Hoopshype

[Sources]

As the deadline for the first free agents signings gets nearer, more and more news is trickling in:

-Bobby Jackson, as the best PG in this draft is looking for a contract that he feels he deserves. He's not concerned about his age and he feels you shouldnt be either.

-WHile his stats have certainly taken a dive as the years pile up, Hakeem Olajuwon is looking to play in his 18th year. He's looking to contribute off the bench for a contender or to help mentor the next crop of NBA big men.

-As Denver's future is up in the air, so too is big man Shawn Bradley's. The second best center to Zo said, "I'd love to stay in Denver, but what I really want is a home. The last few seasons, all the moving around... I feel like it's hurt my development."

-Speaking of Zo, the Superstar Center is said to be "waiting on pins and needles" to see what his future holds. With the news of Boston putting Terrell Brandon on the block, he feels his time in Boston maybe coming to a close.

-Bryon Russell, former max contract player who was the centerpiece of the Houston-VanMemphis trade debacle, seemed to have found his niche as a defensive 3 and a few teams are happy to take his services there

-After not finding a deal suitable last offseason and playing for the minimum with the Grizz, Predrag Danilovich is looking to be paid like what he is worth and teams so far seem to be happy to accommodate and not let him fall threw the cracks once again.

-With the word of Bobby Jackson's potential contract making the rounds, Dee Brown and Kevin Johnson are wily vets who seem to be benefitting as teams are offering them contracts in case they miss out on BJax.

-Defensive cog Bruce Bowen is excited to test the market. "Look, I feel like I'm pegged into the same hole as Bo [Outlaw] and teams dont seem to believe that I deserve to be paid like a real asset." With the pendulum of the league shifting to the defensive side of the ball, teams are looking to bring in Bruce over Outlaw, since he is not believed to be as much of a liability on the other side of the ball.

-Speaking of Bo Outlaw, he's hoping to land in a more stable situation after left in the wake after Orlando and Milwaukee both decided to go in different directions (read: Tank). Teams are excited to bring in the scrappy forward, but seem to be looking to get a sweetheart deal for pulling him out of another bad situation

-Vin Baker is being seen as a player who was overshadowed by frontcourt-mate Kevin Garnett these last two seasons in LA and seems to be making a real impression with GMs who believes he can anchor a team down low on his own.

-A player that fits a lot of teams's interest in a backup is Popeye Jones. The idea is that his skillset is perfect for a third bigman and teams are offering him a deal that looks to exploit that.

-After his biggest year (not to mention doing it next to MonStar Shawn Kemp) of his career, Cedric Ceballos has already been promised by one team to be paid "in a way that aligns with your talents (MAXXX)"

-And finally, the player getting the most buzz going into FA, Isaiah Rider. The Denver GM has been trying to sell to teams hard on the idea that the veteran is still worth a max in an effort to sign & trade him and gain some assets from his departure. It seems some teams have heard the GM's words but have decided to bypass a S&T completely, and go straight to Isaiah. I've heard three teams have been in contact with him about such a deal. Whether Denver has any solid plans to S&T him seem unlikely at this point.

[Sources]

As the end of the first round nears, some people are still trying to decide whether locking down an old stud for multiple years is a good gamble. Says one league source, "If you want these guys now, you're going to have to pay them even after they're past their prime. There'll be no sweetheart deals for old vets this time around. Too many teams with cap and not enough good young players in Free Agency."

[Sources]

With the longtime Atlantic division powerhouse Celtics parting ways with franchise player Alonzo Mourning, the other teams in the division are anxious to try and seize control of the now wide-open division. One trusted source has been quoted as saying, "The 76ers bringing in Piatkowski was only the tip of the iceberg. Expect to see win-now moves being made from Atlantic division teams right up until the trade deadline."

[Sources]

Clear Atlantic front runners are the Heat, 76ers and Wizards, but one inside source was quoted, "Don't sleep on the Tri-State Area. New Jersey and New York are making some sneaky moves to field competitive teams, while infusing youth."

Another [anonymous]Western Conference GM was quoted, "You can even throw the Magic in there. With Anthony Peeler, Stacey Augmon and Richard Jefferson, you know they'll be able to win some games."

[Sources]

In response to the latest source, many are wondering if the Atlantic this year is the worst division ever. Fear not, however, as they are guaranteed at least the 2nd overall seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. One Central Division worker was quoted "If only there were some kind of rule that could have prevented this from taking place."

[Sources]

Rumors come from preseason press conferences. There are no rumors about preseason press conferences. Until now.

[Sources]

First sim of the new season should be ready to go as soon as 5 oclock deadline hits.

[Sources]

Sources close to Charlotte Hornets suggest Artest may be on his way out. Described as a "limitless" player, it's a little surprising so early into the season that Artest's name is one of the most brought up "likely to move" by Day 60. Hearing the Hornets would need a SF in return for Artest.

[Sources]

Sources in Charlotte are in disarray this morning after arriving to the team facility only to find it cleaned out. Everything from inside the building was missing, including the plates for the wall sockets and chunks of carpet. Nearby neighbors have noted being awakened by the sounds of large trucks driving by in the middle of the night.

[NickMalone77]

Sources in Charlotte are in disarray this morning after arriving to the team facility only to find it cleaned out. Everything from inside the building was missing, including the plates for the wall sockets and chunks of carpet. Nearby neighbors have noted being awakened by the sounds of large trucks driving by in the middle of the night.

As the Charlotte turns it seems... I'm not the one making this stuff up.

[Sources]

After a wait of nearly 11 years, it appears Mexico City may also be a beneficiary of the new realignment. Says one league official: "It's time to go international. The Mexico City market is among the largest in the Western Hemisphere. It's only a matter of time."

[Sources]

After practice today Sonics guard and North Carolina native Michael Jordan lamented the reports out of Charlotte that the team has abandoned the city. The 38 year old became very emotional and said that he would do "whatever it takes" to make sure there is a professional basketball team in Charlotte.

When asked about the rumors that his current team could be headed for Naboo he simply said, "after my experience with the Nerdlucks, I'm ready for anything."

[Sources]

Some contenders are standing pat. Some contenders are trying to decide if to make a change. One contender has multiple offers and is deciding which one to take.

[Sources]

Sources say first round picks in the coming draft are being moved before the trade deadline. One will definitely be a prized lottery pick.

[Sources]

Sources confirm that with the trade deadline quickly approaching the Hawks are looking more likely to move some of their star players. After realizing that his demands would not be met, GM Wig Nosy is fielding lesser offers with an eye towards the future.

[Sources]

I'm told that the Clippers are fielding several last minute offers for Van Exel. When I asked Nick about the rumors he said, "Yeah, I might be with a new team but I probably would be still be playing my home games in the same city. . ."

[Sources]

Growing discord related to certain aspects of revenue sharing has left franchises in a "state of accounting hell, or New Jersey without all the smells," says one source close to the situation. A source on a team poised to lose big to a division rival in the matter says, "This is bullshit."

[Sources]

Word out of Milwaukee indicates that Quailman is strongly considering nominating Jalen Rose for Most Improved Player of the Year. Again.

[Sources]

Sources out of Milwaukee have confirm that the Bucks are moments away from making their selection. They've conducted extensive interviews with top draft prospects, and while Amare Stoudemire and Yao Ming were the clear front runners going into the draft, rumblings were heard that Caron Butler has emerged as a dark horse favorite for the #1 overall selection.

[Sources]

Blockbuster trade coming, Im being told.

[Sources]

Jay Williams on being possibly taken by the rockets: I wish 78's coaching was rated a little higher.

[Sources]

Word on the street has it that an Atlantic lotto team is actively shopping their Top 10 pick all day, and hopes to have a deal done before the sun sets. Team source went off the record saying, "We want nothing to do with this draft. These players do nothing to help us win now."

[Sources]

Pacers fans are shocked with the pick of Mehmet Okur, but people close to management in the Pacers organization say that Mehmet is the most NBA-ready player in this class. One person even went as far to say Okur could become the 2nd best player in this draft class/

[Sources]

Talking to front office folks around the league, the real question people are asking is where Smush Parker will end up. One GM even went so far to say, "He's the real deal!" Some are hinting that the Grizzlies are looking to trade up to make sure they get him. They have never quite managed to fill the gap left by God Shammgod's departure.

[LoCo89]

Talking to front office folks around the league, the real question people are asking is where Smush Parker will end up. One GM even went so far to say, "He's the real deal!" Some are hinting that the Grizzlies are looking to trade up to make sure they get him. They have never quite managed to fill the gap left by God Shammgod's departure.

Thanks for reminding me to do my daily "Pour one out" for God


Sent via carrier pigeon named Robbie