Hornets the Next Up-and-Coming Team?

With New Orleans Hornets rookie forward Anthony Davis set to make his debut this upcoming season and the average age of their core players only 24 years old, the team appears to have taken the appropriate steps this summer to achieve long-term sustainability. Several former NBA players, who were in New Orleans this past weekend for the National Basketball Retired Players Association’s conference, said they believe the Hornets could become the next emerging team in the Western Conference because of their young talent.
“The direction the Hornets are in right now is really positive,” former Utah Jazz forward Stephen Howard said. “I think General Manager Dell Demps has done a tremendous job trying to build them into a team that will contend day in and day out.”
When the Hornets open training camp in October, their roster will include eight new players. Davis was the No. 1 draft pick in NBA draft in June after winning a national championship as a freshman with Kentucky in April.

NBA BEATS - I agree, Hornets could be a up and coming team. But I wouldn't say the General Manager or the organization did a good job. It is called getting the number one pick. That is why this is being said about them.

Thunder Has Interest in Jimmer Fredette?

Speaking of Kings, Jimmer Fredette would love to go someplace where someone other than just DeMarcus Cousins will pass him the ball. Thunder would love to pry Fredette away from Kings as replacement for Derek Fisher.

NBA BEATS - I think Jimmer whould thrive in a different enviroment. It is just the players the Kings have. Sacramento is a selfish team. A guy that can shoot that good is always a threat. Just needs to be in the right situation. But then again just look at how Adam Morrison turned out. Maybe Jimmer is a dud. But I think he has some real value in the right enviroment. Hope he does go to OKC.

Iguodala Thinking Long-Term with Nuggets

Andre Iguodala says he doesn’t want Denver to be just a stopover. The Nuggets wholeheartedly agree.
The Nuggets acquired the All-Star swingman from Philadelphia in the blockbuster trade that sent Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Iguodala is under contract for this season with a player option for 2013-14. At his introductory news conference at the Pepsi Center on Thursday, he said he told Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri he wants to be here a while.
“We weren’t coming into this thinking this will be a one-year deal,” Iguodala said. “… This is definitely a place that I can see myself for more than just a year or two.”

Ujiri said he’ll work on an extension this upcoming season for the defensive-minded star who helped the U.S. win the gold medal at the London Olympics.

Wade Guarantees Return by Season Opener

Six weeks after left knee surgery and two weeks away from court work, he (Dwyane Wade) is much closer to healthy now than he was during the 2012 playoffs. He guaranteed that he would be ready for the season opener Oct. 30 against the Celtics: “No question.”

Ibaka, Thunder Reach Terms On Extension

Oklahoma City forward Serge Ibaka has reached agreement on a four-year, $40-million plus contract extension, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.
Ibaka, 22, could’ve been a restricted free agent next summer, and his deal now locks into place three of the Thunder’s core young stars — Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Ibaka.
This deal leaves the future uncertain for guard James Harden, who could command a maximum contract on the league market as a restricted free agent next summer. Along with the remainder of Kendrick Perkins three years and $27 million, the small-market Thunder will be hard-pressed to invest so much money into his payroll.
In his third NBA season in 2011-’12, Ibaka averaged 9.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.6 blocks per game. He’s one of the league’s best rim protectors, and been rapidly developing his offensive game. Ibaka was a key player on Spain’s silver medal winning Olympic team this month in London.

James Joins Jordan on History List

LeBron (James) signed off with 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists and exchanged long, tight hugs with both (Mike) Krzyzewski and (Kevin) Durant before the final horn had even blown. Shortly thereafter, Coach K made an even bigger scene by jumping up and down on the medal stand.

“It’s been a great ride for me,” James said upon joining Michael Jordan on the short list of players to win a gold medal, an NBA championship and the MVP trophy in the same season.

“I could have never scripted it this way. A lot of people doubted us. They said we were too small. Like Chris (Paul) said, it’s not about size, it’s about heart. And I’m happy we have so much heart on our team.”

NBA BEATS - Just wanted to let it be known. As much as I respect Lebrons game he is nowhere near Michael Jordan. Jordan could shoot. Jordan could dunk. Lebron just dunks when the lane is open. Jordan went over people. Jordan was alot more fun to watch. I don't like watchin players that can't shoot. 

Stoudemire ‘Can’t Wait’ to Use New Moves

Six-time NBA All-Star forward Amare Stoudemire “can’t wait” to explore the moves he has learned from former Rockets star Hakeem Olajuwon when he returns to play with the N.Y. Knicks.

Stoudemire has been in Houston for about a week working with the Hall of Fame center.

“It’s always room to improve as a player,” Stoudemire said in an interview with FOX 26 Sports. “To want to be the best is always a common denominator for most players.

“So working with Hakeem, one of the best players to ever play the game, is a great opportunity for me. We are both very quick and athletic for our positions. So to learn from him will be a great advantage for me.”