Published: July 15, 2008
During a routine physical prior to the 2007-2008 season, doctors found a leak in Etan Thomas’ aortic valve and it required immediate surgery. At the time, it was unknown when Thomas would be able to resume physical activity again, let alone rejoin his fellow Wizards. This past weekend, a healthy Thomas returned to practice determined to resume his role as an intimidating presence in the middle.
Published: July 15, 2008
Canada’s Senior Men opened the FIBA Olympic Qualifier with a humbling loss, succumbing 86-70 to Slovenia.
Published: July 12, 2008
In preparation for their participation in the 2008 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, the Washington Wizards conducted the first of the their two day mini camp at the Verizon Center in Washington DC. Among those participating in the camp were center Etan Thomas, this year’s first round draft pick, forward/center JaVale McGee, and Utah Jazz free agent Dee Brown, who was recently signed to an offer sheet.
Published: July 11, 2008
Though concrete measures and objective statistical analysis has been a part of the professional game since its inception, most of us will go more on feel and intuition than hard data to win an argument or state our viewpoint. This underscores two truths about the way basketball fans rate and debate players’ abilities and skills: fans are always partial and standard statistical measures are inadequate.
Published: July 10, 2008
Time will tell if Toronto is a legit championship contender next season, but for now Jermaine O’Neal is content knowing he has a fresh start and a chance for a rebirth of his NBA career.
Published: July 9, 2008
Earlier this week the Toronto Raptors announced that Matt Devlin would be taking over for the legendary Chuck Swirsky next season and I had the pleasure of chatting with him on Wednesday afternoon.
Devlin picked a perfect time to start his new job because his first day as the voice of the Raptors coincided with [...]
Published: July 9, 2008
What Anthony Mason lacked in size he made up for in pure, unadulterated grit and an off-court personality ahead of its time. Just five years into retirement and seven years removed from his first and only All-Star appearance, the man they called Mase is already being unfairly overlooked.
Published: July 8, 2008
When Arenas steps on the floor this fall for the Washington Wizards, he will have come full circle. No longer will he be the underdog who has to use the motivation of his naysayers to thrive and succeed. Instead, he will be stepping on the court as a team leader, an adidas spokesman, the owner of a new contract, and with significant expectations to boot.
Published: July 7, 2008
Before Canada’s game against Lebanon last week, Samuel Dalembert sat in the bleachers to chat with Ryan McNeill about what motives him to give up his summer for the Canadian National team, why he has so much respect head coach Rautins, how he’s growing into more of a leader, and how much it would mean to him to play in the Olympics this summer.
Published: July 6, 2008
NEW YORK – The six games of the NBA Finals, which aired on ABC, are the six highest-rated and most-watched television programs for the month of June. The Finals concluded June 17 with the Boston Celtics beating the Los Angeles Lakers, 131-92, to win the Finals, 4-2, and earn the 17th NBA Championship in Celtics [...]