Poll: Build A Franchise Around LeBron Or Durant?
The battle between superstars LeBron James and Kevin Durant has stolen headlines throughout the NBA Finals as the series heads to Miami tied 1-1. For James, winning his first ring in his third trip to the Finals would validate a career highlighted by individual achievement but lacking a Larry O'Brien Trophy. For Durant, winning a championship arguably ahead of schedule would start the dynasty chatter and make many wonder if James will retire as the best player to never reach basketball's pinnacle. With both James and Durant playing basketball at a remarkably high level, we ask you to consider tonight's poll question: Which player would you rather build a franchise around?
Sale Of Hornets To Tom Benson Now Official
Saints owner Tom Benson can now officially add owner of the Hornets to his resume as the team released a statement confirming the finalization of the sale. The NBA's Board of Governors approved the sale of the team to Benson on Wednesday after the New Orleans businessman reached an agreement to purchase the franchise from the league in April for $338MM. Benson expressed his excitement over completing the purchase of the team on Friday and the opportunity to make the Hornets as competitive as his Saints.
Jason Maxiell Pondering Future With Pistons
Jason Maxiell remains uncertain if he will exercise his player option with the Pistons for next season, reports Vincent Goodwill of The Detroit News. The 29-year-old forward has until June 28 to decide whether he will return to Detroit for $5MM or test the free-agent market this summer. Maxiell's agent, Andy Miller, is currently using the month of June to determine how his client would fare if he declined his option and made his services available to the rest of the league. The Pistons are expected to select a big man in the first round of the draft, which has made Maxiell's decision more difficult.
Celtics Notes: Ray Allen, Big 3’s Future, Roster
Saturday night in Miami may have marked the end of an era as the Celtics' season came to a close after the Heat took Game 7 to advance to the NBA Finals. While Rajon Rondo and the youth of Avery Bradley and Greg Stiemsma give the Celtics building blocks heading forward, the team must decide how to address Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen's status as they become free agents this summer. Let's check in on the latest news and headlines out of Boston as we anxiously await the fate of the Big 3…
Magic GM Candidates To Consider Malone, Clifford
The remaining candidates in Orlando's search for a general manager are being told to consider Warriors assistant coach Michael Malone and Magic assistant coach Steve Clifford for the team's head coaching vacancy, reports HoopsWorld's Yannis Koutroupis. Absent from the list is Pacers assistant coach Brian Shaw, who is currently under consideration for the Bobcats' head coching position. The Magic will reportedly compile a list of finalists by next weekend which is expected to include former Hornets general manager Jeff Bower, Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey, former Trail Blazers vice president of basketball operations Tom Penn and Thunder assistant general manager Troy Weaver.
Western Notes: Mavs, Ty Lawson, Tim Duncan
The Thunder found out on Saturday evening that they'll be taking on the Heat in the NBA Finals beginning on Tuesday in Oklahoma City. The Lakers and Spurs will look to the Thunder to continue an over decade-long trend of Western Conference dominance that began during the 1998/1999 season. With a series victory over Miami, the Thunder will bring the streak of the West winning the Larry O'Brien Trophy to four seasons in a row and 11 of the last 14 overall. Let's catch up on the latest rumors and stories making headlines from around the Western Conference…
Brandon Bass Wants To Return To Celtics
Brandon Bass, fresh off a 101-88 loss to the Heat, told reporters on Saturday that he wants to return to the Celtics after enjoying his first season with the team, reports Paul Flannery of WEEI.com. The former LSU star proved to be a strong contributor during the playoffs as he averaged 11.1 PPG and 5.3 RPG in 20 contests. Bass, 27, arrived in Boston from Orlando after being traded for Glen Davis and Von Wafer just prior to the start of the 2011/2012 season.
Odds & Ends: Magic, Warriors Arena, Roy Hibbert
LeBron James' tour-de-force performance in the first half of Game 6 proved to be the catalyst the Heat needed to push the Celtics to a series-deciding Game 7 on Saturday in Miami. With 45 points, 15 rebounds and five assists in the Heat's 98-79 victory, James became the first player to notch such prolific numbers during the playoffs in over 15 years. Let's check in on the latest news and headlines from around the league…
Bulls Notes: Taj Gibson, Draft, Derrick Rose
The Bulls seemed poised to make a playoff run this spring when they finished the regular season tied with the Spurs for the best record in the NBA. Derrick Rose, who had missed 27 games over the course of the season, was finally healthy when the team drew a Sixers team that had collapsed in the second half of the season. What ensued continues to give the entire city of Chicago nightmares as the Bulls faithful remains hopeful Rose can regain the form that netted him MVP during the 2010/2011 season. Let's catch up on the latest news and headlines out of Chicago as the franchise's future going forward remains unclear…
Amico On Barnes, Knicks, Sullinger
The 2012 NBA Draft Combine got underway Thursday in Chicago and will continue through Friday as prospects are tested, weighed and interviewed with hopes of improving their stock for June 28. Former Florida star Bradley Beal's height was a point of contention heading into the combine but the ex-Gator shooting guard surprised everyone when he told reporters he measured in at 6-foot-4, which was on the higher end of expectations. Sam Amico of FOX Sports Ohio has more news and headlines out of Chicago with the draft exactly three weeks away…