NBA

3-13-2011

NBA’s Toronto Raptors for sale?

The NBA’s Toronto Raptors could be up for sale soon. BLOOMBERG reports the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is thinking of selling its 66% stake in the company (Maple Leaf Sports) that owns the Raptors and NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs. The Ontario Teacher’s are Canada’s third-largest retirement fund manager. They have a reported $100 billion (canadian) in assets. The Raptors have a franchise value of $399 million (10th best) according to Forbes. The Maple Leafs are said by Forbes to be the NHL’s most valuable franchise, worth $505 million.

Phil Jacskon: Its not about liking Kobe

Lakers coach Phil Jackson, the NBA’s winningest coach, disscussed his relationship with star Kobe Bryant. Instead of taking the cliche answer, Phil went deep when asked by T.J. Simers of the LA TIMES if he “liked Kobe Bryant,” following his ability to play while injured last season:

“It’s not about liking him,” he says. “It’s about admiring his courage. There’s only one individual I know that’s like that, and that’s Michael Jordan. “Kobe has patterned himself after Michael, and there are a lot of identical things there, but it’s one thing to hope to be like him, it’s another thing to be like him.”

Cavs dealing Baron Davis?

Baron Davis, with three games in a Cleveland uniform, is already hearing his name mentioned in trade talk. The AKRON BEACON JOURNAL says the Cavs privately believe they’ll be able to deal the former Clippers guard next season. The key to Cleveland’s evil plan is Baron coming to camp in shape and healthy. The chances of this happening are slim and none and slim just left the building as the late great Chick Hearn used to say.

2-28-2011

Ortiz a Celtic?

If the Boston Celtics are looking for some help at center position, Red Sox slugger David Ortiz would be willing to give it a shot.

Prior to today’s Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins, Ortiz said he recently had a dream that he played for the Celtics and scored 12 points in 22 minutes against the Miami Heat.

“The crowd was going crazy,” he said.

Ortiz said he played a lot when he was a kid and loves “taking it to the house.”