Griffith comes 'home' to Magic

By Mike McGraw Daily Herald Sports Writer Posted on June 29, 2002 The Orlando Magic has been desperate for a big man ever since Tim Duncan refused to sign as a free agent in 2000. The latest candidate to fill the role is a familiar name to Chicago basketball fans.

In a deal completed late on draft night, Orlando acquired the rights to Rashard Griffith by sending second-round choice Jamal Sampson to Milwaukee. The former King High School star was a second-round pick by the Bucks in 1995 and has been playing overseas for the past seven seasons.

The Magic then flew Griffith to Florida to join fellow draft-night acquisition Ryan Humphrey in an introductory news conference.

"I had basically accomplished everything I could in Europe and my dream has always been to play in the NBA," said the 6-foot-11 Griffith. "I've been dreaming and praying that the day would come. I just wanted the opportunity to be able to play."

Griffith's European resume includes four seasons in Turkey, one in Israel and the past two playing for Kinder Bologna in the Italian League. He averaged 8.5 points and 6.4 rebounds in 22 games last season.

If all goes well, Griffith might step in as the Magic's starting center, where rookie Steven Hunter and an aging Patrick Ewing failed last year.

"My experience in Europe was a great one in terms of helping me develop as a person and as a player," said Griffith, who played two seasons at Wisconsin. "It got me into the attitude where I wanted to win. I accomplished the great goal that I set for myself and that was to win the European championship. I won that last year, and finished second this year. Winning's followed me wherever I've been."

Miller trade still possible: The biggest news Wednesday during the draft might have been the trade that was not made. Even after selecting guard Dajuan Wagner with the No. 6 pick, Cleveland hung on to point guard Andre Miller.

There was heavy speculation that the Cavaliers were going to deal the NBA assists leader to the Los Angeles Clippers for the Nos. 8 and 12 picks, plus a player.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the Cavs asked for Darius Miles. The Clippers offered Corey Maggette, then switched to Lamar Odom. After drafting Wagner, Cleveland reportedly called back to accept the trade for Odom and wanted the Clippers to take Connecticut's Caron Butler with the eighth pick.

The problem was, the Clippers had already phoned their selection of Chris Wilcox into the league. When the Clippers tried to swap Wilcox for the No. 9 pick, Phoenix had already chosen Amare Stoudemire. Miami then decided to keep Butler with the 10th selection.

There is always a chance Miller could leave Cleveland this off-season. Indiana is thought to be making an offer, and there has been talk of a possible three-way deal with Miller going to the Hornets and Baron Davis to the Clippers.

Clippers ready to spend: Some longtime NBA observers were surprised to hear that notoriously frugal Clippers owner Donald Sterling was willing to trade for Cleveland's Andre Miller, who is looking for a contract extension near the maximum salary this summer.

The Clippers already need to re-sign restricted free-agent center Michael Olowokandi and deliver an expensive extension for Elton Brand.

"Money is no factor to me," Sterling told the Los Angeles Times. "I spend that kind of money on any given day in some of my (real estate) business dealings and maybe that much twice a month."

Small sum at stake: The Atlanta Hawks are offering season-ticket buyers a playoff guarantee for next season. Anyone who buys a full-season package will get a free ticket to the Hawks' first home playoff game next season. If Atlanta fails once again to make the playoffs, season-ticket holders will receive a $125 refund per seat.

Via Daily Herald

Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls

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Trade talks pick up steam

Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune reports that power forwards will dominate the top of the draft, while point guards seem to be dominating the trade talks. Baron Davis, Andre Miller and Jamal Crawford are all the subject of talks as the draft approaches.

There were indications Cleveland's Andre Miller could be close to being dealt to the Clippers. Talks continued Monday about several possibilities, the most likely having Miller and the No. 6 pick going to the Clippers for Darius Miles and the No. 8 pick and perhaps No. 12. Cleveland would also be looking to unload some unwanted contracts in this trade.

The Grizzlies have shown interest in trading the No. 4 pick to the Clippers for their two lottery choices.

Talks heated up Monday, but the Hornets denied rumors about a deal involving Baron Davis.

Looking to move up as well to get a power forward was Phoenix, while the Wizards were said to be angling for guard DuJuan Wagner. That also produced talk in Washington that the Wizards planned to make another run at the Bulls' Jamal Crawford.

Michael Jordan practiced with Crawford last summer and has expressed that he would be interested in a big point guard like Crawford. The Bulls have said they do not intend to trade Crawford, and Washington has not made an offer yet. The Bulls could use another first-round pick this season, and the Wizards reportedly are willing to deal their No. 1 pick, which is 11th.

Overall, this draft looks like it could produce some top talent, especially at power forward. "It's not a draft of impact players, but I think it's pretty deep," Bucks general manager Ernie Grunfeld said. "It's a draft of younger players. It's strong at the top at the forward position."

Via Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards

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Williams to Chicago a No Brainer

In any other year, Jason Williams would be the hands-down choice as the No. 1 pick in Wednesday's NBA draft.

Williams has everything the movers and shakers at any NBA team would love -- a cat-quick first step, outstanding ballhandling skills and the ability to score with -- or on -- anyone.

And Williams also possesses all the other things the NBA loves -- maturity beyond his 21 years, a smile that is a P.R. man's dream, a great pedigree from Duke and an NCAA championship ring from 2001.

About the only thing that needed changing was his name -- the artist formerly known as Jason Williams is now reborn (sort of) as Jay Williams. Perhaps to signal a new phase in his life and career, or maybe to avoid confusion with all the other Jason (or Jayson) Williams, who are grabbing all headlines for one reason or another.

Via Houston Chronicle

Chicago Bulls, NBA Draft

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