RealGM Basketball Wiretap

Bosh: Danny Green 'Won't Be Open' In Game 6

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:32:06 EDT

Danny Green has set the record for most three-pointers made in an NBA Finals series, but Chris Bosh was adamant the Miami Heat will limit the San Antonio Spurs guard's open looks in Game 6 on Tuesday.

"[Green] won't be open tonight," Bosh said.

Tony Parker said after Game 5 that he could not believe the Heat continued to give Green open shots.

In Green's mind, if the Heat crowd him more in Game 6, it will lead to additional driving lanes for Parker and Manu Ginobili.

"You have to give up something," Green said, according to David Aldridge of NBA.com.

Game 6 Has 4th Highest Rating Since ABC Began Televising NBA Finals

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:14:36 EDT

ABC had an overnight rating of 14.7 for Game 6 of the 2013 NBA Finals.

The rating makes it the fourth highest for the Finals since ABC began its coverage, trailing Game 7 in 2010 between the Lakers and Celtics, Game 5 in 2004 between the Pistons and Lakers, and Game 6 in 2011 between the Mavericks and Heat.

The rating peaked at 19.8 from 11:45 PM until midnight EST.

Game 7 in 2010 had a rating of 18.2.

Duncan Illegally Entered Game For Final Spurs' Possession Of Regulation

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:49:55 EDT

Tim Duncan entered the game illegally for the final possession of regulation after the referees reviewed Ray Allen's game-tying three-pointer in Game 6.

Reviews aren't technically a dead ball situation, meaning substitutions cannot be made without a timeout. The San Antonio Spurs were out of timeouts, meaning they couldn't make a substitution or advance the ball.

Tony Parker drove to the left baseline and missed a jumper at the buzzer.

Game 5 Draws 11.5 Rating

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:58:13 EDT

The NBA Finals averaged more than 16 million viewers during Game 5 on Sunday.

The game peaked at one point with 19.3 million viewers.

With an 11.5 rating in Game 5, viewership was down 9.5 percent from when the Miami Heat beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the title.

The series is averaging a 9.0 rating.

Tony Parker To Risk Hamstring Tear In Game Five

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 23:39:34 EDT

Tony Parker said Saturday that his ailing hamstring is at risk of getting much worse.

“My hamstring can tear at any time now,” he said, “so if it was the regular season I would be resting. But now it’s the NBA Finals. If it gets a tear, it’s life.”

Parker is dealing with a right hamstring strain.

“I feel like I’m getting stronger with it,” he said. “My goal is to be close to 100 percent by tomorrow (for Game 5). I felt confident, being disciplined with all the treatments, with the ice. Hopefully I’ll be good by tomorrow.”

Spoelstra: Coaching Turnover 'A Terrible State' For NBA

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:48:14 EDT

With 12 of the 30 NBA teams changing coaches since the end of the regular season, Erik Spoelstra ripped the coaching turnover that has gone on, calling it a "terrible state for the profession right now."

"[For] true success in the NBA, you must have consistency of culture," he said. "When you see that type of turnover over and over and over, it's impossible to create any kind of sustainable consistent culture. And we don't see it as a coincidence."

Spoelstra compared the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs as two organizations that have stability starting at the coaching spot.

"San Antonio has been the same way for 15 years with Pop in charge," Spoelstra said. "We don't see it as coincidence.

"I think it's really a shame for the profession of coaching that it's been so volatile. But I'm also very grateful that our organization doesn't behave in that manner."

Wade: Game 5 Will Be Best Of NBA Finals

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 01:40:20 EDT

Dwyane Wade scored 32 points in a resurgent performance for him and the Miami Heat's big three on Thursday, and he believes Game 5 will be the best game of this NBA Finals series.

"I think Game 5 should be the best game of the series," Dwyane Wade said. "Both teams should come out knowing each other, knowing what each other want to do, and it should be a very good game."

The Heat and San Antonio Spurs are tied 2-2 heading into Game 5.

"Game 5 is going to be a big game," Chris Bosh said. "I think we just have to stay in the place that we're in."

Hibbert, Duncan Share Scouting Reports On Common Opponents

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 20:56:26 EDT

Roy Hibbert shed light on his friendship with Tim Duncan.

"I met him when I was a kid — in 2001 during the NBA All-Star Game in D.C.," Hibbert said. "I actually had a chance to meet him, and he actually remembers that moment. So that was pretty fun. We talk, text, share, like, scouting reports on other teams and things like that. I sent him mine for the Heat. Just a friendship."

Hibbert and Duncan share reports though not to the extent that it could give one a potential over the other.

"To tell the truth, when we compete against each other, we have respect," Hibbert said. "We're friends off the court. But on the court, he's trying to go at [me] and I'm trying to go at [him]. We've gotta make sure our teams win. But I learn from him, and — you know, he's the best, so I don't know if he picks anything up from me. But I definitely learn from him."

Tony Parker 'Ready To Go' For Game 4

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:21:09 EDT

After suffering a Grade 1 hamstring strain, Tony Parker will play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

“I’ll be ready to go," Parker said at Thursday morning's shootaround.

The Spurs will look to take a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Miami Heat.

“Same as any other player,” Gregg Popovich said of Parker. “I want him to do his job.”

Parker Has Slight Strain In Hamstring

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 13:15:46 EDT

Tony Parker had an MRI on Wednesday on his injured hamstring, revealing a slight strain.

Parker was limited to just six points in 27 minutes in the San Antonio Spurs' Game 3 win.

Parker went to the locker room for treatment in the second half, but returned to the game.

Parker's status for Game 4 is uncertain.

"We'll see tomorrow how I feel," wrote Parker on his Twitter page. "I really hope to play."

Game 3 Draws Lowest Overnight Finals Rating Since 2009

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:37:59 EDT

ABC drew a 10.0 overnight rating for its coverage of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.

The 10.0 rating was the lowest for any Finals game since 2009 when the Los Angeles Lakers eliminated the Orlando Magic in Game 5 (9.4).

Game 3 in 2012 between the Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder drew a 10.4 rating, while Game 3 in 2011 between the Heat and Dallas Mavericks drew an 11.1.

TNT drew a 7.1 rating for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Tony Parker Uncertain For Game 4 With Hamstring Injury

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 01:23:55 EDT

Tony Parker suffered a hamstring injury in Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday and his status is uncertain for Game 4 on Thursday.

Parker, who could not remember which play he hurt the hamstring, will undergo an MRI on Wednesday.

“Hopefully it’s nothing big and it’s just a cramping, or got tight on me,” said Parker, who returned briefly in the fourth after the injury. “It was just a weird feeling. The doctor said I was OK…and we were up big so Pop didn’t want to take a risk. We will see [Wednesday].”

Parker scored just six points in Game 4, but the San Antonio Spurs blew out the Miami Heat 113-77.

Parker reported no pain after the game.

Spurs' Game-Plan Could Lead To LeBron Averaging Triple-Double For Series

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:30:35 EDT

The NBA has only had 10 players average a triple-double in a playoff series, with only Jason Kidd completing the feat in the past 20 years.

No player has ever averaged a triple-double in The Finals.

LeBron James enters Game 3 averaging 17.5 points, 13 rebounds and 8.5 assists.

The San Antonio Spurs appear to have built their defensive scheme against the Miami Heat around forcing James to be more of a passer than a scorer.

“What I do know is sharing the ball is contagious, and it allows everyone to feel involved in the offense,” James said. “For me personally, I know I attract a lot of attention. This team has been set up the right way where when I do attract attention, we have guys that can make plays.” 

Leonard Prepared To Defend LeBron

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:26:26 EDT

Kawhi Leonard will take on the primary responsibility of guarding LeBron James for the San Antonio Spurs.

“I want to play the best and be the best,” said Leonard.

Leonard has only face James once before, which came early in his rookie season.

“Just competing every possession,” Leonard said. “He plays hard throughout the whole 48 minutes. So really having energy and focus to guard him. You just have to compete.”

McGrady May Retire After Finals

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 17:23:52 EDT

Tracy McGrady will consider retiring after The Finals.

McGrady signed with the San Antonio Spurs on April 16 after spending the 12-13 season playing in China.

McGrady was an All-NBA First Team selection in 2002 and 2003.

Manu Ginobili Doesn't Plan To Retire

Fri, 31 May 2013 16:25:07 EDT

Although he has had the least productive season of his career, Manu Ginobili does not have any plan to retire after the San Antonio Spurs' NBA Finals run.

"I’m not planning on retiring,” Ginobili said.

Ginobili wants to play at least one more season and wants it to be with the Spurs.

“There are some days, you’re depressed because you’re hurt and you want to say, ‘The hell with that,’ ” Ginobili said. “But I love doing this a lot. Hopefully it’s going to be here.

“From Day 1, I said until July 1 I’m not going to talk about it at all. I don’t want it to be an issue.”

R.C. Buford Uninterested In Leaving Spurs

Thu, 30 May 2013 15:46:57 EDT

R.C. Buford has no plans on leaving the San Antonio Spurs.

“I’m exactly where I’m going to be,” Buford said. “I have no idea what kind of a list anybody has, but I’m exactly where I want to be.”

Buford has been mentioned as a target for the Sacramento Kings to run their basketball operations.

“I don’t even pay attention to it,” Buford said. “There’s no reason for anybody to be a distraction to what this (Spurs) team has accomplished.”

21 NBA Teams To Compete In 2013 Vegas Summer League

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:52:37 EDT

The 2013 Vegas Summer League will be comprised of 22 teams and run from July 12 to July 22.

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)
Miami Heat (2010-12)
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

Hawks Hire Mike Budenholzer As Head Coach

Tue, 28 May 2013 16:27:28 EDT

The Atlanta Hawks have named Mike Budenholzer the team’s new head coach, President of Basketball Operations/General Manager Danny Ferry announced. Budenholzer becomes the 12th full-time head coach in Hawks history.

“We are thrilled to have Mike as the next coach of the Atlanta Hawks. He has an incredible basketball acumen and has a keen awareness of the league and what it takes to be successful," Ferry said. "His experience and four championships over the last 17 years provide a tremendous foundation for his leadership of our team.”

Budenholzer, 43, spent the past 19 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, including the final 17 seasons as an assistant coach.

“I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of the San Antonio Spurs organization for the last 19 years. I knew it would have to be a tremendous situation for me to leave and clearly coming to Atlanta as the head coach of the Hawks is perfect for me,” said Budenholzer. “Ownership’s commitment to taking this organization to the next level and creating a unique and special culture, partnering with a general manager like Danny Ferry who I have great respect for, and building a roster that has terrific potential because of the existing core and the ensuing flexibility presents a rare and uniquely positive opportunity.”

Budenholzer had long been considered the eventual successor to Gregg Popovich with the Spurs.

Budenholzer Allowed To Negotiate Contract With Hawks

Tue, 28 May 2013 15:10:40 EDT

The San Antonio Spurs will allow Mike Budenholzer to negotiate a contract with the Atlanta Hawks during their nine-day break before the beginning of the NBA Finals if he is chosen as their next head coach.

Budenholzer has been an assistant coach with the Spurs for 18 years and is well regarded around the NBA.

Budenholzer and Danny Ferry worked together previously with the Spurs.

Budenholzer is widely considered the leading candidate for the Hawks.

Tiago Splitter Laughs Off Real Madrid Rumors

Mon, 27 May 2013 22:04:01 EDT

Tiago Splitter laughed off a report that Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid will pursue him aggressively as a free agent this offseason.

“That’s because they’re having an election,” Splitter, the former MVP of the Spanish ACB League, said on Monday.

Splitter explained clubs that own teams in the Spanish league elect officials every four years, bringing campaign promises.

"Every guy who runs for club president promises to bring in this guy or that guy so they can get elected,” Splitter said.

James Southerland To Workout For Eight Teams

Sat, 25 May 2013 12:12:55 EDT

James Southerland has scheduled eight visits over the next few weeks.

Southerland will work out for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards and Utah Jazz.

"He's visiting a bunch of teams," Southerland's agent, Mark Bartelstein said. "He's going to be very, very busy."

Southerland worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this week.

Report: Tim Duncan's Wife Files For Divorce

Fri, 24 May 2013 09:47:40 EDT

Tim Duncan is reportedly going through divorce proceedings with his wife Amy.

Court papers filed last week include a request that legal discovery in the case be postponed until after the Spurs' last playoff game.

The Duncans met at Wake Forest when Tim was on the basketball team and Amy was a cheerleader.

Amy initiated the divorce proceedings on March 27.

Richard Orsinger represented Tony Parker in his divorce from Evan Longoria in 2010.

Tony Parker's Calf Injury Healing Well

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:18:47 EDT

Tony Parker underwent a precautionary MRI on his bruised left calf Thursday, and the San Antonio Spurs' guard received a positive outcome.

Parker said Thursday that his calf contusion is dissipating well.

Parker is averaging 18 points in five games since the injury, alternating two strong shooting performances (9 for 16 and 9 for 14) around three poor ones (6 for 17, 3 for 16, 6 for 20).

The Spurs lead the Memphis Grizzlies, 2-0, in the Western Conference Finals.

NBA Has Lowest Rated Conference Final Opener Since 2007 In Spurs/Grizzlies

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:35:15 EDT

The San Antonio Spurs' victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 on Sunday drew a 3.9 overnight rating on ABC Sunday afternoon.

That is down 41 percent from the Miami Heat/Boston Celtics Game 1 on ESPN last season and down 26 percent from the Oklahoma City Thunder/Dallas Mavericks Game 1 on ESPN in 2011.

The game ranks as the lowest rated conference final opener since 2007 when the Cleveland Cavaliers/Detroit Pistons drew a 3.5 on TNT.

San Antonio is the 36th larget market, while Memphis ranks 49th.

The NBA hopes to soon negotiate new television contracts with their national partners. While the league is generally seen to be on the rise, the new collective bargaining agreement favors parity and incoming commissioner, Adam Silver, has made it an expected touchstone of his regime to continue that trend.

Police Received Tony Parker Death Threat During Game 1

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:51:54 EDT

A death threat was made against Tony Parker with five minutes left in the San Antonio Spurs' win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday in Game 1.

The Bexar County Sheriff is investigating a 911 call played on Sunday in which threatened Parker.

Security was immediately increased but it was determined there was no immediate threat.

Parker was escorted to his home by deputies.

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.

Danny Green, Spurs Treating Curry Like 'Mini Kevin Durant'

Sat, 11 May 2013 11:30:07 EDT

Danny Green has held Stephen Curry to 1-of-15 shooting in Games 2 and 3 of the San Antonio Spurs’ second-round series against Golden State.

"It's a great (challenge) man," Green said. "We treat him like a mini Kevin Durant. Obviously he's not as tall or as lethal attacking the rim, but he can finish, has floaters, has all types of stuff, a quick trigger. He's a scorer – a true scorer.

"He's one of the best scorers we have in the league now. And for me to be able to guard him that tough – they have me guarding him and telling me to step up to this challenge – is big for me. I'm defending the way they tell me to defend him. You know, long story short, just stay connected to him. Stay in his airspace and try to make him uncomfortable."

Curry is a combined 12-of-37 over his last two games.

Duncan Was Worried About Jinxing Spurs' Comeback Returning From Locker Room

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:45:40 EDT

Tim Duncan was sick for Game 1, but still scored 19 points with 11 rebounds in 34 minutes.

But Gregg Popovich sent Duncan back into the Spurs' locker room with 4:31 remaining in the game with the Warriors holding a big lead.

“It became pretty apparent that he wasn’t going to tell me the truth anymore,” Popovich said, “so I had to pull the plug myself. He’s a competitor and he didn’t want to come off the floor.”

The Spurs then began an improbable comeback from 16 points down.

“It was unbelievable,” said Duncan. “I was in the locker room watching it, and I see us getting closer and closer. I debated even coming back out there. Whatever superstition it might be, I wanted to stay right where I was. It felt bad coming out there and they get a lead again.”

“It was great just to see the guys and everything going the way we wanted to go. A lot of credit to Golden State; they were unbelievable. Steph Curry put on a show out there. But we stuck with it and used every minute that we had. It was just an unbelievable game to be a part of.”

Teams Had Won 392 Straight Games Up By 16 With Less Than Four Minutes Left Before Warriors' Collapse

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:28:25 EDT

The Golden State Warriors had 16-point lead with less than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of Game 1, but the San Antonio Spurs went on an 18-2 run to force the game into overtime. 

The Spurs eventually won the game in double-overtime on a Manu Ginobili three-pointer.

Teams up by 16 points at the four-minute mark had won 392 consecutive games.

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