███ NBA avoids lockout - Playoffs changed to 5-7-7-7 format
NEW YORK (AP)
The NBA owners and the NBPA have agreed on a new six-year deal with basically the same terms that the last contract was based on. "It's great to see that the players and the owners cooperate that well", Commissioner David Stern said after the five hour meeting between both parties.
The NBA also announced, that the Playoff format will slightly change in the upcoming season. The 5-7-7-7 format, which means that the 1st round series are played as a best of five series, will make a comeback. It had been used before but was abolished in 2003. "We think that a best of five series will make the first round matchups more exciting and increase the chance of upsets, which is good to see", Commissioner Stern said.
███ Sonics' movement to Sacramento finished
SEATTLE-SACRAMENTO (AP)
The Kings are back in Sacramento. After one year of a Seattle Supersonics adventure, the franchise opened it's headquarters and the renovated Arco Arena in downtown Sacramento.
"We are very pleased to announced that the new Arco Arena will have place for 22.000 fans, which is over 5.000 more than before", front office executive Kevin Johnson said at the inauguration of the new stadium.
"We are here, to bring Playoff basketball back to Sac-Town", new owner Chris Webber said. The Kings finished last season (as the Sonics) with an 28-54 record and missed the NBA postseason.
███ Injury forces Yao to retire
BEJING-HOUSTON (AP)
Yao Ming retires from NBA basketball. Just two month after repeatedly breaking his right leg in an exhibition game with the Chinese national squad, the 7-6 center has filed his retirement papers.
"It just does not make sense any more. Basketball is my life, but I don't want to risk my life by getting injured over and over again", the nicknamed "Great Wall" said. Yao had only missed two games last season and looked like his old self after several injuries the year before. He averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game during the 2010-2011 season.
"We are shocked, but we respect his decision", Houston GM Darryl Morey said in a press conference today. Without Aaron Brooks (signed with the Thunder) and Yao, the Rockets are facing a tough year to come.
███ NBA brings back striped socks
NEW YORK (AP)
The NBA has announced that the league will bring back the long socks with two stripes on the upper end. "There are still many players who wear those long socks and we will now change the style of the socks like they were in the 70ies and 80ies", an NBA press officer said.
Among players, the style change has already gotten positive feedback. "It's great. I love the new socks. They bring style and retro feelings to the league", Heat guard Eddie House said in an TV interview.
"Oh yeah, 80ies baby", Mavs guard Jason Terry twittered earlier this morning.
███ Heat, Lakers, lead Conference polls among NBA coaches
NEW YORK (AP)
The Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Lakers are the top favourites for the NBA championship in 2012, at least that is the result of a poll amongst NBA coaches.
Eleven of 30 coaches see the Heat as the top favourite for the NBA crown, while 13 coaches tipped the LA Lakers to stand on top. The third best team in votings were the Oklahoma City Thunder with five selections.
NBA.com wrote:
Vote your game of the month on NBA.com
The 2011-2012 NBA season kicks off on Tuesday night when the current Champion Los Angeles Lakers will host the upcoming Oklahoma City Thunder in the Staples Center. Vote for your match of the month which will be covered on NBA.com.
11/1/2011 Oklahoma City Thunder - Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe Bryant wants to beat Michael Jordan and grab that seventh ring. Kevin Durant is the upcoming superstar in the NBA and finished 2nd in MVP votings last season. The veteran Mamba going vs the young Durantula.
11/02/2011 Miami Heat vs New York Knicks
The Heat had the best record of the league last season but were knocked off in an exciting seven game series by the Boston Celtics. The New York Knicks will now form their own "Thrice", as they added number one pick Lance Meredith to their roster, which looks as threatening as never before.
11/09/2011 San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers managed to beat the Spurs in last year's Conference Semi-Finals in what was a great matchup. The Spurs' title window seems closed, but how often do you see Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Steve Nash and Ron Artest on the floor at the same time.
11/13/2011 Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Clippers
A battle between last year's rookie of the year Evan Turner and the 2nd best rookie Blake Griffin. Are the Clippers are contender?
11/17/2011 Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat
The rematch: Can the Heat make sure from the very first game that they mean business and won't let the veteran Celtics kill their title dreams? Boston is old, but more like old wine than old meat.
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