Kobe Bryant remains a Laker — for now. Because of the difficulty involved in trading an NBA superstar, Bryant could play in a Los Angeles uniform for days, weeks or months, no matter how much he wants out or those in charge wish to move him. Bryant professes to be very close to his coach and quite fond of his teammates.
At least one of the SuperSonics’ top-five draft picks appears ready to debut on time. Kevin Durant, Seattle’s second overall choice, moved fluidly while completing practice Monday, two days before the season opener at Denver. It was the first extensive basketball work for last season’s national college player of the year since he sprained his left ankle in a preseason game Oct.
The San Antonio Spurs traded Beno Udrih to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a protected second-round draft pick in 2008 on Monday. The 6-foot-3 guard broke his left index finger earlier this month during Spurs training camp. Udrih’s role on the team decreased last season as veteran Jacque Vaughn took over as backup point guard to Tony Parker.
Charles Barkley is calling out Kobe Bryant again for dogging it. Barkley criticized Bryant on Monday for the way he asked the Lakers to trade him, then for not appearing to give his full effort since owner Jerry Buss said he would consider a deal. So when Barkley goes on the air Tuesday night for TNT’s season-opening doubleheader, he will probably have some strong words about Bryant for the second…
Penny Hardaway is officially back in the NBA, after the Miami Heat placed him on their season-opening roster Monday. The Heat released guards Jeremy Richardson and Brian Chase, along with forwards Marcus Slaughter and Devin Green to reach the league-mandated 15-man limit. Hardaway signed a nonguaranteed contract this summer after a strong tryout.
Toronto forward Joey Graham will stay through the 2008-09 season after the Raptors exercised their fourth-year option Monday. “I think Joey’s earned it, he’s gotten better every year,” coach Sam Mitchell said. “He’s a guy you definitely want to keep on your roster.” The team had until Oct. 31 to exercise its option on Graham, who is making just under $1.6 million this season.
