HoopsHype.com Rumors

Monday, June 22

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Stephen A. Smith: The Hawks won't do any better than they did this year unless they get who they want: Amare Stoudamire. They're after him. Twitter.com

How do you feel about the trade rumors with your name in them? Rajon Rondo: “I don’t think much of it. I’ve been in the gym everyday with the Celtics this offseason and I’m looking forward to doing great things next season, hopefully win a championship. So, if a trade happens, it happens, but I think we have a championship team here and I don’t think it’ll happen.” Sports Radio Interviews

Stephen A. Smith: Celts won't need to make a deal. Their plan is to grab Dahntay Jones from the Nuggets and make sure KG returns 100 percent healthy. Twitter.com

Had a chance to speak with D.J. Mbenga's agent this morning, and it looks like your "Banging with Mbenga" T-shirts will still be relevant next year. Bouna N'Diaye seemed confident the Lakers would opt to keep his client next season after Mitch Kupchak told him last week that the team enjoyed having Mbenga this season and plans to bring him back barring unforeseen circumstances. It would cost the Lakers $959,000 to keep Mbenga for next season. Riverside Press-Enterprise

The Miami Heat have made qualifying offers to forward Jamario Moon and center Joel Anthony. Both are now restricted free agents, but the Heat will have the right to match any offer they receive from other teams. The Heat made the announcement Monday. ESPN.com

For his part, Riley has great expectations when it comes to O'Neal, relating his optimism to a breakthrough made by Dwyane Wade. "What I'm encouraged with is Jermaine. I really am," Riley said last week. "I'm a center guy. And he's in here working every day now and he's just working on things from his hips and on down to his knees. He was playing this year the same way Dwyane was playing (while injured in 2007-08). He was productive, but Dwyane was debilitated at that time. "I believe that Jermaine was playing injured while he was here, draining his knees every two or three weeks. He was taking injections. He was having a calf one time. So I just pray that this summer he has a summer like Dwyane had. And if it doesn't happen, then we know what we have moving forward." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Perhaps the most interesting thing Walsh said Monday was about a visit he paid to Eddy Curry in Detroit recently, where the corpulent center has been working out. “He’s working very hard, he’s losing weight, he’s starting to get his body to look like an athlete’s body again,” Walsh said. Bergen Record

Mike Trudell: We talked to Shannon Brown's dad Chris for a Lakers.com coming soon podcast. He told story: Shannon smashed a backboard in 9th grade. Twitter.com

We interrupt NBA draft hysteria about players who may not even crack a team's rotation to talk about two who have. Bulls general manager Gar Forman said Luol Deng has started running after a stress fracture in Deng's right tibia sidelined the forward for the final 22 games of the regular season and the playoffs. "He's been [at the Berto Center] working some," Forman said. "He's starting to run some and get some shots up. So we think that's progressing well. At this point, [the training staff] is real happy with his progress." Chicago Tribune

Have you seen that guy around Chicago who looks like Tyrus Thomas and is wearing a cast on his wrist? It turns out it is Tyrus, who apparently has some issues with his wrist. Thomas was told to wear a cast to immobilize it for two or three weeks and no real problems are expected. But it was a surprise to me and one of my loyal correspondents, who sent me this e-mail from the Chicago Theatre last week: "I was at the Chicago Theater enjoying the TBS Very Funny Comedy Special feast (very funny, I heard). I ran into Tyrus Thomas on the way to my seat. He appeared to have a large cast on his wrist. Being the ever prying fan that I am, I asked if he was alright, though he was, not surprisingly, mum on the subject. Is Tyrus alright? I'm worried." Bulls.com

The Bulls told me not to worry when I inquired, but didn't elaborate. Then I was directed by a reader to Tyrus' twitter account, where Tyrus offered these observations: "Another road block.... But hey, I'm going to turn it into another stepping stone. I ain't changing my destination. Just my route! Luke12:48?. ?" Bulls.com

Thunder GM Sam Presti flew to L.A. on Saturday to talk to Rubio. He also got a chance to review Rubio's physical and contract -- two important pieces of the puzzle for whoever drafts him. Then, on Sunday, he met with James Harden and Hasheem Thabeet in L.A. And just to make things even more confusing, we hear Presti is now hot for Stephen Curry. ESPN.com

What’s your take on Ricky Rubio and will you draft him despite him not working out for Memphis? Chris Wallace: “We met with Ricky, Coach Lionel Hollins and I flew to Spain within days of getting the second pick in the lottery back in May, watched him play. I’d seen him play in the past and we had a good meeting with him and his family, and our Spanish center, Marc Gasol, accompanied us to that meeting. Ricky has not agreed to come in to a visit yet for Memphis but as we’ve told his representatives, if we want him, we’ll take him. We’ve told that to other players that for whatever reason didn’t wanna come in here and work out as well. So, that won’t deter us from drafting him.” Sports Radio Interviews

So now I've heard Tyreke Evans, Hasheem Thabeet, Ricky Rubio, Stephen Curry, Jordan Hill and James Harden as possible No. 2 picks either by Memphis or from a trade. Going into draft week, the talk is DeJuan Blair, Chase Budinger and Ty Lawson have dropped, while Jrue Holiday, Tyler Hansbrough and Jonny Flynn have moved up. Bulls.com

Just had our media availability with general manager Larry Riley. He said, pretty much, the Warriors are looking at taking a power forward or point guard. I will have more on this later, but I walked away feeling like it’s down to two people: Jordan Hill and Stephan Curry. Contra Costa Times

Terrence Williams: Hopefully by the end of the day I'm a Bobcat. Twitter.com

In a relatively surprising move, Antawn Jamison did not take a member of North Carolina's championship team (I'm half-kidding). Jamison went with USC freshman swingman DeMar DeRozan. But when you read his explanation, you will see the North Carolina connection (there had to be one, right?). Jamison says: "He reminds me of Vince Carter as a Tar Heel -- the build, the body and athleticism. He could've been a top pick if we didn't have the age limit. But he'll benefit from the veterans, and in two or three years, he can be a household name." Washington Post

Brandon Jennings on alluding to Rubio’s game being overrated: “I think it got a little out of hand. The kid’s not overrated. He has more experience than anybody in this draft. He’s been playing pro ball since he’s been 15. The kid is a great kid. I know him off the court; we did a photo shoot in Italy for Slam Magazine and that was awesome. No disrespect to the kid. I think since he’s the best point guard in this draft and I want to be the best point guard in the draft, I’m just a competitor and I just want to compete against the best.” Sports Radio Interviews

Chris Herrington: Griz draft workout: Marcus Thornton (powerful, three-point range) impressive, Danny Green (stiff, can't handle) slightly disappointing. Twitter.com

Joakim Noah will play with French National Team but he said that he won’t participate in Euro qualifying. BasketUSA.com

Timberwolves president of basketball operations David Kahn said he had no problem with forward Kevin Love inadvertently breaking the new of coach Kevin McHale's departure on Twitter last week and apparently Kahn meant it. Love, in a post this afternoon, said: "met with our new GM David Kahn, straight shooter...really wants to win and win now. Wasn't mad at my tweet, he wants me to more often." St. Paul Pioneer Press

Kevin Love: met with our new GM David Kahn, straight shooter...really wants to win and win now. Wasn't mad at my tweet, he wants me to more often. Twitter.com

Forman confirmed a Tribune report that Pete Myers will have an increased role after Del Harris' retirement from the assistant coaching staff. Myers and assistant Bob Ociepka are expected to spearhead a renewed commitment to defense. Chicago Tribune

LeBron James is moving his King's Academy summer basketball camp from his hometown of Akron, Ohio, to the campus of UC San Diego. The NBA MVP and star of the Cleveland Cavaliers has scheduled his camp, for boys and girls between 8 and 18, for July 24-28. Moving the King's Academy gives kids in another part of the country the chance to experience it, camp director Damon Haley said Monday. ESPN.com

There have been recent conversations between the teams about players, mainly ones the Wizards are interested in on the Knicks roster. But what may come as a surprise is that Wilson Chandler doesn't appear to be the main ingredient here. In fact, from multiple sources with knowledge of the Wizards' strategizing, they're the ones who have inquired about two former Wiz players, Larry Hughes and Jared Jeffries. Newsday

But we're telling you now that the Knicks aren't "shopping" Chandler. If a team asked, they would obviously have to consider, but this is something you only seriously consider it if you can also keep the No. 8 or dump off a big contract. It would be hard to imagine the Knicks -- let me clarify, Donnie Walsh's Knicks -- would castaway a young, relatively inexpensive (not to mention promising) talent such as Chandler just to move up three spots. Walsh and the coaching staff loves the kid too much. Newsday

This time the Wizards are shopping their pick while asking teams to take on Etan Thomas.' salary. "They're one team that will keep paying the luxury tax," a rival team president said of Dallas. SI.com

The Wizards say forward Antawn Jamison is not available. A rumor surfaced the Cavs were in discussions about a possible deal. News-Herald

According to an NBA source, super active Minnesota Timberwolves GM David Kahn has offered Mike Miller to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Chris Kaman. The Clippers shot down that trade, but countered with Marcus Camby. DraftExpress.com

There’s another trade rumor floating out there seemingly even more far-fetched than the Al and No. 6 to Phoenix for Amare: This one says the Wolves send Mike Miller, Randy Foye and Ryan Gomes to Boston for Ray Allen. Since Kahn lamented Friday how nobody in the media business calls anymore for confirmation and denial of such rumors, I texted Kahn about this one and asked if there was possibly any truth to it. He sent back a one word answer: “No.” Good. Minneapolis Star Tribune

Dumars also said he was not looking to trade Hamilton or Prince, though, as he has stated numerous times since the end of last season, nobody is untouchable. If the right proposal came along, Dumars wouldn't hesitate to trade either player, or the No. 15 pick. The key distinction is, he's not shopping them. He's not actively searching for ways to trade those two players or his pick. Detroit News

Ben Gordon already has an $11 million per year promise from the Pistons. This isn't a trade rumor, but it made an appearance last week. Teams aren't allowed to negotiate with free agents until July 1, so if it were true, Detroit would be committing a serious rules violation. There's probably nothing to it. Apparently, the Pistons included Gordon's photo in a newsletter to fans that discussed free agent possibilities this summer. That doesn't mean they'll be in hot pursuit, though. Arlington Heights Daily Herald

On top of that, they are waiting to hear from center Kwame Brown, who has until June 30 to pick up a player option for $4 million next season. The Pistons expect he will exercise his option and return, but if he doesn't, they gain an additional $4 million in cap space. Detroit News

A source said the Cavs and Nets have discussed parameters of a Vince Carter trade. Yes, the Nets would love cap relief, but if they dealt Carter, they'd lose some of their fan base. They're having trouble getting people there now. News-Herald

I’ve now spoken to three NBA types who all laugh off the idea that Atlanta is giving away Josh Smith as a money-saver. “If they are letting go of guys due to salary,’’ says one, “why would they keep Mike Bibby and dump Josh Smith?’’ It’s not that Dallas wouldn’t listen to a Josh Smith offer; it’s that there is no sound to listen to. DallasBasketball.com

Golden State appears to be exploring possibilities to improve on the defensive end in hopes of making a strong run to the playoffs next season. One trade that has reportedly been offered by the Charlotte Bobcats that may help on that front would involve packaging Kelenna Azubuike and Marco Belinelli in exchange for Raja Bell. The Warriors are pondering the offer, but would have to get Azubuike’s consent to make the trade unless they decided to wait until July 24th. DraftExpress.com

Outlaw, who will be entering the final year of his contract, has been on the trading block before. Last summer, Outlaw said he knew he was almost traded to Memphis in a deal that included point guard Mike Conley. But last week, McMillan cut off a question that involved a scenario of Outlaw being traded. "(Reporters) keep throwing Travis out there," McMillan said sharply. "Travis ... the guy can play. Travis won us some games. He has been clutch. And I know a part of this whole thing is you get attached to your guys and you don't want to get rid of anybody. You don't want to get rid of Travis, Rudy, Martell, Nic ... of anybody. "What's going to happen, if something happens, is a team is going to force you to make a decision," McMillan said. Oregonian

Roy and Aldridge will be eligible to negotiate contract extensions between one and five years beginning July 1. The most common practice taken by recent stars such as Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh and Carmelo Anthony is to sign a three-year extension with a player-option for the fourth year. The maximum for those contracts is three years at $45 million and four years at $63 million. "We will have talks with them the second we can," Pritchard said. "We know they are both foundational pieces and we want them long term." Oregonian

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NBA Websportiva apologizes for Anderson Varejao report. nba-websportiva.blogspot.com

A former standout at Fort Worth Southwest High School, Miller helped lead Arkansas to the Final Four before going to the 1993 NBA Finals with Charles Barkley and the Phoenix Suns against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. And now Miller has a burning desire to play basketball again. "I miss it a lot," Miller said. "But I hate watching. I can’t watch it. The first thing you hear them talk about is the lack of a big man. Here I am a big man and I’m unemployed." Boston Herald

Miller, humbled and full of regrets, just wants one final chance to play the game again. "I have a lot of regrets," Miller said. "I hate I let myself get of hand like I did. I have been going through this all my life. It’s nobody’s fault but mine. I let myself get to where I got. Now I’m ready to play again and do the right thing." Boston Herald

Miller acknowledges his renewed quest to lose weight and get back in the league was sparked by the shocking death of former NBA player Kevin Duckworth of congestive heart failure at age 44. Like Miller, Duckworth battled weight problems throughout his basketball career and had weighed close to 400 pounds before his death. Miller said Duckworth’s death was an eye-opener for him. "I don’t want to be like that," Miller said. Boston Herald

Miller was a big man who had a small man’s game — a soft shooting touch to go along with deft passing skills. But Miller could also play big; he was a rebounder and shot blocker extraordinaire. "I am better than ever," Miller said. "I am in better shape than I was when I was last in the league. I am moving around quicker. I feel a lot better. I can give you 25 good minutes and a double-double. And I am a whole lot better mentally, maturity wise." Boston Herald

Vin Baker has signed with Marinos de Anzoategui of Puerto Rico. Marca.com

The Knicks, according to Chandler, want him to work on ballhandling. That's because there's a chance Chandler will be their starting shooting guard next season. "Whatever they want me to play, I'll play,'' Chandler said. "I think I'm 3 or a 4, mostly 3, but I can make the transition to shooting guard.'' New York Post

Timberwolves teammates Al Jefferson and Corey Brewer welcome the steaming, if belated, return of summer to Minnesota, not because of their shared Southern sensibilities but rather their healing right knees. Brewer tore the anterior cruciate ligament in that knee during a game against Denver last November. Jefferson did exactly the same at New Orleans in February. Together, they have become rehabilitation buddies and confidants daily this summer, with Brewer -- a year younger and three NBA seasons less experienced -- becoming Jefferson's mentor, if only because he is more than two months further along in the recovery process. Minneapolis Star Tribune

When Jefferson awoke alarmed because his knee throbbed one morning earlier this month, he called Brewer immediately seeking counsel. "It was cold and it was raining," Jefferson said. "I asked him, 'Does your knee ache when it rains?' And he said, 'Yeah, it does all the time.' It made me feel better because I thought I was having a relapse. It was just the weather. The next day, when the weather cleared up, it felt good." Minneapolis Star Tribune

According to a source close to Rubio, the $6.6 million buyout of the Spanish point guard's contract with his current team, DKV Joventut, will likely be reduced today or tomorrow to an amount where "he knows he'll be able to make the payments," the source said. The resolution of that element of the Rubio equation will, in effect, clear a major obstacle for teams that are considering drafting him Thursday but have concerns about when he would join their team. And that, of course, includes the Kings. Sacramento Bee

Rubio's eventual NBA team is only permitted to pay $500,000 of a buyout, meaning the rest of the undetermined amount will be paid by Rubio. Because he made approximately $97,000 last season with DKV Joventut, his representatives had asked an arbitrator to settle the matter while claiming the buyout is disproportionate to his salary. They also claimed Rubio never signed his contract when it was drafted when he was 16, although he reportedly did sign an addendum last season. - Sam Amick. Sacramento Bee

Speaking of Rubio, do we have a second player openly telling the Grizzlies that they aren’t interested in playing in Memphis? From what we can gather, it doesn’t seem like Thabeet’s camp is all that enamored with the direction Memphis is heading in, and there seems to be strong indications that he feels very good about his chances of being drafted by Oklahoma City, with one NBA source going as far as to say that the chances of him being picked there if available are “100%.” DraftExpress.com

That would probably be news to Ricky Rubio, who Oklahoma City spent the last day and a half with in Los Angeles meeting with alongside his family. Sam Presti also took time out on Sunday evening to meet with James Harden, which is Oklahoma City’s third meeting with him so far, including his workout at their facility and an interview at the NBA combine in Chicago. DraftExpress.com

The Knicks have not given up hope on Ricky Rubio and are still trying to interview the 18-year-old Spanish point guard phenom this week before Thursday's NBA Draft, according to a source. Rubio will be in New York for the draft but hasn't worked out for teams. Rubio visited Sacramento, but did not work out. New York Post

The wildcard in all this are the Minnesota Timberwolves, who could throw a wrench in things by trading up to #2 to take Ricky Rubio. Sources say that Rubio’s camp has warmed up significantly to David Kahn and the Timberwolves organization as of late, and that they would not be opposed to him landing there. The catch is that the rookie scale salary slot of the #6 pick would not be sufficient in terms of satisfying Rubio’s gigantic buyout from DKV Joventut, so Kahn would have to trade into the top three to make that happen. DraftExpress.com

In other Warriors news, it appears that despite not having worked him out, Stephen Curry is the team’s main target should he be available with the 7th pick. Other options include Jordan Hill, Tyreke Evans and James Johnson. DraftExpress.com

At this point, Kahn is holding firm on not putting Kevin Love on the table for the right to move up in the draft, and is instead trying to acquire another pick to entice Memphis to swap with them. As other media outlets have reported, they are targeting Washington’s #5 pick, but are only offering some combination of Randy Foye, Mike Miller and the #18 pick, which probably won’t get it done. DraftExpress.com

The Timberwolves brought a number of guards in over the weekend, including Flynn, Evans, Jennings, Jrue Holiday, Ty Lawson and Jeff Teague. From what I gather, Evans won some hearts in Minnesota and Flynn stole a few as well. As for Jennings, it sounds like they'll pass. ESPN.com

According to a league source, the Wizards attempted to set up something with Holiday but Holiday's agent did not want him to work out for the team. Holiday's agent? Dan Fegan. Yep, the same Fegan who doesn't want Rubio in the same time zone as the Wizards. The source didn't say why Holiday wouldn't come, but if you recall, Fegan was concerned about Rubio sharing the floor with his former client, Gilbert Arenas. Washington Post

Typically there are 15 players invited to attend, but the NBA reserves the right to bring in less or more at their judgment. Right now we know about 13 players that have confirmed. Here are the invites, from what we’ve been able to gather: 1. Blake Griffin 2. James Harden 3. Hasheem Thabeet 4. Ricky Rubio 5. Jordan Hill 6. Tyreke Evans 7. Stephen Curry 8. Jonny Flynn 9. Demar DeRozan 10. Jrue Holiday 11. Gerald Henderson 12. Brandon Jennings 13. Tyler Hansbrough 14. B.J. Mullens (potentially declining) 15. James Johnson (declining invite) 16. Eric Maynor (potentially declining) DraftExpress.com

The biggest snubs would likely be considered Terrence Williams, Austin Daye, Earl Clark and DeJuan Blair. There is apparently still a chance that one or more of them could make it to the Green Room when it’s all said and done, as at least one snubbed agent thinks that “discussions are on-going.” We were unable to confirm whether Ty Lawson was invited or not. DraftExpress.com

There was one rumor that caught some internet buzz but has not emerged anywhere else. The website NBADraft.net suggested the Knicks were pushing Wilson Chandler to the Wizards for the No. 5. I asked around. Heard nothing but crickets. Since neither David Lee nor Nate Robinson can be moved in draft night, reality suggests Chandler may be the lone chance for the Knicks to move up, if that's the plan. Newsday

UCLA freshman guard Jrue Holiday is in town Monday for his second workout with the Knicks. The decision to ask Holiday for a second look can mean one of two things: he is the Knicks back-up plan for the NBA Draft if Stephen Curry is not around. The least likely scenario is that the Knicks are trying to inflate Holiday’s value this way a player they really covet falls to them at No. 8. New York Daily News

Today came word from the Associated Press that Hasheem Thabeet canceled his workout with the Memphis Grizzlies, citing a shoulder injury. "Thabeet was a combination of he's had some shoulder situations and he wanted to talk to some other teams," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said of the 7-foot-3 center out of Connecticut. "It's also what goes on this time of the year with guys showing, not showing, that type of thing. The gamesmanship of the draft." DraftExpress.com

A quick call to Thabeet’s agent, Ugo Udezue, seems to indicate differently. “He has scheduling issues,” Udezue told us. “He has to come to New York to see his family real quick.” DraftExpress.com

Digging a bit deeper, though, it simply seems like Thabeet just isn’t interested in working out for anyone at this point, since he does not feel like that setting is conducive to his strengths. “He’s not going to block shots in a workout, and that’s what he’s going to do in the NBA,” Udezue told us. “What are they going to do, have Hasheem shoot 3-pointers? Ricky Rubio is not doing any workouts either.” DraftExpress.com

At any rate, Thabeet's financial status will be making a decided upgrade come Thursday. "I knew athletics could be a way for me to provide for my family, " Thabeet said by phone last week while going through final pre-draft workouts in Los Angeles. "Thank God I was able to come here, stay humble and work hard. "So this is a very exciting time for me." New Orleans Times-Picayune

B.J. Mullens worked out for the Philadelphia 76ers (#17) on Sunday, and is scheduled to work out for Chicago (#16) on Tuesday. While many NBA teams we spoke with have picked up on the rumor that he may have a promise from Detroit at 15, things don’t really seem to add up here. If anything, the Pistons seem to be most interested in Earl Clark, and have reportedly told him as much, as have the Phoenix Suns, drafting 14th. On the other hand, Detroit continues to be very active in trade-talk, though, and could very well decide to move the pick, which would make all of this moot. DraftExpress.com

A pair of MRIs making the rounds amongst NBA teams appear to be easing some concerns about DeJuan Blair’s knees, according to his agent Happy Walters. Blair was red-flagged at the NBA pre-draft camp for the ACL tears he suffered in both knees while in college. He does not appears to have an ACL in either knee now, and there were concerns that he may struggle to stay healthy as his career moves on. DraftExpress.com

In response, Blair’s camp retrieved an MRI from November of 2008 done at Pittsburgh for doctors to compare with the MRI of his knees from the pre-draft camp earlier this month. The specialists found that there had been “no deterioration in the situation of his knees whatsoever over the course of the season,” which has been conveyed to the doctors of various NBA teams that are most interested in Blair at the moment. DraftExpress.com

Dr. Jeffrey Crippin, one of the leading experts in the world on liver disorders, has given DeMarre Carroll a positive evaluation that has eased the concerns of several NBA teams, Carroll’s agent Mark Bartelstein told DraftExpress. DraftExpress.com

Carroll was put through a liver biopsy procedure, which showed no signs of deterioration from when he first diagnosed with a disorder a year and a half ago. In a letter sent out to every NBA team outlining the test, results and prognosis, the chances given of something happening to Carroll’s liver that would impact his pro career was estimated at “1-2% at most.” In other words, there is “a negligible risk that his liver situation would have any effect on NBA career,” and that if anything needed to be done, it would be “20-25 years from now.” DraftExpress.com

I get the feeling the Jazz are seriously interested in drafting Oklahoma forward Taylor Griffin, if he's still on the board when they make the 50th overall pick in the second round. Salt Lake Tribune

The draft is Thursday. Fans are devouring mock drafts and player biographies and learning hard-to-pronounce European names. They are refreshing Web pages every few hours to read the latest insights from people like Givony, NBADraft.net’s Aran Smith and ESPN’s Chad Ford. It should be a glorious time. It isn’t. “I hate mock drafts,” Ford said. “I just think they’re a joke.” New York Times

Most executives consider it a weak draft, filled with role players but devoid of potential stars. Front offices are torn. Several lottery teams are trying to trade their picks, so predicting who will go where is nearly impossible. “Right now 80 to 90 percent of the teams don’t know who they’re going to pick,” Givony said. “So for people to think that we can 100 percent say what’s going to happen, I think it’s kind of ridiculous.” New York Times

Indeed, the executive said that he had given false information about his intentions to a rival general manager, just to see if that person would repeat it to a reporter. (He did.) “Most G.M.’s are going to use mock drafts for the purpose of misdirection,” he said. “The only problem there is that if you have a relationship with one of these individuals and after draft day you make them look stupid, they’re not going to forget that.” New York Times

How did you become the NBA Draft guru for ESPN.com? Chad Ford: I started a Web site in 1996 called Sportstalk.com. Our idea was to do something that ended up being kind of the forerunner of blogs and Hoopshype. A number of people in the league, from agents to coaches to GMs began reading it religiously. And over time I just began to develop relationships with them. Eventually our Web site was bought by ESPN in 2001. Oklahoman

As for 1984, that’s quite another story. While Jordan was the No. 3 pick, three other Hall of Famers are draft classmates, top pick Hakeem Olajuwon, No. 5 Charles Barkley and No. 16 John Stockton. “I think our class is pretty impressive,’’ Barkley said. “I think ours would go up against many (classes).’’ HoopsHype.com

The 1984 class no doubt ranks among the greatest in NBA history. But is it the best ever? Barkley didn’t want to go that far. But Barkley was asked how the class stacks up against the star-studded 1996 group, which is looking even better after Lakers guard Kobe Bryant just was handed the NBA Finals MVP. “I like our chances,’’ Barkley said. Barkley also was asked how the 1984 class fares against the 2003 group, headed by LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. “I like our chances,’’ Barkley said. HoopsHype.com

At least one member of the 2003 class might disagree. That would be Carmelo Anthony, who helped put himself closer to the category of James and Wade by leading Denver to the Western Conference final. “We laugh and joke about it, that we’re the best class or one of the best classes,’’ Anthony said. HoopsHype.com

Shaw is currently a Lakers assistant. He and Madsen were teammates in L.A. for three seasons, the last of which was Shaw’s final season in the NBA as a player (02-03). [You’ll notice our lame attempt to circle both players using paint in that picture]. Shaw, an up-and-comer as a head coaching candidate, is said to be interested in the vacant USC college job. While Madsen will hardly be the person conducting the Wolves search, here is his testimonial for Shaw: “I think Brian Shaw would be an excellent candidate to be a head coach. He has connections overseas. He won as a player. He’s played in the triangle offense, he’s coached in the triangle. … He was a guard, and he would know how to talk to point guards. He was the one guy in the locker room who had an unbelievable way of communicating with Shaq, Kobe and Phil. … I know Brian very well, and I believe a lot of teams in the NBA have their eyes on him. When you have a guy that can communicate with players and has an expertise … it’s an important name.” Minneapolis Star Tribune

I don't have the details regarding salaries, but a league source just confirmed that Kings coach Paul Westphal has hired assistants Jim Eyen, Mario Elie and Truck Robinson. Eyen, an NBA assistant for 17 years, was a recent victim of the Los Angeles Clippers' budget cuts. Elie and Robinson are former players. Elie, who interviewed for the Kings head coaching vacancy three offseasons ago, was a physical, tough-minded guard who was lethal from the corners. Robinson was a two-time All-Star and one of the league's most physical power forwards during the 1970s and 80s. During the 1977-78 season, he led the NBA in minutes, defensive rebounds, total rebounds and rebound average (15.7). Sacramento Bee

Ryan Ayers hinted that his father, Randy, might not be returning to the Washington Wizards next year. It has been rumored that the elder Ayers, a former Eddie Jordan assistant, might be returning to the Sixers' bench. Philadelphia Daily News

Bruce Ratner has sparked new controversy with revised plans for his Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn. Empire State Development Corp. officials met privately with local legislators Friday to discuss the scaled-down, soon-to-be unveiled plans for the $4 billion project, which the agency is set to vote on Tuesday. New York Post

One angry source called it a "bait and switch," and another said, "I think there needs to be an investigation into why this is being rubber- stamped." They want the developer to start from square one and resubmit the plans for another full public review, a process that could take years. That would create major problems for a cash-strapped Ratner, who is scrambling to break ground on the plan's centerpiece, an NBA arena, by the end of the year to secure crucial tax-exempt financing and salvage the entire 22-acre project. This after he recently replaced star architect Frank Gehry to shave arena costs from $950 million to $800 million. New York Post

Retired NBA star Jayson Williams heads back to a New Jersey courtroom Monday. Williams wants a judge to delay sentencing him for covering up the shooting of a hired driver more than seven years ago. Prosecutors want Williams behind bars because of recent reports of erratic behavior, including his arrest for assault in a North Carolina bar and an altercation with police in a New York City hotel room. USA Today

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