Samaki was at one time the youngest Dallas Maverick ever. He was drafted by Dallas when he was 19, and had a pretty decent year his second year on the team when he was being coached by Kurt Thomas (who was injured at the time, and made a honorary coach). Once Thomas left the Mavs for NY Samaki pretty much fell off after that. He's gotten worse each year after that.
Back in his Mavs days, Samaki also took part in perhaps the funniest play I've ever seen in a pro basketball game. There was a jump ball near the Mavs' basket, and the ball was tipped toward the baseline. Recovering the ball near the rim, the Warriors' Chris Mills forgot which end of the court he was on -- and instinctively went up for a layup. Just as instinctively, Samaki challenged the shot, fouling Mills. According to the announcers, GS coach PJ Carlesimo wanted a shooting foul. The refs told him, "OK, but he has to shoot them at this basket." Peej gave in and decided it was all right to get the ball out of bounds.
The Lakers are high on Slava and will probably resign him. Whether Oakley comes to LA is LA's choice. Oakley will come for the vet min (no bs this time). SUCKmacki will be with the Lakers for one more year (player excercised option). Madson is still signed under rookie contract. Horry is signed for a another year or two at 5 mil.
New one for the Clips: AND ONES: Latest talk of a deal between the Sixers and Warriors has Derrick Coleman, Matt Harpring and the No. 16 pick -- once Philly uses it to take Dan Dickau -- going to Golden State for Erick Dampier, Larry Hughes and the No. 30 pick. Since it looks like a cost-cutting measure for the Warriors, it makes sense ... Latest talk concerning the Clippers' attempts to get Andre Miller has them offering the No. 8 and 12 picks, with Corey Maggette. http://espn.go.com/magazine/bucher_20020625.html
