Free agency seems to have come to a screeching halt but there are still a couple of things worth mentioning as we get closer to the opening of training camps in October.
As always, here are Tuesday’s Uncontested Shots, or should I say, things I was thinking about while waiting for Brett Favre to go away (I’m not holding my breath).
Are We Sure This Wasn’t an NBDL Trade?
The Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors made a four-player trade that became official on Tuesday. The Bucks have acquired back-up point guard Roko Ukic as well as Carlos Delfino from the Raptors for Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems. Both Johnson and Weems are free agents at season’s end so it should clear another few million for the Raptors to continue to rebuild next summer.
Delfino, a native of Argentina, spent last season playing with BC Khimky Moscow in Russia.
This move doesn’t make either team any better. Delfino, who also played for the Pistons, should see significant playing time in Milwaukee.
St. Vincent
Vince Carter should get props for opening up the Vince Carter Sanctuary in Flagler County, Florida—a substance abuse facility about 20 miles outside of Orlando.
“It’s been my pleasure to be part of this and have my hands in this. You know a lot of people donate because they feel like they have to, I donate because I want to. I enjoy helping people,” said Carter.
Carter gets a lot of negative flak for being perceived as a prima donna but this is a really great thing that I felt needed some recognition.
Speaking of Saints
NBA.com has a great video tribute to the world’s most generous athlete, Dikembe Mutombo. While athletes are routinely demonized for outlandish behavior and various legal infractions, not enough publicity is given to guys like Mutombo who have actually changed the world for the better.
Do yourself a favor and check it out.
Get the Falk Out of Here
The Washington Times has an article today about former super agent David Falk—the man who helped turn Michael Jordan into the global marketing one-man-industry he has become.
Falk reminisces on the early days of his relationship with MJ and talked about what the future holds for him at this stage in his career.
Speaking of MJ
Richard Sandomir has an excellent piece in today’s New York Times about the commercialization and marketing whoring involved with the Michael Jordan’s pending induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Instead of the exhibit being a shrine to Jordan, it’s really just a living commercial to MJ and the Jordan Brand. Even the championship rings on display are replicas of Jordan’s.
Shaq Baq in L.A.?
Kurt Helin of KNBC in Los Angeles is reporting that Shaq wants to return to the Lakers next season. While promoting his new television show, Shaq Vs., the former Laker hasn’t ruled out the possibility of returning to the team where he enjoyed the greatest success of his storied career.
Unfortunately for Shaq, the feeling most likely isn’t mutual. I can’t imagine, under any circumstance, that the Lakers want to re-visit the old days—especially since they don’t need him.
Brendan’s Backtrack
Kevin Arnovitz of TrueHoops shares his thoughts on Brendan Haywood’s calling Stephon Marbury gay. Arnovitz, who is gay, talks about what’s it like being gay in an arena still filled with homophobia.
It’s worth checking out.
They Got the Power
NBA.com has their first power rankings for next season up—71 days before the season starts. To nobody’s surprise, the Lakers are ranked at the top. It’s the rest of their top five that’s a little bit interesting.
Uncontested Shots will debut every Tuesday and Friday from now until at least the start of the season. For up to the minute updates on all free agent happenings and random brilliant thoughts and observations follow Andrew Ungvari on Twitter.