Looking for another shot

James Augustine is not used to this. The professional basketball player from Mokena has had teams, coaches and fans chasing him since his first growth spurt in sixth grade.

Team USA shows it can get tough too
Kobe found his mojo, LeBron found some attitude and Team USA showed it can handle the rough stuff in a big win, says Charley Rosen.NBA/~4/370212396″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Original Dream Team is still better … but not much
Nobody is ever going to be as good as the original Dream Team, but Mike Kahn says at least this group is in the discussion.NBA/~4/370222513″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Former Sixer Ratliff returns to Philly
Theo Ratliff returned to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, seven years after he was traded from the team during its run to the NBA Finals. The 35-year-old Ratliff played 26 games for Minnesota and Detroit and appeared in 12 of the Pistons‘ 17 playoff games. Terms of Ratliff’s deal with the Sixers weren’t disclosed. “We’re very fortunate to sign a player of Theo’s caliber,” general manager Ed Stefanski said.NBA/~4/370312775″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

U.S. lights up Aussies, now two wins from gold
NBA/~4/370020437″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Must see TV? Barkley colonoscopy to be televised
We may not know what Shaq’s tastes like (or really care to, for that matter), but we’re about to find out what Sir Charles’ looks like.NBA/~4/370164965″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Original Dream Team is still better … but not by much
Nobody is ever going to be as good as the original Dream Team, but Mike Kahn says at least this group is in the discussion.NBA/~4/369154056″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Team USA crushes Germany, faces Aussies next
The U.S. Olympic team put away Dirk Nowitzki and Germany in a hurry. Next up: the only team so far these Americans couldn’t blow out. After destroying Germany 106-57 on Monday, the Americans (5-0) move on to a quarterfinal matchup Wednesday against Australia, the team that’s provided them with their toughest test in China. The U.S.NBA/~4/368120446″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Olympics: Us NBA stars cruise to 106-57 win over Germany

US player Dwyane Wade hangs from the rim after scoring against Germany in their men’s preliminary round group A basketball at the Olympic Basketball Arena during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Team USA’s swarming defense, offense too much
With a blowout of Germany, Team USA picked up even more confidence heading into the quarterfinals, Charley Rosen says.NBA/~4/368143652″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Iguodala re-signs with Sixers for six years
The Philadelphia 76ers re-signed Andre Iguodala on Sunday, giving the forward a six-year contract worth a reported $80 million. Iguodala, who was a restricted free agent, helped the 76ers reach the playoffs for the first time in three years. An official announcement is expected Monday. Iguodala averaged 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.1 steals in 82 games last season. He struggled in the playoffs against Detroit, averaging 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.NBA/~4/367552714″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Iguodala re-signs with Sixers for six years
The Philadelphia 76ers re-signed Andre Iguodala on Sunday, giving the forward a six-year contract worth a reported $80 million. Iguodala, who was a restricted free agent, helped the 76ers reach the playoffs for the first time in three years. An official announcement is expected Monday. Iguodala averaged 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.1 steals in 82 games last season. He struggled in the playoffs against Detroit, averaging 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.NBA/~4/367552714″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Team USA crushes Germany, faces Aussies next
The U.S. Olympic team put away Dirk Nowitzki and Germany in a hurry. Next up: the only team so far these Americans couldn’t blow out. After destroying Germany 106-57 on Monday, the Americans (5-0) move on to a quarterfinal matchup Wednesday against Australia, the team that’s provided them with their toughest test in China. The U.S.NBA/~4/368120446″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Magic wrap up youth camp

The Orlando Magic recently wrapped up their 19th and final youth camp for the summer.

Team USA’s swarming defense, offense too much
With a blowout of Germany, Team USA picked up even more confidence heading into the quarterfinals, Charley Rosen says.NBA/~4/368143652″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Olympics: Us NBA stars cruise to 106-57 win over Germany

US player Dwyane Wade hangs from the rim after scoring against Germany in their men’s preliminary round group A basketball at the Olympic Basketball Arena during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Iguodala re-signs with Sixers for six years
The Philadelphia 76ers re-signed Andre Iguodala on Sunday, giving the forward a six-year contract worth a reported $80 million. Iguodala, who was a restricted free agent, helped the 76ers reach the playoffs for the first time in three years. An official announcement is expected Monday. Iguodala averaged 19.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.1 steals in 82 games last season. He struggled in the playoffs against Detroit, averaging 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.NBA/~4/367552714″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Top five overrated NBA players
Too much media attention or one great shot can make a player bigger than he should be. Yardbarker lists five overhyped players.NBA/~4/366803486″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Report: Gordon refuses to sign Bulls’ offer
Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon won’t sign the club’s one-year qualifying offer of $6.4 million, setting the stage for a possible departure from the team, The Chicago Tribune reported Saturday.NBA/~4/366613339″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

U.S. routs Spain, stays unbeaten in Beijing
Four down, four to go. The U.S. men’s Olympic team is halfway back to the top of the basketball world. And not even the world champions - on paper anyway - could give the Americans a game. Unleashing a lethal 3-point barrage for the first time in Beijing, the Americans turned the marquee matchup of the preliminary round into another romp, beating Spain 119-82 Saturday night to clinch the top seed in their group.NBA/~4/366680746″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Sorry, world … you had your shot at Team USA
After the disaster in 2004, the world was ready to take on the Americans. Sorry, world. Mike Vaccaro says Team USA is back.NBA/~4/367326766″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Magic wrap up youth camp

The Orlando Magic recently wrapped up their 19th and final youth camp for the summer.

Magic Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

This is a sure sign that expectations are rising rapidly this season.

The Orlando Magic are back playing on Christmas Day against New Orleans, a national television date reserved only for the league’s most attractive teams.

They also are scheduled for a Thanksgiving Day game, again on national television, at Washington.

The Magic were regulars on Christmas Day during the Shaquille O’Neal era, and they haven’t played on Christmas Day since 2003, when Tracy McGrady was still attracting attention in Orlando.

The Magic (52-30) reached the second round of the playoffs and won 50 games for the first time in 12 years last season, which is a big reason they have grown into one of the league’s marquee teams.

Another reason is Dwight Howard, who has become…

Report: Gordon refuses to sign Bulls’ offer
Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon won’t sign the club’s one-year qualifying offer of $6.4 million, setting the stage for a possible departure from the team, The Chicago Tribune reported Saturday.NBA/~4/366613339″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

U.S. routs Spain, stays unbeaten in Beijing
Four down, four to go. The U.S. men’s Olympic team is halfway back to the top of the basketball world. And not even the world champions - on paper anyway - could give the Americans a game. Unleashing a lethal 3-point barrage for the first time in Beijing, the Americans turned the marquee matchup of the preliminary round into another romp, beating Spain 119-82 Saturday night to clinch the top seed in their group.NBA/~4/366680746″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Team USA looking like a gold medal bunch
Team USA played its best game to date in a 119-82 drubbing of Spain. Charley Rosen says that’s bad news for the competition.NBA/~4/366752403″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Top five overrated NBA players
Too much media attention or one great shot can make a player bigger than he should be. Yardbarker lists five overhyped players.NBA/~4/366803486″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Williams might be the difference in Cleveland
Cleveland is overstocked at guard, but Mike Kahn says Mo Williams is the shooter LeBron needs to get back to the Finals.NBA/~4/365835382″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Magic tip off Oct. 6

The Orlando Magic will open the 2008-2009 preseason at home Monday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. against Atlanta.

Hornets’ Pargo signs with Moscow Dynamo
New Orleans Hornets guard Jannero Pargo is the latest player to turn his back on the NBA for Europe. Pargo signed a one-year deal with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian League, agent Mark Bartelstein told The Associated Press in a phone interview Friday. The one-year deal is worth nearly $4 million and is about twice what Pargo made for the Hornets last season, Bartelstein said. Pargo joins a growing defection of NBA players lured overseas by higher salaries.NBA/~4/366066539″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Rockets formally announce Artest trade
Ron Artest officially joined the Houston Rockets on Thursday. The Rockets announced the five-player trade with Sacramento that also brought forward Patrick Ewing Jr. and guard Sean Singletary in exchange for guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and Houston’s first-round pick next year. “This is definitely the high point of my career,” Artest said in a conference call. “It’s the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had playing basketball.NBA/~4/365279175″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

USA looks golden … but watch out for Spain
Team USA did more than just avenge that 2006 loss to Greece. The Americans convinced Charley Rosen they can win gold.NBA/~4/364912538″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Report: 76ers, Iguodala agree on $80M deal
The 76ers are making it clear they want Andre Iguodala to stick around.NBA/~4/364292030″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Shaq’s wife says couple has reconciled
The wife of Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O’Neal says the couple’s marriage is on the mend. Shaunie O’Neal says she and her husband plan to put a stop their divorce proceedings before leaving Florida next week. She said Thursday that “it will be officially off in a few days.” Shaquille O’Neal filed for divorce in Miami-Dade Circuit Court last September, after nearly five years of marriage. The couple has six children.NBA/~4/365077564″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Hornets’ Pargo signs with Moscow Dynamo
New Orleans Hornets guard Jannero Pargo is the latest player to turn his back on the NBA for Europe. Pargo signed a one-year deal with Dynamo Moscow of the Russian League, agent Mark Bartelstein told The Associated Press in a phone interview Friday. The one-year deal is worth nearly $4 million and is about twice what Pargo made for the Hornets last season, Bartelstein said. Pargo joins a growing defection of NBA players lured overseas by higher salaries.NBA/~4/366066539″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

NBA stars avenge ‘06 upset, roll over Greece
Team USA took control of a close game and got some revenge for a humbling loss in 2006, beating Greece 92-69 on Thursday.NBA/~4/364823610″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Williams might be the difference in Cleveland
Cleveland is overstocked at guard, but Mike Kahn says Mo Williams is the shooter LeBron needs to get back to the Finals.NBA/~4/365835382″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Magic tip off Oct. 6

The Orlando Magic will open the 2008-2009 preseason at home Monday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. against Atlanta.

The 10 biggest moves of the summer
Baron went to Hollywood. Josh Childress went abroad. And the Sonics just went. Mike Kahn lists the 10 biggest offseason moves.NBA/~4/362109112″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Magic Team Report (Yahoo! Sports)

This is a sure sign that expectations are rising rapidly this season.

The Orlando Magic are back playing on Christmas Day against New Orleans, a national television date reserved only for the league’s most attractive teams.

They also are scheduled for a Thanksgiving Day game, again on national television, at Washington.

The Magic were regulars on Christmas Day during the Shaquille O’Neal era, and they haven’t played on Christmas Day since 2003, when Tracy McGrady was still attracting attention in Orlando.

The Magic (52-30) reached the second round of the playoffs and won 50 games for the first time in 12 years last season, which is a big reason they have grown into one of the league’s marquee teams.

Another reason is Dwight Howard, who has become…

NBA stars avenge ‘06 upset, roll over Greece
Team USA took control of a close game and got some revenge for a humbling loss in 2006, beating Greece 92-69 on Thursday.NBA/~4/364823610″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Shaq’s wife says couple has reconciled
The wife of Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O’Neal says the couple’s marriage is on the mend. Shaunie O’Neal says she and her husband plan to put a stop their divorce proceedings before leaving Florida next week. She said Thursday that “it will be officially off in a few days.” Shaquille O’Neal filed for divorce in Miami-Dade Circuit Court last September, after nearly five years of marriage. The couple has six children.NBA/~4/365077564″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Report: 76ers, Iguodala agree on $80M deal
The 76ers are making it clear they want Andre Iguodala to stick around.NBA/~4/364292030″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Rockets formally announce Artest trade
Ron Artest officially joined the Houston Rockets on Thursday. The Rockets announced the five-player trade with Sacramento that also brought forward Patrick Ewing Jr. and guard Sean Singletary in exchange for guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and Houston’s first-round pick next year. “This is definitely the high point of my career,” Artest said in a conference call. “It’s the biggest opportunity I’ve ever had playing basketball.NBA/~4/365279175″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

USA looks golden … but watch out for Spain
Team USA did more than just avenge that 2006 loss to Greece. The Americans convinced Charley Rosen they can win gold.NBA/~4/364912538″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Can’t we quit with LeBron rumors?
He’s going to New York. No, he’ll go to Europe. Mike Kahn wonders what Cleveland did to deserve all the ridiculous LeBron rumors.NBA/~4/364033523″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Report: 76ers, Iguodala agree on $80M deal
The 76ers are making it clear they want Andre Iguodala to stick around.NBA/~4/364292030″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Roy to have surgery to repair torn meniscus
Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will have arthroscopic knee surgery to repair a tear in the meniscus of his left knee. Am MRI, taken Tuesday revealed the tear, the team said Wednesday. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday. Trail Blazers team physician Dr. Don Roberts will perform the surgery at Southwest Washington Regional Surgery Center in Vancouver, Wash.NBA/~4/364494032″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Free-agent Murray nabs deal with Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks signed free-agent guard Ronald “Flip” Murray on Wednesday. Murray, a six-year veteran, can play both guard spots. He joins Maurice Evans as free-agent additions to the backcourt after the Hawks lost sixth man Josh Childress, who stunned the team last month by signing with Greek powerhouse Olympiakos. The 6-foot-3 Murray was released by Detroit last season before signing with Indiana. He started the final 15 games of the season at point guard for the Pacers. He averaged 11.NBA/~4/364250108″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Spain downs Germany behind Gasol
Pau Gasol scored 13 points to help lead world champions Spain to a 72-59 victory over Dirk Nowitzki and Germany in Olympic basketball men’s Group B play. Gasol, of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, scored 13 points Thursday, while the Toronto Raptors‘ Jose Manuel Calderon led Spain with 15 points and Alex Mumbru shot 67 percent from the floor for 14 points, draining all three of his three pointers.NBA/~4/364477976″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Russians coming to play Orlando Magic in preseason

Aug. 13–The Orlando Magic’s seven-game preseason schedule released on Tuesday will feature three straight home games and be tinged with a little international flavor.

Cavs get Bucks’ Williams in three-team trade
The Cleveland Cavaliers are getting some help for LeBron James. High-scoring Milwaukee point guard Mo Williams is headed to Cleveland to become James’ new backcourt mate as part of a three-team trade involving Milwaukee and Oklahoma City.NBA/~4/364230857″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Team USA blows past Angola
LeBron James and his teammates easily shoved Angola aside. Now come the teams that can push back. Dwyane Wade scored 19 points, James dominated the game with his size and strength on both ends, and the U.S. Olympic team wrapped up the easy portion of its schedule with a 97-76 victory Tuesday night. Dwight Howard added 14 points and James finished with 12 for the Americans, who had another rough night from 3-point range but don’t appear to be stoppable in the open court.NBA/~4/363080464″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Hornets add Europe games to preseason schedule
The New Orleans Hornets will play seven preseason games prior to their season opener at Golden State in late October, including two games in Europe as part of NBA Europe Live. The Hornets take on the Washington Wizards on October 14 at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany. The game will be one of the first major sporting events held at the arena, which opened last fall. The team will close out NBA Europe Live on October 17 at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain.NBA/~4/363430980″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Warning signs abound in Angola win
Team USA’s win over Angola might have looked like a laugher to you, but all Charley Rosen saw were warning signs.NBA/~4/363117511″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Hornets add Europe games to preseason schedule
The New Orleans Hornets will play seven preseason games prior to their season opener at Golden State in late October, including two games in Europe as part of NBA Europe Live. The Hornets take on the Washington Wizards on October 14 at the O2 World in Berlin, Germany. The game will be one of the first major sporting events held at the arena, which opened last fall. The team will close out NBA Europe Live on October 17 at the Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain.NBA/~4/363430980″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Warning signs abound in Angola win
Team USA’s win over Angola might have looked like a laugher to you, but all Charley Rosen saw were warning signs.NBA/~4/363117511″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Team USA blows past Angola
LeBron James and his teammates easily shoved Angola aside. Now come the teams that can push back. Dwyane Wade scored 19 points, James dominated the game with his size and strength on both ends, and the U.S. Olympic team wrapped up the easy portion of its schedule with a 97-76 victory Tuesday night. Dwight Howard added 14 points and James finished with 12 for the Americans, who had another rough night from 3-point range but don’t appear to be stoppable in the open court.NBA/~4/363080464″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Pastoral Magic; Mel on Daily Show

A note to send out last week and usher in the next… First, an interesting bit of trivia that most probably missed in all the hubbub between Ric Keller and Todd Long last week: You know how Long mentioned that …

The 10 biggest moves of the summer
Baron went to Hollywood. Josh Childress went abroad. And the Sonics just went. Mike Kahn lists the 10 biggest offseason moves.NBA/~4/362109112″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Bowen re-signs with Hornets for 2008-09
The New Orleans Hornets re-signed free agent forward Ryan Bowen on Monday. It will be the second season in New Orleans for the 6-foot-9 Bowen, an eight-year veteran who spent his first five seasons in Denver before going to Houston for two years. Terms of the deal weren’t released. Bowen appeared in 53 games last season, including four starts, and averaged 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game.NBA/~4/362353452″ height=”1″ width=”1″/>

Orlando Magic star Rashard Lewis was back in his old neighborhood to play with the kids

No better way to enjoy the last days of summer than with some bowling. Some kids knocked down the pins as part of a back to school charity fundraiser in Alief.