Chris Wilcox, Keyon Dooling, Brandon Bass Comprise Trio of New Celtics Eager to Get Going in Boston

The Celtics had media day on Tuesday in Waltham, a day that is old hat for a core of valuable C's like Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. Media day also presented a chance for an introduction for a trio of new Celtics, as Chris Wilcox, Keyon Dooling and Brandon Bass all met with the media to talk about their separate paths to Boston and what they can do to help get back to the promised land. Tuesday also marked Jeff Green's return to the practice court after sitting out with an undisclosed injury. Green sounds eager...

The Celtics had media day on Tuesday in Waltham, a day that is old hat for a core of valuable C's like Paul Pierce, Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.

Media day also presented a chance for an introduction for a trio of new Celtics, as Chris Wilcox, Keyon Dooling and Brandon Bass all met with the media to talk about their separate paths to Boston and what they can do to help get back to the promised land.

Tuesday also marked Jeff Green's return to the practice court after sitting out with an undisclosed injury. Green sounds eager to make his mark in his first full season Celtic Green after signing a new contract with the team this weekend.

Jayme Parker was on hand for media day, and you can check it all out in the video above from NESN Daily.

Chris Paul To Lakers Trade Talks Resume

Just when you thought the Lakers deal was dead, they rear their powerful heads back into the CP3 mix. Apparently Pau Gasol becomes the main focus of the deal now that Lamar Odom has been traded to the Dallas Mavericks. The New Orleans Hornets are the only team in NBA history to be owned by the NBA, so the league definitely does not want to make a mistake by trading a franchise player like Chris Paul.

With the recent offer by the NBA-owned Hornets to the Clippers being rejected, then back on, the Lakers have re-emerged as a realistic possibility to attain CP3 in a deal. Pau Gasol works for the league and would be the centerpiece of the deal. The Hornets are demanding draft picks which the Lakers now have after the Odom trade this week.

Kobe Bryant was visably upset this week when his Lakers traded away Lamar Odom. His teammates were in agreement that it was a terrible deal for their franchise, receiving nothing in return. Now, the Lakers have an opportunity to land one of the premier point guards in the league, but it would be for the best big man and one of the league’s best in Pau Gasol.

If the Lakers lose Gasol, they can kiss their chances of a title away. That would indicate that the Lakers are completely confident in Andrew Bynum moving forward. That is almost comical. Bynum is a great talent, but his health has always been an issue. What makes the Lakers so confident in Bynum just so they can attain Chris Paul? Kobe Bryant is already their point guard, and Bryant has never won without a dominant center like Gasol of the finesse variety and Shaq with his dominance. I would retreat from this offer if I was the Lakers front office.

Follow Tony Piraro on Twitter @bballgurulive

MIAMI HEAT UNVEIL ALL-BLACK ALTERNATE JERSEY DURING MEDIA DAY (PHOTO)

During Monday’s media day session, the Miami Heat had LeBron James pose for photos while wearing the team’s all-new, all-black alternate jersey, and I must admit they are pretty snazzy if I do say so myself. In a way, it’s another big step in the transformation of the Miami Heat into the villains of the NBA, as one’s thoughts cannot help but turn to the original villains of the NFL — the Oakland Raiders — while looking at the new unis.

ESPN Rachel Nichols Interviews LeBron James about Finals and Villain Role

Video: Nike Ad for the Zoom Kobe VII

Kobe Bryant - Not About The Shoes, But Nike Says its the Shoes, So here is a before and after Video....Watch and you tell me if its the shoes or not?

                                 BEFORE........

                                   AFTER....

Under Armour, NBA Establish Multi-Year Partnership

Under the agreement, Under Armour can use NBA jerseys and marks to feature its endorsers—Brandon Jennings, Derrick Williams, Kemba Walker and Greivis Vasquez—in promotions, advertising and in-store executions. UA will also work with the NBA to refurbish five basketball courts in 2012.

Here’s more from Under Armour:

NEW YORK and BALTIMORE, Dec. 13, 2011 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Under Armour, Inc., a leading developer of branded performance apparel, footwear and accessories, today announced a multiyear partnership.

As part of this partnership, Under Armour will be able to feature its endorsers – which include Brandon Jennings of the Milwaukee Bucks, Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kemba Walker of the Charlotte Bobcats, and Greivis Vasquez of the Memphis Grizzlies – in official NBA uniforms to promote its basketball footwear in promotional campaigns, brand advertising, and at retail. Additionally, Under Armour and the NBA will team up to refurbish community basketball courts throughout the US.

“Partnering with the NBA allows us to showcase our innovative basketball footwear and roster of young, talented players through a platform that represents the pinnacle of the sport,” said Matt Mirchin, Senior Vice President, Global Sports Marketing, Under Armour. “We share a passion with the NBA to help young basketball players get better, and our joint court refurbishment program will create more access to functional basketball courts where the next generation can hone their skills.”

“Under Armour is a dynamic performance brand that is adept at capturing the imagination of athletes and sports fans alike,” said Mark Tatum, NBA Executive Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships. “With its dedication to enhancing the athlete experience, Under Armour is an ideal fit to help us expand access to the game in a variety of communities through the refurbishment of basketball courts.”

[...]

An additional aspect of this new multiyear partnership is Under Armour’s commitment to refurbish five basketball courts in local communities. Through this refurbishment initiative, Under Armour will be able to reach the broad and passionate fan base of the NBA by supporting the game of basketball at a grassroots level. The court refurbishments will be undertaken with NBA FIT as part of the NBA Cares Community Caravan. Under Armour plans to refurbish an additional five basketball courts throughout the year.

Keeping track of all the NBA moves

basketballgurulive.com keeps you up to speed on NBA free agency and trades, with the most recent postings added to the top.

TUESDAY

BUCKS RE-SIGN MBAH A MOUTE

The Milwaukee Bucks have re-signed free agent Luc Richard Mbah a Moute to a multiyear contract.

General manager John Hammond announced the move Tuesday, saying the Bucks had matched an offer sheet to the restricted free agent from the Denver Nuggets. Terms were not disclosed.

The 25-year-old Mbah a Moute averaged 6.7 points and 5.3 rebounds in 79 games for the Bucks last season. He was second on the team in rebounds (420). The 6-foot-8 forward is entering his fourth NBA season.

— Associated Press

NETS SIGN FORMER DUKE STAR

The New Jersey Nets on Tuesday signed free agent forward Shelden Williams.

A five-year NBA veteran who has played for six teams, Williams has averaged 4.5 points and 4.6 rebounds in 303 games. Selected out of Duke by Atlanta with the fifth overall pick in the 2006 NBA draft, Williams was traded to Sacramento during the 2007-08 season.

He also played in Minnesota, Boston and Denver before landing with the Knicks last season.

— Associated Press

KWAME BROWN, WARRIORS AGREE TO DEAL

Free agent center Kwame Brown has agreed to terms on a one-year, $7 million contract with the Golden State Warriors. Agent Mark Bartelstein says the offer in Golden State was ''too good to pass up.'' Full Story ...

MONDAY

GASOL AGREES TO STAY WITH GRIZZLIES

Marc Gasol announced on Twitter that he has reached a tentative agreement with the Grizzlies keeping him in Memphis. The Memphis Grizzlies confirmed the agreement later, keeping a player general manager Chris Wallace called one of the franchise's cornerstones. Full story...

NO DEAL?

• Paul to Clippers? On or off?
• Kriegel: Stern coming up small
• Report: Lakers pull out of Paul deal
• Paul shows up for practice
• Stern explains reason for decision
• Heat's Big Three support Paul
• Rockets' Scola: 'It's funny'

REPORT: CLIPPERS REJECT DEAL FOR PAUL

The Clippers thought they had a deal. The pieces were in place, the teams had agreed on the players, and the trade — the kind you attach the word “blockbuster” to — was all but sealed.

But NBA commissioner David Stern, for the second time in less than a week, quashed a swap that would have brought Chris Paul to Los Angeles. Last week it was the Lakers. On Monday, it was the Clippers. Full story...

CLIPPERS WIN WAIVER BID FOR BILLUPS

The Clippers have won the waiver bidding for Chauncey Billups, who was waived by the New York Knicks under the NBA's one-time amnesty provision, two people familiar with the process who were not authorized to speak on the matter said. Full story...

REPORTS: BAREA CLOSE TO DEAL WITH WOLVES

After helping the Dallas Mavericks capture the franchise's first NBA title, free agent point guard JJ Barea is closing in on a deal to help Ricky Rubio learn the ropes in Minnesota. Timberwolves-closing-in-on-deal-with-JJ-Barea-121211">Full story...

CLIPPERS MATCH WARRIORS' OFFER TO JORDAN

The Los Angeles Clippers have matched Golden State's four-year, $42.7 million offer for centerDeAndre Jordan. Golden State signed Jordan to the offer sheet Sunday. As a restricted free agent, the Clippers had three days to decide whether to match the contract. Full story...

CARTER, WEST JOINING THE CHAMPS

The NBA’s abbreviated free-agency period has certainly been an active one for the defending champion Dallas Mavericks. That trend continued as the franchise announced the signing of free-agent swingman Vince Carter and reportedly agreed to terms with combo guard Delonte West.Full story...

CAVALIERS RE-SIGN PARKER

The Cleveland Cavaliers re-signed guard Anthony Parker. Parker averaged 8.3 points in 72 games last season. The 36-year-old veteran is a candidate to be Cleveland's starting shooting guard. Parker originally signed with the Cavaliers prior to the 2009 season. Full story...

RAPTORS LAND FREE-AGENT G CARTER

The Toronto Raptors agreed to terms with free-agent guard Anthony Carter. Carter has averaged 4.9 points, 3.9 assists and 20 minutes per game over 599 regular-season games. He's made 181 starts and averaged more than 15 minutes a game in nine of his 12 seasons. Full story...

SUNDAY

BULLS RE-SIGN VETERAN SCALABRINE

FREE TO GO?

Keep track of the top 10 free agentsand where they're signing.

The Chicago Bulls re-signed veteran forward Brian Scalabrine. The 6-foot-9 Scalabrine played in 18 games for Chicago last season and averaged 1.1 points. He is a 10-year NBA veteran and has averaged 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds in 492 regular-season games. He's also participated in 39 playoff games.

SUNS FINALIZE HILL DEAL, SIGN TWO MORE

The Phoenix Suns re-signed forward Grant Hill on Sunday and signed guard Sebastian Telfair and first-round pick Markieff Morris.

The 39-year-old Hill averaged 13.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in 80 games last season, his fourth with the Suns and 16th in the NBA. He agreed to a one-year, $6.5 million contract Friday.

''I think ultimately, (it) was just liking it here,'' Hill said Friday. ''From Robert (Sarver) in ownership, to management, to the coaches, the medical staff. I like my teammates, I like the fans. There were some very attractive situations out there, but I liked it here.''

— The Associated Press

WEST AGREES TO TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH PACERS

David West is headed north to Indiana, where he will join forces with Danny Granger and former Hornets teammate Darren Collison.

West agreed to a two-year deal with the Pacers on Sunday that his agent, Lance Young, said was worth $20 million.

''Indy was a team that I was really giving a good, hard look at,'' West said in a phone interview. ''They've got a good balance in terms of a couple good veterans and some really good young players. There are some budding guys and I think that's a team that I can help in the next couple years.'' Full story...

KNICKS SIGN BIBBY, JEFFRIES AND TWO ROOKIES

The New York Knicks signed veteran guard Mike Bibby, re-signed forward Jared Jeffries, and inked their two draft picks Sunday, finally giving themselves enough healthy bodies to hold a normal practice.

With guard Iman Shumpert and center Josh Harrellson signing, the Knicks' roster is at 11 players. Most of their moves were on hold while they worked to complete a three-team trade that broughtTyson Chandler from Dallas to New York on Saturday.

Bibby could replace Chauncey Billups, who the Knicks used the amnesty clause on to waive so they could afford Chandler's four-year, $56 million contract. Full story...

Kobe Bryant is busting out new Grinch shoes for Christmas Day

Last December we brought you the frightening tale of Kobe Bryant's Grinch-styled sneakers, shoes he would only wear during the Lakers' annual Christmas Day game. Thank goodness.

This year? He's celebrating the holiday in terrible fashion, because these shoes are ridiculous. Sneaker Files, here are Kobe Bryant's Christmas Day-only shoes:

Video: Metta World Peace thanks Jesus for the way teeth work

With NBA training camps back in full swing, reporters are curious to get players' opinions on the state of things after the lockout. For Lakers forward Metta World Peace (nee Ron Artest), that means lots of people are asking him about how teammates are reacting to his new name. Melissa Rohlin of Lakers Now, the Los Angeles Times Lakers blog, asked why rookies call him "Metta" and veterans call him "Ron." The response is below, transcribed for ease of understanding (or lack thereof):

I'm just -- I'm most happy that Jesus Christ did not let me lose my teeth when I was 20 years old. 'Cause I was wondering, like, what if you kept your baby teeth until the age of 18 or 20 and then you lose 'em? That would look pretty bad. So I just think he's really brilliant, that you lose your teeth when you're a baby rather than losing them when you're like 30 or 20. That has nothing to do with your question, but that was definitely on my mind.

Thank you, Metta, for changing our lives for the better. May you keep your teeth forever.

WOW, NBA League Pass prices won’t dip down, as the NBA gives the finger to its fans

Based on the pro-rated comparison, with 66 games in the 2011-12 lockout-shortened NBA season as compared with the usual 82, the price for the NBA's League Pass package (which allows for fans to watch every televised game just as long as it is not on national TV, and not locally blacked out) should have gone down from $179 to $145 this season.

Ardent fans, thinking the NBA would throw the junkies a hit after dragging them through the mess of a five-month lockout, assumed the NBA would lower its prices even further. After all, it's those obsessive fans that drive the NBA. That pushes local ratings, drive up website hits, and let their faces flicker in front of NBA TV for hours on end.

Forget that, the NBA said. We're going to raise the price.

That's right, after holding steady at $179 for the last few years, the NBA has responded to the shortened season they created by holding serve in the United States (in a way) and raising prices for international subscribers. Because they don't care about you.

Steve Kerr tells Dan Gilbert to “get over it,” calls out the NBA for the Chris Paul situation

By pretty much any possible standard, the NBA has mishandled the Chris Paul situation in New Orleans, creating a state of affairs in which they only deal that could be deemed acceptable would put Paul in much the same situation he's in now, on a team with few other assets and little room to grow. Many people can be blamed for this mess, but Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert deserve special mention for writing a strongly worded letter to David Stern after the first trade with the Lakers was already set. Without that intervention, we might not be forced to deal with this storyline for the next few months.

At least one notable NBA commentator decided to call Gilbert out for his petulance. Here's what former Suns GM and current TNT analyst Steve Kerr had to say on San Francisco sports leader  KNBR (viaDeadspin):

Every one of them is wrong and I don't know how many there are either but I've been angry all day long about this whole thing because I think it was a great basketball trade. There are so many trades made these days that are lousy trades that are made for financial purposes. I mean I made one of the worst trades in NBA history. I traded Kurt Thomas and two first round picks to Seattle for nothing, to save 16 million dollars for our organization. Where was the NBA then to veto that trade for basketball reasons? That had nothing to do with basketball reasons. I understand what they're saying is they own the Hornets and ultimately they have the right to veto any move. Okay so from a legal standpoint I guess they're okay, but the problem I have is that this was a great trade for the Hornets. There's no way they can duplicate that. [...]

The Lakers make more than any team in the league so [Gilbert] would  have gotten all that tax money that he wanted or whatever. It's such a crock that he would even mention that. That guy is a billionaire, they have been way over the cap while they had LeBron, way over the tax. He's still upset that he lost LeBron and he needs to get over it. LeBron gave that franchise the best seven years they have ever had. He was a free agent and he decided to leave. Nobody likes the way LeBron left, even he apologized for it the other night on TV but the fact is there is a thing called free agency and if a superstar player wants to leave when they are agents, they can leave. That's their right."

It's worth noting that Kerr is maybe the only GM in history to resign instead of sticking around for as long as possible, so he clearly has some strong feelings on the actions of small-market hawks like Gilbert and Suns owner Robert Sarver. As Kerr mentions, general managers make cost-cutting measures because of ownership pressures and are never stopped for vague "basketball reasons." What made this case extra special? How can the league stand for that sort of hypocrisy?

Kwame Brown agrees to one-year deal with Warriors

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)—Free agent center Kwame Brown has agreed to terms on a one-year, $7 million contract with the Golden State Warriors.

Agent Mark Bartelstein says the offer in Golden State was “too good to pass up.”

The loss of Brown leaves the Bobcats with a hole at center. Gana Diop, who is coming off a torn Achilles tendon, is the only center on the Bobcats roster.

Bartelstein says Brown is “extremely grateful” for the opportunity the Bobcats gave him, adding that “it was a huge step to come back and play for Michael.”