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Sunday, August 2

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The Cavs still are believed to want to add another forward. One player under consideration is Joe Smith, who finished out last season with the Cavs. He averaged 6.5 points and 4.8 rebounds in 21 regular season games and 5.5 points and 3.7 rebounds in 13 postseason games after signing in March. Smith is a favorite of Cavs coach Mike Brown and is popular within the locker room after spending the end of the past two seasons with the team. Cleveland Plain Dealer

One more intriguing alternative that has developed is Leon Powe, who played the past three seasons with the Celtics. According to a source, the Cavs have offered Powe a contract. Though he's a bit undersized at 6-foot-8, he has proven to be a strong reserve forward. He played a significant role for the Celtics last season following Kevin Garnett's injury as he averaged 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds. Cleveland Plain Dealer

For that reason, the Cavs are believed to have made a short-term and limited offer, and there are indications that Powe might wait for it to be sweetened or to wait until further into his rehab to prove his knee is healthy. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Two other players that might fit that bill are Rob Kurz and Steve Novak. Both are finesse power forwards who are known for their shooting ability out to the 3-point line. With players such as Shaquille O'Neal and Varejao who play close to the basket, the Cavs have been looking for good long-range shooting forwards for much of the summer. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Kleiza has had overtures from the always-active Greek club, Olympiakos. A deal is not imminent, but it continues to be a lingering option for the Lithuanian forward, whose restricted free agent status appears to have damaged his ability to take full advantage of the market this year. Denver Post

Meanwhile, Carter's age (34) and reserve role hurt his ability to obtain the multiyear contract that he desired. Nuggets coach George Karl wants him back, but the Nuggets wouldn't sign the nine-year veteran to anything more than a one-year minimum deal. Denver Post

76ers guard Royal Ivey, currently a free agent, posted the following message yesterday on Twitter: "Going back to Philly!" The message left some Sixers fans with the impression that Ivey was announcing his return to the team. Ivey played the 2008-09 season with the Sixers, averaging 3.0 points in a backup role before opting out of the second year of his contract in mid-June. Ivey's agent, Keith Glass, said he has discussed with the Sixers a new contract for his client. But he said that nothing has been finalized and that Ivey's message was intended to mean he was physically returning to Philadelphia and was not meant as an update on his contract. Philadelphia Inquirer

Donnie Walsh confirmed that Jason Williams will work out for the Knicks next week after the club was awarded exclusive rights to negotiate with the veteran point guard. The Knicks have until Aug. 6 to offer Williams a contract or he will become an unrestricted free agent. Williams, 33, who helped the Miami Heat win the 2006 NBA title, signed with the Clippers last August, only to retire in September for family reasons. "We hear he is in great shape so we want to take a look at him," Walsh said. New York Daily News

The Oklahoma City Thunder has signed free agent guard Kevin Ollie. The 36-year-old Ollie has appeared in 637 games over 12 seasons spread over 11 different teams. He has averaged 3.8 points, 2.3 assists and 1.6 rebounds. ESPN.com

Ollie’s addition, however, now brings into question whether the Thunder will re-sign forward Desmond Mason. The Thunder’s roster now contains 14 guaranteed contract players, indicating Oklahoma City could be done acquiring players this off-season. Under NBA rules, teams can carry 15 players on their rosters, but having an open spot during the season is an asset for teams looking to make trades or sign a player in the event of rampant injuries. Oklahoman

Throughout last season Mason repeatedly expressed his desire to return. Presti and Mason’s agent, Roger Montgomery, have had positive discussions this summer. But the Thunder is in position to move forward without him because of its abundance of young talent who likely will receive the bulk of playing time. Oklahoman

What about ACB, if you don’t stay in the NBA do you think you are going to come back to Spain? Did you have any offers from the ACB or any team in Europe? Pooh Jeter: I told my agent Andre Buck that if the NBA doesn't work out this year, my plan B would be the ACB or play for a Euroleague team in Europe. I think playing for a Euroleague team in the ACB is best of both worlds in Europe because you’re playing against the best two times a week. That's what it’s all about right, Winning and playing against the best. This past season in the ACB, I played in the best league in Europe and I was Top 5 in scoring (16.3pts) 3.1asts, 1.7 steals, and evaluation ranking was #2 (14.5) point guards, behind Ricky Rubio. Averaged 20 points against Tau and 5 other teams in the ACB. I think the top teams in Europe would love to have a playmaker on their team who has a great attitude, brings energy, and wants to be a WINNER. I'm hungry for Wins. I had a good season in the ACB and good summer league with Portland. Now I have to wait and see what God has plan for next season. Solobasket.com

Jeff Adrien said he is “still playing the waiting game’’ after suiting up for Memphis in the Las Vegas Summer League. Adrien, a Brookline native who played for the University of Connecticut, last month had a tryout with the Celtics, and has been looking to catch on as a free agent after being bypassed in the draft. Boston Globe

"For the first time in my life I really feel like I'm ready for something like this," Jordan said. "I'm just ready to get out and go. The NBA is always the dream, but there does come a point where you have to focus on a career in Europe. You just have to find the right situation." Hartford Courant

So last season, after training camp with the Hornets, the point guard from Hartford who led the nation in assists as a junior and senior at Marist played in what felt like another country, Rio Grande, Texas. "Basically, it was like Mexico," Jordan said of his time with the Valley Vipers of the NBA Development League — where the basketball was good, but the pay was not. Hartford Courant

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It was easy for Odom to joke on a day when he officially rejoined the team he's insists he intends to play for until he retires. The 29-year-old Odom signed a four-year contract worth just under $33 million, a compromise neither he nor Kupchak were confident they could reach as recently as a week ago. "It was a tedious time, but with patience and prayer I'm back where I wanted to be," Odom said. "I just stayed patient and didn't take anything personally. That helped me get through it." Riverside Press-Enterprise

"I just let him know how important it is for me as a person to be part of his brand, why I love LA so much and why I want my kids to grow up here," Odom said. "He's a competitor, and the city of LA should love him for that." Riverside Press-Enterprise

From what I understand, Drew would have loved to come back to Cleveland even with Shaq here and Anderson Varejao re-signed. The Cavs never made him an offer and he signed with the Mavericks for one year and $4.5 million. I'm not sure that Drew and LeBron are on the best of terms and that could've played a factor. Cleveland Plain Dealer

“In my particular case, I couldn’t be happier,’’ said Guy Zucker, Gortat’s agent. “Gortat got the best deal of the year, the full midlevel exception, fully guaranteed for five years, equal to [Antonio] McDyess and [Rasheed] Wallace, [Ron] Artest, [Trevor] Ariza. Marcin played well in the playoffs and it helps that [the Magic] got to the Finals. He’s a center, he’s fast, athletic, quick, plays the pick-and-roll well, and plays with a lot of heart. And he played big in big moments. Whenever a team does well it helps everyone - coaches, players, GMs, owners, everyone.’’ Boston Globe

Of course, who needs basketball people around when the owner doesn't pay attention to what they say? If he did, Hakim Warrick would still be on the team. Nobody on the basketball side endorsed Heisley's decision to let Warrick walk. Heading into the offseason, Wallace described Warrick as "one of the most potent bench scorers in the league." At the press conference introducing Hasheem Thabeet, head coach Lionel Hollins said he'd be mixing up the names "Hasheem" and "Hakim" all year long. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Brian Scalabrine was on the same page as Celtics management with free agents. And Scalabrine believes the acquisitions of Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels will make the Celtics the favorites to regain the championship. “I’m loving Rasheed Wallace,’’ Scalabrine said last week at a State House presentation for the team’s Heroes Among Us program. “And Marquis Daniels gives us versatility. Those two things, I think, make us the best team in the league. Boston Globe

“Rasheed Wallace, if I had to name one guy that I’d want on our team he’d be the guy. The way Doc [ Rivers] uses power forwards, he’s a perfect fit for us. Defensively, he’s a dominant force and his basketball IQ is through the roof. [Daniels] is going to help Ray [ Allen] and Paul [ Pierce] get some rest throughout the season. And I’ve heard he can also play some point guard for us, so it would be nice to have him as backup, and maybe play with Eddie [ House] at [shooting guard]. He’s super versatile and that’s going to help us a lot.’’ Boston Globe

O'Neal, who has been a regular in the weight room and on the court at AmericanAirlines Arena the past two months, showing up about four times a week, is poised to take the next step, with eight weeks of work planned with noted Chicago trainer Tim Grover. Yes, the same Tim Grover who last summer so reinvigorated Dwyane Wade. While appearances can be deceiving, O'Neal has impressed those in the weight room with his physique and appearance. Granted, that doesn't necessarily mean he'll ever be able to again explode off both knees. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Charlie Villanueva: Hey I just heard Milwaukee Bucks have requested waivers on Bruce Bowen & Salim Stoudamire. Man I was trying to get Bruce to rent my house. Twitter.com

Blake Griffin: Headed to cleveland. Got a signing with Panini Trading Card company. Back to LA tomorrow afternoon. Twitter.com

Tony Parker will miss the next game for the French national team after the Spurs confirmed a mild right ankle sprain in their star point guard. ESPN.com

Jordi Villacampa (Joventut's president): "(Ricky Rubio) cannot play for Joventut anymore." El Pais

Tona Vives (Rubio's mother): "Ricky took a hard look at Real Madrid's offer, but since his intention is going to the NBA in two years he decided it was best being around his people during that time." El Periodico de Catalunya

Esteve Rubio (Rubio's father): "Ricky has made his mind up that he wants to go to the NBA; he would like to stay with Joventut, but if that can't be and the team wants to trade him to Regal Barça, he would have no objection." El Periodico de Catalunya

At the end of the day, more than any other thing, it's the decision of a boy that wants to be in his comfort zone. One of Ricky's greatest illusions is his house, close to his grandma's (where he has lunch twice a week), which he has restored himself. Marca

"I've been a pro since I was 14 and I want to enjoy this. Do you think going to Madrid is worth it?" he asked his parents. Marca

Dave McMenamin: Canada vs. Italy basketball bench-clearing brawl today in Italy. Andrea Bargnani reportedly stayed out of the fray, didn't throw a punch. Twitter.com

Jonathan Givony: Renardo Sidney reportedly sniffing out potential landing spots in Europe...will probably find the market ice cold unless >100k is OK for him. Twitter.com

The word in NBA circles is that Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis will be the next Timberwolves coach and Mychal Thompson, the former Gophers star and Lakers teammate of Rambis' who now is a radio broadcaster for the Lakers, has made a strong recommendation. "I talked to David [Kahn] personally and told him you have to go after a guy like Rambis who knows what it takes to win in this league," Thompson said. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Trail Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams on Saturday said he has been informed that he will not get the Minnesota Timberwolves head coaching job. Williams interviewed for the position with Minnesota general manager David Kahn in Portland over the July 4 weekend, then had several short conversations over the past month. "It was a really good experience for me. David was really good to talk to,'' Williams said. "But sometimes, it's good to hear 'No,' because in this profession, we have so many people catering to us and telling us how great we are. But I think this will definitely keep me sharp.'' Oregonian

Some believe the NBA's current system of sharing the multi-billion dollar pie is broken and they are predicting a lockout come 2011 -- just as when owners wanted to make significant changes to the system in 1997. Some, like the person writing this column, don't believe it is broken and only needs some tweaks. But no one disagrees with this: Finding middle ground is going to be difficult. Before we get into that, let's examine the NBA salary-cap system for a moment. It is an appropriate time to do so, on the 25th anniversary of its creation. Cleveland Plain Dealer

One thing the owners seem to want is a more even split of the basketball revenue, closer to 50/50 than 57/43 as it is now. Considering that times are tough -- unlike back in 1997 when the economy was doing quite well and these terms were put in place -- the owners have a case. Cleveland Plain Dealer

I bring this up because the Grizzlies recently decided to let go of their scouts. Yes, all of their scouts. "I prefer a smaller group," said Chris Wallace, the Grizzlies GM. You have to love Wallace, don't you? He could have put a positive spin on the yellow fever epidemic. "I prefer a smaller city," he'd have said. Last season, the Grizzlies had five full-time amateur scouts. David Booth, Ryan West, Ed Manning, Ray Jones and Marin Sedlacek. This season, the Grizzlies will have no full-time college scouts. Booth, West, Manning, Jones and Selacek are all gone. Memphis Commercial Appeal

The Jam have unvieled a new business model under which they'll remain open this coming season. The exact model you ask? Rich people only. Jam owners Stan Ellis and David Higdon further unveiled Friday their revamped business model for the franchise, and it includes $40,000-a-year suites for 12, a cigar room, an open bar and dinner served to all 550 guests at the Jam Center. That's right, only 550, and if you can't pay for a 21-game season ticket -- the cheapest season seats range from $3,000-$4,000 -- you'll have a hard time getting in. Ridiculous Upside

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