By Agence France-Presse

Sacramento Kings center Dewayne Dedmon was fined $50,000 by the NBA on Thursday after admitting in a newspaper interview that he wants to be traded to another club.

The punishment was imposed for “public statements detrimental to the NBA and its teams” based upon his comments to the Sacramento Bee before a game Sunday against Denver.

“I would like to be traded,” Dedmon told the newspaper. “I haven’t been playing so I would like to go somewhere where my talents are appreciated.

“I want to be somewhere where I get to play.”

The league’s agreement with the players union forbids public trade demands, the NBA notably fining Anthony Davis $50,000 last season after his agent went public with a trade request while Davis, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, was with New Orleans.

Dedmon, a 30-year-old US 7-footer, signed a three-year contract worth $40 million with the Kings last July. He has averaged 4.8 points and 3.8 rebounds but has played in only two of Sacramento’s past 12 games for a total of seven minutes.

Dedmon joined the NBA in 2013 and has made previous stops with Golden State, Philadelphia, Orlando, San Antonio and Atlanta.

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German was suspended 81 games, half a season, by Major League Baseball on Thursday after being found to have violated the league’s domestic violence policy.

The 27-year-old Dominican right-hander of Haitian descent, who went 18-4 for the Yankees last year, was involved in an alleged incident with a woman last September and missed the final 18 games of the season and playoffs, with New York losing to Houston in last year’s American League Championship Series.

That would mean German will miss the Yankees’ first 63 games of the 2020 season, delaying his debut until June.

“My office has completed its investigation into the allegations that Domingo German violated MLB’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.

“Having reviewed all of the available evidence, I have concluded that Mr. German violated our policy and that discipline is appropriate.”

German has agreed not to appeal the decision, according to MLB, which said he has agreed to make a contribution to the Sanctuary for Families, a New York-based organization dedicated to helping domestic abuse victims.

He will also participate in a confidential treatment and evaluation program.

German has pitched in parts of the past three seasons for the Yankees with a career record of 20-11 and 271 strikeouts as well as a 3.85 earned-run average.

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

Number one draft pick Zion Williamson could make his NBA debut soon after taking part in full practice with the New Orleans Pelicans for the first time since having knee surgery in October.

“If it was up to me, I would have been out there two weeks ago,” Williamson said after returning to practice on Thursday. “It was just good to get back out there.”

Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry told reporters there was no target date for the 19-year-old Williamson to take the court.

He said it would not be during the Pelicans’ upcoming road trip, which tips off with a game against the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday.

“That won’t happen,” Gentry said.

“We really do have to take it a day at a time to see what kind of progress he makes,” Gentry said. “See what happens after he goes through practices and things like that.

“Like we said and will continue to say, he’ll play when the time is right for him to do that. When that is, I’m not real sure of. But I know he’s making progress, that’s the thing that matters most.”

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia — Top American NBA prospect LaMelo Ball says he will donate some of the salary he receives from the National Basketball League’s Illawarra Hawks to victims of the wildfires devastating eastern Australia.

Ball, tipped to be chosen in the first round of the NBA draft this year, said he will donate one month of his salary, an amount that was not disclosed.

“It’s sad to see what is happening on the south coast of Australia,” Ball said in a statement Friday. “People have lost their homes and everything they own. My parents taught me to help out wherever I can, so this is my way of helping out.”

In the two most populous states of New South Wales and Victoria, 18 people have died and 28 are missing and more than 1,500 homes or buildings have been destroyed in the continuing fires. Conditions are expected to worsen on the weekend.

Ball joins a number of other athletes in Australia who have said they will pledge money to the fire charities.

Nick Kyrgios, who is playing for Australia at the ATP Cup team tennis event, said he would donate 250 Australian dollars ($140) for each ace he hits during the tournament and at the Australian Open later this month.

Fellow Australian teammates Alex de Minaur and John Millman also said they would contribute, as did former U.S. Open women’s singles champion Sam Stosur. The ATP Cup itself will also donate $100 per ace.

Cricketers Chris Lynn and Glenn Maxwell, who play in the domestic Twenty20 league, both pledged 250 Australian dollars for each boundary-clearing six they hit in the competition.

“It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country,” Lynn tweeted.

Australia’s test cricketers will also auction off signed shirts from the Melbourne Cricket Ground test against New Zealand.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

Dallas’ Luka Doncic received fan votes than any other player in the opening week of balloting for the NBA All-Star Game.

The NBA released the first voting totals on Thursday and Doncic has received 1,073,957 — 599 more than Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers is the only other player to top the million-vote mark so far, putting him well on his way to what would be a 16th consecutive All-Star appearance.

James, Lakers teammate Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard are the runaway leaders in the Western Conference frontcourt. Doncic and Houston’s James Harden also are off to enormous leads in the West guards race.

In the East, Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid and Toronto’s Pascal Siakam are the leaders for the three starting frontcourt spots. Atlanta’s Trae Young has gotten the most votes so far in the East guard race, about 11,000 ahead of Brooklyn’s Kyrie Irving. Boston’s Kemba Walker is 450 votes back of Irving.

Other notables from the first week of fan voting, which began on Christmas Day: Boston’s Tacko Fall is sixth in the East frontcourt balloting, Golden State’s Stephen Curry is fourth in the West guard vote so far despite being sidelined by injury, and Portland’s Carmelo Anthony is holding the No. 8 spot in the West frontcourt race.

Fan voting continues through Jan. 20. The starters for the game — three frontcourt, two guards per team — will be determined through a system that gives fans 50% of the vote, players 25% and a media panel the remaining 25%.

Starters and the two player captains who will draft teams will be announced on Jan. 23. The reserves, who are selected by NBA coaches, will be revealed on Jan. 30.

The All-Star Game is Feb. 16 in Chicago.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Waylon Galvez

For two hours before the start of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel practice Thursday, Joe Devance took shots from around the shaded lane.

From pull-up jumpers to fade-aways and floaters, the veteran forward focused on getting his rhythm back after missing majority of the team’s campaign in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

“Talagang pang-finals ‘yan si Joe eh,” said Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio, who was watching from the other side of the court while prepping for his own workout before the team’s scrimmage at The Upper Deck in Pasig City.

It was the team’s first this year after a three-day holiday break.
Ginebra will face Meralco for the third time in four years in the Governors’ Cup Finals starting Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. In 2016 and 2017, the Kings defeated the Bolts both times.

Devance suffered a knee injury at the start of this conference, and his absence limited Ginebra mentor Tim Cone to a frontline rotation of Japeth Aguilar, Greg Slaughter and seldom-used players Prince Caperal and Raymond Aguilar.

Over the past two months, Devance worked his way back ‘health wise’ and is now focusing on regaining his ‘game shape’.

“I’m getting there. I don’t know how many percent but I’m doing a lot better than two weeks ago, three weeks ago, a month ago,” he said.

“I’ve been doing two-a-day for like the last month so last week was actually really, really tough. I had no legs, but now I’m going to try to slow it down a bit and just really focus on getting up shots, hoping by Game 1.”
Devance said he is ready for the series.

“I don’t know how many minutes I’ll play, or if I’ll play at all. It’s still up to coach Tim. I’ve been practicing for over a month already. It’s about me having game rhythm… having game rhythm is different from just practice and stuffs like that,” he said.

Devance is one of the versatile players in the league with his ability to play multiple positions both offensively and defensively a big plus.

In this finals showdown against the Bolts, Devance said his main priority is to defend Meralco import Allen Durham.

“My focus right now is really guarding Durham, guarding the bigs,” he said as he eyes his 10th league championship and fourth with the team.

“If I have to switch on the guards, really just getting my quickness and my laterals back. But my focus is to really try my best to stop… not really stop Durham ‘coz that can’t be done. But at least slow him down a bit.”

Devance expects an exciting finals series – similar to the first two.

“It’s kind of cool how we kind of built this rivalry up in the finals. It feels great to be back here. I’m sure it’s going to be an epic finals series,” he said.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Jonas Terrado

The upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup Finals will not only be an opportunity for Tim Cone to win an unprecedented 22nd championship but also tie a Barangay Ginebra San Miguel record currently held by the great Robert Jaworski.

Another victory over the Meralco Bolts in the best-of-seven series which starts Tuesday will give Cone his fourth title as Ginebra coach, equaling the mark Jaworski set since the time he turned the former La Tondena franchise into the country’s most popular team.

“He’s been an influence in my life in terms of basketball since I was literally 11-12 years old,” Cone said when told of the possibly of tying the team record. “I followed his career, incredibly all the way through and amazingly, I got to coach against him for many years.”

Interestingly, some of Cone’s title wins came at Jaworski’s expense, winning his first back in the 1991 Third Conference when Alaska defeated Ginebra 3-1, and in the 1996 Governors’ Cup when Alaska prevailed in five games to complete a rare Grand Slam.

Cone and the Milkmen later lost to Jaworski in the 1997 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, marking the last time the man they call the “Living Legend” won a PBA crown.

Jaworski’s other title wins with Ginebra came in the 1986 Open Conference, 1988 All-Filipino Cup and the 1991 Open Conference.

But long before he got a chance to battle with his idol on the sidelines, a young Cone was able to see Jaworski during the latter’s time as a star playmaker for Meralco in the old MICAA.

It was with the Reddy Kilowatts where Jaworski began forming a partnership with Francis Arnaiz that resulted in the 1971 MICAA championship victory over Crispa.

“I used to go to the old Meralco practices, and I even watched a movie with the Meralco team at the Meralco Theater,” Cone recalled. “I remember I was like 12 and I think I got to watch just for the team itself. And me and my friend had a connection through my friend’s sister who was the girlfriend of Fort Acuna at that time.

“I don’t think Senator Jaworski, Francis Arnaiz or any of those guys remember us, but we certainly remember being there and going to practices,” he added.

Cone is glad he’s been able to get a chance to interact with Jaworski like friends, though the American mentor couldn’t help feel like he’s on cloud nine from time to time.

“He’s probably one of the biggest impacts in my life because basketball’s been so important to me throughout my life,” Cone added. “Now I got to know him, see him and get to talk like friend, it’s like me getting a chance to talk to Phil Jackson, someone like that so it’s really an honor. I’m sure, he doesn’t see it that way. But for me, it’s truly an honor to be around and have a chance to interact with him.”

And if ever Cone gets to get title No. 4 as Ginebra coach, he hopes to see Jaworski around to share the moment.

“I hope Senator Jaworski is there if we get a chance to tie his record so I can shake his hand,” he said. “That means if I do, that means we won.”

 

Source: Manila Bulletin

By Agence France-Presse

BRISBANE, Australia  – With wins over the big three of world tennis already under his belt in 2019, Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas said Thursday he believed he had the ammunition to take the world number one ranking.

Tsitsipas became the youngest player to beat Rafael Nadal on clay and the youngest to record wins over Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic during a stellar 2019 which saw him rise to world number five.

The 21-year-old heads into the inaugural ATP Cup ranked sixth, but said he was confident he could go all the way to the top.

”I mean, yeah, they are still there — they are doing really well,” Tsitsipas said about Nadal, Federer and Djokovic.
”For me, it’s very challenging to go out there and compete against them.

”I feel like there’s something extra to chase after when I play against them, plus I get to learn a lot when I play against them.

”I feel more of a complete player,” he added.

”I kind of compare them to me to see what works for them and what should I work on more, and they’re just super humans in a way.

”But I’m trying to get there myself and I’m going to keep trying to do my best because I feel like I can surpass them, I can be better.

”It’s just a matter of time, patience, and dedication on what I do.”

Tsitsipas said he was in top shape heading into the new season and said he was playing pain free.

But he conceded he needed to work on his consistency across tournaments.

”I improved during my pre-season — I feel like I’ve added a few elements in my game,” he said.

”Obviously, ups and downs, you can’t be consistent all the time (but) I’m going to try to be consistent as much as possible.

”I’m going to try to be even better than I was last year, but in the back of my mind I’ve concentrated on having a consistent balanced well-planned year with not many ups and downs.”

Tsitsipas gets his tournament underway against rising Canadian star Dennis Shapovalov on Friday morning.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

NEW YORK — Mitchell Robinson made all 11 shots and had 22 points, Julius Randle added 22 points and 13 rebounds, and the New York Knicks spoiled Carmelo Anthony’s return to Madison Square Garden by beating the Portland Trail Blazers 117-93 on Wednesday night for their season-high third straight victory.

Anthony scored 26 points, his most since returning to the NBA, and was cheered before and during the game at the arena where he played 6 ½ seasons. But he was on the bench at the start of the Knicks’ 14-0 run early in the fourth quarter that broke open the game.

Reggie Bullock made two 3-pointers during the spurt and scored 11 points in his Knicks debut. He signed with the team during the summer but hadn’t played because of a herniated disk.

Portland’s Damian Lillard was held to 11 points on 5-for-20 shooting after scoring 30 or more in the previous three games. The All-Star guard did have 10 rebounds and eight assists, but he missed his first six 3-pointers before making his only one of the game as the final shot of the third quarter.

LAKERS 117, SUNS 107

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James had 31 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists for his eighth triple-double of the season, Anthony Davis had 26 points and 11 rebounds, and the West-leading Los Angeles Lakers beat Phoenix.

James had double-figure points and assists by halftime as the Lakers won their third straight.

The Suns rallied in the fourth, getting within seven points after trailing by 36 earlier in the game. That forced the Lakers’ starters back in, and James steadied them with eight points to close out the win.

Devin Booker scored 32 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 26 for the Suns. Phoenix had won two in a row after losing eight straight.

MAGIC 122, WIZARDS 101

WASHINGTON  — D.J. Augustin scored a season-high 25 points, Nicola Vucevic added 20 points and 12 rebounds and Orlando snapped a four-game road losing streak.

Bradley Beal, who missed the previous two games with soreness in his right leg, led Washington with 27 points.

The Magic, who entered the game with the NBA’s poorest offense, took the lead midway through the second quarter and led 62-58 at halftime. Orlando steadily increased its lead in the second half.

Evan Fournier had 18 points for Orlando. Markelle Fultz scored 16 and Terrence Ross 15.

BUCKS 106, TIMBERWOLVES 104

MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points and 17 rebounds, and Milwaukee held off a strong challenge from short-handed Minnesota.

Antetokounmpo got his 30th double-double in 33 games this season and Khris Middleton added 13 points despite shooting 5 for 18 as Milwaukee hit just 42.6% of its shots overall and only 9 of 36 from 3-point range.

Shabazz Napier had 22 points to lead Minnesota, and Gorgui Deng scored 15, Josh Okogie added 12 and Jarret Culver 10.

Source: Manila Bulletin

By the Associated Press

LOS ANGELES — LeBron James had his eighth triple-double of the season, Anthony Davis had 26 points and 11 rebounds, and the West-leading Los Angeles Lakers opened the new year with a 117-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night.

James finished with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in the Lakers’ third straight victory that appeared well in hand by the end of a dominant first quarter. He had double-figure points and assists by halftime.

The Suns rallied in the fourth, getting within seven points after trailing by 36 earlier in the game. That forced the Lakers’ starters back in, and James steadied them with eight points to close out the win.

The Lakers shot 70% in a ferocious opening quarter when they made their first 11 shots. Danny Green had their first miss on a 3-point attempt, but the Lakers controlled the offensive rebound and JaVale McGee found Green for a dunk.

It was that kind of sequence for the Lakers, who missed just eight attempts in the first. James airballed a shot, but they snagged the rebound and Avery Bradley scored to salvage the possession.

The Lakers put together a 25-4 run in which the Suns were limited to only free throws. Among the highlights, Davis dunked over Aron Baynes and let out a roar, and later Davis threw down a reverse dunk on James’ pass. Not to be outshone, James followed with a two-handed jam that ignited the crowd. Los Angeles led 43-17 at the end of the quarter.

Kyle Kuzma, sporting blond hair, had three 3-pointers in the second. Bradley scored on a smooth behind-the-back pass from James. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope beat the shot clock with a casual heave on a 3-pointer. Dwight Howard chipped in eight points and the Lakers shot 61% in taking a 74-41 lead into halftime.

Kuzma added 19 points and Bradley had 18.

Devin Booker scored 32 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 26 for the Suns. Phoenix had won two in a row after losing eight straight.

Source: Manila Bulletin