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On Sunday, February 13, Karl Malone returned to Utah where he began his NBA career to say goodbye after 19 years of
NBA basketball. |
Malone Hangs It Up
Salt Lake City, UT –
After a 19-year Hall of Fame-caliber career spent almost entirely with the Utah Jazz, Karl Malone announced his retirement Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005. Malone, 41, spent 18 years with the Jazz, averaging 25.4 points and
10.1 rebounds. He joined the Los Angeles Lakers in 2003-04 and spent one season (42 games) with them.
“It has been a great 19-year ride, but all good things must come to an end,” said Malone. “I have
been blessed by many things in my life, most of all the support I have received from my family, especially my wonderful wife,
Kay; this incredible franchise, led by Larry Miller; and my coaches and teammates.”
The 6-9 forward out of Louisiana Tech was selected by the Jazz with the 13th overall pick of the 1985 Draft. Malone
retires as the Jazz's all-time leader in points (36,377); minutes played (53,479); field goals made (13,335) and attempted
(25,810); free throws made (9,622) and attempted (12,965); and rebounds (14,601). He scored a career high 61 points
(21-26 FG, 19-19 FT) vs. Milwaukee on 1/27/90.
“I am honored that Karl would ask me and the Utah Jazz to be a part of this announcement," said Miller. "This is
an important day in his life and I am thrilled to be part of it. I have valued our relationship both personally and professionally
over the years. In many ways we are like brothers.”
Miller continued by saying, “Through all of our ups and downs I have never underestimated Karl’s contribution
to the Utah Jazz. Karl’s contribution to this franchise is immeasurable. Through thick and thin, one thing that must
be said about Karl is that he came to play every night.”
Selected in 1996 as one of the “50 Greatest Players in NBA History,” Malone was a two-time MVP (1997, 1999)
and finished his career in second place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 36,928 points. He is one of two players
(Jerry West) to average at least 25 points in 11 consecutive seasons (1987-98) and the only player in league history to be
named to the All-NBA team 11 times (1989-99). He scored in double figures in 575 consecutive games, third-longest streak
in NBA history, and led the league in free-throws made a record eight times (1988-89 through 1992-93, 1996-97 through 1998-99).
“Karl’s contribution to the Utah Jazz and the NBA are incalculable,” said NBA Commissioner David J. Stern. “I
am very pleased that Karl would choose to announce his retirement in Salt Lake City with the Utah Jazz and Larry Miller at
his side. We look forward to his certain induction in the Hall of Fame and we all hope he remains involved in the NBA
in some fashion.”
In addition to his professional achievements, Malone was also a member of gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic teams in 1992
and 1996. He also won the 1997-98 IBM Award, designed to honor the player who contributes the most to his team’s
overall success. He is one of eight players to win All-Star Game MVP honors at least twice, claiming the award in 1989 and
1993 (co-MVP with John Stockton).
“For 18 years, Karl, along with John Stockton, was the centerpiece of the Utah Jazz,” said Jazz Head Coach
Jerry Sloan. “I can only add to the accolades already expressed here today. Karl has one of the best work
ethics I have experienced in coaching. He put his heart and soul into every game.”
Career Transactions: Selected after junior season by the Utah Jazz in the first round (13th pick overall) of the
1985 NBA Draft....Signed by the Jazz on 8/8/85....Re-signed by the Jazz on 11/7/88....Re-signed by the Jazz on 9/25/90....Re-signed
by the Jazz on 1/13/96....Re-signed by the Jazz on 8/1/99…Signed by the Los Angeles Lakers on 7/16/03.
Karl Malone says Goodbye
by Derek Garduno
Karl Malone on Draft Night, June 1985 |
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Malone Played for the Jazz for 18 seasons.
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After more than a year away from Utah, Karl Malone is coming back home. The free-agent, who spent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, has turned down offers from teams
across the NBA to return to the place where is career started 20 years ago.
Along with his teammate of almost two decades, John Stockton, Malone made the Jazz a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. The forward pushed the Jazz deep into the playoffs, reaching
the NBA Western Conference Finals five times and the NBA Finals twice.
In 1985, the Jazz drafted the 6-9 forward out of Louisiana Tech. At the time few could have ever imagined the many different
ways Malone would change the power forward position. He transformed weaknesses into strengths, improving his free throws,
stretching defenses with 18-foot jump shots and running the floor like a point guard.
His scoring became so prolific during his career that many Jazz fans often took his consistency for granted. Malone holds
the NBA record for most consecutive seasons scoring 2,000 or more points (11) and shares the record with Michael Jordan for
most career 2,000 point seasons (11).
Malone will retire as the NBA’s second all-time leader in scoring (36,374), trailing only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Of his 36,000 plus points 9,787 were free throws, the most in NBA history.
Yet his game was never one dimensional. Malone racked up rebounds almost as fast as he did points, pulling down 14,601,
placing him seventh all-time in NBA history. His defense became one of his best assets and the league took notice naming him
to the NBA All-Defensive First Team three times and the Second Team once.
The forward was named an All-Star 14 times during his career, wining the game’s MVP in Houston in 1990 and in Salt
Lake City in 1993, where his co-MVP was John Stockton.
But perhaps the pinnacles of his illustrious career are the two MVP awards he won in 1996-97 and in 1998-99. Malone is
one of only nine players in NBA history to win the award more than once.
And though he will retire without an NBA title, the forward is one of the select athletes in history that can say he represented
his country in the Olympics. Malone was given a coveted spot on the 1992 Olympic “Dream Team” that featured Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, John Stockton and Clyde Drexler. He would help lead the team to a gold medal and returned again to the international stage in 1996 to help the USA squad
repeat as first place finishers.
The Last of a Generation
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| Malone |
Somewhere out there is a person who never got to see Karl Malone play basketball. Somebody missed out on the aggressive rebounding, sweet midrange touch and the way he always abused Dennis
Rodman. Even worse, that person missed out on seeing the most beautiful pick-and-roll there’s ever been; when Karl and
John Stockton showed everyone just how well they had mastered one of the oldest hoops tricks in the book.
Frankly, you have to feel sorry for that person. To see Karl, especially when he and Stockton were on the court together,
was to see a sort of brutish poetry in motion; a practical mix of volatility and fluidity mixed together in this big bundle
of emotion from the Louisiana backwoods.
Never mind the points or the numerous records Karl held. To appreciate him was to appreciate exactly how far the game had
come since James Naismith first dreamed it up in Missouri. This was a massive wall of a man - 6-9, 250 plus pounds –
but he had the touch of a guard with the feet of a ballerina. He was from a special generation of players who took the sport
and turned it on its head, making it a place for only the most gifted athletes – no matter how tall or large they might
be.
Now the Mailman has hung it up. The last of the Dream Teamers to call it a career (Christian Laettner not included) has
made it official, despite recent rumors that he might’ve returned to make another run at an elusive championship.
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| Clyde Drexler |
Remember the men of this era, the guys with the best nicknames? Air, Magic, Stock, Sir Charles, Dream, Clyde The Glide,
Larry Legend, The Admiral, Ewing and the Human Highlight Reel. Now the Mailman closes the final chapter of their book, turning
out the lights behind him.
It was a group of men who took the NBA into the stratosphere of popularity, who made young boys want to grow up to be 6-6
with a penchant for dunking. Even Stockton, the precocious point guard prodigy who was as quiet and reserved off the court
as he was workmanlike on it, made youngsters fantasize about having that perfect chest pass one day.
Many of them were worthy of championships, some even seemed to deserve one, but Jordan hogged them in the 1990s. It didn’t
seem to diminish them much, but maybe it increased Jordan’s luster. They wowed us with the way the dominated the world
in grand fashion during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. That tournament sealed the deal, these guys were the best in the world,
something we suspected but hadn’t seen proved.
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| Wilt Chamberlain |
So now the torch is officially passed on to Shaq, Kobe, LeBron, Yao, McGrady, Duncan, Amare and friends. Some even have
notable nicknames – KG, AI, AK-47, Booze, Melo. Some of them are explosive and exciting and maybe even inspiring, just
like those that came before them.
But just like an elderly man clamping his love to the era of Russell, Chamberlain, Cousy, West, Havlicek, Hayes, Big O,
Pettit, Baylor and Lanier, we’ll take our personal favorite generation.
The purpose isn’t to argue about who’s generation is better, just who we love the most and who inspired us
to fantasize we were something bigger, stronger, more graceful.
So to Karl and members of the Dream Team generation: thanks for the memories. Please come back around to show the news
guys how to play the game right!
The Mailman’s Awards, Honors
Karl Malone has called it a career after 19 amazing seasons of basketball. He leaves behind a stunning legacy of domination that has
his name at or near the top of just about every statistical category there is. Naturally with that level of achievement comes
honors and awards, of which Malone has received too many to effectively recount. Utahjazz.com is glad to help provide some
highlights though.
Named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History
Two-time NBA MVP (1997,1999)
Only player in league history named to All-NBA first team 11 times (1989-99)
All-NBA second team selection in 1987-88
Three-time NBA All-Defensive first team selection (1997-99) as well as a second team honoree in 1987-88
Two-time Olympic Gold Medal winner as member of the 1992 “Dream Team” in Barcelona and 1886 U.S. team in Atlanta
Voted 1998-99 Most Valuable Player by media with 827 points, defeating Alonzo Mourning (773) and Tim Duncan (740)
Voted MVP in 1996-97, defeating Michael Jordan 986-957 in points
Won the 1997-98 IBM Award, designed to honor the player who contributes most to his team’s overall success
One of eight players to win All-Star game MVP honors twice, claiming honors in 1989 and 1993 (with co-MVP John Stockton)
Named NBA Player of the Week 23 times and Player of the Month seven times
Finished third to Patrick Ewing (36 points) and Xavier McDaniel (16.5) with 14.5 votes for 1985-86 Rookie of the Year
Named to 1985-86 All-Rookie Team
As a student at Louisiana Tech, Karl was named first team All-Southland Conference three times
Picked in 1999 by The Sporting News as one of "99 Good Guys in Sports" for donating $200,000 worth of supplies
to Navajo Indians and paying off home mortgage for family with four ill children
Won the 1998 Henry B. Iba Citizen Athlete Award, which recognizes athletes who do good deeds for others
Named First Utahn of the Year in 1997 by the Salt Lake Tribune |
Mailman Comes Home To Retire
After 19 seasons, 36,928 points, and two MVP awards, Jazz legend Karl Malone has decided to retire. The "Mailman" will officially annouce his intention at a Delta Center press conference Sunday, February
13.
Selected in 1996 as one of the “50 Greatest Players in NBA History”, Malone was a two time MVP (1997, 1999)
and finished his career in second place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list. He is one of two players (Jerry West) to
average at least 25 points in 11 consecutive seasons (1987-98), the only player in league history to be named to the All-NBA
team 11 times (1989-99), scored in double figures in 575 consecutive games, third longest streak in NBA history and led the
league in free-throws made a record eight times (1988-89 through 1992-93 and 1996-97 through 1998-99).
The statistical legacy that he leaves behind is unmatched in the sport. Besides the total points mark, Karl's scoring average
is eighth all-time. He ranks second all-time in minutes played and field goals made. He ranks as the all-time leader in free
throws made, fourth in games played, and sixth in total rebounds.
Malone left the Jazz in 2003, spending one season for the Los Angeles Lakers. After having reconstructive knee surgery
this past summer, the Mailman considered joining another team in his pursuit of an NBA championship, but ultimately decided
to end his route.
Fans need to be sure to keep their mouses pointed on sami_crazy.tripod.com for updates, press conference info and a tribute
to the greatest power forward of all-time.
The Statistical Legacy Of Karl Malone
Leaving it all on the floor every night for 19 season made Karl Malone one of the most respected and accomplished competitors
in NBA history. Opponents and teammates alike knew that Karl was going to deliver every day, hence the nickname "The Mailman."
February 13 he makes his last delivery to Utah, this time in the form of his official retirement from professional basketball.
The numbers from his career are stunning and easily rank with the greatest performers the sport of basketball has ever
seen including Jordan, Abdul-Jabaar, Chamberlain and even Stockton. It's a legacy that may be forever unmatched in its depth
and diversity. As a tribute to the Mailman and a reference for his fans, we present the statistical legacy of Karl Malone.
| Career |
Averages |
Totals |
| Points |
25.0 |
36,928 |
| Rebounds |
10.1 |
14,968 |
| Assists |
3.6 |
5,248 |
| Steals |
1.4 |
2,085 |
| Blocks |
.78 |
1,145 |
| Games Played: |
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1,476 |
| Playoffs |
Averages |
Totals |
| Points |
24.7 |
4,761 |
| Rebounds |
10.7 |
2062 |
| Assists |
3.2 |
610 |
| Steals |
1.34 |
258 |
| Blocks |
.70 |
135 |
| Games Played: |
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193 |
Regular Season Notes and Records
36,928 points ranks second in NBA history behind Kareem Abdul-Jabaar's 38,387
25.0 scoring average ranks 10th all-time
Is NBA's all-time leader in both free throws attempted & made (9,787-13,188)
Ranks 2nd in shots taken with 26,210 (Abdul-Jabaar, 28,307) and shots made with 13,528 (Abdul-Jabaar 15,837)
Is sixth on the league's all-time rebounding list (14,968)
2,085 steals puts Karl at 9th all-time (Stockton leads with 3,265)
54,852 minutes played is also 2nd to Abdul-Jabaar (57,446)
One of two players (Jerry West to average at least 25 points in 11 consecutive seasons (1989-99)
Holds NBA record for most consecutive seasons (11) with 2,000 or more points and most total seasons (12) with 2,000 plus
points
Scored in double figures 575 consecutive games, third longest streak in NBA history behind Michael Jordan (840) and Kareem
Abdul-Jabaar (787), from December 18, 1991 through March 26, 1999
Led league in free-throws made a record eight times (1988-89 thru 1992-93 and 1996-97 thru 1998-99)
Played in career-high 543 consecutive games from December 18,1991 to April 8, 1998, with streak ending due to league suspension
Played all 82 games in a season 10 times, tied for third all-time (14- John Stockton, A.C. Green, 10-Randy Smith)
Ranks behind only John Stockton (1,504) for most games played with one franchise at 1,434
Scored a career-high 61 points (21-26 FG, 19-19 FT), the most by a Jazz player since the franchise moved to Utah, vs.
Milwaukee on January 27, 1990
Has scored 50+ points four times, 40+ 44 times, 30+ 427 times
Jazz were 312-115 (.731) when the Mailman scored 30 or more points
Registered three triple-doubles in his career (29 pts, 12 rb, 10 as v. Clippers on 5/4/99)
Karl also has the second most fouls in NBA history (Abdul-Jabaar 4,657)
Playoff Notes and Records
19 years in the playoffs ties Karl with John Stocton for most in NBA history
4,761 playoff points ranks third behind Jordan (5,987) and Abdul-Jabaar (5,762)
193 playoff games ranks fourth
7,907 minutes is fourth most
Karl is third in both field goals made and attempted (3,768-1,743)
He is second in free throws made and third in free throws attempted (1,269-1,725)
Ranks fourth in rebounds with 2,062
Eighth in steals (258)
Committed 662 personal fouls, third most
All-Star Game Notes and Records
Selected to the game 14 times, tied for second most with Jordan behind Abdul-Jabaar (18)
Played in 12 games, 7th best all-time
Co-MVP with John Stockton of 1993 All-Star game held in Salt Lake City
Scored 145 points, 14th all-time
Kings-Rockets thoughts ... Hello, Beijing
After being in Shanghai for a couple of days, you really felt the excitement about the NBA leading up to Thursday’s
night’s game between the Kings and the Rockets. The fans who packed Shanghai Stadium were obviously excited. It isn’t
an every day occurrence to get this caliber of players over here and then at the same time, you have two of your homegrown
products inside of that mix in Yao Ming and Liu Wei and it’s obviously something special.
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Kenny Smith thinks Chris Webber, seen
here at the Great Wall of China, is playing better now than he did at the start of last season.
Andrew D. Bernstein
NBAE/Getty Images | The
NBA pulled out all of the stops. It felt like I could have been at the Staples Center, Madison Square Garden, the Toyota Center
or even in Sacramento. You had all of the elements from the dancers, the dunkers at halftime, everything that the NBA game
offers.
Some of the questions I have for the Rockets ... They have to find a point guard or settle in on one. I think that’s
going to be important. The Rockets began the game with T-Mac starting at point, which negates a lot of the great things he
can do on the wings and it also slows up the offense a lot.
As for the Kings, Sacramento looks like Sacramento. Throw a healthy Doug Christie into that mix when he returns, and add
Bobby Jackson, and Sacramento is tough. I thought C-Webb is coming around. He looks a lot better than he did at the end of
last season when he came back. He’s still not as fluid and doesn’t have all of the things that we are accustomed
to. Last season, I would say he was 50 percent when he came back. Right now I would say he’s about 80 or 85 percent
and that’s a big jump for him.
After the game, we hopped on a plane to Beijing and arrived early morning. Immediately, you got a sense that Beijing is
a different world from Shanghai, which is more cosmopolitan and Western influenced. Beijing does offer the great architecture
and you still have the new buildings, but you see more of a Chinese flare to it instead of a Western flare. When I come here
and visit, I want to feel like I’m away from home. This to me will be the most fun of the trip. One of the first places
we visited on Friday morning was Tiananmen Square and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall where Chairman Mao is buried and embalmed.
To visit that site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be a part of and seeing history is what this trip is all about
for me and my daughter. Next stop: The Forbidden City.
Posted on Oct. 12, 2004 at 12:53 p.m. ET
International insights
What a journey. This is my first time in Shanghai, and China, for that matter, and wow. We haven’t been able to do
a lot yet because we’re still trying to get accustomed to the time zone difference but from what I’ve seen thus
far, I’m really excited. It’s like taking things out of history books and being able to see them in person. It’s
a great feeling. You see artifacts such as those on display at the Shanghai Museum and it says B.C. on them and it’s
just mind boggling. What a cultural experience. I have my 11-year-old daughter Kayla with me and so far, this trip has been
priceless.
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Clyde Drexler, Mel Davis, Bill Russell,
Commissioner David Stern, Kenny Smith and Bob Lanier pose in front of the Chairman Mao statue in Shanghai, China.
Jennifer E. Pottheiser
NBAE/Getty Images | We
saw the Shanghai Acrobats perform earlier today after we visited the Bund, which is located along the Huangpu River and you
can see Shanghai’s new business district, which has mushroomed within the last 10 years. No matter where you go in Shanghai,
you can feel the energy all around you and the growth. It’s like this city is on the verge of being a New York.
A lot has been written about China back in the United States and since I’ve been blessed to travel a lot, what you
notice is that people are people. Governments and political issues are so far to one side from the common person. Whatever
you hear or see is always different. There is always someone who wants to have their son do well or there is always someone
who just wants to say hello. It’s the same everywhere. That’s what is most mind boggling to me and a main reason
why I brought Kayla. I wanted to show her that people everywhere are exactly the same, and share the same concerns, worries
and insights.
I have a full schedule of more places to visit on Wednesday such as the French Concession and the Tour of Xintiandi, but
as I look ahead to Thursday night’s game, I can tell you that I really don’t know what to expect. But what I do
know is that there will be a lot of Rocket fans and a lot of Rocket red at the stadium. I’m eager to see the new-look
Rockets featuring T-Mac and Yao. I always look forward to seeing the Sacramento Kings play, especially after the Peja "I want
to be traded" remarks from this past summer. Plus, we haven’t seen Chris Webber play and reportedly there is some swelling
in his knee. It will be fun to see what he looks like if he has an opportunity to play. To see all of those different things
will be fun.
Who am I rooting for? Well, since I played for both the Rockets and Kings and I only won with the one, I have to place
my the loyalties for the Rockets.
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THIS IS WHAT TRAINING CAMPS LIKE THE SACRAMENTO KINGS CAMES CAME UP WITH:
Courtney Alexander took Doug Christie’s place playing with the first team offense on day one. There didn’t
seem to be any ill effects from the Achilles heel injury he suffered last year, until he strained his thigh and had to sit
out Sunday and Monday’s practices.
It was good to see Bobby Jackson back on the court and looking fit. Jackson has been working out almost non-stop since
the season ended to rehab his strained groin muscle and looks like the energizer bunny. His sprained hand hasn’t slowed
him down at all.
Chris Webber appears to be moving around more fluidly and looser. The semi-gait with which he ran last year is pretty
much gone, and he just looks good. The biggest factor in him looking better? Time and human nature. No matter how hard you
rehab an injury like the one Webb had, the only thing that is going to make the biggest difference is the body getting time
to heal.
Brad Miller looks like he is going to be a more vocal leader this season—at one point on Saturday yelling at his
teammates to play better defense after the second-team started regularly scoring on the first-team.
Peja Stojakovic became the latest player to get nicked up on Monday, cutting his lower lip after getting hit in the mouth
during practice. Peja sat out the last 30 minutes but should be fine for the rest of the week.
Before meeting with the media, the rookies had a little post-practice "chat" with Chris Webber, who felt that the youngsters
weren’t working hard enough to please the vets, i.e. getting Jamba Juices, doughnuts, or other requests before practice.
Things will most likely be worked out before Tuesday.
Adam Parada and Anwar Ferguson were the focus of media attention on Monday, due to Greg Ostertag’s broken right
hand. Parada and Ferguson will most likely get the minutes that Ostertag would have received in the preseason, and the local
news wanted the scoop on the young fellas.
Ostertag’s temporary plaster cast looked like a tie-dyed shirt with dozens of colors and shapes drawn all over it.
Apparently, Greg’s three kids got ahold of the thing Sunday night and wasted no time expressing their artistic sides.
There was one person in the locker room pleased with the Chicago Cubs’ and San Francisco Giants’ late-season
swan-dive out of the MLB playoffs—Alton Ford. Ford is a native of Houston and an Astros fan. He mightily enjoyed watching
his team make the playoffs at the expense of the others.
KINGS ACQUIRE CORLISS WILLIAMSON, KENNY THOMAS, BRIAN SKINNER
CHRIS WEBBER, MATT BARNES, AND MICHAEL BRADLEY
GO TO PHILADELPHIA TO COMPLETE THE TRADE
February 23, 2005
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Sacramento Kings today acquired the services of Corliss
Williamson, Kenny Thomas, and Brian Skinner in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Chris Webber, Matt Barnes,
and Michael Bradley, it was announced this evening by Kings President of Basketball Operations Geoff Petrie.
“Trading
Chris has been one of the most difficult and emotional decisions I have been involved in,” Petrie said. “He has
been an instrumental force in ushering in and maintaining an exciting period of basketball in Sacramento. I can’t thank
him enough for his efforts as a King. When we talked, he was incredibly professional in every way. We all wish him the best.
The memories remain the property of the Kings.”
“Matt Barnes has been a pleasant surprise this season,”
Petrie added. “He has become a valuable NBA player through his hard work and dedication to improvement. Michael Bradley
wasn’t with us very long. However, we feel he too is dedicated to continued improvement.”
Williamson,
a 6-7, 245-pound forward, in his 10th season and first with Philadelphia, is averaging 10.8 points (.465 FG%, .788 FT%) and
3.7 rebounds per game in 48 games (five starts). A member of the 2003-04 NBA champion Detroit Pistons, Williamson was originally
drafted by the Kings in the first round of the 1995 NBA Draft. Known as “The Big Nasty,” Williamson played five
seasons (1995-96 – 1999-00) for the Kings, averaging 12.0 points (.492 FG%, .664 FT%), 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 assists
per game in 337 contests. While with the Pistons, Williamson was named the 2001-02 Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 13.6
points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 51.0 percent from the field. As a King, Williamson scored a career-best 40
points versus Detroit on March 4, 1998.
Thomas, a 6-7, 245-pound forward, currently in his seventh season in the NBA
and third with the 76ers, is averaging 11.3 points (.456 FG%, .798 FT%), 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists per game through 47 games
(43 starts) for Philadelphia. He was only one of 11 players in the NBA to average a double-double in 2003-04 with 13.6 points
and 10.1 rebounds a game. Thomas grabbed a career-high 22 rebounds versus Atlanta on April 1, 2000, becoming the first NBA
rookie to reach 20 rebounds since Tim Duncan (1997-98) and the first Rockets rookie to reach this mark since Hakeem Olajuwon.
Skinner,
a 6-9, 265-pound forward-center, in his seventh NBA season and first with the 76ers, is averaging 2.0 points (.386 FG%) and
2.6 rebounds per game in 24 games off the bench. Skinner had his best season in the NBA in 2003-04 with Milwaukee when he
averaged 10.5 points (.497 FG%, .572 FT%), 7.3 rebounds, and 1.09 blocks per game in 56 games (54 starts) for the Bucks.
“The
addition of Corliss, Kenny, and Brian gives us additional flexibility and versatility on our front line,” Petrie said.
“They are all quality players who we feel will make significant contributions to our team. We look forward to incorporating
them into our style of play.”
Webber is one of the most prolific players in Kings history. Now in his 12th NBA
season, Webber amassed career averages of 23.5 points (.473 FG%, .238 3pt%, .691 FT%), 10.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.50 steals,
and 1.47 blocks in 377 games with the Kings since being acquired from Washington for Mitch Richmond and Otis Thorpe on May
14, 1998. He departs as the club’s leading rebounder in Sacramento-era history, in addition to ranking second in points
scored, field goals made and attempted, blocks, third in steals, and fourth in assists. Webber was named an NBA All-Star in
five of his six-and-a-half seasons in Sacramento, becoming the first player in franchise history since Nate ‘Tiny’
Archibald to earn First-Team All-NBA honors and start in consecutive All-Star games (2001 and 2002). Webber was named NBA
Player of the Month on three occasions and NBA Player of the Week seven times as a King. His contributions helped the Kings
reach the NBA Playoffs in each of the last six seasons after the club advanced to the postseason only once during the Sacramento-era
prior to his arrival. In addition to recording the single-greatest game in Sacramento-era history with 51 points and 26 rebounds
against Indiana on January 5, 2001, Webber tallied 14 triple-doubles and five 20/20 (20 points and 20 rebounds) games with
Sacramento. As valuable as he was on the court, Webber’s influence in the community made him one of the most philanthropic
players in Kings history, donating time, money, and resources to children and those less fortunate.
Barnes, signed
as a free agent by the Kings on October 1, 2004, is averaging 3.8 points (.411 FG%, .227 3pt%, .603 FT%), 3.1 rebounds, and
1.3 assists in 43 games (nine starts). Before joining the Kings, Barnes played for the NBDL’s Fayetteville Patriots
(2002-03) and the Los Angeles Clippers (2003-04). Barnes averaged 4.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game in 38 games (started
nine).
Bradley, recently acquired from Orlando with Cuttino Mobley in exchange for Doug Christie on January 10, 2005,
saw action in eight games with the Kings, posting 2.3 points (.667 FG%) and 1.4 rebounds per game. The 6-9, 227-pound forward
is in his fourth NBA season.
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October 4, 2004
Spurs Sign Two Free Agents
The San Antonio Spurs announced Monday that they have signed free agents Ruben Boumtje Boumtje and
Marque Perry. Per team policy the terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Boumtje Boumtje, a 7-0 center from Georgetown, enters his fifth season in the NBA, after splitting time last season with
Portland and Cleveland. He saw limited action with Portland, appearing in nine games, averaging 0.4 points and 2.9 minutes
per contest. Boumtje Boumtje spent his first three seasons with Portland, but was acquired by the Cavaliers on 1/21 in the
trade that sent Jeff McInnis to Cleveland. He went on the injured list (1/26), and did not see action with the Cavaliers.
Boumtje Boumtje, a native of Edda, Cameroon, is ranked fourth on Georgetown’s all time blocks list behind Patrick Ewing,
Alonzo Mourning, and Dikembe Mutombo.
Perry, a 6-1 guard, is the fifth rookie on the Spurs training camp roster. During the 2003-04 season he earned All-NBDL
honors, averaging 15.4 points, 6.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds in 44 games with the Roanoke Dazzle. As a senior at St. Louis
University, the Chicago native earned First Team All-Conference USA honors.
The Spurs training camp roster now stands at 18 players. The Spurs will open camp on Tuesday, October 5, and play their
first preseason game at New York on October 16.
Anthony, Gasol, Parker set to appear on NBA LIVE 2005 covers in U.S., Europe
Cover Boys
First you become a star of the real game. Only then, evidently, do you get a chance to become the face
of the virtual game.
Electronic Arts has announced that NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol, and Tony Parker will be featured on the covers of NBA LIVE 2005, scheduled for release on October 5.
Anthony will appear on all the cover of the game in North America and other
territories around the world. Gasol and Parker will be on the cover in Spain and France, respectively.
"Making the jump from Syracuse to the NBA, and now from the cover of NCAA March Madness to NBA LIVE, is an incredible honor,"
said Anthony, who was on the cover of EA’s college basketball game last year after leading Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA
title. "To think that I could now be on the cover and help introduce a new generation to NBA LIVE is an awesome feeling."
Anthony led all rookies in scoring with 21 points per game, ranked third in rebounding (6.3 rpg), and helped propel the
Nuggets to their first playoff berth since 1995, the year NBA LIVE was born.
Gasol burst on to the scene from his native Spain when he was named the 2002 got milk? Rookie of the Year. In three NBA
seasons, the 7-footer has averaged 18.1 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for the Grizzlies.
Parker, a native of Belgium who grew up in France, has averaged 13.1 points and 5.0 assists per game through three seasons
and established himself as one of the league’s top point guards when he helped San Antonio win the 2003 Finals.
Innovations in this year's game include:
 Freestyle Air, which takes the game above the rim with new dunks and added in-air control
An all-new NBA All-Star Weekend mode that features the innovative Slam Dunk Contest, the 3-Point Shootout, and more
Revamped Dynasty Mode and online features
The NBA LIVE franchise, celebrating 10 seasons this year, is the best-selling basketball video game of all-time with more
than 20 million units sold worldwide.
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