Lakers hire Mike Brown as Head Coach
Mike Brown was hired as the new coach of the Los Angeles Lakers on June 1st, replacing the legendary “Zen Master” Phil Jackson. Brown went 272-138 during his 5-year tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2005-2010, leading the team to two conference finals and one NBA finals appearance in 2007. He also was the first coach in NBA history to lead a team to back-to-back 60+ win seasons, and not advance to the NBA finals. Brown became the 22nd coach in Lakers history, and signed a 4-year deal. The Lakers were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in this years’ Western Conference semifinals, after previously winning the last two NBA championships. Many critiics have already questioned whether Brown will be able replace Phil Jackson, so it will be interesting to see if he can live up to the pressure.
Shaq retires after 19 seasons in NBA
Shaquille O’Neal, also known as “The Diesel” announced his retirement after 19 seasons in the NBA. Shaq left his mark in the NBA, as he won four championships, one Most Valuable Player and made 15 all-star teams. Shaq played for six different NBA teams during his career, which included the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. For his career, O’Neal averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, and put up some tremendous playoff numbers in which he averaged 24.3 points and 11.6 rebounds per game on 56.3 percent shooting. This past season, Shaq only played in 37 games for the Boston Celtics due to injuries and averaged 9.3 points and 4.8 rebounds.
‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage dies
Legendary wrestler “Macho Man” Randy Savage died in a car accident on May 20th, after believing to have suffered a heart attack while he was behind the wheel. His wife, Lynn, was also in the vehicle but received only minor injuries. Savage was one of the most popular wrestlers in the WWF & the WCW during the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s, and was a ten-time world champion. In 1998, Savage won an award from Harvard University’s as Harvard Lampoon as Man of the Year. He was also known for being the main spokesman for Slim Jim, enticing fans and non-fans alike to buy them with his catchphrase “Snap into a Slim Jim, oooooh yeah!” Savage was 58 years old and will always be recognized by wrestling fans for his distinctively voice. An autopsy was inconclusive in determining a cause of death, and toxicology tests have been ordered.
Donnie Walsh departs Knicks
Donnie Walsh’s tenure as president and general manager of the New York Knicks came to a close this past Friday, with owner Jim Dolan announcing Walsh and the Knicks were parting ways, although Walsh will still work as a consultant for the club next season. Walsh signed a contract with the Knicks in 2008 following the contract of former team president and coach Isiah Thomas. He still had one more year left on the deal, but he said he understood the club’s reasoning to have someone new take over. Walsh came to the Knicks after spending 24 seasons with the Indiana Pacers. Walsh’s departure raises questions about whether current coach Mike D’Antoni will return for the final year of his contract.
