- The Cheesecake Factory, doing really well in a bad economy. NPR's All Things Considered investigates the NBA's favorite restaurant.
- Although there is still some tough talk in the European press, Chad Ford (Insider) reported late last night that there was meaningful progress sorting out Ricky Rubio's buyout: "The Kings got word that Rubio was making progress on a deal with his club in Spain, DKV Joventut, that will lower his buyout to roughly $4 million. When you factor in that Rubio will be allowed to make his payments over several years, there is no longer a huge financial impediment for Rubio to come to the draft." Rubio talks about how his one-on-none workout went in Sacramento.
- For a sense of the mood about the media this time of year around the Thunder or the Spurs, read this.
- Russell Westbrook tells ESPN the Magazine who the Thunder should take with the third pick: James Harden. "'He can handle, shoot and he's athletic. And he was in a good system at Arizona State,' ... But don't get Westbrook started on sliding to the 2 so Oklahoma City can tap Spanish star Ricky Rubio. Says he: 'You trippin'.'"
- You want to interview Terrence Williams? Get ye to Twitter, and keep it short. And more and more people are supporting the notion Williams has a promise to be drafted 12th by the Bobcats.
- There is talk that Ricky Rubio may fall to fifth or sixth, or even eighth, but having heard from all kinds of people I simply do not believe it. There are some teams that aren't sold on him. (John Hollinger points out that Rubio scores at an alarmingly slow rate, which echoes what a lot of people told me a few weeks ago.) But Rubio's stock is too high in the eyes of too many teams for him to fall that far, and even if the Grizzlies, Thunder or Kings aren't head-over-heels in love with him, he'll be worth more in trade than the player you'd draft instead. Mark my words: He won't be drafted lower than fourth.
- Breaking down the first round's other projected European player: Jonas Jerebko, who is said to be an oxymoronic big small forward who defends and rebounds like a pro but has issues sticking the jumper.
- Great Golden State Warrior draft mistakes of the past.
- Bumping into Steve Nash.
- Mitch Kupchak says the Lakers don't want more than 13 players, and if they bring back their three free agents, they're already at their number. So their first-round pick isn't something they're hoping to turn into short-term production.
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TRUEHOOP CONTRIBUTORS
Henry AbbottTrueHoop ESPN Archive |
J.A. AdandeTrueHoop ESPN Archive |
Kevin ArnovitzTrueHoop ESPN Archive |
Chris BroussardTrueHoop ESPN Archive |
Chad FordTrueHoop ESPN Archive |
John HollingerTrueHoop ESPN Archive |
Chris SheridanTrueHoop ESPN Archive |
Marc SteinTrueHoop ESPN Archive |
