Hooped Up

Another van glorious season of NBA basketball is about to begin and Hooped Up does a quick and dirty preview of all 30 clubs.

Ever since the Celtics got Kevin Garnett, Boston versus whoever in the first round of the playoffs has given the eventual loser of the series hope. After the Bulls took the Celtics to multiple overtimes and eventually took an L in game 7. Optimism in Chi-Town about their ball club hasn’t been this high since Michael Jordan played. Read More »

The Bulls, Kings and Blazers played lets make a deal today and seven players ended up with new jerseys and addresses.

“The Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings have reached tentative agreement on a trade sending Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Michael Ruffin and Cedric Simmons to the Kings for Brad Miller and John Salmons, front-office sources said on Wednesday.

The Kings would then turn around and ship Ruffin to the Portland Trail Blazersfor forward Ike Diogu and cash considerations.”

Another year goes by and the throwback jersey collection of Drew Gooden grows — with more Drew Gooden jerseys.

Via ESPN

Since the beginning of the season, Shawn Marion has been rumored to be going everywhere but, back to his digs in Miami. The latest news off the wire is that Marion could be on his way to the Kings for Brad Miller. 

“While many scenarios are being discussed, the Kings are closely watching the current trade talks between Miami and Toronto. If Raptors forward Jermaine O’Neal doesn’t go to the Heat for small forward Shawn Marion, the Kings could be the benefactor. The Heat, numerous league sources said, has had recent talks with the Kings and offered Marion for center Brad Miller and Kenny Thomas. But Miami also wants the Kings to take Marcus Banks, the little-used, sixth-year point guard who has this season and next remaining on his contract for a combined total of $5.1 million.”

I wonder where Marion will be “headed to” next week? I want to play some mens’ league this year and I bet we could use a small forward of his talents too. I can offer the Heat, my old Voltron collection in return for Marion.

Your move Riles.

Via Sacramento Bee

The Chicago Bulls would like to get a real center and Buff Braddy and Chris Kaveman seem to be on their radar and Travel Wllbury Drew Gooden could be trade bait again.

“It’s known the Bulls have had talks with the Kings, though it’s unclear who on that roster interests the Bulls. Former Bull Brad Miller is available. The Bulls also have expressed interest in Clippers center Chris Kaman, who didn’t travel because of injury and who reportedly is not being shopped yet. Gooden’s expiring contract and solid averages that are near a double-double could attract interest.”

Chicago Tribune

After being caught for the third time for marijuana use late last season.  Brad Miller was suspended for the first five games of this coming season and will lose approximately $693,000 of his $11.3 million salary. In a candid interview  with the Sacramento Bee, the Kings center explained via phone just what the heck happened.

This is one of the most honest interviews that I have personally read in a really, really long time.  

Brad Miller keeps it real!

Sacramento Bee

Brad Miller of the Sacramento Kings was suspended for five games by the NBA on Thursday because the center violated the league’s drug program.

Miller’s ban will begin with the first game of the 2008-09 season.

“I want to apologize to my family, teammates, fans and the entire Kings organization,” Miller said in a statement released by the Kings. “I made a mistake. It was an error in judgment, and I’m very sorry. I regret it deeply. It’s something I won’t and can’t take lightly.”

New York Times