24. Further to our in brief O.T. reports on yesterdays 'Through The Wire' it looks like several ageing NBA All-Stars are looking at new ways of increasing their playing days and contributions. It looks like Shaquille O'Neal could be following in Allen Iverson's sneaker steps and not just by playing overseas in Turkey. Iverson's Besiktas teams general manager, Seref Yalcin claimed that Boston Celtics center Shaquille O'Neal will join the team next season. The 'big turkey' anyone? The G.M. told Hoopsnotes.com that he met with Shaquille and the big man had some big plans. Apparently the diesel told Yalcin, "I want to be a champion this season with Boston. But I'm coming to Turkey next year." Sure there will be doubts but Yalcin believes the chances are "very high" in responses to the reaction he knows he'll get, "Some people will still come out and say 'Shaq won't come to Turkey'," the G.M. Believes. Although there is nothing on Shaq's Twitter the star who has another year left on his Celtic contract may be making a real smart move with an impending lockout looming. O'Neal's second year on his contract is a player option so he can do what he wants and with the thought of him teaming up with Iverson he is welcome to do how he pleases. Shaq may be reaching his 40's but he's shooting 69% this season on his way to 11.3 points and 6.5 rebound averages. Now how fitting would it be if these two stars and NBA icons came together after all they've been through this offseason looking for contracts? These two little and large pioneers could change the game yet again but this time in Europe.
(Better days for Antonie in 2006 with Shawn Marion)
48. More updates from yesterdays 'Through The Wire' in brief 'O.T.' section regarding ageing stars. A former teammates of Shaq in Miami and Boston Celtics player is making a comeback. This fellow big man (just in different ways) is looking to the D-League to mount a last ditch comeback that could hopefully land him back in the NBA. This player in question is the talented but troubled, inside, outside threat Antoine Walker who has unfortunately had his fair share of on court and off court problems. The shimmy however is looking to shake that off however by signing with the NBA Development Leagues Idaho Stampede. After spending playing time in Puerto Rico the forward looks to return to North America. The 34 year old veteran will lace 'em up professionally for the first time in two years and seasons as he hopes to lead the charge back to form with the Stampede. Say what you like about the player but he's trying plus his outside shot and point forward savvy would be useful for anyone even back in the NBA.
82. It's looking critical in Cleveland. After dropping their sixth straight to Chicago the team aren't putting up a Cavalier effort. Fingers are beginning to be pointed but none should be thrust in the direction of talented, veteran coach Byron Scott who is not giving up on his team. "I'm not ready to do that," the frustrated but fiercely loyal former Laker player and Hornets coach said. "I'm not anywhere near there right now. As I've told the players, I still have a lot of faith and a lot of trust in them", Scott added. Now that sure is a press pep talk. The Cavs after LeBron record stands shaky at 7 and 14. Cleveland still have a wealth of talent with guys like Mo Williams, Antwan Jamison, Anthony Parker, Anderson Varejao, Daniel Gibson, J.J. Hickson, Joey Graham and Jamario Moon but the task at hand now is to manage this talent and get over the departure of James which has knocked the wind out of this teams sails. Scott is calling for more emotion from his players, "I want more than what they've shown so far," he says. The coach wants passion not heartache. "From a coaching standpoint, you can't stand pat when things keep going this way. We'll go with this. If that's not working, we'll change it again." Byron knows the deal it's time for his team to because the trigger happy world of NBA G.M.'s shouldn't fire this guy as that's not always the answer. Especially for a man who turned a stung Hornet to a hive of honey sweet success.like a true coach Scott made the mission statement clear, "They've got to go out and play basketball."
O.T. The San Antonio Spurs move to 18 and 3 beating a team when their down in the form of the battle weary Warriors...meanwhile the Miami Heat blew the Jazz away on the road...former Jazz man Derek Fisher clutched a win with a buzzer beating layup this time for the Lakers in a Los Angeles battle with the Clippers...heading east in New York, Raymond Felton also hit a last second shot as his Knicks overcame the six loss Raptors by three...Carmelo Anthony had to watch his Denver Nuggets go Irish from the bench as they lost to Boston...Kevin Durant was on hand for the Thunder as they overcame Minnesota and Kevin Love 20, 20 double kiss as Oklahoma saw a clear win...and in the battle of teams looking for buyers the Hornets looked more valuable with an win over Detroit. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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