2008 NBA Playoffs

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Kevin Garnett: Defense disappoints
Big Ticket laments early failures

By Mark Murphy / Celtics Notebook
Tuesday, May 27, 2008

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The ball never found Kevin Garnett in the right places last night. He’d go inside and get ignored. He’d swing out to set picks and only then receive the ball.

He was only one victim of a Celtics [team stats] offense that was entirely out of kilter during the 94-75 loss to Detroit, though one of a particularly high profile.

But after finishing with 16 tough points on 6-of-16 shooting, Garnett wasn’t thinking about the offense.

Instead, his mind was on the opening five minutes of the game, when the Pistons scored on their first five possessions.

Even last night, when the Celtics shot 31.8 percent, Garnett’s biggest disappointment was rooted in the defense.

“Mostly it was the defense,” he said. “This isn’t a perfect game. The ball has a way of not getting to where it should sometimes, and then you can court disaster. But when we win, it’s because of our defense. The bottom line is that we didn’t take things away from them early.”

Who needs sleep?

Last night was the Celtics’ 16th game in 31 days, and Doc Rivers still is convinced that this every-other-day pace is perfect for his players, even if they have tested the notion to an extreme with two seven-game series.

“Player-wise, it’s great,” the coach said before the game. “I know that as a player I loved it. I remember when I was with San Antonio (as a player), it was wonderful.”

Instead, the burden appears to fall squarely on the coaches.

When these 8:30 p.m. games finally end, so does the night for the players.

The coaches, on the other hand, return to the hotel for film breakdowns.

“And just think - if you go to the (NBA) Finals then you start at 9,” Rivers said. “But that doesn’t affect the players as much. For one thing, our guys never go out. On the road, you just go right back to the hotel. Late nights change things.

“It’s tougher for the coaches because those film breakdowns have to be done. A couple of our coaches prefer to get to bed and then get up at 4 or 5 to do their film work. I can’t do that - I won’t be done until I’m done with the film, and so I don’t go to sleep until 4 or 5,” he said. “But that’s a great problem to have.”

Indeed, there have been late nights when, instead of finally turning in, Rivers has simply ordered breakfast.

“Yeah, but I only need three or four hours,” he said. “Sleep can be overrated.”

Focus factor

With each day Rivers is a little more amazed by Garnett’s intensity.

The coach can only think of one other player who comes close to the Celtics [team stats] forward’s unblinking focus.

“Darrell Armstrong has the same intensity,” Rivers said of one of his favorite players (and one of the first he coached in Orlando). “But he was just 5-10. But if you have a player who has that intensity and focus, as a teammate you have no choice but to follow, or to at least fake it.”

Part of that focus has extended to a renewed attempt to play out of the post in this series - countering one of the few raps that has followed Garnett throughout his career.

“He’s more determined in the post right now,” Rivers said. “We have talked about that, but it’s always up to him. Your instincts tell you to pass. But sometimes you have to just take the shot.”

Situation room

Much has been made of Detroit’s six-year streak of reaching the Eastern Conference finals, as well as the Pistons’ familiarity with what is needed to recover from a series deficit.

Guard Lindsey Hunter, who has been on board for five of the six playoff runs, has been one of the first to shoot down that argument.

“People say that we’ve been in this situation before and that we’ve dealt with it, but that’s not true,” he said. “We have been in this situation the last couple of years, but we haven’t been able to conquer it.”

The Pistons still need a another road win if they want to win the series, but they were able to follow the Celtics’ example. The C’s responded to their first home loss of the playoffs with a Game 3 win here, just as Detroit did last night.

“When there’s more urgency, you have that drive to respond,” Pistons coach Flip Saunders said.

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Raptors begin pre-draft work

Time for close-up look at top college players and identify team needs
May 27, 2008 04:30 AM
Doug Smith
Sports Reporter

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.–Bryan Colangelo has much more to do than just check out potential Raptors as the NBA's pre-draft camp begins today in Florida.

"For me, it's a chance to initiate or follow up on some trade discussions as well," Toronto's president and general manager said in a telephone interview yesterday.

"It's like a basketball convention."

Colangelo, along with coach Sam Mitchell and a raft of front-office and scouting personnel, are descending on the camp with a variety of things to get done. It is no secret Toronto will be trying to set the parameters for a trade involving one of its point guards. There are free agents to talk about and a handful of high-powered agents are also planning to be in Orlando.

"Your basketball staff can mingle with the staffs of other teams and perhaps get some information on what teams might be thinking," the GM said. "It seems everyone is picking everyone else's brains."

The four-day camp is the unofficial start of the ramp-up to the June 26 draft, at which Toronto has the 17th pick.

Representatives of each of the 30 NBA teams will be at the camp, which, for the first time, will include the consensus top 10 or 15 prospects going through physicals and doing some "light basketball workouts" such as shooting drills. In the past, the top picks generally showed up to be measured, weighed and have medical examinations, but the league has convinced some agents to let their players do some work on the court.

"It's a chance to get an up-close look at somebody," Colangelo said. "We can observe the testing and the light workouts.

"A lot of the time (during the college season), you can't get very close to the court or you don't have a large career baseline to work from, or it's off video. Scouting is still somewhat of a crap shoot."

Colangelo is holding his draft cards close to his vest, mainly because he'll be investigating trade possibilities for the No.17 pick and because there is expected to be a variety of different players available if he retains the selection.

There is a group of 12 to 14 players who have separated themselves at the top of the draft but, after that, there are upward of 20 who could be considered possibilities between the end of the 14-team lottery and the conclusion of the first round.

"You have to look at and say we have needs at a couple of different spots, (but) generally, you take the best basketball player that's available," the GM said.

"Selecting someone at 17 and think they'll be actually contributing next year might be a bit far-fetched," he added.

But whatever decision he makes with that pick will affect some long-term moves. If, for example, he finds a swingman he projects as a starter after one season coming off the bench, it could have an impact on future contract negotiations with free agents this summer or with, for example, Anthony Parker when his contract runs out at the end of the 2008-09 season.

If Colangelo decides to take a big man with the draft pick, he might feel comfortable trying to trade Rasho Nesterovic during the season if he sees the rookie developing.

Everything done around this time of year is tied into some other possible transaction.

The four-day camp begins the individual evaluation process leading up to the draft. Under new NBA rules, teams aren't allowed to conduct individual workouts until next Tuesday.

Colangelo said he expects to have private workouts with up to 40 potential draft picks, either in Toronto or at neutral sights. Some agents are trying to set up group workouts for their players, inviting a handful of teams to see a player work rather than send the player on an extended road trip for private sessions.

[AUSTIN316]

Raptors begin pre-draft work

Time for close-up look at top college players and identify team needs
May 27, 2008 04:30 AM
Doug Smith
Sports Reporter

AUBURN HILLS, Mich.–Bryan Colangelo has much more to do than just check out potential Raptors as the NBA's pre-draft camp begins today in Florida.

"For me, it's a chance to initiate or follow up on some trade discussions as well," Toronto's president and general manager said in a telephone interview yesterday.

"It's like a basketball convention."

Colangelo, along with coach Sam Mitchell and a raft of front-office and scouting personnel, are descending on the camp with a variety of things to get done. It is no secret Toronto will be trying to set the parameters for a trade involving one of its point guards. There are free agents to talk about and a handful of high-powered agents are also planning to be in Orlando.

"Your basketball staff can mingle with the staffs of other teams and perhaps get some information on what teams might be thinking," the GM said. "It seems everyone is picking everyone else's brains."

The four-day camp is the unofficial start of the ramp-up to the June 26 draft, at which Toronto has the 17th pick.

Representatives of each of the 30 NBA teams will be at the camp, which, for the first time, will include the consensus top 10 or 15 prospects going through physicals and doing some "light basketball workouts" such as shooting drills. In the past, the top picks generally showed up to be measured, weighed and have medical examinations, but the league has convinced some agents to let their players do some work on the court.

"It's a chance to get an up-close look at somebody," Colangelo said. "We can observe the testing and the light workouts.

"A lot of the time (during the college season), you can't get very close to the court or you don't have a large career baseline to work from, or it's off video. Scouting is still somewhat of a crap shoot."

Colangelo is holding his draft cards close to his vest, mainly because he'll be investigating trade possibilities for the No.17 pick and because there is expected to be a variety of different players available if he retains the selection.

There is a group of 12 to 14 players who have separated themselves at the top of the draft but, after that, there are upward of 20 who could be considered possibilities between the end of the 14-team lottery and the conclusion of the first round.

"You have to look at and say we have needs at a couple of different spots, (but) generally, you take the best basketball player that's available," the GM said.

"Selecting someone at 17 and think they'll be actually contributing next year might be a bit far-fetched," he added.

But whatever decision he makes with that pick will affect some long-term moves. If, for example, he finds a swingman he projects as a starter after one season coming off the bench, it could have an impact on future contract negotiations with free agents this summer or with, for example, Anthony Parker when his contract runs out at the end of the 2008-09 season.

If Colangelo decides to take a big man with the draft pick, he might feel comfortable trying to trade Rasho Nesterovic during the season if he sees the rookie developing.

Everything done around this time of year is tied into some other possible transaction.

The four-day camp begins the individual evaluation process leading up to the draft. Under new NBA rules, teams aren't allowed to conduct individual workouts until next Tuesday.

Colangelo said he expects to have private workouts with up to 40 potential draft picks, either in Toronto or at neutral sights. Some agents are trying to set up group workouts for their players, inviting a handful of teams to see a player work rather than send the player on an extended road trip for private sessions.

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Grunfeld: Talent Is Available At No. 18

By Ivan Carter
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 27, 2008; Page E04

The Washington Wizards will ramp up preparations for the NBA draft on June 26 and other offseason business this week when team president Ernie Grunfeld and a contingent of scouts and staff attend the annual pre-draft camp in Orlando.

The Wizards hold the 18th and 48th picks in the draft. Around 70 NBA prospects are expected to attend the camp, which runs today through Friday.

Most of the projected first-round picks will not participate and last year's camp produced only three first-rounders, but teams will get a good look at a large pool of late first-round or second-round prospects as well as players who won't be drafted but may earn invitations to summer league or training camps in the fall.

Last year, for instance, the Wizards were able to watch forward Dominic McGuire in Orlando. The team selected McGuire in the second round and he appeared in 70 games as a rookie. He was one of 17 camp participants to be selected in the second round last June.

"It's always an exciting time of year," Grunfeld said. "You get to see a lot of prospects and you can always find a good player."

Grunfeld has said he's open to the possibility of trading the team's first-round pick if the right opportunity comes along but he's also comfortable with the idea of keeping the pick.

"As we look at the draft, we think we can get a good player at 18," Grunfeld said. "It's a deep draft."

A handful of players with local ties will attend the camp, including forwards Patrick Ewing Jr. (Georgetown) and James Gist (Maryland) and guard Sean Singletary (Virginia).

Veremeenko Update

Forward Vladimir Veremeenko, who was selected by the Wizards in the second round of the 2006 draft but has remained in Europe and is playing for Khimki of the Russian SuperLeague, could participate in summer league for the Wizards in July and is open to the possibility of signing with the Wizards.

However, the 6-foot-10, 208-pound Veremeenko is under contract to Khimki and would have to negotiate a buyout in order to sign with the Wizards. Veremeenko's agent, Marc Cornstein, said it is possible for Veremeenko to be cleared by Khimki to play for the Wizards in summer league even without getting out of his contract.

"Vladimir is excited about the prospect of testing himself in the NBA and we are looking into the possibility of him playing in summer league and hopefully, signing with the Wizards," Cornstein said. "Right now, he has contractual obligations to his team but he is anxious to come over here if it's possible."

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Wolves: Evaluations, negotiations take place at camp

The Wolves will join executives from all the NBA teams in Florida to check out the best of this year's draft class.

By JERRY ZGODA, Star Tribune

Last update: May 27, 2008 - 11:13 AM

The Timberwolves' countdown to draft night -- 30 days and ticking -- continues today, when the NBA opens its annual predraft camp in Orlando.

The Wolves' entire scouting staff, plus coach Randy Wittman and perhaps assistant coach Jerry Sichting, will attend practice sessions and games for three days in what is the NBA's version of the NFL scouting combine.

None of the players the Wolves will consider selecting with their third overall pick in the June 26 draft is expected to participate in the daily games. Instead, such prospects as USC's O.J. Mayo, Stanford's Brook Lopez, Arizona's Jerryd Bayless, UCLA's Kevin Love and projected top picks Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley are expected to be measured and tested during individual drills.

"It's all a piece of the puzzle," Wolves General Manager Jim Stack said.

The Wolves can bring players to Target Center for workouts and interviews after the predraft camp ends this weekend. Stack said the team will bring between eight and 10 players to town, opting for "overkill" instead of risking being unprepared.

A Houston Rockets representative will attend those workouts in exchange for allowing a Wolves scout to observe player workouts in Houston. The Rockets pick 25th and will audition a collection of players the Wolves will consider for their two second-round draft picks, selections 31st and 34th overall.

With Beasley and Rose expected to become the first two players chosen, the Wolves' third pick will determine how the rest of the draft plays out. The Wolves will evaluate that list of eight to 10 players for their first-round choice in case they trade down in the draft to get a targeted player plus either players or extra draft picks.

Miami President Pat Riley already has suggested he will dangle the second overall pick because of the "leverage" it provides.

"Put a little bait in the water and see who nibbles at it," said Stack of negotiations between teams that are expected to intensify with executives from all 30 teams in the same gym this week. "Usually, you have to overpay to get something like that . I don't think you put Al Jefferson in play to move up a spot.

"We could decide to move back in the draft if somebody knocks our socks off with an offer. Any time you're coming off a year like we are, you look at all your options. We'll explore all options. You don't know about something until you ask."

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Suns execs interview Del Negro
Desire for coaching 'tugging' at Asst. GM

by Paul Coro - May. 27, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

There was an obvious reason Suns Assistant General Manager Vinny Del Negro had not been sitting in on interviews with candidates in Phoenix's head coaching search: He is a candidate, too.

Del Negro interviewed Thursday for the job with his office partners, Suns General Manager Steve Kerr and Suns Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin. Knowing that Kerr's "mentality is to go with someone experienced with a veteran team," Del Negro said he would be interested in starting his coaching career as an assistant.

"The interview went extremely well," Del Negro said. "I know the team as well, if not better than anybody. I appreciated their support in me to interview me. It was lot of fun in terms of preparation and the things I put into it to talk about my philosophies."

Del Negro, 41, moved from being the Suns' radio analyst to a front-office job in 2006, but he was intrigued even then by the idea of coaching.

"It (coaching) has always been tugging at me," said Del Negro, who closed a 14-year NBA playing career in Phoenix. "I really enjoy the people in the organization. I enjoy the business part of it, but this process has opened my eyes to the passion I have for coaching."

The Suns' season ended four weeks ago but this remains a busy time for the brass. In addition to the coaching search, Kerr, Griffin and Del Negro will join Suns Director of Scouting Todd Quinter, college scout John Shumate and Assistant GM Mark West in Orlando this week for the NBA Pre-Draft Camp.

Phoenix has the 15th and 48th picks in the June 26 draft.

With so many executives and coaches in one spot, more Suns coaching interviews may lie ahead.

Kerr and Griffin have interviewed ABC analyst Mark Jackson, Detroit lead assistant Terry Porter, Houston lead assistant Elston Turner, Utah special assistant Jeff Hornacek, Utah assistant Tyrone Corbin and Del Negro.

With a priority on coaching experience, Porter, Turner and Corbin seem to be the top known candidates.

Phoenix still may meet with San Antonio top assistant Mike Budenholzer and Los Angeles Lakers assistant Brian Shaw.

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Suns met with Lakers assistant Shaw last week

May 26, 2008 - 10:47PM

Tribune

In Orlando, he was half of the celebrated “Shaw-Shaq Redemption” alley-oop that helped the Magic get to the NBA Finals in 1995.

In Los Angeles, he was Shaquille O’Neal’s teammate, friend and confidant during a run of three straight titles with the Lakers. In a 2007 interview, O’Neal called him the teammate he respected most in his NBA career.

So it comes as no surprise that Brian Shaw, now an assistant coach with the Lakers who has also interviewed for the Chicago Bulls’ vacant head coaching position, has also met with the Suns to chat about becoming their new coach.

NBA sources confirmed to the Tribune that Suns general manager Steve Kerr met with Shaw on May 18, while the Lakers had a break between the Western Conference semifinals and finals.

A day later, Shaw met with Chicago GM John Paxson and is believed to be on the short list in both cities.

Kerr, in Orlando this week for the NBA Pre-Draft Camp, also had the expected formal interview with Suns assistant general manager Vinny Del Negro on Friday. Kerr said he might have one or two more initial interviews to conduct (San Antonio’s Mike Budenholzer is a strong possibility) and could also begin a second round of talks since Orlando is packed with NBA coaches and front-office personnel.

Shaw is another guard with vast NBA experience (Jeff Hornacek, Mark Jackson, Terry Porter and Del Negro) to show up on Kerr’s radar.

But he possesses two things the other candidates do not — championship rings and a close personal relationship with O’Neal.

Tyrone Corbin and Elston Turner are also known to have interviewed for the Suns job.

While there was a window for the Suns to speak with Shaw, Budenholzer and the Spurs won Game 7 of their series with the Hornets on May 19 in New Orleans and flew straight to Los Angeles — after enduring an 11-hour wait in the team charter due to mechanical problems — where Game 1 against the Lakers was played Wednesday.

The Spurs can tie the series 2-2 with a win tonight, but there are indications Kerr would be willing to wait another week or so for the chance to speak to Budenholzer.

Shaw, 42, had interviews with both Sacramento and Indiana last year for their head coaching vacancies and is seen as a likely successor to Phil Jackson in Los Angeles.

But with his relationship with Kobe Bryant patched up and the Lakers back in championship contention following the acquisition of Pau Gasol, Jackson might be looking at a longer tenure, giving Shaw more reason to pursue a head coaching job elsewhere.

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Word on the Street: Love to Minnesota?

by: Jonathan Givony

McHale in Love with Kevin Love?

Numerous sources with varying ties to Minnesota confirmed to DraftExpress over the past few days that Timberwolves GM Kevin McHale has locked in on UCLA freshman Kevin Love as possibly his favorite prospect in this draft. McHale reportedly likes the skill-level and all-around feel for the game that Love brings to the table, as well as his winning mentality, and sees him as an excellent potential compliment to Al Jefferson in Minnesota’s front-court.

Picking 3rd in this draft, many would consider it a reach to take Love, although numerous advanced statistical formulas have identified him as being the 2nd most productive player in this draft, behind Michael Beasley.

There is already some talk that Minnesota will look to make a trade with Memphis GM Chris Wallace, who would then have the option of fortifying his front-court by drafting Brook Lopez at #3, or swinging for the fences and taking O.J. Mayo. Memphis could offer Minnesota the young prospect of their choice in Kyle Lowry, Hakim Warrick or Javaris Crittenton to help facilitate the deal. Wallace only has two more years left on his contract and needs to make as big a splash as possible in this draft to jump-start Memphis’ rebuilding process, meaning he could be leaning more towards taking Mayo, especially if his team is drafting 5th.

Seattle Locking into Bayless at #4?

Although Sam Presti has to be considered one of the best GMs in the league in terms of holding his cards as close to the vest as possible, early indications are that the Supersonics are heavily targeting Arizona freshman point guard Jerryd Bayless, barring poor workouts or background checks. Reports we’ve gotten indicate that Bayless will measure out extremely well as far as his intangibles are concerned, as he’s a highly motivated and engaging person who comes from a strong background.
Bayless fits the up-tempo early-offense system that P.J. Carlesimo has implemented in Seattle, and can play minutes alongside their existing point guard rotation of Earl Watson and Luke Ridnour until he’s ready to man the position full-time. Seattle had the 4th fastest paced offense in the NBA last year, but finished dead last in points per possession and near the bottom in true shooting percentage. A big time athlete and shooter like Bayless could help in that regard.

NBA teams we spoke with indicated that their intel suggests that Presti is also high on Indiana shooting guard Eric Gordon, although he might be a bit of a reach with the 4th overall pick.

Is 7th a Reach for Augustin?

In desperate need of help at the point guard position, and with D.J. Augustin in their sights holding the 7th overall pick, the Clippers are pondering whether to pull the trigger on the extremely productive sophomore playmaker from Texas. Augustin will clearly be the best point guard on the board, but may be a bit of a reach where they are selecting. Workouts will play a big role in the decision of Elgin Baylor and key decision maker Mike Dunleavy Sr. They will also likely nab a big man with the 35th pick.

Adding interest is the fact that Augustin has reportedly decided to hire Thad Foucher of Los Angeles-based agency Wasserman Media Group as his representation. Foucher is from Augustin’s home-town of New Orleans, and the agency has strong ties to the Texas program, currently representing LaMarcus Aldridge. If Augustin is selected in the top 10, WMG could have 5 of the top 10 picks in the draft, as they also represent Derek Rose, Brook Lopez, Danilo Gallinari and Anthony Randolph. There are rumors that they may end up signing Russell Westbrook as well.

Augustin has numerous fans in the lottery, including Charlotte and especially Indiana, and likely doesn’t slip past Sacramento at #12 at worst. He is one of the 9 players who will be participating in the very exclusive NBA pre-draft camp media session, which is a very good sign for him.

D.J. White Promise?

D.J. White may a promise from the Detroit Pistons at the end of the first round, according to sources with ties to the player. The Pistons have the 29th overall pick and may like the way White’s length and toughness fit into their team’s overall culture. They have not been shy in the past about identifying players they like early on and being aggressive pursuing them—having made a promise to draft Rodney Stuckey with the 15th overall pick right around this time last year, and reportedly also giving DeVon Hardin assurances they would select him in the late first round before he decided to return to school. They did the same exact thing with Jason Maxiell a few years back, which caused him to pull out of the NBA pre-draft camp after just one day, despite then being projected as a 2nd round pick.

White has scheduled many workouts with NBA teams for the weeks leading up to draft, which is not unusual even for players like Stuckey or Maxiell if year’s past is any indication. He will not be playing in the NBA pre-draft camp, which is a pretty good sign that he feels comfortable with where he is projected to be drafted.

Will Omer Asik be the steal of the 2nd round?

We had the chance to go over quite a bit of film, advanced statistics and previous scouting reports over the past few days in advance of a large quantity of NBA draft content we’ll be providing Yahoo! Sports once again this year. While doing so, one player really stood out as someone we (the DX crew in America, not Europe) may have previously been overlooking—Turkish big man Omer Asik. You may have read some of his scouting reports on this site already, as Luis Fernandez has gone into quite a bit of depth on him recently.

Asik has very good size, a frame that looks capable of adding more weight over the next few years, and a phenomenal wingspan that helped him break the Euroleague Top 16 round shot-blocking record. Asik is an extremely late bloomer who barely could minutes on the basketball court two years ago, but has quickly developed into one of the top big man prospects in all of Europe this season. He started the season on loan with Alpella, and averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in 34 minutes per game over the first 10 games of the season. After exploding for a 25 point, 16 rebound, 6 assist outing against European powerhouse Efes Pilsen, Asik was brought back to the team that owns his rights, Fenerbahce, and was quickly added to their roster for the Euroleague.

On a per-40 minute basis, Asik’s numbers are spectacular—averaging 16.8 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 4.5 blocks, while shooting just under 60% from the field. He ranks 5th in Win Score and 16th in PER, behind some of the most established players in European basketball.

This is coming remind you from a fairly skinny player who is extremely raw offensively and is only playing essentially his second season of professional basketball, meaning his learning curve is still very steep. He put up those numbers against a level of competition that is far stronger than anything any NCAA player faced this season, against the cream of the crop of Europe in the second round of the Euroleague. There is a very good chance that once his body develops, and his skill-level becomes more polished, we could have a very intriguing player on our hands, in the mold of an Andris Biedrins. He doesn’t turn 22 until July.

We’re talking about a pretty athletic big man, with good hands, solid touch, and great extension around the basket thanks to his length. He is a good defender, mobile enough to defend on the perimeter and physical enough to defend down low, thanks to the high amount of energy he brings on both ends of the floor. His rebounding numbers with Alpella or per-minute with Fenerbahce don’t lie.

On the downside, Asik is still fairly raw on the offensive end, possessing very little in terms of perimeter shooting ability or scoring moves in the pivot, and no left hand to speak of. He struggles at the free throw line, shooting just 52% in the Euroleague. He is certainly not a player that can be relied upon to get points, and also struggles when pressured with the ball in his hands. While his frame is solid and should develop in time, he still needs to add plenty of strength to play in the NBA. He currently struggles at times finishing with contact due to his underdeveloped body.

With two more years left on his contract, and no NBA out clause, it will be a while before the team that drafts him sees dividend from the pick, which could be viewed as a positive by some. His team is currently playing in the finals of the Turkish league playoffs, and he won’t be able to come over for private workouts until probably the middle of June, which eliminates the possibly of getting a physical at the Orlando pre-draft camp or playing at the Reebok Eurocamp in Treviso.

We’ve moved Asik all the way up to the top of the 2nd round, and will be curious to hear what teams think of him once he comes over for private workouts. While there are certainly no guarantees that he will develop, adjust culturally or even make it over to the NBA, there is very little downside to drafting a long, athletic and productive 7-footer with a big upside in the second round. We could easily see a team with multiple picks, such as Seattle, Minnesota or Portland targeting him, as all have very competent international scouting operations as well.

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Kobe leads Lakers to take 3-1 lead over Spurs
05/28/2008 | 12:06 PM
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(Updated) SAN ANTONIO - Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers are one win away from returning to the NBA finals.

Bryant had 28 points and 10 rebounds and the Lakers beat the San Antonio Spurs 93-91 on Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.

It was the Spurs' first home loss this postseason, and the defending champions face elimination when Game 5 is played in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 29 points and 17 rebounds. Reserve Brent Barry had 23 points and his last-second 3-point attempt could have given the Spurs the win. He claimed he was fouled on the play by Derek Fisher but there was no call.

"If I was the official I wouldn't have called that a foul," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said.

The Lakers led all game after opening a 22-8 lead. The Spurs got within 81-79 in the fourth quarter, but the Lakers scored seven straight points.

Lamar Odom scored 16 points for Los Angeles — eight in the fourth quarter.

"I told them at the end of the ballgame, their energy was terrific," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "Coming out and responding to a loss and getting a lead ... and playing with that kind of energy, I think, carried us over and we responded every time that they came in, tied the ball game."

Tony Parker added 23 points for the Spurs.

"It was just a good defense and we missed a lot of easy shots," Parker said. "You know, myself, Timmy, we missed a lot of layups. It was just never — we never (were) in a good rhythm."

The Spurs shots 40 percent (30-of-75) from the field and the Lakers shot nearly 45 percent (38-of-85).

With the Lakers up 93-86 and 50 seconds to play, Pau Gasol missed two free throws after being fouled by San Antonio's Fabricio Oberto.

Manu Ginobili, who had struggled all night, hit a 3-pointer to bring the Spurs within four. After a miss by Bryant, Parker scored on a fast break when Odom was called for goaltending, bringing the Spurs within 93-91 with 28 seconds to play.

Fisher missed a shot for Los Angeles but the ball went out of bounds and remained in the Lakers' possession with 2 seconds on the shot clock.

Bryant missed a jumper and the Spurs had 2.1 seconds left. When Barry's 3 missed, Bryant pumped his fists in the air and the Lakers were headed home with command of the series.

The Lakers were last in the finals in 2004 when they lost to Detroit in five games.

The Lakers were up 77-70 heading into the fourth quarter. Barry's 3 brought the Spurs within 77-75 and his running jumper got them to 79-77.

Odom's layup balanced on the rim before falling in, and he hit a free throw for the three-point play to start the 7-0 run. Bryant stole the ball for a slam to put the Lakers up 88-79 with 3:29 to play.

Parker got the Spurs within five, then Odom hit two free throws to put the Lakers back up by seven with just under a minute to play.

Los Angeles came out with energy and took advantage of sloppy play by the Spurs to lead by as many as 14 points in the first quarter.

The Lakers dominated the offensive glass, racking up 20 second-chance points in the first half off their 17 offensive rebounds.

Odom, who was upset with his Game 3 performance, highlighted the Lakers' aggressiveness. Early in the first quarter he missed a shot, then suddenly appeared under the basket to grab the rebound and was fouled, making both free throws.

San Antonio was within 28-23 at the end of the opening period.

In the second quarter the Lakers got into foul trouble and San Antonio made the most of it at the free throw line. The Spurs were 17-of-17 in the first half as Odom, Fisher and reserves Jordan Farmar and Sasha Vujacic all picked up their third fouls.

Duncan's jumper tied the game at 45 with 2:10 left in the half. After Luke Walton missed a free throw and a chance for a three-point play with 23 seconds left, Vladimir Radmanovic chased down the ball and Bryant converted to give the Lakers a 53-47 halftime lead.

It was more of the same in the third. The Spurs tied it twice but never took a lead.

Tied at 67, Bryant found himself all alone. He took the long pass from Odom and dunked the ball with flash and flair, drawing resounding boos from the crowd. Another dunk by Bryant made it 73-70 before Vujacic was fouled hitting a 3-pointer from the corner. He made the free throw to give Los Angeles a 77-70 lead with one quarter to go.

Notes:@ Joe Crawford, who has a history with the Spurs and had an on-court squabble with Popovich during the conference semifinals, officiated the game. ... Spurs legend David Robinson sat in the second row courtside. He was surrounded by Lakers fans wearing bright yellow jerseys. ... Ginobili got his first points of the game with 1:32 left in the third quarter on two free throws. He finished with seven points, 23 less than he had in Game 3. ... The Lakers outrebounded the Spurs 46-37 and finished with a 26-4 advantage on second-chance points. ... Bryant didn't get to the free throw line. - AP

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Boston takes 3-2 lead in Eastern Conference finals

BOSTON (AP)—Boston’s three All-Stars finally put it all together to move the Celtics one win away from the NBA finals for the first time since the original Big Three’s heyday.

Ray Allen scored 29, hitting a long 2-pointer with a minute left after Detroit came within one point, then he and Kevin Garnett each made a pair of free throws down the stretch as the Celtics beat the Detroit Pistons 106-102 in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday night.

Boston will take a 3-2 lead into Game 6 on Friday in Detroit. With a victory there or on Sunday back in Boston, the Celtics would advance to the NBA finals for the first time since Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish took them there in 1987.

“We knew the significance of this game,” said Garnett, whose 33 points were his most in the playoffs this year. “You don’t win this game, you put basically yourself in a corner. … They’re experienced, and they’ve been in a lot of pressure situations. Now it’s up to us to go up there and try to get one.”

Kendrick Perkins had career playoff highs with 18 points and 16 rebounds, and Rajon Rondo added seven points, 13 assists, six rebounds and four steals for Boston. Paul Pierce scored 13 of his 16 points in the first half, when Perkins outrebounded the Pistons 13-11 by himself.

“Perkins is eating us up,” Pistons coach Flip Saunders said.

The 6-foot-10 center, in his first playoffs as a starter, helped Boston to a 42-25 rebounding edge in the game. Although he’s just 23, he knows that players such as Garnett, Pierce and Allen can’t afford to let this chance at a title get away.

“I know our Big Three veteran guys. I know this opportunity doesn’t come much,” he said. “I knew if I was up in age, up in my 30s, and a young fellow was there I’d want him to go all-out for me, too.”

The 29 points was also a playoff high for Allen, the usually reliable scorer who had been cold for most of the playoffs.

“My feeling right now is no different than if I scored 10 points and we won the game. It’s a great feeling,” Allen said. “Just winning gives me the greatest joy, regardless of what I’ve done.”

Chauncey Billups scored 26 and Richard Hamilton had 25 points for Detroit, which has reached the conference finals six consecutive years but played for the championship just twice and won once in that span.

“The good thing about it is we’re going home,” said Billups, who twice drove to the basket in the final 10 seconds, hoping for a foul that wasn’t there, and also missed an inconsequential 3-pointer at the buzzer. “We’ve been here before, and we don’t like being in this position, but we’ve fought hard.”

Hamilton strained his right elbow in the final seconds. X-rays were negative.

Boston led by as many as 17 in the third quarter, but Hamilton scored 13 points during a 21-8 Detroit run that made it 92-88 with 4:46 left.

Boston led 100-96 before Rodney Stuckey hit a 3-pointer with 1:22 left. But, after a timeout with 6 seconds left on the shot clock, Allen took the inbounds pass and put up a jumper to give Boston a three-point lead.

Billups tried an off-balance layup that missed, but in the fight for the rebound the Celtics tipped it out of bounds. Billups drove again, putting it harmlessly off the front of the rim.

The Celtics ran down the 24-second clock before Garnett was forced to take an off-balance jumper. Rondo fouled Stuckey, who hit both free throws to make it 102-101 with 8.2 seconds left.

Allen matched them, then Rondo again wrapped up Stuckey. But this time the rookie missed the first, giving the Boston Garden crowd a reason to erupt.

Garnett hit a pair of free throws to clinch it.

The Celtics earned home-court advantage with an NBA-best 66-16 record in the regular season, but the Pistons took it away with a victory in Boston in Game 2. The Celtics swiped it back with a split in Detroit, and now have two chances to clinch—including a potential seventh game at home.

Detroit trailed 23-20 in the final minute of the first quarter before scoring 13 of the next 15 points. The Pistons still led 42-36 with five minutes left in the second when Boston scored 11 in a row, getting back-to-back 3 pointers from Paul Pierce and Allen to take the lead for good.

Garnett added a fallaway 3-point bank shot at the 24-second clock buzzer— just his second 3 pointer of the season—to give Boston a 50-43 lead with 1:23 left in the half. Perkins had two of the first three baskets in the second half to extend the lead to 11 points.

Allen added consecutive 3-pointers midway through the third to turn an eight-point game to a 14-point lead.

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Scott agrees to extension with Hornets

NEW ORLEANS (AP)—NBA coach of the year Byron Scott and the New Orleans Hornets agreed in principle to a two-year contract extension on Wednesday.

“I am very happy to sign an extension to stay here in New Orleans with the Hornets,” Scott said in a statement released by the team. “We, as a team, are a piece of the community of New Orleans. We are really growing into something special and there is no other place I would rather be.”

Citing team policies, the Hornets did not release the terms of the new contract.

Two people familiar with the contract confirmed the length of the deal on condition of anonymity and also told The Associated Press that it pays Scott a base of a little more than $5 million per year with incentives that could push it higher than $6 million per year. The people did not want to be identified because the Hornets had not released the contract terms.

Scott said shortly after the Hornets were eliminated by San Antonio in the second round of the NBA playoffs that he believed the Hornets, led by point guard Chris Paul, were a team on the rise and that he did not expect to go elsewhere as long as he received a fair offer. The coach also accompanied Hornets general manager Jeff Bower to Orlando this week to watch prospects participate in predraft workouts.

“We are all very happy that we were able to sign Byron to an extension. It was a fair deal on all sides,” Bower said. “Byron has done an excellent job as coach growing our players and we feel that we have the best coach for our players and team.”

Scott said he hoped to get a raise from his current $3.5 million annual salary to a figure closer to what the “top five or six” coaches in the league earn.

The highest-paid coach in the NBA is the Los Angeles Lakers’ Phil Jackson, who’s paid $10.3 million per year. Golden State’s Don Nelson and the Knicks’ Mike D’Antoni, who each are paid about $6 million per year, also are among the highest-paid coaches in the league.

After this season ended, Scott had the option of either staying with the Hornets at his current salary or buying out of his contract for a little more than $2 million.

“Byron’s happy. He wanted to stay with a group of guys he considers family,” said his agent, Brian McInerney. “He thinks this team is going to be the best team in the Western Conference next year. … San Antonio’s getting older. The Hornets can only get older in a good way. It’s difficult to abandon a group of guys he cares about for more money somewhere else.”

When Scott took over as coach following the 2003-04 season, he was the Hornets’ third coach in three seasons.

In his first season, he oversaw the dismantling of an aging roster, which resulted in an 18-64 record. The Hornets drafted Paul the following summer and improved their win total by 20 the following season, despite being displaced to Oklahoma City by Hurricane Katrina.

Still playing in Oklahoma City in 2006-07, the Hornets narrowly missed the playoffs before returning to New Orleans full-time for this season and winning the rugged Southwest Division with a franchise-record 56 victories.

The Hornets beat Dallas in the opening round of the playoffs before losing to San Antonio in seven games in the Western Conference semifinals.

“We are a very fortunate organization to have coach Scott leading our team,” Hornets majority owner George Shinn said. “Obviously, I wanted to get this contract done as soon as we could and we were able to accomplish that. I told coach Scott when he became our head coach four years ago that I want him to retire as a Hornet and this is another step in that direction.”

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Bulls’ Joakim Noah gets probation, fine

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP)—Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah accepted a deferred prosecution agreement Wednesday in his marijuana possession case, resulting in six months’ probation and a $200 fine.

The former Florida star was charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and for having an open container of alcohol early Sunday in downtown Gainesville. As a first-time offender, he was eligible for the deferred prosecution agreement, the State Attorney’s Office said.

The charges will be dropped in six months if Noah meets the terms of his probation.

Noah also must pay $206 in traffic fines for two citations he received Sunday on the University of Florida campus. Noah was ticketed for driving with a suspended license without knowledge and not wearing a seat belt.

Noah led the Gators to consecutive national championships before being selected ninth overall in last June’s draft by the Bulls. He averaged 6.6 points and 5.6 rebounds in 74 games as a rookie.

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Pistons’ Hamilton strains elbow in Game 5 with Celtics

BOSTON (AP)—Detroit All-Star Richard Hamilton strained his right elbow in the final seconds of Boston’s 106-102 playoff victory over the Pistons on Wednesday night. X-rays were negative.

“It’s sore a little bit,” Pistons coach Flip Saunders said after the Celtics took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals. “We’re going to have to wait and see how it is (Thursday) and how it is in 48 hours.”

The Pistons must win at home Friday night to retain a chance to go to the NBA finals. A seventh game, if necessary, would be in Boston on Sunday night.

Hamilton, who scored 25 points, was hurt with 8.2 seconds left and was replaced by Lindsey Hunter with Boston leading 102-101. He left the arena with his arm in a sling.

“He got a little bit of, I think, hyperextended in there on the rebound on that one defensive sequence that we had,” Saunders said. “He was great again tonight, especially in the last three quarters. Hopefully he’s going to be ready to go for us.”

Hamilton leads the Pistons in the series with 22.2 points per game.

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Hawks hire Rick Sund as general manager

ATLANTA (AP)—The Atlanta Hawks, looking for new experienced front-office leadership after ending their playoff drought this season, hired Rick Sund as general manager on Wednesday.

Sund has worked in NBA front offices for more than 30 years, including stints with Milwaukee, Dallas, Detroit and most recently the Seattle SuperSonics.

He spent last season as a consultant for the Sonics after serving as the team’s general manager from 2001-07.

The 56-year-old Sund will replace Billy Knight, who announced on May 7 he is resigning after six years with the team, the last five as general manager.

Sund inherits a team that ended the NBA’s longest playoff drought this year by making its first postseason appearance since 1999. The Hawks lost to Boston in seven games in the first round.

The Hawks do not have a pick in the June 26 draft and have two prominent restricted free agents, shot-blocking forward Josh Smith and sixth man Josh Childress.

Another priority for Sund will be to address the status of coach Mike Woodson, whose contract expires on June 30.

Sund, working as co-chairman of the NBA predraft camp in Orlando, is expected to have his first day in Atlanta next Wednesday.

Most of the Hawks’ coaching staff and management team joined Sund in Orlando for a meeting on Wednesday night.

Sund said Wednesday night he will not make any decisions regarding Woodson or the possibility of obtaining a draft pick before having a week to study the team.

“As to where we go from here, most of the basketball staff is here,” Sund said. “I met with them tonight in an introductory fashion. I told them my first step here is to be a very good listener for the next week. I need to spend some time listening to ownership, listening to the management staff and then some of the players.”

Woodson did not immediately return a phone message.

“I’m very excited and impressed with what the Hawks have currently developed, and I look forward to continuing that process,” Sund said, adding he “was impressed with the effort they displayed” by winning three home playoff games against the Celtics.

The Hawks addressed two needs in Knight’s last season by drafting center Al Horford, the only unanimous choice to the NBA’s All-Rookie team, and trading for point guard Mike Bibby. Guard Joe Johnson is a two-time All-Star.

“We have a great nucleus of players, and while we have some work ahead of us, there’s tremendous potential and continued growth with the guys on this roster,” Sund said.

Sund wouldn’t reveal any details of his contract.

The Hawks hired Sund after talking with Cleveland assistant general manager Chris Grant, who previously worked in Atlanta under Knight and former general manager Pete Babthingy. Grant withdrew his name from consideration on Tuesday.

Sund was linked with front-office openings with the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers before taking the job with the Hawks.

“Rick has an enormous amount of experience, and an outstanding re:"tion around the league,” Hawks co-owner Michael Gearon Jr. said.

“During this process, as we spoke with basketball people that we respect around the NBA, everyone had glowing things to say about Rick and his work. Our objective was to add an individual who would help us take the momentum we gained last season, and move to the next level. We feel we’ve done that, and we’re thrilled to add someone of Rick’s caliber to our franchise.”

Sund helped lead Seattle to two playoff appearances, including in the 2004-05 season, when the Sonics won the Northwest Division and advanced to the Western Conference semifinals.

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Popovich confirms contract extension with Spurs

SAN ANTONIO (AP)—Coach Gregg Popovich has signed a contract extension with the San Antonio Spurs.

Popovich confirmed the extension with the defending NBA champions, which runs through the 2011-12 season, before the Spurs’ Game 4 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night.

Popovich has led the Spurs and star Tim Duncan to four NBA titles, in 1999, 2003, 2005 and 2007. Last year, the Spurs swept the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games.

Duncan last fall agreed to a two-year extension with the Spurs that will keep him in San Antonio at least through the 2011-12 season.

The Spurs’ title defense is currently on the line. They are down 3-1 to the Lakers in the Western Conference finals and face elimination on Thursday night in Game 5.

Popovich became the Spurs’ head coach in December 1996. He has a 632-302 (.677) regular-season record.