Have You Seen Me Dunk?

Stop Or We'll Sue: Blazers Warn Other Teams Not To Sign Miles
Friday, January 9, 2009

The Portland Trailblazers are none too happy about the prospect of Darius Miles' contract counting against their salary cap if he plays just two more games this season. They're so ticked off, that they're threatening legal action against any team that signs him. In an email to the other 29 NBA Teams, the Blazers state:

Team Presidents and General Managers,

The Portland Trail Blazers are aware that certain teams may be contemplating signing Darius Miles to a contract for the purpose of adversely impacting the Portland Trail Blazers Salary Cap and tax positions. Such conduct from a team would violate its fiduciary duty as an NBA joint venturer. In addition, persons or entities involved in such conduct may be individually liable to the Portland Trail Blazers for tortuously interfering with the Portland Trail Blazers' contract rights and perspective economic opportunities.
'Please be aware that if a team engages in such conduct, the Portland Trail Blazers will take all necessary steps to safeguard its rights, including, without limitation, litigation.

Posted byEnigmatik at 9:39 AM 0 comments    

Labels: Portland Trailblazers

D. Wade Dunks On The Blazers
Thursday, November 13, 2008

Posted bykhal at 8:10 AM 0 comments    

Labels: Dunks, Orlando Magic, Portland Trailblazers, youtube

Nets Notes (15th Jan. 2008)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008

• It looks like Kiki Vanderweghe was Knicks bound (or, he WANTED to be Knicks bound) before signing with New Jersey; I guess it's OK, though, we should be Brooklyn-ized in a few.
• Even though Richard Jefferson missed a shootaround on the 4th of Jan. due to flu-like symptoms, he played (and added 28 points) in our 102-96 win over Charlotte at home. Jason Kidd dropped his 8th triple double of the season, and Vince Carter came correct with 30 points. We struggle during the entire first half, with 33% from the field, but turned up the pressure come 3rd quarter and kept the Bobcats trailing for the majority of the 2nd half. Josh Boone started that game, and had a solid 12 point/9 board performance, and we also got 11 points from Nachbar coming off the bench.
• We got our 5th win in a row at the hands of the Hawks; a 113-107 win in Atlanta isn't really a gigantic triumph, and we pretty much just played to our strengths (Vince & RJ dropping 20+ points, Kidd rocking ANOTHER triple-double, Sean Williams, Boone and Nachbar each coming with double-digit points, etc.); there was a scare with RJ "tweaking" his knee, but he still finished the game and played solidly - exams from the Nets' team doctor came out negative for any serious injury, thank God.
• Billy Thomas got waived, which was no surprise as he added no impact to the Nets whatsoever. Malik Allen was given an non-guaranteed deal as well; with his recent recovery from a sore back, we'll see how this pans out.
• What was really good with ESPN harping on Kidd's mustache? The man is doing the damn thing - let him be.
• The bad thing about the Nets and win-streaks is that they end up getting broken by teams you wouldn't expect, like the Bobcats, who came to the IZOD and got their revenge, with a 115-99 win. Kidd got another triple double, but the rest of the team was lukewarm. Carter, who had been on something of a hot-streak of his own, only recorded 17 points, and as a team we trailed the Bobcats in boards, assists, FG %, FT %, treys and a few other categories. When we're on, we're on, but when we're off, we might as well not show up.
• We turned things around on the 9th, where we hosted the Sonics, and ended up coming out with a double-digit win, 99-88, with Jason Kidd allowing the team to coast on through the entire game. Durant got held to 15 points, and Kidd didn't get a triple-double (I guess a double-double will do), but we got the job done, period. Easy win...
• My boy Byron Scott got interviewed, and expressed that he is still bitter over being fired by the Nets. I am, too. He was the man when the Nets got Jason Kidd and scorched the East a few years back. I miss that dude.
• Word is Jason Kidd is having another baby? Hopefully this baby isn't as big-headed as TJ is! I keed, I keed.
• The heads who were beefing with Bruce Ratner over the Atlantic Yards project (AKA the Brookyln Nets' home) got their case dismissed. I've never been to Brooklyn before, but I think I might make the trek if/when the Nets move.
• I hated watching this Nets vs. Celtics game from Jan. 11th, for I was shocked that we came out the box so sharp. How the hell did we only score 9 points in the fourth?! And 14 in the 2nd? Kidd got another double-double, but the way we were scoring (or not scoring), it didn't matter. Then again, these are the Celtics - it's not like we got superwaxed by Miami or something! Low-scoring final: 86-77.
• NetsDaily pointed out a wild Catch-22 situation that both Nenad Krstic and Marcus Williams are in: while both need to get back on the court to not only build up their confidence, but sharpen their skills, the Nets cannot afford to fumble games on their road to above .500. For the time being, M. Will won't be D-League bound, but now is not the time to lose a game over either of these cats. Maybe post-All-Star break will bring them more burn.
• Which brings us to last night's embarrassing loss to Portland, 99-73(!?!?!??!!?!?!??!). Malik Allen got 17 points and 8 boards, but with Kidd/Carter/Jefferson only combining for 7 for 33 from the field, it didn't matter. We lookedl ike suckers from the start, like we'd have rather played this game on another day. If we're looking to be a serious contender, we need to be on every night. We split the 6 games played in the last week, and either looked phenomenal or stunk like hot garbage. How can we turn this around? Total commitment. If not, the playoffs will just be a memory.

We have a chance to do some solid work, and the young guys who need to be molded to perform at top-quality, game in and game out. This sometime-y nonsense doesn't cut the mustard, nor does it win games. Keep building, Nets!

Posted bykhal at 10:05 AM 0 comments    

Labels: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, NJ Nets, Portland Trailblazers, recap, Seattle Supersonics

Hang Time: Travis Outlaw
Wednesday, January 2, 2008

I'm no huge fan of the Trailblazers, but you have to give Travis Outlaw props on this monster dunk. That shot of him in the air before the slam is poster-worthy:

Posted bykhal at 9:16 AM 0 comments    

Labels: Dunks, Portland Trailblazers, youtube

[video] Tim Duncan's Injury
Tuesday, December 4, 2007

The folks over at Dime posted this video of Tim Duncan's most recent injury (bruised knee & sprained ankle, but the Spurs are relieved that the MRI did not project anything super serious) during Sunday's game against the Trailblazers. Upon multiple viewings, the injury looks like it should have been more serious, but it depends on the angle:



Any fantasy owners with Duncan in their lineup, he is set to miss the next few games, but depending on how he feels, shouldn't be out much longer.

Posted bykhal at 8:04 AM 0 comments    

Labels: Portland Trailblazers, San Antonio Spurs, youtube

Respect My Streak
Monday, November 26, 2007

I hate to say I told you so...

My Nets, after beating Portland right before Turkey day, kept the ball rollin', grabbing wins over both the Sonics and last night's 102-100 win over the Lakers (who've slipped to 3 loses in a row), WITH Kobe Bryant putting up 31 points. RJ came up with 27 points, followed by Carter dropping 19. Hell, Bostjan Nachbar dropped 9 of his 15 in the 4th quarter. J. Kidd rounded the stats out with a solid double-double, and we overcame a pretty sad first half to capitalize on the Lakers' misfortune and pull it out.

Good to see Sean Williams getting his props - although he only had 6 points, he tied Kidd with 7 boards last night. I love that presence in the paint. We've always needed a banger and a scorer, and with Vince back, our package looks like it's wrapped and ready to be opened come playoff time. One bad thing to see is Nenad Krstic. NetsDaily has some choice links to some articles describing his situation. I describe it like this: bench dude until he gets better. I won't say get rid of him as of yet (he can be a beast when he's healthy and full of fire), but 2 months on the bench, while "giving him a taste" from time to time doesn't seem like a proper assessment. It just feels like a waste right now. I can only hope he does return to proper form, because if he is off, I will be the first one signing that petition to get him out of New Jerz.

In any case, I am very happy that my Nets are not in their rut anymore... but this being the Eastern Conference, things can change in an instant. I hope we can ride this wave a bit longer...

Posted bykhal at 12:46 PM 0 comments    

Labels: Los Angeles Lakers, NJ Nets, Portland Trailblazers, recap, Seattle Supersonics

So Thankful
Thursday, November 22, 2007

You ever notice how when your team is getting stomped on, it's "damn, they suck", but when they win, it's "WE WON!"?!!? I lived that out this morning when I checked the boxscore of last night's six-game losing streak-snapping win, IN PORTLAND, with Vince Carter lighting a fire under my Nets, helping them eek out a score of 106-101. Jason Kidd grabbed his 90th(!!) career triple-double, RJ knocked out 30 points, and early word is out that Sean Williams is moving up in the rookie rankings for both the NBA and ESPN.

Hopefully, we can continue on this path. NetsDaily has a boatload of links (as per usual) pertaining to last night's game.

Posted bykhal at 11:24 AM 0 comments    

Labels: NJ Nets, Portland Trailblazers, recap

The Return?
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Maybe he heard my pleads. Word on the street is that Vince Carter (who is listed as "day-to-day" currently) was seen practicing with the Nets yesterday, with a possibility of him suiting up for tonight's game against the Trailblazers (both NJ and Portland share the same record, and the Blazers just came off a loss to the Bobcats - but are undefeated at home). I'm feeling this, given that Carter isn't coming back too soon. The last thing we need is one of our top shooters with a more severe injury than he already has. We need that guy, for good or ill.

Don't let the Jason Kidd-trade chatter get to you, he has said that he is not trying to be traded. And not trying to be funny, no one else is really giving the Nets what they should be getting for him. He might be old but he's an instant boost to any team's offense (as well as defense, he is a monster on the boards) - but his age puts him in some wack category. His best bet would be to try and influence proper trades/acquisitions for the Nets. Get another pure scorer, maybe someone who can help Sean Williams mature, and let it roll.

In any case, Vince suited up tonight would be an ill treat. Let's hope he comes out, and that all systems are go, health-wise. And take heed to what dude at BlazersEdge says about tonight's game - is he a scout?

Posted bykhal at 10:11 AM 0 comments    

Labels: NJ Nets, Portland Trailblazers, precap