NBA Quickhits, February 14, 2007
Iverson and Nash to miss All-Star Game, Pat Riley returns
Feb 14, 2007
NBA QUICKHITS
February 14
Iverson and Nash to miss All-Star Game, Fisher named next Union President, Seattle chooses sight for new Arena, Williams and Ely swap teams, Pat Riley to return after break, and Foye cited for noise in a fight.
Iverson to Miss All-Star Game
Denver Nuggets Guard Allen Iverson, who was chosen as a reserve for the Western Conference, will have to skip the All-Star Game because of a nagging sprained ankle. Iverson injured the ankle on January 29th, and aggravated the injury February 6th. The decision was also made with the hope that Iverson can continue to heal and be 100% by the start of the second half. Replacing Iverson will be Ray Allen of Seattle and Mehmet Okur of Utah.
Fisher Next Union President
Derek Fisher of the Utah Jazz will be the new NBA Union President succeeding Antonio Davis. Fisher, who is in his 11th season, is currently the Union’s Vice-President and a member of the nine-player executive committee.
Supersonics choose Renton for new home
The Seattle Supersonics came one step closer to having a new arena built as they choose Seattle suburb Renton as their site. The Supersonics will now continue to find the funding they need to finance the new Arena.
Williams and Ely traded as backups
The San Antonia Spurs traded away veteran backup Eric Williams to the Charlotte Bobcats for veteran backup Melvin Ely. The Spurs also gained a second round draft pick for the 2009 draft. Ely asked earlier in the year for a trade after seeing limited playing time and signing a one-year $3 million deal before training camp.
Riley to return
After a six-week absence due to health reasons, Miami Heat coach Pat Riley says he’ll be ready to return as head coach after the All-Star break. Riley stepped away from coaching on January 3rd to have knee surgery and a badly needed hip replacement surgery the following week. Hoping to get the Heat back on track to defending their NBA Championship, Riley will resume head coaching duties on February 21st.
Steve Nash to miss All-Star Game
Steve Nash withdrew from the All-Star game because of a lingering shoulder injury and hasn’t been able to play for the last 3 games. By missing the All-Star Game, Nash will have a full two weeks to rest his shoulder and hopefully be ready to play 100% at the start of the second half. Nash is having one of the best seasons of his career as he is averaging 19.3 points and 11.8 assists per-game.
Foye caught fighting by gas station
Minnesota Timberwolves rookie Randy Foye was cited by police after being seen in an SUV by a gas station as two family members were fighting outside. Foye, in a telephoned interview with the associated press, said two of cousins, whom he was driving, began fighting causing him to pull over and let them fight outside the vehicle. Foye stressed he did nothing wrong and the citation was for the noise caused by the fight.
