Category: NBA

Reports: Kings sign NBA veteran point guard Ty Lawson

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

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by Charlie O. Mallonee

Adrian Wojnarowski’s “The Vertical” on Yahoo! Sports is  reporting that the Kings have have signed veteran free-agent guard Ty Lawson to a one-year contract. The source of the information is reportedly from within  the league.

Lawson met with the Kings on Sunday in Sacramento and was to go on to New Orleans to meet with the Pelicans officials this week. Apparently, the Kings made Lawson an offer and that made a trip to New Orleans unnecessary.

Ironically, Lawson played for former Kings coach George Karl in Denver and there were rumors that Karl wanted Lawson in Sacramento last season. Now, Karl is gone and Lawson is now a King.

Lawson joins a backcourt that has gone through a major makeover. Gone are Rajon Rondo, Marco Belinelli and Seth Curry. In are guards Arron Afflalo, Garrett Temple, Lamar Patterson and rookie Malachi Richardson. They will join returning guards Darren Collison and Ben McLemore.

Lawson split his time last season between Houston and Indiana. The Rockets gave up a first-round pick to Denver during the off-season to acquire the veteran guard. Lawson agreed to a buyout in March and signed with the Pacers to finish out the season.

Lawson averaged 5.8 points and 3.4 assists per game for Houston mostly coming off the bench. He has averaged 13.1 points and 6.2 assists per game for his career in the NBA.

The 28-year old Lawson played his college ball at the University of North Carolina and his high school basketball was played at the famed Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia.

Kings to open the 2016-17 NBA season with away-home back-to-back games

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by Charlie O. Mallonee

The NBA regular season schedule was released today and the Sacramento Kings will open the 2016-17 campaign on the road in Phoenix on Wednesday October 28. The game will be a 7:00 PM tip-off  local time.

The Kings first NBA regular season game in the new Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento will be on the next night – Thursday October 29 – when they will host the San Antonio Spurs. The tip-off in Sacramento will be at 7:30 PM.

The game times for most of the weeknight games have been pushed back to 7:30 PM to allow the downtown district to clear out from the business day to make parking easier for fans attending the game. The later starts will also allow fans to enjoy early dinners before the game and still be in their seats for tip-off. Game times at home will vary on the weekends.

The Kings will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday October 29 at 7:30 PM at the Golden 1 Center in a game that will be televised nationally on NBA TV.

The Golden State Warriors will not visit Sacramento until Sunday January 8, 2017. The Warriors will make a return visit on Saturday February 4.

The Los Angeles Lakers will make their two trips to the Capital City before the New Year. The Lakers will play at the Golden 1 Center on Thursday November 10 and Monday December 12.

The World Champion Cleveland Cavaliers will make their one and only appearance in Sacramento on Friday January 13.

Kings games will be televised nationally five times from the Golden 1 Center during the season. TNT will broadcast the November 10 game versus the Lakers. ESPN will show the nation the Clippers – Kings game on November 18 from Sacramento. NBA TV will show three games nationally from the Kings new arena.

The Kings play four games in October (2 home; 2 away), 15 games in November (7 home; 8 away), 15 games in December (5 home; 10 away), 15 games in January (7 home; 8 away), 11 games in February (2 home; 9 away), 16 games in March (8 home; 8 away) and six games in April (3 home; 3 away).

The Kings longest homestand runs January 4 thru 18 with seven games to played at the Golden 1 Center. The team’s longest road trip has seven games between January 20 and January 31 on the road.

The Kings have 18 sets of back-to-back games for the season. Two sets are back-to-back games at home. Eight of the sets are away-away games. Three are away-home games and five sets are home-away games.

The Kings have never won a game when they have opened an arena in Sacramento. They lost the opener in Arco Arena I on October 25, 1985 to the Clippers 108-104. The Kings lost the first game in Arco Arena II to the Seattle SuperSonics 97-75 on November 8, 1988.

Draymond Green’s summer gets worse

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by Michael Martinez

Not too long ago, everything looked up for Draymond Green. The Warriors were so close to repeating as champions, but an ill tempered mistake by the All Star seemed to change the series as the Cavs went on to win three in a row.

And after the tough loss, Green found himself in headlines for all the wrong reasons. Green was arrested, but did reach a plea agreement to pay a small fine. Green got out of that situation fine, but now he’s back in the news for yet another mistake.

As Green traveled with team USA, who appear to be having a lot of fun, the Warriors forward put out a NSFW picture on his Snapchat story. At first, Green claimed he had been hacked. However, the 2016 Olympian confessed that he had accidentally shared the photo publicly, while it had been meant to be sent privately.

“It was a situation where it was meant to be a private message,” Green said. “I kinda hit the wrong button and it sucks. It was meant to be private. We’re all one click away from placing something in the wrong place, and I suffered from that this morning.”

Green’s teammates for this summer’s Olympics have given him a lot of grief for the incident. The Warriors sure hope Green can turn it around, but it seems this is more of an embarrassment for Green than anything. But as a professional athlete, he has to be extremely careful especially with social media.

For Green’s sanity, he’ll hope that everyone’s expectations are met as team USA should dominate in international play. Maybe a gold medal will make Green’s summer a little better. Then again, Green is just thankful for where he is.

“To say I can’t catch a break I think that’s disrespectful for everybody,” he said. “How many people get to live their dreams? I’m not going to sit here and throw myself a pity party and say I can’t catch a break. I’m fine. I get to joke around with these guys all day and get to do what I love for my country. I’m fine. I’m fine.”

Draymond Green reaches plea deal

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by Michael Martinez

AP Photo file photo: Golden State Warriors Draymond Green playing against the Houston Rockets in game five on April 27, 2016

After getting arrested for an incident in East Lansing, MI earlier this month. Green reached a plea deal in order to avoid jail time. The Warriors’ forward has to pay a $560 fine and the case is closed.

Luckily for Green, he only has to pay a small fine and instead of spending any time in jail, he’s headed to help team USA win a gold medal in Rio next month.

Green’s little slip up almost took away from all the positives from the Warriors offseason, but reaching a plea deal looks good for both sides. Green and Warriors’ forward Klay Thompson will be the only two Warriors players to play in the Olympics.

That’s Amaury’s Podcast, News, and Commentary: After court ruling Warriors expect to have new arena ready by 2019

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abc7news.com file photo: Golden State Warriors proposed design of new arena Chase Center at Mission Bay expected to be completed by 2019

On That’s Amaury’s Podcast, News, and Commentary, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Garrett Wong ruled that the path has been cleared one more step for the Golden State Warriors to have their new arena at Mission Bay start construction. Judge Wong refused to go with the opponents arguments regarding environmental impacts and alternative sites for a new Warriors arena.

Mission Bay Alliance had filed a number of lawsuits regarding environmental impacts to stop construction of the arena at Mission Bay which included traffic congestion that would impede UCSF Hospital including emergency vehicles and patients who are trying to access UCSF. The Alliance attempted to try and show the court that traffic congestion would be the number one issue that would impact the neighborhood and the hospital.

Amaury has more commentary on the Warriors new arena plus the Chicago Cubs chances of getting their first World Series Championship since 1908.

Amuary Pi Gonzalez is the Spanish TV voice for the Angels and the Spanish radio voice for the A’s and does News and Commentary each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Warriors lose a giant: Nate Thurmond gone at 74

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

 

Nate-Thurmond-1-1040x572by Charlie O. Mallonee

One of the NBA’s 50 greatest players and a member of the Hall of Fame – Nate Thurmond – has passed away at age 74 after a battle with leukemia. Thurmond played for San Francisco/Golden State, Chicago and Cleveland but is most identified as member of the Warriors for whom he played 11 seasons.

“Nate was one of the greatest centers to ever play the game and I was privileged to call him a teammate and dear friend. He battled his illness until the very end, like a true Warrior. His legacy is one of passion, fierce competitiveness, a love of basketball and selfless devotion to others. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family, friends and fans,” said Thurmond’s former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Rick Barry.

Thurmond will always be remembered for his epic battles with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. “He (Thurmond) plays me better than anybody ever has,” Abdul-Jabbar told Basketball Digest. “He’s tall, has real long arms and most of all he’s agile and strong.”

Thurmond averaged 15 points and 15 rebounds per game for his career in the NBA. He was a seven-time All-Star, named to the All-Defensive Team five times and became one of five players in NBA history to post a quadruple-double in a game.

Thurmond closed out his NBA career in Cleveland just miles from his hometown of Akron. At 35-years old, he helped lead the Cavs to the Eastern Conference Finals where they ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics.

Thurmond has the rare honor of having his number retired by two teams. His number 42 was retired by the Golden State Warriors as you might expect. Thurmond was also honored by the Cleveland Cavaliers by having his number 42 hung from the rafters in Ohio.

“Damn man!!!R.I.P. Akron’s own Nate Thurmond. Knowing u played in the same rec league as me growing up gave me hope of making it out! Thanks!” LeBron James on Twitter Saturday.

After his basketball days were over, Thurmond returned to “the City” where he became a man about town always known for his friendly demeanor and impeccable wardrobe. The words “gentle” and “gentleman” were used about Thurmond frequently and truthfully.

Thurmond also went on to enjoy a very successful career as a restaurateur with his famous barbecue restaurant in San Francisco.

On a personal note, I had the privilege of seeing Nate Thurmond play for the Warriors in person in the early 70’s. The excitement and commitment he brought to the game is one of the reasons am still a NBA fan today.

Nate Thurmond will be missed by his family, teammates, opponents and many, many fans. Rest in peace Nate.

 

Draymond Green arrested for assault

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by Michael Martinez

Golden State Warriors All Star forward Draymond Green was arrested Sunday in East Lansing, Michigan with assault charges. Green was reportedly arrested for assault after he slapped a fan who had been taunting him at a nightclub.

Green got out on a $200 bail and the victim was not injured, but the arrest is a bit worrisome. The Warriors do know about the situation and the franchise put out a statement regarding Green’s arrest basically saying they will look into it and not comment until they know more.
The arrest comes at a bad time for Green, who is on the USA men’s basketball team that is headed to Rio for the 2016 Olympics. Managing Director Jerry Colangelo will also be looking into the situation to figure out more information and make a decision afterwards.

Green has been known to let his temper go at times and was criticized during the playoffs for a couple of kicks to the groin of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James.

After landing Kevin Durant, the biggest star in this year’s free agency,  Green’s arrest is the last thing the Warriors need. Although it appears things are not all that serious and professional athletes are always held to a higher standard, it’s what comes with being in the spotlight.

Hanging out in a nightclub is Green’s choice and just because he’s a pro does not mean he should not be allowed to enjoy himself. However, the responsibility of being a pro does mean he needs to keep his composure.

The last thing the Warriors need is Green to get another suspension handed down to him by the League Office. Hopefully for the Warriors, Green, and all the fans, this is the first and only time something like this happens.

Kings lose again in Las Vegas 85-73

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by Charlie O. Mallonee

The Sacramento Kings trailed the Houston Rockets by one point with 49.5 seconds to go in the third quarter of the Summer League game on Sunday in Las Vegas. The Rockets then went on a 16-0 run and never looked back as they defeated the Kings 85-73. Sacramento is now 0-2 in Summer League play.

Rookie Malachi Richardson led all Sacramento scorers with 20 points. Richardson played 31 minutes. He shot 6-for-12 from the floor and 3-for-4 from beyond the 3-point line. Richardson went 5-for-9 from the free throw line, grabbed seven rebounds (one 0ffensive), one assist and one steal. He turned the ball over three times and committed three personal fouls.

Georgios Papaiannis saw his first action for the Kings on Sunday after having a MRI done on his knee. The 7-foot-1 center played 18 minutes and scored eight points. He shot 4-for-7 from the field, hauled in five rebounds (one offensive) and committed two turnovers. After the game, Papagiannis expressed frustration with his performance and pledged to better in upcoming games to the Sacramento Bee.

Willie Cauley-Stein saw 26 minutes of playing against the Rockets. He scored 11 points but shot just 3-for-11 in the game. He did shoot 5-for-6 from the free throw line. Cauley-Stein also had six rebounds (2 offensive), two assists, three steals and two blocked shots in the game. He was charged with three personal fouls and had one turnover.

David Stockton played at guard for Sacramento. Stockton who has played for the Kings on 10-day contracts and has been a player for the Kings D-League affiliate in Reno scored 14 points and dished out five assists. Stockton also made some news of his own as it was revealed that he has signed to play with KK Cedevita Zagreb in Croatia. One would wonder if some Vlade Divac connections might be involved this signing.

The Kings will be back in action on Monday night when they will play the New Orleans Pelicans at 7 PM PDT. Both teams are looking for their first win of the Summer League season.

 

 

Kevin Durant introduced in a Warriors’ uniform

Published on by Eric HeLeave a comment
Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports

By: Eric He

OAKLAND–Kevin Durant received a grand Golden State welcome on Thursday afternoon at the Warriors’ practice facility in Oakland as he took the stage as a member of the Golden State Warriors for the first time.

“I know there’s going to be ups and downs,” he said, with General Manager Bob Myers on his left and head coach Steve Kerr on his right. “I know we’re expected to be perfect but that’s not realistic. I’m super excited. I’m pumped to get started.”

Durant agreed to sign with the Warriors on Monday in one of the biggest free agency decisions in NBA history. The 27-year-old spent the first nine years of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, where he won the MVP award in 2014. He is a four-time scoring champion, seven-time All-Star and is averaging 27.4 points in his career.

The Washington D.C. native said the Warriors’ recruiting efforts — Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala were in the meeting along with Kerr and Myers — helped persuade him to head to Oakland.

“I just felt like this group of guys, coming in to see me, everything felt real,” Durant said. “They were a huge family walking in. Everybody was excited. The conversation was real and it was a good fit.”

He continued: “When I met these guys, I felt as comfortable as I’ve ever felt. It was organic, it was authentic, it was real, and it was feelings I couldn’t ignore.”

Durant expressed remorse for the angst his decision caused in Oklahoma City.

“We live in this comic book world where you’re either a hero or a villain,” Durant said. “I can’t control that.”

Durant’s contract with the Warriors will be for two years and worth $54 million. If all goes according to plan, he will be in a Golden State jersey long after that contract is up.

“I don’t want to go through that again, so I plan on being here,” Durant said. “I’m committed.”

Sports headlines podcast with Tony Renteria: Jon Jones suspension will take huge bite out of the UFC 200

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photo by mmajunkie.com: Jon Jones and manager Malki Kawa meet with the press over Jones’ positive test for performance enhancers on Thursday

On the Sports headlines podcast with Tony, the UFC’s Jon Jones who failed a drug test finding Jones positive for performance enhancers for a substance that Jones says he can’t even pronounce “Metabolite” which was found in his DNA. Jones was quite emotional while meeting with the press on Thursday and swore he didn’t take illegal substances as he spoke he was in tears over the whole situation. Jones manager Malki Kawa said that he’s 1000 percent positive that Jones didn’t take any banned substances and that the situation “would be resolved.”

On the NBA front former Miami Heat star Dwayne Wade co-hosted Live with Kelly Ripa on Thursday it was there that Wade talked about his signing a $46 million, two year deal with the Chicago Bulls. While the Bulls aren’t going anywhere this year this is a home coming for Wade and Wade had personality issues with Miami Heat team president Pat Riley as the two butted egos in Miami. Wade is happy for the move.

Tony Renteria does the Sports Headlines podcasts each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com