Pau Gasol's Comments Mis-Quoted But The Damage Is Done

Kevin Garnett and Boston may be annoyed by Pau Gasol's comments on Garnett's diminishing game.  Gasol discredited the quotes, and said they were taken out of proportion.

Gasol's controversial quote, "He's more of a jump shooter now, you could say, comes off the lane. Before, he had a really, really quick first step and was getting to the lane and was more aggressive then. Time passes and we all suffer it one way or another, but he is still a terrific player, a terrific competitor and he's going to bring everything he's got. You can count on that."

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NBA Finals: Celtics Down, But Not Out

      Game Two is must win for Boston tonight.  Don't expect them to back down after being dealt a beat-down in L.A. in Game One.  Expect a more physical Boston team in this one.  Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett were dominated on both sides of the floor.  Garnett played his age, and Rondo lost the confidence that he's showed throughout the playoffs.

      Both will need to get back to the level they have played in the playoffs to get here.  If they do, and Boston finds a way to slow down Kobe and Gasol, the Celtics would take home court advantage back to Boston.  If they don't, the series is likely over.  History does not mean everything, but no team has ever come back from down two games to none in the Finals.

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THE Mock Draft: Does John Wall Deserve To Go #1?

Talent runs deep in the 2010 NBA draft.  It's no surprise John Wall will jump off the board at number one, but is Wall a better player than Evan Turner?


2010 NBA Mock Draft:



1. Washington Wizards - Point Guard, John Wall, Kentucky.  The man with the most upside in the draft is the near unanimous selection here.  Wall will give Washington a pure point guard, and will blend smoothly into the current roster.  The Wizards will probably slide Gilbert Arenas to shooting guard to make room for Wall.


2. Philadelphia 76ers - Point Guard/Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Evan Turner, Ohio State.  The 76ers lost out on Wall, but landing in the second slot will work out nicely as the 21 year old Turner is the most polished player in this draft.  Turner won the Naismith Player Of The Year award, and will continue producing in Philly.

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Jozy Altidore's Status For World Cup Opener Remains In Doubt

The U.S. sustained a devastating blow when the star striker sprained his ankle in a drill on Wednesday.  Altidore was held out of on-field activities again today, and his status for the opener remains in doubt.  The U.S. will face England in its opener on June 12th.

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Danny Ferry Out As GM In Cleveland

Well, this one was a surprise.  GM Danny Ferry is done with Cleveland after five years.  Ferry led the Cavaliers to an NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and back-to-back 60 win seasons.  The General Manager position will be assumed by Chris Grant, who worked closely with Ferry throughout his time there.

Ferry's personnel moves with the team included Mo Williams, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Shaq, Anthony Parker, Leon Powe, and Antawn Jamison.  He didn't surround James with a wealth of talent, but it is probable that the move resulted from the Cavaliers disappointing exit in the playoffs.

There was no apparent displeasure on the decision on either side as both Ferry and Cavaliers owner, Dan Gilbert, praised each other for the work they were able to do in his time there.

Rumor:  There is speculation that Ferry could not remain with the team after Mike Brown's firing, and stepped down.  Some say the Cavaliers made the move in an attempt to send a message to Lebron that they are dedicated to winning.  Maybe it's a combination of both.

Statements given by Dan Gilbert and Danny Ferry via the Cavaliers Twitter page:

Gilbert's comments, "We didn't do what we were supposed to do.  All you can do is try to learn and get better."

Ferry, "I know how important winning is to this area.  You can trust this organization will always have the thirst to bring it."

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