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Monday, October 5

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For weeks there has been speculation that Milwaukee would explore moving Michael this season, especially after he proved he was healthy and could return to the form that earned him his $17 million salary this season. Redd has one more "player option" year next season and will be a free agent in 2011 if he stays in his current deal. Sources this weekend said that suggestions of Michael's demise in Milwaukee are way off base, saying that Redd is almost untouchable in the eyes of the GM John Hammond and head coach Scott Skiles. HoopsWorld

The sources said that while no one is ever truly untradeable, there is no interest inside the team in moving Redd now or in the immediate future. The belief is now that Richard Jefferson is in San Antonio Redd is their anchor offensively and with his contract coming off the books soon, unless someone really blew them away with an offer that guaranteed the playoffs Redd would likely finish the season in Milwaukee. Things are always fluid in the NBA, but moving Redd further down the wish list seems like a smart play. HoopsWorld

Only two weeks after returning to Utah, Boozer has tried to move on from his July 14 interview with the Bulls' flagship radio station in which he welcomed the prospect of a trade, lauded Derrick Rose and even talked about helping recruit Dwyane Wade to Chicago. "That's over, though," Boozer said. "That's summertime. Stuff happens like that in the summer. Everybody's moved forward. Everybody's on the same team they were on except for guys that did get moved this summer. "For me, I'm happy to be part of my team and looking forward to getting going." Salt Lake Tribune

Not only did he call the Bulls a "great organization," Boozer praised Rose as "maybe the most athletic guard I've seen at the point guard position." For his part, Rose said he was "very surprised" that Boozer wasn't traded to Chicago. "It would have been great," Rose said. "Boozer, he's a great guy, a great veteran. He would have helped the team out a lot. So if he would have came on to this team, we would have liked him as a player." Salt Lake Tribune

How much interest the Bulls had in Boozer remains in question. Chicago general manager Gar Forman said he "read something about [Boozer's interview] a couple days afterwards, but I didn't really have any thoughts about it one way or the other." Forman added that while he had trade talks with every team in the league, he was inclined to bring back the same team that gave Boston everything it could handle in losing a seven-game first-round playoff series. "We like the team that we have," Forman said, "and really this summer we had a lot of opportunities to change our roster if we wanted to and we wanted to let this roster continue to grow together." Salt Lake Tribune

Chris Colston: Dwight Howard, on 2010 FA class: “If things don’t go right for their teams this season, a lot of guys will b looking at making moves.” Twitter.com

The bad economic climate has hurt a lot of players this offseason. Many marquee free agents have had to settle for low contracts and some others have been directly left outside in the cold with training camps already under way. The most storied of them all, with Stephon Marbury’s permission, would be two-time All-Star Jerry Stackhouse, who spent most of his last season in Dallas riding the bench and now finds himself without a team in October. Needless to say, Stackhouse is none too happy about it. “I didn’t expect it to go like this, but with this game you never know,” Stackhouse said. “I had a foot injury last season, couldn’t play in many games and now I’m in this situation. This past summer I have been working hard, working out in Atlanta, playing in some summer leagues and getting myself healthy and ready for the season. I’m disappointed because I think I can help a lot of teams.” HoopsHype.com

While Stackhouse worked out with the Hawks late in the summer – to rave reviews from beat writer Sekou Smith – Atlanta was never a very serious option for him. There was some contact with Houston, according to Stackhouse, but the Tar Heel is mostly looking to join a contender, which obviously the Rockets are not at this point. “That’s my final goal. I’m trying to catch on with a team that’s close to winning a championship. I think after all my years in Dallas I have proved that I can accept a role and still help a team.” HoopsHype.com

Another potential career choice could be singing. With Walter McCarty no longer around, the deep-voiced Stackouse is widely regarded as the best singer in the NBA. He doesn’t rule out the possibility of recording an album. “Singing? That’s another career opportunity for me right there!” Stackhouse said tongue in cheek. “It’s something I like to do in my off time. And you know, I’ve sung the national anthem on games a couple of times and people would tell me, ‘You should do an album, you should do an album’ … And I may do it. But right now I have a other options first. I want to keep playing. I have something left in the tank.” HoopsHype.com

The 76ers announced this morning that they have waived Rashad Jones-Jennings. The team had signed Jones-Jennings, a 6-foot-8 power forward, as a free agent last week during the middle of training camp. Philadelphia Inquirer

For a lot of fans, the unfiltered access is awesome; a way to truly see into the lives of one of their favorite players. But the direct contact might not be all it's cracked up to be -- especially in the case of one blogger, who unintentionally found himself on the wrong side of Artest's outgoing personality. TrueHoop has been on the case since last week: basically, The Second Coming blog posted an open letter to Artest, asking him to not screw things up for the Lakers this season. (It was far more intricate, of course, but that was the gist.) The person who wrote it, Kyle Slavin, dropped a friendly line to Artest, letting him know about the piece. Artest's quick, direct, and not-so-friendly response? No law when it comes to me. I let you type critics write and I just keep it hood. That will never change. I am not kissing no ones ass because I'm in LA. Suck a c***. FanHouse

LeBron James called Browns receiver Braylon Edwards "childish" for allegedly punching James' friend early Monday morning outside of a Cleveland night club. James said Edwards punched Edward Givens, a friend of James' and a promoter with a Cleveland marketing firm who was working outside the club around 2:30 a.m. ET. "I've never crossed paths with Braylon before, but it seems like there's a little jealousy going on with Braylon and me and my friends. I have no idea why," James said. "I've never said anything to Braylon at all. But for him to do that is very childish. My friend is 130 pounds. Seriously. It's like hitting one of my kids. It doesn't make sense." ESPN.com

Browns coach Eric Mangini said he has spoken with Braylon Edwards about the alleged fight. The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that a 28-year-old man accused Edwards of punching him in the face following an argument. The man said Edwards hit him with a closed fist. He said he suffered a black eye and cut and was treated at a hospital. ESPN.com

Shaq on the impact he can have on the Cavs: “I think I can help LeBron get a little bit better. I know that I’m going help guys like Anderson Varejao and all the shooters get better. I’m 37, I’m in good shape and I still think I command a double team. I’ve always taken pride in hitting the open guys and being a good passer, so hopefully guys will feed off LeBron and myself. The number one thing to winning a championship is the belief. I think now that the guys have the final piece that they’ve been missing, the belief is there. I remember my first seven or eight years where we could almost win, almost win, then when I got with the great Phil Jackson, he instilled the belief in us. Then I left there, went to Miami and the great Pat Riley instilled the belief in us. Belief is like the first part and now that I’m here, I think the guys really have that belief.” Sports Radio Interviews

On how good of a team the Cavs are: “We’re very good. We have all the pieces to win it all. It’s too early to tell right now. From my experience it’s been a goal to not really talk about it. You have to have all the factors in place, you have to have home-court advantage, everyone has to be healthy and you’ve got to have a little bit of luck. I will be the first to tell you even though I’ve got four championships, three of them luck was on our side. The Derek Fisher with 0.4, the Robert Horry in L.A against Sacramento with the shot at the top of the key and the Gary Payton in the Finals vs. Miami when he hit the baseline jumper. If you have all the factors in place and you have luck on your side anything is possible.” Sports Radio Interviews

It has always been one of basketball’s great enigmas: why AK47 is so unstoppable for his country but yet so hamstrung within Jerry Sloan’s system in Utah. Having played in Salt Lake City his entire NBA career, there must be a better home for his talents. Or so you’d think. “It’s not frustrating,” said Kirilenko. “It doesn’t matter who we get, that’s just who we got. You have to play with everybody. We have a great example. Russia doesn’t have anyone from the NBA except me but we won the European Championship. It was tough. It’s not like the Spanish team with five NBA guys or the French with the whole team. “But again, it’s one more example. If you build a team to win rather than around individuals, you’ll have a great chance to be successful. Same with the Jazz. We have a chance to win the championship. But it’s only words until we convert it.” Britball

Although he will be suspended for the first 10 games of the regular season, Orlando Magic power forward Rashard Lewis will start tonight when the club opens its eight-game preseason schedule against the Dallas Mavericks. Coach Stan Van Gundy said Lewis would play four of the first five games, although not necessarily start each one. Joining Lewis in the starting lineup against the Mavs will be shooting guard Vince Carter, point guard Jameer Nelson, center Dwight Howard, and small forward Mickael Pietrus. Orlando Sentinel

Miller has been wearing Adidas since he was a sophomore in high school but switched to Nike this summer. He's been urged by Deshawn Stevenson, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison to wear any pair but the ones donned by the could-be King. "We already talked about that," said Stevenson, a noted James agitator. "He got to get 'em out of here. We already had a discussion. He said he going to try some new shoes. Me, Caron, Antawn told him about how we feel about them. LeBron shoes -- we off that. We already got war against them. He can't wear that. It's all beef right there." Washington Post

Mike Jones: D-Steve on M. Miller's LeBrons: "Get em outta here. ... Me, Twan, and Caron told him about them LeBron shoes, so he'll get it switched." Twitter.com

I have heard plenty about how good Chase Budinger continues to look. Asked about the rookies the other day, Rick said, "They're learning. We'll find out more when we get against some other teams." For Budinger, that could mean a few minutes against Manu Ginobili, Paul Pierce and Vince Carter. Houston Chronicle

Most of all, Aaron Brooks seems at ease with his role and the demands on him. He is still his best when scoring, and the Rockets need that from him. But he has shown ability to create as well, especially on the break. Houston Chronicle

Channing Frye possesses the type of engaging personality that would make him a natural on Twitter a la Jared Dudley. But don’t expect the long-time blogger to get a Twitter account any time soon. “Oh, I hate Twitter,” Frye said. “I don’t mess with that.” However, he continues to maintain his blog on ChanningFrye.com, which spouts lines of gold such as this about Sapporo’s in Scottsdale: “Two things that I think keep me coming back is one, that cougars (older single women) and coyotes (older single men) operate here in big numbers. This is their territory and it’s great to catch a glimpse of them prowling around and having a good ole time with the younglings that fall prey to great drinks and eats that put a spell on you, young and old alike.” Valley of the Suns

Charlie Villanueva: I think David Stern and the league did the right thing in setting up these guidelines, things were getting a bit out of control. Twitter.com

Charlie Villanueva: Social media is just another source to interact directly with the fans. It should be controlled to some degree. Looking forward, new season! Twitter.com

Charlie Villanueva: Someone told me they should rename the NBA guideline to "The Charlie Villanueva Twitter Rule of Thumb", not a bad idea, LOL, just kidding. Twitter.com

The wait, it seems, is almost over. Chris Bosh is going to be in uniform before too long. "I would expect Chris later this week to be 100% on the floor," Raptors head coach Jay Triano said Monday. Bosh, of course, has not participated in contact drills since the Raptors training camp kicked off a week ago because of a strained hamstring. National Post

Raptors forward Chris Bosh will miss tomorrow's pre-season game at the John Labatt Centre in London, Ont., as will Hedo Turkoglu. Bosh is recovering from a sore hamstring while Turkoglu is recovering from a busy summer which saw him compete at the world championship qualifying tournament in Poland. His former NBA team, the Orlando Magic, also went to the NBA final. Toronto Sun

Jazz swingman C.J. Miles ruptured a ligament in the thumb on his left, shooting hand during practice today at The O2 Arena here. Miles will need surgery right away, and a Jazz spokesman said the team was making arrangements for him to fly home to United States in Utah sometime today and have the operation performed there. Deseret News

Suns center Robin Lopez will be out six to eight weeks after he has surgery Tuesday to insert a screw into his injured left foot. Lopez injured the foot late in Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage at University of San Diego but initially believed it was a sprain. X-rays done upon the team's return to Phoenix revealed a broken fifth metatarsal in the left foot, the team announced today. Arizona Republic

Two-time American Olympian Carlos Boozer, meanwhile, said Monday that he'd love to play in a third Summer Games — this time when they're held during 2012 in London. Deseret News

Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko said Monday that he plans to play for Russia's national team next summer, whether it gets a wild card invitation to or has to qualify for FIBA's World Championships tournament in Turkey. Olympian Deron Williams of the Jazz has said he plans to play for USA Basketball at the FIBA tourney, and Jazz center Mehmet Okur — a Turkey native — already has said he wants be there too. Deseret News

NBA star Shaquille O'Neal has said on numerous occasions that he would like to fight 7-foot-2 Korean fighter Hong Man Choi in an MMA match when his basketball career ends. The four-time champion even appears to be somewhat serious about this challenge, as videos of him training MMA have popped up on the Internet as of late. When FanHouse contacted Choi, who is scheduled to face Ikuhisa Minowa in the DREAM Super Hulk Tournament semifinals on Tuesday in Japan, about fighting O'Neal at some point in the future, he simply responded via e-mail, "Yes, if there is a chance." Something tells me there's a chance. FanHouse

It's safe to say that the good folks at Fighting and Entertainment Group, DREAM's parent company, would love nothing more than to book this fight. Just look at what they've done with Choi recently: in May 2007, they matched him up with former baseball player Jose Canseco and "Techno Goliath" will outweigh Minowa by 126 pounds when they meet in Tuesday's semifinal bout. In some ways, a fight against O'Neal would be the most logical MMA fight Choi has ever been a part of. Asked whether he believed O'Neal had a chance against him, Choi, who was a man of few words in our interview, responded, "No." FanHouse

Pau Gasol's fame has given him a new star intervention in television. This week will shoot an episode of CSI Miami, the acknowledged and successful CBS series. This is one chapter of what will be the ninth season of the series. The detective chief is David Caruso, and as on other occasions in which CSI has had a special guest, Pau will have a role to develop only in that chapter. 3 days will be filming at various locations in Los Angeles, which will be Pau’s second appearance in an American television series. PauGasol.com

Unlike attention-loving Ron Artest and now reality star Lamar Odom, Gasol tries his best to stay out of the spotlight unless he’s on the court holding a trophy. Then, let the cameras click away. “I’ve been able to maintain a distance from all of that kind of press. I like to keep my privacy to myself,” Gasol said. “Celebrity press is not as bad, but it depends on where you go. Madrid is worse.” Gasol said he has had “a couple of issues,” with paparazzi in the past when they snapped pictures of him and a Spanish model on a beach, “but they respect me and I understand their position a little bit. Orange County Register

“Everyone has to eat, everyone needs a job. That’s what some people choose to do. Maybe they don’t have anything else to do. It’s tough, (but) I understand their position, but respecting someone’s life is really, really important to me and trying not to violate their privacy.” Gasol said he has not encountered any paparazzi hanging around his home in Los Angeles or following him around town. “So far so good,” he said. Orange County Register

Casey Jacobsen: There is a book that was recently published that perfectly describes what went on during this time and arguably still goes on. The book is titled, Sole Influence, by Dan Wetzel and Don Yaeger. It was a well-written, researched and thought provoking book on the problems of AAU basketball. What made the book so interesting to me was the fact that I grew up playing at the exact time that this book was being researched. All of the players who were discussed were my peers: Jonathan Bender, DerMarr Johnson, Keith Bogans, Marvin Stone, Marcus Taylor, Tyson Chandler, JaRon Rush, etc. Some I knew personally, others I didn’t, but I played against them and heard the rumors surrounding them. Sole Influence brought many of my suspicions to light. Were guys getting paid? How much? How can this stuff happen and how do the people involved not get caught? SLAM

I haven’t been around the AAU basketball world in a long time, but my older brother Adam, a Division I college basketball coach, is around it every summer in June and July. He tells me that it isn’t quite the same as it used to be, but a lot of same people are still there. When I look back on my youth basketball career, I was fortunate to keep most of that stuff at arm’s length. I enjoyed the free shoes and nice uniforms, just like any kid would, but I flew under the radar for a long time and I believe it allowed me to “keep the hunger” to improve every year. That is what AAU basketball should be about: Testing your talent and skills against your peers. All the rest should be kept at a minimum. I should thank the AAU for allowing me to compete, SoCal All-Stars and all the other teams I played for, Nike, and all my coaches for helping me develop. But more importantly, I want to thank all the magazine writers and online editors who kept my name off those player-ranking “Top 25 prospects” until my senior year, when I was ready. I hated you then, but I love you now. SLAM

A Georgia woman is personally liable to seeking child support payments from former pro basketball player Jason Caffey after he had filed for bankruptcy protection. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Margaret A. Mahoney ordered Karen Russell to pay Caffey $57,470.50 after determining that an arrest warrant issued against the former Davidson High School standout violated rules prohibiting creditors from seeking debt collection during bankruptcy proceedings. Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Ray Allen insists he’s living in the moment. So if the possibility of being a free agent seems a season away to him, it’s only because, well, it is. At 34, the Celtics guard is making certain to cherish the present. “It’s interesting how I approach training camp as an older man in relation to my career,” Allen said. “I think Kevin (Garnett) takes the same mindset and Paul (Pierce) has the same mindset. We get in here and it’s like you’re on borrowed time. We’ve all done this a long time and we really enjoy this more now than we ever did. Being able to be here and compete for what this team is playing for, that’s pretty special.” Boston Herald

“Naturally you have thoughts, but you just stay focused on what you have to do each day,” Allen said. “Everyone has thoughts about security and your kids’ future. You think about how you’re going to live in 10 years or whatever, but it’s the present that you’ve got to take care of. “I have an agent, and he has a relationship with the management, with Danny (Ainge, the GM), with the Celtic ownership. They’ll take care of that business. If I need to know anything, I’ll be alerted. There’s a time and a place for that. But I think the people in my camp understand that in order for me to be the best at what I need to do out here for my job, I can’t have stresses. I can’t be frustrated. I can’t be focused on things other than playing basketball.” Boston Herald

Though Allen may not spend time “worrying” about his future, he does have a clear goal in mind. He wants to stay a Celtic. He wants to remain a part of the Boston and New England community. “Definitely that would be the ideal situation for me,” Allen said. “I know what it’s like to live in two other NBA cities (Seattle and Milwaukee). I don’t want to know what it’s like to live in any more. Obviously it would be my preference to finish my career here as a Celtic. Hopefully we raise one or two more banners in my time. Three, if possible. I would love it. That would be great.” Boston Herald

Thomas, in fact, maintains he didn't even ponder the notion of being included in a three-team deal with the Jazz — one that, as heavily rumored and according to some supposedly discussed, also would have landed still on-the-block Boozer with the Bulls while sending Chicago guard Kirk Hinrich to Portland. "That's not for me to entertain," said Thomas, whose Bulls face the Jazz in a preseason game Tuesday night here. "My job is for me to get better during the summer and get prepared for the season, and my agent's job is to worry about trades and all the other stuff," he added. "I mean, honestly, I didn't entertain it." Deseret News

"It wasn't crazy for me at all," he said of the early to mid July period in which the rumor ran rampant, replete from heavy attention not just in Utah and Chicago but also across the country on ESPN.com and elsewhere. "I mean, that's what happens when you're in the NBA." Rumors also spawn more rumors when you're in the NBA, which may be why the Chicago forward felt compelled later in July to respond to an item on the Bulls' Web site, Bulls.com, that suggested Thomas — when the trade appeared perhaps imminent — had posted a message on his Facebook social networking page that said, "Playing with Deron Williams would be sweet!" Deseret News

Thomas' Twitter response at the time, according to HoopsHype.com: "To clear the record, I never commented on playing with D Will. And I am a BULL. Let it go people!" Deseret News

With the entire roster seated at midcourt, Blazers Broadcaster Mike Barrett introduced each player one-by-one to a cheering Rose Garden crowd. When he got to Aldridge, the cheers gave way to a shouted chant, "Sign him! Sign him! Sign Him!" Aldridge and some of his teammates smiled and wiggled in their seats while General Manager Kevin Pritchard sat courtside, giving no visible reaction. Barrett moved quickly on to the next player, Steve Blake, deftly joking that the crowd must be hoping that the team would sign Blake, whose contract happens to be up at the end of the season. Blazers Edge

Asked after the game about whether he heard the crowd's reaction, Brandon Roy stated, "Yeah, I heard it. I thought it was cool. The fans supporting LaMarcus. He's a big part of this organization. I expected them to want LaMarcus to be here." Asked if the coordinated shouts caught him off guard, Roy continued, " I didn't know what they were going to say. When they started saying that, I was like 'they got on the same page kinda quick.'" Blazers Edge

There's a lot at stake for Ajinca this season. Perform well and he's all but assured of playing time, considering the Bobcats are short-handed at power forward. But Ajinca said the Bobcats have yet to exercise his $1.47million option for next season. The team has until Oct.31 to decide that, and NBA teams guaranteeing a third and fourth season on the rookie pay scale is not as automatic as it once was. “I know he expects a lot from me,'' Ajinca said of Brown. “He thinks I have a big potential and I think that way, too. I know what I have to work on because I hear it every day.'' Charlotte Observer

With 13 guaranteed contracts, the only chance Singletary - or former Temple standout Dionte Christmas, for that matter - have to make the team would be if the Sixers carry 14. If the Sixers only opt for 13 players, Singletary's goal would be to impress other teams by his preseason, which begins Tuesday against the Raptors in London, Ontario. "I come here and work hard every day so I keep a rhythm, just in case they decide to keep me on the team," Singletary said. "You never know. I don't know what the (Sixers') plan is." Phillyburbs.com

Shavlik Randolph will be difficult to cut if he defends the way he did Sunday. The former Duke big man drew two charges in five minutes. Boston Herald

Magic GM Otis Smith said Golden State Warriors PG C.J. Watson was one of the few free agents he wanted that got away. Smith said that, in the end, negotiations with the Warriors "got personal," although he wouldn't elaborate. Smith tried to acquire Watson, 25, in an apparently generous sign-and-trade attempt after the Warriors made it clear they would match offers for the restricted free agent. The offer was believed to involve various combinations of a first-round draft pick, cash and a player (believed to be Anthony Johnson). Orlando Sentinel

Watching from the bench Saturday, the starting point guard had to feel as if he was seeing his teammates in slow motion, compared to the whirlwind of the playoffs last season. Williams struggled in his first extended appearance in the postseason, shooting just 40 percent, compared to 47 percent in the regular season when he was the team's second-leading scorer. With the Cavs desperately seeking someone besides LeBron James to step up and score, it was a noticeable failing. "Looking at that tape [of the playoffs], watching those games, the way I felt in those games . . . I felt like I was playing at a different speed than I was during the season," he said. "Just simple things. If I'm coming off a pin-down, I'm going so fast and not being able to get my feet set, I'm missing those shots I usually make because during the season, I'm taking my time. I'm in rhythm, and all of a sudden I'm just speeding through stuff. I started playing at a different speed and trying to force things, trying to do things. The game w as so big, I wanted to do well. "Having that experience, knowing that, if I'm in that situation again, I'm going to be the same person, controlling the game, playing at my tempo." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Williams denied the pressure of the playoffs got to him. The Cavs entered the postseason as the No. 1 seed after compiling a league-best 66-16 record in the regular season. "I respond well to pressure," Williams said. "I always have. I always will. You cannot underestimate experience. I just had to go through it. Those guys, my teammates, 'Bron, all those guys have been there. Me, personally, I've never been in that situation. Being in that situation and being counted on so much . . . I feel like I made plays here and there, but I just didn't make enough." Cleveland Plain Dealer

The longer the Delonte West ordeal plays out, the more the Cavaliers might get used to Anthony Parker as their starting shooting guard. Parker, signed to a two-year contract in the offseason, has lived up to expectations through the first week of training camp. The 6-foot-6, 210-pounder was a starter in all three previous years in Toronto. When asked if it mattered to him whether he starts or comes off the bench, he gave the politically correct answer. "It doesn't matter," Parker said. "Either way, I'm going to have some opportunities. I'll be on the floor with LeBron (James) or Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal) regardless." News-Herald

Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton is doing his best to outplay Ben Gordon every time they step on the court. Gordon approaches each practice with a similar mindset. “If you didn’t know that Ben Gordon and Rip Hamilton had such a special relationship between each other, you would have thought one of them didn’t like the other,” Pistons coach John Kuester said. “They have gone after each other from the get-go.” Booth Newspapers

Both players realize the better they become, the more it will help the Pistons during this season’s transition. “I love it,” Hamilton said. “I think he loves it, too.” Booth Newspapers

I’ve heard in the rumor mill, from a few objective insiders, that Stephen Curry has been giving Monta the business in practice. Specifically, Curry’s been pulling and nailing mid-range jumpers at will. Undoubtedly, Monta has been returning the favor. But no one expects Curry to be able to guard Ellis. But it’s pretty interesting, I think so at least, that Curry is having his way with the starting point guard. Contra Costa Times

I will tell you one thing, Nellie is bubbling inside about Curry, and Sunday was a bit of evidence as to why. One thing noticeable about Curry is that he sees the floor and he’s good at finding the open man. Add to that the threat of his stroke, and you’ve got a match-up problem. Him on the floor with Anthony Morrow gives defenses fits because they both get their shots off quickly, and Morrow forces the defense to spread out. Contra Costa Times

NELSON: “He just has the ability. Quick hands. Quick feet. I don’t know exactly what it is. He doesn’t look he’s going to be that kind of player, but he is. He’s going to be a special player some day.” Contra Costa Times

Matt Steinmetz: One thing Stephen Curry does that most of his teammates don't: Goes out of his way to find the guy who has the hot hand (i.e. namely Morrow). Twitter.com

Stephen Curry: nothing beats that first bucket in an NBA game. Major goosebumps tonight! got the W, had mad fun tonight. Twitter.com

Baron Davis wouldn't comment about his friend Stephen Jackson's desire to leave Golden State. The Clippers' point guard, however, did have a message for his former team. "There are great people in this organization and some of the most amazing fans in sports history," said Davis, who led the Warriors' upset of top-seeded Dallas in 2007. "There are a lot of people who love me for what I did for the Warriors. I'll always have love for this place. "Always." San Francisco Chronicle

But the return of Davis' beard is certainly a good omen. So was the arrival of Blake Griffin. "I want to put the work in and I want to show people again," Davis said Sunday night before the Clippers-Warriors exhibition opener. "I don't want to talk about it, really. There's nothing for me to say. I grew my beard back. That's all you need to know." So, what does the beard mean? "You know what it means," Davis responded. FanHouse

"It took me a year to adjust to this situation," said Davis, who signed a five-year, $65 million contract last offseason with L.A. "I didn't know what to expect ... no idea what to expect. It was a weird year. It was a weird summer and it carried into a weird year. "It takes me a while for me to get used to a situation and for people to get used to me. Now, I think I'm back to being me. Back to being who I know I can be. And I know how to be successful." FanHouse

"Something's brewing," Davis said. "You know what I mean? There's an energy ... a different kind of energy here from what we had last year. There were no expectations last year. Now we've got expectations and a different kind of energy." FanHouse

They lost Rambis but added Ron Artest, a second-team all-defensive selection last season, and will pair him with Kobe Bryant, a first-team all-defensive selection. "We hope that the ability is there to stop people, but we're going to try and play an up-tempo game, so I don't think that we're going to try and keep people to 92 points a night," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "We do want to play defense, though." Los Angeles Times

Bryant, for one, is happy to see Artest on his side after so many seasons of being guarded by him. Bryant likes the possibilities on defense. "It frees me up to kind of roam a little bit, which is something that I enjoy doing with my long arms and quickness," Bryant said. "I can get out in passing lanes a little bit more, be a little more disruptive. He can take more the responsibility of kind of being a lockdown forward, but we'll alternate." Los Angeles Times

So if Sunday's public scrimmage, a first for the Spurs during their championship era, was intended primarily as a marketing tool for the Spurs organization, Ginobili turned it into a personal rediscovery of the joy of performance basketball. “It was really fun,” he said. “I'm having fun every time I scrimmage, because I really missed it the last five or six months. But I'm getting to enjoy it a lot. To get to see the fans and feel the love and support was really great. “I really can't wait until the season starts.” San Antonio Express-News

Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra not only rolled out Michael Beasley as the starting small forward in Sunday's final scrimmage of training camp, he all but acknowledged that the second-year player would also start at that position in Monday night's exhibition opener in Detroit. "I'm not officially going to disclose," Spoelstra said after the team broke camp at AmericanAirlines Arena, "but that's probably the direction." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

But even with the progression of 23-year-old Andray Blatche, the Wizards still lack a proven and reliable backup at power forward, making Jamison an even more invaluable piece. "I'm not going to feel any more pressure than in the past," Jamison said, adding that he believes the Wizards have enough behind him to make it work. Saunders has coached against Jamison for years, but has learned much more about him in the first week of camp. "Until you coach somebody, you're totally unaware of all that they bring to you," Saunders said. "I wasn't totally aware he was as much of a communicator on the floor. I thought he was more of a silent leader. He was a lot more vocal than I thought. Playing-wise, his ability to score is uncanny. He's got a great work ethic. Those things add to why he's important. No matter what position he plays, he's important." Washington Post

Saunders said his goal this season is to reduce Jamison's minutes to the "low 30s" after Jamison averaged 38.2 minutes per game and finished fourth in total minutes played last season with 3,095. Jamison still averaged 22.2 points, his best since joining the Wizards, and 8.9 rebounds, third-best of his career. He played 81 games but missed the finale because of bone spurs in his right ankle, which required offseason surgery. "Even though it was a tough season and the minutes I played, my body didn't wear down like I thought it would," Jamison said. "I guess because of all the things I do in the offseason. Doing the things I normally do with yoga, and with the trainer I work with in Charlotte. You'll have your bumps and bruises over the course of the season but I try to stay in shape and try not to get too bad out of shape. I'm always conscious about making sure I don't get two or three pounds over playing weight, else I get paranoid." Washington Post

Dwight Howard and Morlon Wiley, the Magic's director of player development, held a lively, mostly playful, debate on the NBA's new policy regarding Twitter and other social media sites. The league sent a memo to teams last Wednesday informing teams that social media sites can't be used from 45 minutes before tipoff and until after players have finished their media responsibilities following games. Howard isn't keen on the policy, saying, "We're grown men. They need to treat us like grown men." He also said his communications with people helps get him motivated before games. Wiley jokingly reminded Howard how he much money he made and that he had to follow rules as a league employee. Orlando Sentinel

Center Channing Frye: "I know there's a lot of doubters, but I really don't give a rat's ass. I'm going to help this team. We're going to do some things this year." Arizona Republic

Before the Rockets headed to McAllen, Chuck Hayes left Toyota Center with one eye-catching dunk. He finished a powerful reverse, and in a veteran move, quickly left the court during the team’s “open practice.” “I told Shane (Battier, the coach for the public event), ‘I’m going to get a dunk and then after I dunk, get me out of there,’ ” Hayes said. “I just wanted to get the one dunk to show them I can. There’s a splash of athleticism in these bones somewhere. It’s not like Joey (Dorsey) or Chase (Budinger). But there’s a sprinkle.” Heading for ice packs early was not the only example of Hayes’ growth into a veteran. In his fifth season, he has been with the Rockets longer than any player in camp. “It’s been great,” Hayes said. “I’m having fun.” Houston Chronicle

“When coaches don't correct you, then they've probably forgotten about you,'' Brown said of all the yelling he's done with Ajinca. “There's a difference between coaching and criticism,'' Brown continued. “I wouldn't want to play for coaches criticizing all the time. But I also wouldn't want to play for coaches who aren't teaching.'' Charlotte Observer

At 21, he's still an emotional guy. He didn't play much last season (31 games, averaging about six minutes per appearance) and he'd occasionally vent frustration with that. Then assistant coach Jeff Capel corrected Ajinca during a scrimmage Friday night and Ajinca talked back. Brown ran over, tugged on Ajinca's elbow and yelled, “We're trying to help you!'' “He was doing that a lot last year to other people and you just can't have that,'' Brown said. “He's not trying to be a bad kid or anything. He's just young.'' Charlotte Observer

Jonny Flynn: 1st NBA game was unbelievable! Even if it was preseason, it was just amazing to know I finally made it. Twitter.com

His first participation in training camp did not alter his schedule. General manager Daryl Morey said it was “part of the process.” The Rockets expect McGrady to be out at least until an MRI scheduled for Nov. 23. Still, he played and all reports were that he played well. “He looked good, real good,” forward Trevor Ariza said. “He was real poised, real confident. He may be a ways away, but I think he looked good.” Houston Chronicle

McGrady was less enthusiastic. He had been going through occasional five-on-five workouts in Chicago, though the Rockets were more encouraged by his energy and intensity Sunday than in those workouts. But McGrady seemed to have the steps to be taken, rather than made, in mind. “It’s another steppingstone toward making progress and trying to get back on the basketball court,” he said. “I’m feeling pretty good. We just have to take our time on it. Houston Chronicle

Brandan Wright seemed to be in good spirits before Sunday’s game. He said he’s already moved on mentally to the rehabilitation process. The Warriors announced before the game that the MRI revealed damage to the “capsule of his left shoulder” and surgery is required. A timetable for his recovery won’t be set until after the surgery. He turns 22 on Monday. Contra Costa Times

Wright said he got hit on the inside of his forearm up near the elbow. WRIGHT: “My arm must’ve been hit like that a hundred times this summer.” Wright said this time, the shoulder stayed out of its socket for more than five minutes. Last time, he said, it popped out and went back in. If you’ve ever done it yourself, or at least seen any of the Lethal Weapons, you know that hurt like nobody’s business. WRIGHT:“Yeah, it definitely hurt.” Contra Costa Times

Third-string center Adonal Foyle said he would make the trip to Dallas, but he isn't going to play. Foyle's right knee became sore and swollen about three weeks ago after working out on the court with Howard. But Foyle said he doesn't have a structural injury. He's doing strengthening exercises and hopes to return to the court soon. "This is my 13th year in the league, and I've never really ridden the sidelines for being cautious," Foyle said. "I hate being injured. It's the most disturbing thing for me. I'm not a very good patient." Orlando Sentinel

Count Derrick Rose among the scores of Chicagoans disappointed that Chicago lost out on its bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Rose's dream was to play on the 2016 United States team in his hometown. "It hurts," he said, "but I'm still a candidate for the team and, hopefully, the coaches decide to put me on that team." Rose, who turned 21 today, will be just shy of his 28th birthday when the 2016 Olympics are held in Rio de Janeiro. Chicago Sun-Times

Anyone who calls Alvin Gentry a player's coach is right. Anyone who thinks that means the Suns coach is all pep talks, back pats and jokes is wrong. When a six-day training camp ended Sunday, Gentry had won his players' favor by running them hard and hitting them harder verbally. "He yelled at us last year more in 30 games than the previous coach did," forward Grant Hill said. "He yelled at us more in this camp than last year or the year before. He gets on us. He's a good guy, great people person, but he can get on you. I don't think anyone takes it personal. Everyone understands he is trying to make us better." Arizona Republic

If there was any doubt that anticipation for the upcoming Trail Blazers season is overflowing a little more than three weeks from the regular-season opener, there were 16,752 voices of validation Sunday night at the Rose Garden. A record crowd filled the arena for the team's annual Fan Fest, a free event that allows Rip City to watch the Blazers up close a week into training camp. And even though there were few jaw-dropping highlights, the throng of fans was treated to a competitive game that saw Steve Blake earn MVP honors and several Blazers demonstrate they are in midseason form. "I liked what I saw," said coach Nate McMillan, who watched intently from the team bench but did not coach. "We wanted to just get some work in. We didn't want to be sloppy out there today. I thought it was a good game. A good, competitive game." Oregonian

There were a smattering of painted faces -- including one guy sitting center-court colored in flames -- one girl sported a pink wig and one person held a handmade sign that read: "OUR TEAM, OUR TIME." "I think it just shows what type of fans we have," McMillan said. "Four years ago, when I came here, we may have had 1,000 or 2,000 people in the stands at that time. To see this grow and to see the fan support come back is a great thing." Oregonian

Considered one of the most committed and disciplined players in the game, Ray is known for a bit of obsessiveness in maintaining his habits and routines. But he clearly will have an interesting life beyond the game. He wants to use the unique visibility that fame has brought him to fight diabetes, the condition that now has such a big place in his family’s life. Certain players just seem like they are about more than the game. Just by talking to them and hearing what they say, you can tell they will be active in the world after their playing days end. There are the Dave Bings, Bill Bradleys, Jack Kemps, Jim Bunnings and Magic Johnsons of the world. Ray Allen is one of them. I could see him taking up politics, or putting on a business suit and running a corporation, or ‘amping up’ the effectiveness of his own foundation. Hey, maybe he can take ‘basketball diplomacy’ to new level. CTNews

The irony of his nickname comes into play when he tweets for the fight against diabetes. His twitter account is sugarray20 (twitter.com/sugarray20). Maybe he should get a sugar-free-ray account. Here is his tweet about the Walk for Walker… we call it our walk for walker..i would love it if you all went to www.jdrf.org. and donated to our walk for walker..diabetes is an epidemic. back to interview… And so many people responded and retweeted and you know so many other people that have diabetes were a part of it so it is a powerful, powerful vehicle to move the word. If I have a word… you know my world is not right here about basketball… you guys see me every day from newspapers to watching practice to games to highlights like…what do you need to know about me on the basketball court? There’s not much that you don’t know, but we have other (interests) besides athletics, (which) is what we do. So I think that is what the medium is for and you’ve got to use it responsibly. CTNews

You are like your own media, your own PR. Yeah, I’m going to give my media here what they need in regards to our team and what we think and…when I go home I don’t want to be interviewed. You know, you get on twitter and people want to interview you about…how was practice today? Or…How is the team looking?…I don’t want to…I don’t answer those questions. But you do respond to some people. Yes, I do. I do respond if they ask questions about… if they’re good questions like… How many shots a day do you shoot to get you ready for the season? You know, things like that where I know I can help people improve themselves. If people want to know questions like…How is KG doing? I’m not going to answer that. Some people are naturally inquisitive and you can tell that they want to know more. They’re not just throwing questions out there because they have my ear, because they are on twitter and they know I’m there. CTNews

In June 2007, he met Glenn through a mutual NBA friend and was hired at the 550-student K-12 school. Besides coaching, he also works fulltime in the school’s admissions/development department. Not exactly the post-playing career that comes to mind for a former world-class athlete. But it was a perfect fit for the unassuming Ward, who was raised by Christian parents in Thomasville, Ga., and became a believer at age 10. Despite the fame and riches he earned as an athlete, he has never been a self-promoter. And it’s not the way he coaches now. “That’s not how Jesus went around, and it’s not something we should have,” Ward told the Witness. “His boast was in his Father. That’s our goal, to not boast about ourselves.” BP Sports

“You wouldn’t know he won the Heisman and played in the NBA,” Glenn said. “He doesn’t throw that at you. He is more secure in who he is as a Christian than to use those titles that others look at. He is sincere, passionate and he has the fruits of the Spirit living inside of him.” BP Sports

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