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Tuesday, October 20

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The NBA and representatives for its locked-out referees quietly resumed long-distance negotiations last Friday, with the goal of reaching an agreement that will bring the officials back to work in time for the opening of the regular season. The talks resulted in a face-to-face meeting in New York Tuesday in which a new contract agreement was struck in less than an hour, a person familiar with the situation told CBSSports.com. Pending a vote scheduled for Friday night in New Jersey, the NBA will be spared the controversy of using replacement referees in regular season games for the first time since 1995. CBSSports.com

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, cautioned that nothing is certain until the 57 referees vote on the agreement. But unlike a handshake agreement that was overwhelmingly rejected by the referees last month, this truce has the blessing of commissioner David Stern and the referees' executive board, which agreed to recommend ratification to the full body of 57 referees. In fact, NBA officials agreed to the face-to-face meeting, the source said, only after given assurances that the executive board would strongly push for a yes vote from the full membership. CBSSports.com

Sources were not willing to discuss details of the agreement, but the two sides had been stuck on proposed changes to the referees' retirement and severance benefits. Initial rounds of negotiations were contentious, with so many accusations flying both ways that both Stern and Lamell McMorris, the referees' lead negotiator, removed themselves from the process when talks broke down last month. The low point came on Sept. 27, when the referees rejected an agreement that had been reached three days earlier by negotiators for both sides. The next day, the NBA announced it was moving forward with plans to use replacement referees culled primarily from the WNBA and D-League ranks. CBSSports.com

The Dallas Mavericks have traded center Nathan Jawai to Minnesota on Tuesday. The Mavs received a conditional second-round draft pick in 2012, while the Wolves also received cash. ESPN.com

Jawai was a contractual throw-in from Toronto in the four-team trade in July that brought Shawn Marion to the Mavericks and has been shopped since his arrival in Dallas. The Mavericks were pessimistic about being able to find a new home for the burly Australian, even given Jawai's modest $736,420 salary, but injuries to Kevin Love and Al Jefferson have created a short-term need for size in Minnesota. ESPN.com

The Celtics have sent Michael Sweetney back to Boston. He began to show flu-like symptoms, and the team decided to get him away from the rest of the players, fearing an outbreak. Sweetney is trying to make the club as a non-guaranteed free agent. Boston Herald

It's expected that some NBA teams will employ as few as the collective bargaining agreement-mandated 12 active players during the 2009-10 season, eschewing the cost of carrying as many as three inactive players per game. Don't expect the Celtics to try to save a few bucks by dipping below 15. "We've discussed it," admitted Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "Obviously, right now we have 16 in [preseason camp], so we don't mind that. That's the owners' choice. I do believe it should be 15 players on every team and 15 dressed players. I've never understood why only 12 can dress when you're paying for 15. If a team wants to pay for 13, then let 13 players dress." ESPN.com

Rivers doesn't like that he'll have to keep a guy like Hudson in street clothes all year, or option him out to the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League to get action. "It's always put us in a bind," said Rivers. "Every day I have to tell three players, 'You're not dressing, you're not dressing, and you're not dressing.' You can still use [the NBDL], send guys down, but that's up to you. If they're traveling with you and practicing just like everyone else [they should be able to play.] I don't understand that." ESPN.com

As Horford and teammate Marvin Williams chatted it up today on "Mayhem in the AM," the morning sports show on Atlanta's 790 The Zone, that incident came up in the conversation. Horford said that during the series, he and Pierce were at the free throw line and the Celtics veteran bet Horford, then a rookie, that the Hawks wouldn't win a game. The wager, Horford said, was for $10,000. Horford said he hasn't talked to Pierce since, "But I know he owes me money." He continued: "Marvin was a witness. We were at the free throw line and he was telling me that they were going to sweep us and all this and, you know, we bet and I never got anything." Boston Globe

The Bulls ended up merely lifting weights, watching film and having a team meeting on Tuesday. But even if they had practiced, Derrick Rose wouldn't have participated. "I was a little sore from all the running I did (Monday)," Rose said. "I could play through it. Hopefully, (the doctors and trainers) will let me practice. But I have to listen to what they say." Chicago Tribune

For $25,000, you can watch the New Jersey Nets from courtside -- and have a player stop by your son's birthday party. In a tough economy, it's the Nets' latest marketing effort to sell its pricey courtside seats. It's called 'Your Ticket to a Player.' For $25,000, the Nets are offering four courtside tickets for 10 games, parking, access to a private lounge at the Izod Center with free food and beverages and something more -- a one-hour appearance by a Nets player of your choice at your home, office, school or party. "It will be interesting to have an NBA player come to your birthday party or come to your Bar Mitzvah or even just coming to your house for dinner for an hour when your friends are over," Nets chief executive Brett Yormark said. "That's a terrific thing and it's tough to put a price tag on it." ESPN.com

Players will not be compensated for the one-hour visits, the Nets said. "It helps everybody to have more fans at our games, so if the players can make a difference by meeting with ticket buyers at their homes or offices, we are happy to participate," Nets All-Star guard Devin Harris said. ESPN.com

A Pacers spokesman said team president Larry Bird isn't commenting on the report in Sunday's New York Post surrounding his future. The spokesman said Bird isn't commenting because he already addressed his future prior to training camp. Bird said in an interview last month that he plans to remain with the organization until things at least get turned around. Like owner Herb Simon, coach Jim O'Brien isn't worried about Bird leaving. "He's not leaving," O'Brien said. "I know that for a fact. I don't think you worry about any stories that have unnamed sources in them. To me, that's not something you should pay attention to." Indianapolis Star

The speculation in New York is the Knicks will try to buy out Hughes, who then could return to the Cavs with the Cavs uncertain about the status of Delonte West. Bulls.com

Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge said he plans to sign a contract extension with the team before an Oct. 31 deadline. "I can't say when, but I know it will get done," Aldridge said. Columbian

Hamilton wants to remain a Piston for life. That's why he hopes trade rumors involving him aren't true. When the Pistons signed shooting guard Ben Gordon from the Bulls in the offseason, many speculated Hamilton's days in Detroit were numbered.The question was, will there be enough balls to go around for Hamilton and Gordon, who averaged a combined 39 points last season? Pistons president Joe Dumars refused to comment on the speculation. Detroit News

For Hamilton this is par for the course. He has heard trade rumors for years. "Man, we hear our names (in trade rumors) all the time," Hamilton said, breaking into a big grin. "All we can do is play." Detroit News

Hamilton was hurt by the slight, but one of the first things new coach John Kuester did was try to patch things up. Hamilton admits it was a test on his love for the team. "But at the end of the day I still wanted to remain here," he said. "That was the positive thing. I love the city. I love the fans. We brought a championship here and hopefully we can find a way to get back to the promised land." Detroit News

Fisher, who makes $5 million this season, will be 36 a year from now. He has already said he wants to keep playing after this season, though he's not stressing out about it. "I'm kind of excited about it this time around," he said. "I think I'm in a more powerful position in terms of being in a contract year because I'm confident in what my choices are. I'm confident in my ability to keep playing for as long as I want to because of the way I prepare and train and my value to the team. "I'm comfortable that if a higher power took basketball away from me for whatever reason, I'm going to be successful in other areas the rest of my life. So there's no fear of next year for me." Los Angeles Times

The Lakers have the option of giving Morrison and Farmar contract extensions before the regular season begins next Tuesday, but it is not expected to happen, making them restricted free agents next July. Farmar will make $1.9 million this season and Morrison will make $5.2 million in the last year of the rookie contract for the third pick in the 2006 draft. "There's pressure on your mind a lot," Morrison said. "You wonder if you're going to have a chance to provide, even though we get paid very, very well. But this is our job." Los Angeles Times

The Mavericks have until 5 p.m. Monday to finalize the 15-man regular-season roster. Most likely, they will keep Shawne Williams on the roster, though he isn't with the team. The Mavericks have a couple of options with him, which includes simply holding on to Williams until they see if anybody will take him via trade. The Mavericks probably would have to take back some deadwood to move Williams – either bad contracts or somebody else's problem. They also could suspend Williams if the league agrees that his conduct last season was detrimental to the team. They are not expected to waive Williams because he is owed more than $2.4 million. Dallas Morning News

Pops Mensah-Bonsu, Will Conroy, Garrett Temple and Romel Beck, the four Rockets with non-guaranteed contracts, might have wanted to put the coming roster cuts out of their minds. The court might have offered respite from thoughts of the cuts. “It's kind of impossible to put out of your mind,” Conroy said. “Your future, as far as what is going to happen with this team, is this week. You just want to go out there and do what you've been doing, be a good teammate and do what the coach asks you do.” Houston Chronicle

Ainge said no decisions have been finalized on the status of J.R. Giddens and Bill Walker. Also, Rondo has one year remaining on his contract, and will become a restricted free agent after this season if the Celtics fail to extend his deal by Oct. 31. Boston Globe

And as for his future in Utah, Ronnie Brewer's is as confused as a blue in a red state. "That's not really in my hands right now," Brewer said of the call on whether or not he'll come to agreement on an extension of his rookie contract with the Jazz, which is something that must be decided by the end of the month. "If it happens it happens," added Brewer, who apparently wants it to happen — but would become a restricted free agent if no agreement is reached soon. "I mean, I just feel like it's a great opportunity. I enjoy playing (in Utah). But my focus is on just getting better this year, and helping this team out." Deseret News

Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor has vowed to talk this week with Brewer's agent about a possible extension — up to five new seasons can be added — but he's unwilling to characterize the likelihood of a deal. "I can't say if anything will get done or not, but we'll have conversations about it," said O'Connor, who is traveling with the team on a road trip that included two preseason games in Los Angeles over the weekend and another tonight at Portland. "It's not something that we're gonna ignore." Deseret News

At last check, the sides seemed to be rather far apart on prospective terms. "It's tough to tell right now. I try to stay optimistic," Brewer said. "I think we have a good young core group of guys, so hopefully I can get something rolling. But, if not, I have to play the same way I played last year, make some improvements and hopefully I can stay here." Deseret News

Though Denver is expected to be one of the best teams in the NBA this season, Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien said the organization would not be hesitant to make a deal to improve the team if the circumstances warrant doing so. “We’ll see where we’re at,” Warkentien said. “I think one thing, and history’s proven it, if we indeed have slipped and we get to that analysis, I think our group has proven that we’ll take the driver out and give it a big swing.” Denver Post

Los Angeles Clippers today waived guards Jerel McNeal and Anthony Roberson. Clippers.com

Stephen Jackson promises tonight's game against the Lakers, and specifically his rematch against Kobe Bryant, won't get out of control. If the meeting happened off the court, however, Jackson believes he would punch his point home. "I'm going to be me, but I guarantee I won't feed into the nonsense," Jackson said Monday. "If it came down to a real fight, I know what would happen. I'm just going to leave that alone, go out and play basketball and try to help my team win." San Francisco Chronicle

"I love competing against and guarding the best guy," Jackson said. "I just don't like being treated like I'm less. If I play against a guy, we both play the same, physical game. We are treated the same, and (if) he outplays me, I'll give him his props. "But if the game is being called one-sided and I'm not being treated fairly, I'm going to be upset." San Francisco Chronicle

"It'll be the same, without the ruckus," Maggette said. "Jack is a very competitive player, and Kobe is a very competitive player. Kobe is probably one of the most competitive players in basketball, and, most people probably don't realize this, but Jack is exactly the same. "Everyone takes away from Jack as a player because of the mishaps he's had off the court, but you can see. You're here every day. You know that he's one of the hardest workers in practice every day, if not the hardest worker every single day. "Jack is never going to back down to anybody, whether it's Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan." San Francisco Chronicle

Observers say they’ve seen signs of discontent from Chris Paul, who had been close with Tyson Chandler, Rasual Butler and Jannero Pargo, mainstays when the Hornets won 56 games two years ago. Although I’ve had hopes for Okafor, some scouts keep telling me he won’t fit with Paul, who likes to lob to his big man. Of course, that raises again the question brought up a year ago about whether Paul will become an issue and push for changes. The Hornets and Paul for now say things are fine, but it will be a team and star to watch carefully. Bulls.com

Before the Bulls lost 101-98 to the Magic on Monday, Chicago forward Tyrus Thomas was surprised to find out he was not in the in starting lineup. "I don't think it should even be questionable from what I contributed to this team last season and what I did throughout camp, but like I said, he [Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro] is the guy that makes the decisions. Whatever decision he makes I still I have to go out and play," said Thomas, who had 22 points and 13 rebounds in a win over Minnesota on Friday after missing the four previous games with a bruised right hip. ESPN.com

Ron Artest definitely says what he's thinking, and Monday was no different. "Anybody who has studied the history of basketball, this has got to be probably one of the best teams put together," he said of the Lakers. "We've got to take advantage of that."Artest seemed intrigued by the premise of playing defense alongside Kobe Bryant. "With me and him on the wings, it's going to be tough [for opponents]," Artest said. "There's a lot of other teams that's going to do what their coach asks them to do -- they're going to play hard -- but I don't know if there's people as naturally gifted defensively as me on that wing. And Kobe's a naturally gifted defender." Los Angeles Times

Such was the visual created by Ron Artest after being asked if, as the only ring-less member of the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, he felt more like "the chased" or "the chaser." After a brief delve into "chicken and egg" philosophy ("If you're chasing somebody who's chasing something, then I don't know what you're gonna chase."), Artest then equated the scenario to a visual guaranteed to make me laugh. "It's like two dogs with a tail, right? They got the tail. As much as they're chasing my tail, I'm chasing their tail. It's kinda crazy. I'm not chasing my tail. There's a tail in front of me. I'm chasing their tail. " Los Angeles Times

"I want to see what's best for Delonte," Brown said. "I have not been involved in that process enough to say, 'I'd like to see him out on the floor.' "I'm not caught up in the process, except for the fact that he's practicing and looks good. I want his health and well-being to be there first and foremost. When they all think that it's there, then they'll give him the green light to play." News-Herald

Brown insists that he isn't getting frustrated with the situation. But there's more going on here than assists and turnovers. "People's lives are more important than what we do," he said. "For me to sit here and think that this game is more important than his well-being and welfare, is not right. I wouldn't think that about Delonte or someone else with a sprained knee. I wouldn't rush them back, either. "Eventually, it will happen." News-Herald

The aging Big Three of Kevin Garnett (33), Paul Pierce (32), and Ray Allen (34) know they don't have many years left to fill the blank banner. This season might be their last shot of adding a second title to their legacy. "I think these guys know that," general manager Danny Ainge says. "They're bright guys. They get it. I get more concerned with the younger guys who think it's easy, who think they'll be in the Finals every year." USA Today

The guy best equipped to impact that - newly acquired center Tyson Chandler - hasn't played in a preseason game while recovering from ankle surgery. Chandler didn't like what he saw from the bench. "I felt like the Atlanta game, more than anything, was just (lacking) effort out there," Chandler surmised. "Coaches will never be upset and your teammates will never be upset if you're out there playing hard and you make a mental mistake. That happens in a game. But people are going to get upset if you're not giving the right effort out there." Charlotte Observer

But a funny thing happened in the months that followed his up-and-down introduction to the NBA. The fiery and determined player, who is best known for his aggressive game and intense ambition, altered his mindset and shifted his focus in preparation for his second professional season. "I just want to live life abundantly," Bayless said, grinning from ear to ear. "That is my main focus. If I play, I'm going to play and play hard. Whatever else happens, happens. I can't control it. So, I don't know. I'm just living life abundantly." Oregonian

Roy has noticed a difference in Bayless' pace and tempo on the court -- and his approach off of it. "Last year he was kind of big eyed and he was doing everything with his strength -- muscling around and playing really fast," Roy said, flexing his arms and gritting his teeth to illustrate Bayless' passionate demeanor. "This year he's making better reads, he's getting in the paint and if he doesn't have it, he's backing out and passing it and getting out of there. Where he got himself into trouble last year, I thought he tried to do too much with the ball. "He's comfortable now and he understands the game better. He's going to be a terrific player. I'm excited to see the growth in him and, when he does get his opportunity, to see what he can do." Oregonian

In the first few days of his first training camp in Denver, Chauncey Billups took a while before once again assuming a vocal leadership role. “It’s funny, I talked with (Nuggets coach) George (Karl) a couple of days ago, and he was saying ‘Chauncey I need you to step your leadership up in camp,’” Billups said. “And I was telling him that this is all by design because I wasn’t in (Nuggets) camp last year. So my whole mindset was the first week or two weeks was just to fall back and not say too much to see how camp is. This is my first camp with ya’ll. I don’t know how you really do things. Let me just fall in line. Then I’m going to be me after that.” Denver Post

When training camp started, the primary candidates to start alongside point guard Chauncey Billups on opening night were Arron Afflalo and Anthony Carter. As the countdown to tipoff approaches, versatile wingman Joey Graham has emerged as the odds-on favorite. Graham put together a solid performance as a starter Sunday night against Portland, scoring 10 points in Denver’s two-point loss. He made 3-of-4 field goals and hit all four of his free-throw attempts. Though he’s not the prototypical shooting guard, the 6-foot-7, 225-pound Graham is more comfortable on the wing than anywhere else on the floor. "Even though I had to play (power forward) and (center) in college, I’ve always been a wing player, I’ve always been a shooter, I can always handle the ball," he said. "It’s a natural position for me to come out there and play (shooting guard) and knock down shots and play good defense." Nuggets.com

The first-team All-NBA center filmed parts in two movies; shot a commercial for TNT; traveled to China to promote international basketball and went to Africa as part of the NBA's Basketball Without Borders program. But his personal trainer accompanied him everywhere. "Sometimes late at night was the only time I could get in the gym," Howard says. "But if you want to win a championship, you do what you gotta do." USA Today

Trainer Bryan Meyer would have preferred less traveling for Howard: "But I understand he wants a life outside of basketball. That's why he brought (me) along … and we had time to accomplish what I wanted." Whenever they could, be it 5:30 a.m. in Africa or, after a long day in Los Angeles, at 1 a.m.. "There were times I was icing his knees in the dressing room (or) making sure he stayed hydrated," Meyer says. "He would have so much on his mind, he wouldn't think about that." USA Today

Against New Orleans, the Magic only sat Matt Barnes, Anthony Johnson, and J.J. Redick. The starters all played significant minutes and it was one of the few times the Magic were at full strength this preseason. However, they all sat once Orlando built a forty point lead. Performances such as that one are the reason that the Magic are optimistic heading into opening night on October 28th against the Philadelphia 76ers. "We got a little older, we got a little more mature," said Nelson. "Everybody has impressed me. Everybody has played their role and we have to keep getting better every day. We have a couple more options now. It's going to be harder on opposing defenses." HoopsWorld

What's left then to do except plan the parade route for a couple of Junes from now that will have a large segment of the citizenry in Seattle ready to jump off the Space Needle? "Keep our heads down and don't read the hype," said Durant, the wunderkind. "The only thing that can come from listening to all of the talk about us is no good. "It's not a question of us not believing in ourselves. We're gaining confidence as we gain experience. It's not a question of how far this team could someday go, because the sky is the limit. "But the only thing that's going to get us from here to there is to keep our heads down, keep coming to work and getting better one step at a time. Hey, that's how we got from there to here." NBA.com

"The talk out there gives us motivation," Durant said, "because we know there's more attention our way. But at the same time we know that it's not just going to happen. We're the ones who have to earn it." NBA.com

But if Dirk Nowitzki knew how good he would feel after taking a summer to let his body rest and his mind clear, he probably would have squeezed in more stress-free off-seasons in the last decade. Nowitzki is "bouncier" than ever, he says, after taking a summer to relax for the first time in his NBA career. Every other year, there were Olympic qualifiers, European championships or other responsibilities to the German national team. Dallas Morning News

"Physically, Dirk's in a lot better shape than he was this time last year in terms of his energy level," coach Rick Carlisle said. "And it's mentally draining, going to Beijing and flying all over the world and playing in qualifying tournaments. Dallas Morning News

D’Antoni acknowledged that the development of Gallinari, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2008, was probably woven into any team success. Gallinari played in only 28 games last season, when he was limited by a back injury. He has struggled with his shot and his aggressiveness in the preseason. “I probably would like to start him, but this is kind of his rookie year and we’ll go through some stuff and we’ll see,” D’Antoni said. “But I think eventually, he will be a starter because he’s that good.” New York Times

When told that Smith mentioned both the All-Star team and the All-Defensive team as goals for this season, Hawks coach Mike Woodson smiled. "He beat me to it," Woodson said. "We haven't had a chance to have a sit down yet before the [regular season] starts. But those are the things I was going to lay out for him, as well. At this stage of career those are the kind of goals he's supposed to have. I would be disappointed if he didn't, because I think he's more than capable of accomplishing both of those things." Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"I've worked really hard on that part of my game in the past few years and especially this past summer," he said. "Honestly, I would appreciate making the All-Defensive team more than anything because I know I haven't been appreciated for it early on in my career. I've heard people say, ‘Well blocking shots doesn’t always mean someone's playing great defense.' Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Just how anonymous are the Jazz's young bigs? In their preseason win Sunday over Charlotte at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, where the Lakers hosted a four-team Preseason Shootout over the weekend, Kyrylo Fesenko was called Goran Suton after making one basket and Kosta Koufos was called Fesenko after he made another. The mistakes did get corrected by Lakers public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter, but it seemed only a matter of time before someone was going to get called Greg Ostertag. Deseret News

Former Park High School star Caron Butler will be writing a blog periodically for HoopsHype.com, one of the world's biggest and best pro basketball Web sites. Butler, a two-time NBA All-Star for the Washington Wizards, made his blogging debut last week and took a good-natured jab at his teammate, Mike Miller. Racine Journal-Times

Wrote Butler: "I respect LeBron James and the rest of them (Cleveland Cavaliers). In fact, I speak with LBJ often. That said, I tell you right now that Mike Miller, whom I love, has to take those LeBron shoes off. That's just not acceptable around here. You hear that, Mike!" Caron also offered his opinion on how the Wizards are going to shock the NBA this season: "I definitely think we're a championship contender now and my teammates do, too." Racine Journal-Times

As part of his rookie indoctrination, Milwaukee Bucks point guard Brandon Jennings told me he has to pick up a newspaper every day for his teammate Michael Redd. Racine Journal-Times

Derrick Rose is convinced he'll be ready to play next Thursday on opening night. Coach Vinny Del Negro still isn't so sure. Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said Monday it wasn't out of the "realm of possibility" that Rose would be sidelined when his team opens up the regular-season schedule against the Spurs next week. The Bulls coach continues to take a day-to-day approach when evaluating Rose, who has an inflamed tendon behind his right ankle and has not played since the preseason opener against Indiana. "We want to use this time to get him out there practicing and get everybody comfortable with things," Del Negro said after the Bulls preseason loss to the Magic on Monday night. "But we always want to be smart, knowing the regular season's around the corner and looking at [the] big picture." ESPN.com

Rose concedes he is about "80 percent" right now, but he seems adamant about opening up the season against San Antonio. "I'm playing, I know that," Rose said with a smile, when asked about the possibility of missing the first game. The Bulls second-year point guard admitted that he is still having problems taking off and lacks the explosion that he usually has. "Usually when I take off, I put my right foot in front, instead of my left, so it's hard," he said. ESPN.com

But in a surprising development Monday, Al Jefferson did not practice because of a sore Achilles' tendon that caused him to play less than six minutes in the second half Saturday at Milwaukee. Wolves coach Kurt Rambis, growing tired of injury questions, did not elaborate much on either player's condition. "I just deal with the players that are out there on the floor," he said. "If they're not out there, then that's the trainer and the medical staff's responsibility." Minneapolis Star Tribune

Charlotte’s Larry Brown, Memphis’ Lionel Hollins and Orlando’s Stan Van Gundy and their organizations have been fined a combined $215,000 for criticizing the new, replacement officials during the preseason. Nuggets coach George Karl, speaking specifically about Brown’s fines, doesn’t want to be the next on that list. “I’m thankful it’s him and not me,” Karl quipped. “They (the NBA) did say that the fines are going to be expensive and steep. And $120,000 for complaining about referees is high.” Denver Post

Michael Lee: At least somebody is into this game for Washington. Flip just got a T. When Mo Evans missed the tech, Flip said, "Ball don't lie." Twitter.com

Michael Lee: When Joe Smith miss both FTs, Flip said, "Ball really, really, really don't lie!" Sam Cassell almost fell from his seat. Twitter.com

P.J. Carlesimo, in town to do Fred Hill Jr.’s clinic, has been a practice observer for the last two days. Newark Star-Ledger

Prospective Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov is in New York this week to meet with NBA owners, but team officials don't expect him to visit their East Rutherford headquarters in the coming days, or attend the Knicks game at the Prudential Center. A league spokesman said that no date has been set for a vote on Prokhorov's bid to take over as majority owner for Bruce Ratner. The Russian billionaire is expected to get the 23 of 30 votes needed to be approved, as commissioner David Stern has already strongly endorsed the proposed sale. New York Daily News

There wasn’t an NBA lifer who didn’t allow himself the fantasy of trading places with the coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv. A replacement ref had ejected him from a charity exhibition with the New York Knicks, and still Pini Gershon wouldn’t leave the floor. Minutes passed, and nothing. He wouldn’t leave. There’s nothing you can do to me, a witness heard the coach bark. “I don’t work for the NBA,” he reminded them. Yahoo! Sports

Behind the bench, the Maccabi president was livid. He was sitting with the former Israeli Prime Minister and angered that his club had paid more than $500,000 to make this Madison Square Garden game its own on Sunday. Maccabi controlled the tickets and sold thousands to raise money for an Israeli orphanage. “This is how you treat us?” the team official yelled to frazzled NBA executives in the stands. Mostly, he screamed to get NBA commissioner David Stern on the phone, a witness said. Yahoo! Sports

So, these replacements refs were no longer damaging the credibility of the NBA, but threatening an international basketball incident. To throw out a coach in a charity game at the Garden was a needless move, especially when an NBA-employed witness insists that Gershon’s griping didn’t merit a second technical foul and ejection. This was one of those games where officials needed to understand time and place and circumstances. In that way, these crews are lost causes. As much as anything, that’s the criticism of these lockout refs from the Developmental League and WNBA: They have no sense for the speed and skill and athleticism of the NBA. Yahoo! Sports

“They don’t have a feel for the NBA game,” one NBA GM said. “They’re really quick to blow their whistles before letting the play develop.” Yahoo! Sports

“I know it’s a real tough job, but the year that I moved up from the D-League to the Sixers I was shocked – I mean, shocked – to see some of the refs from the previous year that were doing the same,” said Jeff Ruland, who had been the coach of the Albuquerque T-Birds in 2007-08 before a promotion to the Philadelphia 76ers a year later. “The guys who got promoted were not the cream of the crop, by any stretch of the imagination. One guy who came up did a better job [chatting up] cheerleaders before the game than he did on the court.” Yahoo! Sports

Funny scene before the game. Longtime Rockets radio voice Gene Peterson stopped by for a visit and to dine with the media before the game, as he had for three decades. They would not allow it until he coughed up seven bucks for his burger. The dining room is called the Foley-Peterson Media Center. There are walls with large murals of Geno's smiling face. And they still hit him up for $7. Gene decided to skip the burger, I'm guessing on principle. Houston Chronicle

Marc J. Spears: Told I will be making a very, very short cameo on a Carmelo Anthony story on E:60 tomorrow night. Don't blink or you will miss it. Twitter.com

The creation of the shootaround, ostensibly to better prepare for games but also to perhaps push players to ending their nights out earlier, is credited to then Lakers coach Bill Sharman in 1971. My favorite story about that was with Wilt Chamberlain on that team. Wilt supposedly told Sharman he comes to the arena once a day and Sharman can decide when. Wilt pretty much eschewed the shootaround. Bulls.com

The NBA last week issued a memo to its teams stating a league policy regarding the H1N1 virus, amid concerns about a potential swine flu breakout. Simply stated, if a player exhibits flu-like symptoms, he must be sent to a doctor. If there is fever, he should not be allowed to appear at games or travel with his team. Yes, even Wade, LeBron and Kobe. "The key word," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said, "is fever. Once the fever subsides, until it is felt he is not contagious, the player is being asked to stay away." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"There's going to be a lot more awareness and everybody being judicious about it, and that's just the way it has to go," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said after Monday's practice at AmericanAirlines Arena. "We try to educate them as much as possible. We have the hand wipes everywhere in this building." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

The 10-year relationship between Staples Inc. and AEG, which brought us Staples Center of sports and entertainment fame, is moving to the next level: forever and ever. Staples' original naming rights agreement with AEG has been "extended in perpetuity," the two companies said. AEG contends that the arrangement is "the first lifetime naming rights extension for a major market arena." The office supply store chain promised to pay almost $120 million in 1999 to put its name on top of Staples Center for 20 years. Neither party revealed how much more Staples will pay to lock up the rights for good, saying only that it was a fee previously agreed upon in their contract. Los Angeles Times

If, for example, the Clippers basketball team is someday sold and moved to another city, Staples would get less exposure so its payments might go down. So far, however, Staples Center remains "a very prestigious building," he said. It houses about 250 events annually including games played by the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers. The Grammy Awards and the Pac 10 college basketball championships also are held there. By Venues Today's estimates, Staples Center is the No. 3 concert venue of its size in the world, grossing $43 million on 70 shows last year. Only Madison Square Garden and the O2 arena in London, which is also owned by AEG, took in more. Los Angeles Times

What is your most embarrassing moment? Amir Johnson: Anything? Oh man, I have so many. I was in the elevator full of people and I just kind of farted. I have to say that was probably the worst. There were a bunch of people, just a bunch of girls and they were just suffocated. I just told them, it was better out than in. I'm sorry, but that was probably the worst. The Score

Tony Allen’s legal issues stemming from an August 2005 fight are now behind him. According to Rahsaan Gordon, attorney for Marktwain Johnson and Nigel Odum, Allen has settled a civil suit brought by his clients against the Celtic guard, the White Palace restaurant and the security company hired by the restaurant. Allen had previously been found not guilty of aggravated battery in the matter, during which Odum suffered a fractured orbital bone and a gun was fired. Boston Herald

Citing family pride, Marcus said he would be in Nike's Air Jordans, named after his father, of course. Soon after the comments were made, UCF athletic director Keith Tribble told AOL's Fanhouse that the freshman could make the decision for himself since there had been a previous recedent set with a UCF football player who wore a different brand of shoe due to the fit. But adidas spokesperson Andrea Corso told CNBC that no compromise had been reached with the school. "We are in negotiations for a future relationship regarding the broader UCF athletic program," Corso said. "What I can say is that these relationships are based upon agreed deliverables for both parties." CNBC.com

Translation: The story that adidas had buckled on this one might be what UCF is saying, but it's certainly not what adidas is saying. Adidas officials won't talk contract specifics, but it appears as though adidas might have the right to change the terms if they don't get what they were promised. While some might think this is all about Nike vs. adidas, it seems like it's more about potential breach of contract. And although it's bigger than Marcus Jordan, Jordan's shoe defection is very public and could potentially be costly to the university. CNBC.com

When former Memphis Tiger Antonio Burks signed his NBA contract, he offered to buy his mother, Connie, a new home. She declined, instead choosing to remain in a rented home built by developer Harold Buehler on Eldridge Avenue in North Memphis. "I told him no because I love my home," said Connie Burks, who has lived in the house for 10 years. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Buehler and the Burks family gathered before the media Monday morning to rebut attacks that have labeled the developer a "slumlord." "My mother asked me to (speak). I know, over the years, if something is wrong with the home, Mr. Buehler took care of it," said Burks, still recovering from being shot July 20. Still on crutches, Burks said he has hopes of returning to basketball. Buehler is seeking government approval to obtain 140 vacant inner-city lots. He then plans a $12 million project to build houses on those lots. Critics, however, have attacked Buehler on several fronts. They call his houses "cookie-cutter" designs. They've said he contributes to inner-city blight by adding more rental property. They've also condemned him for a tax bill that exceeds $1.25 million, including $862,000 in back taxes. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson has left the team for a family emergency and will miss Tuesday night's preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Ontario. Nelson is with his wife, Joy, in Southern California after her 54-year-old brother, Mark Van Kampen, was injured in a motorcycle accident Sunday and had to have one of his legs amputated, the team said Monday. ESPN.com

Ron Artest got word today that a friend from his childhood was killed in an act of street violence. He was unsure about the details, but he believed Mike Chatfield was killed in a shooting. Artest learned the game from Chatfield while growing up in the Queensbridge section of Queens, N.Y. "We would play and he would beat me, 32-zip," Artest recalled. Los Angeles Daily News

Artest learned Monday that Chatfield, 31, had died. Details are sketchy, but Artest said he heard Chatfield was fatally shot after being in the wrong place at the wrong time. “I think the streets got him. He got killed,” Artest said. “So I’ll dedicate some of this season to him, my boy.” Orange County Register

Fanan signed Casspi to Maccabi Tel Aviv, the highest level of play in Israel. Casspi played for Maccabi Tel Aviv for four seasons. Fanan managed the club for 16 seasons, winning 15 league championships and three European titles before stepping aside last year amid conflicts with other team executives. Casspi said after Monday's practice that Fanan was like family. "I know him very well," Casspi said. "His kids are my best friends. I've known him since I was 13 years old. He's legendary. I love him. He was one of my closest friends. It's very sad to me, a big surprise. I don't know what to say." Sacramento Bee

According to reports, individuals close to Fanan said Fanan had debts of up to $20 million. Fans and former players stopped by the Fanan home to pay their respects. Fanan leaves behind his wife, Sharon, and two children. Casspi said he was there in spirit. "This is the hardest thing when playing outside your country," Casspi said. "You want to be with family and friends at a time like this, but I'm here. Life's got to go on. I've got a game tomorrow. I have to be ready." Sacramento Bee

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