Rumors from the Ass

Past Rumors (07/03/2000):

first of all, i'd like to welcome aaron and marty to the news from the ass newsletter. now, he's the lowdown on the lesser-known free agents who could have an impact this season.

tariq abdul-wahad - another player who made the NBA soley on his name. although, he's staying there on his playing ability. word has is that he'd like to stay in denver and rebuild that team (ok, fine, BUILD that team). denver, however, has better plans. they might just sign and trade him to the clippers for derek anderson. also, the jazz are anxious to het their hands on wahad. look for him to go to the jazz in an outright free agent signing.

cutino mobley - rumour has it that he'll stay in houston. he has become friends with stevie francis which has had an impact on his decision. the bulls and the magic (jeez are those two teams trying to get every free agent??) want to talk to the 2 guard as well. howver, i don't see him moving too far. he'll stay.

austin croshere - a while back, i didn't think he'd stay. that was also when i thought that best would be running point and there'd be no room for croshere in the starting line up. however, with isiah saying that rose will run point and best never seeing the light of day, croshere will get to play the 3. the only way croshere will move is if he doesn't like the looks of the team. if he does move, he might end up in chicago. it's close to home for him. but, don't look for him to change his address this summer. he'll stay, but it might only be for one year

mark jackson - looks like he'll be playing for another team this fall. word outta indianapolis has him going to toronto. makes sense, the raptors need an old aging point to go with their high flyers. i don't see him there. could charlotte sign him?? maybe...

rik smits - will retire. foot problems.

derek anderson - he has suitors coming out of the wood work. the kings, nuggets, heat, spurs and magic all have their eyes on DA. the clips will sign and trade him and he'll probably go to the nuggets. however, if the kings can get a package together (possibly with corliss williamson and money/draft pick) look for anderson to be moving to northern california.

maurice taylor - he was jsut about delt to NYC at the deadline so he might become a knickerbocker. in return the clips would get camby. also, the magic (again) are interested in the former wolverine. if orlando loses two of their power forwards to free agency, look for them to make a bid.

glen rice - i saw a rumour that had rice going to the 76ers, kukoc going to the heat and mashburn going to the lakers. doesn't make sense to me. mash is a scorer on a team with 2 proven scorers. however, the nest are interested in rice as are the hawks. i see him as a 6er with iverson and claxton (i'm still pissed that they took him).

kurt thomas - he wants to stay, new york wouldn't mind him leaving. however, the lakers are interested in the PF (why, i'm not sure). remember, KT did lead the NCAA in scoring and rebounding one season. i think he'll stay once the lakers realize that it's kurt thomas they're thinking about signing.

ron mercer - wants to remain a magic (that doens't make sense). he understands what they want to do there and that he might not fit in. if he moves, it'll be to either the kings or the spurs. (in case you haven't seen a pattern, the kings are in desperate need of the SG. the spurs would like one as well).

rashard lewis - the sonics believe that he is part of their long term plan. however, lewis will sign with the first team witha proven track record that offers him serious coin. if tmac leaves toronto, look for the raptors to put in a serious bid for lewis. also, the pistons have him on their list should grant hill leave town.

that's it. i'd be insterested as to hear what you guys think of my ranting and ravings. don't forget, these players are good, but there are a lot of role players in here. there are also some future superstars (lewis, mercer, and anderson).

ed (as in editor)