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Monday, September 28

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Warriors media day got really entertaining once Stephen Jackson took his seat, playfully calling the throng of media “vultures.” If you thought he was going to back off his statements, you were wrong. Jackson stood by them, fairly emphatically, all but overtly questioning the Warriors decide to win. He cited the constant dismantling of the organization that upset Dallas as the primary reason for his discontent. He didn’t say he wanted out again because he didn’t want to get slapped with another $25,000 fine from the NBA. But he did say he sticks by his earlier comments, his relationship with President Bobby Rowell has changed, and he stands by his statements because “he wants to win.” Contra Costa Times

"Even though I made the statements that I made, I'm going to come in here and play like I didn't make them," Jackson said. "That's just me. I respect the game. I'm not going to lay down for anybody. I'm going to respect my coaches, respect my teammates and play basketball because I love the game. "But I want to win. I came into basketball as a winner, and I want to continue to win. I'm never going to settle for losing. I'm always going to be upset or pissed off until I start winning." San Francisco Chronicle

When it was suggested to Jackson that he appeared ungrateful less than a year after getting that extension, he said: "That's business. ... Who's going to turn down that money? I'm not stupid. I didn't go to college but I've got a lot of common sense. I'm not going to turn money down. "I'm 31 years old and the contract will be up when I'm 35. So that was a good position for me. I've got to look out for myself before anyone else does. It was the right decision for me and my family. I'm appreciative of that, but at the same time I've got to look out for myself because nobody else is going to." FanHouse.com

Have you talked to Jackson, understand his situation? -ELLIS: That’s Stephen Jackson’s situation. That’s not mine. That’s not for me to comment on or whatever… Let Stephen and the organization handle that part. Like I said, at the end of the day, when the ball is tipped off, I know that Stephen will be there to play basketball, whether he’s here or somewhere else. San Jose Mercury-News

"I've got to work for him," Jackson said, referring to Rowell. "I've got to respect him. At the same time there's no conversation that's going to be held without my agent being there. Those days are over. We're going to talk, my agent's going to be there and we're going to do it right. All that other stuff, just to have casual talks, I don't think that's necessary. Because I'm not going to be fake. None of that." FanHouse.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: Warriors president Robert Rowell on Jax: "I’d rather have people who speak their mind than people who don’t.” Yeah, sure he would. Twitter.com

Alan Hahn: Curry: "I hope they do get LeBron. I hope I'm still here to play with him. If not, this city deserves a player like that." Twitter.com

Can you imagine James telling the Knicks, after all the speculation and all the praying around Two Penn Plaza, thanks but no thanks? Douglas tried to think positive. "I don't know if I'll give him my number or not," he said. Here's a hint, rook: If LeBron decides he's coming to New York, you don't have a choice. James gets No. 23 and Douglas gets whatever the equipment man has left. "We'll see what happens," Douglas said. "But that's not until next season." New York Daily News

With Bosh planning to exercise an option to become a free agent at the end of the 2009-10 season, how he plays and how the team around him performs will determine if he has any long-term future in Toronto. It will be the elephant in the room between now and whenever the season ends. "I don't think it's a distraction, it's something that can be looked at maybe as a positive," said president and general manager Bryan Colangelo. "He's coming into a situation where he's got to perform and if he performs, this team's probably going to perform and that means we're going to have a helluva year and a number of things are going to go right and he's probably going to look at this as a good situation to be in. "If all the things that we've done addressing the areas of concern work out, then obviously it's going to play a factor. If we get off to slow start or there's a period of time in the year where we're struggling, that's going to be the first question that everybody asks and I can understand that." Toronto Star

"It's all about the feeling and being happy," said Bosh, who put on about 15-20 pounds over the summer, weighing it at somewhere near the 250 mark this year. "I want to see what happens at the end of 82 games and (if we) put ourselves in a position to make some noise. "You take a team like Orlando last year. No one expected them...to make the run that they did but they were playing for a championship when it was all said and done." Toronto Star

Ainge said Ray Allen’s expiring contract will not be addressed in the short-term. “We’ve had no discussions with Ray. We kind of have the whole year to discuss a contract with Ray, whereas there is (an option) deadline with Rondo on October 31st.” WickedLocal.com

Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge and guard Rajon Rondo will be talking contract sometime during the preseason. And on Monday, Rondo referred questions about his deal, which expires after this season, to agent Bill Duffy. "Ask my agent," Rondo said. "I don't really think about that (contract), I just try to focus on camp. If it's going to happen it's going to happen. If not, I'll play it out. I want to be wherever I'm wanted the next 10 years; if Danny wants me, I'll be here the next 10 years. I have sat down with Danny, but we didn't speak about contract, we talked about expectations for the season. I try to focus on -- trying to get a ring, got to get one this year. I don't think it will be on my mind, I won't alow it to affect me when I play. But, of course, everyone wants security and it would be great if I could sign now. Boston Globe

LaMarcus Aldridge on contract negotitions: "I didn't think it would take this long" and. "I can't say I'm happy about it." Twitter.com

As he opens the preseason, Brewer could be headed into a contract year. Or maybe not. The Jazz have until Oct. 31 to reach an agreement on an extension with Brewer, the last remaining member of their young core of players unsigned long term. "You don't know, but at the same time, you should approach the season the same way if it's a contract year or not," Brewer said. "You want to go in there and be able to contribute to the team night in and night out. "That's what I think I did last year, and that's what I try to plan on doing this year. If I get a contract, I mean, that's great. It's some stability for the future. But if not, I'm still going to go out there and play the same way, try to play as hard as I can every night." Salt Lake Tribune

If the Jazz and Brewer can't come to an agreement, Brewer would head into next summer as a restricted free agent. As of Monday, the Jazz had yet to start talks, according to Henry Thomas, Brewer's agent. "The ball's in their court," Thomas said. "The way the rules are, they can offer an extension." "That's something that we'll talk to his agent about, but I won't comment on negotiation," Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said. Salt Lake Tribune

The Sixers signed former No. 2 overall pick Stromile Swift to their roster in advance of tomorrow's start to training camp. The 6-10 Swift, the second overall pick by Vancouver in 2000, appeared in a total of 19 games last season for New Jersey and Phoenix. He played six games with the Nets last season before being waived in early March. Three days later, he signed with the Sun and remained on their roster for the rest of the season. Philadelphia Daily News

Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars announced the club’s training camp roster today. In a related move, he announced the signing of guard Chucky Atkins and forward Maceo Baston to contracts. Per team policy, terms of the contracts were not disclosed. Pistons.com

Sam Amick: Sounds like Melvin Ely will be signing his non-guaranteed deal today. I don't see him and Mason making the team, so should be interesting. Twitter.com

Jake Voskuhl hasn’t yet been given a Mavs roster spot. But as training camp is about to begin, he’s been given a very specific camp assignment: “They gave me a list of guys and said, ‘Please don’t hurt any of these guys in practice,’’ Voskuhl tells DallasBasketball.com. “It isn’t a mystery. You can figure out who they are.’’ DallasBasketball.com

The Minnesota Timberwolves today signed unrestricted free agents Alonzo Gee, Devin Green, Jason Hart, Jack McClinton, Jared Reiner and Mustafa Shakur, finalizing the training camp roster at 18 players. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

The Grizzlies announced that they have mutually agreed to allow guard Marko Jaric to not join the team for training camp and the preseason, and have provided permission for Jaric's agent to seek a roster spot with another team. "With the offseason additions of Allen Iverson, Marcus Williams and Sam Young, our backcourt has become crowded," Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace said. "Therefore, we have agreed with Marko Jaric and his representatives that he is permitted to seek out another situation that will provide him with a better opportunity to play. Marko is a proven NBA player and is deserving of such an opportunity." Memphis Commercial Appeal

According to marca.com, Cheikh Samb(2.16-C) is being tested by Real Madrid. The Senegalese center will be replacing the injured Darjus Lavrinovic(2.12-PF/C) and Tomas Van Der Spiegel(2.16-C) in the paint, if his tryouts are successful. The Hoop

Martin said Dallas Mavericks fans drove by his home in Arlington, Texas, at least six times this summer shouting insults. “Some people still think I’m a thug,” Martin said. “My house is the biggest house in the neighborhood. People drive by … saying stuff like, ‘Mark Cuban was right.’ Me and my partners will be sitting by my pool or barbequing and we’ll just laugh at it.” Yahoo! Sports

Cuban apologized to Martin’s mother in his blog, and it was thought that, given a summer to cool off, both sides would be eager to forgive and forget. For K-Mart, at least, that’s not the case. He’s still simmering over what Cuban said to his mother. “My mom wasn’t playing. She didn’t suit up,” Martin told Yahoo! Sports. “She was there to see her baby play like she is at every game. She didn’t do nothing to nobody but have me. So therefore, for you to approach my mom, you’re a coward. That’s who you are, a coward. A tuck-your-tail-between-your-legs coward.” Yahoo! Sports

Cuban chose not to respond to Martin’s latest salvo. “It’s over,” Cuban wrote in an email. “There is nothing to say.” There’s also clearly no love lost between Martin and some in the Mavericks organization, who are upset with him for continuing to curse at fans on his way out of the arena. Martin also remains angry for being labeled a thug. Yahoo! Sports

“I’ve never sold dope,” Martin said. “I’ve never been to jail. I’ve never been shot at. I’ve never been stabbed. I’ve never shot at nobody. I never got a DUI. Never got caught with a gun. None of that. I never broke into nobody’s house. I used to steal [food] as a kid to get by, Lunchables. I was hungry and I went through it. “But I’m not a thug. A thug shoots people, gets shot, goes to prison and does stuff like that. I’ve never done any of the above. So how am I a thug?” Yahoo! Sports

“My mouth is terrible when I’m on the court,” Martin said. “I don’t take no stuff from anybody. I wear my emotions on my sleeve. People look at that and they form their own opinion on what that is instead of looking back and really, really studying the situation. I’m judged more than anybody in this league. “Like I told the guys at the [Nuggets team] dinner, ‘Don’t listen to how I’m saying it. Listen to what I’m saying because I know what I’m talking about.’ Some people get intimidated by it.” Yahoo! Sports

Martin and the Nuggets don’t visit Dallas until March 29. Cuban had previously offered to let Martin’s mother and the families of other Nuggets players join him in a suite if the playoff series had returned to Dallas. He probably doesn’t need to bother making a similar offer for the March game. Martin said he wouldn’t accept it. “I don’t need your suite,” Martin said. “I can afford a suite and anything she wants. We don’t need your gifts or your handouts.” Yahoo! Sports

Then Monta came out. He was usually dismissive and, thus, boring until he was asked if he could see himself and rookie guard Stephen Curry sharing the backcourt. “I can’t.” Why not? “‘Cause I can’t.” But why not? Too small? “I just can’t. I can’t. Can’t win that way.” Contra Costa Times

Monta went on to say if coach Don Nelson - who has been saying all offseason he wants to play them together, is hoping to re-create the Ellis-Baron Davis tandem, it ain’t happening because, and I am summarizing here, Curry ain’t Baron. He doesn’t have Baron’s experience and size to make it a productive backcourt. Curry said he could see the two playing together, but it depends on the match-ups, intimathere’ve believes there are circumstances the pairing wouldn’t work. But Nellie said Friday that as of right now, four of the starters are set: Jax, Ellis, Randolph, Biedrins. That leaves two most-likely options: 1) start Curry in the backcourt with Monta; 2) start Azubuike and move Jax to SG, and let Curry back up Monta. Contra Costa Times

How important was it to you that Don Nelson and Larry Riley flew out to see you in the off-season? What was that about? -ELLIS: Really just… get on the same page. They wanted me to lead the team. Be one of the leaders. We had to air some stuff out that happened last year that should’ve been… We put all of it behind us. Everybody’s coming in positive, everybody’s got a great mindset. Everybody just wants to win. San Jose Mercury-News

Michael Lee: Fearing 4th surgery, Arenas contemplated retirement in January: "For about 3 hours, I said I’d rather retire b4 I go thru another surgery." Twitter.com

Gilbert Arenas decided that he didn't want to pay a hefty fine so he spoke with reporters. Arenas purposely tried to be subdued, surly and serious and sounded reluctant to speak at the beginning. He scowled, offered simple, short answers and mumbles. But he wound up talking for about 30 minutes, adding some jokes from time to time. The man can't help it. The biggest thing he had to say was that he was done being an entertainer. No more Agent Zero. No more hibachi. No more antics. No more blogging. And he says he has no plans to get on Twitter. Arenas said he is focused only on playing basketball and being more a leader for the team. I'll get into more of what he had to say in my story for tomorrow's newspaper. Washington Post

"I'm 27 now. I'm not the entertainer anymore," said Arenas, whose blog was once among the most entertaining NBA fixtures on the Internet. "I wouldn't be here today if there wasn't a big fine. I don't feel like speaking anymore. I just want to go out there and play. "If I'm not going to get fined, I don't think you're going to hear me again. I don't have a blog. I don't have a tweeter. When I was entertaining, all you guys focused on was my words. Now I'd rather you just focus on my basketball." ESPN.com

Even so, he said he doesn't regret trying to come back so quickly from the first two surgeries. "Regrets? I want to say I worked too hard, but at the end of the day I didn't get hurt again in the summer while I was working. I got hurt during the season," he said. "Now I'm smarter and know that I need to maintain the strength I put on in the summer during the season." ESPN.com

Brendan Haywood said he spent most of this summer in Charlotte, so he wasn't too connected to everything that went on in Washington. Haywood said he doesn't know if he'll be a better player than he was in 2007-08, before his wrist injury, but he worked extremely hard in the offseason to get better. He added that it will be a little different since he is starting training camp as the undisputed starter for the first time in a while. Haywood also said that failure this season is a first round exit. Washington Post

Mike Jones: Mike Miller shows up wearing LeBrons. Said he had no idea James is an unpopular figure with Wizards fans thanks to three playoff oustings. Twitter.com

Rasheed Wallace garnered all the attention at the Celtics practice facility this afternoon, but Marquis Daniels could prove to be an equally valuable offseason signing for the Celtics. Daniels came to Boston from Indiana as a free agent after the Celtics tried -- and failed -- to trade for him. The trade would have allowed Boston to pay him more than the $1.99 million biannual salary cap exception they eventually signed him to. "It was kind of a no-brainer, once I found out this was an option," said Daniels. "I wanted to come here and just be a part of it." Boston Globe

Rondo said he weighs about 186 pounds, about 11 pounds more than last season: "We didn't win it last year and we felt we should have won it, regardless if people got hurt, we should have got the job done, which we didn't," Rondo said. "And, we're even better this year, I believe. We've got to get our chemistry together and we've got to believe in each other throughout adversity and continue to stick together. Boston Globe

Jameer Nelson won't start a war of words with the Boston Celtics. The Magic's starting point guard was asked during Monday's team media day if he had any reaction to Paul Pierce's quote in a recent cbssports.com interview that the Celtics were "the team to beat" in the East. "Everybody has their own opinion," Nelson said. "We don't get into talking about what we have in the media. Everybody knows what we have. We have a good enough amount of talent in this room to win a championship." Orlando Sentinel

It was the NBA channel. Certain snapshots stick out. It shows the Los Angeles Lakers celebrating an NBA championship on Orlando's home court. It shows Lewis and his Orlando Magic teammates as frustrated witnesses to that celebration. It shows the champagne, the confetti and the parades that come with the championship perks. "It keeps the fire burning," Lewis said Monday afternoon. "Even though we got there it means nothing. It's a long road trying to get back." Orlando Sentinel

The quote of the day from Mavs Media Day, from Dirk Nowitzki regarding aging, dating and parenthood: “My sperm is getting slower,’’ he said, grinning. “(So) eventually, I’ve got to trust somebody.’’ DallasBasketball.com

Coach Gentry says that Amare Stoudemire will be announced as a forward, but he's really a center. Gentry says don't tell him that though. Twitter.com

Brian Windhorst: Delonte West declines to comment directly on arrest. He is in good spirits. Twitter.com

Marc J. Spears: Lengthy electrical outage putting damper on Cavs media day with Shaq still pending to talk. LeBron jokingly blamed Shaq. Twitter.com

Sam Amico: Lights go out at Cavs media day, but Shaq still provided light via "the moon." Yep, Shaq mooned a Cleveland TV crew for fun! Twitter.com

Marc Berman: Curry has lost weight but must lose grotesque Media Day beard. Curry already missed last 4 pre-camp workouts with hamstring and calf. Twitter.com

Curry said his current condition "is the best I've felt in a long time," though, as we told you over the weekend, he did tweak his hamstring in a scrimmage last week. Pre-emptive strike for tomorrow's first day of training camp? Perhaps. From what I hear, with all of the hard work he put in to lose 40 pounds and get himself in good shape, Curry hasn't done a great deal of full-court work this summer. Now with the hamstring issue, it might still be some time before we see Curry ready to go 100 percent. Newsday

"I'm relaxed, because I know I put a lot of work in this summer. "I know that I can just go out there and play" Oden said. "The pressure, I know it's going to be there. They're still gonna look at us being a playoff team. We're not looked at (as just a team), we're expected to make the playoffs and go further." Oregonian

Greg Oden issued one of the eye-opening statements during his 15-20 interview session. "I've put so much work in, I don't see why I can't be an All-Star," Oden. "This year, I've put the work in and I deserve this. I've worked really hard and I'm going to continue to work really hard. Things will just be better." Oregonian

Ben Golliver: Greg Oden on Kanye/Swift: "If I was 17 years old and somebody did that to me, I'd be in the back crying." Twitter.com

Ben Golliver: HUGE difference in Oden this year. 2008: "mumble mumble mumble" .... 2009: "mumble mumble chuckle." Twitter.com

Just finished speaking with Andre MIller. Even though coach Nate McMillan has said that Steve Blake will begin the season as the starting point guard, Miller is talking and acting like that declaration is not a done deal. "Nothing is set in stone," Miller said. "I'm not going to get caught up in the starting and all that type of stuff. My goal is to come in and be a player and don't say too much and find a way to fit into this system. That's what I've been doing my entire career." Oregonian

How do you evaluate your first NBA season? Nicolas Batum: It was good. I´m satisfied, regardless of any highs and lows. I´m happy about my playing time and starting 76 games. Best of all, I´m on a winning team. Collectively things are very good, too: 54 wins during the regular season, that was something unexpected at the start of the season for such a young team. After a full season I´m still amazed by this league. It’s still a dream. To play in the NBA is huge — terrific! I don´t regret having left France, I’m privileged. BasketUSA.com

How do you explain your quick success? Nicolas Batum: I work a lot — a ton. There´s no secret, you have to work. BasketUSA.com

Ross Siler: In other news, Kyle Korver appears to have gotten a tattoo this summer. Guess if you hang out with Deron Williams that much. Twitter.com

Chris Vernon: Iverson says "I want to be team captain. It is one of my goals. I want to do what nobody thinks I can do... lead." Twitter.com

When Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown sends a message, it's seldom ambiguous. Case in point: What he said Monday about the lacking effort Alexis Ajinca showed this summer in tryouts for the French national team: "I was going (to France) to drink the wine and eat the food. After watching him, nothing tastes good,'' Brown said of his second-year big man. "He showed no interest in making their team or playing hard. It was almost like he didn't think he had a chance to make the team, didn't understand why he was there. I looked at that as a wonderful opportunity. Boris (Diaw) approached it that way and played for 10 weeks'' over the summer. Charlotte Observer

Heat center Jermaine O'Neal won't be accompanied by his "best friend" when the team opens training camp Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena. Consider that a good thing. It turns out O'Neal's "best friend" is a portable ice machine. It was his constant companion for three years because O'Neal's injured left knee would swell so much and so often he needed a constant source of ice to treat the ailment. That shouldn't be the case this season, his 14th in the NBA. "I'm 100 percent (healthy)," O'Neal said at Monday's Media Day. "The knee isn't giving me any problems." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Beasley spoke about how Mourning, in his new front-office role, has been mentoring him, saying the former Heat center gives him books to read. Beasley acknowledged not being a fan of such assignments. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

At 10:05 Monday morning, Dwyane Wade told his 96,348 followers on Twitter that he was heading to work. "The first drive in to the beginning of the season," Wade wrote. That was fine with the Miami Heat. But there won't be any updates by "dwadeofficial" from work. Miami players can no longer participate in social networking while at the arena, home or away. Many Miami players are accomplished tweeters, often sending messages to each other at all hours of the day and night. But practice or game times, it's not allowed. ABC News

"We'll have strict rules on it," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Monday at the team's media day. "The NBA has put in strict rules about it. Social media, we will not accept that in our building during office hours. That's the way we'll look at it when we're coming to practice, to shootarounds and to games. We're coming to work and we're coming to get a job done. That's not time for social media." ABC News

Will the Griz impose any kind of social media restrictions given half of the roster is using Twitter? I asked general manager Chris Wallace this question and his response was "Not sure." But don't expect any strict guidelines. The NBA is about to release loose guidelines and whatever steps the Griz take will likely be to ensure team business stays off Twitter. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Celtics coach Doc Rivers today said Kevin Garnett has no medical restrictions and has been cleared to practice with the team when they open training camp tomorrow in Newport, R.I. "I think with Kevin and Perk and Tony [Allen] and all of them, we'll just get to camp and see how they go," said Rivers. "Right now there are no medical restrictions on any player, and that's good." Boston Globe

"That's going to be a pain in the butt," Rivers said of holding Garnett out. "Kevin likes to do it all and go 1,000 miles an hour. And that's a good quality. We want everybody in all our jobs to do that. And for me, it will all be in what I see. If I think he's handling it well, then it's not a big deal. If I don't think he's handling it well, then I'm going to ask him to slow down some." Boston Globe

"I think everything was pretty much straightforward with the procedures," said Garnett. "They took me through what was going to occur, post and prior to, and everything's been just like that. Everything's been right on schedule." Garnett was cleared to play 5-on-5 basketball last week. But while his rehab has been as expected, the extent of the injury was not. "No surprises, other than the severity of the injury," said Garnett. "I didn't know it was that bad." Boston Globe

Garnett was asked to clarify. "It was just what we thought it was, but it was more than that," said Garnett. "Put it like this: a bone spur the size of this tape recorder ended up being the size of this microphone...It's pretty severe, but the best thing about it is I got it out of the way. I'm almost 100 percent going forward. The best thing about it is I'm playing without any pain, which is something I haven't had in quite some time." Boston Globe

Chris Bosh was doing all the right things to get ready for the NBA season – working out in the gym and on the basketball court, eating right and living well and getting ready to hit training camp in full stride. Then he decided to do some sprinting. Bad idea. The Raptors power forward, entering what could be a watershed year in his still-young career, said he tweaked his left hamstring doing some simple sprints and the injury will sideline him for at least the first week of camp. "I know," he said ruefully Monday at the team's annual media day. "So much for trying to be good." Toronto Star

Dunleavy didn't do anything in practice during the portion the media was able to watch Saturday and he got treatment during the time we were in there Sunday. "The one thing I say to people is that I'm not out of the woods yet," he said during the team's media day Friday. "I still have a little bit of a ways to go." Indianapolis Star

Wilson Chandler pronounced himself 100 percent after arthroscopic surgery to remove bone chips in his right ankle in June, although that kept him from doing basketball activities until earlier this month. Bergen Record

Marc J. Spears: Cavs forward LeBron James says he still has not decided if he will play for USA during the 2010 World Championships next summer. Twitter.com

After reaching the Finals last season for the first time since 1995, the Orlando Magic have rewarded Coach Stan Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith with contract extensions, the Orlando Sentinel has learned. The team picked up the options of both Van Gundy and Smith for another year, extending Van Gundy through the 2010-11 season and Smith through 2011-2012. Orlando Sentinel

Magic forward Matt Barnes has played for seven different NBA teams in his seven years in the league, but he's never had a coach quite like Stan Van Gundy. "Stan texts us a lot," Barnes said at media day today. "Stan texts like a girl who just got her phone for the first time." Orlando Sentinel

Is former NBA big man Tree Rollins going to remain on the coaching staff? That doesn't look likely right now. Rollins arrived in September to tutor the Grizzlies' young centers, and will continue through training camp as a consultant without any promises. Rollins will remain for the regular season only if the front office can convince owner Michael Heisley that he's worth adding to an already large staff. Hollins already has five assistants (Johnny Davis, Henry Bibby, Dave Joerger, Barry Heckler and Damon Stoudamire) who make up an average to above-average size bench. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz yesterday broke his silence over the anticipated sale of the New Jersey Nets, claiming he’s not red-faced over billionaire Russian playboy Mikhail Prokhorov taking the lead in the team’s expected move to Brooklyn. "Brooklyn is the Russian capital of America, so Mr. Prokhorov will feel right at home here, and I have been assured he will put the interests of Brooklyn first when it comes to making [the planned] Barclays Center and its benefits to Brooklyn a reality," Markowitz told the Post. New York Post

This is the deal breaker for many teams in these financially trying times. The Lakers have estimated that training in their facility in El Segundo, Calif., will save about $500,000 from the cost of doing it all in Hawaii. Skipping even the less exotic destinations can keep some money in the team owners' pockets. Especially because so many of them have ponied up to build fancy new headquarters for the teams' day-in, day-out needs. "An organization looks at it and says, `We have used our money and resources for this facility. Why do you feel a need to go somewhere else?" said Milwaukee GM John Hammond, who worked with teams that trained in Palm Springs (Clippers) and Windsor, Ont. (Pistons) but whose Bucks will stay home in St. Francis, Wis. "The theory of why you go -- to get away, for team bonding -- it all makes sense. But from a cost-effectiveness, I see the owners' standpoint." NBA.com

Said Minnesota's Kahn: "If you're going to incur the costs of [building a great facility], you may want to realize the cost back by making sure you don't spend the money on training camp." NBA.com

The lead negotiator for the locked-out NBA referees removed himself from the talks Monday in hopes of resolving a dispute that threatens to have replacements on the floor this week. Lamell McMorris released a statement saying the negotiations with the NBA would be handled by general counsel Brian Lam and the executive board of the National Basketball Referees Association. McMorris said his departure was "in the best interest of the NBA Referees and the league." He did not comment beyond his statement. ESPN.com

Gary Washburn: Celtics' Rasheed Wallace said he expects more of the same form replacement refs, "Stupid star calls." Twitter.com

So we all know about the 17 banners the Celtics have won, commemorating their 17 NBA championships. But there's a mysterious, blank, 18th banner hanging just next to the 2008 World Champions banner at the Celtics practice facility. Celtics coach Doc Rivers was asked about the enigmatic tapestry. "I don't know where it came from," said Rivers. It has an obvious meaning, You can ask the players what it means...Red [Auerbach] did it." Boston Globe

One of the things I really admired about you is that you are a Christian athlete. How hard is it to be an outspoken Christian in the NBA? Did you ever get ridiculed by teammates or other players because of your faith? Andrew Declercq: The NBA is just like every other job or segment of society when it comes to being a Christian. It is always tough to talk about your faith with people who don't want to hear it. It is also tough to live it because you have to take that stand. And just like everyone else, christian pro athletes are human and make mistakes and fail and sin sometimes. I know I did. And that made it tough to share my faith and the understanding that, yes, I make mistakes, but I am forgiven by God because of Jesus sacrifice on the cross. ActiveRain.com

Claude Felton, the associate athletic director for communications at Georgia, said the university had only a handful of black athletes before Bassett. One of Bassett’s teammates, Ronnie Hogue, became the first black athlete to play a major sport at Georgia in 1970. The first time Bassett and the Bulldogs played Kentucky was a home game on Jan. 17, 1972. Georgia won that game, 85-73. Bassett had 27 points and 13 rebounds. After the game, the legendary Kentucky coach Adolph Rupp approached Bassett. “He said I didn’t belong in the Southeast Conference, and he said, ‘We’ll get you back when you come to Lexington,’ ” Bassett said. New York Times

Even if the Jazz fail to advance past the first round of the playoffs again this season, Deron Williams already knows he is looking ahead to a shorter summer in 2010. Williams said Sunday that he has committed to play for USA Basketball at next summer's FIBA world championships in Turkey and already has received a preliminary schedule leading up to the event. Salt Lake Tribune

Having played on the gold-medal winning "Redeem Team" at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Williams wasn't sure of how many of his teammates were similarly committed to return next summer. But Williams said the world championships were anything but an afterthought following the Olympics. "Not at all," Williams said. "We want to keep it going. You don't just get to be in the Olympics just because you're the U.S.A. You've got to go out there and earn your spot. So we have to qualify first, and hopefully we can do that next summer." Salt Lake Tribune

It's also a big season for Nowitzki because he has the option to opt out of the final year of his contract and join the free agent class of 2010. Team sources say that the Mavericks' intent is to sign Nowitzki to an extension before he ever hits the open market, but those talks might actually be put off until next summer because Nowitzki continues to suggest that he won't opt out and instead play out the 2010-11 season with Dallas at $21.5 million. Cuban likewise gives the impression that he expects Nowitzki to complete his current deal, telling ESPN.com: "I foresee not talking about [Nowitzki's contract situation] with the media at all during the year and we have all next summer to discuss." ESPN.com

Nowitzki described his relationship with Cuban as "stronger than ever" when his withdrawal from the national team was announced in August. He reiterated this week that he doesn't intend to give the opt-out issue deep consideration until after the playoffs. "I still haven't really thought about it that much," Nowitzki said. "I always said I wanted to finish my career in Dallas and nothing that happened the last two years has changed that. As far as I'm concerned, I'm thinking about playing this contract to the end and we'll go from there. We all know, in this business, things can change in a heartbeat. But as of now, I don't plan on opting out. I plan on finishing my career in Dallas." ESPN.com

In one of the last roster moves before training camps open, Jake Voskuhl has signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Dallas Mavericks. His chances of making the Mavs' roster would appear to be slim, since Dallas already has 16 players with guaranteed contracts even after the recent release of swingman Greg Buckner. ESPN.com

Amara Sy is about to sign a non-guaranteed deal with the Dallas Mavericks. BasketSession.com

Calathes has spoken with the Mavericks front office and made it clear he plans on fulfilling his deal with Panathinaikos. After that, he’s open to whatever options are present. “Whatever happens, happens,” he said. “Right now, I’m just focused on Panathinaikos.” GatorSports.com

Barring injury the 13-man roster seems settled, despite the additions of Dan Dickau and Carlos Powell as non-guarantee camp players. This camp still figures to be competitive regarding playing time. Arizona Republic

Will Ricky Rubio ever play here? David Kahn: I believe so. If he doesn't, it's because we've decided we've amply covered ourselves in the backcourt, and it wouldn't be the right fit. I just exchanged a couple of texts with him this week. I'm looking forward to the day when Ricky is in a Timberwolves uniform, and I believe that day will be two years from now. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Can he stay in Europe for three years and sidestep the rookie pay scale? David Kahn: Under the current deal he can. I've read all those accounts and what everybody fails to mention is there will be a new deal by then. I can't even hazard to guess what the rules will read like two years from now. I know this: Glen Taylor is on the labor committee, and I believe very strongly our rights with Ricky will not be impacted negatively through the labor process. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

The NBA will this week introduce what it considers "minimal" guidelines for players, coaches and team officials when using Twitter and other social networking sites, according to sources with knowledge of the policy. The primary restriction of the policy is expected to prevent various team representatives from tweeting during games, after the stir caused late last season when Detroit Pistons forward Charlie Villanueva, then with Milwaukee, tweeted from the Bucks' locker room during halftime. One source described the forthcoming policy as "very minimal" and "less stringent" than the guidelines announced earlier this month by the NFL, which now regards players, coaches and football operations personnel -- or any third party representing them -- to be in violation of league rules if they use social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook from 90 minutes before kickoff through the end of the standard post-game access period for media interviews. ESPN.com

Individual NBA teams, though, will have the right to impose their own standards that might be more strict, as seen with the NBA dress code where some teams in the past have mandated more formal apparel -- such as suits on team flights -- than league rules dictate. The source said that the NBA's new policy, furthermore, will treat social-networking commentary in the same manner as comments made in the traditional media, which means that anyone in the league can be fined or otherwise sanctioned for posts via Twitter, Facebook, etc., that are deemed over the line. ESPN.com

Asked if the Mavericks will impose their own Twitter restrictions on their players this season, Cuban said Sunday: "Not really. I will talk to the guys about never venting or talking about team business on Twitter. That's usually what creates problems. [But] Twitter is just another form of media. What you say on Twitter is like saying it on ESPN." Formal confirmation of the new policy is expected from the league office this week after teams are officially notified. The NBA Players Association has likewise said that it will withhold comment until details of the league's policy are announced. ESPN.com

Bobcats coach Larry Brown never saw the real Sean May in their one season together. He saw a 300-plus-pound Sean May, the one who spent 14 weeks on crutches after his Oct. 9, 2007, microfracture surgery and missed the 2007-08 season. He saw the reshaped Sean May, the one who weighed 261 pounds in January but played in just eight of the team's final 59 games. Ultimately, he saw May leave Charlotte, as the Bobcats declined his one-year qualifying offer for $3.7 million and didn't pursue him as an unrestricted free agent. "I feel bad because when I got the job and I looked at the film and I spoke to (Bobcats executive and part-owner) Michael (Jordan), we thought Sean was as good as any player we had," Brown said. Sacramento Bee

Brown disputes the notion that one pound was the difference in May's season. "I don't buy (May's recollection about) 261 when I told him to get to 260," Brown said. "I think I'm a little more reasonable than that ... I really attribute (May's weight struggles) to a kid coming off a serious knee injury. I think the time (this summer) that he has put in and the condition he's in, all good things are in front of him." Sacramento Bee

When training camp opened Saturday, coach Jerry Sloan made it known he had not yet decided if incumbent Carlos Boozer or backup Paul Millsap will start the 2009-10 NBA season at power forward for the Jazz. It was news to Boozer. "I feel like I'm the starter," the two-time NBA All-Star said Sunday, before the Jazz open their second day of two-a-days. "I think I've earned that. That's the only role I've been in my whole career." Deseret Morning News

"I think it's great to have competition," said Boozer, who during the offseason expressed eagerness to be traded to either Chicago or Miami. "You know, I think Paul is very good. I guess if we are competing, then we're competing for it. But I feel like I am the starter." Deseret Morning News

"You know, I can't control having knee surgery. I had to have it. I tried to avoid it, but I had to have it," added Boozer, who first sustained a quadriceps injury and later underwent arthroscopic knee surgery. "So if it affects me from that respect then that's (Sloan's) decision." Deseret Morning News

"If we're winning, and everybody gets out there and has a chance to help us win, I'm happy with that," said Boozer, who averaged 32.3 minutes last season and 34.5 in 2007-08. "I mean, if we win that's all that matters. Not to try to make people happy. But to win basketball games. So if we focus on that, and I have to take two less minutes a game, or whatever the case may be, I think I can make that sacrifice for the betterment of the group." Deseret Morning News

Asked about his level of expectations, Williams spoke simply of finishing as high in the Western Conference standings as possible, with the hopes of securing home-court advantage in a playoff series and making amends for last season. "It was just a bad year for us," Williams said of last season's 48-34 finish and first-round playoff elimination, "and hopefully we can shake that loose, come back, hopefully have an injury-free year, and do some damage." For all the attention paid to Carlos Boozer's return to Utah, assessing the Jazz's potential this season largely has been overlooked. Salt Lake Tribune

Added Kyle Korver: "Last year, we have the same team, everyone's picking us toward the top of the whole league. I think a lot of guys didn't have the years that they wanted to have. I think guys worked hard this summer. Hopefully, that'll show." Salt Lake Tribune

Sloan still is looking for the former Utah Valley University shooting guard to evolve into a true point guard, leading the fast break and directing the offense. But unless rookie Eric Maynor develops quickly, Price will have his chance again to fill the nightly 10 or 12 minutes when Williams rests, and Sloan will welcome a "Game 5" level of effort from him regularly. "Somewhere along the line, those guys make you play them," Sloan said. Salt Lake Tribune

While an unhappy Dalembert asked to be dealt prior to last February's deadline - team president Ed Stefanski was unable to get fair value in return - Jordan has had several long conversations with Dalembert and is optimistic that Dalembert will rebound and block shots, thereby making the Sixers better at the defensive end, and not get so annoyed when he's not a focal point on offense. "We had some real good discussions," Jordan said. "I know there have been ups and downs with his play, but it's a fresh start. He is committed (to being here), as far as what he tells me. What he tells everyone else, I don't know. I hold a man to his word." PhillyBurbs.com

Do the Suns really believe that Dragic can be their point guard of the future? There still are a lot of believers in Dragic in the franchise. They have invested a lot into him in money, time and effort. They certainly aren't going to back off him after one year, especially for a year that they originally didn't expect him to play. But the "point guard of the future" label doesn't come up much anymore. The interest in Stephen Curry showed that. Arizona Republic

Nate Robinson: The moHawk is officially cut off, iama grow it back during the year. Twitter.com

Is Jameer Nelson back to being his old self? "I feel good — normal now," he said. "I worked harder this summer than I did any summer ever because I had to. I wanted to get back to the level I was at. I didn't want to become just one of the guys." Nelson concedes that the little guy running around in the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers, making a surprise return just four months after major shoulder surgery, was an imposter. "I was nowhere near 100 percent," he said after a recent workout at RDV Sportsplex. "I'm not sure of where I was at. Because of who I am, I was really confident out there. I didn't play with any lack of confidence. It was just me knowing the reality of the situation, knowing I couldn't do certain things. "I had to tone things down a little bit." Orlando Sentinel

No one expected he'd come back until this training camp. And critics — some of them Magic fans — still wish he hadn't, claiming he disrupted the team's postseason charge. "It doesn't bother me at all. I know I'm a big part of this team — regardless of what people say about me coming back [for the Finals]," Nelson said. "They're going to say something. They want guys to play injured and when you play injured, they kill you. "So you're in a losing situation. I'm not concerned what people say about me. It's about wins and losses." Orlando Sentinel

"I'd do the same thing. I'm a basketball player; I'm not a cheerleader," he said. "I'm not one of those guys that wants to sit out. Some guys want to sit out and are just happy collecting a check. To me, it's about the passion ... and about winning. I felt I could help us win." Orlando Sentinel

The Rockets, however, will have to make their first coaching decision of the season on Monday. Daryl Morey and Rick Adelman will have to decide whether Tracy McGrady plays on Tuesday. That might seem a pretty easy choice. If he is healthy, he practices; if not, he doesn't. But as always with McGrady, it's not that simple. In a way maybe it should be that clear. Assuming McGrady is returning to Houston declaring himself ready to go - and all indications out of Chicago have been that he is determined to start on time - the decision then falls to Morey and Adelman. Houston Chronicle

It now appears Mike Dunleavy will not be ready to play by the Oct. 28 regular-sason opener in Atlanta. Both Dunleavy and Coach Jim O'Brien had expressed optimism as recently as Friday's media day the veteran guard/forward's rehab from major knee surgery had progressed to the point he would be able to participate in the early phases of training camp. But an MRI revealed what O'Brien described as a "Grade 2 strain" of a ligament behind Dunleavy's knee that likely will keep him off the court more than a month. NBA.com

Ross Siler: Korver went for an MRI, with results still pending. Not the best news for a team coming off an injury-ravaged 2008-09 season. Twitter.com

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Not only is Varejao sporting a new contract, he's also got his national hero status back. Healthy and with a new six-year, $48 million deal, he was able to play to Brazil in the FIBA Americas Championship in Puerto Rico. He played well, averaging 13.6 points and 8.4 rebounds, and the Brazilians won the gold medal and qualified for next summer's world championships. Team USA didn't take part. "It was a good summer for me, it was good to be able to play for Brazil again," Varejao said. "When I was at the airport in Sao Paulo on my way back, there were people who wanted to take their pictures with me now." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Kosta Koufos had no complaints about jet lag, even if he was playing for the Greek national team at the European championships in Poland this time last week. He spent not even a full day at home in Canton, Ohio, before arriving in Utah for the start of camp. Although he saw only limited action and battled stomach flu in the middle of the tournament, the 20-year-old Koufos came home with a bronze medal from his debut with the Greek national team. "It was a great experience," Koufos said. "I got a lot of games in. It's just a different type of basketball. There was good talent there, a lot of NBA talent playing in the European championships, and I was blessed and fortunate enough to be a part of it." Salt Lake Tribune

Four weeks of training camp will be invaluable for a young team that still has much room to improve. The Griz will also have a head coach working in the final year of his contract with no discussions about an extension. Griz owner Michael Heisley appeared a bit offended by the notion that Hollins is a lame-duck coach. "He's a friend," Heisley said. "We'll see how the season goes and I think it'll go well. Lionel did a fine job last season. But I'll address Lionel's future when the time comes. I'm not going to do that in the press." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Hollins said his contract status is like vehicle exhaust -- hot air. "It's not a thought for me. I think about the job I'm supposed to do," Hollins said. "The only thing that matters is me putting forth the effort and getting the results I expect to get. The business side of that doesn't come into play. "My being able to do the job won't be determined by (a contract) but by how much respect I garner from the group. Marc had another year on his contract. Did that keep him with the players' ear? Did it get him all that he wanted or needed to be successful? It's an easy term coach to throw out there. What makes me a lame-duck coach? If I do the job, I'll get another contract." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Hollins, who goes by the nickname "Train," sounds like the "Little Engine That Could" when he talks about those thoughts running through his mind during drive time. He thinks he can. "I've allowed myself at different times to imagine the possibilities," Hollins said. "Once we made the (big offseason) deals, whatever negatives have been out there have departed from my thought process. I think about how we can be a really good offensive team. I envision the ball really moving, us getting an open shot and the crowd goes wild. "I see us deflecting the ball on defense, creating a turnover and finding an open man down-court. It leads to an easy score and the crowd goes crazy. ... I can't spend time trying to address critics. My energy and focus is trying to get us to a point where we can be competitive every night." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Hollins told everyone, including Iverson, the lineup will be determined in training camp. Griz general manager Chris Wallace isn't tied in knots about the process and points to Hollins' ability to connect with players as his strong suit. "He's given us a real sense of stability with individuals and as a team unit," Wallace said. "Last year, Lionel did an excellent job and we're very optimistic that the ingredients are in place for him to do well this season." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Denver coach George Karl found that coaching Iverson was challenging, but he doesn't regret it. "It's enjoyable watching him," Karl said. "He does play with heart and spirit. His No. 1 asset is that he scores. How you fit that into your team is up to Lionel and training camp. I still think that A.I. has to accept one day that he has to come off the bench and be an explosive sixth man." Memphis Commercial Appeal

How is this team better than it was on May 22? David Kahn: We're more athletic. I believe our backcourt will be better. Al, Kevin (Love), Ryan (Gomes) and Corey to a lesser extent all are older. I believe we're better because we now have people who can play a running style. We still have Al, one of the best half-court players in the game today, but we have another dimension to attack teams. I think we can run now. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Al is entering his sixth NBA season and has only reached the playoffs his rookie year in Boston. Does he have the patience to wait another two, three years to win? Al Jefferson: I've thought about that a lot. I feel for the guy. If there's one guy who I wish we could accelerate this process for, it'd be Al. I've met with Al many times this summer and at least I want him to feel that it may not happen now, but this is it: We have a plan, and we're going to get there. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Is Steve Kerr fully committed to the job of GM? Think he wants to get back into TV? Kerr has worked very hard to learn the job. He came into the position with no leadership experience and no jobs with a franchise since he played. He obviously learned a lot from being around great coaches and franchises but he had to lean on David Griffin when it came to the GM role. He has thrown himself into the organization, attending many meetings and events that most GMs do not bother to support. He is a communicator with staff and players and throws himself into team issues for better (flying cross-country during the team low point last season) or worse (the infamous early-season, postgame questioning of D'Antoni that led to their falling out). Nobody who hasn't been a GM has any idea how much goes into the gig. From that perspective, there probably isn't a day that he doesn't think about how good he had it with TNT. Arizona Republic

All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal, the big man Cleveland is counting on to deliver this championship-starved city a title, was welcomed to town Sunday with a star-studded celebration that included sports celebrities and average Joes looking to rub elbows with them. O'Neal, 37, was acquired by the Cavaliers in June, shortly after the team was eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the Eastern Conference playoffs. The Cavs, who open camp today, believe he is the missing piece to help league Most Valuable Player LeBron James win his first title — and Cleveland's first since 1964. Akron Beacon Journal

Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian have tied the knot. The Los Angeles Lakers forward and the reality TV starlet were married Sunday at a private residence in Beverly Hills. The bride was walked down the aisle by her stepfather, Bruce Jenner. ESPN.com

In a phone interview shortly before he flew back to Dallas, Nowitzki confessed to ESPN.com that he thought it was "going to be a tough summer" following the arrest of his ex-fiancee at his home in May during the Dallas Mavericks' second-round playoff series and the subsequent claims by Crista Taylor -- which have since proven to be unfounded -- that she was carrying Nowitzki's child. "But I think everybody who's seen me recently knows I'm doing fine and knows that I had a pretty decent summer," Nowitzki told ESPN.com. "I did some fun things, did a little traveling. It was not as bad as I thought. And I'm actually excited about camp, which the last 10-11 years I haven't been because I always played [for Germany] in the summer. ESPN.com

"When it all first happened during the playoffs, I thought I would really be thinking about it all the time, all day, every day. But I came home [in late May] and took a great vacation [to Crete, Greece] with my family. In tough times, I think my family has always been there for me and they were again this year. They took my mind off all this stuff. I got to enjoy [sister Silke's two] kids and I was already doing a lot better after that. It just got better and better and got to the point where I didn't even think about [the situation] for long periods of time." ESPN.com

Nowitzki was on a league-sponsored Basketball Without Borders trip in South Africa in September with fellow stars Dwight Howard and Chris Bosh and a few other players when he found out that a pregnancy test given to Taylor -- which had been sought by Nowitzki's legal team through a court order -- had been confirmed as negative. "A little weight came off the shoulders," Nowitzki said. "I was [mostly] worried about that because the situation for the kid wouldn't have been the best, so it's the best situation now that she's not pregnant. "But if she would have been pregnant, I think I would have managed, too. I'm 31 years old. I would have taken the responsibility and I would have handled it." ESPN.com

Asked how he reacted to the news in August that Taylor received a five-year prison sentence for violating terms of her probation in Missouri from a decade-old forgery and felony theft case, Nowitzki said: "It is what it is. Those are things she did way before I ever knew her. ... For me, it's over. I'm ready to move on." ESPN.com

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