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Tuesday, October 27

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“Wyc has been on the warpath for two days over this,” a league source told Yahoo! Sports. “They want to get money back from him.” The team has been hurting financially, the source said, and Grousbeck sees this as an opportunity to recoup some of Davis’ salary. “I don’t want to comment on that,” Davis said. “I haven’t spoken to them about that.” Yahoo! Sports

Davis underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair the thumb at a Boston suburban hospital. “I was defending myself,” Davis said in a phone interview with Yahoo! Sports. “I wasn’t just fighting. I feel like I let my team down by breaking my hand. I let my team down trying to defend myself. I have to make better decisions on how I choose my friends.” Yahoo! Sports

Boston Celtics forward Glen Davis told Yahoo! Sports on Tuesday that he will be sidelined six to eight weeks after breaking his right thumb while trying to protect himself from a friend who slugged him while driving. Davis said the incident happened early Sunday morning when Davis’ girlfriend, Jenna Gomez, one of her girlfriends and one of his high school friends were returning to his home after celebrating Gomez’s birthday. Davis said he and his high school friend got into a heated debate over some “personal issues,” and the friend, who was driving their vehicle, threw a punch at Davis. Davis retaliated by throwing a punch back that broke his hand. Yahoo! Sports

According to an NBA source, Celtics forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis underwent successful surgery on his right hand on Tuesday, and will now be out for six to eight weeks. Davis reportedly suffered the injury in a fight with a former college teammate. Davis re-signed with the Celtics this offseason on a two-year deal worth approximately $6 million deal. In an interview with The Big Show on Tuesday afternoon, Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck confirmed that Davis suffered a broken thumb. Though he did not give a specific timetable for the forward’s return, he did suggest that such injuries “are usually not season-threatening. … It’s a broken thumb. I don’t think it’s going to be that long.” WEEI

A shirtless Glen “Big Baby” Davis and his “best friend” Shawn Bridgewater - a former teammate of the Celtics forward on the University High basketball team in Baton Rouge, La. - emerged bleeding from their noses after a fight inside a black SUV in Waltham Sunday morning, the Herald has learned. The incident fractured Davis’ right thumb just two days before tonight’s season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Davis had surgery on the thumb today and is expected to miss the next six weeks. According to the police report obtained by the Herald, Davis claimed his allegedly drunken childhood pal was “continually bothering his girlfriend,” Jenna Gomez. Boston Herald

According to the police report obtained by the Herald, Davis claimed his allegedly drunken childhood pal was “continually bothering his girlfriend,” Jenna Gomez. The report does not specify what Bridgewater allegedly said to Gomez and no one was arrested. Both men refused medical attention. “It was two guys that had a fight over something that was said to a girlfriend,” Waltham Detective Capt. William Stanton said. “They assured us there would be no more problems.” Boston Herald

Davis was adamant that nobody in the car was inebriated at the time of the incident. He said the fight didn’t escalate further after the group pulled over to the side of the road. Davis’ friend flew back from Boston to Louisiana later Sunday. Yahoo! Sports

“I would first like to apologize to my fans, teammates, coaches and the entire Celtics organization. I am extremely disappointed that this incident occurred and that it will prevent me from starting the season with the rest of my teammates," Davis said in a prepared statement released by the team. "My teammates and the entire Celtics organization are extremely important to me and I will do my best to expedite the healing process and be back on the court as soon as possible,” said Davis. WCVB The Boston Channel

Grousbeck did say that the team expected to “suspend or fine” Davis. Noting that the 23-year-old will be out for some time, Grousbeck suggested that the Celtics planned to sit down with the player and determine an appropriate punishment. “I think we’re going to ask him to chip in,” said Grousbeck. On why they wouldn’t reveal what happened: “I can’t talk to him. He’s post-operative and I’m getting on a plane. It’s just the way it is.” WEEI

Has Danny Ainge or Doc Rivers talked with Davis? “Where we stand is we haven’t resolved exactly what happened. Meanwhile, he’s had surgery, and we don’t know how that went — or I don’t know precisely how that went. We don’t have a prognosis for recovery yet from the surgery. My guess is its not going to be as bad as we feared, we all feared. And we’ve seen some printed reports or press reports that it could be a long time. I’d be surprised. It’s a broken thumb. I don’t think it’s going to be that long.” WEEI

Grousbeck said they were going to wake up Wednesday and “make a plan with [Davis] and his representatives, and we’ll let you guys know at that point about it, and we’ll probably reveal maybe some more details about it, or maybe not. I’m not trying to be difficult. “But my understanding, broadly speaking, is that the reports are pretty much accurate. There was some sort of altercation, and it was with somebody he knew, and I think it went bad. And you’re not supposed to do that stuff when you’re a professional basketball player.” WEEI

In the wake of a thumb injury sustained during a recent altercation, Celtics forward Glen "Big Baby" Davis likely will be suspended by the team, owner Wyc Grousbeck confirmed to the Globe this morning. Grousbeck initially reported that a suspension was "very likely" during an interview with Gene Lavanchy on the Fox 25 morning show. "I've had enough of 'Big Baby,' so I'm going to start calling him Glen," Grousbeck told the Globe. "It certainly seems like there's going to be a suspension here." Boston Globe

Grousbeck indicated that surgery to repair the break in Davis's thumb was a possibility. Davis re-signed with the Celtics during the offseason after exploring restricted free agency. He is entering the first year of a two year deal that will pay him $2.5 million annually with a chance to earn an additional $500 thousand per season if he meets incentives based on his weight. Boston Globe

In what so far has been a down market for members of the 2006 draft class, Brewer and the Jazz have until Saturday to reach agreement on an extension. Otherwise, Brewer will become a restricted free agent at season's end. "With me, it's not really in my hands," said Brewer, who is making $2.7 million in the fourth year of his rookie contract. "If they extend it, it's cool. I enjoy being here, being with the players. But if they don't, it's not the end of the world. "I've still got to play and do the things that I set in my mind before the season and preseason: Try to help this team out and get better than what I was last year." Salt Lake Tribune

According to ESPN.com, as recently as three years ago, 16 members of the 2003 draft class signed extensions. That is no longer the norm, though, especially with NBA teams concerned about declining salary-cap and luxury-tax figures. "It's lower than what it has been in the recent years," Brewer said, "but at the same time, you've seen class after class, the numbers decline the last four or five years and then [players] become free agents, either re-sign with their team or go to a different team. "It's not like a lot of the guys are out of basketball. At the end of the day, you're still going to be playing basketball." Salt Lake Tribune

The Orlando Magic have picked up team option for next season on forward Ryan Anderson's contract, General Manager Otis Smith said Tuesday. "Done already," Smith said in a text message. The Magic had to exercise the option before the start of the season on Wednesday night. Anderson will make $1.4 million in the 2010-2011season. They have until Oct. 31 2010 to pick up the $2.2 million option for 2011-12. Orlando Sentinel

Derrick Byars will be on the Bulls' roster on opening night and already is drawing an official NBA paycheck. But the 6-7 rookie guard from Vanderbilt isn't celebrating too much, because he knows his stay may be brief. "They made me aware of the financial situation they have with the luxury tax," he said. "Even though I have the rookie minimum contract as it is, they're not sure how long they want to keep me around. I'm just taking it a day at a time." Chicago Sun-Times

As his return draws closer, his relationship with Hollins will be studied and scrutinized, a delicate partnership framed by Iverson's infamous blowups with Larry Brown — and by his experiences last season with the Pistons. "I've had a lot of success in this league," Iverson said, "and when I hear those things about being uncoachable and not practicing — I never would've accomplished the things I've accomplished without those two significant parts of being a professional basketball player. It's a bad rap." Memphis Commercial Appeal

In an interview earlier this month at FedExForum, Pistons swingman Richard Hamilton supported Iverson's account of the situation. "M.C. lied to us a million times," Hamilton said of Curry. "He sat me and A.I. down one time and was like, 'I'm going to lean on both of you the whole year, just don't go to the media. Say you'll do whatever for the team and blah blah blah.' This was a week before he brought me off the bench. He lied. So I feel for what Allen said." Memphis Commercial Appeal

He added: "I think the person that we had didn't know how to take advantage of (our roster). Instead of taking advantage of it, he killed it." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Hamilton also discredited the idea that the Pistons, although upset about losing Chauncey Billups in the trade with the Nuggets, were unwilling to accept Iverson as a teammate. Asked if he ever had any problems with Iverson, Hamilton said: "Oh, no, no, no. We loved him, he loved us. We were all friends, we were all brothers. Like I said, certain people make it complicated when it shouldn't be complicated." Memphis Commercial Appeal

The pot boiled over in December 2000 when Brown benched his starters, including Iverson, for the second half of a loss at Detroit. Pat Croce, the team's owner at the time, often played mediator, and he somehow brought the two men together for a meeting two days later. "That was ugly," Croce said. "Allen was going to kill Larry Brown. He wanted me to fire him. And Larry Brown wanted him traded immediately. I just remember them sitting across from each other, and I was trying to explain to Larry that Allen sees him as the white jailer. That was just his experience. 'And Allen, you disrespect Larry when you say "(expletive) you" when he pulls you out of a game.'" Memphis Commercial Appeal

They cross paths on occasion these days. and Brown said Iverson always winds up apologizing to him for putting him through so much turmoil during their time together in Philadelphia. He knows that he was a handful. "I tell him that's stupid," Brown said. "You don't have to apologize to anyone. What he's done in his career ... is remarkable." Memphis Commercial Appeal

And if there is a generational gap, Hollins can at least relate to someone who, as a younger person, was marginalized by race and poverty. Beyond that, Hollins has a philosophical view of basketball that would seem to favor Iverson. "I don't want grown men to be robots," Hollins said. "I want individuals and independent thinkers, because those are the guys that are going to grow and be creative and make decisions when plays break down. That's how you win." Memphis Commercial Appeal

Chris Bosh doesn't plan on going fist city with Shaquille O'Neal tomorrow night at the Air Canada Centre when the Raptors open up the regular season against the Cleveland Cavaliers. But one gets the impression that he is still somewhat miffed by O'Neal's comments last season, when he described the good-natured Raptors forward as "the RuPaul of big men." O'Neal added that he was going to make Bosh quit when his plays him next (tomorrow). "It's what I do," Shaq said. But while Bosh brushed aside suggestions that O'Neal's words have increased his motivation, there still obviously is some resentment lingering. "I don't care. I really don't care. Everybody can talk back and forth all day. But at the end of the day, it's what happens on the court," Bosh said. "But I've never quit ever in my life." "It was a year ago and it's a cancelled cheque," added coach Jay Triano, when reminded of O'Neal's comments. "It really has no value. Sometimes people use that for motivation and hopefully Chris did." Toronto Sun

Have you talked to LeBron about his future and whether he'll re-sign? Shaquille O'Neal: No, I'll never talk to LeBron about that. It's his decision. He has to do what's best for him and his family. I've been in that situation in my career, had to make tough decisions. I understand what he's facing. You know, LeBron's his own man. He knows what he's doing. ESPN.com

Do you think you'll retire a Cav? O'Neal: I don't know. I'll probably be one of those great players who pissed everybody off and they'll try to teach me a lesson by not retiring my number. [laughs] But I always told my father that when I retire, my name will be in that NBA Bible. Not really concerned about when and where I'll retire. When I'm done, I just want you to remember Shaquille O'Neal. ESPN.com

How much gas do you have left in the tank? O'Neal: I don't want to be disrespectful to the Phoenix organization, because they're a great organization, but in these times, it's a business. Guys usually get traded because they want to be traded or they ain't [expletive]. I had great numbers last season. All-Star MVP. It's not like I wasn't playing [hard]. It was a business move by a business guy, and I'm a business guy as well. I don't want to be somewhere where I'm 38 and have to win it by myself. If you wanna move me, fine, I understand, thank you. But Cleveland is where I want to go. ESPN.com

When was the first time you met LeBron, and what was your impression? O'Neal: I met LeBron when he was 16 or 17, a junior or senior in high school. He was a nice, respectful momma's boy. His momma was in the stands, saying, "That's my kid, that's my baby." He's always been a good kid, from what I've heard. And I thought he was a fabulous player then. One of those players where it wasn't fair he was in high school. What I liked about him was, even though he could score 100 points a game and had teammates who probably weren't going to make it, he would kick it to his boys for the jump shot. He knew how to get everyone involved even back then. You two have a lot in common, including your love of music. Who's controlling the iPod over there? I'm usually controlling the iPod. Not really in the locker room, but in the weight room. I like to mix it up. Like, I'll usually have a "White Boy Wednesday" or something. [laughs] It ain't my locker room, though. We'll see what happens. ESPN.com

He's one of the few NBAers who's not on Twitter yet. O'Neal: I don't think LeBron's missing out. I don't think he needs to do it. He's already up there in stature. Some guys are so big, they can't get any bigger. A lot of guys are doing [Twitter] just to be famous. Mine was by accident. What I try to do is make them smile. I don't tweet things like, "Hey, I'm doing an interview with ESPN! I just bought a diamond bracelet! Check it out!" I'll hit you with a viral video or a quote to make you laugh. The other day, I saw a plane crash, and the man walked up out of that thing. So I tweeted that. Other guys just wanna talk about themselves. Did you give LeBron any crap about Dunkgate? I can't give him any crap. Being on both sides of the media, I've learned to only react to stuff I know is factual. I don't know that he did what the media said he did, getting dunked on and having his boy get that video. Maybe it was somebody at Nike. Know what I'm sayin'? ESPN.com

Brown is in a good situation with stars like James and O'Neal. "They allow you to coach them," he said. "When they work as hard as they do, everyone else follows." News-Herald

Delonte West was listed as doubtful by the Cavs following shootaround this morning at The Q. This is not surprising but it is a disappointment, not just for the fans but also the players. Yesterday LeBron James said he was hoping West would be able to join the team for the first big game. This continued yo-yoing, even within the team, must cause distraction, no matter what anyone says. Cleveland Plain Dealer

It will be brother-in-law against brother-in-law when Shelden Williams’ Celtics go up against Anthony Parker’s Cavaliers tonight on the shores of Lake Erie. Williams is married to Parker’s sister Candace Parker, a hoops star in her own right. Candace is a star for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks. “It’s all business,” Anthony Parker said. “I’ve competed against friends, maybe not family, before and yeah, you want to have bragging rights and it’s fun to go through that but we’ve played against each other so this is nothing new.” WEEI

Here’s a look at the Lakers’ championship rings, comprised of 15 carat gold, in honor of their 15th title. Orange County Register

That's why you shouldn't be surprised if Beaubois -- for all the expectations he has already generated -- spends some time this season with the Mavs' D-League affiliate in Albuquerque, N.M. Valuable as it is for Beaubois to spend as much time as he can sponging off a mentor as accomplished as Kidd, there would be unquestioned value in letting Beaubois run a team for an entire game (or games). "With any young player, you've got the instructional component and you've got the practical component," Nelson said. "You've got to be able to use what you've learned in the heat of the battle. "Roddy has gotten off to a real good start, but you never want to close the door on any playing opportunity. We feel real good about the development he's getting and being with Jason every day, but you never know. There might come a time or a stretch of games where it makes sense to give him a chance to have the ball in his hands with five seconds to go in the game." ESPN.com

Sending youngsters to the D-League will be a more inviting prospect for Dallas next season when the forthcoming Frisco franchise Nelson co-owns will serve as the Mavs' up-the-road affiliate. Nelson, though, insists that the club is sufficiently comfortable with the idea of dispatching Beaubois to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds if need be, with Mavs alumnus Darvin Ham working on the Albuquerque coaching staff. Beaubois has wowed numerous league observers already with what Nelson describes as "freakish athleticism" coupled with a 3-point shooting range that neither Parker nor Devin Harris possesses. But Beaubois is still just learning how to read defenses -- especially in pick-and-rolls -- and at times emits a too-cool-for-school vibe that the Mavs want him to drop. Carlisle has made occasional mention of the fact that Beaubois does not yet play with the consistent sense of urgency required of point guards at this level. The latter is another reason why a D-League visit or two could make some sense. As Nelson notes, Beaubois would get quite a push with the Thunderbirds because "it's the second most athletic league in the world." ESPN.com

Stevenson defines swag in both on- and off-the-court ways, with the latter including wearing sunglasses indoors, swag here being a synonym for blindness. But Butler has a broader view. "I mean, everybody got swag in their own right," he said.. "Some people don't boast about it, some people do, but just come and just be prepared to win games. And that's the swag that I'm talking about. Just win games, go out there and play hard on both ends of the court, and help us win games. That's all it's about." Washington Post

Wait, everybody's got swag? Like, everybody? "Everybody's got their own interpretation," Brendan Haywood said. "D-Steve is all about swag and doing all that other stuff. That's not my style. I'm low-key. I've got a quiet swag. Those are the people with the most swag." (Only by not having swag can you actually have swag. Think about that for a few minutes.) "I've had swag since I came out," Miller said. "You've got to." Washington Post

"Could be," Fabricio Oberto said with a broad grin. "I don't know about swag." Washington Post

So when Carter's friends and family wanted tickets to Magic games, he politely declined. He wants his focus on gamedays in just one place. "I just wanted to focus on the season," Carter said. "I wanted to approach this as every other season. I didn’t have to worry about ticket requests in Toronto or jersey. A lot of my friends, all of my friends are pretty much here, I just wanted to keep it simple." Carter said some people were upset, but ultimately understood. He didn't even get tickets for his mother. "She’s a grown woman, she can get her own," Carter said, smiling. "She got her own. The day that it happened, she was out of the country, and when I got here she had already called Joel [Glass, the Magic's vice president of communications] for her request. Before I could even get to Joel she already called in." Orlando Sentinel

Allow Kobe Bryant to tell you what he really thinks about Ron Artest, free-flow style. "Look at his career: He demanded a trade in Indiana. OK. He had the brawl at the Palace in Detroit: Somebody threw beer on him, he made a bad decision, went up in the stands, kicked his ass. OK. "Outside of that, what issues have you had with him? He's eccentric. OK. Carves stuff in his hair. OK. He runs around the hotel in his boxers. Right. "But what the hell does that have to do with the basketball game? Absolutely nothing. When you step on that basketball court, he's a former Defensive Player of the Year. He's tough, plays hard, can pass, can shoot. All those other things have absolutely nothing to do with what he does on the basketball court. "And what I've seen so far is a guy who works his butt off every single day and wants to do what's right for the team. It's really that simple." Orange County Register

"He's in the gym all the time," Bryant said of Artest, whom he and Phil Jackson tried to get the Lakers to acquire in trade years ago. Most of what Bryant has been talking to Artest about now – except for the mockery that Bryant gave Artest late in the Las Vegas game after a drunk fan startled Artest out of his seat on the bench by patting him on the back – has been basketball geek stuff. "We really think things through, and everything has a purpose to it," Bryant said. "It's just helping him kind of adjust to our style of play and seeing the X's and O's of that and how to take advantage of it." Orange County Register

At a little past midnight last night, Ron Artest delivered on his promise to carve something fresh into his hair in time for tonight's season opener against the Clippers. On the left are two Chinese characters signifying "champion." On the right is the word "Chatty," honoring childhood friend Mike Chatfield, who was killed in New York earlier this month. And in the middle, of course, is a slightly modified Lakers logo. Riverside Press-Enterprise

It is official. The Knicks opening night lineup against Miami on Oct. 28 will be Chris Duhon, Wilson Chandler, Al Harrington, David Lee and Jared Jeffries. Privately, the Knicks were hoping that Danilo Gallinari would have won the starting small forward job but Gallinari but in retrospect it was unrealistic. New York Daily News

The seventh-year guard again spent the summer fine tuning his body under the eye of noted Chicago-based trainer Tim Grover, and sees no reasons why he can't repeat as the league's scoring champion, if that is what is needed. "My focus right now is to move forward and get ready for the season," he says during a quiet moment on the Heat's practice court. "I'm here. This is my team. "I just look at it and say on the business side of things that I put myself in the position where I can control some of my own destiny, and that's hopefully right here in Miami." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"Every chase is different, obviously," says John Gabriel, the former Magic general manager who lost O'Neal to the Lakers in that frantic bid for franchise survival in 1996. "The waiting and wondering is the worst." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

"The good thing about an option year is you can always go back to the table and pick the option up," Wade says. "It's not dead throughout the whole year; it can always be revisited by us. I'm a very open-minded person." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

That should put Wade somewhere between James' title-contending Cavaliers and Bosh's seemingly rejuvenated Raptors, who merely are trying to get back to the playoffs. Asked to handicap the 2010 free-agent race, a veteran agent with an extensive stable of clients says, "I think D-Wade will be the toughest to retain of the high-profile free agents. I just get the sense that he envies his buddy in Cleveland who has a better team around him." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Grousbeck also touched on reports that the Celtics were talking with point guard Rajon Rondo about a new contract and whether it could get resolved by the end of the week. “I’m not going to comment on numbers. I don’t think we’ve ever really commented on contractual discussions. I don’t think it actually helps the process much to be commenting midstream. It’s sort of like going at halftime of a game — you still don’t know how the game is going to end up. So i really don’t want to get into Rajon’s discussions at this point.” WEEI

Are discussions going to continue before Halloween? “Well, there’s a fair amount of time between then and now. There’s going to be a lot going on there. Whether or not anything happens on this front, we’re going to have to wait and see.” WEEI

Even without Lewis for the first 10 games, the Magic still are expected to battle the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers again for the top spot in the East. All three teams added proven All-Star veterans to last season's roster. "I won't enjoy this (being at home) at all. I'm sure we'll do well, but if we lose a game, I'll be blaming myself for not being there,'' he said. "There's nothing good about it.'' FanHouse

He said he likely will start the game on his stationary bike in front of the television, and watch most of the game by himself, studying it like a coach. "I'll be focused on the game and won't really have time to react with family or friends. I'll be critiquing everything, paying attention to little things we do,'' he said. "I just want to make sure I'm up to speed when I come back.'' FanHouse

Detroit Pistons guard Richard Hamilton was excused from Tuesday's practice to attend to a personal matter. It is unclear if he will fly out of Detroit with the team today, but coach John Kuester said Hamilton is expected to be in uniform for the Wednesday's season opener at Memphis. Booth Newspapers

Talk about confidence. After his 23 point, eight assist game against the Sixers on Friday, Terrence Williams is feeling it. Asked if it's been tough to learn the point guard position, here's what he had to say: "No, it's not tough. Because at the end of the day it's all basketball. It's just mental, about learning the plays. Me - having I think a good enough basketball IQ - playing the two or the three, I study and watch what the point guard is doing, even though I didn’t know I was going to play the point, just because I want to know what he's doing on offense, where I can find him on the pass." New York Daily News

Charlotte Bobcats guard Raja Bell is putting off surgery on his left wrist and -- in a best-case scenario -- could be playing in about a week. Bell got encouraging news from a Chicago hand specialist, who said it's worth trying to avoid surgery on a torn ligament. The plan now is for him to practice to the extent that he can tolerate the pain. Bell said he can shoot fine, but that passing (requiring him to snap his left wrist) is quite painful. Defense will obviously be a problem, since that entails impeding opposing players with both arms. Bell said his wrist feels noticeably better since he injured it Oct. 18 versus the Utah Jazz. If he doesn't continue improving, he could opt for an arthroscopic procedure to explore whether corrective surgery is warranted. That scope would put him out 4-6 weeks. If corrective surgery is necessary, he'd be out as much as four months. Charlotte Observer

Clippers rookie power forward Blake Griffin tried to hit the right notes this morning and say all the right things, but there was no hiding his discomfort and displeasure, both byproducts of the news that he will be out up to six weeks with a stress fracture of his left kneecap. "It's a setback, but it's not major," he said during the team's shootaround at the training facility in Playa Vista. "It's something that I can work through and hopefully use this to work on other things to get better. Los Angeles Times

Jazz shooting guard Kyle Korver's knee surgery has been rescheduled from today to Wednesday in New York, a team spokesman said this morning. Korver plans to have arthroscopic surgery to address a bone spur in his left knee, an injury that kept him from playing in all but one of the Jazz's eight preseason games. Deseret News

Minnesota Timberwolves forward Al Jefferson said he feels good enough to play in the team's NBA regular-season opener Wednesday night against the New Jersey Nets at Target Center. Jefferson missed the past three preseason games and sat out practice last week with Achilles tendonitis but went through a second consecutive day of practice today "pain free." "I'm good to go," said Jefferson, the Wolves' leading scorer (23.1) and rebounder (11.0) last season. St. Paul Pioneer Press

NBA star Steve Nash will carry the Olympic torch for the Vancouver Winter Games. Nash, the two-time league MVP, is from Victoria, where the relay starts on Friday. Over 106 days, it will stop in every Canadian province and territory leading to the lighting of the cauldron at BC Place. The games will be held from Feb. 12-28 in Vancouver and Whistler, followed by the Paralympics from March 12-21. AP

The Grizzlies added star power to their roster in the offseason with Allen Iverson. Now, they might be on the verge of hiring a Hall of Famer for the coaching staff. 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. Memphis Commercial Appeal

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. Abdul-Jabbar, 62, is under contract with the Lakers after having tutored Andrew Bynum over the past several seasons. But the Los Angeles Daily News reported earlier this month that Abdul-Jabbar's interaction with Bynum would decrease and he'd take a lesser role with the Lakers this season. Memphis Commercial Appeal

A source said it is premature to determine what -- if anything -- would happen with Abdul-Jabbar with regard to the Grizzlies. But resolution could come in a few days or before Abdul-Jabbar leaves this week for a speaking tour in the Middle East. Memphis Commercial Appeal

Charles Barkley believes that Donnie Walsh's decision to essentially tank two seasons with the hopes of possibly landing LeBron James is bad management. "When you set up yourself by basically saying, 'We're going to (stink) for the next two or three years,' I don't think there is any way that can be good for your team," Barkley said. "They're not going to win because those guys know they're not going to be here next year. To expect them to give 110% is unrealistic." New York Daily News

"The Knicks don't have a good team," said Barkley, the TNT analyst. "I think waiting to do all the free agency thing has hurt the camaraderie and chemistry on the team. Those guys aren't dumb. They know they're not going to be around." New York Daily News

But we start off today with NBA commissioner David Stern saying that the NBA will be coming to Europe. David Hein of heinnews had his ear on the pulse of U.S. media and wrote up this piece on Stern’s interview with ESPN personality Colin Cowherd. Here are a couple of quotes: “I think that it will be done. I don’t know if it will be done under my watch.” And: “It’s either Barcelona or Madrid. It’s either Milan or Rome. I think it’s London.” Ball In Europe

The Orlando Magic announce John Denton "will provide exclusive Magic coverage on OrlandoMagic.com!" Twitter.com

The NBA today unveiled the Los Angeles Lakers Champions Collection – a line of commemorative merchandise celebrating the 2009 NBA champions. The centerpiece of the collection is the adidas Anniversary Jacket, a special track jacket the Lakers will wear on court on opening night when they receive their championship rings and raise their 15th championship banner. The collection also includes a limited edition basketball from Spalding, Champions DVD and other commemorative items. The Champions Apparel Collection was designed and developed by adidas, the league’s official outfitter. In addition to the Anniversary jacket, the team will wear a special shooting shirt and will have a Champions patch on their jerseys featuring the Larry O’Brien Trophy and the number 15 to represent the Lakers 15 titles. adidas also created a full line of headwear that features the Champions patch and a flat-brimmed hat with 15 replica championship banner patches. Lakers.com

It's official -- onetime Minnesota Timberwolves bad boy J.R. Rider is back in professional basketball. Rider, 38, has joined the North Texas Fresh in the reconstituted American Basketball Association (ABA), the team has announced. "I am personally glad to have him," said Jay Bowdy, owner and CEO of the Fort Worth-based team. "It is a blessing to have someone whose talent I admired so much growing up." Minneapolis Star Tribune

Bowdy said Rider still dreams of returning to the NBA. "If we're a steppingstone, we're fine with that," Bowdy said. Rider's agent, Joe Lee, said last month that his client would love to return to the Timberwolves. Minneapolis Star Tribune

Rajon Rondo will not sign a contract extension with the Boston Celtics, allowing him to join next summer’s heralded free-agent class, the player’s agent told Yahoo! Sports late Monday. Rondo and the Celtics have until Saturday to negotiate an extension, but his agent, Bill Duffy, said the point guard has already made a decision to become a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Yahoo! Sports

Duffy said he has had recent talks with the Celtics about Rondo, but the negotiations never progressed enough to lead him to believe the sides were close to a deal. Celtics president Danny Ainge couldn’t be reached for comment. “We’re not going to do an extension right now,” Duffy said. “The conversation has been cordial. We’ve been talking the last couple of weeks. There is a difference between the perception of him in their eyes and our eyes. With that being said, the focus is on Rajon to have a fantastic season and concentrate on winning a championship.” Yahoo! Sports

Duffy, who also counts Steve Nash among his clients, said he is seeking a contract that would pay Rondo like one of the NBA’s top five point guards. The Celtics, Duffy said, “feel differently.” Yahoo! Sports

Rondo frustrated the Celtics at times last season with maturity issues and his name surfaced in trade talks over the summer. Duffy, however, said Rondo is completely on the “same page” with the Celtics now and that the summer problems had no bearing on Rondo’s decision to become a free agent. “Danny knows Rajon is taking care of business on and off the court,” Duffy said. “Danny Ainge has stated happiness with Rondo’s work ethic and leadership at this point.” Yahoo! Sports

A source close to the situation has told Jeff Goodman of WEEI.com and FoxSports.com that the Celtics’ offered point guard Rajon Rondo a contract extension worth five years and $45 million, with Rondo’s representatives asking for between $55-60 million over the same number of years. The Celtics presented their offer to Rondo’s reps in a meeting, Monday night. Rondo is eligible to become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2009-10 season. WEEI

Trying to beat the clock for one of their youngest and most talented core players, the Boston Celtics were in contact Monday evening with the agent for starting point guard Rajon Rondo, according to a league source, in hopes of reaching agreement on a long-term contract before the Oct. 31 league deadline for negotiating extensions with members of the 2006 draft class. NBA.com

The meeting between the Celtics and Rondo's agent, Bill Duffy, came after two weeks of relatively amiable discussions about the parameters of a new deal for the 23-year-old Rondo, who has become one of the league's better young point guards despite periods of occasional drift and clashing with Coach Doc Rivers. But the discussions haven't yet led to a consensus on how to pay Rondo in a potential five-year deal. Rondo and Duffy are seeking a maximum or near-max contract that would pay him between $80 and $85 million; the Celtics are loath to put anything near that much into Rondo, given their existing expenditures for star players like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. NBA.com

An agent who represents a 2006 first-round pick told FanHouse on Monday it's his understanding only three other players from that draft -- Memphis' Rudy Gay, Utah's Ronnie Brewer and Boston's Rajon Rando -- are even still involved in serious negotiations to reach a deal by Saturday. FanHouse

Two agents confirmed to FanHouse on Monday their former lottery picks won't sign extensions by Saturday and will become restricted free agents next summer. While it's pretty much confirming the obvious, Mark Bartelstein said Adam Morrison, the No. 3 pick in 2006, won't reach a deal with the Lakers. Guy Zucker said the same is true with his client, Oklahoma City's Thebo Sefolosha, taken No. 13 in that draft. FanHouse

"We want to give him this year to get his feet back under him,'' Bartelstein said of Morrison, who was traded by Charlotte to the Lakers last February and then played sparingly, not getting into a single playoff game during their title run. "(The Lakers) have a good feeling about him (for the future).'' FanHouse

Sefolosha, like Morrison, has been dealt, but a trade doesn't change anything when it comes to eligibility for an extension if the rookie third- and fourth-year options get picked up. Zucker said there were talks about the Thunder possibly extending Sefolosha, who started 22 of 23 games after being acquired last February from Chicago while averaging 8.5 points. "We had some discussions, but it didn't result in any conclusions,'' Zucker said. "But (team officials) like (Seflosha) for the future even though we weren't able to reach any financial arrangements.'' FanHouse

Indications are Tyrus Thomas, who went No. 4 in 2006 to Chicago, won't sign an extension with the Bulls. Thomas' agent, Brian Elfus, wouldn't offer a confirmation of anything that will happen to his client. But he said he wouldn't consider it a setback if no agreement reached by Saturday. "There isn't that much money out there,'' Elfus said of what's happening now in the NBA. "If you look at the big picture, only Bargnani, Aldridge and Brandon Roy (have signed extensions).... I wouldn't be considering it a huge deal (if Thomas doesn't sign by Saturday).'' FanHouse

According to league sources, the Cavs are close to signing free agent guard Antonio Daniels. The team has been weighing the need for another guard during the preseason and has been interested in Daniels since he was waived last week by the Minnesota Timberwolves following a contract buyout. Daniels, a 14-year veteran, can play both guard positions. He will clear waivers today and the Cavs could act fast and pull the trigger. Cleveland Plain Dealer

The thinking was that eliminating even one minimum-salaried 15th man would be a commonplace cost-cutting measure in today’s tight economy. So you can understand the mild shock when our scan through the league’s list turned up 18 teams sporting full 15-man rosters. Eight more teams are carrying 14 players and just four will field the NBA minimum of 13 players. Add it all up and it means that the regular season opens Tuesday night with a mere 16 unclaimed roster spots in a league that can hold 450 players. ESPN.com

In a subsequent check with a few personnel experts, I was lightly chided by one in the Western Conference for reacting with any surprise that the overwhelming majority of teams took their rosters to the max. The exec said: “Most teams only talk a good game about holding less than 15 [players].” Yet one Eastern Conference exec cautioned that he wouldn’t be surprised to see that clutch of 18 teams fielding 15-man rosters to be cut nearly in half between now and Jan. 10, when contracts are guaranteed for the remainder of the season. Said another in the West: "Let's see if [teams] do that for more than a month." ESPN.com

So the 15 on the roster are likely to be the same 15 on Wednesday night? "Sure, " Bower said. That doesn't mean the Hornets, as the depth chart stands today, are a finished product. "We continue to look at everything, " Bower said. "We watch our performances in the preseason, both from an individual standpoint and from a team standpoint. And obviously we have much room to improve and need to improve at a strong pace. We'll continue to watch our team and every other team." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Most of all, the Lakers offered O’Neal the biggest contract, but the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement has since tilted to give the home team the ability to pay the most money in a max contract, to protect the Orlando’s and Clevelands when the L.A.’s and New Yorks come calling in free agency. “I had a business decision to make,” said O’Neal, who is the spokesman for the U.S. Marines’ “Toys for Tots” Christmas program for impoverished kids, where people can donate gifts or money online (www.toysrus.com) or at Toys ‘R’ Us stores across the country. “I could make more by leaving [for the Lakers], but that’s not the case for LeBron now. He can make more by staying in Cleveland. And yeah, the world is different now. They can see you wherever you play. You don’t have to be in a big market anymore. He doesn’t have to leave Cleveland.” Yahoo! Sports

“We both probably agreed on Posey, we just knew we couldn’t do it,’’ Rivers said. “Danny wanted Posey as much as I wanted Posey. It wasn’t a basketball decision.’’ Said Ainge, “I don’t think [the loss of Posey] prevented us from winning. I think the health of players was the biggest factor. I agree with Doc some of the chemistry wasn’t as good as the year before, and we anticipated that a little bit going into the year, just coming off a championship year - and I think the injuries might have magnified it a little bit, because KG is such a spiritual leader of our team. And when he’s not on the court it’s not the same, chemistry-wise.’’ Boston Globe

Ainge can understand why people wanted Posey, but he said, “If Posey was with us I don’t think we start out better than 27-2 and I don’t think we win the championship if KG is not playing. And if we did that [deal], we probably wouldn’t be able to have Rasheed or Marquis [Daniels] and have other flexibility going into next summer.’’ Boston Globe

Tonight, the teams match up in a nationally televised introduction to what should be an enthralling NBA season and fierce war for conference supremacy. But the two Cavaliers who will be the focal point of their run toward the title realize two things - that the Celtics are a formidable opponent and that the season-opener carries more significance for TV ratings than actually establishing an edge. “I don’t dislike Boston and I don’t think they dislike us either, but when you’re competitors, there’s a little bit more fire than usual with the other teams,’’ All-Star forward LeBron James said yesterday. “I don’t think it’s no hard feelings. Nobody wants to see anybody get hurt or anything, but it’s definitely going to be a really good, physical ballgame.’’ Boston Globe

Said coach Mike Brown: "I have not made a decision yet about whether he'd be active." West has been practicing regularly for the past two weeks and did warm up and sit with the team for the last two preseason games. Brown, as usual, said he is not concerned about West's conditioning and would not have a problem playing him if the decision was made to do so. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Shaq is no longer a dominant force, but is still one of the league’s most commanding stars. Who else in the NBA has the charisma, the stature, to carry his own primetime TV show? Somehow, Shaq is still the story. Shaq’s still the biggest presence in the room. With these Cavs, with LeBron’s massive persona, even Cleveland management had wondered how ’Bron and Shaq would fit together. So far, so good. “You can already see them laughing and getting along when they’re sitting together on the bench,” one Eastern Conference scout said, “but you won’t really be able to judge how that will go until something goes wrong – until there’s some kind of adversity.” Yahoo! Sports

When it’s suggested to Shaq that those suspicious of the partnership’s staying power are waiting for a splinter, he scoffs and says, “Egos have never been a problem for me on any team I’ve played on. …What happened in L.A., I would do it all again. We won three titles. There was nothing that hurt us…” Yahoo! Sports

Eventually, Shaq says, “I want to get into ownership, to own a team, but that’s not what I’m thinking about now.” Yes, he’s pushing hard now. He’s pushing for Orlando’s Dwight Howard and Boston’s Kevin Garnett. Most of all, he’s pushing for a surreal return to the NBA Finals, where Kobe and the Lakers could be waiting for what could be the most celebrated championship series in history. Yahoo! Sports

Shaquille O'Neal has been many big things (Aristotle, Pythagorean Theorem, Cactus) in many places since 1992 when he arrived in Orlando wearing mouse ears. Of course, before this none of the places ever got snow, to say nothing of sleet and freezing rain. Now, the Big Rust Belt? "I'm just here," O'Neal said Monday, still trying out motifs. "So far, everyone likes the Big Witness Protection Program." Los Angeles Times

There were a lot of things O'Neal thought he might be doing 10 years ago, but this wasn't one of them. Forget where he is, he didn't expect to be playing at 37, much less hoping to show enough to get a new contract. "When did I get my first title, at 28?" O'Neal said. "After I won the first one [2000 with the Lakers], no. After the second one [2001 with the Lakers], no. After the third one [2002 with the Lakers], no. "After the fourth one [2006 with Miami], yes." Los Angeles Times

As McMillan started to address the team, he was interrupted. Not more than four words had come out of the coach's mouth when team star Brandon Roy cut him off, his voice sharp, his mood irritated. Roy began a rant to his teammates about their poor attitudes and lackadaisical effort during the practice. He had been stewing throughout the two-hour workout, which came after a day off and after a thorough drubbing in Los Angeles to the Clippers. As the team went through the practice, Roy said he heard grumbling."Why are we going so hard?" one player complained. "Aren't we done yet?" another huffed. Oregonian

So when McMillan started his post-practice address to the team with "That was a pretty good practice ... ," Roy snapped. Stunned, McMillan said he dropped his head, looked at the floor, and listened. "That was not a championship practice!" Roy remembers telling the team. "We can't sit here and say we want to win a championship and practice, you know, pretty good. We have to practice at a higher level. We can't keep making excuses!" Oregonian

As he stared at the floor, McMillan had to compose himself. Inside, he was swelling with pride. The best player on the team was holding his teammates accountable. McMillan had long worried that his frequent barking and biting at his team would eventually be tuned out. He needed another voice. He needed someone else to see his vision of work ethic, and act on it. Roy not only delivered, he drove it home with a sledge hammer. "Brandon has never done that before," Greg Oden said. "It was out of nowhere. We were all having a tough practice and it wasn't up to his standards. For him to do that, it was big. It was him stepping up as a leader on this team. I mean, if Brandon says something, it goes. It has to. It's his team. We are all following him." Oregonian

While the Nuggets acquired backups Arron Afflalo and Malik Allen this summer, three other West stalwarts acquired studs — the Lakers trading for Ron Artest, the Spurs picking up Richard Jefferson and the Trail Blazers landing Andre Miller. Count Karl, again, as less than overwhelmed. "I really think change is not always good in our league," Karl said. "But in the summertime, change is special — 'Oh, now they're going to be great!' But I think change is more like a coin toss, 50-50." Denver Post

Michael Beasley had a message Monday for any skeptics who continue to question his transition from a power game to the Heat's likely starting small-forward job. ``If you don't think I can play it, all I can tell you is sit back and watch,'' Beasley said after practice at AmericanAirlines Arena. ``I don't have a natural position. I'm comfortable on the floor no matter what, if you're asking.'' Miami Herald

One of the team's best decision-makers, Prince's role may change down the stretch if coach John Kuester goes to a three-guard offense of Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey and Ben Gordon. Point guard Will Bynum also could be part of the three-guard rotation. "We have two guys on our team who are pretty much our best playmakers in Rodney Stuckey and Will Bynum, and I think they can pretty much beat their man off the dribble better than anybody else on the team," Prince said. "They're great at getting to the basket and making plays for themselves or drawing contact, and at the same time they're great at penetrating and making a play. "In the past with 4 or 5 seconds left on the clock, I'm usually the guy taking the ball out to kind of read the defense and make decisions. I would like to be in that position of making the decisions. Sometimes I will be, but I know the majority of the time it will be Stuckey or Will Bynum and Ben Gordon because of their quickness and penetration. ... Depending on score and situation, those guys will have the ball." Detroit Free Press

Sam Amick: Evans is the latest to grow tired of Nocioni's style. Pretty chippy between the two. Twitter.com

But after a morning practice in late September, the most unexpected of Kings ambassadors helped Casspi feel comfortable: fifth-year small forward Francisco García. "He told me to come in late at night at 9 o'clock to be in the gym," Casspi said. "I came in late at night, and it was only me and him in the gym. My father came with me. 'Cisco told me, 'Hey Omri, you're my rookie this year. I'm going to take care of everything you need. If you've got any questions, if you have any problems … ' "It meant a lot to me. I'm coming from a different country, coming to a new culture, and to see a guy like him. … He said, 'People might think we're competing for the same (position), but … I'm going to really keep supporting you. He did that day. He still is." Sacramento Bee

Rookie forward Blake Griffin might miss up to six weeks with a stress fracture of his left patella suffered during the Clippers last preseason game vs. New Orleans last Friday. Team officials will have more comment Tuesday. Further information regarding Griffin's course of treatment will be made available later, the team said. Los Angeles Daily News

Glen Davis’ season has taken a bad turn in an entirely regrettable incident. The third-year forward could be lost to the Celtics for an extended period after injuring his right thumb in a private altercation with a friend, according to sources. The Celts were saying officially yesterday that Big Baby had suffered an undetermined hand injury and had been sent for X-rays. But sources said there is some type of fracture in the thumb and that he will have to undergo further testing with specialists to determine whether there is greater damage that could necessitate surgery. Boston Herald

Celtics forward Glen Davis sustained a broken thumb Sunday night in an altercation with a former college teammate, according to a league source. Another league source confirmed the injury will require surgery and will keep Davis out indefinitely. Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said yesterday he “would not confirm or deny’’ reports surrounding the injury. Boston Globe

The Celtics back-up forward Glen Davis is suffering from a non-basketball injury to his right hand. An NBA source tells 7NEWS that Davis got into an altercation with a former college teammate and was defending himself. Davis is coming off a break-out season in which he replaced Kevin Garnett in the starting line-up. WHDH 7News

Marc J. Spears: while source says big baby will be out for a while with thumb after defending himself in fight with friend, not season threatening. Twitter.com

When Al Jefferson takes the court Wednesday -- and he is determined to -- he will wear a black sleeve over his left lower leg to help loosen up a sore Achilles' tendon. The aching tendon kept him from practicing for about a week, but he scrimmaged Monday at Target Center with no problems. Wolves coach Kurt Rambis said the team will have to monitor Jefferson's injury into the season, which was relayed to Jefferson. "I guess so," he said. "I'm still playing on Wednesday, regardless." No doubt? "No doubt," he said. Minneapolis Star Tribune

After the Kings' intense, lengthy afternoon practice, a visibly restless Garcia couldn't help himself: When special assistant Pete Carril summoned rookie Tyreke Evans for individual shooting drills in the near-empty facility, Garcia, in street clothes and sneakers, wandered over and joined the informal session. Holding his casted right arm awkwardly in his left hand, he snagged an occasional rebound and swatted balls toward the rookie. Other times, when Carril was quietly offering instruction, the ailing swingman listened intently, just seemed eager to be involved in anything resembling game/practice action. Sacramento Bee

The Lakers, who clinched their 15th championship and first since 2002 with a 4-1 series victory over the Orlando Magic in June, will start the 2009-10 season against city rivals the Clippers in front of a passionate crowd. "It's very difficult to play on ring night," Jackson told reporters at the team's El Segundo training facility on Monday. "The distractions are great and people are living in the past and on the laurels of the past. You're only a success in the moment when you complete a successful act – that's one of the things that we keep telling these players. Last year's success, that was over in June." The Guardian

That 30-block jaunt confirmed Ainge and Rivers are still in synch in their thinking and also that Ainge has returned to health after undergoing surgery for a mild heart attack, a month after his 50th birthday, on the eve of the playoffs last April. “I guess I was a little surprised,’’ Ainge said of the heart attack. “I’ve changed my eating habits, my exercise routine. I don’t think I’ve changed much else. I don’t feel any different.’’ Boston Globe

“Danny was the key that unlocked the championship for us,’’ managing partner Wyc Grousbeck said. “When we bought the team we didn’t have a roster that was going to win, in our opinion, so it was part of the plan to build up the team with youth and investment. We needed a GM who could make draft picks wisely. “Steve knew Danny and when we interviewed him, he convinced me and my dad he knew his stuff. He knew every player in the league, he knew our roster. He told us, ‘I’ll be a partner with you, a part of the team. I’ve checked on you and I think I can work with you guys.’ And that’s what it’s been - a partnership.’’ Boston Globe

“Danny took Al Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, Rajon Rondo, all three quality starters, if not All-Stars, plus Delonte West and Tony Allen,’’ Grousbeck said. “He recommended Doc as coach and Doc showed he could coach kids and improve them.’’ After three seasons, the Celtics’ record did not indicate they were improving. But management did not measure progress in wins and losses. “A lot of people suggested I make the call and change Doc or Danny, and I chose not to do it,’’ Grousbeck said. “Doc did not have the tools to win yet, and Danny had done the best he could with draft picks. Trades are tough propositions, and it’s not always clear if you win, because you are giving up something. We didn’t have much to trade, expect for Paul Pierce, and I was adamant about not trading Paul. But drafting is a one-way street - you’re not giving up anything. And Danny is phenomenal with drafting, maybe the best in the league.’’ Boston Globe

“I’m not afraid of losing my job, I’m not afraid of what somebody says,’’ he said. “I’m not afraid of any of that. Maybe it’s because as a player I really wasn’t afraid. I grew up in the spotlight as a youngster in high school in a small town. I’m not afraid of criticism. So if I think it’s going to be good I’ll do it and live with it, and I’m not worried about those things. “I didn’t play the game for those kind of things, for the attention, and don’t do this job for any special attention. I want to succeed, I don’t want to fail, ever, but I don’t need praise from somebody else. I want my people I work for, owners, to trust me and believe in me, and I think we’ve developed that kind of relationship.’’ Boston Globe

“I just think we think a lot alike in a lot of ways. Politically, we’re probably different. We disagree and we are still getting along. If it’s Danny’s feel I usually go with him, if it’s my feel, something we’re doing with the team, we’ll usually go with me at the end of the day. Danny would never give me a player I completely don’t want, even if he loves him. Vice versa, if he really wanted a guy that bad, I would probably say, you know what, I trust your instinct enough, I’ll go with it. “Danny sits down and works and looks at how I run our defense and our offense, our system, and he doesn’t find any player, he finds a player that fits our system. Risk with equation, with percentage. Educated risk.’’ Boston Globe

Arash Markazi: Grizzlies GM Chris Wallace says it would be "premature" to announce anything on Kareem "at this time" but he was at practice Monday. Twitter.com

Some NBA insiders say they're not too concerned about these changes—which, they say, are mostly nipping at the margins. When it comes to things like assistant coaches, Jerry West, the Hall of Fame guard and former Memphis Grizzlies general manager, says there's been a hiring bloat in most franchises. "You look at all those assistants and say, 'My god, what's the point of all those guys?' " Wall Street Journal

At one mass audition in June hosted by the Nets, some 20 teams sent scouts. The event took place at the Nets' practice facility, where groups of at least six players would work out together in morning and night sessions over three days. The would-be stars grunted through one-on-one games and speed, strength and shooting drills. For the games, the scouts wanted to see players of the same position match up against one another. "We'd scrounge up whoever showed up to try to make it right," a Nets spokesman says. By splitting the cost with about 20 other teams, the Nets ended up paying about $2,000 for an event that would have normally cost six figures. "Given the economy, they can't fly all these guys out anymore," says NBA agent Sam Goldfeder. Wall Street Journal

The speculation in Indiana for the firing of Pacers longtime personnel guy Mel Daniels was that he may have leaked information that Larry Bird could resign after this season, though similar rumors about Bird circulate most every season. Daniels was a legendary center from the ABA and still has the strongest handshake in the NBA, for whatever that means. Mel’s the only guy players refuse to shake hands with for fear of being injured. Bulls.com

Amid a nationwide economic downturn, sports fans in this area are still seeking out ways to escape their anxieties for a few hours. The Hornets are the beneficiaries of a loyal fan base that continues to buy tickets in a way that a year ago went against the NBA norm, though Hornets officials say 2009 purchasing patterns are slightly different. "Last year, we sold more season tickets than any other team in history from the previous summer and surpassed the 10,000 total, which is an industry benchmark, " team president Hugh Weber said. "This year, we've seen a more deliberate approach in purchasing habits but are seeing trends that project us to having similar levels as last year. New Orleans Times-Picayune

According to published figures last year, the Hornets sold nearly 11,000 season tickets, including 5,310 full packages, an increase of 102 percent from the year before. They sold all the suites at New Orleans Arena and sold 6,000 new season-ticket packages. "We're so pumped about starting out fast (so) that will get more people coming back, and we're going to be filling this place up, " Shinn said. "I hear negatives about the market. But it's been good to us. We're happy. We're happy here. We're positive about it. And we're gong to do better with it." New Orleans Times-Picayune

Wade is also in the midst of a divorce from wife Siohvaughn, the mother of his two boys. "Everything will get resolved in life," Wade said. "You're always going to [have] ups and downs in different things ... It's something you learn from." His legal issues haven't dimmed his endorsement appeal. "He is one of the elite athletes in the sports landscape," said Scott Paddock, Gatorade's director of sports marketing. "Not a lot of athletes resonate nationally. Very few have universally regarded brand appeal. He's in that category now." South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Former Iowa all-America point guard Ronnie Lester has donated $100,000 to the renovation of Carver-Hawkeye Arena, school officials announced Monday. Des Moines Register

The food giveaway Saturday afternoon was something of a homecoming for two Los Angeles Clippers, as they returned to their old neighborhood in South Los Angeles to help needy families. Veteran point guard Baron Davis and forward Craig Smith joined forces with teammates, the Salvation Army and Feed the Children, a Christian nonprofit, to pass out food and other goods to about 800 families. Davis, joined by his 88-year-old grandmother, Lela, and sporting a bushy beard, said he felt nostalgic returning to his old turf, just a block away from the court where he had his first basketball practice. "This whole neighborhood brings back memories," he said. Los Angeles Times

Woody Williams, 49, came by himself, hoping to take food to his wife and three daughters. Since being laid off from his maintenance position a few months ago, the Inglewood resident and his wife -- a stay-at-home mother -- have struggled to bring in much income. "It was pretty hard, but reality has set in and I need to deal with it," he said, waiting in a line that wrapped around the block. "Lots of people aren't hiring right now, but I'm still going to keep looking." Los Angeles Times

Former Bulls guard and current agent for Derrick Rose, among others, B.J. Armstrong was selected by Illinois governor Pat Quinn as senior advisor for youth outreach, an honorary position. And I do intend to check if B.J. can do anything about all those late night highway lane closings when no one is working. Bulls.com

DeMar DeRozan: Family Guy is the best cartoon. Im trying to be a voice on the show real soon. Twitter.com

Last December, Barkley was arrested when he drove his sport utility vehicle through a stop sign in Scottsdale, Ariz. A blood test showed that he had a blood-alcohol content of 0.149, nearly double Arizona’s legal limit. He served a three-day jail sentence after pleading guilty to two misdemeanor charges. “I drink,” he said Monday during a TNT preseason lunch at the Time Warner Center in Manhattan. “I like to drink. I’m never going to stop drinking. But you’ve got to be careful not to drink and drive.” He added: “I’m not an alcoholic. I like to drink.” New York Times

Former Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks star Anthony Mason, famous for shaving slogans in his hair, owes more than $1.8 million in state and federal taxes, records show. His state income tax debt alone is the 11th largest delinquency in Wisconsin, where he played for the Bucks from 2001-03. Detroit News

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