HoopsHype.com Rumors

Wednesday, October 7

Visit the HoopsHype.com Forums to discuss the latest news and rumors in the NBA / You also can check out rumors from back in the day in the Rumors Archive

You have the possibility of signing a contract extension this month. How different is the season going to be for you having a new contract as opposed to going through the year without one? Ronnie Brewer: I prepare myself either way. You put the work in during summer time and get ready in the preseason. And when the regular season comes, you approach it like any other season. It’s not a lot of pressure. You just got to play basketball, perform well and hope for the best. But you know, there’s guys out there, for example Andrea Bargnani, who was in your same draft class… He really has not played better than you in NBA and has already signed his extension. How do you feel when something like that happens? Ronnie Brewer: I think guys have different options in different situations. I can’t really focus on what other people are doing. I mean, doing that you’re always come with the short end of the stick sometimes. Like I said, you have to focus on how you can help this team out, play well and hopefully get that extension. HoopsHype.com

Are you optimistic it’s going to happen for you this month? Ronnie Brewer: Yeah, I hope it does. But it’s not the end of the world. Life still goes on. I can still step on the court, prove myself and compete on a playoff contender team. I like options. HoopsHype.com

Jamaal Tinsley is working out in Las Vegas, and the Heat might still add a veteran backup point guard (Tinsley, Bobby Jackson, Brevin Knight are possibilities) if Mario Chalmers and Chris Quinn do not play better than they did Monday. Quinn said he always will be underestimated ``because of the way I look. I don't pass the look test.'' Miami Herald

The Knicks made their first round of cuts Wednesday, all free agents, and none was a surprise: forward Warren Carter, plus guards Ron Howard, former Celtic Gabe Pruitt and former Laker Sun Yue. That leaves the roster at 16, one over the maximum, and a group that includes the retired Cuttino Mobley. Unless the Knicks buy out the remaining $9.5 million on his deal or waive him, he counts, and if they do either, it could cost them the 75-80 percent of his salary insurance is paying. Bergen Record

The subject Wednesday was Nate Robinson and it led to the annual discussion of how the littlest Knick has to walk the tightrope between playing with unbridled enthusiasm and crossing the line with his behavior toward officials and opponents because of that enthusiasm. That prompted Mike D'Antoni to offer this telling comment about how it seems that after four years in the NBA, N8 still hasn't properly channeled his energy. "That's why he [got] a one-year contract," MD'A said. "That's why we won 32 games [last season]. "As soon as we get it and he gets it, then we'll win, get in the playoffs and guys will find homes." Bergen Record

You know, the usual player-wants-trade, player-rips-GM, player-injured stuff, all before the first exhibition game. We can always talk about that. "There's been some disappointments by a lot of people," Nelson said. "But we've kept it out of our workouts and practices. We've just gone about our business." Will you have to pay attention to make sure the, uh, disappointments don't carry over to the court? "Yeah," he said. "I'm not going to let that happen." How? "I'll address it if it happens. I don't think it'll happen. It won't be allowed to happen." NBA.com

"Has there been a lot said? Yes," Riley said. "But I think these guys are professional enough. They're looking at each other and they're beginning to get the sense that this team might have a chance to be a pretty good team at some point. And I think that's taking over as much as anything I've seen." NBA.com

"The mood is a little better than before training camp," Jackson said. "I think guys feel a bit more confident about what we have here. But things won't be right until the proof is in the pudding, and that's being in the playoffs. That's winning now. We've got to get off to a good start, to have a good feel about this team. We can't start off 9-6. We've got to get a better start than that. That's the only way the confidence and the good feel about this team is going to continue. If we start off on a bad note, it's not going to look good." NBA.com

Delonte West is gone again, but LeBron James is confident West will be there when it counts. West has left the Cleveland Cavaliers for the second time during training camp, although this time he has the team's blessing. ESPN.com

"He's one of the ones that we know is going to be there no matter what," James said Wednesday. "When he's out on that court, he forgets about everything else going on in his personal life. We're looking forward to getting him back, but he's going to take as much time as he needs." ESPN.com

Brian Windhorst: LeBron declined to comment on Braylon Edwards. Said he's never been asked to comment on an NFL trade. Twitter.com

Kyle Lowry: Yo did lebron get braylon Edwards traded? That's POWER!!! Twitter.com

Arash Markazi: When Dwight Howard was in Africa he says he got confused for DJ Mbenga. He must not have been playing basketball at the time. Twitter.com

"They forget very fast," Brand said, "as they should. You've got superstars and young talents in this game who've really played well. They'll come and take your spot. You have to be the type of player that wants it. I'll sleep in this gym if that's what I need to do. We've got the same type of guys on this team that'll do the same thing. I'm here to take that spot back and be an elite player again." CBSSports.com

By "here," Brand meant the practice gym on the campus of Saint Joseph's University, which straddles Philadelphia's exclusive Main Line. That was the setting for the Sixers' training camp and, in turn, for Brand's attempt at rebirth. "I see leadership, I see a physical presence, I see a comforting presence," said new coach Eddie Jordan, who has brought relevance to the Sixers along with his trademark Princeton offense. "I see a guy who can get his shot off against taller players, faster players, quicker players. And he's talking a lot and he's a very good rebounder and shot blocker." CBSSports.com

Do you really believe you are an elite team in the East? Butler: Yeah, definitely. I feel like we've got all the weapons intact, all our guys back and I feel that we can compete for a title. I can honestly say it, and I know that I've said that before, because I had the pride in myself to say it. But this time, I don't think I'm stepping out there too far by saying it. The talent is in place, the young guys are ready to step up and do it on a consistent basis, not every other night, but every night. I think we can really make some noise in the Eastern Conference. No excuses, man. This is our motto (pointing to his cap): "It's Our Time.'' That's how we're doing it. We have a four- or five-year window and we want to capitalize on that opportunity. FanHouse

After being traded twice in your first three seasons, do you feel established here? Butler: It's home. I feel like I've finally found a home. I believe in what management's trying to do here. I think management has a long-term goal and wants me to be a part of it, and I'm just glad I've finally found a place I can call home. FanHouse

T-Will, or Terrence Williams, put on a dunking show during a late-practice full-court drill. Guys on the other end of the court, including coaches, were watching the rookie get up and throw down. Some guys sitting on the side were saying, "Windmill." Later, Williams gave them what they wanted. Bergen Record

Hey J.J., besides patience probably, what do you think the biggest lesson you’ve learned in the NBA is? JJ Redick: Patience is something that I’ve definitely learned over the last three years. Besides that I’d say learning how to be a professional is just as important. Being a professional means you keep your body in shape year round, you’re always ready to play no matter the circumstances, you come early and you stay late. To me, it also means throwing yourself completely into your profession. The truly great players do that- they eat, sleep, and drink basketball. I’ve had to learn that and going into my fourth year I feel I’ve done that. JJ Redick

Deron Williams: Going to dinner! Spanish culture is different dinner reservations don't start until 8:30. Gonna try some spanish food! Twitter.com

Stop us if you've heard this before: Eddy Curry will be out indefinitely (the Knicks officially say there's "no timetable") to work on his "conditioning" (the Knicks' word) so he doesn't get hurt so often (Donnie Walsh's explanation). But it's "not about weight," Walsh insists. If he can play, it doesn't matter what he weighs. Which is what we believe _ except he can't play. Which brings to mind an old saying: If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck. In other words, quack! "Conditioning" means "Eddy's weight." Bergen Record

And, for the record, Eddy is due $22.8 million for this and next season, including more than $10 million this season _ coin Walsh would love to unload before the 2010 Summer of LeBron. Tuesday's decision _ which the Knicks wouldn't say guarantees he's not ready by opening night, just three weeks away _ means unloading him is more unlikely than it already was before. Bergen Record

Arenas had 10 assists while playing a surprising 24 minutes on Tuesday, which said a lot about how good he feels about his surgically repaired left knee and also how hard it will be for the Wizards to hold him back. Arenas clearly has no desire to ease back, but Saunders said he doesn't want to wear him down, which made Arenas's left finger injury a blessing in disguise last week. It forced him to sit. But no matter how many scorer's tables Arenas hurdles, the Wizards should procede with caution this preseason. No need to rush him at this stage. Washington Post

Do you think you have a chance of playing for the U.S. team at the World Championship? Ronnie Brewer: You never know. Maybe if some guys go down… If they ask you, you go? Ronnie Brewer: If they ask you, you have to accept. Hopefully if I continue to get better, they will take account of it. HoopsHype.com

You're playing for Flip Saunders for the first time, instead of Eddie Jordan for nearly all of your Wizards career. How has that been? Butler: It was different, obviously. We praise Coach Jordan for the years that we had. They were great years, a tremendous ride. But now it's a new voice in the locker room. It was refreshing. It was great to get out there to try something new. It was a different strategy, obviously, and so far it's been great. We're getting adjusted to it and it's fun. It's a different style, a free style of basketball, and it's fun to get into the open court, making things happen, out in transition. With all the athletes on this team, all the versatility, it's time to use that and we have been using it. FanHouse

Do you think you fit into that offense well? Butler: It's a real good fit. Coach, he goes to the hot hand, he's gonna milk it, he's gonna keep going to it. No knocks to the offense we had over the last couple of years, but that was an equal-opportunity offense, so if a guy came down and scored, it might be five or six more possessions before that guy got the ball again, because it's the Princeton offense. That's just how it worked. Everybody gets the opportunity to be aggressive. This offense is a little different and you saw examples of that tonight. FanHouse

25-year-old Spaniard Jordi Fernandez will work as video coordinator for the Cavaliers this season. "Coach Brown told me to go to Cleveland and coach his son. He liked my work with the kid because three weeks ago he totally surprised me with a full-year offer. He listens to me when he wouldn't have to... What can I teach him?" he said. TuBasket.com

The most interesting thing Stern had to say was in response to a question from the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson about his reaction to Michael Jordan's Hall of Fame speech. Stern was present for the ceremony in Springfield, Mass., last month. "What I took from Michael was that he needs to feed off of perceived disrespecting," Stern said. "He looks for the motivation - - not uncommon in our league. And I think that is what drove him to probably be the greatest competitor in the history of our game. "And he put some of that on display for us and he knowingly did it. He said, ‘I want to tell you what motivates me' and then he shared it with us. Salt Lake Tribune

As the Indiana Fever prepare for tonight's WNBA championship game, an executive with the team's parent organization is optimistic the women’s basketball squad will remain in Indianapolis. Rick Fuson, executive vice president of Pacers Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Fever, said this morning that he is “very confident” about the team’s future in the city, though he declined to comment further. “Right now, we just want to make sure these ladies have everything they need today to win the championship,” he said. Indianapolis Business Journal

Former NBA great Michael Jordan has broken a San Francisco ban on smoking on public golf courses, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The incident occurred Tuesday while the NBA Hall of Famer, an honorary assistant captain for Fred Couples for the United States at the Presidents Cup event at San Francisco, was playing a practice round at Harding Park. UPI.com

The Securities and Exchange Commission said Wednesday it plans to appeal a federal judge's dismissal of the agency's insider-trading lawsuit against Mark Cuban. The SEC filed a notice in U.S. District Court in Dallas that it plans to take its case to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans. The outspoken billionaire owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks was accused in a civil lawsuit of selling his shares and avoiding a $750,000 loss after receiving confidential information about the Internet search engine company Mamma.com Inc. in 2004. ESPN.com

With Dwyane Wade and LeBron James wavering on their commitment to USA Basketball next summer, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard wants to make one thing clear: He's in. "I would love to play," Howard said in an interview to promote his appearance on the cover of NBA Live '10. "I have no problem with it. I want to be on the 2012 Olympic team. If that means [USA Basketball Managing Director] Mr. [Jerry] Colangelo wants me to play at the world championships next summer, I'm there." SI.com

Colangelo told SI.com over the summer that he will talk to each player again during the NBA regular season and that there was no specific timetable for when players had to commit. Colangelo added in July that he hoped that the pending free agency of some player -- including Wade, James, Bosh and Carlos Boozer -- would not have an impact on their decision to play. Colangelo is hopeful that their contract situations would be resolved before any team minicamp, which would likely take place in mid-July of 2010. SI.com

The Boston Celtics have until the end of the month to decide whether to extend Rajon Rondo’s contract or let the point guard become a restricted free agent next summer. Doc Rivers, however, has a strong feeling Rondo will be back … for a while. On Tuesday he told WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan Show: “I think Rajon Rondo will be a lifetime Celtic. I really do. I think this process he’s gone through is the process all players go through at times. The maturity process is another thing that all players go through. I don’t think he’s behind in that department at all. I just think he’s young and he’s growing. So, I never had a black mark against him. For maturity issues, that’s part of his process of growing up, and he’s doing that. He’s been as good as anyone. In camp thus far he’s doing everything we ask him to do — and he usually does. I would be very surprised if he’s not a lifetime Celtic.” WEEI

Blazers general manager Kevin Pritchard said that 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. Pritchard said the ongoing status of negotiations has not affected Aldridge's focus during camp. "That's a testament to his character," Pritchard said. "We're going to keep working on it. This is a priority for us right now. ... 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

Ben Golliver: Blazers fans shouted "Cut the check! Cut the check!" while LaMarcus Aldridge was at the free throw line in the first half. Twitter.com

Derek Fisher laughs at the notion he might retire when his contract with the Lakers runs out this season. Heck, the 35-year-old point guard said Tuesday he could envision himself playing into his 40s in fact if his health permits it. "If you're willing to do the work and put the time in, it's more than possible," Fisher said. "The body is capable of so much more than we give it credit for." Riverside Press-Enterprise

The Bobcats exercised a $2.45million option on D.J. Augustin, weeks before the deadline, but are still undecided whether to guarantee a similar, $1.47million option on forward Alexis Ajinca. That speaks to the divergence of the situations: Not only did Augustin have a fine rookie season, he's the team's only protection at point guard should Raymond Felton leave after this season. Charlotte Observer

Now, Ager will have to wait until another player, Josh Asselin, receives his Spanish citizenship. "He's as important for the team as Josh Asselin, so we hope he'll return to the team soon", said assistant coach Zan Tabak to Radio Marca. Diario De Sevilla

A source said after the game that West will not be at Cavaliers practice Wednesday, and it's possible his absence could continue beyond that. The source said he will be in the Washington D.C. area Wednesday to address legal matters concerning his Sept. 17 arrest in Maryland after police said he was pulled over for speeding on a motorcycle while carrying two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case. FanHouse

Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry declined comment to FanHouse after the game. But the team is expected to have a statement Wednesday on West. West, who hasn't talked to reporters since the team's media day Sept. 28, got testy before the game when reporters attempted to interview him, and wouldn't comment. Cavaliers coach Mike Brown had said before the game West would play and he warmed up, but he wasn't used nor was even on the bench. FanHouse

West, who has a bipolar disorder, last year missed 12 days of the Cavaliers' training camp to seek treatment for depression and a "mood disorder'' he said he has battled his entire life. "I'm not really thinking about that, sitting back and, 'Well how much time is he going to need,''' said Mike Brown. "If he needs some time, then we'll have to sit back and have to talk about it. Danny has been involved with this process this whole time. I've just gotten updates.'' FanHouse

Magloire, never one to back down, said he has to maintain his tough approach. But he also said he has to better harness his emotions and elbows and fists and feet when in a pile. "Anything I did was unintentional," the Big Cat said Tuesday. "It happened so fast. I didn't think anybody hit anybody. I've been playing now in the NBA for 10 years. I've never been accused of throwing a punch. I find other ways to get my point across." Magloire, never one to back down, said he has to maintain his tough approach. But he also said he has to better harness his emotions and elbows and fists and feet when in a pile. Miami Herald

So the Pistons weren't surprised to see him show no nerves in 11 minutes during his Palace debut in Monday night's 87-83 victory over the Miami Heat in an exhibition opener. "Jonas was great," Tayshaun Prince said with a grin after Tuesday's practice. "Jonas said, 'I'm about to go out here; this is my time to shine, I'm about to get loose.' One thing he does is he's an energy guy, he's going to have fouls, he's going to create contact. ... He's that type of guy that's ready to make things happen." Detroit Free Press

There are many things that Artest does that have no purpose. For example, for an interview with SI.com the other day, Artest hired Natalin Avci, a 23-year-old Turkish model he had met recently in a hotel lobby, and a camera crew for a photo shoot for the heck of it. "The only purpose is to have fun," Artest said. SI.com

That would appear to be one of the driving forces behind many of Artest's decisions, including the one that could drive him to get out of his Lakers contract early. "I signed for five years but I want to box, I want to fight a heavyweight fight in four years," Artest said on more than one occasion. "I started training already and I'm doing good and I think in four years I'll be ready to fight my first professional fight. I want to get four professional fights under my belt and see how I do and take it from there. That's been my goal for a long time. Whether I get knocked out or knock somebody out, I just want to fight." SI.com

Jackson agreed, saying, "Dennis was interested in defense and rebounding and he worked in our triangle very well, but he would pass up a shot when he was wide open and give someone else a shot. Ron is a guy who likes to score and will score and so it's a different role he'll have on this team. Personality-wise, Dennis was a guy who could probably go through the day without talking, while Ron is very verbose. There's quite a difference." SI.com

Orlando, the defending East champion, received only 7 percent to win the conference and no votes to earn its first championship. Dwight Howard, the Magic's All-Star center, played down the voting results. "Those are general managers," Howard said during a call to promote the NBA Live 10 video game. "Those are guys who aren't playing basketball anymore, so of course they're going to pick their teams to win, and we understand that." ESPN.com

STAT scored 12 points and pulled down five rebounds in limited minutes, but also displayed some of the strides he made defensively during training camp, as well. “He’s still not close to where we feel he’ll ultimately be in terms of his conditioning, but he played hard tonight and defensively did a lot of good things,” Suns Head Coach Alvin Gentry said. “He rotated over, put himself in position to draw charges and just appeared to be really engaged defensively and I liked the effort.” Suns.com

Amare’s weight is down around his regular playing weight of 250 with 7 percent body fat after he went into training camp weighing 264 with 9.5 percent body fat. Now he just wants to maintain that weight and improve his cardio. Valley of the Suns

Guard Dwyane Wade offered a somewhat telling perspective when asked about his team's uneven play in the loss to the Pistons. "We can't have two or three guys struggling at once," he said. "We're just not that fortunate to have what other teams have." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

In the loss, center Jermaine O'Neal grabbed just one rebound in 21:22 of action, rekindling memories of similar struggles last season upon his arrival from the Raptors. "Obviously one rebound in 22 minutes is something we talked about and I thought about," he said, having spent the offseason strengthening his legs to avoid such totals. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The one player John Kuester has been particularly raving about this training camp is Kwame Brown. Yes, Kwame Brown. Kuester said it again today - that Brown will have an outstanding season. Maybe, just maybe, Kuester's right. There does seem to be a confidence and maturity around Brown that many people haven't seen before. It's taken Brown a while, he's been through a lot in his career, but maybe Brown finally realizes what it takes to be a successful pro. Just as important, Brown might have the coach, system and organization he can thrive with. Detroit News

Adrian Wojnarowski: More than 1 NBA exec. texted me curse tonight for team doctors refusal to draft DeJuan Blair with bad knees. Twitter.com

Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said he remains confident in his team's point-guard play, with third-stringer John Lucas also fighting to make the roster. Spoelstra also spoke of a committee approach to the position, with Wade and Daequan Cook taking on more play-making duties. Before Monday's game, Spoelstra said he wasn't yet comfortable with Cook in such a role. Apparently, that has changed. ``We have options there,'' Spoelstra said. ``As a group, we didn't get off to a good start. We still have faith in Quinn. Dwyane can play some time there and Daequan can get us into the offense. We're getting more versatility. Guys are getting better. It just didn't show [Monday].'' Miami Herald

Point guard Jameer Nelson has helped his new and old teammates get to know each other. Just as he does every year, Nelson organized a week of team-building exercises for Magic players in Philadelphia in August. They worked out and played pickup games at a local college. They played paintball. They attended a Philadelphia Phillies game. They bowled. They ate dinner together every night. "We just had fun [doing] the things that you do as a kid," Nelson said. Orlando Sentinel

"I think Jameer makes a great step every summer just getting guys to know each other," Van Gundy said. "I think the off-the-court stuff helps, but what you're really looking for in terms of winning and losing is what comes together on the floor. There's no magic thing. There's nothing I'm going to do to put that together. Guys just need to play together." Orlando Sentinel

"I'm more comfortable with everything," Duhon said after yesterday's practice in Greenburgh, "the coaches, the players, the whole organization. It's easier for me to go out and be myself." New York Post

With Nate Robinson re-signed to a one-year contract and rookie Toney Douglas opening some eyes over the summer, Duhon would be forgiven if he felt threatened. That's not the case, at least according to the player himself. "Just doing what it takes for us to win," Duhon said. "We have a couple young guys that are going to be very important for us to win a lot of games, and the faster we can bring them along as far as game speed, what we need them to do, day in and day out, the better team we're going to be." New York Post

Also, he's looking to develop his game out of the key. Known for making viewers cringe with his free throw stroke, Biedrins said he wants to develop a jump shot. "That will be my next big goal," said Biedrins, who spent the summer playing for the Latvian national team. "I've really tried to work on that, before practices and after practices. Move out of the painted area." Contra Costa Times

Arenas was nimble, which he displayed late in the first period, as he stole a pass from Memphis guard O.J. Mayo then leapt over the scorers table and ran up the stands to secure the ball. Coach Flip Saunders said didn't gasp as he watched the Wizards' $111-million soaring into the crowd. "No one should question how his knee is, jumping over the table like that," Saunders said. "As I said, he's given me no indication in the things that he's done that he's not back; that he's not the Gil of old." Washington Post

Arenas certainly showcased his skills as a facilitator, dishing out 10 assists, but at teams he seemed like a lighter version of the player who played two games last season. His passing and decision-making are there, but he is still searching to recapture his ability to put the ball in the bucket. Saunders said that shouldn't be a problem as Arenas rediscovers his rhythm and his body adjusts to the bumping and grinding of playing more often. He had no problem getting to the rim but Arenas struggled trying to finish, as missed about three point blank layups. Another pullup jumper barely grazed the rim. Had Arenas not missed those shots and six free throws, Saunders said he had "a 20[-point], 10[-assist] game right at his fingertips." Washington Post

Suns point guard Steve Nash will miss tonight's preseason opener against Partizan Belgrade because of chest congestion. He will not be at US Airways Center. Goran Dragic is expected to start in his place. Perhaps it's somewhat of a blessing for Dragic to get extended minutes against a familiar-looking foe in the Serbian team. Dragic had a strong practice Monday after a so-so camp in San Diego. Arizona Republic

Rivers said Kevin Garnett will play in tonight’s preseason opener against the Houston Rockets in Hidalgo, Texas. Garnett, coming off surgery to remove a bone spur in his right knee, participated in the scrimmage yesterday and hasn’t experienced any setbacks during early training camp, although he has been fighting shin splints. Garnett hasn’t played in an NBA game since March 25. “I thought today they bothered him more than the other days,’’ Rivers said of the splints. “He went through the practice, but I didn’t think he moved great today. It would be great for him to play, though, a real game atmosphere.’’ Boston Globe

Allen Iverson will have an MRI today because of a strained left hamstring that forced him to sit out Tuesday when the Grizzlies began their exhibition schedule against the Washington Wizards. Iverson's preseason debut will be delayed again tonight as the veteran guard will miss the Grizzlies' preseason home opener against Oklahoma City in FedExForum. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Second-year forward Darrell Arthur sat out with a strained pectoral muscle. Arthur hasn't been cleared for contact after participating in only noncontact drills during the first week of training camp. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Shawn Marion, who missed the preseason opener as a precaution with a sore right calf, practiced Tuesday and said he expects to play Friday in Washington. Carlisle said the 92 free throws Monday weren't because of overzealous replacement referees. "We did a bad job with unnecessary fouls," he said. "We know we have the best referees in pro sports in the NBA. Those guys will be back when they're back. In the meantime, I thought they [replacements] did an exceptionally good job. Go back and look at the film and all those fouls were fouls." Dallas Morning News

After suffering a knee injury five days before the beginning of training camp, Clippers forward Blake Griffin will participate in contact drills in practice Thursday and is expected to play in an exhibition game Friday night at Staples Center against the Portland Trail Blazers. "I've only been out a week, but it feels like a month," Griffin said after the Clippers practiced Tuesday. "Even watching practice is rough. It's worse that I'm completely dressed and I have the uniform on." Los Angeles Times

Eddy Curry may have shed close to 40 pounds in the offseason, but he has not shed his image as a player too out of shape to help the Knicks. Curry is not in acceptable playing condition. For now, that is the official conclusion of the Knicks' coaching and management staff. Team president Donnie Walsh said Tuesday that Curry will not be back on the practice floor until trainers get him in better playing shape. "While he did a lot this summer, he's not ready to go out there and play at NBA speed," Walsh said. "We're going to take longer and get him out there, because every time he comes out on the floor, he pulls a muscle." Newsday

After getting a second opinion from a doctor secured by his agent, Jazz swingman C.J. Miles will go undergo surgery today in New York to repair the left, shooting-hand thumb ligament that he ruptured during practice Monday in London. Miles — Utah's starting small forward last season — will do his rehab work in Salt Lake City, general manager Kevin O'Connor said after the Jazz's preseason loss to Chicago on Tuesday at London's O2 Arena. "He was really down," said Jazz point guard Deron Williams, who spoke with Miles before he returned to the United States. "I'm down for him too. Deseret News

There was actually positive news regarding Eduardo Najera, who practiced for the first time in roughly nine months, because his recovery from a May sports hernia surgery has been delayed by related back problems in the first week of camp. “Everything is back to normal,” said the veteran forward, who took part in transition drills, adding that the pain in his abdomen and back “is gone.” “He’s getting his feet wet, (he) brings a lot of energy to it,” Frank said of Najera. “We’ll really welcome Eduardo back. He brings an energy and toughness. Hopefully he can stay healthy, so he can do what he’s done in his career.” Newark Star-Ledger

And, finally, it’s only fitting that Deng gets the last word. His injury forced him to miss last summer’s EuroBasket competition, for which he had helped the Great Britain national team qualify. Work remains for that team to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. Yet Deng admitted he let his mind drift during a raucous night at O2 Arena, which will house Olympic basketball. “It’s hard for it not to cross your mind,” Deng said. “I can’t wait for it. I want to make sure we prepare for it as best we can.” Chicago Tribune

The Nets have not wavered from their insistence that “there is no Plan B” beyond their intention to relocate to Brooklyn. But that hasn’t stopped them from scheduling three events in Newark this month. The first, announced Monday, is a “Netstoberfest” celebration at the entrance plaza outside of the Prudential Center on Wednesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. That will be followed by an Oct. 13 preseason game against the Boston Celtics and an Oct. 21 preseason game against the Knicks, with both games being held at “The Rock.” “We’re promoting our preseason games in Newark,” Nets spokesman Barry Baum replied when asked why the rally is being held neither in Brooklyn nor their current home of East Rutherford. Bergen Record

Phil Jackson continued to tease the media about whether he would show up for Wednesday’s preseason opener against Golden State at the Honda Center. On Friday he said he might miss the game, much like last season when he stayed home because of vasculitis. Kurt Rambis coached that game. Four days later, Jackson still would not say definitely that he would make the trip to Anaheim. “I seem to be OK health-wise,” he said Tuesday afternoon. “I’ll let you know tomorrow.” Orange County Register

Adrian Wojnarowski: Just chatting with Wiz GM Ernie Grunfeld. He really likes the impact Flip Saunders has had on his team in camp. Twitter.com

David Kahn credits an epiphany for setting his franchise on a determined player-development course that brought former Timberwolves guard Chris Carr to practice Tuesday for an audition. Kahn's revelation last summer was that the Wolves can become league leaders in making their own players better. They already have interviewed several candidates for a sixth assistant coaching position, devoted solely to working with players on their skills. Minneapolis Star Tribune

Former Timberwolves players Darrick Martin and Tony Campbell came to town before the team left for training camp in Mankato. Carr arrived Tuesday after a short crosstown trip from Hopkins, where he operates a basketball training academy for schoolchildren of all ages. Minneapolis Star Tribune

The Bakersfield Jam announced today that Greg Minor, Mark Strickland, and Chris Leazier will be joining head coach Will Voigt as assistant coaches for the 2009-10 season, while Jeff Christensen will assist the coaches as an intern. “We have assembled an excellent staff of coaches that understand how hard you have to work to be successful at this level. I can not wait for our season to get started and for our players to arrive”, stated Will Voigt. NBA.com

David Stern on stalled labor talks between the NBA and its officials: “As far as I know, there have been no further conversations with the union. It is our expectation and hope that there will be. The last conversation was a meeting in which we sat down, made several concessions, had their negotiators say, ‘OK, let’s shake hands. We’ve got a deal.’ And they went back to get approval from the union. We said we would get approval from our owners. And they advised us that the union had not given that approval. We know we eventually will make a deal. But right now, we’re not discussing anything. They know how to reach us. They haven’t even told us exactly why they rejected it. They left us with little choice but to start the exhibition season with replacement referees.” Chicago Tribune

NBA commissioner David Stern said Tuesday that the league continues to project a drop in revenue of between 21/2 percent to 5 percent that could lead to a dramatic dip in the league's salary cap and luxury tax figures for the 2010-11 season. "As far as we can tell from our preseason numbers, that's exactly where it's going to come in," Stern said after a news conference before the Jazz-Bulls preseason game. Salt Lake Tribune

Orlando Magic power forward Dwight Howard is selling his Windemere estate, a nearly 8,000-square-foot mansion in the exclusive Lake Butler Sound neighborhood recently listed for $2.49 million. The house starts with carved doors that open up into a double-height entryway befitting a 6-foot, 11-inch NBA All-Star, and lead into a palace similarly sized to scale. Built in 2005, the 4-bed/5.5-bath residence has a Venetian plaster-clad master suite with two-sided fireplace and a 14 by 20-foot closet. Down the hall from the second-story master bedroom is a pair of guest suites, a bar and a home theatre. Downstairs, a gourmet kitchen is flanked by a small office and breakfast bar and opens to an outdoor living space and kitchen that’s centered around a lagoon pool with a swim-up bar. [via yahoo sports] StyleCrave.com

Next Monday, the Cavs are scheduled to welcome Olympiakos, a Greek team from the Euroleague visiting the United States on a goodwill tour. But Olympiakos has more business than just basketball in Ohio and as wild as it may seem, there's a chance they could lose everything they bring with them from uniforms to computers to travelers' checks. If it sounds bizarre, it is. On Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, Judge Christopher A. Boyko cleared the way for old American creditors of Olympiakos to attempt to collect more than $400,000 Olympiakos owes to an former American player's agent from a five-year old lawsuit.The plaintiff, agent Tom McLaughlin, wants to have federal marshals seize everything they can that belongs to the club -- including any currency and perhaps even the charter jet it will fly into town. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Boyko ordered a representative from Olympiakos to be deposed in court by Friday afternoon before he will rule whether McLaughlin can proceed with the asset seizure. Of course, a settlement could be reached before then or before Monday. Tuesday, Olympiakos was defended by powerful local law firm Squire, Sanders & Dempsey. McLaughlin used to represent NBA player Chris Morris, who also played in Greece before a knee injury cut short his career. Olympiakos cut him in 2001, owing him $1.3 million in salary and fees and McLaughlin $400,000 in fees. In separate civil cases, Morris and McLaughlin won default judgments against Olympiakos by 2004. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Any rumor missing? E-mail us at hoopshype@hoopshype.com.