Saturday, February 23, 2013

Thursday's NBA notebook: Teams keep wheeling and dealing minimal

New York ? The only trade involving Dwight Howard came last summer. The potent scorers that moved did so long ago.

There was no eye-catching activity left for deadline day, resulting in minor deals Thursday to the disappointment of those hoping for a frenzy.

Josh Smith stayed put and the Boston Celtics' core stayed together, leaving J.J. Redick, dealt to Milwaukee, as the biggest name to be traded.

There were nine moves, nothing approaching a blockbuster and none to jump-start the Lakers.

"I don't think I've seen fewer trade deadline deals, ever," said Houston general manager Daryl Morey, who completed two trades Wednesday. "But I think it's a one-year blip."

The Atlanta Hawks held onto Smith, and Utah kept both Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson on a day when much attention was focused on both situations, since those players have value and could leave their teams this summer as free agents.

The Celtics did make one deal, acquiring guard Jordan Crawford (Detroit) from the Washington Wizards for center Jason Collins and injured guard Leandro Barbosa.

Golden State sent forward Jeremy Tyler to Atlanta and guard Charles Jenkins to Philadelphia in separate deals, slicing more than $1.5 million off its payroll after beginning the day about $1.2 million over the league's $70,307,000 luxury tax.

Rebuilding after trading Howard, the Magic decided Redick wasn't in their plans while averaging career highs in points (15.1) and field-goal percentage (45.0). He was traded along with center Gustavo Ayon and reserve point guard Ish Smith to the Bucks in exchange for guards Doron Lamb and Beno Udrih, and forward Tobias Harris.

The New York Knicks traded Ronnie Brewer to Oklahoma City to open a roster spot that will be used to give Kenyon Martin a 10-day contract. The Hawks couldn't find a good enough deal for Smith, who had largely been considered the biggest name that would move, and settled for sending Anthony Morrow to Dallas for Dahntay Jones.

With so little happening, Morey might have pulled off the most intriguing move this week when he acquired Thomas Robinson, the No. 5 pick in last year's draft, from Sacramento in one of his two deals.

"I thought the main thing that was different at this trade deadline was there was a big premium on cap space and draft picks," Morey said. "Usually, that's the currency that moves markets. They were at such a premium that every deal was very difficult. It became like a barter economy instead of a cash economy. That made deals harder.

"I do think you could say that maybe the CBA might be contributing to that. But I also think a lot of it is just the phase teams are in.

"There are a lot of good teams trying to maybe rebuild, for lack of a better word.

Lakers past and present pay tribute to Buss

Magic Johnson , Shaquille O'Neal , Kobe Bryant and Jerry West were among a host of basketball greats who gathered to remember the life and legacy of Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss .

They spoke at a memorial service held Thursday for Buss, who died this week at 80 after an 18-month struggle with cancer. The stage at the Nokia Theatre across from Staples Center was bedecked with all 10 of the NBA championship trophies won by the Lakers under Buss and more than 30 floral arrangements.

Slam dunks

Magic PG Jameer Nelson has been diagnosed with a strained left knee patella tendon

? Bulls G Kirk Hinrich sat out Thursday's game against the Miami Heat because of an ongoing problem with his right elbow.

Source: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130221/SPORTS0102/302210495/1127/rss13

csco big bend national park leon russell meredith vieira prop 8 maria menounos proposition 8

No comments:

Post a Comment