THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE FINLEY-SPURS SPLIT

No one expected that Michael Finley will eventually leave the San Antonio Spurs. Not after tasting his first-ever NBA championship with the Alamo outfit in 2007. But he did.

This is the true story behind Finley’s surprising move to the Boston Celtics late in the current season. A move that truly surprised coach Gregg Popovich and the Spurs even more than Finley himself.

Herewith is a reprint of Julian Benbow’s article which appeared in the March 29, 2010 issue of the Boston Globe:

“It happened quickly, as Spurs coach Gregg Popovich recalled.

He had chosen not to play Michael Finley in favor of younger talent, but he didn’t expect the classy veteran to say anything about it, much less ask to have his contract bought out.

But there they were, in Popovich’s home, the weekend before the March 1 deadline for players to be waived and still remain eligible for playoff rosters, and Finley told him that’s what he wanted to do.

The Spurs were playoff-bound again, but Finley wanted to play an active role on a team in the postseason. So he asked if he could part ways with the team he won a championship with in 2007.

“He asked, and he decided to do it and to do it the right way,’’ said Popovich, whose team beat up on the Celtics last night, 94-73, at TD Garden. “I was surprised when he asked that. I didn’t think that would be something Michael Finley would ask to do.

“I think one has to be realistic and put oneself in those shoes. And if you are toward the end of your career, and somebody’s not going to play you, and you still want to play more basketball, what’s wrong with asking to play elsewhere and trying to play as long as you can if that’s what you want to do?’’

Finley played just 25 games with the Spurs, missing 27 with an ankle injury and spending the others behind Keith Bogans and George Hill. In 12 games with the Celtics he’s quickly found a niche, averaging 4.2 points.

Seeing the 37-year-old marksman fit in so quickly with the Celtics doesn’t surprise his former teammates.

“This league is funny,’’ said Roger Mason. “There’s times when maybe the situation isn’t quite working out in one place, but it doesn’t mean it won’t in another. That’s why there are 30 teams and different guys have success in different places. I’m glad it’s working out for him.’’

In some ways, leaving the Spurs to join the Celtics was not much of a change. Each team is loaded with veterans and championship ambitions, making the transition easier.

“For somebody like Mike, he’s a vet,’’ Mason said. “I’m sure he could adapt to any type of setting, but it’s definitely easier coming to a mature group like the Celtics coming from the same type of setting here.’’

Playing against Finley for the first time since letting him go, Popovich made two things clear: the matchup was not with Finley alone, and that there are no hard feelings.

“I don’t blame him a lick,’’ Popovich said. “He’s one of the greatest guys I’ve ever coached, but he wanted to keep playing. He didn’t want to sit on the bench for the rest of the season. There’s nothing wrong with that. He wanted to play.’’

While Celtics coach Doc Rivers was wrapping up his playing career in San Antonio, Popovich was general manager. Recalling a Spurs team that was on the cusp of greatness when he was there, and then how the franchise won three titles this decade, Rivers said he can see how the Spurs became the league’s model franchise.

“[Popovich] did it in the right way: with character players,’’ Rivers said. “The organization’s first-class. No one would have thought 10 years ago that San Antonio would be the organization that most of the league — and not only in basketball — model themselves after, and they do.’’

The Celtics are no exception.

“We would like to be [them], and that’s where we want to be,’’ Rivers said. “They’ve been consistent with it. They’ve done a great job with it. Everyone has their own way, but there are a lot of things that I do as a coach, there’s a lot of things that we do as an organization, that we got from them.’’

This season the teams have dealt with similar issues. They both were pegged as potential NBA Finals teams, but injuries and chemistry issues hamstrung them both.

“Obviously when the season started, both teams were labeled as contending teams, teams that had a chance to win championships,’’ Mason said. “Boston’s done it the last few years, so those similarities come. We’ve had injuries, they’ve had peaks and valleys within their season as well, so the similarities are definitely there.’’

Both teams are starting to play their best. The Spurs were 10-4 in March coming in and the Celtics were 11-4, having won five straight at home. Aside from health, the key for the Spurs might be the same for the Celtics: trust.

“Trust is a very intangible thing, but you know when it’s there and you know when it’s not there,’’ Popovich said. “People have to have time to play together to establish that. People have to respect and feel confident about each other and their own games and their own roles and in that regard it took us a lot longer than usual to establish that.’’

Now, it's time to move on for both Finley and the Spurs.

COLLEGE HOOPS: THE FINAL FOUR

After all these years following hoops action, I can honestly say that I am no big college basketball fan. I always prefer the pro game no matter what. Even here in the Philippines, I would rather choose the PBA anytime of the day than waste my time watching the UAAP and the NCAA. That is because of my belief that the best basketball is being played in the play-for-pay loop.

Only until now and out of curiosity did I decided to give it a try and follow the “March Madness” and the rest I can say is history. I’ve been glued to the boob tube since the US NCAA tourney began and watch countless battles unfolds. There is nothing like the college spirit. The atmosphere is so pure and the way these kids played the game is truly remarkable. It seems that they are willing to die on the court just to advance to the next round.

I already knew beforehand that US College ball is a cut above the rest. I can still recall how the Tim Cone-mentored Centennial Team Pilipinas was made mincemeat by various American collegiate squads during a US tour in preparation for the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. The Nationals lost all their games with an average margin of more than 30 points per game.

The local sports cable TV network, Basketball TV (BTV), has done a great job of bringing the March Madness to Philippine TV. Now everybody is excited and looking forward for the culmination of this 64-team spectacle starting off with the “Final Four” this Sunday morning (Manila time). The last four teams standing will square off in a penultimate day pairings in Indianapolis with Midwest winners Michigan State playing surprise West kingpins Butler and the ever-popular South champions Duke meeting the East pacesetters West Virginia. The winners will clash for all the marbles on Tuesday morning (Manila time) for the 2010 US NCAA Championship.

It is the time of the year when the NBA takes a backseat.

Z RETURNS TO THE CAVS

The prodigal son is back. 7-3 center Zydrunas Ilgauskas was re-signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers for the remainder of the season after being waived by the Washington Wizards.

Ilagauskas, 34, has played all his 13 NBA seasons with the Cavaliers. He was part of the three-team trade last February that brought Antawn Jamison to Cleveland. The Wizards subsequently bought out his contract before he ever played a game, making him a free agent. Ilgauskas immediately drew interest from other teams who are hoping to sign the Lithuanian behemoth to bolster their frontline rotations. But the man they called “Z” had only one team in mind and that is the only team that he has ever played for. "If I would've left and the team won a championship without me," he said, "I don't think I could've ever forgave myself."

Ilgauskas signed to play for the rest of the season in Cleveland, with his new contract calling for him to receive $925,000. Forward Darnell Jackson was waived by the Cavaliers in order to make room for Ilgauskas.

"Z" has been a good friend of mine and others in the organization," said Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry, who played with Ilgauskas in Cleveland. "We're excited to have the Ilgauskas family back in Cleveland. This is where they really wanted to be."

When Shaquille O’Neal joined the team last summer, Ilgauskas came off the bench for the first time in his pro career. He is averaging a career-low of 7.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg in 53 games with Cleveland prior to the said trade.

"With a guy that is his size and with his skill level and ability to shoot the ball, he has a lot of years left in him," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. "We only bring positives to the organization and to our team with him in the mix."

Ilgauskas was overwhelmed by the support of Cavaliers fans who begged him to return once he became available. "The way people in Cleveland and the fans have reacted has really humbled me in a positive way," Ilgauskas said. "Their support has been unbelievable. I'm from Lithuania and I'll always be proud of it, but this has become a home to me."

And of course, Cleveland’s main man LeBron James is truly elated to welcome Ilgauskas back into the fold. "He's a good friend of mine and a great teammate," James said. "If that's the case of him coming back ... I'm excited."

It may indeed be a timely return for Ilgauskas as the Cavaliers remains the top favorite to win it all come June.

*****

Herewith are the completed transactions for the period March 16 to 24:

Wednesday, March 24

Houston signed forward Mike Harris.

San Antonio signed guard Curtis Jerrells.

Sacramento named Matina Kolokotronis president of business operations, John Rinehart senior vice president for business operations and Jason Levien senior vice president and assistant general manager.

Tuesday, March 23

San Antonio signed guard Garrett Temple for the remainder of the season.

Cleveland signed center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and waived forward Darnell Jackson.

Minnesota signed forward Brian Cardinal.

Monday, March 22

Golden State waived guard Raja Bell and signed guard Reggie Williams for the remainder of the season.

Minnesota waived forward Alando Tucker.

Houston named Sam Hinkie executive vice president of basketball operations.

Friday, March 19

Washington signed guard Shaun Livingston for the remainder of the season.

Thursday, March 18

Washington signed guard Alonzo Gee to a second 10-day contract.

Tuesday, March 16

Miami signed guard Kenny Hasbrouck to a 10-day contract.

Oklahoma City signed guard Mustafa Shakur to a 10-day contract.

Portland fired vice president of basketball operations Tom Penn.

THE LEBRON JAMES SWEEPSTAKES

July 1, 2010 might just be the D-Day as far as the future of LeBron James in the NBA is concern. Pundits are strongly divided in their opinions as to when and where “King James” will land if he opts out of his current contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which expires on June 30, 2011. Some thinks it maybe the New York Knicks all because of LeBron’s open-book admiration of the Yankees. Others think it will either be Miami Heat or the LA Clippers. While many still believes James will not leave Cleveland at all.

Even US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton can not hide her excitement on the LeBron issue as she shared thoughts during her Manila visit last November. “Now, the Knicks are trying maybe to get LeBron James. Now, that would make it very exciting in New York. So I’ll watch that. I’m not sure exactly what will happen,” Clinton remarked. That shows just how big the “LeBron James Sweepstakes” is.

Dave Johnson, head bookmaker at playblackjack.com, had the following to say regarding the current odds on this prop bet: “Lebron James is arguably the greatest NBA player on the planet. He very well may be the greatest to ever play the game. He automatically makes any NBA team a championship contender. With that in mind there are many teams this season trying to create cap space with the hopes of possibly acquiring Lebron in the off-season. There are only a few teams who realistically have a shot at the superstar. The Cavaliers are the current favorite to re-sign James next season. They have taken necessary steps like bringing in Shaq as well as signing Jamison at the deadline. We have them listed as a -300 favorite at the current time. However, the New York Knicks are also a viable contender. James loves to play at MSG and a big-market team like New York will appeal to his desire to be recognized as the greatest NBA player of all-time. We have the Knicks listed at +400.”

Playblackjack.com has released the following odds on Lebron James’ team in 2010-2011:

Cleveland Cavaliers -300 Risk $300 to win $100

New York Knicks +400 Risk $100 to win $400

Miami Heat +800 Risk $100 to win $800

LA Clippers +1200 Risk $100 to win $1200

Field(any other NBA team)+ 600Risk $100 to win $600

• The above odds are based on which team Lebron James will play for on opening day of the season in 2010-2011.

• If Lebron James for any reason does not play for any NBA team next season then all bets are deemed cancelled and money is returned.

So which NBA team will win the Lebron James sweepstakes? Only time will tell.

FINAL PUSH

With 15 games left in their regular season schedule, the Miami Heat are closely battling it out with five other teams for the last four playoff slots in the Eastern Conference. They have won 11 of their last 16 games including the last three to occupy the sixth position (35-32) in the East in a tie with the Charlotte Bobcats.

What is remarkable in this final stretch run is that Miami is winning despite some turmoil the past week. Currently on the suspension list of the team were Rafer Alston (out indefinitely) and Dorell Wright (2 games). Sophomore sensation Michael Beasly is also out of commission with an injury (deep thigh bruise). The current three-game winning streak saw the Heat posting impressive victories over the Los Angles Clippers (108-97), the Chicago Bulls (108-95) and the Philadelphia 76ers (104-91). Likewise, Miami is playing tremendous defense lately as evidenced by their last five outings wherein the Heat limited their opponents to below 100 points.

Aside from the consistent play of resident superstar Dwyane Wade, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra has maximized the use of his bench players most notably Quintin Richardson and Jermaine O’Neal. In the last six games Richardson is 25 for 50 on 3-pointers. During the Heat's current five-game home winning streak he's 23 for 43, a .535 percentage. "Q has been shooting the ball amazingly for this stretch we've been playing well," Wade said. The Heat needs everything Richardson has in these final 15 games. "I'm really getting comfortable in the arena and starting to feel like I'm used to the building," Richardson uttered. One of Richardson’s most memorable games was during the Heat’s 114-111 overtime win over the Los Angles Lakers wherein he drained a season-best seven 3-pointers. "He's sensing the moment right now," Spoelstra said. "He's one of the guys in that locker room I call a 'Big Moment' player."

O’Neal is playing splendidly this season after battling various injuries during the past seasons. He has become once again a dominant force inside the paint. Spoelstra has crafted a role that would benefit the 6-11 South Carolina native and has also called plays for him this season. The Filipino-American mentor has made O’Neal the offensive anchor of a second-quarter unit filled mostly with reserves. “Sometimes it takes a while to get comfortable,'' O'Neal said. “Sometimes you don't quite understand your situation as far as position. Also, you got a coach trying to figure out a way to get you involved without breaking down the system. That took a while.''

Spoelstra has commended O’Neal’s big improvement this season. “He's one of the better centers in the Eastern Conference. All I know is he's helping us win. And it's establishing a game that we need. We need to play inside out. It helps us control tempo, getting easier opportunities playing through him.”

Wade, Udonis Haslem and Wright are the only remaining members of the 2005-06 Heat championship team. It will be another uphill climb for Miami to duplicate such feat. But who knows, maybe another surprise run is awaiting Spoelstra and the Heat in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

At the moment, the Heat can not afford to think beyond the final 15 games of the regular season wars before entertaining any thoughts on a possible post-season appearance.

It must be first things first.

*****

Herewith are the completed transaction for the period March 2 to 14:

Sunday, March 14

Utah signed guard Othyus Jeffers to a second 10-day contract.

Saturday, March 13

Charlotte signed guard Larry Hughes for the remainder of the season.

San Antonio signed guard Garrett Temple to a 10-day contract.

Friday, March 12

Golden State signed guard Reggie Williams to a second 10-day contract.

Wednesday, March 10

San Antonio signed guard Cedric Jackson to a 10-day contract.

Tuesday, March 9

Los Angeles Clippers fired general manager Mike Dunleavy and and named Neil Olshey general manager.

Washington signed guard Shaun Livingston to a second 10-day contract.

Sunday, March 7

Washington signed guard Alonzo Gee to a 10-day contract.

Saturday, March 6

Boston signed guard Michael Finley for the remainder of the season.

Friday, March 5

Oklahoma City signed guard Antonio Anderson to a second 10-day contract.

Wednesday, March 3

Portland signed guard Travis Diener.

Sacramento signed guard Garrett Temple to a 10-day contract.

Utah signed guard Othyus Jeffers to a 10-day contract.

Tuesday, March 2

Chicago signed forward Chris Richard for the rest of the season and waived guard Lindsey Hunter.

Golden State signed guard Reggie Williams to a 10-day contract.

Houston signed guard Will Conroy to a second 10-day contract.

IS SIMPSON THE REAL DEAL?

Let us take a timeout from the exciting world of the NBA. With less than two weeks left before the curtain rises up for the PBA Fiesta Conference, all ten teams are now scampering up for their respective foreign reinforcements or in short, imports. The coming conference calls for a 6’6” height limit for imports.

Gabe Freeman and Anthony Johnson are returning once again to help San Miguel Beer and Sta. Lucia Realty, respectively. Other teams are looking for fresh faces to bring more excitement to Asia’s first play-for-pay loop.

According to league insiders, one import who is looking very impressive in his initial team practices is Diamon Simpson of the Alaska Aces.

“He is obviously very skilled,” remarked Alaska coach Tim Cone. “He is tall. He is long. He is young. He has got a lot of skills. He has got a lot of knowledge of the triangle so those are the key things for us in bringing him along”.

On his part, Simpson likewise has good things to say about the Aces. “I am very excited to be playing with the Alaska Aces,” Simpson said. “They are very athletic. They are very competitive. I like it a lot. I enjoy working with them and I know we can get the job done.”

“He (coach Tim) told me to come in and help them win. So I am going to do my best”, Simpson further stated. “I know that this team wants to win a championship this conference and I hope to help them achieve that goal. I cannot wait to compete at that level.”

But who is Diamon Simpson?

Simpson, 22, is fresh from a stint with the Los Angeles D-fenders of the NBA D-League. He played in 30 outings with the Lakers affiliate, averaging 15.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg and 2.2 apg in 31.8 mpg. He joined the D-fenders after seeing action for the Washington Wizards in the NBA summer league and with Golden State Warriors in the 2009-10 pre-season games. He was not selected in the 2009 NBA draft.

He played four years with St. Mary’s College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. He submitted norms of 13.8 ppg and 10.8 rpg during his senior year. Simpson starred for Hayward High School in California during his prep days.

Did the Aces found a gem of an import in Simpson? We will know the answer once the Fiesta Conference unwraps on March 21.

RISING STAR

While watching the replay telecast of the Dallas Mavericks-Chicago Bulls tiff over Basketball TV (BTV) last night (the Mavericks defeated the Bulls, 122-116 for its 11th straight win), there was something special in the game which left me in awe and in a state of disbelief. That something special points to the very impressive performance of a lean and long-limbed rookie named Rodrigue "Roddy" Beaubois from Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe playing alongside Jason Kidd in the Mavs backcourt.

Beaubois pumped in 24 big points including an incredible 18 markers in the 3rd canto alone which helped Dallas built a comfortable lead at the United Center. It was the 3rd straight career night for the 2009 first round draftee (25th pick over-all) of the Oklahoma City Thunder, after scoring 22 and 17 in the two previous contests. Dallas acquired the 22-year-old wonder and a future second round pick from the Thunder for the rights to B.J. Mullens last June.

What is truly amazing about Beaubois is that he plays with a veteran composure rarely seen in a newbie without US college hoop experience. The unheralded Beaubois is currently pitching in for the injured Jason Terry. Coach Rick Carlisle gave him his vote of confidence in the Bulls game as Beaubois was named a starter for the first time in his NBA career and played a total of 35 minutes. The highlight of Beaubois game against Chicago came during the 3rd quarter when he executed a difficult running reverse lay-up off three Bulls defenders. He also had a decent defensive stand against Bulls star guard Derrick Rose all throughout the game.

“He’s a talent,” said Kidd, who had 15 assists and 11 rebounds. “He’s going to be a special player in this league. He’s a great student.”

On his part, Beaubois gladly appreciated his legendary teammate’s comment. “It’s incredible,” Beaubois said. “You know J-Kidd knows the game. He knows everything. He really has tried to help me, give me advice. I really appreciate it.”

And it’s not only Kidd in which he is very thankful but the whole Dallas team itself. "It feels pretty good," Beaubois further exclaimed. "I've gotten the opportunity to play so I'm trying to be aggressive, just play. My teammates have given me good passes. My coaches, everybody, have been helpful."

Overall, Beaubois is averaging 6.2 points-per-game, 1.3 rpg and 1.3 apg in 39 outings with the Mavericks.

Dallas is the hottest team in the league to date and with new reliable reinforcements like Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson plus the emergence of Beaubois, it looks like there will be a new three-corner fight for supremacy in the West alongside the defending champs Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets.

The scary thing is that Dallas has yet to reach its peak.

*****

Kudos to my good friend Eileen Copon of Toronto, Canada, who took time to send me the latest issue of the Raptors Magazine….. Likewise to Joan Policarpio of Emerald Headway for sending me last Thursday, the April issue of SLAM magazine accompanied by two complementary issues of HOOP magazine. Thank you very much.

FAST EDDIE AND THE PRINCETON OFFENSE

When former Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards mentor Eddie Jordan was introduced as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers during a press conference last summer, there was excitement in the air for long suffering Sixer fans. As soon as he took over the helm in the “City of Brother Love”, Jordan or “Fast Eddie” as he had been popularly known during his NBA playing days, proudly announced that he is implementing “The Princeton Offense” on the Sixers. Jordan thought that the offense was supposed to be a perfect fit for this team. Or so we were told.

Fast forward to the present and nothing has change in the fortunes of the 76ers. Philadelphia currently totes a 22-37 win-loss card or fifteen games below the .500 mark.

The regular season is just a month and a half away from completion and that hasn't exactly worked out for Philadelphia. A 12-game losing streak and the return of Allen Iverson put the Princeton on hold, much like Tiger's golf game. With Iverson now more becoming a history and the team is sinking itself ever closer to a lottery pick, Jordan is still hoping his club to master the offense.

The Princeton offense, when run efficiently and with the right group of players, calls for players to read and react. Once the reaction is made, there should be many options as to what comes next. Jordan and his past and current players have all said it takes a long time to learn.

"There are times when we're in specific routes and there are times when we're playing out of principle," Jordan said. "And eventually, that's where I'd like to get to - playing out of principle and not necessarily in specific routes."

But still, the players on the team are trying their best to pick-up the system.

"I think we're still sticking to some of the same principles on offense," said 76ers guard Willie Green. "Maybe we're running a little bit more wrinkles. It just takes the team continuing to work on it. Everything coach can't call from the sideline, a lot of it is reads. If a guy is denying us, go back door. If he's playing below me, you can make certain cuts. So, it's just about us making better reads, and continue to get better and just work on the offense."

For sure, Jordan will have a lot of explaining to do if the Sixers continue to falter at the end of the regular season.

"Sometimes it just makes it easy if a team is able to be consistent at getting better at one particular thing," Green said. "But sometimes you're dealt a different hand and you just have to try to play the hand that you have the best way you can. I think that's what we've been doing thus far."

That said it all.

*****

San Antonio Spurs head coach Greg Popovich clarified that the team had no plans of letting Michael Finley go. "I was very surprised," Popovich said. "We didn't let him go. He requested a buyout so he could leave and we granted that."

With his release from the Spurs, Finley is now eligible for any other team's playoff roster.

Finley saw action for only 25 games this season for the Spurs while averaging career lows of 3.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 0.8 apg and 15.8 mpg.

Could Boston be the next destination for the veteran forward? The Buzz is getting louder in Beantown.

WARRIOR LEGENDS: BARRY AND MULLIN

It is quite ironic that two of my favorite all-time NBA players are white and both are considered legends from different eras which both made their marks while playing for the Golden State Warriors. They are Rick Barry and Chris Mullin.

Richard Francis Dennis Barry III was born on March 28, 1944 in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He is the record books as the only US player to lead the NCAA, ABA and NBA in scoring. He averaged at least 30 points in four pro seasons, saw action in eight all-star games and amassed more than 25,000 career points. Barry attended Roselle Park High School and later played for the University of Miami. He led the US NCAA in scoring during his senior year in 1964-65 while posting an incredible 37.4 points per game.

The then San Francisco Warriors selected Barry in the first round of the 1965 NBA draft. Barry took the league by storm during his rookie campaign as he poured in 25.7 ppg and was named rookie of the year. He likewise was selected to the 1966 All-NBA first team. Barry improved further during his sophomore year as he led the NBA in scoring with an scorching average of 35.6 ppg. Then on Dec. 6, 1966 against the New York Knicks, Barry set an NBA record for most free throws made in one quarter when he canned 14, a record later matched by others.

However, a court dispute over his obligation to the Warriors sidelined Barry for the entire 1967-68 season. In 1968, Barry made the jump to the fledgling American Basketball Association (ABA) by signing with the Oakland Oaks. But the jump affected Barry’s image. It was perceived by fans as being driven by greed, even though other players were also taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the upstart ABA. Barry was driven by the said controversy as he posted a league-leading norm of 34.0 ppg and led the Oaks to the ABA title in 1969.

Barry later saw action for the Washington Capitols and New York Nets before making an NBA comeback with the Warriors in 1972. His best season came during the 1974-75 campaign when he led the Warriors to a big upset win over the Washington Bullets, sweeping the finals in four games. He scored at 30.6 ppg, led the league in free throw percentage at .904 and ranked sixth in assist with 6.2 per game.

Barry later saw action for the Houston Rockets during the twilight years of his career from 1978 to 1980.

During his pro career, Barry was widely criticized for his being outspoken. “There’s no doubt Rick’s on-court demeanor hurt his image,” said Butch Beard, point guard on the 1975 Warriors championship team. But his winning attitude cannot be denied. Barry’s longtime Warrior teammate Clifford Ray (now an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics) said it all, “Rick may not be the kind of guy to say please, but he’s in it to win.”

After retirement, Barry spent his time coaching in the minor leagues like the USBL and has some TV stint as an NBA analyst. It is still puzzling to many why Barry was never considered for any NBA coaching job after a distinguished NBA career.

Barry later on passed the baton to his four sons Scooter, Jon, Brent, and Drew, all of whom are or have been professional basketball players.

*****

Christopher Paul Mullin was born on July 30, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York. Mullin saw action for Power Memorial Academy, Christ the King RHS and Catholic Xaverian HS during his prep days. He later starred for St. John’s University during his outstanding collegiate career. He set a Red Storm freshman record in scoring with his 16.6 points per game. Over the remaining three years of his college career, Mullin was named Big East Player of the Year and All-American. He was also selected to play for the USA team in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. But the best was yet to come for the sweet-shooting lefty. In 1985, he led St. John’s to the US NCAA final four. He was the recipient of the 1985 John Wooden award as the most outstanding college player in the country. He also bagged the USBWA College Player of the Year honors. Mullin ended his career in St. John’s as the all-time leader in points scored.

Mullin was selected seventh over-all by the Golden State Warriors in the 1985 NBA draft. He finished his rookie season averaging 14.0 points on .463 shooting and made 89.6 percent of his free throws. His FT accuracy netted him the second-best mark by a rookie in league history since Ernie DiGregorio shot .902 from the line in 1973-74.

Mullin’s best season in the NBA came during his second year when he led the Warriors to the 1987 Western Conference semis against the eventual champs Los Angeles Lakers. Mullin was soon considered one of the game’s most versatile players, inspiring comparisons to Larry Bird.

But everything was not rosy for Mullin during his bay area days. He turned to alcohol addiction during his third year mainly due to homesickness being someone from the east coast. That same year also saw the Warriors being beset by turmoil, causing trades and suspensions to ensue, culminating with the firing of head coach George Karl after 64 games. In 1988, Don Nelson was named as head coach of the Warriors. It was Nelson who convinced him that he needed treatment for his alcoholism.

Mullin spent 48 days during the season in a treatment facility, then returned to the team a changed man. He came back to average 20.2 points, 4.8 assists and 3.4 rebounds. Mullin had his career year the following campaign when posted norms of 26.5 points (fifth in the league), 5.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. He was also named to the All-NBA Second Team, and became only the third player in Warriors history — joining Wilt Chamberlain and Barry – to total 2,000 points, 400 rebounds, and 400 assists in a season.

For his all-around brilliance, Mullin was named anew to his second Olympic stint with Team USA in the 1992 Barcelona games.

Mullin will later teamed up with Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway to form the Warrior’s dreaded trio called “Run TMC”. During the 1996-97 season, Mullin was traded by the Warriors to the Indiana Pacers. He saw action for the Pacers in three seasons. Mullin played his final NBA season with the Warriors in 2000-01.

After spending two years as a special assistant with the Warriors, Mullin was named Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Warriors on April 22, 2004. However, everything came to an end between him and Golden State when his contract was not renewed prior to the start of the current season.

*****

Herewith are the completed transactions for the period February 23 to March 1:

Monday, March 1

Minnesota waived center Mark Blount.

Washington waived guard Mike James.

San Antonio waived guard Michael Finley.

Indiana waived guard Travis Diener.

Friday, February 26

Washington signed guard Shaun Livingston to a 10-day contract.

Thursday, February 25

Washington waived center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Wednesday, February 24

Washington signed forward Mike Harris to a 10-day contract.

Dallas signed guard Von Wafer to a 10-day contract.

Tuesday, February 23

Sacramento waived guard Larry Hughes.