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Wednesday, September 2

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The Griz are holding another free-agent workout today but I'm told there won't be any names of interest on the scene in FedExForum. Team officials are trying to arrange workouts with Brevin Knight, Tyronn Lue, Jacque Vaughn and Luther Head. Meanwhile, keep an eye on Twitter for Allen Iverson's decision. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Snow first asked about the process itself, about remaining unsigned in September. Iverson's response was, "I thought it would be a fun process, but obviously it hasn't been, just for the fact that I don't think it's that tough on me, personally, but it's kind of rough on my family, my wife not knowing where we're going to be at, and having to get the kids in school and get them adjusted somewhere. But it's a business and it’s a process that I have to go through and I'm willing to get through it." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Then came the money question, about Iverson possibly accepting a reserve role, without any guarantee about minutes. That answer was a bit more complex. "Everybody makes a big deal out of the coming-off-the-bench thing. It was never even an issue until it happened in Detroit," he said. "Nobody ever talked about me coming off the bench until the situation happened in Detroit and then that put it in people's minds, and gave them something to think about and something to talk about. "I want to win. I want to contribute. I want to be a part of some type of success, whether it's on a championship team or if it's on a team that's on the up-rise. With me signing with somebody, I want it to be with somebody that's dedicated to trying to win a championship. I have a lot of things on my resume. I've done a lot of things in my career. But it's just that one missing piece, that one missing piece to my resume, and that's a championship. "At this point in my career, that should be the only thing that's important to me and that's the only thing that is important." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

And in what may be a discouraging sign, there almost certainly will be no additional roster movement unless there is a roster spot created. The 15 guaranteed contracts are squashing any interest in free agents. But again, the name that surfaced should there be an opening: Mikki Moore. New York Post

Rudy Gay is back in Las Vegas working out after spending the past weekend in Memphis to host the Sports Ball, a benefit put on by Big Brothers Big Sisters. I caught up with Rudy recently and wrote an article about his offseason but not everything made the paper. For example: Here's Rudy on having a strained relationship with O.J. Mayo last season but how the pair spent a lot of time smoothing things out this summer: "It's tough to come into a situation and click with somebody right away. Eventually we learned there's no me without him and no him without me. We need each other to reach that common goal. Every successful team needs at least two strong guys to lead. We've talked about the (upcoming) season a lot." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Rudy's agent, Jeff Austin, credits Griz coach Lionel Hollins for focusing his client. I asked Rudy if he agreed, and he responded with: "One thing coach Hollins does do is he knows how to talk to me. There's no beating around the bush," Gay said. "When you're coaching men, that's the best way you can handle it. There are no mind games. He tells the truth." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Gortat said he has recovered completely after pulling a muscle in his back during an exhibition between Poland and Great Britain on Aug. 14. "My back is great," Gortat said. "I pulled my muscle a little bit, and right now I feel great. I don’t have any problem with my back. I’m in great shape." Gortat added he's looking forward to returning to the Magic. He said he was surprised -- not disappointed -- that the team matched the five-year, $34 million offer sheet he signed with the Dallas Mavericks. "I was really surprised," Gortat said. "It wasn’t any disappointment. It just isn’t normal for the team to match the offer for a backup center who is playing 10 minutes a game. It was just a huge surprise for me. But I’m really happy that I’m going to have this opportunity to play for this team again. Orlando Sentinel

"The group of people that we have right now is probably the strongest team we’ve ever had in the basketball history of our country," Gortat told the Orlando Sentinel in a phone interview. "That’s going to be a huge, huge chance for most of us to win something in our life. We had a discussion with our coach, and he told us that there’s going to be only one chance — one life chance — when we’re going to have an opportunity to play in front of our own crowd." Orlando Sentinel

The Maine Red Claws, the first-year National Basketball Developmental League affiliate of the Celtics, began stocking its roster this afternoon (along with the Springfield Armor) during the league's expansion draft. Among the 10 players chosen by the Red Claws was a familiar name: Kedrick Brown, who was chosen 11th overall by the Celtics in the 2001 NBA Draft, was the team's sixth selection. Boston Globe

Peter Stringer: Jersey update: Marquis Daniels will wear #7 for the Celtics this season. Twitter.com

In September of 2005, the Sentinel sent George Diaz to Spain to write about Fran Vazquez, the Spanish player the Magic drafted a few months before, who shunned the NBA to stay in Spain. Vazquez was expected to stay in Spain for at least another year, but then signed a four-year deal with a Spanish club. Diaz returned from Spain with some insight as to why this happened. Players staying overseas wasn't unheard of, but first-round draft picks typically didn't do that. The answer? The move was too overwhelming. I couldn't help but think back to that now that the Ricky Rubio saga is over and Rubio is staying in Spain for at least two years. The Associated Press story quotes Rubio saying "it was impossible for the Minnesota Timberwolves to pay my buyout clause, so I wanted to stay home." Orlando Sentinel

I first heard about this awhile ago, but the details were just released yesterday: a team made up of former NBA stars and current D-League players is heading to Asia later this week to play against fellow "legends" in South Korea and the Philippines, in what's being called the NBA Asia Challenge. The team will be coached by new Dakota Wizards coach Rory White, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar serving as the "celebrity assistant coach." The other retirees (sorry, "NBA Legends") who will theoretically be playing are Tim Hardaway, Dominique Wilkins, Robert Horry and Vlade Divac. The New Jersey Nets' dance-slash-dunking team and "zany mascot" Slylock Fox Sly the Silver Fox will also be in attendance. But enough about them. D-Leaguers! Ridiculous Upside

Why did Rubio change his mind? David Kahn: “Teenagers, Dan, teenagers, ya know? If anybody’s ever had teenagers, there are twists and turns. When we took Ricky, we acknowledged right off the bat it may be a year or two away, and I actually, after draft night thought it would be a would be a year or two, but he started to send us some signals during the summer that maybe we was interested in accelerating the path. And, you once you sort of have that signal, I think you owe it to the franchise to pour some energy in to it. We certainly poured some energy in to this summer, you know, it was very complicated, but at the end of the day, I think Ricky and his family, and I underline the word family, I think just at 18 years of age, I think the family felt it was a still little early for him to start.” Sports Radio Interviews

When can he come to the U.S.? “The way his contract reads, there will be no buyout provision after the first year because Barcelona paid so much money, in fact, I think it may be the largest transfer ever for a basketball player in Europe from club to club. And, because they paid so much they insisted that there be no buyout after the first year, but there is a buyout starting after the second season. And, that doesn’t mean of course if after the first season Ricky couldn’t re-approach them. I mean, as I’ve learned this summer, there’s a lot of things that can be kind of made nebulous if you want to make them nebulous. The plan is that he would be here for two years and join us in two years.” Sports Radio Interviews

He seemed like he wanted to come over on draft day and now this. What happened? “I can only give you what I’ve been told by his agent, Dan Fegan. When they came in to the draft, they were only going to definitely come over, definitely, if he was top 2. If he wasn’t top 2, there was a consideration especially if he was 3 that he might come over because of implications with his Nike deal. But, actually Dan told me that night, when we made the selection that night, Dan was very clear: ‘He’s not coming this year.’ And, yes, as I’ve shared in the past, we still feel like it was the right thing to do. I think what changed was that he reconsidered and it was him that came to us and said, ‘You know, I am giving some thought to coming over now,’ and he was having problems, as many people probably know, with his club team, the one that had his contract controlled the buyout. And, I think he was starting to worry a little bit during the summer that he may not have a place to go.” Sports Radio Interviews

"When you think about it, for anybody on the call who has ever sent off a child to college, this was akin to that for [Rubio's family]," Kahn, the Timberwolves' president, told a teleconference of reporters Tuesday from Barcelona. That's where Rubio will be spending the next two seasons, his status as the Wolves' top NBA draft pick (No. 5 overall) on hold while he plays for FC Barcelona in the Euroleague. "They live in a three-room apartment," Kahn said. "This is tantamount to sending a kid off to college, but not only college, a foreign college. A foreign college where the other students are as much as 35 years old or older. You can keep drawing out the analogy. ... His parents are lovely people. I really have enjoyed spending time with them. But I could also see sometimes on their faces the separation anxiety they were experiencing." SI.com

On a day that Wolves' fans may feel spurned as the ink dries on Rubio's new contract with FC Barcelona, a quick glance at history proves that the Rubio-situation is not uncommon in the NBA. In 1999, San Antonio drafted Manu Ginobili but the 22-year old returned to Italy for three years before sliding on the black and silver jersey. Ginobili instantly established himself as one of the most dynamic players in the league while helping San Antonio win three NBA championships. Was three years worth the wait? Ginobili has averaged 15.5 points in seven years for the Spurs. The impact of the left-handed shooting guard is far greater than the listed season averages. San Antonio is a completely different squad with Ginobili in the lineup and one could argue he is the final piece of the championship puzzle. Timberwolves.com

Cleveland Cavaliers forward and NBA MVP LeBron James is on the second day of his three-day stay in Paris, France, the seventh of 10 cities on his "LeBron James World Tour." James has mixed youth basketball instruction and other events on the tour with two promotional considerations: his new "Nike Air Max LeBron VII" shoe, and the film documentary, "More Than a Game," featuring James and some of his teammates during their high school days at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary. James and San Antonio Spurs star guard Tony Parker, who is from France, hosted a basketball camp in Paris that was directed by James' former high school coach, Dru Joyce. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Here’s a snapshot from Dirk Nowitzki’s visit in South Africa as he represents the NBA’s “Basketball Without Borders’’ along with other league stars. Click in for the full Zulu Warrior effect … DallasBasketball.com

It’s being reported that in preparation for Eurobaskets, Rudy has suffered an injury to, apparently, his right hamstring. Dwight Jaynes

The Spanish Basketball Federation says doctors will have to wait 48 hours before they can confirm the details of the the injury." Europa Press

Suns guard Leandro Barbosa's best scoring game of the FIBA Americas Championship has qualified his Brazilian national team for the 2010 World Championship. Barbosa opened today's play in Puerto Rico by scoring 31 points in Brazil's 68-59 victory against Canada, making Brazil 6-0 in the tournament. He was 11 of 16 from the field, hitting 3 of 6 3-point tries and getting two steals in 37 minutes of play. Brazil did not qualify for last year's Olympics. Barbosa is averaging 20.5 points through six games of the tournament, which could include four more games if Brazil plays in Sunday's championship. Arizona Republic

The Nets have filled coach Lawrence Frank's staff vacancy by hiring John Loyer, formerly of Maurice Cheeks' staff in Philadelphia and Portland. "He's a seasoned coach who's been in some good places," said team president Rod Thorn. "He knows what he's doing." Loyer has nine NBA seasons on his resume, split between the Sixers and Blazers with time as an assistant, video coordinator and advance scout. He came to the NBA after 12 collegiate seasons that included work at Akron (his alma mater) and Cincinnati. Fun fact that makes him a great fit: he has three kids, including a daughter named Jersey. New York Post

“We are pleased to add John to Coach Frank’s staff,” said Thorn. “The experience he has gained in both Philadelphia and Portland will be an asset to both the players and coaches.” Nets.com

Many people have wondered whether the Grizzlies would employ a "big man" coach with so many centers on the roster. Who would teach nuances of patrolling the paint to Marc Gasol, Hasheem Thabeet and fantasy all-star Hamed Haddadi? In the short term, the answer is Wayne Monte "Tree" Rollins. Yes, that Tree Rollins. The 7-1 center who retired from the NBA after 18 seasons and stints with the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic. Memphis Commercial Appeal

However, it sounds as if the Griz will be adding an "alternate road jersey" to the mix this season. This is something I know they first talked about two years ago. I hope it's mostly gold, highlighting their third logo color to be completely different. No confirmation yet but, as always, stay tuned. Memphis Commercial Appeal

When Gerald wrote last week about cities that deserve an NBA team, he focused on just North American cities. But after reading that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dominique Wilkins, Vlade Divac, Robert Horry and Tim Hardaway were going to touch down in Manila next week, I realized they weren’t just there for vacation. Turns out Filipinos are crazy about the NBA. “This country is probably No. 1 in the world on NBA brand awareness,” said Carlo Singson Sr., the manager for markets of NBA Asia during the NBA Madness event last year. “The fans are passionate, the percentage of people who play is awesome. NBA players who come here are amazed at how much Pinoys know about NBA teams and NBA players. NBA commissioner David Stern actually sees how important basketball is here and what it means to Filipinos. So the Philippines is definitely a priority market for the NBA.” Dime

Check out these stats from the 2008 Sponsorship Intelligence research survey on the Philippines as an NBA market: - 99 percent of the population is aware of the NBA - 75 percent consider themselves to be NBA fans (eclipsing the Olympic Games at 58 percent and domestic basketball at 48 percent) - Basketball is the nation’s favorite participation sport—nearly four in 10 play, twice as many as the next most played sports of badminton and volleyball - During the NBA Season, 62 percent of the population watch the NBA games on TV at least once a month and about 40 percent of the population watch the NBA on TV at least once a week - 33 percent intend to buy NBA branded items within the next year, rising to 44 percent among men (significantly more than the Asia and global averages) Dime

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban wants the Securities and Exchange Commission to pay his legal fees stemming from the agency's insider trading case against him. In court filings, Cuban cites alleged misconduct by the agency and requests that it be sanctioned for its "bad faith." The SEC sued Cuban, claiming he engaged in insider trading when he sold his stake in an Internet search engine company, Mamma.com Inc. A federal judge dismissed the case in July. AP

Former NBA and University of Michigan star Robert Traylor again is in trouble with the courts. The Detroit Free Press reports that a U.S. District judge issued a summons Wednesday for Traylor. He is accused of not providing paperwork on arrangements to pay back more than $178,000 in federal taxes. Traylor is to appear Sept. 14 in federal court in Detroit. USA Today

Knicks president Donnie Walsh is confident that both David Lee and Nate Robinson will re-sign with the club before training camp opens later this month. "Things are moving along," Walsh said Tuesday. "Nothing is imminent, but the talks have been good." New York Daily News

Lee's name has been mentioned in several sign-and-trade scenarios, but Walsh seems reluctant to move the young forward. Walsh denied a report that the Knicks would consider trading Lee to Minnesota for unsigned rookie Ricky Rubio. "We haven't spoken to them about Rubio since the day after the draft," Walsh said. New York Daily News

Sloan, who on Tuesday said he's been thinking "a lot" about the 2009-10 hoops year, is ready to welcome Carlos Boozer back into the fold, as well. No hard feelings, no crying over milk on the floor, no ill will over his player's professed love for other NBA franchises. "In order to win in this league, you have to have good players," Sloan said. "And he's a good player." Deseret News

"I could have had hard feelings with Karl Malone if I would have wanted to a few times," Sloan said, recalling some of Malone's infamous offseason rants with former owner Larry H. Miller. "My job is to coach whoever walks across this line. That's all we'll do is do the best we can and hopefully be a good basketball team." If Boozer indeed remains a Jazzman this season, there will be some obvious challenges, seeing as Utah will also welcome back the ever-improving Paul Millsap after matching Portland's four-year, $32-million offer sheet to retain the up-and-coming power forward. Deseret News

Allow me to clear up some Desmond Mason talk real quick, since I just wrote about him in a blurb for HOOPSWORLD. Yes, he’s in Portland. And no, he’s not a member of the Blazers. Mason - who missed the second half of last season in Oklahoma City with knee trouble - has been working out at the practice facility lately as he waits for a free agent call to see where the brawny 6’5 small forward will play this coming season. While Mason resides in Portland during the offseason, sources have told me the Blazers and Mason’s camp are not in discussions, nor have they been. Beyond the Beat

Let’s put it another way: Mason is working out….but he’s not being worked out. Desmond simply happens to be a regular; a regular who also happens to be a veteran free agent who is known as one of the tougher guys in the league. Tempting. Beyond the Beat

If you thought the Bulls signing Carlos Arroyo didn't make sense, you're not alone. The Bulls agree with you. A Bulls source said Tuesday that there was "no truth at all" to a report in a Puerto Rican newspaper over the weekend that the veteran point guard was close to signing a one year, $1 million contract with the Bulls. Chicago Sun-Times

There is a feeling that the report came from the agent for Arroyo as a way to drum up interest for his client. Chicago Sun-Times

Alex Kennedy: Memphis Grizzlies held a closed workout on Wednesday, supposedly with an unnamed point guard. Did Iverson fall through? Twitter.com

The best the Warriors can do now is hope Jackson walks his comments back at some point in the very near future, but even that will be too late. Desperate for a drama-free year, they just lost it before the season even started. Training camp will open with questions about his future in Oakland, if he's still there then, to be followed by more questions when the first four-game losing streak comes, to be followed by more questions the first sign that Captain Jack, turnover-prone in his focused moments, has really checked out. If a player is doing a slow burn in late August, imagine the places his mind can go in the heat of the season. He just took Rowell and the Warriors to the hole. Jackson flirted enough to get the extension, then came clean that he doesn't think they can win. It's not an original thought, but it is an original approach: Just come right out and announce management is to be toyed with. SI.com

Goran Suton signed the non-guaranteed qualifying offer the Jazz tendered him last week. He will head to training camp in the hopes of making the team. The Jazz have 13 players under contract, including two other young centers in Kosta Koufos and Kyrylo Fesenko, and an $82 million payroll, but they also have two open roster spots that Suton potentially could fill. He would become a free agent were he released by the Jazz, as opposed to having his rights continue to be held by the team if he played overseas. And Suton's odds of making the roster probably are better this season than next, when the Jazz could have as many as three draft picks. Salt Lake Tribune

The Boston Celtics have signed free agent guard Marquis Daniels. Daniels is coming off the best of his six seasons, averaging career highs of 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games with the Indiana Pacers, 43 of them starts. The Celtics announced his signing on Tuesday. Boston Globe

Ainge spent more than six weeks attempting to work out a deal that would allow the Celtics to pay Daniels more than the $1.99 million biannual exception he will receive on a one-year contract. “It’s a difficult marketplace,’’ Schwartzman said. “Everyone tried to work something out in the best interest of Marquis, Indiana, and the Celtics. Boston Globe

Good news on Wednesday morning. Pops Mensah Bonsu has now officially signed off on his Houston Rockets contract, and has arrived at the Great Britain training camp in London. BritBall

Puerto Rico's Carlos Arroyo wishes he would have handled things differently with Utah coach Jerry Sloan when he started as point guard for the Jazz. "When (our differences) emerged, I should have approached Jerry Sloan," Arroyo told ESPN Deportes' Alvaro Martin in an interview for TV. "I should have done it right there; waiting for things to just happen was not the right decision." ESPN.com

Mehmet Okur was working out at the Jazz's facility Tuesday while Sloan was holding court with the media. Okur is back in town more than three weeks before the start of training camp and looked - - for lack of a better description - - lean. He joked about the reporters gathered having a picnic together. Salt Lake Tribune

Jared Dudley: amare made his debut today today.. he was back on the court doing drills and playing 4on 4.. for someone who hasnt played in months he look in shape..jump shot got better as the game went on.. he showed his power and athletic ability with a couple serious dunks. Twitter.com

In a parting conversation Tuesday morning in Barcelona, Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations David Kahn gave Ricky Rubio no guarantees about his status with the NBA club in two years. The 18-year-old Spanish phenom had an opportunity to start his NBA career this season but changed his mind 48 hours later, a decision that gives rookie Jonny Flynn a significant head start on becoming the Wolves' long-term point guard. Kahn's summerlong attempt to bring Rubio to Minnesota ended Monday night when the No. 5 pick in the June 27 NBA draft opted to stay home and play for Regal FC Barcelona, the team that paid a reported $5.28 million to pry Rubio away from his previous Spanish League team, DKV Joventut. "I don't think the disappointment should overshadow the big picture," Kahn said. "Ricky is the youngest player in the draft. He'll be 20 in two years. I can think of a lot worse things that can happen to us as a franchise. We tried and came very close." St. Paul Pioneer Press

Kahn thought he had reached a buyout deal with Joventut on Saturday night during his third trip to Barcelona since July. He confirmed that several corporations had been "lined up" by Rubio's agent, Dan Fegan, to help the Wolves outbid Regal FC Barcelona. Terms of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement limit teams to $500,000 for contract buyouts to sign foreign players. "Even after Saturday night, there wasn't a feeling of celebration," Kahn said. "I knew there were some other issues to resolve. I really didn't feel at any point that this would occur." St. Paul Pioneer Press

The Knicks claim there is no truth to the report that they are involved in any deal for Ricky Rubio, who for some reason would rather spend his winter in Barcelona than in Minnesota. The report was that the Wolves would get David Lee in a sign-and-trade and the Knicks would receive Rubio plus a player or players with expiring contracts. It makes some sense since Lee is looking for a long term deal and the Knicks seem to admire Rubio. New York Daily News

Ricky Rubio: I'm a new Barça's player and now let's go for news goals. Twitter.com

Antoni Daimiel: In two years the buyout clause will decrease around 80% and he will have 1,5 million euros more. Of course he wouldn't go to the NBA this season! Twitter.com

"We still like what we did on draft night with Ricky," assistant general manager Fred Hoiberg said Tuesday in Sioux Falls. "He'll be over here as a 20 year old, and his body will be more mature, his game will be more mature, and he should be ready to step in and make an impact right away." Keloland.com

Jonny Flynn is disappointed that he’ll have to wait at least two years to team up with Ricky Rubio, the teenage sensation who told the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night he was going to put the NBA on hold and remain Spain. “He’s a guy that could make me better, and make our team better,” Flynn said Tuesday after playing in an open run at his alma mater, Niagara Falls High School. “And that’s the most important thing. We’re going to be missing a piece to our puzzle that really could’ve helped us out this year.” Niagara-Gazette

“It’s a great opportunity for me. I can step in and play a lot of minutes now,” said Flynn, who was named NBA Rookie of the Month in July following a stellar summer league performance. “It’s tough to hear you have to wait two years to play with a great player like that. You saw what he did against the Olympic team when he was only 17 years old. Now we just have to focus on what we can do to fill that void.” Niagara-Gazette

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"I’m going in there as the starting point guard — there’s nothing else to it," Miller said. "I look at it as a challenge. Nothing is handed to you. So I have to go in there with the right attitude, knowing that, this is a point guard spot that is going to have to be battled for." The Blazers signed Miller, an offseason free agent, to a three-year deal worth a reported $22 million. Miller averaged 16.3 points, 6.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds for the 76ers last season. Philadelphia posted a 41-41 regular-season record before falling to the Orlando Magic, 4-2, in the first round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs. According to Miller, Portland attempted to trade for him during the 2008-09 season. However, a deal never materialized. Columbian

Amaré Stoudemire's competitive basketball play was back Tuesday and so was his eyewear. Going against a defender for the first time since a 42-point game on Feb. 18, Stoudemire played four-on-four, half-court games at US Airways Center with teammates also participating in voluntary workouts. "Sometimes, I felt like it was going faster than I expected, as far as competition," Stoudemire said. "Other than that, I felt great. To finally be back out there with the guys and running sprints with them, I got my family back. It's almost like you ran away from home for a while. Now, you're back home and you feel how great it is to be around your family." Arizona Republic

Daniels, listed at 6 feet 6 inches and 200 pounds, averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 54 games for Indiana last season. He missed the final 13 games after sustaining a wrist injury, but Schwartzman said Daniels sat out as a precautionary measure. “It was a minor wrist thing,’’ Schwartzman said. “If it were a playoff situation, he would have played. But Indiana didn’t want to him to get hurt when they were out of the playoff picture, so they shut him down. He could have played a week or 10 days after the injury.’’ Boston Globe

According to FIBA Americas director Anibal Garcia, the organizing committee is satisfied with the way the tournament has been conducted. "We're very complacent with the entire situation. The basketball federation chose this event with only 80 days (of planning remaining)," said Garcia, who is also in charge of referee assignments and the disciplinary aspects of the qualifier. "This tournament usually takes a year to put together." ESPN.com

As he revealed Tuesday, Sloan received what he described as a "ton of shots" last season for his back. That included a couple of epidurals, which explains why Sloan was so unsympathetic when Matt Harpring went for one of his own. But Sloan reported significant improvement in regard to both the right knee he had replaced April 30 as well as his back. It just makes you wonder the pain Sloan silently suffered through last season. "So far since I've had surgery, I haven't had any back problems," he said. "It just kind of straightened me up. I didn't know I was so lopsided." Salt Lake Tribune

Trail Blazers assistant Maurice Lucas says he will be back on the team's bench this season. Lucas, however, told The Oregonian newspaper he doesn't know how many of the team's 82 games he will be able to attend because he hasn't fully recovered from the surgery he had related to bladder cancer. USA Today

There had been speculation mfor many weeks that Comcast SportsNet was considering Donyell Marshall, Rick Mahorn and Ed Pinckney to succeed Bob Salmi as the analyst on 76ers telecasts. The winner is . . . Pinckney. The former Villanova star will settle in to the booth next to play-by-play voice Marc Zumoff. His time as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves was up when Kurt Rambis was named their new head coach and put together a staff including onetime Sixers guard Dave Wohl, Bill Laimbeer and Reggie Theus. Philadelphia Daily News

The last bit of intrigue surrounding Spurs great David Robinson's enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame has been solved. Robinson, a two-time NBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist and the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 1995, will be introduced at the ceremonies in Springfield, Mass., on Sept. 11 by George Gervin, the only Spurs player already in the Hall of Fame, and by Larry Brown, his coach for the first two-plus seasons of his Spurs career. The Hall of Fame requires that presenters also be members of the Hall of Fame. Gervin was inducted in 1996; Brown in 2002. "David is so shy about it," Brown said. "I don't think he even understands how happy he's made a lot of people, and how proud a lot of people who have been touched by him are. He doesn't even understand how excited we all are to be part of this." San Antonio Express-News

It's clear that seeing Stockton go into the Hall means more to Sloan than being selected himself. In fact, Sloan had to be talked into being nominated by his family and children, who wanted to see his career recognized. "I don't want to step in John and Karl's way," Sloan said. "They're the ones who did all the work. They're the ones who probably helped keep me here along with Larry Miller and everything like that over the years. "I certainly don't want to take anything away from them by me tagging along. I tagged along for a long time." Salt Lake Tribune

More from Sloan: "It means a lot more to me for John than it does for myself, I'll tell you that, because he's the one that put up all the work, did all the showing up every day and laying it out here on the floor through practice for 19 years." Salt Lake Tribune

Bostjan Nachbar: Today, our national team gathered at the airport Joze Pucnik Ljubljana and fly to Germany to play two exhibition games. Game 1 will be tomorrow at 17.45 CET and Game 2 will be on Thursday at 19.00 CET in Karlsruhe, both games will be on the German sport channel DSF. On this occasion we proudly publish that Boki’s teammate in national team - Matjaz Smodis become ambassador of humanitarian action ‘Believe in your basket’. Executive director of this project, Esad Babacic bid farewell to our national team with presents (t-shirts) and wish them good luck on the hard road to the big success. Boki Nachbar

Pistons rookie DaJuan Summers is in a race to 4,000 Twitter followers with his friend (and, ahem, porn star) Valerie Luxe. If you want to help the rook win, follow him @dsummers35 on Twitter. We won't even give you Val's screen name, seeing as the Pistons need some good Twitter mojo after forward Charlie Villanueva lost his race to 50,000 followers to Toronto star Chris Bosh. On Thursday evening, Luxe was leading Summers, 3,236-3,217, giving "porn pride" a slight edge over "Pistons pride" thus far. Detroit Free Press

Kwame Brown's mother has died. Joyce Brown, 61, was pronounced dead Monday at Southeast Georgia Health System's Brunswick hospital, the Florida Times-Union reported. "The preliminary investigation indicates she died of natural causes," Glynn County (Ga.) coroner Jimmy Durden said. "There is no indication of foul play." Detroit Free Press

The prosecutor who tried Jayson Williams for manslaughter more than five years ago could find himself back in court, this time to answer allegations that the former NBA star was the victim of racial bias and prosecutorial misconduct. State Superior Court Judge Edward Coleman on Monday set a late September date for a hearing that will examine an incident in which a senior investigator for the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office used a racial slur to describe Williams during an office meeting in 2002. San Francisco Examiner

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