HoopsHype.com Rumors

Thursday, September 10

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The Orlando Magic plan on adding journeyman forward Linton Johnson to its roster, agent Brad Ames told HoopsHype.com. Johnson, who has played for eight NBA teams already, is expected to sign a make-good training camp contract with the Eastern Conference champions pretty soon. HoopsHype.com

Hip-hop entrepreneur Jay-Z is aiming to move his basketball team the New Jersey Nets to his native Brooklyn, New York by the end of next year. The rapper owns a large share in the NBA team and has previously expressed his desire to relocate the sporting side to the Big Apple. His plans have been hampered by a number of legal delays, but Jay-Z reveals progress is being made and he's looking to unveil the Nets' new home in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Prospect Heights by December 2010. He said, "We're trying to get to Brooklyn, I think in early December (we'll start building the new stadium)... (It'll take) hopefully a year (to complete)." Houston Chronicle

The 99 Problems hitmaker wants the team's new move to be coupled with a new name - the Brooklyn Nets - and he wants to add his pal LeBron James to the line-up when the basketball ace's contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers is up. But Jay-Z insists he will not pressure James into switching teams: "We'll have a great team surrounding him so hopefully he'll come to Brooklyn. "He's my friend first so I wouldn't do that to him if we didn't have a chance of winning (the NBA championship) because he's going to be great. I want him to be great. Whatever team lands him, I want him to be great." Houston Chronicle

Chris Bosh has expressed excitement over Toronto's roster moves this offseason, but Bryan Colangelo knows winning is the best way to keep his cornerstone. Bosh, like fellow members of the 2003 draft class LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, has the option to hit the free agent market next summer. "I am encouraged by everything Chris has been doing this summer. He has been very engaged with the organization and the city of Toronto and he has put forth tremendous effort to be ready for the start of the season," Colangelo, Toronto's general manager, told RealGM's Andrew Perna on Wednesday. "CB's enthusiasm regarding our roster changes and optimism for our perceived improvement are encouraging, but everyone realizes we must win to validate anything." RealGM

The team's restricted free agent situations (David Lee and Nate Robinson) remain unresolved and as we near the weekend, it may move into next week. The way I understand it, Nate has to wait on David. In fact, from what I've been told by multiple sources, Nate would have signed a one-year deal weeks ago if the Knicks wanted him to sign. We've suggested here that the reason the team put Robinson on hold was because of their pursuit of Sessions or another guard. I'm told this isn't entirely accurate. Newsday

Particularly because next offseason, Watson will be in the same position he was in this offseason as a restricted free agent. Watson didn't want to commit long-term to the Warriors because he doesn't see himself as a long-term Warrior. At the same time, Watson believes he'll have a good opportunity to contribute this upcoming season, which will put him in a more advantageous position a year from now. "It was pretty much about playing time," Watson said. "This is where I thought I could get a significant amount of time, and I didn't want to lock myself in for three years. I thought this would be the best opportunity." FanHouse.com

Asked to elaborate on his decision to walk away from the three-year deal, which included a player opt out for Year No. 3, Watson said: "It is unsettling. I realize it's a gamble. I took a chance and I have confidence in my abilities. Everybody knows that coach (Don) Nelson plays with different lineups and can put anybody out there at any time. I think I'll have chances to go out there and perform." FanHouse.com

Alex Kennedy: In a text message this morning, Stephon Marbury confirmed that he's not considering retirement and plans on playing next season. Twitter.com

The 76ers have invited former Temple star Dionte Christmas to training camp, which opens at the end of this month at St. Joe's. Christmas, who went undrafted in the 2009 NBA Draft, played with the Sixers/Nets combo team at the Orlando Summer League in early July. Philadelphia Inquirer

One of the baddest of bad boys in recent NBA history -- former Timberwolf J.R. Rider -- is negotiating a return to professional basketball in the United States at age 38. The owner of the first-year North Texas Fresh in the American Basketball Association said this morning that he is "in the process of getting it done" and bringing Rider on board. Owner Jay Bowdy said that Rider has another offer in play from a team overseas, where players can make more money. "We're waiting on that," Bowdy said. If that other offer falls through, then the 6-foot-5 guard "is coming to us." Minneapolis Star Tribune

Rider's agent, Joe Lee, said this morning that Rider hasn't played organized ball since a 10-game pit stop with the Denver Nuggets in 2001-02. Still, he's "been working out hard" and playing pickup ball with local college guys in suburban Phoenix, where Rider now makes his home, Lee said. Minneapolis Star Tribune

The New Jersey Nets are considering inviting Rider to preseason camp, Lee said, even though that team said it doesn't see Rider competing for a roster spot. And what about the Timberwolves? "He'd go in a heartbeat," Lee said. "He's humbled now ... he's matured." Minneapolis Star Tribune

NBA veteran Isaiah Rider might be trying to return to the league, but it won’t happen with the Nets. New Jersey has no interest whatsoever in inviting the notorious Rider to training camp, a Nets executive told HoopsHype.com. Rider’s agent John Lee had told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune otherwise on Thursday. Twitter.com

But Allen Iverson — all 6 feet, 180 pounds of him — did so with one question. The 34-year-old, 13-year NBA veteran simply asked Heisley if he really wanted to win. "I was talking about winning more games. He was talking about the playoffs and he doesn't want to just make the playoffs," Heisley said. "I was embarrassed. ... If anybody says I'm just trying to increase attendance, they're full of it." Memphis Commercial Appeal

"People said if you've got a chance to get good players, would you? Well, we've got Zach Randolph and Allen Iverson," Heisley said. "I didn't give up one rookie. My guys will play. But Allen is the perfect guy to help these young guys know what it means to win. "He's a fantastic player. He's going to be a big addition. He's going to help us be a team to be reckoned with. It's going to bring real excitement to Memphis. I can't think of one negative." Memphis Commercial Appeal

How are you all gonna get your shots in Memphis? Allen Iverson: “It’s not about shots, it’s about winning. I’ve had four scoring titles, and been to All-Star games, and MVPs, I’ve done all those things, only thing missing from my resume is a championship. And, that’s the only thing I’m trying to accomplish. For me to be trying to win a scoring title right now would be crazy. The only thing that’s gonna solidify me as one of the top players in this league is to win a championship.” Sports Radio Interviews

What do you expect to accomplish in Memphis? Allen Iverson: “I expect to win and that’s gonna be the best part of this ending of my career, hopefully, and this will be the end right here in Memphis, that I can come in and contribute and turn this team in to a winner. And, I’m not just saying playoffs, and I know people will be thinking I’m crazy for feeling like I can win a championship with this team, but in my heart, I do. If I didn’t feel that way, I would be cheating them, I’d be cheating the fans, I’d be cheating the organization.” Sports Radio Interviews

Chris Herrington: On his role: Everybody wants to start. I've been starting since I was 8 years old. I'm accustomed to that. But mainly I just want to lead. Twitter.com

Gay was stunned by the signing because of how long it took to come about. The Griz have pursued Iverson since July. "I didn't think it would happen," Gay said. "Now we just have to think about how we can get better. I'm thinking whatever AI can do to make us better he's going to do." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Lionel Hollins’ coaching style is best defined as “keep-it-real.” If he has a problem with you, he lets you know it. The Memphis Grizzlies coach hopes that approach serves him well as he faces the biggest challenge of his career. Somehow, Hollins must blend Allen Iverson’s domineering game and personality with his young, impressionable Grizzlies – without curbing the team’s development. Hollins met with Iverson in Atlanta this week, along with Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley and general manager Chris Wallace. He made it clear to Iverson that communication will be essential to a good relationship. “I told him to talk to me anytime,” Hollins told Yahoo! Sports. “He might not like what I have to say. I might not like what he has to say. But we will talk.” Yahoo! Sports

Hollins has heard a lot of the stories, but says he’s focusing only on the here and now. Iverson is 34, in the twilight of his career, and the struggling Grizzlies were the only team willing to extend him a legitimate offer. During their meeting in Atlanta, Hollins said Iverson seemed both humbled and mature. With a big free-agent class looming next year and his career in flux, Iverson needs a successful season – with no drama – to have any hope of landing one final good contract. “You have to give him a clean slate in part because I wasn’t there, wasn’t in the confrontations,” Hollins said. “I only read what I read. How much is fact? How much is fiction? The observation is a matter of opinion. Yahoo! Sports

In fact, according to the WorldWideLeader's most plugged-in NBA fact hound, Marc Stein, the contract pays Sessions $3.6M this season and costs just $3.9M against the critical 2010-11 budget. Yes, Donnie Walsh said those kind of numbers were very tempting. In fact, he told me the other day that he did come close to talking himself into doing something that would have impacted 2010. "Probably for a night, yeah," he said. "But then I thought it out, looked at my numbers and thought, 'No, I don't think we should do this because I don't think this will help us as much as I'd like. It might this year, but in the long run it may not help us as much." Newsday

Sessions' agent, Jim "Chubby" Wells, initially tried to push the full mid-level exception, but as we maintained here, there was never any real truth to the rumors that the Clippers hadthe MLE -- or anything close -- on the table. Wells was amenable to working with the Knicks on a decrease for 2010-11 to lessen the cap hit, but it wouldn't have made that much of a difference. So Walsh made it clear to Wells in August that he could only make an offer if he was able to move another salary off the payroll. Sessions' side kept hoping the Knicks would reconsider, especially because of the opportunity that playing in New York -- and in Mike D'Antoni's system. But it became something that only stayed alive in the media. Yours truly is as much to blame as anyone. "I wasn't really in it," Walsh said. "I think they [Session's side] wanted me to be in it, but that was always a long-term deal and even if things could be adjusted, it was probably too much for us. It was close." Newsday

The lead negotiator and spokesman for NBA referees announced Thursday that the referees expect to be locked out when exhibition play starts Oct. 1 after contract negotiations with the league broke down this week. Lamell McMorris, in a press release, also asserts that the NBA has begun to contact replacement referees to work in the preseason and perhaps the early part of the regular season. NBA lead negotiator Rick Buchanan, in response, said Thursday that talks collapsed because the referees' union changed its mind after agreeing to accept the league's proposals on retirement benefits. Buchanan added that "all the union has offered to us is minimal concessions that are neither consistent with economic reality nor with the information it is currently distributing to the media." ESPN.com

"We understand that everyone in the country is facing tough times, but the NBA is continuing to make money, sign large marketing and television contracts and expand their business internationally," McMorris said. "We have attempted to negotiate in good faith and give substantial cuts to get the referees back to work." ESPN.com

Despite the fact that he's credited for assembling the Bulls' championship teams and bringing Chicago's most iconic athlete to town, Jerry Krause won't be attending Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "I don't have a great desire to be there," the former Bulls GM told the Boston Globe. Chicago Sun-Times

Barring an unexpected 11th-hour move by Milwaukee, guard Ramon Sessions soon will be a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Sessions, a restricted free agent, last Friday signed a four-year, $16-million offer sheet with the Timberwolves that the Bucks have until the close of the business day Friday to match. Sessions' agent, James "Chubby'' Wells, doesn't believe they will. "We don't think they're going to match,'' Wells told FanHouse on Wednesday. "That would put them in luxury-tax territory. I feel pretty confident that they're not going to match." FanHouse.com

While Hammond said no final decision has been on Sessions, he did say the Bucks do not plan to exceed the luxury-tax threshold of $69.92 million this season, meaning they would need to make a deal to shed salary in order to match the offer sheet. "That's been our stance since July 1. We've made a couple of moves to avoid going into the tax, and we're not going to consider that,'' Hammond said in an interview with FanHouse about not matching the offer on Sessions if the Bucks can't be sure they would remain under the tax line. But Hammond didn't rule out the Bucks swinging a late deal to shed additional dollars. "We're going to explore all our options until Friday,'' Hammond said. "We've had discussions with other teams about scenarios.'' FanHouse.com

Jerry Zgoda: Timberwolves' acquisition of Antonio Daniels does NOT mean the Bucks are matching Ramon Sessions' offer sheet. Twitter.com

With three weeks before the start of training camp, don't be lulled into thinking the New Orleans Hornets' roster is a finished product. Wednesday's trade of backup point guard Antonio Daniels and a 2014 second-round draft choice to the Minnesota Timberwolves for power forward Darius Songaila and point guard Bobby Brown is the latest move in a summer re-shuffling by New Orleans. New Orleans Times-Picayune

And General Manager Jeff Bower said he still may not be done dealing. "There are still things to be looking at, and we still continue to look for ways to help us as a team," Bower said Wednesday evening, admitting the Hornets could make more roster moves before re-convening for the start of the season. "I don't think we're going to reach a point where we sit back and say 'we're done.' "I think we'll constantly be looking for situations to help us with flexibility with our roster, and trying to get better. I think this did that. We're excited about the players we have coming, both with the ability to help our front court and give us depth in the backcourt." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Dwyane Wade confirmed to Sporting News that he would not be signing a contract extension this summer with Miami. "It's just a matter of keeping my options open," Wade said before his Wade’s World Weekend charity event in Chicago. "I could sign it now, I could sign something next summer. To me, I want to see how the season goes before I make those kinds of decisions." Wade's assertion is not a surprise, and he also made clear that by not signing an extension now, Heat fans should not immediately jump to the conclusion that he is leaving town. "It doesn't mean anything," he said. "It only means that I will make that decision next summer instead of this summer." SportingNews

Addressing the extension offer the Miami Heat has on the table to star guard Dwyane Wade, agent Henry Thomas stressed Wednesday that it remains something his client can reconsider at any point before otherwise opting for free-agency next summer. "As long as the extension offer is there," Thomas said, "he can accept it at any time." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Thomas stressed that his client would remain open-minded should the Heat move to satisfy Wade's desire for an upgraded roster by the mid-February trading deadline. "It is something," Thomas said, "he will continue to evaluate." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Although free-agent guard Rashard McCants has said he has a standing camp invitation from the Heat, the team has merely offered the former North Carolina standout the opportunity to work out with other prospects seeking invitations in advance of the Sept. 28 start of camp. McCants has already worked out for the Nuggets and has a workout scheduled with the Bobcats. He finished last season with the Kings. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The Mavericks are waiting for James Singleton, and the 6-8 forward's agent says there is a good chance their patience will be rewarded. But that doesn't mean a decision is coming this week, or even next week. Singleton's situation is that the Mavericks have given him a qualifying offer worth $175,000 more than the league minimum for a fourth-year player ($884,000). That means he can make a little more money coming back to the Mavericks and facing a crowded roster at his spot or perhaps take less money with a team that could assure more playing time. That also would require Singleton to learn a new coach and system. "It's been a slow and unusual market, especially for restricted free agents," agent Buddy Baker said. "In James' case, you have to consider the economy, the term of the deal, the team and what role he'll play. Dallas Morning News

"But James is certainly very fond of Dallas. The Mavericks have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. But James is familiar with their system and is very close with Coach Carlisle. All things being equal, he's very, very fond of the Mavericks." That sounds like Singleton still could end up being the 17th player in camp Sept. 28 with a guaranteed contract. Only 15 are permitted on the final roster, and owner Mark Cuban has said carrying 14 or 13 is a possibility. Dallas Morning News

With a little more than two weeks, though, before the start of training camp, Collins' future with the Jazz is uncertain. The free-agent center wrote in an e-mail that he hoped Utah "remains in the picture, but I just don't know yet." In the meantime, Collins is exploring options elsewhere. He's in Cleveland this week working out and playing with the Cavaliers and is planning to do the same next week in Portland with the Trail Blazers. Salt Lake Tribune

Free agent forward Rob Kurz, who has been in possession of a training camp invitation for more than a month and was in town Wednesday, may not end up being that man at all. According to a league source, Kurz is now considering bypassing the Cavs' training camp for the Denver Nuggets. Kurz is a 6-9 combo forward who is a shooting specialist. He averaged 3.9 points in 40 games as a rookie for the Golden State Warriors last season and shot 40 percent from 3-point range. Cleveland Plain Dealer

If Kurz doesn't end up signing, it could boost the long-term chances of Cleveland native Jawad Williams, who is also a stretch combo forward and on a nonguaranteed contract this season. He played well in summer league, shooting 50 percent from 3-point range and leading the team by averaging 14 points a game. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Niagara Falls native Paul Harris has been invited to compete for a roster spot at the Utah Jazz training camp later this month, according to former coach Sal Constantino. Constantino, who was an assistant coach when Harris played for Niagara Falls High School four years ago and kept in touch with Harris throughout his career at Syracuse, said Harris informed him of the offer on Tuesday. Harris could not be reached for comment Wednesday, and it’s uncertain whether any other NBA teams are interested in bringing him to training camp. Niagara Gazette

With Matt Harpring's status unknown for next season, the Utah Jazz have invited at least two swingmen to participate in their fall camp. And one of them might have a built-in fan club in Utah. Syracuse's Paul Harris and Marquette's Wesley Matthews will attend Jazz camp in a couple of weeks, according to the Buffalo News. Deseret News

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At age 34, Iverson clearly would have preferred a multiyear deal with a contending team. But he found few suitors in a depressed free-agent market, which is why it took until September to get a deal done. Training camps open in less than three weeks. “I think the process and the waiting has been difficult for him and his family,” said Leon Rose, Iverson’s agent. “I think he’s relieved that it’s over and excited about the opportunity to go play for Memphis.” New York Times

There is one stat attributed to Iverson that quite honestly cost him an opportunity to sign with a contending team and most likely will cause head coach Lionel Hollins some migraines during the course of this upcoming season… That statistic is under the minutes column. Iverson has averaged an insane 41 minutes a game through his career. He has only averaged less than 40 minutes per game twice. Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest ever, averaged over 40 minutes only three times and that was early in his career. This stat is mindboggling. Iverson has probably run the longest distance of any NBA player over the last 13 seasons. Now I assume readers are wondering, why this stat is the cause of Iverson not getting a better opportunity? Well, I can pretty much surmise that if we polled every coach that Iverson has played for, they would say they’d rather have played AI 35 to 37 minutes instead of 41. HoopsHype.com

Playing a role is foreign to Iverson. He has always taken all the shots and secured almost every minute at his position. Contending teams like Boston, Orlando, Cleveland, Lakers, Spurs and Dallas could all use a player the caliber of Iverson in a 20-minute-take-plenty-of-shots role. That way they could control his off nights by just sitting him down. What scared most of these top teams is that Iverson would pout and become a serious problem on and off the floor if they sat him for a prolonged period during game. Iverson should use this year to prove to all the contenders that he will be willing to back up OJ Mayo and Mike Conley. That he would be willing to mentor and show leadership and become a top sixth man candidate if given the chance next year in his 15th season. HoopsHype.com

It takes a lot to embarrass Michael Heisley — the Grizzlies' brash, billionaire owner with the booming voice. But Allen Iverson — all 6 feet, 180 pounds of him — did so with one question. The 34-year-old, 13-year NBA veteran simply asked Heisley if he really wanted to win. "I was talking about winning more games. He was talking about the playoffs and he doesn't want to just make the playoffs," Heisley said. "I was embarrassed. ... If anybody says I'm just trying to increase attendance, they're full of it." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Heisley called signing the 10-time All Star a no-brainer for a team that has struggled miserably at the box office and in the standings over the past three seasons. "People said if you've got a chance to get good players, would you? Well, we've got Zach Randolph and Allen Iverson," Heisley said. "I didn't give up one rookie. My guys will play. But Allen is the perfect guy to help these young guys know what it means to win. "He's a fantastic player. He's going to be a big addition. He's going to help us be a team to be reckoned with. It's going to bring real excitement to Memphis. I can't think of one negative." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Iverson playing in Memphis beyond this season isn't the Grizzlies' main concern. But the short-term view presents a clear picture. Iverson has long been a popular player in Memphis, drawing very well during his visits. "I hope Memphis likes him," Heisley said. "I really hope they respond to him. I think he's going to be outstanding." Iverson seemed on-board with the Grizzlies latest plans given his latest Twitter entry: "I feel they are committed to developing a winner and I know I can help them accomplish that. I feel that I can trust them." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Reserve guard C.J. Watson was in Oakland on Wednesday to sign the Warriors' one-year qualifying offer for a little more than $1 million, a deal he selected over a three-year contract worth $5.4 million. "I realize it's a gamble," Watson said. "I took a chance and I have confidence in my abilities. Everybody knows that coach (Don) Nelson plays with different lineups and can put anybody out there at any time. I think I'll have chances to go out there and perform." San Francisco Chronicle

"I have big goals and aspirations," Watson said. "Some might say they are far-fetched, but I believe I can play. ... I think I can do better than I did last year with the minutes I'm going to see. "... It wasn't easy to turn down the Warriors' deal, but it's the route I have chosen. I can't second-guess myself." San Francisco Chronicle

Jonny Flynn: ok so i get to minnesota, and soon as im unloading my bags out the car, a bird drops a present on my shoulder...i hope this isn't a sign. Twitter.com

Ian Mahinmi, the star-crossed Spurs center, sat out his second consecutive game for France while nursing a left hip contusion. He suffered the injury during a four-minute stint in Monday's victory over Germany. He did not play in Tuesday's win over Latvia. He has been cleared to resume playing for France and is considered day-to-day for EuroBasket. San Antonio Express-News

The Blazers have texted over the following update on Blazers rookie Jeff Pendergraph, who recently injured his hip... Jeff Pendergraph underwent successful surgery today to repair left hip impingement. He is expected to be sidelined 10-12 weeks. BlazersEdge

The Sixers staff, preparing for training camp, toured the new facilities at Saint Joseph's University earlier this week. "To see what they have from when I was a little kid to now, this is impressive," Ed Stefanski said . . . Stefanski has extended a camp invitation to Dionte Christmas, the former Temple star who was not selected in the June draft. Christmas played with the Sixers' entry in the Orlando summer league. Philadelphia Daily News

Gordon has been a prolific scorer off the bench throughout his career. He'll likely remain in that role with the Pistons, although more facets to Gordon's game are likely to be cultivated, such as creating offense for other teammates. "You don't want to pigeon-hole a player of Ben Gordon's ability," Kuester said. "Starting or not starting, he has a lot that he brings to the table. He wants to prove he's not one dimensional. He's still young. "We have a good group of young players that are looking forward to the challenge." Detroit News

Travelogue time: According to people in the know, the entire coaching staff’s in town now working out DeRozan, O’Bryant and Weems and the rest of the tam is due in “no later than next week” according to the fellow I talked to yesterday. Toronto Star

For a proud country accustomed to top-shelf results on the international stage (Argentina’s men’s basketball team took home Olympic gold in 2004 and bronze in 2008), the prospect of failing to qualify for the world championships was unthinkable; short-handed or otherwise. And yet, here they were, on the precipice of elimination with their best player, upon whose shoulders so much responsibility rested, doing everything in his power to combat the doubt which threatened to derail his team for good. “Everything was dark, everything seemed to be in really bad shape,” recalls Scola from his home in Buenos Aires. “We were no longer fighting for a spot in the world championships; we were simply fighting for a spot in the second round, which was a very difficult situation for us. I’m not going to lie to you, I was kind of worried and nervous.” Rockets.com

Houston Rockets’ Director of Player Personnel Gersson Rosas witnessed Scola’s anxiety firsthand. In Puerto Rico to scout the tournament, Rosas kept in close contact with his hard-working forward and knew the long odds Argentina faced with a club lacking the big names which had graced its roster in years past. Yet he also understood the importance Scola placed on keeping his country among the international elite. “You could sense the responsibility in his voice,” says Rosas, “and the sense of urgency of, ‘It’s got to be me. This is my responsibility to do what I can to get this team to the world championships.’ We know him well and how much he cares and how much he values playing the game the right way and playing to win, but when it’s about your country it’s totally different. He bleeds Argentina and just to see how focused he was, it was amazing.” Rockets.com

“It meant a lot,” concedes Scola, making no effort mask his emotion. “It was huge. We struggled a little bit at the beginning and it looked a little bit dark when we lost a couple games, but I was so happy when we fought back and started winning games and made it a really great tournament overall. I have been blessed to win two Olympic medals, so of course those rank very high. But this one, in my heart, it’s close to that level because of the way the team was playing before the tournament and it was a very difficult situation for us, yet we rose above.” Rockets.com

Kentucky basketball's connection to LeBron James grew tighter Wednesday with the news that one of the NBA superstar's high school teammates had joined the UK coaching staff. Spokesman DeWayne Peevy confirmed a FoxSports.com report that UK hired Brandon Weems, who played with James at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. Weems became a graduate student manager for UK, Peevy said. According to Jeff Young, who coached Weems at Walsh University, the player remains "extremely close" to James. Lexington Herald-Leader

Contract talks between the N.B.A. and its referees have collapsed amid acrimony and accusations of bad faith, increasing the odds that the league will hire replacement referees to start the preseason. Negotiators, including Commissioner David Stern, met Tuesday afternoon at the league’s Midtown Manhattan offices but left without a deal, and with bad feelings all around. Stern charged the referees union with reneging on key points. The union’s lead negotiator, Lamell McMorris, accused Stern of acting unprofessionally and disrespectfully. New York Times

McMorris sounded almost resigned to that outcome when asked what he was telling his members. “The message,” he said, “is that they should prepare to be locked out, and that we’ve done our part.” No additional talks are scheduled, and time is running out. The first preseason game is scheduled for Oct. 1, between Denver and Utah. Ideally, the parties would reach agreement by Sept. 20, when the league’s 57 referees are due to arrive in New Jersey for their annual training camp. New York Times

Stern confirmed that the N.B.A. wants to reduce the referee budget but said he was not asking the referees to take any reduction in salary. He declined to get into specific provisions, or address the figures that have been reported. “I think it is fair to say they have moved off their request for a 12 percent increase,” Stern said, with a hint of sarcasm. “They’ve moved off of that and we thought they were making progress.” New York Times

Haywood added that he believes that Jordan, now part owner and managing member of basketball operations for the Charlotte Bobcats, could still play today. "Honestly, he could outplay probably about 50 percent of the NBA right now," Haywood said. "Give him a month to get in shape." Even at 46? "At 46, if you give Michael Jordan a month, two months to go over there with Tim Grover and get in shape, he could beat 50 percent of the league," Haywood said. "He wouldn't be at a LeBron James level, but he could compete because of his knowledge. He knew the game so well, as far as scouting reports and where he needed to get to on the court that he was always going to be effective. He couldn't jump quite as high, wasn't quite as fast and he still averaged 20 in the greatest league on earth because he was that talented." Washington Post

Yet had more-heralded teammates James Worthy or Sam Perkins been open against the Hoyas' 1-3-1 zone in New Orleans, Jordan probably never would have been passed the ball, much less attempted that shot. It's an early example of how the "team" mentality at North Carolina -- in this case, making the correct fundamental play to get the ball to the open man -- ultimately helped shape his individual game while teaching him what it takes to become a champion. Raleigh News & Observer

"John Stockton proved to be, right down to the last game, probably the most durable point guard in the history of the game for playing as long as he played at such an incredible level and with such great integrity," Miami Heat president and Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley said. Forever linked in basketball annals with Utah power forward Karl Malone, the phrase "Stockton and Malone" was synonymous with the "pick and roll" play, Malone setting a pick on Stockton's defender then rolling to the basket to receive the pass from the guard for the layup or dunk. The Republican

"I remember Stockton and Malone as probably one of the top five, if not the best two-man combination to ever play the game," Riley said. "To play with each other for so long, they were simply on the same page. "But John Stockton always came across to me when I coached against him as the guy you had to contain, not just in a physical standpoint, but you had to contain his mind," Riley said. "He was such a smart player, he'd just pick you apart and never change expression or emotion. He was such a class guy and a winner and you knew this was going to be the toughest competitor you ever played against. When he set a pick it was real, he had no fear and tremendous courage." The Republican

Putting team before honor, former Heat center and current team executive Alonzo Mourning will bypass tonight's Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony in Springfield, Mass., where he was to receive the Mannie Jackson Basketball's Human Spirit Award. Instead, Mourning will be in Chicago, where Heat guard Dwyane Wade is holding his charity weekend. The Heat will be represented at the two-day ceremonies by Riley, who was inducted last year. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Watching a ton of tennis the past two weeks, I truly enjoy watching the players carry their own bags around. Apparently, it's not just a rule. They showed Roger Federer arrive for his match tonight. He was carrying one of those bags the size of a Mini Cooper around the parking lot. I've seen NBA players have one assistant to carry their man purse and another to say, "It's European!" Houston Chronicle

“I’ve been working with my foundation for the last 10, 15 years. The last couple of years, we focus on people who suffered during the civil war. Serbia still has a lot of refugees that lost homes. We try to help them find homes," Divac told GMANews.TV in a one-on-one interview while promoting the NBA Asia Challenge event in Manila. Serbia has around 500,000 refugees from the 1990s Yugoslav wars and around 7,800 of those people still live in collective centers under poor conditions. “In ‘89 when I left my country to play basketball in the NBA it was a very beautiful country, there was peace. A few years later there was civil war and people suffered. So when I came back, I wanna be a part of something that helps them," said Divac, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and government adviser for humanitarian issues. GMANews.TV

Ray Allen's son had a birthday party today and they hired face painters. Hilarity ensued. CelticsBlog

Shawn Marion just bought a $5-million Dallas mansion and it's just down the street from George W. Bush! … Eddie Sefko’s sick of rumors. (Eddie, my man, it’s only September!) … The Buck Shot rumor mill keeps on grindin’ … Goodbye, Gerald Green. … Hello, Emmitt, A.I. and God … It’s your Thursday Morning Donuts! DallasBasketball.com

Former New Jersey Nets star Jayson Williams cried in the courtroom and insisted he was broke yesterday before he was ordered to pay his estranged wife the $200,000 he owed her. Williams, who made $87 million playing for the Nets, insisted he used the last of his money to pay the mortgages on his three homes in South Carolina. "I don't think I had $150,000, but it is gone," Williams said on the stand during a hearing in Manhattan Supreme Court. Newark Star-Ledger

Justice Laura Drager was not moved by Williams' words or by his tears. She ordered him to sell the houses, as well as his interest in a professional lacrosse team -- or else. "She was asking me to incarcerate her husband," Drager told Williams' lawyer. Newark Star-Ledger

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