HoopsHype.com Rumors

Christian Laettner, arguably the most hated man in University of Kentucky basketball history, is coming to Rupp Arena to coach a group of “villains” against a team of famous Wildcats alumni on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. Former UK player Jeff Sheppard, who now owns an apparel company and is involved in sports marketing with Wazoo Sports, organized the game. Former Wildcat Rex Chapman will coach the Big Blue All Stars, whose roster includes DeMarcus Cousins, Brandon Knight, Eric Bledsoe, Jodie Meeks, Chuck Hayes, DeAndre Liggins and Josh Harrellson. Courier-Journal

DeMarcus Cousins, Eric Bledsoe, Rex Chapman, Lockout, Christian Laettner, Marcus Cousin, Chuck Hayes, Brandon Knight, Josh Harrellson, DeAndre Liggins 

Billups expressed some shock at the Nuggets not retaining Warkentien and Chapman. "I was a little surprised by it, but, obviously, I knew they were both in contract situations,'' said Billups, who has spoken to both Warkentien and Chapman and wished them the best. "They're both going to be fine. Obviously, their records and resumes speak for themselves.'' FanHouse.com

Denver Nuggets, Mark Warkentien, Chauncey Billups, Rex Chapman 

NBA observers figured the Nuggets wouldn't bring back one of their front-office executives, either Rex Chapman or Mark Warkentien, both of whom had contracts expiring in August. But the Nuggets surprised everyone Tuesday, from coach George Karl to rival teams, by letting them both go. "I had certainly been planning on returning," said Chapman, who was the team's vice president of player personnel. "But I think that the franchise right now is at a point where they have the situation going on with Carmelo (Anthony's contract) and they're going to focus their energy on bringing in maybe some new blood to the process, and I don't blame them for that. "I've got the utmost respect for the (Stan) Kroenke family. . . . This is business and in our business you have the freedom to run it as you see fit. I wish the Nuggets nothing but the best." Denver Post

Denver Nuggets, George Karl, Mark Warkentien, Rex Chapman 

I caught up with Nuggets coach George Karl on Tuesday night, and GK expressed his emotions about the Nuggets’ decision to not renew the contracts of execs Mark Warkentien and Rex Chapman (quotes below) As for his health, Karl also said he’s no longer feeding himself through a stomach tube (following his bout with throat-and-neck cancer). He is able to eat foods, but is taking it slow. Denver Post

Denver Nuggets, George Karl, Mark Warkentien, Rex Chapman 

James, Wade and Bosh are now members of the Miami Heat, a nearly unfathomable trio of talent rarely seen in basketball. James' announcement to sign with Miami and not Cleveland, basically his hometown, created a seismic shift in the NBA. Miami, as soon as it scoops up some affordable free agents to fill out its roster, will be the favorite to win the East and possibly dethrone the Lakers, who won the NBA title the past two seasons — the same two seasons LeBron won the MVP while with the Cavaliers. "I am impressed that it appears that winning carried the day above being 'The Man.' It's refreshing," said Rex Chapman, the Nuggets' vice president of player personnel. Denver Post

Denver Nuggets, Free Agency, LeBron James, Rex Chapman