HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Jorge Sierra

How’s been your life ever since your season with the Raptors came to an end?

Jose Manuel Calderon: The first part, just resting. From then on, trying to recover and getting in shape to be at 100 percent for the coming season.

How’s the leg feeling?

JMC: Feeling better. I’m doing a little bit more every day. Not doing an awful lot, but’s looking good. Little by little, it seems like everything is moving forward.

The season came to an end early for you and the Raptors. What do you think are the main reasons the team took a step back?

JMC: I think we were doing well, but there were several things… We changed the coach. Jermaine O’Neal didn’t adjust as well and we were hoping. He was a player too similar to Chris Bosh. They did similar things and it’s like Chris and Jermaine canceled each other out. After that, there was always something. My injury, Chris’ injury… Every time it looked like we were going to be on a roll, something happened that didn’t allow us to finish off the work. At the end of the season, when Shawn Marion came, that’s when we started to play the way we wanted, more up-tempo, when everybody was 100 percent physically… That’s when we proved we’re not that far away. We beat very good teams and we can be up there with them. We just have to make a few changes and some of them are under way. If we do that, we can fight with everybody.

What do you think of the moves Toronto is trying to make?

JMC: So far, so good. Let’s see what happens in the end. There’s a lot of work to be done still. It all started with the Kapono-for-Evans trade, which gave us a physical presence in the paint that we were probably lacking. Now, let’s wait and see what else we can get.

What’s your opinion about Hedo Turkoglu and David Lee, the two main players Toronto is reportedly pursuing?

JMC: Well, both are very, very interesting players. With any of those, the team will be very competitive. Let’s see which of them we’re able to land. We have a little bit of economic flexibility to sign players of maximum quality. Like I said, I think we are very close. This could be a thrilling project after the disappointment of last season. We could soon be doing very interesting things because the organization, the city and the people is fully behind the team.

How do you and your teammates cope with the uncertainty on Chris Bosh’s future and the fact that he’s asked all the time about 2010?

JMC: Well, it’s stuff that’s always going to be around. The media is always focused on things like these. It’s one of the negative things this sport has. You make friends, but at the end of the day we all change teams for one reason or another. You just have to wait and see what happens. Chris has been here with me at my campus (Campus Jose Manuel Calderon - Marca Extremadura). He’s a great friend. We all have to focus on the present, get ready for next season and have a good year together.

You are close, right? Is he your best friend on the team?

JMC: It’s one of my best friends. I’ve always gotten along well with pretty much everybody. Anthony Parker is a great friend too. With Chris, it was special to bring a player that has been to the All-Star Game so many times, that has a golden medal at the Olympics… He’s been with me four years, which is longer than anybody else. I thought it was great to have him around the kids in Caceres and Extremadura. It’s been real, real special.

From being around him, you have a hunch about what his decision is going to be?

JMC: Like I said, we never talk about that. We just focus on next season, that we have to be ready, that we know what mistakes we made last season and we want to do good this year. It’s the same with me: I just go year by year.

About the Spanish National Team… When exactly did you decide to pass on playing at the Eurobasket?

JMC: I had a few tests and the leg wasn’t feeling as well as I was hoping after all the problems I had gone through previously. That’s when I saw my body was letting me know that I needed to rest and that I needed to take care of myself. I have to pass on this Eurobasket no matter how much I want to take part in it. There’ll be more opportunities in future tournaments.

So passing on the tournament is a decision you made on your own, not influenced in any way by the Raptors?

JMC: No, they found out at the same time as the Spanish Federation. When we had the exit interviews, everything was up in the air (because the tournament was very late in the summer) and I told them I would confirm if I was going to play or not. I wanted to go through the tests, because I’ve had a pretty tough year, and I made the decision after that.

Your last game with Spain was at the Olympics. Had you been able to play at the final, do you think you would have beaten Team USA?

JMC: (Laughs) Who knows? There’s always ifs like that. We may have won or maybe we lose by a bigger margin. You never know. Let’s see if we can claim revenge next year at the World Championship or another Olympic Games.

Finally, what’s your take on the messy Ricky Rubio situation?

JMC: I just want to see it come to and end when he decides where he wants to play and all the stuff around him stops. That’s what he deserves. It’s his decision and he knows if he’s ready or not to go to the NBA better than anybody else.

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Former NBA players and undrafted free agents are already filling up the rosters of summer-league squads. Among the bigger names are former Pacer David Harrison, who’s joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Luke Jackson, who will be playing for the Dallas Mavericks, HoopsHype.com has learned.

A brief look at where some other players are going, according to various league sources:

Brandon Costner – Chicago
Andre Brown – Dallas
Aaron Miles – Dallas
KC Rivers – Dallas
Kareem Rush – Denver
Jared Jordan – Golden State
Jamal Sampson – Golden State
Maarty Leunen – Houston
Will Blalock – Indiana
Derrick Byars – Indiana / Denver
Davon Jefferson – LA Clippers
Tony Gaffney – LA Lakers
Russell Hicks – Miami
Steven Hill – Minnesota
Garret Siler – Minnesota
Gary Forbes – New Jersey / Philadelphia
Kyle Hines – Oklahoma City (in Orlando)
Richard Roby – Oklahoma City (in Vegas)
Courtney Fells – Orlando
Ronald Dupree – Orlando / Denver
Jeremy Pargo – Orlando
CJ Giles – Orlando / Denver
Thomas Gardner – Portland
Carlos Powell – Phoenix
Ekene Ibekwe – Toronto
Josh Duncan – Utah
Andre Ingram – Utah
Wesley Matthews – Utah / Sacramento
Jason Rich – Washington

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Former Kansas guard Keith Langford has agreed to a two-year deal worth $2.6 million with Khimki Moscow, according to agent Michael Whitaker. Khimki is a Russian powerhouse that’s home to former NBA players such as Carlos Delfino, Jorge Garbajosa or Maciej Lampe.

“For the last two years Langford has been playing at a consistent high level of basketball,” Whitaker said. “His merits should have earned him a guaranteed NBA contract but Langford will be happy playing in the Euroleague with Khimki making more money than he would have with a NBA contract.”

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We asked four basketball experts to take part in our Bracket Challenge and make their picks for the NCAA tournament public. No big surprises. Three of them think the star-studded North Carolina team will be cutting the nets in Detroit in a couple of weeks. Those would be Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck, 17-year NBA veteran Eddie Johnson and DraftExpress.com president Jonathan Givony. Julius Hodge was the only dissenter — probably because of his North Carolina State affiliation. The 2004 ACC Player of the Year chose Pittsburgh to go all the way.

Check out their Final Four projections below:

Eddie Johnson, former NBA player

Wyc Grousbeck, Boston Celtics owner

Julius Hodge, 2004 ACC Player of the Year

Jonathan Givony, DraftExpress.com president

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Kobe or LeBron… At this point of their careers, who’s the better player?

Devin Harris: You can’t go wrong either way. They are different players that can do different things. They take over games in different ways. Kobe will score, can hit shots from all over the court. LeBron can get you more rebounds, he’s more of a forward. It’s hard to choose either way… I grew up a Kobe fan, so I’ll say Kobe.

Thaddeus Young: Do I have to pick one?  That’s kind of hard. I’d guess I’d have to go with LeBron because he’s a walking triple-double. He can score 40 points and still get you 11 rebounds. With Kobe, you know he’s definitely going to score, but sometimes he’s going to have nights where he gets just one or two rebounds. Kobe is a great player. He’s one of the best players ever, but at this point of time I’d have to go with LeBron.

Al Thornton: I’d say Kobe. I’ve guarded both of them and they are hard. They are both great players. But as far as all-around skills, all-around feel for the game… I say Kobe.

Al Horford: They are at different points in their career. LeBron is rising and Kobe, you know, is up there. It’s hard to say because they have not had many battles against each  other, but if I have to figure this thing out, I’d probably say LeBron.

Leandro Barbosa: Man, it’s a tough question. I would say both players are incredible, you know. I love the way Kobe plays, I love the way LeBron plays… But it looks to me like  Kobe has more experience and, although LeBron is rising, I’d say Kobe.

Arron Afflalo: Kobe is probably the best player as far as skill level while LeBron is superior to almost every player athletic-wise. But just from a basketball standpoint, I think  Kobe has the lead.

Derrick Rose: Both are very good players, great players. It’s really tough to choose only one of them.

Who do you think is closer to winning the championship this year?

DH: I say Kobe. LeBron and his team can make progress, can make improvements… But the Lakers had a taste of it last season, so I think they have a little bit of an edge.

TY: I’d probably have to say Kobe. He has a better team and has more experience. He’s a great player, he makes his teammates better and he has been there before. They  know how to get things done and I think the Lakers are a better team right now.

AT: Kobe. The guys that are with him are good and they have been there. Yeah, they lost to Boston last year. But had they won one more away, it may have changed.

AH: I’d have to say Kobe because they are on the other side and if we play Cleveland in the playoffs, I’d like to think that we might be able to beat them (laughs).

LB: The two teams are up there. They have been doing really well. Both have been doing a great job. Cleveland is doing a great job, but Los Angeles too. So I guess we’ll have to  wait and see.

AA: They’re both very close. The Lakers are playing very well, Cleveland is playing very well… They are the leaders and they are hungry for a championship. It’s a tie on that one.

If you had to pick only one of them as your teammate, who do you go with?

DH: I think LeBron should be better. Just because he draws defenders and opens up the game for you, he can play several positions… And also he’s a great guy. From what I hear, he’s a great teammate.

TY: First, I’m going to tell you what kind of player I would always look for… It would be a great point guard that can get you rebounds and can get you the ball, kind of like Jason Kidd. Now if I have to choose between those two, I’d say LeBron.

AT: I think LeBron is a better teammate than Kobe, so I’d have to say LeBron.

AH: LeBron. He’s an all-around player and he’s going to score, but he’s algo going to defend and he’s going to distribute the ball.

LB: What if I say both? It would be a dream for me if I could play with them. I sit on my couch in my house and wait for their games to come up on TV so I can watch them. I’m  happy just to have them in the NBA and it would be even better to have them on my team.

AA: Since I am a two guard and I want to be on the court, I’d have to pick LeBron so that I can play. I don’t think I’m getting much playing time if I’m with Kobe. I’d have to go with  LeBron for that reason.

DR: I would have to say LeBron. From the times I’ve played against him, you can see he’s a good teammate and he’s a good guy.

If you have to pick one thing from Kobe and another one from LeBron so you could add that to your game, what would you choose?

DH: LeBron’s physical abilities. He’s 6-foot-8 and, what? 250 pounds? 260 pounds? He’s one of the best athletes out there. He’s so powerful, yet he can be graceful… From Kobe, his toughness. His ability to go over guys and get to the hole.

TY: From LeBron, I’d say his passing ability. From LeBron, I’d probably say his shooting ability. He can definitely score from anywhere on the court! He’s going to knock it down.  So yeah, Kobe’s shooting and LeBron’s passing.

AT: Kobe has an all-around consistency and is dedicated to the game. LeBron, I’d have to say his physical impact on the game.

AH: I would ask for Kobe’s shooting and probably from LeBron… His dunk repertoire (laughs).

LB: Their defense. They do a very good job on defense. LeBron, he is the man on the defense. And Kobe is very good too.

AA: From LeBron, you’d have to say his natural physical gifts. With Kobe, I’d say his overall skill level. He’s the most complete player in the game. Just his overall game.

DR: Kobe, being an all-around player. With Kobe, his driving.

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How do you feel about the attention you get from the Chinese media?

Luis Scola: It’s great. I had a lot of fans when I went to China this summer and they treated me really good, so I’m glad to help them with anything they need.

How seriously do you take this Rookie-Sophomore game?

LS: I think it’s serious. I play to win that too. (Aaron Brooks passes by). I wish Aaron Brooks could play a little better (laughs).

Do you feel about being one of the few playing this game two years in a row?

LS: I’m just happy to be here. It’s a good weekend for the basketball fans, so I’ll just try to have fun and help the show.

What’s your team lacking at this point of the season?

LS: (With Aaron Brooks still around) A better point guard, I think we need to improve our point guard play.

Aaron Brooks: What we really need is a power forward. A power forward who can dunk.

How many dunks have you had this season?

LS: Not many. Like two or three. You know I don’t dunk much. I don’t want to talk about that right now (laughs). It’s about scoring, not about how you score.

What’s your outlook on Tracy McGrady?

LS: I see him good, as usual. But I haven’t really spoken to him in depth about things.

You know there have been reports about locker room issues on the team. What can you say about that?

LS: No, nothing like that. I’ve never heard the team talking about any of that.

What would you call a succesful season for the Rockets? Is getting past the first round enough?

LS: That’s hard. It’s too early to tell. We have to play hard, work hard… Then whatever we get, that’s what we deserve.

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The Cavaliers are calling up Trey Johnson from the NBADL to take the roster spot of Jawad Williams, Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.com and HoopsHype.com has learned. Johnson, who was averaging 20.1 points and 4.8 assists per game, will soon sign a 10-day contract with Cleveland.

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Julius Hodge’s second stint with the Adelaide 36ers came to an abrupt end Thursday when the Australian club agreed to release Hodge from his contract following his no-show at Wedneday’s game against Wollongong.

A contract squabble was behind Hodge’s ugly breakup with the 36ers. The former North Carolina State star was not being paid in time, according to agent Cervando Tejeda.

“It was the second time this had happened,” Tejeda said. “He was supposed to be paid on the 15th, but earlier this week he had not received the money for the month of December.”

Hodge — who signed with the Adelaide 36ers for a salary of $40,000 per month, according to Tejeda — ended up being paid right before Wednesday’s game. Why didn’t he show up for the game then?

“It came down to a trust issue,” Tejeda said. “Ownership told us last Friday they would send the money right away, but they did not. We felt we couldn’t trust them anymore.”

Tejeda denies claims by 36ers owner Mal Hemmerling that the club had paid Hodge in advance for the rest of the season.

“It’s all lies,” according to Tejeda. “The money is not in the bank account. They said the same thing when Julius was owed the money in December and in the end they had to pay him in cash Wednesday before the game.”

Tejeda says Adelaide owed money to several players other than Hodge. The 36ers are not an exception in the NBL, a competition that features several clubs in bad economic shape. Bucks center Andrew Bogut recently donated money to help pay the staff and players of the Sydney Spirit, according to the Australian media.

As for Hodge’s future, Tejeda assures the former Nugget has no contract lined up with any other team.

“That had nothing to do with Julius leaving the 36ers,” Tejeda said. “We have not received calls from the NBA. There’s some interest in Europe, but that’s not the reason why Julius is leaving. He loves the fans in Adelaide, but he couldn’t deal with this situation anymore.”

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The Phoenix Suns are acquiring Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley from the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange of Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and Sean Singletary, four different sources told Jorge Sierra and Jonathan Givony of HoopsHype.com.

Bell, whose averages are down to 9.6 ppg and 2.9 rpg this season, had been widely rumored to be on the verge of being traded the last few days.

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HoopsHype.com blogger Julius Hodge is heading back to Australia after failing to get a roster spot with the New Jersey Nets in training camp, agent Cervando Tejeda told HoopsHype.com.

Hodge is returning to the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL, where he averaged 24.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 5.9 apg last season. The team features former NBA player Luke Schenscher.

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