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Tuesday, October 6

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Dwyane Wade is wavering on playing for Team USA next summer, just like LeBron James. The Miami Heat guard became the second Team USA player in a week to express a degree of uncertainty on the question of playing for the United States at the 2010 world championship in Turkey. "I'm in-between," Wade told ESPN.com. "I mean, you know of course I want to be a part of the experience with most of the guys coming back, but I have to wait to see how this season goes before I can go forward with what I'm going to do this summer." ESPN.com

Like James -- and another veteran member of Team USA, Chris Bosh -- Wade has the right to opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Wade indicated the timing of that decision will have an impact on his Team USA plans. "Yes, if it comes down to that, and of course, it will for a couple guys," Wade said. "I've never been a free agent before, so it's kind of the unknown. The unknown is always exciting for a lot of people. "We'll have to see, I don't know. I've never been in this position before, so we'll have to deal with it, so I don't know really how it will play out yet." ESPN.com

"I take everything with a grain of salt, commitment or on the fence, because let's see what the upcoming season brings. That's why the speculation so early is just that, it isn't worth that much at this time," Colangelo said Tuesday in a phone interview with ESPN.com. "It puts more emphasis on how we're better prepared with more people in the pipeline, and they want to participate. That's the good news. ESPN.com

Miami does not have the cap room to retain Wade and bring in two max guys, but it is close to having enough. And if the sales pitch and the circumstances are equally favorable, that $20-25 million in cap room will bring in quite a bounty. "I think everybody, ideally, would like to play in a tropical place, because there's not too many of those cities in the NBA," Wade told ESPN.com. "I would say that if they haven't played in a tropical city, it's not a big thing, but if they have -- then it's a bigger part because you've gotten used to it, you know how it feels. "To be in a long NBA season and to pull up in Miami every time you come back home, it's different than pulling up in, say, Milwaukee. It makes you feel different as a person," Wade said. "If you're using it as a selling point, it all depends who you're trying to go after. If you're trying to have a team that's trying to win, you have to still have a team in place to use it as a selling point. So I don't see it as a huge, huge advantage, but it might be a slight one." ESPN.com

"To me, when it gets to these kinds of players, they have the pick of the litter and they will pick the best cities," Riley said. "The top players who want to move will say, 'I'm going to go here.' "The other teams that will have room but might not be in the most favorable place to play, that money will bring a lot of them there, too. But if the top players want to leave, and the perceived top cities have the room, you've got to show them the room. "It's like 'If you build it, they will come.' And if they want to leave, and you show them the room and they like the organization and they take a look at the opportunity to win -- all those things being equal, I think we've got a great opportunity to sign some of these guys," Riley said. ESPN.com

"If you were paying attention to all the people who were on top of the fact that we didn't make any moves, they don't know one thing about what our big-picture plan is," Riley told ESPN.com Saturday in a sit-down interview in his office. "And I think anyone that really knows the NBA, knows the cap, knows the tax, knows 2010 and knows what we did since we traded Shaquille [O'Neal] -- that we were in an 18-month window, a very short rebuilding time." ESPN.com

"So we're going to stay the course on our philosophy, and to answer your question -- Why didn't I make any moves? -- is because I didn't want to, and I wasn't going to unless I could make the move. Why would I want to take the assets I have and fast-track the process and trade those assets for contracts that are going to take us out 2-3 years? Lose those assets and have almost the same kind of team we have now? I'm not sure that would work. Keep the assets, keep the infrastructure, keep the picks and the flexibility," Riley said. ESPN.com

Ellis has not asked to be traded, I’m told. He’s playing hard and playing well in camp so far, according to the Warriors themselves, and if the Warriors start winning early in the regular season, everything might turn out fine. But there are issues. I doubt Ellis would be upset if a trade popped up on the radar, especially if it involved a proven playoff team, with a front office that he believes is talking straight with him and a coach he can trust. San Jose Mercury News

Stephon Marbury: Rod Thorn is my man. I want to play for the BROOKLYN NETS. I said it. Twitter.com

Stephon Marbury: Man I feel like dancing again. O yeah basketball uis about to start. Lol.. I have to start back getting into shape ladies. Its ON starbury+ Twitter.com

Now, as he prepares for his third pro season, Williams is playing for his NBA career. The Nets have until Oct. 31 to pick up Williams' contract option and it is likely, almost certain, they will pass. His contributions and potential have been overshadowed by a perceived laissez-faire attitude and a series of bad decisions that landed him, among other places, in anger management classes. "Everybody knows I have the skills to be effective as a player, but they worry about my professionalism," said Williams, who is second -- second! -- in seniority on the Nets behind Josh Boone. "A lot of other people worry if I can be a professional on and off the court. They're asking, 'Is he accountable and responsible?' And I'm trying to focus on that. "Getting ready for my third year, I'm going to take the experience I've had in the past and build on it," Williams added in his most politically correct tone. "I just want to fit in and help this team any way I can to get to our goals." New York Post

I keep hearing this, more and more pointedly: Monta Ellis has no pressing issue with Stephen Curry, personally or professionally. The problem, as it has been for many months, is between Ellis and his understandably skeptical view of team management, its tangled motivations, its odd behavior, and the Ellis grievance that is still alive over the suspension and $3M fine for his scooter accident. San Jose Mercury News

GM Larry Riley actually flew out to Memphis not just once, but TWICE last off-season to talk things over with Ellis. We already knew about one of them; I just heard about the second Riley trip, this time with special assistant Calbert Cheaney in tow. Oh, there are Don Nelson’s overall manipulations to factor into this, too. On most teams, that would be a huge deal. On the Warriors, a screwy coach who has the players quietly questioning every move and substitution… that’s just a sidelight. San Jose Mercury News

Most pointedly, according to several NBA sources with close ties to both the Warriors and Ellis, the most recent flare-up started last summer, before the draft. That’s when Riley and Nelson flew out to Memphis to meet with Ellis and (NEW INFO) led him to believe that they would probably trade their No. 1 pick for an established big man. I’m told Nelson did not speak much during the dinner with Ellis. But Riley told Ellis forcefully that another No. 1 pick rookie probably wouldn’t contribute much to the upcoming season and that the Warriors had a few things brewing to acquire an established frontcourt player. Someone like Amare Stoudemire, I presume. San Jose Mercury News

What Ellis and Jackson wanted–and said publicly–was a veteran big man to score on the low post. They believed that if the Warriors got that, they could be a playoff team and maybe a dangerous one. So… The Warriors on draft night ended up coming very close to trading for Stoudemire–EXACTLY who Jackson and Ellis wanted–but the deal never happened. Reportedly, Nelson was surprised Curry lasted to their 7th pick and refused to include Curry to Phoenix in the deal. I think that’s only part of the reason the deal fell through (Amare’s strong lack of desire to play for the Warriors probably was a bigger reason), but it definitely perked the ears of Ellis and Jackson. This did not please Ellis. Or Jackson. We’re seeing the results. San Jose Mercury News

Multiple sources have confirmed that a week or so before training camp started, Riley took another trip out to Memphis to meet with Ellis, and this time Riley took new special assistant Calbert Cheaney with him. (No Don Nelson. Probably a good thing. In the meantime, the Warriors acquired Acie Law, whom Ellis knows was Nelson’s target when he wanted to trade Ellis a few years ago.) At this meeting, according to the sources, Ellis flatly said he felt Warriors management had misled him about trading the No. 1 pick. He said he had no ill will towards Curry, but that he agreed that a rookie wouldn’t help this team immediately get to the playoffs, so what happened? San Jose Mercury News

I’m told this meeting ended without a resolution, though you have to give Riley credit for his multiple efforts to keep things calm with Ellis. Even if they didn’t work or actually ended up making things a little worse. That’s what led to Ellis’ media day declaration that he couldn’t play with Curry because they were too small to formulate a true NBA backcourt. Ellis wants to be the playmaker, paired with a shooter who can defend bigger 2 guards, and he wanted a low-post scorer to balance it out. San Jose Mercury News

Howard's busy promoting several things which have his mug all over it, not the least of which is the new ESPN "Body" issue, where he appears (ahem) as God intended. I asked Howard if it was weird having that much attention being paid to him, even though people usually marvel at his upper body, considering he was "nekkid." Howard, as usual, chose to have fun with it. "No, actually it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the shoot and I hope the pictures are interesting for people." I asked him if after his talk about how the Magic are overlooked in the media if attention like this made him feel any better about it. "Well, the attention is certainly a blessing," says Howard, "but my focus right now is with my teammates and trying to compete for a championship. I just want to try and bring some joy back to the people in Orlando." FanHouse

With the All-Star Game being in Dallas this year in the spectacle that is the Jerry Dome, I wanted to ask the former Dunk Champ some questions about the contest which will be at American Airlines. Howard's been foiled in the past when league restrictions kept him from being able to raise the rim, and other restrictions on props. Does a guy who brought back the gimmick successfully using his cape and other gadgetry have any frustrations with those restrictions? "Well, the Dunk Contest is all about entertainment and the fans. Part of it is that by now, almost all the good dunks have been done. So it's really hard to come up with something new. So me and Nate (Robinson), we're always sitting around trying to come up with new stuff. I think as long as the rules are there to keep you from doing too many attempts, there shouldn't be that many rules." FanHouse

Steve Blake on Rodriguez: As a person, I got along great with Sergio. He's a funny guy. Someone I enjoyed being around. As a player, he was someone that was very good in the pick and roll, and liked to play that freelance-type of basketball. And the times that was in, you know, it was good for us, it was effective. And he was a pleasure being on this team. Columbian

Allen Iverson will have an MRI Wednesday to determine the extent of a strain left hamstring. Meanwhile, Iverson will miss tonight's game against the Washington Wizards in Richmond, Va. and the team says he'll also sit out Wednesday night's preseason home opener against Oklahoma City at FedExForum. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Jermaine O'Neal always speaks with pride and purpose, and it was no different during training camp when O'Neal, the Miami Heat's 14th-year center, was talking about his future. "I want one last shot," he said stubbornly. "If it doesn't pan out the way I expected it to pan out I can sleep at night and say I gave it a shot." O'Neal, whose career path once had headed for the Hall of Fame, is hoping to do the implausible. He contends he can recover from the left knee problems that have reduced him to a one-legged player the last three years. "I'm 100 percent (healthy)," O'Neal said. "The knee isn't giving me any problems." HoopsWorld

Starting in the 2001-02 season O'Neal he was All-Everything _ All-Star, All-NBA _ for six straight years, leading Indiana to five playoff appearances. Then the knee problems started. "I don't believe I should have played the year before (2007-08); I think that really set me back," he said. "My knee was damaged. And I played like that. I played to the detriment of my health in Indiana because things were going so bad." HoopsWorld

The left hamstring injury suffered last week by Charlie Villanueva will keep him sidelined for tomorrow night's preseason game against Milwaukee. The Pistons are being overly cautious with the injury, for fear that bringing him back too soon might lead to him re-aggravating it when the regular season begins later this month. Booth Newspapers

Knicks president Donnie Walsh said today that Curry, injured for most of last season, is working out on his own until the team's medical staff is confident that Curry is ready to practice on a full time basis. Curry tore a calf muscle on the first day of training camp and has already missed one week of practice. "He's not ready to go out there and play at an NBA speed," Walsh said. "So we're going to take longer and get him there. Because every time he comes on the floor he pulls a muscle. We want to get him to a point where he can get out on the floor and run. "That's the issue. Our trainers will work with him. He missed training camp after the first day so the gap between him and the team is even farther." New York Daily News

Despite that, Mr Stern says he can envisage the day when the NBA's expansion plans will see a European-based team take part in American-based league. "I estimate it would take the better part of a decade before that could happen," he told the BBC. "It requires so many things - we think positively, but we have to be realistic," he says, but discounts travelling distances as a potential problem. BBC

U.S.-based businessmen and former NBA execs today are planning to launch the British Basketball Association (BBA), which could see EPL club owners "set up professional basketball teams to play in a new British league under their football brand names," according to Roger Blitz. Sports Business Daily

The NBA is opening at least five new international offices, including around three in Africa by 2012, NBA Commissioner David Stern said on Tuesday. Speaking ahead of a preseason game in London between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz, Stern said the NBA was hiring staff, a year after the league laid off around 80 employees. "We've made a number of hires with respect to our international offices over the past year," Stern told a news conference, adding the league is opening offices in India and the Middle East. "We're very intently focused on Africa ... I wouldn't be surprised if we had three offices on the continent by the [2012] Olympics." ESPN.com

You’re a pretty consistent Twitterer, blogger and you use Cover-It-Live. What’s next on your social media agenda? Are you trying to incorporate any video at all? Alan Hahn: I actually did try that on my blog. I put a video of some practice and it came out terrible. I’ll never do that again. It looked like a peephole video, you know what I mean? It was awful. I don’t foresee myself putting any much into that stuff because I’m being paid to write not to produce or be a cameraman. People joke with me on this beat that they say I use too much of that social media stuff. I remember how I felt as a fan. I wanted to know every single detail about the team that I could, even the stuff that you don’t see on TV, which is like practice or even training camp. I just feel like, what’s the kind of stuff a fan would want to know and I throw that in there and try it make it entertaining. SLAM

It’s no secret that the Knicks media policy isn’t the most accommodating to reporters. What would you like to see changed about how they run things? Alan Hahn: It’s actually gotten a lot better. It’s nowhere near what it was during Isiah’s (Thomas) time. We’re actually invited in to watch practices or scrimmages, which is unprecedented when you consider the history. The new regime — Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni — are very acceptable and they’re very comfortable to talk to. It’s not like they’re sharing secrets, but it’s always good to be able to pick the brain of the franchise or the head coach. That’s come a long, long way. I mean, does the team give you full access? No, no team in the NBA does. But it’s certainly not what it was. What policy would I like to see changed? I would love to sit in the locker room before the game to see what the coach has to say [speaking facetiously]. I’d be there at the end of the game too to see what he has to say too. SLAM

In July of last summer, Newsday was bought by Cablevision, which owns the Knicks. What’s it like working under a James Dolan umbrella? Did anything change editorially for you? Alan Hahn: Not for me. I’ll be honest with you, and I mean this sincerely, I was extremely happy when Cablevision bought Newsday. The reason was, the industry right now and the way the business is going and how many papers are struggling, a couple even going under like the Rocky Mountain News did. To me, the company was financial stability. It made me feel better because we were owned by Tribune before that, and that company was struggling and wanted to get rid of all its different assets and we were really worrying where we would end up. There were talks that the Post was trying to buy us. I looked at Marc Berman and said, “They’re not going to need two of us.” No one came to me and said, ‘Hey by the way, you start writing as if you’re writing for NYKnicks.com or you’re fired.’ That never happened. I was allowed to continue to do what I do. So far, so great. SLAM

The regular season starts in three weeks. Will Kobe Bryant have a contract extension by then? A source close to the discussions, who was not authorized to speak publicly, indicated there had been productive meetings recently and that both sides were hopeful a deal would be done before the Lakers open up against the Clippers on Oct. 27. Bryant, 31, will make $23 million this season and $24.8 million next season, though he can opt out of his contract next July. Los Angeles Times

Fisher, 35, in his 14th season and the final year of a contract that pays him $5 million, said he plans on playing beyond the 2009-10 NBA season. "I'm definitely not shutting it down after this season," Fisher said after the Lakers' practice Monday. Los Angeles Times

Fisher is not ready to think about retirement. "I don't see any reason why he can't play past this season," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "I know that we all think that we can get away with age, but age does have a tendency to level us out as we go along. But he's done such a great job of keeping his whole physique and his training together, it's awful hard to see any flaws in him right now." Los Angeles Times

He also has played for the Golden State Warriors and Utah Jazz, but Fisher hopes he can finish his career with the Lakers. "I hated to see Emmitt Smith have to leave the Cowboys [and finish in Arizona]. So, yeah, I'd love to be here," Fisher said. "I hope because of the results of our team success, I'm going to allow that to be my best resume builder, which is to hopefully lead our team to another championship, and that'll make things a lot easier I think for all parties involved." Los Angeles Times

"Anything is a possibility,'' Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor told FanHouse when asked about the possibility of Boozer being dealt. "I think any time we can improve our team, we would look at doing it. I don't want to sit here and say. 'We're going to trade this guy or trade this guy,' singling guys out. But any time we can improve our team, we'll look to do it.'' FanHouse

O'Connor also has gone into damage-control mode. He declined comment when asked if it's true Utah officials told Boozer they would look to move him. But O'Connor did want to make one point clear. "He opted in,'' O'Connor said. "I'll let you take it from there.'' FanHouse

Though the Jazz has said little, the team shop is selling Boozer jerseys at 50 percent off and Boozer wasn’t included in the team’s new marketing campaign. Boozer will be a free agent after the season and was not offered a new deal while Mehmet Okur was and Boozer’s backup, Paul Millsap, got a big offer from Portland that the Jazz matched. Bulls.com

But — much to Rose's admitted surprise — a rumored and oft-discussed trade that would have sent Boozer to the Bulls in July never did materialize. Too bad for Chicago, Rose suggested after the Bulls practiced Monday and before the Jazz did the same in advance of today's NBA exhibition game at London's O2 Arena here. "It would have been great," said Rose, the NBA's Rookie of the Year last season and point guard of one of the league's premier up-and-coming clubs. "Boozer, he's a great guy, a great veteran. He would have helped the team out a lot. So, if he would have come on to this team we would have liked him as a player. "We need a big; he's big. He can pop-and-shoot," Rose added. "He's strong. A post-player too, so he's versatile, and that's what we need on this team." Deseret News

"I love my situation here, No. 1,'' said Boozer, detailing his reasons for not opting out. "No. 2, I always feel I want to be here. No. 3, if you look at the economic market we had this summer, it wasn't as healthy as everybody had anticipated. But next summer, as a businessman, it will be much more healthier. So I was happy (to not opt out).'' No. 3 likely was the most overwhelming reason. But Boozer is on a goodwill tour, and he's trying to make up for a summer when he lost some popularity in Utah. FanHouse

For Boozer, the notion of a move to Chicago — or Miami, or any of the many other locales that the on-the-block forward was rumored to be headed to this past offseason — is yesterday's dream. He suggested, too, that it's becoming today's nightmare. "That's the summertime. Stuff happens like that in the summer," Boozer said from the O2 floor that Rose stood on just moments earlier. "Everybody's moved forward; everybody's on the same team that they were on . . . And for me I'm happy to be a part of my team and am looking forward to getting going. Deseret News

"At the time, there was a chance I might have gotten moved," he added, reiterating much of what was said when the Jazz opened training camp in Utah late last month. "But ... that's over, done with. I didn't get moved, nobody got traded, and I'm happy to be here." Boozer refused to be drawn in Monday to the temptation of imagining what it would be like had the trade been made. "Until you get moved, you're still on your team. So, I didn't get moved. I'm here with my team," he said. "This is my team — the Utah Jazz. And I look forward to getting going. Deseret News

Now, Boozer is on a damage-control tour. He realizes he has some work to do. "If there are some fans that I've got to win over, I'll win them over,'' Boozer said in a recent interview with FanHouse. FanHouse

The speculation is Miami, which Boozer this summer named his top choice, is most likely to make a deal. I can see Miami wanting to get out from under Michael Beasley with all his issues. Udonis Haslem with an expiring deal also has been mentioned. Last week when the Jazz opened its exhibition season against Denver, two Jazz fans showed up, one with a Bulls jersey with Boozer written on the back and one with a Jazz jersey with Thomas written on the back, with a sign reading, "Trade Us." Bulls.com

Portland Trail Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard said Monday the team is still engaged in contract negotiations with forward LaMarcus Aldridge. According to Aldridge, the team spoke last weekend with Arn Tellem, Aldridge's agent. On whether Pritchard has noticed the ongoing status of the negotiations affect Aldridge's focus during training camp: Well, it hasn't been, and that's a testament to his character. We're going to keep working on it. This is a priority for us right now — we're going to keep working on it. We know who LaMarcus is. He's going to take care of his business; he's letting his agent take care of the negotiations, and we're working on it. Columbian

Magic back-up C Marcin Gortat said he realizes he could be traded this season after the club matched the Mavericks' five-year, $34-million offer sheet. General Manager Otis Smith said he expects to keep Gortat all season unless injuries force the Magic to deal Gortat. "I don't know. It's kind of crazy to start with one team and finish with a second team. But that's just how it is," Gortat said. "A lot of people already told me that [that he could be traded]. I'm a ticking bomb right now. You have to be honest. Hopefully, we don't have a lot of bad injuries so that Otis trades me for someone else. I'm going to be ready to win the games and that's the most important thing." Orlando Sentinel

With a combined 13 years of NBA experience, Dixon and Wilks have both played significant roles on quality teams – Wilks won a championship ring in 2005 with San Antonio – yet here they are, chasing their hoop dreams like so many journeymen throughout the league this time of year. "We've been talking about it a little bit," Wilks said. "This is Juan's first time in this situation where he's on a non-guaranteed deal. I've been through this time and time again, where I don't know where I'm going to be and have to go in and fight for a spot. "It's my faith that keeps me strong. Juan actually gave me a compliment the other day. He said, ‘Do you know how strong you have to be to keep doing this?' I just keep going out there and working as hard as I can and I've been fortunate to do this several times and make the team. So I can't complain." Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"It's tough from a mental aspect," Dixon said. "You still have to come out and play hard and practice hard every day and show the coaches that you deserve to be on the team, that you can contribute to the team. It's definitely different. I had this conversation with my wife, my brother and my agent. It's a situation that I'm in and I just have to go out there and make good things happen." Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Nuggets waived forward Keith Brumbaugh on Monday, the day they traveled to Asia for two preseason games. The Nuggets' roster now has 16 players. Denver Post

So, I was startled a few days ago to learn from Lee he actually had a considerably more lucrative, long-term option. After being out-recruited by the Raptors for Hedo Turkoglu's multi-talented services (any cryonicists who came in from the cold to watch Orlando throughout the playoffs may well have judged him to be its .400 hitter), and signing restricted free agent Paul Millsap to a fancy, front-loaded guarantee -- only to see the capsized Jazz match seven days later -- the Blazers zeroed in on the NBA's double-double champ. New York Post

But Portland insisted Lee make up his mind quickly. Andre Miller was their next target and his Philadelphia Freedom had no strings attached. A well-documented sitdown took place in Las Vegas, attended by Blazers GM Kevin Pritchard, coach Nate McMillian, Chicago-based agent Mark Bartelstein and Lee. Unreported was the Blazers' solid pitch. "They felt I'd fit in perfectly with LaMarcus and Aldridge," Lee said. "Believe me, I was flattered. They've got a great team." New York Post

No firm offer was made that evening, says a Blazer source. However, it was felt a satisfactory compromise could be reached (Bartelstein wanted $50 million over five, Portland countered with $28 million over four with an escape clause after three) if Lee told them he was as serious about them as they were in him. "I was given one night to think it over," Lee said. "I couldn't commit. I was worried about playing time. Aldridge is All-Star-caliber and they've got a huge investment in Oden." New York Post

"If this was the old regime with all the accompanying craziness I would've been outta here," said the Knicks' starting center. "But I talked to Mike [D'Antoni] a lot over the summer and I'm down with everything he and Donnie [Walsh] are trying to accomplish. "I'm really conservative, so for me to take a financial risk like this is completely out of character. "Bottom line, I love New York and I love playing for the Knicks and I love playing at the Garden. I want to ride this out on a positive note and see what happens." New York Post

In other words, Lee will have many more options than the three prospective teams that were well under the cap this past summer. The Pistons went deep into their resources to enlist Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva, the Blazers bagged Miller and the Thunder decided against over-spending until further notice. New York Post

At dinner Friday night I asked Walsh who he would have selected had he been able to acquire the fourth or fifth spot in last June's draft: Curry or Ricky Rubio? "Curry," he answered without a pause. "Not only is he a great shooter but he can get his shot on anyone. Opponents look at his baby face and figure they can manhandle him. Meanwhile he tore up every top-rated guard he went up against at our workout, including Tyreke Evans, who might be the best player in the draft next to Blake Griffin." New York Post

National Basketball Association (NBA) veteran Lamond Murray will be playing with Muharraq Club this Bahrain basketball season. This was confirmed last night by team official Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa. Gulf Daily News

"We believe Lamond is the guy who can help us reach the top once again," Shaikh Mohammed added. "He can still play at a very high level at his age, and his skills are a big plus for our system. "He has very high morals, an excellent attitude, and I have no doubts that he will easily get accustomed to our team and the league. We are very happy to have him here." Gulf Daily News

Detroit Pistons rookie Jonas Jerebko and the Miami Heat's Jamaal Magloire were ejected with 5:04 to play in Monday's preseason game for throwing punches. Both players likely will face additional league punishments that might include a suspension. The incident occurred when both players were going for a rebound. Their arms got tangled, and as both were falling toward the floor, Magliore landed a blow to Jerebko's face. As they hit the ground, Jerebko landed a blow to Magloire's face. "He got me on the nose, and I got him back," Jerebko said. "What can I say?" Booth Newspapers

Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry weren't on the floor together at any point during the Warriors' 108-101 preseason opener against the L.A. Clippers on Sunday night. That's going to change. Warriors' coach Don Nelson said so. And you know what? Ellis, who at first wasn't crazy about the notion, seems to be coming around to the idea. "You can't take anything away from him," Ellis said of Curry. "He can shoot, pass, defend, all of that. He's got the whole package. ... He's better than I thought he was." FanHouse

Nelson also made a point to say that there will be times Ellis and Curry play together even when the opposing backcourt has a big guard. Why? Because, according to Nelson, Curry simply does too many good things not to be on the floor. "Anybody that plays with Curry is going to be a beneficiary of a lot of looks," Nelson said. "He sees the court. That's why I probably can't keep he and Monta off the floor together. I think that combination, even though it will get hurt occasionally, is still going to be a good one. And don't forget there are two sides of the court. They have to match up with us as well." FanHouse

With this being the first year of his new deal, Bynum was asked if he felt more pressure to perform. Don't freak out because he said "no." There's a reason. "I have no pressure now, other than to go out there now and give my effort. Put my effort forth and good things will happen. I don't have anything to worry about but to come in and play basketball." Meaning there aren't other distractions or worries, like the state of his contract extension. What any of this actually means depends a great deal on his work habits. For that, we'll just have to wait and see. Los Angeles Times

Regarding the Kareem thing, Bynum said he's not sure what all the fuss is about, or at the very least, why this has become such a big story. "I have no idea where it's coming from. We haven't even got into the season yet. I only work with him during the season, so they'd have to be talking about offseason work, but I wasn't even here. I was overseas, and when I came back, I was in Atlanta working out," he said. Certainly PR director John Black wasn't making things up when he said last week that KAJ's role would be "generally lessened," but I was left with the impression in our (albeit short) conversation that Bynum really didn't know much about it. Personally, I'm not so concerned about from whom Bynum takes his instruction, just that he feels a continuing need to learn. Bynum noted that he's still coming in early every day to get extra work, and doesn't consider himself a finished product by any stretch. Los Angeles Times

But even if he plays well, Bynum is still more likely to experience more final buzzers as an observer rather than a participant, Phil Jackson said: "I think (getting late game PT is) not the important thing for this team right now.. There are times when I think his defense is going to come into play, where it's going to be important to have that aspect, and rebounding aspect, on the floor. But to sacrifice a Pau or Lamar in that stead does change up really the strength of our team." Los Angeles Times

In the past decade, only one Western Conference team did what the Nuggets are trying to do this season. The stars aligned above, fittingly, for the Suns in 2005, and three of their players competed in the NBA All-Star Game. As for Denver, if Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups play as well as they did last last season, they will be headed to Dallas. But who's the third? "Shaq is gone, Yao is out," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "This is the year of opportunity for Nene." Denver Post

"I think a lot of veteran players have a way of pacing themselves," Karl said. "Nene needs to take a bigger piece of the responsibility. Sometimes players think that sounds good, but it's not as easy to do. Nene and I need to work as a team to figure out getting him more touches, better touches, better options, and I think you'll see us do that." Denver Post

Asked about his early impressions of Iverson at camp last week, Hollins said: "There are a lot of good players in this league, they all come to practice and training camp, they all go through the workouts and do the same thing, they all have friends on the team. He's no different than any other player." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Iverson made his presence felt at training camp, and he was vocal. After the team had a sloppy mid-week workout, Hollins got the group together at center court and yelled at them. Then Iverson did the same, his mini-tirade laced with expletives. "C'mon, man!" Iverson yelled. "This ain't punishment! This is how we're trying to play." Memphis Commercial Appeal

You're ready to take on new responsibilities? Joakim Noah: Already last year during the playoffs I had big responsibilities. From the moment you have a lot of playing time, that means they count on you. I know I have a role to play. My offensive game does not change much, but I'm more comfortable on the court. I know I'll have playing time and in the NBA that's really all that matters. My role is primarily defense, rebounds, blocked shots. I'm going to stay aggressive on the offensive rebounds, stay near the basket and make some shit. (laughs). Basket USA

It could be premature to expect Brooks to run in that fast company, but he said he does not mind the expectations or feel the pressure. As the trip back to McAllen reminded, he has come too far too quickly to worry about where he can go next. “This is a good opportunity for me, but we have an excellent team,” Brooks said. “Like Kyle Lowry is a great backup point guard. He could start on many, many, many teams. I don't feel as much pressure knowing we have a good, solid backup like him. If things don't go right, he can come in and step in. “There's not too many people on this earth that can score like Yao and Mac. I know that. As far as filling in for them … it's about making the right plays, giving us what we need when we need it. I think that's what I can do.” Houston Chronicle

But while his heart is no longer in Portland, his mind has never left. So the Spanish point guard who for three seasons teased the imagination of Blazers fans with lob passes from halfcourt and with pick-and-roll precision, comes rapid-fire with questions. "Are they going to sign LaMarcus? How is he doing?" he asks of the ongoing contract negotiations with LaMarcus Aldridge, one of his close friends on the Blazers. "What about Greg (Oden). How does he look? What about Jerryd (Bayless)?" Oregonian

Rodriguez notes the tug-of-war between his heart and his mind figures to be on display tonight, when the Blazers and Kings open their preseason schedule at the Rose Garden. On Wednesday, the two teams will play in Sacramento. "My first two games are going to be home games," he says, chuckling. "It's going to be weird. I don't know what I'm going to do in timeouts ... I might go to the Blazers' bench." Oregonian

The Kings plan to push the tempo, which plays to Rodriguez' penchant for flair, and Rodriguez said he has been given free reign to do his specialty – slice apart defenses with the pick-and-roll. "(Westphal) is very close to the players, and so far, he's been very good. We play up and down a lot," Rodriguez said. "A lot of freedom with pick and rolls." Oregonian

Chris Colston: New Washington coach Flip Saunders: "I've never had the weapons before that I have with this team." Twitter.com

Darnell Maryberry: Livingston just threw down an effortless windmill dunk off two steps and no running start. I think the knee is good to go. Twitter.com

Josh Howard will not suit up tonight and probably will miss a couple more exhibition games. Considering he hasn't played in any scrimmages yet, it's not surprising he's sitting. He's coming back from left ankle and left wrist surgeries in the off-season. "He won't play a game for a while,'' coach Rick Carlisle said. "He's made steady progress and lifted up the amount of stuff he's doing and how aggressive he is. But he has not participated in any live drills, like five-on-five things. He hasn't actually played in a scrimmage yet. Dallas Morning News

The plantaris muscle that Eddy Curry tore in his right calf is considered a vestigial structure, which means it's not considered critical to the normal function of the body. As far as the Knicks' plans are concerned, Curry - who missed all but one practice of training camp last week in Saratoga Springs because of the injury - might be viewed similarly. A year ago, Curry missed camp because of a bacterial infection and fell so out of shape that Mike D'Antoni wrote him off. Curry barely saw any time in the preseason and was benched in the season opener. The rest of the nightmare is well-documented. This season, D'Antoni hasn't been looking to dismiss Curry, whose offseason was dedicated to weight loss and conditioning. But he came into camp with a left hamstring strain and then the right calf flared up. Newsday

Are you ready to discuss the option of playing with France with your front office? Joakim Noah: Yes, that's what I want to do. But I do not think this is the time. It was an important season ahead, which will be long. Once it is completed it will be time to talk, but not before. Basket USA

But the NBA has long discussed possible overseas expansion, and — with the Jazz actually playing a preseason game today against the Chicago Bulls at The O2 Arena in London, part of the league's annual EuropeLive tour — it's an issue forward and center on basketball brains. "I think we're doing good in America," two-time U.S. Olympian Carlos Boozer of the Jazz said before practice Monday at O2, the very same venue that will host basketball during the 2012 Summer Games. "But I think that's something (commissioner) David Stern and the NBA want to try to do," Boozer added, "is expand our league to two teams over in Europe — and I think London is probably one of the first places they would look at it, I'm sure." Deseret News

"It would be exciting for all of us to come over here and play four, five games — not to come all the way to London and play one game or two games, and then fly back home," Boozer said. "If they have four or five teams in Europe that we can go around to, I think it would be exciting for guys." "I could see where it could work, if you have a division over here with, whatever, five teams," Bulls general manager Gar Forman said. Deseret News

Logistics really are problematic, though. "We've been here (in London) two days and I still feel the jet lag," Hinrich said. "So, I definitely think it would be tough on the players." Deseret News

"And they'd play 82 games against us? No. Because they'd have to travel a lot more, so it's not really fair," Jazz point guard Williams said. "The time difference would mess everybody up. Maybe have (an) NBA Europe. I don't know. I don't how you'd do it. Leave that up to David Stern." Deseret News

Then there's the day when a GM like O'Connor has to tell some kid whose only passport stamp is Canada that he's been traded to Turkey. Pack your bags, kiss your loved ones and prepare to join the Fighting Camels. Some might not mind: "I hope soon we're going to have a team in Europe," said Andrei Kirilenko, a Russian who's played eight years in Utah. Suddenly, though, expanding abroad doesn't sound so amusing to some. "Coming and playing over here is one thing, but being traded over here — that's different," Miles said. "You think about that, that's crazy." "I wouldn't mind living in a city like (London)," Williams added rather more diplomatically. "But I prefer being in the States." Deseret News

The NBA has issued a memo to its teams directing players on the bench to remain seated during games. Game officials will be keeping a closer eye and will issue faster warnings and possible technical fouls if not followed. Players are permitted to cheer, but standing during regular-game action and blocking the fans' views apparently isn't going to be allowed. That goes for Tuesday night's first preseason game at The Q, where the Cavs will host the Charlotte Bobcats in the first of eight practice games before the season opener. The Cavs weren't exactly thrilled that their custom has been legislated. "It is hard to take that out of the game," LeBron James said. "Part of the game is emotions, your teammates are all you have. That was part of the reason we played great basketball, because we cheered each other." Cleveland Plain Dealer

It is yet to be seen just how strict the league will be. If past history is any indication, it may turn into a crackdown early in the season to set a tone. "We're going to have to figure it out, it is going to be a fine line," Daniel Gibson said. "Last year we tried to have a college atmosphere." That is well intentioned, but the fans near the bench aren't paying college prices or willing to accept obstructed views. "Maybe it will lighten up after a while," James said. "Like with the dress code." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Consulted by teammates for advice on what to do here, Deng made sure to note a chain restaurant known for chicken with Peri-Peri sauce. He shepherded some of them on Sunday to Emirates Stadium in North London to see his favorite soccer club, Arsenal, not only wallop Blackburn but score some goals that warranted being set to Mozart. "On the way, we were talking about, 'What if it's nil-nil?' " Deng said. "I was hoping that didn't happen and it turned out 6-2. For them watching football for the first time, it was great." Los Angeles Times

Westbrook, a second-year guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, walked in late to a history class this summer at U.C.L.A. As the N.B.A. opens its preseason, Westbrook was among about 45 players — 10 percent of the league — who had traded gym bags for backpacks in the off- season. “The teacher just called my name out: ‘Hey, Mr. Westbrook. Nice to see you. Nice for you to show up,’ ” Westbrook said. “I had to walk all the way to the front and sit on the stage in front of the whole class the whole time. For two hours. I couldn’t go to sleep, couldn’t do nothing. For two hours.” New York Times

If Desmond Mason makes the Kings roster, the veteran swingman (and artist) said he would be interested in showing some of his artwork during Second Saturday, the monthly downtown arts festival that has become quite the local event. Mason, 31, who is participating in training camp as a non-guaranteed invitee, is known as one of the league's more accomplished artists. After Monday's practice, he said he has moved away from still life art and currently is working on abstracts. Mason, who played for Paul Westphal in Seattle, is certainly being given a legitimate chance to make a roster that has a glut of small forwards and shooting guards. (The Kings would owe him $825,000). Westphal plans to start his former player in Tuesday's preseason opener at Portland. Sacramento Bee

James had a cameo on the season finale of "Entourage" on HBO Sunday night. It was a stroke of luck James was able to do it. "They called and they just happened to be filming the finale when I was in L.A. It was perfect timing," James said. Cleveland Plain Dealer

The "Brotherhood" has borne some legal action as Dallas-based Drinnon Law Firm has filed a federal trademark and copyright lawsuit against Adidas and the NBA Store for "misappropriating" the tagline "We Not Me" in the multi-faceted "Basketball is Brotherhood" campaign. Developed by 180 LA, the campaign featured NBA stars like Kevin Garnett and Dwight Howard mentoring kids on the idea of teamwork through a series of documentary-style spots and a web component. "We Not Me" eventually made it onto NBA-sanctioned Adidas attire. AgencySpy

LeBron James said Monday that envy was at the root of a near melee outside a downtown nightclub that started after Browns receiver Braylon Edwards slugged a close friend of James. Edwards punched entertainment promoter Edward Givens about 2:30 a.m. outside the View Ultralounge & Nightclub on Prospect Avenue, witnesses said. James learned about the incident at 7 a.m. and later criticized Edwards' actions. The Cavs superstar called Givens his friend and said it is unfortunate the incident occurred. Cleveland Plain Dealer

"I've never crossed paths with Braylon before but it seems like there is a little jealously going on with Braylon and me and my friends," James said. "I have no idea why. I've never said anything to Braylon at all. For him to do that I think is very childish. My friend is 130 pounds. Seriously, it is like hitting one of my kids or something like that. It doesn't make sense, but the right people will take care of it." The police report lists Givens as 5-foot-7 and 135 pounds. Edwards is 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds. James added that he knows how to handle himself as a professional athlete. "It is unfortunate that some guys don't understand that," James said. "You are a role model to kids, and you should carry yourself that way on and off the field." Cleveland Plain Dealer

The ruckus was quelled when police pointed Tasers at the combatants. A Cavaliers player drove Edwards away from the club, a witness said. "It was like the Cleveland Browns on one side and the promoters on another," said a man who was in the bar but asked not to be identified. The assault suspect's name is blacked out in the police report. But multiple sources and Givens said the suspect is Edwards. Givens filed a complaint Monday against Edwards at the city prosecutor's office. A spokesman for Edwards declined to comment on the assault accusation. Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Braylon comes up and started saying things, degrading me," Givens said. "He said if it wasn't for LeBron or the Four Horsemen, I wouldn't have what I have, nor would I be able to get girls. Everyone knows Braylon has a problem with LeBron." Givens then said he felt the need to defend himself. "The conversation started to escalate," Givens added. "As some of his teammates started to pull him back, he punched me. I have a black eye and a cut. I'm not a violent guy. "As long as I've known Braylon, I've allowed him and his friends to come into our events free of charge. Whatever jealousy he has with LeBron, he felt he needed to take it out on me." Cleveland Plain Dealer

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