Magic GM Smith says overhaul is unlikely
Magic general manager Otis Smith wanted to be clear: He’s not looking to overhaul the roster again.
Howard unsure if he’ll play for Team USA this summer
Dwight Howard might not play for the U.S. at this summer’s world championships.
Barnes will opt out of deal, but wants to return to Magic
Forward Matt Barnes says he will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Orlando Magic to become a free agent.
Howard may not play for US at worlds (AP)
Dwight Howard might not play for USA Basketball at this summer’s world championships. Orlando’s All-Star center and the NBA’s two-time defending defensive player of the year said on Monday that he hasn’t decided if he will play. It was the first time Howard has publicly wavered about playing in this summer’s world championships.
Magic F Barnes to opt out of contract (AP)
Forward Matt Barnes says he will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Orlando Magic to become a free agent. Barnes had said for months he would likely make the move, hoping to get a long-term deal to return to Orlando. He made his intentions official Monday after the team’s end-of-season [...]
Pierce excited to return to finals, LA (AP)
Paul Pierce is excited to return to the NBA finals and his hometown for the next round in the league’s greatest rivalry. Boston’s best player isn’t exactly thrilled that Los Angeles’ welcoming committee includes Ron Artest, a physical, tenacious defender. “He likes to bang you,” Pierce said Monday, “grab you, hold you, pull your shorts [...]
Magic GM says another overhaul unlikely (AP)
Magic general manager Otis Smith wanted to be clear: He’s not looking to overhaul the roster again. Unless he does. One eye on the past and another on the future, the never-afraid-to-take-a-chance general manager doesn’t expect any major moves this offseason. Even after failing to return to the NBA finals, Smith believes Orlando already has [...]
Bryant enjoying impressive playoff run (AP)
Among Kobe Bryant’s myriad of inimitable talents is what’s known to opposing coaches simply as the “rise-up.” That’s when Bryant has a defender blanketing him on the perimeter, obstructing his vision and physically preventing him from driving — yet Kobe simply leaps high enough and leans far enough forward or backward to release a perfect [...]
Celtics’ subs could be key in NBA finals (AP)
When Paul Pierce and Boston’s other starters need a rest in the NBA finals, they can watch their replacements with confidence. Just as they did two years ago against the same opponent. Two years ago, when the Celtics won their 17th title by beating the Los Angeles Lakers. Boston’s key backups have changed since then.
Stoudemire’s status looms over Suns (AP)
The Phoenix Suns were a reassuring testament that team chemistry means something, even in the me-first world of the NBA. A deep bench and one of the best cast of 3-point shooters in league history didn’t hurt, either. That they came within two victories of the NBA finals surprised just about everyone.
Lakers, Celtics ready for latest chapter in age-old rivalry
Here we are at last. We’ve played 1,305 games over the course of seven months. We’ve sent 28 teams and 400 players on vacation. And wouldn’t you know it? The two teams still standing are the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, who will face off in the Finals for the 12th time.
Lakers oust Suns, get rematch with Celts (AP)
Kobe Bryant is again showing the world what postseason greatness can be. Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers are in the NBA finals for the third straight season after he wrapped up a magnificent Western Conference finals with a 37-point performance in a series-clinching 111-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night.
