N(old)an Richardson

I may not be documenting it here, but I've been keeping my nightly appointments with Team USA, John Saunders and Bill Walton. I wanted to post this last night, but who knew Nolan Richardson was coaching Team Puerto Rico?


(photo Getty Images)

Looks like he went through 40 minutes of hell.

Man, does he look old.

Free Throws

+ As stated, the FIBA Americas tournament kicks off this week (today). 'Melo is there and is being looked upon to play a key role in Team USA's success. The tournament is being held in Vegas, so chances are high that K-Fed would be in the vicinity. He is, and apparantly he and 'Melo are hanging out.

This doesn't bode well for Team USA's chances.

+ Sad ending to the tortured soul of the once-nicknamed "The Messiah" Eddie Griffin.

Free Throws

The FIBA Americas tournament takes place next week. The AP pens a nice, brief feature stating 'Melo might be the glue that holds Americans together.

I contemplated adding Ime Udoka to my fantasy team a couple times last year. Turns out San Antonio was slightly captivated, as well. The Spurs signed Udoka Thursday.

Who's sorry now, Donaghy? The NBA ref on the take scandal is definitely troubling. Is it an isolated case? Stern is doing a good job of minimizing this story. Donaghy reminds me of one of my favorite characters on tv - Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) from the highly underrated 30 Rock.

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It's something. Brett?

What might happen at '07's All-Star Weekend

Get your popcorn ready...

All-Star Celebrity Game
Friday Night, 7:00 ESPN
What might happen: Hopefully the only props we see from Carrot Top are to the guy who just dunked on him. West wins in a landslide. How appropriate would a Jimmy Fallon halftime performance of "(You Can't Play) Basketball" be?

Rookie Challenge
Friday Night, 9:00 TNT
What might happen: Rookies upset heavily favored Soph squad, Rudy Gay named MVP to further emphasize how uncool the NBA thinks Tim Hardaway is.

D-League All-Star Game
Saturday Night, 5:00 NBA TV
What might happen: Peter John Ramos might happen, that's what.

Barkley V. Bavetta
Saturday Night, TBD TNT
What might happen: Chuck may have taken down Godzilla 15 years ago, but Dick Bavetta is an altogether different beast! The Ref outruns the Round Mound and basks in the spectacle post-race by declaring "Rick Mahorn, you're next!"

NBA All-Star Saturday Night
Saturday Night, 8:00 TNT
What might happen: Nate Robinson's dunk percentage is lower than his year-to-date shooting percentage (43.6%); Tyrus Thomas' lack of showmanship is unprecendented; Dwight Howard becomes tallest Slam Dunk Champ. Chris Paul reps the true points with a Skills win. How does 56% 3-point shooter Jason Kapono not take the shootout? We all learn a little bit about Haier.

NBA All-Star Game
Sunday Night, 8:00 TNT
What might happen: The East struggles out of the gate thanks to Eddie Jordan's pre-game emphasis on defense. Game MVP Shawn Marion leads West.