Phil89 wrote:I'm so used to the PG getting the inbound pass and shooting that it didn't occur to me that Kobe would get the ball. Hence the sloppy defending.
I can't complain about close finishes though. I need them to keep the excitement up during an 82 game season.
22/12/12
Blazers and Spurs complete Jefferson trade
Portland and San Antonio have today agreed a deal which sees veteran forward Richard Jefferson and shooting big man Matt Bonner join the Blazers.
In return the Spurs get veteran combo guard Delonte West and young guard Elliot Williams. West will provide much needed cover for the injured George Hill.
The Blazers were left scrambling during the off-season when Chris Paul decided to leave via free agency. They swiftly offered West big money to stay.
Shortly after they did a trade with Detroit for guard Will Bynum, which involved them giving up Greg Oden, but it gave them two solid point guards.
There seemed to be some disagreement between Blazers coach Nate McMillan and the teams front office as to who should fill the void left by Chris Paul.
Most experts around the league were in agreement that Bynum should take over the starting point guard role, but McMillan has favoured Delonte West.
With West now gone though Bynum can assume the role. Steve Nash, who was also signed this season, will surely get more minutes as a result too.
Losing both Chris Paul and Gerald Wallace in one off-season was hard to deal with, but Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge have led their team well.
Jefferson will give the Blazers some much needed cover for the likes of Roy and Batum. They only had Chase Budinger in reserve before today.
Bonner adds some height to their bench, but also an outside shooting option. He could well be used as an impact player with his three point ability.
San Antonio get much needed cover for George Hill in this deal. Currently Hill is out with a bone spur in his ankle and DeMarcus Nelson is filling in.
The Spurs are struggling so far this season despite boasting a talented roster. They currently sit a disappointing second from bottom in the west.
After trading Tony Parker to Atlanta for Josh Smith and DeJuan Blair to the Thunder to get George Hill back, they thought their squad was good enough.
But Hill has had a few niggling injuries this season and has missed multiple games. And Nelson isn't exactly showing starting point guard quality.
Now they have West, who will hopefully provide a good scoring option off the bench, the Spurs will push on for a much coveted playoff berth.
Portland receive
Richard Jefferson - 32 - SF - $11.05m - 1 year (76)
Matt Bonner - 32 - PF - $3.50m - 1 year (65)
Projected line-up:
LaMarcus Aldridge - Emeka Okafor - Nicolas Batum - Brandon Roy - Will Bynum
Bench options:
Chase Budinger, Richard Jefferson, Steve Nash, Roger Mason, Matt Bonner, Josh Boone
San Antonio receive
Delonte West - 29 - PG - $20.90m - 2 years (79)
Elliot Williams - 23 - SG - $3.21m - 2 years (64)
Projected line-up:
Al Horford - Michael Beasley - Josh Smith - Cameron Hunter - George Hill
Bench options:
Tayshaun Prince, JJ Hickson, DeMarcus Nelson, Delonte West, Elliot Williams
22/12/12
Thunder announce Sonics tribute during upcoming Texas road trip
Oklahoma City will wear throw-back jerseys during their upcoming Texas road trip in honour of the 1979 NBA Champion Sonics, they announced today.
The idea was voted for by Thunder fans as part of an online competition aimed at spreading festive cheer. A goodwill gesture towards Sonics fans.
Sportingly the Mavericks, Rockets and Spurs have all happily agreed to the proposal and will also wear their respective retro inspired jerseys.
The Thunder are no strangers to wearing Sonics jerseys though. Over the past few seasons they have worn them on NBA approved 'retro' nights.
But this will be the first time that they have worn them on their own initiative. NBA commissioner David Stern said it was an interesting idea.
The road trip will begin in Dallas against the Mavericks. Ironically the very same team that the Sonics played in their last NBA game in Seattle.
Schedule
23/12/12 - @ Dallas
28/12/12 - @ Houston
30/12/12 - @ San Antonio
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Not happy: Gary Payton played 13 seasons in Seattle.
Not everyone was convinced that this tribute was a good idea. Outspoken Sonics legend Gary Payton reacted angrily to the announcement.
"They really don't have the right to wear those jerseys", he said. "I really don't know what the point of this is apart from upsetting Sonics fans."
"We didn’t play in Oklahoma City. In a way it's pretty disrespectful to Seattle fans to see them doing this. It is a privilege that they shouldn't have."
He did admit though that having a team on national TV wearing the green of Seattle could have a positive effect on his efforts to reform the Sonics.
"I suppose a silver lining here is that having Sonics jerseys involved in a televised game could raise awareness of our campaign to get a team back."
"Maybe people will have some nostalgic feelings when they see those jerseys running round again. I guess any publicity we can get is helpful."
The 9-time all-star admitted it was difficult seeing this Thunder team be so successful. "Of course it's hard. Those should have been Sonics' titles."
"Obviously things would have happened differently if the team was still in Seattle. But we had Durant, Westbrook and Ibaka in our last season."
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Superstar: Kevin Durant played his rookie season in Seattle.
Thunder superstar Kevin Durant said he understands why Seattle fans might be upset, but thinks that it's a well intended tribute.
"People may have a problem with it, but at the end of the day we're doing this out of respect for those guys that made a lot of people happy."
The 2009-10 league MVP played his rookie season in Seattle. His solid play, averaging 20 ppg, earned him the rookie of the year award.
In the four years since the move to Oklahoma City, Durant has won three championships, being named Finals MVP in two of those.
He was the scoring champion in 2009-10 and twice named defensive player of the year. He's also been All-Star MVP in the last two years.
24/12/12
Nike announce new deals for Thunder stars days after Rose's new Adidas deal
Christmas has come early this year for Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and Blake Griffin. The Thunder stars all signed new shoe contracts this week.
Rose signed with Adidas for another 8 years, earning himself a cool $120m. Griffin also received a healthy pay rise, signing an 8 year/$80m deal with Nike.
Durant was the real winner though. He signed an extension to his current deal which see him receive a staggering $20m per year for the next ten years.
Given Durant's, and more recently Griffin's, role in the Thunder's success in recent seasons, they were due a big reward for helping promote Nike.
Not that Nike needed any help. They dominate the shoe market in the NBA. They've also got Kobe, LeBron, CP3 and D-Wade wearing their shoes.
It's pretty reasonable to think that they must be hoping that the Heat and Thunder meet up again in the NBA finals for the fourth straight season.
Having Durant and Griffin facing off against LeBron and Wade really does wonders for their sales. The rivalry just keeps growing each year.
The timing of Nike's announcement is interesting for two reasons; 1.) Adidas signed Rose just days ago, and 2.) it comes the day before Christmas.
Though according to Durant's agent Aaron Goodwin, talks had been ongoing with Nike representatives over the course of the past several weeks.
"The timing does seem a little coincidental, but in reality we've been working on this deal for a while," he said during a press conference.
Durant has a history dating to back to the eighth grade with Nike. He never for a moment considered even talking to any other brands.
"At the end of the day, Kevin has been with Nike his whole career and he felt comfortable with them and was glad to continue the relationship."
Durant has become a marketing monster. His enthusiasm for the game and humbleness endear him to fans and he has some decent skills too.
He has built one of the strongest and most respected brands in sports without even intending to do so. He's let his game speak for him.
When asked if he wanted to be recognised as the best player in the league in a recent interview with NBA.com, this was his response:
"To be honest with you, I really don't care. It would be cool for most people to know who the Oklahoma City Thunder are. That's what I'm about."
His humbleness off the court has contrasted greatly with one of his biggest rivals on the court, LeBron 'taking my talents to South Beach' James.
The two are undoubtedly both top 5 players in the league today, but fans seem to favour Durant because of his willingness to put the team first.
The next 5-10 years belong to Durant and James. It's humble vs ego-centric, greatness vs fame and, to some, it might as well be good vs evil.
Despite all of his accolades, Durant is still the first to arrive at training and last to leave according to Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks.
"His work ethic is second to none", he said. "I know it's a bit of a cliché, but he really does put the effort in every day to improve his game."
"He is great with our young guys. Rolf [Young] is always asking him for tips and Kevin always has time for him. He's a great guy above all else."
Durant still has 2 years to go on his current Thunder contract worth $37m. He will surely be in for a contract in excess of $100m next time.
He looks to be in contention to be scoring champion again this season. He's averaging an impressive 29 ppg, 5 rpg, 3.3 spg so far this year.
Rose reportedly would have made more money if he was still playing with the Bulls in Chicago, but he's probably happier competing for titles.
Some industry experts speculated earlier in the year that Adidas weren't too happy with Rose going to a market dominated by Durant and Nike.
But being part of a team that plays exciting basketball and is in the middle of a true dynasty has helped curb any potential losses in sales.
Adidas now have both of their marquee players sharing a market with a Nike-signed star, with Dwight Howard and Deron Williams in New Jersey.
According to a source, Rose is Adidas' only counter to Kobe Bryant in China. It's been reported that he already outsells LeBron James there.
Rose currently has 2 years left on his Thunder deal worth $27m. He's in mvp form this season, averaging roughly 20 ppg and 11 apg.
Griffin became an internet sensation during his injury-postponed rookie season with his high-flying dunks and amazing athletic feats.
But he has added much more since his move to his home-town team in Oklahoma City. He's much better at getting other people shots now.
Blake has a large viral following. It is a rare occasion these days not to see him make an appearance on EPSN’s SportsCenter Top 10 each night.
It was this immense exposure, coupled with his on-court performances that forced Nike to offer him a much improved offer this week.
His rookie shoe contract was surprisingly low when compared with recent top drafted rookies. Only $400,000 per season for the top draft pick.
Considering guys like Durant and LeBron signed deals worth tens of millions before they'd even played in the league, it was a bargain for Nike.
Griffin signed a 6 year deal this year worth about $68m. He's still playing well though, managing 19 ppg, 8 rpg, 4 apg, 2.5bpg.
Career
Drafted
#2 in 2007 by Seattle
Teams
Seattle/Oklahoma City (2007-now)
Transactions
02/07/07
Signed a 2 year $8.65 million contract with Seattle.
23/10/09
Signed a 5 year $80m extension with Oklahoma City.
Achievements
NBA Champion (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12)
NBA Most Valuable Player (2009-10)
NBA Finals MVP (2009-10, 2010-11)
NBA Scoring Champion (2010-11)
Defensive Player of the Year (2009-10, 2011-12)
All-Star MVP (2010-11, 2011-12)
All-NBA First Team (2009-10, 2011-12)
All-Defensive Team First Team (2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12)
NBA All-Star (2009-10), (2010-11, 2011-12)
Rookie of the Year (2008-09)
Career
Drafted
#1 in 2008 by Chicago
Teams
Chicago (2008-2010)
Milwaukee (2010-2012)
Oklahoma City (2012-now)
Transactions
01/07/08
Signed a 2 year $10 million contract with Chicago.
14/08/11
Signed a 1 year $5.85m contract with Milwaukee.
12/08/12
Signed a 2 year $26.60m contract with Milwaukee.
01/10/12
Oklahoma City traded Russell Westbrook, Andrea Bargnani & Marvin Williams
<->
Milwaukee traded Derrick Rose, Michael Redd & Nenad Krstic
Achievements
Rookie of the Year (2008-09)
All-Rookie First Team (2008-09)
Career
Drafted
#1 in 2009 by LA Clippers
Teams
LA Clippers (2009-2011)
Oklahoma City (2012-now)
Transactions
08/07/09
Signed a 2 year $10.34 million contract with LA Clippers.
28/09/10
LA Clippers exercised $5.73 million team option for 2011-2012 season.
15/02/12
Oklahoma City traded Kevin Love, Serge Ibaka & Shannon Brown
<->
LA Clippers traded Blake Griffin, Ryan Gomes & Eric Bledsoe
12/08/12
Signed a 6 year $67.90m contract with Oklahoma City.
Achievements
NBA Champion (2011-12)
NBA Finals MVP (2011-12)
All-Rookie First Team ( 2009-10)
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