NBA transactions 2013-2014

2013-2014 trade recap

3/2/14 - Jimmer Fredette signs with Bulls

2/20/14 - Aaron Brooks traded from Houston to Denver for Jordan Hamilton

2/20/14 - Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen traded from Philadelphia to Indiana for Danny Granger and a second-round pick

2/20/14 - Luke Ridnour and Gary Neal traded from Milwaukee to Charlotte for Ramon Sessions and Jeff Adrien

2/20/14 - Washington acquires Andre Miller from Denver, sends Jan Veseley to Denver, sends Eric Maynor to Philadelphia.  Philadelphia receives 2015 second round pick from Washington and 2016 second round from Denver.  Washington receives 2014 second round pick from Philadelphia.

2/20/14 - Spencer Hawes traded from Philadelphia to Cleveland for Earl Clark, Henry Sims, and two second round picks.

2/19/14 - Nets send Jason Terry and Reggie Evans to Kings for Marcus Thornton

2/19/14 - Steve Blake traded from Lakers to Warriors for MarShon Brooks and Kent Bazemore

2/1/14 - Pacers sign Andrew Bynum

1/7/14 - Chicago trades Luol Deng to Cleveland for Andrew Bynum, a first round pick, two second round picks, and the right to swap 2015 first round picks (lottery protected).  Chicago expected to drop Bynum.

12/9/13 - Toronto trades Rudy Gay, Aaron Gray, Quincy Acy to Sacramento for John Salmons, Greivis Vasquez, Patrick Patterson, Chuck Hayes.

10/25/13 - Suns trade Marcin Gortat, Shannon Brown, Malcolm Lee, Kendall Marshall to Wizards for Emeka Okafor and a protected first round draft pick

9/25/13 - Paul George signs five-year extension

9/11/13 - Michael Beasley headed back to Miami

8/30/13 - Caron Butler traded from Phoenix to Milwaukee for Ish Smith and Viacheslav Kravstov

8/26/13 - Clippers sign Antawn Jamison after passing on Lamar Odom

8/26/13 - Tracy McGrady announces retirement

8/21/13 - Allen Iverson reportedly to announce retirement

8/16/13 - Nikola Pekovic re-signs with Minnesota for five years, $60 million

8/15/13 - Al Harrington signing with Washington

8/8/13 - Knicks sign Beno Udrih

8/7/13 - Mo Williams signs with Portland for two years, $5.6 million

8/3/13 - Greg Oden will take his talents to South Beach

7/30/13 - Pistons acquire Brandon Jennings from Milwaukee for Brandon Knight, Khris Middleton,
Viacheslav Kravtsov.

7/28/13 - Marcus Camby to sign with Rockets

7/27/13 - Indiana acquires Luis Scola from Phoenix for Gerald Green, Miles Plumlee, and a lottery-protected first round pick

7/27/13 - Charlotte resigns Gerald Henderson for 3 years, $18 million

7/24/13 - Mike Miller to return to the Grizzlies

7/23/13 - Golden State signs Jermaine O'Neal for one year, $2 million

7/22/13 - Nuggets to sign Nate Robinson

7/22/13 - Clippers sign Byron Mullens

7/18/13 - Magic reaches deal with Samuel Dalembert

7/18/13 - Orlando signs Jason Maxiel

7/18/13 - Ronny Turiaf signs with Minnesota for two years, $3.2 million (wow, he got above minimum?)

7/18/13 - Warriors sign Toney Douglas

7/17/13 - D.J. Augustin signs with Toronto

7/17/13 - Jordan Farmar returns to the Lakers (from Turkey) / took a pay cut

7/16/13 - Miami amnesties Mike Miller ($6.2 million + $6.6 million)

7/16/13 - Milwaukee amnesties Drew Gooden (two years, $13.4 million)

7/16/13 - Elton Brand signs with the Hawks

7/16/13 - World Peace coming to New York

7/14/13 - Lakers sign Wesley Johnson

7/13/13 - Dwight Howard feels the love in Houston

7/13/13 - Atlanta matches Milwaukee's offer sheet for Jeff Teague

7/12/13 - Monta Ellis signs with Dallas for three years, $28 million (so it's kind of a Mayo for Ellis trade)

7/12/13 - Dallas was an hour away from getting Iguodala

7/11/13 - Nets  sign Andrei Kirilenko

7/11/13 - Lakers sign Nick Young (fun), say good bye to World Peace (reaction, D'Antoni)

7/11/13 - Chauncey Billups returns to Detroit for two years, $5 million

7/10/13 - Minnesota sends Luke Ridnour to Milwaukee for trade exception (to make room for Corey Brewer).

7/10/13 - Andrew Bynum decides to take his talents to Cleveland

7/10/13 - Corey Brewer to sign with Minnesota for 3 years, $15 million

7/10/13 - Bulls waive Richard Hamilton

7/8/13 - Lakers sign Chris Kaman to one year contract for $3.2 million.  Will amnesty Metta World Peace.

7/7/13 - Denver signs J.J. Hickson for three years, $15 million

7/7/13 - Darren Collison signs with Clippers to be Chris Paul's back (again)

7/7/13 - Jarrett Jack headed to Cleveland for four years, $25 million

7/6/13 - Carl Landry signs with Sacramento for four years, $26 million

7/6/13 - Josh Smith signs with Pistons for four years, $56 million

7/5/13 - Mavericks sign Jose Calderon for four years, $28 million

7/5/13 - Dwight Howard has decided to take his talents to Houston.  What now for the Lakers?  / Dwight & Kobe: the conversation / David Aldridge's alternate universe

7/5/13 - Paul Millsap signs with Atlanta for two years, $19 million

7/5/13 - OJ Mayo signs with Milwaukee for three years, $24 million

7/5/13 - Warriors sign Andre Iguodala; send Richard Jefferson, Andris Biedrins, Brandon Rush and multiple draft choices to Jazz for cap space and Kevin Murphy

7/5/13 - Matt Barnes re-signs with Clippers for 3 years, $12 million.

7/4/13 - JR Smith and Pablo Prigioni re-sign with Knicks.

7/4/13 - Sacramento sends Tyreke Evans to New Orleans for Greivis Vasquez.  New Orleans sends Robin Lopez to Portland for Jeff Withy.  Portland sends future draft pick to Sacramento.

7/4/13- Al Jefferson signs with Charlotte for 3-years, $40.5 million.

7/2/13 - Kevin Martin headed from Oklahoma City to Minnesota for $28 million for four years.

7/2/13 - In a three-team trade, Suns receive Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler, Clippers receive J.J. Redick and Jared Dudley, Bucks receive two second-round draft choices (one from Suns and one from Clippers).  [Wow, I would have thought they would have gotten more for Bledsoe.  The Suns got a steal.]

6/30/13 - Toronto trades Andrea Barnani to Knicks for Steve Novak, Marcus Camby, first round pick and second round pick (subject to league approval)

6/30/13 - Rockets trade Thomas Robinson to Blazers, waive Carlos Delfino and Aaron Brooks to clear cap space

6/27/13 - Garnett waives no-trade clause clearing way for Celtics to trade (in principle) Garnett, Pierce, Terry to Nets for three first round picks, Keith Bogans, Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, Reggie Evans. / Garnett had to be convinced by Pierce

6/27/13 - New Orleans drafts Nerlens Noel with the sixth pick and trades him to Philadelphia for a first round pick.  Philadelphia also gets a 2014 first round pick.

6/24/13 - Darko won't return to NBA
6/3/13 - Jason Kidd retires after 19 seasons (then becomes Nets head coach)
6/2/13 - Grant Hill retires

NBA coaching changes 2013

8/12/13 - Philadelphia hires Brett Brown as head coach
7/29/13 - Kurt Rambis returns to Lakers as assistant, Johnny Davis also hired as assistant
7/8/13 - Alvin Gentry returns to Clippers as assistant coach
7/8/13 - Rasheed Wallace to join Pistons staff as assistant coach
7/3/13 - Celtics hire Brad Stevens as new head coach
7/1/13 - Pacers hire Nate McMillen as assistant coach
6/28/13 - Lawrence Frank returns to Nets as assistant under Jason Kidd
6/28/13 - Cleveland hires Bernie Bickerstaff as assistant (rejoining Mike Brown)
6/25/13 - Kings hire head coach's father as (Brendan Malone) as assistant
6/25/13 - Grizzlies promote Dave Joerger to take over for Lionel Hollins
6/24/13 - Denver hires Brian Shaw as head coach
6/23/13 - Boston trades Doc Rivers to Clippers for 2015 first round pick
6/19/13 - Jerry Sloan returns to Jazz as consultant
6/13/13 - Nets hire Jason Kidd Kidd as head coach (replacing P.J. Carlesemo)
6/10/13 - Thibodeau and Williams replace D'Antoni and McMillan on Team USA staff
6/10/13 - Lionel Hollins out as Memphis head coach
6/10/13 - Maurice Cheeks named as Pistons head coach (replacing Lawrence Frank)
6/6/13 - Denver fires George Karl (NBA coach of the year)
6/3/13 - Sacramento names Mike Malone head coach (replacing Keith Smart)
5/31/13 - Milwaukee to hire Larry Drew as head coach (from Atlanta)
5/30/13 - The NBA coaching carousel, part 1
5/29/13 - Mike Budenholzer hired as Atlanta head coach (replacing Larry Drew)
5/28/13 - Jeff Hornacek hired as Phoenix head coach (replacing Lindsey Hunter)
5/27/13 - Steve Clifford hired as Charlotte head coach (replacing Mike Dunlap)
5/21/13 - Vinnie Del Negro out as Clippers coach
4/25/13 - Mike Brown returns to Cleveland (replacing Byron Scott)

2013 NBA prospects / NBA draft

[5/21/13] The top 10 prospects at every position.

DA's Big Board

[6/13/13] Scott Howard-Cooper's Mock Draft 2.0

[6/24/13] Ten players to watch for: C.J. McCollum

[6/24/13] Mock Draft 3.0 by DraftExpress.

[6/25/13] David Aldridge's mock draft (McLemore no. 1?)

[6/27/13] Down to the final hours, and Scott Howard-Cooper is still sticking to Nerlens Noel.

[6/27/13] Here we go...  Apparently there is no consensus no. 1 with the candidates now appearing to be Noel, McLemore, Alex Len.  And even mention of Olidipo.

nbadraft.net has it Len, Oladipo, Porter, Noel, McLemore.
Draft Express has it Noel, Oladipo, Porter, Len, McLemore.
USA Today has it: Len, Noel, Porter, McLemore, Oladipo.
TheSportingNews has it: Len, Noel, Porter, Oladipo, McLemore.
CBS Sports has it: Porter/Noel, McLemore/Burke, Noel/Porter, Len/Len, Oladipo/Oladipo.
Sports Illustrated has it: Noel, McLemore, Porter, Len, Oladipo.
Bleacher Report has it: Len, Oladipo, Porter, Noel, McLemore.
SBNation has it: Noel, McLemore, Porter, Bennett, Oladipo,
HoopsWorld consensus: Noel, Oladipo, Porter, Len, McLemore.

And with the first pick, the Cleveland Cavaliers take Anthony Bennett!  (What?)
With the second pick, the Orlando Magic select Victor Oladipo
With the third pick, the Washington Wizards select Otto Porter
With the fourth pick, the Charlotte Bobcats select Cody Zeller (?)

So the consensus number 1 pick which was Noel or Len has yet to be picked.

With the fifth pick, the Phoenix Suns select Alex Len.
With the sixth pick, the New Orleans Pelicans select Nerlens Noel.
With the seventh pick, the Sacramento King select Ben McLemore.  (they're happy)

OK, that makes the consensus top five, along with Bennett and Zeller.  Who's next?  Trey Burke maybe?

Hey I'm seeing the picks several minutes faster at CBS Sports?  Is it delayed on ESPN?

According to CBS, the Pistons select Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.  (A surprise to him.)

Shane Battier is interviewing all the draft selections.  I'm surprised how tall he looks.  He's quite a bit taller than Caldwell-Pope and not much shorter than Alexn Len.  Maybe he's wearing thick shoes.

What?  Noel to be traded from New Orleans to Philadelphia for Jrue Holiday and a first round pick?  Wait, Philadelphia gets the pick??

With the ninth pick, the Minnesota Timberwolves select Trey Burke.  Despite having Rubio.  Maybe trade bait.  Maybe to Philadelphia?

With the tenth pick, the Portland Trailblazers select C.J. McCollum.

Report now that Burke traded to Utah for the 14th and 21st picks.

With the 11th pick, the Philadelphia 76ers select Michael Carter-Williams.

With the 12th pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder select Steven Adams (pick acquired in the Harden deal)

With the 13th pick, the Dallas Mavericks select Kelly Olynyk.

who is immediately headed to Boston for two second round picks (to not raise their salary cap to go after Dwight Howard).

With the 14th pick, Utah takes (for Minnesota): Shabazz Muhammad.

That's the end of the lottery picks.

With the 15th pick, the Milwaukee Bucks select Giannis Adetokunbo (project from Greece, highlights)

Now they're talking about Andrew Wiggins for next season

With the 16th pick, the Boston Celtics select Lucas Nogueira (7-footer from Brazil with large hair).

With the 17th pick, the Alanta Hawks select Dennis Schroeder (Germany)

With the 18th pick (from the Joe Johnson trade), the Atlanta Hawks Shane Larkin (from Miami)

Mavericks are saying they're getting Shane Larkin and Nogueira to Atlanta.

Cleveland with their second pick of the first round selects Sergey Karasev

Chicago selects Tony Snell, who's not here, but Shabazz Muhammad finally shows up and is interviewed by Battier.  Battier is noticeably taller.

With the 21st pick, Utah selects (unofficially for Minnesota): Gorgui Dieng

With the 22nd pick, the hometown Brooklyn Nets (with reports that Garnett and Pierce may be coming) select Mason Plumlee.

Jason Kidd now being interviewed by the panel (Jalen Rose, Bill Simmons, Jay Bilas, Rece Davis)

With the 23rd pick, the Indiana Pacers select Solomon Hill.

Now for the Knicks.  Tim Hardaway, Jr. (to cheers of the crowd including Spike Lee).

With the 25th pick, the Clippers select Reggie Bullock.

Minnesota on the clock with the 26th pick, moving the pick to Golden State, who choose ...

wait, a trade to announce.  The Boston Celtics trade the 16th pick to Dallas, Nogueira, for the rights for Kelly Olynyk, the 13th pick.

And Andre Roberson is the pick for Golden State.

Nuggets on the clock when we come back.

another trade to announce.  Minnesota trades rights to Trey Burke for (rights to) Shabazz Muhammad and Dieng.

Denver selects Rudy Gobert from France (7'2" with a 7'9" wing span the longest ever).

And now for the Spurs at #28: Livio Jean-Charles (French Guiana).  This season he averaged 3.3 points and 2.7 rebounds (so a project).  However he was the MVP at the Nike Hoop Summit going 27 and 13.

OKC now picks (in a long complicated trade just announced going to Phoenix): Archie Goodwin.

And now for David Stern's final NBA announcement of a pick

Golden State takes Nemanja Nedovic.

Applause for David Stern.  And now for the next commissioner of the NBA: Adam Silver (who immediately gets boos)

But first David Stern's very first announced draft pick Hakeem Olajuwon.

That's enough.

***

Garnett waives no-trade clause clearing way for Celtics to trade (in principle) Garnett, Pierce, Terry to Nets for three first round picks, Keith Bogans, Kris Humphries, Gerald Wallace, Reggie Evans.

draft day trades

team-by-team report cards

pick-by-pick analysis

the most entertaining draft of all time?

The 2003 draft.  Where are they now?

2014 mock draft already

[1/24/13]  Anthony Bennett, the worst no. 1 pick ever

the Ed O'Bannon case

At first it was just a friend’s son playing a video game, but as he looked closer, Ed O’Bannon took increasing notice of a figure on the screen.

One that O’Bannon said he thought looked remarkably like him.

In fact, it was, from jersey No. 31 to the trademark smooth left-handed jump shot in EA Sports’ “NCAA Basketball” game.

Nearly 14 years after he led UCLA to the 1995 NCAA basketball championship as the most outstanding player of the Final Four, O’Bannon said, “I was flattered initially. My first thought was, ‘That’s pretty cool. I’m on the video game.’ ”

Then, O’Bannon said his friend observed, “‘What’s funny about this whole thing is we paid X amount of dollars for it and you didn’t see one penny of it.’ ” And O’Bannon recalled in a phone interview Tuesday, “My thoughts went from flattery to being upset.”

O’Bannon’s ire eventually took the form of a potentially ground-altering lawsuit against the NCAA, video game giant Electronic Arts and the marketing firm Collegiate Licensing Inc., that goes before federal Judge Claudia Wilken on Thursday in U.S. District Court in Oakland, Calif.

It frames the long overdue question of whether the often heavy-handed NCAA owns the rights to player likenesses and names on game jerseys and other items beyond their college eligibility and into perpetuity.

But it has also come to raise the broader, potentially more explosive issue of whether current players should share in the billions of dollars they help make for the NCAA and member institutions.

O’Bannon, who was joined in the suit by several other former athletes such as NBA Hall of Famers Bill Russell and Oscar Robertson, alleges their names and likenesses were used illegally in video games and other products the NCAA has profited from. The NCAA has denied it has acted illegally.

But the judge, who has so far refused motions to toss the case, has stirred visions of the NCAA’s worst nightmare in January by saying she would hear arguments Thursday whether to allow the case to be rolled into a class action suit. One that could, should a jury find in the plaintiffs’ favor, allow current athletes a share of NCAA revenue, including lucrative TV rights fees, for the first time in the organization’s century-old history.

San Antonio vs. Miami game 6

Miami escapes elimination in overtime
LeBron loses his headband
Ray Allen hits a three with 5 seconds left
The Spurs snuck Tim Duncan back in.
Did Ginobili get fouled?
Did Danny Green get fouled?
Gregg Popovich substitutions second-guessed
Heat fans left early
They brought out the yellow tape

And now for game 7

Bosh says to "fans," don't come back
Duncan being Duncan.
Moment of truth for LeBron

LeBron couldn't sleep
Wade's knee swollen on Wednesday
Suit up Juwan?
Spurs on Heat on their reserve tank
Spurs stick together
Kids keep it in perspective
7 Questions
Relish the moment

***

Two straight for Miami
The road to the title
Five things of note
Basketball gods shine on Battier
LeBron adds another MVP
Duncan devastated / Spurs lament
24-Second Thoughts

***

15 players that could beat LeBron 1-on-1 (some of the time)

Chad Johnson butt pat = jail

Johnson, known as Chad Ochocinco for his jersey number in Spanish during his playing days, had reached a deal with prosecutors calling for community service and counseling instead of jail. Broward County Circuit Judge Kathleen McHugh said she would tack on an additional three months' probation because Johnson had failed to meet with his probation officer during three previous months.

It was all set until Johnson, when asked by McHugh if he was satisfied with his lawyer Adam Swickle, gave the attorney a light swat on the rear -- as football players routinely do to each other on the field. The courtroom erupted in laughter and at that McHugh said she wouldn't accept the deal.

"I don't know that you're taking this whole thing seriously. I just saw you slap your attorney on the backside. Is there something funny about this?" McHugh said, slapping the plea deal document down on her desk. "The whole courtroom was laughing. I'm not going to accept these plea negotiations. This isn't a joke."

Johnson, 35, tried to apologize and insisted he meant no disrespect. Johnson was on probation after pleading no contest to head-butting his then-wife, TV reality star Evelyn Lozada, during an altercation last August. She quickly filed for divorce after barely a month of marriage and Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, was immediately released by the Miami Dolphins. He didn't play at all last season.

***

Johnson apologizes and is released after seven days

Tim Tebow to Patriots

The New England Patriots are expected to sign quarterback Tim Tebow, according to multiple reports.

ESPN first reported the news, and The Associated Press has confirmed, citing sources, that Tebow will join the Patriots' minicamp on Tuesday and sign with the team, pending a medical exam.

Tebow spent last season with the New York Jets, but only saw limited action. He finished the season with just eight passing attempts for 39 yards and zero touchdowns, and the Jets cut him on April 29.

As weeks went by with Tebow still unemployed, it seemed possible he may never play in the NFL again. Yahoo! Sports reported in May that New England head coach Bill Belichick did not like Tebow and that he said there was "no chance" of Tebow coming to the Patriots.

Belichick later refuted that report, and told ESPNBoston.com that he wouldn't rule out the team signing Tebow.

"I wouldn't get into the probability of us pursuing any free agent," Belichick said. "Every single player has strengths and weaknesses but regardless of that, for anyone to have represented that is the way I feel about Tim Tebow is completely untrue, baseless and irresponsible. It is unfortunate that something so inaccurate was reported."

The Patriots' signing of Tebow will reunite him with Josh McDaniels, New England's offensive coordinator and former head coach of Tebow with the Denver Broncos.

McDaniels and the Broncos drafted Tebow in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft, and made him the full-time starter in 2011. Tebow led the Broncos to the playoffs and a first-round upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers after an 80-yard game-winning touchdown pass in overtime.

Despite the Broncos' playoff run, he was traded to New York the following offseason when Denver signed Peyton Manning. Tebow threw only eight passes for the Jets, completing six, ran 32 times for 102 yards and was used mostly to protect the punter.

''Unfortunately,'' coach Rex Ryan said in a statement when Tebow was released, ''things did not work out the way we all had hoped.''

***

[8/31/13] Tebow cut by Patriots, future in limbo.  Hasn't given up.

Deacon Jones

David "Deacon" Jones, the Hall of Fame defensive end credited with terming the word "sack" for how he knocked down quarterbacks, has died. The Washington Redskins said that Jones died of natural causes at his home in Southern California on Monday night. He was 74.

"Deacon Jones was one of the greatest players in NFL history. Off the field, he was a true giant," said Redskins general manager Bruce Allen, whose father, George, coached Jones with the Los Angeles Rams. "His passion and spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him. He was a cherished member of the Allen family and I will always consider him my big brother."

Because sacks didn't become an official statistic until 1982, Jones' total is uncertain. His impact as a premier pass rusher and team leader is not.

"Even with his fellow Hall of Famers, Deacon Jones held a special status. He was an icon among the icons," commissioner Roger Goodell tweeted Tuesday. "He is warmly regarded by his peers not only as one of the greatest players in history but also for his influence & sense of humor."

Jones was the leader of the Rams' Fearsome Foursome unit from 1961-71 and then played for San Diego for two seasons before finishing his career with the Redskins in 1974. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and made the league's 75th anniversary all-time squad.

"Deacon Jones has been the most inspirational person in my football career," said former teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood.

Jones made the Pro Bowl every year from 1964-70 and played in eight overall. He combined with fellow Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy on a defensive line that at times was unblockable.

Olsen died in March 2010 at age 69 and Lundy died in February 2007 at 71. Grier, who is 80, is the only surviving member of the Fearsome Foursome.

George Allen, who coached the Fearsome Foursome, called Jones the "greatest defensive end of modern football." The Allen family had Jones present George Allen for his Hall of Fame induction in 2002.

2012-2013 All-NBA

NEW YORK -- The Miami Heat's LeBron James, the 2012-13 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and winner of four of the previous five MVP awards, highlights the 2012-13 All-NBA First Team. James was the only player to receive all 119 First Team votes.

Joining James on the First Team are Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs, Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers, and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. For Bryant, his 11th First Team nod ties him with Hall of Famer Karl Malone for the most such selections. Bryant had been tied at 10 with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin Baylor, Bob Cousy, Michael Jordan, Bob Pettit and Jerry West.

Pacing the Heat to a league-best and franchise-record 66-16 mark, James was the only player in the NBA to lead his team in scoring (26.8 ppg), rebounding (8.0 rpg) and assists (7.3 apg). He shot a career high from the field (.565) and from three-point range (.406). Additionally, James led the NBA in score differential (+9.5) and player impact estimate (22.1 percent), according to NBA.com/Stats, in the process becoming the youngest player in NBA history to post eight different 2,000-point seasons, and the youngest player to reach the 20,000-point plateau.

Bryant, an All-NBA First Team selection for the eighth straight season, scored 2,133 points, averaging 27.3 points. This season, he moved past Wilt Chamberlain for fourth on the NBA's all-time scoring list.
Additionally, Bryant eclipsed the 2,000-point mark in a single season for the eighth time in his 17-year NBA career, in the process becoming just the fourth player in NBA history to score 2,000 points in a season at age 34 or older, joining Alex English, Jordan and Malone, each of whom did so twice.

Duncan earns his 10th First Team selection and first since 2006-07. In his 16th NBA campaign, Duncan averaged 17.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.65 blocks, ranking third overall in the latter. He shot .502 from the floor and a career-best .817 from the free throw line.

In earning his fourth All-NBA First Team selection, Durant averaged 28.1 points while shooting .510 from the field, .416 from distance and .905 from the free throw line. With those percentages, Durant became just the second player in NBA history (Larry Bird; 1986-87) to average 28-plus points while going .500/.400/.900 during the year. Additionally, Durant's field goal and free throw percentages represented career bests.

Paul, an All-NBA First Team selection for the third time, had a league-best 4.26 assist-to-turnover ratio; he had 13 games in which he dished at least 11 assists while committing no more than one turnover. The 2013 All-Star Game MVP, Paul averaged 16.9 points, ranked second in assists with 9.7 apg and paced the league in steals with 2.41 spg.

The All-NBA Second Team consists of guards Tony Parker of the Spurs and Russell Westbrook of the Thunder, forwards Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks and Blake Griffin of the Clippers, and center Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The All-NBA Third Team includes the Houston Rockets' James Harden and the Heat's Dwyane Wade at guard, the Indiana Pacers' Paul George and the Golden State Warriors' David Lee at forward, and the Lakers' Dwight Howard at center.

The All-NBA Teams were chosen by a panel of 119 sportswriters and broadcasters throughout the United States and Canada. The media voted for All-NBA First, Second and Third Teams by position with points awarded on a 5-3-1 basis.

***

and here's the real All-Star team..

the latest (and greatest?) dynamic duo

They were dubbed the Dynamic Duo, and that they were. Anthony Carter and Alika Smith established themselves as the most recognizable tandem in the history of University of Hawaii sports. The starting backcourt in 1996-97 and '97-98 led UH to the NIT both years, with wins over Indiana and Kansas highlighting the overall 42-17 ledger.

Carter went on to a long NBA career, and Smith coached his alma mater, Kalaheo High, to a state championship this year.

Now, 15 years after, there's another UH athletic pairing in a different sport putting the finishing touches on careers even more impressive than those of Carter and Smith.

I say more impressive because softball center fielder Kelly Majam and shortstop Jessica Iwata have produced excellence consistently for four seasons, from the time they were freshmen in 2010 and led the Wahine to the College World Series. Carter and Smith combined for just two seasons.

Some will still consider Carter and Smith the better duo because men's basketball is a revenue sport and higher profile than women's softball. Maybe there's room at the very top for both. But I give the Wahine the nod because of their incredible durability despite some serious physical challenges.

MAJAM HAS STARTED in all 225 UH softball games since the beginning of the 2010 season after a knee injury forced her to redshirt in 2009. And 159 of those games came after she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer prior to her sophomore season of 2011.

Iwata missed just two games early in her freshman season. She has played in every game since, with a 223 total despite dealing with a painful shoulder injury this year that requires surgery.

During their four years, UH has posted a 171-54 record for a .760 winning percentage.

Both are at the top or near it in numerous career batting statistics, both are over .300 in career batting average and are outstanding defensively. Majam has 72 career homers and Iwata 55. Their regular season concludes with a three-game series at Pacific starting with a doubleheader today.

Other notable duos in UH sports history:

» Pitchers Gerald Ako and Derek Tatsuno intersected for just one season (1977), but the pitchers from Aiea were nearly unhittable.

» Gary Allen and David Toloumu played together four seasons (1978-81) with speed, power and versatility, when running backs were the focal point of the offense.

» Lily Kahumoku (1999-2003) and Kim Willoughby (2000-03) were two of the more talented players in Wahine volleyball history and combined forces for three final four appearances.

» The Timmy Chang (1999-2004) to Chad Owens (2000-04) connection led to all-time passing records for Chang and All-American status for Owens.

» Linebackers Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard (2005-08) were the heart of the underrated defense during UH's football glory years. Elimimian finished as the school's career tackles leader.

Reach Dave Reardon at <@Tagline -- email1>dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783 or on Twitter as @dave_reardon.

Top Ten Unrestricted Free Agents

Only eight teams remain in the playoffs, meaning the fans of 22 other teams have turned much of their attention to the offseason and the free-agent summer of 2013 in particular.

We will encounter a familiar name there, one Dwight David Howard of the Los Angeles Lakers, who along with Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers, will be at the center of all things come July 1 (when free agency kicks off in all of its usual craziness).

There are a dozen teams, most notably Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Utah, Cleveland, New Orleans, Detroit, Charlotte and Washington, with the cash to spend and the flexibility to significantly tweak, and, in some cases, totally remake their rosters. All these teams need is a free agent willing to give them a chance to make the proper sales pitch.

For the top-level free agents — and this summer that list it two truly elite players deep, Howard and Paul — the list of potential suitors will be exclusive.

MRC Greenwood retiring

University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood announced on Monday that she’s retiring from the presidency in September, two years before her contract expires.

She said the reasons for making her decision are personal and health-related.

She plans to take an unpaid leave upon her retirement, and plans to return to her tenured faculty position after that.

She has a resume that includes being a scientist, a professor, and a college administrator.

In 2009, the UH Board of Regents hired her to lead the UH as its president.

Now, with two years left on her contract, Greenwood says she’s retiring in September.

Here’s what Greenwood said to KHON2′s Kathy Muneno just a few months ago, when she asked if she would stick around when her contract expires in 2015.

“Oh boy, that’s a really hard question to answer but not because of the stress or any of this.  That’s more related to where I am with my family my age, how much energy I still have at that point,” Greenwood said.
Greenwood, who just turned 70, said in a statement she decided to retire to focus more on her health and her family.

Richard Mizusawa is the president of the student body at UH Manoa.

“I was kind of surprised by the timing of her retirement but I feel the reasoning is justified,” Mizusawa said.
Greenwood’s announcement comes only months after the Stevie Wonder concert fiasco, and the Senate investigation into UH.

Senate President Donna Mercado Kim led the Committee on Accountability and said, “It’s the best thing for the university.  I believe it’s what the university needs.  Look at some of these accountability and transparency issues.”

Sen. Sam Slom was also on the committee.

“I’m not surprised.  Some of us thought it would come this summer.  Several months ago, I called for her forced retirement.  I think it’s a good thing for the university,” said Sen. Sam Slom, (R) Hawaii Kai, Kahala, Aina Haina.

In a statement sent to the UH Ohana, Greenwood said, “I have never known a better or more willing group of individuals.  I am proud of what we accomplished under very difficult circumstances.”

In response to the announcement, the UH Board of Regents Chair Eric Martinson said in a statement, “The university’s reputation has advanced nationally and internationally…she helped navigate the university through one of our nation’s and state’s most severe recessions.”

***

Hawaii News Now interview with Marcie Greenwood

[5/29/13] Dave Shapiro weighs in on Abercrombie's involvement.

LeBron MVP

MIAMI (AP) -- LeBron James was at his best this season, and the voters tasked with selecting the NBA's Most Valuable Player took notice.

Every voter except one, that is.

The NBA still does not have a unanimous MVP, though no one has come closer than James did this season. The Miami Heat star was presented with the Maurice Podoloff Trophy for the fourth time in his career on Sunday after collecting 120 of the 121 first-place votes, with Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks picking up the lone remaining top choice.

"It was probably a writer out of New York that didn't give me that vote," James said.

Te'o picked in the second round

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Manti Te'o made it to the NFL a day later than he expected, motivated to play well because he was snubbed in the first round of the draft.

Unconcerned about a hoax involving a fake girlfriend and a flop in the national championship game that have dogged Te'o for four months, San Diego Chargers rookie general manager Tom Telesco moved up seven spots in the second round to draft the Notre Dame linebacker on Friday night.

''I did expect to go in the first round. But things happened and all it did was give me more motivation to get better,'' Te'o said in a conference call with reporters.

Te'o had spent Thursday with family members in Hawaii, watching the first round of the draft and waiting for a phone call that never came.

That call came Friday.

''I don't know if I have something to prove, but it definitely puts a huge fire under my butt to just be better,'' Te'o said. ''Again, that's the best thing that ever could happen to me. I'm already naturally a motivated person who just wants to be the best. All yesterday did was just give me more motivation and more fire to just go out there and play football and do well at it.''

***

Offensive tackles Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel were the first two picks in the 2013 NFL Draft, the first time since 1968 that the top two picks were offensive linemen. Seven more blockers were selected in the subsequent 30 picks Thursday.

Fisher became only the fourth offensive lineman to be selected with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. The Central Michigan left tackle was chosen No. 1 Thursday by the Kansas City Chiefs, who held the top pick for the first time in modern draft history (since 1967).

Joeckel, a junior from Texas A&M, solidifies the Jaguars' offensive line, even if first-year coach Gus Bradley still isn't certain of the identity of his starting quarterback. Bradley said Joeckel will start as a right tackle with Eugene Monroe on the left side.

The Raiders traded the third overall pick to the Miami Dolphins, who used the pick to draft defensive end Dion Jordan from Oregon. Miami dealt its 12th pick and a second-rounder (42nd overall) to the Raiders. Jordan became the first Oregon player drafted in the top 10 and the highest overall pick since Haloti Ngata (12th, 2006).

The Eagles, in their first draft without Reid since 1998, continued the offensive tackle theme, drafting Oklahoma's Lane Johnson, a unique athlete who played quarterback in high school and made only 13 career starts. Johnson is viewed as an ideal fit for coach Chip Kelly's fast-breaking, no-huddle offense.

Two more pass rushers with unique speed and agility followed before the Arizona Cardinals snagged another offensive lineman with the seventh pick. The Detroit Lions grabbed BYU defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, born in Ghana and a football neophyte compared by scouts to Giants' All-Pro Jason Pierre-Paul, and the Browns drafted LSU outside linebacker Barkevious Mingo.

Guard Jonathan Cooper (North Carolina), who has 47 career starts and the ability to play center, can help solidify the Cardinals' wobbly offensive line. He was the first guard drafted with a top-10 pick since 1997 (Chris Naeole, Saints); Alabama's Chance Warmack came off the board three picks later to the Tennessee Titans and head coach Mike Munchak.

One of three teams who entered Thursday with multiple picks, the St. Louis Rams shook up the draft by trading for the No. 8 selection and drafting West Virginia sparkplug wide receiver and kick returner Tavon Austin (5-8, 172). He was the only skill-position player drafted until the Bills used the 16th pick acquired from St. Louis to take quarterback EJ Manuel. Not since 2000, when Chad Pennington was selected 18th by the New York Jets, has the draft reached this point before a quarterback was chosen.

Steve Alford hired as UCLA head coach

UCLA has hired Steve Alford to replace Ben Howland as men’s basketball coach.

Alford spent five successful seasons as the head of the New Mexico basketball program. The Lobos were struggling when he first took over but made it to the NCAA Tournament three times under his tutelage and finished 2012-2013 with a 29-6 record.

The 48-year-old coach headed the programs at Iowa, Missouri State and Manchester College over the course of his 22-year career.

“Steve is the perfect fit for UCLA,” said Athletic Director Dan Guerrero. “He is part of the storied history of the game of college basketball and understands the tradition and uniqueness of UCLA.”

According to Jeff Goodman of CBS, Alford’s contract is worth $2.6 million per year for seven years. Alford had just signed a extension with the Lobos that was set to keep him there until 2023, but according to Goodman, the Bruins will pay the buyout on that contract.

Fox Sports 1

Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp. will start a national cable sports network in August, joining a field dominated by Walt Disney Co. (DIS)’s ESPN.

Fox Sports 1 will be available to more than 90 million pay- TV homes, New York-based News Corp. said today in a statement.

The channel’s start coincides with the beginning of the college football season. Fox and other major networks have turned to live programming like sports to bolster ratings and draw in viewers, who can easily record other programs to watch later. That’s created a crowd of competitors that also includes NBC Sports and CBS Sports.

“We’re not trying to beat ESPN,” News Corp. (NWSA) Chief Operating Officer Chase Carey said at an investor conference today. “That wouldn’t make sense. Sports is a big huge arena. We’ve proven over the years we can do some interesting and exciting things.”

For News Corp., the challenge will be assembling a lineup of sports events that will draw viewers, and to convince pay-TV systems and advertisers they should pony up for the new network.

The network will sustain losses as Fox tries to increase the subscriber fee, Carey said. Speed, which Fox Sports 1 will replace, collects 31 cents a month per subscriber on average from pay-TV systems, according to SNL Kagan. The researcher estimates Fox will seek $1. ESPN received $5.13 in 2012.

*** [8/16/13]

Can Fox Sports 1 compete with ESPN?  Here's a chart comparing the sports covered by ESPN/ABC vs. Fox Sports vs. NBC vs. CBS vs. TBS/TNT.

Dennis Rodman, diplomat

Photographs of Dennis Rodman laughing while watching a basketball exhibition in Pyongyang, North Korea, with Kim Jong-un, the leader of one of the world’s most repressive countries, may be some of the strangest sights in the history of accidental American diplomacy.

Not only did Kim attend the game Thursday and watch alongside Rodman, but he also invited Rodman, three Harlem Globetrotters and the Vice Media crew filming the trip for a documentary to his palace for a party, said Shane Smith, the founder of Vice Media, who dreamed up and organized the trip.

The group landed in Pyongyang on Tuesday with approval from North Korean authorities to conduct the exhibitions and film the documentary, but it was not promised that Kim would meet with the group.

“Apparently, he had a blast at the game,” Smith said, after speaking by phone with Ryan Duffy, a Vice Media correspondent who was on the trip. “So he invited them back to his home for a party, and they had a grand old time. Speeches were made — Dennis made a very nice one — and they were met with rounds of applause.”

The scene was particularly bizarre because of the tense relations between the United States and North Korea, which made that relationship more difficult recently by declaring it had conducted a nuclear test. Google’s executive chairman, Eric Schmidt, went in January to try to persuade the leadership to allow Internet access for more than a fraction of its people, but he did not report meeting with Kim.

Basketball, though, apparently has the power to thaw most anything because Kim, like his father, Kim Jong-il, is said to be a devoted fan. Rodman and Kim Jong-un talked without a translator assisting them courtside. Duffy said that the two spoke in English but that Kim spoke only limited English and that a translator was used at the dinner.

***

In his first interview since returning to the U.S. from an unprecedented visit to North Korea last week, former NBA star Dennis Rodman said he bears a message for President Obama from the country’s oppressive leader, Kim Jong Un.

“He wants Obama to do one thing: Call him,” Rodman told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos on “This Week.” “He said, ‘If you can, Dennis – I don’t want [to] do war. I don’t want to do war.’ He said that to me.”

The athlete also offered Kim some diplomatic advice for potential future talks with President Obama.
“[Kim] loves basketball. And I said the same thing, I said, ‘Obama loves basketball.’ Let’s start there,” Rodman said.

*** [7/2/13] ***

Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman has not spent his retirement with the sort of venerable remove we often like to see from past NBA greats. At various times since his final game in 2000, Rodman has fallen behind on child support payments, coached a topless women's basketball team, and, uh, released a children's book. In various ways, he seems addicted to attention and appears to need serious help.

Nevertheless, this February Rodman took part in an unofficial "diplomatic mission" to North Korea organized by Vice Media for their HBO television series (watch a clip here). On that trip, Rodman witnessed a basketball game between North Korean players and several Harlem Globetrotters, hobnobbed with dictator Kim Jong-un, and declared that he had a "friend for life." It was arguably the friendliest interaction between an American national and North Korea in several decades.

For his efforts, Rodman believes he deserves serious consideration for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The University of Hawai'i Rainbows

New University of Hawaii athletic director Ben Jay has decided that, beginning in June, the men's athletic teams will be called Warriors. The women's teams will be Rainbow Wahine.

Personally, I'm a little miffed. The Rainbow nickname goes back 90 years. That's a long time. Let's look at how we came by that nickname and what the teams were called before that.

On Jan. 1, 1923, Oregon State University traveled to Hawaii for a game at Moiliili Field. Late in the fourth quarter, the score was tied 0-0 when a rainbow appeared over the grounds. UH soon scored, and the sports writers began calling the team the "Rainbows." Fans believed we would win if a rainbow appeared.

Other UH teams have had similar experiences. Maui Diver's Cole Slater recalls a sailing race 15 years ago on a lake in Santa Barbara. "The UH women's team had gotten off to a slow start in some stormy weather and were not doing as well as usual.

"In the last leg of the race, the bad weather began to clear and a rainbow spanned the course. The winds shifted, which gave a huge advantage to the UH team, and they won the race."

Assistant UH sailing coach Jesse Andrews also remembers several instances where UH victories were associated with rainbows.

In recent years some teams have used Rainbows, others Warriors and some a combination of the two.

KHON2 newscaster Joe Moore was not happy when football coach June Jones dropped Rainbows in 2000.

"Since former coach June Jones took it upon himself to drop ‘Rainbow' from the name Rainbow Warriors, I have not liked the change. When I expressed my opinion on the air, Jones phoned me and said he couldn't recruit the quality players he needed if they were called Rainbows.

"When I asked why, he said, ‘Because they don't think it's manly or tough enough.'

"When I asked if he didn't consider it part of his job to enlighten his recruits about the uniqueness and significance of the rainbow in the school's history and Hawaiian culture, he said, ‘Good luck with that.'

"As a UH fan since high school," Moore continues, "they'll always be the 'Bows, no matter what one coach or athletic director has proclaimed is the official name."

***

[5/15/13] Ben Jay decides to keep the Rainbow after all.

[6/6/13] How about a Rainbow field?

Neil Everett's secret to success

Neil Everett says he owes his career as an ESPN anchor to his years in Hawaii, and expresses his thanks by peppering his national broadcasts with island phrases

In the promotions leading up to his talk at Downtown Athletic Club, ESPN anchor Neil Everett was described as a local boy who made it big. This brought up the expected question: Does the Portland-born and Spokane-raised journalist qualify for the coveted title of “local boy”?

For anyone who has heard him speak of his time in Hawaii and how those 15 years shaped his future, the answer is a resounding yes!

Neil Everett Morfitt – yes, that’s his real name – first arrived in Hawaii while a student at Willamette University. At the time, Williamette was the Northwest campus of choice for many Hawaii residents, and the affable Everett connected with the displaced local boys. Former UH offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Tommy Lee was the football coach, Aloha Stadium manager Scott Chan was the Bearcats’ quarterback, there was a Hawaiian club on campus and his frat brother was a Kaiser High alum who invited him to visit for the summer.

“I couldn’t find Hawaii on a map, and then when I landed it was like, ‘God, why doesn’t everybody live here?’” says Everett with an ever-present smile and boisterous laugh.

Within three years he was back in Hawaii looking to make the 808 his permanent home. He had recently graduated from the University of Oregon and had gotten a “dream job,” making $600 a month at an upstart radio station in the coastal town of Florence, Ore. It was there, while working as the news director at KGBU during the day and bartending at night, where the Neil Everett secret to success blossomed: Work hard and be nice to people. It’s not that hard.

***

Neil Everett, Rob DeMello's mentor

25 years of Bob Hogue

Perhaps it means I’m getting older, but it struck me the other day that 2013 marks the 25th year I’ve been writing for MidWeek. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it (since 1988), and I hope I get to do it for another 25 years!

So, in recognition of a quarter century of covering Hawaii sports — for MidWeek, and on television and radio — here are some of my favorite moments during that time:

-- Bob Hogue, MidWeek, January 30, 2013

Hawaii NFL Legends

During the National Football League’s Pro Bowl Jan. 27 at Aloha Stadium, for the first time the NFL will honor former players from Hawaii. Dubbed the Hawaii NFL Legends, the seven were chosen by the local Pro Bowl host committee, based on performance, accomplishment and character on the field and off it. MidWeek is pleased to have the exclusive on this inaugural class of honorees:

Wally Yonamine
Herman Wedemeyer
Charlie Ane
Arnold Morgado
Jim Nicholson
Blane Gaison
Leo Goeas

Where's Russ Francis and Jesse Sapolu?

Jerry Buss

Few have ever succeeded at making such a daunting climb, from the nightmarish depths of utter poverty and hopelessness to the soaring heights of unimaginable wealth and power.

At the age of 4, Jerry Buss was standing in a bread line on the frozen soil of Evanston, Wyo., a gunny sack in hand, waiting for the food that would keep him and his single mother, Jesse, alive for another day.

It was 1937, the lingering effects of the Great Depression still gripping parts of the nation.

By the time he had turned 6, Buss' duties had expanded to include trekking around town in search of old telephone books or other paper products that could be stuffed into the fireplace to provide warmth in a house devoid of heat.

By the time he was 34, exactly three decades after he had stood in that bread line, Buss had made his first million.

By the age of 46, Buss and his business partner, Frank Mariani, had parlayed that million into a real-estate empire that was spread over three states – California, Nevada and Arizona – and was worth an estimated $350 million.

 Buss died Monday at the age of 80. For most men, such a swift and impressive rise would have been enough to savor for a lifetime.

Not Jerry Buss. He had his eyes on bigger prizes.

That same year, 1979, he pulled off arguably the most complicated and lucrative transaction in sports history.

Buss' savvy real-estate investments helped make him a fortune.

Supported by an army of approximately 50 lawyers and accountants, Buss purchased the Lakers, the Kings hockey team, the Inglewood Forum and the 13,000-acre Raljon Ranch in the Sierra Nevada mountains from Jack Kent Cooke for $67.5 million. The deal broke down to $33.5 million for the Forum, $16 million for the Lakers, $10 million for the ranch and $8 million for the Kings.

Cooke, in exchange, received the lease to the Chrysler Building in New York, and properties in Virginia, Massachusetts and Maryland.

When the deal was done, 12 separate escrows finalized, Buss spent his first day at the Forum inspecting the crown jewel of his properties.

As the workday ended and the arena emptied out, he lingered, surrounded by only a few security people.
With no event that night at the Forum, Buss took a chair and walked down to the empty floor where he was surrounded by silence and darkness, except for a few scattered lights.

He sat down at what would be mid-court or center ice, took out a cigarette, lit it and inhaled the magnitude of his surroundings.

In his mind's eye, he could see the seats packed, his Lakers and Kings moving up and down the floor or ice, his championship banners on the wall.

Smiling, Buss told himself, "You’ve come a long way, baby."

***

Jerry Buss remembered at memorial service (video, video2).

Billy Hunter out

Billy Hunter was ousted from his job as executive director of the union in a unanimous vote by NBA players who said Saturday they will "no longer be divided, misled, misinformed."

"This is our union and we have taken it back," players' association president Derek Fisher said.

Fisher said it was a day of change for the union, which has seemed inevitable since a review of the union last month was critical of Hunter's leadership and urged players to consider whether they wanted to keep him.

They didn't.

"We want to make it clear that we are here to serve only the best interests of the players," Fisher said. "No threats, no lies, no distractions will stop us from serving our memberships."

Hunter had led the union since 1996, guiding the players through three collective bargaining agreements and helping bring their average salaries to more than $5 million, highest in team sports. But Fisher pushed for the review after a falling out between the two leaders, and though it found Hunter wasn't guilty of any criminal activity involving union funds, it cited a number of conflicts of interests and poor choices that led the players to remove him.

details, details

At MMA events, there is rarely anything to pay attention to besides the fight. It's not like an NBA game, where there are cheerleaders and mascot races and dance squads and staring at Derrick Rose's knee to will it towards healing. (Maybe that was just my last trip to an NBA game.) At fights, you watch fights, and maybe the big screen at bigger UFC or Bellator events.

The singularity of events means you really shouldn't miss a knockout. Even if you look down for a minute and miss the punch, you generally don't miss the fighter laying on the ground and medical staff tending to him. You don't miss it, unless you're this woman employed to be a ring card girl.

Oscar Pistorius charged with murder

South African police have charged Olympic star Oscar Pistorius with the murder of his girlfriend, who was shot in the sprinter's home Thursday.

Pistorius, 26, kept weapons at his gated, luxury South African home as a means of protection against his country's soaring crime rate, according to a British writer who had exclusive access to the Olympic sprinter.
In the early hours of Thursday morning, the 400 meter runner – the first man to compete in the Olympics and Paralympics – is believed to have used part of his weapons collection to tragically gun down his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp.

Early reports had the alleged incident being reported as an accident, but police spokesperson Brigadier Denise Beukes told the Associated Press that information did not come from police and that "it would be very premature and very irresponsible of me to say what actually has happened."

According to those initial reports, Pistorius mistook Steenkamp, a 30-year-old television personality and model, for an intruder as she entered his residence at 3 a.m. and allegedly shot her four times in the arms and head.

According to the Associated Press, police said there had "previously been incidents and allegations of a domestic nature at the home of Mr. Oscar Pistorius."

According to British writer Jonathan McEvoy, who was given unprecedented access to Pistorius in a broad-ranging 2011 Daily Mail interview, the athlete held serious concerns for his personal safety, perhaps unsurprisingly given his nation's appalling record of violence.

Steenkamp and Pistorius, known as the Blade Runner for the prosthetic blades on his legs that allowed him to compete, are understood to have met in November and embarked upon a whirlwind romance. The actress' Twitter account painted the picture a joyful relationship when she asked her followers what they were planning for Valentine's Day.

Pistorius reached the semifinals of the 400m and the final of the 4x400m relay at the London Olympics, before later adding his fifth and sixth Paralympic golds.

LeBron is hot

LeBron is on a hot streak with 6 straight games scoring over 30 points and shooting over 60%.

But there have been even hotter streaks in the past.

Seriously, LeBron is playing on another level right now, even by his own ridiculous standards. But this has been done before, at least in some form or fashion. Wilt Chamberlain played in this realm on a daily basis. And Oscar Robertson did average a triple double for about five straight seasons. And Michael Jordan had stretches throughout his career where he reached this sort of statistical craziness. I go back to Jordan’s 1988-89 season (I know I’m dating myself here) from March 25 to April 14 and he had a 10-game stretch where he was playing like he was in “Space Jam”; triple-doubles in 10 of 11 games.

Preposterous!

Hawaii's top football prospects

Paul Honda lists Hawaii's top prospects based on college potential.

Here's the University of Hawaii potential signees:

John Wa'a, Kahuku, 6-3, 281 — Versatile in Kahuku's mix of power, stretch and toss sweep plays. A quiet, effective leader. Committed early to UH and never wavered. (10)

Aofaga Wily, Kahuku, 5-10, 212 — The Star-Advertiser All-State offensive player of the year rushed for 1,744 yards and 27 touchdowns for the state champion Red Raiders. Has power, finesse and excellent hands, but is also being looked at as a linebacker, his position as a JV player. (7) [commits to Hawaii]

Athlete Keelan Ewaliko, Baldwin, 6-0, 175 — An early-season rib injury curbed his statistical contributions, but he is among the most promising of the versatile seniors in this class. Ewaliko's speed and escapability were spectacular as a quarterback. At the next level, he could — and probably will, per UH coach Norm Chow — play multiple positions on offense, defense and special teams. (15)

Kennedy Tulimasealii, Waianae, 6-1, 286 — Tremendous explosion, a pocket wrecker even against double-team blocks. He finished a close second in the voting for all-state defensive player of the year. UH has kept tabs on Tulimasealii, but now that he's on the verge of academic qualification, other schools are jumping on the bandwagon. (2)

Ualesi Sale, Aiea, 6-3, 225 — Opposing coaches raved about Sale's playmaking ability. (11)

Rashaan Falemalu, Kahuku, 6-1, 192 — His rangy play, good closing speed and excellent anticipation made him perfect to play outside 'backer for Kahuku's lockdown unit.

(In parentheses are the Star Advertiser's rankings of the top 15 players from Hawaii.  Isaac Savaiinaea is the no. 1 ranked player from Hawaii. He finally decided on UCLA.)

***

Expected signees

[2/7/13] Meet the Warrior recruits / and the others

The Sapolu Story

The story of Jesse Sapolu could have been a sad memoir, a cautionary tale for the toughest of men.
Simply put, Sapolu risked his life to play football.

The choices he made against the reality of a heart defect could have served as a warning for others. Instead, Sapolu, a Costa Mesa resident who starred as an offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers, serves as an inspiration. That was his primary intent.

The Sapolu story is not sad at all. You can read about him in his new book, "I Gave My Heart to San Francisco."