Hooped Up

The announcer introduced Iverson to the capacity crowd of 20,664 at Wachovia Center and a deafening applause. Iverson’s journey still has chapters to be written, and the perfect ending is in place, if only Iverson is willing to author the piece.

On Monday night, Iverson registered more cheers than points, more applause than assists, and the outcome was a loss. He scored 11 points in the 76ers’ 10th consecutive defeat, 93-83 to the Denver Nuggets.

“I’m proud of myself because I did the best that I could,” said the 34-year-old Iverson, who had only one practice with his new (old) team. “My heart said, ‘Yeah,’ but my body said, ‘No.’ My legs were weak. My arms were weak.”
New York Times

Multiple sources in the NBA have told me that Jerryd Bayless seems to be the most available player on Portland’s roster. A couple of sources indicated over the weekend that Bayless has asked the team to trade him, because of his lack of playing time. I wouldn’t blame him — young players want, and need, to play. And if he wants out, the team should try to accommodate him.
DwightJaynes

Don’t expect a very big guy to be available during perhaps the NBA’s biggest free-agency summer ever. That’s the word fromHouston general manager Daryl Morey about 7-foot-6 Yao Ming. He has no doubt the center, out all season following foot surgery, won’t opt out of his contract next summerto become a free agent. “He’s very loyal, and he’s going to opt in,” Morey said in an interview Monday night with FanHouse. “He’s definitely coming back.”
FanHouse