SB Nation Detroit: All Posts by Tom Lewis

NBA Finals: Spurs vs. Heat, Game 3 Game Thread

2013-06-12T00:24:34Z

The Miami Heat looked tough to beat in Game 2 of the NBA Finals from Miami, but now the Heat must take on the San Antonio Spurs on their home floor.

I don't expect either team to panic if they fall behind 2-1 in the series, but it seems like the Spurs should have a greater sense of urgency to open their three-game home set with a win to squash the drubbing they took on South Beach.

Also, it appears that Brian Shaw is closing in on the Clippers job and now the Nets are taking a serious look at Jason Kidd to coach next season. Kidd actually played like a coach on the floor for the Knicks in the playoffs. Certainly didn't look like a player any longer.

On the draft front, Chad Ford updated his Big Board with Nerlens Noel sitting at No. 1 on the list. At No. 23, Ford has none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo, a player I'm not sure fits the Pacers needs just because I don't think I could ever get used to typing his last name. GA rose to No. 23 from No. 29 in Ford's last listing of his Top 30 draft prospects. Ford has Victor Oladipo in the No. 2 slot behind Noel and Cody Zeller locked in at No.10.

Any other news of interest?

Pacers Offseason News: Brian Shaw talks to Clippers, Larry Bird done talking to Kings, Granger talks trade potential

2013-06-11T11:00:00Z

A few items of interest in the news yesterday:

Kings Blog and Q&A: Larry Bird no longer in Kings GM mix

According to reports out of Sacramento, Larry Bird is no longer considering a front office move to lead the Kings under their new ownership group.

Hall of Fame forward Larry Bird, who has discussed the Kings GM vacancy with new owner Vivek Ranadive and was said to be at least mildly intrigued, told team officials that he is no longer interested in the position. Bird sat out the 2012-13 season and is weighing whether to return to the Indiana Pacers - where he has an open invitation to resume his role as the team's top basketball executive - or to extend his sabbatical a second season, both for personal and health reasons.

Not a huge surprise since Bird was reportedly looking for $5 mil/per and a chunk of the team. Every man has his price so Bird was willing to listen. That same issue may be the deciding factor in Bird's potential return to the Fieldhouse.

Brian Shaw is first one up to talk to Clippers about head coach job - latimes.com

Hard to believe the Pacers have been out of the playoffs for more than a week and no team has hired Brian Shaw. Of course, he is just getting around to starting interviews, but still. Shaw opened the interview process for the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday.

Shaw, the associate head coach of the Indiana Pacers, met with the Clippers' front office at the team's facility and left an impression on team President Andy Roeser, vice president of basketball operations Gary Sacks and director of basketball administration Eric Miller during his interview with them, said two NBA executives who were not authorized to speak publicly on the situation.

"I think it went great," one of the executives said about the meeting.

Shaw may have his choice between the Clippers and Brooklyn Nets among other teams. Which job do you think is the best fit for Shaw?

Karl's ouster proves NBA coaches on thinner-than-usual ice, Granger Q & A about future | NBA.com

Among the topics in a David Aldridge's Q&A with Danny Granger was DG's future and the idea he could be traded at any time with the Pacers falling in line behind their young talent. Granger appears to be a peace with the situation with a full understanding of the business he's chosen as a profession.

I've been here my whole career. I look at things objectively, and it's very rare for a player to stay with a team his whole career. It just don't happen. So when the trade talks come, you can say, okay, it's my time to go. I love the organization and I had a great time here [but] we understand it's a business. You get older and you move on. That's just the way it is. There's no hard feelings about it; you don't get your feelings hurt. I take it as a business arrangement, basically.

Of course, the mention of Granger discussing trade options has opened up some speculative rumors which remain flimsy at best. A reported rumor about the Cleveland Cavaliers having interest in dealing for Granger essentially says, the Cavs are interested in Granger but have reservations about his knee injury. So, yeah, the exact same interest as every other team in the NBA. Unless Granger can magically show he's healthy enough to play 70-80 games next season, team's will be gambling on any trade.

Pacers franchise feeling as good as the team after playoff run

2013-06-09T14:11:54Z

The Indiana Pacers attracted the love and devotion of Central Indiana once again with their impressive run through the NBA playoffs.While the team is in great shape moving forward, the franchise as a whole is feeling far better these days from a financial view.

Herb Simon spoke about the situation with Mike Wells and indicated things are improving at the Fieldhouse, at least in the context of a small-market NBA team.

"The revenue sharing will help somewhat, but a market size like ours is a struggle," Simon said. "We have to continue to have a top team, a winning team, because we don't have some of the income as some of the larger markets, but we're going to do everything we can to be competitive."

Simon underplays the impact of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, as the revenue sharing should give a big boost to the Pacers combined with the stiff luxury tax penalties which will either help keep the talent spread around the league or lead to more revenue sharing. Either way, the Pacers should have the means to max out the cap each year to remain competitive in the future.

Speaking of the future, Simon commented on Larry Bird's potential return to the team which, as it has the past three years, remains up in the air.

"We know Larry," Simon said. "Larry will make a decision shortly and let us know. I'm sure he's checking out his options. That's the deal Donnie and I made with him. He can step away and if he wants to come back, Donnie and I will figure out a way to make it work it out."

Check out the links:

BENNER: Fans mad about Game 7 swoon prove Pacers are relevant again | 2013-06-08 | Indianapolis Business Journal | IBJ.com

Bird Returning? Walsh Doesn't Know | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Roy Hibbert Tweets Carmelo Anthony Block Photo | 8 Points, 9 Seconds

NBA Finals 2013: LeBron James at ease - SBNation.com

5 stats to know: Struggles of Wade & Bosh - TrueHoop Blog - ESPN

Dwyane Wade sounds alarm for Heat, declares Game 2 a 'must-win' - Yahoo! Sports

One incredible GIF sums up the Spurs’ era of dominance | For The Win

2013 NBA Finals: LeBron James fatigued by Spurs in Game 1

2013-06-08T12:17:47Z

The Miami Heat couldn't finish off the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. LeBron James admitted fatigue was a factor, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

James asked for a rare breather to start the fourth quarter and Miami was able to maintain a three-point lead with their leader out for the first three minutes. But his return didn't spark the Heat, and the Spurs kicked their game into a winning gear Miami was unable to match.

For more on this series, check out: Heat blog Hot Hot Hoops Spurs blog Pounding the Rock

After the physical pounding the Heat and LeBron endured during their seven-game series with the Indiana Pacers, the level of effort to keep up with the Spurs remains the same, although in a different way, as Windhorst reports.

Not only was James working to remain a presence in the paint and on the glass, but he was also keeping an eye on perimeter shooters. So while playing Indiana required the endurance of a distance runner to continue grinding through the physical play, the Spurs require more sprint plays with short bursts required to cover inside and out.

The other issue for LeBron is his ability to bring it every night while other key players on the Heat, namely Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh pick their spots. Via Windhorst:

"It is tough. But it is what it is," James said. "I put myself in a position to try to do everything for this team, a little bit of everything, and put myself in a position to win. It's very challenging mentally, physically. But you have to figure out a way to just have will at this point of the season. There's not too many days left. There's no room for excuses."

Wade and Bosh showed up big in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, but James was left to do the heavy lifting for the bulk of the series against the Pacers. The cumulative effect of carrying the load for the Heat throughout the playoffs showed up in Game 1.

With an extra off-day in the Finals, James has more time to recharge and get ready for Game 2. But he will need some help to lead the Heat to another NBA Championship.

More from SB Nation:

• Tony Parker's miracle shot saves Spurs | GIF: So close!

• How the Spurs beat the traps

• Rodman: LeBron would have been average in 80s&90s

• George Karl's legacy in Denver

• NBA mock draft: Let's collaborate! | Scouting reports | Big Board

• #Panquake: The pancake-eating marathon for charity

Pacers Links: Spurs close out heat in Game 1 of Finals; Brian Shaw hearing from Denver

2013-06-07T11:00:00Z

The San Antonio Spurs closed like champs on Thursday night to beat the Miami Heat at AmericanAirlines Arena to take a 1-0 lead in the NBA Finals.

It looked like the long, physical series with the Indiana Pacers took an early toll on the Heat as they ran out of gas down the stretch. In the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter, Miami bounced four three-pointers while relinquishing the lead. The final one from Chris Bosh appeared to be perfect execution by the Spurs defense, holding a four-point lead the Spurs simply left the big man open to let it fly, then hauled in the rebound.

Of course, the Spurs still needed a near-miracle bank shot from Tony Parker to put away the game, so this series appears to have a long way to go before being decided. I have to admit, for much of the game I was "kinda" rooting for the Heat since they just beat the Pacers. But with that Miami crowd and the Heat players' reactions, I thoroughly enjoyed the ending.

Also, Denver fired the NBA Coach of the Year, George Karl which puts Karl in play for other openings, but also adds a team to the list of suitors for Brian Shaw. Finally saw some news on Detroit's open spot, with Mo Cheeks emerging as a leading candidate. With Phil Jackson helping the Pistons, that figured to be Shaw's fall-back plan. If they are moving in another direction, then Shaw must be closing in on a better job, which at this point appears to be Brooklyn or the L.A. Clippers.

Check out the links:

Spurs at Heat - NBA Finals - Game 1 - box score and highlights

Pacers are Paul George's team now - thanks, LeBron James | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Shaw’s exit, Granger’s return factor in Pacers’ plans - 1070 The Fan

George Karl out as Denver Nuggets coach; Shaw, Hollins may be targets - The Denver Post

Nets want Brian Shaw so badly, they won’t pursue George Karl | ProBasketballTalk

Clippers eyeing coaches Lionel Hollins, Brian Shaw, George Karl - latimes.com

Parker Sticks With ‘Crazy’ Clutch Play As Spurs Claim Game 1 Victory " NBA.com | Hang Time Blog

Tony Parker's stunning stumble-and-duck shot gives Spurs control of Heat in NBA Finals opener - Yahoo! Sports

NBA Finals, Game 1: Tony Parker's miracle shot saves the Spurs vs. Heat - SBNation.com

Spurs draw first blood, beat Heat 92-88 in Game 1 of the NBA Finals - Pounding The Rock

Spurs control 4th quarter to edge Heat 92-88 and take Game 1 in Miami - Hot Hot Hoops

2013 NBA playoffs -- Spurs success by daring a team of noted shooters to launch - ESPN

2012-13 Indiana Pacers Review | 8 Points, 9 Seconds

The San Antonio Spurs hold their own, dismissing the Miami Heat to take a 1-0 NBA Finals lead | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports

Danny Granger expects to start next season for the Pacers | Ball Don't Lie - Yahoo! Sports

Michelle Beadle is not up to the #RoyHibbertChallenge | For The Win

Pacers Links: Paul George, George Hill invited to Team USA minicamp

2013-06-06T12:57:11Z

The Indiana Pacers held exit interviews with all of the players and then Frank Vogel met with the media to put an official wrap on the 2012-13 season. Now the work begins for the 2013-14 season.

Roy Hibbert tweeted that he would let his body rest for a couple few weeks and then begin grinding for the season starting on July 1. Paul George will get in some extra work later in July when he takes part in Team USA's three-day minicamp in Las Vegas. USA Basketball also invited George Hill but according to Scott Agness, Hill is already scheduled to be with Tony Parker in China and won't participate.

PG has a chance to shine among the campers and position himself for a spot on the 2014 World Championship team, not to mention the 2016 Olympic team. Last year, PG helped prepare the Olympic team where he tapped into the extreme work ethic displayed by LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Check out the links:

Coach Vogel Season Wrap-Up Press Conference | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Frank Vogel anticipates having to replace Brian Shaw | Pacers Blogs

Shaq: Quit recycling coaches and give Brian Shaw a head coaching position | Pacers Insider

Paul George, George Hill invited to Team USA’s July minicamp | Pacers Blogs

Sacramento Kings to interview former Pacers GM David Morway, possibly interested in Larry Bird | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

Pacers coach Frank Vogel talks higher expectations, Danny Granger's role and David West's future | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

George Still Chasing King James | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE INDIANA PACERS

Indiana Pacers expect offseason changes after playoff run - ESPN

Sources: Nets granted permission to speak with Pacers' Brian Shaw about head-coaching job - Yahoo! Sports

10 Big Moments from the Pacers’ 2013 Season | Pacers Blogs

DRAFT WORKOUTS: OLADIPO AND ZELLER | VIDEO | THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE PHOENIX SUNS

Kings considering Larry Bird, David Morway for front office opening

2013-06-06T02:35:18Z

The Indiana Pacers have at least publicly given every indication that if Larry Bird wanted to return to the Fieldhouse to run the team, then they would be happy to have him back. Current team president Donnie Walsh has repeatedly said he would step aside if Bird was ready to resume guiding the team he built.

Bird appears ready to get back in the front office game, but may not with the Pacers, according to reports. Veteran NBA writer Peter Vecsey confirmed reports that the Sacramento Kings were trying to make a big splash by luring Bird to run the Kings.

Kings owner meeting with Larry Bird today means decision on hiringpresident is on hold. Source says asking 5M per, maybe piece of team
— Peter Vecsey (@PeterVecsey1) June 5, 2013

The Kings have been looking at general manager prospects, but Vecsey mentions Bird as a potential team president, the same role he held with the Pacers.

Another report today has the Kings interviewing former Pacer GM (under Bird), David Morway for the vacant general manager position. Morway often takes the blame for certain front office blunders during the rebuild, namely bailing on a trade that would've landed O.J. Mayo two years ago. Morway denies the reports on how that went down, but regardless he was front and center while the team managed their way out of salary cap hell. No easy job. He also had a hand in bringing in more advanced statistical analysis as a tool for the team to work with, which is now part of the day-to-day.

So, would Bird be considering reuniting with Morway in Sacramento? Are the two separate candidates for the same GM job?

The bigger question for me is: Will Bird consider a return to the Pacers?

I have heard speculation that Bird wants to get back in the game but not necessarily with the Pacers. He would be pushing aside people he highly respects to return. But I did find it interesting the Bird was so excited about the Pacers' success in the playoffs that he texted Mike Wells to gloat a bit after they moved past the Knicks, stating, "Those who play together stay together!"

Bird's guys in the Pacers locker room still hold him in high regard and would certainly love to have his wisdom available as they try to "stay together" next season to make another deep playoff run.

Pacers Links: Brian Shaw top choice for Clippers; Take the Roy Hibbert Challenge

2013-06-05T11:00:00Z

As the dust settles following the Indiana Pacers' exit from the playoffs it becomes easier to appreciate the season and deep playoff run the Pacers enjoyed this year while also looking ahead to the draft and offseason changes. As much as I'd like to be going down to the Fieldhouse for Game 8 against the Heat tonight, exhaling after the intense run is kinda nice.

In racing circles, the offseason is referred to as the "silly season" and it didn't take long for the Pacers to join the fray of reported rumors and silly off-court action. Brian Shaw's name continues to surface in coaching chatter, with reports out of L.A. that he is the top choice for the Clippers. If Chris Paul remains, I'm sure Shaw would find that job quite appealing with the additional chance to stick it to the Lakers for passing on him after Phil Jackson departed.

In more silly news, Roy Hibbert wasted little time interacting and ingratiating himself with NBA fans after responding to SB Nation's Mike Prada's tweet during Game 7.

This is the most impressive thing Roy Hibbert has done in Game 7. sbn.to/16FswNB
— Mike Prada (@MikePradaSBN) June 4, 2013

By the time their Twitter exchange was over, Hibbert had #RoyHibbertChallenge ready to roll through Twitter and Vine, challenging everyone to record themselves trying to chug a 20 oz. Gatorade. The Big Fella flashing those social media skills once again.

Check out the links:

Brian Shaw of Indiana Pacers is Los Angeles Clippers' No. 1 choice for coach - ESPN Los Angeles

#RoyHibbertChallenge Day 1 recap | For The Win

Pacers forward David West: 'I don't plan on going anywhere' | Indianapolis Star | indystar.com

10 Big Moments from the Pacers’ 2013 Season | Pacers Blogs

What the Pacers Must Do to Have a Shot at Beating the Heat Next Year - The Triangle Blog - Grantland

Pacers look to build off strong playoff run - AP

Future is bright for Indiana Pacers, as long as David West is around - NBA - Chris Mannix - SI.com

Pacers' Paul George eyeing max deal, future MVP award - CBS Sports

Report: Clippers ask to speak to Hollins; Shaw considered frontrunner | ProBasketballTalk

Report: Larry Brown contacted by Nets, 76ers and third mystery team | ProBasketballTalk

Oddsmaker heavily favors Heat over Spurs in 2013 Finals | The Point Forward - SI.com