Offseason Thread

[Bob Saccamano]

http://www.realgm.com/

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Stevenson Signs With Wizards For League Minimum</TD></TR><TR><TD>3rd August, 2006 - 10:21 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>ESPN.com - DeShawn Stevenson rejected a three-year deal from the Orlando Magic worth $10 million last month.

Now, the free agent guard who wanted a four-year deal, is settling for a two-year deal at the league minimum to play for the Washington Wizards .

The deal includes a player option for next season making it very likely Stevenson will be a free agent again next season.

Stevenson's new agent Mark Bartelstein says their just wasn't a lot of money left out in the market.

"There just isn't much money left out there," Bartelstein said. "This gives DeShawn an excellent opportunity to play significant minutes on a very good team. I think by next summer, the rest of the league will see his real value and he'll earn back the money he lost." </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Suns Sign Barbosa To 5-Year, $32M Extension</TD></TR><TR><TD>3rd August, 2006 - 6:27 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>East Valley Tribune - The Phoenix Suns signed guard Leandro Barbosa to a five-year, $32 million contract extension on Thursday, the East Valley Tribune is reporting.

Barbosa will be in Phoenix for a press conference today before rejoining the Brazilian National Team and its preparations for the upcoming World Basketball Championships. He will earn $1.679 million in 2006-07, the final year of his current contract, before the new deal kicks in beginning with the 2007-08 season.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Suns Sign Barbosa To 5-Year, $32M Extension</TD></TR><TR><TD>3rd August, 2006 - 6:27 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>East Valley Tribune - The Phoenix Suns signed guard Leandro Barbosa to a five-year, $32 million contract extension on Thursday, the East Valley Tribune is reporting.

Barbosa will be in Phoenix for a press conference today before rejoining the Brazilian National Team and its preparations for the upcoming World Basketball Championships. He will earn $1.679 million in 2006-07, the final year of his current contract, before the new deal kicks in beginning with the 2007-08 season.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Bobcats Re-Sign Voskuhl</TD></TR><TR><TD>4th August, 2006 - 12:40 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>ESPN - Free agent center Jake Voskuhl signed a two-year, $4 million dollar contract with the Charlotte Bobcats on Thursday, his agent Mark Bartelstein told ESPN.com.

Bartelstein said his client has a player option in the second year of the deal.

The Bobcats acquired Voskuhl in a trade with the Suns last summer. He played 51 games for the Bobcats last year, averaging 5.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.

The deal now gives the Bobcats 14 players under contract. However, the team has just $33 million in committed salary, about $6 million under the NBA minimum team salary.

The Bobcats look like they are clearly saving money for next season when they are in a position to be the only team far enough under the cap to offer a maximum deal. Players like Rashard Lewis, Mike Bibby, Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups could be available.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Mavs Look To Buyout Pavel Podkolzin</TD></TR><TR><TD>4th August, 2006 - 12:36 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Dallas Morning News - The Mavericks have a logjam for minutes at the center position, and to relieve some of the stress the team is contemplating buying out Pavel Podkolzin, the Dallas Morning News is reporting.

As a third-year player, Podkolzin cannot be sent to the developmental league. He has one year remaining on his contract.

With the buyout, Podkolzin, 21, could play significant minutes in Europe and continue to develop. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Stoudemire Dropped From Team U.S.A. Roster</TD></TR><TR><TD>3rd August, 2006 - 8:59 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>AP - Amare Stoudemire was dropped Thursday from the U.S. roster for their trip to Asia, leaving 14 players available for the 12 spots on the world championship team.

USA Basketball announced Stoudemire's departure hours before it played Puerto Rico in an exhibition game. The Phoenix forward was to miss that game and return home to continue rehabbing his right knee and await the impending birth of a child. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Blazers Off The Market</TD></TR><TR><TD>3rd August, 2006 - 5:22 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>ESPN - Portland Arena Management, which runs the Rose Garden Arena, announced Thursday that Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen has pulled out of negotiations to sell the team, the Associated Press is reporting.

Allen, the billionaire co-founder of Microsoft, and the arena management group had been working together to sell the team and the Rose Garden as a package.

"As a result of the process, multiple bids were received, a number of which were in a range which PAM found acceptable, and PAM confirmed that it wanted the sale process to continue to pursue negotiations with certain of the bidders," the group said. "However, Mr. Allen has advised PAM that he does not wish to pursue a sale of the team at this time, and the sale process has been terminated." </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Looks like PHX is keeping Barbosa.

[Bob Saccamano]

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Dale Davis May Sue Over Arrest, Taser Use</TD></TR><TR><TD>4th August, 2006 - 5:28 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Sports Illustrated - Detroit Pistons center Dale Davis was charged with assault and disorderly conduct in an altercation with police that saw him shocked with a stun gun, but the Associated Press is reporting that Chubby Wells, Davis' agent, said he plans to sue over police treatment.

Davis was arrested Tuesday at a Miami Beach hotel and was accused of threatening security guards and police and leveling profanities at them, a police report said.

Police were called to the hotel by the security workers and officers repeatedly asked Davis to leave, but he refused, the report said.

After giving officers his identification, Davis and the officers went outside, where the 6-foot-11 player accused the officers of targeting him because he is black, the report said.

Police said they asked Davis to remove his hands from his pockets for officer safety, and Davis complied after asking officers if they were going to shoot him.

Davis pulled out money, three cellular phones and credit cards, report said. He put the items back in his pockets and said he'd beat up the officers if they took off their badges and got rid of their guns, the report said.

The report said Davis then balled his fists and began walking toward officers in an aggressive manner, and he was warned that he would be hit with a Taser if he continued, police said.

He didn't stop, so an officer zapped Davis in the chest with the Taser, and he fell to the ground. He was taken into custody and charged with assault, assault on a police officer, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence, the report said.

However, Wells said he was planning to file a lawsuit against Miami Beach police for their treatment of the player.

"It was so ridiculous, it's unbelievable," he said. "We're going to take a stand."</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Hawks Sign Lorenzen Wright</TD></TR><TR><TD>5th August, 2006 - 12:38 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Atlanta Journal Constitution - The Atlanta Hawks have reached an agreement with free agent center Lorenzen Wright on a two-year contract worth an estimated $6 million, according to a source familiar with the situation.

Wright, a 6-11, 250-pound 10-year veteran, played the past five seasons in Memphis and averaged 5.8 points and 5.1 rebounds while playing just 21.7 minutes per game. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Sixers Hold Sale Negotiations With At Least Two Parties</TD></TR><TR><TD>5th August, 2006 - 11:41 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Philadelphia Inquirer - Sources have told the Inquirer that the 76ers have held negotiations to sell the team with at least two interested parties.

Kushner Companies, a multibillion-dollar real-estate enterprise based in Florham Park, N.J., is one of the parties involved, a source with close ties to the local business community said.

Last night, Ed Snider confirmed that the Sixers have been receiving inquiries from groups interested in purchasing the team and said it has hired a New York sports investment firm to explore alternatives.

"We have been approached by multiple parties interested in purchasing the Philadelphia 76ers , particularly in the wake of recent press speculation," Snider said in a statement last night. "While this is not the first time we have received such inquiries, we have decided to engage the services of Galatioto Sports Partners, an industry-leading sports-investment firm, to help us evaluate our strategic alternatives, including a sale or a new partnership. We emphasize that no decision has been made to sell the 76ers." </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Voskuhl Re-Signs With Bobcats</TD></TR><TR><TD>5th August, 2006 - 11:31 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Charlotte Observer - Jake Voskuhl's agent and a Bobcats team source confirmed Friday that they have agreed upon on a two-year deal.

According to agent Mark Bartelstein, the agreement (yet to be signed) would pay Voskuhl $2 million each season and give Voskuhl the option of becoming an unrestricted free agent after next season.

"Jake is a good fit anywhere," Bartelstein said. "Injuries have kept him under the radar screen, but he's very physical with a nasty streak and he makes shots. With a full year healthy, I think he'd be very coveted" around the league.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Wizards Officially Announce Stevenson Signing</TD></TR><TR><TD>5th August, 2006 - 11:00 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Press Release - Washington Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the team has signed guard DeShawn Stevenson. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“DeShawn is a very tough and hard-nosed player who has been a starter in this league,” said Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld. “He is a very explosive and athletic player and will be a solid addition to our team.” </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Buyout Likely For Planinic</TD></TR><TR><TD>5th August, 2006 - 7:06 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>North Jersey - Multiple sources said the Nets are close to finalizing a buyout of Zoran Planinic's contract, which runs through next season, so he can sign a multiyear deal with Spanish Euroleague power, Tau Ceramica. Sources close to the Nets and Planinic said he likely will be bought out and waived in the near future.

"It could happen the early part of next week," one league source said.

Planinic's likely departure means Mile Ilic, last year's second-round pick, will be headed to New Jersey.

The Nets had been trying to clear a spot for the 7-foot-2 Ilic. They were offering Planinic for a second-round pick, but found no takers. Overseas, Maccabi Tel Aviv also showed interest.

"It's something we're exploring," said Marc Cornstein, the agent for both Planinic and Ilic.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Team U.S.A. Riding High, Leaves For Asia</TD></TR><TR><TD>5th August, 2006 - 1:56 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>AP - With a sensational debut behind them, the American players lingered on the court for a few extra moments to soak up the last of the "USA!, USA!" chants.

Hours after closing their second training stint here Thursday night by overwhelming Puerto Rico 114-69 in their lone exhibition on home soil, the Americans departed Friday for a month in Asia, culminating with the world championships in Japan.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

There goes Lorenzen Wright. I'm starting to get worried about what Danny is doing now.

[Bob Saccamano]

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>http://www.realgm.com/

Jeffries Will Join Knicks, Wizards Will Not Match Offer

</TD></TR><TR><TD>5th August, 2006 - 9:13 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Sports Illustrated - According to a league source, the Washington Wizards , who recently signed shooting guard DeShawn Stevenson to a two-year contract, will not match the New York Knicks five-year, $30 million offer sheet extended to restricted free agent forward Jared Jeffries last week. As a result, Jeffries will become property of the Knicks on Monday.

The 6-foot-11 Jeffries averaged 6.1 points per game in 77 games (all starts) with Washington and was considered one of the top remaining free agents on the market.

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<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>China Could Host Regular Season Games In 2007</TD></TR><TR><TD>6th August, 2006 - 5:31 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Washington Post - Regular season NBA games could take place in China as early as next year, league commissioner David Stern said on Sunday.

The last time the NBA came to China was in October 2004 when the Houston Rockets , led by local hero Yao Ming, played pre-season games against the Sacramento Kings in Shanghai and Beijing.

"We didn't have the China game in the following year in 2005 because we were having a collective bargain then," Stern told state news agency Xinhua in Guangzhou.

"We don't have it this year because of the preparation of the world championship.

"But we are planning to play some games next year here. It could be pre-season, or even regular season."

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<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Harrington Still Expected To End Up In Indiana</TD></TR><TR><TD>6th August, 2006 - 10:31 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Boston Herald - Most people around the NBA still expect Al Harrington to end up in Indiana as soon as his agent, Arn Tellem, is allowed
to test the market.

Harrington could get less money than he was once expecting though.

“Normally, I don’t think Al Harrington is a guy who should be getting more than the mid-level,” said the anonymous general manager. “How do you explain what a guy like Nene ($60 million over five years from Denver) is getting? There’s no rhyme or reason to it. Some guys luck out, and some guys don’t.”

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<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Minnesota Offer To Evans Still On Table</TD></TR><TR><TD>6th August, 2006 - 10:26 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Pioneer Press - The Wolves still have an offer on the table to Denver free agent forward Reggie Evans, who also has attracted interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as the Nuggets.

Minnesota was also interested in big man Lorenzen Wright, who reached an agreement with the Hawks.

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<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Nets Look At Rush, Expect Ilic</TD></TR><TR><TD>6th August, 2006 - 7:05 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>New York Post - Center Mile Ilic figures to be with the Nets after all.

The Nets' hope to bring the 7-2 Ilic, last year's second-round pick, over from Europe received a jolt when rookie Josh Boone required shoulder surgery, forcing the acquisition of Mikki Moore, which ate up a roster spot.

But now there is available room because Zoran Planinic is headed to Spanish League power Tau Ceramica.

The Nets plan to finalize a buyout this week for Planinic, who is expected to clear waivers.

The Nets are still looking for a shooting guard or a third point guard. This past week, they worked out Kareem Rush, who twice got ill during a lackluster session. Sources claimed it would not cloud the Nets' decision.

Other possibilities include Eddie House and Milt Palacio, whom the Nets wooed last year before settling on Jeff McInnis. McInnis' buyout situation is at a "stalemate."

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<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Wolves Re-Enter The Al Harrington Chase?</TD></TR><TR><TD>6th August, 2006 - 2:09 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Boston Herald - With Al Harrington firing agent Andy Miller last week, a door was opened which may allow other teams to re-enter the stakes for the scoring forward. Harrington appeared to be a lock to return to the Pacers, but with the deal continually being delayed after the teams couldn't agree on a right mix for the deal he got frustrated and relieved Miller of his duties, opting for Arn Tellem to represent him instead.

Other teams - with Minnesota reportedly showing renewed interest - have re-entered the mix, according to the Boston Herald, guaranteeing a prolonged drama.

Hawks general manager Billy Knight, in keeping a disciplined eye on the salary cap, is asking for draft picks instead of veteran contracts in any Harrington deal, and the Pacers haven’t been able to offer the right package - all of this despite the allure of a $7.5 million trade exception that would make most deals work.

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<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Sixers Hold Sale Negotiations With At Least Two Parties</TD></TR><TR><TD>5th August, 2006 - 11:41 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>Philadelphia Inquirer - Sources have told the Inquirer that the 76ers have held negotiations to sell the team with at least two interested parties.

Kushner Companies, a multibillion-dollar real-estate enterprise based in Florham Park, N.J., is one of the parties involved, a source with close ties to the local business community said.

Last night, Ed Snider confirmed that the Sixers have been receiving inquiries from groups interested in purchasing the team and said it has hired a New York sports investment firm to explore alternatives.

"We have been approached by multiple parties interested in purchasing the Philadelphia 76ers , particularly in the wake of recent press speculation," Snider said in a statement last night. "While this is not the first time we have received such inquiries, we have decided to engage the services of Galatioto Sports Partners, an industry-leading sports-investment firm, to help us evaluate our strategic alternatives, including a sale or a new partnership. We emphasize that no decision has been made to sell the 76ers."

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If Evans signs with the T-Wolves, we might have to edge a little closer to Gooden's wants. Unless there is a sign and trade in the works. I haven't heard any recent news on the Gooden signing, I guess that means we are still pretty far away from a deal.

[Bob Saccamano]

http://realgm.com/

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Carmelo Injures Knee</TD></TR><TR><TD>8th August, 2006 - 5:39 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Denver Post - Carmelo Anthony scored 16 first-half points before being forced out with a knee injury, and the United States hung on for a 90-86 victory over Brazil on Tuesday.

Anthony set the early pace for the U.S., but slipped while chasing a ball to the sideline with 2:21 left in the second quarter. He crashed into coach Mike Krzyzewski and left the game with a hyperextended right knee, an injury team officials said didn't appear serious.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Burks Continues To Weigh His Options</TD></TR><TR><TD>8th August, 2006 - 5:53 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Memphis Commercial-Appeal - Former Grizzlies guard Antonio Burks, a Memphis native, says four NBA teams have expressed interest in him. He acknowledges that the NBA's development league and Europe are among three options.

Yet the 6-foot point guard sounds convinced that he'll get a second chance to prove that his first NBA suitor was wrong.

The Grizzlies chose not to re-sign Burks after two seasons.

"But I know where I'm supposed to be," Burks said Monday. "I'll get back. I'm just waiting on those (other) teams to decide."

Burks played in 81 regular-season games over two seasons with the Grizzlies. He averaged 2.3 points, 1.3 assists and 9.7 minutes. Revered for his hard-nosed defense and end-to-end quickness, Burks eventually fell out of favor partly because of offensive struggles.

"I've been working out and I feel good about my game," Burks said. "I've got my jump shot falling again."

If no NBA team makes him an offer, Burks is more inclined to play in the D-League rather than travel overseas. He's not ruling anything out, though.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Darius Miles For Quentin Richardson Still Possible</TD></TR><TR><TD>9th August, 2006 - 8:36 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>NY Daily News - Knicks president and head coach Isiah Thomas may go back to Portland to finalize a trade that would send Quentin Richardson to the Blazers in exchange for Darius Miles, according to Frank Isola of the NY Daily News.

The official signing of Jared Jeffries yesterday could open the way for the Knicks' next move.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Darius Miles For Quentin Richardson Still Possible</TD></TR><TR><TD>9th August, 2006 - 8:36 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>NY Daily News - Knicks president and head coach Isiah Thomas may go back to Portland to finalize a trade that would send Quentin Richardson to the Blazers in exchange for Darius Miles, according to Frank Isola of the NY Daily News.

The official signing of Jared Jeffries yesterday could open the way for the Knicks' next move.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

<TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Former NBA All-Star Eddie Johnson Charged With Sexual Battery</TD></TR><TR><TD>9th August, 2006 - 12:53 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>AP - Former NBA All-Star Eddie Johnson has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl, authorities said Tuesday night.

Johnson, 51, was charged Tuesday with sexual battery on a child under the age of 12 and residential burglary for entering the apartment where the girl was staying while her mother was out, said Sgt. Russ Kern of the Ocala police department.</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

http://hoopshype.com/rumors.htm

Woodham grad seeks big NBA contract

Evans testing free-agent market; choices are Cavs, Wolves, Nuggets



George W. Moore III
@PensacolaNewsJournal.com

<!-- ARTICLE BODY TEXT --><!-- ARTICLE PARAGRAPH ITEMS -->Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Garnett or LeBron James.

Tough choice, huh?

That's the decision facing Pensacola's Reggie Evans, an unrestricted free agent looking for his next NBA job.

"I cannot go wrong either way," Evans said Monday after the news conference announcing the Pensacola Dream Achievers' proposed sports museum.

Evans said he will decide to sign with either Anthony's Denver Nuggets, Garnett's Minnesota Timberwolves or James' Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Woodham High alumnus spent most of last season in Denver after being traded to the Nuggets from Seattle. Evans spent his first three-plus seasons with the SuperSonics after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa.

Now, he's at a crossroads. Does he stay in Denver, head to the Midwest to help Garnett rebuild the T-wolves, or move east and join the James Gang?

"I just left Denver, so I have to give them the first look," Evans said. "But I think it'll work out good wherever I play."

Evans also has to look out for his family. He has to consider his two young daughters -- Amiya, 2, and Alise, who is a month and a half old -- and his girlfriend, Joi Dent, 24.

He also would like to play closer to home so the rest of his family, including his mother, can watch him play.

"I have a lot of weight on my shoulders," Evans said. "But it's a good weight. I don't mind holding good weight."

Evans said his biggest concern is a long-term contract, but moving into a good situation is important as well. The Nuggets and Cavaliers are up-and-coming teams -- both made the playoffs last season -- while the Timberwolves are just two years removed from the Western Conference Finals.

Wherever he goes, Evans is sure to make an impact. After graduating from Woodham, he went to junior college to hone his skills. He developed enough to earn a scholarship from Iowa, and he dominated the Big Ten for two seasons, leading the conference in rebounding in 2001 and 2002.

He was signed by Seattle and earned a starting spot, picking up the moniker "The Collector" from Sonics fans. Evans became a tenacious rebounder, leading the league in rebounds per minute played in 2004-05.

Evans, however, says his game isn't all about defense and rebounding.

"I'm not like Ben Wallace. I'm not Dennis Rodman," Evans said of two players known solely for defense and rebounding. "I can score the ball. I just haven't gotten a chance to show that. But it will come in due time."

So will a big payday.

I wonder how hard we are making a run at Evans? It'd be nice to sign him, and trade Gooden for a solid PG.

[BB73]

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset"><TABLE cellSpacing=8 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=wiretap_key_header>Former NBA All-Star Eddie Johnson Charged With Sexual Battery</TD></TR><TR><TD>9th August, 2006 - 12:53 am</TD></TR><TR><TD>AP - Former NBA All-Star Eddie Johnson has been arrested and charged with sexually assaulting an 8-year-old girl, authorities said Tuesday night.

Johnson, 51, was charged Tuesday with sexual battery on a child under the age of 12 and residential burglary for entering the apartment where the girl was staying while her mother was out, said Sgt. Russ Kern of the Ocala police department.
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This is "Fast Eddie" Johnson a guard from Auburn who did play in two All-Star games (1980 and '81), not the better-known forward from Illinois, who won the 6th man Award in 1989 for Phoenix, where he now lives. The Chicago Tribune issued this apology today:

chicagotribune

An apology to Chicago's Eddie Johnson

Dan McGrath, Associate Managing Editor/Sports

August 10, 2006

<!-- START LEAD -->Haste to make deadline is no excuse for putting incorrect information in a newspaper.

Factual errors erode a paper's credibility.

We made an inadvertent but hurtful error Tuesday night in an effort to get as much news as possible into Wednesday's final edition of the Tribune sports section, and we would like to apologize to Eddie Johnson, his family and friends, and our readers.

An Associated Press story detailing the arrest of "former NBA All-Star Eddie Johnson" moved across the wire late Tuesday, and a decision was made to get it into the "Press Box" segment of the sports section, where our sports briefs go.

In Chicago, former NBA star Eddie Johnson means Eddie Johnson, 47, a 6-foot-7-inch forward from Westinghouse High School and the University of Illinois, the Eddie Johnson who went on to a 17-year pro career with seven NBA teams. The Eddie Johnson who was distinguished as much by good citizenship and charity work as by 19,202 career points, a 16-point scoring average and the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award he won with the Phoenix Suns in 1988-89.

Unfortunately, the man arrested Tuesday was "the other" Eddie Johnson, 51, a 6-2 guard from Auburn who had a 10-year career with three NBA teams and has been in and out of trouble with the law since he quit playing in 1987.

In the last paragraph of the wire story, "the other" Eddie Johnson was identified correctly as a former Atlanta Hawks All-Star who played college ball at Auburn. But in our haste to make deadline, we failed to make the distinction.

The Ocala, Fla., dateline should have been one tipoff. Chicago's Eddie Johnson lives in Phoenix and works as a television analyst for the Suns.

The charges--sexual battery on a child younger than 12 and residential burglary--should have been not a tipoff but a red flag. Anyone who knows or has had even limited contact with Chicago's Eddie Johnson would find it unfathomable that he would be linked to such behavior.

"It has happened before" in other media, Johnson said Wednesday from his home in Phoenix. "The other guy keeps getting in trouble, and since I'm the more visible of the two, it keeps coming back to me."

For the record, Chicago's Eddie Johnson remains extensively involved in charity work, including motivational speaking and basketball clinics for kids. In addition to his broadcasting duties, he is president of a Phoenix telecommunications firm. He got his degree from Illinois in 1981, and he was and is regarded as one of the NBA's model citizens.

Again, we apologize.

"It has been a tough day," Johnson said, "but I appreciate you trying to set the record straight."

NOTE - END OF ARTICLE

But hey, give 'em a break, the Trib's never been wrong before.



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