Basketball News

The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they signed forward Anthony Tolliver. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed. The 6-8, 240-pound Tolliver played on the Spurs summer league teams in Las Vegas and at the Rocky Mountain Revue in Salt Lake City. He averaged 12.3 points and 5.0 rebounds in 23.0 minutes while shooting .571 (12-21) from the field and .615 (8-13) from beyond the arc in three games in Las Vegas. At the Rocky Mountain Revue Tolliver appeared in all four games, averaging 11.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 26.5 minutes while knocking down 53.3 percent (8-15) of his shots form beyond the arc.

The New Orleans Hornets announced today that they have signed free agent guard/forward James Posey. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released. "I am excited to be a Hornet, it was a coveted destination for me and I am glad that we were able to come to terms,"Posey said. "I can not wait to play alongside Chris Paul, David West, Tyson Chandler and so many other great players on this team.”

The Boston Celtics announced today that they have re-signed guard Tony Allen. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Allen, a 6'4", 213lb guard, has spent his entire four year career with the Celtics after being drafted with the 25th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. The former Oklahoma State Cowboy recorded career highs in minutes (1373), assists (114) and points (494) in 75 games last season as he worked to return from his January 2007 knee injury.

According to a report on ESPN.com, "Josh Childress signed a reported three-year deal worth $20 million with the Greek club Olympiakos after leaving the Atlanta Hawks. Olympiakos announced the deal Wednesday. The guard was a restricted free agent, but the Hawks do not have the ability to match an offer from a European team."

In the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, Rusty Simmons reports "nobody on Team USA is going to tell Jason Kidd to act his age. Especially when he's having so much fun playing basketball -- and playing at such a high level. This is the 35-year-old Kidd's last hurrah playing for his country. He already has a gold medal from the 2000 Olympics, and he fully expects to earn a second gold next month when the 2008 Games get under way in Beijing. ‘As long as I can play at a high level and give something to the team, I want to be out there," he said Tuesday after Team USA's training camp session at Valley High School. "It's always a great honor to represent your country, and it's always a thrill to play with guys this talented.'”

In the WASHINGTON POST, Ivan Carter writes "Gilbert Arenas has been the face of the Washington Wizards franchise for several seasons. But the moment he signed his name to a six-year contract on July 12, he became a franchise player. The difference is that Arenas, who is entering his eighth NBA season and sixth with the Wizards, not only will be asked to put up big numbers, hit game-winning shots and sell tickets, he also will be expected to carry owner Abe Pollin's team to its first NBA championship since Wes Unseld led the Bullets to the title in 1978.”

In the LOS ANGELES TIMES, Steve Springer writes "Frustrating. Disappointing. Comical. Which of those words best describes the U.S. men's basketball team in the 2004 Olympics? For Dwyane Wade, it's all of the above. "It was very comical," said Wade, a member of that team and the 2008 squad. ‘You just had to shake your head. Everybody on that team was a good individual player, but when you tried to put it together, it didn't work. It was like a bad mix of food.' ‘Now I look at the team we have now, look at the mix. Look at everything we are doing. We are getting along so well. I think it's because we understand we need each other to make this work. It's not going to be five guys. It's going to be 12 guys who are going to get this done.'”

In the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, Julia Garcia reports "the Nets aren't scheduled to move to Brooklyn for at least two more years, but their identity continues to change dramatically. The team continued its extreme makeover Tuesday, trading backup point guard Marcus Williams to Golden State for a possible future first-round draft pick. If the Warriors make the playoffs in 2011, the Nets will get Golden State's first-round pick that year. If not, the Nets get Golden State's pick in 2012, as long as it is not 1 through 11, or the Warriors' pick in 2013, as long as it is not 1 through 10. If the Nets are not awarded any of those picks, they will instead acquire Golden State's second-round picks in 2013 and 2015.”

In the ARIZONA REPUBLIC, Scott Fowler writes "for Anne Donovan in these Olympics, there is No. 1. There really is nothing else. An unhealthy attitude? In most cases, yes. You wouldn't want your kids to think that way. But Donovan, a Charlotte resident since 2001 and now the coach of the U.S. women's Olympic basketball team, believes it is a realistic attitude, given her current job. ‘It's funny,' Donovan said. ‘When I see some athlete get a silver medal and say he won't even wear it because it's not gold, I think, 'That's sad.' But we've got a history in U.S. women's basketball. Anything less than gold will be looked at as a failure by a lot of people, including myself.'”

Dwight Howard is excited about competing against NBA teammate Hedo Turkoglu in an Olympic exhibition, his return trip to China and more.

Well-traveled sharpshooter Matt Barnes signed a one-year contract with the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

As Team USA's practice ended, LeBron James reclined on a table with trainers tending to his sprained right ankle. It occurred Tuesday when James landed on Kevin Durant's foot during a scrimmage between Team USA and a select squad of young NBA players.

The Portland Trail Blazers signed rookie forward/guard Nicolas Batum, general manager Kevin Pritchard announced Monday. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The Trail Blazers acquired the rights to Batum, the 25th overall pick in this year's draft, from Houston in a Draft Day trade in exchange for the draft rights to Darrell Arthur (27th overall pick) and Joey Dorsey (33rd overall).

The Golden State Warriors have acquired guard Marcus Williams from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for a conditional first round draft choice, it was announced Monday by Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Mullin.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and guard Sebastian Telfair have agreed in principle on the terms of a new contract. Telfair is expected to be in Minneapolis tomorrow and will meet with Twin Cities media at Target Center.

In the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, Dan Gross writes "Christian Abate majored in education at Temple, but put his studies on hold for a few years while having financial hardship. He's worked as a busboy for eight years at Saloon (750 S. 7th), where he struck up a friendship with one generous regular at the Italian restaurant who volunteered to pay his Temple tuition. During a visit to Saloon last summer, Charles Barkley asked Abate how he was enjoying teaching, and was disappointed to learn that Abate had still not returned to Temple because of problems securing financial aid. Abate, 28, of South Philly, started at Temple in 1997, months after graduating from St. John Neumann High."

Following the Lakers' loss to the Celtics in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Kobe Bryant tried to make sense of the series that his team just dropped 4-2 and was able to glean a little bit of wisdom from what transpired. "I think if we're going to learn anything from this series is that we can't expect to win a championship by focusing on the offensive end,"Bryant said. "We have to be able to hold people down as well."

The world will be watching when the men's basketball competition tips off at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing on Aug. 10. We give you a preview of what to look for.

The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have re-signed forward/center Kurt Thomas. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward and 2008 USA Basketball Senior National Team member LeBron James has been named the recipient of the NBA Community Assist Award for June, in recognition of his outstanding efforts in the community.

CCTV INTERNATIONAL reports "Angola defeated Serbia 68-60 in Hangzhou on Sunday to win the Stankovic Continental Cup. China finished second after beating Russia 72-50 late in the night. Yao Ming started for the first time in the three matches of the tournament, scoring 6 points in two quarters. Russia at one point created a 9-point run. But Wang Zhizhi scored 13 points in the second quarter to lead China to a 12 point advantage at the break. Russia posed no threats to China in the second half. Chinese substitute Wang Lei was the focus of attention as he knocked down 13 points, and China comfortably won the match. With two wins and one loss, China finished as runners-up of the tournament."

On ESPN.COM, Chris Sheridan writes "they were equal parts wary and confident, a split-yet-evolving personality that showed not only how some of them have matured, but also how they've come to grips with who they are and where they stand in the global basketball equation. Yes, they're the favorites. No, they don't expect to be crowned Dream Team 2.0 without having earned it. The bar is set pretty high when anything other than gold is unacceptable, but that's the deal for the 2008 version of Team USA -- and the players know it."

In the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, Sekou Smith reports "Hawks restricted free agent swingman Josh Childress spent Monday in Athens, Greece, not Georgia, exploring his options beyond the NBA. Childress and at least one of his agents, Jim Tanner, were in Greece to visit officials from European power Olympiakos and discuss the possibility of Childress playing the upcoming season there rather than with the Hawks or any other NBA team. Just how serious Childress is about blazing that trail remains to be seen and can only be answered if and when he makes a decision about that offer. With no salary cap for European teams, Olympiakos can offer whatever they'd like to entice Childress to leave the NBA for a stint in the international game. The Hawks also lose the right to match any offers made to Childress, a condition of his restricted free agency, because they wouldn't be competing against another NBA team.”

In XINHUA, Shan Lei writes "one of the hottest topics among Chinese basketball reporters recently is what is the real target of the national men's basketball team at the Beijing Olympic Games. Li Yuanwei, vice president of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and director of the Chinese Basketball Management Center, said the goal at the Olympics is to advance to the quarterfinals. It would have been the fourth time that China enter the top eight after they finished eighth at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and 2004 Athens Olympics as well as the 1994 World Championships, if they could fulfill the goal.”

In the BOSTON HERALD, Rich Thompson writes "James Posey is a member of the New Orleans Hornets because his practical side trumped his emotional side. Posey was the Celtics sixth man and designated defender during the run to their 17th NBA championship, and his contributions drew acclaim from the players and management alike. But Posey and the Celts were unable to reach an agreement on a contract, and the 31-year-old forward inked a four-year, $25 million deal with the Hornets on July 16. 'From a personal and professional standpoint, leaving the Celtics was one of the toughest things I've ever had to do,' Posey said yesterday from his home in Houston."

In the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, Phil Jasner writes "It took several days for the news to filter back, but the 76ers last week had their first face-to-face meeting with agent Merle Scott concerning the possibility of a new contract for Sixers restricted free-agent guard Lou Williams. Stefanski has said repeatedly that he intends to re-sign Williams and Andre Iguodala, who is also restricted. Iguodala is training with the Select Team that is helping prepare the U.S. Olympic team for the competition in Beijing, but will not participate in scrimmages because of his contractual status."

The New Jersey Nets have acquired guard Keyon Dooling from the Orlando Magic in exchange for cash considerations, Nets President Rod Thorn announced today.

The Boston Celtics have re-signed guards Eddie House and Tony Allen, two role players from their title-winning team. General manager Danny Ainge confirmed the deals Monday.

The NBA today announced that it has restructured the league's Referee Operations department, appointing Bernie Fryer to the position of Vice President and Director of Officials, Joe Borgia to the position of Vice President, Referee Operations, and Ronnie Nunn to the position of Director of Development.

In the DALLAS MORNING NEWS, Brandon Geogre writes "The probability of swingman Devean George returning to the Mavericks next season appears to be decreasing every day. George, a free agent, has at least a half dozen other teams interested in signing him. The Mavericks, however, only have two open roster spots left with little money to work with after signing center DeSagana Diop. 'I wouldn't hold out a lot of hope right now,' Donnie Nelson said. 'We're pretty far apart as far as the numbers go.' George, a 6-8 guard/forward, averaged 3.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in 53 games last season. George, who will turn 31 years old in late August, has averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds over nine NBA seasons (the first seven with the Los Angeles Lakers). "

In the NEW YORK POST, Marc Berman writes "The Knicks ended the Las Vegas summer-league yesterday the way they came in - unsure if 19-year-old rookie Danilo Gallinari will contribute this season. After suffering a back injury in Monday's opener against Cleveland, the Italian Stallion missed the final four games, including yesterday's 111-91 loss to Minnesota in the finale at UNLV's Cox Pavilion to finish 2-3. A team source said the Knicks are considering resting Gallinari the remainder of the summer and request he not play for the Italian national team that gets together in two weeks. The decision could be out of Gallinari's hands as the Italian players are threatening a strike. In his lone game, Gallinari had an impressive seven minutes in the second half when he scored 14 points after going scoreless in the first 2½ quarters. "

In the ARIZONA REPUBLIC, the Associated Press reports "Greece, which stunned the United States in basketball two years ago, will join the Americans at the Olympics in a strong Group B, which now includes all three medalists from the last world championships. Germany also was drawn into Group B after clinching the last available spot in Beijing by beating Puerto Rico 96-82 Sunday behind 32 points from Dallas Mavericks All-Star Dirk Nowitzki in the third-place game at the Olympic qualifying tournament. Greece locked up its spot Saturday by beating Puerto Rico in the semifinals. The Greeks knocked off the Americans 101-95 in the semifinals of the 2006 world championships before losing to Spain in the finals."

In the FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, Jennifer Floyd Engel writes "Dirk Nowitzki did not do any interviews immediately after propelling Germany to its first Olympic berth since 1992. He couldn't. The Dallas Mavericks' best player was in the locker room in Greece bawling Sunday, like a baby or newlywed or player who has finally delivered on a promise to his country, his coach and himself.He had been thinking of this moment long before he dreamed of MVPs and NBA championships.”

In the INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE, the Associated Press reports "Normally basketball is an afterthought for Iranian sports fans, given the popularity of soccer, weightlifting and wrestling. But with Iran's national basketball team preparing for its first Olympic appearance in 60 years, that has changed. ‘For every athlete, it is like a dream to participate in the Olympic Games — especially for us because basketball in Iran is not that ... important," captain and forward Samad Bahrami said. "Everyone is looking for you and taking care of you.'”

In the LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL, Steve Carp writes "from the moment the United States finished third in men's basketball in the 2004 Athens Olympics, all of USA Basketball's attention and energy have been devoted to putting America back on top. A new philosophy was introduced. A new management team and coaching staff were brought in. Thirty-three players were chosen to compete for 12 spots. Will it pay off? The Beijing Olympics are three weeks away and the quest for gold begins in earnest today as Team USA's Las Vegas training camp begins at Valley High School. ‘We've spent 2 1/2, almost three years getting ready and if we were to take an accounting right now, today, I'd say we're on target,' said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball managing director for the senior men's national team. ‘All the preliminaries are out of the way. Now we're ready for the final push.'"

Bayless was named the T-Mobile NBA Summer League Top Rookie after averaging 29.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in four games out in Las Vegas. Even though he was only competing against rookies for the award, had there been an overall MVP given out, he would have won that too. NBA.com spoke to the 19-year old following the Blazers' last summer league game on Sunday.

Get caught up on the most significant stories and moments from the past week in the WNBA with Josh Cohen.

Donte Greene scored 22 points to lead a three-pronged attack as the Houston Rockets defeated the Sacramento Kings, 98-91, in the final game of the 2008 NBA Summer League.

J.R. Pinnock scored a game high 30 points and led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 78-63 win over the New Orleans Hornets at the NBA Summer League on Sunday.

An offensively-balanced Milwaukee Bucks squad won their final game of the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers, 88-72, on Sunday.

Alando Tucker scored 25 points Sunday and the Phoenix Suns held the Washington Wizards to just six fourth-quarter points in an 88-69 victory in the finale for both teams of the Las Vegas Summer League.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, playing without injured rookie Kevin Love, never trailed as they defeated the New York Knicks, 111-91, in the Las Vegas Summer League.

History arrived just before sunset Saturday on Arthur Ashe Stadium court, accompanied by summer heat and a soft, swirling breeze that has confounded and crowned more than a few of the world's best tennis players.

New Orleans Hornets forward Peja Stojakovic received an award at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, for making possible a shipment of wheelchairs to hundreds of disabled people in northern Greece through a partnership with International Orthodox Christian Charities.

Akron's police department is getting some new wheels, courtesy of Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James.

The man of the hour is Jerryd Bayless. Portland's shooting guard dropped 26 of his 36 points in the second half, including scoring 17 of the Trail Blazers' 22 points in the fourth quarter to lead his team to a 74-73 victory after the Suns had led by as many as 14 points.

Warriors rookie forward Anthony Randolph is all of these things, but he's also proving to be really, really good at basketball. Through his first four games in the Las Vegas summer league, the 6-10, 205-pound Randolph is averaging 20.8 points (fifth best in Vegas), 7.8 rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block per night.

With LeBron James in the audience, the Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the New Orleans Hornets, 79-78, on Saturday during the NBA Summer League at the COX Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada – Las Vegas.

Jerryd Bayless scored 17 fourth-quarter points and hit the game winning jumper with 18 seconds left to lead the Portland Trial Blazers to a 74-73 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the NBA Summer League on Saturday.

Darius Washington's 19 points led the way for the Milwaukee Bucks, who defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 81-67 in 2008 NBA Summer League action on Saturday.

The Indiana Fever stole the spotlight - under the moonlight - from the New York Liberty in the WNBA's first outdoor game. On a basketball court laid on top of the tennis court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Katie Douglas scored nine of her 20 points in the fourth quarter, Tamika Catchings had 15 points and nine rebounds, and the Fever beat the Liberty 71-55 on Saturday night.

Bobby Jones and Keith Langford scored 18 points and 17 points, respectively on Saturday, as the Denver Nuggets downed the Los Angeles Lakers 92-79 at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA Sports.

Anthony Randolph and Anthony Morrow combined for 48 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 95-90 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday at the NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

The Dallas Mavericks built a 28-point lead in the third quarter and coasted along the rest of the game for a 79-62 win over the Iranian National Team at the Rocky Mountain Revue on Saturday. Gerald Green led with 15 points and Aaron Miles scored 12 points

Led by Guillermo Diaz's 14 points, the Charlotte Bobcats easily handled the New York Knicks on Saturday, 103-71, in what was Charlotte's final game of the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

Before the Rockets' summer league game against the Nuggets on Friday, Houston rookie Donté Greene was engaged in a playful game of one-on-one with a ball boy that couldn't have been more than 13 years old.

Confirming what the Spurs have felt certain would be the case, the Argentine Olympic Committee on Friday named Manu Ginobili one of the 12 players who will try to defend the basketball title Argentina captured in 2004.

The Star-Ledger of Newark is reporting that the Nets have an agreement in principle to make a sign-and-trade deal for free agent Keyon Dooling, a combo guard they have pursued for years, and he'll fit right in as a reserve for starters Vince Carter and Devin Harris.

Dahntay Jones' last-second running layup secured the Nugget's one-point overtime victory 105-104 over the Houston Rockets in Friday's 2008 NBA Summer League presented by EA SPORTS night cap.

Oklahoma City has signed restricted free agent guard C.J. Miles to an offer sheet.

Current and former New York Knicks have teamed up with the New York Liberty to provide memorable experiences for children and families in-need at the Liberty Outdoor Classic.

The Detroit Pistons finished their NBA Summer League campaign with an impressive 78-67 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats in Las Vegas on Friday. With the win, the Pistons ended their summer league stint with a 3-2 win-loss record.

Philadelphia 76ers President and General Manager Ed Stefanski announced today that the team has signed rookie Marreese Speights, the 16th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Speights (6-10/245) appeared in five games for the Sixers at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, averaging 18.2 points along with team-highs of 10.2 rebounds and 2.20 blocks. Entering today's games, he was one of three players averaging a double-double in Vegas.

In the DALLAS MORNING NEWS, Brandon Geogre writes "the Sacramento Kings have expressed interest in acquiring Dallas Mavericks forward/guard Josh Howard in a trade for All-Star forward Ron Artest, but the Mavericks aren't interested, according to an NBA source. The Mavericks reportedly were willing to offer forward Brandon Bass and guard Jerry Stackhouse for Artest. But the Kings wanted Howard included in the deal, halting the discussions. Because the Mavericks won't budge on Howard, a potential trade for Artest is all but dead, the source said."

In the INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE, the Associated Press reports "Ahmad Rashad, who starred at Oregon during 1969-71, will allow himself some time to look back on his football career when he is enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame on Saturday night along with Penn State coach Joe Paterno, 1984 Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie of Boston College, and 17 others. Festivities begin on Friday with a golf outing. The Division I-A members of the class were inducted into the hall during a ceremony in December in New York. 'Having been inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame gives me a pass to look back,' Rashad said. 'I'm still looking forward, but at least I get a chance to slow down and enjoy the memories of my college football career.'"

In the GUARDIAN, Barney Spender writes "Dirk Nowitzki is arguably Europe's most successful basketball export but it could be Germany's newest recruit Chris Kaman who gives them the edge in the quarter-finals of the Olympic qualifiers in Athens on Friday. The Los Angeles Clippers centre only received his passport last week but was slipped straight into the side for the opening group match against Cape Verde. He made an immediate impression and followed up with a 20-point performance against New Zealand. "It has been hard work for Chris because although he is a great player he has had to fit in quickly with the chemistry of the team. But he has been fantastic," said team mate Konrad Wysocki. "

In the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, Steve Luhm writes "for players, the Rocky Mountain Revue is a stage on which to you're worthy of the predraft hype, worthy of that big contract, or simply worthy of playing in the league. For teams, it's about evaluation and speculation - are these guys the future of the franchise? For fans, it's an up-close-and-personal look at the best young talent in the country. And it feeds the addiction until training camp begins in October. But this year's Revue - the 24th annual - also has a different look from previous installments. A team of Development League players joins an unlikely participant from halfway around the world.”

On ESPN.COM, Mechelle Voepel writes "the concept of an outdoor basketball game isn't anything new -- Indiana's Tamika Catchings was at Tennessee when Pat Summitt's program played outside against Arizona State in Phoenix in 2000, for instance -- but it's the location that really makes this special. The significance of the names attached to the facility that is home to the U.S. Open will not be lost on these WNBA players. The late Ashe was a man of such dignity, grace and principle that the truth is, "athlete" is not even the first thing you think of when you hear his name. Instead, it's "humanitarian." In a sports world today where very few famous sports figures publicly take any kind of stand on social or political issues, even the "idea" of an athlete like Ashe seems like a fondly remembered relic of times gone by."

There are a plethora of numbers that jump off the page when you look at Portland rookie guard Jerryd Bayless' stat page through his first three games at the Las Vegas Summer League.

Just had a conversation about the Pistons new head coach Michael Curry and he's way more interesting than I ever gave him credit for. A lot of people, myself included, were skeptical when Joe Dumars appointed him the new head honcho after Flip Saunders was let go because he was a guy with zero head coaching experience who was going to try to lead veteran All-Stars Chauncey Billups, Rasheed Wallace and Rip Hamilton. Why would these guys who already won a ring in 2004 listen to a guy that hasn't even won a game from the sidelines yet?

The Utah Jazz will hold media availability on Friday, July 18 at 2 p.m. (MST) for Deron Williams, who has agreed in principle to a multi-year contract extension with the Utah Jazz.

The Los Angeles Clippers today announced that the team has signed restricted free agent guard Kelenna Azubuike to an offer sheet to a multi-year agreement. Azubuike is currently a restricted free agent who has played the last two seasons with the Golden State Warriors.

The Milwaukee Bucks have signed guard Tyronn Lue (tir-ron) and forward Malik Allen (ma-leek) to contracts, General Manager John Hammond announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed. "Tyronn and Malik have been solid contributors and good teammates throughout their NBA careers,"said Hammond. "They give us added depth at the guard and forward positions, and both bring valuable playoff experience to our roster."

Bob Cooney of the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS writes, "Ground was broken in June 1966 for what is now known as the Wachovia Spectrum, and 16 months and $7 million later, the arena that would host so many memorable events was completed. It was announced yesterday that the cozy Spectrum will be torn down following the 2008-09 indoor seasons. So here's a look back at the 10 most memorable Spectrum moments . . . in one person's eyes, of course:"

Jamont Gordon's layup with 0.6 seconds left gave the Philadelphia 76ers an 87-85 victory over the Toronto Raptors in the Las Vegas Summer League on Thursday.

ESPN and ESPN 2 will televise the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team's five-game exhibition schedule beginning Friday, July 25.The USA men will tip off its schedule when it faces Canada in the 2008 State Farm USA Basketball Challenge at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, on July 25 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. ESPN2 will then televise live from China all four U.S. games in the USA Basketball International Challenge starting Thursday, July 31. The first two games will take place at CotaiArena in Macao and the last two games will be held in Shanghai at Qizhong Arena. All of the games from China will re-air on ESPN2.

Christopher Bodeen of the ASSOCIATED PRESS writes, "Houston Rockets center Yao Ming played in his first game in almost six months Thursday, joining China's national team in an Olympics warmup against Serbia. Entering to huge applause from the crowd in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, Yao appeared rusty in scoring six points over seven minutes in the first half. Four of those came from free throws, helping China race to a 51-39 lead after the second quarter. Yao's appearance at the Stankovic Cup is his first game action since he suffered a stress fracture to his left foot in February, ending his NBA season and threatening his star turn as part of China's team."

In the GLOBE AND MAIL, Michael Grange reports, "If you like drama, then Canada's heart-stopping, lurching, improbably comeback win over South Korea Wednesday morning was for you. There was conflict, tension and a major plot twist - and that was before the Canadian national team even left their hotel. According to multiple sources, the decision to have Philadelphia 76ers centre Samuel Dalembert leave the team came just hours before Canada's do-or-die win against South Korea. National team coach Leo Rautins confronted Dalembert as the team bus was about to leave for the arena, questioning his commitment to the team. Dalembert in turn challenged Rautins."

In the SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, Mike Monroe writes "the official decision won't come for another day or two, but the Spurs already know that guard Manu Ginobili will be suiting up for the defending Olympic champion Argentine basketball team in Beijing in August. Spurs president of basketball operations and head coach Gregg Popovich — don't make the mistake of calling him "Mr. President"if you don't want to be yelled at — has been in daily cyber-communication with the NBA's reigning Sixth Man Award winner. The e-mail he got from Ginobili on Wednesday left no doubt Ginobili will be playing in China."

In the DETROIT FREE PRESS, Shannon Shelton reports, "the Shock recorded a perfect 10 on Wednesday afternoon at the Palace, defeating the Chicago Sky, 66-63, to win their 10th consecutive home game. The Shock (15-7) led the Sky by as many as 23 points midway through the second quarter, but a lay-up from Sky guard Armintie Price with 20.9 seconds remaining pulled Chicago within one, 64-63. Shock guard Alexis Hornbuckle answered, hitting a lay-up after a Cheryl Ford miss to put Detroit up by three with 18.8 remaining. ‘I thought we played good team basketball in the first half,' Shock coach Bill Laimbeer said. ‘Then we started to get selfish, started turning the ball over. And when we play like that, we're not a very good basketball team.' "

In the PHILADELPHIA DAILY NEWS, Phil Jasner reports "The next step in Eddie Stefanski's blueprint for the 2008-09 76ers is already in play. That happened when the Sixers' president/general manager met Tuesday in Las Vegas with Rob Pelinka, the agent for Sixers restricted free agent Andre Iguodala. Reached via cell phone, Stefanski would not say whether he had tendered an offer for Iguodala, who yesterday was formally named to the 10-man Select Team that will train, practice and scrimmage with the U.S. Olympic team before it leaves for Beijing."

On ESPN.COM, the Associated Press reports "Greg Oden is itching to get his delayed NBA career going, but he's still forbidden from any 5-on-5 action until September. Oden's rookie season was over before it even started when he had right knee surgery last September. Recovery can take six months or more, and the Portland Trail Blazers decided their No. 1 pick would sit out the season. ‘I'm still rehabbing, but I'm ready to play,' Oden told The Associated Press on Wednesday while in Los Angeles to attend the ESPY Awards. ‘I can work out, I can lift, no 5-on-5, no 3-on-3. That's where everything is going, towards me being able to play when the season starts, but I'm ready.' He said he expects to be cleared to play again in September.”

In the LOS ANGELES DAILY NEWS, Ramona Shelburne reports "nothing against the Clippers. If anything, it's nice to be wanted, Marcus Camby says, but it's going to take a little while to come to grips with the trade that sent him from Denver, his home the past six seasons, to Los Angeles on Tuesday. ‘When I first heard about the trade, I felt like I was the scapegoat after all our past first-round exits and failures and lack of defense. ... The team and the organization always talked about the need to play good defense, but they traded away a pretty good defender. From that aspect, I really don't understand the move,' Camby said. "

Ramon Sessions and his Milwaukee Bucks were too much for the Denver as they dismissed the Nuggets 79-67 in the final game on Thursday at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

Alando Tucker and the Phoenix Suns started off hot and never looked back, running over the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night in a 98-74 victory at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

I too saw pride – that was Quentin Richardson cheering on his teammates from the sideline in their game against the Spurs. I also saw power – umm, allow me to present you with Exhibit A: the Lakers' Dwayne Mitchell's biceps, Exhibit B: Nate Robinson's calf muscles and Exhibit C: the rim shaking violently after a putback dunk by the Mavs' Gerald Green. And as for a bad (bleep) mother, nobody fits that bill like Houston's Joey Dorsey. He's like Ben Wallace and Arnold Schwarzenegger's lovechild.

Al Thornton is taking on the Las Vegas Summer League for the second time and he has only gotten better with age.

The second-year forward has been more comfortable after a tough rookie year that forced him to mature. Chandler was out of the rotation for much of the season, averaging no more than 10 minutes per game through February. But he saw a huge uptick in minutes during the final two months, averaging 24 minutes per game in March and 28 in April.

Donte Greene and Maarty Leunen scored 17 points apiece Wednesday as the Houston Rockets edged the Cleveland Cavaliers, 73-72, to close the sixth day of action at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA Sports.

In their summer league finale, the Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Los Angeles Clippers, 82-74.

Los Angeles Lakers 2008 NBA Draft selection Joe Crawford came up big for his new team Wednesday night, scoring the game-winning basket with 2.9 seconds left as his Lakers defeated Kevin Love and the Minnesota Timberwolves, 95-93, at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Rookie Marreese Speights and sophomore Jason Smith each scored a game-high 24 points and led the Philadelphia 76ers past the Washington Wizards 86-72 at COX Pavilion on Thursday.

The Dallas Mavericks, led by Gerald Green's 18 points, defeated the Sacramento Kings, 93-71, the largest margin of victory thus far in the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA Sports.

Roger Powell led all scorers with 15 points as the San Antonio Spurs outlasted the New York Knicks, 82-67, in the first of six games Wednesday on the campus of UNLV as part of the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA Sports on Wednesday.

New York Knicks rookie Danilo Gallinari has a sore lower back and is listed as doubtful for the remainder of the Las Vegas summer league.

Jason Thompson's and-one bucket in overtime lifted the Sacramento Kings over the Portland Trail Blazers, 75-74, in the last game of the day inside the COX Pavilion at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

Marco Belinelli went off for 30 points to secure Golden State's 99-93 win over the Charlotte Bobcats in the sixth game of the day at the NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS on the campus of UNLV inside the Thomas & Mack Center.

Bobby Brown's 15-point performance led the way as New Orleans defeated the San Antonio Spurs 76-68 in an afternoon NBA Summer League matchup on UNLV's home floor at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The frontline of the Philadelphia 76ers was enough to overcome the Los Angeles Lakers, 81-73, in the second game of the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

The Golden State Warriors signed first-round pick Anthony Randolph to a contract Tuesday.

Ramon Sessions recorded a game high 21 points and led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 73-59 victory over the Detroit Pistons in the opening game of the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

Dwight Howard has been brushing up on his Chinese. He can already say "hello'' and "I love you.'' Soon, he and his Olympic teammates hope, the All-Star center this summer will add "gold'' to that list.

The Basketball Federation of I.R. Iran and its FIBA Asia Champion men's national basketball team have been invited by the NBA, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, to compete against NBA teams and the NBA Development League Ambassadors.

O.J. Mayo, the third overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in last month's draft, made the most spectacular shot of his career Monday night at the NBA Summer League.

The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard Anthony Johnson, General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed.

Ian Mahinmi's 18-point performance led San Antonio to a 78-76 win Monday night in the team's first game at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS held in the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV.

The Dallas Mavericks ruined Kevin Love's NBA debut as they crushed the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-74 in the final game of the NBA Summer League at COX Pavilion on Monday night.

Donte Greene scored 40 points to lift the Houston Rockets to a 100-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS in Las Vegas on Monday.

Jerryd Bayless scored a game-high 28 points and hit a pair of free-throws with just 12.3 seconds left to give the Portland Trail Blazers a 78-73 win over the Washington Wizards on Monday night in Las Vegas

Six double-digit scorers for the Denver Nuggets proved to be too much for the Toronto Raptors in the second game of day four of the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS inside UNLV's COX Pavilion.

Wilson Chandler's strong performance of 26 points and eight rebounds guided the New York Knicks to a nail-biting three-point victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, 97-94, in the Day Four opener of the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS.

The third day of competition of the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS opened with the New Orleans Hornets defeating the Charlotte Bobcats 77-75.

Dahntay Jones tallied a team-high 21-points as the Denver Nuggets routed the Philadelphia 76ers, 99-85, at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas on Saturday. The win was an impressive debut for the Nuggets in the 10-day hoop classic presented by EA Sports.

Highly-touted rookie O.J. Mayo erupted for a game-high 26 points as the Memphis Grizzlies improved to 2-0 at the 2008 NBA Summer League presented by EA SPORTS with an 88-79 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday.

The Sacramento Kings defeated the Toronto Raptors 93-86 in the first of four games during the second day of competition at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA Sports at the COX Pavilion on the campus of UNLV.

The Los Angeles Clippers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as the squad defeated the Dallas Mavericks 86-69 in final game of the first day of competition at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS on the campus of UNLV in the COX Pavilion.

The Detroit Pistons cruised to an 84-73 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS in Las Vegas on Friday. The Lakers-Pistons game was the third of the four games scheduled on the NBA Summer League's opening day.

First round draft pick O.J. Mayo and the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Hornets 88-75 in the second of 53 games at the 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS on Friday, July 11 held at the COX Pavilion on the campus of UNLV.

The 2008 NBA Summer League Presented by EA SPORTS tipped off on Friday, July 1,1 with the Golden State Warriors beating the Philadelphia 76ers, 96-89, in Las Vegas. Anthony Randolph, the 14th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, led all scorers with 30 points while Thaddeus Young chipped in 27 points for the Sixers.

The Minnesota Timberwolves signed first-round draft pick Kevin Love on Friday. The UCLA power forward signed the contract just in time to participate on Minnesota's Las Vegas summer league team.

The New Jersey Nets have reached agreements in principle with free agent forward Eduardo Najera and guard/forward Jarvis Hayes, Nets President Rod Thorn announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreements were not released.

The Associated Press reported Thursday that Mark Bartelstein, the agent for unrestricted free agent guard Roger Mason, said his client has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs. Mason played with the Washington Wizards last season.

The NBA announced today that Brad Miller of the Sacramento Kings has been suspended without pay for five games for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program.

JamesOn Curry of the Chicago Bulls has been suspended without pay for one game by the NBA.

The Miami Heat announced today that they have signed guard Mario Chalmers, the 34th pick in the 2008 NBA Draft. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The Portland Trail Blazers signed rookie guard Jerryd Bayless, it was announced today by general manager Kevin Pritchard. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

The Milwaukee Bucks signed Luc Richard Mbah a Moute to a multi-year contract, General Manager John Hammond announced Wednesday.

Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut will sign a five-year, $72.5 million extension later this week, his agent said Wednesday.

Derrick Rose has had a rough summer league. Now it might be over.

First-round draft pick Javale McGee signed a two-year, $2.4 million deal with the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.

The New Jersey Nets' acquisition of Yi Jianlian was strictly a basketball decision, not a marketing one aimed at drawing more Chinese fans, Nets owner Bruce Ratner said Wednesday.

After major knee surgery, Morrison was most proud of his wardrobe change Tuesday. He finally shed the blazers he wore while sitting at the end of the bench last season for shorts and a jersey for the start of the Charlotte Bobcats' summer minicamp.

The National Basketball Association today announced that the Salary Cap for the 2008-09 season will be $58.680 million. The new Cap goes into effect immediately as the league's "moratorium period"has ended and teams can begin signing free agents and mak

The Golden State Warriors will sign high-scoring free agent Corey Maggette to a five-year contract worth around $50 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday night.

First-round draft pick Joe Alexander signed a contract with the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.

The Knicks signed first-round draft pick Danilo Gallinari on Tuesday and expect to have him ready to play in summer league games next week in Las Vegas.

The Orlando Magic will sign Mickael Pietrus to a multiyear deal, Florida Today reported on its Web site Tuesday.

First-round draft pick O.J. Mayo signed a multiyear contract with the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

The 76ers are close to trading forward Rodney Carney and a future No. 1 pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that clears salary cap space for Philadelphia to make a stronger push for free agents, a person in the NBA told The Associated Press on Tu

Yi Jianlian didn't want to play in Milwaukee. The man he was traded for insists he does. The Bucks introduced Richard Jefferson on Monday after acquiring him from New Jersey on draft day in a trade for the young Chinese star.

Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley will be forever linked. That's an inevitability for players who get chosen No. 1 and No. 2 in an NBA draft.

Somehow, on NBA Draft night, Kansas guard Mario Chalmers felt he was forgotten. Fortunately for him, the Miami Heat remembered.

Michael Beasley resumed contact drills with the Miami Heat summer league team Saturday afternoon, his first regular basketball activity since slightly cracking his sternum three days earlier.

Both the Washington Post and Washington Times reported Thursday that Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas agreed to re-sign with the team for for $111 million over six years.

The Associated Press reported Thursday that Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets reached a contract agreement Thursday that could keep the All-Star point guard with the team for at least the next four seasons.

The Orlando Magic on Thursday signed guard Courtney Lee, their first-round pick in the 2008 NBA Draft.

It was an early start to Basketball without Borders Asia today beginning with an ESS Basketball Clinic run by Dominique Wilkins. Over 250 students watched clips of Wilkins' days as a player that showed exactly why he is the "Human Highlight Film.”

"We are pleased that the Sonics and the City of Seattle have settled their litigation. While the decision has been made to relocate the Sonics to Oklahoma City, the NBA continues to regard Seattle as a first-class NBA city..."

The Hawks' Josh Smith wasted no time taking advantage of his restricted free-agent status, spending Wednesday visiting the Philadelphia 76ers - a franchise with plenty of cap room to make a big offer.

NBA All-Star and Olympian Yao Ming is offering a fan and his/her guest the unique opportunity to experience the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Iranian Basketball Federation and its FIBA Asian champion men's basketball team have been invited by the NBA, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of State, to participate in the Rocky Mountain Revue, the Utah Jazz hosted summer league, later th

Baron Davis is on the verge of signing a long-term deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, a day after the point guard shocked the Golden State Warriors by opting out of the final season of his contract to become a free agent.

Chris Paul's agent plans to travel to New Orleans on Wednesday with the intention of completing a contract extension that would keep the All-Star and Team USA point guard with the Hornets for an additional three to five years.

The National Basketball Association has named United States Army Major General Ronald L. Johnson to the newly created position of Senior Vice President, Referee Operations, it was announced today by NBA Commissioner David Stern.

Washington Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has signed forward Antawn Jamison to a contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not released.

Baron Davis opted out of his contract with the Warriors.

Beyond the global-awareness message - part of Nickelodeon's Big Green Help campaign - LeBron James is hoping to educate kids on the importance of exercise.