There’s the story, and then, to borrow from Paul Harvey, there is the rest of the story, folks. Yes, there’s much more, especially in sports, than just the words coming out of their mouths.
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Story: Allen Iverson is left off the tryout list for USA Basketball’s teams for the 2006 World Championships and 2008 Olympics.
Rest of the story: Iverson was gracious when word leaked out, saying: “I’m thankful that I got the opportunity to be on the (Olympic) team the first time. At this point, it’s just not meant to be. Now I get to spend time with my kids in the summer.” Iverson wanted another chance after the 2004 bronze medal, so there was considerable head scratching and lamenting about his omission with the likes of Shane Battier, Chris Paul and Luke Ridnour selected. Iverson was a problem in 2004, not so much for what he did, but for who he is. He has become sort of the counterculture, anti-establishment icon. No one wants to look “uncool” in Iverson’s eyes, even if he doesn’t seem to care or demand it. So Iverson was his usual self–dressed down for state functions, not exactly committed to practice, marching to his own drummer. And kids like Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James followed. USA Basketball wants the coach and staff to lead this time, so it was vital to keep Iverson off the team.
Story: General manager Bryan Colangelo leaves the Phoenix Suns for the Toronto Raptors.
Rest of the story: Colangelo did a terrific job in rebuilding the Suns to elite status with clever signings, trades and drafts. He’s one of the best young executives in the NBA and it will do him good to be out of the shadow of his Hall of Fame father, Jerry, who will run the Suns for one more year under a management contract with new owner Robert Sarver. Bryan was making about $750,000 under Jerry and was boosted to about $1.4 million with equity when Sarver came in. There were conflicting claims about Bryan’s longevity with the team. So with longtime Colangelo family friend Wayne Embry running the search for a new Raptors GM, Bryan was an obvious possibility. At the least, it should have ensured a raise. But Sarver refused to tear up Colangelo’s contract and talked about an extension averaging about $2 million after the current pact concluded following next season. Colangelo wanted to stay in Phoenix, but without the new deal almost had to take Toronto’s bigger offer of about $3 million annually. Sometimes when you tell your boss you have a better offer, you better also be prepared to leave. Coach Mike D’Antoni is expected to receive considerably more personnel control like Gregg Popovich long has had in San Antonio.
Story: Larry Brown went to the hospital for chest pains on a recent Knicks road trip and was diagnosed with indigestion.
Rest of the story: There immediately was speculation that Brown would use the medical excuse to jump ship with the sinking Knicks. It seems unlikely for now with the Knicks’ season done in about a month, though Brown’s history includes various medical leaves. According to one of Brown’s former employers, one time doctors told him that Brown didn’t need a certain treatment, but Brown insisted on it. The employer told the doctors to treat Brown with a placebo as long as he insisted. This time Brown has a legitimate bladder problem, though he insists the condition won’t prevent him from coaching and that he will seek treatment this summer. But the belief is if team president Isiah Thomas cannot substantially change the roster this summer and the Knicks start off badly again next season, Brown will be the one to go first by seeking a buyout for medical reasons. Then while he recovers, he’ll try to find another team to join.
Story: The Cavs lost five straight before pulling out a win against the Bulls on Thursday. But that was only after blowing a 25-point lead and rallying as Flip Murray scored the game winner on a pass from LeBron James.
Rest of the story: The conventional wisdom is that James is a willing passer–which he is–and will find open teammates. The fear inside the team is that James is reluctant to shoot free throws late in the game because of several meltdowns, including missing his final two against the Bulls. James had just 14 fourth-quarter points in five games through Thursday. Maybe it’s because James is being double teamed so much late in games and being forcing to give up the ball or shoot long jumpers. But with the perimeter rules against contact, attacking the basket should be much easier for James. The Cavs believe they need a more aggressive James because of his huge offensive talent in the stretch and are not sure if he’s ready for that.
SAM’S PLAYER OF THE WEEK (THAT BULLS DIDN’T WANT)
Tim Thomas? No, not yet, even though he had 20 points in his Suns debut on Friday.
Elton Brand? Every week.
And then there’s Bruce Bowen, waived by the Bulls as part of the Toni Kukoc trade in 2000 for the draft pick used to select Jamal Crawford. Bowen has been a major annoyances for star perimeter players like Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen. Now, Bowen is taking on big guys. He held Dirk Nowitzki to six of 15 shooting and scoreless for the first eight minutes of the fourth quarter in the big Spurs-Mavs game last Thursday. And Saturday with Portland’s Zach Randolph riddling the Spurs with 19 points in a close game into the third quarter, Bowen went on Randolph and he scored just five points the rest of the game and drew a technical foul in the fourth quarter for spiking his mouthpiece in frustration. “That’s what Bruce does,” Popovich said. “And he does it better than anybody out there.”
SAM’S QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“It’s sort of like going to your ex-wife’s wedding. You’re happy for her, but not really.” Brent Barry, the league’s funniest guy, on his improved play for the Spurs after nearly being dealt to the Hornets at the trading deadline.
SAM’S GAME OF THE WEEK
Spurs at Suns, 9:30 p.m. Thursday, TNT. The Spurs took care of one key Western challenger, Dallas, last week, and next is Phoenix. One of these days Amare Stoudemire will return for the Suns, though it’s unclear how much he would play or can contribute after being out all season.