RISING STAR: Paul George is the ‘X Factor’ for the Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers are on the brink of something special. After pushing eventual NBA champion Miami Heat to six games in the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2012, the Pacers are expecting big things for the 2012-13 season. On the forefront of this hoops hysteria in Indiana is Paul George. The 22-year-old athletic forward is entering … [Read more…]

Nowitzki leads Mavericks past Alba Berlin

Dirk Nowitzki got a hero’s welcome in Germany Saturday when the Dallas Mavericks took on European club Alba Berlin. The preseason game, part of the NBA Europe Live tour, was the backdrop for Nowitzki’s big homecoming, which included several appearances and press conferences in his native country. The Mavericks won in a sloppily played 89-84 … [Read more…]

Bo McCalebb, Fenerbahce stun Celtics

The Boston Celtics’ world tour hit an early snag when Gang Green lost its preseason opener, 97-91, to Turkish pro team Fenerbahce Ulker. Fenerbahce Ulker, one of Europe’s top club teams, scored 23 points off 25 Boston turnovers and held the Celtics to 18 points in the second quarter. Bo McCalebb, regarded as one of … [Read more…]

Hornets push forward with youth movement

In the first week of training camp, New Orleans Hornets head coach Monty Williams asked his squad that was gathered around him if anyone of them watched the presidential debate. Nearly all of them raised their hands. Then, Williams asked if they have spoken to their players’ union representative. No show of hands. Williams reminded … [Read more…]

Brooklyn owns NBA’s best backcourt

Joe Johnson hasn’t played with a point guard like Deron Williams, and Williams has never had a shooting guard like Johnson. Together, they should be a lethal combination for the Brooklyn Nets. Having Williams by his side should make things easier for Johnson. He can just be a scorer and not worry about facilitating or … [Read more…]

Sixers center Andrew Bynum to miss 3 weeks

The excitement in Philadelphia was curtailed somewhat with news of Andrew Bynum’s latest injury. The 76ers’ newly acquired center was diagnosed with a bone bruise on his right knee, which means he will be sidelined for three weeks and won’t be able to participate in basketball activities for most of training camp. Bynum, who turns … [Read more…]

Rasheed Wallace comes out of retirement

Rasheed Wallace is reportedly coming out of retirement to help the New York Knicks add depth to their bench. Wallace has been trying to return to the NBA for the last year or so, and even had discussions with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat last season. The eccentric and fiery player known for … [Read more…]

Winners and losers in 2012 NBA offseason

Deron Williams returned to the Nets, Steve Nash and Dwight Howard are headed to Hollywood, and Jason Terry is moving from Dallas to Boston. The 2012 NBA offseason had plenty of franchise-altering moves — most of which benefited the major markets. So much for competitive balance. Some teams did better than others (ahem! Lakers), while … [Read more…]

Brooklyn Nets acquire Childress

Josh Children agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. The contract is not guaranteed and no details were available, but it is thought to be worth the veteran minimum. Childress has played six NBA seasons but played in only 34 games for the Phoenix Suns last season, averaging just under 3 … [Read more…]