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| It sounds like forward Jorge Garbajosa may be done with the Toronto Raptors, according to SLAM Sports. |
Our View: SLAM quotes Spanish media reports stating the Raptors are attempting to buyout the final season of Garbajosa's current contract, worth $4.35 million. Garbajosa spent the majority of the past season recovering from a gruesome leg injury suffered in March 2006. The Raptors filed a lawsuit against the Spanish basketball federation in March, over money they felt they were owed on an insurance claim against Garbajosa's contract. Garbajosa played seven games this past season before having surgery on his left ankle and leg to repair lingering damage from his injury.
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| Boston point guard Rajon Rondo has been withheld from practice today with a left ankle bone bruise, according to the Houston Chronicle. |
Our View: Rondo limped off the court last night in the third quarter, hampered by an obvious ankle injury. He later returned and appeared to be fine, but the team reports he has soreness and will be taking it easy in practices to save full effort for games that matter.
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| Adonal Foyle is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract, according to the Orlando Sentinel. He will leave behind $1.26 million in hopes of stealing more money from another sucker GM. |
Our View: Foyle is 33 and does not have much basketball skill aside from blocking shots. Whoever signs Foyle will regret it.
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| 2007 first round draft pick Rudy Fernandez announced in a press conference that he will join the Trail Blazers for the 2008-08 season. The 23-year-old helped Joventut to last season's King's Cup and ULEB Cup - Europe's second tier event behind the Euroleague - and was voted into the ideal starting five for the Spanish ACB league for the 2007-8 campaign. Fernandez was a member of the Spain team that won gold at the world championship in 2006 and silver in the European championship in 2007. |
Our View: He was the 2006-07 Euroleague Rising Star and has won five different MVP awards since 2004. The 6-foot-6 guard could become a real factor for Portland over night.
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| The Times-Picayune reports that Jannero Pargo will opt out of his contract to enter free agency July 1, but he is hoping to get a long-term deal to remain in New Orleans. Coach Byron Scott said he wants Pargo to return. |
Our View: Pargo has shown the ability to score in bunches and in the clutch. He put up thirty points in Dallas during the first round of the playoffs. Dallas GM Mark Cuban surely took notice and is in need of a back-up to Jason Kidd.
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| Guard Keith Bogans, who has an opt-out clause in his contract, is not expected to exercise his option, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Bogans, who served as the backup shooting guard, will be paid $2.9 million next season. |
Our View: Bogans doubled his career best in 3-pointers made (148), ranking 22nd in the NBA. He averaged 8.7 points and 3.2 rebounds in the regular season. Expect these numbers to increase next season as guards Maurice Evans, Keyon Dooling and Carlos Arroyo will become unrestricted free agents on July 1.
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| The Examiner reports that the Memphis Grizzlies are said to be interested in Monta Ellis, a restricted free agent. The 22 year-old is one of many coveted restricted free agents. |
Our View: The Grizzlies were forced to use small forward Mike Miller at off-guard last season. There is a chance Miller will be traded this off season which would open up shots and even more cash for the Jackson, Mississippi native. If the Griz were to offer $10 million or more per season, the Warriors would be hesitant to match.
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| Derek Fisher was one of many Los Angeles starters to perform poorly in the Lakers Game 3 victory. The veteran shot a meager 1-for-6 and managed just a single assist. |
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| Rajon Rondo returned in the fourth quarter and did not appear to have any lingering effects from his injury. He had X-rays taken after the game as a precautionary measure. |
Our View: Rondo did commit to quick fouls but otherwise played well.
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| Pau Gasol had his worst game of the Finals in Game 3 but the Lakers were still able to pull out the victory. Gasol shot just 3-for-9 and finished with nine points and 12 rebounds. He finished the game strong by scoring five points and grabbing six rebounds in the final seven minutes. |
Our View: The Spaniard showed his will to win at the end but was a non-factor most of the game. Expect him to return to his usual production in Games 4 and 5.
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| Lamar Odom struggled yet again through foul trouble in Game 3. He shot just 2-for-9 to finish with four points. He was also guilty of five turnovers. Odom picked it up in the last six minutes and managed to finish with a respectable nine rebounds. |
Our View: Phil Jackson has been unable to find a Celtic that Odom can guard. Expect the former all-star to continue his struggles against the Celtics.
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