The NBA’s 5 Most Clutch Free-Throw Shooters

I came across this article on Dime this morning which lists their pick for the top 5 free-throw shooters in the NBA.

Its a part of the game that many overlook ... but not me. Click on the title below to read the full story. No surprise to see my guys, Steve Nash & Ray Allen on there.

The NBA’s 5 Most Clutch Free-Throw Shooters | Dime Magazine (dimemag.com) : Daily NBA News, NBA Trades, NBA Rumors, Basketball Videos, Sneakers

NBA TV’s re-run of the Lakers/Suns Western Conference Finals series is playing in the Dime office right now, and we just watched Steve Nash knock down the game-icing free throws in Game Three. So of course that started an argument: Who would you want at the line to win (or seal) the game for your team?

When people talk about “clutch,” they’re usually referring to game-winning shots and buzzer-beaters. But one underrated part of being clutch is hitting free throws. Teams like the Lakers, Celtics, Spurs and Pistons have been successful recently because they had that one guy (or two) who can hold a lead late in the fourth quarter by knocking down shots at the line. As much as a buzzer-beating three hurts, nonstop dagger free throws to kill your comeback can hurt just as much. With that, here are my Top-5 clutch free throw shooters:

Brisbane Bullets update

A friend asked me on Facebook whether I had heard anymore about the Brisbane Bullets returning to the NBL, so I did some research and came across this. I might see if I can make an appearance at the meeting on the 11th and find out exactly what's going on and where they are up to.

Darren Lockyer pipped by Billy Slater in NRL poll, says Mark 'The Ear' Oberhardt | Courier Mail

SOME months back, The Ear reported a strange rumour that Brisbane was about to get a new NBL team. It was strange because try as I might I couldn't confirm it. But things are taking more of shape with news Bullets basketball legend Leroy Loggins is involved in a push to get NBL back to Brisbane. On August 11, there is a meeting at Carina Leagues Club to establish a working party to 'approach, recruit and encourage the community, members within the sport, government and business to work towards the establishment of a Brisbane team.' It is ridiculous Brisbane doesn't have a team in the NBL and the sport continues to have a Brisbane presence in the lower divisions. It is no secret one of the most professional of the 'semi-professional' clubs in Brisbane is the Spartans basketball.

David Anderson to Toronto Raptors

Thanks to Mookie from A Stern Warning, I've just found out that Aussie David Andersen has been traded to the Toronto Raptors. With Yao Ming likely to return to the Rockets this season, the trade is probably a good one for Andersen especially now that Hedo and Bosh are no longer in Toronto.

David could see some minutes in a young inexperienced Raptors team looking to make a fresh start. I was pleased for him with his production in Houston and while he didn't set the world on fire, he was never meant to and delivered liked a professional should.

For more perspective on the trade, check out Mookie's write-up here.

Houston Rockets trade center David Anderson to Toronto Raptors - ESPN

HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets have traded center David Andersen to the Toronto Raptors for cash and a future second-round draft pick.

The 6-foot-11 Australian averaged 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds in 63 games last season, his first in the NBA. Andersen helped fill the void for Houston while Yao Ming sat out last season with a foot injury. Yao is expected to return healthy this season, and the Rockets signed free-agent center Brad Miller to back him up.

The Rockets acquired Andersen's rights from the Atlanta Hawks last July, not long after Yao announced he would have foot surgery and probably miss the 2009-10 season.

Andersen was a second-round draft choice of the Hawks in 2002. He had previously played in Europe, most recently in the Spanish League with FC Barcelona.

Big Joe in the news

I'm not quite sure why this is "news-worthy" but it was obviously a slow sports day on the Gold Coast. Good to see (former Brisbane Bullets) team manager Big Joe getting some love in the paper.

Blaze's Big Joe navigates Sydney Gossip News | goldcoast.com.au | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

BLAZE team manager 'Big Joe' Tertzakian has absolutely everything under control in his job of running the affairs of the squad, but finally CC has uncovered something he didn't have down pat.

The nationwide basketball identity travelled to Sydney with coach Joey Wright to visit the injured Jason Cadee and hired a Ford Falcon to drive out to the rookie's western suburbs home.

When the pair arrived at the hire facility they were upgraded to a plush new Audi complete with its own built-in navigation system.

Only problem was the system left Big Joe somewhat stumped at how to operate it. In particular, how to turn up the volume of the lady giving directions.

Needless to say Big Joe resorted to a very vocal conversation with the computer when all else failed and naturally that didn't work.

It's about time there was something he didn't have 110 per cent under control.

It may be a while before he is found out again.

Shawn Marion playing in the World Series of Poker

Last year it was LA Lakers back-up guard, Jordan Farmar playing in the WSOP, this year its Dallas Mavericks swingman Shawn Marion.

I was checking out the coverage on Poker News when I saw his face on one of their videos. Check out the interview here.

Here's a story about Marion playing in the World Series, click on the title to read the full story.

Shawn Marion tries his hand at the World Series of Poker Main Event | Dallas Mavericks Blog | Sports News | News for Dallas, Texas | The Dallas Morning News
Posted at 11:00 PM on Mon., Jul. 5, 2010 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
SportsDayDFW.com sports Bio | E-mail | News tips

While a number of the NBA's finest are trying to secure millions in the free agent market, the Dallas Mavericks' Shawn Marion is trying to get millions in a different way: at the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas.

Marion participated in Day 1 of the Main Event on Monday. Due to the growing popularity of the event, there are four separate 'Day 1s' where players begin the tournament. Monday's was the first possible day to start. A number of other athletes and celebrities will also try their hand over the next three days. According to a report in USA Today, former Cowboy legends Emmitt Smith and Troy Aikman will both play during Thursday's Day 1 action.

Last year's winner, 21-year-old Joe Cada, received $8.5 million.

Mills & Schenscher off to the summer league

Trail Blazers announce summer league roster | OregonLive.com

Sean Meagher, OregonLive.com

The Trail Blazers announced their summer league roster Wednesday. Rookie picks Luke Babbitt and Armon Johnson will be joined by Jeff Pendergraph, Dante Cunningham and Patty Mills.

More from the team:

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Trail Blazers announced their roster for the 2010 NBA Summer League. The team, coached by Trail Blazers assistant coach Kaleb Canales, will play five games from July 11-18 at Cox Pavilion on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Trail Blazers returning to summer league competition include Dante Cunningham, who led Portland’s 2009 entry with 18.3 points, and Jeff Pendergraph, whose 7.6 rebounds led all Trail Blazers in last year’s summer league. Second-year guard Patrick Mills will also compete in Las Vegas.

Also joining the Trail Blazers in Las Vegas are two of Portland’s selections in the 2010 NBA Draft: Luke Babbitt (16th overall pick) and Armon Johnson (34th overall pick). Former Trail Blazers center Luke Schenscher is also on this year’s summer league roster.

Portland’s summer league squad will begin practice on Wednesday, July 7, at the Practice Facility in Tualatin. The team is expected to travel to Las Vegas on Saturday, July 10.

2010 NBA Summer League Roster

As of June 30, 2010

Name Pos Ht Wt Birthdate NBA Yrs

Luke Babbitt F 6-9 225 6/20/89 R

Jimmy Baron G 6-3 195 5/23/86 R

Dante Cunningham F 6-8 227 4/22/87 1

Michael Fey C 7-0 270 5/29/83 R

Mike Green G 6-1 175 6/23/85 R

Ekene Ibekwe F/C 6-9 220 7/19/85 R

Armon Johnson G 6-3 195 2/23/89 R

Joe Krabbenhoft F 6-7 220 3/24/87 R

Patrick Mills G 6-0 175 8/11/88 1

Demetris Nichols G/F 6-8 211 9/4/84 2

Jeff Pendergraph F/C 6-9 240 4/29/87 1

Nik Raivio G 6-4 205 2/6/86 R

Luke Schenscher C 7-1 265 12/31/82 2

Reyshawn Terry F 6-8 222 4/7/84 R