Knicks fall to Celtics 106-86

The New York Knicks played their first preseason game tonight against the Boston Celtics. After being a close game in the first half, the Knicks struggled in the second half. Boston went on to defeat New York 106-86.

It was a rough game for the Knicks who turned the ball over 28 times. Most turnovers came on poor passes and lack of movement. That can be attributed to the lack of playing time and chemistry together.

The Knicks also struggled from long range as they shot 21% in that area for the game. Shooting for this team will be a focal point this season. They have plenty of distance shooting on the roster and that shouldn't be an issue as they get into playing NBA basketball again.

This is the preseason and many of the things listed above will be cleaned up for the regular season.

There were some positives tonight. One of the positives was the play of Tim Hardaway Jr. He played plenty tonight and scored 18 points. Hardaway will be a very important player for the Knicks because of his ability to score. He was able to show some of that tonight in what was a nice game from him.

Defense was a big area of concern last year. Tonight the Knicks made defensive plays, but they also struggled at times. The Knicks say that's a area they are consistently working on. But that remains to be seen.

The Celtics played a much better game than the Knicks tonight. That could be because this is their second game and they should be more familiar, but overall they made plays. They were able to make plays defensively as they forced bad passes.

Jared Sullinger led the Celtics with 23 points and five rebounds. He was a load inside and outside as he made plays to help the Celtics win. He is coming off a strong season despite it being cut short due to injury.

Rookie Marcus Smart also was strong for the Celtics. He scored 11 points and dished out 6 assists. He looked good tonight shooting the ball and that is an area where he will be most beneficial.

With the first preseason game now in the books. The Knicks will now look to Saturday when they will take on the Celtics again. Iman Shumpert is expected to play in that game after missing tonight's game due to a hamstring injury. Jason Smith also missed tonight's game, but his absence was because of personal reasons.

Official: Nuggets sign Kenneth Faried to Contract Extension

Via Denver Nuggets Press Release:

The Denver Nuggets have signed forward Kenneth Faried to a multiyear contract extension, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly announced today.

“We value the energy and excitement that Kenneth brings night-in and night-out and we are thrilled to have reached an agreement on a contract extension,” said Connelly. “We are truly looking forward to watching Kenneth continue to grow as a player and leader for the Denver Nuggets.”

Faried, 24, is coming off a Gold medal run with Team USA in the 2014 FIBA World Cup of Basketball in Spain. He started all nine games, averaging 12.4 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 63% from the field en route to being named to the All-Tournament Team.

During the 2013-14 campaign, Faried appeared in 80 games, averaging a career-high 13.7 points on 55% shooting from the field to go with 8.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists. With the Nuggets facing a rash of injuries, Faried stepped up and averaged 20.0 points, 11.1 rebounds and 1.14 steals in the final 22 games of the season. He also recorded the first 20/20 game of his career with 24 points and a career-high 21 boards on April 12, 2014 vs. Utah.

Faried, the 22nd overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft, has appeared in 206 games (196 starts) in his three years with Denver. He has posted averages of 12.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists while shooting 55.4% from the field. He has registered 70 career double-doubles, with the Nuggets going an impressive 36-5 when he’s done so at Pepsi Center. Additionally, he became the first player in the shot-clock era to post 27-plus points and 17-plus rebounds in 25-minutes-or-less when he accomplished this on April 9, 2012 vs. Golden State.

In his young career Faried has been named Western Conference Player of the Week (Nov. 2012), Western Conference Rookie of the Month (April 2012), All-Rookie First-Team, MVP of the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge at the 2013 All-Star Weekend and was the recipient of the 2012-13 J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association.

“I’m ecstatic to be signing this deal. Words really can’t express it, I’m just all smiles right now,” said Faried.

“I want to thank God for this opportunity and I’m excited to be a Nugget for the rest of my career.”

Faried entered the 2011 Draft after playing all four years at Morehead State where he became the NCAA modern-era (post-1973) career rebounding leader, surpassing Tim Duncan’s 1,570 to finish his career with 1,673 boards. He also Finished his collegiate career with 86 double-doubles, placing him just one behind Tim Duncan (87) for most in NCAA Division 1 history. Faried was a two-time Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and three-time OVC Defensive Player of the Year.

Tonight's Knicks Starting Lineup

The New York Knicks will play in their first preseason game tonight when the take on the Boston Celtics at 7:30 p.m.

Starting Five:

Jose Calderon
J.R. Smith
Carmelo Anthony
Andrea Bargnani
Samuel Dalembert

Injury:
Iman Shumpert (hamstring)- Out
Jason Smith (personal reasons)- Out

Milwaukee Bucks name Peter Feigin Team President

Via Milwaukee Bucks Press Release:

Today, the Milwaukee Bucks announced the hiring of Peter Feigin as the team’s new president. Feigin brings decades of sports, corporate management and marketing experience to the Bucks organization. As president, Feigin will spearhead the growth of the Bucks’ business operations and lead the organization’s talented executive team.

Since purchasing the team in May, new owners Wes Edens and Marc Lasry have worked to put together a personnel team who are working to make the Bucks one of the most successful franchises in the NBA. This commitment has meant they have sought to hire the best and brightest available, including homegrown talent across Wisconsin, to further their team goals. Feigin’s leadership and valuable management skills will aid the team’s efforts in securing additional sponsorships, creating new community partnerships, growing its vibrant workforce and building a first-rate multi-purpose facility for the city of Milwaukee.

Feigin comes to the Bucks with a depth of experience in both in the NBA and the corporate world. As the chief marketing and revenue officer of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, he managed global business units and handled branding across the international entertainment company. Prior to working at Deluxe, Feigin was president and COO of Marquis Jet Partners and helped lead its acquisition by NetJets. From 1998 to 2004, he worked for the New York Knicks and rose to become vice president of marketing – increasing profits, season subscriptions and suite revenue during his tenure. Additionally, Feigin has served as a senior advisor to the Milwaukee Bucks since the ownership change, helping reorganize and refocus its business operations. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Franklin and Marshall College and completed the University of Chicago Booth School of Business’ Financial Executive Program.

“I’ve known Peter for many years and can’t think of a more capable person to drive growth for the Bucks organization,” said Marc Lasry. “Peter’s been an invaluable advisor and will be a terrific leader for a talented group of people working to build a world-class franchise. He brings a tremendous amount of NBA expertise and management experience to Milwaukee.”

In addition to Feigin, the Bucks are announcing Kelly Kauffman as Vice President, Head of Human Resources/Human Capital Management. Kauffman has more than 20 years of experience in human resources and will work with Feigin to develop a workforce that embodies industry best practices in all respects. She was most recently the HR director for 1,400-employee, locally-headquartered Badger Meter. She is also a graduate of Marquette University.

Other recent additions to the executive team include Patrick McDonough, Chief Financial Officer, and Bob Cook, Vice President of Business Affairs. John Steinmiller, a 45-year veteran of the Bucks organization, was named Executive Vice President for Community Affairs and Social Responsibility. Alex Lasry, a former White House official, Goldman Sachs analyst and son of co-owner Marc Lasry, recently joined the team as Vice President of Strategy & Operations. The Bucks have also increased the sales staff considerably over the past few months and plan to expand its offices and bring on additional hires. The team will continue to invest in the success of the franchise by focusing on building a workplace that mirrors the diverse and talented community it represents.
  
“We’re very enthusiastic about the talented and experienced individuals we’ve assembled to lead the Bucks into this exciting new era,” said Wes Edens. “Peter is the perfect person to lead this team as he shares our vision for growth and long-term success of the organization, and Kelly is perfectly suited to develop and sustain a dynamic workplace that will rank among the best in the state. We can’t wait to work closely with Peter and our exceptional staff to turn the Bucks franchise into one of the best in the NBA.”

“I’m thrilled to join the Milwaukee Bucks organization during this incredibly exciting time for the team on and off the court,” said Feigin. “From a new and modern arena in the heart of the city to a renewed emphasis on building deeper ties in the community, Wes, Marc and the entire team they’ve assembled are building something very special in Milwaukee. I’m going to work hard to ensure their collective vision is realized.”

“In the 15 years that I’ve known Peter, I’ve worked with him in many capacities and have experienced his tremendous leadership skills firsthand,” said Barry Alvarez, University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Director of Athletics. “More than that, he’s become a terrific friend, and I have a deep respect for him and his family. I believe the Bucks have picked the perfect person to lead their organization, and I know he will be a tremendous addition to the entire Wisconsin sports family.”

Pacers and Frank Vogel Agree to Contract Extension

The Indiana Pacers announced Wednesday that Head Coach Frank Vogel has signed a multi-year contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the contact were not released.

The 41-year-old Vogel is entering his fourth full season as coach after taking over on an interim basis in January, 2011. The Pacers finished that season 20-18 and reached the NBA Playoffs for the first time in four seasons. In July, 2011, the interim tag was removed and in the three seasons since, the Pacers have reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice and Eastern Conference Semifinals once with a record of 147-82 record (.641 winning percentage). Last season, the Pacers earned the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Vogel and his coaching staff also earned Eastern Conference All-Star coaching honors. He has been named Eastern Conference Coach of the Month twice.

“We’re very happy to extend Frank’s contract,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “I believe he has done a great job and I look forward to continuing our relationship and working together to achieve all of our goals.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue my tenure as Pacers’ coach,” said Vogel. “It’s an honor to represent this franchise and lead this team. I look forward to the challenge ahead. I’m grateful to have had good, coachable teams along with coaching staffs that have been second to none.”

- Indiana Pacers Press Release 

Knicks sign Mbenga

New York Knickerbockers President Phil Jackson announced today that the team has signed center Didier Mbenga.

 Mbenga, 7-0, 240-pounds, holds career averages of 1.8 points and 1.5 rebounds over 6.7 minutes in 234 games (four starts) over seven seasons with Dallas, Golden State, L.A. Lakers and New Orleans. The Democratic Republic of Congo-native, who won two NBA titles with the Lakers (2009 & 2010) and last played in the NBA for New Orleans in 2010-11. He spent the last two seasons playing overseas in China (2012) and the Philippines (2013) after beginning his professional career in Belgium (2001-04).

- Via New York Knicks Press Release

Hawks Injury Update

The Atlanta Hawks play their first preseason game tonight when they host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Philips Arena.

Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said today that Pero Antic (broken nose), Al Horford (right pectoral), Kent Bazemore (right foot), and Kyle Korver (personal) will all miss tonight's game.

NBA announces extensions with Turner Broadcasting and The Walt Disney Company

The NBA along with Turner Broadcasting and the Walt Disney Company announced a new extension earlier today. The full release is posted below:

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has expanded its partnerships with Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and The Walt Disney Company through new, nine-year agreements under which ABC, TNT, and ESPN will televise NBA games beginning with the 2016-17 season and running through the 2024-25 season.

The agreements were announced today by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver; Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis, chairman of the NBA’s Media Committee; Turner Broadcasting System President David Levy; and ESPN President and Disney Media Networks Co-Chairman John Skipper.  The NBA’s current eight-year deals with ABC/ESPN and TNT expire at the end of the 2015-16 season.

Under the agreements, the partners will televise more national regular-season games (ABC/ESPN: 100; Turner: 64) and will continue to do so generally on Wednesdays (ESPN), Thursdays (TNT), Fridays (ESPN), and Sundays (ABC/ESPN).  By the end of these new agreements, the NBA’s partnership will reach 41 years with Turner, while the league’s relationship with ABC/ESPN will extend to 23 years.  Additionally, NBA TV’s Sunday, Monday,Tuesday and Saturday game telecasts will continue to fill out the schedule, ensuring a full week of nationally televised games.  The NBA’s 24-hour network will present over 100 regular-season games each year.

The NBA and Turner will also continue their groundbreaking partnership to manage jointly the NBA’s digital assets including NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA Mobile, NBA LEAGUE PASS, and WNBA.com, which Turner operates out of its Atlanta production facility.  TNT will also debut the first-ever NBA Awards Show, an annual event which will air at the end of the season, and will have expanded activation opportunities surrounding key NBA pillars such as Opening Night and NBA All-Star Week.

Under the agreement, ESPN will be granted enhanced digital rights to provide NBA content for multiple ESPN platforms, including ESPN.com and WatchESPN.

The parties have also established a framework for ESPN and the NBA to negotiate the launch of a new over-the-top offering in which the league would receive an equity interest. Details for the new offering will be announced at a future date.

Under a new deal with the WNBA, games will continue to be televised on ABC and ESPN/ESPN2 through the 2025 season.  ESPN also will have enhanced in-progress highlight rights for the WNBA on digital and linear platforms.

Beginning with the 2016-17 season, for the first time, at least 20 NBA Development League games and NBA Summer League games will be seen on the ESPN television networks. 

Turner Sports will have enhanced content/digital rights to NBA content for multiple TNT platforms including Bleacher Report; interactive online elements such as selected camera angles, statistic feeds and video to complement TNT’s telecasts; and broadband and other content for digital platforms, including highlights and studio shows. This includes the opportunity to develop and distribute new NBA content and programming for Bleacher Report, as well as rights to highlights for incorporation into the brand’s popular team and topic-centric Team Stream Now video offerings.

“The Walt Disney Company and Turner Broadcasting share responsibility for the growing popularity and interest the NBA enjoys, and we are thrilled to extend our partnerships,” said Silver.  “With these new agreements, our fans will continue to benefit from the outstanding NBA coverage and programming provided by ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV and their digital platforms.”

"These nine-year extensions with Disney and Turner recognize the extraordinary value of live premium sports," said Leonsis. "On behalf of our Media Committee and the other team owners, we thank Disney and Turner for their commitment to the NBA and its fans."

TURNER BROADCASTING SYSTEM, INC.

TNT will televise 64 regular-season games in primetime on an exclusive basis, an increase from 52 regular-season games televised during the current agreement.  TNT will also offer exclusive presentation of Opening Night, the All-Star Game and All-Star Saturday Night. The 12 additional games will be televised during the second half of the regular season on another night of the week than the network’s traditional Thursday Night doubleheaders.

TNT will televise up to 45 playoff games during the first two rounds and will have exclusive coverage of the conference semifinals games it telecasts and one of the conference finals each year.

Turner’s multimedia platforms will have the ability to stream TNT-televised games, highlights, and non-game programming on a live, delayed and on-demand basis.  Additionally, Turner will maintain TV Everywhere rights that allow for all NBA content airing across Turner Broadcasting networks to be streamed live, delayed and on-demand across the company’s multiple digital platforms.

“This is a significant deal for our company and we are pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with the NBA, its fans, owners and players,” said Levy.  “The agreement locks in some of the most valuable, original, premium live sports programming that we’ll continue to monetize across TNT and all other platforms within our extensive portfolio and will help further grow our businesses into the next decade.”

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

ABC will continue to televise up to 15 regular-season games on an exclusive basis, beginning on Christmas Day and continuing on Sunday afternoons starting in January, with the ability to move a few Sunday games to ESPN.  The postseason will feature the entire best-of-seven NBA Finals in primetime on ABC.

ESPN and ESPN2 will televise up to 85 regular-season games primarily on Wednesday and Friday nights, an increase from 70 regular-season games under the current agreement.  ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 will also televise up to 30 playoff games in the first two rounds, while ESPN will feature exclusive coverage of the conference semifinals games it televises and one of the conference finals each year.  The network will also have exclusive coverage of the NBA Draft and NBA Draft Lottery each season.

ESPN will have the rights to stream its games and provide additional NBA content on a live, delayed and on-demand basis across all of its multimedia platforms, including ESPN.com, and WatchESPN.

ESPN Audio will remain the national broadcast home of the NBA and feature an increased package of games, including regular-season and playoffs.

”The NBA has never been more popular globally and it continues to grow under Adam’s leadership,” said Skipper.  “By acquiring significantly more NBA content on both existing and yet-to-be created platforms, we will establish a vibrant year-round relationship with the NBA and bolster what is already the sports industry’s most impressive and impactful collection of media rights.”

NBA DIGITAL

           

The NBA will continue its ground-breaking partnership with Turner for NBA Digital through which the companies manage jointly the NBA’s digital assets including NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA Mobile, NBA LEAGUE PASS, and WNBA.com.  Launched prior to the 2008-09 season, the partnership will run through the 2024-25 season. 

NBA TV will present over 100 regular-season games, an increase from 96 regular-season games, and up to nine postseason games.  Currently available in 60 million homes, the network has had record viewership as part of NBA Digital.

- Via NBA Press Release