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Tuesday, September 1

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Harrington, asked if Jackson's statement shocked him, laughed then responded, "No I wasn't surprised. We talk all the time so I knew already. Honestly sometimes you need a change and I hope this change is to come out to New York -- that would be nice." New York Post

Sloan didn't want to chat much about the Carlos Boozer situation, only saying that his job is to coach the players who are there. He also pointed out that in order to have success in the NBA you have to have good players and he called Boozer a good player. Deseret News

Sloan did say he wouldn't hold a grudge against Boozer for spouting off this summer about wanting to be traded. After all, Sloan said, he could have been ticked off at Karl Malone a few times, too, for going off on contract situations and the such over the years, but he didn't cry over spilled milk. Deseret News

A month ago, in discussing his personnel approach during this taxing time for his team, Heat President Pat Riley said: "As you know, the best deals happen somewhere between September and probably February. And what you look out for is you look out and you wait and you try to create or you pry loose or you're in the mix for a great player, bad contract, team that wants to move on with that guy." Granted, September 1 is only a starting point in that timeframe. There certainly is plenty of time between now and the mid-February trading deadline. And yet, Allen Iverson remains unsigned, Carlos Boozer remains luxury-tax ballast for the Jazz, and more than a few personnel situations are percolating around the league. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Bosh was the first of the big-time 2010 classmates to publicly make it clear that he would not sign an extension this summer and would wait to look into his free agency options. Now, after watching his team go out and pick up a few key players, including Hedo Turkoglu, there's a different message coming from Canada. Bosh (defending Wade above) said he spent majority of his summer there for the first time. He might even at least consider that extension now. Bosh sounds more and more like he's warming up to he idea of staying put. If so, that might only place more heat on Miami to deliver the goods under Riley's 2010 Grand Plan. Miami Herald

Nowitzki might also be able to conduct some business while he's down there. Guess who else is on the trip? Chris Bosh. What better time for Bosh and Dirk to hang out, spread goodwill, learn about the good and the bad of the greater Johannesburg area and, just maybe, talk about the possibilities of playing together in a year or less. Both are free agents after this season and if Nowitzki opts out and then re-signs at a lower salary-cap number, the Mavericks might still be able to swing a deal for Bosh, although he is happy playing in Toronto. The Dallas native certainly would be open to talks about returning home. So we're putting this one on Dirk. Chat up Bosh during this trip. You never know what kind of benefits it might reap down the line. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

Several media reports have indicated that C.J. Watson will become an unrestricted free agent next summer after taking Golden State's qualifying offer, but that is inaccurate. Since Watson will still not have accrued four years of NBA service next summer, he will become a restricted free agent again following the 2009-10 season. RealGM

Ricky Rubio: "Going to Minnesota this season was a risky move. I didn't see it. I would get my life all complicated." Marca.com

Rambis and Kahn don't intend to meddle with Barcelona's handling of Rubio, but they have made it clear that it would be great if a priority of the next couple of years were for Rubio to become a deadeye long-distance shooter. If Rubio matures like that, his stock really will go up, and Kahn will once again look like a genius. Kahn suggested on draft night that the Timberwolves were more than ready to wait for Rubio to make it to the United States when he could. The guess is that his value will rise, but it's a long-term play. Those plays can look foolish in the short term, but are generally smart -- even if they don't result in Rubio playing in a Minnesota uniform this season, or ever. In the meantime, Kahn says we're in a waiting period where it may be better to focus on players not named Rubio. "I told Ricky today that he has to understand now that I can't be thinking about him," says Kahn. "He did understand that. It's almost like if a player were injured. You have to just kind of move on. And so tomorrow we move on, if not already today." ESPN.com

The point guard has signed for Regal FC Barcelona for the next 6 seasons. Ricky Rubio has a clause in his contract which allows him to leave for the NBA from the second year. Barça have paid around 3.5 million euros to DKV Joventut. The current ACB champions have number five NBA draft pick on the way – an extraordinary talent that will prove a valuable addition to the Regal FC Barcelona roster. After much negotiation, Ricky Rubio is now officially an FC Barcelona player, and has signed for the next six seasons, although the club has agreed to his release to the NBA, if required, from the second of those seasons. fcbarcelona.com

"I explained to (Rubio) that I can't predict the future," Kahn said. "I did specifically mention that Jonny would be two years ahead of him. He understood that." When Rubio does come over, Kahn said he will be subject to the NBA rookie scale from this year. That means he'll get a four-year deal worth more than $15 million and will be two years further away from the lucrative unrestricted free agent market. Still, Kahn said he had no regrets about choosing a player many scouts have called the most exciting point guard to enter the draft in years. "No matter what our circumstances are two years from now," Kahn said, "I believe that he was the highest and best value pick we could have made the way things developed that night." AP

The Boston Celtics announced today that the club has signed free agent guard Marquis Daniels to a contract. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We feel that Marquis’ ability to play multiple positions will add great versatility and athleticism to our team,” said Danny Ainge, Celtics President of Basketball Operations. WEEI

Ron Artest on speaking with the guys who threw beer at him during the famous brawl: ... So, I called John Green’s house and I say, ‘Excuse me ma’am, can I speak to John’s please?’ She says, ‘Who’s this?’ I said, ‘Ron.’ ’Ron who?’ I said, ‘Ron Artest.’ She says, ‘No! You can’t be serious…’ Then, I spoke with John, and me and John spoke like we knew each other. I said, ‘Hey John, what’s up?’ He said, ‘Hey Ron, how you doing?’ It was like immediately we kinda vibed… So people are gonna have a chance to see, we’re actually gonna come on Dave’s show and do a live interview for the world to hear, the first time Ron and John speak. It was a great conversation, all we were talking about was ways to reach out to inner-city kids and even suburban kids…” Sports Radio Interviews

Artest on these wild contests he holds and how he ended up singing Celine Dion on camera, via karaoke, at a random Filipino household: “What happened was I had a contest; all LA fans get access to Ron Artest. So, what I did, I gave my number out and my Twitter out, so I speak directly to my fans and I give contests - I invite people places, I go to people’s houses. So, this one contest, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, I need something to do. Whoever comes up with the most interesting thing to do, I will come and visit you anywhere you’re at. Some people asked me to be their best man, come play basketball, a bunch of other things. The one thing that was interesting was the Filipino food; this whole family asked me to come to their house and eat Filipino food, and I have a Filipino son, half-black, half-Filipino. And, I knew that the Filipinos, they love karaoke, some Vietnamese people, a couple other cultures, they love to do karaoke. So, what I didn’t think was they would ask me to do karaoke. Sports Radio Interviews

MT: With you. Hey let’s talk about when you first met Ron Artest in Queens. Odom: Our friendship started at age 12 when we started playing for the same basketball program, Brooklyn-Queens Express. That brought us together and we’ve been friends ever since. We’re from two different parts of Queens – which is the biggest borough of New York City. I’m from Jamaica Queens, and he’s from Long Island City, a historic housing project called Queens Bridge. It’s a big basketball community and a small one at the same time, so it was a really special opportunity for me to play with Elton (Brand, also from New York, for the Clippers) and (Ron signing in L.A.) is one of the reasons why I stayed put. Lakers.com

Trail Blazers legend Maurice Lucas on Tuesday said he will return to the team as an assistant coach this season after missing nearly all of last season because of surgery related to bladder cancer. Lucas, the bruising power forward on the Blazers 1977 team that won the NBA title, said he is unsure whether he will be able to attend all 82 regular season games because he is still not fully recovered from the surgery five months ago. "I'm getting there, but it's a slow process,'' Lucas said. "I'm feeling pretty good though. We will see. I will play it by ear.'' Oregonian

That said, I'm going to cancel my subscription to Slam magazine. OK, I'd cancel it if I had a subscription to Slam. Thankfully, I don't. And if you do, you should revoke it immediately for the way the mag dissed Dirk Nowitzki in the recent (I think) issue. The magazine thought it needed to update its list of 50 greatest NBA players of all time. Apparently, the last time it did that was '97 and much has changed since then. One thing that hasn't changed is that there is still no German listed on their top 50. Talk about losing all credibility. A list with Dennis Rodman (48), Dave Cowens (44) and Clyde Drexler (41) on it, but no Nowitzki? Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The Rockets have been in talks with several teams about moving veteran guard Brent Barry, according to several individuals with knowledge of the discussions. Houston Chronicle

The most serious talks have been with the Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder. Though nothing appears imminent, there is a good chance the 6-7 Barry could be traded to create roster space before the start of camp Oct. 28. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey declined to comment, and Barry could not be reached for comment. Houston Chronicle

DKV Joventut issued a statement to announce that Ricky Rubio will play with Regal Barcelona next season. Marca.com

DKV Joventut statement: "Yesterday, after both sides made a huge effort, Joventut and the Minnesota Timberwolves reached an agreement to buy out Ricky's contract, and so he would be free to join the Wolves." Penya.com

"In this situation, and contradicting what we had said to us and the representatives of the Timberwolves, Rubio states that he doesn't want to go to the NBA and that he wants to be traded to Regal Barcelona instead." Penya.com

David Kahn: On Saturday night, an agreement was reached between Dan Fegan, the agent for Ricky Rubio, Jordi Villacampa, the president of Joventut Badalona, and myself on behalf of the Minnesota Timberwolves to buy out the last two years of Ricky´s contract with Joventut so that he could play in the NBA next season. While the term sheet was being finalized Monday night, Ricky informed me that, despite considering us his first option the previous weekend – and, admittedly, after some back and forth throughout the summer -- he preferred to stay at home to play for FC Barcelona, which earlier this summer had made a buyout offer to Joventut. He also reaffirmed that it was his intention to join us in Minnesota two years from now when he will be 20. Timberwolves.com

David Kahn: "This morning I met with Ricky and his parents and told them that I understood Ricky´s decision. It was clear to me yesterday and in this morning´s meeting that the pressure surrounding Ricky and his family to remain in Spain for at least two more years had only intensified as the summer wore on and was weighing heavily on them. The NBA is the best basketball league in the world, by far. As an 18-year-old man, Ricky would have been challenged on a nightly basis to a degree he has never experienced. In order for Ricky to meet this challenge fully, I believe it is important that his family and other people important to him were comfortable with the move to the NBA and fully supportive. I also agreed with Ricky´s position that two more years of competition in Spain and the Euroleague will only aid his development and that he will be much more ready for the NBA when he joins us. Timberwolves.com

Ricky Rubio: "The reason leading me to take this next step is to have a period of preparation to better take the challenge of the NBA in better conditions as a player. The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to be my first option and I wish to play with them in the near future." Timberwolves.com

Barcelona has already shown its willingness to step up to the plate financially for Rubio. Though he's maintained his desire to play in the NBA, two years with his new club could lead to a change in heart. Rubio and his agent Dan Fegan would also have increased bargaining power to broker a deal out of Minnesota if the Wolves aren't any further down the road to respectability. Kahn, assuming he's still the GM, may have no choice but to trade Rubio's rights if Rubio's camp plays the we're-happy-in-Europe card. Rubio won't turn 21 until just before the 2011-12 season, so he can afford to wait on the NBA if he so chooses. Rubio could be in position to pick his NBA landing spot -- Lakers, Knicks, etc. -- while making a comfortable living as his legend grows in Europe. A lot can happen in the next two years for the most famous Spanish basketball player to never put on an NBA uniform. The Wolves and Kahn can only hope one day it's theirs. NBA.com

Villacampa says Regal Barcelona offered 3,7 million euros plus the I.V.A. tax (4,2); TWolves 3,3 million euros ($4,7 million dollars). Twitter.com

Marca.com was the first media breaking the news about Ricky staying in Spain and today it will be official. DKV Joventut and Regal Barcelona will sign the agreement today at 14:00 (8:00 EST). Marca.com

This morning the Wolves were still trying to convince Rubio, but he has already agreed with Regal Barcelona. The Spanish club will pay also the I.V.A. taxes, which means the buyout will be more than four million euros ($5.72 million dollars). Marca.com

Even as Ricky Rubio had reportedly accepted a deal that would send him to Barcelona in a new agreement that locked him in Europe until 2011, the rumors continued to persist that the Knicks were still somehow in 11th hour talks to pry him from the Timberwolves. Three very trustworthy sources, however, shot down the rumor, which involved unsigned restricted free agents David Lee and Nate Robinson going to Minnesota along with a future first-rounder in a package for Rubio's rights. Despite some obvious last-minute desperation by Rubio's camp to make something happen that would free Rubio to make the jump to the NBA this season, one source said the Knicks rumor was "way off" and indicated that Timberwolves GM David Kahn would be inclined to wait at least a season before he felt he had to make a decision on what to do with Rubio (this also gives him a year to watch Jonny Flynn and see what he has in him). Newsday

Alan Hahn: Sorry to burst the bubble...Source tells me the Rubio-#Knicks rumor is "way off". Kahn will prob wait a year before considers trade. Twitter.com

Alan Hahn: #Knicks still in Rubio talks? Rumor sez Lee/Nate in the mix. May b only way 2 get Ricky to NBA in '09 but so far I am getting zero confirm. Twitter.com

A league source tells me there’s plenty of talk floating that the Knicks again are pushing hard to deal for Rubio — probably with an assist from agent Dan Fegan — and there’s word of a Rubio for restricted free agent David Lee, Nate Robinson and a No. 1 pick deal. That’d give the Wolves three power forward types, wouldn’t it? But with David Kahn, anything could be possible. Minneapolis Star Tribune

I know that Grunfeld was a fan of Rubio, but can you imagine how disastrous it would have been for the Wizards to have a 19-win season, get the fifth pick and wind up with a player who couldn't come to the United States for two years? Try explaining that to someone like Antawn Jamison, who would be 35 and entering the final season of his contract at that point. A league source told me this summer that Grunfeld was well aware of the difficulty in getting Rubio out of his outlandish buyout and into an NBA uniform this season. That, combined with Fegan's apprehension about having Rubio play alongside Gilbert Arenas (which suddenly is no longer a concern) made it imperative for Grunfeld to get something for that pick right now (although few expected Rubio to slip all the way to fifth). Washington Post

Russ Bengston: You've Gotta Be Kidding Madrid was never really in it, Rubio's agent reports. Twitter.com

Marquis Daniels is set to become a Celtic. Finally. Sources told the Herald yesterday Daniels will sign for the bi-annual exception. The deal will begin at $1.99 million and can be for no more than two years. The 6-foot-6 swingman weeks ago agreed to join the Celts, but since then the club has been trying to work out a sign-and-trade deal that would benefit all sides. Boston Herald

Free agent Marquis Daniels has signed with the Celtics, who are expected to make an announcement today, according to a league source. Daniels will earn a one-year biannual exception contract worth $1.99 million. The Celtics had attempted to increase Daniels' salary with a sign and trade deal. Boston Globe

Daniels was a key player in Dallas’ aggressive and heady attack for three seasons but was traded to Indiana when the Mavericks opted for a different - and ultimately less successful - style. The Pacers have been caught in a roster transition the past few years. It is interesting to note that, according to league sources, the two other teams with the most interest in Daniels when he became a free agent this summer were Dallas and Indiana. That indicates the teams who knew him best were among those wanting him most. Boston Herald

Whether Stephen Jackson returns to the Golden State Warriors this season is unclear. As of now, general manager Larry Riley still considers Jackson a key part of the team despite the leading scorer saying he wants to go elsewhere and win. "Stephen Jackson has been a true professional since arriving here three seasons ago, and our expectations of him have not changed despite his recent comments," Riley said in a statement. "He’s been one of our most consistent and productive players during that time. We expect that same display of professionalism as we begin to prepare for training camp and the start of the upcoming regular season." AP

"As far as his remarks on playing for a championship, that’s not the first time we’ve heard it because that’s the goal that he sets for himself and his teammates every season," Riley said. "That’s the type of confidence that he exudes as a player and the reason that he has endeared himself to our fans. That’s who Stephen Jackson is. ... "We have always understood his desire to contend with the NBA’s best. That’s an aspiration that is shared by our entire organization. We will continue in our quest to achieve that goal, and to be aggressive in pursuit of those results." AP

Riley confirmed (1) that Jackson had expressed his displeasure with the direction of the team, (2) that this wasn’t the first time he has raised these issues, and (3) that the Warriors’ only publicly disclosed means of remedying the situation is to express hope that Jackson “acts like a professional” when camp starts. Obviously, there’s lots going on behind the scenes that we’re not seeing — and issuing an empty press release is a good way to address the story without doing anything else to drive down Jackson’s trade value. My hope is that they’re shopping him heavily at the moment and simply issuing strings of words to the press to bide time. But if Riley, Rowell and company actually buy into the content of the press statement as an adequate means of addressing Jackson’s dissatisfaction, we’re pretty much doomed. San Jose Mercury News

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Warriors guard C.J. Watson is set to take the qualifying offer, I learned for sure today, and shun the Warriors’ offer. Contra Costa Times

Get this, the Warriors, I’m told, had even upped their offer to three years, $5.4 million (up from three years, $4.5 million) and gave him a player option for the third year. Still, Watson, a source said, is planning on signing for just over a $1 million and becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Why would he do that, you ask? Why would he pass up more than $4 million of guaranteed money? Because, according to the source, 1) he feels he deserve more; and 2) the Warriors don’t really have plans for him; 3) why give the Warriors a bargain when they wouldn’t pull the trigger on a trade with Orlando and put him in a better situation? Contra Costa Times

Watson, according to the source, figures if he’s going to be on the bench for the forseeable future and miss out on a chance to play big minutes elsewhere, he might as well get the money he thinks he deserves (which is obviously above $2 million per year). Plus, there is the very real possibility that Ellis gets hurt and/or Curry struggles as a rookie and Watson ends up averaging 25 minutes and starting 30 games and not being rewarded for it next offseason. Contra Costa Times

The Jazz could have looked to trade Carlos Boozer largely for tax relief soon after he opted to play the final year of his contract. Two months later, Boozer still is on the roster and the Jazz are staring at a $12 million tax bill. Finally, the Jazz could have passed on re-signing Paul Millsap, though the wisdom of that would have been questioned. As toxic as Portland's offer sheet was purported to be, the Jazz felt as if the price was fair for Millsap in Years 2-4. Had the two front offices traded places, the Jazz likely would have declined the Fesenko option, sold their draft pick and dealt Boozer. The Nuggets would have re-signed Andersen while keeping Kleiza, Jones and that 2010 first-round pick. It's just amazing how two teams that play in the same division could act so differently when it comes to the luxury tax. Salt Lake Tribune

Former high school phenom Keith Brumbaugh will be in training camp with the Nuggets, according to agent Keith Kreiter. HoopsHype.com

Toronto Raptors forward Chris Bosh has never felt better about being in Toronto, a city he’s worked in for six NBA seasons but in some ways is just getting to know. “It’s kind of crazy, I’ve never spent this much time in the summer here, it’s great,” he said. “I definitely feel closer to Toronto, I know that for sure.” Ironically, he’s talking while packing to leave it far behind. This week, Bosh will be in South Africa as part of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program. During the mornings he’ll be helping coach at a camp in Johannesburg with the 100 top prospects from the continent, while afternoons and evenings are reserved for community outreach programs and some sightseeing. Bosh is on the trip with the likes of fellow NBA players Dirk Nowitzki, Dwight Howard and Carlos Boozer. “I’m curious about the world,” Bosh said. “It’s so big. I’m from Texas and this is what I know, but I want to see what’s outside the norm, I want to go places and see how people live. … It’s a story to tell and that makes life a lot more interesting.” Toronto Globe and Mail

And before training camp starts in about four weeks, the Pistons' backup power forward will join NBA superstars Chris Bosh and Dwight Howard in Africa as part of the league's Basketball without Borders program. The five-day event begins Wednesday. At his basketball camp recently at Joe Dumars' Fieldhouse in Shelby Township, Maxiell said he was looking forward to seeing different cultures firsthand. But it's also a working trip, as 60 of the top youth basketball players on the continent will gather to receive help with their game and advice about life. "Basketball without Borders is a great way for the league and its players to give back to needy around the world," Bosh said in a news release. "As a role model to these youngsters, I look forward to teaching them basketball and life skills that they will be able to carry with them as they grow up." Detroit Free Press

Los Angeles Lakers reserve point guard Jordan Farmar wants be a starter, either with the Lakers or another NBA team. "I want to run a team and be the lead guard," Farmar said Tuesday on the sidelines of a basketball clinic in Singapore. "Hopefully, it can be here (with the Lakers)." "There's a lot of jobs out there. I feel I have a lot to offer." Canadian Press

Farmar said he wasn't surprised general manager Mitch Kupchak fielded trade offers from other teams during the off-season. "I've talked to Mitch a bunch of times and he says he's got a ton of offers and didn't consider trading me," Farmar said. "It's just you have to entertain all the offers you get." "Since I haven't got traded, it means they want me here." Farmar, who grew up in Los Angeles and played two seasons at UCLA, said veteran point guard Derek Fisher will likely begin next season as the starter again. "Derek's had a great run," he said. "He's probably going to be the guy starting off. I just want to continue to push him." Canadian Press

Farmar said it's difficult to find opportunities to shine in the Lakers' star-studded lineup, which includes 11-time All-Star Kobe Bryant. "It's hard. He's the best," Farmar said when asked about playing with Bryant. "He demands a lot of attention. He demands the ball a lot of the time." "It's tough for any young player to come into a really good team and try to find their niche." Canadian Press

Kyoto Hannaryz boosted their roster with addition of former NBA star. They landed Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (186-G-69, college: LSU). The 40-year-old pure shooter will lead the expansion team in their inaugural season in the BJ League. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is inarguably the brightest star to appear in the Japanese league. The guard was last seen in Al Ittihad Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Earlier Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf played for Aris in Greece, Roseto in Italy, Ural Great in Russia and Fenerbahce in Turkey. The Hoop

The no-shows Monday were Rafer Alston, Tony Battie (busy enrolling his daughter in school), Bobby Simmons, Devin (he could be back from China as early as Tuesday), Yi, and Sean. All are expected to show up sooner rather than later. Keyon's a spectator, still not fully recovered from his May 4 hip surgery. The team isn't sure about his status for the start of camp. Newark Star-Ledger / August 31

Bucks center Andrew Bogut could begin light contact work next week, which would be a significant step in his recovery from a back injury that sidelined him for the final 31 games last season. The 7-foot Bogut worked out on the floor with several teammates for about 35 to 40 minutes at the Cousins Center training facility on Monday, then spent 10 minutes working on post moves. He also hit the weights and did some conditioning work. "I'm going to really amp up my work load this week," Bogut said. "Hopefully next week I can start some light contact and then hopefully be ready. "We'll start getting the pad out and getting hit, getting used to all that kind of stuff. I probably could do contact straight away, but it's very pointless. It's more a matter of waking your body up to those hits I haven't had for five or six months." Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Roko Ukic, the 6-foot-5 point guard acquired by the Bucks in a trade with Toronto earlier this month, was named most valuable player of the Efes Pilsen World Cup after leading Croatia to the tournament title. Ukic had 21 points to pace Croatia to a 90-83 victory over Macedonia in the title game. Earlier, he had 16 points against Turkey and 15 points against Germany as Croatia went 3-0 in a tune-up for the European Championship to be held in Poland. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

The Suns' sellout streak is meaningful to those who can afford to try to get tickets. The streak of all Suns games being televised and in HD is more meaningful to others. Fox Sports Arizona has 34 games, including the home opener. My45 has 41 games, including the season opener and five home games. The other seven games are exclusive to ABC (Feb. 28 at SA) or TNT (Nov. 12 at LAL, Nov. 19 at NO, Dec. 17 at POR, Jan. 28 vs. DAL, March 4 vs. UTA, April 13 vs. DEN). The broadcast teams return with Al McCoy, in season 38, teaming with Tim Kempton on KTAR-AM (620) radio and Tom Leander (My45) and Gary Bender (FSAZ) working with analysts Eddie Johnson and Scott Williams on the TV side. Leander, Kevin Ray and Tom Chambers also continue to handle pregame, halftime and postgame shows. Arturo Ochoa and Gerardo Romo broadcast home games in Spanish on KSUN-AM (1400) radio. Arizona Republic

FIBA yesterday announced its 2009 Hall of Fame class and will induct 11 new members into the hallowed halls at Alcobendas (near Madrid) on September 22; a ceremony honoring the great figures of European ball will be held on September 20 in Katowice, Poland, before the Eurobasket 2009 finals. European luminaries in the class include Jacky Chazalon, long-time member of Team France; referees Marcel Pfeuti of Switzerland and Artenik Arabadjian of Bulgaria; and Real Madrid coach-of-legend Pedro Ferrándiz. Other inductees include Ricardo González (player, Argentina); Al Ramsay (“contributor,” Australia); Luis Martin (“contributor,” Argentina); Pete Newell (coach, USA); Ubiratan Pereira (player, Brazil); and the man who needs no parenthetical, Oscar “The Big O” Robertson. Ball In Europe

When the NBA Asia Challenge tips off at the Araneta Coliseum on September 11, it won’t be just a game between former NBA and PBA superstars. The audience will also be treated to a show by the New Jersey Nets Dunking Divas and team's zany mascot Sly the Silver Fox. The New Jersey Nets are the only NBA team with dancers who also perform slam dunks. The group includes team captain Bonnie, who’s been dancing since age three and competing since she was 8; Cecilia, who hopes to continue dancing and to travel the world; Jessica, who meets the physical and mental demands of being a Nets Dancer while maintaining a high GPA as a full time student; Laura, who can’t live without music; Melody, who has traveled to Iraq and Kuwait to perform for the US troops and Siobhan, a magna cum laude who can’t live without coffee. The Dunking Divas, along with Sly, will try to bring the NBA entertainment experience in Asia in their visits to Seoul (South Korea) and Manila this September. Inquirer.net

After an early morning of dance and a long flight, I was a little fatigued upon my arrival in Qingdao, but not to exhausted to enjoy the scenery. Qingdao is a major seaport, naval base, and industrial center. It is also the site of the Tsingtao Brewery. At first I thought I was in need of a nap, but not at this time. As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I was joined with my partner ( DARYL DAWKINS ) for the rest of the trip. What a surprise to be teamed with this special person. Daryl Dawkins, most recognized for his playing days with the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Nets. He did play briefly for the Detroit Pistons and the Utah Jazz late in his career. His nickname was “Chocolate Thunder” for his powerful dunks, which he was referred to throughout the entire trip. Bulls.com

Comcast SportsNet will celebrate Michael Jordan's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame with 23 hours of programs, including complete game telecasts of five of his greatest games in a Bulls uniform, along with a pair of original, half-hour CSN specials chronicling his career. The two-day programming event, entitled "23 Hours of MJ: A Hall of Fame Celebration" begins Thursday, Sept. 10. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

He was a -year star at Villanova, a transfer from Kentucky averaging 20.8 points and 9.8 rebounds. From there, 6-10 Michael Bradley became a first-round draft choice of the Toronto Raptors in 2001, the No. 17 overall pick. He logged time with five NBA teams, including 46 games with the 76ers in 2005-06, then went overseas to play in Spain, Germany and Lithuania. And all along, Bradley was paying attention to how things worked behind the scenes. Finally, after seven seasons, now with a wife and three children, he has vaulted into a new career, passing the NBA and FIBA (international) certification exams and forming Bradley Sports Management. "I really wanted to stay involved with the game and be flexible enough to still be at home every week with my family," Bradley said in an e-mail. "I had always been interested in the behind-the-scenes business aspect of basketball and gave the agent idea a hard look, doing a lot of research." Philadelphia Daily News

The prosecutor who tried Jayson Williams for manslaughter more than five years ago could find himself back in court, this time to answer allegations that the former NBA star was the victim of racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct. State Superior Court Judge Edward Coleman on Monday set a late September date for a hearing that will examine an incident in which a senior investigator for the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office used a racial slur to describe Williams during an office meeting in 2002. AP

A state Superior Court judge on Monday denied Jayson Williams’ request to prevent Hunterdon County prosecutors from retrying Williams on reckless manslaughter charges, while deferring a decision about dismissing convictions on four lesser charges. Judge Edward Coleman, who previously has rejected an assertion by Williams’ attorneys that a retrial would constitute double jeopardy, found that a U.S. Supreme Court ruling earlier this year on the fraud conviction of an Enron executive was not relevant to the Williams case. Williams, 41, a former NBA All-Star for the New Jersey Nets, was handling a shotgun on Feb. 14, 2002, when it discharged, killing limousine driver Costas “Gus” Christofi almost instantly. Bergen Record

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