Around the League
With the Kenyon Martin contract extension looking doubtful at the moment, we have to ask again . . . will anyone from the draft class of 2000 get a rookie extension this fall? Things aren't looking good at the moment for several other players in the class.
Jamal Crawford
Point Guard
Chicago Bulls
Profile
2002-2003 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
80 10.7 2.3 4.2 .413 .806
Bulls GM Jim Paxson told Jamal Crawford that he may pass on giving the 6-foot-6 point guard an early extension. "All I expressed to Jamal is that whatever happens in this process, if something doesn't work out this year, it doesn't mean that we don't want him back," Paxson told the Chicago Sun Times. "I'm still kind of in a patient mode with the whole process, and we don't necessarily feel something has to get done before the season. We're going to try to talk again some time in September."
Paxson said that he wants to see how his team plays this year before he starts writing big checks. Marcus Fizer is also due for an extension and next summer Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry are eligible.
"I want all of our guys to know what really matters is how many games we win," Paxson said. "That determines how we'll proceed."
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Peep Show
By Terry Brown
NBA Insider
Friday, August 15
Updated: August 15
9:53 AM ET
Los Angeles Lakers: The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Phil Jackson is ready to sign a two-year extension worth $16 million plus incentives just as soon as he and owner Jerry Buss arrive back in L.A. from their various summer trips. Jackson was entering the final season of a five-year deal worth $30 million and, after health issues, there were questions about whether he would coach beyond this season.
Milwaukee Bucks: Terry Porter continues to square away his coaching staff, naming Jim Todd as his newest assistant coach on Thursday. "Jim has taught the game of basketball on every level," Porter said in the Journal Sentinel. "He understands what it takes to win at this level, and I know he'll play an integral role on our staff." Todd has served as an assistant with both the Bucks and Clippers previously.
Clark
Utah Jazz: No one was confusing Keon Clark with Chris Webber while he was in Sacramento. Now, he's hoping they do the same with him and Karl Malone while he's in Utah. "The only way you can prove you're good is to get off the bench and show what your abilities are. The times I've been able to get off the bench, I've proved to people that I have the ability," Clark said to the Salt Lake Tribune. "Every time it seems my basketball career is getting a little bleak, I go to a better opportunity and better situation for myself."
Seattle SuperSonics: Joseph Forte's days in the NBA could be numbered. The Seattle Times is reporting that first he must face charges in North Carlina for assaulting a man during a pick-up basketball game and then drug and handgun charges in Maryland. That's before he faces Sonic teammates and coaches who he alienated himself from last season on several occasions.
With the Kenyon Martin contract extension looking doubtful at the moment, we have to ask again . . . will anyone from the draft class of 2000 get a rookie extension this fall? Things aren't looking good at the moment for several other players in the class.
Jamal Crawford
Point Guard
Chicago Bulls
Profile
2002-2003 SEASON STATISTICS
GM PPG RPG APG FG% FT%
80 10.7 2.3 4.2 .413 .806
Bulls GM Jim Paxson told Jamal Crawford that he may pass on giving the 6-foot-6 point guard an early extension. "All I expressed to Jamal is that whatever happens in this process, if something doesn't work out this year, it doesn't mean that we don't want him back," Paxson told the Chicago Sun Times. "I'm still kind of in a patient mode with the whole process, and we don't necessarily feel something has to get done before the season. We're going to try to talk again some time in September."
Paxson said that he wants to see how his team plays this year before he starts writing big checks. Marcus Fizer is also due for an extension and next summer Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry are eligible.
"I want all of our guys to know what really matters is how many games we win," Paxson said. "That determines how we'll proceed."
-----------------------------------
Peep Show
By Terry Brown
NBA Insider
Friday, August 15
Updated: August 15
9:53 AM ET
Los Angeles Lakers: The Los Angeles Times is reporting that Phil Jackson is ready to sign a two-year extension worth $16 million plus incentives just as soon as he and owner Jerry Buss arrive back in L.A. from their various summer trips. Jackson was entering the final season of a five-year deal worth $30 million and, after health issues, there were questions about whether he would coach beyond this season.
Milwaukee Bucks: Terry Porter continues to square away his coaching staff, naming Jim Todd as his newest assistant coach on Thursday. "Jim has taught the game of basketball on every level," Porter said in the Journal Sentinel. "He understands what it takes to win at this level, and I know he'll play an integral role on our staff." Todd has served as an assistant with both the Bucks and Clippers previously.
Clark
Utah Jazz: No one was confusing Keon Clark with Chris Webber while he was in Sacramento. Now, he's hoping they do the same with him and Karl Malone while he's in Utah. "The only way you can prove you're good is to get off the bench and show what your abilities are. The times I've been able to get off the bench, I've proved to people that I have the ability," Clark said to the Salt Lake Tribune. "Every time it seems my basketball career is getting a little bleak, I go to a better opportunity and better situation for myself."
Seattle SuperSonics: Joseph Forte's days in the NBA could be numbered. The Seattle Times is reporting that first he must face charges in North Carlina for assaulting a man during a pick-up basketball game and then drug and handgun charges in Maryland. That's before he faces Sonic teammates and coaches who he alienated himself from last season on several occasions.
