Late News

The Spurs intend to use the newly implemented amnesty clause on forward Richard Jefferson. The attempt to move Jefferson into the Spurs system is done, it seemed he never adjusted his game which disappeared while in San Antonio. I have friend who is a Spurs fan and we've discussed this matter over the last past two seasons. Both of us wondered why the Jefferson we saw in New Jersey played so badly in San Antonio. We concluded it might have been the Kidd factor, Jason that it is. When you have Jason Kidd passing you the rock your game can appear superior. In other late news the Lakers will sign veteran Jason Kapono as their designated 3-point shooter. Kapono has bounced around the association but has a reputation as a sniper. He led the NBA in 3-point shooting for two seasons. Only an average defensive player but I'm sure the Lakers are not signing him for his defense. Finally, last season Mark Cuban thought the Mavs were "short" one player to get them over the hump. They won last year despite that fact Caron Butler was injured most of the season. No matter he's gone, signed a 3-year free agent contract with the Clips.

Help is on the way

Mizzou tight end Andrew Jones says he intends to play for the Tigers in January after the Independence Bowl. Jones has been working out before the coaching staff in an effort to hone his body for basketball. It's hoped he will help in the rebounding department, Jones is but 6-5 but packs 255 pounds on his body. If you are thinking this is a football player turned basketball player that is far from the truth, the truth is actually the other way around. Jones was All-State basketball player for 4-years at Smithville High Smithville (MO). Entering his senior year Jones might have thought his opportunity to play at the collegiate level was better if he concentrated on football rather than basketball. Jones played AAU ball while in high school and one of his AAU teammates was current Tiger Marcus Denmon.

The name's the same

Allen Iverson might never play again in the NBA but there might be another Iverson in the association one day. This Iverson is bigger than his well known cousin, he's 6-8 and weighs in at 200 pounds. Kuran is from Hartford Connecticut and is a high school sophomore. Rivals list him a 4-star recruit who is currently on the radar of UConn, Pitt, Villanova and Louisville. Although Georgetown is not yet recruiting him his desire is play at the school of his cousin. From all indications this Iverson has no problem with practice.

I found this surprising

A Fox Sports reporter interviewed Dr. J. and a portion of the interview was quite interesting. When asked about who most resembles his style of play he mentioned several of today's players. He mentioned Kobe, Wade and James. The host then asked him to be a little more specific, he then said the player who most resembled his style no longer plays. That player would be Scottie Pippen. Dr. J. stated: "I didn't play as much point forward as Pippen but our games are somewhat similar."

You might not be familiar with
You might remember the story written last spring on Kyle Weems, Weems is a senior year at Missouri State in Springfield MO. This small forward 6-6 and 232 pounds just might have be primed for the NBA. Weems is coming off his selection as 2011 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and AP All-American. I had an opportunity to view the Missouri State-Oral Roberts game. The Bears lost a close game 68-63 foul trouble and missed shots in the first half didn't seem to faze Weems. In the second half he lead his team back from a 14-point halftime deficit although they fell short succumbing 68-63. Weems numbers, 22 pts, 3 rebounds, 2 assist and 1 blocked shot while shooting a cool 9-17 and 4-7 from the 3-point line. Although his stats appear to lean toward the offensive side he plays defense too. I witnessed a second Missouri State game this time against Oklahoma State. A player can have a monster game and his team still lose, that was the case as late Oklahoma State run led to a 72-67 win. The Weems line 24 points, 12 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot. After winning the Missouri Valley Conference last season with a 15-3 mark and 26-9 overall record they stand at 4-3 after 3 successive losses.

How is your cave progressing
I haven't added any memorabilia to the cave since I last updated you. Notice I didn't use the term "man" cave, I did that for a specific reason. There might be female fans who are building caves, their cave could be of the WNBA, NFL or NBA variety. Don't laugh I know at least three females it would not be a shock if I discovered they had a cave or were building one. It's not necessary for me to call you out, you know who you are. Back to my cave and my story nothing was added because I was upset, I was mad at the prospect of no NBA. I ignored all the emails piling up in my inbox from memorabilia websites. The lockout reminded me of a woman I once dated, she treated me badly because she knew I was head over heels in love with her. She knew in advance I would do almost anything she asked, she used me in a similar manner the NBA has. She knew no matter how upset or mad I was I would always come back. Here I am again NBA, use and abuse me again I love it!

"You can run a lot of plays when your X is twice as big as the other guy's O. It makes your X's and O'x pretty good."
Paul Westphal Sacramento Kings Coach