Top 10 NBA Players Who Made a Come Back

With the return of Penny Hardaway and Reggie Miller and Allan Houston contemplating a return to the NBA, David Friedman of 20 Second Timeout breaks down the top 10 players who came back to action after retirement:

1) George Mikan (1955-56)
2) Cliff Hagan, Dallas Chaparrals (1967-68)
3) Richie Guerin, Atlanta Hawks (1968-69)
4) Bill Walton, San Diego Clippers (1982-83)
5) Dave Cowens, Milwaukee Bucks (1982-83)
6) Bernard King, New York Knicks (1986-87)
7) Sidney Moncrief, Atlanta Hawks (1990-91)
8) Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls (1994-95)
9) Magic Johnson, L.A. Lakers (1995-96)
10) Michael Jordan, Washington Wizards (2001-2002)

Scott Pollard To Wear Number 66 For The Celtics

Who cares about what number a player like Scott Pollard wear? Most Cavaliers fan don’t even know what number he wore for the Cavaliers. But a Celtics reporter asked Scott Pollard why he chose to wear number 66 for his new team, and he got this to say:

“Because all the other fuc**** numbers were taken here.”

Pollard had some other mildly amusing things to say about KG and Reggie Miller, both of which he “hated” to play against:

“In my career I’ve learned that there are certain players you hate to play against, and Reggie is one of those guys. Even though I didn’t guard him I hated the guy. On a side note, I’ve always hated playing against Kevin Garnett, too.”

Source: The Association Blog

Pavlovic and Varejao Ticking

According to Deveny’s SportingBlog he thinks there are four pretty good free agents out there, Bucks guard Charlie Bell, Warriors small forward Mickael Pietrus and our very own Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic.

Deveny adds some insight into why neither have received a contract offer.  “If a player comes looking for an offer and he’s restricted, you know that if you make a good, fair offer, the guy’s team is just going to match it,” says one executive.

Deveny thinks the most interesting case involves Andy and Sasha.  Despite Danny Ferry coming off an NBA finals run, “he has been a bit puckish”, unable to trade his way into the draft and failing to move power forward Drew Gooden and no free agency signings.  This can make for a summer hotter than the weather may supply.

The Cavaliers are about $5 million away from the luxury tax without Varejao and Pavlovic so more than likely they will be paying that if they want to keep both.  And what happens if he forces both to one year qualifying offers?  Next year could be a mass departure when Daniel Gibson also becomes a free agent. 

Source:  Sportingnews

Penny Hardaway Team Up With O’Neal For a Second Shot at Title

After 2 seasons with no NBA action, Penny Hardaway signed a make-good contract Thursday with the Heat.

The 6-foot-7 guard has been working this offseason in front of Heat scouts and coaches and apparently has shown enough to alleviate concerns about arthritic knees that have limited him to four games since the 2004-05 season.

“Penny is a player who has been an All-Star and has enjoyed an illustrious career,” coach Pat Riley said in a statement. “We have been impressed at his hard work and dedication this summer to get back in shape and return to the NBA. He is a skilled player who can help us in multiple positions.”

Reggie Miller and Allan Houston also considering a come back to the NBA.