HoopsHype.com Rumors

One of Latvia's richest athletes – Andris Biedrins, who currently plays in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Golden State ''Warriors'' has been fined LVL 2,000 for tax evasion in Latvia. The Baltic Course

Golden State Warriors, Andris Biedrins, Law, Latvia 

Once the marquee event of All-Star Weekend, the NBA's dunk contest has seen its popularity dip in recent seasons as superstars opt against participating and competitors increasingly rely on gimmicks instead of aerial artistry. Nevertheless, the contest is not without its charms. In the midst of a rather dull 2012 entry in Orlando, Utah Jazz big man Jeremy Evans wowed the crowd at least once on his way to the title. Evans is a great dunker, clearly, and it'd take a lot to beat him in any competition. Surprisingly, though, he was bested by Kristaps Dargais during a recent dunk contest appearance in Riga, Latvia. Yahoo! Sports

Utah Jazz, Jeremy Evans, Latvia 

Chase Budinger is of Latvian origin. His grandfather was born in Latvia but moved to the United States during World War II. "I know I have some Latvian blood, close relatives. Although I've never been there, the rest of my family did, they have visited the country," Budinger said in an interview to the Latvian media. "I've been too busy to go, but my brother just came from a visit to Latvia a month ago." tvnet.lv

Houston Rockets, Chase Budinger, Latvia 

Chase Budinger: "Playing for the Latvian team would be an honor, especially because of my grandparents, but then I would lose the opportunity to represent the U.S. team, which has always been my dream." tvnet.lv

Houston Rockets, USA Basketball, Team USA, Chase Budinger, Latvia 

National team director Maris Jučmanis has already spoken to the player (Budinger) and negotiations continue. tvnet.lv

Houston Rockets, Chase Budinger, Latvia 

According to Apollo.lv, Butler has left Latvian squad VEF Riga and has returned stateside to begin preparing for training camp. ProjectSpurs.com

Da'Sean Butler, Latvia 

Emiliano Carchia: Da'Sean Butler agreed to terms to play in Europe during lockout. The player will land in Latvia. Still dont know which team Twitter

Lockout, Da'Sean Butler, Latvia 

Marc Stein: Reported to have signed w/VEF Riga in his native Latvia AND Anadolu Efes in Turkey, Andris Biedrins has signed w/NEITHER, says his agent. Twitter

Golden State Warriors, Andris Biedrins, Lockout, Turkey, Bill Duffy, Latvia, Anadolu Efes, VEF Riga 

Marc Stein: Agent Bill Duffy: "We are not closing door on Andris playing in Europe. (But) reports of him signing in Latvia and Turkey are erroneous." Twitter

Golden State Warriors, Andris Biedrins, Lockout, Turkey, Bill Duffy, Latvia, Anadolu Efes, VEF Riga 

According to Sovsport, Andris Biedrins could have signed a contract with Latvian club VEF Riga, current champion of the Latvian League that will play in the next Euroleague. TuBasket.com

Golden State Warriors, Andris Biedrins, Lockout, Latvia 

Larry Riley on Andris Biedrins, who Riley clearly expects to have a bounce back season: “I just got off the phone with him [in Latvia], and before we hung up today, I told him, ‘I can notice a difference in your voice.’ It was noticeable. His excitement for the game is back. We have a program in place for him. He’s working with people in regards to strength and conditioning, and as rules allow during the summer, we’ll send an assistant coach [to Latvia] to work with him this summer SI.com

Golden State Warriors, Andris Biedrins, Latvia