River Walk Chronicles ♦ ///

[kibaxx7]

Nice wrap of the Washington game. I can't believe the Wizards went into NBA Jam mode like that. I guess it's true: the All-Star hangover will get you every time

Yeah, unstoppable in the last quarter. Hangover? Didn't play the All-Star yet.

Thierry Tirieux looks damn ugly.

I was thinking of a portrait update.

The HEAT back on top like they should be. Don't trade for Gooden.

The Heat are back. And I'm also getting closer to the encounter with them. Gooden had some nice games from his time with the Spurs, why shouldn't I do the deal? Don't say because of the salary... won't play 5 seasons here.

Tomorrow -- Spurs @ Nets. A MUST WIN. And thanks a lot to everyone for the 20 pages!

[Houndy]

Delete please

[Houndy]

We suck. We have no offense, we need to push ourselves better.

Also, where's Perry Jones?

[dare]

I got good moves Not just a shooter I can also throw it down. Nice alley-oop too

[MrHeraklinos]

I got good moves Not just a shooter I can also throw it down. Nice alley-oop too

Julian Martin's a clutch player, i'm sensing a first-rounder, or a second round steal here.

[dare]

I got good moves Not just a shooter I can also throw it down. Nice alley-oop too

Julian Martin's a clutch player, i'm sensing a first-rounder, or a second round steal here.

I see I got my first fan, you sir will not be disappointed

[Mandich]

Julian Martin sucks

[dare]

Julian Martin sucks

Wait till I meet your player mandick

[Mandich]

Wait till I meet your player mandick

I don't have one

[kibaxx7]

Spurs snap second losing streak in three weeks, beat Nets with Maggette & Splitter's efforts
Preview | Recap | Game Info | Full Play-by-Play | Boxscores (SAS :: NJN)
NEW JERSEY, February 14 -- You could see in the Prudential Center a contingent of flag-waving, chanting Brazilians who roared for Tiago Splitter; it gave this contest the feel of an Olympic game. More importantly for the San Antonio Spurs, it seemed more like a home game than a road one -- perhaps that's why they won. Corey Maggette scored 19 points and Splitter added 17, and the Spurs snapped their second losing streak in only three weeks with a 105-92 victory over the New Jersey Nets. “It felt like a home game,” Maggette said, “as much as they were cheering for him.” Maggette also had seven rebounds and dished out three assists for the Spurs, who stormed to a 18-point lead in the second period, blew it all before the end of the third and then pulled away again in the fourth. “It's good to get this burden off our back,” Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Obviously it was a problem with our self confidence away from home. We had a bad third quarter again, but this time guys righted the ship.” Splitter also finished with 12 rebounds and three blocks, leaving to a loud ovation from the Spurs fans.

“I was happy to see that for Tiago, because he came a long ways over here,” Manu Ginobili said. “He came here, after drafting him three years ago, to help us win games, and to see his fans come out here like this, I'm just happy to see him get a win and happy to see him play well, as a fellow player from South America.” Splitter opened and Ginobili closed a 14-2 spurt with jumpers late in the second quarter as San Antonio turned a 2-point advantage into a 48-34 lead with 3 minutes left until intermission. “I know that here, in this New York-New Jersey area, there's many people from Brazil,” Splitter said. “I'm really, really excited. They gave me energy. I'm really happy to bring these people this game.” The Spurs returned from the locker room and scored the first 9 points for 61-41 lead, but New Jersey eventually tied it at 67 on Devin Harris' steal and dunk; DeJuan Blair made two free throws 20 seconds later to kickstart a 8-0 run and enter the final period with a 78-70 lead. Maggette and Ginobili converted consecutive three-point plays in the fourth as San Antonio pushed the lead back up to 15 -- Ginobili scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. Blair finished with 12 points and three rebounds, while Tim Duncan added 11 points, seven boards and three blocks. Duncan scooped up the game ball as the final buzzer sounded, not to remember the triumph but as a sign of relief. He just couldn't let his team lose three in a row.

Harris scored 12 points, while Travis Outlaw posted 19 and six rebounds and Troy Murphy 17 and eleven boards for the Nets. Though some media reports and speculation make it hard to believe he will be part of the Nets for much longer, rookie Derrick Favors added nine points and played suffocating defense on Duncan. “This is definitely a growing and a learning experience for me and is a very tough time,” said Favors, who spent most of the week answering questions about the Nets' potential desire to trade him; rumors that have been in the air since December. The Nets have lost three straight home games; Brook Lopez had 14 points, ten rebounds and six blocks for New Jersey, but had four fouls in the second half, fouling out with 1:23 left in the game. “It's tough at this moment, because everybody is trying and it's just not clicking for us,” Anthony Morrow said. “We just have to go back to the drawing board and figure out what it's going to take for us to win.” Morrow struggled shooting 4-of-12 from the floor, for 9 points. The Spurs shot 50 percent from the field, including 53 percent from 3-point territory, and their reserves defeated New Jersey's, 45-21.

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Video Music :: Jape • “I Was A Man” [Junkie XL Remix]

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[kibaxx7]

We suck. We have no offense, we need to push ourselves better.

Also, where's Perry Jones?

But you have a nice record, you will be in the Sweet Sixteen at least I have the 2010 NCAA rosters, deleted the players who are now in the NBA and added you NLSCers.

I got good moves Not just a shooter I can also throw it down. Nice alley-oop too

Julian Martin's a clutch player, i'm sensing a first-rounder, or a second round steal here.

I see I got my first fan, you sir will not be disappointed

Buckeyes are having a great season. So far, from all the NCAA games I recapped, Martin was the best NLSCer. I'll try to get all you guys in the first round.

Julian Martin sucks

Wait till I meet your player mandick

I don't have one

You could send me application mandich But you and dare wouldn't meet until the third season here.

Preparing a special Coffee with the players most likely to be dealt in the deadline.

[Mandich]

You could send me application mandich But you and dare wouldn't meet until the third season here.

Preparing a special Coffee with the players most likely to be dealt in the deadline.

I'm not really into that, although I have one in Sit's association.

I'm looking forward to see if Carmelo is on that list

[kibaxx7]

Morning Coffee: Extra • Players most likely to be dealt this Thursday
nba.com/spurs/morningcoffee | February 15th, 2011


SAN ANTONIO -- With the trade deadline only two days away, trade talk is hotter than ever. There are multiple motivations for pulling a trade-deadline deal: some teams are just looking to build for the future; some teams are looking to avoid paying the luxury tax or trying to get under the cap for this summer; and last but not least, a few contenders are looking for the missing piece to put them over the top. Our general manager R.C. Buford and I spent weeks on the phone trying to get a handle on which players are available, so we've put together a list of who could be moved. It's not an easy task, since most GMs claim that no one on their team is on the block -- they are just "listening" to other teams' offers. That means this information comes largely from two sources: this general managers, who tell us what other teams are offering them, and NBA player agents who often play important roles in getting their clients moved this time of year. While most of the players will not be moved by the trade deadline, if history repeats itself, several will. We're ranking all these players in order of the likelihood they are moved this Thursday.


• Jonas Jerebko: “What happens, happens” • Rumors have been circulating around Detroit Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko. A source close to the situation has confirmed that the New York Knicks will only discuss a possible deal with the Pistons if they can trade Roger Mason in exchange. And about a week ago, ESPN.com linked Jerebko in a possible deal involving the Dallas Mavericks, and RealGM mentioned rumors of the New Jersey Nets and the Atlanta Hawks calling for him. After this season, Jerebko is an unrestricted free agent. Jerebko once was thought to be a centerpiece of a new, young Pistons squad. Now his situation made a 180° turn: the team is willing to negotiate about former untouchables. Jerebko commented, “Nothing is a surprise when you're in the bottom of your conference. Nobody wants to be on the losing end, but when you are on the losing end, you have to make changes.” The Pistons are 21-34, 12th in the East. “I wouldn't be surprised if a trade came up, but this is my job. I just go out and try to be professional every day instead of worrying about this.” • Chance of a trade: 90 percent

• Peja Stojakovic: Peja trade rumors heating up • The New Orleans Hornets have one of the league's best expiring contracts in Peja Stojakovic's $15.34M salary. There's a report that says the Hornets were starting negotations on a buyout, but no one believes Peja will be bought out before the deadline. Even, he may not be bought out before March 1, the deadline for setting playoff rosters. Interest in Stojakovic “just went from about a three in the last month a to nine,” a Hornet board member said. The Hornets also have the kind of relatively inexpensive assets, from guards Jerryd Bayless and Willie Green to bigmen Aaron Gray and Jason Smith, who are having solid stats as backups, to put in a package that would be attractive for any team looking to cut costs. The Hornets could wind up playing financial savior for one of its lessers -- Stojakovic is posting career-lows in almost every category playing only 6 minutes per game. • Chance of a trade: 90 percent

• Antonio McDyess: Dice talks continue • The San Antonio Spurs and Milwaukee Bucks have engaged in serious discussions on a multiplayer trade centered around bigmen Antonio McDyess and Drew Gooden, multiple sources told ESPN.com today. The discussions between the teams have been ongoing for weeks, though the parameters and pieces have continually changed. If the deal comes to fruition, the sources said, it would likely include McDyess and a second player (most likely Garrett Temple) going to the Bucks for Gooden and rookie Darington Hobson or a draft pick. One source said there was only one team other than the Bucks interested in McDyess -- the Memphis Grizzlies, who offered Darrell Arthur and Tony Allen in exchange back in November. Team sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the discussions as “very active”. • Chance of a trade: 85 percent

• Chris Duhon: Unsure future in Orlando • Word leaked last week that the Orlando Magic had conversations with the Cleveland Cavaliers about a Duhon-Ramon Sessions swap. Apparently the Magic are very high on Sessions, and they could be in trouble with the luxury tax in the coming years. “Everyone is asking me about a possible trade. I've been mentioned in four possible deals, so right now I am not concerned about it. I'm sure it will the best for my career if something occurs,” Duhon said. “I just want to play and win games. I don't think about anything else, because the truth is I don't know where I'm going to play within three days.” Duhon has one more season than Sessions in his contract. Sessions, when healthy, can be a threat. We wouldn't be shocked to see Duhon in Cleveland -- New York is also a chance; Duhon would make his comeback to the Big Apple. Minnesota and Golden State are also possibilities; the thing is, the Knicks already have three point guards -- acquiring Carlos Arroyo a couple of months ago -- while the Wolves and Warriors only have two. Both would offer forwards in exchange for Duhon. • Chance of a trade: 80 percent

• Jamal Crawford: Will Crawford stay put? • Despite starting the season hot, with a 6-1 record, and now standing at a solid 5th seed in the East with a 32-22 record, the Atlanta Hawks are convinced they are only one piece away from being a true underdog, and they're apparently hoping to prove it this Thursday. League sources say the Hawks offered reigning Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford along with either Marvin Williams or Zaza Pachulia and a draft pick to the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Devin Harris and rookie Derrick Favors, who has been spotted in the trade rumors cloud since December. If the Nets don't show interest in the offer, other sources say the Hawks are also taking a run at the Cleveland Cavaliers' guard Maurice Williams, presumably with a similar offer. The Hawks also expressed interest in Toronto's Andrea Bargnani, before the Italian Stallion suffered a torn patellar tendon and won't return until next season. If nothing else, Atlanta's willingness to move Crawford and Williams is proof that they are ready to sacrifice a proven squad for a chance at glory, no matter how small it is. • Chance of a trade: 80 percent

• Josh Childress: Childress evades trade talk • Oklahoma City and Golden State are far from the only teams talking to the Phoenix Suns about a deal for swingman Josh Childress. A source shot down one report that the Thunder and Warriors were the front-runners to land Childress, saying the team that have offered the most for him is the Utah Jazz. “The fans definitely didn't let me forget about about the trade chatter. When we played in Utah I heard some fans, 'Josh, we want you in Utah.' I'm hearing all the rumors and chants, but I'm a Sun. We'll see how it plays out. It kind of reminds me of draft day. You never know what team you're going to go to.” According to some reports, the Jazz has been trying to get the Suns to acquire guard C.J. Miles. The Jazz also likely would have to part with either guard Ronnie Price or rookie Gordon Hayward. The Suns also reportedly are talking to the Portland Trail Blazers. • Chance of a trade: 70 percent

• Derrick Favors: Nets openly shopping Favors • The quest to trade Derrick Favors continues and the most promising destination still appears to be Denver, as part of a mega-deal, along with Devin Harris in exchange for forwards Carmelo Anthony and Al Harrington. We also heard there are other possibilities for Favors, but the report of sending him to Toronto appears to have no legs after Andrea Bargnani will miss the rest of the season. Indiana and Dallas also inquired about the rookie's availability, but the Pacers ended up trading for Serge Ibaka and the Nets asked for Caron Butler in return, something the Mavericks aren't very likely to do. So, the question is: could a lineup of D.J. Augustin, Anthony Morrow, 'Melo, Harrington and Brook Lopez pose a realistic threat to Boston or Miami? The Nets must ponder that, and quick. • Chance of a trade: 70 percent

• Jason Terry: Rumor mill churning in Dallas • Though teams like Minnesota or Memphis would love to add a player like Jason Terry, there are major complications with acquiring him -- or any player of that level. Mavericks GM Donnie Nelson publicly has proclaimed he isn't trading Terry, who is the team's starting shooting guard. Despite the Mavericks are fielding calls for Terry, in case some undeclinable offer appears, a would-be package from the Wolves or Grizzlies lacks the quality that Dallas is seeking for Terry. The Timberwolves are willing to include Corey Brewer or Michael Beasley -- but not both -- in the right deal, according to league sources. Memphis mentioned a deal involving center Marc Gasol, but is a tougher scenario as Gasol is a restricted free agent this June. • Chance of a trade: 60 percent

• Al Harrington: Denver looking for an enticing deal • It's one thing to covet a promising rookie like Derrick Favors. It's quite another to land them in a deal, as Denver is discovering. Though multiple league sources said that the Nuggets indeed have inquired about him, it doesn't appear that their search for a big-time big man will be over anytime soon, reports say that the Nets offered him back in a big, multi-player deal that would bring Carmelo Anthony to New Jersey. Two sources said that, as of Monday, no serious talks had been exchanged between the teams, and one source added that it appears likely the Nuggets will not make a move this Thursday, after acquiring Rudy Fernandez from Portland a month ago and signing free agent Alonzo Gee for the remainder of the season. “Are we taking phone calls? Yes. Are we placing phone calls? Yeah. We'll talk to people mainly to gauge what's going on out there, because it's that time of the year,” Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri said. • Chance of a trade: 60 percent

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[kibaxx7]

I'm not really into that, although I have one in Sit's association.

I'm looking forward to see if Carmelo is on that list

Oh no problem man Check the app in Page 4 in case you change your mind. 'Melo is in the list, but there are other deals more likely to happen.

And... OH MY FREAKIN' GOD, 10000 VIEWS!

[Houndy]

Calm down Thierry. Nice coverage of the trade situations.

[Mandich]

Crawford 80 percent chance of a trade ? didn't see that coming

[shadowgrin]

And... OH MY FREAKIN' GOD, 10000 VIEWS!

That gif is so gay. Remove Elmo and it will be alright.

[thatwizardguy]

GO SPURS GO!!!

[Martti.]

So you're going through with the Dice deal? Gooden is a team-wrecker, the Bucks are playing better when he's not playing.

[kibaxx7]

Sending in the rodeo clowns: Spurs close out rodeo trip with win over Jefferson, Bulls
Preview | Recap | Game Info | Full Play-by-Play | Boxscores (SAS :: CHI)
CHICAGO, February 17 -- The sadists from San Antonio love this stuff -- they live for it. They eagerly await the annual habit of being kicked out of the AT&T Center for nine straight games. They take great pride in games like this, where they somehow manage to had twice as many turnovers, less steals and less second chance points than their opponent and still pull out an ugly win. They don't even seem to mind the rising chorus of laughter leaguewide about their team age. On this resurrection, they were volunteering their own jokes. “Everybody's young to me,” Tony Parker said when asked about teenage counterpart Derrick Rose. “I'm like 40 at this moment,” he joked. Parker scored 16 points and added six assists for San Antonio, which 107-96 victory over the Chicago Bulls required to overturn a five-point deficit in the second quarter, to then lead by 20 in the third and survive the usual slew of late clutch buckets from other teams and overcome an afternoon of throwing the ball all over the building. No wonder Tim Duncan, who posted his fourth double-double in the last six games (12 points, 12 boards, three rejections), said: “This is the kind of game that may count for more than one win in the W column.” The 2011 Rodeo Trip, that finished today, was the 8th installment of an extended hiatus every winter that this year, called the Spurs to go 20 days without playing a game on their home floor. But historically this trip triggers the second-half surge that snaps the Spurs into contender mode.

Problem is, this group of guys has rarely played to typical Spurs standards by this time of the season -- they've suffered seven home losses already, four of them by double-digits, and arrived in Chicago with three defeats in their previous eight games of the trip, all while the Los Angeles Lakers have been surging to a 59-win pace. “We've been one of the three best defensive teams every year in the past, I could say, and we're not right now,” Manu Ginobili said. “It doesn't mean that it's going to continue forever. We have to make it go on.” Ginobili added 17 points, three boards and three assists in 28 minutes; 12 points in the first half. Pretty much nothing went to plan in the first period as the Bulls started the game with a 10-2 run, but the Spurs then posted a 8-0 run, getting offense from no one but Ginobili (six of those eight points). A smothering defense and the struggles of Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer kept the Spurs in it -- that allowed them to recover from unlikely losses at the hands of Philadelphia and Washington last week. Rose posted his worst scoring output in February with only 13 points, but made up for it with a 14 assists; Boozer only had 12 points, six each half. Rose and Boozer combined for 10-of-35 from the field. Richard Jefferson led the Bulls with 21 points, while Kyle Korver and Joakim Noah added 16 and 15, respectively.

You've undoubtedly heard all about the Spurs' ongoing search for an infusion of new blood -- “A water-cooler topic,” Corey Maggette called it. Antonio McDyess didn't play tonight; cementing even more the rumors of the Spurs shipping him to Milwaukee. The rumor proved to be true a couple of hours after the game ended: on the subject of finally trading for Drew Gooden, coach Gregg Popovich said: “We've been a juggernaut this last couple of games. Losing to the teams we shouldn't have, and winning easily against tougher teams. Now we're really going to scare the shite out of people with our rebounding machines.” That sort of self-deprecating humor flowed from several corners of the visitors' locker room at Chicago's United Center; it was the clearest signal yet that the Spurs are feeling better than you'd think, enjoying Maggette's 18-point, 3-rebound statline, shooting 7-of-11 from the field. “Right now we're at a very comfortable position in the playoff picture, but we still have more room to improve,” added Popovich. “Sometimes we look at the standings, but it's fine with us. Let other teams stay hot. We don't believe we are the team now that we may be in May.”

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Video Music :: Joris Voorn • “Sweep The Floor”

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[kibaxx7]

Calm down Thierry. Nice coverage of the trade situations.

Well I'm happy man, never happened before. And I'm just halfway into the season At least six or seven trades happened, will review them tomorrow.

Crawford 80 percent chance of a trade ? didn't see that coming

Yeah, I remember in real life he almost requested a trade a couple of months ago because of an extension, so he got dealt today.

That gif is so gay. Remove Elmo and it will be alright.

This one then:

GO SPURS GO!!!

Surprised you didn't say anything on my loss to the Wiz.

So you're going through with the Dice deal? Gooden is a team-wrecker, the Bucks are playing better when he's not playing.

Yep I went through with it. McDyess was having some sporadic contributions... Gooden isn't playing well in real life and he lost his starting job, but here I'm using him as a role player and second frontcourt backup (after Splitter). I think he can be a great addition.

Tomorrow -- trade deadline recap!

[MrHeraklinos]

Nice trade coverage , I hope Gooden isn't a bust for you , nice win against the Bulls you shut-down Rose, and Boozer.

[Bucket]

Jefferson looks good in Bulls jersey
As I understand you use mp3 sliders. How you get a realistic scores?

[Valor]

Boo at the loss and especially at the title...JEFFERSON IS NOT THE MAIN GUY FOR CHICAGO!!

and I say this again...don't trade McDyess

[kibaxx7]

Spurs acquire Drew Gooden
nba.com/spurs/beat | February 17th, 2011

SAN ANTONIO -- The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have obtained forward/center Drew Gooden and a 2011 second round draft pick from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for forward/center Antonio McDyess and guard Garrett Temple. To make the trade work, the Bucks waived rookie Darington Hobson. “We are happy to acquire a power player who has developed into a great low post scorer in the NBA,” said Spurs assistant general manager David Robinson. “We gave up significant assets to obtain him back, and we look forward to watching him with our team.” Gooden (6'10'', 250 lbs.) has appeared in 636 regular season games in his 9-year NBA career, with career averages of 11.9 points and 7.9 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game. Gooden, 29-years-old, was signed by the Bucks on July 1, 2010. During the 2004-05 season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he enjoyed his best season with averages of 14.4 points and 9.2 rebounds in 30.8 minutes while shooting .492% from the field in all 82 games. Gooden, originally selected out of the University of Kansas with the fourth overall pick of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, made three trips to NBA playoffs, including the 2007 NBA Finals with the Spurs, defeating the Cavaliers. In 40 career playoff games, he has averaged 10.8 points and 8.7 rebounds in 28.0 minutes.

Gooden enjoyed a stellar collegiate career at Kansas. In three seasons with the Jayhawks he averaged 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.10 blocks and 1.10 steals in 98 games becoming just the second player in school history (Danny Manning) to record at least 1,500 points, 900 rebounds, 100 blocks and 100 steals. As a junior, Gooden helped lead Jayhawks to the 2002 NCAA Final Four. Along the way he was named First Team All-America in 2002 by the Associated Press, Sporting News and Basketball News. He also was named the 2002 Big 12 Player of the Year and a 2002 Wooden Award First-Team All-American.

McDyess signed with the Spurs as a free agent on July 8, 2009. In almost two seasons with San Antonio, he averaged 4.9 points in 130 games. During the 1998-99 season with the Denver Nuggets, he averaged 21.2 points and 10.7 rebounds in 38.7 minutes in 50 games, and 20.8 points, 12.1 rebounds in 36.5 minutes in 70 games in 2000-01. He has played for the Nuggets, the Phoenix Suns, the Bulls, the New York Knicks, the Detroit Pistons and the Spurs during his 16-year NBA career. “Antonio is a great player who played a pivotal role in our success this last couple of years,” added Spurs general manager R.C. Buford. “He is a terrific guy and we wish him nothing but success with the Bucks.” Temple was signed by the Spurs as a free agent on March 13, 2010 to a 10-day contract and on March 23, 2010 for the remainder of the 2009-10 season, averaging 5.0 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.8 assists. Temple also played for the Houston Rockets last season. In 10 games with San Antonio this season, he averaged 2.3 points, 0.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists.

A small analysis of the deal. For once, I’m going to play it clean: acquiring Gooden is a definite positive -- he is flexible; we obtain a serviceable power forward with shades of center. As of late, his jumper has been effective; for a forward who is primarily in a face-up mold, it's a weapon that always comes in handy. His lack of awareness is a weakness, but his individual skills are the balancing strength. If you ask him to guard one guy and never leave that one assignment's position, he’d be perfect with that, but NBA defenses are much more complex; there are patterns of help defense that are effective against certain players, and techniques used to slow not only your man, but the entire opposing squad. These are the areas in which Gooden falls a little short -- he’s not disastrous enough to fall out of a rotation, but still sufficiently limited in accomplishing the goals of team defense as a whole.

In spite of these weaknesses, I still feel very comfortable saying that Gooden is a boon for the Spurs, as he already played for them a couple of years ago, knows the team's plan and has considerable postseason experience. His low-post scoring is inferior to only Tim Duncan; he knows how to score and can feel the ball coming off the glass. Not only can Gooden convert garbage buckets, but he’s also very creative from both blocks, and plays like a fluid post scorer should; he’s much more likely to throw up a baby hook than throw down a thunderous jam -- in every season of his career he has averaged double figures in scoring. Of course, a huge minus is Gooden's contract: he has played for eight teams in his nine years in the league, and with the Bucks, he signed his third contract since his rookie deal expired, and will be 33 when this one expires.

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