HoopsHype.com Rumors

Monday, October 26

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The Celtics and Rajon Rondo’s agent Bill Duffy are scheduled to meet Tuesday in Cleveland, HoopsHype.com writer Peter May has learned. The two sides are not close on a contract extension right now. Unsurprisingly, the main issue is money and not the length of the contract. HoopsHype.com

Rajon Rondo is set to talk with Celtics on Monday night regarding his contract, sources close to Rondo told WEEI.com. WEEI.com previously reported the Celtics are prepared to offer Rondo a long term extension today to prevent him from becoming a restricted free agent at the end of the season. WEEI

Nicolas Batum, who was expected to be the Trail Blazers starting small forward in Tuesday's season opener, instead will have surgery on his right shoulder.The team announced this morning that Batum has a torn labrum and the surgery will be Friday. Oregonian

Batum said he has been told that the recovery time for his surgery will be three to five months. That means the best case scenario for his return is early February. Oregonian

Clippers' rookie Blake Griffin remains questionable for Tuesday's opener against the Lakers, seeking a second opinion on his sore left knee. He aggravated the knee in Friday's exhibition season finale, against the Hornets. Thus, grim was the prevailing mood at the Clippers' training facility in Playa Vista on Monday with body language matching the injury updates. Griffin left for treatment before talking to the media. "The first one said, 'we know it's a bone bruise,' " said Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy, of the doctor. "There's some swelling. It just depends on the swelling going down, the comfort level, as far as him being able to play or not." Los Angeles Times

On the eve of the season opener, the Dallas Mavericks don't know when Josh Howard will be ready for game action. Howard, who underwent operations on his left ankle and wrist on May 22, wasn't cleared for any contact work until Oct. 14. He has yet to complete a full practice and will not dress out for Tuesday's opener against the Washington Wizards. ESPN.com

The Suns have been awarded the rights to center Jarron Collins the team announced on Monday. Collins, who spent the preseason with the Portland Trail Blazers, became available after being waived last Thursday. Sports 620 KTAR

Derrick Rose practiced for the second day in a row, but he still doesn't feel like himself just yet. The Chicago Bulls point guard admitted that his ankle injury is still bothering him. "I told you, I'm like an old man out there," Rose joked after practice. "I have to wait 20, 30 minutes into practice where I'm really loosened up. I have to stretch a lot." Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro knows he has to keep a close eye on Rose's ankle over the next few weeks. "His ankle was a little sore until he got it loose this morning, but then once he got it loose, he was fine," Del Negro said. "I think that will be a continual process for a while. He's out of condition a little bit -- the way we want to play and how we want him to play, get after the ball defensively. He's rusty, so these next two days hopefully he can build like he did today and get better." ESPN.com

Al Jefferson returned to practice today and scrimmaged regularly on the Target Center main floor, but teammates Jonny Flynn and Wayne Ellington were missing because they went to the doctor with flu-like symptoms. Jefferson vowed he’d play in Wednesday’s season opener against New Jersey and said he’d probably have to monitor his Achilles tendon for most of the season to make sure it doesn’t get inflamed like it did in the last week. Minneapolis Star Tribune

The Suns could get help Monday, when they find out if they can sign center Jarron Collins, who was waived Thursday by Portland. "He's been a guy who's lasted in the league and done a good job," Gentry said of the 6-foot-11, 249-pound Collins, who played eight years for Utah. "He's a big guy." Arizona Republic

Alex Kennedy: The Cavaliers will likely sign Antonio Daniels as soon as he clears waivers, sources tell HOOPSWORLD's Alex Kennedy. Twitter.com

Jerry Zgoda: Blount will stay home and be paid to do so rather than waived because, unlike A Daniels, he's not willing on a #Timberwolves contract buyout. Twitter.com

Deron Washington, arguably the most athletic player on the Detroit Pistons' roster, has been waived. The move is a bit surprising considering the biggest knock on Washington's game -- shooting the ball -- was not a major issue in the preseason. Booth Newspapers

Kevin Love’s extension for the 2010-11 is what Kahn called a “no brainer.” Corey Brewer’s option almost certainly will be picked up as well. The question is Oleksiy Pecherov, at nearly $2.4 million. Kahn said he still must consult with the coaches. Last week, Kurt Rambis called Pecherov a “unique” player because of his size and his skils and he moved him into the starting lineup with Jefferson, but whether he’s $2.4 million unique is another question entirely. Minneapolis Star Tribune

In a bit of a bookkeeping formality, the Bulls announced Monday they have picked up the options on contracts for point guard Derrick Rose and center Joakim Noah for the 2010-11 season. In the third year of his rookie contract, Rose will earn a little more than $5.5 million that season. Noah, in the fourth year of his rookie deal, will earn just over $3.1 million. Chicago Sun-Times

The news keeps getting better for New Orleans Hornets forward Julian Wright: first he was made the starter at small forward this season, and Monday, the team announced it had exercised its option on Wright for next year, 2010-11. New Orleans Times-Picayune

Former BYU star Lee Cummard is back in the United States after an abbreviated season in Europe and close to signing with the Utah Flash of the NBA Developmental League. Last summer, Cummard signed a contract with Alba Berlin, a prominent professional club in Germany. He signed for one year with a team option for a second year. But things didn't go well and Alba Berlin recently bought out Cummard's contract. Salt Lake Tribune

Glen Davis has suffered a right thumb injury and could be lost to the Celtics for a significant period of time. He underwent X-rays today and will have to get further tests to determine the full extend of the dame. Surgery could be required. According to sources, this was a non-basketball injury. It happened Sunday night when he got into an altercation with a friend, a former teammate, who was visiting from Louisiana. Boston Herald

Davis was reportedly defending himself. Doc Rivers said after today that he was unaware of the circumstances, but sources said the club has been fully apprised of the situation. As expected, the Celts are not pleased. Davis is said to be extremely upset, too. Boston Herald

Davis, who missed practice this afternoon and did not travel with the team to Cleveland for tomorrow night's opener, was injured during a fight, according to a report by the Herald's Steve Bulpett. According to the report, Davis was injured defending himself in an altercation with a former teammate who was visiting from Louisiana and could be sidelined for an extended period of time. "I am not making a public statement until we have all of the facts relative to the injury," Ainge said. "We sent him for a scan and further tests. It looks like he's going to be out for a while." Boston Globe

Not for a wily veteran like Rasheed Wallace who has spent 14 season in the NBA with four teams. After spending less than a month with his new teammates, he’s managed to blend in seamlessly due to his boisterous personality and his knowledge of the plays teams around the NBA run. “He’s an old man,” his new head coach, Doc Rivers, joked with the media during a recent trip to Toronto. “I think with Rasheed (Wallace) you could call out Toronto’s play, our play, Detroit’s play. He’s seen them all. It’s funny because when we put in our fist play the other day he already knew it. We played him in the playoffs so he knows our offense in some cases better than some of our guys.” HoopsAddict

“I think anytime we talk about a player who has a high basketball i.q., it’s a player who is out on the floor and he makes plays,” Allen explained to Hoops Addict. “I think he’s a guy that makes plays. He knows where to be position wise and he’s not concerned about whether or not he got a shot as much as (he’s) worried about getting his teammate a shot. He has a passion for the game and you can’t go wrong having him out there on the court because of what he’ll do for the team.” HoopsAddict

Cleveland Cavaliers coach Mike Brown says a domestic violence report has been filed against guard Delonte West. Calls to Cleveland police by The Associated Press were not returned Monday. West has not appeared in any preseason games, and Brown has not decided yet whether he will be active for the season opener Tuesday against Boston. He attended the Cavs' practice Monday. AP

Brian Windhorst: Cavs hint that Delonte West could be active and play tomorrow vs. Celtics. Regardless, do not give much attention to airport incident. Twitter.com

Mavs coach Rick Carlisle has a sort of “don’t-ask/don’t-tell’’ policy regarding announcing his starting lineup. It’s pretty much a “16-minutes-before-tipoff’’ deal. So Monday, at the team’s final full practice before Tuesday’s season-opener at home against the Wizards, Carlisle didn’t broach the subject. But in a one-on-one visit with Shawn Marion, I did broach the subject. ... and got some insight not only into who might start the opener but which Mav might guard which Wizard: “It’s tough for them without Antawn Jamison (shoulder), but they have so many other weapons,’’ Marion told me. “Caron (Butler) is a great weapon. I’ll guard him.’’ DallasBasketball.com

"You look at a Michael Vick situation or a Plaxico Burress situation, one mistake can lead to a lot of others around you suffering," Mayo said. "I'm happy it happened early, it got nipped in the bud early, and it will help his career. Hopefully this is a wakeup call for him to understand that we are definitely blessed to be in this situation. Nothing's promised." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Forget where he plays on the floor. Small forward, power forward, he can score from either spot. The important thing is where he is in his life, and that he (begin ital) moves (and ital) forward, in terms of maturity. After a half-step backward, that appears to be occurring. That's critical not only for the Heat to get significant return on its investment in him, but also could affect whether Wade re-invests in the franchise next summer. "I like what he's done," coach Erik Spoelstra recently said of Beasley. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

He's still got a goofy streak. Don't sweat that. Let him sing Sponge Bob songs. Let him chase after Wade with a snake, as he did at Family Fest. That kid stuff's fine, so long as he shows other signs of turning into a pro. On the floor, Spoelstra has observed quicker application from practices to games. Off the floor? As a rookie, he focused more on living the life than learning the craft, acting as if he'd already made it. He quickly began building a luxury automobile fleet, nearly a dozen vehicles strong. Now acutely aware of Uncle Sam's share of his salary, he has started selling some off, while stunning acquaintances with his newfound attention to money management. Insiders say that he's stopped using age as a crutch, and started taking accountability. South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Where has he made the most progress? "I would say mentally," Beasley said. "I made it a focus just to stay in the game, all 48 minutes whether I'm on the bench or I'm (on the court). Just thinking the game a little more, knowing positions, knowing spots. I feel like I know the game now. I feel like any situation that comes at me, I know exactly what to do, and exactly who to get the ball to. I know every guy on the team's hot spot, things a point guard would know." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Sekou Smith: Marvin just dunked on Woody to finish a drill. Priceless! Twitter.com

The Israeli coach who created a stir at Madison Square Garden last week has issued a belated apology for his behavior. Pini Gershon, the head coach of Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv, became the subject of headlines and punchlines for refusing to leave the court after being ejected from an exhibition game against the Knicks. Gershon caused a 10-minute delay in the game on Oct. 18. New York Times

Pini Gershon: Having had time to reflect on my actions while our team was in New York, I would like to apologize to the New York Knicks franchise, the NBA and basketball fans not only at Madison Square Garden but throughout the country. Our trip to the U.S. was for a wonderful cause – the children of Migdal Ohr – and hopefully a few minutes of bad behavior on my behalf won’t detract from all the good that was accomplished by our spirited competition with the Knicks and the Clippers. New York Times

Legendary NBA center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sat in on the Grizzlies' practice Monday morning. The NBA's all-time leading scorer will entertain joining the organization, several sources confirmed. Grizzlies management had no comment about Abdul-Jabbar's presence. Memphis, however, asked for and received permission from the Los Angeles Lakers to speak with Abdul-Jabbar. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Turner and NBA executives believe last year’s debut of its landmark eight-year deal to create NBA Digital will only serve as a prelude to a far more ambitious content deployment this season. Atlanta-based Turner took over day-to-day management of NBA TV, the League Pass out-of-market package, and the online and wireless sites for the NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League. The deal represented a shift away from more centralized digital content strategies employed by other major sports properties. And indeed, the early months of the relationship contained plenty of expected operational hiccups as the corporate cultures of the league and Turner merged via the new NBA Digital entity. Atlanta Business Chronicle

Basketball junkies, in case you haven't seen Pau Gasol's acting chops on Numb3rs some time back, you have another chance to see it again--on CSI: Miami. The Los Angeles Lakers star confirmed to Spanish newspaper El Pais that he is making a guest appearance on an upcoming episode of the CBS crime drama, expected to air next month. "It was a very attractive opportunity," the athlete said. "I play Victor, a normal person who is involved in a car accident and police are suspicious that I am responsible for what happened. I have good, meaty dialogue with the officer." BuddyTV

Mike Trudell: It was terrific to run into Tex Winter - looking great, shaking hands and saying hello - on the way out of practice. Twitter.com

Cleveland Cavaliers player Delonte West and his wife reportedly got into a spat Saturday evening that ended with West's wife filing a domestic violence report. The two reportedly fought at their apartment when Delonte tried to take her wedding ring off. Mrs. West left their home and headed to Cleveland Hopkin's International Airport, where she filed a domestic violence report. WOIO.com

Adrian Wojnarowski: While sources insist only verbal disagreement at airport, fililng of report by wife suggests more possibly happened prior to Hopkins INTL. Twitter.com

Cleveland Police tell 19 Action News there were no signs of abuse or injury. Mrs. West then got on her flight and flew out of Cleveland. Tad Carper, Vice President of Communciatons with the Cleveland Cavaliers tells 19 Action News "the team was contacted and is aware of the situation but declined any further comment." West was arrested in September for carrying three loaded guns while riding his motorcycle. Police pulled him over and found one gun strapped to each leg and the other in a guitar case strapped to his back. WOIO.com

Four days after the Trail Blazers made the surprising decision to name Patty Mills to their regular season roster, the rookie point guard expressed a mix of shock and relief that his time in basketball “limbo” had finally ended. “It was a big relief, just a big relief,” Mills said, referring to his reaction that the Blazers were handing him their 15th and final roster spot. “At the end of the day, I’m happy to be here and happy to get my basketball career going again. I’ve kind of been in limbo for a few months and it was kind of a tough situation. So I’m just very excited to be here.” Oregonian

Mills recently moved into a hotel room and plans to live there until he sorts out his sudden and surprising circumstances. “This definitely hasn’t been an ideal situation and it’s a bit different,” Mills said. “But I guess I’ve learned that when you’re trying to be a professional player, you’ve got to expect the unexpected.” Oregonian

Lester Hudson didn’t have another plan. He wasn’t thinking about going overseas and coming back. He wasn’t thinking about going to the D-League and working up. Not when he considered where he had come from. Still, he’d be lying if he said that when the Celtics roster needed to be trimmed from 16 to 15 last Thursday, the nerves didn’t flare. Over the course of the exhibition season, the second-round pick had gotten used to hearing coaches yell his name. “ ‘Lester do this!’ ’’ he joked. “ ‘Lester! Lester! Lester!’ ’’ Boston Globe

That made Sunday a rotten day for Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who gave the bad news to guard Marcus Williams, the team's second-round draft pick in 2007 who had played most of the previous two seasons for the Austin Toros, the NBA Development League team the Spurs own. Williams and Malik Hairston — the guard-forward from Oregon whom the Spurs acquired in a swap of second-round picks with the Phoenix Suns on draft night in 2008 — waged a battle throughout training camp for a potential 15th spot on the roster. Hairston appears to have won a spot unless the Spurs opt to keep fewer than 15. San Antonio Express-News

October 25: Jack McClinton - signed with Aliağa Petkim (Turkey) It's a bit disappointing to see that McClinton won't be playing in the NBA this year, since he certainly has the ability. It's also somewhat of a shame that he won't be in the D-League, since he'd be at the top of the call-up candidate list pretty much from the start. But this year I have a hard time holding it against guys for going to make money overseas. Ridiculous Upside

One executive from a rival Eastern Conference team said Arenas needs to either emerge as a great leader or a great follower for the Wizards to get the proper return on their investment. Arenas has five years and $95 million remaining on his deal. "The worst thing that can happen is that he's neither," said the executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to make public comments on behalf of his organization. "He's a hell of a player, as good as they come in the league, but I don't know if Gilbert is capable of taking the foolishness out of his lifestyle in order to be a leader. I also don't know if he's able to take the ego and pride out of his game to be a follower. [Leadership] has been a fundamental issue with the Wizards and it will continue to be until it is solved in one way or another, whether it's through the head coach, the players or the management." Washington Post

Arenas has at last received another chance to resume his once-promising career. "It's like anything in life, when you get something taken away from you that you love, you want to just do it again," he said. It is unclear whether he is up to the task of immediate leadership, of striking the balance between being an explosive scorer or efficient floor general, of being an elite player once again. But Arenas is certain that he won't attempt to make up for lost time. "Not anymore," he said. "You can't get back what you've lost. All you can do is keep moving forward. That's what I've learned in the two years." Washington Post

There are still questions from reporters in almost every city and still speculation about what will happen before the February trade deadline, but four weeks into the season, the Jazz’s dominant storyline of Carlos Boozer’s discontent largely has disappeared. For that, general manager Kevin O’Connor is grateful, praising the way Boozer has handled himself so far. “He’s been an absolute total pro, absolute total pro,” O’Connor said Sunday. “He’s done everything that coach has asked him to do. Just been an absolute total professional.” Salt Lake Tribune

“He’s made the All-Star team two of the last three years,” O’Connor said. “That’s some of the things that you focus on. Not the negatives, the positives that he brings. He’s a veteran that’s in the prime of his basketball career and somebody that came back in shape. “He’s healthy and he’s been an absolute, total professional, working on the things he has said himself he wants to work on to become more of a complete player. We’re thrilled.” Salt Lake Tribune

Having answered so many questions about the Jazz’s road struggles the last two seasons, Deron Williams had a funny exchange with reporters Sunday who brought up the subject once again. “Speaking of the road, you guys were not good on the road last year....” started the questioner. “Says who?” Williams interrupted. “Says 15-26” was the answer. Williams laughed. You can’t argue with that kind of record, after all. Salt Lake Tribune

Ron Artest, title-less in his career, will be forced to watch while his new pals revel in their HEAT RING CEREMONY BASKETBALLtriumph from last season. “We’ll all be on the same page, so that’s OK,” said Artest, who signed as a free agent during the summer. “We all want to win the championship this season. It will be ‘the Lakers repeat’ not ‘Ron Artest’s first ring.’ It’s cool.” Orange County Register

The N.B.A. is faster and more physical than Jennings expected. And the players, even the journeymen, are a handful. “That really surprised me,” Jennings said. “Everyone’s really legit. Everyone’s special in their certain way.” A day before the game against the Pistons, Jennings had produced his best practice, flashing a take-charge aggressiveness to complement his quickness. He had visions of Tony Parker dancing in the heads of the Bucks’ coaching staff. New York Times

“Brandon’s trying,” Kelvin Sampson, a Bucks assistant coach, said, adding, “The reason I think he’s going to be a good player in this league is he always comes back and works hard.” New York Times

In fact, Dunleavy sought to dial back the hype a bit Friday, hours before Griffin hurt his knee. "He's not changing our culture," said Dunleavy, who is also the Clippers' general manager. "He's a terrific player. There's nothing about his game that I don't like. What's going to make us into a winning team is certainly his contribution, but there's also all the other guys we've had here that are healthy and are good payers. "We're very fortunate to have Blake. I like his attitude, his mind-set, but I would not put that kind of pressure on him." Los Angeles Times

Randolph, acquired in a trade with the Clippers following the draft, is in many respects a bigger acquisition than future Hall-of-Famer Allen Iverson. "And as long as A.I. is injured, Zach is the leader of this team," assistant coach Damon Stoudamire said. "He's going to have to teach these guys the things that we taught him when we went to the playoffs in Portland. A lot of the things Zach gets a bad rap for haven't been basketball related. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Ray Allen: Hey everyone I've been laying low getting focused for the start of my 14th NBA season. I can't wait. It's gonna be a good one for the celts. Twitter.com

But bring up age to the Big Three and they become cranky old men, if only because they're adamant it won't affect their championships aspirations. "Tell me I'm getting old and then give me the ball," said Allen. "Then let's see what happens." ESPN.com

How exactly does Celtics coach Doc Rivers limit the wear and tear on his veterans? "I go to the Baptist church, the Catholic church, I cover all my bases," joked Rivers. "I'm a Baptist that went to Marquette, so I got those two covered. Other than that, you try to manage minutes but you also know you gotta play them a certain amount of minutes to keep their rhythm. It's a fine line, but they can handle it." ESPN.com

Stephon Marbury's NBA starpower eroded quickly, but it looks like he could be a more significant person off the court than he ever was on the court. He'll partner with Iglesia Services Inc., of Rochester to build a state-of-the-art facility for city students. The center would include tutoring, athletic and health services. Marbury is scheduled to be in Rochester on Monday to present the first installation check to Ms. Karen Iglesia. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle

Stephon Marbury: The story that you seen in the DNC paper in Rochester was a shame as I didn't even speak to the reporter who wrote the story. Twitter.com

Stephon Marbury: How can a reporter report something he didn't see. I forgot they are GOD because what they say is the truth for humans to read. Twitter.com

Chris Douglas-Roberts: If somebody told me I'd be one of the leaders on an NBA team in my SECOND YEAR 10 yrs ago, I'd call em a lie. It's a dream come true. Twitter.com

Jon Brockman: Special announcement today. Kevin Martins says hello to all my tweeps. He will now be communicating through my twitter due to the contract agreement he signed saying I have his twitter rights. Twitter.com

Al Jefferson, feeling better after last week’s flu knocked him down, participated in some of today’s practice at Target Center, but he remains bothered by that sore Achilles tendon. He rode the exercise bike for the final portion of practice and did not scrimmage with his teammates. “I have no idea,” Kurt Rambis said when asked if Jefferson will play in Wednesday’s season opener.” His illness is a non issue. His Achilles is what we’re addressing now and we’re helping him work through that. “We’ll see how he is tomorrow. That’s how we’ll keep going. We’ll keep evaluating him the following day, keep increasing his activity and see how he handles it.” Minneapolis Star Tribune

The Bulls returned to practice Sunday after a day off essentially at full strength -- if you discount Aaron Gray and Jerome James, who will be out for a while -- for the first time in 3 ½ weeks. Derrick Rose (ankle), Kirk Hinrich (left elbow) and Jannero Pargo (back) all participated in the entire session after sitting out the preseason finale Friday. Chicago Sun-Times

''Let's see how they feel in the morning, but we had a full group, which was great,'' coach Vinny Del Negro said. ''We're focused on getting the guys that have been out a while, especially Derrick, back on the same page and get them in better shape. ''We've got to have four productive days. We're going against San Antonio opening night and then a back-to-back against Boston. Nothing easy there, so we've got to get everybody ready.'' Chicago Sun-Times

Adrian Wojnarowski: The Hornets plan to have Okafor in lineup on Wednesday vs. Spurs, with expectation he will get in three practices this week. Twitter.com

A story on Yahoo.com on Friday indicated that Okafor had received medical clearance to fully resume activities two weeks ago but seemed reluctant to participate in all phases of team workouts. "There were a couple of things in the article that weren't conveyed right as far as the doctors saying it was OK for me to (practice), " Okafor said. "The article almost made it seem like I wasn't playing for the sake of not playing. What was left out was that the doctors said it was OK for me to gradually do weight-bearing activities until I felt comfortable to play. The previous week I jumped out there and started running and felt the soreness and got set back. "This time the game plan was to gradually build. That's what we've been doing and had success doing. Today was the first time I was on the court running, doing everything, the non-contact things, to try to gradually ease myself into the water." New Orleans Times-Picayune

After Sunday's practice, Okafor said the toe felt fine. "It's cool. It's in a better place, " Okafor said. "It's definitely more manageable than it was. And that was the goal: to get to a place where it could be manageable and I could get to place where I could play. I think people have to realize I've played two straight seasons (without missing a game) and in all those games, I haven't felt 100 percent. "There are days I've played with pain. If I have to play with pain, I can. But understand this is the preseason. Why take extraordinary measures when it's not necessary at this point? If it comes time when you've just got to go, cool. But if the time doesn't dictate that . . ." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Okafor said initially the toe sprain was not the type of injury he could tape and continue to work, but the recovery process now is at a point where that could be possible. That makes Okafor hopeful he'll play against the Spurs, keeping his regular-season streak alive, and possibly play heavy minutes, providing he wakes up this morning relatively pain-free. "I don't think that's out of the question, " Okafor said." I just have to see. I just had practice today. My toe feels fine now. We'll see how it is later on (Sunday) and in the morning time and base the progress on that. If everything's cool, I don't see why it can't be a possibility." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Pritchard also dismissed concerns raised in recent weeks that chemistry might be an on-going problem, pointing to the team's 20 point blowout of the Phoenix Suns in their final preseason game as evidence that progress was being made. "I saw the game [Thursday] night, you could start to see things turn. It was unbelievable," Pritchard told me. "The question is, 'Can we maintain that?' "Chemistry and how you feel about the team goes up and down by wins. You lose a couple you can get down. My job is to make sure we're calm waters. Win a few? Calm waters. Lose a few? Calm waters." Blazers Edge

Hollins knows he's working with a talented bunch. Now he needs patience and sacrifice from the group. "When people say things like that -- that we can't play together -- it's just motivation to prove them wrong," Randolph said. "We can share the ball. We've proven we can in the preseason. Guys are willing to make sacrifices because guys want to win. "We know we've got to look for each other, take good shots and try to create easy shots for each other. That's just playing basketball, so it won't be a problem for me." Memphis Commercial Appeal

"Whether you have weapons or not, you still have to have chemistry," Hollins said. "You have to have guys playing their roles and sharing the basketball. That's been a challenge of every coach since the beginning of time. "It has nothing to do with how many weapons you have. It has to do with players trying to do too much, and not seeing and making the right play. We'll go through guys at different times but still they have to make the right basketball play. It's not about, 'It's your play called so you get the shot.'" Memphis Commercial Appeal

Stephen Curry is consistently called the team's best passer by coaches, and, at least in this case, passing appears to be contagious. On back-to-back practice sets Sunday, all five players touched the ball, and each set ended with a dunk. "That kind of movement puts a lot of stress on the defense and definitely gets easier shots for us," Curry said. "With the shooters we have and the skilled big men who can finish, everyone who touches it can potentially make a play. I think that's kind of deadly." San Francisco Chronicle

Douglas has progressed nicely through summer league and training camp. When the Knicks open their season Wednesday against the Heat in Miami, Douglas likely will play a more prominent role than lottery pick Jordan Hill. "He will be a significant part of the rotation," D'Antoni said. "And hopefully keep growing into a bigger role." New York Post

Andrew Bynum said he would be ready to play in the Lakers' regular-season opener Tuesday against the Clippers. His strained right rotator cuff was no longer troubling him this afternoon. Neither was a sore left Achilles or a tight left hamstring. Los Angeles Daily News

Pau Gasol's status for opening night was less certain, although he made it seem as if Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks or next Sunday's contest against the Atlanta Hawks might be more realistic. His strained right hamstring was no better. Los Angeles Daily News

The monster dunk Blake Griffin threw down late in the third quarter against the Hornets on Friday night had unwelcome repercussions for the rookie -- and, by extension, the Clippers. He hurt his left knee on the play and his status for the season opener against the Lakers on Tuesday is in question, considered day to day. Griffin did not practice today, nor did point guard Baron Davis (bruised right foot). Davis is expected to play against the Lakers. Marcus Camby (sprained ankle) did practice and could possibly get some minutes in the opener. Los Angeles Times

Rockets forward Luis Scola returned to practice Sunday, having little difficulty in the most extensive test of his rehabilitation from a sprained right ankle. “I think he'll be ready (for Tuesday's season opener),” coach Rick Adelman said. “He seemed to move all right. We'll see how he feels tomorrow, but I didn't see any problems he had. He moved around pretty well. “It really helps us. He is one of the key guys we had last year. Getting him on the floor makes us deeper there. He can post up. He can make shots. And having his energy is crucial.” Houston Chronicle

Sunday, Fernandez said he should be able to suit up and play when the team opens its 2009-10 campaign. "I feel better, but I’m not feeling 100 percent," said Fernandez, who is the Blazers’ main backup for Brandon Roy at the shooting-guard position. "But we have a couple days for treatment, for practice and maybe play Tuesday." Columbian

Fernandez said he is ready for the challenge. He stated that he is excited to play a key role on a battle-tested Blazers team that added experienced veterans such as Andre Miller and Juwan Howard during the offseason. And while he knows he will no longer possess the element of surprise as an asset, he believes his talent — and his trademark jumper — can overcome any obstacle. Columbian

Jarrett Jack, Antoine Wright and assistant coach Alex English all missed practice Sunday due to illness. And with concerns over H1N1 causing pro sports teams to take extra caution, there may be more instances when players, or coaches, take days off. "It's frustrating, especially when you're planning practice and you don't know what you're going to have," said head coach Jay Triano. Toronto Star

For D'Antoni, the goal is much more modest. Starting when the Knicks open the season Wednesday night in Miami, their coach is committed to toning down his act with the officials. "I've got to do a better job controlling myself with the refs," D'Antoni said Sunday. "I think that it just transfers negative energy to the team. We don't need that. So I'm going to make an effort to be not as emotional with them as I have been." New York Daily News

"I think I will do a better job with the refs," he said. "This is now our second year and our guys know what I'm looking for. So I won't be out there going crazy like I have been at times. I hope not to be yelling and screaming a lot." New York Daily News

Carter, who turns 33 in January, surprisingly says he plans on giving coaching a whirl once his NBA career ends. “I don’t see myself going right to the NBA. I don’t care where --- high school, college, pros,” Carter said, sitting alone with me after practice on Sunday at RDV Sportsplex. “I really enjoy teaching the game.” Orlando Sentinel

Former Magic Coach Brian Hill has said that Carter was the most coachable player he’d ever been around while an assistant with the New Jersey Nets the past few years. Coaching, broadcasting, promoting his sanctuary to treat addictions and becoming a restaurateur --- “Vince Carter’s” is set to open in Daytona Beach soon --- is what Carter envisions for his basketball afterlife. Orlando Sentinel

Arash Markazi: Kareem met with Memphis’ centers on Sunday although GM Chris Wallace said the Grizzlies had “not hired Kareem as of this time.” Twitter.com

Efforts to build a basketball arena at Cal Expo in Sacramento are at a crucial stage as officials contemplate seeking a private development partner. An important doubt has emerged, however: "There is not a developer I know in the country who would do it, especially in today's economy," said John Semcken, vice president of sports stadium builder Majestic Realty Co., who viewed Cal Expo's plans. Sacramento Bee

As Cal Expo's effort seemed to slow this year, pressure mounted to build a new basketball arena in Sacramento. Mayor Kevin Johnson recently said he feared the Kings might leave town. NBA representatives have said they want the project to show significant progress by spring. Expo board member Albiani pushed that aside, saying Expo's bottom line is to do what is right for the State Fair. "If we were to get a new fairgrounds out of the deal, that benefits the region," he said. Kings co-owner Gavin Maloof defused some pressure this month, telling The Bee team owners have rededicated themselves to being patient, given the tough economy. Team owners acknowledge they have talked with cities interested in landing an NBA team, but continue to believe that Sacramento is the best place for the Kings. Maloof said the focus now is on providing a team that will excite fans and recapture some of the Kings' glory – and turnstile-moving action. Sacramento Bee

EA Sports simulated the entire NBA season on NBA Live 10, its video game, and the Cavs came up the big winner — capturing the NBA championship along with LeBron James being named MVP for a second consecutive season. Akron Beacon Journal

Kevin Widemond, a 23-year-old guard from Newark, died of a heart attack during a Portuguese basketball tournament. The Portuguese basketball federation said Widemond collapsed in the locker room Sunday during halftime of a game between his team Ovarense and Academica in Leiria, in northern Portugal. Newark Star-Ledger

Widemond, who was first-team All-Newark in 2003 as a guard for Newark West Side High School, had played 10 minutes in the third-place playoff game of the cup competition, which was canceled following his death. "He was sitting on a bench, listening with the others to what the coach was saying, when he just keeled over," Ovarense sports director Jose Eduardo said. A doctor immediately began trying to resuscitate Widemond and those efforts continued in an ambulance and then at the hospital, Eduardo told public broadcaster RTP. Newark Star-Ledger

In a statement on the University wesbite, Texas A&M University-Commerce athletic director Carlton Cooper said, "We are deeply saddened to hear this news and our sympathies are with him and his family." “Kevin was one of the best teammates and human beings that I had a privilege to work with,” said Texas A&M University-Commerce head men’s basketball coach Sam Walker. Newark Star-Ledger

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