Wednesday November 25, 2009
Allen Iverson has decided to retire, Stephen A. Smith reports.
@StephenASmith: Breaking News......Breaking News: Allen Iverson's folks just called to inform me Iverson has announced his RETIREMENT. I'll blog later today
Iverson has been a free agent since parting ways with the Memphis Grizzlies last week. He drew interest from several teams and seemed to be headed to New York, but the Knicks opted not to offer him a deal. The other teams that had considered signing AI -- Miami and Denver, to name two -- would probably want him to come off the bench, a role he's never embraced.
Have we seen the last of Allen Iverson? Who knows? It doesn't seem outrageous to suggest that he'd consider a comeback if the right team called. If a key injury opens up a starting spot on a playoff contender, Iverson's retirement could be even shorter than one of Brett Favre's.
Tuesday November 24, 2009
The two winningest programs in men's college basketball history - the University of Kentucky and the University of North Carolina -- will both reach the 2,000 win plateau this season. The question is, who gets there first?
The Wildcats began the season with 1,988 wins all-time -- four ahead of the 'Heels. They've added five more since then, mostly in dominant fashion, though they needed a John Wall buzzer-beater to squeak past Miami of Ohio. That puts Calipari and company at 1,993.
The Tar Heels are 5-1 on the season, with their only loss coming at the hands of Syracuse in the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic final. That puts Carolina at 1,989 wins.
Kentucky's next game is against UNC Asheville on November 30. After that they'll play Carolina -- at the Rupp Arena -- and Connecticut, then face a bunch of lesser opponents (Indiana, Austin Peay, Long Beach State and Hartford) before closing out their non-conference schedule against Rick Pitino and the Louisville Cardinals. North Carolina has a similarly tough stretch ahead. After facing Nevada on November 29th they'll start December with a rematch against Michigan State and the game at Kentucky. Then, after laying a smack-down on Presbyterian, they'll face Texas on December 19th before closing out the non-conference schedule with Marshall, Rutgers, Albany, Charleston and Vermont.
I don't see where Carolina makes up four games in the all-time standings -- even if the 'Heels win on Kentucky's home court.
The Kansas Jayhawks should win number 2,000 this season as well, but they entered the season needing 30 wins to get there.
Tuesday November 24, 2009
Abe Pollin, owner of the Washington Wizards, passed away on Tuesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed, but Pollin was known to be suffering from a variety of maladies, including a rare brain disorder. He was 85 years old.
NBA commissioner David Stern issued a statement, saying:
The NBA family has lost its most revered member, whose stewardship of the Wizards franchise, together with his wife Irene, has been a study in unparalleled dedication to the city of Washington. During his illness he fought with a determination and valor that will remain an inspiration to all.
Pollin purchased the then-Baltimore Bullets in 1964. He moved the team to suburban Washington in 1973. The high-water mark for Pollin and the Bullets came in 1978, when a team led by Elvin Hayes and Wes Unseld upset the Sonics in seven games and won the team's only NBA title.
Ownership of the team and their home arena is expected to pass to Ted Leonsis. Leonsis bought the Washington Capitals NHL franchise and Washington Mystics WNBA franchise from the Pollin family, as well as the right to buy the Wizards upon Pollin's retirement or death.
Abe Pollin dies at age 85
Tuesday November 24, 2009
As it turns out, Nate Robinson's shot at the wrong basket during Saturday's Knicks/Nets game at the Izod Center wouldn't have counted even if it had gone off before the first-quarter buzzer sounded. Howard Beck of the New York Times explains:
It's spelled out in Rule 5, Section 1e: "It is a violation for a player to attempt a field goal at an opponent's basket. The opposing team will be awarded the ball at the free-throw line extended."
Translating from rule-book-speak -- if you accidentally tip the ball into the opponent's basket, that counts. Intentionally shooting at the wrong basket simply results in a turnover.
Of course, that rule is sufficiently obscure that neither Mike D'Antoni nor any of the reporters covering the game (including, by his own admission, Howard Beck) were aware of it.
