Tuesday Bolts – 6.9.09
Chad Ford reports that Ricky Rubio has asked to terminate his contract with DKV Joventut: “Spanish teenager Ricky 
Rubio, projected as a top-five pick in the NBA draft, took the first step in clearing his way toward the NBA on Monday when he notified his team, DKV Joventut, that he wants to terminate his contract. Rubio is asking out of his deal, and also is challenging a 4.75 million Euro (approximately $6.6 million) buyout, which climbs to 5.75 million Euros after June 30. Rubio made 70,000 Euros last season (about $97,000) and is scheduled to make 125,000 Euros next season (about $175,000).”
He hasn’t yet, but Rubio plans to sue if negotiations can’t be reached: “Barcelona newspaper La Vanguardia reported in Sunday’s edition that Rubio’s camp, led by European agent German Gonzalez but no doubt pushed by U.S. agent Dan Fegan, plans to sue Joventut on grounds the buy-out is unreasonable commensurate to the player’s salary. DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony, attending Reebok Eurocamp in Italy, called the rumor accurate on Monday, and noted that it was a major topic of discussion between NBA and European scouts and executive over the weekend in Treviso.”
Here’s a trade that might make you chuckle: “Blazers Trade to Oklahoma City – Rudy Fernandez, Travis Outlaw, Steve Blake, Martell Webster; Blazers Receive from Oklahoma City – Jeff Green, Nick Collison, Earl Watson, #3 pick in 2009 draft.” The problem with people coming up with trades for their teams is that we all think far too highly of our own players. On both sides.
HoopsWorld on Sacramento’s needs, but with this little tidbit: “The LA Clippers will certainly take Blake Griffin with the first overall pick, the Memphis Grizzlies are likely to go with either size – Hasheem Thabeet – or an off guard in James Harden. The rumor is that Sam Presti is leading towards taking Ricky Rubio and moving Russell Westbrook to the two, meaning Rubio would be off the board before the Kings got their crack. If he is, expect the Kings to think long and hard about drafting Jrue Holiday. If the Thunder don’t go Rubio, he could very well land in Sacramento. Either way, the Kings are going to address the point guard position with the #4 pick.”
A mock draft from the Hoops Report: “Oklahoma City: James Harden 6-5 222 SG So. Arizona State – This pick will come down to Ricky Rubio and Harden. The Thunder drafted their point guard last year with Russell Westbrook, so drafting Rubio doesn’t really make sense. If they were to play both of them together, neither of the two can shoot from outside, so it wouldn’t be an effective backcourt. With Harden, Kevin Durant gets a scoring partner with tons of potential. Westbrook, Harden and Durant would form a sensational, young trio.”
Q&A with B.J. Mullens: “Are there players who, when you watch them, you think, “You know, I could do that?” A: There are guys I like to watch to try to pinpoint the moves they do, because I feel like I can do those kinds of moves if I practice them. There are moves that Kevin Garnett does that I like a lot. There’s moves that Dirk Nowitzki does that I like. I think that’s something I can do, to target those kinds of moves and focus on developing them for myself, in my own way.”
There’s about 10 videos of Blake Griffin’s workout from last Saturday, so be sure to check out the right sidebar for more. I just chose the best one:
Two interesting things today about Ricky Rubio rumors. First: ”There are Internet and Spanish reports that contend Rubio would skip Memphis and visit only Los Angeles, Oklahoma City and Sacramento — teams that own the first, third and fourth picks. Wallace, though, said Monday afternoon that no one from Rubio’s camp has indicated the Spaniard would bypass Memphis — owners of the No. 2 overall selection. “I don’t have anything set up. But it’s open-ended. If he’s in the country, we definitely want him here,” said Wallace, who is seriously considering selecting Rubio with the Grizzlies’ lottery pick in the June 25 draft.”
Second: “Meanwhile, the Griz still are entertaining offers for the No. 2 pick as well as their 27th and 36th selections. As the rumor mill churns, the Griz have been approached by several teams about acquiring the second overall pick. Boston, Houston and New York are said to be among the most recent suitors. Boston and Houston would likely have to offer an established NBA player or two, given that neither team owns a first-round pick. New York owns the eighth pick and likely would want to move up for the opportunity to take Rubio.”
Hornets 24/7 looks at potential trade buddies: “OKC already rejected Chandler once – and there aren’t any assets the Hornets will be offering that would excite them much.”
The Baseline follows NBA players’ tweets and compiles the best ones each week. This week, three Thunderers made the list: “Nick Collison: Spencer hawes of the sac kings currently on the mic with mike roelfs singing come as u are.seattle classic.Shout to aberdeen WA and ia falls … Russell Westbrook: At tha bowling alley….I think I might change this too my new job … Kevin Durant: Man I was just walking out my hotel thinkin I was cool and my slipper got caught in some old gum and I fell over the trunk of sumbody car!”
I wonder if the Oklahoman knows that they already published a story about OKC being better off without Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen. This one was published yesterday, written by Darnell Mayberry. This one was published May 15th, written by Berry Tramel. I can’t wait for Jenni Carlson’s take on the Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis deals.
Several teams have expressed interest in Marcin Gortat: “Several teams have commented to HOOPSWORLD that Gortat is on the top of their free agent board including the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets. The New York Knicks have also expressed interest, which should come as no surprise considering the Knicks’ director of pro scouting is former Magic GM John Gabriel, who does most of his scouting at Magic games.”
Nick Collison appears to be growing a mustache. This can only end with fantastic results.
DeJuan Blair is jumping up draft boards: ”Over the past four weeks, former Pitt star DeJuan Blair has trained harder than he had in his life. For five or six hours a day, Blair endured training sessions at the gym, in the weight room and on the treadmill at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Thanks to the regimented workout schedule and a strict diet, Blair sweated away more than 30 pounds. His new and improved body (he now weighs in at 275 pounds) and his impressive workouts for NBA scouts have solidified his position as a first-round selection in the NBA draft June 25, and he is on the cusp of being a lottery pick. Blair has rocketed up draft boards after spending a month in Florida, where he proved that he can be disciplined with his diet and demonstrated a tremendous desire to compete.”
Hey Sam Presti, put this kid on your board for 2021: “Here’s the deal. I received a facebook message that said the following: “My little brother is the top 8 year old in the country and we are hoping to get some publicity is there anyway you can help? Thank you. Below is a mixtape of my brother… thanks again” My reply to the dude? “Maybe the craziest thing anyone has ever asked me!!! HE’S IN 2ND GRADE!!!” Now I’ve succumbed. So world, introducing Dime cover athlete for issue #674… The 8 year sensation… Jordan Montgomery.” I don’t even know what to say. The top 2nd grader in the country? That’s just… sad.
Hey Royce, I’m assuming that Blair article was written (though not released) before the medical red flags on Blair’s knees, right?
I remember this time last year, when every 3rd word out of the mouth of any sports guy was Brett Favre. So much so, that playing a Brett Favre drinking game would be suicide. I mean, you could have used water and still got a buzz.
I’m about to that point with draft scenarios and the one paragraph needs assessment that accompanies the new mock draft version of the week.
But the Hornets deal… that’s just another sign that the ownership group has been cracking for a while now. It starts at the core, and now the cracks are making it to the top. That franchise is about to crumble. The owner polarizes the fan base. The GM overpaid for too many players who haven’t worked out for him. The team is losing money, and their hands are tied in what they can do to keep their star interested. Byron Scott hasn’t developed any young talent other than Chris Paul in the last 4 years. And I have a feeling that Chris Paul would have developed under anyone.
It’s too bad because there is a soft spot in my heart for that club. Shinn needs to sell and let another owner take that franchise over.
@J.G.
Actually it was filed by the Pittsburgh Gazette yesterday… so maybe they didn’t take that into account.
Sheesh! We’re going to pay you less than $100k, but to get out of us paying you that little, you have to give us 68041% in compensation. That can’t be legal. I figured Rubio was making closer to a million a year.
@Royce
Man, informed sports journalism is really taking a hit nationwide lately then, huh?
Love Daily Thunder and Royce, you do a great job. I wanted to say that the 8 year old’s mixtape was exploitation at the level of child beauty pageants, but I remember Tiger Woods was on Johnny Carson at the age of 3.
@Clark Matthews
I was stunned by that too. Rubio has made a decent amount from endorsements, but still.
@J.G.
(Insert “Reason Newspapers are Dying” joke here)
Haha…that was longer then some of Rubio’s highlight reels…
Not to mention that they aren’t treating their own staff with respect, as in the way they handled Gattison. You can’t treat people like that and expect to establish a pattern of success.
There is a long article on ESPN about Donald Sterling (Clippers Owner), and how off the wall he is. It’s no wonder that franchise is a perennial cellar dweller.
Of course, every Seattle fan, and half the country would point fingers at our own Thunder owner when this subject comes to the court of public opinion. Time will tell I suppose.
@Mo
That’s very true. The fact that there are actually rankings for the top 2nd grader in the country hurts my soul.
@Royce
They probably tuned out the reports of red flags the way Oklahomans would if there was a lot being made of Griffin’s knee injuries as a freshman. It is kind of like the Blazers trade you mentioned above where homerism takes over.
But speaking of that Blazer trade, a deal for Fernandez would be awesome. The real problem with that deal is that Collison is included and the Thunder get no post players.
@Jax Raging Bile Duct
That Donald Sterling article was fantastic. I was entirely shocked by it.
I thank the powers that be quite often that we wound up wit Clay and his group instead of George Shinn and his group. Funny how things work out.
@Clark Matthews
Absolutely. Rudy Fernandez is the type of player OKC desperately needs. Great passer, good shooter, good size. I’d enjoy having him.
I love how DeJuan Blair is suddenly “committed” and “disciplined” because he dieted and worked out for a month when it would be worth in the area of $1 million to move up from, say, the 25th pick to the 15th. I’d be disciplined, too. But a guy who carried what was apparently unneeded weight (and lots of it) for four years at a D-1 program with national championship aspirations is suddenly a hard worker? That’s a bigger red flag than any physical. Twenty bucks says he’s back to 300 by his second season.
I knew I had stumbled across youtube videos of kindergarten ballers before, and I thought this was the same kid. Turns out that there are two of them. Marquise Walker and Jordan Montgomery. I’m looking for one video where the dad of one of these kids is interviewed. I’ll post it when I find it.
Yesterday I renewed and upgraded my season tickets and I have to say that it was one of the smoothest things I have ever witnessed. The Thunder is a well run club top to bottom. I cannot wait for next year.
p.s. Thank you royce and co. for a tremendously well done blog. You have helped me keep my sanity this offseason.
Marquise Walker interview part 1 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_BuKw55dbs
Marquise Walker interview part 2 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6vM_plpvXc&feature=related
That Blazers trade is absurd. Those guys are all nice players, but they aren’t worth anywhere close to Green, Collison, Watson, and the third pick.
@Vega
Yes it is. I thought maybe we’d throw in Russell Westbrook as a sign of good will.
Royce, I like that trade idea between the Blazers and Thunder but it will only work if Kevin Durant puts on 65 lbs of muscle this summer and becomes a center. Then you surround him with 6’7″ shooters and the team is set for a Finals push. I say pull the trigger. It’s full-proof.
(laughing)
Collison growing a stache, eh…
He needs to let it grow long at the sides and use wax to make it curl at the ends, a la 1890′s barbershop quartet (handlebar mustache, I believe it’s called). It could be his trademark. Cmon Nick, you can do it… you’re not chicken are ya?
looks even more like Rubio goes #2 , even if by trade . . .
Memphis holds all the cards . . .
so are we satisfied with Harden (or Curry in my case) or would anyone trade the #3 for #2 – after all, we are in the best spot – they still get to pick the sorry center from UConn, and they get some compensation . . .
How about throwing in the later first round pick to move up a spot? I don’t know if that would do it . . .
@Kev
I’m definitely content taking Harden (or Curry in your case).
I can’t believe I watched that mix tape but I found out that a 2nd grader can break my ankles, but there is NO WAY he is taking me to the hole!
On the subject of tweets… anyone notice the difference between the pages of (older) married players and (younger) unattached players in terms of who they follow?
Hint: one group follows other players and sport personalites, etc. (all very respectable, associated with their vocation). The other group follows young, nubile lassies with names like ‘LickMeLoveMe’ who have background images showing themselves in various stages of undress.
@Kev
I’ve always been pro Rubio but I don’t think I’d trade much to move up to get him. I’m really happy with Rubio/Harden/Curry in that order.
I guess trading our #3 and a second round pick might be worth it though.
I dont think a second rounder would do it – even the 2nd first rounder would be pushing it . . .
I was just thrwoing it out there – I’m content with Curry (or Harden) . . .
I like Nick Collison’s Twitter feed. He’s pretty funny.
The Thunder don’t have a second round pick this year. So we’d have to be trading next year’s second round pick to move up and, well, that’s just not going to get it done, not that next year’s second round pick isn’t just oozing with appeal or anything.
Only chance the Thunder have of moving up in this draft is from #25 to #15 if they are willing to take on Amir Johnson’s contract with the Pistons in order to select BJ Mullens (see: Project) for down the road, as he’s 2 or 3 years away from contributing.
Exoploitation maybe……but you can’t say it’s any different than having a child prodigy playing piano or sum 10yr old going to college and it gets coverage.
I don’t think there’s many parents in the world that wouldn’t try in some way to showcase their childs talent just because they’re actually proud of them and are trying to get them noticed.
@Anonymous
I never thought of it from that perspective. He’s no different then an amazing child actor or a kid genius on opera naming all the Presidents.
Putting all your eggs in the entertainment basket is never a good idea. Doesn’t matter if you’re a parent doing that for an 8yr old or if you are college kid doing it for yourself.
MAINNEEE
76ers just acquire Kapono from the Raports for Reggie Evans…
I wanted Kapono…
@Nix
“I wanted Kapono…”
Let’s talk dirty in Hawaiian…
I love that trade for both teams, but especially for the Sixers. Evans was unnecessary with the younger Marreese Speights and Jason Smith on the team, and they desperately needed three shooting, which they now have in Kapono. Great trade by the Sixers and Raps.
@Royce
Royce, while I would have loved that first pick, at least we have something to talk about from lotto day to June 25th. I can’t imagine the clippers blog having a captivating debate about the draft.
@Vega
very true, a good trade on both ends. sixers badly need shooting, raptors badly need toughness. so the sixers get possibly the best spot-up shooter in the league, and the raptors get one of the toughest playes in the league. well done.
FROM LOS ANGELES & TO OKLAHOMA CITY
C Chris Kaman ($9,500,000)
PF Blake Griffin (Draft Rights)
FROM OKLAHOMA CITY & TO LOS ANGELES
PG Earl Watson ($6,600,000)
SF Jeff Green ($3,287,640)
PG Ricky Rubio (Draft Rights)
2010 First-Round Draft Pick (Via The Phoenix Suns)
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=m3q9xx
stole this one off of blazers edge. amazing how many comments are left on that site.
i guess that would make a lot of sense. Except Blair played just 2 years. & was always a very hard worker & nearly dominant player.
Its just that you can get away with being 6’7 275 in college.
not really a good trade for the sixers imo …
kapono is no-doubt a top notch shooter. however, he does pretty much nothing else. it doesnt do much good to have a great shooter who cant really get open or create his own shot. they just have kyle korver all over again.
not to say these players aren’t good. but how do you stay on the court if you can only do 1 thing?
& they gave away their only real toughness.
& please stop campaigning for bj mullins …
we might as well keep robert swift if thats the case!
@p
Who’s campaigning for B.J. Mullens?
definitely not you royce.
but “Only chance the Thunder have of moving up in this draft is from #25 to #15 if they are willing to take on Amir Johnson’s contract with the Pistons in order to select BJ Mullens (see: Project) for down the road, as he’s 2 or 3 years away from contributing.” …
thats quite the reach! .. mullins might be 2 years away from contributing at ohio state.
& his name has been mentioned a few times lately
@p
Oh ok. I was afraid you were saying I was because I posted a Q&A. I’m indifferent on Mullens. I don’t like projects at this point and I think you can get about the same quality of player at No. 25 as you can at No. 15 in this draft.
nope.
not you at all.
& i agree – about projects, mullins & picking at #25.
15 days until draft day… sigh, when will this all be over?
I remember before the lottery thinking “man, I sick of all this speculation, I wish the lottery day would just get here and be done with”. But then others warned that knowing the draft positions wouldn’t stop the speculation but only fuel it further. And they were right. It’s only been worse since.
Now I’m thinking that knowing the draft picks will calm down the speculation. And I’m probably wrong. Because after June 25 and all the excitement (disappointment, whatever) dies down, then it will probably just start of fresh round of endless (mostly ridiculous) speculation about free agents and trades. Ugh. It. Never. Ends.
Some people just love all this speculation and guessing and formulating. It’s like a game. A really fun game of chess. But I don’t.
I like to watch our team play games. And then discuss with others what they did right/wrong. Watch or listen to interviews with players and coaches about particular games and what we can do to improve. Watch or listen to players and coaches talk about the organization, the local community, their own personal interests, etc. THAT is what I like. Not all the endless guessing about who might go where.
I’m frustrated out the wazoo.
@daniel
I sort of like both. I’ll admit, I’m a bit tired right now of all the draft stuff. But it’s the only info going on. I was energized after the lottery but now I’m wearing down.
I agree though, games are more fun. The offseason sucks. Good thing I like baseball.
Always interesting to follow an original blog . Thank you for the article .