Wolves getting creative to sign Ricky Rubio. If David Kahn returns home with Ricky Rubio signed, it will be the most telling example of his expansive thinking yet. Any deal likely will include not only the $500,000 the Wolves can pay but also a tapestry of other creative financing expected to include endorsement deals for Rubio (most of the buyout money technically will come from his own pocket) and the promise of a Timberwolves exhibition game or games against Joventut in Spain (Oct. 10, 2010, already is a targeted date). – Star Tribune
Brown: Cavs match up better with Lakers, Rockets, Celtics. Talked to head coach Mike Brown recently and he is thrilled with the additions of Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon. He pushed hard for some taller, athletic wing men who could be used to defend the perimeter. After the season, the coaches and front office studied films not just of the loss to Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals, but also of other teams that gave them trouble — the Lakers, Rockets and Celtics. The problem was the same: The Cavs were too small and not quick enough at shooting guard and small forward when LeBron James wasn’t on the court. – Cleveland Plain Dealer
Michael Jordan causes Hall of Fame to expand. The interest in Michael Jordan’s induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame has caused ceremonies to be moved from the Hall’s 1,200-capacity Center Court room to Springfield Symphony Hall, with seating for 2,611. And Hall president John Doleva believes the bigger venue could be used in future years, as more high-profile players are inducted. “No question, people see this as a special class,” Doleva said. “This is the next step in the evolution of the Hall. In this era of Hall inductions, so many recognizable names will be eligible and enshrined. You are eligible five years after retiring. In the ’60s and ’70s, we had Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, Oscar Robertson, and Bob Cousy. Then, Larry Bird and Julius Erving and Magic Johnson took it to another level, and then Michael Jordan. You had so many recognizable names in the ’90s.” – Boston Globe
Source: Foxsports
