EDT

Mike Zarren turned down an offer to become general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, two league sources said Thursday.

Zarren has served as the Celtics’ assistant general manager and team counsel for the past few years.

Danny Ainge hired Zarren as an unpaid intern in 2003.

"I don’t know all the details, but I know there was strong interest in Mike from Philly," said Ainge. "I don’t know why (he turned it down). You'll have to ask him."

George Hill Out For Game 5 With Concussion

Thu, 16 May 2013 19:20:56 EDT

George Hill was ruled out for Game 5 by the Indiana Pacers due to a concussion suffered in Game 4.

The Pacers had kept Hill's injury quiet.

Hill believes he suffered the injury when being hit in the head by Tyson Chandler.

D.J. Augustin will start and Frank Vogel said that Paul George could even see some time at the point.

Rivers To Remain With Celtics Next Season

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:32:17 EDT

Doc Rivers will remain as head coach of the Boston Celtics next season, his 10th with the franchise.

"Yeah (he'll be back), Doc and I are talking about our team next year," Danny Ainge said. "(No suspense) from my perspective. We've got a great coach. We've got a coach everybody would love to have and he's got three years left on his contract and I think Doc likes Boston, too.Coaches get tired, though. It's a hard job.

"You guys are the only one (who made it an issue)."

Rivers signed a five-year extension two years ago, but left open the possibility of stepping down following the Celtics' elimination in the playoffs.

Thibodeau: Rose Made Right Decision Missing Entire Season

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:50:04 EDT

The Chicago Bulls were eliminated from the 2013 NBA Playoffs on Wednesday, ending their season without having Derrick Rose in the lineup for a single game.

Rose tore his ACL during Game 1 of the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

"He never quite reached the comfort level he needed to play," said Tom Thibodeau. "So he made the right decision."

Rose looked close to returning at one point of the season and said that he might return for the Bulls' series against the Miami Heat.

"He’s been diligent," said Thibodeau. "He’ll continue to be diligent throughout the summer. And he’ll be ready to go next year."

Billy Hunter Files Suit Against NBPA, Fisher, Wior

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:06:13 EDT

Billy Hunter has filed a lawsuit against the National Basketball Players Association, Derek Fisher and Jamie Wior.

Hunter was voted out unanimously as executive director of the NBPA in February. Hunter had been executive director of the NBPA since 1996. 

A report from an independent party showed Hunter used poor judgement on hiring practices, spent improperly on several forms of expenses and his contract was never properly approved. The report, however, showed no evidence of illegal use of union funds.

Fisher is president of the NBPA, while Wior serves as his business manager.

Sources: Schroeder, Antetokounmpo Given First Round Promises

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:55:26 EDT

Dennis Schroeder and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been given first round promises for the 2013 NBA Draft, according to sources.

Both Schroeder and Antetokounmpo could elect to withdraw from the draft as International prospects.

Schroeder is a 19-year-old, 6-1 point guard out of Germany, while Antetokounmpo is an 18-year-old, 6-9 small forward out of Greece.

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