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Thursday, August 6

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Orlando Magic All-Star Rashard Lewis will be suspended for the first 10 games of next season because he has tested positive for a testosterone-producing steroid, the Orlando Sentinel has learned. According to league sources, Lewis was taking nutritional supplements at the end of last season that unknowing to him contained a substance commonly known as DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) -- a chemical compound made naturally in the body but also found in numerous over-the-counter supplements at nutritional stores. The substance is banned by most sports leagues, including the NBA. Orlando Sentinel

One source said he believed Lewis's positive test was "an honest mistake." Orlando Sentinel

Rashard Lewis Statement: “First and foremost I take full responsibility for the situation and accept the corresponding penalty. Toward the end of the season I took an over-the-counter supplement which at the time I did not realize included a substance banned by the NBA. I apologize to Magic fans, my teammates and this organization for not doing the research that should come with good judgment. I hope this unintentional mistake will not reflect poorly on our team and its great character. I hope every athlete can learn from my mistake that supplements, no matter how innocent they seem, should only be taken after consulting an expert in the field.” OrlandoMagic.com

Rashard Lewis may try to appeal the ten game suspension issued by the NBA for taking a banned substance. "It was an over-the-counter vitamin supplement and an honest mistake. Ten games is a very harsh punishment for that one mistake. I'm going to talk to the Union and we'll go from there," Tony Dutt, Lewis' agent, told RealGM's Alex Kennedy. Last season, Lewis averaged 17.7 points and 5.9 rebounds while starting 79 games for the Magic. RealGM.com

What benefit would this give an NBA forward? Gary Wadler: If in fact he was taking it to enhance performance, he would be looking to raise his testosterone. It’s not very effective, I must say. I think the performance-enhancing aspects of it are nowhere in the same league as other substances that are categorized as anabolic steroids. So, one might think it’s a way of trying to boost your testosterone legally without taking a prohibited substance, namely testosterone, but using something that becomes testosterone. The distinction all started with Mark McGwire. When that occurred, Andro was considered to be a dietary supplement just the way DHEA is now. Orlando Sentinel

Marc J. Spears: glen davis says twitter words of him talking FA not him. Twitter.com

James was non-committal on the issue of whether he’ll re-sign with the Cavaliers after this season, though he said that he loved playing in Cleveland and had no reason to leave, given the team that general manager Danny Ferry has assembled around him and the rabid fan support the Cavaliers receive at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers have begun discussions with his agent, Leon Rose, about a contract extension, but James is almost certain to opt out of the last year of his deal following next season and at least test free agency. NBA.com

Hawks forward Marvin Williams assumed the paparazzi was just for Hollywood types. That is until the NBA version found its way to his doorstep this summer. There were at least two premature reports about the restricted free agent forward agreeing to and signing a new deal with the Hawks. "It was crazy to look on the Internet and see stuff about me signing with the Hawks or that I was staying with the Hawks," Williams said Thursday. "Yet there was never anyone quoted. It was always some anonymous person saying it was done or saying it was going to happen. "The truth of the matter is, I still haven't signed, yet." Atlanta Journal-Constitution

That's a technicality Williams expects to take care of this afternoon now that he's agreed to a five-year, $37.5 million contract with the Hawks, a deal that with incentives could be worth as much as $43 million. The official announcement is expected early next week. There are no plans for a re-introduction ceremony like the one teammates and fellow free agents Mike Bibby and Zaza Pachulia attended last month, when they signed their new contracts. But Williams said he couldn't be happier to be free of the summer's free agent frenzy. "I knew from past years with Josh [Smith] and Josh [Childress] that this process could take some time," Williams said. "But I was patient. I tried to be patient. And thankfully, things worked out." Atlanta Journal-Constitution

If he could turn back time, LeBron James would have stopped on his way out of Amway Arena and spoken to reporters after his Cleveland Cavaliers were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals. But if you still think he should have shook some Orlando Magic players’ hands after Game 6, he must agree to disagree. “I would definitely do the media,” James said Thursday, in some of his first expanded comments on both the handshake controversy and the controversy over a confiscated tape of his being dunked on this summer at his skills camp. NBA.com

“Looking back on it, without you guys, honestly…there’s really no, there’s no LeBron, there’s no Dwyane Wade, there’s no Tiger Woods, there’s no Peyton Manning and the rest of these guys that do the things and (are) seen every day,” he said. “Looking back on it, (not) doing the media was basically the big part of why it happened, why it got out there, and why it’s still going on. If I had it to do over again, I would definitely do the media.” NBA.com

“I look at the handshake like this,” he said. “During the regular season, no one ever says anything. We play 82 regular season games, eight preseason games, guys at the end of the game, no one ever shakes hands. Ever. And you move on to the next game. The congratulations, I congratulated Dwight (Howard) via e-mail, told him congratulations and good luck in the Finals. The shaking hands thing is really not a big thing for me. It’s not I’m a sore loser or anything like that. I’m just moving on. You guys beat me…I think sometimes people want you to accept losing, and I will never accept losing. There’s ways to handle it certain times, and shaking hands may be it. But I will never accept losing, at anything that I do.” NBA.com

The dunk was taped by a freelance cameraman, who then had the tape confiscated by a Nike representative. Initial reports implied that it was James who ordered the Nike rep to take the tape, which was ultimately returned to the cameraman after online media outlets found other tapes of the dunk and aired them on the TMZ.com and eBaumNation.com websites. James denied ordering the seizure. “First of all, I never told anyone to confiscate any tapes,” James said. “Nike has a no videotaping policy at pickup games. They’ve always done that. It just so happened that LeBron was involved, so now it’s blown up. But it’s a play in the game of basketball that happens all the time. You can go on YouTube right now and see me getting dunked on by a lot of guys. I mean, I like to call myself a shotblocker sometimes, and that tends to happen sometimes, when you just don’t judge the ball right.” NBA.com

And he said he would have no problem playing off the ball next season if it goes inside to O’Neal first. “I’ve never had a low post presence since I’ve been in the league, he said. “I love it..I can defer to a teammate. If Shaq is going I’m okay, and if it’s one of those nights when he isn’t feeling it, I can take over… I know one thing that’s going to happen: you can’t check Shaq one on one. I can use some of my athleticism when a double team comes and slash to the rim. He’s a very good passer so he’ll just throw it at the rim and I’ll go get it… If I catch the ball in the spot-up (position) I can either drive it or pass it. You’re at my mercy.” NBA.com

Marbury is blazing a trail into the brave new world of sports reporting. He communicates with basketball fans directly, without the media filter. Having watched him rant this past weekend, perhaps the lack of a filter is a bad thing for Marbury. In my very humble opinion, he comes across as narcissistic and paranoid. I dealt with Marbury one on one frequently in 2003. While I accept that he might have changed, he appears to be the same person who would not shake my outstretched hand when I introduced myself to him in the training room of the Phoenix Suns. He is high on himself, a product of a culture that catered to his every whim as soon as he learned how to dribble. The National

Marbury called me a few months after I introduced him to his then-Phoenix Suns teammate Leandro Barbosa. He berated me for not having organised the purchase of a car for Leandro. He then informed me that he was going to lend Leandro the money to purchase a Cadillac Escalade and that he would be his mentor. I suggested that I too was in need of a mentor. Marbury was not amused. Fact is, it was decent of Marbury to help Leandro adjust to life in the USA and NBA. I applaud him for being a good Samaritan, however misguided the idea was to foist an over-priced and gas-guzzling Cadillac on the impressionable Brazilian. The National

Worth noting, Leandro’s Phoenix Suns teammate Louis Amundson rides a bike to the arena. Leandro’s original suggestion wasn’t so far-fetched. Leandro gave me no reason to help him buy a car because he was sensible with his money. And then Marbury convinced Leandro to buy a fancy, diamond-encrusted necklace. The jewellery cost a fortune, which I know because I helped Leandro write the cheque. Marbury might have a future on Wall Street with all his bad financial advice. He most certainly has a career in webcasting. It would take someone as in love with himself as Marbury is and as needy for attention to want to invite the world into his home, 24 hours a day. The National

Who in their right mind publishes their phone number on Twitter, then actually takes the calls? That’s right, Ron-Ron. Ron Artest put his phone number on Twitter (832-260-8192) asking fans to call or text him. And they did. Thousands of them. Watch him answer some of the calls from a hotel in China, where he is pimping his latest rap with some Chinese singer. “Hey, what’s poppin’?” Orange County Register

"No British team is ever not going to miss Luol and Ben Gordon would have been a bonus but our one to 12 roster in Poland will comfortably be the strongest in Britain's basketball history," said Finch yesterday as he took time out from GB training camp at Cobham. "We have moved on as a squad even from last season when we came of age. Luol maybe missing and it is his versatility and ability to bring others into play that we will miss most, but we have assembled a group of really strong athletic guys who have tons of experience. Daily Telegraph

Celtics assistant general manager Dave Wohl is being considered for an assistant coaching position with the Minnesota Timberwolves, an NBA source said today. Boston Globe

FC Barcelona is working hard to sign Linas Kleiza. The Lithuanian forward is the team's choice to replace David Andersen. El Mundo Deportivo

With the Stoudemire trade nowhere near happening — according to multiple sources — the Warriors are left with few options. Contra Costa Times

Alan Hahn: David Lee situation remains as it is. Agent continues to scour the league for legit S&T opportunities. Twitter.com

Nate Robinson: Bout to have a sit down wit my agents and talk about my future with the knicks hope its good keep ur fingers crossed twitter fans. Twitter.com

Alan Hahn: Reported Knicks/Stackhouse scenario would likely involve moving a contract from 2010 ledger. Twitter.com

With the Ramon Sessions negotiations in a stalemate, the Knicks still are playing the field, having met with veteran point guards Jamaal Tinsley and Jason Williams. Sessions, 23, is the only talent they consider worth a long-term deal. But he is seeking a five-year, $32 million, maximum mid-level deal and that would damage the Knicks' 2010 cap room. The Knicks are trying to make a trade to free up more cap space in 2010 so they can meet Sessions' demands. Jared Jeffries is the easiest pawn to trade. New York Post

In the leave-no-stone-unturned department, the Knicks will host washed-up veteran shooting guard Jerry Stackhouse for a workout today at their Westchester compound, according to a team official. Team president Donnie Walsh, overseeing a tedious free-agency period in which they have yet to make a move through 36 days, is trying to enhance both the point guard and shooting-guard positions. New York Post

D'Antoni said he feels the Knicks need more size in the backcourt. They're also considering Von Wafer, the young Rockets' shooting guard. New York Post

The Celtics forward, discouraged by the lack of progress in talks with the Celtics as well as shrinking options in the free agent market, posted his frustration last night on twitter.com in a series of so-called tweets. As evidenced by his comments, Davis’ angst was tweaked in part by the Celtics’ signing of free agent power forward Sheldon Williams to a veteran’s minimum contract earlier this week. A league source also confirmed that the Celtics finally started discussing numbers with Davis over the last week, and made an offer that was considered disappointing by the Davis camp. Boston Herald

What follows is his string of tweets. “Why is this (expletive deleted) taking so long!!! I really don’t understand!!!! Anybody knows what’s going on with the Celtics? Cause I don’t!!!!! Well I’m not worried about Sheldon!!! Great. Guy and great player!!! But we are different players you know!!!!! I wonder how the weather (is in) Boston cause I haven’t been there in so long!!!! I like some of you guys ideas!!!! I going to tell danny (ainge) about some of you guys ideas!!!! I don’t know why then they sign (Williams) before me!! Boston Herald

Brian Windhorst: As for B. Bowen, there's a small chance. He's 39, coming off worst season and Cavs have six players at his pos.Have to secure a big man 1st. Twitter.com

Apparently, the Cavaliers will take a pass on veteran shooting guard Bruce Bowen. Bowen, 38, was waived by the Bucks last week before his $4 million salary was guaranteed. The Bucks still owe him a buyout of $2 million. News-Herald

(Chris) Wallace is still trying to iron out some details with Marcus Williams about signing but sounded optimistic about it happening. He also acknowledged that even with Williams' signing the team still needs to acquire one more player just to reach the league minimum on the roster. He was unsure exactly what position they would be looking at but he did say not to rule out another PG being added to the team. 3 Shades of Blue

It appears Donyell Marshall's first season as a Sixer will also have been his last. With the summer in its final weeks and the NBA season quickly approaching, the Sixers are putting the final touches on their 2009-10 roster. Both sides - Marshall's agent, Andy Miller, and Sixers general manager Ed Stefanski - confirmed yesterday that the Sixers' re-signing the veteran power forward did not appear to be on the agenda. "He did a wonderful job for us last year," Stefanski said. "But right now we feel like we are going to go in a different direction. Right now our thought process is to bring a couple of guys into camp to compete for that spot." Philadelphia Inquirer

He said Marshall had expressed interest in returning to the team to Stefanski, assistant general manager Tony DiLeo, and new head coach Eddie Jordan. "But I have not received a phone call from the Sixers saying they are interested in re-signing him," Miller said. "At this point, it would seem overly optimistic to think they are just waiting to fill other positions before addressing Donyell's spot. . . . I thought last season Donyell went above and beyond the call of duty for what he was brought in to do. I thought he rose to the challenge every time he was called." Philadelphia Inquirer

And looking at the rest of the free agent crop, probably going to take a look at some possible deals you can make toward the beginning of the season. Are there any other positions that you are looking at targeting for the free agency class? David Kahn: I think that a lot depends on whether (Ricky) Rubio comes or not, this season or not. Obviously if he doesn’t come, we certainly need to add a backup point guard to Jonny Flynn or somebody who can play considerable minutes alongside Jonny. We probably need maybe one more wing. I’m debating. A lot depends too on what we decide to do with Quentin Richardson, who is on the roster. There’s one scenario where we could move him, but another scenario is he could be on the team. Timberwolves.com

Brandon Roy has agreed in principle to a long-term contract extension with the Trail Blazers, according to Bob Myers, Roy's agent. Roy on Thursday will sign a four-year contract, with a player option for a fifth season. He will receive the maximum amount allowed to a player coming off his rookie contract, which figures to be around $82 million$89 million if he opts for the fifth season. The amount of the contract won't be known until next July, when the league sets the 2010-2011 salary cap. The first season of Roy's contract will be 25 percent of the salary cap, and each season he will receive a 10.5 percent raise. Oregonian

Now the Blazers are turning their full attention to extending the player who was drafted four spots ahead of Roy -- LaMarcus Aldridge. A source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Aldridge and the team were "progressing" toward a deal. ESPN.com

Primoz Brezec, a 7-foot-1 center from Slovenia, wanted back in the NBA. The 76ers, who lost last year's backup center, Theo Ratliff, to the San Antonio Spurs, needed a bargain big man to provide an option behind starter Samuel Dalembert. Although the contract is not yet signed, it will be soon: The Sixers and Brezec have agreed in principle to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. Because Brezec has seven years of NBA experience, that would put his 2009-10 salary at $1,107,572, according to the NBA's collective bargaining agreement. Philadelphia Inquirer

According to a source close to the situation, the official announcement of the re-signing of Ivey is expected to come Monday. Philadelphia Inquirer

(Jermaine Taylor) has agreed to a multi-year deal with the Houston Rockets, the team announced Wednesday, though terms were not officially disclosed. Rivals.com

Daryl Morey: Congratulations to Jermaine on joining the Rockets for many years. JT is doing well at Grgurich camp this week along with Joey and Chuck. Twitter.com

Gery Woelfel: Ex-MU standout Wesley Matthews extended offer to Utah's vet camp. Twitter.com

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Last year, he missed half the season with injury and averaged 3.4 points per game. Didn't knock down the 3, either: 28.9 percent. He used to be able to defend opposing wingmen, but can he do that anymore, really? He's almost 32 and was never overly athletic. C'mon. And now he's a Warrior, traded last week for Marco Belinelli. "I still got a lot left in me so, I didn't come here to just to sit on the bench," said George, in the Bay Area to take his physical. "I came here to play, get in that rotation and help the team." FanHouse.com

"I really don't get involved in trying to prove people wrong," George said, "and go against the grain and tell this guy: 'No, that's not true.' People can write. That's your job. People can write and say what they need to say. I just need to do what I need to do: get healthy and play basketball. I know what I'm capable of doing. I don't have anything to prove to anybody. "I don't have to prove anything to the media. All I need to do is prove to myself what I want to do and achieve my goals. And that's coming in and being healthy, being a good guy in the locker room, helping the young guys and getting in the rotation. And bringing what I do to the table." FanHouse.com

"You can't judge anybody on a bad performance or a week or a bad series," George said. "We all have struggles, all have ups and downs and really none of us played well. We won 67 games that year and none of us played well. We ran into a hot team with bad matchup problems, different guys playing different positions. FanHouse.com

Baron Davis: Two-a-days goin strong!!! CJ Watson is underrated! Bassy is playin well. Big fan of Flynn, Hardy, egordon is gonna b fun 2 watch! Twitter.com

Omri Casspi: got my working visa. all set, ready to come over. flying to NY in sat morning. Twitter.com

Nate Robinson: Ok twitter during the season I will have twitter fans nikeid me a shoe I will wear in one of my game and allstar weekend. Twitter.com

Among those of us who use Twitter, there's been a lot of questions about whether THE_BEST_FES is Jazz center Kyrylo Fesenko's account. According to Russ Ridge, whose family has helped care for Fesenko during his two years in Utah, the account does not belong to Fesenko. In fact, Ridge contacted Twitter in the hopes of getting it removed, a process that can be more difficult than you might expect for celebrities and athletes who've been impersonated. Although Fesenko is active on Facebook, Ridge said Fesenko had no idea about Twitter until Ridge showed him THE_BEST_FES a couple of months ago. Salt Lake Tribune

For his part, Ridge said Fesenko appreciated the humor of THE_BEST_FES - - though there were many references to drinking that didn't cast him in the best light - - and that while Fesenko isn't on Twitter right now, he might join someday in the future. Salt Lake Tribune

Rambis’ hiring could have a positive impact on the Wolves’ chances of luring the fifth overall pick in the draft, Spain’s Ricky Rubio. Rubio’s agent, Dan Fegan, is fond of Rambis. Yahoo! Sports

Real Madrid is still in the mix for Ricky Rubio. As

Los Angeles Lakers assistant Kurt Rambis is on the brink of becoming the coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, multiple league sources told Yahoo! Sports. After meeting with Timberwolves executives, including owner Glen Taylor, Rambis was working on assembling a coaching staff in anticipation of receiving a formal offer on Thursday, sources said. Yahoo! Sports

Kurt Rambis was seen boarding a plane Wednesday morning to meet again with Minnesota Timberwolves officials, a strong sign that the Lakers' assistant coach will be hired to coach the Timberwolves. Rambis has already had a second interview with Minnesota, and the only step left is to talk with team owner Glen Taylor, who has said publicly he would be the final part in the decision-making process. Los Angeles Times

With Minnesota, Rambis probably would get at least a three-year deal. Los Angeles Times

One of my league sources confirmed Rambis has traveled to meet with the Wolves, but said no contract offer had been made as of tonight. David Kahn declined comment and said by text message “I wouldn’t read anything into the no comment.” Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Ramona Shelburne: Rambis to Minnesota ``looks good,'' according to a source but there's no formal offer yet. Twitter.com

Rambis is expected to hire Dave Wohl as his top assistant, an Eastern Conference executive said. Let go as an assistant GM in Boston this summer, Wohl has a close relationship with Rambis and has nearly 25 years of NBA coaching experience. It is believed that one current Minnesota assistant – possibly Ed Pinckney or Dean Cooper – could stay to be a part of Rambis’ staff. Yahoo! Sports

Randy Ayers is back for a second stint with the 76ers. He spent six seasons as the lead assistant to Larry Brown, then succeeded him in 2003-04. Reaction: I thought Ayers did his best work under Brown, particularly in helping develop young players. Ayers and then-Sixers assistant John Kuester (now the head coach of the Detroit Pistons) spent countless hours drilling guys before and after practices and shootarounds and in pre-game sessions. Philadelphia Daily News

Sadly, Ayers lasted just 52 games (21-31) as Brown's successor, replaced by interim coach Chris Ford. I've heard then-president/general manager Billy King say he should have offered his first-year coach more support, particularly in dealing with star guard Allen Iverson. I remember a legendary night when reporters, waiting to meet with Ayers after a game in the Wachovia Center, could hear loud, angry voices emanating from the locker room. Iverson, for his own reasons, wasn't happy; Ayers wanted to suspend him. That, of course, didn't happen. That was probably the beginning of the end for Ayers. In retrospect, he never had a chance. Philadelphia Daily News

When asked about the scouting moves Wallace stated that he didn't fire 5 people. Ryan West (Jerry West's son) and David Booth resigned. West took a similar job with the LA Lakers (no big surprise there) and Booth took an assistant coaching position at his alma mater in the Big East. For Booth this was a promotion of sorts and gets him on track for his ultimate career goals of being a head coach one day. Wallace supported his decision whole-heartedly and encouraged him to pursue the opportunity. 3 Shades of Blue

The Grizzlies did dismiss three other scouts. One of the scouts was in Europe but Wallace feels that the team has great contacts in Europe already and the team still has another full-time scout working for them over there. That person has been scouting since 1990. He lives in Italy and gets tapes of every game and forwards those he feels are worthing talking about. Wallace mentioned that he talked to this scout practically once a week if not more every week of the year. The people Wallace is going to count on going forward include the Barone's (nepotism apparently is still alive in Memphis despite West's dismissal), Kenny Williamson and the European scout as well as Wallace himself becoming more active in scouting. Apparently Gordan Chiesa is semi-retired and Mitchell Anderson is dealing with some health issues and neither person will be counted on extensively to assist in scouting this year. 3 Shades of Blue

Anyway, back to Wallace. I asked Wallace if 5 people was the smallest group he had scout for a team. Wallace's response surprised me. He said that it wasn't even close. He had two people in Boston total doing the scouting on that team and they drafted 3 all-stars during that time (Paul Pierce, Joe Johnson and Chauncey Billups). Then he said he told Calkins this but he left if out of the article! 3 Shades of Blue

Wallace told me Danny Ainge upped the staff to when he took over? Anyone want to guess to how many? 5! The same number of people the Grizzlies have lowered their staff down to. Ainge and Wallace were able to find Rajon Rhondo, Al Jefferson, Leon Powe, Glen Davis, Kendrick Perkins and others with that group. Those players either contributed to Boston's championship run or were instrumental in getting the deals done to acquire Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. 3 Shades of Blue

Los Angeles Lakers star Ron Artest has donated his diamond watch to a high school student in Wuhan Wednesday to support his education. Zheng Fengyu, 15, is the captain of Wuhan NO.1 middle school's basketball team. Ron played basketball with Zheng Wednesday afternoon, and gave the boy later his watch, which is worth 45,000 U.S. dollars (about 300,000 yuan), according to a report by local media. "He is great. Never let me shoot easily," Artest said. "Hope this can help realize his basketball dream." Xinhua

Zheng was born in a poor family in Wuhan, a city renowned for heavy industry in central China. After getting the watch, the teenager said with appreciation. "August 14th is my birthday, this is just the perfect gift for me," he said. Xinhua

Professional cyclist Floyd Landis will take on professional basketball player Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz in a time trial and three-point shootout near Salt Lake City, Utah August 7. The event is a precursor to the 2009 Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, which Landis and seven OUCH Presented by Maxxis teammates will be contesting August 18-23. BikeRadar.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Boy, I am sure glad that they've got that new twittering policy in order. A relief for us all. Let's move onto health care reform now. Twitter.com

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