NBA OFF-SEASON 2008 (Draft, Rumors And Transactions)

[lunateec22]

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Mike D'Antoni was given the permission to talk to other teams which included Chicago and New York. D'Antoni was previously denied to speak with other teams but was given the permission lately. He's still got 2 more years left in his contract but might resign if he's headed to Chicago.

Steve Kerr was asked if he's a candidate for the Suns' coaching job if D'Antoni would be out and declined the rumors saying that he wouldn't consider coaching not until his children are all already out of school.

I would want to give D'Antoni one more season. But two big markets are awaiting his services, that's just too good to pass.

Mike D'Antoni news:

While Chicago appears to be the most likely location for Mike D'Antoni next season, Marc Stein from ESPN.com is reporting that the Phoenix Suns expect to hear back from D'Antoni one way or another about what he will be doing by Friday.

Sources said that Paxson huddled Tuesday with Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf to discuss the viability of hiring D'Antoni.

The only thing which could stop D'Antoni from landing in the Windy City is the cost, with the team still paying Scott Skiles, who was dismissed in December 2007.

The Arizona Republic reported on its Web site Tuesday night that the Suns would not seek additional compensation if D'Antoni wants to leave, simply hoping to relieve themselves of the two seasons left on his Suns deal at $4 million and $4.5 million

THE LATEST



HAWKS GM BILLY KNIGHTS STEPS DOWN


The Atlanta Hawks announced today that Executive Vice-President and General Manager Billy Knight has submitted his resignation, effective July 1st, after six seasons with the club.

“The time has come for me to take a break and fully evaluate my future plans,” said Knight. “I am tremendously pleased with what we were able to accomplish this season in reaching the postseason, as the Hawks’ return to the playoffs energized the city and our franchise. My passion for the franchise has never wavered, but I feel I’m leaving the organization in much better shape than it was in when I took over. I also appreciate the jobs done by Mike (Woodson), his staff and the players during this season. They are most deserving of the praise and accolades they earned during a tough, seven-game series against the Eastern Conference’s top team entering the playoffs, and I wish them and the Hawks organization the very best in the future.”

Knight, 55, was the chief architect behind the rebuilding of the Hawks, taking over the position of General Manager in April 2003 after spending one season as Atlanta’s Director of Basketball Operations. In his six years, the Hawks went from an underachieving franchise with overpaid players to one whose transformation began with making wise decisions through the draft and developing that talent, while maintaining financial flexibility to acquire the best talent mix without handicapping the future of the club.

Link

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DOUG COLLINS: In line as D'Antoni's replacement?

Rumblings on the coaching grapevine persist that TNT analyst Doug Collins, who resides in the Phoenix area, would be high on Kerr's list after they worked at the same network, but it's unknown whether Collins can be lured back to coaching at age 56 after turning down offers from Milwaukee in the summer of 2005 and again last month.

Complicating matters further is the fact that Phoenix almost certainly would need an experienced coach -- as opposed to a first-year head coach like Thibodeau -- to take over a team that's still trying to integrate Shaquille O'Neal into its high-octane offense.

The breakdown between D'Antoni and his bosses stem from well-chronicled philosophical differences.

Doug Collins info

[Archer sensAtion]

weeeeee lipay na si Lunateec... sunod mo step down? mike woodson na kaha? hehehe

[yokam]

I would want to give D'Antoni one more season. But two big markets are awaiting his services, that's just too good to pass.

The only way for this to happen is for Mike D. and Steve Kerr to improve their relationship. Both are in conflict and it's said that it's the reason why D'Antoni wants out of Phoenix (or maybe Steve Kerr axed him out). Suns owner Robert Sarver is still hopeful though that he'll be seeing D'Antoni next season on the Suns bench.

But with Chicago's Jerry Reinsdorf not willing to play D'Antoni's game of a further raise, there's a possibility that he'd still be the Suns coach next season. New York is not one of D'Antoni's choices and there were rumors circulating that he's just using the Knicks as a ploy for the Bulls to call for a raise.

[lunateec22]

weeeeee lipay na si Lunateec... sunod mo step down? mike woodson na kaha? hehehe

Part of me naluoy niya, pero unsaon ta man na everything has to become better (hopefully jud) and taking a step back is necessary in order to take two steps forward (sakto ba? medyo libog ko gamay... hehe). Anyway, the Hawks BK is has stepped down but another BK is a possible replacement.

Billy "BK" King, former General Manager of Philadelphia 76ers who got fired months ago.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3385104

Well, the Hawks ownership should not screw up and hire somebody proven, like some assistant GM's for example. I don't know if you know these guys though:

Dennis Lindsey (Spurs Asst. GM)
Maurizio Gherardini (Raptors Asst. GM)
Lance Blanks (Cavs Ast GM, former Spurs scouting director)
Jeff Bower (Hornets GM) >> I like this guy

Anyone from the Spurs staff please...

The only way for this to happen is for Mike D. and Steve Kerr to improve their relationship. Both are in conflict and it's said that it's the reason why D'Antoni wants out of Phoenix (or maybe Steve Kerr axed him out). Suns owner Robert Sarver is still hopeful though that he'll be seeing D'Antoni next season on the Suns bench.

But with Chicago's Jerry Reinsdorf not willing to play D'Antoni's game of a further raise, there's a possibility that he'd still be the Suns coach next season. New York is not one of D'Antoni's choices and there were rumors circulating that he's just using the Knicks as a ploy for the Bulls to call for a raise.

Business as it is. I wouldn't be surprised if the Bulls pull the trigger and shed more cash to get him.

[yokam]

Josh Smith might be out of Atlanta and I wonder if this would do any good to the Hawks.

[Archer sensAtion]

Josh Smith might be out of Atlanta and I wonder if this would do any good to the Hawks.

hopefully adto cya Nuggets...

[yokam]

Ayaw oi, adto lang siya Knicks.. Madato gyud na siya didto.hehe

[Archer sensAtion]

Ayaw oi, adto lang siya Knicks.. Madato gyud na siya didto.hehe

hala mag ilog ta...hehehe mura man ta mga General Manager ani

[yokam]

Loaded na man kaayo ang Nuggets, gamay ra na siya playing time. Nindot gyud sa Knicks kay siya maghari didto.hehe.

[Archer sensAtion]

Loaded na man kaayo ang Nuggets, gamay ra na siya playing time. Nindot gyud sa Knicks kay siya maghari didto.hehe.

mag release man sad players ang Nuggets... Kenyon, Diawara, Carter...

dey need Josh Smith and a POINT GUARD...

Josh Smith plus Camby sa front court?! WOW!