Prior to their Monday night game against the Toronto Raptors, the San Antonio Spurs learned that they would be without both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker — arguably the two best players on the team. The duo was sidelined due to ankle injuries.
By the end of the game, the Raptors were reminded that the Spurs have a few other very good players — namely Manu Ginobili and Richard Jefferson. Ginobili had 36 points, eight assists, four rebounds and four blocks as the Spurs utilized a strong fourth quarter to post a 131-124 victory.
Jefferson, who was acquired via trade from the …read more

Richard Jefferson, the small forward acquired in the offseason by the San Antonio Spurs, dislocated his thumb on Tuesday. The injury occurred when he was working out in the team’s practice facility.
The good news for Jefferson and the Spurs is the fact that the injury is believed to be minor. The team will take another look at his thumb next week to give a definite return date. With training camp two weeks away, he may have to miss the first week of training camp. However, there’s a chance he’ll be ready for the beginning of the camp.
When Bruce Bowen recently …read more

Bruce Bowen, arguably the best perimeter defender of his generation, has decided to retire from the NBA. In his eight years with the San Antonio Spurs, Bowen was able to capture three NBA championships while cementing his legacy as a defensive monster.
From 2003 to 2008, Bowen was named to the All-Defensive first team all five seasons. The three previous seasons saw him named to the All-Defensive second team. Bowen also finished second in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award multiple times.
Though the now 38-year-old small forward wasn’t know for his offense, he was an accomplished three-point shooter who …read more

On a night when surreal events appeared to be the norm, the 2009 NBA draft fit right in.
The fact that Michael Jackson passed away yesterday was beyond surreal. Add in Farrah Faucet and you’ve got a double-whammy.  Then Shaq gets traded to Cleveland to team up with Lebron for what seems to be a destined championship run in 2010.
What else happened on draft night?
Here’s a brief recap for your viewing pleasure:
• Richard Jefferson was traded to San Antonio.
• Blake Griffin was the number one pick in the ’09 draft.
• Tyler Hansbrough went to the Indiana Pacers.
• Golden State stole Stephen …read more

The San Antonio Spurs made a big splash on Tuesday when they acquired Richard Jefferson from the Milwaukee Bucks. On the Spurs, Jefferson will likely become the team’s starting small forward and joins Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili to form a formidable foursome.
In return for Jefferson, the Bucks got salary relief in the threesome of Bruce Bowen, Fabricio Oberto and Kurt Thomas. Both Bowen and Oberto have partially guaranteed contracts that will create space under the NBA’s luxury tax. Out of the three players, the only one who may suit up for the Bucks is Thomas.
Last season, Jefferson …read more

The Arizona coach made it official a few hours ago that he is retiring to spend more time with his family.
In 24 seasons at Arizona, Lute Olson, 74, made everyone believe that the Pac-10 wasn’t just UCLA’s conference. The Wildcats were a national power under Olson as he posted a 589-187 record. Arizona was a fixture in the NCAA tournament reaching four Final Fours including a national championship.
Players Olson coached that went on to great success in the NBA include Richard Jefferson, Mike Bibby and Sean Elliott. They were three of 13 first round draft picks to come out of …read more