SpursReport: “”Truth is I am surprised of how I have reacted so far,” writes Manu Ginobili- in his native tongue on his official website. While recovering, the self-described “hyperactive” personality is trying his best to take it easy and rest at home as his body heals from arthroscopic surgery on his ankle. “They made several cuts in order for a camera, light and surgical tools to get in and correct things. Despite the fact that I was under complete anesthesia and I couldn’t see what they were doing live, they gave me a DVD and the following day I sneaked a peek to see how everything was done. The thing that made me very calm was that the doctor (Richard Frenkel) told me that, apart from the injury, the ankle is fine. He told me that many times they open and they find surprises because of other problems. Luckily it wasn’t my case.”"
Terry Pluto of The Cleveland Plain Dealer: “Part of the comment may stem from Edwards finding it tough to be in the huge shadow of James in this town. Edwards has designs on an acting career, where James also is ahead of him. We may have a friendly rivalry between two stars on local teams. Let’s be fair to both guys. Braylon Edwards was back at work on Wednesday at Browns practice, although some fans might prefer he drop more passes instead of his opinions.There was no reason to question Edwards’ lack of attachment to the Browns because he was late for a team meeting before the Steelers game in 2006. The reason? He was on the sidelines for a Michigan game — a Michigan-Ohio State game.”
Janis Carr of The Orange County Register: “Walton said getting Bynum back will be key to the Lakers returning to the NBA Finals, something he believes they can do this season, barring injuries. “He looked amazing,” said Walton, who is coming back from ankle surgery. “Obviously it was sloppy pick-up basketball, but as far as his hook shots and blocking the ball and making dunks and cuts, it was good. I was watching knowng that he’s back in the middle, clogging it up, which made it even harder for me not to be out there. Because before he got hurt, I was getting two or three assists a game, throwing alley-oops up to him. So, he looked really good, I was pretty excited.””
Lakers Blog: Kobe on the Jimmy Kimmel show [Video]
John Reid of The Times Picayune: “The Hornets in conjunction with the Salvation Army helped serve more than 10,000 hot meals to residents in Houma on Wednesday who are still suffering from the effects of Hurricane Gustav. Hornets owner George Shinn, Coach Byron Scott and his assistants, forward Julian Wright, the Honeybees, Hugo and several other Hornets staff members including team president Hugh Weber participated. The Hornets gave basketballs and books to families, along with personal care items like toothbrushes and combs. A steady line of cars passed through the stations as Scott, Shinn and other Hornets staff members handed out lunches.”
Keith Langlois of Pistons.com: 10 NBA storylines that bear watching
John Hollinger of The New York Sun: “For starters, including a draft choice in a trade is problematic for Walsh because of the blunders of Thomas, who threw a lottery-protected first-round pick into the Marbury trade that loses all protection in 2010. Since the league prohibits trading picks in consecutive years, this effectively means that the Knicks can’t deal a first-rounder until 2012, and nobody wants to wait four years for the payoff from a trade. Thus, New York would have to acquire a pick from a third team just to include it in a trade. Additionally, the Memphis deal didn’t get New York all the way home on the LeBron James front. Jaric’s deal doesn’t expire until 2011, and while his fiancée may be easy on the eyes, his contract is not: roughly $7 million a year for a mediocre backup.”
Sean Deveney of The Sporting News: The ten most overpaid players in the league
Green Bandwagon: “And yet I’m not sure how I feel about Rivers going into the 2009 season. I’ve always found myself gravitating around the middle in the “Doc Rivers as a coach” debate. I was never delusional enough to think he was holding the 2007 Celtics back from achieving greatness. Furthermore, I like to think I gave credit where credit was due after championship 17. In fact I’m not sure we’ll ever know all of the challenges that went into coaching the 2008 season. However, last year seemed to be as much about managing egos and personalities as it was about basketball. That’s right in Rivers’ wheelhouse. The roster looks different this time around. Yes, it’s easy to forget that Kendrick Perkins, Leon Powe, and Rajon Rondo all made significant strides last season. And Rivers deserves credit for that. But now he needs someone from the Patrick O’Bryant, Tony Allen, Bill Walker, J.R. Giddens, Gabe Pruitt group to step up and produce. It’s a lot easier to send James Posey out there.”
CelticsBlog: NBA Fall (TV) Preview
Sam Smith of HoopsHype: “So as I droned on and on about the pernicious Helms, Jordan eyed me and with a twinkle in his eyes, offered: “Republicans buy sneakers, too.” I did a few of those Ralph Kramden “hom-a-na, hom-a-nas,” and fell silent. Swish! Jordan’s imprint is on virtually every style change in the NBA in the last 20 years, from longer uniform shorts to shaved head. And despite an occasional condemnation from an activist like Jim Brown, politics as well. Heck, Charles Barkley for years used to ruminate about running for governor of Alabama, though he’d vacillate between which party he’d represent. But this year, with Obama running for president, the first black man to represent a major political party for president in the U.S., it appears that in record numbers professional athletes are taking an active role in support for the Democratic ticket, which probably is most representative of their history.”
