Sorry, there was an error
Sorry, there was an error
Country Music Forums @ CountryMusicPerformers.com

Louis," said Blues executive vice preside - Off To...

Please login or register free to be able to post.

View forum:

Louis," said Blues executive vice preside

Started by fengzhu, 2013/07/31 03:36AM
Latest post: 2013/07/31 03:36AM, Views: 386, Posts: 1
Louis," said Blues executive vice preside
#1   2013/07/31 03:36AM
fengzhu
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Oklahoma City Thunder took a big step toward sticking around as an NBA championship contender. . The Thunder and general manager Sam Presti still face difficult decisions in the teams quest to remain a title threat for the long haul after reaching the NBA Finals last season, but reaching a contract extension with blocks leader Serge Ibaka is certainly a good start. Ibaka came to terms on the deal on Saturday as the Thunder locked up another key member of their nucleus while also putting into question whether the small-market team can afford to keep Sixth Man of the Year James Harden beyond next season.. Ibaka posted on Twitter that he was happy for the chance to play for the Thunder for five more years. Presti didnt provide details of the contract, citing team policy, but Yahoo! Sports first reported that the deal is for four additional years and $48 million. "At 23 years old (by the time next season starts), we really do expect his best basketball to be in front of him," Presti said in a conference call, hours before his wedding. Presti dismissed the notion that Ibakas signing means that Hardens departure is inevitable. But with more than $50 million committed per season to All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and starting centre Kendrick Perkins, there is not much room left in the budget for Harden, who earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team that won gold in London. Ibaka played for Spains silver-medal winning Olympic team. Both he and Harden were eligible for extensions to their rookie contracts for the first time this summer and were set to become free agents after next season. "Were going to continue our conversations with James. We very much value him," Presti said. "We want him to be a part of our organization moving forward. Were excited that hes a member of the Thunder and were hopeful that hell be with us for years moving forward." To make that happen, Oklahoma City would likely have to go over the salary cap -- set at about $58 million for next season -- and pay a luxury tax or make other moves, such as using the amnesty clause to erase Perkins contract. The Thunder have already let veteran free agents Nazr Mohammed and Royal Ivey sign elsewhere, and Derek Fisher remains unsigned. Backup point guard Eric Maynor, who missed most of last season due to a knee injury, also would become a free agent after next season. "Theres still a commitment for us to try to find a way to make it work for everybody, but we know theres going to be some difficult decisions that have to be made," Presti said. "Were looking forward to trying to figure those things out, and having Serge in place is certainly a benefit for our organization moving forward knowing that we have another core player that will be with us for the foreseeable future." Ibaka was the No. 24 pick in the draft in 2008, the same year Presti selected Westbrook. A native of the Republic of Congo, Ibaka remained overseas for a year before joining the Thunder and developing into a defensive stopper. He led the NBA with 198 blocks in the 2010-11 season and finished second in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year last season after recording a league-best 241 -- a franchise record 3.65 per game. "Hes come a long way in a short amount of time, but Ive seen a lot of hard work thats gone into that on his behalf, and that gives us confidence that hes going to continue to work at it," Presti said. Ibaka has steadily improved his offensive game, adding a mid-range jumper while starting to develop effective post moves. But hes best known for his defensive impact, particularly after blocking at least 10 shots in three games last season -- once as part of a triple-double. "I think with Serge, he does so many things," Presti said. "Obviously, his shot-blocking is a statistic thats most pointed to because its objective, because its measurable, but theres a lot of things he does for us in terms of just, I would say, deterring shots. "He really helps our pick-and-roll defence and bails us out a lot of times." [url=http://www.packersofficialteamstore.com/autographed-jarrett-bush-jersey-nt-... Bush Jersey . This week, they discuss the triumph of Alex Zanardi, the crowded Eskimos backfield, the outburst by Oscar Pistorius and head protection for pitchers. . David West scored 28 points in 32 minutes and New Orleans won its fourth straight game, 112-84 over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday night. Three of their last four victories have come at home by an average margin of 28. [url=http://www.packersofficialteamstore.com/autographed-aaron-rodgers-jersey-xl... . David Alaba will be out for up to eight weeks after suffering a fracture in his left foot. Alaba was injured shortly after scoring Bayerns first goal in a 3-2 loss to Napoli in Arco, Italy on Friday. [url=http://www.packersofficialteamstore.com/autographed-clay-matthews-jersey-sz... Matthews Jersey . -- Darren Mattocks scored in the 43rd minute to lift the Vancouver Whitecaps to a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday night. . -- Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Ill Have Another will bid fans farewell on Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park.The St. Louis Blues traded forward B.J. Crombeen and a 2014 fifth-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for fourth round picks in both 2013 and 2014. Crombeen, 27, had one goal and two assists in 40 games for the Blues last season. "I would like to thank BJ and his wife, Janet, for their time here in St. Louis," said Blues executive vice president and general manager Doug Armstroong in a statement. [url=http://www.packersofficialteamstore.com/autographed-aaron-rodgers-jersey-xl... Rodgers Womens Jersey. "BJ gave us everything he had on the ice and along with his wife, was very active in our community." Crombeen was drafted in the second round of the 2003 NHL Draft by Dallas. He appeared in 23 games for the Stars before being claimed off waivers by the Blues in November 2008. The Denver native has 27 goals and 29 assists in 288 career NHL contests. ' ' '


Please login or register free to be able to post.

« Go back to topic list

  • Links allowed: yes
  • Allow HTML: no
  • Allow BB code yes
  • Allow youTube.com: yes
  • Allow code: yes
  • Links visible: no
  • Quick reply: yes
  • Post preview: yes