NBA Quickhits, February 7, 2007
New Arena for Supersonics, Payton suspended, Thomas fined
Feb 7, 2007 Philip James Liaboe
NBA QUICKHITS
February 6, 2007
Boston reached franchise high in loosing streak, Seattle Supersonics make progress in new arena, Payton suspended for talking back to official, Thomas fined for negative comments, Nocioni out until after All-Star break, and Nash out with shoulder inflammation.
Legislation introduced for new Seattle arena
Senator Margarita Prentice D-Renton said she hopes to have a plan ready by Tuesday February 13th to authorize King County to approve a new home for Seattle’s two basketball teams, the NBA’s Seattle Supersonics and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm. If lawmakers don’t reach an agreement, Supersonic’s owner Clay Bennett will be allowed to move the team to Oklahoma if he wishes.
Payton suspended one day
Miami’s Gary Payton was suspended for one game without pay for talking back to an official after being ejected on Saturday February 3rd. Payton was ejected for arguing a call before halftime. Before leaving, Payton leaned close to the official and said some words. Payton served his suspension on Monday February 5th when the Heat hosted the Charlotte Bobcats.
Thomas fined 10,000
Rookie forward Tyrus Thomas was fined 10,000 dollars by the Chicago Bulls after making certain comments about the slam dunk contest. Thomas was quoted as saying he was only interested in the “free money” in an article for the Chicago Tribune. The slam dunk contest, which is going to be judged by former NBA stars Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins, will occur during on February 17th during the NBA All-Star week in Las Vegas.
Nocioni out until All-Star Break
Chicago Bulls forward Andres Nocioni is expected to be sidelined until after the All-Star break as he tries to recover from Plantar Fasciitis. According to the associated press, an MRI Monday reveled there was only swelling in Nocioni’s right foot that had been increasing in the pain lately. The Bulls plan to rest Nocioni for seven to ten days. So far Nocioni is averaging a career high 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
Nash out with Shoulder Inflammation
Two Time MVP winner Steve Nash has been sidelined because of shoulder inflammation. The Phoenix Suns have offered no time-table on his return. Nash aggravated his shoulder on Monday February 5th against the Denver Nuggets in the first half. He sat out the remainder of the game. So far, Nash is averaging a career high of 19.3 points and 11.8 assists per game.
Celtics loose 15th straight
After their loss Tuesday February 6th, the Boston Celtics have now extended their loosing streak to 15 games, a franchise record. The Celtics last win came on January 5th. The Celtics have been without star forward Paul Pierce, who has missed 23 games (as of Wednesday, February 7) with a foot injury. In the latest report, Pierce isn’t expected back until after the All-Star game.
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