After one week, the Minnesota Timberwolves report that their "Run with the Pack" ticket sales and renewal campaign resulted in the most new season tickets sold by the franchise in a one-week time since the NBA announced a franchise was coming to Minnesota. The team sold 300 new full season tickets during the record-setting week, while also renewing 30% of its current season ticket holders. At the same point last year, the team had only renewed 1.5% of its season ticket holders. The campaign, an aggressive fan development program that rewards loyal Wolves fans during the month of March sees ticket pricing cuts (up to 50% off), $10 lower-level season tickets and prize giveaways officially launched last Monday, March 1.
AD DEBUTS: The campaign, which runs through the month of March, unveils its new television and radio ad this week entitled, "Promises," in which Wolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn speaks to the hope for the future for Wolves fans with the team's salary cap flexibility, draft picks and this summer's upcoming free agency period. There are also other ads with Kahn, including "Hard Work". For anyone who knows Kahn, the coffee reference is appropriate.
Additionally, the campaign is currently prominent throughout the downtown skyway system on backlit signage.
Fathead, the lsports and entertainment graphic products maker is launching their 2nd annual “You’re A Winner Baby” Sweepstakes in partnership with Dick Vitale’s website, DickVitaleOnline.com. Additionally, the company is releasing two new images of Dick Vitale, right in time for the madness of March.
We're not sure if this is a good or a bad thing: We'll let Fathead tell you what their latest product endeavor is all about:
If that wasn’t enough, the new space-friendly Fathead Jr. of Dick Vitale is debuting unique Fathead technology which enables Dick’s image to “talk.” With the wave of a special pen, the Dick Vitale image exclaims signature phrases, like “Diaper Dandy,” “PTP’er,” “Dipsy-doo, Dunk-a-roo” and of course “It’s Awesome Baby!” The talking Dick Vitale Fathead Jr. is the first of its kind as Fathead continues to innovate and push the envelope for passionate fans everywhere.
“We could not have chosen a better ambassador of collegiate basketball than Dickie V to launch and lead off our talking Fathead Line timed with our 2nd annual sweepstakes,” said Fathead CEO, Patrick McInnis. “We are honored and excited to be working with him again to provide these unique experiences and opportunities to both of our loyal and passionate fans.”
You can enter the “You’re A Winner Baby” Sweepstakes at www.fathead.com, for their chance to win the “Awesome” prizes, including an XZipit Game Rocker, Dick Vitale signed memorabilia, and other Fatheadproducts throughout the month of March. Sweepstakes begins March 5 and ends April 8, 2010.
NBA Commissioner David Stern said in a statement today that he expects the approval of the ownership transfer of the Charlotte Bobcats from Bob Johnson to Hall of Famer, and current minority owner Michael Jordan to be completed by the end of March.
"We have been anticipating an agreement for transfer of a majority interest in the Bobcats and are pleased it has occurred,” Stern said in the statement. “ Bob Johnson brought the excitement of the NBA back to Charlotte and I am certain that as Michael Jordan returns to his home state as the principal owner of the Bobcats the team will continue its growth as a success on the court, as a business success and as a valued community asset. We expect the expedited approval process to be completed by the end of next month."
Jordan completed the sales agreement with Johnson just minutes before his exclusive negotiating window to complete deal was set to expire on Friday. The sale price to MJ Basketball Holdings LLC has not yet been revealed.
Bob Johnson purchased the club for $300 million as an expansion franchise. The club has been bleeding red ink with total debt reportedly at $150 million.
The trade deadline tornado in the NBA touched down last week with 44 players changing locations in the two days before the deadline. A total of 12 trades took place, none of which included the biggest “on-the-market” star Amare Stoudemire. So, after the NBA looked like Twister for a week, here is where everyone landed and what media and players are saying about the trades:
Josh Howard said to the Washington Post after the trade:
"It meant a lot, coming to a new organization and show them that I want to be here, plus stick it to the Mavs," Howard said. "I'm happy now, you don't have to worry about me saying nothing else about them now."
"I did a lot. I contributed to that team, but I know I helped them get to that. Even with the negative stuff, it showed me people's true colors.”
The Portland Trailblazers and Los Angeles Clippers swapped several players:
Wednesday night, Kaman said the coaching change from Mike Dunleavy, who stepped down Feb. 4, to longtime assistant Kim Hughes was "tough." "Same with coaching," Kaman said. "Nothing against Kim, I think he's got a good future but I think it's going to be hard right away. It's his first job and they just throw it right to him after 50 games and expect him to turn it around and on top of that trade away the best player defensively and a great player offensively. It's just tough, there's nothing you can say."
“Maybe T’wolves GM David Kahn wanted to do his old boss Donnie Walsh a favor by shaving $1 million off the Knicks’ tax bill. Who knows? At least he didn’t trade for another point guard. Both guys have expiring contracts, both don’t figure to help their new teams and both likely will be out of the league next season.”
“Nearly every player feels a sense of rejection the first time he is traded, even if it's a strange transaction such as this where Ilgauskas may be able to return in 30 days.
In terms of pure business, Ilgauskas has been paid about $120 million in his Cavs career. He even received a $600,000 bonus for being traded. His salary is $11.5 million. Assuming Washington buys out his contract, he can sign with the Cavs or another team for perhaps another $2 million.
In the big picture of a struggling economy, the 34-year-old Ilgauskas has been wildly blessed. He married a Cleveland woman, loves this town and has conducted himself with dignity -- all very admirable.”
Cleveland Cavs also acquired Sebastian Telfair from the Los Angeles Clippers.
"A lot of people have a perception of me based on what they read instead of giving me the opportunity to show the real me," Thomas said. "Different scenery for me can be real good. I talked to Charlotte and they're excited to have me. I'm thrilled they're excited."
Milwaukee Bucks ACQUIRED- John Salmons. The Bucks and Bulls flip first-round picks in 2010 and second-round picks in 2011 and 2012.
"We like the combination of our player talent, (salary) cap flexibility and our ability to improve our team this summer in the free agent market," Bulls general manager Gar Forman told the website.
"This trade is another step in the process of building our team and getting better.
“They'll take their time doing so, general manager Kevin O'Connor suggested Friday.
O'Connor said the Jazz will monitor other teams' transactions should someone be waived and became available that way, they'll weigh a call-up from the NBA Development League and they'll consider a free-agent signing as well.
"If we could find somebody who had NBA experience," he said, "we would look at that if we felt we could find somebody who could help with what we're doing."
“It goes both ways,” Martin said by phone shortly after the trade. “Sacramento gave me an opportunity. I was a late first-round pick. I could have been playing overseas. I assumed they still loved me. I was the ‘Golden Child’ – that’s what Corliss Williamson used to say. I guess that’s the sad part.
“But it was time. I used to be the young guy playing with old guys. Now I’m the old guy playing with young guys. Let the young guys develop. I appreciate them letting me go to a playoff-caliber team at this time of my career.”
Houston Rockets ACQUIRED- Jordan Hill and Jared Jeffries and the two teams flip first-round picks and protected 2012 first-round picks
Ken Berger of CBSsports.com says it’s too soon to know how the Knicks scored on the Mcgrady deal:
“Donnie Walsh deserves a parade through the Canyon of Heroes for digging out of the mess Isiah Thomas left behind for him. But you can’t judge the McGrady trade until you see what Walsh is able to do with the cap space. Check back with me July 1.”
“Robinson’s agent Aaron Goodwin made the investment of the year: Slapped with a $25,000 fine for publicly demanding a trade for Robinson, Goodwin convinced the Knicks to send his client to the Celtics, where he’ll likely receive a $1 million bonus for making the playoffs. No wonder Robinson, who held veto rights over any deal, rebuffed interest from Memphis a month ago: The Grizzlies are contending for a playoff seed, but they’re not a $1 million lock like the Celtics. Boston needs some punch off its bench, and Robinson can provide that. Robinson’s base-year status complicated the trade, but the Knicks essentially did him a favor. Giddens and Walker have yet to prove they’re rotation players.”
Matthew Coller is a staff member of the Business of Sports Network, and is a freelance writer. He can be followed on Twitter
The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired forward/center Marcus Camby from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for guard Steve Blake, forward Travis Outlaw and cash considerations, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard (read the 2008 Biz of Basketball interview with Kevin Pritchard).
Numerous reports cite the cash component as being $3 million.
“We are very excited to bring an experienced big man of Marcus’ caliber to the team and we feel he’ll help us a great deal down the stretch run,” said Pritchard. “He’s a fierce competitor and has been one of the league’s best defensive players for quite some time.
“On behalf of the organization, I’d also like to express my deep gratitude to Steve and Travis for their years of contributions both on and off the court. They’ve both played large parts in the reshaping of this franchise, and we wish them the best of luck in their careers.”
Camby (6-11, 235) is averaging 7.7 points, 12.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.94 blocked shots and 31.3 minutes in 51 games (all starts) for the Clippers this season. His rebound and blocked shot averages rank second and sixth in the NBA, respectively.
A 14-year NBA veteran, Camby, 35, holds career averages of 10.5 points, 10.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.59 blocks with Toronto , New York , Denver and the L.A. Clippers. The 2006-07 NBA Defensive Player of the Year is one of only 11 players in NBA history to record at least 7,000 rebounds and 2,000 blocked shots.
Camby is a two-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive Team (2006-08) and was twice named to the league’s All-Defensive Second Team (2004-06).
Blake, 29, posted averages of 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 51 games (28 starts) with the Trail Blazers this season. He ranks fifth on the team’s all-time 3-point ledger (415) in parts of four seasons with Portland (2005-06, 2007-10).
Outlaw, 25, was selected by the Trail Blazers with the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2003 NBA Draft and has played his entire career in Portland, averaging 9.6 points and 3.4 rebounds in 377 games (26 starts).
He averaged 9.9 points and 3.5 rebounds the first 11 games of this season before fracturing the fifth metatarsal in his left foot Nov. 14 at Charlotte , undergoing successful surgery on Nov. 18 to repair the fracture.
This year’s NBA No. 1 overall draft-pick Blake Griffin, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers, was guaranteed at least $8.6 million in the first two years of his career. Sure, it’s a raindrop in the Ocean compared to what NFL No. 1 picks get, but, the NBA would still like rookies to make less. In the proposal the NBA sent to the players’ association for a new collective bargaining agreement, the NBA seeks cuts of first-round picks as well as other cuts to players’ salaries.
The Associated Press reported early Friday that the NBA proposed first-round salaries be cut by one-third and the minimum salary reduced by as much as 20 percent. If the NBA gets its way, the maximum contract for a veteran would drop below $60 million, which is less than half what LeBron James can sign for this summer if he opts out of his contract.
The NBA also is looking to cut down on rookie guarantees. The proposal would guarantee only half the value of the contract and in some cases, less than half.
According to the LA Times, NBA commissioner David Stern and his committee met Friday with Hunter, union President Derek Fisher, the executive board and almost half of this year's All-Stars, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony.
"After a contentious 90-minute session, it was agreed that the owners would tear up their proposal," Hunter said.
"So that proposal is, for all intents and purposes, off the table.
"The NBA is anxious to get a deal between now and July of this year, because of the number of marquee free agents out on the market. But at this moment, there is no proposal, or at least anything that we're recognizing."
After the meeting, NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver, who heads the NBA’s negotiating team, issued a statement late Friday, taking issue with Hunter’s appraisal of the situation.
"While we do not agree with the Players Association’s characterization of today's meeting or the status of the NBA's bargaining proposal, David [Stern] will address the subject of collective bargaining during his media availability prior to All-Star Saturday night.”
The current collective bargaining agreement expirees on July 1, 2011. Both sides have already exchanged financial documents.
Currently, players are collecting 57 percent of the league’s revenue. The current proposal by the league would drop that figure 45 percent.
The New York Times reported this Sunday that the NBA’s ticket revenues have not dipped as much as the league had projected pre-season. The NBA’s ticket revenue is down 1.7 percent, far less than its predicted a 6 to 7 percent drop in sales. Most of the loss, the league says, is due to major declines in New Jersey Nets and Detroit Pistons attendance. The league said arenas have been 89 percent filled to capacity so far this season.
“The fact that we’re only down roughly 1.7 percent going into tonight’s games, I’m pleased about,” said NBA executive Chris Granger.
Before the season, the NBA sent a memo to teams warning of a possible decline in the league’s salary cap, which currently stands at $57.7 million. The league had originally thought the cap could drop to between $50.4 million and $53.6 million for next season, but if decline in ticket revenue remains limited, the cap could be around $54 million.
Select Read More to see the current percentage filled for NBA teams so far as compared to the end of last season’s numbers:
The following are updates to the current NBA schedule:
The Phoenix at Denver game time is changed to 8:30 PM local/10:30 PM ET and will now be televised by ESPN. The Portland at Utah game time is changed to 7:00 PM local/9:00 PM ET and will no longer be televised by ESPN.
National TV schedule for February 3:
(Local - Eastern Time - Network)
Miami at Boston 8:00 PM 8:00 PM ESPN
Phoenix at Denver 8:30 PM 10:30 PM ESPN
Friday, February 26, 2010
The Orlando at New Orleans game time is changed to 8:30 PM local/9:30 PM ET and will now be televised by ESPN. The Dallas at Atlanta game time is changed to 7:00 PM ET and will continue to be televised by ESPN. The L.A. Clippers at Phoenix game time will be changed to 7:00 PM local/9:00 PM ET and will no longer be televised by ESPN.
National TV schedule for February 26:
(Local - Eastern Time - Network)
Dallas at Atlanta 7:00 PM 7:00 PM ESPN
Orlando at New Orleans 8:30 PM 9:30 PM ESPN
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Utah at Houston game time is changed to 7:00 PM local/8:00 PM ET and will now be televised by ESPN. The Washington at Orlando game time will be changed to 7:00 PM ET and will no longer be televised by ESPN.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, this year’s leading vote-getter in the NBA All-Star Balloting program presented by T-Mobile with 2,549,693 votes, became the first player in balloting history to draw at least 2.5 million votes on three separate occasions. James is making his sixth All-Star appearance and will start for the Eastern Conference for the sixth time in his career. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, the second leading vote-getter overall with 2,456,224, paced the Western Conference.
Through the 2010 NBA All-Star Balloting program presented by T-Mobile, fans worldwide were responsible for voting in the starters for the 59th NBA All-Star Game, which will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S., and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages. The game will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before an expected crowd of more than 80,000 – the largest group ever to witness a live basketball game – on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.
Joining James, the 2006 and 2008 All-Star Game MVP, in the Eastern Conference starting lineup at forward is Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics (1,978,116), the 2003 All-Star MVP. The starters for the East at guard are the Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade (2,327,550) and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Allen Iverson (1,269,568), the 2001 and 2005 All-Star Game MVP. Among active players, Garnett’s 13th All-Star selection ranks second to Cleveland Cavaliers center Shaquille O’Neal (15). Dwight Howard (2,360,096) of the Orlando Magic is the starting center.
Bryant, the youngest All-Star in NBA history in 1998, is making his 12th appearance and was the All-Star MVP in 2002 and 2007, and co-MVP along with Shaquille O’Neal in 2009. Bryant is joined in the Western Conference starting backcourt by the Phoenix Suns’ Steve Nash (1,222,235). The Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony (2,137,560) and the San Antonio Spurs’ Tim Duncan (1,156,696), who is making his 12th appearance and was the co-MVP along with Shaquille O’Neal of the 2000 All-Star Game, are the starting forwards. The Suns’ Amar’e Stoudemire starts at center (1,824,093).
In selecting the reserves, the 30 NBA head coaches must vote for seven players within their conference, including two guards, two forwards, a center and two players regardless of position. Coaches are not permitted to vote for players on their team. After the coaches select the reserves, if a player is unable to participate in the All-Star Game, NBA Commissioner David Stern will select a replacement. Reserves will be announced Jan. 28, on TNT.
The East and West All-Star coaches and coaching staffs will be determined by the best record in each conference through games played Jan. 31. Last year’s East and West coaches – Cleveland's Mike Brown and the L.A. Lakers’ Phil Jackson -- are not eligible to coach this year’s All-Star Game.
NBA All-Star 2010 in Dallas will bring together some of the most talented and passionate players in the league’s history for a global celebration of the game. The week leading up to the 59th NBA All-Star Game will feature a full slate of community-enhancing activities and fan festivals, including NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas and the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge & Youth Jam. This will be the second NBA All-Star in Dallas. The city also hosted the event in 1986.
In conjunction with All-Star Balloting, 2K Sports will give fans the opportunity to experience Dallas and the best of basketball by entering the NBA® 2K10 Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip to NBA All-Star 2010 and have their likeness as a digitized player incorporated in next year’s game, NBA 2K11.
The final returns of both the Eastern and Western Conference for the 2010 NBA All-Star Balloting program presented by T-Mobile are available by selecting Read More:
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant has retained the top spot on the NBA’s Most Popular Jerseys list, the ranking he has held since the start of the 2008-09 season. The rankings are based on sales at the NBA Store in New York City and NBAStore.com since the start of the 2009-10 NBA season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James maintains the No. 2 spot, while the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard and the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose appear in the Top 5 for the first time. Howard makes a dramatic jump, moving from No. 10 to No. 3 on this year’s list. Rose’s popularity continues to grow and moves into the No.4 spot from No.11 last season. The Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade rounds out the Top 5.
Shaquille O’Neal makes his way back into the Top 10 for the first time since June 2008 at the No. 9 spot, while Kevin Durant re-emerges on the list for the first time since January 2008. Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony also moved up the list from No. 15 to No. 11.
The Los Angeles Lakers once again top the list of Most Popular NBA Team Merchandise. The Boston Celtics hold on to the No.2 spot for the second year in a row while, the Cleveland Cavaliers move up from No. 4 last season to No. 3.
This season marks the fourth with adidas as the official oncourt uniform and apparel provider for the NBA. Below are the NBA’s Most Popular Jersey and the Most Popular Team Merchandise lists.
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The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired forward/center Marcus Camby from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for guard Steve Blake, forward Travis Outlaw and cash considerations, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard (
This year’s NBA No. 1 overall draft-pick Blake Griffin, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers, was guaranteed at least $8.6 million in the first two years of his career. Sure, it’s a raindrop in the Ocean compared to what NFL No. 1 picks get, but, the NBA would still like rookies to make less. In the proposal the NBA sent to the players’ association for a new collective bargaining agreement, the NBA seeks cuts of first-round picks as well as other cuts to players’ salaries.
Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, this year’s leading vote-getter in the NBA All-Star Balloting program presented by T-Mobile with 2,549,693 votes, became the first player in balloting history to draw at least 2.5 million votes on three separate occasions. James is making his sixth All-Star appearance and will start for the Eastern Conference for the sixth time in his career. Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, the second leading vote-getter overall with 2,456,224, paced the Western Conference.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant has retained the top spot on the NBA’s Most Popular Jerseys list, the ranking he has held since the start of the 2008-09 season. The rankings are based on sales at the NBA Store in New York City and NBAStore.com since the start of the 2009-10 NBA season.
