By:
Alex Kennedy
Last Updated: 7/31/10 3:31 PM ET
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Brown's Difficult Decision: The Los Angeles Lakers have made it clear that re-signing Shannon Brown is their top priority. He has an excellent relationship with Kobe Bryant, was a significant contributor during their title runs, and would be one of the few returning faces on the team's revamped second unit.
But because they're not the only team that covets Brown, the Lakers have been in contact with several available guards in case they need to replace his services. While they remain optimistic that the guard will choose to return to Los Angeles, there are several factors making his decision a difficult one.
The New York Knicks are trying to pry Brown away from the Lakers and they have put together an offer that will likely get his attention. While he is happy with the situation in Los Angeles, the Knicks can provide Brown with more playing time, a bigger contract, and a system that he could thrive in due to his style of play.
According to one source, New York is prepared to open up their wallet for Brown, offering a multi-year contract that would end up paying him roughly $4 million per season. The Knicks are willing to spend this money because they envision an increased role for Brown in New York playing under Mike D'Antoni. Joining Amar'e Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Anthony Randolph, and Danilo Gallinari as part of the team's core, Brown would be able to receive his big payday and see consistent, predictable minutes for the first time in his career.
By offering the two things that the Lakers cannot, money and minutes, the Knicks are making Brown evaluate his priorities.
Is he willing to sacrifice those things to play for one of the best teams in the league or is he looking for the chance to contribute more and find stability on an up-and-coming team?
After winning two rings as a role player, some feel that Brown wants to step up and see what he can do outside of the supporting cast role. Many players turn down less money to join the Lakers' second unit, as we've witnessed several times this summer, but it's often to win a ring or gain exposure. Brown has done both during his time in Los Angeles and that's why some feel he's ready to move onto new things.
Brown will be forced to decide what he wants out of these next several years and which destination is better for his future. Both sides can offer different things and at the end of the day, he'll have to choose which situation is best for him.
Wafer Excited For Second Chance: When Von Wafer detailed his comeback plan in this space several weeks ago, he made it clear that he could still contribute to an NBA team if given the chance.
On Thursday, the Boston Celtics granted Wafer that opportunity by signing him to a one-year deal and he couldn't be happier.
"Oh man, I'm just excited to be part of the tradition," Wafer told HOOPSWORLD. "This organization probably has the richest tradition in the entire NBA and they're winning right now. They're coming off of a Finals appearance and it's just exciting to have a chance to win it all and be a part of the whole atmosphere and situation that they have up there."
The chance to compete for a championship was very important to Wafer. "I've never won a championship at any level but I'm so focused. Maybe now I can win one at the highest level. That would be amazing," he said with excitement.
Prior to signing with Boston, the shooting guard had also received a minimum offer from the Cleveland Cavaliers and a multi-million dollar offer from a team in China. After weighing his options, Wafer couldn't pass up the chance to play for the Celtics.
"I think it was the tradition. Cleveland had a beautiful situation. I mean, they're rebuilding and trying to bounce back after that big loss they had but it was just that tradition [in Boston]. Larry Bird, Robert Parrish, and all of those guys put this jersey on and it's like no other experience. I just wanted to be a part of that and I know it's going to unbelievable," he said.
While his role hasn't been explicitly defined, he is expected to provide energy and scoring off of the bench. However, Wafer is going into the situation with an open mind and he's ready to contribute in any way possible.
"I'm just going to go in and try to learn all of the defensive schemes because I know that's going to be big, depending on how much they utilize me. They haven't told me a specific role but I'm willing to do anything they ask of me. If they need a cheerleader, that's fine. If they need a water guy, I'll be getting everybody water. If they need me knocking down open shots, I'll do that too," he said.
Earlier this summer, Wafer said he would like to play with his friend LeBron James. But now, he is focused on defeating the powerhouse that has formed in Miami. When asked if the Celtics will be able to compete with the Heat, he doesn't hesitate to answer.
"Oh definitely," Wafer said with confidence. "I think [Rajon] Rondo said it best. Looking at our team, what we've got and the experience we have, I think the only team that can beat us is ourselves. Those guys haven't played one game together yet. They look good on paper, unbelievable on paper, but they haven't done anything yet. They still have a lot to prove."
Wafer knows all about having something to prove. After his failed stint in Greece, he feels that fans have gotten the wrong impression of him and he sees this season as an opportunity to save his career and really surprise people.
"I was talking to Coach Rivers during our meeting and he was like, 'Von, we only have the minimum to offer.' I told him, 'Coach, it doesn't matter. I'll sign for whatever, anything,'" Wafer recalls with a laugh.
"I'm just hungry right now. I really didn't want to tell people that because they've heard it a million times but I really am so hungry and I have so much to prove. I can't let that be the last time people heard from me, going out with Olympiakos. I take a lot of pride in my game and what people think of me and I don't want that to be how I'm remembered. I've got to write another chapter."
Kings Make Smart Hire: This week, many head coaches hired assistants and filled out their staffs. Several notable coaches, such as Bernie Bickerstaff and Lawrence Frank, made headlines when their new teams brought them on. But one of the best hirings of the summer may end up being Otis Hughley in Sacramento.
While there's a good chance you haven't heard of Hughley, he seems like a perfect fit with the Kings despite having zero NBA coaching experience. Why is that?
The former head coach at LeFlore High School in Mobile, Alabama, coached DeMarcus Cousins and became an important figure in the center's life. He also has college coaching experience with stints at Wright State, Liberty and Southern but it's his relationship with Cousins that makes this hire so important for the Kings.
Many questioned Cousins' maturity and decision making throughout the draft process as teams wondered if the big man would be able handle the NBA lifestyle. Hughley will provide the nineteen-year-old with support and make sure he is comfortable as he makes the transition to the pros during his rookie season.
"It's an exciting time," Hughley said in a Sacramento Kings press release. "I'm looking forward to being with an organization that's proven and that's exhibited class. I'm really looking forward to working with Coach Westphal and his staff."
Hughley has also coached at Pete Newell's Big Man Camp for the last ten years so he'll also be able to help Sacramento's young bigs - Carl Landry, Jason Thompson, Hassan Whiteside, and Cousins – develop their games.
"Otis has a wealth of experience working with young players and is ready to jump to the NBA," said Kings head coach Paul Westphal. "We're very excited to add him to our staff to replace Bryan Gates."
Hughley may not be a high profile coach but this hiring is worth it for the Kings as they look to develop the fifth overall pick and protect their investment.
HOOPSWORLD Chats: There is one chat scheduled for today. Susan Bible will get started at 11:00 AM EDT. Drop in your questions or comments about the Oklahoma City Thunder or anything else NBA on your mind. As always, you can also check out the entire chat schedule here.
