102 results on '"Ballard, Chris"'
Search Results
2. One Last Shot for Reggie: With his ageless game and his quirky regimen, Reggie Miller is capping an illustrious 18-year career by rallying the Pacers to the playoffs
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
Indiana Pacers ,Basketball coaches -- Quotations ,Basketball players -- Evaluation ,Basketball teams - Published
- 2005
3. 2018 SPORTSPERSON of the YEAR GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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ATHLETE awards , *BASKETBALL teams , *CHAMPIONSHIPS - Abstract
The article discusses various aspects of the Golden State Warriors National Basketball Association (NBA) team which has been named as the recipient of the journal's 2018 Sportsperson of the Year Award, and it mentions how the Warriors have won three NBA championship titles in the last four years. Coach Steve Kerr and director of team operations Eric Housen are addressed, along with basketball players such as Wardell Stephen "Steph" Curry, Kevin Durant, and Draymond Green. Franchise dynasties in the NBA are also assessed.
- Published
- 2018
4. LAST OF THE BALLERS.
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Ballard, Chris
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OLDER athletes , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *FREE agents (Sports) , *BASKETBALL coaches , *HISTORY - Abstract
The article discusses various aspects of 37-year-old National Basketball Association (NBA) player Jamal Crawford's career as of 2017, and it mentions his passion for the game of basketball, as well as information about Crawford's Minnesota Timberwolves basketball team. According to the article, Crawford has played for seven basketball squads and 18 head coaches during his tenure in the NBA. Crawford's basketball skills are assessed, along with free agent players and older athletes.
- Published
- 2017
5. AFTER THE PROCESS.
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Ballard, Chris
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MACHINE learning , *BASKETBALL managers , *BASKETBALL teams , *MANAGEMENT , *EMPLOYEES ,SILICON Valley (Santa Clara County, Calif.) - Abstract
The article discusses executive Sam Hinkie, the former general manager (GM) of the Philadelphia 76ers National Basketball Association team, focusing on Hinkie's work with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning in the Santa Clara Valley, California (Silicon Valley) high technology industry. Hinkie's failure as a basketball team GM is examined, along with basketball players such as Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Hinkie's character and popularity are also assessed.
- Published
- 2016
6. WARRIORS COME OUT TO PLAY.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
The article presents information on the Golden State Warriors basketball team and the team's head coach Steve Kerr. Topics include details on Joe Lacob's role as the owner of the Warriors, details on the success of the Warriors thus far in the 2014 to 2015 National Basketball Association (NBA) season, and mention of Warriors players such as Stephen Curry.
- Published
- 2015
7. THEN THERE WERE FOUR.
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BALLARD, CHRIS
- Subjects
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SCHOOL sports coaching , *SCHOOL sports , *SCHOOL discipline , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *ETHICS - Abstract
The article focuses on high school basketball coach Mike Allen of Gunderson High School in San Jose, California. Allen's 2011 suspension of five starting players and a subsequent boycott of the team by almost all its players are examined. Player Ryan Tran, who was one of those suspended, and who then returned to the team for the 2012-2013 season, is examined as an illustration of the ambiguities of the situation, and expresses mixed opinions on Allen.
- Published
- 2014
8. THREE FOR ALL.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL playoffs , *BASKETBALL teams , *HISTORY - Abstract
The article focuses on basketball players Tony Parker, Manu Ginóbili and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The role of the three players in the Spurs' success from 2002-2013, during which the team has won three NBA championships, is considered. Their performance as older players in the 2013 playoffs, in which the Spurs have advanced to the NBA Finals championship series, is discussed.
- Published
- 2013
9. The NBA's Trail Of Tears Cheers.
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BALLARD, CHRIS
- Subjects
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SPORTS franchises -- Location , *BASKETBALL teams , *HISTORY - Abstract
The article considers National Basketball Association (NBA) teams which are or were located in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and Canada. The 2012-2013 season of the Golden State Warriors is examined. The possible relocation of the Sacramento Kings team to Seattle, Washington is discussed. The history of the Vancouver Grizzlies, who became the Memphis Grizzlies in 2001, is considered.
- Published
- 2013
10. MONEYBALLSY.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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SPORTS general managers , *BASKETBALL teams , *RISK management in business , *BASKETBALL player recruiting , *TRADING of basketball players , *MANAGEMENT - Abstract
The article focuses on Daryl Morey, the general manager of the Houston Rockets team of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Morey's acquisition of guard James Harden in a trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder team is used to illustrate both Morey's use of analysis of basketball statistics in player selection and his willingness to take significant risks when trading or otherwise acquiring players.
- Published
- 2012
11. Thanks, I Think I'll Pass.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
The article profiles basketball player Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks basketball team, who plays in the position of forward. A discussion of problems that Smith has with shooting three point basketball shots, and of changes that he has made to his game in an effort to to avoid shooting them, is presented.
- Published
- 2010
12. Renaissance Men.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL playoffs - Abstract
This article profiles the 2007 Golden State Warriors basketball team. The article notes that the Warriors entered the 2007 National Basketball Association Western Conference playoffs seeded eighth, the lowest possible seeding. However, the Warriors have dominated the top-seeded Dallas Mavericks in their first-round playoff series, and the article credits Warriors coach Don Nelson for the team's success.
- Published
- 2007
13. May Madness.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL tournaments , *BASKETBALL playoffs , *BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
This article focuses on the mind set and leadership quality of the San Antonio Spurs basketball team during the opening rounds of the NBA playoffs. The article also focuses on comparisons between basketball teams and individual players such as the Spurs' point guard Tony Parker and Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich instilled the team spirit that no player is above the others, the coach has complete command, and defense is all-important.
- Published
- 2006
14. One-Man Showtime.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
This article discusses the challenges faced by Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, as the team lost most of its top players prior to the 2004-2005 season. For a few moments it seemed like old times at the Staples Center. The Spurs were in town, led by the metronomically consistent Tim Duncan, and the Lakers were mounting a second-half comeback, spearheaded as always by their superhero, Kobe Bryant. As Los Angeles started to turn the tide, the capacity crowd cheered. In years past this was the moment when one of the Lakers stalwarts would step forward to make a big play, be it Shaquille O'Neal swatting a shot into the third row, Rick Fox draining a jumper, Derek Fisher taking a charge or Karl Malone roaring to the basket. Instead, point guard Chucky Atkins dribbled the ball off his foot. On the next offensive play, forward Caron Butler caught a pass along the sideline and bobbled it out-of-bounds. And two possessions later center Chris Mihm--O'Neal's replacement--ran a give-and-go with Bryant but overestimated the go by about five feet, throwing the ball to a surprised Spurs defender. Who, the fans could be forgiven for wondering, were these guys? Atkins, Butler and Mihm sounds more like a law firm than part of a Lakers dynasty. In the interest of fairness it's still very early, as new coach Rudy Tomjanovich has pointed out repeatedly, and the Lakers are not only incorporating nine new players--right now Bryant is the only returning starter--but are also missing three of their top seven. Say what you want about Bryant, you won't be the first. O'Neal called him a "clown" and a "joke." Former coach Phil Jackson described him as a "callous gun for hire." Even Seattle SuperSonics guard Ray Allen, motivated by who-knows-what, chimed in this preseason by saying that Bryant would be "very selfish" this year. Thus, it's not surprising that Bryant, who is nothing if not sensitive to criticism, has made a concerted effort to win over his new teammates.
- Published
- 2004
15. Forward THINKING.
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Ballard, Chris
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FORWARDS (Basketball) , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
Focuses on the impact of talented forwards Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest on the Indiana Pacers basketball team. League-best record of the Pacers at 35-13; Contrast between the two players' tastes, work habits, and playing styles; Background of each player; Failure of the two to click as teammates during their first year on the team; Performance of each player in the 2003-2004 season.
- Published
- 2004
16. The Jazz Has A Brand-new Beat.
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Ballard, Chris and Sabino, David
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
This article focuses on the unexpected success of the Utah Jazz following the departure of veteran players John Stockton and Karl Malone. Imagine turning on the CBS news one night and, instead of Dan Rather sitting there, in all his square-jawed solemnity, there was some bony Russian kid with a spiky hairdo. Then imagine quickly surfing in search of Tom Brokaw--steady old Brokaw--only to see, occupying his chair, a baby-faced Puerto Rican with an earring. For 17 years Salt Lake City was the domain of John Stockton and Karl Malone, the city's own Rather and Brokaw--or, to use a sports analogy, its Joe Montana and Jerry Rice. Now, in the wake of those two Dream Teamers comes 22-year-old Andrei Kirilenko, a power forward with swizzle-stick arms, and 24-year-old Carlos Arroyo, a vagabond point guard. Behind the coaching of a rejuvenated Jerry Sloan and the play of Kirilenko and Arroyo, Utah was 9-6 through Sunday and had already beaten such Western playoff contenders as the Houston Rockets, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Phoenix Suns and the Minnesota Timberwolves (twice). Even with Arroyo sidelined by a sprained left ankle, Utah players ran the floor, hustled like crazy, threw alley-oops for dunks, swatted Yao Ming's shots against the backboard and--in a definite Stockton and Malone no-no--had the gall to be animated during a fourth-quarter scoring burst.
- Published
- 2003
17. WILD CARDS.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players , *COLLEGE basketball - Abstract
Focuses on the University of Louisville Cardinals basketball team during the 2002-03 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) season. Performance of the team through their first 20 games of the season; Praise for guard Reece Gaines; Intensity displayed by second-year head coach Rick Pitino; Expectations for the remainder of the season.
- Published
- 2003
18. Spur of the Moment.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players - Abstract
Reports on the success the San Antonio Spurs have enjoyed during the second half of the 2000-01 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. Role of Derek Anderson, who was added to the roster mid-season; Strengths of the Spurs, as they prepare for the playoffs; Outlook.
- Published
- 2001
19. The Long View.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *SPORTS teams - Abstract
The article discusses the United States national basketball team, which failed to win gold in the 2006 world championships. The team, which has not received a medal its last three times in international play, will not significantly change its lineup, which includes NBA players Dwayne Wade and LeBron James.
- Published
- 2006
20. Who Will Be This Year's Nash? Baron Davis.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
The article focuses on Golden State Warriors point guard Baron Davis. The author reviews how the Warriors are off to their best start since 1994. It is suggested that Davis is responsible for the team's revival. Comments regarding the recent changes in the team's roster from Chicago Bulls center Tyson Chandler are included. Statistics related to the team's offensive performance are reviewed. It is the author's view that the addition of Davis to the Warriors may be enough to help the team earn a playoff spot. INSET: The Davis Effect.
- Published
- 2005
21. SAN ANTONIO Spurs.
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Ballard, Chris and Sabino, David
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL , *BASKETBALL teams , *SPORTS teams , *SPORTS - Abstract
Focuses on the San Antonio Spurs basketball team. Potential that the team has for success in the National Basketball Association's Western Conference; Comments from an opposing team's scout about the Spurs and their gameplay; Projected starting lineup. INSETS: Enemy Lines;Projected Starting Lineup.
- Published
- 2005
22. Cutting Duke Down to Size.
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Davis, Seth and Ballard, Chris
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COLLEGE basketball , *BASKETBALL offense , *BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
Focuses on the University of Maryland's men's basketball teams' victory over top-ranked Duke University in January 2003. How the Terapins' victory revealed many of Duke's weaknesses; Key to the victory, including how the Terps' flustered the Blue Devils inside and force them to the free throw line.
- Published
- 2003
23. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
Previews the 2002-03 National Basketball Association season, in particular the Memphis Grizzlies. Roster; Scouting report; Expectations being placed on Jerry West to recreate the dominance of the Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s.
- Published
- 2002
24. NEW YORK KNICKS.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
Previews the 2002-03 National Basketball Association season, in particular the New York Knicks. Roster; Scouting report; Questions regarding the starting lineup, especially Clarence Weatherspoon.
- Published
- 2002
25. MIAMI HEAT.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
Previews the 2002-03 National Basketball Association season, in particular the Miami Heat. Roster; Scouting report; Strategy of coach Pat Riley to build the team from the defensive end.
- Published
- 2002
26. ORLANDO MAGIC.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
Previews the 2002-03 National Basketball Association season, in particular the Orlando Magic. Roster; Scouting report; Question marks regarding the health of Grant Hill; Concerns over the leadership of Shawn Kemp.
- Published
- 2002
27. ATLANTA HAWKS.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
Previews the 2002-03 National Basketball Association season, in particular the Atlanta Hawks. Roster; Scouting report; Expectations placed on forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim.
- Published
- 2002
28. WASHINGTON WIZARDS.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
Previews the 2002-03 National Basketball Association season, in particular the Washington Wizards. Roster; Scouting report; Importance of the addition of Jerry Stackhouse to compliment the offensive threat of Michael Jordan.
- Published
- 2002
29. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
Previews the 2002-03 National Basketball Association season, in particular the New Orleans Hornets. Roster; Scouting report; Questions regarding the performance of Baron Davis.
- Published
- 2002
30. Hot New Jazz Duo.
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Thomsen, Ian and Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *ATTITUDE (Psychology) - Abstract
Addresses the relationship between Donyell Marshall and Karl Malone, and how it has led to the success of the Utah Jazz during the 2000-01 National Basketball Association (NBA) season. Attitude of Malone, and John Stockton, regarding the team, following their second-consecutive second-round loss in the 2000 playoffs; Information on the trade that sent Marshall to the Jazz from the Golden State Warriors; Success the Jazz have experienced since Marshall was inserted into the starting lineup.
- Published
- 2001
31. Small Town, Big Winners.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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HIGH school athletes , *BASKETBALL records , *BASKETBALL teams , *CITIES & towns - Abstract
Profiles the basketball program at Valley High School in Bingham, Maine. How the team has won state record 80 consecutive games, as of February 19, 2001, including three class D state championships; Passion exhibited by basketball fans in Maine, despite the absence of a professional franchise and only one Division I college program; Outlook for the Valley Cavaliers.
- Published
- 2001
32. Changes At the Top.
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Thomsen, Ian and Ballard, Chris
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL defense - Abstract
Examines the efforts of the Indiana Pacers to rebuild their team during the 2000-01 National Basketball Association season. Acquisitions the team has made, including Jonathan Bender and Jermaine O'Neal, the latter of whom provides much needed shot-blocking; Thoughts on their January 5, 2001 victory over the Sacramento Kings; Outlook for the remainder of the season.
- Published
- 2001
33. NEW JERSEY NETS.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
Previews the 2000-01 National Basketball Association season, highlighting the New Jersey Nets. Expectations for rookie Kenyon Martin from the University of Cincinnati; Aspirations of the team to put the problems of last season behind them; Scouting report; Outlook.
- Published
- 2000
34. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
Previews the 2000-01 National Basketball Association season, highlighting the Philadelphia 76ers. Thoughts of Toni Kukoc as a main leader of the team; Expectations for Allen Iverson; Scouting report; Predictions.
- Published
- 2000
35. TORONTO RAPTORS.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
Previews the 2000-01 National Basketball Association season, highlighting the Toronto Raptors. Thoughts on how the addition of Mark Jackson to the lineup will aid Vince Carter; Scouting report; Predictions.
- Published
- 2000
36. A Kingdom for King James.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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FREE agents (Sports) , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *FINANCE , *MANAGEMENT - Abstract
The author offers opinions on basketball player LeBron James and the finance of the National Basketball Association (NBA). James will become a free agent at the end of the 2009-2010 season. The author presents a fictional news program which purports to describe the lavish bids NBA teams will make to sign James to a contract at that time.
- Published
- 2008
37. Hoops Springs Eternal.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL games , *AFGHANS , *SOCIAL history - Abstract
The article discusses the participation of the National Basketball Association of Afghanistan (NBAA) in the 2006 Asian Games basketball qualifiers in Qatar. It is reported that NBAA was founded in the 1960s by Tom Gouttierre, a volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps. The organization reportedly disbanded in the 1990s in light of the volatile political climate until Kabul native Naser Shahalemi returned from the U.S. to revive the team in 2006. NBAA player Yousof Etemadi is profiled.
- Published
- 2008
38. To Russia with Game.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *CITIZENSHIP - Abstract
Looks at the basketball career of J.R. Holden, the first American to compete for a Russian or Soviet national team. His basketball background with Bucknell University, his graduation, and his signing by a Latvian basketball team; How he ended up with CSKA Moscow and helped them to three Russian championships; Holden's Russian citizenship; His experience with racism in Russia. INSET: Euro Paean.
- Published
- 2005
39. He's the Boss.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris, Bechtel, Mark, and Cannella, Stephen
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BASKETBALL tournaments , *SPORTS tournaments , *OLYMPIC Games , *BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL managers - Abstract
The article looks at Jerry Colangelo, the managing director of the United States's Olympics basketball team, USA Basketball. After the U.S. finished sixth at the 2002 World Championships, the 10-member committee composed mostly of National Basketball Association team executives that picked the players and coaches nonetheless thought that two weeks of practice and a roster full of redundant talents would carry America to the gold. By the time the players were accepting their bronze medals, it was clear that the notion of athleticism's trumping everything--even teams that have been playing together for years--was no longer valid. The announcement that Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball's managing director, will have nearly complete control over the men's team is a large step in the right direction. Colangelo alone will decide who makes the team, after consulting with an informal inner circle including New Jersey Nets Chief Executive Officer Rod Thorn, Memphis Grizzlies president Jerry West and former Cleveland Cavaliers G. M. Wayne Embry.
- Published
- 2005
40. A Man Possessed.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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FORWARDS (Basketball) , *ROOKIE basketball players , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL tournaments - Abstract
The article discusses the performance of Chicago Bulls rookie forward, Andrés Nocioni, in a first round game against the Washington Wizards in the 2005 National Basketball Association (NBA) playoffs. On Sunday evening, during a timeout near the end of the Chicago Bulls' 103-94 victory over the Washington Wizards in Game 1 of their first-round Eastern Conference playoff series, the United Center crowd began chanting, "No-chee-O-nee!" The object of their affections was Chicago's hardworking rookie forward, Nocioni, who had just pulled down his 17th rebound of the game and would finish with an astounding 25 points, 18 rebounds and four assists. A surprising hero in a season full of them for the youthful, scrappy Bulls (fellow rookie Ben Gordon again provided a spark off the bench, as he has since the all-star break, with 30 points), Nocioni was being feted by fans who had waited seven years for their team to return to the playoffs.
- Published
- 2005
41. Scout's Take.
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL , *BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
This article presents a quote from a National Basketball Association (NBA) scout regarding the performance of Nikoloz Tskitishvili, the No. 5 pick in 2002, who went from the Denver Nuggets to the Golden State Warriors in a four-player trade in March 2005. "He's 7 feet and he's a decent shooter, but it doesn't look as if he's put a lot of work into his game because he hasn't shown much improvement. The rare times he's gotten minutes, he showed little in the way of instincts. Here's a guy who has all the skills and who must have done well on the tests that teams use to forecast a player's potential, but he doesn't have the understanding of the game necessary to put those skills to use. He could make a career for himself as a spot-up shooter--a three-point specialist like Matt Bullard--but it wouldn't surprise me if he went back to Europe after this season and we never saw him again."
- Published
- 2005
42. Phoenix Suns.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL coaches , *BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
The article discusses the role of Amare Stoudemire and Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. To welcome new point guard Steve Nash back to the warm climes of Phoenix, as well as to promote a little team unity, Suns coach Mike D' Antoni hosted a barbecue at his house the week before training camp. There were burgers, beers and Brandy--not the drink but the singer, who is engaged to another new acquisition, swingman Quentin Richardson. The team made signing Nash its top priority, flying out an armada of well-wishers to Dallas--including D'Antoni, chairman Jerry Colangelo, G.M. Bryan Colangelo and forward Amare Stoudemire--then closing the deal with a preemptive five-year, $52.6 million offer.Already the coach and his new playmaker have met for lunch several times to talk strategy, something that D'Antoni and former Suns star Stephon Marbury weren't comfortable doing. Nash says he's excited to start anew, though he admits it's "a little strange" returning to the city he played in in his first two years in the league, from 1996 to '98. As one of the NBA's fastest, most athletic teams they have a shot at the playoffs, especially with the heart and leadership of Steve Nash. Under Nash, Dallas led the league in scoring while committing the fewest turnovers; the Suns are going to notice a big difference because they were one of the worst-passing teams last year. People knock Amare Stoudemire for being predictable with his jump hook, but why complain? He scores with it because few guys can jump as high as he can. This is his third year, and he needs to assume more of a leadership role by showing that he can execute the plays as required and start at center if needed.
- Published
- 2004
43. Golden State Warriors.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL coaches , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
The article profiles Derek Fisher of the Golden State Warriors. It is impossible to predict how well Derek Fisher will handle playing point guard for the Warriors, primarily because it has been years since he has done anything vaguely point guardish. While nominally manning the position for the last eight seasons with the Lakers, Fisher rarely handled the ball, created for teammates or broke down a defense. His primary role: spot up for catch-and-shoot threes. So perhaps it wasn't so wise to hand floor leadership and a six-year, $37 million free-agent contract to a 30 year-old who has averaged 3.0 assists per game in his career and more closely resembles Steve Kerr than Steve Nash. But new vice president Chris Mullin is clearly trying to build a team with good character, and he wanted a savvy veteran who could help rear rising stars Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy and Jason Richardson. Seen in this light, the signing makes sense: Fisher was often the voice of reason on an increasingly unreasonable Lakers team. So Fisher's duties will be twofold on the Warriors: Run the offense and teach a young team how to win. On the first count, he spent the summer working on off-the-dribble moves to "shake the rust off," he says. On the second, he'll let new coach Mike Montgomery set the tone and then, when the time is right, bring out the ultimate motivational tool: his three rings.
- Published
- 2004
44. Los Angeles Clippers.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *SPORTS team owners , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
The article profiles Chris Kaman of the Los Angeles Clippers. Allow a rising star (Quentin Richardson) to leave, then bring in a less promising, and inevitably temporary, replacement (Kerry Kittles, whose contract expires after this season). The result: same old Clippers, same exciting lottery appearance next June. But rather than dwell on the team's ineptitude, let's focus instead on Chris Kaman, L.A.'s second-year center out of Central Michigan. Kaman is tall, sturdy and likes to work on cars. He can run the floor and finish in transition, and he spent the summer improving his 15- to 17-foot jump shot. Coach Mike Dunleavy calls him "fearless" and lauds his ball handling, consistent effort and "high basketball IQ." If Kaman continues to develop, Dunleavy thinks he could be another Brad Miller, only more athletic. In 23 years of ownership Donald T. Sterling has had one--one!--winning season. Expect more of the same. A lot of people think Shaun Livingston could be the next Magic Johnson, but you don't want to throw him to the wolves this year; he's straight out of high school, he's a skinny 6'7", 175 pounds and he isn't a good shooter. But they'll probably do just that because Marko Jaric is not a good point guard.
- Published
- 2004
45. Los Angeles Lakers.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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BASKETBALL , *BASKETBALL teams , *SPORTS teams , *BASKETBALL players , *ATHLETES - Abstract
The article discusses the role of former Clipper Lamar Odom on the Los Angeles Lakers. Since being acquired by the Lakers in the Shaquille O'Neal trade in July, Odom has returned to the Marina Del Rey house he lived in during his four seasons as a member of the Clippers. The L.A. Odom--version 1.0, at least--was inconsistent, injury-prone and twice suspended for violating the league's drug policy. "I became a better player and a better man in Miami," Odom says. "I grew up a lot." That's a good thing, as he'll be given plenty of adult responsibilities with the Lakers: pick up much of the scoring slack created by O'Neal's departure, play everything from point guard to power forward and become Kobe Bryant's second in command. Odom had warmed to that last duty by the end of the team's first practice.
- Published
- 2004
46. Utah JAZZ.
- Author
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Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
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CENTERS (Basketball) , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
The article profiles Mehmet Okur of the Utah Jazz. After nine years the Greg Ostertag era is over in Utah--a development, it can be said with some understatement, that is not being mourned by Jazz fans. Succeeding him at center is Mehmet Okur, who signed a six-year, $50 million contract in July. At 6'11" and 249 pounds he's not as huge as Ostertag, and he lacks Tag's just-took-my-Army-physical buzz cut, but he makes up for it with a blond-tinged, tail-in-the-back hairdo that looks as if it might scamper off his head. Like his predecessor, who moved on to Sacramento, Okur is also not what you would call ripped. What he does possess, however, is something that Utah hasn't had in many years: offensive skills in the pivot. In his 22.3 minutes per game with the Pistons last season, Okur showcased an inside-outside game that included three-point range. Although not especially athletic, he is a good rebounder and position defender. It's safe to say that Okur is very happy in general. In the last six months he has won an NBA title, signed a set-for-life free-agent deal and married a former Miss Turkey. On top of that, after coming off the bench with Detroit, he is now a starter on a playoff contender.
- Published
- 2004
47. Sacramento Kings.
- Author
-
Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
- *
BASKETBALL , *BASKETBALL players , *ATHLETES , *BASKETBALL teams , *SPORTS teams - Abstract
The article discusses how injured players and off-season losses will impact the season for the Sacramento Kings. Entering 2003--04 Bobby Jackson was coming off a season in which he had missed 21 games with a broken hand, and the team, after a heartbreaking playoff elimination, had traded center Scot Pollard. Now Jackson is back after missing 32 games with an abdominal strain, and the team is recovering from another playoff exit and the departure of another center--Vlade Divac, to the Lakers. Shooting guard Peja Stojakovic, upset over Divac's leaving and frustrated with his role in the offense, demanded a trade and remains disgruntled. Forward Chris Webber implied that unnamed teammates didn't play hard enough in the postseason. And coach Rick Adelman may be a lame duck. This, his seventh season in Sacramento, is a contract year, but ownership is not jumping to re-sign him. Because Doug Christie has a sore left foot, Jackson will have to play more minutes--which is what, Adelman thinks, led to his injuries before. For now, though, he's healthy, and this remains a talented, proven team, ready to make one last run at a championship.
- Published
- 2004
48. Bad Return On Investment.
- Author
-
Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
- *
BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
This article focuses on the performance of Antonio Davis and analyzes his trade to the Chicago Bulls. In a 109-95 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks last Friday, the 35-year-old Davis looked creaky, stiff-jointed and--dare we say it--Mutomboesque. Though he's still a gritty player and a good rebounder, Davis admits, "I'm not the same guy I was at 28, 29 years old." Unfortunately for Chicago, he's still being paid as if he were; Davis has two years and $27.5 million left on his contract. When rookie G.M. John Paxson traded Jalen Rose, Donyell Marshall and Lonny Baxter to Toronto for Davis and reserve forwards Jerome Williams ($ 6.5 million a year through 2008) and Chris Jefferies, he not only gave up more talent than he got back, but he also failed to clear room under the salary cap. He says he wanted to surround his trio of talented youngsters--forward Tyson Chandler, 21, guard Jamal Crawford, 23, and center Eddy Curry, 21--with solid complementary players who would assist in their development. In doing so, however, he left the team low on firepower.
- Published
- 2003
49. Revival.
- Author
-
Ballard, Chris
- Subjects
- *
BASKETBALL coaches , *BASKETBALL teams , *BASKETBALL - Abstract
This article discusses the career resurrection of New Orleans Hornets coach Tim Floyd, whose 49-190 record with the Bulls was the worst of any coach in major pro sports history with 200 decisions. Behind a new up-tempo system, New Orleans has morphed from a power team into a transition team along the lines of the Nets--a similarity that's not coincidental. Floyd had been a well-liked coach at the University of New Orleans (127-58 from 1988 to '94) and had made the Big Easy his post-Bulls home. During his time away from the sideline, Floyd became enamored with the Nets' unselfish style, which is based on the Princeton offense. Like the Nets, New Orleans uses a two-guard front and brings three players across the foul line, relies on precision cuts and pushing the ball in transition, and depends on the leadership of a dynamic point guard--Baron Davis playing the role of Jason Kidd.
- Published
- 2003
50. Unorthodox.
- Author
-
Ballard, Chris, Kennedy, Kostya, and Bechtel, Mark
- Subjects
- *
JEWISH athletes , *BASKETBALL players , *BASKETBALL teams - Abstract
Focuses on basketball player Tamir Goodman. Career highlights; Comments on his being an Orthodox Jew; His signing of a three-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel's top team; Reaction he had to being loaned out by the team to Givat Shmuel, a mid-level team in a Tel Aviv suburb.
- Published
- 2002
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