Unfortunately we start today with some sad news Barry Ackerley passed away early Monday morning after suffering a stroke. The legendary former owner of the legendary Seattle SuperSonics franchise was 76 years old. NBA Commissioner David Stern released a statement saying, "It is with great sadness that I learned today of the passing of my friend Barry Ackerley During Barry's 18-year ownership of the Seattle SuperSonics, he oversaw an extraordinary franchise that was seemingly always in the playoffs and often contending for an NBA championship. He was committed to building and maintaining a winning franchise and would settle for nothing less. On behalf of the NBA and its Board of Governors, I extend our condolences to Barry's wife Ginger, his sons Bill, Chris and Ted and his daughter Kim." Ackerley also gave the Sonics coach Nate McMillan who also released a statement of tribute. "I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity he gave me to work in the NBA for 15 years. The thing I'll remember most about Barry was the passion he had for his players, team and community. I'm sadden to learn of his passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Ackerley, the Ackerley family and all those who knew and loved him." We also extend our thoughts to his family and friends as we remember a great man.
More worrying news has emerged. Former Dallas Mavericks great, All-Star forward Mark Aguirre was taken to hospital after he collapsed at an athletic club in Dallas. Former Mavericks general manager Frank Zaccanelli told press that Aguirre blacked out on a treadmill due to a blood circulation problem, adding that "he's fine". Mark will remain in hospital for a few days for monitoring and we wish him well and hope everything is OK. The tough, dependable forward is a fighter for sure.
24/48/82. In other news it looks like Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love is going to miss more then a couple of practices with this sore groin. The supreme Love will not travel on the Wolves two game road trip due to the injury. Kevin will rest as his team take on the West's best teams (not named San Antonio or L.A.) Dallas and Oklahoma. Of course the T-Wolves will miss the bulk of their box-score entries with Love's 20.3 points and 15.4 rebounds (the league best) per. Still, talented, versatile, rising forward Anthony Randolph will start in K's place offering a different dimension and a defensive mismatch that opponents will hate almost as much as playing Love.
O.T. The Nets have recalled rookie point guard Ben Uzoh from Springfield of the NBA Development League...the Celtics where mauled by the Memphis Grizzlies last night after they looked the wrong shade of green...the Spurs also got dealt with by the Mavericks thanks to Tyson Chandlers clutch basket...the Miami Heat motored past the Detroit Pistons thanks to the tag-team rally of Wade and Bosh...while Indiana not only beat Charlotte in their game, but in the playoff race, now these 'cats will have to claw their way up to keep up pace with the Pacers...finally add a first triple-double to Blake Griffin's impressive rookie resume as he led his L.A Clippers to victory in two overtime periods. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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