AROUND the NBA:

[HoosierDaddyKid]

A Wilt Chamberlain warmup jacket originally found in a Portland, Oregon, Goodwill sold for $89,600 (including buyer's premium) at Sotheby's on Monday. In January, Quinn Brown, 19, raided a bargain bin, looking for a jacket he'd seen someone toss in that seemed like it bore Los Angeles Lakers colors. Brown had been buying vintage clothes to resell online for three years; his priciest resale had netted him $250. The warmup jacket says "Chamberlain" on the back and cost Brown $3.07. The jacket turned out to not only be legitimate but a significant piece of Chamberlain and Lakers memorabilia: The jacket was "likely" used throughout the 1971-72 NBA season but was definitively matched to the 1972 NBA Finals, Chamberlain's second title and the Lakers' first championship in Los Angeles; Chamberlain also won Finals MVP, his first as the award wasn't introduced until 1969. The jacket was also matched to the 1972-73 NBA season; Chamberlain's last, in which he set the single-season record for field goal percentage (72.7%) that wasn't broken until the 2019-20 season.

ESPN

Talk about getting lucky...

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Joe Freeman: Kevin Calabro tells me has decided to step away from Blazers broadcasting and will no longer call games for Portland. The team and its veteran play-by-play man had been in discussions on a new contract, but he called the offers "subprime" and he has decided to move on. Confirming @BlazerFreeman report that Kevin Calabro is stepping away from Blazers TV play by play. Calabro said he received low contract offer on Monday. “Easy decision. Not worth my time,” Calabro said. “Which is sad because it’s a great roster and the people there are great.” Trail Blazers radio-play-by-play announcer Travis Demers is no longer a team employee after his contract expired June 30. A source says a return in a lesser role has not been ruled out. Demers has been the radio PBP for the last seven seasons.

x.com

This is called the Tom Dundon effect...

[Chicagojk]

Joe Freeman: Kevin Calabro tells me has decided to step away from Blazers broadcasting and will no longer call games for Portland. The team and its veteran play-by-play man had been in discussions on a new contract, but he called the offers "subprime" and he has decided to move on.  Confirming @BlazerFreeman report that Kevin Calabro is stepping away from Blazers TV play by play. Calabro said he received low contract offer on Monday. “Easy decision. Not worth my time,” Calabro said. “Which is sad because it’s a great roster and the people there are great.” Trail Blazers radio-play-by-play announcer Travis Demers is no longer a team employee after his contract expired June 30. A source says a return in a lesser role has not been ruled out. Demers has been the radio PBP for the last seven seasons.

x.com

This is called the Tom Dundon effect... 

Man, Portland fans are going thru the ringer.  It seems like every day there is some story out there.  Dondon is certainly not liked right now.   

Portland wants to be good next year but you sort of have to wonder if there is a move to get rid of a higher salary player if they would jump at that.  Especially one who may not be in the younger range.....

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Man, Portland fans are going thru the ringer.  It seems like every day there is some story out there.  Dondon is certainly not liked right now.   

Portland wants to be good next year but you sort of have to wonder if there is a move to get rid of a higher salary player if they would jump at that.  Especially one who may not be in the younger range.....

Kevin Calabro is one of the best in the biz. He did the announcing on an old NBA video computer game that I can't recall the name. I liked listening to him call games, though Portland doesn't get much national airtime. I mean to lowball him on a contract as long as he's been there, is sacrilegious.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

A former Denver Nuggets player was arrested for allegedly stealing a bottle of vodka from a store in Castle Rock, according to an arrest affidavit acquired by FOX31. The incident occurred on July 16, around 8:03 p.m., when a shop owner called police about a man who had entered the store and stolen a bottle of Tito’s vodka before leaving. According to the affidavit, the shop owner told police that she witnessed the man take a drink from the bottle outside of the store before walking to a nearby restaurant, Scileppi’s, where he took the bottle by the fire pit, then sat at the bar with the stolen bottle. The owner advised that the man was possibly drunk, as she said she witnessed him stumbling. When officers arrived, they arrested the man, later identified as Tywon Lawson. Lawson faces a charge of theft less than $300, shoplifting.

kdvr.com


My, how far has Ty Lawson fallen? Sad.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

After 19 seasons with the Blazers broadcast team, TV analyst Michael Holton has been let go, as well as statistician Tom Haberstroh, former ESPN legend and Blazers’ TV host Neil Everett, and TV host Jamie Hudson. Several other broadcasters’ contracts have lapsed, with deep pay cuts being expected in some places. The TV production crew has also been reduced. As of now, the Blazers are without a Producer after Greg Fonseca left the Blazers to take a job with NBA Broadcasting. Graphics will reportedly be reduced, all of which could affect the quality of broadcasts.

Forbes.com


The Tom Dundon carnage continues...

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Shams Charania: The Houston Rockets are hiring Chip Engelland as a new assistant coach on Ime Udoka's staff, sources tell ESPN. Engelland -- well-regarded in player development and shooting speciality -- spent the last four seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder after a 17-year run in San Antonio (2005-2022) where he built a relationship with Udoka.

x.com

[HoosierDaddyKid]

Could Portland actually be on the verge of losing the Blazers? I spoke to multiple NBA ownership-level sources this week. Everyone had the same take: Dundon is bluffing and simply trying to squeeze as much as he can out of the city of Portland. Or, as one said, "There's nowhere for him to go." For one, you can take Seattle and Vegas off the board. NBA owners want the expansion fees, expected to land in the $6-7 billion range. As one source put it to me, "Even if I liked Tom a lot, I like $200 million a lot more." As for other markets: even if you believe a place like Kansas City or Nashville is ready for an NBA team, the math doesn't check out for someone who approaches ownership the way Dundon does. He'd have to pay a relocation fee, then spend to renovate or build an arena in the new city, all in a market without the built-in fan base he already has in Portland. It'd be bad business. So why is Dundon being so aggressive and antagonistic toward Portland now? Especially when, as one source put it, "None of this was a secret.
He bought Portland and knew it needed a new arena. It's not like he found an accounting error in the books." "My guess is because he knows that the second the NBA moves on Seattle and Vegas, he loses all his leverage," a different ownership source said. "He knows he's got a very tight window now to play this game, and I guess he's going for it." That said, one line, from a third source who's dealt with plenty of owners and team sales, stuck with me. "If the plan was to come in and bully a bunch of politicians in Portland, well he clearly didn't do any research." So, the good news for Blazers fans: Most people around the NBA think the team's remaining in Portland. The bad news is that it looks like Tom Dundon is going to be part of your lives for a long time.

[michaeltex]

Kind of brings back (bad) memories of the Ross Perot, Jr., days for DAL.

[KillerLeft]

Kind of brings back (bad) memories of the Ross Perot, Jr., days for DAL.

Juuuuuust before my time. Was it that bad?

[Mavs2021]

Shams Charania: The Houston Rockets are hiring Chip Engelland as a new assistant coach on Ime Udoka's staff, sources tell ESPN. Engelland -- well-regarded in player development and shooting speciality -- spent the last four seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder after a 17-year run in San Antonio (2005-2022) where he built a relationship with Udoka.

x.com

Has he signed yet? Throw money at him Dumont.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

The Knicks are still in a good position to defend their title: Nine of the top 10 members of their playoff rotation are returning, and none of their key players appears headed for age-related decline. Still, a team source took a cautious approach when forecasting for next season, warning about the possibility of a championship hangover and noting that the Knicks' 3-point shooting could regress next spring after they ranked first in the 2026 postseason.

ESPN

[SkenfromLMF]

Juuuuuust before my time. Was it that bad?

Ross Perot Jr. basically set the Mavs back years in development. The best thing he did for Dallas was allow Nellie to be the GM.

Tip of the iceberg
Perot is responsible for Frank Zachanelli being GM when Kidd was traded to Phx. The guy that needed to go was Mashburn, due to Rick Pitino telling him to force his way out.

Dark days indeed…

[Smitty]

Kalshi’s win forecast for each Western Conference team:

61 — Spurs
59 — Thunder
50 — Timberwolves
50 — Nuggets
48 — Lakers
48 — Rockets
44 — Trail Blazers
43 — Warriors
41 — Suns
39 — Jazz
37 — Mavericks
32 — Clippers
30 — Grizzlies
27 — Pelicans
25 — Kings

[david75090]

Kalshi’s win forecast for each Western Conference team:

61 — Spurs
59 — Thunder
50 — Timberwolves
50 — Nuggets
48 — Lakers
48 — Rockets
44 — Trail Blazers
43 — Warriors
41 — Suns
39 — Jazz
37 — Mavericks
32 — Clippers
30 — Grizzlies
27 — Pelicans
25 — Kings

In the off-season, fans can be optimistic. All teams are 0-0 to start out. All teams have the potential to be GREAT. With my Mavs colored glasses, I'm going to guesstimate the Mavs are at least a .500 team (41). A very Dirk-centric guess.

[FireNicoHarrison]

Kalshi’s win forecast for each Western Conference team:

61 — Spurs
59 — Thunder
50 — Timberwolves
50 — Nuggets
48 — Lakers
48 — Rockets
44 — Trail Blazers
43 — Warriors
41 — Suns
39 — Jazz
37 — Mavericks
32 — Clippers
30 — Grizzlies
27 — Pelicans
25 — Kings

Right now i don't see us under 40W... If they will trade PJ, Gafford, Klay or Naji then maybe this standing is ok.

[Mavs2021]

Kalshi’s win forecast for each Western Conference team:

61 — Spurs --> Under
59 — Thunder ---> Under
50 — Timberwolves  --> Over
50 — Nuggets --> Over
48 — Lakers --> Over
48 — Rockets --> Over
44 — Trail Blazers --> UNDER
43 — Warriors --> UNDER LOCK (as currently constructed)
41 — Suns --> UNDER
39 — Jazz --> OVER
37 — Mavericks --> Under
32 — Clippers --> Over
30 — Grizzlies --> Under
27 — Pelicans --> Over
25 — Kings --> Under

If I had to bet. 

Have a real hard time with the Mavs number, but there are more factors leaning under (college coach, young team, injury concerns Kyrie/Lively). 

Strong on Blazers and Suns UNDER, who I feel were the main beneficiaries from the Tankathon. Jazz OVER, who were throwing games left and right. The Warriors are DUST. If they want to make the play-offs they really need a Jimmy Butler trade now. They are way too old and injury-prone for a 82 games grind and lacking depth.

[windjc]

If I had to bet. 

Have a real hard time with the Mavs number, but there are more factors leaning under (college coach, young team, injury concerns Kyrie/Lively). 

Strong on Blazers and Suns UNDER, who I feel were the main beneficiaries from the Tankathon. Jazz OVER, who were throwing games left and right. The Warriors are DUST. If they want to make the play-offs they really need a Jimmy Butler trade now. They are way too old and injury-prone for a 82 games grind and lacking depth.

Vegas books have it at 34.5 on which I strongly take the over.

If someone wants to bet on 
1. Cooper not improving
2. Kyrie and Lively not playing.
3. Dusty crashing out.
4. No further positive transactions 

then fine. But this team struggled to tank last season. If they had actually played to win they would have been closer to 34 than 26. 

I think it’s much more likely this team surprises than underperforms.

[cow]

If I had to bet. 

Have a real hard time with the Mavs number, but there are more factors leaning under (college coach, young team, injury concerns Kyrie/Lively). 

Strong on Blazers and Suns UNDER, who I feel were the main beneficiaries from the Tankathon. Jazz OVER, who were throwing games left and right. The Warriors are DUST. If they want to make the play-offs they really need a Jimmy Butler trade now. They are way too old and injury-prone for a 82 games grind and lacking depth.

37 for the Mavs feels like the perfect Vegas line and I'd go with option the third option of stay away for the reasons you outlined with the addition of a really weak/unkown guard rotation as the roster stands today.

[myconsumerclub]

I think Irving will be back to his usual great play and Sergio will slowly develop into a competent backup at the point and also as a SG. Max will improve on his 3 %. Tarik will step in like he should have been in the NBA from day one to push MAX. That is 4 guards who can pull the weight of this team right there and if need be we have a good 3 point shooter in Sasser to help out and Naji is still there to play defense and drive to the basket. All this talk of our back court being bad is nonsense. We have size and speed and 3 point accuracy to cause problems for other teams and a young team in the front court that is not arthritic.

Morez Santi and Cooper could be a great lineup in front with Lively adding to it as he comes back online. If anyone goes down you got Cisse who is likely to improve over a great rookie season.

Risacher is no rookie and he should set the tone as Coopers SF backup and sometimes play at the 2 as well. If Seva finds a spot on the roster I would love to see him developed as well.

If Gafford and Klay are both out of here or its PJ and Klay that leaves then maybe they can get someone to take Martin off our hands too, Those guys are good so whoever stays is a great player that we can still use.

If you ask me which of the old guys I would like to keep, I like either PJ or Gafford either one is an added player who has finals experience and leadership qualities to perform and step their game up. Gafford has a body that can bang down low on another teams big and cause him to tire out and PJ is a defensive stud as well. Morez should fill out and get his game going sooner than later and if Sergio can facilitate with the A TEAM as well as he did in summer league then Irving can play managed minutes and not risk aggravating his injury.

Lets not sell our team short guys we could be seeing the birth of a team that could threaten to go far in the playoffs. Avoiding turnovers and making better shot selections will be key. They need to develop more offensive plays and be aggressive on defense. We do not need to over play guys and wear them out we have depth at every position if our rookies are as good as we think they are.

Kyrie
Max
Cooper
Morez
Lively

This is adequate depth if not great
Sergio Sasser
Tarik Seva
Risacher Naji Howard
PJ Santi Lawal
Gafford Cisse

If Lively is still slow to come back we can use others there.

Getting Klay to another team and finding a way to ditch Martin is the primary goal for the rest of the offseason. The lineups we can put out there are strong enough.

I wonder if Santi can play SF as well, he seems more than mobile enough to pull it off. Imagine the size of this lineup
Kyrie/ Sergio
Cooper
Santi
Lively
Morez