Today we bring you guest blogger Marquis Chapman.

What’s up NBA Obsessed fans. My name is Marquis Chapman and it’s an honor to lend some of my opinions about the latest NBA news and headlines for NBA Obsessed. Writing about the NBA and its players is a hobby I picked up while in college. I hope to one day contribute articles for SLAM and DIME magazine or any other publication that represents the young NBA sports fan.

Livingston hopes to bounce back from this devastating knee injury and start fresh with the Heat

Free agent and former Los Angeles Clipper Shaun Livingston signed a two year deal with the Miami Heat on Friday. Coming off a devastating, and what most expected to be a career ending knee injury two seasons ago, Livingston is ready to compete for the Heat.

“I’m anxious to prove and show what I can do,” Livingston told Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. “I feel like I have a lot to prove, not just from being healthy, but also performance-based. I feel like I can be a lead guard, with no disrespect to any of the guards down here.”
source

Before suffering the infamous left knee injury that tore three ligaments and dislocated his knee cap, Livingston was emerging as a reliable young player with unlimited potential for the Los Angeles Clippers. The 6-7 point guard showed flashes of brilliance and a basketball I.Q. well beyond his years for someone who was drafted out of high school in 2004 as the No. 4 overall pick.

A healthy Shaun Livingston with a lot to prove to his naysayers could be a great addition for the Miami Heat. Livingston provides the Heat with something they’ve lacked for a while, a legitimate true point guard. His length and presence on the court is going to alleviate the constant pressure for Dwayne Wade to create for himself and others around him, and he could prove to be a big help to Shawn Marion by penetrating and dishing, giving the small forward some easy buckets.

While Livingston has been cleared to practice since Spring, and has participated in 5 on 5 scrimmages; playing an actual game will truly determine if he has fully recovered from the knee injury.

However, Livingston’s potential backcourt mate Dwayne Wade remains optimistic about the newly acquired point guard stating, ”I talked to everybody,” Wade said. “For the future of Miami, that’s a good start when you talk about point guard. It’s a great move. I’m really happy; excited to see our team continue to build for the future.”
source

Photo source Newscom

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Shaun Livingston takes a bite out of crime

Shaun Livingston played for the Clippers and destroyed his knee. The Clippers eventually renounced their rights to Shaun. Now Shaun is trying to latch onto another team as a free agent.

Livingston worked out in Portland on Friday, and two league sources believed the Blazers are the favorites to sign the ex-Los Angeles Clippers guard. Still, it is unclear whether Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard has been convinced enough to add yet another guaranteed contract to his roster.

Minnesota executives Jim Stack, Fred Hoiberg and coach Randy Wittman traveled to Chicago on Thursday to watch Livingston at Tim Grover’s Attack Athletics facility. The Wolves, sources said, were sold on the workout and want to sign him.

The Miami Heat are also still in strong contention for Livingston, a 6-foot-7 point guard. Livingston is planning to work out for Heat president Pat Riley early this week in Miami.

source

Shaun Livingston is young and has a lot of potential. He was drafted straight out of high school and is only 23 years old.

If Livingston gets back to full strength, then some team is getting a steal. The Heat appear to be the favorites at this time.

photo source newscom

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Ben Gordon shooting the lights out!

The NBA draft class of 2004 has their contracts coming up for renewal.

In the NBA, this is the first of the great Promises, like a strong spring breeze after a long cold winter; it brings with it many new riches.

This time period, 3 years after your initial contract, is the reason that so many undernourished, undereducated, immature lanky, talented basketball players leave College early to go to the Pros.

You see, it is not the NBA come calling, it is the after 3 years free agent or renegotiate that they hear so loudly.

The class of 2004, including Ben Gordon, may face the harsh reality of being drafted at the wrong time.

With only a few teams expected to be under the salary cap next summer, there probably won’t be a big market for free agents. Most teams are going to drive a hard bargain with their ‘04 rookies right now. Because any contract they sign would be guaranteed, those players are going to be asked to give up some money in return for the security of a longer-term deal. source

The teams have until Oct 31st and only 3 players have signed on the dotted line; Dwight Howard, Devin Harris and Kevin Martin.

If they don’t sign before Oct 31, then next year they can test the Free Agent waters.

Here are some of the players from the class of 2004:

Emeka Okafor, Bobcats, No. 2 pick
Bobcats co-owner Michael Jordan has said he wants to re-sign the 6-10 forward/center, the 2005 Rookie of the Year, but so far no deal has been reached. Will the Bobcats be willing to go into the $70 to $75 million range for a player with Okafor’s history of injuries?

Ben Gordon, Bulls, No. 3
The 6-2 guard and former Sixth Man Award winner has blossomed into a 20-point scorer, meaning he probably wants a deal better than the five-year, $47.5 million package Kirk Hinrich signed a year ago. More likely, it will take something similar to that of Sacramento’s Martin. But with teammate Luol Deng (see below) also due for a hefty extension, can the Bulls afford both?

Al Jefferson, Timberwolves, No. 15
He could be in for a near max deal after averaging 16 points and 11 boards last season. Plus, as the main piece in the Kevin Garnett trade, Wolves vice president Kevin McHale can’t afford to let the 6-10 power forward get away.

Others include:

Shaun Livingston, Clippers – injured

Josh Childress, Hawks – probably headed for free agency

Luol Deng, Bulls – looking at a huge payday, but will it be the Bulls?

Andrew Iquodala, 76ers – possible free agent

Josh Smith, Hawks – maybe free agent

Jameer Nelson, Magic – undecided by the Magic

Yes, Ben Gordon and the class of 2004 may have to live on only 7 or 8 million a year a piece. How will they manage?

NBA Basketball Fan Question Which of these free agents would you want the most?

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