Ridiculous Transactions: 8/15-8/21

We've done this enough that hopefully I don't have to explain what "Ridiculous Transactions" is, but if you're still confused consult this post.  Not much happened this week, but a few signings still worth talking about and a trade involving a pair of former D-Leaguers.

August 16: Rob Kurz - signed a non guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers

Kurz played 40 games with the Warriors last year, and he played okay with the Timberwolves' Summer League team this year.  He's a 6'9" three-point shooting specialist, which might work in an offense where Shaquille O'Neal is chained to the post and LeBron James drives and kicks out, but the Cavaliers have signed too many forwards this offseason for me to think Kurz could stick.  He may end up in the D-League this year.

August 18: Tulsa 66ers - hired Dale Osbourne as assistant coach; Milwaukee Bucks - Traded Amir Johnson and Sonny Weems to the Toronto Raptors for Carlos Delfino and Roko Ukic; University of the District of Columbia - hired Jeff Ruland as head coach; Trey Johnson - signed with Gravelines (France).

A few news items regarding some current/former D-League coaches.  Ruland was head coach of the Albuquerque Thunderbirds a few seasons ago, when they went 22-28.  Last season he was an assistant with the Philadelphia 76ers where his job was to work with post players.  Frankly, I had no idea that UDC had a basketball team, but it looks like they're Division II.  As for Osbourne, he's coached all over minor league basketball and the WNBA, and spent the last few seasons as the lead assistant for the Utah Flash.  Combined with the hiring of Nate Tibbetts as the head man, it appears the Thunder realize that having guys with coaching experience isn't at odds with its player development goals.  See Marge?  These guys get it.

Trey Johnson-wise, now that he, Richie Frahm, Dominique Coleman, Luke Jackson and Gary Forbes have all signed overseas, there aren't going to be many three-point shooters left in the D-League next year.  (Also, I know it's not pronounced the same way,  but how cool is a team named Gravelines?  I feel like that should be a band from here in Austin or something.  In fact, I'm starting a band called that.  Don't steal it.)

Dear Toronto Raptors - PLEASE DON'T CUT SONNY WEEMS.  Thank you.