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Monday, October 12

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In search of veteran depth at point guard, the Miami Heat didn't have to look far. Instead, after short drive from his Pinecrest home, former Florida International standout Carlos Arroyo joined the Heat in time for Monday's practice at AmericanAirlines Arena. "The opportunity kind of came quick," said an enthused Arroyo. "Ever since I was in college, I always wanted to be a part of the Heat. I went to school here. My wife's from here." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Determined to stay closer to home and get back into the NBA, he agreed to a one-year, non-guaranteed contract Monday, after the Heat called his agent, Leon Rose, Sunday night. "It was about being in the right situation," Arroyo said. "I had to be patient to wait for this opportunity." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Coach Erik Spoelstra said Arroyo was one of several candidates considered. Heat President Pat Riley stressed last week that because of concerns about the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax on excessive payroll, the Heat only would offer non-guaranteed, one-year contracts to such candidates. For a player of Arroyo's experience, that is just shy of $1 million. Arroyo's contract would not become guaranteed until early January. "We've been evaluating several names for a while," Spoelstra said. "We've been through a lot of decision-making. We're not in a panic situation. We wanted to make the right move." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Ben Golliver: LaMarcus Aldridge on the latest in his contract negotiations: "I'm not really worried about it. It could go either way." Twitter.com

The Suns' front office is looking at candidates and are openly considering the idea of adding a big man. Had they gone the route of adding a big body for a camp contract, they would have done that by now or just kept Raymond Sykes around. The consideration is to add someone who would be around for the regular season. That call will be made in the next week so that an addition would have enough time during next week's practices to acclimate himself. Of course, a big consideration here is money. "You can never have enough bigs in this league but it has to be someone that’s going to be able to help the team," Suns coach Alvin Gentry said. "We’re not just going to go out and put another guy on our team to say, ‘Now, we’ve got a big.’ If we’re going to go get someone, he has to be a guy who can play in our rotation." Arizona Republic

The Sixers have waived guard Sean Singletary and forward/center Stromile Swift, trimming the roster to 15. Singletary, the Penn Charter product. appeared in one game for a total of 10 minutes this preseason for the Sixers. Swift was seemingly destined to be cut when he was injured in virtually his first workout with the team. Philadelphia Daily News

And there is no doubt the Trail Blazers are going to play much the same way they did last season, with two go-to guys: "Brandon Roy is going to be Option No. 1," McMillan said. "And LaMarcus Aldridge is also going to be Option No. 1. We are going to play off those guys just like we did last season." CBSSports.com

For his part, Webster is not tied to being a starter. "I care more about finishing the game than starting," he said. "Nicolas wants to start so I hope he does." CBSSports.com

One source on the court says Kobe addressed Jax as “Young Fella,” and for some odd reason that pushed Jackson over the edge. Soon, Jackson was cursing Nellie and storming to the locker room on his way to a two-game preseason suspension. The residue of a historic season two years ago – the biggest upset in NBA playoff history – has washed away. Mullin was the executive responsible for returning the Warriors to the playoffs for the first time in 13 years, and his reward was getting bum-rushed by Rowell and Nelson, whom he hired off his hammock in Maui. Yahoo! Sports

Rio Ferdinand: You haven’t got to put yourself in there. I’ll let you be the coach… LeBron: I’ll be the assistant coach, or let me be the GM. Since I’m picking the team, l’ll be the GM I would have Oscar Robertson at the one, Michael Jordan at the two, Larry Bird at the three, (erm, wow) Shaquile O Neal at the five. My team mate – let it be know that. My teammate at the five and I would throw….I would go with a big lineup, I’d put Kareem at the four. I’d go with a huge lineup. And then my coach (erm), my coach would be James Naissmith, who created the game of basketball. #5 Magazine

Rio: You mentioned Jay-Z there - seems like you’ve got a bit of a relationship with him, how did you strike that up at the beginning? LeBron: Through a mutual friend of mine. A mutual friend knew that I loved Jay-Z, I was 15 years old and he knew him and I was in Chicago working out, and it just so happened Jay-Z was doing a concert that same day - you know, it’s funny how things work out I guess - you know, and we was walking through downtown Chicago and (urm), we show up at the Four Seasons hotel and I have no idea what we’re doing here and we go up to a big suite, a huge suite - it has a downstairs and an upstairs. and out of no-where I hear “Yo, wat up!” and when I hear “Yo, wat up” I look up and it’s Jay-Z with a Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls jersey on, and he’s getting ready for the show and I was like “wow..this is amazing”. #5 Magazine

Rio: So what’s it like to get a man like that?! LeBron: It’s great. I look at J as a big brother to me, and we all know that if you have a big brother stick up for you - just like the movie (More Than a Game) Sian was like our “hey listen somethin’ going on let me know” - and J’s a big brother of mine, and for him to do that I think that it’s humbling to know that you have people that are great in other professions look up to you also”. #5 Magazine

With four NBA championships, regular-season and playoff MVPs, two league scoring titles, an Olympic gold medal and a slam-dunk competition trophy on his mantle, Bryant’s on-court credibility can’t be questioned. Now that he’s endorsing video games and trading cards, two licensed products targeted at kids and teens, it is time to ask whether his rehab as an endorser is absolute. While fellow NBA uber-star LeBron James talks a lot about being a global icon, Bryant’s popularity overseas is tough to match. Measured by jersey sales, Web searches or even his reputation on the global stage after leading the “Redeem Team” to an Olympic win in Beijing, Bryant has the global chops — and the fact that he grew up overseas and is multilingual adds to his credibility. Under the intense spotlight of a distressed celebrity, much was made of Bryant’s endorsements that did not get renewed during his legal troubles — McDonald’s, Coke and Nutella. Now the Lakers star has a rebuilt portfolio that includes Coke’s Vitaminwater; his longtime Nike contract; Panini, now the exclusive NBA trading-card licensee; and 2K. In China, Bryant is a spokesman for Sina.com (the Chinese equivalent of Yahoo! or Google) and business-to-business/e-commerce site Alibaba. Sports Business Journal

Bryant’s agent, Rob Pelinka, calls Bryant the second most popular athlete worldwide, behind only Tiger Woods. Of course, you’d expect him to say that, but it’s still an interesting perspective. “My sense is that during this phase of his career, the marketing community has really learned who Kobe is,” Pelinka said. “Kobe is incredibly driven, committed to excellence and one of the hardest workers in all of sports. But people have come to see the lighter side of Kobe, too.” Sports Business Journal

Of course, like any marketing program, it’s dependent upon the target consumer. “As a fan, I’m a Lakers hater, but as a marketer, I’ve got to say that if you are going after 12- to 24-year-old males, Kobe is someone you’d have to consider as an endorser for any product, because he really kills in that demo,” said Mike Boykin, executive vice president of sports marketing at GMR Marketing. Sports Business Journal

Tony Parker on DeJuan Blair: I think a GM is gonna be fired soon for sure (laugh). Such a talented player cannot be drafted on the second round. Basket USA

When the schedule first came out, the Tribune asked me to offer a game-by-game prediction for the season, and I had the Bulls down for 40 wins. I do think that number might be a bit low, but I'm not a waffler so that's what I'm on record for this season. I've been impressed by this team's togetherness and camaraderie thus far this season and I don't think scoring points will be an issue. I do think defense will be. But, sure, if all the above ifs come to fruition, this team could surprise. I don't see any best-case scenario in which they get to 50 victories -- the early schedule is too tough -- but 45 wins could happen. Chicago Tribune

Long before Nate Robinson jumped over Spud Webb and later Dwight Howard to win a pair of slam dunk titles, Dee Brown pumped up his Reeboks and soared to a slam dunk win during NBA All-Star Weekend. “I think in my day I could have beaten Nate,” said Brown, the former Celtic who played 12 years in the league with several clubs. “I’d like to see him jump over Dikembe Mutombo. But he’s a great player. He can do just about everything on the court.” New York Daily News

Patrick O'Bryant: Im sorry but canadian channels r bad. Just went to best buy and got a slingbox to hook up to my american tv. Cant live w out espn. Twitter.com

Charlie Villanueva's left hamstring injury is improving to the point where he anticipates he'll be able to play Saturday at Memphis. "That's the target date," he said. "We'll see what happens." Villanueva would like to play sooner, but wants to get in at least one full practice prior to returning to the court. Since the injury, Villanueva has either not practiced or has practiced in a limited capacity. Booth Newspapers

Brian T. Smith: Blazers' Juwan Howard hit head during practice. Bandaged; McMillan said he might need stitches, should have scar. Twitter.com

The NBA has told the National Basketball Players Association that owners will lose “hundreds of millions of dollars” over the course of the current labor deal, based on the last four years of the deal combined with projections of declines in revenue for the next two years, said NBPA Executive Director Billy Hunter. The NBA, meanwhile, has begun disclosing its finances to the union, sending two boxes of documents to the union last week, Hunter said. The NBA’s statements about losses in the league were based, at least in part, on projections of what will happen in the future, and Hunter noted that the league last year projected revenue declines and ended up with a 2 percent revenue gain for the most recent season. “They say they have lost money … and they want to recoup those losses and achieve a more positive financial statement or balance,” Hunter said last week. “Their contention is the players are receiving too great a portion of the revenues.” Sports Business Journal

The NBA and the NBPA have held two formal bargaining sessions, on Aug. 4 and Sept. 22. The NBA made a presentation about its losses at the first meeting, Hunter said. “They are losing money because of their alleged reduction in fans … and as a result they have had to reduce ticket prices,” he said. “That is why they are losing money.” Sports Business Journal

Hunter described the mood at the two bargaining sessions as “rather amicable.” Hunter did not reject outright the owners’ contention that they will lose hundreds of millions of dollars under the labor deal, but did not just accept it either. “We don’t know what the losses are going to be until we get to the next few seasons,” he said. Hunter said he is preparing players for the potential of a lockout when the deal expires in June 2011 and has told them for the last two seasons to save a portion of their paychecks in case games are canceled. He said he intends to tell players when he begins visiting locker rooms later this fall to save 20 percent of their paychecks. Sports Business Journal

The bid of Oracle CEO Larry Ellison has been out there, but details of another intriguing offer to buy the Warriors has emerged, several sources told Yahoo! Sports. There is a well-moneyed and politically connected Bay Area group that has approached Cohan about purchasing the team and building a privately funded arena in downtown San Francisco. What’s more, the group has already had third parties call several well-respected NBA front-office executives about running the team. Yahoo! Sports

As for Ellison, sources say he knows what the Warriors are worth in his mind and he isn’t inclined to raise the offer Cohan has already rejected. The Warriors and NBA deny the team is for sale, but as one official with knowledge of the bids says, while Cohan “can go hot and cold,” the San Jose Mercury News’ reports over the summer were accurate. It’s just a matter of time until he sells. Yahoo! Sports

Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson, former Cal and NBA star, was reportedly robbed on the streets of San Francisco over the weekend, KCRA-TV in Sacramento is reporting. In a post on his blog, Johnson said he was near Union Square helping an elderly man get into a cab when someone stole his garment bag. Johnson, former NBA All Star, said he lost a suit, a pair of shoes and some personal items. "Not the end of the world, but frustrating," Johnson wrote. "The real crime was the vulnerability of it all, the idea that I could leave my bag on a crowded street, turn my back for 30 seconds and have my stuff stolen." San Mateo County Times

According to multiple sources, Golden State isn't in a rush to ship away Jackson, who was suspended for two preseason games on Saturday. Why not? A few schools of thought exist. Either the trade offers aren't worth it; they still believe Jackson will come around emotionally, or they simply need him to come back and play decently to establish a better market for him. Maybe it is all of the above. Either way, the next move seems to belong to Jackson. "Obviously," general manager Larry Riley said, "we would never hope it would come to this with any of our players." Contra Costa Times

The Warriors, according to NBA front-office sources, remain open to granting Jackson's wish to be traded as long as they can find a palatable deal, which is what Nelson told local reporters at the Warriors' annual media day two weeks ago. Yet it appears unlikely that the latest blowup with Jackson -- who initially revealed his wish to be moved to Cleveland, New York or one of the three Texas teams at a Dime Magazine party in late August -- will push Golden State to pursue a trade more aggressively, because it is unlikely such an approach would speed the process. ESPN.com

Sources say that the Warriors have indeed made and fielded numerous trade calls regarding Jackson since his desire to leave was made public, but no deal appears close. Golden State knows that the main stumbling block to a trade won't change even if it ultimately decides that the 31-year-old can't be reconnected with his teammates after such a tumultuous start to the season and that he must be moved. ESPN.com

Sources say that unhappiness spilled over this offseason after the Warriors' attempts to acquire Amare Stoudemire from the Phoenix Suns broke down in June after the NBA draft. Yet sources close to the situation insist that the Stoudemire deal was never as close to fruition as some suggested, with Golden State unwilling to part with its lottery pick once Stephen Curry became available to the Warriors with the No. 7 overall selection and with Stoudemire believed to be unwilling to commit to a contract extension in Oakland. ESPN.com

Saturday's participants held trade talks prior to the June draft that could have sent Amaré Stoudemire to Golden State for Biedrins, Brandan Wright, Marco Belinelli and the No. 7 pick. But once Stephen Curry unexpectedly became available at the pick, the deal was squashed by the Warriors. Curry said he did not know of the talks then. "I do now after talking to Coach Gentry," Curry said. "He told me they really wanted me to be in a Suns uniform and tried to work out a deal. That's how the draft works. It's unpredictable." Arizona Republic

Raptors forward Chris Bosh becomes a free agent at the end of the season and for that primary reason the four-time NBA all-star has yet to commit to the U.S. team for next summer's FIBA world basketball championships in Turkey. In the rumour department. Bosh has been mentioned in a possible trade to the Golden State Warriors in a deal that would involve Andris Biedrins coming to the Toronto, with, of course, a lot more, if there's any substance at all to the rumour. Toronto Sun

I don’t believe LeBron wants any part of the Jordan legacy and I keep hearing Wade wants that extra year before the new labor contract comes in after 2011. He only gets that in Miami. Plus, you can imagine Pat Riley is making a similar pitch with no riding through the snow to practice. Bulls.com

I agree the Bulls have a lot to sell, but they did in 2000 just two years removed from six championships and came up empty. I believe the Bulls are better positioned this time, but there are no guarantees, and you can be sure Miami with as much money will be selling Chris Bosh on playing with an All-Star and Olympian like Wade. And in one of the league’s most popular destinations. It going to be a very competitive summer. Bulls.com

As for the Jazz, what you hear is they are telling teams Boozer is an All-Star so they want an All-Star in return or two starters. That suggestion isn’t even close for now. I think that will change, but for now the Jazz seem in no rush to do anything and Boozer is buying in at this point. It seems more likely there’ll be talk regarding Boozer come trading deadline for a lot of teams. Bulls.com

For the second straight offseason, Thomas will be eligible for a contract extension. He said he "loves Chicago" except for the "crazy cold weather" but won't worry about such issues during the season. "I have my qualifying offer if all else fails," Thomas said. "I don't think it will come to that. My big thing is achieving the goals that I set out for myself. I know I can reach them." Chicago Tribune

Either way, his days in Chicago appear to be numbered, but Miller said he's having too much fun right now to think about the future. ''I could care less at this point,'' he said. ''The end of my contract's here, and I'm extremely happy here. You never know what's gonna happen. That's the business part. If it happens, it happens. ''I know what the situation is. I'm just gonna play my butt off and help the team.'' Chicago Sun-Times

Former Boston College player Sean Williams was a man of few words before Sunday's Celtics-Nets game at the TD Garden, Williams, sitting at his locker with a smirk, had some interesting responses when asked about the Nets season. "We're pretty young," he said. "We're in transition, building up, everybody's working hard. I'm trying to achieve some of my goals, making the playoffs, winning games, things like that." When asked if he was concerned about his contract status (the Nets have until Oct. 31 to exercise the option on his contract for 2010-11) he said: "I don't know nothing about that stuff," he said. "I can't even read (joking). Remember, I didn't finish school." Boston Globe

Memphis native Shawne Williams is no longer with the Mavs even though he is under contract. The Mavs told Williams he is no longer welcome around the team because of his lack of maturity, professionalism and work ethic. Williams is in the last year of his rookie contract. Dallas is said to be holding onto his rights in case Williams can be used in a trade. Memphis Commercial Appeal

So before the Bulls played the Milwaukee Bucks Saturday night in Green Bay, I asked Bucks coach (and former Bulls coach) Scott Skiles how he thought the Bulls would fare now that Gordon is playing with the Detroit Pistons and John Salmons is the Bulls' starting shooting guard. "[Salmons] came in right away last year and played very well for them," Skiles said. "He's a veteran player. He can score. Ben's heroics over the years there are well documented, so there's a hole there to fill, but Salmons is a very qualified player and Pargo is sort of a poor man's Ben. "They have very good guards, very good perimeter players." Chicago Sun-Times

The Golden State Warriors will attempt to work unhappy forward Stephen Jackson back into their team fold starting Tuesday, when the Warriors are scheduled to hold their first home practice following four straight preseason games on the road. Jackson is expected to meet with Warriors general manager Larry Riley and coach Don Nelson before that practice, after missing the last two of those exhibition games through a team-imposed suspension for a sideline blowup with Nelson on Friday night in Los Angeles that was deemed "conduct detrimental" to the club. ESPN.com

Reached Sunday by ESPN.com, Nelson said he is still unwilling to go into detail about the exchange and would not expound on his plans for Jackson beyond confirming Tuesday's planned sitdown. "We will talk," Nelson said. ESPN.com

Anyway, this is what a temporarily conciliatory Jackson had to say last Tuesday about Nelson and his coach's pursuit of Lenny Wilkens' record for all-time coaching victories. "It will be a pleasure for me to be a part ot if. He (Nelson) has been a great teacher, a great ambassador of the game. And he has done a lot for me, not only giving me confidence, but allowing me to show I can do more than shoot the ball. I had to put the work in, but he gave me the floor. I don't think people understand our relationship. I have the ultimate respect for coach and he has the same for me. I'm forever in debt to him. No question he is my favorite coach and I'm happy to be here." Sacramento Bee

You were quoted in the story as saying “If I was told right out when I had my meetings that I would be a backup, then I wouldn’t have come (to Portland).” Is that accurate? Andre Miller: “Yeah, that’s accurate.” Oregonian

Are you cool with your situation here? Is it a work in progress? Andre Miller: “That’s the mentality that every player should have. If it doesn’t go my way, it doesn’t go my way. But I’m going to continue to work hard regardless of the situation. So the coach runs the team and whatever decision he makes, I have to live with it. But I’m not going to change my work habits and my work ethic. I’m going to continue to work hard and that should be every player’s goal going into the season, setting goals to be on the court as much as they can. I wouldn’t be in this position if I didn’t have that mentality. So I understand the situation. It’s a new situation and I don’t want to mess up the thing that’s going on here. I just want to come in and help and however I can help the team, whether coming off the bench or starting. That’s just what I have to deal with.” Oregonian

So is it safe to say you’ve changed the opinion you expressed from the summer? “I like the players. I like the coaches. I like the management. I’m here to win. However they’re going to use me, I have to deal with that. And, like I said, whatever the coaches say, I have to do. But that’s not going to change my work habits. I’m a team player. It was nothing bad as far as what I said about starting. That’s just a goal. Like I say, if the coach goes in a different direction then I have to live with that and that’s my job to continue to come out and support my players.” Oregonian

Are you and coach McMillan on the same page? Andre Miller: “Yeah we are. As long as I’m here practicing and working hard, I feel that I can contribute to the team. It’s his job (and) I can’t control where I fit into that situation. So I’m not going to speak on that. I’m going to continue to work hard, I’m going to continue to be a team player and whether it’s five minutes or 25 minutes, I’m going to be out to contribute. And I think he knows, understands me as a veteran. I’m not going to get caught up in the situation. (This was) something by me having my say.” Oregonian

Nate McMillan on Miller's comment that "If I was told right out when I had my meetings that I would be a backup, then I wouldn't have come here," and whether he has had any recent conversations with Miller about the team's starting point guard position: We ... my office is open to my players. And we — I didn't read that. You know, I really won't comment on that because, until that is said to me, then it's not something that I'm going to concern myself with what is written. You know, my players — we've talked about my door has been open, and they can come to me if they feel there is something that is a concern, or they don't understand, or they don't know a role, and I'm here every day between 7:30 and 8 o'clock. Columbian

Has Miller revealed any displeasure to you? Nate McMillan: “If that was the case, I would let you know. But no. I put him in the (starting) lineup the other day to look at that combination of players. I’m going to probably go with that lineup again to take a look at that. But, no I have not heard that from any player.” Oregonian

Miller also said in the story that two or four other players did not pass the conditioning test and the times were fixed. Your thoughts? “Again, I can’t comment on something that I don’t know to be true. It was written and the players know (where) we (stand) on that. And we can talk. That, again, that’s conversation; it may or may not be. But the lines of communication are open with the group.” Oregonian

With the team's mind made up to start Payton, McMillan found himself in a tight spot: to publicly express his frustrations with his role or to swallow those feelings? According to McMillan, his first move was to proactively seek out Payton to ensure that there would be no personality conflicts between the two guards, "[Gary] came in with the idea that I was going to have a problem with him. And I came in by welcoming him to the team. We became the best of friends. He didn't know how to take me the first day or so. But it was like, 'Welcome to the team. Play your a** off and I've got your back.'" Blazers Edge

McMillan drew a parallel between his situation and that of one current Blazer in particular. "I understand how players feel.... I can moan about [my role] or I can go out and play and make the coach put me on the floor, which is what Rudy [Fernandez] is doing," McMillan said, "He's going out and playing. We'll try to find a way to get him more minutes because he can do certain things on the floor." McMillan went on to further compare Fernandez's situation with his own, "I ended up getting more minutes by playing point guard, off guard, I would play guard with Gary and Gary would move to the 2. I would be at the point. I played some 3. Having that versatility, the bottom line was, 'I'm going to make this work. And I'm going to make Payton better.'" Hence the talk about moving Rudy to the point or perhaps going small and using him at the 3, to somehow play Rudy alongside Brandon Roy. Blazers Edge

Both Roy and Aldridge had privately expressed confusion and unease with the direction of the teams' play in the first three exhibition games, when McMillan experimented liberally with lineups and play calls. "We have to learn as we go, but it's definitely going to be different for us,'' Aldridge said after the second game in Sacramento, when he scored three points on five attempts in 24 minutes. "There's going to be a learning curve for all of us. There's a lot of talent out there, but not a lot of touches.'' Oregonian

"It's almost like my rookie year again — trying to figure out where I am in the offense,'' Roy said in Sacramento after the team's second preseason game. "I have gotten used to the ball coming to me, I didn't have to go try and find it. But now I'm in a position where I have to search the ball out and be more aggressive. So, I don't know.'' When asked how he felt about having the ball less, Roy was again put in a new position — unable to put his thoughts into words. "I don't know yet, honestly. I've thought about it, but I don't know how I feel yet,'' Roy said. "It's definitely not cool, because I feel like I'm still young and there's a lot I can do. Oregonian

When the team plays its sixth and seventh preseason games — Oct. 18 at home against Denver and Oct. 20 at home against Utah — the regular-season plays and rotations will be used. Roy said McMillan told him that he and other prominent starters won't play in the preseason finale Oct. 22 in Vancouver, B.C. "But he told me not to worry, that the offense is still going to be played through me,'' Roy said. "As much as I need the ball, then that's what the team is going to continue to do." Oregonian

Several months later, all Robinson wants to do is lower his profile with the authorities on the basketball court. Robinson is looking to cut his technical fouls in half this season, after ranking sixth among all NBA players last season with 12. "I don't need those T's," Robinson said. "I'm trying to stay cool with these guys. My goal is to get only five or six." New York Daily News

"It's not going to be easy for these guys," Robinson said. "I hope these refs don't get star-struck, seeing a couple of superstars they've seen on TV, and say, "Oh, my God!" That's how I was when I was a rookie. But they're professionals, just like us. So If I get a 'T,' I want it to be a reasonable thing where I have an argument standing behind it. It's something I'm working on." New York Daily News

Thomas' sore right hip will eventually heal. His challenge of seizing the starting power forward spot and running with it won't go away unless he picks up where he left off late last season. And Thomas knows it. "This is a huge year for me," he said. "I need to shut some of you damn critics up. No, seriously, I've had the best summer of my life as far as getting better on the court, strength-wise physically, mentally. I've put myself in mental shape to go through a long season and deal with adversity. It's going to be a good year for me." Chicago Tribune

"On the other teams that I was on, I needed to be on the floor -- all the time, a lot of the times because there was not another player out there like me to control the game," Artest said. "But this year we've got Kobe [Bryant]and[Pau] Gasol.[Lakers Coach] Phil Jackson has great options where I don't have to put all the pressure on me or Phil doesn't have to put the team on my back." Los Angeles Times

Artest has been known to not always play within the offense, to pound the basketball. He has been known to force his way inside or to settle for a three-point shot instead of making the extra pass. "We really don't anticipate that's going to be an issue with him," Jackson said. "It may be choice sometimes, decision-making sometimes, but with all players, they have to make good decisions." In the first two exhibition games, Artest has looked hesitant at times, unsure of where to be in the offense. But he's confident that things will work out, no matter how much time he plays. Los Angeles Times

His white ear buds in place, Gilbert Arenas was trying to find some quiet time in the visitors dressing room at the Air Canada Centre here yesterday. Actually, he was insisting on it. “I'm not talking any more,” he answered when asked about doing an interview. “Ever?” “Ever,” he said, albeit politely. Toronto Globe and Mail

His teammates couldn't be happier, as they interpret his vow of silence as a renewed commitment to his on-court career, one interrupted by three surgeries on his left knee, limiting him to 15 games during the past two seasons. “It's good. He's a leader, he's the franchise player. When he's serious it's good for everyone,” Wizards teammate DeShawn Stevenson said. “I'm just glad to see him out there.” Added Caron Butler: “Whatever works for him. Whatever works for him. As long as we get wins.” Toronto Globe and Mail

Kevin Durant used his Twitter account Sunday to express frustration with critics who question his individual abilities and the Thunder as a team. Durant didn’t reveal who he was directing his series of messages to, but his target appeared to be a recent critical analysis piece written by ESPN.com that examined his talents and worth to a franchise. On Friday, the Web site’s popular NBA blog, TrueHoop, ran a post titled, "The Kevin Durant Conundrum.” It explored Durant’s low plus/minus numbers and concluded, "Anyway you slice the +/- numbers, he’s one of the Thunder’s worst players.” Durant responded: "Everybody that is doubtin’ me as a player and my team as a whole...all I can say is that we all are tryin’ and workin’ our hardest! Oklahoman

"What more do you want? Let me be the player I am...I come to practice everyday...and push myself to my limit, God has put me (in) a (great) position!!! "I love all the REAL basketball fans who appreciate hard work, passion and love for the game...and not (just) ‘plus and minuses’...(whatever that) is.” Oklahoman

While ''project'' wouldn't be the right way to describe their relationship, Miller has spent a lot of time since joining the Bulls working with fellow center Joakim Noah. Although his turnaround last season began before the trade, Noah credits Miller for helping him become a better player. ''Brad's a real cool guy, and he's someone I feel I learned a lot from,'' Noah said. ''He brings a great vibe in the locker room. Not only is he a hell of a player, he's someone I feel brings a good vibe and a good attitude to the locker room, and I love having him around.'' Chicago Sun-Times

Pound for pound, Marcus Williams might be the hardest working player on the Grizzlies' roster. That's because every pound counts for the 6-3 point guard. Williams, who signed as a free agent in the offseason, is contractually required to weigh 207 pounds with 10-percent body fat this season. He said the team checks those measurements weekly, and the results have financial considerations. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Williams took on the challenge with help from nutritionists, Griz staff for extra workouts and the right frame of mind. He no longer eats after 9 p.m. The most he'll eat is fruit at late hours. "It's more about portions and how many times you eat a day," Williams said. "It's not about what you have to give up." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Every GM was warned not to take Blair in the first round, which would mean a three-year guaranteed contract. Not surprisingly, no one wanted to risk a three-year deal when league doctors told them not to. It’s not unlike ignoring your own doctor’s warning. You do so at your own risk and then don’t come complaining to me. Blair will be an easy second guess for fans this season, but it’s never their money, so they don’t worry about spending someone else’s. I believe Gibson will be a solid, hard working contributor, which is a bonus for a low first round choice. Bulls.com

In sports, players define themselves by their paychecks. The bigger the check, the bigger the expected role. That's just how it goes in sports. So it should come as no surprise that Marcin Gortat, fresh off his $34 million payday this past summer now views himself in a greater light than maybe he's earned. Gortat recently told reporters that "as one of the veteran leaders on the team" he needed to lead by example. If you're wondering why that's amusing, Gortat averaged 12 minutes per game last year and has played in just 69 games in his two-year NBA career. On Friday, Gortat got the start at center, while Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy opted to rest All-Star Dwight Howard, after the game Gortat dropped this gem on reporters. HoopsWorld

"It's tough to battle Dwight for minutes, but I feel like I'm one of the best centers in this league and I have to play more games like this to prove it,'' Gortat said after knocking in 14 points and pulling down 14 rebounds against a Rockets team that started rookie David Andersen at center. HoopsWorld

Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has said Ariza does not have to become a star scorer for the acquisition to work for the Rockets, insisting Ariza's all-around production with the Lakers would be enough for the Rockets. But he and coach Rick Adelman believe Ariza is capable of more, faith that convinced Ariza to sign a five-year, $34 million contract with the Rockets. “He's got to just play,” Adelman said. “He's got to keep playing and trying things, can't be hesitant. As he gets hesitant, he gets around his guy and gets off-balance, rather than just be aggressive. He has to be aggressive and we'll take it from there. I thought he passed up a couple early. He's got to keep taking them. Houston Chronicle

“For him, he's coming off a championship season,” said Tracy McGrady, who went through a similar process when he went from Toronto to Orlando. “He played with the greatest player in our league (Kobe Bryant). He played with an All-Star team, Kobe, Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom. A lot of pressure was off him. He had to really just come in and do his part, didn't really have to do that much. “Going from that team to a team that is really relying on you, because you are replacing a guy that did a lot for our team last year, Ron Artest, a lot is going to be asked of him. Now that Yao (Ming) is out and I'm not 100 percent, a lot more pressure is going to be on him. “It's a situation where you have to embrace it. He's up for the challenge. Just have fun with it.” Houston Chronicle

But what first looked like a purely sentimental signing by the Pistons might prove to be so much more as Wallace makes his case for a starting job -- something that even Wallace admits has caught him by surprise. "I had absolutely no expectations at all," Wallace told FanHouse after Sunday's win against the Hawks. "I didn't even come back here expecting to get a jersey. I'm just coming in here and working hard and whatever happens, happens." FanHouse

Wallace, meanwhile, looks like one of the most fit players on the roster, and both he and Kwame Brown have earned the praise of John Kuester for helping set the tone defensively at the start of games. All preseason stats must be taken with a mountain of salt, but through three games, the Pistons have held the opposition to just 39.9% shooting from the field, winning each game. "It's really going to be tough for [opposing] big guys to score now," Rip Hamilton said Sunday. "I think they're both probably in the top five defenders in the post in the league, and they [are] really playing well off each other in such a short time." FanHouse

After answering, Garnett proceeded to ask aloud whether his response was satisfactory (which it was, and wasn't). But an earlier answer from Garnett provided better insight into what he felt he did better Sunday in his third exhibition game of the preseason, a 100-93 victory over the New Jersey Nets. "Sprint," Garnett said. "I thought today I got up and down, I tried to put the pressure on their defense. Aggressive, as far as being aggressive, this is probably the most aggressive I've been since I've come back and played. My reaction time was a lot better, a lot faster." ESPN.com

"Afternoon games are not my forte, but for the most part, yeah, sprinting, my gait is getting better and better, I'm getting stronger, I can see it, feel it," Garnett said. "My confidence is growing every time I step on the floor, and that includes practice." ESPN.com

Something else Kris Humphries possesses: Confidence. “I think there are a lot of things I do well,’’ he said. “I can score. I can rebound. I play defense. I don’t get out-worked. If you put me on the floor, I will be a plus on the floor.’’ DallasBasketball.com

Magic SG Vince Carter is shooting a chilly 35.4 percent from the field and is even colder from 3-point land at 17.4 percent. "I criticize myself for my shooting more than anybody does," Carter said after Sunday's practice. "I'm trying to take a different approach and not worry so much about it. I know it will come." Orlando Sentinel

Kings coach Paul Westphal offered a little more into his thinking in how he plans to map out playing time at small forward. Beno Udrih. Kevin Martin. Tyreke Evans. The Evans-Udrih backcourt has been used in the preseason before Francisco Garcia's injury. Without Garcia, those two along with Martin will help fill the void at small forward. "Obviously Tyreke and Beno and Kevin are going to play a lot of those minutes at the two and the three spots," Westphal said. "And then there are minutes available and the candidates are (Andres Nocioni) and (Omri) Casspi and Donte (Greene) and Desmond (Mason)." Sacramento Bee

Chris Colston: Magic coach SVG: “I could see us playing anywhere from an eight-man rotation to a 10. We’re not even close to deciding on a rotation.” Twitter.com

Shaquille O'Neal is growing on LeBron James. Literally. A Charleston reporter asked James what had surprised him the most about O'Neal. "How big he is," James said. "Until you're around him every single day, you kind of forget how huge he is. Every time I see him, he gets bigger and bigger." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Benson has posted a note on his site that reads, "Gone Campin'," writing that the site and his Twitter account "will be down until the end of camp.'' He's also taken a break from Yahoo!. "It wouldn't be a problem if he was a midlevel exception player,'' his agent, Bill Neff, said about the attitude NBA general managers have had about Benson's blog. "It's a double standard.'' FanHouse

Neff doesn't have a beef with the Pacers because he said they "asked nicely'' for Benson to not blog during training camp, and Neff didn't get the feeling it was an ultimatum. But Neff said he's dealt with at least four NBA teams before that were wary about giving Benson an opportunity due to his blogging. After Benson arrived in Indiana, he had a meeting with Pacers executives Larry Bird and David Morway and a team public-relations officials. He was told it would be a good idea to suspend his social networking during training camp. "It was something they felt they needed to address,'' Benson said. "I'm young and athletic... But I'm also good at something else. It's a very dicey situation because I was one of the first ones to get into social media on a public scale.'' FanHouse

But the bigger issue for Benson, 25, is whether his blogging ever could cost him a chance to make an NBA team even if he might be playing better than non-blogging candidates. "It's a very unique situation,'' Benson said. "All I can do is play my game. I'm hoping I can be a writer and a blogger without having it be a detriment to my athletic career... I censor myself (in writing). I don't think that I write anything that would be detriment to a team.'' FanHouse

Guard Tracy McGrady went through brief portions of Sunday's scrimmages, playing roughly the same stints — less than two minutes on a game clock — as in his previous participation in practice last Sunday. There has been no change in McGrady's timetable to return full-time to practices, with an MRI planned for Nov. 23. Houston Chronicle

Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor said Sunday that Miles will remain in a cast for at least four weeks before being re-evaluated and starting rehab. In all likelihood, though, it will be six to eight weeks before Miles can return to action. "It's going to give some people an opportunity," O'Connor said. Salt Lake Tribune

Charlie Villanueva: I'm so thirst to play already. I've been staying in shape practicing martial arts with our team's S&C Coach, Arnie Kander - he's the truth! Twitter.com

Before the Lakers first preseason game last week in Anaheim, I asked Phil Jackson a question that a lot of coaches would be offended by, but I knew he wouldn't: "Do you care if you win these games?" Jackson, who is always honest and refreshingly candid, basically said no. "I think if you check my preseason record over the years," he said, "it's not very good." CBS

General manager Kevin O’Connor did express appreciation to the NBA for coordinating things so smoothly. Not once did the Jazz end up waiting for a bus or stuck somewhere. The league even had people guiding the team through customs. “That was something that made the trip more comfortable,” O’Connor said. I can attest to the lengths the league went to on the trip. During the London game, we sat next to a woman who was inserting a boarding pass in every passport -- not just for the players, but everyone in the traveling party - - for that night’s flight to Madrid, Spain. Salt Lake Tribune

At league headquarters in New York City, league officials hired an expert in infectious-disease control in March to advise them and have been in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Let's face it, we all live in close proximity all year long," Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "You take the necessary precautions, and you deal with it when it comes up." Orlando Sentinel

Teams across the NBA have made provisions to guard players against the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as swine flu. Symptoms such as fever, body aches and fatigue can be debilitating. Having one marquee player get sick or several role players become ill could hurt a team's performance. Magic athletic trainer Tom Smith spoke to the team about swine flu and general health guidelines earlier this month, Van Gundy said. Smith asked players to notify team medical staff immediately if they start to feel sick or are exposed to a family member with the illness, because doctors can prescribe an antiviral medicine such as Tamiflu. Smith also reminded players to wash their hands frequently. "I just wash my hands, that's all," said Magic power forward Brandon Bass. "We have hand sanitizer everywhere." Orlando Sentinel

Winning leads to everything, including season-ticket renewals, which hit an impressive 98% for the defending NBA champions. The Lakers had the highest renewal rate in the league, outdoing Boston and Cleveland, which were both over 90%, though exact figures could not be obtained. The league average was 75%. "Good products can sell even in a bad economy, and the Lakers are a great product right now," said Paul Swangard of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon. "Star power certainly drives that market and you arguably have the player of the decade in the lineup. People just don't want to give up their coveted seats and be back on the outside looking in when the economy looks better and the tickets are tough to come by." Los Angeles Times

The Lakers actually hit 99% last season but weren't disappointed by the slight drop this season. For a franchise valued at almost $600 million, they're pleased with the 98% commitment from season-ticket holders. "In this economy, it shows that our fans enjoy the product and have trust in the team," said Tim Harris, executive vice president of business operations. "They're willing to support us with their checkbook, which provides us with the tools to go out and put that product on the floor." Los Angeles Times

The NBPA reported total assets of nearly $133 million, according to the union’s most recent annual financial filing with the U.S. Department of Labor for a 12-month period ending June 30. The total is down from $136.7 million for the year earlier. Sports Business Journal

Haslem's contract with Converse expired Oct. 1, but is continuing to wear the company's shoes. He said he may take a one-year deal with Converse "so I can be a free agent in everything next summer." USA Today

Bryon Russell says he will be ready with his shorts on at the Utah Flash home opener Dec. 7. The announcement came when Russell traveled to Utah to speak along with Flash owner Brandt Andersen at the first Maakoa company conference. Andersen is putting up $100,000 for a one-on-one rematch between Michael Jordan and former Jazzman Bryon Russell. "MJ started it and I'm going to finish it," Russell said referring to the rematch. "No offense to any of your 46 year-olds out there, but I am not losing to a 46 year old," said Russell. KSL 5 TV

(James) Johnson is even wearing his veteran-issued Dora the Explorer backpack with pride. "Dora the Explorer starts conversations, so it's worth having," Johnson said. "I'm trying to make it a fashion statement, try to match it up. But it's hard with the pink." Arlington Heights Daily Herald

Chris Dudley, the former Portland Trail Blazers center known for his charitable activities, says he is thinking about joining the Republican primary race for governor. Dudley acknowledged in a brief interview Sunday that he has been approached about running and is giving the idea consideration. "It's possible," he said after appearing at Wordstock, the Portland book fair. "I'd just like to leave it at that for now." Oregonian

Greek basketball powerhouse Olympiakos lured Josh Childress away from the NBA, attempted to make a play for Nate Robinson during the summer and has been rumored to be planning a mega-million push for LeBron James next summer. But according to a five-year-old civil lawsuit filed against them by agent Tom McLaughlin, the Athens-based franchise, which has shown no hesitation to throw cash at the game's best players, still owes money to past players who came over from the NBA. And when Olympiakos arrives in Cleveland tomorrow for its exhibition game against James and the Cavaliers, the plaintiffs plan to collect, even if it means confiscating everything from the team's travel funds, team uniforms and even the airplane that got them there. "This isn't about just this one civil suit," McLaughlin said. "What we're trying to do is get NBA players who have played overseas who have had their contracts breached . . . This has been going on for 40 to 50 years, both men and women players, and nobody has done anything to stop it." Newsday

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