Pistons exercise team option on Stuckey, Afflalo Auburn Hills, MI (Sports Network) - The Detroit Pistons exercised its team
option on guards Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo, keeping both with the team
through the 2009-10 season.
"We are pleased to have both Rodney Stuckey and Arron Afflalo signed through
the 2009-10 season," President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars said. "Both
players will continue to grow and mature within our system and we look forward
to the contributions they will bring this season and beyond."
Stuckey, who was selected 15th overall in the 2007 draft, appeared in 57
games for the Piston... More...
Chinese point guard Sun Yue has agreed to a two-year deal with the Lakers, according to the LA Daily News. He is expected to sign within the next few days.
Our View:Sun's signing gives the Lakers increased depth in the backcourt heading into camp. He will compete with starting point guard Derek Fisher and backup Jordan Farmar for playing time. He also can play shooting guard. He is known as the "Chinese Magic Johnson," so it is fitting that he lands with the Lakers.
The NBA released its schedule today, pitting Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers in their season opener against Greg Oden and the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center on Tuesday, October 28th, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Our View:There are a ton of great matchups for both teams during the season, but this particular battle will match the best young center to hit the league against the best player in the game. We'll get a good look at Oden's potential as he commences into his rookie season (having not played a single game due to injury last season, he is still labeled as a rookie by NBA rules). With Kobe looking to rid the memories of a frustrating end to last season, you can bet he'll be geared up and ready to go.
Kobe Bryant provided the offense in the U.S. Olympic team's first defensive struggle, scoring 11 of his 19 points in the third quarter of an 89-68 victory on Sunday, according to the Baltimore Sun.
Our View:Carmelo Anthony added 17 points in what was by far the Americans' most competitive tuneup yet for the Beijing Games. The United States had been scoring 118 points per game while winning its first three exhibitions by an average of 41 points. Russia allowed far fewer fast-break baskets than the previous U.S. opponents, successfully keeping the game in the halfcourt by grabbing 12 offensive rebounds and forcing the Americans to run more offensive sets.
