Summer has never been better for Covile

Ryvon Covile was thrilled to have an opportunity to play for the Cavaliers on the summer league roster.  He was hoping to have been drafted from the University of Detroit Mercy.  Like many others who have tried and succeeded, the path for Covile may be a long one.

The 6’ 9” 250 pound forward made the most of his minutes.  The hardest part of the game in the NBA according to Covile is “in the middle lane with the three second rule.  In college you could sit there all day”.  Covile shot 47% from the field and contributed four points and more than two boards per game.  We wish the best for Covile and hope he will be one of those we see for years to come in the NBA.

Source: HoopsWorld

Varejao Dribbles

According to Bob Finnan,  Varejao’s agent Dan Fegan thinks his client is worth as least $8 million or 9 million a season.  The CAVS offer is thought to be more around 6 million.  Some are saying that Varejao may decide to accept the Cavaliers qualifying offer of $1.3 million for one season and then become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

The system surrounding a restricted free agent can be restrictive and in some cases penalize the better players.  In Varejao’s case some teams may have stayed away, concerned that the Cavs would match any offer.  Look at what happened two years ago when Joe Johnson was a restricted free agent. 

Worlds Apart?

What do Yi and Danny Ferry have in common.  Well more than you might think.  Ferry refused to join the Clippers after he was drafted No. 2 out of Duke in 1989.  He played one season in Italy and then another 13 years with the Cavs and the Spurs.  I wonder what advice Danny would have for Yi today if he could advise him on the Bucks?

Anderson Varejao Weighing All Options

Anderson Varejao doesn’t seem to be happy with the current off-season. According to Marc Stein, Varejao is strongly considering the prospect of calling off negotiations this summer and invoking Cleveland’s $1.3 million qualifying offer for next season, because the sides are so far apart in negotiations. That way, Varejao would become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2008.

The Grizzlies were one of 3 teams that had the cap room to offer Varejao a sizable contract. Now that the Grizzlies are off the table and the Bobcats have re-signed Gerald Wallace that leaves the Bucks as the other option. However Milwaukee is top heavy at the power forward/center position and they have no need for someone like Varejao.

Mike Bibby Trade Talks Have Resurfaced

The Bibby trade talks between the Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers have resurfaced, according to Sacramento Bee.

Mike BibbyAlthough the discussions between Kings basketball president Geoff Petrie and Cleveland general manager Danny Ferry have temporarily stalled, a three-team deal appears to have come close to taking place.

The Cavs were believed to be after the rights to Argentine center Luis Scola as well, which the Spurs own. When the talks broke down, the Spurs dealt Scola and reserve forward Jackie Butler to the Houston Rockets.

There are expectations the Kings and Cavs will continue to have discussions directly and with other teams.

The Kings, looking to add more scoring to their front line, have been interested in Drew Gooden. According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Damon Jones also might have been included in the potential deal.

Source: Sacramento Bee, Akron Beacon Journal

Pippen with Advice to Yi

NBA legend Scottie Pippen has urged Yi Jianlian to end his standoff with the Milwaukee Bucks and sign with the team that selected him as the sixth pick in this year’s draft.

Pippen told Yi to look at the decision from a different perspective – no matter what his agent says.

    “I think Yi should know his agent works for him, it’s not him who works for his agent. He will have to make a decision for himself,” Pippen told China Daily yesterday. “Just looking at the fact that he doesn’t want to play in that market, I think he should really try to reconsider and embrace the fact that not only are you a part of the NBA, but you have a chance to go out and make a name for yourself.

Source: China View

Grizzlies sign Milicic

The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly agreed to a deal with forward/center Darko Milicic.
The Memphis Commercial Appeal, citing an NBA source, reported that the seven-foot unrestricted free agent has come to terms in principle on a three-year deal with a starting salary in the range of at least $6 million.
The Grizzlies were one of 3 teams that had the cap room to offer Varejao a sizable contract.  Now that the Grizzlies are off the table and the Bobcats have re-signed Gerald Wallace that leaves the Bucks as the other option.  However Milwaukee is top heavy at the power forward/center position so that likely means that the Cavaliers will be able to sign Andy to a new contract at a reasonable price.