According to ESPN, Harpring has never completely recovered from an infection that developed after ankle surgery in the summer of 2008. “After consultations with the doctors and based on their recommendations, I have reluctantly come to the realization that my body can simply no longer withstand the rigors of NBA games and practices,” he said.

Matt Harping may be sidelined indefinitely.

Harpring joined the Utah Jazz as a free agent in 2002. He found success and a home with the Jazz, and thrived as a prolific shooter. Unfortunately, Harpring’s playing time has dropped consistently over the last few years because of injuries, including multiple knee surgeries and the strep infection that developed from having a bone spur removed from his right ankle.

The 2009 season is over for Harpring. And it looks as though his NBA career may be over as well.

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Matt Harpring’s Season Is Over; Career Too?

Yes, that’s right. Artest recently admitted to the Sporting News that he used to “drink Hennessy … at halftime.”  He said that he kept it in his locker, and would just walk to the liquor store and get it.

The obvious question here is, why? Performance enhancing substances I could understand. But alcohol? It’s not like it helps you play any better.

Artest confessed that he drank while playing for the Chicago Bulls from 1999 to 2001. And if that wasn’t enough, he also said that the infamous brawl he was an intricate part of during his time with the Indiana Pacers wasn’t his fault. “I don’t see anything I could have done different,” he said.

Does he not remember the fact that he stormed into the stands to fight with fans?? Maybe he was too tipsy to remember what actually happened?

I’ll leave you with these last parting words of wisdom from Artest himself:

“When I was a 19-year-old father, whew. I was a single pimp! I was wild,” he told the Sporting News. “A lot of marijuana and alcohol — even before [that age]. … I [still] party and I have fun, but not like I used to. I used to drink every night and party every night.”

What a guy.

Here’s a refresh of the Pacers/Pistons brawl. Maybe Artest should look it up on YouTube as well:

Post from: EveryJoe

Ron Artest Used To Sip Hennessy At Halftime

Apparently “The Answer” agreed to a one-year contract with his former team. He informed the Philadelphia 76ers this morning that he would accept the deal. According to ESPN, The contract is for a pro-rated veteran’s minimum of $1.3 million.

Allen Iverson won't be setting the basketball on the shelf after all.

Even though Iverson announced his “retirement” last week, it seemed as though he felt he wasn’t ready to leave the NBA. As fate would have it, the Sixers lost Lou Williams to an injury which is said to have “sidelined him for eight weeks.”

If you’re team president Ed Stefanski, what would you do?

Ironically, his “answer” was to turn to Iverson, who led the Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001.

Perhaps, this is the kind rebirth that Iverson needs to find his game. Who said you can’t go home again?

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Iverson Agrees To Sign With The Sixers

The Knicks came out on fire and smoked the Suns. Completely smoked ‘em. At the half, the Knicks had 71 points and ended up winning 126-99. The win improved the Knicks to 4-14, while the Suns dropped to 14-4.

Danilo Gallinari, the second-year forward from Italy, led the way for the Knicks with 27 points, ten rebounds, two assists and two blocks in 36 minutes. David Lee had 24 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Off the bench, Al Harrington had 22 points and eight boards.

Steve Nash was the lone bright spot for the Suns, finishing with 20 points and eight assists. After the game, Nash didn’t exactly mince words.

“Terrible performance. I’m embarrassed. Obviously just a disastrous effort,” said Nash.

This game was also the first time this season that the Suns didn’t score 100 points. D’Antoni had one wish after the game.

Said D’Antoni: “If we can bottle this up.”

Mike D'Antoni got the last laugh on Tuesday (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Mike D’Antoni Gets Sweet Revenge

I posed a simple question in my post. I asked, who would want to coach the Nets now? Well, according to SI.com, Patrick Ewing is interested. The former NBA All-Star has been an assistant coach for the past seven seasons. Apparently, he’s ready for a new challenge.

Patrick Ewing has been an assistant coach for seven seasons. He's ready to take the next step.

Taking over as head coach for the Nets would certainly be a challenge. Maybe Ewing wants a chance to prove that he has what it takes to be a head coach in the NBA. If he can turn this team around, he’ll definitely earn his stripes.

Nets general manager, Kiki Vandeweghe will take over as head coach for the time being. According to ESPN.com, Vandeweghe played 13 seasons in the NBA with four teams and was a two-time All-Star. His only coaching experience came in Dallas, under Don Nelson. Despite his lack of experience, Vandeweghe has one thing going for him — if he can win at least one game then he’s one up on Frank.

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Ewing Wants To Coach The New Jersey Nets

According to ESPN.com, assistant coach Tom Barrise took over the team last night against the Los Angeles Lakers, while general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said team officials would meet after the squad returns to New Jersey and discuss who will coach for the rest of the season.

Larry Frank, head coach of the New Jersey Nets, has been "relieved" of his coaching duties.

What coach could possibly want the job? They would be inheriting one of the worst teams in NBA history. On the other hand, winning a game here or there would be seen as a serious improvement. You can’t do much worse, except maybe 0-18.

But even the “Zen Master” himself, Phil Jackson would have a hard time remaining calm with this team. There’s no structure, and nothing to build on at the moment. They don’t seem to have a reliable fan base, or a standout player who can give the team some visibility and elevate them to another level.

Perhaps LeBron James can help?

Image: Zuma Press

Post from: EveryJoe

Nets Fire Larry Frank

On Saturady night, the Dallas Mavericks certainly knew his name. Williams finished the game 7-for-7 on three-pointers and score 25 points overall as the Cavs beat the Mavs by a final score of 111-95.

LeBron James chipped in with 25 points, 12 assists and five rebounds. Delonte West had 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Anderson Varejao had 15 points and nine rebounds while making all seven of his field goal attempts.

Dirk Nowitzki led the Mavs with 27 points and nine rebounds. Jason Terry had 25 points off the bench. Defense was the problem for Dallas, as Cleveland scored 68 points in the first half.

Following the game, both teams had a record of 12-5.

Mo Williams - Cleveland Cavaliers (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Mo Williams Shoots Down Mavericks

Beasley finished the game with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Wade, per usual, led the way with 24 points, six assists, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks.

The Magic, on the other hand, suffered a disappointing home loss. Jason Williams, starting in place of the injured Jameer Nelson, had 25 points and eight assists in 39 minutes. Dwight Howard had 12 points and 16 rebounds but only attempted five shots from the field.

Orlando had a five-point lead heading into the fourth quarter but that evaporated due to Miami’s aggressive play on both ends. The win improves the Heat to 9-5, while the Magic dropped to 11-4 with the loss.

Here’s a look at Michael Beasley’s dunk that won the game:

Post from: EveryJoe

Michael Beasley Wins Game with Dunk – Video

Monta Ellis led the way with 37 points, eight assists, four rebounds and four steals. He did rack up 11 turnovers but his aggressiveness helped the Warriors — especially down the stretch. Anthony Morrow chipped in with 27, while rookie Stephen Curry had 18.

For the Mavs, Dirk Nowitzki had 28 points, ten rebounds, three assists and two steals. Jason Terry had 21 points off the bench but the only other player on the team to score at least nine points was Drew Gooden (14).

For those that don’t remember the 2007 postseason, that was the one that featured the eighth seeded Warriors defeating the top seeded Mavs. That series was perhaps the most exciting series I’ve ever watched, although neither team has really been the same since.

Monta Ellis is rounding back into form (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Mavericks Upset by Warriors … Again

On Monday night, Moped Monta scored a career-high 45 points against the Indiana Pacers. He hit 15-of-27 shots from the field and 14-of-16 shots from the line. Over the last five games, he’s averaging 35.2 points, 5.4 assists, 4 rebounds and 3.8 steals while shooting 52.3% from the floor and 82.6% from the charity stripe.

Ellis’ latest performance helped the Golden State Warriors crush the Indiana Pacers by a final score of 126-107. Anthony Morrow and CJ Watson both scored 18 points for Golden State. The Pacers were led by Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy, who both had 22 points.

Earlier in the month, rumors surfaced that Ellis wanted out of Golden State. He has been at odds with the franchise ever since the moped incident and those wounds haven’t healed. It’ll be interesting to see if this hot streak makes Ellis happier in Golden State or if it intensifies trade talk.

Monta Ellis has obviously recovered from his moped injuries (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Moped Monta Ellis is Rollin’